ã€ŠI Have Medicineã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1 - System recognizes host

    Gu Zuo hugged a bag of vegetables as he trotted home. His family¡¯s house wasn¡¯t near; it would take another 10 minutes before he reached home.

    His heart was a bit anxious. His dad should be waiting at home for quite a while now, he wouldn¡¯t eat without Gu Zuo and his stomach wasn¡¯t any good, to begin with. Right now his father wasn¡¯t around so he could only take care of his dad... [1]

    Thinking of this, Gu Zuo sped up.

    But just as he began to cross the road, an extremely fast truck swerved into the intersection. The driver was clearly drunk out of his mind!

    Shocked, Gu Zuo quickly dodged backward but there wasn¡¯t enough time and the truck was upon him. He only felt a sharp pain before his vision went ck, whatever happened afterward, he wasn¡¯t aware.

    Before losing consciousness Gu Zuo failed to notice a strange twinkling object that entered his body through his brows. As the twinkling object entered Gu Zuo, his body disappeared into thin air.

    At the same moment, another body reced him and was crushed under the oing truck.

    Soon a crowd gathered around the scene...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s body crashed to the ground and he frowned from the pain. However, he was still quite thankful for the pain. Whatever the oue may be, at least he still had his life after colliding with the truck, right?

    Patting the dust on his bottom he bounced back up. As he looked around for the bag of groceries he had carelessly dropped, he was stunned by the scene around him.

    Carved wooden window and antique furniture...what was this ce?

    Gu Zuo felt anything but rea.s.sured. He had just been hit, but hit by what? There was nothing that could hit him in this room!

    Then as he looked around, he found a young man lying on a bed to the side.

    Gu Zuo immediately walked over to ask about his current situation.

    His heart was feeling a bit weak; the man¡¯s appearance as he slept rubbed Gu Zuo wrong somehow... As soon as he reached the bed, looking at the man¡¯s appearance, he froze on the spot.

    Who was this person... why did he look exactly like him?!

    The person on the bed was a teenager. His face was extremely pale and eerily still like a pool of stagnant water.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face went pale as well.

    This man, he shouldn¡¯t be dead, right?

    Composing himself, Gu Zuo gathered all his courage and reached out to wave his finger under the juvenile¡¯s nose. Immediately his entire body weakened¡ªhe really is dead ah! If someone entered the room now, he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin this situation even if he had ten thousand mouths! Moreover, he hade upon a dead body that had his face, it felt like he was looking at his own corpse!

    Gu Zuo immediately retreated a few steps. He walked over to the window and looked outside to see a rtively remote little courtyard without any people, but further away he could still see some people flickering by.

    In a split second his mood had be even moreplicated.

    ording to his exceptional vision, those shing silhouettes were clearly wearing ancient costumes!

    So to say...

    Gu Zuo was reluctant to believe it himself, but he hade up with a shocking guess.

    When he was. .h.i.t by the truck, he had crashed into ancient times! Everything had happened too fast. His dad was probably still waiting for him back home; he really wasn¡¯t in the mood to y time travel!

    Thinking about his interdependent dad he couldn¡¯t help but think about how sad he would be when he found his son missing. His heart felt worse. [2]

    It shouldn¡¯t be like this... Wasn¡¯t he just asked to process some drug ingredients today at the Huichun Hall? How could this happen to him? Dazed, Gu Zuo copsed onto a stool. Even breaking his bones after hitting the truck would have been better than this....

    Wait a minute.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face paled further.

    He was. .h.i.t.

    Yes, he remembered that he was clearly hit by the truck. He felt an intense pain, but now his body, apart from a little numbness, was practically unscathed. This isn¡¯t scientific!

    It couldn¡¯t be... did he pa.s.s over because of magic powers?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t make sense of anything. With his chaotic mind, he was at a loss at what to do.

    The body on the bed that looked like him, was it a coincidence or was it deliberate? Was it like those novels where he was supposed to take over the body¡¯s ident.i.ty?

    At this time, suddenly a line of text shed inside Gu Zuo¡¯s head.

    ¡¾Medicine Refining System says h.e.l.lo to the host. Will the host allow the system to bond with host?¡¿

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    System? What system? What was this thing inside his head?

    Another line shed.

    ¡¾After recognizing a host, Medicine Refining System will help them be a master medicine refiner. The system program is currently is in host¡¯s mind s.p.a.ce, but it is not yet activated. When host was faced with imminent death, the system directly moved the host to Cang Yun country located on Tian Wu continent and restored the health of host¡¯s body. Will the host allow the system to bond with host? [3]¡¿

    Gu Zuo was a bit confused.

    He kneaded his fingers to calm down as much as he could before he proceeded to talk to the thing in his head.

    He thought in his mind the questions he wanted to ask: How do you recognize a host and what do I obtain if I be your host? Can I still go back home? And what if I don¡¯t ept you?

    ¡¾After bonding with host, the system will provide a step by step methods on how to refine medicine. Host will thenplete corresponding tasks and gradually be the world¡¯s most remarkable apothecary. If host works hard enough, you can return back to your home with your own strength. In the case that host chooses to bond, host will only need to consent, everything else will be taken care of by the system. In the case that host chooses not to bond, system will automatically separate itself, host will then have to survive alone.¡¿

    Gu Zuo stared nkly again.

    The consequences for declining the system weren¡¯t very clear-cut. Who knows what would happen if he had to survive in this ce by himself...

    Although he didn¡¯t know what kind of thing this Medicine Refining System was, he did know that it had the power to transport him through time and s.p.a.ce and it imed to have the power to turn him into an expert. It could serve as a golden finger... naturally, he had to ept!

    However, Gu Zuo still warily asked: What restrictions do I have if I choose to bond? Do I face danger if I don¡¯tplete my duties?

    ¡¾If the tasks are notpleted within the given time frame, system will obliterate host.¡¿

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    As expected, it is quite dangerous.

    Then he shouldn¡¯t ept the system... the thing he was most afraid of in this world was death.

    ¡¾Disaster and happiness are interdependent. Host, please think it over carefully, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Furthermore, the maind isn¡¯t safe by any standard.¡¿

    Gu Zuo hesitated.

    ¡¾Insufficient energy, in another half an hour system will fall asleep. Please make your decision as soon as possible. If an answer isn¡¯t provided within half an hour, system will remove itself from host by default.¡¿

    Gu Zuo hesitated once again.

    So if he bonded with the system and failed a task he would die, but if he doesn¡¯t acknowledge the system, the world would be unsafe for him.

    But in the end, how unsafe was the maind? Could he survive on his own? And how difficult are the tasks? He doesn¡¯t know anything about the maind or the system, there isn¡¯t enough information for him to make a decision ah!

    He doesn¡¯t have a grasp on either side; he feared to make the wrong decision in haste.

    ¡¾If host makes contact with the body on the bed, you will be able to obtain its memories. You can make a decision after watching.¡¿

    Gu Zuo felt his mouth twitch.

    In this world, people are able to steal memories by touching dead bodies?

    ¡¾No.¡¿

    Gu Zuo rxed.

    In other words, this was the system a.s.sisting him? He warily moved towards the body.

    The body wasn¡¯t rotting and nor would the corpse get up all of a sudden...

    For his own sake, Gu Zuo strengthened his dder. He quickly ran past the corpse and smacked it with the back of his hand.

    Sure enough, in the next moment, countless bits of information frantically poured into his head. A painful headache erupted and Gu Zuo staggered back a few steps. But soon enough, all the information melded into his brain, as if it had belonged to him all along.

    As soon as he looked over the information, a blue vein showed on his forehead.

    ... This is how unlucky he was in the end.

    This world was practically a tragedy; it barely had anyws to speak of. Although wuxia tales also speak of martial criminals, at least the ¡¯xia¡¯ (knight) is still present there. This ce, however, was bare, everything was run based on thews of the jungle. The strong are respected and if you¡¯re weak, might as well go and die in a corner.

    If civilians are killed in this ce, there is no ce for redress. Only by using their martial skills could one take revenge. Those with higher strength receive respect and attention, they have the power to protect their family and provide for them. Along with the rise of one¡¯s strength, one¡¯s lifespan also increases.

    The only thing worth celebrating is that though the strength of the martial artists was strong on this continent, it was still a humane empire nheless. Although the world existed in feudal times, most cities had some degree ofw in order to allow continuation of the human lineage.

    But still, this continent had an awfully strong martial spirit. If one was incapable of practicing martial arts, with good luck they can mull their days over in mediocrity. With bad luck, they die. They won¡¯t have personal freedom; any wealth would be exploited by those with strength. If they object, they die.

    Simply put, it¡¯s awfully easy to die.

    However, in addition to martial artists, there¡¯s one other .s.s of people who receive more respect, the apothecaries. On the martial road, martial artists face many bottlenecks when they breakthrough to the next level or stage. In order to ovee these hurdles, one needs Dan pills which only apothecaries can refine. [4]

    But bing an apothecary is not easy. A prerequisite for bing an apothecary is that one must possess something called a Yao bead in the acupuncture point of both hands. Otherwise, one will be incapable of producing Yao Qi, causing their medical furnace to explode. The Dan pill that is created in this manner would be useless to a martial artist. [5]

    However, people with Yao beads are few in number, perhaps not even one in ten-thousand. Their status can be imagined.

    If Gu Zuo chose to ept the Medicine Refining System, he would be able to be an apothecary. As long as he had a skill that he is proficient in, he should be able to make a ce for himself in this continent, no one would dare to casuallye up and kill him. It would serve as a great form of security.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t stupid. Although he didn¡¯t know how to check, the fact that the Medicine Refining system wanted to bond with him meant that he must have Yao beads. Even if he didn¡¯t have Yao beads, he was sure that the system would help him acquire them... There really wasn¡¯t much of a reason to turn down the system.

    Rubbing his hands over his face, he resigned himself.

    He needed something that would allow him to survive on Tian Wu continent.

    He spoke, "I agree to be your host."

    The next moment, a strange feeling enveloped his body. All of a sudden he was able to feel something inside his mind.

    Moreover, though he was unable to control that thing, he could feel that he was somehow connected to it... miraculously.

    Was this the real system?

    -> If you are reading this anywhere other than the Cherry-n wordpress or wattpad ount, it¡¯s been stolen.

    [1] ¨C I think that Gu Zuoes from a household of two fathers, ie: his parents are two gay men. The parent referred to as father seems to be absent at the moment for some reason, he might be dead or just away on a trip. Gu Zuo is living with the one referred to as dad.

    [2] ¨C It¡¯s an idiom: ÏàÒÀÎªÃü, meaning mutually dependent for life. It means that Gu Zuo and his dad would rely on each other for the rest of their lives. I didn¡¯t know how to fit that into the sentence without making it awkward so I just went with interdependent. It basically means the same thing but sounds much more formal and clean cut.

    [3] ¨C Cang Yun country: Dark Blue Cloud country. Tian Wu continent: Sky Martial continent. Either that or its Heaven Cloud country and Heaven Martial continent

    [4] ¨C Dan pill: medicine pellet. It was originally Dan (pellet) Yao (medicine), but I made it Dan pill because it¡¯s usually called that in Xianxia books.

    [5] ¨C Yao bead: medicine bead, Yao Qi: medicine Qi, I kept the Yao in for the feeling.

 Chapter 2

    So I have picked up this trantion from Cherry n! :). Saw the pickup request on novelupdates. The first half of chapter 2 is on her site, but I didn¡¯t know until I was almost done so I retranted that part on my own... haha...

    Anyways, I¡¯ll give my best to TRY to finish this ma.s.sive novel... 1085 chapters... (sees free time flying away). So as these chapters are pretty long (took over 3 hours for just this one), I¡¯ve decided after this chapter, I¡¯ll be posting them in 2 parts.

    Haven¡¯tpletely decided to continue this novel, though I love the story right now. I¡¯ll wait until chapter 4 to make the decision.

    Enjoy!

    In a moment, a cultivation method suddenly appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind. It was called the <heaven¡¯s will="" cultivation="" method="">>.</heaven¡¯s>

    However, at this moment, the cultivation method didn¡¯t seem to beplete. There was only an introductory chapter, which was already quite profound. Even if he was extremely smart, For a modern era youngster to be able to understand such a mysterious topic? Impossible!

    Gu Zuo frowned.

    If he wasn¡¯t able to understand, how was he to cultivate it? Since it was given to him by the system, it should be the most suitable for him. If he wasn¡¯t able to learn it correctly, would it affect his ability to refine medicine in the future?

    Ever since he first arrived, he had encountered too many problems. Even with the system, it wasn¡¯t easy to a.s.simte...

    He hadn¡¯t been able to think about his problems when the system issued him a mission.

    ¡¾Cultivation Mission: Collect 30 strands of Yao Qi¡¿

    ¡¾Mission Props£º¡¶Primary Medicine Refining Hand Arts¡·¡¶Man Level Dan List¡·¡¶Man Level Perscription¡·¡¶Man Level Medicinal Cuisine¡·¡¿

    ¡¾How to Complete Mission£ºStudy the information within the Mission Props. When refining medicine, Yao Qi will be released and System will collect it automatically¡¿

    ¡¾Total Time Allotted: One Month¡¿

    ¡¾Punishment for Failure£ºObliteration¡¿(T/N: Dang.)

    Very good, it had spoken clearly.

    Internally, Gu Zuo was feeling quite nervous.

    This was the concept of if you don¡¯t refine medicine, you will die... For a rookie like him, he had never had any kind of exposure to refining medicine. Wasn¡¯t this one month period simply too short?

    Incorrect! He had never learned, however, he had the memories of his previous body.

    At this time, Gu Zuo hesitantly entered his mind to recall the memories he had obtained. If he hadn¡¯t remembered incorrectly, the previous owner of the body was also a young boy and an apothecary prior to his death.

    Although he had yet to be an official one...

    Gu Zuo thought over what he should do than carefully went through the young boy¡¯s memories. Of course, he then thoroughly understood the boy¡¯s life.

    After he finished watching, Gu Zuo face showed an odd expression

    ...this person, he was one of those loved saints? In his 15 years of life, Gu Zuo had seen many different types of people, however, this was his first time seeing a real saint.

    Like this, perhaps it was fate.

    This young boy¡¯s name happened to match with Gu Zuo¡¯s. His name was Qi Tianyou. A kind person picked him up, an abandoned infant then registered his as a servant. When his apt.i.tude was tested prior to registering as a servant, it was discovered that he possessed Yao beads. As he was a possible future apothecary, he was immediately adopted into the Qi family as an adopted son. He was given the "Qi" surname and raised well.

    Qi Tianyou was very smart. When he was a child, he was pure and good-natured. He never ndered others and didn¡¯t rely on his ident.i.ty. He was also very humble and eager to learn. As he grew up, his talent for refining medicine became increasingly apparent. However, he still worked hard. If someone ever asked him for medicine, he would never refuse. Even if a ve were to encounter difficulties, he would still help. As an adoptive son, The Qi Family members didn¡¯t regard him as a true member of the family. The direct descendants especially hated him and tried to hinder him whenever they could. However, he didn¡¯t care, and often justughed in response.

    For a while, no matter how the Qi family felt about him. Outside the household, few people didn¡¯t like him, and he even had some fame. Within Xiangyang city, he had a good reputation, which gave the Qi family some face.

    It could be said that pure and grateful apothecaries like Qi Tianyou were highly valued in the Qi Family. How could his Yao beads be dug out, and die so miserably in his bed? No one even came to visit him.

    The people who caused this were two people.

    AS Gu Zuo looked through the memories, he let out a heated breath of anger. Gritting his teeth, he muttered: "Such sc.u.m!"

    The sc.u.m of society.

    Like stated before, the citizens were huge fans of Qi Tianyou. This didn¡¯t mean that everyone loved him, but regardless of gender, age, and status, many are kind towards him due to his conduct.

    It was natural for many to like him.

    One of the pieces of sc.u.m who had killed Qi Tianyou was one of his admirers. He was the legitimate third nephew of the Bai Family, Bai Wenjun. He was a genius, reaching the third level in Blood Refining.

    Around two years ago, Bai Wenjun came to visit the Qi family as a guest. He was somewhat condescending as his position was somewhat higher than theirs. After spending time with the Qi family, he saw Qi Tianyou, who was kind and thoughtful. He then tried hundreds of methods to get close to Qi Tianyou, he was just shy of writing the words "Date me" on his forehead. However, Qi Tianyou was simply too young and didn¡¯t have much experience with these kinds of things. He didn¡¯t notice and only felt that Bai Wenjun was a close friend.

    Of course, things like h.o.m.os.e.xuality weren¡¯t mainstream in this world. However, people with this taste weren¡¯t umon. Within the ancient feudal society, it was possible to be h.o.m.os.e.xual and take a wife. However, unless your strength was high enough to ignore the repercussions, it would be difficult to seed. To be h.o.m.os.e.xual and live your entire life with your partner was very rare.

    When looking carefully. This Bai Wenjun could be .s.sified as a natural h.o.m.os.e.xual. He had a fancy for Qi Tianyou and was somewhat sincere. Qi Tianyou¡¯s appearance could be considered decent, and with his outstanding innate skill to refine medicine. Bai Wenjun wanting to take Qi Tianyou into his family was a possibility. However, the matter became moreplex. Qi family¡¯s first wife had given birth to another apothecary, Qi Feng, He was also surprisingly h.o.m.os.e.xual, and he like Bai Wenjun!

    Qi Feng was three years older then Qi Tianyou. He was the youngest son of Qi family¡¯s main manor. When he was born, it was found that he possessed the qualification to be an apothecary. Since then, he had been spoiled and his character was very arrogant. After Qi Tianyou was adopted, the family¡¯s resources were divided, but the family¡¯s spoiling wasn¡¯t. The family liked Qi Tianyou more. It wasn¡¯t easy for Qi Tianyou to be a kind young boy. Unhappy? For many years, people had been instructed by Qi Feng to avoid Qi Tianyou.

    Qi Tianyou was grateful towards the Qi family, and those from the main house advised him not to lower himself to Qi Feng¡¯s level. Thus, he tried to avoid Qi Feng, adopting evasion tactics. He always exercised patience. However, Qi Feng didn¡¯t care about that and continued to bother Qi Tianyou with increasing intensity, not allowing Qi Tianyou to rx.

    Originally, when it was just this, it was still tolerable. Who knew that the handsome Bai Wenjun from the Bai family, who was gentle towards others, would be the target of Qi Feng¡¯s fancy?

    Qi Feng¡¯s appearance could be .s.sified as gorgeous and mboyant. When Bai Wenjun first arrived, Qi Feng was satisfied towards the admiration he received. He didn¡¯t have any jealousy at that moment. Later, when Bai Wenjun saw Qi Tianyou, he turned and pursued Qi Tianyou.

    This time, it was like poking a ho¡¯s nest.

    Qi Feng was a person with a lot of pride. He couldn¡¯t bear to see someone take away the man he had his eye on. In particr, the one Bai Wenjun chose to chase after was like a p in his face!

    After a long period of .u.mting grudges, Qi Feng became unhappy and secretly ordered someone to beat up Qi Tianyou. Afterwards, he dug the Yao beads from his hands and then left, saying only a single sentence. "If you think about telling my parents, just tell them I did it", then left.

    The wounds in Qi Tianyou¡¯s hands kept bleeding, but his heart was wounded even deeper. He had no idea how he had "stolen Qi Feng¡¯s man". He was only a friend of Bai Wenjun. At the same time, he didn¡¯t want to tell Qi Feng¡¯s parents, the current owner of the Qi family and his wife. So he could only allow himself to be engulfed in sorrow and retreat to his house.

    Quickly, it spread that Qi Tianyou¡¯s Yao beads had been dug out. Qi Tianyou said that he didn¡¯t know who did it, but Qi Feng was far from secretive. How could the Qi family elders no figure it out? Of course, they felt anger. However, they had already lost an apothecary. The couldn¡¯t lose another. Qi Feng was the adored youngest song of the mater. Besides being punished and forced to face the wall for a few days, there would be nothing else.

    With Qi Tianyou¡¯s Yao beads lost, his status plummeted. Gradually, people no longer paid attention to him. He was abandoned in this small courtyard. As a lonely person, some malicious people continued to ridicule him, and some came to see him in pity. However how long could pityst? After a month or two, he was forgotten. Sometimes he went to collect some resources, and n.o.body would notice.

    As for Bai Wenjun, he was quite calm. Since Qi Tianyou no longer had any Yao beads, he naturally couldn¡¯t be Bai Wenjun¡¯s partner. Naturally, he no longer gravitated towards Qi Tianyou and shifted to the beautiful qi Feng. qi Feng was satisfied and felt that he was truly a genius.

    Qi Tianyou was stunned.

    He didn¡¯t me anyone and thought that it was his own choice. However, he didn¡¯t understand how some people could be so ugly.

    Originally, he thought that he had devoted his entire life to the Qi family. However, when he no longer had any use or value, no one treated him as a part of the Qi family.

    They kept him alive, however, it was just a superficial job.

    At that moment, Qi Tianyou chose to run away.

    For him, he couldn¡¯t see any path forward. He didn¡¯t want his memory of the Qi family to be any worse, so he chose to die instead of being utterly disappointed in them.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his forehead and felt that this person was quite stupid!

    Sadness, misfortune, fury, and anger can hurt. However, he only had one small life. Living was better than being dead, why would he want to die?

    He wasn¡¯t sure how his beliefs were shattered, but it was clear that his loved ones had betrayed him.

    Gu Zuo thought about if his father said he didn¡¯t want him... well, his father would never abandon him, so this a.s.sumption simply wasn¡¯t true.

    It could only be said that Qi Tianyou¡¯s luck was too bad and that his character too straightforward.

    Gu Zuo shook his head and rid his thoughts of those two pieces of sc.u.m.

    Since he wouldter be using Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty, his enemies would be dealt with by him when he could. The Qi family had kindly raised and protected him. At this point, it would be enough to just break off from the family. However, those two culprits, Qi Feng and Bai Wenjun must die!

    After opening these emotional memories, he vowed to deal with them.

    In any case, he had to survive first.

    So, he had to first understand the matters regarding refining medicine...

    Note: I tried to maintain the terms that Cherry used ?

 Chapter 3

    ording to Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, on Tianwu continent pharmacists are separated into two categories: certified and uncertified [1]. Those who can refine dan pills are certified, and those who can only create potions [2] and not dan pills are uncertified.

    Dan pills that have pa.s.sed inspection are called Rendan, and are divided into three grades. Rendan of all grades are utilized by martial artists.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    Great, so the market for Rendan shouldn¡¯t be small, huh?

    Moving on, martial artists are also separated into two categories: those with innate talent and those with acquired talent. There exists a threshold above those with innate talent known as the Threshold of the Mortal Coil [3] ¡ª as the name implies, one is able to ascend beyond that ofmon humans. A martial artist¡¯s lifespan would double.

    The average lifespan of a person here is about one-hundred fifty years. In short, by rising above this threshold, one could live for three hundred years. In this timeframe, by finding rare medicinal ingredients and receiving the help of a certified master pharmacist, one could live even longer.

    Moreover, the longer a martial artist lives, the longer he would be able to sustain a family and nurture budding talents. Generation by generation, a martial artist could build a power to be reckoned with.

    So to say, the three grades of Rendan not only correspond to the three grades of certified pharmacists, but also to the the martial artists among the three threshold realms.

    Low grade pharmacists can refine low grade Rendan. These low grade dan pills are suited to martial artists who possess acquired talent. Mid grade pharmacists can refine mid grade Rendan; these dan pills are used by martial artists who possess innate talent. Finally high grade pharmacists produce high grade Rendan; only they have the opportunity to refine dan pills for the ¡°Celestials¡± who¡¯ve transcended beyond the Threshold of the Mortal Coil.

    Like Gu Zuo, Qi Tianyou is also fifteen years old; yet, he was already an uncertified pharmacist who could create potions, and had begun attempts at refining pills. Although the pills he¡¯d synthesized were just barely failures, there¡¯s no doubt that within one or two years, he¡¯d definitely seed and be a low grade certified pharmacist.

    Although Qi Feng also had an apt.i.tude for refining medicine,pared to Qi Tianyou, the differences were like night and day. Presently, Qi Feng often failed at refining simple potions. Whereas Qi Tianyou would find sess seven or eight times out of ten.

    This disparity in skill is another reason why Qi Feng hated Qi Tianyou.

    Just like that, another problem arose.

    Qi Tianyou could reliably refine potions, but as Gu Zuo carefully observed the process of refining, he found that it wasplicated and slow. It could sometimes take a whole day before a single potion could be refined. Not to mention that watching a memory and putting it into practice were twopletely different things. Gu Zuo had no experience in refining medicine like this. Furthermore, when he thought about it, the system also said that the refining process generated soul force. Something like the soul force would certainly not be a trifling matter.

    How was he going to get out of this mess?

    Gu Zuo was somewhat affronted and couldn¡¯t help but argue with the system: So we¡¯ve bonded, but how do Iplete this mission? The body whose ident.i.ty I¡¯m supposed to rece had his yao beads removed. There aren¡¯t any medicinal ingredients avable. How am I supposed to refine medicine? With only a month, you¡¯re really just asking me to lie down and die!

    [May the host earnestly study his cultivation method and make full use of the mission props. Qi Tianyou¡¯s technique was amateurish at best. Host ought to consult the

    >.]

    Gu Zuo calmed down and replied: All I need to do is study those props and the cultivation method you gave me? Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories were only to give me an understanding of this world¡¯s general knowledge?

    [That¡¯s right, host.]

    Gu Zuo was simplycking strength.

    Okay, okay. At any rate, he wanted to utilize Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty...Then he asked: You said before that you could only operate for half an hour. Now that we¡¯ve bonded, do you still need to enter sleep mode?

    [One month. If the host canplete this task, this system will continue to function. If not, this system will self-destruct.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    So that¡¯s what it meant by obliteration.

    This system was really ruthless. It was basically saying ¡°If you can¡¯tplete a task, let¡¯s die together¡±...Did it have to be so f.u.c.ked up? Who would want to die together!

    Forget it. I¡¯ll just study.

    Indeed. He just doesn¡¯t want to die! He still has to go back and find his dad!

    Gu Zuo facepalmed in resignation: System, give me the props.

    Let¡¯s put off the cultivation method and all the rest to figure outter.

    At that moment, four books appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand. They looked ancient and the script inside was written vertically. If Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have a basic understanding of medicinal herbs, he¡¯d start to go bald early like his dad while trying to decipher this text that didn¡¯t even have any punctuation.

    Fortunately, this book was no problem...

    Gu Zuo was very astute, especially when it came to reading medical books. One could say that his memory was nearly photographic. But now, with the system and its benefits, he found that his memorization was even stronger. After reading through a few books, every word in its entirely was stored in his brain, not a single one was forgotten.

    He quickly pa.r.s.ed out all the useful information.

    First, the concept of a pharmacist.

    The thoughts and impressions of Qi Tianyou and that of the general popce of Tianwu continent were different. ording to the

    >, medicine refinement was divided into three parts: the dan pill, the decoction [4], and the medicinal cuisine. The three wereplex, but all were equally important.

    Medicinal cuisine were used to recuperate the body and nurse one¡¯s health. Medical decoctions were used to fight illness and cure diseases. Dan pills were used to aid in martial cultivation... And no matter which was selected, different refining techniques must be used to produce the greatest effects.

    Concerning the Tianwu pharmacists, their so-called potions and inferior pills were both alchemy of the same type. Those potions are merely a part of the refining process, and were still full of impurities. With curing illness or aiding in cultivation, there is noparison in the effectiveness between inferior products and the real deal.

    Thus, these so-called pharmacists were nothing but lowly alchemists.

    At this time, the

    > detailed three hand arts manuals. For refining dan pills, it was <minor art:="" plucking="" nine="" stars="">> [5]. For refining decoctions, it was <minor art:="" winter="" plum="" flower="" viewing="">> [6]. And for medicinal cuisine, it was <minor art:="" strength="" and="" beauty="">> [7].</minor></minor></minor>

    Gu Zuo could tell at a nce that each technique wasplicated. Yet they were reportedly the simplest of their kind ¡ª he couldn¡¯t help but to doubt himself: Can these really be learned in such a short timeframe?

    As for the other three prop books, they weren¡¯t bad. Basically, they were codices of prescriptions and medicinal recipes for dan pills, decoctions, and medicinal cuisine. Once he mastered those hand arts, he could use them for training purposes.

    But what depressed him was that he needed to use these three hand arts to refine medicine. The > required that he master these techniques to even grasp the introductory chapter. Otherwise, if his const.i.tution wascking, even if he put forth his full effort, his attempts at refining medicine would amount to nothing.

    There was no other way. In the end, it still fell to this cultivating method.

    Gu Zuo spoke: Take these books first.

    [Yes, host.]

    In a sh, the books vanished from Gu Zuo¡¯s hand.

    Gu Zuo was a little curious: Where did you put those books?

    [This system has a storage s.p.a.ce that can hold non-living things and living things thatck sapience. We ask that this host learn by trial and error.]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    After bonding, he felt that this connection was pretty straightforward and nothing could be hidden from him. Unexpectedly, he didn¡¯t discover any new secrets to this arrangement... After the system¡¯s announcement, he put himself in the right frame of mind and initiated contact.

    Sure enough, he slowly perceived twelve empty regions in his mind. Was this his storage s.p.a.ce?

    He tried to imagine what these regions looked like and sure enough he could ¡°see¡± them. All those ancient books were set in the first region. The regions were veryrge and there was still plenty of empty s.p.a.ce left. There shouldn¡¯t be any problems adding more books. In that case, that first region would be his personal bookshelf. If the system rewarded any more texts in the future, they¡¯d all be put in there.

    Gu Zuo prepared to give it a go: System, enter standby mode.

    [As the hostmands.]

    Then Gu Zuo imaged taking out <minor art:="" winter="" plum="" flower="" viewing="">>. His mental acuity was tremendous and the hand art manual instantly appeared in his hand. Then he thought of putting it back and, as that same perception came forth, the hand art manual returned to the first region.</minor>

    He was satisfied.

    In other words, he¡¯d never have to carry anything when he left the house. Everything he could ever need could be ced in his storage s.p.a.ce.

    After Gu Zuo spent enough time getting a decent enough grasp of the system¡¯s capabilities, he didn¡¯t want to waste any more time. He wanted to promptly find a suitable ce for his cultivation method to sit down and start already!

    While he hadn¡¯tprehended the correct methodology, his mindset was already good.

    It¡¯s just that since Gu Zuo travelled here, it had been chaotic nonstop. It really wasn¡¯t an environment quiet enough for studying.

    Suddenly, there was the sound of heavy footsteps outside. When the footsteps stopped at his door, there came a knocking: ¡°Young master Tianyou, your dinner¡¯s here. Come on and open up!¡±

    That sounded like a servant, but she could have spoken a little bit more politely. While that saint Qi Tianyou didn¡¯t concern himself with such matters, Gu Zuo pulled this impression from those memories.

    Since from the beginning Qi Tianyou was addressed as ¡°young master Tianyou.¡± The Qi Family branch heads would normally designate young masters by seniority as a sign that those talented individuals were part of the family... but foolish Qi Tianyou failed to grasp the meaning behind it.

    Thinking about it made Gu Zuo a little mad, but he didn¡¯t have time to be worked up.

    His gaze ¡°brushed over¡± Qi Tianyou¡¯s corpse and felt that he couldn¡¯t fix up that body to look presentable at all. And it seemed that if he didn¡¯t open the door, that servant would just burst in anyway. But what was he going to do with the f.u.c.king corpse?

    [Storage s.p.a.ce.]

    Gu Zuo held his breath, and subconsciously thought about sending the body away.

    In the blink of an eye, the bed was empty and a body was quietly floating in the twelfth region in his mind.

    At the same time, the door was pushed open.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh.

    What a close call...

    He turned his head and saw a girl wearing a jade-green skirt.

    Based on Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, this girl was the personal maid of the female head of house. Her name was Cui E [8]. She was always polite and gentle to Tianyou and her behavior didn¡¯t seem to change even after his ¡°ident.¡± She continued delivering food with a smile.

    But Gu Zuo could clearly see the true nature of people, and he could only quietly chuckle in his heart.

    Cui E¡¯s countenance was very charming. It was just a pity that her beautiful eyes [9] were pulled taut with a hint of disgust. Now, her eyes only gleamed with contempt.

    ...Qi Tianyou really needed to get some prescription .s.ses.

    However, Gu Zuo still maintained his cover as Qi Tianyou and smiled weakly: ¡°Cui E, you came.¡±

    Cui E was filled with distain, yet entered with the poise of a cultured, youngdy. She quickly set out a heavy tter of five or six dishes on the table, which let out a loud cking sound.

    Gu Zuo felt that in this era of martial arts, his weak muscles couldn¡¯t even bepared to a family¡¯s serving maid. (TAT)

    ______

    [1] ÈëÆ· - Ru pin, from what I understand, it is the action of submitting something to be recognized and ranked in a standardized and universally epted method. In the case of pharmacists, it would be like getting a certificate of authenticity. For wares like dan pills, it would be a verification as well as a grading (what category of medicine it¡¯d ce in). Or I¡¯m just pulling this out of thin air and I¡¯m wrong.

    [2] Ò©Òº - Yao ye, medicinal liquid. I¡¯ll use potion for now, unless this term has some greater significanceter in the story and requires a modified trantion.

    [3] ÍÑ·², short for ÍÑÀë·²Ë× tuo li fan su. Basically describes breaking free from one¡¯s mortality.

    [4] Ò©ÌÀ - Yao tang, refers to the method of extraction by boiling herbs to dissolve chemicals in a liquid, which is then called a decoction.

    [5] Ð¡ÕªÐÇ¾Å¾÷ - Xiao zhai xing jiu jue. I took the bracketing characters xiao and jue to create Minor Art. And the rest was interpreted as Plucking Nine Stars.

    [6] Ð¡º®Ã·ÓÆÂ¶¾÷ - Xiao han mei you lu jue. I took the bracketing characters xiao and jue to create Minor Art. Han mei bes Winter Plum (Flower) and I interpreted you lu as flower watching/viewing.

    [7] Ð¡Èá¹Ç·Ö»¨¾÷ - Xiao rou gu fen hua jue. I took the bracketing characters xiao and jue to create Minor Art. Èá¹Ç mighte from Èá¹Ç¹¦ rou gu gong, which belongs to Shaolin teachings/chants. ·Ö»¨es from another saying, ·Ö»¨·÷Áø fen hua fu liu, which describes the beautiful posture of a woman walking. Altogether, this one was difficult to adequately trante. I wanted it to be poetic but still convey the author¡¯s intentions. So I¡¯ll be using Strength and Beauty as a dichotomy. If someone has a better idea, please let me know. Right now the name is so ugly.

    [8] ´ä¶ð - Cui (Blue-green jade) E (good, beautiful). Does anyone know how I can write her name so it looks more aesthetic? ¡°Cuie¡± or ¡°Cui E¡± doesn¡¯t look too good. Should I change it to ¡°Cui Ah¡± or something like that?

    [9] Èý½ÇÑÛµõÉÒÃ¼ - San jiao yan diao shao mei. .s.sical beauty standards for the eye, simr to ¡°phoenix eyes.¡±

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

    A/N: So many technical terms this chapter, it makes me want to cry. If anyone has a clearer understanding of any mistakes I made, please let me know so I can fix it.

 Chapter 4

    Cui¡¯E didn¡¯t stay for long and her parting words could be summed up as: ¡°Even though you¡¯ve be like this, the Qi Family still hasn¡¯t forgotten you. You should eat well, sleep well, and keep your heart free of any grudges.¡± Then she turned around and walked away. It goes without saying that the Qi Family had to maintain its reputation. While her words were tactful, she couldn¡¯t hide the condescension behind her intent.

    Gu Zuo really felt that he didn¡¯t share Qi Tianyou¡¯s saintly tolerance. If he really came across such circ.u.mstances, there was a good chance he¡¯d just call this shameless hussy [1] out on her words.

    This Qi Family servant had such an awful personality! But to be honest, the Qi Family really did invest a lot of resources into Qi Tianyou¡¯s development. Since Qi Tianyou could produce potions, he¡¯d been able to tide a profit and generate some prestige for them. The reputation of the Qi Family in Yunyang City skyrocketed, which gave them many benefits in the city. As a result, now...

    Gu Zuo ma.s.saged his forehead again.

    He¡¯d already begun integrating Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories as if they were his own. This was uneptable.

    Then, Gu Zuo walked over to the table to look at the dishes on the serving tter.

    Two servings of meat and vegetables each, as well as some soup. It looked okay, but it was a far cry from the standard ten course meal [2] of the Qi Family.

    But who cares, at this point he was practically starving. It was good enough to fill his belly.

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect a sudden sense of rm as he reached out towards a serving of vegetables ¡ª this incredible feeling of danger caused him to drop his chopsticks.

    Is this dish poisonous!?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face stiffened; he definitely couldn¡¯t eat it. He dabbed his finger against the five dishes and his expression worsened.

    What was the Qi Family ying at? When Qi Tianyou degenerated to this sorry state, they really wouldn¡¯t let him off. It couldn¡¯t be that this was another of Qi Feng¡¯s schemes?

    But this, too, was a stroke of good luck for Gu Zuo.

    As previously stated, since he was a child, Gu Zuo always had a keen awareness of medicine. Besides being able to distinguish the quality of medicinal ingredients, he had something of an innate ability. He could detect the toxicity of a drug by its fumes alone.

    Because of this, Gu Zuo and his feeble dad were able avoid being scammed. But right now, he didn¡¯t know what he was going to do with these tainted dishes. An ordinary person wouldn¡¯t detect it, but he could. The fumes of the poison blended into the dish¡¯s fragrance...were sickly-sweet.

    In other words, this was a slow acting poison! [3]

    Gu Zuo was extremely troubled.

    Originally, he thought that he could a.s.sume Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty and endure the Qi Family¡¯s drama for a bit. In order toplete the system¡¯s task, he wanted to use Qi Tianyou¡¯s high favorability rating among the servants to gather some basic medicinal ingredients.

    Now it looked like if he persisted in staying at the Qi Family, he could forget about ying pharmacist because his life was at stake. No time for games ¡ª this was aplete disaster!

    After indecisively pacing back and forth for a bit, Gu Zuo¡¯s stomach began to growl uncontrobly. The most important thing was that he had to find an opportunity to escape from the Qi Family.

    Since he nned on leaving the Qi Family, what use did Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty give him? Once he began refining medicine, other people would find it suspicious that his yao beads were undamaged.

    [This host requires an ident.i.ty in Tianwu as a talented pharmacist.]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly for a bit: Fine, but what am I supposed to do about the ingredients once I leave the Family? I¡¯m broke and Qi Tianyou didn¡¯t have much saved up. I might not have enough to buy ingredients.

    [This host¡¯s first priority should be to find a financial backer.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Huh!?¡±

    The system sure was quick to change the subject.

    [A patron.]

    Gu Zuo was quiet.

    It seems like this was the only way... But what value did he have that would make people want to invest in him? Plus, they not only had to ce their confidence in him, but do it without fear of reprisal from the Qi Family.

    Also, he still needed to urgently consider how he would escape from here.

    ______

    Under the cover of darkness, there was a meek figure who quietly widened a hole at the base of a border wall near the city¡¯s southern residential district. Once he finished, he turned his head left and right to check for any pa.s.sersby outside. When the coast was clear, he crawled through and stuck to the side of the wall, carefully walking away from the hole. Only then did he make his escape deep into the night.

    After determining that he had to escape, Gu Zuo effortlessly swept up the poisoned food and sent it into his storage s.p.a.ce. Cui¡¯E returned two hourster to clean up and took away the tter and dishes. While hiding behind the door, he ruthlessly struck the back of her head.

    ording to Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, although Cui¡¯E had not cultivated to the first stage of blood refining, she¡¯d still been practicing martial arts for a long time. Though she fainted, she was certainly not going to die.

    While Gu Zuo was aware that his life was in danger, he didn¡¯t spare any thoughts for the fairer s.e.x [4]. Considering that he had zero martial arts experience, he did a good job finishing things with a single strike. After settling his affairs, he disguised himself with her outer skirt and hid Cui¡¯E under the covers of the bed. Gu Zuo took the tter back and hurriedly saw himself out [5].

    ¡ª To maintain his ident.i.ty as Qi Tianyou, it was only natural that Gu Zuo would leave behind a note. It contained a single sentence: ¡°The food was poisoned, so I¡¯m breaking off all ties with the Qi Family.¡±

    After leaving his room, Gu Zuo met some people on the way. Since it waste in the evening, no one paid attention to him. He quickly found a ce to hide and had to knock another servant unconscious to switch his clothes for theirs.

    Using Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, he moved towards a small, inconspicuous hole [6]. This was another stroke of luck. Many years ago, Qi Feng bullied Qi Tianyou and forced him to hide in this exact hole. Qi Tianyou was dead and Gu Zuo was his imposter. Unexpectedly, he faintly recalled this event and took this chance to escape.

    As a result, once he breached the other side of the hole, he immediately fled. He didn¡¯t dare stay in Yunyang City to leave any clues to his whereabouts. He messed up his hair and rolled around in some mud to pretend he was a hobo. That night, he rushed to another city.

    After traveling for no less than three days, Gu Zuo finally came to the gates of an unfamiliar city. In spite of his bloodied feet, he paid off the guards with half of Qi Tianyou¡¯s funds and smoothly entered the city.

    At this time, Gu Zuo breathed out a quiet sigh of relief.

    This ce was called Yongqing City. Compared to Yunyang City, it was slightly smaller, but the important thing was that Yongqing City didn¡¯t care about the influence of aristocratic Families. Due to incidents in the past where Families would fight over resources, this city firmly paid them no heed. If the Qi Family tried to exert their power to find him, it would definitely be impossible.

    Gu Zuo thought that he was currently useless to exploit since Qi Tianyou was a total waste. The Qi Family shouldn¡¯t expend too much effort to ¡°erase all traces of him¡± [7]. For now, he was safe.

    Then he found an inn, bought some clothes, and settled down.

    Although the threat of the Qi Family wasn¡¯tpletely dispelled, Gu Zuo was preupied with another matter.

    He thought about how he was going to contact the patron he selected. He couldn¡¯t be slow with this; otherwise, all the effort he expended on the road would be wasted. But he was at a loss at how toplete this venture.

    That¡¯s right. Gu Zuo integrated Qi Tianyou¡¯s memory and after a period of consideration, he chose a patron ¡ª the name of this patron was Gongyi Tianheng [8], the young master of a powerful family.

    Gu Zuo mulled over it. He must a.s.suredly use up tons of resources when refining. In the prop books the system gave him, it detailed many rare things. At the very least, those three hand arts,pared to Qi Tianyou¡¯s refining technique, were definitely not worthless. It wasmon sense that the finer things in life were expensive.

    With such a valuable thing falling into the hands of some n.o.body without a patron, if this secret was exposed, he¡¯d inevitably meet his doom. Therefore, he had to find someone with both wealth and influence.

    Within Tianwu continent, he could aplish this with many to choose from except for the royal family, which had a dynastic history filled with martial artists. Between the royal family and other aristocratic families, the former was too troublesome. He could only start out with thetter.

    But many powerful families already kept pharmacists in their pockets. What could Gu Zuo possibly say so that they¡¯d bend over backwards to amodate him? He had potential as a pharmacist. Even if he intended on relying on a powerful family, the most likely oue was that he¡¯d be exploited for all he was worth. He¡¯d be cast to the side and work himself to the bone without any chance at freedom. When the time came toplete the system¡¯s tasks, it would simply be a ¡°dead¡± end [9].

    Sure, the system provided many things to make survival possible, but the system¡¯s existence itself was a huge secret.

    And this huge secret wasn¡¯t something that he could conceal by himself. He wouldn¡¯t be able to keep it hidden from his patron either.

    Thus, whoever he chose to be his patron was very important.

    Gu Zuo felt that it was better to rely on a single influential person in an aristocratic family than the family on the whole. Also this person must have an upstanding moral character. He had to create a justifiably mutually-beneficial rtionship such that they¡¯d have no choice but to rely on each other when the time came. This was to minimize the possibility of betrayal.

    And Gongyi Tianheng was the person whom Gu Zuo meticulously selected.

    First of all, Gongyi Tianheng was part of the Gongyi Family, which was one of the five major ns [10] in Cangyun City. This city was actually the capital of Cangyun country.

    The Five ns and the so-called Qi Family of Yunyang City were not alike. The influence of the Five ns spread through the entire country of Cangyun. The estates and businesses of the these ns were found in all regions of the country. Each n was filled with countless martial artists and their martial strength was formidable. Their status was only barely less than that of the royal family. The descendants of the royal family and the ns were invariably close and could consider themselves martial brothers of the other.

    In the eyes of the Five ns, the Qi Family was an insignificant ant. It would take but a single step to wipe them out.

    Gongyi Tianheng was the eldest grandson of the Gongyi n. He was brilliant and talented. By the age of ten, he¡¯d mastered most of the n¡¯s businesses. And through several years of hard work, these businesses prospered, which caused the other four ns to acknowledge him.

    It¡¯s said that not only was he talented, his visage was like that of the full moon; he was very handsome, modest, and had a clear temperament. When dealing with a promise worth his weight in gold, from his behavior to his personality, there wasn¡¯t a single bad thing to say about him.

    Someone once praised him saying that if it weren¡¯t for a particr reason that prevented the Gongyi n from cing its affairs in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s hands, the n would definitely grow to be the number one n in Cangyun country. The other four ns would be suppressed for hundreds of years.

    As for that ¡°particr¡± reason, Gongyi Tianheng had only one w.

    He couldn¡¯t practice martial arts.

    He couldn¡¯t do this because he was a very sickly person.

    _____

    [1] Ñ¾Í· -Ya tou, or a servant girl in a deprecating tone. An insult, but considering Gu Zuo¡¯s state of mind, I went with something that had a little more oomph.

    [2] Èý»çËÄËØÒ»ÌÀÁ½µãÐÄÒ»¹ûÖÑ - San hun si su yi tang liang dian xin yi guo zhong. Altogether this is three servings of meat, four servings of vegetables, one serving of soup, two servings of light appetizers or desserts, and one drink (of fruit juice).

    [3] Actually, myputer doesn¡¯t recognize two characters in this sentence. There¡¯s just ¡õ¡õ here instead. Shout out to an Unknown user for the actual trantion!

    [4] Á¯ÏãÏ§Óñ - Lian xiang xi yu, literally pity fragrance and cherish jade, an idiom.

    [5] µÍÍ·³öÈ¥ÁË - Di tou chu qu le, bowing one¡¯s head while leaving, maintaining etiquette or respect when leaving a premises. Not sure if Gu Zuo is doing this to keep his ident.i.ty as a servant or just out of sarcasm to that disrespectful girl. Since they¡¯re alone, I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s the second reason.

    [6] ¹·¶´ - gou dong, literally dog hole. Imagine the kind of burrowing tunnels dogs make when digging under a fence.

    [7] Õ¶²Ý³ý¸ù - Zhan cao chu gen, an idiom that literally means to cut weeds and destroy the roots.

    [8] ¹¦ÒÇÌìçñ - Gong (Public) Yi (Instrument, rite, ceremony) Tian (Heaven) Heng (Gem).

    [9] I also considered that the phrase »¹ÊÇÒ»¸ö¡°ËÀ¡±×Ö could have a ¡°death¡± note pun somewhere, but decided not to include it.

    [10] I wanted to make a proper distinction between Family and n, where a n is superior in terms of resources, organization, and martial strength. Not sure if this will just needlesslyplicate things, but I just got tired of seeing the word ¡°family¡± all the time. I might revert this changeter.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 5

    The children of Families were educated at a young age; Qi Tianyou¡¯s situation was no different and naturally received the same education. For example, being able to recognize certain people. The various Families of Cangyun country, regardless of their size, must take these matters to heart so that when they conducted themselves in public they wouldn¡¯t offend those who absolutely shouldn¡¯t be offended. The most important of these were the Five ns of Cangyun City.

    The rumors surrounding Gongyi Tianheng circted among the peerage, who secretly ridiculed the sickly young master of the Gongi n. Yet, his reputation was irrefutably good and had a solid base; even with ups and downs, his enduring image was like that of a hero from a legendary novel.

    Of course, the young masters of the other four ns were also very famous. Each of the ns had many martial artists who could crush their younger contemporaries. In this world where martial arts was respected, there was Gongyi Tianheng who could only watch on the sidelines. Contrarily, when the people refer to the country¡¯s ¡°sons,¡± they recognized five, not four, young masters. The general impression of this person shifted from ridicule to amazement; while their hearts contained disapproval, on the surface they publicly admired him.

    Qi Tianyou held Gongyi Tianheng in high esteem, and looked at him like an idol. Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t go that far, he still deeply respected him.

    This guy had an indomitable will [1]! Still hadn¡¯t given up, it wasn¡¯t easy!

    Gu Zuo had always been fond of such people.

    Although the Gongyi n had spent years searching for a capable pharmacist, none could cure him. But Gu Zuo felt that there was a chance he could do it ¡ª his prop book contained so many ancient and rare medicinal remedies that could nourish the body. Don¡¯t even suggest that there wasn¡¯t even one that would work. Most of all, in thetter chapters of the three medical texts, there were many case studies of unusual and hard-to-treat illnesses. Gu Zuo felted dazzled. As long as he met Tianheng in person, he was convinced he could find a way.

    After so many setbacks and dead ends [2]...having reaching this point, why not give him a try? He would try his best, of course. But at worst, if he failed the first time, so long as he could rely on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s resources, what about the second or third try? Who can say he wouldn¡¯t find a solution?

    If he agreed to being his patron, Gu Zuo would certainly take responsibility.

    In his heart, Gu Zuo had beenforting himself for a long time. gued with thoughts that he couldn¡¯t make a difference, he clenched his teeth: System, do you have a way to make sure that Gongyi Tianheng can¡¯t harm me?

    He needed some way to defend himself. If, if he really couldn¡¯t cure him and he took out his anger on him...

    The system was very frank.

    [You can turn him into your drug ve.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face fell [3].

    Drug ve? That doesn¡¯t sound like a good thing.

    But the system was not human, so it probably didn¡¯t have any human sentiment. Nevertheless, he still listened to all of the system¡¯s exnation to find out what a drug ve was.

    [After the host learns <drug ve="" binding,="">> the host can use telepathy to create drug ves. A drug ve¡¯s life rests in the hands of its master. If a drug ve resists its master¡¯smands, the master can punish it.]</drug>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face stiffened as he listened to all that.

    ...That is definitely not a good thing!

    Gu Zuo shook his head: I don¡¯t even have to say it, turning Gongyi Tianheng into my drug ve is impossible.

    [This is the easiest way.]

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what to think and his face looked like he was struck dumb. Then he muttered: Gongyi Tianheng was able to aplish a lot even while sick. He definitely had a lot of stubborn pride. If I want to make him my drug ve, don¡¯t even say that my telepathy can suppress him and seed ¡ª don¡¯t say that me creating a drug ve and that person¡¯s mental strength are unrted. Even if I seed, it¡¯s unlikely that he¡¯ll listen to mymands... He¡¯d probably want to die than let things be.

    [If not a drug ve, then a guardian.]

    Gu Zuo looked distracted.

    That¡¯s a new concept. What sort of ¡°demon¡± is a guardian?

    Not nearly as deceptive as a drug ve, right?

    [A guardian protects people. Host is a pharmacist; a guardian will follow you wherever you go and grant you his favor and ensure your safety. There are many rules, but the two sides can act of their own free will.]

    Gu Zuo listened with his head swimming: Speak inly!

    The system became less long-winded.

    [It¡¯s a bodyguard with a contract.]

    Gu Zuo instantly understood: I help heal him and he protects me. Our rtionship would be like a business transaction, right?

    [Both sides cannot harm the other.]

    Gu Zuo was satisfied. When the system exined the specifics of the guardian and his function, he was sold ¡ª they would be equals!

    Although Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, there would certainly be someone who could protect him. So long as he was with him, the people who guarded Tianheng would also conveniently guard him. That¡¯d be good enough.

    He only wanted to find a ce to cultivate as a pharmacist and return to find his dad. Nothing more.

    ¡ª Wait a minute.

    Gu Zuo suddenly remembered something.

    He grimaced and asked: System, you said thatter on I could return home, but to what extent can I go back? When I finally get powerful enough, how many years would have pa.s.sed? In this fantastical world, if it takes hundreds of years to meet these conditions, by the time I get back my dad and father would be long gone. What¡¯s the point!?

    [The Void Pill grant¡¯s one the ability to travel through time. The concurrent pa.s.sage through time is arbitrary.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes opened wide: You¡¯re saying that no matter how long I¡¯ve been cultivating, I can travel back to the right point in time regardless of the time spent here?

    [Yes, host.]

    Gu Zuo finally sighed: The Void Pill, as in a remedy?

    [When the host¡¯s rank has improved enough, this system is gradually unlocked. The Void Pill would be one of the rewards for the host¡¯s aplishments.]

    ¡°Listening¡± to this, Gu Zuo¡¯s face revealed a rxed and open smile for the first time sinceing here.

    This was great... He was at ease.

    When he heals Tianheng, it¡¯ll be smooth cultivation from there on out!

    However, in a moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s rxed expression fell.

    Wrong! There¡¯s still a serious problem!

    ¡ª How was he supposed to approach Gongyi Tianheng and settle a contract?

    ______

    On the official road of the capital, more than fifty carriages carrying merchandise moved onwards. Bracketing the fancy carriages were squads of armed escorts riding horses.

    The leader of the armed escort was fifty years old. He was a martial artist of the third stage of blood refining. Although he wasn¡¯t as youthful as the well-bred young masters of the aristocratic Families, his experience in life and deathbat was superior.

    For a fleet of this size, the ¡°pack animal¡± pulling the carriages was a grade three wild beast called an earth lizard [4]. This was the least an aristocratic Family could do to unt their high status.

    At the same time, because of the armed escort, there were some small merchants following behind. So long as they paid some protection fees, they were allowed to stay close and take refuge. Compared to those who traveled alone, they enjoyed greater security.

    At the very end of this train, there were some handcarts carrying travelers. These carts were attached to the small merchant vehicles to keep pace.

    Just as the small merchants paid the main carriages, these unrted people feigned ident.i.ties like shop a.s.sistants and pooled their money together as payment. This open dealing was another unspoken rule.

    On one cart, there was a ten year old youth. His face was splotched with ash and his hands were hidden in the folds of his sleeves. At this time, the youth avidly listened to the gossip of a yellow-toothed man, his eyed earnestly locked on.

    This yellow-toothed man spoke enthusiastically; spittle wouldunch with each word, and he would shout wildly.

    At this moment, he talked about the hottest news in Cangyun City...

    The young master of the Sima [5] n partic.i.p.ated in arge martial arts tournament. This youth received a lot of fame when he defeated twenty opponents.

    The young master of the Duanmu [6] n traveled into the depths of the Weeping Ghost Mountain Range to find a treasured eternal youth herb for his mother¡¯s birthday.

    The young master of the Huangfu [7] n beheaded eighteen thieves and took their heads for trophies.

    The young master of the Helian [8] n killed a wild beast whose grade was one level higher than his own...

    That young master of the Gongyi n fell ill recently and went to a hospital to recover. His authority was handed over to his younger brother in the meantime.

    When it came to the matters of the n¡¯s young masters, ordinary people never got tired of listening and gossipers never got tired of talking.

    This yellow-toothed man was one such gossiper. Today, he was especially talkative because he hit it off with a small little brother [9]. Other people disliked him and didn¡¯t want to hear him talk. Instead, this kid stuck with him to chat endlessly; truly it gave him some confidence.

    But the yellow-toothed man naturally didn¡¯t realize that when he talked about that Gongyi fellow, the little brother¡¯s eyes shed with antic.i.p.ation. Nor was he likely to discover that his hands hidden in his sleeves were incessantly practicing hand motions over and over again.

    Gradually, this journey came to an end.

    The yellow-toothed man satisfied his desire to gossip, until he reluctantly parted from the youth. After giving his thanks, the young man aimlessly wandered through the crowd and disappeared.

    This youth, who didn¡¯t know the roads and followed a caravan to Cangyun City, was undoubtedly Gu Zuo. While on this journey, he gathered many useful bits of news from the yellow-toothed man.

    At longst, he finally deepened his understanding of Cangyun City and Gongyi Tianheng.

    ______

    [1] Éí²ÐÖ¾¼á - Shen can zhi jian, broken in body but firm in spirit.

    [2] ÍËÒ»Íò²½ - Tui yi mo bu, literally retreating one thousand steps.

    [3] ‡å - Jiong, use as an emoticon to express exasperation oredic grievance.

    [4] ÍÁòá - Tu xi, Earth lizard, where xi is from òáòæ xi yi, lizard.

    [5] Ë¾Âí - Si (To take charge, manage) Ma (Horse), together it means minister of war.

    [6] ¶ËÄ¾ - Duan (End, extremity, origin) Mu (Tree, wood)

    [7] »Ê¸¦ - Huang (Emperor) Fu (Begin, man, father)

    [8] ºÕÁ¬ - He (Awe-inspiring) Lian (To link, join)

    [9] Between people who share no familial bonds, referring to them like brother or uncle is used to convey good feelings and familiarity.

    ______

    T/N: Hmmm, I couldn¡¯t figure out a good way of incorporating ¡°gold master¡± or ¡°golden thigh¡± into the trantion. It just doesn¡¯t fit very well. (TT^TT) Also, shout out to an Unknown user for the suggested word ¡°patron.¡±

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 6

    The only ce to exploit an opening...

    Gu Zuo looked up and stared at the wall that was no less than ten meters tall, and silently pulled his gaze away.

    The other Gongyi estate was Tianheng¡¯s private quarters. And this perimeter wall stood between him and the patron he so desperately needed to find.

    It was such a pity that this wall was like a natural moat; he absolutely could not cross it.

    ...At this critical juncture, why did it have to be so difficult!

    After hiding for a while in the bushes beside the wall, Gu Zuo reluctantly retreated and walked back to the hilly crags behind him.

    He was at an impa.s.se. His funds were nowcking; after buying some steamed buns, he traveled to this deste ce using the local gossip.

    Although, he didn¡¯t know why Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s residence was so remote. Though these crags didn¡¯t offer any ces one could call home, there were still ces that were somewhat suitable.

    In fact, he found a cave to temporarily live in.

    However, no matter how Tianheng selected his guards, their numbers patrolling the estate were not small. Gu Zuo currently had a good for nothing body; were he to infiltrate the estate to hastily rmend himself, he would be instantly treated like a troublemaker and arrested ¡ª he didn¡¯t have extravagant hopes for discussing human rights with those guards.

    So Gu Zuo had been wandering around for two days and hadn¡¯t found an opportunity.

    Simrly, that night he habitually looked for a dog hole in the area around the wall, and still came up empty handed.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help butin in his mind: Why had this system always issued tasks, but never gave rewards? If you gave me an invisibility pill or a wall prating pill, would I still have to exert myself to such an extent?

    The system¡¯s reply was as straightforward as ever.

    [This system only provides a channel for technical learning, which is a form of ¡°early rewards andte fees.¡± The prop books obtained by the host are listed here to prevent the host from bingzy and spoiled [1], and walking down the wrong path in life.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He asked one question and the system retorted with a hundred. Why not simply state that the inventory was empty?

    Fine, that was reasonable.

    Going back to the cave, he sat down cross-legged and his expression was a bit bleak.

    In this month, ten days had speedily pa.s.sed...Now, apart from practicing the three hand arts and developing his proficiency, he couldn¡¯t do anything else.

    Even after ten years of living [2], Gu Zuo never experienced so much hardship. But thinking about his goal made him clench his teeth and endure. Fortunately, during this time hisprehension of his cultivation method unexpectedly deepened. The qi energy of heaven and earth smooth entered his body and his perceptions sharpened a little bit. He knew that his practice with the hand arts would gradually improve.

    Somehow his fumbling actions slowly bore fruit and through it all, he had a small hope.

    After half an hour, Gu Zuo steadily spat out dark gases ¡ª those were the impurities extracted from his body after cultivating. He now knew the profound power of the > Within just a few days, he could already sense that his body had gradually lightened... It seemed like his body was slowly purifying; this process was truly mysterious. What¡¯s more, when he practiced those arts, the cultivation method automatically operated. By mult.i.tasking, he saved a lot of time.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo continued to practice his hand arts.

    At this moment, his fingers began to rapidly flutter and his concentrated expression turned focused. Unexpectedly, it gave him a dignified appearance. His smooth and beautiful motions seemed like clouds and water. If he had some medicinal ingredients on hand, he could¡¯ve given onlookers quite the impression.

    The sky gradually darkened.

    After Gu Zuo practiced for a couple rounds, he felt that something was suddenly amiss. Why was it so noisy?

    He took an ount of his surroundings and swiftly discovered people outside of Tianheng¡¯s courtyard causing a ruckus.

    Someone hade to a.s.sa.s.sinate Tianheng and the guards were blocking the way!

    Gu Zuo shot up.

    This was a good time to fish in troubled waters! [3]

    No time to lose! While being as quiet as possible, he dashed to his destination.

    When he got closer, he slowed down and hid between the trees to observe the situation.

    Indeed, there were a good deal of martial artists dashing about around the courtyard.

    They kept fighting each other with ma.s.sively strong blows, and it didn¡¯t look like the fight would be over any time soon.

    So at this moment, if he was careful...

    Gu Zuo detoured and, under the cover of night, avoided the attentions of both sides. He quickly circled around the wall for cover.

    He held a long rope with a stone tied to the end. If he used enough force, he could tether the rope like a grappling hook to a tree in the rear courtyard. Then he could take this chance to infiltrate.

    But as Gu Zuo stationed himself at the base of this tree, he suddenly discovered something hidden beneath the shrubs around the tree. He nced down to peak and saw ¡ª he understood in an instant!

    He said he¡¯d never found a dog hole, but it was here under the tree all along. It was already blocked up... Well, there was no need to brave dangers with that other option.

    Gu Zuo quickly brushed pa.s.sed the gra.s.s and plunged in.

    He was very excited because for days ¡ª days! ¡ª he¡¯d finally entered the innerpound.

    Next, he should search for traces of Gongyi Tianheng...

    ______

    Gu Zuo carefully hid while sneaking around.

    Outside, the fighting continued; those a.s.sa.s.sins were all over the ce. He listened closely and heard that the guards pursued any signs of activity. Apparently, Gongyi Tianheng was within the innermost courtyard and was peacefully admiring the full moon, even if outside was still full of chaos. The guards wouldn¡¯t let any a.s.sa.s.sin enter and disrupt the young master¡¯s quiet... Plus, it was said that Tianheng preferred solitude. So, didn¡¯t that mean that he was the only one in there right now?

    Wasn¡¯t this a great opportunity? Or rather, wasn¡¯t this the only opportunity?

    Gu Zuo became resolute; his fast movements were very quiet.

    His search went smoothly as the guards were preupied fighting on the periphery, far away, since they absolutely didn¡¯t want to disturb Gongyi Tianheng. At this time, Gu Zuo found an open s.p.a.ce that had a clear view of the night sky.

    Time flew by neither slow nor fast [4]. He took in the view of this sole courtyard and when he saw a man sitting away from him, bathed in moonlight, his heart began to throb.

    Stay calm, stay calm...

    Gu Zuo took out a dagger hidden in his boot and slowly approached.

    Then, he suddenly leaped ahead with his fastest speed. He rushed against the figure¡¯s back and used one hand to restrain his shoulder and the other to grip the dagger against his neck!

    At that time, Gu Zuo discovered he was holding his own breath.

    His voice trembled: ¡°Young master Gongyi, don¡¯t think about moving! I, I won¡¯t hurt you. I only want to make a deal with you.¡±

    After that, a rather low and maic voice spoke: ¡°Oh?¡±

    This tone was very steady.

    ¡°What deal do you want to make?¡±

    The voice of this terribly attractive man distracted Gu Zuo. Yet, he quickly regained his bearings and said: ¡°I¡¯ll cure your illness and you provide me medicinal ingredients!¡±

    He said this and felt that it was a little unyielding. He supportingly added: ¡°En [5]. How about it?¡±

    The person in front leisurely opened his mouth: ¡°So, you¡¯vee just to rmend yourself.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...You could say that.¡±

    There was some doubt in the man¡¯s voice: ¡°Since you¡¯ve rmended yourself, why choose this method?¡±

    Gu Zuo sucked in a breath.

    After he muttered: ¡°I am too young...¡±

    Yes, age was also a big problem. Who could be convinced that such a young teenager had any skill? What¡¯s more, he only started studying recently, and had a huge secret.

    He could only think of underhanded methods like this.

    After a moment of silence, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart began beating faster and faster.

    In the end, is this okay? Really, is it good or not? Say something! Don¡¯t just hem and haw like an old grandma!

    Finally, the man spoke again, and his speed was slow and measured: ¡°If I refuse, do you want to kill me?¡±

    Gu Zuo blurted out without thinking: ¡°How could I?¡±

    Business was not a matter of righteousness, but it was disadvantageous to harm this person¡¯s life. He couldn¡¯t do it. Moreover, if he dared to do this, he wouldn¡¯t be able to escape and would certainly be beaten to death!

    ¡°Then?¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°...Then I can only ask young master Gongyi to apany me for a little trip to ensure my safe escape and let you return home.¡±

    After hearing this, the man smiled.

    He seemed so happy that he trembled a little bit, but then he coughed softly.

    Between hisughter, he intermittently said: ¡°Then, I ept.¡±

    He gasped for a few mouthfuls, ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal.¡±

    Gu Zuo took a breath.

    Your mother! [6] He really agreed! Excellent, this young master was really awesome. He had such an open heart!

    With great difficultly, that person slowly reigned in hisughter and tranquilly said: ¡°Since I agreed, won¡¯t youy down your weapon? When we hash out this deal, shouldn¡¯t we do it face to face?¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that this person¡¯s reputation was as good as gold. His impression of Gongyi Tianheng was likewise impable. But his secret was too important, so he firmly spoke: ¡°First, we¡¯ll set a contract.¡±

    The person in front paused: ¡°You don¡¯t trust me?¡±

    Gu Zuo did not hesitate [7]: ¡°I will trust you more in the future!¡±

    He knew that Tianheng also held some doubts and quickly exined, ¡°Rest a.s.sured, this is to give both of us safeguards. This contract is definitely one that¡¯ll benefit both of us. This one would prevent us from harming the other and is very simple to sign.¡±

    After, he didn¡¯t wait for his response. His left hand lifted in front of Tianheng¡¯s face and performed aplex gesture. It was so fast that faint ripples of air flowed through his fingers. In the wake of this gesture, a mysterious and obscure power gathered.

    To avoid Tianheng¡¯s refusal, Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth was not idle: ¡°Through this testimony on this day ¡ª you, Gongyi Tianheng, shall be my, Gu Zuo¡¯s, guardian. To our respective partner in this contract, we shall do no harm, and we shall administer aid...¡±

    After that quick oath, there was still a trace of shame in his heart. ¡°If you agree, then ce a drop of your blood in my hand.¡±

    The person in front moved and extended his hand. He slowly grasped the dagger being held at his throat and gave himself a small nick.

    Blood flowed into Gu Zuo¡¯s outstretched hand, and Gu Zuo cut his own finger to drip blood into the same ce, mixing together thoroughly.

    Atst, the contract was sealed!

    Gu Zuo immediately withdrew his dagger and pivoted around the man to face him. In a cheerful mood, he spoke: ¡°Now we can properly discuss ¡ª¡±

    When he got a clear view of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face, his mind nked.

    Long, slender eyebrows that extended under his fringe. Pupils that shone like twinkling stars [8]. A strong nose that hinted at a courageous figure [9]... Thin lips that were slightly pursed.

    Although he was sickly, his skin was a l.u.s.tered white, like pearls or jade. Beneath the moonlight, his whole body seemed to glow.

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s reaction, he blinked a few times.

    Simply put, this newly appointed patron¡¯s handsome features were out of this world.

    If you were a literati, you could say his beauty was divine. If you were an average guy, you¡¯d shout out that this was just the public enemy of all men!

    ______

    [1] ²»ÀÍ¶ø»ñ - Buo er huo, idiom for reaping without sowing, to achieve sess without effort.

    [2] This part of the text refers to Gu Zuo¡¯s difficult life in modern times. He is currently fifteen years old, and the ten years are the most recent ten years of his life.

    [3] »ëË®ÃþÓã - Hun shui mo yu, idiom to take advantage of a crisis for personal gain.

    [4] Had some trouble getting the correct tone across, even if this trantion holds the opposite modifier: it should be both fast and slow ¡ª but it sounded better using a negative instead.

    [5] àÅ - En, a nonverbal grunt used as an affirmation. An interjection indicating approval.

    [6] ÄáÂê - Ni ma, meaningless by themselves, together they are h.o.m.ophones for ÄãÂè. This is ng for:e on!, what!, or really!?

    [7] Õ¶¶¤½ØÌú - Zhan ding jie tie, to chop nails and slice iron, an idiom.

    [8] º®ÐÇ - Han xing, seems to have several meanings, including the kind of flickering star that resembles glittering snow. I¡¯ve seen some corrtions to Venus, but I¡¯m doubtful.

    [9] Ðüµ¨ - Xuan dan, a Grecian (nose).

    ______

    T/N: Whew, back on track. Please see for my updating schedule.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 7

    For an instant, descriptions like ¡°Autumn mountains and spring trees [1],¡± ¡°bright like the moon [2],¡± and ¡°n.o.ble temperament [3]¡± brushed through Gu Zuo¡¯s mind. To add to that, the other person was equally delighted to sign the contract. His impressions of this guy had really shot up. Nowadays, it was easy to make concessions for beautiful people. Even more, he wanted to please him... If at first his guilt to Gongyi Tianheng was seven, then it had soared directly to a ten. He felt that his recent actions were rather reprehensible.

    But when this Prince Charming opened his mouth and asked: ¡°So how do weplete this deal?¡± Gu Zuo was struck dumb.

    He¡¯d exhausted all of his courage to execute this n to capture his patron, and yet, when he finally confronted him, Gu Zuo realized that for the deal¡¯s specific content ¡ª hepletely forgot to think of any!

    With a slight smile, this beautiful person sat across from him and politely stated: ¡°Tonight, Gu...¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°You can call me Ah Zuo [4], Xiao Gu, or Xiao Zuo. No worries.¡±

    In a rtionship, everyone had to draw closer to properly work together!

    Naturally, the handsome Tianheng nodded, stood up, and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, allow me to arrange a room for you. I¡¯m afraid that you may be quite tired. As for these matters, rest for now, and we can properly discuss them tomorrow at our leisure.¡±

    Gu Zuo was moved. Of course, he quickly agreed and, with an open and naive mind, he followed him to his room.

    The ready-made guest room was spotless and was evenparable to the bedroom of the Qi Family¡¯s head. For a long time, his heart was weary; finally he could let his guard down. Once he got to bed, he fell asleep.

    As expected, after Gu Zuo entered his room, he didn¡¯t perceive that behind the beautiful, considerate Tianheng, a ck garbed man appeared.

    And this man held Tianheng in the highest esteem and his respect was unparalleled.

    Observing Gu Zuo¡¯s departure, the solemn faced man kneeled: ¡°Young master.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Stand.¡±

    He obediently stood: ¡°This subordinate doesn¡¯t understand why the young master is taking care of this kid. What is the point of stringing him along?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s lip curled a little, but this smile was without warmth: ¡°I ordered an investigation into this matter. The results?¡±

    The man said: ¡°Alreadypiled. Young master, have a look.¡±

    Saying this, he opened a slip of paper and presented it to his master.

    Tianheng took it and while he read it, he walked to the other side of the estate ¡ª his study.

    The other man closely followed behind.

    ______

    Gongyi Tianheng sat on a soft couch and, without urgency or dy, opened the dossier: ¡°So, this Gu Zuo¡¯s original name was Qi Tianyou. He¡¯s...adopted from the Qi Family in Yunyang City? Also, he ought to have been a handicap?¡±

    The man respectfully said: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was indifferent: ¡°If he truly was Qi Tianyou, the boy¡¯s differences are too great.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyebrows furrowed: ¡°This subordinate is also puzzled [5].¡±

    Tianheng seemed to deeply ponder: ¡°After being struck down and having a sudden change in temperament, it¡¯d make sense.¡±

    Indeed. In fact, when Gu Zuo came to snoop around the estate on the first day, he was already discovered by Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s guards. However, under Tianheng¡¯s orders, the guards never took the initiative to capture him. When they first reported that incident, he also ordered them to monitor Gu Zuo.

    Consequently, all of Gu Zuo¡¯s antics over the past few days had been observed by Gongyi Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo was too young to properly regard this world¡¯s martial artists. He could escape from the Qi Family only because they didn¡¯t have enough concrete information and he didn¡¯t have any ability to defend himself. In short, they underestimated him. Could Gongyi Tianheng reside in such an isted estate unguarded? Where could Gu Zuo have found such an opportunity to enter?

    He couldn¡¯t find a way to get in. At night, people suddenly attacked the estate and pulled away all the guards. He spent several days searching for dog holes around the perimeter wall and failed to find any, except for a single hole that night. After breaching the courtyard, because the guards didn¡¯t want to disturb Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s evening, there was no one anywhere near the inner courtyard. Without any guards, that paved the way for Gu Zuo¡¯s approach... The inexplicable pile of opportunities and errors was not a coincidence at all.

    Simply put, although Gu Zuo had experience dealing with cruel people and developed a certain amount of vignce, even with his efforts to create a fool-proof n he still wasn¡¯t a deeply shrewd person. If it weren¡¯t for Gongyi Tianheng wanting to see Gu Zuo, the guards wouldn¡¯t have given him the chance. He couldn¡¯t rely on his own strength to ¡°threaten¡± Tianheng.

    After reading the dossier, Gongyi Tianheng gave it back to the man: ¡°Dispose of it.¡±

    The man took it and his palm erupted with a red color. The paper instantly caught fire and was consumed in a sh, leaving no ash or smoke.

    His eyebrows still wrinkled: ¡°Young master, since he was ruined, why should we leave him be?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng grinned slightly. He stretched out his hands in front of him and slowly moved his fingers in several bizarre motions. They seemed rather entric, but among the movements was a peculiar rhythm.

    If Gu Zuo was there, he¡¯d certainly discover that these were the three hand arts he¡¯d been practicing for the past couple of days. Even though Tianheng¡¯s motions weren¡¯t smooth, there wasn¡¯t a single mistake.

    After doing a few moves, Tianheng stopped: ¡°These hand arts are strange, but quite brilliant. They ought to belong to a special cultivation method that requires considerable talent. Although I can imitate them, it is only just imitation; furthermore, without his body, it¡¯s exceedingly crude.¡±

    The man saw this and was awed: ¡°Young master, that you could understand these hand arts to this degree after one time is already very difficult!¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and nomittally said: ¡°Based on this, we can inly conclude that Gu Zuo should havee across some kind of fortuitous meeting between the Qi Family dropping him and me choosing to be his patron. But the time period is too short, he shouldn¡¯t have aplished this much...¡±

    He recalled the kid¡¯s face when he got embarra.s.sed and lightly smiled: ¡°He¡¯s still not certain about how to treat my illness.¡±

    The man suddenly remembered something, his expression changed: ¡°Young master, was that contract harmful at all?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Probably not. After the contract was sealed, in my heart I sensed that I wouldn¡¯t be able to harm him at all.¡±

    Tianheng saw that the other man still didn¡¯t approve. The man groaned: ¡°If he has any tricks up his sleeve, do I have permission to destroy him with my own two hands?¡±

    Every contract required formidable willpower. What kind of dreadful contract could be created from an ordinary person with not a drop of martial strength in his body? What¡¯s more, he made no preparations to eliminate that Gu Zuo, and his temperament could be seen through at a nce.

    He was naturally timid, but sometimes this little guy was very stubborn and could be clever in a pinch. But his intelligence was not enough to be a threat. Most importantly, he had never taken a life [6]; at least right now, he didn¡¯t have the courage to take a life.

    The man¡¯s expression smoothed and grimly muttered: ¡°My life is the young master¡¯s tomand!¡±

    Tianheng continued, unimpeded: ¡°As for whether he can cure me... Since he dared toe here and tell me this, naturally he has some confidence. And right now, who could say that he won¡¯t be able to seed?¡±

    The man was about to retort, but hesitated: ¡°For young master, the n heads and the other n members have tried everything to find a cure.¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°Yes, from Cangyun country to even the neighboring countries, each and every talented pharmacist, they¡¯ve invited them all.¡±

    But, to no avail.

    No matter who came, they all failed.

    The man was silent.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°So, maybe this Gu Zuo is myst chance.¡±

    His gaze fell on the man, ¡°I¡¯ll ask that you leave him be. I am, as you know, a gambler.¡±

    The man saw a thin thread of madness sh through Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes. He lowered his head and didn¡¯t dare look upon them again.

    Yes, all members of the Celestial Dragon Guard knew that the young master was a gambler.

    From the beginning, when he conducted business, the young master would bet and alwayse out on top. And so, he raised those enterprises to their current state; even while battling his illness, the young master would still bet everything. Even though he was already ¡ª

    Gongyi Tianheng was already used to his subordinate¡¯s reverence.

    He closed his eyes, and his voice carried bemus.e.m.e.nt: ¡°Moreover, even if I bet this once and lose, I have such a curious little thing apanying me to death¡¯s door. It¡¯s very exciting... Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ______

    After sleeping soundly for the night, Gu Zuo woke up, stretched his body, and felt that his mind was crystal clear.

    Indeed, it had been a long time since his sleep was peaceful...

    Then he remembered, he already secured his patron.

    He was in such a good mood because he had a good night¡¯s sleep.

    He found that he over-thought things yesterday. For the contract and everything else, he didn¡¯t have to worry about it at all! Presently, Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t harm him. So long as he could supply him with a sufficient amount of medicinal ingredients, then the other things could be left to the smart people to handle.

    For Gu Zuo, besides refining medicine, were there any other important things he had to deal with?

    Currently the only thing he needed to do was find his patron and reveal the existence of his system. For some matters, he could ask the smart people to help him figure out.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯tze around; after he got up, he prepared to go wash up.

    Once he opened the door, he immediately discovered a neat row of people stationed outside.

    He nked for a bit before he realized that there was a group of ten year old girls [7], each one carrying a tray in their hands. Behind the maids were two strong men carrying a bathtub.

    Then Gu Zuo felt a little embarra.s.sed.

    That¡¯s right, he went directly to sleep yesterday and his body was still dirty. It would be very rude to see his patron as he was now.

    The servants of his patron¡¯s estate...were considerably attentive.

    After the bathtub was settled and the water was warm, Gu Zuo had the people ce the trays in the room and drove everyone out ¡ª he wasn¡¯t ustomed to being waited upon.

    Not long after, he immediately took a bath. He came out naked as the day he was born, and took the soft clothes, shaking them open to take a look. They fit his body well. After that, he changed his clothes with satisfaction, quickly cleaned up, and left the room.

    ¡°Pardon me, I want to meet young master Gongyi...¡±

    ______

    ______

    [1] åªåªÈçÈýÔÂÁø, a phrase from the novel <»¨ÔÂºÛ>> by Wei Xiuren.

    [2] ð¨ð¨ÈçÔÂ, from the poem <¶Ì¸èÐÐ>> by Cao Cao.

    [3] ¹â·çö«ÔÂ, light breeze and clear moon, an idiom for a n.o.ble or benevolent character. I¡¯m not sure where the entire phrasees from though.

    [4] °¡ - A or Ah, a kinship term used to promote familiarity.

    [5] °ÙË¼²»µÃÆä½â - Bai si bu de qi jie, to think about something for a long time, but still not understand.

    [6] Õ´Ñª - Zhan xue, from what I understand, it would be ¡°stained by blood,¡± or taking a life.

    [7] »ÆÃ«Ñ¾Í· - Huang mao ya tou, silly little girls, though Ñ¾Í· can mean servant girl.

    ______

    T/N: Alert, alert! The golden thigh has a ck belly, ah!

    Do you think I should keep the name of Tianheng¡¯s private guards as the Celestial Dragon Guard, the Tianlong Guard, or some other variation?

    Also, I tranted the author¡¯s exnation for this story¡¯splete ranking system for martial artists and pharmacists. You can find my trantion on the .

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 8

    It was probably ordered earlier, but the maid stationed outside immediately led the way for Gu Zuo. He was taken to an una.s.suming room and was asked to enter.

    After he came in, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need to inspect everything to know that not one of the furnishings or decorations were out of ce; the style wasn¡¯t tasteless... Inparison, the Qi Family household was an ostentatious rich upstart.

    Gongyi Tianheng wore a long robe, and sat behind a desk covered with unread doc.u.ments. On his side calmly stood a solemn young man. His appearance was exactingly rigid and uniform; only, at first nce the words ¡°loyal dog¡± were evoked in one¡¯s mind.

    When Gu Zuo came in, Tianheng put down his pen, looked up, and smiled. His voice was very gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo woke up? Please, take a seat.¡±

    His smile [1] could really brighten a room. This face...even without the moonlight to enhance his stats [2], his handsomeness was off the charts.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare stare too much and sat across from him: ¡°Young master Gongyi.¡±

    Tianhengughed: ¡°I¡¯ve been calling you Ah Zuo, so wouldn¡¯t it be better if you called me by my name?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it and felt that obliging his patron would facilitate an understanding, but he couldn¡¯t recklessly act above his station. Thus, he switched to: ¡°Young master Tianheng.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng went straight to the point and quietly asked: ¡°You said you can cure me. But is this true?¡±

    Originally, Gu Zuo wanted to confess about his system first, but his patron was obviously more concerned about his health... Which seemed quite normal. But in the end, it was tough exining whether he was able to treat his illness or not.

    Then, Gu Zuo turned his gaze to the silent young man.

    Tianhengughed: ¡°This is the leader of my personal security force, the Tianlong Guards. He is very trustworthy.¡±

    Gu Zuo let out a couple of hollowughs, his eyes resolute.

    As a matter of fact, trust wasn¡¯t the issue; rather, the issue concerned his life¡¯s safety.

    His patron was very intelligent, but still, he couldn¡¯t have known that he possessed something so extraordinary. Nheless, he¡¯d better inform him enough to understand so that he could make an informed decision.

    Tianheng clearly understood and ordered: ¡°Dragon One [3], you¡¯re dismissed. Don¡¯t eavesdrop.¡±

    The stern young man sized up Gu Zuo with a nce and felt that even the young master would be able to handle this weak chicken. He prompted left the room and closed the door.

    Gongyi Tianheng returned his gaze to Gu Zuo: ¡°You can be at ease. This door is special; once it¡¯s closed, no sounds from within can be heard from outside. Even though Dragon One has keen senses, because Imanded him, he won¡¯te within thirty meters [4] of this room and hear what we discuss.¡±

    Gu Zuo was relieved, but remembered his illness. He was slightly rmed and tried to examine him: ¡°First, can I check your pulse?¡±

    Tianheng rolled up his sleeve to expose a bit of his pale arm, and ced it on the table.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate and began searching along his arm.

    Although he didn¡¯t have any genuine experience in curing illnesses, he¡¯d learned enough to know how to take a pulse. Something as simple as that was easy to do...

    After he finished, he was startled.

    The pulse...there wasn¡¯t any.

    But without a pulse, shouldn¡¯t he be dead?

    He couldn¡¯t possibly be a zombie!

    Gu Zuo carefully looked at Gongyi Tianheng. Besides his handsome and pale skin, was there anything strange? Really though, ording to his pulse, his body ought to be exhibiting many warning signs.

    But right now, he couldn¡¯t identify any, so what was the problem? His pulse belonged to people who died inexplicable deaths.

    So, Gu Zuo promptly opened his mouth and said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, please tell me what instructions previous pharmacists have told you. Also, please tell me about any aches and pains you¡¯ve developed this past year.¡±

    If he can¡¯t get a clear understanding of his illness, how was he supposed to treat it?

    Gongyi Tianheng was very cooperative.

    Over many years, he had to fumble through this process many times, so now he exined in great detail.

    In fact, this illness was a very strange one. When he was born, it seemed like he was a normal infant. Besides his high intelligence, there were no other peculiarities. After his first birthday, the n members discovered that his meridians were very weak and fragile.

    One should know that bing a martial artist depended on the apt.i.tude of a person¡¯s meridians. Through the process of cultivation, the qi energy of heaven and earth would enter the body and then circte through the meridians. Naturally, therger and st.u.r.dier the meridians, the greater the amount of qi energy that can be absorbed, and the faster the cultivation.

    Beyond expectations, Tianheng¡¯s meridians were indeed thin and weak ¡ª don¡¯t even consider absorbing the qi of heaven and earth, when taking medicine, too much would cause the meridians to rupture.

    These qualifications made it impossible to practice martial arts. And yet, with the Gongyi n¡¯s vast resources, so long as they found enough precious medicinal pills, the meridians would slowly improve... And where were these pills?

    Gu Zuo was a little baffled.

    If the meridians were weak, but didn¡¯t affect his ordinary life, then he wouldn¡¯t go so far as to consider him sickly...

    Tianheng¡¯s words continued, thoroughly smashing Gu Zuo¡¯s a.s.sumptions.

    Really, his patron¡¯s problem stemmed not only from his weak meridians, but also from a genuine mystery-disease.

    After the n concluded that Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s meridians were beyond saving, due to his outstanding features, they didn¡¯t really care too much. That was, until he turned ten. That year he suddenly loss sensation in both legs and was paralyzed. From a pharmacist¡¯s diagnosis, they found the problem.

    Besides Tianheng¡¯s weakened meridians, after each pa.s.sing year, a meridian would develop a blockage.

    At first his Eight Extraordinary Meridians [5] began to fail imperceptibly. Of course, they were independent of the primary qi flow of this body, and didn¡¯t affect his life very strangely. Yet, when two of his Twelve Main Meridians [6] were blocked, all his afflictions revealed themselves, nearly leaving him paralyzed and bedridden.

    In addition to allowing the qi energy of heaven and earth to circte through the body while practicing martial arts, meridians served a greater function in people: circting the blood and nourishing one¡¯s vitality. If they were all blocked up, it was obvious as to what would happen.

    And Gongyi Tianheng was already eighteen years old.

    He still has two meridians that were unblocked. But at his twentieth year [7], the cirction of his qi and blood would stop and his life would end.

    Gu Zuo heard this and his face immediately fell.

    As it turned out, not only must he struggle to survive for this month, but his patron could only live for two more years! Moreover, even if Gu Zuo pa.s.sed this task, if his patron kicked the bucket, he still had to find another patron! Totally not fair!

    Anyway, Gu Zuo was supremely depressed. When he looked at Tianheng, his expression was like a sinner looking upon the face of G.o.d.

    As of right now, his patron was able to walk around. There was no telling how many medicinal pills were used nor how much effort was expended so that Tianheng could act like a normal person.

    In fact, at that moment, every movement Tianheng made was very painful.

    ¡ª Truly, it was about all he could endure.

    But heroic pa.s.sion soon burst forth from Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Thinking that his patron could suffer through so much hardship, how could he give up now? If he could cure his patron, Gu Zuo would cling tightly to his thigh and never let go [8].

    Therefore, it was time for him to search through his three texts and seriouslyb through every page to find those prescriptions that targeted Tianheng¡¯s symptoms. Anything that matched his patron¡¯s situation should also be looked at. Then, at the rear of the books where the case-studies and unusual illnesses were recorded, did they have anything...

    Thinking clearly, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any intentions of hiding his secret. Immediately, three ancient texts appeared on his palm. Holding onto <man-level medicinal="" cuisine="">> and <man-level prescription="">>, Gu Zuo handed over <man-level medical="" catalogue="">> and said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, look at this. Many illnesses are presented near the back of this book. We should both search through it and see if there are any that match your descriptions.¡±</man-level></man-level></man-level>

    He said that while opening up <man-level medicinal="" cuisine="">> and browsing the back.</man-level>

    Gongyi Tianheng watched as the three books appeared out of thin air and his pupils shrank.

    A storage device?

    This thing was extremely precious. The Cangyun country¡¯s royal family only had three such storage devices. The Five Great ns only had one each, kept in the safe keeping of the n head.

    He didn¡¯t expect that this little guy would actually have one.

    But this thought only shed by; Tianheng¡¯s attention was focused on the ancient text in his hands.

    This should have been the result of Gu Zuo¡¯s ¡°fortuitous meeting¡± and the reason why he darede here and seize him... He hoped that what he needed was contained within.

    Gongyi Tianheng quickly opened the book.

    Across each sheaf of paper, his slender finger scrolled back and forth. Line for line, it gracefully flew across the pages.

    On top of that, he firmly embedded every word in his mind.

    However, topare Tianheng¡¯s lightning speed, even Gu Zuo¡¯s progress appeared somewhat slow.

    This matter concerned Gu Zuo¡¯s fate and his patron¡¯s life. He didn¡¯t dare neglect a single detail. His observation was exceptionally meticulous. Anything that mentioned deadened meridians was picked out by him.

    Simultaneously, he would read and write down notes one after another using a brush. His appearance was single-minded, and his heart was free of haste.

    Gongyi Tianheng quickly finished reading and blinked a few times. The information from the ancient text shed through his mind.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s circ.u.mstances were really out of the ordinary. To say the least, this <man-level medical="" catalogue="">> recorded an insane amount of medicinal pill types ¡ª based on the division on strength among martial artists...</man-level>

    There were 13,200 pills for Houtian martial artists,10,831 pills for Xiantian martial artists, and 8,691 pills for Tuofan ¡°Immortal¡± martial artists.

    Although it was widely known that each division in medicinal pills had over one thousand types, as far as he knew, all the pharmacists of Cangyun country were aware of only five hundred kinds of medical pill recipes ¡ª of all grades, not just a single grade.

    Even if a pharmacist dedicated his whole life, he wouldn¡¯t be able to refine all the recipes recorded in the <man-level medical="" catalogue="">>. He was deeply humbled by all the case-studies in the back of the book. Granted that he regarded himself exceedingly knowledgeable through ceaseless study, after looking through this book, he profoundly understood that his thinking was very shallow.</man-level>

    Suddenly, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s state of mind became very restless, and was forced to suppress it.

    If ¡ª

    If he could practice martial arts...

    Then he could travel the world, and he wouldn¡¯t be forced to confine himself to the cage of Cangyun City!

    ______

    ______

    [1] è²È» - Can ran, simr to ôÓÈ»Ò»Ð¦, to describe the brightness of a smile.

    [2] Ã»ÁËÔÂ¹âµÄ¼Ó³É - Mei le (to cease to exist, to vanish) yue guang (moonlight) de jia cheng (from a game perspective, the experience point modifier).

    [3] ÁúÒ» - Long yi, instead of a name, this seems more like a designation. An equivalent would be like the American¡¯s use of ¡°Eagle One¡± and ¡°Eagle Two.¡± Seems appropriate for a personal guard.

    [4] Ê®ÕÉ - Shi zhang. One ÕÉ is about 3.3 meters, so I rounded ten zhang to thirty meters.

    [5] Ææ¾­°ËÂö - Ji jing ba mai, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. Formed at birth, they function as deep reservoirs from which the Twelve Main Meridians can be replenished.

    [6] Ê®¶þÕý¾­ - Shi er zheng jing, the Twelve Main Meridians. The meridians responsible for the bulk flow of qi through the body. For an overview of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s dilemma, when he was born he had weak meridians. As he grew up, with each pa.s.sing year, one by one his meridians would be blocked. Starting from the peripheral eight extraordinary meridians, there were no signs of illness. He would be eight years old at this time. However, once the blockages began appearing in the twelve main meridians, his body would be greatly affected. Thus at ten years old, two main meridians were blocked (likely corresponding to his legs, since they were paralyzed). Therefore, he is eighteen years old now and he has two main meridians left. Once he turns twenty, all his meridians would be blocked and he would die.

    [7] ¼°¹Ú - Ji guan, traditionally, aing of age ceremony for a man who is twenty years old.

    [8] ±§´óÍÈ - Bao da tui, literally to hug a big thigh. Metaphor for clinging to someone influential or famous to curry favor.

    ______

    T/N: A quick poll. Who thinks I should keep using "Man-Level" or change it to "Human-Level"?

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 9

    Just when Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mood becameplex due to those medicinal recipes, Gu Zuo finished flipping through the two ancient texts off to the side. In a soft voice, he eximed: ¡°This one!¡±

    Tianheng abruptly raised his head.

    Gu Zuo was grinning ear to ear and spread out <human-level medicinal="" cuisine="">>, presenting it to his patron: ¡°Young master Tianheng, look at this. Don¡¯t these symptoms resemble yours?¡±</human-level>

    Tianheng¡¯s heart began to jump with excitement, but he maintained a calm gaze nheless.

    Sure enough, he finally saw a recipe.

    [The Eight Meals of the Five Essences]

    1st Taste: Heart Nourishing Meal

    2nd Taste: Lung Nourishing Meal

    3rd Taste: Liver Nourishing Meal

    4th Taste: Spleen Nourishing Meal

    5th Taste: Kidney Nourishing Meal

    6th Taste: Meal of the Five Viscera [1]

    7th Taste: Meal of the Six Bowels [2]

    8th Taste: Meal of Organic Harmony

    Patient Diagnosis: Weakened meridians, imbnce of the five elements, inadequate organs.

    Medicinal Effect: Slowly nourish the internal organs, strengthen the meridians, repair any deficiencies, and diminish pain.

    Derivative Effect of the Disease: Initial Stage of the Tiandu Body [3] (Note: extremely rare).

    Didn¡¯t ¡°weakened meridians and inadequate organs¡± precisely describe Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s current predicament? But this alone wasn¡¯t enough. The meridian blockages were his number one priority.

    However, this wasn¡¯t the only thing he looked at. After he read over the prescription, he searched for the derivative effect ¡°Tiandu Body¡± in the book¡¯s case-studies for an exnation.

    Afterwards, he couldn¡¯t help but to be filled with excitement. He wanted to quickly show this to his patron.

    Tianheng¡¯s rigid gaze followed the brief couple of sentences, and his heart grew fervent.

    [The Tiandu Body: wondrous cunning, un.o.bstructed senses [4], in harmony with the qi energy of heaven and earth, and consequently suffers the envy of heaven. Those who possess this body are Xiantian at birth [5], but the meridians are weakened and cultivating is impossible. As one ages, the qi energy of heaven and earth will cause blockages. At twenty years in age, the cirction of qi and blood will be obstructed and the person will die. If one can harness the Tiandu Body, it¡¯s possible to rise above humanity.]

    These symptoms werepletely genuine and perfectly fit Gongyi Tianheng!

    Although Tianheng acted with a quiet tranquility, at this time, it was hard to contain himself.

    This was because there was a densely packed string of prescriptions beneath the introduction. They provided a meticulous care n for the illness ¡ª and the first prescription was ¡°The Eight Meals of the Five Essences¡±!

    The entire treatment method was veryplex and troublesome. Many ingredients were needed, and the requirements of the pharmacist were iparably high... But even so, Tianheng could only tightly grasp this lead now.

    As long as there was a way, he would dare to bet everything and struggle for his life.

    Usually, Gongyi Tianheng could read ten lines at a nce andmit it all to memory. But today, he stared at this piece of paper for more than half an hour.

    He stared at it, and then he slowly calmed down.

    If a pharmacist could sessfullyplete the prescriptions on this page, he could smoothly cultivate to the Tuofan Threshold, and enter the ranks of the top powerhouses.

    Gu Zuo also felt relieved.

    Although he felt it was unlikely for his system to trick him, he still somewhat doubted whether he could find a method to cure his patron¡¯s illness. As a result, he was very remorseful about his patron ¡ª wasn¡¯t this kind of thing considered coercion?

    Now that he found a way, he felt confident in facing his patron. Although there were manyplex recipes, he was convinced that those prop books were exceptional. If he could bear those hardships, his patron could still be saved.

    This could be considered a fair trade.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s fingers tightened, and his knuckles [6] turned white.

    Gu Zuo sympathized with his patron and patiently waited.

    A good whileter, Gongyi Tianheng looked at him with a smile relieved of a great burden: ¡°For the next two years, I shall have to inconvenience Ah Zuo to nurse me back to health and cure my illness.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°You won¡¯t find another, more trustworthy, pharmacist?¡±

    Tianheng gave a meaningful smile: ¡°The one I believe in the most now is Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Although he had these kind of expectations before, but in fact he felt it was normal for such a young master to have trusted aides to help pa.r.s.e out this endeavor.

    Yet he never expected this patron to foist all of this onto him.

    This was really, really stressful [7].

    Gongyi Tianheng measuredly stood up and slowly lifted his hand to gently ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s head.

    Gu Zuo went stiff and his face turned a little red.

    No one had done this to him except his parents at home! This patron was being way too familiar!

    And Tianheng slowly said: ¡°If Ah Zuo has any needs, don¡¯t hesitate to tell me. I will satisfy them all.¡±

    Hearing this, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined and didn¡¯t hold it against his patron. He took out a few sheafs of paper and ¡°brushed¡± [8] a few words.

    Right, first write out a list. He must quickly get his hands on medicinal ingredients!

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face, patiently waiting on the side. His finger slowly tapped against the table as his eyes fell on Gu Zuo¡¯s body.

    As he said, this matter would bepletely left for Gu Zuo to handle...because that fated meeting ¡°chose¡± him and he was actually a promising pharmacist in training while at the Qi Family. Only when Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t make any progress, would he select another pharmacist.

    The less people who knew about his body¡¯s condition the better. Granted that the Tianlong Guard were obligated to know that Gu Zuo would be producing a medical treatment n to extend his life span.

    Too many who knew would be no good.

    The reason why this secret stayed a secret was because the people who knew were sufficiently small in number. The reason why people were able to n ahead and seize opportunities was because they knew things that other people didn¡¯t know.

    Gongyi Tianheng was a schemer; to leak information was just asking to be trampled over.

    The n treated him well, and his parents and younger brother were all good to him. But he was unwilling to use this sort of huge secret to test their credibility. Only when he hadplete control over the situation would he expose his secret in order to protect himself.

    After Tianheng made some preparations, Gu Zuo had already written several lists on the side.

    He blew on the dripping ink till it dried. He thought it over and confirmed that he didn¡¯t leave out anything else.

    At this time, a hand reached out and took the lists. After, there was the sound of rustling paper and turning pages.

    Gu Zuo was a little nervous.

    These lists...Ahhh, there was in excess of seven and a half. Rest a.s.sured, three of the lists contained the medicinal ingredients needed to treat his patron¡¯s illness. However, there were four and a half that had other herbs.

    After all, he still had to gather medicinal qi, and treating his patron¡¯s illness would be a long-term process. At first, he only had to eat a medicinal meal every day. For the rest of the remaining time, how could he waste it?

    But would his patron feel that his lion mouth [9] was too big?

    After Tianheng looked at it, his smile was still gentle: ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you want to use these other medicinal herbs to refine the Qi Generation Pill and the Rejuvenation Pill?¡±

    Dang it! [10] This patron even knew this? He was too educated!

    Gu Zuo was very depressed and quickly nodded his head: ¡°Yes.¡±

    He asked with hope: ¡°Is, is there a problem?¡±

    These two pills were in high demand for martial artists at the blood refining rank. The Qi Generation Pill helped to supplement the qi energy of heaven and earth, and the Rejuvenation Pill treated internal injuries. They were amon sight and their consumption was very high.

    They were also used as a benchmark to prove one¡¯s worth as a certified pharmacist...

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and easily understood Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts.

    He didn¡¯t say much, justughed a little: ¡°No problem. However much you want, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo was very happy.

    Truly, a generous patron!

    A little after they finished their talk, Gu Zuo returned to his room to continue practicing his cultivation method to .u.mte the qi energy of heaven and earth. At the same time, he also practiced his three refining hand arts. Practice made perfect. Before, he never refined medicine, and he still didn¡¯t know what to do. Anyway, diligence would make up for inexperience. It was always good to make extra preparations.

    He gradually entered a meditative state, and incessantly practiced with his hands and fingers for a while...

    ______

    That afternoon.

    Someone knocked on his door, which roused Gu Zuo from his meditation.

    He wasn¡¯t used to people serving him, so it was only natural for him to open the door himself. He raised his head and saw a stern face ¡ª wasn¡¯t this his patron¡¯s loyal hound? Could it be that he was looking for him?

    Normally, this loyal hound wouldn¡¯t spare a nce at anyone besides the young master. He felt that this guy was a very private person.

    Sure enough, the loyal hound stated: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, the young master requests your presence.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face turned red.

    He hadn¡¯t begun refining medicine and already he was being called a pharmacist...

    He felt a little embarra.s.sed, but still hurried to follow behind the loyal hound.

    Not long after, they reached the study.

    He didn¡¯t know what was going on, but Gu Zuo thought that this ce changed a bit.

    Gongyi Tianheng was lounging on his soft couch. After he saw Gu Zuo, he sedately opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, from today onwards, we¡¯ll be living together.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled, and immediately his scalp felt numb [11].

    Wha? [12] Living with his patron? What the h.e.l.l!

    Tianheng warmly smiled: ¡°My body is deeply troubled. If Ah Zuo was far away, some matters would be inconvenient.¡±

    He looked at the embarra.s.sed expression on Gu Zuo¡¯s face, and a bit of humor shed through his eyes. ¡°Although we¡¯ll live together, my room is quiterge. Naturally, when the timees, I¡¯ll give you a bed big enough to leisurely stretch out on. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat slowly stabilized, and was finally able to think about the situation.

    What his patron said made sense. The Tiandu Body would require lots of care. He really had to stick close to monitor things, but he usually had to refine medicine...

    Gongyi Tianheng appeared to understand his misgivings. His finger pointed to the side and continued talking: ¡°The pharmacy is already stocked. Ah Zuo can go take a look to see if it¡¯s to your satisfaction.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head and saw the loyal hound walk next to a wall. He used a hand to push aside a bookshelf, revealing a room filled with a medicinal fragrance ¡ª no wonder he felt that there was a change a while ago. Before, there wasn¡¯t a bookshelf there!

    Anyway, the pharmacy!

    Gu Zuo impatiently sprung up, and scampered over with steps filled with joys and expectations.

    From now on, he was a person who had a ce to work!

    As for the fact that this workroom was directly under his patron¡¯s observation, this concern flew through one ear and out the other...

    Standing at the pharmacy, Gu Zuo saw the spectacle inside and his heart was shaken.

    His patron was generous!

    His patron was efficient!

    His patron ¡ª no, his golden thigh was really too f.u.c.king wealthy!

    ______

    ______

    [1] ÎåÔà - Wu zang, includes the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.

    [2] Áù¸­ - liu fu, includes gall dder, stomach,rge intestine, small intestine, the abdominal cavities, and the urinary dder.

    [3] Ìì¶Ê(Ö®Ìå) - Tian du zhi ti, I¡¯m interpreting this to mean ¡°a body envied by heaven.¡±

    [4] °ÙÇÏ - Bai qiao - literally one hundred holes (orifices), refers to the sensing organs such as the eyes, ears, nostrils, etc.

    [5] ÑªÈâÉú¶øÏÈÌì - Honestly, I¡¯m notpletely confident in my trantion here. Thoughts?

    [6] Ö¸¸¹ - Zhi fu, actually refers to the fleshy pads of the fingers, but I believe that it¡¯s easier to read as the knuckles instead for visual purposes.

    [7] Ñ¹Á¦É½´ó - Ya li shan da, the pressure of a great mountain. Jocrly, to be put under great pressure and stress.

    [8] The author keeps using Ë¢ (to brush), so I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re emphasizing that in ancient times there were only calligraphy brushes and no fountain pens. Though, it feels a little redundant to keep doing this.

    [9] Ê¨×Ó´ó¿ª¿Ú - Shi zi da kai kou, to demand an exorbitant price.

    [10] ÎÒÈ¥ - Wo qu, ng for Dang! or Shoot!

    [11] Í·Æ¤·¢Âé - Tou pi fa ma, to have one¡¯s scalp go numb due to a sense of dread or fear.

    [12] É¶ - Sha, a dialectic equivalent of Ê²Ã´ Shen ma, or what? Thus, ¡°Wha¡± is not a typo.

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    T/N: So, I¡¯ve been seeing the phrase ¡°qi energy of heaven and earth¡± a lot in recent chapters. Do other trantors use other terms or just shorten it to qi energy, etc.? It¡¯s really a mouthful. Should I use ¡°natural qi energy¡± or something simr?

    Also, haha, I finally found an opportunity to slip in ¡°golden thigh.¡± Ahhh.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 10

    First of all, there was a medicinal cauldron. Many, many medicinal cauldrons.

    They were divided into three models of small, medium, andrge. There were ten small-scale cauldrons, four medium-scale cauldrons, and tworge-scale cauldrons. Each medicinal cauldron was of exceptionally high quality and their structures were borate. They could be rated as top-quality cauldrons. Just one look could make people feel that these were extraordinary. They were every pharmacist¡¯s dream cauldron.

    After that, there were stoves.

    Because Gongyi Tianheng read through those prop books, although the pharmacists of Tianwu continent could refine pills, he took to heart that they could still produce medicinal cuisines and decoctions. So, he prepared eight different types of stoves. In the cab to the side, there were many kitchen implements ced ording to sequence ¡ª each and every one shone with rays of inner light. It could be seen that the material of these things were just about the same make as the medicinal cauldrons.

    This was probably for the sake of expediting the refining process.

    Finally there wererge medicine cabs with many drawers upying tworge walls. Each drawer was filled with medicinal ingredients. To the side, there were tworge chests that were densely packed with all sorts of materials used for refining medicine.

    A wave of medicinal fragrance smacked him in the face, practically enthralling him!

    Not to mention, there were many metal racks near the chests. Hanging from the racks were all sorts of wild beasts of all five elements. Small beasts were kept intact as whole carca.s.ses. Wild beasts withparativelyrge builds were butchered into manageable sizes, and the most important parts were presented. These wild beast ingredients were all very fresh. Although the stench of blood was masked by the medicinal fragrance, an amateur would be able to tell that these beasts were hunted and delivered very recently.

    In addition to the jars, barrels, and other containers with household tools, there were those that were sealed tightly.

    Housed within them was a supply of pure water with special qualities.

    If a sentence was used to describe Gu Zuo¡¯s state of mind right now, it¡¯d be: a little stupefied.

    After that, he was very eager, nearly itching with the need, to throw himself into the piles of medicinal herbs!

    Seeing Gu Zuo in such a state, Gongyi Tianhengughed a little: ¡°Ah Zuo, are you satisfied?¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly nodded.

    Satisfied, too satisfied!

    Tianheng asked again: ¡°Then, do you want the first set of lists?¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted and patted his cheeks with both hands: ¡°Right, right, right. Of course, I¡¯ll take it.¡±

    After they finished talking, he quickly walked to the medicine cabs andrge chests ahead, and opened them up topare their contents. He remembered everything on the lists and found that there weren¡¯t any items missing. Otherwise, when the time came for him to refine, he¡¯d discover that his preparations were unfortunately insufficient.

    Naturally, there were no problems.

    This made Gu Zuo¡¯s heart feel at ease ¡ª his patron¡¯s subordinates were people who were very careful and disciplined.

    He turned his head: ¡°Young master Tianheng, shall I start?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at him being so energetic, and something glimmered in his eyes: ¡°Please make yourself at home.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned around, practically leaking excitement and ready to throw himself into it.

    ...Certainly, this was his first time handling kitchen tools.

    In order to tightly hold his patron¡¯s golden thigh, Gu Zu wouldn¡¯t forget that his number one priority was treating his patron¡¯s illness. And to treat it, everything started with the medicinal cuisine.

    Therefore, the journey of refining medicine began with cooking!

    Gu Zuo promptly chose the ingredients.

    The Tiandu Body was too cruel. As of right now, his pitiful patron couldn¡¯t withstand the strength of the first seven dishes of The Eight Meals, let alone skipping straight to the eighth.

    And the first serving of the recipe was the most troublesome to deal with. It required ten wild beasts and ten medicinal herbs of all the elemental attributes: fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. Also, each kind of attribute had to be equally split between Yin and Yang; and identical parts selected couldn¡¯t be used in the same dish twice.

    Considering that his patron was eating the medicinal cuisine for the first time, the twenty chosen ingredients had to be rtively mild and the medicinal properties kept weak. Thus, the cooking method had to be adjusted to slowly rejuvenate Tianheng.

    For example, for the first wood element ingredients, he chose the seeds [1] of the amethyst bamboo and the liver of the drilling [2] skrk; for the second set of wood element ingredients, he used the crushed juice of the soaring cloud gra.s.s [3] as well as the gall dder of the green armored beast [4]... Only, the wood element ingredients were already so entangled, the remaining sixteen parts would be very difficult tobine.

    Luckily, Tianheng¡¯s financial reach was huge. Everything on the lists were all delivered without exception, and he didn¡¯t know how much manpower or expenses were used to make it possible.

    However, this wasn¡¯t what Gu Zuo was worried about.

    Concerning the ingredients for the first round, he¡¯d already ordered enough stock to produce twenty servings of the entire recipe. Thus, first he wanted to wait and slowly observe his patron¡¯s recovery.

    If his luck was good, Tianheng¡¯s internal organs should strengthen after ten rounds of servings. His vitality would improve and his weakened meridians would be stronger.

    At that time, when it was time to carry out the next treatment, the medicinal effects could be upped to a stronger dosage.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate to pick up a knife, and began to process the ingredients.

    Many ingredients had their own methods of preparation, so he needed to do these things by hand. Furthermore, some ingredients were still whole and intact and he didn¡¯t needrge quant.i.ties to cut up... Not too long after, there were distinct ingredients piled up on tenrge tters.

    After, he ced arge pot on the stove and ignited a strip of silver wood charcoal. Pieces of fire stone were ced in the four corners of the stove, which drew in the mes and promptly heated up the pot on top.

    He poured half a bucket of untainted [5] water into therge pot. Such water would be free of pollutants from the earth or air as well as other elemental attributes. Therefore, it had no impurities ¡ª at this time, the pot began to boil.

    While boiling the water, Gu Zuo ced anotherrge tter in front. Activating the Divine Medicine cultivation method, his two hands were ced near his chest and his fingers began moving continuously.

    <minor art:="" supple="" bones="" and="" beautiful="" petals="">>, the optimal hand art for refining medicinal cuisine, was put to use at this critical moment. First, before putting anything in the pot, he had to reconcile all the different elemental attributes of the ingredients, and have their conflicting qi integrate. Second, during the refining process, he had to blend the medicinal fragrances so that the vors wouldn¡¯t repel each other and escape from the pot.</minor>

    At this moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s actions held a bit of nervousness.

    Fortunately, he had previous experience cooking and no matter how apprehensive he got, when he used the hand art, his fingers still resembled fast and elegant b.u.t.terflies. From each of the ten tters, he fast fingers would pluck an ingredient and, one by one, pat, hit, twist, or knead them together into a harmonious ma.s.s. As each ingredient originally had its own unique scent, they became meek and harmless. Gradually a very mellow and full vor came forth and felt very bnced. He made them take shape as a single form without any dissonance.

    Soon, he was more than halfway through his hand art. Some ingredients had bones in them, and it seemed like the bones were bing soft and malleable. Gu Zuo detected that within his own body there was some kind of slight force emerging. It bundled up the unique vors, which would make people feel like it was finally ¡°perfect¡± [6].

    With great difficulty, the harmonization was finished. Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead was sprinkled with beads of sweat.

    As the water in the pot boiled, his hand art also changed. His fingers were like the wind as he tossed the ingredients into the pot one at a time! It was unusual; as each one entered the water, not a single drop of water sshed around. The trajectory arc of the ingredients was like the ribbon of a fantasticet streaking through the sky ¡ª considerably special.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo let out a small sigh.

    At least there were no problems during the first half. After that, he paid attention to the heat control and continued his hand art.

    Gu Zuo simultaneously activated the cultivation method and closely watched the big pot.

    Perhaps, since the stove itself was rather short, it was to allow him to conveniently observe the pot. Although the pot was over half a meter tall [7], he could still watch the spectacle urring within very easily.

    Suddenly, he discovered that his sight became much clearer ¡ª maybe not clearer, but rather he gained a strange ability.

    In a split second, he was able to see that the medicinal ingredients in the water had several distinct and colorful streams of qi trying to escape the pot!

    Gu Zuo reacted almost immediately as he subconsciously activated his hand art.

    In an instant, the qi scattered in nearly all directions. The shing movements of the hand art held an attractive cadence and rapidly imprisoned the qi directly above the pot.

    Following the endless fluctuations of the hand art, the qi slowly converged. Five colors blended together to form a l.u.s.trous color that could only be described as a chaotic mess [8].

    Gu Zuo promptly applied the final two movements of his hand art!

    Just as he saw the qi begin to expand, there was an abrupt contracting movement beneath it ¡ª Crash!

    There was the sound of sshing water as the chaotically colored qi was pushed back down into the pot. After that there was the sound of a crisp ringing noise: Ping! It was the sound of Gu Zuo cing a lid on top.

    Next, it only had to boil for another two hours. Then a serving would be ready.

    It would be reasonable to a.s.sume that Gu Zuo ought to be able to wipe away the sweat of his toils and rx, but on the contrary, there wasn¡¯t enough time at all.

    Because after he suppressed the chaotically colored qi within the pot, he discovered that there was an incredibly slow-moving, milky-white qi leaking out.

    To the naked eye, it was clear to see that while that qi was weak, it was condensing rapidly.

    Gu Zuo suddenly felt that he was very lucky, and within his mind he cried out in rm: Medicinal qi!

    In an instant, the milky-white qi came together and formed a ¡°tiny snake¡± the width of a finger and the length of about one-sixth of a meter. It was swaying and shaking before there was a ¡°whoosh¡± and disappeared from his sight.

    [Collected one strand of medicinal qi. May the Host continue to struggle and work even harder.] [9]

    Gu Zuo felt relieved.

    Sure enough, this was medicinal qi. Not only that, but it seemed that his proficiency level wasn¡¯t too bad. Refining medicine for the first time and smoothly collecting medicinal qi ¡ª then, this serving of medicinal cuisine ought to be done refining?

    For another half an hour, the pot¡¯s lid constantly stoppered the fragrance inside that wanted to burst forth. The pot itself was trembling as if it wanted to shake off the lid immediately.

    Gu Zuo reached out with his hand at high speed and his fingers swiped across ¡ª in a split second, the lid was removed, and the fragrance of the medicinal cuisine filled the whole room.

    He quickly filled the first bowl with adle and turned to give it to his patron.

    However, he just turned around to discover that Tianheng was leaning against the door frame... He was attracted by the smell and came over, or he never left to begin with and was watching him refine medicine the whole time?

    Whatever. It didn¡¯t matter which, both were unimportant.

    Gu Zuo offered the bowl with both hands, still slightly nervous: ¡°Young master Tianheng, taste it?¡±

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    [1] ÖñÃ× - Zhu mi, bamboo seeds.

    [2] ´© - Chuan, besides meaning to wear, it also means to prate or drill. Mostly needed a decorative modifier for the skrk.

    [3] ÏèÔÆÖ¥ - Xiang (to soar), yun (cloud), zhi (literally Zoysia pungens, a species of gra.s.s).

    [4] Çà¼×ÊÞ - Qing (Green) jia (armor) shou (beast).

    [5] ÎÞ¸ù¾»Ë® - Wu gen jing shui, in ancient times, water used in medicine. This kind of water is thought to be purified because it had never touched the earth, such as snow melt or morning dew.

    [6] ÌìÒÂÎÞ·ì - Tian yi wu feng, seamless heavenly clothes, an idiom.

    [7] Á½³ß¸ß - Liang che gao, one ³ß is about 0.3 meters, so two would be 0.6 meters.

    [8] »ìãç - Hun dun, in Chinese mythology, the primal chaos or the formless ma.s.s before creation, but it also means muddy or messy.

    [9] ÔÙ½ÓÔÙÀ÷ - Zai jie zai li, literally continuing to meet foes head on in a fight and sharpen one¡¯s de, an idiom. The System is not necessarily teasing Gu Zuo here...or maybe it is, haha.

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    T/N: So I expect I¡¯ll have much more time over the holidays to pump out more chapters. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 11

    Gongyi Tianheng took the bowl and looked down.

    This bowl was only a little bit bigger than the palm of his hand and could hold about eight spoonfuls.

    The medicinal cuisine inside was a.n.a.logous to a soup base. It had a strong vor, and its color was full and vibrant. All the ingredients had dissolved together and a person wouldn¡¯t be able to distinguish their unique characteristics.

    Taking in a breath of its fragrance, it made one feel a warmth circting through them, quickly making the body feel veryfortable.

    Without hesitation, Tianheng drank the soup in one gulp.

    After, he looked at Gu Zuo whose eyes were br.i.m.m.i.n.g with expectations, whom eagerly waited for his response. Tianheng looked like he was pondering how to respond for a bit: ¡°It¡¯s a little t.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He wanted to ask if the voring was actually too light, yet ¡ª Ehhh! [1] You can¡¯t just say that there isn¡¯t any at all.

    In the end, gloomy Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what to think. You say that there ain¡¯t any vor at all? For his first time refining medicine, he didn¡¯t put in any salt. The recipe specifically said that he couldn¡¯t add any salt! Such a weak vor, there¡¯s nothing to be done about it... Right?

    But that¡¯s not right. There were many ingredients that were naturally salty. Next time, he¡¯d meticulously think things over. He¡¯d use the Supple Bones and Beautiful Petals hand art to better effect and bring out stronger vors.

    Gu Zuo forced augh: ¡°Haha, I¡¯ll work hard. Young master Tianheng, today you¡¯ve taken the first dosage of medicinal cuisine. You can only eat this and nothing else. You must carefully watch yourself and remember to tell me if you feel unwell.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth bent: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it and still didn¡¯t feel at ease: ¡°First, I¡¯ll go and refine pills. Later I¡¯ll check young Master Tianheng¡¯s pulse.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened: ¡°Ah Zuo will be busy. I¡¯ll be able to keep track of my health on my own.¡±

    Gu Zuo also thought that his patron wouldn¡¯t treat his own body¡¯s health lightly. He waved him off and went back to pick medicinal ingredients.

    Gotta strike while the iron was hot! If he could collect medicinal qi from refining medicinal cuisine, he could certainly do the same from refining pills. Plus, he used so many of his patron¡¯s medicinal ingredients, so shouldn¡¯t he refine pills to cover the losses?

    Suddenly, something came to mind. He pointed to the pot that was more than half full with medicinal cuisine and said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, the dosage I¡¯ve already given you was the most important part. Although the leftovers won¡¯t give you that much of a boost, for ordinary people, it¡¯ll strengthen and invigorate the body. If you need it, then preserve it. If not, you could sell it at a reduced price.¡±

    Tianheng listened and nodded: ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and didn¡¯t mind it anymore.

    Soon after, Gongyi Tianheng softly pped his hands.

    In the shadows of the room, a figure shed out. It was the leader of the Tianlong Guard: Dragon One.

    He genuflected: ¡°Young master.¡±

    Tianheng restrained a smile: ¡°You heard everything?¡±

    Dragon One lowered his head: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Tianheng indifferentlymanded: ¡°My troops who¡¯ve suffered damage to their meridians or have deficient bodies shall take this medicine per your distribution. Every time after that, the

    methods will be the same.¡±

    Dragon One lowered his head again: ¡°This subordinate understands.¡±

    After speaking, Dragon One shed into the pharmacy, took therge pot with both hands, and shed back out.

    When he got to the door to the hallway, his throat rumbled and his mouth faintly opened and closed. Another shadow quickly appeared, took the pot, and departed.

    Finished with this task, Dragon One once again returned to his corner. Not knowing what else to do, he simply vanished from sight.

    Gongyi Tianheng originally wanted to watch through the doorway for a while, but he sensed a faint heat ovee him. It seemed like very slender coils of heat were flowing from his internal organs through his body and finally into his meridians.

    Happiness shed through his eyes and he turned around. He slowly walked to the side of his couch and sat crossed-legged on the cushions.

    ______

    Because Gu Zuo was sessful in refining the medicinal cuisine, his confidence doubled. In a short time, he gathered twenty medicinal herbs ording to the Qi Generating Pill¡¯s prescription.

    In Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, refining pills was a challenging endeavor. Ordinary certified pharmacists would fail hundreds of times to possibly seed. Even the famous pharmacist of legends failed ten times on his first try.

    Through his ancient texts, Gu Zuo found that Qi Tianyou¡¯s understanding of refining to be simple and crude. Also, he was convinced that the method in his hands would definitely be squandered much less, but he couldn¡¯t be certain that he wouldn¡¯t lose... En, it didn¡¯t matter how many times he failed. In any case, preparedness averts peril! [2]

    The Qi Generating Pill was a verymon medicinal pill. When pharmacists of the Tianwu continent refined this pill, they would sequentially add distinct medicinal herbs to their cauldrons. First, they had to smelt the herbs down into liquid form as potions, then allow them to cool. Using their hands to sort out the medicinal properties, the potion would be separated into h.o.m.ogenous medicinal boluses of equal size. Once again, they were heated until they transformed into medicinal pills. However, not all boluses could be pills. Some would inevitably be scorched ck, while others had the potential to be genuine medicinal pills.

    After Gu Zuo learned the Primary Medicine Refining hand arts and recalled Qi Tianyou¡¯s understanding, he felt like he was a failure of a G.o.d. [3]

    Tianwu continent was in actuality...a ce to refine pills.

    After rolling his eyes out of his head, Gu Zuo decided to trust his system.

    How could he have studied <minor art:="" plucking="" nine="" stars="">> and gain only a small idea of how to refine pills?</minor>

    After thinking about it, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate. He walked straight up to his small pill cauldron and sat down cross-legged.

    This cauldron was one third of a meter tall and beneath it was a furnace chamber. He put a single, highly pure fire stone inside. If it was given a small spark, the stone would immediately ignite into a raging fire. And to regte the heat, he only needed to fiddle with something called a fire stone part.i.tion, which allowed for convenient adjustments.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need to use a part.i.tion.

    The first pattern of the minor art Plucking Nine Stars was a technique to control fire. He only needed to strike out with this technique and he¡¯d automatically seize control over a me¡¯s heat.

    Igniting the fire stone, Gu Zuo submerged his mind, quickly activated his cultivation method, and struck the center of the me!

    In a moment, the me burst and rippled in waves, then became intermittent. To an ordinary person¡¯s eyes, one could see that a change urred such that the me rolled and yed between his fingers. Thinking big, the me would grow, and thinking small, the me would shrink.

    Gu Zuo had no experience, and only relied on his intuition. The me was controlled to a height of about one hundred fifty centimeters and quickly warmed up the cauldron. After that, he grabbed a bundle of herbs and used the ¡°Scattered Flowers Art¡± to cast them into the cauldron. Then something unusual happened. Each individual herb separated as they floated down and upied its own position inside. Like mas of simr poles, the herbs repulsed each other through some fantastic force being drawn out.

    Only the sound of ¡°high pitched squeaks¡± [4] could be heard. At high temperatures, the herbs quickly dissolved; yet, there were only some herbs that broke apart quickly, others were dissolving slowly.

    Gu Zuo knew this was due to the different characteristics of the herbs. Right now, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t reckless, and not at all nervous. Once again, he put his fire controlling technique to use, and cleaved the cauldron¡¯s me into more than ten separate bands. Each strand of fire had a different temperature and targeted the specific locations of the herbs to brightly cook them.

    This time, all the herbs began dissolving at the same speed. After about fifteen minutes, they turned into more than ten liquid b.a.l.l.s.

    Following that, Gu Zuo activated the ¡°Fusion Art.¡±

    These b.a.l.l.s suddenly began spinning around a central point, and rapidly began converging. At the same time, the mes underwent a change and flowed together into a single fire, which allowed the b.a.l.l.s to merge and form a singlerge liquid ball. Within this ball, the majority of the fluid was unparalleled in purity, yet it still held some turbidity, which gradually settled at the bottom... Undoubtedly, it was the impurities of the herbs.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t fl.u.s.tered at all, and activated the ¡°Medicine Purifying Art.¡±

    Under this technique, the partictes that sank to the bottom abruptly rose up. Through an invisible force, the impurities turned into ribbons of ck qi and vaporized into the air.

    Again, Gu Zuo activated another art called the ¡°Flowing Wind Art.¡±

    With this technique, there seemed to be a breeze blowing through the area above the cauldron. In an instant, the ck qi was blown away by the wind so that it wouldn¡¯t interfere with the pill refining process.

    Immediately following that was the ¡°Medicine Division Art.¡±

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s actions, the purified ball medicinal liquid in the cauldron was scattered into sixteen well-proportioned, small medicinal boluses. They appeared to be iparably pure.

    Next, was the ¡°Pill Transformation Art.¡± This technique caused the sixteen little b.a.l.l.s to rapidlypress and congeal into a solid state. The color gradually turned into a kind of faint cyan. Above, a cloud of moisture billowed out of the cauldron.

    By appearances alone, it was already a sess.

    This made Gu Zuo very excited. In the course of his sessful pill making, not a single liquid ball turned ck. In other words, every bolus had the possibility of bing a pill!

    He didn¡¯t dare to act negligently and used the Pill Transformation Art to carefully finished them one by one.

    Atst, the medicinal pills were nearly done forming, and they were releasing a sweet fragrance.

    Gu Zuo quickly used the ¡°Pill Launching Art!¡±

    Instantly, the sixteen medicinal pills were plumply shaped. They spun within the cauldron, shooting off in all directions like bullets in order to escape.

    If they fell to the ground, the force of impact would certainly cause damage to the medicinal pills!

    How could Gu Zuo let such a thinge to pa.s.s?

    Gu Zuo restrained his qi, and activated his final technique: the ¡°Pill Receiving Art.¡±

    All of a sudden, it seemed like manyrge, invisible hands caught the rampant medicinal pills and brought them back. The image of the floating pills looked like a vast sky full of stars. Gu Zuo directed the flight of the pills and the sound of bells rung out as they knocked against the interior of a jade bowl.

    All sixteen were present and a smile stretched across his face. Paying detailed attention to those pills, he could only feel that they were all exceedingly plump and round, and that they looked like precious gems. Their surface was pure and l.u.s.trous, and brimmed with a glossy finish.

    If it was him, how could he bear to eat them...

    At this time, a rather low and maic voice could be heard through the doorway: ¡°Is Ah Zuo finished refining?¡±

    Gu Zuo heard his patron¡¯s question and happily scampered over with the bowl sped in his hands. He presented his treasure and held it up for inspection: ¡°Young master Tianheng, please look! I really did it!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng plucked a medicinal pill from the bowl and a smile appeared on his face: ¡°Probably...you can still refine three more cauldrons worth?¡±

    In the process of refining medicine, the cultivation method worked incredibly quickly, and he seemed to have improved.

    Tianhengughed and continued to size up the medicinal pill.

    In his heart, he was somewhat amazed.

    The pharmacists attracted to the Gongyi n were considered high grade. When they refined the Qi Generating Pill, it would take two hours to refine nine pills. If they had difficulty, the number of sessful pills would be even lower. Reportedly, because nine was the highest number, one couldn¡¯t achieve satisfactory results beyond that.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining method was not onlypletely bizarre, but refining sixteen pills took him only half an hour.

    In addition, the pills he refined...emitted a medicinal fragrance that seemed exceedingly pure.

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    [1] ßÀ - E or eh, an exmation or hup.

    [2] ÓÐ±¸ÎÞ»¼ - You bei wu huan, an idiom. To be prepared, just in case.

    [3] The original line is: ‡å‡åÓÐÉñ, which roughly trantes to a humiliated G.o.d. This line is a h.o.m.ophone to ¾¼¾¼ÓÐÉñ, which means eyes bright and full of expression. So, while Gu Zuo reached an epiphany that his cheat hand arts are amazing, it was at the cost of proving his perceptions wrong concerning how difficult it would be to refine medicine.

    [4] †ê†ê - Zizi, the sound of mice squeaking. In this case, it is the sound of water evaporating at high temperatures.

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    T/N: Haha, I¡¯m d I could finish another chapter so quickly. This trantion went rather smoothly.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 12

    Gongyi Tianheng watched Gu Zuo wave him off as he returned to refine more pills, and stopped bothering him.

    Sure enough, he discovered that this pill-refining kid took aparatively long time the first attempt. The speed of refining a cauldron of Qi Generating Pills rapidly increased between the second and third tries.

    In each batch, there were hardly any exceptions to the qualitiespared to the first sixteen. And even the time of refining was shorter than the previous one.

    This kid was endlessly amusing to Tianheng, and his improvement could be seen by the naked eye... Spending all that money on him was not in vain.

    After the third batch of sessful refining, Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead was drenched with sweat. He sensed that very little time had pa.s.sed and felt that he could still continue refining pills. But before he could really proceed, he was stopped.

    Without him knowing when, Gongyi Tianheng was already behind Gu Zuo and a hand held his left shoulder. His tone was very mild and considerate: ¡°Ah Zuo, you¡¯re already very tired. You should rest for a bit to avoid injuring yourself.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I can still...¡±

    Tianhengughed a little, and his words were soothing: ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry. If you¡¯re too impatient, your growth in the future will be wrought with difficulties... After all, you still need to cure my illness.¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted. That¡¯s right, he shouldn¡¯t be looking for benefits in the short term. This was just a little bit different from how he used to work; getting hurt on the job might be very troublesome!

    His patron was a very smart person, and he¡¯d listen to whatever smart people had to say.

    Thinking clearly, Gu Zuo nodded his head. He refreshingly said: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to young master Tianheng.¡±

    The side of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s lip curled into a smile. Gu Zuo slowly walked out of the pharmacy and entered his patron¡¯s bedroom.

    The bedroom was rtively private and very s.p.a.cious. It was connected to the study via a side door. Not only did it have a huge,fy bed, but there was also a smaller bed to the side. The other bed was newly added and was obviously for Gu Zuo.

    The distance between the two beds was about three to five meters. Beyond his expectations, there was plenty of s.p.a.ce to avoid b.u.mping into each other.

    Gu Zuo looked at it and was very satisfied.

    He might have lost his personal s.p.a.ce, but he himself didn¡¯t have much to hide. He pretended like he was going to college [1] with his .s.smates, living together in shared dormitories! And this time around, his ¡°.s.smate¡± was a top student; it was all good.

    He didn¡¯t need to say much to Tianheng. Gu Zuo took off his shoes, sat on his bed and said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I¡¯m going to start cultivating.¡±

    Tianheng looked at him and gently said: ¡°It isn¡¯t urgent, but I¡¯d like to consult Ah Zuo about something.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°What happened?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°The quality of the medicine Ah Zuo refined is pretty good. Whether if it¡¯s by the Gongyi n¡¯s allocation or if I sold it directly, it¡¯ll go for a high price. ording to the distribution of profits, how much did Ah Zuo want to im?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little confused: ¡°Young master Tianheng, the materials I used had alle from you. I just used it for practice, so naturally all the finished product belongs to you. What¡¯s there to distribute?¡±

    Originally, he forced his patron to support him when he had no one to rely on, which was already very contemptible. After he found a way to heal him, it was merely a sessful deal, but he no longer felt so guilty. His patron not only agreed to believe in him, he also gave him tons of medicinal ingredients without batting an eye. Preparing so many high quality prescriptions and refining tools...the investments were not small at all. Tianheng issued all these things; it was only the right thing to do by handing everything over to his patron. Where could he find room for profit distribution?

    To behave with integrity, one cannot make a profit at another¡¯s expense [2]. He couldn¡¯t be such a shameless person!

    Tianheng listened to what he had to say, and something unknown shed through his eyes.

    He walked pa.s.sed Gu Zuo and ruffled his hair. He smiled, saying: ¡°Later, if you want, we can discuss this at any time.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that there was nothing to discuss, but nodded anyway to show that he epted his patron¡¯s kindness.

    After that, Tianheng walked out.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes followed his patron¡¯s back as he left the room. Then, he recalled something.

    He promptly asked a question in his mind: System, when I previously refined those pills, did any medicinal qi form?

    Because he was too nervous the first time refining pills, and too focused by the third time, he simply forgot all about this matter. In addition, he wasn¡¯t yet proficient in using his strange vision ability, so he didn¡¯t notice anything.

    [Already collected three strands of medicinal qi. May the host continue to work hard.]

    Gu Zuo was d.

    As long as he refined medicinal pills, he could obtain medicinal qi? In that case, there were still about twenty days left. He could refine medicine every day in this manner. Wouldn¡¯t he be able to save up thirty strands very quickly? This small life would certainly be safe!

    But...suddenly a small doubt arose in his mind: By the way, after you collect thirty strands, I¡¯ll still be refining medicine. Will you still be collecting medicinal qi?

    [This system will continue collecting.]

    Gu Zuo asked again: After collecting, will it be put forward for the next month?

    [Cannot.]

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t willing to give up: Then, will you be taking the surplus medicinal qi?

    [This system can stockpile the surplus. May the host discover its uses on his own.]

    So it turned out he incorrectly med the system... Gu Zuo felt a little embarra.s.sed: Sorry about that. Then, can you help me stockpile the extra medicinal qi? Where can I look after it?

    [After this system has absorbed thirty strands of medicinal qi, the surplus will be deposited in the storage s.p.a.ce. The host can check on it at any time.]

    Gu Zuo understood.

    He no longer asked any questions. He closed his eyes and continued using the Divine Medicine cultivation method.

    In order to refine lots of medicine, he had to .u.mte even more natural qi [3].

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. Nowadays, he could already sense the subtle flow of qi through his body¡¯s meridians. Every time he used his hand arts, the qi would discharge at specific acupuncture points in his hands. Those regions should be the locations of his yao beads. By means of his cultivation method, the more qi he could .u.mte, the longer he could persist when refining medicine.

    ______

    On the other side of things...

    After Gongyi Tianheng left his bedroom, he went to his study.

    Dragon One appeared, carrying arge red gourd with both hands: ¡°Young master, all the Qi Generating Pills have already been packed in this fire jade gourd. It has the ability to prevent others from sensing any medicinal fragrance inside.¡±

    Tianheng gave a slight nod: ¡°Right now, you¡¯re already at the third stage of Meridian Condensing?¡±

    Dragon One respectfully replied: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Tianheng was pensive: ¡°Those most suited to use the Qi Generating Pill are Houtian martial artists up to the seventh stage. It seems like you¡¯re a ninth stage Houtian, so there shouldn¡¯t be much use.¡±

    He didn¡¯t ask for Dragon One¡¯s opinion before he continued: ¡°Open the gourd and take out a pill to eat so I can observe.¡±

    Dragon One¡¯s body stilled.

    He¡¯d been following the young master for a long time, so it was only natural that he wasn¡¯t mediocre. There would certainly be a reason for the young master to order him to do something like this.

    Thus, without any hesitation, he removed the cork from the gourd and dumped a pill directly into his mouth.

    Dragon One¡¯s eyes instantly widened.

    Once the Qi Generating Pill entered his mouth, it released a sweet vor and liquified down his throat. Suddenly, a huge medicinal force flowed through his meridians and turned into a power with a pure essence, which converged within his his body¡¯s acupoints. [4]

    The natural energy he¡¯d stored unexpectedly increased!

    Unlike his previous experiences taking the Qi Generating Pill with its dull sweetness, this medicinal pill was practically enjoyable for him. Not to mention the power contained within it, which was, at the minimum, one hundred times greater than the other pills!

    Although he was a ninth grade Houtian martial artist, this Qi Generating Pill was very useful ¡ª it could be said that the power it supplied was superior to that of the Qi Linking Pill [5], which was favored by martial artists of the Meridian Condensing stage. Moreover, it seemed that the natural energy it gathered was of an even purer quality.

    After carefully examining its effects, Dragon One didn¡¯t dare to neglect the tiniest detail as he reported everything he experienced to his young master.

    Gongyi Tianheng muttered to himself: ¡°Just as I predicted, the Qi Generating Pills refined by Gu Zuo are unprecedented.¡±

    Dragon One heard this and his admiration for his young master increased.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes were as sharp as ever.

    Using the insignificant medicinal ingredients of the Qi Generating Pill to create a ¡°pill¡± that was superior to that of the Qi Linking Pill. For the young master, this should carry tremendous profits!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was profoundly solemn: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s affairs must absolutely not be known to anyone else.¡±

    Dragon Onepletely understood what he meant, and immediately fell to his knees in obeisance: ¡°The Tianlong Guard will blindly follow the young master. We are loyal and devoted. In no way whatsoever will there ever be those who would disobey your orders! May the young master be at ease!¡±

    Tianheng smiled, nodding his head: ¡°Naturally, I have faith in you all.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he motioned for him to stand.

    Dragon One stood up and looked at the red gourd in his hands. Eagerness shed in his eyes: ¡°Young master, then these Qi Generating Pills...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smirked: ¡°Of course, good things should be reserved for one¡¯s allies.¡±

    He pondered for a bit: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s efficiency is considerably high. Each and every one was sessful. I will be keeping all of them, and ording to the output scale, I will distribute them to my Tianlong Guard. But my n has established standards and there aren¡¯t any justifications for freebor [6]. Transfer some funds from my personal storehouse, use twenty percent to purchase Qi Linking Pills, and mark down the purchases in a ledger. The ledger should be recorded under my name, but must be kept separate from my personal storehouse.¡±

    Dragon One was apprehensive: ¡°Young master will be paying Pharmacist Gu so much?¡±

    He certainly understood what the so-called ¡°twenty percent¡± and newly opened ledger were for.

    Tianhengughed: ¡°He deserves this price. In the future, he¡¯ll be worth even more.¡±

    Dragon One had an epiphany, and respectfully bowed his head: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Gu Zuo was Tianheng¡¯s personal pharmacist. The medicinal pills he refined all belonged to him. Even though he would be supplying the n, the n still had to use their own funds to purchase anything.

    Ordinary Families would revere pharmacists because they needed medicinal pills. All medicinal herbs were supplied by the Families, regardless of how much was wasted. At the same time, whether the Families used the medicinal pills for themselves or sold them, ten percent of the profits would be allocated to the refining pharmacists ¡ª Of course, if the refining pharmacist was particrly powerful, the payments could be amended.

    Right now, Gongyi Tianheng wanted to give the medicinal pills to his Tianlong Guard to use. He was transferring twenty percent of the market price of the Qi Linking Pill from his personal storehouse. In other words, after tomorrow, these Qi Generating Pills would be sold externally at the same price as Qi Linking Pills. And twenty percent of the profits would be allocated to the refining pharmacist Gu Zuo.

    Dragon One already understood.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s ability, if he steadily refined Qi Generating Pills with a better efficacy than Qi Linking Pills, both prices would be identical... The benefits would be unimaginable.

    He believed that his young master would make these benefits even more terrifying.

    ______

    ______

    [1] The actual words are ´óÑ§, college or university. However, Gu Zuo is fifteen years old and, unless he¡¯s a child genius, I think ¡°boarding school¡± would be more appropriate. If I get more information about his circ.u.mstances, I might change it back to college. (Thanks to an unknown user for the help!)

    [2] The characters are switched around, but ites from the phrase Õ¼±ãÒË, which means to take an unfair advantage at other people¡¯s expense.

    [3] ÌìµØÖ®Æø - Tian di zhi qi, the qi of heaven and earth. I¡¯ve been tranting it word for word before, but it¡¯s such a ha.s.sle. From now on, I¡¯ll be using ¡°natural qi¡± instead. I¡¯ll probably go back and change the other references in earlier chapters to match as well.

    [4] Ñ¨ÇÏ - Xue (acupuncture point) qiao (hole, orifice), not sure about a direct trantion, so I just used ¡°acupoint¡± as a generalization to keep it separate from actual references to acupuncture points.

    [5] ºÏÆøµ¤ - He qi dan, direct trantion.

    [6] °×ÓÃ - Bai (Free of charge) yong (employment).

    ______

    T/N: For those who didn¡¯t understand, Tianheng intends to create a paper trail. The Qi Generating Pills Gu Zuo made are better than Qi Linking Pills. To ount for the appearance of these terrifying pills, Tianheng made a ¡°ma.s.s-purchase¡± (i.e., sry for Gu Zuo) as a cover up to exin the discrepancy. Ahhh, what our devious ML will do to hide his little MC.

    Anyway, it¡¯s still 12/25 in my time zone. So here¡¯s a present for you all. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 13

    After half a month, besides refining medicinal cuisine, Gu Zuo was immersed in pill refining. While sc.r.a.ping together enough medicinal qi as fast as possible, he felt that his speed refining pills was too slow. Currently, he was only refining Qi Generating Pills; the Rejuvenation Pills were still on hold [1].

    Originally, he could only produce four strands of medicinal qi a day. After several days, he could obtain five to six strands, and gradually increased his stockpile. In nearly a week¡¯s time, the thirty strands were already taken care of. Then, when he got more medicinal qi, Gu Zuo discovered that after the system finished collecting, it would immediately stuff them in an empty storage s.p.a.ce.

    Gu Zuo thought about looking inside, and only got an impression that this ckhole seemed to contain fifty small milky-white snakes swimming around. They seemed quick-witted and beautiful. It was like many infinitesimal adornments in the darkness.

    As for the use of this medicinal qi, the fact was that he couldn¡¯t figure it out... He tried to use his mind to touch them, but the snakes twisted their bodies and slipped away. Time and time again, he slowly got discouraged and was the first to give up.

    After that, Gu Zuo set out to begin refining the Rejuvenation Pill.

    ______

    On this day, Gongyi Tianheng leaned on his couch as he extended his hand. Gu Zuo was taking his pulse.

    Gu Zuo concentrated deeply, and didn¡¯t dare neglect even the tiniest detail.

    His pulse measuring ability was average. Although taking one¡¯s pulse didn¡¯t reveal the extent of one¡¯s illness, a person could generally determine if they were healthy or not. Gu Zuo could still tell if his inner organs and meridians were robust or not.

    A good whileter, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression rxed: ¡°Young master Tianheng¡¯s circ.u.mstances have improved a little since yesterday.¡±

    His patron used to eat only one medicinal meal a day, but now he was eating two per day. He could no longer be considered among the ranks of the dead. Rather, it was an opportune revitalization from a deathly stillness; his circ.u.mstances had genuinely improved.

    He took his patron¡¯s pulse every day. ording to his patron, Tianheng could sense that moving his body incurred less pain than before and expended less energy.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze was undisturbed: ¡°Does Ah Zuo think I can advance to the next step?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows pinched as he thought: ¡°We can try?¡±

    The first step required special care; otherwise the meridians would rupture. That would make things even more troublesome. Currently it seemed that the effects of his patron¡¯s treatment were good overall ¡ª he wasn¡¯t in a lot pain and the meridians were less rigid. This vitality showed that the cirction of the qi and blood in his internal organs were no longer caught in a deadlock.

    In that case, the next step was to strengthen the medicinal effects; he had to elerate the process of strengthening his organs and meridians.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo made a cating gesture with his hand: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, young master Tianheng. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    After he spoke, he returned to the pharmacy to prepare for the second course. He needed to alter the selected medicinal ingredients based on their five elemental properties...

    When he left, Tianheng hefted a green gourd on his desk ¡ª because his pain eased, he was able to perform actions he couldn¡¯t do before and used energy he otherwise couldn¡¯t expend.

    This green gourd contained thirty two Rejuvenation Pills.

    Gongyi Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°Dragon One.¡±

    Called forth, he suddenly appeared: ¡°What is the young master¡¯smand?¡±

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Go find some Tianlong Guards who haven¡¯tpletely healed from their injuries.¡±

    Because the Tianlong Guard recently dispatched troops to hunt wild beasts for the young master, many received injuries of varying severity. Dragon One clearly understood and quickly returned with other shadows reporting in. The stench of blood hung about them.

    Their bodies were covered with different wounds of all sizes. At this moment, the guards understood their young master¡¯s intent and bared their injuries to him.

    Gongyi Tianheng handed the green gourd over to Dragon One.

    He promptly removed the cork and removed five medicinal pills, and gave one to each of the five guards.

    These pills were a faint yellow of extremely pure quality, and resembled topaz pearls. Their external appearance was just as attractive to these people as the Qi Generating Pills.

    The five Tianlong Guards saw these pills and were delighted.

    These extraordinary pills caused them to think of the Qi Generating Pills they received a few days before. With an appearance a.n.a.logous to the Rejuvenation Pill, hopes and expectations arose within them.

    They weren¡¯t disappointed. The moment they took the pills, theirplexions greatly improved.

    Tianheng carefully observed them.

    The five Tianlong Guards sustained injuries to their leg meridians,cerations to their flesh, fractures to their bones, and damage to their internal organs, all of which were caused by wild beast attacks. Furthermore, their muscles and flesh were also impaled straight through.

    And regardless of which injury, all of them were healing at rates visible to the naked eye. All except for the damage done to the internal organs; the guards could only use their own words to describe the healing process, since they couldn¡¯t be shown. They also felt that the aches within their bodies were quickly alleviated. In practically no time, it was as if they were as good as new.

    In wound treatment, one grade above the Rejuvenation Pill was the Revitalization Pill [2]. However, the scope of application was limited to only the Xiantian martial artists. Thus, Houtian martial artists could only use the Rejuvenation Pill and nothing more. If they did use the Revitalization Pill, they wouldn¡¯t be able to endure its medicinal power.

    However, in spite of all this, Gu Zuo¡¯s Rejuvenation Pill had a faster healing rate and a more thorough recovery; not like the previous Rejuvenation Pills. In the wake of diminishing returns in strength boosts, for martial artists at the Meridian Condensing stage or above, the pill¡¯s usefulness was next to nothing. They were forced to take many pills to even heal themselves.

    It was obvious that this was a goldmine.

    After an exhaustive battery of tests, Gongyi Tianheng gripped this Rejuvenation Pill in his hand. He would only give these pills to his Tianlong Guards for use. Simrly, he also raised its price, but not to the same price as the Revitalization Pill ¡ª after all, the applications were at different grades. But because its effects were tenfold, its price was also increased tenfold.

    Of course, twenty percent of the profits would be written down in a separate ledger.

    At this time, the pharmacy doors opened and an even stronger medicinal fragrance spread throughout the room.

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo holding a bowl and scampering over. He waved his sleeves and dismissed his other Tianlong Guards. Soon after, he took the bowl and drank it in one gulp.

    Then his eyes closed slightly.

    At first, he could only barely perceive a subtle heat that began warming him up. Until, all at once, that warmth abruptly became burning hot. In a split second, it made him feel as if his meridians were set on fire!

    The same could be said for his internal organs, and he felt that he could hear his own blood boiling!

    Perhaps the medicine was too strong for him. The pain was excruciating [3]; his suffering was worse than when he practiced walking. It felt like countless knifes were cutting into his bones. It felt like his meridians were breaking... But he knew, this was all a hallucination.

    He was still very calm and cool-headed. His meridians and bones didn¡¯t receive the tiniest injury.

    Tianheng¡¯s face paled a bit, while sweat beaded from his forehead and rolled down his cheeks. Unexpectedly, his dampened clothes and hair gave him the appearance of a frail beauty.

    However, since the very beginning, his resolute posture had yet to break into the slightest of trembles. It could be seen that this person was definitely not a weakling [4].

    After no less than half an hour, it felt like the pain was ebbing away.

    Gongyi Tianheng opened his eyes, which shined with exhration.

    Once he endured with his willpower and sweat, he surprisingly found himself in unprecedentedfort... He moved his arm, which still hurtpletely, but the ache eased once again.

    In other words, his qi and blood had a bit more ¡°life¡± in them.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo was a nervous wreck. He practically threw himself at his patron to grab his wrist. It was only after he discovered that his vitality improved did he calm down.

    His patron truly surpa.s.sed his expectations each and every time. How could someone who was only three years older than him endure all that? He was aware of the pain of being hit by a truck, and already didn¡¯t fear it. Meanwhile, his patron suffered through a pain that would drench him with sweat and cause him to shake uncontrobly. Yet, he didn¡¯t flinch once. This didn¡¯t make any sense!

    But as long as he was fine, it was okay...

    Gongyi Tianheng spoke, and unexpectedly his breathing wasn¡¯tbored: ¡°Ah Zuo, I feel pretty good.¡±

    Gu Zuo was speechless and could only nod.

    His patron could tough it out. That was good... In his heart, he gave Tianheng a thumb¡¯s up [6].

    Just as he was about to return to the pharmacy to hastily continue refining pills, a shadow suddenly appeared outside.

    Presently, Gu Zuo was already used to his patron¡¯s subordinates sporadically appearing and disappearing [6]. With one nce at this person¡¯s ck clothes, he knew he was part of the Tianlong Guard. However, he¡¯d never seen such an urgent and panicked appearance.

    Just what happened?

    Gu Zuo was a bit curious, but he knew that curiosity could lead to a swift death. So he didn¡¯t prepare to listen in, and proceeded to walk away.

    But Tianheng didn¡¯t seem intent on keeping him in the dark, and didn¡¯t wait for him to close the pharmacy door. The Tianlong Guard¡¯s voice already reached Gu Zuo¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Reporting to young master, the n Head has summoned you.¡±

    ...Hold on!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s footsteps halted.

    What the heck [7] did he mean by that? Tianheng was going to leave? Then, what about him?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s deep voice resounded: ¡°What happened?¡±

    The Tianlong Guard¡¯s words were fast: ¡°It¡¯s the n War.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    What the heck was the n War? Listening to that word ¡°war¡± wasn¡¯t easy to handle. Were they going to fight?

    While he thought about it, Tianheng beckoned with his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    At once, Gu Zuo hurried over.

    Undoubtedly, he was going to exin it to him! He would have to listen carefully after this.

    And, as expected, Tianheng told him the details.

    The n War really was what he thought it was: nspeting against other ns through martial strength to determine status and influence.

    The mainpet.i.tion focused on the younger generation¡¯s strength.

    Gongyi Tianheng was the eldest grandson of the first generation n Head. Tianheng¡¯s father was next in line for the position of n Head, and one could say that his father was the n Head¡¯s eldest son. Even if this kind of pedigree didn¡¯t have martial power, Tianheng still had to partic.i.p.ate in the n War. Otherwise, they would be shamed; the entire n wouldn¡¯t be able to raise their heads.

    Gu Zuo was shocked: ¡°Isn¡¯t this just throwing your life away?¡±

    ______

    ______

    [1] ÔÍÄð - Yun niang, to brew or ferment. It can also mean (for an idea) to be shelved or put on hold.

    [2] Since »Ø´ºµ¤ is the Rejuvenation Pill, Áô´ºµ¤ will be the Revitalization Pill.

    [3] ÆÌÌì¸ÇµØ - Pu tian gai di, hiding the sky and covering the earth, an idiom meaning earth-shattering or overwhelming.

    [4] ²»¿°Ö®±² - Bu kan zhi bei, a generation that cannot endure. I can¡¯t find a smooth trantion that conveys the same meaning (and I¡¯m not sure if this is a reference or idiom of some sort either. Any ideas?)

    [5] µãÔÞºÃÁË - Dian zan hao le, to give a like on media sites like Facebook.

    [6] Éñ³ö¹íÃ» - Shen chu gui mo, G.o.ds appear and devils vanish, an idiom.

    [7] Ê²Ã´¹í - Shen me gui, used in response to something bewildering.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 14

    Isn¡¯t this just throwing your life away...

    Those words were blurted out. Not only did the kneeling, loyal hound Dragon One turn to rigidly re at Gu Zuo, Tianheng also couldn¡¯t help but take pause. Then, he supported his forehead as he began tough.

    Gu Zuo took a step back as he heard this, feeling mocked.

    His words seemed to be too straightforward just now... Ahaha.

    Gongyi Tianheng beckoned him over with a wave of his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo froze mid-step.

    ...Come over?

    He looked at his patron¡¯s current appearance: a pallid face, dark eyes with a mysterious glint, and a hard-pressed and over-worked heart.

    With his disposition, he shouldn¡¯t want to beat him up if he went over...

    Tightly hugging that patron with a trusted personality, Gu Zuo nevertheless approached him.

    Then, Tianheng lifted his hand and pet his hair. His smile was profoundly handsome: ¡°Rest a.s.sured. Naturally, I won¡¯t be throwing my life away.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was painted red.

    He could only gape like a fish. He nodded his head and quietly uttered: ¡°...Oh.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t embarra.s.sed in the least by this bashful kid. He lightly tapped his shoulder: ¡°During the n War, hold off on refining. I¡¯ll take you with me. Also, you need to familiarize yourself with my parents.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded again, and dazedly wandered back to his pharmacy ¡ª He suddenly reacted: meeting his patron¡¯s parents? Just what was he nning in the end?

    ______

    Over the following days, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t exin anything further. He was in his study, bossing everyone around every day. The people of the Tianlong Guard would quickly receive their orders and vanish one after the other.

    Presently, Gu Zuo was already able to refine six cauldrons worth of herbs every day. ording to Tianheng¡¯s specifications, four were the Qi Generating Pill and two were the Rejuvenation Pill. And all of them were distributed to the Tianlong Guard.

    Until one evening, Tianheng was taking another serving of Gu Zuo¡¯s meal of organic harmony. After he was drenched in sweat, he told Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, remember to get up early tomorrow. You¡¯ll being with me to the main household.¡±

    Gu Zuo only felt that there was a peal of thunder and lighting ringing in his head: ¡°We¡¯re leaving tomorrow?!¡±

    Tianhengughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo. You¡¯ll pretend to be my book boy [1] and it¡¯ll suffice going forward. It¡¯s unlikely that your ident.i.ty as my pharmacist will be revealed. Let¡¯s say you were previously wronged and had a fated meeting. You obtained a prescription and searched for me to gain asylum. Afterwards, everything in the past was a like a dream [2]...is what we¡¯ll leak.¡±

    Gu Zuo was thinking about this, and suddenly startled.

    Being wronged and so on; did his patron know his real ident.i.ty? Ah, that¡¯s incorrect. It¡¯s Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty.

    However, he thought again. He was a total stranger who popped out of nowhere. It would be odd if his patron didn¡¯t investigate... Moving on, after he pondered over the meaning of his story, he gave a big thumb¡¯s up in his heart.

    His patron really was worthy of his IQ!

    Appropriately revealing a good thing can conceal a deeper secret.

    However, Gu Zuo frowned and asked: ¡°Then, which prescription should we use?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled faintly: ¡°The Five-Element Meridian Replenishing Decoction.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh? Very good!¡±

    The pill refining techniques of the Tianwu continent pharmacists were very simple. The process of creating potions would lead to pill refining. If the potion didn¡¯t produce pills, a person could soak themselves in the potion to strengthen their physique.

    Five-Element Meridian Replenishing Decoction was a medicinal decoction totally unlike amon, impurity-filled potion. However, its material attributes were indeed of the five elements. Contrary to what one might expect, it was possible to disguise this decoction as a sessful potion.

    In addition, its function was to make the meridians pliable and tough through the qi of the five elements. It¡¯s medicinal force was slightly powerful, so it really was a suitable cover.

    As a result, they resolved this matter handily.

    Gongyi Tianheng copied down the prescription and ordered Dragon One to safeguard it. Then, he merely waited for the trip to the main household tomorrow.

    ______

    The next day, Gu Zuo switched out his clothes for the distinctive book boy uniform of the Gongyi household. He approached his patron and stationed himself a few steps behind him in a well-behaved manner.

    Dragon One, wearing ck clothes with a decorative dragon design, was stationed on the other side of Gu Zuo.

    Behind both of them in the rear, trailed two hundred Tianlong guards with the same ck uniform. However, the dragon design was not like Dragon One¡¯s golden color. Instead, it was aparatively subdued silver. Every one of them carried an austere and harsh air about them, which made the atmosphere seem very fierce.

    They would be .s.sified as the secret guards of a n¡¯s descendants. Only the descendants with exceedingly outstanding aplishments could have these guards. They devoted their heart and soul to their master. In and of itself, their apt.i.tudes were quite valiant; so much so that it made some of the outstanding young masters of smaller Families seem feeble. However, besides the n¡¯s usual training, when all was said and done, they were re-educated [3] such that whatever their outer appearance, one would see that they had the ability to follow their master. And in this way, they obeyed their master from the bottom of their hearts.

    Because Gu Zuo resolved the issue with the medicinal qi, he was in a very rxed mood. Ordinarily, besides refining medicine, he also had some interest in understanding the circ.u.mstances around him.

    And Tianheng generously gave him these exnations.

    After Gu Zuo learned about the existence of the secret guard, astonishment welled up from deep within.

    The Tianlong Guard... Ah, his patron was so heroic! Moreover, he could see that the guards today all held his patron in the highest esteem.

    Atst, he realized that even though Tianheng had no martial strength, his ability to win the hearts and minds of his men was top-notch.

    No wonder there were so many reputable rumors about him...

    After leaving the courtyard, Gu Zuo suffered a fright.

    On the deste and vastnds outside, a violent atmosphere was swirling about and a.s.saulting the senses [4]. It would practically suffocate a person.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat skyrocketed [5] and he hastily took a few steps back.

    Dragon One conducted himself as a loyal hound and always kept his young master¡¯s thoughts in mind. So, he quickly moved his body in such a way that as he slightly leaned in front of Gu Zuo, he alleviated that crushing pressure.

    Gongyi Tianheng stood there in front: back straight and hands clenched.

    His body was weak and he couldn¡¯t practice martial arts. With his kind of looks, one could hardly expect resistance. Yet, at this moment, only his fingers tightened and nothing more. Even though his knuckles whitened, he never cowered one bit.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was mentally prepared and ventured out to see just what those things were that emitted such an intimidating air.

    They were a herd of strange...horses.

    Every horse was roughly three and a half meters tall and seven meters long. All four hooves were as white as snow and its entire body was covered with densely packed scales. It¡¯s physique was incredibly strong. Their manes were very long and looked like a zing trail of fire. Their metallic-gray scales reflected the light and would give a person a kind of pa.s.sionate feeling.

    These beautiful horses shocked Gu Zuo and he felt that they looked like celestial horses out of a mythological story. His heart was full of antic.i.p.ation [6]. Although he was still only a young man and didn¡¯t normally have much entertainment, he was still very interested in these precious horses.

    He momentarily forgot his fear and scampered over to his patron. He raised his head and asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, what are these horses?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng took in measured breathes and replied: ¡°These are dragon-scaled horses. They are grade three wild beasts.¡±

    On the side, Dragon One knew that his young master was under great strain, and followed through with giving Gu Zuo his exnation: ¡°The Five ns of the imperial capital all have their own wild beast pastures. These dragon-scaled horses are raised and tamed by the Gongyi n through a supreme beast raising method. Although the other four ns raise their own beasts, they can¡¯tpare with the dragon-scaled horses. They have the blood of ancient dragons running through their veins. Their ferocity is unmatched.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened as he heard this.

    Don¡¯t even mention that he was a guest from another world. Even with the native Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, he¡¯d never heard these kinds of things. On one hand, it was only natural that Qi Tianyou, who was solely focused on refining medicine, would have very little experience. On the other hand, the so-called Qi Family didn¡¯t have these kinds of a.s.sets from the beginning ¡ª their head of house only used a grade two wild beast as a mount, that¡¯s all. And don¡¯t even think about mentioning stuff like ancient bloodlines.

    Sure enough, those rumors were not exaggerations... Gu Zuo had some lingering fear.

    Truly, his luck was exceptionally good, so he would steadily depend on his patron.

    Tianheng¡¯s n was truly fearsome.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo saw his patron lift his arm and give a slight wave.

    In an instant, all the Tianlong guards simultaneously shot out, grabbed their respective horse¡¯s bridle, and climbed on. Unexpectedly, those incredibly scary dragon-scaled horses only issued a few neighs, and obediently allowed the guards to ride them.

    Tianheng slowly made his way forward.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly kept pace with Dragon One and made a straight line to the center of the procession. There he discovered an unadorned and imposing, ancient bronze chariot. It looked simple, but still gave him an inexplicable feeling.

    It was very...very ominous.

    Tianheng got on the bronze chariot and extended a hand: ¡°Ah Zuo,e on up.¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated.

    His patron¡¯s body was no good. Just now, his appearance was a little unstable. Was he able to pull him up?

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression stopped, and he quietly called again: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo only felt that the hairs on his back stood up and his heart went numb. He immediately grabbed his hand to get on.

    How could he forget? A man¡¯s ultimate taboo was to be looked down upon by others! In any case, he waspletely reliant on his patron right now. He couldn¡¯t offend him at all. Worstes to worst, they both would fall off. En, he must be careful to act as his patron¡¯s seat cushion [7]. At most, at most he would only suffer a small sc.r.a.pe or bruise.

    Bearing this kind of determination, Gu Zuo nervously prepared himself. He only had to get on while Tianheng was unstable.

    But before he finished mulling over these thoughts, a power that wasn¡¯t small at all was transferred through his hand and easily pulled him up onto the chariot.

    ¡ª Eh.

    It seemed like his patron¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t as weak as he thought. Ahaha.

    After getting on, Gu Zuo directly faced Tianheng¡¯s eyes, which were filled withughter.

    The corner of his mouth wobbled. Don¡¯t start that; he was very embarra.s.sed.

    It looked like his patron saw through him again. After this, he¡¯d better sincerely ce his trust in his patron...

    The ancient, bronze chariot was very steady. Dragon One rode on the second dragon-scaled horse, following the leading horse in front.

    That leading horse had two dragon horns on its head, which were each about one hundred fifty centimeters long. It signified that its bloodline was even richer than the other dragon-scaled horses. It held a prestigious aura that could awe the whole herd and make the horses follow it.

    Of course, this kind of leading horse should have been subdued by the young master. However, Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t practice martial arts. So although this horse was given to him, it was merely a disy of his represented status. That¡¯s all.

    The Gongyi n resided in the southern parts of the imperial capital. The entire n upied an extremely bustling main street, with countless residences and crowds of servants and guards.

    This was Cangyun Country¡¯s first-.s.s n.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ÊéÍ¯ - Shu tong, book child. Something simr to a page (for a knight), a tag-along who will carry his books or belongings, an attendant with a greater status than a servant.

    [2] ¹ýÑÛÔÆÑÌ - Guo yan yun yan, an idiom.

    [3] µ÷½Ì³É - Tiao jiao cheng, while jiao cheng means to sessfully teach, I¡¯m treating tiao to refer to an adjustment of behavior, as how a regiment obeys their superior¡¯s orders.

    [4] ÆËÃæ¶øÀ´ - Pu mian eri, literally to hit someone in the face.

    [5] His pulse was 108 bpm; changed for ease of reading.

    [6] The literal trantion was that his heart was a little itchy, ÐÄÀï¶¼ÓÐµãÑ÷Ñ÷µÄ which means he wanted to do something.

    [7] µæ±³ - Dian bei, sacrificial victim or scapegoat, but it can also mean seat cushion. In other words, should Tianheng not have enough strength to lift Gu Zuo onto the chariot, they would both fall backwards. Gu Zuo intended to act as anding cushion for Tianheng.

    ______

    T/N: h.e.l.lo, everyone. Happy New Year!

    Another poll here: Do you think I should keep using book boy or something like attendant or retainer?

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 15

    Along this journey, Gu Zuo saw just how popr the Gongyi n was in the imperial capital.

    When a troop of men and horses pa.s.sed through the streets, the people on the road naturally withdrew to the sides one after the other, all still spiritedly talking. Themoners and martial artists paused, everyone had their eyes and mouths br.i.m.m.i.n.g with envy and admiration.

    ¡°That¡¯s the Gongyi n¡¯s war chariot! Quick, look! So powerful!¡±

    ¡°Wu¡¯Er [1], if you can attain Houtian third stage before you¡¯re thirty years old, papa will pay a big sum to send you off to the Gongyi n to work as a guard!¡±

    ¡°Look at the side of that banner; there¡¯s the word ¡°Heng¡± written on it. Could it be that this is the Gongyi n¡¯s young master?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s gotta be the young master. Don¡¯t just look at the fact that he can¡¯t cultivate. Actually, his Lordship [2] is a trulymendable person!¡±

    ¡°Even with his body, he can still stand side by side with the four great young masters. Seriously outstanding!¡±

    Right now, Gu Zuo¡¯s five senses were much sharper than before. It was like the rtively cacophonous voices all flowed together, and he clearly heard them one after another. His heart was already filled with awe and admiration.

    Surprisingly, not a single person ridiculed his patron who couldn¡¯t practice martial arts. Truly, his patron was totally awesome!

    Thinking about this, when he looked at Tianheng, his view grew even more dazzling.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was calm as he had tea and refreshments at a pace that was neither fast nor slow. [3]

    He detected Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes on him and turned his head to meet his gaze ¡ª those two eyes were glistening. Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking was practically written all over his face. It would make peopleugh in spite of themselves.

    Truly, simple and pure.

    Martial artists were keen and alert. He had the Tianlong Guard open up a path ahead. Naturally, it was unlikely for anyone here at this time to shout anything derogatory. Moreover, because his ident.i.ty was susceptible to nder, being incapable of practicing martial arts was another ce to be criticized. Dealing with information and rumors pertaining to him also required promoters and advocates.

    The imperial capital had many people of all walks of life. The Five Great ns arranged countless chess pieces within the city. Once he had a single stain, he would be denounced by word and pen [4], which would also negatively influence the Gongyi n.

    It was such a pity that he would never let those people s.n.a.t.c.h such an opportunity.

    Despite not being able to practice martial arts, those old fools actually thought they could use him as a breaking point to suppress the Gongyi n. Wouldn¡¯t he just p them back to square one?

    This was nothing but a game.

    ______

    The dragon-scaled horse¡¯s imposing manner was swift and fierce. The power of its trot contained roaring tigers and galloping dragons [5]. Its speed was certainly not slow.

    Not long after, they promptly reached their destination along a bustling street. It was the main Gongyi Household, whose defense was presided over by numerous Tianlong guards.

    To a certain extent, the residents or shop owners here all had some kind of rtionship with the Gongyi n. When they saw these Tianlong guards, they didn¡¯t kick up as much of a fuss as other people just pa.s.sing through.

    They¡¯d arrived at the Gongyi Mansion [6].

    The mansion¡¯s gateway was very tall and s.p.a.ciously wide. It could even amodate the entrance of the troop of dragon-scaled horses.

    At either side of the gateway respectfully stood a row of armored martial artists. Each and every one had a crimsonplexion; one could see that their cultivation levels were at least Houtian stage three. That crimson color was due to their sessful blood refining, which invigorated their qi and blood.

    Among the insider information of the imperial capital¡¯s Five Great ns, from this it could be seen that it was but one small item in a bigger scheme [7].

    At this time, the mansion¡¯s gates opened wide; obviously to wee them in.

    After seeing the high flying ¡°Heng¡± banner, the two rows of armored martial artists simultaneously saluted, and called out with sonorous voices: ¡°Respectful greetings to the great young master¡¯s return!¡±

    Dragon One lifted his hand, and all members of the troop halted.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Enter.¡±

    In a split second, numerous armored martial artistspleted their salutes and made way for the procession.

    The dragon-scaled horse troop immediately followed Dragon One, and paraded through the gateway in an orderly advancement.

    It was silent, without a single sound.

    Gu Zuo watched this spectacle from the ancient, bronze chariot and felt it was a bit stifling.

    This Great n was too prestigious, right? The gravity of entering this gateway seemed like marching onto a battlefield. He sincerely felt that this was a bit difficult to digest.

    Then, he further determined that the patron he relied on definitely wasn¡¯t an ordinary patron.

    There ought to be a fighting machine [8] within Tianheng!

    Thinking about these things once again left Gu Zuo with a lingering fear.

    At the time, if his patron wasn¡¯t at the other courtyard and was instead here in the mansion, then he thought it was absolutely impossible to sneak in ¡ª he would¡¯ve been stabbed by these armored martial artists and turned into a sieve. One hundred percent!

    Fortunately...

    Alright. So, they quickly entered without any ha.s.sle. Once the ancient, bronze chariot halted, the Tianlong guards dismounted one after another, and took their dragon-scaled horse¡¯s reigns to lead them off to the side.

    The leading horse in front was in fine mettle with its head held high and its chest out, which was followed by the sharp sounds of its arrogant and despotic clopping trot.

    After Dragon One dismounted, he handed over the dragon-scaled horse to the apparent stewards. He arrived at the front of the chariot, and respectfully announced: ¡°May the young master disembark.¡±

    Tianheng hummed in agreement and looked towards Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo btedly reacted. He was the attendant! He should get off first!

    He didn¡¯t say much before he just jumped off...jolting both his legs and making them numb.

    After that, he got into proper position, thought it over, and said: ¡°May the young master disembark!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng immediately moved.

    He supported himself against the chariot¡¯s rail with one hand and swung his long legs in an arc. His entire body effortlessly leaped down.

    Gu Zuo was struck dumb.

    Beyond his expectations, his frail-bodied patron endured the pain of getting off the chariot, all the while making it appear beautifully ch.o.r.eographed!

    ...This made him feel like he lost a bit of face.

    But at this moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any spare time to foolishly mull over it. Tianheng was already striding over to a flight of stairs with Dragon One following him. He didn¡¯t want to be regarded as a suspicious person here, so he couldn¡¯t fall behind.

    Thus, a party of three walked through the outer courtyard and finally entered the Gongyi Household¡¯s central zone ¡ª the inner courtyard.

    There were already many people waiting in front of the double doors. When they heard footsteps, they all turned around to look at them.

    Those eyes were like torches...

    Gu Zuo shrunk back and hid behind Tianheng, trying to reduce his existence as much as possible.

    There were a dozen or so people waiting by the entrance. At the head of the line was a married couple. The man appeared to be middle-aged and very dignified; the woman¡¯s appearances were in good taste and she was a true belle. However, this beauty had some wrinkles around her eyes and her age wasn¡¯t low. Around them was a fourteen to fifteen year old boy, an eleven to twelve year old girl, and a three to four year old boy. Each of these people¡¯s looks more or less resembled Gongyi Tianheng.

    The emotions in these people¡¯s eyes were genuine happiness, along with a worry that was buried extremely deep. As for the other people, they were roughly fifty to sixty years old. For the most part, they were rtively amiable, but they also took extreme efforts to hide their distain.

    Tianheng¡¯s line of sight fell upon the couple in front and the youngsters surrounding them. Hisplexion became soft: ¡°Father, mother, Yang¡¯Er, Mingxia, Teng¡¯Er.¡± [9]

    Then, the three kids all shouted out in chorus: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    The middle aged man was twirling his mustache and smiling: ¡°Tianheng has returned. This makes father very happy. Your mother has been worried about you for a long time. Do you know if your health has recently improved or not?¡±

    The beautiful woman¡¯s eyes were welling up with tears and glistening in the light: ¡°Heng¡¯Er, you, are you feeling unwell anywhere?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed a bit: ¡°This Tianheng has no issues. My parents need not worry.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he looked to the others and faintly acknowledged them with a nod: ¡°Distinguished elders, this Tianheng extends his courtesies.¡±

    Regardless of what beliefs they held in their hearts, at this time those elders all stated: ¡°The great young master has extended his courtesies.¡±

    After everyone exchanged greetings, the middle aged man took the first step and strode through the double doors. In a loud voice, he said: ¡°Tianheng, you¡¯ve returned. Your grandfather hasn¡¯t gotten too old and he also wants to meet with you. My son should be filially pious. Go quickly and pay your respects to him!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng leisurely moved forward, and kept following: ¡°This Tianheng also misses grandfather. It¡¯s as it should be.¡±

    And thus, this grandiose group of people all went in.

    Gu Zuo, who was next to Dragon One,gged to the back of the line. Just a moment ago, this mood...seemed a little weird? Those elders were also very weird. There were some who appeared to harbor malicious intentions. Could it be that they came over just to mock his patron?

    He sighed. The life of his patron didn¡¯t seem to have such easy times as he imagined.

    The following matter made Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widen again.

    After going through the double doors, directly in front of him was a huge building. Contained within were two rows ofrge chairs, which already seated many people. There were men and women, and the old and young. Basically all the middle aged men here shared simr looks.

    These people watched them enter, and their facial expressions weren¡¯t too different. However, roughly speaking, their gazes were basically sweeping over Tianheng¡¯s body.

    Gu Zuo looked at his patron and felt that if he was in his position, he¡¯d be terrified. His patron, however, seemed to ignore them. He was tranquil andposed as he moved to the very front and sat down on one of the seats.

    Following that was a series of questions about his body¡¯s health. There were some that were sincere and some that were hypocritical. Truly, their appearances had nothing inmon with each other.

    And his patron? When he answered these questions, he was very moderate and had a schrly bearing. In its entirety, he didn¡¯t appear fl.u.s.tered once. Gradually, those questions came and went, and there wasn¡¯t a good question that he couldn¡¯t answer.

    Gu Zuo slowly came to realize...

    Among these people here, at the minimum, eighty percent were those who were probing for weaknesses, and only twenty percent genuinely cared about Tianheng. As for the deeper things, he couldn¡¯t understand.

    He could roughly distinguish if a person had evil intent or not. If they were the moreplicated type, then it was out of the question.

    Listening on and on, Gu Zuo began to ignore their dialogue.

    He might as well start studying the things in his three prop books, which were numerous and profound. He felt that his fundamental memorization was pretty good, but it still wasn¡¯t to the point where he knew it inside and out [10]. He¡¯d take advantage of this opportunity right now to consolidate his knowledge. He¡¯d strive to achieve this now, and in the future, regardless of the time, he would be able to promptly respond and sessfully retrieve the right answer.

    Practice makes perfect. Furthermore, what stupid bird flies early [11]? In short, this is to make people work hard... Pharmacists had it harder than modern physicians. How can one resent hard work so much?

    Thus, within the building resounded the noise of a verbal battle of mutual deception. In Gu Zuo¡¯s ears, itpletely changed into a buzzing mess. Until finally, the buzzing ended.

    Someone lightly tapped him, and only then did Gu Zuo return to a lively appearance: ¡°Eh?¡±

    There weren¡¯t any people in the building?

    He turned around to check. It couldn¡¯t have been his big bro, the loyal hound, Dragon One to pat him, right?

    There was a question mark on Gu Zuo¡¯s whole face.

    Dragon One: ¡°We should go with the young master and head into the main hall.¡±

    Gu Zuo lifted his head. Sure enough, the view of his patron¡¯s back was about to disappear. He hurriedly joined Dragon One and gave a sound of thanks; all the way there, his scampering kept pace as they walked on.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ¶ù - Er, a diminutive suffix attached to a (male) person¡¯s name indicating that this person is a child, or that the rtionship between him and the speaker is familial or closely connected.

    [2] ±ÝÏÂ - Bi xia, His Highness (in capitals). Doesn¡¯t make sense since there¡¯s an actual royal family, so I modified it to a lower appetion.

    [3] It seems that this is an enclosed chariot,rge enough to have a table for a meal! Don¡¯t think about Roman chariots; this chariot is basically the equivalent of a carriage.

    [4] ¿ÚÖï±Ê·¥ - Kou zhu bi fa, to condemn in speech and in writing, an idiom.

    [5] »¢Ð¥ÁúÌÚ - Hu xiao long teng, probably derived from »¢Ð¥ÁúÒ÷, which is the cries of tigers and dragons.

    [6] The author changed the vocabry here to ¸® - Fu, seat of government, official residence, mansion, presidential pce. From this point, if the location is mentioned, I¡¯ll use household or main household. However, if the actual building is mentioned, I¡¯ll use mansion.

    [7] Ò»°ß - Yi ban, literally one spot (on a leopard), or a piece of a greater whole.

    [8] Õ½¶·»ú - Zhan dou ji, a fighter (aircraft).

    [9] 14-15 year old boy: Ñô, Yang (from Taoism, the male principle). 11-12 year old girl: Ã÷Ï¼, Ming (bright, clear) Xia (red clouds). 3-4 year old boy: ÌÚ, Teng (to soar or gallop).

    [10] ¹ö¹ÏÀÃÊì - Gun guan shu, ripe as a melon that rolls off its vine, an idiom that means to know something fluently.

    [11] ±¿ÄñÏÈ·É - Ben niao xian fei, an idiom meaning to work hard topensate for one¡¯s limited abilities. In other words, a stupid bird must work harder and longer to catch a worm.

    ______

    T/N: Ah, yes. Everyone knows that the young master is Heng.

    On a more important note, there were some Chinese characters myputer couldn¡¯t recognize again, so I had to make some logical subst.i.tutions. Hope it still reads well.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 16

    There was a training room in the hall. Sitting in a cross-legged position on the ground was an elderly man who appeared to be seventy to eighty years old. However, his stature was very tall and st.u.r.dy. In the s.p.a.ce between his eyebrows was the wisp of a purple cloud [1], and his eyes shone with a divine light. It was obvious that his cultivation level was very high.

    What was his temperament like... It was totally different from those martial artists Gu Zuo saw before.

    After they came in, Gu Zuo followed Dragon One and stuck to his post against the wall, determined to blend his existence, and stopped moving.

    At first, that elderly man¡¯s taut face was very solemn. After one look at his family¡¯s Tianheng, a smile immediately blossomed across his whole face like a chrysanthemum. He cheered, not unkindly: ¡°Tianheng has returned? It could make this grandfather believe that he¡¯s died and gone to heaven!¡±

    Likewise, apart from his patron with his Prince Charming charisma [2], that guy¡¯s younger siblings all rxed quite a bit.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression looked a little helpless.

    In the next moment, the group of Gongyi family members did something that surprised Gu Zuo.

    Unexpectedly, they all ¡ª directly sat on the floor.

    His patron also wasn¡¯t an exception!

    Of course, his patron was still embodying Mr. Perfect, seeing as how his first-.s.s manners were all exceptional in appearance.

    Previously, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare size him up by his looks. Aftering into this inner hall though, his gaze swept over the profiles of his patron¡¯s family at lightning speed.

    Undoubtedly, the people from this Great n all had been marrying beautiful women, generation after generation. With good genes, their appearances were certainly unlikely to have too many blemishes. They¡¯d been practicing martial arts since childhood, and only persevered to the end. Also, their temperaments were unlikely to be wretched.

    Indeed, his patron¡¯s younger brother and father were handsome, and his younger sister and mother were beautiful. Against reason, even though they shared some resemnces with his patron, these excessive simrities caused their appearance¡¯s worth to rise at least several levels. [3]

    This was, more or less, aparison between simple congee and appetizers, and a sumptuous imperial feast... Sure, while both served green vegetables, in reality their quality was different.

    Gu Zuo concluded that this public enemy of all men was super cool. His patron had an outstanding IQ from the womb, and smoothly filtered out all the inferior genes. From this root sprouted a male G.o.d.

    Just as he was letting his imagination run wild, he suddenly felt that something was amiss. He lifted his head, and discovered that he was already the center of attention from various gazes!

    ¡ª As it turned out, Gongyi Tianheng and his family members already conducted an earnest and fast conversation. And now, everyone was uniformly looking over at him.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, then at once he turned towards his patron and cast a look that cried for help.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, and beckoned him over with a wave of his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Ah...again with thee over, huh?

    Gu Zuo stifled the blush on his face and slowly walked over. Tianheng dragged him to sit beside him.

    Then, he was carrying an extra weight in his arms.

    He looked down. It was plump and chubby. It couldn¡¯t have been his patron¡¯s three year old baby brother, Gongyi Tianteng? How could they just stuff him in his arms?!

    What was he supposed to do if he was nervous? He was a bit stiff for a while.

    This small, chubby block was originally sitting next to his patron¡¯s sister, Gongyi Mingxia. Meeting Gu Zuo made this small three year old stand up and move. Seeing that Gu Zuo was too nervous, he wanted to lighten the mood.

    As a result, it actually made Gu Zuo even more nervous.

    Gongyi Mingxia pursed her lips and smiled. Her eyes rippled back and forth between the two, and she was particrly quick-witted and adorable about it: ¡°No wonder big brother likes brother Ah Zuo so much. Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s temper is really interesting.¡±

    The other Gongyi family members¡¯ faces expressed benevolence.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was very red.

    Liking him and what not... He wasn¡¯t a child, okay.

    Gongyi Tianhengughed: ¡°The prescription I mentioned was the one Ah Zuo gave me. If nothing unexpected happens, thanks to this prescription, it¡¯ll let me live a few more years. In that time, I¡¯ll slowly look for a cure.¡±

    After hearing his patron¡¯s words, Gu Zuo¡¯s nerves lessened a lot in a short while.

    His patron was too smart! There was a lot of leeway in his words; if his patron recovered in the future, they still had justification!

    Upon hearing this, the current head [4] of the Gongyi n eased the tension in his gaze: ¡°Many thanks to you. Someday, when you follow Tianheng at his side, make sure he takes very good care of you.¡±

    The current head¡¯s wife, Liu Suyan [5], also smiled for a bit before she worriedly asked her son: ¡°Heng¡¯Er, is that pharmacist not trustworthy?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng patiently replied: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, mother. Your son is already taking care of that pharmacist in a secret ce. In the future, other people won¡¯t be able to find him.¡±

    Gu Zuo whispered in his heart: Naturally I¡¯m being cared for, and I¡¯ve still delivered myself right to your doorstep.

    He thought as such, and the other Gongyi family members also let go of the matter.

    Afterwards the Gongyi family was harmonious and happy. For the most part, they worried over how he was doing at the other residence: if he was okay eating and living over there, and if his day-to-day activities were bearable or not.

    Gongyi Tianyang had already been practicing martial arts for a very long time. He was still doing impromptubat techniques. Presently, he showed off his strength for a bit, and faced Tianheng to try and garner some praise.

    Tianheng praised him seriously, which resulted in the young girl Mingxia to dete a bit. Like her brother, she also took to the stage and wielded her sword, wanting to get her big brother¡¯spliments. And likewise, she was content.

    In the end, even the young Tianleng swayed and shook in Gu Zuo¡¯s embrace to let him stand up. He imitated the martial arts he saw and gestured with both hands. The young and old in the hall were amused and everyone began smiling.

    Gu Zuo watched the y in front of him and was somewhat envious.

    His family was also very good. His father, dad, and himself were all happy from the very beginning. If it weren¡¯t for... Originally, it was only his dad and him who could rely on each other. In the end, he was sent here, and he didn¡¯t know how many years it¡¯d take before he could return.

    He continuously suppressed these nostalgic feelings deep down in his heart. After watching the interactions among his patron¡¯s family, he couldn¡¯t help but cherish those memories for a while. Perhaps, the only thing worth celebrating was that no matter how long he stayed here, in the end, he¡¯d be able to go back if he kept on living. So long as he searched for the correct time and ce of his dad in the world, maybe it¡¯d be possible his dad would never find out he disappeared?

    ¡ª So long as he was alive, his dad wouldn¡¯t be heartbroken.

    The gathering here was brief. Even after they warmlyforted each other, in a Great n, everything still had to be done ording to the n¡¯s customs.

    Gongyi Tianheng had returned. He had to meet his nsmen, both among the older and younger generations, have a formal dinner with everyone, and so on. While the others knew his health wasn¡¯t good, they should stillplete their duties, even though it wouldn¡¯t be few.

    Gu Zuo acted as Tianheng¡¯s attendant, so it went without saying that he followed him.

    However, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t useful as an attendant. Therefore, the Tianlong Guard¡¯s second-inmand, Dragon Two, quickly took him along. Arrangements were made at Tianheng¡¯s terrace where Gu Zuo could refine medicine using simr pill cauldron equipment and medicinal ingredients.

    This was exactly what Gu Zuo intended ¡ª making him go with his patron and looking at all those kinds of people until it waste, he¡¯d rather stay behind closed doors and refine medicine!

    ______

    Two dayster, the time of the n War had arrived.

    This kind of martial artspet.i.tion urred once every three years, and was arranged by the imperial family. Don¡¯t just focus on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s age being only eighteen; he was a partic.i.p.ant since he was twelve. Now, it was already his third time joining in.

    The martial artspet.i.tion was at the royal martial arts field, located beyond the imperial pce¡¯s towering gates. All sides were surrounded by the imperial family¡¯s royal army; the Five Great ns also had their own martial arts soldiers. It was their responsibility to expel excessive spectators and to keep order among the fights.

    Along the pce walls could be seen a few negligible shadows. They were wearing magnificent robes, and were seated in optimally selected views for the battles. They were members of the imperial family who were about to preside over their first n War.

    The Five Great ns would take their ces very soon.

    It had to be said that each of the n¡¯s hidden a.s.sets were utterly powerful. Each martial artist had their muscles flexing and blood pumping. They were continuously taking deep breaths as they carried five immense stone tforms.

    One could only hear the sound of a rumbling boom as these stone tforms fell to the ground. It seemed to make the entire imperial city quake.

    These stone tforms were all thirty meters long, fifteen meters tall, and divided into as much as fiveyers. Eachyer contained many slightly convex stone seats. The number of seats were arranged such that there were many at the bottom and only a few at the top.

    Not long after, the sound of rustling clothes could constantly be heard.

    Following this noise were swift shadows that moved like thunder and lightning, which quickly fell upon each of the n¡¯s stone tforms.

    In the interval between the breaths of an oldborer, all the stone tforms were filled with people.

    When Gu Zuo sat next to Gongyi Tianheng, he didn¡¯t respond in the least.

    Just a moment ago, Gu Zuo seemed to only sway a few times. He was already put in ce, in a daze.

    His patron seemed very ustomed to being carried over the shoulder by Tianyang. And he was rushed over by Dragon One, who lifted him by his shirt cor, then called out Soaring Cloud Sailing Mist [6]. He was dazzled to the point of distraction.

    Gu Zuo looked in all directions. He was on the fourth level, which seemed to seat all of the younger generation. All he could see were young faces. The ages of those at the very top wereparatively high. His patron¡¯s father was also at the top, so it should be ayer with people who supervised the Gongyi n. And below that, on the third level, were martial artists with strong vitality. They were in the prime of their lives with a valiant air about them; they ought to be people from outside the n.

    Thinking about such things, he felt that this fourth level had a good view. Indeed, it was still thanks to his patron¡¯s good fortune.

    Listening to an imperial family member¡¯s speech ¡ª His inner qi was really excessive! His voice could transmit all the way here from so very far away. Gu Zuo felt a little bored.

    Whether it was the previous world or this Tianwu continent, it seemed like the matters of this kind of speech were always unavoidable.

    Truly boring.

    Actually, the imperial family was exining the rules for the martial arts fights. Gu Zuo naturally felt that he didn¡¯t have to pay attention to the details. And certainly, there were things he wouldn¡¯t understand, things contained in that speech that would leave him unprepared.

    At this time, he was still in high spirits, and he quietly asked his patron: ¡°Young master Tianheng, who are the other four eldest young masters? Can¡¯t you point them out to me?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°They still haven¡¯t arrived.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°If not, then won¡¯t they be arrivingte?¡±

    Tianheng smothered augh: ¡°Tardiness won¡¯t cause any harm.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    They were exercising their privilege, got it.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng felt the urge tough rising.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t just for the sake of showing off their privilege. Even more than that, they wanted to reveal their ident.i.ty and status, as well as being martial artists on the road of cultivation who were on the brink of crushing their peers.

    If this happened, then once they appeared on the scene, wouldn¡¯t they be the focus of a crowd of ten thousand?

    However, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t try to exin these things to Gu Zuo. Rather, as he watched from above, two martial artists were already walking onto the tform. He said to him: ¡°Ah Zuo, watch carefully.¡±

    Gu Zuo naively nodded his head: ¡°Oh.¡±

    He quickly discovered that he¡¯d been tricked.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ×ÏÆø - Zi qi, an auspicious symbol that brings good luck.

    [2] ·¶¶ù - Fan er, the style, fashion, or charisma of a person, or the heritage of something.

    [3] This is basically a very roundabout way of saying that Gu Zuo thought Tianheng was so handsome that even a little bit of resemnce improved his family members¡¯ appearances.

    [4] It was mentioned in an earlier chapter that the grandfather was the current head and the father was in line to take over. From this chapter, it seems that the father has already taken on the duties as the head of the n.

    [5] ÁõËØÑÕ - Liu (regr surname) Su Yan (a face without makeup).

    [6] ÌÚÔÆ¼ÝÎí - Teng yun jia wu, literal trantion. Not sure if it was a martial arts technique or a magic vehicle/tool.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 17

    On the field of battle, there were two opponents surging and leaping towards one another. A twenty three year old martial artist from a cadet branch of the Sima n; and a twenty six year old martial artist from the Liu Family, an auxiliary of the Helian n.

    The qi and blood of these two people were full of vigor. Their struggle was extremely intense: calm as a deep pool, yet whose martial arts were like lightning. Their punches were thunderous ¡ª dodging and shing, their figures flickering, with the sounds of the very air exploding between the twounching at one another.

    Suddenly, one of them aggressively pushed forward with the power of a thunderp, each strike revealing an even higher level of strategy. The other martial artist repeatedly drew back, as if he was continuously repressed. He was already pushed to the edge of the battlefield; if this persisted, he would undoubtedly be struck out of bounds. It looked like he could only admit defeat.

    However, when the first martial artist¡¯s face revealed hiscency, the suppressed martial artist suddenly undted his waist and his whole body looked like a vicious serpent. With unparalleled flexibility, he moved like a long whip in a horizontal strike!

    In a moment, his hands were like the wind and his palm strikes rapidly struck his opponent¡¯s nk. All at once, the flurry of hits forced the other back over three meters!

    However, this martial artist didn¡¯t stop his attack. His foot pushed against the floor and dashed at high speed. Then, two palms crashed together from the left and right ¡ª there was a rush of dampened sounds. The martial artist being pummeled already had his head blown to pieces by the strength of those palm strikes!

    In a split second, Gu Zuo¡¯splexion turned deathly pale.

    Killed, killed. He murdered him!

    Although he was far away, it seemed like he could smell the stench of blood. A feeling of wanting to vomit came to mind. An intense dread rose from the bottom of his heart.

    To go so far as to murder! How could he kill someone? Couldn¡¯t he surrender?!

    Gu Zuo trembled faintly.

    From Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, he knew that this was a world dominated by martial arts. He also knew that human life wasn¡¯t worth much. But when he watched an actual living person beaten to death in front of him, his head smashed to pieces, he realized that only knowing was totally inadequate.

    With this kind of terror, Gu Zuo turned his head away. He didn¡¯t want to watch anymore.

    His pulse was through the roof, which quickly made him panic.

    Right at this time, two hands lightly cupped his face. Regardless of his refusal, those hands turned his head back to face the front.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed next to his ear: ¡°Ah Zuo, watch carefully.¡±

    Although his tone was still gentle, although the words he just spoke had not changed, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but shiver.

    He turned his head to take a glimpse of his patron. He discovered that while his face still carried a smiling expression, it also held a cannot-be-refused kind of feeling.

    Gu Zuo: So, this is a modest, negotiating n.o.bleman of benevolence? My patron¡¯s too scary!

    He originally felt that his patron was very fierce and admirable; now he didn¡¯t know why it changed to reverence.

    He just felt that if he didn¡¯t obey, then he would be very unlucky...

    Struggling was useless. Tianheng continued to make Gu Zuo watch thepet.i.tion as well as the tragedies that urred one after another. On the battlefield, change in advantage of all kinds were fleeting. In a fight between martial artists, there often wasn¡¯t enough time for one to simply stop. Sometimes, he was unwilling to stop, or he deliberately went for the killing blow. Indeed, there were some martial artists who conceded defeat in advance and left the battlefield. However, there were also many who didn¡¯t have time to forfeit, or surrendered a little toote. These living, breathing people were beaten to death!

    Hearts were pierced, guts were scrambled, heads were smashed open like watermelons. There was a constant stream of martial artists with broken arms and ruined limbs, flesh and blood went flying!

    Gu Zuo watched a corpse being dragged away, but its leaking blood dyed the ground red. The next martial artists fought on this bloodied ground, and produced even more corpses.

    It didn¡¯t take long for each and every person¡¯s name to pa.s.s through his ears, and then momentster yet another fresh and vibrant life would disappear forever... It was cruel. Truly, it was too cruel.

    The social order of this ce was obvious. Taking human lives was a cruel matter, but to the eyes of the majority, it was something they were ustomed to.

    In this martial artspet.i.tion, whether if it was someone who already finished or someone who was waiting their turn, there wasn¡¯t a single person who flinched away.

    The longer Gu Zuo watched, the whiter his face became. He mumbled: ¡°Young master Tianheng, why?¡±

    Weren¡¯t all these martial artists cultivated through the n¡¯s power? Why did beating someone to death here seem no different than casually pulverizing a fruit, not even leaving a single trace? While there were some people who had regret, there was no one who showed too much anger.

    Why was it so easy to kill? And why would his patron force him to watch...

    After receiving Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories, he didn¡¯t know where the indignation came from, but it made him think that, if he was able, he must avenge that pitiful saint. However, watching this cruel sight today, he realized that he still thought too highly of himself.

    How can killing someone, taking another person¡¯s life, be as simple as he imagined?

    Tianheng¡¯s voice unhurriedly sounded: ¡°Does Ah Zuo know how many people are in my Gongyi n? Not counting the people with different surnames, only the children of those with the name ¡°Gongyi.¡± Can you guess?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand Tianheng¡¯s meaning, but nevertheless said: ¡°Maybe a few dozen...¡±

    There were many people at the family gathering, but more than half ought to have different surnames.

    Gongyi Tianheng said in a low voice: ¡°Over ten thousand.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyed widened: ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°The Gongyi n at the imperial capital is the main family with a direct line of descent. Those who are direct descendants number one hundred ny eight. The Gongyi n has fifty two cadet branches,rge and small, distributed in many cities and counties across Cangyun Country. The smaller branches contain a hundred people, and therger branches contain several hundreds.¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly calcted and was stunned. The numbers really did seem to exceed ten thousand.

    This really was a colossal n!

    Gongyi Tianheng saw him like this, and smiled slightly: ¡°The numbers of people who only have the surname ¡°Gongyi¡± are many, regardless of whether you include the cadet branches, the auxiliary families, martial artists joining the n, or the private squads who¡¯ve been cultivated from childhood. Ah Zuo, can you imagine the amount of resources spent?¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath: ¡°Count, countless...¡±

    In any case, the numbers were sure to be astronomical. Moreover, if the source of the funds was insufficient, then every minute would eat away at the Great n and drag it towards dest.i.tution!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was indifferent: ¡°The n is unlikely to abandon a nsman. However, a martial artist¡¯s lifespan is no less than one hundred fifty years. After three wives and four concubines, the result would be the birth of more and more nsmen. If one wanted to provide for their own people to practice martial arts, there wouldn¡¯t be enough resources. Even if there are many low apt.i.tude nsmen who are put in positions of political or economic affairs, the consumption of the remaining martial artists with high apt.i.tude would be prohibitively expensive. And for the n to stand firm, one cannot renounce its nsmen¡¯s cultivation. The n needs the most powerful martial artists to be its stabilizing force. What¡¯s more, amodated martial artists from outside the n and the private squads must also be cultivated.¡±

    He paused: ¡°So...we need to eliminate some people.¡±

    He said everything very clearly. Gu Zuo abruptly understood.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Since before I knew when, the Five ns reached an agreement. The n War was used to encourage the younger generations to fight in battle. The number of victors determined the distribution of some benefits. At the same time, this martial artspet.i.tion would eliminate those who, although they may have high apt.i.tude, also have bad luck or poor battle senses. Although it¡¯s very cruel, it¡¯s what¡¯s necessary for the sake of the n¡¯s continuation. Any who bring honor to the n are rewarded, and for a household, a rising tide lifts all boats [1]. And for a martial artist who dies, the household can obtain financial support to smoothly live half a lifetime.¡±

    Gu Zuo slowly took a breath.

    He was aware of his patron¡¯s meaning... No wonder those martial artists seemed to be so used to it.

    Tianheng saw him listening, and the corner of his mouth hooked up: ¡°As for why I made Ah Zuo watch carefully, Ah Zuo still hasn¡¯t realized?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head, then nodded again. In a quiet voice, he said: ¡°I¡¯m not a martial artist.¡±

    He¡¯s a pharmacist, nothing more. He didn¡¯t need to kill people with his own hands...

    Gongyi Tianhengughed in spite of himself: ¡°You definitely aren¡¯t going to go fight people; rather, you must get used to watching it all. Otherwise, if you¡¯re caught off guard, I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t react in time.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    Adapt first to avoid being weak-kneed at a critical moment and hesitating, right?

    ...His patron¡¯s training style was still really incredible. It nearly made him p.i.s.s himself!

    Afterwards, although Gu Zuo¡¯s face was still deathly pale, the vomiting sensation gradually left. He realized that he was already getting used to it. It seemed like...he had no choice but to get used to it.

    ______

    The martial artspet.i.tion advanced very quickly. The group ¡°Thirty years and under, of the Blood Refining rank¡± was approaching the end.

    At the moment, Gu Zuo had a bit of ridicule in his heart. He thought about that betrayed Qi Tianyou¡¯s sc.u.mmy Bai Wenjun. He reached Blood Refining stage three at twenty two years old and seemed talented to the Qi Family. This group here was basically all Blood Refining stage three; the oldest were at most a couple years older than Bai Wenjun, and the youngest were all twelve or thirteen years old. Shouldn¡¯t that Bai Wenjun just be thrown into a smelly sewer? [2] That guy was still talented, huh? The people of the Qi Family and Bai Family were truly frogs at the bottom of the well! [3]

    After silently roasting them, Gu Zuo felt a little better.

    After the group finishedpeting, he followed his patron and returned to their ce to settle down.

    The first day of thepet.i.tion ended.

    Finally, in Tianheng¡¯s terrace, Gu Zuo was once again bustling around to stew... That¡¯s not right, he was refining medicinal cuisine for his patron to eat. He was so busy that day that he was able to tamp down a ball of frustration in his heart, which gradually dissipated.

    After refining two cauldrons, his frame of mind was alreadypletely healed.

    It was just that Gu Zuo knew his impressions of his patron were already different.

    Not to say that his patron was bad, rather... En, super scary.

    By the time it was the second day, the group ¡°Fifty years and under, of the Bone Forging rank¡± had started theirpet.i.tion.

    Gu Zuo unexpectedly discovered that his patron¡¯s eldest younger brother, Gongyi Tianyang, was part of this group.

    Was he going to be so cruelly eliminated?

    Gu Zuo was a little worried, and wanted to ask his patron.

    But before he could ask, he heard the voice of Gongyi Mingxia, sitting beside him: ¡°Second brother can¡¯t break through Bone Forging third stage. I hope this time will be good...¡±

    ______

    ______

    [1] Ë®ÕÇ´¬¸ß - Shui zhang chuan gao, an aphorism where improvements in a general economy benefit all who partic.i.p.ates in that economy. In other words, a martial artist who seeds in thispet.i.tion would be improving his own lot in life as well as the lives of his whole family.

    [2] This sentence was hard for me to trante, especially with the strange use of ±È. If anyone understands this, please let me know so I can learn.

    [3] ¾®µ×Ö®ÍÜ - Jing di zhi wa, a fable which means that a person couldn¡¯t see or refused to see the bigger picture because they¡¯re sheltered or closed-minded.

    ______

    T/N: Ah, Tianheng, why are your lines as long as paragraphs?

    And thank you to user Charysa for the helpful advice!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 18

    At this time, Gongyi Tianyang leaped down onto the edge of the martial arts tform.

    Even with a very small, youthful appearance and childish nature, his countenance was already filled with determination.

    Gu Zuo heard some faintments right above him.

    ¡°Yang¡¯Er is still a littlecking...¡±

    ¡°What a pity. If Heng¡¯Er could practice martial arts, it wouldn¡¯t be as bad as this.¡±

    ¡°Stop talking like this. Yang¡¯Er¡¯s apt.i.tude is also excellent!¡±

    ¡°By merelyparing him to the other Families¡¯ outstanding children, he¡¯s still a little inferior...¡±

    ¡°The cadet branches produced a few decent seedlings.¡±

    ¡°Although they¡¯re more sessful than Yang¡¯Er by a thread, the sameparison yet applies: they¡¯re still somewhatcking. My Gongyi n hasn¡¯t been able to find another!¡±

    ¡°Ai, it¡¯s difficult... difficult!¡±

    Gu Zuo got the general idea after listening for a bit.

    The Five Great ns were all vying against each other, relying on generation after generation of youths from which more and more experts emerged. Furthermore, they absolutely couldn¡¯t lose to anyone else.

    The facts were like this: because there were many people in the Five Great ns, they had vast resources for polishing. So, in every generation and in every n, this led to one rising to preeminence and suppressing all their peers, and was regarded as a genius among geniuses. The others¡¯ struggle for first ce [1] was like t.i.tans in a deadlock, as the n¡¯s fought over rights and benefits. Strategies for second ce were also vigorously fostered so that they still had a subst.i.tute if the top dog had an unexpected ident.

    But presently, those kinds of young powerhouses all rose from the other four Great ns. All except for the Gongyi n. In the past, the n Head¡¯s second son, Gongyi Tianyang, could only act as a subst.i.tute and have his apt.i.tudepared to that of those powerhouses. And the cadet branches produced many of the same rank as Tianyang.

    Contrary to expectations, Gongyi Tianheng was a stunning, unrivaled talent. If it weren¡¯t for his weak body, the youths from the other four Great ns would live in fear of his domination without a ray of hope ¡ª this was what the leaders of the Five Great ns acknowledged.

    It¡¯s just that, although Gongyi Tianheng could elevate his status among the five young masters in the imperial capital, being unable to practice martial arts was the bottom line. He could only just barely prevent the Gongyi n¡¯s face from falling and nothing more.

    But the same was known to the Gongyi n: if Tianheng perished, then there was no one to take his ce. There was no doubt that after the fight over n benefits, the Gongyi n would be left in a disadvantageous position. Rtedly, adding on whether or not the n Head had a prominent sessor... It was obvious that the pressure on Tianheng¡¯s own younger brother, Tianyang, would be immense.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianyang took on his task.

    In a split second, he was like a fierce tiger rushing down a mountain, his punches repeatedlyshing out. His clenched fists were bursting with a red-hot power and relentlessly struck his opponent!

    This was at the top of the Human level cultivation methods, <scarlet yang="" art.="">> It was extremely ferocious.</scarlet>

    His opponent was a martial artist sponsored by the Helian n, who studied the school [2] of the

    > He used a y ability, and his defenses were formidable. This martial artist reacted quickly and immediately sensed Tianyang¡¯s attack. His two hands were already pushing against the ground, forming an earthen shield in front of him, which suddenly obstructed Tianyang¡¯s fist.

    Two people had the same grade of Bone Forging second stage. However, it seemed that

    > was inferior to <scarlet yang="" art="">> by a vast difference in ranks. That martial artist¡¯s strength was also inferior to Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s [3] hard work. After the earthen shield was struck, there was a scorched dent of a fist on the surface. Soon after, the earthen shield split open from the center of that dent.</scarlet>

    The martial artist retreated two steps, and in his mind, he darkly praised him: Dangerous!

    However, he wasn¡¯t afraid at all. Rather, both his feet and hands abruptly positioned to form the first stance of the earth leopard style, and viciously lunged forward. He was aware that he was more than ten years older than Gongyi Tianyang. By this, he also had more life experiences to to steel himself. His mind was extremely calm and showed no quarter as he met his foe. He wanted to disrupt his opponent¡¯s battle rhythm.

    Gongyi Tianyang saw himing, and his face showed a sh of surprise.

    But he wasn¡¯t bad at dealing with it. His nimble body was immediately on top and rained down twelve explosive punches. One fist was heavier than the next. Every strike imbued Tianyang¡¯s hands with an opposing force to corner his opponent, one shattering punch after another!

    One could only hear the sound of loud bangs without end. After suffering Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s outrageous y with the shattering power of his fists, that martial artist thought it would be difficult to regroup. And Tianyang¡¯s grandeur became more and more magnificent. After three consecutive punches, the martial artist protecting his body had his defenses broken through. His strength was of no use; in the end, he was struck out of bounds of the martial arts battlefield.

    Gongyi Tianyang was already victorious.

    He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

    Immediately after Tianyang¡¯s fight, Gu Zuo¡¯s nerves were stretched taut. Seeing that he won, he also let out a sigh of relief ¡ª no matter how things wentter on in the martial artspet.i.tion, whatever the case may be, it was a good beginning. For the time being, he didn¡¯t have to worry about the little life of his patron¡¯s younger brother.

    After Tianyang¡¯s victory, he returned to the stone tform.

    The n Head and other people praised him. Tianyang clenched his fist and came to Tianheng¡¯s side. In a soft voice, he asked: ¡°Big brother, how did I do just now?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled and nodded: ¡°You¡¯ve improved sincest time.¡±

    Seeing his second brother¡¯s happiness, he shook his head: ¡°However, while <scarlet yang="" art="">> is mighty and fierce, its qi consumption isrge. Yourst attack had too many strikes, and you had no energy left over. If you met an opponent with even more abundant experience, you will lose. This is due to your insufficient skill and because you only focus on power. Do you understand?¡±</scarlet>

    Tianyang respectfully replied: ¡°Yang¡¯Er understands. I¡¯ll have to ask big brother to give me pointers.¡±

    Tianheng thought about a n going forward, and stated: ¡°For the next couple of matches, you¡¯ll carefully observe both parties and their styles of martial arts. Suppose you were in their position, and reflect on how you would respond at the time of their attacks. After this match, I¡¯ll listen to what you have to say.¡±

    Tianyang realized that his big brother would teach him, and the anxiety in his heart lessened all of a sudden: ¡°Many thanks, big brother! Yang¡¯Er will work harder.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded slightly.

    Then, sure enough, Tianyang earnestly watched the fights. He muttered to himself, and his mind waspletely focused on the battles.

    Gu Zuo stared distractedly from one person to the other.

    Ah, that¡¯s not right! His patron wasn¡¯t able to practice martial arts. How was he able to give pointers to his second brother? Beforehand, he watched his patron¡¯s siblings practice in front of him, and still thought it was nothing more than just showing off and seeking praise. Now it seemed like it wasn¡¯t just merely that, but rather reporting to one¡¯s instructor...

    Holding these doubts close to his chest, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts on his patron and his patron¡¯s second brother were at hand.

    After this event, Gu Zuo¡¯s imagination grew even more exaggerated.

    Many matches pa.s.sed in quick session on the battlefield. Between each match, Gongyi Tianyang always gave his opinions for Tianheng to hear. And Tianheng gave his pointers one after another; he provided his a.n.a.lysis of the whole martial artspet.i.tion to his brother. Not only did Tianheng ce Tianyang in the partic.i.p.ant¡¯s position, he also carefully exined how to defeat the opponent from thepet.i.tor¡¯s perspective.

    Granted that Gu Zuo could only .u.mte natural qi at the moment, he still could hear that every word from his patron made sense. His patron¡¯s second brother listened, and he looked like he had an epiphany.

    This proved that...his patron was profoundly knowledgable?

    So, not only was he Mr. Perfect, he also was a top student ¡ª

    What was even more baffling was that besides his patron giving pointers to his second brother, a bunch of youths came over in a circle to attentively listen to Tianheng¡¯s lecture. Immediately it seemed like his patron, who couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, had a greaterprehension than these people, who¡¯ve been practicing for many more years.

    It made the elders happy to see, and they urged some of the children of their own blood to listen carefully.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t understand. He turned his head, and went to straight up ask the shadow-like follower of his patron, Dragon One.

    Gu Zuo chuckled twice and said: ¡°Dragon guard, young master Tianheng is...¡±

    Fanaticism shed through Dragon One¡¯s eyes: ¡°Young master is a heroic sage [4]. This is merely a trifling matter, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked, and tentatively asked: ¡°So, young master Tianheng is a genius [5], whose judgment is absolute?¡±

    Dragon One¡¯s expression was solemn: ¡°Far more than that!¡±

    Then, he didn¡¯t speak anymore.

    Gu Zuo b.u.mped into a soft nail [6].

    He knew, without his patron¡¯smand, that loyal hound bro wasn¡¯t particrly fond of putting up with him. He got it.

    Of course, what he didn¡¯t know was that if his methods for refining medicine didn¡¯t shock him several times over, in short, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t deign to speak to him...

    In the middle of all this, without Gu Zuo knowing, the martial artspet.i.tion for the group ¡°Fifty years and under, of the Bone Forging rank¡± also finished.

    Many people still died, butpared to the ¡°Thirty years and under, of the Blood Refining rank¡± there were even less fatalities. There were many martial artist of simr capabilities, and after fighting to theirst and sparing no effort in killing each other, there were still many martial artists who found the time to concede defeat. This was due to them having their own means of survival, even if they were seriously hurt ¡ª naturally, anyone who thought about murdering their opponent might be blocked by the referee. [7]

    Gu Zuo discovered that in today¡¯spet.i.tion, sponsored martial artists and those from the auxiliary families weren¡¯t put forward for the time being. On the other hand, there were some deaths among the people from the Gongyi n¡¯s descendants and cadet branches.

    Their bodies were taken away, and several of the elders sitting at the high administrative level were depressed as these corpses were delivered on their journey.

    One could see that these bodies were once these elders¡¯ blood descendants.

    Simr scenes took ce among the other four Great ns.

    ¡ª Even for the lives of these Great n youths, when fighting, they still weren¡¯t worth much.

    Generally, the only thing worth celebrating was that Gongyi Tianyang lived the whole way through.

    After three matches, he met a troublesome opponent on his fourth match. Tenaciously persevering for ages, when his strength depleted, he immediately retreated to forfeit.

    And Gu Zuo found that after returning, his patron had Tianyang carefully reflect on his actions. And then, light seemed to radiate from Tianyang¡¯s eyes. It looked like after thispet.i.tion, he received a lot of benefits.

    Perhaps, this was one of goals of the n War.

    ¡ª Someone who hadn¡¯t seen blood, wouldn¡¯t be a seasoned veteran. In fact, such a person wouldn¡¯t be considered a true martial artist.

    On the third day, it was finally the third group¡¯s turn.

    The ¡°One hundred years and under, of the Condensed Meridians rank¡± group ¡ª and Gu Zuo was rmed to discover that his patron unexpectedly wanted to partic.i.p.ate in this group! Ah, this wasn¡¯t right! His patron had never practiced martial arts. He said he wasn¡¯t going to throw his life away.

    It couldn¡¯t be that he only needed to y a friendly match after the end of the martial artspet.i.tion? No problem, right?

    ______

    ______

    [1] Ìì½¾ - Tian jiao, literally heavenly arrogance. Though I couldn¡¯t find a proper definition online, it seems to fit a rank or t.i.tle of superiority. So, it might mean ¡®top dog¡¯ or supreme.

    [2] ÃÅ - Men, in this case, it means school. While school could reference an actual organization, here it refers to a field of study.

    [3] I think this was a typo on the author¡¯s part. It originally says Gongyi Tianheng.

    [4] Ìì×ÝÖ®²Å - Tian zong zhi cai, heroes, sages, and especially gifted leaders of men.

    [5] Ñ§¸»Îå³µ - Xue fu wu che, to have as much knowledge as five book-filled carts.

    [6] Èí¶¤×Ó - Ruan ding zi, a euphemism of a tactful refusal or rejection. This nail refers to a carpentry nail, or the act of nailing or pinning something, not a fingernail.

    [7] Not sure where the referee was when Gu Zuo was having a crisis. Haha.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 19

    Gongyi Tianheng unhurriedly stood up, and walked down the stone steps one at a time.

    His Tianlong Guard¡¯smander, Dragon One, also immediately stood up. He leaped down towards the center of the battlefield.

    Gu Zuo stared ahead.

    Could it be that Dragon One was going to fight on Tianheng¡¯s behalf?

    If it was like that, then actually, his patron wasn¡¯t likely to be in any danger. But how could the other Great ns allow something like this to happen? Would the imperial family also have no objections?

    Strange, just too strange.

    As a matter of fact, it was because his patron was a damaged individual that it didn¡¯t vite the rules!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s facial expressions were a little weird.

    It was unlikely that his patron truly had much energy... He definitely held a deep admiration for his patron, but he vaguely understood that some matters weren¡¯t so simple.

    At this time, Dragon One stood calmly in the middle of the tform and Gongyi Tianheng stood at the base of the tform, his hands sped behind his back. There were other Tianlong guards close to the battlefield as protection.

    Across from Dragon One appeared the figure of a young man with above average strength. He had thick eyebrows and big eyes, a square jaw and broad nose ¡ª he had a somewhat heroic appearance and his body emitted a very powerful aura.

    Both parties were in the same martial arts group; both were among the Meridian Condensing rank. That was, martial artists at Houtian seventh stage or above.

    Dragon One and that young man from the Helian n were both Meridian Condensing third stage.

    However, byparison alone, the Helian fighter was much older than Dragon One. He was merely considered to be a talent who the Helian n highly regarded, nothing more.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng uttered: ¡°Turning Sky Three, ck Tortoise One, Dragon Snake Four, Quaking Earth Seven, Armor Up!¡±

    Meanwhile, Dragon One brazenly charged in!

    His palm upturned, and abruptly shot out a knife of ck, icy power, striking the Helian martial artist. Then, Dragon One turned his body and he took the shape of a snake and tortoise: his arms twisted like serpents and his legs were like a tortoise on the ground, his stance was rock-steady. And not only did his two arms bombard the Helian martial artist into submission, but the rebounding power behind each attack caused his arm movements to ovep with after-images as he struck his nks!

    The Helian fighter beat a hasty retreat, intending to dodge the attacks. However, Dragon One once again changed stances. His whole body seemed like a hissing python, and he leaped forward like a divine dragon thrashing its tail. He suppressed that martial artist utterly andpletely.

    At this time, the opponent fell to the ground. Unfortunately, sudden tremors rocked the floor and prevented him from getting stable footing! He furrowed his brows and clenched his teeth. In spite of what happened beneath his feet, his two arms extended as he gathered tremendous strength. He resolutely looked up and smashed forward!

    As it turned out, Dragon One found himself losing momentum. However, yellow light abruptly radiated out from his whole body and he was wreathed in armor. The other martial artist concentrated more than half his power into his two fists, which fell upon the armor. However, the yellow light only shuddered a little, and Dragon One wasn¡¯t truly injured.

    Gongyi Tianheng instantly issued hisst orders: ¡°ck Tortoise Thrust, Warp Strike!¡± [1]

    Dragon One acted nearly simultaneously. His body was like a spiral drill as he twisted around and directly sttered the Helian martial artist¡¯s head! The opponent¡¯s body was sted backwards to the edge of the martial arts battlefield.

    The Helian fighter was dead!

    Gu Zuo nearly held his breath as he watched those quick session of moves, whichsted no more than a minute. It truly left him dumbstruck.

    Atst, he understood what he was watching: Dragon One¡¯s fighting methods were entirely based on his patron¡¯s instructions. Their tacit understanding was excellent, but how did his patron make out so many of that Helian martial artist¡¯s intensions beforehand? After Tianheng gave his instructions, all of the opponent¡¯s moves seemed to have been predicted already. Dragon One only had to follow along, and logically, that martial artist would die!

    This, this seemed as if his patron was just disposing of the Helian fighter. Dragon One was merely a simple puppet, just inputing amand sequence and letting it run... Could it be that this was precisely his patron¡¯s way of partic.i.p.ating in this martial artspet.i.tion?

    Really too difficult, too monstrous!

    Sure enough, following those events, the referee shouted: ¡°This battle is Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s victory!¡±

    In addition, there were many people sitting on the stone tform seats; their faces showed dignified expressions, but their eyes contained shes of constrained fear. And the fear was directed right at Gongyi Tianheng.

    After Tianheng¡¯s victory on the battlefield, he voluntarily walked over to the first level of the Gongyi tform and sat down. When he calmly and unhurriedly brushed away the nonexistent dust on his clothes, he appeared even more outstanding than a mult.i.tude of adolescent supporters. [2]

    These good looks would, indeed, attract lots of appreciative or adoring gazes.

    Dragon One got off the battlefield, and rigidly stationed himself behind Gongyi Tianheng.

    His figure was so straight he looked like a javelin. However, if someone were to take a close look at his minute facial expressions, they would discover that Dragon One felt iparably proud.

    Gu Zuo waspletely astonished.

    Over these brief couple of days, his worldview was rewritten once again.

    From being forced by his patron to adapt to seeing death and blood, he sensed that his patron¡¯s disposition greatly differed from what he could see on the surface. It made him admire Tianheng even more. Gu Zuo felt reverence for him, and sincerely didn¡¯t want to disobey him. And from watching him instruct Tianyang and making him see his patron¡¯s intellectual side, Gu Zuo felt that his patron was truly justified in his reputation. Tianheng was even more awesome than he could have ever imagined. And today, once more, watching his patron¡¯s methods for fighting, he couldn¡¯t help but increasingly feel that his patron was deep and immeasurable. Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was a little giddy...

    However, no matter what was said, this kind of patron seemed even more powerful ¡ª

    Even though he couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, inside and out, it was still a kind of strength.

    Afterwards, Gongyi Tianheng repeatedly ¡°fought¡± on the battlefield, and each battle was just like the first. At the start, Tianheng was capable of discerning at least half of his opponent¡¯s fighting style and gave prior instructions to Dragon One. Then, he could quickly give follow-up orders, allowing Dragon One to rapidly defeat his foes.

    Several battles pa.s.sed, and not only did Dragon One remain unscathed, but his body¡¯s energy consumption was minimized.

    It¡¯s just that the battles had yet to finish, and the two people had yet to leave.

    Gu Zuo watched and watched; and in the end, he could no longer endure it.

    He nced at his side and saw the agile and adorable third youngdy, Gongyi Mingxia. In a soft voice, he asked: ¡°Third youngdy, with young master Tianheng like this... Is he going to be okay?¡±

    Several of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s direct subordinates and close rtives knew that Gu Zuo was actually his ¡°contributor.¡± Seeing as how Tianheng didn¡¯t view him as a servant, they naturally treated him with a certain amount of courtesy.

    Although Gongyi Mingxia was young, her behavior was very good. Seeing that Gu Zuo cared about her big brother, she generously answered: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, big brother always does his work with calctions in mind. He¡¯s unlikely to have any issues.¡±

    After saying this, she saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s expression still had some misgivings. With a glint in her eyes, a sudden idea came to mind and she couldn¡¯t help butugh: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, you¡¯re wondering why big brother can use this kind of fighting method, right?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded.

    It was exactly that. He really wanted to know.

    Gongyi Mingxia¡¯s face was flushed with pride: ¡°Originally, this broke the rules, but who could let those old b.a.s.t.a.r.ds scheme against big brother? As a result, it evoked the opposite reaction in big brother; as if he¡¯d willingly swallow this bitter fruit [3]. As it turned out, big brother could be one of the five young masters of the imperial capital, which was beyond this scheme¡¯s expectations!¡±

    Gu Zuo curiosity grew stronger: ¡°What scheme?¡±

    Mingxia wrinkled her nose, and unhappily said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo knows that big brother¡¯s health is bad, but he¡¯s our bloodline¡¯s eldest grandson. Having all this attention focused on him, he really didn¡¯t have an easy time of it. But big brother had a super high IQ since childhood. When he was six or seven, he could already talk with the adults on their level [4], whether due to his kinship or talents. Big brother didn¡¯t want to merely rely on the n like a shield to live out his days. So with grandfather¡¯s support, he received a portion of the n¡¯s businesses; and sure enough, he made the business grow day by day and generated huge profits. Afterwards, big brother took over more and more businesses, and earned lots of money. His status in the n also steadily rose.¡±

    Saying that, her elegant eyebrows wrinkled: ¡°But brother Ah Zuo, you can also imagine that in our n, a person¡¯s status won¡¯t be stable just by earning money. Also, father and grandfather can¡¯t help big brother forever. They could only dispatch troops to help keep big brother safe.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened, and could feel that his patron¡¯s younger years were full of danger and distress.

    However, this was merely a foreshadowing [5]. There ought to be many things urring in the future. At that time, then they could talk about stuff like schemes and such.

    Gongyi Mingxia continued to talk: ¡°At that time, the Tianlong Guard was established. Although we descendants all had our own task force, how good was it? Whether a guard could be a great a.s.set or not, or being able to urately measure his capabilities. And in big brother¡¯s hands, there was a sudden change in the Tianlong Guard that had everything turning on its head!¡±

    She spoke with some excitable emotions: ¡°Some people didn¡¯t expect big brother¡¯s perception to be so frightening. He was actually able to improve those guards¡¯ cultivation methods, which made the Tianlong Guard¡¯s power suddenly increase. In fact, the speed of his guards¡¯ development was even faster than some of the other descendants¡¯ factions!¡±

    Gu Zuo was dumbstruck.

    Improving a cultivation method? This was also possible?!

    Gongyi Mingxia saw Gu Zuo like this. She was pleased with herself and smiled: ¡°Pa.s.sing big brother¡¯s improved cultivation method, a person¡¯s strength can increase ten to thirty percent. If big brother¡¯s health wasn¡¯t so bad, then maybe he wouldn¡¯t still be this way!¡±

    A line of words suddenly sprung up in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind: The Tiandu Body!

    This couldn¡¯t be a mistake. This was certainly due to the Tiandu Body!

    As it turned out, that so-called ¡°wondrous¡± IQ was unexpectedly such a ¡°wondrous¡± cultivation method.

    However, thinking about it, if he didn¡¯t have the Tiandu Body¡¯s formidable IQ, how could he be made into an existence envied by the very heavens? Could someone originally bestowed with such an exceptionally cultivated apt.i.tude be permitted to exist?

    Granted that he was a pharmacist,pared with his patron who wasn¡¯t even a system, he felt rather jealous...

    Gu Zuo thought about the appearance of Tianyang respectfully seeking instruction from Tianheng, and he felt that it was normal.

    For his patron who could improve cultivation methods, giving instructions to cover his younger brother¡¯s mistakes wasn¡¯t a piece of cake.

    Finally, Gongyi Mingxia said this bit about the scheme: ¡°Granted, our cadet branches have a.s.sumed control over a portion of the n¡¯s businesses. However, that was merely for the purpose of generating wealth for themselves. Their energy is still focused primarily on practicing martial arts. Big brother¡¯s energy is entirely focused on his business. With his ident.i.ty like this, he became the breaking point for the other n¡¯s old b.a.s.t.a.r.ds, attempting to nder big brother. Then, at that time, the n Head ¡ª that is, grandfather¡¯s position [6] became unstable. Originally, grandfather wanted to pa.s.s on his position to father, which then caused a lot of troublesome matters to pop up. It could¡¯ve possibly triggered an internal power-struggle over the position of n Head.¡±

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    [1] While all of Tianheng¡¯s move sets are rather straightforward, hisst order was ½ÊÉ± Jiao sha. Jiao in this context is to twist strands into thread or to entangle, and sha can mean kill or attack. I needed a cooler name; hence, warp strike.

    [2] This sentence totally confused me. Any ideas?

    [3] ¿à¹û - Ku guo, euphemism for a painful experience, a.k.a. a bitter pill.

    [4] ²©¹ÅÍ¨½ñ - Bo gu tong jin, conversant with things past and present. However, Gongyi Mingxia is still a kid, so I need to change her vocabry a little.

    [5] ÆÌµæ - Pu dian, while it can mean bedcovers, it can also mean foreshadowing.

    [6] For rification, it seems that the de jure n Head is the grandfather, but in day-to-day dealings, the father is the contemporary de facto n Head. Maybe.

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    T/N: This author used such an abstract way of describing the fight. How is this poor trantor supposed to convey their meaning? Please let the fights in the future be more straightforward.

    On another note, I feel like this chapter¡¯s trantion is falling a little tpared to my usual standards. Please let me know if there are any huge mistakes. Thank you.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 20

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart constricted: ¡°What did they do?¡±

    Gongyi Mingxia recalled something, and herplexion grew displeased: ¡°It was because of the other four ns¡¯ children. Big brother, along with his generation¡¯s four young masters, were all twelve or thirteen years old, and the four were well-known Blood Refining martial artists. As a result, they all partic.i.p.ated in the same group during the martial artspet.i.tion. At that time, big brother was also twelve, but because rumors were spread outside the n that big brother¡¯s skills were out of the ordinary, this subtly caused him to bepared to the other four young masters. The Helian and Sima ns¡¯ young masters mocked him, saying that since he could manage a reputation like that, then it¡¯d be better if all of them joined in on the fight.¡±

    Gu Zuo, a guy who didn¡¯t consider things deeply, heard all of this and frowned: ¡°Those rumors and the mockery are those old b.a.s.t.a.r.d¡¯s doing?¡±

    Gongyi Mingxia scoffed: ¡°Exactly. No one was a match for big brother. However, with his health and age at that time, grandfather couldn¡¯t let big brother reveal too much of his reputation, and definitely couldn¡¯t let him bepared to the other four young masters. You know, as a matter of fact, this wasn¡¯t only poking at big brother¡¯s weak spot, but also putting him in lots of danger. It could be said that besides having a false reputation, there wasn¡¯t even a small advantage in this situation! But those couple of old b.a.s.t.a.r.ds secretly pushed this n forward.

    ¡°Thus, it would seem to outsiders that big brother, who couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, would go so far as to dare mix with those four exceptional and equally famous geniuses. Wouldn¡¯t that be a deliberate p to their faces? Like this, they had an excuse to call this situation big brother¡¯s bad luck. Even if bystanders understood, they could only say that big brother was in the wrong before. Those couple of genius youths were impulsive, and couldn¡¯t let their anger stand.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and was speechless.

    This scheme within the n was too treacherous. What he originally heard about the five great young masters still had a lot of things bubbling up between them in the undercurrent... However, now it seemed it was still his patron¡¯s skill in raising the stakes?

    Mingxia continued talking about that matter. It seemed she was indignant to this very day, and couldn¡¯t help butin on her brother¡¯s behalf: ¡°Those old b.a.s.t.a.r.ds were truly good-for-nothings! At that time, if big brother didn¡¯t respond, then he would be weak for not shouldering the responsibility; and if he did respond, even if he joined them and immediately conceded defeat, I¡¯m afraid that big brother wouldn¡¯t have enough time to even speak. Those guys would use the fastest speed so that big brother wouldn¡¯t be able to open his mouth... Although they wouldn¡¯t consequently murder big brother, he would be publicly [1] humiliated. And if he was disgraced, we, his blood, would also be disgraced. In that case, the goal of those old b.a.s.t.a.r.ds would be aplished.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened and listened, and his heart was incredibly tense: ¡°Then, afterwards? How did young master Tianheng respond?¡±

    Gongyi Mingxiaughed: ¡°Big brother couldn¡¯t be smarter. At first, he looked aggrieved, bringing up his inconvenient health. That it¡¯d be better to sit and discuss martial arts, which was another type of contest.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this wasn¡¯t so simple: ¡°Being unable to humiliate young master Tianheng, they certainly wouldn¡¯t just let that go.¡±

    Mingxia nodded: ¡°Correct. Naturally, those people were unwilling. Nevertheless, one of the young masters deliberately urged things on, saying something like, ¡®How can a person who practices martial arts only rely on a sharp tongue?¡¯¡±

    Saying this, she was pleased with herself: ¡°But big brother refuted them, saying, ¡®By using martial arts topel this person, without consent or some amodations, I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s mischief at work [2].¡¯¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and was hooked: ¡°Then, after that?¡±

    Gongyi Mingxia¡¯s face flushed with excitement: ¡°Then, that Helian young master still wanted to fight. Big brother, without a better option and not retreating a single step, proposed that he could dispatch his bodyguard and give himmands. Together, they would take part in the martial artspet.i.tion. Big brother even said that if his bodyguard¡¯s movements were the slightest bit different from his instructions, then he¡¯d lose.¡±

    Likewise, Gu Zuo¡¯s face also flushed red with excitement: ¡°When young master Tianheng talks, he¡¯s just stringing them along. They¡¯re already following young master¡¯s reasoning.¡±

    Mingxia¡¯s cute eyes bent in happiness [3]: ¡°Exactly! Big brother¡¯s a person who couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, so he already backed off of this particr stage. If they still forced their way, even a blind person could see that this was wrong. So they had no choice but topromise. Dragon One would listen to and obey big brother¡¯smands.¡±

    Now Gu Zuo understood.

    Then, at least his patron wouldn¡¯t have lost the match or lost face that time. Or, simply put, he¡¯d win. And those other great young masters certainly weren¡¯t resigned to his patron using his mouth to instruct Dragon One; they¡¯de together and resist. This defiance definitely had a follow-up.

    Ultimately, his patron appeared to be the odd one out on the martial arts battlegrounds.

    Currently, his patron already secured his ce among the five great young masters. Not only was it tricky in itself to masterfully use Dragon One, his loyal hound, as an extension of his will [4], but it was calcted thatmanding Dragon One, instead of allowing him freedom of choice, would limit his martial strength by half. He perfectly managed the conspiracy of the other people involved.

    No, no, no. He should say it seemed that when the people thought to humiliate him, they would be face-pped in return. They¡¯d think it¡¯d be a cinch, drunk on their superiority, but as a result, his patronpletely sidestepped their attack and returned the favor with the palm of his hand. After a good beating to the face, what could they say when they couldn¡¯t talk?

    Thinking this was also incredibly invigorating.

    When Gu Zuo looked down to his patron, his eyes were once again very bright.

    For this kind of man, it seemed that no matter what his circ.u.mstances, he was suited to be a winner in life.

    However, those things his patron achieved necessitated a lot of skill. If he was ced in the same position, even if he used the same methods, it wouldn¡¯t mean he¡¯d be as outstanding as his patron... It really made a person think it¡¯d be difficult not to admire him!

    Below, Gongyi Tianheng seemed to sense something. He slightly turned around, and lifted his gaze right as Gu Zuo stared at him.

    Gu Zuo froze, caught in the act.

    Tianheng faintly smiled.

    This smile was really hard to describe... Too handsome.

    ______

    Thest group in the martial artspet.i.tion was very marvelous. The fights were more intense, but there were even fewer dead bodies.

    The higher a person¡¯s martial strength, the better they could grasp their own situation. And in this realm of Meridian Condensing, it was too challenging to widen the gap so much that a martial artist could prevent his opponent from opening their mouth to forfeit the match.

    Gradually, the majority of the martial artspet.i.tion was alreadypleted.

    Gongyi Tianhengmanded Dragon One and won ten matches in a row. There was no uncertainty in his skills.

    In his performances, all his fights were direct and efficient. This revealed Tianheng¡¯s unparalleled insight as well as demonstrate Dragon One¡¯s valiant and matchless capabilities.

    Dragon One was the head of the Tianlong Guard. Also, his age was only approaching thirty years. Indeed, his gant skills were no less than that of the four great young masters, whom haven¡¯t pa.s.sed twenty years in age. But in itself, he was not in the least inferior to the previous ¡°young master in reserve,¡± whose apt.i.tude was somewhatcking.

    Everyone thought that Dragon One¡¯s experience at least granted him keen reaction speed, which would a.s.sist Gongyi Tianheng¡¯smands a little. However, only Dragon One knew that if he truly fought with his opponent by himself, the battle wouldn¡¯t necessary end in his favor.

    This was also one of the reasons why they, the Tianlong Guard, gave the highest praise to this young master who couldn¡¯t practice martial arts.

    Currently, this group¡¯spet.i.tion was alreadying to an end.

    All of a sudden, the shadows of four martial artists abruptly rose high in the air behind the stone tforms of the other four ns. Their figures were like lightning and looked like shooting stars. In the blink of an eye, they already smashed into each of their respective n¡¯s tforms!

    These were the four exceptionally charming young masters: slender and graceful [5], with their heads held high and standing tall.

    These were the imperial capital¡¯s brilliant and famous four young masters. They were:

    Sima n descendant, branch chief¡¯s second son, neen years old: Sima Yuanyou, sessfully reached Houtian ninth stage!

    Helian n descendant, n Head¡¯s third son by blood, eighteen years old: Helian Xingcheng, sessfully reached Houtian ninth stage!

    Duanmu n descendant, third branch, eldest son, neen years old: Duanmu Qingrong, sessfully reached Houtian ninth stage!

    Huangfu n descendant, fifth branch, eldest son, eighteen years old: Huangfu Zhanghao, sessfully reached Houtian ninth stage! [6]

    After the four people arrived, each side took precautions against the other. It seemed they all viewed one another as rivals. They incessantly looked forward to the uing fight.

    Once they red at each other with a fire in their eyes, they all simultaneously looked over at another side.

    When their lines of sight reached a particr ce, they were met with the luxurious clothes of a young master. The corner of his lips were bent into a smile. With an easy-going att.i.tude andposed leisure, he gave people the impression of a n.o.ble and benevolent character.

    Undoubtedly, this was Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng faced these four men and faintly nodded his head, seemingly not at all interested in their affairs.

    However, the implicit meaning of these four mens¡¯ gazes also had nothing inmon with each other.

    The eyes of that Sima Yuanyou and Helian Xingcheng were full of contempt. And as for Duanmu Qingrong and Huangfu Zhanghao, although their goodwill wasn¡¯t worth mentioning, deep in their eyes was a bit of wariness and defiance. Their states of mind were ratherplicated.

    Gu Zuo watched and took in the whole scene before him. His pulse was very fast.

    Ah, the confrontation of the five great young masters... It seemed like his patron could persevere.

    No, that¡¯s wrong. His patron simply went above and beyond perseverance!

    Although the other four young masters¡¯ presences were out of the ordinary and their appearances were magnificent, their temperaments had distinct quirks. Perhaps it was due to Gu Zuo¡¯s familiarity with his patron, but he just felt that these four men together couldn¡¯tpare with Tianheng¡¯s bearing.

    Gu Zuo also believed this to be so.

    Perhaps these four young masters were really awesome, but his patron had the Tiandu Body! If it weren¡¯t for the negative side effects, his patron¡¯s IQ and const.i.tution would leave all these young masters far behind in the dust. Where could these people still show off to this extent?!

    ¡ª Don¡¯t me Gu Zuo for thinking so highly of Tianheng.

    When all was said and done, after he came to the imperial capital, every couple of days he¡¯d discover Tianheng showing off a new ability. Most of all, on the basis of Tianheng¡¯s IQ with the other four equally famous young masters, if his body¡¯s inner qualities also awakened, then he¡¯d certainly have a special distinction! It¡¯d be inevitable for others to appreciate him, right?

    Furthermore, the four great young masters subtly checked each other¡¯s fighting performance through meaningful nces, but Gu Zuo saw their dispositions. They were inferior to his patron¡¯s steady and cool-headed demeanor ¡ª if his patron was a top student and Mr. Perfect, then against the four great young masters, it would be like a university heartthrob [7] and a cute schoolboy. The former trumps thetter.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was a little hot-blooded.

    He was thinking, after he went back, he would research without dy. If he cured his patron early, then he would definitely receive an especially formidable bodyguard. Yet, he also didn¡¯t discover that, originally, he was worried all along. But after much foreshadowing, even if the five great young masters ended up fighting right away, it was obvious that the four were more powerful than all of the previous martial artists. Just now, Gu Zuo never again had those kind of carefree thoughts. He held immense doubt over his patron¡¯s personal safety...

    ______

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    [1] ÖÚÄ¿î¥î¥Ö®ÏÂ - Zhong mu kui kui zhi xia, under watchful eyes.

    [2] ÐÄ»³ØÏ²â - Xin huai po ce, to harbor treacherous thoughts or ulterior motives.

    [3] Íä - Wan, to bend. In this case, her eyes would look like this (^_^).

    [4] ´óÊÖ - Da shou, hired thug. However, I need to give credit where credit¡¯s due, haha.

    [5] ³¤ÉíÓñÁ¢ - Chang shen yu li, usually used to describe a woman¡¯s figure.

    [6] Before I get into the names, the author appends the martial ranks with ´óÔ²Âú, which means great sess. ÔªÓÑ - Yuan (surname) you (friend). ÐË³Ì - Xing (Rise, flourish) cheng (rule, order). ÇáÈÝ - Qing (Light, gentle) rong (appearance, looks). ³¤ê» - Zhang (Chief, head) hao (vast, limitless).

    [7] Ïµ²Ý - Xi cao, a man considered to be the most handsome in a university department.

    ______

    T/N: I need to brush up on my genealogy terms. If anyone notices an error in my familial .s.sifiers, please let me know.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 21

    Not only was Gu Zuo stoked from taking in the performance of the five great young masters, but he was also secretly excited in his heart.

    Altogether, they were the well-known figures of a youthful generation. Who knew which one was the strongest in the end?

    Atst it was time. The people of the Five Great n¡¯s administrative level and the imperial family members atop the pce¡¯s high walls paid special attention.

    This generation¡¯s powerhouses were even more extraordinary than the previous couple of generations.

    In the past, when those imperial young masters were about twenty years old, their foundations had only just reached the Meridian Condensing rank. But these young upstarts were already sessfully at Houtian ninth stage! It would take but a single step for them to enter the Xiantian realm, and rise among the ranks of the empire¡¯s cornerstone martial artists!

    Youth implied unlimited potential.

    Simrly, talented youths geysering forth also implied that a marvelous era was arriving with the gathering of Tianwu continent¡¯s geniuses. This would lead to many exceptional battles between figurative giants and provide this continent many glorious years toe!

    The figure of a tall and st.u.r.dy man walked out of a pce tower [1].

    He seemed to be no more than twenty years old. From head to toe, he exuded an explosive kind of grandeur. His appearance was robust, and his deep eyes seemed to reflect his vast contemtions.

    Beside this tall and st.u.r.dy young man followed a red clothed youngdy. She had radiant skin [2] and a gorgeousplexion. She seemed like a rose in full bloom. She looked lovable and soft, but hidden within was an extroverted personality. It would be hard for people to forget from just one look.

    The youngdy softlyughed: ¡°Ninth brother, what¡¯s worth watching here? Although each of the current young masters are out of the ordinary, they¡¯re still somewhat inferiorpared to ninth brother.¡±

    In a deep voice, the tall and st.u.r.dy young man said: ¡°Third sister, you shouldn¡¯t underestimate others.¡±

    These two people were the current Cangyun Emperor¡¯s ninth son, Prince Cangyu, and third daughter, Princess Yaomin. [3]

    They definitely weren¡¯t the imperial family members who were presiding over this n War. So it wasn¡¯t until thest day that they finally arrived. It seemed they wanted to watch the final and most exciting couple of battles.

    Prince Cangyu¡¯s sight briefly rested on the imperial capital¡¯s four young masters.

    Perhaps these people still didn¡¯t realize, but because he was part of the imperial family, he already knew some pieces of information ¡ª his Father-Emperor already made a decision.

    So he came over to inspect the event first.

    After a look, Cangyu¡¯s line of sightnded on Gongyi Tianheng.

    However, no matter what Helian Xingcheng and the others did, Prince Cangyu could see through them all at a nce. The only one he regarded, and regretted, the most was the supposedly useless young master of the Gongyi n.

    He hated that Tianheng couldn¡¯t practice martial arts. It left him with one less exceptional rival!

    As a prince who¡¯d already entered the imperial inner circle, Cangyu didn¡¯t only have outstanding martial strength, he clearly understood that the current imperial family needed the Five Great ns to mutually impede each other. This would ensure that the imperial family¡¯s position was even higher.

    Each of the Five Great ns had their own chess pieces. However, the imperial family also spread a giganticwork to use the whole empire as a for snaring valuable talents, the ns included.

    Thus, the Five Great ns¡¯ upper echelons and the imperial family¡¯s inner circle both knew about Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s fearsome IQ.

    Most of all, the people who cultivated to the Xiantian rank and beyond all keenly understood that this kind of IQ was extremely astonishing. If it weren¡¯t for Tianheng¡¯s weak body and his remaining lifespan of two years, the imperial family would probably amodate him for the empire¡¯s benefits. However, the other four Great ns would disregard all consequences and demand Tianheng¡¯s a.s.sa.s.sination!

    Otherwise, Gongyi Tianheng would certainly be the one who would affect the political bnce.

    Also, because Tianheng would soon die, the other four Great ns allowed him to blossom in his final glories. If not, once the current Head of the Gongyi n retaliated to protect the n¡¯s face and fly into a terrible rage, the damages to the other four ns would be astronomical.

    This being the case, why shouldn¡¯t they bear to simply wait for Gongyi Tianheng to die?

    Prince Cangyu¡¯s heart was full of misgivings.

    Not only because he had one less rival, but he also clearly understood that if Gongyi Tianheng was able to practice martial arts since childhood, his Father-Emperor¡¯s ns would certainly be a.s.sured.

    But now Tianheng was of no use. Thus, they could only carefully observe Helian Xingcheng and the others from which to select a worthy target to cultivate.

    It¡¯s just that even if it were them, there were still some inferior qualities...

    ______

    The people below never knew the opinions of the Ninth Prince Cangyu.

    However, the elder generations of the Five Great ns had countless undercurrents within. Contrarily, bits and pieces could be glimpsed at.

    This made them urge on the younger generation even more rigorously. They all wanted to strive andpete, to stake it all ande out on top [4]. And the Gongyi n elders could only secretly sigh in their hearts.

    At this time, the head referee spoke: ¡°With the twelve people who¡¯ve won and the four eminent young masters, we now have the top sixteen. Henceforth, everyone will be paired up in groups of two and battle for supremacy. What do our distinguished martial artists think?¡±

    All the martial artists bowed in respect: ¡°We have no objections!¡±

    Helian Xingcheng and the other four great young masters were known for being young and powerful. They were all from the Five Great ns so naturally they were ent.i.tled to dropping in unannounced in the final segment. The other twelve people were constantlypeting to raise their social status. Gongyi Tianheng was also like this ¡ª in itself, due to his particr nature, he definitely couldn¡¯t just brazenly appear out of nowhere like the other four young masters. However, that he dared to bring Dragon One to fight his battles was also proof of how extraordinary he was.

    Thus, the matches of the top sixteen were set.

    At first, Gu Zuo was concentrating his attentions to watch the fights when he inadvertently turned his head and saw the Gongyi n¡¯s third youngdy Mingxia holding something pitch-ck in her hand. She was looking at a tower atop the pce walls.

    He stared nkly. Why did this pitch-ck thing look so familiar?

    Gongyi Mingxia noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s peculiarity, and tossed the thing over into Gu Zuo¡¯s hand: ¡°This is a ¡®Tongtian Eye¡¯ [5]; it lets you see faraway ces. My strength is at the Blood Refining rank and my eyesight isn¡¯t sharp enough, so I have to use it to see clearly. Brother Ah Zuo, do you want to try?¡±

    She could clearly see the matches on the battlefield, but wanting to take a gander at the people at the top of the pce tower was out of the question.

    Gu Zuo managed to catch the thing, feeling that it was heavy in his hand. After that, a corner of his mouth drew out: ¡°...Many thanks to third youngdy.¡±

    What ¡®Tongtian Eye¡¯? Wasn¡¯t this a telescope? Ah, it seemed it was a rare object...

    However, the moment Gu Zuo raised the thing up close to his eye, his perception changed.

    This Tongtian Eye had an even greater rity than any of the telescope models he knew of! In addition to its unknown functionality, with a flick of the wrist, something several kilometers away would be brought into exacting detail [6]. So long as it was aligned with the eye, one¡¯s line of sight was not constrained to the device¡¯s frame at all. Instead, the radial scope of the visualized scenery was some tens of meters outwards. In special environments, one could imagine that it should be considerably useful.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo lowered his head, with the Tongtian Eye aimed below the stone tform.

    ¡ª It was here that his patron stood.

    In the Tongtian Eye, it seemed as if his patron¡¯s entire body was drawn close from far away like he was right in front of Gu Zuo. Even the creases of his outer robes were crystal clear.

    Suddenly, Gongyi Tianheng slightly turned his head. At once, that handsome face was magnified within the Tongtian Eye. His long eyshes gently fluttered, and his appearance was a l.u.s.trous white. There were practically no blemishes to speak of ¡ª handsomeness to this degree was also very intimidating.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart jumped, and hurriedly put down the Tongtian Eye.

    At this time, Dragon One already got into ce. His patron turned his head, and with a smile on his face, he calmly walked closer to the martial arts battlefield.

    As it turned out, the first match was between Gongyi Tianheng and one of the top sixteen martial artists.

    That strong martial artist came from the Sima n. He was called Sima Jian. He was in the prime of his life and was very st.u.r.dy and strong. His stature would be considered equal to a very muscr Dragon One. Standing in front of each other, Dragon One seemed thin inparison.

    Upon two people facing together, that Sima Jian immediately engaged, intending to strike and seriously injure Dragon One before Gongyi Tianheng could issue anymands! Sima Jian further realized that if Dragon One escaped his strike through his own ability, it would be considered Tianheng¡¯s defeat. Likewise, he would achieve victory.

    However, how could Tianheng let him get away with such notions? Since from his first time partic.i.p.ating in these martial artspet.i.tions, many opponents had simr ways of thinking. Yet not even one had aplished this.

    In the split second that Sima Jian shot out, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯smands were already issued: ¡°Eruption Five, Crumbling Mountain Eight!¡±

    Simultaneously, with Dragon One¡¯s extreme faith in his young master, he emptied his mind of all thought, and was solely preupied in bing a puppet of his master¡¯s will. Explosive energy grantly detonated!

    Spectating martial artists came from all over the Cangyun empire. They had never seen this kind of martial artspet.i.tion before. The previous matches already left them very astonished. But they never imagined the Gongyi n¡¯s great young master to ultimately face off against one of the top sixteen. There were all kinds of spections afterwards concerning the opponent¡¯s instantaneous movements.

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion was slightly red, and his eyes were glistening.

    His patron won again! He directly entered the top eight!

    With Gongyi Tianhengmanding Dragon One, there still wasn¡¯t a difference from one moment of that Sima Jian¡¯s struggle to the next. Helian Xingcheng and the other great young masters battled with their opponents and soundly defeated them within three to five moves.

    Their strengths were so high that the spectating martial artists naturally admired them ¡ª even though the martial artists came from other ces and didn¡¯t understand the imperial capital¡¯s situation nor these young masters¡¯ skills, while they were somewhat dispirited with these upstartsing in unannounced at first, now they experienced things firsthand and willingly epted what happened.

    It may also be a.s.sumed that with regards to these four great young masters, the n Wars prior to them joining must have been incredibly boring.

    Soon after, the quarterfinals for the top eight immediately began.

    This match-up just so happened to feature Helian Xingcheng.

    His gaze was hooded, and he seemed somewhat impatient as he stood at the ready near one end of the martial arts battlefield. And Dragon One was directly opposite of him.

    Xingcheng was apparently disinclined to even spare a nce at Dragon One. Rather, his sightnded on Gongyi Tianheng, and he coldlyughed: ¡°This time, I will remove every opportunity for you to even hit back.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Please try.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this young master Helian¡¯s deration. He recalled that person¡¯s reputation, and broke out in a cold sweat over his patron. However, he also believed that since his patron didn¡¯t have the least bit of anxiety, Tianheng would definitely have a solution to this dilemma.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ³ÇÂ¥ - Cheng lou, city (gate) tower. However, with the current location, it can only be from the pce.

    [2] ´µµ¯¿ÉÆÆµÄ¼¡·ô - Chui tan (wind-blown) ke po di (precisely suited) ji fu (skin). Therefore, skin that has been windswept would be flushed or rosy.

    [3] ²ÔÓù - Cang (surname, dark blue) yu (defend, resist). ÑþÃô - Yao (surname, jade) min (agile, clever). For those who read ahead, can you guys confirm if the guy¡¯s name is separated into Cang Yu, or if his first name is Cangyu in its entirety?

    [4] ÕùÉÏÒ»Õù£¬Æ´ÉÏÒ»Æ´. This was a bit beyond my trantion skills.

    [5] Í¨ÌìÑÛ - Tong tian yan, I can trante this as ¡°Sky piercing eye.¡± However, due to the aesthetic euphony, I am keeping the pinyin name as it is.

    [6] ÏËºÁ±ÏÏÖ - Xian hao bi xian, fine hair brought intoplete focus.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 22

    Helian Xingcheng was three meters tall [1]. He was born with the back of a tiger and the waist of a bear [2]. His features were open and his profile was heroic. However, his eyes asionally shone with treachery. This would let one know that, fundamentally, he was nothing like a hero. Instead, he was a very narrow-minded and petty kind of person.

    Just now, he spoke a few words to Gongyi Tianheng. He was rather angry because back then he suffered a loss under Tianheng¡¯s hand. Now he was raging to make up for it.

    Gu Zuo looked at Helian Xingcheng and didn¡¯t have the tiniest favorable impression of him.

    He inwardly thought: This guy is an imperial young master. Compared to a person who can¡¯t practice martial arts, he still has to spew bulls.h.i.t on the battlefield? Doesn¡¯t he know that talking like a viin is a cliche? Generally, people who talk s.h.i.t easily get their faces pped.

    However, ridicule invites more ridicule. Following the martial artspet.i.tion, granted that Gu Zuo was an amateur, he understood that Helian Xingcheng¡¯s arrogance would be returned with arrogance. He really had it in spades ¡ªpared to the previous martial artists, he really was excessively powerful.

    Frombat awareness to techniques, and even to using strategies, when talking about strength that could readily throw those people over several city blocks, it really dazzled onlookers.

    Gu Zuo saw that his patron didn¡¯t resemble the kind mentioned before. At the start of each martial arts match, he would promptly dere numerous martial styles. And Tianheng¡¯s opponents would employ their own styles in ordance with his patron¡¯s words, which allowed Dragon One to quickly win.

    This time, his patron could only speak briefly. Once he voiced something, it would be quite a few phrases in quick session, which would be subst.i.tuted or changed at lightning speed.

    All of Helian Xingcheng¡¯s movements contained extremely fearsome strength!

    If he used <crumbling mountain="" energy="">>, his strikes would cause the battlefield to quake; if he used martial techniques, Dragon One was forced to use his own martial techniques, barely dodging by a square inch [3] of ground; if he used the <ck tortoise="" method="">>, his iparably sharp stabs would make air-breaking sounds. His footsteps were firm, he was immoveable as a mountain, his defense was like a tortoise sh.e.l.l, and his might was like thunder and lightning.</ck></crumbling>

    It could be said that he utilized these martial techniques and cultivation methods to the extreme!

    It was very terrifying.

    Gu Zuo imagined that with these methods, if his own bodygged behind, then he¡¯d certainly die in a second. If the Houtian martial artists of this world were already this scary, then what sort of terrible abilities should a Xiantian martial artist have?

    It was truly difficult to survive without any b.u.mps along the way.

    Sure enough, the people of this world also weren¡¯t too easy.

    During the fight, as more time pa.s.sed, Helian Xingcheng¡¯s movements became more violent. Dragon One was a veteran who¡¯d put himself between life and death many times, and as a result, he was very calm. The more time pa.s.sed, the less likely Dragon One was to go on the offensive. All along, ording to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s every order, the situation was in a state of constant dodging and defense.

    But, even though Xingcheng was frantically attacking, in the end, he still couldn¡¯t cut through Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s miraculous defense ¡ª until suddenly, Tianheng urgentlymanded Dragon One to use more than half his power to withstand Xingcheng¡¯s heavy strike! Using the kic force of the strike, Dragon One flew back in retreat. Moreover, Tianheng promptly opened his mouth and uttered a short phrase.

    ¡°I forfeit.¡±

    At the same time, despite Tianheng¡¯s call, Xingcheng¡¯s reckless attack fell from midair.

    The referee in charge of this match rushed out without dy and obstructed Xingcheng.

    Dragon One¡¯splexion slightly nched. Gongyi Tianheng would go no farther than the quarterfinals.

    Only Xingcheng wasn¡¯tpletely happy with his victory. He yearned to destroy Dragon One, but in the end, he didn¡¯t seed ¡ª so long as Dragon One, and Tianheng, were alright, he would be furious!

    It looked like he won, butpared to his grand speech before, this equated to his loss.

    Gu Zuo was very excited, and could hardly contain his exuberant cheers, but he couldn¡¯t stop himself from giving his patron a huge thumbs up.

    Beside him, Gongyi Mingxia and Gongyi Tianyang both heaved a sigh of relief. Mingxia saw Gu Zuo¡¯s movement and couldn¡¯t help her curiosity: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, what does...this mean?¡±

    Gu Zuo btedly responded. He stared at his thumb and mentally smacked himself, saying: ¡°Young master Tianheng is especially awesome right now. The meaning of this is to show one¡¯s admiration for him. En, to put it simply, the young master Tianheng is doing beautifully!¡±

    Mingxia suddenly understood. She raised her own thumb¡¯s up: ¡°Big brother did beautifully!¡±

    Tianyang saw this, and couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°That¡¯s right, big brother is the most awesome!¡±

    After Tianheng finished beautifully, he unhurriedly returned to the stone tform. He didn¡¯t tarry for long underneath.

    Dragon One followed and came up, checking on his minor wounds.

    Sure, two people had lost. However, their situation was different in the end. Losing was not unsightlypared to winning. Moreover, being able to withstand Helian Xingcheng¡¯s violent storm of attacks and ultimately conceding defeat was, in fact, already an exceptionally good aplishment.

    Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t a person who couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, and still defeat one of the four great young masters, bepletely out of control?

    Thus, Gongyi Tianheng not only didn¡¯t lose face, but he proportionately stepped all over Xingcheng¡¯s face. He smoothly saved his own position, showed off his capabilities, and left everyone speechless and filled with resentment.

    Gongyi Mingxia¡¯s nose twitched, a little proud: ¡°Last,st time, when big brother did something like this, those other ns were always unwilling to give up. Isn¡¯t there still nothing for them to do about it? Hehe!¡±

    At this time, Tianheng walked over. Hearing what she said, he gently spoke: ¡°Do not ridicule others behind their backs. A cornered dog jumping over a wall [4] is very unsightly.¡±

    Mingxia couldn¡¯t restrain her smile. She t.i.ttered [5], before bursting out inughter.

    Tianheng faintly shook his head, and sat down next to Gu Zuo: ¡°Is Ah Zuo still getting used to it?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded: ¡°I am.¡±

    All men had bravery. Granted that, at first, beating people to death and so on was not something he could adapt to, but so long as he wasn¡¯t forced to kill people himself, he could slowly get used to it.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled and said no more.

    Presently, Gu Zuo sitting together with his patron. His heartbeat was even more intense than before.

    He always felt that Prince Charming was more fascinating...

    Tianheng sensed that Gu Zuo would asionally steal nces at him, andughed in his heart. He extended a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Ah Zuo, go watch the matches of those four. It will also benefit you.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little embarra.s.sed from being caught in the act, but he was still very obedient.

    Afterwards, he once again watched the matches of those imperial young masters, whom he originally didn¡¯t particrly have any interest in.

    In the quarterfinals, Gongyi Tianheng and Helian Xingcheng¡¯s match was finished, and the other three matches ended even faster. Although those other people were very fearsome,pared to this Duanmu Qingrong and the others, the differences were huge. There was practically no suspense, and everything concluded within half an hour.

    The tournament advanced. It was the semifinals, and only the four great young masters remained. Those who lined up were the most powerful, and the best and brightest.

    Due to an even match up, the expansive battlefield shook endlessly. Their fights were extremely fierce.

    Perhaps because Xingcheng ate a soft-sh.e.l.led turtle with Tianheng, he bottled up his resentment and vented it all on his opponent of equal rank: Duanmu Qingrong.

    Although Qingrong was very powerful, his abilities were mostly dependent on his speed. When Xingcheng harnessed his rage and turned it into even greater speeds, after a bitter struggle, he lost to Xingcheng due to a single error.

    Due to this reason, Qingrong furrowed his brows, and was somewhat unsatisfied.

    He nced at Gongyi Tianheng, and a glint of emotion shed through his eyes.

    Compared to this person, he still seemed to becking something...

    Meanwhile, in the battle between Sima Yuanyou and Huangfu Zhanghao, thetter won.

    Zhanghao was a man of few words, and his disposition was very brutal. When he fought, it could be described as merciless. Although Yuanyou was also very tyrannical [6], he still didn¡¯t fight with everything he had like Zhanghao. Thus, he lost the fight.

    In the end, Helian Xingcheng and Huangfu Zhanghao vied for first ce, and Duanmu Qingrong and Sima Yuanyoupeted for third.

    These two matches were the battles of giants. They fought toplete qi exhaustion. They relied on their own willpower to determine the winner ¡ª in the end, Zhanghao was first, second was Xingcheng, third was Qingrong, and Yuanyou was inst ce.

    However, in the end, this wasn¡¯t a battle of life and death. If one was at the moment of taking his opponent¡¯s life, each and every one of them would hold their own trump cards. As a result, they weren¡¯t easy to deal with.

    At this point, the n War was over.

    From start to finish, although every match could be considered marvelous, the most eye-catching were the battles where the four great young masters faced off.

    Numerous spectating martial artists observed the strengths of the imperial capital¡¯s young masters. Filled with admiration, they would inevitably spread the circ.u.mstances of the martial artspet.i.tion from whence they came. No doubt that it would revolve around the young masters¡¯ fights. Also, even more dauntless martial artists would be attracted in droves to partic.i.p.ate in this grand asion that seemed like a holy war.

    Over and over again, year after year.

    The imperial capital¡¯s five young masters were the benchmark set by all young martial artists. The young masters represented the Five Great ns and consequently established a robust foundation and supreme honor, which were pa.s.sed down generation to generation.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t see through to the truth of these things.

    He only understood that the n War was over, and his patron was safe. They ought to be able to return home, right?

    In the imperial capital, although the Gongyi n¡¯s manor was luxurious and bustling with talent, as far as Gu Zuo was concerned, it was the other courtyard, where he was first provided shelter, that gave him a small sense of belonging.

    So, Gu Zuo quietly asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, can we go back? The n War¡¯s finished, so why haven¡¯t those martial artists left yet?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s piercing eyes softened. He replied: ¡°The visiting martial artists who¡¯ve partic.i.p.ated in the n War naturally have a mind to win favors or opportunities. There is a ranking in each and every martial artspet.i.tion. All the hopefuls want to be noticed by ns of the imperial capital. Among them, the most outstanding may possibly be inducted by the Five Great ns. Till then, their family members would also receive the n¡¯s protection.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    That is, in the n War, besides the Five Great n¡¯s people, there was people from the minor Families outside the imperial capital who also partic.i.p.ated. If they could achieve the qualifications to partic.i.p.ate, they were talents who could go the distance. This business was for the purpose of showing off one¡¯s worth. Only then could a martial artiste here to fight with with all he had.

    Although there were few such people, one couldn¡¯t help but say that many auxiliary families or sponsored martial artists of the ns were exactly like this.

    Just when Gu Zuo and the others on the stone tform were getting their affairs in order, a formidable and extraordinary martial artist, wearing military armor, suddenly came over with a confident bearing. sped in his hand was a purple and golden invitation card, which was delivered to Gongyi Tianheng.

    After he looked at it, Tianheng nodded: ¡°I will go to the meeting on time.¡±

    After that armored martial artist saluted, he about-faced and walked away withrge strides.

    Gu Zuo curiously asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, what was that all about?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, and pa.s.sed him the invitation: ¡°Ah Zuo can take a look for himself.¡±

    ______

    ______

    [1] To say that a person was Éí¸ß¾Å³ß, is to liken that person to ¹ØÓð, Guan Yu, a heroic figure from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

    [2] »¢±³ÐÜÑü - Hu bei xiong yao, to have a tough and stocky build.

    [3] ·½´ç - Fang cun, direct trantion. Though, I can¡¯t help but feel that the interpretation was wrong here.

    [4] ¹·¼±ÌøÇ½ - Gou ji tiao qiang, an idiom meaning to be driven to desperate actions.

    [5] àÛàÍ - Pu chi, sound effect of light or restrainedughter.

    [6] °ÔµÀ - Ba dao, short for °ÔÍõÖ®µÀ, The Way of the Hegemon, or a despotic rule.

    ______

    T/N: Unexpectedly heavy work week, so the trantion got dyed. I hoped to get more done, but at least my promise for a minimum one per week will hold.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 23

    Hengtian Courtyard [1], a secret room, in front of a small pill cauldron...

    A rather soft and tender youth was sitting crosslegged, with both his hands intwined. His ten fingers rapidly performed numerous hand arts, and everything was thrown into the cauldron.

    The ze was intermittent. It flickered and changed size as itpped against the small pill cauldron. This caused the medicinal ingredients within to constantly emit a refreshing fragrance.

    The soft and tender youth abruptly raised his hand, and called out: ¡°Receive!¡±

    In a split second, sixteen l.u.s.trous and glossy medicinal pills steadily entered a jade tray, creating the sound of ringing bells.

    The youth fetched arge gourd and put the pills inside. Afterwards, he grabbed the medicinal ingredients next to him, and threw them into that same pill cauldron.

    Soon after, the fire resurged and the high-pitched sounds of evaporating water was heard.

    The youth¡¯s movements were like rows of clouds and running water, exceptionally smooth and practiced. However, if someone were to closely examine him, they¡¯d discover that his expression was rather dull and sluggish. Obviously his mind was elsewhere, and wasn¡¯t focused on pill refining.

    After refining five cauldrons worth of medicine without any breaks, the youth¡¯s hands finally stopped. He stood up and asked the shadow in the room¡¯s corner: ¡°Young master Tianheng still hasn¡¯te back?¡±

    At this moment, from the shadow appeared a ck clothed, strong and slender young man.

    He was called ¡°Dragon Two,¡± and belonged to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s Tianlong Guard. His position was just beneath Dragon One as his second-inmand. Ordinarily, Dragon One would act as Tianheng¡¯s trusted aide and rearguard. When they were out, Dragon Two was a.s.signed as Gu Zuo¡¯s personal bodyguard.

    Dragon Two was a young man of few words, but his loyalty was not less than the hound Dragon One. After he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s question, he rapidly vaulted out of the room and then shot back in. He replied: ¡°Reporting to Pharmacist Gu, the young master has not returned yet.¡±

    Gu Zuo wrinkled his brows, and let out a tiny sigh.

    After the n War ended yesterday, his patron received an invitation and didn¡¯t hide it from him. Once Gu Zuo read it, he discovered that the person who sent it was the ninth son of the Cangyun Emperor, Cang Yu. He invited his patron to attend a banquet.

    This banquet was open only to the n War¡¯s top eight finalists. Apart from his patron, due to extraordinary circ.u.mstances, he also brought along Dragon One. The other finalists could only attend by themselves. Naturally, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t tag along, and wasn¡¯t likely to understand what was to happen at the banquet.

    It was strange to say that regardless of his memories from Qi Tianyou or his discreet inquiries afterwards, he only knew that the imperial capital¡¯s five young masters were the stars of the younger generation. While everyone in the imperial family had the reputation of princes, they still seemed inferior to the famed strength of the five great young masters.

    He muddled things over, and thought that as the whole household were princes who were born with silver spoons in their mouths,pared to those people, what reputation of those ¡°young masters¡±? However, on ount of this, he was unclear about the princes¡¯ strengths in the end. What he didn¡¯t know was whether the five great young masters were stronger or weaker than them.

    Gu Zuo thought and rested for a bit, until he was ready to continue refining pills.

    Just when he was getting ready to sit down, Dragon Two seemed to hear some movement. His eyes shined: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, the young master andmander-in-chief have returned!¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly set aside the medicinal ingredients in his hand, and scampered over to the secret room¡¯s doorway.

    As expected, right in front of him was the calm and collected, magnificently robed, young master. Was it not his dear patron?

    Gongyi Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s worried eyes, and openlyughed: ¡°Has Ah Zuoe out to personally wee me?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Young master Tianheng, the ninth prince who invited you guys over, he didn¡¯t say anything bad, did he?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there wasn¡¯t anything bad.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt relieved.

    Everything was fine when his patron was alright. It would be great if nothing bad happened.

    Gongyi Tianheng and Dragon One both entered the secret room. Then Dragon One sealed the door.

    Gu Zuo saw them behaving cautiously, and he felt something in his heart. He said: ¡°It wasn¡¯t anything bad, but it should be some really big deal, right?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Correct. Concerning one year from now, the Azure Dragon Pool will open.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Azure Dragon Pool?¡±

    Tianheng patiently exined: ¡°If a perfect-grade Houtian martial artist entered the Azure Dragon Pool, so long as their apt.i.tude was satisfactory, it¡¯d be practically guaranteed that they¡¯d take a half-step into the Xiantian realm. At that time, they¡¯d only need to consolidate for a bit and, through their ownprehension, directly breakthrough to Xiantian.¡±

    Gu Zuo voiced his thoughts: ¡°If a perfect-grade Houtian martial artist didn¡¯t enter the Azure Dragon Pool, how long would it take for them to take half a step into Xiantian?¡±

    Tianheng praised: ¡°Ah Zuo found the key point.¡±

    He continued, saying, ¡°From perfect-grade Houtian to Xiantian, it usually takes many years to actualize and consolidate. This hurtle is very challenging, so much so that a martial artist may find themselves trapped in this situation their whole life, and never reach the Xiantian realm. This is all because, in aparison between Xiantian and Houtian, there is an inherent transformation. If a martial artist can¡¯t find an opportunity, they¡¯ll end up squandering their whole life.

    ¡°And the Azure Dragon Pool is something profound among heaven and earth. It can directly raise the awareness of a martial artist concerning the experience of the Xiantian realm, allowing them to touch upon it. They¡¯d automatically attain a half-step to Xiantian. For a martial artist with inadequate apt.i.tudes, merely wanting to advance further through their own efforts and utilizing the Azure Dragon Pool to forcefully promote their life essence would be unsessful.¡±

    It was also due to these things that the avable spots for the Azure Dragon Pool was incredibly precious. It absolutely wasn¡¯t casually given to people.

    Even with the brilliant reputation of the five great young masters, it wasn¡¯t a.s.sured.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that it¡¯s the imperial family who issues the avable spots?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face and said: ¡°Precisely. However, these spots aren¡¯t distributed ording to their whims. Rather, a year from now, the imperial family will be holding an a.s.sessment. If you pa.s.s, you can get a seat, and if you don¡¯t pa.s.s, you won¡¯t get anything.¡±

    Mentioning this matter, he sighed: ¡°Azure Dragon Pool doesn¡¯t easily open. It usually requires thirty to fifty years to open once. This time around, His Majesty is regarding this as a big deal.¡±

    Gu Zuo got it: ¡°So originally, it was like this.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say anything else, only holding some pity for his patron.

    It was very obvious. Although his patron was invited to this negotiation, in reality, it was only for the sake of showing an impartial face. The Azure Dragon Pool would have absolutely nothing to do with his patron. The other top seven had their chances a year from now, excluding his patron ¡ª after all, this kind of matter couldn¡¯t be subst.i.tuted with Dragon One.

    Thinking this way, Gu Zuo suddenly found his patron¡¯s eyes meeting his wobbling gaze.

    Gu Zuo looked away distractedly, feeling his thoughts fry to a crisp in his mind... That¡¯s not it?

    Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened.

    Gu Zuo hesitantly asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng...wants to go partic.i.p.ate in that test?¡±

    Tianheng gently answered: ¡°Ah Zuo understands me.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Although he was very happy to speak like that, wasn¡¯t his patron being a little air-headed?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was a bit solemn: ¡°So, I have to ask Ah Zuo, how long will it take for me to be capable of practicing martial arts?¡±

    Gu Zuo understood this time.

    His patron, he really wanted to go!

    At first, Gu Zuo wanted to directly say ¡°Impossible!¡± At the very least, the initial stages of the treatment were still iplete. Currently, they were at the body nourishment stage. The meridians were still blocked, so how could he practice martial arts? Moreover, even if he were able to open his meridians this year, how could the remaining time be sufficient for his patron to jump from a guy without any martial foundation to Houtian ninth stage perfect-grade? If he didn¡¯t have the strength of this martial rank, how could he stake everything against the other four great young masters?!

    However, when Gu Zuo saw such fervency sh within Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes, there was an unexpected coincidence as he spoke of another matter: ¡°There is a way, but that method will be extremely painful...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s countenance didn¡¯tck a bit of elegance. On the contrary, he seemed rxed: ¡°If it can allow me to achieve the conditions necessary to practice martial arts, even if the suffering is ten times greater, it would be like a sweet wine to me.¡±

    Gu Zuo pondered at lightning speed.

    He couldn¡¯t allow any mistakes concerning the treatment method of the Tiandu Body. At an early time, he already memorized it all by heart. In fact, after carefully reading through it, he found that there were many different dosages avable. The prescription was written on the first few pages. The course of the treatment was the longest, and also the least painful.

    Gu Zuo thought that it was to allow the Tiandu Body to endure things more easily ¡ª after all, not every Tiandu Body had to reach a certain age to be treated.

    When a person with the Tiandu Body was born, their meridians were weak. Thus, strong medicines couldn¡¯t be used. As one aged, the meridians would widen slightly, but would also begin to suffer blockages. However, contrary to that, the older meridians couldn¡¯t bepared to the initial ones.

    Generally speaking, it was only natural that treatment at the moment of birth would be the most optimal. Merely, the infant¡¯s body would be very weak. Using the weakest medicines with precise dosages would be the most appropriate to slowly nurture the infant¡¯s body.

    What was written on those pages ought to be the optimal treatment n used from infancy.

    But if his patron was brought into their world, and was already an adult... Gu Zuo silently thought.

    Moreover, only two meridians were left unblocked.

    When his meridians were blocked, trying to use medicine to unclog them would easily cause damage. Thus, his patron should be taken care of as an infant at first, and once the meridians were opened, then medicine could be used inside and out. Simultaneously strengthening the meridians and magnifying the medicinal properties in order to elerate the speed of recovery.

    This was the exact difference between an adult and infant.

    It was only that as the medicinal properties got stronger, the pain would also get more severe.

    Gu Zuo originally wished for his dear patron to slowly recuperate. Granted that the time period was long, the pressure on them was light. However, now it seemed that his patron wasn¡¯t like before.

    He kept thinking about the pre-determined procedures of the treatment. After, he once again inquired: ¡°Young master Tianheng, it¡¯ll be extremely, extremely painful... Are you certain?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng face slowly blossomed into a smile. One didn¡¯t know for what reason, but it would give a person a serious and sharp feeling like a knife: ¡°A person who practices martial arts is bold and powerful, and forges ahead vigorously. Seldom are these kinds of opportunities. I naturally will strive forward with my all. I have lived for eighteen years as a person who was never willing tog behind. My body has suffered every kind of pain and suffering, and I don¡¯t regret it in the least!¡±

    Gu Zuo sucked in a deep breath, and showed a glittering, brilliant smile: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll also apany young master Tianheng to risk it all! At most, it¡¯s only that...we¡¯ll start from the beginning again.¡±

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    [1] The author originally wrote çñÌì, which is Tianheng¡¯s name reversed. I don¡¯t know if this was a typo or not.

    ______

    T/N: Changed the trantion of ´óÔ²Âú from the use of the adverb ¡°sessfully¡± to the adjective ¡°perfect-grade.¡± Mostly because it¡¯s being used so often that an adverb makes less sense.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 24

    The way Gongyi Tianheng handled his affairs was always decisive. Gu Zuo was a person with a one-track mind, who was determined to seed. Two people took some time to briefly discuss their main objectives. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t be staying in this Cangyun City for a long time.

    The following day or two, besides Tianheng taking his medicinal food to nourish his body, he spent the rest of the time with his parents¡¯ household and watched over his siblings. Afterwards, he bid farewell to his numerous rtives.

    The family head had a deep understanding of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s personality. He didn¡¯t have much reservations in keeping them there, so on a bright and sunny morning, Gu Zuo and Tianheng both retuned to their courtyard.

    ...Here, it was still deste and empty, but all at once, Gu Zuo became rxed.

    Because Gu Zuo promised his patron before, he didn¡¯t rest after returning. There were the sounds of rustling in the study room as he wrote several lists; each list was densely packed with medicinal ingredients ¡ª This time around, there weren¡¯t any that were for Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining. Rather, they were all for his patron¡¯s health.

    Gongyi Tianheng was also unambiguous. He ced his full support behind Gu Zuo¡¯s efforts. After his eyes swept through the lists, he ordered the Tianlong Guard intermediaries to go arrange matters. All expenditures were paid for by his own personal storehouse, as to not tip off his nsmen.

    The Tianlong Guard were also very capable. It wasn¡¯t long before all the medicinal ingredients were hauled back without a hitch.

    After Gu Zuo got everything, he naturally disyed his skills.

    Currently, he wanted to refine a medicinal decoction known as the <baby tortoise="" hardened="" meridian="" decoction="">> [1].</baby>

    As the name implied, it required forty nine phantom tortoise eggs and sh.e.l.ls, as well as over one hundred distinct medicinal ingredients as apaniment. After saut¨¦ing, he used the minor art <winter plum="" flowering="" viewing="">> to neutralize the medicinal properties and refine the medicinal decoction in arge cauldron. It was used to consolidate one¡¯s meridians.</winter>

    The effect of this medicinal decoction was to raise the strength of the meridians so that when the time came, the impact of the medicinal pills and cuisine wouldn¡¯t rupture the meridians.

    Of course, it was only now that Gu Zuo dared use this kind of medicinal decoction. Another reason was because his patron¡¯s initial treatment was already more than halfway done.

    As early as before partic.i.p.ating in the n War, Gongyi Tianheng was already starting the next step of his treatment. Every day he had to endure violent pain and the sensations of his meridians on fire. He didn¡¯t miss a single session during the past few days of the n War.

    Thus, there was already a tiny, imperceptible flow of qi within his meridians. And some meridians had qi slowly moving through them... Although the blockages hadn¡¯t been removed, the meridians were capable of allowing some subtle medicinal properties to pa.s.s through.

    This was a good start.

    And Gu Zuo¡¯s way of doing things meant directly stimting the meridians.

    His strategy was safeguarded by the Baby Tortoise Hardened Meridian Decoction.

    However, the medicinal decoction¡¯s refinement was still very difficult.

    In particr, this kind of decoction was one of the most difficult ones among the human-level prescriptions. Although Gu Zuo could already refine seven cauldrons of medicinal pills a day, therge amounts of energy consumed had never matched today¡¯s requirements. After sessfully refining, there was a feeling of total exhaustion from his soul force from head to toe.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t entertain too many thoughts and only wiped away his sweat. With his paleplexion, he quickly instructed Dragon Two to prepare purified water and a bath tub [2]. Then, Gu Zuo blended the decoction and water together using Winter Plum Flowering Viewing to evenly distribute the recuperative medicinal properties.

    Afterwards, with a weight lifted from his shoulders, he opened his mouth: ¡°Young master Tianheng, go take off your clothes and get in. Remember to sit halfway in so that the medicinal decoction soaks you up to your corbone, but don¡¯t slip.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was standing on the side watching the whole time. After he heard this, he waved his hand and ordered the Tianlong Guard to leave.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two werepletely loyal. They obeyed his order and left.

    Immediately, Tianheng took off his clothes.

    Based on a medical professional¡¯s mindset, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel there were any taboos to be avoided between two men. This also was why he wasn¡¯t burdened by such things. When he saw Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body, he was only rmed.

    ¡ª His outward appearance waspletely unlike a Mr. Perfect. His bone structure wasn¡¯tcking, but his skin was pale. He looked like he¡¯d lost weight.

    This actually wasn¡¯t unexpected. He couldn¡¯t help thinking: If his patron¡¯s family wasn¡¯t rich, and they didn¡¯t try to think of every possible method day after day to make Tianheng eat good things, he was afraid that the consequences of his blocked meridians wouldn¡¯t merely be just losing weight.

    Despite thinking this, Gu Zuo¡¯s face didn¡¯t reveal his surprise. He only felt increasing pity for his patron in his heart, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t deliberately sympathize with him.

    His patron was the type of person who hated sympathy the most...

    Sure enough, without the slightest hesitation, after Gongyi Tianheng freely took off his inner and outer robes, he climbed into the bath tub to sit down.

    The medicinal decoction instantly soaked his body, and directly reached his neck line just to his corbone. He stopped to adjust his position and smoothly sat upright. Meanwhile, a mellow and rich medicinal power immediately prated his pores and perfused throughout his whole body.

    It seemed like that boundless medicinal power already adhered to Tianheng¡¯s meridians in an instant. With unceasing stimtion, it made one feel the suffering of countless stabbing pins and needles rapidly engulf the body from top to bottom!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯splexion was deathly pale. Huge beads of sweat formed runnels on his cheeks and dripped off.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare neglect anything. He fetched a hand towel long ago in preparation, and wiped his dear patron clean.

    Tianheng¡¯s fingers clenched into fists beneath the decoction, but his whole body nevertheless slightly leaned against the wall of the tub without a hint of any peculiar movement. While his expression was tranquil, due to the dense steam, his pitch-ck eyes made one feel like they were even darker and more profound than usual.

    However, there wasn¡¯t any doubt that the depths of those pitch-ck eyes were pulsing with a kind of ecstasy.

    Tianheng could sense his meridians strengthening. The warmth that flowed through his body became burning hot!

    As for the pain...

    The margin of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s lips slowly exposed the hint of a smile.

    It was extremely disturbing.

    The greater the pain, the more delighted he became!

    Gu Zuo wiped away the first wave of sweat from Tianheng¡¯s face, whose eyes became bright ¡ª It looked like there was a strange power brewing within his body. Continuous streams of qi flowed above the medicinal decoction. It seemed like there were countless bolts of richly colored cloth fluttering in the air.

    Very good. The medicinal properties were still stable... In that case, he would go to work on the second item.

    He quietly said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I¡¯m going to give you a dish of medicinal cuisine. You must endure this by all means.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes moved imperceptibly and fell on Gu Zuo. He opened his mouth very slowly: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help smiling, and psyched himself up [3]. He quickly returned to the secret room.

    He¡¯d been refining ¡°meals of organic harmony¡± for a long time and could be considered skillful. After he came back to carefully deliberate, he increased the medicinal properties to the limits of his patron¡¯s endurance ¡ª That¡¯s right. For whatever reason, ever since he started refining medicine, he always had a kind of intuition of how medical properties affected people. Just as he used to be in modern times, he seemed to be able to sense something from medicinal ingredients, but now, this perception was even more obvious.

    It was very odd, but also very useful for him.

    Not long after, Gu Zuo arrived at the side of the bath tub, carrying a bowl of medicinal cuisine. He held the handle of a spoon, and quickly called out: ¡°Young master Tianheng, take your medicine.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng heard about Gu Zuo raising the subject of this process long ago. At this time, he bore this pain and opened his eyes: ¡°...That¡¯s inconvenient.¡±

    His voice was somewhat rough, but it carried an undertone of s.e.x appeal. Compared to his normally gentle words, it could attract people even more.

    However, Gu Zuo currently didn¡¯t pay attention to that sort of thing. He was very nervous and took this seriously. With a steady hand, hedled out a spoonful of medicinal cuisine and delivered it to Tianheng¡¯s lips.

    Right now, Gongyi Tianheng...only had the strength to open his mouth.

    Fortunately, the cuisine entered his mouth and didn¡¯t make him spill too much.

    At this time, the heat flowing through his belly suddenly became fierce.

    For each meridian, from the outside it was like being turned into a pincushion, and from the inside it was like a fire was burning. It caused Tianheng extreme pain.

    After Gu Zuo fed him, even though Gongyi Tianheng had an astonishing fort.i.tude, he couldn¡¯t help but crease his eyebrows.

    However, he merely frowned. Nothing more.

    Gu Zuo felt admiration in his heart.

    He didn¡¯t know how painful it was...but he had a rough idea of how bad it was based on Tianheng¡¯s reaction. Moreover, he¡¯d be seeing this kind of situation every day in the future.

    Right when he was apanying his patron to endure, several lines of text suddenly appeared in his mind.

    [Long term mission: Thirty strands of medicinal qi every month to maintain system function.]

    [Mission prop: <spirit piercing="" awl="">>.] [4]</spirit>

    [Completion mode: Daily.]

    [Completion time: No limit.]

    [Failure penalty: Obliteration.]

    Unexpectedly, the system that hadn¡¯t responded for quite a long time, once again showed its sense of existence?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but stare nkly.

    Speaking of which...ever since he removed the threat to his life, he quickly forgot that the system even existed.

    Last time, after hepleted his mission, he didn¡¯t know how to ask whether the ¡°medicinal qi¡± could be .u.mted. Then, he subconsciously felt that gathering medicinal qi was unlikely to be the only requirement for a month. Only, he didn¡¯t expect the system to release a long term mission.

    In addition, what was a <spirit piercing="" awl="">>? It didn¡¯t sound like it was necessary for medicine refining. On the contrary, it seemed a little like...a martial skill. But, did pharmacists have martial skills?</spirit>

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo recalled a certain matter.

    He remembered that on the second day of his arrival, Gu Zuo intended to tell his patron about the existence of the system. Besides wanting smart people to help in its a.n.a.lysis, it was also for the sake of paving the way for future missionster on... However, he was preupied with finding a treatment method for his patron andpletely forgot to confess.

    Up until now, his patron probably still only believed that he obtained the three prop books through a fated meeting...

    Gu Zuo was very embarra.s.sed.

    Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t taking the chance to tell his patron while he was soaking in the medical decoction just scatter his attention?

    Thinking about this matter in particr, he took a look at the <spirit piercing="" awl="">> from his storage s.p.a.ce. After discovering that the thing inside waspletely iprehensible [5], he was even more resolute.</spirit>

    Some things had their specialized field of study!

    Medicine refinement was his specialty, and using his brain...was his patron¡¯s specialty.

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] ¹êÌ¥¹ÌÂöÌÀ - Gui tai gu mai tang, direct trantion.

    [2] This isn¡¯t a modern bath tub that has low walls and a wide basin. Rather, it looks like a drum barrel, with high walls and a small circ.u.mference just enough for one person. Although, I can¡¯t tell if there¡¯s a built in seat for Tianheng, or if he¡¯s sitting directly on the base.

    [3] ¹ÄÁË¹Ä¾¢ - Gu le gu jing, to bestir oneself or pull oneself together.

    [4] ×¶Éñ´Ì - zhui (cone, awl) shen (deity, spirit) ci (thorn, sting, p.r.i.c.k, pierce). An awl is a needle-like tool used in leather working.

    [5] ÉñÉñß¶ß¶ - Shen shen dao dao, derived from ÉñÃØÙâÙâ (exaggerated mystery) and ÐõÐõß¶ß¶ (to talk endlessly without getting to the point).

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    T/N: Haha. Our gong really is a m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.t, isn¡¯t he?

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 25

    Despite his honesty, specifically how honest should he be? After using this period of time to settle down, Gu Zuo carefully deliberated once more.

    He must clearly exin the matters of the system. Otherwise, it might inconvenience his patron¡¯s ns or it might cause certain hindrances for him to act down the road. However, it shouldn¡¯t cause any obstructions. As for the matters of his transmigration, it wasn¡¯t necessary for him to talk about it.

    He used Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty very well. All aspects appeared pure and innocent, and he didn¡¯t actually know how the system came about. In that case, it was better to take out the part in the beginning.

    After thinking things through, Gu Zuo rested his upper body against the wall of the tub. He started beating around the bush: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I forgot to talk with you before about my fated meeting...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s brows slightly twitched, but he didn¡¯t open his eyes.

    Gu Zuo knew he could hear him, and just kept talking: ¡°Young master Tianheng also knows about what I went through beforehand...¡±

    He thought back on the process of Qi Tianyou¡¯s motive: ¡°At that time, I felt I didn¡¯t have anything left to live for, just... En, just to kill myself.¡±

    Tianheng cracked open his eyes.

    Gu Zuoughed awkwardly: ¡°Perhaps, it was because the heavens sympathized with me. Suddenly, something calling itself a ¡®System¡¯ entered my mind, then I continued to live.¡±

    He also felt that his luck wasn¡¯t bad. When that truck hit him, he was supposed to drop dead, but the system arrived, and he lived instead. Granted that he survived by transmigrating, but whatever the case, he had hopes for returning, right?

    ¡°Afterwards, the system said I had to rely onpleting missions to survive. And that the first mission was to collect thirty strands of medicinal qi within a month. At first, with my medical beads restored, I could¡¯ve drawn support from the Qi Family, but they were too cold-blooded. With my original appearance, they went so far as to put poison in my food. They wanted me to slowly die. After I thought about it, I didn¡¯t want to let them know that I had such a fated meeting.

    ¡°The system gave me three ancient texts. I saw that there were boundless skills on the path of medicine refinement... The things before seemed like a pipe dream, and made mepletely give up on the Qi Family.¡±

    Talking to this extent, Gu Zuo felt even more awkward. The guilt in his heart that he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time surged forth once more, ¡°At that point, there was nothing more I could do. I could only stride forth to find someone to coborate with for mutual a.s.sistance. Under that careful selection, that led to my impolite behavior to you that time [1]!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng seemed to listen, and said with some difficulty: ¡°Contract?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°That contract we agreed on was provided by the system.¡±

    He hesitated for a bit, thinking whether or he should to reveal the system¡¯s original ns. Although he didn¡¯t have any intentions of turning other people into ves, he wasn¡¯t so certain that he wouldn¡¯t genuinely touch upon the dark side of the worldter. If by any chance, there were unexpected situations that exposed him in the future... Up until the moment his patron found out, with his high IQ, maybe he¡¯d overthink it...

    After pondering for a while, Gu Zuo still confessed over the matters concerning drug ves.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s tightened brows promptly loosened: ¡°Drug ve binding?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily spoke: ¡°After I refused the system, it didn¡¯t give me <drug ve="" binding="">>.¡±</drug>

    Tianheng said: ¡°You have an opportunity. Learn it.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew his patron was sure to take him into consideration, so he agreed.

    In any case, his patron and him would suffer damage together. His patron shouldn¡¯t harm him no matter what Tianheng wanted to do. Learning more skills would always be to his benefit.

    At this moment, a line of text once more appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Supplemental prop: <drug ve="" binding="">>.]</drug>

    [Does the Host ept?]

    Gu Zuo stared: I ept.

    Afterwards, there was movement in his consciousness. From his storage s.p.a.ce, he took out a new ancient text.

    Tianheng watched this scene. After Gu Zuo showed him the name on the ancient text, he started muttering to himself.

    A good whileter, he slowly spoke: ¡°This system might be an almighty way of inheritance. You are a person chosen among others.¡±

    The intense pain contrarily made his pondering even sharper, ¡°The use of medicinal qi is clear. The system is harmless for the time being. However, you shouldn¡¯t rx your guard against it. If there are any peculiarities, tell me.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard his patron¡¯s words, which were clear in his mind: ¡°Young master Tianheng¡¯s words are reasonable. I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±

    He also wasn¡¯t so foolish.

    Strictly speaking, it was through the saving grace of this system that he survived. If the system didn¡¯t appear, he would¡¯ve already died beneath the wheels of that truck. And he wouldn¡¯t even have the qualifications ofpleting the missions after.

    However, he wanted to pay for the education he received previously. There were no free lunches under the heavens. One who behaved with integrity couldn¡¯t take unfair advantage of others and such. The system¡¯s benevolence was too great; it wasn¡¯t simply like lifting a finger [2]. ording to reason, the system should also be seeking something.

    Gu Zuo originally thought that after the system recognized him as its host,pleting missions were just business transactions with the system. Yet, after he finished the first mission so easily by collecting thirty strands of medicinal qi, his state of mind eased. Though, he still somewhat felt that it wasn¡¯t too suitable.

    Before hepleted the mission, he received four valuable ancient texts and a cultivation method whose grade wasn¡¯t low. Payment for this stuff was rtively negligible ¡ª He¡¯d yet to repay the favor for saving his life and already learned from precious texts. Thepensation and the value of what he received was really too disproportionate.

    This made Gu Zuo raise certain doubts towards the system.

    But, listening to his patron¡¯s theories... Although he still didn¡¯t understand what the system was, nor its existing form, if it was some inheritance, then actually it was insightful.

    His thinking wasn¡¯t baseless [3]. In the beginning, he had aplete cultivation method and a corresponding means of refining medicine. When Gu Zuo might¡¯ve needed a drug ve, the system had a suggestion. After he saw the cruel side of the world, the system announced the second mission and gave another ancient text with an a.n.a.logous martial skill. His patron felt he could study the drug ve binding. That cultivation method, as a supplementary prop, really was finally in his hands.

    At the same time, the contents of the second mission was just to supply thirty strands of medicinal qi every month...

    ¡ª This really seemed like a disciple conforming to the will of a great master [4]. Once the disciple had his life saved, he¡¯d keep to the working routine, gradually learning knowledge.

    Gu Zuo naturally realized that his patron telling him not to let his guard down was correct.

    It seemed like a folklore devil tempting a person into a trap. Wasn¡¯t it to first give benefits to win one¡¯s trust? Presently, it looked like there weren¡¯t any problems, but in the future, who knew?

    Anyway, when he practiced his skills, he¡¯d pay some attention if he felt unwell or if he was losing control of himself in obsession. He¡¯d discuss this with his patron in advance... If it really was an inheritance, then he¡¯d be a bit more prudent about his own advantages. And if it wasn¡¯t an inheritance, rather a bundle of honeyed poison [5], then no matter how prudent, he wouldn¡¯t be okay with it.

    Gu Zuo silently asked a question: System, are you an inheritance?

    [Insufficient privilege, unable to verify.]

    Gu Zuo: ...

    [Host¡¯s guardian is pretty good.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face fell: ...Thanks for thepliment. I also think my patron is pretty good.

    It was only in the hidden depths of his heart that he¡¯d yet to perceive his own notions.

    He and his patron needed each other. Indeed, he truly felt that they were incapable of harming one another. This was very good. His patron was someone he could trust... However, his patron was too intelligent. Such intelligence made him reverent.

    Maybe, maybe it was precisely because the system and his patron restricted each other. It left him feeling at ease.

    ______

    Two hourster.

    The color of the brownish medicinal decoction became lighter. Although Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s looks didn¡¯t change, it gave one the feeling that he was more rxed than before.

    Gu Zuo used the ¡°unusual ability¡± of his eyes to observe the qi flow above the medicinal decoction. Sure enough, they were gradually fading away.

    He opened his mouth to say: ¡°Young master Tianheng, you cane out.¡±

    Tianheng slowly breathed in and out, and stood up.

    Gu Zuo politely handed over arge towel: ¡°Young master Tianheng, if you¡¯re going to take a bath again, you can only use untainted water.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded and gently said: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo.¡±

    At this time, the continuously on guard Dragon One and Dragon Two were allowed entry.

    Two people rapidly prepared a barrel of untainted water to let Tianheng wash himself. And then, they returned outside to guard on their own.

    While Gongyi Tianheng took a bath with Gu Zuo sitting next to him, he spoke: ¡°If Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t take offense, why don¡¯t you give the > and <spirit piercing="" awl="">> to me to take a look at?¡±</spirit>

    That was exactly what Gu Zuo was hoping for. He promptly responded: ¡°I was just about to ask young master Tianheng to teach me after you¡¯ve read them!¡±

    In the end, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a person from ancient times. When he studied the cultivation methods, it was done with difficulty. When he studied the hand arts, it would be .s.sified as a pale imitation. It was probably that all his technical ability was only based on refining medicine. Regarding martial skill, cultivation methods, and so on, it wasn¡¯t only because he didn¡¯t have a high understanding of those iprehensible things, he really wanted to, but he still had a low IQ.

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s sincerity. His gaze slightly moved, and soon after, he gently sighed: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t rashly reveal each and every precious thing in front of others.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and smiled: ¡°I understand. Rest a.s.sured, young master Tianheng.¡±

    He paused before continuing, ¡°Because young master Tianheng is my guardian, for the sake of averting any hostilities between us in the future, I acted this way.¡±

    The patron he found treated his subordinates very well, but Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t intend on changing jobs and switching over to the kind of people under Tianheng¡¯s administration. So long as he made himself even more useful in the future, it¡¯d be okay.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw that he understood, and gave a smile.

    Pretty good. A person who was a little clever but was still able to adapt to the circ.u.mstances. He was far stronger than a person who was self-conceited.

    This little pharmacist took the initiative toe to Tianheng¡¯s door and rmend himself. If Gu Zuo was the sort of person with hidden intentions, he would¡¯vepletely exploited him, squeezed out all that he knew, and firmly controlled him in his hands. And once the other party had rebellious intentions, he would preferably not use him. In no way could he be so lenient.

    However, since Ah Zuo delivered himself into the palm of his hand, he would naturally return the favor. He would carefully nurture him, watch over him, and make him believe that the palm of his hand was the source of his livelihood.

    ...If there weren¡¯t any mishaps, in the future, he¡¯d have his own exclusive, outstanding pharmacist.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ²»¾´Ö®¾Ù - Bu jing zhi ju, I don¡¯t know how to properly trante this in context. Thanks to user Charysa for the exnation!

    [2] Actual idiom was ¾ÙÊÖÖ®ÀÍ, which means the effort of raising a hand. Changed it for semantics.

    [3] ÎÞ¼£¿ÉÑ° - Wu ji ke xun, untraceable. However, in this context, it refers to an argument or idea thatcks logical or factual foundation.

    [4] ÊÀÍâ¸ßÈË - Shi wai gao ren, someone at the pinnacle of talent, who is extraordinary, magical, refined, and erudite.

    [5] ¡°Poison¡± here is a guess. The actually Chinese characters are unreadable for myputer. Please help me fill in the nks.

    ______

    T/N: Happy Chinese New Year!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 26

    From that day onwards, the lives of two people, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo, developed a routine together.

    Every morning, Gu Zuo would refine pills: four cauldrons of qi generating pills and one cauldron of rejuvenation pills. Gongyi Tianheng would ponder over Gu Zuo¡¯s writings on the divine medicine cultivation method and the spirit piercing awl.

    At noon, Gu Zuo would rest to restore his energy, and Tianheng would take a half hour break to recuperate his mental state.

    In the afternoon, Gu Zuo would quickly refine baby tortoise hardened meridian decoction and a meal of organic harmony. Tianheng would soak in the decoction and eat the cuisine. The two people would spend just about three hours together.

    At night, Tianheng would teach Gu Zuo how to practice the divine medicine cultivation method. However, he¡¯d yet to make any headway in the spirit piercing awl for the time being.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo would frequently take part in handling Tianheng¡¯s economic affairs. Although Gongyi Tianheng hadn¡¯t given Gu Zuo any authority over decision making, he would listen to Gu Zuo¡¯s a.n.a.lysis on difficult business matters. In addition, Tianheng would point out any deficiencies.

    Gu Zuo knew that this was his dear patron teaching him certain business practices. Under this kind of instruction, he also had a better understand of the world ¡ª There were many things that simply couldn¡¯tpare to Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories.

    In this way, Tianheng was even more patient with Gu Zuo. While Gu Zuo became even more dependent on Tianheng.

    In the blink of an eye, a month pa.s.sed.

    One day, Gongyi Tianheng was soaking his body in a medical decoction, when suddenly, his body became blood red. Unexpectedly, there appeared malevolent earthworm-like veins on his l.u.s.trous white skin, which seemed sort of like meridian patters!

    The doubled effects of the baby tortoise hardened meridians decoction and the meal of organic harmony pincer attack seemed even more critical at this point in time. The pain continuously rose, but it never seemed to reach its peak.

    Even if Tianheng¡¯s willpower was resolute up until now, he couldn¡¯t stop from releasing a smothered groan.

    Gu Zuo saw this and his heart skipped a beat [1]. He didn¡¯t know if his patron could hear his voice, but he still opened his mouth in a great flurry: ¡°Young master Tianheng, endure it! This is the final juncture! Victory or defeat depends on this one move! If you pa.s.s out and lose control over yourself, we have to start over from the beginning!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gasps of breath were slightly heavy, but the side of his mouth exposed a bit of a smile.

    Now, he weakly opened his mouth to speak, but it was very obvious he didn¡¯t have the tiniest intentions of giving up.

    Gu Zuo saw this and an intense confidence for his patron welled up.

    He would seed...No problem!

    This was the first difficulty. So long as he endured it, the matters in the future would be much simpler!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how long it took. He was so nervous he forgot to breathe. While Gongyi Tianheng, who was in the middle of suffering, was even more incapable of responding to the pa.s.sage of time.

    Suddenly, Tianheng opened his mouth and vomited a mouthful of ck sludge.

    Instantly, the meridians, which covered the skin over his whole body like spiderwebs, seemed to shatter. In a split second, they changed back to their original appearance and settled back into his flesh.

    There was happiness in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart. A cheerful smile couldn¡¯t help but be carried on his face: ¡°Young master Tianheng, you did it!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng exhaled slowly, his breath drawn-out. There was a glimmer of light in his eyes. He moved his palms, and only felt that he was more nimble than ever before. Even if he was weak, it wasn¡¯t like before where every step and every movement was like stepping on a knife¡¯s edge.

    His meridians were already opened.

    Qi weakly flowed through his eight extraordinary meridians and twelve princ.i.p.al meridians. Even if it was just a hair-thin wisp now, it was already capable of circting his qi and blood. It also allowed him such that he wasn¡¯t at the brink of exhaustion nor paralysis.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help but sigh in his heart.

    Fighting for his life against the heavens and suffering all kinds of pain and suffering. Atst, he saw the light of a new day.

    Currently, even though his thin and feeble meridians were too weak to allow natural qi to enter and .u.mte within him, his lifespan was no longer restricted to twenty years.

    At this time, Gu Zuo threw himself at the edge of the bathtub. His rapid-fire speech was due to his joy: ¡°Young master Tianheng, from tomorrow on, I can give you an additional two servings of medicine. Baby tortoise hardened meridian decoction is needed, and the meal of organic harmony must also be eaten. Those two utilize thergest medicinal effects. Apart from those, the ¡®Serpent Fish Unyielding Muscle Decoction¡¯ [2] will strengthen your meridian¡¯s flexibility, and the ¡®Five Gra.s.s Ape Bone Meal¡¯ [3] will broaden your meridians. Wait and after a while, I can refine a Five Essence Pill [4] to cause your organs to develop vital energy and promote the cirction of your qi and blood. It¡¯ll make your originally blocked meridians even wider... Right, the Tianlong guards can start gathering the five essence pill¡¯s medicinal ingredients...

    ¡°Young master Tianheng, you can carefully think about practicing a cultivation method. The reason for the Tiandu Body¡¯s blocked meridians is due to your birth and Xiantian body. However, the meridians were frail, causing the Xiantian qi in your flesh to not circte and gradually deposit within your meridians. Now, after opening them with medicinal power, vital energy will dissolve the Xiantian qi so that pieces will follow the normal qi and blood into your flesh. Though, the other pieces will still go to waste... When the meridians are able to support natural qi, you can try running through a cultivation method by using the Xiantian qi. But take your time at the initial stages. Once you feel that you can¡¯t continue, then stop immediately...¡±

    Hearing Gu Zuo¡¯s long-winded speech, chock-full of his deep concern, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze gradually softened.

    After he listened carefully, he faintly nodded: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are reasonable. I¡¯ll instruct Dragon One to go arrange everything. But even if it¡¯s for the sake of treating my illness, Ah Zuo mustn¡¯t work to the point of exhaustion.¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted, blushing a little. He immediately said: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, young master Tianheng. I¡¯ve recently made progress with practicing the divine medicine cultivation method and the qi [5] within my body has be even stronger. After a couple days, I should be able to condense a bone pearl within my earthly fiend acupoint [6].

    Tianheng praised him: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s apt.i.tude is considerably good. That divine medicine cultivation method really is a top-notch cultivation method. Compared to my Gongyi n¡¯s numerous cultivation methods, it¡¯s even more remarkable.¡±

    Gu Zuo blushed: ¡°I¡¯ve never cultivated before, but young master Tianheng is a good teacher.¡±

    He didn¡¯t hesitate, ¡°Since the divine medicine cultivation method can be considered pretty good, then wouldn¡¯t it better for young master Tianheng to study?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°I¡¯m afraid this cultivation method only suits pharmacists. I appreciate Ah Zuo¡¯s kind intentions.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and didn¡¯t continue the topic.

    Tianheng spoke again: ¡°I¡¯m going to take a bath and rest. Ah Zuo can go do his own thing.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, and turned around to return to the room. He sat on the couch and began to work on the divine medicine cultivation method.

    The present Gu Zuo knew many more things. His originally rxed mental state was stretched taut once more.

    Before, he felt that it was enough to refine medicine to preserve his life. However, now he felt that he could learn more if he kept studying; raising his strength was the best way to increasing his lifespan, or achieving his original desire.

    Moreover, he also thought about upgrading his medicine refining skills. Of course, he couldn¡¯t separate himself from the supplementary cultivation method.

    It seemed Gu Zuo could only refine a couple cauldrons worth of medicinal pills, but after the natural qi in his body increased, he could refine more than ten cauldrons each day.

    During the process of refining pills, from the start he could only rely on instinct. But now, he was already exceedingly familiar with each step.

    In fact, when refining medicinal pills, pharmacists relied on a special ability of their eyes ¡ª In actuality, it was their psychic power [7] observing the medicinal properties. Through the medical beads [8] in their hands, pharmacists manipted the medicinal properties, and through their hand arts, they controlled the medicine refining process. And to put these hand arts to use, required one to expend the true qi within their bodies.

    That¡¯s right. Whether martial artist or pharmacist, they all practiced cultivation methods to absorb natural qi. After it was circted within their bodies, it would be called ¡°true qi.¡±

    True qi flowed inside the meridians, but the regions where it was stored were actually something called ¡°bone pearls.¡±

    Here, one must mention the way martial artists cultivated.

    Strictly speaking, from Houtian to Xiantian, anything below the Immortal Threshold, was the process of opening the acupoints and condensing bone pearls.

    The human body had many acupoints. Some would say more than four hundred, and others would say more than seven hundred. There were all kinds of acupoints that were on the surface and hidden within. It was hard to count them, but they were mysterious and iparable as a self-made universe.

    However, to differentiate martial artists, even though the cultivation methods used and the sequence of acupoints opened were never the same, the grand total and type of acupoints were still fixed.

    These acupoints numbered one hundred eight: seventy two earthly fiend vital acupoints and thirty six heavenly spirit fatal acupoints.

    They were found throughout the twelve princ.i.p.al and eight extraordinary meridians. All of them were blocked in Xiantian [9], and only by first opening them could a martial artist condense bone pearls.

    And as for the bone pearl, through the course of a martial artist¡¯s cultivation, one would simultaneously absorb natural qi and use a cultivation method to extract one¡¯s bone marrow, then blend them together to form a crystal sphere. Natural qi could be stored within these spheres as the qi flowed through the meridians.

    In the small realm of a Houtian martial artist¡¯s nine stages, each stage required the opening of eight acupoints for the condensing of eight bone pearls. Thus, after seventy two earthly fiend acupoints contained bone pearls, one would be enlightened to the Xiantian mystery and be a Xiantian martial artist. Then, to upgrade one¡¯s rank, one must open thirty six heavenly spirit acupoints. Simrly, for the small realm of Xiantian nine stages, each stage required the condensing of four bone pearls.

    ______

    Gu Zuo¡¯s method of practicing the > was very entric. After practicing, it not only absorbed natural qi, but also ¡°opened his eyes¡± instantly. It made him capable of gathering his psychic power in his eyes to observe the flow of medicinal properties and fragrancies as they came into being.

    Through Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s research, they discovered that this kind of cultivation method was unprecedentedly gentle. It was initially possible to absorb only very little natural qi, but within that timeframe, the impurities within the pract.i.tioner¡¯s body ¡ª That is, the impurities within the meridians, flesh, and the blocked acupoints were all eliminated.

    At that time, the impure gases Gu Zuo spat out were those things.

    Afterwards, through two months of refining medicine, Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t stopped utilizing his cultivation method and constantly refined medicine. In this course of events, it made his body very pure. When he truly dedicated himself to cultivation, Gu Zuo unexpectedly discovered that he couldpletely skip the process of opening his acupoints!

    Currently, among the minimum seventy two earthly fiend acupoints, Gu Zuo had close to half that were clear of obstructions. The only discrepancy was that he had to gather sufficient natural qi before he could condense his bone pearls.

    Gu Zuo was so energetic because his first bone pearl¡¯s seed [10] was alreadyplete.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ÐÄ¾ªÈâÌø - Xin jing rou tiao, the heart is rmed while the body leaps. An idiom for fear and trepidation in the face of disaster. I wanted to incorporate the words ¡°gut-wrenching,¡± but couldn¡¯t find a good ce for it.

    [2] ÓãÉßÇ¿½îÌÀ - Yu she jiang jin tang, direct trantion.

    [3] Ô³¹ÇÎåÖ¥ÉÅ - Yuan gu wu zhi shan, direct trantion.

    [4] Îå¾«µ¤ - Wu jing dan, direct trantion. The five essences likely refers to the five elements.

    [5] ÆøÏ¢ - Qi xi, can either trante to breath or atmosphere/feeling. In context, it should refer to a noun instead of an adjective. Thus, breath bes a synonymous qi.

    [6] µØÉ·Ñ¨ - Di sha xue, direct trantion. On another note, in Chinese astrology, there are seventy two µØÉ· stars (demons) and thirty six Ììî¸ stars (spirits), which coincides with how many bone pearls a cultivator must condense within his body to advance in Houtian and Xiantian, respectively.

    [7] ¾«ÉñÁ¦ - Jing shen li, as mentioned by user Charysa previously, this is a reurring term that will continue to pop up in the future as a qualitative stat of pharmacists.

    [8] I will be retroactively changing yao beads to just medical beads.

    [9] I¡¯m not sure if the author made another typo and meant to write Houtian instead.

    [10] ³ûÐÎ - Chu xing, embryonic stage or fledging form. The initial process of creating pearls in real life is called ¡°seeding.¡±

    ______

    T/N: h.e.l.lo, everyone. I have an important announcement.

    This is the first VIP chapter from the original author. In other words, one would have to pay money to read this story from this point onwards. I¡¯ve already stated that this trantion is free to read. However, this is unfair to the author. I humbly request that those of you who enjoy reading these trantions to please go to the author¡¯s original site and donate to them. Please do not donate to me or this trantion blog.

    Thank you for sticking with me from the beginning. And to those who¡¯re reading for the first time, wee!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 27

    Once again, several days pa.s.sed very quickly.

    Gu Zuo sat upright on his bed, breathing in and out. Invisible natural qi followed the movements of his cultivation method, entered his body, and flowed through his meridians in waves. They finally converged within an earthly fiend acupoint and continuously poured into that perfectly round pearl.

    This pearl¡¯s outer sh.e.l.l became more and more solid. A kind of color appeared that, whenpared to the color and l.u.s.ter of bone, was an even deeper metallic gray.

    A whileter, that pearl was rapidly rotating. Suddenly there was a stab of pain and the pearl abruptly stopped. In a split second, like a pearl of the sea G.o.d [1], it settled in the acupoint.

    The first bone pearl waspletely condensed!

    Gu Zuo opened his eyes, and let out a huge breath.

    After the bone pearl took shape, he could sense that the qi within his body had a certain rhythm, where it readily submitted to the absorption of the bone pearl and .u.mted inside.

    It was strange to say that the bone pearl didn¡¯t look very big. However, the true qi contained inside was very robust. Gu Zuo could continuously cycle through his cultivation method at least eighteen times, and he would still be unable topletely fill the bone pearl with transformed true qi.

    It was obvious that after he filled the bone pearl, he could use the excess energy to refine medicine. It was unlikely that he¡¯d be limited to ten cauldrons a day like before.

    Sitting across from Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng saw this and warmly asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, have you already seeded?¡±

    Gu Zuo grinned: ¡°I did it.¡±

    Tianheng was also very satisfied: ¡°You did well.¡±

    From his little pharmacist receiving a cultivation method to practicing it to this day, it took altogether less than three months for him to have this kind of aplishment. However he praised Gu Zuo, it would never be too much ¡ª Certainly, he knew that the cultivation method took some of the credit, but the improvement of Gu Zuo¡¯s skills in medicine refinement was very fast. He almost never failed when he made an attempt, which was something no one could underestimate [2].

    First, regardless of his disposition and whether he was powerful or not, with his position as a pharmacist, he already disyed unprecedented value.

    Gu Zuo was very happy, but he sensed something odd just now. He hurriedly said: ¡°By the way, young master Tianheng, after I condensed my bone pearl, it felt like my head wasn¡¯t toofortable, like I was missing something...¡±

    In fact, it was a thirst; the impatient feeling of needing to ingest something. It made him little embarra.s.sed to talk about. He even felt that if this question wasn¡¯t resolved, then his cultivation might have problems.

    If it weren¡¯t for this, he would still want to spend some time transforming true qi and consolidate a bit.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was a little solemn.

    He already ced a portion of his trust in Gu Zuo. Naturally, he didn¡¯t want him to develop any problems. After listening to this, he started to ponder.

    A shortage of something...

    One would normally say that different cultivation methods had different movement styles. It was good enough that the majority only needed to absorb natural qi. However, Tianheng was widely read and knowledgable. A small number of ancient records he¡¯d read detailed extraordinary cultivation methods that required aid from additional objects when practiced.

    These cases were very few. The ounts of those ancient records were merely a martial artist¡¯s idental discovery of a fire attribute cultivation method. He had to simultaneously draw in fire qi to cultivate, but once that was done, each of his martial skills were imbued with the ability to burn with fire. His formidable strength was iparably powerful and was practically unrivaled within simr martial ranks ¡ª

    Perhaps, this was because the cultivation method¡¯s grade was different?

    The better the cultivation method, the stronger one¡¯s power. This wasmon sense.

    A cultivation method¡¯s owner operated his cultivation method in conjunction with a martial artist¡¯s true qi attribute. There were many different types of cultivation methods within the current Cangyun Empire. However, there was actually a huge disparity based on quality. Generally speaking, the certified cultivation methods that were particrly superior were often in the hands of Families of all sizes.

    For example, the cultivation methods the imperial capital¡¯s Five ns practiced were all nearly at the human-level. The uncertified ones were basically only used as references. However, human-level cultivation methods were not at allplete. Above them were still the golden-level cultivation methods. Whether the Gongyi n or the other ns, the amount of secret collections numbered about three to four, but those were only of the golden-level low rank. They were the most inferior of the golden-level cultivation methods.

    What others didn¡¯t know was that the reason the imperial Cang Dynasty [3] could steadily sit upon the t.i.tle of Emperor these several years was because they had a high rank golden-level cultivation method in their hands ¡ª Otherwise, the huge ambitions of the Five ns would run rampant. How could they have willingly restrained themselves beneath the imperial family for so long?

    However, these golden-level cultivation methods had never been heard of before. Practicing them up would lead to an even more extraordinary pinnacle.

    Gongyi Tianheng muttered to himself.

    This was the only exnation to this problem.

    ¡ª Golden-level cultivation methods were not fundamentally the best; there were other levels above it. Whether the martial artist mentioned in the ancient records or Gu Zuo right in front of him, the cultivation methods they practiced were both above golden-level!

    In that case, he had to think deeply about what things Gu Zuo¡¯s cultivation method required. In the end, what was it?

    Suddenly, Tianheng¡¯s expression twitched: ¡°Ah Zuo, since you¡¯re a pharmacist, practicing this kind of peaceful cultivation method isn¡¯t as good as attempting to...direct medicinal qi?¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood: ¡°Ah, as a matter of fact, it is.¡±

    Since the beginning, the things provided by the system were all useful. It only didn¡¯t give any tips about that surplus medicinal qi after refining medicine. The system required Gu Zuo to think about it himself.

    Would the usefulness of medicinal qi be revealed here?

    Gu Zuo steeled himself, got into position once more, and called out in his mind. From the stowed medicinal qi in his storage s.p.a.ce, a milky white strand suddenly appeared in front of him.

    After that, he rapidly used his cultivation method. Like sucking in a breath, he absorbed natural qi.

    In an instant, the condensation of natural qi was even more solid with the change of the medicinal qi!

    It resembled a swimming fish. From the cultivation method arose an attractive power that pulled it over. In the blink of an eye, it entered Gu Zuo¡¯s body! Soon after, it transformed into a circuit of light [4]. Half of it entered the bone pearl and fused with his true qi, and the other half quickly flew against the current straight into his head and fused with Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power!

    Instantly, Gu Zuo sensed that his true qi became even more peaceful, and his faint psychic power seemed to very slightly increase.

    At this time, he could ¡°see¡± in his mind an incorporeal wisp of smoky fog-like power. That was precisely his still rather barren psychic power. And in the smoky depths of his psychic power he captured an existence of some kind... This was something that the Gu Zuo from before couldn¡¯t perceive: The connection between him and the system!

    But unfortunately, he still didn¡¯t know the system¡¯s specific appearance.

    Immediately afterwards, Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind couldn¡¯t maintain his desire to continue absorbing medicinal qi. He urgently told his patron what he just discovered.

    Gongyi Tianheng listened, and was even more convinced of his own conjectures.

    Heughed and said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, when Ah Zuo uses the cultivation methodter, you should also release medicinal qi. As for how many strands of medicinal qi you need for each use, Ah Zuo needs to find out for himself.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I understand.¡±

    There was no way for his patron to help him in this matter.

    He could only rely on himself.

    ______

    After this event, Gu Zuo found his patron spending one to two hours every day writing and drawing at his desk. He seemed to be using everything he had to ruminate over something.

    His patron didn¡¯t keep anything from him. Gu Zuo asionally went to read, but he looked here and there and only saw a great, big mess of lines, where some seemed to have patterns and others didn¡¯t. The specific contents werepletely iprehensible.

    Because the rtionship between him and his patron was even more familiar now, Gu Zuo asked what this was.

    However, his patron was exhibiting the looks of a Prince Charming, and only smiled without speaking.

    Gu Zuo had no other option than to ignore it.

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo also had something upying his time ¡ª That problem of absorbing medicinal qi. Currently, he sensed that every time he used his cultivation method, he needed to absorb two strands of medicinal qi. And if he spent one hour every day practicing, he could use the cultivation method ten times. In total, he needed twenty strands of medicinal qi. If the length of time increased, he¡¯d need even more.

    Thus, it wasn¡¯t but a few days before he already used up much of the several hundreds of .u.mted strands of medicinal qi. It was obvious that it wouldn¡¯t be long before he wouldn¡¯t be able to cover his expenditures with the medicinal qi he obtained from refining medicine.

    As a result, Gu Zuo started to think of a way to increase the efficiency of his medicine refinement.

    As his psychic power was indeed still slowly increasing, he grit his teeth and conducted even more attempts.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s very first attempt was using two small medicine refining cauldrons at the same time. However, it was regretful. He converged psychic power in his eyes to see that the flow of medicinal properties above the two cauldrons were fine. However, looking at things with ayman¡¯s eye, it was clear that even if he spared no effort in working between the two cauldrons, he still neglected something. That slip up led to the ruination of the medicinal herbs in both cauldrons.

    A summary of his failure: his speed was too slow, and his mind was distracted in the confusion.

    There was nothing Gu Zuo could do except give up this line of thought, and move on to the second.

    That was, changing the pill cauldron.

    He threw in two bundles of medicinal herbs into a medium sized pill cauldron, increased the heat of the fire, and congealed the medicinal liquid. The number of possible pills created by the minor art plucking nine stars was unimpeded. The medicinal properties were safeguarded from chaotically mixing if he followed the working routine. Compared to his approach of distractedly using two cauldrons, it was many times easier.

    This time around, he seeded on the first try. Gu Zuo directly obtained thirty qi generating pills and two strands of medicinal qi.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. Overall, he really seeded; but in the end, two boluses of medicinal liquid were sc.r.a.pped. He didn¡¯t achieve the most perfect number of sessful medicinal pills.

    In addition, from the color and l.u.s.ter of these qi generating pills, a section still had blemishes. There were those that hadrge ws and others that had small ws.

    After Gongyi Tianheng learned of this event, he had Dragon One and Dragon Two eat these pills to distinguish them. After carefully differentiating them, they settled on an official standard.

    Tianheng judged that the qi generating pills refined by other pharmacists were of a lower grade. Because the qi generating pills were refined by Gu Zuo, even if they weren¡¯t as good as his first cauldron¡¯s batch of sixteen pills, his most recent batch was still better than those other pharmacists¡¯ products. Thus, he judged that this batch of pills were mid grade qi generating pills. Those that had ws, but wereparatively better were judged as high grade. And the kind that had no blemishes were judged to be of the highest quality qi generating pills.

    Although this kind of judgment was temporary, it still hadn¡¯t disseminated. However, when it spread outside, one could imagine just howrge amotion it would give rise to.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ¶¨º£ÉñÖé - Ding hai shen zhu, a magic treasure depicted in the Ming dynasty novel <·âÉñÑÝÒå>>.

    [2] Actual phrase was ¾ø²»ÄÜÐ¡êïµÄ, which roughly means ¡°in no way could be despised.¡± Corrected to underestimated, thanks to user Charysa.

    [3] Since we have many low-level Families and the Five ns, the only word I coulde up with was ¡°Dynasty¡± for the imperial family as a familial modifier of a higher rank.

    [4] ¹âÔÎ - Guang yun, halo. However, I believe it¡¯s more appropriate to call it a circuit since its shape doesn¡¯t seem to resemble a circle or ellipse as it connects through Gu Zuo¡¯s body.

    ______

    T/N: I can¡¯t believe how many times the words cultivation method popped up in this chapter. Too much!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 28

    Azure Dragon Trading Company, an inner room.

    An elegant woman held a ledger in her hand, and raised a refined eyebrow: ¡°Manager Chen, has that person recentlye by again?¡±

    Across from her, a slightly plump middle-aged manager slightly bowed. With a deferential att.i.tude, he replied: ¡°That¡¯s right, Chief Manager Qin.¡± [1]

    Chief Manager Qin¡¯s beautiful eyes shed: ¡°Then, the amount?¡±

    Manager Chen answered: ¡°Those that were of poor quality are decreasing, and those of good quality are increasing.

    He thought about it, and softly said: ¡°How about we think of a way to find¡ª¡±

    Chief Manager Qin muttered to herself as her slim jade-like finger turned over a page in the ledger. Finally, she shook her head: ¡°That person¡¯s social background definitely contains an extremely remarkable pharmacist. And since they hid their ident.i.ty, we certainly shouldn¡¯t think about provoking them. They selected us: the Azure Dragon Trading Company. This is due to the confidence ced in us and the acknowledgement of our power. And once we seek to track someone down, we¡¯ll probably push them to other ces... Although Azure Dragon Trading Company doesn¡¯t fear any challenge, we absolutely mustn¡¯t offend a pharmacist of this caliber.¡±

    Manager Chen epted this willingly: ¡°Chief Manager¡¯s words are reasonable. This Chen understands.¡±

    After Chief Manager Qin pondered slightly on the matter, she opened her mouth: ¡°After that man arrives, save the best inside and unveil them during the next auction. I¡¯m confident that there¡¯ll be many interested people. As for those who may have a stroke of bad luck, we have nothing to do with them ¡ª Certainly, if that pharmacist were to encounter some trouble, we the Azure Dragon Trading Company would be very willing to lend a helping hand.¡±

    Manager Chen understood tacitly. What more could be said? Rather, he slowly retreated and left.

    ______

    Recently, the Azure Dragon Trading Company met with a strange man, but this strange man brought with him something that caused people to tremble in antic.i.p.ation.

    The man who arrived was very tall and had the looks of a martial artist. He was covered from head to toe with a ck robe, and it was obvious that he didn¡¯t want to reveal his ident.i.ty. After he came, he took out an arm-length jade bottle that was filled with medicinal pills.

    Although a great majority of pharmacists had their own personal industries or were fostered by Families, they were unlikely to show themselves in public. However, there were also remarkable solitary pharmacists who sold their refined medicinal pills to the tradingpany in exchange for medicinal herbs for future refinement. And regardless of the size of the tradingpany, there were still shops that were willing to purchase medicinal pills.

    As a matter of fact, it was only because medicinal pills were things that were always in short supply. It was also to create a flourishing rtionship with the pharmacist.

    It was rare to see a person who¡¯d bring so many medicinal pills at once, but it also wasn¡¯t unheard of.

    Just as Manager Chen received the ck robed man with a very courteous bearing, Manager Chen didn¡¯t expect that the pills brought this time around, despite all of them being qi generating pills, were all superior to the ones seen before!

    ¡ª No, what was said wasn¡¯t at allprehensive.

    One should say that the ck robed martial artist brought two jade bottles. The first contained three hundred qi generating pills, whose effects were three times better than those on the market. And the second contained one hundred qi generating pills, whose effects were ten times better than those on the market!

    Without a doubt, the selling prices of the qi generating pills to the tradingpany would be three times and ten times, respectively.

    However, the value of these pills wasn¡¯t merely just this!

    They were the same qi generating pills, but the effects brought about were so different. This made the experienced Manager Chen guess that it was possibly a very fearsome pharmacist. They must¡¯ve been in the middle of improving the method of refining qi generating pills, so the results of the medicinal pills¡¯ effects were different.

    What happenedter also served as some proof to him.

    About every two to three days, a ck robed martial artist woulde by to deliver medicinal pills. Based on Manager Chen¡¯s sharp insight, he realized that, although every martial artist would shroud themselves in a ck robe, they weren¡¯t all the same person. And from the batches of qi generating pills they brought, those that had low effects were decreasing and those that had a ten-fold effect were increasing.

    This could already prove to be very problematic.

    With such a major event, Manager Chen didn¡¯t dare act on his own. At once, he reported this to his superiors, and that graceful woman just recently arrived. Chief Manager Qin was the person sent by his superiors to take responsibility for this matter.

    Chief Manager Qin was very unordinary. Not only because her capabilities were outstanding, she was also the owner of Azure Dragon Trading Company ¡ª Emperor¡¯s Favored [2] Cang He¡¯s [3] most trusted concubine.

    Azure Dragon Trading Company was the property of the Cangyun Empire¡¯s imperial family. Each generation was controlled by the Emperor¡¯s Favored; and the t.i.tle Emperor¡¯s Favored wasn¡¯t one that was recklessly bestowed. Rather, the strongest and most talented of each sessive generation of the imperial family was given the t.i.tle.

    It was easy to see the status and backing of this tradingpany.

    However, even though it was like this, there were definitely other businesses that couldpete with Azure Dragon Trading Company.

    The imperial capital¡¯s Five Great ns all had their own tradingpanies that equally extended across the empire. Compared to the Azure Dragon Trading Company, they were only slightly inferior.

    Therefore, Chief Manager Qin, this extremely visionary woman, was very quick to make a decision. Manager Chen instantly created many projects in mind, and thought up a series of operation methods.

    After half a month, arge-scale auction would start!

    Just in time to clear out an .u.mtion of many valuable things, as well as this new kind of qi generating pill.

    ______

    Gu Zuo focused all of his attention on each and every strike of his hand art. At the final moment, he raised his arm, and a full forty eight qi generating pills werepletely received!

    The physical appearance of the qi generating pills were all exactly the same. Their color and l.u.s.ter were full and glossy. A sweet scent would a.s.sail one¡¯s nose. These were definitely qi generating pills of the highest grade.

    In thesest few days, Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining skills quickly improved once again.

    At first, he only used two bundles of medicinal herbs with a medium-sized pill cauldron to refine medicinal pills of various physical conditions. He often still sc.r.a.pped one to two boluses of medicinal liquid in the refinement process. However, soon all the medicinal boluses sessfully became pills. As for the pills¡¯ physical condition, they wereparatively better than the ones before. The rate of refining pills of the highest quality was raised to one hundred percent!

    But Gu Zuo still wasn¡¯t satisfied.

    Due to his perseverance in practicing his cultivation method every day, the speed at which his psychic power grew was visible to the naked eye. It didn¡¯t take but a few times before he was ustomed to using the medium-sized pill cauldron. It absolutely wasn¡¯t like the powerless feeling before of being unable to continue.

    Afterwards, he decided to rece it with therge pill cauldron. Each time he would throw in three bundles of medicinal herbs.

    Automatically, this kind of work ethic posed evenrger issues, and made him feel a challenge of sorts.

    Even now, Gu Zuo already could easily utilize therge pill cauldron and refine three bundles of medicinal herbs simultaneously. Operated precisely, each qi generating pill was of the highest quality and were wless.

    He was even more capable of regting the mes by himself. Thinking about the highest grade pills would produce the highest grade pills, and think about mid to high grade pills would produce mid to high grade pills.

    As for low grade medicinal pills... Gu Zuo also made attempts, but what he refined really was a spectacle too horrible to endure. In the field of medicine refinement, he still had some pride in his heart. Indeed, he didn¡¯t want to mess around with these kinds of medicinal pills.

    Under his dear patron¡¯s request, every day Gu Zuo refined three cauldrons of high grade pills, one cauldron of mid grade pills, and the rest were of whatever grade Gu Zuo felt like.

    Fortunately, so long as Gu Zuo had appropriate control, there would be a lot of medicinal qi produced, without any obstacles.

    Just after a cauldron was finished refining, Gu Zuo shook a gourd and found that it was already full. He promptly stood up and walked out of the secret room.

    Although Dragon One and Dragon Two were very devoted, he still personally delivered the refined pills into his patron¡¯s hands every time.

    Gu Zuo held the gourd in his hands, but didn¡¯t see his patron in the study.

    After he thought for a bit, he walked out.

    At this time, his patron ought to be...

    In a s.p.a.cious courtyard, under a lush and verdant tree, a handsome young man wearing form-fitting clothes had spread his two legs in a stance. Just at that time, he was unhurriedly shadowboxing.

    That¡¯s right. Roughly quite a few days ago, his patron would practice punching under this big tree at the same time every day.

    That clenched fist seemed soft and weak, but the trajectory was very strange. There seemed to be some kind of cadence within them...

    Every time Gu Zuo watched him, his heart couldn¡¯t help but sigh: A Casanova was a Casanova. No matter how ugly the punch, just one look at his face would halt any criticism at such a handsome man.

    After waiting for a while, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s practice was finished.

    His forehead was beaded with sweat, and it seemed he rather used a bit of energy. Hisplexion was much strongerpared to his once pale appearance. After this kind of exercise, a healthy blush emerged.

    When one looked closely at him, he could practically be counted as a ¡°beauty¡± whose spender rivaled pearls and jewels.

    Gu Zuo appreciated this scene for a second, then handed over the fire jade gourd in his hand: ¡°Young master Tianheng, these are today¡¯s highest grade qi generating pills. There¡¯s two hundred forty of them.¡±

    Tianheng took them, and faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo has worked hard.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel like he pushed himself all that much, but he was still very happy to ept his patron¡¯sfort. Afterwards, he asked with deep concern: ¡°Has young master Tianheng sensed anything recently? Can you practice a cultivation method?¡±

    After all, he was a pharmacist and not a genuine physician. When he checked his patron¡¯s pulse, he could sense that the qi and blood within Tianheng was getting stronger each day. Feeling his wrists, Gu Zuo could also sense that his patron¡¯s meridians were somewhat stable. However Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether this level of stability had reached the point for Tianheng¡¯s true qi to smoothly circte. He could only ask his patron.

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded: ¡°It should be time. I¡¯ll make an attempt tonight.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little excited.

    To make up for such a long time, if his patron could really practice martial arts, refining the Xiantian qi that blocked his meridians would allow his martial strength to certainly advance by leaps and bounds!

    He was itching to find out what kind of elegant style his cultivating patron would practice!

    While Gu Zuo let his imagination roam, that Gongyi Tianheng over yonder spoke: ¡°Ah Zuo, after the thirteenth, you and I will go on a trip.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied lively: ¡°Go out where?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Azure Dragon Trading Company will be holding an auction. It should be a little interesting.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and asked: ¡°This is that ¡®Azure Dragon Trading Company¡¯?¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°This is the one the Tianlong guards went to at that time.¡±

    His lips curled into a smile: ¡°Reportedly, they have something unprecedented over there. Qi generating pills with ten-fold medicinal effects showed up.¡±

    Gu Zuo was dumbfounded. He asked to rify: ¡°...The ones I refined?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°The ones Ah Zuo refined.¡±

    As more time pa.s.sed, the greater the need for medicinal herbs. Most of all, the five essence pill required absolutely enormous amounts of five elemental attribute medicinal herbs. Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining level was very great, and could produce profits of a hundred-fold. Gongyi Tianheng wanted to do something, and intended to being from this respect.

    Although glory and honor was shared one for all, in the end, the Gongyi n was not Gongyi Tianheng. Tianheng could mobilize a lot of resources, but expenses that were toorge would inevitably alert the n.

    So it was necessary to develop new industries privately.

    And Gongyi Tianheng, when all was said and done, was someone who believed in personal profit. He would never let others have ess to the highest grade medicinal pills with a hundred-fold effects at such an early stage.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ³Â - Chen (Surname, exhibit, disy). ÇØ - Qin (Surname, same as the Qin Dynasty).

    [2] ²¢¼çÍõ - Bing jian w.a.n.g, a position conferring the status ¡°equivalent¡± to the emperor. My understanding of the t.i.tles granted by the emperor to n.o.bility is a little shaky, so I can¡¯t say much more than this. So just to be clear, Cang He has an elevated status, not Chief Manager Qin.

    [3] ²Ôº× - Cang (Azure) He (Crane).

    ______

    T/N: Let themoners bid over ten-fold pills. Only the ML gets to keep his MC¡¯s hundred-fold pills!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 29

    Evening.

    Gu Zuo sat on a couch, concentrating his attentions on the person across from him.

    That person was Gongyi Tianheng, who was sitting cross-legged in meditation.

    Martial artists drew in natural qi to refine it into true qi within their bodies. That is, as a result, the qi of the human body would be developed. Martial artists cultivated their qi and blood to go through their meridians. It worked to circte through the twelve princ.i.p.al meridians, and while much was stored in the eight extraordinary meridians, a bit was used for maintenance. The qi was also used for the purpose of regtion or nourishment.

    As mentioned before, each cultivation method took different approaches to opening the acupoints, and choose different locations to condense bone pearls. In fact, cultivation methods also used different meridians all around the body. After creating a connection between martial skills, there was a huge disparity in how a martial artist fully utilized one¡¯s might. The degree of the true qi¡¯s vigor within the body was also different.

    Gu Zuo just became aware some time ago that what his patron was writing and drawing was actually a cultivation method Tianheng came up with.

    On one hand, his heart was certainly filled with admiration, but on the other hand, he was inevitably worried ¡ª Even though his patron was filthy rich [1] and widely read, but in the end, he still wasn¡¯t even twenty years old. Could he really create such an exquisite cultivation method?

    If by any chance he failed... Not only would his patron take a hit to his confidence, his patron¡¯s development would be at a disadvantage afterwards.

    While his heart had misgivings, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t dampen Tianheng¡¯s enthusiasm like this. Besides, he¡¯d been with his patron for some time. Seeing his patron nning and strategizing as if everything was within his control, he didn¡¯t want his skepticism to lead to judging his patron.

    ¡ª With his patron¡¯s IQ, when it was time to seize the moment, Tianheng shouldn¡¯t act carelessly, right?

    Gongyi Tianheng saw through Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts on the matter at a nce.

    However, he didn¡¯t start creating his own cultivation method after he had the chance of being cured. Rather, it was very long ago. Tianheng already started when he learned that he would only live to the age of twenty.

    At that time, he wanted to leave behind a lot of wealth for his n Head. As a result, he spared no effort in developing the Tianlong Guard and expanding businesses on all sides; he also wanted to leave behind his own mark of existence. Thus, he wanted to create a cultivation method that would surpa.s.s the current grades that already existed. Before he died of his illness, he wanted to teach this to a child of the younger generation who had an outstanding apt.i.tude.

    Maybe it was because the Tiandu Body was so peculiar, but after Gongyi Tianheng practically ransacked through all his cultivation methods worth seeing, he still had some ideas for constant improvement.

    When his lifespan only had two years left, he never imagined that Gu Zuo would deliver himself to his doorstep and reveal his fateful encounter.

    When Gongyi Tianheng saw the introduction [2] of that divine medicine cultivation method, it was like a moment of enlightenment [3]. The scattered thoughts of that cultivation method suddenly converged. He swiftly brought things into context [4], which let him arrive at the start of his own literary work.

    This beginning chapter was very difficult and rough, as if the road ahead stretched on forever. Yet the current Tianheng couldn¡¯t immediatelyprehend that vast stretch of road.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng wanted to develop his understanding of this short and iplete introduction ¡ª Since he could already practice martial arts, why should he go find a kid to teach?

    Although it was merely an introduction, it would still at least allow him to smoothly cultivate closer to Xiantian.

    Gu Zuo already had faith in his dear patron, but he couldn¡¯t help worrying. In the end, he still trusted that his patron would keep on rising. However, he also didn¡¯t think that his patron wouldn¡¯t have ns in advance.

    The road ahead was still vast and obscure. Tianheng grasped the process of cultivating up to Xiantian, but he didn¡¯t obtain the pieces of cultivating after that. He also didn¡¯t know whether he was taking the wrong path or not.

    He could only gamble on it.

    Even though he was able to cultivate to the Xiantian realm, he just had to bet on creating his own follow-up cultivation methods required afterwards. That¡¯s all.

    ______

    Gu Zuo had been refining medicinal cuisines and decoctions with exceptionally good nourishing effects for many days now. And on top of that, for the sake of unimpeded mobility, Gongyi Tianheng had a profound understanding of the state of his own health for many years. In the light of his own circ.u.mstances, after relying on his instincts to train in ¡°Myriad Soft Punches,¡± [5] his meridians were already able to support a certain amount of true qi.

    As a result, this first attempt was very sessful.

    After Gu Zuo waited for an hour worried sick, Tianheng opened his eyes. The qi in his whole body was turbulent and swelled like the sea. His long hair that draped down his back subsequently spread out before gently settling down again.

    Then, Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°I¡¯ve drawn the qi into my body without a hitch.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

    His heartstrings, which were previously pulled taut, rxed in a moment.

    At this time, something suddenly came to mind. He hastily asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, does your body feel ufortable anywhere? Do your meridians have any p.r.i.c.kling feeling as if they were clogged? Can they still support qi?¡±

    Wishful thinking often couldn¡¯tpare to reality. There were too many variables.

    Gongyi Tianheng gently said: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry. My meridians are in good health.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt relief upon hearing that.

    From that day onwards, Tianheng finally embarked on the road of martial arts.

    This road was very long. At this point in time, they didn¡¯t know what it would ultimately be.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo no longer paid such close attention to his patron. Each and every day was very full. He needed to watch over his patron¡¯s health. He needed to refinerge quant.i.ties of medicinal pills. He also needed to cultivate and continue condensing bone pearls.

    Time quickly pa.s.sed.

    ______

    The sky was bright and clear.

    Gu Zuo woke to the morning¡¯s rays. He opened his eyes just in time to see that busy, handsome face right in front of him.

    En, his patron¡¯s face.

    The faint rays of light syed across his features, as if veiling him in a halo. A dazzled person would show some stupidity.

    However, Gu Zuo woke up to this every day and would see the same scene. Although he still wasn¡¯t to the point of developing an immunity, he could start reacting after staring nkly for a moment.

    Suddenly, his patron¡¯s eyes opened.

    His eyes were normally pitch-ck, concealing his many moods. But when first waking up, the dense light against his watery eyes gave them a soft appearance. It made him an even more attractive person.

    In short, Gu Zuo was very fortunate today. He was just in time to witness this rarely-seen, beautiful disy.

    His heart sighed.

    His patron¡¯s looks even surpa.s.sed that of a stunning belle. Normally, a heroic spirit would condense within his countenance. His nature, which seemed gentle and moderate, was actually unyielding and tough. His features were good looking, but didn¡¯t appear effeminate. That is, the moment Tianheng woke up was a point that people would feel like cherishing.

    It was such a pity. The feeling that shed into existence vanished at once. His patron was still thatrge and formidable patron.

    These thoughts rolled around in his head, but he didn¡¯t dare speak about such things. Gu Zuo turned over and sat up. He faced his dear patron, smiling, and said a few words: ¡°Good morning, young master Tianheng.¡±

    The radiance in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes dimmed. He raised his body into a sitting position, and greeted him: ¡°Good morning, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuoughed mischievously and got off the bed.

    When he first acted so familiarly with his patron, Tianheng was caught off guard. Now, he grew ustomed to it.

    Although Gu Zuo knew that he was in another world, whenever he exchanged a ¡®Good morning¡¯ with his patron, he felt like this point in time was like returning to the modern era.

    When Gu Zuo quickly got dressed, Tianheng subst.i.tuted a wardrobe for Gu Zuo that was particrly luxurious.

    These were all prepared yesterday because today definitely wasn¡¯t an ordinary day. Rather, this day was when the Azure Dragon Trading Company would be conducting arge-scale auction.

    Naturally, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t go so far as to y at being a rich young master. However, he would be going together with young master Tianheng, so the quality of his wardrobe couldn¡¯t be too low.

    Two people quickly finished their preparations.

    There weren¡¯t too many attendants in the vi. Only some maidservants were allowed to enter for when they were needed. The rest of the time, only Gu Zuo and the Tianlong Guard were allowed entry into Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s location.

    The maidservants already prepared food in the garden. To the side of the attendants were the shadows of two people dressed in ck ¡ª Without a doubt, they were the perpetual bodyguard of Gongyi Tianheng, Dragon One, and the one who was basically dispatched to Gu Zuo, Dragon Two.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng sat at the same table. After eating, the Tianlong Guard gathered without amand. They¡¯d prepared a personal vehicle for Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s journey.

    It was the bronze chariot and those dragon-scaled horses. A grandiose and majestic delegation of people arrived at the Azure Dragon Trading Company¡¯s auction hall ¡ª The center of the imperial capital¡¯s most bustling district.

    The Azure Dragon Auction Hall was veryrge. From outside, one could see a lofty building constructed. It bore some of the imposing style of the royal family.

    It was worthy of the first-rate tradingpany controlled by the royal family.

    Most of those who were at the weing gate were dainty, youngdies. They were responsible for leading the rtively important guests into the venue. Apart from this, even more important was the management of different ranks. They would keep the measure of the rich guests in mind. After the encounter, they would personally meet with the guests, craning their necks to eagerly bid them wee.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s personal vehicle was very eye-catching. He himself was also very well-known. After the troop of dragon-scaled horses arrived, the crowds that lingered along the walls naturally moved closer to the sidewalk.

    A slightly plump manager personally came over, and it just so happened that he was the Azure Dragon Trading Company¡¯s Manager Chen. He controlled many of its economic affairs and he was ced in a position of considerable importance.

    For such care, only a person with a respected status could be greeted this way. Gongyi Tianheng had such status, and the other young masters of the imperial capital were included.

    Manager Chen smiled and took the initiative to wee Gongyi Tianheng off the chariot. He politely said: ¡°Young master Gongyi, pleasee in. A private room has already been prepared in advance, just waiting for your arrival.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled amiably: ¡°Thank you for your trouble.¡±

    Afterwards, he followed as Manager Chen walked in. As for his personal vehicle and the numerous dragon-scaled horses, they were naturally handled by the Tianlong Guard and the auction hall¡¯s attendants.

    Gu Zuo, Dragon One, and the others followed behind and went in.

    As expected, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s private room was one of the best avable.

    Simrly, many of the adjacent private rooms were filled with people long ago. They should be other great young masters or important people ofrge Families.

    To say the least, when they pa.s.sed by a certain private room, Manager Chen especially inquired: ¡°This is the Gongyi n¡¯s private room. I don¡¯t know if the young master...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng hesitated slightly, but nevertheless shook his head in refusal.

    Manager Chen didn¡¯t speak any more on the matter.

    After waiting for them to enter, Manager Chen quickly withdrew, only leaving behind two pretty servant girls. They were responsible for exining themodities sold at the auction.

    However, Tianheng also ordered these two servant girls away. After waiting for them to leave, he beckoned with a wave of his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, sit over here.¡±

    Gu Zuo scampered over, knowing that his ce was beside his patron: ¡°Young master Tianheng, speaking of those high grade qi generating pills, what are the rules of the auction and what are the price levels?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng pushed the light refreshments on the table towards Gu Zuo. After seeing him taking a piece to taste, he smiled and said: ¡°They should be auctioned in batches...¡±

    He somewhat muttered to himself: ¡°...At least six batches.¡±

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] Ìì×ÝÖ®×Ê - Tian zong zhi zi, based on Ìì×ÝÖ®²Å, which means a person bestowed talent by the heavens.

    [2] ¿ªÆª - Kai pian, start of a literary work.

    [3] õ®õ­¹à¶¥ - Ti hu guan ding, to anoint one¡¯s head with the purest cream.

    [4] Ö¯³ÉÂöÂç - Zhi cheng mai luo, to knit arteries and veins, but it can be interpreted to figuratively mean weaving fabric or bringing something into context.

    [5] ÈíÅ¿Å¿ - Ruan (soft) pa pa (Seems to be an adverb jocrly describing an action being ¡°all over the ce¡±).

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 30

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how his patron could obtain such urate data, but after he thought about it, he decided not to ask.

    First, the vors of the pastry were great. He felt that he could a.n.a.lyze and learn some culinary skills and such. Second, he roughly understood his patron¡¯s methods when he worked. Since Tianheng didn¡¯t take the initiative to exin it to him, he should just wait until the matter at hand unfolded before he said anything.

    In that case, he¡¯d wait patiently and properly.

    Not long after, the auction formally started.

    Dragon One pulled open the fabric cord in front of them, revealing arge sheet of transparent, colored .s.s. This kind of colored .s.s couldn¡¯t be seen into from outside, but one could see clearly from within.

    At the very front, there was a raised stone tform. There was a middle-aged Meridian Condensing third stage martial artist stationed on it.

    He was the emcee of the auction.

    Afterwards, he pped his hands and more than a dozen beautiful youngdies filed out from behind him. Each woman carried a tray in her hands, and covering each tray was an embroidered cloth. Whatever was beneath waspletely hidden.

    Gu Zuo watched with keen interest.

    In this kind of spectacle, except for the partic.i.p.ants who dressed in ancient costumes, the others weren¡¯t so different from what one would see on TV.

    One really needed to mention that it was probably a little inconvenient. Waiting to bid without a loudspeaker, wasn¡¯t it a contest between who¡¯s voice was louder?

    He imagined what it was like, andughed silently in his heart.

    The emcee on the auction stage didn¡¯t mince words. After quickly weing the guests, he uncovered the embroidered cloth from the first youngdy¡¯s tray ¡ª It seemed the Azure Dragon Trading Company was a huge tradingpany to hold an auction where parties from all sides worked hard to get seats. Because of its high .s.s, although it made beautiful women receive guests and exhibit the auction items, it still wasn¡¯t like those small-time tradingpanies that used gimmicks to attract customers.

    As a matter of fact, once each auction item was revealed, that emcee gave a concise andprehensive introduction.

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed in the room: ¡°Ah Zuo, the things being auctioned are, for the most part, rare but not necessarily precious items. This will go on for about three or four batches.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded.

    This was his patron personally exining the auctioning process. He would certainly appreciate his kindness. Moreover, his patron¡¯s voice was maic and euphonious. Listening to him was a type of pleasure!

    Sure enough, after those embroidered cloths were removed one by one, what was revealed were basically all ore used to forge weapons, rare medicinal herbs, precious or exquisite jewelry, and so on.

    Gu Zuo watched for a long time to figure things out for himself, but didn¡¯t understand the point of the ore and jewelry. He was onlyparatively knowledgeable in medicinal herbs. However, his patron could get a hold of all these herbs himself, so Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have much interest in them.

    Of course, the bidding was still very fierce.

    For the members of theserge Families, a lot of the items didn¡¯t amount to anything, but for some low level martial artists and small Families, some of the auctioned goods were enough. Naturally, they would want to fight over them.

    After four batches of these small items were auctioned off one after another, the mood surged like an ever-increasing tide. The customers were finally considered warmed up.

    That emcee was very experienced. After grasping the situation, he waved his hand and had the beautiful women leave. Afterwards, as the women left, four Blood Refining third stage martial artists came onto the stage.

    The four martial artists were burly and strong. They were shirtless and their muscles were bulging and striated. One could see that their strength was out of the ordinary. As far as what some low level martial artists would say, these men were very difficult to deal with.

    Gu Zuopared the muscles of these men to modern bodybuilders, and gasped a little in surprise.

    However, he was also amazed by their body [1] type. Getting along with his patron for so long, he knew that this kind of body tempering was actually a misconception. It could be said that they didn¡¯t have a future as martial artists. For those martial artists who practiced good cultivation methods and had medicinal ingredients for nourishment, their bodies were unlikely to be this state of ¡®looks strong but actually was just bloated¡¯ ¡ª No need to mention his sickly patron, just discuss those other four great young masters. When they appeared, who wasn¡¯t a jade tree facing the wind [2]? Even though their bodies were rtively st.u.r.dy, their muscles were very well-proportioned. They were all identically tall, rich, and handsome.

    The fact really was that these strong men were just of a performative nature.

    Their strength looked great, and those powerful guys were all gasping for breath as they each hefted a weapon. So just by looking, how heavily did those weapons weigh?

    Down below, some of the low level martial artists already let out sighs.

    Gu Zuo wanted to facepalm.

    The emcee¡¯s voice was just the right shade of impa.s.sioned: ¡°This demonic ape cleaver [3] was forged by a thousand skilled craftsmen. The total weight is over five hundred kilograms [4], and this weapon can be wielded by a powerful martial artist. The starting price is five thousand gold, and each increase in price may not be less than one hundred gold. Ladies and gentlemen, please ce your bids!¡±

    In a split second, the voices of people bidding erupted.

    Gu Zuo was speechless: ¡°Ah, very expensive...¡±

    Five thousand gold was fifty thousand taels [5] silver. One tael was fifty grams [6]. One gram of silver was just about two coins [7]... Once calcted, five thousand gold was five million coins! Just one de was sold for five million. It was truly expensive, and it wasn¡¯t even an antique. Before, when he was still working as a pharmacy apprentice [8], not including food or rent, one month was five hundred dors.

    It was hard for him to avoidmenting over the plight of the poor.

    However, when Gu Zuo said these words, even the facial expressions of the two deadpan loyal hounds, Dragon One and Dragon Two, became a little weird.

    Gongyi Tianheng shook his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, do you know how much the qi generating pills are worth?¡±

    This Gu Zuo certainly knew through Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories. Because the qi generating pill was a must-have medicinal pill for martial artists, every pharmacist mastered it. And the qi generating pills were a rtively cheap kind of pill. Each pill cost one tael of gold or about one thousand coins.

    Wait a minute! One qi generating pill was worth one thousand coins?

    Then, the money that pa.s.sed through his hands every day, that amount...

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help staring nkly ahead.

    But he immediately recalled that the use of the pill refining cauldron cost money, the medicinal ingredients cost money, and the power source cost money. After these deductions, there shouldn¡¯t be too much left.

    Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s expressions repeatedly change, and he grinned. He lowered his head a little and whispered into Gu Zuo¡¯s ear: ¡°Ah Zuo, you know the qi generating pills you refined? How much were the medicinal effects?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it. He actually didn¡¯t pay attention to this. He only knew that it was a little better than what was on the market. However, he didn¡¯t know the exact numbers.

    Gongyi Tianheng lowered his voice: ¡°The highest grade qi generating pills¡¯ medicinal effects are a hundred-fold. The high grade are ten-fold. And the mid grade are three-fold.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    Tianheng m.u.f.fled hisughter: ¡°The highest grade are priced at twenty times the market value. The high grade are ten times. And the mid grade are three times.¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t because of the simrities between the medicinal effects of the highest grade qi generating pills and qi linking pills, and that the price of qi linking pills were fixed at twenty taels of gold, then the price level of Gu Zuo¡¯s pills could¡¯ve climbed higher.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes got even bigger.

    He felt a little dizzy.

    In fact, with things like this, then the cauldrons of qi generating pills he refined was... Twenty thousand times forty eight... Nine hundred sixty thousand? Excluding the less than a thousand in production costs, this was simply an enormous profit!

    Reconsidering the price of that de, it looked like it wasn¡¯t so expensive.

    In this split second, Gu Zuo felt that he earned a lot of money for his patron. However, on second thought, he suppressed a bit of his rising pride.

    His patron managed everything from the materials, to the tools, to the price settings. Sure, Gu Zuo¡¯s contributions were outstanding, but in the end, it was still through his patron¡¯s economic channels and awesome strategies. If one wanted to let him go, one wouldn¡¯t get this value.

    Gongyi Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s reaction with a gentle gaze. He softly pat this little pharmacist¡¯s shoulder, and said while smiling: ¡°Following this, there will be some valuable objects appearing. Ah Zuo, if there¡¯s something you want, please feel free to tell me. I can help you bid, and give it to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared, and smiled happily: ¡°Many thanks, young master Tianheng!¡±

    As expected, his dear patron was a good boss.

    Tianheng broke intoughter.

    Unexpectedly, he still hadn¡¯t brought up the issue of splitting the profits... He truly hadn¡¯t made any progress.

    However, he wasn¡¯t going to treat Gu Zuo unfairly.

    As these two people responded to one another, that demonic ape cleaver had already been auctioned off. The final sale price was eight thousand three hundred gold. The winner was a lone martial artist.

    Following that were several weapons, most of which had special features. For example, one could strengthen the power of a fire attribute martial skill. Another could have both offensive and defensive capabilities. And still another that required the cultivation of two different martial skills simultaneously to be aware of the advantages at hand... In total, all were auctioned off with prices of several thousand to over ten thousand gold.

    The atmosphere grew even more fervent, and in the end, when the next auctioned good was taken out, it reached its peak.

    As it was carried onstage by a strong man, he didn¡¯t expect it was a very delicate, small pill cauldron!

    Not only was its exterior impressive, but it was said that the arrays [9] inside were also ingenious. With high grade qualities, it was something amazing for some certified pharmacists or those who were recently certified.

    Gu Zuo nced at it, and didn¡¯t felt anything for it.

    His patron provided him three cauldron models each ofrge, medium, and small size, and all of them were custom-made, top-notch goods. Compared to this small pill cauldron, the conditions of his cauldrons were too great. Once the Azure Dragon auction revealed this small cauldron, it didn¡¯t give him the same kind of preparatory care for a pharmacist.

    However, his interests were still slightly piqued. After all, he still wanted to know the worth of this pill cauldron!

    Just then, Gu Zuo was slightly surprised.

    The base price of this small pill cauldron was actually eight thousand gold?

    Then, those things in his pharmacy ¡ª

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes twitched.

    Originally, he¡¯d already thought his patron was sufficiently well-off, but now it seemed that his patron was wealthier than he could¡¯ve imagined.

    ...It truly was enough to ce his trust in Tianheng.

    Fortunately, he didn¡¯t fail to live up to his patron¡¯s expectations.

    While he was thinking this, a familiar voice came from below. In an instant, it made Gu Zuo¡¯s back straighten.

    Unruly and arrogant, each word carried a ¡°the whole world was his to screw over¡± kind of att.i.tude. In fact, wasn¡¯t this Qi Feng?

    This condescending voice permeated Qi Tianyou¡¯s brief fifteen years of life until it was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with malice towards the boy... Even if he was deaf, he wouldn¡¯t have misheard it.

    In other words, Qi Feng also came to this auction? He wanted to s.n.a.t.c.h this pill cauldron?

    At this moment, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but sneer in his heart.

    He turned his head to face the person beside him and said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I want this guy to pay beyond what this pill cauldron is really worth. Can you help me?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s unsightly expression, and raised an eyebrow: ¡°Ah Zuo really doesn¡¯t like him?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hide the truth: ¡°He is Qi Feng.¡±

    Tianheng understood instantly.

    Afterwards, heughed, and meaningfully said: ¡°Then, I will just have to help Ah Zuo vent his anger.¡±

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] The Chinese characters here are unreadable for myputer. It¡¯s just a guess.

    [2] ÓñÊ÷ÁÙ·ç - Yu shu lin feng, an idiom describing a man as distinguished, elegant, handsome, and confident.

    [3] Ô³Ä§ºñ±³µ¶ - Yuan mo (demonic ape) hou bei dao (cleaver).

    [4] One ½ï is about 500 grams. 1035 ½ï is 517.5 kilograms.

    [5] Á½ - Liang. It¡¯s an ancient unit of weight called a ¡°tael,¡± which is about 50 grams.

    [6] ¿Ë - Ke, a unit of weight that¡¯s treated as a gram.

    [7] In modern times, I¡¯ll be treating Ç® in dors as the ¡°lowest denominator of currency,¡± while in ancient times, it will be in coins. Consider ancient coins and modern dors as equivalent values.

    [8] Gu Zuo is referring to when he was still in the modern world.

    [9] ÉèÖÃ - She Zhi, set up or instation. In terms of ¡®magic,¡¯ I¡¯d like to think of arrays.

    ______

    T/N: Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened so much during this chapter, I¡¯m surprised they didn¡¯t pop right out!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 31

    Qi Feng¡¯s price wasn¡¯t high, only eight thousand three hundred gold.

    However, this amount of coin clearly wouldn¡¯t make the other bidders give up. Many other bids were shouted out in quick session. Not long after, the price already reached eight thousand nine hundred gold.

    For small Families, such a small-scale pill cauldron was something they could chance upon, but not something they could find themselves. Qi Feng also wasn¡¯t going to back off.

    Quickly, he uttered again: ¡°Nine thousand one hundred gold!¡±

    His voice was filled with determination.

    Gu Zuo heard Qi Feng¡¯s voice and felt twitchy. Almost immediately, he recalled the time when he just crossed over and saw the deathly pale corpse of that youth lying abandoned on that bed.

    At that time, Qi Tianyou used a sharp weapon to skewer his own throat. How could a youth, who was pure and good since childhood, turn such a ruthless hand onto himself if he weren¡¯t extremely depressed? In this world where martial arts was respected, Qi Tianyou never harmed others. The first one he killed was himself.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice snapped Gu Zuo from his disordered thoughts: ¡°This small-scale pill cauldron wouldn¡¯t be worth it if the price surpa.s.ses eleven thousand gold.¡±

    He raised his hand and gestured.

    At this time, Dragon Two opened his mouth.

    It was very strange. His voice was somewhat uncanny. Normally, his voice was a bit different. It sounded like the voice of a refreshing youth who carried remarkable dominance and pride: ¡°Nine thousand five hundred gold!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s liveliness immediately returned as what he witnessed surprised him: ¡°Young master Tianheng, Dragon Two also has this kind of ability?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°It¡¯s only a minor skill.¡±

    What followed that matter left Gu Zuo even more dumbstruck.

    He was prepared to use a method of raising the bidding price to trap Qi Feng, but as to how to specifically implement it, he felt that without his awesome patron, he could only ask Tianheng for a helping hand.

    However, he also didn¡¯t expect Dragon Two to grasp Qi Feng¡¯s psyche so urately!

    As it turned out, after Dragon Two yed the role of a youth and called out bids, because other people werepeting, Qi Feng didn¡¯t pay any mind to it. But afterwards, once the price exceeded ten thousand, the people bidding decreased. Only Dragon Two and Qi Feng rose to prominence.

    Then when it reached the pill cauldron¡¯s highest price of seventeen thousand to eighteen thousand gold, only Dragon Two and Qi Feng, these two people,peted. Once Qi Feng called out a price, Dragon Two would hike it a few hundred more. He tenaciously pressured Qi Feng from behind and made Qi Feng feel wronged.

    Qi Feng certainly wavered, but Dragon Two spoke with immense self-satisfaction: ¡°This penniless country b.u.mpkin dares fight with your senior [1] over this thing, and still won¡¯t beat it and eat my dust? Hahahaha! This loser¡¯s acting like aplete dumba.s.s [2]!¡±

    There was no difference between these spoken words and poking a hos¡¯ nest.

    What did the current Qi Feng care about the most? It was that he was merely the heir of a small Family. Don¡¯t focus on him riding roughshod over everyone who doted upon him at the Qi household. Once he arrived at the imperial capital, it all meant absolutely nothing.

    Automatically, the treatment he received here was totally inferior to when he was at the Qi household.

    With Qi Feng¡¯s disposition, he was someone who didn¡¯t want to lose out on what he desired, and didn¡¯t want to submit to any humiliation. The person who came to provoke Qi Feng was obviously someone from the imperial capital with a simr age to him. How could he possibly admit defeat after all that effort? Even if he was wavering a moment ago and had a thought of backing out, right now he¡¯d rather die than retreat!

    Therefore, Qi Feng continued to bid.

    Dragon Two also continued raising the price with him.

    One approached the other, and the Families¡¯ young masters struggled in their dispute with money-clenched fists. The auction hall personnel looked favorably upon this, and the other guests had fun watching.

    Very quickly, the price level of that small pill cauldron rose to twenty two thousand gold!

    Indeed, the price had fully doubled!

    At this time, the battle between both sides already sparked a genuine fire, but Gongyi Tianheng once again lifted his hand.

    Dragon Two understood his young master¡¯s signal. When it was time to ce his bid, the pacing slowed down a bit.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Qi Feng likely shouldn¡¯t havee by himself. We¡¯ll quit while we¡¯re ahead; we can stop before he does.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally had faith in his patron. After listening to what he said, he promptly nodded.

    Afterwards, Dragon Twozily called out: ¡°Twenty two thousand one hundred¡ª¡±

    Qi Feng almost immediately shouted: ¡°Twenty two thousand five hundred!¡±

    In a split second, Dragon Two let out a scoff: ¡°Okay! It¡¯s seems you haven¡¯t seen the good stuff yet. There are tons of these toys lying around this senior¡¯s house, and this country b.u.mpkin considers this a treasured object! This senior is tired of ying around, so I¡¯ll give it back to you.¡±

    Dragon Two let loose a peal of insolentughter.

    Qi Feng over yonder was choking on his words: ¡°You¡ª¡±

    In the end, he might¡¯ve been pulled down by someone, and he stopped talking.

    However, Gu Zuo could already imagine how unsightly that arrogant Qi Feng¡¯s face became.

    Instantly, he felt himself releasing a held breath.

    Only, Gu Zuo quickly thought of something, and couldn¡¯t help turning to his patron: ¡°Young master Tianheng, couldn¡¯t that Qi Feng find out we¡¯re the ones who did it?¡±

    Tianheng answered: ¡°In here, so long as the client refuses, the auction hall won¡¯t divulge our ident.i.ties. To remind you from before, the Gongyi n still has people who came here. Also, merely because I¡¯m a member of the Gongyi n, I¡¯ll be given considerable service.¡±

    Saying this, he gentlyughed: ¡°Besides, even if they knew, what could they do about it?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw this, and his expression was very gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo, I can help you. You just need to do what I want you to do. As for everything else, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Under the gaze of his patron, Gu Zuo¡¯s face was a little hot. Some warmth blossomed in his heart.

    Yes, what did Qi Feng matter? He was already hugging his patron¡¯s big thighs as... En, as a pharmacist.

    Whatever the case, Qi Feng could previously meddle in any of Qi Tianyou¡¯s affairs, and he was unable to do the same. Instead, Gu Zuo now stood affixed in an invincible position.

    Gu Zuo aggrievedly thought: In other words, Qi Tianyou was bullied by people who relied on power. Now I can rely on my patron¡¯s influence to bully Qi Feng? It was really cool to think about.

    After being pacified by his patron, Gu Zuo¡¯s attention no longer remained on Qi Feng. Rather, it was shifted to the auction¡¯s newly revealed valuables.

    From now on, the auction¡¯s goods would be even more precious. Gradually, Gu Zuo discovered some things worth taking ¡ª Certainly, those things were very rare. Even if the Gongyi n went to search for the medicinal herbs, it¡¯d be a waste of time.

    Gongyi Tianhengpletely abided by his promise. As for everything that Gu Zuo fancied, it didn¡¯t require Gu Zuo exining it to him. The auctioned items were all taken one after another.

    While Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t fundamentally spending any money, it still inevitably pained him deep in his heart. Yet, spending without limits was actually...really cool.

    As round after round of the auction pa.s.sed, the people in every private room would ce several bids. The excitement rose many times in the seating below, so much so that the intensity of the fights would frequently burn white-hot. The atmosphere was on fire.

    As more goods were revealed, the guests would be even more frantic.

    Eventually, it was thest batch of auctioned goods ¡ª That is, it was time for the finale [3].

    The first item was a stalk of medicinal herbs whose medicinal effects had ripened for a thousand years.

    This kind of medicinal herb that could attain that particr age was very rare. Reportedly, no matter if one were refining pills or potions, it would have great benefits for martial artists.

    It was only just that its base price was twenty thousand gold.

    That kind of millennium herb was something one could encounter but not find. Gu Zuo looked towards his patron, his eyes gleaming meaningfully.

    If he had this kind of medicinal herb, he could give his patron some great medicine to refine his qi and blood as well as his internal organs! Medicinal decoctions, cuisine, and pills ¡ª He could choose to refine as much as he wanted!

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Then I¡¯ll buy it at once.¡±

    Dragon One epted his order, and started partic.i.p.ating in the bidding.

    The millennium herb¡¯s price continuously rose. As Dragon One got an order, he wasn¡¯t careless in the least as he ceaselessly bid higher. The price would often rise by a thousand gold each time, and the otherpet.i.tors were all suppressed.

    Soon, the price level reached sixty thousand. There were only a very few people who were bidding.

    Dragon One instantly shouted: ¡°Eighty thousand gold!¡±

    With a disparity of twenty thousand gold and an unyielding demeanor, it made the other people give up in the end.

    ¡ª Also, they still wanted the good stuff. As far as they were concerned, this millennium herb was something one required supreme effort topete for. However, they were unlikely to go all-out today.

    Gu Zuo saw the sessful purchase and was very happy.

    Tianheng said: ¡°If it was in the past, I¡¯m afraid we¡¯d need a hundred thousand or more to get it. It could be considered convenient to pick it up today.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he smirked: ¡°I¡¯d also like to say thanks to Ah Zuo for refining the high grade qi generating pills, which the Azure Dragon Trading Company cares so much about. Even this millennium herb, which was formerly thest item among the finale, was brought out as an exciting object for boosting the atmosphere.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to this, and blushed with a smile.

    This was actually his patron¡¯s strategy...

    Soon after, the second item of the finale was brought out. It was a human-level mid rank cultivation method. The base price was fifty thousand gold. Hearing that it was something with great power, therge Families all thought aboutpeting. While the smaller Families practically wanted to hang their heads in defeat.

    In the end, this cultivation method was sold for a hundred eighty thousand gold.

    The third auctioned item was a very horrifying weapon. The resolute thousand stone bow [4]: made with special materials and holding immense power, the base price was twenty thousand gold. It was finally sold for ny thousand gold.

    Besides two other items, all were rare and valuable objects that could have been used as thest item in the finale in previous years.

    Atst, a remarkably beautifuldy walked onto the stone tform carrying a tray.

    That emcee revealed an excited smile: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, many thanks to the guests who¡¯ve supported us, the Azure Dragon Trading Company. At this time, I humbly present thest item of the auction. It¡¯s what everyone¡¯s been antic.i.p.ating for a long time. Qi generating pills with ten-fold medicinal effects¡ª¡±

    His voice was loud and clear, ¡°As everyone knows, refining medicinal pills is difficult. Although the qi generating pill is the pill mostmonly used by us martial artists, it can only support martial artists up to the Meridian Condensing realm for cultivation. And this qi generating pill with ten-fold effects can provide a Meridian Condensing martial artist the greatest benefits!¡±

    Discussing up to here, the emcee¡¯s expression turned solemn: ¡°Certainly, the production of these qi generating pills definitely isn¡¯t merely about the medicinal effects ¡ª Ladies and gentlemen, whomever purchases these medicinal pills will be able to get a pharmacist to intensely research. Whether or not they can obtain the refining secrets from within, who knows? Once this secret is unraveled, the entire continent¡¯s pill refinement will undergo a huge revolution!¡±

    He never mentioned how these medicinal pills were obtained. And he also didn¡¯t mention that mysterious pharmacist who knew this ¡°secret.¡± He only needed to orate and incite the will of the people so that it¡¯d make the minds of these guys feverish. Thinking about the profits and ignoring everything else!

    The emcee said in a loud voice: ¡°Six bottles of ten-fold qi generating pills, and each bottle contains two hundred pills. Every bottle will be auctioned off separately with a base price of ¡ª Ten thousand gold!¡±

    Gu Zuo was immediately stunned.

    This ck hearted [5] auction was selling at a figure that was five times greater than his patron¡¯s price!

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] Ð¡Ò¯ - Xiao ye. Referring to oneself as father or grandfather is a way of showing your superiority over the other person.

    [2] ×°Ê²Ã´´ó°ê¶ùËâ - Zhuang (shen me da ban er) suan, pretending to be garlic, an expression for someone who feigns ignorance.

    [3] Ñ¹ÖáÎï - Ya zhou wu, simr to Ñ¹ÖáÏ·, which is a theatrical climax.

    [4] Ç§Ê¯Ç¿¹­ - Qian shi jiang gong, direct trantion.

    [5] ºÚÐÄ - Hei xin, ruthless andcking in conscience.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 32

    At once, the first bottle was auctioned.

    Prices were shouted one after the other. In the time between several breaths, that price level already rose to fifty thousand gold.

    At this time, the voice of a vigorous man echoed: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I¡¯ll have to ask you all to give my Sima n some face.¡±

    After the sound of his voice fell, not one person ced a bid.

    Following that, the second bottle was auctioned.

    Bids were shouted out in voices that rose and fell in session. Just as before, it climbed to fifty thousand gold.

    After that, a female voice called out. Gentle and beautiful, it was very dignified: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please give my Duanmu n some face.¡±

    After that, no one ced a bid.

    This kind of spectacle urred quite a few times over.

    Soon after, it was the Helian n, then the Huangfu n. It wasn¡¯t until after the Gongyi n purchased the fifth bottle that there was a temporary lull.

    Following the sixth bottle¡¯s bidding, it became especially intense.

    Atst Gu Zuo discovered that every bottle of the high grade qi generating pills were purchased by the Five Great ns. Each price was, without exception, fifty thousand gold, which was twenty five times their proper value. Additionally, whenever a Great n opened its mouth, there wasn¡¯t anyone else who fought over the item.

    He recalled something his patron said. These qi generating pill auctions were separated into six batches... But, really, that guess was too urate!

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng exined to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo refining the qi generating pills subverted the current pill refining standards of the continent. As the emcee said, once someone cracks open the secret, the profits they¡¯d gain would be a frightful amount.¡±

    Just like now, he grasped the crux of the matter, ¡°If the medicinal pills were sold like this, it would be impossible to maximize one¡¯s benefits, and it would possibly attract trouble. If the pills were hidden away, one wouldn¡¯t know whether the ¡®mysterious pharmacist¡¯ had other aims. It would be very easy to offend others. Moreover, it wouldn¡¯t be clear how long the ¡®mysterious pharmacist¡¯ would supply this kind of medicinal pill... Only then would they have this auction.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to him and understood a little bit.

    Gongyi Tianheng was very patient: ¡°As for why they wanted to divide the six batches, it was for the sake of minimizing the risk. The Azure Dragon Trading Company sent out information in advance, so it was only natural that the members of the Five Great ns were prepared beforehand. These qi generating pills are a one-time deal, so the set price would naturally be a little high. However, it couldn¡¯t be unreasonably high, so through a tacit mutual understanding, they agreed upon this price level. Thus, the previous five batches were sold separately to each n.

    ¡°Only the sixth batch can be considered a real auction ¡ª Regardless of their power, if one of the Five Great ns were willing to pay for the high price, they could make off with another bottle. Then they¡¯d have even more samples in their attempts, and the certainty of cracking the secret will naturally be even greater.¡±

    Gu Zuo was listening to him, and suddenly felt that the one with the ckest heart ¡ª No, the greatest strategist should be his dear patron.

    Of course the qi generating pills could set the current standard because his pill refining method was of a higher rank than those of this continent. One could even say that it was entirely the system¡¯s fault. However, if one were to create pills by physically rolling them with their hands, even if it was researched for a long time, could they truly create a high grade pill?

    And as for those pill rolling pharmacists who didn¡¯t show themselves, his patron would be unloading many qi generating pills into the marketce. Then, regardless of whether it was for better cultivation results or for research, they could only look at his patron¡¯s face [1]... In particr, the hyped-up prices of those auctioned qi generating pills might¡¯ve ensured that the researching pharmacists wouldn¡¯t show up. Could the prices of the ¡®samples¡¯ still increase?

    After Gu Zuo gave his patron another big thumbs up, he recalled something: ¡°Young master Tianheng, did you want to teach my pill refining hand arts to some reliable people?¡±

    After asking, he repeated the same to his forgotten system. In his mind, he silently asked a question: System, are there any issues with teaching these medicine refining methods to others?

    [The host can handle the knowledge he has learned by himself.]

    [Friendly reminder: Studying the > requires a special const.i.tution. May the host handle this cautiously.]

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded. Its indication was clear.

    He wasn¡¯t foolish. Besides his super awesome patron, he simply wasn¡¯t likely to let others know about the divine medicine cultivation method. Even if it were another medicine refining method, he would ask his intelligent patron before casually handling it.

    When Gongyi Tianheng heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he was slightly stumped.

    Afterwards, he gently replied: ¡°It still isn¡¯t the right time.¡±

    He smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, I still need to work hard for you.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°This can be considered hard work. I still need medicinal qi, and I need to strengthen my medicine refining skills.¡±

    Tianheng saw him acting like this, and the corner of his smile deepened.

    These medicine refining tricks were too miraculous. If the continent¡¯s pharmacists learned them, then it would cause a perilous situation. When the time came, he was afraid that it would trigger countless acts of carnage and violent upheaval.

    Even a social structure with numerous influences would undergo a change that would flip heaven and earth.

    Gongyi Tianheng concluded that he certainly had power at his fingertips [2], but it wasn¡¯t enough to withstand the powerful currents of the entire continent. And, he wasn¡¯t strong enough to protect this little pharmacist.

    Thus, it still wasn¡¯t the right time.

    While two people were talking with each other, the auction for thest bottle of high grade qi generating pills was already over.

    Unexpectedly, the one who finally got it was a member of the Helian n.

    After Tianheng found out, his eyebrow rose: ¡°Helian n. Sure enough, they were unable to hold back.¡±

    He opened his mouth andmanded, ¡°Dragon One, after the business deal with the qi generating pills is over, don¡¯t work with the Azure Dragon Trading Company anymore.¡±

    Dragon One bowed his head: ¡°Could the young master borate?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°The ck market.¡±

    Dragon One suddenly understood: ¡°This subordinate obeys!¡±

    ______

    After all the high grade qi generating pills were sold, this auction naturally came to an end.

    With his patron by his side, Gu Zuo and Tianheng left the Azure Dragon Auction Hall. Nothing happened on the way back. On the contrary, Gu Zuo saw several Tianlong guards disappear into the night under his patron¡¯s orders.

    He was a little curious.

    Gongyi Tianheng vaguely sensed his thoughts. He faced Gu Zuo and smiled: ¡°Wait for one or two hours, and Ah Zuo will find out.¡±

    Gu Zuo was slightly confused, but understood the general idea. Tianheng and the Tianlong Guard¡¯s recent activity should have something to do with him.

    After returning to the vi, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t waste any more time.

    Because of the reasons why those qi generating pills were so popr, he hurriedly squeezed into the secret room and carefully refined quite a few cauldrons of medicinal pills. Naturally, the great majority were of the highest quality ¡ª The strength of his patron and the Tianlong Guard was the most important. Soon after, he refined some of the even simpler high grade qi generating pills, which were prepared ording to his patron¡¯s n.

    After he refined for a couple rounds, he intended to give his patron medicinal decoctions and cuisine. He went out to call Tianheng over to treat his illness.

    And when Gu Zuo got there, he was just in time to see his patron sitting behind the desk and listening to Dragon One¡¯s report ¡ª The Tianlong guards who were previously sent out had alreadypiled the information and had given it to this greatmander.

    Once he saw Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng beckoned with a wave: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo scampered over: ¡°Young master Tianheng?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was warm. He handed over a sheaf of paper: ¡°Take a look?¡±

    Just as Gu Zuo took the paper, he obediently read it: ¡°Eek!¡± [3]

    What was written on this paper was nothing but information on Qi Feng.

    Originally, Qi Feng already arrived at the imperial capital as early as over a month ago. And apanying him was...

    That guy who casually pursued Qi Tianyou, who ruined Qi Tianyou¡¯s life, who was inconsistent in love andcking in justice, who wasn¡¯t willing to lend a so-called friend a helping hand, who turned a one-eighty and epted the adoration of Qi Tianyou¡¯s nemesis. That sc.u.mbag Bai Wenjun.

    Once Gu Zuo read this, his heart caught fire.

    This dog man really was free and unfettered. Even after harming Qi Tianyou, he didn¡¯t feel a bit of remorse, and got into an intimate rtionship so quickly... Truly, it really made people sick.

    For the time being, Qi Feng¡¯s malicious disposition needn¡¯t be mentioned. Since that Bai Wenjun could settle for second-best with Qi Feng, why didn¡¯t he just do so from the beginning? They were obviously a pair with inferior morals. Why couldn¡¯t they have gotten together long ago and be done with it? Why, of all people, would they want to provoke the innocent Qi Tianyou!?

    These kinds of people. These kinds of people...

    Gu Zuo shut his eyes, and restrained the fury in his heart.

    Although the matter pa.s.sed several months ago, it wasn¡¯t long after he received Qi Tianyou¡¯s memories that he took them personally. In a state of harboring righteous indignation, when he received news about two people, he still couldn¡¯t help it.

    Calming down after a while, Gu Zuo continued to read.

    It was roughly true that those two people suited each other. After a period of contact, it could¡¯ve been said that Qi Feng was docile and obedient, and the Qi Family curried favor, in the hopes of gradually encouraging Bai Wenjun ept Qi Feng as hispanion.

    Afterwards, for the sake of the first part in that stage of the n War, Bai Wenjun intentionally rushed over to the imperial capital Cangyun City. Also, he conveniently brought along Qi Feng to continue fostering the feelings between them.

    It would be very heart-warming to mention both parties, except that these kinds of people were too nauseating.

    Undoubtedly, it was Bai Wenjun who brought Qi Feng to that small private room below during yesterday¡¯s auction. And it was Bai Wenjun¡¯s money that was used to purchase that small-scale pill cauldron that Qi Feng fought for.

    Seeing this, Gu Zuo let out a breath.

    He originally wanted to set a small trap for Qi Feng. Now the trap was changed to Bai Wenjun. This also wasn¡¯t bad.

    Even if that Bai Wenjun was deeply shrewd, how much could put his heart out of sorts as squandering twice as much money? If that could cause some feelings of resentment towards Qi Feng, then that¡¯d be even better.

    After reading the information, Gu Zuo turned his head to look at his patron.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s bearing was still gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo, do you want to something?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was touched.

    He realized that his patron specifically ordered his people to go investigate these sc.u.mbags. It was precisely to unravel the knot [4] lodged in his heart.

    After thinking on it, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, the Bai Family... What kind of Family is it? What is Bai Wenjun¡¯s purpose foring to the imperial capital?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with praise. He replied: ¡°If the Families of this continent were separated into levels, the Five Great ns of the imperial capital would be the Cangyun Empire¡¯s superpowers. Compared to those slightly inferior to the ns, they¡¯d be first .s.s. Then going down, there¡¯d be second .s.s, third .s.s, as well as those ineligible powers.¡±

    Gu Zuo earnestly listened.

    Tianheng smirked: ¡°The Qi Family lineage hasn¡¯t existed for more than two hundred years. At most, they¡¯d be an ineligible power approaching third .s.s. The Bai Family has existed for even longer, but still hasn¡¯t maintained a steady position as a second .s.s power. If you wanted to dispose of them...¡±

    He smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to remain vignt over an insignificant second .s.s power.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    In his patron¡¯s eyes, the Bai Family, where the Qi Family had so ardently fawned over Bai Wenjun, was nothing more than an ant that could be toppled with a flip of the wrist.

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng muttered to himself: ¡°As for Bai Wenjun¡¯s purpose foring to the imperial capital...¡±

    He faintly inclined his head: ¡°It looks as if this so-called remarkable child of a second to third .s.s power naturally wants to reveal his skills to attach himself to us Great ns.¡±

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] This part confused me. It could either mean: (1) read his mood, or (2) give him ¡°face.¡±

    [2] Actually, the direct trantion would be power in his hand.

    [3] ß× - Yi, an expression of surprise.

    [4] ÐÄ½á - Xin jie, heart knot or a matter that gnaws at one¡¯s mind.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 33

    At this moment, Gu Zuo suddenly felt that it was quiteughable.

    Qi Feng persistently clung to Bai Wenjun. Besides Wenjun being a ¡°genius,¡± perhaps his family background was arge contributing factor as well. And now the fawned-over Bai Wenjun had rushed to Cangyun City to find a benefactor. The question was which member of the Five Great ns he was hoping to ally with ¡ª Rather than the patron who cooperated with Gu Zuo, Wenjun would have to spare no effort with those unapproachable people.

    For a moment, Gu Zuo even thought about what kind of expression Qi Feng and Bai Wenjun would expose if he revealed this face to them.

    However, he quickly repressed this minor thought.

    Even if those two were insignificant to his patron, it would still be troublesome in the end. Since Gu Zuo decided to be on good terms with his patron and to take care of him, he shouldn¡¯t unt for the sake of gratification. It was too ostentatious and domineering.

    Gu Zuo was very clear about his patron¡¯s intent.

    His patron did all those things in order to tell Gu Zuo that however he wanted to deal with those two, his patron would aplish it.

    But, how was he going to handle them?

    Almost subconsciously, Gu Zuo thought about saying: Just kill them!

    However, he still didn¡¯t speak up.

    It wasn¡¯t because he was from the modern era and was unwilling to stain his hands with blood ¡ª In reality, he knew that even if he wasn¡¯t used to it, there¡¯de a day sooner orter. Also, it absolutely wasn¡¯t due to some ridiculous pang of pity in his heart ¡ª The original Qi Feng and Bai Wenjun didn¡¯t take pity on Qi Tianyou.

    Despite Qi Feng being the real cause of Qi Tianyou¡¯s death, Bai Wenjun was only worse [1]. He was too cold-blooded. Indeed, in his eyes, they were the chief culprits. ording to this continent¡¯s worldview, they were Qi Tianyou¡¯s personal enemies. Killing them was justifiable.

    Only, Gu Zuo suddenly realized that he just wasn¡¯t Qi Tianyou.

    Even though Qi Tianyou was at death¡¯s door, he didn¡¯t hate anyone for it. Furthermore, he didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of taking revenge against Qi Feng, the Qi Family, or even Bai Wenjun. If he relied on his patron¡¯s hand to kill those two, then in the future, if anyone knew about this, they could only determine that Tianyou did it for the sake of vengeance.

    Indeed, he was making use of Qi Tianyou¡¯s ident.i.ty, but could he truly disregard Tianyou¡¯s intent and use that ident.i.ty to relieve his frustrations? He wanted to get revenge for Tianyou, but what qualifications did he have to do so? Gu Zuo merely appeared beside his corpse and had not choice but to obtain Tianyou¡¯s memories and borrow his ident.i.ty.

    However, if Gu Zuo didn¡¯t get revenge, then he felt unwilling to let things be.

    For what reason would the people who harmed Qi Tianyou live on well while that fifteen year old youth died in despair? For what reason would a person with a virtuous heart suffer a terrible end, while an evil [2] person had a boundless future?

    If he didn¡¯t know, then he¡¯d let it go. If it wasn¡¯t someone he recognized, then he¡¯d let it go. But he definitely knew, and he definitely sympathized. How could he be willing to turn a blind eye, and let them get away with it at this point?!

    Gu Zuo felt that he might never be able to have Qi Tianyou¡¯s broad mindset.

    As a result, he felt somewhat awkward.

    Gu Zuo wanted to do something, but he didn¡¯t want to damage the image other people had of Qi Tianyou.

    So, he was afraid of doing anything rash like seizing the lives of those two people.

    After hesitating for a short moment, Gu Zuo finally made up his mind: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I want Qi Feng¡¯s medical beads destroyed due to an ident, and Bai Wenjun¡¯s goal of striking a deal to never be aplished.¡±

    Since he couldn¡¯t kill them, he didn¡¯t want those two to have it easy. He¡¯d appoint someone to hara.s.s Qi Feng into sharing a simr fate as Qi Tianyou had he not killed himself; he¡¯d leave that selfish Bai Wenjun without any hopes of fulfilling his ambitions all his life.

    Gongyi Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s reaction. After hearing this speech, he faintly smiled: ¡°Okay, just as Ah Zuo says.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a little ufortable meeting his patron¡¯s gaze, but he steadied his expression quickly: ¡°We¡¯ll do this secretly. Don¡¯t let others know.¡±

    Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll do it secretly.¡±

    ______

    After making that request to this patron, Gu Zuo once again sought refuge within the ocean called medicine refinement. Reborn as a workaholic, his life was bustling and enriched. He didn¡¯t go to ask when his patron would take care of those two sc.u.mbags ¡ª Because he believed that his patron would definitely arrange it. He was sure that Tianheng would tell him at that time.

    Through this matter, Gu Zuo¡¯s rtionship with his patron grew closer.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo threw the matter of those two sc.u.mbags to the side. He waspletely ecstatic over something else.

    That is, merely a few dayster, his patron sessfully condensed a bone pearl!

    Of course, this matter wasn¡¯t odd at all.

    The Tiandu Body suffered the envy of heaven. Thatpletely illogical IQ was one aspect, and another was that the flesh was Xiantian at birth ¡ª Simply said, their flesh from birth and onwards was the same as the flesh of a sessful Xiantian martial artist, filled with great amounts of Xiantian qi ¡ª This also was the cause of the blockages within the meridians.

    As everyone knew, even though it was said that an infant¡¯s physical body was at its purest while within its mother¡¯s womb, containing a mouthful of Xiantian qi, once born, the Xiantian qi would overflow and the body would be perfused with impure Houtian qi. Cultivating from Houtian to Xiantian, besides a martial artist¡¯sprehension, it was a transformation of the physical body.

    Refining the blood, forging the bones, and condensing the meridians ¡ª it was precisely like this.

    In addition, the Tiandu Body¡¯s hundred openings [3] were naturally unimpeded. When a Houtian martial artist cultivated, they needed to open seventy two earthly fiend acupoints. At Xiantian, they needed to open thirty six heavenly spirit acupoints. The previously mentioned hundred openings were precisely these hundred openings.

    Therefore, so long as Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s meridians were un.o.bstructed and a pharmacist used meticulous methods for nursing his health, when he practiced martial arts, his acupoints wouldn¡¯t need to be opened from the very beginning. He could directly refine the Xiantian qi within his meridians to clean up his meridians and to strengthen as he advanced. Condensing bone pearls and what not were also at an incredible speed.

    And as for Gu Zuo, after he discovered that his patron was taking such a huge step in raising his strength, he had two matters that demanded his attention.

    The first was undoubtedly the time spent focused on his patron¡¯s health. Every time his patron condensed a bone pearl, his patron¡¯s body underwent huge changes. The degree of the medicine used all required fine-tuning or a huge adjustment! Regarding pharmacists, it really was a matter of meticulous attention. Too much or too little would lead to imperfections!

    For this reason, Gu Zuo was deeply worried because he didn¡¯t see any problems at the moment. However, his patron was a martial artist. In the future, the changes within would be even greater and the medicine used would be even moreplicated. He could only do simple things like taking his pulse or observing his qi. If by any chance afterwards he couldn¡¯t find a means of thoroughly understanding his patron¡¯s health, it would be detrimental to his patron.

    But this wasn¡¯t so urgent. Under his patron¡¯s appeas.e.m.e.nt, Gu Zuo could only slowly seek a method.

    The second was that Gu Zuo was somewhat envious of the Tiandu Body¡¯s swift and fierce development [4]. His practice with the divine medicine cultivation method was very good, which continuously removed impurities from his body. It was reasonable to say that it was much more powerfulpared to a great majority of others. However,pared to his patron after his illness was managed, there wasn¡¯t any impurities from the start. Gu Zuo was slightly inferior.

    Gu Zuo thought that he still needed to studiously cultivate, and clean out all the impurities. Not to say that he wanted to be even more powerful than his patron, but only that he couldn¡¯t fall behind too far. Otherwise, his patron would feel that he was useless. What was to be done then?

    It was a pity that neither of these two things met his innermost expectations.

    For example, for the first matter? He didn¡¯t have get any insights at all. And as for the second, he quickly condensed sixteen bone pearls, smoothly breaking through to Blood Refining second stage. He¡¯d soon be able to advance to third stage. However, his patron Gongyi Tianheng had shot through the Blood Refining realm at great speeds, and was already a Bone Forging second stage martial artist.

    Tianheng was an entire realm higherpared to Gu Zuo¡¯s small three stages!

    ¡ª Having this much talent to directly advance through two major realms after officially practicing martial arts in two months? How could ordinary people still live?

    After wallowing in his sorrows for a bit, Gu Zuo turned his head to continue refining medicine.

    Only in this respect could he find the value of his own existence.

    Besides the limitations of the Xiantian prerequisites, his patron couldn¡¯t refine medicine. It didn¡¯t seem improbable... Maybe he didn¡¯t want to be regarded as a child?

    In fact, if his patron told Gu Zuo on a particr day that he¡¯d already broken through the boundary between boys and men, then Gu Zuo thought that it wouldn¡¯t feel very strange.

    ______

    More than three monthster.

    Gongyi Tianheng had already practiced martial arts for half a year. The time left before the annual cycle of the Azure Dragon Pool¡¯s opening was only six months.

    On this morning, Gu Zuo discovered that after he got out of bed, his patron, who was normally right across from him, was gone ¡ª That¡¯s right. Ever since his patron could practice martial arts, he was practically too diligent. Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t see that hazy, attractive, and sleepy face anymore.

    Because he and his boss were so hardworking, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t have any thoughts of goofing off. He quickly bounded up, got dressed, and went to the garden to find his patron. Yup, his patron was still under that huge tree...practicing his martial skills.

    Gu Zuo quickly arrived under the eaves of the door, facing towards that ce, looking out.

    Today¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng was punching with incredible might. Each strike created the sound of the air breaking, and when the fighting spirit was aroused, there were crackling sounds. It was extremely sharp.

    Tianheng still only wore tight-fitting clothing. The color of his skin was a l.u.s.trous white like jade, and his limbs were slender. The punches were no longer like before when they were soft and all over the ce. Instead, they were full of strength and looked great.

    After a round of punches, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s fingers unclenched and his fists revealed his palms. His feet started pacing, and for a brief time, his figure seemed like a swimming dragon. He wielded the wind like a de, and possessed a kind of agile and heroic bearing.

    Each style was being integrated. The longer he practiced, the faster he could perform the move sets. Afterwards, Gu Zuo unexpectedly felt that he somewhat couldn¡¯t discern what he was seeing. He could only hear the sound of the whistling wind and see countless dead leaves being split in two by the wind in Tianheng¡¯s palms. It was a scene where the pieces scattered to either side.

    Soon after, Tianheng changed move sets again. Unconsciously, he switched between seven to eight martial skills, at the very least.

    Gu Zuo watched on with a foolish look.

    Right now, one had to say that Tianheng¡¯s appearance was leagues better than when Gu Zuo first started treating his skinny patron. If before, he was only wrapped with a singleyer of skin, now he was covered with a bit of muscle. A single meageryer, and already one didn¡¯t feel that the flexing muscles [5] were unsightly or uneven. Instead, they were flexible and powerful, utterly beautiful.

    Before, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face was good looking, his build undetermined. Now, his flushed cheeks were even more handsome, and his stature was very satisfactory.

    One wouldn¡¯t say that the degree of his overall appearance doubled. At the very least, it rose by fifty percent.

    However, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t here to see his patron just because he was handsome.

    Rather, he had a fixed regiment in ce.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] The Chinese characters are unreadable here. It¡¯s just a guess.

    [2] The entire phrase is ½¾×ÝºÝ¶¾×ÔË½ÎÞÇé - jiao zong (arrogant) hen du (malicious) zi si (selfish) wu qing (ruthless).

    [3] °ÙÇÏ - Bai qiao, direct trantion, referring to one¡¯s senses, but can also mean actual holes.

    [4] Øâº·Ö®´¦ - Piao han (swift and fierce) zhi chu (position, situation).

    [5] ò°½á - Qiu jie, phrased together it can mean a closely-linked a.s.sociation. However, in this context, it seems to refer to a burgeoning result. In this case, Tianheng¡¯s muscles.

    ______

    T/N: I got sickst week, so I fell behind on tranting. Sorry, everyone!

    Okay, so it¡¯s been several months now and Qi Tianyou¡¯s corpse hasn¡¯t been mentioned since then. I¡¯m tranting by the chapter and I don¡¯t read ahead. Can someone give me a spoiler down below in thements if Gu Zuo still has the corpse in his storage s.p.a.ce and if it serves a purpose? No need to go into detail.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 34

    Gongyi Tianheng continued practicing martial arts for about fifteen minutes. Then, he stopped to face Gu Zuo and waved him over.

    Gu Zuo was summoned like this, and as before, he rushed to his patron.

    What he saw just now dazzled him. Because his patron¡¯s IQ was the highest, not only did he quickly advance through the paths of the martial realms ¡ª He already was a Meridian Condensing second stage martial artist. Compared to Dragon One, who¡¯d been practicing martial arts for many more years, there was now only a single stage difference ¡ª The martial skills he mastered were also diverse. Every day he would see the variety of skills increasing. The current total was probably more than twenty.

    The current situation was that not only did his patron practice martial arts, Gu Zuo also believed he could teach it.

    As a matter of fact, after Gu Zuo approached Tianheng, he was told to get into a horse stance and practice punching.

    ...Whenever this point in time came, Gu Zuo always felt that it was a little like karmic retribution.

    Before, he silently criticized his patron for that soft and unfocused fighting style being too disgraceful. However, the result was that now he followed along, practicing those soft punches. Thinking about it, his patron¡¯s stylish fighting looked a little ridiculous. He simply didn¡¯t have the heart to say that Tianheng¡¯s fighting was worth watching.

    However, without a doubt, the results of this soft punching style wasn¡¯t bad.

    Though the style was a little shameful, whenever Gu Zuo practiced, he could sense the true qi within him follow this fighting technique¡¯s directions and temper his body, limber his muscles, and improve coordination, just like Tianheng.

    At that moment, his patron¡¯s instructions were that once the first twelve punches werepletely mastered, he¡¯d get a feel of the fighting technique afterwards. He didn¡¯t have any ces where he felt ufortable wherever he punched. Once he felt ufortable, he immediately changed directions. [1]

    Naturally, Gu Zuo followed his patron¡¯s instructions obediently. As a result, his soft punches and his patron¡¯s soft punches already had big discrepancies between them.

    Perhaps, this was also a difference between pharmacists and martial artists?

    However, Gu Zuo could only practice these soft punches.

    ¡ª Although, Gongyi Tianheng had initially tried to teach Gu Zuo martial skills before.

    Back then, it was originally just an attempt. After all, it wasmon knowledge on this continent: Pharmacists rarely inherited cultivation methods. There were very few pharmacists who could practice cultivation methods and reach the Xiantian realm in order to refine medicinal pills that suited Xiantian martial artists. It was only by extreme chance that peak Xiantian pharmacists could refine pills of the Immortal realm and so on.

    Just forget about practicing martial skills.

    He didn¡¯t know why, but pharmacists could store true qi to extend their lifespans. It waspletely impossible for one to use martial skills to fight. Moreover, no one had ever seen an Immortal realm pharmacist.

    Tianheng taught Gu Zuo because he seemed to have obtained an amazing inheritance. He appraised Gu Zuo¡¯s special cultivation method, which seemed to have been created particrly for pharmacists. So, he made an attempt, knowing Gu Zuo¡¯s circ.u.mstances, whether he could practice martial skills. Unfortunately, Gu Zuo was still no good at it.

    ...Maybe this was a pharmacist¡¯s innate limitation, or maybe they hadn¡¯t found the correct method. But, who could¡¯ve imagined?

    The ultimate solution might¡¯ve been within that book <spirit piercing="" awl="">>.</spirit>

    Still, it was a pity that Gongyi Tianheng had yet to thoroughly study the spirit piercing awl. And Gu Zuo still hadn¡¯tpletely understood how to begin. In addition, Gu Zuo was very busy. The spirit piercing awl was shelved for the time being.

    Getting back to the main point.

    The nameless soft punches Tianheng created was a cultivation method he came up with before, which was used for strengthening the body in order to practice martial arts fighting techniques. He derived inspiration from the > for his own cultivation method, so Gu Zuo was able to learn from it with the preceding context. However, in the end, the bodies of a martial artist and a pharmacist weren¡¯t the same. Thetter had medical beads, while the former did not. Thus, what fit the former didn¡¯t necessarily fit thetter.

    It was because of this that only now did Gongyi Tianheng make Gu Zuo strike wherever it wasfortable. It made Gu Zuo explore what aspects were favorable for his body.

    As such, after Gu Zuo trained for a time, his body was st.u.r.dier. Moreover, the true qi in his body was even more lively. Even condensing bone pearls went a bit faster.

    So, even though it felt disgraceful, Gu Zuo also knew that this was for his patron¡¯s own good. He¡¯d persevere through it every day.

    After the two practiced for a round, Tianheng stopped. His entire body was covered in a thinyer of sweat, but hisplexion was actually extremely handsome. It looked like an especially heroic disposition was in the making.

    When Gu Zuo looked at him this time, he didn¡¯t just halt his gaze at his patron¡¯s face because he was embarra.s.sed.

    Gu Zuo felt the warm sweat stop dripping down his body. His face was flushed red and he was in particrly good spirits.

    He lifted his head: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I¡¯m going to go refine medicine.¡±

    In response, Tianheng didn¡¯t agree like he used to every day like before. Instead, he rejected: ¡°No, Ah Zuo, go pack some daily necessities. We¡¯re going on a trip.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Go out? Pack what?¡±

    Could it be that his patron wanted to take a stroll? But that didn¡¯t require packing... Maybe they were going to hang out at the Gongyi ancestral house for a bit? Did some mischief ur there?

    Gongyi Tianheng smirked: ¡°I¡¯ve been practicing martial arts here at the vi for a long time, but I still haven¡¯t seen blood. So, first I want to go to the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range [2], and fight wild beasts in hand-to-handbat.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a helpless expression.

    Patron, you can¡¯t just use this moon-like beauty and dere such b.l.o.o.d.y talk, okay? Even though the meaning in those words were pretty cool...

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo was a little embarra.s.sed: ¡°I¡¯m also going?¡±

    Tianheng lightly nodded: ¡°My body can¡¯t be separated from Ah Zuo¡¯s care.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    That¡¯s right. He¡¯d rather be cooped up in the vi refining medicine every day, but he really wouldn¡¯t feel at ease if he made his patron go alone. Just in case his patron came across something while on the road, what would he do if his patron wasn¡¯t careful and ruined his body? He might just lose everything.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo was a little dismayed.

    Going on this trip meant that he¡¯d definitely see blood. He knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to run away from a day like this.

    Whatever. This was also good.

    Apanying his patron and taking it slowly was better than a sudden b.l.o.o.d.y encounter in the future.

    Before it rains, bind it with silk [3]...

    After thinking it through, Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I got it. I¡¯ll go pack at once.¡±

    He paused, and lowered his voice: ¡°If young master Tianheng has anything else, you can leave it to me.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze stirred slightly. His smile deepened: ¡°Okay.¡±

    ______

    The two were people who were straightforward. Gu Zuo also wasn¡¯t effeminate or fainthearted. In order to prevent a situation where he went out and couldn¡¯t find enough medicinal ingredients, he directly swept the secret room clean of its ingredients. Not only did he bring a pill cauldron, but he also brought two as backups. As for the rest of the refining implements used for cuisines and decoctions, he simrly took twice the stock.

    For changing clean clothes, Gu Zuo had been living here for several months. Gongyi Tianheng had already set him up with a ton of them. He had a total of twenty to thirty sets of clothes. After he considered everything, he brought seven to eight sets with him. He took two that were very good at a nce, and the rest were as simple as possible.

    Gongyi Tianheng over yonder mainly brought money.

    After he gave ten sets of clothes of all kinds of qualities to Gu Zuo, he took out a stack of golden banknotes from his sleeves and put them directly into Gu Zuo¡¯s hand.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    Each golden banknote had a face value of ten thousand gold, and there were a total of twenty notes! Wasn¡¯t his patron taking two hundred thousand in golden banknotes out the door a little too ridiculous?! He still remembered that at the auction hall, some of the good stuff at the finale didn¡¯t cost this much money...

    Tianheng smiled, and took out another stack, which he put on top of the other banknotes: ¡°It¡¯ll beparatively safe with you.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily grasped at straws: No! As a matter of fact, the problem¡¯s not about whether it¡¯s safe. Rather, patron, you¡¯re too rich and powerful, okay?

    Perhaps it was because his facial expressions were really too honest. Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°We consider those things at the auctionmon goods. In no way would it go so far as to strain our wallets. Although I¡¯m only a child of the Gongyi n, my personal wealth distantly outpaces these.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his eyes glimmered withughter, ¡°To say nothing of the qi generating pills Ah Zuo has been refining for several months, the Tianlong Guard has been continuously injecting them into the ck market for a million gold.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared with his mouth open. ¡°A mil-million gold?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smile didn¡¯t wane: ¡°At the time, the sixth batch of high grade qi generating pills was taken by the Helian n for twenty three thousand gold. It was only two hundred pills. Afterwards, I asked Ah Zuo to refine a thousand pills, which were divided into subsequent batches. Each batch of a hundred pills was priced at a hundred thousand on the ck market. There were all sold within a few days, and after calctions it was a million gold.¡±

    Gu Zuo ma.s.saged his temples.

    That was just over twenty cauldrons of medicinal pills... He didn¡¯t know if he should say that his patron was fiercely underhanded or that medicinal pills were truly a goldmine.

    Because this matter was such a shock, after Tianheng took out several more stacks of golden banknotes and gave them to Gu Zuo for safekeeping, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make a fuss like before.

    His mind was also rtively calm.

    In any case, his patron was rich and powerful, and could maximize his benefits. Even if Gu Zuo saw that amount of money in the future, he wouldn¡¯t be so astonished. En, with his patron, he should also act a little more the part.

    Thus, one of Gu Zuo¡¯s storage s.p.a.ces was filled up with what he designated as his patron¡¯s stuff.

    Two chests of clothes, more than ten weapons, and fifteen million in golden banknotes...

    Yup, this really wasn¡¯t strange at all.

    After everything was settled, Gongyi Tianheng brought Gu Zuo along and left the vi.

    There was a carriage already parked outside the vi. It seemed to be of mid to high quality, and in front were a pair of wild horses ¡ª They definitely weren¡¯t dragon-scaled horses. Those were too conspicuous. Rather, they were scarlet colored and were the kind of horse with matchless spirit. With a head and four hooves like a lion, they were me lion horses [3].

    It looked very majestic, but its temperament was already tamed, so it was rtively docile.

    As Dragon One was the Tianlong Guardmander, it was necessary for him to stay behind to be responsible for some economic matters. And the Tianlong Guard had martial artists who were masters of disguise. By transforming their bodies into the likeness of Gongyi Tianheng, they could fool those at the vi.

    Thus, another shadow took over the coachman¡¯s position and sat down cross-legged. He currently wore gray,mon clothes, and his entire body seemed to flutter in the wind [5]. In actuality, it was Dragon Two.

    Gongyi Tianheng got on the carriage, and extended his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, get on.¡±

    The carriage¡¯s interior was lined with wild beast fur. The inside waspletelyfy and s.p.a.cious.

    Tianheng sat in the very middle, and Gu Zuo obediently sat right next to him.

    And on the other side was an unremarkable, thin middle-aged man, with a very friendly appearance: ¡°This one is Xu Wenhe [6]. I greet the young master. I greet Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly greeted him in return, and looked back to his patron.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, this is our guide.¡±

    The carriage set off. Dragon Two already urged the me lion horses onward.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression was peaceful, his tone cid: ¡°However, before we leave, I¡¯ll have to ask Ah Zuo to watch a good show.¡±

    ______

    ______

    [1] It¡¯s worded a little strangely, but I think the author meant to say that each punch pushes the cirction of true qi in particr directions. When the flow bes disruptive, Gu Zuo stops what he¡¯s doing and tries something different to re-direct the flow.

    [2] ±¼Å£Áë - Ben niu ling, direct trantion.

    [3] Î´Óê³ñçÑ - Wei yu chou mou, an idiom from the Book of Songs. To n ahead, or prepare for a rainy day.

    [4] Ñ×Ê¨»ÄÂí - Yan shi huang ma, direct trantion.

    [5] ÆËÆËµÄ - Pu pu de, referring to the fluttering of his clothes.

    [6] ÐíÎÄêÂ - Xu (surname, promise) wen nguage, culture) he (why, how, when, what, where).

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 35

    On a wide and bustling street in the imperial capital, lined withmon street vendors lively hawking their wares, there were many imposing and confident martial artistsing and going, shuttling back and forth.

    Although there were many ces where martial artists were particrly respected by the people, here in the capital, themoners were used to seeing martial artists. Thus, contrary to what one might expect, they didn¡¯t live in any sort of fear or trepidation like other ces.

    Thus, the atmosphere of this street was very harmonious.

    Suddenly, the sounds of hurried footsteps could be heard. The numerous peddlers were used to this sort of thing and quickly gathered their wares and withdrew to the fringes. Sure enough, a figure rushed pa.s.sed, who was being chased in the back by a soldier.

    The crowd stayed out of trouble and turned to look on with bustling excitement. They saw that the person ahead had a short stature with an ugly and fierce appearance. A nce was all it took to tell that he wasn¡¯t a good person ¡ª Contrariwise, the person in the back shined with a heroic spirit and left the crowd with a good impression.

    However, regardless of their position, the two were people whom the crowd dared not provoke.

    Despite the peddlers and themon folk enjoying the scene, they hid themselves once more. In their hearts, they knew that so long as they could wait until the city defenders arrived, they would naturally be safe.

    No one felt it was unexpected for several carriages, which originally wanted to pa.s.s through, didn¡¯t enter the street and instead nestled within small alleyways.

    Naturally, no one noticed that one of the carriages that had opened its side window was different from the others.

    In this carriage, Gongyi Tianheng used a bamboo rod to raise the window: ¡°Ah Zuo,e.¡±

    Gu Zuo shifted over, listening to the words outside and taking a look.

    It was obvious in his mind that this should be the good show his patron wanted him to see.

    Only, when all was said and done, the performers were...

    Just when Gu Zuo extended his head, he showed an expression of astonishment.

    That young man wearing embroidered clothes about twenty meters away: gorgeous looks and a frivolous and arrogant personality... Wasn¡¯t that Qi Feng? What had his patron set up?

    In a moment, Gu Zuo understood.

    From the two people engaged in a chase along the street, the one in front was running quickly right towards the luxuriously clothed Qi Feng!

    Immediately after, that short and fierce man let out a cruel and devilishugh. He reached out a hand and captured Qi Feng!

    rmed, Qi Feng grew angry: ¡°You guys are trash! Why haven¡¯t you saved me yet?!¡±

    Of course, he wouldn¡¯te alone. Beside him were two Bone Forging first stage martial artists who were supposed to guard him.

    Merely, the strength of these two martial artists clearly fell short of that short man. There just wasn¡¯t anything they could do about it. Now that Qi Feng was captured by that man, they refrained from shooting the rat in fear of breaking the vase [1]. It was difficult to act.

    Qi Feng could never endure being captured by such an ugly guy. He started struggling at once: ¡°Let go, you ugly demon! This senior is only a pharmacist! If you don¡¯t let go, then this senior will humiliate you! Big brother Bai wille save me!¡±

    At this time, the heroic man who was in pursuit finally arrived. Seeing Qi Feng in that man¡¯s clutches, his face grew anxious: ¡°Ghostly Nine Thieves [2], release that innocent person! If you dare start with him, you better watch your back [3]!¡±

    In response, Qi Feng hastily said: ¡°Exactly! Which of your grievances involve me? I don¡¯t know him. Why haven¡¯t you let me go already?! You ugly ghost, get lost!¡±

    Once the heroic man heard this, he was even more worried: ¡°This pharmacist, don¡¯t provoke him...¡±

    The shady and ruthless man known as ¡°Ghostly Nine Thieves¡± licked his lips. He revealed a hint of a ferocious look: ¡°This pharmacist is so awesome?¡±

    After he spoke, his finger moved in an instant. A small knife appeared at his fingertip, and then there was a sh of light. Two b.l.o.o.d.y b.a.l.l.s of meat tumbled down to the ground.

    Qi Feng felt a sharp pain in his palms and let out a miserable shriek: ¡°Ah! My medical beads, my medical beads¡ª¡±

    The heroic man was furious, and leaped forward to immediately take action.

    Ghostly Nine Thieves¡¯ expression was even more sinister, as he conveniently threw Qi Feng into the path of that heroic man.

    The heroic man hurriedly caught Qi Feng, but Ghostly Nine Thieves already transformed into a trail of smoke, and quickly escaped far away. There was nothing the heroic man could do. He threw Qi Feng to the martial artists who followed the pharmacist. His own movements were like lightning as he closely pursued his charge.

    This series of events already took ce between the sparks of a flint stone.

    Indeed...it was a good show.

    Gu Zuo saw the endlessly pained and frantically cursing Qi Feng, who was covering the small holes in his palms, and silently closed the side window.

    He didn¡¯t know what he was feeling in his heart: ¡°Young master Tianheng, those two people...¡±

    Since this was supposed to be an act, what were the ident.i.ties of the performers?

    Because there wasn¡¯t anything else to watch, the peddlers returned to their original positions. The pedestrians in hiding, the carriages, and so on, all began moving and resumed their original operations.

    On the outside, Dragon Two drove the carriage out of the alleyway, in a direction that led straight out of the city.

    In the carriage, Gongyi Tianheng leaned against the side, and smiled: ¡°They¡¯re both Tianlong guards.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh?¡±

    Tianheng had a gentle expression: ¡°However, there really exists an atrocious Ghostly Nine Thieves, and he really dide to the capital. And in two days, someone will find the real Ghostly Nine Thieves¡¯ corpse on a certain street.¡±

    Thus, no one would find out who staged this scene today. After this show, the heroic man who was chasing ¡°Ghostly Nine Thieves¡± today would vanish without a trace.

    This person of such .s.s had never been seen before in the world.

    Gu Zuo nodded in understanding.

    Like this, Qi Feng wouldn¡¯t have medical beads from here on out? He previously turned Qi Tianyou into a lonely person who could only wait in his room for death. And Qi Feng? What would happen if a Qi Feng without medical beads were to confront that heartless and cold-blooded Bai Wenjun? He couldn¡¯t practice martial skills nor refine medicine. What he once gave to Qi Tianyou, Gu Zuopletely returned to him on this day.

    But at least he was still the heir to the Qi Family. His parents could take care of him. He would always have it better than Qi Tianyou in the past... Only, whether Qi Feng himself could endure it was unknown.

    Gu Zuo sighed. His mood was veryplicated.

    Tianheng reached out to ruffle his hair. His gaze was genial: ¡°Ah Zuo, when wee back, you can get the follow-up information concerning this matter. And that Bai Wenjun also has his own ce.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. He raised his head, looking at his dear patron, and happily said: ¡°Then we should start our journey at once!¡±

    Letting Qi Feng and the rest fend for themselves was good enough.

    Tianheng saw him like this, and smiled as he nodded: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ______

    Sure enough, his patron nned far ahead. This guide Xu Wenhe was really good. On this journey, Gu Zuo bothered him with plenty of requests... He sat beside a bonfire, thinking ruefully.

    Although he had experience traveling alone, at the time he was relying entirely on his courage after unexpectedly dying. Because he had the appearance of a little beggar, and had good luck, he smoothly reached the imperial capital to finally rely on his patron... Cough [4].

    Right now, they were intent on going into the wilderness to toughen up. Gu Zuo, with his speck of experience, waspletely unreliable. He was practically full of mistakes.

    The Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range was the closest mountain range to the capital where wild beasts lived. The most ferocious wild beasts were Meridian Condensing third stage, which suited Tianheng, who wanted to temper himself and see blood.

    When they first set out, Dragon Two manned the carriage and hastened the journey without any problems. However, Gongyi Tianheng had never left the city before. When Dragon took on missions in the past, he¡¯d rush in and out, and only had a basic understanding, which wasn¡¯tparable to Xu Wenhe. He knew the state of affairs of each ce they went to like the back of his hand.

    No matter whether it came to room and board, seeking thetest news, or buying and selling things, there was nothing Xu Wenhe was unclear about. Regardless of what Tianheng asked, Xu Wenhe could answer. He was very reliable.

    Gu Zuo certainly knew that his patron¡¯s questions were very detailed. To arge extent, it was for the sake of increasing his knowledge base. While in the carriage, he also operated his cultivation method to condense bone pearls, listening rather sincerely ¡ª If a time came where this person couldn¡¯t follow or he was on his own, maybe he could be useful?

    The Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range wasn¡¯t located in the city. Rather, it was out in the deste hintends. After leaving the city, Dragon Two¡¯s survival skills out in the wild weren¡¯t bad. Xu Wenhe looked like a schr, but actually could be said to be the leader.

    Previously, Gu Zuo gave his patron many things to put on. The insides of more than half of those odds and ends were useful at this time. Most of all, there were tons of bugs in the wilderness. There were many ointments that were extremely effective.

    Once Gu Zo saw them, he took those ointments for research.

    A pharmacist¡¯s activities should be his specialty... Sure enough, his .u.mted knowledge was still insufficient.

    And now, they were finally approaching the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range. Unfortunately, it was already gettingte. Xu Wenhe had Dragon Two take out a tent from the carriage and start a bonfire. The party would be sleeping outdoors for the time being.

    Gu Zuo warmed himself by the fire and felt that with his patron¡¯s underlings (Dragon Two pitched the tent and set up the camp¡¯s defenses ording to Xu Wenhu¡¯s instructions), didn¡¯t he appear a little too carefree? Only eating food and not working didn¡¯t look too good...

    He snuck a peak at his patron.

    That n.o.ble young master sitting to his right. Even though he was just sitting on the ground, Tianheng didn¡¯t hold that particr posture. It made people feel that his bearing was calm, graceful, and beautiful.

    In addition to his face, there was beauty in his overall form.

    ...Gu Zuo would never be able to reach this kind of realm within his lifetime.

    After thinking about it, a light bulb turned on over Gu Zuo¡¯s head.

    His own innate limitations didn¡¯t matter. He could simply contribute [5] to his patron¡¯s charm!

    In any case, it was also to raise his own eyes...

    But then, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by someone.

    Gongyi Tianheng lightly pat his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, go hunting with me.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Wha?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s lips held a bit of a grin: ¡°You don¡¯t want to?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Of course I do.¡±

    His patron was so excited. How could he have the nerve to disappoint him?!

    Moreover, he wanted to know what his patron looked like when it was his patron¡¯s first time seeing blood...

    In the blink of an eye, Gu Zuo felt his legs rise high in the air.

    His waist was constricted. He was already being carried under Tianheng¡¯s armpit.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face fell.

    Patron, you want to do it this way? Even carrying me over your shoulder would also be good!

    Gongyi Tianheng seemed to know what he was thinking, alreadyughing in response: ¡°If you were ced anywhere else, during a wild beast attack, my contingency ns might not be enough. Ah Zuo might sustain injuries... How could this be okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo wiped his sweat: ¡°Whatever young master Tianheng feels is suitable is good enough.¡±

    There was nothing to be done. Who made him incapable of practicing martial skills, where even move sets were out of the question?

    No ability or decisive authority... Then, he just had to listen to his patron.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] Í¶Êó¼ÉÆ÷ - Tou shu ji qi, an idiom where one doesn¡¯t act against evil to prevent harming the innocent.

    [2] ¹í¾ÅµÁ - Gui jiu dao, direct trantion.

    [3] Actual words are ÐÔÃü (life), but was changed for aesthetics.

    [4] ¿È - Can be either hai (the sound of sighing), or ke (a cough).

    [5] Ìí×©¼ÓÍß - Tian zhuan jie wa, an idiom to contribute bricks and tiles for a building. The author made a typo, using ×ê zuan instead of ×©.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 36

    There was the sound of the wind whirling past his ears. Gu Zuo sensed his own scalp being blown numb. He attentively watched the ground flying away at high speeds, and the trees on both sides were practically blurred into pieces of thread ¡ª Clearly, his patron¡¯s speed was incredibly fast. In less than a minute, his patron stopped. After that, he jumped up and the twonded in a tree.

    Gu Zuo was ced on a branch.

    Tianheng pressed a finger to his lips, and gave a silent order.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s conditioned reflex was to cover his mouth and nod his head.

    Gongyi Tianheng gave a subtle expression where he was unable to restrain a smile.

    Gu Zuo understood the reason for his patron¡¯s movement, but there was nothing he could do about it. What was he supposed to do if he identally screamed when he was confronted with a wild beast? Or he could forget about getting rid of the source of his cowardice.

    Tianheng was very familiar with Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking. Watching him without a word, he stamped with the bottom of his foot and turned around. His whole body resembled a gigantic bird and floated to anotherrge tree.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t take his eyes off him.

    He recognized this technique! He remembered it was called the ¡°Heavenly Eagle Steps¡± [1] and it was a rtively special technique. It allowed a cultivating Houtian martial artist to borrow the power to glide.

    Truly, at this moment in time, there was nothing more suitable than this.

    Gongyi Tianheng took a moment to observe a little, then he used the moment of the heavenly eagle steps again. He moved from the trees to the ground, straight towards a wild beast that was gnawing at an ox-shaped corpse near a shrub!

    That wild beast seemed to have the shape of a boar. Its body had a fire-like mane and its tusks were about thirty centimeters long. It was very ugly. It was currently in the middle of feasting and didn¡¯t pay much attention to its surroundings. Thus, in the blink of an eye, Tianheng dropped onto the creature¡¯s back and his right fist directly smashed into the top of its head!

    Gu Zuo nervously held his breath.

    How much force did his patron¡¯s strength generate? In the vi, they used stone blocks for testing and it seemed he could lift a thousand kilograms... In the modern era, the most one could weight-lift was about a hundred kilograms. [2] His patron was ten times as strong. So smashing that wild beast¡¯s head silly shouldn¡¯t be too great a problem?

    However, Tianheng probably did that just to get a feel for it. This punch didn¡¯t exert a hundred percent of his power. Only, even though it was like this, the skull of that wild beast suffered a heavy strike. It suddenly bellowed, and its body swayed somewhat. It started bucking incessantly as if it was trying to throw the enemy off its back.

    After that, Tianheng seemed to have urately grasped his strength. His legs mped onto the wild beast¡¯s back and he used his fist, directly hitting the same ce again ¡ª One could hear the sound of a loud rumbling. A big, b.l.o.o.d.y hole was smashed open by that strike on the wild beast¡¯s skull!

    Gu Zuo subconsciously let out a breath and closed his eyes a few times.

    One punch from his patron...was just in ruthless.

    This waspletely inconsistent with his outward appearance, okay?

    A wild beast with its head smashed open naturally lost its life. Thus, with its legs askew, it fell to its side.

    Gongyi Tianheng was prepared early on. His body stayed upright, and he securely dropped beside it.

    Then, Tianheng took out a piece of brocade cloth from his sleeve. He used it to wipe the red and white matter from his right hand and casually tossed it aside. He slightly raised his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, can you tell if this is enough to eat?¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly sighed: ¡°...More than enough.¡±

    Tianhengughed in response. He jumped again and easily fished Gu Zuo up in his arms, before cing him back down on the ground.

    Gu Zuo was a little curious: ¡°Young master Tianheng, how are we going to carry such a big wild beast?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng grinned: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Following that, Gu Zuo knew how to rest a.s.sured.

    His patron simply tied the wild beast to a rattan pole, which was thrown behind him. He just carried it on his shoulders. And Gu Zuo, just like before, was kept under his patron¡¯s armpit, but actually, it didn¡¯t affect anything at all...

    Then, the sound of the wind blew past his ears, and just like now, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how to react. The scenery before his eyes already became familiar to him. They¡¯d returned to their original location. Hey, patron. Even while burdened with arge wild beast, this speed wasn¡¯t any slower than when we set out.

    ______

    Xu Wenhe and Dragon Two already set up pitfalls, pitched the tent, and even replenished the bonfire¡¯s firewood, making the me evenrger.

    Gu Zuo was very embarra.s.sed from being carried like this and struggled a little bit.

    Gongyi Tianheng took the hint and quickly released his arm.

    Gu Zuo promptly hopped down.

    Afterwards, Tianheng unloaded the wild beast, creating a rumbling sound as it was cast to the side.

    Xu Wenhe apuded: ¡°Young master is very skilled!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and wasn¡¯t very talkative.

    It was nothing but a Bone Forging realm wild beast. He was a Meridian Condensing second stage martial artist, so it should¡¯ve been very easy. Yet, since a subordinate praised him, he should just ept it.

    Gu Zuo, who was crouching nearby, expressed approval of Xu Wenhe¡¯s words.

    He went with his patron, intending at first to watch his patron¡¯s appearance when he saw blood. Also, he went to see if he himself could be frightened when he confronted a genuine wild beast. The results afterwards weren¡¯t too bad. Nevertheless, what was previously mentioned was just putting it nicely. His patron still didn¡¯t wait for him to get a clear look at that wild beast. Before he could sense any fear, it was already crushed to death.

    Moreover, his patron hadpletely adapted to it!

    Even his original fear of the wild beasts transformed into admiration for his patron¡¯s initiative. There basically weren¡¯t any opportunities for him to toughen up... Truly, he was a little speechless.

    Gu Zuo sighed again.

    He was also brought along by his patron to get some first-hand experience, but what was his role to y? There was nowhere for him to shine. After that, Gu Zuo¡¯s vision drifted,nding on that wild beast. It was dripping blood again, but none of it sshed on his patron¡¯s body.

    That¡¯s right. He recalled the matter of contributing to his ¡°patron¡¯s charm.¡±

    Merely...he didn¡¯t recognize this wild beast.

    When he was in genuine trouble [3], Gu Zuo discovered that he was really too deficient in his knowledge base.

    After thinking about it, Gu Zuo saw that the bonfire was burning even hotter. Dragon Two wanted to start a barbecue right away. Gu Zuo asked at once: ¡°Mister Xu, do you know what this wild beast is?¡±

    Here, he was a little more mindful.

    Since there was a guide, there were just some things he didn¡¯t ask his patron. Even if he always thought his patron knew everything... But, in the end, this was the first time his patron left home. If his patron¡¯s answers werecking, then wouldn¡¯t that cause his patron to lose face? He was better off directly asking Xu Wenhe.

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled with a meaningful gaze.

    Gu Zuo sensed it, and forced a couple ofughs.

    Sure enough, Xu Wenhe over yonder replied: ¡°This is called a zing wild boar [4]. When it¡¯s born, it can generally bepared to a Blood Refining martial artist. Once fully grown, it¡¯sparable to a Bone Forging martial artist. After that, whether it¡¯s capable of breaking through again all depends on each wild boar¡¯s luck and apt.i.tude.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo heard this, he began thinking.

    He wasn¡¯t familiar with the appearance of the zing wild boar, but once he became aware of it, he would understand it. Within his medicinal cuisine recipes, there were many kinds that could use this sort of ingredient. Among which there were several types of wild boar meats that were food products suited to Houtian martial artists.

    If there wasn¡¯t anything else, he could exhibit his skills now?

    The others weren¡¯t capable, but when it came to medicine refinement, he still had some confidence.

    With his mind set, Gu Zuo turned his head. His eyes shined brightly as he looked to his patron.

    Tianheng found it a little funny: ¡°Ah Zuo has something to say? Go ahead and say it.¡±

    Gu Zuo spoke bluntly: ¡°How about I make young master Tianheng¡¯s dinner?¡±

    Tianheng grinned: ¡°You certainly can. Then, I¡¯ll have to ask Ah Zuo to hold nothing back.¡±

    Gu Zuo blushed a little: ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    After he finished talking, he pretended to go behind the carriage and brought out many pots, basins, and tons of medicinal ingredients ¡ª Of course, this was what he originally took out from his storage s.p.a.ce. Among the people around his patron, only the most loyal Dragon One and Dragon Two knew that he also had a storage device. It currently had to stay hidden from Xu Wenhe, whom he currently wasn¡¯t familiar with at all.

    Gongyi Tianheng noticed his prudence, and gave a satisfied smile.

    Immediately following that, Gu Zuo initiated ¡°sous-chef butchers the hog¡± [5].

    In actuality, after he mastered his minor art: supple bones and beautiful petals, a type of de technique developed from within, which was specialized in meticulous ingredient handling. When each cut was fully utilized, there was an extremely natural rhythm throughout the process. If one were to carefully watch, the vestiges of those de techniques resembled the times when he used his hand arts.

    Gu Zuo concentrated his attention, and roughly fifteen minutester, he cut all the avable parts of the zing wild boar into pieces. Then, they were divided into several piles.

    Because they didn¡¯tck money and the zing wild boar really wasn¡¯t an especially precious wild beast, the things like its fur, tendons, and eyes were all discarded. And most of its internal organs contained fire poison. Unless if one had a method ofpletely removing the fire poison, then one would be infected after eating it. Most of all, the boar¡¯s heart contained pure fire essence, but there the fire poison was at its fiercest.

    Gu Zuo considered his patron¡¯s health, and he wasn¡¯t ready to eat these things. After thinking it over, he simply threw it away. Although the boar meat had the fire attribute, he would use the five elements in the other medicinal ingredients to neutralize it. This would only leave a faint fire remnant [6] to warm and mend the body. This guaranteed that it would be harmless to his patron¡¯s health.

    As for Dragon Two and Xu Wenhe... In any case, making a few more servings wasn¡¯t troublesome.

    After selecting his dietary and medicinal ingredients, Gu Zuo began to work.

    First he boiled a cauldron full of untainted water, then he carved the wild boar meat into tiny [7] slices. He made over thirty six hundred slices, which were all selected from the boar¡¯s choicest meats. The dark red pieces of meat held traces of blood, which emitted faint fire remnants.

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo exhibited his minor art: supple bones and beautiful petals. He took the rest of the chosen medicinal ingredients and mixed them with these slices of meat. Grasping, hitting, and kneading: various gestures with all kinds of hidden meaning.

    Not long after, these originally dark red meat slices becamepletely different. Each slice slightly shined. It looked like they had the l.u.s.ter of red agate gems.

    When the nearby Xu Wenhe saw this, he clicked his tongue in wonder: ¡°I never expected Pharmacist Gu had such culinary skills.¡±

    He didn¡¯t know that this world also had medicinal cuisines. And he didn¡¯t expect that the time he was kneading and grasping was a kind of hand art. He only thought it was a skilled technique and eximed in admiration just then.

    Gongyi Tianhengughed: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s talent is extraordinary. Although, he can¡¯t currently refine pills, he can already refine potions. Normally, he¡¯ll blend medicinal and dietary ingredients and the meal would have quite the taste. Wait a moment and Wenhe can properly sample a bit.¡±

    Just as Tianheng was speaking, the water was already boiling over the bonfire. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t panic or get confused. He divided the cooked boar meat and medicinal ingredients into batches ording to when he cast them into the boiling water.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ÌìÓ¥²½ - Tian ying bu, direct trantion.

    [2] A weight lifter obviously can lift more than a hundred kilos, but the author probably just used this as a benchmark forparison. Disregard the technical details.

    [3] Ì¯ÉÏÊÂ¶ù - Tan shang (arranged for someone, usually with a negative connotation) shi er (matter, something).

    [4] ÁÒ»ð»ÄÖí - Lie huo huang zhu, direct trantion.

    [5] âÒ¶¡½âÖí - Pao ding jie zhu, from the phrase âÒ¶¡½âÅ£, which refers to a skilled form of craftsmanship, to do something effortlessly through tons of practice.

    [6] »ðÒâ - Huo (fire) yi (idea, thought, intent). I¡¯m using remnant to evoke a feeling of a diluted aftertaste.

    [7] Each piece was Ò»´ç³¤ an inch long and Ò»·Öºñ about 0.13 inches thick.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 37

    The entire refinement process felt extremely rhythmic. Gu Zuo¡¯s movement seemed to have the cadence of floating clouds and flowing water. It was a pleasure for people to watch.

    After a lot of dietary and medicinal ingredients were tossed into the cauldron. They quickly blended together and a thick aroma emerged. Possibly because the main ingredient was of the fire attribute, even the aroma was somewhat pungent. But after Gu Zuo stirred the pot with a longdle, that pungency was promptly neutralized by something and the blend became less agitated.

    About half an hour pa.s.sed and the ingredients in the pot already seemed to have fused together. Gu Zuo retracted his nose and turned his right arm, scooping out the innermost parts that were the tenderest and most vorful. He poured it into a violet bamboo bowl that he prepared long ago ¡ª This kind of bowl also carried a faint fragrance that waspatible with this medicinal cuisine. The bowl could stimte the aroma within it and make it even more captivating.

    Every bowl that had the best medicinal cuisine was certainly the first bowl a pharmacist personally poured. Naturally, Gu Zuo happily gave it to his dear patron.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t forget to tamp the bonfire down, not letting the rest of the medicinal cuisine overcook.

    Gu Zuo pa.s.sed over the violet bamboo bowl, anxiously looking on: ¡°Will young master Tianheng try some?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng took it, getting one hand free to ruffle his hair: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo.¡±

    After that, he looked at the cuisine in the bowl. Its color was a light red from the fusion of ingredients. Just as he sampled a mouthful, heughed: ¡°Sure enough, when it looks great, it tastes great.¡±

    Gu Zuo was pleased. He turned around anddled a few more bowls. He handed them over to those two, Xu Wenhe and Dragon Two: ¡°You two also try it.¡±

    Xu Wenhe picked thedle up, and first scooped some for Gu Zuo: ¡°Pharmacist Gu worked hard. Enjoy.¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly thanked him.

    Then Xu Wenhe and Dragon Two took their separate meals and ate them together.

    Once they ate it, Dragon Two didn¡¯t have toorge a reaction since he¡¯d eaten other meals before. He just felt it was increasingly delicious. Meanwhile, Xu Wenhe revealed apletely astounded expression.

    The other medicinal herbs had been boiled down long ago, while the wild boar meat that remained was extremely tasty and tender. It melted the moment it entered their mouths. It would even make a person feel like it was a kind of candy. There wasn¡¯t a hint of herbal bitterness.

    And once that wild boar meat entered the stomach, it seemed to turn into a warm surge. Although it didn¡¯t empower them, it made them feel afortable warmth that suffused the scalp.

    To this point, Xu Wenhe began admiring Gu Zuo¡¯s skills.

    He originally didn¡¯t have that great of an impression of the young master¡¯s pet pharmacist ¡ª Of course, he absolutely didn¡¯t doubt the young master¡¯s insight. He was merely acting as the young master¡¯s trusted aide. He¡¯d also heard of how huge an effect the youngster¡¯s offered prescriptions had on the young master and cured him. It allowed the young master to practice martial arts. At first, he thought that just based on that prescription, the little youngster¡¯s innate skills were ordinary and could allow the young master to reciprocate with his guidance on hand.

    However, now he discovered that not only was this youngster lucky, his innate skills were incredible. At the very least, based on his capabilities, he could turn thismon wild boar meat into a delicacy. Those medicinal herbs didn¡¯t sh with each other at all. It was enough to prove that he was very skilled in this field.

    Simultaneously, his respect for their young master deepened even more.

    No doubt, the young master¡¯s luck was great. Even just sitting at home, there was someone who advantageously delivered himself to their doorsteps. Thinking about how the young master, who¡¯d been practicing martial arts for such a short time, was able to kill a Bone Forging realm zing boar, what else was there to talk about concerning his future prospects with that apt.i.tude?

    Yes. They, those of the inner circle, knew for a while that the young master¡¯s life expectancy was short. They also knew that after the young master pa.s.sed away, he and the others would carefully make arrangements, ording to the young master, for his younger brother, Gongyi Tianyang. However, even if that destination was even better, granted that Tianyang wasn¡¯tcking, where could they get another young master with such matchless apt.i.tude?

    Their young master recovering without any shorings truly set these underlings¡¯ hearts ame!

    While thinking these thoughts, Xu Wenhe finished eating the bowl of medicinal cuisine, and his mood was particrly good.

    Afterwards, he and Dragon Two didn¡¯t hold back, and kept returning to refill their bowls, eating heartily.

    In total, Gongyi Tianheng only had a single bowl and didn¡¯t feel any hunger.

    This huge pot of good food had ample quant.i.ties, but at least half of the best parts were gathered within the first bowl. It was already given to Tianheng by Gu Zuo.

    Thus, he didn¡¯t need to go back for more, it was sufficient as it was.

    Just as the group was enjoying their meals, something unusual abruptly urred.

    With Gu Zuo included, everyone sensed a crisis quickly approaching.

    In the gradually darkening night, there were several pairs of ruthless eyes flickering with a faint, deadly light.

    ¡ª Within the boundaries of the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, unreservedly making a bonfire to cook delicious food would cause the aroma to spread all over the ce. How could it not attract ravenous things?

    This approaching night attack was naturallymitted by wild beasts drawn to the meaty aroma.

    Several martial artists simultaneously responded.

    Xu Wenhe and Dragon Two almost immediately faced left and right, ready to kill those wolf-shaped wild beasts.

    Tianheng rapidly fished Gu Zuo up, taking him as they floated in the wind. Then he dropped Gu Zuo onto the nearest,rge tree.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    There really wasn¡¯t anything great about his ability to react.

    Speaking of his patron, he also was very pampered. How could he respond so quickly? Were the differences in awareness so great between a transmigrator and a martial artist? Still, to say that...he was a little mortified [1]. Was it a difference in the individual?

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have much spare time to think about it. Gongyi Tianheng already spoken a word into his ear.

    ¡°Spear.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power swiftly moved. In a moment, a silvery-white spear immediately appeared in Tianheng¡¯s hand.

    Then Gongyi Tianheng pushed against the tree branch with his foot. He drew the spear and flourished it [2]. He advanced towards the wild beast at Dragon Two¡¯s location to stab it: ¡°Dragon Two, go protect Ah Zuo.¡±

    Dragon Two promptly withdrew: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    In an instant, an extra vignt shadow appeared by Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    After observing a momentary three seconds of silence for his weak chicken self, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make trouble for Dragon Two¡¯s precautionary measures. His attention waspletely set on that wolf-shaped wild beast and his patron paring notes.¡±

    At this time, his patron was deeply concerned for him. And naturally, he was wholeheartedly concerned for his patron.

    Gu Zuo thought in pa.s.sing that after those couple of wild wolves were taken care of, how he would cook the wolf meat... En, he still recognized these wild wolves. Before when he was refining medicine at the vi, it just so happened that their liver was a metal attribute medicinal ingredient. Thinking about the choicest meats of these storm wolves [3], there were several medicinal cuisine recipes he could choose from...

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s spearmanship was very concise.

    Piercing and flogging. Obstructing and confining. There wasn¡¯t a single w in his efficiency as he directly aimed at their vital points.

    That wild wolf attack wasprised of as many as five wolves. Meridian Condensing first stage Xu Wenhe shed with several Bone Forging realm wild wolves. It was only Gongyi Tianheng who selected the head wolf among them, which was simrly Meridian Condensing second stage.

    Usually, wild beasts initially would, more often than not, be stronger than martial artists of equivalent realms. However, apparently Tianheng here defiedmon sense.

    Just by watching his footwork change, his figure seemed like a water dragon. As his spear trembled, his body appeared to shine. Just like a tidal surge, it looked like an especially vigorous dragon snakeing ash.o.r.e [4].

    Where in this spectacle did Tianheng resemble the former young master who¡¯d been frail for over ten years?

    This world¡¯s wolves were very cunning and lived in packs. The head wolf was especially powerful. It dodged at extremely fast speeds like it was riding the wind. Its ws and fangs shone with a ghastly, cold light. Murderously lunging to and fro, an unpleasant stink [5] spread everywhere.

    It was a pity that the spear was very long, the spearhead was very sharp, and the spear¡¯s force was very powerful. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s spearmanship was like a dragon. It glinted like a cold star, and his strikes often aimed at the head wolf¡¯s vital points.

    Not long after, it was suppressed. Instead of the head wolf being finished, there were several ces on its body that were punctured by that spear and flowed with blood. For a moment, its bloodl.u.s.t rose up, fully revealing its malice. Its movement was even more vicious.

    But Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t fl.u.s.tered. His expression was very calm and his spear abruptly came crashing down with a dreadful cracking sound. That head wolf immediately jumped away, but it was still struck on its side. Its bones broke in two!

    Then from that point on, Tianheng gained the upper hand. That head wolf¡¯s dominance gradually declined. Soon, its eyes flickered with a green light, wanting to retreat.

    Tianheng wouldn¡¯t allow it, and the spear was swung at it from the side.

    The world had too many kinds of martial skills to count, and there were many that needed to draw support from weapons to be utilized. Tianheng automatically took advantage of the weapon in his hand and chose the corresponding martial skill.

    And because his IQ was just so high, it seemed that he never had too much difficulty no matter what weapon was in his hand. He could emte any martial skill no matter what kind he practiced.

    With Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s intelligence, he certainly wouldn¡¯t go through all of them ¡ª Though, he didn¡¯t think it was the right time to startying the foundations. Thus, he chose the most handy ones among them.

    Namely, he favored those of the spear.

    As a result, he studied the ancient records of the Gongyi n. He read them one by one and gradually realized that, although each one contained marvels, all of them ultimately were of a mid foundation level.

    Therefore, he carefully deliberated. He would master spearmanship byprehensive studying. He used his own practices to tinker with a kind of iplete move set. However, it totally suited him. Its trajectories were concise, and its power was tyrannical. It was a kind of spearmanship that was filled with killing intent.

    Looking at him fully utilizing it now, one could see that his considerations weren¡¯tcking.

    The methods of that iplete spearmanship exhibited an overbearing might at this moment.

    Not long after, Gongyi Tianheng struck with his spear. The tip pierced the center of the head wolf¡¯s right eye, and the pain made it want to flee. Tianheng struck down his spear again. It entered the wolf¡¯s abdomen and abruptly twisted!

    At this moment, he poured all his strength into the spear haft. Naturally, the spear¡¯s power rose to frightful levels. Instantly, the head wolf¡¯s body was overturned by that spear. Just as it staggered, it quickly reacted, but it was already a half step too slow. The spear came again, and pierced the wolf¡¯s vital point. The spear took its life!

    That Xu Wenhe¡¯s movements were also agile.

    Although he looked like a schrly guide, he could be brought along with Gongyi Tianheng. Naturally, his experience was abundant. Though his speed was a little slower than Tianheng, how could he not cope with a couple of insignificant Bone Forging realm wild beasts? He was all done within the span of several breaths.

    The wild beasts that mounted a sneak attack were all cleanly killed.

    Gongyi Tianheng ced his spear to the side and jumped onto the tree to take Gu Zuo down.

    Gu Zuo was still a little fired up. After he came down, the first sentence he asked was: ¡°Young master Tianheng, how do you guys want to eat the wolf meat?¡±

    Gu Zuo btedly reacted after he spoke, his face blushing red.

    ______

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    [1] ºÚÏß - Hei xian, ck lines. In anime, ck lines either behind a character or on the character¡¯s forehead represent mortification/embarra.s.sment, fatigue, or horror.

    [2] Thanks to user Charysa for the confirmation.

    [3] ¼²·ç»ÄÀÇ - Ji feng huangng, direct trantion.

    [4] ÁúÉßÆðÂ½ - Long she qi lu, direct trantion. It¡¯s supposed to be a visual representation.

    [5] ÐÈ - Xing, the smell of fish (or an unpleasant smell).

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 38

    Gongyi Tianheng heard this, and actually smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo can serve as our chef. Though, Ah Zuo naturally has the final say on this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a few hollowughs, feeling that he was healed [1].

    His patron sincerely was a good person. Unexpectedly, Tianheng didn¡¯t mock him. In the future, he wouldn¡¯t go hunting wild beasts with other people. He would only think about how to eat them... Good. He wouldn¡¯t think about it as much as possible. More so, he wouldn¡¯t consider directly blurting it out.

    The wolf corpses arranged here would easily attract those that were hunting for food. After Tianheng put him on the ground, Gu Zuo trotted ahead and quickly handled everything.

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s treatment process of the ingredients left bloodstains and the whole ce reeked of it. Still, one could see that Dragon Two was used to such missions, and there was still the jack-of-all-trades Xu Wenhe.

    Those two retrieved essential medicinal powders from their sleeves. After they scattered it over the bloodstains, it removed the odors. A short momentter, all of it was taken care of.

    Gu Zuo finished packing up the the best meats he butchered and stored them in the carriage Dragon Two brought.

    After that, they all spent the night here.

    Even though there weren¡¯t any nearby water sources ¡ª Or rather, even though there were water sources, they didn¡¯t dare use them casually. They also didn¡¯t use it for bathing. Even Gongyi Tianheng could only wipe off the dust and clean his face. The other three people had even less options.

    As for Gu Zuo who lived in the modern era, although he couldn¡¯t do as he pleased, it wasn¡¯t so bad that he was caked in dust. However, aftering to this world, there was nothing else to be said except that spending the first few days observing his patron wasting time already gave him a taste of excessive suffering. It seemed that not bathing for several days, this kind of thing...one must be pragmatic during states of emergency [2]. Truly, it didn¡¯t really make him feel all that ufortable.

    The tent was huge. Besides Gu Zuo, the other three had to take turns on night watch.

    Gu Zuo found it a little embarra.s.sing: ¡°Young master Tianheng, wouldn¡¯t it be better for me to alsoe?¡±

    His own superior, his patron who¡¯d been taking care of him, also didn¡¯t receive special treatment. Even if the work he gave a person was specialized, if the treatment was too good, it would make others lose confidence.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw through his thoughts at a nce, smiling catingly: ¡°Pharmacists and martial artists originally walk very different paths. Ah Zuo, you just rx. I¡¯ll go on night duty. It¡¯s also for the sake of tempering myself, okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo remained silent. He obediently did what he was told and entered the tent.

    His patron¡¯s IQ was just too high...but he understood something even more clearly. Certainly, his patron was a n heir and lived like a prince, but this n heir still wasn¡¯t very simr. Wanting to slowly build up one¡¯s martial strength wasn¡¯t so easy.

    When he thought about it, it was for this reason.

    He¡¯d never heard of being able to practice martial arts without hardship.

    In order to have enough energy tomorrow to go all out, after he entered the tent, he didn¡¯t continue refining pills. Rather, he meditated in a cross-legged position, working his cultivation method for several cycles before obediently going to sleep.

    Because he knew that his patron had a firm grasp on the situation outside, he didn¡¯t perceive the dangers of being out in the wilderness. Not long after, his breathing evened out and he fell into a deep sleep.

    A night without... This night wasn¡¯t one without its troubles.

    When Gu Zuo woke up and lifted the tent p, he unexpectedly discovered that, in front of the recently extinguished bonfire, there was a pile of at least twenty to thirty wild beast corpses.

    Among them, there was still only one Meridian Condensing realm wild beast. The rest were all Bone Forging realm. Yet, under Gongyi Tianheng, these three people totally reached the state of Meridian Condensing. When these wolves came, it only made them use a bit more strength. Only if there were fifty, sixty, or even more than a hundred surrounding them, would that genuinely create a threat to them.

    Seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s whole face full of misgivings, Gongyi Tianheng gently exined: ¡°In the outer edges of the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, it¡¯s estimated that there weren¡¯t too many wild beasts. It¡¯s impossible for arge-scale wolf pack to form. The unlucky head wolf that found us yesterday originally led a group of only thirty or so wolves. After it died by our hands, the most powerful one in the wolf pack was naturally promoted to head wolf. Because the former leader went and died, in order for the next leader to stabilize its position, it had to lead the wolf pack here for vengeance. Also, we didn¡¯t know if any of them had special skills, so we seriously kept an eye out.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly realized.

    It was now his responsibility. He also didn¡¯t know how long they¡¯d be staying here hunting prey or extracting the best ingredients in case things came to a head. When everyone was hungry, he wouldn¡¯t have anything to cook.

    ¡ª This was very simple work. After a short while, everything was settled.

    However, once it was finished, Tianheng walked to Gu Zuo¡¯s side. He nudged his shoulder, and his eyes fell to the carriage. His movements were very quick and didn¡¯t alert Xu Wenhe.

    Gu Zuo instantly understood.

    Because Dragon One and Dragon Two had been closely protecting them for a long time, they roughly understood that he had a storage device on hand. However, his patron didn¡¯t want to let even more people know. He also felt that it was always beneficial to keep many cards close to his chest. This would make Xu Wenhe think that the one who had a storage device was his patron.

    Gongyi Tianheng casually waved his hand.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo moved his psychic power.

    Instantly, the carriage vanished into the storage s.p.a.ce.

    Sure enough, Xu Wenhe didn¡¯t reveal any strange expressions. Further, there wasn¡¯t any suspicion.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Let¡¯s take advantage of the morning. We¡¯ll go straight into the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range.¡± [3]

    The three remaining people all obeyed without exception.

    ______

    Within the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, the trees were lush withyers of vines. There were many dark and sinister things about [4], and the wild beasts were absolutely vicious.

    Once they arrived here, they were careful of their surroundings when harvesting medicinal herbs used for supplementing their expenses. After they delved deeper, the number of wild beasts gradually increased. Unless there was a group of martial artists who believed in their own martial strength, one usually wouldn¡¯t enter alone.

    Perhaps because they came early, the group didn¡¯t encounter any unfamiliar people. Actually, while following the mountain road deeper, Gu Zuo still could see a few medicinal herbs here and there... Maintaining the notion of not wasting anything, his was quick with his hands and feet, and plucked everything that was in good physical condition.

    Gongyi Tianheng was experienced in handling matters. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t just hasten their journey. He¡¯d thought of a way long ago. He opened his mouth and said: ¡°Wenhe, take out the map.¡±

    This was all prepared in advance. From the direction they went in, their route was clearly calcted.

    The others gathered to take a look.

    Tianheng pointed to a ck dot: ¡°This here is the Eagle¡¯s Beak Hollow. It¡¯s a tract ofnd that grows viper flowers. The name is a little unpleasant, but Ah Zuo should know that it actually isn¡¯t poisonous. Rather, it¡¯s a good medicine for enriching the blood.¡±

    Gu Zuo was certainly aware of it.

    In the prescriptions he had on hand, it didn¡¯t matter if it was for medicinal cuisines, decoctions, or pills, all of them needed to use this kind of medicinal herb. If there was a lot, then saving up extra was also very good.

    ¡ª Right now, he already enjoyed collecting medicinal herbs very much.

    There was nothing to do about it. So many prescriptions he could choose from, and he had to wait to use them until the requisite medicinal herbs showed up. Wasn¡¯t this just too inconvenient? In addition, his interests in refining medicine had grown. Naturally, the more herbs, the better. Viper flowers weren¡¯t the kind of medicinal herb one could see everywhere and casually grow them. Encountering them was an opportunity he couldn¡¯t miss.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll go pick them?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°The viper flowers over there haven¡¯t been s.n.a.t.c.hed by others because there are a pair of tiger-headed raptors [5] that linger along the mountain walls. Between those two, the male is a Meridian Condensing third stage realm and the female is a little weaker, at the Meridian Condensing second stage... If Ah Zuo wants, we can go challenge them.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head and saw his patron¡¯s look of self-confidence. It was obvious that he already decided that he wanted to go and fight the pair of tiger-headed raptors! ording to his patron, who constantly nned ahead, this was killing two birds with one stone. It wasn¡¯t surprising that he chose this region in the first ce.

    He didn¡¯t object, and simply nodded: ¡°Many thanks, young master Tianheng.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows rose slightly, and he reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°The tiger-headed raptors are capable of flight. I¡¯ll give a good try using the heavenly eagle steps to see if I can engage those birds.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this andughed.

    Afterwards, a group of four came to a decision. For the pair of tiger-headed raptors, Gongyi Tianheng would handle the female raptor with a simr realm by himself, and Dragon Two and Xu Wenhe would tangle with the male raptor.

    As for Gu Zuo...they could first find a cave nearby for him to hide in.

    Once they took out the map, the route through the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range became easier to understand. Leading the way, even Xu Wenhe didn¡¯t know how to cross a few broken paths. The mountainous topography was gradually changing. The terrain was like an eagle¡¯s beak, which formed a basin within the mountains. It emerged like so in front of them.

    However, it left them astonished. There were some people who came before them.

    Just as Gu Zuo clearly saw the shadowed, multi-colored viper flowers hidden among the weeds, he heard a morous noise. There was an intense, ear-piercing call of a bird of prey as well as the sounds of shing weapons.

    What was worth mentioning even more was the stench of blood in the air.

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo turned his head and looked towards Tianheng. He didn¡¯t know what his patron had nned.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyesight was extremely powerful. He slightly parted the undergrowth and could already see the scene ahead.

    There really was a group of people fighting the pair of tiger-headed raptors.

    There were three men and two women. They had a woman protecting another youngdy in the back, keeping watch. The other three men were all engaged in battle with the two raptors. The situation was very intense. The tiger-headed raptors soared high in the sky and asionally swooped down. The raptors had a firm grasp on victory.

    Moreover, besides the youngdy, the other four had all suffered injuries. They seemed to be in dire straits.

    From their attire, the four wounded people should be those who entered the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range all year round, hunting wild beasts and searching for natural resources. It was only that the youngdy¡¯s scared facial expression held a trace of displeasure and a continuously repressed arrogance. She was probably their employer. Someone who was pampered and spoiled since childhood hade here for adventure. If it wasn¡¯t too presumptuous, she was here to look for something.

    Presently, despite the youngdy¡¯s arrogance, she didn¡¯t order the woman to first guard her escape from the mountain range. The probability of her searching for something was gettingrger.

    Within two or three nces, Gongyi Tianheng was already nearly finished surmising their ident.i.ties.

    He faintly smiled.

    These people hadn¡¯t been maintaining themselves for long. The strongest one was only Meridian Condensing second stage. No matter how abundant their experience, it was impossible for them to escape unscathed. It was unavoidable for one or two to sacrifice themselves and ultimately return in low spirits after their defeat. Or it¡¯d be aplete wipeout.

    But, if someone were toe to the rescue, then it¡¯d be different.

    There were two options presented before Tianheng and the others.

    One was to wait for the tiger-headed raptors to dispose of them, then take advantage of the situation and kill the birds. This was a very convenient method that could be counted as a steal [6].

    And the second was to save those people in pa.s.sing, and then follow the original n.

    As far as Tianheng was concerned, since he wasn¡¯t hindered, lending a hand would produce good karma. There also wasn¡¯t any harm in helping out.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ÖÎÓú - Zhi yu, to cure. It also has the implication of being restored to a healthy, happy, andfortable mindset.

    [2] ÊÂ¼±´ÓÈ¨ - Shi ji (an urgent matter) cong quan (focusing on things of vital interest).

    [3] It looks like they were on the borders of the mountain range the entire time.

    [4] Éß³æÊóÒÏ - She (snakes) chong (bugs or worms) shu (rats) yi (ants), four animals that themon person would hate. Also used topare to something petty, sinister, disgusting, vulgar, crafty, or dark.

    [5] µñ - Diao, bird of prey.

    [6] ¼ñÂ© - Jian lou, a situation where one purchases a valuable antique cheaply, while the seller doesn¡¯t know the antique¡¯s true value.

    ______

    T/N: It¡¯s getting to the point where named objects are appearing with greater frequency. I¡¯m not going to give an exnation for them anymore in the endnotes to avoid clutter. I¡¯ll still keep doing it for important things or people, especially if additional exnations are needed.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 39

    In a split second, Gongyi Tianheng ordered: ¡°Wenhe, you¡¯ll protect Ah Zuo here. I¡¯ll go lead the female raptor away. Dragon Two, go a.s.sist those people and cut off the male raptor¡¯s head.¡±

    Xu Wenhe and Dragon Two both responded: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, be careful!¡±

    Tianheng smiled. Then, with Dragon Two, their bodies shed ahead.

    With heavenly eagle steps, his body shot up like a rocket and flew gracefully. His spear was thrusted swiftly towards that female raptor! Dragon Two held a longbow andunched three consecutive arrows at three points on the male raptor¡¯s body to seal its movements. For a short while, it wouldn¡¯t be able to fly high in the air and would be struck head-on by those other martial artists¡¯ martial skills.

    Two people joining in surprised the other martial artists, but since the two came to help, their hearts loosened.

    There was a square-faced, middle-aged man who simultaneously bolstered his attacks and said in a deep voice: ¡°Many thanks for your a.s.sistance! After we deal with these things, you¡¯ll certainly be rewarded!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng and Dragon Two both remained silent. Each of them only exerted themselves as they tangled with the two raptors.

    Just looking at where Tianheng¡¯s spear pointed, its power was overflowing, and it agitated the female raptor. As a result, it grew angry and swooped down. However, one could soar through the air with the heavenly eagle steps. Although the female raptor¡¯s attacks were fierce, Tianheng could evade even better. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how his feet were sliding around, but he already dodged those sharp talons. Afterwards, his waist turned and the spear shot out just below Tianheng¡¯s ribs. Unexpectedly, it struck the raptor¡¯s left wing dead center.

    In an instant, numerous raptor feathers scattered and fluttered down.

    Gu Zuo obviously found that his dear patron¡¯s heavenly eagle step seemed even more... Should he say that it¡¯d been integrated, mastered, or just that he had a breakthrough? At first, he felt that his patron could do it well before, butpared to now, the technique in the past seemed like trash.

    Patron, how did you progress so fast in so little time?

    It truly deserved to be called the Body Envied by Heaven.

    The spearhead was very hard and the spear shaft was very pliable. Not long after, under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s increasingly outstanding footwork, the female raptor¡¯s range of motion became increasingly narrowed. Finally, nearly the entire raptor was enveloped inyers of spear images. In the blink of an eye, Tianheng¡¯s spear shook and it directly pierced through the female raptor¡¯s skull!

    The entire course of events didn¡¯tst longer than fifteen minutes.

    Gu Zuo could see that Tianheng¡¯s spearmanship was bing more proficient. The previous spear was already very concise. Now it was even greater than that, and it also held even more destructive power.

    On top of that, the heavenly eagle steps¡¯ transformation just now...escaped his own sight.

    Sometimes, many things have to bepared. On one side, Gongyi Tianheng brought the female raptor down by himself. Over yonder, including Dragon Two, four people had been enduring serious injuries brought about by the male raptor. Still, Tianheng¡¯s efficiency was excessively high.

    After that, Tianheng held his spear up and used it to drive the male raptor back. His own footwork quickly transformed and he moved through the air. Atst, a spear struck down from above and the male raptor was forced tond. Dragon Two seized the opportunity, and his figure dodged rapidly. He used an extremely sharp dagger and energetically swung out. He cut down the raptor¡¯s head!

    At this point, both the female and male raptors were executed.

    Only then did Gu Zuo and Xu Wenhe leave the undergrowth and joined up with Gongyi Tianheng.

    The two women and three men off to the side were relieved.

    Among the group of people, the square-faced, middle-aged man was nominated, and he took a few steps forward. Facing Gu Zuo and the others, he cupped his fist [1] and said: ¡°Huyuan Dojo¡¯s [2] Guo Chengmao. Many thanks, honorable ones, foring to our rescue!¡±

    He introduced the people by his side, ¡°These are my fellow junior disciples.¡± Finally, he spoke about that arrogant, youngdy, ¡°This is our Shanwu City, Han Family¡¯s third young miss. She¡¯s also our first time employer.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng made a furtive gesture towards Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo expressed his understanding. He scampered all the way over to the two raptor corpses and started dismantling them.

    On this side, Tianheng nodded his head, reservedly: ¡°My name is Li Tianheng. I came here with my bodyguard to these mountains to get some experience.¡±

    The middle-aged man and the others all saw Gu Zuo¡¯s actions, and all their expressions were different. However, overall, none of them were angry, except for that arrogant, youngdy, whoserge, round eyes shed with contempt. However, she quickly sorted her face so that nothing was revealed.

    After the arrogant, youngdy restrained herself, she showed a smile: ¡°Miss Han Yuxiu greets young master Li.¡±

    She did her utmost to give off a warm and friendly demeanor, ¡°This little miss originally came to the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range looking for a medicinal herb. It¡¯s to given to my father to treat an illness. Unexpectedly, setting out was unfavorable. When we tried to pa.s.s through, we ended up provoking those two loathsome raptors. Still, it was all thanks to young master Li¡¯s help.¡±

    Tianheng casually said: ¡°No problem. These two raptors were just what I was aiming for, and you all have nothing to do with it. Since you¡¯re out of danger, you all are free to leave.¡±

    Gu Zuo strained to hear what was going on, but his movements on hand never stopped.

    In his mind, he secretly thought: Patron, this posturing really is enough to be that of a n¡¯s young master. It¡¯s not like how you are normally... Your acting is very good. This is to verify something, right?

    Han Yuxiu was a little displeased by this att.i.tude, but she still continued her soft tone, saying: ¡°This trip was very dangerous. Young master Li¡¯s strength is brilliant. If this little miss could ask you a favor... I hope young master Li can agree.¡±

    She didn¡¯t wait for Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s answer as she continued, unabated: ¡°This little miss hopes that we can journey together. If young master Li can help me obtain that medicinal herb, then this little miss will exchange a gift of equal importance. What does young master Li think?¡±

    Gongyi Tianhengzily said: ¡°No thanks.¡±

    He didn¡¯t pay attention to these people any longer, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that this young master¡¯s own Family is too poor to afford an ¡®important gift¡¯? You all can leave at once. No need for words!¡±

    Han Yuxiu¡¯s eyes widened. In the end, she couldn¡¯t help fuming in her prideful anger: ¡°You¡ª¡±

    But at this moment, the other woman pulled at her wrist, putting a stop to the youngdy: ¡°Miss Han, you mustn¡¯t.¡±

    Han Yuxiu¡¯s fingernails dug into her palms, and the bitter resentment on her face vanished. She endured it, and said: ¡°Since young master Li isn¡¯t willing, this little miss won¡¯t force the issue... We¡¯re going!¡±

    Once her voice fell, the people from Huyuan Dojo were like pardoned criminals. Immediately, they departed from this ce.

    After they left, Gu Zuo properly handled the two raptor corpses and wanted to go and harvest the viper flowers. Because their specialties weren¡¯t suited to the task, the others could only stand to the side and guard him.

    Gongyi Tianheng stood by Gu Zuo¡¯s side to keep himpany.

    While Gu Zuo plucked the flowers, he asked a question: ¡°Young master Tianheng, since you rescued them, why... Couldn¡¯t that girl hold a grudge?¡±

    Up until now, he knew that his patron didn¡¯t rescue them because he felt pity. Besides hiding their ident.i.ties, Tianheng put on an act like that so their goals wouldn¡¯t be suspected. He could tell that there was nothing good to be said about the girl¡¯s character. Patron, how couldn¡¯t you possible see...

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled as he replied: ¡°After saving them in pa.s.sing, I¡¯d know whether they could be useful. That Han Yuxiu girl made others detest her, but she also couldn¡¯t be considered too stupid. Yet, she simply can¡¯t be used. The useful ones are the Huyuan Dojo.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°Young master Tianheng wants to collect the Huyuan Dojo?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to collect them. However, the Gongyi n¡¯s properties can be found all over the empire. We can always use some eyes and ears. The Huyuan Dojo, these people know how to take stock of the situation and they aren¡¯t impetuous with how they deal with things. If the Huyuan Dojo is generally like this, we can try and get in touch with them.¡±

    Saying this, he faintly nodded, ¡°Wenhe, can you remember?¡±

    Xu Wenhe respectfully stated: ¡°This subordinate understands.¡±

    Gu Zuo got it.

    His patron naturally had subordinates to go handle matters. Xu Wenhe should definitely be part of this system.

    Afterwards, he asked another question: ¡°That Miss Han¡¯s Family...¡±

    Tianheng smirked meaningfully, ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of the Han Family.¡±

    Gu Zuo reflected on this for three seconds, then realized what he meant.

    His patron knew all of the imperial capital¡¯s Families, both great and small, as well as other Families around the Cangyun Empire. If he¡¯d never heard of that name before, then they certainly wouldn¡¯t be able to cause him any pressure whatsoever ¡ª His patron¡¯s subordinates were sopetent, he was afraid that anything worthy of being paid attention to wouldn¡¯t slip below their radar!

    That Han Family, they didn¡¯t even have the qualifications for his patron to know them...

    Han Yuxiu definitely didn¡¯t have any means to threaten them at all.

    Of course, Gu Zuo also thought up plenty of scenarios. If Han Yuxiu mobilized her Family¡¯s powers nearby, would they act as a solitary force? However, he thought over what his patron said before on how his n¡¯s properties could be found everywhere. There was no way for such a thing.

    It couldn¡¯t be that the preparations made for his patron¡¯s journey were done excessively? The household could bring the n¡¯s powers into y. And Xu Wenhe could certainly mobilize the influence of the Gongyi n¡¯s properties through his job¡¯s connections!

    He truly overthought things.

    After his embarra.s.sing moment, he continued plucking viper flowers.

    ...He was still collecting medicinal herbs.

    The harvesting process went smoothly. More than ten years¡¯ worth of viper flowers were all carefully gathered up by him. While under the pretense of loading them into his patron¡¯s storage device, they were actually put into his own storage s.p.a.ce.

    Originally, so long as the viper flowers grew for at least a year, they could be used in medicine. However, since the environment here suited the growth of the viper flowers, why would he want to take them all away? He still knew about sustainable development.

    ...Okay, he could now say something like, ¡°I only refine quality goods.¡±

    When it was time to leave, Gu Zuo turned his head to take a quick look. Beneath the mountain walls around the Hollow, there were countless desated human bones.

    These were the humans who were previously attacked by those two tiger-headed raptors. Once they eliminated the raptors, this ce would be a region without a master. It wouldn¡¯t be long before other wild beasts came to upy this territory.

    Gu Zuo also gradually realized something.

    In this world, it truly was thew of the jungle [3].

    ______

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s developing objective was to choose locations on the map that had Meridian Condensing second stage wild beasts as well as precious medicinal herbs. Each and every time they went somewhere, he could always smoothly kill his target, which allowed Gu Zuo to save up a portion of the herbs.

    Although they had Dragon Two and Xu Wenhe to provide support in the beginning, as more time pa.s.sed, the more Tianheng called them to stay their hands. This escted to where even he wasn¡¯t spared from injury. Tianheng even tried to handle a Meridian Condensing third stage wild beast all alone. He tempered himself through the pressure these wild beasts generated.

    Thus, Tianheng¡¯s strength improved at a terrifying speed. What was even more scary was that in the middle of these continuous challenges, his true qi circted even faster and he condensed even more bone pearls. Finally, at a certain point in time, he made a breakthrough. He became a Meridian Condensing third stage martial artist!

    But his pace still didn¡¯t stop. Rather, his challenge targets werepletely reced with Meridian Condensing third stage wild beasts.

    Slowly, many of them died by his hands.

    Unwittingly, a group of four spent a month in the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range.

    Regardless of whether it was Gu Zuo¡¯s herb gathering technique or his finesse in cooking medicinal cuisine, there were totally huge improvements.

    During this time, there was an insane increase in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strength. In addition to his body¡¯s matchless apt.i.tude, they all enjoyed Gu Zuo¡¯s meticulous cooking together. This wasn¡¯t without a cause and effect. After his strength improved, he was able to find even more medicinal herbs for Gu Zuo.

    In this way, it was a win-win situation.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] I don¡¯t think I outright exined this action before, but it¡¯s a sign of respect, equivalent to a salute or a bow.

    [2] »¢Ô¨Îä¹Ý - Hu (tiger) yuan (deep pool, profound) wu guan (dojo, martial school). I¡¯m not fully aware of how the author will .s.sify martial arts inst.i.tutions in the future, so I¡¯ll tentatively use dojo for now. If new terms like sect, school, and otherse up, I¡¯ll revise this. For those who¡¯ve read ahead, feel free to give suggestions.

    [3] ÈâÈõÇ¿Ê³ - Ruo rou qiang shi, the weak are meat, and the strong do eat, an idiom.

    ______

    T/N: I changed my mind again. Not gonna exin every character¡¯s name either!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 40

    Three cauldrons were supported over a bonfire. In the pot, sulent meats were churning. A strong fragrance a.s.sailed one¡¯s nose and would make a person drool with desire.

    Gu Zuo concentrated his attention on the three savory meals of wolf, deer, and leopard meat.

    These three individual kinds of medicinal cuisine were brought together through numerous herbs, which were instantly cooked and blended. All kinds of aromas mutually promoted each other to make the vors even more deliciously rich and fragrant.

    In less than fifteen minutes, the broths in the three cauldrons changed into identical colors. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare neglect anything as he practically used his fastest speeds to move his arm. He brandished adle and made three scoops without stopping, taking out the best of each broth and pouring it into arge bowl.

    In a split second, an extremely special fragrance suddenly spread out. It excited the tastebuds and made people¡¯s throats rumble, itching to plunder the broth and swallow it into their bellies.

    Of course, there weren¡¯t any thieves here.

    Because Gu Zuo was the chef, he had to use his formidable willpower to control himself and not immediately swallow the bowl of medicinal cuisine. Rather, he pinched his nose and scampered over to Tianheng¡¯s side without dy. He urgently pa.s.sed the bowl over to him: ¡°Young master Tianheng, eat it while it¡¯s hot! Wait even a moment and the vors will disperse. The results also won¡¯t be good!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t restrain a smile: ¡°If Ah Zuo really wants to eat it, then you don¡¯t have to offer it to me first.¡±

    Gu Zuo saw him take the bowl, and promptly took four or five steps back before gasping a mouthful of air: ¡°Young master Tianheng is currently training his martial arts with all his strength. Naturally, you need to utilize the best resources and I have the best right here. I can¡¯t just give young master something inferior. As for having an appet.i.te for good food, while this is human nature, it isn¡¯tpulsory.¡±

    Eating when one couldn¡¯t eat? The broth would make his patron¡¯s strength rise dramatically once he ate his fill. This was for the best. At worst, after they returned to the vi, he¡¯d just reward himself with a feast. He a.s.sumed that his patron wouldn¡¯t be so cheap over a few dietary and medicinal ingredients.

    Tianheng also didn¡¯t refuse the bowl.

    As a matter of fact, Tianheng sensed that as his strength constantly improved, his appet.i.te grew increasinglyrger. This could be considered a martial artist¡¯s normal state of affairs. A wild beast¡¯s choicest meat contained formidable vitality and energy, which was capable of nourishing a martial artist and strengthening the physical body.

    So under the circ.u.mstances, so long as a martial artist was able, they would hunt wild beasts for meat to supply their body with energy. However, many martial artists didn¡¯t know the specifics on how to strengthen and nourish themselves.

    On the other hand, wild beasts ate people and their own brethren for the same reason.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body was rtively special. In the past, just like an ordinary person, he simply couldn¡¯t eat such things. Otherwise, he would experience tremendous forces rushing through him and explode. Once he was able to practice martial arts, soaked in medicinal decoctions, and ate medicinal cuisines every day, his energy requirements were already provided for. Ordinary foods were still the same as before, and nothing special was cooked.

    However, after they headed out this time, Gu Zuo considered things carefully. Every couple of days, he would let Tianheng soak in a medicinal decoction. And each day, Gu Zuo began to switch things up, and prepared many kinds of medicinal cuisines for him.

    Although Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t refine medicine, he previously thought that his body suffered from an incurable disease and that the art of healing surely had research on it. The healing ability of ordinary people had very little use for martial artists, and the healing ability of martial artists was simple and crude. But to this end, this allowed him to gain some understanding, and he could judge that each and every dish of medicinal cuisine was special.

    For the sake of his health, his little pharmacist provided him with food that definitely wasn¡¯t without a n in mind. If this five element meal had an affinity towards fire, then the next would be a five element medicinal cuisine with a water affinity for neutralization. It would be followed by meals with a metal affinity, wood affinity, and earth affinity. One after another would be prepared. Even though the cuisines were so gentle, Gu Zuo strived his hardest to give him a resultant equilibrium among the five elements.

    It was also because of this that Gongyi Tianheng was energetic every day. asionally, he¡¯d suffer injuries, but by slightly emphasizing the medicinal properties, the cuisines could stimte rapid recovery. It let him have no worries about anything.

    These many thoughts that were tumbled around actually urred within a split second ¡ª Tianheng¡¯s gaze shed with a sense of relief as he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Ah Zuo should also eat quickly. Don¡¯t let yourself go hungry.¡±

    Gu Zuo chuckled and went to give Dragon Two and Xu Wenhe big bowls of the three fragrance broth. He told them to eat to their heart¡¯s content.

    Waiting till after everyone finished eating, Gongyi Tianheng announced that they could leave this region.

    Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range really was a pretty good ce for training. It was deep and vast, with plenty of natural resources. Unfortunately, it already wasn¡¯t much use to the current him. For the most part, fights with Meridian Condensing third stage wild beasts were worthy challenges for Tianheng. And all of the first-rate medicinal herbs were found and harvested by Gu Zuo. Staying here would only be a waste of time.

    A group of people slowly walked out of the mountain range. Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, where are we going now?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t answer him. Rather, he turned to ask his subordinate: ¡°Wenhe, where is a nearby ce where we can train our skills?¡±

    Xu Wenhe thought about it, and replied: ¡°The Arena of Life and Death.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Be more specific.¡±

    Then, Xu Wenhe carefully told them in detail.

    This Arena of Life and Death was the ck market arena hosted by a hitman organization. The location was quite hidden. It was basically that organization¡¯s peripheral base of operations. Usually, if there was a martial artist who knew about that ce, then they could enter through a referral and battle hitmen within the organization.

    Gu Zuo was a little skeptical: ¡°The hitmen can meet with people?¡±

    Xu Wenhe smiled: ¡°Pharmacist Gu doesn¡¯t know the full picture. The training of the ghost division¡¯s. .h.i.tmen is quite cold-blooded. In the arena, life and death are disregarded. The hitmen within are required to hold nothing back, tempering themselves in life or death fights to advance. Reportedly, this kind of training would allow hitmen to see blood, which would make one¡¯s nature cold and resolute. In the future, when it was time to a.s.sa.s.sinate, their actions would have no hesitation.¡±

    He pondered for a bit, and said: ¡°In addition, if one wanted the ghost division to release a mission, those strongholds are great ces tomunicate. This kind of exchange between the outside world and the hitman organization can still raise the organization¡¯s reputation. It¡¯s also advantageous for the ghost division¡¯s recruitment [1].¡±

    Once again, Gu Zuo refreshed his perceptions a bit.

    Hitmen nowadays also kept up with the times and were very modern. Not like before when they maintained a sense of mystery.

    Xu Wenhe¡¯s speech still wasn¡¯t finished: ¡°However, though these strongholds are only partially unrestricted, the ghost division¡¯s headquarters are still somewhere quite hidden. Unexpectedly, those who tried to enter the stronghold to check for information couldn¡¯t find it. Instead, it only gave them an increased sense of mystery and the ghost division¡¯s reputation spread even more.¡±

    It was originally like this.

    This ghost division neglected neither propaganda nor elite training.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face fell and he was left speechless.

    Entering the mountain range might¡¯ve been a little difficult, but it was much faster when it was time to leave.

    A group of people quickly left the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range. Just before they reached the border, Gongyi Tianheng ¡®released¡¯ the carriage. Everyone got on, and the hitched me lion horses were used to hasten their journey ¡ª The me lion horses were only at the Bone Forging realm, but through intense training, they released their own survival instincts and could evade the hunting tactics of other wild beasts. Being called by Dragon Two¡¯s whistle, the horses quickly appeared in front of them.

    With this mode of transportation [2], Gu Zuo and the others were much morefortable.

    ...Inevitably, there would be a sense of rea.s.surance.

    ______

    Fengtong City.

    It was a medium sized city of the Cangyun Empire. It was surrounded by long, ck walls and all four sides had city gates. The routes in all directions were free-flowing.

    Thus, there were many people traveling here, and one could say that it was a mix of the good and the bad. That is, it was expected for one of the ghost division¡¯s strongholds to be secured here.

    Xu Wenhe still had his way of doing things. He only walked into some random alley beforeing out with a lithe teenager walking by his side.

    As Gu Zuo carefully observed that guy¡¯s face, he discovered that this youth wasn¡¯t actually a young man. He ought to be a thirty year old with a tender, doll-faced look. Those two eyes were profoundly deep and didn¡¯t have the alertness of a teenager.

    Xu Wenhe introduced him to Tianheng and the others: ¡°This is someone who gives referrals for the Arena, Owl Nine. Now that we¡¯ve already said our h.e.l.los, he can bring us over.¡±

    To the referral person, he said: ¡°This is my employer young master Li Dali, his bodyguard Liu Er, and his manservant Gu San.¡±

    Regardless of one, two, three, or even nine, it was obvious that they were all pseudonyms.

    However, both sides really didn¡¯t care that the other was actually using fake names.

    After Owl Nine heard everything, his face revealed an eager smile: ¡°So it turns out to be young master Li. It¡¯s an honor, an honor.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng had an arrogant smile: ¡°You tter me.¡±

    Gu Zuo: Patron¡¯s starting to perform again...

    Afterwards, Owl Nine seemed ustomed in his footsteps as he walked ahead onto the sidewalk: ¡°Sirs, pleasee with me. I don¡¯t know how many of you will be going, and if you¡¯ll be going through the life door or death door?¡±

    Tianheng kept pace with him: ¡°Tell us what the life and death doors are.¡±

    Owl Nine said: ¡°The life door goes to the Arena of Life and Death. The death door goes to where you can spend a little money. The life door is one¡¯s own life, and the death door is someone else¡¯s death. Life and death isn¡¯t soplicated.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help ridiculing: Right. It¡¯s not like where if I live, you die. It makes sense depending on how you say it.

    Not long after, Owl Nine brought a group of three to...a brothel.

    That¡¯s right, a brothel. Even though this ce didn¡¯t have the t.i.tle of ¡°brothel,¡± the ones who were entertaining guests were all girls with flirtatious smiles. This definitely wasn¡¯t a hoax? After entering the building, the obscene extravagance and concealed activities that only martial artists could sense also weren¡¯t fake?

    If one said that the stronghold was actually this brothel, then the ghost division¡¯s choice was definitely really strange.

    The me lion horses and the carriage were handled by attendants and moved to a stable. Owl Nine brought the people on the side into the building. Soon, some of the vague implications were slowly dispersed.

    As it turned out, the brothel wasn¡¯t the stronghold. It was the stronghold¡¯s entrance.

    After they moved forwards into a patch of darkness, Owl Nine exchanged a couple pa.s.swords with someone. Then, a sliding door opened.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help trembling.

    Within the door was a pitch-ck [3] pa.s.sageway. There were absolutely no sounds. Moreover, it gave a person a feeling...that it was truly gloomy and cold.

    Just at this time, a hand touched his shoulder.

    Gu Zuo almost jumped into the air in fright. Fortunately, he had a sense of familiarity that promptly made him recognize it was his dear patron. It gave him a bit more sense of security.

    Right, he and his patron were in this together.

    This stretch of road wasn¡¯t long, and Gongyi Tianheng partially embraced Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder. Although he didn¡¯t say anything, this imperceptible action gave Gu Zuo a lot offort.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind settled down. His reaction before was a little shameful.

    Right now, he could dissect wild beast corpses without batting an eye [4]. Unexpectedly, his reactions to being in the dark was the same as before. This wouldn¡¯t do. After they returned, he wondered if he should ask his patron for instructions. Maybe he¡¯d make ns for him to adapt to different surroundings as training and so on? He was frightened when he met an unfamiliar situation, but that wasn¡¯t suitable for living in this world.

    He needed to keep on living.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ÉúÒâÍØÕ¹ - Sheng yi (life force) tuo zhan (expand).

    [2] ½ÅÁ¦ - Jiao li, refers to one¡¯s capability of traveling, usually on foot.

    [3] ÉìÊÖ²»¼ûÎåÖ¸ - Shen shou bu jian wu zhi, stretching out your hand but being unable to see your five fingers, an idiom forplete darkness.

    [4] Actual phrase used was Ãæ²»¸ÄÉ«, where one¡¯s face doesn¡¯t change color.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 41

    Another sliding door opened inside the pa.s.sageway. Owl Nine went in, and then he brought out a couple of masks that could cover half of one¡¯s face.

    Gu Zuo took one and pressed it onto his face. It felt a bit like a novelty.

    Was this a legendary item that could hide one¡¯s ident.i.ty? Something that must be used to go to this thing. In other words, this indicated that the stronghold¡¯s affairs were not fit to be seen in the light... Part of the rules and all that.

    He didn¡¯t think about it for too long. After waiting for Gongyi Tianheng to put on his own mask, a group of people walked in a line.

    ¡ª In an instant, many morous noises reached their ears. Before their eyes was a bright re.

    Gu Zuo blinked. Once he adjusted after a few seconds, he discovered that everything here seemed to have practically switched like heaven and earth. Topare, it gave a person such a strong sense of mental pressure, not at all like the outside.

    However, not only were the people here very raucous, but the fiendish auras about them were quite heavy. Just as they came in, the stench of blood a.s.sailed their noses and instantly, many heated gazes were directed at them.

    There were many people, but not everyone wore masks. And the people who wore masks gave others the feeling of ipatibility.

    Clearly, those wearing masks were people who were given referrals and came in from the outside. Those who didn¡¯t wear masks were either people who¡¯d been here a long time or were a.s.sa.s.sins of the ghost division.

    Within the crowd was an elevated stage made of ck rock.

    On the stage were two people in the middle of fighting to the death. Unexpectedly, there was a beautiful woman near the edge of the stage. She wore tight-fitting clothing, which especially entuated her figure¡¯s s.e.x appeal.

    The three were all martial artists, but apparently the beautiful woman was the arbitrator for the stage.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s sight fell upon the elevated stage.

    The current him also had a bit of visual acuity so he could make out that the two people fighting had the strength of the Bone Forging third stage. As for his own cultivation progress, his true qi realm was merely one stage below theirs. He achieved Bone Forging second stage, but Gu Zuo knew that if he really fought with these men, they¡¯d definitely kill him in less than a minute. He didn¡¯t have the power to resist them whatsoever.

    And at this time, the man who was on the left side of the stage also didn¡¯t have the power to resist.

    After watching those two exchange blows for a bit, the one on the right suddenly took an evasive step. With an iparably sharp wind in his hand, he made a horizontal sh. It struck the other man¡¯s face, and immediately, there was the sound of the man¡¯s skull cracking. The man on the right abruptly leaped forward. He flipped his long leg and shot a kick that unleashed a frightening gale. This move directly shattered the left man¡¯s skull. So much red and white brain matter flowed out of the man¡¯s face.

    That beautiful female martial artist¡¯s expression was icily arrogant. She immediately dered: ¡°Luo Qiuhua wins!¡±

    After she spoke, she bent her waist and used her fair hand to hoist the corpse on the ground by its ankle. She casually threw it into a corner. This strength truly wasn¡¯t small.

    There was a person in the corner who specialized in dealing with corpses, and he dragged it away like taking out the garbage. A long trail of blood was left behind.

    Martial artists surrounded the elevated, ck stone stage. Many of them exposed bloodthirsty smiles.

    On another wall, there were two words that were etched in gold: ¡°He Hong.¡± At once, they were harshly erased by arge brush.

    Everyone was used to it.

    ______

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    He wasn¡¯t so scared of corpses like before, but this world¡¯s att.i.tude towards human life still left him with lingering fears. He couldn¡¯t help thinking that if it weren¡¯t for luck and sessfully joining up with his patron, his life would probably be like an ant¡¯s. A person¡¯s soft pinch could turn him into meat paste... Sure enough, he had to persevere in hugging his patron¡¯s thigh.

    Once Gongyi Tianheng watched this round, he gained some understanding of the situation here. Then, he turned around and walked across to a tavern and went past the entrance¡¯s awning [1].

    There were many people on the side drinking alcohol and watching the Arena of Life and Death in amus.e.m.e.nt. There was the stench of blood on each person¡¯s body. The smell was heavy andpletely intimidating.

    At the back of the sales counter stood a skinny and shriveled shopkeeper, who used a brush to scribble in a filthy book. He seemed ordinary, but his eyes would asionally shine with vitality. It could let a person see that he wasn¡¯t so simple.

    Owl Nine gave them the run down: ¡°Purchasing human lives for gambling tiles are done here.¡±

    To speak bluntly, the stronghold had so many people. It was the wizened shopkeeper who was responsible for everything.

    Tianheng tookrge strides up to the front of the sales counter and directly pped twenty two gold onto it: ¡°Shopkeeper, give me a tile. I want to go have some fun on the stage!¡±

    The wizened shopkeeper¡¯s voice was exasperatingly slow: ¡°Once in the arena, life and death are left up to the heavens. Young master has a rich and n.o.ble life. Don¡¯t waste it all for nothing.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng chuckled: ¡°Thanks for the warning.¡±

    The wizened shopkeeper slowly continued. This time, he just took out a ck tile and directly gave it over: ¡°As it happens, there is only one seat remaining ahead, if the young master can wait a little.¡±

    Tianheng s.n.a.t.c.hed the tile up, and proudly said: ¡°That¡¯s good enough!¡±

    Owl Nine and the shopkeeper nced at each other. They already had a mutual understanding. Therefore, Owl Nine gave a ttering smile towards Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Since the young master is interested, wouldn¡¯t it be better to bet? This can be very enjoyable...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng pretended that he couldn¡¯t hold back his interest, listening to what Owl Nine had to say.

    Gu Zuo, who watched on from the side, was dumbstruck. For the sake of preventing his expression from ruining everything, he lowered his head.

    That spectacle a moment ago, why did it seem rather like an act set up on TV? Gu Zuo¡¯s face was practically overshadowed with helplessness.

    It¡¯s good that his patron wanted to conceal his ident.i.ty, but his acting was too lifelike... If his patron was like that when they first met, Gu Zuo definitely wasn¡¯t ready to deal with it. Tianheng was like a burgeoning viin, and following him would turn Gu Zuo into cannon fodder.

    Gu Zuo quickly stopped paying attention to his patron¡¯s acting skills. Rather, he focused on what Owl Nine had to say.

    To put it simply, one could initiate a game of chance with certain odds. Each and every person who came here could gamble if they wanted to. Merely, they could only use gold to bet. The lowest ante was one to two gold.

    Gu Zuo had a bit of a mood.

    His patron, he could certainly bet on himself, right?

    One could conduct life or death battles here, and there were only martial artists below the Xiantian realm. His patron was at Meridian Condensing third stage. His fighting strength was high and he had many skills. He was definitely not worried about setbacks.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo was a little gloomy.

    Ah, if he was wealthy, he could¡¯ve definitely ced a bet... But currently, he was being provided for by his patron. He was penniless, with only a huge pile of medicinal herbs.

    He thought it over again. Actually, winning a bet had no meaning. His patron would package up anything he wanted. Money in his hand was just money. He only felt bad about this kind of situation. Wanting to y, but not being able to y and such... Forget it. Watching his patron y around was the same. He still kept a low profile.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t fail to live up to Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. After listening to Owl Nine¡¯s gossiping for a bit, he still maintained his persona of an arrogant nouveau riche. Facing Gu Zuo, Tianheng beckoned him by hooking his finger.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined. Right, his patron¡¯s money was all with him!

    He promptly scampered over, each footstep practically creating eddies of wind.

    Tianheng scoffed: ¡°Give me twenty thousand in golden banknotes.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and reached his hand into the lining of his robe, fishing out two ten-thousand denomination banknotes. With a fawning smile, he handed them over: ¡°Young master, here they are.¡±

    His acting skills weren¡¯t as excellent as his patron¡¯s, but he could still be particrly attentive to his patron.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a hint ofughter. He plucked the banknotes between two fingers and threw them down onto the counter in a forthright manner: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll just go have some fun now. I¡¯ll wager a bit of money on this young master.¡±

    When the shopkeeper and Owl Nine saw the twenty thousand in banknotes, an unusual color streaked across their eyes.

    At this time, sufficient information on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s ident.i.ty was leaked.

    Casually fishing out twenty thousand in golden banknotes to ¡°y¡± proved that his Family¡¯s position was at least second-tier or higher. His arrogant posturing proved that his position in the Family was not low. Since his position wasn¡¯t low, it was proof in itself that his innate skill was pretty good or that he had a powerful supporter. As for his fighting strength, it could only be seen after a match on the Arena of Life and Death.

    The shopkeeper¡¯s eye was twitching.

    An unremarkable person in a side corner received the hint. His figure quickly shed out, preparing to give Gongyi Tianheng an appropriate opponent.

    After just a few words, the two martial artists on the ck stone stage were already finished.

    This time, the battling martial artists were a man and a woman, but the man didn¡¯t have any tender or protective feelings for the fairer s.e.x in his heart. The woman also was exceptionally vicious. Two people gambled on their lives and all their moves were aimed at the other person¡¯s vital points. Finally, both sides were heavily injured and neither was able to climb back up from the ground. Soon after, in a contest of willpower, it was the female martial artist who grit her teeth and got up. She used a dagger to end the male martial artist¡¯s life! She showed no mercy!

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    When he was in the Qi household, he met that energetic servant girl. When he was in the Gongyi mansion, little sister Mingxia¡¯s martial strength was out of the ordinary. Previously in the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, there was the older sister who relentlessly tried to kill that raptor, as well as that arrogant and cruel young miss. And finally here, one who grabbed corpses like they were vegetables, and another who killed people like ughtering chickens...

    Did this world actually have any soft girls?

    The female martial artist was victorious. The referee, who also was a beautiful female martial artist, extended her hand to grasp the victor and threw her off the stage, directly into the arms of a man with a knife scar. Soon after, she grabbed the corpse of that male martial artist and dumped it into the corner for the a.s.signed personnel to handle.

    Immediately after that, it was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s turn to fight.

    His opponent wasn¡¯t wearing a mask, and his appearance was a little ugly. Altogether, his face was pa.s.sable, but it didn¡¯t have the same appeal as Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s half-covered face. [2]

    However, this wasn¡¯t a problem. Because the people here found that Gongyi Tianheng wore a mask and was a new arrival, the gazes directed at Tianheng carried some contempt.

    Then, the first round of bets were in full swing:

    ¡°Ugly Bull! I¡¯ll wager two hundred gold!¡±

    ¡°Fifty gold on Ugly Bull!¡±

    ¡°A hundred thirty, Ugly Bull!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bet on Ugly Bull!¡±

    Regardless of whether they saw Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s behavior before, practically no one bet on Tianheng. Although the odds on the man called Ugly Bull was one to two and Tianheng reached one to eight, no one chose him. Because in their minds, the seasoned Ugly Bull who¡¯d yet to die was much too powerfulpared to the young master who was pampered and spoiled at home.

    For this reason, Gu Zuo could only light a candle for them.

    Conveniently, he also gave the ountant [3] here a good point... His dear patron absolutely was a dark horse [4].

    Reality was also like this.

    When Gongyi Tianheng jumped onto the stage, they all snorted disdainfully at his mediocre footwork. But when Tianheng started to fight, they no longer believed that they¡¯d win.

    ______

    ______

    [1] Åñ×Ó - Peng zi, awning. However, I think the author is referring to the j.a.panese noren (Å¯ºŸ).

    [2] It seems Gu Zuo¡¯s standards have gotten impossibly high. Haha.

    [3] ×¯¼Ú - Zhuang jia, the person in charge of handling the wagers. Also known as the book maker or bookie.

    [4] Actual term is ÀäÃÅ, figuratively, aplete unknown who wins apet.i.tion.

    ______

    T/N: Gu Zuo, just look in a mirror if you¡¯re looking for a softie. Thanks to user Charysa for the suggestions.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 42

    Gongyi Tianheng extended an arm; his fist¡¯s strike already unleashed a qi burst. This qi burst instantly shed with Ugly Bull¡¯s wind w and caused the w image to explode!

    Ugly Bull¡¯s speed was very fast, and this speed could only let people perceive its oppressive shadow. Previously on every asion, if his opponent couldn¡¯t seize the key moment or be even faster than him, usually this first move would rend flesh. Even if it didn¡¯t tear the person¡¯s flesh and they were able to dodge in time, it would leave b.l.o.o.d.y marks. The person would suffer internal injuries by the wind w.

    But this time, when that wind w and qi burst shed, not only was Tianheng unharmed, it was actually Ugly Bull who was shockingly wounded by that surprise attack. His jaw opened and he vomited a mouthful of blood.

    Ugly Bull was incessantly fearful: ¡°You, you ¡ª You¡¯re strong!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng flicked his hand, and arrogantly said: ¡°The martial skills this young master has practiced isn¡¯t something that you can see through. Your reputation is actually so great, but in this young master¡¯s hands, you can¡¯t withstand a single blow!¡±

    Ugly Bull¡¯s face darkened.

    Who was this guy? Ugly Bull had so much experience fighting to the death. If he lost under this pampered young master¡¯s hands today, then he truly wouldn¡¯t be able to save face!

    Ugly Bull packed away the contempt in his heart, and became much more calm a momentter.

    It seemed to him that what happened now was just a momentary miscalction. This young master could resist that strike, so the practiced martial skill was of a high rank, and his might was very formidable. However, it seemed that using this kind of high level martial skill once or twice had inted this young master¡¯s ego. His opponent had never encountered him before, so wouldn¡¯t he die in his grasp? This round couldn¡¯t be an exception!

    In the blink of an eye, Ugly Bull¡¯s trajectory became crafty and strange. His face revealed a look that was abination of blood-thirst and brutality.

    He was taking things seriously!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a hidden light, his palmsunching out: ¡°Behold my Mountain Strength, third form!¡±

    Instantly, a valiant force shot straight out and continuously oscited no less than three times as it surged at Ugly Bull. And Ugly Bull¡¯s reaction was very fast. Once he heard Tianheng¡¯s voice, he already changed his move. His form crouched down, intending to avoid the path of that power.

    Who could have thought that while he evaded it, that power¡¯s oscition was like a proliferating ripple. In the time it took for an oldborer to blink, the pressure on his chest made him vomit another mouthful of blood.

    Ugly Bull furiously shouted: ¡°This isn¡¯t Mountain Strength!¡±

    Tianheng sneered: ¡°You¡¯d believe anything this young master says? Too stupid!¡±

    Naturally, what he used wasn¡¯t Mountain Strength, but Copsing Mountain Strength.

    The former was a human level low rank martial skill, and Copsing Mountain Strength was human level mid rank. The differences in power were like heaven and earth. In addition, a great majority of martial artists could get a hold of Mountain Strength, but Copsing Mountain Strength only circted among a fewrge Families. Those who utilized Copsing Mountain Strength also weren¡¯t likely to fall for Mountain Strength.

    Everyone below the stage who were watching couldn¡¯t help but jeer and reprimand:

    ¡°Ugly Bull! Have you gone soft in the head today?¡±

    ¡°Daddy¡¯s [1] hundred gold! f.u.c.king [2] give it back!¡±

    ¡°Ugly Bull, are you not even a match for a neer?¡±

    ¡°Ugly Bull, kill the new guy!¡±

    ¡°This maiden¡¯s [3] monthlymission was bet on you b.a.s.t.a.r.d [4]. What are you doing? Pay up!¡±

    Gu Zuo felt helpless.

    Ah, his patron¡¯s intentions were a little rotten... So lively. In the end, was it truly acting or taking delight in evil?

    Ugly Bull¡¯s expression twisted.

    Where could he have thought that he¡¯d suffer such a big loss against a neer? He thought this was merely an oblivious fool. He never expected that he¡¯d be the one to look like an idiot.

    Immediately, he didn¡¯t concern himself with what Gongyi Tianheng said. He wanted to wholeheartedly kill Tianheng at his own pace!

    And as for Tianheng? After he briefly showed that his acting persona wasn¡¯tpletely without a brain, he didn¡¯t speak anymore. Only, after undertaking the task before him, he became even more ruthless.

    Taking responsibility for one¡¯s life or death in this Arena. He started to experience this kind of feeling fighting another person, but it really wasn¡¯t aughing matter.

    Gongyi Tianheng became serious. He used three martial skills in total: Copsing Mountain Strength, Thunderp Punch, and Whirlwind Leg. He used them continuously and unpredictably. It made one unable to predict his next move.

    From beginning to end, there were ten rounds. Although Ugly Bull was vicious, he was still suppressed by Tianheng ¡ª Even if Ugly Bull used even more sinister methods or sneak attacks to control the fight, he still couldn¡¯t resist Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s offensive.

    Tianheng¡¯s every move disyed strength and discipline. He was free and unconstrained.

    In front of him, Ugly Bull was like amon clown. Ultimately, Tianheng snapped his neck!

    The corner of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mouth curved into an arrogant arc: ¡°Ha, he only amounted to this!¡±

    His disy was so ostentatious, but his mind was actually calm.

    The feeling of killing a person for the first time... There was almost no feeling at all. If he had to say something, then he felt a hint of his blood boiling.

    There was also the fact that he previously only had his brains to control huge tracks of n property. Behind the scenes, he grasped the livelihoods of countless people, even their very lives. However, although that sort of feeling was very refreshing, how could itpare to the vivid sensation of the convergent power in his hands?

    ¡ª No, perhaps it wasn¡¯t iparable.

    Rather, people were always greedy. When a person had martial strength, they¡¯d desire authority. And when a person had authority, they¡¯d desire martial strength. If there was a shortage of the two, then their thoughts were imperceptible.

    In this world, only martial strength with sufficient power and authority that could harness sufficient help was genuine happiness.

    ______

    That pampered young master actually won! He won without the slightest injury!

    When Ugly Bull¡¯s corpse fell, the sound of the crash filled the Arena.

    The matter of a new guy killing a veteran had happened before, but those neers knew with a look that he was experienced and blood-drenched. How could he appear arrogant and brainless now? They thought that this was a rigged game of chance, but he unexpectedly hit the bullseye. It really was difficult for people to ept.

    Some with discerning eyes attentively sized Tianheng up.

    They knew about Ugly Bull¡¯s strength. Despite not being the strongest, he had many strategies. He could be counted as an expert. And this expert died like that in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s hands. It was truly beyond people¡¯s expectations.

    This caused them to harbor suspicions. This pampered young master truly was a natural talent, but his disposition was frivolous. Or was this a case of disguising as a pig to eat the tiger in order to trick them?

    The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes shed: ¡°Alright. Thepensation money we owe should be paid. In the end, the people here are our guests.¡±

    Just then, several people¡¯s expressions changed as they yielded and restrained themselves.

    That¡¯s right. In the end, what kind of person was Gongyi Tianheng? If one could understand, then they understood. If they couldn¡¯t, then they didn¡¯t ask about it. They were the type of people who hid in the dark. Admittedly, it was good to know, but sometimes one had to close their eyes.

    At this time, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t control what other people thought or did ¡ª At the very minimum, his current ident.i.ty was that of a henchman. He was eagerly attentive as he scampered to the front of the sales counter.

    What was he doing over there? He went to receive the gambling money!

    The princ.i.p.al was twenty thousand in golden banknotes. With one to eight odds, he could withdraw a hundred sixty thousand gold.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo was a little excited.

    Atst he¡¯d finally witnessed his patron¡¯s ability to make money first hand. Even if it was him refining medicine for sale, it¡¯d take a long time to obtain these tens of thousands of gold. His patron only needed one fight to swiftly settle things in order to basically get a huge profit!

    That wizened shopkeeper also didn¡¯t procrastinate as he instructed someone to give Gu Zuo the sufficiently prepared golden banknotes, which were ten thousand a piece. Without any ambiguity, the shopkeeper pushed them over.

    Gu Zuo took them and noticed his patron use especially bold footwork to get off the stage after winning. He arrived at Gu Zuo¡¯s side in an instant.

    He recalled his own ident.i.ty, and hurriedly said: ¡°Young master, these golden banknotes...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was in high spirits: ¡°You¡¯d better bet these on this young master.¡±

    A person on the side heard this, turned his head, and approached them.

    The person in charge of registration and bet cements looked on distractedly: ¡°You want to bet all of the hundred sixty thousand?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t this style of spending too great?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart moved and his face stiffened as he straightforwardly ced sixteen golden banknotes onto the counter. As a dog threatened based on its master¡¯s power [5], he said: ¡°Young master¡¯s words hold enormous weight and he has always kept his promises! You all are short-sighted over a trifling hundred sixty thousand. The amount that drips from a cut of the young master¡¯s fingertip is more than this, and you¡¯re still unhappy with urgently cing young master¡¯s bet?¡±

    This kind, this kind of feeling inside from acting...was very good!

    The wizened shopkeeper coughed drily: ¡°ce our guest¡¯s bet!¡±

    The person before took one look and his heart trembled in fear. He hastily wrote it down.

    Who in the stronghold didn¡¯t witness this? He was truly too shortsighted. Although there weren¡¯t many bets that exceeded a hundred thousand gold, they had happened before. Furthermore, there had even been bets that exceeded several hundreds of thousands in other strongholds. Indeed, one didn¡¯t have to make such a big fuss about nothing.

    After waiting a moment, he realized that he reached his conclusions too early.

    Perhaps the reason for it was due to the small number of fighters at this time. After two matches on that Arena, it was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s turn again.

    Tianheng also didn¡¯t stand on ceremony and threw himself onto the stage to fight his opponent once more.

    Who would arrange the person Tianheng would fight? Besides the special challenger, the others who either watched on fortuitously or dealt with covert operations were all part of the ghost division.

    This time, Gongyi Tianheng was the target of these arrangements.

    Once he got on the stage, Tianheng could sense that his opponent was like something that had crawled out of a blood ocean. His body¡¯s fiendish aura surpa.s.sed Ugly Bull¡¯s several times over. Even though the rank was the same, the sense of oppression wasn¡¯t.

    His mind took precautions, but his expression was still very haughty.

    Instantly, both sides collided!

    Below the stage, Gu Zuo watched as his heart began thumping all of a sudden. He could sense a great deal of danger from this person!

    Patron, he... No, he hadn¡¯t revealed his true colors. He still believed in his patron.

    Ever since Dragon Two and Xu Wenhe joined them here, their presences became very faint. However, at this time they took a step forward and joined Gu Zuo,pletely focusing their attentions on the stage.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t make them lose hope. He used five kinds of martial skills this round. In this violent martial battle, he suddenly used Spirit Serpent Steps. When his counterpart¡¯s offensive was at its fiercest, he rushed through an opening and immediately sent an explosive fist at his opponent¡¯s weak point! This dealt a serious injury to the person. Afterwards, he showed no quarter and once more snapped this person¡¯s neck.

    Thus, the book maker lost again. Even though the odds this round were already one to four, the sum of money they had to pay still reached as much as six hundred forty thousand gold. This was an all-or-nothing victory.

    They immediately adjusted the odds at one to two. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s opponent became even stronger and more blood-drenched.

    It was such a pity. Tianheng still won ¡ª This round, he received a small injury, and the gold he obtained was 1.28 million.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ÀÏ×Ó - Lao zi, ¡°I, your father,¡± much moremon than ¡°grandfather¡± in terms of egotistic self-identification. Simr to ¡°yours truly¡± or ¡°who¡¯s your daddy.¡±

    [2] ËûÄïµÄ - Ta niang de, simr to ËûÂèµÄ, which means f.u.c.k.

    [3] ÀÏÄï- Lao niang, ¡°I, your mother¡± the same as ÀÏ×Ó for women.

    [4] ¹ê¶ù×Ó - Gui er zi, b.a.s.t.a.r.d or son of a b.i.t.c.h.

    [5] ¹·ÕÌÈËÊÆ - Gou zhang ren shi, an idiom meaning to use one¡¯s position to bully others.

    ______

    T/N: I learned a few more curse words today, haha.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 43

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    His patron was wounded? That wasn¡¯t good... Although the current tolerance of his patron¡¯s body was fine, he couldn¡¯t sustain injuries. It would¡¯ve been wonderful if he didn¡¯t get hurt.

    He went over without dy, still acting as a henchman. From his sleeve ¡ª In fact, it was his storage s.p.a.ce that he fished out a jade bottle. He stuffed it into his patron¡¯s hand, who¡¯d just gotten off the stage.

    This was undoubtedly the perfect grade qi generating pills. [1]

    When he was in the vi, Gongyi Tianheng was still fine. But ever since he ventured out, whenever he nearly exhausted his true qi in the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, he used this kind of qi generating pill.

    Now that he engaged inbat, this naturally wasn¡¯t an exception.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t bother being polite and immediately took the porcin bottle. He wrapped his fingers around the bottle¡¯s body and flipped it. A plump and glossy medicinal pill was shaken out and it plunged directly into his mouth. Afterwards, he pulled a bench over and sat cross-legged, regting his breath to recover his true qi.

    This was the first time he¡¯d done this since fighting someone. On the contrary, there were some people who used their heads, and thought about the quality of his pills. However, they could only roughly infer that the qualities were high. The specifics were unknown.

    Not long after, Tianheng opened his eyes. The vigor in his body was a bit stronger than before.

    Gu Zuo moved closer and softly asked: ¡°Young master, are you okay?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I made a breakthrough.¡±

    Gu Zuo gaped.

    A breakthrough? Could it be from Meridian Condensing third stage to Houtian ninth stage perfect-grade?

    However, this Houtian ninth stage perfect-grade originally referred to the power of the ninth stage being wlessly polished. One could engage the concept of the half-step into the Xiantian realm. Furthermore, this wasn¡¯t a genuine breakthrough. And if one said that his patron already broke through to half-step Xiantian, then it wouldn¡¯t seem like such a big deal...

    During this time, Gu Zuo was a little confused.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw his puzzlement, but didn¡¯t immediately exin. He merely opened his mouth and arrogantly said: ¡°You still haven¡¯t fetched this young master¡¯s gambling money?¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it at once, and promptly left for the sales counter.

    The eyes of the wizened shopkeeper standing at the sales counter held a bit of killing intent.

    With regards to the a.s.sa.s.sin organization of the entire continent, the Ghost Division, 1.28 million gold was naturally a paltry sum. However, with regards to such a tiny stronghold, that was already a huge amount of operating funds.

    It was only that the underworld had its own rules. At least in this stronghold, they couldn¡¯t renege on their debts. Also, they couldn¡¯t harm these neers who gambled with high stakes and won big time.

    It could only be when...it was in the Arena.

    That wizened shopkeeper¡¯s face trembled as he reluctantly smiled: ¡°I¡¯m not aware if that young master wants to keep betting?¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head and looked towards Tianheng.

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°What are the odds?¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head again and looked to the shopkeeper: ¡°Our young master asked a question!¡±

    The wizened shopkeeper¡¯s mouth twitched: ¡°One to two.¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly raised his voice: ¡°Young master, one to two!"

    Tianheng sneered: ¡°Such small odds? Where¡¯s the fun in that? Go bring my golden banknotes back!¡±

    Gu Zuo again shouted: ¡°As youmand, young master!¡±

    Afterwards, under the reluctant gaze of the wizened shopkeeper, the gambling patrons, as well as the greedy eyes of the surrounding martial artists, he picked up that thick stack of golden banknotes and hurriedly delivered it to his patron.

    Gongyi Tianheng shot a nce: ¡°I¡¯ll just give it to you to hold.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard all the people around suck in a breath, and restrained hisughter: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    Following that, he stashed that stack of golden banknotes into the front of his robes. Then atst, he sensed scorchingly hot gazes from all directions.

    This feeling was a little dreadful.

    Gu Zuo held his breath and hid behind Dragon Two.

    Ah...he was just a weak pharmacist.

    However, while Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t ce any bets, his opponent¡¯s strength was still even more powerful. [2]

    The opponent who appeared this round seemed like a terrible beast ¡ª No, it should be that when he didn¡¯t move, he was like a ghost. And once he moved, he was iparably vicious. His body was enveloped in a fiendish aura just like a killing machine. It was very scary!

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng was satisfied in his heart.

    He could tell that this veteran killing machine was one genuinely cultivated by the Ghost Division. A killer who¡¯d undertaken countless a.s.sa.s.sinations. Tianheng didn¡¯t know how many lives he¡¯d taken; he was truly an elite a.s.sa.s.sin.

    If he only fought with a couple average hoodlums, why would he have specifically sought out this stronghold? He could¡¯ve had his subordinates investigate some information to find bandits and so on, then just eliminate them. What he wanted was not only to help train himself against the Ghost Division¡¯s novice a.s.sa.s.sins, but after Xu Wenhe¡¯s proposal, he already had a n ¡ª What he wanted was the feeling of hanging by a thread between life and death. It was to temper himself in a life or death struggle!

    It was only when one approached death again and again, did one conquer it. This could allow him to steadily increase his willpower and make him capable of confronting any kind of crisis. From here on, he would step onto the path of the martial artist and reach its peak!

    As a result, Gongyi Tianheng used his vaguely arrogant att.i.tude andrge denominations of money to provoke those gamblers¡¯ nerves. Afterwards, through his victories, he made those gamblers frantic and made the stronghold¡¯s administrator recognize that he shouldn¡¯t be messed with. When he stepped on the stronghold¡¯s bottom line, he promptly pulled back. Now, the stronghold was finally willing to show their trump card.

    ¡ª At this time, the entire stronghold didn¡¯t want to let Tianheng live.

    As he was so unbridled and egotistical, it didn¡¯t matter if his recklessness or arrogance was real or not. Regardless of his ident.i.ty, they all wanted to peel off ayer of skin!

    This att.i.tude from the stronghold was precisely what Tianheng wanted.

    Gongyi Tianheng was crazy.

    Of course, at this time, Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t yet discovered that his patron¡¯s madness had already started to re up. He only saw his patron¡¯s current opponent shuddering, and innocently waited for his patron¡¯s triumph.

    He firmly believed that his patron would surely achieve a total victory!

    ______

    This round, Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t fight so easily and he didn¡¯t conceal his strategies.

    He fully utilized all his avable martial skills and his footwork was unpredictable. Since thest fight, his speed was faster, his fighting was fiercer, his angles of attack were craftier, and his coordination was sharper.

    Some martial artists¡¯ lines of sight often weren¡¯t able to react and follow along before he already changed over ten moves. In dozens of attacks, the sounds of explosions never stopped. There were air-breaking sounds between the palm strikes he brandished.

    Many martial artists found that this pampered young master¡¯s speed was faster and it seemed he was even stronger. However, it was obvious that there wasn¡¯t such a terrifying power before. Wasn¡¯t this kind of frightful progress in such a short period of time simply too exaggerated? Or should it be said that this youngster had hidden his strength from the very beginning?

    That veteran killing machine practically turned into a ckened shadow and could engage from all kinds of elusive angles. He used a terrible power to unleash a certain-kill strike!

    Only, these attacks were still obstructed by Tianheng. Their punches and kicks crossed paths and m.u.f.fled impacts sounded continuously. The power of this fight¡¯s collisions erupted in rumbling bursts.

    Gongyi Tianheng was extremely calm.

    He really sensed a boundless killing intent that wanted to rend his flesh and burrow into his bone marrow. There were even many times when he dangerously avoided those killing moves. In the instant that his counterpart¡¯s murderous aura overflowed, he could observe his opponent¡¯s bad habits. His body would dodge beyond the predicted trajectory of his opponent¡¯s attacks and he could calcte many ways to respond.

    This was a kind of exceptional insight that seemed inherent. Together with his iparable IQ, his powerful brain became his strongest resource.

    The greater the life or death crisis, the calmer his mind became.

    This made his eyes seem like two mirrors. That killing machine¡¯s a.s.sa.s.sination techniques were all brought into focus.

    Thus, even though he was a killing machine meticulously cultivated by the Ghost Division, he could only give Gongyi Tianheng a few small injuries in the beginning because Tianheng had yet to adapt to his tempo. And the more Tianheng fought, the braver he became. That killing machine truly looked like a machine whose electricity had run dry. He couldn¡¯t maintain his lighting-fast, storm-like a.s.sa.s.sination techniques any longer!

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t forget to keep his arrogant expression, but his movements didn¡¯t match his expression in the least. He suddenly used heavenly eagle steps and quickly switched it with spirit serpent steps. Compared to the a.s.sa.s.sin, it was still craftier than anything previously. He covertly wrapped around behind the a.s.sa.s.sin and used his fingers to snap his neck!

    That¡¯s right. This a.s.sa.s.sin¡¯s neck was already hardened through training, but Tianheng had prepared early on. He utilized hisplete strength to efficiently get rid of the Ghost Division¡¯s killing machine!

    One fight ended.

    Countless martial artists were bitter and hateful.

    The majority of martial artists who stayed here for a long time all had exceptional eyesight. And besides a small number of brainless gambling addicts, the gamblers who regrly ced their bets wouldn¡¯t let the excitement of the high-stakes cloud their own judgment.

    For example, there were some among them who were very sessful at calcting. They¡¯d long ago guessed that the high-profile Gongyi Tianheng and his group wouldn¡¯t have such a good ending. When that killing machine actually showed up, even more people found that he was different from many of the martial artists here.

    Naturally, a great majority of the gamblers conscientiously saw through him. They believed that no matter how gifted Tianheng was, he wouldn¡¯t risk his life fighting in a perilous [3] ce like this. It was impossible topare to the elite a.s.sa.s.sin carefully bred by the Ghost Division. When cing their bets, they chose the veteran killing machine.

    Who could¡¯ve thought that it was Gongyi Tianheng who¡¯d ultimately win?

    One fight after another.

    Every time the martial artists felt that Tianheng might lose, he always won quite handily. It wasn¡¯t until after the Ghost Division¡¯s elite arrived that they still had their faces pped.

    In the end, this made them sense the stirrings of an abnormal development...

    Everyone¡¯splexions changed.

    Gu Zuo hastily went to greet his patron and continued to offer him the perfect grade qi generating pills in addition to the perfect grade rejuvenation pills ¡ª Not only had his patron¡¯s clothes be tattered, the wounds on his body wererge and small, which produced dozens of rivets of blood. His patron rapidly recovered from his injuries and his strength was restored. Not a single wound was overlooked.

    Only, Gu Zuo knew that the following battles would still be hard-fought!

    ...Ai, his patron was truly too adventurous.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] I¡¯ll be retroactively changing ¡°highest quality¡± to ¡°perfect grade.¡±

    [2] Tianheng stopped cing bets on himself, but he¡¯s still fighting in the Arena.

    [3] µ¶É½Ñªº£ - Dao shan xue hai, knifes in the mountains and blood in the sea. It means a location that is so dangerous, a person would die a horrible death.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 44

    Punches and kicks were exchanged in the Arena. The shadows of two martial artists intersected and the stench of blood spread out, clogging the nose. Just then, the two people fighting were wounded ¡ª No, it shouldn¡¯t be said that they were merely wounded. Rather, they were already badly mangled as injuries covered their bodies.

    Not long after, they exploded with qi. One twisted his body strangely, a cold light blossoming between his hands. The other closed his eyes and leaped vertically, turning his leg into a kick, which broke the former¡¯s neck!

    The one with the strange body technique promptly died, and the body of the one who jumped up suddenly swayed back and forth as he slowly walked off the stage.

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh of relief. He couldn¡¯t deal with it anymore and rushed over.

    Gongyi Tianheng directly crashed into Gu Zuo¡¯s body. If Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t practiced his cultivation method, then perhaps they both would¡¯ve crumpled to the ground from such an impact.

    Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t mince words as he took out a rejuvenation pill with one hand and stuffed it into his patron¡¯s mouth. Afterwards, he held his breath as he checked his patron¡¯s health.

    His clothes werepletely ruined and his half-naked body had b.l.o.o.d.y holes all over. There were several deep wounds where one could clearly see bone, and there were even some that just missed the heart. It was clear that this was a desperate fight!

    Fortunately, once Gu Zuo fed Tianheng the rejuvenation pill, it could be seen by the naked eye that the wounds¡¯ recovery speed quickened. It was also fortunate that in spite of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s wounds, they didn¡¯t bring about any internal injuries.

    It was also because of this that the effects of the rejuvenation pill were near instant.

    Gongyi Tianheng quickly steadied his breathing and supported his own weight before getting into a sitting position to meditate.

    Gu Zuo silently sighed in his heart.

    He could finally see ¡ª Patron, this was crazy...

    It had already been half a month.

    They¡¯d been eating and living here for these several days. Besides fighting in the Arena, his patron had been healing and meditating off the stage. He basically hadn¡¯t given himself the least bit of time to rest.

    Because they were in a crowded, public ce, it was impossible for Gu Zuo to refine medicine. As a result, he could only join Tianheng in meditation. He could¡¯t do anything fishy at all. Whenever Tianheng beat his opponent and got off the stage, Gu Zuo was also responsible for going over and delivering medicinal pills ¡ª All the while keeping up the appearance of a little manservant.

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s opponents were getting stronger, craftier, and with greaterbat potential. Naturally, they were getting harder to handle. This made every one of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s triumphs miserable, and the injuries he received became more and more serious.

    However, this wasn¡¯t everything.

    Tianheng¡¯s improvement broke through Gu Zuo¡¯s perceptions once again.

    Gu Zuo could sense that every time his patron recovered from his wounds, his strength seemed to have a leap in development. No matter how much the Ghost Division spent to push the limits of its cultivated killing machines¡¯ potential, with strength that was undoubtedly more terrifying, Gongyi Tianheng could still often be their match. Moreover, by sustaining moderate injuries after his victories ¡ª it was obvious that his patron was putting his life on the line every time. However, because his improvement speed was just too fast, it was like he was hiding his strength each match.

    He absent-mindedly thought about it and he was greatly astonished. Topare the strengths of his patron now to the one in the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, the gap between them was more than two to three times!

    It was the same for Meridian Condensing third stage and not entering the half step into the Xiantian realm. Could the gap in strength really be thisrge?

    If it was just when they arrived at the stronghold... Gu Zuo¡¯s facial expression was a little distracted. Compared to when they first arrived, that Ugly Bull who exchanged several blows before dying by his patron¡¯s hands, if they fought now, wouldn¡¯t he be aimmediately KO¡¯ed [1]?

    Thinking up to here, there was a rumbling boom in Gu Zuo¡¯s brain.

    Though his patron was so powerful, he still fought like his life depended on it... He wondered if he shouldn¡¯t have entrusted the <spirit piercing="" awl="">> to his patron to figure out. After all, pharmacists and martial artists were different. Even with his patron¡¯s IQ, he wasn¡¯t able to formte a workable cultivation n. Could the reason have been that his patron wasn¡¯t a pharmacist?</spirit>

    Perhaps...

    Gu Zuo clenched his fists.

    After leaving this stronghold, he simply must make an attempt.

    After Gongyi Tianheng finished regting his breath, he returned to the shopkeeper to get a tile.

    However, the opponent he met on the stage this time wasn¡¯t like the killing machine before ¡ª This also wasn¡¯t considered too strange. In the days leading up to here, he definitely couldn¡¯t fight a killing machine every time.

    After he quickly disposed of his opponent, Gongyi Tianheng left the Arena and waited his turn again.

    Yet, the next fight still wasn¡¯t a killing machine of the Ghost Division.

    After that, the third match, fourth match, fifth match... After a whole day, there totally wasn¡¯t a single worthy opponent.

    Tianheng¡¯s brows furrowed a bit. Immediately, he turned his head and his expression wasn¡¯t happy: ¡°How could all of them be such trash? Aren¡¯t there any more powerful opponents?! Could it be that the magnificent Ghost Division doesn¡¯t have any more?¡±

    That wizened shopkeeper heard this and his face revealed a pained expression: ¡°This young master¡¯s strength is iparable. We truly were unable to find an opponent who could beat the young master. We ask that the young master to be lenient on us.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He felt that this dialogue had an undertone of a raging sea [2].

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze shed, showing a somewhat disdainful look: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then just forget about it. This young master¡¯s stay here has been somewhat boring, so I¡¯ll just leave.¡±

    Then, heughed grimly, ¡°One¡¯s reputation can¡¯tpare to meeting in person. The Ghost Division only amounted to this.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he turned around and left while takingrge strides.

    Gu Zuo cracked a smile.

    He didn¡¯tpletely understand why his patron wanted to draw so much enmity [3]. This mouth was simply too rotten. Could it be that he was unafraid of the Ghost Division¡¯s people ganging up on him once he left? Even if it was for the sake of staying in character, this sacrifice was ratherrge. Or could it be that his patron already felt that fighting the people here wasn¡¯t invigorating enough, and wanted to employ a bunch of people to fight all at once?

    He simply felt helpless.

    What could he do when he started to worry over his tiny life...

    However, the developing situation was nothing like what Gu Zuo thought.

    Just as his patron took five or six steps out, the wizened shopkeeper suddenly shouted for him to stop.

    ¡°Young master, hold on!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng halted mid step: ¡°You have something to say?¡±

    The face of the wizened shopkeeper was eagerly attentive as a smile bloomed: ¡°Young master, please don¡¯t take offense. This old bag of bones wants to ask the young master about a certain matter. If the young master agrees, my Ghost Division wouldn¡¯t be able to thank you enough...¡±

    Tianheng looked a little interested, and opened his mouth charitably: ¡°This young master will listen to your question.¡±

    The wizened shopkeeper lowered his voice: ¡°May I ask the young master what the name of those medicinal pills that were used for treating your wounds? Where can they be purchased?¡±

    A scowl flit across Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face: ¡°Why? Did you want to take these?¡±

    The wizened shopkeeper promptly said: ¡°That really isn¡¯t the case. Young master, please calm down! This old bag of bones absolutely doesn¡¯t have any intentions of prying. It¡¯s simply that the young master also knows that my Ghost Division serves as the de of the people. It¡¯s unavoidable for some to die young. But if we had that kind of medicinal pill on hand, surely there¡¯d be many more pitiful souls who could survive. With such medicinal effects, my Ghost Division is naturally willing to pay huge sums to purchase those pills. We have absolutely no intentions of taking them by force.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but silently curse: Acting as the de of the people, huh? ...How big is your face?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression rxed: ¡°Okay, there¡¯s no harm in telling you all. This thing is the unexpected windfall of this young master¡¯s subordinate pharmacist. It¡¯s a rejuvenation pill of a higher grade. Compared tomon rejuvenation pills, it¡¯s seven to eight times better. If you want it, you can only get it from this young master.¡±

    The wizened shopkeeper guessed this early on. At this given moment, he became even more polite: ¡°Then, would the young master be willing to...part with his treasure and share some with us?¡±

    Between the meaning of those words, that att.i.tude of his was practically crushed into the mud.

    In the end, this was exchanged for Tianheng¡¯s arrogant scoff: ¡°It looks like your heart is sincere. Fine, I¡¯ll share some with you. Fifty gold per pill. I¡¯ll give you a thousand pills each month for fifty thousand gold. You only need to fetch them at the Luren Hall.¡±

    Once he finished talking, he flicked his sleeve. He was unconcerned with the wizened shopkeeper behind him, who was still requesting more medicinal pills. He immediately left this ce.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but stare nkly.

    Just then, his patron...made another business deal?

    Even though fifty thousand gold wasn¡¯t as huge a profit as when he fought, if left to .u.mte over a long time, he¡¯d rue upwards of six hundred thousand gold. That could be considered a very good source of funds.

    Could it be said that this business deal was already thought up long ago, or that it was decided upon just now?! Next to his patron, Gu Zuo¡¯s IQ didn¡¯t seem sufficient to be of use...

    Simrly, Owl Nine had been apanying them here for the past half month. At this time, he increased his presence once more, and deferentially sent them off.

    After they pa.s.sed through the lengthy darkness, a group of people finally saw the sun in the sky again.

    Afterwards, Gongyi Tianheng and the others got on a carriage and spent several days slowly strolling around and enjoying themselves in the city. Only when they seemed tired of it did they leave.

    ______

    Enroute.

    Under Dragon Two¡¯s excellent carriage driving skills, there wasn¡¯t any feeling of b.u.mps or jolts.

    Gu Zuo sat next to Tianheng and couldn¡¯t understand it at all.

    He tried to restrain himself, but he still softly asked: ¡°Young master Tianheng, why did you want to sell the rejuvenation pills to the Ghost Division? The Ghost Division are all a.s.sa.s.sins. If their mortality rates declined, wouldn¡¯t they continuously expand? Isn¡¯t this a little...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng reached out his hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. His voice was rather deep and maic: ¡°The Ghost Division is a de. And so long as someone has a need for that de, they will never disappear. While murderers are the de, wielding that de is desirable, and people¡¯s desires are endless. Ah Zuo, selling them the medicinal pills and selling them for the sake of those martial artists fighting for their lives is no different. And currently, we still can¡¯t officially release our medicinal pills. Having such an underground channel to carry out our sales also is a way forward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll only have to ask Ah Zuo to work hard... Each month you¡¯ll need to refine over twenty cauldrons of rejuvenation pills. Naturally, those sold to the Ghost Division will have to be high grade rejuvenation pills.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was soft: ¡°Can Ah Zuo do it?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and nodded: ¡°No problem.¡±

    He understood that his patron was supplementing his means of making money [4]. Moreover, what his patron said was really reasonable. This world was differentpared to the modern era. His patron understood this better than he did, so he needed to pay extra attention.

    Thinking about this, Gu Zuo suddenly quivered: ¡°Young master Tianheng, the Ghost Division profited a lot of money from our victories, but they lost dozens of elite a.s.sa.s.sins. We¡¯ve also revealed such an obvious target as the upgraded version of the rejuvenation pill. If the Ghost Division wasn¡¯t willing to let this go, what should we do?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng grinned meaningfully: ¡°Something as precious as the pill¡¯s prescription would certainly wouldn¡¯t be taken out lightly. So, before the Ghost Division investigates it, they¡¯d hate to start anything with us.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    So, that¡¯s to say, this was also nned?

    ______

    ______

    [1] The author used the English letters ¡°KO.¡± However, Tianheng is definitely killing his opponents instead of just knocking them out.

    [2] ²¨ÌÎÐÚÓ¿ - Bo tao xiong yong, an idiom meaning a perilous situation.

    [3] À­³ðºÞ - La chou hen, colloquially known as ¡°pulling or drawing aggro¡± in game terminology, but obviously this phrase doesn¡¯t fit in this story setting.

    [4] ÍØ¿í²ÆÂ· - Tuo kuan (broaden) cai lu (financial path).

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 45

    Gu Zuo¡¯s nervousness suddenly vanished.

    Although his patron¡¯s acting these past few days seemed quite bombastic, they only had to depart from the stronghold under the protection of the Empire-wide Gongyi n¡¯s intermediaries. They would smoothly leave without any problems ¡ª After all, wasn¡¯t the deployment of a bodyguard and manservant for this kind of young master just too ordinary?

    In addition, as for his patron¡¯s frail reputation, apart from an extremely small number of confidantes, even the members of the Gongyi n were unaware that his patron could already practice martial arts. Also, his strength was outstanding. The investigations of those outsiders were sure to receive many obstructions. It would be very difficult to link this crazy, pampered young master to his patron.

    Thinking about this, Gu Zuo¡¯s bright gaze looked over.

    Gongyi Tianhengughed and pat his head: ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we came out, so we¡¯ll head back immediately.¡±

    Gu Zuo happily said: ¡°Okay!¡±

    Saying this with gusto, he sincerely missed the vi.

    Sure enough, the journey back was both easy and difficult.

    Naturally, they had a pleasant journey while going through the easy regions and didn¡¯t encounter any hindrances on the road. Yet while they were in the difficult regions, Gongyi Tianheng received some news that the Ghost Division¡¯s people really tried to tail them, but they were all obstructed ¡ª In addition, once the agreement had been reached, they didn¡¯t dare take things too far to avoid affecting this business deal.

    However, it was obvious that specific matters could be unclear. They¡¯d better pay attention to the customer¡¯s feedback after the first deal was finished.

    This was something that the Tianheng in the future had to worry about.

    Soon, a couple of people secretly returned to the vi.

    Dragon One and a youth who looked like a carbon-copy of Gongyi Tianheng came out and weed them. Gu Zu carefully sized him up and discovered that the youth¡¯s looks and stature didn¡¯t have a single w. Even his personality could¡¯ve been imitated seventy to eighty percent.

    ¡ª If he wasn¡¯t someone who was especially familiar with his patron, then it was very likely to have been basically impossible to detect.

    Dragon One quickly reported everything that happened recently. Gu Zuo saw that his patron was very busy and didn¡¯t dy in going to the secret room to give his patron today¡¯s medicinal decoction and cuisine. Most of all, although his patron¡¯s body could already practice martial arts, his meridians didn¡¯t surpa.s.s even the most average martial artist.

    He had to make up for all these deficiencies at this time.

    It took about a week before Gongyi Tianheng entered the secret room.

    Gu Zuo had just finished refining a thousand high grade rejuvenation pills and handed them over to Dragon One. At this time, he had enough strength to refine perfect grade qi generating pills for Tianheng¡¯s medicinal pill reserves.

    He turned his head, and saw his patrone by. He was a little puzzled: ¡°Young master Tianheng?¡±

    After they got to know each other, his patron didn¡¯t frequentlye to watch him refine medicinal pills. Did he have some instructions?

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled slightly: ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving in the afternoon. I didn¡¯t want to go without telling Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Where does young master Tianheng want to go?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯ll be bestowed a medal of honor, and I¡¯m going to continue a few missions to get some practice in. I¡¯ll be out for about three to five days. During this period of time, I won¡¯t inconvenience you to refine medicinal decoctions or cuisine for me.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood. He nodded his head and replied: ¡°I hope young master has a pleasant journey.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo can practice while in the vi, but be very careful. Everything I¡¯ve exined on the <spirit piercing="" awl="">> is written on paper. If you want to experience it yourself, remember to avoid advancing prematurely.¡±</spirit>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. Heughed as he said: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, young master. I¡¯ll certainly be very cautious!¡±

    Tianheng nodded before swiftly leaving, off to face another kind of self-tempering.

    He didn¡¯t bring anyone with him this time around. Dragon One handled the work at the vi in his stead. Dragon Two was a.s.signed by Tianheng to closely guard Gu Zuo.

    Although Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too used to his patron¡¯s departure, he felt that he himself wasn¡¯t a child. Thus, with a heavy heart, he continued refining medicine.

    ______

    That evening, Gu Zuo was sitting cross-legged on a couch. Behind the empty bed across from him, his eye fell upon what was spread out before him. Gongyi Tianheng had interpreted the <spirit piercing="" awl="">> into a book for him.</spirit>

    His heart was a little nervous.

    Previously, Tianheng wanted to thoroughly understand the Spirit Piercing Awl. However, up to this point, he didn¡¯t know why he wasn¡¯t able to rify the overall context. Thus, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t practice it at all. After their trip, Gu Zuo suspected that a pharmacist¡¯s const.i.tution might possibly be rted to this. As a result, Gongyi Tianheng thought it over and simply tranted the Spirit Piercing Awl word for word. The meaning of the words were written straightforwardly. His way of thinking and readingprehension were never once brought up.

    With near perfect precision...the formalnguage was tranted into everyday speech.

    Gu Zuo moved ording to his patron¡¯s diligence as he carefully read that sheet of words. Sure enough, he found that he easily understood them. With this kind of slow-paced reading, it was like subconsciously immersing in it.

    Absent-mindedly, his entire consciousness seemed to enter some sort of mysterious s.p.a.ce.

    ¡ª If Gu Zuo was clear-headed, then he would¡¯ve certainly discovered that this mysterious s.p.a.ce was in the depths of his mind.

    With countless strands of entangled smoke-like psychic power, one couldn¡¯t see that abstruse thing clearly... The ce the system was located.

    The recorded words of the <spirit piercing="" awl="">> started echoing in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind. The echoes were naturally not in ¡°everyday speech.¡± Rather, the iprehensible syntax of the ¡°formalnguage¡± was spoken word for word. It was like countless waves rushing forth in a rising, ovepping tide, with continuous fluctuations.</spirit>

    At the same time, the free-floating, chaotic physic power started to coalesce into rippling circles together with that voice.

    Then, the ripples started to converge, facing towards the center. Through the repet.i.tious beating, eachyer would oscite. And with each oscition, it would attract even more smoke-like psychic power. They rotated around the center, and grew into more numerous, thicker ripples.

    Slowly, a somewhat transparent gtinous substance took shape in the center.

    As more smoke-like psychic power turned into ripples, more ripples oscited and condensed into that gtinous substance. However, there wasn¡¯t much of it. After a long time, only a needle point¡¯s worth could be produced. But even though there was only this much, it transmitted a sense of power that was dozens of times stronger than the smoke-like psychic power, as much as over a hundred times!

    However, after the psychic power was continuously attracted over, there was almost none left in therge s.p.a.ce. Although the system¡¯s location was barely discernible, it left a person incapable of grasping it. But the entire s.p.a.ce was no longer in such a crowded mess like before.

    Merely, the gtinous substance was still taking shape. The continuous beating waves were already decreasing and their strength was bing insufficient...

    There was a sharp, stabbing pain.

    In only a split second, Gu Zuo suddenly woke up, holding his head as he faintly twitched on the couch.

    d.a.m.nit, what just happened?!

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo rapidly started using the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method, absorbing the natural qi around him and turning it into energy. As for the numerous, twisting milky white medicinal qi he had on hand, they all quickly entered his body like running water.

    Afterwards, the pain was alleviated.

    As more medicinal qi emerged, they were absorbed into his body even faster.

    Gu Zuo slowly exhaled and got back into his sitting position.

    At this moment, what urred just now was gradually sorted out by him.

    He was finally going to figure out what kind of thing the <spirit piercing="" awl="">> was in the end.</spirit>

    This was an extraordinarily special martial skill. Moreover, this really was suited to only pharmacists ¡ª Or rather, it was a psychic power martial skill that only suited pharmacists who practiced the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method.

    In the wake of the cultivation method¡¯s usage, a person who practiced the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method could upgrade the state of their physical body and lengthen their lifespan. Psychic power could obtain growth due to havingpatible medicinal qi. At the Tianfu Acupoint, which was located in the head, there was a wandering smoke-like appearance.

    And the smoke-like psychic power was the most inferior psychic power. At this time, the Spirit Piercing Awl¡¯s emergence was just for the sake of refining this psychic power.

    After studying the Spirit Piercing Awl, the smoke-like psychic power could be encircled and, like a sea wave, be repeatedly concentrated with ever strengthening oscitions. This kind ofyering and strengthening was very formidable. It could turn psychic power into that gtinous substance.

    This gtinous psychic power met the basic conditions of this martial skill.

    <spirit piercing="" awl="">> Three steps:</spirit>

    Spirit Forging;

    Spirit Congealing;

    Spirit Piercing.

    It was exactly like this.

    The current Gu Zuo was merely in the middle of the Spirit Forging process. His psychic power was vastly inadequate. And in order to rapidly strengthen the gtinous psychic power, the smoke-like psychic power had to be even more enormous. Therefore, the amounts of medicinal qi he needed had to be increased multiple times over.

    The Spirit Piercing Awl had joined the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method. This was simply just an exploitation now, ruthlessly squeezing the little cabbage Gu Zuo.

    The reason why Gu Zuo had a headache just now was due to a warning of insufficient psychic power. Later on, because of the Spirit Piercing Awl¡¯s powerful Spirit Forging function, it spurred the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method to rapidly activate, absorbing countless strands of medicinal qi to form smoke-like psychic power. This alleviated his pain.

    In other words, when Gu Zuo wanted to practice the Spirit Piercing Awl in the future, he had to discharge a lot of medicinal qi to meet the basic requirements. Otherwise, the deficiencies in psychic power would cause a headache. With a headache, he could either stop practicing or wait to be drained dry and be an idiot! And in order to obtain enough medicinal qi... All right. In the future, there¡¯d be even more ¡°nonstop medicine (refinement).¡±

    The only thing that could be considered fortunate was that the gtinous psychic power was still Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power. Later when he refined medicine, so long as the internal true qi was used to support his hand arts, he could continuously refine. He wouldn¡¯t have to worry about his psychic power being insufficient.

    At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about refining the medicines he already knew about.

    Gu Zuo used his psychic power to examine his storage s.p.a.ce and found that he still had plenty of milky white medicinal qi stowed away. He promptly stopped thinking about it too much and continued practicing.

    Once he reached the Spirit Piercing stage, he would have the power to defend himself! Before that, even if he invested a lot into the process, it¡¯d be worth it...

    Three dayster, Gongyi Tianheng returned.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred and he hurried finished refining the medicinal pills on hand. Then, he dashed outside.

    He would tell his patron about his huge improvement!

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 46

    The moment Gongyi Tianheng came to the doorway, he saw his little pharmacist¡¯s excited face. As Gu Zuo bounded over, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help startling slightly.

    Although his little pharmacist¡¯s expressions were very abundant, the times they were so excitable were still very rare.

    What happened?

    Gu Zuo rushed outside and discovered that he was excessively emotional. Once he stopped, he lowered his voice and said: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I know how to practice the Spirit Piercing Awl!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed: ¡°Oh?¡±

    He started walking with Gu Zuo as he talked, entering their two-person room.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two kept watch outside.

    After the room¡¯s door closed, no one could hear what happened inside.

    Gongyi Tianheng sat down and asked: ¡°Can Ah Zuo tell me the details?¡±

    It went without saying that Gu Zuo nned to do just this. Without any hesitation, he immediately talked about the course of events concerning his own practice and the current situation of his psychic power. He exined everything in full detail without missing anything.

    After he listened, his interest was piqued and he pondered deeply.

    For the sake of his rubbish body, he deeply researched the continent¡¯s martial artist cultivations. Previously when he couldn¡¯t cultivate, he made modifications to cultivation methods. Once he met Gu Zuo, he discovered that pharmacists like that didn¡¯t seem to be as simple as he thought. Naturally, this generated a huge amount of interest.

    Only, it was unfortunate that even though Gu Zuo didn¡¯t withhold anything from him, Tianheng was not a pharmacist in the end. He didn¡¯t possess medical beads and was incapable of studying things rted exclusively to pharmacists. He could understand what was written about the Spirit Piercing Awl, but he could never figure out the context or enter a state of self-study.

    Now that he had listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he developed some spection.

    A pharmacist¡¯s medical beads could¡¯ve possibly been the reason why they couldn¡¯t practice a martial artist¡¯s martial skills. However, pharmacists had their own technical skills that utilized psychic power. Simrly, they certainly had their own attack capabilities. Besides, their ability to refine medicineplemented each other... It looked like it was absolutely incorrect to say that pharmacists didn¡¯t have any abilities to defend themselves. Rather, those kinds of pharmacist skills had already died out.

    However, Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯tpletely convinced of this conjecture.

    Because Gu Zuo¡¯s Spirit Piercing Awl was obtained through that so-called system, there was also a possibility that Gu Zuo, with a system that recognized a host, could study it while other pharmacists were incapable. Or maybe Gu Zuo met certain conditions, and these conditions weren¡¯t the system but something else...

    Still, no matter how many theories he had, it was currently impossible to verify them.

    More importantly, while Gongyi Tianheng had a heavy penchant for gambling, he was extremely prudent.

    This was certainly a new discovery that could undermine the whole continent. He couldn¡¯t simply let other pharmacists attempt it.

    One could know a person for a long time without knowing their true nature. Once there was an attempt, whether it was a sess, failure, or some other possibility, the consequences were not currently within his control.

    And he wouldn¡¯t rashly meddle with things he couldn¡¯t control.

    After thinking it over, Gongyi Tianheng gently said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo can keep refining medicinal pills to collect medicinal qi as before. Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry about the required herbs. I¡¯ll certainly do my best to get them for you.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up a bit. He clenched his fist and tried to restrain a sentence: ¡°...The medicinal pills I refine will all belong to young master Tianheng!¡±

    There wasn¡¯t a better patron than Gongyi Tianheng in the whole world...

    Even if there were, he felt that his patron was the one most suited to him!

    This matter didn¡¯t waste too much of the two¡¯s time. Since Tianheng knew that this Spirit Piercing Awl was useful, under an increased pique of interest, he still spent some time researching. In addition, he also told Gu Zuo to wait until the amounts of .u.mted gtinous psychic power met the lowest requirements for the Spirit Piercing Awl. Then he could make an attempt at using other methods of controlling them either through self-discipline or strengthening his powers of self-control. Moreover, there were still many functions of psychic powers that made him want to figure out to avoid harming the body.

    Gu Zuo understood Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s words of wisdom and he naturally did as he was told. Dozens of days pa.s.sed until finally he could use the technique to shape his psychic power. He didn¡¯t hesitate to make another attempt!

    This time, Gu Zuo was pleasantly surprised.

    This was because he discovered that if his thoughts were sufficiently powerful, he could extract psychic power and make it enter another person¡¯s body! Although this required that the other person didn¡¯t use their true qi to interfere, it could be used to examine his patron¡¯s health without a problem!

    In fact, Gongyi Tianheng also cooperated. Now that Gu Zuo grasped nearly all of the ins and outs of this thing, the follow-up care for the Tiandu Body would depend on him. What secrets could it still be hiding?

    Gongyi Tianheng automatically allowed Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power to enter him. The faintest and most sensitive conditions within Tianheng were reported back to Gu Zuo.

    The results were also clear and easy to see.

    After a period of time, Gu Zuo gave his patron several examinations every day. For example, he examined him before and after practicing martial arts or using his cultivation method. He examined him after eating medicinal cuisines or soaking in medicinal decoctions, as well as before going to sleep... And the medicinal cuisines that had been one meal a day became several meals a day.

    In short, whenever Gongyi Tianheng found himself hungry, tired, or in a poor state, he would immediately get Gu Zuo¡¯s medicinal cuisine delivery.

    ...He never experienced this kind of meticulous care even when he was at his weakest.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s physical body grew more powerful, the general circ.u.mstances of his meridians stabilized, and his own strength steadily rose.

    And as for Gu Zuo?

    The medicines he refined every day weren¡¯t only the qi generating pills and rejuvenation pills, he was still researching even more prescriptions to start preparing ¡ª One could say that no matter if the work was refining medicine or attending to his patron, it all went smoothly. Everything was very harmonious.

    It was just that after he ¡°took his patron¡¯s pulse¡± today, he discovered something that made him want to jump with fright.

    The corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth curled as he stared, dumbstruck, at his patron.

    His patron¡¯s courage... Previously, was he still underestimating it...

    A Meridian Condensing third stage martial artist could open seventy two earthly fiend acupoints. c.u.mtively, this was Houtian ninth stage perfect-grade, and one could ¡°attack¡± the Xiantian realm at the right time. It was like this since ancient times.

    However, the human body didn¡¯t only have thirty six heavenly spirit acupoints and seventy two earthly fiend acupoints, numbering one hundred and eight. There were still hundreds of acupoints located inside and out that had never been opened previously.

    But Gu Zuo clearly discovered that his patron opened an acupoint within the Three Yang Foot Meridians [1]. He had condensed a bone pearl in that acupoint!

    That¡¯s right. It was precisely the Tiandu Body¡¯s hundred unblocked acupoints. These hundred acupoints were the one hundred and eight heavenly spirit and earthly fiend acupoints, but the others still had blockages. Merely, they were far from the serious blockages ofmon martial artists and opening them wasn¡¯t as difficult either. However, despite not being difficult, he couldn¡¯t be so reckless!

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    Wasn¡¯t his patron a little too...unconstrained?

    Gongyi Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s hard-pressed expression, and couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Ah Zuo, why such a miserable look? I only altered the cultivation method. I feel that this one¡¯s more suitable.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and straightened his expression: ¡°The cultivation method young master Tianheng created has this kind of requirement?¡±

    Tianheng slightly muttered to himself, saying: ¡°Correct. After I reached Meridian Condensing third stage, I still felt that I was far from achieving perfection. If I tried to initiate Xiantian, then it was very likely I could fail. After I made several attempts, I found that another acupoint was very easy to open. Once it opened and I refined the Xiantian qi within my meridians, the qi was too powerful and it was hard for my meridians to support it. Usually, it was dispelled through my acupoints and was really quite a waste. But just as I changed my mind, a bone pearl was condensed in that newly opened acupoint and the outflowing Xiantian qi being refined was stored within...¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Thenter, young master wants to condense even more bone pearls?¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°The heavenly spirit and earthly fiend acupoints total one hundred and eight. I feel the internalized true qi flowing towards six directions. There seems to be six cycles, and these six together serve onerge cycle... In this realm, I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯d have to condense five sets of acupoints, totaling five hundred forty bone pearls.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt like lightning had struck his forehead.

    Five hundred forty bone pearls? Was he being teased?

    Wait, that¡¯s not right. Currently, his patron had only condensed seventy two earthly fiend acupoints. If there were six sets of acupoints, then there should¡¯ve been a difference of five sets with seventy two times five. That¡¯s three hundred sixty acupoints! How did the heavenly spirit acupoints correspond to the calcted hundred eighty?

    Gongyi Tianheng saw through Gu Zuo¡¯s questions, and said while smiling: ¡°Because this can be considered indulging in fantasy, the other acupoints actually serve as Houtian acupoints. Therefore, once I condense all the bone pearls in this realm, and after I¡¯ve finally gotten to the Xiantian realm, I just need to condense the thirty six Xiantian bone pearls.¡± [2]

    Gu Zuo practically wanted to lie t on the ground.

    So that was to say, his patron still had five hundred thirty nine remaining, right? ...Thinking about this left him blinded.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze brimmed with expectation: ¡°So, is Ah Zuo willing to help me?¡±

    Gu Zuo said dispiritedly: ¡°I¡¯m willing...¡±

    Fine. His patron was ambitious. He was unwilling, but also willing! He just wouldn¡¯t think about the difficulties and so on. Still, he thought that once his patron seeded, his strength would frighten the world and make ghosts and G.o.ds weep!

    In response, Tianheng¡¯s brows rose slightly: ¡°Later on, I¡¯ll still need Ah Zuo to work hard.¡±

    Gu Zuo lit a candle for himself in his heart. After that, he once again shined with vitality: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, young master Tianheng! There¡¯s still several months, I¡¯ll certainly do my best!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression softened: ¡°I¡¯ll also do my best.¡±

    Under such a d.a.m.nable mission issued by his dear patron, Gu Zuo wanted to hurry and w at a wall [3].

    After carefully thinking about it, he felt that this matter wasn¡¯t too rotten... For example, it was just like the problem of how his patron¡¯s meridians were too weak. The meridians were connected by the acupoints. After they were filled with enough bone pearls, wheneverrge amounts of natural qi entered the meridians, it could be immediately absorbed in these bone pearls. On the contrary, it would decrease the impact on the meridians. Moreover, if the meridians were damaged by this overflow, the small rupture would be braced by the bone pearls. The repairs would also be easier!

    Then, as his patron currently wanted to condense so many bone pearls, the acupoints of his whole body would be in a state of hunger. One might as well stop his patron from absorbing natural qi and just directly stuff him full of qi generating pills!

    In any case, he could refine this thing very easily...

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ×ãÈýÑô¾­ - Zu san yang jing, a group of three meridians belonging to the Twelve Principle Meridians. They are primarily located from the foot through the torso to the head.

    [2] Five sets of seventy two earthly fiend acupoints and thirty six heavenly spirit acupoints equals five hundred forty acupoints. The final sixth set isn¡¯t in the calcted five hundred forty. I think.

    [3] ÄÓÇ½ - Nao qiang, an expression meaning to feel dejected, helpless, or suppressed.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 47

    Let¡¯s discuss the problem with the qi generating pill¡¯s value.

    As mentioned previously, a pharmacist¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t easy. The rate of sessful pill refinement wasn¡¯t high. Even though the qi generating pill was the mostmon one, one pill was worth two gold. With such arge Gongyi n, not to mention a lone martial artist, the numbers of attracted martial artists were not small. If one wanted to supply the qi generating pill, how could there be an unlimited amount to offer?

    Their sry was like this:

    If they were of the Gongyi n¡¯s younger generation, a Blood Forging realm would get one qi a.s.sembling pill [1] a month, a Bone Forging realm got two per month, and a Meridian Condensing realm would switch to using qi linking pills;

    If they were a martial artist attracted to the Gongyi n, then a Blood Forging realm wouldn¡¯t receive any qi generating pills, a Bone Forging realm got one qi generating pill a month, and a Meridian Condensing realm got two per month.

    Even though it was like this, wanting to support so many people heavily bled the Gongyi n¡¯s resources. Calling this a sry was already very generous. If it were a small Family, only the younger generation of the innermost core would receive this kind of treatment. It was basically impossible for outsider martial artists.

    One had to realize that medicinal pills were in short supply!

    In addition, for martial artists who consumed qi generating pills, no matter how gifted or extraordinary, the limit was two to three pills a month. It simply wasn¡¯t possible to relypletely on qi generating pills for cultivation.

    However, Gu Zuo discovered that his patron could do it.

    Other martial artists could digest a pill in about ten days. Gongyi Tianheng eating a pill was like throwing a pebble into the water without even the sound of a ssh. It would take at most fifteen minutes for him topletely absorb it.

    Perhaps this was another powerful point of the Tiandu Body?

    Simrly, it was because of this that Gu Zuo dared to maintain his confidence in his patron and did his best to refine medicine like an old ox [2], following him on this gamble.

    Ah, on second thought, he still had crazy fits of rage and jealousy...

    Naturally, after Gongyi Tianheng heard Gu Zuo¡¯s proposal, he cheerfully agreed. When he saw through Gu Zuo¡¯s concealed thoughts, he smiled and didn¡¯t mention it.

    The truth wasn¡¯t what his little pharmacist imagined.

    Digesting the qi generating pill... The Tiandu Body definitely wasn¡¯t the reason, or rather, it wasn¡¯t the entire reason.

    From the first time Gu Zuo refined pills, he obtained the perfect grade qi generating pills. He himself hadn¡¯t yet sampled different kinds of qi generating pills. So he didn¡¯t know that the Tianlong Guard under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s administration received the benefits of a perfect grade qi generating pill each month. Their senses couldn¡¯t be more clear.

    The higher the grade of the qi generating pill, the easier it was to absorb and the ampler the energy within. After using a perfect grade pill, being unable to use it again was simply a kind of torture.

    Gongyi Tianheng once used a dose of high grade qi generating pills, and contrasted its effects with the perfect grade pills.

    The medicinal power of those high grade qi generating pills simultaneously promoted the gathering of his true qi and also brought about a slightly woozy sensation. In the process of continuously using his cultivation method, the things that caused this woozy sensation were slowly expelled through his pores. At this point in time, he developed a theory.

    Although taking medicinal pills was faster than absorbing natural qi for cultivation, there were, nevertheless, impurities within the pills, which needed to be expelled by using a cultivation method. The higher the grade of the medicinal pill, the less impurities there were and the faster one could absorb its medicinal powers.

    Martial artists in the past definitely weren¡¯t incapable of digesting even more qi generating pills. Rather, they would just .u.mte qi and expel impurities at the same time. Thus, they wasted a lot of time... However, this method was still faster than simply absorbing natural qi for cultivating, and it made martial artists scramble for medicinal pills.

    Seeing Gu Zuo busily rush about, Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled.

    ¡ª His little pharmacist really could be counted as his biggest chance.

    ______

    Under a big tree, Gu Zuo suddenly opened his eyes.

    In a split second, an extremely slender and faintly indiscernible silver needle appeared and shot out. Like a ray of light, it hurtled towards a block of stone that was about a meter tall.

    Soon after, there was the sound of a bang and that huge rock suddenly exploded into pieces!

    Gongyi Tianheng, who stood on the side, saw this and praised: ¡°Good!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression immediately turned joyous: ¡°Young master Tianheng, I did it!¡±

    Tianhengughed: ¡°Sure enough, the Spirit Piercing Needle is fearsome. That strike just now isparable to a full-powered strike of a Houtian seventh stage martial artist. Moreover, it¡¯spletely silent. Even if it was me, if I didn¡¯t payplete attention from the start, I couldn¡¯t have easily discovered it.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened: ¡°I also didn¡¯t expect that using a bit of psychic power in the Spirit Piercing Needle would have this kind of might. If I could¡¯veyered the psychic power before, it should¡¯ve been even more powerful!¡±

    The current him was now a person with the ability to defend himself! Although his martial technique was no good, the Spirit Piercing Needle could be considered an essential sneak attack tool for killing and piging in any situation [3]!

    Tianheng asked in a gentle tone: ¡°That Spirit Piercing Needle...¡±

    Gu Zuo said with some pity: ¡°The one I used no longer exists.¡±

    He wasn¡¯t resigned to it, but he didn¡¯t think it was odd. A martial artist attacked with martial skills full of true qi, and the true qi within couldn¡¯t be reimed. When he examined his patron¡¯s body and condensed medicinal properties within his eyes, he used almost none of it. This was already very good, so he couldn¡¯t insist on even more.

    He also wasn¡¯t a person who was too greedy.

    Gongyi Tianheng pondered for a moment: ¡°How many Spirit Piercing Needles can Ah Zuo condense with his remaining psychic power?¡±

    Gu Zuo a.s.sessed: ¡°Eighteen needles.¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°Since we know about the Spirit Piercing Needle¡¯s power, Ah Zuo, you just need to upgrade your application speed. You must aplish this move with a thought so that the Spirit Piercing Needle can travel ording to your will. As for doubleyering or the might of severalyered needles, you should take advantage of careful familiarization. In my time as a martial artist, whenever I extracted my true qi andter restored it, my tolerance grewrger and my recovery speed became faster. A great number of things are interconnected. We may a.s.sume that psychic power is also just like this.¡±

    Gu Zuo answered straightforwardly: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, young master Tianheng!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled as he ruffled his hair. He took a qi generating pill and quickly went back to practicing.

    Time quickly pa.s.sed. In the blink of an eye, it was several monthster.

    From taking one qi generating pill a day, Tianheng wouldter take ten a day ¡ª Ten pills. The acupoints within his body were like gluttonous monsters that were never satisfied, like whales voraciously swallowing all the natural qi avable.

    This kind of spectacle was thoroughly shocking. In particr, Dragon One, who stayed beside Gongyi Tianheng from the very beginning, was beyond astonished.

    Gu Zuo steadily supplied qi generating pills, mostly for the Tianlong Guard ¡ª Apart from the arrangements of a small number of major affairs, all other missions were halted and changed to collecting all kinds of medicinal ingredients from across the Cangyun Empire and ama.s.sed at the vi. Because they worked cautiously, the business deals between the Ghost Division and Gongyi Tianheng were on the right track. At this time, the Ghost Division made several attempts at tracking him down, but ultimately, all clues were eliminated and vanished under the chess pieces of Tianheng¡¯s administration...

    The value of Tianheng¡¯s martial strength rose to an inconceivable degree.

    Gu Zuo clearly saw that his patron¡¯s body had already condensed four hundred fifty nine bone pearls, with only a hundred fifty three left. Then he¡¯d reach his body¡¯s limits and would have to prepare to enter the next stage.

    This seemed like too much, but one only had to remember that the previous four hundred bone pearls were condensed within a short several months, then one wouldn¡¯t feel it was so difficult.

    Besides, as time pa.s.sed, the condensation of bone pearls sped up and the stockpile of true qi increased in size.

    The current situation was that the true qi within Tianheng was iparably vigorous. He prepared to develop six sets of bone pearls within his body. With that in itself, his strength would be multiplied six times over ¡ª And his strength would be far stronger than the great majority of martial artists of the same rank.

    If the current Gongyi Tianheng went to the Ghost Division stronghold to take part in their training of killing machines, then it¡¯d probably be just ¡°killing people like ughtering dogs.¡±

    What¡¯s more, Gu Zuo¡¯s progress wasn¡¯t the least bit small.

    He could simultaneously carry out all three steps of the Spirit Piercing Needle. He could use Spirit Forging to quickly turn the smoke-like psychic power into gtinous psychic power. He could use Spirit Congealing to extract the psychic power and turn it into a silver needle. And he could use the Spirit Piercing to... Gu Zuo could already achieve what Tianheng stated. The silver needle followed his will and, with a thought, he could shoot the needle from any direction, angle, or trajectory.

    He also discovered that the silver needle was merely the first stage. When he ama.s.sed countless silver needles, it formed a sharp silver drill-like device. It could bring about great destructive power that far surpa.s.sed the silver needle.

    This Spirit Piercing Needle could be used to attack physical objects as well as be turned into a partially intangible attack on an opponent¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint!

    Once the Tianfu Acupoint was damaged, the opponent would be turned into an idiot!

    After Gu Zuo thoroughly understood that the <spirit piercing="" needle="">> was as awesome as the Thirteen Gates of Enlightenment [4], he sunk into fit of giggles.</spirit>

    This was practically a weapon that could save his life! Unless if he lost consciousness or if it was a Xiantian martial artist, no one could approach him!

    Finally, now he didn¡¯tck the strength to truss up a chicken... Although he wasn¡¯t yet an adult, he finally had a sense of satisfaction in having power. Perhaps, this was the feeling of a powerful man? Even if he wasn¡¯t a warrior who fought for a cause, he was still considered to have some sense of security.

    After this, Gu Zuo¡¯s enthusiasm amplified. He used his cultivation method, practiced the Spirit Piercing Needle, and refined medicine around the clock, all for the sake of nursing his patron¡¯s health ¡ª If this kind of continuous upgrading continued, then the journey back to the modern era wasn¡¯t so unattainable.

    However, the time that the Azure Dragon Pool opened was fast approaching.

    It was to be on the afternoon of the third day from now.

    Before the n¡¯s top eight fighters received permission, they had to go to the Cangyun Imperial Pce tomorrow. They had to pay their respects to the Cangyun Emperor and ept the royal family¡¯s test.

    Only those who were finally capable of pa.s.sing were then able to get a cement!

    The allotted cements of the Azure Dragon Pool were priceless. So long as a martial artist devoted their heart to the martial path, then they wouldn¡¯t easily give up.

    This year, Gongyi Tianheng gave it everything he had. All of it was precisely for this one day.

    ______

    In the afternoon.

    Dragon-scaled horses were gathered just outside, and the bronze chariot was made ready.

    With his hands sped behind his back, Gongyi Tianheng walked out. Dragon One and Gu Zuo walked behind him to the left and right.

    In a secret location, Dragon Twoy in wait. Out in the open, two hundred Tianlong guards stood before their horses and bowed in greetings!

    At this time, they would leave for the Gongyi mansion!

    Dragon One took the lead and marched in front. He turned around and kneeled, fanaticism etched across his whole face. In a clear voice, he shouted: ¡°We wish for the young master¡¯s great victory and return home!¡±

    Numerous Tianlong guards also identically kneeled: ¡°We wish for the young master¡¯s great victory and return home!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°We march!¡±

    Many Tianlong guards said: ¡°We obey ¡ª As the young mastermands!¡±

    Gu Zuo saw this clearly, and his heart welled with pa.s.sion.

    At longst, this day was here.

    If his patron was able to seed... His mind had a premonition.

    Gongyi Tianheng, just like a hidden dragon who¡¯d been silent for so long, once he broke through the abyss, he would soar about the highest heavens!

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] The author used ¾ÛÆøµ¤, which means .u.mting/a.s.sembling instead of generating.

    [2] ÀÏ»ÆÅ£ - Lao huang niu, a worker who is industrious and obedient.

    [3] ¾Ó¼ÒÂÃÐÐÉ±ÈË·Å»ð - Ju jia (in the home) lv xing (on the road) sha ren (murder) fang huo (arson).

    [4] Two things: Å£ (ng for awesome), ·¨ÃÅ (Buddhist term of entering the path of enlightenment, nowadays it refers to studying ethics.)

    ______

    T/N: Attention readers, I have several things to say. Also, surprise on a double weekend update! :)

    First of all, thank you everyone for keeping with me so far. This is the final chapter of the first volume! It has been a pleasure to trante this story. For the next few days, I¡¯ll be taking the time to review, edit, and standardize my trantions thus far. If there was anything you read that you feel that I could change, please let me know in thements.

    For example, I¡¯m considering how I should be capitalizing certain named objects. Things like people, cities, or certain attacks are already capitalized, but should I extend this to all named objects? Let me know about this or other things down below.

    Second, I read each and every one of yourments. And though I don¡¯t respond, it¡¯s mostly because I want to avoid clogging up thements section and over inting the number of truements. Nowadays, I usually reserve replies to direct critiques or suggested corrections.

    Third, I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s more conducive to generating a discussion here on this blog, or creating a thread on Novel Updates. It¡¯ll be up to you guys to decide.

    Finally, as this is another milestone for me, I¡¯d like to remind everyone that this trantion is based on the hard work of the original author. Please consider supporting them!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 48

    The Gongyi mansion.

    The current n Head Gongyi Yan, the Madame Liu Suyan, and the three children happily weed them.

    The eldest son was inherently smart, but his luck wasn¡¯t so good. Therefore, he liked peace and quiet. It was for this reason they let him leave. It was only because these close rtives rarely reunited that they personally came to greet him every time, allowing the eldest son to experience their affections.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed. Just like every time previously, he followed his many rtives into the reception hall and proceeded to his grandfather Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s training room.

    After paying his respects to his senior, everyone sat down.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue sighed: ¡°Tianheng, why have youe back at this time?¡±

    His beloved grandson clearly understood that he was merely going through the motions. Usually, the n War allowed Dragon One to fight on behalf of his beloved grandson only under thepromise of all sides. The Azure Dragon Pool¡¯s cements were so precious that it was basically impossible to let Dragon One go and enjoy it.

    Were his beloved grandson to go this time around, he¡¯d certainly be ridiculed. Even while he was insulted by those young children, his beloved grandson was very open-minded. It was just that even though they were savage thugs, how couldn¡¯t one¡¯s heart not care at all?

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°When has this grandson failed to act appropriately? This time is an excuse for saving face. If it weren¡¯t needed, how could this grandson be observed? Grandfather, carefully have a look at me.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue stared nkly.

    Tianheng remained calm and extended a hand.

    His palm was slender and his skeletal structure was surprisingly pure. It went without saying that it was a palm that couldn¡¯t be more beautiful. At this very moment, this hand suddenly clenched into a fist.

    Bang!

    This indicated great power. The true qi had overflowed externally, giving rise to a qi burst!

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank: ¡°This is¡ª¡±

    Zhuoyue¡¯s face showed a look of rapture. Under his excitement, his palm pped the ground. Unexpectedly, this caused the Green Steel Stones used in the floor to explode with several cracks.

    ¡°Tianheng. You, you already can practice martial arts?¡±

    Very quickly, Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue both coincidentally sensed Tianheng¡¯s qi.

    The two were Xiantian realm powerhouses, whose spiritual senses were iparably strong. Once these senses were opened, the situation of a martial artist who¡¯d yet to enter the Xiantian realm could be immediately perceived.

    Afterwards, these two generations of n Head couldn¡¯t help crying out:

    ¡°Meridian Condensing stage three... You¡¯re Houtian stage nine perfect-grade!¡±

    ¡°Tianheng, your qi and blood are full of vigor, your physical body¡¯s strength is also very powerful!¡±

    Tianheng grinned, his gaze deep and serene: ¡°Correct. I¡¯m already a perfect-grade realm martial artist. Merely a year has pa.s.sed now. How strong are Helian Xingcheng and the other four? They can¡¯t be that much stronger than me. Naturally, I can throw my hat into the ring.¡±

    Gongyi Yan was astonished for a long time. Little by little, he managed to say: ¡°Tianheng, you really frightened your father.¡±

    Zhuoyueughed boisterously: ¡°My wonderful grandson, you really went through a lot to keep this from your grandfather!¡±

    At this point, apart from the toddler Tianteng who didn¡¯t have highprehension, Liu Suyan, Gongyi Tianyang, and Gongyi Mingxia were all pleasantly surprised beyond measure.

    ¡°Big brother can practice martial arts?¡±

    ¡°I just knew big brother was an unrivaled genius!¡±

    Liu Suyan¡¯s beautiful eyes teared up: ¡°Heng¡¯er, my Heng¡¯er... You, are you all better now? Your lifespan¡¯s fixed, right?¡±

    Hearing these words, the rest of the many Gongyi family members simultaneously looked towards Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng said straightforwardly: ¡°Precisely. You all don¡¯t need to worry about me anymore.¡±

    A soft light shed through his eyes, ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll keep on living.¡±

    And his ambitions would allow him to strive on no matter what.

    Gu Zuo stood with Dragon One in a corner, silently watching for a long time.

    The care shown between close rtives was just like this. The people of the Gongyi n truly were very sincere to Tianheng. However, there were also types of family members that basically weren¡¯t true family members, which people loathed.

    Just like...

    At that moment, he recalled memories of previous events that he hadn¡¯t remembered for a long time. Memories that still broke his heart.

    However, until the time that he could return to the modern era with the help of his patron, he should have the power to undo that heartbreaking matter.

    After everyone in the whole household looked over Tianheng, they started asking about the whole sequence of events.

    While Gu Zuo watched his dear patron, he felt helpless wondering how he would use white lies to trick his closest rtives. Ultimately, the reason still fell to that prescription his patron raised up previously ¡ª Although that thing merely looked the part, it actually wasn¡¯t suited to the correct diagnosis at all.

    It was natural for Gu Zuo to once again experience the baptism of the gazes of the n Head and his blood rtives.

    If one said that the prescription he ¡°offered,¡± which could supposedly allow Gongyi Tianheng to live a few more years, would already make the n Head and the others grateful, then ¡°confirming¡± that a secretly sought pharmacist improved upon that prescription to fully heal Tianheng, and even allowed him to achieve the martial power he currently had just prior to that decades rare chance of the Azure Dragon Pool¡¯s opening, would make it so that when they looked at Gu Zuo, it was like he was their own son. [1]

    Gu Zuo felt chills on his back.

    Liu Suyan was a tender woman. Now that this matter, which had worried her for many years, was settled, her countenance became gentle and soft. She affectionately looked over Gu Zuo¡¯s small body for a bit and repeatedly urged Tianheng: ¡°Little Ah Zuo should also be considered your benefactor. Heng¡¯er, from now on you¡¯ll have to treat him like your flesh-and-blood little brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo was overwhelmed by her favoritism.

    Suddenly changing from a nurtured worker to such a high-.s.s ident.i.ty was something he was very unustomed to. Even though he knew that this kind of statement definitely wasn¡¯t like epting him as an adoptive brother or making him and his patron sworn bothers, saying this kind of thing out loud was different from not saying it at all. He still understood...

    Gongyi Tianheng wasughing: ¡°Mother, I¡¯ve already been treating Ah Zuo like my little brother for a long time. His temperament is like a cute kid, he¡¯s very intelligent, and he has talent as a pharmacist. Previously, he was merely too polite. In the future, he¡¯ll call me big brother.¡±

    Saying this, he looked at Liu Suyan¡¯s supportive looks and theck of any opposition in his father and grandfather, and couldn¡¯t help raising an eyebrow. Then he looked to Gu Zuo, his tone very gentle, ¡°Ah Zuo, why don¡¯t you try calling me?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Things are changing too fast. Patron, I can¡¯t bear it.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s meaningful look clearly carried an expectation, and hint of persuasion.

    After receiving this look for a second, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t bear it any longer.

    Once his heart starting scratching at the walls, he opened his mouth like he wasn¡¯t afraid of death: ¡°...Big brother Tianheng.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Get rid of thest two words?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Big brother.¡±

    Tianheng was satisfied, and he reached out a hand to pat Gu Zuo¡¯s head, saying: ¡°You must say it like this in the future.¡±

    Tianyang and Mingxia held their big brother Tianheng in the highest esteem. Their gratefulness to Gu Zuo also wasn¡¯t less than the others. At this time, there wasn¡¯t anything to be unhappy about. Instead, they were all smiling andughing.

    Gongyi Mingxia, the little girl of the family, hugged Gu Zuo¡¯s arm with a grin: ¡°This time, older brother Ah Zuo isn¡¯t only just in name anymore.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt helpless.

    The stubborn youth Tianyang wasn¡¯t disagreeable right now and bluntly said: ¡°...Big bro Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo felt even more helpless.

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Switch it around, Yang¡¯er.¡±

    Tianyang earnestly said: ¡°Big bro Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo finally gave a sigh.

    Following that, Tianteng, the barely couple-years-old who was already steadily walking, toddled over in small, brief steps and hugged Gu Zuo¡¯s...lower leg. A serious-looking face said: ¡°Ah Zuo...big bro.¡±

    Gu Zuo, who was a little stiff, forced a smile with great difficulty and said: ¡°Hel-h.e.l.lo, everyone.¡±

    Once these words came out, even the seniors couldn¡¯t helpughing.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts nearly showed on his face, but to them it couldn¡¯t be easier to see through.

    This kind of person didn¡¯t threaten Tianheng in the least. In addition, for the favor of saving his life, even if they treated Gu Zuo as an adopted son of the Gongyi n, it¡¯d be worth it.

    The atmosphere now was still very harmonious. And Gu Zuo was held right in the middle of these friendly rtions.

    Although Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t genuinely familiar with the n Head or the family, in this kind of environment, his heart slowly rxed deep down.

    Okay, so he was an obedient worker.

    The boss wanted Gu Zuo to call him big brother, then he¡¯dter change his views.

    In any case, his former patron was now his big brother. This really conformed to his ideal image of an...older brother.

    ______

    Early the next morning, the Gongyi n Head gathered a rtivelyrge group of high-status elders from the main branches [1], who led their own numerous outstanding descendants, to the main hall to discuss official business.

    Gu Zuo found that there were indeed many of these elders in the main branches. More than a hundred who hadn¡¯t entered secluded cultivation hade. After congregating, it suddenly made this originally s.p.a.cious main hall seem very narrow.

    Those who could sit in chairs were branch elders who each held some authority in the Gongyi n. There were some who had wild ambitions, others who followed orders in mediocrity, and some who preferred leisurely quiet and contentment. But it could be said with certainty that there wasn¡¯t a single one who was ipetent. Among their other main branches, there were many brilliant youths.

    The qi and blood of the martial artists reverberated within the main hall. Without any reason, it fired up the mood.

    Gu Zuo found that these people were looking towards the vicinity of the n Head Gongyi Yan. They looked at his patron...big brother. Most were feeling pity for him and a few regarded his big brother as a thorn in their sides. Not to say that they harbored evil intentions, but they didn¡¯t have any goodwill. And as for the younger generation, most of their gazes were very reverent, and the rest had envious hatred in their eyes.

    Truthfully, cing all that jealousy and anger on his big brother was all in vain! Big brother was the kind of person sent by Heaven who specialized in beating down a person¡¯s self-confidence. Rather than wasting time giving oneself chest pain, it¡¯d be better to just give up.

    At this moment, even though there were many people, no one made any noise.

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s expression was solemn and his eyes continuously concealed his glee ¡ª That¡¯s right. He¡¯d yet to fully recover from the joy of his son¡¯s sudden increase in strength and transformation into the younger generation¡¯s genius expert.

    ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen, I, Gongyi Yan, have something to say. It concerns a great matter to my Gongyi n. You all are my main branch mediators, so after listening to this matter, you mustn¡¯t act covertly together with the other ns. Otherwise, once this n finds out, n Law will be implemented and you will be stripped of your n status!

    ¡°All of you are smart people. When someone is enticing you guys, it¡¯s because you¡¯re part of the Gongyi n and you all have the status of the Gongyi n. Once this status is lost, then it¡¯s certain that no one would dare sell out the n. Don¡¯t save a little only to lose a lot and suffer another¡¯s instigations. You all understand?¡±

    These words were so serious. How couldn¡¯t they understand?

    There weren¡¯t any fools among the people of thisrge n, especially these elders. No matter how much they desired to vie for the position of n Head, they also knew that one¡¯s honor and disgrace was intimately connected to the n. After listening to the cautious warnings of the current n Head, they could carefully restrain their current temperaments so that they didn¡¯t be like that of an impetuous younger generation.

    It was only that the elders didn¡¯t understand what the important news was that deserved such prudence. They thought about today¡¯s tests of the imperial city, but they also knew that the Gongyi n was destined to never have a chance. Could it be that the n Head thought up a way of redeeming face?

    Gongyi Yan breathed deeply and said with a solemn countenance: ¡°My eldest son, Gongyi Tianheng, had alreadypletely recovered from his illness a year ago. And through a year¡¯s worth of hard work and practice, he is now neen years of age and is a Houtian stage nine perfect-grade martial artist!¡±

    These words were spoken and a huge mor filled the room.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The young master actually ¡ª That¡¯s impossible!¡±

    ¡°But, if it¡¯s true...¡±

    ¡°This, what kind of apt.i.tude is this?!¡±

    ______

    ______

    [1] Can you believe that this whole paragraph is still technically one sentence of an if-then use? This one sentence slowed me down a lot. (TT^TT)

    [2] µÕÖ§ - Di zhi, thanks to user Charysa for the rification.

    ______

    T/N: Wee to Volume Two: The First Sign of Budding Talent. Sorry I took over a week to get the edits done as well as get the next chapter tranted. The updates should return to the normal schedule.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 49

    In response, Gongyi Tianheng stood up and, without any reservations, released his own qi.

    Instantly, his qi and blood was like a signal that flooded out and kept climbing. With an iparable force, this qi gave people an oppressive feeling. Compared to an ordinary Houtian stage nine perfect-grade, it was even more powerful!

    There were several elders who immediately widened their eyes.

    They were also Xiantian realm powerhouses. Naturally, they could also perceive this younger generation martial artist without any doubts.

    At this moment, their thoughts were churning and their moods were psyched up. Yet, their first response unexpectedly was ¡ª With the Gongyi n having this child, it was inevitable for their position to be secured for over a hundred years!

    So long as...Gongyi Tianheng advanced to Xiantian without any problems.

    At this time, the feelings of reverence to Tianheng became even more pa.s.sionate, and the original fires of jealous rage burned even hotter. But once they sensed that terrifying qi, those mes extinguished with a poof into a long sigh.

    In any event, Gongyi Tianheng was a member of their main branches. The side branches had many experts during the n War, which gave the younger generations of the main branches a lot of pressure. And they knew that once the young master of the n Head took to the stage, he would bring them, the main branches, much honor!

    Tianheng put away his imposing aura.

    After the packed n members were quiet for a time, their minds became determined.

    Since the Tianwu Continent respected martial arts, when Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t have any martial strength and only had a high IQ, there was always someone who wouldn¡¯t recognize his contributions to the n. They would want to challenge the n Head to seize this position. However, now that Tianheng could practice martial arts and disyed his rming apt.i.tude, he put an end to all these voices.

    Within the Gongyi n, there existed a struggle between the main branches and the side branches. However, the reason why the status of the main branches had been stable for countless years was due to the unanimous treatment of the side branches. For the sake of its own orthodoxy, when the side branches abruptly rose to power, the main branches would unite and put aside their internal struggles. And the side branches were divided into fifty two branches. Although they also had several that could unite for the sake of benefits and cooperation, they were isted among various regions of the Cangyun Empire. They still couldn¡¯tpare to the main branches, which had dwelled within the n¡¯s ancestral residence for a long time and whose people were close-knit.

    This was also a rule established by the Gongyi n¡¯s founding generation, which had already been carried out. As a result, even though the side branches produced many powerhouses generation after generation, the bloodlines of these powerhouses had been merged into the main branches. In the end, they were incapable of destabilizing the main branches¡¯ status, which forced the side branches to establish a presence in the ancestral residence.

    There was an elder whose face showed regret: ¡°What a pity. If the young master could¡¯ve practiced martial arts since childhood, with his apt.i.tude, wouldn¡¯t the other four young masters of the Great ns be like ordinary chickens and dogs?¡±

    The other n members heard these words and revealed simr expressions: ¡°Just so. It¡¯s truly too unfortunate...¡±

    The apt.i.tude Gongi Tianheng disyed was too astonishing. It was difficult for them to avoid sighing.

    They even thought that since he could reach this stage in merely one year, if he started practicing martial arts from childhood, what stage could his realm have reached now? Perhaps, he could¡¯ve reached Xiantian long ago. He could¡¯ve even surpa.s.sed these old men! With this kind of exceptional genius appearing out of the main branches, then the Gongyi n could possibly threaten the royal family!

    Gu Zuo, who maintained his ident.i.ty as a little servant, stood with Dragon One in a corner and watched all this. He couldn¡¯t help shaking his head.

    These people were just too greedy.

    His patron...big brother had great ambitions, skills, apt.i.tude, and intelligence. He could practically be considered wless. What was so serious about being a couple yearste? With his big brother¡¯s strength, he could quickly catch up. Then it¡¯d be inevitable for him to leave the others behind.

    Now, wasn¡¯t a nice surprise a good thing? No matter how much a person¡¯s heart wascking, don¡¯t reveal it so obviously at such a time.

    After living on the Tianwu Continent for over a year and often being supported by Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo understood a lot of things. He smirked and secretly thought, if big brother¡¯s strength slowly improved since childhood, he¡¯d greatly surpa.s.s the others. Yet, he couldn¡¯t live while being targeted by a.s.sa.s.sins day and night... If it really was like that, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t believe that the other four Great ns could ignore the rise of his big brother.

    On the contrary, his big brother¡¯s sudden rise was unstoppable. Once he entered the imperial capital and obtained a cement to the Azure Dragon Pool, it wouldn¡¯t be so easy to scheme up any dark plots against him!

    Gongyi Tianheng lifted a hand and spoke clearly: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, everyone. I will certainly obtain a cement to the Azure Dragon Pool and seize the opportunity of achieving Xiantian. All for the honor of the my Gongyi n. Everyone also needn¡¯t worry about what happened in the past.¡±

    The n members regretted their behavior caused by their human nature, but Tianheng knew that if he didn¡¯t have his little pharmacist to refine countless top grade Qi Generating Pills: It¡¯d cause him to needlessly waste arge amount of time absorbing ambient qi, and halt his daily consumption of medicinal cuisines and soaks in medicinal decoctions. Even though his apt.i.tude was very high, it wasn¡¯t a certainty that he¡¯d obtain the same achievements now.

    All martial artists knew how precious pharmacists were. And the one he had was the most precious, whose understanding was especially profound.

    Only...for the sake of safety and the n¡¯s ns, he absolutely couldn¡¯t let anyone else know about Gu Zuo¡¯s abilities!

    The numerous elders didn¡¯t understand his way of thinking, but after listening to his speech, their regretful murmurs ended. One after another, theyughed in grat.i.tude: ¡°That¡¯s right. Things in the past don¡¯t need to be brought up. We only need to look towards the future. The current young master has many aplishments, so we hope that you can watch over our descendants. Please raise the prestige of our Gongyi n!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled and made this promise.

    Through his strength, the Gongyi n¡¯s honor would prosper. There weren¡¯t any conflicts between the two sides, so naturally there weren¡¯t any reasons to decline.

    After everyone¡¯s excitable moods gradually cooled off, numerous Gongyi n members began to discuss and follow behind Gongyi Tianheng as their candidate to the imperial pce [1].

    At first, they thought that they¡¯d lose a lot of face and they weren¡¯t at all prepared to bring too much manpower. But now, not only were they not going to lose face, they could also watch the heroic appearance of the returning young master¡¯s first undertaking. It was only natural that there were even more numerous and difficult choices to make for those who wanted to go.

    Gu Zuo had an absolutely helpless look as he watched that spectacle which was like a food market where one haggled over prices till they were red in the face. His frame of mind was a littleplicated. But he quickly felt happy since this scene was because of Tianheng¡¯s emergence. He also was a little excited! Although it was a bit pretentious, in the wake of his lengthy time interacting with Tianheng, he truly considered this person to be the one he was closest to in this world.

    Being able to call Gongyi Tianheng big brother... Deep in his heart, he wasn¡¯t unhappy about it.

    It didn¡¯t take a genius [2] to know that it would take a very long time to cultivate enough strength to return to the modern era. And with such a long time, it would be too lonely to live in this world without the cherished memories of his loved ones. Though, he did obtain something he was emotionally invested in. Gongyi Tianheng was very good. Gu Zuo also wanted to treat him even better.

    While Gu Zuo¡¯s mind drifted, the members of the Gongyi n already settled on this person.

    Besides the Xiantian stage three n Head Gongyi Yan, there were also two Xiantian stage two elders, and one Xiantian stage one elder. They were all .s.sified as Qi Breathing [3] realm Xiantian powerhouses. Their strengths were very formidable. Yet, with only this, it was an insufficient lineup to protect the exceptional genius Gongyi Tianheng. As a result, Tianheng¡¯s grandfather, the senior generation n Head Gongyi Zhuoyue also followed along. He was at Qi Forming stage one ¡ª That is, he was a Xiantian stage seven powerhouse. With every n¡¯s Immortal realm venerable antiques all in secluded cultivation, it was a situation where they all mutually curbed one another from rashly acting out. He could a.s.sume the heavy responsibility of protecting Gongyi Tianheng. Previously, when the n Head and his bloodline¡¯s powers were insufficient, they could still tower above without copsing. To arge degree, this was all because of Gongyi Zhuoyue.

    In addition, twelve of the younger generation simrly went out.

    Among them, nine were the lucky few of the main branches. One of them was the n Head¡¯s second young master Gongyi Tianyang. With the other eight, they were all preeminent youths of the n War. As for the other three, they were the strongest powerhouses of the side branches. After the n War, they were recruited into the main group for nurturing. At this time, they were also brought along ¡ª It was for the purpose of broadening their horizons as well as moulding this batch of youths with the mindset of uncrowned kings [4].

    As for the next batch... It depended on the realm advancements of Gongyi Tianyang and the others.

    If they were suppressed by the side branches, then it would be the main branches¡¯ ipetence.

    ______

    Something could be seen far away from the lofty imperial pce.

    A majestic intermediary of the Gongyi n was riding upon an iparably huge wild beast.

    This wild beast was a grade five wild beast and could bepared to a Xiantian Qi Breathing stage two martial artist. It also was n Head Gongyi Yan¡¯sbat pet. The shape of its body resembled a gigantic tortoise, but behind it was an extremely terrifying tailposed of countless barbed whips. Its exterior waspletely covered with sharp thorns, and its head was malevolent beyond measure.

    Its existence brought about a sense of absolute oppression. Even though the road to the pce had been evacuated long ago by the Gongyi n guards, the foolish martial artists in the nearby houses could hear those heavy footsteps. It brought about a kind of feeling that curdled the stomach and stopped the heart.

    The grade five wild beast was too scary!

    At the same time, the other four Great ns also sent out their immensebat pets.

    They were all equivalently grade five, and every wild beast was extremely frightening!

    After the initial m.u.f.fled sounds of their approach, the closer they got to the pce, the shorter the distance became between the five wild beasts.

    Once the distance got short enough, a higher grade wild beast¡¯s dignity wouldn¡¯t tolerate the close proximity of existences of simr rank. Between their imposing auras, they naturally started confronting and oppressing each other.

    Among them, the Helian n¡¯s grade five gigantic wild beast stomped its leg.

    Boom!

    The powerful impact force radiated out. Its power formed a ripple that spread in all directions.

    Wherever it went, innumerable rocks were transformed into fine powder.

    Gu Zuo was caught off guard along with many of the children of the Gongyi n. As a result, he felt a jolt in the pit of his stomach and instantly felt a huge repressive force on his heart.

    Furthermore, a couple of the younger generation already had some blood leaking from the corners of their mouths.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°That Helian n has be more and more domineering!¡±

    Although the younger generation suffered a small loss, it was far from the point where the old folks had to step in. It truly left a person¡¯s heart in a bad mood.

    Tianheng¡¯s line of sight swept across the thing appearing from the other road. He looked at the person standing on the top of the giant creature¡¯s head and hisplexion faintly deepened.

    His body moved slightly and he stood next to Gu Zuo and Tianyang to obstruct the never-ending waves of that power¡¯s fallout.

    Gu Zuo promptly activated his cultivation method to lessen the feeling of nausea in his mind.

    After that, an even more imposing aura appeared ahead of them from the imperial pce. Immediately following that, there was a resonant cry of a bird. A huge shadow flew out from the pce like a ck could.

    It was a tremendouslyrge bird of prey, and a tall and st.u.r.dy man stood on its back.

    A member of the royal family had appeared!

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] The author used »Ê³Ç, which can mean imperial city, but since they¡¯re already in the city, it must be referring to either the pce or an inner region of the imperial city. Simr to the Forbidden City located within Beijing.

    [2] ÓÃ½ÅÖºÍ·(Ïë) - Yong jiao zhi tou (xiang), to use one¡¯s toe to think, something that doesn¡¯t require thinking.

    [3] º¬Æø - Han (to suck, keep in your mouth without chewing) qi (self-exnatory). We¡¯ve reached the second rank for martial artists. Please check the Table of Contents for reminders on the ranking system.

    [4] ÎÞÃáÖ®Íõ - Wu mian zhi w.a.n.g. I¡¯m not sure if this means that they act like rulers, a king in all but name, or soldiers on a leash, a powerful man whose authority has been taken away.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 50

    The approaching man was handsome,rge, and tall. His bearing was broad and magnanimous. Even though he was still far away, a person could sense that his body contained an explosive power.

    One could imagine that this man¡¯s strength was incredibly great!

    He stepped on that gigantic bird, whose iparably huge figure was over thirty meters long. After it extended its wings, it cast a dense shadow. The bird¡¯s plumage opened up and the feathers were like knives. Its thick, prestigious pressure nketed the sky and earth.

    The giant bird¡¯s speed was very fast. In the blink of an eye, it appeared above them, floating in the air motionlessly.

    After it showed itself, the five grade five wild beasts knew their ce and didn¡¯t cause amotion like before.

    Because this giant bird was a grade seven wild beast.

    It was also the sole grade seven wild beast in the entire Cangyun Empire. It was a wild beastparable to a Xiantian Qi Gathering powerhouse.

    Regardless of bloodline, grade, or smarts, this Cirrus-Cloud Falcon [1] could crush any other wild beast. And although wild beasts¡¯ grades shared a simrity with martial artists, their lifespans made it impossible topare their strengths.

    The Cirrus-Cloud Falcon acted as the Empire suppressing falcon deity. Not only was it a symbol of strength, it was also the symbol of the royal family.

    Apart from the falcon, in the many years the five Great ns operated, they could never tame a wild beast of equal rank as abat pet ¡ª The position of the royal family was very steady, and this falcon was like adding flowers to a brocade [2].

    The person on the back of the Cirrus-Cloud Falcon stood upright and unafraid. He cupped his fist and said: ¡°On behalf of the orders of the Father-Emperor, this Cang Yu respectfully wees all you powerhouses. Please follow me, everyone.¡±

    He was the ninth prince Cang Yu. ording to rumor, he was the royal family¡¯s number one genius.

    The present Cangyun Emperor had eighteen children. Among them, thirteen were princes and five were princesses.

    Currently, the position of the Crown Prince hadn¡¯t been established yet, but the first three princes had already broken through to be Xiantian powerhouses. They removed the three princes who hadn¡¯t grown to adulthood, which left seven, who were for the most part at the Meridian Condensing realm. There even was Cang Yu, who used his Houtain stage nine perfect-grade realm to sweep away many of the princes. He was even capable of trading a few blows with those three Xiantian stage one elder brothers.

    Cang Yu¡¯s age was equal to the current five great young masters, but he already reached his current realm at fifteen years old. He continuously .u.mted experience and honed himself during the many years he didn¡¯t break through. As for his apt.i.tude,pared to Helian Xingcheng and the rest, he was even more sessful. And as for wisdom, he had it in spades.

    Perhaps ordinary people and martial artists didn¡¯t know the name of the ninth prince. He was far less famous than the brilliant five great young masters. However, the upper echelons of the five Great ns always paid close attention to him.

    At this time, seeing Cang Yu¡¯s heroic and exuberant appearance caused Helian Xingcheng and the others to seemckl.u.s.ter. In response, several n Heads inevitably sighed.

    Even for this current generation, the royal family could still stably push our heads down!

    Though, only the upper echelons of the Gongyi n had their expressions slightly change to match. However, in the hearts of this group of old foxes, they didn¡¯t have the tiniest feeling of suppression.

    Cang Yu was truly powerful beyondpare, but thinking about the young master¡¯s skills made their throbbing hearts immediately settle down.

    No need to mention the other four great young masters. Even the legendary Cang Yu wasn¡¯t any greater than their young master!

    At this moment, all of the members of the Gongyi n felt honored.

    ______

    Gu Zuo¡¯s true qi circted through his body as he hid behind the solid back he recognized as his big brother, which blocked the wind.

    Originally, he acted as the adoptive younger brother who didn¡¯t have the qualifications to tag along. However, all of the ns could bring a couple guards to follow along. Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t feel at ease if Gu Zuo stayed by himself at the mansion, so Tianheng just took him... Truth be told, he also really wanted to go.

    Ah, the imperial pce! Another world¡¯s imperial pce! Gu Zuo had never seen it before.

    Back in the modern era, he never had the time to see the imperial pce that was left behind since ancient times. On the contrary, now that he went to another world, he had the opportunity to visit a pce. It was only natural for his curiosity to get the better of him.

    Besides, he still felt uneasy concerning his big brother.

    The Tiandu Body was a bomb. This big brother¡¯s own idea was very big. If he encountered any problems killing, then he¡¯d be close by to take care of things.

    Since Gu Zuo had his psychic power to check on Tianheng¡¯s internal circ.u.mstances, he had aparativelyrge grasp on his own ¡°medical expertise¡± and was amply confident.

    However, no matter how good the ¡°medical expertise,¡± there were ces where it was inevitably impossible to put to use. For example, right now... Although they stood on the back of a grade five wild beast, the n tolerated the beast¡¯s slow walk, but his weak chicken-like body failed to withstand a single step. One didn¡¯t even need to mention that he nearly vomited blood from the shaking of the grade five wild beast.

    At this time, once Cang Yu came, the grade seven wild beast immediately quelled the great five wild beasts. Afterwards, the people of the Helian n didn¡¯t cause any more mischief. The five Great ns all came from five different directions, and arrived before the gates of the pce. With a sound that rumbled the sky, that extremely wide, metallic gate lifted up, which let the five wild beasts carrying everyone enter together.

    Past that impossibly wide wall, there were countless buildings which rose and fell like a mountain range.

    There were many majestic main halls that towered high above. One didn¡¯t know what materials were used in their construction, but under the illumination of the sun, they shined with a kind of ancient and reserved l.u.s.ter.

    When they arrived before the pce¡¯s seat of extreme might, the five giant beasts stopped their footsteps.

    After the Cirrus-Cloud Falcon circled around in the sky once, Cang Yu leaped off and his robes thrashed in the wind. His entire body was like an artillery sh.e.l.l as he ferociously smashed into the ground. As he rose amid the dust cloud, he instantly used his power to brush it all away and not a single speck of dirt was on him.

    Very awesome!

    Only this kind of jump could make a person sense his power that couldn¡¯t bepared by human standards!

    Countless martial artists from the Helian, Sima, and the other ns, all jumped off the giant beasts.

    Above all, Helian Xingcheng and the others, who stood on each of the beasts¡¯ heads and epted the leading roles in the tests, disyed exquisite techniques as they fell to the ground with confident att.i.tudes. Their dispositions were even more vigorous.

    And after they dropped to the ground, Xingcheng in particr turned his head to look at the one who stood on that giant tortoise beast, that embroidered robe wearing, beautiful young master. He didn¡¯t hide the sneer that covered his face.

    If they didn¡¯t have a previous n a.s.sociation, the people of the Gongyi n should¡¯ve felt humiliated and resentful. But now, their expressions were a little subtle.

    Gu Zuo lightly scratched the side of his face: This was probably like a feeling of being told a plot spoiler in advance? Thinking about the facep waiting below, he didn¡¯t know if it was supposed to be extremely awkward or something... En.

    Gongyi Tianheng was always prepared to leave those by his side very satisfied.

    Moreover, it was obvious that when they were finally in the pce, they could sense many eyes watching them. It wasn¡¯t necessary to hide anything anymore.

    So, at this moment, Tianheng took a single step forward.

    Following that, his body was like an eagle as he somewhat floated in the air. Then his robes fluttered in the wind and he calmly descended to the ground.

    This process only took a few seconds, but to others, it was as shocking as a tsunami.

    Cang Yu¡¯s pupils contracted ¡ª Gongyi Tianheng, he could actually practice martial arts!

    At the same time, a pa.s.sionate urge to fight boiled out of the bottom of his heart. This was his rival, his long-expected rival. He truly wanted to know what the skills of the current Tianheng were capable of!

    If one said that Cang Yu¡¯s mental state was unmatched in its rising vigor, then those of the other ns werepletely different. Especially Helian Xingcheng, whoseplexion kept turning red or pale. His gaze was like looking at something he truly hated.

    Sima Yuanyou¡¯s expression had huge changes. Duanmu Qingrong and Huangfu Zhanghao slightly frowned. However, they didn¡¯t know why there was a feeling of something finally settling in their hearts.

    They, who had found out many secrets, knew that Tianheng¡¯s IQ was far above their own and that he couldn¡¯t practice martial arts. In their hearts, they inwardly rejoiced and celebrated. But ultimately, they themselves weren¡¯t willing to admit that they were afraid.

    However, regardless of what notions they had in their hearts, those were all meaningless now.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s abrupt rise to power was already certain, so much so that...great waves appeared in Duanmu Qingrong¡¯s heart. He always felt that even if the n wanted to carry out an a.s.sa.s.sination on Tianheng, perhaps it was already toote to prevent his rise!

    In the wake of Tianheng revealing his strength, everyone in the Gongyi n showed their smiles as they jumped off the wild beast. Dragon One grabbed Gu Zuo¡¯s arm and they disappeared into the crowd of Gongyi n members, all without raising any suspicions.

    Everyone paid attention to Gongyi Tianheng, including the elders and n Heads of the other four Great ns. After digesting this news, although they were shrewd enough to not reveal too many clues, there was still a sh of killing intent. Yet, it couldn¡¯t be ignored ¡ª They really wanted to kill Tianheng. It was just that the sess of this a.s.sa.s.sination depended on Tianheng¡¯s performance during the test.

    The atmosphere became much too strange.

    Cang Yu said clearly: ¡°Everyone, please follow me into the pce.¡±

    This voice broke the silence.

    Everyone restrained their thoughts and tookrge strides forward.

    Gu Zuo wrinkled his nose as he started thinking about how to help his big brother increase his strength from here on. Speaking of this, at this stage, the only things he could offer to support Tianheng were those. However, he was under close scrutiny. If someone wanted to mount a sneak attack on his big brother, don¡¯t me him for secretly piercing that person¡¯s brains... So long as he was allowed to watch, then that person would be an idiot!

    ______

    Within the pce.

    A man wearing a full-body robe with cloud patterns stood on a high level. His features seemed only thirty years old. His aura was extremely valiant and it mixed with the surrounding area. It seemed to encircle the entire pce, and made it so a person wouldn¡¯t dare look straight at him.

    Even that trace of power didn¡¯tck overbearing strength. Even though it didn¡¯t deliberately focus on anyone, it caused one to sense an intense attack. It was very scary.

    When Cang Yu walked over, after he bowed and greeted that man, Cang Yu stood to that man¡¯s side.

    The two of them were standing, one up above and one down below. The qi connection gave one the feeling of an astonishing resemnce.

    No doubt, this honorable man wielded the power of the Cangyun Empire. He was the exceptional powerhouse who already reached the Xiantian stage nine realm: The Cangyun Emperor, Cang Lian! Reportedly, he was merely a step away from advancing to the legendary Immortal realm. With a doubled lifespan, and being free and unfettered to travel between heaven and earth, he would suffer no restrictions.

    The numerous n Heads were all very respectful to this Cangyun Emperor. They also simrly followed protocol.

    This was the respect granted to this powerhouse.

    Gu Zuo looked at this monarch and his heart was shaken.

    However, he quickly suppressed this shock. Because no one else understood better than him that even though this Cangyun Emperor was currently stronger than his big brother, it would¡¯t take too long for his big brother to surpa.s.s him!

    He firmly believed this.

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] ÁèÔÆ - Ling (soaring, high, icy) yun (cloud). I could change the name to Soaring-Cloud, but it loses the second meaning of icy. Hence, I use the cirrus cloud, which is one of the highest alt.i.tude clouds formed from ice crystals. However, if it turns out that ice has nothing to do with the bird, then I¡¯ll change it to Soaring-Cloud Falcon.

    [2] ½õÉÏÌí»¨ - Jing shang tian hua, to decorate something already perfect.

    ______

    T/N: The t.i.tle was a little off to me. Do you think I should change it to something more urate like ¡°Facepping Exposure Method¡±?

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 51

    The gaze of the Cangyun Emperor swept pa.s.sed everyone. As his line of sight shifted over Gongyi Tianheng, it stopped but for a moment before continuing on.

    Afterwards, he smiled and instantly appeared amiable and approachable: ¡°Everyone, please sit.¡±

    The pce hall had many seats. The ones furthest in front numbered eight. There was no doubt that those were for the top eight finalists of the n War.

    As for the members of the Five ns, including those brought by the other forces, all of them sat on either side, making them appear like spectators ¡ª Even Gu Zuo and Dragon One, who were obviously attendants, could only sit all the way in the back. This could be counted as a kind of honor.

    Besides the five great young masters, the other three powerful martial artists arrived long ago. They all had the support of their own Families, and these Families were first-.s.s powers. It was rtively surprising that the five Great ns didn¡¯t have a second person enter the top eight. One didn¡¯t know if luck was the reason, or if it was something else.

    Gu Zuo secretly thought: Maybe it was purposefully arranged forpet.i.tors to eliminate the other n¡¯s contestants? As a conspiracy theory, the royal family decided on opening the Azure Dragon Pool before the n War, but the cements were limited. They didn¡¯t want to let such superior grade ns upy too many cements and affect the bnce or something...

    In actuality, Gu Zuo¡¯s thought process was indeed correct.

    Apart from each of the five Great ns taking a cement, there¡¯d be three left. When allocated, which ns would get them? Once a n had more cements, it would potentially cause some social upheaval. The monarch regarded these powers very seriously. The ns were the same as feudal va.s.sals, so naturally the worse the rtionships got between the ns, the better it was for the Emperor.

    Moreover, Gongyi Tianheng was capable of practicing martial arts. The one who was most satisfied with this was the Cangyun Emperor.

    Because the Gongyi n was formerly viewed as the best among the five Great ns, it was originally quite solitary. Huangfu [1] with Duanmu, and Sima with Helian ¡ª It could be said that the rtionships between the two groups were pretty good, especially within thest couple of decades. This kind of trend became more and more obvious. Sooner orter, it could form one or two alliances between three ns. By then, the Gongyi n would definitely be the weakest among them. Under those circ.u.mstances, the Gongyi n could only strengthen its power to mutually restrict those three-way alliances to stabilize. Apart from this, any of the other two ¡°dual alliances¡± getting stronger wasn¡¯t a scene the Empire would be happy to see.

    The current Gongyi n¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng became powerful. It was very possible for him to bring great glory to the n within a hundred years. When that time came, it would also be very advantageous to the Empire.

    Thus, not only was it unlikely for the Cangyun Emperor to ignore the remarkable Tianheng rather the Emperor hoped that he could be even more outstanding ¡ª It wasn¡¯t only for the sake of stability, but because a major event would ur afterwards. He urgently needed this kind of especially preeminent young genius.

    Back to the matter at hand, once the Cangyun Emperor saw that everyone was seated, he wasn¡¯t long-winded as he said forthrightly: ¡°At this time, the Azure Dragon Pool will open and there will be twelve cements avable. Everyone here are all extremely remarkable elites. If you can pa.s.s several tests, you can receive a cement and enjoy the baptism of the Xiantian Dragon Qi.¡±

    Mentioning this, he changed the topic, ¡°But if you cannot pa.s.s...then the remaining cements will be for those selected from the best.¡±

    The martial artists in the hall all expressed their understanding.

    After so many years, the existence of the Azure Dragon Pool hadn¡¯t remained a secret. Everyone understood that if the royal family wanted to open it, they had to pay a very high price. Many resources had to be sacrificed to achieve this. Originally, the imperial household shouldered this part of the costs and was willing to share the cements. So, it was only fair for them to issue tests and such.

    They had decided long ago that no matter how difficult the test, giving up was absolutely impossible!

    The Cangyun Emperor was very pleased and he waved his hand.

    A rumbling echo could be heard from the back of the pce.

    There were more than ten Houtian stage nine perfect-grade martial artists who were red in the face as they spared no effort in carrying an immense block of stone up to the center of the hall. Then they released their hands and the giant stone fell down.

    The entire pce hall seemed to quake.

    Gu Zuo saw that this stone block was suffused with a faint silvery light. It was roughly five meters tall and three meters on each side. Its surface was smooth as if a metallic mineral was mixed in. It didn¡¯t look like it was a simple rock.

    Yet, just what was this Emperor up to bringing this thing? Could it be that the test for the eight of them was whether they could lift it by their own strength? It took more than ten martial artists of nearly the same realms to sessfully do this. It must weigh several tons... That said, each increase in a Houtian martial artist¡¯s realm gave them the strength to carry an additional hundred to one hundred fifty kilograms. When they reached perfect-grade, their strength could carry one thousand five hundred kilograms at most. If it really had to be lifted, then there was no one who could do it.

    As it turned out, Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t guess incorrectly.

    The Cangyun Emperor said: ¡°Everyone, please step forward one by one to move this Qianjun Stone [2].¡±

    Gu Zuo: So it wasn¡¯t five thousand kilograms, but fifteen thousand... The Cangyun Emperor¡¯s heart was truly ck.

    All the martial artists looked at each other in dismay, but this was the imperial household¡¯s test. Wouldn¡¯t not even trying just be losing face? Perhaps this was testing their mentality when they faced a challenge? So even though Helian Xingcheng and the other¡¯splexions were unsightly, they still prepared to take the initiative.

    Gongyi Tianheng sat in his chair and grinned. His posture was so calm.

    Gu Zuo saw that and felt a little baffled.

    His adoptive big brother always could avoid doing things he wasn¡¯t perfect at. After he condensed so many bone pearls in his acupoints, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how great his strength became. However, no matter how strong he was, it was an exaggeration to say he had the strength to lift fifteen thousand kilograms. ording to his big brother¡¯s personality, Tianheng definitely had something he didn¡¯t know on the inside. Of course, big brother already saw through this.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo realized.

    The ashen-faced Helian Xingcheng stood before the Qianjun Stone. Both of his hands grasped a corner of this boulder and his legs bent slightly. Immediately, he started using his strength.

    Following the increase in his power, despite the Qianjun Stone not moving at all, a red line suddenly appeared from the interior of the stone. The red line started underneath and began extending upwards.

    When the martial artists saw this, their mouths gaped.

    As it turned out, the Qianjun Stone also had such a magical side to it ¡ª It was totally used for testing one¡¯s power.

    However, after that, they were a bit concerned. They didn¡¯t know how strong one had to be to meet the qualifications?

    On the side, Xingcheng couldn¡¯t see any changes in the Qianjun Stone in front because there was no way he could lift the fifteen thousand kilogram stone. Thus, although it seemed like he used arge portion of his strength, in actuality he never exerted his full power.

    After using a lot of effort for about eight minutes, he stopped.

    The red line on the Qianjun Stone was approximately nine inches [3] long. Each inch represented about one hundred kilograms. Thus, the measurement of Helian Xingcheng¡¯s strength was nine hundred kilograms.

    If it was an average martial artist, nine hundred kilograms would really be ordinary. However, if it were ced with Helian Xingcheng, who had the brilliant reputation as one of the four great young masters, the numbers were certainly an eyesore.

    Immediately, a painful heat graced the faces of many people in the Helian n.

    It didn¡¯t matter if the others really thought that Xingcheng only had this much strength or that they understood that Xingcheng didn¡¯t use all his strength in this test that required full power. This was a rare humiliation.

    After Xingcheng released his grip, he discovered that the situation was strange.

    Every time the Qianjun Stone made its measurement, there would always be about ten seconds [4] before the red line faded.

    At once, he saw it.

    After hearing the embarra.s.sed and softly spoken exnation of a Helian n member, Xingcheng¡¯splexion turned gray. He only felt that he received the greatest dishonor!

    He could even imagine how the people he couldn¡¯t handle would jeer at him!

    In fact, Gu Zuo was one of those who were secretly mocking him.

    Gu Zuo had already seen him in a bad mood many times before. It was all because this guy took the lead to cause a ruckus. He simply had a bad case of Eighth-Grade Syndrome [5], and his heart waspletely rotten. This type of person threw away so much face just now. It was truly retribution! You said a person¡¯s foolish, but then youing out to show off wasn¡¯t? It was really pathetic to be strutting your stuff and showing off your own foolishness.

    However, while Xingcheng would¡¯ve said this was a tragedy, other people would¡¯ve said this was aedy.

    No need to mention how many secretpet.i.tions the five Great ns had, what only needed to be said was that Helian Xingcheng took the lead to give them an ¡°example.¡± Everyone understood what would happen next.

    Sima Yuanyou, Duanmu Qingrong, Huangfu Zhanghao quickly advanced in batches and didn¡¯t dare hold back the tiniest bit of strength.

    As a result, their performances swiftly appeared.

    Sima Yuanyou: Two thousand one hundred fifty kilograms!

    Duanmu Qingrong: Two thousand two hundred kilograms!

    Huangfu Zhanghao: Two thousand three hundred fifty kilograms!

    Numerous martial artists were speechless.

    They deserved to be called the outstanding children of the younger generation. Compared to an ordinary martial artist¡¯s limit of one thousand five hundred kilograms in strength, their levels reached an even higher degree.

    Helian Xingcheng¡¯s fists clenched so tightly that popping sounds came from the joints.

    Not only did his heart contain intense remorse, but he felt a lot of hatred towards the other young masters. They all sensed the bitter resentment in his eyes, including Sima Yuanyou, who could¡¯ve been considered an ally.

    Yuanyou furrowed his brows in annoyance.

    It was he who dashed out to be the daring vanguard, and after the event, he conversely med everyone but himself. What was the meaning of this? They were in a genuine alliance, but he wasn¡¯t Xingcheng¡¯s ve to heap his grievances upon!

    Xingcheng over yonder sensed Yuanyou¡¯s mood and found it odd. He slowly exhaled and pushed the resentment to the bottom of his heart. They, the Helian n, still needed the Sima n¡¯s strength.

    Following this, the other three children of the first-.s.s Families still met Tianheng¡¯s eyes as he sat leisurely on the side, then they went to test their power one by one.

    Simrly, they didn¡¯t dare hold back their strength, which wasn¡¯t weak at all. Unexpectedly, the measurements were one thousand seven hundred fifty kilograms, one thousand nine hundred kilograms, and one thousand eight hundred twenty five kilograms.

    They all totally surpa.s.sed Helian Xingcheng.

    Seeing these numbers, the eyes of the Cangyun Emperor shed with a hint of disappointment before vanishing.

    It was merely this much?

    Originally, these five great young masters were much stronger than the previous generations, which gave him a lot of hope. However, now it seemed that it still wasn¡¯t enough.

    Finally, it was Gongyi Tianheng who remained.

    Between the malice-filled gaze of Helian Xingcheng and theplicated looks of the others, he slowly stood up and took a few steps to reach the Qianjun Stone.

    In his heart, Gu Zuo said to himself: Big brother, refuel [6]! Send them packing!

    Tianheng seemed to notice something and his brows rose slightly. Both hands were ced on the sides of that Qianjun Stone.

    Afterwards, he closed his eyes and then opened them again. A radiant streak of light shed across them.

    In a split second, everyone saw it very clearly.

    The red line on that Qianjun Stone was like a ray of light. In the blink of an eye, it shot straight up!

    The red line was forty inches long! Four thousand kilograms of force!

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] The author wrote ÉÏ¹Ù instead of »Ê¸¦, but this was the only one of the five ns that wasn¡¯t named. So I think this is a typo.

    [2] Ç§¾û - Qian (thousand) jun (thirty catties), thus it weighs about fifteen thousand kilograms. I kept the pinyin for the aesthetics.

    [3] The author uses both the metric and customary system of measurements, so I¡¯ll just follow along and not convert everything to metric.

    [4] The author uses Ï¢ for breathes. Let¡¯s pretend each breath is a second long.

    [5] First of all, ÖÐ¶þ refers to someone with the mindset of an adolescent youth who fantasizes that they are the protagonist or superhero of a story, colloquially termed ¡°chuunibyou¡± in j.a.panese. The author wrote ±ÈÖÐ¶þ»¹ÖÐ¶þ, which actually means that he was even more chuunibyou than a regr chuunibyou.

    [6] ¼ÓÓÍ - Jia you, a cheer used to encourage others to do their best.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 52

    Pop!

    Helian Xingcheng snapped the armrest off his seat.

    He almost couldn¡¯t contain the rage in his heart as it turned his eyes blood red.

    Vile! Hateful!

    Gongyi Tianheng was no more than a piece of trash, yet he was able to change his fate!

    Duanmu Qingrong, Huangfu Zhanghao, and the crowd of martial artists all were beyond shocked.

    A force of four thousand kilograms! How was this possible?

    When a martial artist was at Houtian stage nine perfect-grade, they could refine the body through medicines and stockpile their own strength. However, there had never been anyone who¡¯d reached such an absurd degree!

    The aura of the Cangyun Emperor waxed and waned. He was nearly unable to conceal the excitement on his face.

    Upon seeing this, Cang Yu¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted. It was unbelievable.

    His own strength was at three thousand seven hundred fifty kilograms. Thus, those so-called great young masters, Helian Xingcheng and the rest, weren¡¯t genuinely worth watching in his eyes. Even though he considered Tianheng a formidable opponent, he never thought that Tianheng¡¯s strength surpa.s.sed his own.

    But ¡ª

    Father-Emperor would be very happy.

    This man certainly could help his Father-Emperor with his worries!

    The Cangyun Emperor let loose a peal of resonantughter: ¡°Good, good, good! My Cangyun Empire has such an unrivaled genius. It¡¯s truly the luck of the empire as well as the luck of this Emperor!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was still grinning, his voice neither fast nor slow: ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s admiration is misced. This Tianheng doesn¡¯t deserve your praise.¡±

    Soon after, he withdrew his palms from the stone and slowly returned to his seat.

    Tianheng regarded everything that came before his eyes with no surprise. It was basically impossible to evoke any change whatsoever in his will.

    Gu Zuo also blinked his eyes.

    This kind of strength...wasparable to over forty weightlifting athletes? Wouldn¡¯t a single swinging fist be able to smash open a steel car? His physical body¡¯s strength was truly illogical.

    However, Gu Zuo also could be considered to have an understanding of Gongyi Tianheng. In the end, did this surrogate big brother really use all his strength?

    If he didn¡¯t... Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled. Then, it was just too scary.

    Even the Ape Man Tarzan couldn¡¯tpare ¡ª

    ______

    Presently, the Cangyun Emperor¡¯s expression looked very happy. He waved arge hand: ¡°Strength that has reached nine hundred kilograms or more is pa.s.sable.¡±

    Anyone with a discerning eye understood that the Emperor was showing consideration for Helian Xingcheng, but simultaneously held dissatisfaction towards Xingcheng, who didn¡¯t strive his hardest.

    Xingcheng didn¡¯t dare talk too much and his fingers nearly dug into his palms. The fact was he couldn¡¯t be rash.

    Among everyone here today, only his face was trampled into the ground.

    The Cangyun Emperor immediately said: ¡°For the second test, I ask that everyone use their strongest martial techniques to strike the Qianjun Stone. This is to calcte the might of everyone¡¯s martial skills.¡±

    This time, Helian Xingcheng didn¡¯t dare go over to s.n.a.t.c.h that glory like before. His rage was still under control. Unexpectedly, because of this unstable frame of mind, he made a mistake again.

    Everyone else also looked at each other in dismay.

    In the end, Duanmu Qingrong stood up first. He walked straight to the Qianjun Stone and curled his hand into a fist. Then, he used a ball of red qi to strike with outrageous strength!

    After a loud rumbling sound, that Qianjun Stone didn¡¯t move a single bit. His strength waspletely absorbed into the stone. In the blink of an eye, the entirety of the Qianjun Stone turned a rich yellow color. It looked very beautiful.

    The Cangyun Emperor nodded his head: ¡°Good. Your strength is Yellow-Level high grade.¡±

    Numerous martial artists were surprised upon hearing this.

    Yellow-Level high grade? How were these ranks divided?

    Gu Zuo watched everyone¡¯s expressions and discovered that he wasn¡¯t the only one who didn¡¯t know. In that case, this kind of power .s.sification should be specific to the royal family...

    The Cangyun Emperor didn¡¯t have any intention of dispelling everyone¡¯s doubts. He only signaled the next person to continue.

    Gu Zuo silently cursed: Ah, what a cliff. [1]

    Following this, Huangfu Zhanghao also went forth. Once the Qianjun Stone absorbed his fighting style, it disyed a simr rich yellow color. It was as equally dazzling as Qingrong¡¯s result.

    Immediately after that, it was Sima Yuanyou and the other three strongest from the first-.s.s Families.

    Reaching this point, the disyed color of the Qianjun Stone had a change.

    Yuanyou¡¯s color and the first two people didn¡¯t have any differences. However, the fighting styles of the other three martial artists presented a green color. All three were more or less the same degree of verdant green.

    As a result, everyone present naturally understood that below the Yellow-Level was the Green-Level.

    Then, if a strength that was one thousand five hundred kilograms or less was used, what colored radiance would appear?

    Instantly, they all couldn¡¯t help looking at Helian Xingcheng.

    Xingcheng¡¯s face darkened.

    Watch him do what? They still really thought that he only had a strength that didn¡¯t even reach one thousand kilograms? That was practically the same as a joke!

    He boldly stood up and used Triple Explosion, the martial skill with the strongest might, which had been pa.s.s downed within his n for generations. He faced the Qianjun Stone and unleashed his fiercest attack!

    This noise was extremely terrifying. The Qianjun Stone almost immediately showed a rich yellow color, and this color was even deeper than the results of Huangfu Zhanghao and the other young masters. Unexpectedly, within the depths of the yellow was the seemingly iplete materialization of a light red.

    It was clear that this might was nearly a half-step into the Red-Level!

    Xingcheng¡¯s gaze swept across the top eight finalists of the n War, the anger in his eyes couldn¡¯t be more clear.

    The reason for his ostentatious disy was precisely because he already determined that he was a bit stronger than Qingrong and the others, as well as to express his own mightiness. If it weren¡¯t for that mistake just then, it would¡¯ve been basically impossible for him to make a fool of himself!

    Now these people dared to go so far as to look down upon him and actually think he was no good? Truly delusional!

    Helian Xingcheng¡¯s sight deliberatelynded on Tianheng for a moment.

    Gongyi Tianheng was using both hands to hold the sides of a tea cup as he drank a mouthful. Tianheng just missed it and wasn¡¯t affected by his provocation at all. It seemed like with Tianheng¡¯s current expression, he didn¡¯t take him seriously.

    Helian Xingcheng was even more furious.

    This Gongyi Tianheng was absolutely shameless!

    There was nothing to be done. Xingcheng couldn¡¯t just shout at Tianheng to get his attention, right? So he could only leave in a rage and return to his seat. As for Gongyi Tianheng, he put down his little teacup and leisurely arrived in front of the Qianjun Stone.

    He seemed to contemte for a bit. Then, a palm struck the Qianjun Stone.

    Because Tianheng¡¯s expressions were always like this, the others didn¡¯t know whether he used all his strength. They only knew that he used a palm strike that looked downyed. The Qianjun Stone¡¯s rays of light were blinding, showing a color that was an undiluted and deep red ¡ª No, it should be blood red; the ultimate red that was the color of blood. Also, there was a glimpse of a mysterious, blurry violet.

    Clearly, he was a level higher than Helian Xingcheng. He was already on the verge of the Violet-Level.

    Yet, the power Tianheng used this time didn¡¯t shock everyone too much.

    With four thousand kilograms of force, his might seemed even more powerful. So, this wasn¡¯t so outrageous...

    The Cangyun Emperor¡¯s smile was significant: ¡°This Qianjun Stone is divided into five ranks: Gold, violet, red, yellow, and green. A normal strength of one thousand five hundred kilograms or more can reach the Green-Level.¡±

    In other words, if one¡¯s strength was less than one thousand five hundred kilograms, unless the martial skill¡¯s explosive strength was particrly strong, then perhaps a color wouldn¡¯t even appear?

    Gu Zuo thought about it and couldn¡¯t guess what material was used in this Qianjun Stone¡¯s construction.

    Then probably, it shouldn¡¯t just be a block of stone. It might¡¯ve pa.s.sed through all of kinds of refinement methods... However, this wasn¡¯t the main point. The main point was that his big brother¡¯s skill could pressure outstanding heroes. If no idents happened, it was certain that Tianheng would smoothly obtain a cement!

    In the end, it was still Gongyi Tianheng who stole the show.

    The people of the Gongyi n had joyous smiles across their faces, while the other ns¡¯ expressions didn¡¯t look too good.

    The Cangyun Emperor smiled again: ¡°All who could generate a color from their strike will pa.s.s. Next will be the third and final test.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he softly pped his hands.

    In the blink of an eye, a person emerged from a corner of the main hall. Those elders and n Heads all promptly noticed that this was a Xiantian stage three powerhouse!

    This powerhouse saluted the Cangyun Emperor and quickly went to the back of the hall. Once he returned, he didn¡¯t get too close. Everyone could already hear deep and ruthless roars one after another.

    The hearts of the young experts shuddered.

    That was a wild beast!

    Sure enough, that Xiantian powerhouse rushed back out, and his hand upheld an immense iron cage. It was no less than ten meters tall. And in this iron cage was a very malevolent wild beast. Looking at its shape, it was a grade three wild beast. No matter how one looked, it¡¯s aura was iparably violent, repeatedly colliding with the walls of the iron cage. After calcting its total martial strength, it was likely that it was infinitely close to advancing to half-step Xiantian.

    Generations of martial artists present were suppressed by a wild beast.

    With one look at that wild beast, Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat skyrocketed.

    He recognized this wild beast! It was called the Explosive-me Rhinoceros! As the name implied, it was a rhinoceros-shaped wild beast. Previously in the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, his big brother, who was still his patron at the time, also challenged this kind of rhinoceros beast. Killing it required an extremely huge amount of effort.

    Don¡¯t look at this rhinoceros like it was merely a grade three wild beast. It¡¯s degree of violence made it an apex existence among the grade three wild beasts. Don¡¯t even mention its scarlet eyes. Obviously one didn¡¯t know what provocation it was subjected to, and each provocation would only cause the wild beast¡¯s bloodline to bubble forth. As a fight went on, each strike would be like injecting chicken blood [2], so it¡¯d be even more troublesome to deal with than previously.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Speaking of this, the Cangyun Emperor shouldn¡¯t have brought this rhinoceros beast over just to have the eight finalists fight it? His big brother certainly didn¡¯t have anything to fear, but he just didn¡¯t know what to think about the other finalists.

    The Xiantian powerhouse shook his arm and firmly set the iron cage on the ground.

    At this time, everyone clearly saw that this iron cage was over ten meters tall ¡ª That is, it was fifteen to eighteen meters tall and over thirty meters wide. It could be counted as a small scale sports field.

    The Explosive-me Rhinoceros was over six meters tall and its build was six meters long. The entire wild beast was practically a miniature tank. Its body armor was covered in barbs. From its defenses to its firepower, watching it would intimidate anyone. It could also be said that it acted remarkably like a monster as it impatiently huffed in the cage.

    Bringing it out to manage and calling it a test...

    Insightful people immediately understood.

    However, despite this realization, theirplexions still didn¡¯t look good as a result.

    The Cangyun Emperor watched the rhinoceros beast and nodded his head in satisfaction: ¡°Everyone, please enter the cage and fight this beast. If you feel that you can¡¯t handle it, you can give a shout. Naturally, someone wille to rescue you. Reaching the point of killing it or weakening it so that it cannot fight back are all counted as pa.s.sing.¡±

    A moment of silence.

    Each and every powerhouse present had all seen blood and the numbers of wild beasts they¡¯d killed certainly weren¡¯t few. However, this crazy Explosive-ming Rhinoceros was something they¡¯d never encountered before.

    So, should they go first or not?

    The Cangyun Emperor smiled: ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen, you all don¡¯t need to worry if the test is unfair. This emperor has prepared several wild beasts of simr capability. Once one beast is killed, I¡¯ll naturally have another one delivered.¡±

    The expressions of the young experts once again changed.

    Gu Zuo was speechless as he watched that Explosive-me Rhinoceros.

    As for Gongyi Tianheng, at this moment he looked pensive.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] Âô(Ê²Ã´)¹Ø×Ó - Mai (shen me) guan zi, to stop a story at its climax to keep the reader in suspense.

    [2] ¼¦Ñª - Ji xue, chicken blood is considered a stimnt.

    ______

    T/N: Can anyone who has read ahead let me know how this colored system matches up to the pharmacist (and cultivation method) ranking system? Do I need to change Golden to Yellow and Profound to ck?

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 53

    The first round tested the physical body¡¯s strength;

    The second round tested the martial skill¡¯s might;

    The third round tested the individual¡¯s martial capability when...in a fierce and brutal fight.

    This absolutely wasn¡¯t merely looking at whether there was sufficient potential to break through to half-step Xiantian.

    Even though it was for the sake of improving the martial strength of the Cangyun Empire¡¯s elites, one wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say they were impatient about it. Each generation of the five great young masters all had resources. Although this generation was a little stronger, their strength hadn¡¯t reached the stage where the Azure Dragon Pool needed to be opened in advance.

    Once this matter was dealt with, perhaps the royal family would still need to keep searching.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s inner thoughts churned, and he already guessed nearly everything.

    However, as to what they were specifically searching for, he was unable to specte for the time being.

    The sc.r.a.ps of information were too few, but ultimately, it should be rted to something that benefited the whole empire.

    When mentioning the requirements of the third test that the Cangyun Emperor revealed, one just had to look at the eight finalists¡¯ performances.

    While each of the young powerhouses¡¯ expressions were all different, there was no doubt that all of their moods were solemn.

    In addition, as for who¡¯d go first, they weren¡¯t able to decide.

    Naturally, no one discovered the sh of disappointment that streaked across the Cangyun Emperor¡¯s meaningful gaze.

    Unexpectedly, none of these powerhouses had the courage to face the rhinoceros beast?

    Due to his eyesight he could naturally see that, apart from Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s sudden disy of unparalleled ability, three of the seven others had done their best to constrain their instinctual fear. The remaining four were indecisive, bncing the pros and cons, or were sticking to the sidelines...

    Just at this time, Helian Xingcheng abruptly opened his mouth. He gave a strangeugh and started taunting: ¡°Among all of us, young master Gongyi¡¯s strength is the greatest. We admire you endlessly. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to ask young master Gongyi to take the stage again and let us admire some more?¡±

    These words were spoken. Duanmu Qingrong and Huangfu Zhanghao couldn¡¯t help frowning slightly.

    Although Tianheng made them look out of sorts, Xingcheng was really too petty. The five of them were alwayspared to one another. With Xingcheng doing this, wouldn¡¯t their quality be dragged down?

    Sima Yuanyou lowered his head, his gaze flickering indeterminately.

    This kind of thing wasn¡¯t something he could do. However, if Xingcheng could force Gongyi Tianheng into making a fool of himself, then he was ready to watch the show.

    Cang Yu¡¯s eyes shed with disdain.

    On the contrary, the Cangyun Emperor looked towards Tianheng, wanting to see how he reacted.

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled and stood up: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll give it a try first.¡±

    There wasn¡¯t a bit of reluctance in his words. He strode forward with determination straight to the front of the iron cage.

    That Xiantian martial artist pped the cage, and an opening that could let a person through appeared on the cage. Inside, the Explosive-me Rhinoceros roared and it continuously stomped its four hooves. It would rush out immediately!

    However, it was suppressed by the palm of the Xiantian martial artist before it could reach that opening. That tremendous aura quelled the beast and made it suddenly stop ¡ª And while it was stopped, Gongyi Tianheng entered the cage. As for the iron cage¡¯s opened door, it was immediately sealed.

    In the iron cage, all that remained was Gongyi Tianheng and the Explosive-me Rhinoceros. It was one man and one beast.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes were glued to the scene.

    A fight between a ferocious beast with such high strength and his surrogate big brother. His first reaction was naturally to worry, but after he thought about all of Tianheng¡¯s performances in the Arena of Life and Death, he calmed his heart down.

    Even those killing machines were beaten to submission by his big brother. No matter how provoked this Explosive-me Rhinoceros had be, it shouldn¡¯t be able to handle his big brother.

    On the contrary, those people who were mockingly watching...

    Gu Zuo secretly nced at Helian Xingcheng and the other great young masters, and silently ridiculed: This group of spineless guys deserve to be big brother¡¯s stepping stones!

    At this moment, Tianheng and the Explosive-me Rhinoceros started fighting to the death.

    The Explosive-me Rhinoceros had several parts that were difficult to deal with. For example, its four hooves with the trampling strength of several tons, its thick hide, its nose¡¯s three sharp horns, and its innate ability to breathe explosive mes.

    Whenpiling everything together, its strength was very formidable.

    Gongyi Tianheng stood in front of the rhinoceros beast and,pared to its huge build, it could be said that he was puny. However, he definitely wasn¡¯t rmed. Instead, when that beast freely moved in the blink of an eye, Tianheng was even faster as he leaped forward!

    Rushing Thunder Palm!

    The power in his palm carried a thunderous light and thousands of light rays blossomed!

    Gu Zuo was very clear about this rhinoceros beast¡¯s weak points. He could see his big brother striking a location that was precisely one of those several weak points. The depression just below the horns.

    Striking here was very challenging. A moment of inattention could lead to being impaled by the rhinoceros¡¯ horns. However, running low to the ground was the easiest way to get close to it.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s worries were for naught. Sure enough, Tianheng struck the target and caused the rhinoceros beast to experience violent pain.

    Then he started circling the beast neither quickly nor slowly. After every couple of steps, he would dodge its attacks and simultaneouslynd palm strikes, imprinting them on its hide.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the beast¡¯s hide was covered in more than ten palm prints. Gu Zuo understood what was happening. The locations of these palm prints were the corresponding sites of the rhinoceros beast¡¯s internal organs. Tianheng¡¯s power was great and the qi energy was fired from his palms. Although the strikes didn¡¯t crack the rhinoceros¡¯ hide, some of the power had prated and injured its organs.

    The Cangyun Emperor took this scene in and his eyes held some praise.

    Being able to use this kind of exquisite wandering footwork with seemingly slow yet precise palm strikes one after another, one could see that Gongyi Tianheng had fine control over his power to urately seize every opportunity.

    As for the other seven, they felt differently.

    The three who were slightly weaker naturally tried to take in every detail. They tried to discover a few things they could learn from. Duanmu Qingrong and the others also appeared focused, and treated this as a chance to .u.mte first-hand experience.

    It was only that, due to several psychological blows and after restraining himself many times, Helian Xingcheng¡¯sparatively irascible temperament had already taken a step to the extreme. If before he held Tianheng in contempt and didn¡¯t want Tianheng to be equally as famous as him, that originally condescending person now stooped down to act. Those feelings of resistance became jealousy, and those feelings of jealousy then became an obsession. Perhaps, it could turn into an internal demon [1], affecting his advancements along the path of cultivation.

    Now it seemed that if Xingcheng kept control over his mental state, then at most he¡¯d join Yuanyou in watching the fight from the shadows. However, he didn¡¯t only provoke Tianheng, but during this seldom view of gaining first-experiencebat, he was h.e.l.l-bent on hoping that Tianheng suffered a setback during the fight¡¯s course of events. The best thing he hoped for was that Tianheng didn¡¯t even have the opportunity to cry for help and would bepletely eradicated.

    Unfortunately, no matter how much Helian Xingcheng wished in his heart, he ultimately discovered that Tianheng fought the rhinoceros beast skillfully and easily. There practically wasn¡¯t a single hair out of ce.

    He wasn¡¯t willing to believe that this was Tianheng¡¯s usual fighting strength ¡ª It was impossible! The time he¡¯d been practicing martial arts was so short. It simply wasn¡¯t like them, who¡¯d seen so much blood, to be capable of oveing the berserk rhinoceros beast¡¯s intimidation unscathed. How was it possible to still do this so effortlessly?!

    ¡ª This was surely because this seemingly provoked rhinoceros beast was merely the royal family¡¯s way of testing their courage. The true situation must be that this beast originally couldn¡¯t withstand a single blow!

    During the time he thought about this, Helian Xingcheng¡¯s face underwent several changes.

    Gu Zuo snuck another nce, and was a little stunned: Was this buddy¡¯s face a painter¡¯s palette? He previously heard that people¡¯s faces could change color, but he never thought it could be so marvelous...

    As for Gongyi Tianheng, he seemed to validate Xingcheng¡¯s guess. At this moment, he jumped high in the air and used a single hand to press against the beast¡¯s skull. The force caused it to copse to the ground, evoking a sharp and clear sound. After that, his other hand didn¡¯t remain idle. He just clenched his fist and brazenly smashed it against the weak point at the back of its head ¡ª

    Bang!

    The rhinoceros beast¡¯s skull was crushed by this extremely powerful strength!

    ¡ª During the entire course of events, the rhinoceros beast never had the chance to sense it was in mortal danger nor breathe its explosive mes trump card. It had already lost its life.

    Gongyi Tianheng won!

    Moreover, his victory was direct and efficient, as if it was even easier than killing a chicken.

    Xingcheng only felt an ache in the pit of his stomach. His face turned red, which was caused by his heart¡¯s blood bubbling up in anger. The reason why he almost vomited blood: Gongyi Tianheng, he actually ¡ª

    Just despicable!

    A Helian n elder was nearby and keenly discovered Xingcheng¡¯s inappropriate behavior. Subconsciously, he promptly retrieved a medicinal pill from his breast pocket and fed it to him.

    He knew this was an emotional issue in his heart that changed into a manifestation of an internal demon. If it caused him to vomit blood, his foundation would certainly receive damage. When that moment came, don¡¯t mention bing Xiantian. With this kind of situation, he might not necessarily pa.s.s the third test. Even if he pa.s.sed, it wasn¡¯t guaranteed that he would be able to make use of the Azure Dragon Pool.

    The Helian n Head was supremely disappointed.

    This was his third son, whose apt.i.tude had been impressive since childhood. After growing up, Xingcheng seized much honor and glory for him. However, he never thought that because of this very small setback, his pride and joy would nearly suffer a stumble he could never recover from!

    How could he be at ease from this kind of descent?

    With great difficulty, Xingcheng managed to suppress the churning in the pit of his stomach. He was covered in a cold sweat. He rushed to recuperate his qi and prepared to wait for the inevitable test. He didn¡¯t dare go pay attention to Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He absolutely never thought that his big bro had the ability to do nothing and still anger someone to the point of vomiting blood. With Helian Xingcheng¡¯s degree of pettiness, how did he manage to grow up without a hitch? Wouldn¡¯t he be angered breathless if someone got an extra bowl of rice today, or if someone got an extra medicinal pill tomorrow, or if someone got an extra slice of wild beast meat the day after? [2] Thinking like this, the Helian household didn¡¯t have it easy either.

    After silently criticizing Xingcheng in his heart, Gu Zuo felt at peace.

    The following matters rapidly unfolded.

    Because this rhinoceros beast was directly put to death, the Xiantian martial artist put the iron cage away and brought out a violent ape. Indeed, it also wasprehensively evaluated to be a wild beast on par with the Explosive-me Rhinoceros.

    Because their overall strength was low, the three martial artists were still in the middle of enduring. Once the remaining unscathed three great young masters looked at each other¡¯s faces, Huangfu Zhanghao entered the iron cage in the end.

    Simrly, he was subjected to a provoked wild beast and fought in close-quartersbat. However, Zhanghao was suppressed by it from the very beginning. No matter how much he tried to dodge, he was still only able to doge and he couldn¡¯t hit back. There wasn¡¯t the least bit of effortless satisfaction like Gongyi Tianheng a moment ago.

    In other words, this test wasn¡¯t only to test their courage ying around with wild beasts that looked strong but were actually weak. Rather, they were wild beasts that were genuinely and thoroughly powerful!

    Helian Xingcheng clearly saw Zhanghao¡¯s fight and the redness on his face became even redder. His fists suddenly clenched tightly. Afterwards, he mmed his hand over his mouth.

    However, between the slits of his fingers, red lines overflowed...

    ______

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    [1] ÐÄÄ§ - Xin mo, heart demon, negative influences that can hamper a martial artist¡¯s cultivation, which can lead to qi deviation.

    [2] I¡¯m stumped over the point of this sentence. (Thanks to user Charysa for the exnation.)

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 54: End of test

    This time, Helian¡¯s family leader took a jump. He hurriedly got up and took a hand to the back of He Lianxing¡¯s journey. He sent the innate air into it and suppressed the tumbling blood for him, so that he would not immediately Get out of the fire.

    With such a strong help, He Lianxing''s ugly face was a little better. This time, he closed his eyes and even dared not even watched the fights of other people.

    The children of the other great families have a somewhat strange look.

    That He Lianxing Cheng, was actually mad?

    They are also younger generations. Although they are younger than Helen Liancheng and others, they are also brave and daring. They can''t understand the fact that they can breathe blood. However, several elders of the homeowner knew in their hearts that this was the wrong attitude of He Lianxing, which led to a twist. If you adjust itter, you can turn it around. If you reverse it, then it will be abolished.

    - The outstanding descendants of Helianjia are abolished. For other families, it is not a bad thing.

    The public instrument Tianyang slowly grinds to the side of Gu Zuo and whispers his mouth shape: "Azogo, big brother, how was he before?"

    The brothers are deeply in love. Others may feel that the public scorpio has always been such a demeanor. He Lianxing is self-sufficient, but he can see that his big brother would not help him if he wanted to help He Lianxing. If you don''t see it, with his big brother''s mind, it is more ways to alleviate the other''s unhappiness, and it is not like this.

    Gu Zuoqiughed twice and did the same thing: "Big brother is both brave and brave."

    In fact, he also has a little bit to see, the big brother is silently provocative... Every time he stimtes people, it is stimted on the idea.

    The public instrument Tianyang wipes the face: Big brother is doing well!

    Gu Zuo: Ah, haha.

    Because of the public scorpio, the rtionship between the public scorpio and Gu Zuo has also been closer at this moment. So the two looked at each other and silently went to see the fight in the iron cage.

    In the cage.

    The emperor¡¯s long-necked scorpion gradually approached the temper, and the same pair of fists protected himself from the wind, and did not dare to let the violent force m himself. Although he was at a disadvantage in the beginning, the temper was stimted and seemed to be exhausted, but the longer he fought, the more he was adapted to the rhythm of the battle. Gradually, he was able to tie with the temper, and again Fight for a while and slowly gain the upper hand.

    The violent temper is extremely powerful. In the short term, the imperial concubine is not allowed, but it is also because of this, the more he feels the terrible things of the public scorpio.

    After about half of the hour, there is still a lot of temper, and the emperor¡¯s long-term killing is not violent, but itpletely suppresses the temper.

    Finally, Cang Yundi said: "This round, the emperor passed."

    After thenguage was finished, the violent temper was suppressed by the innate master, the attack stopped, and the emperor¡¯s long sigh was relieved and stopped. But deep inside, there is still a trace of regret - the public instrument Tianzhu can easily kill the wild rhinoceros, he is so violent, but so hard, just topete.

    As a warrior with a strong pursuit of martial arts, in the heart, it is really unwilling!

    Huangfu¡¯s long squats were still graceful. After he thanked the congenital martial artist, he returned to his seat. Anyway, he seems to be much stronger than Helen Xingcheng.

    The back end of the wood is light.

    Because the tyranny has been fighting with the Emperor Yongzheng for a long time, some y is clear and clear, so even if it is not dead, it is reced by another fierce wild animal of the same level.

    Just like the experience of the emperor''s long scorpion, Duanmu did not immediately kill the wild beast, but fell from the downwind, to the stalemate, and then to the upper hand. Finally, after staying close to an hour, he was stopped by the Cangyun Emperor. .

    This is followed by Sima Yuanyou.

    These three emperors are famous sons, and they usually shine in the air, but today they are all eclipsed in front of the public celestial celestial being.

    The warriors of other families have seen it, and it is inevitable that the children of the public servants will be very proud to see them.

    In the past few years, their long sons have be one of the five sons with a weak body. Many people respect and value, but many people are criticized. They are also inevitably tempted and ridiculed. But today, all the bad breath is exhausted, and it is an unprecedented shame to ridicule their most fierce Helian family!

    It¡¯s really amazing!

    Later, the weaker top three entered the cage.

    Different from the previous few people, they only went into the cage, they hanged up, and then managed to survive, but unfortunately they insisted on a quarter of an hour, they almost died and died, and finally had to ask for help in advance.

    A total of seven games, the level of the quarter-finals is unobstructed.

    He Lianxing Cheng was thest one to go in. He was no longer exposed to emotions just now. If he could see what he could see, he could only say that he was gloomy with a face.

    After entering the cage, he did not y abnormally, and he was not the one who attacked more than half of the other three, and with a sigh of relief, from the beginning, he yed with the wild beast. After a stalemate, after a gust of wind and rain, even if I couldn¡¯t take the life of the wild beast, I still stunned it until it was stopped after an hour. The wild beast was suppressed and he punched. Unsessful, broke the arm bones of the wild beast, almost made the wild beast more mad.

    Suchbat power, if there is not a public celestial celestial scorpion jade in front, will certainly attract a lot of people''s attention, and even if it is more than a public scorpio, more or less, but also saved a little impression.

    He Lian¡¯s family was slightly satisfied, and he smiled: I hope that Xingcheng will break from the ground and reshape the martial arts will.

    By this time, the three rounds of tests have passed.

    The weaker top three are very nervous, because they are not recognized by the Cang Yundi as "passing" after being beaten with the wild beast. What is the result now, they are not sure, they just hope not to lose their ces. It¡¯s good.

    Cang Yundi seems to have been indulging for a while, nodding his head: "The potential of all of you has been seen by the emperor. If this is the case, you will pass it, but with your strength, it is best not to be too close after entering the Canglong Pool. Center, otherwise I am afraid I can''t bear it."

    The top three people were very happy, and they quickly said: "Thank you for your grace!"

    The family of the top three is also a big sigh of relief.

    So when the matter is over, everyone can go back to each family.

    It will take another two days for Canglong Pool to open, and they will leave for the Cangyun Emperor and leave the hall.

    After they left, Cang Yu¡¯s eyes shed and he said: ¡°Father, you see...¡±

    Cang Yundi sighed: "He Lianxing Cheng and other four people still need to look at it again. If they are baptized by the dragon, if they can reach more than seven kilograms, they will be reluctant to qualify. As for the other three, unless Among them, there are thick and thin hairs who can make rapid progress after half-step sess, otherwise they will only be apanied and not qualified."

    After listening to the sacred prince, he smiled and held the fist: "I haven''t congratted the father, I can get apetent cadre."

    Cang Yundiughed: "The public celestial celestial person is a natural person, and the temper is also very sly. When he is afraid, he will have to tilt the resources to the public servant to exchange his participation."

    Cang Yu brows a move: "The father is very familiar with the public scorpio?"

    Cang Yundi said: "He used some means of doing business, even if he was a father, and asionally he would learn from one or two. And his martial arts and minds are far better than others, and should be able to be with you, as my Cang Yunguo. The seeds, even one day, the hope of fulfilling the father¡¯s life is not known..."

    Cang Yu listened to the words in front, still calm, but when he heard thest sentence, he could not help but be shocked: "The father''s lifelong wish? Can you tell the child?"

    Cang Yundi shook his head slightly: "It''s not the time... I will finish this first step."

    Cang Yu smelled and stopped talking.

    ¡¤

    When I went back, I was still riding the five-level wild beast. This time, He Lianxing Cheng An had a lot of points, and the Helian family did not provoke any more.

    The group returned smoothly, and the public ceremonial scorpion came to the courtyard of his ancestral home.

    Gu Zuo followed the past and entered the study room. He saw a stack of papers taken from the table by the public instrument Tianzhu and handed them over.

    He groaned: "Big brother, is this?"

    The public scorpio raises his hand: "You know it when you read it."

    Gu Zuo "Oh," he sighed and looked down.

    From this point of view, his pupil suddenly shrank, and some could not wait to go down.

    That''s right, what is recorded on this paper is his two "enemy", or, to be precise, the enemy who he borrowed.

    Qi Feng and Bai Wenjun.

    The first one was written by Qi Feng.

    At that time, Qi Feng was dug away from the medicine beads, and was sent to the inn by the people in the city and handed it to Bai Wenjun. When Bai Wenjun discovered that Qi Feng¡¯s talent of the refining pharmacist had been abolished, and every day he looked at him and gave him revenge, he immediately called a car and sent him directly back to Qi. During this period, although it was not immediately turned over, it became a lot of indifference.

    Qi Feng¡¯s grief or pleading, Bai Wenjun can be said to be hard as iron, without any pity, and when he handed Qi Feng to the hired person, he immediately left him behind.

    Fortunately, those who hired also had some professional ethics, and sent Qi Feng to Qi Qi. After Qi Feng returned, the Qi and his wife were naturally heartbroken and quickly sent people to take good care of them.

    Seeing this, Gu Zu can''t help but sneer.

    Compared with Qi Tianyou, this is a good life to raise Qi Feng, who is venting or even beating his servant.

    What makes Gu Zuo feel a bit of pleasure is that in order to get Qi Feng to get the best care, Mrs. Qi sent her to take care of Qi Feng, who is her favorite pet servant, and was beaten by Qi Feng. I don¡¯t care to give Qi Tianyou a poisonous meal.

    This is also a natural circle, and it is not good for retribution.

    Originally, Qi Feng was supposed to be able to live a hundred times better than Qi Tianyou, but he immediately made a special death.

    Because of his whimsy, he intended to transnt other people''s medicine beads to himself!

    What is even more bizarre is that the Qijia master couple actually agreed!

    You know, although this conjecture was mentioned in the ancient books, in fact, the transnt of the medicine beads has never heard anyone seed...

 Chapter 55: Pay for the water

    The medicine beads will not fall out of thin air. Unfortunately, when Qi Tianyou''s medicine beads were dug out by Qi Feng, they were thrown away casually. Now they are looking for it.

    If you want a bead transnt, you can only find a new refining pharmacist and dig the beads from their hands.

    The refining pharmacists who entered the product did not say that they had dug, and even if they wanted to see them, it was not easy. They did not have such courage to do anything, so they went to find a refining pharmacist who had not yet entered the product and whose reputation was not obvious.

    In this way, after a lot of hard work, they really found a person who appeared to being out of the deep forest, because the long-term ignorance was very good, the refining pharmacist was very deceived, and he was not caught. stand up?

    Gu Zuo saw it here and frowned.

    In the final analysis, this is to help him. If you are tired of other people, he will be embarrassed.

    But he still believes in the ability of Big Brother, it should not...

    Sure enough, what follows is what follows.

    The transnting of the medicine beads should be the freshest, and the refining pharmacist is onlyforted and locked up. Qi Feng has to adjust the body well, prepare for the best state, and then transnt.

    However, the family did not think that this refining pharmacist, he is not really a mountain savage, he also has a background!

    - He is a respected grandson of the refining pharmacist!

    He was sent to the mountain to let him study the medicine carefully, and no one was protected. If it weren''t for his own age and naughty, he wouldn''t be seen as a good bully.

    When the refining pharmacist was found to be missing, the **** was in a hurry and quickly reported to the refining pharmacist, and the refining pharmacist also used his energy to quickly find inquiries in the surrounding city. It was not long before he found him. The fall of his grandson.

    Gu Zuo is a glimpse.

    This is too fast, is it big brother he...

    Thinking of this, he looked at the public scorpio.

    The public scorpio smiled slightly, and the dagger said: "The Qi family has always been stared. After the incident, my channels have already handed the news to those people without any traces."

    Therefore, the pharmacist who entered the product can figure out the things that the local snakes are arresting.

    Thetter things are taken for granted.

    When the refining pharmacist led arge group of people to look for the past, Qi Feng had just been nursed to be almost the same, and his grandson and grandson were taken over and had been **** to "operation."

    This time, I was arrested.

    The refining pharmacist was greatly angry. When the grandson was saved, he did not care about the exnation of Qi, and he quickly left when he took the person. But this is not the end of the matter. After he gave a few other families in the city and a part of the promise of the city owner, these people quickly started to act, using the power in their hands, and suppressing the family from all aspects!

    In just a few days, Qi¡¯s industry lost most of his life, and the remaining half was not seen!

    All this is caused by Qi Feng.

    This is why the upstarts who want to gradually be a higher-level family have lost.

    No matter how distressed Qi Feng, Qi Jiazhu couple is not his own parents, the interests of Qi family is not only the interests of the two couples. Soon, the capital of Qi¡¯s family could not be turned around. Many people left the family. The elders also began topete for the final interests. One of the big ones was slowly, only the empty shells were left, and in order to continue to practice, they were even empty. The shells are handled to others.

    By this time, Qi Feng is still ming others, refused to admit his fault, and even abandon himself... When the Qi family came to this time, there was no way to feel bad about him.

    In the end, what Qi Feng can get is just a dark room. From time to time, someone can stuff into the house and barely be able to sustain life.

    The Qi family wants to rise, and the hopes of the Qijiazhu couple are pinned on other sons. Qi Feng is making them like this, and they are only willing to give a meal.

    Qi Fengqi is unfair, and the person who digs his medicine beads, while asking for help from Bai Wenjun, swears at him, but it is useless.

    And his ending is here.

    Gu Zuo slowly sighed.

    This chain of chain reactions, if changed to another family, may not be like this at all.

    Qi Feng still made it.

    Qi family is also doing.

    If Qi Tianyou is in the sky and knows this, what would he think?

    With the character of that guy, it will definitely not be the joy of revenge, and may be pity.

    But in any case, in his heart, Gu Zuo really felt a sigh of relief.

    Then, it is the follow-up of Bai Wenjun.

    To be honest, if this guy doesn''t appear, Qi Feng may have been bullying Qi Tianyou and he can''t be hostile to him, but once Qi Tianyou bes a refined pharmacist, he will be safe.

    No matter how stupid Qi family is, it will not be good to protect this family of refining pharmacists. Even if Qi Feng wants to do something, Qi Tianyou¡¯s side will definitely not be stopped.

    For Gu Zuo, even if this guy just went to see Qi Tianyou afterwards, or if he didn''t visit Qi Tianyou but he was not with Qi Feng, he would not be so disgusted with this guy. Even if he was angry at the moment, he felt that this guy was damn, but he calmed down afterwards and would not really think that he needed to get too much punishment.

    Then...

    Gu Zuo continued to look down.

    What did Big Brother do to this person?

    First, when Bai Wenjun took Qi Feng away, he didn¡¯t have much reaction. Or, as usual, he made friends who were useful to himself and tried to climb some stronger rtionships.

    Slowly, after several rounds of "friends" turnover rmendation, he finally got on the line with a manager of the public servant, making Baijia an alternative to the family of the public servant.

    There are a lot of families like Baijia. In the local area, it may be considered as a strong one. In the eyes of the super family, it is really nothing.

    In order to be a subsidiary family of public servants, and enjoy the treatment of a certain resource by the public servant, there are still many tests in the middle, but even so, Bai Wenjun is very satisfied, I feel that this time the emperor hase well.

    After Bai Jia knew it, he was also greatly praised by Bai Wenjun.

    Later, the management gave Bai Wenjun a task, and said that if the task is done well, then the White House will pass the test.

    Bai Wenjun certainly wants to be a hero of the White House, and he will get more chips for the future of the White House. So he will only take a small amount of resources ording to the requirements of the public servant, and go to the Blue City. A small matter.

    This indigo city has everything in its three religions, itsposition is veryplicated, its resources are scarce, and there are many intrigues. However, such a ce is really suitable for the work of Bai Wenjun, he is full of ambition to want to smooth this ce, be a stepping stone for his own advancement.

    Gu Zuo saw it here and seemed to understand it a bit and didn''t seem to understand it.

    The public celestial scorpion sees him like this, can''t help butugh, then walks over and uses the index finger to gently click on a line of words.

    "The resources are scarce and intriguing."

    Gu Zuo looked at it for a while, suddenly stunned.

    Resources are scarce and they bring less resources. That is to say, if you want to cultivate, you have to spend a lot of time trying to get something. Bai Wenjun is not a small manager, he is not able to get it, just to get a lot of thoughts. The intrigue is to say that a lot of time is spent on calctions and entertainment. With Bai Wenjun¡¯s ability, he can¡¯t do the same with the public scorpio, and both hands are not wrong. Then when Bai Wenjun stayed here for a long time, he The value of force is definitely better than that of the same generation. Instead, it is like a stream of water, and the heart is exhausted to catch the mirror.

    However, thetter news is quite long.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, didn''t know what else to have, and then looked down.

    It turned out that after three or four months, the manager of the public servant said to Bai Wenjun that he had done a good job in the near future. Although Baijia could not be a subsidiary family of the public servant for the time being, the resources had begun to tilt toward Baijia.

    It can be imagined that after receiving resources, Baijia is very happy and vigorously develops family affairs. In a short period of time, the industry has doubled and its strength has soared.

    Originally, Bai Wenjun is the owner of the nails in the future, but Bai Wenjun¡¯s brothers are not vegetarian. They don¡¯t care whether Bai Wenjun¡¯s merits or not, but they must first develop their own power. Even if Bai Wenjun has a public servant support in the future, they must have a card and hold the power in the family!

    The white house owner is not a short-sighted person. He thinks that Bai Wenjun has a good rtionship with the public servant. This is very good, but it is too risky to pinch the white house in the hands of the public servant. So he secretly cultivates other people. Let them bnce and bnce Bai Wenjun in the future, and don''t let the Bai family be a vassal whilepletely losing power...

    It¡¯s been a few months in a blink of an eye.

    Bai Wenjun is deeper and deeper in the intrigue, and the influence of the white family is gradually increasing. Within the white family, several forces umte strength, and the heads of those branches rely on the resources that the public servant leans over, their own and their own The strength is constantly rising.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of water.

    Even if his mind is not radiant, he can see it. This is too much... heughs twice.

    Well, it¡¯s too sinister.

    Gongyi Tianzhu smiled and said: "A white house can''t be anything."

    Gu Zuo nodded and the scalp was slightly numb.

    He knows that there are not many more than one family like Baijia. If you are in the big brother, you can''t turn the waves here. It is inconspicuous to tilt a little resource.

    But who can know the other implications here?

    Bai Wenjun is the hero of the White House, making the White House rise faster, but it is conceivable that when hepletes his task and is ambitious to rely on the public servant to return to the family to take power, he will find his own The strength is the lowest, even the white family has been secretly contacted with the public servant, the credit is not only not smaller than him, but also robbing him of his credit. And the one he relied on, the power did not have his brother in the background of the public servant, even if the public servant is fair, he finally got the chance to win power with the brothers in the end of the war, he The value of force is far greater than his brother.

    In the end, Bai Wenjun will be the abandonment of the Bai family''s contact with the public servant. He has worked so hard for many years, and the painstaking efforts will be put to the water.

    All his efforts, and ultimately he will be the brother he hates most in the family.

 Chapter 56

    After Gu Zuo read about Qi Feng and Bai Wenjun¡¯s endings, he calmly stood up for a moment and slowly let out a big sigh.

    This would do.

    He didn¡¯t kill Qi Feng or Bai Wenjun. Besides the medical beads, the endings of those two were all brought about by their own choices...

    Even if the spirit of Qi Tianyou knew about this in heaven, surely his Virgin Mary-like temperament wouldn¡¯t me him ¡ª No, even if he killed those two, since Qi Tianyou was unwilling to harm others, he definitely wouldn¡¯t me him.

    Just how stupid were those guys? Stupid enough that if it weren¡¯t for his revenge, he¡¯d feel sorry for them.

    In addition, someone might be aware of this matter some day in the future. They shouldn¡¯t feel that ¡°Qi Tianyou¡± had done something wrong, or that he was malicious or something.

    Gu Zuo felt that he didn¡¯t harm Qi Tianyou¡¯s reputation. So from this day forth, he couldy this worry to rest.

    At this moment, it was like Gu Zuo¡¯s heart had let go of a big stone. Previously, no matter how much he felt that he had nothing to do with it, he still subconsciously hung on. It wasn¡¯t until now that he truly let it go.

    Suddenly, the psychic power in Gu Zuo¡¯s head violently fluctuated.

    When there was a rumbling sound, he discovered that a psychic ripple formed in the depths of the vortex in his Tianfu Acupoint. In the past, the oscitions were merely the nonstoppressions of smoke-like psychic power. The current oscitions were the formation of gtinous psychic power.

    Gu Zuo could even sense that his psychic power suddenly increased as much as ten times. He could use it more freely and effortlessly. Even the condensing speed of the smoke-like psychic power beyond the gtinous psychic ripple was ten times faster.

    This should be his <spirit piercing="" needle="">> breaking through to the second stage?</spirit>

    At the same time, Gu Zuo¡¯s brain was like a book that had opened to the next page. What was recorded was the second chapter¡¯s method of Spirit Congealing. Nevertheless, Spirit Forging, Spirit Congealing, and Spirit Piercing were a series of steps that were more subtle and profound than thest. They were directly engraved in his mind, allowing him to automatically learn how to do it.

    If he was willing to work hard, his self-defensive capabilities would rise again!

    After opening his eyes, Gu Zuo realized that at some point in time he was already sitting in a cross-legged position. Sitting across from him on the couch, Gongyi Tianheng also just so happened to open his eyes. Two pairs of eyes met.

    Gu Zuo felt a little embarra.s.sed. While he was nking out, it seemed a while had pa.s.sed.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, congrattions on your breakthrough.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened: ¡°Many thanks, big brother.¡±

    Then, Tianheng asked him: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s current psychic power...¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little proud: ¡°It¡¯s ten times as much as before. When I¡¯m using the Spirit Piercing Needle, if it¡¯s the silver needle, I can shoot a total of three hundred sixty needles, and if I swapped it for the silver drill, I can shoot ten of them.¡±

    Previously, he only had thirty six silver needles. Every batch of thirty six silver needles could transform into one silver drill. If he wanted to use that great power, it would be a single-use attack.

    Gongyi Tianheng listened and his gaze slightly moved. He said with satisfaction: ¡°Very good, the Spirit Piercing Needle seems very marvelous. Ah Zuo, you must work even harder when practicing it.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo said: ¡°I will, big brother.¡±

    For the matter of his small life, he definitely wouldn¡¯t ck off the tiniest bit!

    Once this affair was over, Gu Zuo continued to nurse Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s health, refining many medicinal pills and researching all kinds of prescriptions. After his psychic power breakthrough, his cultivating speed was even faster and his need for medicinal qi was even greater. He would certainly give it his all to realize his own destiny.

    Sometimes, Gu Zuo rejoiced at his own good luck. Gongyi Tianheng was wealthy and could make lots of money. Otherwise, even if his sess rate for refining medicine was one hundred percent, the funds needed for purchasing medicinal ingredients would be absolutely unaffordable.

    Thinking about this, Gu Zuo naturally had to do his best for Tianheng.

    Time pa.s.sed in an instant.

    Soon, Tianheng would leave for the pce and go to Azure Dragon Pool to cultivate.

    At this moment, whether if it was a member of the Gongyi n or Gu Zuo himself, no one could follow along. As a result, under the protection of Dragon Two, Gu Zuo stayed in the secret room to refine medicine.

    And so, Gongyi Tianheng left, and he didn¡¯t return for many days.

    ______

    Countless hand arts breached the interior of a pill cauldron. The fluid inside was boiling, taking the shape of tiny medicinal b.a.l.l.s. Under the roasting mes, the more b.a.l.l.s that were condensed, the stronger the medicinal fragrance became.

    In front of that pill cauldron, the youth¡¯s fingers abruptly transformed into several extremely mysterious motions. Those medicinal b.a.l.l.s were drawn by a strand of power and shot out of the cauldron!

    The youth didn¡¯t dare neglect anything and reached out a hand to grab a jade bowl by his side, which he swept through the air.

    Instantly, the sharp and clear sound of bells echoed out. There were several medicinal pills in that jade bowl.

    To be precise, there were five pills.

    These medicinal pills appeared to be an ordinary brown. However, if one first rotated it, the pill would shine green, yellow, red, white, and ck. With these five colors, they were plump, wless, and very beautiful.

    Gu Zuo scrutinized them for a while and found that there truly wasn¡¯t the slightest sign of obstruction in the cirction of the five-colored lights. This made him reveal a huge smile.

    Atst, he seeded!

    Ever since Gongyi Tianheng left to soak in the Azure Dragon Pool two to three days ago, Gu Zuo already set out to refine this new kind of medicinal pill ¡ª The Five Essence Pill. Merely, this pill required a bnce of the five elements; the essence of the five elements were extracted and condensed into a single, tiny medicinal pill. In addition, the amounts of each essence had to be exactly the same, which made it very difficult for the pharmacist.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s cultivation method was powerful, his hand arts were powerful, and his body¡¯s apt.i.tude was very high. However, even though it was like this, his very first time refining the Five Essence Pill only produced three wed pills.

    By his own estimate, the level of this low grade product was genuinely regarded as the medicinal pills with the lowest qualities since he started pill refining.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo made several great efforts, but what he refined were very many wed products. Fortunately, his standards slowly rose over time. Gradually, he could refine mid grade and high grade pills. Until finally, he could genuinely refine five units of top grade Five Essence Pills.

    That¡¯s right. If hepletely utilized this pill¡¯s medicinal ingredients, he could produce five top grade pills.

    This was why Gu Zuo was this happy.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo continuously refined dozens of cauldrons¡¯ worth of pills.

    Because he had such vigorous psychic powers now, so long as he had enough every day, he could refine as many as he wanted. Basically, he wouldn¡¯t have any feeling of being deficient in psychic power.

    Through the process of his continued proficiencies, the speed of his pill refining sped up with each cauldron. It allowed him to gather dozens of medicinal qi strands.

    A good whileter, Gu Zuo used a white jade gourd to collect the Five Essence Pills in preparation for when Tianheng returned. They would all be given to him as a present.

    As for those with ws, he just had Dragon Two put them in regr pots.

    Alright. It¡¯d be better to have Tianheng handle them once he got back, too.

    Gu Zuo thought of something. Although his surrogate big brother could now cultivate, his meridians weren¡¯t particrly strong. The Xiantian Qi inside of him basically wasn¡¯tpletely refined. As for whether his qi would be refined after he emerged from the Azure Dragon Pool, it was still hard to say right now. The Tiandu Body was truly inconvenient, and the meridians¡¯ insides weren¡¯t any good in the short-term. Yet he couldn¡¯t say when his big brother had to leave for distantnds in the future. If he could go with Tianheng, then it¡¯d naturally be great. However, if there wasn¡¯t a way for him to follow along...the daily medicinal decoctions woulde to a halt. In fact, this also wasn¡¯t any good.

    To tell the truth, Gu Zuo was a bit of a perfectionist.

    He was eager to let his surrogate big brother use the very best, most suitable things for recuperating. For example, when he discovered that the medicinal cuisines made from the best wild beast meats were more suitable for his big brother to absorb, he started personally preparing all his meals. At first, his big brother¡¯s health wasn¡¯t affected too much by the medicine. However, he still wanted to make his big brother soak once a day to repeatedly consolidate the effects.

    It was better now. Top grade Qi Generating Pills could supply enough ambient qi. The Five Essence Pills could hasten the viscera¡¯s qi and blood to circte and strengthen the meridians. This wasn¡¯t because of any breaks in medicinal cuisines or decoctions, which would¡¯ve had negative effects on his big brother. Of course, the medicinal cuisines and decoctions were even more meticulous. Once he returned, there was still time to continue this regimen...

    After having arranged this, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel so tangled inside.

    Once he thought it over, he shouted to a corner: ¡°Dragon Two.¡±

    In the blink of an eye, a shadow appeared in front of Gu Zuo.

    It was a ck clothed man who was limber, handsome, youthful, and solemn. It was Dragon Two.

    Dragon Two was very deferential to Gu Zuo: ¡°Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°How about apanying me on a trip today?¡±

    Dragon Two paused slightly, before nodding: ¡°Allow this subordinate to go find some Tianlong guards to protect the secret room.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that this was a consideration for his own safety. He¡¯d already gotten used to being ¡°watched over¡± by someone nearby anytime and anywhere. He didn¡¯t have any objections: ¡°Great. No problem.¡±

    Even if he wasn¡¯t ustomed to it asionally, his small life was even more important. He absolutely couldn¡¯t offend any obstinate characters.

    Dragon Two walked to the doorway and whistled.

    Several shadows quickly appeared near the door. After showing their respect to Gu Zuo, they hid themselves.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know when he did it, but Dragon Two had changed to ordinary clothing and his appearance became average. They left the Gongyi residence from another overlooked exit.

    Then, Gu Zuo stretched his body: ¡°Dragon Two, bring me to visit a ce where medicinal herbs are sold.¡±

    Dragon Two thought deeply for a moment before turning down a bend in the road, taking Gu Zuo along South Street.

    This was part of the Gongyi n¡¯s territory. The many stores here were either opened by the n or were leased by the n, whereby they had to pay the Gongyi n rent. In short, their rtionships were linked in countless ways.

    In addition, there were several Families that owned shops here, but there weren¡¯t many overall. Furthermore, they were ced under fixed restrictions. The same was true for the Gongyi stores that were on streets that belonged to other Families or ns. It was only the properties of the royal family that had certain privileges, regardless of location.

    South Street intersected many smaller streets, including one that was specialized in selling medicinal herbs. Just as Dragon Two brought Gu Zuo to the entrance, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power slightly extended, perceiving countless first-rate medicinal herbs.

    He couldn¡¯t help being shocked: No wonder big brother could transfer so many herbs over in an endless wave!

    As for what Gu Zuo wanted to do here...

    Firstly, after he settled Qi Tianyou¡¯s matter, the youth¡¯s nature was much more rxed. While he thought about visiting earlier this year, he still never took a stroll through the imperial capital¡¯s streets;

    Secondly, he wanted to find the medicinal herbs for two other kinds of pills ¡ª Because Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t present, he felt that those two medicinal pills were a little dangerous. So even though he had the authority to order the Tianlong Guard to transfer the herbs, he was still a bit hesitant.

    These two medicinal pills were: The Ageless Pill [1] and the Xiantian Pill.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ×¤ÑÕ - Zhu yan, to cause one¡¯splexion to stop aging or deteriorating.

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 Chapter 57

    Gu Zuo naturally had a reason for searching for the required herbs of these medicinal pills.

    He was in a rtionships with Gongyi Tianheng where they shared glory and loss together. In any case, when any medicinal herbs were refined, medicinal qi would be produced. Even when he wanted to try refining new medicinal pills, he would choose those that were the most useful to Tianheng.

    First of all, the Ageless Pill¡¯s name seemed very strange... Ageless ¡ª Stopping the aging process? Under this curiosity, he looked up the medicinal pill¡¯s description.

    With one look, he finally understood. It was the other world¡¯s version of cosmetics!

    Although the current martial artists aged slowly, when they were at Xiantian or lower, the changes became obvious once their ages pa.s.sed forty. It could be said that the men were indifferent, but for women, it was a big problem!

    In the modern era, when Gu Zuo worked as an apprentice at a drugstore, he saw many women purchasing Chinese medicines that would clear their e or nourish their skin. There were many cosmetics that came and went for one¡¯s external appearance. It could be clearly seen that there were no limits for women in the pursuit of beauty and youth!

    It could be said that in the modern era, the money women earned was already a forgone conclusion. Even the children understood this.

    Thus, when Gu Zuo read about the Ageless Pill, he immediately thought about...the amount of money his big brother could earn using it.

    Gu Zuo also used his brains. Simr to the Qi Generating Pill and the Rejuvenation Pill, those kinds of medicinal pills that could contribute to one¡¯s cultivation would undermine the continent¡¯s recognized standards of medicine refinement. Carelessly unloading huge quant.i.ties would certainly cause social and political unrest. However, the Ageless Pill was different. The Ageless Pill could consistently preserve one¡¯s appearance to a particr year.

    Also, the Ageless Pill wouldn¡¯t hold much importance with martial artists who ced their efforts in increasing their strength. It would only be popr with female martial artists and among the women who wanted to maintain their beauty. Although it was a new variety of medicinal pill, it could still attract some greed. However, regarding the Gongyi n, such a n basically wouldn¡¯t produce too big of a disturbance ¡ª Over the course of dozens of years, each of the Five Great ns couldunch several new medicinal pills. The whole thing was very normal.

    There was no doubt that the Ageless Pill was very important, but it hadn¡¯t reached the point that it would make Gu Zuo anxious.

    What made him all tanged up inside was actually the Xiantian Pill.

    As the name implied, the Xiantian Pill was a medicinal pill that helped people make breakthroughs in advancing to Xiantian!

    Because Gongyi Tianheng was soaking in the Azure Dragon Pool, Gu Zuo was very sensitive to the word ¡°Xiantian.¡± He saw it while browsing prescriptions, and his heart lurched. As a matter of fact, shouldn¡¯t he research this immediately?

    And once he studied it, he realized that this thing was the real deal!

    Gu Zuo instantly felt iprehensible: If big brother had this Xiantian Pill, then did he still need to soak in that so-called Azure Dragon Pool?

    However, after a careful read-through, he felt that his own thinking was too simple.

    The Xiantian Pill had two kinds of refinement methods:

    The first kind didn¡¯t seem soplex. There were forty nine kinds of herbs needed, but there were three to four among them that he¡¯d never heard of before;

    The second kind was veryplex. It needed a total of eighty one medicinal herbs. Although the herbs were allmon, it still required a primer. That primer was...a Xiantian martial artist¡¯s blood.

    With the two refinement methods, the former¡¯s difficulty needn¡¯t be mentioned, so only thetter would be exined. What kind of respectable person was a Xiantian martial artist? Could they be forced to bleed themselves for a person to refine into pills? Moreover, the quant.i.ties used couldn¡¯t be considered too low. Each dosage of required Xiantian blood was as much as half a liter. Equivalently, one couldn¡¯t draw more than five hundred millimeters in a modern blood donation!

    However, if it really could be refined...

    Gu Zuo wiped his face.

    If it really could be refined, his big brother¡¯s Tianlong Guard subordinates might be able to be the Xiantian Tianlong Guard in the future!

    To put it briefly, Gu Zuo used this trip to see if he could find those couple of medicinal herbs he never heard of before. He would also offhandedly check on the rarity and price levels of the iparablyplex herbs for the Ageless Pill, and so on.

    If his luck was good, then that¡¯d be fantastic.

    Gu Zuo maintained this kind of thinking from when he started his search with the first store.

    Naturally, he also wasn¡¯t searching blindly.

    Gu Zuo had read through all of the Gongyi n¡¯s books pertaining to medicinal herbs. Gongyi Tianheng also raked in some lone or rare books from the markets to give to him. They were all firmly memorized by him. It could be said that, for the endemic herbs of the Cangyun Empire, he was familiar with at least eighty to ny percent of them. He¡¯d also never forgot to solidify this piece of his foundations. And on the other hand, Gu Zuo also obtained a new book some time ago ent.i.tled <human-level medicinal="" ingredient="" record="">>.</human-level>

    It was something that the long-silent system had suddenly given him. This was an indication of the rewards he gained frompleting a long-term mission continuously for a year. It contained the morphology of the medicinal ingredients for those three texts [1]. The diagrams and words were especially reliable.

    Gu Zuo spent a certain amount of time topletely memorize this Medicinal Ingredient Record. It gave him the confidence to look for treasures while out shopping ¡ª Yes, there were many stores and even street stalls where some medicinal herbs would show up, and everyone would overlook the power contained within. Once these medicinal herbs were disyed, it let people view or purchase them for research. Ultimately, one could even give them names.

    A world of medicinal herbs was constantly enriched. To a great extent, it was due to the .u.mtion over the course of generations.

    Under Dragon Two¡¯s directions, Gu Zuo walked in front of a corner table.

    There were many small boxes on the table, and each small box was packed with something that emitted different odors.

    Gu Zuo was a little nervous as he carefully examined those things one by one.

    Merely, after he looked through them all, he didn¡¯t find the necessary ingredients for the Xiantian Pill. Instead, there were other herbs written down in the Medicinal Ingredient Record that he picked up to save forter.

    After the first round of selection, Gu Zuo arrived at the sales counter.

    This shop¡¯s owner was middle-aged and fat. He cordially weed Gu Zuo over: ¡°Does little brother have something to show to me?¡±

    Gu Zuo pushed two wooden boxes forward, and turned his head to look at Dragon Two.

    He already returned the golden banknotes he received on that trip back then. Now, however, he didn¡¯t have any money on hand...

    Dragon Two was calm and collected.

    As befitting of an outstanding Tianlong guardsman, he had the authority to transfer a portion of funds into his hands. Immediately and without the slightest hesitation, he handed over one golden banknote: ¡°This should cover it [2].¡±

    The moment the middle-aged fat man saw the banknote¡¯s denomination, a smile promptly spread across his whole face: ¡°So much! This small shop will return the change!¡±

    While he was talking, he fumbled around in a drawer to make some calctions. He was long-winded as he gossiped with Gu Zuo, ¡°I must say, little brother. Do you know anything about the two medicinal herbs you chose? If you do, so long as you¡¯re willing to sell the information to this small shop, I can give you a good price...¡±

    Gu Zuo forced a chuckle: ¡°This is... Ahem, I¡¯m not familiar with them. They just look very interesting, so I wanted to take them back for my collection. I¡¯ll slowly research themter on.¡±

    The middle-aged fat man was still calcting, and his smile was still enthusiastic: ¡°Aiya [3], so it turns out that little brother is a pharmacist? How rude of me. Sorry!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shuddered, and a guarded feeling rose up.

    He secretly thought: Atst, it¡¯s time to test my acting skills!

    After that, Gu Zuo slightly bowed his head, his eyes a little sad: ¡°En, it¡¯s impossible for me to be a pharmacist.¡±

    The longer he spoke, the smaller his voice became. It was raising a topic that deeply grieved him.

    In the back, Dragon Two¡¯s acting was also very good and his facial control was particrly strong. At this time, he didn¡¯t have any expression, but within that nk face was something that could make a person realize that there was a bit of sorrow.

    The middle-aged fat man also knew not to inquire further. Currently, he made change for the small golden banknote and offered it with both hands: ¡°If there¡¯s anything else that strikes little brother¡¯s fancy, don¡¯t hesitate to pick it up.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s nothing else.¡±

    Apart from looking for diamonds in the rough, the discounted medicines in medicine shops were definitely more expensive than those that were sold wholesale. Only a fool would buy them outside!

    ¡°Then, take care little brother!~¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    While they were talking, Gu Zuo and Dragon Two left the shop.

    It seemed that there were many of these kinds of treasure hunters. Previously, the middle-aged fat man didn¡¯t know how to properly investigate, and simply tested the waters. However, now he felt that he was overthinking things and didn¡¯t pay too much attention to them.

    At this time, Gu Zuo went to the second shop just adjacent to the first one. And as before, he made a beeline for the corner table.

    He didn¡¯t find what he needed this time around, and just collected a few rarities...

    Unwittingly, an entire morning pa.s.sed as he continuously searched for treasures.

    Without dy, Dragon Two stepped forward: ¡°Little master, you should eat.¡±

    They had to keep up their disguises while they were outside.

    Gu Zuo looked on distractedly, but responded by nodding his head: ¡°Where should we eat? I don¡¯t want to go back first...¡±

    Returning in the afternoon when he still had to get results was too troublesome.

    Dragon Two said: ¡°There are ces nearby where you can grab a bite. I¡¯ll have to ask little master to follow this subordinate.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally agreed.

    As a result, it wasn¡¯t too long before Dragon Two brought Gu Zuo to thergest restaurant nearby.

    Dragon Two intended on going to a private room.

    However, Gu Zuo felt that, although his surrogate big brother was very wealthy, it wasn¡¯t necessary for two people to eat in a private room. He could handle this casually. So, the final choice was a ce next to the railing of the second floor.

    When he lowered his head, he could see the lobby below. When he turned his head, he could see the distant scenery outside some windows.

    Gu Zuo felt it was very suitable. After sitting at the table, he ordered several of this ce¡¯s signature dishes.

    To tell the truth, the standards of the medicinal cuisines he refined were pretty good, but real cooking was out of the question. The vors of his previous medicinal cuisines were good, but that was part of his refinement techniques. Yet, he didn¡¯t find this satisfactory. Medicinal cuisines were also meals. His big brother was filthy rich, so since he could study more, he would just do so.

    It was also called making the most of one¡¯s time for self-improvement.

    ______

    It was very lively below. While waiting for the dishes, Gu Zuo watched several things with rapt attention.

    Perhaps the reason why the majority had the finances to spend here was due to all of them being martial artists. Many of the rough men down there had their spittle flying as they talked about their own or another person¡¯s hunts and adventurous tales.

    Gu Zuo listened to them and had a kind of rxed feeling.

    Sure enough, the location didn¡¯t matter. Everyone liked to chat around a table and share in that emotional connection...

    Soon, the dishes arrived. Gu Zuo had Dragon Twoe over to sit and savor the food himself.

    At this time, he suddenly heard a familiar name. After he nked out for a second, he p.r.i.c.ked up his ears.

    The aforementioned was precisely the Gongyi n¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng.

    The content of the talks were that Tianheng recovered from his incurable disease and seeded in practicing martial arts. Moreover, there was a rumor that he also received the recognition of the Cangyun Emperor. As for the reason why Gu Zuo could hear them so clearly from the second floor ¡ª It was because the people below began to argue.

    For instance, they argued about how strong Tianheng waspared to the other four great young masters, the specifics on when he could start practicing martial arts, and so on.

    During this argument, someone suddenly brought up a point. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯splete recovery was due to a prescription. As for which specific prescription, this led to the curiosity and investigations of countless people...

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] I think the author is referring to the three ancient texts the system gave Gu Zuo at the beginning of the story. Each text was specialized for medicinal cuisines, decoctions, and pills.

    [2] ¶àÍËÉÙ²¹ - Duo tui shao bu, after a sum has been paid in advance, to either refund in case of overpayment or be reimbursed in case of underpayment.

    [3] °¥Ñ½ - Ai ya, an interjection for shock or wonder, simr to Wow!

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 58

    Indeed, the matter of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s abrupt emergence and his formidable martial strength interested a great many people. He obviously couldn¡¯t before, so how did he suddenly get better? Even within the span of just a few years, the Gongyi n had invited many high-level pharmacists to try and treat his illness. It was unfortunate that there was absolutely no effect. All of them said that he was incurable... How wondrous must that prescription that appeared be?

    Many people made their conjectures. When even Gongyi Tianheng was capable of being cured, then many other illnesses that shared a resemnce could also be cured. If it was properly utilized, then the Gongyi n could ama.s.s huge profits!

    Of course, what was more likely was that the Gongyi n would keep the prescription a secret and set it aside as the n¡¯s trump card.

    The citizens of the imperial capital liked to discuss this kind of gossip the most.

    And the imperial capital had great liberties when it came to expressing one¡¯s views. Everyone could gossip and nothing was off-limits.

    Once Gu Zuo heard everything, he turned his head and softly asked: ¡°Dragon Two, how does everyone know about this matter?¡±

    Dragon Two was very experienced, and immediately understood the cause: ¡°This matter is very big and isn¡¯t something that can be hidden from others. The Gongyi n has several spies from the other ns and Families, so one could find out with just a few inquiries. However, may Pharmacist Gu be at ease. The young master has long made ns for these rtionships.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt relieved.

    That prescription was something he took out to conceal the medicinal decoction. If his techniques were used to refine it, there would certainly be an abundance of benefits for the meridians. However, if one used the continent¡¯s techniques... He thought about it and supposed that they¡¯d first refine those medicinal ingredients into a so-called potion. Then blend the potion into water to create a barrel of broth?

    It seemed very ridiculous.

    If such a thing was produced, the medicinal effects would be around ten to twenty percent. It was basically impossible to have any significant impact.

    He cautiously reflected on this. One didn¡¯t need to mention the information leak. Even if the prescription was leaked, it wasn¡¯t likely to pose any problems... Merely, he didn¡¯t know if his big brother made a n for this.

    En, he could only wait for Tianheng¡¯s return to ask.

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo quietly asked: ¡°Do you know who the spies in our Gongyi n are?¡±

    Dragon Two softly replied: ¡°The contacts [1] are known to us. Many provide information to outsiders, and these contacts are specifically used to convey information to the ears of other ns. This is part of the tacit understanding between the ns. The secret agents who actually do the investigating are people hidden within the n. Once these people discover something, it can be turned over to the contacts. However, there are inevitably going to be a small number of people who can¡¯t be found easily... This subordinate wouldn¡¯t know of the specific existences of such people.¡±

    Gu Zuo satisfied his own appet.i.te for gossip, and was pleased.

    After hearing that there wasn¡¯t anything unusual in the discussions below, he understood that the gossip of this city¡¯s martial artists were, for the most part, a pile of lies with low authenticity. Listening here and there confirmed that it was just boasting to the heavens. He stopped listening.

    Gu Zuo concentrated on eating his meal and casually pondered how he¡¯d go about cooking by himself...

    After eating lunch, the two left the restaurant and returned to shop for medicinal herbs on the street.

    Gu Zuo spent the whole afternoon going around the entire block.

    This time, his luck was very good. In the corner of a medicine shop, he smoothly discovered a kind of herb that this continent hadn¡¯t heard of before. However, <human-level medicinal="" ingredient="" record="">> had such a description: It was a medicinal herb used for refining the Xiantian Pill. Once Tianheng returned, Gu Zuo could immediately consult him over the blueprints and see if he would send his subordinates to find them.</human-level>

    Then, he found the necessary herbs for the Ageless Pill. After an examination, he discovered that among them were seven to eight kinds that were rtively rare. However, as far as the monstrous Gongyi n was concerned, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult to collect a certain amount.

    This put Gu Zuo at ease.

    After the entire shopping spree was over, Gu Zuo wanted to bring Dragon Two back.

    That evening was naturally set aside for practice to consolidate his knowledge. His life was especially rich and full.

    The next day, Gu Zuo still wanted to go out.

    This time, the ce he went to was a jungle in the nearby foothills. It was also a ce to train oneself. However, because the topography wasn¡¯t asplex as the Stampeding Oxen Mountain Range, the wild beast species weren¡¯t as abundant. Thus, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t choose this location previously. But as far as Gu Zuo was concerned, this ce was still suitable.

    Dragon Two knew that Gu Zuo¡¯sbat awareness was terrible. So he was even more vignt as he followed along the entire journey.

    However, as a Tianlong guardsman whopleted extremely difficult missions and licked the blood off his de, he greatly approved of Gu Zuo¡¯s way of handling things. Most of all, after he and Dragon One epted the young master¡¯s confidentiality restrictions and found out some shocking secrets, they understood that Pharmacist Gu, who had extraordinary methods, could one day apany the young master to even higher ces. So since this was the case, Pharmacist Gu couldn¡¯t remain hiding behind the young master¡¯s back forever.

    Dragon Two also clearly understood that the devoted and reliable Dragon One was the young master¡¯s most trusted aide. There were many things that the young master could only hand over to Dragon One to take care of. As for himself, he had many special skills. He was once Dragon One¡¯s a.s.sistant, but now he was practically gift-wrapped to Pharmacist Gu to be his all-around guardian.

    When the young master wasn¡¯t present, he had to handle everything for Pharmacist Gu.

    This was also the young master cing his trust in him.

    Not long after, Dragon Two brought the disguised Gu Zuo to that jungle.

    In order to hasten their journey, he informed Gu Zuo about the jungle¡¯s environment and other things he needed to pay attention to one by one. He also gave exnations for somemon breeds of wild beast.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s weak point was his inferiorbat reactions, but he also had his strong points. To arge extent, it was basically that he didn¡¯t need to react with his body. His powery in his mental reaction speed. After a thought, he could use the Spirit Piercing Needle!

    Dragon Two especially focused on this aspect.

    Gu Zuo knew that Dragon Two was wholeheartedly giving consideration to his own needs, so he listened to Dragon Two very earnestly.

    The longer he stayed in this world, the more he realized... If he wanted to stay alive, it wasn¡¯t enough to just rely on his big brother¡¯s shelter. What he needed to do was quickly improve himself while he was still under his big brother¡¯s protection. He couldn¡¯t keep clinging to his big brother¡¯s leg. He would naturally receive protection while under his big brother¡¯s wings, but if there was an ident where he couldn¡¯t seek aid at the right time, he could stand up for himself until his big brother coulde to protect him.

    Having this kind of notion, Gu Zuo had an intense determination towards this endeavor ¡ª He wasn¡¯t an expert in martial arts, but he could use his zeal in medicine refinement to improve his martial strength!

    ______

    There were vines hanging down on both banks of a stream, where the tips of each vine fell into the water. It was very peaceful. Every time a cool breeze brushed past, the vines would automatically move and create ripples, which spread out in the water.

    One of these vines was pulled by a person, who vigorously swung on the vine. Then, a strange fish jumped from the stream. Its body length was over three meters, and its big head was like a water jar. When it opened its mouth, it went to bite the person on the vine!

    The youth hanging from the vine was motionless. While it soon appeared that the youth would be bitten by the strange fish, the fish abruptly froze halfway through its jump, and powerlessly fell back down.

    Arge section of the stream was dyed a dark red as the fish generated a huge ssh.

    Gu Zuo wiped away a cold sweat and heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    He was scared to death!

    At that moment, he really thought that he was going to be eaten by that strange fish. Even though it was he himself who suggested training his courage at close range, facing down that beast¡¯s b.l.o.o.d.y mouth still made a person¡¯s scalp go numb. A brave man couldn¡¯t say that he was scared.

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t frightened to the point where his mind nked out. Rather, his fright made him immediately use a silver drill.

    In that instant, the drill pulverized the strange fish¡¯s skull.

    Dragon Two also sighed in relief.

    Gu Zuo was nervous, but in fact, he was even more nervous. He feared that a moment of inattention would¡¯ve led to Gu Zuo bing a mouthful of food for that fish. Even if he lost an arm or a leg, he would still have to face the consequences.

    Luckily, nothing happened...

    Gu Zuo swung on the vine and stablynded on the stream¡¯s sh.o.r.e. He felt as lithe as a bird. While he was unable to practice martial arts, ambient qi could still nurture his body. This was also considered a big benefit.

    Dragon Two casually tore off a vine and cast it out. He used the vine to drag that strange fish from the stream and threw it ash.o.r.e. Afterwards, he maintained vignce around Gu Zuo, watching him crouch next to the fish and slice its belly open.

    Perhaps Gu Zuo was already used to it. Originally, he was prepared to level up his Spirit Piercing Needle, but after he entered this jungle, he first encountered the White-Armored Boar. The hardness of its hide couldn¡¯t bepared to armor ting. Beneath the armor, the meat of this wild beast was extremely delicious and tender.

    After he used his Spirit Piercing Needle to get rid of this White-Armored Boar, he dissected it without much thought and extracted the best parts and directly collected it into his storage s.p.a.ce ¡ª Of course, because he frequently used his storage s.p.a.ce, he used a jade ne to conceal his actions under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s previous rmendation. Dragon Two also only thought that it was a storage device, and didn¡¯t have any suspicions about the other person.

    Well, he had one or two.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo simply felt that he had an upational disease. In the first moments of encountering a wild beast, he¡¯d a.n.a.lyze its body for parts that were known to be tasty. If it had any, he¡¯d take them out. If it didn¡¯t have any, he¡¯d take out the valuable parts and give them to Dragon Two.

    ¡ª As the saying went, ¡°A mosquito might be small, but it still had meat.¡± Those grade one and grade two wild beasts could be sold for a high price.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo gradually shifted from encountering wild beasts and thinking about dietary ingredients to taking the initiative to find the delicious ingredients that appeared here...which just so happened to belong to wild beasts. He wanted to hunt for those dietary ingredients.

    Just like this strange fish. If it was a male fish, then its body contained a kind of protein paste [2] that was very tasty and fragrant. If it was a female fish, then the fish eggs were extremely delicious. They were all gourmet food ingredients.

    Currently, after cutting it open, it turned out that this was a female fish.

    Maybe it had just reached its sp.a.w.ning period. The eggs within the fish¡¯s abdomen had such savage nutritional requirements. Just as he opened the fish, its insides were packed with golden fish eggs. Each fish egg was exceptionally plump.

    Gu Zuo kept staring at them, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    He thought a little bit about eating them by himself... No, he would still stay and wait for his big brother to return to eat them together.

    Never let it be said that the majestic imperial capital¡¯s five great young masters couldn¡¯t have such good things. Rather, this thing was the spoils of war from his first active hunt. It would always hold some special significance.

    And things that held special significance should be shared between those who were close to one another.

    Gu Zuo collected the fish eggs with a wave of his hand: ¡°Dragon Two, we¡¯ll go to the next spot. We¡¯ll hunt a good piece of meat for big brother!¡±

    Dragon Two had a trace of a smile in his eyes: ¡°As youmand, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] Ã÷Ì½×Ó - Ming (bright, public or open) tan zi (intelligence gatherer, spy). A person who works covertly, but whose ident.i.ty is known to both parties.

    [2] µ°°×¸à - Dan bai (alb.u.min, protein) gao (ointment, paste).

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 59

    Helian Mansion, main hall.

    Originally, this mansion was a ce for people to discuss official business. Yet today, there were several middle-aged folks sitting here. The host sitting down was naturally a guy with great dignity, but unexpectedly, the people who sat next to him seemed to have near-equal statuses. There wasn¡¯t any reverence towards that host.

    After drinking a round of tea, a middle-aged man with a long face opened his mouth: ¡°Old man Helian, you didn¡¯t ask us toe over just to watch you drink tea, right?¡±

    The Helian n Head was a little low-spirited, but he still said: ¡°Old ghost Sima, you have something urgent to do? I¡¯ve called you all here because I have an important matter to discuss.¡±

    The other two people said:

    ¡°Helian n Head, please speak inly.¡±

    ¡°Precisely! Don¡¯t try to pull a fast one!¡±

    As it turned out, the Helian n Head had taken the initiative to invite the n Heads of the Sima, Huangfu, and Duanmu ns to negotiate.

    It was just that the Gongyi n, which wasn¡¯t invited, was absent.

    With this kind of scene, there was no need to mention that the other three n Heads were counted as cunning, old foxes. Even a fool could see that this secret discussion was bound to to have something to do with the Gongyi n.

    The Helian n Head knew he couldn¡¯t keep them in suspense. At once, he directly said: ¡°It concerns the matter of the Gongyi n¡¯s prescription.¡±

    The Duanmu n Head raised an eyebrow: ¡°Eh? You¡¯re thinking about iming that prescription for yourself?¡±

    The Helian n Head smiled: ¡°Not at all. Rather, it¡¯ll be for everyone. How about it?¡±

    The Huangfu n Head coldly snorted: ¡°It¡¯s only a prescription. Within this past year, which ns haven¡¯t published a couple novelty prescriptions? For such a trifling matter, fancy that you¡¯re still as boisterous as ever, and calling us over like this!¡±

    The Duanmu n Head also stated: ¡°That¡¯s right. Helian n Head, you¡¯re indeed too...¡±

    Contrary to what one would expect, the Sima n Head¡¯s heart seemed to move somewhat at this time.

    The Helian n Head shook his head: ¡°Nowhere could this beparable to a mere ordinary prescription. Gentlemen ¡ª¡±

    His gaze hovered over all the people present, ¡°What kind of body did that youngster Gongyi Tianheng have? Maybe an outsider would think that he only couldn¡¯t practice martial arts, but we all knew that he shouldn¡¯t have been able to live past age twenty, right? Now it appears that he¡¯s not only just sc.r.a.ping by, he¡¯s practically pressing down on the heads of our ns¡¯ children. Could it be that you all still think that this cmity [1] is still just a small matter?¡±

    The n Heads were speechless.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s abrupt rise to power really caused them to fear what was toe.

    They¡¯d been paying close attention to this youngster early on. Now that he changed his fate, he was even more inscrutable.

    The Helian n Head slowly said: ¡°There is a significant rtionship between a martial artist¡¯s innate talent and their meridians. Thus, I specte that the prescription didn¡¯t only cure that youngster, it even upgraded his apt.i.tudes. Otherwise, what kind of a monster must he be to be able to advance to such a degree with so little time?¡±

    There was an undertone of enticement in his voice, ¡°Gentlemen, this about this carefully. That truly miraculous prescription can save a person¡¯s life and improve one¡¯s apt.i.tude... It¡¯s in no way ordinary. Gentlemen, if you all think about it, if this prescription only belonged to the Gongyi n, how many benefits would they receive? If a pharmacistprehended something from this recipe, in the future, the Gongyi n might endlessly develop martial artists with high apt.i.tudes and they¡¯d be capable ofpletely recovering from meridian injuries. At that time, what kind of dreadful expansion would that n¡¯s power experience? We don¡¯t have that prescription. Perhaps we can¡¯t see anything in the short-term, but what if it was several decadester? What if it was over one hundred yearster? What kind of situation would it be?¡±

    In the wake of the Helian n Head¡¯s words, the other three finally stopped talking. Their expressions gradually became grave. It was very clear that they¡¯d already listened to his words.

    In response, the Helian n Head no longer tried to entice them.

    He held his teacup and drank a mouthful of tea. He smiled, but didn¡¯t speak. He waited while the other three thought deeply.

    Moreover, he already knew that they¡¯d ultimately reach a unanimous agreement.

    ______

    Gu Zuo was really busy for a time. It wasn¡¯t until the color of the sky grew dark that he reluctantly stopped.

    He¡¯d already collected quite a lot of different kinds of dietary ingredients, so he should¡¯ve gone back by now.

    This time, he tested the Spirit Piercing Needle¡¯s strength against wild beasts, and he was very satisfied with the results. Although he true qi was only at the Meridian Condensing stage two realm, his Spirit Piercing Needle simply didn¡¯t suffer this hindrance. After increasing his level, even if he were to face off against a Meridian Condensing stage three wild beast, so long as he could keep his distance so that it had no way of killing him, he could use the Spirit Piercing Needle to directly burst the wild beast¡¯s head!

    Of course, Gu Zuo knew that his way of cultivation wasn¡¯t like how a martial artist cultivated.

    Martial artists often had to undergo hardships that tempered them through blood and fire. Gu Zuo only needed to experiment with the might of his psychic power a little bit after each improvement.

    His current experiment was a sess, but his full-time job was still refining medicine.

    Tomorrow...

    He wouldn¡¯t being back tomorrow.

    Once Gu Zuo finished his train of thought, he returned with Dragon Two to the Gongyi mansion.

    However, by this time, the sky was already ck.

    Gu Zuo avoided attracting attention as much as possible. As he walked to the gate of the courtyard, he took a step inside and raised his head to look at where the moonlight fell. In the courtyard stood someone who was magnificent and profound, a youth who was clear and bright as the moon. Being wreathed in the moonlight, it made him look especially handsome and outstanding. A person would simply be unable to look away.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help rushing over: ¡°Big brother! When did youe back?¡±

    Once Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t seen Tianheng for so many days, he truly missed him a bit.

    He never antic.i.p.ated that while he thought about giving this surrogate big brother dietary ingredients during the day, he¡¯d unexpectedly meet this person at night.

    It would sincerely make a person happy.

    After rushing to Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo stopped in front of him and turned his head to look up at his big brother.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, I just got back not too long ago. I heard that you and Dragon Two went out?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head repeatedly: ¡°Today I went with Dragon Two to the foothill jungles to hunt. I brought a lot of things back. Big brother, I¡¯ll go make you something to eat, okay?¡±

    Tianheng was slightly astounded: ¡°You¡¯ll give me something you found?"

    Gu Zuoughed and nodded his head: ¡°Right! Does big brother want to eat it?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng alsoughed. Thisugh was like a spring wind brushing past one¡¯s face. It was like the first blossoming of winter plum flowers. It had a sense of beauty that couldn¡¯t be expressed in words: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s meals are all delicious. Naturally, it¡¯s something I¡¯ve longed for.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a little embarra.s.sed when he heard this. He waved his hand and scampered away into the secret room.

    In any case, he refined medicine there and cooked meals there. His cooking and medicine refinement actually had no distinction.

    Listening to this sentence, Gu Zuo happily went to the secret room to get down to business.

    Not even half an hourter, he carried a big tray with both hands. It held no less than seven to eight dishes and was a mix of all kinds of exotic aromas. Even though it was far away, the fragrances could call people over in hunger.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two prepared a table and chairs in the moonlit courtyard long ago. They quickly moved to help Gu Zuo set the dishes as well as some sweet and cold spring water.

    Gongyi Tianheng was already sitting on one side in waiting. Gu Zuo handed things over to Dragon One and Dragon Two while he pulled out his own chair to sit across from Tianheng.

    On the stone table were all sorts of dishes that were cooked with the utmost care. The steam wafted through the air. They definitely weren¡¯t all medicinal cuisines, but to some extent, they were all made by Gu Zuo through medicinal cuisine techniques for recuperation. There was a particr difference.

    There was some expectation in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes: ¡°Big brother, have a taste?¡±

    In fact, this was the first time he tormented himself [2] like this. He didn¡¯t know if his minor improvements was reasonable or not.

    Tianheng saw this and couldn¡¯t help chuckling.

    Afterwards, he didn¡¯t hold back. He lifted his chopsticks to grab something golden and put it in his mouth.

    Oh! Tasty and savory, with a distinct sweetness. It was full of vors; all kinds of vors exploded on the tip of the tongue...

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t stingy with his praise: ¡°The vors are extremely delicious.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt even happier: ¡°How about the others?¡± His eyes fell upon certain dishes.

    Tianheng also gave face, picking from those dishes and eating them. Then he took the time to appreciate them a little, nodding his head: ¡°They¡¯re also extremely delicious.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile was brilliant: ¡°Then, this one...¡±

    Tianhengplied with him as before. After sampling the dish, he would praise it.

    Seven to eight dishes, one after another. He tasted each of them ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s suggestions. And for each dish, he gave lots of face in his praise, showing his own likes.

    Gu Zuo was blushing. He was very excited.

    Once Gongyi Tianheng tried everything, he also started sampling.

    The things he meticulously prepared were liked by the person he wanted to please. He couldn¡¯t be happier.

    Soon after, Tianheng was unhurried and his chopsticks didn¡¯t pause. Each dish was practically eaten in equal parts. This doubtlessly showed that he was very satisfied with every dish. And this wasn¡¯t merely in order to give Gu Zuo encouragement.

    Gu Zuo watched and watched, and he himself felt his appet.i.te rising.

    The two ate a lot.

    However, the quant.i.ties of food Gu Zuo ate was far behind what Gongyi Tianheng ate. Out of the seven to eight dishes, his proportions probably didn¡¯t even reach one fifth. The rest all fell into Tianheng¡¯s stomach.

    But there was no need to doubt. They both ate to their hearts¡¯ content.

    After they finished eating, Dragon One and Dragon Two cleared up the mess.

    Gu Zuo pleasingly leaned back and sighed: ¡°What a pity. There¡¯s no alcohol...¡±

    This sentence was totally an act.

    One needed to know that in the modern era, his age was just fifteen years old. He absolutely had never drank alcohol before. In fact, he wasn¡¯t able to drink period. Yet, as he was still an underaged male, it was normal that he had a fondness for alcohol that was difficult to put into words. The more one was restricted, the more one thirsted for it. He had this kind ofmentation now. Still, this was truly just putting on an act. If a modern era adult saw this, they wouldn¡¯t be able to restrain a smile at this kid ying grown-up.

    Merely, in this other world, there were many people who practiced martial arts since childhood. As for wine? This thing was something everyone could drink. Even a two or three year old child wouldn¡¯t be afraid of it harming their body.

    When Gu Zuo said this, there wasn¡¯t anything strange about it.

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°If Ah Zuo wants to drink, just say so beforehand. Big brother will certainly have someone bring you the best stuff. I¡¯ll have to ask you to eat your fill.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°What do you mean by me drinking by myself? Big brother¡¯s current body isn¡¯t suited to casually drinking...¡±

    Speaking up to here, his eyes suddenly shined, ¡°I¡¯m really quite foolish. Ordinary alcohols with unknownpositions aren¡¯t suitable for big brother. However, I can brew wine that is specifically targeted for big brother¡¯s health!¡±

    Within medicinal cuisines, there really was a derivation of another side branch. It was called medicinal wines.

    In <human-level medicinal="" cuisine="" recipe="" collection="">>, wasn¡¯t there a ¡°Medicinal Wine Chapter¡±? The medicinal wine recipes recorded there also weren¡¯t few in number...</human-level>

    Moreover, even if there weren¡¯t any that were suitable, Gu Zuo now had ample confidence. He couldn¡¯t have a better understanding of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s health. After researching so many things rted to the Tiandu Body, Gu Zuo was raring to brew some harmless medicinal wine for him. It shouldn¡¯t just be a fantasy!

    Gu Zuo nodded to himself.

    En. Then, he cheerfully made a decision just like this.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ÑýÄõÌì×Ê - Yao nie (evildoer) tian zi (innate talent, gift).

    [2] ÕÛÌÚ - Zhe teng, to repeat something over and over again. Gu Zuo second-guessed himself and repeatedly honed his cooking skills.

    ______

    T/N: While everyone else is scheming over a simple prescription, Gu Zuo just wants to get tipsy.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60: Cutting One¡¯s Wrist

    The present Gu Zuo enjoyed himself to the fullest. After he finished eating and drinking, he started sizing his surrogate big brother up.

    Just then, he was solely preupied with showing off his delicacies, and didn¡¯t ask how Tianheng was doing. Did he already break through to half-step Xiantian?

    Thinking about this, Gu Zuo was deeply concerned: ¡°Big brother, the Azure Dragon Pool...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°If Ah Zuo¡¯s interested, I¡¯ll give you the rundown.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined: ¡°Of course I¡¯m interested!¡±

    Tianhengughed and pat his head. He sorted out his thoughts to give Gu Zuo an exnation.

    ¡°The Azure Dragon Pool exists within a forbidden area of the pcepounds, and it¡¯s sealed during normal times. If one wanted to open it, countless valuable resources need to be thrown into the dragon¡¯s mouth. Once inside, the resources arebined with an astonishing power, which forms cyan pool water. The water glows with a wondrous brilliance. That brilliance is Xiantian Inspiration. After a martial artist enters the Azure Dragon Pool, they can absorb the pool water to temper themselves and upgrade their strength. a.s.sisted by the Xiantian Inspiration, they can upgrade even faster...¡±

    Gu Zuo concentrated on what he heard, and his thoughts wandered far away.

    Sure enough, a world of martial artists was more marvelous than the modern era!

    It definitely wasn¡¯t the progress of science and technology, but rather, the powers of the human body that captivated people. There was no need to say anything else. By only using his psychic power, he was even stronger [1] and more useful than in modern times.

    It was just like...a regr human turning into a superhero.

    Tianheng¡¯s words still continued: ¡°Because the Azure Dragon Pool isn¡¯t big, it can only amodate twenty people to enter and submerge in the water simultaneously. And because the pool water is limited, it can only meet the needs of those twenty people for absorption. Thispet.i.tion is also quite intense.¡±

    Gu Zuo curiously asked: ¡°So if someone absorbed more, the others would have less?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Correct.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Then, big brother¡¯s definitely the one who got the most!¡±

    Tianheng calmly said: ¡°That¡¯s also correct. I monopolized close to half of the Azure Dragon Pool¡¯s water.¡±

    Gu Zuo was extremely happy.

    That his big brother could have such an ability was also to his credit. Thinking about this, everyone else¡¯s bodies had only one set of bone pearls. His big brother¡¯s body had as much as six sets. If the others¡¯ absorption speed was ¡°one,¡± his big brother¡¯s speed would be ¡°six.¡± Then, wasn¡¯t that just too difficult to deal with?

    However, Gu Zuo was a little worried right away: ¡°Then, the others didn¡¯t take issue with big brother? [2]¡±

    At first, the others wouldn¡¯t mention it. However, how could such a petty person like Helian Xingcheng not take offense? Even if this was originally based on one¡¯s abilities, he wasn¡¯t likely to be so magnanimous.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smile had a deeper meaning: ¡°I naturally kept my movements covert. Moreover, apart from me, the cultivation methods of the royal family are not ordinary. That ninth prince Cang Yu also had considerably great capabilities.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    So that was to say, everyone was focused on the ninth prince, right? Anyway, this didn¡¯t matter. Just who was the ninth prince? This time, Helian Xingcheng¡¯sints could only be swallowed down into his belly.

    Merely, Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°Although the Azure Dragon Pool was indeed pretty good, while Iprehended many things within it, my capabilities were still insufficient. It couldn¡¯t let me reach half-step Xiantian.¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows, and his enthusiasm waned. Afterwards, he saw that Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t have a single flicker of anxiety. He couldn¡¯t help himself as he probingly guessed: ¡°Then, big brother¡¯s bone pearls...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and nodded his head: ¡°Six hundred twelve pearls have been condensed sessfully.¡± [3]

    Gu Zuo held his breath.

    Such words meant that his big brother had already formed fiveplete sets of acupoints. This basically meant that only the master set of one hundred eight bone pearls were still iplete.

    And once this was aplished...

    Tianheng saw through Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts and slightly muttered: ¡°Ah Zuo, after the five sets of acupoints werepleted, I felt that once I reach Xiantian stage nine and link up the six sets of acupoints, I would undergo a very special transformation...¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo had a sh of inspiration from this good fortune, and looked towards his surrogate big brother¡¯s secret concern. He said straightforwardly: ¡°Big brother, what do you have to be worried about? Although it hasn¡¯t been too long since I first stepped onto the path of medicine refinement, I still have a bit of confidence in myself. I will still be like this in the future, paying attention to big brother¡¯s health situation at all times. In case something goes wrong, can¡¯t we still look it up in my texts? Big brother, you¡¯ve also known that the Tiandu Body¡¯s treatments wouldn¡¯t stop till you¡¯ve reached the Immortal realm. As for that treatment n, I¡¯ve already memorized everything.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was slightly astonished. Contrary to what one might expect, he didn¡¯t antic.i.p.ate that his little pharmacist would be so confident. However...his gaze still softened: ¡°I naturally have faith in Ah Zuo. When that dayes, I¡¯ll leave everything to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded briskly: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, big brother. I¡¯ll certainly do my best! When there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way. In addition, maybe at that time that special transformation can let big brother take one step further along the martial path into the unknown. I feel that big brother will surely walk along a path unlike anyone else¡¯s!¡±

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s confidence and also smiled.

    It was only natural that he wasn¡¯t confident in himself. It was inevitable to hesitate while walking along a road based on his ownprehension. However, since his little pharmacist believed in him, Tianheng also couldn¡¯t let him down.

    After Gu Zuo, who frequently received encouragement, encouraged Gongyi Tianheng, they started discussing something with one another: ¡°Big brother, returning to our main topic... I¡¯m very familiar with refining the Qi Generating Pill and the Rejuvenation Pill. Now it¡¯s purely about me gathering medicinal qi. However, I feel that I can¡¯t limit myself to just meeting the needs of this process. I have lots of pill prescriptions on hand, but they all can¡¯t be used, right? Afterwards, I thought it over and just as I gathered the medicinal herbs for the Five Essence Pill, I was able to refine it. I¡¯ll give this top grade pill to big brother to use. As for the ones with lower grades, how would big brother like to handle them?¡±

    Tianheng was very pleased with Gu Zuo¡¯s initiative. First, he praised him: ¡°Ah Zuo did well.¡±

    After that, he pondered for a bit and said: ¡°The Five Essence Pill strengthens the cirction of the qi and blood and broadens the meridians by promoting the body¡¯s vital energy. In actuality, it imperceptibly raises a martial artist¡¯s apt.i.tudes. In the Cangyun Empire, it can be counted as an exquisite medicinal pill. I don¡¯t know if Ah Zuo has already tested it?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked down distractedly before nodding: ¡°I had Dragon Two try the low grade, mid grade, and high grade pills.¡±

    After that, he turned his head, ¡°Dragon Two, why don¡¯t youe over and tell big brother.¡±

    Dragon Two obeyed, and stepped forward to report: ¡°To answer the young master, the desired effects of the low grade pill are extremely slow. I¡¯m afraid that it would take a month of continuous use before the meridians broadened a little bit. If it¡¯s the mid grade pills, it¡¯d take half a month. And for the high grade pills, it¡¯d take ten days to widen by a thread.¡±

    Don¡¯t think that this ¡°widening by a thread¡± as something insignificant. Just how thick were all the meridians in a martial artist¡¯s body? The .u.mtion of thread by thread wasn¡¯t a small amount.

    Moreover, the medicinal herbs used for the Five Essence Pill were fairly precious. That they had this kind of usefulness was truly great.

    Gongyi Tianheng looked pensive: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then it¡¯s actually well worth doing.¡±

    First he had Dragon One and Dragon Two cover their ears before asking Gu Zuo, ¡°Ah Zuo refining the low and mid grade pills won¡¯t affect the collection of medicinal qi, right?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°If the craftsmanship wasn¡¯t perfect, then there wouldn¡¯t be any medicinal qi. It was only after I could refine top grade pills that I could control the grade of the pills. Then, no matter what grade the pills were, medicinal qi would always form.¡±

    Gu Zuo also made an a.n.a.lysis at this time. In any case, regardless of which kind of human-level medicine, when a pharmacist perfectly utilized a medicinal ingredient, medicinal qi would instantly form. To speak frankly, it was an indication if a pharmacist¡¯s technique was perfected or not. There was no need to discuss the product of a perfected technique. The products of imperfect techniques were already an official standard.

    Gongyi Tianheng waved his hand to lift the restrictions on Dragon One and Dragon Two, and leaned back: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, in the future, besides the necessary Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills, Ah Zuo can also refine some mid and low grade Five Essence Pills. The prescription of the Five Essence Pill only exists in Ah Zuo¡¯s hands, and no one has ever discovered it in the past. Even if my Gongyi n were tounch this medicine, onlookers wouldn¡¯t be able to say anything about it.

    ¡°However, the effects of the high grade Five Essence Pill are too outstanding. It isn¡¯t necessary... Right, the rarer something is, the greater its value. It¡¯s not necessary to produce too many low and mid grade pills.¡±

    Gu Zuo said that he¡¯d certainlyplete this mission. After that, he mentioned the Ageless Pill and the Xiantian Pill: ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s okay, but I feel that the Ageless Pill can make lots of money. As for the Xiantian Pill, it¡¯d also be very useful. These two medicinal pills aren¡¯t so easy. In fact, they¡¯re quite troublesome.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng recollected his thoughts. He once read Gu Zuo¡¯s <human-level medicinal="" pill="" catalog="">>, but he didn¡¯t study it meticulously at that time. However, he had a highly retentive memory, so he slowly recalled the information.</human-level>

    He said: ¡°Ah Zuo, get me a jade bowl.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand why, but he still took one out from his storage s.p.a.ce and pa.s.sed it over.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was unhurried as he extended a finger and shed it across his wrist ¡ª In a split second, a strand of qi energy burst forth and his skin was cut.

    Dark red blood immediately gushed out and fell directly into the bowl. Not a momentter was the bowl filled.

    Losing this much blood caused Tianheng¡¯s face to pale slightly, but he seemed nonplussed as he handed the bowl back: ¡°Take this, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, then his eyes widened: ¡°Big brother, what are you doing!?¡±

    Did he make a mistake? Don¡¯t say that he simply didn¡¯t think about using his big brother¡¯s blood to refine the pill. Even if he did, his big brother had yet to reach Xiantian. Wasn¡¯t this blood flow wasted for nothing?

    Gongyi Tianheng saw him acting like this, and cated him with a smile: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...How can I not worry? Big brother is simply causing trouble.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°I¡¯m really not. It¡¯s only because my Tiandu Body is somewhat peculiar and that I have six sets of bone pearls that my qi and blood should be a little different from other people. Previously, when I listened to Ah Zuo mentioning that the Xiantian Pill could use blood for refining, I got a little curious if my blood had any special properties. Besides, although the Xiantian Pill uses the blood of a Xiantian martial artist, the flesh of the Tiandu Body is Xiantian. Perhaps it has its usefulness.¡±

    It had to be said that after Gongyi Tianheng became aware of the Xiantian Pill, the first thing he thought about was using the Tianlong Guard to create the Xiantian Dragonguard. They would be even more reliable as his helpers.

    Finding other Xiantian martial artists to take their blood was basically unrealistic, but this arrangement shouldn¡¯t have been toote to settle. It wasn¡¯t like he shouldn¡¯t give his special const.i.tution a try. If it was sessful, then it¡¯d be an absolutely huge advantage.

    Although Gongyi Tianheng was born into the Gongyi n, everything he gained from childhood to now was nowhere near as much as what he contributed to the n. While living in this world, he liked to generate wealth by his own means to support himself and those around him.

    In other words, he defended the n, but he didn¡¯t intend on entrusting everything to the n. Gu Zuo¡¯s appearance gave him even more confidence and let him save a lot of time.

    This was the blessings of fate.

    Moreover, he liked Gu Zuo¡¯s temperament. Otherwise, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t have watched over him like this.

    As for Gu Zuo, he listened to Tianheng¡¯s words and felt that they were reasonable. Nevertheless, what he thought about even more was...whether or not he could find a prescription for a medicinal pill that could quickly replenish one¡¯s blood?

    He felt that, in the future, the situation of his big brother cutting his wrist would appear much more often.

    ______

    st chapter="" table="" of="" contents="" next="">><st>

    ______

    [1] Myputer cannot read the Chinese characters here, so it¡¯s just a guess.

    [2] The author uses »ÞÆø to describe Tianheng, which means to bring bad luck (to others).

    [3] Tianheng only needs to condense the final thirty six bone pearls in his sixth set of Heavenly Spirit Fatal Acupoints.

    ______

    T/N: I¡¯m making a few retroactive trantion changes.

    Human-Level Medical Catalog -> Human-Level Medicinal Pill Catalog

    Human-Level Prescriptions -> Human-Level Medicinal Decoction Forms

    Human-Level Recipe Collection -> Human-Level Medicinal Cuisine Recipes

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 61

    After several days had pa.s.sed, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng became very busy.

    First of all, we¡¯ll talk about Gu Zuo. The decision he made wasn¡¯t just hot air. For example, his thoughts about the Blood Replenishing Pill and so on. In fact, he found a simr medicinal pill among the countless prescriptions. It was called the Snowy Ginseng Pill.

    This medicinal pill¡¯s main ingredient was a Century Ginseng, which was consideredmon in this world. Combined with a few other precious medicinal herbs, it could let a person rapidly replenish their blood within dozens of minutes, restoring their qi and blood.

    After that, there was Gongyi Tianheng. He had even more things to handle. For example, he had his subordinates of the Tianlong Guard head out and purchase the medicinal herbs for the Ageless Pill. He had them set up a pictorialwork in the ckmarket and had them search for several medicinal herbs necessary for the Xiantian Pill, whose existences on the continent were still unknown. Additionally, he opened an exhibition for the low grade Five Essence Pill. But before this, there were still lots of preparations to make.

    On this day, Gu Zuo carried two big gourds filled with Snowy Ginseng Pills out of the secret room to give Tianheng in the study.

    At this time, Tianheng was listening to Dragon One¡¯s report on a key task.

    Gu Zuo knocked on the door.

    Gongyi Tianheng raised his voice: ¡°Ah Zuo,e right in.¡±

    Gu Zuo opened the door and entered.

    Dragon One¡¯s report didn¡¯t stop: ¡°...The covert actions of the Duanmu n and the others have continued and the spies within the n have been snooping around. Some secret agents were discovered and immediately turned into contacts...¡±

    Because he hadn¡¯t heard what was reported beforehand, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what happened. He asked: ¡°Big brother, have the other ns caused some mischief?¡±

    Tianheng listened to his description and couldn¡¯t hold back a smile: ¡°While being led by the Helian n, the other ns are trying to find that prescription that let mepletely recover. They intend on getting their cut of the profits through internal distribution.¡±

    Gu Zuo frowned: ¡°Before, when I was at a restaurant eating with Dragon Two, I heard about the matter of this prescription spreading around. Big brother, is this very serious?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was calm: ¡°It¡¯s not important. Even my parents and close rtives only know that I was cured by that prescription you offered up. They¡¯ve heard about the prescription¡¯s name, but not its contents. The other people in the n know even less. What could the secret agents find out?¡±

    He looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s still very anxious appearance and beckoned him with his hand.

    Gu Zuo walked over.

    With a smile on his face, Gongyi Tianheng ruffled his hair [1] and said: ¡°No need to fret. It just so happens that I¡¯ll beunching the Five Essence Pill. This thing can be regarded as good publicity.¡±

    Gu Zuo was expressionless: ¡°Big brother already knew about it?¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°The matter of myplete recovery was bound to set off huge waves. It¡¯d actually be strange if the other ns didn¡¯t investigate. Originally, I intended to wait till after I returned from the Azure Dragon Pool to have you set out refining the Five Essence Pill. To my surprise, I haven¡¯t even opened my mouth, and Ah Zuo and my heart are already in sync [2].¡±

    Gu Zuo blushed when he heard this.

    Just where did he get this big brother who considered things so thoroughly? Gu Zuo just felt that since he had enough medicinal herbs, he could refine them. That¡¯s all!

    Tianheng saw how embarra.s.sed he was, and didn¡¯t go on to make fun of him. He only patiently exined: ¡°The outside world doesn¡¯t know whether I used a medicinal decoction or pill. Since the Five Essence Pill has the function of improving the meridians¡¯ apt.i.tudes, I can just put those forward. One day when weunch the Ageless Pill or some other medicinal pill...¡±

    Gu Zuo shook the gourd in his hand: ¡°We still have these Snowy Ginseng Pills... It¡¯s a blood replenisher.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Good. Including the Five Essence Pill, the Ageless Pill and this Snowy Ginseng Pill, all of them can be said to have been studied from that ancient prescription. When ites to external or internal matters, excuses are no longer needed.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this made sense, and nodded his head: ¡°Big brother has the final say.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened a little: ¡°It¡¯s only that I¡¯ll need Ah Zuo to keep working hard.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°As far as I¡¯m concerned, refining medicine is just cultivating. It¡¯s not hard work at all. Actually, big brother, you¡¯ll need to take lots of Five Essence Pills in the future. It¡¯s beneficial for your body.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Ah Zuo.¡±

    After the two settled things, Gu Zuo spent the next couple of days continuously refining Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills in advance. The rest of the time was used to refine Five Essence Pills and Snowy Ginseng Pills. Naturally, there were only low and mid grade Five Essence Pills, and low, mid, and high grade Snowy Ginseng Pills. As a matter of fact, different grades could receive different levels of pay.

    As for Gongyi Tianheng, he immediately dispatched people to add to the promotion of the Snowy Ginseng Pill. In a few days, the best medicine shop under Tianheng¡¯s name would unveil the medicinal pill exhibition to the public. What would be disyed were these two kinds of medicinal pills.

    Time pa.s.sed very quickly, and the day arrived in the blink of an eye.

    Gongyi Tianheng wore sapphire blue robes and the edge of his lips curled into a smile. He looked as stunning and handsome as a jade tree facing the wind.

    Gu Zuo had already changed into a neat set of custom clothing. It was only because he still had to conceal his ident.i.ty that when he followed Tianheng out, he didn¡¯t act brashly.

    The two would be going to watch the crowds.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two dressed as bodyguards. Afterwards, a group of four set out.

    Destination: The flourishing district of South Street.

    Of course, it was a property that belonged exclusively to Gongyi Tianheng, and it was among the best medicine shops around. It was called Medicine of Life. This name definitely wasn¡¯t an exaggeration, but there wasn¡¯t too much room to push out new medicinal pills inside.

    Nothing could be done about it. It wasn¡¯t easy to nurture pharmacists. The Gongyi n had raised many of them, but there weren¡¯t many who had strong capabilities.

    Previously, the medicinal pills in Medicine of Life were all refined by three of the Gongyi n¡¯s pharmacists. Because they were part of the people whom Gongyi Tianheng borrowed from the n itself, their medicinal herbs weren¡¯t just supplied by Gongyi Tianheng. Thirty percent of the ie earned was still given to the n, and ten percent to the pharmacists. This was why it was so expensive.

    However, just a while ago, Tianheng stopped hiring those three pharmacists and cleared out the medicine shop. Today, it would beunching two new kinds of medicine.

    Now was the time one should create quality products. Those seemingly good medicinal pills before, whenpared to the new products, seemed somewhatcking now. One might as well say it was natural selection.

    Due to the Gongyi n and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s reputations, the invitation cards sent out for the Medicine of Life¡¯s medicinal pill exhibition caused many people to all scramble like they were on a wild goose chase. They were all eager to take a look.

    The preceding advertis.e.m.e.nts were quite well done. At this time, there was a vast crowd.

    Gu Zuo was protected by Tianheng. They entered from another direction to bypa.s.s the throng of people. Standing directly in an overlooked area within Medicine of Life, one could see the entire scene in front, but the people ahead wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to see them.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two became even more vignt and didn¡¯t allow anyone to exploit any advantages.

    The preceding medicinal pill exhibition was going to start soon.

    Those who had invitation cards and whose social statuses carried weight all had seats. The seating was divided into two sides. The frontmost positions were naturally for the younger generations of the four great ns.

    It went without saying that for this kind of spectacle, each n dispatched managerspetent in business and martial artists specialized in numerous matters. These peripheral younger generations would¡¯ve been sufficient, but this asion was quite beyond everyone¡¯s expectations. Unexpectedly, the ones who came were those who held positions that were just slightly below the four great young masters.

    This certainly gave enough face.

    Tianheng softlyughed: ¡°They¡¯vee to search behind the scenes.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, expressing his understanding.

    To speak frankly, it was still because his big brother¡¯s face was so big! Having just recovered and suddenlyunching new medicines, the other four ns certainly wouldn¡¯t be at ease. How was it okay to not send people with some weight to make careful inquiries?

    Following which, the two earnestly watched on.

    The show was about to begin.

    The one in charge of unveiling the medicinal pills was a subordinate of Gongyi Tianheng, a very capable young manager. He looked at everyoneing together and lightly pped his hands.

    Immediately, two elegant young women, each carrying a covered tray, stood to his left and right.

    The young manager smiled, faced everyone, and cupped his fist: ¡°Today, our Medicine of Life hasunched new medicines. Many thanks, everyone, for your patronage!¡±

    As his voice fell, the people on either side held smiles on their faces. Their appearances were very friendly and warm.

    The young manager cut to the chase and had the woman on the left step forward. He used a hand to remove the red cloth: ¡°First of all, our Medicine of Life would like to present this: A type of blood replenishing panacea. It¡¯s called the Snowy Ginseng Pill, and it¡¯s divided into three grades.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he revealed three jade boxes on the tray.

    The people below clearly saw the distinction through these red, yellow, and white jade boxes.

    Obviously, the different grades of the medicinal pill were ced in the sequence of the three small boxes.

    The young manager used bamboo chopsticks to grab a light cyan medicinal pill from the leftmost red jade box: ¡°This is the third grade Snowy Ginseng Pill. After a dose, one can replenish their qi and blood in approximately two hours.¡±

    This medicinal pill seemed pure and plump. A mild fragrance a.s.sailed everyone¡¯s noses that attracted their adoration.

    The guests were suddenly amazed: ¡°It¡¯s merely third grade, but it can replenish the qi and blood in two hours?¡±

    Martial artists cultivated for years on end. For the sake of tempering their bodies, there were many times that they had to use up great quant.i.ties of qi and blood. Certainly, one could use the edible flesh of wild beasts to get nourishment, but utilization rates weren¡¯t high in the end ¡ª Those among them also didn¡¯t have pharmacists to turn the essential meats into medicinal cuisine.

    The young manager was very pleased with everyone¡¯s reactions. He put the medicinal pill back down, and from the second box, the yellow jade box, he took out another medicinal pill: ¡°This is the second grade pill, which will replenish the qi and blood in one hour.¡±

    He intentionally held the pill up high so everyone could see it clearly.

    That¡¯s right. This Snowy Ginseng Pill had a color and l.u.s.ter that was even deeper than the one before. The pill¡¯s body was also very shiny.

    One hour! The speed was twice as fast!

    This made the guests even more astonished. At the same time, their gazes were closely fixed on the white jade box.

    The young manager didn¡¯t keep them in suspense as he immediately took out a Snowy Ginseng Pill from there.

    Not only did this round¡¯s Snowy Ginseng Pill have a color that approached emerald green, the entire medicinal pill was exceptionally plump, such that it resembled a piece of jade. It was extremely beautiful.

    He confidently said: ¡°The first grade Snowy Ginseng Pill. Replenishing the qi and blood only requires thirty minutes!¡±

    The packed exhibition was filled with a great mor.

    It only needed thirty minutes. If one sustained injuries and blood loss after training, then it could almost immediately return a life! This was such a scary medicinal pill!

    In a split second, the many guests present all set their eyes on this Snowy Ginseng Pill!

    There were even some people who impatiently opened their mouths and made a ruckus with their outcries. Even the prices couldn¡¯t be taken care of.

    The young manager promptly held his hands up in a cating manner: ¡°Everyone! Everyone! Please listen to the price levels!¡±

    Once these words came out, the guests responded by calming down one by one.

    Indeed, the price levels were still unknown...

    However, the prices definitely weren¡¯t expensive. The third grade Snowy Ginseng Pill was only one tael of gold, sharing the same price as the Qi Generating Pill. The second grade was five taels of gold. And the third grade was no less than ten taels of gold.

    Although it didn¡¯t seem expensive, the consumption would be huge in reality. In that case, it truly wasn¡¯t cheap.

    Yet, regarding what these guests had to say, the Snowy Ginseng Pill was still worthwhile.

    They quickly ced their orders one after the other. Afterwards, they couldn¡¯t help their antic.i.p.ation towards the unveiling of the second type of medicinal pill.

    Generally speaking, the star of the show was always at the end...

    ______

    ______

    [1] ºôààÁ½°Ñ - Thanks to user Charysa for the rification.

    [2] ÁéÏ¬ - Ling xi, a rhinoceros horn, which supposedly has telepathic powers.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 62

    Seeing the unimpeded sales of the Snowy Ginseng Pills, the young manager was all smiles. However, his actions were very careful as he removed the red cloth from the tray held by the other woman.

    The jade box presented on this tray had an azure color. Lying within was a plump medicinal pill whose color and l.u.s.ter seemed no more than amon light brown. Its average and unsurprising appearance made the others somewhat disappointed.

    However, numerous guests clearly understood that if that thing wasn¡¯t too good, the Gongyi n¡¯s astute young master wouldn¡¯t have promoted it with such fanfare.

    Each and every person who had some experience and understanding all realized that when young master Gongyi was previously frail, he was in charge of several businesses. Although one couldn¡¯t say that they were profitable in the beginning, they had their ways of making money. The merchandise that wasunched also didn¡¯t leave customers unsatisfied.

    As a result, they weren¡¯t discouraged by that medicinal pill.

    Sure enough, the young manager wasposed, only lightly picking up that pill: ¡°Everyone, please examine it carefully.¡±

    While he spoke, he slowly rotated the medicinal pill.

    At first, many guests didn¡¯t understand what he meant, but nevertheless, they still paid serious attention to it. After scrutinizing it, they discovered a clue atst.

    One guest suddenly shouted: ¡°The rays of light are changing!¡±

    The hearts of the other guests moved as they rushed to examine this scene.

    In a moment, they were discussing this excitedly.

    ¡°That radiance is actually made up of five colors!¡±

    ¡°When it circtes, the colors are extremely beautiful...¡±

    ¡°Previously, I had never once seen such a peculiar medicinal pill!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what this sort of medicinal pill is, but in the end, what kind of function does it have?¡±

    There was no need for doubt. Numerous guests had their interests suddenly spike. The expectations toward this medicinal pill also rose.

    Gu Zuo saw how this packed exhibition was surging, and his heart was stirred up.

    After all, this was a medicinal pill he refined. He knew that it¡¯d sell rtively well, but the feelings weren¡¯t the same as actually watching this lively scene.

    This sort of feeling... Of having something one made being sought after by everyone, truly stimted a person¡¯s pride.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help softly saying: ¡°Big brother, that guy is amazing.¡±

    These strategies for marketing and tantalizing the customers were the models for modern-day marketing employees! Also, he never saw that young manager say anything unnecessary, but every word he did say was right on point. He talked about the things they wanted to know the most. And fitting them with those deliberately mystifying actions would definitely stimte consumption.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, and softly replied: ¡°Dragon 182 [1]. He¡¯s a subordinate among the Tianlong Guard who¡¯s an expert in business. Ah Zuo can call him Qian Sheng. That¡¯s his alias.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Oh.¡±

    Ahead, the guests looked at the medicinal pill¡¯s appearance in a new light. With such exotic colors, their interests increased greatly.

    After the guests conversed for a while, the young manager Qian Sheng revealed a mysterious smile. His topic of discussion changed directions, but didn¡¯t immediately introduce the medicinal pill. Rather, he said: ¡°Everyone should know that some time ago, our n¡¯s young master hadpletely recovered. Moreover, he can already practice martial arts. Even his strength has received the acknowledgment of many people.¡±

    The guests were all very shrewd. Once they heard this, their minds began guessing.

    A guest couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that¡ª¡±

    Qian Sheng smiled proudly: ¡°Everyone has guessed correctly. The young master had taken this exact medicinal pill. Under long-term recuperation, it slowly nurtured his body until now. The young master no longer suffers the symptoms of his grave illness!¡±

    Once again, the venue was turned into a cacophony!

    ¡°There really is this kind of medicinal pill?¡±

    ¡°Who made this medicinal pill?¡±

    ¡°In the end, what¡¯s the effectiveness of this pill?¡±

    ¡°Please tell us, too!¡±

    Qian Sheng waved his hand downwards: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone.¡±

    It was difficult for the guests to restrain their itching hearts, but they nevertheless endured it.

    Qian Sheng spoke neither quickly nor slowly: ¡°Four to five years ago, the young master invited pharmacists from all over, but not a single one could cure the young master¡¯s illness. As a result, he secretly issued a bounty for a remedy that could cure the young master. Among them was a prescription that had some feasibility.

    ¡°The young master still held on, trusting his luck. He asked someone to refine this medicinal pill and took this medicine for a long time while he recuperated his body in the vi. After several years, the young master discovered that the state of his health had improved and that he could gradually practice martial arts...

    ¡°To this day, he has already brought the illness underplete control!¡±

    The guests suddenly realized.

    So it was like this. Those previous years, that young master of the Gongyi n actually nursed his health in secret until he made aplete recovery and revealed himself.

    This scheme of silently enduring was really out of the ordinary!

    To the side, Gu Zuo had a helpless look on his face. He turned to look at Tianheng: ¡°Four to five years?¡±

    Tianheng pat his head: ¡°We¡¯ll approach the issue the same way as always [2]. We can¡¯t allow others to harbor suspicions about you. Besides, spending four to five years researching a prescription to develop several medicinal pills doesn¡¯t appear too excessive.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood, and his heart was touched.

    Atst, he realized that this was to protect his existence.

    Although it was said that Gongyi Tianheng recuperated the first two years at the vi, in actuality, he made frequent visits to the vi four to five years ago. He definitely wasn¡¯t staying at the Gongyi ancestral household. The current ims that he went to recuperate at that time were considered true.

    Tianheng and the Tianlong Guard¡¯s control over that vi was air-tight. Just like an iron barrel, there wasn¡¯t even a single secret agent stationed within. No one knew what Tianheng did in the vi.

    As for Gu Zuo¡¯s arrivalst year, even if someone really did discover his existence, they wouldn¡¯t connect it to a matter that urred four to five years ago. Currently, the only ones who knew about Gu Zuo providing the prescription was the n Head and Tianheng¡¯s immediate family members. They all approached external problems using the same methods. To exin, they also didn¡¯t know that Tianheng was secretly nursing his health back. Dering his full recovery now was for the sake of preventing them from losing hope and so on.

    It could be said that Gongyi Tianheng had to employ many schemes to hide Gu Zuo¡¯s peculiarities.

    At this time, he gently said: ¡°It¡¯s merely that this one matter has wronged Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel wronged, and directly said: ¡°Everything big brother has done has been for my own good. I understand.¡± Then he asked, ¡°What matter?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head while chuckling: ¡°You appearing by my side needs justification.¡± He slowly said, ¡°I intend on solidifying my version of events where after you were betrayed and fled for your life, you arrived within the vicinity of the vi. Naturally, the situation of the vi¡¯s surroundings cannot be concealed from me. Once the Tianlong Guard discovered you, I investigated your past and found out about the matters of your...medical beads. Since misery lovespany, I offered you shelter. Only, this would be constantly erasing your contributions.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°I don¡¯t like to be in the spotlight. This kind of thing doesn¡¯t make me feel wronged at all!¡±

    If people were to find out what he was doing, then his small life would be in danger! What was a little fame worth? A reputation would only bring life-threatening trouble.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, Ah Zuo. I naturally won¡¯t have you act like a disabled person forever. Since you¡¯re a pharmacist, there were inevitablye a time when you muste out in the open. In order to avoid drawing people¡¯s suspicions at that time, we need toy the groundwork in advance...¡±

    Tianheng muttered to himself, ¡°Let¡¯s say that you originally possessed two pairs of medical beads. As a rare gift, due to the Qi Family¡¯s ipetence, they only knew that you had a natural talent, but not that this talent was so astonishing. After you lost one pair of medical beads, the Qi Family thought that you wouldn¡¯t be able to rise up again. Once you escaped to my side, you discovered by chance that you could still refine medicine.

    ¡°Throughprehensive examinations, it was determined that you still had one pair of medical beads remaining and you could slowly train your medicine refining skills. Despite your initial hold ups, your talents were much stronger than that of ordinary pharmacists. Gradually, you revealed your skills once more. This way, there¡¯s no corrtion at all. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over carefully, and felt it was reasonable. At that time, the system actually said the same thing. It was simply that he confessed his own secrets to Tianheng. His big brother probably thought that his body was restored after being inhabited by the system. Because he¡¯d long established himself, he needed a cover story. Yet instead, it was Gongyi Tianheng whoid the groundwork... With such calctions, were the minds of his big brother and the systemmunicating telepathically?

    Thinking these thoughts, Gu Zuo shuddered and felt it was a little ridiculous.

    However, this method was indeed very good.

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Good!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng continued to console him: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo. This kind of information naturally won¡¯t be leaked easily. What should be hidden will be kept hidden. Merely, while it will be kept confidential, it can¡¯t be said to be absolutely safe. If someone made discreet inquiries in the future about the necessary cover up, if it was without good cause, it wouldn¡¯t be likely for you to be forced to expose yourself.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and vigorously nodded his head: ¡°I got it. Thank you, big brother.¡±

    Preparing so far in advance with every kind of precaution was all for his wellbeing. This was already sufficiently thoughtful.

    The two spoke along these lines. Gu Zuo felt even more at ease about his own safety and was even more confident in Gongyi Tianheng.

    After that, they went back to paying attention to the things in front of them.

    Thus, that Qian Sheng continued his enthusiastic sales pitch. Speaking of which, those guests suddenly realized that while they ced some of their trust in what he said, only a general idea was given about the medicinal pill¡¯s specific effects. Without any details, it made them anxious.

    Qian Sheng seemed just about done with keeping them in suspense, and properly said: ¡°This pill is called the Five Essence Pill. It¡¯s refined from this world¡¯s five elements, and it¡¯s capable of promoting the vitality of the internal organs and strengthening the cirction of qi and blood.

    ¡°And through subtle changes, it can broaden a martial artist¡¯s meridians.¡±

    Broadening the meridians!

    Among this continent¡¯s many countries and countless pharmacists, who would dare say their medicinal pills could broaden the meridians? One could at most say that it would nourish the meridians. Because the results could never be verified, it was all up to chance!

    However, this manager of the Gongyi n dared to say ¡°broaden¡±?

    Those guests naturally responded first with disbelief, but they had second thoughts as they recalled Gongyi Tianheng. Although this person¡¯s illness wasn¡¯t publicized with great fanfare, those with some power could all find out. His meridians were weak and clogged up, creating a situation where he couldn¡¯t practice martial arts.

    Since he could now, it was certainly because the problem with his meridians was solved. In that case, the Five Essence Pill¡¯s effects...might actually be something worth looking forward to.

    Qian Sheng¡¯s words continued: ¡°For this grade of Five Essence Pill, every thirty pills can broaden the meridians by a thread. Merely, these thirty pills must be taken consecutively.¡±

    He paused here, and then raised his voice, ¡°If it¡¯s for a martial artist who hasn¡¯t yet manipted their qi, they must take one pill every month. A Blood Refining realm martial artist must take one pill every ten days. A Bone Forging realm martial artist takes one every five days. A Meridian Condensing martial artist takes one every two days. If they are a Meridian Condensing perfect-grade martial artist, then it¡¯s only one pill a day!

    ¡°As for each Five Essence Pill, it¡¯s only one thousand gold!¡±

    ¡°¡ªFor a cheap medicinal pill with such G.o.dly effects, what is everyone waiting for!?¡±

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] I don¡¯t know if other members of the Tianlong Guard will be brought up individually, but anyone between 11-200 will be set as numerals.

    [2] Í³Ò»¿Ú¾¶ - Tong yi kou jing, to adopt a unified approach to discussing an issue.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 63

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s actually capable of widening them?¡±

    ¡°If this thing¡¯s the real deal, then it¡¯ll be of great use to us martial artists!¡±

    ¡°In that case, one thousand gold really isn¡¯t that costly...¡±

    Based on the different grades of martial artists, the time it took to digest the Five Essence Pill would also be different. However, they all simrly had to take thirty pills to broaden their meridians. As for what the martial artists of different realms had to say, they considered it to be fair.

    One pill for one thousand gold. Thirty pills were only thirty thousand gold. If thirty thousand gold could broaden the meridians by a thread, which martial artist wouldn¡¯t be willing to pay this price?

    The earlier one took the Five Essence Pill, the more favorable it was for a martial artist. Moreover, even if it was a littlete, the Five Essence Pills were enough to make up for any deficiencies...

    At this time, the guests all thoroughly understood.

    They knew the Gongyi n would certainly be making exorbitant profits. Yet, they were still happy to go along with it. That much more Five Essence Pills in hand would be for the good fortune of the ns¡¯ children.

    At this moment, all the guests were itching to go ce their orders.

    However, Qian Sheng began to speak: ¡°Everyone, please wait a moment!¡±

    The crowd of guests didn¡¯t understand, and their hearts were very eager: ¡°Whatever you have to say, do it quickly. We still want to purchase a few Five Essence Pills to try them when we get back!¡±

    Qian Sheng sighed: ¡°Everyone¡¯s in a hurry. This lowly Qian naturally understands. However, the amount of Five Essence Pills definitely isn¡¯t enough for everyone to purchase in bulk...¡±

    The many guests heard this and couldn¡¯t help staring nkly.

    Qian Sheng solemnly said: ¡°The Five Essence Pill uses precious and rare medicinal herbs, and the failure rate for refining this medicine is very high. Even for a pharmacist who has trained for several years and who incessantly refines around the clock, the most they could make in a day is only three to four pills. Every month, only about one hundred Five Essence Pills can be put forward. These can only be given to three to four honored customers.¡±

    He continued unhurriedly, ¡°We¡¯ve been saving for many days, and we currently have one hundred twenty sets of Five Essence Pills. Each set contains thirty pills. No more, no less... To prevent any injuries or anger, everyone who arrived to partic.i.p.ate in this medicinal pill exhibition can purchase one set. If you wanted to buy more, then there¡¯s nothing to be done.¡±

    Talking to this extent, the implications were very clear.

    This round of fictional war would have seventy to eighty Families. After being purchased by them, there would be only forty to fifty sets remaining. If someone wanted to split the leftover portions, then they had to think of some other methods.

    As for what those other methods were, where could one speak so obviously?

    Everyone had a tacit mutual understanding.

    Since it was like this, everyone didn¡¯t put up a fight: On the surface, you would be modest and I would yield.

    The intermediaries of severalrge Families went to purchase their sets first. The others all followed to make their purchase one after another. Not long after, seventy eight sets of Five Essence Pills were sold. The gold obtained reached 2.34 million taels [1].

    Gu Zuo saw this and heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    One cauldron of Five Essence Pills produced five pills. After he improved his refining skills, he could achieve one cauldron in almost five minutes. But even if it was like this, managing so many Five Essence Pills for this medicinal pill exhibition took several days. Apart from practicing his cultivation method, he was refining those medicinal pills, which he had only just gotten together.

    It was very exhausting.

    Now after obtaining a huge sum of several millions of gold all of a sudden, he felt that all his hard work wasn¡¯t in vain. At the very least, the gold in Tianheng¡¯s hands could transform into even greater riches. And this wealth could let him rest even easier with respect to medicinal ingredients.

    For him, this was the most important matter.

    But in reality, there were some things that Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t understand too well.

    Regardless if it was the Qi Generating Pill, the Rejuvenation Pill, or the Snowy Ginseng Pill, their princ.i.p.al values were all rtively low. Profits begotrger profits, and usually such princ.i.p.al values could multiply dozens to hundreds of times over. However, the manufacturing costs of the Five Essence Pill weren¡¯t so cheap. One Five Essence Pill would sell for one thousand gold, yet the princ.i.p.al value was five hundred gold. This shouldn¡¯t be in line with maximizing one¡¯s interests, right?

    He didn¡¯t know what his big brother was thinking.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t try to hide his confusion and just asked him.

    Gongyi Tianheng listened, and exposed a smile: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s go back first.¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at the excitement in front of him and obediently nodded: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Just then, that young manager Qian Sheng revealed the usefulness of the medicinal pill to some guests. It went without saying that before selling something, one should first give a demonstration. However, while Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s business practices always treated everyone equally, the conduct this time was more like showing the goods after buying them.

    One could say this was a kind of self-confidence. One could also say this was taking advantage of the ¡°window shopping¡± mentality through unconventional promotions to make people firmly believe in the medicinal pill¡¯s usefulness.

    ¡ª Naturally, the effectiveness of these two medicinal pills were, at the very least, the honest truth.

    When Gu Zuo followed Gongyi Tianheng back to the vi, Tianheng didn¡¯t speak at all during the whole journey. However, while Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand why, he knew that his big brother definitely wouldn¡¯t be unprepared to answer his questions. Rather, it wasn¡¯t any good to discuss it in public.

    This immediately made him feel a little strange. Could it be that his big brother did in fact have some other ns for the business practices of the Five Essence Pill?

    Once they got to the vi, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo both sat in the study. Then, he slowly began talking: ¡°Ah Zuo, since you asked, then I also can¡¯t hide it from you.¡±

    Gu Zuo sat upright and focused.

    Since his big brother was being so solemn, that matter must also be very serious.

    Tianheng slightly muttered: ¡°Ah Zuo, have you heard of the Hundred Countries War?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    It was only natural that he hadn¡¯t heard of it, but this name was very ominous. He felt that it wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d like.

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°This is also the first time I¡¯ve heard of it.¡±

    Gu Zuo then realized afterwards that this subject was super important.

    Sure enough, Tianheng said with a grave expression: ¡°Some time ago, I went to the Azure Dragon Pool to cultivate. Afterwards I, along with Helian Xingcheng and the others, were all summoned before His Majesty. And from his mouth, we learned about this secret.¡±

    What happened next was a recounting of the secret¡¯s details.

    Gu Zuo listened and listened, and finally understood the hidden truth within.

    The Hundred Countries War. As the name implied, it was the martial artists of over one hundred countries waging war.

    On Tianwu Continent, besides the Cangyun Empire, there also existed the Qingluan Empire and the Suhu Empire. Concerning these two great empires, their strengths alone were only slightly inferior to the Cangyun Empire. Excluding these t.i.tans, there were still many smaller countries.

    However, the two words ¡°Hundred Countries¡± in the Hundred Countries War absolutely didn¡¯t mean just the three great empires as well as the numerous small countries. In actuality, the three great empires could only be counted as three countries among the hundred.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t fully understand how seemingly vast and boundless the Tianwu Continent really is. However, it definitely isn¡¯t the only continent. It¡¯s neighbored by just over ten other continents. There are somerge and some small, and within are empires that are alsorge and small. As a result, the ranks of the continents are different. Our Tianwu Continent is merely a third .s.s continent [2]. Although, it¡¯s a rtively powerful one among the third continents, a third .s.s is still a third .s.s. Compared to a second or first .s.s, the differences are just too great!¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what to think. He never thought that there¡¯d still be this kind of secret.

    With so many continents that still had to handle this Hundred Countries War, just what did the continent¡¯s rank have to do with this war?

    Tianheng affirmed his thoughts, and said with praise: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s thoughts are correct. It¡¯s through the Hundred Countries War that the achievements of each country¡¯s martial artists determine that country¡¯s strength as well as that country¡¯s quality of goods. And as for the quality of goods, it¡¯s rted to a continent¡¯s status. The better a martial artist¡¯s achievements, the greater the honor that martial artist¡¯s country receives. And when a country has honor, the continent that country resides within also gains honor. This minor thing is definitely something that can¡¯t be overlooked.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t really understand: ¡°Does the opening of the Azure Dragon Pool have something to do with this?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°The Hundred Countries War urs once every fifty years, and it¡¯ll start in just a few months. In order to nurture enough people who can stand their ground against the martial artists of other continents, His Majesty opened the Azure Dragon Pool and decided on choosing young sprouts from the winners of the n War. And when we received His Majesty¡¯s grace, it was also rted to the righteous cause of the empire. Of course, we couldn¡¯t refuse to partic.i.p.ate in the Hundred Countries War.¡±

    He didn¡¯t talk about what that martial artist¡¯s status would be like. Besides how it rted to his own martial strength, it more precisely rted to his background. One¡¯s background could be a n, a country, or even a continent.

    If one¡¯s continent was weak, then the country and n were weak. And an individual wouldn¡¯t be able to seize any opportunities. There were many factors that were difficult to put to use.

    So no matter what, regardless of one¡¯s purpose, everyone wanted to strive for victory in the Hundred Countries War!

    Gu Zuo thought out loud: ¡°Going with big brother to do this... It¡¯s not particrly rted to any money-making businesses?¡±

    Tianheng was unhurried as always, yet his expression right now was still somewhat grave: ¡°Ah Zuo, the situation is grim right now. From what His Majesty has said, we¡¯ve learned that the martial artists partic.i.p.ating in the war don¡¯t need to advance to the Xiantian realm. They just need to have the skills to be a match for ten or more enemies of equivalent realms. Originally, the Cangyun Empire only had the ninth prince Cang Yu. He is truly someone who can partic.i.p.ate in the war. As for the rest, even though they¡¯re the imperial capital¡¯s five young masters, they all barely qualified. Opening the Azure Dragon Pool was merely a safeguard. After all, under normal circ.u.mstances, a half-step Xiantian is a little more powerful than a Houtian perfect-grade.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked away distractedly: ¡°Then in other words, there are only six in the Cangyun Empire who can go join the war?¡± After that, he shook his head again, ¡°No matter how the others are, I know that big brother certainly isn¡¯t just barely qualified to join.¡±

    Among martial artists of simr realms, his big brother¡¯s strength could certainly sweep across the whole world! Indeed, he would reside at the peak of the six!

    Gongyi Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°This time, the future is uncertain. I also don¡¯t know to what degree I can fight, and I can probably only do my very best. However, there¡¯s still hope for the Cangyun Empire in the future.¡±

    His gaze looked distant, ¡°Those who have the finances to buy the Five Essence Pill are mostly rich Families. They¡¯d have enough resources to provide for their martial artists. Although they aren¡¯t all forgoing books for martial arts to get rich [3], many people are unable to escape this predicament. For the wealthy, the odds of bing a powerhouse are even bigger.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood: ¡°What big brother means is that as the Five Essence Pills are sold, many will be bought by rich Families. Most will be used for transforming the meridians of their children, and once these children grow up, their meridians would surpa.s.s their peers. Such strength would let them make even faster progress... It wouldn¡¯t be long for huge changes to ur.¡±

    So the Five Essence Pill¡¯s price couldn¡¯t be too expensive because transforming the body was a long-term process. The more one took the Five Essence Pill, the greater the benefits for one¡¯s meridians.

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°When that momentes, there¡¯ll be many talents with outstanding strength who¡¯d surpa.s.s our generation and many of those from the older generations. If we cannot make any headway during this instance of the Hundred Countries War, then there¡¯ll be one day in the future when countless heaven-sent children will rise up in the Cangyun Empire to fight to regain our honor!¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and held his breath.

    As it turned out, it was because of this...

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] The author wrote two hundred thirty four taels, which is a typo.

    [2] The author uses µÛ¹ú (empire) instead of ´óÂ½ (continent), which I think is a typo, considering the context.

    [3] ÇîÎÄ¸»Îä - Qiong (poor) wen nguage, writing) fu (rich) wu (martial arts, the military).

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 64

    Gu Zuo was only a teenager. His biggest wish was just to return to the modern era to watch over his dad. He didn¡¯t have any grand ambitions. However, now that he heard Tianheng¡¯s words, the waves in his heart were surging.

    When the nest was upset, no egg would be left intact [1]. His borrowed ident.i.ty was a citizen of the Cangyun Empire. Although he didn¡¯t have any sense of belonging to the Cangyun Empire as his mothend, he also understood that he simply didn¡¯t know when he could go back to the modern era. The stronger the Cangyun Empire, the greater his advantages.

    Since it was like this, then he would listen to Tianheng¡¯s words.

    Merely...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face fell: ¡°Big brother, the tons of Five Essence Pills needed for nurturing the martial artists will all have to be refined by me...¡±

    It wouldn¡¯t be impossible, but the efficiencies weren¡¯t very high. Moreover, there were still many kinds of medicinal pills he needed to refine to help his big brother recuperate his health. It certainly wasn¡¯t worth it to spend all his time just to refine the Five Essence Pill.

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°How could that be possible?¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    Tianheng appeased him: ¡°This matter is very troublesome, and there are several other ns who are eyeing this pill covetously. If it was only based on my strength at hand, I¡¯m afraid that I won¡¯t be able to give you the protection you need. The Five Essence Pill is beneficial to the Cangyun Empire. Even though the profits aren¡¯t as enormous as the other medicinal pills,pared to the Gongyi n¡¯s pills of the past, the profits are still quite sessful. I intend to present this prescription to the Gongyi n so that the n¡¯s pharmacists can try and refine it.

    ¡°Even thought the current pill refining methods of the Tianwu Continent can only produce low grade pills, there also isn¡¯t any harm in doing this. When the timees that spears start stabbing the n in the back, you will be able to escape from within more easily.¡±

    After he said this, he paused for a bit, ¡°Merely, the prescription will be handed over to the n. Ah Zuo, are you willing to do this?¡±

    Ah Zuo shook his head: ¡°Of course I¡¯m willing. I have tons of prescriptions. So long as big bother has made up his mind, then it¡¯s fine.¡±

    On the contrary, he was thankful in his heart, ¡°But if it¡¯s like this, won¡¯t it affect the Gongyi n?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s not important. The other ns wouldn¡¯t dare take it by force. Also, father and mother definitely wouldn¡¯t speak out of turn. Although the Gongyi n is merely a single household, if the other ns dared to make a big fuss, the royal family wouldn¡¯t simply sit around and do nothing. My Gongyi n has never formed an alliance with the other ns, so the royal family still needs my Gongyi n to keep the other four ns in check.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt rea.s.sured.

    Tianheng smiled again: ¡°However, I wouldn¡¯t let Ah Zuo suffer any losses. Today that ce has been selling only low grade Five Essence Pills. With this continent¡¯s standards, I¡¯m afraid that they might not necessarily be able to refine mid grade pills. While we can still get a cut of the profits from the n, any of those Families that have greater needs can ce their orders for mid grade pills with us. As a result, the quant.i.ties of mid grade pills won¡¯t be many, but it also won¡¯t leave Ah Zuo exhausted. The price levels can also be raised several times over.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave Tianheng a thumbs up in his mind, and said: ¡°Big brother¡¯s words are reasonable.¡±

    Thus, the two cheerfully made their decision.

    Once they said they¡¯d do it, they did it. Tianheng quickly handed the prescription over to the n Head, his father Gongyi Yan. And although Gongyi Yan was the n Head, he didn¡¯t want to deprive what was part of his eldest son¡¯s benefits. After he cautiously asked him about it, Gongyi Tianheng talked with his father about the matter of the Hundred Countries Tournament. Beneath the surging emotions in his heart, Gongyi Yan still gave his consent.

    Afterwards, this prescription set off huge waves in the Gongyi n.

    The Gongyi n was well-informed about the matters concerning the precious medicinal pills in Medicine of Life. Each person of the main branch was quick to find out. Although they were iparably envious, they understood that the prescription certainly belonged to Gongyi Tianheng alone. His own potential was limitless and it restrained people from acting out. They didn¡¯t dare take it by force.

    No one expected Tianheng to offer the prescription for the benefit of the n. This in turn evoked feelings of admiration in many of the n members. They felt that in the days toe, although their younger generations wouldn¡¯t have the qualifications topete for the position of n Head, they were still very willing. And under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s lead, the n would certainly keep moving forward.

    With theseparisons, the Five Essence Pill was even more precious than the Snowy Ginseng Pill. Since Tianheng handed over the Five Essence Pill, it was even less likely for someone to scheme over the Snowy Ginseng Pill.

    As for the Snowy Ginseng Pill, one cauldron could produce a set of sixteen pills. When Gu Zuo used therge pill cauldron, he could refine three sets in five minutes. In barely an hour, he could refine twelve cauldrons, which was five hundred seventy six pills. He only needed one or two hours each day for refining, which was enough to supply Medicine of Life. On the contrary, he didn¡¯t need others to share the burden. Yet, when it came to the Snowy Ginseng Pill¡¯s benefits, it still was much more sessful than the Five Essence Pill.

    Between all these different kinds of medicinal pills, Gongyi Tianheng was already clear about his ns long ago.

    Once Gu Zuo slowly came to understand, he felt even more at ease.

    As expected, his big brother was still protecting him very well. His choice for this person to be his guardian couldn¡¯t have been more correct.

    ______

    After the Gongyi n began refining, they discovered that it wasn¡¯t easy to refine the Five Essence Pill. Although low level pharmacists imed they were worthy of this medicinal pill¡¯s workmanship, their pill refining sess rates were really too low and the production costs were too high. Afterwards, the Gongyi n simply hired mid level pharmacists to undertake the task. Suddenly, there were big improvements.

    Not long after, the sales of the Five Essence Pill stepped onto the right track.

    From all the gold and silver obtained from Five Essence Pills, twenty percent of the profits were allocated to Tianheng, who offered the prescription. As Tianheng didn¡¯tck money, he waved hisrge hand and directly transferred the cut of the profits to Gu Zuo¡¯s personal ount.

    In addition, Gu Zuo had refined mid grade Five Essence Pills, which Tianheng saved up. He instructed Dragon One that if the pills were to be sold one day, the same twenty percent would be transferred to Gu Zuo¡¯s ount.

    Naturally, Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t know anything about these matters. As for Tianheng, he unexpectedly took delight in mischief and definitely wouldn¡¯t tell Gu Zuo about this. He thought about waiting till one day in the future. If his little pharmacist found out about it, just what kind of expression would he show? It would certainly be very interesting.

    The matters here werepleted. Gongyi Tianheng bid farewell to his parents and close rtives, and brought Gu Zuo back to the vi¡¯s interior.

    It wasn¡¯t like the n members of the ancestral residence didn¡¯t put all their effort in urging them to stay. After all, today wasn¡¯t like the days of the past. Tianheng¡¯s strength was obvious to one and all. It was only natural for them to hope that he could remain in the ancestral residence to provide guidance to future martial artists.

    However, once Gongyi Yan privately divulged the secrets of the Hundred Countries Tournament to several high status elders, each person of the main branch finally gave in.

    Contributing to the empire¡¯s strength was naturally more important. They couldn¡¯t keep him solely to themselves, so they left Tianheng alone.

    Thus, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo resumed their lives at the vi.

    ______

    In the blink of an eye, several months pa.s.sed.

    Gu Zuo opened his mouth to expel a cloud of turbid gas. The cloud engulfed a stone directly in front of him, creating a puffing sound.

    His time these days weren¡¯t wasted. Now, he already condensed his Houtian realm¡¯s seventy two Earthly Fiend bone pearls. This caused the qi flow in his entire body to connect perfectly. His meridians were unimpeded, and his flesh from head to toe had be iparably pure and clean.

    If it was based on the ranks of martial artists, the current him was a Meridian Condensing stage three perfect-grade.

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    His flesh was purer than the average martial artist. In addition, after every time he cultivated, he would still be able to expel turbid gases ¡ª One must know that an ordinary martial artist wasn¡¯t capable of doing this. It could be a.s.sumed that it was due to his frequent absorption of medicinal qi. Even the tiniest impurities were incapable of coexisting with the medicinal qi inside his body.

    As for no longer having to expel the turbid gases and so on, it was only when his true qi realm reached Xiantian would he be capable of achieving this.

    Merely, the improvements of his flesh was a trivial matter.

    To Gu Zuo, besides making him clean inside and out, the promotion of his true qi realm would raise his body¡¯s inner qualities. This would allow his physical body to persist longer when pill refining.

    What he genuinely cared about was increasing his martial strength and improving his psychic power.

    Presently, he was very skilled in practicing his Spirit Piercing Needle¡¯s second step.

    His current psychic power had doubled once more. He already could fire twenty silver drills or seven hundred twenty silver needles. At the same time, his strength had also doubled.

    Under his psychic power¡¯s protection, his self-confidence was even greater. Although he still didn¡¯t have the decisiveness to strike someone down like this world¡¯s martial artists, his courage had gotten a little bigger.

    At the minimum, even if he was surrounded by several Meridian Condensing martial artists, he didn¡¯t feel he would definitely die. At least he could use his psychic power to ruthlessly bombard them and give himself a little more time to escape, right?

    If his luck was good, the willpower of those martial artists wouldn¡¯t be too resolute. They would instantly be turned into idiots in the explosions. At that time, he would have a higher chance of getting out of danger.

    Once he carefully counted all his trump cards in his mind, Gu Zuo happily stood up and ended today¡¯s cultivation.

    Nowadays, the requirement of thirty strands of medicinal qi every month wasn¡¯t difficult for Gu Zuo. And although the amounts of medicinal qi he needed had increased by ten times, the rate he refined medicine was also very high. His storage s.p.a.ce still contained innumerable floating strands of medicinal qi. Even if he stopped refining medicine for a while, he could still continue maintaining his cultivation.

    Gu Zuo strived even harder.

    He felt that being prepared was everything.

    After making the best preparations, no matter what happened, he could respond in some way.

    While he thought about this, Gu Zuo walked over to the study.

    At that moment, Tianheng was working behind the desk ¡ª To be precise, Dragon One was on the side giving an ounting report, which allowed Tianheng to conduct a simple audit. He was in full control of the situation.

    Once he saw Gu Zuo, Tianheng gently asked: ¡°Has Ah Zuo made any progress?¡±

    Gu Zuo was unable to restrain his happiness: ¡°It¡¯s perfect [2]! Twenty silver drills!¡±

    Tianheng heard this and his eyes reflected a smiling expression: ¡°Very good. Ah Zuo¡¯s self-defense capabilities are now on another level.¡±

    It was only natural that as Gu Zuo nodded his head, he noticed the pile of ounts. He was a bit curious: ¡°Big brother, how are the sales of our Ageless Pill?¡±

    Within the past few months, the medicinal herbs of the Ageless Pill had already been gathered up. After Gu Zuo made his attempts, he quickly began refining. Because the first ones weren¡¯t done skillfully, they were divided into four grades.

    As before, Gu Zuo set aside the top grade pills... Indeed! This kind of top grade pill wouldn¡¯t be of use to his dear big brother. Perhaps it could still be useful to others?

    Currently, the low grade Ageless Pill could preserve one¡¯s countenance for five years; the mid grade pill for ten years; the high grade pill for twenty years. This was already good enough.

    After all, this was a consumable product.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Sure enough, it¡¯s as you say. A woman¡¯s money makes the best profit. Currently, the money we¡¯ve received is more than one hundred-fold.¡±

    Based on what was seen on the ounts, the Ageless Pills were really being sold like crazy. It could be said that the moment they were put on the shelves, they would be swept clean!

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] ¸²³²Ö®ÏÂÎÞÍêÂÑ - Fu chao zhi xia wu wan luan, when one falls in disgrace, the whole family is doomed.

    [2] The characters used here ´óÔ²Âú are the same used for ¡°perfect-grade.¡± I may have to change this term, but I haven¡¯t fully settled on a proper trantion term.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 65

    Gu Zuo smiled.

    He wouldn¡¯t dare speak about the other medicinal pills, but he didn¡¯t need to use his head to antic.i.p.ate the results of the Ageless Pill. So, the unusuallyrge earnings were to be expected.

    However, in the wake of these huge profits, all parties became covetous. Though Gu Zuo only spent his time refining pills in the vi, even he knew there were many people snooping around.

    During that time period, he withdrew into the secret room, closed the door, and didn¡¯te out. As for Gongyi Tianheng, he was outside taking care of his own tasks and mobilizing the Tianlong Guard to wipe out all the spies both inside and outside the vi!

    Basically no one was able to find any traces of Gu Zuo, let alone find the prescription.

    Of course, in order to fool everyone, Tianheng also prepared some fake prescriptions, which were deliberately packed up under tight surveince. These prescriptions were said to be fake, but one wouldn¡¯t be able to tell if they were. Apart from the errors of a single major medicinal herb and several regr herbs, they would¡¯ve been identical, had their names not been subst.i.tuted for the different species on this continent.

    Thus, even if someone found the prescription, they wouldn¡¯t be able to recognize many of the medicinal herbs within. And even if they recognized them, the rare medicinal herb would be a mistake. Once they tried refining, not only would it not be the Ageless Pill, it would instead be a Disfigurement Pill ¡ª While initially bing even more beautiful, they would swiftly be disfigured after three months.

    ...It could be said to be utterly cruel.

    As one could well imagine, if someone really managed to get away with it, then it would be like trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice used to lure it [1].

    In the vi, all sorts of arrangements were made with the greatest consideration. The Gongyi n¡¯s ancestral residence was also subjected to many repeated cases of spying.

    As for the number one n in furtive activities, when their counterparts could only secretly snoop around, what was there to be afraid of? Those henchmen were all quickly captured and returned.

    Gradually, even though there were still many people who were unwilling to give up, there were now veryrge discrepancies in the scouting strength and numbers. In addition, the asional admonishment of the royal family suppressed many matters to the deepest depths. Even the small minority who instigated the situation publicly couldn¡¯t act up any more.

    However, the fact was that once Gu Zuo studied the Xiantian Pill, which could cause an even greater crisis, he realized he had no way of immediately refining it.

    On one hand, he still hadn¡¯t collected all the medicinal herbs. On the other hand, he still wasn¡¯t sure of the oue.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s capacity to generate more blood was very powerful. But with regards to martial artists, the more vigorous one¡¯s qi and blood, the better. How could Tianheng have free time to drain his blood for experimentation? As a result, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t lose any sleep over this.

    Besides this, the other matters were like a calm breeze and quiet ocean.

    Merely, while Gu Zuo¡¯s happiness had taken a step further, his frame of mind couldn¡¯t remain peaceful.

    Because after these several months pa.s.sed, his surrogate big brother was going to partic.i.p.ate in the Hundred Countries Tournament!

    He still didn¡¯t know how the oues were going to unfold...

    Just as he was thinking about this, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood slightly plummeted.

    At the same time, Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, do you want toe with me to the Hundred Countries Tournament?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh?¡±

    His first reaction was ¡ª Could it be that he could also go to this major event?

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Every time, a partic.i.p.ant can bring one pharmacist and one senior for protection.¡±

    Even though everyone said they had a lot of confidence in the royal family, in the end, this was a secret that only the royal family knew about. The ns definitely didn¡¯t have aplete understanding of the specific situation. In order to ensure one¡¯s safety, each martial artist partic.i.p.ating in the Hundred Countries Tournament would be permitted to bring along one of their own trusted Xiantian protectors. At the same time, because the martial artists could be injured during the tournament, it was necessary for one¡¯s trusted pharmacist to also be present.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    As a pharmacist who could be brought along, he could make use of one of those positions. But that Xiantian martial artist... Which of the seniors in the Gongyi n would his big brother select?

    His mind already had a guess.

    Tianheng verified his guess: ¡°My grandfather will be apanying me.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then I want to go with big brother, too.¡±

    In any case, he felt that the location of the Hundred Countries Tournament was just too far away. If he stayed at the vi, even with Dragon One and Dragon Two following after them, he felt unsettled.

    He might as well go together with Tianheng. It gave him a stronger sense of security.

    Tianheng saw his response and was very satisfied.

    This opportune moment would let people realize that Gu Zuo was the little pharmacist he wanted to nurture. This ¡°fact¡± could unexpectedly reveal itself some time in the future. He needed to start making preparations right now. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t waiting until that time to put forth an exnation be insufficient to persuade anyone?

    Everything should be strategized from the very beginning.

    After the two reached a unanimous agreement, they started making ns for the Hundred Countries Tournament.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have too many opinions, he just made top grade Qi Generating Pills, Rejuvenation Pills, Snowy Ginseng Pills [2], and Five Essence Pills ¡ª All of them were refined in huge quant.i.ties and stuffed into dozens of tightly-packed,rge gourds. There weren¡¯t any ns to earn money. The only n was that there would be enough for when Tianheng needed them. Only then was he satisfied.

    Presently, it looked like it didn¡¯t matter if there was simply enough. Even if the pills were eaten like rice, it would be fine!

    With respect to this matter, Tianheng definitely didn¡¯t restrict Gu Zuo, leaving him to his preparations. As for himself, he mainly had to consolidate his strength and do his best to unlock a few mysteries of the Xiantian realm. Up to now, he aplished his mastery of all the martial skills he had. His skills levels had more than doubledpared to when he just came out of the Azure Dragon Pool.

    ¡ª Although it could be said that his realm was still at Meridian Condensing stage three perfect-grade, apart from the few Xiantian mysteries that could beprehended at half-step Xiantian, with regards to genuine strength, he¡¯d long surpa.s.sed those half-step Xiantian martial artists. He had nothing to fear in the approaching tournament.

    ______

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng to the pce together with a tall and st.u.r.dy old man, whose hair and beard were white and whose face was a healthy shade of red. There were several people already waiting for them.

    Unlikest time when each of the eight finalists brought many n members, this time seemed particrly cold and cheerless.

    The other four great ns and the Gongyi n were exactly alike. Each had the standard arrangement of only one person partic.i.p.ating in the tournament, one protector, and one pharmacist. As for the royal family, there was also an acquaintance. Cang Yu wasn¡¯t willing to pa.s.s the responsibilities on to anyone else. He had a great expert of simr background in the royal family, whose rumored strength was greater than a Xiantian stage nine martial artist. There was also a delicate and gorgeous youngdy ¡ª So she should be the pharmacist. And from how they seemed to address each other so familiarly, her ident.i.ty must be the Cangyun Emperor¡¯s third daughter: Princess Yaomin!

    Onlookers never expected that this Princess Yaomin was also a pharmacist. What¡¯s more, with the honor of a princess and the status of a pharmacist, she was still perfectly happy to apany Cang Yu to the Hundred Countries Tournament.

    This was a woman who didn¡¯t simply concede to men.

    Within the other four great ns, Helian Xingcheng and the others couldn¡¯t hide the admiration in their gazes as they looked upon Princess Yaomin. This kind of beauty and capability were equally important. With the ident.i.ty of an extremely respected youngdy, her attractiveness was truly exceedingly powerful.

    A sweet, fair, wise, and virtuous woman was a good match for a man of n.o.ble character.

    If the royal family¡¯s princess was a martial artist, it wasn¡¯t necessarily possible to marry her off to amon aristocratic family. On the contrary, it might be possible to marry her to a very outstanding martial artist. However, if the aristocratic family¡¯s child was truly outstanding, the couple would be harmonious. As a matter of fact, it definitely wasn¡¯t impossible that they couldn¡¯t be connected by marriage.

    Gu Zuo looked at this princess, and felt she was very beautiful.

    In modern times, he¡¯d seen many celebrities. Whether if it was on TV, in advertis.e.m.e.nts, or even on license tes, one could say that their presences could be seen anywhere one looked. However, those beautiful women had undergone many stic surgeries, and theycked a sense of beauty that had transitioned from natural to cosmetic. Their personalities were also vastly inferior to this princess.

    Merely, a beautiful woman with makeup was still a beautiful woman. After seeing so many, Gu Zuo also developed an immunity to this kind of beauty without any makeup... Okay, the point was that he was currently dead-set on returning to the modern era. He didn¡¯t feel anything towards this beautiful woman, let alone any arousal.

    However, while Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any emotional responses, he still sneaked a nce at Tianheng.

    The good points of the other four ns¡¯ young masters were dwindling. For instance, the sort like Helian Xingcheng was no good. His eyeb.a.l.l.s were practically falling out over Princess Yaomin¡¯s body. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if his honorable big brother was thinking along the same lines.

    Once Gu Zuo looked over, he found that his big brother¡¯s thoughts were... Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t tell what his big brother was thinking.

    His smile was as peaceful as ever. His looks were as normal as always. His line of sight also didn¡¯t hover over Princess Yaomin¡¯s body for long. Who the h.e.l.l knew what he was thinking?

    Watching this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help thinking: Big brother¡¯s already close to being twenty years old. After he¡¯s twenty, he could get married. Although it¡¯d be easier for an outstanding martial artist to marryte, would he marry earlier orter? If big brother married early, what¡¯ll happen to my secret? Would he tell his wife and children? Would they be trustworthy?

    In a split second, his brain had many thoughts. Suddenly, he didn¡¯t feel very peaceful...

    Gongyi Tianheng promptly discovered Gu Zuo¡¯s anxiousness. He thought things over and realized what his heart was worried about. Thus, he lowered his head and whispered: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry. I¡¯ve made ns for this matter long ago. Now I¡¯ve set my heart and soul on pursuing the martial way. Nothing else.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his heartstrings loosened.

    He naturally believed this honorable big brother¡¯s words. Furthermore, since his big brother had a n, then he¡¯d surely be able to hide his secret. It wouldn¡¯t be likely to cause him to suffer a loss.

    The current predicament was just like this for the time being. As for how things would developeter on when everything came to a head, he¡¯d certainly be able toe up with a capable resolution that would still get the best of both worlds.

    He should have a bit more faith.

    With everyone over yonder all present, the Cangyun Emperor had already appeared.

    As the ruler of a country, he couldn¡¯t show up personally to this instance of the Hundred Countries War. However, he could nominate another person.

    This person was the protector by Cang Yu¡¯s side. It was the Prince Beside the Emperor, Cang He. A Xiantian stage nine powerhouse!

    Among each generation, the strongest powerhouse of the royal family served as the Prince Beside the Emperor. The strongest powerhouse absolutely didn¡¯t include those Immortal realm old monsters stuck in secluded cultivation in the imperial household. Rather, the person would be selected from among the best of those who handled external affairs.

    The current generation¡¯s strongest powerhouse definitely wasn¡¯t Cang He. That would be the Cangyun Emperor. However, the Cangyun Emperor had already ascended to the throne. Thus, the second strongest Cang He was selected to act as the Prince Beside the Emperor. Among the next generation, if Cang Yu ascended to the throne, then the person with the second highest potential would inherit Cang He¡¯s position. And if Cang Yu didn¡¯t ascend, he¡¯d be a Prince Beside the Emperor who would end up micromanaging everything!

    Getting back to the main point, during this trip, Cang He would bear the responsibility for diplomatic rtions and the protection of all the young martial artists who were going to partic.i.p.ate in the Hundred Countries Tournament.

    The people brought by the Five Great ns also simrly received hismands to act as a unified group. Under the premise that Cang He wouldn¡¯t make any poor decisions, Gongyi Zhuoyue and the rest would all follow his instructions.

    After a round of introductions, Cang He whistled and the sky was immediately blotted out by a shadow like a ssh of ink.

    That country suppressing avian deity, the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle had appeared and began to descend!

    This eagle beast was to be the flying tool that would bear the weight of these numerous martial artists.

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] Íµ¼¦²»³ÉÊ´°ÑÃ× - Tou ji bu cheng shi ba mi, trying to gain an advantage only to end up worse off.

    [2] The author made a typo writing ÑªÉñµ¤ - Xue (blood) shen (spirit) dan (pill) instead of ²ÎÑ©µ¤ - Shen (ginseng) xue (snow) dan (pill).

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 66

    For the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle, one day¡¯s travel was fifty thousand kilometers [1]. Compared to an airne, it was many times faster.

    As Gu Zuo stood next to Gongyi Tianheng, he borrowed Tianheng¡¯s discharging true qi to obstruct the strong winds that buffeted them from all sides.

    On the eagle¡¯s head, the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He stood with his hands sped behind his back. His whole body seemed like an imposing statue. He carried an extremely calm att.i.tude and had an austere presence.

    Following close behind were Cang Yu and Princess Yaomin. The former manifested his true qi to protect his third younger sister.

    Everyone stood by quietly.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s protection, Gu Zuo went to watch the scenery below rather curiously.

    At this moment, he only felt the grandeur of the world. The majestic mountains and rivers could really open up one¡¯s mental horizons. This kind of feeling was different from when riding on an airne. At that time, because of the ever-present separation of that metal enclosure, one was unable to personally experience the magnificence between heaven and earth.

    In the sky, after a continuous three-day flight, the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle was finally exhausted. Thus, they found a nearby mountaintop tond on and rest a bit. After one night, the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle had hunted its fill and once again started flying.

    As such, it rested once every three days. After resting four times, they finally reached their destination.

    Up ahead, there was what seemed like a transparent membrane that enshrouded something. The Prince Beside the Emperor grasped a tablet in his hand and threw it out in front of them. That membrane-like thing seemed as if it were .s.s as it was shattered by that tablet. An immense hole appeared before them.

    The head of the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle was like an arrow as it plunged through and entered. Thendscape before their eyes underwent a change again.

    It was a very imposing city. The magnitude of its size practically made it a country unto itself. The poption within was enormous, and here they lived their lives diligently and attentively. There was a huge pce which stood tall and upright in the city¡¯s center. The pce was used to receive the various countries¡¯ martial artists who woulde every fifty years.

    Themoners in the city were just like those of the Tianwu Continent. They knew there were martial artists, that martial artists had realms, and that they practiced martial arts. But they also knew that there would be a great number of envoys who¡¯de here every fifty years. If they wanted to leave this city, they could only do their best to gain the favor of these envoys. However, once they left, they wouldn¡¯t be able to return and see their families unless another fifty years pa.s.sed.

    The Cirrus-Cloud Eagle split the air as it arrived. Its wings extended as it flew towards that huge pce.

    There was an extremely wide za in front of the pce. At this time, besides the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle, there were several other giant wild beasts, which were simrly settling down upon the area.

    The figures of martial artists were like lightning as their bodies shed down.

    The qi and blood of each martial artist was extremely strong. It appeared as if their bloodthirst was rising up like smoke from their heads and rising into the skies! It seemed to cause the sky to burn.

    Gu Zuo looked all around and could sense that practically every single one of those martial artists were unlike the below average Helian Xingcheng and the others. He even felt that some were especially scary. Their martial strength was certainly very high.

    He didn¡¯t know if his big brother could defeat them.

    Originally, he had absolute faith in Tianheng, but it seemed those people couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    On the contrary, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t have any particr reaction. His gaze swept across, and his qi energy retracted. He looked like a very ordinary martial artist. If they didn¡¯t spar with him, just from his moon-like beauty and slender body, it was basically impossible to know his might.

    The Prince Beside the Emperor let the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle loose and had it go outside the city to hunt in a mountain range for this duration. As for himself, Cang He brought this group of martial artists and entered the pce.

    Concerning those outside, even if they were martial artists from the same Tianwu Continent, they were martial artists from the other two empires. They were all totally the enemy!

    Once they entered the pce, Gu Zuo had his eyes focused on his nose, and his nose pointed toward his chest. He didn¡¯t dare raise his head and sneak a few peeks.

    This was because he perceived a rampaging suppressive force within the pce that was even stronger than the power outside. He could only follow the crowd and tightly walk next to his dear big brother. Then, they all took their seats in the corner of the great hall, which was for third .s.s countries.

    From here, one could see that third .s.s countries were really weak and puny. In this hall, their statuses were indeed very low. Were it not for the Cangyun Empire being .s.sified as rtively powerful among the third .s.s countries, then maybe they¡¯d be like the several countries before and would have to sit all the way in the back. At that time, they would¡¯ve been embarra.s.sed from head to toe just like those people over there right now.

    Currently, alcohol was being arranged and brought up one after another. But even though the Prince Beside the Emperor had a majestic presence in the Cangyun Empire, here in this great hall, he still didn¡¯t dare act rashly.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t sense any disturbances in the hall. He only knew that many people were arriving in droves. They all took their own seats and nothing improper urred.

    Perhaps it was because the Hundred Countries Tournament was too prestigious. No matter which continent, no matter which country, they all journeyed and arrived on time today. Up to this point, not a single one waste.

    And at the highest point above, three people appeared midair.

    Their appearance was instantaneous. A powerful and terrible qi energy engulfed the entire great hall in the blink of an eye. It caused the people to sense a feeling of fear welling up from the bottom of their hearts.

    The included Xiantian stage nine Prince Beside the Emperor was also simrly unable to move a single step under this suppressive power.

    Afterwards, everyone¡¯s minds all had the same line of thoughts...

    Immortal realm!

    These three people were sure to be Immortal realm martial artists!

    Gu Zuo had never encountered an Immortal realm martial artist. He only heard about their legends. He knew that they were the entire Tianwu Continent¡¯s highest ranked powers, but he only dreamed of knowing specifically how terrible they were.

    However, he seemed to understand a little bit now.

    When it came to an Immortal realm¡¯s power, even if they remained motionless, the release of the tiniest bit of qi energy was capable of preventing a perfect Xiantian martial artist from moving a single finger.

    This kind of dread was exactly the same as freezing everything around them!

    This sensation made Gu Zuo experience a feeling of deep crisis.

    If an Immortal was this difficult to deal with, if this sort of person wanted to hara.s.s him, then was there no way for him to control his own destiny?

    He started to subconsciously operate his cultivation method.

    Of course, under the pressure of an Immortal realm¡¯s power, everyone was terrified. While under that power¡¯s suppression, all throughout their bodies, the condensed bone pearls that stockpiled their true qi were basically unable to transport this qi. This caused the enfeeblement in the martial artists.

    Gu Zuo should¡¯ve also been like this.

    However, he didn¡¯t know why this happened, but when he used his cultivation method, the psychic power in his mind suddenly moved.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was truly too happy.

    He hastily began practicing his psychic power, and the true qi in his body moved in tandem. Very quickly, the qi and blood in his meridians began to circte again, and his rigid limbs promptly recovered.

    Yet he still didn¡¯t dare move. He definitely didn¡¯t want to give any clues to those Immortal realm martial artists ¡ª He also didn¡¯t know what their origins were, but there was no need for doubt. Besides his big brother Gongyi Tianheng, there wasn¡¯t anyone whom he trusted!

    As a result, he certainly couldn¡¯t expose his own peculiarities...

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t move a muscle, disying one hundred twenty percent of his acting skills.

    What happened was worth rejoicing over. The unreserved auras of those three Immortal realms were merely for the sake of intimidation. It was to force all those people who¡¯de to partic.i.p.ate in the Hundred Countries Tournament to obey their instructions. On the contrary, there wasn¡¯t any invasiveness in their intent, and they didn¡¯t mean to deliberately suppress anyone. Thus, not even one minute had pa.s.sed before they withdrew their crushing power.

    Once Gu Zuo sensed his body loosening, he felt his spirit returning and breathed deeply.

    At this time, his back was drenched in a cold sweat!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s first reaction was to look at Tianheng.

    He thought in his mind, and didn¡¯t know how his big brother was feeling.

    After which, something strange urred.

    Gu Zuo felt himself apparently hearing Tianheng¡¯s reply...

    Gongyi Tianheng: Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo. The crushing power just now didn¡¯t make me fall down.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes abruptly widened.

    What, what was going on? He remembered very clearly that Tianheng absolutely didn¡¯t speak! Moreover, there were Immortal realms present. He definitely wouldn¡¯t dare speak!

    Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed again: ¡°Don¡¯t move, Ah Zuo. Perhaps, it has something to do with your psychic power.

    Gu Zuo held his breath, and slowly exhaled.

    He remembered that he was too nervous before. He apparently had very intense thoughts, and wanted to ask his dear big brother about his situation...

    Tianheng: Ah Zuo, focus your thoughts. Try to speak to me again.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo faintly lowered his head to avoid the gazes of other people. Then, he thought in his mind: Big brother, can you hear my words?

    Tianheng: I can. Ah Zuo, try severing the connection. Empty your mind.

    Gu Zuo did as he was requested. Sure enough, he didn¡¯t hear anything afterwards.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo was exceedingly shocked. He found it difficult to hold back his joy.

    He seemed to understand it a little. His psychic power could apparently transmit thoughts through the air. When his thoughts were especially focused, he could ry them in the direction of his target! At the same time, the words in the mind of the other person could be ryed back to him using his psychic power as a medium. Only when he took the initiative to sever it would the connection end. As a matter of fact, was this a means of close-range, undercovermunication? In the future, if he had something secret to tell Tianheng, wouldn¡¯t it stay top-secret?

    This was truly too convenient!

    Although he was ¡°bullied¡± by those Immortal realm people just now, he unexpectedly discovered such a bonus. Gu Zuo was still very happy. Those insignificant feelings before of being unhappy and stressed had nowpletely vanished.

    Following that, Gu Zuo started pa.s.sing thoughts back and forth with Tianheng. While simultaneously training his proficiency with this skill, he delightfully enjoyed the thrill of ¡°ndestinemunications¡± [2] as in a wuxia novel.

    On the side, Gongyi Tianheng let Gu Zuo do as he pleased. So long as Gu Zuo kept his head down, other people wouldn¡¯t deliberately take notice of a n.o.body. As for Tianheng himself, his ability to control his facial expressions was extraordinary.

    Just like this, under the attention of the three Immortal realm martial artists, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng pulled the wool over their eyes [3]. They secretly chatted for a while.

    It wasn¡¯t until after those Immortal realm martial artists were done speaking that Gu Zuo reacted. Just then, Gu Zuo was too excited andpletely ignored their speech... But based on his his experience in the previous world, it should¡¯ve been about the rules about issuing the battles ahead and general mobilization matters.

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was promptly transmitted: Wait for me toe back, Ah Zuo.

    Gu Zuo thought with certainty: Big brother sure can mult.i.task. Truly, too awesome!

    During normal times, reading was okay; training was okay; dealing with work was also okay... But at what time was doing it all at once feasible?

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] One Àï is about 500 meters. Ê®ÍòÀï is 50,000,000 meters.

    [2] ´«ÒôÈëÃÜ - Chuan yin ru mi, a techniquemon in wuxia novels where one can selectively impart words or sounds that only a few people in an area can hear, which bystanders cannot hear.

    [3] °µ¶È³Â²Ö - An du chen cang, secretly crossing the Wei River at Chencang. To feign one thing while doing another.

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    T/N: ÆøÏ¢ will be retroactively changed from ¡°qi¡± to ¡°qi energy.¡±

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 67

    After the Immortal realm martial artist finished his speech, he first took a swig of alcohol up above and had the banquet officially begin. Everyone started eating and drinking, too.

    The present experts of the numerous countries all guarded against each other. However, while on the surface they didn¡¯t waste time in getting to know one another, from these chats they made their own discreet inquiries for information.

    When it came to fighting, naturally everyone was an enemy. However, during normal times, the rtionships between third .s.s countries were on good terms somewhat. And yet the rtions between countries of the same continent were even better than the former.

    In general, the weaker one was, the more one needed to group up. At the very least, when it came time to confront a stronger opponent, the att.i.tudes between each other were kept suitably unified.

    As a result, although the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He was usually resolute in the Cangyun Empire, at this time, he couldn¡¯t maintain his arrogance. When the simr third .s.s countries began joining up, his still needed to maintain a countenance that was rtively cheerful ¡ª Of course, it was normally impossible to actively court a second .s.s country with a conceited ident.i.ty.

    In the eyes of the Cangyun Empire, even if it were the weakest second .s.s country, it couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    This sort ofmunication didn¡¯t concern the younger generation martial artists too greatly.

    Gu Zuo silently ate his dishes as if he were very hungry. However, in reality, he¡¯d already gathered his psychic power long ago as he earnestly listened to the exnations his big brother gave him on the current situation.

    Gongyi Tianheng also leisurely dined. One side seamlessly sized up his surroundings, and another side transferred his thoughts to Gu Zuo: Ah Zuo, the ce where the Hundred Countries Tournament is conducted is called the Qingyun Boundary [1]. It¡¯s a zone in the middle of more than ten continental fragments.

    Gu Zuo looked distracted: Continental fragments?

    His brain had several thoughts. Could these so-called continental fragments actually be...

    Tianheng slowly said: Correct. Our location¡¯s Tianwu Continent is merely one piece of the numerous continental fragments. Moreover, it¡¯s a piece that isn¡¯t so vast.

    Gu Zuo was a little curious: A continent is a continent. Why would they be called fragments?

    Tianheng said: Although the numerousments I¡¯ve heard from aren¡¯t tooprehensive, I can still give a rough spection. It should be due to an unknown reason that caused a giant continent to break apart. After dispersing, they formed many small-scale continents. As for these small-scale continents, they should merely be the giant continent¡¯s fragments. It¡¯s only that there were some fragments that wererge and some that were small, which created the differences in size in these continents.

    Gu Zuo listened to what he was taught. This origin was very reasonable.

    Tianheng transmitted his voice again: On top of being three Immortal realm martial artists, they are representatives of the Qingyun Sect.

    Gu Zuo asked again: Is there some connection between the Qingyun Sect and Qingyun Boundary?

    Tianheng replied: The Qingyun Boundary is so named precisely because of the Qingyun Sect. Rumors say that the Qingyun Sect had been founded more than one hundred thousand years ago. Because its emergence helped set the rules for these continental fragments, and that the development of humanity was unimpeded, the Hundred Countries Tournament came to be. Since the tournament was created by the Qingyun Sect, it isn¡¯t so strange that it¡¯s held in a ce named after the sect.

    Gu Zuo nodded since he couldn¡¯t research the subject.

    This justification was still very reasonable.

    Tianheng continued: The ce where the Qingyun Sect is located is in the Qingyun Continent. They say it¡¯s thergestndma.s.s among all of the continental fragments. Although a human empire exists there, the empire¡¯s status is far lower than the sect. It¡¯s only that while under the control of the Qingyun Sect, that empire has been ced above other countries and is a member of the first .s.s countries.

    Gu Zuo listened to this, and felt that the Qingyun Sect was a huge monster whose foundations couldn¡¯t be easily shaken. It was no wonder that it had been established for one hundred thousand years... One needed to know that in the world he resided in, the most humans could live to was just one hundred eighty years. In the Tianwu Continent, unless one made a breakthrough to the Immortal realm and lifted the shackles on their lifespan, they wouldn¡¯t live longer than one hundred fifty years. In addition, if for whatever reason one¡¯s body suffered damage, it was rare to see them live to one hundred fifty!

    It seemed as if Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s brief thoughts hadpletely shattered Gu Zuo¡¯smon sense. The following words shocked him even more: The Immortal realm seems extremely umon in our Tianwu Continent, but as far as the Qingyun Sect is concerned, it¡¯s merely the level their young core disciples are capable of reaching. I¡¯ve heard rumors that the threeing here to preside over the Hundred Countries Tournament was merely a first time mission with rtive importance epted by the inner sect. However, it definitely wasn¡¯t considered a big deal worth mentioning. So I think... Could there be an even higher realm above Immortal in the Qingyun Sect? And as for that higher realm, what kind of realm is it and what kind of frightful might does it possess?

    Gu Zuo was naturally fascinated by what he heard, but at this moment, what he thought about even more was that in such a small amount of time since his big brother¡¯s arrival, this gossip... No. He should say Tianheng¡¯s ability to gather information was truly too powerful.

    He didn¡¯t say these words because if he said them out loud, no matter how magnanimous and lenient this big brother was, it was unavoidable that his big brother would need to knock on his head a few times. Such a thing would be losing too much face.

    As a result, he silently thought: What big brother means is?

    Tianheng seemed to recover from his excitement just now, and his transmitted voice was very steady: Never mind. I only felt that the road ahead is very wide. The pursuit of the martial way is limitless.

    Afterwards, Tianheng didn¡¯t talk too much about the Hundred Countries Tournament¡¯s specific rules. Because these things didn¡¯t concern Gu Zuo, his mission here was actually just to ensure that the things that entered Tianheng¡¯s mouth wouldn¡¯t be taken advantage of by other people.

    Of course, such a situation had never urred since the beginning of the tournament¡¯s establishment. Bringing along a pharmacist who, on the contrary, wasn¡¯t burdened by what was primarily a significant task ¡ª Despite needing a pharmacist to look over wounds and so on after every battle, everyone knew that a martial artist¡¯s triage routine was just directly taking the medicinal pills they personally brought. If medicinal pills were unable to resolve the problem, could a pharmacist do it? When pharmacists treated their patients, they all still needed to rely on medicinal pills.

    Consequently, Gu Zuo had an easier time of things.

    So after this banquet, he took a walk with Tianheng.

    ¡ª Yes, the time that the Hundred Countries Tournament began was in fact tomorrow. With the remaining time today, everyone was free to do whatever they wanted. After taking a rest, one could put their best foot forward.

    ______

    Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo walked side by side down a street. The two were exploring a street where this Qingyun Boundary city sold medicinal herbs. Because they didn¡¯t find enough herbs in the Cangyun Empire to refine the Xiantian Pill, maybe there¡¯d be even more good things here? The Qingyun Boundary belonged to the Qingyun Continent, and there were often many people of various continents arriving.

    Since they were here, it was better to take a look.

    The two then searched all over the ce.

    Suddenly, Tianheng¡¯s gaze paused.

    Gu Zuo also stopped: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng raised his eyebrow: ¡°Ah Zuo, does that person look familiar to you?¡±

    Gu Zuo went to look.

    Indeed. There certainly was such a person who appeared at the banquet. Now that he squeezed into a store just then, that appearance seemed a little sneaky. He didn¡¯t know what that person was up to.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Big brother, do you want to go take a look?¡±

    He possessed psychic power, so his reactions were very sharp to many matters.

    For example, he now had a vague intuition that the menacing presence of that sneaky martial artist was vastly inferior to his big brother... When one had absolute control over the situation, indulging one¡¯s curiosity was nothing.

    Gongyi Tianheng nced at Gu Zuo, and his eyes were full of smiles.

    In the end, Gu Zuo was a teenager. After the rare chance of going on a journey, it was normal to be a little naughty... Moreover, things such as this were also fine. Only sixteen years old and being shut in the secret room to refine medicine every day would never be good for nurturing one¡¯s temperament.

    Tianheng originally wanted to check it out, so after listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he nodded: ¡°That¡¯s fine. That person may look sneaky, but there aren¡¯t any feelings of nervousness. It shouldn¡¯t be an inappropriate matter. Having a look is okay.

    Gu Zuo forced a chuckle.

    Although he didn¡¯t know why, he indeed felt that he should go look.

    In actuality, it wasn¡¯t entirely for that speck of curiosity...

    The two¡¯s conversationsted for only a few moments. After they finished talking, they pretended to inadvertently enter that store.

    After a close look, this ce was actually a general store.

    And why call it a general store?

    It sold anything and everything. If it could be sold, it could appear here.

    Merely, when that person previously entered, there weren¡¯t any tracks of them anywhere.

    This shop couldn¡¯t be considered too big. Altogether it looked to be just over twenty square feet, there truly weren¡¯t any ces to hide.

    In that case, this shop should have some other trick to it?

    Tianheng¡¯s mind moved.

    Gu Zuo also stealthily transmitted his voice: Big brother, would you say there¡¯s a secret room here or something?

    Tianheng nodded slightly: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t talk out loud.

    Gu Zuo promptly replied in his mind: Rest a.s.sured, big brother.

    Gongyi Tianheng then started chatting with the general store¡¯s manager.

    For the most part, the content of the conversation was that he wanted to buy a couple umon things. He hoped the shopkeep could give a tour and what not.

    The manager¡¯s eyes were fierce. With just one look, he knew that Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t a local. He then recalled that right now was the fifty year juncture. Naturally, once he had a clearer understanding, he smiled and led Tianheng and Gu Zuo to look at all of the general store¡¯s goods one after another.

    Gu Zuo endured as he looked around. The main focus still fell to medicinal herbs. In his mind, he silently recalled the things written in <human-level medicinal="" ingredient="" record="">>.</human-level>

    Perhaps the species of the Qingyun Boundary and the Tianwu Continent wouldn¡¯t be too simr. This let him find a few things that would¡¯ve been a rare sight on the herb streets of the Cangyun Empire. Although none were medicinal herbs used in refining the Xiantian Pill, they were still useful for other pills. Thus, they could be saved forter.

    In response, Tianheng ordered all these medicinal herbs and simr goods of the general store, and bought the whole lot. While he put on an act as he collected them into a storage device, in reality, it was Gu Zuo who coordinated with Tianheng¡¯s actions as he received them into his storage s.p.a.ce.

    When the manager saw such a huge business transaction, he naturally became even more polite.

    Gu Zuo made another two loops around the shop. After receiving Tianheng¡¯s suggestions, his face revealed a few timely expressions of disappointment. In ordance with the voice in his head, he spoke: ¡°Shopkeep, do you only have these goods? Don¡¯t you have anything better?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng also said with a smile: ¡°I don¡¯t know if the shopkeep can think of a way.¡±

    He slightly muttered, ¡°The prices themselves aren¡¯t a problem.¡±

    Then, the manager¡¯s eyes shed, and he said in a low voice: ¡°Actually, there is a ce... I just don¡¯t know if the two patrons dare to go.¡±

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] ÇæÔÆ - Qing (rising) yun (cloud). Since the names of the other continental fragments are kept in pinyin, the same will be applied here.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 68

    Gongyi Tianheng seemed to hesitate a little before putting on a look as if he had an epiphany: ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s something exclusive?¡±

    The manager also smiled: ¡°The young master is a kindred spirit.¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head, leaving no room to be the subject of ridicule: ¡°I¡¯m only slightly knowledgeable about such things.¡±

    The manager lowered his voice: ¡°Then?¡±

    Tianheng gave an unconstrained smile: ¡°Please lead the way.¡±

    The manager gave another knowing smile.

    Gu Zuo watched this misdirection and his heart gave a helpless sigh.

    It was obvious just from following this guy. He¡¯d long figured out that he had some secrets. But now... He felt that when he apanied this surrogate big brother in the future, the chances to scam others certainly weren¡¯t small.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s acting skills still needed tempering.

    Afterwards, the manager didn¡¯t speak any empty words. He directly walked out the door and called someone toe in and help him watch the store. Meanwhile, he walked to a corner and tapped the wall in several random ces. As a result, it was actually the floor which split open and revealed a hole. The darkness would terrify a person.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gongyi Tianheng followed the manager.

    Gu Zuo paused, but chose to believe in Tianheng.

    The tunnel entrance was iyed with stairs, so it was still very reliable.

    Regardless if it was Gu Zuo or Gongyi Tianheng, they had both cultivated to a degree where their keen senses couldn¡¯t be fooled by this smidgen of darkness. As they descended, they didn¡¯t feel it was hard to find their footing.

    This manager really wasn¡¯t a swindler, and the staircase wasn¡¯t long. After one hundred or so steps, they reached the end. At this time, the manager each give of them a ck cloak. After they put it on, it enveloped them from head to toe.

    There was a sliding door ahead of them. After the manager slid it open, light immediately shone through. Of course, this light was also very dim. If one didn¡¯t focus their eyesight, then even the shadows of a crowd of people wouldn¡¯t be seen clearly.

    Behind the door was an expansive room. Inside were very many open stalls which had all kinds of strange things on disy. As for the people who set up those stalls, they were also simrly draped in ck cloaks. It actually made it hard for someone to distinguish who was who, and it was beyond one¡¯s capabilities to guess the other¡¯s ident.i.ty.

    The manager who brought these people here considered his job done and withdrew. He simply mentioned a few sentences: ¡°This here is a private market, which is coordinated between our stores. There are very many people from...¡± His words were vague, ¡°...different ces. They bring their ¡®regional specialties¡¯ to trade with others. It¡¯s just that golden banknotes can¡¯t be used here. Everything¡¯s mostly done by bartering. The two of you also need to be cautious. If you break the rules, it won¡¯t be good.¡±

    Tianheng nodded slightly: ¡°Rest a.s.sured, manager. We¡¯ll take heed.¡±

    Then, the manager left.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s sight had started searching through those booths long ago.

    He concentrated his psychic power in his eyes and he surprisingly felt that anything in the room woulde intoplete focus the moment he looked at it. Everything was seen clearly... This was probably another important function of his psychic power.

    Currently, the things he wanted to find were naturally the two medicinal herbs hecked for refining the Xiantian Pill.

    If he could find them, then he could pick the first method of refining the Xiantian Pill. He wouldn¡¯t need to make Tianheng constantly bleed himself. Moreover, if he could refine the pill both ways in the future, then couldn¡¯t he make aparison? So, with respect to finding medicinal herbs, he would still be very active.

    Not long after, Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight hovered over a certain booth.

    There were several piles which were separated into quite arge amount of herbs. While the great majority were already in a half-desated state where their conditions weren¡¯t so good, they could still definitely be used.

    What was even more important was that among those medicinal herbs, there was a pile of several dozens of stalks of medicinal herbs needed for the Xiantian Pill!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart nearly shouted with ecstasy!

    However, he didn¡¯t get ahead of himself. After he discovered them, the first reaction he gave was actually to focus his mind and report the good news to Tianheng: Big brother, I¡¯ve found the Soaring Sky Gra.s.s!

    Gongyi Tianheng gave a slight pause before transferring his voice: Where?

    Gu Zuo promptly pointed out the location of the vendor¡¯s booth that had the herbs.

    After thinking things over, Tianheng nodded his head: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t talk for a while. Also, don¡¯t look too eager.

    Gu Zuo understood that the reason was for shing the prices. Holding his breath and paying rapt attention was his earnest response.

    Afterwards, Tianheng first took Gu Zuo along to walk about the other booths.

    He crouched down and inquired about one of the main ingredients for refining the Ageless Pill: ¡°Brother, how much for this medicinal herb?¡±

    That person behind the vendor¡¯s booth should¡¯ve been very young. After checking the herb, he said: ¡°Wild beast materials, martial skills, other medicinal herbs, medicinal pills I need...All are okay. I don¡¯t ept golden banknotes, but I¡¯ll take actual gold.¡±

    In front of him were very many categories of things. In addition to the main ingredient for the Ageless Pill, there were likewise martial skills, wild beast materials, and so on. However, there weren¡¯t any medicinal pills.

    Gongyi Tianheng slightly muttered, and secretly transmitted his voice to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo coordinated with his actions and his thoughts promptly turned. After Tianheng spread out his hand, the previously .u.mted high grade Rejuvenation Pills that weren¡¯t all sold were taken out in a bottle.

    They only supplied this kind of high grade Rejuvenation Pill to the Ghost Division. With the selling price of fifty gold per pill and whose medicinal effects were seven to eight times better than low grade pills, although they couldn¡¯tpare to the top grade pills¡¯ ten fold effects, it was still a very good healing medicinal pill. The key point was it was applicable to all martial artists who were Xiantian and below!

    ¡ª During this time, the eve of the Hundred Countries Tournament, wouldn¡¯t having a medicinal pill with such great effects be a big benefit?

    Tianheng pushed the medicine bottle forwards and used his sleeve cuff to point at the pile of the Ageless Pill¡¯s main ingredient: ¡°The effective strength of these Rejuvenation Pills is eight times that ofmon Rejuvenation Pills. They¡¯re worth fifty gold per pill. This bottle containing three pills in exchange for those medicinal herbs.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently calcted.

    One hundred fifty gold...Twenty eight stalks of the main ingredient... One cauldron of Ageless Pills produces nine pills. A low grade pill is fifty gold, mid grade is one hundred gold, and high grade is two hundred gold... Each cauldron only needs one stalk of that main ingredient.

    En, how could this be a loss?

    That young martial artist wasn¡¯t too convinced. After he heard this, he hesitated a little: ¡°This pill of yours, does it really have such a medicinal effect?¡±

    Tianheng was cool and collected: ¡°It¡¯s up to you to believe me or not.¡±

    The young martial artist hesitated for a while, but made the exchange in the end.

    Although the medicinal herbs were precious, the Hundred Countries Tournament was even more important to him. Under the prerequisite of hiding one¡¯s ident.i.ty, to make an exchange for genuinely useful things all depended on one¡¯s discerning judgment.

    Just as he uncorked the bottle to look inside, when he thought about the the pills insidepared to Rejuvenation Pills, their appearances were even fuller and the pill fragrance was even richer. They didn¡¯t seem to be fake.

    So he grit his teeth and bet on it!

    Tianheng said in a drawn-out voice: ¡°You¡¯ll be d about your decision.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he waved his sleeve and the small pile of medicinal herbs on that booth naturally vanished.

    This was Gu Zuo seeing a crucial point, and his coordination with Tianheng was wless.

    After biding their time here, Gu Zuo once again followed Tianheng as they visited several more vendors, and simrly exchanging several useful medicinal herbs. In the same way, since basically everything brought here wasn¡¯t toomon, they often used varied amounts of Rejuvenation Pills in exchange.

    In any case, the cloaks concealed them, and everyone didn¡¯t know each other¡¯s ident.i.ties. And the Rejuvenation Pills here also didn¡¯t cause any trouble.

    The two of them handled matters ordingly. The medicinal pills in hand, however, drew the attention of many people.

    After Gu Zuo and Tianheng transmitted their thoughts, this big brother¡¯s intentions were clear. He wanted to make things conspicuous and inconspicuous... Everyone knew that what was conspicuous here was that he had this kind of medicinal pill. Since he dared to talk nonsense with so many people, there was a ny nine percent chance that those were the real deal. And what was inconspicuous was that through his brazen shopping spree for medicinal herbs, there wasn¡¯t any other purpose beyond preventing anyone from noticing the Xiantian Pill¡¯s herbs. This was about lowering the risks.

    Gu Zuo himself certainly wouldn¡¯t have imagined such things. Since he had someone to help him do the thinking, Gu Zuo could naturally act without any dys and followed Tianheng round and around.

    Just like every time previously, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t let him down.

    It could be said that the Soaring Sky Gra.s.s was uniquely useful to Gu Zuo. However, as far as that martial artist who brought it was concerned, one could only say it was rtively precious.

    Just as Gongyi Tianheng foreshadowed, the vendor owner wanted to barter with them when they came over. In addition, after paying with three Rejuvenation Pills, that martial artist only hesitated for a moment before agreeing in a straightforward manner.

    Gu Zuo saw this and could only inwardly exim in his heart: Sure enough, big brother is an unscrupulous businessman!

    However, he could only swallow this sentence of admiration down into his belly. He didn¡¯t dare focus his thoughts in his mind. Otherwise, if he wasn¡¯t careful, it would be transferred to Tianheng... That was indeed ¡°too horrible to contemte.¡±

    After bartering for the Soaring Sky Gra.s.s, Gongyi Tianheng continued to gloss over its innate qualities by making a few more rounds and exchanged for a few more medicinal herbs. The herbs included those that left those martial artists in doubt. If Tianheng saw an herb and found it somewhat interesting, then he¡¯d simply barter for it.

    This series of actions basically had him visiting all the stalls that carried medicinal herbs. It truly revealed his big spending, which was very eye-catching.

    Gu Zuo was a little sullen now.

    Once they were done, it should be unlikely for them to be tailed by others, right?

    That was a very serious problem.

    At the same time, the numerous martial artists who were bartering in private were very interested in the two.

    Continuously using medicinal pills in their trades... In the end, how many did they have on hand? Was it possible that they simply brought their own medicine shop over?

    However, Gongyi Tianheng naturally wasn¡¯t going to give them the answers to these questions.

    Afterwards, Tianheng turned around and brought Gu Zuo to leave this ce. Those snooping in the back were all left behind.

    ...Certainly, he wouldn¡¯t deliberately unt the medicinal pills he took out. It was merely that they were present just at the right time. It was inevitable for him to seize the opportunity to make some arrangements.

    Gu Zuo was puzzled in his heart, and asked: Big brother still has some ns?

    Tianheng smiled slightly, and answered him: Wait until the Hundred Countries Tournament starts. If the people on our side receive injuries, we can¡¯t turn a blind eye. If it was only you and me using these medicinal pills, it really would be too dazzling. Now that all these people have them, when the timees to rationalize what happened, it¡¯ll be very easy to do so.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    To put it bluntly, it was still about obscuring the facts and confusing others. It was precisely for the sake of concealing their own peculiarities.

    Now he realized that as more time pa.s.sed, it would soon be impossible to distribute the medicinal pills he refined. And if he needed to distribute them, it was especially necessary for him to make preparations in advance.

    He would always have to lower the risks as much as possible...

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 69

    After returning, just like every day previously, the two sat in cross-legged mediation and cultivated on their own. In this way, they peacefully weed the second day.

    It was also the day that the Hundred Countries Tournament officially began.

    Early in the morning, the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He already arrived just outside the entrance and gave a long holler using ample amounts of Xiantian true qi.

    All of the Cangyun Empire martial artists heard this, and promptly rushed out from their rooms. Within the time of a couple of short breaths, they all stood uniformly in the courtyard outside.

    There were a total of six partic.i.p.ants. All of them looked like a single unit that was in high spirits and they appeared very heroic. The Xiantian powerhouses who were protecting the martial artists and the pharmacists who aided the martial artists were all present.

    Today, on this important day, there wasn¡¯t a single person whose heart carried any negligence. Instead, it didn¡¯t matter if they were partic.i.p.ating or not, everyone was especially curious and prudent about this Hundred Countries Tournament, which they¡¯ve never heard of before.

    Gu Zuo nced at Gongyi Tianheng, and his heart was somewhat restless.

    He didn¡¯t know much about the mysteries that would unfold during the fights, so would Tianheng be able to take care of any tricks? Or, would it be just like the n War where everyone fought in groups, one match at a time?

    The Prince Beside the Emperor didn¡¯t say anything. Once he whistled, the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle suddenly descended from high in the sky and brought everyone to a valley surrounded by mountains. This was the official location of the Hundred Countries Tournament.

    Gu Zuo sensed gale-force winds that would dishevel people¡¯s hairing from both sides, and rea.s.sessed this ¡°battlefield.¡±

    ¡ª There weren¡¯t any stages in this valley. Could it be that there was something special about this ce?

    Gu Zuo quickly figured out what was going to happen.

    The people on the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle¡¯s back were delivered into the valley. Everyone found their own empty s.p.a.ces to stand on. Many of the personnel for the countries¡¯ martial artists also arrived.

    Faster than everyone¡¯s reaction speeds, the three Immortal realm martial artists appeared on a huge boulder ahead. The power of suppression was very serious, and the surrounding s.p.a.ce practically suffocated everyone.

    The faces of many martial artists revealed their fanaticism.

    The Immortal realm!

    If they could also reach this realm, how awesome would that be?!

    ¡ª Even after this, the martial artists already knew that the Immortal realm definitely wasn¡¯t this world¡¯s highest realm. However, because a great majority of their own continents worshiped Immortal realms like G.o.ds, bing exceptional Immortal realm powerhouses was a desire they couldn¡¯t constrain in their hearts.

    Gu Zuo stealthily watched the faces of those three Immortal realm martial artists.

    Perhaps it was because he was paying attention this time that his sight was very clear. He found that the appearances of those three martial artists, with two men and one woman, were very young ¡ª One needed to know that Houtian martial artists appeared only slightly younger than an ordinary person of the same age. Even if they broke through to the Xiantian realm, their appearances definitely wouldn¡¯t stop aging. From the youthfulness of these three people, it was obvious that their apt.i.tudes were certainly exceptional. Their ages were also very young when they entered the Immortal realm... This truly made people sigh inment.

    Among them, the female martial artist quickly spoke. Her appearance was somewhat charming, but her expression was very cold: ¡°Today is the Hundred Countries Tournament. Ladies and gentlemen, please ept this trial. The victors will enter the first .s.s bracket, and the losers will enter the second .s.s bracket.¡±

    What was a first .s.s bracket and what was a second .s.s bracket? What were the rules between them? Just then, the two additional male martial artists quickly gave their own supplementary exnations one after another.

    Gu Zuo realized that these three people were only here toplete a mission. Their words were concise, and their personalities were all very arrogant. It looked like the Immortal realms didn¡¯t want to have too much contact with them. When they didn¡¯t have any choice but to give some exnations, they asionally revealed impatient looks. Beneath the surface, they should¡¯ve been looking down on everyone in this Hundred Countries Tournament.

    What he also thought about was that if a person previously faced someone from a higher level and then suddenly met someone from a lower level, how couldn¡¯t their hearts have a sense of superiority? Even if their dispositions were good, that is, they restrained their emotions and didn¡¯t reveal anything, in this world that respected martial arts, a low level person simply dared not provoke a person of a higher level. Naturally, thetter wouldn¡¯t have to be too meticulous in concealing their moods. Human inferiority was just like this.

    However, all these weren¡¯t important. What was important was that the the first round¡¯s filtering ¡ª Or bracket distribution, was about to begin.

    After Gu Zuo heard the female Immortal realm martial artist¡¯s deration, his first reaction was to stare nkly.

    The trial was actually to...climb a mountain?

    He felt a little embarra.s.sed. Could it be that this was the reason the valley was selected?

    But what could climbing a mountain test? Ignoring those carefully chosen partic.i.p.ants, even if a weak chicken like Gu Zuo was told to mountain climb, he wouldn¡¯t find it impossible to do so. In the end, what good was this trial?

    However, Gu Zuo quickly realized just what the mountain climbing would be testing.

    As it turned out, the Immortal realm martial artists had drawn up many restrictions along that mountain from base to peak. Different alt.i.tudes had different incremental changes.

    If a martial artist climbed up about three hundred meters, the restriction¡¯s power would change. The higher a martial artist could climb, the greater the limitations the martial artist would undergo. Thus, it would be possible to measure the strength of the martial artist.

    After listening to the rules, under the Immortal realm martial artist¡¯smand, all the martial artists present quickly leaped forward to the base of that trial mountain. It was like a flock of birds extending their wings as they threw themselves forward.

    In one moment, their figures immediately disappeared, and in the next, they all simultaneously appeared at the foot of the mountain ¡ª Meanwhile, one of the male Immortal realm martial artists just so happened to be withdrawing his arm. It looked like the action of sending someone off, but actually he was already controlling everything in the palm of his hand.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    An Immortal realm¡¯s power...was actually this scary!

    At first, he just thought that this world¡¯s martial artists were unscientific. He never expected there to be ones who were even more unscientific.

    Being capable of achieving that kind of level... Could he still be considered a human being?

    Gu Zuo soon calmed himself down, and his attention was set on Tianheng.

    No matter what happened, right now the most important thing was his big brother.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t leave Gu Zuo disappointed. After he reached the foot of the mountain, his arms twitched slightly and his whole body had already climbed on top of a mountain boulder. Then, his four limbs moved in concert, while his figure was strong and healthy. Within a couple of seconds, he dashed up over thirty meters as if this steep mountain wall was like a t in. It was simply unable to block his movements.

    This string of actions was very smooth. Unexpectedly, just as the event started, he already became a candidate for the front-runners [1] among numerous martial artists. As for those in the lead, there were only a little more than ten people.

    For those among the front-runners, apart from Cang Yu who was already expected, the other martial artists werepletely surprised. From what they could see, it should¡¯ve been impossible for this martial artist from a third .s.s country to keep up with them. However, they never expected that not only did Cang Yu show up, whom they heard a little about beforehand, but there was still another person? Moreover, this person seemed to be handling himself quite well as if he wasn¡¯t affected by the restrictions at all.

    ...That¡¯s right. These so-called restrictions were actually gravity restrictions.

    In the first three hundred meters, gravity was three times stronger.

    If a martial artist¡¯s physical body had enough strength, it was basically impossible for them to be incapable of bearing the continuous weight of a mere two hundred fifty kilograms. The first three hundred meters only had this to verify one¡¯s capabilities. It allowed many martial artists to smoothly reach the checkpoint. Unless their levels were below average, they wouldn¡¯t face any danger.

    Gu Zuo just thought of this when he realized right away that his own thinking was wrong.

    Many people reached three hundred meters in quick session, and just as they were about to pa.s.s through the area that was reportedly supposed to intensify to stage two, the sky was abruptly filled with the cacophony of birdsong.

    It was as if something had provoked them. That birdsong brought about dozens of extremely scary Imprisoned Song Birds whose sharp talons were like steel. Facing those martial artists who were still climbing, the birds started wing at their backs!

    Everyone clearly saw how a perfect Houtian stage nine martial artist had his back torn open by that attack, and his fiery heart was ruthlessly dug out!

    Gu Zuo turned sluggish.

    This, this was too savage!

    After that Imprisoned Song Bird devoured the person it seized, the redness of its plumage became full and its body¡¯s surroundings seemed to be enveloped in ayer of delicate and soft light. Sure enough, the qi and blood of that person seemed to be very abundant. In a moment, it almost let the bird eat its fill. For today at least, the mountain climbing martial artists only needed to respond to some unexpected things as well as simr small mishaps in the trial. After that, it was guaranteed that the higher they climbed, the better!

    Once Gu Zuo watched the might of the Imprisoned Song Birds, his heart was a little nervous.

    This method of sneak attacks along with the restrictions pressing down on one¡¯s body was difficult to handle...

    Then, Gongyi Tianheng showed off for him. He showed how to handle this ¡°difficult to handle¡± situation.

    He only saw Tianheng methodically climbing up. Even among the people in the lead, Tianheng gradually generated a small twist of jealousy in their hearts.

    Suddenly, a Meridian Condensing stage three Imprisoned Song Bird abruptly attacked! Its outstretched talons were pointed at the calm and unruffled Tianheng!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s response couldn¡¯t have been said to be slow. He only grabbed a root of an old pine tree and then his whole body flipped to the left. After that, his foot went flying directly into the Imprisoned Song Bird¡¯s neck. At this moment, not only was his heart originally not resigned to take that attack, he also wanted to make a big scene. From this point on, he would establish his prestige to facilitate his operations.

    The head of that Imprisoned Song Bird was immediately separated from its body by his kick.

    It was merely that the b.l.o.o.d.y smell of one¡¯s own species dispersed all of a sudden. Those Imprisoned Song Birds with experience were all attracted to the b.l.o.o.d.y smell at once. They swiftly flew over one after another as they pped their wings and targeted Gongyi Tianheng with fierce attacks!

    While Tianheng¡¯s body bore the gravity restriction, his punches and kicks were still agile. It was just as if he wasn¡¯t affected by the gravity at all and he could rapidly counter with any response.

    The number of Imprisoned Song Birds increased again. The attacks were evaded by Tianheng¡¯s dextrous body movements. Even if they wanted to stake their lives on these attacks, in the presence of Tianheng, they¡¯d never be able to reach him. Through Tianheng¡¯s gaze and deterring presence, it was hard to approach him and even harder to attack him. And once they got close, Tianheng erupted with all kinds of methods that killed all of the birds!

    During this period of time, Tianheng was unexpectedly still climbing up. Also, that speed was actually not slow at all!

    Other ces weren¡¯t like this. Among those who were simrly climbing the mountain, the ones who were genuinely capable of persevering were truly few.

    How wasn¡¯t this precisely a kind of filter?

    After quickly pa.s.sing the three hundred meter mark, he arrived at the next three hundred meter checkpoint.

    When Gongyi Tianheng continued to go up, his foot suddenly stepped on empty air.

    As Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t attend to the other, his heart became very anxious.

    You absolutely can¡¯t fall down!

    You absolutely can¡¯t ¡ª

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    [1] ÌÝ¶Ó- Ti dui, echelon (military). Thanks to user Charysa for the rifications.

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    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 70

    The figure of Gongyi Tianheng plummeted several dozens of meters. At this point, it looked as if he was going to fall out of the ranks of the front-runners, but what kind of person was he? How could he let himself really fall behind?

    He immediately turned his waist and his feettched onto the mountain wall. His entire body was like arge bird as his body shot up once again! Correct, this was the Heavenly Falcon Steps, which could let one glide midair. Now that he borrowed its power, how was it possible for him to be incapable of escaping this crumbling situation?

    As a result, not only did Tianheng not fall down, instead he rose dozens of meters once more. In a moment, he became the one in first ce, ahead of all the others.

    Gu Zuo watched this and his heart continued to beat unabated. But after seeing this clearly, Gu Zuo suddenly felt a little foolish.

    Yes, his big brother still had the Heavenly Falcon Steps. Wasn¡¯t that something he knew about ages ago? Sure enough, hisbat senses were still too weak. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been stunned like this.

    It wasn¡¯t until now that Gu Zuo gave a sigh of relief.

    This first trial was simply incapable of affecting Gongyi Tianheng!

    The facts were indeed just like so.

    Tianheng was resolute. He handled the first three hundred meters swimmingly, and the second set of three hundred meters with the upgraded gravity was still the same. As for the third set, whose gravity was upgraded again, he acted as if nothing even happened from beginning to end. It seemed as if no matter how heavy the burden on his body became, it never caused any hindrances to him whatsoever.

    Moreover, within the deepening gravity, the attacks of the Imprisoned Song Birds became more and more ferocious. It could be seen that their attacks were even fiercer and their talons even sharper.

    Unfortunately for these Imprisoned Song Birds, there wasn¡¯t a single one that could deal with Gongyi Tianheng. No matter what kind of strange bird, under Tianheng¡¯s expertise, they all harbored grudges against him.

    Gu Zuo gradually discovered that those Imprisoned Song Birds didn¡¯t dare provoke Tianheng.

    After they repeatedly tested the waters, their fierce attacks started aiming at the other partic.i.p.ating martial artists. The lower in the ranks a partic.i.p.ant was, the fiercer the attacks they received. Afterwards, at least one third of them died under the talons of the Imprisoned Song Birds! Even the corpses¡¯ internal organs were already missing.

    In a short period of time, this many martial artists were eliminated.

    As for those still on the mountain, those who weren¡¯t strong enough dragged on with theirst breaths. No matter how vicious the Imprisoned Song Birds were, none of them give up.

    Martial artists fought for their lives against the heavens and their determination to walk the martial path was indestructible. How could they run away like cowards just because there was a chance of dying? If it were a run-of-the-mill martial artist from an ordinary country, perhaps they might¡¯ve turned back. However, there wasn¡¯t a single martial artist partic.i.p.ating right now who wasn¡¯t hand-picked. They fought for the honor of their countries, for the honor of their ns, and for themselves. Naturally, they didn¡¯t shrink back in the slightest.

    Gu Zuo was aware that if it was him who discovered those Imprisoned Song Birds on the mountain wall, he wouldn¡¯t fight them... He would¡¯ve probably run away already.

    He was aware that his martial path was very weak.

    ...Thinking about this also made him feel that he was very useless.

    To him, no matter how greatly a virtuous cause shined, reuniting with his dad would bring him much more joy. Fearing death was fearing death. In any case, he wasn¡¯t a person of this world.

    After being filled with remorse for a couple seconds, Gu Zuo nevertheless continued to watch Tianheng climb up.

    Many times, whether if it was due to physical ability or willpower, what Gu Zuo could never aplish, he could still see the best of such in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s presentation.

    This was generally the reason why he revered this honorable big brother so much.

    Ultimately, Tianheng was still the one in first ce... Uh, second ce.

    Undoubtedly, there were still very many remarkable talents from first .s.s countries gathered together. But unfortunately, most of them were unable to repress Tianheng¡¯s might.

    There was only one who was slightly faster than Tianheng. It was a super genius who was expected to leave everyone else in the dust [1] from the start. It seemed as if he had considerable presence, but now that genius came out with a barely adequate victory.

    However, Gu Zuo knew that his brother should¡¯ve been first.

    Just when Tianheng was about to scale the peak, he seemed to antic.i.p.ate something and his speed slowed down imperceptibly. After that, the person behind quickly caught up. Just when Tianheng put in all that effort to get to the top, hegged behind the front line.

    Afterwards, Gongyi Tianheng stood to the side. His expression was very tranquil, without any annoyance or unwillingness.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help sending out a thought: Big brother, why?

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved as he answered him: The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be ravaged by the winds. And the martial artist who doesn¡¯t have a spear won¡¯t be valued.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    That was the reason why he had to give face by giving up first ce. However, because of his own unyielding nature, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t be willing to lose conspicuously or pitifully.

    If the top powerhouses had sufficient eyesight, they should¡¯ve been able to see what Tianheng did. They¡¯d find that he was a person whose apt.i.tude was out of the ordinary and that he had a clear view of things ¡ª It couldn¡¯t be that because he yielded a little bit he would incur a grudge. On the contrary, it was because he gave consideration to the face of that first .s.s country that hostilities toward him were reduced at least a little bit.

    At this time, Gu Zuo discovered something else.

    The person who received first ce just so happened to be the younger generation representing the Qingcang Empire, one of the three great empires of the Qingyun Continent. This kind of person¡¯s reputation allowed him to be selected from the very beginning, but without the tacit eptance of the Qingyun Sect, it was basically impossible. With him and big brother, rather than saying he was giving that Qingcang Empire face, it was better to say that he was giving face directly to the Qingyun Sect.

    The hidden twists and turns were really confusing.

    The truth was really just like this.

    While Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t thinking aboutughing arrogantly from on high, the Qingyun Sect was a huge monster that couldn¡¯t be bypa.s.sed. His mind had a premonition. This Hundred Countries Tournament might not only exist just to determine the rankings between countries. Perhaps, there was an even more important purpose that he didn¡¯t know yet.

    Before that, he had truly considered things from all sides.

    ¡ª At this time, the first round of eliminations for the tournament was already over.

    In this trial, the opponents of all the martial artists were both themselves and those Imprisoned Song Birds. Each and every one of them who could return were capable of smoothly entering the second round.

    Qingcang Empire¡¯s Fang Lianyu received first ce. The second ce position was given to the insignificant third .s.s country¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng. The rest of the positions weren¡¯t mentioned for the time being. However, the ninth prince Cang Yu, who simrly came from the Cangyun Empire, had unexpectedly acquired ninth ce.

    Though one could only say it was an ordinary small country, it actually could have these two rise up from it. They suppressed the talented martial artists of several even more outstanding countries. It truly left people bbergasted!

    However, the casualties wereparativelyrge. There were originally more than five hundred martial artists partic.i.p.ating in the Hundred Countries Tournament, but there were a little more than one hundred who were taken out by the Imprisoned Song Birds. To add on to that, the heavily injured who couldn¡¯t nurse themselves back to health and thus couldn¡¯t partic.i.p.ate in the tournament shed the numbers again by forty to fifty. Up until now, the ones who could advance to the second round¡¯s trial were only three hundred twenty four people.

    Merely, this second round¡¯s trial still wasn¡¯t where both sides fought.

    Rather, it was life or death by arge grindstone.

    Gu Zuo heard the words ¡°life or death,¡± and thought about the previous round¡¯s mortality rate. He immediately felt it was far from good.

    ...Wouldn¡¯t this second round end up killing even more?

    Gu Zuo immediately realized what the second round was about.

    He only heard a loud droning sound, and arge grindstone in the center of the valley rose up. And on that grindstone were nine holes whose diameters were just about one meter wide. The holes were carved into perfect circles.

    While three to five people could be crammed into each hole, it was easier to amodate one person to one hole.

    Gu Zuo guessed that since this was a trial, it should¡¯ve been one person per hole.

    Sure enough, the three Immortal realm martial artists on the boulder announced the specifics for this trial.

    One person would be stationed in every hole. Afterwards, the grindstone would rotate. It would restrict the movements of the people in the holes so that they¡¯d be incapable of getting out. They would only be able to use their legs to act in the holes. Even when it came to jumping in the air, they¡¯d only be able to jump six meters at most from the bottom of the holes.

    When the trial started, the grindstone rotated and numerous sword lights appeared at the grindstone¡¯s center. The lights scattered in all directions and stabbed forward. For the martial artists in the holes, they could use weapons to block or shatter the lights, deflect them to another¡¯s position, or dodge the lights themselves.

    For those killed by the sword lights, they¡¯d be automatically removed from the grindstone and another person would take their ce; for those who voluntarily forfeited, they could also leave the grindstone for someone else to take over. For those who didn¡¯t give up and weren¡¯t killed, the longer they persisted, the better they were graded. Once a martial artiststed for sixteen hours, they¡¯d be able to leave the grindstone and enter the next trial.

    As for the brief time when one needed to go up to act as a recement, wasn¡¯t that unfair to the others?

    The sequence for the grindstone would be determined by them drawing lots. Luck was also a kind of strength!

    Gu Zuo slightly frowned.

    He didn¡¯t know what kind of lot [2] cement his big brother would draw. In short, the further in front Tianheng was, the more disadvantaged he would be.

    While thinking this, Tianheng over yonder pa.s.sed his thoughts along: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m certainly better at persevering than ordinary martial artists. You only need to wait for my good news.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s knitted brows then rxed: While I wait for big brother¡¯s victorious return, I¡¯ll make a sumptuous feast for you.

    Tianheng seemed tough before replying: Then I certainly must put in one hundred and ten percent.

    After the two ¡°spoke¡± these couple of sentences, many of Gu Zuo¡¯s worries wereid to rest.

    His current line of sight closely followed Gongyi Tianheng. In the end, it all depended on what kind of number he¡¯d draw.

    It wasn¡¯t long before everyone all drew their lots and returned them.

    At the same time, within the valley, several other grindstones rumbled as they rose up around the firstrge grindstone. They were all exactly like the first one.

    The number of grindstones now contained one hundred sixty two holes. No less than half of the martial artists could enter them at this time!

    As for Tianheng, the lot in his hand was written with: Eighteenth Grindstone, Third Seat.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart skipped a beat: Big brother¡¯s luck really is not too good... As a matter of fact, isn¡¯t this the first batch that needs to go up? As for how the specific situation was unfolding, who still didn¡¯t know?! This is definitely troublesome.

    Actually, Tianheng didn¡¯t feel all that baffled.

    No matter if he took the lead and went first, or if he reced someone afterwards, it wasn¡¯t too big of a difference to him.

    As for life or death grinding on the grindstone, it was just a trial to temper himself.

    He was confident that he wouldn¡¯t be defeated here.

    Following themand of that Immortal realm martial artist, every martial artist who drew a lot number all jumped up at once, and directly threw themselves into the holes of those grindstones.

    Gongyi Tianheng was no exception. Just as his toes touched down, he discovered a powerful force surge up from underneath. It seemed to adhere to his body so that he couldn¡¯t use body techniques to withdraw too far from this location.

    ______

    ______

    [1] Ò»Æï¾ø³¾ - Yi qi jue chen, leaving a trail of dust while riding a horse.

    [2] Ç© - Qian, an inscribed bamboo stick used in divination, gambling, and drawing lots.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 71

    At that moment, the hearts of many martial artists tightened.

    They now realized that the previous words of those Immortal realms were really true. They could only use body techniques to evade here, or simply make a break for it.

    Subconsciously, all the martial artists unsheathed their weapons.

    Gongyi Tianheng also was no exception. However, he didn¡¯t have his weapon in his hands. So as he sent a thought to Gu Zuo, they promptly coordinated their actions. The instant Tianheng extended his hand, a silver white de [1] appeared in his grasp.

    In the blink of an eye, there was a sh of silver light. Tianheng stood tall and straight with his weapon in hand. That handsome visage was concealed, making people only pay attention to his qi field [2] and not his appearance.

    His presences truly seemed extraordinary.

    However, most of the martial artists on the grindstone were young and handsome, and their presences were also out of the ordinary. The appearance of them holding their weapons was just like the bearing of soldiers, exhibiting a kind of spirit that was difficult to express in words.

    Just looking at it this way, who could¡¯ve predicted that there was bound to be so many of them who¡¯d suffer losses on that life and death grindstone?

    Gu Zuo observed that grindstone, and his heartbeat spiked.

    That grindstone started rotating!

    At the same time, the instant it starting turning, the center suddenly erupted in ten rays of sword light!

    These sword lights were iparably sharp and generated air-breaking sounds. They hurtled towards the bodies of the nine surrounding martial artists!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted.

    So fast!

    Those sword lights weren¡¯t any slower than the silver drills he could fire using his thoughts!

    Gu Zuo knew about the strong points of his own psychic attacks.

    There were two key points. One was its unexpected speed, and the other was that it made no sound.

    These sword lights were undoubtedly well-versed in the word ¡°fast.¡± In addition, there could be multiple rays of sword light targeting the same person at the same time. Compared to the Gu Zuo who had yet to make this kind of attempt, it seemed even more lofty and strange.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help worrying.

    And why?

    Because although he previously practiced with Gongyi Tianheng so that he could deal with his silver needles and drills, he¡¯d never released so many at one time.

    In other words, all the coping experience Tianheng had didn¡¯t include dealing with simultaneous attacks!

    Even though Gu Zuo believed that his big brother¡¯sbat awareness was exceedingly strong, how couldn¡¯t he be concerned for him?

    After all, a single moment of inattention was the difference between life and death!

    Clearly, Tianheng couldn¡¯t be gotten rid of so easily. Even if it were the other martial artists, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t imagine there were such weak chickens ¡ª Which of the martial artists who coulde here didn¡¯t have a few skills?

    After only seeing a burst of flickering weapons, the first wave of sword light waspletely shattered by the martial artists. It was basically impossible harm them.

    Merely, since this was a life and death grindstone, it wouldn¡¯t give them too much time to rest.

    Once the first wave appeared, there was only a pause of two or three seconds before the second wave promptly emerged. And the sword light of this second wave seemed to have a dozen more rays than the first wave.

    Thus, on average, every martial artist had to face one or two more sword lights!

    This made things endlessly difficult for each of them.

    The weapons of numerous martial artists moved simultaneously, and each of those sword lights were swept away as before. Not one of them was injured.

    Immediately after that were the third and then fourth waves of sword light.

    Each time, there were ten to twenty more sword lights than the previous wave. It apparently seemed as if each wave¡¯s attack only required a martial artist to face one or two more sword lights, but no one felt it was very easy.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings were stretched taut and didn¡¯t dare rx even a little.

    Each time had one or two more rays. Ten would have ten to twenty more. What if it were one hundred times? What about several hundred times?

    One needed to know that the interval between each sword light wave was merely several seconds. The speed of each wave¡¯s sword light took only one second for the attack to already be in front of the numerous martial artists!

    Besides, as more time pa.s.sed, more sword lights would burst forth and the faster they were. And apparently, there was a big rtionship between the speed of the sword light and the speed of the grindstone¡¯s rotation. Later on, the grindstone¡¯s rotation gradually quickened!

    The countless sword lights were like raindrops. After shooting forth, they nketed the sky and covered the earth. It was impossible for a person to defend against!

    Deflecting them was bing more and more difficult...

    In the end, several m.u.f.fled groans were let out. Among those eighteen martial artists on the grindstone, there were several figures who frantically shed with their held weapons towards the sword lights, while others hurriedly retreated from therge grindstone and flew off.

    They all rushingly said: ¡°I forfeit!¡±

    It was only after this sentence was spoken that the sword lights that were about to pierce their stomachs faded away.

    However, even if it was like this, their whole bodies were still covered in a cold sweat.

    Gu Zuo clearly saw that once these couple of martial artists dropped to the ground, they all coincidentally coughed up a mouthful of clotted blood.

    There were many scratches on their arms and their stomachs were perforated by many b.l.o.o.d.y holes. It seemed extremely scary.

    Their protectors and pharmacists on the side all quickly ran over, kneeled beside their charges, and checked the condition of their injuries.

    Under their observations, it could naturally be distinguished that the wounds they received were serious.

    Afterwards, there was a martial artist who vaguely said: ¡°The thing you got...medicine bottle...¡±

    That pharmacist had a hard time hearing him clearly, but immediately took out a bottle from his sleeve. At once, he twisted it open and removed a light yellow medicinal pill, and stuffed it into the martial artist¡¯s mouth.

    What happened after would leave people astonished.

    In just a couple of moments, the b.l.o.o.d.y holes and sword wounds on that martial artist¡¯s body had indications of healing. The originally unrestrained flow of blood stopped, and the injuries were already quickly scabbing over... Just how could such high-speed healing be seen by the naked eye?

    Of course, that martial artist¡¯splexion still wasn¡¯t too good, but who would be paying attention to this right now?

    That medicinal pill was too miraculous. It obviously appeared to be the simplest Rejuvenation Pill, but it wasn¡¯t known how many times more superior its medicinal effects were over the average Rejuvenation Pill. All of a sudden, it turned a seriously injured patient into an ordinary one who only needed to nurse his qi and blood.

    Afterwards, one only needed to give this martial artist some supplementary medicinal pills. One could well imagine that he¡¯d be back on his feet in no time!

    Such magical medicinal effects left the others, who had simrly grievous wounds, stupefied.

    Just what was going on?

    The injured, who were the geniuses of their countries, would need to take at least a period of time to recover. They reckoned that the third trial was already hopeless, but this simrly injured martial artist could unexpectedly turn things around because of a medicinal pill?

    This was too unimaginable!

    It was natural for the others on the side to hesitate for a bit before hungrily [3]ing over to make their requests.

    That already-cured martial artist wore a joyous expression, but nevertheless, he waved his hand and rejected the others¡¯ requests for a medicinal pill, saying: ¡°I¡¯m really not being stingy. It¡¯s only that this kind of pill is a life saving medicine. I only have a total of three pills. There will still be several battlester on. If I shared a pill with you now, I might dieter on.¡±

    This refusal was reasonable and fair, and that person was someone who naturally couldn¡¯t be coerced. On the contrary, they only diligently asked where this medicinal pill came from, saying words about how they were willing to pay a high price to buy them and so on.

    That martial artist said helplessly: ¡°It¡¯s confidential...¡± He vaguely mentioned a few things, but didn¡¯t dare speak too clearly, ¡°If I had known earlier about such marvelous results, I wouldn¡¯t have traded for just these.¡±

    Right now, he was both joyous and regretful.

    There was nothing to be done. It was good luck to have the medicinal pills, and bad luck to not have them. It could only be like this at the present time.

    Soon after, that grindstone eliminated several people. Once those martial artists fell to the ground, while at first they were basically only seriously injured, as more time pa.s.sed, those that fell off were gradually turned into corpses.

    ¡ª The problemster on would only grow bigger and bigger. If one were pierced by seven or eight to even a dozen sword lights, they would be seriously injured for the most part. After all, a martial artist¡¯s vitality was extremely strong. However, when a single wave might pierce with fifty, sixty, to even one hundred sword lights, wouldn¡¯t a single moment of inattention cause one¡¯s physical body be run through like a sieve? And since they¡¯d be turned into a sieve, how could they still be alive?

    Moreover, the longer it took for them to be wounded victims, the smaller their chances for rescue. It would be very difficult to forfeitter on since it¡¯d be toote to provide critical care for excessive blood loss.

    Gu Zuo speechlessly watched on, and felt his eyes widening incessantly.

    This mortality rate...

    These people who were still so lively before had been turned into corpses in the blink of an eye.

    It truly left a person depressed.

    As a matter of course, there were pharmacists who¡¯d promptly take out medicine bottles one after another.

    They¡¯d all immediately take out a light yellow medicinal pill from the bottle and stuff it into the martial artist¡¯s mouth at once. The effects were instantaneous. They wouldn¡¯t be able to get back on their feet right away, but at the very least, so long as they took it, they certainly wouldn¡¯t continue losing blood. Their small lives were also certainly saved.

    Because of this light yellow medicinal pill, within a short time, dozens of martial artists who should¡¯ve died had their lives returned to them.

    Indeed, the countries they originated from rejoiced endlessly.

    To be honest, each of the martial artists were all outstanding people of their countries. Even if they couldn¡¯t bring glory to their countries, losing was still damaging.

    After the trials here, maybe they¡¯d return as budding Immortal realms. If they weren¡¯t Immortal realms, then they could train their countries¡¯ next generation after bing a higher rank Xiantian powerhouse.

    Just dying like this was truly too unworthy.

    Afterwards, there were very many people who started inquiring about the origins of this medicinal pill, and everyonepared these sc.r.a.ps of information. Hey! They all came up from private trade activities!

    Not one bit of this kind of trading activity was unexpected. Everyone was from different continents, and this huge event that urred once every fifty years was very rare. Was it notmon to take advantage of this golden opportunity to exchange what one doesn¡¯t need for what one does need? Some martial artists seized the chance to rake in money for themselves to obtain resources in the future. This was proper and to be expected.

    But unfortunately, because it was like this, no one knew who brought those medicine bottles to trade. In the end, what was their ident.i.ty?!

    It truly made a person¡¯s moodplicated... It was extremely regretful.

    No one noticed that among these scenes a short and small figure furtively withdrew his neck.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The medicinal pills he casually refined were so popr. His little, young heart was naturally very pleased. However, it was also by watching those people in their pursuit... He felt that his big brother truly had too much foresight!

    ______

    [1] Myputer can¡¯t read the characters for the weapon.

    [2] Æø³¡ - Qi chang, the influence a person exerts on his surroundings. This is the first time this term hase up, so I¡¯m not entirely sure if I¡¯ll continue using this trantion or use something more general like ¡°aura.¡±

    [3] ÌòÁ³ - Tian (lick) lian (face), not sure if this is supposed to mean they¡¯re ¡°salivating¡± over the medicinal pills.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    T/N: There may be a typo for the number of martial artists on the grindstone. At the start of this chapter, there were nine. Then in the middle (before they starting dropping out), there were eighteen. Let¡¯s not talk about the number of sword lights each wave, every couple of seconds, and that this thingsts for sixteen hours...

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 72

    This kind of spectacle simrly aroused the attention of those three Immortal realm martial artists standing on the boulder.

    Among them, the woman¡¯s refined eyebrows furrowed and her cherry lips slightly opened to ask: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The man on her left also frowned as he nced forward. Then, he turned his head: ¡°It looks like something amazing is beingmiserated over.¡±

    After the man on the right took a careful measure of the situation, he tried to curry favor and said: ¡°Junior sect sister [1], do we send someone to go check it out?¡±

    The woman thought about it for a bit, and her beautiful head [2] nodded slightly: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to inconvenience senior sect brother Liu.¡±

    The martial artist on the rightughed out loud: ¡°What inconvenience? Don¡¯t hesitate to let the ones from the three great empires go do it.¡±

    The martial artist on the left was not to be outdone: ¡°Junior sect sister, the Qingyue Empire has how many youngsters? Actually, while they still do what they¡¯re told, it¡¯s better to just make them go. It¡¯s also easy to do.¡±

    The right-side martial artist raised one of his sword-like eyebrows: ¡°Junior sect brother Luo, have you gained this much of an understanding of the Qingyue Empire because you¡¯ve secretly made a pact with them? You shouldn¡¯t be doing things that vite the sect rules.¡±

    The left-side martial artist smiled coldly: ¡°Senior sect brother Liu, isn¡¯t what you¡¯re saying about me just about yourself? Also, you wouldn¡¯t happen to know about that one time when someone left your ce at midnight?¡±

    The right-side martial artist¡¯s heart tensed, and he blurted out: ¡°You¡ª¡±

    The two were fighting a battle of words, and soon, the more they talked, the more outrageous those usations became.

    That woman lifted her lily-white hands and respectfully shouted: ¡°The both of you! Don¡¯t give others a reason tough at us!¡±

    Junior sect brother Luo and senior sect brother Liu heard her and immediately stopped talking.

    They reacted at this moment. This was indeed not an intelligent way of doing things.

    In addition, the two of them had actually made some actions in secret, which let them obtain many rewards. However, these were all conducted privately and couldn¡¯t be mentioned in public. While it now seemed like they disdained this mission to monitor the Hundred Countries Tournament, they still acted fair and selfless on the surface. Otherwise, if they were used of something, it would put them in a very disadvantageous position in their sect.

    The woman also knew that they were handling things on the sly. It was only that it seemed that these kinds of things were an unspoken rule. For the past many years, everyone had a tacit understanding. If she were to raise this issue, then she¡¯d run out of luck. As a result, she could only turn a blind eye.

    Besides, so long as each person who epted this mission wasn¡¯t too stupid, they wouldn¡¯t need to act too excessively. There might be some fine-tuning in the details, but they wouldn¡¯t truly let something unpresentable ur like trash climbing to the top.

    Moreover, they were always watching over the three great empires. If everything was going well and an ident urred... They¡¯d just work for a little bit.

    After the dispute stopped, the woman didn¡¯t overthink about sending someone to investigate the matter that was causing a sensation. In any case, if they waited till the Hundred Countries Tournament ended, they could naturally find find a person from the three great empires to question. They didn¡¯t need to be too meddlesome right now.

    Anyway, the woman thought about what benefits this remote and deste ce could have. In general, the things that could shock country b.u.mpkins usually couldn¡¯tpare to what would drip from their fingertips.

    If it weren¡¯t for the Qingyun Sect ancestors making the monitoring of the Hundred Countries Tournament a tradition, this mission wouldn¡¯t have been observed by them at all... The previous two trials that ended were merely conventional tests in the Qingyun Sect. Having so many people killed proved that there wasn¡¯t anything great in respect to the martial power of these rustic martial artists.

    The woman didn¡¯t think about it, and merely continued watching the trials while nibbling on some light refreshments. Then, she reluctantly went in search for what could be counted as a young seedling.

    Generally speaking, such a person woulde from a first .s.s empire...

    ______

    Gu Zuo watched how the life and death grindstone spun faster the more it turned. One couldn¡¯t say that the injured martial artists on the turning tform could make use of their footwork, even thinking about settling in a horse stance wasn¡¯t easy.

    In addition, the concentrated sword lights, which were already like a nketing white wave, truly made it so that even he couldn¡¯t see the figures on the grindstone.

    But in the end, Gu Zuo was still very anxious about his dear big brother.

    He wasn¡¯t too hesitant in maneuvering his psychic power and attaching a thinyer to the surface of his eyes. Instantly, the things ahead were seen clearly by him!

    Through this one look, Gu Zuo let out a huge sigh.

    This was because his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, was still persevering like usual.

    Yes, Tianheng held the silver spear and would swing his arm ahead, brandishing the spear to prevent the wave of light from advancing. The after-images of the spearyered across his whole body, which provided an air-tight protection.

    No matter how that sword light emerged and shot out, no matter how fast that grindstone turned, Tianheng was as immovable as a tall and mighty mountain. His feet seemed to sprout roots as he firmly stationed himself in that hole.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t have the slightest injury.

    As for when he confronted the trial, his willpower was truly resolute and he was iparably calm.

    Gu Zuo watched Tianheng who wasn¡¯t the least bit harmed, and when he discovered that this big brother still wasn¡¯t too nervous, he realized that he should make ns in advance. Afterwards, he turned his eyes away to help his big brother scout out the ¡°enemy situation.¡±

    On the eighteenth grindstone, it was without a doubt Tianheng¡¯s performance which was the most outstanding. However, not everyone on the other grindstones were doing poorly.

    For example: Cang Yu. He held a giant cleaver, and as his muscr arm extended, he brandished it with ease. His entire body was like a lofty mountain or a gigantic cauldron, suppressing all the sword lights from within the hole. So long as the piercing lights approached, they¡¯d be diced into pieces by the edge of his de.

    This Cang Yu was also very steady. His movements were methodical and seemed extremely direct and efficient.

    After Gu Zuo watched, he silently thought: If he didn¡¯t see incorrectly, it seemed like each swing of this ninth prince was very precise. And based on his precision, it¡¯d make anyone feel that he was magnificent... He was truly quite awesome.

    Cang Yu¡¯s performance was also observed by those Immortal realm martial artists.

    To be urate, it was the female martial artist who identally took note of him in the end. Her beautiful eyes shed: If this person could survive the third round¡¯s trial, he could be considered a good seedling. It¡¯s just that everything is still too soon...

    The female martial artist didn¡¯t watch for too long.

    She was aware of the interest the two male disciples on both sides had in her. Naturally, she couldn¡¯t reveal her thoughts. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have anything good in store for the seedling she attached importance to with but a nce.

    However, when her gaze shifted, itnded on Tianheng. This time, it caused her eyes to show a different appearance.

    These two weren¡¯t people of the three great empires, yet they could still reach this kind of level?

    Could it be that in this remote and deste ce, there really were potential candidates that couldpare to a first .s.s empire¡¯s meticulously raised talents?

    Other people didn¡¯t know about this female martial artist¡¯s way of thinking.

    A woman¡¯s heart was like a needle at the bottom of the ocean. When a woman wanted to conceal her worries, even a man who was very close to her wouldn¡¯t be able to get a glimpse of it.

    Meanwhile, there were several people who had simrly performed outstandingly. Many were citizens of first .s.s empires. There were very few who were from second .s.s empires. And as for those from third .s.s empires, besides Gongyi Tianheng and Cang Yu, there weren¡¯t any others.

    Overall, this wasn¡¯t considered too bad.

    As more time pa.s.sed, the sword lights became more concentrated and had practically transformed into a white coc.o.o.n. The martial artists smothered in this kind of sword coc.o.o.n were all wantonly ughtered.

    One after another, more martial artists were unable to persist. Their heartstrings were tense, but they were still perceptive of their own limits.

    Each and every one who found their fortunes already declining didn¡¯t dare rashly stop their hands or run away. They merely shouted ¡°I forfeit¡± at lightning speed, and didn¡¯t dy as they sent out their power, borrowed the momentum, and quickly left the grindstone!

    At this time, they didn¡¯t dare act with the slightest negligence. Otherwise, if their hands slowed for an instant, the sword lights would stab them into sieves. And if these martial artists, who had yet to advance to Xiantian, were turned into sieves, how could they survive?

    One¡¯s life would forever be the most important thing.

    Gu Zuo watched with rapt attention.

    Suddenly, he became a little happy.

    Perhaps it was because that person was too nervous or something. Helian Xingcheng, who previously suffered a setback during the tests in the Cangyun imperial pce, smoothly pa.s.sed the first trial. Yet, for the second trial¡¯s life and death grindstone, he was actually seeking instant benefits. If one wasn¡¯t steady or calm enough on that grindstone, it was basically impossible for someone tost for too long. Ahead, Xingcheng disyed lots of might, but because he didn¡¯t allocate his physical strength and true qi sparingly, at this time a long trail of blood sttered onto the ground.

    Helian Xingcheng was seriously injured!

    However his luck wasn¡¯t bad as he was able to forfeit in time. Although he had many wounds, it was unlikely for him to lose his life.

    Currently, Gu Zuo was hesitating. Should he give Xingcheng a Rejuvenation Pill?

    In order to conceal his objectives, he still had some high grade Rejuvenation Pills in his storage s.p.a.ce. Just now, the other martial artists had taken out many medicinal pills. If he were to take it out, it wouldn¡¯t be considered overstepping his bounds.

    But...

    Gu Zuo recalled Helian Xingcheng¡¯s att.i.tude and the unconcealed malice towards his big brother. Gu Zuo felt that he didn¡¯t want to treat his injuries.

    Since he wasn¡¯t going to die, was it wrong to make that guy Xingcheng suffer a few hardships?

    Besides, once Xingcheng recuperated for a period of time, he estimated that he wouldn¡¯t stand a chance with the third round¡¯s trial. This was about being able to keep that high and mighty guy¡¯s arrogance under control, right? In any case, the third round would have his big brother and Cang Yu. It was enough to have just those two fight for the honor of the Cangyun Empire. He didn¡¯t want to treating Xingcheng¡¯s injury, just to create an extra opponent for his big brother!

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo secretlyughed in his heart.

    It was pleasantly decided just like this!

    Immediately after that, Duanmu Qingrong also shot out like a bullet. His luck was just barely enough and he was seriously injured just like Xingcheng. But because Qingrong conducted himself decisively, he evaded many ces in time. The wounds he received only looked grievous. In actuality, there was barely any blood loss.

    His n¡¯s pharmacist rushed over and stuffed several medicinal pills into his mouth.

    With one look, Gu Zuo saw that besides what might¡¯ve been low grade Rejuvenation Pills refined by that pharmacist himself, the others were... Oh, wasn¡¯t this the Snowy Ginseng Pill?

    After looking, he didn¡¯t pay them any more attention.

    If Qingrong¡¯s wounds didn¡¯t reach his internal organs, perhaps the extent of his abilities in the third round¡¯s trial still unknown.

    Later on, Sima Yuanyou was ejected. Like the first two, he was seriously injured.

    And after that, Huangfu Zhanghao was also ejected.

    And Zhanghao...was in imminent danger.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Apparently, he was still going to use a Rejuvenation Pill.

    Recalling Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s exnation, Gu Zuo let out a sigh and reached into his sleeve.

    Afterwards, he brought a medicine bottle as he walked over.

    ______

    ______

    [1] Due to aesthetics, I don¡¯t want to keep the pinyin for nuanced disciple designations. Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

    [2] òûÊ× - Qin (cicada) shou (head). A woman who has a wide and squared forehead (like a cicada) is considered beautiful.

    ______

    T/N: Besides Gongyi Tianheng, I have never seen a character have so many beautifying adjectives added to their appearance. I wonder how important this woman is.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 73

    Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s current appearance was very miserable. Even though he already did his best and retreated in time, because an incautious body movement was a little slow, the result was that over twenty sword lights had pierced him.

    If it were merely injuries to the muscles, it¡¯d be okay. Unfortunately, several sword lights had skewered his internal organs ¡ª The only thing worth rejoicing over was that his heart was merely grazed and hadn¡¯t beenpletely run through.

    It was also fortunate that his heart wasn¡¯t stabbed, otherwise the moment Zhanghao dropped down, he wouldn¡¯t have had any breath left in him.

    It was just that this one breath was only one breath. It wouldn¡¯t take longer than a minute or two before he died.

    Certainly, the pharmacist had the Snowy Ginseng Pill and the average Rejuvenation Pill, but this Rejuvenation Pill couldn¡¯t immediately heal wounds or enrich the blood, so what use was it?

    ¡ª Directly taking the Snowy Ginseng Pill would cause violent exsanguination. [1] He might as well not take it at all.

    Rescuing someone was like putting out a fire. Gu Zuo quickly came over and took out a high grade Rejuvenation Pill. He pat that pitiful pharmacist on the shoulder: ¡°Don¡¯t take any offense, but why not use this one?¡±

    That pharmacist was a middle-aged man. He looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s young appearance and his first reaction was to reprimand him. However, once he saw the light yellow medicinal pill in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand, his eyes shined: ¡°Is this that sort of...¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Quickly, give young master Huangfu this medicine, or else it¡¯ll be toote.¡±

    The middle-aged pharmacist didn¡¯t dare neglect anything and immediately pried open Zhanghao¡¯s lips and teeth and put in the high grade Rejuvenation Pill.

    Sure enough, the healing speed of his injuries could be seen by the naked eye instantly.

    This kind of result could almost be said to be miraculous!

    Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s breathing also gradually resumed a steady rhythm.

    After that, the pharmacist only needed to give him a Snowy Ginseng Pill and use all kinds of different methods on hand to nurse him back to health. Naturally, there wouldn¡¯t be any major hindrances.

    Seeing this kind of spectacle, the middle-aged pharmacist¡¯s face flickered with thankfulness.

    He was a pharmacist groomed by the Huangfu n and normally had countless methods for saving people. However, even if he had many cheat skills, for this sort of dreadful injury, he had no way of bringing a person back from the brink of death.

    ...Mainly, the medicinal pills didn¡¯t have enough strength.

    At present, Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine saved Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s life and also averted the possibility of this pharmacist taking the fall.

    Directly to the side, the anxious protector of the young master, Huangfu Gaode, was Zhanghao¡¯s beloved uncle, who cared about this nephew the most. Now seeing that Zhanghao was without worry, his heart was filled with feelings of grat.i.tude.

    He faced Gu Zuo and said: ¡°Many thanks, honorable pharmacist, for the grace of saving Zhanghao¡¯s life. The Huangfu n owes you a favor.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly waved his hand back and forth.

    He didn¡¯t have any inclination about asking for this favor. When he thought about this important person wanting to return the favor, who would¡¯ve known that Gu Zuo wanted to throw himself into a pit?

    So, he just said: ¡°Senior is being polite. In fact, to make things clear, my young master said that if he was undergoing a trial and there were some of citizens of the Cangyun Empire on business... Then, I would provide some medicinal pills for testing. Sess or failure would¡¯ve been difficult to guess. That the young master Huangfu was able to be saved is also a testament to his exceptionally good luck.¡±

    Huangfu Gaode could never have antic.i.p.ated the kind of words Gu Zuo spoke. However, this youngster, who seemed to know his ce, actually produced a good impression.

    Although this good impression wasn¡¯t enough to make him take note of Gu Zuo, all of a sudden, he was shocked. Gu Zuo¡¯s charity and his ability to adapt to circ.u.mstances were truly things that he valued. In addition, to Gongyi Tianheng, who taught this youngster, his evaluation was even higher.

    In the end, Gu Zuo and Huangfu Gaode weren¡¯t on the same level. This Xiantian powerhouse spoke a couple of sentences to Gu Zuo to express the Huangfu n¡¯s grat.i.tude. Then, Gu Zuo tactfully retreated.

    However, the actions of Gu Zuo presenting medicine caused the expressions of the Helian nsmen to be a little ugly.

    This was because Helian Xingcheng also received a grievous wound, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t raise the topic of giving medicine at all.

    In their view, this was the different att.i.tudes the Gongyi n had towards the Huangfu n and the Helian n. This didn¡¯t give the Helian n face! This was looking down on them!

    ...Although, these sort of words also weren¡¯t that wrong. However, between one who could be saved and one who didn¡¯t need saving, he had to use his life saving miracle medicine sparingly. ording to reason, this was something that everyone could understand.

    Unfortunately, the Helian n totally didn¡¯t intend to understand.

    Gu Zuo felt a coldness on his body.

    He could sense that this chilliness was..ing from the Helian n?

    At that time, his mood was out of sorts.

    Yes, he really still had plenty more Rejuvenation Pills and he deliberately didn¡¯t give one for the Helian n to use. But this definitely wasn¡¯t for the sake of targeting them. That Xingcheng wasn¡¯t going to lose his life, so why must he offer what was considered his own medicinal pills? Previously, the Helian n acted this way to his big brother from day one, so he couldn¡¯t be med now for paying them back in kind! Let alone that he had lots Rejuvenation Pills, could they simply take one for their own use? That wasn¡¯t logical! With great difficulty, his big brother paved the way for him so that many people would have a set of three Rejuvenation Pills in hand. If he took one out to even save the life of a person whom he didn¡¯t particrly cherish, then wasn¡¯t that too suspicious?

    It was normal for them to dislike him after settling this matter, and feeling unhappy was also normal. But, how could¡¯ve this led to wanting to kill someone?!

    Gu Zuo had been in this world for quite some time. He could sense killing intent aimed at him from the Helian n!

    Just based on this, the next time Helian Xingcheng was going to die, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t going to save him!

    After silently cursing him in his heart for a while, Gu Zuo cooled down.

    Today¡¯s matter made him realize something even more.

    In this d.a.m.ned world, it didn¡¯t matter if everyone had cooperative rtionships. Inevitably there would be some people who would ruthlessly kill others for trivial matters or minor disagreements.

    Indeed, this was regarding human lives like crickets and ants.

    Moreover, within the brief period of time with Gu Zuo¡¯s actions, those on the grindstones had endured for several rounds.

    Apart from a small of number who were still standing strong, there were quite a few martial artists who were flung from the grindstone ¡ª Naturally, those flung off were already corpses. In any case, more than half of those who could withdraw were still alive.

    The life and death grindstone seemed as if it were very ordinary, but in fact, as more time pa.s.sed, those who were in tough spots were not less than those from the previous first round trial.

    Simrly, they were all badly mangled and mutted. The casualties were disastrously high.

    ¡ª As a matter of fact, anotherrge batch of people were eliminated.

    Two hours pa.s.sed, then another two hours.

    The color of the sky went from very bright to dark and gloomy topletely ck. It was even more challenging for the martial artists facing the sword lights on the grindstones.

    Most of all, just as it became dusk, the corpses that were tossed out had reached a terrifying number!

    Within a couple short breaths, over twenty people had died!

    Most of the martial artists who gradually adapted afterwards were also in bad shape.

    Gu Zuo, who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of Gongyi Tianheng, discovered that his silver spear was like a perpetual motion machine whose brandishing waves didn¡¯t stop in the least. That position in the darkness seemed especially heroic and eye-catching.

    Cang Yu was also still alive. Merely, he wasn¡¯t like Tianheng, who still didn¡¯t have any trace of injuries. His body more or less already carried a few sword wounds.

    As for his mental state, he shined as if he could still press on.

    Slowly, two hours were left... One hour was left... Half an hour...

    Practically all the martial artists who persevered up to now had suffered tremendously. Not only their physical strength, their true qi were also close to exhausted. Theirplexions were either flushed or deathly pale; all had an appearance of dried up oilnterns.

    Finally, the grindstones stopped.

    At this time, the spectating martial artists found that the number of people who persevered for these sixteen hours were far unlike the spa.r.s.e numbers they considered.

    There were at least one or two people left on each grindstone.

    At this moment, the martial artists who entered the life and death grindstones totaled three hundred twenty four. One hundred thirty eight people died. One hundred fifty four survived with serious injuries. The people who could directly enter the final fights numbered thirty two.

    These thirty two were precisely those whosted up to the very end. As for the one hundred fifty four walking-wounded, they could still advance to the third round¡¯s trial ¡ª That is, they could still advance to the tournament.

    Gongyi Tianheng hopped off the grindstone. He was the sole survivor among the eighteen on the designated grindstone.

    Hisplexion was pale and he walked with a slight limp. Once Tianheng walked over, Gu Zuo promptly went up to wee him. Gu Zuo lent an arm to support him and asked with deep concern: ¡°Big... Young master, how are you doing?¡±

    Tianheng revealed a pinched smile: ¡°I¡¯ve exhausted my true qi. I need to meditate for a long time till I¡¯ve recovered.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows slightly creased. Gu Zuo pulled him over to the sit on the side, and took out a top grade Qi Generating Pill for him.

    In any case, the other people didn¡¯t know about the existence of this kind of medicinal pill, so it wasn¡¯t likely for someone to s.n.a.t.c.h it. Only... Was one pill enough? Even when he first met his big brother when he was still sick and weak, Tianheng never seemed so miserable. It truly left one ill at ease.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and focused his psychic power: Big brother, you...

    Then, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s m.u.f.fledughter was transmitted into his mind.

    Gu Zuo: ?

    Tianheng¡¯s voice carried a smile: Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo. I¡¯m just pretending. Although I¡¯ve used up a lot of my true qi, I have as many as six sets of bone pearls in my body. It¡¯s naturally easier for me than the others. Right now, I can¡¯te out in the open about this. Acting exhausted is just for saving trouble.

    Gu Zuo was also concerned about such problems. At this time, he reacted.

    Ah, right. His big brother¡¯s true qi capacity should¡¯ve been at least six times that of ordinary martial artists. There were a couple dozen who allsted to the end. Even if their bodies¡¯ true qi reserves wererge, no matter how good their cultivation methods, they certainly couldn¡¯t achieve a ridiculous six-fold capacity. Since it was like this, if they could all support themselves, how could his big brother be so miserable?

    Gu Zuo already had a rtively good control over his facial expressions. Just then, he looked at Tianheng¡¯s posture and sized him up, only to discover some clues.

    The clothes of this person actually hadn¡¯t been pierced much by the sword lights. The sleeves, hem, andpel of his robes could all be said to be tattered, but his skin didn¡¯t have anyrge wounds. Only some non-vital locations had a few b.l.o.o.d.y sword cuts...

    This was, without a doubt, a feint.

    Gu Zuo realized that it didn¡¯t seem like an exaggeration for his dear big brother, who wouldn¡¯t do anything he couldn¡¯t do, to enter the final line-up.

    In particr, Cang Yu, who was from the same empire, had also smoothly persevered to the end. Despite his injuries being a bit more serious than Tianheng¡¯s, he was still in high spirits.

    Sure enough, big brother was always very wise.

    After feeling relieved, Gu Zuo startedining.

    The Helian n¡¯s intent couldn¡¯t be hidden. It was better to ask his big brother what should be done...

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] The Snowy Ginseng Pill is a blood replenisher. Taking it while gravely wounded would be the same as pouring water into a cracked cup.

    ______

    T/N: Sorry for the slight dys. I was preupied with studying for a test.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 74

    At first, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mood was rather good. But after listening to what Gu Zuo said, his brows slightly furrowed: It seems I¡¯ve still underestimated the Helian n¡¯s shamelessness.

    Gu Zuo nodded: They are! This is just taking one¡¯s anger out on someone who doesn¡¯t deserve it!

    Tianheng met Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze with a hint of regret, but still transmitted his voice: Ah Zuo, I didn¡¯t expect to have caused you such hardships.

    Gu Zuo: ...

    This was just having daggers stared at him for a bit [1] and nothing more. Suffering hardships and so on was out of the question, big brother.

    However, the feeling of being worried over was still very good.

    Tianheng muttered slightly: Indeed, it¡¯s hard to fathom a person¡¯s mind. Originally, I made you save someone to prepare for any eventualities. It was also to give that Prince Beside the Emperor a look... Since the Helian n is so ungrateful, we¡¯ll stop for now. They¡¯re harboring malicious intentions towards you. In the future, when you go out, you¡¯ll need to call out to me in advance. Wait until after we return and I¡¯ll a.s.sign some Tianlong guards to apany and protect you.

    As for the Helian n¡¯s malice, he¡¯d naturally retaliate with his own. It was one thing if they didn¡¯t act, but if they did... Once he made the arrangements, the Helian n would certainly suffer a loss.

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng acting like this, and felt relieved at once.

    In any case, he¡¯d hand this matter over to his big brother. There¡¯d surely be a satisfying oue.

    He wouldn¡¯t worry about it anymore!

    Thus, the two ended the conversation.

    ______

    All the partic.i.p.ants had moved to rest and recuperate. At the same time, they also waited for the Immortal realm powerhouses¡¯ instructions to find out what was happening next and what needed to be done.

    They didn¡¯t know if that third trial would start now or if it¡¯d be set at some other location.

    Currently, among the two male and one female trial overseers, the woman named Zou Qingyue was the leader for this first mission. For the other two, junior sect brother Luo Yanfang and senior sect brother Liu Wuyuan, it went without saying that their strength was very good. But when they joined this mission, their main objective was still Zou Qingyue. As for exploiting the unspoken rules to gain a slight advantage, one should always take what was free of charge.

    At this time, the second trial soon ended, and thee people shared their thoughts.

    Zou Qingyue lightly sighed: ¡°There are fewer and fewer useful talents among the hundred countries. It¡¯s just a life and death grindstone and yet so many people have died. As for those who were finally able to pa.s.s, there are only thirty two. The number of people eliminated is really too high.¡±

    Liu Wuyuan coldlyughed: ¡°Of course there aren¡¯t any talents at the bordends.¡±

    Luo Yanfang heard him speak this way and instead raised a contradicting argument: ¡°Senior sect brother Liu is greatly confused. Though many of the hundred countries are second or third .s.s countries, if the Hundred Countries Tournament can distinguish their hidden talents,pared to the young hopefuls from the sect¡¯s continent, perhaps they could be even better.¡±

    Wuyuan sneered even more coldly: ¡°Just based on these country b.u.mpkins?¡±

    Yanfang¡¯s expression became odd: ¡°Senior sect brother Liu, could it be that you¡¯ve forgotten someone? That person has been upying the Qingyun Leaderboard for quite a few years. That record has yet to be broken...¡±

    Wuyuan¡¯splexion changed: ¡°Teng Yunfei!¡±

    Yanfang¡¯s voice took on a peculiar tone: ¡°Senior sect brother Teng¡¯s name isn¡¯t something anyone can just casually called out... Senior sect brother Liu, you need to watch your tongue.¡±

    These two unwittingly began to quarrel with one another again.

    Zou Qingyue¡¯s elegant brows tightened. When they started gossiping about that person, she reprimanded: ¡°You two, don¡¯t take things too far! Don¡¯t tell me that you guys honestly think that these words...won¡¯t be pa.s.sed on to certain ears?¡±

    Liu Wuyuan and Luo Yanfang paused.

    Just now, they recalled the topic of their conversation, and they were ovee by a cold sweat...

    Afterwards, Zou Qingyue made the final call: ¡°Those who distinguish themselves in the Hundred Countries Tournament naturally have talent. As for how much talent they have, in the end, we¡¯ll surely find out for ourselves in the future. Any disagreements? Right now, we need to finish the mission, not one-up each other over unfounded matters.¡±

    Once she finished talking, she no longer paid any attention to those two. In her heart, she only took note of some talents whom she thought highly of.

    Following that, Qingyue saw the martial artists below and that nearly everyone was talking. She announced that the crowd would go back to rest for a day, and wait till noon tomorrow to return to this valley. Then, they would conduct the final round¡¯s trial.

    For this round¡¯s trial, because the thirty two people, whosted to the end on the grindstones, could directly advance to the finals, they didn¡¯t need to undergo the uing filter. As for those who withdrew early, if they wanted to forfeit or partic.i.p.ate in the third round¡¯s elimination battles, then they could be processed as soon as possible.

    This kind of arrangement could be counted as reasonable.

    Those who currently had injuries rushed back to heal, and those rted to the deceased hurriedly handled the corpses. They all waited for tomorrow.

    ______

    At night, each and every partic.i.p.ant was very busy.

    Gongyi Tianheng was considered to be the one who was the most rxed. Because, in the end, the second round¡¯s life and death grindstones tested a martial artist¡¯s reaction speed and true qi reserves.

    Regarding the former, Tianheng had been sickly for so many years, so one would never know how much effort he put into appearing like a normal person. He also reached a frightening degree in terms of controlling his own body. To him, the concentrated-looking sword lights weren¡¯t difficult to dispose of.

    As for his true qi reserves, what else was there to say? Six sets of bone pearls was the equivalent of the sum of six people¡¯s true qi. It¡¯d be a wonder if someone could wear him down.

    As a result, Gongyi Tianheng ultimately knocked back only two top grade Qi Generating Pills topletely replenish his true qi. For the remaining time, he slowly worked out the kinks in his martial skills and contemted over his corresponding tactics.

    Compared to other people, he was exceedingly calm.

    Gu Zuo was also very rea.s.sured.

    For the two trials, from beginning to end, no matter if it were Tianheng¡¯s or another martial artist¡¯s performance, they were all observed by him.

    He¡¯d yet to make up for his general knowledge, but his eyesight wasn¡¯t bad.

    Because of his anxiety for Tianheng, he took things seriously, and carefullypared the strengths of the numerous martial artists in the trials ¡ª Although, there were certainly some powerful martial artists concealing themselves, he still took a tally of their approximate levels in his mind.

    As a result, his worry for Tianheng had lessened a lot.

    If those partic.i.p.ants didn¡¯t y any shocking tricks, then while he wouldn¡¯t dare say it was a given that his honorable big brother would win the championship, there were absolutely no problems with Tianheng keeping his life.

    To Gu Zuo, this was enough.

    He also didn¡¯t know what those Immortal realm martial artists were nning, but the third round¡¯s trial was still located in that valley. The previous two times left the b.l.o.o.d.y corpses of many martial artists. Even if the bodies were taken care of, it could still cause a person to feel cold from head to toe.

    ¡ª It definitely wasn¡¯t that those martial artists didn¡¯t ept the life and death trial. Rather, as soon as their strength and apt.i.tude failed topare to their well-known peers, they died so easily. Each of their hearts were somewhat fearful.

    When Gu Zuo arrived in the valley with Gongyi Tianheng, he saw that all the martial artists were divided into groups.

    En, with a rough count, there were four waves.

    On therge boulder, the three aloof Immortal realm judges weren¡¯t included.

    Among the first wave were the hard pressed martial artists who, for whatever reasons, were incapable of proceeding with the tournament. Their Cangyun Empire¡¯s Helian Xingcheng was here. Sure enough, his injuries couldn¡¯t immediately improve and he was already a part of those who couldn¡¯t go on.

    The second wave were those who weren¡¯t able to perfectly pa.s.s the second round and were thrown out halfway. They were lucky to be alive and their injuries weren¡¯t serious. Now, they had to fight over the cements to advance to the finals.

    The third wave was the thirty two people who pa.s.sed yesterday. First, they could watch the fights, then it¡¯d be their turn.

    As for the fourth wave, it was naturally the protectors of the martial artists who were and weren¡¯tpeting. They were Xiantian, one and all. Currently, they were watching over their charges as before.

    Gu Zuo counted, and there were only eighty four people who could partic.i.p.ate.

    Ah, the Hundred Countries Tournament! Each country could put forth a person, but they weren¡¯t limited to just these few... Even though the third round hadn¡¯t started yet, there were already many countries that didn¡¯t have fighters to partic.i.p.ate.

    Apparently, a martial artist¡¯s world was just this cruel.

    Gu Zuo understood a bit in his heart: Survival was truly difficult.

    Fortunately, the Cangyun Empire this time around wasn¡¯t bad.

    Originally, the people the Cangyun Empire put forth numbered six. Gongyi Tianheng appeared fresh and cool, and Cang Yu was handsome and mighty. The two would directly enter the finals, which especially gave the Cangyun Empire face. Next was Duanmu Qingrong, Huangfu Zhanghao, and Sima Yuanyou. None of them died during the trials. Even though they were heavily wounded, they had since recoveredpletely and could take part in the tournament for the cements to the finals. This was still possible, except for Xingcheng. Misfortune befell him again, turning him, who was filled with confidence, into a spectator whose heart was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with resentment.

    Gu Zuo was secretly delighted.

    No matter how the other three young masters performed or if they could fight for a cement, it was the Helian n that lost the most face. Who made them act so treacherously in normal times?

    Tianheng sensed Gu Zuo¡¯s mood, and slightly shook his head while chatting with him in his mind: Ah Zuo, only the Helian n doesn¡¯t have the chance to partic.i.p.ate. I¡¯m afraid they will push the me on to you. From now on, you need to be even more cautious.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled.

    The Helian n still really wants to do this?!

    Then, what was he supposed to do?

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of gravitas.

    Those who were seriously injured yesterday definitely weren¡¯t only Helian Xingcheng. Sima Yuanyou and Duanmu Qingrong¡¯s wounds didn¡¯t seem any lighter than Xingcheng¡¯s.

    It was merely that after a night of recuperation, thetter two had already recoveredpletely. Apparently it was because they were able to dodge in time to avoid any wounds to their internal organs. They were barely able to partic.i.p.ate in the third round. On the contrary, Xingcheng had tried to advance prematurely, which led to this kind of result.

    If Yuanyou and Qingrong were likewise unable to take part in the third round, then it wouldn¡¯t have been so bad. However, only Xingcheng remained now. Perhaps, the Helian n¡¯s fury was burning even fiercer.

    Yet, after reconsidering, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze became deep again.

    No matter what, for the sake of his little pharmacist¡¯s secret and their Gongyi n¡¯s face, it was impossible to give the Helian n a Rejuvenation Pill at this time. Besides, since he didn¡¯t give one to the Sima n and Duanmu n, whose young masters were simrly wounded but weren¡¯t in danger of dying, he naturally didn¡¯t need topromise with the Helian n.

    The Helian n was petty and already bore a grudge against his little pharmacist. If the other three ns couldn¡¯t win a cement today, then they wouldn¡¯t let Ah Zuo slip away.

    So...

    Tianheng tapped Gu Zuo¡¯s head, and quietly said: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips and nodded his head.

    He believed in his big brother. He wasn¡¯t afraid.

    ______

    ______

    [1] ±»ÑÛµ¶×Ó¹ÐÁËÁ½ÏÂ - Thanks to user Charysa for clearing things up!

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 75

    While Gongyi Tianheng silently schemed as well asforted Gu Zuo, the third round¡¯s primary matches had already begun.

    Helian Xingcheng¡¯s face was listless, and he felt deeply humiliated. He wished he could immediately drop everything and leave. Unfortunately, under the gazes of the Immortal realm powerhouses, let alone him, even the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He wouldn¡¯t dare be rash.

    Thus, he could only watch the other renowned young masters go up before an Immortal realm martial artist one by one, and draw lot numbers to determine their fights.

    Duanmu Qingrong was the third person in line to go up.

    In the back, Xingcheng watched their departing figures, and his eyes welled with a bitter resentment which couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    As for this resentful gaze, it just happened to be seen by the Prince Beside the Emperor.

    At first, Cang He¡¯s mood was cheerful, but now hisplexion sank.

    Their Cangyun Empire this time around had made unprecedented achievements. Several times in the past, they could¡¯ve had one or two people persist long enough to vie for cements to the finals. This was extremely difficult. This time, not only did they have their royal family¡¯s meticulously nurtured genius Cang Yu directly advance to the finals, the Gongyi n¡¯s exception was also shocking. The rest weren¡¯t viewed optimistically, but each one hadsted up to this point. This was precisely when they could feel proud of themselves... But then, what the heck was the Helian n to do?

    Cang He wasn¡¯t unable to understand Xingcheng¡¯s mood as the only one to drop out. However, the empire¡¯s interests came first. The empire also needed those who had long-term foresight. If the Helian n was only unhappy in their hearts, then they¡¯d be able to restrain their discontent. He would still value this. However, if the Helian n wasn¡¯t tactful... Then once he returned, he would carefully discuss things with his Emperor-Brother.

    With this line of thinking, Cang He spoke reproachfully: ¡°We are the people of the empire, and for the sake of the empire, we are promoting its .s.s and doing our best to contribute. Does everyone think this way?¡±

    When he talked, his gaze fell to Xingcheng in advance.

    Helian Xingcheng¡¯splexion changed.

    His heart was deeply unwilling, but he still bowed his head at this time.

    His mood waspletely concealed.

    Xingcheng opened his mouth with difficulty: ¡°Yes.¡±

    The Helian n¡¯s protector also could do nothing except nod his head.

    These theatrics were secretly observed by Gu Zuo on the side the whole time.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power wasparatively unrestrained. He also clearly heard the Prince Beside the Emperor chastising the Helian n. His mood immediately improved, and without further dy, he transmitted his voice: Big brother, the person from the royal family also doesn¡¯t like the Helian n!

    Originally, Tianheng wasn¡¯t paying any attention, but once he heard Gu Zuo repeat what happened, he faintly nodded his head: If the person in charge of the n is short-sighted, it could implicate the entire n for a long time and cause them to fall behind. The matters of the Helian n being rather domineering for the past few years and the current n head aren¡¯t without a connection. Perhaps the royal family has already been obstructing them for a while. Just now, that rebuke should¡¯ve included the impact of a very old affair. Once they return, the elders will pa.s.s on the Prince Beside the Emperor¡¯s rebuke. As for whether the n head willply, it¡¯s hard to predict.

    Gu Zuo: ...

    He never thought it was soplicated.

    Tianheng continued to transmit: This is a good thing. The royal family will be fixed on the Helian n. If they rush in indiscriminately, when the timees, not only will we be taking part, but so will the royal family. As for Ah Zuo, you¡¯ll naturally be very safe.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    This was about the royal family and the aristocratic families constraining each other. He, this n.o.body, only needed to stay under the protection of his dear big brother, and properly live his life in the s.p.a.ce between these forces.

    It wasn¡¯t necessary for him to think too much about other things.

    He believed that once this matter was settled, the stuff before could be slowly unravelled before him.

    On the other side of things, the lot number drawing was already finished.

    Gongyi Tianheng was free right now, so Gu Zuo went with him to the front of the tform to watch the matches.

    That¡¯s right, to the front of a tform.

    He didn¡¯t know how those three Immortal realm martial artists did it. At first, eighteenrge grindstones immediately rose up from the ground, which was already really weird. After one night, the grindstones were reced with s.p.a.cious stone tforms. There were as many as six.

    One could see that these were the tournament¡¯s tforms.

    Of course, while they were called fighting tforms, they actually weren¡¯t that particrly high. They were only about one meter tall. The spectating martial artists could easily see what happened on the stages.

    Right now, there were already twenty two martial artists who jumped directly onto one of those stages.

    Because there were eighty four people who were vying for cements, the rule was that the first round would determine forty two winners and the rest would be eliminated. The second round would have twenty one winners, and the rest would be eliminated. The third round would have ten winners and one pa.s.s, and the rest would be eliminated as before. The fourth round would have five winners, plus the one who received the pa.s.s. The six in total would be the people to receive the cements.

    After that, these six would be qualified to enter the finals along with the thirty two who immediately advanced.

    As for what the final¡¯s rules were, they¡¯d be exinedter on.

    At present, the number of cements were really too few. Moreover, once a person lost, they wouldn¡¯t have any more chances. All the martial artists waiting on the stages were getting nervous.

    They really...had no certainty on the oue.

    Very quickly, after the female martial artist Zou Qingyue gave an order, the people on the six stages didn¡¯t hesitate in the least and began to battle one another! As for Liu Wuyuan, Luo Yanfang, and Zou Qingyue, each monitored two stages on their own.

    During this third round¡¯s trial, the selected martial artists were all already lucky talents. As a result, they were also mindful to stay their hands from killing anyone who forfeited.

    This was also considered retaining their talents.

    Duanmu Qingrong was very unfortunate. The first set of elimination fights had fourteen matches, and he just so happened to be one of the six people in the first match up. Unexpectedly, his opponent was an expert from a first .s.s empire.

    Though both were half-step Xiantian, his counterpart¡¯s qi energy was obviously more solid than his. In addition, although they had both suffered defeats, his counterpart had persisted for no less than six hours.

    At this moment, the well-fitting clothes of that young martial artist pped in the wind. Instantly, sharp des of wind were closing in!

    Qingrong¡¯splexion hardened, and his body drew back. His footsteps repeatedly alternated and almost formed several after-images, all to avoid the tips of the tightly bundled wind des.

    Simultaneously, he raised his right arm and held a short sword. shing horizontally in front of him, he shattered the uninterrupted and narrow des.

    There were twelve martial artists fighting each other at this time. However, because it was a Cangyun Empire fight and Gu Zuo really had some sense of belonging to the country, his focus was primarily still on Qingrong.

    He watched very intensely.

    On the side, Tianheng looked calm as he exined to Gu Zuo: ¡°Duanmu Qingrong will lose.¡± He a.s.sessed, ¡°If nothing unexpected happens, it should be within twenty moves.¡±

    Gu Zuo was rmed: ¡°Young master Duanmu is very fearsome. Don¡¯t tell me the gap is this big?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°The opponent is even more fearsome. That martial artist¡¯s time on the grindstone should be too unfavorable. His heart is holding back a ball of fury, and he¡¯s venting his emotions here. Because he¡¯s urgently trying to win a cement, he doesn¡¯t want to waste his time with the first fight. So, he wants to get this done quickly. Duanmu Qingrong meeting him truly is his bad luck.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh. As it turned out, it was like this.

    While he watched Qingrong, there was some sympathy in his eyes.

    Eh, he could try again next time...

    As for Tianheng¡¯s words, he was absolutely certain about them. When he said within twenty moves, it would roughly be within twenty moves.

    Sure enough, just as Tianheng said, each sessive de of that first .s.s empire¡¯s martial artist was sharper than thest. As Qingrong retreated again and again, from smoothly resisting to doing so with difficulty and to being incapable of blocking, it was all within a dozen moves.

    Soon after, a de directly chopped Qingrong¡¯s gut and a gout of blood burst forth. Qingrong was decisive and flipped off the stage.

    ¡°I forfeit!¡±

    That martial artist naturally didn¡¯t pursue a retreating enemy. Qingong just recovered from the shock when hisplexion paled.

    It was a true loss. He honestly didn¡¯t have any excuses.

    After slowly getting his breath back, Qingrong closed his eyes. He had to face the fact that his abilities were not enough.

    He only had this one chance at the Hundred Countries Tournament. He realized that his so-called reputation, his power, and his unique genius in the Cangyun Empire were all basically no more than the opinions of a frog at the bottom of a well.

    A true genius? He...couldn¡¯t be called that.

    With this line of thought, Qingrong quickly calmed down.

    His gaze swept across Cang Yu and Gongyi Tianheng.

    Perhaps, there were only these two people who could truly emerge from the Cangyun Empire.

    Duanmu Qingrong clearly understood that his strength was almost on par with Sima Yuanyou and Huangfu Zhanghao. Even if their performances had slight discrepancies, those differences would only be based on luck.

    But would their luck let them smoothly reach the end?

    That was impossible.

    Thus, for what would happenter, he could already predict the conclusion.

    ______

    Gongyi Tianheng was still giving Gu Zuo exnations on the fighting styles of those battling martial artists.

    Gu Zuo was also listening earnestly.

    Although pharmacists and martial artists had different cultivation systems, when all was said and done, they still needed to work together. The better they understood martial arts, the more advantages they¡¯d have.

    Just as how he once pointed things out to the Gongyi n¡¯s younger generations, Tianheng did his best to educate Gu Zuo. He taught all the things he could make out to him, striving his hardest to raise Gu Zuo¡¯s experience.

    This kind of scene had urred many times over. Not only did Gu Zuo understand even more, Tianheng himself gained some insights into the martial skills of those martial artists from other countries.

    ¡ª Basically, one could still have things to a.n.a.lyze.

    After a few matches, Sima Yuanyou took to the stage, and lost his fight.

    Several matchester, Huangfu Zhanghao and his opponent actually had equivalent strengths. After a bitter struggle, he unexpectedly advanced.

    Like this, the first day came to an end, and the first round pa.s.sed. The second round began the next day.

    Zhanghao¡¯s luck still wasn¡¯t bad. Although he fought as if his life depended on it and suffered heavy injuries, he nevertheless eked out a win.

    For the third round, Zhanghao actually had the good luck of receiving the pa.s.s.

    Thus, Zhanghao pa.s.sed the fourth round.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Just what should he say about this?

    He wondered if the Cangyun Empire was enveloped by a lucky halo in this Hundred Countries Tournament. Or to say, was Huangfu Zhanghao that much of a lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d?

    Tianheng was also somewhat surprised.

    He figured the matter of Yuanyou¡¯s certain defeat, but in his predictions, Zhanghao¡¯s strength should¡¯ve been insufficient to get him one of those six rare cements.

    However, Zhanghao still really got it.

    Though, the process of getting it was rather theatrical...

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 76

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng weren¡¯t the only ones who didn¡¯t predict this. Everyone present didn¡¯t antic.i.p.ate this happening.

    The Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He stared nkly ahead. Then, he couldn¡¯t help pping andughing heartily: ¡°Good, good, good! Our Cangyun Empire actually has three people advancing to the finals. This is seriously the best!¡±

    The numerous martial artists of the Cangyun Empire all reacted differently.

    Duanmu Qingrong and Sima Yuanyou¡¯s expressions were very odd.

    But the Helian n members recalled that Zhanghao previously received a Gongyi n medicinal pill. Suddenly having this kind of luck would make one think: If it were Helian Xingcheng who entered these matches, maybe the one to have this luck could¡¯ve been him? Whether jealousy or reproachfulness, their emotions were a jumbled mess. Yet, even more than that, they were unwilling.

    Although Zhanghao was ordinarily cold and arrogant, there was a sh of rapture in his eyes.

    He took a deep breath. Standing next to his own Xiantian protector, it was as if he didn¡¯t notice the needle-like gazes from all the martial artists from the other countries.

    This was his luck. If possible, he hoped to recover faster. He also had topete with others for several matches in the finals!

    ______

    On a stone tform.

    Zou Qingyue nced at Zhanghao: ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±

    Liu Wuyuan pondered for a moment: ¡°Apparently, he¡¯s a martial artist from a third .s.s empire.¡±

    Luo Yanfang said: ¡°That¡¯s Huangfu Zhanghao, a partic.i.p.ant from the Cangyun Empire. His strength is regarded as only average. That he could make it to this final juncture is entirely based on luck.¡±

    Zou Qingyue revealed a hint of a smile: ¡°An extremely lucky person is also beneficial to the sect.¡±

    Yanfang said: ¡°Momentary luck shouldn¡¯t be utilized.¡±

    Wuyuan interjected: ¡°It could also be abination of luck and skill.¡±

    In this way, the three spoke for a bit, and all of them had their own opinions.

    Atst, Zou Qingyue said: ¡°In the end, whether if it¡¯s luck or skill, we¡¯ll see it in his performance in the finals. If it¡¯s thetter, then we could actually make an exception...¡±

    Luo Yanfang and Liu Wuyuan heard this and both nodded their heads: ¡°What junior sect sister says is true.¡±

    Such statements about luck were only briefly hinted at, and weren¡¯t brought up again. These kinds of words absolutely weren¡¯t information that could be known by the citizens of the other empires.

    There were only those who genuinely walked certain paths that could¡¯ve glimpsed at bits and pieces of their conversation. However, that was something to deal with in the future.

    Down below.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the fourth round¡¯s five winners emerged. Among them, two were from first .s.s empires, and three were from second .s.s empires. As for third .s.s empires, there was only Huangfu Zhanghao.

    At this point, they¡¯d be candidates who could partic.i.p.ate in the finals.

    ¡ª They were on the verge of joining the ones who bested the grindstones and advance to the final battles.

    Their achievements would determine the status of their countries.

    They didn¡¯t have to wait till the next day for the finals. Rather, it would begin immediately.

    Right away, it was time to draw lots again. The remaining thirty eight people would conduct their matches on the six tforms.

    This time, because of the number of people, there would still be two rounds where someone would take a free pa.s.s. If there was a lucky person who could persevere through the first set of matches, that person would automatically advance since there would be neen people during the second round.

    After calcting with great difficulty, Gu Zuo silently transmitted his voice: Big brother, you said that Huangfu Zhanghao might be able to keep pa.s.sing?

    Gongyi Tianheng looked calm: Anything is possible.

    ...If he was able to win in the first round.

    Gu Zuo understood this kind of subtle, unspoken dialogue.

    However, the lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d Zhanghao definitely wasn¡¯t the most important one now. The most important one was his honorable big brother. After how many b.l.o.o.d.y trials, he¡¯d finallye to the part where he could fight face to face.

    He didn¡¯t know this time around, but what ranking did his big brother want to get?

    Yes, after Gu Zuo watched the performances of those martial artists, he felt that the ranking and so on were already firmly under his big brother¡¯s control. He could get whatever rank he wanted. Even if a great majority of his opponents were half-step Xiantian, to his big brother, they were merely peak Houtian ninth stage martial artists who¡¯dpletely condensed their bone pearls. He could suppress them all one by one.

    Merely, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to guess what his big brother was specifically thinking. But no matter what, he certainly had a n... Right?

    Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t ask.

    His thoughts, which still kept worrying about Tianheng, caused him to start second-guessing himself when he watched the battles on the tform previously.

    Tianheng¡¯s appearance wasposed. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t see how he moved, but he was already before the three Immortal realm martial artists. The thirty eight people were well-behaved, and when that Zou Qingyue shot her hand out, the dozens of dusky tiles that flew out like lightning were quickly grabbed by them!

    Immediately after that, they lowered their heads and looked at the contents of the tiles.

    On the tiles were written countless names.

    Each one that a martial artist grabbed had the name of their opponent.

    Perhaps it was through some furtive pull, but there actually wasn¡¯t a single martial artist who grabbed their own name.

    The allocation wasn¡¯t considered very challenging.

    Next, that Liu Wuyuan scattered a handful of wooden lots.

    And written on these lots were grade numbers divided from one to four, which were the sequence they were to get on the tforms.

    After that, the finals were about to begin.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t read them urgently. Once he returned to Gu Zuo¡¯s side, he took out the tile and lot.

    Written on the tile: Feiyu Country, Zheng Hong, Half-step Xiantian.

    The wooden lot had the number one.

    Gu Zuo understood with a nce: ¡°Big brother, take care.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be going.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved his hand.

    Tianheng¡¯s footsteps created a gust of wind and his body became an indistinct shadow as he shed by. Hisnding on the right side of the stone tform was neither fast nor slow.

    This body technique was too fast. Many people didn¡¯t have enough time to see his movements before he was already standing on the tform.

    On the contrary, after waiting for a few moments, his opponent Zheng Hong dropped onto the other end of the tform like a leopard.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t see the particrs of Tianheng¡¯s movements. After staring distractedly, he focused his psychic power in his eyes.

    This time, when he looked at the tform, everything was clearer.

    In his mind, he inwardly thought: It seems big brother¡¯s strength has had a new change...

    That¡¯s right. Tianheng never deliberately concealed when he practiced his martial arts, but Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t see through this time¡¯s footwork. So he could¡¯ve had a very recent insight.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel it was especially odd.

    Because the martial skills his big brother learned were usually improved versions and his cultivation method was self-created, the moves he employed would be like a heavenly steed soaring across the skies. As for the change in appearance while fighting, that¡¯d be making a fuss about nothing.

    ______

    Gongyi Tianheng was already shing with Zheng Hong.

    Zheng Hong was a talented martial artist from a second .s.s empire. He was only twenty one years old, and was a half-step Xiantian realm. Under his guidance, his every move faintly carried the power of heaven and earth. This at least doubled the power of his martial skills. This also matched his treacherous body techniques. In merely the blink of an eye, he already carried out over ten consecutive moves, which nketed Tianheng from all directions.

    Then, Tianheng acted.

    His feet slightly staggered as his body became smoke-like. And although it looked like he acted very agilely, it unexinably gave people the impression that he was actually very slow. This seemingly slow martial skill steadily resisted Zheng Hong¡¯s every move. Each of Tianheng¡¯s fists that hit his flesh made thumping sounds.

    Gu Zuo heard those sounds and suddenly felt a little jittery.

    It was as if all these impatient noises wanted to pour into your skull. Each one would leave your heartbeat in an abnormal state, like it was being suspended from a string. With your pulse suddenly slowing or quickening, it was extremely hard to bear.

    Under these sounds, you¡¯d feel like you¡¯d want to vomit, but nothing woulde out. There was a brain-piercing buzzing like you¡¯ve suffered heavy blows to the head over and over again!

    Gu Zuo, who almost lost consciousness, bundled his body in psychic energy.

    This way of using it could be considered flexible armor, a defensive object that would protect his body. Isted from those noises, he gradually rxed.

    At this moment, he abruptly reacted.

    It was a rhythmic sensation.

    When his big brother exchanged blows with that person, the sounds that were produced could be called an ursed rhythm!

    That was practically cheating...

    Gu Zuo flung his head around, hisplexion paling as he looked at his surroundings.

    At this time, he discovered that those Xiantian martial artists were merely furrowing their brows, but the partic.i.p.ating martial artists who were holding their numbered tiles were revealing jittery looks.

    Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t have psychic power. They could only forcefully endure it, leaving each of theirplexions miserable.

    The Immortal realms monitoring the tforms were also paying attention.

    Zou Qingyue¡¯s looks changed: ¡°Eh?¡±

    Liu Wuyuan nced at Gongyi Tianheng. His expression didn¡¯t look too good as he clicked his tongue: ¡°Just a minor aplishment.¡±

    Luo Yanfang gave a rare approval this time: ¡°One should seize every opportunity.¡±

    Zou Qingyue¡¯s gaze swept across the two and didn¡¯t speak again.

    She still paid attention to this seedling, and felt that his methods were very modern. Merely, she also couldn¡¯t disagree with the other two as a consequence.

    Let alone what those Immortal realm powerhouses thought, the reactions of just those partic.i.p.ating martial artists in the audience were so intense. One could well imagine what Zheng Hong, who was fighting with Tianheng on the stage, was feeling.

    Oh, if one wanted to summarize... It was just like being dragged into a quagmire and having someone ring a golden church bell covering his head. Strike after ferocious strike left him dizzy with blurred vision. He opened his mouth, feeling like he needed to throw up.

    Zheng Hong¡¯s heart was embittered.

    What kind of monster did he encounter? There were martial skills he¡¯d never seen before. There were many styles that looked familiar, yet weren¡¯t. And he wanted to resist the changing moves, but more and more emerged. When he was fast, the guy seemed slow but was actually fast, and when he was slow, the guy seemed fast but was actually slow. In short, what his eyes could see waspletely different from what he could sense.

    He was being led by the nose...

    After exchanging two or three hundred moves, Zheng Hong found his head hurting more and more and his eyes were seeing stars. When he made his moves, it was even harder to judge his opponent¡¯s momentum. Unwittingly, his body had already suffered dozens of attacks.

    If this continued, he might simply be beaten to death!

    As for his opponent?

    Zheng Hong barely cracked his eyes open to see that his counterpart was still calm and unruffled. Each of his moves were still familiar and unfamiliar, so much so that it was as if he¡¯d already been struck many times over...

    He suddenly understood.

    His opponent was letting him save face, and keep his life.

    If he didn¡¯t tactfully forfeit, then the consequences might be very wretched.

    After that, Gu Zuo, with his five sharpened senses down below, heard Zheng Hong speak.

    ¡°I forfeit.¡±

    Gu Zuo abruptly revealed a great, big smile.

    He realized that his big brother had won, as expected!

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 77

    The instant Zheng Hong forfeited, Gongyi Tianheng stopped his hand.

    And just as he stopped his hand, the sensations that left people jittery immediately faded away.

    Zheng Hong shook his head. Previously, it felt so heavy. The pain of holding down a big rock in his stomach had scattered at this moment. He felt his whole body lighten, but his frame of mind wasn¡¯t the least bit rxed.

    He lost.

    He burst into the finals with great difficulty, but he lost in the first round. This kind of loser was doomed to only be reduced to a ¡°phoenix tail.¡± [1]

    ording to the rules of the Hundred Countries Tournament, each country that entered the finals could receive rewards from the Qingyun Sect. They could also have their invisible rank upgraded. But, the amount it was upgraded and the amount of rewards obtained all relied on how well their representative fought.

    If it was a country that didn¡¯t enter the finals, their talented martial artist was just a flickering light. If there was a martial artist who entered the finals and issued them a challenge, then that country¡¯s position might change.

    ¡ª For example.

    Suppose a certain first .s.s empire¡¯s martial artists suffered aplete wipeout, and didn¡¯t have anyone in the finals. If a second .s.s empire¡¯s martial artist entered the finals and obtained a particr ranking, he could possess the right to issue a challenge. If that first .s.s empire had all its martial artists die, then the challenger wouldn¡¯t have to fight and would win by default. The challenger¡¯s country of origin would be promoted to a first .s.s empire and that first .s.s empire would drop to second .s.s. Both sides would switch positions.

    And suppose the first .s.s empire still had some people left over. Then, the challenger would challenge the opposite party¡¯s martial artists. After continuously besting three people, they would simrly be able to take the other empire¡¯s rank.

    Merely, in order to prevent the situation from bing too chaotic, third .s.s empires couldn¡¯t skip ahead to challenge first .s.s empires.

    Just as the current Cangyun Empire was .s.sified as a third .s.s empire, if Tianheng and the others obtained good rankings, they could go challenge a second .s.s empire that didn¡¯t have any martial artists who entered the finals. Thereby striving to promote the Cangyun Empire to a second .s.s empire.

    Zheng Hong¡¯s current situation was that he already lost the qualifications to promote his own empire. As a loser who lost in the first round, after the finals ended, he could only challenge others who simrly lost in the first round. Once he beat them, he could forcibly take the other finalist¡¯s rewards. The more people he beat, the more rewards he could take. In a country with an identical .s.s, the stronger his empire¡¯s position would be.

    How could this not leave him disappointed?

    However, Zheng Hong¡¯s dejection wasn¡¯t a rare case at all. In the initial neen fights of the first round, there was bound to be neen people to suffer the same fate as him.

    As for the achievements of the winner at life, Gongyi Tianheng, he didn¡¯t look down upon Zheng Hong at this time. He also didn¡¯t reveal any smug expressions; he simply looked the same as always. Just then, using the same strange footwork when he got on the stage, he instantly returned to the small territory of the Prince Beside the Emperor and the others.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes faintly shined.

    He customarily opened his mouth and said: ¡°Congrattions, big brother!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s fingers previously twitched to ruffle his hair, but stopped themselves.

    There were currently many people watching him. A few actions in front of them could still be taken note of. Otherwise, it needn¡¯t be said that it would give people a misunderstanding and adversely affect his little pharmacist¡¯s safety.

    Gu Zuo looked Tianheng up and down for a bit. He found that there really wasn¡¯t the slightest injury, and was very pleased.

    In his mind, he transmitted his voice: Big brother, do you need a Qi Generating Pill?

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes held a smile: No need, Ah Zuo.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    His big brother meant that the match just now was just a warm up.

    It was just that easy!

    On several other tforms, three or four matches still hadn¡¯t ended.

    Gu Zuo was just listening to Tianheng¡¯s exnations when he sensed that there was a gap in strength between the martial artists of the finals and those from the previous battles. He also gradually came to understand the subtleties and weak points of a few moves in his heart.

    ording to his big brother¡¯s suggestions, the more he knew, the more likely he was to realize the opportunity to release his psychic power to stop his opponent in the future. If he was skilled, he wouldn¡¯t even need to be forced to use his silver drill to try and explode his opponent¡¯s head. He would just need to use his psychic power¡¯s silver needle. With that opportune strike, he could even get a result with half the work and twice the effect! This could cut down on a lot of psychic power.

    Gu Zuo thought deeply.

    His psychic power was limited. Just like true qi, the more proficiently he used it, the bigger the advantage he had.

    He could continue honing himself this way.

    Very quickly, the first set of matches ended. The winners were already determined.

    In the subsequent second set, it was astonishingly Huangfu Zhanghao on the first tform!

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    It was because Zhanghao¡¯s opponent... Why did he seem to be strong in appearance, but weak in reality?

    Tianheng¡¯s expression suddenly became a little subtle.

    Gu Zuo hesitatingly said: ¡°Young master Huangfu¡¯s opponent is...¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°It was during the second round¡¯s trial. He¡¯s someone who persevered to the end. However, at that time, he suffered twenty to thirty sword wounds and lost a lot of qi energy. Although he could directly enter the finals, if he didn¡¯t have a long time to recuperate, he¡¯d be in a state where he couldn¡¯t recover. In this trial, appears a situation where someone who pa.s.sed has worser injuries than someone who didn¡¯t pa.s.s. Only here could there be such a thing.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    In other words, that lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d Zhanghao would still continue on, right?

    He didn¡¯t know how to describe this kind of feeling.

    Because of this, Gu Zuo developed a very strong interest.

    To be honest, he was just a teenager. In the modern era, with the information age¡¯s big bang, although he wasparatively busy with his livelihood and stayed at home, he also heard others mention a few topics from time to time.

    Like this case of being born with exceptionally good luck. When someone rarely talked about it, he merely considered it as listening to gossip, and didn¡¯t particrly pay much attention. He even thought that it was just hearsay.

    He didn¡¯t expect that he could really see this kind of person.

    The following development came as no surprise. Huangfu Zhanghao was none too gentle as he defeated his opponent. Unexpectedly, he smoothly advanced once again!

    This would leave anyone amazed. After the third and fourth set of matches on the tforms ended, when the winners drew lots again, Zhanghao got the free pa.s.s again!

    This was truly...

    The corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth curled: ¡°Big brother, I think maybe young master Huangfu will reach the end just like this. What do you think?¡±

    This time, Tianheng shook his head: ¡°No.¡±

    Gu Zuo was stumped: ¡°Why?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°He could pa.s.s the second round, but he¡¯ll still need to fight in the third round. Among the many martial artists currently fighting, there aren¡¯t any who¡¯re weak. It would be in the fourth round that there would be another free pa.s.s. [2] If nothing unexpected happens,, then Zhanghao should stop at the third round.¡±

    He somewhat muttered to himself and said: ¡°However, even though it¡¯s like this, Zhanghao¡¯s luck can be said to be excellent.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo heard this, he thought it over and felt that what Tianheng said was very reasonable.

    It was only if there was a martial artist who got the stomach flu during the third round. Otherwise...

    The second round¡¯s matches immediately began after that.

    Gongyi Tianheng was still in the first set to go on stage. He still fought using that method that left a person jittery. His opponent guarded against it early on, but there were some fighting styles that he definitely couldn¡¯t resist without preparation. This was just the kind of Gongyi Tianheng who would leave a personpletely out of sorts. As it happened, there was no way to deal with him.

    Just like before, after two or three hundred moves, Tianheng leisurely won.

    No matter how the others watched him in this time¡¯s fight, they still couldn¡¯t tell how much power he had in the end. It left them unaware of the limits of the trump cards he¡¯d y. Yet, he really was just this effortless.

    However, while Tianheng¡¯s performance was a little strange, it was far from being conspicuous.

    After all, each martial artist who could reach this stage had their own hidden tricks. Each match was also unusually brilliant with its own outstanding points.

    In fact, each time a certain martial artist used his martial skill, it practically shook the earth. It truly left people stunned, and they viewed him as a formidable opponent.

    However, in one match, there were two battling martial artists who were both on the brink of losing.

    Through this pyrrhic victory, both their bodies were in tatters.

    This kind of injury obviously couldn¡¯t be treated in a short time.

    Gu Zuo felt a little like sighing.

    He didn¡¯t know why but he had a premonition in his heart... After that, he turned his head to look at his big brother.

    Tianheng also stopped: ¡°Ah Zuo, keep watching.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes twitched: ¡°Okay.¡±

    This matter¡¯s development...still had the pattern of something unexpected.

    The third round¡¯s lot drawing.

    The lot Zhanghao drew was that person. It was precisely the martial artist whocked the strength to fight again.

    This round was even more ridiculous than the first round. The opponent didn¡¯t even have the strength to stand on the stage. Huangfu Zhanghao didn¡¯t fight and just won!

    At this time, Tianheng showed another victory. Yet, besides Gu Zuo and Gongyi Zhuoyue, the members of the Cangyun Empire¡¯s aristocratic families were all paying attention to Zhanghao.

    ¡ª Not him. This was because his experience was already too legendary.

    Though he didn¡¯t carry everyone¡¯s expectations, when it was time to draw lots for the fourth round, he still go the free pa.s.s again! He directly advanced to the top three ces!

    At this time, Princess Yaomin, who always calmly apanied Cang Yu, let loose qi energy that could propel a person for five hundred kilometers. With the voice of a little cutie, she said: ¡°Imperial elder brother, this, this is very weird.¡±

    Cang Yu¡¯s expression was also very peculiar. He thought it over and slowly shook his head: ¡°Perhaps... the Immortal realm powerhouses would know what¡¯s going on?¡±

    He bitterlyughed in his heart ¡ª Huangfu Zhanghao had luck that was in defiance of the natural order. Gongyi Tianheng had enigmatic strength. As for him, although he risked his life to reach the fourth round, it was clear that it was impossible for him to win in the fourth round¡¯s matches.

    To say nothing of Duanmu Qingrong and Sima Yuanyou, their faces showed bitter smiles. They only felt that this matter was hard to put into words. Even at this moment, Helian Xingcheng somewhat forgot the humiliation the Gongyi n brought him. Switching over to Zhanghao, there arose a trace of jealousy and resentment.

    Xingcheng had always been blessed by the heavens and his luck was always extremely good. And after this Hundred Countries Tournament, it was like all his luck had been transferred to Zhanghao...

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes beheld everything.

    His gaze slightly flickered.

    ...The Gongyi n, the royal family, and now the Huangfu n on top of that.

    Ruminating over calctions like this, Tianheng¡¯s sleeves lowered. He turned his head to see that Gu Zuo met his gaze.

    Gu Zuo was also felt it was interesting: ¡°Big brother, this time, you didn¡¯t guess correctly.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Yes. I guessed wrong this time.¡± His vision immediately turned distant, ¡°Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s luck is truly enigmatic...¡±

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] (ÁúÍ·)·ïÎ² - Long tou feng wei, dragon¡¯s head, phoenix¡¯s tail, based on the negative connotation »¢Í·ÉßÎ² (tiger¡¯s head, snake¡¯s tail: strong start, but weak finish).

    [2]

    1st Round: 38 -> 19.

    2nd Round: 18+1 -> 9+1.

    3rd Round: 10 -> 5.

    4th Round: 4+1 -> 2+1.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 78

    The four people still remaining had to carry out two matches. The two who won would enter the top three. Afterwards, they could vie over those top three ces. As for those numerous martial artists below them, they could only fight for the remaining rankings.

    At this time, someone discovered that in this rendition¡¯s Hundred Countries Tournament, there was a third .s.s empire that actually appeared to have...unprecedented abilities.

    Currently, there was the lucky Huangfu Zhanghao who already entered the top three. He was from the Cangyun Empire. Of the remaining four fighting over the top three, two were also from the Cangyun Empire.

    If those two Cangyun martial artists triumphed in these matches, wouldn¡¯t the top three positions all be in the Cangyun Empire¡¯s bag? Even if it were one victory and one loss, or if both simply suffered defeat, the achievements of the Cangyun Empire this time would¡¯ve still surpa.s.sed all the other countries ¡ª Correct. Even those first .s.s empires couldn¡¯t bepared to the Cangyun Empire right now.

    This just made everyone think: What was the mysterious background of that Cangyun Empire?

    After they carefully thought it over, they realized that although the Cangyun Empire could¡¯ve always been nning ahead, generation after generation, it was merely only one of the several strongest third .s.s empires. Perhaps they could asionallypare to a second .s.s empire whoseprehensive strength was very weak. But when it came to them pressuring the developmental trends of a first .s.s empire like this time, then it truly left people bbergasted ¡ª It felt inconceivable.

    And there were conspiracy theorists who thought that maybe the Cangyun Empire had been hibernating for many years and was now intent on ¡°waking up¡± [1]. Merely, they had second thoughts and realized that even if the national power of the Cangyun Empire was great, even if the Cangyun Empire truly hid its strength and made schemes early on, it couldn¡¯t guarantee these kinds of achievements all of a sudden.

    Supposing that only one person could enter the top five... On the contrary, this was still somewhat normal.

    In reality, these people had indeed guessed correctly.

    This time around, if it weren¡¯t for Gongyi Tianheng meeting Gu Zuo and having his rubbish body fixed, he certainly wouldn¡¯t be here. And if he weren¡¯t here, Huangfu Zhanghao wouldn¡¯t have received a Rejuvenation Pill to save his life. If it had been like that, then there¡¯d only be the one meticulously nurtured by the royal family, the exceptionally talented Cang Yu who actually schemed a hundred ways to get here. He could¡¯ve risen into the top ten or even the top five.

    If it was like this, the Cangyun Empire would¡¯ve received the attention of many discerning people, but it wouldn¡¯t have astonished them like right now.

    However, now wasn¡¯t the time to consider this.

    After Gu Zuo teased his big brother, he watched Tianheng leap onto the stage.

    The opponent Tianheng greeted had already been exined to Gu Zuo previously. The strength left in the martial artist was nearly the same as Cang Yu.

    And Cang Yu¡¯s opponent, whose cheers were especially loud, was a seeded yer from a first .s.s empire.

    ¡ª The Qingcang Empire¡¯s unrivaled genius, who was first ce in the first round¡¯s trial: Hecheng Feng.

    Although this kind of distribution was the result of drawing lots, there wasn¡¯t anything significantly fishy going on.

    On the contrary, because it was like this, people felt it was fair.

    If Tianheng fought Hecheng Feng and Cang Yu fought the other person, the ultimate winner of the formerbination would naturally be very convincing. However, thetterbination would inevitably make people somewhat disapprove.

    Yes, if it weren¡¯t for Zhanghao¡¯s previously eye-catching good luck, Tianheng and Hecheng Feng would¡¯ve been the most powerful martial artists. Now that the shock Zhanghao brought had already quieted down a little, the battle between them returned to its initial appearance ¡ª Bing something that people antic.i.p.ated the most.

    Beneath the tform, Gu Zuo¡¯s vision swung back and forth between both sides.

    Of course, for each match from start to finish and no matter what kind of opponent he faced, his big brother used the exact same strategy, with the exact same frequency, and with the exact same att.i.tude. He whittled down his opponent¡¯s true qi and threw his opponent¡¯s tempo into disarray, thereby winning.

    After each of his matches ended, those watching were unable to tell how much true qi he used up or whether if he still had trump cards.

    This time also was no exception.

    Even though it was already the final match determining the top three ces, the opponent still had the vague appearance of an average martial artist. And simrly, within two or three hundred ¡ª Uh, no. Perhaps, the strength of the opponent this time wasn¡¯t ordinary, or perhaps it was due to Tianheng feeling that he should change things up. The opponent withstood four to five hundred moves before his rhythm gradually copsed. With his clothes drenched with sweat, he was unable to resist.

    Moreover, there was the other martial artist of the Cangyun Empire. Wasn¡¯t Cang Yu and Hecheng Feng¡¯s battle entirely one-sided?

    Hecheng Feng was a seeded yer, and nurtured by a first .s.s empire. He even had a bit of reputation with the Qingyun Sect. How could he not have real martial arts in his possession?

    Cang Yu fought for a little over one hundred moves before he fell to a disadvantageous position.

    At this time, he profoundly understood that when the many opponents he met before were added together, they still didn¡¯t threaten him as much as Hecheng Feng did.

    This was reality.

    In addition to the one ama.s.sing the luck of heaven and earth, there was the one who could be considered an extremely rare genius. Ordinary and extraordinary talents had risen up from a third .s.s empire. Even if their Xiantian qualifications weren¡¯t inferior to those first .s.s empires, their life experiences [2] and their Houtian cultivations were limited. These things created this kind of chasm-like disparity for them.

    To say the least, he was unable to bridge the gap at this time.

    And until one chanced upon a fortuitous encounter in the future, everyone wouldn¡¯t be able to stand at the same starting line... But this was only a rough estimate.

    Cang Yu also wasn¡¯t too disappointed.

    In the empire, he was secretly nurtured by experiencing many more life and death trials than those five young masters of the imperial capital¡¯s ns. Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t included for the time being, but if it were the other four, they definitely weren¡¯tparable to Cang Yu.

    His will was extremely tough, and couldn¡¯t bepared to ordinary martial artists.

    Although his prospects declined more and more, Cang Yu¡¯s mind was actually considering an idea ¡ª

    He was already doomed to lose to Hecheng Feng. So if he put forth all his efforts and used up more of Hecheng Feng¡¯s strength, when it was time for his and Tianheng¡¯s match, could he increase Tianheng¡¯s odds of sess?

    However, in the end, Cang Yu wasn¡¯t someone without a brain.

    Martial artists often had to do their best in all aspects, but there were many times they had to smoothlypromise ¡ª Naturally, this definitely wasn¡¯t saying that they had to restrain their own pride to bow and bend their knees. Rather, they had to consider that they shouldn¡¯t be the one who attracted the most attention during non-mandatory situations.

    ...This could also been considered a self-defensive method to avert trouble.

    The current Cangyun Empire was already very conspicuous. Among them, the astonishingly lucky Zhanghao was too strange, so onlookers didn¡¯t say anything about it. Cang Yu lost this time and only settled in the top ten, receiving some apuse. All except Tianheng. If he beat that first .s.s empire¡¯s seeded yer, even if he won fair and square, it could possibly ruin that first .s.s empire¡¯s potential ns and draw their ire.

    ¡ª This was a hidden danger.

    So, what was Gongyi Tianheng thinking about?

    Cang Yu would be a partic.i.p.ant in the top ten, and he would inevitably go on to challenge a second .s.s empire and forcibly take their rank. If Tianheng needed an even greater certainty of beating Hecheng Feng, if he still had a valuable technique that could only be used once, he¡¯d need to use it immediately ¡ª Once Tianheng won first ce, the empire of this number one martial artist could naturally be promoted to a second .s.s empire. And if Tianheng had such intentions, he could stop himself in time should Hecheng Feng be too difficult to deal with. Tianheng could forfeit in advance, and then make preparations for the challenges taking ce immediately after. At the same time, if Tianheng wasn¡¯t aiming for first ce, he wouldn¡¯t use up too much strength. Doing the challenges together with him would up their chances of sess by ten percent. [3]

    Both methods previously mentioned would be good for the Cangyun Empire.

    Yet, the crucial point was still Gongyi Tianheng.

    As Cang Yu thought this, his gaze fell upon Tianheng.

    At this time, he found that Tianheng had just won, and Tianheng¡¯s eyes were also looking at him as if he¡¯d expected it... For a split second, Cang Yu was slightly amazed.

    But he calmed down very quickly.

    While his attentions were split, his falling prospects grew increasingly clear. Yet, just at this time, he saw Tianheng faintly shake his head. He understood in the blink of an eye.

    Cang Yu didn¡¯t dy. The longsword in his hands suddenly hacked at Hecheng Feng. When the lengthy halberd in Hecheng Feng¡¯s hands immediately swept out, he quickly retreated and jumped off the stage!

    ¡°This contestant Cang concedes defeat. I forfeit.¡± He thus stated.

    He Chengfeng withdrew the halberd with ease.

    He won.

    Hence, those vying for the top three became Hecheng Feng, Gongyi Tianheng, and Huangfu Zhanghao.

    Cang Yu and the other martial artist who lostpared notes. The two bitterly struggled for a long time, but Cang Yu still begrudgingly lost.

    Naturally, Cang Yu didn¡¯t fight with his all. The gap between fourth and five ce definitely wasn¡¯t so obvious.

    Up until now, the looks of envy and even malice that the Cangyun Empire was receiving were even greater.

    Cang He looked all around and stood upright and unafraid.

    Since the empire could have these kinds of achievements, as the empire¡¯s Prince Beside the Emperor, he couldn¡¯t show the tiniest weakness!

    At this moment, the members of the Five Great ns, including Princess Yaomin, all stood majestic and tall.

    Even the Helian n simrly stationed themselves around the Prince Beside the Emperor ¡ªRegardless of the amount of hatred they had, at the very least, they had to safeguard their own empire at this time.

    Gu Zuo sensed everything that happened and sighed a little in his heart.

    ns. Empires.

    There were many things rooted in one¡¯s blood that he didn¡¯t resonate with. Yet, if he thought about his dad, he could also roughly understand.

    Ah, camaraderie...

    After that, Gu Zuo flung his head back.

    What was he feeling rueful about now? He was daydreaming too much.

    The most crucial point right now was that his surrogate big brother was about to fight with Hecheng Feng!

    In the fight for the top three ces, drawing lots again wasn¡¯t necessary.

    Discerning people would all know that Zhanghao had relied on luck to get here. During the matches for the top three, it wouldn¡¯t be likely to make Tianheng and Hecheng Feng both suffer first. After that, wouldn¡¯t Zhanghao be the ¡°king of no fighting¡±?

    As a result, it was arranged for Zhanghao and Tianheng to fight.

    Since not drawing lots was considered to be restraining Zhanghao, it was in consideration of Zhanghao¡¯s needs topensate a little ¡ª An ally versus an ally wouldn¡¯t create any danger to one¡¯s life.

    Huangfu Zhanghao absent-mindedly entered the top three ces. Even he himself never expected it. He¡¯d watched many scenes of Tianheng fighting others, and clearly understood that he wasn¡¯t Tianheng¡¯s opponent.

    Thus, he made a decision in his heart long ago.

    After a little more than ten moves with Tianheng, he experienced that sense of defeat. He immediately pulled back and forfeited.

    Soon after, Zhanghao met with Hecheng Feng ¡ª He discovered the killing intent in his eyes.

    And before his counterpart unleashed himself, Zhanghao forfeited at once.

    Finally, it was Tianheng and Hecheng Feng¡¯s turn to fight.

    Gu Zuo secretly wrung his fingers.

    In the end, was his big brother going to win or not...

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

    ______

    [1] ·­Éí - Fan shen, to turn over (when lying down), to free oneself, or change one¡¯s fate.

    [2] ³öÉúºóµÄÑÛ½ç - Chu sheng hou (after one is born) de yan jie (scope, ken, knowledge)

    [3] This whole paragraph was a little difficult for me. I¡¯ll probably have to work on it some more.

    ______

    T/N: I have a paper to write, so the next chapter may be dyed to the weekend. Also, does anyone know if it¡¯s Hecheng Feng or He Chengfeng?

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 79

    Everyone¡¯s gazes all converged on these two people.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression showed a bit of gravitas. He seemed very solemn walking forward step by step. No one knew what kind of exquisite footwork he used, but in the blink of an eye, he arrived on the tform. At the same time, a silver spear appeared in his hand. Its appearance was no longer as unconstrained as it was before.

    The helpless Gu Zuo who immediately delivered the spear to Tianheng just as he heard his big brother¡¯s transmitted voice: ¡°...¡±

    Big brother¡¯s excellent performing skills!

    When his voice was transmitted, obviously it was done very casually.

    He Chengfeng also seemed very grave. His forearm moved forwards slightly and the palm of his hand gripped a halberd.

    This halberd looked extremely heavy. It was over two meters long, and the end of the halberd had a double-crescent de. It flickered with a cold light, and was very frightening.

    Generally speaking, a person who used this kind of weapon would be especially confident in themselves. If they used this weapon well, its reach would be able to catch quite a few people. It would certainly be very convenient. If they didn¡¯t use it well, then it was just being wielded for appearance¡¯s sake without any substance. One would be making a fool of themselves.

    And from He Chengfeng¡¯s previous performances, was he someone who could only act like he could wield it?

    Certainly not.

    So, he must¡¯ve had a set of powerful martial skills on hand that were tailor-made for this halberd.

    When Tianheng looked at this halberd, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was even more subtle.

    He couldn¡¯t help thinking back to that time in the vi when his honorable big brother indeed wielded eighteen different weapons. Although there were several kinds he ultimately picked, seeing the halberd stance this rare person take was too... Okay, maybe it was normal for the other person to be more vignt.

    He Chengfeng also leapt onto the tform.

    His footwork looked very heavy, but when he dropped onto the stage, his footsteps didn¡¯t issue the slightest of sounds. This was sufficient proof that his control over his own body was already brought to the peak of perfection. This caused the eyes of numerous martial artists watching below to shine. They were emotionally moved.

    An expert! This was an absolute expert!

    They gave it a thought. If they were in He Chengfeng¡¯s position, could they do it that wlessly?

    They couldn¡¯t.

    In the face of such high-level battles, the waves in their hearts were naturally surging.

    At this point, the mood was set and the whirlwind actors felt pretty good. The two moved simultaneously, and all at once, the spear and halberd shed against each other!

    The spear was like a floating dragon and the halberd was like a fierce tiger. When the spear shaft swept across, it was like a dragon crying out to the high heavens, and when the halberd chopped down, it was like a tiger roaring in the jungle. The figures of two people crossed paths: The spear shed and stabbed, and the halberd sliced and gouged [1]!

    The two fully disyed their high-level martial skills. Yet, when the spear attacked or guarded, no matter how matchlessly sharp the attacks and imprable the blocks, the use of that halberd was tyrannical. Each advancing step was contested through all-out attacks [2]. Between those chops and stabs, all kinds of chilling sensations spread out, which thoroughly suppressed that spear¡¯s grandeur. There was no alternative than to answer the majority of the attacks with guards, weakening the spear¡¯s a.s.sault.

    In the beginning, they were indeed evenly matched. Who was it that couldn¡¯t deal with whom? Showing off additional skills all relied on upsurges in true qi. They continuously raised the power of their martial skills, upgrading them one after another.

    Gu Zuo was dazzled as he watched.

    In his impression, his big brother¡¯s spearmanship wasn¡¯t normally this garish. However, his flourishing strikes did look very good.

    The more Tianheng fought like this, the more Gu Zuo felt relieved. He knew that everything was still under his big brother¡¯s control ¡ª If that He Chengfeng really could pressure his big brother¡¯s ¡°lite version¡± [3], he¡¯d need to worry about his big brother not being careful about taking things too far. That would put his life in danger!

    The other martial artists felt that watching this was very worthwhile.

    No matter if it was Gongyi Tianheng or He Chengfeng, the others from the previous matches couldn¡¯t even exert three percent of skills of these two. One used a rhythm that suppressed the minds of many people. The other used a blitzkrieg strategy, whose body suppression was also very frightening.

    Currently, the mind suppression was unconstrained, and the body suppression seemed to be unable to affect the other person for the time being. Wasn¡¯t this a brilliant spectacle all of a sudden?

    After exchanging blows for a long time, Tianheng¡¯s spear suddenly turned. Did it seem like the speed of that spearpoint¡¯s thrust had a subtle change?

    Many of those defeated under Tianheng¡¯s hands had their hearts shiver: Come on!

    He Chengfeng also discovered the change.

    He sensed that his halberd techniques were receiving faint deviations.

    Gu Zuo secretly shouted in his heart: Come on!

    His big brother¡¯s act was just about the same, but wasn¡¯t this putting the end before the beginning?

    He Chengfeng naturally wasn¡¯t willing to let himself fall into his opponent¡¯s tempo. Tianheng was someone who used his head, and needed to make this match even more convincing.

    As a result, He Chengfeng¡¯s nk immediately had a hole torn into it! This was a sudden change in Tianheng¡¯s tempo, which gave him first blood!

    He Chengfeng¡¯s eyes glinted with fury.

    Despite being arrogant, he definitely wasn¡¯t without a sharp wit. But, he had long ago considered this thing in the bag. Even though he also acknowledged Tianheng as a formidable opponent, he also didn¡¯t feel that he couldn¡¯t defeat Tianheng.

    Yet, he nevertheless received an injury first.

    At this moment, He Chengfeng realized that he was being provoked.

    Suddenly, a faintyer of golden mist covered the surface of his body.

    Body Refinement Technique: Copper Skin, Iron Bones!

    In this world, there were cultivation methods that prolonged true qi and martial skills that resisted true qi and exhibited one¡¯s strength. Yet, there was also a kind of method that could raise a martial artist¡¯s inner qualities and potential. That was precisely the body refining technique that strengthened a martial artist¡¯s physical body.

    A person from a third .s.s empire fundamentally couldn¡¯t ess that kind of special body refining technique. Ordinary cultivation methods could result in body refinement by chance, but they absolutely couldn¡¯tpare to genuine body refinement techniques that could unearth a body¡¯s potential. But as one of the meticulously nurtured geniuses of a first .s.s empire, He Chengfeng had learned this body refinement technique.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw this strange state and his gaze deepened slightly.

    He knew He Chengfeng would have a trump card, but he didn¡¯t antic.i.p.ate that this trump card seemed to be rted to a body refinement technique ¡ª Even just the concept had only been learned back when he was sickly and weak, where he extensively read mounds of books. He recognized it now, but as for how to resolve this... The words in that book were merely from a superfluous sentence.

    Then, continuously attacking to surpa.s.s the bottom line that the body refinement technique could reach was his only recourse.

    Gongyi Tianheng did just this.

    His spear changed directions. Unexpectedly, it swung towards He Chengfeng¡¯s back.

    Bang!

    There was a loud crunch!

    It was just like metal striking against metal!

    Gu Zuo quietly sucked in a breath.

    If this. .h.i.t his body, there¡¯d be lots of pain... Indeed, this was another step towards proving that the humans of this world had bodies that weren¡¯t in ordance withmon sense.

    Over yonder, He Chengfeng¡¯s legs were steady as a boulder. The skin where that spear struck a powerful blow had only produced a few sparks. There wasn¡¯t any negative reaction whatsoever.

    After Tianheng swung his spear, he promptly soared into the air. Defensively using Heavenly Falcon Steps to rise up, he immediately dodged the strike He Chengfeng made as he turned around. Tianheng dropped to the other side of the tform.

    He was well aware of the situation.

    The strength exerted just now was in excess of four thousand kilograms.

    Those half-step Xiantian martial artists who had a strength of thirty five hundred to four thousand kilograms were already pretty decent. And the strength of one who advanced to Xiantian would certainly exceed five thousand.

    But the strength of four thousand kilograms wasn¡¯t even capable of shaking He Chengfeng¡¯s footsteps, let alone cutting through his skin¡¯s defenses.

    As expected, this He Chengfeng had the qualifications to be arrogant and the resources to be a seeded yer.

    That is... If Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t exist.

    Of course, there didn¡¯t seem to be any differences on the surface right now.

    Although Tianheng¡¯s strength was six times that of an average martial artist. He, who had yet to advance to half-step Xiantian, had a strength that reached more than fifteen thousand kilograms. The insignificant four thousand wasn¡¯t even one third of his strength. If he was ready to release all fifteen thousand plus kilograms of strength, that He Chengfeng would inevitably be unable to be as smooth and steady like just now.

    Currently, Tianheng made a few rough calctions and immediately decided on a n of action afterwards.

    He started using his own extremely exquisite footwork to maneuver around He Chengfeng¡¯s roving. With a pale face, Tianheng¡¯s spear constantly met with He Chengfeng in a fierce crossing of des!

    Gradually, many cuts made by He Chengfeng¡¯s halberd appeared on Tianheng¡¯s body. One cut after another covered his l.u.s.trously white skin. It was a horrible sight to see.

    But his spear didn¡¯t remain idle. As he roved around, the unceasing hits against He Chengfeng¡¯s body repeated several times. This produced countless loud and clear banging noises. Unexpectedly, it also sounded like a certain jittery rhythm, which continuously reverberated into the air.

    This match was a fierce battle between giants. The martial artists were unwilling to look away, but once they were immersed in it, they felt sick to their stomachs and couldn¡¯t have been more agitated. After repeated exposures, theirplexions became flushed. It seemed like a mouthful of clotted blood was stuck in their throats, which could erupt at any time.

    ¡ª Even the youthful peers watching these experts exchanging blows usually had to pay a price that wasn¡¯t small!

    Gu Zuo took a step back.

    His current ident.i.ty was...a useless pharmacist.

    However, his psychic power¡¯s wonderful uses had appeared. He was just fine from the start!

    After thinking it over, he furrowed his brows and stuck his fingers in his ears. He also used his psychic power to disguise hisplexion, giving himself a deathly pale appearance.

    No one took note of him, so he easily got away with it.

    On the stage, the speed of Tianheng and He Chengfeng¡¯s fight was getting faster.

    Their figures became like illusory shadows. In their collisions, the sounds of hand-to-handbat were unending.

    Tianheng¡¯s appearance grew more and more miserable. It looked like he was going to lose the fight, but he still wasn¡¯t willing to give up. He tangled with He Chengfeng in a bitter struggle, and unexpectedly made He Chengfeng use his halberd to unleash frightening moves several times. All of them were hard to withstand, but they only somewhat worsened Tianheng¡¯s injuries.

    He Chengfeng¡¯s mood was also a little gloomy.

    He only felt that he had met an unprecedentedly troublesome opponent. Those loathsome tricks were actually harder to handle than the professionals he previously fought with in first .s.s empires.

    But how could he let a third .s.s empire¡¯s martial artist be ced above him?

    He Chengfeng¡¯s moves subconsciously quickened and his moves grew even more vicious!

    After Tianheng saw He Chengfeng¡¯s patience wane, his eyes glinted with ferocious intent. The edge of his lips carried a faint smile. But this smile didn¡¯t hold the slightest bit of warmth.

    Immediately following that, Tianheng pretended that he couldn¡¯t endure any longer. He seemed to show his ruthlessness and used an even greater force ¡ª A strength of four thousand five hundred kilograms was frantically brandished towards He Chengfeng!

    He Chengfeng sneered in his heart: It¡¯s useless!

    Then, he suddenly and viciously attacked!

    Gongyi Tianheng seized the opportunity. After taking a dozen steps back again and again, he finally fell off the tform.

    At this time, he revealed a slightly forced smile: ¡°I still lost.¡±

    He Chengfeng held his head high as he stood on the stage.

    ¡ª He was the ultimate victor!

    It was just that he never perceived the numerous fragments of power that had previously entered his body with each and every strike. The fragments followed his meridians and entered his internal organs, producing many internal injuries that were hard to sense.

    His body was now exhausted and definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to find any problems. When he practiced martial arts in the future, the longer he came to blows, these internal injuries would settle even deeper. Even if these internal injuries were discovered, they were very difficult to take care of. After a long period of time, they would adversely affect his cultivation speed.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze darkened.

    If He Chengfeng hadn¡¯t moved with killing intent afterwards, his final strike would¡¯ve scattered the hidden energy that had entered his internal organs from his innumerable strikes. But, He Chengfeng did move with killing intent ¡ª As a result, his final strike caused the hidden energy to prate even deeper into his organs.

    ______

    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] ²ù - Chan, to shovel, or in this case, an upward strike.

    [2] ÒÔ¹¥´úÊØ - Yi gong dai shou, using attacks to subst.i.tute one¡¯s defense. Or, ¡°the best defense is a good offense.¡±

    [3] ¾«¼ò°æ - Jing jian ban, apact version or edition with less content.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 80

    During Gongyi Tianheng and He Chengfeng¡¯s battle, the Qingcang Empire wasn¡¯t necessarily calm.

    They could see that those two¡¯s strengths didn¡¯t have that big of a difference. Thus, while they originally felt that they had this match¡¯s victory in their grasp, what actually happened caused them to develop some worry. It wasn¡¯t until He Chengfeng¡¯s victory that they finallyid down their concerns.

    Immediately following this, the remaining martial artists vied over the rankings one after another. It was only Tianheng and He Chengfeng¡¯s fight which was so brilliant. The present rematches between the others didn¡¯t have the same feeling of shaking one to their core. The uing matches weren¡¯t going to be as antic.i.p.ated.

    Even if it were the martial artists who were about to fight, if it weren¡¯t for the honor of their countries, perhaps they¡¯d also be bored ¡ª After seeing the strongest of their peers, who¡¯d still be interested in the mediocre?

    On the other end, He Chengfeng directly jumped off the stage and into the middle of his congratting faction. They returned to their empire¡¯s designated location. As for Gongyi Tianheng, he was weed by quite a few people.

    The one scampering over the fastest was none other than Gu Zuo, who¡¯d been paying attention to Tianheng¡¯s condition from the start. Among the others who paid a visit, not including Gongyi Zhuoyue, were the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He and Cang Yu, who was waiting for someone else¡¯s challenge.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart constricted when he looked at Tianheng, who¡¯d been practically turned into a b.l.o.o.d.y mess.

    Yes, he knew that these were all superficial wounds. If there was anything that really needed to be worried about, it could bepletely fixed with a Rejuvenation Pill. There wouldn¡¯t be the faintest of scars or medicinal side effects.

    But looking like this couldn¡¯t help scaring a person!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate as he hurriedly grabbed a top grade Rejuvenation Pill to give to his big brother.

    Because the differences in color between the top grade and high grade pills weren¡¯t too great, the others who were deeply concerned about Tianheng¡¯s circ.u.mstances at this time didn¡¯t look too carefully at it.

    As a matter of fact, Gu Zuo got away with it very easily.

    Of course, Gongyi Zhuoyue and the others all asked about his well-being. Gu Zuo clearly understood that Tianheng was out of danger, but that didn¡¯t stop him from transmitting his voice: Big brother, are you okay?

    Tianheng grinned, but didn¡¯t panic over all the devoted care from his nsmen. In his mind, he still didn¡¯t forget to give Gu Zuo a reply: Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo. They were insignificant, small injuries. I¡¯ve already healedpletely.

    The effects of top grade Rejuvenation Pills were truly extraordinary.

    The healing speed of the scattered cuts on Tianheng¡¯s body could be seen by the naked eye. It wasn¡¯t long before his healing skin returned to its uninjured state. Apart from Tianheng¡¯splexion not looking so good, no matter how one saw him, he felt like a valiant martial artist who hadn¡¯t just experienced a battle at all.

    Merely...

    Embarra.s.sed, Gu Zuo shifted his gaze away.

    In order to make that match even more lifelike and even better looking, Tianheng endured through a lot. His wounds would still be mentioned, but the things he carried with him ¡ª His clothing was in tatters, so they weren¡¯t so good looking.

    Most of all, his big brother¡¯s disposition was astonishing, and his temperament was usually out of the ordinary. It gave him a manly heroic spirit. Once he pretended to be injured, that weakened appearance would inevitably...evoke a sense of charm in unscrupulous people.

    One shouldn¡¯t look at indecent things.

    Naturally, Tianheng didn¡¯t forget the matter of his own ruined clothing, but in the end, he also didn¡¯t have a storage device. He could only privately chat with Gu Zuo and have him deliver some. However, what Tianheng didn¡¯t expect was that he didn¡¯t even have enough time to send a message before a set of brand new, mint-condition clothes was already in his hands.

    Gongyi Tianhengughed in spite of himself.

    What else was there to say?

    Nowadays, his little pharmacist was very considerate of others.

    Compared to when they first met, they were truly more familiar with each other now.

    Other people only thought Tianheng was tidying himself up. Seeing him like this, they withdrew back to where they came from.

    Tianheng was a man, and wasn¡¯t picky about the clothes. He immediately tore off his ragged outer robes and changed them for a new set. This once more restored his image as an elegant young master.

    At this moment, the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He looked at Tianheng with eyes filled with admiration. Smiling, he said clearly: ¡°Good, good, good! You truly deserve to be called the imperial capital¡¯s iparable young master. Once your grave disease was cured, there¡¯s no one who could surpa.s.s your graceful bearing!¡±

    This praise was indeed extremely rare.

    Moreover, when these words were spoken, even though Duanmu Qingrong and Sima Yuanyou hadplicated expressions, they also didn¡¯t show too much unwillingness. These two young masters of the imperial capital had already acknowledged Tianheng and Cang Yu¡¯s brilliance. And because Huangfu Zhanghao previously experienced many young experts at close range when he luckily stumbled into the top three, he agreed even more.

    As for that Helian Xingcheng? No matter how much he envied or hated Tianheng, the others didn¡¯t regard him as important any longer.

    Under these des, Tianheng promptly said: ¡°The prince has mistakenly praised me. This younger generation dares not ept it.¡±

    Cang He also didn¡¯t speak too much, only saying: ¡°When we return, His Majesty will certainly have a great reward for you. Tianheng, if you find sess in the future, we hope you don¡¯t forget about the empire.¡±

    Tianheng naturally replied: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare. The Cangyun Empire is this Tianheng¡¯s homnd, and I would never dare forget it.¡±

    He replied thusly.

    Gu Zuo watched them go back and forth, and just withdrew to the sidelines.

    He felt that the Prince Beside the Emperor¡¯s words had another meaning... Was his perception mistaken, or was there really a matter they didn¡¯t know about?

    He was convinced that his big brother should¡¯ve also sensed it. Once the Hundred Countries Tournament ended, Gu Zuo could carefully discuss this with his big brother and listen to his ideas...

    On the other side, He Chengfeng was also like this.

    At this time, he took a medicinal pill, still unaware of his body¡¯s internal injuries. Though he didn¡¯t show any special expressions, his subtle att.i.tude could still be seen by people. This time, he was very satisfied with his own ranking.

    While the people of that first .s.s empire held some wariness towards Tianheng, for now they felt more honored on behalf of their own nation¡¯s favored talent.

    After a while, the matches determining the rankings were all finished.

    Cang Yu was challenged by several people. After a series of bitter struggles, his final records weren¡¯t bad. He preserved his spot in fifth ce, which was above any in the Cangyun Empire¡¯s history. It was a first .s.s achievement.

    Apart from this, there was the matter of lower level countries¡¯ martial artists advancing to the finals and challenging higher level countries. Cang Yu, Huangfu Zhanghao, and Gongyi Tianheng all had these qualifications.

    One also didn¡¯t know if Zhanghao¡¯s luck was too good or for what other reasons, but among the second .s.s empires, there really were ones whose fighters had all died. When those three raised challenges to those empires, wasn¡¯t it simply not fighting and winning anyway?

    After the Cangyun Empire witnessed this course of events, all of a sudden, it became a second .s.s empire.

    ¡ª If one proposed that to upgrade to first .s.s empire, the Cangyun Empire¡¯s foundations were still insufficient, but in rising to second .s.s, under their achievements, it wasn¡¯t something anyone could say ¡°No¡± to. [1]

    Cang Yu and the others didn¡¯t continue issuing challenges. Even earlier, the Cangyun Emperor ced his hopes on the ninth prince. In itself, Cang Yu naturally understood the principle of biting off more than one could chew. Rising to second .s.s was just enough for the time being.

    If one wanted to upgrade to first .s.s, not only did one require a lucky opportunity, but also the .u.mtion of a long period of time... The Cangyun Empire was never like a rich upstart that only sought benefits in the short-term and not those in the long-term.

    Only now was the matter of the rise in the empire¡¯s fundamental rank finally resolved.

    At this very moment, those three Immortal realm martial artists atst dered the performance records before everyone.

    Merely, what they found worth mentioning was naturally the top ten young powerhouses. Behind the dozens of martial artists, there was a man who could only be seen waving his finger like the wind. In a sh, many words were carved into the side of a mountain. Then, a woman announced the names of the top ten martial artists one after another.

    They only heard her respectfully say: ¡°Those in the top ten of this Hundred Countries Tournament are as follows.¡±

    ¡°First ce: From the Qingyun Continent¡¯s first .s.s Qingcang Empire, He Chengfeng...¡±

    ¡°Second ce: From the Tianwu Continent¡¯s third .s.s Cangyun Empire, Gongyi Tianheng...¡±

    ¡°Third ce: From the Tianwu Continent¡¯s third .s.s Cangyun Empire, Huangfu Zhanghao...¡±

    ¡°Fourth ce: From the Youwu Continent¡¯s first .s.s Xiangzhi Empire, Peng Jiao...¡±

    ¡°Fifth ce: From the Tianwu Continent¡¯s third .s.s Cangyun Empire, Cang Yu...¡±

    ¡°Sixth ce...¡±

    Each one highlighted a martial artist. Each of them then ascended the stone tform and was conferred their rewards from the hands of the Immortal realm martial artists. As for the empires they hailed from, if the country raised its .s.s through challenges, it could also receive a .s.s promotion tablet from the Qingyun Sect. It was very precious since it acted as proof.

    Upon seeing the panorama of the top ten martial artists, those below the stone tform all had their hearts filled with envy.

    Gu Zuo was also watching from below and, on the contrary, his heart didn¡¯t have any envy.

    He only felt that... Despite his big brother¡¯s designation in second ce, even if he didn¡¯t know that the final rankings of the entire tournament were all under his big brother¡¯s control, he also felt that his big brother¡¯s good looks were the most extraordinary.

    Even other people felt that the bearing of that egotistic [2] He Chengfeng couldn¡¯tpare to that of his big brother.

    ...Although, there were probably many people who felt that they were attracted because of his big brother¡¯s face. But if it were really like this, perhaps this was an even greater advantage to Tianheng.

    Down below, Gu Zuo had many such secret thoughts. On the stone tform, the three Immortal realm martial artists patiently endured. Just when their patience reached its limits, they concluded this exercise.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo heard that female martial artist speak:

    ¡°Excluding the top ten martial artists and their countries of origin, those from the remaining countries shall quickly leave this ce!¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    Could it be that there were still other arrangements?

    He suddenly recalled his own conjecture he made previously...

    With this line of thought, he turned his head and stealthily looked at the Prince Beside the Emperor.

    Sure enough, there was an instant where Cang He¡¯s face was emotional.

    He definitely knew something!

    But...it shouldn¡¯t be a bad thing?

    The martial artists of the other empires all quickly left. Under the chiding of the Immortal realm martial artists, they didn¡¯t dare hesitate in the least. And as for the martial artists who stayed behind? Altogether, there were just the people from four to five empires present.

    What was odd was that each of their leaders seemed to know something. Instead, it was the guards of each empire¡¯s aristocratic families and the partic.i.p.ants themselves who were full of questions.

    And at this moment, that female martial artist ¡ª Zou Qingyue, the one who started this iteration of the Hundred Countries Tournament, revealed the true, final segment.

    Her clear and cold gaze swept across the numerous martial artists and stated: ¡°Every martial artist who ranked in the top ten has the chance to join the Qingyun Sect to cultivate and be a Qingyun Sect disciple. Whom among you are unwilling?¡±

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    [1] Thanks to user Charysa for fixing this!

    [2] ÀÏÌìµÚÒ»ÀÏ×ÓµÚ¶þ - ¡°G.o.d is first, but yours truly is second.¡± Or rather, only G.o.d is superior to me.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 81

    Qingyun Sect disciple!

    These words shocked all the martial artists present.

    Gu Zuo understood in a split second.

    Why the Prince Beside the Emperor was emotionally moved, and why he could previously show that kind of joy. As it turned out, it was all because of this reason. The Prince Beside the Emperor already knew that the people who got the top ten spots could have the opportunity to join the sect!

    However, the aristocratic families weren¡¯t aware. Otherwise, his big brother¡¯s grandfather Gongyi Zhuoyue would have certainly told his big brother in secret...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart welled with apprehension.

    Since he understood his big brother when it came to this sort of thing, Tianheng certainly wouldn¡¯t refuse. But, if his big brother joined the sect, what was he supposed to do?

    Follow after him? Could Gu Zuo follow him? If he really could, did he want to go? He only wanted a peaceful ce to upgrade his strength. Once he reached the realm that satisfied the system¡¯s requirements, he¡¯d return to find his dad... Wouldn¡¯t it be more dangerous to travel to more ces? Wouldn¡¯t it be easier to die?

    What was even scarier was that if they changed to another location, could his big brother still be able to protect him there?

    Also, if he couldn¡¯t follow Tianheng, what was going to be done about his big brother¡¯s body... Even though the beginning was for the purpose of business, through the interactions afterwards, he sincerely considered this person as his big brother already. Could he really abandon this big brother, whom never treated him unfairly, just because it might be dangerous?

    He was anxious. He was really anxious.

    But, Gu Zuo could only lower his head. He couldn¡¯t think of anything, nor say anything.

    At this time, he couldn¡¯t selfishly transmit his voice to convince Tianheng. More than that, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯tpel his big brother to destroy his own future prospects just because he needed to return home!

    Not only would that make him feel guilty, it would affect the current harmonious rtionship between them. It could even lead to many harmful consequences ¡ª So many thoughts pa.s.sed by in a sh that it almost made his head explode!

    At this moment, a transmitted voice suddenly echoed: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s muddleheaded brain immediately sobered up.

    That voice continued: With me around, I¡¯ll certainly find a ce for you.

    Gu Zuo heaved a deep sigh, and slowly recovered his breathing.

    Right... Everything still wasn¡¯t set in stone.

    He was overthinking it.

    It went without saying that his own IQ wasn¡¯t so meticulous. Since he believed in his big brother, he was confident that Tianheng would have a n. Everything would turn out for the best. There wasn¡¯t any reason to get upset over nothing, right?

    ______

    Anyway, those martial artists didn¡¯t react at first. Then they didn¡¯t dare believe what was said. Yet, in the end, they were in ecstasy.

    Indeed, that sect! The Qingyun Sect!

    Previously, quite a few people among them were just frogs at the bottom of a well. They thought that their own small domains were enough to run roughshod over others, but during the Hundred Countries Tournament, they discovered that the world wasn¡¯t so simple. They definitely weren¡¯t stupid. They vaguely knew that the Qingyun Sect was above their own continents. They were even above the greatest powers of the numerous neighboring continents and empires surrounding them. Those selected by the Qingyun Sect would truly find instant sess!

    Martial artists fought against heaven and fought against oneself, cing great effort in all respects. How could they be unwilling to take one step further?

    They wanted to join the instant the female martial artist Zou Qingyue spoke. They had to join the sect and experience a journey along an even wider martial path there!

    Subconsciously, these martial artists all held a trace of zealotry in their eyes.

    As for those martial artists who didn¡¯t enter the top ten, although they were beyond shocked, no matter how vast their aspirations, their eyes couldn¡¯t help carry a feeling of envy.

    Because the sect was only receiving the top ten.

    They realized that this information was without any opportunities. This was truly...too painful.

    At this moment, the three previously mentioned Immortal realm martial artists were very pleased by the reactions triggered from their words.

    In response, Zou Qingyue asked again: ¡°Whom among you are unwilling?¡±

    She naturally understood their excitement at this time.

    The martial artists reacted, and they all opened their mouths one after another: ¡°I¡¯m willing!¡±

    No one was stupid enough to be unwilling.

    Even if their hearts had some doubt, it was impossible to expose their own misgivings here.

    For example, Gongyi Tianheng.

    His gaze shed slightly as he cycled through many considerations over and over again.

    Of course, Tianheng definitely didn¡¯t think that this matter of disciple recruitment was a plot of the Qingyun Sect. Because a sect that huge could casually dispatch three Immortal realms for merely a single Hundred Countries Tournament. If they wanted to do something, the trouble was basically not worthwhile.

    If there was an empire that wasn¡¯t tactful, it would be normal for the sect to conquer that country without much difficulty.

    Tianheng¡¯s hesitationid with how the Qingyun Sect was too distant. He didn¡¯t even know how that sect formed, what the rules were, and how many experts they had.

    The Qingyun Sect was too mysterious. The information he had was too spa.r.s.e. He didn¡¯t yet haveprehensive control over the general situation in the Cangyun Empire, let alone this Hundred Countries Tournament.

    Gongyi Tianheng would never ce his own destiny in the hands of others. Unfortunately, the allure of this opportunity given to him was too great. He could only gamble on it... He was resolved to bet on it.

    And since he could go to the Qingyun Sect, he would have to settle the disputes in the Cangyun Empire¡¯s social circles as soon as possible. He couldn¡¯t dy or n slowly.

    With this line of thought, Tianhengid in wait.

    Since they all agreed, the envoys of the Qingyun Sect should tell them a few things.

    Sure enough, this wasn¡¯t beyond his expectations. On the tform, a male martial artist ¡ª Liu Wuyuan spoke: ¡°Since everyone agreed, you all shall be our Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples. However, if you all think that entering the sect will grant you exceptionally good treatment, you¡¯re gravely mistaken!¡±

    Luo Yanfang sneered as he said: ¡°The treatment between the sect disciples of the outer sect, inner sect, the core, and those who¡¯re personally handed-down techniques are like heaven and earth. The majority of you alling from this trifling Hundred Countries Tournament are so-called geniuses. After entering the sect, you¡¯ll only be able to be outer sect disciples! If you want to join the inner sect, not only will you need to advance to Xiantian, you¡¯ll also need to go through numerous a.s.sessments. Or, there¡¯s the sliver of a chance of you meeting an extremely low probability fortuitous encounter!¡±

    Liu Wuyuan seemed to dislike holding back as he continued to intimidate them: ¡°Once you arrive at the sect, don¡¯t think about acting like young masters from aristocratic families, royalty, n.o.bility, or otherwise. Martial strength is respected in everything. It¡¯s strength that does the talking! The sect naturally has rules. It¡¯s stipted that disciples of higher positions aren¡¯t allowed to personally provoke disciples of lower positions, but if a lower disciple dares provoke or disrespect a higher disciple, the sect won¡¯t restrict them.

    ¡°All of you, listen up. If an outer sect disciple dares to make things difficult for an inner sect disciple, it¡¯s possible for the inner sect disciple to mobilize dozens of the hundreds of outer sect disciples to a.s.sist him in engaging the troublemaker in a battle of exhaustion [1]. If that troublemaker endures it, then it¡¯ll naturally turn from hostility to friendship. But if he can¡¯t, then only the road to ruin awaits him! You all should understand that while inner sect disciples can¡¯t act on their own, there are one thousand ways, ten thousand ways to easily make outer sect disciples lose their puny lives!¡±

    When he talked about this, theplexions of numerous martial artists repeatedly changed.

    But there still wasn¡¯t a single person who shrunk back.

    At this time, Luo Yanfang coaxed them with sweetened words [2]: ¡°But you all don¡¯t need to look at the sect with too much fear. If you understand the rules, then naturally you can use the rules to protect yourselves. Moreover, while the treatment of outer sect disciples can¡¯tpare to inner sect disciples, so long as you can get stronger, you can get lots of additional prizes. There¡¯d be enough to cultivate or squander. One could even give themselves a hired thug. If you had enough grunts, even if it was a person carelessly insulted, how could they endanger your life?¡±

    Hearing this, the people finally sighed in relief.

    However, Tianheng¡¯s gaze deepened.

    At first, Gu Zuo was also shocked by the statements about the sect. He always kept a furtive eye on Tianheng, so when he found a difference in Tianheng, he couldn¡¯t help transmitting a question: Big brother, are you okay?

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but he said this to Gu Zuo: Ah Zuo, those sweetened words contain lots of traps.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart clenched: What traps?

    Tianheng said: For example... To what degree of power must one¡¯s capabilities reach in order to get a prize? Before obtaining the prizes, will there be enough resources to use? When one¡¯s capabilities are truly strong enough to get a prize, would one still need those prizes at that time? It¡¯s feasible to use the prize to raise one¡¯s grunts, but if we use the grunts as a precedent, would they rely on uspletely to grow stronger? After raising enough grunts, if we had instead used the resources expended on them for ourselves, would our strengths have already reached the point where we don¡¯t need to use grunts?

    Tianheng continued: If it¡¯s forte-stage returns, it¡¯s possible to raise grunts to deal with small matters and provocations. However, what¡¯s with the matter of ¡°a person carelessly insulted¡±? How is it judged who offended who? Between the conflicting views of two people, it¡¯s basically impossible to judge lightly. Human nature is just thisplex. The possible oues it can bring about are endless...

    Gu Zuo kept listening and discovered that there really were very many traps within.

    In this, it seemed to deal with testing interpersonal rtionships and the disciple¡¯s management of time and financial resources. Then, there were strategies and controlling one¡¯s capabilities... Very many things.

    Thinking about it wasplicated enough to give one a headache.

    Tianheng¡¯s transmission onlysted an instant before he discovered that Gu Zuo was already dizzied by his words. Heughed in his head: Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry. These sweetened words shouldn¡¯t be over just yet.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly before hastily listening in earnest.

    The truth was indeed not outside of Tianheng¡¯s expectations. After the first batch of sugar was cast, that Liu Wuyuan who constantly threatened people threw out the second batch: ¡°Everyone doesn¡¯t have to worry. You all are the descendants of aristocrats. When ites time to leave for the sect, you can bring along your own wealth. Regardless of which continent or bank¡¯s circted banknotes, the sect will ept them all. The sect will convert the .u.mted currencies at that time.

    He continued: ¡°Additionally, you all can bring your own personnel, but the most you can bring is only ten people. They can naturally be your helpers in the outer sect and be official disciples. Merely, the sect won¡¯t provide for their resources. Their safety also won¡¯t be covered by the sect.¡±

    These sweetened words were spoken and the minds of many martial artists immediately schemed.

    Simrly present were many ecstatic elders among the aristocratic families of those martial artists who didn¡¯t enter the top ten.

    If they could get those cements for the official disciples...

    At this moment, Zou Qingyue announced onest bit of information: ¡°Within the top ten, only He Chengfeng who ced first will directly be an inner sect disciple. The remaining nine will each be outer sect disciples. So, each of you go back and prepare! After one month, we¡¯ll be leaving for the sect!¡±

    In a split second, many regretful gazes within the Cangyun Empire group fell upon Gongyi Tianheng... Of course, there were also those who rejoiced in his misfortune.

    But in Tianheng¡¯s heart, it was actually a confirmation.

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    Next Chapter>>

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    [1] ³µÂÖÕ½ - Che lun zhan, a tactic where a group of people take turns fighting a single person until that person is exhausted and loses.

    [2] ÌðÔæ - Tian zao, sweet jujube or date, a metaphor for mollification or enticement.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 82

    This so-called first ce really had its benefits.

    However, while such benefits for a first .s.s empire¡¯s favored talent were indeed practical, this wasn¡¯t necessarily so for someone of a third .s.s empire.

    Unlike many of the young martial artists and some aristocratic elders whom couldn¡¯t conceal their heart¡¯s desires, the team leader, the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He, definitely wasn¡¯t one who didn¡¯tplete his calctions. On the contrary, after he heard these words, he didn¡¯t look regretful at all.

    At first, Gu Zuo¡¯s first impression was one of pity, but very quickly, his reaction changed.

    Once he glimpsed at the Prince Beside the Emperor¡¯s expression, he couldn¡¯t help transmitting to Tianheng: Big brother, this first ce...

    Tianhengughed, and answered his question for him: It¡¯s not good.

    Afterwards, Tianheng exined to Gu Zuo: He Chengfeng originates from the Qingcang Empire, which is one of the three empires of the Qingyun Continent. Since the connection between the them and the Qingyun Sect must certainly be close, they must¡¯ve spent many years engaging in business. So, there should be many Qingcang Empire operatives doing business in the Qingyun Sect.

    He continued: Although He Chengfeng is very talented,pared to others in the Qingcang Empire, he isn¡¯t one who could reliably enter the Qingyun Inner Sect. As a result, they had to partic.i.p.ate in the Hundred Countries Tournament to plunder the only cement to enter the inner sect from us ¡°country b.u.mpkins¡±.

    Gu Zuo got it: So, for us, ¡°first ce¡± is a hot potato.

    Tianheng corrected: With regards to the people of third .s.s empires, and even second .s.s empires, it¡¯s just like so.

    Of course, if Tianheng really destroyed the Qingcang Empire¡¯s scheme to enter the inner sect, it wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t have the chance to survive. Were the three great empires of the Qingyun Continent able toe together seamlessly? They would certainly be at odds with one another. As for the Qingcang Empire, they¡¯d treat Tianheng as a thorn in their side. If he showed enough value, there¡¯d be an extremely high probability of people from the other two empires arriving to rope him in.

    But with Tianheng¡¯s ambitions, how could he be willing to turn himself into another person¡¯s chess piece to charge and break through enemy lines? Naturally, he would take a small step back in order to gain a stabler position to control the overall situation more easily.

    Even if it were after arriving in the sect, there still might be someone who¡¯d try to rope him in. He would also have room for socializing ¡ª Because his life wouldn¡¯t be at risk, at least he wouldn¡¯t be forced to quickly ¡°make friends¡± with others.

    Gu Zuo heard him loud and clear, and was naturally aware of his dear big brother¡¯s thoughts. Hence, he didn¡¯t think about it any longer. He nced at He Chengfeng again and saw that he really had an expression like his dream came true. Gu Zuo curled his lips, and didn¡¯t look at him any more.

    That fool. There was nothing else to say.

    Besides, Zou Qingyue had just given the order to depart, so these people that had remained began to leave.

    This time, the Cangyun Empire had gotten a huge harvest. The Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He, whose heart was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with joy, led everyone away.

    Once outside, the Prince Beside the Emperor gave a shrill whistle and that Cirrus-Cloud Eagle proudly descended from the sky. When the crowd of martial artists got on, it soared up with a gale sweeping past as it hurtled back from whence they came.

    More than ten dayster, they returned to the Cangyun Empire.

    The Cangyun Emperor was waiting for them at the pce. Because the distance was vast, he couldn¡¯t obtain any news about the situation of this iteration of the Hundred Countries Tournament. Naturally, he had his concerns.

    Right now, his frame of mind was very eager.

    Once the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle carrying its pa.s.sengers entered the limits of the pce¡¯s inner halls, the Cangyun Emperor stood up with his hands sped behind his back. He sized up the expression of his younger brother.

    With this one look, he discovered that although there were some aristocratic family members who hadplicated facial expressions, overall, everyone was jubnt and their spirited appearances were very good.

    In other words, surely their achievements this time weren¡¯t bad?

    Even though the Prince Beside the Emperor was steady, their performances were really too good. He didn¡¯t dare be too brash while in the Qingyun Boundary, but now that he¡¯de back and saw his elder brother, he let loose a peal of clearughter: ¡°Hahahaha! Congrattions, Imperial Elder Brother! This time, our Cangyun Empire has obtained exceptionally grand achievements. Imperial Elder Brother, let¡¯s go inside, so you can listen to this younger brother¡¯s detailed report!¡±

    Although the Cangyun Emperor didn¡¯t know how good their achievements were, he clearly understood his younger brother¡¯s temperament. He was in no way a person who exaggerated. As a result, he took a deep breath and restrained his own impatience. He said in a clear voice: ¡°Everyone has worked hard. A banquet has already been prepared, so may my beloved subjects [1] please enter for your weing reception!¡±

    All the martial artists jumped off the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle.

    Everyone entered the main hall together with pride in their steps, and quickly took their seats.

    The Cangyun Emperor first toasted and gave a speech about everyone working hard and so on. Then, with some expectation, he looked towards the Prince Beside the Emperor.

    The Prince Beside the Emperor, who was unable to conceal his cheerful looks: ¡°Reporting to Imperial Elder Brother. This time, our Cangyun Empire had Gongyi Tianheng taking second ce in the finals, Huangfu Zhanghao taking third ce, and Cang Yu taking fifth ce. They even challenged many talents from a second .s.s empire and seized its rank. So now, our Cangyun Empire has already be a second .s.s empire!¡±

    No matter how calm the Cangyun Emperor was normally, at this time he almost spilled the wine in his cup: ¡°Virtuous younger brother¡¯s words are true?¡±

    The Prince Beside the Emperorughed heartily: ¡°It isn¡¯t the least bit fake!¡±

    One couldn¡¯t tell if what shed in the Cangyun Emperor¡¯s eyes was happiness or some other emotion, but they surged for some time before gradually turning tranquil again. His qi energy also stabilized.

    Heposed himself, and started inquiring about the details.

    The Prince Beside the Emperor didn¡¯t hesitate as he carefully told the Cangyun Emperor about the entirety of the trip to the Hundred Countries Tournament. Princess Yaomin chatted in a soft voice to rify a few points the Prince Beside the Emperor missed.

    Off to the side, the members of the great ns didn¡¯t have much of an impression of the situation at the time. Hearing the others speaking this way now, their moods becameplicated and it was indeed hard to talk about it.

    Gu Zuo sat next to Tianheng, eating his food with his head lowered. He was listening with keen interest.

    In any case, the star of the show here... Okay. It wasn¡¯t his dear big brother, but rather that lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d Huangfu Zhanghao. But actually, there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with that.

    Yet...

    Gu Zuo recalled that excessively lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d and his heart still felt very baffled.

    Seeing that there was still something to talk about, he secretly started a personal chat with Tianheng in his mind: Big brother, in the end, what did you say was going on with Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s luck?

    Tianheng paused.

    Gu Zuo: ?

    Tianheng muttered to himself: As far as the matter of luck, I haven¡¯te across anything relevant in ancient books, and I¡¯m unable to give a reason why. But I think that the people from the Qingyun Sect seem to have some understanding. Once we get there, I¡¯ll make some proper inquiries. Then I probably can give an exnation.

    Gu Zuo got it.

    In short, the Cangyun Empire was still too small. As a result, no matter how intelligent his big brother was, he couldn¡¯t create something from nothing. So, he also didn¡¯t know.

    But very quickly, Tianheng transmitted his voice with a slight hesitation: However, Ah Zuo, maybe...you can ask the system. Since it¡¯s attached to you, there¡¯s a huge chance that it¡¯s an object of inheritance from an almighty era. It might give a response.

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    Right! He could ask the system!

    Speaking of, because he could refine medicine and leisurely collect thirty strands of medicinal qi now, it had been a long time already since he¡¯d heard the system¡¯s voice. He followed a daily routine of medicine refinement and cultivation, and followed his big brother here and there. He quickly forgot he still had a system hiding in his head.

    Although it was the system that previously took the initiative to announce missions, he now had a question. Why not give it a try?

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo just directly asked in his brain: System, do you know what¡¯s going on with Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s unexpected luck? He¡¯s very unusual.

    After that, the system unexpectedly responded.

    [Insufficient authority. Unable to check.]

    Gu Zuo: ...

    It might as well say it didn¡¯t know just like him!

    But this time, Gu Zuo was truly too curious and didn¡¯t give up. Instead, he continued to investigate in detail: Then, how can I get the authority to make inquiries?

    [You can use medicinal qi to redeem it.]

    Gu Zuo: ...Does this apply to my questions in the past?

    [Yes.]

    Gu Zuo was a little mad: Then, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier!?

    At that time, he actually had a huge surplus of medicinal qi!

    [The host needs to explore the system¡¯s functions on his own.]

    Gu Zuo wilted slightly.

    After calming himself for a few seconds, he ryed the entire matter to Tianheng.

    No good. He felt that he didn¡¯t have enough brains when it came to the system¡¯s words. It was better to ask his big brother...

    After Tianheng listened, he gave a rare look of befuddlement.

    Of course, he quickly reacted and started to ponder over the mysterious points within that exnation. But once he carefully thought it over, he still couldn¡¯t infer what kind of thing the system was in the end. While he guessed that this was an almighty inheritance, things like why it have another consciousness that conveyed requirements, the pros and cons of that consciousness, as well as whether the system¡¯s so-called usefulness and needs for development were harmful... They were all things that he couldn¡¯t determine in the short-term.

    But right now, he could still keep probing it out.

    Perhaps the question they were asking now was a turning point.

    Tianheng immediately transmitted to Gu Zuo: Ah Zuo, how much medicinal qi do you have left over?

    Gu Zuo heard him and had his awareness explore inside the storage s.p.a.ce and ¡°counted¡± the stored medicinal qi in that ¡°ck hole¡±.

    Inside, there were still plenty of milky-white small snakes moving about like streams of air. Decorated across that pitch-ck tunnel, it looked particrly beautiful.

    Since he followed Tianheng to the location of the Hundred Countries Tournament, he hadn¡¯t refined medicine for a long time. However, he¡¯d already collected this month¡¯s thirty strands of medicinal qi before going, so he wasn¡¯t worried about notpleting this long-term mission. Previously, he¡¯d stored a rtivelyrge amount of medicinal qi, enough to be used for cultivating for a period of time... Thanks to the good fortune of working against the clock and refining loads of medicinal pills, he had more than one thousand strands at the very least.

    Gu Zuo said: One thousand two hundred fifty three.

    Tianheng looked pensive: Ah Zuo, your system probably needs the medicinal qi.

    Gu Zuo quivered.

    He recalled that, in the very beginning, the system said it needed medicinal qi to function. In that case, could it be that the current surplus of medicinal qi was being stockpiled? Or rather, the system needed...to upgrade? Or was there another reason?

    After getting Tianheng¡¯s reminder, Gu Zuo¡¯s crisis awareness red up. He took a deep breath and startedmunicating with the system: What do you do with this medicinal qi?

    He was already prepared to hear the system say he didn¡¯t have enough authority.

    However, this time, the system was unexpectedly forthright.

    [The system suffered an injury, and my rank has returned to zero. If I am to upgrade, I needrge quant.i.ties of medicinal qi.]

    [After the system upgrade, the host¡¯s authority will also upgrade and will have ess to even more functions.]

    Immediately after that, there was a mission prompt that suddenly appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Upgrading mission: Supply ten thousand strands of medicinal qi toplete the system¡¯s initial upgrade.]

    [Mission props: Lifting the restrictions to the long-term mission of submitting thirty strands of medicinal qi each month. Medicinal qi can be .u.mted to be submitted all at once or in parts.]

    [Completion method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure penalty: None.]

    ______

    ______

    [1] °®Çä - Ai qing, a term of endearment from a monarch to their subjects.

    ______

    T/N: Attention, I have an announcement.

    This trantion will be moving over to , a site dedicated to BL web novels. I¡¯ll still be the trantor. Though, this move will take some time. Keep an eye out.

    In other news, the author has used the same chapter t.i.tle as Chapter 24. This won¡¯t be thest time this happens.

    ______

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 83

    Gu Zuo''s first reaction was: Failure won''t actually lead to obliteration!

    Although the number of times weren''t many, since the very beginning, the matter of the system threatening to explode so that they would both die together if he didn''t work gave him a seriously deep impression. Now that this upgrading mission didn''t have any penalties, it left Gu Zuo with a better opinion on the system.

    He thought, presumably, that so long as he was able to maintain the system''s operation, there wouldn''t be any danger of obliteration. The upgrading mission was only for upgrading. The status quo could also be maintained, so there wasn''t any need to self-destruct¡­ Right?

    If it really was like this, the system was nevertheless pretty good. Moreover, once the system upgraded, Gu Zuo was very interested in what functions the system would have and what privileges would be opened to him.

    However, Gu Zuo didn''t continue asking questions. First, he epted the mission. Then, he considered another matter.

    Gu Zuo: System, pertaining to asking you about the problem with Huangfu Zhanghao''s unbelievable luck, how much medicinal qi do I need to get a detailed exnation?

    [Five strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo nked again: So cheap?!

    He thought that it''d be over one hundred strands at the very least. The result the system bestowed was just a simple five strands of medicinal qi? This was a little inconceivable.

    Gu Zuo didn''t urgently respond. He transmitted to ask his big brother.

    Tianheng slightly muttered: Maintaining the system''s monthly operations only needs thirty strands of medicinal qi, but one question being worth five strands also can''t be considered cheap. This, I''m afraid, is merely the beginning. ced in the Cangyun Empire, our outlooks are really narrow. We''ll need to widen our horizons or there''ll be many things we won''t be able to find out. And to live well, the frequency of making inquiries like today won''t be small. More questions will naturally use up more medicinal qi.

    Gu Zo understood.

    Indeed, if he suddenly asked a handful of questions, wouldn''t he just end up spending dozens of strands of medicinal qi? This sort of thing was possible.

    He nodded: In that case, system, make the exchange.

    The next moment, Gu Zuo discovered that after a whoosh, there were five less among the countless strands of medicinal qi in his storage s.p.a.ce.

    Immediately following that, the system started to speak.

    [Huangfu Zhanghao''s circ.u.mstances are caused by Fate Layering.]

    [During the Hundred Countries Tournament, because his strength was of no use, he should have died. The Host gave him a Rejuvenation Pill, which let him escape death. That in itself was a reversal of fate. For a short time, this manifested in his body.]

    [Because his death was averted by the host, there exists a faint link between you two.]

    [Furthermore, the Tiandu Body exudes elegance and shocking talent, and has a robust fate. Yet, even more than that, it''s in defiance of heaven [1] and normally cannot live beyond adulthood. However, aside from an unavoidable death, while the Tiandu Body is alive, its luck will not diminish. Once death is averted, the previously suppressed luck will rebound and will be even better than before. The host had prevented the Tiandu Body''s death and forged a guardian contract. The two of youplement one another, and your fates have already formed a connection.]

    [With the host acting as the intermediary, a bit of the luck that inexplicably protects the Tiandu Body has been lent to Huangfu Zhanghao. Because Zhanghao''s brilliance has overshadowed the Tiandu Body, this allows the Tiandu Body to develop without any problems.]

    [Under Fate Layering, Huangfu Zhanghao will experience smooth sailing.]

    Gu Zuo helplessly said: In other words, this is big brother''s luck giving him a shield?

    [Correct.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡­

    Considering this reason, if it wasn''t for Zhanghao, his big brother would''ve received the same kind of incessant attention like now. Instead, it was Huangfu Zhanghao. After going to the Qingyun Sect, Zhanghao might encounter loads of trouble.

    This feeling of shifting the me onto someone else¡­ Although, he didn''t do it deliberately and it wasn''t his big brother''s intention, why did he feel that it was still fishy?

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and asked: Then, will Zhanghao get hurt? How long has he been borrowing luck? Is he going to borrow even more? If he is, what''ll happen to him?

    [Luck never remains constant. Even though a boost in false luck will eventually return to its source, if there''s enough effort, one''s own luck can still strengthen and maintain one''s good fortune afterwards.]

    [Huangfu Zhanghao has borrowed the Tiandu Body''s luck. Provided that he is mindful, he can grasp many opportunities. From this, although many dangers will be produced, they can normally be avoided, and once they are avoided, his own luck can grow.]

    The system was very concise andprehensive.

    [He has a small advantage.]

    Gu Zuo felt even more helpless.

    No matter what was said, this didn''te to pa.s.s with that guy''s approval¡­ But thinking it over again, this wasn''t a matter they could resolve. Wasn''t big brother doing it automatically? There really was no need to give himself a pile of responsibilities.

    Gu Zuo felt the sputtering mes of guilt puff into existence before immediately going out.

    In fact, he also knew that even if he made Zhanghao chose beforehand, he certainly would still ept this¡­ En, this business deal.

    Moreover, he didn''t hypocritically delude himself into thinking as if this was in consideration of Zhanghao. Because if he had to choose again, he would choose to save Zhanghao and have him act as a shield.

    Gu Zuo silently sighed once more.

    In any case, Tianheng was okay, so he was okay. He was happy that he was still alive, and that he could still hope to go back and find his dad.

    As for other things, he felt that thinking about them too much was pointless.

    There were many matters in this world that were unfair. What he should do was carefully improve himself. He could always bully others and prevent others from bullying himself in the future.

    After convincing himself, Gu Zuo also understood that he was still measuring this world with the standards of another world. However, where in this world was it just as peaceful as that world? What''s more, even if it was that world, it also had too many injustices. He could only find an internal bnce. If he kept thinking this way about this world, he might¡­not live much longer.

    Gu Zuo didn''t share these small thoughts with Tianheng. He only told Tianheng what he knew about the matters of Huangfu Zhanghao''s luck.

    Tianheng was also somewhat astonished. After a good while, he faintly nodded: Since it''s like this, it''s just a coincidence. What''s in store for Zhanghao''s destiny can only be witnessed by himself. However, you and I shouldn''t entrust everything based on that illusory luck. That is, pay only a little bit of attention to it.

    Gu Zuo felt somewhat embarra.s.sed.

    Previously, he always struggled and thought carefully. As for Tianheng, he had a different point of view after listening to it once. Sure enough, there was a gap in their thought processes.

    As a result, he obediently said: Got it. Rest a.s.sured, big brother.

    On the side, the Prince Beside the Emperor told the Cangyun Emperor everything from beginning to end in front of everyone. The Cangyun Emperor''s eyes shed and oftennded on Zhanghao and Tianheng.

    Tianheng wore a smile on his face that people couldn''t see through.

    Although Zhanghao was very happy, there was a trace of apprehension that couldn''t be hidden in the depths of his eyes.

    ¡ª This definitely wasn''t strange for him. Rather, because his strength was insufficient and he still obtained so many things, a rational person wouldn''t be so¡­ Ahem, only a sweet and naive girl would believe this without any hesitation.

    Just like with Gu Zuo''s previous thinking, this was an opportunity.

    No matter what kinds of poison [2] or evil consequences were contained within that opportunity''s sweetness, as a martial artist, he would go forwards to taste it without the slightest hesitation!

    After the Cangyun Emperor sized them up, he let out a faint sigh.

    Obviously, he antic.i.p.ated Tianheng, but Zhanghao waspletely outside of his expectations. Cang Yu''s performance was also even better than what he imagined.

    In any event, this was a huge service to the Cangyun Empire.

    In the future, and under his jurisdiction, he could improve the qualities of the Cangyun Empire''s foundations once more!

    Everything was for the sake of the Cangyun Empire!

    Afterwards, the Cangyun Emperor didn''t speak too much. He knew that there were still very many things to handle and n for. However, he definitely didn''t have a lot of time.

    Before they went back, that Immortal realm martial artist mentioned that there would be only one month before they left for the sect. The journey from the Qingyun Boundary back to the Cangyun Empire took over ten days. Going back would take around the same amount of time, so in order to not miss this opportunity, Tianheng and the others could only stay in the Cangyun Empire for no more than three days.

    And in these three days, the Cangyun Emperor still needed to let several talented martial artists make their arrangements, as well as quickly consider the cements on hand and choose the candidates.

    Troublesome matters would pile up one after another. He truly couldn''t let dy his actions.

    After the banquet ended and the Cangyun Emperor left, Gongyi Tianheng and the others rushed back to their ancestral residences in the imperial capital.

    During this period of time, Tianheng couldn''t return to the vi.

    ______

    In the Gongyi ancestral residence.

    The n Head Gongyi Yan and some of the elders in the know were already waiting within a secret hall. At this moment, they all heard news from various channels that the people who partic.i.p.ated in the Hundred Countries Tournament had returned. However, they were unable to find out the specific achievements and circ.u.mstances.

    It was only natural that their moods were anxious at this time.

    Suddenly, several familiar strands of qi energy came through from outside. Gongyi Yan hastily stood up to go out. He was greeted with the sight of his father Zhuoyue, eldest son Tianheng, and Gu Zuo, whom he considered his adopted son. They''d alle back. Their expressions didn''t carry any sorrow, so he felt greatly relieved.

    ¡ª In actuality, that these people could safely return already made him very happy.

    Tianheng always handled matters decisively. After he entered the hall and paid his respects to the elders, he swiftly and sinctly reported the events of his partic.i.p.ation in the Hundred Countries Tournament.

    Gongyi Yan was quick to understand, and so were the elders. After hearing such shocking news, they all simrly showed looks of rapture.

    In the next moment, those elders couldn''t help but watch each other closely.

    Those were ten slots for entering the sect!

    Couldn''t their flesh and blood children vie for those slots?

    Tianheng saw their reactions, yet the look on his face was still a little solemn: ¡°n elders, please remain calm! We can take our time before making a decision on this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo demurely stood behind Tianheng, and felt in his heart how rare a sight it was for his big brother to have this kind of grave expression¡­ It was rather dignified. Whatever impressions one had of that face would all fade away.

    In any case, the elders knew that Tianheng had the greatest speaking rights. In addition, through Tianheng''s imperceptible influences, he could already make decisions in n matters. As a result, it became peaceful very quickly.

    Yet, when Tianheng opened his mouth, the words he said made them a little restless.

    Tianheng said: ¡°This time, before I go, I have no intention of bringing the children of the n.¡±

    [1] ÉÏÌì¼É»ä - Shang tian (heaven) ji hui (taboo).

    [2] Actual words were censored by China''s river crab. This is only a guess.

 Chapter 84

    Once these words came out, even the n Head Gongyi Yan couldn¡¯t help looking over: "What Tianheng means is..."

    He certainly understood that, although his eldest son was quite a schemer, he definitely wouldn¡¯t neglect the n. Such a decision must have a cause.

    After Gongyi Zhuoyue watched the various performances of his beloved grandson, his belief in him was even more absolute. At this moment, he lowered a palm and totally suppressed the other elders¡¯motion.

    At the same time, he also stated in a loud voice: "Calm down, and listen to my grandson¡¯s exnation!"

    Those elders were also the ones with the highest seniority. After hearing what was said, besides a small restless minority, who once inwardly thought that the n Head¡¯s calctive eldest son h.o.a.rded resources for his frail body, the rest controlled themselves.

    Everyone all simultaneously looked over at Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled: "The Qingyun Sect is too enormous, and we are too insignificant. The situation there hasn¡¯t even been a.n.a.lyzed yet. If a bunch of the n¡¯s outstanding children were taken over at this point in time, when we encounter something unexpected, it will be greatly detrimental to the n."

    The elders listened and felt that, although it was somewhat justified, it definitely wasn¡¯t enough to convince them.

    Just then, an elder said: "Opportunities are seldom. Even though there are some risks, we should give it our best shot at least once so we don¡¯t fail to live up to the core values of a martial artist."

    Another elder said: "Life and death are ruled by fate. If we don¡¯t even dare try, how can we achieve supremacy along the martial way?"

    Yet another said: "It really isn¡¯t like we¡¯re sending off all the outstanding youngsters. We¡¯re just selecting a couple. Even if there were obstructions, they shouldn¡¯t be likely to suffer serious injuries."

    Once these elders spoke one after another, Tianheng restated: "Respected elders, everyone¡¯s tensions are high. I¡¯m traveling to feel out the sect¡¯s situation. Once people¡¯s hearts have a difference in opinion, it¡¯ll be easy for others to take advantage of. Although the n¡¯s children are close to one another, going without careful consideration is still inappropriate."

    When the elders heard this, their brows furrowed.

    Those bluntly spoken words just now indicated that Tianheng¡¯s fellow peers from the n might not follow instructions and cause trouble for him...

    Gu Zuo internally sighed. Big brother, this is too forting. Perhaps obstructions are a certainty, but speaking tactfully will make people a little more receptive.

    As a matter of fact, was it so strange for the elders to think about obtaining benefits? While that so-called difference in opinion in people¡¯s hearts was a possibility, they would totally express the obedience of their descendants ¡ª But without waiting for the elder¡¯s objections, Tianheng once again opened his mouth: "In the early stages, I will only be an outer sect disciple. From the words of those three envoys, there are very many ways of handling things in the sect. For a nominal disciple who¡¯ll be following me, I¡¯m afraid that even losing their life will be very ordinary."

    He continued: "The manpower I¡¯m bringing for this trip will be simplified as much as possible. My power at hand will naturally grow when I seed in raising my rank to inner sect disciple, or even core disciple or apprentice... And since an outer sect disciple can bring ten nominal disciples, the number of helpers will certainly increase after I rise in rank. At that time, my power will be able to protect the peers of my n more easily."

    After listening, those elders who were originally unwilling finally looked pensive and calmed down.

    The eldest young master¡¯s words were indeed somewhat reasonable.

    Gongyi Yan listened, and felt a little regret in his heart.

    Howplicated was the situation in the sect? Once his eldest son went, Gongyi Yan wouldn¡¯t know how much time his eldest son would stay in power. The Gongyi n couldn¡¯t wait. Even if this generation wasn¡¯t sessful, there¡¯d inevitably be a descendant among the growing generations who could overtake the others. Merely, his second son Tianyang might lose this opportunity.

    However, after having second thoughts, Gongyi Yan set this matter aside.

    His eldest son was so smart. How would anyone know if he couldn¡¯t seed within a couple years? Even if he couldn¡¯t do it and Tianyang really lost that chance, under Tianheng¡¯s remaining power, he could stably im the position of n Head. There was a way forward. After all, once Tianheng left for the sect and experienced a wider world, he most likely wouldn¡¯t want to be the n Head... As for Tianteng, he was still too young. After growing up, it could be a.s.sumed that it wouldn¡¯t be a missed opportunity.

    There were all sorts of internal rtionships that were difficult to deal with. After reconsidering things, Gongyi Yan had a clear understanding.

    Those elders also thought the same.

    Only, someone still asked: "Then, how does the eldest young master want to handle these spots?"

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "The two leaders of my subordinate Tianlong Guard each have a cement. Another is for my adoptive younger brother Ah Zuo. He possesses a great gift as a pharmacist and is also very young. He can go with me to be educated at the sect, which will add a high level pharmacist to our n."

    His voice fell, and quite a few gazes uniformly looked towards Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo just felt his hair stand on end. It wasn¡¯t good to be stared at by everyone. He couldn¡¯t help shouting in his mind immediately: My eyesight¡¯s not too good at reading the mood. Big brother, save me!

    In his mind, Tianheng broke intoughter and catingly said: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t panic. There¡¯s no problem.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    At this time, what he was actually thinking about even more was... When all was said and done, was he really going to go with his big brother to the sect?

    Still, he was very confused and hesitant over what to do.

    Merely, this definitely wasn¡¯t the time to talk about the issue...

    Sure enough, after the elders discussed with each other on the side, despite not witnessing how extraordinary Gh Zuo¡¯s talent in medicine refinement was, the spots were Tianheng¡¯s in the end. No matter if it were the Tianlong Guard leaders or Gu Zuo, it seemed they were all Tianheng¡¯s underlings. Bringing them along on this foray was within his rights. As a result, even though their hearts stillmented over the remaining spots, there was nothing more to be said ¡ª In any case, weren¡¯t their descendants, including Tianheng¡¯s younger brother Tianyang, all not going?

    Since it was like this, anything else they said would be pointless!

    However, Tianheng¡¯s portrayal of their future prospects...were ones they heavily antic.i.p.ated.

    Everything was for the continuation and glory of the n.

    Everything was for sake of pa.s.sing on the torch to the next generation. The students would surpa.s.s their teachers.

    After returning to Tianheng¡¯s courtyard, two people sat across from each other.

    At this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any interest in silently mocking the elders in his heart like before. Rather, by looking at his dear big brother, he¡¯d already guessed what was up.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "Ah Zuo, I intend on taking you with me to the sect. What do you think?"

    He paused a bit, "I know you aren¡¯t fond of moving beyond yourfort zone. The road to the sect is long, and I¡¯m afraid of leaving you with misgivings. Only, it¡¯s apparent to me that whether for a pharmacist or martial artist, if you only focus internally and disregard the outside world, you won¡¯t be able to advance. With Ah Zuo¡¯s inheritance, being in the Cangyun Empire will be like using a talented person for an insignificant position. Also, for Ah Zuo to take care of me, my body cannot be separated from you."

    Mentioning this, Tianheng stopped once more to let Ah Zuo ruminate. After that, he said: "Naturally, if Ah Zuo really doesn¡¯t want to go, then I reluctantly won¡¯t either. At that time, I¡¯ll entrust Ah Zuo to Tianyang and father. They¡¯ll watch over you, and Ah Zuo can properly find a ce to settle down. Another thing..."

    When he said this, he called out, "Dragon One."

    After he returned to the Gongyi Mansion, he already dispatched people to have Dragon One rush over from the vi and bring things that should be brought.

    At this moment, the ck clothed person¡¯s silhouette appeared, and deferentially handed over an object.

    Tianheng personally ced it in Gu Zuo¡¯s hands: "This is Ah Zuo¡¯s bonus for more than a year¡¯s work. It¡¯s all here."

    Gu Zuo stared distractedly at the thing he took.

    Actually, he didn¡¯t know that there was still this...

    Soon after, Gu Zuo lowered his head to take a look. Unexpectedly, it was a ledger. He opened it up and inside were all kinds of densely-packed numbers. For the most part, every time he sold a medicinal pill, he received twenty percent of the ie. With the .u.mtion over this time period, there was, perhaps, one million gold.

    Indeed, in all his years of life, he¡¯d never seen so much gold.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly thumped very quickly.

    In spite of everything, it really belonged to him!

    Originally, he previously told his big brother there was no need. Yet, Tianheng still gave him a cut of the profits...

    In addition, Gu Zuo had a clear understanding now that a pharmacist like him who was supplied all his medicinal ingredients by a n normally would only receive ten percent of the profits. Twenty percent was as rare as a phoenix feather; it was extremely rare.

    Sure, he had an inheritance. And sure, his current level was very good. However, when he set a contract with his big brother, he was already prepared to get nothing ¡ª Let alone that he could still extract medicinal qi for cultivation, he never expected that his business savvy big brother wouldn¡¯t take advantage of the situation by not giving him any bonuses. On the contrary, he presented the greatest sincerity!

    For a moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was inevitably moved.

    From what could be seen by the record¡¯s timestamps, his sry was already like this ever since the first cauldron of medicinal pills he refined... Even though he¡¯d yet to reveal more at that time.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart wavered.

    Should he go or not?

    That Gongyi Tianheng spoke again: "This has one million gold. If Ah Zuo desires to smoothly and steadily pa.s.s your days here, I can give Ah Zuo another million gold as well as the unequivocal friendship between me and Ah Zuo. The Tianlong Guard can keep collecting medicinal ingredients for Ah Zuo, but if there are impediments, Ah Zuo can also purchase them himself. When that momentes, leave it to the Tianlong Guard¡¯s methods to stand in for Ah Zuo when it gets sold. Only, if it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo needs to prepare medicinal decoctions and cuisines for me every day. I can have Dragon Onee by to fetch them, and Dragon Two... As before, he will stay by Ah Zuo¡¯s side to act as your protector."

    Hearing how thoughtful Tianheng¡¯s arrangement for Gu Zuo was, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help wavering even more.

    In fact, he knew that his big brother¡¯s statements were very reasonable. Moreover, he developed all kinds of apprehensions long ago; whether if it were based on sentiment or rationality, he clearly understood that sticking with his big brother would be the most advantageous.

    Otherwise, if his big brother weren¡¯t here, would the people of the Gongyi n really give him the greatest aid? If he refined medicine just like before, could he genuinely be protected? He didn¡¯t have his big brother¡¯s meticulous mind. Would he really able to conceal what he was hiding?

    Therefore...

    He¡¯d better go.

    He had faith in Tianheng¡¯s capabilities. He would shine no matter the location. Even if there were some dangers, so long as he followed Tianheng closely, he was much safer than muddling along by himself.

    After slowly convincing himself in his heart, Gu Zuo¡¯s courage was raised a tiny bit.

    At this time, a line of words once again appeared in his mind.

    [Compulsory mission: Follow the patron to the Qingyun Sect.]

    [Mission props: <one hundred="" unorthodox="" medicine="" refinement="" hand="" seals="">>.]</one>

    [Completion method: Arbitrary.]

    [Completion time: One month.]

    [Failure penalty: Obliteration.]

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Actually, he was just about to ept.

    He should say that the system was truly good at understanding others... Sigh.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 85

    Gu Zuo said with an embarra.s.sed face: "Uh, big brother, I don¡¯t need to hesitate... I¡¯ll be going with you."

    Gongyi Tianheng stared nkly before responding: "Is it the system?"

    Gu Zuo nodded. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry over the mission the system announced just now, so he just told Tianheng about it.

    Also, because the system liked to fire before the horse so much, he was at a loss over how to feel about himself being forced to do something.

    Tianheng shook his head andughed: "It looks like the system¡¯s intention is to have you travel a lot and develop your skills." After he finishedughing, his expression turned slightly solemn, "But Ah Zuo, what concerns me right now is actually that new item the system gave you."

    Gu Zuo nked: "Big brother is talking about the <one hundred="" unorthodox="" medicine="" refinement="" hand="" seals="">>?" </one>

    This should be a new skill for him to learn?

    Tianheng actually sighed: "Ah Zuo, you should be able to tell from the book¡¯s t.i.tle."

    Gu Zuo thought about it, but didn¡¯t understand.

    Forck of a better option, Tianheng reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: "This item book is termed unorthodox by the system. Your cultivation¡¯s medicine refinement hand seals are naturally orthodox through the system¡¯s words. And since it gave you something orthodox, how could it have given you something unorthodox while you¡¯re still learning about the former? You¡¯re still young and the future is long. Don¡¯t tell that after waiting for you to get more experience, it¡¯ll give give you some unorthodox ancient books to let you properly master?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart clenched, and discovered the abnormal points here.

    Ever since the beginning, the system had never done something inappropriate for the situation. There certainly must be some reason for it inside the book!

    Tianheng continued his conjecture: "Thus, I think this item book should be something the system gave you to conceal your orthodox medicine refinement methods. With you just about ready to leave with me for the Qingyun Sect, isn¡¯t it proof that a pharmacist¡¯s way of refining medicine in that sect is totally unlike our Tianwu Continent¡¯s crude and simple methods?"

    Gu Zuo immediately understood. This theory made lots of sense!

    Tianheng saw hisprehension and grinned: "Your hand seals for refining medicine are too profound. Once they¡¯re detected by someone, you¡¯ll certainly experience a cmity. If you had other skills to hide behind, all your methods for refining medicine will be even safer."

    Gu Zuo felt that these words made even more sense.

    However, whether or not the specifics were as purported, it still had to be verified.

    Because they¡¯d already returned to Tianheng¡¯s courtyard, they didn¡¯t need to worry about security or confidentiality. As a result, Gu Zuo quickly sent his consciousness into his storage s.p.a.ce and took out the new item book.

    After that, he opened it.

    Tianhengughed: "Go into the secret room and try refining for a bit."

    He still had lots of faith in this little pharmacist¡¯sprehension on medicine refinement.

    The current Gu Zuo was much more confident in himself. He hurriedly entered the secret room in just a couple steps, and impatiently began learning this new medicine refining hand seal.

    The moment he opened it...he suddenly understood a little bit.

    In actuality, if a person ate the gourmet food of an exceptionally famous chef every day, and was suddenly given stuff at the standards of a three or four star cook, how could he get used to it in such a short time?

    After Gu Zuo started learning the medicine refining technique written on the item book¡¯s first page, he already found it had a kind of feeling that was...many times more crude.

    If one said <minor seal:="" plucking="" nine="" stars="">> was a pill refining hand seal that gave a person the feeling that each movement was ch.o.r.eographed and suited to pharmacology, then this </minor>

    Because he already learned the best and mostplicated ones, and was now learning this kind of thing, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t strain himself. He roughlyprehended it within two to four hours. Filled with confidence, he started to use just this Archived Pill Refining Seal to refine pills.

    ¡ª Simrly, it was also the Qi Generating Pill.

    Just like this, twenty minutes pa.s.sed.

    Gu Zuo unfamiliarly fumbled through the refinement of one cauldron of medicinal pills. He used the Pill Receiving Seal to catch those pills in a jade bowl. Afterwards, he lowered his head to take a look. There were precisely nine medicinal pills in the jade bowl. Not too many and not too few.

    Compared to the sixteen pills he¡¯d refine using Plucking Nine Stars, it was less than half. He seeded in creating only one top grade Qi Generating Pill. Among the other eight pills, there were three high grade and five mid grade pills.

    Moreover, no medicinal qi was generated.

    At this time, Gu Zuo unexpectedly had a small realization.

    His psychic power was able to perceive that the number of medicinal pills created was not enough. Not only that, it was due to his inexperience and this pill refining hand seal¡¯s errors that he was unable to perfectly gather the medicinal essence. Much of it had dissipated, so the sessful pills were naturally few in number.

    And theck of medicinal qi was probably due to a problem with the hand seal.

    Once the medicinal essence dissipated, the medicinal qi couldn¡¯t be formed.

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s pensive expression, and called to him: "Ah Zuo?"

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and told Tianheng his discovery. He said: "It¡¯s probably true that this is to act as my cover... Big brother, I feel that we can make use of this."

    Tianheng was a little surprised.

    Ever since he became aware of this item book, his mind hade up with very many notions. Only, the thing was Gu Zuo¡¯s. He intended to convince him, but he also wanted to take his little pharmacist¡¯s way of thinking into consideration.

    He didn¡¯t expect that Gu Zuo would actually make the suggestion first.

    Tianheng said softly: "In that case, Ah Zuo, what prices do you have in mind?"

    In this aspect, if he wanted to take advantage of it, then they had to carefully talk it over. Ah Zuo treated him sincerely, so he naturally wouldn¡¯t fail to live up to his expectations.

    Gu Zuo looked distracted: "What?" After he let that slip, he realized Tianheng¡¯s meaning and promptly shook his head, "You don¡¯t need to ask me for a price."

    Saying this, he even emphasized, "It really isn¡¯t needed."

    When he mentioned this, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was very earnest: "Making use of this was originally for the sake of protecting my secret and maintaining my safety. Big brother has such a clear understanding of everything, so you don¡¯t have to ask this little brother. Isn¡¯t that so?"

    He still remembered that this person had taken him in from the very beginning and gave him the greatest trust. Otherwise, he might¡¯ve not had enough time to draw support from the system; he would¡¯ve died from the first mission. He even felt that if it wasn¡¯t this big brother, had he relied on someone else, not only would he have faced the problem of losing his freedom, but even greater dangers or developing disputes were a possibility.

    Nothing could be like the present situation. Besides refining medicine and upgrading his strength, what else was there to think about? In addition, apart from this person, how many people with two years left would have the courage to dare have this botched guy with "destroyed" medical beads treat an illness?

    He¡¯d been here for a long time, and wasn¡¯t stupid enough to think that his initial threat had yed a big role. Because the contract wouldn¡¯t take his life, but would instead put him through severe torture, if the person was changed, would he have had the courage to cut off all means of retreat and take the other person down with him? Don¡¯t even talk about equal treatment afterwards.

    Gu Zuo believed in Gongyi Tianheng, and considered him to be like his own flesh and blood in this world. When treating one¡¯s flesh and blood, what would one consider a few mere worldly possessions?

    Tianheng was emotionally moved, and lightly sighed soon after.

    After he tiled his head and began thinking, he extended his hand once more to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair.

    "I will never let you suffer a loss."

    Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile.

    In the following couple of days, Tianheng was very busy. Gu Zuo was also very busy.

    As Tianheng bustled around, he received proposals from other aristocratic families. All kinds of probings, enticements, and solicitations ¡ª Were they not for the sake of those cements that appeared?

    Moreover, it wasn¡¯t just him. The Huangfu n and the royal family simrly received many proposals. That sect¡¯s attractive power was really too great.

    Of course, while some of these actions had a few keen touches the top ranking aristocratic families could sense, their ranks were insufficient. The Five Great ns also made supreme efforts to guard their secrets. In the end, this sect matter couldn¡¯t be leaked.

    To put it briefly, even the generations of the Five Great ns¡¯ elders and heads had just found out. Let alone those of a lower .s.s.

    ...For the past several hundred years, the Cangyun Empire already had its martial artists, who were sent to the Hundred Countries Tournament,pletely wiped out over and over again. Even the people who were aware of the information in those days had all faded away in the long river of time.

    Only, each outer sect disciple had a number of cements for nominal disciples at hand. Their expenses, safety, and so on were all recorded under that outer sect disciple¡¯s name. If the cements were divided among the people of other aristocratic families, there would be a dispute over benefits. It would be veryplicated. Those from the other aristocratic families who wanted to obtain those spots would certainly have to pay an enormous price.

    The Huangfu n auctioned off four cements, and the royal family auctioned off three. As for the Gongyi n... There wasn¡¯t a single one.

    This matter created a huge controversy among the aristocratic families!

    However, besides Gongyi Tianheng, not a single child of the Gongyi n was going. After the other aristocratic families found out, besides being unhappy in their hearts, what could they still do?

    On the contrary, regardless of what they thought in their hearts, it was the royal family intermediaries and the members of the Huangfu n who unexpectedly joined hands to suppress the discontent of the other aristocratic families.

    The people who likewise partic.i.p.ated in the Hundred Countries Tournament clearly understood that those two households heavily regarded Tianheng¡¯s potential.

    Even though the inner workings of the Cangyun Empire contained numerous fights and schemes against one another and had many of those left in low spirits, once they entered the sect, they would all be on the same side.

    Naturally, they couldn¡¯t simply suppress or offend Gongyi Tianheng: This person whose strength was the highest, whose talents were bestowed by the heavens, and whose intelligence was close to monstrous. If not, then once they left the empire¡¯s reach, they feared that their own nsmen would suffer from dreadful schemes.

    ...Because a younger generation was afraid of the consequences up until now, quite a few seniors from the aristocratic families couldn¡¯t helpughing bitterly in their hearts.

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng moved his hand against the Helian n.

    Of course, because Gu Zuo wanted to go with him to the Qingyun Sect as soon as possible, he started thinking up all sorts of ns in response to this aristocratic family in order to control them. If the Helian n wasn¡¯t given a single lesson, then it was unavoidable to bully it.

    Thus, intentionally or otherwise, Tianheng got in contact with the Huangfu n and the royal family, and hinted at his disregard for the Helian n as well as the dissatisfaction of his n¡¯s child. Afterwards, those two households got the drift, and on top of all that, the Helian n¡¯s younger generation indeed suffered some restlessness. Consequently, they put forward the auction¡¯s seven cements. By happenstance, it went all ording to "n".

    After that, the Duanmu n obtained four spots and the Sima n obtained two spots. As for the Helian n, they only got one.

    As for Gu Zuo, while Tianheng busied himself outside, he shut himself in the secret room to research the entire book¡¯s one hundred types of medicine refining hand seals.

    He wanted to find the most suitable ones from within its pages.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 86

    In order to research this, Gu Zuo was considered deliriously busy. He basically studied each and every hand seal. After studying it, he still needed to try refining a cauldron of pills, and then he recorded the performances of each attempt. In this way, after a period of chaos, he finally chose three medicine refinement hand seals.

    These three hand seals were all pill refining types. No matter if it was medicinal decoctions or cuisines, they shouldn¡¯t have appeared in the Tianwu Continent so quickly ¡ª Otherwise, the social upheaval would be too great.

    Thus, after Gu Zuo made hisparisons, <he n''s="" pill="" refining="" seal="">> was set as a low grade pill seal, <minor seal:="" heavenly="" wind="">> was set as a mid grade pill seal, and

    </minor></he>

    > was set as a high grade pill seal. He had Dragon Two, who was equally adept at copying, transcribe them into three thin books to be left as backups.

    The three pill seals would all be guaranteed to suit the refined medicinal pills for martial artists at the Immortal realm and below. As for the even higher leveled ones, the sess rates were extremely low.

    For the Gongyi n, it was also for the best.

    ¡ª One shouldn¡¯t go so far as to rely on easy money-making.

    After handling this, Gu Zuo asked about Tianheng¡¯s recent whereabouts.

    Dragon Two received lots of news from Dragon One over there. The moment Dragon Two heard him ask, he naturally exined everything from beginning to end.

    Gu Zuo listened, and was very satisfied.

    Once these three medicine refinement hand seals were put forth, all of the Gongyi n¡¯s pharmacists would learn them. Afterwards, the Gongyi n¡¯s medicinal pills would certainly be several grades higher than the pills of the other ns. At that time, wouldn¡¯t wealth be pouring in from all directions?

    It wasn¡¯t long before Tianheng returned.

    It was in the afternoon, and two days had already pa.s.sed.

    When Gu Zuo saw Tianheng, he immediately scampered over with three books in his hands: "Big brother, take a look. They¡¯re the ones I selected. What do you think?"

    Tianheng took them and unceremoniously flipped through the books. Following which, he grinned: "Ah Zuo¡¯s selection naturally puts me at ease. In Tianwu Continent, perhaps there isn¡¯t a single person who has mastered the path of medicine refinement more than Ah Zuo."

    Gu Zuo was a little embarra.s.sed: "Big brother, don¡¯t heap praises on me."

    Tianhengughed, but sure enough, he stopped praising him.

    Time was limited. Tianheng originally returned this time to bring back several medicine refinement hand seals to set up. Gu Zuo already did it in advance, so it was only natural that after he hurriedly discussed a few sentences, he turned around and walked away.

    Before leaving, he didn¡¯t forget to remind Gu Zuo that these pill refining hand seals would¡¯ve been previously obtained along with that prescription for the <five-element meridian="" replenishing="" decoction="">>. Just the content alone was too earth-shattering. Under no circ.u.mstances would he dare take them out lightly. It was because these hand seals were indeed useful, and the sect was an even higher existence, that he was prepared to take out what wouldter be the Gongyi n¡¯s treasured skills. </five-element>

    Gu Zuo bore this in mind seriously, and nodded his head: "Big brother, rest a.s.sured."

    Only then did Gongyi Tianheng truly depart.

    The ce he was going to was an office of the Gongyi n, used for discussing business.

    The n Head and elders had been frequently entering and exiting that ce within recent times. As for the acting n Head Gongyi Yan, he was practically right on their heels.

    In a still and quiet room, Gongyi Yan¡¯s fingers faintly trembled as they held three books.

    He first carefully scanned what was written once through. Then, he carefully looked at the four jade bowls packed with two medicinal pills each. He was in a very excitable mood.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue, this old fellow, also had never expected this. At this moment, his voice quivered: "Tianheng, my grandson... Is, is this really true?"

    Tianheng¡¯s expression wasposed, and was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with confidence: "Reporting to grandfather, this matter isn¡¯t the least bit fake."

    There were five things he mentioned:

    First, these three books were ingenious pill refining methods one could practice. One could refine pills that had even stronger medicinal effects than that of ordinary pills. The medicinal pills in these four jade bowls were based on these ingenious methods.

    Second, because the qualities of the medicinal pills produced were different, they were divided into four grades. Among them, top grade was the rarest, but the effects were on the brink of perfection.

    Third, during the Hundred Countries Tournament, many empires had taken out miraculous medicinal pills. In actuality, they were just strengthened versions of the Rejuvenation Pill. The fact was that he¡¯d provided them. In addition, in the Cangyun Empire, these medicinal pills were part of a business transaction with the Ghost Division. This established secret channels within many other empires.

    Fourth, the high grade Qi Generating Pills sold by the Azure Dragon Trading Company were due to the ingenious pill refining methods.

    Fifth, his body was capable of improvingrgely due to the sessful creation of the Five Essence Pill through the pill refining techniques...

    Casually putting one of these matters forward could leave a person speechless. Let alone that this moment really wasn¡¯t just one, but rather no less than five matters. Furthermore, they were even linked together?

    At this very moment, the things before the two Gongyi n seniors made it hard to remain unmoved.

    Gongyi Yan suddenly stood up. With his hands sped behind his back, he paced back and forth in the room¡¯s interior. It seemed to calm his mood. After a long time, he abruptly turned his head: "Tianheng, who else knows about this matter besides you?"

    Tianheng was still as peacefully calm as always: "I won¡¯t keep this from father. Besides this child, there¡¯s only Ah Zuo, Dragon One, and Dragon Two who know. Among them, Dragon One needed to handle this child¡¯s business affairs, so he had to be informed. Dragon Two was arranged by this child to protect Ah Zuo, so he also had to know. As for Ah Zuo... These method books came from his fateful encounter, which he handed over to this child. Moreover, the medicinal pills that are flowing out these days have alle from Ah Zuo¡¯s own hands."

    Mentioning this, he sighed, "Ah Zuo has great talent along the path of medicine refinement. Unfortunately, back then, the Qi Family wasn¡¯t able to tell good from bad and the son was allowed to indulge in evil, which shouldn¡¯t be rewarded. Gu Zuo arrived after this, and not only did he save this child, but he also brought about tremendous amounts of luck for our Gongyi n."

    After these words were spoken, Gongyi Zhuoyue and Gongyi Yan were shaken once again.

    They never expected that the one who was always following their own child, the tiny youngster whom they originally thought had merely offered the prescription to curry favor, actually had such great skills!

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s excitedplexion reddened. After taking several deep breaths, he opened his mouth little by little: "Good, good, good! A pharmacist with such capabilities must certainly be treated well by my son. You can¡¯t be the slightest bit negligent!"

    Tianheng smiled: "Ah Zuo is pure and innocent like the heart of a newborn. He¡¯s never once let this child down, and this child won¡¯t be unworthy of his sincerity."

    When he said this, he paused, "Only, if Ah Zuo remains in the n, I¡¯m afraid that his talents will be preupied for a long time. Therefore, this child intends on bringing him, Dragon One, and Dragon Two to the sect. Dragon One and Dragon Two are faithful and devoted. It¡¯s inevitable that they¡¯ll be this child¡¯s left and right hands in the future. And after Ah Zuo departs with this child, I can look after him. He can also continue refining medicine for this child. We¡¯ll depend on one another, and we¡¯ll be able to properly survive through all kinds of ups and downs in the future."

    Gongyi Yan didn¡¯t hesitate. He simply responded: "Then I¡¯ll listen to my son¡¯s words!"

    His eldest son was still a hidden dragon. When he was done hiding, he¡¯d one day soar through the highest heavens. As if a pharmacist like Gu Zuo could be continuously retained by their Gongyi n. They might as well let Gu Zuo go, and let the two forge their own paths in the world together. Actually, it should be said that they could obtain even greater sess. The two could show filial piety by nourishing the Gongyi n.

    Gongyi Yan had a clear understanding. Nowadays, this "father" was already unable to help his eldest son. In the future, everything would have to depend on him. So, he needed to properly a.s.sist his own child and take care of the n to let Tianheng move unhindered as much as he liked without any worries for the family!

    Gongyi Zhuoyue, as the first n Head, never made his opinions known. It wasn¡¯t until after Gongyi Yan and Tianheng had somewhat reached a resolution did heugh out in a clear voice and apud: "It should be just like this ¡ª Just like this!"

    A glint of warmth streaked across Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    Afterwards, grandfather, father, and son made arrangements for the matters toe, discussing things one step at a time.

    Of course, the three books would be preserved as treasures. Among them, <he n''s="" pill="" refining="" seal="">>, which was set as low grade, could be taken out first to allow the Gongyi n to secretly cultivate without outside interference. It would be distributed among the Gongyi n¡¯s blood-rted pharmacists to study. Once this batch of people figured it out, they could instruct the second batch, which would beprised of the loyal and devoted pharmacists whose ancestors were subordinates or servants of the Gongyi n for many generations.</he>

    After they were nurtured, they also couldn¡¯t let this kind of pill refining hand seal leak out at this point in time. Rather, they would first use the refined medicinal pills to nurture their own n members. This would substantially raise the n¡¯s foundations, as well as improve the n¡¯s overall strength and the younger generation¡¯s roots.

    This would take a period of time. Because it wasn¡¯t known specifically when Tianheng would return, the following matters would be outlined superficially.

    For example, once the n¡¯s strength rose, the low grade pill refining hand seal would be copied into no less than ten books. They would be distributed to the Azure Dragon Auction to be sold at high prices.

    This way, when lots of pharmacists started mastering this low grade hand seal, the Gongyi n¡¯s people could study the mid grade and high grade pill refining hand seals based on the differences in their degree of mastery and loyalty.

    This way, not only could it preserve the Gongyi n¡¯s superiority, it could also raise the entire Cangyun Empire¡¯s power, making the Cangyun Empire the undisputed giant of the Tianwu Continent!

    Beyond safeguarding the n¡¯s benefits, the Gongyi n¡¯s people also hoped that the overall strength of the empire would be improved...

    But when it came to this, Tianheng suddenly opened his mouth: "Father, grandfather, before auctioning the low grade pill seals, give one to the royal family."

    Gongyi Zhuoyue and Gongyi Yan both nked, but they recovered very quickly.

    Tianheng said: "Until this child leaves, wait for several months to even a year before the n offers the pill seal."

    After Gongyi Yan pondered, he stated: "This truly is a child of the Gongyi n. We¡¯ll be sure to discuss what my son and Gu Zuo experienced while away from home."

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "This child has made things difficult for father."

    Gongyi Yanughed: "This is the way it should be."

    A father and son, these two people, didn¡¯t need to be too formal with each other.

    Tianheng immediately handed over everything pertaining to the Ghost Division¡¯s methods, rted channels, and a few properties to Gongyi Yan.

    The road ahead couldn¡¯t be guessed. Since he couldn¡¯t be filial beside his parents, he naturally couldn¡¯t be stingy with some of the good things in his possession that could prove useful. Even the Tianlong Guard was given to his father to help him manage properties.

    Once everything was ounted for, Tianheng quietly said: "If I have the chance, I¡¯ll have Yang¡¯er, Mingxia, and Teng¡¯er join the sect in the future to practice martial arts. However, if I still can¡¯t after many years, and you don¡¯t receive any letters, I¡¯m asking father to split these private properties between my three siblings."

    After saying this, he smiled teasingly, "If there¡¯ll be more siblings in the future, because I haven¡¯t seen them yet, just leave it to Yang¡¯er to take care of."

    Naturally, Gongyi Yan had a rare case of embarra.s.sment.

    Gongyi Tianheng had yet to tarry, and he still had plenty of matters to arrange.

    Once everything was properly settled, the time left was almost used up.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 87

    Gu Zuo wore an ordinary brown, full-body robe. Following behind Gongyi Tianheng, he seemed like a speck of dust floating in the wind. Simrly, Dragon One and Dragon Two wore ck full-body robes and looked like pitch-ck shadows.

    They followed Tianheng to leave for the Qingyun Sect. Although each of their ident.i.ties were nominal disciples, the truth was that Dragon One and Dragon Two were still subordinates. As for Gu Zuo, after discussing it with Tianheng, he would be a little servant boy who had a small talent in medicine refinement.

    For Gu Zuo¡¯s safety, once they arrived at the Qingyun Sect, he still had to live together with Tianheng. And since they needed to live together, there wasn¡¯t an ident.i.ty that was more convenient than a personal servant boy.

    A group of people quickly arrived at the imperial pce. They weren¡¯tte, but one could already see a huge crowd outside the pce hall.

    There really were as many as ten people standing behind both Huangfu Zhanghao and Cang Yu.

    On the contrary, Tianheng simply brought three over. Although the people across from them already knew in advance, they still had to swallow their astonishment after actually seeing it.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s methods were truly hard for people to predict.

    Maybe it wasn¡¯t that no one had simr conjectures and opinions like Tianheng, but the people who came to mind might¡¯ve needed topromise. The rest basically weren¡¯t willing due to benefits... What happened to each person after going to the sect would depend on their own luck.

    In addition, the other aristocratic families all had the n Heads, elders, or close rtivese to send them off. All except for the Gongyi n. Not a single n member showed because their needed reunion to say their goodbyes had already been done yesterday.

    ...If they bid them farewell now, it would only add to the sadness.

    Gu Zuo saw this scene and couldn¡¯t help transmitting someforting words: Big brother, don¡¯t feel sad. Haven¡¯t we given the n lots of medicinal pills? If they don¡¯t waste too much, then at the very least, there¡¯ll still be enough to use before the n¡¯s pharmacists learn it.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze eased slightly: Ah Zuo also doesn¡¯t need to worry. It¡¯s amon matter for people who practice martial arts to leave on a long journey. Although I have some reluctance, I don¡¯t harbor any sadness at all.

    Only then did Gu Zuo feel relieved.

    He could still remember that when he came to this world, he found himself leaving his dad and suffering a lot of heartache. He couldn¡¯t help wanting tofort his big brother. Only, it was obvious that his big brother¡¯s determination was much stronger than his. This was also very good.

    In the front, Huangfu Zhanghao and Cang Yu saw that Tianheng had arrived. By chance, they both took the initiative to take a couple steps forward and greet him: "Brother Tianheng."

    Members of an aristocratic family usually had the same surname. In regards to how they were addressed, it was normal to call them by their first name.

    Tianheng returned the greeting: "Brother Zhanghao, Brother Cang Yu."

    The two smiled, but didn¡¯t speak with him too much.

    At this time, Gu Zuo was mainly looking at who the two families brought to upy the nominal disciple positions.

    Besides the Huangfu n¡¯s descendants, behind Huangfu Zhanghao were four Duanmu n descendants, including Duanmu Qingrong. None of the people they brought were subordinates. Rather, they were all n members.

    Previously, Gu Zuo heard that the rtionship between the Huangfu and Duanmu ns was rather good. Grouping the two ns together shouldn¡¯t cause too much friction.

    After that, he turned his head to look at the royal family.

    In the royal family, besides Cang Yu, there were several youngsters who bore a resemnce to Cang Yu. They should also be members of the royal family. Within that group was even a familiar face. Of course, it was Princess Yaomin ¡ª She should¡¯ve been using her ident.i.ty as a pharmacist.

    In addition, between the three spots auctioned off, two were the Sima n¡¯s and one was the Helian n¡¯s. The Sima n had Sima Yuanyou and a fellow n member who seemed only a little bit inferior to him. The Helian n had... Unexpectedly, it wasn¡¯t Helian Xingcheng?

    Gu Zuo felt a little baffled.

    Of the imperial capital¡¯s five great young masters, only four came. How could Xingcheng renounce this opportunity? Wasn¡¯t he a talent nominated by this generation¡¯s Helian n Head? This position was a very precious one. Also, there had been three days since they returned plus the previous dozen or so days during the journey back to nurse his health. How could he go so far as to renounce it?

    ¡ª In actuality, it was Gu Zuo who didn¡¯t understand the implications.

    After he spected in his mind, he transmitted a question to Tianheng, who unexpectedly gave a reply.

    Due to the Helian n¡¯s situation, it went without saying that he paid attention to them from the very beginning.

    As it turned out, Xingcheng¡¯s insurmountable temperament was still the cause.

    Nevertheless, it was due to Xingcheng¡¯s momentary slip when he received the Cangyun Emperor¡¯s trials in the pce. It wasn¡¯t known why, but from that point on, he suffered from bad luck ever since. When he didn¡¯t have enough strength, he had bad luck. When he did have enough strength, he still had bad luck. What made him angrier was that when he had bad luck, the team he was on actually obtained huge achievements...

    As a guy who didn¡¯t have a lot of tolerance, he angrily spat quite a few mouthfuls of blood. After returning home, his mind suffered from emotional knots for a long time and he couldn¡¯t free himself. So, his strength fell from half-step Xiantian back to the peak of Meridian Condensing third stage. Wasn¡¯t this also very normal? After all, this state of half-step Xiantian originally drew support from the inspiration of the Azure Dragon Pool. It was fundamentally unstable.

    Yet, for such a setback, Helian Xingcheng¡¯s anger grewrger. After this, his strength wouldn¡¯t easily decline, but he wouldn¡¯t be able to make any progress again for a long time. That was the truth!

    Consequently, being like this all the time... Xingcheng would have no advantages over the others. Moreover, his n members worried that, with his current state, going to the sect would invite misfortune. In the end, they reced him with a guy who was only slightly inferior to him to take what originally should¡¯ve been his spot!

    ...Helian Xingcheng furiously threw up blood again.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s facial expression suddenly became a little odd.

    The contrast between this unlucky fellow and Zhanghao was...really clear to see.

    It was just that although thetter¡¯s luck was borrowed, he benefitted enormously. And as for the former, to use a rtively popr saying: It was a problem of his own making.

    No one would sympathize with him.

    Xingcheng lost this opportunity. The neer was called Helian Xingye. He shared some resemnce to Xingcheng, but the emotions showing in his eyes were rather different.

    ...To say the least, there wasn¡¯t such obvious jealousy and spite.

    Merely, the Helian n was always exuberantly ambitious. In the end, how this Helian Xingye behaved, and whether or not he could uphold propriety and think clearly, wasn¡¯t something that could be figured out at the moment.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have a good impression of the Helian n. As a result, he stopped caring after a single nce at this Helian Xingye. He¡¯d naturally know about this guy¡¯s true colors after going to the sect.

    The Cangyun Emperor stood with his hands sped behind his back, still emanating that dignified presence.

    At this moment, he saw that the people were already present and sternly said: "Ladies and gentlemen, each of you are my Cangyun Empire¡¯s utmost talented martial artists. It will be difficult for the empire toe to your aid on this trip to the Qingyun Sect. Nevertheless, we expect everyone to conduct themselves prudently. Do not disgrace the glory of the empire, and you mustn¡¯t incite disaster because of a moment of anger. Harming others will only harm yourselves."

    This was a seldom repeated warning where the emperor ced hisplete trust in them.

    Although many young martial artists had an air of arrogance, they didn¡¯t dare act negligently and seriously stated one after another: "We obey Your Majesty¡¯s orders. Many thanks, Your Majesty, for the warning!"

    The Cangyun Emperor was fully aware that these martial artists were fundamentally untamable. He was also once their age. At this time, he didn¡¯t waste any more time exining. He waved his hand again and called for several royal family intermediaries to distribute some golden banknotes.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, for the nation and for the fight for glory, the empire will provide some backing. For some trifling valuables, do not decline."

    The royal family spent a lot of money at this moment.

    Gongyi Tianheng, Huangfu Zhanghao, and Cang Yu. Each of these three received five hundred thousand in golden banknotes. And for those nominal disciples following them, each one received one hundred thousand in golden banknotes.

    These were considered start-up funds. When they headed to the sect, if they couldn¡¯t grasp the methods of handling things in the short term, these golden banknotes could support them for a period of time.

    These were the kind intentions of the empire.

    After the martial artists received them, there was naturally a burst of grat.i.tude.

    Gu Zuo never antic.i.p.ated that he¡¯d also get this benefit. However, because there were fewer peopleing from the Gongyi n, the total sum was also smaller. It couldn¡¯t bepared to the other aristocratic families. If it weren¡¯t for the recent "private funds" in Gu Zuo¡¯s possession, and that his .u.mted golden banknotes surpa.s.sed one million, this might¡¯ve really pained him.

    This was indeed a free boon... Any boon from the royal family was something one should take advantage of! What a pity.

    After that, the Cangyun Emperor didn¡¯t exin anything further and just said: "May everyone¡¯s journey run smoothly, and that everyone returns wreathed in glory and prestige!"

    The crowd of martial artists heard this and were overwhelmed by emotions. After expressing their thanks again, they followed the Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He and got on the Cirrus-Cloud Eagle. Just like three days ago, they journeyed back to the Qingyun Boundary.

    Thirteen dayster, the Qingyun Boundary appeared before their eyes once more!

    As before, the three Immortal realm martial artists stood aloof with cold and indifferent faces.

    Although these winners of the Hundred Countries Tournament were about to be sect disciples, they still didn¡¯t show any friendly expressions. In fact, it seemed that these so-called young talents didn¡¯t even enter their eyes.

    Gu Zuo stealthily sized up the people who came.

    Those here numbered over one hundred... In particr, the people behind that He Chengfeng numbered at least twenty. Apparently, they also wanted to follow after him?

    Recalling his big brother¡¯s a.n.a.lysis before, perhaps it was due to He Chengfeng starting off as an inner sect disciple. As a result, the number of cements for bringing nominal disciples were also greater.

    The present Tianheng understood clearly.

    Among the twenty people behind He Chengfeng, more than half of the martial artists had features that somewhat resembled him. It was clear it was a familial rtionship. Furthermore, along with having a great resemnce, they apparently shared pretty good bonds... Those should be the result of shing powers reaching apromise within the Qingcang Empire.

    If he fought over first ce, He Chengfeng could¡¯ve only obtained ten cements. The number of people who could enter the sect would¡¯ve been reduced by half. This was a pile of trouble.

    In any case, Tianheng only needed three spots from start to finish. After seeing through his scheme now, the situation was even more clear.

    His decision to throw the match before really was advantageous to him.

    At this moment, everyone was present.

    That cool and elegant Immortal realm martial artist, Zou Qingyue, gently opened her vermillion lips: "Ordinary sect disciples-to-be, follow me!"

    None of the martial artists dared act negligently, and hurriedly followed after her.

    Then, they saw a ship ahead.

    This ship, that should¡¯ve sailed on the seas, suddenly appeared in midair.

    Zou Qingyue¡¯s body shed. Just like the other two Immortal realm martial artists, they all stood on top of that ship.

    The hearts of the other martial artists trembled. Without the slightest hesitation, they jumped. Using the body lightening footwork they were best at, they all promptly soared up!

    Gu Zuo only felt his waist being caught by someone. After that, his head started spinning...

    En, he was directly carried on his big brother¡¯s shoulder as they flew up.

    T/N: h.e.l.lo, everyone. This is the final chapter of the second volume. Just like the end of the first one, feel free to tell me if you have any questions or concerns about my trantion so far. Spoilers not included.

    See you all in the third volume, A Lofty Yet Unpredictable Sect. (This doozy of a volume has nearly 180 chapters!)

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 88

    After they got on the ship, Gu Zuo was put down by Tianheng. Soon after, he sensed a series of rumblings, which came from beneath the ship¡¯s hull. The huge vessel jolted and swiftly flew away!

    Its speed was incredibly fast!

    His perception only felt that it wasn¡¯t any slower than a modern airne.

    Even he, a person who experienced the convenience of the modern era¡¯s advanced technologies, was a little surprised. It was only natural that those unsophisticated martial artists would be even more amazed ¡ª The vehicles they knew about simply weren¡¯t able to fly. And since they could rely on their own physical bodies to float in the air after reaching the Xiantian realm, this kind ofrge ship could practically be considered a strange treasure!

    Gu Zuo silently thought: This is basically an initial show of strength... But it doesn¡¯t matter if it is or isn¡¯t. In any case, he¡¯s finding those martial artists who¡¯re even more cautious.

    Those aristocratic young masters, whose appearance hid a deep arrogance, hadn¡¯t partic.i.p.ated in the Hundred Countries Tournament. Under the shock of this immense flying ship, not even the dregs of their sense of superiority remained in their current mentalities.

    It was just that the Qingyun Sect was, nevertheless, extremely far away.

    Presently, the journey¡¯s flight had already taken a full three days time, but the destination still seemed far in the distant future.

    Gu Zuo stood with Gongyi Tianheng on that expansive deck, watching the rolling clouds pa.s.s by.

    This airship didn¡¯t have a .s.s or metal exterior, but the wind from outside didn¡¯t blow in. It seemed especially magical.

    During this trip, Gu Zuo discovered that his psychic power¡¯s perception had apparently pa.s.sed through severalyers of barriers... Although the distance travelled between these barriers was very long, there was no need for doubt. This was a matter that couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    He immediately told Tianheng ¡ª This was also to gradually understand his big brother¡¯s way of handling things during normal times as well as his meticulous lines of thought. This was about forming good habits.

    Tianheng¡¯s brows slightly creased as he seemed to ponder.

    Just then, Gu Zuo suddenly whispered: "Big brother, it¡¯s just like this! Can you sense it?"

    Tianheng didn¡¯t neglect what Gu Zuo said. Although he didn¡¯t have psychic power to temper himself nor Gu Zuo¡¯s keen perception, a martial artist¡¯s active brain region would expand in the wake of increasing one¡¯s power. One¡¯s psychic power could also develop. In fact, one¡¯s awareness to external crises was also rted to psychic power.

    Just previously, he didn¡¯t make a fine distinction between the two, so naturally, he overlooked it. However, after being warned, he indeed discovered this difference.

    He was more attentive than Gu Zuo when it came to observing this gigantic, pa.s.senger-carrying ship.

    It seemed...its speed had slowed down a bit.

    Apparently, something really existed along this route.

    Merely, he didn¡¯t know what the details were for the time being.

    Tianheng muttered: "I¡¯ll record this matter first. Ah Zuo, if you have a chance sometime, take some more notes."

    Once Gu Zuo heard this, he knew his big brother had set his heart on this matter. Hence, he nodded: "I got it."

    The two didn¡¯t linger here for long. However, there were actually many of these things along this journey. Tianheng was often able to observe and experience this phenomenon.

    Although he wasn¡¯t able to discover the other rules, he gradually found several paths of resistance. And whenever they pa.s.sed through these areas of resistance, the time used up was as much as doubled or tripled.

    Only, the maximum didn¡¯t exceed three times... He also took note of this discovery.

    Altogether, about seventeen days pa.s.sed till the airship finallynded on a continent.

    Gu Zuo looked down, and found that the peopleing and going on the continent really were as packed as ants. At a nce, they were simply countless.

    The airship¡¯s rest stop was in front of a mountain range.

    What attracted one¡¯s attention were pieces of fertilend. Each piece was subdivided intorge and small sets, and the tracts ofnd were varied. Through a careful inspection, there were some manualborers on thosends. Also, their qi and blood were active. The strength of each one wasn¡¯t low, and their figures were very st.u.r.dy. Unexpectedly, they were all rather ferocious martial artists!

    But since they were martial artists, could it be that they needed this kind of industrious...farming?

    It truly left one puzzled.

    Before Gu Zuo could figure it out, he saw Zou Qingyue manipte something at the bow of the ship. The enormous vessel immediately descended, and came to a halt on a wide, open s.p.a.ce.

    After a period of swaying sensations, the ship stabilized. With a cold demeanor, Zou Qingyue said: "All disciples, quickly disembark!"

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo was carried on Tianheng¡¯s shoulders again and followed the ma.s.ses as they stood obediently beneath a mountain gate.

    That¡¯s right. There was incredibly enormous mountain gate here. The width could amodate dozens of people walking in together. The stone tablet above read "Qingyun Sect". These words were painted in iron and etched in silver. Its grandeur made it difficult to approach. It wasn¡¯t known who wrote it, but it looked like a weapon was used to do the engraving.

    In fact, those fertilends the airship was on were all within the mountain gate. They were also surrounded by very many mountain peaks. Looking at close-range, Gu Zuo clearly saw that those farming martial artists were all wearing the exact same clothes.

    However, Zou Qingyue didn¡¯t give them the time to ask questions. She just took this group of people over to a courtyard that wasn¡¯t too far from the fertilends.

    In front of the courtyard was a little hall. There were already many martial artists who were entering and exiting from here.

    Zou Qingyue first stopped her footsteps, and said to the other two Immortal realm martial artists: "For now, I¡¯ll send them to the outer sect ch.o.r.e hall to settle down. Will my two senior sect brothers go with me or hand in the mission first?"

    Liu Wuyuan hastily said: "Doing a mission must naturally be carried through. I¡¯ll go with junior sect sister."

    Luo Yanfang saw him rush to take the first step, and promptly said: "This is only as it should be. This Luo will also go."

    Zou Qingyue nodded her head: "Then, I¡¯ll have to ask my senior sect brothers to first exin to these new disciples. I¡¯ll go to the ch.o.r.e hall and meet with Instructor Li."

    Once she finished speaking, she walked on ahead and entered that little hall.

    Liu Wuyuan and Luo Yanfang turned their heads. Their att.i.tude towards this group of martial artists was far less polite than how they treated Zou Qingyue.

    First was Luo Yanfang, who said in a bad mood: "Okay. From today onwards, you¡¯re all outer sect disciples of the Qingyun Sect. Our junior sect sister went ahead to bring you guys your disciple tiles and rulebooks. You better get a clear understanding of the situation between the outer and inner sects. Don¡¯t make any mistakes and don¡¯t make things difficult. Got it?"

    Liu Wuyuan¡¯s tone was a little better, but also didn¡¯t go anywhere pleasant: "There are some things that need to be addressed first. Even if they¡¯re younger, so long as they¡¯re stronger than you outer and inner sect disciples, you must behave and call them senior sect brothers or sisters. If you encounter an apprentice or core disciple, as well as a few elders, you must call them instructors or teachers. Pay attention to yourselves so that you don¡¯t call them incorrectly. Otherwise, if you offend the previously mentioned people, you won¡¯t be lucky enough to have a ce to grieve. In addition, you can¡¯t vite the sect rules. Or else you¡¯ll be taken to the disciplinary hall for punishment. At that time, no one will pity you even if you die."

    The two mentioned the rules, the matter of not making mistakes, and so on. Numerous martial artists listened and didn¡¯t dare ignore the tiniest bit of information. At the same time, their reverence of the sect increased even more.

    At this time, Zou Qingyue walked out of the hall. She carried a rather big package.

    Immediately following this, she stood in front of the martial artists and shook her silk-white hands, opening the package.

    Tianheng only felt the scene blur before his eyes. Then, something heavynded in his hand. It was a small, palm-sized wrapping cloth, which was delivered by Zou Qingyue.

    Gu Zuo saw that, apart from He Chengfeng, each of the top ten martial artists of the Hundred Countries Tournament had one.

    Zou Qingyue was still very responsible and diligent. She gave an exnation for them: "This is a Fangcun Cloth. It¡¯s connected to a square meter s.p.a.ce for your everyday necessities. All ordinary outer sect disciples are issued one each."

    An inter-spatial tool!

    Many martial artists immediately reacted.

    In this big world, a n would have at most one or two such devices. They were all held in the grasps of the n¡¯s most important people. However, their ages were still young. It was basically impossible to get one from the n. As for the top ten martial artists who just entered the sect, they unexpectedly got one. It was truly inconceivable! Despite it being only one square meter... It already could hold very many good things!

    When those nominal disciples-to-be saw Tianheng and the others, it was seriously hard to constrain the envy in their eyes.

    An outer sect disciple¡¯s treatment would truly leave a person red-eyed with jealousy! The sect deserved to be called a sect. Sure enough, its depths were unfathomable...

    Once the crowd of martial artists calmed down, Zou Qingyue continued to speak: "In the Fangcun Cloth is one bottle of Qi Linking Pills and three bottles of Qi Generating Pills, which serves as an outer sect disciple¡¯s monthly stipend. In addition, there¡¯s one outer sect disciple tile and ten nominal disciple tiles. Those require a drop of blood to recognize its owner. You junior sect disciples can use those nominal disciple tiles to attract helpers. But nominal disciples don¡¯t get a monthly stipend, and need to be taken care of by the junior sect disciples themselves."

    At this time, Tianheng and the others had opened their Fangcun Cloths. As expected, there was a pile of tiles, and several other odds and ends.

    There were three Qi Linking Pills within a porcin bottle, and five Qi Generating Pills in each of the other three bottles, making fifteen in total. The purity was pretty good, so it was considered very generous. From another perspective, this proved Tianheng¡¯s spection. This shocked many martial artists as their minds repeatedly conjured up hypotheticals.

    However, Zou Qingyue didn¡¯t patiently listen to their wild guesses. She eventually said her final piece, which was also the most important one: "Those books serve as the rules for the n¡¯s disciples. You all must learn them by heart. Don¡¯t be negligent and vite the sect rules. That bag of seeds are for you all to nt Scarlet Blood Rice for consumption. You¡¯ll receive this rice once a month. Fifty percent of each harvest will be handed over to the sect, and the rest will be returned to you all.

    "If the harvest is bad, you must hand over at least ten kilograms of Scarlet Blood Rice. If there¡¯s not enough, you all must make up the deficiency by yourselves. Otherwise, an outer sect disciple will be demoted to nominal disciple after three months. This person¡¯s subordinate nominal disciples will be stripped of their t.i.tles and expelled from the sect! This is an outer sect disciple¡¯s main mission. All of you will remember this at all costs!"

    In the blink of an eye, the crowd of martial artists were in an uproar.

    Unexpectedly, there was still this kind of thing? After they entered the sect, they needed to do such missions!?

    Those aristocratic young masters all had faces of incredulity.

    They came to the sect for the sake of practicing martial arts and to pursue the supreme martial path. They didn¡¯te to do this kind of work!

    Gu Zuo was also very dispirited.

    Right now, he roughly understood two things:

    First, one must farm to be a martial artist;

    Two, an outer sect disciple¡¯s live began with farming...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 89

    No matter how unhappy or unwilling, the rules were the rules. The reason why Zou Qingyue said these words was simply toplete her mission. She wasn¡¯t there to request their feedback.

    After pointing out a few matters, Zou Qingyue and the other two Immortal realm martial artists brought the sole inner sect disciple, He Chengfeng, as well as his subordinates, and left this ce.

    They left the other nine outer sect disciples and numerous nominal disciples right where they were, all of them looking conflicted.

    This... What should they do now?

    Cang Yu paused for a bit, before approaching Gongyi Tianheng. He spoke fairly politely: "Young master Tianheng, the sect is so strict, do you have any ns?"

    Tianheng cracked a smile: "I can¡¯t be sure about my other ns, but right now, why don¡¯t we find a ce to settle down?"

    Seeing how tranquil he was, Cang Yu¡¯s heart was moved, and he smiled: "Young master Tianheng is right."

    When Huangfu Zhanghao saw this, he smilingly sent his best regards to Tianheng.

    Afterwards, this group of former pampered young masters and imperial descendants behaved themselves and handled matters ording to the rules. Based on Zou Qingyue¡¯s statements, they brought their own subordinate nominal disciples to the middle of a wide courtyard at the rear of that little hall ¡ª Using their outer sect disciple tiles, they could open up their own personal mini-courtyards.

    The martial artists quickly parted ways, prepared for the beginning of their new lives.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng as they entered a courtyard that was rtively wider than the others. Apparently, it seemed a bit better than the other martial artists¡¯ courtyards.

    Walking into the yard, one could see a central building with a dozen or so side rooms. Overall, they were all very clean and orderly. As for the courtyard itself, there was arge tree on the right, its leaves spread out like clouds, sheltering a small piece of the courtyard. On the other side of the central building was an approximately two square meter field of ck soil, which was lined with a fence. It could probably serve as a medicinal garden.

    Tianheng only brought three people whening here. Dragon One and Dragon Two could each take a side room, and Gu Zuo could take one for himself as well. However, because of his unique circ.u.mstances, he would still be living in the same room as Tianheng.

    As for the side room reserved for Tianheng himself, it would be turned into a specialized room for medicine refinement and connected to the central building by Dragon One and Dragon Two.

    In order for them to settle down as quickly as possible, they started tidying up one after another.

    Apart from a portion of Tianheng¡¯s things brought by Dragon One and Dragon Two to fool the others, the rest were all within Gu Zuo¡¯s inventory. They were set out just as Gu Zuo apanied Tianheng.

    Tianheng said: "Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to attend to me. First take out your medicine refining tools."

    Gu Zuo nevertheless remembered the heavy responsibility ced on himself. As he nodded, hearing what was said, he promptly connected his consciousness to the system. Within a few moments, a couplerge and small pill refining cauldrons and kitchen implements for refining medicinal decoctions and cuisines were all set up in the previously empty side room.

    Afterwards, there was a rumbling sound in the room. Threerge cabs and more than tenrge chests suddenly fell to the ground, practically taking up half the s.p.a.ce in the considerablyrge side room.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but be speechless.

    Previously, he didn¡¯t think much about the things in his inventory, but after taking them out, he discovered... Ah, he might have squandered some of his family¡¯s money.

    This wasn¡¯t the same as refining medicine, okay? Just the types of herbal medicine packed up were so great. In his inventory, he still had a square customized for wild beast meat, and a square for other types like scales, eyes, poison sacs ¡ª Things that were seldom used in medicine and other such medicinal ingredients. Then there was a square for things that were quite precious. They could be counted as rare medicinal ingredients that were heavenly, ancient treasures.

    With a cursory calction, besides the things hunted by the Tianlong Guard around the clock, the other things were obtained after spending more than one million gold.

    ¡ª All this was the equivalent of him being a nouveau riche devouring the family holdings!

    All of it was paid for by his dear big brother...

    Tianheng looked at his stunned expression. He only had to ponder a bit to know what Gu Zuo was thinking about. He couldn¡¯t helpughing, and just said: "When Ah Zuo refines those medicinal herbs, they can either be used to nurse my body or I could sell them. No matter what, our gains can only growrger, and this is all the while not wasting a single bit."

    Gu Zuo drylyughed.

    That¡¯s right.

    In fact, it was because he was too poor in the modern era... Cough.

    Looking at things that were worth lots of gold always made his eyesight blurry.

    When the pharmacy was settled on this side, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng to their room. This central building was divided into an inner and outer area, and each had a long chaise. Tianheng directly set about to move the outside chaise into the inner room for them to rest at night. As for the outer room, it would be customized for treating Tianheng¡¯s illness ¡ª For example, he could soak in the medicinal decoction every once in a while.

    The current Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t like before, who found it embarra.s.sing. In any case, he got used to it. They were both men anyways; there basically wasn¡¯t any need to bother about such things.

    Afterwards, from another part of his inventory, Gu Zuo withdrew half of his big brother¡¯s clothes to hang in the wardrobe, his writing utensils and paper were also put on the nearby desk. Other misceneous items, such as, the tea set, things that regted temperament like musical instruments, all of them were taken out.

    After busying himself for a while, the central building was finally presentable.

    Although the central building was inferior to the Gongyi n¡¯s ancestral residence and vi by an entire level, if it was just used as a ce to sleep, it was good enough.

    Gu Zuo let out a satisfied sigh: "Big brother, please bear with it for now."

    He, himself, felt that the conditions were actually pretty good, but he didn¡¯t know if his aristocratic big brother could adapt to this kind of "poor and simple" lifestyle.

    Tianheng smiled: "Will Ah Zuo be treating me like a pampered and spoiled kid?" As he said this, he shook his head, "After unpacking, I still need to go to that field of ck soil and scatter the seeds..."

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    Since even the farming had to be done personally, living a bit more poorly really couldn¡¯t be considered as anything important...was probably the meaning.

    Watching his honorable big brother change into a set of satin clothes taken from that Fangcun Cloth, Gu Zuo felt a sense of familiarity. He suddenly had a realization.

    As a matter of fact, weren¡¯t these the clothes those farming martial artists were wearing previously? Apparently, this should¡¯ve been the outer sect disciple¡¯s uniform?

    Then that would mean, his big brother¡¯s adaptability was really quite strong.

    Time was limited. Tianheng brought Gu Zuo and the others and directly walked towards thend surrounded by that mountain range.

    ording to what was written in the <introductory handbook="">>, the ck soil fields of new disciples were all generally in the same ce. Each was in the vicinity of a mountain peak and every piece of farnd was encircled with warning talismans. Apart from the farnd¡¯s owner and his subordinate nominal disciples, if anyone else entered, the warning talismans would activate and record that person¡¯s activities, and transmit them to the disciplinary hall. If that person caused any property damage, the people of the disciplinary hall would punish them.</introductory>

    It wasn¡¯t long before they reached their destination, when Gu Zuo saw a piece of fertilend ¡ª He didn¡¯t think about it while on that enormous flying ship, but looking at it now, that tract ofnd wasn¡¯t small at all.

    It was about ten mu ofnd. Reportedly, this ck soil was the best for growing Scarlet Blood Rice. In the most perfect conditions, one mu could produce about 2.5 kilograms. That was a total of twenty five kilograms of rice from ten mu. From this, 12.5 kilograms would be handed over to the sect, and the rest would be returned to them. However, how could the real situation be so perfect? Even if a martial artist gave it his all, the average mu ofnd would ultimately produce a little more than one kilogram. After deducting ten kilograms, would there be anything left?

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    This sect was ck hearted. Genuinely greedy.

    However, Scarlet Blood Rice really was a good thing. When martial artists practiced, they needed qi and blood. As more time pa.s.sed, the more they needed to eat foods that had sufficient qi essence. Most of all, after reaching the Xiantian realm, even using things that were ordinary would be harmful to themselves. It looked like this Scarlet Blood Rice was a kind of rice that could be provided to Xiantian martial artists as a food product.

    a.s.suming a martial artist could eat Scarlet Blood Rice for every meal, then the energy of the br.i.m.m.i.n.g qi and blood could boost the rapid growth of their cultivation, strengthen a martial artist¡¯s body, and warm a martial artist¡¯s meridians. Each benefit was by no means an isted case. Unfortunately, it seemed that it was impossible for these outer sect disciples to be provided with Scarlet Blood Rice. If they wanted it, then they could only grow it themselves.

    It¡¯s just, how many kilograms could be produced in only one month? It was probably good for a hundred grams a day, but for the average martial artist, that was barely considered enough. So long as the martial artist was just a little bit stronger, they could only use their own money to go buy some more.

    Based on Tianheng¡¯s appet.i.te, he needed to eat at least one kilogram per day. He could be rated as the paragon ofpet.i.tive eating champions.

    ...Just thinking about this would make people feel faint.

    Just as Gu Zuo sighed inment, Tianheng was squatting down off to the side. He used his fingers to grasp a pinch of soil, and then he kneaded it: "There¡¯s no time to lose. Based on the words of the Introductory Handbook, we need to till the soil and start sowing the seeds."

    Receiving their orders, Dragon One and Dragon Two respectfully saluted: "Yes, young master!"

    After they finished speaking, the two parted ways to a field ck earth in front. Their hands held wooden hoes, their waists bent, and their heads lowered. They were already working cautiously and conscientiously.

    Tianheng faintly smiled, and rolled up his sleeves.

    After that, he also walked up to a mu of field and lifted up a wooden hoe.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    This intense feeling of dissonance...

    Forget about it. He followed after them, too.

    But evidently, Gu Zuo underestimated Tianheng, and overestimated himself.

    Although Tianheng had always been a n.o.ble, young master, when he used the wooden hoe to till the fields, his efficiency was even better than Dragon One and Dragon Two. On the contrary, Gu Zuo felt that he was someone who worked hard and could endure hardships. While his work looked good, his speed was roughly less than half of Dragon One and Dragon Two.

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    Ordinarily, he was very confident in himself when he refined pills, but he was really a weak vegetable when cultivating a field.

    Furthermore...

    When talking about farming, his big brother had this much talent.

    After heaving a sigh, he continued working.

    Fortunately, the Scarlet Blood Rice wasn¡¯t a particrly finicky nt. With a martial artist¡¯s urate eyesight and movements, one could easily finish tilling a field without making a wrong turn. As for this nt, it only needed to be irrigated with strange water at set intervals. The maturation period only needed twenty eight days, and the harvest was actually quite fast.

    In the process of tending to these nts, some people¡¯s talents were shown. They could shift the maturation period to an earlier date or increase the Scarlet Blood Rice¡¯s bounty after maturing. Ultimately, the results obtained were substantially different.

    Currently, it just so happened that every start of the month was the introductory period for new disciples. It was also the time for sowing the Scarlet Blood Rice. Thus, what Gu Zuo previously saw were the many martial artists working in full swing.

    This period of manualborsted two hours. Dragon One and Dragon Two each finished tilling two and a half fields. Tianheng tilled four fields. And Gu Zuo...miserablypleted only one field.

    Sure, everyonepleted the preliminary task, but when Gu Zuo looked at the others¡¯ achievements and thenpared them to his own again, a burst of shame bubbled up in his heart.

    He was truly weak.

    Tianheng saw his ashamed appearance, and pulled him over to ruffle his hair: "Ah Zuo has already done his best. Ah Zuo is only a pharmacist, after all. Your strength can¡¯t bepared to a martial artist¡¯s. With your disposition, you shouldn¡¯t do this kind of work. In the future, you won¡¯t have to do it. I brought ten million in golden banknotes, and I have countless medicinal ingredients.

    "Refining medicine in the courtyard and raising your proficiency is Ah Zuo¡¯s task. Ah Zuo working, this time, is already the greatest kindness. But after today, you won¡¯t need to do this again."

    After Gu Zuo heard this, he silently nodded: "...I¡¯ll refine many more pills."

    One could say that through today¡¯s farming, he at least realized he was a burden. Rather than personally putting effort into menial tasks, he was better off going back to think about how to improve field production. This was in line with his profession as a pharmacist.

    Mentioning this, he vaguely remembered that in <human-level medicinal="" decoction="" forms="">>, there were several pages in particr exining how to breed medicinal herbs. Perhaps he could go back to properly flip through the dietary ingredient¡¯s sections, and refine those medicinal decoctions customized for the Scarlet Blood Rice?</human-level>

    En, he¡¯d certainly study them carefully. When that time came, he would give his big brother a nice surprise.

    Following that, Dragon One and Dragon Two were in charge of sowing the seeds. On the contrary, Tianheng was sitting cross-legged off to the side with his back straight. He started to continuously operate his cultivation method, absorbing the ambient qi.

    Within the Qingyun Sect, the free-floating ambient qi energy was more than ten times stronger than the levels in the Cangyun Empire. The .u.mtion of qi energy was naturally even faster. Let alone the six sets of bone pearls within Tianheng all absorbing it together, there was more than enough ambient qi for him to use.

    This sect¡¯s situation was tooplicated. Advancement in the future necessitated resolution in the present. Only the continuous improvement of one¡¯s strength could ensure the foundations of one¡¯s everything from here on out.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t dare ck off in the slightest.

    Gu Zuo watched him, and simrly went to sit down.

    Actually, he¡¯d already been at perfect Houtian ninth stage for quite some time. After experiencing the matter of the Hundred Countries Tournament, he didn¡¯t dare mention how many insights he gained, but his first-hand knowledge and scope of understanding had substantial increases. Not to mention, he wasn¡¯t like Tianheng who condensed six sets of bone pearls all at once. He had a total of only one set, so he thought it was a bit premature to break through to Xiantian.

    But now? He felt he could give it a try.

    He also wanted to take this opportunity to condense that previously impossible first Heavenly Spirit bone pearl and officially advance to the realm of Xiantian first stage all in one go!

    Perhaps it really was an opportunity in the end. Through Gu Zuo¡¯s unyielding heart and continuous absorption of his inventory¡¯s stockpiled medicinal qi, the seventy two bone pearls in his body let out a resonant low hum as if they were in harmony.

    Suddenly, his Dantian twitched. He only felt the surging of a powerful current precipitously appear from it. Wrapped up in no less than twelve strands of medicinal qi, his first Heavenly Spirit acupoint was frantically pounded!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was also strongly affected.

    At this moment, his true qi and psychic power seemed to resonate. Atst, his seventy third bone pearl formally took shape in a Heavenly Spirit acupoint!

    In the blink of an eye, from this entire set of bone pearls, which ran through his whole body, each bone pearl formed an intangible connection with his psychic power. His psychic power also seemed to have made a breakthrough. The volume of gtinous psychic power in his mind was more than ten times as much as before. He even felt that he already touched upon the realm of a profound mystery.

    The life force of the world... The reproduction of all living things...

    The river of time flowed on... Drawn to...

    Drawn to what?

    It seemed he wasn¡¯t able to grasp that spark ofprehension.

    However, Gu Zuo was already very content. It was only thanks to this spark that he smoothly advanced to the Xiantian realm.

    Though his strength was worthless, and physically fighting someone was definitely out of the question, they were no match for his hugely improved psychic power!

    He even felt that if it were before when he refined medicinal pills, the current him could simultaneously handle ten to eighteen cauldrons with no problems. A shot of his psychic power¡¯s silver needle could directly stab a person into a ho¡¯s nest. If he used a silver drill, he could chain a delivery of several hundreds. Moreover, the silver needles and silver drills were even more concentrated. Compared to before, their might was even stronger.

    Suppose the might of a silver needle from before was one unit and a silver drill¡¯s might was one hundred units. The current silver needle¡¯s might was ten units, and the silver drill¡¯s might was more than one thousand units.

    Topare the effectiveness, if the previous attacks were best aimed at the enemy¡¯s brain, then the current ones could be shot anywhere at the opposing martial artist¡¯s physical body. As long as the other didn¡¯t have an especially refined body, the attack strength was basically the same as the sharpness of a de.

    Detecting his own strength¡¯s rapid rise, Gu Zuo opened his eyes and let out a satisfied sigh.

    Very good. He wasn¡¯t so bad that he¡¯d hinder his big brother!

    After that, his gaze met a smiling pair of eyes, as well as an exceptionally handsome face that would make the moon pale inparison.

    Gu Zuo: Such a close man with a face that¡¯d make others break thew. Ah, it¡¯s big brother.

    He quickly realized why Tianheng wanted to get so close to him.

    Because Tianheng extended a finger to softly rub his face.

    Gu Zuo instantly blushed.

    But once he saw Tianheng¡¯s fingertip dripping with bits of ck, it wasn¡¯t just his face that reddened, his whole body practically turned red.

    His breathing was heavy... He was so embarra.s.sed.

    Tianheng chuckled: "Congrattions, Ah Zuo, for advancing to Xiantian." He subtly paused, "I¡¯ve already had Dragon One draw some water. Ah Zuo, why don¡¯t you go back to...take a bath?"

    Gu Zuo was in a tizzy.

    He wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn¡¯te. He sprung right up: "Got it, big brother! I¡¯ll go at once!"

    Afterwards, he scampered away. With his head lowered, he went straight where they came from.

    When a martial artist advanced from Houtian to Xiantian, the impurities of their flesh were discharged once more. Xiantian flesh was thoroughly clear and faultless; one was pure and bright, inside and out. It could be counted as parting the muscle and washing the marrow.

    As for the process for this internal purge of impurities, it was inevitable to be like Gu Zuo¡¯s current appearance: Dripping in ck from head to toe.

    After Gu Zuo rushed into the courtyard, he still felt mortified.

    Hepletely forgot about the tragic consequences of breaking through outside. Not to mention letting others see him in this state of being covered in ck goop, but others might have thought he was so happy that the skin on his face cracked because he was smiling too widely.

    Although he didn¡¯t feel that he was as attractive as his big brother, and that as a man, he didn¡¯t need to think about the standards of one¡¯s outward appearance ¡ª But! He was still hopelessly tangled up... No wonder his big brother¡¯s smile was so joyful. It was because he amused him.

    At this time, Dragon One walked out of a room. After first saluting, he said: "Pharmacist Gu, your bath has already been prepared. After you."

    Gu Zuo stiffened again. He promptly nodded his head and, with a dash, he swiftly leaped into the central building. After that, he threw his whole body into the bathtub.

    Ah! He needed to scrub himself clean before his big brother came back!

    Of course, Gongyi Tianheng was still very good at understanding others. With just one nce at Gu Zuo¡¯s indignation, he didn¡¯t go over to tease his little pharmacist again. He intentionally dithered around outside for the next ten minutes before going back in very slowly.

    That brief period of Gu Zuo breaking through actually took a little more than two hours. During that time, their Scarlet Blood Rice seeds had been scattered long ago. The reason why he stayed there was merely for the sake of giving this silly Gu Zuo some protection.

    Presently, Tianheng finally walked into the courtyard and stood outside the central building: "Ah Zuo, can Ie in?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice echoed from within, still carrying a hint of embarra.s.sment: "Oh! Big brother, you cane in! I¡¯ve already..." Finished bathing.

    Tianhengughed, and lifted his foot to walk in.

    Just as he¡¯d entered, he caught a glimpse of his rosy faced little pharmacist whose skin was even brighter than before.

    Gu Zuo had changed into the uniform for nominal disciples. Sitting cross-legged on his own chaise, he tried to feel just how much power this time¡¯s upgrade gave.

    After looking at Tianheng, his face was still a little flushed. However,pared to that feeling of wanting to dig a hole in the ground just then, it was nevertheless a big improvement.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t mention the matter of "taking a bath" again. Rather, he walked over and carefully scrutinized the current Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo was influenced by his att.i.tude and gradually calmed down.

    Tianheng then asked: "Ah Zuo, what did you sense when you advanced to Xiantian?"

    It was very rare for a pharmacist of the Tianwu Continent to advance to Xiantian. In addition, whenever there was an advancement, the process took time. The chances ofing across danger was even greater than martial artists. However, Gu Zuo¡¯s advancement seemed very easy. Although his body constantly exuded a ck substance, his face never had the smallest look of suffering.

    Gu Zuo thought about it: "It felt veryfortable."

    Comfortably warm like soaking in something. That spark ofprehension emerged very abruptly like a sudden epiphany. Once he figured it out, he broke through.

    After Tianheng listened to his detailed description, he muttered to himself.

    He couldn¡¯t understand this kind of situation... Apparently, his current knowledge base had already be insufficient. He should go to the outer sect library to look at some cultivation methods soon. Reading some books was also in order.

    Just at this time, a voice suddenly came from outside.

    Dragon Two promptly walked to the front of the doorway, and respectfully reported: "Young master, the outer sect¡¯s manager hase to meet in person."

    Tianheng¡¯s liveliness returned. Outer sect manager? Many Introductory Handbooks all had written records. It wasn¡¯t likely for there to be further instructions.

    But he still quickly set forth, and walked out.

    Sure enough, the courtyard¡¯s outer door contained the figure of a short, obese martial artist. There was a smile across his face. Although his strength was already Xiantian first stage, he didn¡¯t rudely bust his way in.

    At this moment, he saw Gongyi Tianheng walk closer, and his smile grew even more enthusiastic: "Are you junior sect brother Gongyi? This humble elder sect brother serves as the outer sect manager. Today I¡¯vee to collect this month¡¯s harvest of Scarlet Blood Rice."

    T/N: Storage s.p.a.ce will be retroactively changed to inventory.

    Let¡¯s give a warm wee to ThisBro, who has so kindly taken the position of trantion checker.

    Finally, we got our first fan-art for IHM. Thank you, @xai_ice!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 90

    Gu Zuo also walked out, just in time to hear these words. He was astonished: "Isn¡¯t this supposed to be the introductory period?"

    That obese manager saw Gu Zuo b.u.t.t in while Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t stop him. His smile was, nevertheless, unchanged. He patiently exined: "It¡¯s like this. Following the Hundred Countries Tournament, junior sect brother Gongyi¡¯s name was already sent back to be registered as an outer sect disciple. It¡¯s already been a month now, so this humble senior sect brother naturally needs toe by to collect this month¡¯s harvest. I¡¯m just following the rules, so I hope junior sect brother Gongyi doesn¡¯t take offense."

    Gu Zuo listened to this and furrowed his brows.

    It seemed to appear reasonable, but it still felt wrong somewhere.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng smiled faintly: "So it¡¯s like this." His tone was very tranquil, "Don¡¯t keep me in the dark, senior sect brother..."

    The obese manager pped his forehead: "This humble senior sect brother totally forgot to introduce myself. My surname is Yang."

    Tianheng gently continued where he left off: "Don¡¯t keep me in the dark, senior sect brother Yang. Because this lowly sect brother¡¯s nation is far away, we only just scattered the seeds. If you want to harvest, I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s not enough time. I¡¯m not aware if senior sect brother Yang knows where we can buy Scarlet Blood Rice? This humble sect brother will send someone to purchase ten kilograms, and deliver it to senior sect brother."

    That Manager Yang was smiling from ear to ear: "So it¡¯s like this. Junior sect brother Gongyi doesn¡¯t need to worry. The location for making purchases is rather distant. If junior sect brother has faith in me, I¡¯ll buy them in your stead and even deliver them."

    Tianheng¡¯s expression revealed nothing: "You wouldn¡¯t know how much one kilogram of Scarlet Blood Rice costs?"

    Manager Yangughed: "Not much, not much. One kilogram of Scarlet Blood Rice is only one hundred gold. A total of one thousand gold would suffice."

    Tianheng heard this and gestured towards Gu Zuo: "Fetch me a golden banknote."

    Gu Zuo took one from his sleeve and obediently handed it over.

    Tianheng took it and pa.s.sed it to Manager Yang: "Then, I¡¯ll have to thank senior sect brother Yang for the trouble."

    Manager Yang¡¯s eyes brightened as he received that golden banknote. When he looked at Tianheng, his eyes were even more cordial: "Junior sect brother Gongyi is decisive. You¡¯ll certainly have boundless prospects in theing days!"

    After he finished talking, he cupped his hand and politely departed.

    Once Manager Yang¡¯s footsteps faded away, Dragon One went to guard the entrance.

    Tianheng turned his head and saw Gu Zuo¡¯s confused expression.

    Gu Zuo: "Big brother. Just now, that was..."

    What strange things did that previous conversation between the two contain?

    Tianheng shook his head: "It isn¡¯t anything major. It¡¯s just a vile person being difficult."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Tianheng said: "Just now, that Manager Yang¡¯s words were half true and half false. The distance between the Qingyun Boundary and Qingyun Sect is immense. How could those Immortal realm envoys pa.s.s on information so early on? Even if they did have the means, they¡¯d certainly have to pay a price. For us people from the outskirts, it¡¯s probably not worth it.

    "To say nothing of that female martial artist getting tiles for us from that hall; if the information was pa.s.sed on earlier, those things would¡¯ve been prepared long ago. She would¡¯ve gone in ande out immediately. However, she lingered in there for some time. It may be a.s.sumed that preparing and registering would be time-consuming."

    Gu Zuo heard this and understood a little bit: "So..."

    Tianheng said: "So, our harvest, which should¡¯ve been collected at the end of the month, was one that shouldn¡¯t have been needed for today. That Manager Yang came early, but it was only to rip me off."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t fully understand: "Then, why did big brother give it to him?"

    This was extortion. They could totally expose this.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze rxed: "The reason why I said his words were half true and half false was because these so-called rules are fake and registering our names is fake. However, his ident.i.ty might be real."

    Seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes suddenly widen, he continued to exin, "With his ident.i.ty, this is about using diplomacy before violence, and bearing my "emergency relief" afterwards. If I didn¡¯t give it to him, he would¡¯ve still been courteous. Later on, however, he might just cause a setback for me, adding a lot more trouble.

    "I gave him face just now, using one thousand gold to shut him up. He could also see that I have some financial capability, so he¡¯d naturally want to make friends with me. If he wants to get more valuables from me, he can¡¯t make things difficult for me."

    Atst, Gu Zuo understood: "Big brother, this is bribing him."

    Tianheng smiled and nodded: "His temperament is slippery. He¡¯s not the ignorant sort who¡¯d strong-arm others. He wants money, but doesn¡¯t want to break the sect rules and be punished. Thus, when he wants money, he¡¯ll just concoct a scheme. This time, he used the harvesting period to dig through a loophole. The same scheme can¡¯t be used a second time. So in the future, he¡¯ll need to establish a "friendship" with me if he wants a way to get money. And if we can use those golden banknotes to make our pa.s.sage through the outer sect easier and smoother, then that¡¯d naturally be ideal."

    Gu Zuo nodded his head as he followed along.

    He realized that since his big brother was wealthy, he could act willfully. A vile person could be a well-used chess piece. A problem that could be solved with money couldn¡¯t be called a problem...was the idea.

    Tianheng smiled: "We can¡¯t avoiding into contact with him in the future. Ah Zuo, you just regard him as an ordinary senior sect brother. Since I have money and you are someone I care about, so long as he loves money, he won¡¯t treat you too poorly. Merely, Ah Zuo needs to keep his guard up. You absolutely can¡¯t trust him. If we can use money to bribe him, others will certainly be able to do this, too."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression became serious: "Yes, big brother. I understand."

    In the Qingyun Sect, he¡¯d certainly redouble his cautions, and he absolutely wouldn¡¯t be separated from his big brother.

    As if to prove Tianheng¡¯s words, it wasn¡¯t long after the conclusion of the two¡¯s response that a mor could be heard from outside. It seemed like a conflict was urring.

    Compared to when Manager Yang got here, the situation appeared much fiercer.

    Gu Zuo was a bit curious, but still looked towards Tianheng.

    Tianheng pondered before saying: "Let¡¯s go take a look."

    While caution was one aspect when arriving at the sect, information also needed to be gathered as much as possible.

    After that, a group of four left the courtyard.

    Because the courtyards here were all connected in a row, the distances between each courtyard was very short. As a result, the voice didn¡¯t only transmit to Tianheng¡¯s courtyard. Practically all of the surrounding courtyards heard it.

    At the same time, not only did Tianheng¡¯s group of foure to observe, several other bystanders gathered around that courtyard¡¯s entrance, too.

    Gu Zuo hid behind Tianheng¡¯s back and watched as the figure of a man wasunched from the courtyard. He crashed into a nearby tree and slid down.

    That twenty-something year old martial artist had blood trickling from his mouth. He clearly received an internal injury. His strength should¡¯ve been at perfect Houtian ninth stage.

    But why did it seem like he was beaten up by someone?

    Following this, Gu Zuo saw two people walk out of the courtyard. Among them, the short and chubby one had smile and was very polite. The other¡¯s facial expression was a little malicious, and his face carried a fierce look ¡ª With one nce, their appearances gave the impression that they weren¡¯t good people.

    Reality was indeed just so. The malicious faced individual who just retracted his fist, carried a disdaining smile.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    He recognized him. Wasn¡¯t the fat and short one that Manager Yang who they just saw?!

    How long was it since they walked out... Just to stir things up in someone else¡¯s courtyard?

    Sure enough, it was as his brother said: That kind of vile person couldn¡¯t be offended.

    On the other side of things.

    The face of that youth who was knocked into the tree was unreconciled: "Obviously it ain¡¯t time to harvest yet. You guys collecting it by force is just for the sake of extorting us! Bullying your fellow sect disciples is viting the sect rules. You should be punished!"

    The malicious youth sneered: "Viting the sect rules? The sect rules don¡¯t mention that fellow students can¡¯tpare notes. Collecting by force? Who saw me do that?"

    Manager Yang was still carrying a smile when he sighed: "Why bother getting angry over an injury between fellow students? Junior sect brother Li, your family¡¯s financial situation is rather poor. To make a breakthrough several days ago, you looked for this honorable Manager He for him to lend you a bottle of Meridian Infusion Pills. Now that you¡¯ve failed to break through, you¡¯re actually going back on your word. Saying your money bag is shy... This, this isn¡¯t too good."

    That youth surnamed Li was furious: "When did I find this guy to borrow medicinal pills? I haven¡¯t even made a breakthrough yet! You guys need to stop these malicious attacks and stop ndering me!"

    Manager Yang¡¯s tone was vague: "There¡¯s no need, hmm?... Borrowing and returning. This is the right path. You can¡¯t me us acting the part as senior sect brothers when you borrow without paying back. Keep this in mind, junior sect disciple Li, you..."

    No one knew what happened in this scene before them. It wasn¡¯t until Manager He and Manager Yang nonchntly threatened that youth surnamed Li did they leave. Numerous martial artists, all with various moods, also scattered and went their separate ways.

    Of course, there wasn¡¯t ack of people who exchanged information.

    Tianheng considered things, but didn¡¯t make any moves.

    That youth surnamed Li stood up with difficulty. He didn¡¯t meet the eyes of any of those around him. He just walked, step by step, back to his own courtyard.

    Gu Zuo stared, his brows furrowing.

    Tianheng transmitted to him: Ah Zuo, for the time being, just listen.

    Gu Zuo winked, and settled down.

    From the mutterings of those beside them, the two got a general understanding of what happened.

    That youthful martial artist who was beaten up just now was called Li Cheng. He definitely wasn¡¯t a disciple who was recruited from another continent. Rather, on the Qingyun Continent itself, he was a disciple from a poor and humble family. He came from a small town and had a long and difficult journey before practicing martial arts.

    Because this poor disciple¡¯s family background wascking, he often had to endure many hardships outside before he found a chance through the sect¡¯s annual disciple recruitment. He came to receive the test, and entered the sect.

    Li Cheng was one of this year¡¯s newly arriving outer sect disciples. While being able to cultivate to the peak of Meridian Condensing third stage wasn¡¯t easy, he was rather tight on funds. To be honest, those like him made up the vast majority of outer sect disciples.

    The same went for collecting ten kilograms of Scarlet Blood Rice. Byparison, some poor disciples knew the ropes; although they didn¡¯t have enough gold on hand, they could feign civility with those managers, sucking up to them and saying they were temporarilycking in resources. Regardless of the amount handed over, such things would be exposed. After all, they were disciples who acted as outer sect managers. No matter how much they thought about extorting others, wasn¡¯t it bad to drain the pond in order to fish? They also couldn¡¯t offend the others.

    However, Li Cheng could be .s.sified as the sort of extremely tenacious, hot-blooded youth. His behavior was pretty good since he didn¡¯t go take advantage of others, but he was unwilling to let others take advantage of him. As a result, when that Manager He found him to demand payment, he just stared nkly at the other guy and got into a huge argument. This caused Manager He to feel like he lost a lot of face.

    What soon followed was that, in spite of Manager He being a Xiantian realm expert himself, he gave Li Cheng a little lesson. At the same time, Manager Yang and Manager He, these vermin in cahoots, cklisted him ¡ª It was obvious that he¡¯d encounter trouble and obstructions in very many things from this day forth.

    Gu Zuo finished eavesdropping and actually felt a little sympathetic towards Li Cheng.

    People¡¯s dispositions were different, so it wasn¡¯t strange for their way of doing things to also be different. Moreover, this matter was originally those two manager¡¯s wrongdoing. Outer sect disciples were too pitiful... Wait a minute. He himself was a nominal disciple, which wasn¡¯t even as good as an outer sect disciple! If it weren¡¯t for Tianheng, he¡¯d probably end up even more wretched.

    Gu Zuo considered things, but nevertheless transmitted a sentence in his mind: Li Cheng¡¯s quite out of luck, but Manager Yang and them are too ruthless.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t take offense, but we can¡¯t suffer too many losses.

    Gu Zuo nodded. After that, he wondered: Then, this Li Cheng will be suppressed from here on out...

    Tianheng smiled: Being suppressed is a tribtion, but it¡¯s not necessarily without opportunities. Li Cheng¡¯s determination of right and wrong is clear-cut, and won¡¯t change how he handles things. Offending vile characters is to be expected. But no matter how boldly such vile people act, they can¡¯t directly kill him. And if he¡¯s able to sharpen himself through this tribtion, his strength will ultimately increase level by level. The vile characters of today will be crickets and ants in his palm in the future. A flip of his hand would be able to exterminate them.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh: Then, big brother, you say that Manager Yang is a crafty one...

    Tianheng said: If Li Cheng¡¯s disyed potential is very strong, then Manager Yang might crack down on him even harder. In order to make countless tribtions, he¡¯ll need to put a stranglehold on the initial situation. Right now, Manager Yang has several methods to see whether that Li Cheng is a dragon or a worm.

    Afterwards, while Gu Zuo still worried over Li Cheng, Tianheng transmitted again: Ah Zuo, rest a.s.sured. Li Cheng¡¯s potential can¡¯t be determined for the time being; and while that Manager Yang looks smooth and evasive, he¡¯s only clever in trivial matters. If he really had great wisdom and ability, he would¡¯ve seeded in entering the inner sect long ago. There¡¯d be no need to be an outer sect manager collecting grain. Why waste time on worthless activities?

    Gu Zuo feltforted.

    To be honest, Li Cheng was none of his concern. However, it was because Manager Yang extorted them earlier that it sparked a feeling of anger against amon enemy.

    As he listened to his dear big brother¡¯s a.n.a.lysis, his impressions were... As expected, the sect was deep.

    Was it not precisely a ce for cultivation? There were all kinds of ways of doing things in here.

    He just didn¡¯t understand ¡ª Rather than all these shifty methods, why not meditate and practice martial arts?

    Tianheng pat Gu Zuo¡¯s head: "Let¡¯s go back."

    Gu Zuo threw away all those thoughts from before, and showed a great, big smile: "Let¡¯s go!"

    Let¡¯s go back to refine medicine!

    In the following couple of days, Gongyi Tianheng drew support through all kinds of methods as he felt around the basic situation of the outer sect.

    In the first ce was his courtyard.

    This ce was where he and his team lived. They spent a lot of time practicing martial arts here. If they were unexpectedly spied upon by someone else, they would deploy something called a "prohibition talisman".

    Simply said, they¡¯d use a talisman that would set up a type of formation that would create a restriction. People who didn¡¯t meet its requirements would be unable to spy inside ¡ª Of course, this was merely the theory. If their strength reached a certain level, this kind of prohibition talisman basically wouldn¡¯t be able to guard against it.

    However, prohibition talismans were divided into different grades. The higher the grade of a talisman, the higher the strength needed to break through the concealment. So long as one was willing to spend money, there was no need to worry.

    Tianheng boldly spent no less than three million gold, purchasing a set of prohibition talismans that were capable of preventing Immortal realm martial artists from snooping around. Even if that snoop¡¯s rank was even higher ¡ª Yes, Tianheng already knew that above the Immortal realm was the Atomic realm. They were powerhouses among martial powerhouses. If one tried to spy on them, the set of prohibition talismans would promptly react. Although the talismans wouldn¡¯t be able to ward them off, it could issue an early warning.

    To this, Gu Zuo could only gasp in admiration.

    Because he knew this was all to protect his secret...

    After that, there was some general knowledge that could raise a martial artist¡¯s motivation.

    The first thing was the outer sect¡¯s main configuration.

    There were nominal disciples who followed their outer sect disciples, the outer sect disciples themselves, as well as those who were doomed to never enter the inner sect and became outer sect managers. Finally, there were the outer sect elders who were eliminated from the inner sect disciple poption.

    Being able to enter the inner sect was based on a martial artist¡¯s potential.

    For example, someone who couldn¡¯t advance to Xiantian before thirty years old didn¡¯t have the qualifications to enter the inner sect. The best oue for these kinds of outer sect disciples was outer sect manager. If an outer sect disciple advanced to Xiantian before twenty, they could directly enter the inner sect. Those who advanced to Xiantian between twenty and thirty could vie for the qualifications of entering the inner sect through the outer sect examination.

    If a nominal disciple advanced to Xiantian before twenty, they could also directly enter the inner sect. If they were between twenty and thirty, bypleting many missions and reaching certain standards, they could be outer sect disciples.

    Martial artists in the inner sect who broke through to the Immortal realm only after two hundred years would be relegated to outer sect elders. They would be unable to obtain the chances to partic.i.p.ate in the inner sect¡¯s countless opportunities as well as the inner sect¡¯s vigorous nurturing.

    In general, if one wanted to eke out an aplishment in the Qingyun Sect, they needed to be a genius among geniuses. The higher one¡¯s apt.i.tude and the stronger one¡¯s might, the better one¡¯s treatment would be.

    This ultimately resulted in the strong bing stronger and the weak bing weaker.

    The second thing was that the outer sect had many unspoken rules.

    The type like Manager Yang was merely a only ssh on the surface. When outer sect disciples had to drawpulsory missions every month, there were many fishy circ.u.mstances where one could set up a scam. At this time, one needed to look at the outer sect disciple¡¯s luck, or their wisdom and strength.

    The third thing was the outer sect disciple¡¯s examination.

    This examination didn¡¯t a.s.sess if one would enter the inner sect. Rather, it was an examination for whether they were qualified to be an outer sect disciple. It was roughly once every month. If one failed the examination, then that month¡¯s monthly allowance was deducted. If they failed three times in a row, they¡¯d be demoted to a nominal disciple. One could only regain their position through great effort.

    This move was to discourage outer sect disciples fromcking initiative and not advancing nor retreating along the path of martial arts.

    The sect naturally wasn¡¯t willing to expend its monthly allowances on this kind of unmotivated person.

    The fourth thing was rted to the means of business transactions between outer sect disciples, the methods of exchange for some things, and the small experience of integrating with the outer sect.

    Among these, the numerous details made it veryplex.

    Gu Zuo listened to Tianheng¡¯s exnation, and he felt both fascinated and like his head was going to explode.

    It really wasn¡¯t easy to clearly memorize... Should he say that he was fortunate that his psychic power was even stronger now?

    Soon after, Gu Zuo¡¯s second reaction was: He needed to speed up his medicine refinement.

    They were spending money very quickly! If this continued, the millions in golden banknotes they brought simply wouldn¡¯t be enough... No wonder he previously heard the phrase, "The poor study books and the rich study martial arts." Without money, don¡¯t think about raising your strength.

    What was just mentioned was a matter that couldn¡¯t be avoided.

    The quant.i.ty of a day¡¯s worth of meals for Gu Zuo and his big brother were already tabted. They ate 1.5 kilograms of Scarlet Blood Rice as well as five kilograms of wild beast meat of equal grade. The two food items were one hundred gold per kilogram. That is, Gongyi Tianheng consumed six hundred fifty gold into his stomach every day. If they recalcted the costs of his medicinal ingredients ¡ª This was still because Gu Zuo worked free of charge and didn¡¯t consider his wage ¡ª On average, each day required at least seven hundred gold.

    In that case, one month was...twenty one thousand gold.

    Nevertheless, this didn¡¯t include medicinal pills. This didn¡¯t include Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s consumption. This didn¡¯t include the money for medicinal herbs for Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining. This didn¡¯t include the things Tianheng had to purchase in the future.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: There really wasn¡¯t enough money!

    His patron was also his big brother, but in the end, how did those poor, dest.i.tute disciples provide for themselves? When he thought about it, he felt rather horrible.

    Looking at Gu Zuo¡¯s muddled appearance, Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing. He ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, his tone warm: "It¡¯s okay, Ah Zuo. While money not saved can¡¯t be obtained, we can do so by expanding our financial sources. Just wait for everything to step onto the right track. The methods I posses require money, so Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry."

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, and nodded his head.

    He didn¡¯t want to worry...

    But how could he not worry!?

    At first, he thought that more than one million gold was already enough to spend. Now he discovered that it was all casually used up. No matter how much he believed in his big brother, these heartstrings of his were trembling...

    Tianheng shook his head: "Put aside everything else. Ah Zuo, let¡¯s go on a trip."

    Gu Zuo was immediately pulled out from his previous mood: "Go where?"

    Tianheng smiled: "In Qingyun City, there¡¯s a Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation."

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: "Pill Fundamentals?"

    Could it be...

    Tianheng faintly nodded: "It¡¯s a conference where pharmacists canpare notes on pill refining methods."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze also softened: "Once Ah Zuo goes, you can naturally take a peek at the current methods used by the Qingyun Continent¡¯s pharmacists. It¡¯ll be much easier to make ns at that time."

    Gu Zuo was happy in his heart.

    Although maintaining secrecy was important, always remaining hidden wasn¡¯t a way of handling things in the end.

    The Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation was an opportunity.

    But, hold on.

    Gu Zuo abruptly snapped out of it: "Big brother, is everyone able to go to that Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation?"

    Weren¡¯t pharmacists very precious? They shouldn¡¯t be that rash.

    He didn¡¯t know why, but an uneasy premonition suddenly arose in his heart.

    Tianheng smilingly said: "Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already spent money to purchase four entrance vouchers."

    These should be tickets...

    But Gu Zuo was still vignt: "How much does a voucher cost?"

    Tianheng slightly pondered: "It shouldn¡¯t be more than twenty thousand gold."

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    So, big brother went off to spend money again, huh.

    Although it wasn¡¯t wrong for him to spend...

    It was still very expensive.

    Ah, my heart hurts...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 91

    For a split second, Gu Zuo grimaced from the pain in his heart.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened: "Since Ah Zuo¡¯s feeling so distressed on my behalf, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll earn lots of money for me someday."

    Gu Zuo thought deeply: "Big brother, I will certainly give it my best!"

    More pill refining! More medicine refinement!

    Seldom were the times money was truly needed...

    After the two discussed this matter of making money, what they first needed to do was go to the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation.

    Bringing Dragon One and Dragon Two, a group of people quickly left the sect.

    The location of the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation was Qingyun City. Just from hearing this name, one would realize it was a city that was near the Qingyun Sect. Many industries within the city were inextricably linked to the Qingyun Sect. Even if they were foreigners who genuinely wanted to purchase those industries, they couldn¡¯t ignore this huge monster. Otherwise, they¡¯d certainly be unable to develop smoothly.

    Within Qingyun City, the position of Qingyun Sect disciple, even outer sect or nominal disciple, would automatically be different whenpared tomon martial artists.

    When Tianheng and the others walked down the streets while wearing their sect uniforms, they received the attention of several people. The merchants of some stores were simrly courteous to them.

    Gu Zuo thought to himself in his mind: This could be considered as the fox exploiting the tiger¡¯s might...

    Under Tianheng¡¯s lead, it didn¡¯t take long for the group to arrive before a chamber ofmerce.

    This time¡¯s Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation was held at the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce, which was a medium sized chamber affiliated with the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce. And just by looking its name, one knew that the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce belonged to the Qingyun Sect.

    The floor area of the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce wasn¡¯t small. Sheltered by the numerous surrounding stone enclosures, one could catch sight of the expansive venue after entering. Encircling this venue was close to one thousand densely-packed seats.

    The venue was like a chessboard, and was divided into attice. In each square was arge pill cauldron.

    With one look, Gu Zuo discovered that the qualities of these cauldrons weren¡¯t inferior to the ones his big brother gifted him. Yet, these were merely the standard pill cauldrons the chamber ofmerce provided. If it were the personally customized pill cauldrons of the Qingyun Continent¡¯s pharmacists, then what levels would they be at?

    But no matter what, just based on this, one could see that the techniques of the Qingyun Continent¡¯s pharmacists certainly weren¡¯tcking.

    Tianheng held a voucher in his hand. ording to the numbers on its surface, he brought Gu Zuo and the others to take their seats in the front and off to the side. Here they could clearly see the pharmacists on the venue. It could even be said that the view was great.

    Gu Zuo was a bit nervous.

    He came to broaden his horizons, but it was only after going to this Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation that he truly understood the quality of his own foundations and the things the system gave him.

    Before that, however, he didn¡¯t forget to sigh inment: "One seat is twenty thousand, so one thousand seats are twenty million... The Fengyun Chamber of Commerce conducting a single Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation is truly too lucrative."

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: "The seats ahead are twenty thousand, but those behind are only five to ten thousand. The chamber¡¯s profits are only about ten million."

    Gu Zuo hung his head in defeat.

    So, the seats his big brother wanted were the most expensive... His heart ached.

    Forget about it. It was better not to think too much.

    At this time, people were continuously entering the seating area. Then, the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation officially began.

    The so-called Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation was actually a crowd of pill refining mastersparing notes and exchanging information. After this, they would reveal the refining process for several kinds of medicinal pills to the audience who paid to get in.

    If one wanted to be a pharmacist, one needed to have medical beads. As for the countless techniques for medicine refinement, a person definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to learn them after watching once ¡ª One needed to supplement this with all kinds of mnemonic chants to have a hope of learning them.

    As a result, even though they were on the sidelines, at most, the spectators could only gain some realizations from within. If they wanted to suddenly learn those pill refining masters¡¯ secrets, it was something that would never happen.

    At the same time, the pharmacists were invited on stage by the attendants of the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce. Naturally, they also paid some price ¡ª The pharmacists capable of being invited were mostly mid grade pharmacists. In order for them to take one step further, they had to consume a lot of resources. Sometimes, they had no choice but to earn some extra ie, too.

    ¡ª In the venue, there was a group of scarlet robed pharmacists who walked over from one side.

    After they came to those pill cauldrons, they sat down cross-legged one after another.

    A beautiful woman appeared beside the venue. Her bright eyes narrowed perfectly and her timely smile was sweet. She was an outstanding youngdy. Right now, her role was actually the host of this Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation. Following the a.s.sociation¡¯s process, she would give somementary for the numerous guests who came to watch.

    At this time, the woman first introduced herself ording to the usual practice: "I, Miss Cheng Wanyao, will be hosting this a.s.sembly today for everyone here. As everyone knows, we pharmacists can be divided into many ranks ording to our different strengths. The weakest are uncertified, but the certified are divided into low, mid, and high grade pharmacists..."

    The words she said now were indeed general knowledge.

    "But these so-called three grades of certified pharmacists should in fact bebined into what is collectively known as human-level pharmacists. So the medicinal pills refined are thus divided into low, mid, high, and top grades..."

    When Gu Zuo heard this, his heart jolted.

    He couldn¡¯t help transmitting to Tianheng: Big brother, this ce also has four grades, just like you said.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: It¡¯s a coincidence.

    It was only because the medicinal pills his little pharmacist refined were roughly between mid, high, and top grades that he differentiated them from the shoddier medicinal pills refined bymon pharmacists.

    But at the present time, they mysteriously and inexorably fit together.

    Cheng Wanyao continued to show her knowledge base: "Human-level pharmacists are already capable of providing the necessary medicinal pills for martial artists at the Immortal realm and below. These kinds of medicinal pills are also collectively known as human-level medicinal pills. But if a martial artist advanced to the Atomic realm, human-level medicinal pills are already useless to them. What they require are golden-level medicinal pills. And to sessfully refine golden-level medicinal pills, one needs a golden-level pharmacist."

    At this moment, Tianheng and Gu Zuo both recalled that among the relevant item books given to Gu Zuo by the system, besides the medicine refinement hand seals, almost all of them had "Human-Level" written on the covers. Wasn¡¯t this proof that after Gu Zuo¡¯s strength continued to rise ording to its requirements, a new mission would be issued where he¡¯d have the opportunity to obtain a medicinal pill prescription at the golden-level or higher?

    They just didn¡¯t know how vast an inheritance the system possessed.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was still very resolute.

    The system first said it would make him into the most outstanding pharmacist. After that, he could rely on his own power to return to his original world. However, he¡¯d seen Immortal realm martial artists. They obviously didn¡¯t have the ability to traverse worlds. This proved that if he wanted to return, the heights he needed to reach were even greater. He basically finished reading all the content within those human-level item book series, and he simrly never found any clues.

    In that case, something definitely existed above human-level.

    Although he didn¡¯t know whether golden-level was the end point... He¡¯d just have to wait until his medicine refining standards reached golden-level.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t share these words with Gongyi Tianheng.

    Even though he now regarded Tianheng as his adoptive big brother, it was still out of the question.

    An a.s.sortment of thoughts came and went. And on the venue, those scarlet robed pharmacists had already started lighting the fires under their cauldrons to warm them up.

    Cheng Wanyao¡¯s introduction carried a hint of excitement: "This time, our Fengyun Chamber of Commerce has especially invited three mid grade pharmacists and ten low grade pharmacists from the Pill Fire Society to demonstrate the methods of pill refinement for our guests. From this moment on, I ask everyone not to make any noise to avoid causing a disturbance..."

    Gu Zuo focused his full attention on the methods of those pharmacists.

    He saw that the three closest pharmacists were already setting about their tasks.

    Their bodies were slowly overflowing with red-hot qi energy, which formed a thinyer of red mist around them. Their hands and fingers intertwined, neither quickly nor slowly, as they started some fantastic hand seals.

    The fires beneath the pill cauldrons were stoked more and more. Those cauldrons also produced low keening sounds before the cauldron lids suddenly began rattling. The three pharmacists reached out their hands, grabbed a stalk of medicinal herbs, and directly threw them into their pill cauldrons!

    After only hearing some sizzling sounds, the stalks of medicinal herbs were already melting under the high temperatures. They turned into light green droplets and adhered to the walls of the cauldrons.

    Immediately after that, the second and third stalks were also cast inside, and were simrly liquified. Then, several kinds of medicinal herbs that appeared rather strange were sequentially thrown inside. In addition, some were ground into power before being cast into the pill cauldron.

    In the blink of an eye, the me beneath the pill cauldron red, engulfing nearly the entire cauldron.

    Those pharmacists¡¯ fingers shuttled back and forth like the wind. Several swipester, each and every hand seal used were all imprinted upon the medicinal herbs within that pill cauldron.

    Those droplets of liquid gradually started to blend...

    Gu Zuo let out a long sigh.

    Without a doubt, what these pharmacists used were all pill refining techniques.

    Yet,pared to his own, those hand seals were indeed unfamiliar and much more simple and crude. Not to mention his Minor Seal: Plucking Nine Stars, those hand seals were even inferior to those unorthodox pill refining hand seals.

    But these were still pill refining techniques.

    After about half an hour pa.s.sed, the three mid grade pharmacists activated their pill receiving seals at the same time. The white qi above the pill cauldrons red up. After more than a dozen buzzing sounds echoed from within, numerous medicinal pills catapulted out!

    Like numerous marbles, they ttered into the jade bowls held in the pharmacists¡¯ hands.

    The three mid grade pharmacists reservedly raised their heads, indicating they were done.

    When the spectating guests saw this, they couldn¡¯t help generating a mor.

    As expected, those pill refining methods were extremely miraculous!

    All of those methods were truly too profound!

    Those shouting were salivating at the mouths. They were thoroughly envious...

    Cheng Wanyao saw the pill refining was sessful, and a happy smile appeared on her elegant face. She hastily gave instructions to another party on the side: "Send them out fast."

    Thus, three graceful girls walked out, and cautiously and prudently took the jade bowls from the three pharmacists. In front of everyone, they let them all have a look.

    Once Cheng Wanyao saw it, she said with a smile: "They are worthy of being mid grade pharmacists. Each of the three refined nine Qi Generating Pills, reaching a perfect nine out of nine. In sequential order, their grades are:

    "One low grade pill, six mid grade pills, and two high grade pills..."

    "One low grade pill, five mid grade pills, and three high grade pills..."

    "One low grade pill, five mid grade pills, and three high grade pills..."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 92

    This aroused feelings of reverence in many people once more.

    Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make any deliberate inquiries, he still heard the conversations of many people, who were apparently pharmacists as well. One after another, they expressed how exceptional these three mid grade pharmacists were, that this group wasn¡¯t weak, and so on.

    Immediately after this, the additional ten low grade pharmacists began to refine pills in front of everyone.

    The pill refining techniques they used were clearly along the same veins as the techniques of the previous three mid grade pharmacists. When it was time to refine pills, their bodies also had a zing red mist appear around them. Merely, when it was their turn, they didn¡¯t reach as many as nine pills. Moreover, they basically weren¡¯t able to refine top grade Qi Generating Pills. On the contrary, they had quite a few mid and low grade pills.

    But even though it was like this, these low grade pharmacists simrly received lots of praise.

    At this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind echoed with Tianheng¡¯s admiring voice: Ah Zuo, I¡¯m looking at those low grade pharmacists and the youngest is a little more than twenty years old and the oldest is forty to fifty years old. The mid grade pharmacists are at least fifty years old. They¡¯re all receiving everyone¡¯s praise. Ah Zuo¡¯s skill far surpa.s.ses theirs. If someone found out, Ah Zuo will be considered the number one pill refiner.

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips, and tried his hardest to keep his face from blushing.

    Getting praised again... But "number one pill refiner" and what not was just too exaggerated!

    Heposed himself: It¡¯s that the level of the item books the system gave me is high.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t speak.

    The higher an item book¡¯s level, the more restrictive and difficult it was to study. From the moment his little pharmacist climbed into his hands, Gu Zuo never once failed. Was it because the inheritance was too good? Evidently, it was that his own innate skills were far superior to that of ordinary people. He was extraordinary.

    Only... As he looked at his little pharmacist¡¯s tender and inexperienced face, he wasn¡¯t as talkative anymore.

    Afterwards, Tianheng began discussing proper business with Gu Zuo: Although I can¡¯t refine medicine, I¡¯ve noticed a few things. The pill refining hand seals used by these Pill Fire Society pharmacists definitely aren¡¯t profound. If I used Ah Zuo¡¯s unorthodox pill refining techniques as bait, we could attract several pharmacists over. What does Ah Zuo think?

    When it came to talking about this, Gu Zuo was very straightforward: Big brother has the final say!

    Tianheng murmured again: It¡¯s just that when I watched those Pill Fire Society¡¯s pharmacists refining pills, they had different forms. There should be some reasoning for this...

    Just then, Cheng Wanyao opened her mouth once again to summarize this time¡¯s pill refining disy ¡ª Just a moment ago, she couldn¡¯t cause a disturbance while those pharmacists were in the middle of pill refining, so she didn¡¯t exin.

    "The Pill Fire Society¡¯s pharmacists study the <zing tempered="" pill="" cultivation="" method="">>. All of our guests have seen that red mist just now, which is the operation of that cultivation method. This is caused by the outflow of their true qi. A pharmacist adept at refining pills can tell at a nce whether the cultivation method is profound or not, if it has different forms, as well as the cultivation method¡¯s attributes. In most cases, not only can they .u.mte true qi faster, but they¡¯re also helpful when refining pills...</zing>

    "Secondly, the pill refining hand seals. The more profound the hand seal, the more ingenious the use of true qi, the stronger the grasp on the medicinal characteristics, and the higher the grade and number of pills produced..."

    Tianheng nodded: "So the matter¡¯s like this."

    Feeling mocked, Gu Zuo said: "Big brother, I feel that when ites to this field of knowledge, I need to make up for it, too."

    [Side mission: Recruit three or more pharmacists.]

    [Mission items:

    >

    >.]

    [Completion method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion time: Within three months.]

    [Failure penalty: Deduction of one hundred strands of medicinal qi.]

    ¡ª The system suddenly revealed its presence.

    Gu Zuo: "...Big brother, a mission came."

    Tianheng was startled.

    After that, Gu Zuo silentlymunicated the mission contents to Tianheng.

    Tianheng sighed softly: This can also be considered a solution to a desperate situation.

    Gu Zuo gave another thumb¡¯s up to the system in his mind.

    This was truly a system that was good at understanding others... Even if failure meant a loss of one hundred strands of medicinal qi.

    As for a penalty like this, it could be said that it wasn¡¯t something he cared about anymore.

    The Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation still continued, but Gu Zuo¡¯s interest in its contents already waned.

    Although those pharmacists discussed experiences, techniques, and so on, while at first he paid close attention, he discovered many mistakes in their words after listening for a bit. These mistakes were very detrimental to refining medicine. Of course, during these discussions, low grade pharmacists could ask mid grade pharmacists for pointers. Then, these obstacles would be clear to them. Only, even though low grade pharmacists got some shes of insight, Gu Zuo saw that the results they obtained still weren¡¯t on the correct path.

    Gu Zuo really didn¡¯t put much stake into this kind of discussion.

    Perhaps he¡¯d wait untilter. He¡¯d need to listen when high grade pharmacists were discussing medicine refining methods... And from this Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation, it only made Gu Zuo realize even more how precious and rare the things given to him by the system were.

    Two people bided their time. After about three or four hours, this Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation ended.

    However, they still couldn¡¯t return to the sect at this time.

    Tianheng said: "There are quite a few pharmacists who came to watch the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation. If they still haven¡¯t been absorbed into the sect or some other powers, we can try recruiting them."

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. He felt that this was very reasonable.

    Strictly speaking, this Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation hadn¡¯t yet endedpletely.

    After the venue emptied, those Pill Fire Society pharmacists were led by Cheng Wanyao to the marketce at the back of the chamber ofmerce. Because this marketce was located within the chamber ofmerce, each store¡¯s personnel had to pay rent.

    Currently, by using the limelight of the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation, the chamber intentionally left three stalls unupied and were given to the three mid grade pharmacists to use, free of charge. They could sell some of the medicinal pills they refined here. Those ten low grade pharmacists could also follow the mid grade pharmacists and act in supporting roles.

    There was clearly a lot of cooperation between the Pill Fire Society and the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce. Not only did the pharmacists sell medicinal pills, they could also answer the questions of some visiting pharmacists ¡ª Naturally, these answers required a fee.

    This definitely didn¡¯t cover the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce¡¯s expenses, but so long as they could win over some independent pharmacists who heard rumors, they could be recruited into the chamber or give them a good impression of the chamber. Either way, it was very advantageous to the chamber ofmerce.

    What the chamber could antic.i.p.ate, others could do the same.

    Besides the chamber ofmerce, there were a few other powers or individuals with outstanding strength who came to recruit independent pharmacists to keep them in their service.

    After Gu Zuo followed Tianheng here, he saw many like them, who wore the outer sect uniform ¡ª That¡¯s right. If one wanted to smoothly cultivate and save up capital, relying only on the sect¡¯s distributed resources wasn¡¯t enough. If a martial artist wanted to be sessful, a personal pharmacist was indispensable.

    Everyone¡¯s goals were identical. Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s movements definitely wouldn¡¯t draw anyone¡¯s suspicions.

    Gu Zuo set aside the tiny worries in his heart, and curiously asked: "Big brother, where are we going to find someone?"

    En, were they going to just strike up a conversation?

    Tianheng smiled and said: "Copying the other¡¯s behaviors is enough."

    Gu Zuo then discovered that matters really weren¡¯t that troublesome.

    There were many outer sect disciples carrying arrogant looks. At their sides followed nominal disciples or their other subordinates. They quickly exchanged golden banknotes for permit slips and gray cloths through certain chamber managers on the side. After they took the permit slips, they found vacant s.p.a.ces and spread the gray cloths on the ground. Then, they arranged a few things.

    Among those things were precious medicinal herbs, bizarre devices, jade bowls loaded with medicinal pills, worn out books, and so on.

    After that, one of them raised a sign on the side. Several lines were written on it: "Soliciting two pharmacists. All those interested are wee."

    In addition, there were some notes that said if they weren¡¯t solicited, the things in view could be traded.

    It wasn¡¯t only this outer sect disciple. Quite a few outer sect disciples were all doing the same.

    It was just that some notes spoke of willingness to partner with the pharmacist in a mutual transaction, while others hadplex pill prescriptions for the pharmacist toprehend together.

    In short, there were all kinds of recruitment methods, each with their own strategies.

    Tianheng gave a slight indication.

    Dragon One followed his orders, and promptly walked to that manager ahead and handed over a one-thousand golden banknote. When he came back, he carried a permit slip and a gray cloth.

    Gu Zuo quietly asked: "Then, what are we going to set up?"

    Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t reply.

    Gu Zuo: Does big brother want to act mysterious now...

    Dragon One quickly found an empty s.p.a.ce and spread the gray cloth.

    The ce he chose wasn¡¯t crowded together with the other outer sect disciples ¡ª Was this also to avoid being inconvenienced by anyparisons drawn? Those set up on both sides were other merchants, and their wares on the ground were even more varied.

    After seeing a group of peoplee over, those merchants also noticed Tianheng¡¯s extraordinary bearing. Recognizing their ident.i.ties, their att.i.tudes immediately became polite, not at all like normal times when they¡¯d push aside others without batting an eye.

    Tianheng walked behind the stall: "Ah Zuo, take out the chest I gave you yesterday."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, before rummaging through his storage s.p.a.ce.

    Because basically everything that was even a little important was ced in this region, and that he wouldn¡¯t deliberately snoop through Tianheng¡¯s things, he usually just directly stuffed it all into a region customized for Tianheng¡¯s use. As a result, hepletely forgot if he had such a chest.

    After a little bit of searching, Gu Zuo found it.

    Then, that chest appeared on the spread-out gray cloth.

    The chest wasn¡¯t big, only half a meter in size.

    Tianheng opened it, and took out the things inside one by one.

    There was a jade box packed with several kinds of precious medicinal herbs... There were some wild beast eyeb.a.l.l.s and hearts... There were a few bottles of stuff Gu Zuo refined. Top grade Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills, and even Ageless Pills.

    Finally, two pieces of folded paper.

    The topmost paper had a shocking hand seal ¡ª A fire controlling seal one could use by themselves.

    A menagerie of things was spread all over the gray cloth.

    Tianheng intentionally took out three jade bowls. Each one had one type of medicinal pill ced inside, allowing it to emit a medicinal fragrance that permeated near and far.

    Dragon Two also raised a sign. A line with simple handwriting said, "Soliciting three pharmacists. Direct negotiations."

    Gu Zuo read it, and ma.s.saged his temples.

    He simply took out a couple short couches and arranged them behind the stall.

    Good. His dear big brother¡¯s advertising was very well done. Now, he just had to wait for the fish to take the bait.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 93

    Gradually, more and more people showed up.

    There was a big difference between a pharmacist who had an inheritance and one who didn¡¯t. There was also a big difference between a pharmacist who had powerful support and one didn¡¯t. Those who didn¡¯t have support, but could still generate waves were even fewer.

    As a result, of the great majority of pharmacists who were willing to spend money to partic.i.p.ate in the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation, their biggest goal was to find those capable pharmacists for pointers. Their second goal was actually to find a target they could attach themselves to.

    Hence, many people began lining up in front of the shops of the three mid grade pharmacists. Whether if it was to purchase medicinal pills or some "guidance", the atmosphere was very pa.s.sionate. However, when the line grew longer such that they couldn¡¯t progress any time soon, the pharmacists who weren¡¯t in a hurry first went to try aplishing their second goal.

    ¡ª After all, while finding a mid grade pharmacist for guidance was very important, if one¡¯s luck was good, they could attach themselves to a good employer and receive guidance that might not necessarily be inferior.

    Some pharmacists slowly began to congregate around the sides of many stalls.

    They earnestly evaluated the goods that the merchants spread out. They especially paid attention to the signs posted. This checking was particrly meticulous.

    From those goods, they could infer the merchant¡¯s foundations. This would let them decide whether to rely on them, whether the degree of this reliance was as a valued customer or as a humble worshiper, and to what degree this cooperation would reach...

    At this time, there was a stall that was particrly eye-catching.

    It was aposition of a young man, a youngster, and two bodyguards. The young man was a Qingyun outer sect disciple, and the other three were nominal disciples.

    It seemed like they had a simr a.s.sembly to many other stalls, but these people gave one a feeling that they were...

    Very wealthy.

    And very carefree.

    Was it that they were secure in the knowledge that they had backing?

    That they could be this rxed should mean that they had some a.s.surance.

    Naturally, there were some who felt they were putting on an act, wanting to use this to attract the attention of others. However, they had no choice but to admit that, in the end, they really were attracted, too.

    This was to the extent that their eyes looked over that stall many times.

    And with one nce...

    At once, at least four or five pharmacists walked over.

    They were all thinking the same thing in their minds:

    Ah, very strange. They actually didn¡¯t recognize that medicinal pill!

    The hand seal on that bundle of folded paper was very, very...

    Gu Zuo discovered someone hade over.

    He sighed silently.

    He didn¡¯t say anything else. While he felt that it hadn¡¯t been long since he came here, it was clear to see that there were too many pharmacists present.

    Yes. Let alone that Qi Family in the beginning, one wouldn¡¯t be able to casually spot over one hundred pharmacists even on the streets of the Cangyun Empire¡¯s capital.

    So to say, the Cangyun Empire really was too small... On the Qingyun Continent, perhaps pharmacists were still very precious, but they weren¡¯t as scarce as they were in the Cangyun Empire.

    Then, Gu Zuo was a little happy.

    The more pharmacists the better.

    In this case, his ident.i.ty would be more and more normalized!

    At this moment, those five pharmacists had already reached the stall.

    They had all practically reached out their hands at the same time to grab those two bundles of folded paper.

    "Stop!"

    "This senior has seen it first!"

    "Pardon me, but let me look at it first!"

    Because the objects were few and the people were many, they unexpectedly argued for a period of time.

    Afterwards, the five pharmacists felt like their palms were jolted by something. Immediately, they had no way of s.n.a.t.c.hing those pieces of paper. Their hearts were resentful, and they couldn¡¯t help lifting their heads.

    With one look, they discovered that the Qingyun outer sect disciple had just retracted his hand. They promptly understood, and could only give embarra.s.sed smiles.

    ¡ª Squabbling in front of the owner of that thing was really somewhat unreasonable.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t reveal any expressions of me. He opened his mouth and gently said: "It doesn¡¯t need to be like this, everyone. These two bundles have ten sheets of paper altogether. Everything written on them is exactly the same. They¡¯re all a school of medicine refining hand seals to manually control fire. Everyone can take one and read them at your leisure."

    When the pharmacists heard this, they were somewhat disappointed at first.

    However, they quickly reacted. Right, being able to give a fire controlling seal already made them want to take a look, but they had yet to check its effectiveness. How could an employer reveal all the hand seals he possessed?

    So, they just pushed down their disappointment, and prepared to examine the fire controlling seal¡¯s finer points.

    Fortunately, this wasn¡¯t a fabrication. As the other person said, it was aplete set of pill refining hand seals...

    With this one look, the pharmacists were unable to tear themselves away.

    When they previously watched the pill refining process of the Pill Fire Society¡¯s pharmacists, the strange effects of those people were indeed awesome to behold. Their hand seals were also very marvelous. However,pared to what they were looking at now, it was a littlecking.

    If they could learn these hand seals... In the future, their pill production¡¯s sess rates would certainly increase greatly!

    Immediately after that, the most senior of the five pharmacists opened his mouth and asked: "Excuse me, young master, this medicine refining hand seal..."

    Tianheng was still very gentle: "Everyone can see that these seals are called the <he n''s="" pill="" refining="" seal="">>. It¡¯s something I acquired unexpectedly, to be used for nurturing pharmacists. I¡¯ve just recently arrived, and while I naturally need a team, I¡¯d rather go without than have one that¡¯s mediocre. They must be absolutely loyal. They must also have potential or experience."</he>

    The pharmacists immediately came to a halt.

    In other words, they still needed to choose...

    Gu Zuo stared fixedly at these pharmacists. Unexpectedly, he found that they didn¡¯t get angry.

    If it was in the Cangyun Empire, the uncertified would¡¯ve received lots of respect. If it was a certified pharmacist, they normally would¡¯ve been very popr. If they had encountered this kind of situation of being picked by someone, they would¡¯ve certainly exploded in anger!

    He didn¡¯t understand, so he just asked in his mind.

    On one side, Tianheng waited for those pharmacists¡¯ responses, and on the other, he smilingly transmitted: There¡¯s two reasons. One is that there are many pharmacists on the Qingyun Continent. Unless if they can reach mid grade or higher, or if they have a certain reputation, they¡¯ll merely hold a special upation. The second is, because that set of He n¡¯s Pill Refining Seals is much better than what they know about, they¡¯re emotionally affected.

    Tianheng continued: Moreover, they want to sell themselves for a good price. It goes without saying that they could also investigate the employer. This way, after meeting a good employer, they would likewise be investigated, so there¡¯s nothing worth getting upset over.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    So, it was still about checking how expensive the price tag was.

    He was thinking about the He n¡¯s Pill Refining Seal like this, but in these pharmacists¡¯ eyes, would they have felt that it was rather valuable and worth a try?

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo again felt helpless.

    Why did the current situation seem to have the slight feeling of a job application...

    The five pharmacists exchanged nces, but didn¡¯t urgently reply.

    They simply continued to size up this stall.

    Not long after, the most senior pharmacist reached out his hand and grasped a pink colored pill. The color and l.u.s.ter was gorgeous, and when he ced it near his nose to sniff it, there was a surprising fragrance that prated deep into his heart. It was like the maidenly perfume of a beautiful young girl. Like the distinct odors of orchid flowers or musk deer, it carried an intense s.e.xual appeal.

    ¡ª He¡¯d never encountered a medicinal pill like this before.

    This pharmacist was a little curious: "Would this young master know what this medicinal pill is..."

    Tianheng replied: "The Anti-Aging Pill."

    The senior pharmacist¡¯s eyes shined: "The Anti-Aging Pill? So it¡¯s the kind of medicinal pill that can make a woman¡¯splexion permanent?"

    Tianheng smiled freely: "Just so."

    The other four pharmacists couldn¡¯t help gathering over, and each of them plucked an Anti-Aging Pill from the jade bowl. They were all simrly examining and sniffing them.

    "Frost Colored Flower, Seven Heart Flower, Flowing Moon Flower..."

    "Oh, oh! There¡¯s also the Fantasy Drop Flower!"

    "This is the Silver Silk Flower..."

    "Ai! There¡¯s ten extra smells I can¡¯t distinguish."

    After the pharmacistspleted their a.n.a.lysis, they still couldn¡¯t pool together aplete list of medicinal herbs. Let alone figuring out the prescription, they couldn¡¯t guess the way the medicinal herbs were put in based on the medicinal pill¡¯s physical appearance.

    However, the more they guessed, the more strongly they felt the utter strangeness of this medicinal pill in their hearts. It made their interest overflow.

    To the side, Tianheng again said: "Refining the Anti-Aging Pill requires eighteen unusual flowers, supplemented with another thirty six medicinal herbs. The refining method is veryplicated. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll never guess it from relying only on smell."

    Once the pharmacists heard this, they had no other option than to reluctantly put those medicinal pills back down.

    Afterwards, they again looked at the high grade Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills. They keenly discovered that the color and l.u.s.ter of these two types of medicinal pills were very full. Although their level didn¡¯t reach top grade, the extremely tiny ws in the gloss had a peculiar order to them. It was very rare ¡ª It seemed like these high grade pills were ones they¡¯d never seen before.

    At this time, the pharmacists really had their hearts moved.

    The most senior pharmacist said: "Young master, if we pledge our loyalty and be a part of the young master¡¯s team, will we have the qualifications to study that <he n''s="" pill="" refining="" seal="">>?"</he>

    Tianheng magnanimously said: "Naturally. Not only that, but I have several prescriptions, which can be given based on the degree of everyone¡¯s dedication. Only, I have several things to say first.

    He said: "Based on the quant.i.ties of medicinal herbs, everyone must hand over a fixed measurement of medicinal pills each month. If there are extra, you can¡¯t hide them for yourselves. The higher one¡¯s pill refining capabilities, the better their sries, the more medicinal herbs they will be allocated each month, and the greater the bonus for each pill refined. However, if the failure rate is too high, I¡¯m afraid the sry will be mediocre, and I won¡¯t be able to give more prescriptions."

    The pharmacists heard this and hesitated a little.

    They had previously acted as other people¡¯s guests of honor. Every month, their employers would give them a fixed amount of medicinal herbs and would require them to hand over a fixed amount of medicinal pills. This was very normal.

    Usually, if they met their quota, they would receive their bonus, and if if they didn¡¯t make their quota, then that month¡¯s bonus would be deducted. However, if they refined more pills than their fixed amount, the bigger their shares. In most cases, it would be returned to the pill refiner. And here, the fact was that they needed to hand them over even if there were extras...

    But for other employers, they wouldn¡¯t get to learn even more outstanding prescriptions, or even rarer ones like the unorthodox and strange prescription for the Anti-Aging Pill... After thinking about it, just that prescription alone already attracted them like moths to the me, even though there wouldn¡¯t be any bonuses. It was merely that they didn¡¯t count on that the extra medicinal pills had to be handed over.

    After realizing this, the pharmacists nodded their heads one after another: "This is to be expected."

    Tianheng said with satisfaction: "Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll have to ask everyone to wait a moment. If there aren¡¯t any more pharmacists toe inquiring after a couple hours, I¡¯ll have everyone disy their skills... It¡¯s not that everyone has done anything improper, but that I can only support three pharmacists. Wait until the day I¡¯ve .u.mted more capital. Then, I¡¯ll extend an invitation to you once more."

    Once the pharmacists heard this, they naturally agreed, and waited patiently on the side.

    T/N: Retroactively changing Ageless Pill to Anti-Aging Pill.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 94

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand too clearly, and quietly asked: "Big brother¡¯s not worried that they¡¯ll deliberately lower the amount of sessful pills?"

    Gongyi Tianheng startled. Soon after, heughed as he shook his head: "How could the people here be like Ah Zuo, controlling the quant.i.ty of refined medicinal pills with a thought..."

    Gu Zuo was struck dumb.

    So to say, he was .s.sified as a genius among pharmacists now?

    It sounded...pretty cool.

    Time quickly pa.s.sed.

    There were so many pharmacists interested in the pill seal as well as the Anti-Aging Pill that, unwittingly, twelve pharmacists had already gathered and were interested in "applying for the job".

    Seeing as how it was almost time, Tianheng didn¡¯t man the stall any longer. After instructing Dragon One and Dragon Two to tidy up the stall, he moved onward ¡ª Just as he was waiting for it, Dragon Two already went to pack everything up in arge hidden chamber.

    For this Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation, the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce had been very considerate and had made preparations early on.

    A group of people departed. There were many behind them who were all clicking their tongues in wonder.

    "Which outer sect disciple could attract the interest of so many pharmacists?"

    "Don¡¯t tell me he wants to recruit all those pharmacists?"

    "Unfortunately, it¡¯s gettingte. Otherwise, I could make a few inquiries..."

    "You shouldn¡¯t carelessly ask about a Qingyun Sect disciple. You¡¯ll provoke someone!"

    These discussions onlysted a short while before pa.s.sing.

    Not too many ripples were made...

    In a secret room.

    Because it was one the chamber ofmerce especially prepared, it had more than ten pill refining cauldrons, which was enough for these pharmacists to conduct an exhibition.

    Although it was actually Gu Zuo who was in charge of observing, Tianheng was still in charge on the surface.

    Tianheng transmitted to Gu Zuo: Ah Zuo, carefully pick the ones who have the greatest potential and the most experience.

    Gu Zuo faintly nodded: I understand, big brother.

    Immediately following that, Tianheng smilingly stated: "Each and every one of you are people with talent. Yet, I¡¯ll have to ask you all to refine the three types of medicinal pills you¡¯re the most proficient in."

    Those pharmacists listened: Freedom of choice instead of a.s.signments? Although this limited the issue of luck in a.s.signing a target pill, this disyed a certain degree of fairness. There wasn¡¯t anyone who was dissatisfied.

    Afterwards, all the pharmacists began moving their hands one after another.

    The medicinal herbs were naturally ones they prepared themselves... After all, this was considered apet.i.tion for the job!

    Not long after, the fires within the twelve pill cauldrons were ignited. All twelve of the pharmacists present were low grade ¡ª If they truly reached mid grade, then it showed that they had a good foundation in every aspect or that they were nurtured by other powers. It was also unlikely for them to seek refuge with others lightly.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power expanded to cover the entire secret room.

    Ever since he sessfully reached Xiantian, his psychic power¡¯s functions had another upheaval. Currently, he only needed a bit of gtinous psychic power to have it proliferate. It was like casting out a huge, and all of the particrs within this would be projected into his mind in exacting detail. Not even the tiniest ones would be missed.

    At this time, Gu Zuo used this psychic power to observe the pharmacists¡¯ medicine refining levels, from which he would select the most suitable candidates.

    Among these pharmacists, there were several who were dedicated suppliers or honored a.s.sociates. Their cultivation methods were slightly better, and when they used their hand seals, they were very adept. The pill fires under their control zed vibrantly. In addition, some pharmacists could see that it was pure mastery through self-training. Perhaps it was after practicing with some pharmacists, but it was probably based on their ownprehension.

    After about half an hour, the pill cauldrons issued whistling and popping sounds, which was the start of the pill production.

    The pharmacists demonstrated their pill receiving methods once more, revealing their skills, and used jade bowls to catch the medicinal pills from the cauldrons. At this moment, the melodious sound of the collecting process echoed constantly. It was pleasant to listen to.

    Over the course of Gu Zuo¡¯s observation, he was already aware of these pharmacists¡¯ levels.

    He kept silent, only transmitting to Tianheng in his head: Big brother, the oldest one, the one wearing blue clothes, the thirty something year old with the beard...

    Tianheng remained calm and collected. He walked before each pharmacist individually, and took the other person¡¯s jade bow. As if with great experience, he carefully examined the medicinal pills inside. In reality, after suffering from an incurable disease for many years, although he couldn¡¯t refine medicine, he was still rather skilled at differentiating medicinal pills. After looking over them all and thinking about the transmission of his little pharmacist, he made his decision.

    After that, Tianheng faced Dragon One and nodded his head. Dragon One hurriedly offered nine jade bottles. Soon after, Tianheng felt around in his sleeves and retrieved a stack of golden banknotes.

    Hence, there were nine pharmacists who received Tianheng¡¯s present of a bottle with three Anti-Aging Pills and a one-hundred denomination golden banknote. Then, they were courteously sent on their way.

    Their hearts were naturally somewhat disappointed, but even though they failed, they could obtain these benefits. There weren¡¯t any grudges in their hearts; rather, they felt Tianheng was quite generous.

    Only Gu Zuo felt helpless: Another thousand gold walked out the door...

    He was aware that Tianheng¡¯s act was for the sake of developing a bond of good karma with those pharmacists. Spending this money was very normal, but when he recalled that pile of gold that could fill a small chest, his heart felt heavy again.

    After taking a deep breath, he decided to be a bit moreposed in the future. After all, it was as his big brother said: To earn more, one needed to spend more. He also couldn¡¯t be too stingy!

    Gu Zuo, who was already trying to ovee the mentality of a small town resident, had his eyes trained on those nine pharmacists departing. He himself never discovered the pinched expression that shed across his face.

    On the contrary, Tianheng detected this, andughingly shook his head a little.

    But at this moment, the most important thing was still the reception of the remaining three pharmacists ¡ª If there weren¡¯t any mishaps, they¡¯d be the first batch of people to act as Gu Zuo¡¯s cover up. At the same time, they¡¯d be the ones he¡¯d need to nurtureter on.

    And for such people, measuring their loyalty would be the number one consideration.

    After thinking things over, Tianheng invited the others to sit down: "Although this matter has already been raised, I still need to ask once more ¡ª Are you all willing to be my devoted suppliers?"

    A supplier and an a.s.sociate weren¡¯t the same thing.

    An a.s.sociate hadparatively more freedom. They could obtain a certain sry, but they couldn¡¯t enter a power¡¯s core. At the same time, they didn¡¯t have too big of an obligation. They only had to set forth a certain amount of contribution to the power based on the prior "business contract".

    But a supplier relied on a power, obtained better treatment, and dedicated themselves fully. Basically, when one was with a power, one¡¯s glory was everyone¡¯s glory and one¡¯s suffering was everyone¡¯s suffering. Over a long period of time, the power would develop a strong trust in the supplier. Being a pharmacist supplier wasn¡¯t bad. If one was a supplier of the martial path, sacrificing their lives for the sake of that power was amon matter during a crisis.

    The three pharmacists thought back to that astonishing hand seal, and their hearts trembled: "We¡¯re willing."

    Tianheng¡¯s smile became warmer: "Since everyone has already agreed, I¡¯ll ask you all to sign this Blood Essence Contract to be lifelong suppliers."

    At this time, Dragon Two handed them three sheets of paper.

    The writing on this paper was clear: The Gongyi n¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng shall acknowledge these three pharmacists as lifelong suppliers. The pharmacists may not divulge any rted secrets. If this is vited, they shall be immediately executed.

    There was also fine print that exined parts of the pay Tianheng would give them. Among those not mentioned, <he n''s="" pill="" refining="" seal="">> was actually indeed recorded. </he>

    In addition, the three sheets of paper had already been signed in Tianheng¡¯s own name using blood essence.

    After that, the three pharmacists also needed to do the same.

    Upon seeing this, their hearts rxed. They all bit their fingertips and wrote their formal names on the signature lines.

    Henceforth, the three of them were Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s pharmacist suppliers.

    On the side, Gu Zuo watched it all clearly, but deep in his heart, he still felt it was a little unreliable.

    Whether that blood writing was effective or not... If they didn¡¯t abide by their word, was could be done? Even if the traitor was executed, it could still bring about lots of trouble.

    Just as he was thinking this, Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed in his head: Ah Zuo, ask the system if there are any other methods besides Drug ve Binding to prevent a breach of the contract.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    So it was like this!

    That blood writing...was just a formality.

    Tianheng really was someone who thought this way.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s secrets were of great importance. In order to conceal him, they had no choice but to search for some pharmacists to act as suppliers. He also had to pay attention to not let the pharmacists snoop around Gu Zuo¡¯s differences. Merely, no matter how careful he needed to be to guard against idents, he was ustomed to nning ahead. Before making a decision, it was only natural for him to n for the worst.

    Tianheng recalled the time when they first met and the actions he performed, as they reportedly signed that guardian contract. While he could only gamble on it, he didn¡¯t put hisplete trust in that contract. But after all of the system¡¯s miraculous phenomena, he carefully scrutinized this contract and discovered that it was indeed quite binding. Then, he was naturally convinced.

    On top of that, he knew that it also had Drug ve Binding, which could control people... As a result, he was also skeptical whether the system still had other kinds of restrictivemitments in its collection.

    Here, Gu Zuo promptly asked the system.

    The system gave a quick reply.

    [Law of the Heavenly Oath: Worth fifty strands of medicinal qi. Does the host want to exchange?]

    Gu Zuo replied without the slightest hesitation: Exchange!

    Instantly, a line of text appeared in his mind. It was an ount of the previously mentioned Law of the Heavenly Oath.

    After learning about it, he promptly informed his big brother.

    Tianheng looked at those pharmacists who¡¯d already signed their names, and smilingly said: "Apart from this, I still need to ask everyone to swear on their medical beads not to divulge any of my impermissible secrets."

    Those pharmacists didn¡¯t understand why, but they still made their vows and agreed.

    As a result, they all individually said:

    "I, Zhang Mingyuan, swear on my medical beads not to divulge any of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s impermissible secrets."

    "I, w.a.n.g Cheng, swear on my medical beads..."

    "I, Fang Zhiyao..."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 95

    Once they made their pledges, the heartbeats of the three pharmacists sped up for brief moment. However, they were rather distracted and didn¡¯t discover any differences.

    Only, if they really divulged any secrets, the vow woulde true.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking the system: If they broke their vows, what would happen?

    [The vow would cause the pharmacists¡¯ medical beads to destroy themselves the moment they divulged any secrets. If they tried to do so again, they would directly lose their lives. For a martial artist who¡¯d swear upon the martial path, all of their cultivation would be destroyed, turning them into a handicapped person. If they still tried to divulge any secrets, they would also directly perish.]

    Gu Zuo immediately set aside his concerns.

    In other words, at least no secrets would be leaked from these pharmacists¡¯ mouths... Only, he needed to always be on guard to prevent them from carelessly leaking secrets and causing their medical beads to self-destruct, as well as conceal the matter from them.

    However, the Heavenly Oath was truly harsh.

    After Gongyi Tianheng became aware of the results bought about by the Heavenly Oath, he made further ns for the arrangements of those three pharmacists.

    In short, the purpose of their partic.i.p.ation in the Pill Fundamentals a.s.sociation was now sessfullypleted.

    Soon after, Tianheng brought these pharmacists back to the sect.

    And so, these pharmacists were handed nominal disciple tokens and became his subordinates ¡ª There were only four tokens left in his possession.

    He didn¡¯t intend on making use of these four spots for the time being.

    Things were as usual for the Qingyun outer sect.

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others followed Tianheng as they returned to his courtyard. Because the outer sect was rich in ambient qi, it brought about an enormous feeling of happiness in them.

    Though they weren¡¯t martial artists, they were still pharmacists, and they wanted to refine even higher grade medicinal pills. One also couldn¡¯t neglect the cultivation of their body¡¯s true qi.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s skills wereprehensive and diverse. Their temperaments were also very steady. With their recent arrival to the sect, their roles were equivalent to Tianheng¡¯s housekeepers.

    Currently, the three pharmacists were a.s.signed a room by Dragon One. He removed the wall between two conjoining houses, which would serve as their secret room for refining medicine.

    Gu Zuo also received the missionpleted prompt.

    However, to him, this prompt wasn¡¯t a prompt. In fact, its usefulness wasn¡¯t substantial. Because this system of his was good at understanding others, it was also very strange. It basically didn¡¯t have any rewards ¡ª Or to say, the system sent rewards in the form of mission items in the first ce. The penalties for mission failures were also very simple. Either there wasn¡¯t any punishment, there was a deduction of medicinal qi, or just obliteration. And normally, the circ.u.mstances for obliteration weren¡¯t many. One could say that the system¡¯s a.s.sistance to him was enormous.

    Once Gu Zuo gradually trusted the system, there wasn¡¯t any of that trepidation like before, of feeling a mentality of paying too little and gaining too much. Because he found that having this mentality was useless, considering how the system should act, would he be able to reject the system¡¯s help from here on out?

    Having a.s.sistance on hand, but not employing it because of suspicions was a kind of cowardice in disguise.

    After following Gongyi Tianheng for a long time, Gu Zuo clearly understood one argument ¡ª Retreating was useless; it was better to fight with everything one had. One needed to remain vignt, but one shouldn¡¯t take precautions for vignce¡¯s sake and hole themselves up.

    In any case, what he learned was made his own. After he advanced to Xiantian, he could distinctly sense the resonance of the medical beads in his palms when he refined pills. And there was basically no connection between the medical beads and the system. In other words, this innate skill was his own. Even the system was incapable of depriving him of this!

    Since this was the case, he studied carefully. Perhaps once his strength was high enough, he¡¯d be able to understand many matters. Right now, he was thinking too much. It was no more than getting upset over nothing.

    So, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t concern himself. He turned his head to look at Tianheng: "Big brother, then what¡¯ll we do now?"

    Tianheng said: "First, go check out

    >. Ah Zuo, try select a school of thought from within and have those three pharmacists practice it."

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    This big brother of his intended on nurturing pharmacists.

    As such, it was only natural he¡¯d do his utmost to help.

    After returning to the room¡¯s interior, Gu Zuo took out the Primary Medicine Refinement Cultivation Method from his storage s.p.a.ce and opened it up to take a look. Unexpectedly, he discovered that it had eighty one cultivation methods here!

    A total of eighty one!

    Gu Zuo was practically itching to take a look.

    Afterwards, he also discovered that these cultivation methods weren¡¯t simple at all!

    Because they all...formedplete sets.

    For example, there was one called <golden mes="" nine="" turns="" cultivation="" method="">>, which was divided into three volumes: Three Turns, Six Turns, and Nine Turns. In this < primary="" medicine="" refinement="" cultivation="" method="">>, only the first Three Turns were collected in <methods of="" three="" turns="" golden="" mes="">>. The follow-up was mentioned only in the appendix.</methods></golden>

    However, without any follow-up, just the Method of Three Turns Golden mes by itself could already provide enough insight for a pharmacist to cultivate from Houtian to perfect Xiantian.

    Moreover, after Gu Zuo flipped through the unfamiliar sections of the previously obtained

    >, he understood a bit more ¡ª This Golden mes Nine Turns Cultivation Method was actually an attribute cultivation method.

    From here, Gu Zuo started realizing that pharmacists had differences in const.i.tutions just like martial artists... Although, the differences in martial artists weren¡¯t recounted in this foundational knowledge book.

    First, let¡¯s talk about a pharmacist¡¯s const.i.tution. The mostmon one was the Five Elements Const.i.tution. Every person had the five elements working within them. The attribute that the body favored the most would manifest itself as a const.i.tution type. Certainly, there were single attribute pharmacists who had particrly pure const.i.tutions, but they were extremely rare and weren¡¯t normally discussed.

    The Golden mes Nine Turns Cultivation Method was the most suitable one for pharmacists with the metal and fire attributes to practice. After practicing it, their bodies would exhibit strange effects. The more closely one¡¯s const.i.tution fit the cultivation method, the faster the rate one could practice it.

    As for the pharmacist who had this kind of attribute, when they refined pills with such attributes, it¡¯d be like gaining G.o.dly a.s.sistance. When they refined pills with other attributes, it would be a little inferior.

    But in general, cultivating with an attribute cultivation method was a good thing. Because, apart from medicinal pills of a mutually restraining attribute, the cultivation method wouldn¡¯t affect the pharmacist¡¯s level. On the contrary, it would upgrade the pharmacist¡¯s refining ability towards pills of specific attributes. If there was a pharmacist with an attribute cultivation method, they¡¯d basically choose practices based on their own const.i.tution, not the ones their const.i.tutions would waste.

    On the Qingyun Continent, attribute cultivation methods were very rare. However, thest time Gu Zuo saw the cultivation method practiced by the crowd of Pill Fire Society pharmacists, there was no need for doubt that it was a kind of attribute cultivation method. Otherwise, under the premise of the colossal Qingyun Sect, it¡¯d be impossible for that group of pharmacists to remain independent and not attach themselves to arge power.

    Attribute cultivation methods were very precious, and some even had specialized medicine refining hand seals to match. The eighty one sets of cultivation methods in Gu Zuo¡¯s hands were all attribute cultivation methods. Besides the Five Element Attributes, it contained many special attributes. The implications were abundant.

    Gu Zuo even felt familiar with the medicine refining hand seals annotated in parts of the attribute cultivation methods. After careful consideration, weren¡¯t those the ones recorded in the unorthodox medicine refining hand seals?

    These two item books clearly matched each other.

    Currently, Gu Zuo only took out a type of pill refining hand seal from the unorthodox medicine refining hand seals. With matching hand seals for refining medicinal decoctions and cuisines, it would already be very attractive to pharmacists...

    The more Gu Zuo thought about it, the more he felt that the wealth in his hands was too great.

    Ah, his heart was distressed.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo thought that this matter wouldn¡¯t be pondered over by him. Once he pushed everything onto his dear big brother, he would quickly get rid of many of these notions.

    He felt he¡¯d first pick out the goods that were second-.s.s byparison from those attribute cultivation methods before discussing it further.

    This time, he didn¡¯t have to practice all of it again. He found that so long as he used his own true qi to interact with the routes those cultivation methods utilized, the bone pearls within his body would naturally give a corresponding response ¡ª The more urgently the bone pearls trembled, the faster the cultivation methods could be practiced, and naturally, the better the cultivation methods were.

    After almost nearly an hour, Gu Zuo interacted with all the routes of the eighty one cultivation methods.

    Ultimately, he choose ten sets which were good enough.

    However, he also could imagine that the stuff included in these ten sets...shouldn¡¯t be particrly simple.

    "Big brother!"

    Gongyi Tianheng lifted his head and saw his little pharmacist cheerily rushing over. Watching this kind of lively att.i.tude would delight one¡¯s mood.

    He couldn¡¯t help smiling: "Ah Zuo, already done?"

    Naturally, Gu Zuo repeatedly nodded his head: "I¡¯ve picked them!" After that, he lowered his voice, "But, first we must test their body attributes..."

    Mentioning this, he told his dear big brother about a pharmacist¡¯s body attributes and so on.

    Tianheng nodded: "How do we test for it?"

    Gu Zuo unfolded his palms mysteriously, and a palm-sized piece of transparent jade promptly appeared: "Just deliver one¡¯s true qi into it."

    This thing could be used by both pharmacists and martial artists, "How about big brother gives it a try?"

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, extended his hand, and gripped the jade stone.

    After three seconds, the color of the jade stone changed.

    White, green, ck, red, and yellow... Quite a few colors shed one after another. Finally, it settled on a kind of gentle gray. In addition, while it was called gray, it was actually approaching silver. It was very beautiful.

    But in the end, what attribute was it?

    Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. It was none of them!

    After being unable to recognize it for a period of time, Gu Zuo was a little embarra.s.sed. He thought about it and said: "Then, I¡¯ll give it a try, too. I was too excited just now, so Ipletely forgot..."

    After he finished speaking, he also injected his true qi into the stone.

    This time around, the jade stone wasn¡¯t a mix of colors as if it was continuously changing. Instead, it settled on a milky white color in a short while.

    Yet, it was strange. Among the five elements, the metal attribute corresponded with the color white. However, metal had an acute spirit. The corresponding white should give a person a feeling of a chillingly sharp knife. The milky white color here...was exactly the same as the color of medicinal qi!

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    He didn¡¯t know what to say at all.

    Perhaps, he and his big brother both had very rare and special attributes?

    Upon seeing this, Gongyi Tianheng actually wasn¡¯t so jumbled up like Gu Zuo.

    He extended a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and smilingly said: "Pretty good. Ah Zuo¡¯s an extremely special person, so it¡¯s natural that you have a special manifestation. I have Ah Zuo to help, so receiving influence and bing special isn¡¯t strange."

    Gu Zuo helplessly said: "...Okay. I¡¯ll just regard what big brother says as the truth."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 96

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled but didn¡¯t speak.

    With regards to attribute testing, he also didn¡¯t know the cause, but when he did the test, he sensed that the six sets of bone pearls in his body were simultaneously humming.

    It was as if each set of bone pearls contained a peculiar qi energy... Now, he could perceive this qi energy. He could even ascertain that once he smoothly broke through to Xiantian, the understanding of this qi energy would be clear.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help secretly asking the system: What¡¯s going on with big brother? What¡¯s going on with me? System, give me an answer. I¡¯ll give medicinal qi in exchange.

    [The cultivation method created by the Tiandu Body is the one most suited to himself and can amodate any attribute. Currently, the host and patron¡¯s realms are insufficient, so the attributes can¡¯t be verified.]

    [Host¡¯s const.i.tution attribute hasn¡¯tpleted its evolution. For the time being, noments avable.]

    [Indebted to the host, for your patronage. Ten strands of medicinal qi in total.]

    After a whooshing sound, there were ten fewer strands of medicinal qi in the storage s.p.a.ce.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Up until then, he still didn¡¯t understand.

    This kind of answer sounded very profound, but actually, it wasn¡¯t useful to him at all.

    Tianheng noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s slightly wronged expression. After listening to his grumbling, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help ruffling his hair again: "We¡¯ll figure it out. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t get upset."

    Gu Zuo, with his hair messed up: Actually, I¡¯m not broken up about it, big brother.

    After the two spoke for a bit, Gongyi Tianheng called Dragon One and Dragon Two over. Originally, the two were being questioned by those three pharmacists about their employer¡¯s temperament, style, and so on. When they heard their summons, they naturally came over in a hurry.

    Gu Zuo stuffed the jade stone into their hands and asked them to test it out.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the results to appear.

    Dragon One had the metal, earth, and water attributes, and the earth attribute was the strongest among them. He usually handled matters calmly, so it should¡¯ve been through this aspect¡¯s influence. Mentioning this, the martial skills he previously learned also somewhat held the earth attribute¡¯s steadfastness. So this aspect was probably the same cause.

    Then it was Dragon Two. His attributes were water, earth and wood, and the water attribute was the strongest among them. Water was fickle and transformative. He could learn numerous entric skills up to this point thanks to this attribute. He distinguished himself and became Dragon Two. This was probably a bonus.

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Now that they determined the two¡¯s attributes, when he chose cultivation methods and martial skills in the future, he¡¯d certainly keep them in mind.

    Immediately following that were the three pharmacists.

    Gongyi Tianheng repeatedly warned them in advance that this matter couldn¡¯t be leaked to others. Hence, with the Heavenly Oath bearing witness, this test using the jade stone became another secret. After that were the pharmacists¡¯ tests.

    Zhang Mingyuan was partial towards the wood attribute, and Fang Zhiyao and w.a.n.g Cheng were partial towards the fire attribute. Under normal circ.u.mstances, independent cultivation could produce some worthwhile pharmacists. Most were fire attributes, and the next were wood attributes.

    The apt.i.tudes of these three people were good, but weren¡¯t too high.

    Gu Zuo considered a few ideas and thought of two cultivation methods.

    Coincidentally, although Fang Zhiyao and w.a.n.g Cheng¡¯s attributes leaned towards fire, their other attribute carried a bit of metal. It just so happened to suit the <method of="" three="" turns="" golden="" mes="">>. The additional Zhang Mingyuan was the oldest, and his experience was sufficient. His attentiveness when pill refining was his forte. So maybe he could practice the <myriad threads="" cultivation="" method="">>. </myriad></method>

    Tianheng heard his report and nodded.

    Just like that, it was settled.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo acted his ident.i.ty as Tianheng¡¯s personal servant boy. Normally it was Dragon One and Dragon Two who acted as his official messengers. Now it was his turn to perform.

    Hence, he just said: "The young master possesses several cultivation methods, and just so happens to have ones that suit you all. One suits Pharmacist Fang and Pharmacist w.a.n.g. It¡¯s called..."

    At first, the three pharmacists held ordinary att.i.tudes towards Gu Zuo, but when they heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, their eyes suddenly widened and they didn¡¯t dare neglect him in the least.

    Most of all, when Fang Zhiyao and w.a.n.g Cheng heard the mnemonic chants, they were very excited.

    Ordinarily, the ones they practiced were all street trash-like cultivation methods or the ones that independent pharmacists could obtain most easily. However, they never expected that after following this employer, besides getting that pill seal they were antic.i.p.ating, there were still cultivation methods that couldpare to the Pill Fire Society¡¯s ones!

    Attribute cultivation methods weren¡¯t ones that ordinary people could practice. Apart from those pharmacists in the Qingyun Sect, on the entire Qingyun Continent, only the Pill Fire Society and a few hidden organizations were capable of possessing medicine refining n heirlooms. Ordinary people would never encounter them.

    And unexpectedly, now they could practice one?

    This was simply inconceivable!

    Although these pharmacists didn¡¯t know that this cultivation method was even stronger than the Pill Fire Society¡¯s cultivation method, this was merely the limits of their scope of knowledge. Once they practiced it, they¡¯d slowly discover the difference.

    So long as they were able to continuously cultivate, no betrayals should arise...

    On one side, Fang Zhiyao and w.a.n.g Cheng¡¯s hearts were beating wildly. On the other side, Zhang Mingyuan was a little disappointed.

    From what he heard, the cultivation method suited the other two. As for himself... Because of this state of mind, he simply forgot that their employer owned "several" cultivation methods.

    It wasn¡¯t until after Gu Zuo recited the Method of Three Turns Golden mes, that he spoke once more: "This is a cultivation method that suits Pharmacist Zhang. It¡¯s called..."

    At this time, Zhang Mingyuan reacted, quivering in excitement.

    To his surprise, there was still another cultivation method that also suited him!

    At this moment, the three pharmacists had fully epted their new stations to their employer.

    Regardless of the employer¡¯s origins, it was only because he had such cultivation methods and that masterful pill seal, and because he had the courage to dare let them learn those things without using too many extensive tests, that they epted him wholeheartedly.

    What¡¯s more, a new employer providing a cultivation method was tantamount to the grace of a new lease on life. Naturally, they were dead-set on it.

    After the pharmacists obtained the cultivation methods, they didn¡¯t dy in the slightest and each of them charged into their own rooms, forgetting to sleep or eat. They all changed their own street trash cultivation methods to brand-new attribute cultivation methods ¡ª Pharmacists had this slight advantage over martial artists. After selecting a type of cultivation method to practice, if a martial artist wanted to revise, they¡¯d first need to abandon the previous one before they could switch cultivation methods.

    And pharmacists, after encountering a better cultivation method, could directly carry out the subst.i.tution, and this wouldn¡¯t negatively affect themselves...

    The pharmacists soon left in a bustle. Gu Zuo went to immerse himself in cultivating, too.

    As for Tianheng, he was thoroughly tempering himself. He prepared his best to raise his strength as quickly as possible.

    Gu Zuo already advanced to Xiantian. He also couldn¡¯t fall too far behind...

    More than ten dayster.

    Gongyi Tianheng continuously operated his cultivation method. The bone pearls connected throughout his body hummed endlessly like the echoes of a wind through a ravine. However, he could only .u.mte true qi more and more vigorously, without any way of taking the next step of condensing a bone pearl in a Heavenly Spirit Acupoint.

    Naturally, this dyed his advancement to Xiantian.

    Tianheng halted his cultivating, and opened his eyes.

    ...Maybe he still needed a little stimtion.

    Gu Zuo walked by, holding the neck of a jade bottle. There was an excited smile on his face: "Big brother!"

    As Tianheng saw him, the corner of his mouth hooked up: "Ah Zuo, what¡¯s gotten you so happy?"

    Gu Zuo immediately handed the jade bottle over: "I¡¯ve refined a medicinal decoction that¡¯s able to speed up the growth of the Scarlet Blood Rice!"

    Tianheng stared nkly.

    Gu Zuo was very joyous: "Scarlet Blood Rice can only be considered a human-level medicinal herb. In <human-level medicinal="" decoction="" forms="">>, there¡¯s a Tiger Balm-like decoction called the "Ever-Growing Decoction." It can greatly speed up the growth of human-level medicinal herbs. As Scarlet Blood Rice doesn¡¯t belong to those special attribute medicinal herbs, using the Ever-Growing Decoction can make it mature within five days!"</human-level>

    Tianheng realized why Gu Zuo was so happy, but he intentionally gasped: "Does Ah Zuo dislike big brother for eating too much?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile froze stiff: "..."

    Undoubtedly, he was very tactful during normal times. Why was his dear big brother so blunt this time around!?

    This feeling was like a person talking behind someone¡¯s back and getting caught red-handed in the end...

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened, and reached out a hand. It went without saying that he was going to ruffle his hair again. However, in a moment of inattention, the hand came upon his face. After that, Tianheng softly pinched his cheek in a very natural fashion: "Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be mad. Big brother is just kidding around with you."

    Gu Zuo let loose a sigh, and helplessly endured: "I don¡¯t dislike big brother..."

    At most, it was just some grumbling.

    Oh, when did this big brother of his be so mischievous? It just about scared him to death.

    Because of Gu Zuo¡¯s performance, Tianheng let go of his previously somewhat mncholy mood for not being able to break through for a long time. Afterwards, he resolutely stated: "Since it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo can refine lots of this medicinal decoction. Hand it over to Dragon One and Dragon Two, and have them take care of using it. There are lots of talkative people here, so it¡¯d be better to establish a ce in the courtyard to grow Scarlet Blood Rice. We¡¯ll only use a little bit of the decoction in those ck fields outside. Don¡¯t handle things too differently from the surrounding fields...

    He continued: "Wait until after those three pharmacists make some achievements before using their names to promote this kind of decoction."

    In the blink of an eye, he thought of many ways of disying the medicinal decoction¡¯s functions to make lots of money... As for the matters of generating revenue, he was still very meticulous.

    Only, this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯te over just to give him a treasure. He also wanted to ask Tianheng to go soak in the medicinal decoction again. The Tiandu Body was very troublesome. One shouldn¡¯t look at how the current improvements to the meridians allowed for cultivation. While Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strength was this formidable, the structural integrity of his meridians couldn¡¯t keep up with his power.

    If this continued, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be able to persist in long-term, high-intensity battles...

    T/N: I had half a mind to just call the chapter Miracle Grow? or something.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 97

    This time around, it was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s turn to obediently soak in the medicinal decoction.

    Gu Zuo stood beside the bathtub, reporting the recent state of affairs to him.

    In the period of ten or so days, Gu Zuo attempted to refine some medicinal pills again. Because Tianheng couldn¡¯t say for sure when he¡¯d advance to Xiantian, Gu Zuo drew support from his own Xiantian realm to refine some medicinal pills that¡¯d suit Xiantian martial artists.

    First was the Qi Linking Pill.

    Although it was said on the Tianwu Continent that this medicinal pill was the kind that was offered to Meridian Condensing martial artists, because the quality-price ratio wasn¡¯t high, Gu Zuo was able to use cheap medicinal herbs to refine top grade Qi Generating Pills for his big brother and his subordinate martial artists.

    But now? His big brother swallowed Qi Generating Pills one after another every day to supplement his true qi. Yet, the effects weren¡¯t too big. The six sets of bone pearls in that guy¡¯s body were like a gluttonous monster, gobbling up the top grade Qi Generating Pills as easily as sucking in water. It was the kind of hunger or thirst that was hard to endure.

    Nothing could be done. Gu Zuo had no better option than to refine Qi Linking Pills.

    Mid grade or higher Qi Linking Pills could be given to Xiantian realm martial artists. Merely, it could normally be provided to Xiantian stage six at the most. Those higher had to use top grade Qi Linking Pills, or the even stronger Qi .u.mting Pills.

    ¡ª These wouldn¡¯t be mentioned for the time being.

    In short, pa.s.sing Gu Zuo¡¯s period of research, he smoothly refined enough top grade Qi Linking Pills. Simrly, with a cauldron producing sixteen pills, he had a gourd where he .u.mted no less than eight hundred pills.

    Of course, the medicinal herbs he used up also weren¡¯t few...

    Fortunately, the refining of the previously mentioned Qi Linking Pill was nned, and enough medicinal herbs were brought over. However, at the present time, half of them were already used up by him. If he came to refine more in the future, he¡¯d certainly need to economize a bit, or purchaserge quant.i.ties of the corresponding herbs.

    Only, it was a pity that the number of medicinal qi strands formed didn¡¯t change.

    It was still one strand for every one cauldron.

    When refining medicinal cuisines or decoctions, it was also the same one to one ratio.

    Besides the Qi Linking Pill, there was also the Revitalization Pill. It was equivalent to the evolved version of the Rejuvenation Pill. If it was top grade, only one pill would be needed to immediately staunch any bleeding and heal a badly beaten Xiantian martial artist.

    Another type was the Bone Replenishing Pill. If a martial artist of the Immortal realm or below had their hand or foot cut off, so long as they preserved the limb, this pill could reconnect it without any side-effects. The final one was the Meridian Replenishing Pill. Likewise, for martial artists of the Immortal realm or below who¡¯ve ruptured their meridians, this pill could mend them.

    For these two medicinal pills, the higher the product grade, the better the treatment results.

    As for the situation in Gu Zuo¡¯s hands, aside from the substandard medicinal pills created during the initial period when he wasn¡¯t yet skilled, at all other times, he would produce top grade pills.

    ¡ª Because the medicinal herbs of these three pills were rtively hard toe by, not many were prepared. Ultimately, the ones Gu Zuo refined only totaled one hundred sixty pills each.

    But no matter what, Gu Zuo would refine the medicinal pills Tianheng was going to need with all his heart.

    Tianheng listened as his long-winded report ended, and his eyes carried a smiling expression: "Ah Zuo has worked hard."

    Gu Zuo met Tianheng¡¯s eyes and was blinded by that dazzling gleam in an instant. He forced a chuckle... He seemed a bit suspicious about him taking the credit. After that, Gu Zuo rubbed his own head, and changed the subject in embarra.s.sment: "Also, those three pharmacists have already switched out their cultivation methods. Though, their speed of studying the pill seal doesn¡¯t meet expectations... En, the most senior one has just started refining the Qi Generating Pill today."

    Gongyi Tianheng indulgently allowed the clumsy change in the subject, and sympathetically followed up by saying: "Since it¡¯s like this, first have a look at their pill refining levels. Basically, if they¡¯re usable, then in the future, Ah Zuo won¡¯t need to personally undertake the refining of the Qi Generating Pill and the Rejuvenation Pill, those types of lower level medicinal pills."

    Gu Zuo nodded: "After making money, have Dragon One and Dragon Two purchase some more medicinal herbs. I can refine lots of even better pills, so big brother can have enough resources avable."

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "Then, I¡¯ll be depending on Ah Zuo."

    Gu Zuo also couldn¡¯t help smiling: "Good. If big brother¡¯s gold isn¡¯t enough, I can bring out some more to use here."

    Tianhengughed, patting his head. He couldn¡¯t resist pinching his cheek again: "Ah Zuo has a heart."

    Gu Zuo buried his face in his hands. He felt that the current big brother liked teasing him a little too much...

    But actually, the two of them knew that the medicinal pill that would make lots of money was still the Anti-Aging Pill. In addition, because it could only maintain one¡¯s appearance for five years, ten years, or twenty years, and not recover one¡¯s youth, it wouldn¡¯t arouse too much greed. And even if there were some businesses with ill-intentions, one could simply dominate them with the ident.i.ty of a Qingyun outer sect disciple.

    Only, it was a pity that this kind of medicinal pill was one that the three pharmacists couldn¡¯t refine yet. They could only wait for a while longer.

    Speaking of, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s soak time for today was nearly up.

    He directly got out of the bathtub. His body¡¯s true qi shook, and all the droplets poured off into streams so that none remained. Then, he draped his clothes over his shoulders and summarized with Gu Zuo: "The three pharmacists should be able to support an average store together. Once they¡¯ve practiced enough, we can register a trademark with the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, lease a storefront, and sell these medicinal pills. At that time, capital can slowly be circted."

    Gu Zuo nodded his head repeatedly: "I can supervise those three pharmacists!"

    In any case, he was now also responsible for supervising them on behalf of his dear big brother... After those three obtained benefits, they should also do their very best.

    Just as Gongyi Tianheng finished tidying up his appearance, there was a knock on the door from outside, and someone called his name... Hearing that voice, wasn¡¯t it that day¡¯s Manager Yang?

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: "Has that persone to extort us again?"

    Tianheng smiled: "Not necessarily."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t like that Manager Yang, but he believed in Tianheng, and followed him as they walked out.

    After opening the door, Manager Yang came in and started off by cupping his fist. He warmly said: "Junior sect brother Gongyi, you¡¯ve got great style. I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve already recruited three pharmacists? Being able to form a team like this, I, your humble senior sect brother, offer you my bted congrattions. I hope junior sect brother Gongyi doesn¡¯t take offense."

    Tianhengughed: "Senior sect brother Yang is polite."

    The two exchanged pleasantries.

    Sure enough, Manager Yang hadn¡¯te early to collect the Scarlet Blood Rice or conduct any extortions. After pulling the rtionship between the two a little closer, he asked in a seemingly concerned manner: "It has been some time since junior sect brother Gongyi came to the sect. I wouldn¡¯t know, but what ns do you have towards cultivation?"

    Gongyi Tianheng realized that he certainly had some goal when he previously wormed his way into being "friends". At this moment, he said the following: "I¡¯ve heard that in the sect there¡¯s a small monthly gathering where a Xiantian powerhouse exins the martial path. Right now, there¡¯s ten days left. I n to wait until that time to go attend the lecture and learn by self-reflection. I¡¯ll strive to break through soon, and be Xiantian."

    Manager Yang showed an admiring look: "Not bad, not bad. Junior sect brother Gongyi is really diligent!"

    He then showed a somewhat mysterious look, "Only, junior sect brother should also know that, as people who practice martial arts, if we solely focus inwardly and disregard the outside world, I¡¯m afraid that making a breakthrough is very hard. As a matter of fact, it¡¯s not as good as receiving missions and going with friends to learn through experience. Instead, this can make one¡¯s progress even faster."

    Tianheng slightly muttered: "What senior sect brother Yang says is true. Before, when I was in my n, I hadn¡¯t experienced much at all. It¡¯s just that, I¡¯m a neer and I¡¯m not too familiar with ces to gain experience, just ones that I¡¯ve heard about. I¡¯m worried about the dangers among them that are difficult for me to make discreet inquires about..."

    Manager Yang chuckled. His hand rummaged around and took out a scroll: "How could I make my junior sect brother go out so rashly? This is a map that your senior sect brother has gone through a lot of trouble to obtain. Although it isn¡¯tplete, it can be a.s.sumed that it¡¯s a bit more detailed than those sold at the markets. Now I¡¯ll be giving to my junior sect brother. I hope you¡¯ll forge vigorously ahead along the martial path, unhindered the whole way!"

    Tianheng exposed a timely hint of joy: "Then, I won¡¯t hold back. Many thanks, senior sect brother!"

    While speaking, he also handed over something rolled up. It was a golden banknote. He said: "This is merely a kind regard. I hope senior sect brother Yang doesn¡¯t refuse."

    In front of Tianheng¡¯s face, Manager Yang unfurled it to take a look. He found that the denomination was equivalent to one hundred gold. His gaze be even more cordial. He nimbly stood up, smiling ear to ear: "Junior sect brother Gongyi is a refreshing person. In the future, if there¡¯s anything you want to know, it¡¯ll be better toe to my house to have a sit down...to have aprehensive discussion. Haha."

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "Naturally, I¡¯ll go to receive your hospitalities at that time."

    For these two people, all of the talking back and forth was apet.i.tion of hypocrisy.

    Gu Zuo felt a little like gasping in amazement.

    However, he still felt that Manager Yang was the hypocrite. That senior sect brother, he was merely an iparable schemer.

    After Manager Yang leftpletely satisfied, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expose any signs of difort this time around ¡ª He already learned to turn a blind eye to his big brother spending money like running water.

    "Does big brother want to go receive a mission or go out to get some experience?" He was very clear about the matter of this person who didn¡¯t have any methods and just incessantly gobbled up medicinal pills.

    Tianheng said: "Let¡¯s go get experience first to get a feel of the situation. Were we to get a mission, it¡¯ll inevitably be a.s.signed. At that time, our hands and feet will be tied, and instead, it¡¯ll be inconvenient to handle."

    Gu Zuo nodded: "Then, I¡¯ll tag along with big brother."

    Tianheng originally wanted to refuse, but after thinking it over, he agreed: "At that time, I¡¯ll have Ah Zuo provide support. Ah Zuo, just try out Xiantian methods."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart also had this intent: "I¡¯ll do my best."

    After settling matters, Tianheng handed things over to Dragon One and Dragon Two. He ordered them not to go out for the time being and to thoroughly cultivate in the house. The previous top grade Qi Generating Pills he hadn¡¯t used were divided between those two, so that they would properly cultivate and breakthrough sooner. As for the current Gongyi Tianheng, he already decided to use the newly obtained Qi Linking Pills.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two obeyed hismands. Gu Zuo followed Tianheng, and quietly left the sect.

    The ce they went to was a region called the White Crane Mountain Stream. Reportedly, many wild beasts roamed there, and it also had some precious medicinal herbs that could be picked.

    This White Crane Mountain Stream was one such ce that suited outer disciples for gaining experience.

    The White Crane Mountain Stream was neither close nor far. By hastening one¡¯s journey, it would take about half a day to reach it. Couldn¡¯t one ride a carriage to pa.s.s this journey by?

    Tianheng quickly purchased a grade three wild horse for the trip. Bold and unfettered, he straddled the horse first.

    Gu Zuo stood in front of the wild horse, looking at Tianheng¡¯s outstretched hand. He sank into silence.

    This definitely wasn¡¯t because Gongyi Tianheng was being conscious about saving money. Rather, it was because...Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how to ride a horse.

    Although a Xiantian realm should be able to stably ride a horse, his limbs weren¡¯t as coordinated as a martial artist. He¡¯d surely be rigidly ufortable.

    As a result, after hesitating for a second, Gu Zuo conquered his feelings of shame. He directly grabbed Tianheng¡¯s hand, and resigned himself to being pulled up.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 98

    During the journey, Gu Zuo sat in front of Gongyi Tianheng. He felt as if he was a child being bundled up. It was simply impossible for him to feel any more embarra.s.sed. It was toote this time around, so after this period of adventuring ended, he could only steel himself to devise a way to learn horseback riding!

    ¡ª If it was due to being pragmatic, then it¡¯d be fine. Unfortunately, it was because he himself couldn¡¯t ride a horse... If he still couldn¡¯t do it next time, he might as well stick his head in the sand and not venture out!

    Tianheng seemed to notice Gu Zuo¡¯s predicament, and didn¡¯t tease him. He merely drew the reigns and used the fastest speed to hasten their journey: "Ah Zuo, try using your psychic power to ward off the prating winds."

    Gu Zuo: "What?"

    The roar of the winds was too great...

    Tianheng lowered his head, and spoke into his ear.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    The thoughts in his head moved. A thinyer of psychic power erupted from between his eyebrows and surged forth. In the blink of an eye, a transparent cover formed around him.

    Tianheng could sense there was a membrane between him and the person he was embracing. The surrounding winds came and would blow his long hair, but his little pharmacist seemed to have been set in another s.p.a.ce. He wasn¡¯t affected by the winds in the least.

    It looked like it was a sess.

    Gu Zuo also discovered his own achievement. He then found out that, while his psychic power was being steadily discharged, he wasn¡¯t the least bit tired! Hence, he tried to explore his big brother¡¯s body using his psychic power.

    Instantly, Tianheng discovered that something was touching him. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t see it, only feel it... He found it to be a little interesting.

    Tianheng guessed that it was Gu Zuo attempting something, and he didn¡¯t resist. On the contrary, he restrained his qi energy. It could be regarded as "weing" him.

    Gu Zuo received encouragement, and promptly increased the output of his psychic power. After a short couple of seconds, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s entire body was covered in a thinyer of psychic energy!

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t feel the wind.

    Yet, at this time, he could nevertheless detect the warmth of the body in front of him, which also arose in his own heart.

    This was...two people enclosed within the sameyer of psychic energy.

    Gu Zuo obtained a new skill, and he felt very happy. However, it was inconvenient to turn one¡¯s head around to talk while riding a horse. Thus, he said in his mind: Big brother! Can you feel it?

    Tianheng broke intoughter, but still gently replied to him: It feels very good. Ah Zuo¡¯s very powerful.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face blushed.

    He had a slight feeling of fulfillment just now...

    He shook his head, no longer "fulfilled".

    Half a day pa.s.sed by in a sh.

    The wild horse smoothly came to a halt before a mountainous forest.

    Looking from afar, there were several majestically tall mountains. Together, they were like a white crane spreading its wings, and wedged between was a flowing river. Hence the name: White Crane Ravine.

    One shouldn¡¯t look upon this ce¡¯s scenery and regard it as beautiful. The wild beasts within weren¡¯t so easy to handle.

    The wild beasts that roamed here were, at the very least,parable to Xiantian martial artists and were grade four or higher. If there was an encounter, one¡¯s life would be in danger.

    Gongyi Tianheng reigned in the wild horse, and raised his head to peer out: "Ah Zuo, the map mentioned that this ce is rich in Silken Mist Gra.s.s. Those that are one hundred years old or older are named ¡¯human-level medicinal herbs¡¯. Each stalk is worth at least fifty gold, particrly if the ones obtained are in mint condition."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined: "One stalk is worth fifty gold? Then, wouldn¡¯t ten stalks... What if it¡¯s more than two hundred years old? What about three hundred?"

    Tianheng looked him deep in the eyes: "However, the amounts of Silken Mist Gra.s.s that attain human-level are spa.r.s.e. It¡¯s also very difficult to find ces where there are lots of Silken Mist Gra.s.s. In addition, there are still wild beasts protecting them."

    Gu Zuo: "...Then, we can only find them slowly."

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "At this time, maybe we can use Ah Zuo¡¯s psychic power to give it a try."

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    Ah, right. His psychic power could be weaved externally into a, and could get a clear view of the situation within a certain range. Wasn¡¯t it very suitable for finding Silken Mist Gra.s.s.

    Recalling the <human-level medicinal="" ingredient="" record="">>, he urately located the description and image of the Silken Mist Gra.s.s, and firmly memorized it.</human-level>

    Next was just watching over him.

    Tianheng led the horse, following behind Gu Zuo uphill.

    After casting the psychic, because all detectable movement could be sensed within almost one hundred meters, any hidden wild beast could be avoided before it attacked. As a result, they were safe and sound, and the way forward was smooth.

    The map was marked with locations where Silken Mist Gra.s.s grew in abundance. Currently, they were about to reach one of these ces.

    After winding around several small hills and pa.s.sing through a near-undetectable crevice, the two came across a mountain spring.

    There were dozens of square and circr stones in the spring water, scattered around with aesthetic randomness. And on these stones grew slender, small gra.s.ses. The gra.s.s was dark blue in color and was as thin as one¡¯s hair. When it swayed gently in the wind, it gave a person a misty or foggy feeling.

    Undoubtedly, it was the Silken Mist Gra.s.s.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how many of them here reached that particrly ancient age, and didn¡¯t dare go over there immediately. He quickly extended his psychic power to enshroud the entire mountain spring.

    Sure enough, he discovered at least five valiant qi energies within the spring water.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    Once Tianheng saw this, he knew Gu Zuo already found something. He softly asked: "Ah Zuo, what is it?"

    Gu Zuo was at a loss: "Big brother, among those wild beasts in the water, four areparable to perfect Houtian and one isparable to Xiantian... We¡¯re only two people, and the water is also their battleground."

    Tianheng understood: "How¡¯s the qi energy of that Xiantian wild beast?"

    Gu Zuo grew more confused: "I want to say very powerful, but also not too powerful...is the feeling I¡¯m getting. It still doesn¡¯t have big brother¡¯s imposing strength. But in the end, that¡¯s a grade four wild beast. I don¡¯t know if my judgment is urate or not."

    Gongyi Tianheng slightly murmured: "Four grade three wild beasts aren¡¯t worth raising an issue about. Although that grade four wild beast needs to be minded somewhat carefully, it isn¡¯t something that can¡¯t be dealt with.

    He continued: "Ah Zuo, you¡¯ve already reached the Xiantian realm, just in time to practice some of your other Xiantian skills. After I give some suggestions, you just directly fire away with your Spirit Piercing Needles, while I quickly beat up the other four grade three wild beasts. You only need to dy your attack for a little bit, and I¡¯ll be able to coordinate with you to kill that grade four wild beast... Ah Zuo, do you have the courage?"

    Gu Zuo thought about it. It seemed like...there were no problems.

    It was rare for Tianheng to a.s.sist him in improving himself. His heart was in a jumble: "I do!"

    Tianheng gave a faint smile.

    Very quickly, Gu Zuo informed Tianheng of the positions of those four grade three wild beasts. Soon after, he witnessed the smile on Tianheng¡¯s face slowly dwindle. The qi energy of his entire body also slowly vanished.

    However, this vanishment wasn¡¯t about silently bing a stone. Rather, it was a violent method of internal suppression so the wild beasts wouldn¡¯t sense any oing crisis.

    Suddenly, a voice echoed in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind: Fire!

    For Gu Zuo, it was almost a natural reflex as he released the intangible image of a silver drill. While in its flight path, it became tangible, and directly pierced the thing hidden in the mountain spring, the strongest wild beast!

    A fierce and miserable howl echoed afterwards.

    Countless waves suddenly appeared in the mountain spring and rolled across the sh.o.r.e, raising a surge with formidable momentum.

    At the same time, an immense, unrestrained shadow abruptly shot out!

    This was a wild beast simr to a lizard with a long, barbed tail and an inverted triangle-shaped head. There was madness in the beast¡¯s pair of malevolent eyes.

    It was ruthlessly provoked and its tail suddenlyshed out insufferably.

    The sounds of its strikes were unending, and the roiling mor would give a person a headache.

    In a spurt of energy, Gu Zuo released a silver drill once more, and as before, it was aimed at that wild beast¡¯s head. This time, however, that lizard beast unexpectedly swept its tail across instinctually, whipping it right at the silver drill!

    The silver drill was sent flying by that whip.

    Yet, in the end, this silver drill was condensed using psychic energy. Under Gu Zuo¡¯s conscious control, it turned and circled around from behind, right into the wild beast¡¯s skull! The drill immediately exploded!

    The sounds of the explosion rumbled.

    The wild beast¡¯s skull was perforated with a b.l.o.o.d.y hole, making it even crazier!

    As soon as this happened, it opened its big mouth and suddenly scuttled forwards in a lunge ¡ª It would endure this suffering. It would first tear apart this wretched human! But, the shadow of another human suddenly arrived. A palm pped down on the b.l.o.o.d.y hole of its skull.

    In this instant, by using the small crack in that b.l.o.o.d.y hole, the lizard beast¡¯s head was thoroughly broken apart. The entire body plunged into the water, creating a huge ssh over a wide area.

    This person was undoubtedly Gongyi Tianheng. After he beat the lizard beast, he calmly dropped onto the sh.o.r.e. There wasn¡¯t even a hint of a bloodstain on his body.

    Gu Zuo had some lingering fears. He just watched the lizard beast pounce at him. That ferocious maw with its b.l.o.o.d.y stench practically appeared right before his eyes in a sh. His psychic power stirred and almost unleashed over a hundred silver drills in an attempt to bombard that lizard beast. Fortunately, the timely appearance of that big brother of his prevented him from using close to half of his psychic power so quickly.

    Gu Zuo raised his head and saw four slightly smaller lizard beast corpses floating in the spring water. They were obviously the offspring of that grade four lizard beast. In the span of a couple of breaths, they were killed by his dear big brother. And as his big brother said, he rushed over and saved him just in time.

    At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help breathing a sigh of relief.

    ...Sure enough, hisbat awareness was still far worse. His reaction speed was also not fast enough.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo raised his spirits again.

    This time¡¯s adventure was a huge opportunity!

    He would do his very best!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 99

    Whoosh!

    Gu Zuo flipped up and stretched out a hand to grab a vine, directly swinging on it.

    At the exact same moment, a silver drill burst forth from between his eyebrows right into the b.l.o.o.d.y mouth of a monster bird. That bird immediately became sluggish and its wings pped madly. Immediately after that, two silver drills pierced its wings from the left and right. The continuousunching of the three drills utterly destroyed that monster bird!

    Gu Zuo slid down the vine, gasping for breath as he dropped to the base of arge tree.

    Speaking of which, shouldn¡¯t the innate qualities of one¡¯s body be very good after reaching the Xiantian realm? How could he get tired after being chased by a mere grade four monster bird?

    It truly left one speechless.

    Gongyi Tianheng jumped down from a higher position. He¡¯d just traversed over the tree branches and appeared, watching over Gu Zuo¡¯s safety. Seeing him smoothly dispatch a grade four monster bird eased his worries.

    He praised: "Ah Zuo did it!"

    Gu Zuo scratched his temples: "This time I used six Spirit Piercing Drills."

    Tianheng said: "None of them were wasted. It¡¯s good like this."

    Gu Zuo knew this was his big brother encouraging him, but he still self-reflected: "If my first drill directly pierced through its beak or eye, I ultimately wouldn¡¯t have used three drills, only one or two."

    Tianheng smiled: "Kill a couple more birds, and naturally you¡¯ll be even more capable of grasping it."

    Gu Zuo thought as such. Just like medicine refinement, refining more would naturally give a clearer understanding of how to economize.

    Thus, he was no longer at a loss about this matter. He switched to immediately devoting himself to the deep water in front.

    In the surrounding deep waters grew densely-packed and slender stalks of gra.s.s. It was the Silken Mist Gra.s.s.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power and urately found several stalks that had an even heavier medicinal fragrance among the piles of Silken Mist Gra.s.s. Their luck wasn¡¯t bad. This time¡¯s harvest of Silken Mist Gra.s.s had three stalks that were over one hundred years old. Among them, one had even reached one hundred fifty years ¡ª It took ten years for a strand of light crimson to grow on the slender gra.s.s stems. As they intertwined, it was very beautiful.

    He and Tianheng had already stayed here for as long as two days. From the first day when they coordinated to y the mountain spring¡¯s lizard beast, they already obtained two stalks of one hundred years old Silken Mist Gra.s.s. Then, they travelled to several other ces rich in Silken Mist Gra.s.s ¡ª That is, ces with lots of water. After ying wild beasts again and again, the amount of one hundred years old Silken Mist Gra.s.s in their possession already reached twelve stalks up to this point.

    One couldn¡¯t say that this kind of harvest was bad.

    However, what was worth being even happier about was that, from Gu Zuo not daring to confront grade four wild beasts and not knowing he could greatly injure and hinder them, he could now discern their strengths and weaknesses at a nce. Moreover, he dared to mount sneak attacks and hit-and-run tactics. His progress couldn¡¯t be said to be small.

    All the while, Gongyi Tianheng constantly apanied him to provide support, and also yed a big role.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t forget that this trip was to let his dear big brother gain experience.

    The current Tianheng had six sets of bone pearls, and basically couldn¡¯t be looked at from an ordinary person¡¯s point of view. Under his hands, the so-called grade three apex wild beasts weren¡¯t able to withstand a round against him. One couldn¡¯t say that this would stimte his fighting strength, or be the opportunity to let him break through to the Xiantian realm.

    As a result, after Gu Zuo toughened up for a bit, he acted as support to let Tianheng fight grade four wild beasts!

    Without psychic power, this cheat tool that could curve and change directions, Tianheng naturally couldn¡¯t y grade four wild beasts as dexterously as Gu Zuo ¡ª This definitely wasn¡¯t saying that Tianheng¡¯s fighting strength couldn¡¯t bepared to Gu Zuo¡¯s. Rather, he needed to fight them while close to their bodies or use weapons to battle them. The technical content of this kind of maneuvering was high.

    However, it was because of this that Tianheng could sharpen hisbat techniques, raising his skills little by little.

    The two obtained four or five Xiantian wild beasts, numerous Silken Mist Gra.s.s, as well as some other medicinal herbs Gu Zuo recalled. All of it was put into the storage s.p.a.ce.

    Although they¡¯d already been here for as many as two days, Gu Zuo felt that more Silken Mist Gra.s.s could still be found. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s breakthrough opportunity also hadn¡¯t been found. They intended on staying for several more days.

    Hence, the two travelled even deeper into the mountains. Naturally, they were even more prudent than before.

    Gu Zuo held his breath and focused with rapt attention, extending his psychic power and maintaining a range of one hundred meters around them. Because the mountain roads were hard to climb, he gripped Tianheng¡¯s sleeves even tighter. He didn¡¯t dare to be even the slightest bit careless.

    Walking for around several hundred meters, the map¡¯s mark of the next spot rich in Silken Mist Gra.s.s was quite hidden. They still hadn¡¯t found it, but Gu Zuo suddenly perceived some morous sounds, forcing him to halt his steps.

    Gongyi Tianheng paused: "Ah Zuo, what¡¯s the matter?"

    Gu Zuo frowned: "Big brother, can you hear...someone shouting?"

    Tianheng heard him say this, and listened carefully. But in the end, his psychic powers couldn¡¯t be expressed. The range of what he could sense couldn¡¯tpare to how vastly Gu Zuo could cast his psychic. Thus, he could only indistinctly feel danger somewhere. He couldn¡¯t perceive anything more.

    After pondering for a bit, he said: "Ah Zuo, point me in its direction, and we¡¯ll go have a look."

    At first, Gu Zuo felt that it had nothing to do with them, and that avoiding the way to the other side was the right thing to do. However, since his dear big brother said so, he must certainly have some kind of notion.

    Thus, after Gu Zuo carefully "listened", he pointed a bit to the right: "Just over there."

    Tianheng fished Gu Zuo up and carried him under his armpit. He pushed off the tips of his feet and flew out.

    Gu Zuo habitually switched to afortable position and continuously gave directions to prevent Tianheng from going the wrong way.

    Its appearance was close to seventy to eighty meters in height, but that mountainous form couldn¡¯t obscure the two¡¯s lines of sight. Tianheng could naturally see the flickering shadows of people close to one hundred meters ahead.

    It wasn¡¯t surprising. Not only did they flit across the tops of many forest trees, the mountain road also wasn¡¯t t. There was a distance of nearly two hundred meters between them when Tianheng sensed unseen danger. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power could only perceive sound, so it was to be expected.

    At this time, there weren¡¯t too many things to hide behind. Gongyi Tianheng carried Gu Zuo and crouched down behind a mountain stone. The source of that noise was clearly seen by them.

    It was two men and two women fighting against a gigantic lion whose body was wreathed in mes. That lion was clearly a grade four wild beast. Moreover, its qi energy in question was close to grade five! As for the four men and women, although there was one man and one woman who were Xiantian, the other two were only peak Meridian Condensing stage three. When confronting that lion, it was naturally extremely dangerous, and they received many wounds.

    In the previous two days, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng had never encountered a wild beast that was close to grade five like this. If they confronted one, they didn¡¯t know what the oue would be.

    Gu Zuo saw that there were some injured among those four. Although his heart couldn¡¯t tolerate this, he still looked towards Tianheng.

    He was used to this unbearable feeling, but he still didn¡¯t express his opinions on whether he could rescue them or how they should be rescued.

    Tianheng catingly pat Gu Zuo¡¯s head, his gaze still locked on that fight between the four people and the lion. There wasn¡¯t any mention of saving, but there also wasn¡¯t any mention of not saving.

    He just seemed to be observing something.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 100

    It didn¡¯t take long for the battle over there to escte.

    After a wild beast reached Xiantian, it would possess a bloodline-inherited magical power. This lion was called the "Violet-me Lion" and its bloodline was considered first-rate. Currently, because the fighting was fierce, its bloodline was aroused and the mes on its body burst forth. This made the might of each of its attacks even stronger than before.

    Two Xiantian martial artists attacked in the front, while the two Meridian Condensing stage three martial artists could only impede it from the sides. However, the effects of the attacks were obviously anything but rea.s.suring.

    Suddenly, a female Xiantian martial artist shot out her hand and threw a handful of stone-like objects. They ttered against the Violet-me Lion¡¯s head, making it roar out in pain. This resulted in its body¡¯s mes burning even fiercer and its attacks became even more vengeful!

    The female Xiantian martial artist said in a stern voice: "Senior sect brother Hu, what trick are you still hiding away? Save us at once!"

    The other Xiantian martial artist seemed to grimace, but his movements weren¡¯t slow at all. He fished out a token-like object and tore it apart facing ahead¡ª

    Boom!

    In the blink of an eye, a red light burst forth and immediately prated the Violet-me Lion¡¯s nk!

    ¡ª Yes, that red light was originally headed towards that lion¡¯s head, but the lion¡¯s reactions were extremely fast. Unexpectedly, during that moment of imminent peril, the lion just barely dodged it!

    Thus, the people who once thought that they could thoroughly eliminate the lion all became desperate.

    That lion¡¯s survival capabilities turned out to be so strong that even using two trump cards consecutively couldn¡¯t kill it. It was to the point that the course of this battle, on top of the true qi used up during the trick¡¯s activation, had wasted more than half of the two Xiantian¡¯s energy. Even though that lion was now an arrow at the end of its flight, both sides were still in a narrow deadlock.

    In the end, either the lion would die or they would die!

    However, at this moment, the red light on that lion¡¯s body suddenly detonated. It actually set its own bloodline ame in order to eliminate these people! That b.e.s.t.i.a.l fire raged and spread, and everywhere the mes went was scorched ck ¡ª If it really touched a person¡¯s body, perhaps even a Xiantian martial artist would be roasted!

    In this instant, the male Xiantian martial artist pushed out his palm right into the back of the female Xiantian martial artist. She was caught off-guard, and stumbled forwards a few steps. She couldn¡¯t believe it, and miserably said: "Senior sect brother Hu, you¡ª"

    But in a moment, she was about to run into the b.e.s.t.i.a.l fire unleashed by that Violet-me Lion!

    Luckily, someone grabbed her arm and dragged her back.

    Recovering from the shock, the female martial artist nced over and discovered that it was that male peak Meridian Condensing stage three. And as for the the other one, that female Meridian Condensing stage three, she grabbed the arm of that "senior sect brother Hu" early on. She even shoved several rocks over to act as obstructions. Soon after, she followed him, and ran away without looking back.

    Thus, the female Xiantian martial artist and the remaining male martial artist were once more without an opportunity to flee.

    That Violet-me Lion shed by andpletely sealed off their path of escape!

    Behind the mountain stone, Gu Zuo also watched this scene and couldn¡¯t help furrowing his brows.

    Those two were truly too despicable!

    Escaping was escaping, but what kind of skill could entrapping one¡¯spanions be considered?

    One could only hear that female martial artist distressingly say: "Junior sect brother Liu, why didn¡¯t you run away?"

    Junior sect brother Liu¡¯s expression hardened as he faced that Violet-me Lion with his de in hand: " Senior sect sister Xun should calm down. Even if we¡¯re going to die, at least it will be together. So let¡¯s fight to the end!"

    Senior sect sister Xun gave him a profound look and promptly settled her state of mind. She prepared to trigger her blood essence and put everything into fighting that Violet-me Lion ¡ª Their lives depended on it!

    Her heart, however, was iparably bitter.

    As fellow disciples for more than a year, senior sect sister Xun had been romantically pursued by that senior sect brother Hu for a long time. Originally, she had a somewhat favorable impression of him, and had waited for some time to agree to his advances. Who would have thought that senior sect brother Hu would be so heartless at this critical moment?! If he ran away by himself, then fine. Yet, in order to escape, he directly pushed her into the lion¡¯s mouth to buy himself time.

    Instead, it was this junior sect brother Liu. Even though he was very attentive, and was coldly rejected by her, he still stood by her side now.

    At this moment, senior sect sister Xun¡¯s despair actually lessened a little bit.

    She only thought that death was just death. Merely, in return for junior sect brother Liu¡¯s affection, if they survived, she certainly wouldn¡¯t look coldly upon him again. If the strength was no good, it could be improved. But if the heart was as hard as iron, even if they were together, what was the meaning of it?

    In that instant, the two had many thoughts, but that Violet-me Lion wouldn¡¯t just let them confide in each other.

    Actually, it was only the blink of an eye. After the Violet-me Lion stopped them from escaping, it already pounced towards them. It opened its mouth filled with sharp teeth, and the b.l.o.o.d.y stench was mixed with a bit of a charred smell. Unexpectedly, it now seemed even more frightening.

    Although senior sect sister Xun and junior sect brother Liu both knew the Violet-me Lion was finally giving its all, they were stillpletely shocked. It was only because they ran out of trump cards long ago that they were nearly out of options against the immense, oing pressure with a speed even faster than them.

    Senior sect sister Xun sprayed a mouthful of blood essence and coated the longsword in her hand. She raised her lily-white hand and directly stabbed out: "Junior sect brother Liu, go quickly!"

    As she spoke these words, her shoulder was already exposed under the lion¡¯s jaws.

    Junior sect brother Liu didn¡¯t actually run away, and had condensed the true qi of his entire body into his fists. He skirted around and attacked from the side to ruthlessly pummel the temples of that Violet-me Lion¡¯s head!

    If he was able to smash it, the Violet-me Lion¡¯s head would certainly deviate off course. Senior sect sister Xun also wouldn¡¯t be bitten on her shoulder nor receive a serious injury!

    Behind the mountain rock.

    Gongyi Tianheng suddenly said: "Ah Zuo, attack the Violet-me Lion¡¯s head."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t object in the least. The instant Tianheng¡¯s voice fell, he already released a silver drill with great coordination and shot it right at the Violet-me Lion!

    It never urred to the Violet-me Lion that there was still an oriole behind. Its Tianfu Acupoint was suddenly pierced by the silver drill. When the drill abruptly twitched, it caused the lion¡¯s body to tremble in pain.

    Senior sect sister Xun and junior sect brother Liu never expected there to be such a mishap. At once, they hastily twisted their bodies and fled. They started to evade from beneath that lion¡¯s ferocious attacks!

    In the next moment, the two fellow disciples saw an extremely strong figure leap out from the side. His hand clenched a long silver spear. The spearhead directly pierced the lion¡¯s mouth and skewered it through the top ¡ª In the blink of an eye, the Violet-me Lion¡¯s brain was stabbed, and the final bits of strength in its huge body dissipated.

    They...were saved!

    Senior sect sister Xun¡¯s legs almost went soft.

    Beside her, junior sect brother Liu extended an arm to stop her stumble.

    Being supported by junior sect brother Liu, her charming face blushed. Finally, she grabbed his arm and slowly stood firm.

    A hint of joy shed across junior sect brother Liu¡¯s face.

    The two didn¡¯t linger to rejoice over their new lease on life, and first went to their savior to meet him.

    They set their eyes upon what was clearly a slender and graceful young man. His skin was like jade and his appearance was a rare handsomeness. Like the bright moon, one couldn¡¯t stare at him too closely. At this moment, he pulled out the silver spear from the lion¡¯s head, turned his head, and smiled. That sincere bearing and that breathtaking feeling his appearance produced all contributed to forcibly subduing them.

    They also clearly saw that the clothes this person wore were...an outer sect disciple¡¯s.

    But when did the outer sect get such an outstanding disciple? Moreover, this person¡¯s face didn¡¯t resemble any of those reputable veteran disciples who¡¯ve been in the outer sect for a long time.

    In that case, he should be one who just entered the sect this year?

    No matter what, if it wasn¡¯t for this person lending a hand, they would¡¯ve lost their lives here.

    Senior sect sister Xun led junior sect brother Liu. The two took a step closer, cupped their fists, and gratefully said: "Many thanks to this junior sect disciple for the kindness of saving our lives. We don¡¯t know, but how do we address our junior sect brother?"

    This savior was naturally Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng moved his finger and that silver spear disappeared from his hand. Afterwards, he cupped his hands in greeting: "This one is Gongyi Tianheng. Senior sect brother, senior sect sister, no need to be polite. We are all fellow disciples, and I just so happened to be here at the right time. It wasn¡¯t much to lend a hand. If you two hadn¡¯t worn down this lion, even if I came to help, this one wouldn¡¯t have been able to deal with it."

    After he finished speaking, his line of sight looked off to the side.

    At first, senior sect sister Xun and junior sect brother Liu wanted to say a few more words, but seeing him like this, they couldn¡¯t help looking over, too.

    Then, they saw a teenager gracefully jump out from behind a mountain stone.

    This teenager seemed no older than fifteen or sixteen. His skin was tender and had delicate features, but he looked a little cowardly. On the contrary, his flushed face looked somewhat cute.

    From what could be seen from his qi energy, he was a pharmacist ¡ª It was no wonder that he hid behind the mountain stone previously.

    Gu Zuo nced at his dear big brother, and looked at the other two people, a little embarra.s.sed: "I... This one is Gu Zuo. The young master¡¯s subordinate pharmacist."

    He didn¡¯t know if his current status was enough to speak to these people, but since they were already looking at him, it wasn¡¯t good not to say h.e.l.lo...

    Because Tianheng was their savior and that they saw how importantly Tianheng treated Gu Zuo, it was only natural that they wouldn¡¯t a.s.sume a condescending att.i.tude towards Gu Zuo.

    At this time, they also rather quite amicably smiled to him:

    "Xun Suying."

    "Liu Wuyan."

    Gongyi Tianheng saw them like this, and faintly nodded.

    They weren¡¯t people who didn¡¯t know what was good for them. Excellent.

    A group of four quickly got acquainted with each other.

    Tianheng set off: "The sky¡¯s already dark. I¡¯m afraid the night won¡¯t be very smooth. It¡¯s better that senior sect sister Xun and senior sect brother Liu collect that Violet-me Lion corpse first."

    Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan gave each other looks, and both shook their heads: "If it weren¡¯t for junior sect brother Gongyi, our lives would¡¯ve been lost. How could we speak about profits? This lion corpse should belong entirely to junior sect brother Gongyi."

    They also understood that these two people should¡¯ve been hiding on the side for a while. However, since they were hiding, they naturally could¡¯ve waited till after they died to eliminate the lion. At that time, not only would it be less troublesome, the lion corpse would¡¯ve belonged to thempletely. But that Gongyi Tianheng still saved their lives...

    Recalling those two friends who left them behind to be scapegoats, they suddenly felt that Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo were trustworthy people.

    Tianheng watched them acting this way. Naturally, he also couldn¡¯t really receive all of it. He just smilingly said: "You two don¡¯t need to..."

    Liu Wuyan said: "If junior sect brother Gongyi isn¡¯t willing to take it, then we don¡¯t know what¡¯s proper."

    Tianheng saw that they were indeed genuine and sincere, and just said: "Since it¡¯s like this, let¡¯s split it in half." He saw that the two still wanted to talk, and smiled, "Senior sect sister Xun and senior sect brother Liu don¡¯t need to speak anymore. Both of you have exerted yourselves and both of you will get something. It¡¯s only fair."

    Those two heard this and had no other option than to agree.

    But at the same time, their favorable impression of Tianheng increased somewhat ¡ª There was no need to say otherwise. This junior sect brother who confronted a wild beast approaching grade fivecked a greedy heart. He never even coerced them into returning the favor. One could see that his morality and conduct were excellent.

    Afterwards, a group of people came to dismember the lion corpse.

    Even though it was like this, they all modestly yielded to each other.

    Because Gu Zuo was a pharmacist and the lion¡¯s body had many things that could be used in medicine, Xun Suying allowed Gu Zuo to pick the medicinal ingredients first. The other things were distributed once more.

    The Violet-me Lion¡¯s flesh contained faint fire qi. It had wonderful uses for a martial artist practicing an attribute cultivation method. Since the medicinal ingredients were all given to Gu Zuo, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan received most of the the flesh. In total, they had several hundreds of kilograms of meat essence. Gu Zuo and Tianheng only obtained about two hundred fifty kilograms.

    After acquiring their spoils of war, both sides were quite satisfied.

    During this time period, they pushed their understanding of each other a step further.

    Gongyi Tianheng was an outer sect disciple who¡¯d just arrived. Xun Suying was already an inner sect disciple; moreover, her background had considerable connections. Liu Wuyan clearly hadn¡¯t advanced to Xiantian so his status was recorded as outer sect, but the martial arts he cultivated in were all inner sect. This was also due to his ident.i.ty ¡ª His Liu Family was considered a big n, and the inner sect had Elder Liu, who was his grand-uncle in the n. Elder Liu watched over anyone with the Liu surname.

    Before, Xun Suying was grateful to Tianheng for saving them. After conversing, she felt that this person was just like his bearing, both of which couldn¡¯t be underestimated. With the intention of making friends, she grew friendly to him.

    Liu Wuyan, who was off to the side, was still habitually silent, and didn¡¯t issue anyints against Xun Suying¡¯s actions. However, he also remembered Tianheng¡¯s kindness, so he didn¡¯t develop any resentment towards him.

    As for Xun Suying, although she intended on making friends with Tianheng, she wouldn¡¯t neglect Liu Wuyan like in the past. Instead, she included Liu Wuyan and had a chat with both of them.

    A little whileter, both sides basically regarded each other as friends.

    Only, the two didn¡¯t realize that, while Tianheng talked with them, his mind was still focused on another person¡¯s transmissions.

    [Big brother, did you dy your help because you weren¡¯t sure?]

    [Not really. It¡¯s just that a person¡¯s mind is hard to fathom. Only those who stand their ground are worth saving.]

    [Eh, it¡¯s only this? Then, big brother making friends with them now is...]

    [When I advance to Xiantian, I¡¯ll enter the inner sect. Making a few friends in the inner sect ahead of time is both beneficial and harmless.]

    T/N: Thanks, Charysa, for the corrections.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 101

    Gu Zuo silently felt that his IQ wasn¡¯t high enough to be useful.

    His big brother could work out many strategies on end for whatever he came across. He simply couldn¡¯t keep up. It was now that he recalled those scenes just then, and atst he slowly digested what happened.

    Certainly, if he set out to save them prematurely, he could¡¯ve definitely helped the other side to bear the pressure. In addition, the four of them could¡¯ve been saved, but if it was like that, they wouldn¡¯t have seen the despicable behavior of that senior sect brother Hu and the other woman. And if it was never seen, wouldn¡¯t making friends with that kind of person be burying a hidden danger for one¡¯s future self? That kind of person waspletely unreliable!

    On the contrary, by waiting till they faced despair, one could clearly see who had moral qualities between thepanions... The results? There were those who were loyal and those who were treacherous.

    Naturally, this big brother of his set out to save those two loyal ones.

    Seeking these emotional investments, profitable investments, and so on would be worth it.

    Should it be said that...his dear big brother deserved to be called the "profiteer" who could expand his n businesses?

    Of course, these words weren¡¯t ones Gu Zuo would say out loud. He only praised his big brother in his heart.

    On the side, Xun Suying said again: "I wouldn¡¯t know, but what ns do you two have now? Will you go back to the sect?"

    Liu Wuyan also looked towards the two.

    Gu Zuo turned his head and looked at Gongyi Tianheng.

    Three pairs of eyes all beheld this exceptional, moonlit young man.

    Tianheng calmly said: "I came seeking a breakthrough opportunity. I still have energy left over, so I won¡¯t be going back for now. But senior sect sister Xun and senior sect brother Liu have received a shock, so it¡¯d be better to head down the mountain a bit earlier."

    Liu Wuyan raised his eyes to look at the sky.

    Indeed, after distributing the prey, the sky had darkened. If they didn¡¯t get going, they would need to sleep outdoors on the mountain.

    And now was clearly not the time for sleeping outdoors.

    Gu Zuo stealthily looked at Tianheng. Once he saw him faintly nod his head, he took out two jade bottles from his sleeve. He handed them over to Xun Suying and said: "Senior sect sister Xun, this is the young master¡¯s frequently used Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills. You and senior sect brother Liu used up a lot of energy and received injuries..."

    If they didn¡¯t express any goodwill at this time, then when would they?

    Xun Suying clearly gave a distracted look, but she still took them with a smile. She off-handedly asked: "These are ones that junior sect brother Gu refined? Junior sect brother Gongyi is very lucky."

    Gu Zuo promptly shook his head: "Where could I have such skills...They¡¯re refined by the young master¡¯s subordinate suppliers. I just helped the young master carry them."

    Xun Suying also didn¡¯t feel that they were ones refined by Gu Zuo. Hearing this, she faced him and encouragingly smiled: "Junior sect brother Gu is still young. Wait for a while, and one day, you¡¯ll certainly be able to refine these pills."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face blushed slightly. He seemed a little embarra.s.sed: "...Thank you, senior sect sister Xun, for thinking highly of me."

    This embarra.s.sment really was embarra.s.sment. But he wasn¡¯t embarra.s.sed due to praise. Rather, it was because he still wasn¡¯t too experienced in lying so casually...

    Xun Suying¡¯s impression of Gu Zuo was pretty good, and she nodded her head.

    If it was on a normal day, let alone the affiliated nominal disciple of an outer sect disciple, even if they were an outer sect disciple, were it not for possessing a background to practice inner sect martial skills, she wouldn¡¯t have set aside her arrogance. However, after pa.s.sing through a moment of life and death, she instead restrained her arrogance, and her nature was even a bit magnanimous.

    Liu Wuyan had silently packed away everything already. At this moment, he saw that Xun Suying had finished talking with the other two people. He stood up: "This Liu and senior sect sister shall take our leave."

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "Good bye."

    Gu Zuo hastily said: "Have a safe trip!"

    After Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying cupped their hands, they both turned around and went down the mountain.

    They certainly wouldn¡¯t remain here to spend the night. They still needed to go back and find those two who backstabbed them, and settle their debts!

    Once the figures of the twopletely vanished, Gu Zuo looked to Tianheng: "Big brother, why have me give them medicine?"

    Those two should¡¯ve been much richer than them, and they would¡¯ve had medicinal pills for treatment. But when he previously received his big brother¡¯s transmission, he still thought he¡¯d misheard.

    Tianheng answered: "We always need to make even more people aware that I have medicinal pills of outstanding quality. If Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan remember this day¡¯s matters, then they could expand a few channels for me."

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    So, the medicinal pills were put to use as advertis.e.m.e.nt, huh... So long as the quality was up to the mark, even if they were looked upon as life-saving gifts, those two could promote a few for them.

    Tianheng smiled again: "Moreover, having them use this kind of method is a favorpared to the greedy mouths we¡¯ll encounter in the future."

    Gu Zuo twitched his mouth: "Big brother won¡¯t open his greedy mouth..."

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and had no words to speak.

    He only thought in his heart: If he needed to, how couldn¡¯t he? It was just that, his attempt this time wasn¡¯t for short-term benefits. Rather, he was seeking further cooperation. What his little pharmacist thought and considered was still too straightforward.

    Afterwards, the two stayed in the White Crane Ravine for another day and a half.

    Regrettably, although Tianheng even went to pick a wild beast that approached grade five like the Violet-me Lion and received extremely serious wounds, after ying that wild beast in a pyrrhic victory, he still couldn¡¯t break through.

    This could only prove that it probably still wasn¡¯t time.

    As a result, Tianheng temporarily gave up their adventure in the White Crane Ravine. He whistled for the wild horse that was released, and then they departed.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was extremely good. In his storage s.p.a.ce, their harvest truly wasn¡¯t small.

    After counting, the Silken Mist Gra.s.s could be sold for more than one thousand gold...

    After returning, Gu Zuo still refined medicine on his own. Dragon Two, who could already be considered his personal bodyguard, was responsible for helping him take the Silken Mist Gra.s.s to Market Street¡¯s medicine store to sell.

    This time, Gu Zuo¡¯s personal funds obtained as much as one thousand gold. Although it still couldn¡¯tpare to his big brother¡¯s casual spending, earning a little bit of profit was a profit. This little bit was one that he earned through great effort. His heart was quite satisfied.

    Now, let¡¯s talk about those three pharmacists. Presently, they had enough medicinal herbs for practice that their medicine refinement levels rose substantially every day. Regardless of whether they ardently loved the path of medicine refinement or they wanted to learn more skills, while they continuously advanced themselves, they became even more dead-set on serving their employer, Gongyi Tianheng.

    Thus, whatever Tianheng said, they listened. Even though he ordered them to remain in the linked row of houses and not leave arbitrarily, they were all cautious and conscientious, and didn¡¯t dare be the least bit negligent.

    At the same time, the three could already smoothly refine the Qi Generating Pill, producing nine pills each time. There were at least three high grade pills, and almost no low grade pills. This left them greatly inspired. While continuously practicing with the Qi Generating Pill, they started refining the Rejuvenation Pill, as well as some medicinal pills they were good at.

    Gradually, they all had finished products.

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others were astounded.

    From studying to known them well, no more than a few days had pa.s.sed while the employer went out adventuring.

    If this kind of improvement continued, couldn¡¯t they quickly be mid grade pharmacists in the future, even higher than first .s.s ones... By only thinking about those prospects, their hearts brimmed with feelings of longing.

    At this time, Dragon One finally started to .u.mte the medicinal pills they refined based on the different product grades.

    Once there was a certain amount, that Market Street¡¯s store could formally be opened for business.

    The next day, someone came to visit.

    This time, it definitely wasn¡¯t that rather greedy and evasive Manager Yang. Rather, it was Liu Wuyan.

    Gu Zuo walked out of the room, and after seeing Liu Wuyan, he couldn¡¯t help being somewhat shocked: "Senior sect brother Liu?"

    Liu Wuyan nodded at him, his manners still the same as while on the mountain, without any changes: "Junior sect brother Gu, is junior sect brother Gongyi here?"

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: "I¡¯ll go call the young master."

    Gongyi Tianheng was currently meditating while sitting cross-legged on the couch.

    Thus, Gu Zuo scampered back into the room, and brought Tianheng when he came out.

    Liu Wuyan naturally exchanged greetings once more with Tianheng.

    Tianheng seemed to have some suspicions: "Senior sect brother Liuing here is..."

    Liu Wuyan said: "Yesterday, we were indebted for the rescue. At that time, because this Liu was in a difficult situation, it was inappropriate to speak too much. Today, by senior sect sister¡¯s orders, this Liu invites junior sect brother Gongyi and junior sect brother Gu over for a small chat... Senior sect sister has already reserved a feast at Huiren Restaurant. We hope you two don¡¯t decline."

    Tianheng, indeed, didn¡¯t decline, and very refreshingly said: "Senior sect brother Liu and senior sect sister Xun are very hospitable for the invitation. This one is not unreasonable, so I¡¯ll go along with Ah Zuo to pay a visit."

    When Liu Wuyan heard this, he showed a hint of a smile: "This is great. Junior sect brothers, please follow this Liu."

    Gongyi Tianheng also said: "After you."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand the twists and turns too clearly, but still obediently followed them out.

    In any case, someone was inviting them over for a meal. If it wasn¡¯t free, he wouldn¡¯t go.

    Moreover, he always felt that, with the ns his big brother made yesterday, he reckoned that this invite wasn¡¯t purely just that... He still didn¡¯t think about it so much. He would naturally be aware of it once the matter came across.

    Not long after, Liu Wuyan brought the two to Market Street.

    This Market Street was a location controlled by the Qingyun Sect. It was especially unlike the one owned by the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce.

    The area was at least twice asrge.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 102

    Huiren Restaurant was considered under the jurisdiction of the Qingyun Sect in Market Street. As thergest restaurant, it was famous for many things as well as for its expensive prices. If a martial artist wasn¡¯t wealthy enough, even if they were inner sect disciples, it was impossible to spend money frequently here.

    Xun Suying choosing this ce to entertain Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo as guests was giving them plenty of face.

    Gu Zuo walked in the very back.

    He knew his current ident.i.ty was a little servant. Them inviting him was only out of respect to his big brother. As for himself, he also didn¡¯t have any interest in contacting those people ¡ª The matters ofmunication would be left to his big brother.

    In any case, he was just a pa.s.sing traveler in this world.

    Friends were unnecessary. Helpers were also unnecessary.

    To him, the only one who was worth depending on was the closely bound Gongyi Tianheng.

    As a result, Gu Zuo reduced his presence as much as possible.

    After Liu Wuyan brought them to a privately screened room on the restaurant¡¯s second floor, Gu Zuo stood obediently between the screens, and persisted on staying "invisible".

    However, since they invited him, how could they neglect him so? There was nothing to be done. Ultimately, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo over and sat him down on his right.

    As for this private room, there was actually more than just Xun Suying present.

    Among those who were already seated, there were also two young men. One had a figure that was slightly pudgy, but his facial features were very good-natured. The other person seemed cultured and refined, but he also couldn¡¯t hide the aristocratic air in his looks.

    Xun Suying smiled: "Let me introduce everyone." She first pointed to Tianheng, "This is an extremely remarkable outer sect disciple, junior sect brother Gongyi Tianheng. That one is his highly regarded pharmacist, junior sect brother Gu Zuo."

    After that, she smiled at the two she brought: "This friendly fellow is the prosperous senior sect brother Fu Manduo. On the average day, he¡¯ll always provide us with lots of conveniences. That incredibly handsome fellow is the inner sect disciplinary hall¡¯s senior sect brother Zhao Yuheng. Along with senior sect brother Fu, he also takes good care of us."

    After these words were spoken, Tianheng roughly understood the purpose between them.

    It seemed that Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan should¡¯ve taken those medicinal pills that day.

    Tianheng was the junior disciple, so it was only natural that he took the initiative to say h.e.l.lo. He raised a .s.s to those two people: "This one is Gongyi Tianheng. Greetings, senior sect brothers!"

    While speaking, he met Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes, "Ah Zuo, greet your senior sect brothers."

    Gu Zuo hastily raised a .s.s, too: "Greetings, senior sect brothers."

    Fu Manduoughed heartily in response: "h.e.l.lo, h.e.l.lo. Sure enough, he¡¯s a young talent."

    That Zhao Yuheng wasn¡¯t so courteous, but he also wasn¡¯t without an understanding.

    Obviously, the two of them had long known about their circ.u.mstances.

    Especially Fu Manduo, who¡¯d been unconsciously taking several nces at Gu Zuo... He felt that this one wasn¡¯t special, but since he was interested in meeting this Gongyi Tianheng, and since he brought this teenager, he more or less also needed to give some face.

    The people who were seated all had this way of thinking.

    If it was someone else, most would be excessively grateful, or feel embarra.s.sed; perhaps they¡¯d be somewhat unwilling, or feel fear or trepidation. But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think the same way as others. He only felt...a little baffled.

    In his subconscious, Gu Zuo asked in his mind: Big brother, why are they...paying so much attention to me?

    Shouldn¡¯t he be hiding his presence as much as possible?

    Tianheng was already waiting for him to ask, and transmitted some lightughter: What Ah Zuo needs to hide is your true medicine refinement level. It¡¯s not to make them think you¡¯re only a little servant I don¡¯t care about. Someday, even though Ah Zuo won¡¯t be exposed, there¡¯ll be many people I¡¯ll be in contact with. Between these people, it can¡¯t be avoided that there¡¯ll be a few "crooked teeth" who secretly plot against me.

    He continued: If outsiders knew Ah Zuo is very important to me, they wouldn¡¯ty a ruthless hand against you to threaten me. However, if outsiders only think Ah Zuo is an ordinary servant, they wouldpletelyck any qualms about doing things that I would hardly tolerate... Of course, I¡¯ll also be extremely careful to prevent anyone from burrowing through any gaps. Yet, all things can¡¯t always be perfect. Just in case, I¡¯d rather make preparations in advance to avoid being pa.s.sive when thingse to a head in the future.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood, and gratefully said: I got it. Many thanks, big brother!

    Tianhengughed: You¡¯re recognized as my surrogate little brother. Naturally, I¡¯ll keep you in consideration.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed a bit, and he didn¡¯t say anything else.

    To that end, Tianheng¡¯s distraction had several uses, and three rounds of alcohol pa.s.sed between him and those people. After receiving further grat.i.tude from Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan, he started discussing business.

    Prior to discussing business, Fu Manduo and Zhao Yuheng¡¯s backgrounds were revealed entirely.

    Simply put, Fu Manduo was someone who specialized in handling inner sect disciple business in the inner sect. Zhao Yuheng, while he relied on the facilitation of the disciplinary hall, cooperated with Fu Manduo to act as a deterrence against inner sect disciples with harmful intentions.

    One needed to know that an inner sect disciple¡¯s monthly allowance wasn¡¯t low, and their strength was also pretty good. However, they needed to make connections, nurture people, and obtain good things to supply themselves. In reality, the great majority weren¡¯t wealthy. So, when they needed something, they wanted lots of it cheaply. In this way, the more they purchased, the more they saved.

    Moreover, there were still some inner sect disciples who were considered wealthy. Unfortunately, their backgrounds were inadequate and their underlying influence had yet to develop. So even though they had money, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to buy enough stuff. When that time came, it would be very troublesome.

    Fu Manduo had many connections in his possession.

    Who were the two ends of this connection? One side of the connection was naturally the customer. For example, the previously mentioned two types of inner sect disciples could be his big customers. And the other side was his supply channels.

    Fu Manduo¡¯s background was that he was one of the smaller managers who handled the inner sect¡¯s resources. This was also the case for his n members with the same surname. The ill-gotten gains of a resource manager¡¯s area were many, and the things hidden away were also not few. However, contraband couldn¡¯t be handled personally. Even if it was put into one¡¯s own store, it was easy for things to go wrong... Giving it to Fu Manduo and getting a cut of the share, however, was no problem.

    As for Zhao Yuheng, apart from being a disciplinary hall disciple, he also had another background. Reportedly, he was an apprentice with an extremely high position in the inner sect ¡ª Even Zou Qingyue and the other Immortal realms were only ordinary core disciples.

    Thus, Fu Manduo a.s.sociating with Zhao Yuheng wasn¡¯t a very easy matter. For Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan, these two people, it was because Xun Suying shared an intersection with Fu Manduo and Liu Wuyuan had an elder as a supporter. By unexpectedly connecting with Zhao Yuheng, this allowed them to slowly establish a rtionship.

    Now, whether if it was grat.i.tude to Tianheng or to look at his abilities, this rmendation to Fu Manduo and Zhao Yuheng was an unconventional investment. In the future, if Tianheng really could make a name for himself, Xun Suying would certainly be reciprocated. If he couldn¡¯t, then this was merely repaying a kindness.

    After talking for a while, Fu Manduo smiled: "Junior sect brother Gongyi, if this Fu...may be so bold as to ask a favor?"

    Tianheng also smiled: "Senior sect brother Fu, these are humble words. If you have amand, then simply put it forward."

    Fu Manduo sounded out: "Yesterday, I saw in Xun Suying¡¯s possession a number of high grade Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills whose medicinal effects were quite good. They were really tempting. After inquiring, I realized then that they came from junior sect brother¡¯s subordinates. I didn¡¯t know whether this matter was true or not."

    Tianheng said straightforwardly: "This matter isn¡¯t fake. Due to a fortuitous encounter, I obtained several pill seals. Because of this, I recruited several pharmacists. Now, to some small sess, although they can¡¯t refine some extremely precious medicinal pills, ordinary Qi Generating Pills, Rejuvenation Pills, Qi Linking Pills, and Revitalization Pills all have considerable effects."

    Fu ManDuo heard this, and his smiling expression became even more genuine: "What are the rates for sessful pills..." After saying this, he regretfully said, "If it¡¯s inconvenient, then this Fu never mentioned it."

    Tianheng shook his head: "It¡¯s not inconvenient. If those pharmacists work their hardest, they can produce over a thousand pills every month. However, I can¡¯t order them to refine nonstop. Therefore, it¡¯ll take a period of time, or there¡¯ll be some discounts."

    Fu Manduo immediately became disappointed, but still asked: "What would the product grades of those thousand pills be?"

    Tianheng stared nkly: "Just like the ones presented to senior sect sister Xun, they¡¯re all naturally high grade. A cauldron produces nine pills, but it can¡¯t be like this every time. Within a single day, a couple of cauldrons will inevitably be achieved. These cauldrons could bear one or two high grade pills. It was calcted to be this amount per month. If they could only produce one thousand pills in a month and the product grades were all different, then why would I bother recruiting them and bestowing a pill seal?"

    In a split second, Fu Manduo¡¯s previous disappointment became joy. At first, what he thought was, "A mosquito is small, but it¡¯s still meat," and gave Xun Suying face. Now, he felt that this could seriously be the right supply channel.

    At once, he became even more fervent to Tianheng: "Junior sect brother Gongyi, this Fu has a business proposition and wants to discuss it with his junior sect brother..."

    On the side, Gu Zuo watched Fu Manduo and his dear big brother talk business, and couldn¡¯t help giving a like to his big brother¡¯s ability as a conman.

    What were the recruited pharmacists refining? Right now, those three recruits could only refine the Qi Generating Pill and Rejuvenation Pill. The Qi Linking Pill and Revitalization Pill all basically relied on him.

    Yet, a little more than one thousand pills a month simply wouldn¡¯t use up much of his time. He could casually spend a day refining twenty to thirty cauldrons to make three to four hundred pills. Basically, he could finish refining everything in three or four days.

    It wasn¡¯t any trouble at all.

    But Gu Zuo also believed that if these thousand pills were Qi Linking Pills, then it wouldn¡¯t be too profitable.

    The market price of high grade Qi Linking Pills was sixty gold per pill. One thousand pills was sixty thousand gold. Deducting the manufacturing costs, one could earn about fifty five thousand gold. If it was the past Gu Zuo, he¡¯d feel that this was a huge sum of money and would be very happy. But just thinking about how his dear big brother consumed twenty thousand gold each month, he immediately felt that there still wasn¡¯t enough money to spend.

    ¡ª Indeed, he kept reminiscing about there not being enough money every day.

    Gu Zuo also felt that while the Qi Linking Pill wasn¡¯t profitable, the Revitalization Pill was actually very profitable.

    The manufacturing costs were a little more expensive than the Qi Linking Pill¡¯s, but even if the finished product was a low grade pill, it was worth one hundred gold per pill. If it was a high grade pill, it was worth one thousand gold.

    Producing lots of Revitalization Pills was still feasible... This was after consulting with his big brother.

    And what Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect was that the reason Fu Manduo was willing to meet Gongyi Tianheng was that, besides wanting to capture even the tiniest business opportunity, his main objective was to look at that high grade Revitalization Pill.

    At that time, Gu Zuo had given Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan a bottle that had three high grade Revitalization Pills. The market price was three thousand gold!

    Wouldn¡¯t spending so extravagantly attract profiteers?

    If it really was only about giving face, Fu Manduo wouldn¡¯t have even brought Zhao Yuheng over.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 103

    On one side, Gu Zuo was still in the middle of calcting the gold. On the other side, two operating factions were already starting to discuss the specific cooperative arrangements.

    Fu Manduo directly said: "This Fu actually possesses several ways for acquiring the Qi Linking Pill. However, the more the better. As for the supply of high grade Revitalization Pills, it¡¯s not that abundant. So, with junior sect brother¡¯s cooperation, I mainly hope to acquire more Revitalization Pills... The inner sect¡¯s disciples are numerous, so the demand for Revitalization Pills is, indeed, enormous. And if it can be stably supplied, everyone would make for good friends. Is this not a wonderful thing?"

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded his head: "At that time, this one will still need to ask senior sect brother Fu for a referral." After saying this, "I¡¯m unaware of the quant.i.ties senior sect brother Fu needs... If it can be aplished, this one will certainly urge my subordinates to do so for senior sect brother."

    Fu Manduo smiled, and unambiguously said: "Junior sect brother Gongyi is a refreshing person. This Fu won¡¯t speak in circles with you. One thousand two hundred Revitalization Pills and eight hundred Qi Linking Pills, two thousand in all. I believe that the capabilities of junior sect brother¡¯s subordinates can produce this much?"

    Tianheng heard this, and frowned while shaking his head: "Although some medicinal pills can be put aside, this one also needs to give his subordinates some safeguards. Two thousand pills is too many. Eight hundred Revitalization Pills and three hundred Qi Linking Pills... If it¡¯s any more, then I¡¯m afraid I¡¯d be cutting a loss. It really would be no good."

    Fu Manduo¡¯s smile deepened: "Junior sect brother, this certainly isn¡¯t being sincere. One thousand one hundred pills is rathercking. Moreover, with this small amount of medicinal pills, suffering a loss is out of the question, right? It¡¯d be better for junior sect brother to listen to this Fu¡¯s price before reconsidering.

    He continued: "So long as they¡¯re high grade Qi Linking Pills, each pill is sixty five gold, which is much higher than the market price¡¯s fifty gold. As for the Revitalization Pill, the market price is one thousand gold per pill, but this Fu will give junior sect brother one thousand one hundred gold per pill. How¡¯s that? This Fu makes a profit, but still hopes junior sect brother won¡¯t be stingy, and provides more medicinal pills..."

    Tianheng¡¯s furrowed brows tensed even more as he seemed topletely hesitate.

    Gu Zuo saw him putting on this act and was certain that he needed to perform in a little while. In his mind, he asked: Big brother, Fu Manduo looked for us to get these medicinal pills. The given price is higher than the market price, so how does he make a profit? As a profiteer, not only wouldn¡¯t he be making money, he¡¯d be losing it instead. There shouldn¡¯t be a conspiracy in here, right?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face was still at a loss, but his tone while transmitting was very cheerful: The market price isn¡¯t the final, true price. In the inner sect, there are many disciples with money, and many disciples without money. Doing business and supplying goods is not the same thing. What Fu Manduo is selling should be the right social connections and channels.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand.

    Tianheng also wasn¡¯t stingy with his exnation: While Zhang Mingyue and the others pa.s.s for pharmacists, they are very clear about the current market situation. You¡¯ve seen them obtain cultivation methods and pill seals, but the Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills they can refine are only high grade. As for the higher level Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills, usually only the mid grade pharmacists who¡¯ve advanced to Xiantian have the a.s.surance of refining high grade pills.

    He continued: However, there are far fewer mid grade pharmacists than low grade pharmacists. The Pill Fire Society may have some, but the high grade medicinal pills those people refine are certainly not enough to be useful. As for the Qingyun Sect, there are many mid grade pharmacists, but the pills they refine are usually allocated to the sect¡¯s monthly allowances ¡ª The sect needs to provide for its numerous disciples, and this isn¡¯t easy.

    Gu Zuo listened, and understood a bit: So even if someone was an inner sect disciple, apart from asionally getting high grade pills from the sect¡¯s distribution, the rest of the purchased Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills are mostly all mid or low grade?

    Tianheng nodded: Correct. Even if Fu Manduo had many channels and has a supporter, the high grade medicinal pills his supporter can pick out are very few. The pills he supplies to the other "poor" disciples are mostly mid and low grade. And him securing enough high grade pills from us here would let him establish even more ways to win over many inner sect disciples who have or don¡¯t have the money, interweaving a huge socialwork. At that time, no one would dare move against him. In the inner sect, he could obtain aparativelyrge influence.

    Gu Zuoprehended this: High grade medicinal pills are really that priceless?

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded: This child can be taught.

    Gu Zuo was a little helpless: So when that profiteer sells these high grade pills to the inner sect disciples, it¡¯ll be swindling?

    Tianheng nodded again: For the seller, this is proper and to be expected.

    Gu Zuo felt even more helpless.

    So his dear big brother and that Fu Manduo had a tacit mutual understanding, huh...

    But, he was still a little worried: That Fu Manduo, could he find trouble for us? Getting rid of our pharmacists, pill seals, cultivation methods, and so on?

    Tianheng smiled faintly: Despite being a profiteer, he wouldn¡¯t negotiate without honor. While he still can¡¯t figure out our foundations, he¡¯ll be more cautious, and certainly won¡¯t act blindly without thinking. What¡¯s more, Fu Manduo¡¯s familiarity with Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan means that he won¡¯t have a falling-out with us any time soon. Waiting until I¡¯ve entered the inner sect, he won¡¯t start a feud with me over business that was originally mutually beneficial... He won¡¯t seize the leak of information unless if he gets the exact details. Otherwise, his pigtails wouldn¡¯t be few. How else could he guarantee that he won¡¯t cause himself a setback?

    If it was just an ordinary inner sect disciple, he definitely wouldn¡¯t have reached an agreement so easily.

    But rather than saying that Fu Manduo was an inner sect disciple, it was better to say that he was a merchant.

    The ones merchants paid attention to were those who were affable and wouldn¡¯t go too far when negotiating mutually beneficial business.

    Although Tianheng didn¡¯t seem to have any foundation right now, it could already be considered that his social background had both Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan. Once he thought of ways to elevate his position, people would naturally see his potential.

    Currently, Fu Manduo first thought about monopolizing this channel of Gongyi Tianheng. Then, after slowly thinking of a way, he would see if he could use conciliatory methods to obtain the pill seals from Tianheng.

    Being tough and unyielding would be the next best policy.

    Gu Zuo silently nodded.

    In any case, what his big brother said was all correct. The pill seals with the least utility could be directly given to that Fu Manduo. He had plenty of these kinds of things in his possession... It would also serve as a concealment trick.

    At worst, they would face businesspet.i.tion, and they could switch locations to sell medicinal pills elsewhere.

    They still needed to open a store.

    In this way, Gu Zuo transmitted hisments in his mind in a short while. Tianheng, who faced Fu Manduo, also exposed an expression as if his heart was resolved: "Since senior sect brother Fu has said this, then I can only call on my subordinates to band together. As such, one thousand Revitalization Pills and five hundred Qi Linking Pills... This really is the limit; we can¡¯t go any higher!"

    Fu Manduo was somewhat satisfied. He also didn¡¯t believe that thispelled person was even without cultivation resources. Immediately, he simply said: "Delightful! Since it¡¯s like this, then just sign the contract!"

    Tianheng looked towards him, and also pped the table with a smile.

    This business deal was settled for the time being.

    Following this, with Zhao Yuheng and Liu Wuyan bearing witness, the two signed a contract. It stipted the amounts and prices of each month¡¯s medicinal pills, but didn¡¯t mention this business deal¡¯s time limit.

    In any case, they were all aware that once this business was smoothly conducted, unless if there was a need to increase the amount of supplied goods or for any other reason, they would continue to cooperate.

    This was until anything unexpected arose, or if there was a need to further modify the method of cooperation.

    Having discussed such a big business deal, Fu Manduo already had the intent of treating Gongyi Tianheng as one of his own people. This person was able to mingle and generate waves, but this didn¡¯t mean that he was disingenuous. Being a profiteer also meant being frank and straightforward.

    After that, a room of people ate together heartily as they drank their fill and conversed. During such a meal, the rtionships between those involved drew a bit closer.

    Drinking wine and eating food, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan didn¡¯t forget to raise several .s.ses to Tianheng. Even Gu Zuo was forced to drink quite a lot of wine. It gave his cheeks such a heated, rosy flush that the alcoholic fumes were practically steaming out.

    After he finished eating and drinking, Gu Zuo only felt that his eyes were blurry and his head was spinning.

    His mind also vaguely thought that the sess of bing Xiantian didn¡¯t help with his capacity for alcohol...

    After the meal ended, the heat got to everyone¡¯s heads to some extent.

    Liu Wuyan was still very umunicative, but his eyes appeared darker. From his tugging of Xun Suying¡¯s wrist, one could see that he was also drunk.

    Because Xun Suying was a woman, she also hadn¡¯t been poured too much wine. Naturally, she was very clear-headed. Right now, despite being clung to by Liu Wuyan, she didn¡¯t throw him off. On the contrary, her cheeks grew rosy, which increased her charm.

    A blush emerged on Zhao Yuheng¡¯s face, and he wasn¡¯tpletely sober. At this moment, his arm was grabbed by Fu Manduo, who steadied him. Yet, Zhao Yu Heng still remembered to keep his back straight.

    Fu Manduo¡¯s alcohol tolerance was very strong, and at this time, he didn¡¯t forget to say to Tianheng: "I hope my junior sect brother will go back to make the appropriate preparations for the medicinal pills. This Fu will go to receive them himself at the end of the month."

    Gongyi Tianheng, who likewise didn¡¯t get drunk, faintly smiled: "I¡¯ll be sure to prepare for my guest."

    Fu Manduo waved his hand, and supported Zhao Yuheng as they left Huiren Restaurant.

    Xun Suying shyly nodded her head to Tianheng in farewell, bring Liu Wuyan along as they walked away.

    Those remaining were only the slightly tipsy Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo, who was unwittingly half-lying on top of the table.

    Tianheng chuckled as he looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s bewildering appearance. He walked over, and softly pat his face: "Ah Zuo, Ah Zuo?"

    Gu Zuo opened his blurry eyes and strained his eyes at the person before him: "Oh... Big brother... Wanna go?"

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze gently lowered: "En, let¡¯s go."

    Gu Zuo feebly nodded: "Eh."

    After he finished speaking, two hands supported themselves on the table, weakly wanting to stand up.

    The oue, after drinking too much, was that his limbs were powerless and his head was dizzy. As Gu Zuo stood up, he tipped over. He was giddy with a spinning head, and almost threw himself out ¡ª Nevertheless, Tianheng¡¯s eyes were swift and his hands were quick. His hand pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s arm.

    Gu Zuo staggered and directly fell over.

    Gongyi Tianheng helplessly carried him by his waist.

    ...So thin and small. If he wasn¡¯t careful, he might b.u.mp into something.

    Gu Zuo discovered that his position wasn¡¯t right, and promptly leaned backwards: "Big brother... I¡¯m sorry! I b.u.mped into you... Does it hurt? I, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose..."

    Tianheng shook his head as heughed: "Ah Zuo naturally didn¡¯t do it on purpose. Ah Zuo¡¯s only drunk."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Afterwards, he nodded his head, and said seriously: "Right. I...got drunk."

    Gongyi Tianheng: "..."

    Ah, his little pharmacist. Even if he drank a lot, he was still very obedient.

    T/N: It¡¯s the start of a beautiful rtionship. I¡¯ll give you three guesses for the two I¡¯m talking about.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 104

    Still, heavy drinking was heavy drinking. Tianheng would never make Gu Zuo stumble back home so drunkenly.

    As a good big brother, Gongyi Tianheng simply ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: "Ah Zuo, wait a moment. Rest against my back, got it?"

    Gu Zuo was absent-minded: "I heard."

    Afterwards, Tianheng leaned his body forward and crouched down, leaving his back exposed to Gu Zuo.

    As a martial artist, this move could also be considered an act of trust.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, looking over Tianheng.

    During this time, there was only that wide back in his line of sight.

    He thought again: Need to listen...to big brother¡¯s words. Piggyback.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo walked a few steps very slowly. Suddenly, he fell onto Tianheng¡¯s back.

    ...Fortunately, Tianheng had enough strength to keep his stance stable. He wouldn¡¯t falter because of his sudden collision. On the contrary, following this position, Gu Zuo¡¯s arms came up and wrapped around his neck. Then, he used his hands to support Gu Zuo¡¯s legs. Pushing off with his feet, he smoothly stood up.

    It went without saying that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too clear-headed. Right now, his nose sniffed a familiar scent and he only felt a sense of security bubble up in his heart.

    And what would happened when a drunk person felt safe?

    At least for Gu Zuo, he...directly plopped his head onto Tianheng¡¯s shoulder, his eyelids drooped down, and his consciousness became even more muddled.

    The cost of the meal had been settled long ago. Gongyi Tianheng walked out of Huiren Restaurant with Gu Zuo on his back.

    Walking around while carrying someone on his back was also a first for him.

    Although his home had several younger siblings, Tianheng had unfortunately suffered from an incurable illness since childhood. It was basically impossible for him to get close to his siblings like this. And once his health got better, they kept waiting while he constantly improved, constantly advanced, constantly... His little brothers and little sister had grown up long ago. They no longer needed him, this big brother, to carry them around and y. Even the youngest Gongyi Tianteng, who was now a little grown-up, had ample reverence for him, but there wasn¡¯t enough familiarity.

    Yet now...

    Gongyi Tianheng sensed the warm body behind him, and his heart softened.

    At first, he was only a business partner. Then, he became a pharmacist he wanted to win over. And after that, he became his surrogate younger brother...

    Over time, he began to care about Ah Zuo more and more.

    Carrying Gu Zuo on his back, Tianheng pushed with his feet and left Huiren Restaurant in the blink of an eye, already flying forward in haste.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t that he wanted to go slowly, and let his little pharmacist sober up.

    Merely, even though it was quitete, it wasn¡¯t too appropriate to allow others to see this scene. Sure, he needed to let people know that he regarded Ah Zuo as important, but he also couldn¡¯t be too high-profile.

    Otherwise, it¡¯d be easy for a mistake to be made instead.

    Not long after, the two arrived just outside the outer sect disciple¡¯s courtyard.

    Tianheng called Dragon One to open the door. He took a step forward, and entered the courtyard.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s arms were looped tightly around Tianheng¡¯s neck, and his warm breath gently brushed against his face. It ticked a little, but it also increasingly softened one¡¯s heart.

    ...Gu Zuo had fallen asleep.

    Moreover, he slept very snuggly. It was intoxicatingly sweet.

    Gongyi Tianheng had intended on going back to their room and putting Gu Zuo on the bed.

    But then he felt the arms around his neck, as well as Gu Zuo¡¯s long and drawn-out breathing...and stopped his footsteps.

    He sighed: If I went in now, Ah Zuo might wake up. I¡¯d better wait a bit.

    It was better to let him...rest more soundly.

    Thus, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s frame of mind rxed.

    With Gu Zuo on his back, he leisurely walked around the courtyard.

    After having recently closed a business deal, his mood wasn¡¯t poor. This kind of activity to while the time away could also ease his tense heartstrings.

    This spectacle entered Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s eyes.

    After they shared a nce, their hearts were a little shocked.

    The young master always seemed to carry a smiling expression, but there were very few people he¡¯d show this kind of tolerance to; this kind of intimacy.

    It was only natural that these two Tianlong Guardmanders would know that Gu Zuo held many secrets that only he and the young master were aware of. Gu Zuo¡¯s value was also beyond measure. However, what they understood even clearer was that the young master kept his public and private interests separate. If it was only about keeping secrets, with the young master¡¯s pride, he¡¯d never normally cease his posturing and...carry a subordinate on his back. Even a valued subordinate.

    This night¡¯s scene made the hearts of these twoprehend something.

    At the very least, when they interacted with Pharmacist Gu, they needed to get a bit more familiar with each other.

    It wasn¡¯t just about protection and respect. Rather, from the bottom of their hearts, they ought to safeguard him even more.

    Gongyi Tianheng walked around and carried Gu Zuo for about two to three hours before walking back to their room.

    He carefully shifted Gu Zuo¡¯s arms and carefully put him down on the bed. He removed Gu Zuo¡¯s shoes, socks, and outer robes, before lightly pulling away.

    He¡¯d never once treated anyone to such intimate actions.

    And at this moment, it seemed these actions were done very smoothly.

    Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s drunken sleep, and faintly smiled.

    Afterwards, he went to take a bath and wash his body. He slept on the other bed.

    The two slept peacefully up till the next day, when the light of dawn faintly shone and the sky brightened.

    Gu Zuo opened his eyes and stretched his back. Then, he abruptly sat up straight!

    Ah! Ah! Ahhh! Yesterday!

    ¡ª There were usually two kinds of drunk people.

    One kind was a person who¡¯d drink a lot and wouldn¡¯t be able to remember anything afterwards. The other kind was a person who drank a lot, and then remembered everything.

    It was unfortunate that Gu Zuo was the second kind.

    He remembered very clearly how dazed he was after drinking. He also remembered how powerless his limbs were, and how he was unable to move them. Ultimately, he was carried home by his dear big brother. He also remembered the moments while half-asleep where he found himself on his big brother¡¯s back as Tianheng walked around the courtyard.

    He even remembered that he couldn¡¯t take off his clothes and shoes. Unexpectedly, he still had to rely on his big brother...

    Gu Zuo was embarra.s.sed. Extremely embarra.s.sed.

    He was already almost seventeen years old, and would soon be an adult. In spite of all this, he still drank himself to this point so effortlessly.

    Indeed, he was truly speechless.

    It was lucky that his big brother didn¡¯t ignore him, treating him like that...

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo felt the temperature of his face rise.

    No matter what was said, he gave his big brother a lot of trouble yesterday. Yet, his heart was also deeply moved.

    An aristocratic young master looking after his drunken self was practically saying that he was being waited upon. Previously, during modern times, he never had the opportunity to get drunk, but it was almost the same situation here ¡ª That is, whenever he got sick, only his dad would put his heart and soul into taking care of him like this.

    In this foreign and unfamiliar otherworld, Gongyi Tianheng, who undoubtedly started as a reluctant business partner, had not only be his surrogate older brother, but was just like a genuine big brother who treated him very well.

    This couldn¡¯t help but make Gu Zuo feel warm.

    After rubbing his face, Gu Zuo pulled off the quilt and hopped off the bed.

    His big brother took care of himst night, so today would have him properly show his skills. He¡¯d cook up a big feast of medicinal cuisine for his big brother to experience!

    Having nned things out, after Gu Zuo scampered to the courtyard, he promptly saw Tianheng in the middle of his morning exercises as expected.

    At this moment, he was in the center of an open s.p.a.ce, continuously practicing all kinds of martial skills and body techniques. Through the movements of his hands and feet, an extremely powerful might burst forth. One look would make a person feel a sense of deterrence.

    This was because of his body¡¯s valiant capabilities that such an effect was achieved.

    After seeing Tianheng, Gu Zuo¡¯splexion was still a little red, but he didn¡¯t go over to bother him. He simply washed up, and asked Dragon One and Dragon Two for some dietary ingredients, while moving to his medicine refining room.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two were verypliant. Their movements were swift, and a short couple of secondster, they brought Gu Zuo the necessary things, where everything wasid out in sequential order.

    However, this was the most they could do ¡ª When cooking a qualified medicinal cuisine, a pharmacist was needed to personally deal with the medicinal ingredients, dietary ingredients, and the refining process. There wasn¡¯t any leeway whatsoever to ask someone else to help.

    Unless that other person was also a pharmacist.

    Tianheng only spent about an hour practicing all kinds of martial skills. After that, he sat cross-legged in meditation, breathing in the ambient qi for half an hour.

    At this time, a deeply refreshing aroma spread from within the house.

    Gongyi Tianheng opened his eyes, grinning: "Dragon One, is Ah Zuo cooking?"

    Dragon One came over, and respectfully answered: "Yes. Pharmacist Gu has already been up for some time. He said he wanted to cook a good meal for the young master. He¡¯s been busy for close to two hours."

    Tianheng pondered for a bit, and realized that this little pharmacist of his had recalled yesterday¡¯s affairs after he got drunk. He couldn¡¯t help raising his eyebrows: "It seems that we¡¯ll all be eating our fills today."

    After he finished speaking, he made a gesture.

    Dragon One nodded, expressing his understanding.

    The young master¡¯s meaning was that those three pharmacists didn¡¯t need to be asked toe out.

    Moreover, in the past few days, those pharmacists had beenpletely wrapped up in their work. They were all incessantly refining pills and tempering their skills. It may be a.s.sumed that they had no intention ofing out.

    Of course, the young master had given the order long ago that they couldn¡¯t leave their quarters rashly.

    This time was also no exception.

    Following that, Dragon One started to prepare stone tables.

    Since it was going to be a fine meal, he was afraid that if the ce was too small, it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate. Thus, he moved several stone tables and arranged them together into onerge table.

    At the same time, Dragon Two also came walking out of the house.

    He carried a huge tray in both of his hands, which held three big jade tes. On each jade te was a meticulously-cooked, meaty medicinal cuisine. It looked and smelled delicious.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 105

    The one who closely followed Dragon Two out was Gu Zuo. Currently, he also had the strength to hold an equallyrge tray, which held luxuriant meats and vegetables. A few medicinal herbs were garnished amid the dishes. The colors would make one salivate at a nce.

    However, it still wasn¡¯t over.

    After Dragon Two ced the three tes on the table, he dashed back into the medicine refining room. Once more, he carried out several meat dishes. Then he went back in again, and carried out vegetables. Gu Zuo did the same thing. This time, when he came out, he held arge wooden cask.

    The cask was filled with steamed Scarlet Blood Rice. Brightly colored and crystal clear, they were like the granules of first-rate coral sand. The quant.i.ty was no less than 2.5 kilograms!

    Not long after, a total of twelve dishes were spread all over thebined stone tables. Due to the various wild beast meat essences that were cooked, the rich aroma of meat and the light fragrance of medicinal herbs blended together. Like an aromatic serpent, it slithered into one¡¯s nose, stimting the appet.i.te.

    And Gu Zo made theserge dishes with everything he had. He studied the pharmacology with great care, cooking each dish with all five elements in equilibrium. There¡¯d basically be no negative influences on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body. In addition, they werepatible with the food products. No matter how much he ate, it would have a strong nourishing effect on his body¡¯s qi and blood.

    Finally, there was a jug of medicinal wine.

    This kind of medicinal wine was called Blood Rice Wine. As the name implied, it used Scarlet Blood Rice and forty nine types of medicinal herbs through a meticulous fermentation process. Of course, Gu Zuo had already wanted to give his dear big brother a nice surprise. It was at this moment that he took it out.

    Moreover, though Tianheng¡¯s health seemed very good, there were dys in resolving the problem of his meridians, as well as him being forced to drink yesterday... Gu Zuo felt it was better to use this rice wine to nurse his big brother¡¯s health.

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at these dishes that packed the table, and his expression was a little subtle.

    He had quite the understanding about this little pharmacist. Usually, although he always gave him the best stuff every time, the quant.i.ty was always just right ¡ª With a big te of medicinal cuisine, each meal was probably worth two servings. Adding on a bowl of Scarlet Blood Rice, and it was just enough to make him full.

    The stuff presented this time... Indeed, it was several times more than normal.

    Gu Zuo also saw Tianheng¡¯s expression, and unexpectedly understood in a sh.

    He suddenly felt somewhat embarra.s.sed. Afterposing himself, he said with gentleughter: "Yesterday, I troubled big brother into taking care of me. Today, I prepared these, and hope big brother doesn¡¯t refuse."

    Tianheng withdrew his thoughts. He smiled and nodded: "How could I refuse? The medicinal cuisines that Ah Zuo prepares are all tailor-made for my health, and are also the most suited to my tastes." After saying this, he spoke again, "Dragon One, Dragon Two, both of youe and eat."

    Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s faces showed grat.i.tude: "Many thanks, young master! Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu!"

    Gu Zuo promptly shook his head: "No need to thank me. It¡¯s all thanks to big brother¡¯s consideration."

    Thus, four people joined in a banquet.

    Normally, Gu Zuo was already very diligent, but the current him was many times more attentive. He first gave Tianheng a bowl packed with rice before handing him a small cup of Blood Rice Wine. He somewhat fervently said: "Big brother, how about trying the wine I brewed. It¡¯s one that certainly won¡¯t damage your body!"

    Tianheng listened, and his eyes carried a smiling expression. He drank the cup and eximed soon after: "Ah Zuo¡¯s wine brewing level is well above others."

    Gu Zuo beamed with happiness: "It¡¯s good that big brother likes it!" Then, he supposed, "In the future, big brother shouldn¡¯t drink outside with others like that. If you need to attend a dinner party... En, I¡¯ll brew some harmless beverages for big brother to take along. If you really are poured some wine, then big brother can just take this wine out and ask everyone to drink it together."

    His heart was pained by the money, but Tianheng¡¯s health was more important.

    Even if this matter caused him to pay a lot for the wine brewing, so long as he could prevent any negative influences on Tianheng¡¯s health, then it was worth it.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed: "Then, I¡¯ll just listen to Ah Zuo."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face also warmed up: "Rest a.s.sured, big brother. I certainly won¡¯t let your health take a wrong turn!"

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "I¡¯ll dependpletely on Ah Zuo."

    Gu Zuo heard this, and a feeling of heavy responsibility rose up from the bottom of his heart.

    After that, he took a deep breath and said: "...Eat, big brother. If you wait too long, it¡¯ll get cold."

    Gongyi Tianheng saw his face blush and no longer went to tease him. He just raised his chopsticks, tore off a piece of meat essence, and began eating to his heart¡¯s content. Although his movements were big, they were grand, and weren¡¯t the least bit crude.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two saw Tianheng move his chopsticks, and it was only after Gu Zuo also picked up his chopsticks that they started gorging themselves.

    ¡ª After all, Gu Zuo was only .s.sified as Tianheng¡¯s pharmacist who refined the medicinal cuisine. The best parts were provided to Gongyi Tianheng. An opportunity to enjoy a big feast like today¡¯s was very rare for Dragon One and Dragon Two.

    Butpared to other people, the two often ate a second helping for their meals and enjoyed top grade medicinal pills. Compared to other Tianlong guards, and even many nominal disciples, their bodies¡¯ innate qualities were far superior.

    If they had the opportunity, Dragon One and Dragon Two should also be able to breakthrough to the Xiantian realm.

    Thus, their hearts were br.i.m.m.i.n.g with appreciation to Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo, and their loyaltypletelycked any wavering.

    They ate and drank their fills.

    Tianheng could sense a warmth flow from his stomach to his limbs and sink into his bones. That Blood Rice Wine¡¯s vor was also truly amazing. It was mellow and rich, sweet and icy. Its implicit charm was unexpectedly better than some of the good wines he formerly tasted.

    There was also a business opportunity among all this.

    Gongyi Tianheng fiddled with the wine cup and leaned back into his chair as he pondered.

    At first, he first thought about paving the way to slowly let his little pharmacist disy refining skills that were of an ordinary level or higher. He would slowly disseminate information that Ah Zuo could asionally refine top grade medicinal pills, and gradually increase his own worth ¡ª After all, he simply wanted to let people know that Ah Zuo was important to him. Also, Ah Zuo¡¯s safety wasn¡¯tpletely a.s.sured.

    However, he somewhat realized jut now that the ambient qi contained in this medicinal wine was gentle and abundant. Just one cup was better than a high grade Qi Linking Pill, it was nearly on the level of a top grade Qi Linking Pill. And from another person¡¯s perspective, this shouldn¡¯t be a medicine refining ability. Rather, this was close to a kind of innate skill. Even if other people obtained the wine recipe, they would never reach his level.

    Thus, wouldn¡¯t it be better tounch this medicinal wine first, and build up a reputation?

    After all, Ah Zuo was still young. If it was revealed that his pill refining levels were too outstanding, he was afraid of attracting the wrong attention. With Tianheng¡¯s current foundations, he still couldn¡¯t protect himpletely...

    After he finished thinking, Tianheng said: "Ah Zuo, from now on, you can brew more medicinal wine. In theing days, I can give it as gifts to establish some social connections. Additionally, this wine can also be sold. The more you brew, the more we¡¯ll earn."

    It would be just in time for the day that Fu Manduo would arrive. They could also use this medicinal wine forunching.

    In the future, when those people interacted with Ah Zuo, their hearts would also regard him more importantly. They wouldn¡¯t only be looking at his supply of goods.

    It certainly hadn¡¯t urred to Gu Zuo in such a short period of time, but Gongyi Tianheng had already thought that far ahead for him. He simply calcted a little.

    The brewing time for the medicinal wine wasn¡¯t long. It was just that the longer it was stored, the better the medicinal effects, and the sweeter the alcohol. Taking a bit of time every day to let it settle by itself also wasn¡¯t troublesome.

    In any case, although he could refine lots of medicinal pills, the ones he could produce for his safety were few. This business of raising another kind of medicinal wine was also a good method.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo cheerfully answered: "Okay!"

    After that, many days pa.s.sed without anything happening.

    The end of the month arrived very quickly. It was also bustling in the courtyard.

    First of all, Manager Yang hade to collect the Scarlet Blood Rice.

    Because of the irrigation of Gu Zuo¡¯s medicinal decoction, not only did the Scarlet Blood Rice mature even earlier, every grain of rice was even plumper. The output also increased by a lot.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two had harvested the Scarlet Blood Rice that very night. The red colored rice was very beautiful. They only had to operate their true qi into twisting just so ¡ª And the rice grains would stream down and fall off into a heap.

    This time¡¯s harvest had as much as twenty three kilograms. This was due to not irrigating the medicinal decoction from the start.

    Merely, while they could have this kind of harvest, they wouldn¡¯t be so forting to Manager Yang. Although there were simr outer sect disciples nting Scarlet Blood Rice around them, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s field really had a better harvest than the others. But as to specifically how much better, those novices weren¡¯t able to tell so easily.

    As a result, when they reported their harvest, they announced 16.5 kilograms. From this, they deducted ten kilograms to be handed over.

    Manager Yang looked at the dark-red, l.u.s.trous, and glossy Scarlet Blood Rice. He was naturally very happy. He lifted the stuff and walked out, while also obtaining five taels of gold for the "exhaustivebor fees".

    Though the amount wasn¡¯t much, it was insurance. It would make his impression of Gongyi Tianheng even better.

    A full month had pa.s.sed for the outer sect. Other outer sect disciples who hadn¡¯t been working attentively enough, who¡¯d taken disastrouspulsory missions, or who had problems appear when collecting Scarlet Blood Rice needed to hand over even more. Else, they¡¯d be shadowed by someone from time to time, and all of their movements would be restricted.

    There were very few who had it so smooth and steady.

    As for Gongyi Tianheng, not only were things going well, he still could make that Manager Yang take the initiative to deliver some things ¡ª Even if the price was a bit expensive, it was very suitable. Having him do it was safer.

    Apart from this, Fu Manduo also arrived as expected. However, perhaps it was because they¡¯d already signed a contract, but that Zhao Yuheng didn¡¯t continue to tag along.

    This time, Tianheng properly invited him to have a meal here, and called Gu Zuo to reveal his skills. Gu Zuo listened to Tianheng¡¯s transmission and didn¡¯t cook any medicinal cuisine that was particrly suited to martial artists. Rather, he simplified the procedures and only aroused the dish¡¯s vors, making this meal iparably delicious.

    And that wine between all this... Naturally, it was the Blood Rice Wine.

    After drinking it, there was suddenly a sh of brilliance in Fu Manduo¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t help getting excited: "Junior sect brother Gongyi, this wine ¡ª"

    Tianheng gave an easy smile: "This wine is called Blood Rice Wine. It was when Ah Zuo was studying how to refine medicine. One time, he was naughty and recklessly threw together many kinds of medicinal herbs, creating this thing. After I sampled it, I felt it had quite the vor and asked him to brew much more to drink at my leisure.

    He continued: "Senior sect brother Fu arrived today, so I took it out to entertain... Thismon watery wine was refined by my family. It¡¯s not very valuable, but it has my kind intentions. I hope senior sect brother Fu doesn¡¯t mind."

    Fu Manduo sucked in a deep breath: "Do I mind? No, no, no." His face reddened, extremely excited, "I want to make another business deal with junior sect brother, how about it?"

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 106

    Gongyi Tianheng pretended to not understand: "Oh? I¡¯d like to hear the details."

    Fu Manduo pointed to the medicinal wine and said: "Besides those medicinal pills, every month still needs five hundred jars of Blood Rice Wine, with each jar filling twenty cups. For one jar of wine, I¡¯ll bid one thousand five hundred gold. How¡¯s that?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyelids jumped.

    Wasn¡¯t that seven hundred fifty thousand gold?

    On top of the million plus gold in medicinal pills... Wasn¡¯t this business close to two million gold?

    Moreover, this amount was just in one month.

    That Fu Manduo¡¯s courage was huge!

    As for the five hundred jars of wine, it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning to Gu Zuo. The one he used was the kind ofrge vat that could fit one hundred jars. In fact, with fiverge vats, the total time spent wouldn¡¯t reach a single day toplete it. If one wanted to improve the vor, then it would be put aside for ten days. Every day he woulde to use some hand seals to refine it, making the alcohol even sweeter.

    ¡ª The longer it was stored, the tastier it would be.

    But no matter what, this really wasn¡¯t troublesome at all.

    Gongyi Tianheng listened, and pretended to hesitate: "Making Ah Zuo brew five hundred jars in a month also isn¡¯t impossible. It¡¯s just that this really is too exhausting. Because the storage time is brief, I¡¯m afraid the taste will also be a littlecking."

    Fu Manduo sighed: "Lacking in taste? This vor right now is absolutely splendid!" He looked at Gu Zuo again, his appearance very cordial, "Junior sect brother Gu, if you¡¯re willing to work hard, I certainly won¡¯t treat you unfairly... So..."

    Gu Zuo urgently waved his hand: "It doesn¡¯t concern me, I obey the young master!" Then, he hesitated a little, "...Eh, will you treat the young master well?"

    Fu Manduo smiled at once: "Naturally, I¡¯ll treat junior sect brother Gongyi well." He looked to Gongyi Tianheng with a strong smile, "Junior sect brother Gongyi is lucky to have this kind of personal servant."

    Tianheng also smiled as he shot Gu Zuo a nce: "Ah Zuo is known as my personal servant, but actually, he¡¯s my surrogate younger brother. It¡¯s just that people like to talk. He insisted on acting unfamiliar in the presence of outsiders. Ah Zuo treats me with sincerity, and I treat him just like a biological younger brother. If others want to bully him, then it¡¯d be the same as bullying me."

    Gu Zuo heard this and the top of his head discharged smoke.

    He knew that this was Tianheng deliberately increasing his importance in the presence of Fu Manduo, but he also knew that his big brother¡¯s words weren¡¯t that much different from his actions.

    As a result, he was very, very embarra.s.sed.

    Fu Manduo listened to this and looked pensive. At that moment, he gave another toast to Tianheng and also offered Gu Zuo a cup: "Junior sect brother Gu, having this kind of craftsmanship is truly very amazing. It¡¯s very admirable! Junior sect brother Gongyi, having this good surrogate younger brother, you shouldn¡¯t hide him away. Had this Fu and his fellow sect brothers known earlier, wouldn¡¯t we have shown more consideration to junior sect brother Gu? The junior I¡¯m watching over is a pharmacist, and his future achievements can be a.s.sumed to be great.

    He continued: "I have here a voucher affiliated with the inner sect¡¯s medicine refinement hall. Junior sect brother Gu is currently a nominal disciple. With this voucher, even if it was a disciple waiting to fill a vacancy in the medicine refinement hall, they could obtain some shelter. When junior sect brother Gu¡¯s evaluation level reaches low grade pharmacist, you can automatically be an inner sect medicine refinement hall disciple. You won¡¯t have to go through any other a.s.sessments... Consider this a gift tomemorate our first meeting. Junior sect brother Gu must not refuse it."

    Gu Zuo looked at Gongyi Tianheng like he didn¡¯t know what to do.

    Tianheng just smiled: "Ah Zuo still hasn¡¯t received it and thanked senior sect brother Fu?"

    Gu Zuo listened, and naturally did as he was told.

    Soon after, Tianheng said: "Senior sect brother Fu is this generous. I also can¡¯t leave senior disappointed. Senior sect brother Fu arrived with urgency this time. There¡¯s only one hundred jars of Blood Rice Wine, but it¡¯ll be given to senior first. Wait another month and we¡¯ll certainly have five hundred jars for the waiting senior sect brother Fu to take!"

    There weren¡¯t many vouchers in Fu Manduo¡¯s possession. Providing this voucher right now was to check Tianheng¡¯s various methods, his unrevealed trump cards, as well as Gu Zuo¡¯s hidden value.

    The moment Tianheng spoke these words, he was extremely satisfied. He clinked .s.ses with Fu Manduo. This was sealing another business deal.

    After the meal, Fu Manduo used an inter-spatial tool to collect all the goods. Drunken and blurry-eyed, he then went to leave.

    But before he left, he winked his eye and gave a meaningful smile: "Junior sect brother Gongyi, you need to achieve Xiantian early and enter the inner sect... When that momentes, haha."

    He didn¡¯t say anything after that. He turned around and left withrge strides.

    Tianheng watched him leave, and ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: "Ah Zuo, you¡¯ll need to work hard again."

    Gu Zuo shook his head: "I¡¯m also cultivating."

    In his heart, he silently added a sentence: Cultivating and moneymaking, I can¡¯t neglect either one.

    This day wouldn¡¯t resume its tranquility so quickly.

    The sect¡¯s harvest mission was handed in and the business with the inner sect brother waspleted, but another batch of people hade to the door.

    After Dragon One opened the door, seven or eight people were seening in together.

    The one who headed them had a height of three meters. He was tall and st.u.r.dy, handsome, and had an outstanding presence. Wasn¡¯t this an old acquaintance?

    The Cangyun Empire¡¯s ninth prince: Cang Yu. After entering the outer sect, they hadn¡¯t kept in contact for a long time. When this first month had ended, he took the initiative to pay a visit.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    He remembered that, at that time, His Highness the ninth prince had thought highly of his dear big brother. He also mentioned that when they entered the outer sect, they needed to help each other out and so on. However, after entering the outer sect, he was busy working non-stop and there were many things he had to handle. His big brother also had to sort out rtionships and establish contacts. For this entire month, there unexpectedly wasn¡¯t any dealings with this group of people who came from the same Cangyun Empire.

    Why did the ninth princee now?

    The people behind Cang Yu all shared some resemnces, and they should¡¯ve been those people from royal family. In addition, there was the beautiful girl, Princess Yaomin.

    At this moment, he faced Gongyi Tianheng and cupped his hand: "Brother Tianheng, long time no see. How¡¯ve you been?"

    Tianheng was also very sinct: "Indeed, it¡¯s been a while. Everything¡¯s good." Then he said, "Ah Zuo, set the tea. Ladies and gentlemen, please sit."

    Cang Yu and the others all sat down.

    However, Cang Yu had yet to speak when someone else knocked on the door outside.

    After the door opened this time, the ones who came in were Duanmu Qingrong and the four children of the Duanmu n. They were also equally courteous, and merely discussed pleasantries. It was just that they were slightly inferior to Cang Yu.

    Gu Zuo was puzzled.

    What day was today? Why did they alle here to find his big brother?

    As if agreeing with Gu Zuo¡¯s words, once Duanmu Qingrong finished his somewhat awkward exchange, there was the sound of a third round of knocking.

    After opening the door, the Sima n¡¯s two people arrived, and the Helian n¡¯s sole representative Helian Xingye also arrived.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    In any case, the Duanmu n didn¡¯t bear any disagreements with the Gongyi n. However, the Sima n and the Helian n stood together; especially the Helian n, which had a dispute with the Gongyi n. These people from the two ns also came. Ah, what the h.e.l.l was happening?

    What was even stranger was that while all these ns had arrived, only Huangfu Zhanghao, this fellow who treated Tianheng well just like Cang Yu, hadn¡¯te.

    Was there something wrong?

    At this time, the courtyard couldn¡¯t have been said to be packed tight, but it was extremely lively.

    Gongyi Tianheng unhurriedly sat down on a stone bench. He called on Dragon One and Dragon Two to help Gu Zuo serve everyone tea, and somewhat bizarrely faced the ninth prince and said: "Brother Cang Yu, you all... One doesn¡¯t visit a temple without a cause?"

    Also, to say that this was paying a visit, where they crowded together one after another, was also too strange.

    There was certainly something going on here.

    Cang Yu also wasn¡¯t without his guesses on this situation. However, he never expected the Sima n and Helian n toe over, too. At this moment, he somewhat pretended to mutter to himself, preparing to speak forthrightly with Tianheng.

    The other ns also didn¡¯t express their opinions.

    This was because they knew that among those here, the ninth prince Cang Yu was even more familiar with Gongyi Tianheng.

    Cang Yu asked: "I wouldn¡¯t know if Brother Tianheng has seen the newly opened West Mountain Yellow Announcement?"

    Tianheng startled slightly: "I actually haven¡¯t heard of it..."

    It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t send people to frequently inquire about news. Rather, he was busy with establishing an even more harmonious rtionship with the inner sect¡¯s Fu Manduo and the others. Exhausting one¡¯s thoughts was unavoidable, so he didn¡¯t handle matters himself.

    Naturally, some news wouldn¡¯t be known in time. One needed to wait a moment for someone else to deliver it.

    Cang Yu wasn¡¯t surprised: "The West Mountain Yellow Notice was opened less than fifteen minutes ago. It¡¯s a one-time event mission. If it wasn¡¯t for an opportune chance, we also wouldn¡¯t have known."

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded his head: "That West Mountain Yellow Notice¡¯s objective is?"

    Cang Yu replied: "It¡¯s West Mountain Ghost Hunting."

    Tianheng really hadn¡¯t heard about this kind of thing.

    Gu Zuo felt even more surprised.

    Ghost hunting? What ghosts? Don¡¯t tell me that this world really has ghosts?

    Or... Is this ghost not that kind of ghost, but some other weird thing?

    Cang Yu quickly gave an exnation about what this was about.

    It was really...a sort of monstrous organism.

    This organism¡¯s name was "Earth Ghost". One could say it was a wild beast, but it wasn¡¯t like wild beasts since its flesh absolutely couldn¡¯t be eaten. Even martial artists would say that it was poisonous. One could say it was a "human", but it didn¡¯t have any intelligence. Itpletely relied on instinct to cause destruction.

    He also didn¡¯t know how this kind of thing showed up. After Cang Yu saw the notice, he only roughly understood, and knew that this thing was found throughout West Mountain. If it wasn¡¯t eliminated, then the entire West Mountain would be overrun.

    Thus, this West Mountain Ghost Hunting had be a one-time mission, and was given to the outer sect¡¯s disciples toplete.

    If it waspleted particrly well, the sect would bestow a reward. It would also exempt thepulsory tests for some outer sect disciples entering the inner sect.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 107

    When Cang Yu came over this time, the group included the Duanmu n, Sima n, and the Helian n¡¯s sole representative. It was all for the same goal, which was to invite Gongyi Tianheng to go with them.

    What they were looking at was naturally Tianheng¡¯s martial strength.

    ¡ª It was also because Cang Yu and the others discovered that the outer sect really was a gxy of talents. Even the most average outer sect disciple had abilities that were stronger than the five great young masters back then. In here, Cang Yu was only around mid level. In addition, there were more of these outer sect disciples than them entering the sect, and some veteran disciples could easily suppress them.

    If Cang Yu was still like this, what could be said about those children who came from aristocratic families and had nominal disciple positions?

    In the end, Cang Yu and the others didn¡¯t know what level Gongyi Tianheng had reached, but they knew that as fellow citizens of the Cangyun Empire, Tianheng was much more powerful than them. Calling upon him was a safer and more pleasant cooperation.

    At least,pared to other outer sect disciples, he was always going to be more trustworthy. He was also easier to make deals with.

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he turned to Tianheng.

    With his understanding of his big brother, he shouldn¡¯t decline... Instead, because his big brother¡¯s breakthrough was imminent, he¡¯d be even more willing to see to this one-time opportunity.

    Sure enough, Tianheng only demurred a little bit before epting: "As it happens, I¡¯m also rather quite interested in this matter."

    Merely, he also had many questions which needed answers to beforehand, "Does Brother Cang Yu have any a.s.surances when going? What weaknesses does these Earth Ghosts have? How strong are they? What would be consideredpleting the mission, and how many missions do we need toplete? What counts as a good, great, outstanding, and perfect missionpletion? We must have a clear understanding of these matters in advance before deciding how to handle them."

    Cang Yu also came prepared: "Once the Yellow Notice was opened, all the requirements were written down."

    Earth Ghosts¡¯ strengths were variable, but there wasn¡¯t any specific division. However, the highest one was equivalent to a Xiantian grade two.

    For them, this group of perfect Houtian people, even if they encountered the strongest Earth Ghost, so long as they were cautious, they would simply flee. It wouldn¡¯t reach the point of them losing their lives.

    Moreover, it was said that Earth Ghosts basically didn¡¯t have any martial skills. They were like wild animals, relying on their ws, teeth, and tails to attack. Their forms could bepared to monkeys. Only, they were smooth and slick from head to toe. Their appearances were very nauseating.

    What one needed to pay attention to was that their flesh contained toxins. Naturally, their ws, teeth, and tails also had it. If one was identally scratched, it was possible to be poisoned and die.

    After talking about this, Cang Yu became a little embarra.s.sed: "It¡¯s just that..."

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow: "What?"

    Cang Yu said: "It¡¯s just that we need a pharmacist to apany us. Otherwise, there won¡¯t be any way to verify the amount of Earth Ghosts we kill."

    This was because the Earth Ghost, this organism, was highly toxic. After killing it, one would need to dig out a charcoal-like crystal from its body as proof. However, this crystal was also poisonous. One touch would kill a martial artist. But on the contrary, it wasn¡¯t a problem for a pharmacist to touch.

    This was a peculiar point, too.

    However, in the end, pharmacists didn¡¯t have the ability to protect themselves. Wanting to bring one to West Mountain would certainly make things even more dangerous for a martial artist¡¯s colleagues. This also needed to be discussed beforehand.

    Cang Yu brought Princess Yaomin precisely because she was a pharmacist. In addition, her apt.i.tude was exceptionally good. She could already refine small amounts of Qi Generating Pills. If she made further progress, she could refine many more simr medicinal pills and be an ordinary low grade pharmacist. Unfortunately, Princess Yaomin was Cang Yu¡¯s younger sister. The strength of a woman who¡¯d never practiced martial arts was inferior to a man¡¯s. Cang Yu needed to give a proper exnation for not hiring another experienced pharmacist and instead bringing her.

    Tianheng clearly understood, and just opened his mouth to ask: "I wouldn¡¯t know if bringing along a couple pharmacists would be appropriate?"

    Cang Yu saw how he didn¡¯t raise any objections, and rxed as he said: "If you can protect them, then naturally the more, the better."

    This implied that their number of martial artists wasn¡¯t too high. The pharmacists brought along also needed to observe the specific state of affairs.

    Tianheng slightly nodded: "Then, with me bringing Ah Zuo, the two of us will be enough."

    After he finished speaking, his palm gentlynded on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    He¡¯d never encountered Earth Ghosts and whatnot. He also wasn¡¯t too keen on going to dangerous ces. However, considering that an outer sect disciple¡¯s mission wouldn¡¯t result in circ.u.mstances of certain-death, he decided on listening to Tianheng¡¯s words.

    And just at this moment, the system unexpectedly issued him another mission!

    [Side Mission: Follow the patron to conduct West Mountain Ghost Hunting.]

    [Mission Items: >]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within one month.]

    [Failure Penalty: Deduction of five hundred strands of medicinal qi.]

    This was a bit embarra.s.sing.

    What kind of medicinal pill was the Divination Pill?

    But no matter what, he still needed to follow along this time.

    Off to the side, Cang Yu and the others heard Tianheng¡¯s words, and they all looked at Gu Zuo.

    They weren¡¯t unfamiliar with Gu Zuo, and knew this was a pharmacist Gongyi Tianheng regarded fairly importantly. Yet, from what they saw, with Gu Zuo¡¯s age, he shouldn¡¯t be a certified pharmacist.

    Although the West Mountain Ghost Hunting mission required pharmacists to partic.i.p.ate, the pharmacist¡¯s rank needed to be at leastparable to that of a low grade pharmacist.

    Tianheng smiled and said: "You all can rest easy. Ah Zuo¡¯s apt.i.tude is exceptional. He can already refine Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills. He certainly won¡¯t hinder us."

    Gu Zuo also immediately stated: "I will certainly do my very best!"

    Cang Yu and the others were skeptical.

    ...A sixteen or seventeen year old certified pharmacist?

    It really was hard for people to believe. However, ording to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s character, it wasn¡¯t likely for him to lie here.

    Merely, Gu Zuo¡¯s circ.u.mstances didn¡¯t have a big effect on them. Since Tianheng decided on bringing him, he would be brought along.

    Hence, this matter was resolved.

    Cang Yu finally said: "Completing the mission requires arge amount of Ghost Nuclei, and the weight will be used to judge the degree ofpletion. The mission time is seven days for all outer sect disciples who receive this mission. Each person needs to provide at least two hundred fifty kilograms of Ghost Nuclei. Nominal disciples can take Ghost Nuclei and give them to outer sect disciples in exchange for resources. Enough nuclei can also be exchanged for their own a.s.sessment points. Every five kilograms of Ghost Nuclei can be exchanged for an a.s.sessment point."

    a.s.sessment points were things that outer sect disciples and nominal disciples could have. These points were normally useless, but when outer sect disciples epted the a.s.sessment to enter the inner sect or when nominal disciples epted the a.s.sessment to enter the outer sect, it had a very big impact.

    With Duanmu Qingrong and the others, it would be better to yield to Tianheng precisely for these a.s.sessment points ¡ª If they lost this one-time opportunity, it would be extremely difficult to find another opportunity to secure a.s.sessment points. And the more points they obtained this time, the smoother their entry into the outer sect.

    Breaking through to Xiantian before twenty years old was also a matter they could do nothing about. Even though nominal disciples could also ept the a.s.sessment to enter the inner sect, Duanmu Qingrong and the others were either already twenty years old or weren¡¯t far from it. Within a brief one or two years, how could they ensure that they themselves could directly advance to Xiantian? Naturally, the more they prepared, the better.

    When the aristocratic young masters came to the outer sect, while their haughtiness was suppressed where not one bit remained, their bone-deep refusal to give up and their preparedness started to take effect.

    After everyone talked things over, it was decided that when the moment came, the leaders would still be Cang Yu and Gongyi Tianheng. Under normal circ.u.mstances, Cang Yu would mainly be the one to call the shots. And if Tianheng had any objections, he could directly raise the issue and negotiate the next step. It was only if other people found a definitive problem that they would call the authority of these two people into question.

    After making a general n, Tianheng was calm, but he nevertheless asked Cang Yu: "We¡¯re all from the Cangyun Empire, so we¡¯ll watch out for each other. Now that we¡¯ve formed an alliance to go to West Mountain, wouldn¡¯t it be better to inform Brother Zhanghao and invite him along?With his luck, we¡¯d be even safer."

    After hearing these words, Cang Yu, Duanmu Qingrong, and the others forced some smiles. Even the younger generations¡¯ expressions appeared awed.

    Cang Yu said: "Brother Tianheng doesn¡¯t know?"

    Tianheng¡¯s mind stirred: "What happened?"

    Cang Yu saw that he really didn¡¯t know, and couldn¡¯t help sighing: "Ever since Brother Tianheng entered the outer sect, perhaps you haven¡¯t made any discreet inquiries on our affairs?"

    While speaking about this, he instead held some admiration.

    As they were disciples who¡¯d entered the outer sect, after understanding some matters, they came up with strategies, but it was also difficult to avoid being apprehensive. It was only natural that they cared about how their fellow disciples were doing. They always could send their subordinates to scout out information. As for Gongyi Tianheng not knowing, it showed them that he never once paid close attention to news about them, his "fellow countrymen".

    Thus, what he paid attention to was naturally some other matter. For example, his own martial studies or something else they didn¡¯t know about...

    The truth was indeed just so.

    Gongyi Tianheng wanted to do business, temper himself, spread a contactwork, have that odious Manager Yang make himself useful (intentionally or otherwise), and make ns in order to enter the inner sect. While up to his ears in work, he didn¡¯t intend on inquiring about the affairs of Cang Yu and the others. In addition, his mind clearly understood that everyone would have their own ns during the first month. Any required activities wouldn¡¯t have any apparent effects in a short time. It would be better to wait until things were smooth and steady to ask around and get an even clearer understanding.

    But now it seemed that something unexpected happened?

    However, since this originated from Huangfu Zhanghao, it couldn¡¯t be considered unexpected.

    Cang Yu sighed again: "Brother Zhanghao already entered the inner sect just the other day."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 108

    After listening to Cang Yu¡¯s words, Gu Zuo¡¯s first reaction was... That lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d!

    Afterwards, he just felt embarra.s.sed.

    There was nothing to be done. The impression Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s incredible luck gave him was too deep. Even though heter knew from the system that this was actually false luck lended to Zhanghao by his dear big brother, it still activated this conditioned reflex.

    Gongyi Tianheng paused: "Brother Zhanghao already broke through to Xiantian, and also pa.s.sed his inner sect a.s.sessment? This is really encroaching upon the territory of the extraordinary. It leaves people in admiration."

    Cang Yu shook his head: "Brother Tianheng¡¯s words are correct. Brother Zhanghao¡¯s procedures for entering the inner sect didn¡¯t have any problems. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve also learned that within ten days of Brother Zhanghao applying to join the inner sect, someone came to his courtyard. Then, he didn¡¯t take a step outside for a little more than ten days.

    He continued: "Following that, he made a breakthrough to Xiantian, and closely after, he consolidated his strength. Several days ago, he smoothly pa.s.sed his test and became an inner sect disciple."

    When these words were spoken, both Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo recalled something in their minds: The Xiantian Pill!

    Previously, the children of the aristocratic families and the royal family persistently cultivated in the Azure Dragon Pool. After they came out, they advanced to half-step Xiantian. Even though they went through the experience of the Hundred Countries Tournament, it was still impossible to breakthrough to Xiantian so quickly.

    However, if they had the help of a medicinal pill, then it was different.

    Merely, even though it was the Qingyun Sect, the Xiantian Pill should¡¯ve also been very rare. Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be any need to restrict the numerous outer sect disciples advancing to Xiantian by age. So long as one had a Xiantian Pill on hand, wouldn¡¯t all of one¡¯s problems be solved?

    Yet, it was also because they spected on the Xiantian Pill¡¯s value that they could infer a bit more ¡ª In the sect¡¯s heart, Huangfu Zhanghao was also very valuable.

    If not, Zhanghao wouldn¡¯t have been given a Xiantian Pill immediately after entering the inner sect. Moreover, they let him rely on normal procedures to rapidly enter the inner sect!

    At this moment, rm bells were going off in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    Huangfu Zhanghao was bestowed a Xiantian Pill. Wasn¡¯t this proving that not only did the Qingyun Sect have the Xiantian Pill¡¯s prescription, but that one could find the medicinal herbs to refine the Xiantian Pill on the Qingyun Continent?

    Originally, he expended a lot of effort searching and collecting. Ultimately, he was stillcking one type of herb necessary for the first method of refining the pill. Now, it seemed that there was still hope!

    But Gu Zuo quickly calmed down again.

    Because...

    The Qingyun Sect didn¡¯t necessarily use the first method to refine the Xiantian Pill. Maybe it was the second method? In such a big sect as this, the number of Xiantian martial artists certainly wasn¡¯t small. Finding a couple and having them donate their blood for a pharmacist to refine also wasn¡¯t a difficult matter.

    Gongyi Tianheng remained calm and collected, but his mind started to plot.

    His little pharmacist was already a Xiantian realm, so he had a better grasp of refining the Xiantian Pill. It seemed that this matter of refining the Xiantian Pill also should be put on the itinerary.

    Once the refining was sessful, he¡¯d first have Dragon One and Dragon Two promoted to the Xiantian realm ¡ª After all, if they weren¡¯t stimted and if they only relied on themselves, with their potential, he was afraid that it¡¯d still take a long time for them toprehend a breakthrough.

    And what hecked right now was time.

    Currently, the tip of this huge sect¡¯s iceberg had already revealed a lofty and steep mountain. If he only spread a few minor connections, and becamecent without making a breakthrough for himself, perhaps everything he put forward right now would cause him to suffer a setback in the future.

    He wanted Dragon One and Dragon Two to at least obtain the qualifications of outer sect disciples.

    Tianheng ruefully said to Cang Yu: "Brother Zhanghao had such a stroke of luck. We should be happy for him. The sect regards him importantly, so naturally he¡¯s worthy of the sect¡¯s attention. We still need to work together. First, toplete this one-time mission, then we can consolidate our foundations."

    Cang Yu was a straightforward person, too. He promptly brushed aside those previous feelings of envy, and smilingly said: "What Brother Tianheng says is true. Since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll meet you tomorrow morning at the base of West Mountain to trek into the mountain together."

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "That¡¯s fine."

    Cang Yu grunted in affirmation, said his goodbyes, and left. Duanmu Qingrong and the others hade here, only to listen to Cang Yu and Tianheng¡¯s discussion. They practically couldn¡¯t get a word in. At this point, there weren¡¯t anyints, so after simrly saying their goodbyes, arge string of people shuffled out of the courtyard.

    Dragon One promptly walked over and closed the door.

    As for Tianheng, he looked over to his dear little pharmacist: "Ah Zuo, regarding the Xiantian Pill, you..."

    Gu Zuo was a little dispirited: "I¡¯m stillcking one of the medicinal herbs for the first method. While I¡¯ve collected all the herbs for the second method..."

    He really wasn¡¯t too keen on making Gongyi Tianheng bleed himself.

    Although he himself was now a Xiantian realm, a pharmacist¡¯s blood couldn¡¯t be used.

    Because it was supposed to let a martial artist make a breakthrough, one could only use the blood of Xiantian martial artists to refine the pill.

    Tianheng looked at his expression and was aware the thoughts in his heart. After smiling faintly, he gestured to Dragon One to take out a jade bowl.

    Dragon One quickly fetched it and presented it to Tianheng.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything. He only raised two fingers and lightly shed across his other wrist ¡ª

    In the blink of an eye, a trail of qi energy erupted, and like a sharp knife, it cut apart the skin there. At the same time, brilliantly red blood flowed out and pattered into the jade bowl below.

    In a short while, the blood that had poured into the filled bowl was as much as half a liter.

    Gu Zuo looked at the blood that filled the bowl and hisplexion reddened and paled.

    He felt that this was worth its weight in gold... Was it really necessary to take his big brother¡¯s blood to refine the pill?

    This also was his first time thinking something like this: If I don¡¯t seed in refining it, then it would be fine.

    Otherwise, he would still worry that his dear big brother, who was actually very ruthless to himself, might bleed every day to refine more Xiantian Pills and just draw support from Snowy Ginseng Pills to replenish his blood.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "Okay, Ah Zuo, go quickly. You should always give it a try at least once."

    Gu Zuo wiped his face. He gently and cautiously took the bowl. Then, he hurried to the medicine refining room without turning back.

    His voice could be heard from far away: "Big brother, eat a Snowy Ginseng Pill at once to replenish your blood. Ah, you better drink some Blood Rice Wine, too!"

    Tianheng watched Gu Zuo enter the room, and the edge of his smile deepened as he replied: "Okay."

    In the medicine refining room, Gu Zuo warmed up a medium sized pill cauldron. He quickly took out the eighty one kinds of medicinal herbs and sat before the cauldron.

    Even though it was the second type of Xiantian Pill, sessfully refining it also wasn¡¯t so easy. The sequence each herb had to be put in couldn¡¯t be wrong, and the step for using Xiantian blood to excite the medicinal properties was of the highest importance.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath, calming his state of mind. He intertwined his fingers and used the Fire Controlling Seal to regte the me.

    The jade bowl full of blood was ced to his side. Under the faint rays of light, its reflection was splendorous and glossy.

    He couldn¡¯t make any mistakes. Regardless of the quality of the medicinal pill he could achieve, he absolutely couldn¡¯t fail in refining it!

    As a result, he needed to carefully blend his qi energy. He couldn¡¯t impetuously go on refining because of his own state of mind...

    After a good while, a bit more than half an hour pa.s.sed.

    Gu Zuo suddenly opened his eyes. The psychic power in his Tianfu Acupoint had already converged into his eyes!

    Beneath the pill cauldron, the me was raging. The pill cauldron also produced a slight sound. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate as he grabbed a handful of medicinal herbs and threw them into the middle of that raging heat!

    After some sizzling sounds, that batch of medicinal herbs had turned into dark green juice!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s hand seals changed incessantly.

    He¡¯d be extremely proficient at using the minor seal Plucking Nine Stars long ago. Every movement seemed to generate a special rhythm. During this rhythm, even more medicinal herbs were cast into the cauldron, and were blended together with the previous medicinal liquid. Sometimes, there were distinct barriers, and other times, the liquids were mixed together once more...

    Finally, after several kinds of medicinal herbs were thrown in, his mind suddenly shouted: Right now!

    In that instant, Gu Zuo grabbed that jade bowl filled with blood and poured it into the pill cauldron!

    In the blink of an eye, the dark red bloodbined with the ball of medicinal liquid, dyeing it a gorgeous color. And this color was extremely beautiful and full. Unexpectedly, a kind of bewitching l.u.s.ter appeared. A person would be left deeply attracted by its unforgettable appearance.

    Gu Zuo increased the fire¡¯s strength, and he repeatedly used Plucking Nine Stars!

    That medicinal liquid also violently shuddered!

    Suddenly, it split in two... That splendidly red color abruptly faded due to this division.

    Towards the end, the two b.a.l.l.s of medicinal liquid in the pill cauldron were like pearls as they spun around and around, rolling ceaselessly. And with each loop, they condensed even more.

    Atst, the cauldron produced a long and drawn-out humming sound.

    Two brown medicinal pills shot out. Gu Zuo used the Pill Receiving Seal to quickly collect them!

    Finally, they each entered a clean jade bowl from the left and right.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head to look. Indeed, there were two medicinal pills. And from inspecting their apt.i.tude, they should¡¯ve reached high grade. Merely, it was unfortunate that no medicinal qi was generated.

    This showed that when refining this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s technique wasn¡¯t at all perfect. The entire process wasn¡¯t under his overall control, so the medicinal properties didn¡¯t exhibit perfection.

    Gu Zuo carefully observed a medicinal pill, and sniffed it.

    It had a strong medicinal fragrance, and when one smelled it, it gave a refreshing feeling... Whether it could let a person breakthrough or if it was a genuine Xiantian Pill, that was hard to say.

    Because, ording to the words of the Medicinal Pill Catalog, the Xiantian Pills of the first and second methods should both have a kind of faint violet color.

    With his own thinking unclear, Gu Zuo decided to go out and let his big brother take a look.

    Thus, after Gu Zuo entered the room, Gongyi Tianheng had Dragon One and Dragon Two pack a few things in preparation for their departure to West Mountain tomorrow.

    As for himself, he pondered over the matter of Huangfu Zhanghao.

    Just a moment ago, he had the Xiantian Pill on his mind, but on the contrary, he overlooked this person. Now that he thought about it, Zhanghao¡¯s apt.i.tudes and strength was simr to Duanmu Qingrong and the others. Originally, he was at most just a nominal disciple. Now, after entering the outer sect, someone devised a way for him to enter the inner sect. The genuine cause was Zhanghao¡¯s jaw-dropping luck.

    ¡ª Or to say, it was his "innate luck".

    Only, Tianheng couldn¡¯t guess if Zhanghao was being watched by a certain power from the inner sect or from the whole sect through tacit eptance.

    If it was the former, then it was still okay. If it was thetter... What use did a person with exceptional innate luck have to the sect?

    Recalling the system¡¯s words, Zhanghao¡¯s innate luck originally manifested from him. Tianheng couldn¡¯t help furrowing his eyebrows a bit.

    Innate luck was really advantageous to him. However, if it wasn¡¯t for the shield Huangfu Zhanghao, one could imagine the things he could do. Perhaps, just like the current Zhanghao, Gongyi Tianheng would be rigidly stared at by someone, too.

    T/N: Okay, we have now gone through 10% of the novel. Stay strong, everyone.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 109

    "Big brother!"

    Just as he was pondering, Gongyi Tianheng heard a teenager¡¯s crisp voice, which was packed full of joy. His heart stirred slightly, and the expression on his face already softened without him knowing it. He looked over: "Ah Zuo, what are the results?"

    A teenager with flushed cheeks and a head of messy hair quickly scampered out. In his sped hands was a jade bowl. With loud footsteps, he arrived in front of Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo panted a couple short breaths and handed over the jade bowl: "Big brother, take a look. I actually refined some pills..."

    Tianheng took the jade bowl and lowered his head to look. Sure enough, there were two brown medicinal pills inside. The pill fragrance and qi energy were quite refreshing. With one sniff, he could sense his own realm loosen a bit.

    Could it be possible that the flesh of his Tiandu Body really could have the same kind of capabilities as other Xiantian martial artists? However, he quickly discovered that the expression on his little pharmacist¡¯s face was slightly crumpled.

    Tianheng asked: "Ah Zuo, is there something wrong?"

    Gu Zuo nodded his head in embarra.s.sment: "The color¡¯s wrong..."

    He thought about it and said, "Originally, if the medicinal ingredients were not in good condition, especially for such an exacting medicinal pill, it would be impossible to make it. Yet, I produced the pill, and the product grade also isn¡¯t bad. Only, if it was really the Xiantian Pill, it should be violet. This brownish color is really too far from violet.

    He continued: "But if it isn¡¯t the Xiantian Pill, then what would this medicinal pill, which was refined using the exact same procedures, be?"

    As a result, this was just too strange. It left him unaware of what should be done.

    Gongyi Tianheng observed this pill, and sunk into contemtion.

    This was, indeed, a bit troublesome.

    The emergence of each kind of unknown medicinal pill always needed people to test it on to know the following effects. Dragon One and Dragon Two were loyal and devoted. If they were made to test it, they certainly wouldn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest. However, it was precisely because they were loyal that they couldn¡¯t be made to test it lightly.

    It would be better to...

    His mind already had a notion, but now wasn¡¯t the time to implement it.

    He¡¯d wait until after returning from West Mountain to bring it up.

    After he finished deciding, Tianheng smiled and said: "Ah Zuo, put these medicinal pills in a jade bottle. First, we¡¯ll properly a.s.semble a test group. We can discuss it again when it¡¯s time to test it."

    Gu Zuo heard this, and knew his big brother had a n in mind, so he didn¡¯t take this matter to heart any longer. In any case, he would know at that time.

    Moreover...

    He didn¡¯t know why, perhaps it was a pharmacist¡¯s intuition, but the scent of this pill seemed correct. However faint it was, it still made him feel it had some kind of furtive smell to it.

    Thinking about this, Gu Zuo silently sighed in his heart again.

    If his foundations were st.u.r.dy enough and if his skill level was just a bit higher, after making the pill, he should¡¯ve been able to judge the pill¡¯s true function by smelling the medicinal fragrance.

    Right now, he was still far behind.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo recalled that newly obtained item book. Although he already told his big brother about the new mission¡¯s arrival, there still wasn¡¯t enough time to study it.

    Thus, he said: "Big brother, the item book definitely has something to do with the mission. I¡¯ll go study the Paradox Pills a bit."

    Gongyi Tianheng heard what he said, and softly pat his head: "Ah Zuo also shouldn¡¯t work too hard."

    Gu Zuo subconsciously showed a smile: "Rest a.s.sured, big brother."

    The next day, Gu Zuo followed Gongyi Tianheng and departed to the base of West Mountain. His mind was still thinking about the matter of studying the Paradox Pills yesterday.

    How to say...

    The character ‡å was indescribable.

    He carefully read it. The Paradox Pills could roughly be divided into three kinds: The Poison Pill, the Soul Pill, and the Trick Pill.

    As the name implied, the Poison Pill was very easy toprehend. It was a medicinal pill that carried poison. It could be used to harm someone or save someone by counteracting another poison. One would have to leave it up to fate.

    After that was the Soul Pill. This thing was scary.

    The soul of a living being was needed as material for this pill. To be speak simply, one would first refine a nk pill. After a pharmacist¡¯s protectors or followers got rid of a living creature, they could extract the other¡¯s soul on the spot. Then, they¡¯d refine it into the nk pill and turn it into a Soul Pill. In the future, if they fought with someone, they could activate the pill and consume its medicinal power to fight their opponent. This was also considered a method of self-defense. As a result, the Soul Pill was actually known as the "Battle Soul Pill".

    Finally, the Trick Pill. To be frank, it wasprised of strange, unorthodox medicinal pills.

    To give an example, there was a pill that seemed exactly like the Revitalization Pill. Its scent was indistinguishable, but once someone was ready to heal themselves, the oue was that they would burst out in uncontrobleughter until they diedughing... This was one type of Trick Pill called the Laughing Spring Pill. It was a good thing to trap people with.

    To give another example, there was a pill that was a veryplicated to refine. Once activated, a scary suppressive pressure would be immediately released. It would make a person think an incredible powerhouse was present, intimidating the other person into turning around and fleeing... In actuality, this was just strength in outward appearances. There was only the pressure and nothing else. It was particrly used to scare people. This was another kind of Trick Pill.

    There were very, very many kinds of things like this.

    Therefore, Gu Zuo just felt shocked and helpless.

    Truly, the world was big and full of extraordinary things. Who could say that pharmacists didn¡¯t have any methods of self-defense? Let alone his psychic power, just the three types of Paradox Pills were death pits that would be paid with one¡¯s life. So long as he had sufficient quant.i.ties, he¡¯d have more than enough to spare after defending himself.

    Of course, while knowing this, Gu Zuo also told Gongyi Tianheng.

    After Tianheng showed a subtle expression, he only instructed Gu Zuo to select a couple Paradox Pills to study, and to give him the list of the required medicinal herbs. That was all.

    Gu Zuo clearly understood that this big brother of his was really interested in the Paradox Pills.

    A group of four unwittingly arrived at the foot of West Mountain.

    Their arrival wasn¡¯tte, but Cang Yu and the others arrived even earlier. There was a grandiose group of nearly twenty people.

    After seeing Tianheng, Cang Yu stepped forward: "Brother Tianheng."

    Tianheng said apologetically: "Are wete?"

    Cang Yu smiled: "No, West Mountain hasn¡¯t opened yet. We still need to wait for a bit."

    Tianheng nodded his head, and faced forwards to gaze at the mountain.

    West Mountain was situated in the outer sect. And it was one of the two iconically tall mountains of the outer sect.

    The entire sect upied a mountain range; there were four mountains that most represented the cardinal directions. West Mountain and North Mountain were in the outer sect. While East Mountain and South Mountain were in the inner sect.

    In the outer sect, West Mountain had Earth Ghosts appear. How couldn¡¯t they be rooted out early on?

    At this time, Gu Zuo looked around and saw a tall stone tablet with a yellow announcement posted on it.

    It should be the mission¡¯s Yellow Notice.

    When Gu Zuo saw that it still wasn¡¯t time, he went over to carefully give it a read.

    Dragon Two, who was always following behind him, also started walking and shadowed him closely.

    The number of people in front of the Yellow Notice wasn¡¯t few. Gu Zuo gathered his psychic power into his eyes and his sight was very clear. Rather than milling around the others, he could read it from outside the crowd.

    Sure enough, it was just as Cang Yu had said. It exined the Earth Ghost¡¯s characteristics, the rewards one could obtain afterpleting the mission, the need to bringing a certified pharmacist, and so on. Additionally, it clearly stated the mission time.

    As Cang Yu said, the mission time was seven days. However, what the Yellow Notice exined was a little different.

    West Mountain would open today. For all disciples who entered toplete the mission, they needed to return within seven days. If not, then they wouldn¡¯t be able toe out when West Mountain closed on the seventh day.

    And after seven days when West Mountain closed, Immortal realm powerhouses would fully use their skills outside to eradicate the Earth Ghosts all at once. If one were still on West Mountain at that time, once they were swept up by the remaining power, they would die within West Mountain. Then, one could only consider themselves unlucky.

    However, this made no difference.

    In any case, it was fine so long as they remembered that they must return within seven days.

    After he finished reading, Gu Zuo returned to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s side.

    At this moment, there were more and more people around. There were many outer sect disciples with their own subordinate nominal disciples rushing over. The more people there were, the more Ghost Nuclei one could obtain. As for who the Ghost Nuclei were ultimately divided amongst to exchange for a.s.sessment points, that was up to each outer sect disciple¡¯s discretion.

    The time was still early. First, Cang Yu and Gongyi Tianheng exined the ground rules.

    Their group of people would keep watch and help each other. After entering West Mountain, they wouldn¡¯t move separately. The Ghost Nuclei from the Earth Ghosts one killed would be taken into one¡¯s own possession, but only if they killed the Earth Ghost. The two pharmacists would help to collect the Ghost Nuclei, but they couldn¡¯t favor one and discriminate against another. If one cooperated to kill an Earth Ghost, the Ghost Nuclei would be given to the one who dealt the killing blow. If someone was trapped by Earth Ghosts, then everyone else who still had strength needed to lend a hand.

    With these kinds of rules in ce, there was still a degree of freedom. So long as everyone didn¡¯t think about hindering each other or consider how many advantages one could obtain, they¡¯d smoothly enter West Mountain without much trouble.

    Naturally, the many martial artists didn¡¯t have any objections.

    Even more outer sect disciples had rushed over.

    Gu Zuo could see that,pared to those who previously arrived, these outer sect disciples were... There were many to be seen who made rigorous schemes and had deep insight. They camete, but each of them all appeared iparably valiant. Even their subordinate nominal disciples looked like seasoned veterans.

    Cang Yu¡¯s party were refined, young powerhouses with extraordinary temperaments. The people brought along were also aristocratic descendants. However, their temperaments seemed inferior to those who had that kind of look from experiencing many of life¡¯s vicissitudes and those unfl.u.s.tered movements from being confident in one¡¯s own strength.

    Gu Zuo immediately understood.

    These outer sect disciples should be the outer sect¡¯s veteran disciples!

    Although they were all perfect Houtian stage nines and they hadn¡¯t advanced to Xiantian, their strengths...

    Were nevertheless ones that were hard to predict!

    T/N: Retroactively changing Divination Pill to Paradox Pills.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 110

    When the veteran disciples showed up, many new disciples showed expressions of constrained fear.

    They were simrly perfect Houtian, but the longer one immersed themselves, the st.u.r.dier their foundations and the greater their strength.

    Some people didn¡¯t advance to Xiantian. It definitely wasn¡¯t because they weren¡¯t able to; rather, they polished their perfected realms a bit longer to make their chances of breaking through higher, as well as unleashing more of their potential. After breaking through, their strength would be even more formidable!

    Otherwise, the strengths of a Xiantian talent and an ordinary Xiantian would be like the difference between heaven and earth!

    Gongyi Tianheng looked over there, but it was only a nce.

    He had six sets of bone pearls, and each set couldpare to a perfect Houtian. And with his astounding perception, it went without saying that the foundations of each set wasn¡¯t any weaker than the average talent.

    One could say that when he faced off against He Chengfeng at that time, the strength he used was only a drop in the ocean. Up until now, even though he went out adventuring with Gu Zuo and fought those peak grade four wild beasts, he wasn¡¯t forced to use all of his trump cards and they weren¡¯t able to make him experience any critical moments of life and death.

    Perhaps it was because he was slow to find an opportunity to breakthrough to Xiantian. It was also possible that it was because he walked along an uncharted road or because his Tiandu Body was too special.

    After Gongyi Tianheng took a nce, he could sense that neither these veteran disciples nor the new disciples who took precautions against their vigorous qi energy were his match.

    Gu Zuo drew closer to Tianheng¡¯s side.

    More and more people showed up. He couldn¡¯t get separated when they went in.

    Suddenly, a voice shouted in front.

    "West Mountain has opened!"

    Immediately, everyone swept their eyes over and countless gazes all fell upon that enormous stone gate!

    That stone gate originally had an extremely frightening prohibition talisman. Only when the talisman was opened would West Mountain permit their entry.

    It was precisely at this moment!

    Instantly, countless outer sect disciples and nominal disciples all set forth one after another straight into West Mountain!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze moved slightly. He reached out a hand and sandwiched Gu Zuo under his right arm: "Ah Zuo, hold on tight!"

    Gu Zuo promptly said: "I will!"

    Off to the side, Cang Yu suddenly opened his mouth: "Quickly go in!"

    Duanmu Qingrong and the others didn¡¯t dare be careless.

    In the blink of an eye, numerous martial artists turned into a raging torrent of water as they poured into the stone gate.

    In the next blink, the torrent pa.s.sed through the gate and dispersed in all directions.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t use his fastest speed. He only kept pace with Cang Yu as they traveled straight down some mountain path.

    As Cang Yu ran quickly, he frowned and said: "Brother Tianheng, can you sense something?"

    Tianheng said: "The qi energy is very strange."

    It wasn¡¯t only them. Other martial artists all simrly found that there was something amiss.

    Yes. That stone gate seemed to separate two worlds. When outside the stone gate, the ambient qi was rich, letting them cleanse their bodies and minds as they breathed it in and out. However, once they entered West Mountain, they discovered that after their pores opened to absorb the ambient qi, it went into their bodies and actually hindered the movement of their true qi ¡ª Although there was merely an almost imperceptible effect, they were all excellent martial artists. How couldn¡¯t they discover it while moving forward with all their effort?

    Thus, almost the instant that it was discovered, everyone no longer circted their true qi as hastily. Rather, doubts piled up, and they didn¡¯t dare advance prematurely.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "Halt."

    The moment this word came out, Cang Yu took the lead in stopping his pace.

    He currently carried Princess Yaomin on his back. An ominous premonition arose in his heart.

    Sima Yuanyou wasn¡¯t as arrogant as before. Instead, he pressed his arrogance all the way down. Presently, he realized something, and said: "Is the ambient qi here...poisonous?"

    Everyone¡¯s hearts shuddered.

    That was right. If it wasn¡¯t poisonous, how could it obstruct the true qi after entering the body? It still wasn¡¯t a problem for short time, but if this continued, it would be detrimental in fightster on. Once there was a moment of carelessness, it could make them lose their lives!

    Cang Yu calmly said: "Everyone, close your pores and stop breathing. Don¡¯t take in the ambient qi."

    Tianheng also said: "Lock up all of your qi energy into your bodies. If you don¡¯t have enough true qi, just take medicinal pills. However, you absolutely mustn¡¯t mediate to transfer energy. You also can¡¯t utilize this ce¡¯s ambient qi."

    Duanmu Qingrong sighed: "This might be one of the difficulties of this one-time mission."

    Sima Yuanyou frowned: "Why didn¡¯t the sect¡¯s Yellow Notice mention this to us?"

    At this moment, the ever-neglected and solitary Helian Xingye spoke: "Perhaps... The sect¡¯s also using this as a pretext to test our reaction capabilities. If one didn¡¯t have enough preparations and adaptability, they might as well throw their lives away to West Mountain to avoid an even more miserable death in the future. If there weren¡¯t these ces, the a.s.sessment points wouldn¡¯t be obtained so easily by us!"

    These words indeed made sense.

    While being carried under his dear big brother¡¯s armpit, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was a little weird.

    Poison, huh...

    Just a moment ago, he actually absorbed a little bit. Yet, it was very strange. Unexpectedly, the poisoned ambient qi was directly wrapped up by his true qi and delivered into his Tianfu Acupoint. And after the system, which existed in the depths of his Tianfu Acupoint, started trembling, he immediately found his body bing light. Then, he saw silk strands being peeled off the poisoned qi and carefully deposited into an empty region of his storage s.p.a.ce.

    Poisoned qi was purplish ck and medicinal qi was white. Juxtaposing them together really gave one a feeling of bringing out the other¡¯s radiance.

    However, was this indicating that poisoned qi was useless to him?

    Or, was it like this for all pharmacists?

    Gu Zuo furtively looked at Princess Yaomin.

    He found that her once blushing cheeks had be deathly pale.

    Evidently, poisoned qi had an impact on her.

    In that case...

    Gu Zuoposed himself.

    Him being able to safely absorb the ambient qi must¡¯ve been thanks to his practice of the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method.

    He couldn¡¯t let others find out!

    With his heart thinking as such, Gu Zuo gave Tianheng a transmission.

    Tianheng slightly shook. After that, Tianheng put Gu Zuo down and had him climb onto his back. He carried Gu Zuo just like how Cang Yu carried Princess Yaomin.

    Upon Cang Yu and the others seeing this, they all had different expressions. However, deep down, they realized that Gu Zuo¡¯s position in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s heart was especially different.

    How important was one¡¯s back?

    One mustn¡¯t a.s.sume it was that they were both pharmacists. Cang Yu carried Princess Yaomin on his back, but that was because she was his biological little sister. As for Gu Zuo, if he was merely a pharmacist raised by the n, wouldn¡¯t Dragon One or Dragon Two also havee over? Originally, making them carry him would¡¯ve already been sufficient. There was basically no need for Tianheng to do the job himself.

    But he still carried him personally.

    This was enough to prove something.

    Gu Zuo clutched at Tianheng¡¯s shoulders and buried his head into Tianheng¡¯s back. He looked like he couldn¡¯t stand it.

    In actuality, he was working hard to use the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method as he quickly extracted the poison from the ambient qi.

    Just then, Gu Zuo also found that once he used the cultivation method to deliver the poisoned qi into his storage s.p.a.ce, there was a pin-p.r.i.c.k of pain between his eyebrows.

    Under this kind of stinging, while he used the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method, not only did his body¡¯s innumerable pores open up to continuously absorb ambient qi, the psychic power between his eyebrows buzzed as it collected even more poisoned qi ¡ª Yes, dismissing the normal ambient qi, and only getting the poisoned qi. All of it pa.s.sed through this ce and into his storage s.p.a.ce to be stockpiled.

    Gu Zuo could control this psychic power, but he still wanted to draw support from this opportunity to store up as much poisoned qi as possible.

    Because he recalled the Paradox Pills¡¯ Poison Pills ¡ª Did the system give him the item book because West Mountain¡¯s state of affairs was like so? To let him seize the opportunity to obtain the medicinal ingredients for refining the Paradox Pills?

    And who could say that the condensation of the smoky poisoned qi wasn¡¯t that medicinal ingredient?

    Of course, Gu Zuo had transmitted everything to Tianheng long ago.

    Naturally, Gongyi Tianheng vigorously supported him, so there was a necessary switch in positions...in order to avoid letting others see that Gu Zuo¡¯s face wasn¡¯t as deathly pale like Princess Yaomin. Instead, he looked very satisfied, which was anything but rea.s.suring.

    After everyone closed their pores and stopped breathing, what supported these martial artists¡¯ operations was only the true qi within their bodies.

    Cang Yu and the others didn¡¯t dare madly rush like before. Rather, they set a slow pace as they walked ahead.

    Everyone said that this West Mountain had Earth Ghosts. As for the appearances of these Earth Ghosts, and how they emerged...

    "Ahhh!"

    There was suddenly the sound of a scream!

    Somewhere in the northwest direction, there was a martial artist¡¯s scream!

    Immediately after, perhaps it was misperception or the actual truth, but everyone felt like they could smell the faint stench of blood ¡ª Undoubtedly, someone had died.

    After entering West Mountain, someone perished before the time it¡¯d take to burn an incense stick!

    Duanmu Qingrong and the others were even more cautious.

    Cang Yu said: "Keep your guards up."

    All the martial artists didn¡¯t dare neglect anything.

    Gu Zuo paused a bit.

    He stopped storing the poisoned qi. Instead, he sent out his psychic power.

    One meter, two meters... Ten meters...

    Gu Zuo suddenly transmitted: Ten meters to the northeast. Big brother, be careful!

    Gongyi Tianheng reflexively acted. A dreadful force burst forth and almost changed into the shape of a python as it directly struck out!

    Crash!

    It was like something being smashed, and interspersed was a guttural howl.

    A dead body suddenly fell down.

    The martial artists reacted, and mentally shivered.

    They faced that direction and walked over very carefully, getting a clear look at the dead body¡¯s appearance.

    Sure enough, it was a creature that was like a human and not, like a monkey and not. Its skin was ck and slick without a single hair. Its shape was very nauseating. At this moment, its head was shattered, producing a loathsome odor.

    It would cause a person to feel sick.

    It wasn¡¯t only Princess Yaomin, the sole woman here, whose expression was unsightly. There were still several other martial artists who had pallidplexions. They all felt it was very hard to endure.

    On the contrary, Cang Yu and Gongyi Tianheng only wrinkled their eyebrows and didn¡¯t show any change in their looks.

    At the same time, Tianheng raised a finger and shed at the corpse¡¯s belly ¡ª

    Squelch! Lots of the stomach, intestines, and other viscera slipped out. In the middle of its abdomen, a thumb-sized crystal rolled out.

    Because it was Tianheng¡¯s kill, Gu Zuo jumped off Tianheng¡¯s back, and walked over.

    At this moment, hisplexion was also deathly pale ¡ª Just now, he was forced out of using his cultivation method.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 111

    When Gu Zuo arrived in front of the Earth Ghost¡¯s corpse, his expression was really unsightly.

    This thing was truly too disgusting. He was supposed to use his hand to pick it up? Actually, he wasn¡¯t too willing, but if others held it, they¡¯d most likely drop dead. And Princess Yaomin was a girl.

    He asked himself: Although he was young, he was also a gentleman. He couldn¡¯t let others fight over it first, right?

    Hence, after psyching himself up for three seconds, he extended a trembling hand.

    No one among Cang Yu and the othersughed at him. Even they didn¡¯t feel that their responses would be good going over, let alone a pharmacist who still needed a protector.

    As a result, they also just waited.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s extended finger gradually touched the Earth Ghost¡¯s corpse.

    It was very peculiar. After the Earth Ghost became a corpse, a film of ck liquid appeared on its surface and filled its guts like it was steeped in poison. Yet, the ck liquid separated to either side on the ces where his finger touched. Not the tiniest bit tainted his skin... It was really strange.

    Gu Zuo endured as he picked up the crystal soaked in ck liquid. Fortunately, the coat of ck liquid was simrly repelled by something and didn¡¯t get close to his hand.

    The crystal was ice-cold to the touch and very hard. After he picked it up, he turned his head, and unfolded his hand to let Cang Yu and the others see it.

    Princess Yaomin¡¯s observation was the most attentive. Every detail of the scene just now of Gu Zuo taking the crystal was earnestly recalled by her for fear that once it was her own turn, she would make a mistake.

    Gu Zuo was very perceptive, too. Because it was the same principle, he exined to everyone: "Although I don¡¯t know how toxic that ck liquid is, when I went to grab the crystal, it never wet my hand. This crystal is also dry, and there isn¡¯t even the slightest sensation of moisture on the surface."

    Princess Yaomin and the others heard this, and collectively nodded their heads.

    No matter how baffled their hearts felt, at least it wasn¡¯t any problem for Gu Zuo to take it. This also put them at ease towardter affairs.

    Once Tianheng saw this, he smiled and said: "Ah Zuo, you can put this thing away."

    Gu Zuo stared, then he understood at once: "I¡¯ll put it away in the inter-spatial tool the young master gave me."

    After he finished speaking, he flipped his palm and the crystal disappeared.

    Tianheng faintly nodded: "Ah Zuo did well."

    At this time, the others also understood. As it turned out, Gongyi Tianheng had given an inter-spatial tool to this little pharmacist prior toing to West Mountain ¡ª In any case, only pharmacists could collect crystals here. What was one to do if they got poisoned from a careless exchange of hands? This method was correct.

    Princess Yaomin had an inter-spatial tool on her. She reacted at this time and then inwardly decided that she would directly pack the crystals away, too.

    Once this matter was over, Gu Zuo hesitated and asked: "This corpse... Can I collect it?"

    When these words were spoken, the others all stared nkly.

    Collect the corpse? Why on earth would he collect this thing?

    Gu Zuo said with a bit of embarra.s.sment: "The Earth Ghost is very peculiar. I want to study it a little..."

    Cang Yu and the others realized that this pharmacist¡¯s curiosity had red up.

    Of course, for pharmacists to refine medicine, they all had their own way of handling medicinal ingredients. Catching sight of a novelty and wanting to study it was very normal.

    Merely, they never expected the Earth Ghosts to be so bizarre. Unexpectedly, this little pharmacist was still interested in it ¡ª But then again, if it weren¡¯t so strange, would he have gone so far as to want to study it?

    Only, their expressions were still a little subtle.

    Studying an Earth Ghost¡¯s corpse. Ah, this kind of disgusting thing... It truly took courage.

    Off to the side, Princess Yaomin was at a loss.

    She was a pharmacist, too. It was only natural that she was curious about things unknown.

    However, Earth Ghosts were really... If she already had lots of experience, she might not have this kind of feeling. But in the end, she was currently seventeen to eighteen years old. There were still psychological barriers.

    After thinking it over, she didn¡¯t bring it up for the time being.

    Perhaps... After a while, when it was her turn to collect crystals, she would also be ustomed to the nausea?

    That said, the tiny wish of Gu Zuo¡¯s wasn¡¯t one that the other martial artists couldn¡¯t satisfy, and they all agreed.

    Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t waste their time. He promptly walked over and gently suspended his hand over the corpse. His thoughts moved and sent this Earth Ghost corpse into a region of his storage s.p.a.ce.

    ...Speaking of which, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t without psychological pressure.

    Although the meat essence of the Earth Ghost corpse was almost the same as that of other monstrous beasts, its form was too detestable and it carried poison. Putting it into his storage s.p.a.ce was simply contamination.

    However, Gu Zuo had looked over many prescriptions and knew that a qualified pharmacist couldn¡¯t have these kind of misgivings. So, one needed to ovee these problems.

    Hence, the twelve storage s.p.a.ce regions were divided very clearly by Gu Zuo.

    For example, the first thing he put into his storage s.p.a.ce was... Qi Tianyou¡¯s corpse.

    When it came to funeral arrangements, Gu Zuo currently didn¡¯t have the opportunity toy him to rest ¡ª The crucial point was that it was better to preserve it in his storage s.p.a.ce than give it a casual burial. At least the corpse wouldn¡¯t dpose. Also, it wouldn¡¯t be trampled or disturbed by others.

    Thus, although the volume of the first storage region was very big, there was still only Qi Tianyou¡¯s corpse ced in it. This one thing.

    After that, the second storage region had all kinds of item books. In the future, any additional ones would be put there. It would be considered an existence just like a bookshelf.

    The third storage region was packed with medicinal qi.

    The fourth and fifth had Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s personal belongings, respectively ¡ª For instance, the two¡¯s golden banknotes.

    The sixth storage region had the medicinal pills he refined. The seventh had medicinal herbs, and the eight had the meat essence of monstrous beasts.

    The ninth and tenth regions werepletely empty. The eleventh had poisoned qi, and it was decided that the Earth Ghost¡¯s corpse would be ced in the twelfth. Gu Zuo decided that in the future, anything highly toxic would be put in the eleventh region and anything disgusting that was worth studying would be put in the twelfth region.

    As for how the two empty storage regions would be handledter on, he¡¯d cross that bridge when he got to it.

    Tianheng was aware of the storage region¡¯s matters. After Gu Zuo collected the Earth Ghost corpse, he didn¡¯t forget to give Tianheng an exnation.

    ¡ª Correct. While it was true that he collected this corpse for research, it was more than that. It was still because he wanted to use this thing to try refining Poison Pills. One should know that there were Poison Pills that didn¡¯t have requirements for poisonous medicinal ingredients that had to be put together. There were even more that had their ownbinations.

    Just as that prescription stated, it required a type of medicinal herb that didn¡¯t conflict with some other herbs, a toxin capable of ying a grade three wild beast. This would inform a person to which results would ultimately be reached or the degree of toxicity. So, as long as one found the right toxin and the toxin¡¯s specific type, there were no restrictions.

    Speaking of this, in actuality, one would have greater liberties and even more unrestrained designs with the Poison Pills thanpared to ordinary pills that were used for breakthroughs, strength upgrades, or illness treatment.

    As a result, the prescriptions of Poison Pills approached that of concepts.

    Otherwise, one wouldn¡¯t call them "Paradox Pills".

    After collecting the corpse, the ground was only left with a stain of ck liquid.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate and directly jumped onto Tianheng¡¯s back, which left Dragon One and Dragon Two to protect either side. A group of four formed a triangr formation and swiftly followed the numerous martial artists as they climbed to higher elevations.

    Just a moment ago, there was an Earth Ghost sneak attack. Fortunately, there was Gongyi Tianheng who took care of it in advance. Had it drawn closer, without being familiar with the Earth Ghosts¡¯ fighting style, some disciples could¡¯ve died.

    Thus, Cang Yu and the others were all rather exuberant, feeling that inviting Tianheng was really was worth it.

    As for this group of Tianheng¡¯s, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare neglect anything.

    He still released his psychic power, sweeping through all directions.

    Those Earth Ghosts were too strange. One shouldn¡¯t look at how it got beaten by Tianheng and dropped to the ground. When Gu Zuo discovered it, it had hidden along the mountain cliffs. Moreover, if it weren¡¯t found by his psychic power, it really wouldn¡¯t have been easy to find with the naked eye!

    Gongyi Tianheng was also very careful.

    His psychic power was too weak, and he was merely a martial artist who couldn¡¯t release his perception, and could only vaguely detect feelings of crisis. However, at that time, he simply didn¡¯t discover the Earth Ghost. It was only after Gu Zuo¡¯s warning that he immediately peered towards that ce and sensed an extremely faint strand of chilliness. He promptly and decisively set out, smoothly dispatching it.

    The process in this seemed simple, but in reality, each and every step couldn¡¯t have had any mistakes.

    While rushing ahead, Tianheng didn¡¯t forget to tell them his experience just then.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power naturally couldn¡¯t be brought up, but he could still mention that they should carefully sense any killing intent... An Earth Ghost¡¯s hiding abilities were exceptional. Although its strength wasn¡¯t too great, they had to focus all of their attention and strain their mental states. They couldn¡¯t be careless.

    It was a pity that many matters that weren¡¯t spoken about couldn¡¯t be aplished, and matters that weren¡¯t guarded against couldn¡¯t be guarded against.

    Not long after, a child of the Duanmu n let out a scream.

    Everyone looked over and discovered that arge chunk of skin had been torn away from his calf. Unexpectedly, the exposed exterior sections were already covered in ck qi!

    But as for the Earth Ghost that attacked him? There wasn¡¯t a trace of it to be seen!

    Everyone¡¯s hearts tightened.

    Suddenly, another child from the royal family simrly had the skin of their calf torn.

    At this moment, someone found that the Earth Ghost was burrowing up from underground. After an effective strike, it immediately returned beneath the ground!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was heavy and his gaze was calm as he carefully observed the ground close to the children from the royal family and the Duanmu n. It wasn¡¯t long before he really found some marks...

    Fortunately, since there were marks, it proved that the Earth Ghost¡¯s earth fleeing methods weren¡¯tpletely without ws. Even the Earth Ghost might not have been able to flee too deeply underground. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been impossible for someone to notice the tracks.

    Gongyi Tianheng transmitted: Ah Zuo!

    Gu Zuo understood and promptly used his psychic power to probe underground.

    His psychic power¡¯s prating capabilities weren¡¯t too strong, and could only go three to five meters into the ground. But evidently, after the Earth Ghost went underground, the depth that it sank down didn¡¯t exceed this range.

    Gu Zuo immediately said: "Big brother, one meter to the right of Prince Cang Yu, about two meters deep!"

    Tianheng leaped and his figure was as vigorous as a cheetah. His right hand clenched and he used seventy percent of his strength to resolutely smash the area Gu Zuo pointed at!

    Boom!

    Thend responded with the emergence of a crevice. Inside, a shadow shed out.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianhengunched an uppercut!

    After a cracking sound, the shadow was. .h.i.t head-on. It let out a miserable screech and fell to the ground, thoroughly dead.

    The rest of the people had lingering fears.

    Gu Zuo jumped down once more and hurriedly scampered to the two children whose calves were torn.

    The other martial artists had mournful eyes.

    During this brief period of time, the ck qi had already creeped straight up along their calves. At the same time, the faces of the two were shrouded with an ashen color.

    This was clearly the work of the toxin.

    Based on this speed, it wouldn¡¯t take long for one to die from the poison.

    In addition, because the Earth Ghost was just too bizarre, the Poison Dispelling Pill they brought and stuffed into the two¡¯s mouths weren¡¯t even a little bit useful...

    T/N: Sorry for thete update. It was a busy week for me. This chapter was rushed, so there may be more mistakes than normal.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 112

    The immediate state of affairs was like this: Cang Yu and the others felt fear as they looked helplessly upon their own n children die.

    Although it was possible to perish anytime and anywhere along the martial path, it was very difficult to enter the Qingyun Sect. Without being able to make any contributions or gain any sought-after benefits for their ns, when they weren¡¯t even able to y a single Earth Ghost before s.u.mbing to poison... It was too pathetic and unworthy.

    Yet, Gu Zuo scampered over and it wasn¡¯t for the sake of watching how they¡¯d die.

    He quickly saw that this person was on the brink of death. He reached out a hand and grasped his calf ¡ª

    Only a gushing sound was heard. The ce where the leg was torn open suddenly spurted out a stream of ck blood.

    At the same time, the poison¡¯s traveling speed slowed a little and the ck qi on that martial artist¡¯s face also dimmed a bit.

    ¡ª One shouldn¡¯t look at how this was only a little bit. At the very least, this showed that this method was useful!

    Maybe, this person could be saved?

    Gu Zuo was basically giving medicine to a dead horse. He thought that since that ck liquid couldn¡¯t encroach upon a pharmacist¡¯s palm and automatically drew away, maybe the poison of this Earth Ghost was the same?

    In any case, based on the situation just now, this poison was one that couldn¡¯t encroach upon his body. Thus, this attempt was only an attempt. If it was sessful, then it would be two lives saved!

    In actuality, it really did have a bit of an effect.

    Merely, by relying on Gu Zuo, a single individual, he might only be able to look after one other person.

    Gu Zuo said at once: "Princess Yaomin, quicklye and help!"

    This single call woke up all the stunned martial artists.

    Cang Yu promptly set down Princess Yaomin, and she quickly arrived in front of the poisoned child of the royal family. Her lily-white hands grabbed the area of the wound in the manner she learned from Gu Zuo.

    Sure enough, after Princess Yaomin used some strength, ck blood spurted from the wound, which simrly slowed the poisoning of this child of the royal family.

    She let out a sigh as she watched Gu Zuo¡¯s actions and copied them.

    In fact, Gu Zuo was also just trying his luck. Gu Zuo directly rubbed his hand along the trousers of that Duanmu n¡¯s martial artist, going straight to his hip before stoping and going back down.

    Fortunately, the poison had only spread to about an inch above the knee. If it travelled from the lower abdomen into the internal organs, it would be really troublesome ¡ª Because the method Gu Zuo adopted was one that used "pushing and pressing".

    Gu Zuo used his two hands and pushed at the edge of where the poison had spread, and started pressing down. From the wound on the calf, ck blood gurgled out.

    Only, how much strength would a pharmacist have? Whether if it were Gu Zuo or Princess Yaomin, looking at the traces of the poison¡¯s spread from above and below the knee, after getting close to parts of the abdomen, there wouldn¡¯t be any way to persist.

    If they wanted to continue the bleeding, it would only be after giving the injured person a knife. However, after giving a knife, while the blood would flow a bit once more, it would quickly stop if an artery wasn¡¯t cut open. In addition, because of the toxin, it would quickly clot the blood and make it difficult to flow.

    This was another difficult problem.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows. Then, his eyes shined.

    First, he used a hand to push the person¡¯s blood. When his other hand unfolded, two jade bottles appeared in the center of his palm. He raised this hand and threw one over to Princess Yaomin: "Princess, there are Snowy Ginseng Pills inside. Give that young master a dose!"

    After he finished speaking, he also opened the other bottle. Gu Zuo poured out a Snowy Ginseng Pill and stuffed it into this injured person.

    The medicinal effects of the Snowy Ginseng Pill were extraordinary. Although the one that Gu Zuo took out was only high grade, this kind of pill was famous for quickly replenishing the blood. Otherwise, how could it have received such poprity?

    In just an instant, the Duanmu n¡¯s injured person sensed a warm feeling flowing through his body. That warm feeling travelled through his veins, and his face, which was originally sickly, gained a little color.

    The wound¡¯s location immediately and continuously seeped with blood.

    But this wasn¡¯t enough. Gu Zuo followed those veins and abruptly used his two palms to press down!

    Pu!

    The ce which originally had a line of blood seep out now had a gout of ck blood spurting out.

    At this moment, the spreading ck qi¡¯s poisonous marks had faded away by more than half! And the final traces of the ckened poison were only gathered around the wound itself.

    When Princess Yaomin saw this, she also had faith. She promptly used the Snowy Ginseng Pill on her own nsman, and simrly used the pressing method. She followed the veins, and squeezed the blood manufactured from the Snowy Ginseng Pill out of the wound!

    ¡ª Her speed needed to be fast. Because the Snowy Ginseng Pill made blood for the whole body, if this chance wasn¡¯t captured, the blood would instead flow back due to the blood¡¯s production speed. On the contrary, the poison would be carried throughout the whole body, worsening the injured person¡¯s poisoning.

    After capturing this opportunity, one could use the unconventional method of the movements of a pharmacist¡¯s palms to detoxify the injured person!

    About fifteen minutes pa.s.sed. The fingers of two pharmacists incessantly pressed down, and that final bit of ck blood was forced out of the wound atst. The remaining blood was wholly red.

    Thus, they didn¡¯t push anymore and only waited for a little while, seeing that the Snowy Ginseng Pill¡¯s usefulness was almost over. Then, they each took out a Rejuvenation Pill and fed it to the two wounded.

    This time, the wound recovered very quickly, and the puny lives of these two wounded were saved.

    Once this matter was resolved, Gu Zuo¡¯s brows were already beaded with sweat. On the side, Princess Yaomin was also drenched with perspiration.

    However, this wasn¡¯t saying that it was due to them spending much strength for this little matter. It was mainly because they were too nervous and their minds were worn down ¡ª After all, a moment of carelessness would mean a loss of life. Their pressure was truly not small.

    Yet, no matter how exhausted, what should¡¯ve been a loss of life was now merely a vitality injury. As the supplemented consumption of medicinal pills could let one continue moving about, this was a great fortune within the middle of misfortune.

    For other martial artists, if the pharmacist¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t that fast or if they didn¡¯t have the Snowy Ginseng Pill, this blood replenishing pill with G.o.dly effects, they would still presumably die from mortal wounds.

    After the two wounded stood up, they hastily expressed their thanks to the two pharmacists.

    Everyone looked at Gu Zuo, their eyes carrying a grateful expression.

    They clearly understood that if it weren¡¯t for Gu Zuo¡¯s bold conjecture and prompt response, perhaps the two would¡¯ve died several times over while waiting for them to think of something!

    Truly, it was too difficult for the Cangyun Empire, this kind of nation, to send these disciples into the sect... One less death was one less death.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too used to being looked at by so many people. After forcing a fewughs to express his modesty, he leaped to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s side.

    Tianheng faintly smiled, and reached out a hand to ruffle his hair: "Ah Zuo, well done."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile suddenly became brilliant.

    Once more, he went to collect the Ghost Nucleus and the Earth Ghost corpse. And once more, he climbed back up onto his dear big brother¡¯s back.

    Cang Yu looked at everyone while carrying Princess Yaomin, and eximed: "Alright, let¡¯s be on our way."

    How long had it been since entering West Mountain that they suffered these matters?

    Unwittingly, the hearts of numerous martial artists already had their hearts covered with a dark haze.

    Merely, since they arrived already and they knew the way to resolve the toxin, they needed to summon up their courage to strive deeper into West Mountain no matter what.

    Following the ever increasing encounters with Earth Ghosts, it was basically Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power that found them out in advance. After that, he would tell Tianheng, who would quickly set out and dispose of them.

    Because Cang Yu and the others didn¡¯t have this cheat tool of Gu Zuo¡¯s, they simply didn¡¯t have the means to kill Earth Ghosts and could only follow Gongyi Tianheng. As they guarded against Earth Ghosts, they also did their best to raise their experience.

    Gradually, the martial artists realized how they should keep their guards up.

    The reason why Earth Ghosts were called Earth Ghosts was because they could go through the ground un.o.bstructed. One or two could be hidden in any ces that had earth. It was only the moment before attacking that they revealed their killing intent. At any other time, they were hard to sense.

    However, because they only had several kinds of basic attacks, apart from ambushes, an individual¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t very high. They were weaker even whenpared to an equivalent realm martial artist. So long as one was able to discover its tracks, ying it wasn¡¯t difficult.

    It needed to be mentioned that martial artists had to be one hundred and twenty percent careful. Each and every step on the ground needed to utilize footwork so that they were prepared to dodge at any moment. At the same time, their reactions had to be extremely fast. Moreover, during an opportunity that they sensed killing intent, they needed to act quickly, urately, and ruthlessly!

    Just like this, a little more than an hour pa.s.sed. Cang Yu and the others, who were originally very intelligent, had also discovered the way of attacking.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 113

    Under the concerted efforts of numerous martial artists, the following journey went well. The number of Earth Ghosts they slew was also rising.

    From the base of the mountain to its halfway point, they basically became more and more proficient in killing, and the Ghost Nuclei obtained continuously increased.

    Whether if it was Gu Zuo or Princess Yaomin, they both got used to picking the Ghost Nuclei from the Earth Ghost corpses. Leaving aside that every corpse Gongyi Tianheng slew was collected by Gu Zuo, Princess Yaomin had also ovee her psychological barrier and used the Fangcun Cloth to collect Earth Ghost corpses to study them.

    This activity made the children from the royal family not know whether tough or cry. However, they also understood that after being able to handle disgusting things calmly, she would be able to walk even further along the pharmacist¡¯s path and be better adapted to this world of martial supremacy.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s suggestion, Cang Yu and the group moved around the mountain. They travelled horizontally and didn¡¯t climb up blindly anymore.

    Besides Tianheng sensing a bit of danger, Gu Zuo had used his psychic power to explore further and sensed that the higher he went, the stronger the Earth Ghosts he encountered. But these weren¡¯t like the ones they ran into before, whose realms were roughly equivalent to Houtian stage seven or eight. They could basically suppress those Earth Ghosts stably.

    Once they encountered the stronger Earth Ghosts, even though it was only stronger by one or two grades, they also needed to worry about the poison and speed on top of that!

    Numerous martial artists quickly swept out a circle.

    Suddenly, the sounds of several martial skills being released could be heard from a ce not far away. They couldn¡¯t help turning their heads to look.

    West Mountain was veryrge, and it was hard to travel all over. There were obviously many outer sect disciples entering, but unexpectedly they hadn¡¯t encountered any fellow disciples within the past couple of hours. It could be seen that this was but a single spot on the leopard.

    Yet, they had an encounter just now.

    There wasn¡¯t any camaraderie to speak of between fellow disciples, but if they could get a look at how others dealt with Earth Ghosts, this would also be considered a kind of experience. If the other side was friendly, then an exchange in methods of dealing with Earth Ghosts would be the correct way.

    The group was, nevertheless, very careful.

    Gongyi Tianheng and Cang Yu properly carried the people they cared about on their backs, the feet almost never touching the ground. They both stuck to the walls at the same time, and slowly approached the fight¡¯s obvious location.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo had already gotten a clear look ahead of time ¡ª That¡¯s right. His eyesight might not have been that good, but it was no match for his psychic power, which was too much of a cheat. While the others were still hiding behind stones, mountain walls, and grooves, his psychic power had already "whooshed" to its destination.

    He was both watching and giving a live broadcast to Tianheng in his mind.

    [Big brother, it¡¯s definitely a veteran disciple.]

    [There¡¯s only one person, but he¡¯s very powerful.]

    [His martial skills are very mighty, but the Earth Ghost he¡¯s handling is very short and small. It¡¯s only half as big as the one we just encountered. However, its strength is very high. It¡¯s at least twice as strong as the ones before.]

    [It looks like that senior sect brother shouldn¡¯t be in any danger...]

    As he spoke, numerous martial artists gradually got closer.

    What happened next didn¡¯t require Gu Zuo to broadcast. Gongyi Tianheng could already see the one fighting the Earth Ghost like a wildfire; a handsome martial artist holding a sword in his hand.

    His swordsmanship wasn¡¯t that exquisite, but strangeness aside, the sword itself was very heavy. Every time a move was made, the wind it carried could¡¯ve almost been used for smashing.

    However, that Earth Ghost also wasn¡¯t so easy to handle. Its body crouched low against ground, and wasn¡¯t like the ones Tianheng and the others encountered previously. A sure-strike wasn¡¯t immediately dodged. Instead, it used flexible body techniques to wrap around and fight the veteran disciple.

    Not only did its appearance resemble a monkey, but even when it attacked, that fickle and unfixed style was extremely close to that of primates. Unwittingly, this was to the extent that when the veteran disciple was incautious, thin marks appeared on his body from the Earth Ghost¡¯s scratches.

    The Earth Ghost was highly toxic.

    The fight went on longer and the veteran disciple couldn¡¯t defeat the Earth Ghost. Because his qi and blood surged, the bits of contracted poison had continuously seeped into his body. It didn¡¯t take much time for those marks carrying a bit of ck to turn into a dark ck afterwards.

    At the same time, the veteran disciple¡¯splexion had be even more unsightly ¡ª If this deadlock between one man and one Earth Ghost continued, the victor would most likely be the Earth Ghost!

    Right then, Gongyi Tianheng and the others were considering whether to step forward to save him.

    Gu Zuo secretly transmitted: Big brother, shall I shoot that Earth Ghost?

    Tianheng gave it some thought before shaking his head: There¡¯s no rush.

    There were many people around, and the veteran disciple also wasn¡¯t easy to fool. It was better not to casually reveal Gu Zuo¡¯s ability. If they needed to save the veteran disciple, he would mount an ambush. On the contrary, pinning it down using Cang Yu and other¡¯s outstanding strength was more ountable.

    Gu Zuo naturally listened to Tianheng¡¯s words. Since Tianheng wouldn¡¯t let him do it, he just behaved and rested against his big brother¡¯s back, silently spectating.

    Just as Gongyi Tianheng and Cang Yu exchanged nces and prepared to go out and stage a rescue, that veteran disciple suddenly shook. Both of his arms swung, as he raised the heavy sword and took on a strange posture. There was a vicious bombardment ¡ª

    After only hearing a loud sound, the Earth Ghost instantaneously fell to the ground, and was almost chopped into two pieces by that valiant martial skill!

    However, it was clear that the veteran disciple also wasn¡¯t feeling any better.

    At this moment, hisplexion was flushed, and his qi and blood was boiling. That strike just now certainly exerted all his strength. In addition, although hisplexion wasn¡¯t bad, there was a portion of ck qi between his eyebrows. This was a sign of poisoning.

    To put it briefly, he either had to go down the mountain and find a pharmacist to dispel the poison, or just wait here for a little while... En, and just wait to die. There was no other path.

    The veteran disciple took out a medicinal pill and stuffed it into his mouth.

    Beyond expectations, while the medicinal pills Cang Yu and the others had were all useless, the one this veteran disciple used dispersed the ck qi on his face a little bit.

    One couldn¡¯t look at how this little bit wasn¡¯t much. At least it suppressed the poison so that it wouldn¡¯t easily kill him.

    The hearts of Cang Yu and the others moved.

    They didn¡¯t know what the G.o.dly effects this poison dispelling pill were...

    At first, everyone thought that this matter would end here. Since they didn¡¯t rush to help, they weren¡¯t prepared to go out. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t an appropriate matter to appear when the guy was seriously injured.

    Hence, they intended to leave.

    Yet, what the numerous martial artists never expected was that just as they were about to depart, a distant figure arrived extremely quickly. The figure started string ofughter, which sounded like...it was harboring malicious intentions?

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved.

    Cang Yu and the others also continued to keep themselves hidden.

    Gu Zuo was a little suspicious: Big brother, that person...

    Tianheng transmitted an exnation: I¡¯m afraid the one who¡¯sing isn¡¯t good.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    Weren¡¯t they both fellow disciples? Could it be that the one arriving had bad intentions?

    They didn¡¯t need to guess for long.

    Because that person carried a bit of insolence as he stood before that veteran disciple.

    The expression of that veteran disciple changed: "You Jiong, what did youe here for, just tough at me?"

    As he spoke, his fingers made slight movements, already grabbing that heavy sword even more tightly.

    You Jiong revealed a sinister smile: "Kang Wenhong, do you think this is aughing matter between us?"

    Kang Wenhong¡¯s eyes shed with a cold light.

    You Jiong seemed in high spirits as he appreciated this frail posture of Kang Wenhong. With You Jiong¡¯s hands sped behind his back, he paced a few steps to the side: "Looking at your sorry state now, I feel very happy. Aren¡¯t you pleased with yourself? Every time there¡¯s a small martial arts ranking list, you¡¯ve stepped on my head. But now, you¡¯ve be a tiny insect in my hand. I just have to think about curling my fingers to crush you.

    He continued: "Just thinking about your helpless and pained appearance while you beg for forgiveness makes me especially happy. And thinking that I won¡¯t have to see your self-satisfied face in the future almost makes me want to dance."

    Kang Wenhong¡¯s sternum heaved up and down. It was clear that his anger wasn¡¯t light.

    You Jiong became even happier: "You never expected that I would follow after you, huh? You always were so stupid, liking to use life and death battles to advance yourself. It¡¯s obvious that West Mountain Ghost Hunting requires one to bring a pharmacist to collect Ghost Nuclei to increase one¡¯s a.s.sessment points. Nevertheless, you came alone just to fight Earth Ghosts. Yet, how would you do battle with them? Without a pharmacist on hand, no matter how much you stall for time, it¡¯d be useless to think about recovering even a little bit."

    His voice carried a prideful demeanor, "Because the longer you put it off, the deeper the toxins enter your body. Afterwards, a Poison Purification Pill would also be useless. You would only have blood leaking out of your face and die within West Mountain ¡ª"

    Just as he was incessantly provoking Kang Wenhong, a streak of sword light suddenly appeared before his eyes!

    You Jiongughed heartily: "Quietly waiting would also be death. But with you attacking me like this, your qi and blood will circte and you¡¯ll die even faster!"

    Two iron hooks appeared in his hands and the sound of tinkling bells echoed. It brought that heavy sword to a halt. At this moment, You Jiong was even more arrogant, "Kang Wenhong, you haven¡¯t eaten yet? You only have this much strength?"

    While he spoke, he exerted himself and threw aside the heavy sword. This even brought Kang Wenhong stumbling back several meters. He said: "Normally my two hooks can¡¯t withstand you with one sword and I have to retreat. Is it now your turn? Hahahaha!"

    His voice fell as he suddenly advanced, repeatedly waving his two hooks. This dance produced many imposing traces.

    There were air-breaking sounds as the noises of the weapons¡¯ collisions echoed endlessly. Under this kind of attack, Kang Wenhong was in dire straits as he was battered and exhausted.

    Yet, Kang Wenhong still responded as calmly as possible. Even if it was barely enough, even if it seemed it was getting harder and harder to cope, he still wasn¡¯t willing to admit defeat. More than that, he wasn¡¯t willing to beg for forgiveness.

    Instead, he barked: "A despicable peon like you can¡¯tpare to me normally. Taking advantage of me while I¡¯m in danger basically isn¡¯t worth mentioning. If I weren¡¯t poisoned, how could you get past ten of my moves? You Jiong, you only have this much skill. It truly shames me to even be a.s.sociated with you!"

    You Jiong heard this and his expression became unsightly: "Death is near at hand, and you¡¯re still reluctant to admit your mistakes!"

    After that, he no longer talked big due to his hatred. The hook attacks were even fiercer, and in the blink of an eye, Kang Wenhong seemed at a disadvantage under the hooks!

    Kang Wenhong also responded toote. Immediately following which, the two hooks drew near and were about to sever his throat. It would kill him ¡ª

    His eyes brimmed with an intense feeling of unwillingness.

    Could it be... Could it be that he was going to die under this peon¡¯s hands?!

    In this moment of imminent peril, something suddenly shot out and directly struck the two hooks, sweeping them away.

    At the same time, the shadows of a number of pract.i.tioners appeared.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 114

    You Jiong almost reflexively retreated.

    After experiencing the vicissitudes of life, this was an outer sect veteran disciple¡¯s intuition to a crisis!

    Following that, he looked in front at Kang Wenhong and all around him. Many people were standing all over. These people¡¯s appearances seemed to be that of newly promoted outer sect disciples.

    Only, how could new disciples be so audacious? They actually dared to meddle in the struggle between veteran disciples!

    The ones who abruptly dashed out to save Kang Wenhong were naturally Gongyi Tianheng and the others.

    At this moment, Cang Yu acted as the leader and spoke at once: "Honorable senior sect brother You, we¡¯re all fellow disciples. Anyone can make mistakes, so why not forgive them when possible?"

    You Jiong let out a coldugh: "New disciples who dare stick their hands where they don¡¯t belong will get them chopped off!"

    Cang Yu frowned.

    Even if the other side was a veteran disciple, they had so many new disciples and a dozen Houtiante-stage three martial artists among them. They weren¡¯t scared of him! It was just that this You Jiong was obviously a vile character. He would bear a grudge, so future events wouldn¡¯t be too encouraging.

    However, the matter ofing to the rescue was proposed by Gongyi Tianheng and them.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t because they weren¡¯t sensible and insisted on getting involved in the affairs between veteran disciples. First and foremost, while everyone was part of the same sect, if they didn¡¯t see it or if they didn¡¯t have the ability to intervene, then forget about it. Obviously, now that they¡¯d already seen it and they were capable of preventing it, watching him die without saving him really troubled the heart. Yet, this wasn¡¯t the most important thing.

    What was most important was that You Jiong could follow Kang Wenhong so far and so deeply into West Mountain. After waiting for him to kill Kang Wenhong, no one knew if he might discover their existence. Once found, they would also incur his wrath, so it was better to seize the opportunity to save Kang Wenhong and garner some good karma with the seemingly more honest Kang Wenhong.

    While listening to the two¡¯s words, among veteran disciples, Kang Wenhong¡¯s status and strength was clearly superior to You Jiong¡¯s. Otherwise, that You Jiong wouldn¡¯t have gone so far as to secretly scheme until Kang Wenhong quickly s.u.mbed to the poison before appearing and showing off his might. Once they saved Kang Wenhong, wouldn¡¯t he go find trouble with You Jiong? And so long as Kang Wenhong could move, You Jiong would be hard-pressed and also wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to negatively affect them.

    Most of all, as far as Cang Yu and the others were concerned, this was a great opportunity towork.

    Gongyi Tianheng already had rtionships with the inner sect, but Cang Yu definitely didn¡¯t. The more time one had to make friends, therger the socialwork one could form and the more advantageous this was to oneself.

    As a prince, how could Cang Yu not understand this?

    After numerous calctions, it was more beneficial to save him.

    Not only was this abiding by their scruples, but they could also obtain benefits. It just like so.

    As to the dangers You Jiong might bring about...

    In the capacity as martial artists, thinking about obtaining benefits without encountering danger ¡ª How could such a beautiful thing exist in this world!?

    Gu Zuo rested against Tianheng¡¯s back. When he listened to You Jiong berating Cang Yu, his eyes shed with worry.

    He secretly transmitted to Tianheng: Big brother, that You Jiong... He bullies the weak and fears the strong.

    A smiling expression shed in Tianheng¡¯s eyes: Yes. That¡¯s why he will certainly retreat.

    Gu Zuo nodded. He also felt it woulde to this.

    To be honest, he also heard You Jiong¡¯s self-satisfied conversation just now and he really didn¡¯t have a good impression of him.

    One might say this wasn¡¯t about being mortal enemies. Yet, his martial strength was always suppressed by that guy Kang Wenhong. His heart was offended and wanted to kill that guy. This was just too petty!

    If one had a little skill, wouldn¡¯t they try even harder? If their best wasn¡¯t enough, just considering Kang Wenhong as a goal to boost one¡¯s own progress was also good! On the contrary, he wanted to kill someone... Could it be that in the future, he would kill one after another as soon as he had an encounter? Only using underhanded methods to kill someone who was stronger than oneself wouldn¡¯t make one be a powerhouse. Instead, fighting skilled experts using one¡¯s real strength was the correct path for men!

    Since his arrival, Gu Zuo had pretty muted adapted to this world.

    He felt that only with his big brother Gongyi Tianheng, this kind of person, would he scale the summit of the martial way in the future. And those like You Jiong, who didn¡¯t dare confront difficult situations and only dared to use secret and shameful methods with a heart that envied strength, they certainly wouldn¡¯t go far.

    En, after saving that Kang Wenhong, perhaps he could be even strongerter on ¡ª What¡¯s more, he might gain some insight again this time!

    That was one side of things.

    After Cang Yu was berated, he wasn¡¯t obstinate toward You Jiong because, in the end, he was a new disciple. Rather, he cupped his hand and continued to stand in front of Kang Wenhong.

    Under his signals, the other twenty or so nominal disciples tightened their encirclement, leaving only a single exit for You Jiong. In addition, this exit was bing smaller and smaller...

    You Jiong was full of crafty plots and machinations. How couldn¡¯t he be aware of the current situation?

    He watched the people around him getting closer and closer. He understood that if he didn¡¯t give up on killing Kang Wenhong, perhaps he¡¯d bepletely surrounded. When that time came, who knew if these people would simply kill him or hand him over to the Earth Ghosts that filled this mountain?

    Merely, You Jiong still wasn¡¯t willing to let Kang Wenhong live.

    He clenched his fists, raised his head, and said: "You all shouldn¡¯t make this mistake. So long as you let me kill Kang Wenhong, I¡¯m willing to be your friend. I also have several excellent pills that flow from the inner sect. If you all are willing to step aside, I¡¯ll divide these pills amongst you. How about it?"

    Cang Yu was left with no choice: "Senior sect brother You, please don¡¯t make things difficult for us."

    You Jiong furiously said: "Then what benefits will Kang Wenhong give to you?"

    ¡ª Actually, Kang Wenhong¡¯s face was a deep ck. He didn¡¯t speak because the qi was like a fine gossamer, and he could hardly move.

    He could only perceive that someone was in front to save him. This made his heart very grateful.

    At this moment, Kang Wenhong did his best to open his mouth. The sound was like a mosquito: "Many thanks, juniors...for the a.s.sist. I¡¯m already done for... Better not agree... To avoid..."

    To avoid the trouble of You Jionging to find them.

    It seemed to Kang Wenhong that these newly advanced junior sect brothers still weren¡¯t used to the sect¡¯s cruelty and were still full of zeal. This kind of person shouldn¡¯t provoke such a vile character like You Jiong for someone near death like him.

    As for letting these junior sect brothers kill You Jiong, Kang Wenhong didn¡¯t need to mention it.

    Currently it was only because they were junior sect brothers that the matter of slightly offending You Jiong could still be mended. However, once they tried to kill You Jiong, who had all kinds of trump cards to escape, it would end with them fighting to theirst breath. You Jiong wasn¡¯t that scary, but his background definitely didn¡¯tck the existence of someone.

    Kang Wenhong also had a supporter. If he was alive, he could still shelter these junior sect brothers. But once he died, his supporter wouldn¡¯t do anything for these fellows. In that case, wasn¡¯t this just letting them be ughtered by You Jiong?

    Gu Zuo silently sighed.

    Based on the dialogue of these two, he knew that Kang Wenhong¡¯s character was much better than You Jiong¡¯s.

    If You Jiong¡¯s words could be believed, then pigs could fly.

    This matter was one that even Gu Zuo knew about. Cang Yu naturally wouldn¡¯t be unaware.

    He immediately stated: "We¡¯re satisfied with how things are now. After you, senior sect brother You!"

    Maliciousness streaked across You Jiong¡¯s eyes.

    Gongyi Tianheng secretly kept his guard up.

    Before this You Jiong departed, he probably still wanted to...

    Just as expected, You Jiong looked at Cang Yu¡¯s reluctance and was very resentful. With fury on his face, he repeatedly said: "Good, good, good! I will remember you!"

    As he spoke, he slowly retreated.

    The encirclement of those nominal disciples also gradually opened up, allowing him to leave...

    However, just at this moment, You Jiong suddenly stopped mid-step and both hooks shed. His entire body hurriedly shot out! The terrible, cold light on those hooks advanced right towards Cang Yu!

    Cang Yu also wasn¡¯t caught off guard. He turned his hand over, already using a long saber to block the hooks.

    However, the powerful strength the hooks were beyond his expectations. With his little sister on his back, he only used one hand. Although he blocked this strike, the paths to the left and right were un.o.bstructed.

    Gu Zuo stared: Big brother, that guy really is quite sinister.

    Tianheng shook his head: We can¡¯t let him injure Brother Cang Yu.

    That fiend You Jiong saw that Cang Yu already had to protect Kang Wenhong as well as the woman on his back. So, it would be hard to be thorough. He let out a grimugh, and decided to kill this greenhorn first at the very least. These new disciples were merely gra.s.shoppers that struggled in his hand. Ones that couldn¡¯t jump out!

    Cang Yu suddenly shot out his hand and resisted once more.

    He never antic.i.p.ated that You Jiong would still want to kill people at this juncture!

    As the ninth prince, though he exercised restraint after reaching the sect, his apt.i.tudes were also absolutely exceptional among the aristocratic descendants. At this moment, he released killing intent against You Jiong.

    Cang Yu said: "Little sister, hold on tight to me."

    Princess Yaomin naturally obeyed and firmly clung to her elder brother¡¯s body.

    This time, Cang Yu¡¯s two hands grasped the saber with added strength!

    However, in the end, Cang Yu was too rushed. You Jiong upied the winning side. Unexpectedly, he still took advantage of this opportunity, reaching out his hand to take care of that Princess Yaomin!

    If Cang Yu wanted to save Princess Yaomin, he needed to switch ces. And once he switched ces, the two hooks would certainly make contact with his body!

    Just then, two small stones swiftly flew past. They struck the two hooks, sweeping them away.

    You Jiong furiously drew back and suddenly saw a person appear just in front of Cang Yu ¡ª It was someone he didn¡¯t meticulously take note of before.

    He shouted sternly: "As it turns out, it was you!"

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was unhurried: "Senior sect brother You¡¯d better quickly leave."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 115

    You Jiong looked at this rxed appearance of Gongyi Tianheng and tried perceiving his qi energy. He only felt like it was the same as the mountains and the abyss. The bottom of its depths couldn¡¯t be seen. Unexpectedly, he couldn¡¯t decide what to do for a moment.

    But this was only a new disciple. How could his strength be this powerful? This was certainly just putting on an act!

    Yet, he recalled the moment those two stones swept his hooks away ¡ª He himself understood the most about the force of his two hooks. The amount of energy that those tiny stones had transferred also couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    While his thoughts continuously turned, You Jiong didn¡¯t intend on suffering any losses here. He had no alternative but to begrudgingly say: "You¡¯re very good. I¡¯ll definitely remember you all!"

    After setting down these ruthless words, he turned on the spot and fled, lest he make those people change their minds. With the fastest speed, he turned into an oppressive shadow and left the encirclement!

    No one obstructed him.

    But his parting words were still etched into the hearts of numerous martial artists.

    Once You Jiong departed, Cang Yu and the others let out sighs of relief.

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng pat Gu Zuo¡¯s calf. Gu Zuo¡¯s face turned red as he quickly jumped off his back, and immediately arrived beside Kang Wenhong.

    Because this guy was previously forced by You Jiong to hastily use his martial prowess, it caused his qi and blood to circte and spread the poison. Right now, the effects of taking the Poison Dispelling Pill would already be non-existent.

    Currently, if no one went to save him, he would probably drop dead very quickly.

    Princess Yaomin was a woman and the other was a man, so it wasn¡¯t good to touch him. Naturally, it could only be left to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo quickly crouched in front of Kang Wenhong, and used his fingers to grip the region above the deepest wound. He used his strength to squeeze and make the ck blood within rapidly flow out.

    However, the condition of Kang Wenhong¡¯s injuries were much graver than those of the previous martial artists. It was mainly that there were many more wounds, and attending to one meant neglecting another. This was especially troublesome.

    Gu Zuo was really busy for a short while. Although there was a sizable amount of ck blood that was squeezed out, the remaining poison had spread very quickly. Even after a while, the efficiency still wasn¡¯t that high.

    If this continued, there might not been enough time...

    After furrowing his eyebrows and pondering, Gu Zuo turned his head and called out: "Princess Yaomin! I¡¯ll have to ask that you lend a hand..."

    Princess Yaomin hesitated somewhat.

    There actually weren¡¯t any problems with people from the same n, but that was an unfamiliar man. If she were to give him treatment, she had to get close and personal... However, the idea of saving him took the lead. She had to be pragmatic in times of emergency, so why bother wasting time? Thus, she also pushed off her elder brother¡¯s back. Her dainty feet moved lightly and she quickly arrived beside Gu Zuo.

    The words in Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth were unending:

    "Princess, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to press that ce first."

    "Princess, here."

    "Over there, too. Move your hand with me..."

    "That¡¯s right, increase the force!"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows were beaded with sweat, and Princess Yaomin was also drenched.

    In order to save this Kang Wenhong, the two had to work even faster than the poison. It was truly exhausting.

    Time pa.s.sed. After the poison was gradually forced out, Kang Wenhong slowly regained consciousness ¡ª Just then, his awareness was fuzzy and his mind wanted to fade away. At this moment, he finally became clear-headed.

    When he opened his eyes, the one he saw had a face that was as splendid as the clouds at sunrise. That earnest and careful appearance of hers moved his heart most of all. He reacted right away. This woman was saving him!

    "Many thanks...youngdy..."

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    That Kang Wenhong simply didn¡¯t notice such a big person as him.

    Sure enough, a little sister really had more attractiveness.

    At first, Princess Yaomin was very busy. The moment she heard this sentence, she couldn¡¯t help raising her head and meeting that man¡¯s face which was still suffused with a deep ck.

    In the blink of an eye, her fair skin was filled with a scarlet blush.

    In the end, however, she was a nation¡¯s princess. She quickly calmed down and smiled sweetly: "No need to thank me. It¡¯s Pharmacist Gu who saved you. I¡¯m only acting to support him."

    That Kang Wenhong heard this and stared nkly. He discovered that there was another person on the other side who was pressing on his wounds to remove the poison. Eh, he was a sixteen or seventeen year old youth? He was a little embarra.s.sed that there was another benefactor whom hepletely failed to notice before...

    Kang Wenhong hurried to remedy this: "Pharmacist Gu, thank you so much."

    Gu Zuo saw that Kang Wenhong¡¯s mind was bing more and more clear. Hearing this big brother¡¯s regret, he shook his head: "Don¡¯t mention it. It¡¯s the young master who had me save you."

    Kang Wenhong was stunned again.

    After the muddled reaction from just waking up, the memories from before he fainted all appeared in his mind. Once again, he took another look at the dozens who surrounded and protected him, and his gaze fell upon Cang Yu and Gongyi Tianheng.

    He gradually remembered many matters.

    At first, it was to challenge himself between life and death. He¡¯d also made preparations, but who could¡¯ve thought that he¡¯d encounter that despicable peon You Jiong? He almost lost his life before he was saved.

    It was precisely these newly promoted disciples. His junior sect brothers.

    Kang Wenhong was very grateful, and thanked everyone once more: "This Brother Kang Wenhong still has several ways into the outer sect. If my junior sect brothers have any instructions, just go to the Lofty Sword Courtyard to find me. If I can do it, I certainly won¡¯t decline." He paused, and said, "In the inner sect... I also have one or two connections."

    The spoken words were ambiguous, but Cang Yu and the others all came from aristocratic and royal households. How could they not hear the unspoken implications? Naturally, they were all very happy.

    Although they faced danger, the person who was saved hade back. There were no problems.

    Kang Wenhong didn¡¯t mention how he¡¯d deal with You Jiong, but from his bearing, it was certain that he wouldn¡¯t let You Jiong have an easy time. Moreover, with Kang Wenhong¡¯s previous speech, if You Jiong really tried to deal with them, they could just go to the Lofty Sword Courtyard and seek Kang Wenhong.

    A period of time pa.s.sed. Gu Zuo and Princess Yaomin had already cleared up most of Kang Wenhong¡¯s poison. As for any more, they were powerless.

    Because, although they could use the Snowy Ginseng Pill to replenish his blood and remove the poison, he had too many wounds. Two people only had four hands. How could they squeeze that many ces? But so long as they neglected one spot, the iplete poison in that spot would spread throughout the body. It would instead cause even more trouble.

    Kang Wenhong didn¡¯t take offense as he was aware of his own matters. In any case, his life had been returned now, and the others could take their time. Afterwards, he extracted another Poison Dispelling Pill and took it. Hisplexion suddenly became a little better.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo was really curious: "What... Senior sect brother Kang, what is this Poison Dispelling Pill of yours? It seems like the ones we prepared in the outer sect, but it¡¯s very different..."

    Kang Wenhong understood in a sh and exined to him: "Junior sect brother Gu is talking about this Poison Purification Pill? This is a medicinal pill specific to the inner sect. It can purify a hundred poisons, and no matter how formidable the toxin, it¡¯s capable of suppressing it for a time to seek a pharmacist to refine an antidote. After I take it, I¡¯ll go back to think of a way to do just that."

    Gu Zuo nodded to express his understanding.

    However, in his mind, he was thinking about the Poison Purification Pill. This kind of medicinal pill... En, he remembered.

    There was one such medicinal pill among the many prescriptions he memorized, which was just like what Kang Wenhong mentioned. It could remove very many poisons and had the effects of alleviating toxins. Refining it also wasn¡¯t considered difficult. So long as one had sufficient golden banknotes, the required medicinal herbs could be bought.

    In addition, the better the grade of the Poison Purification Pill, the longer the time it could suppress toxins. From a furtive nce, the Poison Purification Pill that Kang Wenhong just took was mid grade. The Earth Ghost¡¯s poison was never before seen and very strange. At most, it could be suppressed for about a day.

    Kang Wenhong was obviously aware of this point. After Gu Zuo and Princess Yaomin were unable to continue removing any more poison, he cupped his hands to these life-saving junior sect brothers and bid them farewell. Right now, he was still very weak, but going on foot wasn¡¯t a problem.

    "Honorable junior sect brothers, I can¡¯t thank you all enough for your kindness. I¡¯ll leave this ce first to get this poison resolved."

    Cang Yu hesitated.

    He looked at Gongyi Tianheng and said: "Brother Tianheng, it seems that we¡¯ll be a burden to you going higher up. Now that we¡¯ve met senior sect brother Kang, I won¡¯t feel at ease letting a single person like him go back..."

    Tianheng heard his meaning and understood his kind offer. He gently nodded his head: "Brother Cang Yu doesn¡¯t need to be concerned over this. I still want to go even higher to gain experience. Since you all intend on a.s.sisting senior sect brother Kang, then I pray that you all have a pleasant journey."

    Cang Yu gave a smile. The two had a tacit mutual understanding.

    A senior sect brother who was worried over was one whose friendship could be strengthened.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t mind at all because he already had social connections to the inner sect. He could learn of many things. However, it was rare for Cang Yu to encounter this kind of chance. If he didn¡¯t grasp it carefully, then wouldn¡¯t he be too clumsy? They had already collected some Ghost Nuclei, and going any higher really was burdening Tianheng. It would be better take advantage of the situation to go and give a favorable impression to Kang Wenhong.

    Off to the side, Kang Wenhong also noticed a few things, but he felt it was normal. It was an undeniable fact that they saved his life. Moreover, he didn¡¯t know why but his heart became happier as he looked at Princess Yaomin.

    Hence, the duo Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng parted ways with Cang Yu and the others.

    As for Dragon One and Dragon Two, because their strength was insufficient, they were arranged to leave in advance.

    A crowd of people agreed to meet up and share drinkster. Immediately following that, they swiftly went down two divergent paths.

    After watching the group from behind, Gongyi Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back once more.

    Gu Zuo rested against Tianheng¡¯s back and his heart¡¯s suspicions could finally be asked: "Big brother, was treating that You Jiong just now putting a tiger back onto its mountain..."

    Tianheng heard Gu Zuo¡¯s questioning, and faintlyughed: "If there weren¡¯t any other people around and it was outside of the sect, we¡¯d naturally want to kill him."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    In that case, they couldn¡¯t act because there were bystanders and that this was the sect¡¯s West Mountain? Was this what his big brother meant?

    Gongyi Tianheng seemed to see through his way of thinking, and nodded: "It¡¯s precisely so. The sect has established standards. Even if Cang Yu and the others stood with us on one side, many people wouldn¡¯t have a unified voice. The possibility of leaked information is also higher. Besides, this world isn¡¯t without those who bite the hand that feeds them. It¡¯s true that we saved Kang Wenhong, but if we killed You Jiong for him, there would be many matters afterwards that would change."

    Gu Zuo listened and seemed to understand a bit: "In other words, while You Jiong and Kang Wenhong were originally enemies, if we killed You Jiong, then he would be our enemy? But why would he be our enemy if You Jiong dies..."

    Speaking up to here, he abruptly reacted.

    Tianheng smiled and said: "Kang Wenhong has a supporter. Since You Jiong dared to kill Kang Wenhong, how couldn¡¯t he have his own supporter? Now as You Jiong wasn¡¯t killed, we only ruined his private schemes at most. But if we killed You Jiong, we would¡¯ve started a feud with his supporter. Regardless if someone carelessly leaked the secret or if Kang Wenhong was unable to carry our burden and instead threw us away, we would still have to face You Jiong¡¯s supporter.

    He continued: "However, You Jiong didn¡¯t die and Kang Wenhong is also alive. Everything is different. Kang Wenhong is You Jiong¡¯s nemesis and will struggle against him endlessly. Kang Wenhong¡¯s supporter can naturally handle You Jiong¡¯s supporter. As for us, we are merely p.a.w.ns who saved Kang Wenhong¡¯s life. Kang Wenhong would only be grateful and wouldn¡¯t randomly have any thoughts about making us scapegoats."

    Moreover, if You Jiong died, his supporter would certainly find out. Once aware, no matter the true value the other ced on You Jiong, they would need to adopt a certain approach to this and investigate You Jiong¡¯s matters.

    And so long as it was investigated, who could guarantee that everything wasn¡¯t found out? Especially under the circ.u.mstances that Kang Wenhong had been bearing the grudge of You Jiong for a long time?

    At this time, Gu Zuo understoodpletely: "So to say, even with the trouble of You Jiong finding us, we only need to face You Jiong and we can still ask Kang Wenhong for help? But if You Jiong dies, we might face the retaliation of You Jiong¡¯s supporter. You Jiong¡¯s supporter must certainly be much more powerful than You Jiong, right?"

    Tianheng smiled and praised: "Ah Zuo¡¯s words are correct. Although You Jiong is an outer sect disciple, he hasn¡¯t advanced to Xiantian. In my opinion, he¡¯s nothing to be concerned about. He seems to only be keeping it to a smaller scale, so it¡¯s fine. However, if he handles things excessively, he¡¯s just looking for a reason to be drawn out of the sect. Naturally, I can kill him with a snap of my fingers."

    Gu Zuo became a little excited: "Still, big brother¡¯s thinking is thorough! How did you see all this? That killing You Jiong now isn¡¯t too worthwhile, and that although Kang Wenhong looks good and You Jiong looks bad, in actuality, both sides are strangers. The one who was saved would go kill the other. That would be twice the trouble..."

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face as he listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s chatter.

    Meanwhile, his footsteps never stopped. They quickly found a small trail. Following this trail would let them climb to higher ces on West Mountain.

    Cang Yu and the others¡¯ journey was even better. Because, with their strength, they could only stop halfway up the mountain at most.

    The qi energy higher up was even more mysterious, but on the contrary, Tianheng dared to rush in. Even Gu Zuo had his special skills. If Cang Yu followed them, the strength of the two would instead drop.

    But now, they didn¡¯t need to hide what they did anymore.

    So long as they didn¡¯t meet any onlookers, they could use their methods...as much as they liked.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 116

    "Big brother, eighteen steps northwest!"

    "Three meters, northeast!"

    "Twenty steps ahead! About two meters deep!"

    "Big brother, on the right! Quick!"

    "One meter on the left!"

    "Back right, two meters! One meter! Half a meter!"

    A teenager¡¯s warnings gently echoed against an ear. What followed whenever that voice stopped was a burst of qi energy. In addition to that was the m.u.f.fled noises of crashndings that fell like raindrops.

    Soon after, there weren¡¯t any more secretly concealed ambushers. The teenager¡¯s voice halted and the fists belonging to a handsome yet terrifyingly powerful young man, which could produce qi energy with every strike, were also put away.

    What remained beside the two were at least twenty Earth Ghost corpses.

    Compared to the ones below the halfway mark on the mountain, these Earth Ghosts seemed a bit smaller. However, their speed was faster, their ws were more menacing, their strength was more powerful, and even their toxins seemed stronger.

    They could all be likened to perfect Houtian. Yet, because their strength wasn¡¯t like martial artists of simr realms and they only had one method of attack, so long as one could see through their tracks, it wasn¡¯t the least bit difficult to deal with them.

    Naturally, while there weren¡¯t many who could see through them, Gongyi Tianheng was precisely one such individual. Merely, he needed to be right next to the Earth Ghost and find it through its killing intent.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, he could find them already when the distance apart was rtively far. Gu Zuo voiced his warnings, and the two coordinated with a tacit understanding. Before the Earth Ghosts closed in, the two could y the creatures. Basically, the two didn¡¯t let the Earth Ghosts approach nor let them cause the slightest injury to themselves.

    After wiping out these Earth Ghosts, Gu Zuo promptly jumped off and scampered over to sort them out.

    With their arrival to the region above the mountain¡¯s halfway point, two days and two nights had pa.s.sed. While the Earth Ghosts were rampant during the daytime, it was the night which seemed calm and serene.

    The Earth Ghosts here were clearly harder to deal withpared to the ones at lower elevations, but to these two, the Earth Ghosts still weren¡¯t worth mentioning. Without Cang Yu and the others, they didn¡¯t need to conceal anything, and their efficiency in annihting Earth Ghosts was much higher.

    The corpses and Ghost Nuclei were quickly collected. Gu Zuo proficiently jumped onto Tianheng¡¯s back again, and the two continued climbing higher.

    Not long after, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power discovered over twenty Earth Ghosts hiding all over the ce. They could attack anytime and anywhere.

    Because the amount was slightly high, Gu Zuo softly said: "Big brother, let me go first this time?"

    Tianheng faintly nodded: "Be careful, Ah Zuo."

    At the same time, he raised his own guard.

    In an instant, ayer of psychic power converged into Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. After that, his eyes suddenly widened, and a handful of silver needles shed out. Separated in several batches, they faced toward different directions and shot out!

    In the blink of an eye, a bunch of screams were heard and several Earth Ghost corpses fell down.

    Each one of those silver needles that Gu Zuo just sent out had surprisingly struck an Earth Ghost, exploding their skulls!

    The Earth Ghosts were provoked.

    Immediately following that, six or seven Earth Ghosts came to kill from various directions. Only, after they were angered, the qi energy used to conceal them wasn¡¯t that perfect. Most of all, the exposed silhouettes and killing intent prior to the ambush were even easier for Gongyi Tianheng to grasp.

    Tianheng reacted like lightning. Several streaks of qi energy which were sent afterwards had arrived first, shattering quite a few Earth Ghost heads.

    Gu Zuo was also not to be outdone. After Tianheng dealt with the Earth Ghosts whose traces had be visible, Gu Zuo aimed his psychic power at the concealed Earth Ghosts. One after another, he exploded their heads.

    Under the two¡¯s separate yet well-coordinated attacks, the crowd of Earth Ghosts that had prepared tounch an ambush had beenpletely wiped out.

    The only things remaining were corpses.

    These became Gu Zuo¡¯s research material.

    The two really had encountered a lot in this kind of situation.

    In the very beginning, they were still rushing about in a hurry, but afterwards, they familiarized themselves and were frequently surrounded by Earth Ghosts. This let their actions be effortless.

    Naturally, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s perception was sharper and his responses were also more agile,pletelycking any redundancies. Gu Zuo¡¯s controlling ability was even stronger. He could control three to four silver needles simultaneously, without any pressure and with matchless precision.

    ¡ª This also wasn¡¯t strange. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s Tiandu Body was originally a freak of nature. Gu Zuo, too, was already a pharmacist who¡¯d broken through to Xiantian. It was only natural that he could crush Houtian Earth Ghosts.

    Apart from it being a little more inconvenient when they were surrounded by too many Earth Ghosts, the Earth Ghost¡¯s ambushes were no different than delivering their own lives to Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    Among the outer sect disciples who came here to do the mission, they were perhaps the most rxed ones with suchpatibility and strength.

    Unwittingly, the two climbed higher and higher as they slowly approached the mountain peak.

    At this ce, a ck mist filled the air. When first entering West Mountain, one would sense that the ambient qi contained poison. Reaching this ce, it was practically an ambient qi that contained enigmatic toxins. If someone carelessly inhaled a tiny bit, it was probably the same as being bitten by dozens of Earth Ghosts.

    Upon seeing this, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo securely closed their pores, stopped breathing, and firmly locked up all of their true qi within their bodies. They didn¡¯t dare neglect anything.

    Gu Zuo converged psychic power into his eyes and could see the scenery through the ck mist. Tianheng¡¯s eyes were keen, and could also make out the environment¡¯s trees and mountain stones. It had already be like and of barren hills and wild waters. It was a sight without any vitality.

    But the two still continued to go up.

    They were slowly walking straight to the peak.

    Gongyi Tianheng detected auras that were Xiantian and aboveing from all directions!

    Not good! They needed to be careful!

    Otherwise, a moment of inattention while battling Earth Ghosts of that kind of realm might possibly incur a poisoning...

    But then, the pupils of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes contracted. It was because he had caught sight of a pond filled with ck water at the peak. It had a radius of about six feet, and in the pool were two blooming flowers.

    One was snow white and the other was pitch ck. They swayed gently side by side...

    Even at this very moment, Gu Zuo recognized that this was a Double-Faceted Flower!

    It was a type of medicinal herb that could refine the Life Extension Pill!

    Gu Zuo clenched his fists.

    He wanted it.

    He really wanted it...

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t open his mouth again to speak to prevent breathing in the poisoned qi here. At this time, he detected something odd with the person on his back, and transmitted: Ah Zuo, what¡¯s going on?

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: Big brother, that¡¯s the Double-Faceted Flower. The white one can refine the Life Extension Pill, and the ck one is material for a Trick Pill. It has a lot of research value, but I reckon it¡¯ll be hard to encounter it in the future...

    What kind of intelligent person was Gongyi Tianheng? Once he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he knew the other implication.

    Gu Zuo wanted the Double-Faceted Flower.

    And after Tianheng heard about the Double-Faceted Flower¡¯s functions, how couldn¡¯t his interest be piqued?

    However, Tianheng was aware that the guards in the vicinity of the Double-Faceted Flower were certain to be the strongest Earth Ghosts on West Mountain. They could bepared to Xiantian stage two.

    This was taking food from the Earth Ghost¡¯s mouth. If it wasn¡¯t nned meticulously or if they didn¡¯t urately find the opportunity, it would be absolutely impossible.

    Tianheng murmured for a short time: Ah Zuo, it¡¯d be better for you to try use your psychic power to block our qi energy so that others can¡¯t sense it.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined.

    Yes, he could use psychic power to form a defensiveyer to protect them. So, why couldn¡¯t he simply try to conceal themselves?

    After thinking about it, the s.p.a.ce between Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows warmed up. A surge of psychic power changed into a trickling flow. It inconspicuously and extremely slowly covered his entire body.

    T/N: The trantion "Double-Faceted Flower" is still up in the air. The term Á½Ãæ directly trantes to two sides, like two sides of the same coin. It just doesn¡¯t have a nice ring to it. ?

    What do you guys think?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 117

    It was the same as using psychic power to cover the whole body, but thest time was just to iste the wind outside. That psychic covering wasn¡¯t deployed very meticulously. Its single, thinyer was only for isting the wind. However, this one was different to some extent. After deploying oneyer, a second was added right next to it. Soon after, there was a third.

    After threeyers in session, a particrlypact structure had formed. Not only sound and other outside disturbances, but even qi energy was isted.

    Through Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s awareness, Gu Zuo had suddenly disappeared.

    Unlike the previous time when he could still sense Gu Zuo¡¯s existence in a s.p.a.ce close to him, if he didn¡¯t use his naked eyes to see or if there wasn¡¯t any weight on his back, he basically wouldn¡¯t have sensed that there was someone else in his surroundings.

    Gu Zuo also felt like he was now joined with the world, like he had fused together with the atmosphere. The defensive barrier his psychic power became had alreadypressed all of his qi energy within the barrier itself.

    Only someone whose own psychic powers were many times stronger than his could discover any clues.

    His heart felt pleased, and he promptly transmitted to Tianheng: Big brother, I did it!

    Tianheng also smiled: Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯m seventy percent sure of the oue. Ah Zuo, try to iste my qi energy as well so we can work together.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any objections.

    He quickly removed the barrier on his own body. Both his arms hugged Tianheng¡¯s neck while he leaned closely to Tianheng¡¯s back. Soon after, his psychic power erupted once more. Both of their qi energies were already isted in a short time!

    Tianheng¡¯s expression became serious: Ah Zuo, don¡¯t make any noise and don¡¯t move. Right now, I¡¯m going to go and pluck the Dual-Faced Flower. If the Earth Ghost that¡¯s guarding it finds out, do your best to volley your Spirit Piercing Needles and stop that Earth Ghost!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was a little nervous: If you s.n.a.t.c.h the Dual-Faced Flower and the Earth Ghost gives chase...

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was distant: A Xiantian stage two is too powerful for outer sect disciples. The Earth Ghost might¡¯ve received restrictions so that it can¡¯t easily leave the mountain peak. However, it¡¯s also possible that the sect has no control. It may merely be guarding this flower on its own and isn¡¯t willing to leave the peak... If it¡¯s thetter, you and I will work together to deal with the Xiantian stage two. Ah Zuo, are you up for it?

    Gu Zuo wanted to say "No", but he also knew that his dear big brother was doing this for him. Moreover, while he was scared of dying, death wasn¡¯t a certainty! In any case, wasn¡¯t he himself also Xiantian? Wasn¡¯t his big brother also capable of ying grade five wild beasts? So long as he was careful, he could draw out any poison from his big brother at any time, and it shouldn¡¯t be hopeless. At worst, they could just escape West Mountain...

    With a clear understanding, his heart settled: Let¡¯s do it!

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled. He only had one thing to say: Ah Zuo, hold on tight!

    After that, the tips of his feet already turned into a cool breeze and quickly flew towards that pond!

    Tianheng¡¯s speed was very fast, almost to the extreme. He used his strongest body technique to pluck the Dual-Faced Flower with a speed as fast as lightning!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s coordination was also extremely precise. When Tianheng reached out to grab the white-colored Dual-Faced Flower, Gu Zuo had also reached out to grab the ck one at the same time!

    In the blink of an eye, the ck qi twisted and the pond water boiled.

    On the other side of the twelve-foot wide pool, a shadow produced an intense shriek. Like an afterimage, it had already leaped over to this side!

    The ce it lunged at was precisely the location where the Dual-Faced Flower¡¯s qi energy was emitted!

    Tianheng urgently said: Ah Zuo, quick!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare be careless. He immediately discharged his psychic power and safely concealed the Dual-Faced Flower¡¯s qi energy! At the same time, the Dual-Faced Flower vanished and was collected into his storage s.p.a.ce.

    Tianheng¡¯s steps didn¡¯t stop. In the instant that the Dual-Faced Flower¡¯s main body disappeared, he already leaped towards another direction. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power swept away the qi energy left behind previously. That shadow swiped treacherously close to Tianheng¡¯s side, corroding most of his sleeve. After that however, the shadow didn¡¯t have any way to find the tracks of those two humans.

    The shadow was an Earth Ghost that was only a meter tall. Its body was ck as charcoal, and it glistened with an unparalleled toxin. It was worthy of being the king of West Mountain. If it weren¡¯t for the sake of h.o.a.rding the Dual-Faced Flower and expelling several Earth Ghostsparable to Xiantian stage one to the lower elevations, under the besiegement of a crowd of Xiantian Earth Ghosts, perhaps it would¡¯ve been impossible for the two to escape.

    Unfortunately, there was only itself in the end.

    Gongyi Tianheng carried Gu Zuo and hid behind the other side of a boulder.

    Not only did this ck mist block the two¡¯s line of sight, it also blocked that Earth Ghost¡¯s line of sight. Under the cover of the ck mist, it was hard for the naked eyes of the Earth Ghost and humans to see too many things. If it wasn¡¯t for that pond absorbing the ck mist, even Gu Zuo and Tianheng wouldn¡¯t have been able to discover the traces of the Dual-Faced Flower!

    Whether humans or Earth Ghosts, both had to rely on their own perception of their enemy¡¯s qi energy to fight in close quarters. Tianheng¡¯s perception wasn¡¯t at all stronger than the Earth Ghost¡¯s, but Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was the strongest on the entire West Mountain!

    Thus, Gu Zuo used psychic power to shield the two of them. For a short time, that Earth Ghost unexpectedly couldn¡¯t find them ¡ª However, the Earth Ghost had been guarding the Dual-Faced Flower for so long, how could it let them get away with it?!

    The Earth Ghost roared in anger!

    The next moment, a surging power swept out in all directions. It wanted to shatter all the stones on this mountain peak. Once it saw those two thieves, where could they still hide?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved. He was getting a little excited from the thrill of the chase.

    However, he quickly closed his eyes and constrained his desire to fight. At this moment, he wasn¡¯t alone. A Xiantian Earth Ghost covered in poison wasn¡¯t a good target for him to challenge.

    As a result, he spoke again: Ah Zuo, we need to go.

    Gu Zuo nodded solemnly: En!

    The Earth Ghost¡¯s destructive speed was too fast. It arrived here right away, and they needed to leave quickly!

    Immediately following that, Gongyi Tianheng moved.

    His figure was like a bolt of lightning as he shuttled through the ck mist. Taking advantage of the Earth Ghost¡¯s fury, he immediately got out from the edges of the mountain peak!

    Yet, the psychic shield only blocked qi energy. It didn¡¯t conceal a person¡¯s figure.

    After Gongyi Tianheng rushed out, the Earth Ghost roared. It had unexpectedly seen a corner of his robe¡¯s sleeve. The Earth Ghost immediately flew into a rage. It was also like a bolt of ck lightning and rushed out!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze became severe.

    Not good! It was moving to intercept!

    In the end, Tianheng was a decisive person and he promptly responded. He didn¡¯t use his fists; he only flicked out his sleeve. At the same time, the dozens of silver needles Gu Zuo had manifested nketed the sky like concentrated raindrops. All of them shot towards that Earth Ghost.

    The Earth Ghost swiftly evaded, but it was still swatted by the robe sleeve in the end. It became furious. Its slender ws seemed to grow a meter long in an instant and thoroughly prated the sleeve. A scratch mark was left on Tianheng¡¯s palm!

    Gongyi Tianheng frowned as he withdrew.

    The Earth Ghost still desired to attack, but the psychic silver needles that came soon after had firmly obstructed it from behind. Then, there was an explosive strike with an iparably frightful energy. It was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s next response ¡ª To resolutely kill it!

    Under this kind of air-tight a.s.sault, the Earth Ghost had no way out. It struggled incessantly, but it was still sent back flying, and was mmed into a boulder.

    While this attack didn¡¯t cause too many injuries, it still stopped its pursuit. It was also turned around so that it could no longer see the silhouettes of its enemies.

    The Earth Ghost¡¯s fury skyrocketed.

    Because of the restriction, it could only leave the mountain peak on the final day. And at that time, even though it could leave, what was the point!?

    It was aware that it was impossible to find those two thieves. It wouldn¡¯t be able to get back the Dual-Faced Flower!

    A terrible suppression filled the entire mountain peak. The suppressed Earth Ghosts and martial artists who discovered that iparable aura all couldn¡¯t help shivering.

    It was hard to resist it. This Earth Ghost was truly too scary!

    Countless martial artists in the regions beneath the mountain peak all heard the Earth Ghost¡¯s howls. They sensed a heavy feeling of wrath in the spreading suppression.

    This kind of situation caused many people to specte.

    "The mountain peak¡¯s Earth Ghost is dreadful!"

    "Who provoked it?"

    "Get moving, get moving! If it takes its anger out on us, it¡¯ll be far from good!"

    "Don¡¯t worry. Since it hasn¡¯te down yet, it¡¯s clear that it can¡¯te down."

    "idents happen. I won¡¯t be staying here for too long. You all can take care of yourselves!"

    Because of this Earth Ghost¡¯s furious roar, many shrewd outer sect disciples noted that the Ghost Nuclei they¡¯d already collected was good enough, and promptly left this region.

    No matter how good Ghost Nuclei were, it also wasn¡¯t as important as one¡¯s own life, right? One would know that the mountain peak¡¯s Earth Ghost was iparably strong by this sound. They simply weren¡¯t its opponents!

    However, there was also many disciples who thought it was a fluke. While they secretly cursed that person who provoked the Earth Ghost, they continued collecting Ghost Nuclei. It was only that their actions were a little more careful.

    At this moment, the two culprits were madly rushing down the mountain.

    After running for an hour, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s pace finally slowed.

    Gu Zuo withdrew his psychic power and he also felt a lot more rxed.

    The two discovered that the Earth Ghost hadn¡¯t chased after them.

    Apparently, it was the first possibility.

    It was restricted.

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh of relief; his heart was very happy. He got a hold of the Dual-Faced Flower, so he could research the Life Extension Pill. Once he seeded ¡ª Thinking about the surging profits excited him to the extreme.

    He wanted to share his excitement with Tianheng. However, he never expected that before he could open his mouth, he first detected that Tianheng¡¯s right hand had slipped from the ce on his leg where he was being propped up. This almost made him fall off Tianheng¡¯s back. Although Tianheng quickly stabilized him, Gu Zuo could feel that something was wrong.

    With Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strength control, a problem like this was absolutely impossible to ur. It also wasn¡¯t due to carelessness...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tightened. He immediately hopped off Tianheng¡¯s back. Perhaps it was because his heart was haunted by a premonition. He used his fastest speed to grab Tianheng¡¯s right hand!

    Soon after, the pupils of his eyes suddenly contracted ¡ª

    Big brother was poisoned!

    On the back of Tianheng¡¯s right hand, there was a two-inch long scratch. A dense ck qi extended in all directions from this scratch. In such a short period of time, the entire back of his hand had turned pitch-ck.

    The toxicity was very strong!

    Gu Zuo almost wanted to cry.

    This was from being scratched by that Xiantian stage two Earth Ghost just then. Apart from that Earth Ghost, there weren¡¯t any other Earth Ghosts that had such frightful toxins.

    But, but...

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo¡¯s hand grabbed Tianheng¡¯s wrist and started to press down against the poison.

    Merely, he had miscalcted this time.

    Although this poison seemed to be one that couldn¡¯t injure pharmacists, it was clearly far more stubborn than the poison of the previous Earth Ghosts. Gu Zuo used a great deal of strength, but he could only squeeze out a little bit. Unexpectedly, he was unable to alleviate this poison too much. He did his best, but he could only trap this poison within Tianheng¡¯s palm and stop it from spreading up.

    However, what was to be done about the detoxification? How could they detoxify here?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes turned red, and his heart was iparably anxious.

    This was all his fault.

    If it wasn¡¯t for him wanting the Dual-Faced Flower, his big brother wouldn¡¯t havee into contact with the Earth Ghost. Consequently, he wouldn¡¯t have been injured and poisoned by it. How could he have fret over nothing? It was only just an insignificant Dual-Faced Flower. How rare was it? The Life Extension Pill? He was still young, so what was the point!?

    Why was he so stupid as to think that the poison of a Xiantian Earth Ghost was like the poison of Houtian Earth Ghosts? That it would be so easy to expel...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 118

    Repeated tries didn¡¯t seem to have any effect. Gu Zuo recalled that, in modern times, those who were bitten by snakes could have the venom sucked out. Maybe he could give it a try here? While he was frantic and unable to deal with anything else, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart pounded. He bent over so his mouth could suck out the poison from Tianheng.

    At first, Gongyi Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s efforts, and his gaze was soft as he let him work. But suddenly, Gu Zuo was lowering his head. Discovering that something was amiss, he hastily extended his other hand and weakly covered the poisoned right hand as an obstruction.

    What Gu Zuo¡¯s slightly parted lips met wasn¡¯t the wound. Rather, it was warm skin. His face instantly became feverish as he lifted his head in embarra.s.sment. His mouth mumbled: "Big brother..."

    Tianheng sighed: "Ah Zuo, the toxicity is so strong. Even though it seems harmless to pharmacists, it only can¡¯t enter a pharmacist¡¯s body when touching it. If you directly put it in your mouth, it might not necessarily be harmless."

    Gu Zuo whimpered: "But...big brother¡¯s poison...is all my fault."

    Tianheng shook his head: "Ah Zuo misunderstands. You and I decided on doing this together, so how can you say that this is all your fault? You treat my illness and I collect medicinal ingredients ¡ª This was the initial agreement. All the medicinal pills you¡¯ve refined have also been given to me. It shouldn¡¯t be where I act when there are benefits and turn a blind eye when there¡¯s disaster, shirking all the responsibilities to you."

    He saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was still mncholy, and softly said: "Besides, I¡¯ve suffered a poisoned wound here, and you can save me if nothing else happens. If you get poisoned along with me, how would I get better?"

    Under this kind of gentle consoling, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression gradually improved a bit. However, his heart still wasn¡¯t without guilt. No matter what was said, his big brother was injured on his behalf, and he still had no way of curing him quickly.

    Tianheng smiled: "Since we can¡¯t think of any other methods for the time being, it¡¯s better to just go back first. Staying in the courtyard will be much more quiet. Ah Zuo has already collected lots of Earth Ghost corpses, so with a bit of research, you can try make an antidote."

    Speaking up to here, he raised an eyebrow, "Does Ah Zuo have any confidence?"

    Gu Zuo listened, and slowly recovered. He nodded with determination: "I will definitely figure something out!"

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded: "This is good. Everything can be entrusted to Ah Zuo."

    After he finished speaking, he intended on having Gu Zuo get on his back again.

    But this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t agree. Normally, it¡¯d be fine, but his big brother was wounded now and still wanted to let him get on his back... How was that possible?! In any case, it was for the best that the poison within wasn¡¯t moved, so he simply walked slowly down the mountain with his big brother.

    In pa.s.sing, he took a look at what medicinal herbs were on the road.

    The Earth Ghost was so poisonous. ording tomon sense, there should be things that would mutually resist its poison in the vicinity. If there weren¡¯t any here, then he was sure that the toxin and ant.i.toxin had fused together. After returning, he would rummage through the Earth Ghost corpses. Perhaps he could find a solution from within them.

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s guilt was cated by Tianheng, his current mood calmed down a lot, and his mind started turning faster. He didn¡¯t realize that he¡¯d already separated himself from that initial ident.i.ty which didn¡¯t have one iota of knowledge and trembled in fear. In this field of medicine refinement, he already had great confidence in his own medicine refining level.

    From inside out... He started to be an outstanding pharmacist.

    Atst, after walking for about half a day, Gu Zuo smoothly supported Gongyi Tianheng down the mountain.

    Although several days remained in the seven-day mission, he wasn¡¯t willing to stay here any longer. In fact, the outer sect disciples who could truly remain on the mountain for seven days were very few. On the contrary, there were especially many who had to leave on the first day... This was also the differences between each person¡¯s abilities.

    After returning to the courtyard, Dragon One and Dragon Two came to wee them.

    Gu Zuo handed his dear big brother over to Dragon One to look after. He himself pocketed quite arge pile of Earth Ghost corpses and squeezed into an empty room.

    This ce wasn¡¯t his medicine refining room. Because the things carried poison, he was afraid of what negative effects it would have on the medicinal ingredients inside. After instructing Dragon Two to seal the room¡¯s entrance, Gu Zuo immediately took out an Earth Ghost corpse.

    The corpse of an Earth Ghostparable to perfect Houtian... It was already the strongest of the batch of corpses they collected.

    What Gu Zuo wanted to research was an antidote that could resolve the toxins of a Xiantian Earth Ghost. Of course, acquiring a Xiantian Earth Ghost corpse would¡¯ve been the best. However, Gongyi Tianheng sustained injuries and they never encountered a Xiantian stage one Earth Ghost. As a result, he could only use these corpses ¡ª Even if it was like this, he could also certainly figure something out!

    Because he was too anxious, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare waste a bit of time. The downward movements of his hands were also extremely fierce.

    In a short period of time, the entire corpse was already separated by Gu Zuo¡¯s hand seal which was used for processing wild beast meat. It had be sc.r.a.ps, and each piece was clearly part.i.tioned.

    Eyeb.a.l.l.s... Useless.

    Bones... Useless.

    Bone marrow... Useless.

    Veins... Heart... Intestines... All of it was useless.

    Gu Zuo held his breath with rapt attention. There was a prescription in the corresponding Trick Pills known as the "Poison Transformation Pill". Itbined medicinal ingredients, a toxin, and medicinal herbs that mutually restrained poisons. If the technique didn¡¯t have any problems, it would be a panacea that could remove that type of toxin. Currently, he couldn¡¯t find any other way. He only had this, which was the most suitable one.

    Yet, while he had the toxin and was lucky enough to have the medicinal herbs, he unfortunately couldn¡¯t find the part of the Earth Ghost¡¯s body that waspatible with the poison. Since it was like this, how could he refine the Poison Transformation Pill?

    Cauldron after sessful cauldron of medicinal pills ¡ª The grades were different, but they were all the exact same Poison Pill, which contained the poison of the Earth Ghost. However, there weren¡¯t any Poison Transformation Pills, which could detoxify it.

    Gu Zuo became more and more urgent. Slowly, his heart found it hard to calm down.

    After making attempts with the Earth Ghost¡¯s flesh and teeth, he even blew up the cauldron several times. In the middle of that kind of loud sound, it was like he was. .h.i.t by a stick and abruptly woke up.

    Not good. He couldn¡¯t ignore his own anxiety.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    Immediately after that, he tore apart the Earth Ghost to even smaller fragments.

    Since intact things weren¡¯t any good, then how about diced ones? Maybe because the Earth Ghost was a whole ent.i.ty, theponents were useless? Try ¡ª He needed to try everything one by one!

    This time, Gu Zuo sank deep into his mind. Adding one kind of medicinal ingredient, adding two kinds, adding three kinds... He slowly realized that from the different fragments of the Earth Ghost he used, the more he put into a pill cauldron, the better the grade of the sessfully refined Poison Pill. The color was also getting deeper and deeper.

    His heart had a vague premonition, which made it seem like he was under some kind of control. He continuously increased the fragments put in. Eventually, he mixed in a kind of poison sac, which was the ce where the toxin was stored. Then, he added the bone marrow from the Earth Ghost¡¯s tailbone. In the blink of an eye, it was all thrown into the pill cauldron!

    Instantly, the liquid in the pill cauldron began to boil!

    But this was a different sight from the numerous times before!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was beating madly. He hurried to control the heat, striking out with countless hand seals.

    Atst, six ashen-yellow medicinal pills jumped out from within. They were instantly collected by him in a jade bowl, making sharp and clear collisions!

    That¡¯s right. This color was precisely the color of the Poison Transformation Pill!

    Gu Zuo slowly let out a long sigh.

    He didn¡¯t dare dy for a moment, and promptly rushed out the door. From the different grades of Poison Transformation Pills, he picked the best high-grade pill and shoved it into Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s hand.

    "Big brother, try it quick!"

    Without the slightest doubt, Tianheng immediately swallowed the pill.

    In a short time, a fierce medicinal power suddenly rushed out!

    In the time that Gu Zuo refined the pills, the poisoned qi had already spread to Tianheng¡¯s forearm. Under this medicinal power, it faded in a split second and was forced straight back into the area of his palm.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s finger was like a knife. With a sh to his palm, a poison slurry that released a horrid stench immediately spewed out. Once it hit the ground, it corroded a big hole.

    Truly... It was a terrifying toxin!

    Gu Zuo noticed that speed of the ckness fading from Tianheng¡¯s palm could be seen with the naked eye. The poisoned blood gurgled down, making his dear big brother¡¯splexion much better.

    His heart gave a sigh of relief, and he revealed a smile as if a great burden was lifted from his shoulders.

    Yet, Gu Zuo never antic.i.p.ated that after the medicinal power hadpletely finished, there was actually still ayer of weakened ck qi covering his big brother¡¯s palm.

    Unexpectedly, this poison...wasn¡¯t purged clean?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smiling expression stiffened. He walked over, wanting to try another medicinal pill.

    But Tianheng raised a hand to stop him: "Wait a moment, Ah Zuo. It seems..."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 119

    As it turned out, just a moment ago, Gongyi Tianheng discovered that among the six sets of bone pearls within his body, besides the set he¡¯d yet toplete, the other five had all started to faintly tremble. Moreover, the frequency that those bone pearls vibrated was very fast. It was like they got restless and wanted to do something.

    With Tianheng¡¯s keen senses, he quickly found that this kind of restlessness was like a hunger or thirst.

    Those bone pearls were craving something. And this kind of craving had gradually intensified. To his surprise, it made him feel like the shackles to breaking through to the Xiantian realm had loosened slightly.

    ¡ª One shouldn¡¯t say that this was only slightly. This loosening was proof that an opportunity was quickly arriving. Wanting to break through in the future would be even easier.

    Afterwards, the poison in Tianheng¡¯s palm seemed to be attracted to something and quickly flowed backwards, swiftly roaming throughout his meridians! In addition, it rapidly collided into his bone pearls!

    Hummm ¡ª

    A silent buzzing rang out from within his body.

    In a set of bone pearls that vibrated fiercely, the nearest bone pearl immediately absorbed the poison! In the blink of an eye, that bone pearl was coated in a thinyer of gray. It was iparably strange as it didn¡¯t give him the feeling of being poisoned.

    Meanwhile, the other four sets of bone pearls settled down and didn¡¯t tremble anymore.

    As for the poison in his palm, it had dispersed extremely quickly into a whole set of bone pearls within the body.

    No less than one hundred eight bone pearls had all be light gray.

    Gu Zuo naturally wasn¡¯t aware of the changes within Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body. He only astonishingly discovered that the speed of the change in color of his big brother¡¯s palm was visible to the naked eye. Unexpectedly, within a couple of seconds, it had recovered its formerly l.u.s.trous white coloring, still like a piece of engraved white jade. It was like it had never been contaminated by poison before.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo was both pleasantly surprised and unconvinced: "This, how did thise about? Big brother, did that Poison Transformation Pill really purge all the poison within big brother¡¯s body?"

    Just a moment ago, it seemed that there was clearly still some poison remaining. It couldn¡¯t have been that the medicinal pill¡¯s reaction was divided into two sluggish waves, right?

    Gongyi Tianheng was also somewhat surprised.

    He himself didn¡¯t fully understand the specific situation, but he vaguely felt that this set of bone pearls had undergone some hidden changes. It could absorb things that carried poison, and through this poison, it could increase the power in his martial skills. In addition, he had a premonition that this was the same as an opportunity for him to make a breakthrough. So long as the needs of his bone pearls were met to a certain level, in the future, he could sessfully advance to Xiantian!

    However, with regards to the circ.u.mstances of his own health, Tianheng still couldn¡¯t take it lightly. As a result, he quickly told his little pharmacist about this matter.

    Gu Zuo was dazed the moment he finished listening.

    He thought about it for a long while, and hesitatingly said: "Because the poison was too concentrated when big brother was first poisoned, the bone pearls probably couldn¡¯t bear to receive anything and were contaminated. After the Poison Transformation Pill removed a portion of the poison, the rest of it satisfied the conditions. As a result, when the bone pearls discovered the thing they needed, it was immediately absorbed. On the contrary, it left big brotherpletely fine... I think."

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded his head: "Ah Zuo¡¯s conjecture is very reasonable."

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    The bone pearls of his big brother were still very strange...

    Tianheng looked at his palm thoughtfully: "Perhaps it¡¯s because the Tiandu Body is very special that it has this kind of change. I have a feeling I¡¯ve actually gained someprehension in the cultivation method I came up with after the bone pearls absorbed the poison. It¡¯s like a profound realm that¡¯s just waiting for me to grasp."

    Gu Zuo was both a little happy and a little worried: "A self-created cultivation method won¡¯t be an easy road to walk. Does big brother have any a.s.surance after getting to this point?"

    Tianheng suddenly smiled: "Since it¡¯s said that the Tiandu Body has an exceptional IQ, as long as I pay attention and .u.mte knowledge, I should automatically have an understanding. Just like before, I was unable to find a breakthrough opportunity. There weren¡¯t any methods even though I was fighting for my life against wild beasts on the mountain. However, there was a coincidental chance afterwards and an unexpected trigger arrived... Since I¡¯ve chosen this path, I will naturally walk down it firmly. Perhaps I¡¯llprehend something unknown once I break through."

    Gu Zuo really had no speaking rights on the martial path. As his big brother had such confidence, he would just carefully look after his big brother¡¯s health.

    In any case, he was also very confident in his own medicine refining level.

    But just as Gu Zuo thought this, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s next words gave him a fright.

    Tianheng: "Since it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo, why don¡¯t you extract some of the poison of the Earth Ghosts and let me try some again?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened: "Big brother, even though you¡¯ve said so, this is too risky! Isn¡¯t this a matter that¡¯s still uncertain?"

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved, and a streak of madness shed through the depths of his eyes: "If we don¡¯t try, we¡¯ll never know the oue. That set of bone pearls still feels parched. Perhaps, what it needs is to supplement it with even more poison..."

    Speaking up to here, his gaze faintly eased, "If Ah Zuo is worried about me, then refine a couple Poison Transformation Pills that I can keep on hand. After I¡¯ve absorbed the poison of the Earth Ghosts, if I be unwell, Ah Zuo just has to stuff me with a pill."

    Gu Zuo had no other choice.

    Being together with this big brother of his, he felt that there¡¯d inevitablye a day where he¡¯d be terrified by Tianheng... Whatever. Persuading him was an act in futility. Besides, could he really still let his big brother remain trapped at perfect Houtian? In any case, the poison currently extracted was that of Houtian Earth Ghosts. It was vastly inferior to the poison of a Xiantian Earth Ghost. In the end, it shouldn¡¯t be an issue.

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t waste any time. He went back and hurriedly extracted the toxins and prepared lots of Poison Transformation Pills. s, his big brother was so headstrong. There was nothing he could do about it.

    This time there was no anxiety, and Gu Zuo¡¯s speed was very fast. Not even an hour pa.s.sed before he brought two small bottles out. Among them, one bottle had the extracted poison of the Earth Ghosts, and the other had Poison Transformation Pills. All the preparations were ready.

    After arriving in front of Tianheng, Gu Zuo grabbed his wrist: "Big brother, I¡¯m going to use my psychic power to give you a full-body check up first."

    ¡ª No matter how healthy he seemed on the surface, he¡¯d better give a thorough examination to determine the true results.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t refuse. He only smiled as he let Gu Zuo examine him.

    A long timeter... Gu Zuo loosened his hand.

    He examined him as much as four or five times, and his situation never changed each time. This showed that there weren¡¯t any differences from his big brother¡¯s health previously; apart from a set of bone pearls which changed to have some gray on the outside, the others were all good.

    Although he was still unclear about the theory, since there weren¡¯t any problems, he could only act ordingly.

    Hence, Gu Zuo gently and cautiously opened a bottle.

    In a split second, a horrid odor a.s.saulted the senses. It was a stench that would make a person almost feel sick, but he was still very careful. A single, small drop fell from within the bottle onto the surface of a wound Gongyi Tianheng had just scratched.

    Sure enough, in the blink of an eye, the poisonous fluid followed the wound and entered Tianheng¡¯s blood vessels. Without carrying any expectations, the area around the cut also ckened. In addition, the pitch-ckness gradually expanded.

    Even though it was the poison of a Houtian Earth Ghost, it was still very powerful ¡ª After all, the concentration was already sufficient.

    Yet, this time wasn¡¯t at all like what happened before, where Tianheng¡¯s body numbed due to the poison. On the contrary, a very wondrous change urred.

    At first, that poison deepened, but then the color suddenly became lighter! It was just like...there wasn¡¯t enough time for it to show off its ferocity before it was obstructed by something.

    Gu Zuo summoned his courage and asked: "...How does big brother feel?"

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: "Initially, there was still a feeling of numbness, but that feeling only persisted for a few seconds before immediately dissipating. Right now, I only feel a burning feeling in that area quickly fading... That set of bone pearls before is insatiably absorbing the poisonous fluid."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s teetering heart was suddenly set back down: "It¡¯s good that nothing bad happened..."

    Tianhengughed: "Although this poison is considered the extracted essence of the toxins, and incredibly concentrated, its grade really isn¡¯t greater than that of the poison of the Xiantian Earth Ghost. It¡¯s to the extent that after that drop entered, the bone pearls just gobbled it up. There weren¡¯t any feelings of being unwell."

    He paused when he spoke up to here, "Ah Zuo, the bone pearls don¡¯t seem satisfied. You can give me some more and let the bone pearls gobble up as much as they like... You can have another look at me again, too."

    Because that drop of poison didn¡¯t injure Tianheng, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t refuse him now. He let the second drop fall onto the cut.

    This time¡¯s poison was absorbed even faster than thest one!

    Gongyi Tianheng slightly raised his eyes to urge Gu Zuo on.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh and continued to drip.

    Three drops, four drops, five drops...

    Dozens of drops descended one after another. Those bone pearls seemed like a bottomless pit. They simply didn¡¯t know satisfaction.

    But the poisonous liquid Gu Zuo extracted previously had already been used up.

    There was nothing to be done. Under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smiling gaze, Gu Zuo went back to the room once more and extracted more poisonous liquid.

    This time, he extracted a lot more, enough to fill arge gourd. All of it was taken out ¡ª Naturally, the Poison Transformation Pills were still clenched firmly in his other hand.

    ¡ª As long as there was a hint of a problem, he would immediately pour out a medicinal pill and make his big brother swallow it!

    Thissted for no less than four to five hours, where Gu Zuo was continuously fetching poison and giving it to Tianheng. From start to finish, those Poison Transformation Pills basically had no use whatsoever. All of the poison had been absorbed into Tianheng¡¯s bone pearls. As for the bone pearls¡¯ color, the coat of light gray had deepened a little bit.

    The Earth Ghost corpses were used up very quickly. Because, once the poison slurry was all extracted, the entire corpse shriveled up. It was like a magical reaction urred, and even the bones turned to dust.

    Merely, Gu Zuo was unable to do anything about the reduction in his research materials. So long as Tianheng needed it, he extract it and let Tianheng¡¯s bone pearls absorb it at a steady flow.

    Finally, after anotherrge gourd of poison slurry was used up, Tianheng lifted his hand to stop Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo paused: "Big brother, are you okay?"

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes slightly squinted as he looked at his own palm: "...En, not bad."

    The qi energy of that set of bone pearls was even fuller. However, while the bone pearl¡¯s thirst still existed, this poison slurry had be a cup of water on a cart of burning firewood. It basically couldn¡¯t be greedily absorbed by the bone pearls again. No matter how much was absorbed, there wouldn¡¯t be any feelings of satiation or satisfaction like before.

    Gu Zuo finished listening and knit his brows: "Then, what will big brother prepare to do next?"

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze regained its former warmth: "Later on, I¡¯ll probably have to search for other toxins to try. Perhaps when my bone pearls no longer feel parched, I can breakthrough to the Xiantian realm."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined: "Really? That¡¯s great!"

    Tianheng smiled, and started tough: "In that case, I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to extract other toxins to let me try."

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: "I¡¯ll do my best."

    Of course, after extracting the toxin, he still had to the same as just now. He would first have to fix up antidotes such as the Poison Transformation Pill, Detoxification Pill, Poison Purification Pill, and Poison Dispelling Pill!

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart rxed.

    Then he thought: "Big brother, since you¡¯re doing much better now, I¡¯m going to ask the system a question."

    Just then, he had been solely focused on meeting Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s requirements that hepletely forgot that he could also ask the system.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded.

    Gu Zuo just bluntly shouted out: System, do you know what¡¯s going on with big brother¡¯s reaction?

    T/N: I meant to get this out on Sunday, but I was dyed. Sorry. ?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 120

    [The Tiandu Body is extremely rare. Most die young, and those who don¡¯t die young are even rarer. Any internal changes usually vary.]

    Gu Zuo: ...So?

    [I don¡¯t know.]

    Gu Zuo felt helpless.

    Truly, the system was too straightforward.

    After sharing this matter with Gongyi Tianheng, he broke intoughter: "Since the system also doesn¡¯t know, you and I will simply do things ording to n. If there are any errors, then we¡¯ll correct it when the momentes. Right now, everything requires me to fumble around personally. Ah Zuo, can I hope that you¡¯ll apany me?"

    Gu Zuo deliberately let out a sigh, and said with cheer: "That¡¯s as it should be."

    The two regarded each other¡¯s smile. Although they didn¡¯t know how the previous situation came about, their moods weren¡¯t poor.

    After that, they set aside this matter.

    Gongyi Tianheng suddenly recalled something: "Ah Zuo, do you still have those two Xiantian Pills?"

    Gu Zuo looked distracted. He turned his hand over, taking out a jade bottle: "Of course I still have it."

    After refining them at that time, because the two had to first go to West Mountain Ghost Hunting, neither one of the pills were used in that short while.

    Tianheng somewhat muttered: "Today, we¡¯ll rest. Tomorrow, Ah Zuo will go out with me."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what his big brother was thinking, but he didn¡¯t ask. He just obediently agreed with a grunt.

    Following which, the two returned to their own spots. The one who practiced martial arts went to practice martial arts. The one who refined medicine went to refine medicine. Both of them were busy with their own things.

    The next day, early morning.

    Gu Zuo got up, refreshed and invigorated.

    In those couple of days during West Mountain Ghost Hunting, he couldn¡¯t take baths, he couldn¡¯t go to bed, he couldn¡¯t... In short, he had been very tired. After a night of rest, his whole body felt veryfortable.

    Gongyi Tianheng had gotten up even earlier. At this time, he was practicing a set of punches in the courtyard. The punches¡¯ air currents were permeated with an extremely light odor. The might of each punch was several times stronger than before.

    At this moment, he did a closing form and stood in position.

    Gu Zuo smiled as he waved his hand: "Good morning, big brother."

    Tianheng was used to this kind of manner, and smiled: "Good morning, Ah Zuo."

    Gu Zuo recalled yesterday and asked: "Where are we going today?"

    Tianheng said: "We¡¯ll go to the outer sect task hall first, and hand over the mission. Then we¡¯ll take another trip out of the sect."

    Gu Zuo nodded, showing his understanding.

    He¡¯d already tidied up all the Ghost Nuclei early on and put them in the storage s.p.a.ce.

    Merely, he he still needed to coordinate with his dear big brother¡¯s low-profile.

    Then Tianheng brought Gu Zuo out of the sect.

    This time, only Dragon One followed them. Dragon Two stayed in the courtyard and focused on "protecting" those pharmacists.

    The outer sect task hall was actually the little hall they saw after first arriving at the sect. The small courtyard in front was also where outer sect disciples resided, and they would pa.s.s through that ce every day.

    Perhaps it was because West Mountain Ghost Hunting still hadn¡¯tpletely ended. Those who weren¡¯t able to persist had returned long ago and had already turned in their missions; those who could carry on were still hunting ghosts and also wouldn¡¯t have departed from West Mountain so quickly.

    As a result, the number of people in the task hall currently wasn¡¯t high.

    Gu Zuo and several others walked in, and saw a wizened-looking elder with a long beard.

    He looked somewhat dignified, and the feeling he gave off had a peculiar difference.

    Maybe it was because there were numerous outer sect disciples that there was unceasing delivery of talents to the inner sect. Although Manager Yang and the others were peons with thoughts that were especially unctuous, this elder must have been much more righteous.

    At the very least, there shouldn¡¯t be any sort of favoritism or things that would break the rules.

    When Gongyi Tianheng saw that the s.p.a.ce in front was vacant, he took a step forward and properly greeted the elder: "Elder Xie, we¡¯re here to hand over the Ghost Nuclei we got from the Ghost Hunting Mission."

    Elder Xie fiddled with his beard: "ce them on the table."

    Tianheng nodded: "Yes."

    Gu Zuo cooperated appropriately and his consciousness turned. All the Ghost Nuclei they possessed were promptly released, piling into a small mountain on the table.

    Elder Xie gave a cursory nce and there was some praise in his eyes: "Very good, very good."

    After that, Gu Zuo watched as this elder reached out a hand and grabbed something. A ring shed above the Ghost Nuclei, immediately packing them all inside.

    The result quickly appeared.

    Elder Xie said: "The Ghost Nuclei total 662.5 kilograms. Among this, 250 kilograms are required for the mission. There¡¯s still 412.5 kilograms. You can exchange it for eighty two a.s.sessment points. You can retrieve the remaining 2.5 kilograms and exchange it with someone else."

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "Okay."

    Gu Zuo correspondingly made the 2.5 kilograms of Ghost Nuclei that Elder Xie proffered to disappear.

    Elder Xie asked once more: "How do you wish to allocate these a.s.sessment points?"

    Tianheng considered: "These will go to the three nominal disciples who apany me. I¡¯ll keep twenty two points. The remaining sixty will be divided equally between the three of them."

    He finished speaking and gestured for Gu Zuo and Dragon One to step forward.

    Several people took out their nominal and outer sect disciple tokens and ced them on the table individually.

    Because the matter of distributing a.s.sessment points had been thought of long ago, Dragon Two¡¯s token had been left with Dragon One for the time being.

    Elder Xie¡¯s movements were very nimble and he rapidly distributed the a.s.sessment points. Afterwards, his tone carried some appreciation: "This diligent disciple¡¯s mission waspleted superbly. If you have time in the future, you can ept other missions here to handle. It¡¯ll also be very advantageous for your tempering."

    Tianheng smiled as he thanked the elder: "Many thanks for your pointers, Elder Xie."

    Elder Xie smiled and fiddled with his beard. He said nothing else.

    At this point, the group left the building.

    Dragon One quickly returned Dragon Two¡¯s token. Then, the group of three left the sect.

    Not long after, they arrived at Free Market Street.

    In the vicinity of Qingyun Sect, there were many Market Streets. There were ones within Qingyun Sect, and there were also a few that were under the control of tradingpanies. The businesses were all pretty good. Even if it were the Qingyun Sect, it also wasn¡¯t able to exert aplete monopoly.

    Yet, Gu Zuo had never heard of this Free Market Street.

    He was a little curious: "Big brother, the point of this Free Market Street is that it isn¡¯t under the control of any powers?"

    The side of Tianheng¡¯s lips carried a smile: "No, there¡¯s a great deal of powers here that have secret involvements. However, they restrict each other so it gives off the appearance of freedom."

    Gu Zuo got it: "Then, we came here because..."

    Tianheng pat his head: "Ah Zuoing with me is just that."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t inquire further in response.

    After winding around two streets, the three arrived in front of arge tradingpany.

    This tradingpany¡¯s name was very strange. It was called the Renw.a.n.g Trading Company. Yet, the tradingpany¡¯s exterior and interior were luxurious and cozy. Its business proprietor must have been someoneparatively rich who could live it up.

    Merely, after entering the establishment, Gu Zuo surprisingly discovered that there was no merchandise disyed on the outside. Instead, there were many signs hung upon several different walls. He went to carefully look them over again and found that parts of the wall behind these signs could be pushed open.

    He was immediately befuddled. Was the merchandise here not disyed outside to attract customers?

    However, before Gu Zuo got a clear understanding, there was already a beautiful young woman in the building who elegantly walked over. She carried a sweet smile and asked: "Would our esteemed customers have any needs?"

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression was calm: "I need a perfect Houtian martial artist."

    The beautiful woman¡¯s smile became even more amicable: "In that case, may the esteemed guests please follow this ve over here."

    Tianheng nodded his head and led the two behind him. He followed this young woman as she pushed open the wall behind a sign, and entered a hidden chamber.

    Just as they entered, Gu Zuo detected a concentrated abundance of qi and blood. A person wouldn¡¯t be able to open their eyes from the impact. Once his eyesight cleared, he discovered that this room had many iron chairs welded to the ground, and these iron chairs has many hard shackles. Each shackle bound a martial artist.

    By looking at their qi energy, these martial artists were all perfect Houtian grade nine!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s reaction was instantaneous.

    His eyes widened: This, this ce sold martial artists!

    In other words...

    That beautiful young woman just now was basically someone who worked for a ve trafficker!

    For a moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind raged.

    To go so far as to sell human beings...

    After that, he suddenly thought of something. He opened his mouth with difficulty: "Besides martial artists, does this ce have...pharmacists?"

    That young woman¡¯s smile was still as gentle and cordial as before: "Naturally there are some. However, the price is more expensive."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s back immediately broke out in a denseyer of cold sweat.

    A feeling of intense fear promptly bubbled up in his heart.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 121

    Sensing that something was wrong with Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng lightly pressed on his shoulders: "Don¡¯t worry Ah Zuo."

    Feeling the warmth on his shoulders, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart calmed. His straining body slowly rxed.

    ...Yes, he was fortunate to have found his big brother.

    After that, Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind became tranquil.

    He was truly thinking too much. Matters that never happened would never happen. There was no need to get upset over nothing.

    That young woman acted like she didn¡¯t discover anything inappropriate. She only waited for Tianheng¡¯s cating to finish before making a sweet-tempered smile. She inquisitively looked at the two: "Would the customers like to make their selections? If you have any specific requests, this ve can exin to our customers. If the customers have any dissatisfactions, you can also raise any issues to this ve."

    Tianheng slightly nodded: "I need the strongest one among equivalent realms."

    The young woman still wore a smiling expression as she extended a silky-white hand: "I ask that the customers please follow this ve."

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t let go of Gu Zuo, and brought him along while keeping his hands on his shoulders.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed up a little and went obediently.

    The hidden chamber was very big and there were many martial artists being sold in here. However, as they were viewed as merchandise to be sold, this was an extremely intense humiliation ¡ª Although there were many martial artists whose faces wore furious expressions, there were even more who became dispirited after their long imprisonment and loss of qi and blood.

    Naturally, this kind of depression wasn¡¯t something Gongyi Tianheng desired.

    The deeper they walked in, the fiercer the martial artists¡¯ res burned. Most of them were poverty-stricken, solo martial artists, who arduously practiced martial arts to a certain realm. But because of all sorts of reasons, they were reduced to ves. It was pitiful. In addition, being offered up for sale by someone had led to this situation, so they were even more furious at the world and their resentment skyrocketed.

    However, the notions of the people in this tradingpany were roughly the same as Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s. The stronger martial artists were closer to the interior. Their willpower was steadier and their spirits were better.

    Atst, a group of people walked to the end.

    The young woman turned around, pointing to the martial artists who were tied up on both sides of her: "Customers, please take a look. These five ves are all perfect Houtian specimens. Each one¡¯s qi and blood are about thirty percent denser than ordinary martial artists, and their strengths are outstanding. At the time, this small store had expended a great deal of manpower to capture them.

    She continued: "Right now, their willpower hasn¡¯t died out and their realms haven¡¯t decreased in the slightest. Their temperaments are very fierce. If you want to make them battle ves, they would be the ideal choice."

    Tianheng nodded: "Wait while I give a careful look."

    Gu Zuo was also a little curious and went to look back and forth.

    These five people were all men, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t naively think that this tradingpany didn¡¯t capture female martial artists ¡ª If one thought about it, it would be even more frightening. Just for these five male martial artists, no matter how violent they were, one could still see the unwillingness and helplessness in the depths of their eyes.

    No one wanted to be a ve. Even if they were ves who were already captured, they still wouldn¡¯t stop thinking about how to escape and obtain their freedom.

    He came from the modern era, so he naturally didn¡¯t like this sort of matter of buying and selling human beings. But he also was aware of the basis of following the local customs. When killing in this world was so casual, what was the buying and selling of ves? Dislike was dislike, but the people close to him were different. If he was unwilling to let Dragon One and Dragon Two test the medicine... He could only do this.

    Fortunately, although he didn¡¯t know the effects of the two Xiantian Pills, a person definitely wouldn¡¯t die from eating it.

    With a pharmacist¡¯s vision, Gu Zuo took to heart the full details of the five martial artists¡¯ appearances.

    His big brother wouldn¡¯t treat his subordinates unfairly. Yet, even if he bought a ve, the person selected also couldn¡¯t possibly be the type who was disloyal. Not to say that one could tell if someone was trustworthy just from looking at their appearance. In any case, it would somewhat provide the feeling of a discerning eye. If they really were the sort who were particrly bad, there should be some response under his increasingly powerful psychic power right now.

    Maybe, he could give his big brother a little advice.

    During this kind of thinking, Tianheng had already picked someone: "Ah Zuo,e help me look."

    Gu Zuo raised his face with a smile. ording to his dear big brother¡¯s indication, he looked towards two martial artists sitting on connected iron chairs to the right.

    They were two men who seemed to be no more than thirty years old. Their statures were robust, their temperaments were swift and fierce, and their looks had the taint of ruthlessness. It was clear that numerous lives had pa.s.sed under their hands.

    Gu Zuo came and looked. The vicious nature of these two would be hard to tame, so they were people who¡¯d be difficult to inspire loyalty in. As for any redeeming qualities, it was probably that they definitely weren¡¯t cunning. Additionally, the two of them were acquaintances, and the rtionship between them seemed pretty good. This kind of rtionship could be summed up as them being very loyal to each other?

    Seeing that Gongyi Tianheng was in the middle of choosing them, that young woman came over to give a timely exnation: "These two are called Qian Hu and Liu Bao. In their early years, because their names had some predestined affinity, they bonded together as sworn brothers. After that, because they started practicing martial artste and there was no one to give them pointers, they joined various sects but couldn¡¯t obtain much power. Afterwards, in order to try and gain martial arts resources, they resorted to king of the mountain-type banditry.

    She continued: "In order to catch these two, this small store had to dispatch a team of no less than twenty peoplest time to capture them alive. It also had to use first-rate medicinal herbs to continuously support their physiques and maintain their current state."

    She paused somewhat to give them time to digest this information before speaking again, "They achieved perfect Houtian at an age around twenty five years old. Nowadays, the distance from Xiantian is merely a thread away. On top of that, their nature is fierce and tough. If they were treated asbat ves and carefully cultivated, their value should rise considerably."

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow and smiled: "They actually sound pretty good. In that case, would it be possible for this establishment to go over some of the bad points?"

    The young woman¡¯s smiling expression didn¡¯t change: "The defective ones are those who aren¡¯t good at being tamed. However, a ve that¡¯s convinced of its customer¡¯s power should be won over wholeheartedly. If the customer has no intention of taming, this small store will affix it with a Thunder Talisman Ne... Would the customer please take a look."

    She delicately pointed right at Qian Hu and Liu Bao¡¯s necks, which indeed had been looped with a ring-shaped object. She said: "So long as the customer is recognized as that ne¡¯s owner, once these two ves are disobedient, even lighting strikes can be used as punishment. At that time, the two will naturally be obedient."

    Gu Zuo was inwardly speechless: Lightning strikes! How cruel...

    But he also knew that if there were no restriction methods, these unyielding so-called ves were ones who would never listen tomands. At that time, they would instead cause lots of trouble for the purchaser.

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at those two men, and asked: "You two can follow me back. Are you willing to surrender and pledge your allegiance to me?"

    Qian Hu and Liu Bao heard what was said, and narrowed their eyes: "If you dare to buy us, then it¡¯s only natural that we¡¯ll pledge ourselves to you."

    Tianheng smirked: "Since you¡¯ve spoken as such, if you refuse to obey orders after going back, I have ways of processing you two. But if you seriouslyply, I also won¡¯t treat you unfairly."

    Qian Hu stared fixedly at Gongyi Tianheng, exposing a malicious grin.

    Liu Bao also had the same response, and said one more thing: "Wait and see."

    Gu Zuo knit his brows.

    Truth be told, these guys¡¯ manners were really terrible. He could understand that a mountain king who was captured and made into a ve would be someone with a bad heart. It was just that one would treat family differently. This kind of provocation of theirs to his big brother also made him a little ufortable.

    After that, he sighed...

    Whatever. They were also very pitiful.

    In any case, his big brother¡¯s charisma would ultimately be able to subdue them. Moreover, he believed that if these two men really obtained big brother¡¯s trust, then they could be subordinates and wouldn¡¯t be ves anymore.

    The chat between Tianheng and the two enved martial artists was very brief. After verifying their personalities, he inclined his head towards that young woman: "What would be the price for these two?"

    The young woman saw that business would bepleted, and smiled sweetly: "Ones with excellent apt.i.tudes that can mature intobat ves. Each one is five hundred thousand gold."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes abruptly widened.

    This definitely wasn¡¯t too expensive. Rather, it was too cheap...

    Because of his current abilities, so long as he refined fifty top grade Revitalization Pills, the gold from the ones sold would be about the same amount. And each day, he could refine many cauldrons and each cauldron all had sixteen pills. That is, even if the production costs were deducted, when all was said and done, the life of a young and robust martial artist with a realm equal to his big brother¡¯s was actually worth less than four cauldrons of Revitalization Pills! This didn¡¯t even cost him a single day¡¯s time!

    The cheapness of human life. Nothing was morementable than this.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say anything, He only let out a small sigh.

    Okay. Too many martial artists had died, so perhaps it really was of little value... In this world, his life was also probably the same in some people¡¯s eyes.

    So, he just thought about hurrying up and returning.

    Returning to that ce where human lives, at least, weren¡¯t so cheap.

    Tianheng took the golden banknotes from Gu Zuo¡¯s hand and immediately paid that young woman.

    The young woman saw this bluntness of his where he hadn¡¯t even haggled over the price. She couldn¡¯t help memorizing this big customer in her heart. Maybe there¡¯d be a big stake of business done in the future.

    After quickly handling the formalities, the young woman smiled and said: "Would the customers please confirm the payment with ownership recognition?"

    Gongyi Tianheng extended a finger and used a bit of energy to shoot two droplets of blood towards the nes on Qian Hu and Liu Bao¡¯s necks. When the blood seeped inside, the nes shined with the crackling brilliance of lightning. After that, he could sense that the nes were under his control.

    So long as those two had any unusual changes, a switch in his thoughts would make the nes produce lightning to discipline them.

    Gu Zuo quietly asked: "Okay, big brother?"

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: "I¡¯ve already finished grasping it."

    Gu Zuo silentlymented: That ne should also be a type of martial tool... It really is magical enough.

    After the transaction was paid and received for, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo followed that young woman out. On the way, some straightforward people wanted to be purchased to leave, but the two didn¡¯t give any sideways nces and paid no heed to them.

    Liu Bao and Qian Hu simrly followed them, both with faces that were proud and untamed. Dragon Onegged to the rear with the intention of monitoring them.

    While walking, Gu Zuo secretly asked: "Big brother, are the two of them reliable? Are they going to stir up troubleter on?"

    Ah, they weren¡¯t cooperative people just by looking at them.

    Yet, Tianheng smiled: "Their current purpose is only to test pills. If sessful, then naturally they can be gradually won over. If it isn¡¯t, then they¡¯d be useless to me. There¡¯s no need to be concerned over it."

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Sometimes, big brother was really unfeeling. However, he also knew that this kind of big brother was the real big brother.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 122

    A group of people quickly and smoothly returned to the Qingyun Sect. The pupils of those two enved martial artists shrank as they realized that the person who purchased them was unexpectedly a sect disciple. Consequently, their remaining unwillingness had also somewhat wavered.

    After entering the outer sect disciple¡¯s courtyard, Dragon Two opened the door in wee. He saw that there were an additional two fellows behind the young master who clearly weren¡¯t guests. He couldn¡¯t help sizing them up with an icy gaze. Once his vision fell upon the others¡¯ necks, he immediately understood.

    As it turned out, they were ves.

    But as a Tianlong Guard, he and Dragon One would be watching the two of them closely so that they wouldn¡¯t dare try anything funny. Once they were re-educated, only then would they serve the young master.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two exchange meaningful nces.

    They had a tacit mutual understanding, and both made a decision.

    Besides, Gongyi Tianheng definitely wasn¡¯t a person who liked beating around the bush. The purpose of the purchased ves was rified long ago. Naturally, at this moment, what should be done would be done.

    Thereupon, he gestured to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo got the hint, and a jade bottle appeared in his palm. What was held within was the so-called Xiantian Pills he recently refined.

    Tianheng took the jade bottle and poured out the two brown medicinal pills inside.

    Qian Hu and Liu Bao saw this and put up their guards.

    They were also veteran mountain bandits. Many matters didn¡¯t need exnations, and they could understand with one look.

    Sure enough, Tianheng said: "These are two crudely-made Xiantian Pills. The effectiveness after taking them is unknown, but it¡¯s not life-endangering. The two of you will each take a pill and test the medicine. If you¡¯re lucky, you might be able to use this to break through to the Xiantian realm."

    After listening to these words, the two enved martial artists had their gazes flicker and their hearts surge.

    Xiantian Pill? They once heard of it. The Xiantian Pill was a distinguished violet, and this color was incorrect... However, this person said it was crudely made. Could it be that this thing was sessfully refined? On the contrary, if there was a nonzero percent chance of breaking through to Xiantian, they would stake it all. What¡¯s more, even if they refused, they were controlled by someone else. How could they seriously refuse? They might as well be straightforward. Only, they hoped that what this person said about it not injuring them wasn¡¯t a lie.

    Thus, as their centers twisted into knots and their hearts jumbled, Qian Hu and Liu Bao reached out a hand to take their own pill. They would¡¯ve hesitated had they not already made up their minds. They directly popped the medicinal pill into their mouths and swallowed it.

    In the blink of an eye, that pill turned into a surging flow of warmth straight down their throats. Then, it circted through every nook and cranny of their bodies ¡ª It pa.s.sed through countless meridians, a mult.i.tude of pores, and the body¡¯s bone pearls.

    The burning hot medicinal power covered both of their bodies, causing each of their bone pearls to shake and resonate. Amid the din, a terrifying qi flow rumbled out, continuously battering those originally obstinate Heavenly Spirit Acupoints!

    This was indeed the Xiantian Pill! That Xiantian qi flow really was helping the two obtain a breakthrough opportunity!

    Back to Gu Zuo and the others...

    After Gongyi Tianheng took out the Xiantian Pills and had the two enved martial artists swallow them, Dragon One and Dragon Two understood something very clearly and their hearts were quite grateful.

    As Tianlong Guards, they helped the young master with his worries and difficulties. That Xiantian Pill was very important, and them testing the medicine was also part of the job. Even if they lost their lives, it would be worth it.

    But the young master hadn¡¯t ever been like that. Rather, he would spend gold and silver to purchase unruly ves like these... With such empathy, how could they not be willing to sacrifice themselves?

    Gu Zuo saw this, and couldn¡¯t help giving a thumb¡¯s up in his heart: Big brother really could buy people¡¯s good will. It was no wonder that Dragon One and Dragon Two were so h.e.l.l-bent.

    Gu Zuo asked himself: If it were him, without this ability, perhaps even if he knew to confer benefits, it would¡¯ve been impossible to be as calm andposed as Tianheng, where it seemed like a matter of course.

    After that, the attention of the two focused on the enved martial artists who just took the Xiantian Pill.

    It was seen that theirplexions had be flushed with energetic blood vessels. It was as if all of their meridians were swelling up, practically separating from the body. It was very frightening.

    This was clearly the function of the medicinal pill. But when all was said and done, what was the function of this pill? Would these two enved martial artists have their wishes fulfilled and break through to the Xiantian realm?

    While waiting, Gu Zuo asked the system: In the end, do you know if this kind of Xiantian Pill I refined has any use?

    [It cannot be predicted when refined with the blood of the Tiandu Body.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face crumpled.

    He then understood.

    The Tiandu Body and what not were really too hard to deal with.

    Fortunately, the Xiantian Pill¡¯s medicinal effects were disyed very clearly. Besides the reactions of the two enved martial artists¡¯ physical bodies, the top of their heads also emitted a wisp of white mist. It rushed straight out just like a dragon snake, as if it were connecting to some profound mystery.

    Meanwhile, Qian Hu and Liu Bao¡¯s facial expressions weren¡¯t as painful as before.

    About half an hour pa.s.sed.

    Unexpectedly, they both let out a big shout simultaneously. It was like there was a rolling river inside of their bodies, surging with torrential waves and bursting with the sound of thunder. It had an impressive gravitas.

    Suddenly, a certain acupoint produced a cracking sound. It was a bone pearl rapidly spinning; it was the sound of it pressing into the flesh!

    Qian Hu opened his eyes first and spat out a mouthful of turbid air.

    Liu Bao followed closely behind and simrly sprayed out impurities. There also was an unusual light within his eyes.

    The feeling of their bodies waspletely different from just a while ago. In addition, their skin was covered in ayer of thick grime just like the time when Gu Zuo broke through. The filth within had taken the opportunity to be discharged, bing something like a muddy sh.e.l.l. So long as one moved, it would crack open.

    After a long groan, the two got up. They had both broken through to the Xiantian realm at the same time!

    Merely, their expressions looked a little unsightly. Because, although the effects of the ne on their necks had been drastically diminished after reaching the Xiantian realm, they discovered that a feeling of strong fraternity to Gongyi Tianheng had arisen from the bottom of their hearts.

    Under this feeling of closeness, let alone injuring Tianheng, even if Tianheng felt a little unhappy, they would involuntarily wish to take their lives to please him.

    This was too bizarre.

    It was as if their lives and minds had been dedicated to Gongyi Tianheng, making him a close family member, the target of their firm convictions, and their master whom they would never dare disobey.

    For the two sworn brothers, Qian Hu and Liu Bao, who¡¯d yet to acknowledge their allegiance to Tianheng, how wouldn¡¯t this have scared them out of their wits?

    ¡ª This was certainly the function of the Xiantian Pill they just took!

    Tianheng¡¯s mouth let out a soft sound of surprise.

    Gu Zuo wondered: "Big brother, what happened?"

    Tianheng looked pensive: "After Qian Hu and Liu Bao¡¯s breakthroughs, I suddenly felt there was a bloodline¡¯s connection between them and me... Their life and death is in my grasp. Compared to using the ne¡¯s punishment to make them docile, it seems that so long as I think about it, I can drain their blood dry, shatter their bone pearls, and kill them!"

    Gu Zuo was stupefied: "Xiantian, Xiantian Pill..."

    Tianheng gave an unhurried sigh: "It¡¯s probably because of this reason."

    The two had never thought that, while this refined Xiantian Pill was really useful, it also had this kind of a side-effect.

    In other words, so long as Tianheng¡¯s blood was used to refine a Xiantian Pill, if the pill was given to others in the future, wouldn¡¯t they have unconditionally loyal subordinates ¡ª ves, even?

    This kind of medicinal pill was really too bizarre!

    However, in the end, Gongyi Tianheng had much to think about.

    After the brief amazement, he had a lot of questions stored in his mind.

    For example, while the pills refined from his blood right now had this kind of use, if he cultivated to Xiantian and took that blood, would there be a difference? Also, while he didn¡¯t feel that the addition of only two ves was a burden, if many Xiantian Pills were refined and he controlled many ves, where were his limits? After advancing to Xiantian, would there be a transformation?

    For the time being, all these and more couldn¡¯t be resolved.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath and pushed down the shock from the bottom of his heart.

    He recalled the <drug ve="" brand="">> in his possession. In terms of its effects, he was afraid that it was equal to the Xiantian Pill that was refined from the Tiandu Body¡¯s blood... After thinking about it, he felt it was very terrifying. </drug>

    Seeing the unusual use of the Xiantian Pill, Tianheng didn¡¯t have much to say. He only walked in front of the two enved martial artists whose faces were filled with reverence and whose eyes brimmed with a struggling unwillingness. A slender finger lightly pressed against the Thunder Talisman Nes a couple times. There was the sound of atch clicking, causing the nes to release and fall to the ground.

    Qian Hu and Liu Bao¡¯s shackles had been opened, but an invisible shackle was even more frightening than a visible one. It not only constrained their physical bodies, but even their minds had been converted to Gongyi Tianheng.

    These two sworn brothers unwillingly saluted Tianheng.

    Yet, Tianheng said: "Ah Zuo is considered my adoptive younger brother. In the future, you two will treat him the same way you treat me."

    Qian Hu and Liu Bao heard this and begrudgingly agreed.

    No matter how vicious and untamed they were, they had no choice but to surrender to the power in their blood vessels.

    Off to the side, the spectators Dragon One and Dragon Two gradually came to realize the usefulness of the Xiantian Pill. They knelt before Gongyi Tianheng: "Young master, we are willing to follow you and Pharmacist Gu every day. If the young master enters the inner sect, we earnestly request the young master for this pill!"

    Tianheng understood their intentions. After nodding slightly, he said: "This pill has already been tested, and it definitely isn¡¯t poisonous. Only the side-effects are a little strong. Are you seriously determined to do this?"

    Without the slightest hesitation, Dragon One and Dragon Two said: "Yes, young master!"

    T/N: Retroactively changing Drug ve Binding to Drug ve Brand.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 123

    Concerning Dragon One and Dragon Two, they had been taken in and cultivated by the Gongyi n since childhood. They were taught to obey the Tianlong Guard¡¯s master ¡ª The aristocratic family¡¯s young master. And when they were ten years old, Gongyi Tianheng was born. Henceforth, they were Tianheng¡¯s subordinates.

    Although Tianheng wasn¡¯t able to practice martial arts for a time, he relied on his intelligence and perception to give the Tianlong Guard substantial aid. This let them obtain more things than even some aristocratic families¡¯ young masters who were hale and capable of cultivation! What¡¯s more, after Gongyi Tianheng could practice martial arts, the potential and capability he disyed made them gasp in admiration.

    When it came to acknowledging one¡¯s allegiance, they were long willing to do so from the bottom of their hearts. They were even more willing to form a bloodline connection with the young master ¡ª Otherwise, if they dyed their progress, wouldn¡¯t they be left behind when the young master marched ahead farther and farther? Compared to aplete loss of freedom, being left behind or reced was a matter that was intolerable as Tianlong Guards.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s determination was resolute.

    Gu Zuo watched on. While he was happy for his dear big brother, he was also a little envious.

    These two former Tianlong Guardmanders were practically devoting their everything... This kind of devotion was impossible to witness in the modern era.

    Gongyi Tianheng also regarded these two with absolute importance.

    After slightly muttering to himself, he said: "Right now, I¡¯ve yet to break through to Xiantian, and the Xiantian Pills refined from this blood are also ordinary. Once I¡¯ve broken through, there should be a difference in the blood¡¯s effectiveness. At that time, you two will take it."

    Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s eyes showed their gratefulness: "Many thanks, young master."

    Gongyi Tianheng waved his hand and ordered them to stand up.

    From this dialogue, Qian Hu and Liu Bao gradually learned that the Xiantian Pill they took had actually used their current master¡¯s blood as a medicinal ingredient for refining. There were also certain changes that had taken ce that forced them intoplete subservience, leaving them overwhelmed with shock.

    At the same time, they also had to constantly convince themselves in their hearts that this master had many trump cards and his potential was boundless. By obeying this worthy master, they could obtain endless benefits in the future.

    After several rounds of rea.s.suring themselves, on top of the suppressive force that the bloodline transmitted, the two enved martial artists finally pacified their hearts¡¯ unwillingness. Their sharp edges and untamed nature slowly dissipated.

    At this time, Gu Zuo said: "Big brother, I¡¯ve been thinking. If the pills refined from big brother¡¯s blood has this kind of effect, based on what the prescription mentions, would pills refined from the blood of other Xiantian martial artists also have this effect? The prescription actually doesn¡¯t have anything written about this, but I¡¯m still a little worried."

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "Ask ¡¯It¡¯."

    Because there were outsiders present, he didn¡¯t clearly state who this ¡¯It¡¯ was.

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    He inwardly asked: System, what¡¯s going on with that prescription? Do Xiantian Pills have this residual effect?

    [Blood is quintessential to the human body, and medicinal pillbinations usually have different effects. Because there are too many, the item books¡¯ ordinary and blood-rted medicinal pills are not written down in detail. May the host please figure it out himself.]

    Gu Zuo: ...So you also don¡¯t know if it has this kind of residual effect?

    [The Xiantian Pill prescription¡¯s second method uses blood to refine the pills ¡ª An unorthodox technique sessfully researched by other races. Under normal circ.u.mstances, one would optimally use the blood essence of the heart. If it was the other blood in the body, the produced Xiantian Pill¡¯s grade and the probability of a breakthrough would both be reduced. However, if a Xiantian martial artist lost their heart¡¯s blood essence, their bodies would usually be ruined and they would die.]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: In other words, by refining high quality medicinal pills, it would be the loss of one Xiantian martial artist to facilitate another Xiantian martial artist? Wasn¡¯t this just too deficient?

    The system didn¡¯t respond again. Indeed, it also never once shared any interest in Gu Zuo¡¯s a.n.a.lysis.

    As a result, Gu Zuo knit his brows and just went to grumble to Tianheng: Big brother, in order to be Xiantian, one must kill a Xiantian. How can this be...

    Gongyi Tianheng heard this, and understood what was going on: "Torge and influential groups, the exchange of an old and enfeebled Xiantian for a young one with boundless prospects would be worthwhile. To some experts, taking the blood essence of an outsider in exchange for their younger generation¡¯s breakthrough is also worthwhile. So long as something is worthwhile, there¡¯s nothing one wouldn¡¯t do."

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    Fine. Actually, he understood, too.

    Tianheng pat his head and didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Yet, he had paid attention to one phrase: Other races.

    Perhaps his little pharmacist didn¡¯t care, but he was thinking what this "other races" meant. Being capable of researching another kind of medicine refining method, it could be a.s.sumed that they were knowledgable. Could it be possible that in this world there really were other kinds of races besides the human race? As indicated by "other races", did it mean one other race or very many races?

    Barely a snippet and nothing more, yet Gongyi Tianheng felt like a vast world was unfolding before him. He couldn¡¯t help but want to explore it.

    Merely, right now still wasn¡¯t the right time.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t worry about this problem any longer. He was thinking whether to use the blood of the enved martial artists to try refining a Xiantian Pill... Of course, he didn¡¯t intend on using their blood essence.

    Even if it was a Xiantian Pill with a slightly lower grade, it was still a Xiantian Pill. He only wanted to know if this kind of Xiantian Pill also had that side-effect.

    This could be considered...a pharmacist¡¯s dedication.

    The current Gu Zuo was already drawing closer and closer to bing a true pharmacist.

    Under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯smand, Qian Hu and Liu Bao had no other choice but to extend their wrists to offer their recently-broken-through Xiantian blood.

    The qi and blood of a martial artist who¡¯d reached Xiantian was abundant. Their bodies were also very robust. Gu Zuo just took a gourd of blood per person, and gave each of them a top grade Snowy Ginseng Pill aspensation.

    After the two enved martial artists took the pill, their faces showed their astonishment. They knew that in order to conserve their fighting power, their master would give them a few pills. Yet, they never expected that the medicinal pill¡¯s effects would be this strong!

    After this shock pa.s.sed, the two were slightly more willing on the matter of obeying Gongyi Tianheng.

    After that, Gu Zuo went back to refine pills.

    At the same time, Tianheng also instructed Dragon Two to go to that Free Market Street and buy the remaining three perfect Houtian martial artists and return ¡ª Previously, he only purchased two people because their numbers were few. He was worried that it would be hard to watch over them all and that there would be an idental leak of secrets. But since they discovered the Xiantian Pill¡¯s other effect, there was no concern about buying a couple more people.

    About an hourter.

    Gu Zuo brought out two Xiantian Pills.

    Despite that even more blood had been extracted this time, when Gu Zuo was refining, he thought that the biggest difference between the heart¡¯s blood essence and ordinary blood was the concentration of the blood quintessence. It would be better to purify this blood as much as possible to see whether it was possible to raise the grade of the finished pill.

    After this attempt, he used the blood of the two people separately to refine two light-violet Xiantian Pills. They were both mid grade.

    Gu Zuo frowned.

    His big brother Gongyi Tianheng had casually taken blood from his wrist, and under the circ.u.mstances of imperfect refining techniques, the ones he refined were high grade. Yet this time, he did his best withplete techniques and carefully purified the blood. What he got was still only mid grade... It was obvious that if he hadn¡¯t purified it, then he would¡¯ve obtained Xiantian Pills that were only slightly better than low grade.

    However, this time¡¯s Xiantian Pills were just like what the prescription stated: A light-violet color.

    Perhaps this was also the difference in the blood of the Tiandu Body.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about it anymore as he picked up the medicinal pills and walked out the door.

    At this time, Dragon Two had already returned. The ones staying in the courtyard were three additional enved martial artists. Among them was a slim man with a treacherous face, who was called He Wu; a man with a short stature and whose eyes whirled around in a very dishonest manner, who was called Bao You; and another man who was even huskier than the previous Qian Hu and Liu Bao, but seemed simple and honest, who was called Wu Gang.

    The three stood to the side wearing nes. Besides Wu Gang who only showed a little dissatisfaction, the other two were very unruly, with the looks that they might cause a ruckus at any time.

    There were many ves who came from all walks of life. The stronger one was, the harder they were to deal with.

    The three of them were also no exception.

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo hade out, and beckoned him: "Ah Zuo,e."

    Gu Zuo unconsciously showed a smile. He scampered over and offered the two medicinal pills: "Big brother, take a look. The ones now are different from the ones before."

    Gongyi Tianheng saw this, and pondered somewhat.

    After that, he just opened his mouth and said: "Wu Gang,e here and swallow this Xiantian Pill. Try to advance to the Xiantian realm."

    Wu Gang nked.

    He Wu¡¯splexion was gloomy. When he looked at that Xiantian Pill, his eyes shed with a hint of greed.

    Bao You¡¯s eyes shifted back and forth, and shamelessly requested: "This one and Wu Gang are both the same kind of person. Master must not favor one and discriminate against the other! Wouldn¡¯t it also be better to give this one a pill to consume? The breadth of master¡¯s mind is vast, and this one has long ago epted willingly. This one only hopes that master..."

    Three people and three kinds of att.i.tudes.

    Tianheng casually gave him a nce.

    This nce didn¡¯t have too much emotion and didn¡¯t seem to carry any special meaning. Yet, it had a strong sense of crisis, making Bao You to involuntarily shut his mouth. He didn¡¯t dare continue to speak.

    Once this reaction pa.s.sed, Bao You¡¯s face revealed a trace of fear and regret.

    Just now, he... What happened?

    On the side, the originally gloomy He Wu¡¯s face shed with amazement.

    Contrary to what one might expect, he understood what he saw. The reason why Bao You shut his mouth was because when the one who bought them, this person, looked at Bao You like he was a dead person.

    A dead person couldn¡¯t speak. Under this kind of domination, Bao You naturally had that kind of reaction.

    Perhaps it was because of this that He Wu instead exercised some restraint.

    That he could survive up to this point definitely wasn¡¯t because he never encountered danger. Instead, he could always find danger and...either avoided or resolved it.

    Moreover, unlike the unyielding Qian Hu and Liu Bao who didn¡¯t want to be ves, after he was captured, he adapted to circ.u.mstances. As a result, he was in aparatively favorable state of being.

    As for Wu Gang, he hastily took a Xiantian Pill and swallowed it asmanded.

    A mid grade Xiantian Pill could let a martial artist have a fifty percent chance of a breakthrough. At this moment, he immediately sat on the ground cross-legged and started to digest the medicinal power in an attempt at advancing to the Xiantian realm.

    Gu Zuo attentively watched this Wu Gang, wanting to watch for any differences in his breakthrough and the breakthroughs of Qian Hu and Liu Bao previously.

    ¡ª Unexpectedly, there was almost no differences.

    Simrly, there were many signs visible on his skin that the medicinal power was erupting as it a.s.sisted his advancement. Finally, he seeded in splitting apart the barrier...

    They only saw the top of Wu Gang¡¯s head emitting white mist like the two before. He was going to break through! All of a sudden, that white mist became thin ¡ª There wasn¡¯t enough medicinal power!

    In response, Gongyi Tianheng said: "Open your mouth!"

    Wu Gang heard this and absent-mindedly opened his mouth.

    The next moment, another Xiantian Pill was shot into his mouth by Tianheng.

    Even more medicinal power surged up, lending Wu Gang a hand. that white mist billowed like a smoke signal and like how a ca.n.a.l formed where water flowed, Wu Gang immediately broke through and became Xiantian!

    He Wu and Bao You watched this with malice and envy.

    Wu Gang¡¯s face carried hints of joy and thankfulness. Being able to consume two of such precious medicinal pills in a row was already enough to make him capitte. Although he still had the ident.i.ty of a ve, it was worth it.

    He respectfully said: "Many thanks...Great One for helping me seed."

    He¡¯d yet to say the phrase "Master", but the exchanged t.i.tle conveyed his own feelings of reverence.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t correct his appetion, and only looked at Wu Gang¡¯s face and asked: "What kind of special feelings do you have right now?"

    Wu Gang startled, and after carefully experiencing things, he shook his head: "I only feel incredibly refreshed and energetic. There are no other feelings."

    Tianheng then realized that he really only had a normal breakthrough to Xiantian. There also weren¡¯t any side-effects.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo had already understood that the light-violet Xiantian Pill was the ordinary Xiantian Pill. No matter what kind of refining method, there weren¡¯t any differences whatsoever. However, if it were the brown Xiantian Pill refined with his big brother¡¯s blood, the one who took it would be something like a believer of big brother.

    The Tiandu Body really did have a special distinction.

    Following that, Gu Zuo quickly refined another two brown high grade Xiantian Pills and gave one each to He Wu and Bao You.

    Those two were naturally unwilling, but they had no choice except to swallow it. Likewise, theypletely offered up their freedom and couldn¡¯t put any devious thoughts into action.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 124

    With five enved martial artists, Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s work became much easier. Although their strength wasn¡¯t Xiantian, by virtue of their positions in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s heart, these five were still under their control.

    To be urate, Dragon One was in charge of the five of them, and Dragon Two supervised the three pharmacists.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s team had gradually developed into a burgeoning prototype.

    Merely, there were only four nominal disciple tokens remaining in Tianheng¡¯s possession. There weren¡¯t enough for the five enved martial artists to use. At this time, the purpose of that Manager Yang, who¡¯d been fed multiple times, had been actualized.

    Dragon One made a trip to Manager Yang. Unaware of the methods he employed, Manager Yang supplied Tianheng with another nominal disciple token, letting one of the extra ves have an outer sect ident.i.ty, too.

    However, adding more people wasn¡¯t that easy.

    Without a doubt, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be adding people in the short-term. This was to avoid viting the sect rules, which would¡¯ve easily let others have the excuse of making a fuss.

    During this short period of time, Gu Zuo also secluded himself to refine medicine.

    Besides giving his dear big brother his daily medicinal decoctions and cuisines, the things he most frequently made were the studied Life Extension Pill and Hundred Poisons Pill.

    The former was where Gu Zuo¡¯s interestsy. One shouldn¡¯t look at the Dual-Faced Flower and see a single flower. So long as it was used appropriately, this single flower could be refined into over ten Life Extension Pills ¡ª Each Life Extension Pill could extend the lifespan of a martial artist below the Immortal realm!

    If an ordinary martial artist only had the lifespan of one hundred fifty years, they would break free from these shackles and achieve three hundred years once they became an Immortal realm martial artist. Thus, the Life Extension Pill could let a martial artist who hadn¡¯t reached the Immortal realm have a three hundred year lifespan as well.

    But this was only an ideal scenario. If the product grade of the medicinal pill didn¡¯t reach top grade, it wouldn¡¯t reach its full potential. However, even if it was a low grade Life Extension Pill, it could increase a person¡¯s lifespan by eighty years or more. If one¡¯s lifespan was used up, wouldn¡¯t obtaining this kind of medicinal pill be like having another chance to break through? When given to martial artists whocked potential, this was an opportunity to continue on their martial path!

    Fortunately, the hardest medicinal herb to get for the Life Extension Pill was precisely the Dual-Faced Flower. The other herbs weren¡¯t considered too rare. Through Dragon One andpany¡¯s gathering, more than ten sets were quickly obtained. Each one was only capable of refining one to two Life Extension Pills.

    Ultimately, under Gu Zuo¡¯s prudent handling, despite one cauldron of wasted pills ¡ª Yes, even though Gu Zuo refined this kind of troublesome pill, this was the first time a cauldron of wasted pills was produced ¡ª The remaining ones were all sessful.

    Currently, Gu Zuo had a total of eighteen Life Extension Pills. Among them, there were twelve low grade pills, four mid grade pills, and only two high grade pills. It could be said that this was an unprecedentedly poor achievement.

    But Gu Zuo was also aware that the Life Extension Pill was one of the hardest pills to refine within the Human-Level Pills. This kind of pill that smashed limitations and extended one¡¯s lifespan was a medicinal pill that was in defiance of the natural order. He also should¡¯ve been satisfied with this result... So, he proposed that the mid and high grade pills would be set aside, while the remaining twelve pills would be handed over to his dear big brother¡¯s arrangements.

    Gongyi Tianheng naturally agreed.

    Apart from the Life Extension Pill, the Hundred Poisons Pill was a type of Poison Pill within the Trick Pills.

    Gu Zuo definitely wasn¡¯t someone who would go researching Poison Pills because he didn¡¯t refine enough proper and honorable pills. The reason why he went to research them was for his big brother.

    As stated previously, Tianheng currently needed toxins as kindling for the bone pearls in his body to let him break through to Xiantian. It was unfortunate that the Earth Ghost¡¯s poison was of no use. Following that, Dragon One and Dragon Two went to procure poisonous medicinal ingredients, and a poison slurry was extracted by Gu Zuo. However, this poison slurry quickly lost its usefulness.

    The bone pearls throughout Tianheng¡¯s body were moring. As they were already fed enough to be healthy and strong, they needed even stronger poisons. Otherwise, they absolutely couldn¡¯t have been satisfied!

    There was nothing that could be done. Gu Zuo had no choice but to start researching Poison Pills.

    As for the Hundred Poisons Pill, it had a severe toxicity through its fusion of one hundred poisons. It could ultimately poison a person to death within ten seconds.

    It was the one Gongyi Tianheng selected. After Gu Zuo hesitated for a long while, he consented to Tianheng¡¯s request.

    Of course, Gu Zuo had also thought about some methods.

    He was going to split the ck portion of the Dual-Faced Flower into two shares. One half would act as one of the toxins in the Hundred Poisons Pill ¡ª The reason why this pill was special was because the toxins could be chosen arbitrarily when refining the pill. As for the other half, it would be used by him to refine a Trick Pill, an antidote customized to restrain the Hundred Poisons Pill that contained the Dual-Faced Flower.

    It was undoubtedly a type of medicinal herb, but because of different pharmacist techniques, such an effect that mutually restrained each other was both a challenge and an improvement for Gu Zuo.

    What was stranger was that this antidote was also a kind of poison. If someone who hadn¡¯t swallowed the Hundred Poisons Pill had taken this antidote, they¡¯d probably die in their sleep. Ultimately, the corpse would decay and only a short while would be needed for it to be something like a y funerary doll.

    When he finished refining, Gu Zuo walked out of the room and hesitated as he handed the medicinal pill over.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled and directly swallowed the Hundred Poisons Pill.

    His face instantly nched.

    Previously, Tianheng had freed himself from his fate to die young long ago. Even more, because he practiced martial arts, he was actually quite healthy and robust. Yet, it was probably due to being sickly for many years that the current him seemed like a n.o.ble young master. His qi and blood and his strength weren¡¯t p.r.o.nounced at all.

    Especially right now when he seemed to be in pain while sitting beneath the sunshine, it gave spectators a weak and flimsy impression. Along with Tianheng¡¯s paleplexion, he almost seemed to be transparent.

    However, Gu Zuo currently didn¡¯t have the time to appreciate his charms. His big brother¡¯s poison resistance was very strong, but the Hundred Poisons Pill was made by his own hands. He also knew that it wasn¡¯t simple, so how could he idle while his big brother went gambling?

    As a result, he nervously stared at Tianheng, and didn¡¯t dare let his mind wander even a little. Lest a stray thought cause this big brother of his to drop dead from the poison.

    As for Gongyi Tianheng, after hisplexion turned pale, his expression appeared to gain some enjoyment. It was like the thing he swallowed wasn¡¯t a Poison Pill, but rather a wonderful treat.

    Following which, he extended a hand out in front of Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips and ced down another Hundred Poisons Pill.

    It didn¡¯t matter. He had lots of this medicinal pill...

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t have a shred of politeness, too. He devoured no less than twenty two Hundred Poisons Pills before he was finally willing to stop.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help being speechless.

    This big brother of his shouldn¡¯t be invulnerable to poison in the future, right?

    ¡ª No, no, no. The Hundred Poisons Pill originally had one hundred poisons. His big brother was already invulnerable!

    However, Tianheng¡¯s gaze fell upon Gu Zuo¡¯s other hand.

    In this hand, the thing being clenched was also a medicinal pill.

    It was pitch-ck in color. As a collection of both poison and antidote, its toxicity was even stronger than the Hundred Poisons Pill!

    Gu Zuo was at a loss: "Big brother... Do you really want to take it?"

    Tianheng smiled: "Rest a.s.sured, Ah Zuo. I¡¯ll be fine."

    Sure enough, after he finished speaking, he took the Trick Pill Gu Zuo had meticulously studied to make and swallowed it into his stomach.

    In a split second, ck qi surged up. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s whole body underwent an intense change!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 125

    If someone could see the inside of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body, they¡¯d discover that a set of formerly light-gray bone pearls had be dark-gray. They constantly revolved within their acupoints and almost produced a whistling noise, like countless gusts of wind shuttling back and forth. However, it definitely wasn¡¯t a wind. That thing traveling back and forth inside was a surge of ck gas that formed into a swimming dragon, erupting with frightening power!

    At the same time, after that ck gas shuttled between the bone pearls, it faced towards a Heavenly Spirit Acupoint and dashed over. It constantly squeezed and condensed,bining with countless strands of true qi from other bone pearls before unleashing a sudden and violent boom!

    In a split second, a bone pearl was formed!

    From this moment on, Gongyi Tianheng had broken through to the Xiantian Realm!

    Yet, this Heavenly Spirit Bone Pearl was still snow-white.

    On the contrary, thatplete set of bone pearls that had absorbed the poison gas had changed into a light-ck at this moment.

    Tianheng could detect that there was an insurgence of thoughts filled with a concentrated negative energy, which converged from a higher power. This negative energy also gradually vanished into that set of light-ck bone pearls, bing a part of them. Combined with the poison gas and true qi in the bone pearls, the negative energy was gradually a.s.simted.

    It seemed this had formed a new kind of power, which bore a sinister vor. He could sense that if he prompted this negative energy, all of his martial skill moves would carry this vor. He could even instantaneously imbue this negative energy with toxins ¡ª To put it briefly, while the functionality of the poison gas was still present, it seemed that the negative energy could contain things other than just the poison gas. Filling the gaps would strengthen the negative energy¡¯s might!

    Merely, Gongyi Tianheng was unable to find out what he still currently needed. If he wanted to continue strengthening the negative energy, he could only absorb countless toxins first.

    Even though he already advanced to Xiantian, this thirst for toxins would only deepen.

    What was even stranger was Tianheng had found that after he started absorbing ambient qi again, the true qi stored in his body had undergone a change. There was still true qi within the other bone pearls, but only the things that entered the light-ck bone pearls would transform into negative energy.

    ¡ª After the sessful breakthrough, Gongyi Tianheng opened his eyes.

    What he encountered was Gu Zuo¡¯s concerned features.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was gentle: "Ah Zuo, I¡¯m alright."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was extremely keen. At this time, it was seen that his dear big brother had a smooth breakthrough. He promptly smiled and said: "Congrattions, big brother, for your advancement to the Xiantian Realm!"

    Tianheng smiled and stood up: "It¡¯s thanks to Ah Zuo for giving me that Poison Pill."

    Gu Zuo shook his head: "It¡¯s big brother¡¯s astonishing IQ."

    Seeing Tianheng¡¯s sess, it was only natural that Dragon One and Dragon Two were iparably happy. The other five enved martial artists also didn¡¯t dare to be casual.

    First of all, one shouldn¡¯t say that they were being controlled. Even if there wasn¡¯t any control, in the end, they had relied on the Xiantian Pill to have this kind of quick breakthrough. As for this master of theirs, he was unexpectedlypletely self-reliant. He wasn¡¯t a full twenty years old and could be a Xiantian martial artist. These prospects were really too powerfulpared to them.

    Gongyi Tianheng satisfyingly opened his five fingers and reached out to faintly grab something.

    The slender qi flow, which was twisting between his fingers, produced a slight qi explosion in this grasp.

    It could clearly be seen that the power contained was extremely frightful!

    Gu Zuo could detect that the pressure that the current Tianheng gave off was several times greater than the previous Tianheng. His heart couldn¡¯t help being a little curious: "Big brother, about how many times stronger are you now than before your breakthrough?"

    Tianheng closed his eyes and faint perceived things. He raised one finger.

    Gu Zuo stared: "Only one? That¡¯s impossible..."

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes carried a trace of mischief: "One hundred times."

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    This was also impossible!

    Tianheng saw this shocked expression of his and no longer joked around. Rather, his expression normalized and he stated: "At least ten-fold. I can easily y wild beasts of grade seven and below. If it¡¯s a martial artist, I can fight on par with a Qi Gathering Realm stage three martial artist. I¡¯d have a hard time dealing with Qi Forming Realm martial artists."

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    So to say, this big brother of his could deal with a Xiantian stage six martial artist? As for Xiantian stage seven and above, he also wasn¡¯tpletely without the strength to strike back?

    With this kind of talk, were there no opponents with realms equal to his big brother?

    So powerful.

    The Tiandu Body was so scary!

    Gu Zuo evaluated himself.

    His psychic power was also very good and his sneak attacks were especially cool. But if one wanted to talk about his fighting strength, the maximum limit he could protect himself against was Xiantian stage three and below. Any higher and there wasn¡¯t a guarantee that hey could injure the other guy even if he set up an ambush. Moreover, a moment of inattention could allow him to be sensed by someone. Perhaps the other would already avoid it before he even acted... Ah, he really didn¡¯t have the fierce strength of his big brother.

    However, when he thought about it again, Gu Zuo calmed down.

    He was a pharmacist, and his skills were the most important.

    In addition, the more medicinal pills he refined, the more item books he obtained. He also gradually discovered that he actually needed to defend himself. He definitely couldn¡¯t only rely on his psychic power and nothing else.

    For example, a few Trick Pills with strange effects?

    When he had free time, he could refine quite a few.

    With his thoughts in a mess, Gu Zuo flung his head back and reined in his train of thought which was flying away: "Right now, big brother has broken through to Xiantian and isn¡¯t twenty years old yet. You can directly be an inner sect disciple."

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo asked straightforwardly: "Then, how does big brother feel about it?"

    Tianheng pondered for a little bit: "First, let¡¯s take on the Xiaowu Leaderboard."

    Tianheng led Gu Zuo over to the Xiaowu PaG.o.da.

    His subordinates and ves all had their own arrangements and thus didn¡¯t follow along.

    The Xiaowu PaG.o.da was located in the outer sect and was the ce where outer sect disciples normally went to in order topare notes and spar. It was also the ce outer sect disciples most frequently visited. On the Xiaowu PaG.o.da¡¯s exterior was an expansive leaderboard. What was written upon it were the rankings of outer sect disciples who crashed their way through the Xiaowu PaG.o.da.

    The Xiaowu Leaderboard¡¯s ranking represented a martial artist¡¯s reputation and strength.

    Those who were capable of appearing on the Leaderboard for a long time also could be noticed and roped in by inner sect intermediaries in advance even if they hadn¡¯t broken through to Xiantian. As for those who held the top ranks for long periods, once they broke through to Xiantian, they might not necessarily receive the a.s.sessment and could directly enter the inner sect, even if their age exceeded twenty years.

    ¡ª This definitely wasn¡¯t unusual. Because, not only did the Xiaowu PaG.o.da let outer sect disciples topare notes, this was also the location where outer sect disciples were evaluated to enter the inner sect.

    The a.s.sessment¡¯s contents resembled the contents of taking on the paG.o.da. Those guys who could usurp the leaderboard should already have been considered to have pa.s.sed the test.

    When they arrived, Gu Zuo saw a paG.o.da in front of him. It was called the Xiaowu PaG.o.da, but the dwelling wasn¡¯t the least bit small. One could see with a casual sweep that it had a dozen or so floors. It was much taller than the majority of paG.o.das he¡¯d seen in the modern era. This paG.o.da looked simple and unadorned, but the interior was a ce of charm and beauty. There was a total of six paG.o.da gates, and each one could amodate six outer sect disciples entering at the same time.

    Right now, there were very many outer sect disciples entering and exiting.

    Seeing how some outer sect disciples entered optimistically and came out with dejection on their faces, Gu Zuo noticed that this Xiaowu PaG.o.da wasn¡¯t easy to take on. Then, he looked off to the side at a stone tablet¡¯s golden leaderboard. The names written on it were already set and were ones that rarely changed.

    Gu Zuo clearly saw that the one on that leaderboard he recognized, Kang Wenhong, was in seventh ce. As for that You Jiong, he was in ninth ce. Two people he took seriously were experts among the outer sect¡¯s top ten ¡ª Yes, in addition to those previously mentioned, the Xiaowu Leaderboard also represented the outer sect¡¯s powerhouses.

    Thus, if a martial artist wanted to develop their influence and increase their reputation in the outer sect, they would have to take a stand.

    Currently, however, there was a problem.

    Previously, Gongyi Tianheng had been preupied with trifling matters and couldn¡¯t challenge the leaderboard. How could he challenge it now that he was already a Xiantian martial artist? It was said that this Xiaowu PaG.o.da was only opened to Houtian martial artists, so could Xiantian martial artists go, too? But if they went, it wouldn¡¯t be too fair for other disciples... The grand Qingyun Sect shouldn¡¯t have overlooked this point.

    Just as he was thinking, Tianheng pat Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, leading him to turn towards another direction.

    Gu Zuo stared.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "For the time being, I¡¯ll go challenge the paG.o.da. Is it okay for Ah Zuo to wait for me here?"

    After his exnation, Gu Zuo then realized that while the Xiaowu PaG.o.da had more than ten floors, the first nine floors corresponded to the Houtian Realm¡¯s nine stages, which martial artists used to improve themselves. The region from the tenth floor and onwards was where Xiantian martial artists could eke out sess. The outer sect disciples who wanted to take the a.s.sessment usually stayed on these floors.

    The number of outer sect disciples was too high. Although it could be argued that Meridian Condensing peak stage three martial artists were the strongest ones, they were no match for some martial artists who¡¯d broken through to the Xiantian Realm. During the short time when they¡¯d yet to pa.s.s the a.s.sessment, they¡¯d have to stay in the outer sect. They could also challenge the tenth floor and above.

    It was just that Xiantian martial artists weren¡¯t included among the Xiaowu Leaderboard¡¯s rankings. Normally, a Xiantian martial artist could crash their way through several times before being able to enter the inner sect. To them, these rankings werepletely meaningless.

    Of course, Gu Zuo politely agreed: "Okay, I¡¯ll wait here for big brother toe out."

    Gongyi Tianheng gave him a smile and walked towards the Xiaowu PaG.o.da.

    At this time, it just so happened that the positions in the paG.o.da weren¡¯t yet full. Tianheng brought his outer sect disciple token and smoothly entered the paG.o.da gate. Immediately after that, a certain side of the Xiaowu PaG.o.da shed with light ¡ª This showed the activation of the paG.o.da¡¯s closure.

    Only, it was a pity that those outside basically wouldn¡¯t know what was happening, nor see how the martial artists within were challenging the paG.o.da.

    To put it simply, the people outside were ones who had to sit and wait.

    Gu Zuo watched the paG.o.da for a little while. After discovering that the second floor of the paG.o.da was activated in a brief period of time, his heart rested easy.

    The several floors above were also Houtian Realm floors. To his big brother, it would be a piece of cake!

    After waiting for a while, Gu Zuo looked around and came to several ces where one could sit down.

    The vicinity of the Xiaowu PaG.o.da had many vendors. The people who maintained the booths were mostly all nominal disciples. They sold things like medicinal pills, food, and tea. The life of an outer sect disciple wasn¡¯t easy. If there was a chance to make some money to earn a living, then one should do their best to do so.

    This was a pretty good ce for it ¡ª Inevitably there¡¯d be people who wanted toe by to issue a challenge, right? Maybe they would get help to form a group. Maybe they¡¯d bring some subordinates to wait outside for them. On asion, there¡¯d be some who challenged the paG.o.da at the same time and were distrustful of each other, wanting to start a fight. This could attract many people who enjoyed watching such bustling scenes. There were even more of this kind of spectator.

    And with more people, wouldn¡¯t they need a ce to rest? Besides resting, wouldn¡¯t they get hungry or thirsty? Wouldn¡¯t they want to eat or drink something? Otherwise, they¡¯d get injured when it was time to fight. Also, wouldn¡¯t they need to buy some pills?

    In addition, it was because there was a lot of people here that some outer sect disciples tried their luck here when they couldn¡¯t sell their stuff inparativelyrger booths at the Qingyun Sect¡¯s Market Street. Maybe it could give them extra revenue or let them exchange for items that were useful to them?

    The ce Gu Zuo took a seat was at a tea shack.

    He¡¯d been standing in front of the paG.o.da for a while and felt a little conspicuous. With no on in front or behind him, he felt a bit insecure. In the end, this tea shack was unique. The back had something to block the wind and there were a couple other disciples inside. He went to a corner and sat down ¡ª Immediately, his sense of security returned.

    As for the tea... He ordered a pot in pa.s.sing.

    It was said that this one used a first-rate, thirst-quenching tea infusion. A pot worth one gold arrived. He drank it and there wasn¡¯t any profound feeling, but there was a bit of taste to it. On the contrary, the thirst-quenching was true.

    He could afford this bit of money.

    It was rare to have a bit of time to wait contentedly. Gu Zuo suddenly heard the sounds of a dispute, and he turned his head to get a look. It was two groups of people making a ruckus.

    Both sides didn¡¯t look like they were easy to handle, and they were pushing and shoving each other. There were several nominal disciples who were even revealing weapons. It looked as if they were going to start fighting.

    Gu Zuo felt it was a little strange.

    He¡¯d read through the outer sect¡¯s rules, and apparently, fellow disciples couldn¡¯t casually a.s.sault one another... Even if there was justification for hitting, taking a person¡¯s life wasn¡¯t allowed. Don¡¯t even mention the instability of a "wide-scale armed confrontation".

    ¡ª Wait a minute.

    Gu Zuo paused abruptly.

    He suddenly found a familiar face among the crowd of disciples!

    Although, he didn¡¯t remember the name... He should¡¯ve been a member of the Duanmu n.

    But how could a member of the Duanmu n casually stir up trouble? Could it be that Cang Yu and them had encountered some matters that were out of their control?

    Just as Gu Zuo was thinking this, the two groups of people really broke out into a fight.

    It was a chaotic melee. Both side¡¯s strengths wereparatively equal, so the oue wouldn¡¯t be revealed at the moment. The spectators standing on the sides also gradually increased, and the tea shack slowly filled with lots of people.

    Basically, everyone watched the fight with schadenfreude.

    Gu Zuo had no rtionship with the others, and it wasn¡¯t good to go over to ask about the whole sequence of events. Thus, he strained his ears in an attempt to filter out the insider information.

    Facts had proven that, no matter the location, there¡¯d always be those who knew more than others and were impatient to show off their first-hand knowledge. However, it was also a fact that these people kept others be well-informed.

    Following this, Gu Zuo clearly heard that this was a matter of one side wanting to crush and rob the other. As for the other group¡¯s unwillingness to resist, that group¡¯s leader found that the levels of this group of people weren¡¯t weaker than their own. With rather fierce fighting, the oue of this cliche narrative wouldn¡¯t appear for some time.

    ...But why did he feel that perhaps this matter wasn¡¯t so simple?

    Very quickly, Gu Zuo heard someone in the tea shack let out a scoff: "All this talk is baseless hearsay! A robbery is a robbery. Such a pompous provocation isn¡¯t idiocy, there¡¯s an ulterior motive."

    Other people had some reactions to his words.

    Ah, right! Such a noisy robbery waspletely idiotic. Being discovered with great fanfare and not being willing to reconcile things in private was even more idiotic!

    Later, someone recognized something and softly responded: "Shhh¡ª"

    "What?"

    "There¡¯s someone in the middle of a showdown. I heard someone getting ticked off right outside. One of them isn¡¯t willing to let matters rest and the other also got aggravated. Both want to trample each other!"

    "An arch-nemesis?"

    "Right! They¡¯re arch-nemeses!"

    For a moment, many people were givingments one after another.

    "Since they¡¯re arch-nemeses, this kind of action seems small-scale..."

    "There¡¯s nothing to be done. They still can¡¯t drop all pretenses. The two have... En, they both have backers. There¡¯s also a contest behind the scenes. One side is determined and the other side isn¡¯t willing to concede. So they¡¯re still in the middle of a dispute..."

    "So it¡¯s like this. The smell of gunpowder is getting thicker!"

    "Quiet down. Don¡¯t follow the crowds for a closer look!"

    Gu Zuo listened and listened, and increasingly became aware of this familiarity. He suddenly understood.

    This definitely was that d.a.m.nable You Jiong!

    At that time, their group had saved Kang Wenhong. After returning, he must¡¯ve made trouble for You Jiong. As a matter of fact, was this that matter¡¯s follow-up? While the specific circ.u.mstances were unknown, it currently looked like one group was You Jiong¡¯s faction and the other had a Duanmu n descendant, which should¡¯ve been Kang Wenhong¡¯s person. Otherwise, perhaps it was possible that they¡¯d made friends with someone else afterwards and were deliberately suppressed by You Jiong¡¯s people, releasing a mouthful of resentment?

    In the end, it was unknown whether Kang Wenhong was in charge.

    Gu Zuo thought of this, and let out a sigh.

    With too little information, the situation was unclear to him. After returning, he hadn¡¯t heard how they were doing. During that time¡¯s a.s.sistance to Kang Wenhong, Gongyi Tianheng had let Cang Yu and the others lead Kang Wenhong back first. This was epted tacitly for Cang Yu to engage with thework rted to Kang Wenhong. Right now, it seemed like there was still a troublesome remnant that hadn¡¯t been swept clean.

    Only, from the looks of it, even if Kang Wenhong hadn¡¯t arrived, Cang Yu should¡¯ve also obtained the news ande to help.

    As expected, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think wrongly.

    Over yonder, the two groups¡¯ dispute had reached the boiling point, and the fighting between both sides quickly erupted into mes. Suddenly, a dozen people aggressively rushed over, but they definitely didn¡¯te to join the fight. Rather, they started to intervene.

    The person in the lead shouted: "For all of you who don¡¯t stop, once Kang Wenhong gets here, it¡¯ll be toote to regret! The matter is that you all looted your fellow disciples first. If you don¡¯t stay your hands, don¡¯t cry about receiving the Disciplinary Hall¡¯s punishment!"

    Those people¡¯s faces quickly shed with panic, but those unaware were still reluctant to admit their mistakes: "Who¡¯s afraid? You say we looted, but do you have proof? Without proof, the Disciplinary Hall is just making false usations! Moreover, you¡¯re all being malicious. Treating us so ruthlessly is truly without justification!"

    After that, the group that started the provocation unexpectedly began fighting and struggling even more fiercely, dragging those who tried to intervene into the melee. With the appearance of wild tigers, it was looking like those who hadn¡¯t yed a big role weren¡¯t willing to let it go!

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Obviously, those people were scared. This appearance right now... Why did it have that feeling of injuring a thousand enemies for the price of harming eight hundred of their own? No, no, no. It was more like mutual destruction! Could everyone go to the Disciplinary Hall together? This wasn¡¯t the question of exining any justification. This was one specialized by an evil-hearted person!

    Other spectating martial artists all saw it.

    They also thought that this ruckus had the feeling of...approaching storm clouds.

    In the end, this "armed confrontation" couldn¡¯t have been stopped in advance. One side fought like their lives depended on it and, consequently, the other side had no choice but to sullenly fight back. Nothing could be done. There were so many people.

    In a crowded, public s.p.a.ce, if someone identally killed their opponent, wouldn¡¯t that person who was originally justified be an unlucky rule breaker? Unfortunately, it seemed as if each and every one of them wanted to sh weapons with their chests held high. It was both shameless and reckless!

    In actuality... In actuality it was too depressing!

    As more time pa.s.sed, the few among that group of people became even more frenzied. They suddenlyshed out, and bodies were deeply wounded. The other group was also extremely cautious. They seemed clear about a matter, lest they really did something irreversible.

    Even though it was like this, the qi energy of those people became weaker and weaker, and their bodies suffered serious injuries...

    Suddenly, a severe shout could be heard from the sky: "Imand you to stop!"

    When those words were spoken, several dozen chains descended from the sky and wrapped up the martial artists still fighting on both sides. The chains were locked up, preventing them from taking action again.

    Gu Zuo faintly squinted his eyes.

    Just then, he carefully used his psychic power to carefully look it over. The chains that bound Duanmu¡¯s group seemed to be a bit tighter than the ones that bound the other group. And the chains that bound them was loosening a lot.

    There was a problem!

    In the blink of an eye, a seriously injured person, who was filled with grief and indignation, dragged the chains and stumbled forward. The other side never antic.i.p.ated that he could still rebel like this. There wasn¡¯t enough time to sheathe their weapons before it already pierced through the injured person¡¯s body! The injured person twitched for a moment before dying just like that. It seemed as if he was still wanted to ask questions while under the urge, but the other side took the opportunity to kill him!

    This was...totally unexpected!

    At the same time, several Disciplinary Hall members dropped down from a flying wild beast high in the sky. The leader immediately shouted: "You sure have guts to dare ughter your fellow disciple in the presence of my Disciplinary Hall!"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shuddered.

    This was a set up!

    There was certainly a conspiracy afoot!

    The person whose hand was holding the weapon was...none other than that Duanmu n descendant.

    T/N: Slowly making lots of small retroactive changes throughout the entire trantion thus far. If you notice sudden discrepancies, don¡¯t be rmed. It will take me time to go through all the chapters.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 126

    One couldn¡¯t prepare a defense against everything. Duanmu Qinghe could only feel the tightness of the chains. His entire body was already underplete control; he was totally bound. Don¡¯t mention using true qi to struggle free, even if he worked his hardest, that chain would only constrict tighter. There simply wasn¡¯t the slightest bit of ck.

    He immediately knew that he couldn¡¯t escape, but his heart was very anxious. Once he was locked up in the Disciplinary Hall, he was sure to receive punishment. At that time, perhaps he¡¯d have ayer of skin peeled off. Even losing his life was a possibility!

    What was he going to do? What was he going to do?

    After noticing that something was amiss, they¡¯d already asked someone to inform the Ninth Prince Cang Yu. Why was there such a dy? Unexpectedly, no one hade!

    The enforcement disciples of the Disciplinary Hall stood at the ready on the ground.

    When the leader¡¯s gloomy face looked at Duanmu Qinghe, it was like he was looking at a dead man. His voice was extremely grim: "You¡¯ve in a fellow disciple. My Disciplinary Hall¡¯s enforcement disciples shall take you into custody for you to be dealt with at the Disciplinary Hall. Will you obey?"

    Duanmu Qinghe took a deep breath and said all at once: "I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. He did it himself..."

    Qinghe hadn¡¯t finished before the person from the Disciplinary Hall cut him off with a loud shout: "Absurd! At that time, you all were already being restricted for my enforcement disciples to arrive and mediate. Don¡¯t tell me that you didn¡¯t take his life? You clearly have a vicious nature and took the chance to act! I¡¯ve seen many brutal disciples such as you. I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯ll only be willing to confess after taking a round of punishment. There¡¯s no need for you to quibble. Everyone, take them back to the Disciplinary Hall!"

    After speaking, everyone who¡¯d been locked up were led in chains by several enforcers. In particr, Duanmu Qinghe was directly supervised by that leader, the enforcement captain. Apart from the legs being able to move, it was impossible to have any leeway of escape whatsoever.

    Gu Zuo inwardly shook his head.

    This was obviously nned! But there was nothing to do in the face of this brilliant scheme. A public disy was a reportable matter, and it would be difficult to evade or escape the scheme!

    It wasn¡¯t surprising that those Immortal Realm powerhouses had seriously warned them before they entered the sect. Sure enough, if inner sect disciples found outer sect disciples displeasing to the eye, there were plenty of ways to toy with them.

    The current situation was that the one who could order the outer sect¡¯s enforcement disciples to put on this show was certainly the inner sect backer of You Jiong. Right now, it depended if Kang Wenhong¡¯s inner sect backer was willing to act for Duanmu Qinghe to escape... Moreover, when encountering such a public framing situation, even if that backer acted, they had to determine if they¡¯d missed the key moment or if there was any room to maneuver.

    Matters that changed were often fleeting.

    Originally, Gu Zuo had thought that this farce would be over for the time being. Hadn¡¯t all of them been arrested? Although there were many spectatorsmenting, there was also no one who took the initiative. However, he never expected that just when Duanmu Qinghe was about to be dragged onto the back of the flying wild beast, a loud voice called out from the rear!

    "Stop!" This voice was like a p of thunder as it exploded out, "These are my Mingyue Pavillion¡¯s outer circle members. How can you all take them away without the barest sc.r.a.p of evidence? Release them to me!"

    A dozen or so figures arrived with haste.

    Gu Zuo saw that the leader was Kang Wenhong, and the ones following him included Cang Yu, Duanmu Qingrong, as well as other nominal disciples who came from the Cangyun Empire.

    In addition, there were also some new faces that should¡¯ve been people who were followers of Kang Wenhong.

    They arrived in a rush, and there were even quite a few who sported some light injuries. It could be seen that they¡¯d encountered some matter previously, which dyed their approach.

    The one who¡¯d just shouted for them to stop was Kang Wenhong.

    His handsome face carried an intense fury, his footsteps produced gusts of wind, and his suppressive power was profound. After he got there, he directly extended a hand to s.n.a.t.c.h Duanmu Qinghe back!

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    ¡ª Xiantian martial artist?

    Last time when they were on West Mountain, Kang Wenhong was clearly still perfected Houtian stage nine!

    That enforcement captain was also a Xiantian stage one. Originally, he didn¡¯t ce much importance on Kang Wenhong. Now that he discovered that his counterpart had taken away a person from his own hands, his face suddenly looked unsightly: "Kang Wenhong, are you challenging the rules of my Disciplinary Hall?!"

    Kang Wenhong promptly injected his qi energy into the chains, breaking Duanmu Qinghe¡¯s locks. Afterwards, he faced the enforcement captain and solemnly said: "As far as I know, under a situation where there is no definitive proof, an enforcement squad cannot arrestmon disciples, right? This kind of disturbance of yours really isn¡¯t in observance with the Disciplinary Hall¡¯s rules!"

    The enforcement captain¡¯s voice was deep: "Duanmu Qinghe killed a fellow disciple. I saw it with my own eyes; everyone around here all saw this clearly. How can this still be a wrongful usation? Kang Wenhong, you shouldn¡¯t make the mistake of obstructing how my Disciplinary Hall handles a case!"

    Kang Wenhong sneered: "I¡¯ve also heard that someone had run into it by himself, framing a fellow disciple instead. That side is guilty, and should be tied up and judged!"

    "What a joke! Who in the world would be willing to throw their own life away?"

    "Perhaps they weren¡¯t willing at first. However, if they received threats and were promised benefits even more important than their life, a person could be ordered to give up their life voluntarily!"

    Two people opposed each other with equal harshness as they stuck to their own version, arguing endlessly.

    Just then, Duanmu Qinghe had his justification interrupted halfway through. When it was Kang Wenhong¡¯s turn, there was a deadlock.

    It was to the point that, because something seemed to be investigated, his valor upied the winning side.

    Gu Zuo silently withdrew.

    To be honest, this made him feel a little scared.

    It was better that he reduced his presence.

    After the deadlock, Kang Wenhong would still win. After all, the Disciplinary Hall needed to always show justice and impartiality on the surface. If it was before Kang Wenhong arrived, they could¡¯ve taken the people away without a hitch. But since they couldn¡¯t, wanting to take them away again wouldn¡¯t be so easy.

    The enforcement captain left with some parting words: "We will properly collect evidence! You all will need to go to the Disciplinary Hall within three days to exin yourselves! Otherwise, you¡¯ll be punished even if you hadn¡¯t vited the sect rules!"

    After he finished speaking, he led his squad of people and jumped onto the back of the flying wild beast, leaving without a backwards nce.

    The enforcement squad¡¯s position was no small matter. Their influence was absolutely not ordinary. During this time, they made many spectating disciples feel stifled. It was only once they left that the hostile mood began to ease.

    Duanmu Qinghe slowly exhaled. He knew that he almost suffered a huge torment. Maybe he could¡¯ve been thrown away. Now it could finally be considered safe.

    He bowed his head and said: "Senior Sect Brothers, I was too careless."

    Cang Yu didn¡¯t say anything. Duanmu Qingrong said: "You need to be more careful in the future!"

    At this time, Kang Wenhong¡¯s expression rxed and he said: "It wasn¡¯t your fault. Even if you didn¡¯t do anything, they¡¯d still watch you attentively and think of a way to make you mess up. At that time, you all saved me, causing those people to take notice. No matter what, I won¡¯t ever abandon you all. Rest a.s.sured, although Duanshui Hall is powerful, our Mingyue Pavilion isn¡¯t to be trifled with. You Jiong did wrong first, and justification is on our side. We don¡¯t need to be worried at all.

    He continued: "Even in the inner sect, Senior Sect Sister Yuerong isn¡¯t inferior to Senior Sect Brother Li Duanshui. However, we¡¯ll really need to be more careful in the future. We mustn¡¯t be manipted by others so easily... You all are already my Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s outer circle disciples. Once I¡¯ve entered the inner sect and established myself, I can pull you guys into the inner circle. At that time, you won¡¯t be helpless any longer."

    Duanmu Qinghe listened, so it was natural that heid his worries to rest. The expressions of Cang Yu and the others also looked much better.

    There were already inconveniences to saving a person, but there were also benefits. It was out of the question for them to voice any regrets.

    On the contrary, the matter of joining the Mingyue Pavilion and bing an inner circle disciple was worth their antic.i.p.ation.

    The enforcement squad left, and the bustling scene dispersed.

    Although Kang Wenhong had alreadypelled those people to leave, the matter of their confrontation still needed to be reported as quickly as possible to his higher-ups. This was also to prepare a response to what would happenter.

    As such, they also prepared to depart.

    But just as they were leaving, when Cang Yu and the others turned their heads, they saw Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Why had he been discovered when he both hid in the tea shack and kept quiet?

    After finding him, Cang Yu and them couldn¡¯t help but call out to him.

    Besides, what was even more surprising to them was that they only saw Gu Zuo, this one person, here ¡ª If it was during normal times, even if Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t present, there should¡¯ve been Dragon One or Dragon Two on the scene. Wasn¡¯t it too dangerous to just have a pharmacist roam around by himself?

    After that, Cang Yu shared a few words with Kang Wenhong.

    After Kang Wenhong listened, he nodded his head and ordered a few people behind him to disperse. Then, he led Cang Yu, Duanmu Qingrong, and several Cangyun Empire people over to the vicinity of the tea shack.

    Because Kang Wenhong was someone people were well acquainted with and that there were clear vestiges of the power struggle between the two sides, when they came over, some people who were originally drinking tea evacuated the shack and didn¡¯t intend on mingling.

    However, Gu Zuo was aware that Cang Yu and them wereing over to find him, so he had no other option but to brace himself. He stood up and greeted them: "h.e.l.lo, everyone... I mean, senior sect brothers."

    Kang Wenhong was actually very friendly. He recognized that this was one of the people who saved his life. Even though their statuses were as different as heaven and earth, his bearing was still very good: "What¡¯s Pharmacist Gu doing here alone?"

    Gu Zuo forced a chuckle as he extended a hand to point towards the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da: "The young master has gone to challenge the paG.o.da. I was instructed to wait for him here."

    Kang Wenhong understood in a sh: "So it¡¯s like this." He paused before saying, "We¡¯ve let Pharmacist Gu see something unsightly just now... I wonder if anyone has recentlye looking for you two? If necessary, please don¡¯t have any qualms about immediately telling me."

    Gu Zuo thought about it and shook his head: "We haven¡¯te across anything yet."

    However, while his mind thought about it once more, he couldn¡¯t say for sure. Perhaps it just wasn¡¯t their turn yet.

    Merely, this group of peopleing over obviously wasn¡¯t just to say h.e.l.lo.

    As soon as they saw that Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t present and that it wasn¡¯t known when he¡¯de out, they simply told Gu Zuo the current situation since they still had some things to do.

    It was mainly Cang Yu who gave the exnation: "Last time, after we brought Senior Sect Brother Kang back, we first went to the Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s upper floor to give a report..."

    ¡ª After a rough sorting through, it was like this...

    No matter if it was the outer sect or inner sect, both had many organized factions. The sect itself encouraged disciples to form powers, which fostered their administrative capabilities. This was to let them take over the sect¡¯s matters and make contributions.

    Of course, the main powers that could be named were distributed within the inner sect. For example, Mingyue Pavilion and Duanshui Hall were both second-rate powers of the inner sect. Among them, Pavilion Master Hua Yuerong and Hall Master Li Duanshui were well-known inner sect disciples with countless followers.

    Generally speaking, the inner sect¡¯s disciples could recruit some high-potential inner circle members from the outer sect in advance, just like Kang Wenhong. Inner circle members could also help the power by rmending some talents, which were precisely outer circle members. Once outer circle members pa.s.sed some tests, they could obtain full membership and be inner circle members. After bing an inner circle member, so long as they entered the inner sect, they could get a backer. They wouldn¡¯t have to defenselessly struggle alone.

    Kang Wenhong, as an outer sect-inner circle member of the Mingyue Pavilion, was moved by Cang Yu and others for saving his life. He received Cang Yu as an outer circle member, and even some of the nominal disciples were fighting over it. It was only because of the problem of their ident.i.ties that it couldn¡¯t be determined, and they could only exist as "secret outer circle members". Until they became outer sect disciples, they could be true outer circle members. If matters were settled in one go, they could immediately be inner circle members.

    Cang Yu and the others were naturally very satisfied.

    No matter what was said, this kind of reciprocation for saving someone exceeded its original value.

    It was just that You Jiong wouldn¡¯t let them make connections so easily. That shameless peon would¡¯ve promptly started ying dirty tricks the moment he returned ¡ª He thoroughly understood that Kang Wenhong wouldn¡¯t let him off. So since both sides had shed all pretenses, there wasn¡¯t any point in being overly cautious!

    Thus, all manner of stumbling blocks hade.

    Outer circle disciples often undertook business-rted and resource-gathering missions. When moving about, there¡¯d always be someone secretly setting an ambush to rob them. Even at certain times when they could obviously get things, the other side would rather ruin their chances of getting the goods than having the goods stolen. In addition, there were also some missions epted in the sect that were also wrecked. The advancement of Cang Yu and other outer sect disciples were suppressed, where some managers who colluded in the outer sect made all kinds of trivial matters difficult for them.

    After this was done several times, the outer circle disciples of the Mingyue Pavilion discovered their counterparts¡¯ sinister intentions. At that moment, that individual who was protecting the Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s inner circle Kang Wenhong confronted the person who protected You Jiong. For a short while, this kind of small confrontation didn¡¯t actually have any response. They could only rely on Kang Wenhong himself to resolve matters. Hence, Kang Wenhong also followed the script ¡ª Either making more preparations in advance or secretly dispatching his subordinates to cause trouble for the other party, dragging them down.

    Gradually, after several back-and-forth¡¯s, because Kang Wenhong was open and honest, he only defended and didn¡¯t fall for any underhanded methods, still waiting for the result of his superior¡¯s confrontation. However, You Jiong didn¡¯t pay any particr attention to this. It wasn¡¯t known that he received his superior¡¯s hints, bing even more brazen. At this time, he set up a situation.

    You Jiong put out the news that he wanted to have a public match with Kang Wenhong. At first, Kang Wenhong thought that perhaps he wanted to carry out a conspiracy, but as he looked at the majority of manpower brought over, he ordered his subordinates to be careful and went to confront You Jiong.

    Yet, Kang Wenhong never expected that You Jiong had brought along his own experts and ordered one of his unremarkable aides to contact the enforcement captain of the outer sect¡¯s Disciplinary Hall, who¡¯d been long a.s.sociated with the Duanshui Hall. They schemed up a n and coerced an outer sect disciple ¡ª Using the murder of his family and himself as a threat, and the meticulous nurturing his younger sister as a lure ¡ª In public view, he was ordered to use his own life to plot against Duanmu Qinghe...

    Once Kang Wenhong became aware of this, he escaped with great difficulty after being obstructed from turning back again. He quickly had his subordinates go to investigate. As soon as he had a general understanding, he hurriedly came over to the rescue.

    Everything in between was trulyplicated.

    Furthermore, in the end, what was the situation in the inner sect? Why did You Jiong not only refuse to curb his tendencies, but instead be even more severe? Kang Wenhong was unable to find out, but he could guess that the inner sect had matters that were even more important going on, which was breaking the equilibrium between each other.

    Otherwise, when the strength of both side¡¯s powers were equal, the justified party should¡¯ve been the one that deserved to upy the winning side in a deadlock.

    You Jiong¡¯s performance and his counterpart¡¯s performance were not very appropriate.

    Indeed, it made people harbor suspicions.

    Gu Zuo listened until he was dizzy, but he roughly knew that this wasn¡¯t the end of it.

    Kang Wenhong probably had the idea that if Gongyi Tianheng wanted to, his group could also join the Mingyue Pavilion as repayment for a favor.

    But having a clear understanding was just that. Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t dare make decisions on his own.

    Not to mention, could the likes of his big brother bend to someone else? Moreover, they had too many secrets. If they really joined some power, it might be even more troublesome.

    Hence, Gu Zuo just chuckled, only saying that he would certainly bring those words to the young master.

    Luckily, Kang Wenhong and the others didn¡¯t really think that Gu Zuo could act on behalf of his master ¡ª In fact, they treated him as a messenger and nothing more.

    Cang Yu chatted a bit before cordially saying: "Still Pharmacist Gu, please ask Brother Tianheng to think it over." His mind was actually very troubled, "If You Jiong... Just don¡¯t forget about us."

    It was only natural that Gu Zuo promptly nodded his head in agreement.

    After talking about this heavy subject, everyone no longer continued.

    Cang Yuughingly asked: "I wonder which paG.o.da gate Brother Tianheng entered. Which floor has he challenged up to?"

    Gu Zuo extended a hand and pointed: "The young master went into that paG.o.da gate..."

    Once his finished talking, he looked over.

    It was because there were many things happening one after another before that he hadn¡¯t been paying attention to his big brother¡¯s situation for a long while. He went to take a look right at this moment.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo nked.

    Because that paG.o.da pa.s.sage that had been activated was already at the tenth floor!

    In other words, in that bit of time, had Gongyi Tianheng broken through to the ce where Xiantian martial artists tempered themselves?

    Kang Wenhong and the others saw this and were deeply amazed.

    One needed to know that perfected Houtian stage nine martial artists were usually located at the ninth floor. Those capable of stumping Xiantian stage one martial artists and meeting the Xiantian stage nine master on the eight floor... In a simr fashion, each pa.s.sage was very difficult to pa.s.s through. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s ability to enter the tenth floor this quickly showed that, in Xiantian Realm stage one, his strength wasn¡¯t just a clean-sweep, it was unconditionally one of the strongest!

    Yet, Cang Yu wasn¡¯t surprised by the equivalent realmed Tianheng¡¯s valiance. What he was surprised of was that Gongyi Tianheng had actually broken though to the Xiantian Realm!

    Yes, if one hadn¡¯t broken through to Xiantian, even though a perfected Houtian Realm stage nine could trade a few blows, the wall between the ninth and tenth floor wouldn¡¯t let a Houtian martial artist enter the next floor. And once they entered, they would certainly be Xiantian.

    How long had it been...

    Cang Yu¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help revealing a sardonic smile.

    Previously, he was only slightly inferior to Gongyi Tianheng. Now, he¡¯d already been left far behind.

    Off to the side, Kang Wenhong noticed Cang Yu¡¯s unusual condition, and thought pensively.

    He decided to ask Cang Yu in private. As for now, he didn¡¯t have much to say.

    After watching for a moment, Kang Wenhong and the others wanted to stay for a while to apany Gu Zuo until Gongyi Tianheng came out ¡ª After all, Gu Zuo was only a pharmacist who was "too weak to truss up a chicken". Them staying here to protect him was considered a kind intention.

    But what they never expected was that, before they found another topic to talk with Gu Zuo about and probe Tianheng¡¯s strength, a nominal disciple scrambled over. He was gasping for breath with anxiety stered across his face.

    Puzzled, Kang Wenhong frowned and asked: "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Their hearts were also a little heavy.

    If it wasn¡¯t critical, it might be a.s.sumed that this disciple wouldn¡¯t have been this restless.

    Sure enough, this nominal disciple urgently voiced: "Not good! Junior Sect Sister Yaomin has disappeared!"

    Immediately, Kang Wenhong stood up. His body¡¯s aura suddenly rose dramatically and he shouted: "What did you say¡ª"

    Once Cang Yu heard this information about his biological younger sister, he was also rmed: "This junior disciple, please tell me the details quickly!"

    The nominal disciple said: "Originally, Junior Sect Sister Yaomin had been refining medicinal pills in the courtyard all along. But midway, she seemed tock a medicinal herb. She walked out, wanting to purchase some ande back. This tripsted several hours, but she never returned. And there weren¡¯t any traces of her entourage of perfected Houtian martial artists to be seen.

    He continued: "At first, we didn¡¯t pay too much attention to this matter. But Junior Sect Sister Yaomin had been gone for too long, which made us feel that something was wrong. After that, we immediately went out to ask around before finding out that Junior Sect Sister Yaomin had really gone to Market Street. The fact was that she should¡¯ve returned long ago...

    "After searching all over, we could only have doubts. Moreover, after going through several investigations, we finally heard that someone saw a red-clothed woman being taken away and the martial artists beside her were all in. Listening to the red-clothed woman¡¯s description, it was extremely simr to Junior Sect Sister Yaomin. And after the corpses of those in martial artists were looked over by us, it was found that they really were our fellow disciples..."

    It was just that those fellow disciples were nominal disciples whose strengths were rather high.

    A string of words came down efficiently, and the whole sequence of events was spoken very clearly.

    Gu Zuo listened to this, and his brows furrowed.

    What kind of a person would take Princess Yaomin away? Did this mean that Princess Yaomin was still alive?

    T/N: Happy holidays, everyone!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 127

    Cang Yu and Kang Wenhong¡¯s expressions shifted.

    Those who followed Princess Yaomin included Kang Wenhong¡¯s workers as well as the Royal Family descendants Cang Yu brought along. If all that were left behind were corpses, this was a huge loss to them.

    Moreover, these corpses were left outside the sect, not inside it. Even though they knew it was probably the work of their counterpart, when they couldn¡¯t find any evidence, they could only swallow down their own sufferings!

    However, the dead couldn¡¯t be recovered. The top priority was to first locate Princess Yaomin.

    ¡ª In addition, at this time, they hoped that they didn¡¯t guess wrong; that the one who captured Princess Yaomin was their enemy in the sect. Because if it wasn¡¯t, then things would be even moreplicated and getting Princess Yaomin back would be even harder.

    Hence, several people didn¡¯t intend on staying behind anymore.

    Fortunately, Kang Wenhong had some decorum, and he promptly said: "Pardon me, Pharmacist Gu. Junior Sect Sister Yaomin is in trouble, and we must go to her rescue. If we miss our chance, I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll be far from good."

    Cang Yu also urgently opened his mouth: "Qingrong, you stay behind and apany Pharmacist Gu. If something happens, you can head to the Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s outer sect pavilion to request help."

    Duanmu Qingrongplied: "This one understands. After you, Ninth Prince."

    Gu Zuo also thanked him, and said: "I hope it goes smoothly for everyone."

    Very quickly, Kang Wenhong and the others came over energetically, and then departed energetically.

    Duanmu Qingrong definitely wasn¡¯t familiar with Gu Zuo, but in any case, there was recognition. He just sat off to the side quietly, with the intention of protecting him.

    In reality, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need protection.

    There wasn¡¯t much else to be said. Just by the strength of the perfected Houtian Duanmu Qingrong, Gu Zuo could use a Spirit Piercing Needle to directly get rid of quite a few of them without batting an eye. But he still obediently epted Cang Yu and the others¡¯ kindness.

    Now that he thought about it, of the former five great young masters, apart from the weaker-than-his-big-brother Huangfu Zhanghao, whose whereabouts were unknown, the other young masters had already fallen even farther behind.

    Perhaps this was what his big brother once called "striving along the martial path". If he hadn¡¯te to the Qingyun Sect, if he hadn¡¯t experienced so many things, he might not necessarily have had this kind of improvement. Moreover, after switching tforms, it wasn¡¯t known if he could have even greater improvements in the future.

    Duanmu Qingrong didn¡¯t discuss anything with Gu Zuo, nor did he find any topics of conversation.

    Nevertheless, he found Gu Zuo very interesting ¡ª He wondered what was different about this so-called pharmacist that Gongyi Tianheng would regard him so importantly.

    It wasn¡¯t that he looked down upon Gu Zuo. Rather, his understanding of that person, Gongyi Tianheng, was still too weak. Tianheng had been different from them since childhood. Even when he¡¯d been gued by an incurable disease, it seemed like he didn¡¯t have the desire to a.s.sociate with them. He definitely didn¡¯t feel that he was less than them for not being able to practice martial arts. Once Tianheng could practice martial arts, they had no hope of catching up. They were immediately left behind, and they could only watch the view of his back...

    Of course, this wasn¡¯t the whole story.

    It was because Duanmu Qingrong had a kind of inexplicable fear of Tianheng. He once privately looked into the way Tianheng handled matters, and discovered that this person¡¯s temperament was very cold and detached.

    One shouldn¡¯t look at him and see a person who always smiled. In actuality, in the depths of his eyes was a type of clear detachment. It would simultaneously make a person feel that he was both amiable and untouchable.

    Even if it was a person from the Gongyi n, besides a few of Tianheng¡¯s close rtives, the other n members were no different than outsiders in his eyes.

    Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t tenderhearted. His real mood would never be exposed during normal times. What was even scarier was that when he handled matters, he would never be influenced by his state of mind. His calm would make people feel frightened. When doing business, he never made a misjudgment.

    If it was just this, then one would only say he was difficult to deal with. But what made people even more astonished was that though his calmness reached an excess of callousness, it still concealed a type of wild fervor ¡ª Right, when matters were already inadvisable, even if there was only the hope of a ten percent chance of sess, even if it was highly probable of losing everything, he would still gamble on it. Against reason, he would always be the victorious one every time!

    From his various actions, it could be seen that everything about an outsider could be exploited by him. He would even use words, actions, and some imperceptible methods to tame those who served him, causing their mental states to be grasped in the palm of his hand. There would be no deviations from the course he pointed out. To him, they were faithful and true ¡ª They were willing to die rather than betray him.

    He was an expert in business transactions. The things that were traded weren¡¯t only money and resources, there were also feelings and emotions. He was an expert in investing and renumeration, and he had an eye for people... And with ample control, he could maintain different distances with everyone simultaneously. Even trusted confidantes like Dragon One and Dragon Two couldn¡¯t really be as close to him with apleteck of estrangement.

    This kind of person had brought along a teenager, who was practically inseparable as a shadow at all times... Previously, no matter how valuable the target, none had been treated like this by him.

    What¡¯s more, while at West Mountain, he had personally carried that person on his back, and didn¡¯t borrow the hands of another.

    Naturally, Duanmu Qingrong developed a lot of curiosity.

    Only, he knew that it was for the best that this curiosity should be nipped in the bud and that he shouldn¡¯t pry into things.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care what Qingrong thought in his mind. Besides his big brother, he was generally a little uneasy dealing with these kinds of young masters.

    Right now, what he paid the most attention to was still the situation of his big brother¡¯s paG.o.da challenge as well as the safety of Princess Yaomin.

    Although he wasn¡¯t familiar with Princess Yaomin, they were both pharmacists. That princess¡¯ moral standing and temperament weren¡¯t bad. In fact, she shouldn¡¯t have encountered such misfortune.

    Most of all... Gu Zuo recalled some not so good matters.

    For example, that tradingpany that trafficked human beings.

    He only hoped that Princess Yaomin hadn¡¯t fallen into the clutches of that kind of power.

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    No matter how worried he got, there was nothing he could do. He could only wait on the side for the oue. Other than that, he could ask his big brother what to do once he emerged.

    While he thought this, the eleventh floor of that Lesser Martial PaG.o.da lit up.

    Gu Zuo showed an expression of amazement, but he wasn¡¯t too shocked in his heart.

    Wasn¡¯t the eleventh floor around Xiantian stage two? ording to his big brother¡¯s estimation, those of the Qi Forming Realm and below couldn¡¯t take him on. What was a paltry Qi Breathing stage two?

    On the contrary, Duanmu Qingrong was increasingly shocked.

    To his surprise, a beginner Xiantian Realm suppressed the Xiantian stage two paG.o.da floor!

    He held his breath, but he inwardly made up his mind.

    After things smoothed out, he needed to work hard and cultivate. He needed to upgrade his strength!

    Merely, a long time pa.s.sed after the eleventh paG.o.da floor started shining. In the end, the twelfth floor didn¡¯t light up.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t because Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t do it, but rather, he wasn¡¯t willing.

    Gu Zuo clearly understood that the bird that got shot was the one that poked its head out. The strength his dear big brother disyed would certainly attract attention. If his strength was too excessive, he would need toy low before entering the inner sect.

    As for how he¡¯d enter the inner sect, that would just have to be put off for a future discussion.

    As Gu Zuo considered things, Gongyi Tianheng sauntered out from the paG.o.da. He saw Gu Zuo from far away and first showed a smiling expression.

    Gu Zuo promptly headed over to greet him as he said with a grin: "Wee back, young master!"

    Tianheng heard this address of Gu Zuo¡¯s and turned his head to see Duanmu Qingrong. His gaze moved slightly.

    Why was a person of the Duanmu n together with his little pharmacist?

    Qingrong¡¯s att.i.tude to Tianheng was much more friendly than before. He cupped his fist, and unexpectedly said: "Senior Sect Brother Gongyi."

    Tianheng felt amused, and replied: "Junior Sect Brother Duanmu."

    After he finished speaking, he turned towards Gu Zuo, shooting a questioning nce.

    Gu Zuo answered: "Young Master Duanmu is someone who has stayed behind to protect me. There has been some matters that took ce just now..."

    Following which, he obediently described the scene he witnessed. He didn¡¯t leave out even the tiniest of details.

    Off to the side, Duanmu Qingrong watched the way those two interacted. As he carefully listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, his heart was amazed again. He was surprised that Gu Zuo actually spoke soprehensively,pletelycking any overlooked parts. He was also surprised that Gongyi Tianheng listened to his ount so patiently. It definitely wasn¡¯t like how one demanded amon subordinate, selecting only the important points in a concise report.

    After Tianheng finished listening, he mulled it over, and he said to Duanmu Qingrong: "This time, it was my negligence that I left Ah Zuo alone outside. I must give my thanks to Senior Sect Brother Kang and everyone else for their kindness. For the moment, it¡¯ll be hard to guess the cause of Princess Yaomin¡¯s matter. Everyone will make use of their own power, and although my strength is meager, I¡¯m also willing to keep an ear out. If I get any news, I¡¯ll share it with everyone."

    Duanmu Qingrong heard what was said. Who knew how many times his thoughts turned in his mind. He didn¡¯t know what Tianheng was counting on, and he also wasn¡¯t able to tell if he was being evasive or heartfelt.

    However, after receiving Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s words, he had already delivered Gu Zuo into the other¡¯s hands. He also didn¡¯t speak any longer. After cupping his hands again, he took his leave.

    When Duanmu Qingrong was far away, Gu Zuo inclined his head towards Tianheng: "Big brother, Princess Yaomin is very pitiful."

    Tianheng sighed: "Ordinary pharmacists don¡¯t have the strength to protect themselves. Once the martial artist protecting them dies, their lives would also be in grave danger. Entrusting one¡¯s safety to another is ast resort."

    Gu Zuo thought deeply.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the extraordinary cultivation method he fortunately studied and that he was capable of using psychic power to protect himself, perhaps he would¡¯ve ended up even more miserable. However, he also couldn¡¯t divulge his own cultivation method and secrets because another pharmacist was in such a wretched state. Otherwise, the one in trouble would be him.

    With such sympathy in his heart, it would actually be very hypocritical to not offer the least bit of aid.

    Gu Zuo sighed: "Then, now?"

    Tianheng said: "We can contact Liu Wuyan."

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Of course. A person of the inner sect would naturally have a clearer understanding.

    The two first returned to the courtyard.

    Because they needed to supply goods to Fu Manduo and because they once saved Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying, Tianheng had something in his possession that could quickly contact them. Considering that it was inconvenient to divulge things through a supply channel and that Xun Suying was a woman, the primary contact target was set to Liu Wuyan.

    It was a kind of bird that was trained extremely mysteriously. After clutching a slip of paper in its talons from Gongyi Tianheng, it immediately soared off towards the inner sect.

    After about fifteen minutes pa.s.sed, a reply came.

    It was an invitation to a restaurant¡¯s private room on Free Market Street in half an hour.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng slightly nodded. He extended a hand and twisted it. That slip of paper was eroded into a pinch of ashes from the tremendous qi and blood he used.

    Gu Zuo asked: "Big brother, what next?"

    Tianheng smiled: "Let¡¯s go."

    Gu Zuo knew this was the invitation spot, and followed behind Tianheng. The two then arrived along Free Market Street.

    Raising one¡¯s head would reveal that traffickingpany before their eyes. Gu Zuo¡¯s heart felt a little weak. He turned his head and didn¡¯t look at it; this time, the ce his line of sight reached was a restaurant.

    The restaurant here was even morevish than the Huiren Restaurant that they went to before. From looking at its exterior, it was practically bursting with a kind of extravagant feeling. However, while this restaurant didn¡¯t have much re, its contents were very good and very rare. Thus, business was still booming.

    A private room on the second floor.

    Right. There weren¡¯t any private seats here. There were only seats in the main hall and private rooms.

    A waiter heard Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s words and led them to a room known as the Yangwu Residence. The two parted the curtains and walked in, just to see that the people inside were also...all here.

    Xun Suying hade. For now, it didn¡¯t need mentioning that the inseparable Liu Wuyuan was with her. Yet unexpectedly, Fu Manduo and Zhao Yuheng had alsoe.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo faced them to exchange greetings as they took their seats.

    On the side, Liu Wuyan asked: "If Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s matter is urgent, you might as well just say it now."

    Xun Suying¡¯s face was resolute, giving a nod.

    Fu Manduo chuckled and said: "If it isn¡¯t that kind of matter that pierces the heavens, then this Old Fu can still handle a thing or two."

    Zhao Yuheng had previously obtained a batch of medicinal pills and gained many benefits. At this time, his att.i.tude was considerably better: "My inner sect Disciplinary Hall can also lend a hand."

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    The rtionship between his big brother and these people already seemed to be a harmonious one.

    Maybe Princess Yaomin¡¯s matter would turn out okay?

    Gongyi Tianheng just smiled and said: "I can¡¯t say that it¡¯s a major event. Everyone knows that this onees from the Cangyun Empire. During the same period, there was a Ninth Prince who also entered the sect and became an outer sect disciple. Our rtionship is still very good. However, the other day during West Mountain Ghost Hunting, we unexpectedly saved an individual, which resulted in offending another party..."

    Carefully choosing his words, Tianheng recounted the course of events. Naturally, he didn¡¯t say more than necessary about many particrs, but the general idea was still very clear.

    Fu Manduo and the others listened and furrowed their brows: "You¡¯re saying that person possibly went to bully a pharmacist in order to protect the member who started it?"

    Gongyi Tianheng sighed: "What we¡¯re even more worried about is if it wasn¡¯t them who took away Princess Yaomin at all."

    Besides Gu Zuo, those present were all prodigies. After hearing his words, who still couldn¡¯t understand?

    Xun Suying grimly said: "The current Duanshui Hall has really grown arrogant!"

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    After that, he inwardly thought: Could it be that this Sister Xun hates the Duanshui Hall?

    On the contrary, Fu Manduo¡¯s smiling expression didn¡¯t falter: "The Duanshui Hall¡¯s Hall Master, Li Duanshui, is an expert who ranks twelfth on the Earth Leaderboard. Naturally, there are many people who show him respect. Once, he bitterly chased after the stunningly beautiful Hua Yuerong, who ranks ninth on the Earth Leaderboard. Hua Yuerong refused to acknowledge him, and he bore a grudge against her. Ever since then, the Duanshui Hall has made things difficult for Hua Yuerong¡¯s Mingyue Pavilion.

    He continued: "In the inner sect, there is a prevalent spectacle. Many have watched a majestic man¡¯s unsessful pursuit where he¡¯d grow to hate someone due to unrequited love. The breadth of such a person¡¯s mind is truly narrow. It¡¯s only a pity that a few ignorant and ordinary inner sect female disciples treat this as infatuation, and still cheer on Li Duanshui. One side offers their own beds and the other side wants to see him pursue and obtain Hua Yuerong."

    The sarcasm in these words...

    While Fu Manduo was lecturing, Gu Zuo understood that he loathed that Li Duanshui. To businessmen, harmony was to be prized. That he could express this showed that Li Duanshui¡¯s rtionships with other people werecking.

    But was the animosity between the Duanshui Hall and Mingyue Pavilion just because of this? It seemed like a trifling matter. If someone didn¡¯t love you, you would oppose them? It seemed that with this kind of dating skill, another ten thousand years would pa.s.s before getting a sweetheart.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo had a helpless expression.

    Fine. He was aware that these words of his were a little foolish. The current thoughts of a person like Li Duanshui shouldn¡¯t be to woo the girl, but rather to suppress that person and directly... You know what.

    As the saying went, if the upper beam wasn¡¯t straight, then the bottom beam would be crooked. One could just look at the morality and conduct of You Jiong, and one would know that guy was someone who could do that sort of thing.

    Zhao Yuheng thought about it, and supplemented a few words: "Half a month ago, Li Duanshui had a bit of a breakthrough and became a Xiantian stage nine disciple. Through a challenge, he directly charged into the top five of the Earth Leaderboard. The grandeur of the Duanshui Hall suddenly rose. It can already contend with the powers of the Qiufeng Group, the Shuiqing Pavilion, and the Kuangwu Brotherhood."

    Liu Wuyan also said: "You Jiong¡¯s older brother, You Yi, was nurtured by Li Duanshui and was granted a Violet Dragon Luck Pill. After taking it, he had a breakthrough and became a Qi Forming stage one expert. He also became one of Li Duanshui¡¯s trusted fighters."

    After this back and forth, many matters were a.s.sembled together.

    How intelligent was Gongyi Tianheng for him not to understand the information br.i.m.m.i.n.g within?

    To put it simply, You Jiong¡¯s supporter was You Yi and You Yi¡¯s supporter was Li Duanshui. Li Duanshui had a breakthrough, and his power broadened, strengthening in all respects. Certainly, this could rapidly suppress the Mingyue Pavilion.

    Therefore, You Jiong dared to enter West Mountain and hunt down Kang Wenhong. And once the matter developed, though Kang Wenhong was justified, he still often suffered losses. The Duanshui Hall had be increasingly merciless and fearless. This all could be traced back to the source.

    Gu Zuo secretly sighed: So this is what happened. But the Duanshui Hall is so rampant. Could it be that this is justice with no way of retaliation? One mistake and Kang Wenhong almost died. Now he can¡¯t even release any resentment. If it isn¡¯t for his good disposition and that he doesn¡¯t like to take his anger out on others, a re up certainly won¡¯t be so easy to handle.

    Tianheng slightly frowned: "In that case, if the Duanshui Hall really captured Princess Yaomin, where would be a suitable ce to hide her?"

    Xun Suying said: "This would be difficult to guess."

    Fortunately, Gongyi Tianheng also didn¡¯t hold hopes that were too high. Merely, Suying said at this moment: "Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯m obligated to ask that everyone lend a hand and search around the inner sect. However...Li Duanshui¡¯s strength is outstanding and his status has also risen. If everyone helps me, I¡¯m not sure if this will negatively affect your safety."

    Fu Manduo sneered: "It¡¯s just an insignificant Duanshui Hall. It can¡¯t contain us." He looked at Tianheng, and his tone was rxed, "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, you seem to have already broken through to Xiantian. Entering the inner sect is just around the corner. There are some things I can tell you about."

    The words after that were music to Gu Zuo¡¯s ears. He eagerly absorbed everything.

    The inner sect had the Sky Leaderboard and the Earth Leaderboard ¡ª Two leaderboards that the disciples upied. Among them, the Earth Leaderboard had jurisdiction over Xiantian disciples. The Sky Leaderboard¡¯s experts were all Immortal Realms.

    However, whether if it was the Earth Leaderboard or the Sky Leaderboard, although their strengths were divided like this, it wasn¡¯t a representation of some people¡¯s furtive mutterings. So what if the Earth Leaderboard hadmon inner sect disciples and the Sky Leaderboard had core disciples and apprentices? In actuality, after entering the inner sect, if an elder came to receive a disciple, regardless of the realm strength and even if the development was slow, they wouldn¡¯t be easily driven away.

    The so-called leaderboards all relied on one¡¯s own strength to rank up ¡ª In the outer sect, one¡¯s rank determined one¡¯s status. There was a huge difference. Compared to being a disciple without a teacher, one with a teacher usually involved having stronger power, a more st.u.r.dy foundation, and even more abundant resources.

    In general, because the disciples on the Sky Leaderboard had entered the Immortal Realm, although they had powers at their disposal, it couldn¡¯t be used so ostentatiously any longer. Or, it could only be kept hidden, with maniptions in the dark. Earth Leaderboard disciples all had to establish powers to fight over the speaking rights from these Sky Leaderboard disciples. In addition, on the surface, it was also to a.s.semble the scattered sand-like inner sect disciples.

    In fact, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan were actually both members of the Shuiqing Pavilion. Its founder was simrly a powerhouse in the top five of the Earth Leaderboard with a steady position. Thus, they basically weren¡¯t particrly concerned about the newly promoted Li Duanshui.

    Zhao Yuheng didn¡¯t need this kind of power as he was a member of the inner sect¡¯s enforcement squad. And the Disciplinary Hall was one of the entire sect¡¯s greatest authorities. After joining, he already had sufficient achievements and that he only needed to ensure sessful missions. Compared to other inner sect disciples, his living conditions were much morefortable and prestigious.

    Fu Manduo was a "trader", but he had considerably good rtionships with quite a fewrge powers. He was even vaguely close to the powers of those Immortal Realm martial artists, and couldn¡¯t make those people dislike him... He also had sufficient achievements.

    Gu Zuo finally realized why these people mentioned the currently "powerful" Li Duanshui the same way one disdained a housefly.

    As it turned out, Li Duanshui was just a rich upstart in their eyes. Sooner orter, he would be gotten rid of!

    Of course, Gongyi Tianheng appropriately expressed his own feelings of admiration and the ambition in the depths of his eyes.

    Then, for the first time, Zhao Yuheng took the initiative to speak: "Don¡¯t worry, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. Since you¡¯ve already mentioned this wicked matter between disciples to me, my enforcement squad can naturally take care of it. Only, before that, you must first be an inner sect disciple for me to handle this matter."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 128

    Fu Manduo, Liu Wuyan, and the others discussed: "Although we don¡¯t have the skills, we can make discreet inquiries in the inner sect. It¡¯s not a difficult matter. On the contrary, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, you must first quickly apply at the outer sect Task Hall and be an inner sect disciple. When that timees, Senior Sect Brother Zhao can set out and justly conduct an investigation."

    So long as Zhao Yuheng got involved, no matter how rampant Li Duanshui was, he wouldn¡¯t dare act too excessively. Moreover, if they couldn¡¯t find sufficient reason to inhibit Zhao Yuheng, they absolutely couldn¡¯t use any power to pressure the others again ¡ª If they wanted to inhibit Zhao Yuheng, not only did this require an enforcement disciple of a higher grade from the Disciplinary Hall, it needed to be one who could inhibit the even loftier apprentice disciple who backed Zhao Yuheng. This meant that there needed to be another apprentice disciple of equal standing who was willing to pull face and confront Zhao Yuheng¡¯s backer over these matters.

    Numerous things were adding up, and the rtionships involved were certainly substantial.

    And the more these rtionships were drawn together, the more people who were pulled in, the harder it would be to hide the truth.

    Gongyi Tianheng yed on this idea. After a round of a.s.sociating with Tianheng, Zhao Yuheng and the others discovered that it hadn¡¯t been two months since he entered the sect that he had already advanced to Xiantian. They regarded him a bit more importantly. Thus, after hearing Tianheng¡¯s proposal, they followed along and were willing to help with this simple favor.

    Gu Zuo had been thinking all sorts of things, but only felt like his head was about to explode.

    In any case, it was like this: His big brother found some helpers. The idea was that everything would be easily solved so long as he became an inner sect disciple... Right? En, the ensuing trouble shouldn¡¯t be too bothersome.

    Because the matter was urgent, although Gongyi Tianheng had invited these people to meet together, there wasn¡¯t any clear-cut festivities. He was currently in a hurry, and first went to receive an inner sect disciple¡¯s token.

    Liu Wuyan stood up: "This Liu will go with Junior Sect Brother Gongyi."

    Xun Suying didn¡¯t say anything, and directly stood beside Liu Wuyan.

    Clearly, she also wanted to go.

    In the end, Fu Manduo and Zhao Yuheng said: "Alright. It¡¯s better to be prepared."

    Tianheng said with a smile: "Many thanks, seniors."

    Gu Zuo hurriedly kept pace, and silently ridiculed in his heart: In other words, being prepared means that when big brother is promoted to the inner sect, he¡¯ll also face stumbling blocks... Ah, when all is said and done, this is a very dark sect.

    Afterwards, both parties separated to handle matters.

    Fu Manduo returned to the inner sect, helping with the investigation. Zhao Yuheng called upon his workers to be ready at any moment. In addition, Gu Zuo¡¯s group of four went back to the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da.

    As stated previously, the ce where one was tested to enter the inner sect was the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da. And the specific location to register was a small hall that was just some distance away from the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da.

    Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t twenty years old yet. It was reasonable to say that he didn¡¯t need to be tested, but he still needed to go over there to apply.

    The appearance of this small hall didn¡¯t look any different from the courtyards that outer sect disciples lived in. There also was an elder within, but while the elder seemed ordinary, he was actually deep and immeasurable. At the very least, whether if it was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s six sets of bone pearls or Gu Zuo¡¯s keen psychic power, neither was able to see through to the true nature of this elder.

    After entering, Tianheng¡¯s etiquette was thorough: "Reporting to the elder, this one is outer sect disciple Gongyi Tianheng. I¡¯ve entered the sect close to two months ago and have already be a Xiantian martial artist... This one also has a month before turning twenty. I havee to apply for an inner sect disciple position."

    That elder¡¯s eyelids lifted: "Still not twenty?"

    Gongyi Tianheng moderately replied: "Yes."

    The elder took careful measure of Tianheng. He ordered to him to extend a hand, and the elder evaluated the age of his bones. After that, the wrinkled face showed a smile: "Indeed, you aren¡¯t twenty yet. You can directly enter the inner sect."

    Gu Zuo thought to himself: Ah, this elder didn¡¯t make things difficult for them. It seems that everyone was overthinking it?

    Yet at the very next moment, he realized that, actually, he hadn¡¯t been thinking enough.

    Because another person had walked in from outside.

    The one this time was also an elder. His back was somewhat stooped and the expression on his face was also very strict: "I don¡¯t believe that this person is really under twenty. Rather, he may have just recently be twenty years old. He should be required to ept testing... What does Elder Hu think?"

    Elder Hu¡¯s eyebrows pinched: "This person¡¯s bone structure clearly isn¡¯t..."

    That stooped elder promptly interrupted Elder Hu¡¯s words: "Bone Measurements also have discrepancies! If this person was only neen or eighteen years old, then there¡¯d naturally be no doubts. However, he said he has a month before reaching twenty. Distinguishing his age in a short time is difficult. How are we to know if he isn¡¯t deceiving us? If there¡¯s a mistake, we¡¯ll be in trouble. It¡¯d be better to simply give him the test to keep others from talking. Besides, if he really became Xiantian through his ownprehension before twenty, it¡¯s clear that his strength is extraordinary. This so-called test shouldn¡¯t prove difficult for him. Why not let us set our minds at ease?"

    At first, Elder Hu started to feel dissatisfied. After listening, he actually felt it was a little reasonable.

    His brows slowly loosened: "That¡¯s true..."

    Then, he looked to Gongyi Tianheng: "What do you think?"

    Tianheng¡¯s bearing was still very respectful: "This disciple has no objections. Since the two elders have made this request, this disciple will naturally follow through."

    Elder Hu was somewhat apologetic to him.

    Originally, he felt that he didn¡¯t see wrongly and he didn¡¯t have any reason to use this youth of lying, bu he also couldn¡¯t turn a blind eye to this kind of problem that Elder Li put forth.

    There was no other choice but to let this child down.

    Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying exchanged nces and both thought: As expected.

    Gu Zuo also heaved a sigh.

    Fine. The road to happiness was strewn with setbacks... Only, it just felt like being facepped just now.

    The testing site was located on the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da¡¯s tenth floor.

    Elder Hu and Elder Li walked over, leading Gongyi Tianheng.

    The disciples who saw this on the way didn¡¯t wonder at such a sight. Every month there¡¯d be a handful of those taking the a.s.sessment. Merely, taking the test was one thing. Pa.s.sing or not pa.s.sing was another.

    Once they arrived at the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da, they went to a vacant paG.o.da gate. Then, the group climbed up.

    The a.s.sessment was rtively private. The one going up should¡¯ve been only Gongyi Tianheng. Gu Zuo and the others couldn¡¯t go. Elder Li naturally had theme to a stop, and they could only wait outside the paG.o.da.

    Yet at this time, Liu Wuyan opened his mouth: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi isn¡¯t twenty yet, but needs to receiving testing. Although this is to uphold the sect rules, this isn¡¯t fair to him. When all is said and done, that so-called lie is only conjecture, not a fact. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi has conceded for the sect, and doesn¡¯t mind this grievance. We, however, take pity, and we hope to apany him together...

    He continued: "The two elders can rest a.s.sured that me and Senior Sect Sister Xun are inner sect disciples. Even if we gain insight to the outer sect a.s.sessment, it has nothing to do with us. And Junior Sect Brother Gu is a pharmacist. He also can¡¯t carry out any testing here. We hope the elders can be flexible and let us go in to observe."

    Elder Li heard this and his expression turned severe: "This is unprecedented¡ª"

    However, Elder Hu¡¯s pinched brows suddenly rxed: "Elder Li, it¡¯s eptable to amodate them. Since they can¡¯t disturb Gongyi Tianheng, what¡¯s the harm in them standing with us?"

    Elder Li said with displeasure: "The sect¡¯s rules..."

    At this time, Elder Hu¡¯s expression turned a little unsightly: "The sect¡¯s rules state that those under twenty who advance to Xiantian can enter the inner sect without having to take the test. Originally, I had felt his bones and verified this. Elder Li, since your suspicions are without any justification and the sect disciples are unsatisfied, this should be expected. Is it not so?"

    Gu Zuo inwardlyughed.

    Elder Li treated Elder Hu like a fool, and what he said in the beginning had tricked Elder Hu. But now that he was reminded by Liu Wuyan¡¯s words, how could Elder Hu, who was also an elder in charge of the outer sect¡¯s affairs, not see that there was something afoot? How could it be possible to continue treating him like a fool?

    As a matter of fact, Elder Hu was only making amodations. Was it not just having them stand on the side?

    The purpose of Liu Wuyan¡¯s remark was achieved, and Elder Li realized that he couldn¡¯t go too far. Hence, everyone went to watch the matter of Tianheng¡¯s a.s.sessment. And so it was settled.

    Following that, everyone smoothly went directly from the paG.o.da gate to the tenth floor.

    Elder Hu¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t too good because he fell for Elder Li¡¯s scheme for a short while. Not only did this cken his impartial face, this was also dragging him down into the water. Fortunately, Tianheng over yonder also had two inner sect disciples to talk. After pulling them over, they could also testify for him.

    Thinking up to here, his impression of Gongyi Tianheng was instead a bit better. As for the unidentified person who bribed Elder Li as well as Elder Li himself, they aroused some disgust in him.

    ¡ª Both were troublemakers!

    Of course, no matter how good of an impression Elder Hu had of Gongyi Tianheng, since they decided to do the test, they couldn¡¯t issue the test half-heartedly.

    Inparison, he was the more principled elder.

    Gu Zuo lifted his head and looked all over the ce.

    The interior of this paG.o.da definitely wasn¡¯t empty. Right up ahead, there were several standing sculptures.

    There were human-shaped statues, beast-shaped statues, and also some special ones that had unrecognizable forms.

    The test¡¯s name was Crossing Three Gates. As the name implied, there were three parts to the test.

    The two elders stood near the paG.o.da floor¡¯s stairwell, and an arc was drawn in front of them. The s.p.a.ce where the sculptures were located and the s.p.a.ce where they stood seemed to be separated into different dimensions.

    However, different dimensions and the like...were misconceptions.

    In actuality, it was only the use of a prohibition talisman to separate both sides, preventing those outside from interfering with those inside who were taking the test.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was quietly unleashed, clearly perceiving that there was a barrier ahead. This singleyer barrier was parallel to that arc, which should have been the visible power of that prohibition talisman. It was obvious that if someone touched it, they might suffer the talisman¡¯s attack.

    ¡ª That said, how was this prohibition talisman used? It felt like a very unusual pattern.

    Tianheng entered the interior of the arc, facing three sculptures.

    Elder Li coldly stated: "Gongyi Tianheng, you must pa.s.s three stages and you must go through all of them. You can obtain thirty a.s.sessment points for every stage that¡¯s crossed. Among them, ten points are automatically bestowed for getting through the stage. The other twenty points are meted out by the judgment of us elders.

    He continued: "Elder Hu and I each hold ten points. Ultimately, your performance must obtain eighty points to truly pa.s.s the test and be an inner sect disciple. Do you understand?"

    Tianheng smiled and nodded his head: "Many thanks for the guidance, Elder Li. This one understands."

    Off to the side, Elder Hu encouragingly said: "So long as you don¡¯t make any mistakes, the points this old man will give here certainly won¡¯t be few."

    Elder Li instead said: "This old man doesn¡¯t have any sort of frivolous words like Elder Hu."

    Tianheng naturally thanked them again. After that, he looked to the three sculptures and prepared to conduct a test of his own.

    The first gate was the Human Gate.

    When he stood before that human-shaped sculpture and activated his Xiantian true qi, a small crack split open above that statue ¡ª Only Xiantian true qi could split open the sculpture. Soon after, the small crack widened and the human-shaped sculpture rotated, opening arge breach.

    From this breach staggered out a group of wooden humans with measured footsteps.

    They were puppets manufactured from a very solid lumber.

    Each wooden figure had the strength of Xiantian stage one and could form a five person troop. All Gongyi Tianheng had to do was persevere under the attacks of these five puppets for two fifteen-minute segments.

    This would be converted to half an hour.

    Tianheng¡¯s sleeves fluttered and when his body slightly shed, he¡¯d already entered the encirclement of those puppets!

    He had previously challenged the paG.o.da. Naturally, this wasn¡¯t his first time responding to these five puppets. He set out very calmly; it was like handling a butcher¡¯s cleaver with ease.

    Like a vigorous cheetah, his feet kicked up gusts of wind as he maneuvered through the numerous puppets!

    Gu Zuo watched Tianheng¡¯s incredible prowess. After taking a stealthy nce at Elder Li, he started to silently tally up the points.

    Gu Zuo thought: Pa.s.sing one gate is only ten points ¡ª So stingy. If big brother pa.s.ses all three gates, that¡¯s just thirty points. That¡¯s still a difference of fifty points. If big brother doesn¡¯t make any mistakes, Elder Hu should be willing to bestow thirty points to big brother... In that case, it¡¯ll be sixty points, and he still needs twenty points. Unfortunately, the remaining thirty points are with Elder Li. If he¡¯s crazy enough to not give him even one point of the twenty, this would be a disaster for big brother!

    But based on that Elder Li¡¯s conduct, he¡¯d definitely go through everything with a fine-toothedb. At that time, he¡¯d randomly deduct these points so that he could justify failing big brother¡¯s test...

    Maybe this was the goal of Elder Li and the person behind him?

    Setting everything against them ¡ª Even if it was only a few roadblocks or offending a few people, it wouldn¡¯t be smooth sailing...

    Gu Zuo considered this and that, and his heart worried.

    There was nothing wrong with Liu Wuyan and Xun Suyinging to act as an audience, but this was only to monitor Elder Li so that he didn¡¯t raise any trouble. But what was to be done when he found reasons to deduct points? It was like there was nothing they could do.

    Gu Zuo thought about it from different angles, but he didn¡¯t expect that the way of solving this was to continue watching.

    Tianheng reacted extremely swiftly. He only used his two fists to ferociously smash this group of puppets, producing the sounds of an unending barrage. The puppets¡¯ speed was very fast in the beginning, but they gradually slowed down from his pounding and smashing.

    Atst, he leaped forward, shuttling pa.s.sed the whole group of puppets. The puppets behind intended to lunge at him, but the instant they were about to reach him, each and every one copsed to the sides!

    Everything ended before one could finish a small cup of tea. Not only had Tianheng pierced through the puppets¡¯ encirclement, he¡¯d left them paralyzed on the ground. Brilliant and awe-inspiring, incredibly valiant!

    Elder Hu couldn¡¯t help saying: "Well done, youngster. You¡¯re really amazing! You pa.s.s! This old man thinks that this performance was perfect and deserves all the a.s.sessment points. This old man has ten points, all of which are bestowed onto you."

    After he said this, he looked to the stooped elder: "Elder Li, what do you think?"

    Yet, at this moment, that Elder Li had availed himself while the first gate was pa.s.sed and entered the arc¡¯s interior. He began examining those puppets. He moved his hands as he carefully rummaged through them, his brows furrowing. Not long after, he said: "The test rules only require the disciple to endure two fifteen-minute intervals within the puppet troop to pa.s.s. Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t abide by the rules. Not only did he leave early, he even destroyed all of the puppets¡¯ cores, causing damage to these puppets...

    "This old man thinks that he cannot grant any a.s.sessment points. Of the ten points in this old man¡¯s hands, not a single point will be given!"

    Elder Hu was outraged: "As the puppets were knocked down, Gongyi Tianheng could obtain ten a.s.sessment points. This is sufficient proof to have pa.s.sed the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da. Since this paG.o.da gate had already been approved, you¡¯d actually deduct all of those points? It¡¯s clear that your heart has its secrets, but you¡¯re letting down the sect!

    "Your current efforts for the sect rules are in vain ¡ª Although the sect rules exist, we mustn¡¯t be inflexible. This so-called a.s.sessment is to test a disciple¡¯s capabilities in realbat. Gongyi Tianheng being able to defeat these puppets means that his strength is outstanding. He¡¯s far superior to an ordinary beginner Xiantian Realm martial artist. With the way you¡¯re handling this, what sort of evil intentions are you harboring!?"

    Gu Zuo gave a silent upvote: Elder Hu spoke very well! Ah, that Elder Li is a nit-picker, how about handing over a couple points? With Elder Hu¡¯s words, so long as Elder Li has a little sense of honor, big brother will be saved.

    Elder Li looked at Elder Hu¡¯s wrathful appearance, and his eyes shed with a brief dark haze.

    Xun Suying also coldly stated: "I¡¯ve learned something today. As it turns out, the sect only yearns for rigid people for disciples. Even those with strength must be firmly suppressed... Only, this is presumably the outer sect¡¯s rules. In my inner sect, we yearn for disciples where the stronger they are, the better. Ha, the outer sect¡¯s rules. Sure enough, they¡¯re not the same. Once I¡¯m brought into the inner sect, I must inform everyone to have some proper appreciation."

    Elder Li¡¯s face had already turned ugly.

    He endured, and said: "Never mind. Consider this old man to be excessively harsh. However, the rules are the rules. The puppets have indeed been damaged. Since Elder Hu has given all of his points, this old man will give him one point. As a warning, I hope that he¡¯ll be much more prudent when testingter!"

    ¡ª He had no sense of shame

    Everyone all thought as such.

    But those who wanted to save face weren¡¯t necessarily better than those who didn¡¯t. This was a matter that no one could do anything about.

    Elder Hu choked back a mouthful of anger. He decided to have a look at this one surnamed Li and his actions afterwards. If the one surnamed Li didn¡¯t exercise restraint, he would certainly need to report this to his superiors and watch how Elder Li exined himself to the other elders!

    On the side, Tianheng didn¡¯t seem to be angry like the others. He turned around and prepared to activate the second sculpture.

    This sculpture was beast-shaped.

    After it split open, several gusts of wind suddenly pa.s.sed through. There were as many as three grade-four wild beasts. They all came towards Tianheng to kill him!

    Gongyi Tianheng threw himself forward with mixed footsteps. A palm swatted at the head of one of the wild beasts!

    However, this wild beast reacted very quickly. Its big head suddenly turned, already retreating to the rear. In addition, two wild beasts came at him from both sides and were going to wedge him in the middle, striking at him together.

    Outside of the testing s.p.a.ce.

    Elder Hu wore an angry look: "Elder Li, what did you do just now? This gate clearly only requires two wild beasts. What¡¯s the reason for having three this time?"

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. Eh? There should only be two beasts?

    Elder Li dusted off his sleeve cuffs, and leisurely started talking: "Elder Hu should know that among all disciples there are excellent ones. One can appropriately raise the test difficulty to look at limits of this disciple. During the first gate, Gongyi Tianheng disyed a rather outstanding strength. This old man thinks that it¡¯s only proper to be more careful.

    He revealed a somewhat gloomy smile: "Although this old man doesn¡¯t approve of his methods, I acknowledge his strength... Elder Hu, this is also in the rules."

    Elder Hu indignantly said: "What dogs.h.i.t rules! If you wanted to raise the difficulty, you¡¯d need the simultaneous consent of two a.s.sessment elders. You hadn¡¯t told me and just did so in secret. That¡¯s a huge vition!"

    Elder Li gave a drawn-out sigh: "This old man is merely inspired by ages past. It can be a.s.sumed that there are others who can also understand."

    For matters up to this point, Elder Hu hadn¡¯t been able to go over and halt the test.

    At this moment, Liu Wuyan coldly said: "We¡¯ve observed this matter. Elder Li, since you abide by the rules, someone in the future will have a genuine discussion with you about rules and principles."

    Xun Suying¡¯s beautiful eyes shed with a trace of killing intent.

    ¡ª If they hadn¡¯t seen Tianheng¡¯s ease in the testing s.p.a.ce, they absolutely wouldn¡¯t have been willing to leave things at that. They would¡¯ve insisted on preventing this farce from starting!

    Gu Zuo, who¡¯d been spectating this dispute from the beginning, was shaking his head.

    This Elder Li was quite despicable.

    Yet, no matter how despicable he was, he would¡¯ve never imagined that these three grade-four wild beasts couldn¡¯t do anything to his big brother when he was a perfected Houtian martial artist. Now that big brother had advanced to Xiantian, it was a piece of cake.

    It was reckoned that Elder Li would still deduct points by finding excuses. But at the very least, his big brother¡¯s strength had been witnessed by Elder Hu. If Elder Li was excessively petty, his reputation would be pulled down by others.

    Sure enough, within the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Gongyi Tianheng had pped the three wild beasts into unconsciousness. This time, he didn¡¯t y them. He¡¯d also smoothly finished the challenge in the shortest time period.

    As before, Elder Hu gave him ten a.s.sessment points.

    And as before, Elder Li stated: "An abundance of skill, but ack of bravery. Three a.s.sessment points."

    Destroying the puppets was wrong. Not killing the wild beasts was also wrong.

    Once this person¡¯s face thickened, it was natural that he could spout any sort of shameless words out of his mouth.

    The third gate was the Heart Questioning Checkpoint.

    After the sculpture split open, a praying mat appeared, which forced Gongyi Tianheng to sit on it, close his eyes, and experience something.

    He quickly sank into an illusion. From the length of time it took to awaken, one could see whether his performance was good or bad.

    Tianheng¡¯s nature was firm and persistent. Within the time it took to burn an incense stick, he smoothly broke out of the illusion.

    Under Elder Hu¡¯s delight, he was given a perfect score.

    Maybe it was because Elder Li¡¯s words during the previous two gates went too far, this time he unexpectedly didn¡¯t make things too difficult. He simply gave Gongyi Tianheng six a.s.sessment points.

    At the present time, after calctions, Tianheng obtained a total of seventy a.s.sessment points. He still needed a full...ten points.

    It seemed that he couldn¡¯t sessfully enter the inner sect?

    Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying didn¡¯t expect that Elder Li could pull so many tricks right in front of them. He was warned several times, but didn¡¯t take them seriously. It seemed there was an enormous backer behind him. This whole endeavor was practically an inversion of right and wrong just to make Tianheng¡¯s test impossible to pa.s.s.

    Elder Hu fumed. He would soon file a report.

    However once he finished filing that report,yers uponyers of audits woulde down. Ultimately, while Tianheng could obtain the status of an inner sect disciple, it would probably dy the opportunity to rescue Princess Yaomin.

    Perhaps the other party didn¡¯t know about Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s a.s.sociation to an inner sect Disciplinary Hall member, but they knew that if he changed his status, it would certainly be a hindrance to them.

    ...Truly treacherous.

    Gu Zuo took a furtive look at Tianheng and saw that he wasposed. He was very calm... He suddenly recalled something. His eyes immediately shined.

    Then, Tianheng slowly bore a smile and voiced a question: "Elder Hu, I¡¯ve heard that after partic.i.p.ating in West Mountain Ghost Hunting, one gains a.s.sessment points. Can they be used here?"

    Elder Hu paused. At once, he pped his hands andughed: "Naturally, naturally! You seem to have those a.s.sessment points. That¡¯s fine."

    Elder Li¡¯s heart felt uneasy.

    But he quickly recalled his intentionally indirect inquiries to Elder Xie. He had learned that Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s a.s.sessment points were mostly divided among his subordinates. He didn¡¯t leave much for himself... At that time, how many Earth Ghosts could he hunt down as an insignificant Houtian martial artist? In all likelihood, the remaining a.s.sessment points wouldn¡¯t be enough.

    Hence, his heart became peaceful again.

    However, Tianheng took out his own outer sect disciple token,ying it before the two elders.

    On it was clearly written a set of digits: Twenty two a.s.sessment points.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "Now, I wonder... Does this disciple have enough a.s.sessment points?"

    T/N: I¡¯m going back to school for a nursing degree! My trantion speed should stabilize soon.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 129

    Elder Li¡¯s face was gloomy.

    It was toote for regrets in his heart. Had he known earlier that it was like this, he wouldn¡¯t have given any a.s.sessment points for each of the gates. Now, the results were that, not only had he offended someone, but that matter still hadn¡¯t been done yet. What was he supposed to do...if he was med for it? Yet, he remembered that even if he didn¡¯t give any points, this Gongyi Tianheng had twenty two a.s.sessment points on hand. He could smoothly be promoted into the inner sec ¡ª Unless if this Elder Hu standing on the side was kept in check.

    Reaching this point, Elder Li¡¯s scrunched-up brows rxed again.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t know how lucky he was, obtaining so many a.s.sessment points from West Mountain Ghost Hunting. It was clearly Old Man Xie¡¯s fault foring to him and exaggerating. This Li wasn¡¯t the one to me. Moreover, Old Man Hu wasn¡¯t willing to help him during this time¡¯s test. Naturally, it was Old Man Hu¡¯s fault, too.

    ...With this sort of self-consoling in his heart, Elder Li felt much calmer.

    In short, it was the mistakes of Old Man Xie and Old Man Hu. Simrly, he wasn¡¯t the one responsible.

    Only, matters had already reached this point. Elder Li nced at Liu Wuyan and the others. He didn¡¯t think that he could suppress Tianheng by himself, and he could only begrudgingly say: "Enough! Just ask Elder Hu to give you an inner sect disciple token."

    Elder Hu broke out in a fit of candidughter: "Right, right, right! Gongyi Tianheng, your performance was top-notch. With a bit more time, you¡¯ll be a cornerstone of my inner sect. Naturally, you can get a token immediately!"

    Elder Li snorted, and flicked his sleeves with his departure.

    He couldn¡¯t stay here for too long, or he¡¯d be made a mockery!

    Off to the side, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan were both delighted.

    Liu Wuyan was always of few words, but at this moment, he couldn¡¯t help praising: "It seems that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi had long made preparations. He¡¯s really insightful! Unexpectedly, this Liu didn¡¯t need to do anything."

    Xun Suying alsoplimented: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi nned far ahead so that he wouldn¡¯t be taken advantage of by others. In the future, he¡¯ll certainly be a very capable person."

    Tianheng heard what was said and smiled: "If this one hadn¡¯t met Senior Sect Brother Liu and Senior Sect Sister Xun earlier, this one wouldn¡¯t have had such confidence."

    He turned his head to look at Elder Hu: "I must give my thanks to this elder for being firm and impartial. If you hadn¡¯t called on this disciple..."

    In response, Elder Hu waved his hand back and forth: "This wasn¡¯t your fault. I made a mistake first; you had no choice but to go through with this mess. You are my Qingyun Sect disciple, and as an elder, I should treat you justly by rights. What happened now is a matter of course and is unworthy of your grat.i.tude."

    Speaking up to here, he gave another sigh: "There really are many people in the sect like Old Man Li. They¡¯re all malignant tumors of the sect! It¡¯s just that the sect is enormous and there¡¯s a mix of good and bad people inside it. Even if they were contained, it won¡¯t stop them from burrowing through the gaps. I hope you aren¡¯t disappointed in the sect because of this."

    In addition to theplicated and engrained powers, let alone a trifling elder, some authority figures in the sect who¡¯d long discovered these problems were unable to resolve them.

    Gongyi Tianheng hurriedly said: "Nonsense. Elder Hu is exaggerating. The sect is educational for me. Even when one is inconvenienced, in all likelihood..." He pointed upwards, "One would still be sessful."

    He continued: "And disciples who wholeheartedly practice martial arts and cultivate have hearts that strive along the martial path. They definitely wouldn¡¯t fear some untold dangers and difficulties."

    Elder Hu¡¯s eyes carried a smiling expression: "You¡¯re very good. If there were more disciples like you, certainly..." He left this unfinished thought up to this point.

    A group of people walked out.

    Generally speaking, this Elder Hu really appreciated Gongyi Tianheng. While they walked, he mentioned some matters: "I looked at the pharmacist beside you. A youngster who¡¯s already broken through to the Xiantian Realm is a rare seedling. You must carefully n out his future prospects. Although the standards for pharmacists entering the inner sect don¡¯t lie in the true qi realms ¡ª While pharmacists are different from martial artists, after advancing to Xiantian, it¡¯s the equivalent of him stepping into the ranks of mid grade pharmacists. It could even be said that he has boundless prospects, and the inner sect certainly won¡¯t refuse his admission.

    He continued: "Presently, he¡¯s attached to you. If you¡¯re willing, you can transfer him to be an inner sect disciple. He can join the Pharmacist Hall and study under a master. But if he¡¯s unwilling, he can only be your personal pharmacist. He could also go carry out an evaluation, receive a "part-time pharmacist" token, and be affiliated with the Pharmacist Hall... Although a part-time pharmacist isn¡¯t an official sect disciple, as long as he can contribute to regr coborations with the sect, he can get the status and pay equal to an inner sect pharmacist disciple... Youngster, think this over carefully!"

    When Gu Zuo heard these words, his heart was a little moved.

    Because this adorable old fellow appreciated his dear big brother, even those around his big brother could think it over. He truly was a decent person.

    Working for the inner sect Pharmacist Hall was definitely out of the question. He had so many secrets that, if he refined medicine every day with a bunch of people, what was he to do when a moment of carelessness blew his cover? A formal apprenticeship was even worse. This world¡¯s master-disciple rtionships were very serious ones. A teacher for a day, a father for a lifetime. After a formal apprenticeship, regardless of how the master treated him, he would be managed by someone else at the very least ¡ª While he was willing to be managed by his big brother right now, because he already believed in his big brother, who was to know if it was reliable to switch to another stranger? It would still be very easy to expose something. Thus, obediently being his big brother¡¯s personal pharmacist was the best. On the other hand, that part-time pharmacist position could also be considered.

    Merely, this was the first time he heard of this part-time pharmacist thing... Previously, Fu Manduo had given them a voucher, saying that it could let one directly be a disciple-in-reserve. After an evaluation, one could immediately be an inner sect Pharmacist Hall disciple. At that time, he only thought to treat this thing as a protective charm. He wasn¡¯t really prepared to go get evaluated and promoted. Now? En, once he went back with his big brother to discuss it, then he¡¯d make a decision.

    While his heart was full of thoughts, Gu Zuo¡¯s face still carried a grateful look as he peered at Elder Hu.

    Elder Hu also noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s micro-expression andughed: "This should also be one with potential!"

    Gu Zuo could only force a smile and didn¡¯t dare reply.

    Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng had a warmplexion: "Many thanks for your helpful advice, Elder Hu. This disciple will carefully consider it."

    As they talked up to this point, the group had already exited the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da and had reached the small building.

    Elder Hu handled matters quickly and efficiently. He immediately provided a token, writing down Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s name and making a record of it. Then, the token was infused with Elder Hu¡¯s true qi.

    After Tianheng entered the inner sect, he could take this token to the inner sect¡¯s Task Hall and receive the payment he deserved, among other things.

    Soon after, the group turned to Elder Hu and bade farewell.

    Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan didn¡¯t leave. They only released a bird, and ordered it to go to the inner sect to seek Zhao Yuheng: "You must tell Senior Sect Brother Zhao the news that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi has sessfully be an inner sect disciple. He needs to a.s.semble some manpower to investigate ordinary inner sect disciples who¡¯re rted to the Duanshui Hall. Use the name of the Disciplinary Hall to gather evidence and make inquiries.

    He continued: "Secretly have Senior Sect Brother Fu mobilize hisworks to perform private investigations. If that Duanshui Hall doesn¡¯t have anything fishy going on, then that¡¯ll be it. If it does, they¡¯ll need to exercise restraint under this kind of activity. Once the pressure is big enough, if it really was them who abducted Junior Sect Sister Yaomin, they may be forced to reveal Junior Sect Sister Yaomin¡¯s hidden location, and find another scapegoat to push the me onto. At that time, Junior Sect Sister Yaomin will naturally be safe."

    Gongyi Tianheng let out a sigh: "On the contrary, so long as Princess Yaomin is safe, everything else isn¡¯t important."

    Xun Suying saw him like this and couldn¡¯t help poking fun at him: "This junior brother cares so much about Junior Sect Sister Yaomin¡¯s safety. Could it be that for her, you..."

    Tianheng nked. Then, he broke intoughter and shook his head: "Senior Sect Sister Xun must be joking. Princess Yaomin has her own ce to return to, which has nothing to do with me. It¡¯s just that we are only fellow countrymen and I have some friendly rtions with Brother Cang Yu. Naturally, I can¡¯t turn a blind eye to this."

    Xun Suying saw that he really wasn¡¯t interested, and also smiled. She no longer teased him.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo paused.

    Princess Yaomin with...big brother?

    This was impossible.

    He shook his head, dispelling the thought.

    Eh, he felt that it was that Senior Sect Brother Kang Wenhong who was interested in Princess Yaomin... Right?

    Afterwards, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan apanied Tianheng and Gu Zuo back to their courtyard.

    Out of respect, the two only waited outside, sitting down to have tea and refreshments. Not once did they snoop around. Gongyi Tianheng also understood the situation, and waved his hand as he busied Dragon One, Dragon Two, and numerous ves. He also gestured to Gu Zuo, having him go tidy up that medicine refining room of his. Tianheng himself apanied the two.

    Gu Zuo had a system on hand, so it was only natural that everything in the medicine refining room was quickly put away into his storage s.p.a.ce. After he came out, Dragon One and the others had already made the proper preparations.

    In several other rooms, the three pharmacists had been continuously debating and researching medicinal pills and refining medicine ever since they were recruited. Zhang Mingyuan and the others all emerged from their rooms with unkempt appearances.

    Liu Wuyan saw this and had a slightly subtle expression.

    Xun Suying couldn¡¯t help smiling: "No wonder this junior had those good things. The people under his employ are all diligent and dutiful, unafraid of hard work."

    Only some pharmacists who had their hearts set on studying the path of medicine refinement could be unbothered by trivial matters.

    These two didn¡¯t know about the hardships of formerly lone pharmacists like Zhang Mingyuan. When obtaining many advantages through great difficulty, one would naturally redouble their efforts in their dedication to pill refinement.

    This brief period of time was too short for them as they eagerly tempered their skills. How could they ck off? The matter of those many so-called excellent quality pills appearing was actually all Gu Zuo¡¯s doing.

    In the short term, they didn¡¯t have that ability.

    However, the misunderstanding of the two was originally Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s aim. He deliberately didn¡¯t exin, and at this moment, he only smilingly said: "It¡¯s just diligence."

    Xun Suying thought this was just modesty and didn¡¯t know that the actual situation was just like that.

    Once everything was packed up, everyone headed to the inner sect.

    Although it¡¯s said that epted outer sect disciples were considered disciples of the Qingyun Sect, only the inner sect disciples were valued by the sect as official disciples. Thus, although the outer sect and inner sect resided within the same mountain range, the distance separating the two was like a natural moat.

    Correct, it really was a "natural moat".

    After following for a time, Gu Zuo saw an abyss before him. Across was a broad mountainous region. It was a towering mountain range that connected together like a meandering dragon snake. However, if one looked down at this moment, they would feel dizzy.

    He couldn¡¯t help swallowing down a mouthful of saliva.

    This ce...was incredibly wide. From a nce, it was at least several hundred meters across. And this abyss didn¡¯t have any chains that connected both sides. How were they supposed to cross?

    Of course, Gu Zuo promptly responded. Everyone could ride a flying wild beast, but if there was someone who didn¡¯t have a wild beast, what should they do? Also, what should they do if they had a fear of heights... Thinking up to here, he gave a helpless expression.

    The next moment, Gu Zuo saw Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan move.

    The two of them leaped out, and a breath of qi that was stored in their chests floated out in midair. Soon after, their figures slightly shed and they flew across the abyss.

    After reaching the other side, Xun Suying inly said: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi,e over quickly!"

    Without waiting for Tianheng¡¯s reply, Gu Zuo tugged on his sleeve next to him.

    Gongyi Tianheng raised his brows: "Ah Zuo?"

    Gu Zuo was a little embarra.s.sed: "I can¡¯t fly..."

    Tianheng broke intoughter: "...Rest a.s.sured."

    Then, Gu Zuo felt like the world was spinning. He was being carried on his dear big brother¡¯s shoulder once more. Immediately following that, his body lightened. It felt like his whole body was soaring high into the sky... Ah, ah! Why did his big brother have to use this kind of position?!

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    With his head faced down, what he saw was a bottomless abyss. Although his waist was looped by an arm, his legs and upper body were both suspended in the air. There wasn¡¯t any sense of security flying high up like this, okay!

    He felt like he was being bullied by his big brother...

    He didn¡¯t know how long it was, like it was both a long time and a blink of an eye, until Tianheng put him back down, nting his feet firmly on the ground. He still stared in a daze, hisplexion deathly white.

    Later, a hand waved in front of him.

    Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat, and raised his head to meet Tianheng¡¯s face.

    He saw that in his dear big brothers eyes was clearly a hint of un.o.bscuredughter.

    Sure enough, he was being bullied!

    What was with this type of behavior?!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of mischief, yet his mouth said with a deadpan tone: "Ah Zuo¡¯s courage is too small. When there¡¯s free time in the future,e with me here to toughen up some more."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face flushed red.

    He suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say.

    What this big brother said made sense, but...why did it feel like there was something wrong?

    Meanwhile, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan were somewhat shocked.

    They¡¯d known that Gongyi Tianheng treated Gu Zuo very importantly, but they didn¡¯t expect that the two could¡¯ve been so close. From what they¡¯d seen of Tianheng¡¯s personality, it was basically impossible for him to joke like that with others.

    However, since Tianheng disyed this in front of them, it should¡¯ve been to point out that...

    Gongyi Tianheng saw those two people¡¯s reactions and the edge of his smile deepened.

    Soon after, he rubbed the top of Gu Zuo¡¯s head: "Ah Zuo really should work on his courage some more."

    Gu Zuo made some noise, but still obediently nodded: "...Oh."

    At this point, Xun Suying regretfully said: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi isn¡¯t to me. The inner sect has an unwritten rule that every new disciple who wants to enter the inner sect must cross this abyss by themselves to be considered one. However, so long as they cross over, they usually just ride a flying wild beast to get there. It¡¯s all very convenient."

    Just then, Tianheng was teasing Gu Zuo, so his mood was rather good. It was natural that he¡¯d dismiss this with a smile: "I understand senior sect sister¡¯s kind intentions."

    Gu Zuo heard something, and turned his head to look over.

    He saw something high up cast a huge shadow. Unexpectedly, it was an absolutely enormous flying wild beast, which was descending from the sky. On top was a disciple who looked like its controller. He raised his voice, ordering Dragon One and the others to get on.

    As it turned out, after a new disciple crossed the abyss, he would guide the nominal disciples and subordinates who still weren¡¯t Xiantian, and would use a specialized flying wild beast to ferry them across.

    Gu Zuo was a little sullen.

    If he¡¯d known earlier, he could¡¯ve also gone with them...

    After that, he gave a sigh and obediently went to keep pace.

    The inner sect¡¯s Task Hall was much bigger than the outer sect¡¯s. The entire set of buildings were connected together, and managed all of the inner sect¡¯s numerous affairs. Whether if it was dispatching monthly allowances or releasing missions, any and all matters had to pa.s.s through here.

    As a result, one couldn¡¯t look at this ce¡¯s name and think it was ordinary. In fact, it was the location of the highest priority for the inner sect. It contained the powers of all sides, and wasn¡¯tparable to the outer sect¡¯s capabilities ¡ª Even the outer sect¡¯s Task Hall relied on the inner sect¡¯s existence. The elders within also had their own factions.

    Just like Elder Xie, Elder Li, and Elder Hu who¡¯d already appeared. The three of them all belonged to three different factions.

    Under the apaniment of two inner sect disciples, Gongyi Tianheng went to receive his own payment, and didn¡¯t encounter any difficulties. His token was quickly approved and he received a Fangcun Cloth with an even bigger volume. The medicinal pills, rulebooks that introduced the inner sect, and so on were all virtually the same as the ones from the outer sect.

    When it came to the differences, it was just that inner sect disciples only needed to focus on cultivation. They didn¡¯t need to farm on their own. In addition, after entering the inner sect, one had ten more slots for nominal disciples, which could be a.s.signed by inner sect disciples at will. It was just that they still needed to take responsibility for them by themselves. Moreover, there was something in the inner sect called contribution points that connected everything together. Many medicinal pills and resources that circted within the sect could only be exchanged using contribution points. Furthermore, a fixed amount of contribution points could even be used in exchange for nominal disciple tokens. It could be said that its usefulness was extensive.

    As for the ces where inner sect disciples lived, there were two choices.

    One was still the courtyards where everyone a.s.sembled together. Only, these courtyards were much bigger than the ones in the outer sect. There were neighbors in all directions. The other one was a small valley. The valleys were naturally more hidden than courtyards. Unfortunately, these valleys didn¡¯t have enough residences. The nominal disciples who followed could only live on Labor Street with the subordinates of other inner sect disciples who possessed valleys.

    To put it inly, the treatment of nominal disciples in the inner sect was equal to part-time workers.

    Both ces had their advantages and both ced had their inconveniences. It depended on what each inner sect disciple chose.

    When it was time for Tianheng to decide, he selected the valley without the slightest hesitation.

    He had too many secrets. Moreover, while there were few residences in the valley, thend was vast. It was just the right fit for him and Gu Zuo.

    In the future, when there were many nominal disciples and not all of them could be put together, only a couple of the most trusted ones would be allowed to reside in that valley.

    Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan were d to see Tianheng¡¯s choice.

    They knew about the business deal between Tianheng and Fu Manduo. When concealed within this valley, the possibility of secrets being leaked was certainly small. This channel of theirs could persist for an even longer period of time.

    After delivering Gongyi Tianheng and the others to the valley, the two said their goodbyes.

    Liu Wuyan said: "Senior Sect Brother Zhao Yuheng has already started to act. If there¡¯s any news, you¡¯ll certainly be told immediately."

    Xun Suying also said: "Don¡¯t worry, junior sect brother. When you get the news, those fellow countrymen of yours will also be informed."

    Gongyi Tianheng cupped his hands in thanks once more: "I¡¯ll have to trouble my seniors."

    After they departed, Tianheng and the others entered the valley.

    This valley was quite nted, but as far as Tianheng was concerned, it perfectly suited his intentions.

    ¡ª He was willing to make friends and contacts, but if these contacts dropped by at all times, he wouldn¡¯t be too happy about it.

    Valleys also had another benefitpared to courtyards. There were natural prohibition talismans of the sect here. Even if it was an Immortal Realm martial artist, it would be impossible for them to spy on things inside. It would make one feel even more relieved when it came to the matter of guarding secrets.

    Tianheng¡¯s token flickered with rays of light, already bringing them into the valley. The ambient qi of the inner sect was richer than the outer sect¡¯s. And the valley¡¯s ambient qi was richer than the qi of the inner sect¡¯s ordinary locations.

    Gu Zuo sized up the valley.

    Their stay at the outer sect didn¡¯t reach two months, but if nothing unexpected happened, their stay in the inner sect would be a considerably long time.

    This valley would also be a ce where they¡¯d living for a long time.

    Within the valley was a field that had already been prepped. It had an area of about six mu. It seemed that the area ofnd they were supplied with was a little more than half of what the outer sect gave them. However, all the things they nted and grew here were theirs. They didn¡¯t need to allocate anything to the sect. All told, they would still be making a profit.

    About ten meters from the edge of the field, there was a stream that was two meters wide. It ultimately fed into a pool with a five meter radius.

    This pool was very strange. One side received the stream¡¯s water, but the other side had a hot spring. It was truly bizarre.

    On the other side of the stream were several wooden houses. Simrly, there was one big house and several small houses. There was also open s.p.a.ce surrounding them. This was probably to allow for expansion. At the border of the mountain walls were several caves that were close to the ground. They werepletely empty inside.

    To Gu Zuo, it seemed those caves were actually ces that were suitable for practicing martial arts or refining medicine.

    Merely, in the entire valley, what Gu Zuo was most satisfied with was still the several mu ofnd.

    When they were previously in the outer sect, he didn¡¯t dare wantonly use the Growth Hastening Medicinal Decoction, which he made to speed up the growth of vegetation. But in this valley, he didn¡¯t need to worry.

    He was convinced that, under the effects of the Growth Hastening Medicinal Decoction, not only could he provide his big brother with nted Scarlet Blood Rice, maybe he could hasten the growth of many other Human-Level Medicinal Herbs. He could save so much money...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 130

    Soon, everything was up and running.

    The biggest residence still belonged to Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo, but Dragon One and Dragon Two were permitted to choose among the neighboring houses to stay. The other buildings were all established to be the locations for Gu Zuo to refine medicine and poison.

    In addition, Tianheng had spent arge sum of money to construct a house near the rear caves. It was to be allocated to the pharmacists.

    As for the newly arrived ves, although there were four who were already under control and one who wasn¡¯t yet controlled but was honest and considerate, they still weren¡¯t allowed entry into the valley. Ordinarily, it was only if there was a necessity that they¡¯d be allowed toe in to handle matters.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t actually have any areas that required too much work. He only took a look at theyout of the medicine refining room that the ves had cleaned up, and used the storage s.p.a.ce to arrange everything that had been released into their previous positions. He made a bit more preparations for the poison refining room. The windows and other ces were pasted with medicaments such as the Detoxification Pill. This was to prevent poisoned qi from bubbling out and injuring bystanders or to prevent someone from carelessly entering and suffer the tragedy of a death by poison.

    As the ever-loyal Tianlong Guard who received Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s greatest trust, Dragon One was sent to ascertain some of the frequently visited ces in the inner sect. Dragon Two simrly went out to transport a few things the valley still needed while Dragon One did the scouting.

    The enved martial artists knew that they weren¡¯tpletely trusted, but after witnessing Tianheng¡¯s capabilities, they also showed off one after another at this moment. They took the purchased materials and started to officially construct the pharmacists¡¯ building. As for the pharmacists, they were only in charge of refining medicine. Nothing else was of their concern.

    Not long after, all the framework that should¡¯ve been built in the valley was already erected.

    After Gu Zuo finished arranging the most important ces, he started to head over to his highly antic.i.p.ated field to inspect it.

    He wanted to nt medicinal herbs as well as Scarlet Blood Rice. Those ves didn¡¯t have too much to do normally. Nevertheless, using abor force was also exploitation... He just happened to go take a look. Which herb attributes were suited to the quality of the earth here? How about the purchased seeds and other things...

    However, as Gu Zuo stepped foot on the field and scooped up some dirt, rubbing it between his fingers to examine it, hisplexion turned ck all of a sudden.

    "Big brother,e take a look¡ª"

    Gongyi Tianheng rarely heard Gu Zu this anxious, and his heart slightly moved. After taking a couple steps, he¡¯d already arrived beside his little pharmacist: "Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?"

    Gu Zuo lifted his hand and said with some gloom: "Big brother, look at this. This earth is all dried up, there¡¯s no vitality in it. If we use it to grow medicinal herbs and Scarlet Blood Rice, it definitely won¡¯t work... Moreover, what¡¯s worse is that it¡¯s like there¡¯s something polluting the soil. The conflict is serious and if the problem isn¡¯t resolved, it¡¯ll be wasted."

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have any understanding about soil, but he knew that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t babble nonsense in this aspect. His furrowed brows loosened: "So it was waiting fo us here."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: "Big brother¡¯s meaning is..."

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with coldness: "When I was authenticating my token in the inner sect, no one obstructed me. At first, I thought it was because Senior Sect Sister Xun and Senior Sect Brother Liu were apanying me. Now it seems that it wasn¡¯t that there weren¡¯t any obstructions. Rather, the obstruction was set up in secret.

    He continued: "The field in an inner sect disciple¡¯s valley is usually of great use. It can cultivate some medicinal herbs that are difficult to obtain outside. Now that the medicine field is crippled, it¡¯s equal to half the valley going to waste. To me, there isn¡¯t the least bit of gain. I won¡¯t be able to change to another ce even if I wanted to. Even if I did, the people who¡¯ll stay hereter will bear hostility towards me. The hearts of those Duanshui Hall folks are really vicious and despicable."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened, but he immediately understood: "So, we¡¯ve been schemed against? That Duanshui Hall is like a lingering spirit. They¡¯re really too hateful!"

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mind made several considerations, but all of them were long-term ns for major gains. If they could rapidly return a face-p in the short term, it would be rather difficult. He thought about it, and asked: "Ah Zuo, do you have any prescriptions that can solve this issue?"

    After recollecting, Gu Zuo nodded: "I do. The ¡¯Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction¡¯ can remove the impurities in the medicine field. It can also reinforce the soil¡¯s vitality, and it¡¯s alsopatible with the Growth Hastening Decoction. It¡¯s something that can let Scarlet Blood Rice and other medicinal herbs grow smoothly. However, if we want the medicine field topletely recover, we still need to nt Scarlet Blood Rice during the first stage to absorb the remaining impurities in the soil..."

    When it came to his own specialties, he was very cool-headed.

    In the beginning, his mood wasn¡¯t too good ¡ª For whoever made the n, wouldn¡¯t they be unhappy to discover that the results were ineffective? He would feel even worse after realizing that someone had done it on purpose. However, carefully thinking it through was a bit troublesome. Doing the preparatory work was more than enough.

    But he still didn¡¯t want to be schemed against without a good reason.

    After pausing, Gu Zuo furtively said: "Big brother, how about I refine some customized medicinal decoctions that¡¯ll sever the vitality of the soil? Can you think of a way to cast the poison onto those people¡¯s medicine fields? Give them a taste of their own barren fields!"

    Moreover, he also wanted to make it impossible for them to grow the herbs they¡¯ve already nted!

    Who didn¡¯t know that time meant money? Was it necessary to spend more money to deal with these fields? One shouldn¡¯t use so much money like that. Besides, his big brother would basically need to rely on poison to cultivateter on. The higher his rank rose, the more it would cost! And for safety reasons, his medicinal pills could only be made in a tiny workshop...

    Don¡¯t look at how it seemed very profitable now; it was possible that they wouldn¡¯t be able to make ends meet at any moment. In addition, there were still ten nominal disciple spots. If his big brother gained a foothold and had a batch of subordinatese over, the money spent on raising them would be even more!

    Opening a water source and restricting the river was the way of the tyrant. Currently, decreasing expenditures definitely wasn¡¯t reasonable. Whether cultivating or growing medicinal herbs, which ones weren¡¯t the same as throwing away money? Reducing expenses meant that one¡¯s strength wouldn¡¯t progress as fast as others, and one would be bullied after falling behind. As for increasing revenue, nothing about it would be easy.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    Of course, these days actually weren¡¯t ones that needed him to think things over. Merely, he just had a little sense of urgency... En, he hoped some low-end medicinal pills from the pharmacists they recruited could be put to use. If these people were only used to conceal him, then that was too wasteful.

    ...Thinking far ahead.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face, giving a brilliant smile to Gongyi Tianheng. His eyes held a trace of antic.i.p.ation.

    Tianheng saw him like this, and found it somewhat funny: "Feeling resentful?"

    Gu Zuo nodded: "It¡¯s like it never stops."

    Even if one realized that some matters were unavoidable, the heart would still be very unwilling. Most of all, he was a sixteen year old teenager going on seventeen. Not matter how well-behaved, his mood would still have small urges sometimes.

    Merely, he had a very heavy responsibility on him, so he did his best to bear with it.

    Tianheng faintly nodded: "Ah Zuo, first go refine some Spirit Jade Vitality Decoctions and treat the valley¡¯s medicine field. Later, if there¡¯s time, focus on refining those poisons. I¡¯ll find another opportunity to aplish Ah Zuo¡¯s desire so you can vent."

    Gu Zuo immediately felt happy: "Many thanks, big brother!"

    Tianheng warmly smiled: "It¡¯s just that you and I are neers. Just as we¡¯ve entered the valley, the medicine field has already been damaged by other disciples. It inevitably leaves traces. We must wait for a period of time, and after things have calmed down, then we can think of a way...to handles these disturbances like they¡¯re nothing."

    Gu Zuo promptly said: "This is as it should be. I also don¡¯t want to attract even more trouble."

    Thus, it was settled just like this.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo was in high spirits as he went headlong right into the medicine refining room.

    Inner sect, on Duanshui Peak, in the side building of Duanshui Hall.

    A malicious-faced young man grabbed the back of a chair and smashed it. His face couldn¡¯t conceal his anger: "Useless trash, what did you say? How did the Disciplinary Hall take charge of this matter? And our people? Has Senior Sect Brother Zhou¡¯sck of negotiations with his teammates made them this insolent?!"

    The person in front dodged to avoid that blow, but his mouth still replied: "Senior Sect Brother Zhou is directly restricting Meng Zhiqiu. In addition, the one who acted first was Senior Sect Brother Zhao Yuheng."

    The malicious young man halted his move of grabbing another wooden chair: "Zhao Yuheng? Who¡¯s that? Is he difficult to deal with? Is his influence even bigger than Senior Sect Brother Zhou¡¯s influence?"

    The person who he was talking to was a youth with a charming appearance. At this time, his tone of voice was unenthusiastic: "You think it¡¯s that easy to insert someone into the Disciplinary Hall? You think that people there can be bought so easily? Although Senior Sect Brother Zhou¡¯s rtionships in the Disciplinary Hall aren¡¯t bad, he¡¯s only amon enforcement disciple. Without more a.s.sistance, it¡¯s only natural that he can¡¯t be too high-profile when taking action. Meng Zhiqiu is, likewise, the same. She¡¯s a beautiful woman, and the people pursuing her are not few. Being able to restrict Meng Zhiqiu and not cause the Mingyue Pavilion to respond is already very good."

    "As for Zhao Yuheng..." A trace of dread shed in the charming youth¡¯s eyes, "The person backing him is on the Sky Leaderboard, and absolutely can¡¯t be messed with. We must pull back right now. Otherwise, if we arouse an apprentice¡¯s notice, it won¡¯t be a matter you and I can be pardoned of."

    The malicious young man was incredibly dissatisfied: "Don¡¯t tell me that we¡¯re going to give up just like this?"

    The charming youth¡¯splexion sank: "You Jiong, you need to understand. These matters are ones that you stirred up. Although Senior Sect Brother Li cares about Senior Sect Brother You Yi and indulges you by cleaning up your messes, you shouldn¡¯t a.s.sume that you can pester him endlessly, and negatively affect my Duanshui Hall¡¯s reputation and interests!"

    His gaze grew cold: "I¡¯m not concerned about your squabbles. In short, you¡¯d best express your innocence as swiftly as possible. Otherwise, if Zhao Yuheng finds that you¡¯re responsible, Duanshui Hall won¡¯t look after you any longer!"

    After he finished speaking, the charming youth flicked his sleeves as he left.

    You Jiong hatefully spat: "What about the mess you ordered me to stir up? Wasn¡¯t Duanshui Hall going to use this chance to annex Mingyue Pavillion? Now it¡¯s all my fault. Pah!"

    But in the end, he was still fearful.

    Sincest time¡¯s unsessful ambush on Kang Wenhong, You Jiong quickly became Xiantian through his elder brother¡¯s aid. He obtained an inner sect disciple¡¯s status and officially joined the Duanshui Hall as an inner circle member. Afterwards, he discovered that not only did the Duanshui Hall not reproach him for his mistakes, but it still exerted pressure against Mingyue Pavillion. His initial apprehension gradually waned. He directly used the opportunity of Mingyue Pavillion being suppressed by Duanshui Hall to relentlessly strike down Kang Wenhong and the others.

    Because of all sorts of reasons, You Jiong thought it would be smooth sailing. After that, he crafted many schemes to try and kill Kang Wenhong. However, Kang Wenhong was capable. Under repeated strikes, he always could see through his plots and minimize the losses. You Jiong had limited manpower avable ¡ª Most of them were fighting to the death with Mingyue Pavillion ¡ª So Kang Wenhong was continuously struggling while at death¡¯s door.

    Later on, You Jiong found that Kang Wenhong held some feelings of admiration for the woman called Yaomin... He then used some means again. In addition, the previous few people who were rted to the Kang Wenhong incident were being suppressed and restricted with the help of that charming youth. Everything was developing in a direction he found very refreshing.

    Yet, You Jiong never expected...

    This insignificant matter of a nominal disciple had actually alerted the inner sect¡¯s Disciplinary Hall.

    His heart was truly furious: That Zhao Yuheng, why was he meddling in other people¡¯s business?!

    Unlike You Jiong, after brushing his sleeves and leaving, the charming youth changed directions and walked over to the Administration Hall.

    Although he didn¡¯t look highly upon You Jiong and showed his displeasure just then, at this moment, his mind wasn¡¯t thinking about about You Jiong. Rather, it was the matter of Zhao Yuheng.

    In the past few days, many businesses of Duanshui Hall had been investigated by the Disciplinary Hall¡¯s people, causing the businesses to receive an impact that wasn¡¯t small. He even keenly sensed that some undercurrents were secretly moving. Their targets were unexpectedly their Duanshui Hall.

    This wasn¡¯t a good sign.

    Nowadays, the fights between Duanshui Hall and Mingyue Pavillion were interspersed with shots fired, both seen and unseen. It was a time when a person would be up to their ears in work. During this period, one couldn¡¯t guarantee that everything would be hidden perfectly. If they were repeatedly disturbed by the Disciplinary Hall, it was very possible that their pigtail would be exposed. And once this pigtail was grabbed, it would be hard to prevent Mingyue Pavillion from making an issue of it. When that moment came, it would cause arge negative effect.

    The question now was why did Zhao Yuheng get involved?

    Zhao Yuheng wasn¡¯t the same as an enforcement disciple. He was a squad captain of the inner sect Disciplinary Hall, and those he had jurisdiction over numbered more than fifty. Each one was an expert who was Xiantian stage three or higher. And Zhao Yuheng had already reached Xiantian stage eight; he was only a bit inferior to their hall master, Li Duanshui.

    The charming youth¡¯s brows tightened.

    He¡¯d never heard of any friendly rtions between Mingyue Pavillion and Zhao Yuheng. As for Zhao Yuheng, it wasn¡¯t easy to be able to im connections to. He wouldn¡¯t view someone on the Earth Leaderboard too importantly. No matter how much the so-called powers of the Earth Leaderboard disputed, his ident.i.ty and status would mean that he would only need to take a neutral stance to reap the benefits. Acting in person was really out of the ordinary.

    Something surely must have happened in the middle of all this.

    Could it be that there was something special about that Yaomin?

    Not good. He needed to figure out what was going on!

    The charming youth resolved his heart, raised his head, and stepped into the Administration Hall.

    Here was where they, the trusted aides of Duanshui Hall¡¯s Young Master Duanshui, normally discussed official business. Because the Disciplinary Hall¡¯s recent movements had already provoked their sensitive nerves, it was time for a proper discussion.

    Zhao Yuheng arrived outside of the valley.

    Before this, he naturally sent a visitation notice to enter. Pa.s.sing through the valley¡¯s prohibition talisman,pared to Dragon One picking him up, it was instead handed over to Gongyi Tianheng, who was the more proficient Xiantian Realm.

    Following that, Tianheng personally weed Zhao Yuheng in.

    Zhao Yuheng was still a handsome youth whose countenance carried a n.o.ble air. However, perhaps it was because he¡¯d already somewhat acknowledged Tianheng that he didn¡¯t show any aloof att.i.tude. He only concisely said: "The investigation of the matter is almost finished."

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t urgently inquire. Rather, he faintly waved his hand.

    Dragon One promptly readied an arrangement of fruit trays and fragrant teas to receive guests.

    The two sat down around a stone table.

    Tianheng personally poured a small cup of tea, and smilingly said: "I¡¯d like to hear the details."

    Zhao Yuheng tasted the product to his satisfaction and said: "Junior Sect Sister Yaomin isn¡¯t being restrained by a Duanshui Hall intermediary. Rather, You Jiong had bribed someone from the Renw.a.n.g Trading Company on Free Market Street. They took advantage of Kang Wenhong being drawn away and thought of a method to capture and imprison her in Renw.a.n.g Trading Company."

    Tianheng¡¯s expression slightly moved: "You Jiong wants to..."

    Zhao Yuheng said: "First to threaten Kang Wenghong, making him refrain from shooting the rat in fear of breaking the vase. After matters had been concluded, he was going to sell Junior Sect Sister Yaomin for a good price."

    At this moment, Gu Zuo, who had coincidentally walked out for a breath of fresh air, had returned just in time to hear this conversation.

    His heart suddenly trembled.

    But because his ident.i.ty was problematic, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t interrupt. He only found a ce to sit down and silently listen.

    Zhao Yuheng wasn¡¯t a person who liked to keep others in suspense. He immediately continued speaking: "My people have already found traces of where Junior Sect Sister Yaomin was specifically hidden. Currently, my deputy is taking people to mount a rescue. Duanshui Hall has also already conceded. Although it¡¯s not definite, they may find you all in the future to make trouble. But in the short term, they wouldn¡¯t dare be too excessive. You need to use this chance to .u.mte more power."

    Tianheng¡¯s appearance turned solemn: "Many thanks for your concern, Senior Sect Brother Zhao. This one understands."

    Zhao Yuheng grabbed a teacup and drank all of the tea within. After that, for the first time ever, he exposed a hint of a smile: "Later on, don¡¯t end your business."

    Tianheng nodded his head.

    Zhao Yuheng went to leave.

    Yet, Tianheng called him to stop.

    Zhao Yuheng turned his head: "What is it?"

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo and gestured to him.

    After inquiring in his mind, Gu Zuo immediately understood. He scampered next to Tianheng and pulled out a small and delicate jade gourd from his sleeve, and handed it over: "Young master, here."

    Gongyi Tianheng then handed this jade gourd over to Zhao Yuheng: "This situation has been hard on Senior Sect Brother Zhao. Here¡¯s a small gift. I hope senior brother won¡¯t hold it against us."

    Zhao Yuheng was a bit curious. He opened up this jade gourd to take a look, and he was startled the moment he ate one: "This is¡ª"

    Tianheng lowered his voice: "Top grade Revitalization Pills. It should have some use even for Immortal Realm martial artists."

    Zhao Yuheng¡¯s pupils constricted: "Top grade?"

    Tianheng¡¯s voice lightened: "Only under extremely rare circ.u.mstances can one be produced. Up until now, no more than a couple dozen have been .u.mted. The nine pills here are already the limit I can take out. During crucial points, it can save one¡¯s life. I hope Senior Sect Brother Zhao doesn¡¯t leak this."

    Zhao Yuheng closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were even more good-natured: "If you get more of this top grade pill, I hope Junior Sect Brother Gongyi can save me some. As for the price, I certainly won¡¯t treat my junior brother unfairly."

    Gongyi Tianheng seemed embarra.s.sed, but still responded: "It¡¯s only by chance that this thing can be produced, and the amount of sessful pills can¡¯t be guaranteed. One can only wait for them to .u.mte. I¡¯ll send someone to inform Senior Sect Brother Zhao, is that okay?"

    The edge of Zhao Yuheng¡¯s smile lightened: "Keep that in mind."

    Tianheng also smiled: "I certainly won¡¯t forget."

    After the two finished speaking, Zhao Yuheng departed withrge strides, but was much more rxed.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze upon his retreating figure was serene and deep.

    Gu Zuo walked over: "Big brother, why didn¡¯t you tell Fu Manduo about the top grade Revitalization Pills?"

    Tianheng said: "Arge stock is of little value. The less there are, the more precious they would be. It would also be less conspicuous."

    Gu Zuo understood a little bit: "We¡¯ll use it to develop our rtions with Zhao Yuheng?"

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "Perhaps, Zhao Yuheng can also use it to develop his rtions."

    Gu Zuo instantly understood.

    So to say, rtionships were the sort where you get closer to me, I get closer to him, and so on. It was the sort where there were small increments of development.

    There wasn¡¯t anything deeper to this topic. It all depended on the development behind it.

    In any case, at least Gongyi Tianheng would have a good head start in the inner sect.

    After this, Tianheng cut open his wrist and kept two bowls of blood.

    Gu Zuo carefully took them.

    Since big brother was already Xiantian and the matter of Princess Yaomin was basically resolved, they really should promote Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s positions.

    Following that, Gu Zuo returned to the medicine refining room.

    As for Tianheng, he proceeded towards the outer sect by himself.

    Just after crossing that abyss, an enormous birdnded. The person riding it saw Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s figure and immediately opened her mouth to call out: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, please hold on!"

    Tianheng heard the voice of the person who arrived, and paused.

    The one who dropped down from the enormous bird was a valiant and formidable female martial artist. She was supporting a tender and beautiful youngdy, whose appearance was unwavering. The youngdy had a tender look, but was also somewhat bleak... Wasn¡¯t that Princess Yaomin?

    This female martial artist wore an enforcement disciple uniform, and said to Tianheng in a straightforward manner: "I am Enforcement Disciple Rui Min. On Senior Sect Brother Zhao¡¯s orders, I¡¯ve brought Junior Sect Sister Yaomin. She and I both share the name ¡¯Min¡¯, so maybe it¡¯s fate that has brought us together."

    Tianheng looked at this deputy¡¯s behavior and checked her ident.i.ty. He never expected Zhao Yuheng¡¯s deputy to be a woman, but he also didn¡¯t look down on her. He smiled and observed proper etiquette: "So it¡¯s Senior Sect Sister Rui. I still haven¡¯t expressed my grat.i.tude for Senior Sect Sister Rui in lending a hand and saving my country¡¯s princess."

    In order to avoid arousing suspicion, he currently only spoke in the capacity of a country¡¯s citizen.

    Rui Min raised an elegant eyebrow: "Originally, I wanted to use someone to make this delivery, but with you going the same way, perhaps you can do a better job of winning the other side¡¯s trust."

    Gongyi Tianheng shook his head: "Senior Sect Sister Rui is joking. We are eternally grateful, so how could we still find reasons to doubt? After you, Senior Sect Sister Rui."

    At this time, it was better that they went together in search of Kang Wenhong.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 131

    Because Cang Yu and the others had a rather good rtionship with Kang Wenhong, their dwelling was effortlessly moved by Kang Wenhong to a courtyard adjacent to the Lofty Sword Courtyard.

    Due to all kinds of reasons, many martial artists had recently been staying in Kang Wenhong¡¯s courtyard. If there was any information, it was all concentrated within Lofty Sword Courtyard.

    After Gongyi Tianheng andpany arrived, they directly knocked on the door: "Senior Sect Brother Kang, Brother Cang Yu, are you there?"

    There was a prompt response from inside. Cang Yu opened the door. His handsomeness and determination couldn¡¯t conceal his anxiety and deep concern: "Brother Tianheng has alreadye out from the Lesser Martial PaG.o.da? Come in,e in."

    Tianheng smilingly consoled: "Don¡¯t worry, Brother Cang Yu. Can you see who I¡¯ve brought for you?"

    Cang Yu stared, and turned his head to look.

    He then saw that behind Tianheng was a heroic and charming woman who walked over while supporting a tender and beautiful youngdy.

    That youngdy¡¯s jade-like appearance was pale, but at this moment, it flushed with a bit of red: "Imperial brother..."

    Cang Yu held his breath. Short thereafter, he exulted: "Imperial sister! Yaomin! You¡¯ve returned? You were¡ª" He looked at Gongyi Tianheng and his mind already had a few guesses.

    Princess Yaomin was also a stalwart woman. She hastily said: "Imperial brother still hasn¡¯t invited our benefactors in for a seat?"

    Cang Yu was incredibly happy and couldn¡¯t help pping his forehead: "Right! Quicklye in! Everyone, quicklye in!"

    While speaking, he ushered Tianheng, Rui Min, and a crowd of enforcement disciples inside. At this moment, he intended to observe the uniforms of everyone and saw that what they wore stood out from the ma.s.ses. It resembled what an outer sect enforcement disciple would wear, but it seemed even more solemn and serene. There were many thoughts going through his mind ¡ª Like shooting stars, they¡¯d sh across and vanish.

    In the courtyard, Kang Wenhong stepped out. The first one he saw was Princess Yaomin. He wanted to say something, but with so many people around, not one word could be spoken.

    Afterwards, his attention fell on Rui Min and the others, and he said with sincere courtesy: "Many thanks to the Enforcement Hall¡¯s Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters for your help... This lowly Kang Wenhong can¡¯t thank you all enough."

    At this time, someone scrambled to offer fragrant teas. After Rui Min and the other enforcement disciples drank a cup, they promptly said their goodbyes and left. Unexpectedly, they didn¡¯t stay here for longer than ten minutes.

    Because Tianheng knew that Cang Yu and the others desperately wanted to know the whole sequence of events, he remained behind. However, prior to Rui Min and the others leaving, he firmly pa.s.sed along his thanks to all of them.

    Rui Min knew that Gongyi Tianheng and Zhao Yuheng were friends, so she wasn¡¯t pretentious and simply nodded.

    The group arrived in a hurry and left in a hurry.

    As for Princess Yaomin, it was the feeling of being in one¡¯s personal h.e.l.l and returning to the human world.

    Princess Yaomin was brought back to a room to rest by Cang Yu. Meanwhile, Tianheng had already sat down and was chatting with Kang Wenhong who sat across.

    Because Princess Yaomin was saved, the mncholy in the pit of Kang Wenhong¡¯s stomach had dissipated. His current curiosity couldn¡¯t be constrained any longer: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, many thanks for your help."

    This was his way of sounding things out.

    If the rtionship with Tianheng over this matter wasn¡¯t significant, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have recognize it. Yet, if he did...

    Tianheng smiled: "As fellow countrymen of the Cangyun Empire, we should watch over and help one another."

    If he helped someone else, that person would realize that hiding it wouldn¡¯t be to his benefit.

    Kang Wenhong held his breath.

    Sure enough, it was recognition!

    It¡¯s no wonder that¡ª

    He then exined that Mingyue Pavilion had been involved with the people of the Disciplinary Hall by Duanshui Hall long ago. It was impossible to have friendly rtions with characters like that enforcement squad deputy leader. It could clearly be seen that Rui Min¡¯s arrival had nothing to do with Mingyue Pavilion.

    However, he also never expected that, while asking them about this hard-pressed matter, the previously underestimated Gongyi Tianheng was able to resolve it... He didn¡¯t know how much strength the other used, but he would remember this friendship.

    Thinking up to here, Kang Wenhong couldn¡¯t help secretly sighing.

    Originally, he had already owed the other party a favor. Now, he owed another favor.

    He also didn¡¯t know how he¡¯d repay him in the future.

    At this moment, Cang Yu had helped Princess Yaomin settle down, and walked out.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t keep them in suspense and spoke about the matters of him bing an inner sect disciple, and how he once saved Xun Suying and the others, which gave him ess to Zhao Yuheng. However, he didn¡¯t recount the matters of the medicinal pill business, the transactions, the probing, nor the current friendship.

    Cang Yu listened and his eyes shed with aplicated feeling. He sighed again and said: "This time is all thanks to you, Brother Tianheng."

    Tianheng raised his cup: "Don¡¯t mention it."

    Kang Wenhong and the others heard Tianheng¡¯s words as well as the things that went unsaid, but what did that have to do with anything? Who among them were without their own secrets?

    Currently, everyone¡¯s rtionships were pretty good. With the continued friendship of Gongyi Tianheng, knowing this was good enough.

    Only, those from the Cangyun Empire were split into three groups.

    That Huangfu Zhanghao, whom they still haven¡¯t have any news of, was one group. Gongyi Tianheng, who already saved up some power, was one group. And Cang Yu, who was headed by and was inseparable from Mingyue Pavilion, was another group.

    They might have intersections in the future, or they might not.

    However, at least for now, the camaraderie of having same homnd still existed between each another.

    After receiving Tianheng as a guest, Cang Yu and the others who¡¯d yet to repay their debts sent him on his way.

    Following that, Kang Wenhong raised his head and sighed: "It¡¯s time to enter the inner sect."

    Cang Yu brushed away the distractions in his heart and looked over: "Senior Sect Brother Kang¡¯s meaning is..."

    Kang Wenhong said: "You Jiong has already entered the inner sect. If I¡¯m still in the outer sect, it¡¯ll certainly be easy to be captured by him as an excuse to toy with me. It¡¯s only once I¡¯ve also entered the inner sect that I can fight on the same level and pressure him."

    Cang Yu¡¯s sword-like eyebrows creased: "Could it be harmful to Senior Sect Brother Kang?"

    Kang Wenhong shook his head and said: "I¡¯ve been suppressing my realm for a long time to be well-prepared and to liberate my potential after breaking through. I should enter the inner sect within a few months. Breaking through now won¡¯t be premature and it won¡¯t cause harm."

    Cang Yu set aside his worries.

    As for Kang Wenhong, when he spoke up to here, his tone had some hesitation: "Only..."

    Cang Yu was doubtful: "What?"

    Kang Wenhong¡¯s handsome face reddened like he was embarra.s.sed: "It¡¯s only that I wanted to bring Junior Sect Sister Yaomin with me to the inner sect."

    Cang Yu stared nkly.

    Bringing his imperial sister?

    Kang Wenhong resolutely said: "I can ask people to teach Junior Sect Sister Yaomin to let her make the fastest progress. Once she can be a certified pharmacist, she can directly be an inner sect Pharmacist Hall disciple. There¡¯ll be lots of benefits for her. If she¡¯s in the outer sect, I¡¯ll have a hard time getting resources for her."

    Actually, in the Qingyun Sect, nominal disciples were those who attached themselves to other disciples. Contrarily, they could follow their disciples and enter the outer or inner sects. They¡¯d merely have the lowest positions. There were also times when some rtively strong martial artists acted as other disciples¡¯ bodyguards and got nominal disciple tokens. In fact, it was the same as being guests of that disciple.

    Consider the current Princess Yaomin. She was a nominal disciple who was subordinate to Cang Yu. If Cang Yu entered the inner sect, she could follow. But if Cang Yu didn¡¯t go, then she could only wait in the outer sect. Unless she herself became an inner sect disciple. However, if Cang Yu pa.s.sed her onto Kang Wenhong, she would naturally be Kang Wenhong¡¯s subordinate and go with him into the inner sect.

    Cang Yu became silent.

    In the sect, even a country¡¯s prince could still only cautiously struggle and survive.

    He knew about Kang Wenhong¡¯s intentions toward his imperial sister, and he could also see that the other was truly sincere. As for his imperial sister¡¯s prospects, if she wasn¡¯t trapped in the outer sect for a long time, she really could reach... As for himself, if he wanted to break through to the Xiantian Realm normally and be an inner sect disciple, he would need at least several months to even a year or more.

    But they were pressed for time. Everyone was hard at work practicing martial arts. How long could his imperial sister endure the wait? A woman with the apt.i.tudes of a pharmacist but without the ability to protect herself; one whose looks were exceptionally good... No matter how careful he was, he was still worried about mistakes happening.

    Since they needed to find a reliable person to protect his imperial sister sooner orter, it was better to ept Kang Wenhog at this moment.

    This Kang Wenhong was also currently the most genuine and the most reliable choice.

    Cang Yu slowly exhaled: "Then, I¡¯ll have to thank Senior Sect Brother Kang for the trouble."

    Kang Wenhong¡¯s appearance immediately blossomed with joy.

    Cang Yu smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    Although he said this, he¡¯d hoped even more that the person who would protect his imperial sister would be Gongyi Tianheng... Yet, Tianheng seemed to already have a pharmacist he wanted to protect. He also seemed tock any feelings of admiration for his imperial sister.

    Gongyi Tianheng returned to the inner sect valley. Because matters were all settled, he felt his body rx.

    In the valley, several enved martial artists were all bustling around. Dragon One was in charge of supervising them, and Gu Zuo was still cooped up in the medicine refining room, refining medicine to his heart¡¯s content.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t go to disturb them. He only picked a ce that was t and wide, and moved his Xiantian true qi as he initiated all kinds of martial skills that he practiced previously.

    In every one of his movements, it seemed like a mighty force of heaven and earth was being faintly drawn down and integrated into the strike¡¯s qi energy. An earth-shattering power burst forth.

    As Tianheng struck with his fists, he looked pensive.

    That bit of power was a little different than ambient qi. It seemed it could...

    For a short while, he unexpectedly wasn¡¯t able to fully understand how it worked.

    However, if he knew what that mighty power was, if he could absorb it like the poison from before, could it be taken into his other bone pearls and transformed into another kind of power?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s martial skills rapidly changed. The strikes made impressive air-breaking sounds.

    Still no good. He needed an opportunity... Suddenly, he thrust out a palm!

    At this moment, ck qi .u.mted within the energy of his palm. At the same time he struck out, the originally colorless power astonishingly transformed into a dull ck colored palm print. It smashed into the ground, corroding thatrge chunk ofnd into a hand-shaped hole that was big enough to hold water.

    What a strange power!

    Tianheng looked at his own palm; it was still l.u.s.trously white as jade. No one would¡¯ve been able to find the kind of energy that just came from this palm.

    Just as he pondered, the medicine refining room¡¯s door opened and Gu Zuo walked out.

    Gongyi Tianheng immediately snapped out of it.

    Under normal circ.u.mstances, his little pharmacist would act this way if he made progress in medicine refinement and wanted to present a treasure. This time probably wouldn¡¯t be an exception.

    And every time it was like this, he would always patiently listen.

    Sure enough, Gu Zuo really came out again to show off.

    Because Dragon One and Dragon Two werepetent, the medicinal herbs they usually used were always adequately stocked. So long as there was an opportunity, a couple rare ones that were needed would always be gathered up. As a result, when Gu Zuo was refining medicine, aside from a small number of pill types, he usually didn¡¯t worry too much about ack of supplies.

    At this time, the stuff Gu Zuo wanted to present were two things.

    He directly handed over the first item to Dragon Two. It was a veryrge jug that waspletely filled with liquid: "The Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction has already been sessfully made. Dragon Two, go give it try."

    Dragon Two epted the order and left.

    Gu Zuo, who was still in the back, blurted out: "After sprinkling it, quickly return. We still have something to do!"

    Dragon Two¡¯s footsteps didn¡¯t stop: "...Dragon Two understands."

    After that, Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng, revealing his palm: "The Xiantian Pills have been refined."

    Unfamiliar at first, but well ustomed soon enough ¡ª This time¡¯s Xiantian Pill, which used Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s blood for refining, directly became a top grade Xiantian Pill. En, although it was still brown-colored, it was l.u.s.trous and very plump. The qi energy it emitted was also very peculiar. It was like it could attract a person¡¯s soul, containing extraordinary mysteries within.

    Tianheng looked at this Xiantian Pill. His heart was a little curious and antic.i.p.atory.

    This kind of Xiantian Pill should be able topletely change a person into his believer who¡¯d wholeheartedly serve him. However, as he¡¯d already broken through to the Xiantian Realm, was there anything else special about it besides this?

    There must be differences with the Tiandu Body, which was physically Xiantian at birth...

    Afterposing himself, Gongyi Tianheng raised a hand and beckoned Dragon One and Dragon Two over.

    At this moment, because Dragon Two was still using the Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction to irrigate the crippled field, Dragon One fiercely restrained the emotions in his heart and held his breath as he took the Xiantian Pill from Tianheng¡¯s hand: "Many thanks to the young master for bestowing this pill to Dragon One!"

    Gongyi Tianheng lightly sighed: "Swallow it."

    Dragon One closed his eyes, and put that medicinal pill in his mouth.

    In a split second, a surging medicinal force swept through his whole body!

    Gu Zuo nervously observed Dragon One.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d seen someone break through, but Dragon One was the first Tianlong Guard he got to know after acquainting himself with his dear big brother. Since a long time had pa.s.sed since he was considered one of their own, his deep concern was naturally different than what he had for others.

    He truly hoped that this Xiantian Pill could let Dragon One grow to even greater heights...

    Dragon One¡¯s willpower was stalwart and his temperament was unwavering. He was able to distinguish himself from countless orphans and be Tianheng¡¯s Tianlong Guard. He experienced many torments that ordinary people never went through, and even a few infuriating tribtions. But he endured. Moreover, if things went smoothly, then he could follow Tianheng as he soared into the sky!

    As a result, he grit his teeth and endured! No matter how the medicinal power collided in his body, his throat didn¡¯t utter a single sound. Because if he didn¡¯t give up ¡ª He could seed in the end!

    In fact, he really did seed.

    After arge amount of white smoke rose from the top of his head, the Xiantian wall was broken. Dragon One smoothly connected to the will of the martial path and sessfully advanced to be a Xiantian martial artist!

    This should have been the end of it. Dragon One¡¯s scrunched-up look became serene.

    Yet suddenly, his expression quickly changed, and his face showed a feeling of intense surprise.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tightened.

    Could it be ¡ª

    However, in the end, it was Gu Zuo overthinking it. Dragon One was amazed, but he was only amazed. There weren¡¯t any harmful reactions in his body.

    Following this, Dragon One opened his eyes and a glimmering streak shed within them.

    Dragon One clenched his hand and felt the power flowing through his fingers. It was formidable and novel.

    However, he quickly constrained his desire to continue exploring because he still had another more important matter. He needed to report to his dear young master.

    Dragon One lifted his eyes and saw those enved martial artists who were still bustling around, and his face showed some hesitation.

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow: "Qian Hu, Liu Bao. You guys leave the valley and guard the entrance!"

    Those enved martial artists heard this and were somewhat saddened.

    Even though they were already under control, they still hadn¡¯t received hisplete trust... For them, who¡¯ve already pledged their allegiance, this was rather ufortable in their hearts.

    Merely, they still needed to obey their orders and do it.

    Hence, these people all left the valley. In the valley itself, those who remained were the pharmacistspeting with their pill cauldrons in the deepest parts of the rtively distant caves and these four people who went straight in.

    Dragon One took a deep breath: "Young master, after taking the Xiantian Pill, another set of bone pearls appeared within this subordinate¡¯s body."

    These words were spoken. Let alone Dragon Two who¡¯d just returned, even Gongyi Tianheng was amazed.

    Tianheng¡¯s brows furrowed: "You¡¯re saying..."

    Dragon One respectfully said: "Just so. In the beginning, the Xiantian Pill¡¯s medicinal power only let this subordinate break through. This one¡¯s mindprehended the mysteries of the martial path, seizing that sliver of its profound theories. This one didn¡¯t notice as the medicinal power pa.s.sed by, but after entering Xiantian, this subordinate detected that the surge of medicinal power was bundled with an unyielding force that battered many of this subordinate¡¯s acupoints and rapidly condensed bone pearls within them.

    He continued: "After counting, there are one hundred and eight bone pearls. Compared to the major set of bone pearls, the number of one hundred and eight Heavenly Spirit and Earthly Fiend Bone Pearls is actually more perfect. It¡¯s just that the acupoint locations of these bone pearls aren¡¯t very important. They¡¯re merely a set of auxiliary bone pearls and should have a supplementary function... I think."

    When he spoke near the end, Dragon One¡¯s tone was also a little unconvinced.

    It was because this situation was really too strange and there basically wasn¡¯t any precedent to follow ¡ª Naturally, due to the long length of time Dragon One spent with the young master, he gradually realized that his young master condensed bone pearls differently than other people. He once heard that there should be six sets of bone pearls in the young master. Now that he had two sets, with his perception to other strange phenomena, he seemed to detect that his own power was much stronger than what it should¡¯ve been when he reached Xiantian.

    Gu Zuo was the one who was the most surprised.

    Ah, he never expected that the blood of his dear big brother after breaking through to Xiantian would give Dragon One a mutation directly. What did this extra set of bone pearls signify? Was it a coincidence that this pill had this uniqueness or was every pill like this? Strange, too strange...

    After that, Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze unwittingly fell upon Dragon Two¡¯s body.

    In that case, how did Dragon Two feel about it?

    Presently, Dragon Two¡¯s eyes also shed with a trace of fanaticism: "Young master, please let this subordinate try, too!"

    Tianheng slightly murmured: "Alright."

    Immediately following that, Dragon Two also took a Xiantian Pill and swallowed it without the slightest hesitation!

    Once more, Gu Zuo nervously observed Dragon Two.

    There were almost no differences between Dragon Two¡¯s reactions and Dragon One¡¯s. There also wasn¡¯t anything differentpared to the previous couple of people. However, at the final juncture, Dragon Two seemed to checked his body¡¯s situation. Soon after, his face showed an ecstatic expression: "Young master, this subordinate has condensed a second set of bone pearls as well!"

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    It looked like this mutation was a unique one.

    Each of these methods to be Xiantian all could grant a second set of bone pearls...

    In the end, was this good or bad?

    Dragon One and Dragon Two were both very satisfied.

    From the bottom of their hearts, they could sense the allegiance to their young master flowing through their blood vessels. They could also sense the kinship and fondness to their young master through their blood. Just like a cub to its sire, they could feel both reverence and the inability to disobey ¡ª This made them iparably happy.

    It could be previously said that, although they followed the young master, they still felt that they might be left behind if they were unable to keep up. Their hearts weren¡¯t steadfast enough. Now, however, they felt an extremely intense sense of belonging. In the future, even if they really weren¡¯t able to chase after him, they both felt at ease.

    As for Gu Zuo, who refined this type of Xiantian Pill, the two Tianlong Guards were incredibly grateful to him. They somewhat understood Gu Zuo, and the moment they saw his furrowed brows, they deferentially said: "Pharmacist Gu, we feel that this change really isn¡¯t a bad thing. Some day, it may still give us some benefits."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows loosened: "I¡¯ll be watching carefully... Let me examine you guys often in the future."

    Dragon One and Dragon Two naturally consented readily.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng, who¡¯d been pondering for a long time, opened his mouth again: "One set of bone pearls...can perhaps hold one type of exotic power."

    Gu Zuo and the others heard this and uniformly looked over to him.

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips had a smile: "During my previous opportunity, I coincidentally absorbed poison. After reaching a certain degree, I smoothly broke through to Xiantian and could shoot poisoned qi to injure enemies. As for the other five sets of bone pearls, there hadn¡¯t been any changes and they didn¡¯t receive any interference...

    He continued: "When I practiced today, I sensed many kinds of exotic forces between heaven and earth. Thus, I believe that if I can seize another opportunity, those mighty forces can be distinguished and absorbed into another set of bone pearls. Perhaps a new power can be grasped by me?"

    This was spection, but it definitely wasn¡¯t without reason.

    Gu Zuo also reflected over this.

    Poison was a kind of power. That set of iplete bone pearls should¡¯ve been the gentlest and most ordinary power. Was the Tiandu Body unique in that ordinary people could only make use of one type of power while he could use five more? Or, did his big brother have this subconsciously, which gave rise to this change spontaneously?

    For a moment, he was unable to think things through.

    But after time had pa.s.sed, they could check once his big brother tried again.

    And what Gu Zuo was currently thinking about was that Dragon One and Dragon Two having a second set of bone pearls was equivalent to increasing their potential. As such, this Xiantian Pill was too peculiar, and they couldn¡¯t let other people know... He also thought, if his brother reached the Immortal Realm, would a Xiantian Pill refined from his blood...

    Pop.

    After that sharp and clear noise, Gu Zuo forced a smile.

    Truly confusing! How could an Immortal Realm¡¯s blood be refined into a Xiantian Pill?! The prescription was all wrong... Right?

    T/N: For those who haven¡¯t been paying attention to the word length, all the recent chapters are double-length. This is why my trantion speed has dropped to one chapter a week. Chapters 125 to 137 are all double-length, so we¡¯re halfway through the batch. After that, I should be able to return to faster updates.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 132

    Gu Zuo always felt that his way of thinking was a bit abnormal.

    For Houtian martial artists breaking through to Xiantian, there was the Xiantian Pill. For a Xiantian Realm breaking through to the Immortal Realm, there was also a kind of medicinal pill. It was called the Dust Molting Pill. Molting the dust corresponded to shedding one¡¯s mortality, so one could see what it did just from the name.

    However, he¡¯d never heard of a second method that used blood for refining. One could only follow the prescription and find some precious medicinal herbs to conduct the refinement.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders slightly sagged.

    As a proper Human-Level Pharmacist, it stood to reason that any Human-Level Medicinal Pills were ones that he should be able to refine. But even if they were human-level, they could still be divided into low, mid, and high ranks. As a result, because he was a Xiantian Realm stage one, the ones he could refine were the basic pills that were suitable for Houtian and Xiantian martial artists to take. He couldn¡¯t guarantee that he could sessfully refine some especially difficult Xiantian medicinal pills; let alone, one of the hardest medicinal pills ¡ª The Dust Molting Pill.

    It was better that he didn¡¯t aim too high.

    Moreover, the most useful pills for the current them were still the Xiantian Realm medicinal pills!

    ¡ª Ny nine percent of the Inner Sect¡¯s disciples were all Xiantian.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two carefully listened to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s instructions and felt that what he said was very reasonable. They decided to increase theirprehension and strove to get a clear understanding as soon as possible to better develop themselves and serve the young master.

    Tianheng was also considering what powers he wanted to absorb and to give it a try...

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power trembled. He abruptly turned his head and looked toward that mountain cave!

    Lots of mysterious qi energy was wafting out over there. This kind of qi energy seemed to be ¡ª The feeling of being on the verge of breaking through to the Xiantian Realm?

    Tianheng¡¯s thoughts turned: "Dragon One, go take a look."

    Dragon One¡¯s body promptly shot out and flew over. His speed was at least ten times faster than before. In the blink of an eye, he already reached the front of the mountain cave. After checking things inside, he hurriedlyunched himself back: "Young master, the three pharmacists are all making breakthroughs."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: "All of them are breaking through together? That¡¯s possible?"

    Not only were the ages of the three pharmacists different, their apt.i.tudes were also different. Each day was spent refining pills and practicing cultivation methods. Were these breakthroughs happening during a short period of time or all at once?

    Tianheng thought about it, and understood in a sh: "They rebuilt their attribute cultivation methods and hadid solid foundations many years ago. Their current speeds being this fast isn¡¯t surprising. Besides, although I don¡¯t know how pharmacists cultivate, if an individual was to break through to Xiantian, rather than having their hearts affecting from being watched by others tirelessly practicing everyday, the matter of simultaneous breakthroughs really isn¡¯t impossible."

    Gu Zuo was also thinking about such a matter, and he immediately felt even happier.

    Don¡¯t think that pharmacists mainly relied on techniques. If one¡¯s true qi reserves weren¡¯t big or pure enough, their hand seals wouldn¡¯t bepletely supported when refining a cauldron of medicinal pills. There was no way to be a mid grade pharmacist. It was probably because these three pharmacists were previously stuck in their cultivation methods that they weren¡¯t able to advance to Xiantian for many years. Now that they¡¯ve advanced, their corresponding hand seals and pill refining techniques would certainly develop by leaps and bounds!

    This would save him a lot of trouble!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mood was also pretty good.

    The group simply walked to the front of the mountain cave and waited for the people inside to finish breaking through.

    Gu Zuo smilingly said: "Once they¡¯ve finished breaking through, refining the Anti-Aging Pill won¡¯t be as challenging as before."

    Tianheng slightly nodded: "We can already open a shop on Qingyun Sect¡¯s Market Street."

    Gu Zuo tilted his head: "To sell the Anti-Aging Pill?"

    Tianheng smiled: "The Qi Generating Pill, Rejuvenation Pill, Qi Linking Pill, Revitalization Pill, Snowy Ginseng Pill, Bone Replenishing Pill, Meridian Replenishing Pill...as well as the extremely limited wonder-pill ¡ª The Anti-Aging Pill."

    Gu Zuo listened to his big brother¡¯s recitation, and instantly understood.

    Unwittingly, he could already refine so many "published" medicinal pills...

    Originally, the business of opening a shop needed a framework built up while in the Outer Sect. But before the official start, they¡¯d already entered the Inner Sect ¡ª Initially, they never expected that they would have such fast speeds.

    However, having an Inner Sect disciple¡¯s ident.i.ty would undoubtedly ensure the opening of a shop on the Sect¡¯s Market Street. Not only would others need to give them a bit of face, the material benefits and treatment would be much better.

    In the end, the Sect encouraged its disciples to actively develop side upations.

    Gu Zuo knew intuitively: "Then, after theye out, I¡¯ll hand over a few pill prescriptions."

    Tianheng smiled: "Separate them."

    Gu Zuo understood: "Snowy Ginseng Pill, Bone Replenishing Pill, and Meridian Replenishing Pill ¡ª One person gets one type of prescription. Anti-Aging Pill will be given to the three of them. The other four types of pills are verymon, so they should know the pill prescriptions."

    Gongyi Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: "Just as Ah Zuo says."

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help rubbing against that hand. His mood was also especially good.

    As the two talked, the peculiar reaction from within the cave had already ended.

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others walked out of the cave. After seeing Tianheng, they sincerely paid their respects, but their smiling expressions couldn¡¯t be concealed: "Many thanks to our boss for conferring the favor of the cultivation methods. We can¡¯t return this kindness, so we can only pledge our lives and serve our boss!"

    After breaking through to Xiantian, the three didn¡¯t have evidence of previous vicissitudes and the entire person glowed radiantly. They looked youthful, like they were less than twenty years old. Moreover, their spirits also appeared young. Especially Zhang Mingyuan ¡ª He originally looked very old, but now his hair was ck like a robust middle-aged man.

    ¡ª Although Xiantian martial artists couldn¡¯t recover their youthful vigor nor extend their lifespans, there was no need for doubts that their bodies could recover to their optimum states through the effects of Xiantian true qi.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "In the future, just do your best in your work."

    After he finished speaking, he gestured to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo understood and said: "Three sirs, I shall transfer these prescriptions to you all under the young master¡¯s orders. Please take out a piece of paper and brush so I can write down what I know."

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others were naturally very happy. There wasn¡¯t enough time to say anything; they scrambled in a rush, worried that if they were too slow, their boss would feel regret. They were scared of arrivingte and that there would be a shortage of prescriptions.

    Very quickly, three batches of paper and brushes appeared before Gu Zuo. It seemed as if they hade to a prior agreement. The thing brought out by each person wasn¡¯t a single sheet of paper, but rather a book with writings of their previously .u.mted prescriptions. At this time, there was no doubt that they were willing to take it out to express their sincerity.

    Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t hesitate, and he reached out to grab a brush. He started writing on the book handed over from the most senior fellow, Zhang Mingyuan. As for the prescriptions on the earlier pages, he didn¡¯t spare them a nce.

    To be honest, he was convinced that the medicinal pills Zhang Mingyuan could¡¯ve .u.mted were already in his Human-Level Medicinal Pill Catalog. As a result, he wasn¡¯t very curious. What¡¯s more, the pills in that pill catalog already let him reap endless benefits. He really wasn¡¯t in any need to covet other people¡¯s stuff.

    Following that, Gu Zuo gave three separate pill prescriptions to three people.

    Zhang Mingyuan had the most experience, and he was given the Meridian Replenishing Pill, which was the hardest to refine; then for the forty-something year old w.a.n.g Cheng and Fang Zhiyao, who now looked a little more than thirty, the former got the Bone Replenishing Pill and thetter received the Snowy Ginseng Pill.

    With one person in charge of blood, one person in charge of bones, and one person in charge of meridians, this coborative division ofbor epa.s.sed the needs of the great majority of martial artists.

    After Gu Zuo finished writing the prescriptions, those three pharmacists had their eyes filled with infatuation and they couldn¡¯t bear to part with them. But at this moment, he instead told the three of them: "Three sirs, don¡¯t rush into your research just yet."

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others were startled awake, and their expressions were a little embarra.s.sed: "Yes, please speak."

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: "The pill prescriptions given to you all right now can¡¯t be exchanged privately. Wait until those refined pills are high grade and your skill proficiency is unmatched. Then you can bring them to the young master to have a look. If you pa.s.s, then you can obtain a prescription. If you dy the young master¡¯s affairs in order to research the prescription..."

    He actually wasn¡¯t too good at threatening people: "...You wouldn¡¯t even realize the young master¡¯s methods."

    Gongyi Tianheng heard this and his eyes couldn¡¯t help crinkling in a smile.

    While this wasn¡¯t hismand, it was very amusing.

    His little pharmacist was really bing more and more...cute.

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others¡¯ hearts trembled, and didn¡¯t dare get any big ideas: "Please rest a.s.sured, boss. We certainly wouldn¡¯t do anything in private."

    With cultivation methods and pill prescriptions, even as pharmacists, they wouldn¡¯t be arrogant at inappropriate times. Moreover, they had some understand that if they tightly followed their boss, they could obtain even more stuff in the future.

    In that case, abiding by the rules was something that needed to be done.

    After that, Gu Zuo also had a dignified smile: "However, there is a prescription you all can study together."

    Zhang Mingyuan and the others¡¯ eyes shined, recalling some of their innermost thoughts: "Could it be¡ª"

    Gu Zuo nodded: "Correct. It¡¯s the Anti-Aging Pill."

    Zhang Mingyuan andpany were emotionally moved.

    The Anti-Aging Pill was like a miracle. It was one of the pills they wanted to study the most!

    At once, Gu Zuo made copies of the pill prescription and gave it to them. He also let them attempt the Anti-Aging Pill before studying the remaining prescriptions. Merely, because the Anti-Aging Pill¡¯s medicinal herbs were rare, each person could only get five batches of herbs. Once all attempts failed, they wouldn¡¯t be able to continue applying for more.

    After Zhang Mingyuan and the others heard this, their iparable excitement cooled down.

    Indeed, they couldn¡¯t be too wasteful...

    Then, the three pharmacists cupped their hands like the prescriptions they held were treasured objects, and squeezed into the cave once more. Their heads went in and didn¡¯te back out.

    Gu Zuo watched Gongyi Tianheng smile and cheerfully went to observe the field that had already been sprinkled with the Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction. He wanted to take a look at its state of recovery...

    Meanwhile, Tianheng sat cross-legged under a tree.

    Without knowing why, he would operate his cultivation method without any shelter. As he faced the zing sunlight and the endless stars and bright moon in the night sky, he could sense the fantastic and slight circtions through his whole body.

    At the same time, he had a sudden sh of realization. At first, there was only the initial part of the cultivation method, and now it had progressed with a huge chunk of edits.

    He didn¡¯t have any worries about this kind of continuation, at least at the Xiantian Realm.

    The Tiandu Body... The Tiandu Body...

    Gongyi Tianheng even felt that so long as he immersed himself within this heavenly area, the trajectories of the true qi pathways could be clearly captured by him.

    In addition, for any peculiar power eruptions ¡ª There was only theck of an opportunity.

    Several dayster.

    Many matters urred outside of the valley, but Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng, and the others were still living in seclusion and they didn¡¯t care too much about the Inner Sect¡¯s unstable situation.

    The division ofbor between everyone had been well-defined long ago. Dragon One was responsible for the shop. Dragon Two took care of watering the field. The five enved martial artists also built the pharmacists¡¯ house in the valley.

    Gu Zuo looked over the field that had once been eroded by all kinds of powers. Now, many impurities had basically been dissolved by the Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction. They could try tilling it.

    Hence, those enved martial artists had a new a.s.signment ¡ª On that field, they would nt Scarlet Blood Rice and water it with Growth Hastening Decoction. They would get results eventually.

    On top of that, many good things happened one after another.

    Zhang Mingyuan was worthy of being a lowest-rung pharmacist with tons of experience and self-discipline. After breaking through to Xiantian, it could¡¯ve been said that he was well prepared. In such a short period of time, not only could he refine the Qi Linking Pill and Revitalization Pill ¡ª Although they were mid grade at most ¡ª He set out to attempt even the Meridian Replenishing Pill¡¯s prescription, which was only given to him a few days ago. After blowing up his cauldron several times in a row, he refined a low grade Meridian Replenishing Pill. This kind of progress exceeded expectations. It was an outstanding performance.

    Gu Zuo inspected the medicinal pill refined by Zhang Mingyuan.

    Perhaps because Zhang Mingyuan¡¯s attribute leaned towards the wood element, the qi energy of the pill he refined was gentle. Taking it should garner the type of medicinal properties that were gentle as well.

    It was considered to beparatively good stuff.

    Gu Zuo was naturally not stingy with his praise.

    Zhang Mingyuan also clearly saw that while this little pharmacist appeared to be the boss¡¯ attendant, he was trusted deeply. As for refining medicine, this piece of supervising was almostpletely left to this teenager to handle. Moreover, although this teenager didn¡¯t have a high age, his foundations were very st.u.r.dy. Despite not knowing his pill refining level, his pill checking level was still very good ¡ª He¡¯d never made an error in his judgment.

    Thinking that this teenager¡¯s prospects were even more vast than his own, Zhang Mingyuan¡¯s bearing to Gu Zuo was very respectful.

    He earnestly listened to whatever Gu Zuo said.

    While w.a.n.g Cheng and Fang Zhiyao were a bit inferior in pill refining, such that they could merely refine the Qi Linking Pill and Revitalization Pill and they still had some errors with heat control for the Bone Replenishing Pill and Snowy Ginseng Pill, with the pa.s.sing of time, they should also smoothly aplish it.

    Then, there was Gu Zuo himself.

    He refined many Anti-Aging Pills in advance and hadpletely finished refining Fu Manduo¡¯s "merchandise". In addition, he also brewed wine, refined even more Growth Hastening Decoctions, and examined Tianheng¡¯s body. Gu Zuo also formted another medicinal cuisine list to give to Tianheng and switched to another medicinal decoction for him to soak in.

    Besides that, he also needed to practice his own cultivation method and train the psychic power in his Tianfu Acupoint. He couldn¡¯t be careless about gathering medicinal qi. After so much time, he still wasn¡¯t skilled enough with those previous item books. He needed to reflect over them even more; he needed to consolidate the knowledge of those pill prescriptions and everything else again.

    It was very busy, but it was also very enriching.

    As usual, after Gongyi Tianheng meditated for a round, he said to Gu Zuo: "I need to head to the Martial Scripture Pavilion to thumb through some martial skills. Ah Zuo, you¡¯ll head to the Medicine Pavilion and take the pharmacist evaluation."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: "The opportunity¡¯s finally here?"

    Tianheng said: "In Qingyun Sect, all categories of attribute cultivation methods rted to pharmacists, medicine refinement hand seals, and so on are still regarded asmon things. It shouldn¡¯t be a harmful matter so long as you don¡¯t reveal too much. For this, remember not to overextend yourself; you can¡¯t use cultivation methods of the system inheritance. Switching to other hand seals to conduct the demonstration will suffice."

    After all, it was a big sect. Adventures weren¡¯t as superficial like in the Cangyun Empire. Some corresponding fortuitous encounters that existed definitely weren¡¯t rarely seen here.

    At this time, his little pharmacist could enter the limelight, and show off his own strength.

    Human nature was always like this ¡ª

    In this world, if what one revealed surpa.s.sed onlookers too much, they would inevitably be envied by others. And if one was only somewhat strong, they would be regarded as important by others and would be nurtured as a "genius".

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was heavy and he prudently nodded his head: "I¡¯ll be mindful."

    Tianheng chuckled: "Ah Zuo also doesn¡¯t need to be too nervous. This time I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll need to use some time to thumb through the martial skills, so I won¡¯t be apanying you. Dragon Two will go with you and will be at your beck and call."

    Gu Zuo paused.

    To be honest, going alone to take the evaluation without his big brother apanying him... He really wasn¡¯t used to it.

    But he still responded immediately.

    Because he also understood his big brother¡¯s intentions ¡ª He¡¯d always wanted to try handle a matter by himself. This was his big brother¡¯s kind regards, to prevent a future tragedy where he wouldn¡¯t be able to react if by any chance his big brother couldn¡¯t be with him.

    After taking a deep breath, Gu Zuo felt that this would be his journey.

    He would certainly do his best... Ahem, properly conceal himself.

    It was said that Gu Zuo would be going alone, but they could still journey together on the way there.

    The Medicine Pavilion and the Marital Scripture Pavilion definitely weren¡¯t far apart. After calling a flying wild beast down and riding for fifteen minutes, they were already approaching the inner zone of the Qingyun Sect¡¯s Inner Sect.

    Hidden from view within the mountains and forests, there was a piece of wide, open s.p.a.ce with quite a few towering buildings. Very many martial artists came and went, either inrge groups or as lone first-timers.

    The tallest,rgest, and most majestic location was the Martial Scripture Pavilion.

    Gu Zuo looked at Gongyi Tianheng: "Big brother, good luck."

    Tianheng smilingly faced him, and waved his hand: "Ah Zuo also needs to be more careful."

    Gu Zuo earnestly nodded and turned around, leading Dragon Two away.

    The Medicine Pavilion was still at a location several kilometers to the right. Compared to the Martial Scripture Pavilion, it was much more peaceful. It was probably because, although the number of pharmacists in the Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t small, it wasn¡¯t like the martial artists who bustled around in huge crowds.

    Under the guidance of their elders, pharmacists in two¡¯s and three¡¯s entered the interior of the Medicine Pavilion.

    The matters that the Medicine Pavilion primarily supervised were the pharmacist¡¯s proof of ident.i.ty, the pharmacist evaluation, the pharmacist¡¯s allowance, and the exchange of some resources between the pharmacist and the Sect.

    The entrance had several martial artists on guard. When they saw Gu Zuo leading Dragon Two, they obstructed the two¡¯s way.

    "Who hase? What¡¯s your purpose?"

    Gu Zuo hastily replied: "Pharmacist Gu, a nominal disciple. I¡¯vee here to take the Human-Level Pharmacist Evaluation. This sir is Dragon Two, a bodyguard martial artist."

    The gatekeeping martial artists saw the two both reveal nominal disciple tokens, and there was also a pharmacist¡¯s voucher in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand. They were convinced of Gu Zuo¡¯s statements and nodded their heads: "The pharmacist may enter. Would the martial artist please wait outside?"

    Gu Zuoplied with the stiption and nodded towards Dragon Two.

    Dragon Two retreated a step and stood tall and straight on the side like a boulder or the root system of a stubborn tree.

    After that, Gu Zuo entered the Medicine Pavilion.

    Just as he entered, he smelled a permeating medicinal fragrance that disseminated from within. In the blink of an eye, a string of medicinal ingredients names shed though Gu Zuo¡¯s mind: Chariot Seeds, White Fortune Gra.s.s, Dragon¡¯s Beard Roots, Tortoise Blood Gra.s.s, Dragon-Tiger Galldder, Phoenix w Flowers...

    Immediately following that, he snapped out of it and shook his head.

    Sigh, it truly was an upational habit.

    At this time, Gu Zuo had the intention of taking a measure of the set-up within the Medicine Pavilion.

    What caught the eye was a gigantic pill cauldron. It was at least several dozen meters tall and, from the ground up, the top nearly reached the roof of therge building. It was filled with a simple yet ancient bearing. Having .u.mted the qi energies of many kinds of medicinal pills within, there seemed to be a distinct barrier here for deposits over a long period of time, which fermented a kind of distant, far-away vor.

    It was very daunting.

    Yet, he wondered what kind of person could use this pill cauldron to refine pills.

    There were many things that Gu Zuo could now refine, but even if it was arge-scale cauldron, he didn¡¯t have one that was this enormous. What¡¯s more, the gigantic cauldron also carried a dense feeling of history and vicissitudes, enticing one to have the urge of giving it a try.

    ¡ª He was thinking a bit too much. He definitely didn¡¯te here to look at a pill cauldron.

    It was just a moment of carelessness that he was attracted by the pill cauldron.

    Once Gu Zuo came back to his senses, he discovered that there was a white-bearded, chubby old man off to the side. He twirled his mustache and smiled at him: "Only a person who genuinely likes refining medicine could look at this Qingyun Cauldron and stare at it with infatuation like that."

    Gu Zuo chuckled self-deprecatingly: "Apologies, this disciple is absent-minded... May I ask this senior where a disciple can go to take an evaluation and how to go about it?"

    The chubby old man nodded with appreciation: "Follow this old man and remember the way."

    Gu Zuo obediently went.

    "Your name?"

    "Gu Zuo."

    "Age?"

    "Almost seventeen."

    The old man¡¯s brush stopped: "You¡¯re actually very young."

    After that, the questions continued.

    "Which evaluation?"

    "Human-Level Pharmacist: Low level pharmacist."

    "Which medicinal pills will you select?"

    "The Rejuvenation Pill, Qi Generating Pill, and Qi Linking Pill."

    The old man¡¯s brush paused again: "It seems you have a lot of confidence in yourself."

    Gu Zuo was slightly embarra.s.sed: "These kinds of medicinal pills are ones that I¡¯ve refined..."

    The old man didn¡¯t continue recording.

    He only raised his eyes to look at Gu Zuo. He spoke in a business-like manner: "Outside of the evaluation, a pharmacist usually only needs to refine one type of pill that is suitable to Houtian martial artists. One would then be called a low level pharmacist. However, when in my Medicine Pavilion, pharmacists need to refine at least two types of pills to pa.s.s the evaluation."

    Gu Zuo nodded: "This disciple understands."

    The old man said: "The evaluation of low level pharmacists only allows the use of five Earth Fires and you can only make use of two batches of medicinal ingredients. If you can¡¯t refine the medicinal pills, then the evaluation is a failure. If you refine fewer than three pills, it will also count as a failure."

    Gu Zuo totally understood these kinds of rules and prepared earlier.

    ¡ª In actuality, these rules didn¡¯t hinder him at all.

    The old man¡¯s instructions were more or less finished. He was going to let Gu Zuo enter a Earth Fire Room in preparation for the pill refinement evaluation. Because his impression of Gu Zuo was pretty good, he was also going to send Gu Zuo directly to the Ley Line Hall¡¯s room. In addition, he gave Gu Zuo an Earth Fire Slip, which allowed him to smoothly enter that Earth Fire Room.

    However, the road to happiness was always strewn with setbacks.

    Just at this moment, a crisp voice suddenly echoed from another side hall: "Is the low grade Earth Fire Room already taken? Isn¡¯t there still another one left? I need this room!" He was clearly despotic and bossy, "You there! Move back, and let me take the evaluation first! How can the mid grade and higher Earth Fire Rooms allow me to exhibit my skills?!"

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Was this considered being shot at even when lying down?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 133

    Immediately following that was the ttering sound of footsteps. A purple-clothed teenager walked over with quick strides. His sleeves were tossed to either side and the whole person was bustling and energetic.

    His appearance was clearly arrogant and the gaze aimed at Gu Zuo was filled with contempt. It basically attached no importance to him.

    Behind the purple-clothed teenager followed two young men who were a bit bigger than him. Theirplexions were simrly overbearing. After reaching the front, one of the young men extended an arm and pushed Gu Zuo into staggering back.

    Gu Zuo retreated quite a few steps, and his head was packed with ck lines.

    Dang it! Was this being bullied?

    However, it was one versus three right now. Under the premise that he couldn¡¯t secretly use his psychic power, Gu Zuo was certainly no match for them. His only option was to send a look requesting for help to that chubby, white-bearded old man.

    Business would always be firste, first served, right? Although he sometimes didn¡¯t mind yielding to avert trouble, there was a Sect Elder currently present. At the very least, he would also get to know this elder¡¯s opinions. He couldn¡¯t be bullied by others to the end and struggle without recourse.

    The white-bearded old man¡¯s expression was very unsightly: "The room has already been handed over to this disciple. Since you got herete, just wait a moment. After another Earth Fire Room bes vacant, it will naturally be given for your use."

    The face of the purple-clothed teenager was even more unsightly than the old man¡¯s.

    However, without waiting for him to open his mouth and say something, the two henchmen behind started arguing first.

    "Do you know who our young master is?"

    "An insignificant elder in charge of a Medicine Pavilion dares to not give face to our young master?!"

    "Our young master¡¯s rank is invaluable. It can¡¯t bepared to an ordinary pharmacist!"

    "You should know that the young master is just seventeen years old and he can already refine Xiantian Realm pills! Does this old fellow understand what this means?!"

    Gu Zuo felt helpless.

    These words were too...straightforward.

    Truly, a disy of an old-school viin, ying an immersive role of an evil tyrant.

    The purple-clothed teenager¡¯s expression became even more arrogant. He lifted his chin, waiting for the other¡¯s decision.

    Yes, being a Xiantian Realm stage two and having those pill refining techniques at that age, he was indeed an otherworldly genius to be chased no matter where he went. Because, so long as he didn¡¯t fail halfway through, there was at least an eighty percent probability that he could refine medicinal pills that Atomic Realms could take!

    As for a pharmacist who was above Human-Level, wouldn¡¯t that be Golden-Level?

    A quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist was naturally someone who deserved to be valued by everyone. What¡¯s more, he never cut corners for his own pursuits. For example, one would realize from his words just now that while he could use higher ranked Earth Fires, which would raise his sess rate, he wanted to use the lowest ranked Earth Fires to refine the equivalent pills, to hone his own medicine refining level ¡ª The core intention was precisely this once the unbridled tones were peeled away.

    After being lectured at, although the white-bearded old man wasn¡¯t happy with the att.i.tude of those two henchmen, he was still slightly astonished.

    A quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist wasn¡¯t someone the average person would want to offend.

    This teenager was very young. His potential and prospects were enormous... Yet, this white-bearded old man wasn¡¯t a n.o.body. His position in the Medicine Pavilion wasn¡¯t low. If not for his asional interest in going here to patrol, he wouldn¡¯t have met Gu Zuo nor that teenager.

    Normally, this white-bearded old man, who couldn¡¯t bear to see things like bullying, conducted himself very fairly and his reputation was excellent. But at the same time, he also wasn¡¯t overly conservative, and was very fond of confronting force with force.

    At this time, while he wanted to defend the Sect¡¯s impartiality, he also didn¡¯t want to bear the grudge of a quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist. His heart involuntarily felt harried, and he hesitated.

    Gu Zuo silently sighed.

    Now it was his turn to be ridiculed on this small, open stage.

    Ah, he would certainly have to yield. Otherwise, what else was there to be done? Just look at this white-bearded Elder. If he stuck to the rules, he would offend the other guy. This certainly wasn¡¯t a good thing for him. Perhaps, after thinking it over, wouldn¡¯t Gu Zuo also be remembered for this?

    Moreover, if he didn¡¯t yield, the spoiled brat over there would definitely start a feud with him... Wasn¡¯t it just a dyed evaluation? Getting offended over not having your way wasn¡¯t worth it.

    Although he still wasn¡¯t very willing, when he thought about it again, he would still give up his seat to the elderly or children even in the modern era. This was... Ahem, respecting the old and cherishing the young.

    En, the old and the young were both the same.

    Hence, Gu Zuo took the initiative to say: "In that case, I¡¯ll just wait for a while. This young master is dignified and cultured. It goes without saying that he should use it first."

    After he finished speaking, he spurned himself for a second.

    The white-bearded old man nked. He never expected the simrly young Gu Zuo to do this of his own ord... Merely, didn¡¯t the meaning of these words have a bit too much ttery? He furrowed his brows and turned his head to look at Gu Zuo¡¯s expression. He found that Gu Zuo¡¯s face actuallycked any ttery.

    Then, he twirled his mustache and smiled.

    Good kid. Interesting.

    The impression the white-bearded old man had of Gu Zuo deepened. The Earth Fire Slip in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand was handed over to that purple-clothed teenager: "Since it¡¯s like this, you can use it first."

    The purple-clothed teenager saw that Gu Zuo was sensible and cupped his hands cheerfully. Pleased with himself, he said to Gu Zuo: "You¡¯re not bad. Surely you know my name? Later on, if there¡¯s something you don¡¯t understand in the field of medicine refinement, you can go to the Violet First Floor and ask me. I¡¯ll give you the power to find it. If I¡¯m in a good mood, giving you some prescriptions is also possible. You got it?"

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, but he still sycophantically said: "Yes, yes, yes. Many thanks, young master."

    But in the end, who was this young master...

    The narcissistic purple-clothed teenager led the two henchmen to the Earth Fire Room, leaving behind a "sensible" Gu Zuo and that white-bearded Elder.

    Gu Zuo felt a little awkward. Say, what was he supposed to do now? Wait here in vain?

    The white-bearded Elder said with a smile: "If you¡¯re interested in being a teacher¡¯s a.s.sistant, would you like toe over with me to investigate the path of medicine refinement?"

    He said it was investigating, but really it was him intending on giving some pointers to this unlucky Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined and he promptly said: "This disciple is very willing!"

    Once he was done speaking, he hurriedly followed after.

    Although he possessed a system, he didn¡¯t feel like he was one with the universe or invincible. He could sense an internal Qingyun Sect medicine refining level from this chubby Elder, so it really couldn¡¯t have been better!

    Afterwards, an old man and a young teen went "investigating" side by side.

    Actually, it was mainly the white-bearded Elder asking questions and Gu Zuo answering them. If Gu Zuo was unclear about something or if he was diverging from the main point, the Elder would give Gu Zuo the exnation.

    With the pa.s.sage of time, a profound amazement emerged within the white-bearded Elder¡¯s heart.

    This amazement was different from knowing that the purple-clothed teenager could be a Golden-Level Pharmacist. What he was surprised about was that while Gu Zuo was very young and was still a nominal disciple, his knowledge of the path of medicine refinement was just that extensive ¡ª He could even mention one or two things about some rather esoteric subjects.

    Only, the white-bearded Elder also discovered that Gu Zuo had figured out everything on his own and hadn¡¯t received any systematic education. He knew some things, but as for the details, he didn¡¯t understand what was and wasn¡¯t important.

    It was as if he obtained some theories through certain channels, but those theories weren¡¯tpletely digested. For example, Gu Zuo was aware of a type of medicinal pill called the "Qi Explosion Pill". During desperate straits, a martial artist could take it to upgrade their power by arge realm to confront an enemy. After the event, there would be a month of convalescence.

    He knew the pill¡¯s prescription, but he didn¡¯t know that there were some tricks to purifying the pill while refining it. He also didn¡¯t know that adding in medicinal herbster could increase the number of sessful pills.

    As a result, the white-bearded Elder believed that through some fortuitous encounter, Gu Zuo should¡¯ve obtained the "legacy" of a peak Human-Level Pharmacist. It would¡¯ve had a pill book inside, but that pharmacist¡¯s experiences wouldn¡¯t have been written down. This would¡¯ve brought about such a phenomenon.

    ¡ª In actuality, it was because Gu Zuo was very cautious and evaded many questions. As for the so-called tricks of medicine refinement to increase the medicinal pills and so on, the item books really didn¡¯t have them.

    Yet, this absence was because the prescriptions that the item books provided were the most perfect. Those methods that increased the pill sess rate, increased the number of pills, but decreased the product grade were naturally undesirable.

    Of course, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t without help with the white-bearded Elder¡¯s hands-off "teaching". While heprehensively received the system¡¯s knowledge, he hadn¡¯t encountered many losses. He also didn¡¯t have many genuine moments of diligent self-study. Perhaps in the future, he might have a bottleneck.

    Thus, at the very least, with Gu Zuo already obtaining some other revtions, it could arouse another kind of qualitative change.

    In this way, Gu Zuo would ultimately reach an even higher level of sess.

    [Hidden Mission: Realizing the heart of medicine refinement.]

    [Mission Items: None.]

    [Mission Rewards: <ten thousand="" magical="" medicine="" refinement="" experiments="">>]</ten>

    [Completion Mode: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Mission State: Already Complete.]

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    The system wanted to join in on the fun again?

    This really was feeling more and more wrong ¡ª It was as if the book that was especially presented to him just so happened to require the formality of doing a mission. However, the one who benefited was him...

    Following that, Gu Zuo continued "investigating" with the white-bearded old man.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expose too many things any longer. While he knew all of the questions the old man asked, he only answered thirty percent of them. Sometimes, he pretended to not know outright. It was just like so, but he still gave the old man many shocks. The old man felt that he was lucky; he also felt that his apt.i.tudes were pretty good and that he was very hardworking. Later on, even if he couldn¡¯t bepared to that purple-clothed teenager, he would certainly be a very capable person.

    The two discussed things and a short while unwittingly pa.s.sed, just like that. They didn¡¯t snap out of their desire to continue until someone walked in front of them.

    As it turned out, it was a pharmacist who¡¯d already finished their own evaluation. This moment required the white-bearded old man to conduct amentary.

    "Elder Huo, please take a look..." That pharmacist started talking, and couldn¡¯t help giving Gu Zuo a private nce. Their heart secretly thought: Who was this teenager? Why did he seem so close to the elder?

    That white-bearded old man ¡ª Elder Huo seized the opportunity to halt the conversation. He took the Earth Fire Slip from the pharmacist¡¯s hand and gave it to Gu Zuo: "My a.s.sistant only needs to go here to refine medicine. Beyond the doorway, you can take medicinal herbs. After sessfully refining, just bring it to me to have a look."

    Gu Zuo respectfully saluted: "Yes, Elder Huo."

    After that, Gu Zuo turned around and walked towards the Earth Fire Room.

    Elder Huo then switched gears and took the three porcin bottles from the pharmacist who just came out.

    He started to evaluate this person.

    On the other side of things, Gu Zuo walked down the Ley Line Hall.

    It was very bizarre here. After walking past several flights of stairs, one could sense a strong and tant fire qi. After carefully sizing it up, one would find that the fire qi was spilling out from the rooms to the left and right sides.

    The so-called Earth Fire Rooms were precisely these rooms.

    Gu Zuo clearly saw that the flight of stairs actually had several levels. The lower the level must have been the higher the grade of the Earth Fire. Based on what

    > had stated, he knew that when a pharmacist was refining basic medicine, they could use ordinary mes ¡ª For example, he once used a zing Fire Stone to provide firepower, but in the future, the mes he needed would differ to some extent. In addition, there were some particr medicinal pills that required special mes to be refined.

    The so-called Earth Fire was actually a type of above-average grade me that was mostmonly used by pharmacists.

    Basically, the great majority of medicinal pills could use this kind of me to carry out refinement.

    A fire-attributed ley line could producerge amounts of mes and the mes would be divided into grades by purity and temperature. In general, the closer it was to the core, the fiercer the me would burn.

    The one Gu Zuo needed to use was only a fifth ranked Earth Fire Room, so naturally it was only on the uppermostyer.

    Just as he walked to the entryway, someone stopped him.

    Gu Zuo promptly took out the Earth Fire Slip. Once that patrolling martial artist saw it, he nodded in confirmation: "This token¡¯s correct. Write down the medicinal herbs you need and give it to me."

    After he was done speaking, he pushed a piece of paper and brush over.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare neglect anything and quickly finished writing.

    The martial artist then turned to a doorway and seemed to mutter several words. Aftering out, he was given a Fangcun Cloth. Gu Zuo took a look inside and, sure enough, there were several batches of medicinal herbs that he needed.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo followed the martial artist to the doorway of an Earth Fire Room. He inserted the token into a crevice of the doorway, and walked inside.

    The next moment, an even denser heat greeted him and the door behind him promptly closed.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat was a little quick.

    This was too excessive, right? This was a sealed exam!

    However, he currently had lots of experience. As he was really taking the exam, he quickly took several deep breaths and made himself calm downpletely.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo walked in front of therge-scale pill cauldron.

    The Earth Fire Vein was indeed a strange location. One would see a lengthy, drawn-out stone, red like a fiery serpent, that extended to the left and right. Everywhere it pa.s.sed was unusually dry. There was only a small hole underneath that pill cauldron. At this moment, a me gushed straight out from within as it rumbled and scorched the cauldron.

    The me¡¯s size and temperature was already fixed, but it wasn¡¯t necessarily suitable for refining medicinal pills. In this case, how to make suitable adjustments and to what degree would test a pharmacist¡¯s Fire Controlling Seals.

    Of course, a fifth ranked Earth Fire was meeker than other ranked Earth Fires. It was also very easy to control it.

    After Gu Zuo gave it a nce, he thought about fixing it as quickly as possible. He immediately sat cross-legged on a big praying mat in front of the pill cauldron.

    Okay. The time to test his capabilities hade.

    As the first time using an Earth Fire to refine pills, he shouldn¡¯t have too big an ident... Right?

    Once heposed himself, Gu Zuo started to fully use his Fire Controlling Seal.

    He promptly discovered a difference in this time¡¯s utilization.

    It was very easy to control the firepower produced from a zing Fire Stone. And after activating his seal on the Earth Fire, he found that the Earth Fire was unexpectedly coy. It sputtered back and forth and wasn¡¯t willing to obediently roast the pill cauldron.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred.

    From the Earth Fire¡¯s changes, he felt that the biggest difference between it and ordinary mes was that it was quick-witted.

    It seemed like it had some spiritual nature, and had the appearance of being lively and mischievous.

    Gu Zuo thought it was very interesting. But despite it being interesting, what he needed to do wasn¡¯t to y around, but to carefully refine pills. It was a foregone conclusion that he would need to thoroughly control this Earth Fire and make it his to use.

    Thus, his cultivation method operated within his Dantian and even more true qi burst forth into the hand seals. His psychic power also discharged, enveloping the entire pill cauldron to monitor the Earth Fire¡¯s tendencies.

    In the blink of an eye, the Earth Fire received the Fire Controlling Seal¡¯s effects, and the originally high leaping me dwindled down a bit. However, it still wasn¡¯t willing to behave. Unexpectedly, it started to dodge left and right. This spectacle was immediately detected by the psychic power, and quite a few hand seals were continuously exerted towards those two directions. This caused the Earth Fire to continuously draw up towards the middle.

    After some time, the Earth Fire was finally somewhat obedient.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh. His forehead also had a rivulet of sweat.

    Normally, when he used a docile me, he wouldn¡¯t have thought about it. If this me with a bit of spiritual nature wasn¡¯t tamed, it would¡¯ve really been hard to manage.

    Fortunately, his Fire Controlling Seal didn¡¯t go wrong and he smoothly settled the Earth Fire.

    Immediately following that, the entire sequence of events were just like before.

    Many medicinal herbs were thrown into the pill cauldron. This process was one Gu Zuo did skillfully. Not that he could do it with his eyes closed, but he was very clear about when to throw in the types of herbs, as well as how long it took them to dissolve and when he could mix them.

    But, something was currently going wrong again.

    It was still due to the Earth Fire.

    An Earth Fire¡¯s temperature was unlike an ordinary me¡¯s. After taming, it would still be different. A Fire Controlling Seal could control the direction of its flow, but it couldn¡¯t control its firepower.

    For a moment, Gu Zuo was lost in ¡ª Ah, the speed of the herbs transforming into medicinal liquid was much faster than what he was used to!

    But in the end, Gu Zuo was still a "veteran". Due to the monitoring of his psychic power, he timely discovered that the situation wasn¡¯t right. He quickly calmed down and did another Fire Controlling Seal as well as a session of Scattered Flower Seal, Fusion Seal, Clean Medicine Seal, and so on to condense those medicinal liquids into pills even faster.

    A good whileter, there was a peal of ttering sounds and quite a few medicinal pills abruptly shot out from the cauldron. They were then collected by Gu Zuo who used another hand seal.

    Then he let out another sigh.

    This round of medicine refinement...still had unexpected things frequently ur. One would nearly be incapable of reacting in time.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head and inspected the condition of these medicinal pills.

    The ones he currently refined was a cauldron of Qi Linking Pills. Among them, there were ten top grade pills, three high grade pills, and three mid grade pills... Those high and mid grade pills were naturally created because he wasn¡¯t proficient.

    Just enough. He took three mid grade pills so he could report back afterpleting his task. He wanted to spruce up his achievements a bit and added two high grade pills.

    After that, the second batch of herbs were refined. There were ten top grade pills and six high grade pills. Compared to the one just then, there were some improvement.

    Once the Qi Linking Pills were settled, the remaining Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills couldn¡¯t have been any easier. In addition, Gu Zuo also had a certain understanding of the Earth Fire. There wasn¡¯t the least bit of pressure when refining, and in a short while, he already smoothly refined the two types of pills in one go.

    But the aftermath he created was...that the sixteen pills were all top grade.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    What was that about not overextending himself? If he took these medicinal pills out, it would be a clumsy attempt at hiding!

    Fortunately, there were two batches of these herbs... Although his own storage s.p.a.ce also had a collection of these types of herbs, who could know if the medicinal herbs that were brought for pill refining had something special about them? As a result, it was better to follow the rules.

    During the next pill refining, Gu Zuo was even more careful.

    Hence, there were ten top grade and six high grade Qi Generating Pills, as well as ten top grade, four high grade, and two mid grade Rejuvenation Pills.

    There wouldn¡¯t be any problems with this kind of concealment, right?

    Only, after the entire refinement process was done, Gu Zuo, who was preparing to take a step out, stopped again.

    He suddenly remembered that his pill refining speed was...particrly fast.

    Just now, he used up a little more than half an hour in total? When he watched the three pharmacists, who were recruited by his dear big brother, refine a cauldron of Qi Generating Pills, the fastest time was also half an hour... He had six cauldrons and still brought along the Qi Linking Pill; a type that was regarded as a little difficult.

    After that, Gu Zuo turned around.

    He took out the medicinal herbs from his storage s.p.a.ce and spread them out on the ground beside him.

    In order to pa.s.s the time, he might as well continue practicing his control over the Earth Fire and raise his experience! If he went out, he might not necessarily be able to find an Earth Fire. Of course, the ordinary mes he used were also handy...

    Following this, cauldron after cauldron of medicinal pills would continuously shoot out from that giant pill cauldron.

    ¡ª Actually, Gu Zuo still wasn¡¯t thinking things through.

    Although the Earth Fire¡¯s spiritual nature was hard to tame, once it was tamed, it could strengthen a pharmacist¡¯s controlling power even more. Being skilled at controlling fire was naturally a great help with the particrs of medicine refinement.

    Moreover, although ordinary mes were docile, the created pill¡¯s product grade was hard to say. On the contrary, that Earth Fire might¡¯ve really have a trace of spirituality. It usually let the pills that pharmacists refined have superior product grades.

    Gu Zuo had never encountered such problems.

    The cause also wasn¡¯t known, but even though he used the most ordinary mes, he would always be able to refine sixteen top grade pills as well as gather a strand of medicinal qi.

    He naturally wouldn¡¯t understand. Ordinary pharmacists would rather sacrifice a portion of that sessful pill rate to use that spiritual Earth Fire. It would let themselves refine even more pills with better conditions.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 134

    So long as one was familiar with Earth Fire pill refining, the handling would really be without mistakes. Compared to ordinary mes, it was even more effortless. The speed was also very fast. Unwittingly, Gu Zuo had already refined a huge batch. Every batch perfectly had sixteen top grade pills, and a lot of medicinal qi was .u.mted.

    Because his dear big brother currently neededrge amounts of Qi Linking Pills and Poison Pills for cultivating, and he didn¡¯t dare refine poison here, he refined as many as several hundred Qi Linking Pills.

    After that, Gu Zuo stretched out his body and discovered that two or three hours had unknowingly pa.s.sed.

    That...was probably good enough, right?

    Hence, Gu Zuo waved his hand and put away all the top grade medicinal pills. He also packed those imperfect pills into three separate porcin bottles.

    One had five high grade Qi Generating Pills. One had four high grade and two mid grade Rejuvenation Pills. And the other had one high grade and three mid grade Qi Linking Pills.

    This was what he decided on after a careful consideration.

    After finishing this up, Gu Zuo stood up and walked out of the Earth Fire Room.

    To be honest, he was still a little begrudging... If he had the chance in the future, he¡¯d strive to get his own Earth Fire to keep. After using an Earth Fire, he really felt that ordinary mes were somewhat inflexible.

    [Long-Term Mission: Gather a certain number of strange mes.]

    [Mission Item: <great sights="" of="" the="" world="" ¡ª="" earth="" fires="">>]</great>

    [Completion Mode: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s footsteps paused.

    Okay, when he returned he could carefully study every day and try to improve himself...

    Inside the Medicine Pavilion, there were already several pharmacists standing beside the white-bearded Elder Huo. Apparently, they¡¯d all just recently seeded in refining. At this time, they were asking Elder Huo to evaluate them.

    There were some who had dejected expressions, some who wore cheerful looks, and some who were requesting pointers with sincere faces.

    Gu Zuo stopped and stood obediently at the rearmost part of the line.

    He was just in time to take a look at the standards of these newly promoted Qingyun Sect pharmacists.

    Elder Huo¡¯s expression was a very solemn one:

    "Two Marrow Washing Pills, mid grade, subpar. The Marrow Washing Pill has a rather high difficulty. That you could refine them is very good. However, during the evaluation, you needed to have refined two or more types of medicinal pills to pa.s.s. Presently, what you needed to do wasn¡¯t to refine a high-difficulty pill, but rather refine pills steadfastly. You shouldn¡¯t have been flippant!"

    "Three Rejuvenation Pills, four Qi Generating Pills, four Green Jade Cloud Pills... They¡¯re low and mid grade, and meet expectations. You pa.s.s. In the future, you can practice some more; after you¡¯re proficient, study some pills you have trouble with."

    "Three Qi Generating Pills, mid grade, pa.s.sable. Three Rejuvenation Pills, low grade... Barely pa.s.sable. However, these two pills are toomon for a pharmacist¡¯s foundation. If you can¡¯t refine three types of pills, and if you don¡¯t retake this evaluation within a year, you¡¯ll be stripped of your status as a low level pharmacist."

    "Five Qi Generating Pills, all are mid grade. Four Rejuvenation Pills, all are also mid grade. Then, four... Not bad. This child can be taught. In the future, if you practice diligently, you¡¯ll definitely make something of yourself."

    "Next, four..."

    In the back, Gu Zuo heard Elder Huo¡¯smentary. As he listened, he silently nodded his head.

    This elder was truly a fair one, and his pointers were quite precise. He was a good person.

    Merely, as he observed those pharmacists ahead, who were all basically twenty-something to thirty years old, the medicinal pills they refined were just that sort of... Didn¡¯t this level seem very ordinary?

    Gu Zuo hesitated.

    With his age, no matter how few high grade pills he brought out, wouldn¡¯t it still be too many?

    But evidently, Gu Zuo was still looking down on the Qingyun Sect¡¯s foundations.

    After the previous pharmacists drew back, there were quite a few others who took out medicinal pills. In particr, there was one whose eyes shed with tion. Once he opened a corked bottle, one high grade and four mid grade Qi Linking Pills came out! His age seemed to be twenty-four to twenty-five.

    Elder Huo twirled his mustache with satisfaction: "Very good, very good. Chen Sheng, you¡¯ve improved again. Presently, besides Xu Lingxiu, several promising seedlings have actually appeared!"

    This young pharmacist was originally happy, but once he heard this, he felt a little unreconciled. He bit his lower lip and swallowed down his unwillingness, but he still couldn¡¯t help asking: "Senior Sect Brother Xu has alsoe today?"

    Elder Huo said smilingly: "Correct. Today, he used a fifth ranked Earth Fire and barely spent an hour to refine two cauldrons of Qi Linking Pills. Each cauldron produced nine pills, and more than five of each batch had be high grade! Then, he re-entered the Earth Fire Room and refined a cauldron of Revitalization Pills in one hour. Likewise, nine pills were made, and there were three pills among them that were high grade!"

    He sighed: "Sure enough, he deserves to be called a quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist. Only seventeen years old... Ah, even some mid level pharmacists would feel inferior."

    Qi Generating Pills, Qi Linking Pills, Rejuvenation Pills, and Revitalization Pills. All of those were household pills. Basically, there weren¡¯t many pharmacists who didn¡¯t know the prescriptions. Because their usefulness was widespread, as time pa.s.sed, the Qi Generating Pill and Rejuvenation Pill were considered the official standard of a low level pharmacist. The Qi Linking Pill and Revitalization Pill were also considered the official standard of a mid level pharmacist. Among these, because the Qi Linking Pill was used by those who were stepping from Houtian to Xiantian, there¡¯d asionally be a remarkable low level pharmacist who could take this to stick a feather in their own cap.

    Gu Zuo listened and listened, and understood clearly.

    In doing this evaluation, one would refine four or more mid grade pills. Even if they were "above average", if there were only three mid grade pills, then it¡¯d bemon. If they were low grade... It would be barely pa.s.sing, and the "license" obtained would be limited.

    However, this wasn¡¯t what he was thinking about.

    What Gu Zuo currently thought of was that based on his original n... With that Xu Lingxiu hogging the spotlight in front, his slightly eye-catching self wouldn¡¯t matter.

    Anyway, after that young pharmacist heard Xu Lingxiu¡¯s results, his shoulders immediately sagged. If that guy was just a little bit stronger than him, he could still chase after him. However, that guy was leagues ahead. How could hepare?! Luckily, he still felt that the high grade pills he refined were very amazing... Whatever. Xu Lingxiu really was someone he could¡¯t afford to offend. However, the same couldn¡¯t be said about the others who were reportedly as gifted as him!

    There were fewer and fewer people in front. The great majority of the pharmacists had pa.s.sed their evaluations. The surrounded Elder Huo raised his head and saw that short and small teenager in the back.

    This youngster. Elder Huo smiled: "Come,e,e. Student Gu,e here to me."

    Gu Zuo had his name called, and his heart quivered. He promptly scampered a couple steps and arrived before the old man: "Elder Huo..."

    Elder Huo¡¯s att.i.tude was very cordial: "Has this student already finished refining? Take out the finished pills and let me see?"

    Gu Zuo lowered his head with a twinge of embarra.s.sment. He took out three porcin bottles from his sleeve and handed them over: "Please take a look."

    Elder Huo opened one of them first.

    Off to the side, some of the loitering pharmacists were astonished. Who was this little disciple? Why did it seem like he was very familiar with Elder Huo? Could it be that his ident.i.ty was special? That¡¯s not right. Just by looking at the token on his waist, he was obviously just a nominal disciple.

    Yet, that young pharmacist in particr had a sh of jealousy in his eyes.

    Elder Huo didn¡¯t treat him that well... This young one dared toe over to take the evaluation, but it seemed that he still sessfully refined pills? Also, he didn¡¯t know what that guy¡¯s level was. He needed to have a careful look!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t sense that a puny n.o.body like him would still be the target of jealousy. He just obediently waited in preparation to raise his presence to Elder Huo here. En, or to say, to reveal his "talent".

    On the contrary, Elder Huo was a little antic.i.p.atory. So it was only natural that his expectations were high.

    Firstly, there was the question of Gu Zuo¡¯s age ¡ª When all was said and done, geniuses like Xu Lingxiu existed everywhere. Secondly, he felt that Gu Zuo was a theorist. Previously, he shouldn¡¯t have had too many materials to raise his experience. In addition, this was his first time using an Earth Fire. Being able to refine pills would¡¯ve already made a person feel grat.i.tude.

    Yet, once Elder Huo looked at the medicinal pills inside that porcin bottle, he was ruthlessly shocked.

    Five high grade Qi Generating Pills!

    His gaze suddenly softened.

    Not even seventeen years old, and he could refine high grade pills... Because of Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, Elder Huo didn¡¯t discover that he was already a Xiantian Realm, and still thought that he was only a Houtian Realm youngster. Naturally, he felt that this kind of disy was already very good.

    Gu Zuo had recently be aware that his psychic power had the ability to conceal his realm. This undoubtedly made things a lot more convenient for him and made him even safer.

    That young pharmacist frowned.

    Evidently, although Gu Zuo seemed far inferior to him, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t lose face. Instead, this disy of talent was enough to make him feel ufortable.

    Elder Huo praised Gu Zuo, saying: "This student¡¯s innate talent is quite excellent."

    Soon after, he opened the second porcin bottle.

    The other pharmacists shared nces and felt that the first might¡¯ve been good luck. Wasn¡¯t it unlikely for this time¡¯s one to have that kind of achievement?

    In the end, this round of medicinal pills that came out were four high grade and two mid grade Rejuvenation Pills.

    Rejuvenation Pills were even harder to refine than Qi Generating Pills. And this teenager unexpectedly made six of them! In addition, four of the pills were seble goods!

    Luck could strike once, but people wouldn¡¯t dare believe in it striking twice...

    That young pharmacist¡¯s brows furrowed even tighter, and what shed within his eye was a hint of fear.

    Age! Age was a big problem!

    There was another teen like this?!

    Immediately after that, the third bottle was opened.

    There were no less than four Qi Linking Pills! One was high grade and three were mid grade!

    Everyone held their breath.

    Even Elder Huo couldn¡¯t help standing up. He almost overturned the table.

    Gu Zuo was unlike Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu was widely known to be a gifted individual. He refined great medicinal pills. Everyone felt that he was powerful and difficult to catch up to, but their minds weren¡¯t necessarily without the thought that it was just a matter of course. However, Gu Zuo was different.

    Hepletelycked any former reputation. He was only a nominal disciple, but he could refine a high grade Qi Linking Pill when he hadn¡¯t achieved Xiantian! This kind of innate talent was even stronger than some of the gifted and entric disciples of the Inner Sect Pharmacist Hall!

    That young pharmacist¡¯splexion immediately turned ashen.

    His best achievement was only to refine one high grade and four mid grade Qi Linking Pills. This nominal disciple had made just one fewer mid grade pill than him.

    Originally, although he was afraid, he only thought that this teenager would be a big threat to him in the future. What he absolutely didn¡¯t expect was that this teenager was already capable of threatening him right now ¡ª Even their medicine refining levels were equivalent!

    Intolerable! Intolerable!

    The young pharmacist quietly lowered his eyes to cover up the bitter resentment.

    He certainly wouldn¡¯t let this lowly youngster crawl over his head!

    His mind had secretly made its decision. The young pharmacist, who was prepared to stick around to continue ingratiating himself to Elder Huo, then silently left this ce.

    He¡¯d already been waiting for a while. He didn¡¯t want to know even a little bit about how much praise this guy would receive!

    Elder Huo didn¡¯t discover the young pharmacist¡¯s departure. All of his attention had fallen onto Gu Zuo. Ah, unexpected. Really unexpected. At first, he though it might¡¯ve been a piece of unpolished jade, but one didn¡¯t need to wipe it clean much to find the brilliance of fine jade.

    He couldn¡¯t help saying invitingly: "Student Gu, would you like to be an official disciple of the Pharmacist Hall?"

    Gu Zuo nked, his heart a little warm.

    This Elder Huo appreciated him, so he wanted to let Gu Zuo have enough status. However, while a.s.suming a sufficiently grateful look on his face, Gu Zuo said: "I have always followed and served my young master. This disciple appreciates this elder¡¯s kindness. Many thanks, elder."

    Elder Huo never expected Gu Zuo would refuse, but he could only sigh at hearing that "young master"ing from his mouth: "No matter. Each person has their own ambitions. However, if Student Gu has time one day, you cane here to investigate with me."

    After he finished saying that, he paused before continuing: "If this student obtains enough contribution points, you can also rent an Earth Fire Room here to use for practice... This student should understand that the Earth Fire¡¯s benefits are many. Moreover, because every pharmacist has their own unique methods, the Earth Fire Room is also a ce where no one can spy on you."

    Gu Zuo was even more grateful. However, he recalled his own mission after the evaluation, and asked: "Oh, that¡¯s right. Elder Huo, this disciple heard that if one isn¡¯t an Inner Sect disciple, one can apply for a pharmacist official post token. I was wondering how it can be obtained."

    Elder Huo nked before bursting out in loudughter. From his sleeve appeared a silver token and a brush. After writing a row of characters on the token, it was thrown over: "Simple as that. I¡¯ll just give you a token!"

    Gu Zuo stared: "This..."

    Elder Huo said smilingly: "So long as an Elder has evaluated you and is willing to vouch for you, you can get this pharmacist official post token. There¡¯s nothing much to it. You have an exceptional gift, and I¡¯m also unwilling to overlook talented people. If you act as my Sect¡¯s pharmacist official post, you¡¯re exactly what we¡¯ve been looking for. Leave it to me to vouch for you!"

    After Gu Zuo took it, it was only natural that he thanked him profusely.

    This Elder Huo had been very heartfelt to him. Even though arge part was due to his "talent", it would still give him lots of benefits.

    After he returned, he¡¯d discuss things with his dear big brother. He also wanted to think of some way to pay Elder Huo back.

    Following that, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t linger here for long. After thanking Elder Huo again, he said his goodbyes and departed.

    The pharmacists left behind all looked at each other in dismay. Quite a few people all had schemes in mind.

    To make friends, or...

    Of course, at the present time, Gu Zuo was someone who didn¡¯t think that much.

    Currently, he was full of joy as he went out and met with Dragon Two.

    But he didn¡¯t see Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s figure.

    ¡ª The time now wasn¡¯t too early. Should he go take a look why his big brother still hadn¡¯t returned? Big brother had said that if he left early, Tianheng woulde over to wait for him...

    Gu Zuo walked hurriedly along the road with Dragon Two behind him. The two had a rather bustling feeling.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the Martial Scripture Pavilion was within their sights. There were crowds of martial artists all around.

    Martial artists practiced cultivation methods, but they would always want to obtain martial skills that allowed them to disy their own strengths even more ¡ª Each realm required different martial skills, so the Martial Scripture Pavilion was naturally a location that was greatly valued.

    The reason why there were many people wasn¡¯t only because of the huge number of martial artists, it was also because the pace that martial artists switched or updated their martial skills was too fast.

    Gu Zuo was a pharmacist, so naturally he couldn¡¯t enter the interior of the Martial Scripture Pavilion. Even the cultivation methods that pharmacists used to study true qi existed within the Pharmacist Hall. There was no rtionship with the Martial Scripture Pavilion.

    However, if Gu Zuo only wanted to stroll around in the vicinity and wait for someone, no one would actually obstruct him.

    The Martial Scripture Pavilion was an enormous building, and there were also many side halls surrounding it. There was an Arms Drill Pavilion for custom training, there was a ce for some martial artists to exchange pointers, and there was also a ce where posted questions acted as published missions. In brief, the set up was very plentiful, and one could practically consider it a ce where everything that should¡¯ve been here was here.

    It could clearly be seen that the Qingyun Sect¡¯s nurturing of its martial artists was impressive in all aspects.

    Gu Zuo looked all around, but didn¡¯t see Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s figure.

    He wasn¡¯t discouraged. After all, one couldn¡¯t tell if his dear big brother was currently in a side hall or the main building. How could there be such a coincidence? It was better to wait a bit more. His psychic power unhurriedly and very obscurely expanded as it tried to find traces of his big brother.

    Psychic power was truly very useful. At the very least, after he discharged it and didn¡¯t immediately sense the person in the area, his courage was much greater.

    Only, a psychic power that was too keen meant that lots of sounds would be transmitted more easily into his mind. As a matter of fact, he promptly "heard" amotion off to the side.

    As for what it was... Gu Zuo carefully listened for a short time and his expression became a little subtle.

    The Qingyun Sect could also have this kind of matter?

    ¡ª It wasn¡¯t strange that Gu Zuo was so surprised.

    Off to the right, under a big tree near a certain side hall, there originally was a delicate and pretty girl waiting for someone. Unexpectedly, a disciple with a fierce-looking face suddenly walked by and grabbed the girl¡¯s arm. While repeatedly hara.s.sing her, he was apparently still trying to steal a kiss. Did he want to take advantage of her?

    That girl¡¯s martial strength wasn¡¯t any good. She was a nominal disciple so her strength indeed wasn¡¯t high. Forget achieving Xiantian, only around Houtian stage six would one be considered "the weakest of the Inner Sect".

    Inevitably, this girl was being aggressively pulled away. Under the brute force, she basically wasn¡¯t able to avoid it.

    But what was even stranger was that there were some scattered Inner Sect disciples around who indifferently looked on without lifting a finger. Wasn¡¯t there anyone who would extend a helping hand?

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    Nominal disciples were also disciples. Treating a powerless girl like this was rather excessive.

    However, he quickly realized that it was probably because no one knew what would happen by interfering or because the world of the martial path was where the weak were prey to the strong ¡ª Those disciples believed that people who couldn¡¯t protect themselves, especially a girl who wasn¡¯t a pharmacist, shouldn¡¯t appear in the Inner Sect. As a result, they simply didn¡¯t have any interest in responding to this kind of matter.

    Merely, after Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment, he still walked over.

    He shouldn¡¯t invite trouble...but he also didn¡¯t want to let matters escte irreparably.

    So, he would first take a look.

    This business wasn¡¯t necessarily as simple as it seemed on the surface ¡ª After going through several incidents, he wasn¡¯t so "unsophisticated" now.

    The matter broke out very quickly.

    Within the brief period of time he was walking over, about as long as his previous hesitation, a blue silhouette shed out from that side hall. She covered the front of the delicate girl extremely quickly and protected the one behind her. As for herself, a single palm strike changed into a myriad of palm shadows!

    These palm shadows produced warbling-like sounds. It was melodious, but carried a fatal danger.

    Hundred Birds Thousand Flowers Palm! It was close to a Golden-Level Martial Skill!

    That fierce-looking disciple had no choice but to retreat again and again, but he couldn¡¯tpletely avoid these palm shadows that covered the sky. He sped up his footwork, but his abdomen still suffered a mark.

    Onlookers clearly saw that an exquisite hand print emerged on the ce he was. .h.i.t!

    This Hundred Birds Thousand Flowers Palm was unexpectedly so overbearing!

    Gu Zuo then saw that the woman who came out had a cool and elegant appearance. At this moment, herrge, round eyes seethed and her peach-blossom cheeks reddened. She looked imposing, and her strength was unyielding.

    The woman didn¡¯t let that fierce-looking disciple slip away. She shouted with a clear voice and both palms struck out once more, forming many snow-white palm prints. It nketed the sky, practically locking the surrounding s.p.a.ce inside. Her tender body twisted, and the whole body seemed to dance. The beauty of her body¡¯s looks and the magnificence of her grandeur were both hard to put into words.

    The fierce-looking disciples was struck several times. There were smothered groans under the repeated strikes. His mouth overflowed with blood. His eye sockets also overflowed with blood. After his abdomen was. .h.i.t four or five times, a mouthful of blood finally erupted. He flew out and smashed against a wall.

    Soon, only a single breath remained!

    The blue-clothed woman seemed to have vented her anger a little bit. She put down her hands and stood at the ready.

    At this moment, who would still dare go to look this woman in the eye? Perhaps, they were all shocked by her boldness!

    The blue-clothed woman coldly snorted and said: "Li Duanshui only has this bit of skill? If he wants to find trouble with this great aunt, then bring it on. How could you report this bad luck from searching for a little servant girl here? Don¡¯t let this great aunt catch him!"

    She spoke as if she wasn¡¯t satisfied. Sheughed grimly: "For the most part, all the world¡¯s men are immature, spineless cowards. That Li Duanshui is nothing more than a t.e.s.t.i.c.l.e of a tortoise that has withdrawn its head!"

    These words were practically thrown onto the ground and seemed to echo out. Off to the side, the people who heard this were mostly men, but each and every man inevitably felt like they were being shot at even when lying down.

    As for Gu Zuo, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    This young woman was very frightening... Only, this was a matter that concerned Li Duanshui as well?

    One had to say that Brother Li Duanshui¡¯s presence was rather high.

    Anywhere one walked, it seemed like he was there...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 135

    "It¡¯s also Duanshui Hall? I recently heard that Duanshui Hall had started a feud with Mingyue Pavilion. It seems that it really was true."

    "That guy is a member of Duanshui Hall? How wretched..."

    "Humph! With Senior Sect Sister Hua making life difficult, it¡¯ll serve them right to receive several shots of Hundred Birds Thousand Flowers Palm!"

    "Senior Sect Sister Hua is very capable!"

    "She¡¯s a woman who needs topete with us male disciples. Now with this shrewish behavior, it leaves one in low spirits."

    "But she was actually born with good looks. It¡¯s to be expected that Li Duanshui would hold a grudge. If it was left to me, I would also hold a grudge. Hahahaha!"

    These were naturally all wordsing from male disciples. But there were also many female disciples quietly talking.

    "Hua Yuerong has always been arrogant. Wasn¡¯t her face pped just now?"

    "What kind of a talent is Senior Sect Brother Li? He wholeheartedly adores Senior Sect Sister Hua, but she doesn¡¯t care in the least. Senior Sect Brother is seriously pitiful... I hope Senior Sect Brother Li can seize a total victory this time and embrace his belle."

    "Senior Sect Sister Hua doesn¡¯t deserve Senior Sect Brother Li. Why can¡¯t he see other people?"

    "You group of blockheads are being confused by that Li Duanshui, still stupidly unaware! The kind of woman like Senior Sect Sister Hua is a person we female disciples should honor and respect!"

    Thements of all the disciples who lowered their voices were all heard by Gu Zuo with his extremely keen psychic power, and this caused him to make a helpless face.

    Sure enough, the soul of the deceased had not yet dispersed. As it turned out, this was Miss Hua Yuerong, the legendary founder of the Mingyue Pavilion. From looking at her appearance and temperament, she really counted as a remarkably beautiful woman. However, a beautiful woman capable of leadership generally wasn¡¯t one to be trifled with. It seemed that her strength was outstanding, but her character wasn¡¯t too pleasant. A couple palms could practically p a person into a cripple. That Li Duanshui, having set himself against her, was a true warrior.

    Gu Zuo silently nit-picked, but it had to be said that his impression of Hua Yuerong was stronger than Li Duanshui¡¯s. If nothing else, after getting into contact with the troops of both sides, the ones from Mingyue Pavilion were very magnanimous and the ones from Duanshui Hall were underhanded. It was no contest.

    In that case, was Duanshui Hall making another provocation to Mingyue Pavilion?

    The matter off to the side continued to develop.

    After Hua Yuerong cursed in front of everyone for a while, a young man with a slender build slowly walked out from that side hall. His looks had a rather photogenic feel to it. If a man were to describe him, he would certainly be a pretty boy. If a love-struck girl described him, then he would be a knight in shining armor. And using Gu Zuo¡¯s words... En, he was very attractive and intelligent. He could be considered a young, handsome guy.

    Once such a handsome fellow came out, many female disciples couldn¡¯t help turning their lines of sight over there. And even some male disciples¡¯ gazes carried some envy and respect.

    Fifth ce on the Earth Leaderboard. An enormous reputation. A young elite!

    Li Duanshui was elegant and graceful. He smiled at Hua Yuerong, and this smile carried a hint of softness: "Yuerong, long time no see. You¡¯re still so heartless."

    Hua Yuerong cut to the chase: "There¡¯s never been any friendship between me and you!"

    From that one sentence, there was a thick smell of gunpowdering from between the two.

    Gu Zuo retreated.

    He felt that his luck wasn¡¯t good to have gone looking for someone and encountering those two. He¡¯d better pull back without dy. If he departedter on, he would be swept up into a big pile of trouble.

    The following matter proved that Gu Zuo¡¯s apprehensions were correct.

    Because almost immediately after, the center of Hua Yuerong¡¯s palm shot out countless palm shadows thatpletely enveloped Li Duanshui¡¯s surroundings!

    Li Duanshui didn¡¯t seem to have expected Hua Yuerong to have acted from a brief remark. He also swiftly exploded with abundant qi energy and melted those palm prints one after another. However, he was a tad slow, so the demonstrated martial skill was very formidable. Among the spectating disciples, at least a dozen of them were affected by the two¡¯s residual power and spat blood. In addition, there were some female martial artists who stumbled and nearly fell down because they weren¡¯t careful.

    Gu Zuo retreated quickly, so the residual power didn¡¯t reach him. As for those who were swept up by the residual power, they went back and cracked a medicinal pill between their teeth.

    But there wasn¡¯t anyone who raised any discontent.

    Firstly, they basically couldn¡¯t afford to offend these two. Secondly, there were too many affairs in the Inner Sect concerning the animosity of both sides. So long as it didn¡¯t result in someone¡¯s death, enforcement disciples would mediate over such matters. Without the enforcement disciples, then everyone would settle the dispute by themselves. It wasn¡¯t a big deal. And those who spectated needed to pay the price for gawking. It was also to toughen up the disciples¡¯ distinguishing capabilities. This also...wasn¡¯t a big deal.

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    Most of the spectators were wounded in the action, but the two sides who fought were actually safe and sound.

    Furthermore...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression became a little solemn.

    Li Duanshui and Hua Yuerong were both too strong!

    Currently, he couldn¡¯t tell what stage they¡¯d reached in Xiantian, but he seemed to sense that even if his big brother exhibited all of his strength, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t have been able to defeat these two ¡ª Ah, right. He once heard that Li Duanshui had already reached Xiantian stage nine. This Hua Yuerong¡¯s strength also shouldn¡¯t have been inferior to his.

    It could be seen that Gu Zuo and Tianheng would need to improve their strength even more. Otherwise, they could only constantly rely on a couple of Fu Manduo¡¯s connections... This side had an abundance of goods and that side had tremendous power. Presently, it was still a fair trade. But if things continued this way, it would certainly be anything but rea.s.suring.

    Li Duanshui and Hua Yuerong held nothing back as they fought right then and there. Many of those unleashed martial skills were mighty and brilliant. It was difficult for ordinary disciples to resist, so they could only retreat and dodge continuously.

    Gu Zuo ran very quickly, and Dragon Two disyed a bodyguard¡¯s duties at this moment. He reacted like lighting as some of the aftermath that had been swept over were all reflected back.

    Dragon Two¡¯s current body was much stronger than before. Although the residual power was no small matter, he could carry Gu Zuo as they nimbly got away... He only received minor injuries.

    In the end, very many spectators with insufficient strength had retreated to the periphery of the fight. But those who wereparatively strong, resisted the fallout and carefully observed the battle.

    ¡ª Many of a martial artist¡¯s experiences were about going through danger personally.

    Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat, and handed Dragon Two a Revitalization Pill.

    This was a top grade Revitalization Pill ¡ª He was still very good to his dear big brother¡¯s subordinates. What¡¯s more, there was no difference to him between refining medicinal pills that were top grade and refining pills of other product grades.

    Dragon Two was also aware that Pharmacist Gu wasn¡¯tparable to ordinary pharmacists. After getting the top grade Revitalization Pill, he didn¡¯t have any reservations and immediately consumed it.

    Heat soon swept through his body, and those insignificant injuries were thoroughly healed in the blink of an eye.

    Gu Zuo watched the battle from far away. However, due to the effects of his psychic power, his sight wasn¡¯t the least inferior to Xiantian stage four or five martial artists.

    He could see that Hua Yuerong was indeed just a bit worse than Li Duanshui, but she was fierce and desperate. As for Li Duanshui, he fought with poise and temperament. Thus, they seemed to be at a stalemate.

    But if Li Duanshui¡¯s patience was exhausted and Hua Yuerong¡¯s efforts waned, the battle situation between the two wouldn¡¯t have this look.

    As both sides fought like a wildfire, when Li Duanshui was about to get angry, a piercing cry sounded, and a shadow immediately descended from high above.

    Following that, an enormous wild bird spiraled down andnded on the ground.

    The ones who leaped off the wild bird were twelve male and female disciples wearing enforcement robes. Their expressions were solemn as they walked over ¡ª The cry just then was produced by the wild bird.

    After that, the scene that yed out made Gu Zuo widen his eyes.

    As many as four enforcement disciples whirled out and split to either side. Their hands grasped tablets, which were thrown towards Li Duanshui and Hua Yuerong. The tablets were very strange as they directly drew in the two¡¯s attacks. Soon after, these disciples set out one after another and moved back and forth between the two like threading a flower.

    Li Duanshui and Hua Yuerong were separated.

    Since they had been separated, they couldn¡¯t shamelessly attack their counterpart in the presence of the enforcement disciples.

    At once, the two people stood at the ready as they looked to the enforcement disciples.

    The leading enforcement disciple¡¯s expression was grave, and seemed have a sentiment that brokered no negotiation: "Sect Regtions, Article 1-12. Any sect disciples who have animosity towards one another may go to the Battle Terrace to fight. They may not fight in secret as to avoid damage to the Sect¡¯s resources. Every transgressor will be deducted three hundred contribution points."

    After this stiff recitation, he continued to speak: "Li Duanshui, Hua Yuerong. As Earth Leaderboard experts, you may have a twenty percent reduction. You two, hand over your disciple tokens. Two hundred forty contribution points will be removed."

    Gu Zuo heard this clearly, and inwardly thought: The sect rules are very fishy! Saying to fight at the Battle Terrance, but the penalty of private brawls is to deduct money. Those on the Earth Leaderboard also get a discount, so it should be to encouragepet.i.tion? I wonder what the consequences would be if there was a loss of life...

    Afterwards, he again pondered: The deduction of contribution points is only towards the two who fought. They actually aren¡¯t looking the same way at the guy who was pped by Hua Yuerong into a corner and left with a single breath. There¡¯s also no intent to ask about it.

    So to say, it was only those who were caught in the act. If not, then they were of no concern?

    He again looked at the two who were caught.

    Li Duanshui naturally handed over the token politely.

    Hua Yuerong¡¯s countenance bespoke of her pent up anger, but she alsoplied with the enforcement disciple¡¯s orders.

    The atmosphere between the two didn¡¯t ease because of the enforcement disciple¡¯s interruption. When the Disciplinary Hall enforced the rules, it had considerable power. Thispliance of theirs was because one couldn¡¯t casually act of their own ord.

    Gu Zuo shook his head, confused.

    However, if it was that big brother of his, he would¡¯ve certainly been able to understand...

    After the chief enforcement disciple deducted the contribution points, he saw that the mood was still rigid and continued to speak: "If your grudges haven¡¯t been resolved, go to the Battle Terrance to fight."

    After he finished speaking, just as they hurriedly arrived, they turned around and left, swiftly and decisively.

    Gu Zuo raised his head and followed them with his eyes. Then, he lowered his head once more to watch those two people.

    Li Duanshui said: "Why don¡¯t we go to the Battle Terrance?"

    Nevertheless, Hua Yuerong sneered: "How big of a face do you think you have?" And then, she lowered her voice, "Shan¡¯er. We¡¯re going."

    At this moment, the delicate and pretty girl who was treated as the fuse and who was distantly overlooked, softly responded: "Ai, many thanks, big sister."

    Hua Yuerong¡¯s bearing to this delicate and pretty girl was still good. She faintly nodded and pulled this girl along as they rose high into the air and left.

    Then, there were many people speaking:

    "So they were sisters."

    "They don¡¯t look the same at all..."

    "Duanshui Hall was just finding a good excuse!"

    A person with sharp insightughed: "Senior Sect Sister Hua has a very keen mind. if they were to meet again, she¡¯d certainly be unable to resist. So they took the opportunity to leave.

    Someone agreed: "Precisely, precisely..."

    Other people were always quite talkative and were too busy to pay any heed to him. Perhaps they didn¡¯t discover anything, but Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was too strong. Nevertheless, he sensed that when the women were already far away, that delicate and pretty girl turned her head back and nced at Li Duanshui.

    That gaze was vague.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart thumped.

    His suddenly felt that the girl didn¡¯t seem so simple...

    After the enforcement disciples left, Li Duanshui watched Hua Yuerong¡¯s retreating back and his eyes shed with a trace of gloom. However, he didn¡¯t tarry here for long. He turned around and departed.

    Those heavily injured disciples who were flung to the side were still lying on the ground. Li Duanshui understood that it was because of his arrival, but at this moment, he didn¡¯t pay them even a little bit of attention.

    His cruelty and fickleness could be seen to be only a small part of the whole.

    The people spectating no longer watched, and they all dispersed.

    Just like how this ce was like before any event urred, everything went back to normal.

    Gu Zuo flung his head back and threw this matter out.

    He knew about this business with Duanshui Hall and Mingyue Pavilion earlier. This was making a big fuss about nothing.

    Currently, his primary objective was waiting for his dear big brother.

    But if he was waiting in vain...

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo said to Dragon Two: "There are quite a few side halls with many disciples. Although big brother said he was going to the Martial Scripture Pavilion to read martial skills, if he came out, he could¡¯ve gone there to have a look. I¡¯ll get ready to go all over to find him. You stay here and wait. If big brother has yet toe out from the Martial Scripture Pavilion, go to those side halls to find me."

    Originally, Dragon Two was a person Gongyi Tianheng had set aside for Gu Zuo. Naturally, he should also listen and obey hismands. However, beforeplying, Gu Zuo¡¯s safety was the most important thing.

    Hence, based on his loyalty, he still asked: "Pharmacist Gu will be going alone. If you encounter a cmity..."

    Gu Zuo shook his head and smiled: "What cmities could there be in the Sect?" But Gu Zuo also knew that what Dragon Two was referring to was the matter that happened just now. He exined, "In the end, these side halls have living s.p.a.ces inside. It certainly wouldn¡¯t have someone starting a fight over there. Besides, I also have some means to defend myself... I¡¯m also very fast at running for my life."

    Dragon Two heard him speak like this, and his eyes couldn¡¯t help carry a bit of a smile. After that, he quickly a.s.sumed a proper expression: "Then, I¡¯ll have to urge Pharmacist Gu to be careful."

    Gu Zuo nodded and replied: "Rest a.s.sured, my courage isn¡¯t great."

    Dragon Two cupped his fist, and didn¡¯t persuade him any longer: "I certainly won¡¯t overlook the young master. May Pharmacist Gu be at ease."

    Gu Zuo waved his hand, and went to one of the side halls.

    There really were a lot more people inside the building.

    Don¡¯t look at the many people who were attracted to Li Duanshui and Hua Yuerong¡¯s battle. It definitely didn¡¯t draw in everyone. Some of those inside the building who wereprehending,paring notes, or making exchanges wouldn¡¯t be disturbed by the bustle outside.

    For example, the building Gu Zuo came to was very lively inside.

    Many disciples sat together, stretching and punching as they practiced martial arts. All of them were discussing their own martial skills. Although there wasn¡¯t necessarily any fine control, they were drawing from each other¡¯s experiences. There were a lot of benefits to increasing these insights.

    Only, these kinds of demonstrated martial skills weren¡¯t rare martial skills whose knowledge had been lost. Normally, a few would be staple goods. Seldom would there would be slightly exquisite ones. And if one could make improvements in the joint investigation into these staple goods, the increase in strength was also a type of capital to each of them.

    When Gu Zuo realized what the many martial artists in the side hall were busy with, he sensed a bit of subtlety.

    This matter of modifying martial skills to upgrade their ranks...was just like when his dear big brother was very small and first started. Moreover, the number of modifications might¡¯ve been greater than what these people were doing.

    The IQ of the Tiandu Body would really make a person exim in admiration. He couldn¡¯t help thinking that if his big brother came to this side hall, he should¡¯ve felt like a fish back in water.

    This side hall couldn¡¯t have suited his big brother more.

    As he ruminated, Gu Zuo had already quickly swept the people in the entire building with his psychic power.

    His big brother wasn¡¯t here.

    In that case, since he wasn¡¯t there, Gu Zuo would switch locations.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo came out of the building and proceeded towards the adjacent one.

    In this building, there were many people who wereprehending veined patterns on some walls. The patterns seemed to be a study of martial arts. But each and every martial artist who came here was quiet and peaceful, never making the tiniest sound.

    However, Gu Zuo quickly realized that the veined patterns on the walls of this building were actually a type of martial study. Furthermore, it was the Qingyun Sect¡¯s guarded jewel ¡ª A Profound-Level high rank martial skill!

    One needed to know that in the Cangyun Empire, even Golden-Level ones were extremely rare, and were the Royal Family¡¯s priceless treasures. The so-called Profound-Level was something practically never heard of before. But not only did the Qingyun Sect have them, it would even use veined patterns to disy this Profound-Level cultivation method on the walls?

    Gu Zuo felt baffled.

    Could it be that this kind of guarded jewel wasn¡¯t something to be concealed away in a secret chamber where especially outstanding disciples could goprehend it? This kind of conceit really wasn¡¯t normal.

    Such doubts clearly weren¡¯t limited to a single person like Gu Zuo.

    Under the expansion of Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, he found a newly arrived martial artist making inquiries. Afterwards, through the exnations of the senior disciples, only then did he realize that the veined patterns were merely a threshold. Only those whoprehended the superficial knowledge here could get the real deal. Those qualified would go to study the parts that were even more profound. And those profound parts were the martial skill¡¯s core.

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    If it was like this, then it was easy toprehend.

    However, thisrge building still didn¡¯t have Gongyi Tianheng. Gu Zuo sighed again and went out once more to the third side hall.

    Tianheng still wasn¡¯t there.

    Fourth side hall. Wasn¡¯t there.

    Fifth building, sixth building... Gu Zuo was getting further and further away from that main building.

    Then, Gu Zuo looked to the seventh side hall.

    And there seemed to be another lively matter happening in this side hall.

    ¡ª It definitely didn¡¯t indicate that someone was fighting inside. Rather, there were lots of people because some matters had be exciting.

    Gu Zuo hesitated.

    Soon after, he clenched his teeth, and entered the seventh side hall.

    It was eye-catching. He saw several pirs, and each pir¡¯s color was different. They resembled the colors of the five elements. There were signs above with enormous characters, and each one was individually written: Sky, Earth, Profound, Golden, Human.

    The s.p.a.ce between each pir was huge, and there were quite a few stone steps that surrounded the pirs. The pirs themselves further stood upon stone tforms, and were thick enough where it would take several people to wrap around them.

    The pirs were looped with countless writings. Each line of characters was wrapped up with strange designs. The stone tforms that surrounded the pirs also had many grooves. Each groove corresponded to a stone step.

    At first, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to make even a little bit of sense of what he was looking at. However, once he discovered that many of the stone steps were each seating a person, and that a disciple token was inserted into the groove in front of that person, he made some headway.

    This was a bit like... The feeling of inserting a card to y on aputer?

    Ah, he suddenly felt that this world had be a little bit more advanced.

    Gu Zuo felt utterly ludicrous.

    If possible, he also wanted to go give it a try. Unfortunately, only martial artists could y here. As a pharmacist and nominal disciple, even if he inserted his token, it would be useless.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t always focus on impossible matters. Right now, his line of sight fell upon the gold-colored pir ahead that was surrounded by a crowd.

    The word written on the gold-colored pir was "Golden". The dense crowd obstructed the inner stone steps as well as the people on the steps.

    Without knowing why, Gu Zuo suddenly felt his heartbeat speed up.

    It was like there was a familiar feeling over there...

    It must be his big brother!

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo called out in his mind: Big brother!

    If the distance wasn¡¯t too far, his psychic power should¡¯ve been able to transmit his thoughts over, right? He was unsure and hadn¡¯t done this before. Yet, he wanted to give it a try.

    Almost instantly, a slightly low and maic voice transmitted into his ears: Ah Zuo, where are you?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help revealing a smiling expression: Is big brother in front of the gold-colored pir? Are there lots of people surrounding big brother?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice also seemed to carry a hint ofughter: So it turns out Ah Zuo has alsoe to the Mission Hall.

    Gu Zuo nodded. Then he remembered that his dear big brother wouldn¡¯t have been able to see him nod, and grunted in his mind. Afterwards, he found a ce in this side hall to sit down.

    If he didn¡¯t find Tianheng, he certainly would¡¯ve looked all over for him. But since Tianheng was found, he wouldn¡¯t be in such a hurry... He would just rest up.

    Of course, the conversation in his mind could take its time.

    Gu Zuo was a little curious: Big brother, why are you surrounded?

    Tianheng paused: Doing this mission can earn contribution points. I¡¯ve done lots of them.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help teasing: Big brother¡¯s doing it on purpose...

    Tianhengughed: Earning lots of contribution points and raising my reputation is indeed on purpose.

    Gu Zuo made a helpless expression.

    Big brother admitted it too quickly. He felt speechless.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 136

    Following that, Gongyi Tianheng simultaneously chatted with Gu Zuo off to the side and continued to resolve the mission.

    And what were they chatting about?

    It was naturally everything he experienced since arriving at the Martial Scripture Pavilion.

    Tianheng properly disyed his ability to mult.i.task.

    Thus, after Tianheng and Gu Zuo parted ways, he arrived in front of the buildingplex two hours ago. He didn¡¯t go elsewhere. He only went to the Martial Scripture Pavilion and swiped his Inner Sect disciple token.

    After that, he was free to go inside.

    The collection of martial skills and cultivation methods in the Martial Scripture Pavilion was boundless. With every kind of rank or attribute, it would leave one dazzled.

    Although there were many types of cultivation methods and martial skills in the Cangyun Empire, their might was vastly inferior to the Qingyun Sect¡¯s collection ¡ª Even if it was the same product rank, they were nonconventional. The Qingyun Sect also had a collection where one could casually rummage through them. The writings within were all rather powerful and exquisite.

    Yes. In the Martial Scripture Pavilion, the ones kept on the first floor were all nonconventional cultivation methods and martial skills, and were put in two inner halls, separated by a clear barrier. However, if a disciple went to browse, they¡¯d discover that there were rmendations forpatible martial skills or cultivation methods underneath the fittedttice.

    All Inner Sect disciples could casually browse the first floor¡¯s body cultivation methods ¡ª Body cultivation methods contained both inner cultivation methods and martial skills. It was only on asion that one could directly use a body cultivation method to subst.i.tute for an inner cultivation method.

    If one wanted a higher ranked cultivation method, then they would need to continue going up.

    Unfortunately, if one wanted to go up and browse the Human-Level or better cultivation methods, they would have to pay a certain amount of contribution points. The Human-Level ones were naturally the cheapest. For every contribution point, one could stay on the second floor for two hours. During that time, the Human-Level cultivation methods could be casually looked through. Going even higher would be more costly, so there was no need to mention it for the time being.

    Yet, Gongyi Tianheng was a neer. Where could he get the contribution points from? He would have no other choice but to first look through the nonconventional ones on the first floor, free of charge.

    With one look, although Tianheng was outstandingly calm, he couldn¡¯t help being a little amazed. Because he surprisingly discovered an unusual body cultivation method among the nonconventional inner cultivation methods!

    This was from an ancient text that Gongyi Tianheng had previously read. During that time, legends said that a martial artist drew in the qi of earth and fire to cultivate. Thereby, the martial skills used were extremely formidable and their might was inexhaustible. However, in the end, it was a legend and wasn¡¯t often recalled by Tianheng. Seeing this in the Qingyun Sect had evoked his memories.

    Although this cultivation method was only an iplete chapter ced in the nonconventional section, it still made Tianheng vaguelyprehend something... After absorbing the qi of an Earth Fire, one could strike with martial skills carrying the burning power of Earth Fire. What differences were there between this underlying principle and his set of bone pearls that could absorb poisoned qi and send out toxic attacks?

    Merely...

    Gongyi Tianheng had an inkling that it was, nevertheless, somewhat different.

    His bone pearls seemed to have selected a type of power independently.

    Apparently, some powers were unworthy of being incorporated into his body.

    Afterwards, Gongyi Tianheng was almost insatiable as he looked through the cultivation methods of the entire floor one after another. He had a highly retentive memory, and the speed of his browsing was baffling. Some nonconventional cultivation methods had some simrities, so he only needed a nce to immediately understand the general idea. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve certainly needed to examine them carefully.

    This was due to his strong mental capacity. In a couple of hours, all of the cultivation methods were already looked through. Those countless cultivation method lines and martial skill styles were all weaved into a fabric in his mind. In addition, each one was picked apart, neat and tidy, without the slightest mess.

    Tianheng closed his eyes and pondered deeply for a long time.

    It would¡¯ve been good if those types of nonconventional cultivation methods that absorbed special powers to increase one¡¯s might had more supplementary materials. There was only a scant dozen or so books. After those were read by him, there weren¡¯t any more new ones.

    In these ten-odd books, absorbing the power of Wondrous Fires was the majority. There were also ones that absorbed other powers, but basically all of them were powers of the five elements.

    Wondrous Water, Wondrous Fire, Wondrous Earth, Wondrous Metal, and Wondrous Wood. All of them were marvels of the world, and things that possessed spiritual natures. As he had never heard of them before, this generated a lot of interest.

    Tianheng had a vague feeling.

    These things, perhaps to him or his little pharmacist, would be very useful.

    Thinking up to here, he gave a faint sigh.

    Unfortunately, he didn¡¯te across any supplementary materials about absorbing other special powers... Although he¡¯d first heard of the powers of the five elements, they were the most basic andmon powers.

    After he finished reading, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t tarry in the main building of the Martial Scripture Pavilion. Rather, he turned around and left this ce.

    As he left, the many martial artists behind him all couldn¡¯t help sizing up this guy who frantically flipped through all the cultivation methods just a moment ago. They only felt that this guy didn¡¯t seem like a stupid person. How could he have done something that recklessly? What could he have seen from flipping through everything in a short period of time? Thus, every gaze was somewhat odd.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t pay any heed to these stares. He only muttered to himself as his body turned and walked towards another side hall.

    The Martial Scripture Pavilion¡¯s first floor was beyond his expectations. He couldn¡¯t help his antic.i.p.ation to the second and third floors. And if he wanted to climb up, the first thing he needed to do was to go earn contribution points.

    Unlike Gu Zuo, who acted before thinking, Tianheng directly asked around and found this building full of mission obelisks, where one came toplete missions.

    What made him feel oddly satisfied was that the countless missions here were all clearly differentiated. Moreover, not all of the missions required one to waste lots of time on. Most of all, among them was a certain type of mission that was extremely suited to him.

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking inquisitively: What mission?

    Gongyi Tianheng said with a smile: Modifying cultivation methods, resolving problems with cultivation methods, and increasing the power of martial skills.

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    Before, he had this thought about the preceding side halls, and felt that his dear big brother was very suited to those ces,paring notes with others on the martial path or investigatingplex problems. However, now it seemed that this side hall was even more suitable!

    Because solving problems wasn¡¯t done for free. One could to obtain contribution points... With his big brother¡¯s strength, he would dominate in this aspect. He would be sought after by so many people that it would be inevitable for his big brother to be the center of crowds and crowds of people.

    The truth was really what Gu Zuo thought.

    Gongyi Tianheng quickly decided to pay equal attention to both public opinion and contribution points. He simply found a Human-Level mission pir that specialized in receiving simr missions, inserted his disciple token and "got on theputer".

    Countless words instantly shed before his eyes. He read through them, line after line, and quickly found a conspicuous one that was filled with rejected missions. There basically weren¡¯t any that he couldn¡¯t resolve.

    At this time, Tianheng felt even more relieved. He only slightly murmured as he started answering the first problem. He only needed to think of the solution for it to be automatically delivered to the disciple who issued the mission. The disciple would quickly know of the results.

    [Question: Why won¡¯t the third arrow in the Evil-Punishing Nine Arrows fly smoothly? The answerer can get five contribution points.]

    Gongyi Tianheng replied: "Because the power is distributed unevenly. The nine arrows behave as a single ent.i.ty. When firing, although there is formidable power, it won¡¯t be enough. There will be impediments when firing in session. Each time an arrow is fired, curb the power to thirty percent. Try it again to considerable effect."

    A couple of minutes pa.s.sed, and the pir¡¯s mission faded. At the same time, the number five appeared on Tianheng¡¯s disciple token.

    However, Tianheng didn¡¯t pay attention to that.

    After he replied to the first question, he immediately started answering the second one.

    [Question: The following is a badly damaged martial skill... It¡¯s a cultivation method that¡¯s very suitable for me, but there isn¡¯t enough power. I¡¯m unwilling to give up on it. If it¡¯spletely repaired and there¡¯s an increase in power, you can get at least ten contribution points depending on my satisfaction.]

    Modifying cultivation methods could be considered Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strong point. After he quickly swept through that set of badly damaged martial skills, he slightly pondered and several trains of thought appeared in his mind. He sent out a solution that was the hardest to practice with a 2-times increase in power as well as a solution that was the easiest to practice with a 1.5-times increase in power.

    That disciple who obtained two types of solutions was very pleased, and immediately gave thirty contribution points. As for the solution that would be employed in the end, they naturally wouldn¡¯t tell others voluntarily.

    Tianheng still didn¡¯t pay attention to the increase of his own contribution points because he was in the middle of answering the third, fourth, and even fifth questions. Each question didn¡¯t take much time, and each question was answered perfectly.

    Initially, such actions of his didn¡¯t garner much attention, but it was different afterwards.

    It was also the case that the settings of the disciple token were shown. Because each time there was an increase or change in the contribution points, the token would sh a white light. As there were many people asking questions and many people answering questions here, the number of people whose solutions obtained them contribution points weren¡¯t few.

    Basically, there would be a few disciple tokens shing with light with each pa.s.sing moment. However, there had never been a disciple token that would flicker with white light at the intervals of an oldborer¡¯s breaths. Sometimes, there was even a single magnificent sh, which was clearly the result of multiple white lights being superimposed!

    This spectacle automatically drew the attention of many disciples in the side hall.

    They couldn¡¯t restrain their emotions as they walked over to this location. At that moment, they saw what turned out to be a young man who looked about twenty years old. He was unperturbed as hepleted missions, and thepletion efficiency was actually quite high.

    Gu Zuo could imagine that there would¡¯ve been lots of astounded people at that time. All of their expressions would¡¯ve certainly been wildly different. However, his big brother had this kind of ability, so even if other people were envious, they wouldn¡¯t have acted upon it.

    In his heart, he felt a faint sense of pride in his big brother.

    The following matters were even more logical.

    The disciples watched and watched, intending on sounding things out. Coincidentally, a disciple indeed came to try his luck, wondering if there was someone who could promptly answer the questions he¡¯d raise. Gongyi Tianheng really answered that question, and that disciple waspletely shocked after receiving the information.

    That disciple then realized what Tianheng aplished in the end!

    Suppose that each time a mission waspleted, it could obtain this kind of result... Then, it followed that one should obtain contribution points every time.

    After that, he paid Gongyi Tianheng fifteen contribution points.

    It was actually a lot of contribution points, but that solution really pleased him. The disciple cupped his hands to this solution on the spot and went to leave. But he was stopped by some inquisitive people.

    The disciple had no choice but to mumble that the benefits he obtained wererge. In response, the rest of the disciples couldn¡¯t help being even more curious.

    In a split second, the people who were originally nning on releasing their relevant missions immediately sought out Gongyi Tianheng.

    And as for Tianheng, there was no difference between receiving the missions on the obelisk or directly finding the solutions to the missions delivered by his fellow disciples.

    He quickly listened to the questions raised by those disciples, and needed less than one or two minutes to perfectly answer those problems.

    Following that, Gongyi Tianheng had an ie of contribution points.

    And after that, there were even more disciplesing to inquire one by one.

    From then on, someone entering the hall like Gu Zuo simply wouldn¡¯t have been able to notice the existence of Gongyi Tianheng, who was surrounded by a crowd.

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, he was overwhelmed by emotions.

    He thought about it and felt it was extremely impressive. If it was himself in his big brother¡¯s shoes, would he have been able to do this well? Naturally, he wasn¡¯t an expert in martial studies, but on the path of medicine refinement, he knew loads of things with the cheat existence of the item books.

    If the Pharmacist Hall also had this kind of ce... Could he also earn contribution points through this?

    Gu Zuo stuck to the wall as he waited for his dear big brother, and let his imagination roam.

    Ah, contribution points were very useful things... Based on his understanding, since the Qingyun Sect internally promoted this thing, its functions were certainly far-reaching.

    His big brother needed to study martial skills, and the cost of contribution points certainly wasn¡¯t a small amount. He should also store some points to prepare for a rainy day.

    After a while of such thinking, a man with a tall build entered from outside the side hall withrge strides. He only wore a piece of leather armor, exposing his arms and wide chest. After his tiger eyes looked around, he quickly walked towards the center of that crowd. His voice was also very loud: "Which youngster can alter cultivation methods? This senior has heard that he has some skill. If he really has it, then let this senior take a look!"

    The leather-armored giant stood still. The entire building had been shaken by the booming of his footsteps. He waspletely tyrannical as he walked, flinging the disciples in his way to either side. It got to the point where the encirclement of people centered around Gongyi Tianheng was getting thinner and thinner. It wasn¡¯t long before Tianheng was revealed.

    Gu Zuo was a little nervous: Be careful, big brother. It looks like the guy who¡¯sing isn¡¯t good!

    Even if he wasn¡¯t bad, that boorish temperament was enough to make people suffer.

    Gongyi Tianheng only replied with a single sentence: Rest a.s.sured, Ah Zuo.

    After that, Tianheng was carefully observed by Gu Zuo ¡ª Just like when they were separated previously.

    However, he was also seen clearly by that boorish fellow.

    The leather-armored giant stopped in front of Tianheng, and said in a clear voice: "Pretty boy, can you alter the Heavy Hammer Strike? If you can¡¯t modify it, just say so. If you can, but it¡¯s no good, then this senior will smash your head with my hammer!"

    Crude and unreasonable. There wasn¡¯t a single kind word.

    If he was only crude and unreasonable, then it would¡¯ve been just that. Unexpectedly, he extended a palm the size of a folding fan, wanting to seize Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s cor and bring him closer.

    Gu Zuo saw this clearly, and his expression suddenly darkened.

    What kind of a person was that!?

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled, and his eyes shed with a hint of cold intent.

    No one had threatened him like this before.

    He could endure silently, but enduring silently didn¡¯t mean letting someone humiliate him.

    Pop!

    This was the sound of breaking bone.

    Off to the side, the spectating disciples saw earlier that the strength of this young man with a startling IQ was only at Xiantian stage one. However, they recognized that leather-armored giant, and thought that the young man would be humiliated at this moment. There were even more who intended to befriend the other, wanting to swiftlye to the rescue.

    But no one could¡¯ve expected that it wasn¡¯t that young man who was humiliated by the leather-armored giant¡¯s extended hand.

    The leather-armored giant only felt a sharp pain in his wrist. Suddenly, his brows furrowed and his face twitched.

    As it turned out, two slender fingers were sping his wrist. During that split second, it was twisted to the left, which snapped his bones. At this moment, those fingers were as quick as lightning as they were put away again.

    Leaving only him in endless pain.

    Quite a few people didn¡¯t react, but they quickly snapped out of it as they sucked in a mouthful of cold air.

    That young man was quite powerful!

    He was undoubtedly only a Xiantian stage one, but he somehow broke that person¡¯s bones? Leaving that aside, just looking at the connected flesh of his palm which was still dangling and swinging made one¡¯s hair stand on end.

    Obviously, this kind of injury wasn¡¯t considered too serious for martial artists, but seeing it would be too unpleasant for a person¡¯s sense of sight.

    Even one¡¯s scalp would feel somewhat numb.

    The leather-armored giant discovered his own condition, and immediately flew into a towering rage: "b.a.s.t.a.r.d, you¡ª"

    Gongyi Tianheng opened his mouth.

    His tone was warm, but his voice inexplicably carried a hint of coldness that left one feeling intimidated: "Senior Sect Brother should speak cautiously."

    As he spoke, those two deep and serene eyes met the face of the leather-armored giant.

    At first, the leather-armored giant was vigorous and unrestrained, but now, he somehow lost his voice.

    The other disciples were startled even more. He was unexpectedly intimidated?!

    Tianheng raised a hand as the hollow of his palm discharged qi energy. That power was gentle, but the leather-armored giant was flicked to the side: "Don¡¯t hold things up." Again, he looked to the other disciples, "If my seniors don¡¯t have any more instructions, then I¡¯ll take my leave first. Thank you, everyone."

    After that, he leisurely got up, and walked out of the side hall.

    Gu Zuo also quietly stood up, and went along the wall to go outside.

    He simultaneously walked and inwardly praised in his mind: Great job, big brother!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice was very calm: One should always act when one must.

    Gu Zuo tilted his head as he thought, and couldn¡¯t help smiling.

    Yes, when one should act, then do it.

    The scene of the leather-armored giant just now was clearly a farce. The spectating disciples were unable to help out Tianheng. If that leather-armored giant came to find Tianheng again, then perhaps he didn¡¯t have any sense of shame.

    As a result, Gongyi Tianheng smoothly walked out of the side hall, and met with Gu Zuo beyond the door.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smiling expression was resplendent: "Big brother!"

    Now he could finally use his mouth to speak!

    Tianheng calmly walked over, lifted his hand to ce it on his head, and ruffled his hair: "Today, Ah Zuo left for the Medicine Pavilion. What are the results?"

    Gu Zuo felt himself disying much delight. It was impossible for his big brother to be incapable of guessing the results, but he liked this feeling of familial concern. He earnestly reported: "The pill refining went smoothly, but before that, I met..."

    He gave a systematic and detailed narration. From entering the Medicine Pavilion to all the matters and people he encountered within, he talked about all of it.

    Some things really were minor details, but wasn¡¯t this also sharing one¡¯s livelihood? What¡¯s more, he was also anxious about his first time going out alone in this world and not reaching his intended location. There was also that purple-clothed teenager. His ident.i.ty and abilities were also considered rare.

    After Gongyi Tianheng finished listening, he faintly nodded: "Ah Zuo did well."

    Not any worse than he imagined.

    It was just like taking out the right medicinal pills to deal with something. If he could make a choice, it would more or less be like this ¡ª Being capable of attracting attention without overwhelming the limelight of those geniuses.

    Considering that Elder Huo¡¯s conversation, it sounded like the elder didn¡¯t have the slightest of doubts. On the contrary, the elder directly judged Ah Zuo to be fine jade worth nurturing. This was also very beneficial to his little pharmacist. However, he still needed to deliberate whether or not he would let Ah Zuo a.s.sociate with that somewhat bossy Xu Lingxiu.

    In the blink of an eye, many thoughts turned in his mind. Tianheng continued to listen to Gu Zuo¡¯s chatter. For a moment, the atmosphere was very cosy.

    Up ahead, Dragon Two still stiffly kept watch in front of the Martial Scripture Pavilion. His gaze was unwavering as he looked towards the middle of that pavilion.

    Gu Zuo stopped his chatter, and called into the distance: "Dragon Two!"

    Dragon Two heard this, and immediately turned his head. Upon seeing Gu Zuo returning with Gongyi Tianheng, it seemed like he had let loose a sigh, and went over to salute the two.

    Tianheng then said: "Let¡¯s go back."

    Dragon Two replied: "Yes, Young Master."

    Gu Zuo pulled at Tianheng¡¯s sleeve cuff: "Okay."

    They still rode on an enormous, wild bird that was specific to the interior of the Sect. Gu Zuo suddenly remembered a matter, and said a bit excitedly: "Big brother, youpleted so many missions before. Did you get lots of contribution points?"

    Gongyi Tianheng paused. Just then, because of that leather-armored giant¡¯s interruption, he actually hadn¡¯t checked it. He simply pulled down the disciple token and took it away. At this moment, since Gu Zuo wanted to know, he took out the token to reveal it.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head to take a look, and his face was shocked stiff.

    So, so many!

    There was a shocking row of digits on the disciple token:

    Five hundred eighty two contribution points.

    Gu Zuo: Dang, how many missions did big brotherplete?!

    One should know that after Li Duanshui and Hua Yuerong fought, the total points confiscated didn¡¯t reach this much...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 137

    After the two returned, their days were tranquil once more.

    However, it wasn¡¯tpletely peaceful. There were many matters that needed to be handled, and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s entire team was very busy.

    Of course, the amount of headway they made was alsorge.

    First of all, Dragon One was given Fu Manduo¡¯s merchandise for delivery, which was smoothly exchanged forrge sums of gold. In addition, with the wave of Fu Manduo¡¯s hand, he easily rented a store along the Sect¡¯s Market Street. A "Medicine of Life" sign would be hung up; a name of a medicine shop that had been with Gongyi Tianheng for many years in the Cangyun Empire ¡ª Zhang Mingyuan and the other pharmacists were all capable of sessfully refining many medicinal pills. While slowly .u.mting goods, the merchandise was set up inside to join the medicinal pills Gu Zuo supplied. After some time had pa.s.sed, it would be open for business.

    After that, there was Dragon Two and several enved martial artists who were setting out to use those previously exchanged funds to purchase a couple female martial artist ves. Likewise, they needed to have staunched willpower, but their appearance also couldn¡¯t becking ¡ª Without him, running the store would always need some service personnel. In particr, when receiving customers, one would always use a woman¡¯s femininity toplement the masculinity. However, although the purchased female martial artists didn¡¯t have remarkably beautiful features, due to certain disgusting reasons, the female martial artists were still more expensive than their male counterparts. This so-called "additional value" really made one sigh.

    Naturally, there was no difference between male ves and female ves to Gongyi Tianheng. They only needed to work honestly, and he would give them the same treatment.

    Finally, it was time to recruit pharmacists once more.

    As before, several prescriptions were used to attract pharmacists. Those who were drawn in seemed to have strong moral qualities and had a special interest in the path of medicine refinement. They were arranged to be taken along with Zhang Mingyuan and the others, to impart their corresponding attribute cultivation methods and medicine refining hand seals. This would continue the nurturing of the team.

    Apart from this, they continued to purchase medicinal ingredients and other things. Huge sums of money were spent.

    Gongyi Tianheng had already used up more than eighty percent of the golden banknotes in his possession. He could only wait for everything to step onto the right track to recoup his funds and conduct even more investments.

    In short, towering buildings were built from the ground up. Not everything could be aplished so easily.

    Gu Zuo crouched beside the field. The expression on his face was a little confused. His hand was clenching a length of something, and he didn¡¯t say anything for a long time.

    Because the time was a bit long, Tianheng stopped working on the side and came over: "Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?"

    Gu Zuo incredulously lifted the thing: "Big brother, look at this."

    Tianheng then lowered his head and looked at it. After seeing it clearly, his expression also became a little odd: "...An ear of Scarlet Blood Rice?"

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, his tone a bit challenged: "It¡¯s very strange, right?"

    Tianheng blinked silently, and also nodded his head.

    Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t be med for this kind of att.i.tude because that ear of rice was really quite strange.

    Scarlet Blood Rice was a good thing given to martial artists to replenish their qi and blood, and to steadily strengthen their physical bodies. For Outer Sect disciples, that enormousmunity, if they didn¡¯t have enough skill to rise to the Inner Sect, one would need to farm and harvest rice there for a lifetime in order to receive the Qingyun Sect¡¯s shelter.

    For the normal morphology and development of Scarlet Blood Rice, the entire rice ear was blood-red after maturing. Although the blood-red rice grain was wrapped in a thin crust, a martial artist would pick the rice ear and thresh it against a basin. The crust would turn to dust and scatter with the wind, and only the gorgeous blood rice, that was crystal clear and l.u.s.trously plump like red coral, would remain.

    However, the ears of Scarlet Blood Rice, which grew from the polluted spirit field, had its impurities removed by the Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction, and had its growth sped up by the Growth Hastening Decoction... The rice ears had be three to four timesrger than before.

    If one had to describe it, then the rice ear was the length of an arm, and hanging on the thick stalk were several dozen oval rice grains that were the size and thickness of an adult¡¯s fingers. Also, the rice grain¡¯s exterior had a hard sh.e.l.l. The hard sh.e.l.ls had a type of gorgeous multi-colored ¡ª No. One couldn¡¯t say all of them were gorgeously multi-colored. Some were really kaleidoscopic. But some were a drab gray, and there were also some ck ones ¡ª There were all kinds of different rice grains present.

    This kind of rice ear actually looked like a puffed-up version of one. Yet, under a careful examination, it was all very strange.

    One couldn¡¯t help being shocked.

    Gu Zuo looked here and there, but had nothing to say.

    Could these Scarlet Blood Rice grains still be called Scarlet Blood Rice? The exterior sh.e.l.l was too hard, but it also gave one a deep sense of danger.

    As a result, Gu Zuo was currently at a loss. How was he supposed to handle the Scarlet Blood Rice now?

    If it was b.u.mped into like so, he was worried about any idents cropping up. If it wasn¡¯t handled with care, curiosity was one thing, but it couldn¡¯t be left just like that! If it was directly destroyed... Getting a clear understanding of things unknown was better than just destroying it.

    Gu Zuo sighed: "Big brother, how about you watch me cut it with a knife?"

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at the Scarlet Blood Rice thoughtfully: "...Okay."

    Of course, Gu Zuo and Tianheng couldn¡¯t be allowed to engage in this kind of matter. Dragon Two, who was in charge of this tract of farnd, rapidly shed over, and his hand was holding a long and sharp knife.

    Gu Zuo thew the rice ear to the ground and quickly pulled Tianheng away. At this moment, Dragon Two swung the knife down ¡ª In the blink of an eye, some grains on the rice ear were already chopped into two pieces.

    A split secondter, a multi-colored liquid poured out of the sliced-open grain husk ¡ª Before it was cut open, it was a multi-colored grain.

    Then, Gu Zuo smelled a sweet fragrance.

    This sweet fragrance rapidly filled the air, directly perfusing the human body. At the same time, Gu Zuo felt a bit of vertigo, and his head felt wooden. The true qi within his body was quickly eroding!

    It wasn¡¯t only Gu Zuo. Gongyi Tianheng and Dragon Two also felt the same way. Especially Dragon Two, because his true qi wasn¡¯t as robust as Tianheng¡¯s. Only a few seconds pa.s.sed, and a hollowed-out powerlessness arose. After even all of his true qi disappeared, his qi energy and qi and blood were also eroding!

    Gu Zuo saw Dragon Two¡¯s reaction and couldn¡¯t help his astonishment. But the liquiding out of the cut-open grain was emitting an odor. And even though he wanted to dispose of it, he couldn¡¯t think of a way momentarily.

    On the contrary, Tianheng was relying on the robust true qi within his body to carry Gu Zuo away under his armpit as well as drag Dragon Two along. The three retreated at flying speeds. The farther the distance from that sweet-scented odor, the fainter the fragrance became and the slower the true qi within their bodies eroded. Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t stop until he couldn¡¯t detect the weak feeling of their true qi dissipating.

    Gu Zuo heaved and gasped: "What, what was that thing?!"

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was also very solemn.

    This was a rare miscalction on Tianheng¡¯s part because he also never expected the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice to produce this sort of dreadful thing after being cut open.

    It seemed it was capable of directly eroding the true qi of martial artists and pharmacists. But even eroding the true qi wasn¡¯t the end of it... Dragon Two had already started losing qi and blood, and once a martial artist lost all of their qi and blood, it was only a matter of time until they turned into a pile of dried-up bones and died.

    Gu Zuo was very fearful.

    Even though he was already studying poison refinement, he never expected there to be such toxins in this world.

    Yes. Being able to bring out that kind of effect was undoubtedly due to the Scarlet Blood Rice mutating into a highly toxic substance. The stuff inside of those multi-colored grains should¡¯ve been a poisonous fluid. Normally, the fluid would¡¯ve been contained in the husk and grain. But once it was cut open or matured and dropped off, what urred next would¡¯ve been... He feared it would¡¯ve ended with numerous martial artists within range dying by the poison.

    Just as he took a deep breath to suppress his fright while thinking about how they would resolve that issue, the system unexpectedly started to flood his mind with text, issuing a new mission.

    [Side Mission 1: Find the antidote of the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice.]

    [Mission Item: <list of="" the="" world''s="" wondrous="" poisons="">>]</list>

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within one day.]

    [Mission Penalty: Deduction of one thousand strands of medicinal qi.]

    This was the first mission, which was followed by a second one.

    [Side Mission 2: Fully understand the medicinal effects of mutated Scarlet Blood Rice.]

    [Mission Item: <list of="" the="" world''s="" wondrous="" poisons="">>] </list>

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within three days.]

    [Mission Penalty: Deduction of one thousand strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo ma.s.saged his temples as he developed a bit of a headache.

    A thousand strands of medicinal qi was a thousand cauldrons of pills or something else... If he failed to resolve these two problems, then what was he to do? Losing a little bit was fine, but this much was certainly agonizing.

    Off to the side, Dragon Two had already taken medicinal pills to replenish his qi and blood as well as his true qi. Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng discovered something different about Gu Zuo, and inclined his head to ask: "Ah Zuo?"

    Gu Zuo habitually told his dear big brother about the matter, saying: "The timeframe is too short, and this round¡¯s system seems a little strict..."

    Tianheng somewhat muttered to himself, then replied: "Maybe it¡¯s because this matter¡¯s resolution isn¡¯t fundamentally difficult. It wishes that you can keenly find clues from the details."

    Gu Zuo nked, then started pondering.

    What his dear big brother said was reasonable. Perhaps he¡¯d been intimidated by the multi-colored, mutated Scarlet Blood Rice¡¯s dread, so he neglected a point. All things had a counterbnce, and the absence of a natural enemy was hardly possible. It was just like how things of toxicity were usually in the vicinity of its antidote... Right, things near the toxin.

    He promptly thought of what he should do.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight was cast to that expanse of Scarlet Blood Rice.

    Just now, he discovered that it waspletely barren beneath the Scarlet Blood Rice. If one were to mention something acting as a counterbnce, it was either the soil or some kind of nt that likewise grew with the Scarlet Blood Rice. In the past, some nt fruits were poisonous, but the leaves or roots were the antidote. This was also worth considering.

    On the Scarlet Blood Rice, there really were three types of mutants: Multi-colored, gray, and ck.

    Since the multi-colored was poison, could the gray and ck ones be storing a type of antidote?

    Gu Zuo boldly guessed, but he still carefully sought proof.

    After Gongyi Tianheng heard Gu Zuo¡¯s a.n.a.lysis, he nodded and said: "I¡¯ll go give it a try."

    Gu Zuo immediately became anxious: "Big brother, you¡ª"

    Tianheng smiled: "My true qi is the most vigorous, and the probability of getting away is also bigger. Ah Zuo, you know that I¡¯m the most suitable candidate."

    Gu Zuo certainly knew this, but...knowing was one thing and being worried was another.

    Dragon Two kneeled and begged for instruction: "Would the young master permit this subordinate to go forth? The young master¡¯s invaluable body should never be put in danger."

    Gu Zuo frowned.

    If Dragon Two went, if by any chance something happened, he might drop dead.

    Dragon Two still continued to speak: "This subordinate and the others follow the young master. If all cmities were shouldered by the young master, then what use do we subordinates have? The Tianlong Guard was originally the spear in the young master¡¯s hand. The young master¡¯s intent guide this spear point. We, the Tianlong Guard, will risk life and limb for the young master!"

    Gu Zuo was shaken.

    Dragon Two thought like this? Although he didn¡¯t understand the loyalties of people from ancient times too well, from the intent of his vehement desire to meet death, he heard Dragon Two¡¯s determination to die without regrets.

    Perhaps to Dragon Two, death was nothing important. Was it Dragon Two¡¯s ipetence to fail to disy his utter loyalty to Gongyi Tianheng and make his dear big brother take such risks?

    But no matter how devoted Dragon Two was, the decisions Tianheng issued didn¡¯t need to be questioned by other people. And they absolutely wouldn¡¯t be changed because of others.

    Tianheng said: "I¡¯m aware of the devotion of you all, but my manpower right now is deficient. If you die, it would be an even bigger loss to me. The probability of my survival is dozens of times greater than yours. If you want to show your devotion to me, then it won¡¯t be needed here and now."

    Dragon Two kowtowed: "May the young master take care! May the young master avoid harm!"

    He still wanted to subst.i.tute for Gongyi Tianheng, but he understood even more clearly that Tianheng would live up to his promises.

    As a result, he could only get up obediently and stand in the rear.

    Tianheng waved his hand, and smilingly said to Gu Zuo: "Ah Zuo, I¡¯ll be going."

    Gu Zuo warned again: "If big brother senses something wrong, thene back immediately!"

    Naturally, Gongyi Tianheng agreed with a smile.

    Then, they only saw his figure sh as he nimbly arrived before the rice ear that Gu Zuo had previously ced on the ground. He extended a hand wreathed in qi energy to pick it up.

    After that multi-colored grain had been cut open, poisonous fluid had flowed out and the outer sh.e.l.l had already fallen off. This left many other grains on the rice ear, and the multi-colored ones naturally couldn¡¯t be touched again. Nevertheless, Gongyi Tianheng took out a dagger and casually shed it, cutting a ck grain into two pieces.

    What flowed out of the ck grain was a ck liquid.

    Oddly, the ck liquid, that originally should¡¯ve made one feel strange, instead emitted a type of refreshing fragrance. A moment ago, Tianheng had smelled the poisonous gas and the true qi within his body was still circting roughly. However, at this moment, after he smelled the odor emitted by the ck liquid, he suddenly felt his body lighten and was much morefortable.

    It looked like the liquid within the ck grains were really the antidote?

    In that case... What about the gray ones?

    Gongyi Tianheng hesitated slightly, but the gray one was also cut open.

    The gray liquid that flowed out likewise emitted a pleasant fragrance. Compared to the ck liquid, it was still appeared somewhat fresh and clean. But there was no need to doubt that it was harmless to Tianheng.

    Hence, after Gongyi Tianheng took a ck and gray grain each, he nimbly returned.

    Gu Zuo immediately weed him over, his heart impatient: "Big brother, how was it? Are you okay?"

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was warm as he handed the ck grain over to Dragon Two: "You cut it open to take a look." Following which, he handed the gray one over to Gu Zuo, "Ah Zuo, you give it a try."

    His mind had some conjectures.

    Gu Zuo and Dragon Two didn¡¯t have the slightest doubts to Gongyi Tianheng.

    They promptly set out opening these two grains.

    After that, Dragon Two smelled the ck liquid¡¯s odor and Gu Zuo smelled the gray liquid¡¯s odor. The ailments in the two¡¯s bodies were like a retreating tide. Almost immediately, their true qi was restored to normal.

    Gu Zuo murmured: "The multi-colored one is poison. The inhaler¡¯s true qi and qi and blood would be used up. It¡¯s iparably violent, and it can injure martial artists and it can also injure pharmacists. On the same nt, the ck rice grains cure martial artists and the gray rice grains cure pharmacists..."

    This shouldn¡¯t have been all of it, but at the least, he was starting to understand.

    At this time, the system¡¯s reminder flooded by.

    [Side Mission 1 has already beenpleted. Side Mission 2¡¯s current progress is fifty percent.]

    Gu Zuo was astounded.

    In other words, the multi-colored mutated Scarlet Blood Rice still had other uses? Since it was highly toxic, it was certainly still about causing people harm, right?

    Gongyi Tianheng listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s rambling, and turned his head to instruct: "Dragon Two, go bring over some level five wild beasts."

    Dragon Two half-kneeled: "Yes, young master."

    After that, he moved out and left at flying speeds.

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng: "Big brother suspects that since it can harm martial artists and pharmacists, maybe it can also harm wild beasts?"

    Tianheng nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo seemed toprehend somewhat: "Perhaps, we can start from its capacity to harm. Looking at it again, there was an instantaneous effect to Qi Breathing stage one people like us. What would it be like for those who are stronger?"

    In order to preserve his own medicinal qi, Gu Zuo handed over this tract of farnd¡¯s resources to Tianheng. After he harvested a share for himself, he squeezed into another medicine refining room to refine poison.

    Time was very tight. He could find that big brother of his for resources and so on. The top priority right now was to get a clear understanding of what that mutated Scarlet Blood Rice had be!

    Things were going well.

    Gu Zuo was very good at using the system now. Through the course of continuous experimentation, he checked the system mission¡¯s progress every time he found a use, and slowly improved. Then he discovered that this poison really was effective against wild beasts. Each and every time a grade five wild beast was exposed to the poison, it immediately lost all capabilities to counterattack within a brief couple of seconds. But perhaps it was because a wild beast¡¯s body was far stronger than a martial artist¡¯s body. They seemed to be anesthetized, but there wasn¡¯t any loss to their qi and blood or beastly power.

    This discovery almost left Gu Zuo ecstatic.

    If used properly, he could refine a medicinal decoction to tranquilize very many wild beasts. In addition, they could be transported back to be sold for exceptionally good prices!

    After Gongyi Tianheng learned of this, he supported Gu Zuo even more energetically. He even used the final share of funds to buy grade six wild beasts for Gu Zuo¡¯s experiments.

    As a result, the grade six wild beasts underwent the same effect ¡ª If there was any distinction, it was only that the duration of control was different!

    The mutated Scarlet Blood Rice quickly went from a dead-end poison to a treasure capable of ama.s.sing great amounts of wealth! The change was too fast, but it still made one iparably gratified.

    It was only a pity that there weren¡¯t any funds to get grade seven wild beasts.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart felt very regretful. However, he never thought that just two hours after sighing, a grade seven wild beast was delivered in front of him.

    During this incredulous moment, what met his gaze was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smiling eyes.

    As it turned out, one¡¯s earned contribution points could be exchanged for resources with the Sect in the Sect¡¯s Transaction Hall. Let alone a grade seven wild beast, it even had grade eight, grade nine, and grade ten wild beasts! If there was a want for it, there were even spirit grade wild beastsparable to the Immortal Realm!

    Only, each type of wild beast required vast amounts of contribution points. At the very least, that grade seven wild beast cost more than fifty contribution points. If one wanted a grade eight, they would need hundreds of contrition points!

    But as Gu Zuo went through his experiments, he discovered that the grade seven wild beast could only be controlled by that poison for a couple fo seconds. During this period of time, it would be easy to y it, but controlling it would be a test to one¡¯s skills. If it reached grade eight, the usefulness was probably going to be extremely weak.

    At this point, the research on wild beasts and the toxin should¡¯vee to an end.

    Yet, the degree ofpletion of the system¡¯s mission was only at eighty percent.

    Gu Zuo realized that his direction didn¡¯t have any mistakes, so the remaining parts should¡¯ve been about the toxin¡¯s effects on martial artists and pharmacists. Merely, while he could use wild beasts to directly experiment on live specimens, it was impossible to make those around him continuously test and verify the poison ¡ª If there was the tiniestck of control, it could lead to the death of arade!

    For a moment, matters slipped into a deadlock.

    Gu Zuo was hard-pressed and didn¡¯t know what he should do toplete the mission.

    Gongyi Tianheng discovered him like this and extended a hand to pinch his cheek: "Is Ah Zuo worried?"

    Gu Zuo nodded while still having his cheek pinched.

    Tianheng smiled slightly: "If a pharmacist wants to improve, it¡¯s impossible without people to test the medicine on. Nowadays, there are many poisonous substances circting around and the victims must be informed. Ah Zuo, since there¡¯s a need, there¡¯s certainly a channel to aplish this matter. As you don¡¯t have a clear understanding, why not go ask that person of virtue and prestige who¡¯s even more experienced than you?"

    Gu Zuo suddenly snapped out of it: "Elder Huo?"

    Tianheng grinned, releasing his hand: "Go, Ah Zuo. Liu Bao will follow along and protect you."

    Gu Zuo grinned from ear to ear, and his smile glittered brilliantly: "Many thanks for the reminder, big brother. I¡¯ll go at once!"

    After that, Gu Zuo shuffled away and quickly took Liu Bao to the Medicine Pavilion.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s luck was pretty good over there. He met the on-duty Elder Huo and Elder Huo remembered this little youngster whom he favored.

    Elder Huo curiously asked: "Student Gu is so eager. What matters do you have to ask about?"

    Gu Zuo embarra.s.singly said: "The Scarlet Blood Rice I nted had mutated and had be a type of poisonous substance. I wanted to research the strength of its toxicity, but I can¡¯t take the people by my side to test it on. And I would never willfully ughter the innocent..."

    Elder Huo listened and listened. Then he twirled his mustache and smiled.

    So it was like this.

    At the same time, his smiling expression became even more good-natured towards Gu Zuo.

    Being able to stick to one¡¯s heart and not indulging in one¡¯s pa.s.sions when confronting matters of extreme curiosity... Only pharmacists like this were genuinely good seedlings.

    Otherwise, how would they support the endless research?

    Hence, Elder Huo didn¡¯t mind reaching out a hand to help Gu Zuo.

    T/N: This is the final double-length chapter for this batch. Chapter updates will be returning to a quicker schedule. You can expect a chapter every three days or so.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 138

    After slightly muttering to himself, Elder Huo stated: "If you have enough contribution points, you can go visit the ck Prison."

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: "ck Prison?"

    Elder Huo sighed: "All the prisoners there are wicked and beyond redemption, but not to the point where they triggered great turmoil."

    Gu Zuo was absent-minded, but he seemed to understand a little.

    Following which, Elder Huo began exining to Gu Zuo.

    The ck Prison was located in a certain secret location in the Inner Sect. It had three internal barriers and three external barriers, and it was guarded extremely tightly. Under normal circ.u.mstances, martial artists weren¡¯t allowed entry. On the contrary, the frequency of pharmacists going through wasparatively high as long as they had a disciple token and contribution points.

    As for why?

    That was because the living people of various realms within the ck Prison were the test subjects of the Qingyun City pharmacists.

    Gu Zuo was startled, and said: "Using those people to test medicine on?"

    Then he promptly understood. Since Elder Huo previously stated that they were all people beyond redemption, rather than executing them... The meaning was that it was better to have them to act as a donation to the pharmacists¡¯ cause? After his heart hesitated for a second, he calmed down.

    Yes, even in modern times, those who wanted to make breakthroughs weren¡¯t without live specimens for their experiments. Only, they normally wouldn¡¯t use humans. In addition, there were many kinds of other limits and restrictions.

    But this was also because science and technology was very advanced in the modern era, and there were many things that could be used as subst.i.tutes. It was different now. If one didn¡¯t use a living person, there basically wasn¡¯t any way to conduct experimental verification.

    People beyond redemption...

    Right. He really didn¡¯t need to take the moral standards of the modern era here to disy a heart of false sympathy.

    After thinking it through, Gu Zuo revealed a grateful expression to Elder Huo: "If it wasn¡¯t for elder, I¡¯m afraid this disciple wouldn¡¯t have had this channel. Many thanks, Elder Huo."

    Elder Huo received this grat.i.tude with a smile.

    It was indeed as such.

    Although the ck Prison nominally permitted pharmacists free pa.s.sage, the number of pharmacists who knew about the ck Prison weren¡¯t that many. After all, not everyone had the qualifications to do testing on live specimens...

    After that, Elder Huo said: "If you have enough contribution points, I¡¯ll guide you to the ck Prison."

    Gu Zuo had a helpless expression: "At this moment, I don¡¯t have..."

    Elder Huo smiled catingly: "Pharmacists also have many ways to obtain contribution points. Every refined medicinal pill that¡¯s fit for a Xiantian martial artist¡¯s consumption is worth one contribution point. Or you can go to the Consultation Pir to answerplex problems for other pharmacists, and get contribution points that way ¡ª These two are the mostmon channels the Sect¡¯s internal pharmacists use to get contribution points.

    He continued: "If you want to go to the ck Prison and receive dedicated live specimens, a Xiantian stage one requires ten contribution points. After this, every realm¡¯s promotion of one grade requires double the contribution points."

    Gu Zuo heard this and did some quick calctions. Then he felt the view before him darkening.

    Those contribution points were frightful!

    Afterwards, he somewhat hesitated: "Elder Huo, if it was a pharmacist..."

    Elder Huo¡¯s smile stiffened.

    Gu Zuo was a bit embarra.s.sed: "About my findings on the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice, it was also effective after I inhaled the poison..."

    Elder Huo understood: "There are also pharmacists. It¡¯s just that they¡¯re even more expensive. Moreover, they aren¡¯t part.i.tioned based on the true qi realms. Rather, it¡¯s by their medicine refining skills. Ordinary low-level pharmacists are two hundred contribution points, mid-level ones are four hundred, and high-level ones are eight hundred. Student, you should look carefully before choosing."

    Gu Zuo let out a long sigh: "I understand. I¡¯ll go to the Consultation Pir, and look at the questions there first. I only hope that I can find ones that I know, and that some troubleshooting questions show up with lots of contribution points..."

    Elder Huo had a kindly expression. He extended a hand and pointed to a ce not far away.

    Gu Zuo saw there was a small building over there, with a concealed side door.

    Elder Huo said: "Go on."

    Gu Zuo nodded. After expressing his thanks to Elder Huo, he scampered over like a wisp of smoke.

    In the Consultation Hall, there were only ten Consultation Pirs. Compared to the martial artists¡¯ Mission Pirs, the styles were about the same, but the numbers were fewer for some reason. Furthermore, the issued missions were different. One could only ask about difficult problems here; one couldn¡¯t ask others if they had such and such medicinal herbs ¡ªAfter all, if a pharmacist wanted, there were naturally many martial artists willing to help. Ordinarily, one would also have their own social circles to exchange medicinal ingredients. There really wasn¡¯t any need to issue missions.

    Instead, a mutual exchange ofplex problems was the optimal method of increasing each other¡¯s medicine refining skills.

    Gu Zuo walked before one of the Consultation Pirs, and inserted his disciple token into the groove on the stone tform.

    In a split second, he experienced the feeling of "going online" like his big brother did.

    Almost in the blink of an eye, Gu Zuo saw the countless writings on the pir stop moving in front of him. Each row of text was preceded by a number. If he was finished looking at these rows, he only needed to use a finger to tap the stone tform and the text would automatically scroll to the next page.

    After that, Gu Zuo saw those so-calledplex problems. In actuality, there were many that were about supplementing fragmentary prescriptions. Some were about unidentifiable mes, and some were about cultivation methods. There were difficult hand seals, or hand seals with lost pages. There were challenges and questions when refining medicine. The list went on and on.

    Among them, the ones with the highest contribution points were those about supplementing fragmentary prescriptions. The more precious and unorthodox the prescription, the higher the contribution points rewarded. There were even some that only posted a name and a small list of medicinal herbs, and the contribution points could be negotiated directly... One could say it really was very advanced.

    Gu Zuo carefully pondered over things.

    It had to be mentioned that if he had to choose, he would naturally select the prescriptions.

    Money would be falling into hisp, and it would be even easier to find an excuse for it.

    With this kind of thinking, Gu Zuo started flicking on those problems asking about prescriptions one after another.

    Tranquil Ocean Pill, Plum Blossom Pill, Golden Light Pill, Starry River Pill... Some had an impact on qi and blood, and some could treat dubious and terrible illnesses. There were ones that could help martial artists refine their bodies. Some were auxiliary medicinal pills that had special effects. For example, after taking it, there would be improvements to one¡¯s fire attribute abilities within the body.

    What was pleasantly surprising was that each and every prescription posted here that had a definite name were all recorded in the <human-level pill="" catalog="">>. What was even more interesting was that some of the prescriptions asked about were actually for medicinal decoctions. It was just that the people who obtained those prescriptions weren¡¯t aware of this. </human-level>

    From this, one could see how powerful an inheritance the item books sent by the system were.

    Iparably detailed. Iparably meticulous...

    Gu Zuo decided very carefully on his choices.

    Any that suited the great majority of martial artists and could earnrge amounts of money couldn¡¯t be picked. Any that were unorthodox but exceptionally precious also couldn¡¯t be picked. Any whose effects were too strong likewise couldn¡¯t be picked. As for those that could treat incurable illnesses... His gaze fell upon a row of text, and he hesitated.

    The prescription of the Steadfast Heart Pill.

    In total, it required a little more than thirty medicinal herbs. This prescription was badly damaged, and it was short seven herbs.

    If someone knew this prescription and wanted to bargain as soon as possible, they could discuss a pretty good price.

    The Steadfast Heart Pill¡¯s greatest use was to repair the heart.

    ¡ª If a martial artist wasn¡¯t able to achieve Xiantian and his heart had a congenital defect, he could repair itpletely using the Steadfast Heart Pill.

    Of course, if a person suffered from heart problems but hadn¡¯t stepped onto the martial path, an ordinary person¡¯s body could maybe live for forty or fifty years. If they could recover enough, extending the lifespan to seventy or eighty years was possible. Merely, living would be rtively nd and every year would always be painful.

    And once they set foot upon the martial path, their weakened heart would basically be unable to withstand the pa.s.sing of qi and blood. The higher they cultivated, the faster they would die. Above all, with the checkpoint of entering Xiantian, if their heart problem caused the qi and blood to flow the wrong way, it would directly kill them ¡ª Naturally, if they were really lucky and crashed their way through, their lifespan would be slightly longer, but at most it would only be a hundred fifty years. Pain would forever gue them, and each use of Xiantian true qi would ravage the body.

    Unfortunately, they would die slowly due to the Xiantian qi. Every year would be more painful than thest. Even after reaching certain realms, they wouldn¡¯t be able to get stronger due to the pain. They would ultimately die a miserable death.

    Tragic. Too tragic.

    Gu Zuo gave a sigh.

    Wasn¡¯t it just heart disease? Still, there might¡¯ve been all kinds of pathological changes.

    Firstly, the Steadfast Heart Pill could resolve the problem, but it belonged to a category of Human-Level Medicinal Pills that was the hardest to refine. Not only were the medicinal herbs precious, a high-level pharmacist would have to make frequent attempts to be able to refine it. Secondly, even if only a few were refined, it wouldn¡¯t be enough. At the minimum, the patient would need to continuously take the medicine three months before their lifespan was predicted to end, taking at least one pill a day ¡ª If the medicine was taken every day consecutively, the results would be wonderful. The repaired heart would be even st.u.r.dier.

    This signified...

    A costly pill refining. The best oue would be refining ny pills, and the fewest would require forty-five.

    Take Gu Zuo as an example.

    His efficiency distantly surpa.s.sed ordinary pharmacists and he often disregarded the medicine refining ranks of others. He was currently at Xiantian Realm stage one. Relying on his own methods, he didn¡¯t dare guarantee refining without blowing up a cauldron. Even more, he couldn¡¯t guarantee refining top grade pills. Even if top grades were refined, this type of pill was said to have perfect conditions of three pills per cauldron. Forget about even more.

    This was the case for Gu Zuo. If other high-level pharmacists tried to ess this prescription for the first time, then the failure rate...

    Even if it were wealthy people, their scalps would turn numb thinking about the necessary costs to refine enough sessful pills.

    But there was no need for doubts that the Steadfast Heart Pill was extremely precious.

    Gu Zuo thought about it a lot, but he wasn¡¯t thinking about the other party saving money. Rather, he was hesitating about whether he would sell this kind of precious prescription or not.

    If he didn¡¯t sell it, this would be treated as himself having never read this problem, which was admittedly very easy to handle. Yet, the crucial point was that Gu Zuo clearly discovered from that problem that the frame of mind of the person requesting help was very urgent ¡ª This definitely weren¡¯t the methods of a pharmacist who only wanted to study the prescription. It seemed that person who issued the problem was someone who they themselves or someone close to them was the one who had the incurable illness. They needed this prescription!

    If it was the actual person... Gu Zuo felt their desire to survive.

    If the patient was a rtive or good friend... Gu Zuo was touched by the other party¡¯s willingness to pay enormously for their rtive or friend.

    In that case, what should he do?

    The prescription was only precious. There definitely wasn¡¯t any danger.

    Except, because it was precious... Should he ignore that fleeting cry for help in that problem?

    Gu Zuo knew that this world was a world where the weak were prey to the strong, but thew of the jungle didn¡¯t mean reckless abandonment without the slightest virtuous thought. He hesitated for a moment before withdrawing from the puter".

    To answer people¡¯s problems, he encountered problems himself.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 139

    After heaving a sigh, Gu Zuo continued finding several missions that he could definitely finish himself. Hepletely repaired the prescriptions and transferred them over. Soon after, he took out his disciple token and departed from the Consultation Pir for the time being.

    Elder Huo saw hime out and asked: "Student Gu is leaving?"

    Gu Zuo nodded, and said apologetically: "I found some that I could answer as well as some that I was unsure of. I¡¯m going back to ask my young master... At that time, I¡¯ll return."

    Elder Huo heard him mention those words "young master", and couldn¡¯t help his curiosity: "I haven¡¯t asked yet, but which young master has this student joined to be his personal pharmacist?"

    Gu Zuo thought about it and felt that it wasn¡¯t something that couldn¡¯t be mentioned: "The young master¡¯s name is Gongyi Tianheng. Originally, he was a newly promoted Outer Sect disciple for this year. Later on..." As he talked and talked, his face couldn¡¯t help revealing a hint of pride, "...Within two months, the young master advanced to Xiantian, bing an Inner Sect disciple..."

    The more he spoke, the more praise his words carried. Although it didn¡¯t get to the point of endless ttery, his affection towards Gongyi Tianheng was already expressed very clearly.

    Elder Huo watched his expression, heard his words, and understood.

    Waiting till after Gu Zuo finished speaking, he twirled his mustache and smiled: "If it¡¯s like this, his potential is certainly immense. On the contrary, he¡¯s worthy of your love and respect."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s cheeks reddened: "At that time, if it wasn¡¯t for the young master, I would¡¯ve died long ago. I could never turn my back on him. He treats me like a family member, and I treat him even more importantly."

    Elder Huo nodded with praise: "Student Gu speaks well."

    After the two replied back and forth, Elder Huo didn¡¯t keep Gu Zuo for too long. Gu Zuo turned around and exited the Medicine Pavilion. After meeting up with Liu Bao, they hurriedly returned to the valley.

    Gongyi Tianheng was in the middle of devouring a great deal of Qi Linking Pills to condense a Heavenly Spirit bone pearl. The moment he heard the pattering sound of footsteps, he knew Gu Zuo had returned, and he lifted his head.

    Gu Zuo was panting as he came to Tianheng and sat on the ground across from him: "Big brother, I have some matters I need to ask you about..."

    Tianheng loosened his back and smiled: "Then ask. But what trouble did you encounter?"

    Gu Zuo hastily said: "It¡¯s that Steadfast Heart Pill prescription."

    Following that, he quickly talked about his experience in the Medicine Pavilion. On the methods to dealing with the Steadfast Heart Pill prescription, he really picked a challenge.

    Rather than himself thinking about things without being able to make a firm resolution, it would be better to hear Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s a.n.a.lysis to give him a good push from behind.

    When Tianheng finished listening, the corner of his mouth curled up: "Ah Zuo¡¯s heart is already inclined towards exchanging the prescription for contribution points, right?"

    Gu Zuo lightly fumbled with his fingers: "...En."

    Tianheng said: "Most of those who can issueplex problems within the Sect are fellow disciples or people with deep rtionships with disciples. Even though the Sect¡¯s internal benefits intersect, many disciples organize into factions or separate as enemies. But in the end, such friendships will still exist."

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    Tianheng smiled and said: "Ah Zuo has many of those kinds of prescriptions. It wouldn¡¯t be a big deal to have one or two fewer things to earn money. On the contrary, if this matter causes you to think about it constantly and develop a heart knot, it would be far from good. As for the other party¡¯s ident.i.ty and what the price should be... Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to be fl.u.s.tered. When the timees, I¡¯ll apany you to go figure things out."

    Gu Zuo was immediately enlightened.

    Ah, right! He had tons of prescriptions! Whether he didn¡¯t use them or saved them, both would draw covetous stares. Wouldn¡¯t the repeated misgivings simply turn him into a little miser?!

    Just like in modern times, if a .s.smate at school contracted a serious illness and he needed tens of millions, taking out a hundred thousand to save a life would be an act of benevolence, right?

    Making money was the goal, but could he really take the Steadfast Heart Pill everywhere to earn a fortune? Moreover, even if he sold the Steadfast Heart Pill prescription to the guy, it wasn¡¯t like he himself couldn¡¯t use the prescription!

    Again, this wasn¡¯t the modern era. There was no such thing as buying out a copyright!

    His thinking had truly diverged too much.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face: "Big brother, let¡¯s seize the moment and go find that contribution points spendthrift!"

    His smiling expression glittered, full of vitality.

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: "...I¡¯ll just follow Ah Zuo¡¯s wishes.¡±

    After the two agreed, they proceeded towards the Inner Sect¡¯s inner Market Street based on the so-called direct negotiation methods in thatplex problem.

    There were many Inner Sect disciples who had stores here. There were also many restaurants and tea shacks.

    The location they agreed upon was a tea shack.

    The tea shack was a small two-story building. Upstairs was quiet and refined, without any mishaps. When sitting by an overlooking window, one could see the dark-blue sky outside. Contrary to what one might expect, there wasn¡¯t anything of interest.

    And in this tea shack, there was a person who would order a cup of tea at a reserved seat and wait, every day for the past couple years.

    This person would wait all day.

    Today also was no exception.

    As Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng walked to this tea shack, one could raise their head and see a martial artist in front of that window wearing indigo robes. That was a nominal disciple ¡ª Reportedly, the nominal disciple who woulde and wait every day was always different. However, they would all simrly wear full-length indigo robes.

    Without any hesitation, the two directly went up to the second floor and walked in front of that tea table.

    Tianheng stood with his arms sped behind his back and didn¡¯t get any closer. He only watched Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo understood, and opened his mouth to ask: "Excuse me, are you the Senior Sect Brother who left theplex problem at the Medicine Pavilion?"

    Zhang Qingyun was a nominal disciple of the Inner Sect. He was fortunate to have followed a good master, even more so because of his master¡¯s position. Even though he had already advanced to Xiantian, he preferred to continue being a nominal disciple to stay close and serve his master. This was to avoid being crowded out by sycophants.

    Because of his master¡¯s difficult situation right now, he was very willing to fight over this mission with several other people. Every couple of days, he would boringly wait here, but he also didn¡¯t have the slightest ofints ¡ª For this reason, he obtained many rewards due to this dedication.

    Merely, the longer the time went, the more fretful Zhang Qingyun¡¯s master became. It was obvious that if this continued, his master might lose his patience.

    As a result, although he wanted the rewards to never stop, Zhang Qingyun still hoped for someone to quickly settle this difficult problem.

    Unfortunately, no one ever could.

    At this time, Zhang Qingyun heard someone¡¯s inquiry. Perhaps it was just being asked, but although he was worried that it was going to turn out like every time previously, he still carried a tiny sliver of hope and maintained the appropriate etiquette: "Correct. This Zhang Qingyun has been waiting here on behalf of my master... With the arrival of these two sirs, would you already have some good news?"

    Gu Zuo nodded: "Yes."

    Zhang Qingyun quivered, and suddenly lifted his head.

    Gu Zuo continued speaking: "I have the Steadfast Heart Pill¡¯s prescription."

    Zhang Qingyun¡¯s fingers started to faintly tremble.

    He never expected, he really never expected... His minuscule hope had actuallye true?

    He sighed deeply. After calming down for a moment, he asked once more: "Is this sir...I mean, is this Senior Sect Brother certain?"

    Gu Zuo: "...I¡¯m sure."

    He was much younger than that guy...

    Zhang Qingyun just too happy. He almost staggered as he got up and had to control himself to avoid overturning his tea cup. He rambled: "This lowly Zhang can¡¯t act arbitrarily on this matter. I hope these two Senior Sect Brothers can wait for this Zhang to go ask my master toe over..."

    He hurriedly called the ce¡¯s tea server over and instructed: "If these two Senior Sect Brothers have any needs, you send it over and put it on this Zhang¡¯s bill."

    Over the past year, the people of this tea shack all basically knew about Zhang Qingyun¡¯s matters. They naturally understood the reason for his att.i.tude. At this moment, the worker didn¡¯t dare neglect anything as he hastily went to the tea table to serve them.

    Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng sat side by side at the tea table ¡ª That is, they sat across from where Zhang Qingyunst sat.

    "What tea does Ah Zuo want to drink?"

    "Big brother has the final say."

    "Then I¡¯ll just order whatever I like..."

    "...Wait a second, I¡¯ll do it. There are quite a few types that big brother can¡¯t drink..."

    Ultimately, it was still Gu Zuo who ordered.

    The tea arrived not long after. The two each sped a cup and sipped to their enjoyment as they casually waited for someone.

    It was probably because he anxiously ran with information difficultly obtained ¡ª Zhang Qingyun left quickly and came back quickly.

    Only about fifteen minutes pa.s.sed before the thudding sounds of footsteps emerged from below. His mood was clearly eager.

    Gu Zuo unconsciously raised his head to look over.

    The one who came should¡¯ve been that Zhang Qingyun¡¯s master. Who knew what kind of a person... Eh?

    What astonished him was that the person who came unexpectedly wasn¡¯t limited to one person.

    Okay, there was more than one person. There were three people in total. Among them was one who he actually recognized!

    "I hear that someone knows? I want to see who it is, if they really know or if they¡¯re being deceitful here! If it¡¯s fake, I won¡¯t let him off!"

    The person still hadn¡¯t drawn near, but his voice had arrived first.

    Wasn¡¯t this "acquaintance" the one he once met at the Medicine Pavilion? Admired by the Sect¡¯s pharmacists: Quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist Xu Lingxiu.

    Still so ostentatious and overbearing. His mouth didn¡¯t have a single kind word.

    Another person advised: "Lingxiu, you shouldn¡¯t often others for no reason!"

    Xu Lingxiu snorted coldly, and closed his mouth.

    Contrary to what one might expect, thest person showed an anxious face at this moment, as if his heart was set aze.

    It looked like the person who eagerly wanted to obtain the Steadfast Heart Pill prescription was him...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 140

    Gu Zuo looked at this person.

    He was a very handsome man. He wore a full-length robe with sapphire-blue brocade, and a white-jade crest on his head. Although the anxiety in his eyes could hardly be concealed, he still looked very different from the others. From his temperament to his looks and even to his stature, he looked like a Prince Charming.

    It was just that he didn¡¯t look as handsome as his big brother.

    The sapphire-blue robed man quickly walked over and cupped his hands: "May I ask if these two Junior Sect Brothers do indeed have the prescription to the Steadfast Heart Pill?"

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t speak.

    Once more, Gu Zuo gave a confirmation: "Yes, I have it."

    The man¡¯s fingers curled up with force, as if calming his emotional state. After his closed his eyes, he wore a smiling expression and sat across from the two people.

    Likewise, the purple-clothed Xu Lingxiu, as well as the young man wearing a full-length jade-green robe, both sat down beside the man.

    After being nudged by the young man, Xu Lingxiu realized his indiscretion and didn¡¯t speak again. On the contrary, his gaze fell upon Gu Zuo like he was carefully scrutinizing something.

    The jade-green clothed young man was also watching attentively.

    It could be seen that every one of them deemed this matter to be extremely important.

    The expression of the man wearing brocade clothes was cordial: "This one is Inner Sect disciple Xi Yangyun. I urgently need the Steadfast Heart Pill to save a person¡¯s life. I ask that this Junior Sect Brother part with it. The price can be negotiated."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was a little subtle.

    Weren¡¯t the words of this Senior Sect Brother Xi clearly making Gu Zuo out to be the gluttonous lion? Still, the urgency really made it untenable.

    Speaking too much had the suspicions of taking advantage of someone¡¯s difficulties, but he was also unwilling to speak too little.

    He thought about it, and felt that this guy was very cunning.

    Under this hesitation, Gu Zuo nced at Tianheng.

    From the beginning, his dear big brother hadn¡¯t said anything, clearly letting him take the lead. If there was anything amiss, Tianheng would certainly warn him in secret...

    After that, Gu Zuo said: "How much is Senior Sect Brother Xi willing to take out?"

    Who wouldn¡¯t be able to kick a ball!?

    Xi Yangyun paused before probing: "Three thousand contribution points?"

    When these words were uttered, the jade-green clothed young man¡¯s mouth thinned, while the purple-clothed teenager Xu Lingxiu only furrowed his brows. Neither spoke to interrupt.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    The three thousand contribution points were probably what they antic.i.p.ated to be the highest price. Of course, looking at such worried appearances as theirs, if the asking price was even higher, the other party definitely wouldn¡¯t agree. Only those sorts were truly too greedy.

    Gu Zuo calcted. The three thousand contribution points should¡¯ve been enough for him this time around to go to the ck Prison and get test subjects. Any more than that wouldn¡¯t be used for the time being. As for the Consultation Pir¡¯s fragmented prescriptions, they were generally hundreds of points. Rtively speaking, the precious ones were over a thousand. With regards to the Steadfast Heart Pill, three thousand was considered a price that was more than reasonable and somewhat on the high side.

    Merely, such an answer was also a bit too straightforward.

    As a result, Gu Zuo asked again: "If you don¡¯t mind, would Senior Sect Brother Xi be willing to clearly state what this prescription will be used for after acquiring it?"

    After his voice fell, Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression suddenly rxed: "It seems this Junior Sect Brother really is a new disciple of the Inner Sect. Therefore, you wouldn¡¯t know about this matter."

    Gu Zuo had a helpless expression.

    How easily was he seen through?

    Xi Yangyun said: "This disciple doesn¡¯t need to take offense. If a disciple stayed in the Inner Sect for long enough, most would know that this Xi worries about the congenital heart disease of his younger sister. When she was just sixteen, her apt.i.tudes were even superior to my own, and she practiced martial arts with all her heart. And yet...

    He continued: "Although she¡¯s now a perfected Houtian, her heart¡¯s already frail to the point where she can¡¯t advance one step further. Moreover, because she had previously practiced martial arts excessively, if she can¡¯t obtain a Steadfast Heart Pill, I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t live past the next few years and will die young. For my sister, this Xi has been bitterly seeking a prescription to extend one¡¯s lifespan for several years to no avail. Only now have I met this disciple and obtained such good news."

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    It really was in order to save someone.

    Moreover, it turned out that the entire Inner Sect knew about it... If it was big brother, he would¡¯ve been thinking that Xi Yangyun¡¯s matter would¡¯ve let the majority of the Inner Sect disciples realize that his position wasn¡¯t low and that there were benefits in making friends with him.

    Then, this was also very good for him.

    Hence, Gu Zuo nodded: "Then let¡¯s exchange."

    This time, it was Xi Yangyun¡¯s turn to stare nkly: "Junior Sect Brother...agrees?"

    Gu Zuo nodded again: "I agree."

    Xi Yangyun asked tentatively: "Junior Sect Brother has nothing else to demand?"

    Gu Zuo looked at him with confusion: "Wasn¡¯t it you who said all that? I actually find it very appropriate. If you feel it isn¡¯t enough and you¡¯re thinking about giving me a bit more, I also won¡¯t oppose it."

    Xi Yangyunpletely rxed, and his smile also carried some warmth: "So it¡¯s like this. In that case, many thanks, Junior Sect Brother..."

    The two were determined to make a deal.

    Gu Zuo took out a tablet as well as a set of paper and brush. Amid the sound of rustling paper, he started to write. At this moment, the purple-clothed teenager Xu Lingxiu got up in astonishment and stood behind Gu Zuo.

    The green-jade clothed young man said: "I hope this Junior Sect Brother doesn¡¯t mind..."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t raise his head: "I don¡¯t mind. You guys can check the necessary procedures."

    The green-jade clothed young man: "..."

    Gu Zuo continued to write, and behind him, Xu Lingxiu recalled the medicinal herbs he knew about in the fragmented prescription while reading the content that Gu Zuo wrote down.

    The destroyed prescription they got actually had twenty-eight kinds of medicinal herbs, whichcked seven herbs. There should¡¯ve been thirty-five kinds in total. They had only put ten herbs on the Consultation Pir. If the people who came to sell the prescription didn¡¯t write thirty-five herbs, or if any didn¡¯t match the twenty-eight, it would¡¯ve certainly been a fake.

    At first, Xu Lingxiu had pinched eyebrows. He watched with a critical gaze and judgmental att.i.tude.

    As he watched, his brows slowly loosened.

    To the side, Xi Yangyun and the jade-green clothed young man carefully observed Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression. When they saw him like this, their high-strung hearts were slowly put down atst.

    ¡ª Gu Zuo spoke well, but if the prescription was wrong, it would¡¯ve been useless.

    And it clearly wasn¡¯t that kind of situation right now... It truly couldn¡¯t have been better.

    Xu Lingxiu left his position beside Gu Zuo when he had only thest medicinal herb to write.

    This was also considered acting natural, in a way.

    Off to the side, Xi Yangyun quickly transferred three thousand contribution points over to Gu Zuo¡¯s disciple token just as Gu Zuo finished writing the final herb.

    Both parties were very pleased with this first-time business transaction.

    As Gu Zuo looked at the 3,000 disyed on his disciple token, he recalled the test subjects he was about to obtain and his heart was very happy. After thinking about it, he took out another piece of paper and scribbled some more.

    What he wrote this time was the pill refining process.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Lingxiu¡¯s intent to not deliberately read the prescription to cheat him, if it wasn¡¯t for Xi Yangyun¡¯s willingness to spend this kind of price for his close rtive, and if it wasn¡¯t for them giving the "money" so straightforwardly, he wouldn¡¯t have taken the initiative to give them this.

    But since the other party exined things honestly, he was also kind and generous on this point.

    Gu Zuo handed the paper over: "Although I don¡¯t know if my Senior Sect Brothers had also received this when obtaining the fragmented prescription, I¡¯ll gift what I got at that time to you guys. Senior Sect Brother Xi, I hope your sister gets well soon."

    Xu Lingxiu took that piece of paper. After his gaze rapidly swept over the words, he faced Xi Yangyun and said: "It¡¯s the specific medicine refining process. With this, we can save a lot of time."

    ¡ª Normally, a prescription would be aplete bodyprised of the medicinal herbs and the medicine refining process. But in the Qingyun Sect, Gu Zuo discovered that the "prescriptions" here only pointed to prescriptions that clearly wrote all the herbs.

    Although one could normally figure things out so long as the list of herbs and quant.i.ties were clear, it would waste a lot of medicinal herbs. In addition, the time spent would be hard to determine.

    If the prescription that Gu Zuo gave previously made Xi Yangyun look at it with high hopes, now that he got the medicine refining process, he had extreme confidence!

    After ascertaining things with Xu Lingxiu, the gaze Xi Yangyun directed at Gu Zuo was filled with gratefulness. Without the slightest hesitation, he took out a stack of golden banknotes from his inter-spatial tool and handed them over: "A mere three thousand contribution points isn¡¯t enough to express my grat.i.tude to my Junior Sect Brother. My Junior Sect Brother must ept it."

    In fact, as early as when Gu Zuo was being honest and straightforward, Xi Yangyun had already decided that if Xu Lingxiu verified the prescription¡¯s authenticity, he would¡¯ve given him five million more gold as a reward. But now, not only was the prescription real, he was even willing to give the medicine refining process as a gift... He naturally wanted to increase his expression of thanks.

    An insignificant twenty million gold simply couldn¡¯tpare to his little sister¡¯s position in his heart!

    Gu Zuo looked at Xi Yangyun¡¯s sincerity, and took the offered golden banknotes: "Then, I¡¯ll take it. Senior Sect Brother Xi also doesn¡¯t need to take it too seriously."

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s face didn¡¯t have a fretful look, and his smiling expression was even more unconstrained: "By the way, this Xi still doesn¡¯t know my Junior Sect Brother¡¯s honorable name..."

    Gu Zuo nced at Gongyi Tianheng and replied: "I¡¯m called Gu Zuo. This sir is my young master."

    Tianheng shook his head and couldn¡¯t contain hisughter. He also said: "This one is Inner Sect disciple Gongyi Tianheng. Greetings, everyone."

    At this moment, Xi Yangyun and the others discovered that aftering to the tea shack... At first nce, they undoubtedly thought that this sir was the leader. Who would¡¯ve thought that after discussing with Gu Zuo, they had almost forgotten this person. Now that they heard him talking, they remembered him again.

    Of course, what surprised them even more was that Gu Zuo, who possessed the prescription, was actually Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s attendant. As for Tianheng, he unexpectedly let Gu Zuo negotiate with them?

    It was strange.

    However, this wasn¡¯t the important point.

    After Xi Yangyun and the others got acquainted with the two, they were itching to go back and try refining the pills.

    Before leaving, they all left with a few parting words.

    Xi Yangyun said: "In the future, if the two sirs have any trouble, you can go to Chongyuan Mountain to find me."

    That Xu Lingxiu eyed Gu Zuo: "You¡¯re a pharmacist. If you have any questionster on, you can go to the Violet Tower to find me. I¡¯ll cover for you."

    The jade-green clothed young man smiled at the two, and also closely followed the others out.

    In the back, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    And this was the second time Xu Lingxiu, this great young master, said these words.

    Xu Lingxiu hadn¡¯t remembered him...

    After they walked away, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo took their seats.

    Gu Zuo looked over a little nervously: "Big brother, you didn¡¯t say anything. I didn¡¯t know if I did alright..."

    Tianheng eyes crinkled: "Ah Zuo did well, so I didn¡¯t speak at all."

    Gu Zuo set aside his worries. After that, he directly put the pile of golden banknotes into Tianheng¡¯s hand: "Big brother, take this and go circte it. The pocket money I made from before is enough."

    Although Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t know what "pocket money" meant, he still urately received Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning. His gaze also carried some warmth. He ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and gently said: "Okay."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 141

    After securing enough contribution points and handing over the golden banknotes to Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo dly and diligently took his disciple token to the Medicine Pavilion.

    This time, Tianheng directly delivered him to the Medicine Pavilion¡¯s gate and watched Gu Zuo join up with Elder Huo.

    Elder Huo never expected Gu Zuo to return so quickly and was a little surprised: "Does Student Gu want to go now?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was slightly red: "Yes, I¡¯ve already earned the contribution points... En, I sold a prescription."

    Elder Huo recalled Gu Zuo¡¯s fortuitous encounter and understood clearly: "Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll lead you to the ck Prison at once."

    Gu Zuo naturally didn¡¯t object. He happily said: "Many thanks, Elder Huo!"

    Hence, Elder Huo handed over the affairs of the Medicine Pavilion to another Elder who was resting in a side hall. He himself led Gu Zuo out of the Medicine Pavilion.

    Outside of the pavilion, he saw a graceful figure. He was a young man with an exceedingly outstanding appearance. His disposition and presence were peerless. One would know at a nce that his potential was limitless. He was certainly a dragon among men.

    Gu Zuo waved his hand: "Big... Young master!"

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled as he walked over. He first saluted to Elder Huo: "Disciple Gongyi Tianheng greets Elder Huo. Ah Zuo¡¯s matter has troubled this Elder with worry."

    Elder Huo twirled his mustache.

    Although he had ambition, he also knew restraint and had a bnced bearing. Very good.

    It seemed he really wasn¡¯t fickle or sleazy.

    Seeing this kind of person, Elder Huo thought back to his previous conjecture and increasingly realized why Gu Zuo had such admiration. Moreover, Gu Zuo was loyal and devoted, and wasn¡¯t willing to throw himself to other future prospects halfway through.

    After smiling, Elder Huo¡¯s att.i.tude was very friendly: "Martial artists can¡¯t enter the ck Prison. If Student Gongyi feels rea.s.sured, I will go in to apany Student Gu."

    Tianheng naturally showed a hint of happiness: "Then, I¡¯ll have to make a request to this Elder."

    Gu Zuo listened to the two¡¯s responses and didn¡¯t interrupt. He obediently waited on the side.

    Afterwards, Elder Huo summoned an enormous wild bird.

    The three got on the wild bird and only felt the wind whistling on both sides as the wild bird shot into the sky. With a couple ps of its wings, the bird had already crossed over many mountain peaks as it flew towards the depths of the Inner Sect.

    The location of the ck Prison was a fairly hidden one.

    After all, the criminals imprisoned here were all once extremely vicious and evil people. Although there were barriers upon barriers of defense, ones that no one could escape from under normal circ.u.mstances, there would always be worries about that one-in-million chance. Nevertheless, the cleverest people were those who were isted from the world.

    The wild bird spiraled down into a deep valley. It didn¡¯t take it long to descend andnd onto a tract of yellowed earth.

    Up ahead was arge and deeply hidden cave entrance. The opening was guarded by at least several hundred Xiantian martial artists. The qi energy was tremendous and was interwoven into a huge, which enshrouded the entire valley. Along the mountain walls were many caves where gigantic crossbow machines were put in ce. These crossbows were different from the norm. The arrows installed on the crossbows were astonishingly heavy, and the arrows were forged from materials that could damage true qi. When these crossbow arrows cut through the air all at once, hundreds of thousands of arrows would appear. Even Immortal Realm martial artists would nurse grievances.

    In addition, there were countless locked chains that sealed the cave entrance ¡ª Even Immortal Realm martial artists wouldn¡¯t have been able to tear them open ¡ª The chains formed a great lock in the middle, locking up the sole entrance that probably would only allow a single person to pa.s.s at a time.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    This ce...was a little scary.

    In modern times, the prisons he¡¯d seen weren¡¯t nearly as bad as this. Those were already imposing enough, butpared to this one here, they were simply ying around.

    Elder Huo watched Gongyi Tianheng and said: "All martial artists can only stop here." Then he asked, "Will Student Gongyi wait here, or..."

    Tianheng gave an unhurried smile: "Ah Zuo being in the ck Prison isn¡¯t actually bad. But if hees out without anyone keeping watch at the gate, I won¡¯t feel at ease... So, I¡¯ll wait for him here."

    Elder Huo looked at Tianheng¡¯s gaze, which was different.

    ¡ª It seemed he was really preparing to do this?

    After that, Elder Huo looked to the mountain walls again.

    The ck Prison was no ordinary ce. It was fine to go in with thepany of others, but outside, the countless crossbow arrows were pointed towards the s.p.a.ce in front of the cave entrance. If a martial artist stood here, it was the equivalent of exposing themselves beneath the arrows. Although one would know that the other side wouldn¡¯t shoot, it was still like sitting on pins and needles. It was as if one could lose their life here at any moment.

    Wanting to stop here and wait for the pharmacist toe out from the ck Prison... That courage was extraordinary.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think that much about it. He only said with deep concern: "This won¡¯t interfere with big...young master¡¯s affairs?"

    Gongyi Tianheng slightly smiled as his gaze softened: "Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry. This ce is also a kind of training."

    It wasn¡¯t too clear to Gu Zuo, but Elder Huo understood.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo, who didn¡¯t understand but didn¡¯t seek to get to the bottom of it, followed Elder Huo, who understood but had no intention of talking about it. Together, they walked over to those locked chains.

    Through the chained gateway, there were many guarding Xiantian martial artists wearing armor like soldiers. Even though the ones seen were pharmacists who shouldn¡¯t have had any fighting strength, long spears were extended and the spearheads were aimed against them.

    Elder Huo wasposed. He took out a token and shed it: "We¡¯vee to purchase live specimens. I ask that the honorable guards let us in."

    Gu Zuo also promptly followed along, taking out his own disciple token for the people to inspect.

    Upon seeing this, the guards withdrew their spearheads. Following which, a double-pointed key the size of a palm was taken out and urately inserted into therge lock in the back.

    With a nking sound, the lock opened.

    At this moment, all of the crossbow arrows swiveled around and aimed at Elder Huo and Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo trembled.

    Ah, being pointed at by so many arrows really made one¡¯s body feel a chill.

    Nevertheless, Elder Huo was used to it. He didn¡¯t give the crossbow arrows a single nce as he led Gu Zuo into the darkness of the cave¡¯s depths.

    Gu Zuo discovered that the darkness actually wasn¡¯t very dark... At an interval of every ten steps, there were torches on both sides. There was also a Xiantian martial artist on guard. Their expressions were solemn, and their gazes were gloomy and unfeeling.

    Walking through the crosshairs of this kind of surveince could be considered an ordeal. Gu Zuo pulled his neck back and closely followed Elder Huo. He didn¡¯t dare let his eyes wander to either side.

    Then, the more they walked, the deeper they went...

    Immediately after that, one could hear the pattering sound of dripping water.

    Gu Zuo saw the ck Prison.

    The meaning of the ck Prison seemed to refer that the path leading to it was very dark. The ck Prison¡¯s interior was also very dark.

    The more one walked down, the more one could see the tightly-locked cages.

    Correct. Perhaps it was for the test subjects; at the very least, all of the prison cells seen up until now were all equipped with bars. The metal bars were thick as thighs and were densely embedded together.

    Gu Zuo quietly nced at one of the prison cells.

    Sure enough, in there was a person with messy hair and a dirty face. He looked very pitiful.

    But very quickly, he saw the words engraved on the metal railing.

    [Jiang De, citizen of Xiyong Country, practiced martial arts since childhood, savage natural disposition, Xiantian stage one martial artist. Once consumed a hundred infant children to satisfy his desire for food. Was captured by the Sect¡¯s Core Disciple Bai Xinji, and imprisoned here. Lifelong imprisonment, cannot be released except as a live specimen for medicine refinement.]

    No matter who it was, so long as they had a bit of a conscience, they wouldn¡¯t sympathize with this Jiang De again after reading these sentences ¡ª He was truly worthy of the words "extremely vicious and evil".

    If the ones locked up in the ck Prison were all like this, then even being live specimens was letting them off lightly! It wasn¡¯t enough punishment for their sins!

    Gu Zuo reminded himself not to overdo it.

    He decided to choose this guy first!

    ¡ª Perhaps there were many people further back who¡¯d simrly enrage him, but wasn¡¯t the one who he first looked at precisely this person?

    Then, Gu Zuo said: "Elder Huo, would you know how to..." He paused, "...Buy?"

    Elder Huo found the ce Gu Zuo¡¯s vision had swept across and lightly sighed: "If Ah Zuo has settled on someone, you only need to insert your disciple token into that groove."

    His finger pointed to a spot.

    Gu Zuo followed with his eyes and saw on that metal railing, there was a slender crack under the words.

    Elder Huo continued: "Once you¡¯ve finished choosing, you can select a medicine refining room even deeper to work there. However, you need to remember that you can only use these live specimens in the rooms provided by the ck Prison. You absolutely can¡¯t take the test subjects away. As a result, there are many pharmacists residing here. They usually order private rooms as to avoid having others intrude and find their research ¡ª Even I have amonly used room here. If Student Gu wants to make use of more live specimens in the future, there¡¯s no harm in considering one or two."

    It could be said that Elder Huo really treated Gu Zuo with a careful reminder.

    Gu Zuo clearly understood, and was very grateful. He promptly said: "I understand. Many thanks, Elder Huo!"

    Following which, Gu Zuo walked straight to that cage and inserted his disciple token into the crack.

    His disciple token shed with rays of light, and ten contribution points were already deducted.

    This first floor martial artist had now been chosen.

    Immediately afterwards, they went to the second floor, third floor, fourth floor...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s selections weren¡¯t slow. He only needed to know the test subject¡¯s realm. And when he looked at which imprisoned criminals touched his bottom line, it was very easy to spend "money".

    Unwittingly, he¡¯d already chosen a Xiantian stage eight.

    T/N: I¡¯ll give you three guesses on why I¡¯ve been able to update so quickly. Also, stay safe everyone.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 142

    The more one descended into the ck Prison, the fewer criminals there were and the higher their strengths.

    Gu Zuo had alreadye to the second to thest floor. Here there were pharmacists and Xiantian stage eight or Immortal Realm martial artists who¡¯dmitted great evil. The ones locked up in the deepest parts of the ck Prison were martial artists at the Immortal Realm or stronger.

    Gu Zuo could understand the others, but why would pharmacists be kept here? He was a bit unclear about it ¡ª Could it have been because pharmacists were even more precious?

    Because he had these misgivings, he just asked Elder Huo.

    Elder Huo¡¯s expression suddenly became somewhatplicated: "Student Gu, you¡¯re still too young and your nature is upright, so you wouldn¡¯t understand the inferences... Look."

    ording to Elder Huo¡¯s words, Gu Zuo turned his head and looked at the exnation on the nearest pharmacist¡¯s cage.

    His eyes instantly widened.

    [Lu You, a low-level pharmacist who discovered a type of Wondrous Poison. In order to test its toxicity, he used a small nation as test subjects, causing the deaths of three by ten thousand by ten thousand people countrywide. Because the oue brought about was excessively evil, the country¡¯s survivors appealed to the Qingyun Sect. The Sect¡¯s Core Disciple Fang Yunwen and Pharmacist Hall¡¯s mid-level pharmacist Qu Xing acted together to capture him and eliminate the remaining poison. Because the country had already be a deadnd, even though the remaining poison was purged, it hasn¡¯t recovered its life force to this day.]

    Three by ten thousand by ten thousand people!

    ¡ª Wasn¡¯t that three hundred million?

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    During the modern era, even the country purported to have the greatest poption had no more than 1.8 billion people. But Lu You, this low-level pharmacist, unexpectedly poisoned as many as one sixth of that!

    Too terrifying! It was also too horrendous...

    At this time, Gu Zuo understood atst.

    The so-called ck Prison distributed its prison cells and floors based on danger levels. One shouldn¡¯t look at pharmacists and see that their martial strength was nothing special. Their harmfulness was much greater than that of martial artists, especially the sort like Lu You, who could wantonly poison others for a new discovery. The evilsmitted by a single person could rival ten million "extremely vicious and evil" martial artists!

    The ck Prison acted as a storage warehouse for live specimens. Presumably, it also had a strong rtionship with the danger levels of the pharmacists it harbored. With live specimens, those pharmacists who wanted to research or attempt something would have a way to do so.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was a little distressed.

    He certainly wouldn¡¯tmit such deranged things... However, "scientists" were frightening.

    Ah, it was scary to think about it.

    As he walked to the interior, Gu Zuo discovered that there really were many pharmacists locked up here. In other words, there were many people who conducted dangerous experiments that went against heaven and reason. He sighed, not the least bit sympathetic for them.

    The pursuit of truth and the desire to do research was fine, but doing so in excess was out of the question. Because things such as this and all sorts of evil acts were equally undeserving of forgiveness.

    Gu Zuo calcted his remaining contribution points, and picked three people.

    Individually, there was a Xiantian stage two, a Xiantian stage five, and a Xiantian stage seven pharmacist. Because they were each low, mid, and high-level pharmacists, the spent contribution points totaled to about one thousand four hundred. In addition, he also took a Xiantian stage eight martial artist.

    Buying that many people consisting of martial artists and pharmacists cost close to four thousand contribution points. Besides the three thousand that the Steadfast Heart Pillted him, he also had close to a thousand additional points. These were from him mending several other prescriptions.

    Unfortunately, although he had obtained contribution points that countless Inner Sect disciples would never have been able to .u.mte, he spent the "money" like flowing water. In just a brief period of time, he only had a hundred points left to use.

    After Elder Huo led Gu Zuo to the medicine refining rooms in the depths of the ck Prison, he told Gu Zuo: "Each medicine refining room requires five contribution points to be rented for a day. There are many top-notch facilities inside, and there¡¯s also an Earth Fire you can use. When staying inside for a day, your disciple token¡¯s contribution points will automatically be deducted. If you exceed the limits of your contribution points, no matter what tests you¡¯re doing, the doors will be opened. Thus, this student must always remember to not waste your time. Otherwise, the process of your experiment will be exposed to the eyes of those whoe in front of the opened door."

    Naturally, Gu Zuo promptly thanked him again for the reminder.

    At this time, after Elder Huo warned Gu Zuo about some important matters, he finally left ¡ª After all, Gu Zuo would be researching for a long time, and he had many secrets. Elder Huo couldn¡¯t be allowed to follow Gu Zuo and wait for him here, right?

    Despite it being like this, Gu Zuo still repeatedly thanked him. He trailed Elder Huo with his eyes until he was far away.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo went to pick a room.

    Generally speaking, if there wasn¡¯t a disciple token inserted in the door, it was unupied, and if there was a token inserted, it was upied. As he traveled along the pitch-ck alley, he found that there wasn¡¯t any difference between the designs of the medicine refining rooms and the ck Prison. It seemed very foreboding.

    However, it was still much more popr than what Gu Zuo imagined. After walking for at least dozens of meters, the medicine refining rooms on both sides were all surprisingly upied. It went to show that the pharmacists in the Qingyun Sect all had very strong mindsets towards research!

    As he walked to the end of the alley, he still hadn¡¯t found a room. Gu Zuo turned the corner, intending on finding one along another alley. But just as he turned the corner, he heard footsteps ahead.

    ck, ck, ck...

    In this quiet ce, it seemed particrly clear.

    Gu Zuo raised his head to look.

    That person walked closer and closer... Suddenly, he opened his mouth: "Are you?"

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: "You are, uh, Senior Sect Brother Xu?"

    Correct, the one who was approaching him was precisely Xu Lingxiu!

    It hadn¡¯t been long since they parted ways before meeting again here.

    Oh, it truly was...a curious coincidence.

    Xu Lingxiu still had that haughty appearance as he looked Gu Zuo up and down: "What did youe here to do?"

    Gu Zuo forced augh: "To verify a type of toxin I found..."

    Xu Lingxiu raised his chin: "You exchanged contribution points for this?"

    Gu Zuo naturally nodded: "Yes."

    Xu Lingxiu harrumphed: "In honor of you giving me that prescription... Alright, take it."

    While he spoke, he casually threw something over.

    Gu Zuo knew about this young master¡¯s temperament and immediately used both hands to catch it. After that, he felt the zing temperature of the thing in his palms ¡ª Although it wouldn¡¯t burn his hands, it was very hot.

    Xu Lingxiu said: "A Fire Essence Stone. Does a country b.u.mpkin like you know of it?"

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and his eyes shined: "It raises an Earth Fire¡¯s rank?"

    Xu Lingxiu lifted his chin again: "Correct. Consider this me having pity on you, peasant!"

    Following that, he turned around and inserted his disciple token directly into a crack in the wall. His mouth still didn¡¯t forget to throw out a sentence: "When you¡¯re doing your experiment, you can¡¯t do things haphazardly. You¡¯ll be throwing your little life away!"

    Then his figure disappeared into that doorway.

    Gu Zuo looked at the stone doors that were already tightly closed. Then he looked at the Fire Essence Stone in his hands again. He was truly bbergasted.

    Since the item book that introduced Earth Fires also mentioned lots of Wondrous Fires, it naturally mentioned how to cultivate the Wondrous Fires. The Fire Essence Stone was a type of ore that had the greatest use for Earth Fires. One would directly throw it into an Earth Fire, and it could briefly raise the Earth Fire¡¯s rank before it finished burning ¡ª For example, a rank five Earth Fire could be raised to rank four, a rank four could be raised to rank three, and so on. Merely, there were differences in the product grades of the Fire Essence Stones thrown in.

    The piece that Xu Lingxiu gave Gu Zuo was the kind that raised a rank five Earth Fire to rank four.

    Gu Zuo got this thing. If he wanted to refine poisonous medicinal pills, it would be more suitable to use an Earth Fire with a higher rank. Aftermenting the young master¡¯s pride and can-do behavior at the bottom of his heart, he continued to find a room.

    ¡ª This time around, his luck was good.

    It wasn¡¯t but a few paces away. There was a certain room about two or three rooms adjacent to Xu Lingxiu that didn¡¯t have a disciple token. Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was happy as he directly inserted his own disciple token into it.

    The door opened.

    It waspletely empty inside. Besides the pit of an Earth Fire, there was only an ordinaryrge-scale pill cauldron. There wasn¡¯t too big a difference between its appearance and that of the Earth Fire Rooms. However, the area was very expansive.

    Gu Zuo could see that the fringes also had some marks of abraded metal. This was ¡ª

    He quickly realized what this was.

    After the sound of grinding gears echoed, the ground where those marks were located split open. Immediately following that, eleven metal berths rose up from below.

    On each metal berth was a heavily shackled person.

    There were martial artists, and there were also pharmacists...

    These were the test subjects Gu Zuo had bought.

    All of the live specimens on the metal berths had their eyes blindfolded.

    Most of their bodies, which had been in long-term captivity, appeared wan. Their qi and blood had also been heavily eroded. However, their true qi and realms hadn¡¯t shown any changes. The ck Prison guaranteed the continuation of their lives.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts turned. A handful of multi-colored, mutated Scarlet Blood Rice appeared on a table nearby. He cautiously took out a gray-colored grain. After cutting it open, he consumed a single measured drop.

    Afterwards, he began cutting open the outer sh.e.l.ls of the multi-colored, mutated Scarlet Blood Rice. He poured all the liquid into a gourd and stored it for the time being. He wanted to observe the effects and use the same amount every time, so he needed to do things properly during the preliminary preparations.

    Because Gu Zuo maintained enough distance beforehand and the speed he collected the poisonous fluid was sufficiently fast, the test subjects weren¡¯t infected in advance from smelling the odor. At this time, he took the gourd and walked in front of them.

    He started from the Xiantian stage one martial artist...

    After taking the poisonous fluid, the martial artist¡¯s qi and blood faded very quickly. Almost in the blink of an eye, that Xiantian stage one martial artist¡¯s qi and blood had already dried up and he died! He wasn¡¯t even able to react to it!

    Gu Zuo was gobsmacked.

    He never expected that this kind of thing could happen!

    Could it be that it was because the quant.i.ty of poisonous fluid he used was too much?

    At this moment, Gu Zuo suddenly discovered a problem.

    His experience was still toocking... He unexpectedly forgot ¡ª If, during the process of the experiment, a test subject was damaged and the conclusion wasn¡¯t obtained, what should be done?

    After rubbing his face, he forced a smile and went to the doorway.

    He said to the disciple token: "Please supply me with another Xiantian stage one martial artist."

    Fortunately, Elder Huo told Gu Zuo before he departed that if he had any other needs, he could use this method to inform the guards in the ck Prison. The need right now was to increase the number of test subjects to be used by him.

    After that, Gu Zuo discovered the numbers on the disciple token had changed. It promptly decreased by ten contribution points. Meanwhile, the ground split open once more and a new metal berth appeared in front of him.

    This time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare act negligently as he tested.

    Currently, a low-level martial artist was still okay. If it was an even higher leveled one... His contribution points were already dangerously low.

    This one experiment took quite a few hours.

    Gu Zuo used fresh water to dilute the poisonous fluid. He fed each grade of martial artist, one by one, and observed their reactions. Once the bulk of their qi and blood eroded, he stuffed them with top grade Rejuvenation Pills, Qi Generating Pills, and Snowy Ginseng Pills. This made their bodies constantly recover in short periods of time.

    Merely, in Gu Zuo¡¯s storage s.p.a.ce, the amounts of a.n.a.logous pills that remained weren¡¯t considered too high ¡ª Most of them were the ones he had set aside for Gongyi Tianheng. However, it was fortunate that he had the habit of h.o.a.rding medicinal herbs. In the region of his storage s.p.a.ce that had medicinal ingredients, he had lots of the corresponding herbs.

    At this moment, the Fire Essence Stone that Xu Lingxiu gave Gu Zuo was given a try. He threw it into the rank five Earth Fire, and discovered that the Earth Fire had gained a stronger spiritual nature and heated up even faster. This saved a lot of time.

    Gradually, more and more experimental data was collected by Gu Zuo.

    The true colors of the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice were also being revealed before Gu Zuo...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 143

    [Name: Scarlet Blood Poison]

    [Type: Multi-colored, ck, and gray]

    [Delivery Mechanism: Oral ingestion or nasal inhtion]

    [Medicinal Effects: Multi-colored is a toxin which can render someone unconscious or eliminate qi and blood. ck is a martial artist¡¯s antidote. Gray is a pharmacist¡¯s antidote. Wild beastsck an antidote.]

    [Range of Function: Wild beasts ¡ª Ineffective on rank eight or above. Human race ¡ª Will not cause death to true qi realm stage eight or above.]

    [Range of Potency: Can be controlled through liquid concentrations.]

    [Note: When the concentration is at its highest, there are no changes in the effects on wild beasts, but it can directly cause death in humans, who are the most susceptible to being poisoned.]

    Gu Zuo silently summarized all of his research discoveries. Atst, he obtained a positive response from the system.

    [Side Mission 2: 100%pletion rate.]

    [Mission Reward: <gu zuo''s="" research="" reports="">>] </gu>

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Research reports?

    [Besides the item books the system has gifted, after the host has discovered something new, the research results can be recorded in this collection of reports. It will be set aside for the host to look over at any time.]

    Gu Zuo understood.

    The system really was considerate. It had even thought of this.

    After that, he took out the research report and flipped through it. Sure enough, the entire experiment¡¯s process had been recorded meticulously. It wasprised of the repeated tests¡¯ dosage amounts, yielded results, and even the corresponding medicinal pills used to recuperate the energy of those martial artists and pharmacists. The degree of recovery was also recorded clearly.

    Although Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic energy was currently getting stronger and stronger, which ensured a highly retentive memory and allowed him to remember what he did during the tests, he was still in a foundational period. If he became even more powerful in the future and wanted to leave behind a bit of an inheritance to theter generations, these test records would be very important. Most of all, some of his thoughts would be revealed during his research, which would be very enlightening... Cough.

    Gu Zuo felt his face was a bit big.

    Be humble, be humble.

    The mission had beenpleted atst, and the medicinal qi had been saved. Gu Zuo had no inclination to continue staying here. He looked again to those metal berths and pursed his lips.

    Okay. The circ.u.mstances that those notes mentioned...were the ones about how the highest concentrations would result in death...

    There were currently no changes in the desated bones on the metal berths. There was only that Xiantian stage eight martial artist. The others had all died during that final test.

    It was also under Gu Zuo¡¯s ruthless hands that he gradually increased the dosage of poisonous fluid to each of the martial artists, whose realms were one stage higher than the next. It was only during the eighth test ¡ª While facing the Xiantian stage eight martial artist, even when he gave the martial artist the remaining half of the gourd¡¯s poisonous fluid, the consequences brought about were that his qi and blood had been thoroughly depleted and he¡¯d lost his realm. But in the end, that martial artist hadn¡¯t died. It went to show that this was already the limit.

    So, here came the problem.

    Gu Zuo was about to leave the medicine refining room, and he wasn¡¯t sure if he was going toe backter on. So how would this medicine refining room be dealt with? If someone came in and saw this, he was afraid that it wasn¡¯t going to be too good.

    Gu Zuo, who was already used to concealing things, was a little confused and a little hesitant.

    Just as Gu Zuo was thinking about how to deal with the desated bones, Gu Zuo¡¯s sight fell upon the area beneath that pill cauldron... On the Earth Fire.

    After that, he pped.

    Ah, right! He could use this!

    Gu Zuo sprinted over and crouched down to look at that Earth Fire.

    Although ordinary materials had no way to collect the Earth Fire, the alleyway outside supposedly had special materials manufactured that basically made it impossible to take out the Earth Fire. However, within the medicine refining room, there were some pharmacists who could use certain methods to change the Earth Fire¡¯s position!

    Gu Zuo was one of those pharmacists.

    In addition, Xu Lingxiu had previously given him a chunk of Fire Essence Stone. And this Fire Essence Stone still wasn¡¯t finished burning...

    The next moment, Gu Zuo took out a piece of jade stone from his storage s.p.a.ce.

    He thought of a way to slice this jade stone into thin strips. Following which, he extended the "chopsticks" to grasp that chunk of Fire Essence Stone in the Earth Fire.

    After the Fire Essence Stone was removed, it was still burning with mes. Weren¡¯t the mes burning on the stone and absorbing the fire energy within precisely the Earth Fire?

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare dally in the slightest. He quickly carried the Fire Essence Stone in front of the first pile of dried bones, and raised the grasping chopsticks.

    In a split second, several sparks fell onto the dried bones and a me was instantly formed. Moreover, it rapidly engulfed the dried bones and burned it to ashes.

    Gu Zuo was very happy when he saw it was useful.

    He quickly went to the second corpse, third corpse... There wasn¡¯t too much Earth Fire on the Fire Essence Stone, but fortunately, he didn¡¯t need too much for cremating. It didn¡¯t take long for all the corpses to be ignited. Finally, it was thest body. When he came before the Xiantian stage eight martial artist who hadn¡¯t died yet, he paused his footsteps.

    What was he to do about this body?

    Gu Zuo closed his eyes.

    When he opened his eyes, two sharp Silver Awls flew out and directly pierced into that Xiantian stage eight martial artist¡¯s head! The explosion rumbled.

    Without the shield of true qi, even if this martial artist¡¯s psychic power was very strong, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to make use of it. Without any way to guard against it, he could only let that Spirit Piercing Awl show off its power.

    Merely, he was still hanging on by a thread.

    Gu Zuo steeled himself and continued to shoot. He wasn¡¯t stingy at all. In a short minute, he discharged as many as dozens of Silver Awls, which had practically exploded the martial artist¡¯s head into a pulp. Then, he slowly let out a sigh and stopped.

    At this time, Gu Zuo directly thew the Fire Essence Stone onto the martial artist¡¯s body.

    The zing me was ferocious. But perhaps because the Earth Fire itself was a type of Wondrous Fire and the Xiantian martial artist¡¯s body was originally very clean, during thebustion process, there weren¡¯t any stenches released besides the crackling of the fire. However, because a Xiantian martial artist¡¯s physical body was very strong, the higher the grade of the Xiantian martial artist, the slower and harder it was to burn the corpse.

    After a long one or two hours, the corpse was burned to bone ash.

    The energies within the Fire Essence Stone were used up. It had also be a lump of gray stone.

    Gu Zuo let out a long sigh.

    It was finally settled.

    The medicine refining room had been restored to its former emptiness. And as for Gu Zuo, he was done and could now go back.

    In the future, only if there was a special need would he return to this ce.

    The psychological pressure was too great. There was nothing else.

    When all was said and done, he still hadn¡¯t formed a habit of effortlessly experimenting on living people... Even if those living people were bad guys who couldn¡¯t have been any worse.

    After walking to the doorway, Gu Zuo removed his disciple token.

    The door opened wide and he turned to walk out.

    However, just as he walked two steps, Gu Zuo stopped again.

    He was looking at the disciple token¡¯s remaining, pathetically few, contribution points. He was a little regretful.

    Truly...

    In the past, he always thought that his dear big brother, who practiced martial arts, burned through money and could eat a lot... Ah, but now it looked like he himself ¡ª In order toplete a mission, to verify a type of poison, he made those test subjects into single-use disposables. Ultimately, he was the true "money burner"!

    After calcting it all, he was able to squander more than his big brother.

    Yes, Gongyi Tianheng used up a lot of gold, but Gu Zuo had wildly burned though contribution points.

    From getting rich quick overnight to immediately bing a pauper, the gap between them didn¡¯t even reach one day for Gu Zuo ¡ª He was practically sweating all over.

    After staring foolishly into s.p.a.ce for a while, Gu Zuo shook his head and quickly walked ahead.

    This time, he had his head lowered. Yet, he hadn¡¯t walked too far before he almost b.u.mped into a person ¡ª Why was it Xu Lingxiu again?

    Over the past several days, Gu Zuo felt that he and this Xu Lingxiu really had too much of a...predestined affinity.

    Xu Lingxiu clearly didn¡¯t expect to run into Gu Zuo again.

    He looked at this hurried pace of his, raised his eyebrow, and said: "It seems you¡¯re still alive."

    Gu Zuo nodded his head with embarra.s.sment: "You also..." He was thinking wrongly. He maneuvered, "...You¡¯re also working hard."

    Xu Lingxiu sneered.

    Gu Zuo tried to find a topic: "The Fire Essence Stone was very useful. Thank you very much."

    Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow again: "Come to the Violet Tower for a visit tomorrow. I¡¯ll take a look at your level."

    After he finished speaking, he walked away without turning back.

    Gu Zuo was left behind...

    "Eh?"

    T/N: While uploading new chapters, I¡¯ve been trying to go back through the old chapters to correct some terminologies. (I¡¯m way behind schedule for this.) One such change is for Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic attacks. The weaker attack is now Silver Awl and the stronger attack is Silver Needle. Theprehensive skill is called Spirit Piercing Awl.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 144

    Wasn¡¯t this great young master too...enthusiastic?

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    Right now, he seemed to have a bit of an understand of the other party. Although Gu Zuo could feel a kind of arrogance that made him want to p that guy¡¯s face when they met a few times before, Xu Lingxiu was ultimately arrogant in his confidence. Not counting the first time he mentioned that he could give Gu Zuo some pointers, the next two times should¡¯ve been about how Gu Zuo helped that young master¡¯s friend, so he wanted to pay Gu Zuo back a little bit?

    Gu Zuo had no words.

    After shaking his head, Gu Zuo waited till he had leftpletely. Then he sped up his footsteps and walked out of the ck Prison¡¯s vicinity.

    When he approached the cave entrance, most of the outside light was prating in. Gu Zuo used his hand to block in front of his eyes, and slowly walked out. Taking a moment to get used to it, he finally left theseyers of chains.

    The martial artists on duty weren¡¯t obstructing him. After he stepped across the final length of chain, he was like a criminal being pardoned.

    But he was still a little nervous.

    Gu Zuo lifted his head and saw that weing big brother, who stood tall with his hands sped behind his back.

    He stared: Big brother, his body seemed to be tense all over?

    The next moment, Gu Zuo felt the hair all over his body suddenly stand on end.

    Countless killing intents from all directions wereunched. It was like they could stab him into a sieve at any moment!

    Right! It was the crossbow arrows on the mountain walls!

    Thinking back, there clearly wasn¡¯t this kind of sensation before entering the cave...

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng beckoned with his hand: "Ah Zuo,e here."

    Gu Zuo naturally scampered over: "Big brother!"

    Tianheng said: "Don¡¯t be scared. The longer the period of great danger, the scarier it bes. They probably don¡¯t like people lingering here for too long."

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: "They¡¯re afraid that someone who stays here too long will make an attempt?"

    Tianheng smiled and nodded.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, his brows rxing.

    In fact, it wasn¡¯t strange for others to act like this. After all, the ck Prison was an important location. Who knew if the disciples here had an ord with the Sect, or if they had ill-intentions?

    He then felt relieved.

    Gongyi Tianheng patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head. Following which, a hand embraced his waist and they leaped up. His posture was like a gigantic roc that pped both wings as they rocketed into the sky. The tip of his foot had only pushed lightly, but they¡¯d already ovee this section of steep cliffs andnded onto an upper part of the ravine.

    The ravine was very deep, but to Xiantian Realm martial artists, one could smoothly move up and down by spending some strength. Perhaps it would be somewhat difficult for other Xiantian stage one martial artists to carry such a burden, but for Gongyi Tianheng whose internal true qi was more than six times that of ordinary people, it was still effortless.

    Before a wick of incense could finish burning, Tianheng and Gu Zuo had finallynded on top of the cliffs.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh.

    After going through several training regimens, his "fear of heights" had already been cured. When he had some free time, he would look into this.

    Since pharmacists had true qi realms, there was no reason that Xiantian martial artists could rise into the air and pharmacists couldn¡¯t.

    Maybe, this also had something to do with his psychic power...

    The two returned to the valley.

    While on the road, Gu Zuo had told Tianheng all about the effects of the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice. They had also discussed how the remaining Scarlet Blood Rice would be used.

    To be honest, this thing looked very impressive. Unfortunately, it was too much of a coincidence. Theoretically, not only might this have been rted to the person who originally ruined the soil¡¯sposition, but it also might¡¯ve been rted to the Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction and the Growth Hastening Decoction. Most of all, the insides of all three types of Scarlet Blood Rice were liquid. Wanting to nt them was basically impossible.

    If one wanted to obtain mutated versions from nting the ordinary Scarlet Blood Rice, not only did they have to research theplete process of how the soil was ruined, the quant.i.ties and input sequence of the things that ruined the soil also needed to be researched... How was this possible? As for how many kinds ofponents in the soil, it wasn¡¯t necessarily possible to make the person who ruined ite forward to exin it clearly themselves.

    Let alone having Gu Zuo try.

    The cost-performance ratio was too low, so it basically wasn¡¯t worth it. In any case, they currently had arge amount. The correct handling method was to harvest them all up and use them.

    Thus, Gu Zuo nced at the second rotation of Scarlet Blood Rice in the field being nted by the diligent ves. The rice was being irrigated by Growth Hastening Decoction. Gu Zuo immediately squeezed into his own medicine refining room.

    It was decided! Seventy percent would be used to make Bewildering Beast Decoctions to earn money. The remaining thirty percent would be used to refine Trick Pills for self-protection!

    Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t make up for the contribution points he lost...

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t leave the medicine refining room until it was evening. It could even be said that he had an unkempt appearance.

    At first, Gongyi Tianheng was sitting cross-legged under a tree while condensing Xiantian bone pearls. At this moment, he saw Gu Zuo with this pathetic look and couldn¡¯t helpughing: "Ah Zuo, what happened?"

    Gu Zuo walked over miserably, and suddenly copsed to the ground: "...Tired."

    Because he¡¯d been busy doing this and that, his thoughts were too excited, which split his attention. When he refined medicinal pills or decoctions, it directly led to him being swamped with work, and dark bags formed under his eyes. Coupled with the fire¡¯s smoke and the poisonous gas hanging in the air, he cut a sorry figure.

    Tianhengughed: "Quickly go take a bath."

    Gu Zuo lifted his head and looked to the sky: "Big brother¡¯s letting me take a break..."

    Tianheng rarely got to see him acting so shamelessly, and his heart felt very amused. He stopped what he was doing and walked over to pick up one of Gu Zuo¡¯s hands: "Could it be that Ah Zuo wants big brother¡¯s help?"

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t move.

    He took a furtive look over. Was big brother ying a joke or was he being serious?!

    From his facial expression, he couldn¡¯t tell at all...

    At first, Tianheng was only cracking a joke, but when he saw Gu Zuo with this kind of appearance, he instead lifted Gu Zuo up and leisurely carried him into the building.

    As he walked, he voiced amand: "Dragon Two, fetch some bath water."

    Gu Zuo: ! ! !

    But at this moment, he alreadycked the ability to resist and was taken into the room by this big brother of his. Then, he was put on a cleared-out table.

    He looked on as Gongyi Tianheng immediately reached out his hands, pulling open his outer robes. Just as his clothes were about to be peeled off, he finally discovered that Tianheng really might¡¯ve not been fooling around!

    How could this be?! Granted that they were both men, but he was also...

    He was also very shy, okay?

    Under this panic, Gu Zuo promptly said: "Big brother, no need, no need! I¡¯ll wash myself! I really don¡¯t need you to help me!"

    When he shouted, he was fl.u.s.tered as he struggled. He hurriedly drew back and swiftly escaped Tianheng¡¯s hands.

    Gongyi Tianheng was a martial artist. He¡¯d even broken through to Xiantian ¡ª How could his strength bepared to a weak chicken like Gu Zuo?

    So, no matter how much Gu Zuo used his infantile strength, he couldn¡¯t really evade Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s "attack". As for those clothes, the outermostyer had already been removed.

    In the bathing room next door, the sounds of sshing water echoed. That was the bathing water Dragon Two had prepared. At the same time, there was also the sound of a door opening, which was Dragon Two exiting the bathing room.

    Tianheng clearly heard the movements over there. He saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s exterior "dusty sh.e.l.l" had been peeled back, and pinched the neckline of his inner robes. Just like this, he lifted Gu Zuo up and walked to the bathing room. Soon after, he released his hand and Gu Zuo was put down on the floor.

    Gu Zuo took three steps back. He covered his neck, with vignce across his whole face.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "What? Ah Zuo also won¡¯t take off his inner robes. Does he still need to make big brothere and lend a hand?"

    Gu Zuo: "Eh?" As it turned out, his big brother wasn¡¯t going to continue! He promptly said: "No, no, no! Big brother, I¡¯ll do it myself! This is something I can take off!"

    After he finished speaking, he acted without dy. He quickly and effortlessly tore off his clothes. But after taking them off, he discovered something amiss ¡ª Wait a second, his big brother was still in the room! He was naked like this... What was the difference between this and his big brother helping him undress?!

    Following this, Tianheng discovered that Gu Zuo¡¯splexion had changed.

    First, it turned red. After that, it turned deathly pale. Then, it turned red once again. He seemed so embarra.s.sed that he didn¡¯t know what to do.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo held his breath. Without knowing how, it was as if something pushed up under his feet, sending him directly into that huge bath tub.

    Boom!

    Big waves sshed up, and he was soaked through.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Just now, he felt very strange... When his embarra.s.sment reached an extreme point, it was like his mind had abruptly nked out. Following that, the s.p.a.ce between his eyebrows warmed up and something suddenly appeared from there, delivering him into the bath tub.

    If it wasn¡¯t for hisck of proficiency, he wouldn¡¯t have acted like a drowned rat.

    But even if he was practiced, that spectacle just now just too...too much!

    Gu Zuo stood lifelessly in the bath tub.

    He felt that his whole body wasn¡¯t so good right now.

    If he didn¡¯t guess wrongly, what happened just now should¡¯ve been the effects of his psychic power...

    But it would¡¯ve been much better if the matter of drawing support from his psychic power to fly through the air didn¡¯t ur under these kinds of circ.u.mstances!

    One situation after another had Gongyi Tianheng furrowing his eyebrows off to the side.

    He only had some seldom, mischievous thoughts. He just wanted to watch the amusing reactions of his little pharmacist. Unexpectedly, the oue was that he saw a pleasant surprise...

    After that, Tianheng unhurriedly walked over and grasped a woodendle. He scoop up some water and poured it down the distracted teenager¡¯s shoulders: "Ah Zuo, what¡¯re you still doing? If you continue to stay here, I¡¯m afraid the water will get cold."

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it and shivered.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 145

    His face...felt like...it was emitting smoke!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was circling around these words, and he felt that his own embarra.s.sment was overflowing. He was letting his imagination run wild while sitting naked in a bath tub. Meanwhile, he was caught red-handed by his dear big brother, who was also giving him a bath! No matter what he thought about, it all made him feel ashamed, like he couldn¡¯t show his face.

    After he shivered, Gu Zuo moved in such a way that it made him even more embarra.s.sed.

    He directly squatted down.

    Besides his head, his entire body was submerged under the water. This time, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything as he used the woodendle to pour water on him. Tianheng could only watch his face, which was so red that one wouldn¡¯t have known what he was choking on.

    Tianheng braced his forehead with a palm. He couldn¡¯t resist smiling: "Ah Zuo, you really..."

    ...Have gotten more and more interesting.

    But these words weren¡¯t easy for him to say.

    He felt that if he really said the whole thing, maybe even his little pharmacist¡¯s head would sink into the water?

    As he watched Gu Zuo¡¯s face be redder and redder, Gongyi Tianheng finally stopped teasing him.

    He withdrew a few steps and said with feigned helplessness: "Okay, Ah Zuo. You can stand up. There¡¯s no need to let the water go cold."

    Gu Zuo lifted his eyes and looked over. Seeing that Tianheng really had backed up a bit, he stood up apologetically. He took the woodendle that Tianheng had just set down to give himself a bath.

    Tianheng already resumed his usual appearance. He shook his head and said with a smile: "It started as a joke with Ah Zuo, but it made Ah Zuo like this... As your big brother, that was somewhat rude of me."

    Gu Zuo stuttered.

    Alright. He actually knew that his own reactions were a little excessive..."

    Tianheng also said: "However, Ah Zuo also shouldn¡¯t consider me an outsider. Up until now, I¡¯ve frequently taken my clothes off in front of Ah Zuo to take a bath or soak in medicinal decoctions, and I¡¯ve never felt embarra.s.sed. Ah Zuo should be even more calm in my presence."

    After hearing this, the warmth on Gu Zuo¡¯s face slowly waned: What big brother says is reasonable... We¡¯re all men. It¡¯s just a joke.

    His evasiveness also seemed too... En, too effeminate. It had to be mentioned that, although perplexing, because this matter unexpectedly let him understand another use of his psychic power, it also was a good thing. Actually, it wasn¡¯t necessary for him to be embarra.s.sed; Gu Zuo was sorry that he made his big brother ufortable.

    After finishing his psychological preparations, Gu Zuo promptly returned to normal: "What big brother says is right. I just, I just didn¡¯t react for a moment..."

    Gongyi Tianheng teasingly said: "Then in the future, I can also...help out Ah Zuo?"

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, but quickly responded: "Big brother, don¡¯t tease me anymore..."

    In the past, the two¡¯s interactions were already very close. Butpared to that joke just now, those interactions still seemed somewhat polite and formal. In addition, it wasn¡¯t the same as with a real loved one or family member ¡ª It was probably because Gu Zuo always revered Tianheng more. And because Tianheng was a native in this world and had good self-control since childhood, it was the same situation as with his original interactions with those close to him.

    It was different now.

    ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking, that yful joke just now was as if something had been unlocked... He believed that his big brother¡¯s temperament hadn¡¯t always been like this, but the asional joke was also very enjoyable.

    Perhaps, this was what it meant to be so-called brothers?

    At this time, Gu Zuo remembered that Gongyi Tianheng ¡ª This big brother whose mind was always nning all kinds of meticulous and witty strategies was actually just twenty years old.

    If it was the modern era, when an ordinary person was twenty, they wouldn¡¯t have even finished university yet.

    Currently, although Gu Zuo still felt a little embarra.s.sed, he calmly bathed in the presence of his big brother. As for Tianheng, he was just chatting with Gu Zuo.

    ¡ª On the whole, the two would chat regrly.

    Even if they were busy recently, they could chat when Tianheng soaked in his decoctions. Now that Gu Zuo was bathing, they could likewise chat.

    As fo the topic of this chat, it would naturally be about the matter of Gu Zuo previously "flying".

    As Gu Zuo washed up, he sensed something and said: "It¡¯s a function of my psychic power."

    Tianheng: "Oh?"

    Gu Zuo exined: "Just like when I condense a Spirit Piercing Awl, the gtinous psychic power is condensed and distributed beneath my feet. I¡¯ve found that it can actually be controlled."

    Tianheng patiently listened.

    Gu Zuo scratched his face: "En... I was too clumsy before, condensing psychic power into a Spirit Piercing Needle to injure people. To put it inly, I control the physical transformation of the psychic power to do things. Currently, it¡¯s only switched from injuring others to supporting myself. So long as there¡¯s enough psychic power to bear the weight, it can carry me into the air."

    Speaking up to here, he suddenly remembered: "Big brother, what do you Xiantian martial artists use to fly?"

    Gongyi Tianheng replied: "Xiantian true qi is used to support our bodies, which is fused with the surrounding environment. Combining the true qi with the airflow in the sky, we can pull a bit of the world¡¯s power to allow ourselves to fly."

    Gu Zuo nodded thoughtfully: "So, the methods pharmacists and martial artists use to fly are actually different."

    Even the principles were different.

    Tianheng nodded slightly: "Compared to martial artists, pharmacists also have medical beads. This is probably the reason why both cultivation systems are also different."

    Gu Zuo expressed his understanding: "In any case, I¡¯ll get better with practice."

    Tianheng grinned: "It¡¯ll be like this for now."

    Hence, this topic came to an end.

    Then they switched to another topic.

    Gu Zuo suddenly let out a low cry: "Right! I almost forgot!"

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: "What?"

    At a loss, Gu Zuo said: "Xu Lingxiu, he...invited me to the Violet Tower tomorrow."

    Tianheng asked with a smile: "To give you pointers?"

    Gu Zuo sighed: "Big brother guessed right."

    Tianheng slightly murmured: "While you were refining medicine, I got some information."

    Gu Zuo immediately showed a look of antic.i.p.ation.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, and slowly stated: "That quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist Xu Lingxiu has a very special ident.i.ty..."

    As previously mentioned, the powers within the Qingyun Sect¡¯s Inner Sect were veryplex. The Elders and those extremely outstanding disciples were linked in countless ways through tangled andplicated rtionships. Every group and every faction shared quite a few involvements. But if one really wanted to draw distinctions between them, there was roughly...a total of ten great powers.

    It could be .s.sified as the bloodline of the Sect Master and the bloodlines of the nine Grand Elders.

    Among them, the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline had the most power.

    Each of the nine Grand Elders had the strength of the Atomic Realm. Normally, only those who¡¯ve reached the Atomic Realm could be known as Grand Elders.

    However, an Atomic Realm martial artist¡¯s lifespan was five hundred years at most. Once five hundred years were reached, no matter how special a person believed themselves to be, they would die if they didn¡¯t make a breakthrough.

    Even so, it was too difficult to break through from the Immortal Realm to the Atomic Realm ¡ª In the entire Qingyun Sect, there might¡¯ve been many Core Disciples and even Inner Sect Disciples who could be Immortal Realm martial artists. Unfortunately, after reaching this threshold, making progress was extremely hard.

    Over countless years, the Sect had been controlled by ten bloodlines. If the Grand Elder of a bloodline perished without a new Atomic Realm appearing, what could be done? It wasn¡¯t good to handle matters without the authority of a Grand Elder!

    So, if one¡¯s sovereignty was cut short in the future, they could elect the strongest one to serve as the Grand Elder. But without an Atomic Realm¡¯s suppression, their overall strength would inevitably decline. As a result, in this world that respected martial arts, although it was impossible for this bloodline to be divided up among the other nine bloodlines, this particr bloodline¡¯s power would be reduced. At the same time, the bloodline¡¯s disciples would conduct themselves with their tails between their legs.

    As for the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, apart from special circ.u.mstances, it was always the strongest bloodline.

    Because only a person who could suppress the other nine Grand Elders would be able to im the position of Sect Master! Even if their nature wasn¡¯t Sect Master material, they needed to search among that bloodline for the strongest one to rece them!

    Tianheng said: "For this current generation, the Sect Master is the Sect¡¯s strongest individual."

    Gu Zuo was a little curious: "Then, is the Sect Master talented as a schr and martial artist?" Being able to govern the Sect and so forth...

    Tianheng nodded slightly: "In addition, it¡¯s said that his strength far surpa.s.ses the other nine Grand Elders. It¡¯s already at a realm higher than the Atomic Realm."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened: "A higher realm? What is it?"

    Tianheng paused: "I also haven¡¯t heard of it."

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    It was rare that his dear big brother didn¡¯t know about something.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t get hung up on this, and continued to talk about the first topic: "In the present Sect, there is a full set of nine Grand Elders. The Sect¡¯s interior doesn¡¯t favor one over the other and it¡¯s evenly distributed. There are nine Atomic Realms and one even more brilliant Sect Master. Overall, his strength isn¡¯t the greatest historically, but he¡¯s worthy of praise."

    Gu Zuo nodded as he earnestly listened: "Big brother¡¯s saying that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s ident.i.ty isn¡¯t ordinary because there¡¯s a rtionship between him and these powers?"

    Tianheng praised: "What you said is correct. Ah Zuo responded quickly."

    Among the nine Grand Elders, there was one who had the surname Xu. And this Grand Elder surnamed Xu possessed a bloodline that was currently the strongest power apart from the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline.

    Xu Lingxiu was Grand Elder Xu¡¯s biological grandson by direct descent. After being born, his body¡¯s attributes were inspected and it was discovered that his const.i.tution was outstanding. Only, it wasn¡¯t possible at that time to tell how great his potential was. Grand Elder Xu doted upon him, giving him countless resources and inviting extremely prominent pharmacists to guide him. As he grew up, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s gifts became more and more apparent. He was finally judged to be a quasi Golden-Level Pharmacist. At the same time, his position in this bloodline reached even higher.

    Meanwhile, Xi Yangyun, who apanied and arrived with Xu Lingxiu, was the disciple of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s biological father. He was already an Immortal Realm martial artist, and it could be said that he watched Xu Lingxiu grow up. Additionally, the jade-green clothed young man had a pretty good rtionship with Xi Yangyun, as he had also entered that little social circle of theirs. Xi Yangyun¡¯s little sister was only slightly younger than Xu Lingxiu, so he also treated her very importantly.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    One could say that Xu Lingxiu, that young master, was raised as a crown prince...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 146

    Although the present Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need his pointers, the little crown prince had expressed his good will. What should he do?

    Gu Zuo looked to Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng said: "If Ah Zuo is willing, go get in touch with him."

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: "Big brother¡¯s meaning is..."

    Tianheng patted his damp hair: "He invited you, so you should go. As for the rest, do whatever you want. That Xu Lingxiu¡¯s disposition is a little spoiled, but he doesn¡¯t sound like a person who harbors evil intentions. Additionally, you should make friends with some pharmacist contacts."

    Gu Zuo hesitated.

    In other words, he could go make friends... But he actually wasn¡¯t too interested in making friends. Because he always wanted to return to the modern era, anypanionship he developed with friends now wouldn¡¯tst for long.

    Tianheng rarely saw him hesitate like this: "What¡¯s wrong, Ah Zuo?"

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and said: "If I treat him as a friend and we need to leave the Sect in the future, wouldn¡¯t that make me an unworthy friend?"

    His impression to that little prince would be really poor.

    Tianheng understood in a sh, and smiled afterward: "Ah Zuo, no banquetsts forever. Even friends won¡¯t necessarily be in contact all the time. If a person you¡¯ve once made friends with ends up parting wayster on, you can only remember them in your heart. If you can meet them again, then you can greet them with a smile. The path of a martial artist is extremely long, and there¡¯lle a day when one must separate. Ah Zuo, you don¡¯t need to be too worried."

    Gu Zuo lowered his eyes: "En, I understand."

    In actuality, the one he was thinking about even more was this big brother of his.

    When it came to making friends with Xu Lingxiu, it basically hadn¡¯t even begun to take shape. But separating from his big brother was a matter that would inevitably happen in the future. He already considered his big brother as a close rtive, they were doomed to exist in different worlds. Once he left, would his big brother miss him?

    At the beginning, Gu Zuo never thought that he would¡¯ve cared about his patron like this, but people weren¡¯t vegetables. After his patron treated him like a little brother, his feelings for his patron grew deeper day by day.

    Trust had long been handed over... Now, if he thought about his future departure, he would feel a little mncholy and unwilling.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was gloomy.

    By that time, would his big brother think that Gu Zuo had cheated him? There was definitely no way that Gu Zuo could always be his pharmacist, but he¡¯d made such a promise from the very beginning.

    The maintenance and care of the Tiandu Body might¡¯ve run through the entire martial path of his big brother... But at the time, he really didn¡¯t understand that the treatment process would¡¯ve been this long.

    Gu Zuo heaved a silent sigh in his heart.

    When his big brother said that a martial artist¡¯s departure was verymon, it made his mood somewhatplicated.

    If only... If only...

    In short, he would carefully take care of his big brother up to the day that he left.

    Perhaps when that time came, he would¡¯ve already thought of a method topletely cure his big brother... Maybe.

    No matter how smart Gongyi Tianheng was, it was impossible for him to guess what Gu Zuo was thinking at this moment. He only thought that Gu Zuo was still at a loss over the matter of making friends with Xu Lingxiu. He no longer spoke and slowly pondered.

    This was originally a small matter. He was convinced that his little pharmacist wouldn¡¯t be perplexed for too long.

    Sure enough, it wasn¡¯t long before Gu Zuo had already raised his head and showed a smiling expression.

    Gu Zuo stammered: "Big brother, could you turn around?"

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: "Sure."

    After that, he turned round and only heard rustling noises behind him.

    Naturally, he also didn¡¯t see the feelings of guilt in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes.

    After Gu Zuo changed clothes, everything was back to business as usual.

    Only, he felt that when he faced his big brother in the future, he needed to treat him even better. Gu Zuo went to another world by chance. He wasn¡¯t willing to make the person, whom he had the best rtionship with in this world, hate him after leaving.

    As a result, after walking out of the bathing room, Gu Zuo tugged at Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s arm and dragged him to the study room.

    Following which, Gu Zuo furtively took out arge gourd and pa.s.sed it to him: "Big brother, for you!"

    Tianheng immediately responded: "The stuff refined using the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice..."

    Gu Zuo nodded, his smile resplendent: "It¡¯s something that came about after I referenced lots of medicinal decoction methods. However, it¡¯s not an original prescription because its effects only require a single drop mixed into water. True qi is used as a catalyst to release its spread, forming a powerful type of bewitching vapor. And with the addition of the ck Scarlet Blood Rice, the antidote targeted towards martial artists, it will only knock out wild beasts...

    He continued: "Of course, using a single drop will only confuse grade four wild beasts. The number of grade four wild beasts controlled corresponds to the range of the vapor¡¯s spread... If you want to knock out grade five wild beasts, you need two drops. If it¡¯s grade six, then it¡¯ll be five drops. Grade seven need ten drops, and the range of its spread will be especially small. It¡¯s useless against grade eight and above..."

    Tianheng listened with interest to Gu Zuo as he talked frankly with a.s.surance.

    This kind of Gu Zuo, when he mentioned things he was an expert in, had a radiance in his eyes that was extremely bright.

    It was very eye-catching.

    Gu Zuo still continued talking: "...I gave it the name Bewildering Beast Mist. What does big brother think?"

    Tianheng listened, his expression a little subtle. But he quickly nodded his head and said: "Very fitting. Just as there are countless types of prescriptions for medicinal pills, they¡¯re usually simple and to the point. Ah Zuo, this name also follows the trend."

    Gu Zuo gave a few hollowughs.

    He knew this was his big brother¡¯s way of speaking tactfully. This name really was too unsightly.

    Tianheng put away the gourd of Bewildering Beast Mist. With this thing, his other n could be implemented. It would cut down on a lot of the time he spent upying the Inner Sect.

    After that, Gu Zuo spoke again: "Big brother, that was the first thing."

    Gongyi Tianheng snapped out of his musings. With a satisfied mood, he smiled and asked: "Then the second one is?"

    Gu Zuoughed mischievously as another gourd appeared in his hand. He shook it, making a ratting noise inside, which were from numerous, hard medicinal pills.

    Tianheng took it, and poured out a pill onto his hand.

    The cyan medicinal pill seemed like a blue-green jade stone. It looked very beautiful. Merely, within this beauty, if one peered into it long enough, it would make a person feel a bit strange.

    Gu Zuo said: "Big brother, inject your true qi and throw it out."

    Tianheng¡¯s brows shifted, but he did as requested.

    His speed was very fast. That cyan pill was instantly smashed onto the ground, and immediately exploded!

    In a split second, a gout of cyan "raindrops" shot out in all directions. Tianheng was prepared early on and used true qi to block it. However, what he didn¡¯t antic.i.p.ate was that even though he used true qi, when those "raindrops" made contact, the true qi was corroded and it directly infected his body!

    Soon after, his true qi was like a flood unleashed as it rapidly disappeared. Unexpectedly,pared to the first time he smelled the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice, it was melting several times faster!

    Tianheng somewhat helplessly took another small porcin bottle Gu Zuo tossed over. He poured out a ck medicinal pill and ate it. The effect of those "raindrops" instantaneously vanished. However, he still lost more than seventy percent of his true qi ¡ª As one could well imagine, if a person with such robust true qi like him ended up like this, how would other normal martial artists fare? Wouldn¡¯t they just dry up in the blink of an eye?

    This kind of Trick Pill was truly too ferocious!

    Gongyi Tianheng inquiringly looked to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo stepped closer: "This is called the Qi Melting Pill. For those at Xiantian stage eight or above, it¡¯s useless. But it¡¯s an indiscriminate attack for all martial artists below that. Even Xiantian stage seven martial artists can only endure for a little bit longer. They¡¯ll weaken particrly quickly. It¡¯s a self-defensive Trick Pill!"

    Speaking up to here, he supplemented: "However, this isn¡¯t useful against wild beasts. I focused the refinement to make the effects even more concentrated. The toxicity is even stronger."

    As Tianheng looked at this gourd of medicinal pills, he listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s voice. There were probably about two hundred pills inside, which wasn¡¯t very much. But it was very useful ¡ª Perhaps it wasn¡¯t useful to him, but for Dragon One and those who followed them, it was an exceptionally good method of self-defense. Most of all, it could be considered a timely rain during this early period of establishing himself.

    Gu Zuo saw that Tianheng seemed to like it, and immediately threw over all the other porcin bottles. Undoubtedly, they contained the antidote to the Qi Melting Pills.

    Gongyi Tianheng reached out a hand once more.

    Gu Zuo stared: "What?"

    Tianheng smiled: "What about ones that target pharmacists?"

    Gu Zuo pped his head, and tossed over two more porcin bottles: "The red bottle targets those of the true qi realm below Xiantian stage eight. The gray bottle is the antidote. It¡¯s just that the amounts are small; there¡¯s only ten pills. The name... Just call them Qi Melting Medicinal Pills."

    This world¡¯s dangers were mainly still due to martial artists. As for pharmacists, excluding the small minority who were extremely vicious and evil, the others were generally quite safe.

    As a result, for the Trick Pills that targeted pharmacists, he only used a smaller number for refining practice.

    After seeing his dear big brother take all the pills, Gu Zuo revealed his empty hands: "This time I really have nothing else... Those are all the medicinal pills."

    Tianheng smiled as he extended a hand to vigorously ruffle his hair: "Ah Zuo has already done an excellent job."

    Gu Zuo happily rubbed against Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s palm. After he finished rubbing, he reacted. Previously, he definitely offered those treasures to let his big brother know how hard he worked. Why then had he started to reflect on his inadequacy? Big brother¡¯s ability to invisibly lead a person into a ditch... It felt like he was choking on sweets.

    Tianheng finally patted his shoulder: "Ah Zuo, rest early. Wait till tomorrow to go to the Violet Tower."

    Gu Zuo asked: "Then, what about big brother?"

    Tianheng said: "I still have some matters that need attending to."

    After that, Gu Zuo diligently returned to his room, and sat on his bed to operate his cultivation method.

    Recently, perhaps due to his frequent medicine refining, every time his true qi depleted and recovered, he could operate his cultivation method faster than before. As a result, he¡¯d already condensed two more bone pearls. The distance to breaking through to Qi Breathing stage two only required one more bone pearl.

    He didn¡¯t need to rush right now because his cultivation speed wasn¡¯t slow. Moreover, it reallyplemented his medicine refinement... So long as he stayed on track, sess would naturally follow.

    Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng hadn¡¯t returned until it was rtivelyte. Gu Zuo finished his practice and went to the window to look outside. He only saw Tianheng with his hands sped behind his back, standing beneath a tree. His moon-like beauty outshone the moon itself, and his robe sleeves faintly swayed in the nightly wind. His words were deep, low, and far away... It didn¡¯t reach his ears.

    In front of Tianheng were quite a few ck shadows. Of course, they were the Tianlong Guard Dragon One and Dragon Two, as well as a crowd of enved martial artists. In this night, they all respectfully listened to Tianheng¡¯smands.

    Gu Zuo watched this for a moment, before yawning.

    Soon after, he turned around to lie on the bed. He closed his eyes and went to sleep.

    The next day.

    When Gu Zuo woke up, what he saw when he opened his eyes was his big brother¡¯s supremely handsome face... He pinched his own face and ruefully sighed. He probably wouldn¡¯t grow up to be a Prince Charming like his big brother.

    However, as a man ¡ª Even if he was only a teenager right now ¡ª Who would want to be an ordinary person and not a Mr. Perfect?

    It was a pity that he was still far behind.

    He didn¡¯t know if the Houtian cultivation was effective...

    After some chaotic thinking, Gu Zuo met Tianheng¡¯s opened eyes and greeted him: "Morning, big brother."

    Tianheng smiled: "Morning, Ah Zuo."

    It was as if all of the morning sun¡¯s splendor had converged onto his facial features.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare look too much ¡ª Staring at a man in a daze wasn¡¯t a matter worth unting.

    He climbed out of bed and promptly put on his outer robes.

    He needed to go to the Violet Towerter, but before that, he first needed to make his dear big brother a meal. Then, he¡¯d also refine a medicinal decoction for Tianheng, and watch him soak in it for a while.

    When he thought about it, there were lots of things to do.

    However, these matters were ones that GuZuo was familiar with. Even when mult.i.tasking, he was busy, but not overwhelmed.

    Not long after, food was on the table. Gu Zuo scarfed down his meal and scampered to a smaller room to refine a decoction for Tianheng. Currently, he didn¡¯t need to soak in this thing every day, but he definitely couldn¡¯t miss it when it was the required time. Moreover, Gu Zuo had upgraded the prescription by several ranks.

    Once these matters were all finished, Gu Zuo turned around to head to the Violet Tower.

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng called out to him.

    Gu Zuo: "Big brother?"

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was gentle: "Take Qian Hu along with you... He knows the way."

    Gu Zuo revealed a happy smile: "Okay!"

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 147

    The Violet Tower was very famous in the Inner Sect.

    As stated previously, because Inner Sect disciples could select their base of operations by themselves, they¡¯d get a small valley or arge courtyard under normal circ.u.mstances. But those with greater strength and higher status weren¡¯t limited to just this.

    For example, martial artists at the Immortal Realm or above could directly obtain a small mountain peak. At the same time, their ident.i.ties would be Core Disciples ¡ª Every Immortal Realm who had stable strength would be a Core Disciple.

    As for Apprentices, that was .s.sified as a special ident.i.ty that couldn¡¯t be differentiated based on strength. But usually, so long as one was an Apprentice, there were few who were unable to reach the Immortal Realm.

    Having said all this, it was just to show that Xu Lingxiu was already an Apprentice to a Master. And his Master was the sole Golden-Level Pharmacist in the entire Qingyun Sect.

    Correct. The disciple with quasi Golden-Level gifts naturally could only be taught at the Golden-Level!

    The position of this Golden-Level Pharmacist was revered. Although he wasn¡¯t a Grand Elder, he was the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s Hall Master. The Pharmacist Hall under his control formed a circle in the Inner Sect, enveloping argework of valleys. The innermost ce was the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s core. The ring-shaped region going outwards was a ce where only pharmacist disciples, who could refine pills for Immortal Realm martial artists, could establish independent residences ¡ª Otherwise, they could only obediently "attend school".

    Xu Lingxiu was an exception.

    He was the sole resident who could only refine Xiantian Realm pills. As for the residence he constructed, it was a small building.

    The Violet Tower.

    However, the Violet Tower wasn¡¯t open to all disciples.

    Yes, Inner Sect disciples coulde over to seek medicine, but they couldn¡¯t enter. They could only pace around outside and be received based on Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mood. And besides the ones Xu Lingxiu regarded as important, those allowed entry were some pharmacists with excellent skills.

    Gu Zuo was able to obtain Xu Lingxiu¡¯s invitation. Truth be told, if he really was only an ordinary little pharmacist, it would¡¯ve been due to incredible luck.

    It was just that Qian Hu could only wait outside.

    After finding the ce, Gu Zuo raised his head to look at that little building which was a bright purple color. He suddenly felt...that it hurt his eyes a little.

    From looking at Xu Lingxiu¡¯s clothes, one could tell that he really liked the color purple. But wasn¡¯t this aesthetic just a little too unsightly? Even if he originally looked very charming, his looks couldn¡¯t stand up to an eyeful of all that creamy purple!

    For a moment, he thought about withdrawing.

    Yet, was Xu Lingxiu that much of a tyrant? Those he invited needed toe, and thinking about leaving was even more impossible.

    Almost the instant that Gu Zuo appeared before the Violet Tower, a flowery-robed disciple with an inscrutable personality walked out.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s ability to remember was very good. He promptly recognized that this person was one of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s two attendants! That guy was especially subservient. What was he doing here now? Was it to a.s.sert himself?

    But this time, Gu Zuo guessed wrong.

    The henchman attendant didn¡¯te to show off. On the contrary, he had a wide smile: "Is this Senior Sect Brother Gu? Our Senior Sect Brother Xu has instructed that if we see Senior Sect Brother Gu, we are to quickly bring you in. Senior Sect Brother Xu has been waiting for you for a long time. Haha..."

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    It felt like the one he sawst time wasn¡¯t even the same person!

    Senior Sect Brother this, Senior Sect Brother that ¡ª This guy¡¯s face was too thick... However, maybe this was a henchman¡¯s special skill.

    Thinking as such, Gu Zuo nodded calmly as he followed the henchman into the Violet Tower.

    What was worth rejoicing over was that the interior of the building wasn¡¯t stered in purple. Rather,pared to the normal set up, it seemed very refined.

    There were several people inside. Some in twos or threes sitting together, arguing animatedly ¡ª After carefully listening, they seemed to be discussing a fragmented pill prescription? Apparently, itcked three medicinal herbs. After they researched one type, they got into a big dispute over the remaining two corresponding herbs.

    Gu Zuo silently recited in his mind: The White Phoenix Pill¡¯s final three medicinal herbs are Pauper Seeds, Heavenly Star Gra.s.s, and Earthen Creek Roots. They got the Earthen Creek Roots wrong, so they naturally won¡¯t figure out the Pauper Seeds and Heavenly Star Gra.s.s...

    But he didn¡¯t speak these words out loud.

    In any case, they weren¡¯t skilled yet. More studying would be beneficial to improving their own strengths.

    En...

    Once he went back, he could check the Medicine Pavilion¡¯s Consultation Pir to see if it had this mission.

    The henchman attendant who was leading him ahead was still very polite. Gu Zuo was quickly guided to the second floor, and then to the third floor. While Gu Zuo pa.s.sed through the second floor, he discovered that there were even more pharmacists here. Because there were lots of books, it seemed that a good deal of people were all quietly reading.

    Gu Zuo also wanted to take a peek.

    Only... He still needed to go see that little prince.

    After reaching the third floor, Gu Zuo finally saw a familiar face.

    There weren¡¯t many rooms here. Directly ahead was the main hall, which was arranged with quite a few pill cauldrons. The frontmost person gazing at the mes and refining pills, wasn¡¯t that Xu Lingxiu?

    And the two beside Xu Lingxiu were also very familiar. One was Xi Yangyun, and the other was the jade-green clothed young man.

    Gu Zuo smelled the pill fragrance emanating from thatrge cauldron, and his mind moved.

    Wasn¡¯t this...the odor of several medicinal herbs in the Steadfast Heart Pill? This Xu Lingxiu was currently refining the Steadfast Heart Pill?

    The henchman attendant also saw the matter at hand. He only delivered Gu Zuo to the third floor. He himself didn¡¯t dare go over, and descended in an orderly fashion.

    Only Gu Zuo was left here to wait. He didn¡¯t know if he should go in or wait at the entrance.

    A person sticking out like a sore thumb naturally drew the attention of the people inside.

    Xi Yangyun turned his head first and smiled at Gu Zuo: "Junior Sect Brother Gu hase? Quicklye in!"

    Gu Zuo paused, but went in as directed. He sat beside Xi Yangyun, not too close and not too far.

    Xu Lingxiu waspletely immersed in pill refining. He clearly had no time to talk with Gu Zuo. Xi Yangyun¡¯s disposition looked very amicable, and he took the initiative to pull Gu Zuo into a conversation: "Junior Sect Brother Gu can first watch Xu Lingxiu refine pills. He rarely undertakes a task in the presence of others. If you watch, you should be able toprehend some things."

    Gu Zuo hesitated a little: "Senior Sect Brother Xu wouldn¡¯t mind?"

    Xi Yangyun smiled and said: "Since he invited you toe, naturally he won¡¯t mind."

    Gu Zuo nodded and looked over: "Many thanks for the reminder, Senior Sect Brother Xi."

    To be honest, he was also a little interested.

    Xu Lingxiu should¡¯ve been considered one of the groups within the Qingyun Sect that grasped the most profound techniques and methods, right? Perhaps watching how he refined medicine could really give him some enlightenment.

    Right now, he still hadn¡¯t observed other people¡¯s methods too much.

    Over yonder, Xu Lingxiu fully exhibited his hand seals. His fingers shuttled back and forth, leaving onlookers dazzled.

    Normally, he was a prideful, no good teenager. But at this moment, his face didn¡¯t have that type of arrogance. Instead, it had be dignified and focused. One couldn¡¯t help but say that he really was a diligent pharmacist.

    However, Gu Zuo felt a little helpless.

    Because when he looked over at Xu Lingxiu¡¯s techniques... He also knew them.

    Coincidentally, it was a mid to upper grade hand seal in the <hundred unorthodox="" medicine="" refinement="" hand="" seals="">>! </hundred>

    But what left him at a loss was that the one Xu Lingxiu used seemed...

    It seemed iplete.

    T/N: The next chapter is the start of another long batch of double-length chapters. This batch will run from 148 to 183. Expect a slower updating speed.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 148

    But even if it was like this, Gu Zuo also couldn¡¯t rush over and tell Xu Lingxiu, "I have theplete version you need right here!" On the contrary, he could only withdraw his neck, and obediently sit down and continue watching.

    This school of pill refining hand seals was much more powerful than the ones he¡¯d seen before. It also was one that Xu Lingxiu had especially taken out to refine the Steadfast Heart Pill. It was clearly the highest level of hand seals that the Sect pharmacist possessed. If he spoke out, whether or not he helped, it would still provoke a lot of trouble.

    He¡¯d better, he¡¯d better keep watching...

    However, although the hand seal was damaged, the fragmentation was only some details of a section. A whole set of hand seals was, nevertheless, aplete one. Only on certain stand-alone hand seals would it have fewer changes. These few changes would prevent perfect handling of the medicinal power, and it wouldn¡¯t be possible to create the maximum number of top grade pills.

    After that...

    In the <hundred unorthodox="" medicine="" refinement="" hand="" seals="">>, there was another fragmented hand seal. The Minor Seal: Silken Sky Pill Refinement had twopatible hand seals that refined medicinal decoctions and cuisines. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if Xu Lingxiu was aware of them. </hundred>

    Not long after, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression changed.

    His hand seals worked faster and faster and hisplexion gradually paled. On his forehead, thin beads of sweat converged and instantly dripped down.

    The pill cauldron faintly rocked back and forth. It was clear that the medicinal powers were colliding with each other inside.

    Gu Zuo watched speechlessly. When he normally refined pills, the medicinal power was always docile. The situation of an exploding cauldron was very rare. Even if it was going to blow up, it was usually only a matter of a split second. It had never vibrated like this before... Could the cause be due to the medicine refining hand seals?

    It had to be said that his guess was the correct one.

    If an ordinary medicine refining hand seal had a defect, it would certainly lead to ws when sorting out the medicinal power. The medicinal powers that came from different herbs wouldn¡¯t receive enough cation, so agitating the pill cauldron would be an expected matter.

    Because Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining techniques were veryprehensive, the medicinal powers were very obedient. And if they didn¡¯t obey, he simply wouldn¡¯t be able to quell them and it would directly explode.

    Xu Lingxiu saw that the pill cauldron rocked dangerously and didn¡¯t dare neglect anything. He bit his lower lip, keeping his cool. His fingers were still stable and firm as he utilized his hand seals.

    A little more than thirty minutes pa.s.sed by. The pill cauldron slowly steadied.

    Suddenly, the insides of that cauldron produced whistling chirps. A red pill shot out, and was captured by Xu Lingxiu¡¯s extended hand in the blink of an eye!

    Then, Xu Lingxiu sullenly said: "Only one pill..."

    Xi Yangyun hurried over: "And the product grade?"

    Xu Lingxiu said: "Mid grade."

    Xi Yangyun let loose a sigh: "Mid grade is already pretty good. Sure enough, Lingxiu¡¯s work is much stronger than that of ordinary pharmacists."

    Xu Lingxiu still wasn¡¯t too satisfied. This type of medicine was too difficult.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for the offered prescription and the procedures being seen through by his Master at a nce, he wouldn¡¯t have known how long it¡¯d take to research this on his own. Of course, raising the product grade to mid grade was already considered a vast improvement. After all, it had been such a brief period of time from obtaining the prescription, to studying it, and to the multiple attempts.

    As a result, Xi Yangyun wasn¡¯t upset.

    This was a long-term process. Were he to seek out other pharmacists, even if he paid enormous costs, they probably wouldn¡¯t have had Xu Lingxiu¡¯s heartfelt efforts.

    The medicinal pill was immediately loaded into a jade bottle and handed over to Xi Yangyun. Then, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s attention was ced onto Gu Zuo. He arrogantly raised his chin: "What did you think about that? How much of my pill refining process did youprehend?"

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    If he said he understood everything, wouldn¡¯t people feel that he was too outrageous? But if he said that he didn¡¯t understand too clearly, how much would he need to say to demonstrate his own abilities without making the little prince sense that something was wrong?

    Really difficult.

    Ah, this was harder than refining a cauldron of Steadfast Heart Pills himself!

    Xu Lingxiu frowned: "What? You didn¡¯t understand anything?"

    Gu Zuo quivered: "No, I¡¯m only thinking about how to word it..."

    If he really said that he didn¡¯t understand anything, then that was just too weak!

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo chose his words. For example, he sensed that when several movements were used, the medicinal fragrance was particrly rich. He also mentioned which hand seals he felt were very abstruse, and that some trajectories were very powerful. When the pill was refined, he sensed a very dense aroma... In any case, he just gavepliments and expressed his own doubts. During his doubting, he didn¡¯t forget to indicate the essential points in that set of hand seals.

    This really racked his brains.

    The result brought about was still pretty good. Xu Lingxiu was obviously pleased, and he nodded aloofly: "Your foundations are okay and your questions refer to key points. You¡¯re much better than those pieces of trash outside. No wonder Elder Huo praises you; he says you¡¯re hardworking and tenacious.

    He continued: "Because you¡¯re this age, being able to refine Qi Linking Pills is also really good. If you read more of my books here and keep refining, although you won¡¯t surpa.s.s me, there¡¯s no question that you¡¯ll trample over the other trash in the future."

    For a moment, Gu Zuo was speechless.

    These words were indeed both unbridled and...pompously conceited.

    But regarding the disposition of the little prince, he already understood how he should respond. He promptly said: "Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s words are fair. Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Xu!"

    Xu Lingxiu was someone who liked hearing kind words. Giving him face like this naturally gave him a very good impression: "Since it¡¯s like this, just continue watching me refine pills. It¡¯s the prescription you gave. Although you can¡¯t refine it right now, you¡¯ll gain a bit of experience if you watch long enough."

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He could only repeatedly say "Yes".

    Following that, Xu Lingxiu recovered his true qi and continued refining pills. Gu Zuo still sat next to Xi Yangyun, while watching Xu Lingxiu use the familiar hand seals.

    He watched and he watched. Gu Zuo had no alternatives.

    If it was just watching, then his time would all be wasted... But if he didn¡¯t watch, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s kind regards would be wasted. Thus, he sat here just like this, and simply started operating his cultivation method.

    Condensing bone pearls was something he could still do.

    It could be said that the medicine refining process was very dry and dull. However, this time, Gu Zuo simultaneously watched and .u.mted. On that side, Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t dare to be absent-minded. Xi Yangyun was very nervous, and the jade-green clothed young man had aposed expression... Unexpectedly, it didn¡¯t seem that boring.

    Some time pa.s.sed and the second cauldron waspleted, but there was still just one mid grade pill.

    During the entire process, Xu Lingxiu only had the tiniest of imperceptible improvements. However, this tiny amount was enough to make the majority of pharmacists envious.

    After several cauldrons were refined, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t slow. Even if those who Gongyi Tianheng recruited had already learned attribute cultivation methods and hand seals, they were far inferior to him.

    Originally, Gu Zuo¡¯s att.i.tude to him was ordinary, but after watching for long enough, he felt a bit of admiration for Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s gifts really weren¡¯t weak.

    Unwittingly, a whole morning pa.s.sed by.

    When Xu Lingxiu wanted to refine the next cauldron, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power suddenly perceived an near-inaudible groaning from a room... It was a feminine voice.

    Almost at the same time, Xi Yangyun jumped up and the expression of the jade-green clothed young man underwent a change.

    Although Xu Lingxiu was the only person who didn¡¯t detect it, he could see the other¡¯s reactions. As a result, he quickly aborted the motion he was about to start: "Is Shuangyun having another re up?"

    Xi Yangyun almost didn¡¯t have enough time to respond. He had already burst into that room in a rush and the jade-green clothed young man followed close behind. Even Xu Lingxiu did the same.

    Gu Zuo watched them all go in and roughly understood two things.

    Number one: The perceptivity of Immortal Realm martial artists was really strong, and didn¡¯t lose out to his psychic power. Number two: The one in that room was the patient who needed the Steadfast Heart Pill. He didn¡¯t expect that she would be in Xu Lingxiu¡¯s Violet Tower.

    After that, there was a problem.

    They had all gone in, so what about him?

    Xu Lingxiu had lots of things outside and Gu Zuo waiting by himself wasn¡¯t too good. However, if he followed them in, he wasn¡¯t too familiar with them either! Wasn¡¯t that also not too good? That was also the girl¡¯s private chamber...

    After thinking it through, Gu Zuo decided that he shouldn¡¯t sit here.

    But very quickly, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need to hesitate.

    Because the jade-green clothed young man hurriedly stepped out from inside: "Junior Sect Brother Gu, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to help me carry some water."

    Gu Zuo naturally didn¡¯t object. He followed the young man and turned to a side room.

    It was clear that the side room was especially constructed where the interior was connected to a mountain spring. So long as a bamboo pipe was pressed down, a lot of water would stream out and fall into a wooden basin below.

    The jade-green clothed young man handed over a basin to Gu Zuo, while he himself continued filling the second basin. Gu Zuo held the water-filled basin, turned around, and hurriedly went to that room.

    Reaching the doorway, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare barge in and immediately yelled at the entrance: "Senior Sect Brother Xu!"

    Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t turn his head: "Come in!"

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dy any longer and promptly entered.

    Xi Yangyun sat next to a bed, one hand embracing a girl. Xu Lingxiu was at the other side, busying with something and acting as fast as lightning.

    Seeing Gu Zuoe in, Xi Yangyun urgently said: "Junior Sect Brother Gu, would you please pour the water into the bath tub?"

    Gu Zuo naturally did as he was asked at once and he rapidly poured the water in.

    The jade-green clothed young man also arrived. Once Gu Zuo saw him, he didn¡¯t dare gawk, and quickly went to receive the water.

    After several rounds like this, two people rushed about. Not long after, the bath tub was already eighty percent full. At this moment, Xu Lingxiu said: "That¡¯s enough!"

    Gu Zuo hurried back with the basin, and the same went for the jade-green clothed young man.

    When Xu Lingxiu walked in front of the bath tub, he threw in some medicinal pills and other things into the water. Then, he used some hand seals over the water.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo silently gasped in surprise.

    This was theplementary hand seal for refining medicinal decoctions! It seemed Xu Lingxiu also knew a thing or two in this aspect. Right now, although the style of his refinement still had lots of ws, at least it was on the right track.

    The bath tub¡¯s water quickly changed color, bing a faint white. The jade-green clothed young man conscientiously walked out. Gu Zuo stared nkly before hastily following him.

    The males left in the room were only Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu.

    The door of the room closed.

    Gu Zuo kept watch with the young man at the entrance.

    The atmosphere between the two was a little awkward.

    Xi Yangyun, who had interacted with Gu Zuo, was considered a familiar face; Xu Lingxiu, who had given Gu Zuo "pointers" was also considered familiar. As for the jade-green clothed young man, practically no words had been shared between him and Gu Zuo. The two had cooperated for a time as "water porters", but after that?

    Moreover, Gu Zuo discovered that he simply didn¡¯t even know the young man¡¯s name...

    Perhaps because he was also thinking about this problem, the jade-green clothed young man took the initiative to speak: "This lowly Senior Sect Brother is Lu Jiusi. Just now, Junior Sect Brother Gu has worked very hard."

    Gu Zuo forced augh: "Ah, Senior Sect Brother Lu... It was no trouble at all."

    An awkward silence.

    After meeting Xi Yangyun several times in a row, Lu Jiusi had been by his side every time. It seemed that their rtionship should¡¯ve been very good. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know why, but he felt that it would be for the best if he didn¡¯t get too close to this person.

    Previously in the modern era, because he¡¯de across many faces, his perceptions were very sharp. After he started developing his own psychic power in this world, it had grown even sharper ¡ª Of course, this kind of sharpness wasn¡¯t omniscient, and it also wouldn¡¯t allow him to see through everyone at a nce. However, if it really was telling him not to get close, then it¡¯d be for the best that he trusted his instincts and didn¡¯t approach. After all, a wary heart was indispensable.

    For Xi Yangyun, Xu Lingxiu, and Lu Jiusi, when encountering the first two, it was like meeting ordinary people. There weren¡¯t any special thoughts about getting close to them nor were there any bad feelings. Only this Lu Jiusi produced a type of estrangement from the bottom of his heart. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if he felt that he was scheming and crooked, or if he was dangerous, or something else... In short, it was rtively vague.

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s appearance was still very elegant, like a jade tree facing the wind. If it weren¡¯t for his intuition, Gu Zuo felt that his impression of the guy would¡¯ve been pretty good.

    As for right now, since he could remain silent, he kept silent.

    However, that Lu Jiusi still tried to strike up a conversation with Gu Zuo: "Junior Sect Brother Gu looks very young. Have you joined the Pharmacist Hall?"

    It wasn¡¯t good for Gu Zuo not to reply, so he just shook his head: "No. I obey my young master."

    Lu Jiusi sighed: "Junior Sect Brother Xu regards you favorably. If your young master really cared about you..." Speaking up to here, he seemed to have sensed something, and paused, "You... Ah, what a pity."

    Gu Zuo: "...Young master takes really good care of me."

    Did such obvious attempts at sowing dissent imply that he wouldn¡¯t figure it out? Sure, he wasn¡¯t seventeen yet, but did he look that stupid? Was Lu Jiusi discriminating against Gu Zuo¡¯s IQ or in fact his own?

    In actuality, Lu Jiusi really was...discriminating against Gu Zuo¡¯s IQ.

    In his eyes, Gu Zuo was a meek yet talented teenager, whose character was very good. Instigations wouldn¡¯t bear any fruit, but if he could do so, why not? In any case, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t look smart. Once or twice probably wouldn¡¯t have any effect as a teenager¡¯s temperament was indefinite. But after speaking more, he didn¡¯t believe that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t care. Furthermore, one wouldn¡¯t think about it when young, but after growing up, a man would have ambitions. Gu Zuo would regret it. When that time came, Lu Jiusi would extend another olive branch. Laying the foundations now was for the bargaining chip in the future.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts were right. Lu Jiusi had his own secrets.

    Only, these secrets were concealed very deeply. He had hooked many people in the same circ.u.mstantial way that he had tried to hook Gu Zuo. And as for those people, many had already be a part of his team.

    At this time, after listening to Gu Zuo still defending that "young master" of his, Lu Jiusi didn¡¯t continue to instigate things. He was looking down on Gu Zuo¡¯s IQ, but he didn¡¯t consider Gu Zuo to be weak-minded. He knew the theory behind reeling in a catch, and that leading Gu Zuo in circles was the proper course of action.

    Hence, Lu Jiusi idly chatted with Gu Zuo. He spoke of the benefits and sights of those official Inner Sect disciples as if he was merely giving his Junior Sect Brother an introduction. If Gu Zuo really was as Lu Jiusi imagined, then while Gu Zuo should¡¯ve been devoted to Gongyi Tianheng, he would¡¯ve also developed feelings of envy toward those sights.

    As for Gongyi Tianheng?

    Lu Jiusi didn¡¯t even consider him.

    Tianheng was nothing but an inexperienced youngster who¡¯d just entered the Inner Sect. He should¡¯ve had a bit of strength, but he was only Xiantian stage one. However, Lu Jiusi was already a mid Immortal Realm martial artist! How long would it take for Tianheng to mature? If Gu Zuo followed Lu Jiusi, his strength would be nurtured. How could Tianhengpare to that? Moreover, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t necessarily develop smoothly. The Inner Sect wasn¡¯t said to have a disciple perishing every day, but at the very least, there would be deaths every month.

    A martial artist¡¯s life wasn¡¯t worth even a little bit. Only those who presently had a strong foundation deserved to be relied upon. So-called investments were only for the high-positioned to bestow upon the low-positioned. And it wasn¡¯t profitable for a low-position person to follow a simrly low-position master who only had a slightly better status.

    As a result, Lu Jiusi felt that he could sway others to join him.

    Just like every time before.

    But at this moment, what Gu Zuo was actually thinking about was ¡ª

    He wondered if that big brother of his had finished the arrangementsst night. Would he have done something today? If he did, what were the results? Which wild beasts would his big brother have chosen to return with? It should¡¯ve sold for a load of money...

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s point of instigation had long been thrown to the back of his mind.

    Let alone that Lu Jiusi hadn¡¯t figured out how to seduce Gu Zuo away, even if he did, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t interested. It wasn¡¯t that the degree of trust was the problem, nor that talent aroused envy in others. It was just one point ¡ª Did Lu Jiusi have Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s Tiandu Body? Did he have Tianheng¡¯s IQ? Was he as considerate to Gu Zuo as Tianheng? Could he cherish Gu Zuo the same way Tianheng did? Could he trust Gu Zuo as much as Tianheng did? Was his luck as robust as Tianheng¡¯s?

    It was totally impossible.

    Besides, the current Lu Jiusi really could beat up Tianheng, but it probably wouldn¡¯t be long before Tianheng wouldn¡¯t even have an interest in beating up Lu Jiusi.

    Gu Zuo was no fool.

    He could definitely live longer following Gongyi Tianhengpared to following Lu Jiusi.

    With the two keeping their own thoughts, they idly chatted for a while. When the door opened again, a dense medicinal fragrance disseminated from within.

    This kind of response made it clear that they coulde in.

    Compared to just then, it was even more stifling in the room.

    After Gu Zuo came in, he keenly smelled a faint stench of blood, which was hidden within the medicinal fragrance that had yet to disperse. While his eyes didn¡¯t wander, his psychic power extended. He quickly discovered that the milky white medicinal power in that bath tub had been absorbed, but the originally clear water was dyed a light-red.

    On the bed, a girl who looked about the same age as Gu Zuo was lying halfway on Xi Yangyun¡¯s chest. A thin, brocade nket was drawn up to her stomach. The brocade nket¡¯s colors were vibrant, but this kind of vibrancy made the girl¡¯splexion all the more pale. There wasn¡¯t a hint of red in her cheeks.

    However, although the girl¡¯s face appeared sickly looking, her beauty was still unmatched.

    Gu Zuo inwardly gasped in admiration.

    In the modern era, he¡¯d seen many good-looking celebrities. In this other world, he¡¯d also seen the lovable and charming Gongyi Mingxia, the gorgeous Princess Yaomin, the heroic Xun Suying, and the indomitable Rui Min... But none couldpare to the ethereal beauty of Xi Shuangyun.

    Moreover, although Xi Shuangyun had a delicate temperament, she had dared to practice martial arts in the past and hadn¡¯t shown any weakness after coughing up blood. Her nature wasn¡¯t weak at all.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the heart defect, she should¡¯ve had many achievements.

    After seeing Gu Zuo, Xi Shuangyun smiled at him, her voice very light: "I heard what big brother said... You¡¯re Junior Sect Brother Gu... The prescription you gave... Thank you...so much."

    Talking was very strenuous for her, but the feelings of grat.i.tude in her bright eyes were also very clear.

    Gu Zuo shook his head: "Senior Sect Sister Xi is being courteous. It was just a business transaction. Senior Sect Brother Xi has already given me enough rewards, and helped me out a lot."

    Xi Shuangyun smiled softly like a serene orchid in an empty valley, blossoming a faint and delicate fragrance.

    Off to the side, Lu Jiusi saw this smiling expression and his eyes shed with awe at her beauty. He took a step forward and inquired with deep concern: "Is Junior Sect Sister Shuangyun doing better now? Do you still feel unwell?"

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s smile weakened: "Thanks, Senior Sect Brother Lu...for your concern. No problem."

    Lu Jiusi was still very attentive: "Rest a.s.sured, Junior Sect Sister Shuangyun. We¡¯ve already found the prescription and stockpiled lots of medicinal ingredients. With Junior Sect Brother Xu here, we¡¯ll certainly cure you!"

    Xi Shuangyun gently nodded her shapely head: "En."

    Gu Zuo found it a little funny.

    This was considered to be a falling flower yearning for love, but the heartless brook rippled on, right? Little Sister Shuangyun didn¡¯t seem to have a favorable impression of Lu Jiusi. Based solely on this, he was just praising her eyesight. As for Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu, did they not notice or did their feelings of admiration for Lu Jiusi prevent them from objecting?

    Gu Zuo quickly realized.

    Because Xi Yangyun candidly smiled: "Lu Jiusi is correct. Shuangyun¡¯s certainly going to be alright. In these times, you¡¯ve also worked hard to find medicine for Shuangyun."

    Xu Lingxiu curled his lips: "I¡¯ve also worked hard. Is no one going to thank me?"

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s smile became much more heartfelt: "Big Brother Lingxiu is just like...my big brother. For, for Shuangyun to have lived up until now... It¡¯s all thanks...to you..."

    Xu Lingxiu furrowed his bows, and gently ced a hand on her: "If you can¡¯t keep talking, then there¡¯s no need to speak! Diligently recuperate!" He coldly harrumphed again, "It seems you still have a conscience!"

    Gu Zuo promptly saw the rtionships between these people.

    Lu Jiusi was in the middle of pursuing Little Sister Shuangyun. Moreover, because of his good behavior during the little sister¡¯s illness, he¡¯d already obtained the permission to woo her from "Uncle" Xi Yangyun. Xu Lingxiu and Little Sister Shuangyun had grown up together since childhood. Their rtionship was like a biological brother and sister. Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t Lu Jiusi¡¯s love rival. However, Little Sister Shuangyun didn¡¯t have the least favorable impression of Lu Jiusi. If the other behaved even better, it wouldn¡¯t have added any points in her eyes.

    This could only raise Gu Zuo¡¯s curiosity.

    Little Sister Shuangyun didn¡¯t seem to be someone who¡¯d be ungrateful. She held such dislike for a suitor who was refined, courteous, and steadfastly loyal. Did she discover something?

    Amid this curiosity, Gu Zuo turned himself into a piece of plywood onstage, and stood obediently in the background.

    What he found even more curious was that since Little Sister Shuangyun didn¡¯t like Lu Jiusi, why didn¡¯t she tell Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu, who cared about her so much? He wasn¡¯t convinced that those two wouldn¡¯t care if Little Sister Shuangyun brought this up.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 149

    Only, no matter howplex the rtionships were here, Gu Zuo felt that it had nothing to do with him. Other people¡¯s matters were other people¡¯s matters. He actually didn¡¯t need to meddle.

    Following that, in the wake of the three people¡¯s conversation, Gu Zuo intermittently learned a few things.

    Xi Yangyun and Lu Jiusi both studied under Xu Lingxiu¡¯s father, Elder Xu. They were considered fellow disciples who were quite close. However, Xi Yangyun was someone who¡¯d been epted many years ago. As a result, his little sister and Xu Lingxiu had grown up together. Thus, he¡¯d also watched Xu Lingxiu grow up ¡ª One shouldn¡¯t look at his current youthful appearance. His martial age also wasn¡¯t considered long. In fact, he was already in his thirties. When he¡¯d just arrived, his little sister was still a baby.

    As for Lu Jiusi, he¡¯d been studying under a teacher for several years. At that time, he was already a low Immortal Realm. Of course, before that, his rtionship with Xi Yangyun was pretty good and his rtionships with others were also very good. After pa.s.sing through selection after selection, along with Xi Yangyun¡¯s rmendation, he smoothly became a fellow disciple instructed by the same Master. Using this as a pretext, he jumped from a recently-promoted Core Disciple to an Apprentice with a Master.

    As for how Lu Jiusi fell in love at first sight with an eleven or twelve-year-old little girl, his willingness to invest physical and mental efforts to be brothers with Xi Yangyun and for true love for Xi Shuangyun, as well as the great amounts of spent time, energy, and even money and favors... These matters were inadvertently revealed through the three¡¯s conversation.

    Gu Zuo secretly thought that Lu Jiusi certainly wasn¡¯t careless. This way of talking from time to time was to show how hard he pursued and how much he paid. He¡¯d known earlier that Lu Jiusi had contributed a lot, but one shouldn¡¯t praise themselves so much! If he was truly sincere, he wouldn¡¯t un.o.btrusively remind others to repay him!

    Compared to his big brother, Lu Jiusi was far inferior.

    His big brother wouldn¡¯t say anything... He would only do.

    Whatever big brother did, there would never be any need for reminders. Everyone would understand clearly.

    This was charisma.

    After thinking for a period of time, Little Sister Xi Shuangyun had already recuperated some strength.

    Having such a heart was naturally her bad luck. However, she also had Big Brother Xi Yangyun who rushed about for her sake, and she had Xu Lingxiu who was willing to do his best for her. So, her luck could also be said to be very good.

    One could only hope that she could smoothly pa.s.s this block. After bing healthy, she could step onto the martial path¡¯s summit. When that time came, the times she fell ill and suffered would hone her!

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo nked.

    This kind of experience sounded a little familiar... Right, his big brother had previously been gued with an incurable illness. After being cured, he skyrocketed! Merely, there was only one Gongyi Tianheng in the end. It was impossible for Little Sister Xi Shuangyun to also have the Tiandu Body.

    But although it was like this, Gu Zuo¡¯s impression of Little Sister Xi Shuangyun still improved a little bit.

    Love the house and its crow? Maybe it was this?

    At this moment, Xi Yangyun carefully ced Xi Shuangyun onto the bed, letting her lie down smoothly and steadily. After that, he was the first to walk out. Xu Lingxiu and Lu Jiusi simrly followed.

    The piece of plywood Gu Zuo who¡¯d been nearly forgotten also hurriedly went out. Otherwise, as he was by himself inside, others would think he was harboring evil intentions.

    After going outside, Xi Yangyun swept pa.s.sed the joy of seeing Xu Lingxiu sessfully refine the pills, and became deeply worried: "Lingxiu, how long will it take for you to refine all the Steadfast Heart Pills for my sister to take? With your speed, it¡¯ll certainly be very fast, right?"

    Xu Lingxiu gave him a look: "You think refining pills is like stir-frying bok choy!? At most, I could only refine about seven pills in a day without hardly stopping. What¡¯s more, even if my true qi could be restored, my psychic power can¡¯t stand it. This wouldn¡¯t be considered cauldron sc.r.a.p. It¡¯d be great if I could refine five or six pills from an exploded cauldron batch."

    Lu Jiusi murmured: "Are there still enough of those herbs?"

    Xi Yangyun also furrowed his brows: "If Lingxiu keeps maintaining this state, refining ny pills will take a little more than half a month... Little sister currently has a re up every day. I truly hope she can end her suffering as soon as possible."

    Xu Lingxiu said unhappily: "You think I don¡¯t want to cure Xiao Shuang even a little bit earlier? I¡¯m already doing my best! Now I dare not say anything else. I can only try my best not to blow up the cauldron, waste less herbs, and refine Steadfast Heart Pills with product grades at least mid grade or above ¡ª Right, I don¡¯t dare guarantee that I can refine high grade pills."

    Xi Yangyun promptly said: "I know! Lingxiu, with a true qi realm like yours, refining Steadfast Heart Pills is already extremely difficult. I understand that you care about Xiao Shuang."

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯splexion improved, before he furrowed his brows again: "It¡¯d be great if Master was willing to lend a hand."

    Xi Yangyun smiled bitterly and said: "How could that be possible..."

    The Golden-Level Pharmacist refined suitable pills for the Grand Elders every day. Because they were the Sect¡¯s greatest safeguards against peak existences, it was basically impossible to waste such a long time for the little sister of a puny Apprentice ¡ª Even if he acted, refining higher grade Steadfast Heart Pills would take at least five or six days.

    As a result, the best situation was through Xu Lingxiu¡¯s request for that Golden-Level Pharmacist to spend half a day to a full day¡¯s energy to carefully teach Xu Lingxiu, letting him master it. Otherwise, just as Gu Zuo initially guessed, even if they asked a high-level pharmacist to act, it wasn¡¯t known how long it¡¯d take for them to research it ¡ª As for asking that Golden-Level Pharmacist to teach a high-level pharmacist to shorten the time?

    Those high-level pharmacists weren¡¯t apprenticed to the Golden-Level Pharmacist, so how could they be taught?! Let alone that the Steadfast Heart Pill¡¯s prescription was originally very precious, one couldn¡¯t casually divulge it to others.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s lips thinned: "Okay, no need to say such nonsense. There¡¯s still lots of medicinal herbs, but if I use my psychic power for a long time and don¡¯t get enough rest, I don¡¯t know if I can maintain the rate of sessful pills. The skill level of this kind of medicinal pill can¡¯t be developed in the short-term. You guys prepare some contribution points and exchange them for some herbs from the Sect."

    Naturally, Xi Yangyun and Lu Jiusi repeatedly agreed.

    However, at this moment, the background plywood Gu Zuo was caught up in his astonishment.

    Yes, the words "psychic power" spoken twice by Xu Lingxiu had shocked him.

    Ever since he started cultivating using the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method, Gu Zuo had known about the existence of psychic power. After that, there was the Spirit Piercing Awl, and he understood the offensive functions of psychic power even more. Then, through his own methodic investigations, he understood even more about his psychic power¡¯s other uses. However, he never expected that he would hear the wordsing from Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth.

    ¡ª He definitely didn¡¯t believe that psychic powers were unique to him, but the time, ce, and person were all really beyond his expectations.

    In additionally, Gu Zuo hadpletely failed to react to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s use of psychic power! Even if it was during the pill refinement, he hadn¡¯t discovered the fluctuations of Xu Lingxiu using psychic power. Don¡¯t even mention when psychic power spread out to scout, defend, or conceal one¡¯s qi energy.

    There was also a possibility that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s psychic power was several times stronger than Gu Zuo¡¯s. In that case, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have been able to sense when it was used. But if it was like this, then Xu Lingxiu¡¯s reactions were abnormal. Moreover, the difference in Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu¡¯s realms was one stage. Gu Zuo was also cultivating his Spirit Piercing Awl. The probability that Xu Lingxiu could conceal his reactions so tightly was practically zero.

    As a result, Gu Zu was astonished.

    In that case...

    Should he ask?

    Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment.

    After Xu Lingxiu talked with Xi Yangyun and Lu Jiusi, he naturally sat down in that position and started his own medicine refining process again.

    Xi Yangyun was rea.s.sured and his current state was very tranquil. Lu Jiusi unexpectedly stood up and eagerly said: "Shuangyun¡¯s illness can¡¯t drag on. Yangyun, you need to take care of her here. I¡¯ll go exchange some medicinal herbs for Shuangyun."

    With this anxious behavior, if it wasn¡¯t for his recent instigations, as well as Xi Shuangyun¡¯s bad att.i.tude raising Gu Zuo¡¯s suspicions, it would¡¯ve caused the trust in his own intuition to waver.

    Xi Yangyun was clearly moved: "I¡¯ll have to trouble you again, Jiusi."

    Lu Jiusi confidently said: "My care for Shuangyun is no less than what I¡¯d do for you as brothers."

    After he finished speaking, he gave Gu Zuo an indecipherable nce. He cupped his hands to Xu Lingxiu who was in the middle of refining pills, before promptly departing.

    At this time, Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    If Lu Jiusi had been acting this way for several years, Xi Yangyun would believe his sincerity to his little sister, Xi Shuangyun, and it would be natural for Xi Yangyun to be moved.

    Once Lu Jiusi left, Xi Yangyun and Gu Zuo continued to watch Xu Lingxiu refine pills here.

    Perhaps because he¡¯d beenworking for his little sister for many years, Xi Yangyun¡¯s bearing always made one feelfortable. From the very beginning, he¡¯d never made Gu Zuo feel embarra.s.sed. Now that he saw that there were fewer people, he took the initiative to stir up a conversation with Gu Zuo: "Junior Sect Brother Gu, because of Shuangyun¡¯s matter just now, we¡¯ve neglected you. I hope you don¡¯t mind."

    Gu Zuo promptly waved his hands: "Not at all."

    Xi Yangyun sighed again: "Junior Sect Brother Gu helped out, and we¡¯ve yet to thank you..."

    Gu Zuo said: "There¡¯s no need to be courteous. It was nothing."

    This alleviated the mood somewhat.

    Xi Yangyun then said: "If there¡¯s something Junior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t understand, you can bring it up. Although this Xi isn¡¯t a pharmacist, I¡¯ve learned a few things over the years. Perhaps I can give Junior Sect Brother Gu something to think about."

    Ordinary folks had the saying, "A long illness makes the patient into a good doctor". After taking care of Xi Shuangyun for these years, there were many things that pharmacists had exined to him. Compared to ordinary martial artists, he understood many matters concerning pharmacists.

    Gu Zu¡¯s eyes shined.

    Xu Lingxiu was busy, so it really wasn¡¯t too good to ask him. However, asking Xi Yangyun could be done!

    Hence, he softly said: "I¡¯ve always felt there was some special feeling in the Tianfu Acupoint... Just then, I heard Senior Sect Brother Xu mention ¡¯psychic power¡¯ and I¡¯m a little curious if there¡¯s some rtion?"

    Xi Yangyun smiled and said: "Sure enough, just as Lingxiu said, Junior Sect Brother Gu is quite perceptive." He paused before saying, "That¡¯s right. Maybe the power in my Junior Sect Brother¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint is psychic power."

    Because he felt grateful to Gu Zuo, he wasn¡¯t stingy and fully disclosed what he knew about.

    "Each person has psychic power from birth. In the wake of the promotion of one¡¯s realm, as the physical body grows stronger, so too does the psychic power increase. However, while martial artists can strengthen the physical body through cultivation methods, martial skills, medicines, and honing methods, there are no methods for psychic power. They can only let it mature on its own.

    "And when pharmacists refine medicine, they can use up their psychic power. The longer they focus their minds, the faster they use up their psychic power. Meanwhile, once their psychic power has been used uppletely and they¡¯ve rested, the recovered psychic power will be slightly stronger than before... This can be considered a method for pharmacists to hone their psychic power."

    Gu Zuo listened,pletely enthralled: "Psychic power is effective for a pharmacist refining medicine?"

    Xi Yangyun nodded: "That¡¯s right. It¡¯s really useful."

    Following that was his detailed exnation.

    "The stronger a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power, the higher the possibility for a realm breakthrough in the future. After many verifications, it was found that pharmacists with strong psychic powers are able to sessfully refine pills more frequently and they can focus on refining pills for longer periods of time. The same is true for mid-level pharmacists. The ones with stronger psychic power are more outstanding than the weaker ones, and even the product grades of sessful pills are usually much higher.

    "Just like Lingxiu... He¡¯s currently able to refine medicinal pills fit for Xiantian consumption, and he¡¯s already regarded as a mid-level pharmacist. As long as he stabilizes his sess rate, he¡¯ll be a genuine mid-level pharmacist. For his age, this is quite the aplishment. Although he has innate skill, it normally takes him a long time to refine pills. It¡¯s rted to him repeatedly using up his psychic power...

    "Junior Sect Brother Gu, psychic power is very important to a pharmacist. If you want to be an outstanding pharmacist, you need to endure this kind of suffering. From now on, try to control the psychic energy in your Tianfu Acupoint!"

    Speaking up to here, Xi Yangyun couldn¡¯t help sighing with regret: "Junior Sect Brother Gu is also at the Houtian Realm, yet you can already sense psychic power. This point isn¡¯t an easy feat. If it was under normal circ.u.mstances, only pharmacists who¡¯ve reached Xiantian can touch upon the threshold of psychic energy." He was somewhat curious, "Is Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s realm Houtian stage nine?"

    Gu Zuo thought for a bit. He was indeed disguising himself as one, and just nodded: "Yes."

    Originally, Xi Yangyun had already seen it himself and this kind of inquiry was only to confirm. He sighed at this moment: "Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s apt.i.tudes truly aren¡¯t inferior to Lingxiu¡¯s. Lingxiu could sense his psychic power when he was at Houtian stage eight."

    Gu Zuo heard this and secretly said: Close call!

    Fortunately, he was worried that having a realm that was too low in the Inner Sect would make his big brother lose face. He used his psychic power to disguise himself as being close to perfected Houtian. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve projected himself as Houtian stage seven. Wouldn¡¯t that have made it seem like his potential was more outstanding than Xu Lingxiu¡¯s? That wasn¡¯t a good thing.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo showed gratefulness and said: "I¡¯ll certainly double my efforts."

    Xi Yangyun saw him like this and also smiled. His heart wasforted.

    It was good to make another bond of good karma.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s doubts were solved.

    He now understood why he couldn¡¯t detect Xu Lingxiu using his psychic power. It was because Xu Lingxiu¡¯s psychic power wasn¡¯t being used autonomously from the start.

    So-called pharmacists could spend psychic power, but in fact, it was a type oftent use. Through the consumption of psychic power, it let one focus even more and control medicinal power more subtly and urately. In the beginning, Gu Zuo¡¯s application in this aspect was to condense psychic power in his eyes. This let him directly "see" the movements and changes of the medicinal power. His techniques were naturally more high-endpared to those involuntary ones.

    And Gu Zuo also understood that even the Qingyun Sect pharmacists didn¡¯t have a way to precisely hone their psychic power. Their so-called tempering was considered the most clumsy sort, but while it was crude, it was very effective.

    As for improving this slow speed, it was an unsolvable dilemma.

    However, Gu Zuo was very curious about a matter...

    After briefly hesitating, he asked: "Senior Sect Brother Xi, if a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power has that kind of use, then... What about martial artists?"

    Xi Yangyun heard this and promptly recalled something.

    Following which, he revealed a smiling expression: "Is this something the young master you follow asked?"

    Gu Zuo nodded with embarra.s.sment: "Please don¡¯t be stingy with your advice, Senior Sect Brother."

    Xi Yangyun naturally wasn¡¯t stingy. His wording was very systematic as he exined: "Different from pharmacists, a martial artist¡¯s psychic power doesn¡¯t have much use before the Immortal Realm. At most, the stronger a person¡¯s psychic power, the sharper their sense of danger. After reaching the Immortal Realm, a martial artist¡¯s psychic power bes very useful. Not only can it greatly enhance a martial artist¡¯s understanding of martial skills, it can also produce certain predictive effects when battling. The stronger the psychic power of a person, the stronger the effect. In equal realms, the martial artist with the stronger psychic power will have the advantage. At the same time, a strong psychic power will also produce a type of intimidation. When using a martial skill, it gives the opponent a suppressive force. It also has the effect of restricting the enemy."

    Gu Zuo nodded again and again: "So it¡¯s like this. After I return, I¡¯ll tell the young master!"

    Xi Yangyun smiled warmly: "The bearing of your household¡¯s young master is extraordinary. He¡¯ll certainly be one with a strong psychic power in the future. You don¡¯t need to be worried about him."

    He still had several ways of looking at someone.

    Gu Zuo fiddled with his fingers, and nodded his head again.

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s pointers to Gu Zuo were very detailed. Seeing this Junior Sect Brother with an earnest and clever att.i.tude, he was reminded of his own pitiful little sister. He couldn¡¯t help expressing the attentiveness he showed when guiding his little sister. As for Gu Zuo, his impression of Xi Shuangyun was the same as loving the house and its crow. He felt that Xi Yangyun, an outgoing and friendly person, was very good. So naturally, he felt that all of them were good.

    Afterwards, Xi Yangyun exined some minor techniques Xu Lingxiu would use when refining medicine. Gu Zuo was inexperienced in this area, and when he listened, he felt it was a big harvest.

    During this chat, both people were very cheerful.

    After Xu Lingxiu refined another two cauldrons, almost all of the time had been used up. Noticing that the color of the sky had darkened, even though they could still continue refining pills in the evening, they couldn¡¯t let Gu Zuo continue staying here.

    Hence, Xu Lingxiu paused for a bit. When Xi Yangyun gave Gu Zuo some exnations that he knew the answers to, he impatiently gave one or two pieces of advice. Xi Yangyun only smiled. Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was full ofughter as he listened, asionally humming in affirmation.

    In a short while, Xu Lingxiu flung out his arm and said: "Junior Sect Brother Gu can go back. Come again tomorrow!"

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Could it be that this was a long-term thing?

    Ah, but this kind of affair clearly wasn¡¯t something one could refuse. Gu Zuo then thought that he¡¯de over tomorrow and take a look at the matter¡¯s development.

    Following that, he said his goodbyes to the two and left this ce on his own.

    After going out, Qian Hu was waiting for him.

    Although his treatment wasn¡¯t that good, it seemed that someone still received him as a guest and he wasn¡¯t neglected too badly. Again it was that henchman who knew how things were developing. As for why, it was to win Gu Zuo¡¯s favor.

    Gu Zuo had no idea. He just led Qian Hu back to the valley.

    Unfortunately, Gongyi Tianheng hadn¡¯t returned after a full day.

    The only one left in the valley was Dragon Two. When Gu Zuo asked, Dragon Two naturally pa.s.sed along Tianheng¡¯s message.

    Tianheng had led Dragon One and a few others into a mountain range to capture wild beasts. Because the numbers wereparativelyrge and the road was rather far, the return time would inevitably bete. As for medicinal pills, he¡¯d already brought along some that were essential to him. He also took some medicines that were beneficial to the Tiandu Body. It was to prevent Gu Zuo from worrying aftering back. All of this was told to Gu Zuo by Dragon Two, with a scrupulous attention to detail.

    This definitely wasn¡¯t the first time Gu Zuo had been separated from Gongyi Tianheng. However, perhaps because they didn¡¯t have anyone else to rely on in the Qingyun Sect, there was a strong sense of mutual dependence. As a result, a faint mncholy unexpectedly arose in his heart.

    He felt...a little like he longed to see his big brother again. How could that be?

    However, Gu Zuo quickly threw this mood out.

    Medicine refinement! Medicine refinement! Medicine refinement!

    He hadn¡¯t done anything the entire day. While it was night, he needed to work hard!

    Just like this, Gu Zuo buried himself in the medicine refining room for the whole night.

    After the early morning of the following day, he freshened up and hurried to the Violet Tower. He also still brought along Qian Hu.

    On the third floor, one could still see Xu Lingxiu refining medicine. However, after watching a round, Xu Lingxiu gave Gu Zuo permission to refine medicine in a certain side room of the third floor.

    Gu Zuo originally thought that Xu Lingxiu would watch him, but Xu Lingxiu was upied with refining medicine and didn¡¯t do so. Instead, it was Xi Yangyun who came over to watch where he pointed out some "ws". Naturally, there were even more praises.

    Luckily, Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t follow along continuously. He was still more concerned about the refining of the Steadfast Heart Pill. As a result, Gu Zuo shut himself in the medicine refining room alone, and refined quite a lot of medicinal pills on his own.

    Merely, after he finished refining, he still needed to handle the pill cauldron to avoid being seen through. Ultimately, he refined a good deal of Qi Generating Pills to cover up the previous medicinal pills¡¯ odors.

    This continued for four to five days.

    Gongyi Tianheng had yet to return.

    And Gu Zuo made round trips between the Violet Tower and the valley.

    The peculiar thing was that during these days, Lu Jiusi also never showed up.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 150

    Initially, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t mind very much because his days were very busy, and he received his dear big brother¡¯s exnation first. Yet, time marched on and seven to eight days had already pa.s.sed. After the ninth day, when he didn¡¯t see a shadow of his big brother, Gu Zuo grew anxious.

    No matter how far away it was, the distances were only rtive. Under normal circ.u.mstances, he should¡¯ve been able to return in four or five days. Even if there were any underlying conditions, it would¡¯ve been six or seven days. But now, it was almost ten days.

    The time period had been exceeded by over half...

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but remain vignt.

    Did he, did something happen to big brother?

    At night, Gu Zuo walked around the valley. Dragon Two apanied him, and Qian Hu followed behind. All three people¡¯s expressions didn¡¯t look too good.

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo only felt a burst of intense heart palpitations. He¡¯d bepletely fl.u.s.tered and stunned! He wanted to refine medicine to calm down, but for whatever reason, he couldn¡¯t calm down. His fingers faintly trembled as if something scary had truly urred!

    What was going on?

    Ah, it shouldn¡¯t be...

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking in his mind: System, what¡¯s happening to me? I feel like I¡¯m in danger. It¡¯s very ¡ª

    After that, the system¡¯s answer could be heard.

    [Your guardian has encountered a life or death crisis.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly lurched, almost skipping a beat: What did you say? My big brother encountered something and his life is in danger? What¡¯s the danger? Is he still okay? What should I do?

    The series of questions byed the lingering, deep worries in his heart.

    [There is only one individual who has signed the guardian contract of this pharmacist. It is equivalent to a partnership. When the partner encounters danger, the pharmacist can somewhat sense it. The stronger the friendship between the guardian and pharmacist, the clearer the premonition. In the event that the guardian dies, the pharmacist will also receive a fixed bacsh. The same applies to the death of the pharmacist. It is impossible to sign another guardian contract within ten years after the death of one of the parties. Thus, the pharmacist needs to conduct the selection of their guardian with the utmost care.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart settled somewhat.

    Selecting with the utmost care? What was there to worry about? Ordinarily, he would¡¯ve certainly been troubled, but not anymore. What he currently cared about was that he only had a premonition without a bacsh. This indicated that his big brother was still alive, and he hadn¡¯t truly faced death...

    Following that, Gu Zuo set the system aside for the time being.

    Merely, after he recollected himself, he discovered that Qian Hu and Dragon Two had a bit of blood seeping from the corners of their mouths.

    Gu Zuo was startled: "What¡¯s going on?"

    Dragon Two said with difficulty: "Young master, wounded..."

    Qian Hu also nodded his head. He was clearly feeling worse and couldn¡¯t talk at all.

    Gu Zuo immediately became anxious: "Dragon Two, are you certain? How do you know?"

    Dragon Two breathed deeply: "It should be...the bloodline connection. The young master is now our bloodline master. The injuries he sustained are reflected onto our bodies, making us share some of the burden... My bloodline is even closer to the young master than Qian Hu¡¯s, so I¡¯m doing a bit better than Qian Hu."

    A person who became Xiantian through a Xiantian Pill refined from the blood of the Tiandu Body... Sure enough, it didn¡¯te so cheaply. After the Tiandu Body received an injury, they could share the injury, allowing the Tiandu Body to persist even longer. It wasn¡¯t known if the Tiandu Body could shift injuries voluntarily. Also, if the Tiandu Body perished, would these Xiantian individuals simrly die? Perhaps there were many other secrets that could be explored!

    These kind of thoughts flit through Gu Zuo¡¯s mind in a sh. He quickly started observing the facial expressions of the two people before him.

    Dragon Two¡¯s expression seemed somewhat joyous. As for Qian Hu, he furrowed his brows, but he didn¡¯t show any resentment.

    ...Not bad.

    Dragon Two really was iparably loyal. Qian Hu was also gradually converting.

    Only, now wasn¡¯t the time to question loyalties. Gu Zuo said with resolve: "I need to go find big brother. Dragon Two, you¡¯ll go with me. Qian Hu, guard this ce and watch over those pharmacists. Don¡¯t let them leave the valley for whatever reason. Also, don¡¯t let anyone who isn¡¯tpletely trustworthy enter."

    Qian Hu knew his ce and swiftly responded: "This Qian understands."

    Dragon Two also didn¡¯t object in the least.

    His deep concern over Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t necessarily any less than Gu Zuo¡¯s.

    After settling things, Gu Zuo followed Dragon Two and departed at once.

    It was currently still nighttime, but the night had its advantages. At the very least, they didn¡¯t need to worry about being too conspicuous.

    As for the matter of visiting the Violet Tower tomorrow, Qian Hu would find someone to deliver a letter.

    The two immediately rented a wild bird, which was said to have the fastest speed. They made it fly throughout the night, regardless of the whistling winds surrounding them, and went directly to that mountain range.

    Its location was quite far removed from the Qingyun Sect. Normally, many Qingyun Sect disciples knew about it, and they often went there for adventures and to seek resources. It was called the Twilight Tiger Mountain Range.

    The mountain range contained countless medicinal herbs and numerous wild beasts. There was a mountain king, and some formed groups while others were solitary loners. This formed a special environmental ecology.

    When the wild bird arrived, overlooking the area, one could see some martial artists making their way to the mountain range ¡ª The majority of these martial artists naturally weren¡¯t Qingyun Sect disciples.

    After all, while the Qingyun Sect wasrge and it had many disciples, it couldn¡¯tpare to the entire continent. It was impossible for ordinary martial artists to enter this gigantic Sect.

    The wild eagle circled overhead.

    Gu Zuo asked: "Dragon Two, did big brother have a n about which direction they¡¯d go?"

    Dragon Two said: "Young master went to the Tiger Head region because of the wild wolf packs there. Young master¡¯s intent was topletely capture them, where they could be sold for a high price to thoserge powers of the Inner Sect that had good reputations and were well-off. Thus, he could .u.mterge amounts of money and jumpstart our own reputation."

    Gu Zuo nodded, showing his understanding.

    This really was his big brother¡¯s style. He wouldn¡¯t let any opportunities to .u.mte capital slip away. Undoubtedly, those things refined from the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice were a very good opportunity.

    Moreover, those things that were obtained unexpectedly shouldn¡¯t have aroused too many covetous gazes ¡ª

    While he thought this, the wild eagle pped its wings. Based on the direction Dragon Two pointed at, it flied towards that Tiger Head region of the Twilight Tiger Mountain Range.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power, seeking Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s whereabouts.

    The psychic power formed a densely-packed, enveloping that mountain top. Yet, the instant the psychic dropped down, an extremely fiendish intent rose into the air, immediately tearing the psychic open!

    Gu Zuo felt pain in his chest, and sprayed a mouthful of blood.

    How terrible! Too careless!

    He promptly took out a Rejuvenation Pill to suppress his own injury.

    In the past, his psychic power was always sessful without exception. Today, however, he knocked into an iron te. Gu Zuo understood in his heart that he¡¯d lost his patience. In addition, he¡¯d ced blind faith into his psychic power.

    That bout of fiendish intent probably came from a ferocious wild beast. Although it wasn¡¯t a substantiated psychic power, that type of intent was mixed with qi energy. It was the same as being intangible, and it was also capable of harming psychic powers.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was a little distressed.

    In the future, he needed to be even more careful when using psychic power in the Inner Sect. He seemed to be able to spy on Immortal Realm martial artists for the time being, but he absolutely couldn¡¯t rush headlong against even higher ranking ones.

    At this moment, because Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power had swept down, the area where that fiendish intent originated from echoed with a resonant and violent beastly roar.

    That wild beast¡¯s grade was surely very high! Even though the wild eagle was far away, it still trembled all over. It seemed that it didn¡¯t dare circle over this region, let alonend nearby!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tensed.

    What could they do? If he couldn¡¯t overlook from high alt.i.tudes nor use psychic power, how could he search for his big brother¡¯s whereabouts on these mountain tops? His state of mind had been straining this whole time, which showed that his big brother still wasn¡¯t out of danger!

    Gu Zuo opened his mouth and urgently asked: "Dragon Two, do you know the specific locations of those wild wolf packs?"

    Dragon Two shook his head: "The wild wolf packs¡¯ range of activity are located in this region, but they¡¯re used to migrating and it¡¯s impossible to dwell in one location."

    Gu Zuo immediately realized that his own question was rubbish and stopped talking at once.

    Then he was struck by inspiration, and asked in his mind: System, since the guardian contract can let me perceive big brother¡¯s danger, can it also let me perceive big brother¡¯s position?

    [Within a certain distance, it can.]

    Gu Zuo held his breath: At what distance?

    [Telepathic distance.]

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    He and his big brother had established a "private chatroom" link. Regardless of who took the initiative, both could conduct secretmunications under the premise of concealing the other. Because this thing was very enjoyable, he studied this with his big brother ¡ª Basically, the farthest they could transmit their voices was three kilometers.

    Although it seemed a bit short now, his psychic power would surely grow stronger in the future. It would be better to use it now, rather than go looking for them like headless flies.

    After making his decision, Gu Zuo said: "Dragon Two, we¡¯re going down."

    Dragon Two promptly pped that wild eagle: "Yes, Pharmacist Gu."

    The wild eagle still trembled with fear, and wasn¡¯t willing to move.

    Dragon Two made the wild eagle retreat to the back, and after smacking it some more, it begrudgingly descended to the base of a somewhat distant mountain.

    Gu Zuo and Dragon Two jumped off. The wild eagle didn¡¯t take them into consideration and pped its wings again, soaring off.

    That att.i.tude was a sign that even fleeing in defeat wasn¡¯t excessive.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Did he still have to pay for a wild eagle that fled halfway through?

    Dragon Two exined considerately: "When encountering situations with unknown difficulties, the wild eagle can flee back to the Sect. After returning, although the down payment can¡¯t be reimbursed, we won¡¯t have to pay the bnce."

    Gu Zuo nodded: "Let¡¯s go and find big brother right away."

    ...The remaining bnce and what not weren¡¯t important. How they got back also wasn¡¯t important. What was important was Gongyi Tianheng, whose life or death was still uncertain.

    The two were forced to go on foot.

    Yet, because Dragon Two was a Xiantian martial artist, he could fly. Merely, the flight speed was far inferior to the wild eagle. However, it was much faster than just using body techniques to hasten the journey.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power also could be used. But first, he still needed to prepare this as a trump card. Secondly, he didn¡¯t know Tianheng¡¯s situation and he needed to save some strength. As a result, Dragon Two leaned over, letting Gu Zuo ride on his back, and they flew out quickly.

    Dragon Two¡¯s speed was very fast. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was looking around.

    This time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare discharge his psychic power too brashly, and only quietly sent out a little bit to scan the surroundings. This was to avoid some wild beasts that might¡¯ve hindered their path.

    Gu Zuo often pointed at certain directions and Dragon Two always obeyed. Gradually, they threaded their way into the mountains¡¯ depths.

    The wild beasts they pa.s.sed by grew more and more ferocious. Gu Zuo distracted and evaded, whileposing himself deep down. In his mind, he imagined Tianheng¡¯s figure and concentrated his psychic power on this image.

    He tried to make use of their guardian contract... Unfortunately, it was of no use.

    After that, Gu Zuo called out in his mind: Big brother? Big brother?

    If it was within a kilometer, they¡¯d surely be able to connect!

    But as before, there was nothing.

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    But he¡¯d never give up just because of this.

    No matter what, once he got closer to his big brother, these efforts of his wouldn¡¯t have gone to waste!

    Unwittingly, Dragon Two had already led Gu Zuo through several mountains.

    But at this moment, the two were somewhat hesitant.

    Dragon Two paused his steps.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: "Up ahead is the domain of that powerful wild beast."

    Correct. The ce where that wild beast issued a roar probably wasn¡¯t too far away! If they got there and that wild beast discovered clues, wouldn¡¯t they be torn to shreds?

    Just previously, his psychic power had only probed a little bit and Gu Zuo had been attacked by that bout of intent, suffering an internal injury. It was clear that the strength of that wild beast shouldn¡¯t have been below the Immortal Realm! In other words ¡ª It was extremely possible that it was a Spirit-Grade wild beast!

    Wild beasts were stronger than martial artists of equal ranks.

    An Immortal Realm martial artist wouldn¡¯t dare say they could capture a Spirit-Grade wild beast with one hundred percent certainty!

    In that case, what should they do now?

    Gu Zuo made a decision almost instantly.

    Make a detour.

    There was more than one path from mountain to mountain. Since they were in the region of the Tiger Head, why would they have to go straight along this road? Gongyi Tianheng probably wouldn¡¯t have deliberately approached such a vicious wild beast.

    ¡ª If it was under normal circ.u.mstances, it should¡¯ve been like this.

    However, Gu Zuo forgot that since it was life-threatening, when it came down to it, what kind of matter could threaten Tianheng¡¯s life?

    As a result, the split second that he wanted to make a detour, a shout directly echoed in his mind atst.

    [Ah Zuo?]

    [Big brother! Where are you?]

    [Ah Zuo, why have youe? Where are you?]

    The two had sent out their questions without getting the other¡¯s answer almost simultaneously.

    Gu Zuo waited for a bit, and discovered that Tianheng didn¡¯t respond promptly. He immediately guessed that the situation was too critical to the extent that Tianheng had to focus all his energy to confront that danger. As a result, even the usual mult.i.tasking was very difficult. He immediately didn¡¯t dare to keep pestering. If his chattering affected Tianheng¡¯s ability to persist, wouldn¡¯t it be his fault?!

    After taking a deep breath, Gu Zuo¡¯s brain started to operate calmly.

    His big brother¡¯s location was already within three kilometers of him. The surroundings were all boulders and trees, which could block one¡¯s line of sight. If it was calcted by going straight for three kilometers...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes fell upon the high mountain in front of him.

    This was originally the high mountain he wanted to make a detour around. And the location of that Spirit-Grade wild beast was on the other side of that mountain.

    A Spirit-Grade wild beast was a significant danger!

    Almost immediately, Gu Zuo did his best imagining Gongyi Tianheng in his mind. Soon after, a strong intuition unexpectedly told him that Tianheng was just beyond that mountain!

    For a split second, Gu Zuo felt his own heartbeat stop.

    It turned out to be like this! It turned out to be like this!

    He couldn¡¯t control himself from asking in his mind: Big brother, you¡¯re with the Spirit-Grade...

    Over yonder, a voice was rapidly transmitted: Ah Zuo, hide quickly! You mustn¡¯te over!

    Gu Zuo had a hard time swallowing a mouthful of saliva.

    He knew that not going over would¡¯ve been safer. He also knew that he couldn¡¯t do anything even if he went over.

    But how could he turn a blind eye?

    Dragon Two didn¡¯t have Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, and he also didn¡¯t have a way to connect to Gongyi Tianheng. He couldn¡¯t even take the initiative to scout out Tianheng¡¯s whereabouts. But he could see that theplexion of Pharmacist Gu beside him had instantly be pale.

    This made his heart turn cold: "Pharmacist Gu, what¡¯s wrong? Are we still going to make a detour?"

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and slowly shook his head: "...No. Big brother is fighting that Spirit-Grade wild beast. We, we can¡¯t leave."

    Dragon Two¡¯splexion also changed: "Then, we¡¯ll go immediately to support the young master!"

    Gu Zuo shook his head once more: "Our bit of skill can¡¯tpare to big brother¡¯s. Rashly charging ahead is basically throwing our lives away. We need a few things. Dragon Two, you must quickly find them for me."

    After he said that, his lips opened and closed at lightning speed. In the blink of an eye, he¡¯d already announced the names of a series of medicinal ingredients.

    "There are lots of medicinal herbs in the vicinity. You must harvest as much of them as possible!"

    "Yes, Pharmacist Gu!"

    Dragon Two promptly understood Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking, and didn¡¯t dare neglect anything. His figure was like a whirlwind as he started searching for herbs in the nearby mountainous region ¡ª As a Tianlong Guard, he always did his best to absorb knowledge. Although he couldn¡¯tpare to a pharmacist, the medicinal herbs he knew about were in no way small in number. Otherwise, when he went to make purchases, how would he recognize them?

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo shed through numerous Paradox Pill prescriptions in his mind.

    There was no need for doubts. Right now, ordinary methods absolutely wouldn¡¯t work. But if he could refine some poison pills, even if the effect of a single pill wasn¡¯t too good, greater quant.i.ties wouldn¡¯t necessarily be useless.

    He also had his psychic power for sneak attacks...

    With Gu Zuo thinking like this, his thoughts moved. In front of him appeared many toxic medicinal ingredients.

    Because Gongyi Tianheng needed poison, he intentionally saved up many things of this aspect. This was the time to use them.

    Not long after, Dragon Two brought back many supplementary medicinal herbs, however the numbers weren¡¯t enough ¡ª After all, it was impossible for all those herbs to grow close to each other. Being unable to gather enough was to be expected.

    Gu Zuo intentionally had Dragon Two go harvest the ones that grew in environments close by. He also hunted some poisonous wild beasts. Afteryering the poisons and using the supplementary herbs to stimte them, it produced an even more acute toxicity.

    Afterwards, a pill cauldron appeared.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath, concentrated his energy, and started refining poison!

    Everything was all for the sake of that future support...

    Fifteen minutester.

    Because Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was stretched taut, his body was drenched with sweat. However, his psychological qualities weren¡¯tcking. The refining process had no mistakes, and he smoothly created pills. After another five minutes, he used his fastest hand speed to refine a basin of poisonous fluid, which was poured into a gourd.

    Time was rushing by and the medicinal ingredients were limited. This was the best that Gu Zuo could achieve.

    He only hoped that these would prove useful...

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare dy for a moment. After putting everything away, he quickly climbed back onto Dragon Two¡¯s back. They flew up into the sky and dashed directly to that high mountain!

    They bypa.s.sed countless trees and boulders. That intuition grew stronger and stronger, which meant that their distance to Gongyi Tianheng grew shorter and shorter. At the same time, the roars of many wild beasts entered their ears.

    There was more than one wild beast!

    Gu Zuo unexpectedly didn¡¯t feel too surprised.

    Finally, the scene below appeared before them.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank!

    With a nce, Gu Zuo saw Gongyi Tianheng. He, he was already covered in blood!

    The region was simr to a mountain hollow. There was an enormous, ferocious beast. It was like a small hill supported by four legs. On its head was a single horn that flickered with a sharp and cold light. Its aura was frantic and its throat whinnied incessantly. And after each whinny, a cloud of smoke billowed out, emitting a dense, sulfuric smell.

    A fire attributed wild beast?

    Every time it trampled the ground, the ground seemed to quake. The might of the spewed smoke was extremely powerful, and everywhere it pa.s.sed became a piece of scorched earth!

    Across from the Spirit-Grade wild beast were some tiny humans...and human corpses.

    Next to Gongyi Tianheng was Dragon One and Liu Bao, who protected him on the left and right. Bao You and He Wu brought up the rear. As for that Wu Gang, he had already be a corpse.

    Everyone¡¯s injuries weren¡¯t light. However, they were doing much better than another group of people.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t recognize that group, but based on their individualistic behavior and mutual precautions, although they werepelled to fight the Spirit-Grade wild beast together, they didn¡¯t seem that friendly to one another.

    Their aloofness meant that they weren¡¯t friends. On the contrary, because there were many people, they might¡¯ve somewhat posed a threat to Tianheng and the others...

    Yet, Gongyi Tianheng hadn¡¯t fallen to a disadvantageous position at this moment.

    Because, besides Dragon One and a couple enved martial artists, the ones surrounding him were several Great-Earth Bears. Each beast had a rough hide and stocky build. They were guarding several people and tearing at an additional dozen or so leopard-shaped wild beasts.

    Unfortunately, that Spirit-Grade wild beast would spew smoke from time to time, taking away some lives and burning many people. In addition, there were even more leopard beasts fighting the group on both sides...

    To be precise, this was an existing wild beast attack with a Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s intimidation.

    It looked like a desperate situation!

    Merely, whether Gongyi Tianheng or the other side, neither were those who were willing to give up their lives. However, so long as there was the slightest possibility, they would all persevere to the end!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate whatsoever.

    His left hand took out the gourd filled with poison and made preparations. After that, the s.p.a.ce between his eyebrows emitted heat and he took cover behind a mountain boulder. Then, dozens of awls shing with silvery light were produced one after another!

    That Spirit-Grade wild beast basically never thought that someone would dare provoke it at this time. While it originally was ying with those humans, unruffled by the surrounding chaos, it surprisingly felt a burst of stabbing pain on its head!

    Even though it was only for an instant ¡ª

    It was truly too painful!

    It hurt so much that it couldn¡¯t help letting out a long howl.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 151

    Gu Zuo arrived and flung it with all his might.

    Using his psychic power to adjust its position, he hurriedly threw the gourd in his hand into that Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s mouth ¡ª Because it had been caught off guard by the attack, the suppressive power of the beast¡¯s entire body had stagnated for an instant. This gave Gu Zuo an opportunity to take advantage of!

    At the same moment, another Silver Awl shed out. The split second that the gourd entered the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s mouth, it directly shattered! The poisonous fluid within immediately flowed down the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s throat!

    That kind of poison was highly toxic. It could quickly poison martial artists at Xiantian stage nine or below to death. To Immortal Realm or stronger martial artists, the effects naturally weren¡¯t that distinct, but it was capable of restricting them for a while ¡ª They would need to waste time expelling the poison.

    During such a struggle, this was clearly enough to buy some time.

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast suffered endlessly due to the poisonous fluid¡¯s effects. It suddenly realized the arrival of a despicable ambusher, but it couldn¡¯t focus its energy to find the other party¡¯s traces!

    This was surely the fault of these puny worms! It wanted to kill them ¡ª

    Unfortunately, the Spirit-Grade wild beast was incapable of dealing a suitable attack. It could only frantically struggle, rapidly attempting to expel the poison within its body. Its qi energy went berserk, but the majority of its power had been concentrated on the poison inside of it!

    And Gu Zuo¡¯s operation still wasn¡¯t over.

    In addition, no less than ten poison pills were shot into it like raindrops.

    Previously, during that period of time, the n he put forward was to useposite poisons.

    ¡ª Because the bodies of pharmacists were small and weak, and they weren¡¯t able to practice martial arts or martial skills, theycked strength. They needed to rely on the protection of martial artists, but this definitely didn¡¯t mean that theypletelycked self-defensive capabilities.

    Medicinal poison was one type among these.

    Some poisons could strengthen one another, while others would restrain them.

    If a pharmacist¡¯s level temporarily couldn¡¯t reach the degree of refining medicinal poisons that could threaten higher leveled martial artists, they could try refining two or even more types of poisons that were within their capabilities. After mixing them together, it would cause a continuous impact. Moreover, it would boost the toxicities of both sides, creating an even greater lethality ¡ª This was also a type of secondary refining process.

    Just like what Gu Zuo was doing now.

    The first time was when the poisonous fluid smoothly entered the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s mouth. It could cause certain harm to the beast. Immediately following that, the poison pills entered it. The pills mixed with the poisonous fluid, utilizing the greatest surface area. With the help of the heat in the beast¡¯s mouth, it led to the second refinement!

    In the blink of an eye, the toxicity dramatically increased!

    An intense, ck qi promptly engulfed the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s head, makingrge swaths of fur fall off. Its mouth produced a frightened howl, but when it tried to spew out smoke, it unexpectedly discovered that its power had been corroded by the poison. It couldn¡¯t support this kind of ability!

    The entire course of events hadn¡¯t reached three seconds.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s straining heartstrings loosened somewhat.

    Not bad. His meticulous calctions didn¡¯t have any mistakes. The operation also didn¡¯t have any mistakes. Everything was as he expected.

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast had been restricted. No matter how fierce it was, it was unable to crazily wreak havoc under the poison¡¯s effects. At the same time, its body¡¯s qi energy was growing weaker and weaker.

    At this moment, the warning signs in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart had also weakened by a lot.

    This undoubtedly put him even more at ease.

    As Gu Zuo was about to warn his dear big brother, the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s unusual changes had already been discovered by the two groups.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s reaction was extremely swift!

    He abruptly leaped up. While grasping a silver spear, he gave a snow-white flourish in midair. The ce he aimed his violent thrust just so happened to be that wild beast¡¯s right eye!

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast naturally discovered the puny worm¡¯s surprise attack, but it currently had no way to dodge it. It could only watch on helplessly as that spear prated its right eye. Its entire body twitched violently!

    "Roar! Howl¡ª"

    The painful, blood-curdling screech was even more violent!

    This was "hitting someone while they were down". Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s spear point whirled around, stirring up the insides of that wild beast¡¯s brains. After that, his left hand did the same. He took out a long dagger from his waist, and ruthlessly stabbed into its left eye!

    Under the pain of having its brains almost twisted into mush, the Spirit-Grade wild beast frantically awakened its potential. Unexpectedly, in a brief moment, it forcefully shook its body!

    Gu Zuo was watching the events happen with fear and trepidation.

    As his psychic power discharged, every one of Tianheng¡¯s actions were taken into his eyes. Tianheng had encountered danger once again, so he naturally couldn¡¯t neglect anything.

    Hence, immediately following that, a dozen or so Silver Awls burst forth, stabbing into the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s head!

    This time, the power that the wild beast had just gathered promptly dispersed. Not a trace of brilliance shone within the pupils of that pair of pulpy beast eyes.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of bloodl.u.s.t.

    After that silver spear had been thrusted and twisted, when it was pulled out, it had red and white brain matter stuck to the spear head. At this moment, he suddenly pped his hands and a surge of force rushed into that eye socket. In a split second, the wild beast¡¯s skull was cracked in half!

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast struggled on its deathbed.

    Its four hooves trampled the ground and stampeded wildly, as if it wanted to crush everything blocking its way! Yet, those two groups had long made some preparations. They quickly dodged to either side. Only those previously instigated wild beasts that still hadn¡¯t exterminated the "tiny worms" were stamped into puddles of meat paste by their own instigator...

    Gongyi Tianheng continuously attacked those wounds. He tenaciously clung to the wild beast¡¯s body, not retreating even a little bit.

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast finally exhausted itsst bit of strength, but its unwillingness was inexhaustible. The four hooves went askew ¡ª

    Boom!

    It fell to the ground, belly up.

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯s hand grasped the silver spear and he floated to the ground. However, that sapphire-blue robe was already stained with scarlet blood, and there was an enormous corpse behind him like a copsed mountain range. It was a huge contrast with him, whose whole body reeked of blood. He looked like a G.o.d of war ready to vent his anger.

    Even though he still had a face that was as bright as the moon, it wasn¡¯t something that anyone would pay attention to.

    When the Spirit-Grade wild beast died, the pressure on the other people decreased greatly.

    Liu Bao and the others happily said: "Quick! Kill the other wild beasts!"

    Dragon One¡¯s body was like a strand of ck thread as he shuttled between many wild beasts. In his hand, he held a ck rapier. When it shot out, it was like a viper continuously flicking its tongue. Every ce he pa.s.sed through had all its wild beasts cut to shreds, and blood flowed without end.

    The other side¡¯s people also promptly raised their spirits. Among them, several of the leaders traded nces, their eyes shing with traces of greed.

    "They have few people..."

    "The effort needed to y a Spirit-Grade wild beast certainly isn¡¯t small."

    "Think of a way to eliminate them!"

    Previously, when several of the wild bears fought alongside Gongyi Tianheng and the others against the countless, encircling wild leopards, they gradually weakened. Soon they received grievous injuries and their might had already waned. And although the damage among Tianheng¡¯s group wasn¡¯t great, their strength was certainly limited. Right now, they were also gradually exhausting themselves. The opposite side had many people, and after a portion was lost, there were still many left. This caused them to start coveting that Spirit-Grade wild beast that had already been in.

    A Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s subsequent worth was extremely huge! They absolutely wouldn¡¯t give it up!

    Moreover, because of the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s death and its death-throes stampede, the entire group of wild leopards were shocked. Besides a portion of dauntless ones that fought with the human martial artists, the others were frightened and had fled in a panic. They dispersed in all directions.

    There were fewer and fewer wild leopards left behind. And because the ones remaining were being in one after another, the remnants saw the hopeless situation and fled even faster. In a short time, only a scant twenty to thirty beasts were left. This already couldn¡¯t const.i.tute a threat!

    Meanwhile, the other side¡¯s martial artists continued to battle and move forward. They slowly surrounded the ce where Dragon One and the others were located. Dragon One and them were still in the midst of fighting the wild leopards and hadn¡¯t paid attention to their arrival.

    Gongyi Tianheng, one man and one spear, dealt with several wild leopards. It seemed that he also hadn¡¯t discovered those people¡¯s methods. He only speared the wild leopards again and again.

    Overlooking the battle, Gu Zuo saw this scene and he became worried again.

    He originally thought that after the Spirit-Grade wild beast was in by his big brother, the danger would¡¯ve already vanished. But he didn¡¯t expect those human martial artists to develop greedy hearts at this time!

    Gu Zuo suddenly got angry.

    Those people! Those people!

    Subconsciously, he blurted out in his mind: Big brother! Watch out for those despicable lowlifes!

    In turn, Gongyi Tianheng transmitted a voice that carried a smiling expression: Ah Zuo, rest easy. I¡¯ve been paying attention.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, but reacted soon after.

    Ah, big brother was aware... Then, that¡¯s fine.

    After his mood rxed, Gu Zuo transmitted: Big brother, do I need to use my psychic power¡ª

    Tianheng gently said: No need, Ah Zuo. Just now, you used those Spirit Piercing Awls, so you should be somewhat exhausted. Get some proper rest, and leave this to me.

    Gu Zuo said: I¡¯ll be the one to watch over big brother.

    Tianheng smiled: Then, I¡¯ll relypletely on Ah Zuo to watch over me.

    With Tianheng¡¯s pledge, Gu Zuo felt relieved. As such, he calmly observed the chaotic battle down below. The fighting spirit of those wild leopards was already growing weaker. Given the opportunity, they would scatter in all directions. They would even risk sustaining injuries to break out of the enclosure!

    Then, the other side¡¯s martial artists who were inching closer and closer to Dragon One¡¯s group suddenlyunched a sneak attack! They abruptly pped their hands, and the qi energy produced a humming noise. It was going to strike the vital points of their bodies such as the head, chest, and back!

    At this moment, a beautiful spear flourish suddenly shed.

    At the same time, there was a surging power interspersed with strands of b.l.o.o.d.y qi. With a terrifying propagation speed, it swept up all of those involved!

    Gongyi Tianheng shouted: "Retreat!"

    The instant those people were detained, Dragon One and the others hurriedly withdrew. They didn¡¯t dare have the slightest bit of hesitation.

    Luckily, they didn¡¯t hesitate. Because Tianheng immediately took out two cyan medicinal pills, which were as beautiful as colored .s.s. They were shot to the left and right and stimted with true qi. They both exploded in the areas where those martial artists had gathered together.

    "Pop¡ªSizzle!"

    Instantly, cyan raindrops burst forth in all directions, rapidly infecting those martial artists¡¯ bodies. Following that, in the blink of an oldborer¡¯s eyes, the majority of the other side¡¯s martial artists all flopped to the ground. In addition, the speed of their faces turning ck and their flesh shriveling up could be seen with the naked eye!

    Those martial artists couldn¡¯t prevent their souls from drifting away.

    "Poison, poison ¡ª That¡¯s highly poisonous!"

    "Quickly get away!"

    "Be careful! Hurry, escape!"

    But despite this, those poisoned martial artists still rapidly died.

    If the qi energy that Gongyi Tianheng sent out previously only used the poison in his bone pearls to obstruct their movements, then the Qi Melting Pill¡¯s poison would thoroughly kill them.

    Only three people weren¡¯t soaked by the "cyan raindrops" due to being rtively far away. How could they still dare to have the least bit of greed now? They practically wished that they could sprout four legs to let them run away even faster!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s handsome face was cold: "No survivors!"

    As he spoke, his figure was like a legendary roc swiftly pping its wings. He raised his palm and qi energy burst forth. The one that was intercepted was the individual who had ran the farthest.

    Dragon One and the others¡¯ reactions were also very fast. Since Tianheng himself went to chase one, then they absolutely couldn¡¯t overlook the remaining two people.

    Hence, the two pairs went to outnk, and quickly obstructed the other two runaways!

    Immediately following that, there was a series of punching sounds. After an intense struggle, not a single fish escaped the.

    Tianheng retracted his hand, and smiled up towards a certain boulder: "Ah Zuo, you still won¡¯te out?"

    Dragon One and the others were rmed. They went to look one after another.

    Behind that boulder walked out a rosy-faced, somewhat feverish-looking teenager. His body was littered with foliage, and he seemed a little worse for wear.

    Beside the teenager, a young man with a tall and straight stature also appeared.

    Weren¡¯t these two people Gu Zuo and Dragon Two?

    Gongyi Tianheng smilingly extended an arm: "Ah Zuo,e down."

    At first, Gu Zuo was prepared to jump by himself, but after thinking that his psychic power hadn¡¯t been revealed yet and seeing his dear big brother¡¯s performance... It was a curious coincidence. Indeed, just as he moved forwards to jump ¡ª He immediately plunged straight down.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t hold back hisughter. Seeing that Gu Zuo¡¯s trajectory wasn¡¯t right, he threw himself forward, extended a hand, and directly took Gu Zuo into his embrace.

    Gu Zuo was slightly embarra.s.sed: "Big brother..."

    Tianheng made some s.p.a.ce for a hand to ruffle his hair: "Lately, Ah Zuo hasn¡¯t been eating properly. Why don¡¯t we increase your serving size?"

    Gu Zuo gave a helpless look. Then he said with a deadpan tone: "It¡¯s not from missing my meals. Rather, it¡¯s because I¡¯m too worried about big brother, so I¡¯ve lost weight."

    Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo stared into each other¡¯s eyes. Then, Tianheng smiled: "It¡¯s all big brother¡¯s fault."

    After that, Tianheng put Gu Zuo back down.

    Because there was no longer any danger around, Gu Zuo¡¯s attention fell onto the corpse of the already fallen Spirit-Grade wild beast.

    With one look, he promptly cried out in rm: "How terrible! Big brother, I need to go over!"

    Tianheng turned his head to look.

    He only saw Gu Zuo speedily run in front of that Spirit-Grade wild beast and take out many medicinal ingredients out of thin-air. After his fingers shed out in a dazzling burst of movement, that Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s corpse was broken down into many pieces. Of the section contaminated by the poison, the ones that were rotted to the core were piled up on the side by him. And the ones that weren¡¯t rotted through were sprinkled with some medicinal powders and liquids. Afterwards, the pieces quickly recovered their normal fleshy color.

    Roughly half an hour had pa.s.sed.

    Gu Zuo stood up, loosened his shoulders, and heaved a sigh.

    Tianheng¡¯s figure shed, already standing beside Gu Zuo: "Ah Zuo, how is it?"

    Gu Zuo revealed a wide smile: "I¡¯ve already finished collecting everything!"

    Tianheng warmly said: "Ah Zuo worked hard."

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast was the two¡¯s spoils of war. Gu Zuo looked at the meat and felt he could give his dear big brother refined medicinal cuisine. He looked at those bones, eyeb.a.l.l.s, and other parts with medicinal uses, and felt that he could take them to refine medicine. Then, he looked at the buckets of blood he collected, thinking of its many uses, and felt it was truly excellent.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: "Ah Zuo, put them away."

    Gu Zuo nodded: "Okay."

    Although there were many things that could be taken out to be sold, a Spirit-Grade wild beast was something that could only be encountered by chance. Once met, it was also hard to be dealt with ¡ª This time was pure luck. It was only natural that it couldn¡¯t be taken out to be sold. It was better to keep it for their own use.

    Hence, a momentter, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved and the Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s corpse, which had been torn to pieces, waspletely collected into his storage s.p.a.ce. Everything was categorized and ced ordingly.

    Following that, Gu Zuo had some time to think, and asked: "Big brother, what exactly happened here?"

    While he spoke, his gaze fell upon the only one to die. He looked at Wu Gang¡¯s body.

    Hearing Gu Zuo¡¯s question and seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s meaningful nce, the expressions of Liu Bao, Bao You, as well as He Wu all became somewhatplicated. Dragon One¡¯s eyes filled with anger.

    Gu Zuo was puzzled.

    What could¡¯ve happened?

    Gongyi Tianheng shook his head: "The death of Wu Gang was arranged by my hands."

    Gu Zuo understood even less, and his eyes were full of doubt. Then he was suddenly startled: "Betrayal¡ª"

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo: "..."

    Following that, Tianheng clearly exined this matter.

    As it turned out, that group of people, which had been eradicated by them, was rted to Wu Gang.

    Several days ago, Gongyi Tianheng had been continuously searching in the mountain range to capture those wild wolves alive. In actuality, their luck wasn¡¯t bad. In only half a day, they found a pack and encountered a little more than thirty wild wolves.

    These wild wolves were rtively fierce. Besides twenty-odd grade three wild wolves, there were still a dozen or so that were grade four. The alpha wolf was even a grade five wild wolf!

    Undoubtedly, this pack met Tianheng¡¯s requirements. At once, they employed their skills and used the Bewildering Beast Mist to knock out all those wild wolves. In addition, they were all tied up and hidden in the depths of a cavern. Then, he announced the methods for seeking the second pack.

    After a couple days pa.s.sed like this, the number of captured wild wolves was already as much as a hundred. Basically all of them were grade three and above. There was even a grade six wild wolf, whose fur was supple and sleek. It could serve as the alpha wolf! Later on, they only needed to expend some effort to make these wild wolfs form a cohesive pack before they could be sold for an extremely high price!

    It was also reaching the time they should return.

    However, because the Twilight Tiger Mountain Range was rich in resources, since they came, they also couldn¡¯t only grab the wild wolves and leave. Gongyi Tianheng gave themand and dispatched each of his numerous subordinates to harvest some medicinal herbs and hunt some elemental wild beasts.

    But this cavern couldn¡¯t be left unattended, so he ordered Bao You and Wu Gang to stay behind. The rest all set off without exception.

    However, what n.o.body expected was that Wu Gang used some unknown method to knock Bao You unconscious. Then, he escaped by himself into the mountains and leaked the information that Gongyi Tianheng had captured more than a hundred wild wolves to another group of people!

    In other words, that previous group of martial artists.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: "Why did Wu Gang do such a thing?"

    Tianheng sighed: "He didn¡¯t want to be a ve. Seeing how powerful the Xiantian Pill refined from my blood was, he was afraid I would control him like this someday. Thus, he preferred to take the risk to kill me and gain his freedom."

    Gu Zuo suddenly recalled.

    Among all the ves, Wu Gang was the only one who took the ordinary Xiantian Pill and not the Xiantian Pill refined from his big brother¡¯s blood!

    So, he could only ept the control ne on his neck... The ne could only punish the ve through the master¡¯s operations. However, it couldn¡¯t make the ve respect their master wholeheartedly.

    Tianheng said: "Wu Gang was unexpectedly very patient. The instant Bao You was knocked out by him, he also pretended to be knocked out, which prevented Bao You from detecting anything. After Bao You woke up, he discovered that the grade six wild wolf in the cavern was missing. He guessed that maybe some lone martial artist wanted to steal a wild beast, and he didn¡¯t think that Wu Gang had betrayed us. As Bao You had a sly temperament, lest he be punished by me, he intended to wait until my group returned. Having never previously sought me out, he gave me a full report."

    Gu Zuo furiously listened, and was enraptured: "Then after that?"

    Tianheng smiled catingly: "After that, I happened toe across a den of wild bears. I was fond of them and after knocking them out, I tried to tame them using some beast taming methods I previously witnessed. I used my blood for some of them, but I didn¡¯t expect to actually be sessful... Yet, it was at this moment that I encountered a couple dozen people who came tounch a surprise attack."

    Wu Gang¡¯s luck wasn¡¯t bad. He happened to find a group of adventuring martial hunters. They were a Beast Hunting Regiment, so they couldn¡¯t have been more interested in capturing wild beasts alive. Naturally, they quickly reached an agreement with Wu Gang.

    As a result, Gongyi Tianheng became the first person to be attacked.

    However, although the others had separated to look for medicine, they promptly rushed back under Tianheng¡¯s whistle. How shrewd was Tianheng? Of course, he understood that if it was just to rob himself, a single, independent Xiantian stage one, they certainly wouldn¡¯t have mobilized dozens of people to dispatch. And since the other side had acted, it was certainly because his side had an information leak. Only the benefits of those hundred-something wild beasts would draw the covetous gazes of so many people!

    Hence, Gongyi Tianheng automatically harbored suspicions on Wu Gang ¡ª In fact, only Wu Gang had the possibility of betraying him. Bao You had been neglectful.

    Tianheng concealed his feelings, and didn¡¯t immediately expose Wu Gang.

    They rushed out extremely quickly under the protection of several wild bears. This resulted in their clumsy intrusion into a Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯sir, which disturbed the beast¡¯s deep sleep ¡ª The oue? What originally should¡¯ve been two parties in a life or death chase, under the tyrannical abuse of the Spirit-Grade wild beast, became a reluctant alliance to confront the enemy.

    This was the scene that Gu Zuo saw.

    As for Wu Gang, during the process of the confrontation, he involuntarily died amid the spewed smoke of the Spirit-Grade wild beast.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 152

    After listening to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s words, Gu Zuo let out a long, long sigh.

    Tianheng smiled and said: "This time is all thanks to Ah Zuo. If not, I¡¯m afraid I really would¡¯ve died here."

    Gu Zuo also felt it was very dangerous, but after calming down, he didn¡¯t feel that Tianheng would¡¯ve really died. After all, this big brother of his possessed the Tiandu Body. Because Huangfu Zhanghao, who¡¯d been touched by his light, had that kind of luck, Tianheng¡¯s innate luck was naturally even stronger. There should¡¯ve been many matters where misfortunes would turn into blessings.

    But then he thought better of it. Perhaps, Gu Zuo himself being able to sense it this time was considered a type of "luck"? But that kind of matter was truly too far-fetched, and he couldn¡¯t think of a reason why. If he was given a choice again, he would stille to the rescue ¡ª No matter how good one¡¯s luck, if a person didn¡¯t do their best nor grab every opportunity, it would¡¯ve all been in vain.

    After thinking about this, Gu Zuo asked: "What about Bao You?"

    A ve could obey an order outwardly, but reject it inwardly. Because of Bao You¡¯s small-mindedness, he hadn¡¯t reported in time, which caused them to meet this tribtion. They couldn¡¯t let him off so casually.

    When he thought about it, he almost lost the chance to see his dear big brother ever again. His mood was very gloomy up until now.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes revealed a trace of coldness: "Even though we¡¯re out of danger this time, he should also receive punishment. When a subordinate acts of their own ord during inappropriate times, they can negatively affectrger matters. One cannot be excessively tolerant."

    Gu Zuo saw Tianheng act this way and asked curiously: "Did he give a report to big brother afterwards?"

    Tianheng faintly nodded: "I already suspected that he¡¯d gone wrong. While you were cutting open that wild beast, he came to speak to me in detail. Right now, I¡¯m punishing him so that he can¡¯t carry medicinal pills. If he wants to make an exchange, he must do double the work. Once we return, I¡¯ll also have Dragon One give him fiftyshes."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s little heart trembled.

    Fiftyshes... It would be really painful. Ah, that punishment wasn¡¯t light.

    Merely, he also understood. If the deceit within Bao You¡¯s nature couldn¡¯t be suppressed, when instructing them to handle matters in the future, the one to suffer harm would be his closest person.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know that after Bao You received this kind of punishment, he instead let out a sigh of relief.

    Because of his dereliction of duty, he almost caused his master¡¯s death. If he was another person¡¯s ve, perhaps he would¡¯ve been immediately beheaded. Here, he still had the opportunity to make amends for his wrongdoing. This was really rare. Although he couldn¡¯t get those top-notch medicinal pills, wasn¡¯t he able to use other ways to exchange for them? Fiftyshes also wasn¡¯t a big deal. After being punished, he could endure for half a month.

    But in his heart, he indeed suppressed some small thoughts.

    He truly didn¡¯t want to encounter such a situation again... His life was connected to his current master. A moment of neglect would cause him to drop dead. Then, it would be over!

    After this matter pa.s.sed, Dragon One and Dragon Two didn¡¯t need to dwell on it. Liu Bao and He Wu were even more careful ¡ª Bao You¡¯s experience also served the purpose of setting an example.

    They were all people who had a clear view of things. This was further proof that they could only follow Gongyi Tianheng on his journey to the end.

    Gu Zuo was thinking just then, but as he saw Tianheng suddenly turn to the side and walk away, he couldn¡¯t help staring nkly: "Where¡¯s big brother going?"

    Tianheng pointed towards that direction: "That Spirit-Grade wild beast had entrenched itself here for a long time. Ah Zuo, could it be that you don¡¯t want to take a look at how big of a h.o.a.rd it has?"

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined: "I want to look!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: "Then, let¡¯s go!"

    Gu Zuo naturally scampered over, and hurriedly followed after him.

    Two ves were sent first to guard the cavern previously packed with over a hundred wild wolves. Dragon Two, Liu Bao, and several wild bears guarded the area outside of the beast¡¯s caveir. Meanwhile, Dragon One followed Tianheng and Gu Zuo into the cave itself.

    The Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯sir was veryrge. It looked like it had been excavated into the mountain wall, but it also appeared naturally formed. After going in, both sides had many dim, flickering lights. Their noses could also smell the faint stench of blood.

    Gu Zuo took a cursory nce to the left and right, and discovered that those lights were a type of medicinal herb called Luminous Gra.s.s. Luminous Gra.s.s was a kind of medicinal primer that could raise the pill sess rate. Normally, it was a rare sight, but at this time, its growth nketed the mountain walls. The illumination of the entire cave made so it wasn¡¯t dim or hard to see things.

    Gongyi Tianheng patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head: "Ah Zuo, what are you looking at?"

    Gu Zuo pointed at the mountain walls: "Luminous Gra.s.s. It¡¯s useless to me, but it can be sold!"

    Tianheng broke intoughter: "Then will Ah Zuo go to harvest them now?"

    Gu Zuo hurriedly shook his head: "I¡¯ll look elsewhere first, and harvest these at the end!"

    Tianheng patted his head again, and moved forwards withrge strides: "Alright."

    Gu Zuo covered his head and followed after with small steps.

    The cave was very big, but it wasn¡¯t too deep. After Gu Zuo used his psychic power to sweep through the interior, he immediately found that there were many precious herbs, which were usually quite rare.

    Gu Zuo promptly dashed over, and used harvesting methods he already learned. With the utmost care, he plucked them one by one. Then he delivered them into the storage s.p.a.ce, which had an automatic preservation function.

    One stalk, two stalks, three stalks...five stalks...ten stalks!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined as he relentlessly plucked clean all the medicinal herbs that were already mature!

    There was no need to tempt fate.

    This was also an opportunity! Ah, the Tiandu Body¡¯s luck was really too powerful!

    Tianheng watched that eager look of his and raised an eyebrow.

    Following which, Tianheng walked straight to a sunken area.

    This sunken area was undoubtedly where that Spirit-Grade wild beast slept. There was a touch of fire qi that couldn¡¯t be missed down below. A Spirit-Grade wild beast wouldn¡¯t build its ownir arbitrarily. If it was built, there was certainly something that attracted it here. Although this ce had lots of medicinal herbs, they weren¡¯t ones that the Spirit-Grade wild beast had to guard over. In that case, why did it build a nest here?

    Tianheng jumped, plunging into that sunken area. He started to slowly search. It was a higher probability that what should¡¯ve been concealed in the depths here was a ley line...

    On that side, Gu Zuo had already finished harvesting all the mature medicinal herbs. He turned his head and looked to Tianheng: "Big brother, what did you find?"

    Gongyi Tianheng murmured somewhat: "Ah Zuo,e here."

    Gu Zuo naturally came over without dy.

    Tianheng said: "Ah Zuo, try using your psychic power to probe underground."

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. His thoughts moved and the s.p.a.ce between his eyebrows heated up. A strand of intangible power surged out and instantly formed arge along the ground. Then, it sank straight down.

    Facts had shown that novices couldn¡¯t work as stably as veterans... Or to say, they were too impulsive. After Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power continued going down, it suddenly ran into something and was promptly extinguished by that something. This caused his head to feel extreme pain, and he immediately toppled backwards and fell down.

    "Ah, it hurts!" A miserable shout also promptly escaped his lips.

    Fortunately, Gongyi Tianheng reacted quickly. The instant that Gu Zuo fell down, Tianheng used an arm to catch him. Soon after, he extended his fingers to press against Gu Zuo¡¯s temples, and exerted some strength to ma.s.sage them.

    "Ah Zuo, what happened? Headache?"

    Gu Zuo urgently panted: "Psychic power, my psychic power was destroyed!"

    Tianheng startled slightly: "Is that important?"

    Gu Zuo shook his head: "It¡¯s nothing. It just hurts a little. I¡¯ll be fine in a moment. Anyway, I came across a simr situation before..."

    Tianheng¡¯s expression changed slightly: "Before?"

    Gu Zuo responded with a chuckle. He talked about his own arrival here, being attacked by that Spirit-Grade wild beast¡¯s thoughts, and the resulting situation of having his probing psychic energy destroyed.

    In fact, he already realized that he needed to be more careful at that time, but he didn¡¯t think that looking for an object in a ce with obviously no danger would¡¯ve led to his psychic power receiving an injury.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression rxed as he tapped Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: "After this, you can¡¯t be so careless." Then he sighed, "This is also my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have told you to go."

    Gu Zuo heard this, and hastily shook his head: "No, being able to help big brother makes me happy! What does my own carelessness have to do with big brother? If I just watch while big brother¡¯s preupied with a matter that I can do, then I would be too shameless."

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry: "I could say the same about myself."

    Gu Zuo became a little embarra.s.sed, and his face reddened.

    After the two had med themselves, this matter was uncovered.

    Their attentions then returned to the matter at hand.

    Gu Zuo said: "Something that can destroy my psychic power is certainly out of the ordinary. We¡¯ll need to dig it out to see if it had any use." He saw that Tianheng didn¡¯t oppose this, and boldly continued to speak, "Probably six... Oh, six and a half meters underground. When digging, we need to be extremely careful."

    Tianheng nodded: "Ah Zuo, step back."

    Gu Zuo obediently took many steps backwards.

    No matter how substantiated his psychic attacks were, they weren¡¯t suited to manualbor. Let alone his own little arms and legs... As a result, he diligently waited on the side.

    On the contrary, Dragon One immediately came over to help. At the same time, he let out a whistle to call in Dragon Two who was outside.

    ¡ª This kind of matter was indeed one that he could only let the capable and devoted Tianlong Guard handle.

    The movements of the three people were very fast.

    Gongyi Tianheng grasped a long spear and only needed to send out qi energy. The frightful power promptly drilled into the ground, creating a pile of earth as he excavated. Meanwhile, Dragon One and Dragon Two both held hoes given by Gu Zuo and dug through the earth at speeds that weren¡¯t slow.

    One could only hear ttering sounds while the numerous lumps of earth seemed like pieces of metal as theynded outside in a scattered heap.

    Gu Zuo discovered that these pieces of soil appeared especially hard?

    In other words, for some unknown reason, it had be very dense... This made him increasingly certain that there must¡¯ve been a good thing below!

    A long timeter, that pit grewrger and deeper.

    Gu Zuo took out an extremely thin strand of psychic power and extended it down in advance.

    This time, he made some preparations and was very careful. After barely sensing that mysterious power, he quickly withdrew his psychic power!

    "Big brother, be careful. It¡¯s only a meter away!" Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help giving a warning.

    Tianheng made an affirmative sound.

    At this moment, the bodies of him, Dragon One, and Dragon Two were all already in the pit. While they could hear Gu Zuo¡¯s voice, they couldn¡¯t see his figure.

    Atst, a few minutester, the silhouettes of those three suddenly appeared from that pit!

    Their speed was extremely fast. Gongyi Tianheng fished up Gu Zuo, who was staying beside the hole, and carried him in a rapid retreat. They directly retreated to near the entrance of the cave!

    Gu Zuo widened his eyes in amazement.

    He saw it clearly. In that pit, a gout of iparably hot and bright light shot out. In just the blink of an eye, it transformed the entire cavern into an ocean of heat!

    Hot, too hot!

    This kind of temperature seemed like it would roast them all up!

    Almost instantly, everyone¡¯s clothes were drenched through.

    This was the sweat they were perspiring. This was also the water within their bodies that had been steamed out under such a frightening power. It was something out of their control, where a moment of inattention would¡¯ve... It was a sign that they would¡¯ve been roasted alive.

    Gu Zuo wanted to withdraw. He felt his parched throat, but still did his best to speak: "Big brother, let¡¯s get..." Out of here.

    These words were never spoken. He found something out of ce.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body seemed to be enshrouded in ayer of reddish-gold power!

    Gu Zuo was about to cry out: "Big brother¡ª" But he promptly swallowed his voice back.

    Because Gu Zuo discovered that thisyer of reddish-gold power, which seemed to be the heating agent that filled the cavern, had turned into a surging torrent that covered Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body.

    And these powers weren¡¯t stationary ones. Rather, they were continuously absorbed by Tianheng. They submerged into his pores and were a.s.simted.

    At the same time, the heat within the cavern seemed to gradually wane bit by bit...

    Gu Zuo slowly let out a breath, and said to Dragon One and Dragon Two, who were hesitating as if they didn¡¯t know how to handle this: "You guys, don¡¯t move big brother. This might be big brother¡¯s chance!"

    At this moment, he remembered something.

    Gongyi Tianheng had six sets of bone pearls. Among them, one set had absorbed poison. It was within Tianheng¡¯s predictions that the other fourplete sets also should¡¯ve been able to absorb some special powers.

    For instance, did the reddish-gold power today happen to satisfy the bone pearls¡¯ requirements?

    Whatever the case, since Tianheng didn¡¯t show the least bit of difort, Gu Zuo would let him continue absorbing it until his awakening!

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo slowly walked over to that big pit.

    The heat ahead was still astonishing, but with Gongyi Tianheng gobbling up the power in the back, there were some cracks between the heat flows that weren¡¯t so hot. This allowed Gu Zuo to pa.s.s through.

    Eventually, Gu Zuo arrived in front of that big pit. He lowered his head to take a look.

    Tss! ¡ª He was nketed by a wave of intense heat.

    However, this didn¡¯t affect his line of sight.

    Beneath the swathes of steaming heat that seemed to warp the air, at the bottom of that big pit was an unmoving chunk of stone.

    It was a reddish-gold stone with a magnificent l.u.s.ter.

    It was only about the size of the palm of his hand, but the heat it was emitting would shock a person to their core.

    Unfortunately, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t recognize what this chunk of stone was. He thought back to those many item books of his, and found that this stone wasn¡¯t included in any book. In other words, it didn¡¯t have any medicinal value.

    In that case, this was beyond his knowledge or authority.

    Nevertheless, he understood that this chunk of stone was certainly extremely precious.

    None of the ores that he¡¯d seen previously were anything like this chunk of stone. After being exposed, just the unintentional emission of heat energy was practically able to roast them. If the bone pearls within Tianheng didn¡¯t take the initiative to gobble it up, they basically wouldn¡¯t have been able to approach the stone!

    A little more than three hours pa.s.sed.

    Atst, the heat within the cavern dropped thoroughly and the entire cave had be cool and refreshing just like before the ground was excavated.

    Of course, while Gu Zuo stood in front of the big pit, he could still sense the heat emitted from that reddish-gold stone at the bottom of the hole. Merely, this heat was considerably lower than just a while ago.

    Gongyi Tianheng also finally opened his eyes.

    Gu Zuo abruptly turned his head and their eyes locked gazes.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo covered his own eyes!

    ¡ª This wasn¡¯t right. How could his big brother¡¯s eyes be so ring?! It made his tears want to flow out!

    Very quickly, a pair of hands hung onto his shoulders. A warm voice echoed next to his ear: "Ah Zuo, open your eyes. It¡¯s alright."

    Gu Zuo then slowly raised his eyelids and lifted his head to look.

    Sure enough, although he still felt that his big brother¡¯s eyes were particrly bright, he didn¡¯t feel any piercing pain in his eyes again ¡ª The only strange thing was that there was a weakyer of reddish-gold light in big brother¡¯s eyes. It gave his originally pitch-ck eyes a tint of color. It was a type of beauty that approached resplendence.

    Gu Zuo unwittingly startedughing: "Haha, big brother¡¯s eyes..."

    Without any better option, Tianheng flicked a finger at his forehead: "Are youughing at me?"

    Gu Zuo covered his forehead and shook his head fiercely: "No, no no... I wouldn¡¯t dare..."

    Tianheng flicked another finger: "You better not have."

    Gu Zuo was speechless: Since I didn¡¯t, why did you still poke me...

    Whatever. In any case, he really had beenughing at his big brother before!

    After that, he watched as Tianheng bent his body slightly and jumped into that big pit.

    Gu Zuo: "...Ah, Big brother, be careful of the heat!"

    Gongyi Tianheng: "Ah Zuo, rest a.s.sured."

    Although Gu Zuo was still worried for Tianheng, Tianheng¡¯s movements were very smooth. He directly used a hand to grab that chunk of reddish-gold stone. Unexpectedly, it seemed that he didn¡¯t feel any heat from the stone in his hand.

    Gu Zuo thought it was strange. He curiously extended a finger, wanting to touch it. However, just as he got close, he felt a heat wave crashing into his face. That stone was something he absolutely couldn¡¯t touch! The temperature hadn¡¯t diminished even a little bit!

    Tianhengughed and said: "Ah Zuo, watch carefully."

    A little puzzled, Gu Zuo watched Tianheng spread out his fingers... This time, he discovered something. Originally, the area outside of his palm was covered by a goldenyer of power. This was the reason why he hadn¡¯t been burned or repelled by the heat.

    However, did this mean that his dear big brother was already capable of controlling this type of power?

    Thinking up to here, his eyes shined.

    Tianheng smiled: "This is only a superficial application, but it will be a type of power for me in the future."

    Gu Zuo asked further: "And that poison?"

    A trace of dark light shed in Tianheng¡¯s eyes: "The poison and this power have formed a system where they don¡¯t negatively affect each other. I can...smoothly switch and manipte them."

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly exulted.

    The stronger his big brother became, the safer they would be!

    Following that, under Tianheng¡¯s request, Gu Zuo received the reddish-gold stone into a region of the storage s.p.a.ce. It wasn¡¯t that Tianheng didn¡¯t want to carry it himself. It was only that his current inter-spatial tool wasn¡¯t as convenient as Gu Zuo¡¯s. If the reddish-gold stone was put inside, it would¡¯ve damaged the other goods. And if he wanted to use another inter-spatial tool, he needed to pack it away first. Yet, he hadn¡¯t found an inter-spatial tool that could smoothly store the reddish-gold stone without damaging it.

    Hence, he could only use an unupied region of Gu Zuo¡¯s storage s.p.a.ce.

    Once the chunk of reddish-gold stone was put away, the temperature within the entire cavern was loweredpletely. Not a bit of warmth remained. Gu Zuo rapidly searched the cave again. First, he handled all the Luminous Gra.s.s. After discovering that he hadn¡¯t overlooked any medicinal herbs, he rxed.

    Meanwhile, Dragon One and Dragon Two were busy. In a corner, they¡¯d found lots of skeletons. There were even some Fangcun Cloths and inter-spatial tools among the skeletons. The things stored in the inter-spatial tools were certainly a harvest of golden banknotes, medicinal ingredients, resources, and so on.

    Only, it was a pity that because a long time had pa.s.sed, some herbs and resources were unusable. On the contrary, when those banknotes were put in order, there was more than ten million in gold.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t helpmenting: "ying a Spirit-Grade wild beast is still truly profitable." After that, he looked to those skeletons, and gave a sigh for those poor sods. Ai, if it wasn¡¯t for this time¡¯s good luck, they would¡¯ve also be members of those poor sods... As human beings, this could likewise be considered as taking revenge and wiping out a grudge for them.

    Following that, Gongyi Tianheng andpany walked out of the cavern.

    Liu Bao hastily weed them: "Young master."

    Tianheng waved his hand: "We¡¯ll go fetch the wild wolves."

    The others naturally responded: "Yes, young master."

    That cave was a bit distant from here. Moreover, it was quite concealed ¡ª After all, there were many opportunistic people in the Twilight Tiger Mountain Range. If it couldn¡¯t be hidden well, what would be done about the people it attracted?

    They detoured through several small roads. Finally, hidden between trees and boulders, they saw a jet-ck cave entrance.

    And behind the boulders to the sides of the cave entrance were He Wu and Bao You, who vigntly kept watch.

    This time, Bao You didn¡¯t dare lower his guard in the slightest.

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly lowered his head and walked into that cave first.

    Once he went in, he extended a hand: "Ah Zuo,e."

    Gu Zuo hastily reached out to grab Tianheng.

    Tianheng then used a bit of strength to pull him inside.

    The interior was very dark. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s palm unfolded, and a ball of reddish-gold power slowly rose up. It brightly shined upon the entire cave.

    Gu Zuo promptly saw the scene within the cave, and couldn¡¯t help letting out a low cry: "So many!"

    Knowing was one thing, and seeing was another.

    There were few wild wolves that were two to three meters long. Many were actually four to five meters long. There were no less than a hundred beasts lounging around the cave. They were still unconscious, but even though it was like this, they still emitted a strong suppressive force and valiant qi energy.

    This was truly...too incredible!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 153

    Aftermenting, a question popped up.

    Gu Zuo turned his head: "Big brother, how are we going to transport them back?"

    Gongyi Tianheng rested his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: "First, we¡¯d make an extremelyrge iron cage and recruit a number of wild birds."

    Gu Zuo understood clearly ¡ª Air transport. But right away, he began to doubt: "We need to make that iron cage now? And make it here?"

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: "It was naturally done at an earlier time."

    The aforementioned "first" meant before they set off. They had to make suitable preparations in advance.

    Gu Zuo: "...Oh." He paused, before asking once more, "But big brother, why weren¡¯t the beasts put inside yet? Why wait until now? If the wild wolves woke up and escaped, then what would we do?"

    Tianheng said: "If the beasts were enclosed ahead of time and other forces arrived here, wouldn¡¯t it be too easy for them to just carry the iron cage away? Moreover, I still have a lot of faith in the Bewildering Beast Mist Ah Zuo refined. Could it be that Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t have confidence in himself?"

    Gu Zuo understood: "Of course I have...some confidence."

    Hence, Tianhengughed. After that, he went to the cave entrance and released the iron cage.

    In the blink of an eye, an enormous cage appeared at the edge of the cavern. The cage door, which could roughly amodate two wild wolves going in at the same time, directly faced them.

    Dragon One and the others rapidly set about their tasks, carrying those unconscious wild wolves and packing them all into the interior of that iron cage. Not long after, the entire cage was filled to the brim.

    Gu Zuo watched them bustle around, then chased after Tianheng out of the cavern: "Then, what about the wild birds?"

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled before letting out a distant and prolonged whistle up into the air.

    The next moment, the sounds of numerous pping wings echoed in the sky. Soon after, as many as twelve or thirteen wild birds beat their enormous wings andnded from overhead.

    These wild birds had gigantic builds and their talons were huge. Whether their tearing ability or transportation ability, both were extremely strong. It precisely suited this time¡¯s work.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh.

    It was a pity that the wild bird he rented had fled back to the Sect because it was afraid of the Spirit-Grade wild beast. If not, they would¡¯ve had another beastly transportation tool.

    The goods were quickly stowed away. Gongyi Tianheng then made another signal for the cage to move. Those wild birds began pping their wings and flew up. Each and every one was distributed evenly, and they used their talons to grab the railings on that iron cage.

    At this moment, Dragon One jumped onto the back of the leading bird to guide the way.

    Immediately following that, a surging air flow swept the surroundings. Those wild birds continuously pped their wings. And after the iron cage produced creaking noises, it left the ground!

    Ultimately, there only remained a couple wild bears that had already been tamed by Tianheng.

    Tianheng asked: "Ah Zuo, how about you ride with me?"

    As he said this, he lowered his head and his gaze carried a smiling expression.

    Gu Zuo clenched his hands: "Okay!"

    In fact, he was very interested in riding a bear. He was just worried that he¡¯d look unimpressive when riding by himself. Now that his dear big brother saw through this hidden longing, he also felt a bit embarra.s.sed.

    But, he was still very happy in his heart.

    Soon after, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo up and carried him directly to the back of the leading bear. Gu Zuo swayed a bit, and felt that the flexing muscles beneath him were very peculiar.

    After that, the remaining subordinates and ves all got on the bears¡¯ backs.

    Then, the wild birds high in the sky spread their wings and the wild bears on the ground stamped the earth. A group of people grandly and mightily travelled towards the Sect.

    In a rather exquisite mountain mansion, a young man sitting atop a throne was looking at a person down below. He opened his mouth, unhurriedly: "Sun Lang, I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯ve recently wanted to make trouble for someone. Have you already mobilized many people?"

    The slim young man below heard this, and his body immediately trembled: "Senior, Senior Sect Brother Lu, I... I..." He was too nervous to dare breathe. In the end, he didn¡¯t tell any lies, "Ye-yes."

    If Gu Zuo was here, he should¡¯ve been able to recognize that he¡¯d seen these two people before.

    ¡ª Lu Jiusi as well as a pharmacist.

    A teacup rested in Lu Jiusi¡¯s hand, while a finger lightly caressed the cup¡¯s lip. His tone was calm, but one couldn¡¯t tell his mood: "In that case, why do you want to make trouble for him?"

    Sun Lang¡¯s thoughts turned extremely quickly. He considered many things, and rapidly sorted out his version of events: "Senior Sect Brother Lu, you wouldn¡¯t know how arrogant he was. He clearly didn¡¯t have much strength, but he was disrespectful to a senior disciple of mine. His words were full of contempt to a disciple of my Inner Sect Pharmacist Hall. He also said that the person he followed was far stronger than the Inner Sect¡¯s senior disciples. It was really unbearable! I was at the end of my patience and chided him. He was still full of himself from that time¡¯s medicine refining achievement and he wantonly ridiculed me..."

    There were truths and falsehoods in these words. However, it wasn¡¯t nine parts truth and one part lies. Nine parts lies and one part truth was more urate. Many embellishments had been added, and even some matters that clearly didn¡¯t happen were fabricated. The speech was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with instigations.

    While Lu Jiusi listened, he guessed where there were certainly exaggerations. He¡¯d investigated and seen the person Sun Lang was talking about, and he was also the target Lu Jiusi wanted to rope in. However, he didn¡¯t feel that the other party was that domineering ¡ª It was possible if it was Xu Lingxiu, who¡¯d been pampered and loved since childhood.

    Only, the truths and lies weren¡¯t important. The important thing was that the other party was indeed loyal to the person he followed. It probably wasn¡¯t enough to nt a seed of ambition in his heart. Perhaps it¡¯d be better if there was some pressure from the outside to give a small push.

    As a result, Lu Jiusi let go of the cup¡¯s lid.

    Clink!

    The sound of a crisp collision echoed out.

    At first, Sun Lang spoke in a carefree manner. At this moment, he suddenly shut his mouth and hunched his shoulders: "...It was like that. If that person had only insulted me, I would¡¯ve left it at that, but he shouldn¡¯t have insulted my Inner Sect Pharmacist Hall¡¯s disciple. I¡¯m unsatisfied and I want to make him suffer a little so he knows that my Pharmacist Hall isn¡¯t a target to bully."

    His ramblings had a desire for the public good, and it seemed like there really wasn¡¯t the least bit of selfish desire.

    The corner of Lu Jiusi¡¯s mouth curled into a grin, and the expression in his eyes was ice-cold: "Oh? It seems you¡¯re still quite considerate towards the Pharmacist Hall."

    Sun Lang¡¯s voice was somewhat feeble: "Yes... Senior Sect Brother Lu."

    Lu Jiusi sneered: "Then, why do you want to mobilize my Jiusi Tower¡¯s workers? Could it be that I, this humble Lu, have given you too much power, making you think that you can supersede me and directly dispatch my subordinates?"

    Sun Lang was greatly rmed and almost immediately fell prostrate on the ground, his head covered in a cold sweat: "No, no! I just wasn¡¯t thinking clearly for a moment. I wanted to teach him a little lesson, so I rushed ahead! Please forgive me, Senior Sect Brother Lu! I wouldn¡¯t dare do that again!"

    Perhaps others would think that this Lu Jiusi treated people with grace and elegance, that he was an ideal Senior Sect Brother. However, after Sun Lang was roped in by Lu Jiusi, he¡¯d seen many things. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t think as such. When he recalled Lu Jiusi¡¯s previous methods of dealing with those who dared to double-cross him, it truly drenched his back with sweat. It felt like he¡¯d been put into an oven.

    Lu Jiusi lifted the teacup and took a sip. The aura his body exuded was also restrained: "Okay, stand up. It looks like I gave you a scare."

    Sun Lang shook uncontrobly: "I... I..."

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s voice was gentle: "Alright."

    Sun Lang shuddered, then he abruptly stood up.

    Lu Jiusi said: "Your words have a lot of exaggerations. I don¡¯t want to get involved, but since you¡¯re a person under my employ and someone has obstructed your path, I won¡¯t fault you for teaching him a lesson. So long as you can be stronger as quickly as possible and that you pay me back sufficiently, what does it matter if you kill a few small worms?"

    Sun Lang heard this, and only felt his body¡¯s temperature returning to normal. Thinking about Lu Jiusi¡¯s words, his lingering fears had turned into gratefulness and self-satisfaction.

    "Only, I have also met the person you¡¯ve spoken of. He currently has some connections with Xu Lingxiu. If you want to make things hard for him, you can¡¯t do it too obviously. More so, you can¡¯t take my Jiusi Tower¡¯s known staff to do this kind of thing."

    Sun Lang listened to this, and his heart¡¯s jealousy dyed his eyes red: "Then, what should this subordinate do?"

    This time, he was even more deferential ¡ª Why was that youngster¡¯s luck so good?!

    Lu Jiusi said: "I have a few people to choose from here. You can get in touch with them and have them undertake a task. As for you, just add fuel to the fire in the back and don¡¯t expose yourself by going out ¡ª You¡¯re very important to me. What you need to do the most is still to upgrade your own medicine refining abilities. If you do other things yourself, you¡¯ll seem excessively stupid and it¡¯ll waste too much time. Do you understand?"

    Sun Lang shed tears of grat.i.tude: "This subordinate understands! Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Lu... No, many thanks for pointing this out, Tower Master!"

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s tone became even warmer: "Good, you can go. However, you can¡¯t take his life. Just relieve your anger by making things difficult for him. If it isn¡¯t easy to get started on that person, the one he follows doesn¡¯t have any skill. As an Inner Sect disciple, it¡¯ll be much more convenient to target that one. And once that young master loses his henchmen, what would that person be able to achieve? At that time, wouldn¡¯t you have total control?"

    Sun Lang¡¯s face was filled with aspirations. He looked as if he was already witnessing that scene, and was stirred up: "The Tower Master¡¯s words are just. This subordinate will handle it at once!"

    After his voice fell, Sun Lang obeyed Lu Jiusi¡¯s dismissal and left this ce in high spirits.

    Once his silhouette vanished, only Lu Jiusi remained in the totally empty hall. He quietly had his tea and refreshments.

    There was a slice of gloom in his eyes.

    Sun Lang¡¯s apt.i.tudes were pretty good, but he was stupid. One wouldn¡¯t know if this kind of stupid person could go far along the path of medicine refinement. He wanted to overtake Xu Lingxiu, which was basically impossible. Meanwhile, the neer Gu Zuo could obtain Xu Lingxiu¡¯s respect ¡ª Lu Jiusi had investigated. At Gu Zuo¡¯s age, that time¡¯s performance in the Medicine Pavilion was nothing short of breathtaking. Once he had grown in the future, even if he couldn¡¯tpare to Xu Lingxiu, he certainly wouldn¡¯t be too far off.

    This could close the personal distance between himself and Xi Yangyun.

    This time, Sun Lang had sent the Secret Tower¡¯s people to act. It was basically impossible for outsiders to link it to Lu Jiusi. Even if the plot was exposed, it could be pushed into Sun Lang¡¯s hands. After pressuring Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, they would¡¯ve certainly encountered many troubles. If Gongyi Tianheng was able to resolve these troubles, his value would have to be rea.s.sessed. If he couldn¡¯t resolve them... When the young master was unable to protect Gu Zuo time after time, would Gu Zuo¡¯s ambitions fail to sprout? At that time, so long as he came to the rescue a few times, with his connection to Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu, he wasn¡¯t worried that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t take the bait.

    In the end, he was only a teenager.

    ...It was absolutely impossible to escape the palm of his hand.

    Thinking up to here, Lu Jiusi smiled faintly.

    In his smiling expression, there was a trace of strangeness and a trace of...obsession.

    Inner Sect¡¯s Market Street. It was particrly lively today.

    "Senior Sect Brother, hold on! What¡¯s caused you to run like this?"

    "Don¡¯t bother me. I don¡¯t have the spare time to tarry here!"

    "Senior Sect Brother! Ai¡ª"

    "Make way! Please move!"

    "Wait... This Junior Sect Brother? Why are you also..."

    Some people were unable to make sense of the matter. Yet, some people were running very quickly, and all of them were going towards the same direction.

    One among them was especially fond of getting to the bottom of things. It was very easy to find and question a fellow disciple who couldn¡¯t run fast, but who still had a face full of envy. Then, he realized what had happened.

    As it turned out, early in the morning, a flock of wild birds carrying an iron cage hadnded in a tract of wide, open s.p.a.ce on Market Street. And that iron cage had no less than a hundred wild wolves that were grade three and above! They heard it also included a grade six wolf king! This truly increased the people¡¯s interests!

    One must know that if the bloodline wascking, it wouldn¡¯t be able to advance. If a wolf king appeared in the samemunity, then it showed that this type of wild beast¡¯s bloodline had achieved a certain level. If it was raised with care, it should also be able to reach grade six. And grade six wild wolves surpa.s.sed Qi Breathing stage three martial artists. If it was subdued, it could be considered the idealbat partner.

    If there was only one, two, or even a dozen beasts, it wouldn¡¯t have been worth mentioning. Wild wolves weren¡¯t a rare wild beast. In the past, many martial artists were able to y them on their own. Even if one could exchange contribution points in the Sect, everyone felt it wasn¡¯t worth it. But who encountered a pack of over a hundred wolves and captured them alive?

    Ordinary Inner Sect disciples were just that. Meanwhile, disciples with some financial ability and power all wanted to purchase the entire wolf pack. There was a tacit understanding between members of a wolf pack. If they could be organized into a wolf-rider battle squadron, they would certainly be the core of even an apex power!

    It wasn¡¯t strange that this ce was bustling.

    It could be a.s.sumed that even disciples who couldn¡¯t afford it woulde to take a look.

    This disciple finally understood. His eyes widened, and he promptly broke out in a sprint, only leaving behind a rolling cloud of dust ¡ª For no other reason except that he also wanted to go see the wolf pack!

    Moreover, which great power was capable of getting a hold of so many wild wolves? They were too stupid. They weren¡¯t going to keep the pack for their own use. Instead, they were going to sell it! He needed to see who those two fools were!

    But this disciple absolutely didn¡¯t expect that the ones who got the wolf pack weren¡¯t considered a great power at all. At most, they were...an ordinary team.

    Right. To a team, over a hundred wild wolves was too many. In fact, it really wasn¡¯t of much use.

    Hence, more and more people arrived, congregating around that piece of widend.

    Gu Zuo followed behind Gongyi Tianheng and watched the dense crowd of people before his eyes.

    It had only taken them an hour or two to bring the iron cage. Wasn¡¯t the arrival speed of those people just a little too quick? Or had the attractive force of the wild wolves reached this stage?

    Most of all, many of the people who arrived either wore the same kind of clothing or bore the same badges. It seemed to have a special style of dress, which expressed that the powers that backed them were not identical. Their a.s.sets were probably very robust.

    In that crowd, there were also many familiar faces.

    It was just that these familiar faces hadn¡¯t wormed their way into bing friends, so they could only give looks of hidden bitterness from afar.

    That¡¯s right. And the one with the most bitter expression was that fatty.

    That facial expression of his was as if piles of gold had slipped through his fingers. But after thinking about it, hadn¡¯t it really slipped away?

    Gu Zuo secretlyughed in his heart. He couldn¡¯t help transmitting to Tianheng: Big brother, Senior Sect Brother Fu is over there...

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change and he replied: In the business world, one talks with money. We previously gave him medicinal pills because our foundations werecking and business opportunities were far away. Although the wild beasts aren¡¯t a one-off deal, they also aren¡¯t long-term. It¡¯s just so we can .u.mte some capital. In addition, it will also let others know that we exist.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t really get it, but he vaguely understood that his big brother had ns in mind. In any case, the current feeling he gave people was that he was a pharmacist with some potential who followed and learned from Xu Lingxiu. This should¡¯ve been able to reveal something. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve always been hiding and supporting from the backlines, and wouldn¡¯t have received any importance in the Inner Sect.

    He shared his thoughts with Tianheng, who also approved: Correct. It¡¯s unsuitable to have a reputation that¡¯s too prosperous in the Outer Sect, but it¡¯s also unusable to have one that¡¯s too weak in the Inner Sect. Without a reputation, there¡¯ll be no one to seek for shelter. That¡¯s disadvantageous to us.

    Gu Zuo nodded.

    One couldn¡¯t always purchase ves...

    The facts were indeed as such.

    One needed a certain strength in the Inner Sect when establishing one¡¯s own power to keep a public venue under control. Right now, Gongyi Tianheng seemed to have done something hastily, but because he had certain connections, his true strength reached a pointparable to Xiantian stage six, which presented no problems ¡ª Under normal circ.u.mstances, an Inner Sect disciple with Xiantian stage three strength would often have to recruit manpower for sufficient resources and cultivation.

    Gu Zuo "spoke" a few sentences with Tianheng as more people arrived here.

    As for why no one had called out a price the whole time while so many powers were allowed toe? There was only one reason. It was because it was toote!

    Gongyi Tianheng and the others were discovered the moment of their arrival by quite a few disciples. It was only natural that solitary cultivators would watch the bustle. They would at most be interested in the grade five and grade six wild wolves, but news would quickly spread. At the same time, several powers had rushed over.

    Who was it being sold to this time?

    For over a hundred wild wolves, no one would want to yield. As a matter of fact, even more powers had shown up, but arguments over who would buy them hadn¡¯t broken out. Everyone¡¯s strengths were about the same. At most, they were separated by a hierarchy, but those of different strata still hadparable strengths. In the end, they were still in a deadlock with no conclusion.

    Gongyi Tianheng waited, unruffled by the bustling chaos.

    There was nothing to be done. If he didn¡¯t wait, wouldn¡¯t that offend people? In any case, none of these powers issued any statements, so he kept his mouth shut. Silence was golden. Contrary to expectations, it wasn¡¯t easy to stir up trouble.

    But now, it was no longer suitable to remain silent.

    The interested powers, both great and small, should¡¯ve all arrived.

    Dragon One, Dragon Two, and several ves all stood around the iron cage. At this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare follow behind Tianheng. Rather, he quietly withdrew a few steps and arrived next to the cage.

    In the iron cage, the wild wolves continuously issued low snarls ¡ª Yes, they¡¯d already ovee the Bewildering Beast Mist¡¯s effects. Currently, they were leaping and frisking about. They were even colliding with the cage endlessly, exhibiting their varying capabilities.

    Gongyi Tianheng cupped his hands in greeting and first said: "I am indebted to my Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters for your patronage." Then he said, "This one had luckilye across these wild wolves, which all hail from the same race and species. If they were separated, some would truly be unable to bear it. Thus, the total here amounts to one hundred twenty-eight wild wolves. There is one grade six, seven grade five, eighteen grade four, and one hundred two grade three beasts. The base price is thirty million gold and two hundred contribution points. Only the contribution points may be raised."

    This price truly wasn¡¯t expensive. It could almost be said that it was perfectly cheap.

    But this was only the base price. Once the auction began, the price would rise. It wouldn¡¯t remain this low.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t mince words, and those powers were very appreciative. As for the matter of using contribution points in exchange, everyone felt it was normal ¡ª After all, in the Inner Sect, contribution points were a stable currency.

    Hence, the sounds of bidding quickly spread from all directions:

    "Two hundred fifty contribution points!"

    "Three hundred!"

    "Three hundred twenty!"

    "Three hundred eighty¡ª"

    "I bid four hundred twenty!"

    Originally, a grade three wild beast only required one or two contribution points at most. Grade four beasts were also four or five points. After some calctions, after grouping all the wild wolves here, three to four hundred points would be the limit.

    But it wasn¡¯t the case here. Solitary wild wolves were easy to find, but it was just too rare to capture a pack of fully-grown wolves alive. Most of all, there was aplete set of male and female alpha wolves. One could carefully nurture the wolf pack and expand it!

    The price slowly but surely rose.

    Gu Zuo shockingly discovered that there were many "rich people" in the Sect!

    In just a brief period of time, the whirlwind had already reached five hundred contribution points. Moreover, the trend was still going up!

    "Five hundred ny!"

    "My Tianfang Pavillion bids six hundred fifty! Is anyone blind enough to keep fighting?"

    "We bid seven hundred twenty!"

    "Seven hundred forty..."

    "One thousand!"

    Finally, a grim voice echoed out. All of a sudden, the price had been set at five times the base price.

    One after another, numerous powers turned their heads to look and saw a woman wearing armor. Her appearance was beautiful yet aloof, but her countenance did nothing to hide her res.

    Many people recognized her.

    This was...a member of Mingyue Pavilion.

    Mingyue Pavillion was currently in the middle of a fight to the death with Duanshui Hall. There were many women in the pavilion who wanted this wolf pack to raise their own strengths. Indeed, it was to be expected.

    The scene was quiet for a time. It seemed that no one would raise the price.

    The remaining powers looked at each other in dismay ¡ª It wasn¡¯t that they couldn¡¯t bear this price. Rather, it just wasn¡¯t worth it to raise it again. Moreover, who could¡¯ve imagined that Duanshui Hall would alsoe to partic.i.p.ate? No matter how precious the wild wolf pack was, it wasn¡¯t worth it to make them wade through muddy shoals.

    Sure enough, a voice followed soon after:

    "One thousand two hundred contribution points."

    T/N: Sorry in advance. I had some trouble with this chapter, so the trantion may be more shoddy than usual.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 154

    A slender figure walked out from the crowd. He was a man with a feminine appearance. When he looked at that armored woman, his eyes shed with an insatiable light and his grin carried a trace of lecherous intent: "I bid one thousand two hundred. Hong Gu, does your Mingyue Pavilion have an even higher price?"

    The armored woman ¡ª Hong Gu¡¯s tender looks turned cold: "One thousand three hundred."

    The feminine man said: "One thousand five hundred."

    Hong Gu¡¯s pristine teeth clenched tightly.

    She had directly shouted a price of a thousand contribution points to shock the others. As a result, Duanshui Hall¡¯s shameful attack appeared in order to forcefully bleed their wallets dry!

    Hong Gu was Hua Yuerong¡¯s capable a.s.sistant. She knew full well the importance of this batch of wild wolves. It could be said that once they had these wolves, the original situation of them having fallen to an unfavorable position could now be reversed. However, if too many contribution points were squandered, they wouldn¡¯t be able to sustain their resources in the future. That turnaround point would¡¯ve been wasted!

    Now, whether Duanshui Hall raised its price to make them spend a lot, or they were powerless topete and had the wild wolves s.n.a.t.c.hed by Duanshui Hall, the consequences for both scenarios were very grave!

    Despicable Duanshui Hall! They were truly too malicious!

    Yet, regardless of the resources, the wild wolves were even more pressing.

    Hong Gu gave a deep sigh: "One thousand six hundred."

    Theplexion of the feminine man didn¡¯t change: "Two thousand."

    Soon, the bidding would continue.

    However, Gongyi Tianheng stated: "Is anyone else able to bid?"

    Those powers gently sighed, but no one spoke a word.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: "One thousand contribution points. The wild wolves are sold to Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s Senior Sect Sister Hong Gu."

    The meaning of his statement was clear. The subsequent price of that feminine man was entirely invalid!

    In the blink of an eye, the entire venue was filled with a mor.

    Unexpectedly, someone rejected the higher offer? Nowadays, for the situation of two sides in a bidding war, it was always advantageous to the seller no matter the oue. The seller should¡¯ve been the happiest one!

    Without waiting for those spectators to start wagging their tongues, the feminine man was already opening his mouth angrily: "What¡¯s the meaning of this? Are you looking down on our Duanshui Hall?"

    The eyes of that Hong Gu had a hint of cheer, but she was also puzzled: "This Junior Sect Brother, you..."

    The feminine man looked at Hong Gu and thought he understood something. He suddenly let out a grimugh: "I get it. You¡¯ve taken a fancy to thisdy? There are millions of women in this world. You shouldn¡¯t save a little just to lose a lot! Are you going to make things difficult for our Duanshui Hall just for the sake of thisdy?!"

    Hong Gu¡¯s shapely eyebrows slightly furrowed. Her mind had its suspicions, and she carefully looked at Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s appearance. Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s women had always been sought after by many Inner Sect disciples. Could it really be ¡ª Ah, but one couldn¡¯t tell from the other¡¯s expression.

    The situation was developing too fast and Gu Zuo felt he couldn¡¯t quite keep up with it. Once he reacted, the corner of his mouth faintly twitched. This was a big misunderstanding... At the very least, he didn¡¯t notice any feelings of affection in his dear big brother for that Miss Hong Gu.

    However, such misunderstandings were actually rare. Gu Zuo¡¯s heart moved and he felt it was a little interesting.

    How would this big brother of his respond? What was his mood?

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression stiffened for a second. Although he always calcted with exacting detail, he didn¡¯t antic.i.p.ate this aspect to cause others to misread it. But he quickly and calmly stated: "If nothing else, it¡¯s only because an old friend had joined the Mingyue Pavilion. In addition, someone from Duanshui Hall once had a minor misunderstanding with this lowly disciple. That¡¯s all."

    The spectating powers understood instantly.

    This was due to a dispute! How foolish would it be to sell things to the person one was in a conflict with? As for the old friend and what not, it would be hard to distinguish truth from fiction, and there wasn¡¯t any need to ferret out the truth.

    Over yonder, the expression of that feminine man changed: "What?" Heposed himself and his tone switched, "Why should a minor misunderstanding be taken seriously? If my Junior Sect Brother has something he¡¯s unhappy about, the issue can be raised. My Duanshui Hall canpensate you. From now on, everyone can exchange their weapons of war for gifts of jade and silk, wouldn¡¯t that be ideal?"

    His thoughts were very deep. If one didn¡¯t see the seething light in his eyes, it would make people think he really was broad-minded, and not bicker about those quarrels.

    Gongyi Tianheng sighed: "Forgive me. It¡¯s really... Ai!" He faced that feminine man and cupped his hands before looking to Hong Gu, "Does this Senior Sect Sister want this wild wolf pack?"

    Hong Gu also somewhat understood. This moment wasn¡¯t the time to get to the bottom of things. She only cupped her hands and said straightforwardly: "Then, on behalf of my Pavilion Master, many thanks to this Junior Sect Brother!"

    That feminine man¡¯s face became gloomy and cold, but he didn¡¯t say anything else. He waved his hand and dered: "We¡¯re leaving!"

    When he finished talking, a sizable retinue walked out of the crowd. His robes pped behind him as they departed.

    At this time, Duanshui Hall¡¯s n ended in failure and it was impossible to make things difficult for Mingyue Pavilion here again. As Mingyue Pavilion obtained the wild wolf pack, its strength would greatly increase. After they returned, they needed to discuss a new n!

    Once Duanshui Hall¡¯s people left, Hong Gu said: "Junior Sect Brother, I¡¯ll transfer the contribution points to you first."

    Tianheng took out his disciple token straight away.

    Hong Gu tapped her own token against his, immediately spending a thousand contribution points. Then she took out a thick stack of golden banknotes. She offered it with both hands to show her appreciation.

    After Gongyi Tianheng received everything, he smiled and said: "This iron cage and the wild wolf pack shall be handed over to this Senior Sect Sister. Only, they haven¡¯t been tamed yet. I will also have to ask this Senior Sect Sister to handle the matter of transportation on your own."

    Hong Gu obtained the wild wolf pack and was very happy. She had a bright smile now and said: "It¡¯s no bother! I¡¯ve brought people along, so my Junior Sect Brother doesn¡¯t need to worry!"

    As for the matter of taming, every single martial artist in the Sect could go thumb through those beast taming methods by themselves. A trivial matter truly wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.

    After that, many men and women of Mingyue Pavilion came walking out of the crowd and devised a way to move that iron cage. Quite a few of the other spectating powers lingered around, asking about clues on the capture of the wild wolf pack.

    Gongyi Tianheng took a single step backward, while the eloquent Dragon Two stepped forward to exin to everyone and deal with the a.s.signment. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t seriously talk about the matter of the Bewildering Beast Mist. He only used "luck" and "by mere chance" to gloss over the matter.

    After the questions yielded no results, Gongyi Tianheng and the others still smoothly departed. As for those individuals who believed or not, those powers that wanted to make discreet inquiries, and those powers that intended to watch from the sidelines, that was all another matter.

    Gu Zuo followed behind Tianheng, and returned to their valley.

    Although the contribution points earned this round couldn¡¯tpare to that time he sold the Steadfast Heart Pill prescription, how could a wild wolf packpare to one third the value of the Steadfast Heart Pill? Not to mention the cash flow of thirty million gold as well as a bit of reputation this time. And the ones who came seeking aid one after another, they were the hidden harvest.

    Only, through this affair, Gongyi Tianheng had finally made his debut. The troublesome matters in the future certainly wouldn¡¯t be small.

    As a matter of fact, not too long after returning, someone came knocking on their door.

    Of course, it was also an expected acquaintance.

    Gu Zuo was lifting trays out from the house and setting many meals onto the table ¡ª Naturally, these were all prepared based on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s health. As for those people who had healthy meridians, it also wasn¡¯t bad for them to eat. In addition, there were also good wines, which had all been arranged.

    There were three guests. Besides Fu Manduo, there was Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying.

    Speaking of which, since entering the Inner Sect, because each person had their own matters to deal with, besides Fu Manduo sending someone to fetch Tianheng¡¯s goods, interactions were rare. Now they had seized the opportunity to rekindle their friendship.

    Fu Manduo patted that stout belly of his, and his tone contained some grumbling: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, you rascal. You had this kind of good thing and didn¡¯t tell your big brother in advance? If I had known earlier, how could it have fallen into other people¡¯s hands?"

    Liu Wuyan also said: "My Shuiqing Pavilion is also rather interested in the wild wolf pack."

    Then, Xun Suying said: "Back then, we became aware of the news toote. We only knew about this matter when Senior Sect Brother Fu had mentioned it."

    Gongyi Tianheng listened to their words, and promptly raised his cup to apologize: "I¡¯ve let you all down, I¡¯m sorry. It was only because this first time... I still needed a leg to stand on in the Inner Sect, so I thought of such an unorthodox method. Otherwise, how could I have forgotten my Senior Sect Brothers and Sister?"

    Fu Manduo deserved to be called a profiteer. He immediately heard the implications in Tianheng¡¯s words: "First time? Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s meaning is that there¡¯s still a next time, and a time after that?"

    Tianheng showed a smiling expression. He gathered his sleeves and pointed: "Senior Sect Brother Fu, please take a look."

    Not only Fu Manduo, but Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying also followed his gesture and looked towards that direction.

    With a nce, they discovered that there were several wild bears in that valley¡¯s field. Under a young man¡¯s guidance, they were slowly working ¡ª Those were wild bears that had been already tamed?

    Fu Manduo abruptly turned his head back, his eyes alight: "So to say, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi really has a way to capture many wild beasts alive!"

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded. Holding a wine pot, he poured a cup for him: "This matter originally should¡¯ve been a secret, but Senior Sect Brother Fu has always taken good care of me. So I won¡¯t hide it."

    This time, not only Fu Manduo held his breath, even Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan had their hearts greatly shaken.

    They¡¯d never once thought there¡¯d really be such a method!

    Gongyi Tianheng warmly said: "Speaking of which... This matter was really a coincidence." He sighed, "After obtaining this valley, I wanted to first nt some Scarlet Blood Rice, so the field was plowed. In order to nt medicinal herbs in the future, some preparations were made. But I never expected that the field was almost dead. At that moment, it really made me feel like I¡¯d dropped into an icy hole. I only felt that this luck was really bad."

    Fu Manduo and the others inwardly thought that if there was such a setback, it was certainly someone¡¯s scheme instead of bad luck! Most of all, Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan recalled the matter of when Tianheng entered the Inner Sect and was hindered by Duanshui Hall. At once, their minds understood even more clearly. Fu Manduo also remembered. This moment, he felt that it wasn¡¯t any wonder why Junior Sect Brother Gongyi hadn¡¯t given Duanshui Hall the tiniest bit of face. As it turned out, it was the aggravation of deep-seated animosity.

    Tianheng continued: "I was at a loss, but I couldn¡¯t just leave thend here empty. After that, I had no better option than to nt Scarlet Blood Rice, thinking that this thing wasn¡¯t too finicky. It wasn¡¯t known if nting a couple times could revive the field. Yet, from beginning to end, nothing was willing to sprout from that earth. Truly...I had already given up all hope.

    "Just as I was about to abandon that field as useless, I didn¡¯t expect the Scarlet Blood Rice to suddenly send out shoots after a dozen or so days had pa.s.sed. Also, it had matured in just a brief one or two days!"

    At this moment, Fu Manduo and the others had already guessed that perhaps that matter of capturing the wild beasts alive had something to do with the Scarlet Blood Rice.

    Sure enough, Gongyi Tianheng finished his previous recounting: "The matured Scarlet Blood Rice then was extremely strange, like it had undergone a transformation. We carefully harvested it, and found that it had developed a mutually restraining antidote and poison. Most of all, so long as that poison was released, it would be toxic to humans and would knock wild beasts unconscious... That antidote precisely resolved the toxicity of this thing."

    When he spoke up to here, he smiled self-deprecatingly: "At that time, we let our guards down and nearly died to it. If it wasn¡¯t for Ah Zuo¡¯s keen awareness, recalling the principle of mutual restraint and plucking the antidote, I¡¯m afraid that we all would¡¯ve dropped dead!"

    "After that, Ah Zuo took the poison and carefully a.n.a.lyzed it. He also asked a few pharmacists and did some tests. Finally, he regarded it as an odd treasure that could knock out wild beasts."

    Tianheng sighed again: "It¡¯s only a pity that the amount of mutated Scarlet Blood Rice is limited. Previously, that time¡¯s harvest had already been stored for use. Now the next batch of crops have been nted, but I don¡¯t know whether it can mutate... But I think the mutation of the Scarlet Blood Rice certainly has something to do with some of the junk in the dead ground. As it had already been absorbed, the next round won¡¯t be so easy."

    Fu Manduo and the others heard this, and their expressions turned odd.

    They didn¡¯t think that Gongyi Tianheng was deliberately trying to deceive them. After all, if he didn¡¯t want to talk about it, wouldn¡¯t the matter of secrecy be to me? At this moment, it sounded like the person scheming against Tianheng had outyed themselves. On the contrary, they had given him a big profit.

    Only Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    Alright. His con-artist big brother, who he hadn¡¯t seen in a long time, had appeared again ¡ª Ah, that¡¯s not right. What his big brother said was basically all true, but why did it seem so fishy hearing it? It was probably a problem with his oratory skills?

    He silently grimaced and lowered his head. He didn¡¯t dare let anyone see.

    Okay, okay. There was a good show to stage afterwards...

    While Gongyi Tianheng spoke, Dragon One, who was working alongside the wild bears, was quietly sprinkling some water into the soil. The water didn¡¯t look special, but it was actually the Growth Hastening Decoction. Nowadays, during harvest time, it wouldn¡¯t take long after sprinkling it that the next crop of Scarlet Blood Rice would mature.

    ¡ª This was undoubtedly one part of the n.

    Gu Zuo cleared his throat and decided to add fuel to the fire. Just as his psychic power sensed the unusual conditions of the Scarlet Blood Rice, he promptly cried out in surprise: "Young master¡ª"

    Tianheng restrained his smile and turned his head: "Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?"

    Gu Zuo seemed very nervous as he said: "The, the Scarlet Blood Rice has sprouted!"

    Fu Manduo and the others were also startled, and they all went to look.

    Hence, within everyone¡¯s line of sight, they saw the Scarlet Blood Rice, whose stalks were originally barren, suddenly sprout long ears of rice. The abundantly heavy Scarlet Blood Rice bent those stalks. Unexpectedly, a sight of "heavilydened fruit" had appeared!

    Fu Manduo truly felt that it was extremely bizarre. He jumped out of his seat: "How did this happen?!"

    Although he hadn¡¯t eaten too much of that meal, he didn¡¯t have any thoughts of eating right now.

    Gongyi Tianheng simrly stood up, and showed a smiling expression: "This is indeed a coincidence. Of course, it wasn¡¯t known when the next crop of Scarlet Blood Rice would mature. I never thought it¡¯d be today. If everyone¡¯s interested, there¡¯s no harm in going to take a look together."

    Xun Suying naturally answered in a sharp and clear voice: "Let¡¯s go!"

    Liu Wuyan¡¯s face also had a hint of emotion.

    No matter how cool-headed they were, they couldn¡¯t help their curiosity breaking out at this moment.

    Hence, under Tianheng¡¯s lead, a group of people grandiosely walked in the direction of the field.

    Gu Zuo caught up with a light jog. Actually, he was also curious whether this next crop could sprout mutated Scarlet Blood Rice ¡ª This thing waspletely out of his control!

    They quickly reached the edge of that rice field. Gu Zuo looked up to see that dense thicket of Scarlet Blood Rice. The majority were already in a normal state. About twenty to thirty percent were still the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice with multi-colored, ck, and gray grains.

    Fu Manduo wasn¡¯t interested in the clearly normal ones. He only pointed at a strange ear of rice as his voice shivered with excitement: "Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, could it, could it be this one?"

    Tianheng nodded his head: "Inside the multi-colored ones is the toxin, while the ck and gray ones are the antidotes. Senior Sect Brother Fu, if you think it¡¯s interesting, you can pick an ear for yourself. However, you mustn¡¯t casually cut it open. Otherwise, even if you only smell the odor of the poison inside, you¡¯ll be infected... At that time, it was because of the strangeness that I cut it open, which led to that kind of consequence."

    Unexpectedly, Fu Manduo, who was already extending a hand to pluck one, withdrew it and didn¡¯t continue: "No need, no need. This thing is for my Junior Sect Brother to use. If I waste an ear just for momentary curiosity, then it¡¯d be truly unnecessary!"

    He said this, but Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help eyeing him some more. Could it be that this Fu Manduo didn¡¯t want to research the mutated Scarlet Blood Rice and try to breed it?

    The following matter made things clear. Gu Zuo was still too simple and pure.

    Because Gongyi Tianheng plucked an ear by himself and shoved it into Fu Manduo¡¯s hand: "Senior Sect Brother Fu said those words, but are you looking down on me? It¡¯s only an insignificant, single ear of rice. Even if my Senior Sect Brother only took it to y around with, how could this be counted as a waste? I¡¯m only hoping that Senior Sect Brother Fu doesn¡¯t me me for the prior matter. I would be perfectly content."

    Gu Zuo shuddered.

    This way of speaking...

    Fu Manduo declined Gongyi Tianheng again.

    Gongyi Tianheng shoved it back to him again.

    Back and forth. Back and forth.

    Finally, Fu Manduo sighed and said: "Junior Sect Brother has such magnificent hospitality. This, this... It would be impolite for this big brother to refuse."

    Tianheng smiled and said: "Senior Sect Brother Fu is seeing eye to eye with me." As he spoke, he continued to pluck two more ears and gave one each to Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan, demonstrating a feeling of equal favorability.

    Gu Zuo silently wiped his face.

    So that was all just a show! As he said, how willing was Fu Manduo, this profiteer, to miss such an opportunity to make money?!

    Afterwards, under Tianheng¡¯s "showmanship", a multi-colored grain of Scarlet Blood Rice was cut open, followed by the antidote-acting ck and gray grains. This adequately disyed that this thing really was toxic, and that the toxicity wasn¡¯t ordinary. However, because these people¡¯s realms were rtively high, the toxicity¡¯s effects on their bodies weren¡¯t that severe. After they understood that this thing wasn¡¯t bad at knocking out wild beasts, they didn¡¯t think it was that mysterious anymore. It was just that while they chatted, they still wanted to sigh with how good Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s luck was.

    Following which, everyone sat back down to eat. One could say that the host and guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    Fu Manduo finally said: "If there¡¯s any interesting work in the future, I hope my Junior Sect Brother doesn¡¯t forget to keep this big brother in mind. Hahahaha!"

    Gongyi Tianheng naturally cupped his hands: "Certainly, certainly."

    And before Liu Wuyan and Xun Suying left, they ced an order. They only said that if Tianheng got a hold of anotherrge group of wild beasts, they hoped he would keep them for their Shuiqing Pavilion. They would certainly pay a high price to buy them.

    Tianheng agreed again and again.

    At this point, these people were willing to say their goodbyes and leave.

    Once they departed, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking: "Big brother, is it okay to tell them all this?"

    Gongyi Tianheng sped his hands behind his back and said: "Might as well. At that time, even you, Ah Zuo, weren¡¯t able to determine the impurities in the soil. Could Fu Manduo and the others be able to do the same? Even if he found the person who did this, the matter of the mutation isn¡¯t something that can be easily controlled with manpower. Even if he has excellent capabilities, it would take a great deal of time to find a way. Besides, hecks the Spirit Jade Vitality Decoction and the Growth Hastening Decoction. It¡¯s impossible to s.n.a.t.c.h our business."

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and it really was such a case.

    After informing Fu Manduo and the others, Fu Manduo¡¯s many channels and extensivework could more or less act as their shield. Since Fu Manduo believed them, many people should also believe. In addition, the amount of mutated Scarlet Blood Rice they stored here could be seen with the naked eye. People could only seek them, and they wouldn¡¯t be fatty meat to be drooled over.

    It was the right choice to treat them to this meal.

    After getting a clear understanding, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take this matter to heart anymore.

    Nevertheless, there were many other things that kept him busy.

    At the same time, there was another matter that was taking ce.

    There was a pavilion of white jade. It was over thirty meters tall, and an astonishing object hung from its summit. It seemed like a bright moon, where it casted down rays of clear splendor.

    This ce was Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s headquarters.

    Hong Gu, whose body was donned with armor, energetically entered the building. Behind her were several trusted aides who had cheerful looks across their faces. All of them were in high spirits.

    Once they entered the pavilion, a group of people arrived at the top floor. They only felt a refreshing qi energy flutter across their faces. In a split second, those fervent moods calmed somewhat.

    At this moment, a woman¡¯s cold yet euphonic voice echoed from within: "Hong Gu, what¡¯s made you so happy?"

    This voice was like a mountain spring flowing between the rocks, quietly and peacefully, until it trickled into their hearts.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Chapter 155

    There was a soft couch in the middle of the woman¡¯s chamber, and on the couch reclined a youngdy wearing snow-white clothes. Her satiny, ck hair flowed down her head and coiled over that couch, forming a beautiful scene of sshed ink. Her countenance was picturesque and her temperament was clear and cold. A pair of jet-ck eyes softy swept over, carrying a type of dignity that made one not dare meet closely.

    Hong Gu and the others remained silent as they saluted together.

    Perhaps outsiders wouldn¡¯t know, but the Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s trusted aides all knew quite well. Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s nominal Pavilion Master was Hua Yuerong, that expert on the Earth Leaderboard. But in fact, it shouldn¡¯t have only been her alone. In addition, there was Hua Yuerong¡¯s biological younger sister, whose power wasn¡¯t inferior to Hua Yuerong ¡ª The introverted Hua Xueyin.

    If it was said that Hua Yuerong¡¯s temperament was unyielding and she was adept at fighting people, then Hua Xueyin was particrly strange due to the martial skills she learned. She could influence others with a scowl or smile. She was the real master of Mingyue Pavilion. Moreover, Hua Yuerong was normally always on the move outside. Meanwhile, Hua Xueyin only needed to remain in the loft, quietly reading or ying instruments, and her strength and realm would continuously increase.

    Thus, when the members of Mingyue Pavilion were in front of Hua Yuerong, they would treat her as the Pavilion Master as well as their sister. However, in the presence of Hua Xueyin, they would all be deferential and wouldn¡¯t dare be the slightest bit rude.

    At this moment, when she heard Hua Xueyin¡¯s question, Hong Gu no longer expressed the ecstatic att.i.tude she had just then. Rather, she considered her words and slowly said: "Reporting to the Pavilion Master. Just now, along the Inner Sect Market Street, someone was selling over a hundred wild wolves to the highest bidder. My Mingyue Pavilion was very fortunate. They were won with thirty million gold and a thousand contribution points. Therefore, I was very happy."

    Hua Xueyin¡¯s delicate and long finger paused as it turned a page, and her inclined head turned to the front. Snow-white skin, rosy lips, and a radiant jade-like countenance. Though, her words contained faint suspicions: "Oh? So easily?"

    Hong Gu hastily spoke about the previous string of events, and didn¡¯t dare leave out anything by mistake. She also said: "Although I don¡¯t know whether that aforementioned old friend is real or not, it¡¯s certainly true that this person has a feud with Duanshui Hall. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have publicly torn into Duanshui Hall¡¯s face while our Mingyue Pavilion is at a disadvantage."

    As Hua Xueyin listened, her delicate finger slowly tapped on the page of the book. She looked pensive: "A person who has recently joined... I seem to have heard of such a matter." She closed her eyes and contemted for a long while, "...Kang Wenhong. This matter should be rted to him."

    Following which, she opened her eyes: "Zi Yuan, go investigate."

    At this time, a youngdy, who wore a purple skirt and silently stood in a corner the whole time, suddenly flew out. Like a purple b.u.t.terfly, she quickly descended the building.

    Hong Gu and the others quietly waited here. They only watched Hua Xueyin flip through that book again, and they didn¡¯t dare leave.

    About fifteen minutes pa.s.sed and Zi Yuan flew back in. Moving close to Hua Xueyin¡¯s ear, her red lips faintly opened and the matters concerning Kang Wenhong were told in their entirety.

    Hua Xueyin¡¯s shapely head nodded gently: "So it¡¯s like this." Then she said to Hong Gu, "As this being the case, divide the wild wolves among everyone. Although that Kang Wenhong has low seniority, give him a...grade five wild wolf, too. This matter still rests on his rtionship."

    Hong Guplied with the order. She turned around and left.

    At this moment, her mood was raging. After distributing the wild wolves, she was going to have a proper bout with Duanshui Hall and vent her previous grievances!

    Once Hong Gu departed, Hua Xueyin propped herself on the couch and unhurriedly stood up. That head of long hair cascaded to her ankles and contrasted against her body, which looked like a fairy in the snow.

    It was quiet within the room, and only Zi Yuan stayed behind.

    Zi Yuan softly asked: "Pavilion Master Xue, your intentions are..."

    Hua Xueyin lightly sighed: "Although my Mingyue Pavilion had been established many years ago, its foundations are still shallow. The reason why we¡¯ve encountered a predicament now is because of ack of experts and no one wille to aid us. Fortunately, that Duanshui Hall alsocks any backers. Otherwise, even if I was to reveal myself, Mingyue Pavilion would still only vanish like smoke into thin air... The Inner Sect, the Inner Sect... Many powers are often established, only to copse in an instant. Right now, protecting ourselves is hard, so how can we talk about plundering the resources of a Sky Leaderboard power?"

    When she spoke up to here, her elegant eyebrows slightly furrowed: "Though we founded this pavilion, it was originally only to protect some innocent women. But now there are many people and its strength has grown, so there are even more troubling matters. If we can¡¯t devise a way to firmly grasp more things, we¡¯ll be a stepping stone for others due to ack of defensive power. Once Mingyue Pavilion copses, how will the pavilion¡¯s Junior Sect Sisters live? It¡¯s so difficult."

    Zi Yuan listened, and seemed to already understand something: "Pavilion Master Xue¡¯s meaning is that you want to draw support from Kang Wenhong and rope in that person called Gongyi Tianheng?" When she said this, her brows also furrowed, "Right now, he¡¯s merely a disciple who has just entered the Inner Sect. Why not simply pull him into our Mingyue Pavilion?"

    Hua Xueyin faintly shook her head: "Looking at his actions, he isn¡¯t a person who¡¯s willing to be below someone else. If we try to rope him in, it won¡¯t work. Instead, it¡¯d be liable to cause malice."

    Zi Yuan wasn¡¯t fully convinced: "Is it possible that our great Mingyue Pavilion needs to give face to an insignificant Xiantian stage one martial artist?"

    Hua Xueyin poked at the s.p.a.ce between Zi Yuan¡¯s eyebrows: "Zi Yuan. Ah, Zi Yuan. You don¡¯t understand... When the woman Kang Wenhong adored was rescued that swiftly, an enforcement disciple¡¯s hand yed a ratherrge role. Kang Wenhong naturally doesn¡¯t have this ability, and my Mingyue Pavilion also cannot act. Thus, among those who can use this method, it¡¯s only him."

    Zi Yuan depressingly said: "But then, we also can¡¯t exin to him that he can¡¯t provoke..."

    Hua Xueyin gently flicked her forehead, her tone indistinct: "No matter what method he used or what price he paid, he was able to make Zhao Yuheng act on his behalf. Just this point alone is enough to make a person afraid of the consequences. Right now, since he has friendly rtions with my Mingyue Pavilion, then those rtions should be preserved. And we mustn¡¯t push him away for a few snappish matters.

    Atst, Zi Yuan unwillingly lowered her head: "This Zi Yuan understands, and will certainly act prudently."

    Hua Xueyin¡¯s red lips faintly curved: "In the future, have Kang Wenhong watched over some more. As for that woman he adores, after she bes an Inner Sect Pharmacist Hall disciple, admit her into the Mingyue Pavilion!"

    Zi Yuan said respectfully: "As Pavilion Master Xuemands."

    On the other side of things, Hong Gu had arrived at the Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s Arms Drill Field.

    Of those who routinely came here, many were pavilion disciples who practiced martial arts, cultivated, andpared notes with one another here. This was also the ce where people would normally gather.

    Someone recently sent down an order for the a.s.sembly of all disciples who were either in seclusion or had other work. At this moment, arge crowd of people formed on the field.

    Eighty percent were female and twenty percent were male. All of them had valiant and exuberant appearances.

    Many people were puzzled, not knowing what the reason was, but they were all discussing it spiritedly in private. However, their attentions quickly shifted from here. Rather, they looked to the rear.

    As it turned out, quite a few strong men with bulging muscles arrived, lifting an enormous iron cage. In that iron cage were many wolves that continuously snarled. Unexpectedly, there were over a hundred wild wolves!

    In the blink of an eye, numerous male and female martial artists were shocked, and soon after, their minds came up with a myriad of ideas. Suddenly, they had a faint understanding of the current situation.

    "Could it be... Those are for us..."

    "It should be so!"

    "A little more than a hundred beasts. There isn¡¯t enough for everyone..."

    "Those with high strength can get one. The Pavilion Master will certainly provide a fair method!"

    Originally, Hong Gu had a cheerful expression, but at this moment, she looked solemn: "Quiet!"

    Numerous male and female martial artists all shut their mouths.

    Hong Gu said: "Everyone probably understands. These wild wolves costed the pavilion a great deal of resources to obtain. For the current matter of our battle with Duanshui Hall, a hundred twenty-eight remarkable martial artists will be chosen to obtain these wild wolves and form a battle squadron! Our Mingyue Pavilion has a total of four hundred disciples. At this moment, we will select the most suitable people. If you aren¡¯t selected, you can¡¯t hold a grudge!"

    Of course, the numerous pavilion disciples didn¡¯t object. They all spoke together: "As youmand! We wouldn¡¯t dare hold a grudge!"

    Hong Gu nodded in satisfaction. From the side, a woman took out a list of names and began to read it aloud: "Fang Yongxiu, one grade three wild wolf. Shui Piaopiao, one grade three wild wolf. Liu Ying, one grade three wild wolf..."

    In the wake of each name called out, the person pointed out would grin from ear to ear in extreme excitement.

    A robust man would open the iron cage, and use an iron rope to harness the neck of a grade three wild wolf within. They were delivered individually into the hands of those people. As for those men and women who obtained the wild wolves, they would swiftly take the iron rope and pull the wolves to the side and tamed them with the utmost care.

    For a moment, the voices of martial artists taming beasts, the roars of the wild wolves, and after seeding, even the noise of docile wolves all interwove together to make a symphony. This drew the attention of the other martial artists, making them iparably envious.

    As for these people whose names had been announced, the majority had rather high seniorities in the pavilion, and they were loyal and devoted. At the same time, their strengths weren¡¯t weak, so it was natural that it wouldn¡¯t draw any bacshes from many people.

    Gradually, the grade three wild wolves were finished being distributed. Soon after, the grade four wild wolves were allocated. Finally, it was the grade five wild wolves¡¯ turn ¡ª That¡¯s right. The grade six wild wolf would inevitably belong to the Pavilion Master. So, the distribution of the grade five wolves would naturally be the finale.

    Undoubtedly, the owners of the grade five wolves would all be preeminent powerhouses, and they would also be aparatively valiant stratum of power in the pavilion. Many disciples showed looks of despair on their faces. Because their strengths weren¡¯t sufficient, the grade five wild wolves certainly wouldn¡¯t be gifted to them. Of course, the martial artists¡¯ temperaments were firm and persistent. The majority freed themselves from their disappointment. There were only some who were envious, but they also became tranquil and even-tempered.

    Yet, when the final grade five wild wolf was being allocated, something unexpected urred.

    Hong Gu said: "Kang Wenhong, one grade five wild wolf!"

    This time, everyone was bbergasted:

    "Kang Wenhong?"

    "That youngster who just got here?"

    "Isn¡¯t he a Xiantian stage one?"

    "How could it have been a.s.signed to him..."

    Let alone the other, older disciples of the pavilion, even Kang Wenhong himself waspletely astonished. Although he¡¯d done a lot for the Mingyue Pavilion in the Outer Sect and his qualifications were considered sufficient, he also understood that the most he could obtain was a grade three wild wolf ¡ª It also wouldn¡¯t have been strange if he didn¡¯t get anything at all. However, he absolutely never expected that the one he¡¯d get wasn¡¯t a grade three wolf, but a grade five wolf!

    No matter how one looked at it, this was definitely fishy...

    Kang Wenhong hesitatingly stepped forward, but he didn¡¯t dare go to take that iron rope.

    Hong Gu gave him a scrutinizing nce: "You are Kang Wenhong?"

    Kang Wenhongposed himself: "This one¡¯s surname is Kang and first name is Wenhong. The grade five wild wolf..."

    Hong Gu smiled, and straightforwardly patted his shoulder: "I know your heart is puzzled." Her pupils shed and she swept her gaze to everyone present, "Without exception, you all are also puzzled."

    Kang Wenhong¡¯s thoughts were sluggish.

    Surprise covered the other¡¯s faces as they waited for an exnation.

    However, when they heard this sentence from Hong Gu, those with some intelligence thought that there was certainly some twists and turns within.

    Hong Gu bluntly said: "There is a considerable rtionship between the purchase of this batch of wild wolves and Kang Wenhong. Our Mingyue Pavilion is clear in its rewards and punishments. Junior Sect Brother Kang, since our Mingyue Pavilion has been basking in your light, it¡¯s natural that you should have something to show for it. Junior Sect Brother Kang, it¡¯s unnecessary for you to have any apprehensions. Just ept this grade five wild wolf and properly tame it!"

    After that, the topic of the conversation turned: "However, if you don¡¯t have the skill to subdue it, you¡¯ll miss this chance and I¡¯ll take this grade five wild wolf back!"

    How could Kang Wenhong be willing to miss this? Although he wasn¡¯t clear about any clues, that didn¡¯t hinder him from immediately cupping his hands and dering: "This Kang certainly won¡¯t turn his back on my Senior Sect Sister nor my Pavilion Master¡¯s kind intentions!"

    The other numerous disciples of the pavilion rested easy one after another.

    Then, the pavilion¡¯s numerous disciples each tamed their wild beasts. After Kang Wenhong wore down that grade five wild wolf for some time, he led the beast back to his own residence. The one he had picked was a ce with a single gate and courtyard. After entering, a nominal disciple who was his subordinate came over. Kang Wenhong gave him the wild wolf to lead it to the side. As for himself, his gaze fell upon ady wearing red clothes, who was as gorgeous as a raging inferno.

    "Junior Sect Sister Yaomin, I¡¯ve returned."

    That youngdy stood up and turned her head, showing a clear and bright smile: "Senior Sect Brother Kang."

    Kang Wenhong was a brave and chivalrous man, but at this moment, his expression promptly turned gentle and soft: "Junior Sect Sister, how has today been?"

    Princess Yaomin smiled and said: "Today I¡¯ve made some progress. After a period of time, I should be able to go to the Medicine Pavilion to take the evaluation and apply to be a Pharmacist Hall disciple."

    Kang Wenhong naturally smiled as well: "That¡¯s very good..."

    The two talked for a while. Princess Yaomin¡¯s att.i.tude to Kang Wenhong was quite good, and there were some emotional stirrings for him in her expression. She had been watched over by Kang Wenhong for many days. As Kang Wenhong was a man with an impressive apt.i.tude and appearance, it was natural that feelings would develop during those long days. At this moment, she saw that Kang Wenhong¡¯s expression was off, and she said with deep concern: "Senior Sect Brother Kang, what troubles you?"

    Kang Wenhong snapped out of it and didn¡¯t conceal anything. He exined the whole matter of previously obtaining the grade five wild wolf to Princess Yaomin: "I truly don¡¯t recall having any old friend who could¡¯ve had that kind of ability."

    Princess Yaomin heard this, and her beautiful eyes shed with a glimmering light: "Senior Sect Brother Kang, it seems..."

    Kang Wenhong hastily held her hand: "Junior Sect Sister Yaomin, could it be that you¡¯ve thought of something?"

    A faint blush appeared on Princess Yaomin¡¯s fair cheeks. She softly extracted her hand: "I don¡¯t know if my guess is right or not, but when I encountered a difficulty, someone rescued me... The matter was somewhat odd, but if it really was an old friend who had unknown abilities, there¡¯s probably only that person who even my imperial elder brother can¡¯t see through... Gongyi Tianheng. Speaking of which, he has also entered the Inner Sect. With all the abilities he¡¯s had since birth, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if he aplished this..."

    Kang Wenhong was still stunned by Princess Yaomin¡¯s beauty, but as he listened to her following words, hisplexion gradually became grave. A long time after, he forced a smile and said: "I can¡¯t take that seriously." Soon after, he sighed, "I¡¯ll go out to make some inquiries. If it really is Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, I must thoroughly express my grat.i.tude."

    Princess Yaomin pursed her lips into a smile: "All ording to Senior Sect Brother Kang¡¯s words."

    The matters in Mingyue Pavilion generated some minor unrest. It also caused those in power to have many small thoughts, and provoked some old friends. In the Outer Sect, even Cang Yu and the others, as well as everyone in the know, all obtained the news.

    After Duanshui Hall had its face pped, it was only natural that there were some embellishments. Those leaders had to do a thorough investigation. After, they discovered that there really was a sizable dispute ¡ª Not only had Duanshui Hall tried to abduct his fellow countryman, but it had also caused hindrances to the other party when he entered the Inner Sect ¡ª The former was just that, but thetter was practically an enmity of life and death! If it wasn¡¯t for the other party being familiar with a few Inner Sect disciples to mediate the conflict, the other party¡¯s martial path would¡¯ve been cut short by Duanshui Hall. It was, indeed, a huge matter!

    Duanshui Hall also investigated and found that the source of the incident was rted to Mingyue Pavilion. However, making things difficult for Gongyi Tianheng was merely a matter of course. At that time, it wasn¡¯t taken seriously at all. Afterwards, when they checked why an enforcement disciple was offended, they hadn¡¯t expected such an insignificant, ordinary disciple.

    But this time? When they used their full attention to investigate Gongyi Tianheng, they discovered some spider threads and horse tracks. For instance, the two Inner Sect disciples he was familiar with happened to be friends with an enforcement disciple. Wouldn¡¯t that mean thatst time¡¯s matter that had almost gotten out of hand was rted to Gongyi Tianheng?

    On top of that, Tianheng¡¯s current face-pping actions proved that he certainly had potential value. Duanshui Hall was unable to restrain its anger when it was found that many rted matters were caused by a newly promoted disciple called You Jiong. For a moment, the eyes of many leaders shook with fury. The days of that You Jiong weren¡¯t going to pa.s.s kindly.

    Within Duanshui Hall, they hurried to custom-make some ns for Mingyue Pavilion because they¡¯d gotten a hold of over a hundred wild wolves. Once they were tamed, it truly wouldn¡¯t be a small force...

    In addition, Zhao Yuheng andpany, as well as some other powers, gradually realized that someone had secured arge pack of wild wolves. Having one pack meant wanting a second pack. The number of private inquiries weren¡¯t the least bit small.

    It was also because of this that the name Gongyi Tianheng slowly appeared in the eyes of many martial artists. Numerous piecemeal schemes, seemingly without any notice, slowly floated to the surface.

    Leaving aside those actions of Gongyi Tianheng which had caused turmoil in many people¡¯s hearts, Gu Zuo weed back his dear big brother with great difficulty before receiving another summons. He then obediently went to the Violet Tower.

    This time around, Lu Jiusi, who hadn¡¯t been seen for many days, also appeared on the third floor ¡ª Reportedly, he had exchanged many medicinal herbs in the past two days, which were delivered to Xu Lingxiu.

    No matter how Gu Zuo looked at it, it felt like the way this guy stared at him was like a dog eyeing the meat on a bone. It made the bottom of one¡¯s heart flutter in fear. He intended to go to a side room to refine medicine by himself like before, but prior to that, Xu Lingxiu had just finished a cauldron of Steadfast Heart Pills. Xi Yangyun was even supporting his younger sister out. They were all using very inquisitive ¡ª Or maybe, very gossipy looks to stare at Gu Zuo.

    A little unused to this, Gu Zuo shrunk his shoulders: "You guys, this is..."

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed.

    It was still Xi Yangyun who smiled and said: "Junior Sect Brother Gu, the reputation of that young master you follow has recently grown."

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: "That¡¯s, that¡¯s good?"

    Xi Yangyun couldn¡¯t helpughing: "What¡¯s gotten Junior Sect Brother Gu so scared? It¡¯s just a casual conversation. Quick, let¡¯s sit down."

    Gu Zuo forced a chuckle and sat down with his legs crossed.

    Lu Jiusi also seemed very curious as he inquired: "It always feels somewhat false hearing it from bystanders, so it¡¯s easy to look forward to a truthful guy like you. We wanted to ask a few questions since you¡¯re a person involved."

    In his heart, Gu Zuo silently criticized: If only Xi Yangyun was curious, I would believe it. But if it¡¯s all of you, how could it be...

    However, Tianheng had previously a.n.a.lyzed the situation of today¡¯s confrontation with Gu Zuo. Right now, although he surprisingly encountered Xi Yangyun¡¯s "gossipy intentions", it wouldn¡¯t be said that he was nervous to the point of spilling the beans.

    Hence, Gu Zuo just dryly talked about that day¡¯s events in a few words. His tone didn¡¯t have the least bit of liveliness and the content wasn¡¯t the least bit enriching. He spoke monotonously, without any ups or downs.

    Lu Jiusi: "..."

    Xi Yangyunughed. Then, he spoke freely: "Currently, many people are asking around. When Junior Sect Brother Gu goes back, give Junior Sect Brother Gongyi a reminder. Additionally, if he really can capture a group of wild beasts alive, there¡¯s no harm in privately letting out a few rumors. At that time, there¡¯ll naturally be many peopleing to seek them."

    Speaking up to here, perhaps it was due to the recent smooth refinement of the Steadfast Heart Pill and his younger sister¡¯s promising recovery, he unexpectedly winked for the first time: "...You guys can be a bit greedy and announce a high price. You¡¯ll earn a tidy sum!"

    Gu Zuo suddenly didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    Although this aim of theirs wasn¡¯t wrong, one shouldn¡¯t point it out so casually...

    As for Lu Jiusi, he was also looking to Gu Zuo with some yearning: "I won¡¯t keep this from Junior Sect Brother Gu, I myself am also rather interested in this group of wild beasts. If it really can be secured, I hope Junior Sect Brother Gu can rmend me to Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, and let me through the back door?"

    Gu Zuo felt exasperated.

    Could he refuse? No one would want to sell to a guy harboring evil intentions! And getting through the back door? Did he want to save face by talking to a nominal disciple like him?

    Yet at this moment, Xu Lingxiu, who¡¯d been unexpectedly quiet on the side the whole time, impatiently opened his mouth: "Gu Zuo, that day I ran into you, you said you were testing a type of new poison. Was it this one?"

    Hearing these words, Xi Yangyun and the others all turned their heads and looked to Xu Lingxiu. After that, they looked curiously back to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo choked.

    This little prince was too blunt!

    But the facts were just like so, and there was no good reason to hide it. He immediately nodded: "En, it was this one..."

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the .

 Ch156 - Returning to the Cangyun Empire

    <h4>Chapter Ch156 - Returning to the Cangyun Empire</h4>

    Xu Lingxiu paused. He wanted to say something, but hesitated.

    Gu Zuo looked at him in confusion: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s cheeks reddened as he mumbled: ¡°...I...study...¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°What?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu bit his lower lip and tried to bravely increase the volume of his voice: ¡°I said, can you give me some so I can study this new poison!¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    His research habits red up. This was a trivial matter.

    But, the appearance of this little prince was truly very adorable.

    In actuality, the great majority of pharmacists had small discoveries that were all kept under wraps. In general, apart from the apprenticed disciples they took in, they wouldn¡¯t have told anyone else. Xu Lingxiu asking Gu Zuo about his new discovery was considered behavior that overstepped one¡¯s boundaries. Although some pharmacists relied on their high positions to seize control, as far as the ever-prideful Xu Lingxiu was concerned, he wasn¡¯t someone who would take things for granted.

    Gu Zuo had an idea, and hurriedly fumbled around inside his sleeves. He took out an ear of Scarlet Blood Rice, and handed it over: ¡°This is nothing much. For you.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu took it distractedly. It seemed that he didn¡¯t think it would¡¯ve been so easy.

    Gu Zuo smiled with embarrassment: ¡°Before, I¡¯ve been receiving Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s pointers and I was worried that there wasn¡¯t any way to repay you. Just this little thing really is nothing. Only, when Senior Sect Brother Xu is researching, you need to be extra careful. The multi-colored ones are toxic, the gray and ck ones are the antidotes... The ck one cures the martial artist¡¯s poison and the gray one cures the pharmacist¡¯s poison.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s arrogant appearance calmed down: ¡°The previous pointers were because I still owed you a favor. Now, this can be considered me owing you another one.¡±

    Gu Zuo repeatedly waved his hand, wanting to decline.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s hand waved even faster and more boisterously than Gu Zuo¡¯s: ¡°Alright, I have the final say! Don¡¯t talk so much!¡±

    Gu Zuo choked up again.

    ...He probably wouldn¡¯t get used to the little prince¡¯s way of speaking even if ten-thousand years passed.

    The dialogue of the two made the others watching all break out intoughter.

    Xi Yangyun smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s hard for Lingxiu to make friends. Today, he finally has one.¡±

    Xi Shuangyun also gently smiled: ¡°This...very good...¡±

    Meanwhile, Lu Jiusi teased: ¡°Too bad we don¡¯t have the simr luck to receive an ear.¡±

    The Xi n brother and sister duo were really just making fun, and Gu Zuo faintly blushed. However, Lu Jiusi¡¯s words contained another meaning. Gu Zuo pretended like he didn¡¯t hear it, and let it pass.

    As for friends and so on... Gu Zuo quietly looked to Xu Lingxiu.

    Just then, Xu Lingxiu also looked over and both of their eyes met.

    Unexpectedly, Xu Lingxiu only turned away and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Gu Zuo remained silent.

    Perhaps, this really was about making friends?

    The following matters were the same as every day previously up until night fell. When Gu Zuo was about to leave, Xu Lingxiu lifted his head while in the middle of refining medicine. He flung out his hand and threw over a tablet.

    Gu Zuo rushed to catch it and lowered his head to look. ¡°Xu Lingxiu¡± was written upon it in big letters. He was somewhat puzzled: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, what is this?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said with a muffled voice: ¡°In the future, you cane any time you want... Even if you have questions!¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately understood.

    He also restrained himself from smiling: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    After that, Gu Zuo took the tablet and strode away.

    And in his mind, he was calcting. Since Xu Lingxiu had given him this ¡°voucher of friendship¡±, what sort of thing should he give back in return? It couldn¡¯t be too inferior in quality...

    Xu Lingxiu, who had just finished another cauldron and was wiping his sweat, flew into a rage out of humiliation and said: ¡°Who¡¯s caught my attention? Nonsense!¡±

    Xi Yangyunughed heartily: ¡°If he hasn¡¯t caught your attention, how could Lingxiu give him that tablet to pass through the Violet Tower? Young people shouldn¡¯t be reluctant to admit their mistakes.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said in a bad mood: ¡°You¡¯re reluctant to admit your mistakes.¡±

    At once, Xi Yangyun used a hand to cover his mouth: ¡°Okay, I¡¯m at fault. Lingxiu has also never viewed that Junior Sect Brother Gu as a good friend.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu shot him a furious look before closing his eyes to quell his anger.

    At this moment, Lu Jiusi said: ¡°Are you guys aware that Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s rice ear was taken out from an inter-spatial tool?¡±

    Xi Yangyun smiled: ¡°It¡¯s probably something that the fellow disciple Junior Sect Brother Gu follows had given as a present. It¡¯s no wonder why Junior Sect Brother Gu respects him so much... Junior Sect Brother Gu should also be regarded as extremely important to that person.¡±

    Lu Jiusi nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s only a pity that that person¡¯s position is somewhat low, and that Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s pay is inadequate. Yangyun, if you recruited Junior Sect Brother Gu, wouldn¡¯t it be even better? You also wouldn¡¯t neglect Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s natural talents.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu heard these words and looked over in a sh.

    Xi Yangyun listened, but faintly furrowed his brows. Then, he thought that this was the good intentions of his Junior Sect Brother. He shook his head and said: ¡°I¡¯ve checked the foundations of that Gongyi Tianheng and his potential is pretty good. If he doesn¡¯t fall along the way, he¡¯ll be a peer among us in the future. Junior Sect Brother Gu has received many favors from Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, and the two get along exceptionally well. If I go to invite him first, it will inevitably damage the friendship between them. This will also make things difficult for Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu pursed his lips, and turned his head away again.

    Lu Jiusi sighed somewhat regretfully: ¡°What Yangyun says is true. It really isn¡¯t good to force someone.¡±

    Since Xi Yangyun wouldn¡¯t fight over a person with him, Xu Lingxiu also tacitly approved of this matter. In that case, he could use some more methods himself... Only, when he put those methods to use, he needed to be extra careful.

    Thus, after Gu Zuo returned, he mentioned the matter that happened today to Gongyi Tianheng. Not only the matter that Xu Lingxiu recognized him as a friend, but also that Lu Jiusi had sounded him out again ¡ª Although he brought up Lu Jiusi¡¯s solicitation before, it seemed that Lu Jiusi still hadn¡¯t given up.

    After Tianheng listened, he slightly muttered: ¡°If Lu Jiusi is focused on recruiting you, he¡¯ll have to start with me. His position far exceeds my own. In the future, I¡¯ll have to conduct myself more carefully, and when there are hurdles to ovee, I¡¯ll need to involve many more contacts to assist. In the future, we also need to be prudent when encountering opportunities rted to the Sect. We can¡¯t let our joys get the best of us...¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows tightly furrowed: ¡°I¡¯ve caused trouble for big brother.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, and warmly said: ¡°No matter. With Lu Jiusi alone, it still isn¡¯t a big problem. He wouldn¡¯t dare act out in the open with you making friends with Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu. As for any secret scheming, I¡¯ve never been afraid of anyone.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and his heart calmed somewhat.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°As for Xu Lingxiu, since he sees you as a friend and his moral qualities aren¡¯t bad, you can treat him well. We have no conflict of interests with Xu Lingxiu, so you don¡¯t need to be concerned about this.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, but his face showed a troubled expression: ¡°It¡¯s because his intentions are very sincere that I feel that hiding things from him isn¡¯t too good... There¡¯s that hand seal he practices. It¡¯s obvious that it¡¯s notplete, but I don¡¯t know if I should tell him. If I tell him, it¡¯d be detrimental to us, but if I know and don¡¯t tell him, I¡¯ll feel crumby.¡±

    Tianheng looked at him like this and his gaze softened. He reached out a hand to ruffle his hair: ¡°What¡¯s the problem with this matter? In the past few days, I¡¯ve made lots of contribution points. I¡¯ll go to the Martial Scripture Pavilion and thumb through rare books. After I¡¯ve read them for a period of time, I¡¯ll have some reputation there. Just say that I¡¯ve found an ancient text rted to pharmacists.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared: ¡°There¡¯s no problem with this? There should be a record of the ancient texts in the Martial Scripture Pavilion...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°The second floor and above naturally have several, but it has nothing to do with the first floor. The nonconventional cultivation methods and martial skills aren¡¯t regarded as important. Normally, Inner Sect disciplese and flip through the books only to gain more knowledge for theprehensive mastery of a subject. I¡¯ll say that I¡¯ve found an ancient text, but didn¡¯t want to take it out directly. I¡¯ll only say that there was a secretpartment in an ancient text, and in it was a sheet of golden silk. I looked at those hand seals, which seemed to be rted to pharmacists and gave it to you. After you looked at it, you discovered that it was very familiar. Thus, you went to look for Xu Lingxiu.¡±

    Gu Zuo responded, but was still very worried: ¡°Wouldn¡¯t this be too coincidental? Too obvious?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°If it was taken out right away, then it¡¯d naturally be too fortuitous. But it wouldn¡¯t be the same if it was after a period of time and that golden silk was worn.¡±

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: ¡°Worn?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled meaningfully: ¡°Maybe, you can ask your system if it can be aplished.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Oh, right.

    Following that, Gu Zuo really spoke to the air right in front of Tianheng: ¡°System, can you help make it look old?¡±

    [Ten strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Deal.¡±

    Afterwards, the medicinal qi was deducted and in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand appeared a sheet of golden silk, as light as a feather. On the golden silk was written <<Minor Seal: Silken Sky Medicine Refinement>>.

    However, for safety purposes and to give a good impression, only the pill refining hand seals were written here. The hand seals for medicinal cuisines and decoctions weren¡¯t included.

    Gu Zuo directly handed the golden silk over to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, how does it look?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng took it and used his hand to twirl it through his fingers. He sighed ruefully and said: ¡°That system of yours is really remarkable. This object seems like it has an appearance where an untold number of years had passed by. It definitely can¡¯t be seen through by others.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head happily, and felt relieved.

    After that, he just had to drag on for a while, and find a better opportunity to take this medicine refining hand seal and go to ¡°consult¡± Xu Lingxiu. This also wouldn¡¯t waste Xu Lingxiu¡¯s sincerity today. As for whether this friendship could withstand the test of time, that was another matter.

    The following days seemed to return to normalcy.

    But the reason why it ¡°seemed¡± peaceful was because of the information from Fu Manduo that had been handed over to quite a few people as an expression of good will. Their intent was that they wanted somerge-scale groups of unruly and fearless wild beasts to act as their power¡¯s mounts. They wanted to form battle squadrons and increase their strength.

    At this time, Fu Manduo wanted to rope in Gongyi Tianheng. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t deliberately entrap Tianheng. Thus, the source of the information expressing good will was mostly rted to Fu Manduo and didn¡¯t implicate the power struggle between Duanshui Hall and Mingyue Pavilion.

    Generally speaking, his moral qualities weren¡¯t bad. It was the sort that was rather genuine.

    Thus, Gongyi Tianheng naturally gave some face. Moreover, while he could maintain possession of the Bewildering Beast Mist under these circumstances, he couldn¡¯t keep it to himself for too long. This was to prevent others from getting any ideas about him. Maybe it¡¯d be better to sell it all at once, clearly showing that it would be used to umte funds and property.

    Hence, Gu Zuo refined medicine every day at home, and Gongyi Tianheng still led his subordinates to that nearby mountain range filled with wild beasts. It was only in that type of mountain range that they would be able to encounterrge-scale groups of wild beasts.

    Time passed quickly. Within a month, Tianheng hade and gone a handful of times, bringing back several groups of wild beasts. They included wild leopards, wild tigers, wild oxen, and even a group of wild lizards. The numbers varied from several dozen to over a hundred. They were all eventually sold to the forces introduced by Fu Manduo.

    However, Tianheng didn¡¯t brashly hawk his wares along Market Street likest time. Instead, they were privately given to people who¡¯d ¡°ced an order¡±. It was to the extent that not many people in the Inner Sect knew about it on the surface. On the contrary, many people privately discovered that Fu Manduo had a working rtionship with Gongyi Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat worried: ¡°Big brother, won¡¯t those people suspect that the previous high grade pills that Fu Manduo received had alle from big brother?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°The previous matters are well hidden. If I continued to hide it, after attracting everyone¡¯s attention by selling the wild beasts, I would inevitably be investigated by others. Perhaps there¡¯ll be some traces. However, Fu Manduo has taken the initiative to indicate that he just formed a connection between us. Such just and honorable methods will instead prevent some people froming to conclusions. Besides...¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was tense: ¡°Besides what?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Besides, even if the matter that I supplied goods to Fu Manduo was exposed now, it¡¯s not important. Zhang Mingyue and the others are already capable of refining several of those types of medicinal pills that Fu Manduo orders. Though the amounts are insufficient, it¡¯s enough to conceal the truth.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it and realized that matters were as such. He once again settled his heart, which had almost leaped out of his chest.

    Let¡¯s talk about those wild beasts again.

    Because those powers had obtained the goods they wanted, they had extended olive branches to Gongyi Tianheng and intended on making friends with him. Meanwhile, some people had set up a banquet and asked Fu Manduo to invite Tianheng over. Tianheng didn¡¯t shy away, and went over to share a few drinks with them.

    Little by little, hiswork expanded.

    Of course, perhaps it was intentional or unintentional, but everyone there was a martial artist. It wasmon topare notes with each other during the banquet. Although Tianheng¡¯s realm was only Xiantian stage one, this realm of his consecutively bested two Xiantian stage three talents until he ¡°withdrew due to exhaustion¡±. Based on his martial strength, he achieved his own ce to stand upon with great difficulty.

    The value of such characters was naturally higher, so the attitudes of those contacts were even more warmhearted.

    During this time, Tianheng hadn¡¯t brought Gu Zuo along.

    Before, Tianheng would bring him because hiswork was insufficient. He needed to show the degree of importance he held Gu Zuo in his heart. This was to stop Fu Manduo and the others from looking down on Gu Zuo. Now that Gu Zuo had obtained Xu Lingxiu¡¯s respect, some well-informed figures would be aware of this. A portion of Gu Zuo¡¯s innate talents were also revealed and he had also received the favor of Elder Huo. Gu Zuo was no longer the type of trash that one could casually crush to death with a finger. This banquet was a martial artist¡¯s dinner party, so it was better to let Gu Zuo quietly wait in the valley.

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s cultivations hadn¡¯t fallen idle.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was growing stronger and stronger. He could discharge more Silver Awls and Silver Needles, and when the projectiles were substantiated, they were even sharper and their powers were even stronger. It didn¡¯t take long for Gu Zuo to smoothly break through to Xiantian stage two. At this moment, he was still concealing his recent breakthrough, but he had alreadye forward to reveal his realm of Xiantian stage one. During one of his asional visits to the Violet Tower, he left Xu Lingxiu and the others somewhat shocked.

    And after the month had passed, Gongyi Tianheng had also broken through. He became a Xiantian stage two martial artist!

    ¡ª Despite being gue by trifles, he was still able to achieve such a result. Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t bear it and sighed at the astonishing aspects of the Tiandu Body.

    Following which, Tianheng made a decision.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but stare: ¡°Big brother¡¯s saying...we¡¯ll be going back?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face and nodded: ¡°In the Inner Sect, I¡¯ve already established some stable footing. I also have some nominal disciple spots on hand, so I should go back to the n and bring some appropriately aged n members over here. This¡¯ll give them more resources and cultivation chances.¡± His gaze slightly moved, ¡°Moreover, I intend on capturing a group of wild beasts as additional foundation for my Gongyi n!¡±

    Gu Zuo watched Tianheng in such high spirits and couldn¡¯t help nodding his head, too: ¡°What big brother says is right. The second young master and third young miss should also have better future prospects.¡±

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo, his gaze gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo, I care about you so much, so how can you still call my siblings young master and young miss? You hold seniority over them, so just call them little brother and little sister.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed up, but he shook his head: ¡°Still...I¡¯m not too familiar with them.¡±

    Tianheng broke intoughter and lightly patted his head: ¡°Alright, suit yourself.¡±

    In this way, the decision was made.

    However, as members of Qingyun Sect, it wasn¡¯t a problem if they left the Qingyun Sect to go on an adventure. But if they left the Qingyun Continent, then it¡¯d be a huge issue.

    Generally speaking, disciples would return to visit their families, but no matter what they wanted to do, they all had to apply for it through the Sect. Otherwise, if they left in secret, they would be criminally charged for betraying the Sect.

    This matter was also inevitable for Gongyi Tianheng because the order to ¡°clear customs¡± was an application directed to the Enforcement Hall.

    Fortunately, Tianheng had a person in the Enforcement Hall!

    Because ofst time¡¯s matter of giving Zhao Yuheng top grade Revitalization Pills, Zhao Yuheng¡¯s favorable impression of Tianheng was very high. Only, this time he still needed to ask someone to handle affairs, and asking someone to do it for free was no good.

    In order to facilitate things, Tianheng thought of a way to capture a powerhouse among the grade seven wild beasts, on top of a bottle of nine top grade Revitalization Pills. Then, he went to go look for Zhao Yuheng.

    It went without saying that Zhao Yuheng still rememberedst time¡¯s favor and intended on making friends with Tianheng. He would certainly be straightforward about it. After meeting and obtaining benefits, he felt that Tianheng was very righteous and would agree to theing matters. That was even more refreshing. Therefore, it only took about three days¡¯ time for the order to clear customs was delivered into Tianheng¡¯s hands.

    With this kind of thing in his possession, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems as long as Tianheng could return to the Sect within a year.

    Seeing this, Gu Zuo could only exim in admiration: ¡°Money will make the Devil turn millstones! Big brother did great!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes carried a smile. Then, he led Gu Zuo and they departed the Sect.

    Yes, on a moonless and windy night, the two left the Qingyun Sect. They didn¡¯t bring along Dragon One and Dragon Two. They also didn¡¯t bring along several ves. They travelled lightly and speedily.

    Only, because this trip was a secret, the fewer people the better. As for Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s strengths, they were already the strongest ones among their current group.

    The current Gu Zuo could already handle Xiantian stage four martial artists. As for Gongyi Tianheng, because it was harder to challenge the higher ranks among the Xiantian Realm, he still could only defeat Xiantian stage six martial artists. When it came to battling Xiantian stage seven martial artists, he could already fight them to a standstill, not merely contend with them.

    Sure enough, there existed a type of hidden, obstructing power between continents. Even though Gongyi Tianheng was already a Xiantian martial artist, he still felt it was difficult passing through this kind of power.

    Gu Zuo stood upon a small, flying boat. He grimaced with a bit of duress. Right now, he didn¡¯t dare open his mouth. It was only because once he opened his mouth, he reckoned that it would be filled with windswept sand.

    When traveling through the continents, if one didn¡¯t want to waste time on the journey, then renting the Sect¡¯s flying boats was the best method. However, the flying boat was very expensive. In addition, ordinary Inner Sect disciples didn¡¯t have the qualifications to rent one. If it wasn¡¯t for Zhao Yuheng¡¯s reputation, even if it was Tianheng, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to borrow it from an enforcer.

    ¡ª So sometimes, as long as one¡¯s social rtionships reached certain standings, the benefits would be many.

    Unfortunately, the flying boat was distantly inferior to that giant ship those three Immortal Realm martial artists used to carry the new disciples. Not to mention the volume, the capabilities were also far inferior. If there was one thing that was close, it was that the flying boat¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t slower than therge ship¡¯s. Using it to hasten the trip couldn¡¯t have been more suitable.

    After getting caught off guard from ¡°eating the wind¡±, Gu Zuo discharged his psychic power to cover the surface of his body to block the wind. Yet, good things didn¡¯tst forever. In the end, using so much psychic power was still a little extravagant. Even if Gu Zuo controlled it more meticulously, his power would eventually run out. What¡¯s more, during the process of passing through the space between continents, his psychic power couldn¡¯t keep up with that type of repressive power. It basically couldn¡¯t be used...

    At this time, only Tianheng could set out.

    Looking at Gu Zuo¡¯s miserable appearance, Gongyi Tianheng, whose body was especially sturdy except for his meridians, sat behind Gu Zuo. After that, two hands looped around him.

    On Gu Zuo¡¯s tragedy-stricken face, a trace of gratefulness suddenly appeared. But the next moment, the winds blowing from all sides caused his eyes to shut tight.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Following which, he silently turned around and buried his head into Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s embrace.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch157 - Returning Home

    <h4>Chapter Ch157 - Returning Home</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng went rigid.

    Gu Zuo also went rigid.

    How terrible! A moment of carelessness ¡ª Too casual, too natural! What was he to do!?

    After that, a pair of hands softly covered Gu Zuo¡¯s back.

    Tianheng¡¯s muffled voice carried a smiling expression: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    Gu Zuo was stuck between lifting his head and not lifting it. After hesitating for three seconds, he still maintained this posture and silently shrank.

    He absolutely wasn¡¯t afraid! Ah, why did big brother want to tease him so much!?

    Following which, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t speak any more. Gongyi Tianheng also remained silent. Two people were just like this, where one protected the other. They sped forth on the flying boat towards the Tianwu Continent.

    Several days passed. After traversing the final barrier, they reached the Tianwu Continent.

    The ambient qi here was far fainter than the ambient qi of the Qingyun Continent. Gu Zuo detected the smothered qi and promptly realized why the martial artists here who departed rarely returned ¡ª Because it was too stifling! Even breathing was ufortable, so how could they properly live out their days here?

    Merely, their return this time carried a purpose. So, they could only endure it.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s senses were still a bit better because he wasn¡¯t like Gu Zuo. Currently, his training in ambient qi absorption was one path and devouring top grade Qi Linking Pills was another path. The former was obstructed, while thetter was well-supplied. On the contrary, Gu Zuo had to endure the cultivation speed of a tortoise, and struggled to umte lots of medicinal qi.

    Of course, what they had to do now was to first use this flying boat to find enough presents throughout the continent that could be brought back to the Gongyi Household.

    Due to the might of Gongyi Tianheng, Cang Yu, and the others during the Hundred Countries Tournament, the Cangyun Empire was promoted to a second-ss empire. The entire nation¡¯s power was developing at a fast rate.

    Most of all was the Royal Family. Because it had produced Cang Yu, its position in the whole empire was even more stable. As for the Gongyi n, because Tianheng had left some things behind and the eldest young master¡¯s existence had never let them down, it had reliably be the number one aristocratic family only beneath the Royal Family.

    Following them was the Huangfu n, whose luck was particrly good ¡ª Only, their development couldn¡¯tpare to the Gongyi n¡¯s. As a result, they ranked third overall.

    As for the remaining three aristocratic families, they could only look up above with hope.

    Of course, because the Royal Family had their means, they had already scouted some information in the Qingyun Sect and transmitted it to the empire before half a year was up. They knew that Huangfu Zhanghao had relied on that strange luck to immediately enter the Inner Sect. They also knew that Gongyi Tianheng had entered the Inner Sect through his own methods. Furthermore, Princess Yaomin was being cared for by an Inner Sect disciple, and Cang Yu had some contacts and was engaging in business... In general, everything was developing in a positive direction. The Cangyun Empire was no longer like it was before with no foundation at all in the Qingyun Sect.

    Hence, the Royal Familypletely green-lit the Gongyi and Huangfu ns, so that the development of their various projects would be smooth. Because the timeframe was short, the Huangfu n couldn¡¯t aplish anything too big, but the Gongyi n¡¯s influence expanded again. This made the Royal Family regard the Gongyi n with even more importance.

    Naturally, in a world dominated by martial arts, the Cangyun Emperor wasn¡¯t someone who had shallow horizons. Even though he witnessed the Gongyi n¡¯s further rise, the policies he carried out were still to rope them in and befriend them. He didn¡¯t devise ways to conduct any suppression. At the same time, although the Gongyi n developed exceptionally well, it didn¡¯t covet the Cangyun Emperor¡¯s throne.

    On this day, Cangyun City was still like it was in the past. Numerous martial artists rushed forth one after another, wanting to showcase their skills and be attendants or guards to the imperial capital¡¯s aristocratic families. Most of all was the Gongyi n due to its business growth and expansion, which had attracted manpower. As a result, there were many martial artists gathered at arge-scale Arms Drill Field adjacent to the Gongyi Mansion. All of them werepeting and showing off their capabilities. Among them, there were many Bone Forging Realms. As for Meridian Condensing Realms, the numbers were unexpectedly not low.

    The person who presided over this martial arts assembly was reportedly the younger brother of the Gongyi n Head¡¯s eldest young master, who followed those venerable Immortal Realms to practice martial arts. In the future, this younger brother would be the definitive sessor as the n Head ¡ª Gongyi Tianyang. This assembly was also to give that Young Master Tianyang some training opportunities to show his ability.

    Although Young Master Tianyang wasn¡¯t twenty yet, when people saw his majestic presence, one couldn¡¯t help butmend that, ¡°A tiger wouldn¡¯t have a dog for a younger brother¡±.

    Currently, that Young Master Tianyang upied a high tform, sitting with some of the Gongyi n¡¯s younger generations. With a steady gaze, he stared at several dozen victors who¡¯d already charged to the final checkpoint.

    The hired guards and attendants were basically chosen from these people this round ¡ª As for those who didn¡¯t reach this step, it had to be seen if they had any special abilities to enter his eyes.

    At a nce, the Arms Drill Field had one Meridian Condensing stage three martial artist undergoing a fight with a grade three wild beast. The battle of one man and one beast had flesh and blood flying. It was extremely desperate. To the side, there was already the ghastly sight of a heap of several corpses. It was also because of this that a person with insufficient strength wouldn¡¯t dare bribe the other children of the Gongyi n to force themselves through. Otherwise, when they reached this final juncture, they could only have their lives taken aspensation.

    After fighting for almost an hour, that Meridian Condensing Realm martial artist was still struggling. It was clear that he had fallen to a disadvantageous position. His body¡¯s exterior was already badly mangled.

    At this moment, severalrge men suddenly leaped onto the venue and dragged away that grade three wild beast. The Meridian Condensing martial artist hastily recoiled and found that he was already safe.

    Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s elegant and small face grew taut: ¡°You pass. epted!¡±

    That Meridian Condensing Realm martial artist¡¯s face was a bloodied paste, but his expression was happy. Then, he followed another robust man to the side for healing.

    Tianyang said with a cold voice: ¡°Next contender!¡±

    Following that, the grade three wild beast was released. The one it approached was also a Meridian Condensing Realm martial artist ¡ª As he entered the venue, he tightly clenched a long saber and swiftly went over to y that wild beast! He appeared to have drawn from the experiences of that previous martial artist. He surprisingly wanted to end it quickly, and waspletely unwilling to let that wild beast prevail!

    The many spectating martial artists all watched with great pleasure.

    And in the crowd, there was a handsome young master with a slender build. He faced the teenager to his side and spoke with a lowugh: ¡°Thebatant¡¯s awareness is actually pretty good.¡±

    The teenager looked up: ¡°Ah, Young Master Tianyang has also be very impressive.¡±

    The one standing beside them was a tall martial artist with a knife scar. He heard the words of the two and saw their casual bearing. He couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°You two dare to casuallyment on a member of the Gongyi n? Outrageous!¡±

    The teenager¡¯s tender face reddened: ¡°Ahem.¡±

    The teenager grimaced and used his hand to cover his head. He continued to face that venue and watch.

    So why hadn¡¯t they gone directly to the Gongyi Mansion, and came here first? Could it be that it was to observe Young Master Tianyang¡¯s ability to conduct himself in public?

    The handsome young master smiled, but didn¡¯t speak. He just patted the teenager¡¯s head.

    On the field, wild beasts were still constantly battling the martial artists who were challenging the final checkpoint. Every time that wild beast¡¯s strength seemedcking, someone would rece it with a ¡°fresher¡± one to fight and put those martial artists to the test. When reaching this point, almost all of the contenders were Meridian Condensing Realms. Their performance in actualbat would be determining their future opportunities for advancement, so no one dared to hold back.

    Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s vision wasn¡¯t bad. Whenever the wild beasts were exchanged, and whenever those martial artists didn¡¯t have any more strength left to fight, he¡¯d halt things with great uracy. Almost none of the martial artists who were epted had received any grievous wounds. After taking some Rejuvenation Pills with godly effects, their flesh wounds wouldpletely recover at speeds one could see with the naked eye. This hereby disyed the Gongyi n¡¯s robust financial abilities and medicinal pill resources.

    Thus, after half a day, besides the few fighters who were unable to defend themselves and quickly became injured, almost all of the other martial artists were epted. Additionally, Gongyi Tianyang read out a list of names of martial artists who, although were defeated, performed well. They were worth being epted for nurturing.

    Although Tianyang¡¯s face looked tender, the extraordinary temperament he once again disyed still made many spectating martial artists give a big ¡°Like¡± in their minds.

    What¡¯s more, at this moment, the expression of that knife-scarred martial artist was very strange.

    Because just when those martial artists were fighting, the handsome young master beside him would asionallyment. Unexpectedly, each time would be extremely urate. Compared to that Young Master Tianyang, he seemed even better. At first, he thought that this person was an arrogant scoundrel, but now it seemed that not only was this guy not a scoundrel, instead he was...inscrutable? Maybe this person was a young master of some other aristocratic family?

    But just as he made this guess, there was an abrupt uproar.

    The knife-scarred martial artist raised his eyes and saw that Young Master Tianyang who was originally on the high tform had suddenly jumped down. Moreover, the direction he was going towards was right this way?

    In a short time, Gongyi Tianyang had already gotten close. He opened his mouth, almost like he didn¡¯t dare believe. His tone was astonished: ¡°Big, big brother? Why are you...¡±

    Then, that handsome young master smiled: ¡°Yang¡¯er, long time no see. You¡¯ve grown.¡±

    To the side, the knife-scarred martial artist only felt like he¡¯d been struck by a thunderbolt. Following that, his heart was filled with regret.

    Who was the elder brother of Gongyi Tianyang? Furthermore, the elder brother had just returned? Apart from that Young Master Gongyi Tianheng who¡¯d already be a legend, who else could there be!?

    Such a person standing next to him clearly should¡¯ve been his chance. As a result, not only didn¡¯t he have a proper chat to give the guy a good impression, the only thing he said was a reprimand! This practically turned his intestines ck with regret! If that personmented on the contestants, andmented on his younger brother, who dared to say he couldn¡¯t!?

    The knife-scarred martial artist felt like there was nothing left to live for.

    Yet...

    There was nothing to do for despondency. He was only a small role, so his current notions didn¡¯t reach the ears of those reunited brothers.

    Off to the side, Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s thoughts were filled with his elder brother. Once he heard his elder brother say long time no see, he snapped out of it. The elder brother he was looking at definitely wasn¡¯t a hallucination!

    ¡ª As it turned out, he was able to see far away while standing on the tall tform. At first, he didn¡¯t take note of others, but when hepleted the matters that needed doing, he glimpsed something out of the corner of his eye. Then, he saw that person in the crowd who was like a crane amongst a flock of chickens.

    That¡¯s right, his elder brother was truly too eye-catching. Even if no one noticed him while in a crowd, so long as one looked in that direction, the first one found would always be him!

    Gongyi Tianyang was unsure, so he naturally went over to look. With one nce, he discovered that he really was...real.

    However, his elder brother clearly should¡¯ve been at the Qingyun Sect practicing martial arts, so why had he suddenly appeared in Cangyun City? Moreover, he didn¡¯t even give them a heads up?

    He was a little worried that something bad had happened to his elder brother, but after looking at that leisurely expression of his elder brother, which hadn¡¯t changed a bit, he found that he might¡¯ve been overthinking it ¡ª Even if he wasn¡¯t overthinking things, his elder brother was certainly able to resolve the problem.

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianyang felt that he still had much to learn.

    Then, Tianyang saw that there was an additional person beside his elder brother.

    Fair skin and petite body, but he looked quick-witted and had a tranquil air about him. Wasn¡¯t this the pharmacist who followed his elder brother to the Qingyun Sect?

    After thinking of this person, Gongyi Tianyang promptly called out: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Young Master Tianyang.¡±

    Tianheng nced at him warmly: ¡°It¡¯s okay to call him Tianyang.¡±

    With Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s recent experience, he wasn¡¯t so stubborn and bashful like before. After discovering that his elder brother treated Gu Zuo importantly, he was very straightforward: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, just call me Tianyang!¡±

    The Gongyi n¡¯s bearing to Gu Zuo had always made him feel embarrassed.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and nodded: ¡°Tianyang.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he fumbled around his sleeves and took out several bottles of medicinal pills. He handed everything over to Tianyang.

    Gongyi Tianyang took it all, but didn¡¯t open them. Rather, he properly received them. Of course, he also didn¡¯t know that the contents within were Meridian Replenishing Pills, Bone Replenishing Pills, Revitalization Pills, as well as Anti-Aging Pills. All of them were top grade, and there were at least ten pills of every type.

    With these pills, if Gongyi Tianyang used them well, they could save several lives and were worth heaps of gold.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t give Tianyang any reminders. He¡¯d wait until after Tianyang¡¯s scope widened. He¡¯d naturally discover that the stuff inside was different.

    After receiving the pills, Gongyi Tianyang said: ¡°Many thanks, Brother Ah Zuo.¡± Then he looked to Tianheng again, ¡°Big brother, will you return home with me?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang was happy from the bottom of his heart. He was going to lead his elder brother back home, but as he turned around, he found that the act of him chatting with his elder brother here had been witnessed by many people. Heposed himself, and curbed hispse in etiquette just now. He turned to the few people behind him and said: ¡°You guys bring back the people who were epted and inform the n Head.¡±

    The other children of the Gongyi n were those who followed Gongyi Tianyang and handled his matters. After seeing Tianheng, they were very shocked, but in any case, they were very experienced. As a result, they didn¡¯t rashly speak nor disturb the interactions between the brothers. Once the two brothers finished chatting, they paid their respects and received Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s orders.

    Yet, Tianheng said: ¡°I still have some things I¡¯ve ced outside of the city. Tianyang, just send one person back to make the announcement. The others will follow me to go fetch them.¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang didn¡¯t object in the least and changed his wording: ¡°Then, Tianyin will go back to notify them. Tianhe, you and the others will follow me and big brother!¡±

    Soon after, everyone was assigned appropriately. Gongyi Tianyin promptly departed, while Gongyi Tianyang and several others closely followed behind Tianheng and walked out of the venue of the martial arts assembly.

    Once their figures disappeared, those people who¡¯d yet to leave all made countless exmations and discussions:

    ¡°So it turns out that Young Master Tianheng has returned!¡±

    ¡°I heard that the imperial capital¡¯s Ninth Prince, Young Master Tianheng, as well as Young Master Zhanghao were all chosen by Immortal Realm martial artists and taken to practice martial arts. Additionally, severalrge aristocratic families were not to be outdone and also picked some candidates to go get experience... Why has Young Master Tianheng suddenlye back?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something strange going on! Maybe Young Master Tianheng had finished learning and came back to visit his family?¡±

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been half a year! Even if it was Young Master Tianheng, he couldn¡¯t have been so fast...¡±

    ¡°First, don¡¯t say that. Ever since several of the great young masters left, this imperial capital of ours has been very peaceful. Who knows when a new batch of young masters will reveal outstanding talent?¡±

    ¡°Who can say, who can say...¡±

    On the other side of things, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo rushed ahead, leading the handful of Gongyi n members. They arrived at the deste outskirts of the city, between some mountains.

    Within there was a huge cavern, and the sounds of heavy breathing echoed from inside.

    Gongyi Tianyang was puzzled: ¡°Big brother, this is?¡±

    Tianheng smiled faintly: ¡°You all go in. You¡¯ll know when you see it.¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang was somewhat bewildered, but still did what he was told and went in.

    After Gongyi Tianhe and the others exchanged nces, although they eerily sensed feelings of intense suppression, they also clenched their teeth and followed.

    None of them discovered that Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t go inside.

    As for the small, transparent piece of plywood Gu Zuo who would obey with the drop of a few words, his face showed an expression stuck betweenughter and tears.

    Wasn¡¯t this big brother of his taking delight in evil a little too much?!

    No matter what was said to make his second younger brother to directly enter the cavern, he wanted to give them a great scare...

    Just as he thought this, one could hear heavy and rough panting, as well as a rising crescendo of rmed cries from within that cavern.

    ¡°C-c-cousin!¡±

    ¡°This, this is¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ah, wild beasts! Ah, Armor-ted Rhinos!¡±

    Gu Zuo covered his face while thinking about the somewhat tragic sight.

    This was a group of pitiful, unlucky cousins...

    However, it seemed that Tianheng¡¯s little brother was a bit more resilient in this respect?

    Following that, the cavern echoed with the sounds of tapping footsteps. It looked like several people were being chased by something behind them as they ran out with flying speeds. They cut sorry figures as they gasped forrge breaths.

    Gongyi Tianyang, who was the fastest, had just recovered from his shock. At this moment, he opened his mouth while forcing himself to remain calm: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s going on with that herd of Armor-ted Rhinos inside?¡±

    Gongyi Tianhe and the others were having a lively discussion where everyone was talking all at once:

    ¡°They¡¯re all grade four wild beasts or stronger...¡±

    ¡°The suppressive force of that leader made it hard for me to breathe. What grade was it?¡±

    ¡°What were they doing in that cavern? Fortunately, they didn¡¯t attack.¡±

    ¡°Cousin, are we going to take advantage of theirck of response and get out of here?¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang took a deep breath: ¡°Silence!¡±

    Sure enough, those Gongyi n children all shut their mouths.

    Gongyi Tianyang pulled a long face: ¡°You guys, don¡¯t you see that none of those wild rhinos attacked? Big brother wouldn¡¯t deceive us. There¡¯s certainly a reason for making us enter the cavern.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently roasted: Ah, yes. There¡¯s a reason. He wanted to y a prank and scare you guys.

    Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng smiled with gratification: ¡°Sure enough, Tianyang has made progress.¡±

    After he said this, he whistled.

    In a split second, the earth shook. From within that cave entrance, a wild beast with an extremelyrge build appeared as its hooves continuously struck the ground. Its eyes, which were the size of copper bells, swept its surroundings and fell upon Gongyi Tianheng. However, it docilely lowered its head.

    The members of the Gongyi n all widened their eyes.

    Gongyi Tianyang said with astonishment: ¡°Big brother, it has already been subdued by you?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded.

    Gongyi Tianyang: ¡°!¡±

    The other Gongyi n children: ¡°!!!¡±

    Suddenly, they felt that the elder brother who returned was enshrouded with a fantastic halo ¡ª If it was said that they once revered him, then now they felt that there was even more mystery beyond their reverence.

    Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s eyes shined: ¡°Big brother, are you already a Xiantian martial artist?¡±

    Once more, Tianheng nodded with a smile.

    In the blink of an eye, a joyous mood spread among the numerous children of the Gongyi n.

    A Xiantian martial artist! After leaving for just half a year, he was a promoted Xiantian martial artist!

    This really was ¡ª Too inconceivable!

    Seeing them with these looks, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s tone was still unhurried: ¡°Right now, Ah Zuo has also already be a Xiantian Realm pharmacist.¡±

    This time, the lines of sight of the Gongyi n children all uniformly fell upon Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo thought about retreating.

    These gazes were a little too dazzling! But he quickly realized that this was about his big brother improving his own position in front of his household. Then, he quickly nodded: ¡°My luck was good.¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang slowly exhaled: ¡°Congrattions, big brother. Congrattions, Brother Ah Zuo.¡±

    The rest of them also came over to offer their congrattions.

    Immediately following that, under the roar of that wild rhino that had been tamed by Tianheng, numerous shadows continuously popped out of the cavern. One beast after another appeared before them...

    Outside of the Gongyi Mansion, ten reclusive Gongyi n members, who usually stayed in the Inner Courtyard all year round, were all crowding around the gateway.

    At the forefront was an extraordinarily charming and beautiful woman, whose eyes were slightly red. Her hands firmly sped the hands of the husband beside her. She softly asked: ¡°Dearest Husband, didn¡¯t Tianyin say that Heng¡¯er has already returned? Why hasn¡¯t hee home?¡±

    The anticipation in Gongyi Yan¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t any less than that of his wife and children. At this moment, he forced himself to calm down and said soothingly: ¡°Didn¡¯t Tianyin say that Tianheng went out of the city to handle something? He¡¯ll return quickly. Also, you mustn¡¯t get flustered. If not, I¡¯m afraid that when Tianheng returns, he¡¯ll have to me this husband for not looking after you.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue twirled his beard. There was also some anxiety in his eyes.

    Suddenly, he looked far into the distance and strained his ears to listen.

    Over there...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch158 - A Banquet

    <h4>Chapter Ch158 - A Banquet</h4>

    Rumble! Rumble!

    The ground shook and countless booming sounds echoed. The houses and buildings on either side of the street seemed to sway due to this shaking.

    Commuting passersby all took shelter at the sides. They were gazing at the rising dust cloud in the distance. After they clearly saw that spectacle, they couldn¡¯t help letting out a peal of rming cries.

    ¡°So many! So many wild beasts!¡±

    ¡°How did a herd of beasts get into the city?!¡±

    ¡°Quick, get out of the way! They¡¯re undomesticated wild beasts!¡±

    ¡°Be careful¡ª¡±

    And yet, some people discovered some clues and their voices were even more amazed:

    ¡°Wait a moment, that¡¯s¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, look at what¡¯s on those wild beasts¡¯ backs!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s, there¡¯s actually people on them?¡±

    ¡°Then ¡ª In the end, who are they!?¡±

    Once that herd of wild beasts galloped closer, everyone saw the real appearance of the group.

    It was a herd of rhinos.

    They only saw that each beast was ten meters tall and about twenty meters long. Its entire body was pitch-ck and its hide¡¯s surface was even covered with a thickyer of te armor, resembling steel. That te armor bore arm-length barbs on both sides. In addition, that long tail was like an iron whip. It appeared extremely fierce, and gave a sense of feral valiance!

    Furthermore, there was a meter-long ck horn on the top of their heads. The horn was surrounded by a wheel-like cluster of numerous, shorter horns, which were about a foot-long each. They only needed to fling their heads back to shred all encroaching enemies like a rotating sharp de!

    These were ¡ª

    Armor-ted Rhinos!

    A pronounced bloodline of a valiant beast race which was known to potentially evolve into Spirit-Grade wild beasts!

    At this moment, there were really people sitting on the backs of the Armor-ted Rhinos.

    Moreover, there weren¡¯t just one or two people.

    The leading Armor-ted Rhino¡¯s ck horn was practically coated in ayer of golden light. It had to be at least a grade five wild rhino or stronger to be capable of this kind of formidable majesty. The rider on its back was a handsome young man with a tall stature. His robe sleeves floated in the wind and his brocaded clothes billowed. His appearance was bright like the moon and his temperament was clear like the breeze.

    Closely following behind were several wild beasts with teenaged youths riding on their backs. Their appearances were simrly handsome, but they couldn¡¯tpare to that handsome young man, who was a cut above the rest. He was also a rare prodigy.

    Most of all, when they steered the wild rhinos, they exhibited vigorous and heroic spirits!

    Many people recognized that these young masters were all members of the Gongyi n.

    In that case, this herd of wild beasts was certainly a resource belonging to the Gongyi n!

    For a moment, countless martial artists showed envy.

    The father and son duo, Gongyi Zhuoyue and Gongyi Yan, straightened their backs. Gongyi Mingxia lended her arm to support the Gongyi n¡¯s Madam Liu Suyan. Their eyes all flickered with intense joy.

    Because they all recognized that the one who emerged the fastest and whose power was the strongest was the family member who already entered the Sect: Gongyi Tianheng!

    Liu Suyan almost wanted to drop to her knees and cry, but she was a strong woman in the end. She quickly settled her state of mind and waited for her eldest son¡¯s return. Gongyi Mingxia watched her eldest brother as well as her second brother, who rode a wild rhino close behind. Her cherry-red lips faintly curled and a smile formed across her whole face.

    As for Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue, they were both extremely proud in their hearts.

    That herd of wild beasts quickly made their way straight to them. Basically without any orders, the whole herd came to a halt. One after another, those Gongyi n young masters all jumped off their steeds. Each person was high-spirited.

    Gongyi Tianheng also jumped off. There was a teenager embraced in his arms. At this time, everyone realized that Tianheng hadn¡¯t been sitting by himself atop that wild rhino. Rather, it was carrying an additional person.

    However, the appearance of this person didn¡¯t make Gongyi Yan and the others feel strange ¡ª After all, they¡¯d known long ago that this teenager was Tianheng¡¯s personal pharmacist, whom Tianheng wanted to raise with great care. Journeying together with steadfast loyalty; this was as it should be.

    After Gu Zuo came down, he promptly waited behind Tianheng.

    When the family members reunited, he didn¡¯t go to join the festivities... Although it was once said that the Gongyi n treated him as a family member, the only one who could be said to be family to him was this big brother of his. The others hadn¡¯t fostered too much affection. He was giving face to his big brother, and they were also giving face to his big brother. Both were because Tianheng was the link that established this bond.

    Gongyi Tianheng took a step forward and paid his respects: ¡°Father, mother, grandfather, Mingxia. Long time no see. How have you all been doing?¡±

    Gongyi Yan helped him up: ¡°We¡¯ve been doing very well.¡± Then, it seemed like he discovered something, and he abruptly said with joy, ¡°My son has already be Xiantian! Good, good, good!¡±

    The atmosphere between the family was harmonious and happy.

    Gongyi Tianyang also promptly came over and stayed with them.

    However, at this moment, Tianheng hadn¡¯te to irresponsibly chat. He looked towards the numerous Gongyi n members and simrly greeted them.

    Those Gongyi n members returned his greetings, and there was an unending stream of praises andpliments.

    Although not everyone knew what kind of noble rank Tianheng had attained, they also understood that the achievements of the current Tianheng were ones that they could never catch up to. Moreover, the n Head had gradually taken out some things that had transformed the entire n. And after making them realize that many matters were rted to Tianheng, when they were treating with Tianheng, they viewed him as the treasure of the n and didn¡¯t dare show the slightest degree of disrespect.

    After quickly exchanging pleasantries, someone asked: ¡°Eldest young master, those wild rhinos are¡ª¡±

    The others all had eyes full of anticipation ¡ª They understood that these wild rhinos could only have something to do with Gongyi Tianheng. They weren¡¯t obtainable with Gongyi Tianyang and the others¡¯ skills.

    Tianheng calmly smiled: ¡°I seldom make trips back home to visit family. It¡¯s just a meager gift I¡¯m offering to my n.¡±

    When the numerous members of the Gongyi n heard this, their hearts settled. Soon after, they were wild with joy.

    They had roughly counted just now. There was an excess of two hundred wild rhinos here, and all of them were grade four and above. If they could all be tamed, then that was equivalent to the Gongyi n gaining over two hundred Xiantians! Moreover, when the wild rhinos were paired with martial artists, it really wasn¡¯t just a doubling of strength. Rather, it was even more formidable and even more frightening!

    ...Although the Gongyi n had a Cavalry Field, it bred generation after generation of Dragon-Scaled Horses. However, that species of wild horse was far inferior to the Armor-ted Rhino.

    The wild beasts kept by the n couldn¡¯tpare to undomesticated wild beasts in terms of fighting strength. Dragon-Scaled Horses only had a sliver of the ancient wild dragon bloodline. Before awakening the dragon blood, the bloodline concentration couldn¡¯tpare to the ancient Armor-ted Dragon¡¯s bloodline of the Armor-ted Rhino.

    Gu Zuo withdrew to the side. As he watched the animated appearances of these Gongyi n members, he couldn¡¯t help wanting to roast them again.

    Yes! It was only natural that these wild rhinos were very expensive and pleasing! It was impossible to find two hundred wild rhinos that were grade four and above in a single mountain range! In order to do this, he and his big brother had to ride the flying boat all over the Tianwu Continent. They captured this huge herd and finally stuffed them into a cavern!

    This present really took a lot out of them.

    However, looking at the happy expression of Tianheng¡¯s father, he also thought that it was worth it. Even though his big brother normally showed a refined and courteous appearance as if he was disaffected, in actuality, he was very filial.

    Everyone was pretty happy over there, but it wasn¡¯t good to block the road. Gongyi Tianheng led Gu Zuo, and followed everyone into the mansion. The Armor-ted Rhinos, under the guidance of the leader, followed the attendants of the n into an area customized for raising wild beasts.

    As for who the beasts were allocated to and the quota for distribution, since this was a huge matter of the n, it would be discussed after giving Gongyi Tianheng a weing feast.

    The banquet had already been prepared at an earlier time. This was a n feast.

    Since this was a n feast, some elders who were devoted to the n as well as their descendants were allowed to participate. As for those whose loyalties couldn¡¯t be ascertained, they weren¡¯t allowed toe for the time being.

    Every elder and cadet branch who was qualified to participate was incredibly happy. There were those who normally weren¡¯t sincere in their allegiance to the n Head. Now, it was toote for regrets. They hated that they couldn¡¯t have prevented thosemotions from happening.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng was in the seat of honor, and Gu Zuo sat beside him.

    ¡ª Reaching this point, the other members of the Gongyi n should¡¯ve had a deeper understanding of Gu Zuo.

    Tianheng first raised his cup: ¡°Cheers, everyone!¡±

    The numerous Gongyi n members simultaneously raised their cups as well: ¡°Cheers!¡±

    After a round of wine drinking, the faces of many n members turned red. Those younger generations all uniformly looked at Gongyi Tianheng. The feelings of veneration in their eyes practically overflowed.

    Gu Zuo watched this and didn¡¯t feel it was strange at all.

    Because there were many times in the past ¡ª Even now, every once in a while, when he¡¯d also look upon his big brother like this.

    His big brother looked like a novel¡¯s protagonist. His presence was attractive, his strength was attractive, and his resolution was attractive. In short, he was attractive in all aspects.

    To put it simply, perhaps one might call it... The embodying aura of the king?

    He didn¡¯t know if that first impression was the strongest, but after observing so many outstanding disciples in the Qingyun Sect, he never felt that any of them could be mentioned on equal terms with his big brother.

    Just like now, his big brother only raised a cup out of respect and everyone was in awe.

    Moreover, after the numerous n members ate a round of dishes, they gradually started to chat about some matters during the banquet.

    Gongyi Tianheng listened to the praise and even tterying from those people¡¯s mouths. He grinned and nodded humbly, notcking in any manners. When it was about time, Tianheng whispered softly to Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue.

    The two hesitated slightly, before nodding.

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened.

    Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t released his psychic power, so he naturally didn¡¯t hear it. At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help inquisitively asking in his mind: Big brother, what were you guys discussing?

    Tianheng¡¯s eyebrows rose, and he replied: Qingyun Sect.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: This matter isn¡¯t going to be concealed?

    Tianheng said: If we¡¯re going to bring people over, then there¡¯s no need to hide it.

    Gu Zuo thought the same.

    Currently, his big brother was considered to have a bit of a foundation in the Qingyun Inner Sect. While he was short on manpower, he made this return trip to bring people over... One always needed to make things clear, and it was better to tell the truth.

    In any case, there was nothing shameful about this, right?

    They didn¡¯t say anything before because of habitual secrecy and that the Qingyun Sect hadn¡¯t had citizens of the Cangyun Empire for hundreds of years. The fewer who knew about it the better. But there were people there now, and everything was developing well. Thus, so long as those people over there weren¡¯t wiped out, there would aways be ways to bring more people over. Maintaining secrecy was no longer necessary.

    Sure enough, at the next moment, Tianheng said: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.¡±

    As soon as he spoke, it quickly became quiet.

    Tianheng¡¯s bearing wasposed: ¡°Everyone surely has their suspicions on why I¡¯ve returned now. Since everyone here is one of us, I also won¡¯t hide it and will inform you all.¡±

    In the blink of an eye, the Gongyi n members were all stirred up.

    There were some elders whoseplexions were even more odd because they were the ones who knew about Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s true whereabouts. They were particrly concerned about the cause of this.

    While he previously followed Gongyi Tianyang to handle matters, Gongyi Tianhe, who also rode a wild rhino, suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Cousin, what exactly is going on?¡±

    Once these words were uttered, he closed his mouth again. He spoke without thinking.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t take offense, and smilingly said: ¡°Previously, I didn¡¯t really follow an Immortal Realm powerhouse to practice martial arts. Rather, that Immortal Realm was one among countless others. I joined an enormous Sect whose existence far exceeds the Cangyun Empire ¡ª The Qingyun Sect!¡±

    The many n members immediately went into an uproar.

    None of them knew what the Sect was, so naturally everyone starting talking over each other and asking about it. Some well-informed elders enlightened the others. Gongyi Tianheng also took the time to tell them all about of the matter of his previous participation in the Hundred Countries Tournament and joining the Sect.

    The n members listened and their imaginations ran wild. Like how the people who first learned of the Sect¡¯s existence, they simrly perceived the vastness of the world and their own insignificance.

    In the end, however, this matter only circted within the aristocratic family itself, and only the core-most n members had appeared here and were qualified to know.

    For a moment, many n members¡¯ hearts jeered.

    Those shortsighted n members who made trouble with the n Head basically didn¡¯t have the qualifications to know these secrets. At the same time, they had certainly lost many opportunities.

    It was funny. It was really too funny!

    Gongyi Tianheng swept a nce and everyone¡¯s expressions were taken into his eyes.

    After that, he opened his mouth: ¡°Currently, I¡¯m already a Qingyun Inner Sect disciple. I have ten nominal disciple slots on hand, so I¡¯ve returned this time to bring some staff along.¡±

    The n members suddenly exploded.

    Quite a few elders had their faces flushed red with excitement. Their lips opened and closed like they wanted to immediately say something.

    Only, Gongyi Tianheng raised a hand and faintly pressed down, stopping them from speaking.

    The numerous n members were practically unable to hold themselves back. In particr were those younger generations. They knew that if Tianheng was going to pick people to go, then only they were the ones with the highest probability!

    Yet, Tianheng said: ¡°Although there are ten slots, the ones I need are helpers. Therefore, there are only three slots avable for you all. The other seven people have been chosen earlier.¡±

    These words were like a bucket of cold water that been poured over everyone¡¯s heads.

    ¡°Only three cements?¡±

    ¡°This, this...¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the quota too...¡±

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power to listen carefully.

    He couldn¡¯t allow people who hadints against his big brother to join them. Otherwise, those people might be obstructions once they went to the Sect.

    When choosing, a person could only select the ones they trusted or the ones who knew to be grateful...

    What was worth rejoicing over was that there wasn¡¯t a single person who genuinelyined or said that Tianheng was at fault. At most, they wished that there were a few more cements, so that their chances of getting in were greater.

    Gu Zuo set his worries aside.

    Sure enough, no matter how old or young, the people who could join the Gongyi n¡¯s core were those who understood the current situation.

    Gongyi Tianheng then answered the doubts of many n members: ¡°I have many Tianlong Guards under my control. Dragon One and Dragon Two have already followed me there. Later on, Dragon Three to Dragon Seven, these five people, will be my helpers ¡ª I¡¯ve just established myself, so I need those who¡¯re united, loyal, and will follow my orders. In addition, my younger brother Tianyang and my younger sister Mingxia, are included in the cements.¡±

    Once he said that, the Gongyi n members calmed down.

    Their excited moods had settled. Now that they thought about it, their eldest young master¡¯s way of handling things really wasn¡¯t without reason.

    Because, no matter how obedient the n¡¯s children were, they could never be like the Tianlong Guards, who obeyed Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s orders to the death.

    Everyone was aware of the differences. Although the numbers of people were varied, basically all of the children of the main branch had such personal guards. And personal guards were very clear about their own loyalties.

    After Gongyi Tianheng gave them a p, he sweetened the deal: ¡°Of course, everyone doesn¡¯t need to worry about the cements.¡± His words were full of confidence, ¡°In just half a year, I¡¯ve already found my footing in the Sect. Once I¡¯ve taken another step, the quota will inevitably increase. And among the children going together with me, if they can advance from nominal disciple to Outer Sect disciple to Inner Sect disciple, they¡¯ll possess their own cements. When that timees, I¡¯ll naturally return to bring back even more children!¡±

    In a split second, the n members boiled over with passion again.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Did his big brother have fun leading the n like they were on a leash? His dramatic pauses made the others happy at one moment, dejected the next, and then happy again...

    ¡ª Of course, Tianheng was just testing the n members¡¯ temperaments. After all, if they left for Qingyun Sect and they weren¡¯t united, then it would be no good.

    Hence, through Gu Zuo¡¯s secret transmissions, Gongyi Tianhengbined his own previous understandings and selected some candidates from within. After preparing another round of observations, he would determine the cements.

    Because of the matters of Qingyun Sect, all the n members felt that they had good prospects. They had private discussions with members of their own branch families about which children would be put forward as candidates and which ones wouldpete on their own to determine the superior rmendation. For a moment, it was very lively.

    At the same time, near the seat of honor, Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s expression of shock turned to joy: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ll also be going this time?¡±

    Tianheng said warmly: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a very good impression of this stubborn teenager. Without thinking, he started to boast about his dear big brother: ¡°Of course! Previously, big brother hadn¡¯t brought you guys along because he hadn¡¯t sussed out the situation. After figuring out how some things worked, big brother did his best to enter the Inner Sect and establish himself so that Tianyang, you and the others, can go to the Sect to receive an education! Right now, there¡¯s a chance, and the earlier you guys are brought over the better. Once you all go to the Sect, you¡¯ll discover that the situation there is very different from the one here! There are even better conditions over there!¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang suddenly had a sense of longing. He turned his head to look at his parents and grandfather: ¡°I...¡±

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s ever-dignified face showed a smiling expression: ¡°Go for it! Thoroughly practice martial arts, and your achievements will live up to your elder brother¡¯s hard work and our expectations.¡±

    Tianyang still hesitated a little: ¡°Then, the position of n Head in our n...¡±

    All of a sudden, Gongyi Zhuoyue crooked a finger and bopped his second grandson¡¯s forehead. Hating iron for not bing steel, he scolded: ¡°Foolish boy! How can the position of n Head to an insignificant Gongyi npare to one¡¯s prospects along the martial path!? If you be an Immortal Realm, even if you aren¡¯t the n Head, the n Head must give you face!¡±

    Tianyang suddenly understood. He promptly nodded, his face shining: ¡°En!¡±

    Tianheng witnessed his second brother¡¯s realization, and also nodded his head.

    Off to the side, although Gongyi Mingxia was a candid youngdy, she revealed some rare apprehension: ¡°Big brother. Can, can a girl like me also go?¡±

    Tianheng was even more amiable to this younger sister: ¡°Mingxia, even though there are fewer female martial artists in the world, female martial artists have never been any weaker than male martial artists among the true powerhouses. Right now, you¡¯re only eleven years old and you¡¯re already a Blood Refining stage two martial artist, so your aptitudes aren¡¯tcking. When you reach the Sect and get a suitable cultivation method, martial skills, and resources, you¡¯ll be able to advance by leaps and bounds.¡± Speaking up to here, he looked to Gu Zuo, ¡°Ah Zuo, would you say that I¡¯m right?¡±

    Gongyi Mingxia also promptly looked over, her eyes filled with anticipation.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t go against Tianheng¡¯s opinions. Moreover, what he said was true, so he diligently said: ¡°Big brother spoke correctly. In the Inner Sect, there are no fewer women than men. Currently, we have ess to the Earth Leaderboard. Although the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s first ce is a man, the second ce is a woman. Also, this woman is in close pursuit of first ce and her influence isn¡¯t weak at all. If she truly encountered a battle of life and death, she wouldn¡¯t necessarily be any weaker than the guy in first ce.

    He continued: ¡°In addition, the top ten of the Earth Leaderboard is evenly split between men and women. Furthermore, women have established the majority of powers for women in the Inner Sect. They fiercelypete with the powers established by men, fighting tooth and nail. None of them are people who¡¯d retreat. As of right now, they¡¯ll likely recover some lost ground, and even obtaining the upper hand is possible.

    ¡°I¡¯ve met many female martial artists who were valiant and formidable. Their strengths were great and they could keep male martial artists under control. In addition, I¡¯ve also met a youngdy who had a heart disease that might¡¯ve taken her life at any moment. However, she endured the pain, and persisted in practicing martial arts. She didn¡¯t give up treatment until she was about to die. Afterwards, she finally found a method. Once she¡¯spletely cured, she¡¯ll certainly reach soaring heights. It¡¯s clear that her will is strong. Furthermore, there are simrly many women in the enforcement squadrons.

    ¡°Right! Miss Mingxia, do you still remember Princess Yaomin? She was unafraid of hardships and followed the Ninth Prince to enter the Sect. She was willing to conquer the fears in her heart and did her best to cultivate. She obtained the attention of a Senior Sect Brother of the Inner Sect and followed him to the Inner Sect. After some time passes, she¡¯ll be a low-level pharmacist. Then maybe she can enter the Inner Sect Pharmacist Hall...¡±

    Listening to the recounting, Gongyi Mingxia¡¯s eyes rippled with extraordinary splendor and her heart was a tide that rolled endlessly.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch159 - The Loyal Tianlong Guards

    <h4>Chapter Ch159 - The Loyal Tianlong Guards</h4>

    It was clear that Gongyi Mingxia¡¯s heart was moved.

    True, she was female, but who could say that women didn¡¯t have ambitions and were unwilling to take the next step?

    In this world, female martial artists weren¡¯t rare. It was only the limitations of their bodies which made it difficult to ¡°open the door¡± when one started practicing martial arts. After opening the door, not all women were able to endure that kind of monotonous and painful cultivation. On top of that, many women sumbed to romantic attachment or didn¡¯t have enough resources, which led to them giving up halfway... This brought about the reason why women seemed to be rarer than men.

    If Gu Zuo was aware of Mingxia¡¯s way of thinking, he would¡¯ve certainly ridiculed: Wasn¡¯t it just that girls were more emotional? Their sentimentality matured rtively early and then hormones would strike. So if one wasn¡¯t careful, the most optimal period to practice martial arts would pass. Boys were also impulsive, but because their sentimentality hadn¡¯t fully sprouted yet, their urges could be vented into practicing martial arts. When unable to control themselves, they¡¯d be reined in by their elders, which would lessen the influences on their determination to practice martial arts ¡ª In addition, boys would need to carry on their ancestral lines, with three wives, four concubines, and so on. Many had desire but few had sentimentality. Resources would then lean favorably towards the boys¡¯ side.

    ...That said, it was very unfair.

    However, it was different within the Sect. There were no differences between men and women. Thepetitive atmosphere of practicing martial arts was even denser, and resources were sufficient. So long as one dared to stake it all, dared to strike, dared to go and scheme, there would always be enough of everything.

    As a result, there were many female martial artists who could simrly suppress many male martial artists.

    Gongyi Mingxia wasn¡¯t a half-hearted person. That instance of apprehension of hers was dispelled by Gu Zuo¡¯s list of ¡°living examples¡±. At this moment, she recovered her normal quick-witted and adorable appearance. She said with all smiles: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be following big brother and Brother Ah Zuo. Please don¡¯t mind me troubling you two!¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Rest easy.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Following that, he seemed to recall something. He took out several bottles from his sleeve and stuffed them into Mingxia¡¯s hand, ¡°Take them.¡±

    Gongyi Mingxia stared nkly.

    At first, Tianyang¡¯s stiff face had looked serious. Now, his eyes shed with a hint of a smile ¡ª He remembered previously when Gu Zuo had also given him these medicine bottles.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Mingxia, ept them. The medicinal pills Ah Zuo refines are many times better than the ones made by ordinary pharmacists.¡±

    Mingxia heard this, and properly received them.

    The ones Gu Zuo had given Mingxia this time around were primarily top grade Qi Generating Pills and top grade Rejuvenation Pills because her strength wasparatively low. Pills of too high a rank were useless, so using these were enough. As for the Anti-Aging Pill, this kind of pill that was a woman¡¯s favorite, he¡¯d actually given her a lot.

    The siblings were affectionate and harmonious, and everything had been made clear. The household merely harbored longing in their hearts as well as some fears toward the unknown. However, when they looked at the well-prepared Gongyi Tianheng, this kind of fearful mood was quickly dashed apart.

    Tianheng sighed and said: ¡°I had hopes that my grandfather and parents would follow me onward. Yet, because they are of the senior generation, it would be inappropriate if they became nominal disciples.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    No matter how it was said, nominal disciples in the Sect were people of a lower ss. Gu Zuo was a pharmacist and had some contacts, so he was doing pretty well. Before the other n children became true Sect disciples, they would be regarded as existences equivalent to servants or attendants, even if they were Gongyi Tianyang or Gongyi Mingxia. For young people, being discriminated against would be a form of self-discipline. But if the senior generation elders were treated the same way, it would worry the hearts of the younger generation.

    Of course, the matter that Gu Zuo realized was something that Gongyi Yan and the others also understood.

    Hence, the iciness on Gongyi Yan¡¯s stern features dissolved, and his tone eased up: ¡°We¡¯re already old, and the best opportunities to practice martial arts have already passed. Even if we went, we wouldn¡¯t aplish much. On the contrary, we would be our child¡¯s burden. In the future, when our child¡¯s roots deepen and his branches and leaves grow lush, it will already be enough for us to rest under his shade. Currently, the Gongyi n still needs us to keep watch. With the help of our son and some leaders, we call on the Gongyi n to also deepen its roots as a matter of necessity.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Immediately after that, they started to conduct discussions about the follow-up arrangements.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo quietly listened and discovered many twists and turns. He couldn¡¯t help looking to Gongyi Mingxia, who sat beside him, and asked: ¡°Young Tianteng... Why haven¡¯t I seen any trace of Tianteng?¡±

    Unexpectedly, the three to four year old child never showed up.

    Gongyi Mingxia saw him ask this and herrge and round eyes curled: ¡°Tianteng has recently started tempering his body, and sleeps for a rather long time. Right now, he¡¯s sleeping in his private chamber. Nowadays, the n has lots of medicinal pills, so we can properly set his foundations. In the future, his aptitudes will certainly be stronger than my own or second brother¡¯s!¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly. He thought about it, and said: ¡°Tianteng will surely be very powerful.¡±

    He would go to find Tianteng againter. The kind of medicinal pills that would be the most useful to children were those that set the foundations.

    Afterwards, once the Gongyi n members were about done with their discussions, they were also finished eating and drinking to their hearts¡¯ content. Gongyi Yan announced the method he discussed with Tianheng, which was to let the n members report the names of the candidates from within their own cadet branches. After that, they would undergo some screening. Finally, the cements would be determined based on martial strength and adaptability.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng back to the courtyard of the ancestral residence, which looked the same as when they left it. It had specialized guards, and no one else had entered.

    Deep in the night, Gu Zuo thought of something to do, and searched his memories for a prescription ¡ª Because of all sorts of reasons, he naturally couldn¡¯t pick the type that needed to be refined every day. This would cause certain difficulties.

    However, those item books had never disappointed Gu Zuo ¡ª They were practically encyclopedias categorized with all the Human-Level rted knowledge that pharmacists needed. It had almost everything he¡¯d ever need!

    Not long after, Gu Zuo made his choice.

    Tianheng was originally sitting down cross-legged, but he discovered that Gu Zuo was furrowing his eyebrows, deep in thought. After rxing his brows again, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes brightened. Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Ah Zuo, what is it?¡±

    As a conditioned reflex, Gu Zuo threw himself over and said: ¡°Big brother! I¡¯ve found a prescription!¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up. His interest was piqued: ¡°Oh?¡±

    As before, Gu Zuo presented his treasure: ¡°This type of pill decoction is a pill and a decoction. To use it, just throw the refined pill into boiling water and it will promptly dissolve, forming the decoction. After that, the decoction will cool somewhat and the surface will coagte to form a film of grayish skin. Once that skin ispletely removed, the decoction will beplete. Then Tianteng can be put into it.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°The attributes of the medicinal decoction doesn¡¯t have any negative effects on the body?¡±

    Gu Zuo proudly said: ¡°Big brother, you wouldn¡¯t know. Although this type of medicinal decoction isn¡¯t the best at awakening a child, it¡¯s the most suitable and convenient one. So long as the child wants to use it, there won¡¯t be any problems regardless of the attribute!¡±

    For the children of this world, even if they practiced martial arts from childhood, it was impossible to generate true qi at such a young age. Even if a genius could generate true qi, it was impossible to know their own attribute so soon ¡ª Only if it was that type of extraordinary constitution whose nature was different from other people¡¯s would they be able to infer it easily.

    But it was clear that Gongyi Tianteng wasn¡¯t a person with that type of extraordinary constitution. Thus, this sort of Tiger Balm-like decoction with the highest cost-performance ratio was the best choice.

    Gu Zuo felt that the person who came up with this type of pill decoction back then was certainly a genius pharmacist!

    After Tianheng finished listening, he extended a hand to tug at Gu Zuo¡¯s rosy cheeks and ruffled his hair. He praised: ¡°Whatever Ah Zuo considers will always be the best.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face suddenly reddened even more.

    Just then, he didn¡¯t think about it. But now, he felt that his own response was very, very ostentatious!

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at this appearance of his and couldn¡¯t resist smiling as he said: ¡°Ah Zuo has confidence. This is very good.¡±

    Gu Zuo choked, and showed a smiling expression: ¡°Then, will big brother prepare the medicinal herbs for me?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll prepare enough herbs for you.¡± Then he said, ¡°Originally, it was me who¡¯de to prepare the herbs for you.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Tianhengughed: ¡°Tianteng is my younger brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded.

    Tianheng supplemented: ¡°You are my little pharmacist.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know why, but he felt that his heart was burning up a bit.

    The next day, Gongyi Tianheng convened the Tianlong Guards under hismand.

    Because the length of his departure was brief, these Tianlong Guards were still very loyal to him. When they heard the call to gather this time, they arrived one after another and knelt together as a dense group in the courtyard.

    Tianheng stood tall and proud. He seemed unhurried and cid, making a person sense a type of majesty that one couldn¡¯t peer at too closely: ¡°Dragon Three, Dragon Four, Dragon Five, Dragon Six, Dragon Seven.¡±

    Those five people took a step forward and knelt again: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°You guys will go with me this time.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, the five said: ¡°As youmand!¡±

    Gu Zuo had seen this kind of scene many times before, but every time he still felt that the loyalty of these Tianlong Guards was like that of death soldiers. His big brother was that oppressive social ss... Ah, that¡¯s not right. It was the same as their fidelity to a monarch.

    Moreover, he couldn¡¯t help being speechless every time.

    However, it was also because of this that Gu Zuo felt it wasn¡¯t strange for his big brother to constantly keep the Tianlong Guards in mind, wanting to bring them all over ¡ª If it was him, he also wouldn¡¯t be willing to re-educate new ones when he still possessed loyal subordinates! It was said that older talents were more useful. Even if it were ves under his control, they couldn¡¯t bepared to these Tianlong Guards.

    The other Tianlong Guards seemed to realize that they themselves would be left behind again, and their qi energies became somewhat dispirited. On the contrary, although the expressions of Dragon Three to Dragon Seven were still solemn and respectful, their bodies were brimming with hints of joy.

    Gongyi Tianheng cated: ¡°Wait for my influence to strengthen even more. You all are my left and right hands. As of right now, you only need to properly cultivate and quickly reach peak Meridian Condensing stage three. This is a crucial matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood!

    Peak Meridian Condensing stage three! Could it be that¡ª

    Then, Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°I have a type of Xiantian Pill that can help a peak Meridian Condensing stage three martial artist break through to the Xiantian Realm. Only, the refining process for this object is special. Once taken, you will have an unbreakable, lifelong devotion to me, almost like I have control over you. Your dedication to me is very clear, but I also won¡¯t force you all to do this. If you¡¯re unwilling to take this pill, you¡¯ll still be my subordinates and I¡¯ll still think highly of you. In no way would I hold any hostilities to you all as a consequence. You guys should have a thorough understanding of my tolerance.¡±

    As expected!

    Gu Zuo secretly thought: So afterwards, big brother¡¯s going to bleed himself to refine pills again? Big brother really is a big con-artist!

    Yes, he wouldn¡¯t me these Tianlong Guards, but this was undoubtedly a test. The Tianlong Guards who weren¡¯t willing to take the Xiantian Pill didn¡¯t have the highest degree of loyalty. His big brother would certainly still employ them, but he definitely wouldn¡¯t allow the other party to enter the core. In addition, his big brother hadn¡¯t mentioned anything about the body¡¯s abnormalities after taking the Xiantian Pill! Although saying the sort of thing like adding a set of bone pearls really was peculiar, it couldn¡¯t be easily told to outsiders...

    Soon after, Gu Zuo stared unwaveringly at those Tianlong Guards, wanting to see what they were thinking. At the same time, his psychic power was discharged. In a split second, everyone¡¯s expressions, including the subtlest of details, were observed.

    He also wanted to help his big brother choose! This concerned their lives and safety!

    The results were beyond Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations.

    Unexpectedly, there wasn¡¯t a single Tianlong Guard who harbored the slightest of doubts or unwillingness?

    Unexpectedly, all of their faces were filled with feverish joy?

    This was too unscientific!

    So to say, Gu Zuo originally thought that he had overestimated the Tianlong Guards¡¯ loyalty, but in fact, he still hadn¡¯t ounted for the possibility that they were all devoted.

    The Gongyi n¡¯s brainwashing capabilities were truly awesome... Of course, his big brother¡¯s personal charisma was certainly a factor that yed a big part!

    At this time, a slightly low and maic voice passed into Gu Zuo¡¯s mind: Ah Zuo, how are things?

    Gu Zuo nked. Soon after, he realized that his big brother had discovered what he was doing. He lightly coughed and said: They¡¯re all extremely loyal to big brother...

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s lowugher echoed: They¡¯re worthy of being my Tianlong Guards.

    Gu Zuo: ...

    Off to the side, the Tianlong Guards uniformly let out a low roar: ¡°We pledge our lives in service to our young master!¡±

    Tianheng was already satisfied, and said: ¡°Very good. From Dragon Eight and onwards, there are thirteen Meridian Condensing stage three martial artists. You all can try taking a medicinal pill. The first one to break through to Xiantian can rece themander of my Tianlong Guards until I return next time. I will also distribute Xiantian Pills into the hands of the thirteen Xiantians. In the future, those who reach the peak can receive a Xiantian Pill and be my most loyal, fearless agents!¡±

    The many Tianlong Guards listened to this, and their voices were even more intense: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    Gu Zuo was dazzled and felt like he was looking at two hundred Dragon Ones and Dragon Twos. He only felt that if these people were all raised ording to Tianheng¡¯s intents, then in the future... Gu Zuo was quite frightened.

    What a formidable and terrifying power they¡¯d be!

    Moreover, with them clenched in Tianheng¡¯s hand, they would be a dagger that could sweep everything before him!

    Afterwards, the Tianlong Guards temporarily withdrew. Gongyi Tianheng was hardly stingy when he cut his wrist to bleed himself, and filled a very big gourd. In addition, he continuously swallowed Snowy Ginseng Pills to replenish the blood loss.

    Gu Zuo watched on with a twitching face, but because only the Tiandu Body¡¯s blood had that kind of godly effect, he couldn¡¯t prevent his big brother¡¯s ¡°undertaking¡±. His heart also started twitching.

    With great difficulty, there was finally enough blood. Gu Zuo shouted at once: ¡°Stop!¡±

    Tianheng stopped without dy.

    At this time, hisplexion was pale. However, because he¡¯d been taking the Snowy Ginseng Pills, there was a hint of color to his paleness, making his features appear strangely beautiful.

    Gongyi Tianheng inclined his head: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    While Gu Zuo looked at that bloody hole, he stuffed Tianheng¡¯s mouth with a Revitalization Pill. After that, he grabbed the gourd and scampered to the medicine refining room without looking back: ¡°...I¡¯ll go refine the pills.¡±

    The wound on Tianheng¡¯s wrist healed at speeds visible to the naked eye. He quietlyughed: ¡°Using a top grade Revitalization Pill for this little cut. To think that...¡±

    His following words weren¡¯t spoken out loud.

    Only because this was his little pharmacist¡¯s kind intentions.

    The two spent the next several days in the Gongyi household. During this time period, Gongyi Tianheng tookrge amounts of top grade Qi Linking Pills every day. This let his parched bone pearls continuously gobble up lots of medicinal power to transform it into true qi, opening up his Heavenly Spirit Acupoints. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo refined pills day and night. They were primarily Xiantian Pills and Tiger¡¯s Roar Pill Decoctions. After that were Qi Linking Pills, Qi Linking Pills, and more Qi Linking Pills. Because the Tianlong Guards were iparably loyal, the entire Gongyi n had given Tianheng the green-light. As a result, an unending stream of medicinal herbs were gathered up and put into Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining room.

    These medicinal pills were gradually, yet quickly, prepared.

    At the same time, the Royal Family had sent out an invitation.

    Tianheng read the invitation card and his expression was serene. The gleam in his eyes was like an abyss. A person wouldn¡¯t be able to see his state of mind.

    The invitation card was one personally delivered by Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He, giving Tianheng ample face. Furthermore, the contents were personally written by the Cangyun Emperor. He hoped that Tianheng could go to attend a banquet and talk with him.

    After muttering to himself, Tianheng left. After half a day passed, he returned without a hitch.

    Gu Zuo had just finished refining a batch of medicinal pills and promptly stepped forward: ¡°Big brother, what happened? What did the Royal Family find big brother for?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng lightly flicked his forehead and smiled faintly: ¡°Nothing bad happened. He only asked about my circumstances in the Sect. Naturally, they¡¯re very cautious and careful about me right now.¡±

    Of course, Gu Zuo also knew that there shouldn¡¯t have been any danger, but knowing was one thing, and worrying was another. They weren¡¯t the same. As a result, he asked again: ¡°Then?¡±

    Tianheng added: ¡°There were also some n Heads of the aristocratic families who wanted to know about the situation of their n¡¯s children. I only told them what I had picked up, that¡¯s it. For giving face to the Royal Family, His Majesty rewarded me ten million in golden banknotes. This was also a consideration.¡±

    Gu Zuo was helplessly bewildered. This was considered his big brother¡¯s appearance fee? It seemed like it wasn¡¯t very cheap... No, no. That wasn¡¯t right. Big brother¡¯s appearance fee was still a bit low! Once his big brother was stronger in the future, many people would offerrge sums of wealth no matter where he¡¯d go!

    Thinking up to here, he shook his head again, feeling that his own imagination was too much.

    His dear big brother wasn¡¯t some mountain king...

    Gongyi Tianheng saw Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t questioning closely any more. He noticed that the expression in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes was drifting like he was in the middle of a mental journey. Tianheng extended a hand to pinch his left cheek. Then, he turned around and went into the building with a smile.

    Gu Zuo was snapped out of it by that pinch, and also slipped into the room with short trots: ¡°Big brother, was that all? Nothing else?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Besides this, I asked His Majesty about any important matters that have urred within the empire.¡±

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°What did His Majesty say?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Hidden Dragon Mountain had a lone peak cleaved apart a few days ago by a bolt of lightning. It erupted with roiling mes, which spread in all directions and injured countless people. It turned everything within fifty kilometers into and of death. Afterwards, that Hidden Dragon Mountain turned into a volcano, making it difficult for many martial artists to approach. Even a moment of carelessness would have them scorched by the fiery air and burned to ash.

    He continued: ¡°However, because of that phenomenon, that ce has produced many precious ores and medicinal herbs. Lots of martial artists have gone there on expeditions and treasure hunts. It¡¯s also considered a ce where danger and opportunity coexist.¡±

    This was a volcanic eruption? Moreover, it was still burning after the eruption? Gu Zuo was amazed, but he promptly responded: ¡°Big brother asked about this, so do you have any ns?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Once I¡¯ve selected some outstanding children, we¡¯ll take them along for a final test.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly: ¡°Combat power and adaptability, right?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded: ¡°Additionally, this ce should also be useful to you, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused.

    The next moment, he recalled that long-term mission that didn¡¯t have any penalties.

    He had to gather several types of Wondrous Fires. Did his big brother mean that within the erupting volcano there could possibly be the Wondrous Fires he needed?

    Tianheng affirmed his guess: ¡°Correct. A sudden p of thunder falling down and splitting a lone peak; this matter regrly happens. A raging inferno bursting into existence after the peak was split; this matter also regrly happens. But the inferno surged onward, transforming the surroundings into an unextinguished volcano and making it into a ce of adventure; this doesn¡¯t usually happen. But theoretically speaking, if the belly of that lone peak was pregnant with Earth Fires, then this spectacle wouldn¡¯t be strange.¡±

    Gu Zuo recalled the statements of that <<Great Sights of the World ¡ª Earth Fires>>. Those so-called Wondrous Fires were mes that had bizarre powers and a spiritual nature. And because the majority of Wondrous Fires were produced through ley lines, most of the types of Wondrous Fires were called Earth Fires. The lone peak stood upon the earth and merged with the earth qi. Even if its stature was tall, it was still part of the ley line. So it was only natural that it could produce Earth Fires. If that unextinguished ze was due to an unending stream of Earth Fire, then it wouldn¡¯t be odd...

    Merely, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was a little subtle.

    Wasn¡¯t this luck a little too good? Not to mention whether he was able to subdue this Earth Fire. He was only supposed to follow his big brother on a trip back home to visit his family, and yet they discovered news about the Earth Fire. This was too lucky.

    However, this wasn¡¯t important.

    What was important was that he and his big brother were bringing the Gongyi n¡¯s children to that ce. From acting as an attendant to acting as a leader of a group, he felt...very peculiar.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch160 - Hidden Dragon Mountain

    <h4>Chapter Ch160 - Hidden Dragon Mountain</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng watched as Gu Zuo was lost in thought. Tianheng patted his head: ¡°Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked up: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Make some early preparations. We¡¯ll set off in two days.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded distractedly.

    He felt that he¡¯d been blinded by this smiling expression...

    Two dayster, in the early morning. Some of the Gongyi n¡¯s children arrived outside of the courtyard and quietly waited.

    Gu Zuo opened the gate and let the people inside. He discovered some familiar faces among these children. For example, the previously seen Gongyi Tianyin and Gongyi Tianhe were among them ¡ª He didn¡¯t think it was strange. If they weren¡¯t highly-valued children, then had they followed Tianyang and handled matters to build a reputation?

    After seeing Gu Zuo, these children of the Gongyi n were very respectful. They now realized that Gu Zuo¡¯s identity wasn¡¯t just Tianheng¡¯s adoptive younger brother, he¡¯d also be a low-level pharmacist capable of refining many remarkable medicinal pills. In their view, being able to reach this stage at Gu Zuo¡¯s age was possibly rted to him following Tianheng to the Sect. However, his own aptitudes couldn¡¯t be ignored, so it behooved them to maintain a good rtionship.

    That moment, Gongyi Tianheng walked out of his room wearing a long robe with blue brocade. His eyes were like a secluded spring, containing bright and brilliant lights.

    Then, he said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    In response, the numerous Gongyi n children saluted one after another: ¡°Yes, cousin!¡±

    Gu Zuo followed closely behind, and once he walked out of the gate, he discovered that there were quite a few Armor-ted Rhinos waiting outside. This slightly startled him.

    At this time, he realized that, within these short couple of days, most of those Armor-ted Rhinos already had their own masters. And each of those individuals who could apany Tianheng were all children who were capable of subduing Armor-ted Rhinos with external help!

    ¡ª In all likelihood, this was equivalent to one of the tests.

    The wild rhino king in the lead was precisely the one that had originally surrendered to Tianheng. At this moment, it was tossing its head and swinging its tail somewhat aggravatedly, quelling those misbehaving wild beasts ¡ª Up until the moment it sensed Tianheng¡¯s qi energy. Then, the wild rhino king stopped its movements, and showed a deferential attitude.

    Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t wordy. Tianheng embraced Gu Zuo, and jumped up with him to directly straddle that wild rhino king¡¯s back. Immediately following which, he waved a hand and those Gongyi n children all uniformly jumped up!

    Although Tianyang and Mingxia¡¯s ces were determined early on, they were also among these children. They didn¡¯t go for the sake of the cement tests. Rather, it was to experience some of the cmities that mighte to pass in the future.

    All of the Armor-ted Rhinos rushed straight out. The barbs and ting on their bodies¡¯ exteriors sliced through the wind, producing a sharp, whistling sound. Their auras were majestic, and like a chain of tornados, they blew across the leveled road.

    Gu Zuo held his breath as he tightly embraced Tianheng.

    ...Ah, he was out of luck. With too many people, he couldn¡¯t use his psychic power to block the wind. His face was being sted painfully!

    Then he felt something tighten around the nape of his neck. Soon after, his body lightened and switched directions. His surroundings were bundled up in a familiar qi energy. He took another look around and on both sides were his big brother¡¯s arms... This was, had he been carried to the front to sit down?

    The wind billowed on either side, but it couldn¡¯t blow into his face.

    With a muffled voice, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Thank you, big brother.¡±

    Behind, the chest of the one he leaned on gently shook. A voice that carried a smile then echoed above his head: ¡°...What did Ah Zuo say? There¡¯s too much wind. I can¡¯t hear you clearly.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a helpless expression. In a loud voice, he bluntly spoke: ¡°I said ¡ª Thank you, big brother!¡±

    After that, his hair was rubbed by someone, and theughter above his head was even more clear and bright.

    Gu Zuo sighed and thought: Whatever. Big brother¡¯s having a good time.

    Hidden Dragon Mountain was within the borders of the Cangyun Empire, but it was still a considerable distance away from Cangyun City. Numerous Armor-ted Rhinos galloped onwards, which was very eye-catching along the way. Only, their battle array was toorge, so no one dared to obstruct them on the journey.

    The Armor-ted Rhinos¡¯ speed was very fast as they hurried at full-strength. A handful of days passed and they smoothly reached Hezui City. That Hidden Dragon Mountain was a mountain just beyond the city. Because its fame had recently increased, Hezui City also benefited. Thus, it had expanded from a fairly remote and deserted small town to a medium-sized city.

    In the city, people came and went, and there were numerous martial artists.

    With a sweeping nce, the stores on either side had many new faces, and the people walking on the road were travel-worn.

    What was worth mentioning was that there was an increase in the number of clinics. Medicinal pill shops were also very prosperous.

    When close to twenty Armor-ted Rhinos appeared outside the city, the armored martial artists guarding the city all thrusted out their spears and took defensive stances.

    At nearly the same time, all the Armor-ted Rhinos came to a halt, gradually revealing fierce profiles within the rising dust cloud.

    The young master sitting upon the tallest wild rhino¡¯s back then showed a smiling expression: ¡°We¡¯vee to explore Hidden Dragon Mountain. I hope these sirs will permit our entry into the city.¡±

    The head officer walked over and cupped his fist: ¡°Where has this young mastere from?¡±

    While speaking, he carefully sized up this person and only felt that his features were unprecedented and that his bearing was natural and enchanting. During the questioning, there was already a somewhat favorable impression in his mind.

    The young master smiled and said: ¡°Cangyun City, Gongyi n. I¡¯ve led the n¡¯s young children here to get some experience. I hope this can be amodated.¡±

    The head officer was startled: ¡°So it¡¯s someone from the five great ns! Would this young master be¡ª¡± In his mind, there was already a guess, ¡°Could you be the eldest young master?¡±

    The young master humbly nodded his head: ¡°I am Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    At once, the head officer permitted the way forward: ¡°So it really is Young Master Tianheng! Where are my manners? I hope you don¡¯t take offense. Wee, Young Master Tianheng!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled at him. Following which, he pped his mount, which rushed straight into the city.

    There was a rumbling sound behind him. Without the slightest bit of disorder, those Armor-ted Rhinos closely followed one after another.

    Once the silhouettes of the group vanished, an ordinary soldier said with confusion: ¡°Didn¡¯t Young Master Tianheng follow a great master to practice martial arts? Why did he return?¡±

    The officer said with dignity: ¡°There¡¯s more than enough martial arts to go around. But after hearing the matter of our Hidden Dragon Mountain, it¡¯s only reasonable toe back and explore it.¡±

    Another soldier said proudly: ¡°So it seems that the fame of our Hidden Dragon Mountain really has spread across the whole nation!¡±

    Previously, this city was deste and people rarely came. But now it was totally different, and the soldiers in the city naturally regarded it as an honor. Right now, they were burdened with the responsibility of guarding the city and didn¡¯t have much time to chat. After speaking just a few sentences, they each returned to their original positions.

    However, one individual couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Just now... Who was that person in Young Master Tianheng¡¯s arms?¡±

    The other soldiers: ¡°...¡±

    That Gongyi n¡¯s eldest young master really seemed to have been holding someone. They reacted at this time and couldn¡¯t help guessing. In the end, what was the identity of that person, and why was that person so close to the young master?

    Naturally, no one over there paid any attention to the guesses over here.

    The Armor-ted Rhinos rumbled down a long street, traversing through the entire city, and then they went to the norther outskirts of the city. After an exchange of greetings with the officer over there, the group exited the city. However, they didn¡¯t travel five kilometers before sensing a surge of blisteringly hot power from all directions.

    It was like even the air was burning with mes.

    Gu Zuo shrank into Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s embrace and felt that it was a little hard to breathe.

    As they looked at that distant, fiery region, because it was too hot, it felt like space had been distorted. It was to the extent that the mountain peak that had been split open by a thunder p had also be twisted.

    Among the original mountain peaks, the tallest one was thoroughly dashed apart. The shattered boulders rolled down, littering the surroundings in a haphazard disy. Each block emitted intense steam and had a scarlet-red color. The other mountain peaks also had many falling rocks. Thend had been roasted into an amalgam from the raging inferno, and it had be a type of dense, crystal-like liquid. The surface was glossy and presented a fire-like redness.

    There was no longer any vibrant greenery between the mountains except for the fiery red. There was also no other colors on the connecting mountain peaks except for the boulders¡¯ ashen-gray.

    But therge and small peaks connected by that dense, crystalline liquid seemed like a single piece of gorgeous, fire jade. There was a type of avant-garde sense of beauty to it.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    Wasn¡¯t the entire bright-red, gurgling, and bubbling ¡°ponds¡± theva that flowed out from the erupting volcano? It looked quite strange. A red line would scuttle through it from time to time. What was that thing?

    His entire body was producing sweat, and he couldn¡¯t help taking out a gourd from his sleeve.

    Fire Repelling Pills.

    Because he knew that this ce would be especially hot prior toing, Gu Zuo made preparations during the past two days, and chose a medicinal pill within the Human-Level category that had a certain resistance to the Earth Fire¡¯s temperature. In addition, through Tianheng¡¯s highly efficient transfer of medicinal herbs, he refined as many as a hundred twenty-six pills.

    Originally, Gu Zuo thought that there would be a total of eighteen people going together. As such, each person would have seven pills, and each pill would manage the assurance of about half a day¡¯s worth of time. It should¡¯ve been enough no matter what. But he didn¡¯t expect that, before starting the exploration, the heat would already be this unbearable for a Xiantian Realm pharmacist... It left one feeling quite uneasy.

    But it was toote to think about refining some more.

    In response, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°No matter. We¡¯ll each take a pill first and scout the situation before revisiting this topic again.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded. He poured out two pills from inside, giving one to Tianheng and taking one himself. After that, he tossed the gourd to Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s hand beside him and said: ¡°Tianyang, one Fire Repelling Pill per person!¡±

    Tianyang did as he was told at once.

    Back home, he¡¯d seen the pills that Gu Zuo had given him a few days ago, and quickly noticed its value. He had a rather considerable understanding of Gu Zuo¡¯s capabilities in his mind. At the same time, he kept his mouth rigidly shut, and didn¡¯t speak of this matter to anyone else. When he saw Gu Zuo give another pill now, he didn¡¯t dare neglect anything and ced the pill into his mouth without dy.

    In the blink of an eye, an ice-cold qi energy flowed down his throat and into his stomach. This qi energy immediately circted throughout his whole body, until the qi energy encapsted his body. The heat that he could sense prior, which was constantly trying to invade his body, was promptly excluded to the outside by this qi energy. This made him feel cool and refreshed, and he didn¡¯t feel any more burning pain.

    Gongyi Tianyang quickly realized that this was an excellent medicinal pill. Hence, he hurriedly poured out a pill to give to Gongyi Mingxia, who was persevering the whole time. After Mingxia took it, she also immediately felt cool and refreshed.

    Following that, the gourd passed through the hands of many Gongyi n children. It didn¡¯t take long for them all to take the pills, and their almost dehydrated and dried-up skin with rivulets of sweat all returned to normal.

    Gu Zuo put away the gourd, and turned his head around to take a look.

    Very good. Everyone¡¯s mental states were recovering.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t hesitate, and said in a clear voice: ¡°Onward!¡±

    The numerous children answered one after another: ¡°Yes!¡±

    The reason why the Armor-ted Rhino was so difficult to deal with was primarily due to thatyer of te armor. Not only could this te armor defend against ded weapons, it could also repel water and fire. Its adaptability was very strong.

    While those martial artists were having a hard time persevering here, to the Armor-ted Rhino, this was far from reaching its limits ¡ª In actuality, Gongyi Tianheng, who had achieved Xiantian, also didn¡¯t feel that the heat here was formidable. On this point, Gu Zuo¡¯s little body was inferior to his own.

    Not long after, the Armor-ted Rhinos reached a semi-circrva pool.

    If one wanted to pass this ce, they needed to travel through a narrow road that could only amodate a single Armor-ted Rhino at a time. Lastly, they needed to jump over that pool whose surface was about three meters wide. If they didn¡¯t go through here and detoured in another direction, they would encounter simrva pools. It would be better to pass through here.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°There are Cliff-Fire Snakes in theva pool. They¡¯re as thin as a finger and about half a meter long. They can shoot mes, are very fast, have high temperatures, and have hard carapaces. They are grade two wild beasts.¡±

    The numerous children of the Gongyi n listened attentively.

    Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°In one hour, the first three people to y twenty Cliff-Fire Snakes will receive a jade talisman from me. For this asion, those who can ultimately obtain twenty jade talismans can apany me to the Sect.¡±

    Originally, the many children didn¡¯t care about it very much, but when they heard Tianheng¡¯s words, they suddenly quivered and straightened their backs: ¡°We understand!¡±

    Yes, they needed to do their best to fight for those jade talismans and enter the Sect!

    This was ¡ª The start of the tests!

    Gongyi Tianyang dashed out almost immediately. As Tianheng¡¯s younger brother, he needed to be the very first one to strive for it! At the same time, he pulled out a longsword and abruptly struck a Cliff-Fire Snake that had jumped out from theva pool ¡ª

    Clink!

    The sounds of shing metal instantly echoed.

    Yet, that Cliff-Fire Snake promptly dropped back into theva pool. Unexpectedly, that valiant attack didn¡¯t chop through its body. On the contrary, it only gave the snake a light wound.

    The rest of the Gongyi n children all had their thoughts turn cold.

    Were the Cliff-Fire Snakes so hard to handle? They originally thought that they only needed to evade the danger of the mes it would spew. They never anticipated that its carapace would be hard to injure with a sword. How were they supposed to y twenty of them?

    Soon after, they immediately recalled that since their cousin had ordered them to y the snakes, then they naturally were able to do so. Only, they feared that they needed to find the Cliff-Fire Snake¡¯s weak point.

    Hence, their gazes fell upon Gongyi Tianheng.

    Yet, Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything.

    The numerous children suddenly understood. Their cousin didn¡¯t want to tell them. Rather, he wanted them to find the Cliff-Fire Snake¡¯s weak point by themselves, and to carry out the executions.

    The next moment, these children began to act one by one. They rushed off their wild beasts and went to the left and right of thatva pool. They each took out their weapons and frantically attacked those Cliff-Fire Snakes!

    The Cliff-Fire Snakes became a mass of fiery lines as they shuttled through the cold lights of countless weapons. However, although the mes criss-crossed with the biting cold, there still wasn¡¯t a single Cliff-Fire Snake that perished.

    Besides Gongyi Tianyang. His reactions were extremely fast. After an attack was ineffective, he was already staring fixedly upon that Cliff-Fire Snake. Each time a fiery line burst forth, he set out to attack again! At the same time, there was an unending series of shing sounds, and because of Tianyang¡¯s provocations, quite a few Cliff-Fire Snakes abruptly leaped up and threw themselves forward one after another! They opened their serpentine jaws and spewed a finger-thick gout of me. However, these streams of fire extended very far. In a short period of time, the streams had already interwoven into a fiery to enshroud Tianyang!

    Only, Gongyi Tianyang wasn¡¯t afraid.

    He sought the ce where the fire wasn¡¯t concentrated, stretched out his longsword, and aimed at one of the¡¯s eyes. While he was burned from that risky move, he stabbed into the eye of that rear Cliff-Fire Snake! Instantly, the entire head of the snake exploded! The Cliff-Fire Snake had died!

    As it turned out, the weak point of the Cliff-Fire Snake was its two eyes!

    After finding its weak point, the affair could be dealt with.

    Immediately following this, Tianyang slew the Cliff-Fire Snakes again and again. Unwilling to let the others take over, he became the first person to y twenty Cliff-Fire Snakes. But after he finished killing them, he didn¡¯t give up. Instead, it was like he wanted to hone his own martial skills. He raised up his longsword, and continued killing the snakes.

    After repeating his actions, quite a few Cliff-Fire Snakes died under his hands.

    On the other side of things, one or two people among the remaining Gongyi n children had finally found the Cliff-Fire Snake¡¯s weak point, and started to move agilely. They reacted like lightning, and while ying the Cliff-Fire Snakes, they also discovered that the angle and speed of their attacks was much faster than before!

    After that, Gongyi Tianhe was the first of the remaining children to y twenty snakes, followed by Gongyi Tianyin and Gongyi Tianxiao.

    These few people went to Tianheng and received a jade talisman. The first test was over. At this moment, Tianyang had killed forty to fifty Cliff-Fire Snakes. Because she had less strength, Mingxia didn¡¯t do battle with the Cliff-Fire Snakes. Instead, she watched on the sidelines. Even when she asionally confronted a snake, rather than attacking and defending, she kept dodging. After struggling like this, her martial skills and body techniques showed some improvement.

    The Gongyi n children who failed to get a jade talisman had some unwilling looks.

    Unfortunately, they were a step toote, allowing those three people to take the lead. However, there were still many opportunities. Later on, they certainly had to strive for first ce. In no way could they let the others hog all the glory!

    At this very moment, their faces turned grim, and their hearts didn¡¯t hold the tiniest bit of presumption.

    Gu Zuo watched these people¡¯s expressions, and silently cheered them on.

    To start slow was to remain slow. The teenagers should urgently step up to the te! Otherwise, those three cements would already have a candidate determined...

    Gongyi Tianheng then said: ¡°Ah Zuo, how about you go and collect those Cliff-Fire Snake corpses?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared: ¡°But...¡±

    Was it really okay toy his im upon the Cliff-Fire Snakes that the teenagers worked hard to behead?

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°They had taken the Fire Repelling Pills that Ah Zuo refined, so it¡¯s right for them to give these as repayment.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave an exasperated look.

    He truly didn¡¯t think about the matter of repayment.

    On the contrary, the other Gongyi n children reacted and said one by one: ¡°Yes! Yes! All of the Cliff-Fire Snakes we killed should belong to Pharmacist Gu!¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about his dear big brother¡¯s normal style and the rtively ¡°upright¡±mon practices of the Gongyi n, and he felt relieved. Since they felt that he should be the one, then he would take it!

    Thus, the numerous children watched as that petite body of his shuttled back and forth amid that pile of Cliff-Fire Snake corpses on the ground. In a short period of time, he gathered a big bag of material. After that, he flung out his arm and those materials entered his storage space.

    The numerous children only thought that he had an inter-spatial tool. Their eyes faintly shined, and the reverence in their hearts towards those two people increased.

    After collecting these materials, Gu Zuo straightened up and went back.

    Who would have thought that, at this very moment, a vortex asrge as a human head would suddenly appear in thatva pool? A zing serpent as thick as an arm shot out like an arrow, flying out to kill Gu Zuo!

    Gu Zuo had his back facing theva pool. This moment seemed to have already be a crisis of life and death! To the others, even if he, a pharmacist, detected this, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t have ben able to dodge it!

    This was the snake king of the Cliff-Fire Snakes! It had been enraged!

    During this moment of imminent peril, a burst of qi energy rushed over.

    The fiery serpent that was leaping from behind was fast, but this qi energy was faster. The qi energy instantly bore into the fiery serpent¡¯s left eye, and it immediately exploded. The snake¡¯s head was blown to smithereens!

    The Cliff-Fire Snake King¡¯s corpse fell to the ground behind Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo halted his steps, turned around, and flew over to handle things once more.

    Just then, Gongyi Tianheng, who was on the wild rhino king¡¯s back, withdrew his palm.

    Upon seeing this, the numerous children couldn¡¯t help gasping in shock.

    V-very valiant!

    After Gu Zuo packed away the Cliff-Fire Snake King¡¯s corpse, he lifted his feet to walk before the wild rhino king. Tianheng reached out a hand and pulled, fishing Gu Zuo up so he could sit in front.

    Soon after, Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Continue onwards.¡±

    The hearts of the remaining children tensed, and they all did as they were told.

    The current Hidden Dragon Mountain wasn¡¯t like how it was formerly. Lava pools of all sizes were scattered throughout the surroundings. The ones at the outermost rim wereparatively shallow and small. Usually, there were only grade two Cliff-Fire Snakes, and they were only somewhat obstructive. In addition, unless it was during a breeding cycle, wild beasts such as the Cliff-Fire Snake were normally always peaceful. They didn¡¯t take the initiative to attack humans. However, as one travelled deeper, theva pools started to contain more creatures than just the Cliff-Fire Snake.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch161 - Slaying the Fire Ape

    <h4>Chapter Ch161 - ying the Fire Ape</h4>

    There were three-meter long, x-ray Fire Fish. There were thick-armored Fire Tortoises. There were slender-tailed Fire Lizards. There were Fire Crocodiles with enormous builds and dense rows of sharp teeth. Each species of wild beast was soaking in theva. All of them possessed carapaces that were difficult to pierce with weapons and they all had the ability to spew mes. Even their weak points were usually hidden, or they were so minuscule that it was hard to see clearly. Even when the weak points were located, they were hard to strike.

    Under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s requirements, the numerous Gongyi n children attacked and slew these wild beasts along the way. From grade two to grade three, they needed to form groups of twos and threes. With a period of support, they were barely able to survive under the onught of a grade four wild beast.

    Gradually, the murderous eyes of the numerous children turned red. From time to time, they took Rejuvenation Pills to let their battered bodies recover. But even though it was like this, the depletion of their physical strength and true qi was huge. They had no choice but to regte their breathing for long durations. At the same time, they umted a lot of experience amid this ughter. They were drenched with killing intent and their willpower was honed!

    Gongyi Tianyang undoubtedly had the best performance.

    Perhaps it was because his eldest brother was in front. In order to not lower his eldest brother¡¯s prestige, he ced himself under strict requirements at all times. Moreover, his aptitudes were originally superior to those among the next generation. There were also the medicinal pills that Tianheng had previously left behind toy his foundations. Thus, his current aplishments were to be expected.

    Consequently, Tianyang didn¡¯t feel that he himself was that powerful. He just had to think of his eldest brother¡¯s performances during past tribtions as well as the stunning results afterwards, and then he would feel that he was greatlycking. He needed to work even harder to be able to get the chance to follow in his eldest brother¡¯s footsteps!

    Gu Zuo sat on the grade six wild rhino. From time to time, he would jump off to gather certain parts of wild beasts that were medicinal or dietary ingredients. Because he obtained these profits, he was also quite attentive toward the Gongyi n¡¯s children. For example, if they did their best to attack a wild beast, but were about to lose their lives, he would promptly release a Silver Needle to kill that wild beast and rescue those children. Because the Silver Needles were silent and undetectable, those children never discovered that these matters were Gu Zuo¡¯s doing. They only thought that it was Tianheng responding, and gratefulness to him bloomed in their hearts.

    Gu Zuo was so happy that Gongyi Tianheng naturally covered for him.

    In this way, a group of people traversed through theva pools. As many as two days had passed. From the initial excitement to the exhaustion afterwards, those children relied solely on their own determination and willpower to support themselves.

    Reaching this point, the group finally arrived at the base of Hidden Dragon Mountain.

    This ce was even hotter.

    Gu Zuo raised his head to look at the summit that had been thoroughly split apart, as if a lone de had carved it into a towering basin. The zingva still followed the slopes of the mountain, constantly flowing downwards before finally meandering its way out. Once the runoff flowed into thoseva pools, the pools boiled even more as bubbles gurgled up.

    As they moved onwards, it was time to conquer that Hidden Dragon Mountain.

    But who knew what was on Hidden Dragon Mountain? If these Gongyi n children went up together, it would be hard to guarantee their safety. Thus, Gu Zuo realized that he was someone who needed to go find the Earth Fire, but these children couldn¡¯t be taken along.

    Gongyi Tianheng slightly raised his head and eyed that volcano. Following which, he unhurriedly opened his mouth: ¡°Tianyang, guide everyone and leave this ce. Go directly to the city and find a tavern to stay at. Don¡¯t take the initiate to attack the wild beasts in theva pools.¡±

    Tianyang first answered: ¡°I will.¡± Then he asked, ¡°Then, what about big brother and Brother Ah Zuo?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°We¡¯ll be going deeper to explore.¡±

    Tianyang understood without being told. He realized that this was the furthest he and the other children could go. Any opportunities that they couldn¡¯t take part in would fall into Tianheng¡¯s hands. This was also very good! Hence, he decided to lead everyone away.

    At this time, Gu Zuo shouted to them: ¡°Tianyang, sprinkle this on your bodies!¡±

    Gongyi Tianyang turned his head and saw Gu Zuo throw over a bag. Inside was a fine, medicinal powder. He stared at it: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, what is this?¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips and said: ¡°It¡¯s a powder that can weaken your body odor. After sprinkling it on, you can avoid the attention of the wild beasts in theva pools.¡±

    Even though these children were riding grade four wild beasts, their odors were still a source of danger. It was reasonable to say that the wild beasts in theva pools wouldn¡¯t voluntarilye out to attack, but theva beasts wouldn¡¯t stand for them killing so many. Moreover, there was a chance that they might encounter a species that wasn¡¯t afraid of the grade four Armor-ted Rhinos and would suddenly emerge to attack them. Thus, sprinkling the powder to prevent the wild beasts from sensing them was for the best.

    Tianyang¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of happiness as he received it: ¡°Many thanks, Brother Ah Zuo!¡±

    This couldn¡¯t have been better!

    After Tianheng muttered to himself, he took Gu Zuo into his arms and dropped down in an instant.

    He instructed: ¡°Wild rhino king, follow Tianyang and the others back. If they encounter any danger, protect them properly. You mustn¡¯t lose a single person.¡±

    The wild rhino king gave a low roar. Even though it didn¡¯t seem too willing, it didn¡¯t refuse.

    This was considered anotheryer of insurance to guarantee that Gongyi Tianyang and the others smoothly returned to Hezui City.

    Following that, Tianyang led the numerous children and they said their goodbyes. Each of them scattered the medicinal powder on themselves, urged on their wild rhinos, and galloped away. That grade six wild rhino king closely followed them on the side. It bore a stern aura as it thoroughly guarded them.

    As such, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo were able to set aside their worries.

    When Tianheng turned his head around, he looked down and saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was somewhat strange. His mind moved, and he asked: ¡°The system?¡±

    Gu Zuo sorted out his facial expression and nodded his head.

    Just now, his brain was flooded by a newly arrived mission.

    [Side Mission: Subdue the Earthen Core me.]

    [Mission Item: <<Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal>>.]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Seven days.]

    [Failure Penalty: Deduction of three hundred strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo thought back to <<Great Sights of the World ¡ª Earth Fires>>. There really was a written ount rting to the matter of the Earthen Core me. After organizing his thoughts, he replied: ¡°mes that are both produced by ley lines and don¡¯t hold any other natures can be called Earth Fires. The Earthen Core me is among the types of Earth Fires that have the highest purity and are the closest to the earth¡¯s core. The item book proposes that the Earthen Core me is ssified as an Earth Fire whose product grade surpasses first ss. It¡¯s also called a Spirit-Grade Wondrous Fire.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression suddenly turned a little unsightly: ¡°The higher the Wondrous Fire¡¯s product grade, the harder it is to subdue. Because its spiritual nature is stronger, an ordinary pharmacist basically has no way to receive its approval. And if it doesn¡¯t approve of the other party, when the Wondrous Fire merges with the qi ocean, it¡¯ll easily cause a bacsh. A pharmacist who forcibly tries to subdue it will be burned to ash.¡±

    First of all, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have a qi ocean. Also, he basically didn¡¯t know what this qi ocean was! So how could he merge the Earthen Core me merge with his qi ocean?

    Although the submission of the Wondrous Fire wasn¡¯t directly rted to the pharmacist¡¯s true qi realm, many cases had shown that the higher the true qi realm of the pharmacist, the greater the probability of subduing the Wondrous Fire.

    Tianheng listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s questions. He nodded his head and said: ¡°I actually know what the qi ocean is. Once a martial artist or pharmacist enters the Immortal Realm, they can establish their qi ocean.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    It was no wonder that ordinary pharmacists needed to be at the Immortal Realm or above to subdue the Wondrous Fire! Making use of a Wondrous Fire and being able to subdue it were basically two different things!

    When Tianheng saw him acting so troubled, he crooked his finger to flick Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°Although that system of yours is somewhat elusive, the matters it normally orders you to do aren¡¯t ones that you can¡¯t aplish. In that case, you should be able to subdue this strand of Earthen Core me. Ah Zuo, why don¡¯t you check that <<Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal>>? You might gain something from it.¡±

    Gu Zuo also felt that this was reasonable. He made an affirmative sound and his thoughts moved. A book appeared in his hand. Immediately following that, he held the item book and began flipping through it.

    Ah, right. The writings inside the book were methods on subduing Wondrous Fires...

    Gongyi Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s full attention was already focused on that <<Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal>>. He also turned around, sped his hands behind his back, and looked to that Hidden Dragon Mountain.

    In his mind, he was reckoning something at this moment.

    That system always released missions.

    ording to reason, since Hidden Dragon Mountain had a mission and they had already known about the matter of Hidden Dragon Mountain, then when he mentioned the matter and decided to bring Gu Zuo, the system should¡¯ve released the mission right then and there. But in fact, the system at that time waspletely unresponsive, which led to Gu Zuoing hereter on and getting that item book to study painstakingly ¡ª If he could¡¯ve studied it a bit earlier, wouldn¡¯t that have been better?

    Yet, there was no response.

    Following their arrival here, the system mentioned the name ¡°Earthen Core me¡±. In addition, when they intended on exploring, it gave the item book...

    As a result, Gongyi Tianheng believed that the knowledge stored within the system was extremely abundant. However, under the premise of long-distance separation, it couldn¡¯t ascertain the specific circumstances of the local region. In other words, once the system arrived here, it determined whether a Wondrous Fire really existed and then released the side mission.

    It seemed that there really should be something operating that system... But how could they make that thing show itself? Presently, it looked like that thing would only give Gu Zuo a push whenever he encountered something. It prompted him to do his best, but it didn¡¯t take the initiative to see Gu Zuo in person. Then perhaps the moment hadn¡¯te yet? If it was harboring evil intentions, then it wouldn¡¯t act this obviously after knowing about Tianheng¡¯s existence...

    For a brief period of time, Gongyi Tianheng thought about many things. He provisionally lowered the danger rating of that system by two points. At the same time, the sounds of airflow and the sensations of rushing movement could be felt from Gu Zuo¡¯s location.

    Tianheng looked over and saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s body was steaming hot. The surroundings seemed to have many red streams of qi. When his hands interwove to use the hand seals, the space between his palms was under his control. Those hand seals and motions were exquisite. Anyone who watched would only perceive some of the profound mystery of the trajectories.

    After his fingers shuttled back and forth a few times, Gu Zuo abruptly shook his arm, causing the motions to stop. After that, he exhaled and spoke as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders: ¡°Finished practicing.¡±

    Tianheng raised his eyebrow: ¡°Are you sure of the oue?¡±

    Gu Zuo had a long face: ¡°I don¡¯t have a qi ocean...¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°So?¡±

    Gu Zuo dejectedly said: ¡°So, I can only choose to tear apart the Earthen Core me into over a hundred pieces and disperse it into those bone pearls...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze rxed and he used his hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. He said softly: ¡°But what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°It¡¯ll probably hurt a little.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Then, what will Ah Zuo do?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at him helplessly: ¡°It¡¯s...just a bit of pain.¡±

    Yes, it was only a bit of pain.

    Fortunately, another mission would be considered partlypleted after subduing it. Moreover, once he was a higher level in the future, he would need to refine even more profound medicinal pills. Amon me wouldn¡¯t even be able to melt the medicinal herbs; it simply wouldn¡¯t work. Subduing a Wondrous Fire ahead of schedule would be very beneficial to him down the line.

    Right, think about the benefits! Pain, that was just pain...

    There was no time to lose. Resolved, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t going to let himself back out of it. He clenched his teeth: ¡°Big brother, we¡¯re going!¡±

    Tianheng reached out an arm and pulled Gu Zuo into his embrace. Immediately following that, he stamped his foot and their bodies shot up. Like a giant bird, they flew swiftly into the air.

    With a whooshing sound, hended on a protruding mountain cliff. In a split second, the soles of his shoes were half-baked. Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he soared up once more. The next time, when hended on another mountain cliff, the true qi that wrapped up the soles of his shoes was three times as thick. Afterwards, he made several nimble leaps, rapidly climbing to the peak of Hidden Dragon Mountain like a shooting star.

    Gu Zuo also wasn¡¯t idle.

    The location of the Earthen Core me was unknown, but theva wasing down from the mountain peak. It was only natural that they would have a greater chance to find clues after going to the summit. Gongyi Tianheng went straight to their destination. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo unleashed his psychic power, sweeping it in all directions to avoid being attacked by the mountain¡¯s wild beasts.

    That¡¯s right. Although the volcanic eruption had killed countless wild beasts endemic to Hidden Dragon Mountain, there were still many that could survive the catastrophe. In addition, after surviving, the beasts could undergo some changes. What¡¯s more, there were also wild beasts that were fond of the environment here. They had migrated from far away and had taken root along Hidden Dragon Mountain. They evolved with the help of the heat here and became iparably powerful.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Gu Zuo to find quite a few grade four and five wild beasts that were stronger than beasts of equivalent grades. As one went higher or further, there would be many qi energies, whose strengths were even higher, concealed within some fiery marshes or stone forests. All of them were unbridled, tyrannical, and fiendishly astonishing.

    In the end, however, he was a person who slew a Spirit-Grade wild beast. He wasn¡¯t afraid of these things. While Gongyi Tianheng continuously climbed, he merely did his best to help Tianheng avoid those wild beasts. And when evasion wasn¡¯t possible... He would unleash the brilliance of his psychic power.

    The Spirit Piercing Awl was the most effective. Every time a wild beast came to attack, Gu Zuo would move his thoughts and a Silver Awl would shoot out. It could shatter the skulls of wild beasts from grade four to grade seven. If a grade eight wild beast attacked, he would rapidly fire a number of Silver Awls. Although it couldn¡¯t kill the beast immediately, it could hinder that grade eight wild beast¡¯s movements, preventing it from chasing them while wounded. And in case they encountered a grade nine wild beast... Even if they had to make a huge detour, Gu Zuo would warn Tianheng to avoid it without dy. If they really weren¡¯t able to avoid it, Gu Zuo would turn over and climb onto Tianheng¡¯s back. He would simultaneously use Silver Awls to harass that grade nine wild beast and watch his big brother kill it.

    Through this cooperation, the speed of the two was exceptionally fast. In just over half an hour, they had already reached the summit.

    That sudden p of thunder had really stuck urately. The mountain peak appeared as a volcanic crater, which was entirely filled with scarlet-redva. The temperature and degree of boiling here vastly exceeded theva pools down below the mountain.

    There was a terrifying qi energy that steadily overflowed beneath theva in the volcanic crater.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power slowly extended downwards ¡ª Fortunately, although there was tremendous fire qi, the psychic power could still cope, allowing it to gradually spread.

    The location of that frightening qi energy was then captured by Gu Zuo several dozens of meters down!

    This was ¡ª A grade eleven wild beast?

    No, no, no. Compared to grade eleven, it seemed a little weaker. It should¡¯ve been a grade ten wild beast, but it was somewhat stronger than the average. With the passing of some time, it would break through.

    Fortunately, their arrival was very timely.

    Gu Zuo sighed, and said to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, it seems there¡¯s a grade ten Fire Ape. However, we have to hurry up. Otherwise, it¡¯ll probably use theva¡¯s fire qi to break through to grade eleven. At that time, it¡¯ll be very difficult if we want to take care of it.¡±

    Tianheng pondered somewhat: ¡°The Fire Ape has boundless strength and can stir up theva. It¡¯ll be challenging to handle. Ah Zuo, when I¡¯m fighting with it, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t bring you along.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled: ¡°Big brother wants to go down into theva?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°Fighting it in theva would be the worst choice to make. The Fire Ape holds the most favorable position in theva, which is disadvantageous to me. I should first provoke it and draw it out of theva. This is the most ideal n of action.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Then, what method does big brother have?¡±

    The ever-prepared Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯m only a Xiantian stage two martial artist. If I dared to infringe upon its dignity, under its irascible anger, it might be willing toe out to take a look at me.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Then, while I¡¯m hiding on the side, I¡¯ll use my psychic power to shield myself.¡± He thought about something and said, ¡°Right. I can condense my psychic power to go below and stab it! This¡¯ll provoke it!¡±

    Tianheng pped his hands and smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s n is very good!¡±

    Gu Zuo thenposed himself, and first made Tianheng take another Fire Repelling Pill. Soon after, without the slightest hesitation, he mobilized more than half of the psychic power in his Tianfu Acupoint and instantly transformed it into an extremely thick and solid Silver Needle. It rapidly prated theva and struck that Fire Ape¡¯s skull!

    ¡ª Regardless of theva¡¯s dense coloration, the Fire Ape in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes was brought into clear focus through the effects of his psychic power. Naturally, the ¡°provocation¡± was particrly precise.

    That Fire Ape received such a heavy strike, and immediately let out a blood-curdling screech. Soon after, it became enraged!

    Gu Zuo dodged in a sh and hid behind a huge boulder. He used his psychic power to cover himself! At this moment, his qi energypletely vanished from the entire mountain peak.

    An enormous vortex surged within that volcanic crater. Immediately following which, a ten-meter tall, bright-red Fire Ape jumped out. Its feet mmed onto theva and its mouth let out a frantic roar. At the same time, its scarlet eyes searched all over before instantly locking onto Gongyi Tianheng!

    Tianheng grasped a spear and rushed forward without batting an eye! While the Fire Ape didn¡¯t have enough time to take the initiative, he took advantage of the gap left by the lingering provocation caused by Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power to kill it first!

    The region he targeted was precisely those pair of scarlet ape eyes.

    The Fire Ape raged.

    This puny worm was so bold!

    Suddenly, its mouth sprayed a raging inferno. It transformed into a column of mes that rushed to kill Tianheng! Its clenched fists wielded zing mes and its body was wrapped withva. Under the cleansing heat, its red fur bristled with a power that seemed like armageddon was upon them ¡ª Strong! Too strong!

    Even if it was Gongyi Tianheng, when that spear was thrusted out, it only hit the ape¡¯s timely-closed eyelid, which produced a sharp and clear sound.

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t the least bit afraid. When he thrusted his spear a second time, that spear point was already carrying a streak of jet-ck light.

    So long as it could pierce a bit of the Fire Ape¡¯s carapace...

    He could easily achieve victory!

    The figures of man and beast flew past one another.

    The intense battle set off a fallout with bolts of qi energy, which sted apart theva and surrounding mountain boulders.

    Gu Zuo watched from behind a gigantic rock, his heart rather tense.

    It looked as if...they were evenly matched.

    Should he try mounting a sneak attack? If he didn¡¯t, his big brother would continue fighting and would be very tired.

    As a small expert in sneak attacks, the radiance in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes turned and he stared intently at the gaps in the protection of that Fire Ape¡¯s eyes. After that, he secretly smiled and shot a Silver Awl at the Fire Ape¡¯s left eye ¡ª At almost the same time, his body rolled as he ran behind another giant boulder!

    The Fire Ape let out another howl.

    This time wasn¡¯t as painful as thest time, but it still hurt a lot! This pain made it pause for an instant. During the battle, Gongyi Tianheng saw through the overall situation. He promptly detected this moment and he thrusted his spear without the slightest hesitation. The part he struck was the position right below the Fire Ape¡¯s nose!

    This ce was one of the Fire Ape¡¯s vulnerable spots.

    There were no mishaps. The Fire Ape¡¯s philtrum was punctured, and the pain caused it to turn over with tears rolling down its face. A streak of jet-ck radiance shined from the ce that was punctured. Starting from that philtrum, a dense, ck qi instantly spread to the Fire Ape¡¯s blood.

    The Fire Ape sensed that its blood was freezing up. Its body grew rigid and its strength waned!

    Gu Zuo decisively shot another Spirit Piercing Awl and aimed it at the Fire Ape¡¯s other eye.

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng raised his arm and more than half of the true qi within his body burst forth. It all converged onto the tip of that spear and stabbed once more towards the same spot!

    That gigantic Fire Ape immediately fell to the ground with a loud rumble!

    T/N: Quarantine restrictions in my state are beginning to loosen, so the hours for my job are increasing. This means I won¡¯t be able to update as frequently as before, but I¡¯m not entirely sure how quickly I¡¯ll be able to post the trantions.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch162 - Harvesting the Earthen Core Flame

    <h4>Chapter Ch162 - Harvesting the Earthen Core me</h4>

    Through the investigations of Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, he discovered that the Fire Ape was indeedpletely dead. He appeared from behind the huge rock and jumped in front of the Fire Ape¡¯s corpse.

    Gongyi Tianheng put away his spear. His forehead was slick with faint rivulets of sweat.

    This time around, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t go to dissect the corpse. Rather, he asked with deep concern: ¡°Big brother, are you okay?¡±

    Tianheng put away the ferocity in his gaze, and his tone was gentle: ¡°It¡¯s nothing. With Ah Zuo¡¯s help, it was half the effort for twice the result.¡±

    After Gu Zuo sized Tianheng up and down a few times, he discovered that, besides his sleeves and robes being burned a bit by that heat, there wasn¡¯t a single injury. He immediately set aside his worries: ¡°Thank goodness nothing happened.¡±

    Tianheng took out a medicinal pill and swallowed it. Then, he quickly sat down and breathed regrly to recover his true qi. Gu Zuo watched him adjust for some time before going over to handle the Fire Ape¡¯s corpse.

    This Fire Ape¡¯s rank was considerably high, but Gu Zuo already had experience in dealing with a Spirit-Grade wild beast. Handling the corpse of a trifling grade ten wild beast was naturally a piece of cake.

    Before a joss of incense could finish burning, Gu Zuo had already stored all the materials. Perfectly satisfied, he scampered over to look at the state of his big brother¡¯s recovery.

    Tianheng just happened to open his eyes. Then, he stood up.

    Gu Zuo raised his head to look at him.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°You and I should take another Fire Repelling Pill before going down to check things out.¡±

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng¡¯s line of sight and looked over. The location ¡°down below¡± was...the volcanic crater filled with boilingva.

    ¡ª In actuality, that Earthen Core me¡¯s seat of existence could only possibly be under theva, at the bottom of the volcanic crater. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been impossible for the Fire Ape soaking here to have such a huge improvement in a short period of time.

    After taking the Fire Repelling Pill, Tianheng brought Gu Zuo to the volcanic crater.

    Once they got closer to look, the two could only see the rolling waves of fire underneath. Countless mes were churning within, and when theva popped and cracked apart, one could hear the sounds of rupturing and sttering. It seemed as if a fire dragon would leap out from within!

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath, but he couldn¡¯t help coughing a few times afterwards.

    The mes were too intense!

    Fortunately, because the Fire Ape was extremely strong and possessive, it was the only wild beast to enjoy the benefits of the volcanic crater. It didn¡¯t allow other wild beasts to get a share of the action. Thus, if the two wanted to descend into the guts of Hidden Dragon Mountain, all they needed to ovee was just the fieryva. They didn¡¯t need to deal with other ¡°external threats¡± while they were out adventuring.

    Gongyi Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s arm, and stated: ¡°Hold your breath.¡±

    Gu Zuo instantly did as he was told.

    The next moment, the two people were like a boulder. From up above, they fell straight down and immediately plunged into theva!

    Hot! Very hot!

    Gu Zuo felt the hairs on his head igniting. Although the power of the Fire Repelling Pill was very strong, the endless heat tirelessly tried to burrow into his body to burn up his organs. He subconsciously released his psychic power to cover the surfaces of his and Tianheng¡¯s bodies with a thinyer ¡ª This indeed have some usefulness. Although it couldn¡¯tpletely iste the external heat, it could give them a few moments of relief.

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng also released his own true qi, which simrly covered the surfaces of the two. Gu Zuo was pulled into his embrace a little tighter and the distance between the two people decreased. The area that the psychic power and true qi needed to cover was reduced, so the power they used up was also reduced.

    Gu Zuo stretched his consciousness to the limits as Tianheng rapidly sank. At the same time, not only did he resist the external heat wholeheartedly, he also strained his perception as he attempted to seek the true position of that Earthen Core me!

    Sure enough, the farther they descended, the purer the feeling of the mes. Among the assembled flowing mes, it even gave one an even more spirited feeling.

    It went without saying that mes were a type of non-living matter, but Wondrous Fires possessed a spiritual nature. And at this moment, the magma¡¯s mes unexpectedly gave one the illusion that it had be a true living creature.

    Indeed, it was an illusion.

    Gu Zuo tried to use this mindset as he let out his psychic power. He aimed and fired at a clump of intense mes that took the shape of the Fire Ape. In the blink of an eye, that zing clump was scattered. Basically, it couldn¡¯t act freely, nevermind attack like an independent creature could!

    A subtle feeling streaked across Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, but this type of feeling shed by and vanished. It didn¡¯t give him too much time to ponder ¡ª At this moment, what he needed to do was to quickly find the Earthen Core me!

    Two people plunged deeper and deeper.

    Gradually, the surrounding magma grew hotter and prated a number ofyers of protection. Threads as thin as silk permeated and got through. Gu Zuo felt that his own skin was burning hot, but his big brother¡¯s skin was still chilly ¡ª No, maybe it was only chilly rtive to him.

    Sweat rolled down along Gu Zuo¡¯s body, and because of his clothes¡¯ instion and the stickiness on his body, he faintly panted as he warmed up. Unfortunately, he still needed to control his psychic power to protect them both. Otherwise, the magma would wreak havoc. It wouldn¡¯t be feverishly hot. Rather, they¡¯d be promptly burned to death!

    Hot! Hot! Hot! So hot¡ª

    Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness gradually blurred.

    He only knew that he needed to keep going down, down, down. Needed to find the Earthen Core me. Needed to protect himself. Protect big brother.

    But any thoughts of his that were more distinct no longer existed.

    It wasn¡¯t known how much time had passed. Gu Zuo only knew that he was sticking to something that made him feel a little bit cooler. He wasn¡¯t the least bit willing to part from it. His only remaining thought was ¡°down¡±. Everything else hadpletely dissipated...

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo¡¯s body weighed down, and the soles of his feet stepped on something sturdy. However, his brain was still muddleheaded. Until a bit of pain spread across his forehead and a slightly low and maic voice continuously echoed in his ears:

    ¡°Ah Zuo. Ah Zuo, wake up!¡±

    ¡°Open your eyes...¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve...to...¡±

    ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon...be good...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not hot anymore...¡±

    The voice became more and more clear, and Gu Zuo dimly came back to himself: ¡°...Big brother?¡±

    His tone was still a little vague, but his consciousness was already very clear. He remembered following his big brother down as they were immersed in the magma. They were looking for the Earthen Core me. He only didn¡¯t remember afterwards when it got hotter and hotter. In that case, what had happened now? Or, had they already arrived?

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power and swept the surroundings.

    In the blink of an eye, the vicinity¡¯s situation was taken into his mind. He also ¡°saw¡± that this ce was really a stone cavern. Or to say, it was a mountain crevice.

    There were red stones everywhere. However, beyond his expectations, they weren¡¯t as scalding as those stones coated withva. On the contrary, there was only a type of warmth like the feeling of spring. The qi energy of this kind of me was pure and gentle. Like it was harmless and could be picked up at will.

    Gu Zuo was just about to go searching for the source of those me¡¯s qi energies, which was the location of the Earthen Core me, but his head was softly tapped on by someone. He was puzzled: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice was very helpless: ¡°Ah Zuo, can youe down?¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes and lowered his head.

    At this time, he discovered that he was hanging from his dear big brother¡¯s body.

    With his legs wrapping around the waist and his arms hugging the neck, it was simply the posture of a ko. If it was only this, then it was no matter. But Gu Zuo had absolutely never expected that there was something even more terrible!

    The tactile sensations that were as gentle as jade beneath his hand...

    Gu Zuo silently pulled out his hand.

    His dear big brother¡¯s clothing was disheveled and pulled open to expose his chest. Gu Zuo¡¯s face was still tightly stuck to it. His shoes were kicked off, and his feet trailed behind his big brother¡¯s clothes and pressed into the small of his back. This was practically, practically¡ª

    Gu Zuo felt that ¡°Shame¡± was written on the left side of his face and ¡°Less¡± was written on the right side. Or maybe, his forehead had a big stamp of ¡°Embarrassed¡± on it? All that his mind spiraled around was ¡°I was wrong¡±!

    ...How should he apologize to big brother?

    Gu Zuo promptly moved, jumping down from his body. His hands and legs hurriedly withdrew to their original ces, and he was prepared to make a sincere gesture of apology ¡ª But the next moment, his facial expression scrunched up a little.

    ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m sorr ¡ª Tss!¡±

    The bottoms of his feet were burned!

    Tianheng facepalmed.

    Then, he reached out a hand to lift Gu Zuo¡¯s cor, pulling him up. Tianheng set him down on his own insteps. After that, he sighed: ¡°...Ah Zuo, although this ce isn¡¯t extremely hot, the ground is burning hot from the Earthen Core me¡¯s existence. Stepping on the floor with your bare feet is certainly inappropriate.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded dejectedly: ¡°Oh. Thanks, big brother...¡±

    Tianheng shook his head. A hand cradled Gu Zuo so that he wouldn¡¯t fall down. The other hand started to straighten up the clothes that were previously torn open.

    Gu Zuo watched and thought how excessive his previous self was. At this time, he remembered that when he continuously fell through the seemingly endless and extremely hot magma, he touched something cool and refreshing. It should¡¯ve been his dear big brother! Gongyi Tianheng was undoubtedly an elegant young master whose clothing and hair never had a single stitch or strand out of ce. Just now, Gu Zuo had made a mess of Tianheng so that it looked like someone had bullied him. It was really outrageous.

    As a result, he pursed his lips, and said in a low voice: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m sorry. I was dazed just then.¡±

    Tianheng moved swiftly and had already tidied himself up. At this moment, he saw Gu Zuo so dispirited, and spoke softly to cate him: ¡°It¡¯s just a trivial matter. Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t have to mind it.¡±

    Gu Zuo unknowingly recalled the previous tactile sensations on his fingers, and his train of thought stalled. Immediately following which, he threw out that bizarre feeling, and answered in a low voice: ¡°Thanks, big brother.¡±

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°Good. Actually, I¡¯m doing fine now. Ah Zuo, it¡¯s only that your shoes have somehow been lost. Quick, take out a pair from your storage space to rece them.¡± Speaking up to here, he raised an eyebrow again and smiled, ¡°There¡¯s no harm if Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t want to switch them out. Walking around while carrying Ah Zuo like this is also somewhat interesting.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    No, it wasn¡¯t the least bit interesting! He was so embarrassed that he wanted to burrow into a crack in the earth, okay?!

    But he also knew that his dear big brother did this to divert his attention, so that he wouldn¡¯t confound himself over this matter. Hence, he calmed himself down and quickly took out shoes to put on. After that, he hopped directly onto the ground.

    Now that his feet were no longer getting burned, he could run away from his big brother¡¯s teasing!

    After this brief interlude passed, Gu Zuo collected his thoughts and started taking things seriously.

    Since this mountain crevice was the end point, then it was probably where the Earthen Core me was located. Of course, the Earthen Core me wasn¡¯t an especially brutal me. One could figure this out from the state of affairs here.

    Then, Gu Zuo turned his head and prepared to search.

    And after he turned his head, he unexpectedly discovered...that just ten or so meters ahead of him was a bundle of peacefully burning mes connected to a fiery-red object.

    Gu Zuo was taken aback: ¡°The, the Earthen Core me?¡±

    Could it be that he didn¡¯t need to dig a meter into the ground or behead another wild beast guarding the me? He didn¡¯t need to experience some difficulties and ovee some obstructions to find it? Wasn¡¯t this too easy? Was this a scam?

    But there was no use overthinking it. One could make some inferences after making an attempt.

    Therefore, Gu Zuo cautiously approached that me.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng also kept pace and went with him: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t casually touch it. Carefully observe it to avoid any idents.¡±

    In the front, Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I know, big brother.¡±

    They quickly arrived before the Earthen Core me. The two then carefully examined it.

    That bundle of mes was very beautiful. It presented a type of warm orange-vermilion color, just like a wallmp that Gu Zuo had once seen in the modern era. Although the color and luster was strong, it wasn¡¯t harsh on the eyes. After getting closer, he could also sense the scorching heat of this bundle of mes. While it seemed to beckon one to touch it, it was also warning others to stay away.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly palpated because of this slight bundle of mes.

    After that, his line of sight was drawn below to that fiery-red object. It looked like a block of crystal? Its shape was simr to ake, but the color was iparably pure. Just what was this thing?

    As Tianheng got closer, he suddenly said: ¡°Fire-Spirit Jade.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and swiftly said to himself: ¡°Ah, right. Common materials are incapable of containing the Earthen Core me, but Fire-Spirit Jade is different. It grows in ces where ley lines are rich in firepower. Once it¡¯s generated and harvested, it can sustain a Wondrous Fire. I don¡¯t know whether this block of Fire-Spirit Jade was generated because of the Earthen Core me¡¯s existence or it had grown alongside the Earthen Core me. In short, it had let the Earthen Core me settle on top of it. Moreover, the Fire-Spirit Jade conducts the ley line¡¯s firepower, continuously nourishing the Earthen Core me...¡±

    Tianheng listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s narration, and his vision softened slightly.

    ¡°I got it! If the Earthen Core me isn¡¯t enraged, the mes flow steadily and are rtively gentle. Its overflowing firepower baked the stone walls and extended upwards through the seams of the rocky crevice above. As time passed, it melted the rock and all manner of substances within the mountain into a strange magma. Of course, because the entire Hidden Dragon Mountain was structurally sound, it had formed a peak equilibrium. All the magma was sequestered within the body of the mountain. Without the effects of an external force, it would take many years for the magma to break through the mountain¡¯s bindings. However, a bolt of lightning fell from the sky and broke this equilibrium. After the mountain was damaged, theva overflowed and the ley line¡¯s firepower leaked out. Theva, which had been assimting the power of the Earthen Core me for many years, thus formed this peculiarnd of adventure now...¡±

    At this moment, Gu Zuo spoke frankly and with assurance. His gaze shed with considerable confidence: ¡°If we hadn¡¯t arrived, this Earthen Core me probably wouldn¡¯t have received too much nourishmentter on. In the future, maybe it would¡¯ve deteriorated. Or maybe it would¡¯ve rushed out of the belly of this mountain and be subdued by another pharmacist or someone else. Perhaps it would¡¯ve flown into a rage and wreaked havoc everywhere. However, it¡¯s different now that we¡¯ve arrived.

    He continued: ¡°To take advantage of its good temperament, I have to subdue it without dy. When that timees, I¡¯ll be able to help out even more. And when my rank is higher, I won¡¯t have to be afraid of refining even better medicinal pills!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng saw his brilliant smile and gave a smile of his own: ¡°This is Ah Zuo¡¯s chance.¡±

    Gu Zuo was genuinely very happy.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, since it¡¯s like this, why don¡¯t you go use the <<Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal?>>¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded vigorously: ¡°Yes!¡±

    To avoid a long night spawning many dreams, Gu Zuo arrived before that bundle of mes without the slightest hesitation. Both his hands immediately made hand seals. In front of his chest, there were countless changes to the abstruse positions, and many mysterious trajectories appeared.

    Tianheng gave it a quick look. Although he didn¡¯t intend on studying it, he could also see to the supreme truth within it. He could faintly incite the nerves in his brain to let him remember, and after mulling it over, this would produce a clear understanding in theing days.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo worked extremely quickly. In a short period of time, those trajectories formed an intangible,rge. It extended its densely-packed ws and teeth and went to enshroud those mes.

    Beyond all expectations, that bundle of mes was very docile. Although it initially sputtered with a couple of sparks, it only took a few seconds to promptly herd it over to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo captured it. At first, he wanted to immediately use his cultivation method and fire subduing seal to absorb and store this Wondrous Fire into his body, but he detected something different the moment hetched onto it.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right. This isn¡¯t the Earthen Core me¡ª¡±

    His voice hadn¡¯t yet fallen when that bare Fire-Spirit Jade split open with a hole. Immediately following that, a wisp of mes gushed out from inside. Just like a tiny fireball, it flew towards another direction!

    That me wanted to run away!

    Gongyi Tianheng reacted extremely fast. His discovered something was amiss the instant that Gu Zuo opened his mouth. His figure shed by and was already blocking that me¡¯s destination! His palms flipped over and qi energy flourished, rushing over with the momentum of a wave. Although the me was very mighty, it was hindered by this qi energy for a short time. And with this time, Gu Zuo turned around and aimed the fire subduing seal¡¯s strongest capturing hand seal at that me!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have enough time to consider what was going on. He just subconsciously felt the he couldn¡¯t let that bundle of mes escape. This made his hand speed faintly increase by as much as twenty to thirty percent. The fire subduing seal was used over and over again to envelop those mes!

    This time around, it wasn¡¯t one giant, intangible. Rather, there were four, fives. Then seven and eights. Oneyer after another covered the mes in all directions, leaving not a single gap!

    The mes dashed left and right between those formless, giants. It frantically struggled, but in the wake of thes¡¯ contractions, the strength of its struggles were continuously reduced. It was gradually being subdued...

    A long time passed. The struggling of those mes thoroughly disappeared. It was just as meek as that previous bundle of mes. It gently arrived in front of Gu Zuo, and quietly floated.

    Gongyi Tianheng walked over and looked at this wisp of mes with Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help eximing in admiration: ¡°Big brother, I first thought that the previous bundle of mes was already extremely beautiful, but now that I¡¯m looking at this wisp, I realize how vast the discrepancies are... cing the fake and real ones together, I feel such a difference.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°This is the true Earthen Core me.¡±

    The orange-vermilion color was the same. The purity was also the same. However, the true Earthen Core me¡¯s firelight was even brighter and the color and luster were more vibrant. It gave one an even cozier feeling. It was jumping spiritedly. Obviously, it was something without life, but it seemed simr to a naughty, young child who would look over with a mischievous gaze.

    As it turned out, that bundle of mes that appeared to be the Earthen Core me was merely the remnant mes that the true Earthen Core me released. Its blossoming was the residual light of the Earthen Core me. As a result, it looked truly beautiful, but in fact, it wasn¡¯t the genuine Earthen Core me.

    After it was captured by Gu Zuo, he discovered that it was like an ordinary me. Once it didn¡¯t have any support, it showed signs of dissipation. The true Earthen Core me had substance. Even though adding firewood wasn¡¯t needed, it could still burn independently. It was a type of intrinsic energy, which existed only in the form of a me. When utilizing it, it wouldn¡¯t be consumed; one only needed to replenish its true qi. If it wasn¡¯t replenished, then one wouldn¡¯t be able to control it. And if a strand of me was split off and given to another person, only then would it be considered a depletion.

    Gu Zuo beheld the Earthen Core me, and felt a type of beauty that would cause one to hold their breath.

    Following which, he slowly exhaled. He used the fire subduing seal once more and supplemented it with his own cultivation method. He pressed his palm down on that ball of raging mes and absorbed it into his own body.

    The mes slowly flowed through his medicinal bead. It instantly divided into countless threads, which swam to all directions! After each individual thread passed through a formed bone pearl, it temporarily came to a halt and quietly entrenched itself. Currently, Gu Zuo had seventy-six bone pearls. Each bone pearl contained a thread of orange-vermilion mes. It seemed that all of those bone pearls were dyed a dark-red color.

    Warm heat wandered throughout his body, and what apanied this were extremely fine pin-pricks of pain ¡ª But he could endure. After the final thread of me was contained, Gu Zuo opened his eyes and retracted his hand. He felt that the Earthen Core me was already under his full control. Merely, before he could generate a qi ocean, he would have to use up even more true qi to make use of the mes.

    Tianheng looked at him: ¡°Ah Zuo, did you seed?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes curled in happiness: ¡°En, I did it!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch163 - Repeated Harvests

    <h4>Chapter Ch163 - Repeated Harvests</h4>

    Once the Earthen Core me was subdued by Gu Zuo, the ambient temperature immediately plummeted. If it was originally as warm as spring, there was now a somewhat cool sensation ¡ª Naturally, it wasn¡¯t genuinely cool. Rather, because the two had stayed in the previous temperature for a long time, this misperception arose.

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s reddeningplexion and shining eyes. He smiled: ¡°Would Ah Zuo be able to operate that Earthen Core me so I can have a look?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little excited: ¡°Naturally, there¡¯s no problem!¡±

    After that, his facial expression held a bit of prudence. His palm unfolded and his thoughts whirled.

    In the blink of an eye, a gout of heat flowed from a bone pearl in his elbow and rushed out. It passed through his meridians and out of his medicinal bead, before suddenly appearing in the palm of his hand.

    Yes. It was there that a bundle of tiny orange-vermilion mes swiftly gushed out, burning calmly.

    He felt the interconnected intent between himself and this wisp of Earthen Core mes. It seemed that so long as he use a type of hand seal, he could operate it... What was the hand seal?

    There were countless notions streaking across his mind. Suddenly, he was blessed with inspiration. His other hand flipped over and his fingers shed with ribbons of formless trajectories, which were all directed at the Earthen Core me¡¯s location.

    At this moment, the Earthen Core me twisted.

    Following which, the mes underwent changes.

    One would only see it change into a bird-shaped me one moment, then a fish-shaped me the next, and then an ape-shaped me after that. It was just that one could only make out the general shape of a fiery bird, fish, and ape. However, the specific image was still very crude, and they didn¡¯t feel life-like one bit ¡ª If there were any merits, it¡¯d be that the mes were very spirited. Even though it wasn¡¯t distinct enough, there was still a quick-witted feeling.

    All of the Earthen Core me¡¯s changes were taken into Tianheng¡¯s eyes. His expression suddenly became somewhat strange. His little pharmacist really had qualities that...delighted children? On the Tianwu Continent, sixteen to seventeen year old youths already could undertake many affairs. On the contrary, it was very rare to have one that was so mischievous and cute.

    However, Gongyi Tianheng watched on and his mood was very good. His smile deepened and he didn¡¯t prohibit Gu Zuo¡¯s ¡°ytime¡±.

    A good whileter, Gu Zuo reacted and let the Earthen Core me return to normal with a hint of embarrassment ¡ª It was mainly that freely controlling the Earthen Core me felt too good. As a result, he couldn¡¯t stop ying with it.

    He thought it over, and exined his actions just then: ¡°The Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal seems to be one that subdues Wondrous Fires. If I want to control it, I need to use a fire controlling seal. Speaking of which, it¡¯s strange. The fire controlling seal is the first seal of Plucking Nine Stars, and it seems verypatible with the Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal.¡±

    Tianheng pondered somewhat, and prudently said: ¡°It¡¯s probable that you¡¯re learning the core content. The Divine Medicine Cultivation Method, the Primary Medicine Refining Hand Seals, the Spirit Piercing Awl, and the Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal should all belong to the same collective inheritance. Thus, you have this feeling of apleted set.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought deeply: ¡°What big brother says is reasonable.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s vision softened: ¡°Ah Zuo should properly study. It seems that these inheritances have great use to Ah Zuo. In the future, when your strength is even more profound, you¡¯ll be able to work wonders.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally responded again: ¡°Big brother, I understand.¡±

    The two chatted for a bit before Gu Zuo went strolling through the mountain crevice.

    It stood to reason that ces where the world¡¯s Wondrous Fires appeared should also have priceless treasures. Although it seemed that there was nothing at first nce, now that they subdued the Earthen Core me, they could just look around.

    Yet, Gu Zuo miscalcted this time.

    He circled around the entire mountain crevice several times, but didn¡¯t find anything. As for what he harvested, it was just that chunk of Fire-Spirit Jade, which had a tiny breach in it. Fortunately, a bit of damage to this chunk of jade was alright. After the Earthen Core me emerged to run away, that crack had already healed somewhat within a brief period of time! Moreover, the jade¡¯s color was unsullied. The entire chunk of Fire-Spirit Jade had been polished even more because the Earthen Core me was stored and raised inside ¡ª The Fire-Spirit Jade and Wondrous Fire were mutually beneficial. The former protected thetter, and thetter polished the former. Theyplemented one another.

    Gu Zuo received the Earthen Core me into his body, so he handed the Fire-Spirit Jade over to Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, this is for you.¡±

    Tianheng took it: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo earnestly said: ¡°This is top-notch material, and it isn¡¯t something that must contain Wondrous Fires. In the future, big brother can take it to go refine a weapon and increase his strength.¡±

    For a martial artist, cultivation methods and martial skills were indispensable, but a proper weapon was also necessary. Currently, the weapons that Tianheng used were only barely suitable. When his realms were even higher, he would have to rece them. Otherwise, when both parties¡¯ weapons shed during a battle, his own weapon would already be broken. That would be a terrible thing.

    Tianheng also understood Gu Zuo¡¯s intentions, and faintly nodded. However, he stuffed the Fire-Spirit Jade back into Gu Zuo¡¯s hands: ¡°Since it¡¯s precious, I¡¯ll have to ask Ah Zuo to keep it safe for me. Rather than putting it in my Fangcun Cloth, it¡¯s safer in Ah Zuo¡¯s storage space.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought this was reasonable, too. His palm flipped, and that Fire-Spirit Jade was put away in that region of his storage space that was reserved for his dear big brother.

    After that, the two prepared to leave.

    When ascending, they still needed to prate through the dense magma. Gu Zuo abruptly recalled that embarrassing spectacle when they were going down. There was a lurch in his heart and he couldn¡¯t take a step forward.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s thoughts turned. He realized what was troubling Gu Zuo and he couldn¡¯t help chuckling. Although that scene wasn¡¯t one he anticipated, it only gave him a novel feeling. It didn¡¯t give rise to any ufortable lines of thought. Right now, as he looked at how embarrassed and hesitant Gu Zuo was, he was fully invested, and waited for Gu Zuo¡¯s response.

    Then, Gu Zuo suddenly pped his forehead.

    Right! He now had an Earth Fire protecting his body! At worst, he would only be wasting some true qi! Basically, it wouldn¡¯t be like before when he needed to rely on his big brother¡¯s body temperature...

    Hence, Gu Zuo promptly operated his true qi. In a split second, a gout of mes gushed out from both of his palms. In addition, under his control, it formed something like a membrane, which covered the surface of his body.

    Following which, Gu Zuo beckoned Tianheng: ¡°Big brother,e quick!¡±

    Tianheng leisurely walked closer.

    Gu Zuo extended a hand and pulled Tianheng over: ¡°Big brother, follow me this time!¡±

    This kind of scene was almost identical to when Tianheng discharged his true qi and Gu Zuo formed his psychic barrier to protect the two unwaveringly.

    Tianheng attempted to operate his true qi.

    Yet, it was hard to release his true qi within the Earthen Core me¡¯s membrane. Unexpectedly, he was unable to change it freely. He let Gu Zuo know of this matter.

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed: ¡°It¡¯s that my control isn¡¯t too good yet...¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t mind. Instead, he said meaningfully: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have to ask Ah Zuo to take me along the way.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He also realized that this was the first time he¡¯d done something like this. There was a lot of pressure.

    Then, Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°I understand.¡±

    Following that, he discharged his psychic power, which fell straight to his feet. Gu Zuo extended his other hand. Just like what Tianheng did before, he pulled Tianheng into his embrace.

    But for such an embrace, a problem was found.

    ¡ª His stature was a full head shorter than Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s. There weren¡¯t any issues with Tianheng¡¯s long arms and long legs hugging him, but if he wanted to hug Tianheng, he could only hug the waist. Ah, it was very hard for a shortie to keep up his spirits!

    Gongyi Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s predicament, and couldn¡¯t helpughing.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face took a big hit.

    He was beingughed at! How sad...

    After Tianhengughed for a while, he simply seized Gu Zuo into his arms. His words carried a smile that couldn¡¯t be hidden: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to constrain himself... It only needs me to carry you this way, while Ah Zuo uses his psychic power to carry me out.¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it.

    Oh, right. Why did he have to carry his big brother? It would be the same if his big brother carried him. He simply didn¡¯t need to cling to preconceived positions. It didn¡¯t matter who carried who.

    After realizing this, the heat on Gu Zuo¡¯s face waned: ¡°...Big brother, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Once he was done speaking, he sent out his psychic power to beneath his feet, making him shoot up instantly like a rocket. When they approached the top of the mountain crevice, he discovered a tunnel entrance that could fit two or three people. It was here that he and his big brother had previously dropped down from.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate in the least. He brought Tianheng through this tunnel entrance and went straight up. After passing through, he found a fiery-red substance that was in a semi-solid state all around them ¡ª Originally, he wanted to leave immediately, but after seeing this fiery-red material, he couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away.

    ¡°Fire Essence Stone?¡±

    Weren¡¯t these Fire Essence Stones, which could upgrade a Wondrous Fire¡¯s rank? Xu Lingxiu had given him a piece before!

    Gu Zuo felt that his own pair of eyes should¡¯ve been emitting golden rays of light right now.

    Fire Essence Stone! Very expensive Fire Essence Stone, which could be sold for money!

    These Fire Essence Stones developed from the fire qi of the Earthen Core me, a Wondrous Fire that surpassed first ss. The stones were absolutely capable of upgrading second ss Earth Fires to first ss Earth Fires. Although the stones couldn¡¯t upgrade a first ss Earth Fire to a Spirit-Grade Earth Fire, they were top grade Fire Essence Stones that could slightly improve the intrinsic qualities of first ss Earth Fires!

    Tianheng listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words and faintly inclined his head: ¡°What does Ah Zuo want to do?¡±

    Actually, he knew about Fire Essence Stones, but he¡¯d never seen them before. When he previously arrived, he was focused solely on carefully bringing Gu Zuo down below and searching for the Earthen Core me. He didn¡¯t once pay attention to these particrly fiery-red things.

    Gu Zuo clenched a fist: ¡°I¡¯m going to take everything away!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Is it possible for Ah Zuo¡¯s true qi to support this?¡±

    Through his perception, Gu Zuo felt that, although the rate of the true qi¡¯s consumption wasn¡¯t small, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems if he was a little bit faster. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If he didn¡¯t take the good things that were presented in front of him, wouldn¡¯t that be a reckless waste of resources? Who knew if there¡¯d be another chance in the future?

    Hence, Gu Zuo solemnly said: ¡°I¡¯ll do my very best!¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng also apanied him and arrived before those fiery-red materials.

    When they approached, they discovered that these Fire Essence Stones were perfectly round pearls that were about the size of the pad of the little finger. They were bunched up in piles, forming a glittering and beautiful scene like the glow of a sunset.

    Gu Zuo was very decisive. He grabbed a big handful as soon as he reached out, and quickly put them into his storage space.

    At this time, one could see the usefulness of the storage space.

    So long as Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts turned, his extended palm would flick aside the pearls of Fire Essence Stone, and all of them would be collected at very high efficiencies. His speed was very fast. The more time that passed, the livelier his thoughts and the more active his psychic power. Later on, his psychic power discharged a shroud, where all the Fire Essence Stones within the extended range were collected!

    The pearls of Fire Essence Stones were like a river of scarlet clouds. Gu Zuo spent less than a minute and everything had already been put away. Not a single pearl was left behind!

    A sweep such as this was truly...extremely thorough.

    Yet, this still wasn¡¯t the end of it.

    At first, Gu Zuo was prepared to leave, but he didn¡¯t anticipate that there was a dense growth of dark-red things underneath the Fire Essence Stone pearls. They attracted his attention, and he couldn¡¯t help taking a closer look.

    This time, he was a little startled.

    Those were ¡ª Fire Mushrooms?

    The Fire Mushrooms covered a wide area. Each mushroom was the size of a thumb¡¯s fingernail. The color was dull, but the mushroom¡¯s body was quite fleshy and it looked very appetizing.

    It was undoubtedly an exceptionally good medicinal herb. Most of all, when it was refined in a medicinal pill for a suitable fire attributed martial artist, there would be extremely powerful effects... This couldn¡¯t be missed either!

    Gu Zuo sucked in a deep breath. His pharmacist¡¯s willpower was igniting!

    Take! He needed to take everything!

    This time, however, he requested Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s help: ¡°Big brother, can you help me chop them off?¡±

    The ¡°roots¡± would be left behind. Perhaps the remnant fire qi here could let a second batch of crops grow?

    Tianheng smiled.

    Although it was for the best that he didn¡¯t use his true qi now, the control over his martial skills was very precise. Time was running out. He didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately took out a long saber. He sent a couple chops towards those Fire Mushrooms!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s coordination was exquisite. The instant that those Fire Mushrooms were cut off, his psychic power had already enveloped them. They were all collected!

    This time around, it only took a few moments. Each and every mature and plump Fire Mushroom was harvested by the dual cooperation of Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng. Soon after, Tianheng put away his saber, while Gu Zuo stamped his foot. Psychic power exploded underneath and the two rapidly shot straight up.

    Magma smothered them from all directions. Compared to when they were at the volcanic crater, it was much denser and hotter. However, perhaps it was due to the protective escort of the Earthen Core me and that the magma originated from the Earthen Core me, but no matter how powerful the magma was, it couldn¡¯t hinder the momentum of their rise. Moreover, the higher they went up, the sparser the heat of the magma and, naturally, the smaller the possibility of injury to the two of them.

    Gu Zuo did his best to conserve the usage of his psychic power. In his mind, he was only thinking: Faster! Faster! Faster!

    If they weren¡¯t fast enough, if they couldn¡¯t get out in time, then it would be a disaster!

    Only, when all was said and done, he had just subdued the Earthen Core me. No matter how careful Gu Zuo was, he still wasn¡¯t proficient enough with his usage. As a result, the consumption of his true qi really wasn¡¯t slow. When there was only a couple dozen meters to sessfully get out, the Earthen Core me on Gu Zuo¡¯s body wavered. It flickered a few times, and then it vanished.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Give a bit of time to react, okay!?

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t help smiling. However, he¡¯d long anticipated that there might be a slip-up with the Earthen Core me, so he never lowered his vignce. Thus, he abruptly released his true qi and blocked the surrounding magma in the blink of an eye.

    Gu Zuo also promptly responded. His true qi wasn¡¯t sufficient, but he still had his psychic power! After that, he unleashed his psychic power to wrap himself and Tianheng up.

    Following that, it was Tianheng¡¯s home field.

    He tightly embraced Gu Zuo, and his figure suddenly lightened. Their speed immediately doubled. Without the obstruction of the Earthen Core me, he now had an abundance of true qi. He was able put his martial skills to use and soared out!

    A few secondster, the volcanic crater was right before their eyes. At this moment, Tianheng swiftly rose up and carried Gu Zuo out!

    Gu Zuo only felt that the air was fresh and clean...

    Being covered by the magma in the volcanic crater just then was too stifling. Even though they weren¡¯t injured by the magma, it was insufferable. Aftering out, while the outside world¡¯s ambient qi was thin, it really made onefortable. How could there still be feelings of avoidance when they arrived at the Cangyun Continent from the Qingyun Continent?

    Gongyi Tianheng set Gu Zuo down, and the true qi and psychic power of the two dispersed.

    He didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but Gu Zuo felt that theva¡¯s degree of boiling in the volcanic crater wasn¡¯t as violent as when they first went in.

    The Earthen Core Fire was already in his possession. Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t prepared to stay here for too long, so he followed Tianheng down the mountain. Tianheng still took Gu Zuo into his embrace, and the two descended straight down from the mountain summit. The wind whistled past their ears, and it didn¡¯t take much time for them to smoothly arrive at the base of the mountain.

    This was much more rxedpared to when they first climbed up.

    After Gu Zuo regained his footing, the two walked out of theva pool region. This time, Gu Zuo found that the boilingva in the outerva pools were much more calm. It seemed that it really was due to the loss of the Earthen Core me? But all this had nothing to do with him.

    Tianheng pondered for a bit, and said: ¡°Thisnd of adventure probably won¡¯tst for too long.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°After a few years, will that Hezui City no longer be as bustling as it is now?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Previously, Hidden Dragon Mountain erupted withva. This was a catastrophe for the surroundingmon folk, but it was also an opportunity for Hezui City. But if Hezui City doesn¡¯t grasp this opportunity nor develop while thisnd of adventure exists, then that¡¯s their own fault. They can¡¯t me the heavens and they can¡¯t me other people.¡±

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and nodded his head: ¡°What big brother says is true.¡±

    The prosperity here was false. It was just like when Huangfu Zhanghao undoubtedly borrowed the luck of the Tiandu Body. If a person couldn¡¯t grasp their own chance, then it would ultimately be a flower in the mirror or the moon reflected on the water. It would just be a dream.

    He, this insignificant mortal, was still serious about finding a way home. This kind of business had absolutely nothing to do with him.

    Because the prosperity that Hezui City was experiencing was false, the construction within it actually hadn¡¯t been done well. However, a martial artist¡¯s ability to mobilize was very strong. Within a short period of time, there were already huge differences inparison.

    Gongyi Tianheng never came to Hezui City before, but he knew about the originalposition of the city ¡ª Previously, even though he was sickly, not a single worldly matter nor a city of the Cangyun Empire was beyond his gaze.

    Gu Zuo always felt that even if his big brother¡¯s health hadn¡¯t improved, he was already a winner in life. Now that he improved, perhaps he could be an ultimate powerhouse. For this kind of person, if it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo obtaining a system in this world, if Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have the talent for refining medicine, there probably wouldn¡¯t have been any intersection between them...

    Initially, he never thought about it because he still trembled in fear. Now that he recalled this, he felt that if they truly never met, if their paths had never crossed, then it would¡¯ve be the thing he¡¯d regret the most in his life.

    ¡ª Of course, if they never got acquainted, then perhaps there simply wouldn¡¯t have been a way to discover this regret.

    Sighing inment, Gu Zuo unwittingly pulled Tianheng¡¯s sleeve, and followed him by his side, ncing to the left and right. Gu Zuo sized up the style of this Hezui City.

    Right now, they were trying to find the tavern that Gongyi Tianyang and the others were staying at. There were many people here and those Armor-ted Rhinos were very eye-catching. After making inquiries, they should be able to find out.

    Gu Zuo felt he could¡¯ve done this kind of thing himself.

    On the contrary, Tianheng was somewhat surprised by his decision.

    Gu Zuo looked at his dear big brother¡¯s slightly moved expression and reacted ¡ª It seemed that every time before, it was his big brother who did it? Generally, he himself acted as his big brother¡¯s attendant, and didn¡¯t open his mouth at all.

    Tianheng faintly chuckled, and patted his head: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s confidence is now sprouting. This is very good.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Yes. Firstly, he previously hid himself and was afraid having his secrets discovered by others. Secondly, because he had juste to this world and didn¡¯t know anything, he actually felt a very minor sense of inferiority.

    And now, although his secrets still couldn¡¯t be seen by others, a small part had been revealed through his big brother¡¯s nning, and a fortuitous encounter had been appropriately used to cover the past. At the very least, his small life was safeguarded. Moreover, because he made friends, he discovered that his medicine refining skills were pretty goodpared to other pharmacists. Thus, the initial fear of the unknown to this otherworld no longer existed...

    In fact, what was even more important was that ¡ª Gu Zuo nced at Gongyi Tianheng.

    What was even more important was that this once patron, now big brother, genuinely made Gu Zuo feel that this was a family member he could mutually trust and rely on.

    Having a family member meant having a ce to entrust one¡¯s hope. Even a coward could be braver as a consequence.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t share these words with Tianheng.

    Because...it was very shameful.

    He wasn¡¯t used to analyzing his heart¡¯s sentiments. It was also too maudlin.

    As a result, Gu Zuo only treated Gongyi Tianheng to a glittering smile, and effortlessly came to a tea stand off to the side. He called out to greet the outermost martial artist who was drinking tea and eating food: ¡°Who might this Senior Brother be?¡±

    The person who¡¯d been ¡°looked upon¡± had an appearance that was very good-natured. He was probably a Meridian Condensing Realm martial artist. In this Hezui City, this was considered a high level that the average person wouldn¡¯t provoke lightly.

    ¡ª This was and of adventure. Although Hidden Dragon Mountain was rather interesting, the surrounding zone whereva pools had formed only had Houtian Realm martial artistse over to practice. Martial artists who were Xiantian and above had little interest in the periphery. As for Hidden Dragon Mountain itself, it still wasn¡¯t time for scouting things out. For martial artists throughout the nation, not everyone received the news quickly. Those who got the news were either those who were self-reliant or those who were waiting on the sidelines. Otherwise, there¡¯d inevitably be many Xiantians investigating the phenomena on Hidden Dragon Mountain. Tianheng and Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have obtained the Earthen Core me without attracting any attention.

    That martial artist, who was originally eating, sprung up when someone abruptly moved next to him. His vignce wasn¡¯t bad, so he promptly detected this and kept his guard up. He looked to Gu Zuo: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Once he saw Gu Zuo clearly, his expression somewhat rxed.

    After all, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a martial artist. Rather, he was a very young-looking teenaged pharmacist. Even if his temper was bad, he wouldn¡¯t be too neglectful towards this kind of person.

    Gu Zuo revealed a smile: ¡°I want to ask you about a few people. Would it be convenient for this Senior Brother?¡±

    T/N: Heavenly Fire-Subduing Seal will be retroactively changed to Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal. Also, volume one has finally beenpletely edited, so terms should now be up to date.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch164 - An Unforeseen Event

    <h4>Chapter Ch164 - An Unforeseen Event</h4>

    This martial artist looked at Gu Zuo, somewhat doubtfully.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°There¡¯s about a dozen or so people. Many of them are teenagers, and there¡¯s only one young girl. They rode upon Armor-ted Rhinos and should¡¯ve entered the city several hours ago.¡±

    When the martial artist heard this, his originally loosened heartstrings stretched taut once more. The look he gave Gu Zuo was also especially different.

    When that group of people arrived, they all had an extraordinary presence. Seated upon wild beasts that were grade four and above, how couldn¡¯t it attract everyone¡¯s attention? None of the people along this street today didn¡¯t know about it.

    Why was this teenaged pharmacist asking about this? Were they acquaintances or enemies? Although he possessed martial power, he wasn¡¯t willing to stir up any trouble.

    Gu Zuo watched him act this way, and felt that the other side might¡¯ve had a misunderstanding. He exined: ¡°Those children are part of this Gu¡¯s household. Because of a previous matter, we had to temporarily leave. Now we¡¯re looking for them. If this Senior Brother knows, I hope it¡¯s alright for you to tell us a thing or two.¡±

    The martial artist saw that Gu Zuo was sincere andid down his worries. He thought that this matter had nothing to do with him, and pointed the pharmacist in a certain direction: ¡°Those people went to Qingyuan Tavern. They should¡¯ve gone there for lodging. You can search for them ahead.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt pleased, and promptly expressed his gratitude: ¡°Many thanks for giving directions, Senior Brother.¡±

    The martial artist saw him like this and slightly hesitated, but he said nothing else. He only waved his hand and turned around to continue eating.

    All of this was naturally witnessed by Gongyi Tianheng.

    After Gu Zuo returned to his side, he frowned and said: ¡°Big brother, I have a feeling that something¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°He still has something to hide.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little puzzled, and guessed: ¡°Could it be that something has happened?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Let¡¯s go and find out.¡±

    Deep in thought, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng as they headed in the direction of that Qingyuan Tavern.

    One countered soldiers with arms and water with an earthen weir. With his big brother present, any problems weren¡¯t problems at all.

    ¡ª But he still wanted to know what could¡¯ve happened during this time.

    Along the journey, Gu Zuo unexpectedly discovered that there were fewer people and the general martial prowess was rising. Many Blood Refining and Bone Forging Realm martial artists were quickly walking away, and among the Meridian Condensing Realms, there seemed to be some who were hesitating and some who were animatedly going towards that direction.

    Because of his astonishment, it was only natural that he stopped a few people to ask. Some of those people brushed him off, but some hurriedly answered: ¡°Something has happened up ahead. You¡¯re a pharmacist, so you shouldn¡¯t get in on the action.¡±

    Somehow, Gu Zuo had a premonition that the so-called ¡°action¡± might¡¯ve been something that Gongyi Tianyang and the others caused ¡ª

    In that moment, Gu Zuo somewhat lost his patience and directly released his psychic power. In the blink of an eye, it extended out.

    The feedback his psychic power brought back was very fast. As it turned out, the ce where it happened was a Beast Taming Field, which had long existed in this Hezui City. This was a standard construct that would be established in every city. Although the Beast Taming Field here was previously abandoned, it had been rmissioned after a newnd of adventure appeared outside of the city. Many martial artists who wanted to explore thatnd of adventure couldn¡¯t do so without wild beasts to ride upon, and sometimes, there was nowhere to settle their wild beasts. As a result, the Beast Taming Field¡¯s function arose.

    Yet, at this time, there were two opposing groups of people in a confrontation at the Beast Taming Field.

    Among one of the groups, the leader was Gongyi Tianyang! Tianyin, Tianhe, Mingxia, and the others all closely followed behind him. It could be said that the atmosphere between both sides was where swords were drawn and bows were bent.

    Something that Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t remain calm about was the opposing party¡¯s strength. Among them were ¡ª Xiantian existences!

    If they hadn¡¯te over, then everyone in the Gongyi n would¡¯ve certainly suffered a loss!

    Gu Zuo promptly withdrew his psychic power, turned his head, and told Tianheng about what he saw: ¡°Big brother, we need to go quickly!¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded. He pulled Gu Zuo into his arms and his figure suddenly flew up several meters. In just the blink of an eye, they vanished from their original location.

    After they departed, some martial artists who were passing through saw this, and they were all uniformly shocked:

    ¡°Xiantian...martial artist? A very young Xiantian martial artist!¡±

    ¡°The direction they¡¯re heading towards is, is¡ª¡±

    ¡°This time, the action¡¯s going to be even bigger!¡±

    ¡°Right, right, right! Let¡¯s hurry over to take a look! We can¡¯t miss this huge opportunity!¡±

    Among those who practiced martial artists, there were some durds. Currently, they were making guesses one after another. In an instant, they became even more interested. As for the possibility of encountering danger... They were magnificent martial artists. How couldn¡¯t they have even a bit of courage?

    Thus, there were even more people.

    Meanwhile, less than two minutes had passed and Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng had already traveled a distance that normally required a long time to cross. Then they came to the outskirts of that Beast Taming Field. Their footsteps didn¡¯t stop and they directly rushed in.

    Outside of the Beast Taming Field, there was a Xiantian guard. His style of dress was unexpectedly ordinary. It only gave one a feeling that was very different from the martial artists of Hezui City ¡ª So to say, he was a foreigner. As a foreigner guarding this ce, his identity was probably apanion of that group who were confronting Tianyang and the others.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng were blocked by this Xiantian: ¡°Bystanders can only watch outside. You can¡¯t enter!¡±

    Indeed, the other martial artists were a couple steps back. No matter how crowded it became, they couldn¡¯t really enter the Beast Taming Field.

    Gu Zuo was dissatisfied.

    This guy thought that he could stop them, that he could casually bully the people of the Gongyi n? That was too much!

    Based on Gu Zuo¡¯s notions, Gongyi Tianyang and the others absolutely weren¡¯t the type who¡¯d deliberately make trouble. Now that something had happened, it was most likely a problem with the other party. Most of all, he knew that the other side had Xiantians. Seeing this Xiantian arrogantly blocking the road, he was even more convinced.

    Tianheng looked pensive.

    Consequently, three words were transmitted into Gu Zuo¡¯s head: Armor-ted Rhinos.

    Gu Zuo only felt rage boiling up from the bottom of his heart, which made his face flush red: ¡°You¡ª¡±

    Too humiliating! This was insulting!

    He almost couldn¡¯t stop himself from releasing a Spirit Piercing Awl and giving this guy a ruthless beating!

    However, Gongyi Tianheng acted first.

    He stood with his hands sped behind his back. He was tall and straight as a pine, and clear and bright as the moon. The moment he heard the words of that pretty-faced young man, Tianheng didn¡¯t actually get angry. Nevertheless, when he acted, his body suddenly shed by. A palm lightly pushed out.

    The pretty-faced Xiantian deliberately insulted them, but didn¡¯t expect that the other party wouldn¡¯t be provoked into trading curses. Rather, the other side promptly responded, and took the initiative to attack!

    The Xiantian¡¯s perceptivity was very strong, and he had already detected Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s action in that very instant. However, he didn¡¯t anticipate that, although he made this discovery, he couldn¡¯t react in time.

    The pretty-faced Xiantian was already using the fastest speed to intercept that palm, but the palm disregarded all of his counterattacks. Using every means to dodge, it still firmly struck his chest.

    Sizzle, sizzle¡ª

    After sounds of what seemed like burning and corrosion echoed out, the chest of that pretty-faced Xiantian emitted a stream of ck smoke. His clothing was corroded by toxins, and arge hole instantly dissolved. However, the corrosion didn¡¯t end with his clothing. That sizzling sound was the flesh of his chest rotting. A dense, ck qi spread from that ce, and in almost a few seconds, it had already proliferated in all directions. It was invading and contaminating his internal organs!

    The pretty-faced Xiantian¡¯s countenance was filled with incredulity: ¡°This is impossible! Who are you? You, you¡¯re also Xiantian ¡ª No! Even if you are Xiantian, how could you be able to... This kind of small ce...¡±

    The next moment, he couldn¡¯t speak at all. His lips presented a ckish-purple color; they trembled uncontrobly, but couldn¡¯t make a sound. His legs turned limp and he fell to the ground. His shivering fingers took out a medicinal pill from his sleeve and forced it into his mouth.

    What was this poison? He didn¡¯t want to die! Ah, he didn¡¯t want to die!

    ¡ª As for obstructing and insulting Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo?

    He already didn¡¯t have the energy and ability.

    Tianheng leisurely walked forward. His long legs strode ahead and stepped over the body of this Xiantian.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Revenge was swift! This guy thought he could humiliate them to crawl under his crotch? His big brother immediately made him experience this feeling.

    However, this wasn¡¯t important. Gu Zuo quietly asked: ¡°Big brother, is he going to die?¡±

    Tianheng answered without any concern: ¡°He won¡¯t die for the time being. But if he doesn¡¯t take the antidote within four hours, I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°Then... Big brother, do you have the antidote?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng also paused. Shortly after, he smiled: ¡°Nope.¡±

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    Even his big brother didn¡¯t have the antidote. Wasn¡¯t this just saying that he was screwed? Still, the act of emphasizing four hours or not...

    Tianheng patted his head: ¡°Since it¡¯s poison that I¡¯ve given, it can naturally be extracted. It might not necessarily require an antidote. But if it¡¯s only extracted, there¡¯ll certainly be many illness left behind.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded: ¡°What big brother says is true.¡±

    So there was a simple and rough solution to the problem... He understood.

    Enemies didn¡¯t need to be pitied.

    Who made him look for his own abuse?

    Previously, the spectating martial artists saw the Xiantian making things difficult for the two and thought that it was going to be a show of using one¡¯s strength to bully the weak. They didn¡¯t expect that while there was someone who¡¯d dominate the other, the perpetrator was reversed.

    In the blink of an eye, they realized that those people of the weaker party had discovered that something was wrong here and came over to find the venue! The situation that was originally determined now seemed to have a new development?

    At this moment, numerous martial artists couldn¡¯t help getting closer.

    Without that Xiantian guarding the entrance here, they should be able to get closer, right? So long as they didn¡¯t rashly barge in, they could get some proper insights while taking care of their small lives? Additionally, these Xiantians were really young...

    After exchanging a few words, the two smoothly walked into the Beast Taming Field. Unlike the crowds of people outside, the Beast Taming Field wasparatively spacious and empty. Only, the present scene made Gu Zuo¡¯s recently waning anger reignite all of a sudden!

    Between the two groups of people, Gongyi Tianyin was being oppressed by a Xiantian stage one. Although Tianyin¡¯s willpower was resolute and he hardly retreated, Tianyin often dodged and needed to roll on the ground. He cut a sorry figure to escape the other¡¯s clutches. This attitude was seriously like a cat ying with a mouse.

    The Xiantian martial artist didn¡¯t seem to be in a rush to win, and just watched Tianyin struggle in this way. On the contrary, he would ¡°stay his hand¡± from time to time. His goal was only to prolong his own amusement.

    There was a fierce struggle within Tianyin¡¯s eyes.

    Tianyin also saw that he himself was far from his opponent¡¯s match. If it wasn¡¯t for the previous few days of experience, he might¡¯ve not even had the opportunity to be toyed with as a ¡°mouse¡±! He wanted to admit defeat, but it was hard for him to said it out loud. Also, if he conceded, then another child of the Gongyi n would be subjected to this ¡ª Rather than having one more person suffer humiliation, it was better for him to bear it alone!

    Merely, this kind of disgrace... Even though he understood the reasoning, he still felt it was embarrassing and hard to endure.

    For now, he was only sustained by a streak of determination.

    To the side, Gongyi Tianyang and the others all understood why Tianyin persisted on like this. In their hearts, they wanted to have Tianyin concede. Even though it¡¯d be suffering a loss, they couldn¡¯t ce it on him alone! But before they even spoke, they saw Tianyin¡¯s expression. His lips opened and closed, mouthing words that prevented them from acting blindly without thinking.

    However, although it was like this, the hearts of Tianyang and the others were like they were being tormented in a deep fryer. It was hard to bear it. They understood even more clearly that the opponent¡¯s strength was too powerful. Even if they all worked together, they absolutely wouldn¡¯t be his match! Rather than beingpletely controlled, it was better to save some strength. Once they shed all pretenses of cordiality, they could stall for more time and have more energy to resist...

    The Gongyi n was the number one aristocratic family of the Cangyun Empire. The children of the n passed through many experiences and had many insights. However, they now knew that what they once considered tribtions basically weren¡¯t tribtions at all. If they survived this day, perhaps the things they¡¯d need to go through in the future would be even scarier than today¡¯s matter. The so-called challenging selection they¡¯d already done wasn¡¯t worth mentioningpared to the present conditions of their n brother undertaking this by himself... The numerous children watched with impassioned eyes.

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s anger surged, he quickly verified these people¡¯s strengths.

    Four men and two women. The numbers were far fewer than theirs, but when it came to strength, the six were all Xiantian! The Xiantian who was toying with Tianyin at the moment was a man. His y style caused those young men and women tough raucously. In particr was the surrounded young girl who was wearing a snow-white fox fur coat. Her appearance was as pretty as treasured pearls, but her muffledughter had an unspeakable mirth.

    This was the skin of a beauty, but the heart of a viper!

    Wasn¡¯t that Xiantian martial artist indulging Gongyi Tianyin and the other¡¯s thoughts to make her happy for a while? Tianyin rolling around and giving this shameful performance was the most enjoyable thing to them!

    Gu Zuo restrained himself and clenched his fists: ¡°Big brother, not one of those people can be let off! They¡¯re too much!¡±

    Originally, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face would always be faintly smiling. At this moment, that sliver of a smile suddenly became somewhat cold. His briefly nodded and spoke softly: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is right.¡±

    Following that, a gust of wind swept from Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    Gu Zuo used his psychic power to cover himself before mobilizing it. Before anyone had the time to discover anything, he promptly arrived next to Gongyi Tianyang. After that, he took out a porcin bottle. He poured out more than ten medicinal pills and said to him: ¡°Tianyang, one pill per person. Swallow them quickly!¡±

    Tianyang found that Gu Zuo had arrived beside him at some point in time. He felt joy in his heart, knowing that his family¡¯s eldest brother had must havee, too. Soon after, he listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words and reacted at once. With precise power, he scattered the numerous pills into the hands of all of his n members.

    Gu Zuo withdrew his psychic power, letting himself appear before the crowd of children.

    At this very moment, those children, whose lines of sight were originally on Tianyin and that Xiantian martial artist, suddenly realized that among that group of gawking scoundrels, someone was struck with great force and sent flying!

    Immediately following which, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s figure appeared in the blink of an eye. After that, he changed into a streak of blue shadows and shuttled between those Xiantians ¡ª The Xiantians also discovered that something was amiss. They promptly drew out their weapons, and used methods to entangle Tianheng.

    The long spear in Tianheng¡¯s palm swung out to and fro, confining those five Xiantians between the spear images!

    ¡°Who is it? If you have the ability, thene out and show yourself!¡±

    ¡°Where did this garbagee from? Let this young miss kill him!¡±

    ¡°Too hateful! Do you dare to fight fair and square?!¡±

    ¡°Mounting a sneak attack, you have no sense of shame!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t pay any attention to such hollering.

    For the most part, the five martial artists before him were Xiantian stage two and three. They could do anything they wanted in Hezui City, but to him, they really weren¡¯t considered enemies who were hard to deal with.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for their unknown origins, he would¡¯ve killed them immediately. Tianheng¡¯s fight would be finished within a minute.

    The arrogance of the mole crickets and ants simply didn¡¯t reach his ears.

    However, the fact that Tianheng didn¡¯t care didn¡¯t mean that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care.

    He promptly stated: ¡°A person with inferior skills would call it a sneak attack. Does your beetle-like strength even befit my big brother to use sneak attacks?¡±

    As he spoke, he didn¡¯t wait for their reply. He raised a hand and threw a medicinal pill. It directly struck the ground and made a banging noise.

    A faint, ck mist erupted and enveloped that group of Xiantians in an instant.

    Headed by that young girl wearing the fox fur coat, those people only felt like their backs were burdened with a huge boulder. The blood and true qi within their bodies also seemed to promptly freeze up. They felt ice-cold from head to toe, like they¡¯d almost be ice chunks ¡ª All of them toppled over,pletely stiff. They couldn¡¯t move anymore.

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°This is what you¡¯d call a sneak attack!¡±

    Tianheng put away his spear. He swiftly returned to Gu Zuo¡¯s side, and allowed Gu Zuo to stuff him with a pill. His expression was somewhat helpless: ¡°Was there any need to waste a Trick Pill meant for your own protection?¡±

    Gu Zuo still wasn¡¯t too satisfied: ¡°They wanted to scold big brother, so I just stopped them from opening their mouths!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s heart warmed slightly, and raised a hand to ruffle his hair: ¡°Many thanks for thinking of me, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart felt a bit morefortable.

    This type of Trick Pill used the methods for making the Bewildering Mist to refine a toxin that spread over a wide area. Anyone in range who was enveloped by the poison wouldn¡¯t be able to run away. Its effects were limited to Xiantian martial artists of the Qi Breathing Realm. The highest of that group was Qi Breathing stage three, so wasn¡¯t it just right to use it?

    This was also what they deserved!

    After putting down those Xiantians, Gu Zuo calmed down and felt that maybe his reaction just then was a little drastic? But when he thought about it, it was normal. If someone hurled abuses at his dad in the modern era, even if he didn¡¯t have his current abilities, he¡¯d still throw himself over and fight that person! The people here scolded his big brother, so the way he handled things was the same as hitting them. After this, he calmly walked over and gave Tianyin a helping hand.

    Everything happened so quickly that Tianyang and the others didn¡¯t react at first. When the people fell over, they hurried over and crowded around, helping Tianyin up. Soon after, they patted off the dust and tidied up his clothes. Everyone felt that they had let him down.

    One should know that Tianyin undertook all the insults by himself for the sake of the other children¡¯s dignity. It was really admirable, but it also made them feel both grateful and guilty.

    Gongyi Tianyin stood up. His temperament was different from what it was initially.

    Perhaps it was due to experiencing this tribtion. If it was said that he was previously a young, exuberant elite, his heroic spirit now had a trace of maturity. It was also steady and forbearing.

    He didn¡¯t show any moodiness in ming or rebuking others. On the contrary, he patted the dust off himself very naturally, and said: ¡°I¡¯m alright. Everyone doesn¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    Tianyang and the others looked at each other in dismay.

    How couldn¡¯t they worry...

    Gu Zuo gave Tianyin several porcin bottles: ¡°Take these. The red bottle has Rejuvenation Pills. Take a pill and it¡¯ll let your injuries recoverpletely.¡±

    Tianyin took it: ¡°Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng gave him a nce, and faintly nodded his head.

    Afterwards, the numerous Gongyi n children brought their wrathful lines of sight onto the group of people who were lying on the ground ¡ª Although there were two beautiful young girls among them, none of them had any tender or protective feelings.

    Gu Zuo looked at the young girl wearing the fox fur coat, who red as if her eyes would spit fire. He furrowed his brows and asked: ¡°Tianyang, just what happened here? Why did these people make trouble for you guys?¡±

    Without waiting for Tianyang to speak, Tianheng already said: ¡°It¡¯s probably because of the Armor-ted Rhinos.¡±

    Tianyang also hastily said: ¡°Yes, it¡¯s because of those Armor-ted Rhinos...¡±

    Following that, the other Gongyi n children began talking all at once. The matter was quickly made clear.

    Originally, when Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo went to get the Earthen Core me, Tianyang had led the Gongyi n children back to Hezui City.

    After entering the city, they naturally made a scene and received countless gazes. The children of the Gongyi n were used to having attention focused upon them, so they didn¡¯t feel it was unsuitable and just headed to Qingyuan Tavern. Many wild beasts in the city saw these Armor-ted Rhinos and shivered uncontrobly. In response, many martial artists approaching Xiantian all retreated to the sides with envy in their eyes. Under this situation, the numerous children were truly high-spirited. On top of that, everyone felt they¡¯d made big improvements from the experience and their moods were entirely free from worry.

    Yet, just when they stopped in front of a restaurant, they knocked directly into this group of Xiantians.

    The affair was just as Tianheng said. The group of Xiantians nced at those Armor-ted Rhinos, which hadn¡¯t been pulled to the back to be settled down, especially that grade six wild rhino. This made that young girl wearing the fox fur coat to blurt out that she wanted to capture them.

    It went without saying that a group of wild rhinos that were grade four and above could normally run rampant without any obstructions. But because they encountered a stronger group, both sides confronted each other.

    Merely, the mounts Gongyi Tianyang and the others rode were all grade four wild beasts. Only the grade six wild rhino could truly restrict the Xiantian stage three martial artists among the opposition. However, the grade six wild beast hadn¡¯t been tamed by the children, so it would onlye to help when they were in danger.

    After that, the other party made a proposal, strong-arming them into apetition. If they lost, they would have to hand over these wild rhinos. If they won, the other party wouldn¡¯t look for trouble any longer.

    If the children didn¡¯t agree to their conditions, the other party would fight without holding back. And if the children agreed, the children could first contend for a while before finding an opportunity to escape. Tianyang and the others didn¡¯t have any choice. They were unwilling to enter a life and death struggle with these people so soon, so they were forced to begrudgingly agree.

    The following matters were just as Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng witnessed.

    That group of Xiantians casually pointed to a person, who happened to be Gongyi Tianyin, to take the field, and the farce began. This seemed to be for the sake of shaming the children and entertaining the other group.

    The entire affair was simple to mention, but it was that young girl with the fox fur coat and the several Xiantians who coveted the wild rhinos who caused this quarrel ¡ª If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo and Tianheng rushing back in time, these people would¡¯ve finished ying around. They¡¯d have seized the wild rhinos by force and silenced the children!

    Gu Zuo finished listening and he had nothing to say.

    Originally, Gu Zuo and Tianheng thought things wouldn¡¯t go wrong. If it were Xiantians of the Cangyun Empire, or even the other empires of the Tianwu Continent, they¡¯d most likely give face after seeing so many Gongyi n members and making some discreet inquiries. And if there weren¡¯t any Xiantians or the numbers were low, the many wild rhinos would be enough of a deterrent. But these Xiantians had acted like this. Not only was this rted to their greed, but there was certainly a big problem with their identities!

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo looked to Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ask and we shall know.¡±

    After that, he waved his sleeve. Those martial artists who were still crowding around the Beast Taming Field¡¯srge gate, who wanted to enter but didn¡¯t dare to go in, who were somewhat scared but were reluctant to leave, all involuntarily recoiled.

    It was easy for a Xiantian¡¯s power to expel these Houtian martial artists. And after those martial artists were shocked by the various methods Tianheng and Gu Zuo used previously, they didn¡¯t dare spout nonsense now. When they found that they weren¡¯t allowed to continue watching, they hurriedly withdrew and left.

    After a short period of time, not a single martial artist remained outside.

    Gu Zuo saw that the people werepletely gone, and somewhat unwillingly came to the side of those four men and two women who¡¯d copsed. He looked for a Detoxification Pill and crumbled it between his fingers. Then he scattered it onto those people¡¯s bodies.

    These Xiantian martial artists felt better very quickly. Although they still couldn¡¯t move, their mouths could speak.

    But what no one could¡¯ve expected was that, the moment the young girl with the fox fur coat could speak, she was already swearing up a storm: ¡°An inferior continent¡¯s garbage dares to treat this young miss like this?! Young miss must y you all alive to vent the hatred in my heart!¡±

    After she spoke these words, the other few people¡¯s faces uniformly changed color.

    The other young girl hastily warned in a low voice: ¡°Young miss...¡±

    The young girl in the fox fur coat sternly shouted: ¡°Shut up!¡± She turned back to Gu Zuo and berated, ¡°Garbage, give this young miss the antidote quickly! If you don¡¯t, young miss will have you die a horrible death!¡±

    Gu Zuo simply didn¡¯t expect that there¡¯d be a person who could speak so freely under these circumstances.

    Generally speaking, such an arrogant person was either raised as a moron, or confident in their backing and felt that their identity was sufficient to make everyone refrain from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vase. No one dared to treat her like this.

    Gu Zuo felt that she should be the sort who had a backing. However, no matter how much backing one had, a person with such a foul mouth when under someone else¡¯s auspices was probably a person who didn¡¯t care about finding trouble.

    As a result, he took out another medicinal pill and directly shot it between the young girl¡¯s cherry-red lips.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch165 - Cut the Weeds and Eliminate the Roots

    <h4>Chapter Ch165 - Cut the Weeds and Eliminate the Roots</h4>

    In the blink of an eye, the voice of that young girl wearing the fox fur coat fell mute once again. Her lips opened and closed, but not one word was uttered. Her facial expression contorted like her mouth was full of verbal abuses. It was a pity that no one could hear it.

    Gradually, she discovered that no one paid attention to her, and angrily shut her mouth. Merely, the feelings of resentment in those eyes were still like poisoned arrows that shot at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo: Haha, who¡¯s afraid of her? This poisonous woman!

    Actually, he still had a type of practical joke Trick Pill that could instantly disfigure a person. Based on his heart, he almost popped out this Trick Pill. But when he thought about it, this was a woman in the end. He didn¡¯t know her specific identity, so he hadn¡¯t done anything that would¡¯ve led to the use of a breathing tube. However, if she hadn¡¯t been muted and continued to hurl abuses, he might¡¯vemitted the ¡°mistake¡± of a major criminal. So, he made that move just now.

    Since the young girl wearing the fox fur coat couldn¡¯t bemunicated with, Gu Zuo ignored her. His gaze fell upon the other bodies of the few male and female Xiantians.

    The other people¡¯s lines of sight turned away somewhat. They were all unwilling to meet his gaze.

    ¡ª Also, they were all captives right now. In addition, they weren¡¯t like that young girl who didn¡¯t realize her own situation. Naturally, their frames of mind were numerous and disorderly. They were unwilling to be the first bird in the flock to be shot down.

    Gu Zuo was unconcerned with those thoughts. He just asked: ¡°Who are all of you? What did youe here to do in the Cangyun Empire?¡±

    The few men and women were unresponsive.

    Gu Zuo was a little upset: ¡°Those who don¡¯t speak will be fed medicinal poison!¡±

    The few men and women were still unresponsive.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He felt that he probably wasn¡¯t too suited in extorting confessions. After considering things for a bit, would it really be worthwhile to stuff a pill of medicinal poison into each person¡¯s mouth?

    After Gongyi Tianheng restrained himself from smiling for a while, he walked next to Gu Zuo. He ced both hands on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders and said catingly: ¡°There¡¯s no need to waste more medicinal poison, is there? So long as we don¡¯t give them the antidote, they¡¯ll naturally turn into a puddle of pus and blood in a short period of time. As for their identities, there¡¯s no need to worry. Not much time will pass, and then we¡¯ll just leave. Also, no one recognizes these people, so dying here doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo tilted his head to look at him. It really didn¡¯t matter? After that, he reacted very quickly. This was his big brother swindling them!

    Tianheng smiled: Although this is to deceive them, if they really aren¡¯t willing to talk, then they¡¯ll be taken care of this way.

    Gu Zuo nodded: Big brother¡¯s always right.

    Following this, the whole group stopped talking.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s gesturing, Tianyang went outside the gate to carry in another poisoned body belonging to a Xiantian martial artist. He was thrown to the ground with the other few people.

    Hence, there were five men and two women. They allid limply upon the ground, and they all had the same darkplexions. Most of all was the one who was poisoned the earliest. Hisplexion was pitch-ck and it was like his entire body was enshrouded in ayer of ck qi. His appearance was very frightening. More qi was going out than in, so it probably wouldn¡¯t take much longer for him to die right in front of the others!

    There was a quiet scene in the Beast Taming Field. There were only those people who gasped for breath more and more urgently.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face. The wrath in Tianyang and the others¡¯ eyes gradually turned to tion. Gu Zuo observed the reactions of the Trick Pill¡¯s toxicity on living bodies ¡ª Trick Pills and Poison Pills weren¡¯t subdivided. Poison Pills were very strange and Trick Pills often had poisonous characteristics. Once the two werebined, the results were worth looking forward to.

    But it was also because Tianheng and the other¡¯s responses were indifferent and strange that the atmosphere was so silent. In the beginning, those seven Xiantian martial artists could endure it, but as time went on, the faster they felt their own lives slipping away and the greater the feelings of dread produced.

    This made them...start to tremble all over. It was unbearable.

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng asked Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, we¡¯ve already waited for some time. How much longer till they turn into pus and blood?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and replied in a serious manner: ¡°A bit less than an hour more. If big brother doesn¡¯t want to keep waiting, I can just scatter some poisonous powder on them. That¡¯ll finish the job very quickly.¡±

    Tianheng seemed to think it over before nodding his head: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then...¡±

    At this moment, without waiting for him to finish speaking, that young girl wearing the fox fur coat seemed to have gathered some strength to frantically jostle the young girl in the pink skirt next to her. Looking at the shape of her mouth, it should¡¯ve been a prompt to reveal her identity. The pink-skirted girl was urgently shoved, but she didn¡¯t have any strength. She opened her mouth and her face was distraught. The fox-furred girl¡¯s pampered features were deathly pale, and she glowered at the other male martial artists. Her lips rapidly opened and closed. It seemed if she could gather a bit more strength, she would¡¯ve immediately thrown herself over.

    This was probably because the one whose real identity was the highest among these people was the fox-furred girl. When she was disinclined, the others could only stubbornly hold on. After she was inclined, they were also unwilling to take the initiative to speak ¡ª Because the person who talked first wouldn¡¯t necessarily win the favor of that fox-furred girl, and there was a high probability that she would instead take her anger out on that person afterwards.

    Yet, if the fox-furred girl was already this furious and no one spoke up, perhaps they would all bear her grudge. In the end, a male Xiantian couldn¡¯t stop his mouth from opening: ¡°We, we¡¯re members of Qingyun Sect...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng paused: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Another Xiantian martial artist hurriedly said: ¡°You guys actually know about Qingyun Sect?!¡±

    Originally, they hadn¡¯t spoken at all because of a very big reason. They were worried that basically no one here would know about the Sect ¡ª After all, the Cangyun Empire was a very small nation in their eyes. Those here who could enter the Sect could be counted on one¡¯s fingers. The citizens of an ordinary country wouldn¡¯t know about those secrets. If it was like that, even if they dered their identities to threaten others, what was the use?

    But it was different now. The other party knew about the Sect, so there was leeway for negotiations!

    Following that, several Xiantians unexpectedly strove to outdo the others:

    ¡°Since this Senior Brother knows about Qingyun Sect, would you be a fellow disciple? We are all people of the Inner Sect, so it¡¯s inappropriate for us to massacre one another in this ce.¡±

    ¡°Senior Sect Brother, Junior Sect Sister Qianqian has manyrades in the Inner Sect. If anything happens to her, then Senior Sect Brother¡¯s life in the Inner Sect certainly won¡¯t run smoothly. Please, won¡¯t Senior Sect Brother reconsider?¡±

    ¡°No discord, no concord! We haven¡¯t caused any permanent consequences! Senior Sect Brother, please show us leniency!¡±

    ¡°If we had known earlier that this was Senior Sect Brother¡¯s family, we certainly wouldn¡¯t have behaved that way. We hope Senior Sect Brother will forgive us. We¡¯ll certainly remember Senior Sect Brother¡¯s friendship!¡±

    ¡°Junior Sect Sister Qianqian¡¯s elder brothers have an enormous reputation in the Inner Sect. Senior Sect Brother, please don¡¯t make things worse for yourself... As for us, so long as Senior Sect Brother lets us off, we certainly won¡¯t forget Senior Sect Brother¡¯s favor!¡±

    These people mored over one another as they begged for forgiveness. Some words still had some threatening intent. They wasted many thoughts in order to save their own small lives.

    That fox-furred girl raised her head. Her expression was intimidating and arrogant. In particr, when those Xiantians mentioned her elder brothers, her eyes flickered with malice.

    Gu Zuo watched all this, and flicked a pill of the antidote over.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    As expected, she still didn¡¯t understand the whole situation ¡ª However, hearing her mention the identities of those two elder brothers, he understood where her confidence came from.

    He asked: ¡°You think I¡¯ll believe whatever you say? What are your elder brothers¡¯ names?¡±

    The fox-furred girl said with immense satisfaction: ¡°He Chengwu and He Chenghong. You guys should¡¯ve heard of them!¡±

    After he finished listening to these words, Gu Zuo¡¯s first reactive thought was actually... He Chengfeng.

    He still remembered that during the Hundred Countries Tournament, his big brother was going to quietly hand over first ce to He Chengfeng to avoid antagonizing anyone. After that, however, He Chengfeng acted maliciously and was given a hidden injury. Currently, it had been a long time since entering the Sect. They hadn¡¯t made any discreet inquiries about the whereabouts of He Chengfeng who entered the Inner Sect first. Now it seemed that they had made contact with people of the Qingcang Empire instead?

    This was to say, the name of this fox-furred girl should¡¯ve been He Qianqian, a descendant of the He n. And the He n was the Qingcang Empire¡¯s number one aristocratic family. If one were to discuss status, it should be simr to the Gongyi n in the Cangyun Empire. Also, the He n had been connected by marriage to the Qingcang Empire¡¯s Royal Family for many years. If nothing unexpected happened, He Qianqian, with the backing of two genius elder brothers in the Inner Sect, would¡¯ve been betrothed as a wife to the most outstanding Inner Sect child of the Qingcang Empire¡¯s Royal Family.

    If it was like this, He Qianqian would¡¯ve grown up with a childhood where the stars cupped themselves around the moon. On the contrary, being raised to have this arrogant and despotic moral integrity wasn¡¯t strange at all.

    Gu Zuo was unsure, and looked to Gongyi Tianheng to wait for his big brother¡¯s decision.

    Presently, He Qianqian¡¯s identity had beenid out before them. In the end, what was the best way to deal with these people?

    In response, Tianheng inly stated: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Since we¡¯re all fellow disciples, it would also be unsuitable for me to bicker with the young miss. Ah Zuo, give them the antidote and have them leave quickly.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his mind paused. However, he still obediently acted ording to Tianheng¡¯s words, and immediately threw a bottle into the hands of the Xiantian stage three martial artist whose strength was the highest and who endured the longest.

    That Xiantian stage three martial artist swiftly swallowed the medicinal pill. After that, he gave the antidote to He Qianqian first. Next were the rest of the Xiantians. It didn¡¯t take long for them to return to normal. Only, because of the previous poisoning and loss of qi and blood, they seemed somewhat weak right now.

    He Qianqian thought that Gongyi Tianheng and the others were scared of her, and her face was full of arrogance. She brandished a whip in her hand at them, leaned halfway onto the pink-skirted girl, and left the Beast Taming Field.

    The seven didn¡¯t dare to tarry any longer here, and rapidly faded from the view of Tianheng¡¯s group.

    Once their figures couldn¡¯t be seen anymore, Gu Zuo asked with some puzzlement: ¡°Big brother, are we really going to let them go just like this?¡±

    He felt that this didn¡¯t seem like his big brother¡¯s style...

    Tianheng grinned: ¡°Ah Zuo, discharge your psychic power and have a look at their reactions. Listen if they still have anything to say.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    Just as he said, how could his big brother make such a hasty decision?!

    Tianyang and the others definitely didn¡¯t understand what the two were talking about, but they understood that this matter wasn¡¯t over. As for Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s decision, they only nced at each other, but no one objected.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo had quickly extended his psychic power, closely following that He Qianqian all the way ahead.

    Tianheng waved to Tianyang and several others: ¡°You guys lead over the Armor-ted Rhinos. We should leave this ce.¡±

    Tianyang and the others heard this, and naturallyplied with the order.

    As for Gu Zuo, the actions of He Qianqian¡¯s group of people had already beenpletely ¡°seen¡± by his psychic power.

    He Qianqian had an arm to support her as she went out. She detected that her body was still unwell and her heart was in low spirits. She lifted the whip in her hand and aimed at the surrounding martial artists who still hadn¡¯t dispersed. She ruthlesslyshed them several times until she saw bloody crosshatches on those martial artists¡¯ bodies. Then, she leisurely sighed with a bit of satisfaction.

    After that, her mouth was filled with filthy curses: ¡°Garbage! Garbage, garbage! They dare to treat young miss like this?! After going back, I must tell eldest brother and second brother! I¡¯ll put them to death! Garbage! Absolute garbage!¡±

    After cursing like this for a while, He Qianqian still wasn¡¯t satisfied: ¡°After you guys return, find out those people¡¯s identities and let me know.¡±

    As she spoke, she clenched her fingernails to vent her anger.

    The pink-skirted girl didn¡¯t dare speak up. She lowered her head and endured He Qianqian¡¯s use of great force, which left scratches on her arm.

    The other few Xiantian martial artists saw the pink-skirted girl¡¯s bitter experience. Although they also felt some pity in their hearts, they didn¡¯t show it ¡ª The pink-skirted girl was called Hong Yi. Originally, she was a maid the He n had selected. Because her aptitudes weren¡¯t bad, she had always served He Qianqian. Let alone being scratched a few times, being beaten down was amon urrence. If she had asked He Qianqian for some leniency now, she would instead have been beaten even more ruthlessly.

    A male Xiantian heard He Qianqian¡¯s words, and said with a bit of ttery: ¡°Junior Sect Sister Qianqian, rest assured. We¡¯ll certainly find those people¡¯s identities and gather up some manpower to catch them. Then, Young Miss Qianqian can vent her anger as she wishes.¡±

    An additional Xiantian also said: ¡°Precisely, precisely. With the two Senior Sect Brothers He supporting Junior Sect Sister Qianqian, what do a couple insignificant Inner Sect disciples amount to? They dared to disrespect Junior Sect Sister Qianqian, so they must be dismembered by horses!¡±

    Following that, another two Xiantians ttered:

    ¡°Right, y their skin and dig out their hearts!¡±

    ¡°Dismember by horses!¡±

    ¡°Carve them up, piece by piece, and feed them to wild beasts!¡±

    ¡°When that momentes, those Armor-ted Rhinos that they captured will all be minced and cooked for Young Miss Qianqian to enjoy. Those things dared to not bow down to Young Miss Qianqian¡¯s jade-like feet...¡±

    When he ¡°witnessed¡± everything here, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was almost stretched to the breaking point.

    These Xiantians were too...disgusting!

    For proper martial artists who could achieve Xiantian, shouldn¡¯t they be the type whose willpower was rather valiant? How could they bend and scrape at the knee before He Qianqian like flea-ridden dogs?

    It simply left one stupefied.

    Watching up to here, Gu Zuo originally felt that this was enough. However, his psychic power hadn¡¯t reached its maximum range. He thought it over, and tolerated his loathing as he continued to observe.

    At this time, there was a Xiantian stage three martial artist who opened his mouth with some hesitation on his face: ¡°Young Miss Qianqian, I think this is just a misunderstanding. Since all of us are fellow disciples, the other side let us go. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just...forget about this matter?¡±

    He Qianqian was in a bad mood. She flicked her wrist tosh her whip: ¡°What did you say? Are you disobeying me? I¡¯ll tell my older brothers to properly teach you a lesson!¡±

    That Xiantian stage three martial artist leaned his head to avoid the majority of it, but this left the side of his face with a mark. After that, he exined: ¡°Absolutely not... It¡¯s just that I feel that those two aren¡¯t simple, and that we¡¯d better not antagonize them...¡±

    Once he said that, there were the sounds of an additional threeshings.

    The other few Xiantians also ridiculed:

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve been scared out of your wits. Those two people were only relying on the might of the medicinal poison. If we¡¯re talking about true strength, how could they be our opponents?¡±

    ¡°Even if they had a little skill, could they handle the two Senior Sect Brothers He? Don¡¯t make meugh!¡±

    ¡°They insulted us just now, so how can we let them get away with it?!¡±

    ¡°One should know that Young Miss Qianqian¡¯s face can¡¯t be tread upon so casually...¡±

    All of a sudden, everyone was on the attack.

    Without any other choice, the Xiantian stage three martial artist could only shut his mouth.

    In his mind, heughed bitterly. The two Senior Sect Brothers He were indeed very powerful, but he felt that the fellow Junior Sect Brother who wore that sapphire, brocade robe was deep and immeasurable. He simply wasn¡¯t a target who could be casually dealt with. Originally, both sides didn¡¯t have any big losses, and stopping at this point wasn¡¯t a problem. However, He Qianqian wasn¡¯t willing to give up, so the ensuing matters would be hard to predict... This left him with serious worries that couldn¡¯t be dispelled.

    Gu Zuo finished ¡°watching¡± and nodded his head.

    Contrary to his expectations, there was someone who had realized. Only, it was a pity that this person didn¡¯t realize enough.

    The remaining people were still ttering He Qianqian exhratingly. It wasn¡¯t known how many poisonous ns and methods wereing out of their mouths, but it was all for the purpose of handling Gongyi Tianheng and the others. Moreover, they seemed topletelyck any feelings of repentance, and didn¡¯t have any genuine intentions of seeking peace. Ultimately, the Xiantians all wanted to put them to death.

    Gradually, these people left the maximum range of his psychic power¡¯s envelopment. Gu Zuo recalled his psychic power, and then reyed everything he saw and heard to Tianheng in his mind.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of cold intent: ¡°Sure enough, a dog can¡¯t stop itself from eating shit.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Listening to such vulgaritiesing from the mouth of a noble young master like his big brother, he felt it was a bit novel.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes faintly drooped: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then we¡¯ll cut the weeds and eliminate the roots!¡±

    Gu Zuo quivered, and quickly said: ¡°Yes, big brother!¡±

    The direction those people used to exit the city had been clearly seen by Gu Zuo. Gongyi Tianyang and the others also made the proper preparations. A group of people immediately left the Beast Taming Field and went towards that direction.

    Using Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power to manage the distance between each other, they kept to the rear, neither too far nor too close. Waiting until after those people left the city and reached a ce with no signs of human habitation, Gu Zuo made a hand signal.

    Gongyi Tianheng gave an order at once: ¡°Pursue at full speed!¡±

    Tianyang and the others all said: ¡°As youmand!¡±

    Immediately following which, gale-force winds screeched past on both sides. Gu Zuo tightly clung to Tianheng¡¯s arm to point everyone in the right direction.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the figures in front to appear within their lines of sight.

    He Qianqian was pampered and finicky. During the whole journey, she used carriage within an inter-spatial tool, and the carriage¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t fast. When the sounds of this many Armor-ted Rhinos galloping closer echoed out, there definitely wasn¡¯t enough time to react.

    The Xiantian stage three martial artist who previously had a bad premonition suddenly shivered. He secretly thought: Not good!

    He promptly wanted to escape this ce.

    But since he was under watch, how could it be so simple to escape? Let alone the people who were closing in on them from behind, there were people ahead. He himself was being obstructed in his spot by another Xiantian stage three martial artist.

    The others also frically startled:

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s them? Why have theye again?¡±

    ¡°Are, are they going the same way?¡±

    ¡°While they shouldn¡¯t dare to do anything, let¡¯s make way!¡±

    He Qianqian said with a sharp voice: ¡°Why should we make way for them? We¡¯ll go first!¡±

    The worries in the previous Xiantian stage three martial artist¡¯s heart grew thicker and thicker. He really wanted to block up He Qianqian¡¯s mouth ¡ª No matter the asion, she¡¯d still be hollering! He didn¡¯t believe that they were going the same way!

    Although, what he really hoped for was that they were only going to same way...

    As those people talked, the grade six wild rhino leading the herd of grade four wild rhinos, which was carrying their master, was getting closer. The wild rhinos¡¯ hooves continuously moved, and He Qianqian¡¯s group was already encircled. Their way out was tightly sealed off.

    Although He Qianqian was bossy and brainless, she could see that something was wrong. Her voice suddenly sharpened: ¡°What are you guys up to? I am the daughter of the He n¡¯s main branch! Are you guys trying to revolt?!¡±

    The other people¡¯splexions turned unsightly. They spoke one after another: ¡°We¡¯ve already settled things with this Senior Sect Brother. Such actions now are somewhat unwee.¡±

    Gu Zuo deadpanned: ¡°Originally, for the sake of being fellow disciples, big brother had already decided not to bother about the affair just then. But we¡¯re aware of what you guys have been thinking.¡± His face was expressionless, ¡°If you¡¯re all alive, you¡¯ll certainly find us to make trouble. But if you¡¯re all dead, perhaps there won¡¯t be any trouble to speak of.¡±

    Several Xiantians suddenly realized that things were far from good.

    Ah, that was wrong. They had obviously travelled very far. Even if they really hadn¡¯t intended on letting these people off, how did these people discover them? It was too strange... Yet, in the end, they were still guilty. Even though there were several people who held their tongues, their eyes wandered, allowing a person to tell that something was amiss.

    At this moment, these people still wanted to quibble: ¡°Why are you charging us under false pretenses? This Junior Sect Brother must have a misunderstanding!¡±

    There was even He Qianqian. Although her eyes still flickered with a malicious light, her mouth said with difficulty: ¡°This young miss has already resolved this matter. What are you guys still upset about?¡±

    However, Gongyi Tianheng still didn¡¯t say anything.

    Just when one of the Xiantians suddenly sprung up and to attack Tianheng first, Tianheng had already dodged it. A fist punched through the Xiantian¡¯s chest, pummeling him into a meat patty!

    The Xiantians were dumbstruck. They never anticipated that a Xiantian stage two martial artist wouldn¡¯tst a single move under Tianheng¡¯s hands. It was clear that this guy was also just a Xiantian stage two martial artist. Why was the discrepancy between their strengths so huge?!

    Immediately following that, dense panic arose in their hearts. Previously, their mouths flowed with rhetoric. They blew their own horns, believing that Gongyi Tianheng was only someone who held a slight advantage with the medicinal poison. Now, they were silenced by their fear. They didn¡¯t dare speak a single word.

    Escape!

    Flee, flee, flee! They needed to run away quickly!

    Right now, let alone ttering and ingratiating themselves to He Qianqian, they were only thinking about saving their own small lives. Even if it was that Xiantian stage three martial artist who fawned over He Qianqian, he wouldn¡¯t dare to openly confront Tianheng. Because he understood that, although he was a bit stronger than a Xiantian stage two martial artist, killing an opponent with a single punch was absolutely impossible for him.

    And the one who ran the fastest was naturally that Xiantian stage three martial artist who had long foreseen the danger.

    Only ¡ª Could he escape?

    Gu Zuo patted the grade six wild rhino he rode upon, which swiftly blocked the Xiantian stage three martial artist. The remaining grade four wild rhinos grouped up in twos and threes. At this moment, the Gongyi n children, who had restrained their bellies full of hate in the Beast Taming Field, were invigorated. They formed a blockade, busying several Xiantian martial artists so they couldn¡¯t get away.

    Tianheng seemed to have turned into a few streaks of oppressive shadow. With a long spear grasped in his hand, he flew to the first person he picked in the blink of an eye. Spear images criss-crossed, swiftly obstructing the fleeing Xiantian. Although these Xiantians intended to soar away to evade the numerous wild rhinos and find a way out, Tianheng could also fly in the sky. He was simrly capable of immediately intercepting them!

    Only a few moments had passed, and quite a few of the Xianians had all been executed. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s spearpoint changed directions, heading directly towards that He Qianqian.

    The emotions in He Qianqian¡¯s eyes was severe. Unexpectedly, during this time of imminent peril, she immediately dragged over the pink-skirted Hong Yi to block her front!

    Hong Yi let out a blood-curdling scream. The young flower withered away.

    Without waiting for He Qianqian to throw aside Hong Yi¡¯s corpse and get a breather, Tianheng, whose movements were still unhurried, swung his arm. The spear in his hand suddenly barreled forward. Next, it pierced through Hong Yi¡¯s position and, likewise, skewered He Qianqian who hadn¡¯t run far!

    He Qianqian¡¯s eyes widened. She never thought that she would¡¯ve died in this ce. Merely, no matter her reluctance or unwillingness, her brief and loathsome life still came to an end.

    She was unequivocally dead.

    The two women were already dead. Thest one remaining was only a Xiantian stage three martial artist.

    He had been constantly dodging, doing his best to get far away from Gongyi Tianheng. Only, he¡¯d gotten entangled in a battle with some wild rhinos, which was how he could¡¯ve survived up until now. But now that everyone was dead, it was finally his turn.

    Tianheng turned his body and suddenly appeared in front of him. Following which, his spear moved and the position of that spearpoint was already advancing towards the Xiantian stage three martial artist¡¯s neck to pierce it ¡ª

    The martial artist abruptly ducked, and shouted in a loud voice: ¡°I beg you! I beg you! No matter what, please leave me my small life! Senior Sect Brother, please have mercy!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was unmoved and still attacked incessantly.

    The martial artist didn¡¯t retaliate, and only did his best to dodge. He was battered and exhausted: ¡°I tried persuading them earlier! I have no intention of making Senior Sect Brother my enemy! I¡¯m willing to serve Senior Sect Brother! I¡¯ll do anything, no matter what! I, I only met them on the road by chance... I¡¯m basically a passersby¡ª¡±

    Originally, it was only because of this encounter that he wanted to give a good impression to the He n brothers. He didn¡¯t think that they¡¯d step on a hard piece of stubble while treading over people in a small country. This luck was too terrible! Unfortunately, when he discovered something was wrong and tried to persuade them, no one listened to him, which led to their deaths.

    Even his guts turned ck with regret...

    When he heard these words, that spearpoint came to a halt in front of the martial artist¡¯s neck. Its strong winds sliced a thin, bloody line, but it didn¡¯t really injure his vital point.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s palms were very stable and the spearpoint was very steady. He looked at that martial artist, and raised an eyebrow: ¡°But you know all about this matter. Only a dead person can keep secrets.¡±

    That martial artist¡¯s heart panicked, but his mind turned quickly. He promptly said: ¡°I can go spy on the He n brothers for Senior Sect Brother. If they have any movements, I can tell Senior Sect Brother. If they make any unexpected discoveries, I can also disclose information for Senior Sect Brother. I¡¯ll even cover for Senior Sect Brother! Originally, I¡¯ve already had lots of contacts with their forces, and I¡¯m always being tested to ept their invitation. This time around, I went out adventuring to look for a final ¡°invitation gift¡±. I also followed He Qianqian in order to ask her to put in a good word for me. Once I return, I can rely on a treasure to be the He n brothers¡¯ subordinate. At that time, I¡¯ll be very useful!¡±

    In the wake of the martial artist¡¯s words, Tianheng¡¯s expression slightly moved, like there was a feeling that he was convinced. But he immediately said, somewhat vexingly: ¡°If you¡¯re deceiving me here, the result is that you¡¯ll inform the He n brothers after returning and sell me out. What then?¡±

    The martial artist said decisively: ¡°I can consume a slow-acting poison, and I can also receive any methods of control! I only...want to survive. I don¡¯t want to be buried alongside He Qianqian!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch166 - Submission

    <h4>Chapter Ch166 - Submission</h4>

    His voice reverberated in all directions.

    Gongyi Tianyang and the others heard this, and their moods wereplicated.

    This kind of Xiantian stage three, a Qingyun Inner Sect disciple whose strength far surpassed theirs, pitifully wagged his tail and strived to save his own life... But often times, while it was easy to die, it was extremely hard to endure, survive, and n a follow-up. This person, who had such self-awareness and saw things so clearly, sought a path to survival so quickly. For a short while, it unexpectedly made one uncertain whether they should disdain or admire him.

    Gongyi Tianheng nced at him fixedly: ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    The martial artist saw that there was some hope, and quickly replied: ¡°Bai Qingyi.¡±

    Tianheng waved his hand: ¡°Tianyang, you guys move back a bit.¡±

    Tianyang eyed the surrounding people, and ordered the other children to pull back with him, leaving a lot of space. At such a distance, their ears wouldn¡¯t haven been able to hear the dialogue up ahead. After that, they turned around and didn¡¯t watch Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s actions.

    Gu Zuo asked, somewhat astonished: ¡°Big brother, what are we going to do?¡±

    Were they going to feed him poison or make him recite the Oath of the Heavenly Law?

    Gongyi Tianheng murmured: ¡°Drug ve Brand.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled.

    At this time, he recalled that he learned such a method long ago.

    From his point of view, <<Drug ve Brand>> was basically a specialized method used to harm others. But if it was put another way, it was also a method that was exceptionally good at maintaining secrecy. Because pharmacists often had many secrets and few had the strength to protect themselves, the majority needed followers and bodyguards. And because followers weren¡¯t necessarily loyal, they also couldn¡¯t ess the pharmacist¡¯s deepest secrets. In that case, if one wanted a subordinate who could provide help as well as defend, what should be done? This was where <<Drug ve Brand>> entered the scene.

    After studying this branding method, a pharmacist could condense their own psychic power into an imprint. Once it was seared it into a martial artist¡¯s unrestricted Tianfu Acupoint, it would be branded onto the other party¡¯s soul. From that point on, the pharmacist would be able to clearly see every one of the person¡¯s thoughts. Even the tiniest, crooked thought couldn¡¯t be hidden from the pharmacist¡¯s awareness.

    Merely, the effects of this type of branding method were too strong, and the target that could be controlled could only be, at most, three realms above one¡¯s own. If the realm was higher, even if the target didn¡¯t resist at all, the Drug ve Brand would only be able to persist for a short duration. It wouldn¡¯t be able to be a permanent imprint. If the realm was too distant, the target basically wouldn¡¯t receive the Drug ve Brand¡¯s control. Ultimately, the oue would be either a failure or, more importantly, there would be a possibility of a bacsh!

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it.

    Under the present situation, it seemed that using the <<Drug ve Brand>> really was the most suitable choice.

    After thinking things through, Gu Zuo looked at that Bai Qingyi and said to him: ¡°If you want to live, you must receive my Drug ve Brand. From this point on, you¡¯ll be like my ve. If I permit you to live, you¡¯ll live. If I permit you to die, you¡¯ll die. I¡¯ll know all of your thoughts. It¡¯ll also bepletely impossible to hide any of your actions from me... I know many martial artists who¡¯d rather die than be willing to ept this kind of treatment. Are you willing?¡±

    Bai Qingyi¡¯splexion shifted, and his eyes shed with an intense struggle.

    At first, he thought that he¡¯d be controlled with medicinal poison at most, but he could¡¯ve never thought that this would be the oue. If every single one of his thoughts were all grasped in the other¡¯s hands from now on, then what was the fun in living?

    However, he was still unwilling to die just like this. He had very strong ambitions, and there was someone he also wanted to protect. How could he be willing to die for a woman who was like a poisonous scorpion?

    Gu Zuo watched him waver, thinking about the cause of his entanglement. Gu Zuo felt that he¡¯d better give the guy something to set his mind at ease: ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me snooping around your thoughts at all times. I have my hands full refining medicine every day, so how can I have that much leisure time? So long as your mind doesn¡¯t move towards malicious thoughts against me and big brother, I naturally won¡¯t find you to make trouble. Once you stir up any evil thoughts, I will naturally be aware of them.¡±

    Bai Qingyi wavered even more fiercely.

    If it was only like this... He closed his eyes, and then he unhesitatingly turned around and got down on one knee: ¡°This Bai is willing to receive the Drug ve Brand. From this moment on, I offer you my loyalty!¡±

    Gu Zuo just smiled. He looked to Gongyi Tianheng, with an inquiring intent.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, you also don¡¯t have to be overly courteous.¡± Waiting for Bai Qingyi to get up, his smiling expression became profound, ¡°You¡¯re very intelligent and very insightful. This is the reason why I spared you. It¡¯s just that, no matter how intelligent or insightful you are, if you have the audacity to scheme against us like before with those people, I won¡¯t spare your life as I¡¯m doing right now.¡±

    Bai Qingyi was drenched in a cold-sweat: ¡°Yes, this Bai understands.¡±

    Gu Zuo also opened his mouth to ask: ¡°I¡¯m very curious. Why were you this quick to ept our demands?¡±

    Bai Qingyi forced a smile: ¡°Not epting meant death. If I epted... I won¡¯t hide it from master. This Bai might¡¯ve had some experience, but I¡¯ve never heard of a method like this Drug ve Brand. It¡¯s clear that master must have many things hidden away. Also, this Senior Sect Brother¡¯s presence is extraordinary, and within equal realms, his strength is even more powerful than I could imagine. If this Bai follows with all his heart, it won¡¯t necessarily be impossible to obtain the future prospects he desires. Thus, this Bai is willing to give it a try.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly.

    Sure enough, this guy was really insightful and intelligent. Perhaps, after returning this time, he could really seed in acting as the proper spy. As such, this equated to nting a mole beside the He n brothers. Whether disclosing or scouting information, it would be very useful.

    After that, Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces. Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded. Then, Gu Zuo said to Bai Qingyi: ¡°Then, you mustn¡¯t resist.¡±

    Bai Qingyi resigned himself: ¡°Certainly.¡±

    Following that, Gu Zuo entered a meditative state. The psychic power in his Tianfu Acupoint instantly boiled out. At first, it seemed rather gtinous, but under the maniptions of the branding seal, it swiftly condensed to form an exquisite mark. As this mark became more and more distinct, the pressure on it also increased. Gu Zuo¡¯s mind tensed somewhat and the space between his eyebrows heated up... Finally, a wisp of brightness burst forth from that ce and calmly floated in front.

    Bai Qingyi had already made his preparations, but when he saw that Drug ve Brand genuinely taking shape before him, his heartstrings still couldn¡¯t help stretching taut.

    Once this Drug ve Brand entered his body, all his freedoms would be controlled by another person!

    Yet, such matters had already reached this point.

    Bai Qingyi wasn¡¯t stupid enough to try anything funny at this time. He merely steeled himself and unwaveringly stared at that Drug ve Brand. However, the true qi within his body was steady and his defenses against his surroundings were dropped. Everything was just like before.

    The next moment, the Drug ve Brand rushed out. In an instant, it sank into the space between Bai Qingyi¡¯s eyebrows, and entered his Tianfu Acupoint!

    Bai Qingyi only felt that there was something in his mind. Then, his consciousness seemed to be linked by a slender thread. The thread¡¯s other end was connected to the body of that teenaged pharmacist. He could sense something prying into his innermost being. His everything wasid bare before that thing; not the slightest bit could be concealed. He even sensed that if he dared to entertain any thoughts with the slightest harm against the other party, the other side could strip him of his life with a thought!

    This was also the first time Gu Zuo had refined a drug ve, and his mind felt slightly new and odd. However, he actually didn¡¯t have any intentions of discussing this matter in Bai Qingyi¡¯s presence. Rather, he told Tianheng about his own perceptions within his consciousness.

    En. In fact, it was as he imagined beforehand. He was able topletely control Bai Qingyi. Regardless of what the other party was thinking, so long as he had the intention of prying, all of those thoughts would be heard by him. Moreover, within a certain range, he could transmit his ownmands into the other person¡¯s mind.

    Not to mention, Gu Zuo thought that the function of this ¡°private chat¡± was very interesting. He couldn¡¯t help wanting to give it a try. After informing Tianheng, he ¡°spoke¡±: Bai Qingyi, can you hear my words?

    Bai Qingyi was startled, and looked at Gu Zuo with a strange expression. He hesitatingly said: ¡°...Master was talking to me just now?¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: It¡¯s me.

    Bai Qingyi¡¯s eyes widened. He hesitated for a bit, then thought in his mind: Master is talking to me?

    Gu Zuo praised him a little, and replied again: Yes, it¡¯s me.

    Bai Qingyi ascertained his own guess. This time, he was truly astonished.

    He never anticipated that this new master had such an ability! But he thought it over and promptly understood the advantages this ability could bring them ¡ª Like this, his safety in acting as a spy was many times higher!

    In this moment, he suddenly realized that he didn¡¯t need to pass the test of time. He was certain that following this master and that Senior Sect Brother wasn¡¯t the wrong thing to do...

    After experimenting, Gu Zuo asked Tianheng again: ¡°Big brother, did you hear anything just now?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°Not once.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s joy suddenly decreased by a point: ¡°Ah, this is...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to mind. This ability stems from Ah Zuo, so Ah Zuo naturally acts as the medium. If I have anymands to give this Bai Qingyi, Ah Zuo can also pass it along on my behalf. It¡¯s only somewhat inconvenient. Compared to those who don¡¯t have this ability, we¡¯re already much more powerful.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and was no longer dispirited.

    Perhaps when his psychic power got stronger, he could change the ¡°private chat¡± to a ¡°group chat¡±?

    Gongyi Tianheng ruffled his hair: ¡°The top priority right now is for Gu Zuo to do lots of tests with this ability. Previously, if we were transmitting thoughts, there could only be a thousand meters between us. The transmission limits between Ah Zuo and that Bai Qingyi needs to be quickly figured out.¡±

    Gu Zuo obediently nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll pay attention to this.¡±

    The matter was resolved. Bai Qingyi didn¡¯t dare to disobey these two people. Currently, in order to convey his own loyalty, he¡¯d already taken the initiative to go sort out the corpses of that He Qianqian and the others.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng raised his voice: ¡°Tianyang,e here and lend a hand.¡±

    Tianyang heard this, and promptly patted the wild rhino¡¯s head. He turned around and spurred the beast over. The remaining Gongyi n children caught up one after another. Even Gongyi Mingxia jumped down and walked over to those corpses.

    Because Tianheng used his martial power to kill them, the corpses were all intact. When handling them, there wasn¡¯t any need to bury them or anything of the sort. Rather, the corpses, carriage, and other things were all heaped into a pile.

    After this was finished, Gu Zuo walked in front of the pile and poured out some kind of fluid, which spilled onto the surfaces of those corpses.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyebrows twitched.

    This liquid...

    Soon after, he walked over and stood next to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo smiled at him, his expression somewhat mysterious.

    Tianheng watched as Gu Zuo took out a fire stone to ignite the corpses. Immediately following which, a line of fire gushed out of his palm and rapidly mixed with the corpses¡¯ mes!

    That¡¯s right. That fluid wasn¡¯t some special medicinal liquid, but the beast oil that Gu Zuo usually made for the purpose of refining medicinal cuisines. It was true that it could help the intensity of the fire, but it was impossible to use it to directly set fire to those Xiantian corpses. Gu Zuo only did this to conceal the fact that he could control the Earthen Core me and that the Earthen Core me was used to cremate those corpses.

    Among the people here and now, Bai Qingyi knew many things, but he also wouldn¡¯t tell anyone. The remaining children knew few things, and had only watched the scene of Gu Zuo ying pretend.

    Under the power of the Earthen Core me, any evidence of these corpses was quickly burned to ashes. In the future, even if someone came over to investigate, it would be impossible to find any clues.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo put away the Earthen Core me.

    At this time, in front of everyone, not a single thing remained on the ground. It was exactly the same as before ¡ª What left everyone astonished was that some of the vegetation on the ground hadn¡¯t been disturbed by the intensity of the fire.

    Through the passage of time, people would pass through here and wild beasts would trample the ground. In this way, it would be even more impossible for someone to make any discoveries.

    After putting everything away, the group of people didn¡¯t linger here any longer.

    Gongyi Tianyang and the others didn¡¯t feel that Bai Qingyi¡¯s change in allegiance was strange. They also didn¡¯t have anyints about it. In any case, at that time, this person didn¡¯t be a ¡°culprit¡± who humiliated them. Their cousin had certainly grasped any of his usefulness long ago. They just needed to follow behind their cousin, and remain quiet and obedient.

    Merely, while they didn¡¯t have a trace of fear towards that fire just now, a fear even more profound than legends arose in their hearts towards the pharmacist crowd, this type of high-danger upation.

    After exiting the city, Bai Qingyi and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s group went their separate ways. What he had to do now wasn¡¯t to disy his devotions toward his new master, but to rush back to the Qingyun Sect as soon as possible. He needed to quickly join the forces of the He n brothers. If not, when the time of He Qianqian and the others¡¯ disappearance lengthened, which would raise suspicions in the He n brothers¡¯ hearts, it would be extremely difficult to infiltrate and act as a spy.

    Tianheng gave Bai Qingyi a Life Extension Pill.

    This pill was one that Gu Zuo refined with the Dual-Faced Flower a long time ago. At that time, he made twelve low grade Life Extension Pills, four mid grade pills, and two high grade pills. Among the twelve low grade pills Gu Zuo handed over to Tianheng to handle, each pill could extend a lifespan by as many as eighty years.

    At this moment, the one that Tianheng gave Bai Qingyi was naturally a low grade pill.

    However, after getting this low grade Life Extension Pill, Bai Qingyi would have another bargaining chip to swiftly enter the He n brothers¡¯ core circle.

    Bai Qingyi was immensely grateful, and his heart was strongly affected.

    At the same time, his loyalty towards Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng gradually became more sincere.

    Thus, his spirits were raised when he thought about acting as a spy.

    When they returned to the Gongyi n, the numerous children were travel-worn. However, the growth of each person made the n members sigh ruefully.

    During this adventure, the three people who performed the best had already been determined. They were Gongyi Tianyin, Gongyi Tianhe, and Gongyi Tianxiao. If, at first, they behaved simrly, after going through the matter of He Qianqian¡¯s quarrel, Tianyin appeared even steadier.

    The n Head Gongyi Yan saw these outstanding and exuberant children, and his heart was full of praise. The first thing he did wasn¡¯t to ask about their achievements. Rather, he immediately ushered them in and set up a feast to wee them back.

    Of course, the people who coulde this time were the same batch of people who were brought into the core thest time.

    After drinking and feasting, Tianheng stood up and proimed: ¡°Tianyin, Tianhe, and Tianxiao. You three will follow me back to the Qingyun Sect.¡±

    Soon after, three handsome teenagers got up from their seats. In front of the numerous children, they saluted deeply: ¡°We understand. We won¡¯t disappoint Senior Brother!¡±

    When the three cements were meted out, the branch elders and n members of the three children were wild with joy. Although Tianheng had once said that more children would be brought along in the future, everyone knew that, under the circumstances of equivalent ages, the earlier they went the better. And once a person¡¯s age exceeded a certain limit, it was inevitable to choose someone who was younger. A person who was somewhat older would thus miss this opportunity ¡ª Currently, the three chosen people were all about the same age as Gongyi Tianyang. Sixteen to seventeen year olds were the best to teach. After entering the Sect, with Tianheng giving pointers and providing shelter, their future prospects were worth looking forward to!

    Gongyi Yan was also very happy.

    His son, Gongyi Tianheng, was the Gongyi n¡¯s stroke of luck.

    Now that more children were embarking upon the path of even stronger martial arts, he was iparably proud of his eldest son, who had set this matter into motion! So long as his eldest son was around, his future children would all have brilliant prospects!

    Having a son was like this. He seriously wanted to drink for three days and three nights to express his carefree heart!

    After Tianheng encouraged the remaining n members with a few words, he cast out three tokens in front of the numerous children. These tokens were proof of a nominal disciple¡¯s identity. With these in hand, Tianyin and the others were considered to have an official position within the Sect.

    Soon after, Tianyang and Mingxia also obtained a token in front of everyone. They looked at the token in their hands and loved them too much to put them down. Many Gongyi n members also got closer to take a look. For a time, everyone was harmonious and extremely happy.

    Gu Zuo watched this scene, and his eyes held a bit of envy and his heart unavoidably had a trace of sadness.

    He thought about his family far off in another world. He thought about how he didn¡¯t know when he could return. He thought about how he¡¯d miss his big brother here when he returned. His state of mind was suddenlyplicated and depressed.

    All of a sudden, a pair of tiny arms hugged Gu Zuo¡¯s thigh. He lowered his head to look and discovered there was a plump four year old... Wasn¡¯t this his big brother¡¯s younger sibling, Gongyi Tianteng?

    The little guy was very chubby, but likely to keep an expressionless face. That type of solemn expression seemed extremely cute. And his treatment of Gu Zuo had always been very intimate.

    With such a squishy thing close by, Gu Zuo¡¯s previous mood was immediately cleaned out. He couldn¡¯t help reaching out to carry Tianteng. After feeling the weight in his embrace, his mood improved even more.

    ¡°Tianteng?¡± He reached out a hand to rub Tianteng¡¯s cheeks, ¡°Why did youe?¡±

    Gongyi Tianteng lifted his small face, his chin stretched taut: ¡°Big Bro Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s little teenaged heart melted some more: ¡°Tianteng found me. What¡¯s up?¡±

    Tianteng pouted: ¡°I missed Big Bro Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo was somewhat amazed.

    He remembered that he hadn¡¯t had too many interactions with this child... However, he was still very happy to have obtained the little guy¡¯s fondness. As a result, he just smiled and imitated Tianheng¡¯s normal appearance, ruffling Tianteng¡¯s hair.

    Gongyi Tianteng still had a nk face, but he didn¡¯t avoid Gu Zuo¡¯s groping hand. His eyes also faintly shined.

    Off to the side, Tianheng saw this, and the smile in his eyes deepened.

    His little pharmacist and Tianteng got along rather well. Tianteng also liked Ah Zuo quite a lot. This, naturally, couldn¡¯t have been better. Also, when Ah Zuo previously heard about the matter of Tianteng¡¯s body tempering, he wanted to look for an even better medicinal pill to help Tianteng set a sturdy foundation.

    Gu Zuo and Tianteng were kindred spirits.

    Once upon a time, Gu Zuo treated Gongyi Tianheng rather reverently. When facing Tianteng, even though he felt the other was very cute, he didn¡¯t dare act presumptuously and was very cautious and solemn. But it was different now. Gu Zuo already viewed Tianteng as a close rtive. It wasn¡¯t just a case of fondness by association. He looked upon Tianteng with an even gentler attitude of the heart, and experienced the other¡¯s closeness.

    As a result, Gu Zuo adored Gongyi Tianteng very much, and got used to stuffing a small bottle into his hands.

    ¡ª Of course, the bottle didn¡¯t contain the Tiger¡¯s Roar Pill Decoction. Rather, it was a little something that he refined; a Trick Pill that could be used for self-protection. Its use was very simple. One only needed to spend a bit of strength to throw it on the ground. After that, it would burst forth with a plume of smoke like a hand grenade, which was capable of causing martial artists at the Xiantian Realm and below to lose their abilities to resist.

    Originally, this thing was really useless to Gu Zuo. However, if it was given to Tianteng, then it would be a different story ¡ª It happened to suit his age, and using it wasn¡¯t troublesome. And this type of medicinal pill, which was ced within the Trick Pills, had an even stranger point. Its antidote was on its outer shell!

    In other words, once Tianteng used a hand to extract a Trick Pill and toss it out, the instant his fingers touched the Trick Pill, it would be the equivalent of taking the antidote. After he threw out the Trick Pill, it wouldpletely deal with the enemy.

    To Gongyi Tianteng, this really couldn¡¯t have been more secure. It also couldn¡¯t have been a more suitable ¡°ything¡±. And with Tianteng¡¯s training, after Gu Zuo clearly exined the Trick Pill¡¯s marvels, he certainly wouldn¡¯t misuse it.

    Sure enough, Tianteng was very happy. He grabbed that small bottle and fiddled with it. His tender face showed a faint, red glow: ¡°Thank you, Big Bro Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought he was very cute, and couldn¡¯t help slipping him several more bottles. They contained top grade Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills. Although they were useless to the current Tianteng, they were very good for him to reward others or to exchange for other things.

    At this point, Gu Zuo had found that he¡¯ll give medicinal pills to whoever he had good feelings towards... Speaking of which, this habit was formed while tending to Gongyi Tianheng. As a pharmacist, this also didn¡¯t seem bad? In any case, medicinal pills, these things, were always urgently needed. It also wasn¡¯t something that a martial artist would decline...

    On this side, Gu Zuo carried Tianteng and didn¡¯t feel listless as before. When he took another look at the harmonious scene of the Gongyi n¡¯s people, the expression in his eyes carried some warmth.

    No matter what was said, while his arrival into this world was abrupt, his luck was pretty good after all.

    He watched the side of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face...

    En, it should be said that his luck was very good.

    Being able to meet such a big brother.

    After Gu Zuo set aside the Tiger¡¯s Roar Pill Decoction and the other medicinal pills refined for the Gongyi n, he went to give pointers to the numerous pharmacists raised by the n. Naturally, he also gained many favorable impressions throughout the n.

    Only, reaching this point in time, their matters were almostpletely finished.

    Because their purpose for returning was already achieved, Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t prepared to linger within the household for too long. Once everything was settled, he led Dragon Three to Dragon Seven, who¡¯d taken the Xiantian Pill and had already advanced to Xiantian. He also brought along Tianyang, Mingxia, and the others, and departed Cangyun City.

    At the same time, that grade six Armor-ted Rhino was given by Tianheng as a present to his own father, Gongyi Yan since the Gongyi n already had a beast to guard the n ¡ª It was only just below the grade seven Cirrus-Cloud Eagle possessed by the Royal Family.

    Gongyi Yan, Liu Suyan, Gongyi Zhuoyue, and several others bade them farewell outside the city. Their hearts were extremely reluctant to part with them. Most of all were the n Head husband and wife. Currently, the only one remaining beside them was the youngest child. Their other sons and daughter went to struggle on the journey along their own martial paths. It was hard to voice the worries in their hearts.

    Tianheng understood the moods of his numerous rtives. He faced them and paid his respects. Soon after, he had Gu Zuo release the flying boat from his storage space, and jumped aboard.

    This boat was simple and crude. It could amodate only a few people, but the dozen or so people at the scene could all smoothly enter.

    Tianyang and the others had never seen such a peculiar flying boat, and were very inquisitive. They also especially looked forward to that Qingyun Sect.

    Yet, after the flying boat rose into the sky, these still-curious, youthful martial artists all suffered hardships. Their scalps were blown by the piercing cold, their hair was practically stered to their faces, it was difficult to breathe, and their cheeks were all blown stiff. Those appearances truly cut sorry figures.

    Mingxia sat next to Gu Zuo. The surrounding winds were mostly blocked by Gu Zuo using his small body. On the contrary, she wasn¡¯t as miserable as her n brothers.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng unhurriedly said: ¡°Spread your true qi over your bodies. It can be used to slightly obstruct the winds.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt the bitter press of the wind, and silently restrained his smile.

    So to say, his big brother¡¯s mischief sometimes wasn¡¯t only directed towards himself... This time, he was with Tianyang and this crowd of people. This was also considered sharing one¡¯s trials and tribtions.

    The flying boat travelled along its route quickly. After this, Tianheng sat between Mingxia and Gu Zuo. His hand gentlyid upon Mingxia¡¯s shoulder, while the other hand beckoned Gu Zuo to sit in front of him. With a detached embrace, he used his own true qi to protect the two.

    Originally, Gu Zuo was someone who could protect himself. Unfortunately, there were many people here, so it wasn¡¯t a good idea in the end.

    The flying boat flew very swiftly.

    Although Tianyang and the others got to experience the pain of being squeezed while passing through different continents along the way, there was also a feeling of being opened to a new world. As they travelled farther away, the ambient qi seemed to be a bit denser. For these teenagers, who were on their first trip to distantnds, this was another addition to the pile of marvels.

    Unwittingly, many days passed.

    Then, the Qingyun Continent¡¯s location was right before their eyes.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice came steadily: ¡°Tianyang, do you all understand what I exined before?¡±

    Tianyang replied: ¡°I understand.¡±

    Tianyin and the others¡¯ recollective abilities weren¡¯t bad. One after another, they expressed their own understanding.

    Immediately following which, the flying boat finally forced its way into the Qingyun Continent. In the blink of an eye, dense ambient qi sted them in the faces. It was as if an even more beautiful view with magnificent mountain ranges wereid bare before the unsophisticated eyes of the Gongyi n¡¯s group.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch167 - A Series of Unfortunate Encounters

    <h4>Chapter Ch167 - A Series of Unfortunate Encounters</h4>

    In an instant, all of the Gongyi n children couldn¡¯t help sitting cross-legged and start cultivating.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t stop them, and just watched his fellow n siblings operate their cultivation methods. In a short period of time, their faces all presented veryfortable looks.

    Not muchter, these children remembered what they were doing, and restrained their greediness for the ambient qi. They opened their eyes one after another.

    At this moment, Tianhe said, shocked: ¡°The absorption speed of the ambient qi is five times faster than before!¡±

    Tianxiao also said: ¡°Wouldn¡¯t this mean that equally talented martial artists born here can practice martial arts five times faster than we can?¡±

    With his hands sped behind his back, Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°This ce is merely the countryside. If we reach the interior of the Sect, the ambient qi is ten times as dense as the Cangyun Empire!¡±

    Tianhe let out a cold breath.

    In addition, several people didn¡¯t speak, but they all showed shocked expressions.

    There was no need for doubt. The conditions here were far betterpared to the original Cangyun Empire! It was no wonder why so many martial artists bent over backwards to get into the Sect.

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°As a result, the reason why few of the Sect¡¯s disciples return is because the cultivation speed aftering back is practically the same as stagnating.¡±

    Reaching this point, Tianyang realized some things: ¡°The Immortal Realms who watch over the empire have already reached the end of their martial paths...¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly nodded his head.

    Tianheng spoke in a low voice: ¡°Correct. An Immortal Realm¡¯s lifespan is only five hundred years. If one thoroughly cultivates, even a single step further, one can live for a long time.¡±

    Unless it was someone who basically had no way to break through or there was some other cause that prevented them from doing so, would any martial artist be willing to renounce a ce that could let them break through faster?

    In a split second, the expressions of the Gongyi n children turned solemn.

    Tianheng said: ¡°In the Sect, you can¡¯t lower your guard. Nominal disciples have a low status. Although you can¡¯t be spineless, you also can¡¯t be excessively reckless. You guys have been handlings affairs within the n for a long time. Use the bnce within your hearts to judge what you think is for the best.¡±

    Tianyang took the lead to say: ¡°This younger brother understands!¡±

    Tianyin and several others became even more serious.

    Shortly after, Tianheng smiled: ¡°There¡¯s also no need to worry too much. The Sect has rules that are strict and impartial. A person who faces public decline will be a pretext for gossip, but inwardly raising one¡¯s carefulness will suffice.¡±

    The numerous Gongyi n children naturally voiced: ¡°Understood.¡±

    When the flying boat reached the Qingyun Continent, its flight speed slowed.

    Consequently, everyone could appreciate the continent¡¯s scenery.

    Whether the journeying martial artists or the wild beasts in the mountains, they all seemed more powerful than those in the Cangyun Empire. In particr, it was clear that the martial artists here were younger than the Cangyun Empire¡¯s martial artists who had the same realms.

    For instance, the Gongyi n children who were were sixteen to seventeen years old could have Meridian Condensing Realm strength. They were considered peak geniuses, and were only slightly inferior whenpared to the imperial capital¡¯s five great young masters. However, in the Qingyun Continent, this could only be considered an ordinary talent. Those whose aptitudes weren¡¯t bad and who worked rtively hard could all basically reach this stage.

    The longer they watched, the more speechless the Gongyi n¡¯s children became. Tremendous changes took ce in their ways of thinking.

    If before they were excited and longing, then there was now a type of dense pressure that prevented them from having the slightest bit of irreverence.

    Gradually, the flying boat approached the boundaries of the Qingyun Sect.

    There were extensive mountain ranges. Many Meridian Condensing martial artists did manualbor below, and countless Scarlet Blood Rice absorbed all sorts of resources. Everything to the eyes of Gongyi Tianyang and the others was shocking.

    After reaching this ce, Tianheng didn¡¯t urgently return to the Sect. Rather, he first put away the flying boat and guided everyone to Qingyun City to make some replenishments.

    Tianyang and several others saw this enormous city and eximed in astonishment.

    ¡ª Originally, they thought that Cangyun City was already huge, butpared to this gigantic city, it was like an ant to an elephant. It simply wasn¡¯t worth mentioning!

    Gongyi Tianheng showed his Inner Sect disciple token and was deferentially allowed in by the city guards. Within the city, if those ahead had clothing or tokens different from Outer Sect or nominal disciples, they withdrew to either side after discovering Tianheng.

    From this, the numerous children gained insights once more about the status of the Qingyun Sect, especially the status of Inner Sect disciples. Those who had the fires of ambition were reignited at this moment.

    Practice martial arts!

    Only those who had outstanding martial strength could obtain the proper status!

    The subsequent matters didn¡¯t need mentioning. Tianheng guided everyone to look at somemon sights in Qingyun City. He even took them to the ce where ves were sold, and told them to resolutely develop their knowledge pool. This also brought them even more pressure. Finally, they arrived at their true destination ¡ª A ready-made clothing store on North Street.

    Gu Zuo followed them in.

    On recalling what had just happened, he felt it was a bit strange.

    Previously, he felt that his time ¡°gaining knowledge and experience¡± while following his dear big brother was already enough to shatter his three world-views. However, this time, he discovered that his big brother had brought his fellow n members to immediately bear provoking acts without the least bit of preparation. He felt that his big brother treated him...tenderly enough.

    To be honest, Gu Zuo felt that he was already very capable of adapting to this world. Sometimes when doing certain matters, he felt it was very normal at the time. However, when he looked back, he found that this waspletely different from the education he received in the modern era ¡ª It could be said that he had undergone some changes from the inside out.

    In this way, he could survive better. Only, he didn¡¯t know what he would be after going through more experiences... But no matter how he adapted, there were some things about him that would never change.

    Some scattered, distracting thoughts were produced. Gu Zuo walked to the front of a wall that zed with color. The things sold here were all women¡¯s clothing. When he thought about it, it would¡¯ve been fine if the others were all rough men, but Mingxia was a youngss. They couldn¡¯t make her wear the same gray clothes as them all the time, right? She needed to get more clothing.

    With these thoughts, Gu Zuo immediately spoke to the store¡¯s female attendant: ¡°Help me select twenty sets of dresses with different styles.¡±

    That female attendant didn¡¯t expect this young teenager to open his mouth and propose such a big business deal. She asked: ¡°These dresses are made of different materials, and have certain defensive capabilities. Each selling price varies from several hundred to several thousand gold. What specific requirements does this pharmacist have?¡±

    This was the same as euphemistically asking Gu Zuo if he had enough money.

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and his secret stash still had quite a bit. His own needs could all be pushed to his big brother. His stash was never used...

    He nodded: ¡°You choose. Just make sure they look good. As for the fitting...¡± He swept a nce to the other side at Gongyi Mingxia who was selecting the clothes for Tianyang and the others, ¡°ording to that young girl¡¯s size.¡±

    While he spoke, he directly took out a stack of golden banknotes and shed them.

    ¡°A hundred thirty thousand gold.¡± The female attendant¡¯s smile was beautiful, ¡°Please ept it.¡±

    Gu Zuo took out several golden banknotes and handed them over: ¡°Thank you very much.¡±

    Hence, this purchase waspleted.

    After that, Gu Zuo lifted the brocade pouch to the other side and patted Mingxia¡¯s shoulder.

    Gongyi Mingxia turned around: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit embarrassed: ¡°Since you call me big brother... This is for you.¡±

    Mingxia was a little surprised. She took the offered brocade pouch and looked inside. She found that there were extremely beautiful dresses. She used her hand to feel them, and those materials were exquisitely smooth and soft. They felt too good to put down.

    After thinking about it, Mingxia didn¡¯t decline. She only showed an adorable smile: ¡°Many thanks, Big Brother Ah Zuo!¡±

    Gu Zuo was also very happy: ¡°En.¡±

    Off to the side, Gongyi Tianheng watched every one of Gu Zuo¡¯s actions. He walked over and patted his head: ¡°Ah Zuo used up a lot of his personal stash. When we return, I¡¯ll pay you back.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up, and he hastily shook his head: ¡°No need, no need. This is what I¡¯m supposed to do!¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and said inly: ¡°In that case, as your big brother, I should also spend money on you.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a helpless expression.

    It was pocket change... But he also didn¡¯t refuse again.

    Just like Tianteng, Mingxia was also very cute. They were both Tianheng¡¯s younger siblings. As his big brother treated him well, he also wanted to treat them well.

    Shouldn¡¯t it be like this between family members?

    Tianheng could apparently see his way of thinking. His palm ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair again, and he didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Mingxia watched Tianheng and Gu Zuo, her eyes blinking.

    She had never seen her eldest brother act so warmly. However, she also felt that this was very good.

    Over yonder, the Gongyi n children had also finished purchasing the appropriate things. Gongyi Tianheng directly paid the money and led this string of people out of the clothing store.

    Following that, they found a ce to get a meal.

    Once they left, two people came out from a rear nook of the clothing store.

    The two were wearing gray clothes, their appearances were very ordinary, and their presence was very weak. If they walked down the main street, very few people would be able to take notice of them.

    At this time, they exchanged nces. They suddenly walked out and disappeared into the crowd.

    ¡°Was the stuff scattered?¡±

    ¡°Rest assured, the average pharmacist wouldn¡¯t be able to sense it.¡±

    ¡°We still need to be even more cautious for the next one.¡±

    ¡°This time around, us waiting for such a long time wasn¡¯t in vain...¡±

    They spoke to one another in this way, and it didn¡¯t fall into the ears of others. Moreover, the people of the clothing store turned a blind eye when they disappeared like nothing had happened.

    That female attendant, who made quite the profit from Gu Zuo, quietly asked the person next to her: ¡°Isn¡¯t there something wrong with those two people? Them showing up was very strange.¡±

    However, the person beside her strictly admonished: ¡°Don¡¯t meddle in other people¡¯s business. Apart from buying and selling, everything else has nothing to do with us. You must firmly bear this in mind!¡±

    The female attendant was overwhelmed with shock and was unable to speak.

    When they had their meals, Gongyi Tianyang and the others once again got to experience the good things to eat around the Sect as well as how much these things cost. Besides gasps of surprise, all that remained in their minds were feelings of urgency ¡ª Sure, they were following their eldest brother for now. But he couldn¡¯t always be paying for everything, right? A person needed to show some worth; otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to eat one good meal. What was to be done then?

    These aristocratic young masters, who never oncecked for anything, discovered the helplessness of having to work hard on their own for everything on this strange continent. Their hearts were filled with respect for Gongyi Tianheng, who was already making a living.

    After the meal, everyone walked down the street towards the city gate that led to the Sect.

    Getting out of the city went without a hitch. Following that, they travelled a bit over five kilometers to the mountain range where the Sect was located ¡ª For martial artists, this kind of distance wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.

    Yet, while it was originally a smooth and steady journey, an unforeseen event suddenly urred.

    It was like a bell suddenly rang in Gu Zuo¡¯s head. He blurted out: ¡°Be careful!¡±

    The one faster than him was Gongyi Tianheng, whose reactions to danger were very strong.

    At almost the same time that Gu Zuo opened his mouth, or perhaps a split second earlier, Tianheng had already swung his spear, directly stabbing at an overlooked area to the side!

    It was here that the streak of a person¡¯s shadow sudden appeared. His body techniques were iparably fast. The two daggers grasped in his hands had a sheen as if they¡¯d been dipped in poison. The jet-ck, icy dagger tips flickered out!

    This was an assassin!

    Someone hade to mount a sneak attack!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stuttered. At this moment, the things before his eyes were a blur. Five Xiantian stage one martial artists had already burst onto the scene, forming a protective circle around him, Tianyang, and the others. In each direction, there was someone who was facing outwards, doing their utmost in defending.

    Additionally, the facts proved that their defense was the correct choice. Because while that assassin was blocked by Tianheng, quite a few ck-clothed people came out to attack from behind the trees along the road. They also wore ck cloth masks. Apart from a pair of ruthless eyes, they covered themselvespletely.

    Dragon Three to Dragon Five swiftly reacted, and used their ever-ready weapons to engage in a back-and-forth fight with them. It was just that the weapons of their counterparts were clearly better than theirs. Although everyone seemed to be fighting to a draw, the damage to the weapons of Dragon Three and the others was severe.

    In the circle, Gu Zuo pulled Mingxia behind himself.

    At the same time, he made Tianyang and the others get closer to himself. Thispressed the circle and lightened the pressure on the Tianlong Guards.

    Gu Zuo carefully observed these ambushers.

    Their strength was mostly at Xiantian stage one and two. Only the person who was fighting Tianheng had the strength of Xiantian stage four. Under the premise that Tianheng¡¯s true strength was unknown, this kind of configuration could clearly wipe out Tianheng. Merely, because the other party didn¡¯t guess urately, they were dealt with as a butcher handled his cleaver.

    As such, a question arose.

    Who, in the end, was so sinister as to haveid in wait when they were halfway back to the Sect?

    Hidden enemies were too frightening. They needed to think carefully and ferret those people out!

    Gongyi Tianyang and several of the Gongyi n children also watched Gu Zuo¡¯s first reaction when danger arrived. Their hearts first had a moment of shock, but soon after, they were resolute and determined.

    A pharmacist without the power to defend himself was this valorous, so they also needed to summon up their courage and confront the enemy! At the very least, they definitely couldn¡¯t get in the way!

    ¡ª In actuality, they didn¡¯t realize that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t without the power to defend himself. Also, his courage really wasn¡¯t all that much...

    At any rate, Tianheng was dealing with that Xiantian stage four off to the side. Within a few seconds, his spear streaked across in a tricky arc, and tilted back into an upward sh. That assassin¡¯s chest was pierced through, killing him. After that, Tianheng turned around and came over. He killed the remaining three Xiantian assassins preupied by the Tianlong Guards one by one. His posture was confident and agile, like he¡¯d already achieved the best effects without using much strength.

    Tianyang and the other children looked at Tianheng, and the lively lights blooming in their eyes were very distinct:

    ¡°Big brother is very powerful!¡±

    ¡°He deserves to be called our cousin!¡±

    ¡°In the future, we must cultivate painstakingly if we want to be as skillful as our cousin!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faced them and gave a faint smile.

    Dragon Three, Dragon Four, and the others all swiftly advanced, tearing off the ck cloths from those corpses¡¯ faces. They rummaged through their bodies, looking for any kind of proof of identity.

    Perhaps these people were inexperienced or they thought that eradicating Tianheng¡¯s group was a foregone conclusion. Around their chests, there were indeed inter-spatial tools. After taking everything out, not only was there an ample supply of several million golden banknotes and medicinal pills, there were also weapons, Inner Sect disciple tokens, as well as some other inconsequential things.

    Tianheng looked at the identities of those tokens. Written on them were very unfamiliar names. With his memorization ability, he promptly discovered that these names weren¡¯t on the Earth Leaderboard nor famous Inner Sect disciples. But unfortunately, they came out to assassinate ¡ª They should¡¯ve been secretly relying on some people. Those instigators behind the scenes also inevitably had a certain status and identity.

    It was only that, in the end, it wasn¡¯t known who those people were.

    Gu Zuo pondered.

    He thought that, whether in the Inner or Outer Sect, he and his big brother had been very prudent about not starting feuds lightly with others. If they had offended anyone, it would¡¯ve only been Duanshui Hall. Merely, Duanshui Hall was fighting to the death with Mingyue Pavilion. How could they have gotten their hands free to plot against them?

    ¡ª Then, could it be that there was someone else?

    If one wanted to obtain the method they possessed for capturingrge quantities of wild beasts, such a simple and crude approach was obviously unsuitable.

    During this short time, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to figure it out.

    Tianheng muttered for a moment, and said: ¡°Dispose of the corpses.¡±

    Dragon Five and Dragon Six promptly acted as ordered. Their movements were very direct and efficient.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Has big brother thought of something?¡±

    Tianheng nodded, but then shook his head slightly: ¡°I have a bit of a guess, but that guess doesn¡¯t have a shred of evidence. There¡¯s just simple notions that there might be such a possibility. Thus, I can¡¯t be sure.¡±

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: ¡°...What is it?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was deep and low: ¡°Lu Jiusi.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s only based on how Ah Zuo described Lu Jiusi to me, and this matter doesn¡¯t really resemble his style. He had waited patiently beside Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu for all those years, so any movements shouldn¡¯t have been so clumsy.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s chest tightened: ¡°So, big brother¡¯s also unsure...¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°To put it briefly, it¡¯ll be fine if we¡¯re more careful with everything.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily nodded, expressing his understanding.

    In any case, when handling matters in the future, he¡¯d think things over seventeen or eighteen times before doing them! When he had some spare time, he¡¯d probe his surroundings with his psychic power...

    Once Dragon Five and Dragon Six finished taking care of the corpses, the group set aside this matter and continued heading forwards.

    Gongyi Tianheng ultimately left a word of warning: ¡°When going out in the future, before you all sessfully practice martial arts, don¡¯t go out alone. Form groups when traveling. Also, pay attention to keeping your guards up. It¡¯s still not a problem within the Sect, but when going outside of the Sect, the sect rules are useless. You all must improve your vignce.¡±

    When Tianyang and the others heard this, it was only natural that they solemnly agreed.

    Seeing so many things happen in a short period of time, they were also aware of the dangers of this continent.

    Gu Zuo silently sighed.

    After returning, it looked like he still needed to research many more Trick Pills. He also needed to capture some ferocious beasts and bring them back. The Armor-ted Rhinos that these Gongyi n children had basically tamed couldn¡¯t be brought along because the flying boat was narrow and small. The rhinos were all left in the n. Now was just the right time to make it up for them...

    Gongyi Tianheng led them to return the flying boat, and then rode back to his valley in the Inner Sect on a flying wild beast.

    The ves who were required to guard that ce, the pharmacists who¡¯d been researching things in the caves the whole time, as well as Dragon One, Dragon Two, and all the others came out to pay their respects.

    Because Tianyang and the others were people of the same n as Tianheng, the remaining subordinates Tianheng had newly recruited also treated them differently.

    When Tianyang and the other children saw Tianheng¡¯s team, they all gave face ¡ª They knew that in the Qingyun Sect, the number of times they¡¯d cooperate certainly wouldn¡¯t be low.

    After appearing, Tianheng ordered Dragon One and Dragon Two to take away the five remaining Tianlong Guards, assigning them to some affairs as well as exining the Sect¡¯s rules. Then, he called the Gongyi n children over to a spot under a tree. He exined a few matters to them: ¡°ording to the Sect rules, you all can live with me in this valley. You can also go to live on Labor Street in residences with other nominal disciples... Which choice will you guys make?¡±

    Several of the Gongyi n members furrowed their brows in deep thought.

    Very quickly, Tianyang was the first to open his mouth: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m going to Labor Street.¡±

    Almost at the same time, Tianyin also said: ¡°Labor Street.¡±

    Seeing these two making this choice, although Tianhe and Tianxiao didn¡¯t know their intentions, they also seemed to vaguely understand something and spoke in unison: ¡°Me too!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Tianyang, Tianyin, tell me why you¡¯d make this choice?¡±

    Gu Zuo also looked over curiously.

    Tianyang pulled a long face: ¡°If I hid in the valley, I¡¯ll naturally want for nothing and won¡¯t have to deal with too much work. But if this went on for a long time, I would only be able to rely on big brother¡¯s protection in the end, and it would be hard to help big brother with any difficulties.¡±

    Tianyin said: ¡°With our identities as the younger generation, only by bing Inner Sect disciples can we truly be of assistance to the n. A period of hardships can let us distinguish right from wrong, make connections, scout for information, and polish our aspirations.¡±

    Tianyang also said: ¡°In the valley, us aristocratic young masters would still be aristocratic young masters. Our adaptability would certainly be inferior to those who worked hard outside.¡±

    After that, Tianyin said: ¡°Limiting one¡¯s exposure to the wind and rain also isn¡¯t beneficial to practicing the path of martial arts.¡±

    This back and forth gradually rified the opinions within the hearts of Tianhe and Tianxiao. In a split second, they also felt that their previous thoughts of following Tianyang and Tianyin were correct.

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded: ¡°Very good. You guys are different from the Tianlong Guards. They are my death guards. Normally, they¡¯ll do many things in ordance to my orders. They are utterly loyal to me, and their entire futures are tied to me. But you guys are the Gongyi n¡¯s descendants. If you have the courage to work hard on your own, you mustn¡¯t think about the protection I, a single person, can provide. You all can rest easy! As n members, we keep watch and defend one another. With you all making such choices, my heart is greatly reassured.¡±

    Tianyang and the others heard this praise, and their hearts were joyous. Their faces also carried smiles.

    ¡ª In the end, they weren¡¯t old enough to prevent their emotions from showing. Getting the praise of the eldest brother they respected so deeply, how could they contain their tion?

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo saw this, and didn¡¯t feel that it was strange.

    This was the charisma of a winner in life... Even he, whose body possessed a system, had no way to resist this type of radiance. How could that youthful generation resist when they had grown up listening to his big brother¡¯s legendary deeds?

    In any case, the more of such people the better.

    At this moment, Gongyi Mingxia spoke up. Her voice was clear and her smile was bright and beautiful: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m going to live on Labor Street.¡±

    But when these words came out of her mouth, Tianheng didn¡¯t have enough time say anything before Gu Zuo beat him to it: ¡°Mingxia can¡¯t go!¡±

    Mingxia was stunned: ¡°W-why?¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at Tianheng, a little embarrassed.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened. He looked at Mingxia, and said: ¡°Little sister really shouldn¡¯t go.¡±

    Mingxia saw that both of these big brothers refused, and her heart was even more unconvinced.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Mingxia is young, and her strength is also insufficient. Additionally, Labor Street has almost no women living there. If you go, there¡¯s no doubt that it¡¯ll be very inappropriate.¡±

    Gu Zuo also thought this way: ¡°It¡¯s fine for Tianyang and the others. They might not be the strongest ones on Labor Street, but if they work together, they¡¯ll also have some power to defend themselves. Just as big brother said, although the Sect has many women who have extremely powerful skills, I also hope Mingxia can obtain the ability to walk the path of martial arts by herself. But now isn¡¯t the time. At the very least, you need to first practice some powerful martial skills and change your former cultivation method. Otherwise, you going to Labor Street will be the equivalent of amb entering the tiger¡¯s mouth...¡±

    Tianyang and a few others also said: ¡°What our elder brothers are saying is correct. Mingxia can¡¯t go!¡±

    Gongyi Mingxia was naturally somewhat dejected.

    However, she quickly realized that she had been too eager. Labor Street could temper her elder brothers, but to her, it really was the same as a dragon¡¯s pool or tiger¡¯s den. While she needed to train herself, she couldn¡¯t use the same tempering method that her brothers used. It wasn¡¯t necessary to prove oneself nor insist on taking action.

    As a result, Mingxia agreed: ¡°Okay. Then I¡¯ll stay in the valley.¡±

    Tianheng saw her ept this instruction, and his tone warmed somewhat: ¡°I¡¯ll teach you a few sets of martial skills. While you¡¯re in the valley, you¡¯ll train properly.¡±

    Mingxia immediately became happy: ¡°Yes, big brother!¡±

    The matter was resolved. Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was also put at ease. Once Mingxia had a certain amount of strength, it wouldn¡¯t be toote to have her go out adventuring. At that time, he believed that she could make progress in all aspects.

    After the proper affairs were made clear, these people were handed over to the patient Dragon One by the two people. As for Dragon Three and the other Tianlong Guards who were still receiving pointers, they worked under Dragon Two.

    Gongyi Tianheng led Gu Zuo off to the side. He wanted to discuss some matters.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Big brother, what is it?¡±

    Tianheng looked pensive: ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯ve been thinking that the attempted assassination before was still somewhat out of ce.¡±

    Gu Zuo recalled their analysis just then, and simrly felt that it was strange. But if one carefully thought about it, there wasn¡¯t any parts that were too fishy.

    Yet, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have the slightest intent on lowering his guard.

    His psychic power and his big brother¡¯s insight were both very strong.

    Since his big brother felt that something was fishy, then it must¡¯ve been the effects of his insight. Merely, no clues had been found. As for himself, his psychic power felt that there were hidden dangers. Of course, this also wasn¡¯t an illusion.

    Thus, there was certainly something that the two hadn¡¯t noticed.

    Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment, then said: ¡°Big brother, besides encountering the assassins, were there any other notable things that happened today?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch168 - Unraveling a Conspiracy

    <h4>Chapter Ch168 - Unraveling a Conspiracy</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng pondered.

    When they returned to the Qingyun Continent today, they hadn¡¯t once met anyone while on the flying boat. If there was anything nned, it could¡¯ve only been in Market Street. People came and went, and they¡¯d gone to many ces...

    After a moment passed, Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look at all of the clothes and items we¡¯ve purchased today. See if there was any tampering.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled: ¡°Big brother suspects that¡ª¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Since that person could block the road we were returning on, there¡¯s a possibility that information had been obtained earlier and we were secretly traced at Market Street. Just in case, we¡¯d better examine all the new things we obtained today.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Then I¡¯ll take a good look.¡±

    After the two made their decision, Gu Zuo first walked twops around Tianheng. Although, he felt that with his big brother¡¯s strength, there shouldn¡¯t have been any martial artists surpassing the Immortal Realm wandering nearby who could hide from him ¡ª Basically, Immortal Realms simply wouldn¡¯t do such a thing, but it was better that they were a bit more prudent.

    This matter didn¡¯t go beyond Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. There was nothing wrong on Tianheng¡¯s body.

    Following that, he would inspect the other things.

    Because it was arge-scale purchase paid by Tianheng, many resources were directly put away using Fangcun Cloths and were kept with Dragon Three and the others for safe keeping. It would¡¯ve been distributed after returning. At this moment, Gu Zuo called all the Tianlong Guards over, and had them take out those resources. At the same time, the clothes and other items kept by the Gongyi n children were also brought out.

    Everyone felt that this was very odd. At the time, they were still listening to Dragon One and Dragon Two¡¯s lectures, so how could they be gathered together after separating only a few moments ago?

    Tianheng didn¡¯t conceal anything from them, and told them about his and Gu Zuo¡¯s analysis.

    Everyone heard this, and their expressions changed.

    Tianyang was somewhat worried: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll quickly take out all the new things we got.¡±

    The others didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything.

    This inspection project could only be undertaken by Gu Zuo, who had the strongest psychic power and was the most sensitive toward medicaments. Because he carried a heavy responsibility, he didn¡¯t dare lower his guard. He simply crouched down in front of that pile of resources and spread his psychic power out. First, everything was wrapped up. Then, he separated a portion of new psychic power, and delicately searched and scrutinized each item.

    ¡°Nothing wrong with these...¡±

    ¡°These also don¡¯t have anything inappropriate...¡±

    ¡°These...also...¡±

    After all kinds of things were repeatedly verified, Gu Zuo finally inspected the clothing. And this time, his psychic power immediately discovered something fishy the moment it made contact ¡ª Obviously, there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with the clothing¡¯s materials, workmanship, and defensive capabilities. So why did it give a type of lousy feeling?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind paused.

    After that, he put aside the clothing in his hands and inspected several other articles of clothing... No good. There was also something strange. Unexpectedly, all of the clothes gave a faint, unsettling feeling!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help lifting his head and looking at his dear big brother.

    Tianheng inquired: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was a little grave: ¡°There¡¯s definitely a problem with these clothes.¡±

    Tianheng looked pensive: ¡°If it¡¯s the clothing... Ah Zuo can consider the aspects of ¡®pursuing¡¯ and ¡®harming¡¯. Let¡¯s see if you can identify anything.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Rest assured, big brother.¡±

    He didn¡¯t believe that a random person could hide from him when he had so many item books and was proficient in so many points of knowledge on the path of medicine refinement!

    In his mind, Gu Zuo quickly started searching through the things he knew.

    Generally speaking, even if the other party used some methods, it certainly wouldn¡¯t have exceeded the Human-Level category. Furthermore, it was most likely a medicament ¡ª If it was some other strange method, it would certainly need time to prepare. It wouldn¡¯t have been that easy to use with only the period of time they strolled through Market Street.

    The situation with the highest probability was that they encountered a scheme while in the ready-made clothing store. Merely, they didn¡¯t know whether the clothing store was the scheming person¡¯s property or the store was being treated as a screen.

    As Gu Zuo thought about things, the movements of his hands weren¡¯t slow. Not only was the psychic power condensed even more finely to cover the outer robe in his hand, he also used his nose to sniff it. He carefully distinguished the odors mixed with the original smell of the clothing, searching for differences.

    That group of scheming people didn¡¯t expect that an Inner Sect disciple who¡¯d just established himself would actually have an unusual figure like Gu Zuo. Not only did he quickly discover that there was a problem, but he really could identify it!

    After about fifteen minutes passed, Gu Zuo slowly exhaled.

    Gongyi Tianxiao couldn¡¯t hold himself back: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, did you find the problem?¡±

    Tianyang and the others all looked over with expectant gazes.

    Mingxia moved closer: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, please tell us about it?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng and found that he didn¡¯t make any move to stop them. He realized that this was to let those n siblings understand the malice in people¡¯s hearts andprehend the methods to defend against them.

    Hence, he nodded and exined: ¡°The person who made this is very crafty. The coating of medicinal powder contains two types: Spider Silk Powder and the Demon Frenzy Pill. The former should be a type of Trick Pill. When refining, so long as one adds spider silk, the grounded-up Trick Pill can be scattered onto another person¡¯s body. Using a live spider that spat out this silk, it will respond to the direction of the powder, and one can conduct a pursuit. The Spider Silk Powder¡¯s smell is very light. Practically no martial artists below the Immortal Realm would be able to detect it by scent.¡±

    Listening to these words left the Gongyi n children dumbstruck.

    Mingxia was deeply interested: ¡°Then, what about the other type?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled at her and continued to exin: ¡°The Demon Frenzy Pill is a type of Poison Pill. If given to a human, it can cause a person to go crazy and die. If given to a wild beast, it can also cause the beast to go crazy. In addition, this type of Demon Frenzy Pill has a very powerful allure to wild beasts. Once this type of medicinal pill is exposed, it will make the nearby wild beasts gather. But the peculiar thing is that if the Demon Frenzy Pill is ground into powder and scattered onto a person, the odor bes very light and undetectable.

    ¡°Only, in the wake of a martial artist¡¯s violent movements, once the body starts sweating, the Demon Frenzy Pill powder willbine with the sweat. The scent will be a faint, bloody stench ¡ª The martial artist may think it¡¯s the bloody odor of the wild beasts they slew, but it¡¯ll undoubtedly be an intense allure to other beasts.

    ¡°Thus, the Demon Frenzy Pill bes an exceptionally good thing for plotting against martial artists below the Immortal Realm. In most cases, a martial artist sprinkled with this powder won¡¯t leave behind a skeleton when they go out to adventure.¡± Speaking up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shed with a bit of difort, ¡°The vilest point is that when the Demon Frenzy Pill powder and Spider Silk Powder are set by themselves, the odors are faint, but can still be discovered by a careful pharmacist. But once these two are mixed together, the scents are somehow cancelled out, and evenmon pharmacists would be unable to detect it... Moreover, it would be hard for even Immortal Realm martial artists to discover! But it won¡¯t influence a wild beast¡¯s sense of smell. The methods of the person targeting us behind our backs are really too sinister!¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo being different from the average pharmacist, if he and Tianheng weren¡¯t extremely keen, this time¡¯s deadly trap might¡¯ve sessfully done them in.

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°The Spider Silk Powder can also be traced by them. Even if the destination doesn¡¯t have any wild beasts, it¡¯s equally possible to be tailed by them and killed secretly.¡±

    The faces of Tianyang and several others all showed furious expressions.

    Truly, too despicable!

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°This matter should be a double pitfall. The Spider Silk Powder and Demon Frenzy Pill is the true method used. On the contrary, the subsequent and straightforward assassination is to cover up the former.¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath: ¡°So to say, under normal circumstances, our energy would be focused on investigating the assassination after the attack. In particr, since that assassination was simple and crude, there would¡¯ve clearly been a problem. The more skeptical we are, the more focused we¡¯d be on researching and checking on this matter. It would¡¯ve been very easy to overlook the trick on the clothes.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°This matter may only be a single person¡¯s n, where a botched assassination and refined scheme are deliberately carried out at once. Although it¡¯s a one-person n, it¡¯s also possible that while those assassins were indeed reckless and stupid, this refined scheme is the hidden hand of the one who nned all this.¡±

    Tianyang and the others heard this, and only felt shaken to their cores.

    If it was the former, that person calcted very deeply! And if it was thetter... Not only did that person calcte deeply, but that person also found a scapegoat early on. Even if they were killed, it would be impossible to know the cause. For anyone investigating after the event, all sorts of evidence would still point towards those foolish and direct assassins!

    Gu Zuo frowned: ¡°Which does big brother think?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°If it was me, I¡¯d naturally feel that thetter is smarter.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a helpless expression.

    However, regardless of which, none of it mattered.

    In any case, they¡¯d already discovered this hidden hand. During the investigation, there were originally two lines of inquiry. Since it was like this, when all was said and done, was there any difference between which kind of situation it turned out to be? After investigating, everything would naturally be made clear.

    In addition, if the person of this scheme was Lu Jiusi...

    Before, they had their doubts. Only, there was hesitation in their hearts because the assassination was too clumsy. However, after cing their guess on this hidden hand through careful considerations, they felt that the probability of it being him was very high.

    With his meticulous mind, it really was possible for him to issue this kind of n!

    As such, perhaps their current energy could be mainly used for the ¡°scapegoat¡± prepared in advance? Merely, they¡¯d returned to the current problem: Lu Jiusi¡¯s mind was inscrutable, but the person who used the assassination method certainly had intentions of killing them... In the end, who hated them so much?

    Gongyi Tianyang and the other children had just arrived and they had almost lost their lives. They had lingering fears in their hearts, but there was also abhorrence towards that person behind the scenes. When Tianyang looked at his eldest brother, he couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯ll we do now?¡± He also asked Gu Zuo, ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, how should we deal with these clothes?¡±

    ¡ª Those things like medicinal pills couldn¡¯t be disposed of so casually.

    Tianheng said: ¡°We¡¯ll beat them at their own game. The clothes can¡¯t be dealt with for the time being.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a mutual understanding with Tianheng, and said: ¡°Rest assured, big brother. These two medicinal pills are somewhat unfamiliar, but I can resolve their effects.¡±

    Mingxia looked curiously at Gu Zuo: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, how are you going to do it?¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said, and reprimanded her in a low voice: ¡°Mingxia!¡±

    She suddenly closed her mouth. She remembered that a pharmacist¡¯s methods were normally kept secret. Her asking such a question had the suspicion of snooping. Thus, she said apologetically: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, it wasn¡¯t on purpose...¡±

    Gu Zuo possessed many things and was well-off. How could he make a fuss over such minor matters? He shook his head and said: ¡°It¡¯s no problem, I¡¯ll just tell you all.¡± His face turned solemn as he said in a deadpan voice, ¡°Tianyang, you guys listen up, too. If you encounter the same thing in the future, you can stay vignt.¡±

    Tianyang, Tianyin, and the others didn¡¯t expect there to still be this kind of benefit. Naturally, their eyes lit up as they watched this teenaged youth. He wasn¡¯t that old, but at this moment, he seemed a bit mature and poised.

    ¡°We¡¯ll listen obediently!¡±

    The smile on Mingxia¡¯s face also became more and more bright and beautiful.

    Gu Zuo cleared his throat and started to lecture: ¡°Spider Silk Powder and Demon Frenzy Pills are rarely seen types of Human-Level medicinal pills which few people know about. They¡¯re ideal methods for secretly killing others. But rtively speaking, their solution isparatively easy. When someone scatters the powder onto the victim¡¯s clothing, the victim only needs to take off the clothing and soak it in boiling water with a dissolved Blood Purification Pill for about four hours. This is capable of thoroughly removing its effects. If the medicinal powderes into contact with the skin, using this type of medicinal decoction to wipe it clean and taking several baths will suffice.¡±

    Mingxia couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, the two types of pills have the same solution?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Correct. I also don¡¯t know if this matter is a coincidence or if the person who originally created these two medicinal pills deliberately set it up this way. However, the solution really is just that simple.¡±

    Tianyang understood without the need for an exnation: ¡°So, what we need now is the Blood Purification Pill?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face as he looked at Gu Zuo.

    When Gu Zuo lifted his eyes, their gazes just happened to meet. Following which, he said with some embarrassment: ¡°...En. I can refine it.¡± Then, he supplemented, ¡°The medicinal herbs are rtivelymon.¡±

    The remaining Gongyi n children all set aside their worries.

    Yet, Tianyin, who already calmed down, suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, is the usefulness of that Blood Purification Pill only to act as an antidote for those two medicinal powders?¡±

    Gu Zuo showed him an appreciative smile: ¡°As the name implies, the Blood Purification Pill is a pill that eliminates poisons within the blood. Simply put, it¡¯s a type of Poison Purification Pill. If one normally takes many inferior quality pills, it can also be used to eliminate the impurities within the blood...¡±

    Tianyang found the important point: ¡°Could it be that the Blood Purification Pill has no impurities?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°It has impurities.¡± After that, he paused, ¡°But it can clear away most of impurities of themonly-used medicinal pills. Even though it also leaves behind a few impurities, it can still greatly reduce the impurities in the blood.¡±

    The few Gongyi n children heard this, and they all understood.

    It seemed...that this made sense.

    There was a moment of silence.

    Then, Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°You guys, leave your things behind and mill around. Wait until after Ah Zuo has dealt with all these resources before reconvening and collecting them.¡±

    Tianyang and the others had no objections:

    ¡°Yes, big brother.¡±

    ¡°As youmand, cousin!¡±

    The numerous Gongyi n children went their separate ways, while the Tianlong Guards stayed behind.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Dragon Three and Dragon Four. You two will listen to and obey Dragon One¡¯s orders. Dragon Five and Dragon Six, you two will listen to and obey Dragon Two¡¯s orders. Dragon Seven, henceforth you will follow beside Ah Zuo and be his personal bodyguard.¡±

    These five Tianlong Guards knelt on the ground, hung their heads deferentially, andplied.

    Dragon One and Dragon Two also promptly epted these orders.

    Gu Zuo knew that, because Dragon One and Dragon Two had arrived a long time ago, they would be entrusted with heavy responsibilities. Previous matters like constantly following him wasn¡¯t a good use of their time. As a result, although he¡¯d gotten rather familiar with Dragon Two, it wasn¡¯t bad to switch to Dragon Seven now. Moreover, there¡¯d be even more cements in the future. After the Tianlong Guards were all gradually brought to the Sect, the people beside him should also be reced.

    Hence, he attentively looked at Dragon Seven. This was also a solemn and tall, young man. He seemed a bit younger than Dragon One and Dragon Two... Although the Tianlong Guards had different appearances, their temperaments all seemed to be cast from the same mold. Steady and quiet. Neither anxious nor impatient.

    Gu Zuo could only sigh.

    His big brother truly could re-educate people ¡ª At the very least, he felt that after Dragon Three and the rest understood the Sect¡¯s situation, they would strive to be his big brother¡¯s left and right arms at the fastest speed.

    The Tianlong Guards were truly too handy.

    Afterwards, Tianheng set down his secondmand: ¡°Dragon One, you lead Dragon Three and Dragon Four to investigate the matter of the assassination attempt. As for the Spider Silk Powder and the hidden hand, since that person acted in this way, it certainly won¡¯t be easy to detect them. We can temporarily bide our time, and postpone hooking the big fish for another day.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    Presently, his big brother wanted to put on the facade of what that person behind the scenes wanted to see.

    ...To speak frankly, this was about duping each other.

    Tianheng said to Dragon Two: ¡°Lead the two Tianlong Guards to purchase some medicinal herbs.¡±

    Gu Zuo realized Tianheng¡¯s intent. He gave a timely interruption: ¡°Of the herbs for refining the Blood Purification Pill, we¡¯ve previously stored up seven of them. But we¡¯re stillcking two herbs. I¡¯ll rewrite some lists here. You guys carry out some bulk purchases to mislead anyone paying attention.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression turned slightly solemn: ¡°When procuring, be absolutely careful. Don¡¯t let others realize that it¡¯s for refining Poison Purification Pills.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and said: ¡°Big brother doesn¡¯t need to be too concerned. I also said before that the herbs for refining the Blood Purification Pill are verymon. The two we¡¯recking coincide with the herbs for refining the Snowy Ginseng Pill. The remaining herbs just need to be purchased in matching quantities with the two herbs. On the whole, the great majority of pharmacists will be able to tell that this prescription is primarily for refining a blood replenishing medicinal pill. Once Medicine of Life opens for business, the release of Snowy Ginseng Pills naturally won¡¯t attract attention.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°It couldn¡¯t be better if it¡¯s like this.¡±

    After settling things, the Tianlong Guards epted their orders and went on their way.

    Gu Zuo calcted. First, he¡¯d refine several other types of medicinal pills to warm up ¡ª After all, he hadn¡¯t refined any medicine for quite a few days while on the flying boat. He was worried he¡¯d make mistakes.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Dragon Two to return with the medicinal herbs. Gu Zuo squeezed right into his own medicine refining room, and in a brief period of time, he¡¯d already refined enough Blood Purification Pills.

    Soon after, under the ministrations of Dragon Two and the other three Tianlong Guards, all the clothes were quickly washed once, which returned them to their original condition. They no longer bore any negative influences.

    But because the methods of the person behind the scenes were too loathsome, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred. He carried the medicinal decoction steeped in poison into the medicine refining room, and tinkered with it, producing a new type of powder. This powder also had some of the orienting functions of the Spider Silk Powder. However, while it could let that spider constantly orient itself, as the spider got closer, it would quietly make that spider go crazy.

    And once the spider went crazy... It would teach the tracker a lesson.

    Gu Zuo carved out this new type of Trick Pill from another Trick Pill¡¯s prescription. Although it couldn¡¯t be called a new invention, it still gave some feelings of aplishment.

    After Gu Zuo came over to share this matter with him, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help reaching out with his fingers to pinch Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek. Following which, he said: ¡°Ah Zuo has done well.¡±

    With this medicinal powder, they could better grasp the initiative.

    With such praise, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help showing off the ¡°antidote¡± he refined for the camouge powder. It only required the leaves of a medicinal herb to be chewed and smeared onto the body. Within three seconds, it could immediately remove the effects. The desired oue was perfectly quick and safe!

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng naturally ruffled his hair and patted his shoulder. It was the greatest encouragement.

    The following matters were simple.

    Because Gu Zuo disyed his own refining results to Tianheng, Tianheng rectified anyone¡¯s deficiencies once more. He had Gu Zuo give them some things for self-protection.

    For example, the specially refined Blood Purification Pill and this new type of medicinal powder; themonly-prepared medicinal pills like the Rejuvenation Pill, Qi Generating Pill, Snowy Ginseng Pill, Poison Purification Pill, and so on; small dosages of the Bewildering Beast Mist that could knock out wild beasts; Trick Pills that exploded with a poison that knocked out people or other pills with first-rate destructive power... In any case, the Gongyi n children were all equipped with anything he had or could think of.

    As for the equipment issued to the Tianlong Guards, after including the previously mentioned stuff, there were even more things that shouldn¡¯t be exposed to the light of day. That was another matter.

    Seeing so many ¡°good things¡±, Tianyang and the others had no doubts and steadied their points of view.

    Which was that ¡ª Pharmacists really weren¡¯t ones to be trifled with.

    At the minimum, the one their big brother had raised wasn¡¯t someone to be pushed around...

    Aside from Gu Zuo giving things, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t leave himself out.

    For instance, there were general knowledge books within the Sect, contribution points,monly prepared weapons forged by the Sect, and martial skills that targeted each person¡¯s body attribute.

    ...For the time being, there weren¡¯t any cultivation methods.

    Because Tianheng had previously only visited the first floor, the nonconventional inner cultivation methods had been read countless times. However, he hadn¡¯t ascertained any of the higher ranked inner cultivation methods, which he felt were more suitable.

    Tianheng thought that, if he couldn¡¯t improve the ones that were the most suitable for each person, he needed to go exchange some high ranked body cultivation methods. However, he could still give it a few more tries right now. He didn¡¯t need to make his three brothers and the others recklessly rece their inner cultivation methods.

    Tianyang and the others followed Dragon One and Dragon Two to experience the Sect¡¯s matters. Now that they obtained some capital to stand on their own, they were all eager to give it a try.

    They also wanted to know what kind of an understanding they could get if they relied on themselves.

    On the other side of things, Dragon One returned to ry information.

    It was unfortunate that this news wasn¡¯t good news at all.

    Because Tianhengmanded Dragon to investigate the matter of the attempted assassination, those people¡¯s identities were checked in a short time with the identity tokens obtained from the ambushers¡¯ Fangcun Cloths.

    But what was the use of just finding out their identities? There was certainly someone backing them. The people investigated were usually low-key, and there were no visible disputes with any powers. For a short while, it was only natural that there was no way to discover any clues. Merely, it would¡¯ve also been good if presenting this kind of spectacle could make that person expose some mistakes.

    Gongyi Tianheng waved his hand, and ordered the kneeling and apologetic Tianlong Guards to stand up: ¡°No matter. You all can just investigate on your own.¡±

    After saying this, he dispatched the Tianlong Guards to go handle matters.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°What¡¯s big brother¡¯s next move?¡±

    Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    When Gu Zuo¡¯s already shiny gaze became a little dejected, he unhurriedly extended two slender fingers.

    ¡°First, Ah Zuo will work hard in the valley. I¡¯ll take a Life Extension Pill and go see Zhao Yuheng. I¡¯ll request his enforcement squadron to start an open investigation of the person behind this assassination attempt.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng¡¯s face and listened earnestly.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Secondly...¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath.

    Tianheng said meaningfully: ¡°After returning, you¡¯ll pay Xu Lingxiu a visit. You and I will bring some things along and ask Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun for help.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately understood.

    Arriving in front of the Violet Tower, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to rashly bring Tianheng in. He just asked the person guarding the tower to pass along the message whether Tianheng could meet his superior in person.

    Originally, the Violet Tower only received pharmacists. But because exceptions were made for Xi Yangyun and Lu Jiusi, it didn¡¯t take long for the news brought by that guard to be one of approval.

    ¡ª Although they¡¯d met before, it was only after getting along with Gu Zuo for a long time that they became rather interested in this young master whom Gu Zuo followed. They took advantage of this opportunity to interact.

    Hence, following this, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo entered side by side.

    Soon after, they went directly to the third floor.

    Right across from them, Xu Lingxiu was still refining Steadfast Heart Pills.

    Gu Zuo was slightly surprised.

    Ah, that¡¯s not right. In the period of time he and his big brother had gone back to the Cangyun Empire, Xu Lingxiu should¡¯ve already finished refining all the Steadfast Heart Pills that Sister Xi Shuangyun needed. Why was he still refining?

    But this question wasn¡¯t good to ask. When thinking about it, one could guess that it was probably because of the idea that it was better to prepare more, just in case. As an outsider, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think too deeply about it.

    This time, coincidentally, Lu Jiusi was also present.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help feeling somewhat interested ¡ª He could sound things out right in front of him...

    [Big brother, you said that if the person behind the scenes is really Lu Jiusi, wouldn¡¯t his frame of mind be very interesting?]

    [Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be naughty.]

    [I¡¯m just saying...]

    [Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m only joking.]

    Gu Zuo sat in front of Xu Lingxiu, and fumbled around his sleeve. He took out a gift for Xu Lingxiu and handed it over: ¡°This time, I went back home to visit my family. Along the way, I had a fortuitous encounter and got some things. I¡¯ll just pass the stuff I stumbled upon to Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow.

    He actually didn¡¯t expect Gu Zuo to bring him back ¡°regional specialties¡± after his departure. He rarely experienced this kind of genuine goodwill.

    After this, he awkwardly took it, and opened the lengthy, wooden case to have a look.

    With this nce, even Xu Lingxiu was emotionally moved.

    Because the things ced within the case really were things that Gu Zuo obtained through fortuitous encounters...

    The first item was a pearl-shaped, top grade Fire Essence Stone, which was as glorious as a red sunset.

    Extremely rare and hard toe by. So long as it was a pharmacist who¡¯d yet to subdue a Wondrous Fire, none would reject it ¡ª It would also be of some use to those who had subdued Wondrous Fires.

    And the second item was a small pile of fingernail-like Fire Mushrooms.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch169 - Pent-Up, Unspoken Grievances

    <h4>Chapter Ch169 - Pent-Up, Unspoken Grievances</h4>

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s eyebrows furrowed: ¡°Too precious.¡±

    Whether it was the Fire Essence Stone or the Fire Mushrooms, both were hard toe by. If it was thetter, they could be exchanged for something else within the Sect ¡ª Their quality was so good and they were also extremely umon. In that case, the former was simply a rarity. A Fire Essence Stone of such a product grade would make all the viewing pharmacists willing to spend huge sums of money.

    Gu Zuo watched Xu Lingxiu, who looked as if he wanted to return the things, and hastily said: ¡°In fact, there¡¯s something I¡¯m looking for. I hope Senior Sect Brother Xu doesn¡¯t refuse.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu perked up, and said a bit arrogantly: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Actually, I¡¯ll need to talk about what happened when we returned after visiting the family a few days ago...¡±

    Following that, it was time to tell a story.

    After returning, purchasing resources originally went very smoothly. However, on the road back to the Sect, ambushers suddenly appeared and almost assassinated them. If it hadn¡¯t been for their good luck and the use of medicinal poison, the people who came would¡¯ve certainly gotten away with it. Afterwards, they checked some things, but unfortunately, there weren¡¯t any leads. They didn¡¯t have enough manpower. So long as they reported this to an enforcement squadron, they could only hope a verdict be obtained. Their hearts were still very anxious, so they hoped they could ask Xu Lingxiu for help, and so on.

    As for their conjecture on the hidden hand, this naturally wouldn¡¯t be borated on. Not only wasn¡¯t this talked about, no doubts toward this side were raised.

    Xu Lingxiu finished listening, and a palm pped the ground, somewhat furiously: ¡°Dare to even assassinate a person of my Violet Tower? Who is it? Too insolent to ce me, Xu Lingxiu, in their eyes?!¡±

    He felt like he¡¯d lost arge amount of face, and fury rose from his heart.

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s face also showed unhappiness: ¡°Such a thing happened? Then, you can count me in. My younger sister could have the chance topletely recover thanks to you two generously providing the Steadfast Heart Pill prescription. With those people daring to harm my benefactor, I naturally can¡¯t look on without lifting a finger!¡±

    One felt a blow to his pride, and the other felt it was his obligation. As a result, it wasn¡¯t needed for Gu Zuo to ask Xi Yangyun for help afterwards. The two people had already decided to get involved.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The request for help was serious, but the other side was so proactive that it left him feeling a bit guilty.

    Indeed, his biggest bargaining chip hadn¡¯t been taken out yet! Originally, he felt that now was the most suitable opportunity when everyone would be the most skeptical!

    After that, Gu Zuo showed a joyous smile: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu and Senior Sect Brother Xi are both willing to lend a hand. That really couldn¡¯t be better. Many thanks, Senior Sect Brothers! Many thanks!¡±

    Only, there was also a third Senior Sect Brother: Lu Jiusi. Because the other party didn¡¯t open his mouth to speak, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t take the initiative to mention him.

    Yet, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t just talking.

    His psychic power had spread out like a wave, enveloping the whole room. The target it mainly focused upon was the calm and collected Lu Jiusi on the side!

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng was giving Gu Zuo an exnation for everything he saw. He himself also unobtrusively observed Lu Jiusi¡¯s subtle expressions.

    This was a two-pronged approach. If it really was him, then they would be able to see something.

    Sure enough, while Gu Zuo spoke with Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun on the side, he discovered that, when he mentioned the attempted assassination and Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun had identically expressed their willingness to help, Lu Jiusi¡¯s gaze suddenly shed ¡ª Although it was but for a moment, it was captured by his psychic power!

    Tianheng also detected the fluctuation in his qi energy at that moment... Lu Jiusi performed perfectly. However, this veneer of perfection actually made him seem imperfect.

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°I¡¯ll instruct my subordinates to pay attention to this matter. If I have any news, I¡¯ll let you know.¡±

    Xi Yangyun also said: ¡°The people of my Shuangyun Hall will also mobilize some manpower. We¡¯ll undoubtedly investigate this matter clearly!¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and promptly passed along some things they¡¯d checked. For example, the full name, identity, and origin of the disciples represented by the Fangcun Cloth tokens. They shared information on all of it.

    Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun simply called someone up to take note of these matters. Then, they went back down to make arrangements.

    At this time, Xi Yangyun suddenly turned his head and said to Lu Jiusi: ¡°Jiusi, although it¡¯s not too troublesome for you, the matter of Junior Sect Brother Gu and Junior Sect Brother Gongyi being targeted means that that mastermind is very insidious. Thus, I¡¯m worried that my and Lingxiu¡¯s manpower isn¡¯t enough. I wanted to ask if your Jiusi Pavilion can lend a hand, too. After this is over, I¡¯ll certainly pay you back.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power perceived that Lu Jiusi¡¯s qi energy had be somewhat obscured. He couldn¡¯t help secretly smiling. With great difficulty, he raised his head and looked over with an expectant and hopeful gaze.

    Lu Jiusi: ¡°...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu harrumphed: ¡°If worstes to worst, I¡¯ll also owe you a favor.¡±

    Lu Jiusi promptly exposed a forced smile: ¡°I¡¯m not unwilling, but I had been preupied with thinking about the forces I¡¯d dispatch, and I spoke toote.¡± He restrained the notions in his mind, and his attitude to Gu Zuo was very cordial, ¡°I¡¯ve always admired Junior Sect Brother Gu. I intended on helping out, but I was just afraid of being rude.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly waved a hand: ¡°Not at all, not at all. Senior Sect Brother Lu being willing to lend a hand truly couldn¡¯t be better.¡± He seemed to think that this wasn¡¯t enough to express his gratitude, and solemnly stated, ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Lu!¡±

    Lu Jiusi saw this expression of Gu Zuo. The corner of his mouth tugged up, and he faintly nodded: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then count my Jiusi Pavilion in. For Junior Sect Brother Gu, we¡¯ll find that...criminal mastermind.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile also grew brighter.

    [Big brother, I think it¡¯s Lu Jiusi. What do you say?]

    [Ah Zuo¡¯s correct. His thoughts are deep, but in the end, there were still some mistakes.]

    [Aiya, I really don¡¯t know why he¡¯d do such a thing. Could it be that he wants to clip our wings?]

    [I¡¯m probably...a thorn in his side.]

    There were many questions in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [...Big brother¡¯s meaning is?]

    [I only have a guess.]

    [Can big brother borate?]

    [Ah Zuo, imagine if we hadn¡¯t discovered that hidden hand...]

    [Suppose a person followed someone else, and his colleagues kept silently dying. The person he followed had no way of finding the culprit, and the subordinates continuously perished. In the long run, what would Ah Zuo think of that person?]

    [Perhaps, I¡¯d lose confidence in the person I followed. Thus, I¡¯d want to leave and switch to someone else to follow?]

    [Ah Zuo¡¯s words are correct.]

    [As it turns out, it¡¯s like this... So, Lu Jiusi¡¯s goal, as big brother first mentioned, is to recruit me by suppressing big brother?]

    [The chances of this being the reason is eight or nine out of ten.]

    [I¡¯ve implicated big brother.]

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s looks didn¡¯t change, but the smiling expression in his eyes slowly deepened.

    [We¡¯re all one family. What¡¯s this talk about implicating?]

    Gu Zuo felt his face heat up. Apparently, his tranquil heart was also heating up.

    This exchange of two people only happened within their consciousness. Therefore, those numerous words were spoken between a breath. Their attention towards Lu Jiusi never strayed.

    After Lu Jiusi was forced to open his mouth and ¡°lend a hand¡±, Gu Zuo expressed his thanks again and again. The feelings of gratitude in those eyes almost seemed to overflow.

    Perhaps, it was because Lu Jiusi wasn¡¯t happy. After speaking with a few people, he said his goodbyes first.

    Of course, Gu Zuo was somewhat terrified, and said: ¡°Is it because I...¡±

    The dark light in Lu Jiusi¡¯s eyes was inscrutable. He said: ¡°It really isn¡¯t that. Only, the people of my Jiusi Pavilion aren¡¯t located here and Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s matter is critical. I¡¯d better quickly return and make arrangements to avoid missing my chance.¡±

    Xi Yangyun candidly said: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Jiusi, you¡¯re very considerate. We can¡¯tpare.¡±

    Lu Jiusi also smiled elegantly: ¡°Nonsense. Yangyun, you have to take care of Shuangyun, so you can¡¯t casually leave. Lingxiu also has heavy responsibilities. I¡¯m used to idling about every day. On the contrary, running some errands now is just right.¡±

    Everyone shared a round of smiles and Gu Zuo repeatedly expressed his thanks. Atst, Lu Jiusi was sent off.

    Once Lu Jiusi departed, he didn¡¯t know if it was a figment of his imagination or something, but the room¡¯s atmosphere seemed to be much more rxed than just before.

    Tianheng remained silent to the side. In response, he looked pensive at this moment.

    Perhaps some people could hide themselves extremely well, making it hard for others to sense. However, there were some matters that everyone¡¯s subconscious would¡¯ve long picked up.

    For instance, Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu had a deep friendship with Lu Jiusi, and they trusted him. But when interacting, there was a difference that they themselves hadn¡¯t discovered when Lu Jiusi was or wasn¡¯t present ¡ª The friendship between these two people was much more sincere than with Lu Jiusi.

    Gu Zuo had been here for a long time and wasn¡¯t as reserved as before. He looked at Xu Lingxiu, who was refining pills again, when he seemed to suddenly recall something. He asked with a bit of hesitation: ¡°Young Lady Shuangyun... How is she right now?¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s smile sagged slightly.

    Gu Zuo berated himself. Could it be that he said something wrong? Originally, he¡¯d seen that Xu Lingxiu was still refining pills. He wanted to take advantage of this chance and use this question to take out the thing he previously wanted to give to Xu Lingxiu. Now it seemed that this manner was a bit wrong.

    He knew that Xi Yangyun and Xi Shuangyun shared a profound bond. If this touched Xi Yangyun¡¯s sore spot, it wasn¡¯t done on purpose ¡ª Xi Yangyun had good moral conduct. His spontaneous proposal to offer aid just then was sincere and magnanimous. He really was a person worth befriending.

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s reaction was fast. He sighed and said: ¡°Lingxiu worked hard for several months until he finally refined ny Steadfast Heart Pills. Naturally, I quickly gave them to Shuangyun. Yet, the matter of repairing the heart is extremely painful. Shuangyun endured this daily, making me feel distressed as her elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand.

    Despite being distressed, there was always hope. His mood wouldn¡¯t go so far as to deteriorate just from this, right?

    At this time, Xi Yangyun continued to speak: ¡°Later on, I realized that when mending the heart, the higher the product grade of the Steadfast Heart Pills, the less painful it bes. Unfortunately, this elder brother was useless. If I had found the prescription a bit earlier and asked Lingxiu to help research it, then my little sister wouldn¡¯t have gotten treatment at thest possible moment. This resulted in no more time for preparations.¡±

    Basically, this wasn¡¯t a problem with Xu Lingxiu. If he wasn¡¯t exceptionally gifted and attached serious importance to friendship, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to refine ny Steadfast Heart Pills so quickly over the course of several months. For product grades, it was already very good to have refined low grade pills. For the medicinal pills Xu Lingxiu produced, as much as forty percent were mid grade. This was unusually rare.

    When Xi Shuangyun was initially given pills, there wasn¡¯t any distinction between the mid and low grade pills. If it wasn¡¯t for a difference in Xi Shuangyun¡¯s behavior when taking the two types of pills, they wouldn¡¯t have discovered this matter.

    Thus, the two swiftly changed the way they handled things. They let Xi Shuangyun only take mid grade Steadfast Heart Pills. However, the two needed to rece remaining sixty percent, which were all low grade.

    It was also due to this reason that Xi Yangyun poured out all his resources and did his utmost to gather medicinal herbs. Xu Lingxiu was also cautious and conscientious. He continued refining pills every day, refining mid grade Steadfast Heart Pills as much as possible.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    After that, the gaze he used to look at Xu Lingxiu turned a bit strange.

    What should he say...

    The luck of this little prince really seemed outstanding!

    Of course, Xu Lingxiu was also very sharp. He¡¯d never been looked at with this kind of gaze, so he turned his head: ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    In any case, this tone wasn¡¯t particrly pleased... He¡¯d never been very happy.

    Xi Yangyun said helplessly: ¡°Lingxiu...¡± He again spoke to Gu Zuo, ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, don¡¯t mind him.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I was being rude.¡±

    He naturally wouldn¡¯t take offense. This little prince didn¡¯t have ¡°I¡¯m arrogant¡± written on his face. It was either ¡°I have a bad temper¡± or ¡°I¡¯m not happy right now, so don¡¯t irritate me.¡± Everyone had long gotten used to this. Hadn¡¯t Xu Lingxiu often shown impatience even towards the hobby horse he¡¯d grown up with? Everything was written on his face, but that didn¡¯t make Xi Yangyun dislike him.

    Xu Lingxiu nced at Gu Zuo, and his face was still unhappy: ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered me.¡±

    Gu Zuo saw the sh of unease within his eyes and he felt it was a little interesting. He straightened his face, and took out a sheet of golden silk from his sleeve: ¡°This thing, actually... I¡¯ve been hesitating for some time...¡±

    Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t understand too clearly: ¡°This is?¡±

    Gu Zuo presented the golden silk, and said haltingly: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi and Senior Sect Brother Xu can take a look and find out.¡±

    As his voice fell, Xu Lingxiu walked over and extended a hand to grab the golden silk: ¡°What a strange ything...¡±

    He hadn¡¯t finished speaking when his eyes suddenly widened. For the first time, his face also showed a shocked expression. The following words were stuck in his throat, and he didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng exchanged nces.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s fingers faintly trembled, and his vision rapidly moved down. He quickly read all the words and diagrams written on this golden silk!

    Xi Yangyun also found that there was something wrong with Xu Lingxiu. He looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s expression. He wanted to say something, but hesitated. Ultimately, he still said nothing, and waited quietly.

    A good whileter, Xu Lingxiu finally snapped out of it. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and calmed himself with great difficulty. He didn¡¯t rush over to grab Gu Zuo¡¯s cor ¡ª But he did ask with a bit of urgency: ¡°From where did you obtain this thing?¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that Xu Lingxiu had some guesses. The timing really was too coincidental. One couldn¡¯t say whether it was because of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s good luck that they acted as heaven¡¯s advocate to deliver a good thing to him, or because of their good luck that they could use this chance to made good on a previous decision.

    But regardless of which, neither was bad.

    As a result, Gu Zuo naturally told Xu Lingxiu the version of events that he¡¯d previously gone over with Tianheng: ¡°When the young master was flipping through the nonconventional cultivation methods on the Martial Scripture Pavilion¡¯s first floor, it was obtained from a manual¡¯s hiddenpartment...¡±

    He weaved a convincing tale. Just like now, he indicated his own doubts when getting the golden silk. During that period of time when he returned back home, he discovered something unusual after studying it. He thought about the significance of handing this thing over to Xu Lingxiu. Being at a loss over what to do and having a hard time making a decision, he sincerelyid everything out including the tray.

    Xi Yangyun heard this and was very understanding.

    In the end, the emergence of this hand seal suggested that there was a problem with the inheritance of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s Master, and even what his Master learned might be problematic!

    Xu Lingxiu looked at the cultivation method, and in a rare disy of humility, he restrained his air of arrogance: ¡°The hand seal has an error. When I refine pills, I have these premonitions. Master also mentioned to me that this hand seal was badly damaged back then. But I never once thought that the true hand seal was originally within the Martial Scripture Pavilion.¡±

    Xi Yangyun actually didn¡¯t know about this matter.

    It was also that he didn¡¯t understand some things about pharmacists ¡ª All those who could be Golden-Level pharmacists or those who had the qualifications had very good innate talent. Using this innate talent to cultivate with a fragmented hand seal, where some ces were perfect while other ces were deceptively wrong, it was only natural to feel that there was something amiss after a long time. Only, they wouldn¡¯t have had the ability to mend it.

    Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t a fool. He certainly knew that Gu Zuo had apprehensions in his heart. Now that he obtained this golden silk, he treated Gu Zuo with an attitude which was a bit better.

    At least, he felt that his own attitude was a bit better.

    ¡°You¡¯ve given this thing to me and helped me out a lot. What do you want?¡±

    Gu Zuo scratched his face: ¡°Think of it as a gift of thanks for Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s help. As for any other things I want... In the future, if Ick some medicinal herbs and Senior Sect Brother Xu has them, can you give me a chance to use other things to exchange for them? How about that?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu stared fixedly at Gu Zuo¡¯s face: ¡°Those are all trivial matters, and aren¡¯t worth the value of this hand seal.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit hard-pressed: ¡°This hand seal... I¡¯ve also studied it.¡± He thought things over, ¡°If the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s Hall Master finds out, would I be punished? I didn¡¯t do it on purpose; I only felt curious. After learning it, I discovered other clues.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu scoffed: ¡°You obtained it yourself through a fortuitous encounter. What¡¯s wrong with studying it? In this world, there isn¡¯t any justification to punish you for giving us benefits.¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°Gu Zuo, are you willing to take on my Master as your teacher? If you¡¯re willing, I can put in a good word for you.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu felt that this could be considered repayment for his favor.

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his heart thumped loudly.

    He didn¡¯t have a bit of interest in taking that Hall Master as a teacher! Wasn¡¯t this little prince too sentimental? Sharing his own Master with others wasn¡¯t good! He had too many secrets, and although he felt he could conceal them from that Golden-Level pharmacist, the other party¡¯s strength was already at the Immortal Realm or above. Who knew what kinds of special powers an Immortal Realm pharmacist could possess? He didn¡¯t want it! He absolutely didn¡¯t want it!

    As such, what reasons should he use to decline...

    Generally speaking, for a Qingyun Sect disciple to have this kind of happy asion, only an idiot would refuse.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed in his head.

    [Ah Zuo, just say that you¡¯ve once met the remains of a mysterious pharmacist, obtained his inheritance, and already became his formal apprentice.]

    Gu Zuo felt relieved in a sh. He put things in his own words and said to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Actually, while previously following the young master in the Cangyun Empire, I unexpectedly discovered a skeleton in a cave. After I buried him, I obtained a couple books he left behind. From within, I obtained many...¡± He finished weaving this long-winded story, and finally concluded, ¡°...Because of those benefits, I treat that skeleton as my teacher. So I can only fail to live up to Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s good intentions.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth twitched: ¡°Truly a foolish one. If you hadn¡¯t spoken about this, who¡¯d have known?¡±

    Gu Zuo said with a slight blush of shame: ¡°I could hide it from others, but I couldn¡¯t hide it from myself. Since I already made that decision, I couldn¡¯t lower myself into breaking that promise.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu waved his hand impatiently: ¡°Forget it. If I had a Junior Sect Brother like you, my days wouldn¡¯t have been peaceful in the future. Fine. Like you said before, if there¡¯s something you need, juste find me. If there¡¯s something you don¡¯t understand, I can give you some pointers. After I give this hand seal to Master, he¡¯ll certainly give you some rewards. This matter won¡¯t bring you any troubles.¡±

    So to say, Xu Lingxiu really was intelligent. He soon found another way to repay Gu Zuo, and he understood at once that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want this matter to be pried into any deeper.

    It also wasn¡¯t any wonder how he could mingle like a fish back in the water. Even though he was brash and arrogant, he was also capable of making some sincere friends.

    Gu Zuo was very pleased, and inwardly transmitted to Tianheng.

    [Big brother, do you really think that Xu Lingxiu believes my reason?]

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice seemed to be eternally calm.

    [Belief and disbelief aren¡¯t important. The golden silk¡¯s age is ancient. At most, Xu Lingxiu might not believe that this thing was obtained from a hiddenpartment. However, he will remember your contribution in his heart. He also doesn¡¯t know that your apprenticeship is false, but since you aren¡¯t willing and you gave him a way out, he¡¯ll just follow along and use the exchange method to help you.]

    [What big brother says makes sense.]

    [Many thanks for your praise, Ah Zuo.]

    [...]

    Gu Zuo helplessly terminated the transmission. He said to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Xu!¡±

    Xu Lingxiu scoffed coldly: ¡°It¡¯s me who should be thanking you.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This abrupt feeling of receiving the little prince¡¯s polite treatment was truly...frightening.

    Xu Lingxiu resolved all the questions and answers, and returned to the back of the pill cauldron. At this moment, his tone carried a trace of almost imperceptible relief: ¡°Yangyun, Shuangyun¡¯s luck is pretty good. With the help of this hand seal, I¡¯ll be a lot faster refining Steadfast Heart Pills, and I should be able to raise the product grade of some of the sessful pills again.¡±

    Xi Yangyun suddenly understood, and his face was on the brink of rapture: ¡°Can...you refine high grade Steadfast Heart Pills?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu stared at him coldly: ¡°Mid grade Steadfast Pills are no problem, but if I wanted high grade pills, I¡¯d still need to look for an opportunity. The Fire Essence Stone that Junior Sect Brother Gu gave as a present also has an extremely fine product grade. There¡¯ll be a huge benefit to refining pills when using it inside of a cauldron.¡±

    Being properly addressed as ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu¡± was truly very rare.

    After Xi Yangyun digested all of the intent within Xu Lingxiu¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t deal with anything else and gratefully said to Gu Zuo first: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu has helped us so much. Rest assured, I certainly won¡¯t neglect the previous matter you requested. I¡¯ll spare no effort in helping you in a thorough investigation!¡±

    Gu Zuo also revealed a timely and appreciative smile: ¡°That would be wonderful. Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Xi!¡±

    Nevertheless, his heart silently sighed.

    The guy treated him sincerely, but his mouth was full of lies. After continuing to trick others so much, he felt that he¡¯d be a swindler like his big brother in the future...

    However, Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu would both definitely care about Gu Zuo even more.

    If the decision to help Gu Zuo was just to exert seventy percent of their wrath before, then now they would certainly exert one hundred percent. No matter how capable that Lu Jiusi was, it wouldn¡¯t be that easy for him to secretly y his tricks with Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu supervising ¡ª He would, at least, have to be much more prudent about it.

    Having finished speaking, Xu Lingxiu bustled about once more. Gu Zuo also did his best to watch him refine medicine. As for Xi Yangyun, he joyously bounded up and tookrge strides as he entered his little sister¡¯s chamber, informing her of the good news. Aftering out, he finally calmed down and returned to normal. He went to sit in his original position.

    At this time, Xi Yangyun discovered Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s existence.

    ¡ª Perhaps discover wasn¡¯t the right word. Rather, he¡¯d been overlooked the entire time.

    However, to an Immortal Realm martial artist¡¯s keen senses, even if his frame of mind was agitated, he also wouldn¡¯t have overlooked arge, living person that much. In the blink of an eye, Xi Yangyun felt a bit guilty. At the same time, aplicated mood with a type of indescribable feeling arose in his heart.

    Tianheng faintly smiled. From the moment he entered up until now, he¡¯d been calm and absolutely quiet. However, his posture was unhurried, andpletelycked the embarrassment of being snubbed. Now when he saw Xi Yangyun turning his head, he could freely smile and nod his head: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi?¡±

    Xi Yangyun also carefully sized up this Junior Sect Brother.

    Previously, he¡¯d known that Tianheng was very promising. With the close-range observation now, he couldn¡¯t help eximing in admiration within his mind. Such looks! Such presence! Such a fast improvement speed!

    Yes, Xi Yangyun quickly discovered that Tianheng¡¯s qi energy was at Xiantian stage two. However, from entering the Outer Sect and entering the Inner Sect, to the round-trip home and back again, it didn¡¯t take a single year for Tianheng. Yet, he¡¯d already made such nonstop breakthroughs... Moreover, with Xi Yangyun¡¯s eyesight, he even found that not only was Tianheng¡¯s foundation stable, his qi energy was even more robust than martial artists of equivalent realms. Right now, he seemed to be on the verge of breaking through to Xiantian stage three!

    This kind of potential was simply terrifying!

    Xi Yangyun pondered. It didn¡¯t matter if it was himself or the other sect brothers, no one was this outrageous. Contrary to what one might expect, there were one or two people on the Sky Leaderboard who were about the same as Gongyi Tianheng. However, at Tianheng¡¯s age, those people wouldn¡¯t have had his imperturbable mental state.

    No wonder.

    Xi Yangyun inwardly thought: No wonder Junior Sect Brother Gu, who¡¯d caught Lingxiu¡¯s eyes, was so reluctant to part from Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. No wonder he was unwilling to abandon him and follow someone else. He wasn¡¯t even willing to join the Pharmacist Hall.

    Of course, no matter how smart Tianheng was, he also wasn¡¯t a fly on the wall. It was impossible to know what Xi Yangyun was currently thinking about. However, there wasn¡¯t any difference between knowing and not knowing. He simply sat here, and despite Xi Yangyun sizing him up, Tianheng had already left him with an extremely deep impression.

    Xi Yangyun thought about the previousck of impression and about this deep impression again. That feeling was even more distinct.

    Following that, after Xi Yangyun tentatively started a conversation, Tianheng naturally took the lead. Thereupon, he spoke frankly and confidently. He didn¡¯t necessarily speak often, but each sentence was just right, which made Xi Yangyun feel that the dialogue was smooth and rxed. Unwittingly, his impression of Tianheng improved even more.

    If it was previously stated that he had a deeply favorable impression of Gu Zuo, then his admiration of Gongyi Tianheng was increasing at speeds that were visible to the naked eye.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch170 - Sun Lang, Arrested

    <h4>Chapter Ch170 - Sun Lang, Arrested</h4>

    Through this kind of conversation, Xi Yangyun and Gongyi Tianheng were considered to have established a preliminary friendship. Although one wouldn¡¯t go so far as to mention how close they became, at the very least, Tianheng was already a contact whom Xi Yangyun was willing to befriend. In the future, there¡¯d probably be many more opportunities to cooperate.

    Tianheng¡¯s goal was reached. Without a doubt, he was very pleased.

    After sitting down again for a short time, Tianheng and Gu Zuo said their goodbyes and left.

    As for Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu, they obtained many benefits and each had their own things to do.

    Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo travelled side by side.

    After roughly getting out of the range of the Violet Tower, a hasty silhouette rushed over to bar the two people¡¯s way forward.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat bewildered.

    This was in broad daylight. It couldn¡¯t have been a person from Lu Jiusi¡¯s factioning to cause them trouble, right?

    Tianheng ced a hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, and told him not to worry.

    That figure stood at the ready. It was a young man who was short and small. After seeing Tianheng, he politely handed over a sealed paper scroll.

    Tianheng took the paper scroll and opened it, swiftly skimming over the words within.

    Gu Zuo was a bit curious: ¡°Big brother, this is?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°An invitation from Senior Sect Brother Zhao.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over. Being called Senior Sect Brother Zhao, they¡¯d have to be rtively familiar with that person. It was Captain Zhao Yuheng of a certain enforcement squadron, right? Could it be possible that that side already had some information?

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo was puzzled, and said to him: ¡°We¡¯ll find out once we go.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded and went with Tianheng. They followed that short and small young man who turned towards another direction.

    That way was Zhao Yuheng¡¯s residence ¡ª Aparativelyrge courtyard.

    Only martial artists at the Immortal Realm or above could upy small mountain tops. For Zhao Yuheng, although he was the captain of a small enforcement squadron, his strength was still only as a Xiantian stage eight Inner Sect disciple. He could only concentrate his efforts on a standard courtyard.

    Of course, there were some Inner Sect disciples who burrowed their way through loopholes. For example, the venue of Duanshui Hall was Duanshui Peak. It was a solitary ce that Li Duanshui secured thanks to his connections. However, that definitely didn¡¯t mean that Duanshui Peakpletely belonged to Li Duanshui ¡ª Only once he broke through to the Immortal Realm and his rank changed would he be able to truly upy it.

    Returning to the topic at hand...

    To put it briefly, what Gu Zuo currently saw was arge-scale courtyard that was several dozens of timesrger than an ordinary Inner Sect disciple¡¯s courtyard. Looking at it from outside, it was practically a manor unto itself.

    There was someone guarding the front of the courtyard. Ahead, that short and small young man went over and called out in greetings. That person naturally let him pass. Tianheng and Gu Zuo lifted their feet and went in. Although they didn¡¯t take a look around, their peripheral vision caught glimpses of the particrly beautiful scenery here. A dense ambient qi met them head-on.

    Passing through several promenades, they reached the main hall.

    There weren¡¯t too many other people in the building. Zhao Yuheng, who hadn¡¯t yet changed out of his enforcement clothes, seemed to have just returned not too long ago. After seeing Tianhenge in, he stood up in wee and gave enough face.

    And respect was always something given mutually.

    Tianheng¡¯s face also promptly revealed a smile. He cupped his hands and sent his regards: ¡°I¡¯ve received Senior Sect Brother Zhao¡¯s summons, but I hope I haven¡¯te toote.¡±

    The corner of Zhao Yuheng¡¯s mouth twitched with an imperceptible smile, and he nodded: ¡°Please sit.¡±

    Gu Zuo also hurriedly came over to pay his respects.

    Zhao Yuheng looked at Gu Zuo, and his expression was somewhat subtle.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand too clearly, but didn¡¯t speak much. He obediently followed Tianheng and took a seat.

    Tianheng held some tea and sipped a mouthful, but his words went straight to the point. He immediately asked Zhao Yuheng: ¡°Did Senior Sect Brother Zhao discover something?¡±

    Zhao Yuheng also had a temper that didn¡¯t like to wade through muddy waters. He heard what was said and nodded: ¡°Indeed. There was a discovery.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s interest was suddenly piqued.

    Ah, there really was something! In the end, what did the enforcement squadron find?

    Tianheng also cast a waiting look.

    Zhao Yuheng said: ¡°The person who ordered the assassins is called Sun Lang.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over.

    Who was Sun Lang? Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know him...

    Tianheng simrly didn¡¯t know him. The two¡¯s gazes fell upon Zhao Yuheng.

    Zhao Yuheng also didn¡¯t keep them in suspense, and immediately said: ¡°Sun Lang is a low-level pharmacist of the Pharmacist Hall. His aptitudes are also considered top-notch. In the Sect, apart from the quasi Golden-Level pharmacist Xu Lingxiu who ranks first in all aspects, there are only a few young and remarkable talents beneath him. Sun Lang is one of those talents.¡±

    Gu Zuo absolutely didn¡¯t expect that the person to be thrown out would be a pharmacist with excellent prospects!

    On the contrary, he didn¡¯t feel that Zhao Yuhengcked the skill to find the right person. Because things like scapegoats could only be substitutes of inferior quality, how could one possibly use someone of such high quality? However, he waspletely unaware of any animosity orints between himself and Sun Lang!

    In this situation, it wasn¡¯t any good for Gu Zuo to interrupt. Gongyi Tianheng was good at understanding others, and at this time, he opened his mouth on Gu Zuo¡¯s behalf: ¡°Does this Sun Lang have anyone behind him?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly thumped loudly.

    ¡ª Sun Lang hadn¡¯te over to quarrel because Xu Lingxiu wanted to rmend him to that Golden-Level pharmacist, right?

    He reconsidered it, and felt it was wrong. Xu Lingxiu had this notion just recently. While they¡¯d been targeted by Sun Lang¡¯s assassins several days ago.

    Tianheng revealed a slightly astonished expression: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Zhao is perceptive. Ah Zuo usually stays with me. As for bing enemies with that Sun Lang, it¡¯s almost impossible.¡±

    Zhao Yuheng heard what was said, and the expression on his face turned a little strange: ¡°I naturally understand this matter. You two can also be considered...to have extremely bad luck.¡±

    Tianheng was stern: ¡°I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡±

    After that, Zhao Yuheng gave them a detailed ount.

    For others, this affair might¡¯ve been quiteplicated. However, for the enforcement squadron, they had taken root within the Sect for so many years. Concerning theirwork, they weren¡¯tpletely ignorant of the matters, big and small, throughout the Sect; especially in the field of investigating a case. If they came up empty-handed... Then, it was either a once-in-a-millennium evil genius whose good luck kept the guy hidden, or it was a ¡°cover-up¡± where other reasons forced apromise.

    That Sun Lang had done this kind of thing, and his methods weren¡¯t considered sophisticated.

    Inside the Sect, there existed a group of people who were normally obscure and unknown, but they would secretly receive this kind of business for murder. Basically, it was a small gang of murderers in the Inner Sect. There wasn¡¯t a leader or any definite organization. It was something of a gray area with a wide jurisdiction.

    ¡ª Generally speaking, if one came across an assassin and found the other side¡¯s token, one would discover that the other side was very low-key. That person would be a regr hand at this kind of job.

    The capture of the thread¡¯s end could initiate an audit. There were so many people in the Inner Sect, so there would always be traces left behind when finding someone. As the saying went, there was power in numbers. Once the enforcement squadron took action, the green light was given along all avenues. After going through a series of investigations, they followed the vine to get to the melon, leading to Sun Lang¡¯s identity.

    Sun Lang, as a rtively outstanding pharmacist, was someone who originally received deferential treatment. It was a pity that he didn¡¯t rely on anyone nor was there a pir behind him for support. On the contrary, he had some good friends, but those disciples¡¯ capabilities were insufficient. He also hadn¡¯t apprenticed to a master and didn¡¯t have rtives with powerful forces... When the enforcement squadron arrested him, they weren¡¯t polite about it at all!

    Afterwards, the enforcement disciples imposed a certain degree of intimidation upon this guy who dared to quibble after being caught. There weren¡¯t any excessive methods used. Sun Lang didn¡¯t have much courage to begin with and while he hadn¡¯t yet been punished, he was already falteringly dering his own reasons.

    With so much foreshadowing, Gu Zuo was even more curious about the ¡°extremely bad luck¡±.

    Zhao Yuheng paused: ¡°Has Junior Sect Brother Gu previously refined pills at the Medicine Pavilion?¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a bit discouraged, and nodded: ¡°I took the evaluation there before.¡±

    Zhao Yuheng¡¯s eyes carried a bit of sympathy: ¡°At that time, because Elder Huo respected you greatly, Sun Lang was already displeased. After Sun Lang saw that your medicine refining skills weren¡¯t below his, he was worried that you would affect his position. In addition, he had many previous grievances with Xu Lingxiu. However, Sun Lang vastly fell short of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s status, and was incapable of doing anything to him. As a result, his resentments were ced on you.¡±

    To put it bluntly, that Sun Lang was petty-minded and didn¡¯t want any pharmacist¡¯s level to exceed his. Originally, there were several others who were simr to him, and he wasn¡¯t too resigned. With Xu Lingxiu pressing down from above, he felt suffocated for many years. Even aside from these people, there came along Gu Zuo, a person whose potential was stronger than Sun Lang¡¯s. He basically couldn¡¯t endure it any longer! It was the soft persimmons that people chose to squeeze. Gu Zuo was a nominal disciple, and his identity was a lowly one. Sun Lang couldn¡¯t afford to provoke Xu Lingxiu, but what about Gu Zuo? So, Gu Zuo became a punching bag.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Sure enough, it was extremely bad luck. He absolutely didn¡¯t remember the guy!

    Moreover, he already kept a low-profile... His big brother liked to pretend to be the pig to eat the tiger, and when he conducted himself, he wouldn¡¯t take the limelight when one shouldn¡¯t. However, just because they were ying dumb, didn¡¯t mean they were really dumb! With so much caution, someone still showed up to make trouble!

    It was no wonder why Zhao Yuheng¡¯s expression was so strange.

    On one side, Gu Zuo was in a helpless and furious mood. On the other side, Gongyi Tianheng was deep in thought.

    One would find out from Zhao Yuheng¡¯s words. After Sun Lang was punished, he hadn¡¯t confessed to any matters pertaining to Lu Jiusi, but it was impossible for this affair to be unrted to Lu Jiusi. Sun Lang sounded like he was only interested in saving his own neck. Could it be that they still had some other ns? This was also something they had to defend against.

    After thinking it over, Tianheng said to Zhao Yuheng: ¡°This person, Sun Lang, did such a thing. What will the enforcement squadron do to discipline him?¡±

    Zhao Yuheng said: ¡°Everything will be carried out ording to the Sect Regtions.¡±

    Gu Zuo recalled the Sect Regtions.

    It was written in Article 12: If a Sect disciple conspires to murder a fellow disciple and they aren¡¯t sworn enemies, regardless of whether they are a martial artist or pharmacist, they will be sentenced with capital punishment.

    In other words, murder meant paying with one¡¯s own life!

    Of course, this type of matter was only used when the other party was captured...

    Tianheng seemed relieved, and there was a trace of pity in his eyes: ¡°The enforcement squadron enforces thew impartially. Truly a model for my generation.¡±

    As a member of the enforcement squadron, Zhao Yuheng was certainly pleased once he heard these words.

    After that, Tianheng lowered his voice: ¡°Only, Senior Sect Brother Zhao, although this matter is already over, my heart is still somewhat uneasy... In the capacity of a pharmacist, when Sun Lang plotted against Ah Zuo¡¯s life, the strength of the requested killers far exceeded our own. This makes me feel rather unconvinced. I think that Sun Lang doesn¡¯t necessarilyck a backer.¡±

    Zhao Yuheng listened to Tianheng¡¯s words and his gaze slightly moved. Immediately following which, he patted Tianheng¡¯s shoulder: ¡°This conjecture of yours is very reasonable. Rest assured, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. Now that I¡¯ve basked in the light of that Life Extension Pill of yours, the authority I possess has increased. I¡¯ll certainly pay attention for you in private. I¡¯ll also postpone that Sun Lang¡¯s execution for more time to interrogate. No matter who is backing him, he wouldn¡¯t dare act that brazenly after we get involved.¡±

    After he finished speaking, the two exchanged nces and smiled. It was a tacit, mutual understanding.

    Indeed, for a weak chicken like a pharmacist, just find a few people who were Xiantian stage one or two to handle it. When Tianheng was away, one person could restrict Gu Zuo¡¯s protector while another person assassinated Gu Zuo. Why go so far as to find a Xiantian stage four martial artist? It seemed to be unfavorable to Gu Zuo, but in actuality, it might¡¯ve been targeting Tianheng.

    Enforcement squadrons would frequently judge cases, so how couldn¡¯t they see that there was something fishy going on? It was just that the present case had been heard, and they¡¯d also given a verdict. If Tianheng hadn¡¯t figured this out, then the case would¡¯ve been closed like this. As Tianheng had figured it out... Zhao Yuheng was rather pleased with Tianheng¡¯s IQ, and didn¡¯t mind getting a bit closer to him.

    Tianheng expressed his thanks once more: ¡°I¡¯ve inconvenienced Senior Sect Brother Zhao.¡±

    While he spoke, he handed over a small gourd. Inside was naturally a top grade Revitalization Pill.

    Although this gift was one used repeatedly, this didn¡¯t affect the guy¡¯s fondness for such repetition!

    After that, Zhao Yuheng invited Tianheng and Gu Zuo to drink some wine.

    At this feast, they found out how Zhao Yuheng relied on the Life Extension Pill to increase his authority.

    First of all, what needed to be mentioned was the Disciplinary Hall¡¯sposition.

    The leader was called the Disciplinary Hall¡¯s Hall Master, who was also a veteran Elder. Because the Sect needed a bnce, a member of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline would take charge under normal circumstances. That person¡¯s strength didn¡¯t reach the Atomic Realm, but the distance was normally half a step to the Atomic Realm ¡ª This was abbreviated to a half-step Atomic Realm.

    After all, if they really reached the Atomic Realm, the stage of a Grand Elder, and vited any of the sect rules, wouldn¡¯t only thebination of several Grand Elders be able to hold a trial?

    As a result, half-step Atomic Realms were sufficient.

    After that, there were threemanders under the Disciplinary Hall¡¯s Hall Master. Eachmander had three vicemanders on their control.

    A vicemander was in charge of two enforcement squadrons. Themander was solely in charge of four squadrons ¡ª Of course, ording tomon sense, the enforcement squads under the vicemander¡¯s control also had to listen to themander¡¯s words. While themander should¡¯ve been in control of ten squads, the other six were ssified in their own separation of powers and could be withdrawn.

    Merely, this was ording tomon sense, but the true state of affairs wasn¡¯t so simple.

    Then, there were the squadrons themselves.

    Each enforcement squad¡¯s captain managed a number of people that didn¡¯t exceed one hundred ¡ª For Zhao Yuheng, because his background was very firm, he became an enforcement squad captain at a young age. There were fifty to sixty people under him. Among the thirty enforcement squad captains, his foundations were considered to be above average.

    In the entire Disciplinary Hall, the number of people was between two to three thousand.

    At first, Zhao Yueheng thought that rising to the next rank would be quite difficult. There was no way with the strength exhibited here. If he wanted to reach vicemander or higher, without the strength of the Immortal Realm, then it was absolutely impossible. Even for an enforcement squad captain, Zhao Yuheng¡¯s Xiantian stage eight just barely reached the set standard ¡ª One needed to know that if an enforcement disciple wasn¡¯t strong, then there wasn¡¯t any way to enforce thew!

    But while there was no way to get promoted, there weren¡¯t any problems with increasing one¡¯s own manpower, making preparations in advance, and fillings the gaps when there were vacancies.

    The position of a Disciplinary Hall¡¯s vicemander was a delicious cake, but what was even more interesting was that, among the presently known nine vicemander positions, there just so happened to be an opening in the branch that Zhao Yuheng resided in! Many enforcement disciples were all thinking about it ¡ª Even though it couldn¡¯t be officially appointed, that hole could be upied.

    Zhao Yuheng was naturally no exception. Merely, it was a pity that he didn¡¯t have the right social connections.

    However, Zhao Yuheng¡¯s luck also wasn¡¯t bad. He unexpectedly obtained a low grade Life Extension Pill from Tianheng¡¯s hands! This was like someone gifting him a pillow as he went to take a nap. It was simply too timely!

    The more Gu Zuo listened, the curiouser he became. Could the Life Extension Pill he refined really have a use? Truth be told, this thing looked very high-end, but in fact, it could only extend the lifespan of a martial artist below the Immortal Realm. This was mostly used by people who had poor aptitudes for practicing martial arts. As for those genuine talents, it was basically useless.

    Zhao Yuheng quickly talked about the following matters. At this point, his mood became a bit excited.

    Because the Life Extension Pill wasn¡¯t as chicken-rib as Gu Zuo thought ¡ª Yes, talented people wouldn¡¯t use it, but didn¡¯t talents have friends and family? Most of all, after a talent became a powerhouse, could every one of his descendants andpanions be martial arts geniuses like him?

    Absolutely not!

    In that case, the Life Extension Pill had a big use.

    The boss of Zhao Yuheng¡¯s boss was their branch¡¯smander. His powers were extraordinarily strong. At a hundred something years old, he became a high Immortal Realm character. And his crowds of wives and concubines had birthed him many sons and daughters. However, his most beloved first wife had long passed away leaving him with an eldest son. Unfortunately, he was a poorly qualified, semi-waste. Commander Zhou, known as Zhou Changqing, used many resources to upgrade his beloved eldest son¡¯s strength.

    It was a pity that even though it was like this, his son, who was only twenty years younger than him, was now already over a hundred forty years old. His strength was still only at Xiantian stage seven. Moreover, forty to fifty years had already passed without even a hint of a breakthrough. It was basically impossible to reach the Immortal Realm within the remaining ten years!

    Commander Zhou¡¯s emotions for his eldest son were extremely deep. How could he be willing to send off his white-haired son when he was still ck-haired? Lately, he had been using his authority as amander to make his subordinates search everywhere for prescriptions or medicinal pills that would extend one¡¯s lifespan. Merely, ending up empty-handed caused his disposition to gradually change.

    When Zhao Yuheng offered the Life Extension Pill, that truly touched the bottom of his heart. It couldn¡¯t be said that the position of the vicemander was currently left open. After leaving his post, Commander Zhou intended to directly have Zhao Yuheng take over this position!

    With such a medicinal pill, Zhao Yuheng¡¯s status within the Disciplinary Hall suddenly underwent an enormous change! The difference in the change was like heaven and earth, which was also separated by a huge gutter!

    Thus, how couldn¡¯t Zhao Yuheng regard Tianheng as important? He considered Tianheng his lucky star.

    Gu Zuo listened to all this and was speechless.

    Zhao Yuheng unexpectedly obtained such a huge benefit... It was no wonder why he was even more patient today than every time before. Zhao Yuheng¡¯s attitude towards his big brother was also several times better.

    After all, benefits moved people¡¯s hearts.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s hand fiddled with the wine cup. His gaze was serene and deep. He appeared to still be seriously listening to Zhao Yuheng¡¯s expressed emotions.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind suddenly moved.

    He couldn¡¯t help asking in his mind: Big brother, did you know about this beforehand?

    Tianheng¡¯s brows slightly rose.

    [Prior to asking Zhao Yuheng for help, I¡¯ve always been thinking about his requirements. The matter of thatmander isn¡¯t really a secret. One would know with a few discreet inquires. With regards to this, you and I are lucky.]

    Gu Zuo could¡¯t help wanting to ridicule ¡ª Of course, he would¡¯t dare to tease Tianheng.

    What was this about them being lucky? It was basically the luck of his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body... It was simply the fate of the leading role. Anything which they needed woulde. Anything which theycked would be promptly obtained. It was rather serendipitous.

    Gu Zuo only silently said a sentence: Big brother is very capable.

    After that, he continued eating.

    Zhao Yuheng was very considerate as he received his two guests. After they ate and drunk to their hearts¡¯ content, he personally escorted Tianheng and Gu Zuo to the door. He opened his mouth and pledged: ¡°With the authority in my hands now, I will certainly strive my hardest. If I can pry out anything from Sun Lang¡¯s mouth, I¡¯ll inform you, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Tianheng naturally replied: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Zhao.¡±

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng and departed.

    With Zhao Yuheng, Xi Yangyun, and Xu Lingxiu taking care of things now, he didn¡¯t believe that Lu Jiusi could target them in secret! The best scenario was that he made a stupid mistake and revealed his cloven feet. When that moment came, Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu would feel his deception. They definitely wouldn¡¯t let him get away with it. Gu Zuo had nothing to worry about.

    Leaving aside that Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo had obtained so many helpers, they were more or less certain about future matters. Lu Jiusi, who¡¯d said his goodbyes in advance, was now in a really bad mood.

    After he returned to his own Jiusi Pavilion, he waited until only his trusted aide remained to flick his sleeve onto a wooden chair to the side. He used qi energy to shatter that thing to pieces!

    Despite his shrewdness and forbearance, the unwitted goading of Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu inevitably made him gloomy.

    ¡ª Too despicable!

    He actually had to investigate himself with those two idiots! When their dispatched forces operated with his manpower, he had to set up new arrangements again. Otherwise, if a careless mistake was discovered, his n of many years would bepletely wasted!

    After ruthlessly venting his feelings, Lu Jiusi sat down on arge chair behind him and leaned heavily into it.

    This time was a miscalction.

    Although the matter of looking for assassins was one originally proposed by Sun Lang, he¡¯d done the calctions for the level of the assassins. Based on his considerations, the one who should¡¯ve had the highest strength was Xiantian stage three. Tianheng¡¯s strength surpassed ordinary martial artists of equivalent realms. This should¡¯ve led to Tianheng being severely injured, but it also could¡¯ve allowed Tianheng and the others to stand their ground for a period of time. By the time bystanders discovered signs of activity and came to the rescue, Tianheng and Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have died. However, Tianheng would¡¯ve greatly lost face ¡ª Even crippling his meridians was also possible.

    Yet, Sun Lang, that stupid thing, reced the Xiantian stage three with a Xiantian stage four!

    This was obviously an attempt on Gu Zuo¡¯s life!

    In the end, however, Gongyi Tianheng andpany killed all the assassins. This let him discover that he had still mistakenly estimated Tianheng¡¯s strength...

    If it was only this, then it would¡¯ve been fine. At the very least, Gu Zuo was still safe and sound. He had many other ways of dealing with Tianheng. The hidden hand he used would definitely y a big role in the future.

    However, Tianheng had immediately taken this matter and told Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu. This momentarily put him in a passive state, and mobilizing the manpower under his control wasn¡¯t good.

    Just as he was thinking about how to enact the schemes in his mind, someone suddenly came to report from outside.

    Lu Jiusi impatiently waved his hand, allowing the person to enter.

    After that person came in, he immediately bowed and saluted. He opened his mouth and inly said: ¡°Pavilion Master, Sun Lang was taken away by an enforcement squadron!¡±

    Lu Jiusi stood up at once, and a palm smashed a table to pieces: ¡°What did you say?¡± His heart suddenly boiled up with a surge of anger, ¡°An enforcement squad? How did he get involved with an enforcement squad?¡±

    The person who arrived was also part of Lu Jiusi¡¯s trusted aides. Having heard what was said, he promptly stated: ¡°Yesterday, an enforcement squadron was investigating the details of a case in the Inner Sect. Although we took note of it, we didn¡¯t realize that it was actually...¡± His tone became ambiguous, ¡°...This event. We also don¡¯t know what methods they used, but they had verified this matter within four hours, and Sun Lang was captured. Currently, Sun Lang was arrested and ced within the Disciplinary Hall. He has already been questioned via torture.¡±

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s fingers squeezed the armrests of therge chair. His voice was gloomy: ¡°Then, what did he say? What did our person say?¡±

    That trusted aide replied: ¡°Our hidden seed within the Disciplinary Hall seized an opportunity to entice Sun Lang so that he wouldn¡¯t reveal the Pavilion Master¡¯s full name. Sun Lang believes that the Pavilion Master is still thinking of a way to save him. Naturally, he won¡¯t disclose the truth.¡±

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s fingers loosened: ¡°Have the hidden seed find a chance to kill him!¡±

    The trusted aide hesitated somewhat: ¡°Sun Lang¡¯s medicine refining skills are extremely strong. Won¡¯t the Pavilion Master think it over?¡±

    Lu Jiusi sneered and said: ¡°Stupid and impulsive. No matter how good his aptitudes are, it¡¯s useless! He¡¯s petty-minded, and unlikely to have too many aplishments in the future. I¡¯ve beening up with this n for a long time. If it¡¯s leaked by him, then it¡¯ll hard to avoid drawing people¡¯s suspicions. My previous reputation will also be damaged somewhat... He seriously isn¡¯t worth it.¡±

    The trusted aide understood clearly, and responded: ¡°This subordinate will have that person act at once.¡±

    Lu Jiusi nodded his head. After that, he recalled something and asked: ¡°Which enforcement squadron was responsible for capturing Sun Lang?¡±

    The trusted aide replied: ¡°The enforcement squadron led by Zhao Yuheng.¡±

    Lu Jiusi pondered: ¡°Zhao Yuheng? He has a bit of fame, but he shouldn¡¯t be of any cause for concern. There aren¡¯t many people in his control, so how could he investigate Sun Lang so fast?¡±

    The trusted aide also recalled this matter, and promptly reported: ¡°Zhao Yuheng is very different now. ording to the hidden seed¡¯s report, he offered a type of medicinal pill to Commander Zhou Changqing, which resolved his desperate situation. Currently, Zhao Yuheng is already a potential candidate for the vicemander post. When he went to investigate the matter of Sun Lang this time, he brought no less than three enforcement squadrons. Besides the ones from his own branch, he also borrowed people from Commander Zhou. This was how he was so fast.¡±

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s voice dropped: ¡°Why had Zhao Yuheng investigated this case, which shouldn¡¯t have attracted people¡¯s attention, with such fanfare?¡±

    The trusted aide said: ¡°Based on the hidden seed¡¯s words, Gongyi Tianheng had formerly sought out Zhao Yuheng to report a case to the authorities...¡±

    Lu Jiusi¡¯s expression suddenly changed: ¡°¡ªGongyi Tianheng?¡±

    That youngster had the capabilities to make Zhao Yuheng work for him?

    The trusted aide¡¯s expression was also grave: ¡°It really is him.¡±

    Lu Jiusi contemted for a short time.

    Immediately following which, he raised his head and solemnly said: ¡°Order the hidden seed to deeply investigate this matter. It must be fully rified. How did the friendship between Zhao Yuheng and Gongyi Tianhenge about?¡±

    The trusted aide naturallyplied immediately. After that, he hurriedly turned around and bustled away.

    After he left, Lu Jiusi closed his eyes.

    ¡°It looks like I still underestimated that Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch171 - A Medicine Storeâ€™s Grand Opening

    <h4>Chapter Ch171 - A Medicine Store¡¯s Grand Opening</h4>

    After dealing with the matter of the attempted assassination, Gongyi Tianheng andpany returned to the small valley. He then went into secluded cultivation for a long time. With Tianheng¡¯s IQ, he naturally understood that, although he sessfully managed many contacts with various means, when all was said and done, most of this was based on the other party¡¯s behavior as well as the benefits he himself invested in. It wasn¡¯t really that reliable ¡ª It could be said that if the other side becamepletely hostile, he could only pack up his bags and flee.

    The most important thing was still his own strength. Connections and other things would only temporarily pull all parties into an equilibrium, which would allow him to have a rtively smooth and steady period of growth.

    After being busy these days, there shouldn¡¯t have been any more evil intentionsing from all directions. Tianheng and Gu Zuo stayed within the valley for a long time and didn¡¯t casually leave.

    Tianheng was primarily doing his best to advance his realm, while Gu Zuo wholeheartedly refined medicine to nurse Tianheng¡¯s health. No longer did Gu Zuo think about sleeping at night. Rather, he used all of his time to operate his cultivation method.

    Fortunately, after Gu Zuo got used to being busy, Gu Zuo discovered the valiance of the <<Divine Medicine Cultivation Method>>. When he had enough control over his psychic power, the cultivation method could also naturally operate even while refining pills. Thus, the psychic power within his Tianfu Acupoint also obtained powerful tempering. Unwittingly, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, true qi, and medicine refinement all simultaneously improved because he was continuously increasing his power and capital.

    Countless medicinal pills were refined from Gu Zuo¡¯s hands. Besides arge amount of top grade Qi Linking Pills used to upgrade Tianheng¡¯s true qi as well as the top grade pills distributed to the numerous Gongyi n children, Tianlong Guards, and ves, the rest were gathered up by Dragon One to act as a reserve for Medicine of Life in the Inner Sect¡¯s Business District.

    In the blink of an eye, a month passed.

    The Scarlet Blood Rice in the field already had very few ears that showed signs of mutation. The others were all totally normal Scarlet Blood Rice. Under the effects of all sorts of medicinal decoctions, a batch could mature within three to five days. They were processed by the ves and piled up within the barn. Later on, even the ves could have Scarlet Blood Rice once every few days, while the Tianlong Guards and everyone else had it for every meal, warming their bodies and tempering their constitutions.

    ¡ª Naturally, the one with the greatest appetite was the valley¡¯s owner.

    After the Gongyi n children surveyed their own constitution attributes, each of them received a low rank Golden-Level cultivation method that Tianheng obtained from the Martial Scripture Pavilion. They also got several sets of Human-Level martial skills that were very suitable for their current stage.

    Because of their experiences with the Sect¡¯s dangers, a powerful passion arose towards the upgrading their own martial strength. Right now, aside from essential meals, all their time was spent on cultivating. Within a short period of time, huge changes urred.

    Because the ambient qi was denser here and he was working his hardest, Gongyi Tianyang, who was originally only Bone Forging stage three, broke through to the Meridian Condensing Realm a few days ago!

    Tianyang¡¯s aptitudes truly weren¡¯tcking.

    With this encouragement, the other children who were Bone Forging stage three gathered their strength and rushed to advance ¡ª Top-notch medicinal pills that were never seen before, iparably dense ambient qi, and exceptionally good sustenance and environment. With such good conditions, what reasons did they have to not improve?!

    Hence, aside from Gongyi Mingxia, a Blood Refining Realm martial artist, everyone else reached the Meridian Condensing Realm one after another!

    Because the Tianlong Guards were all already Xiantian martial artists, besides cultivating, they also had lots of work to do and were very busy. However, under the hastening of numerous top grade pills, although they didn¡¯t break through to Xiantian stage two, each of them condensed at least one Heavenly Spirit bone pearl. Their progress was simrly not small.

    The ves naturally got less resources than the true subordinates, but the disparitypared to when they roamed on their own was many times greater. The number of those who were previously unwilling decreased, and they handled matters with greater diligence. They understood that they should¡¯ve still been in an observation period. It was impossible topare to such trusted aides like the Tianlong Guards or rtives like the Gongyi n children. However, they also believed that, so long as they performed well and were loyal enough, they could obtain many more things.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng were still immersed in the hardships of cultivation.

    The speed of the two¡¯s progress simply couldn¡¯t bepared to other people. Tianheng had the support of an unending stream of medicinal pills, and had already broken through to Xiantian stage three without a hitch. Originally, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t do so purposefully, but through constant pill refinement, he somehow also became a Xiantian stage three pharmacist His psychic power condensed and increased once more.

    Only, this still wasn¡¯t enough.

    It was just Xiantian stage three... When it came to this realm, it was only barelyparable to the average enforcement disciple. In the entire Inner Sect, it was just barely outside of the bottom rung!

    Gongyi Tianheng sat beneath a tree, his whole body was encircled with a type of faint, reddish-gold radiance.

    The rays of light were vast and red-hot. It seemed as if it should¡¯ve been like a scorching ze, but it was purer and stranger than that. Like flowing gold and cid mes, it gave him ayer of divine splendor.

    The amazing thing was that there were faint, reddish-gold lights on his head of ck, unfurled hair. It seemed like exotic energy descended from the sky and poured into his body from the top of his head, condensing the power that entwined him. And if someone carefully observed, they¡¯d discover that these reddish-gold lights permeated his body through every pore with each breath he took.

    Such power was unprecedented.

    A shadow shed by. Dragon Four kneeled before Tianheng, and respectfully said: ¡°Young master, all the preliminary work for Medicine of Life has already been handled. The leader has asked if it will be opened in the near future.¡±

    He didn¡¯t dare get any closer because there appeared to be a force field ahead. It blocked all those who weren¡¯t given permission. If they went forward, they would suffer an attack by some kind of power!

    Dragon Four¡¯s instincts told him that he wouldn¡¯t have been able to resist this attack.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t open his eyes, and the power of his body still surged. However, a disembodied voice transmitted: ¡°It can open in a few days. Dragon One will act as the owner, and Dragon Two will coordinate.¡±

    Dragon Four bowed again: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    After that, the shadow shed away and Dragon Four¡¯s silhouette disappeared.

    In a nearby medicine refining room, a streak of invisible psychic power spread outside. Then, it seemed to have found nothing wrong and retracted obediently.

    In the medicine refining room, a petite teenager sat cross-legged in ce. Three pill cauldrons were suspended in front of him. Under each cauldron was a roaring inferno, and the insides of each cauldron emitted a rich medicinal fragrance.

    In the teenager¡¯s mind, he secretly repeated: Gotta hurry, gotta hurry... There¡¯s no time, gotta hurry! Just one more pill cauldron!

    Physical strength and mental strength moved together just like this.

    The Inner Sect¡¯s Business District was veryrge. Those who dared to open a store here were either disciples who had a robust power backing them in the Inner Sect or had a rtionship of bribery, or they were an external force that adhered to Qingyun Sect or had a cooperation with it. In addition, the district was patrolled by enforcement disciples. In general, no one dared to make trouble here.

    Today, there was a new medicine store opening up on the eastern street of the Business District. Although there was some advertisement, because there were too many of such businesses, it actually didn¡¯t draw too much attention.

    The medicine store was called Medicine of Life. The store¡¯s entryway was also about ten meters tall. It clearly wasn¡¯t a power that was financially robust. There must¡¯ve been hundreds of businesses like this medicine store along all the streets. After a nce, even a person passing by wouldn¡¯t have had any interest in making a detour, and would just go to their own destination.

    There were also two burly Xiantian stage one men who guarded on the left and right. Their expressions were very solemn and respective. Additionally, there was a Xiantian guard in the corner of the store who had an intimidating face, as well as a shifty-eyed short man who stood behind the sales counter. It looked as if he was this ce¡¯s shopkeeper?

    Of course, in the deeper, unseen nooks, there were several average-faced Xiantians in hiding. They were the people who secretly watched over this medicine store.

    The short man waited for a moment, and spoke a bit dispiritedly: ¡°The store¡¯s been opened for a while, but there¡¯s no business. How boring!¡±

    In the corner came a gloomy voice: ¡°Those who don¡¯te will all regret it.¡±

    The short man heard this, and his dejection turned to contentment: ¡°That¡¯s right. I, Old Bao, dare to guarantee that so long as someone enters, they¡¯ll definitely leave behind a big pouch of gold and still won¡¯t be willing to go out!¡±

    In the corner, there again was some gloomyughter.

    At this time, some people really came in from outside.

    Li Qinqin and Li Yuanyuan were a pair of twin sisters. Both were born with fair skin, and were arrestingly beautiful. They were also quite famous among the male disciples of the Outer Sect. Normally, they liked to socialize with their admirers, acting coquettishly to obtain some resources. Only, it was a pity that their natural talents weren¡¯t too good. After entering the Inner Sect with great difficulty, they were already pushing thirty years old. Although a martial artist¡¯s appearance wouldn¡¯t easily age, for women like them who relied on their features to get what they wanted, the true qi within the body wouldn¡¯t provide much radiance... They already looked a bit old.

    Li Yuanyuan lightly sighed: ¡°Big sis, there are as many beautiful women in the Inner Sect as there are clouds on the horizon. You and I don¡¯t have any advantages at all. How can twenty-something year olddiespare to delicate teenaged girls? What¡¯s even more hateful is that if we can¡¯t get enough resources, our strengths won¡¯t go up and it¡¯ll be hard to maintain our current appearances... What, what will we do then?¡±

    Li Qinqin was also somewhat aggrieved. Her gaze wandered, and she faintly said: ¡°Who said it wouldn¡¯t be hard? If it was in the past, we¡¯d be apanied by throngs...by quite a few Senior Sect Brothers. Now, it¡¯s just the two of us.¡±

    The two sisters exchanged nces. Their moods were particrly mncholy.

    After having entered the Inner Sect so long ago, they weren¡¯t able secure a few cash cows. They had been ignored by everyone... For extraordinarily beautiful women like them, who enjoyed the gazes of men focused on their bodies, how could they be willing to let themselves end up with such an old and faded conclusion?!

    After walking along the road for a while, the two sisters felt that the clothes sold on these streets weren¡¯t pretty, that the handsome men weren¡¯t handsome, and that the things in the restaurants weren¡¯t tasty. In a word, they were ovee with a morose boredom. Nothing they did could raise their moods. Also, with a man by one¡¯s side, one would spend the man¡¯s money. When window-shopping by oneself, the person would have to spend their own money. How could thetter be as delightful as the former?

    Most of all, the beautiful sisters discovered that there were practically no male disciples on the way who¡¯de tofort them when they expressed their sorrows. It was very difficult to get a few to look at them some more. Nevertheless, because they were a pair of twin sisters, the sadness that filled their hearts practically overflowed.

    Li Yuanyuan¡¯srge, round eyes swept back and forth, and then her gaze suddenlynded on a shop sign: ¡°Medicine of Life? Big sis, a new medicine store has opened here.¡±

    Li Qinqin also looked over. She said disinterestedly: ¡°It¡¯s just a new medicine store. Don¡¯t get excited over nothing.¡±

    Li Yuanyuan also wasn¡¯t interested, but she felt that a woman needed to have vitality if she wanted to be beautiful. They¡¯d been walking around other ces for a while and there hadn¡¯t been anything of interest. With something new, they could go in to have a look around to freshen up? As a result, she pulled Li Qinqin¡¯s sleeve and dragged her into the medicine store.

    Just as they walked to the doorway, the young girls wearing blue dresses on both sides greeted them one after another: ¡°Wee, honorable customers!¡±

    Li Yuanyuan and Li Qinqin both startled. After that, they grinned.

    Oh, it seemed a little interesting.

    But overall, it was still boring...

    As they walked through the door, the two sisters saw the shopkeeper who was directly across from them. Suddenly, their small eyebrows furrowed.

    What kind of a shop was this? Why hadn¡¯t they found a person who was a bit better looking? The shopkeeper¡¯s looks were shifty-eyed, and it would worsen a person¡¯s mood.

    Once inside, Li Qinqin wanted to leave, but Li Yuanyuan persuaded her: ¡°We¡¯re already inside. Let¡¯s just take a quick look around.¡±

    Li Qinqin pouted, and gave a worried, sweeping nce around the store.

    There were four counters: Two in the middle and one on each side. There was a dazzling line-up of medicinal pills inside them. This also wasn¡¯t something amazing because there were very many small medicine stores that were all the same ¡ª One didn¡¯t need to look at the things arranged in the counters.

    A nce to the left ¡ª Oh, a Qi Generating Pill.

    A nce to the right ¡ª Oh, a Rejuvenation Pill.

    A nce to the front ¡ª Oh, a Qi Linking Pill.

    Those were allmonly seen. The variety of products were those couple of types. The numbers rose and fell, but they didn¡¯t change. The only bit of difference was that the majority were low grade, and a mid grade would be sold asionally. By separating them by a level, it would make them seem very high-end. But the core of the matter was just that.

    The two sisters held this kind of mentality, and absentmindedly looked towards the left-side counter.

    Sure enough, it was just as they thought: Qi Generating Pills, Qi Linking Pills... Nothing different.

    Hold on. There were also Qi umting Pills? As a matter of fact, this was a medicinal pill that martial artists at Xiantian stage six and above could take!

    At this time, the two sisters perked up a little.

    They took a few steps up to the front of the counter and saw that there were three levels inside. The lowestyer had the three types of pills, but it was marked with ¡°Low Grade¡±. The middleyer likewise had the three types and was marked with ¡°Mid Grade¡±. The uppermostyer had the fewest bottles, but they were vividly written with ¡°High Grade¡±.

    In other words, these medicinal pills really had high grade ones! It was simply inconceivable! Generally speaking, only a handful ofrge medicine stores in the entire Business District of the Inner Sect had high grade pills. To their surprise, it could also been seen in this newly-opened, small medicine store!

    Li Yuanyuan grabbed Li Qinqin¡¯s hand, and quickly said: ¡°Big sis, let¡¯s go look at the other three counters. If there are other medicinal pills, we can use this as a topic of discussion when talking with others.¡±

    Li Qinqin thought deeply. She promptly lifted her dress, and walked over in small steps directly to the front of the second counter.

    There were also three types of medicinal pills here. They were individually written: Rejuvenation Pills, Revitalization Pills, and Snowy Ginseng Pills.

    They were simrly divided into high, mid, and low grades. The differences were that they provided treatment and replenished the blood. For martial artists, those were all very useful!

    The two sisters felt that their eyes were deceiving them. They rushed to the third counter. There weren¡¯t that many types of medicinal pills this time around. There were Bone Replenishing Pills and Meridian Replenishing Pills. They were considered top-notch medicines for injuries! While they were still ced in different levels of workmanship, they were definitely a new type of medicinal pill. The sisters had never heard of them before!

    At this point in time, the two sisters felt that their astonishment already couldn¡¯t be described in words. Besides thoserge-scale medicine stores, were there any medicine stores that didn¡¯t have duplicates in each of their counters? While there were no repeats, every type was so applicable! They had to say that even if arge medicine store had two or three medicinal pills that other stores didn¡¯t have, they unexpectedly discovered three types here!

    In that case, what medicinal pills were in thest counter? How many types were there?

    Li Yuanyuan whispered into Li Qinqin¡¯s ear: ¡°Big sis, I feel that just one type is very amazing...¡±

    Li Qinqin¡¯s expression was also a bit excited: ¡°I also feel this way. However, this truly is a huge conversation starter!¡±

    The two sisters were full of joy and expectation. They rushed to the final counter.

    Then, sure enough, they only saw one type of medicinal pill. This pill¡¯s name was the ¡°Anti-Aging Pill¡±!

    Hearing this name, the small hearts of the two sisters trembled.

    The Anti-Aging Pill was also divided into three ranks. However, the business didn¡¯t use low, mid, and high grades to stratify the pills. What the business separately wrote was ¡°Five Years¡±, ¡°Ten Years¡±, and ¡°Twenty Years¡±. This kind of stratification was unheard of. In the end, what the meaning of this?

    A bright idea suddenly urred to them. Li Yuanyuan had an abrupt guess. Li Qinqinmunicated through their bond as twin sisters, and immediately had the same way of thinking.

    The two of them exchanged nces, and didn¡¯t resent the shopkeeper¡¯s ugly face. They promptly rushed over and urgently asked: ¡°Shopkeeper, what use does that Anti-Aging Pill have? What meaning do those numbers of years have? Speak quickly!¡±

    Bao You stroked his own small beard, and waved his hand towards the outside of the doorway.

    Suddenly, a young girl in a blue dress daintily walked over, and curtsied at the two sisters.

    Bao You gave a vulgar smile: ¡°Qingqing, have a proper chat with them.¡±

    Wu Qingqing smiled happily and led the two sisters back to the counter of the Anti-Aging Pills. As they walked, she gave them an introduction: ¡°As the name implies, the Anti-Aging Pill can halt a person¡¯s features at their peak age. It¡¯s the best magical pill that every woman in the world desires...¡±

    As someone under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s control, all the female ves were ¡°trained¡± for a long time prior to the medicine store¡¯s opening. Not to mention anything else, they were taught each type of medicinal pill¡¯s function and price, and how to make a person feel delighted to fish out their money. Their lips had be especially smooth and eloquent.

    Most of all, there basically wasn¡¯t any need to exaggerate to the girls who came to buy the Anti-Aging Pill. So long as it was mentioned, it would evoke enormous interest in the other party.

    Wu Qingqing took one nce at the faces of the Li Sisters. When she saw the impatience in their eyes, she knew they¡¯d certainly be big customers. She remained calm and collected, and swiftly started to dupe... Ah, that wasn¡¯t right. She was giving them amentary on the merchandise.

    Li Qinqin and Li Yuanyuan just listened to the start, and there was already lights shining in their eyes.

    Li Yuanyuan¡¯s cherry-red lips faintly trembled: ¡°Five years... Ten years... Twenty years... Is what you¡¯re saying true?¡±

    Li Qinqin firmly grasped Li Yuanyuan¡¯s hand, and almost pinched hard enough to give several red marks. But even though Li Yuanyuan was being pinched, she didn¡¯t feel any pain. She waspletely focused on that Anti-Aging Pill!

    Wu Qingqing couldprehend the moods of these two sisters because, after she and the others were purchased and required to memorize the effects of these pills, they were also stupefied by the Anti-Aging Pill. But now, her master was merciful, and charitably gave them a high grade pill per person. It was able to maintain her youthful appearance for twenty years. It was only natural that her mood was very calm.

    As a result, she smiled and replied: ¡°Our honored guests haven¡¯t misheard. The Anti-Aging Pill can restore a woman¡¯splexion to the time when she was at her peak. It will also maintain that corresponding age. Moreover, this type of medicinal pill doesn¡¯te with any side effects. Only, one takes the low grade pill the first time, the mid grade pill the second time, and the high grade pill the third time. After the third time, it will have no effect.¡± She thought it over, and warned them, ¡°In addition, it has no use for martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above.¡±

    Li Yuanyuan didn¡¯t care about thatst part at all. She took a deep breath: ¡°It goes without saying that a woman at the Immortal Realm and above has a permanentplexion. There¡¯s no use at all! Quickly tell me how much money an Anti-Aging Pill from the three grades costs!¡±

    Correct. The most important thing was whether one could afford it! She would buy it even if it cost a family fortune!

    Wu Qingqing smiled. What they needed was the fervency of young women!

    So she gently and softly said: ¡°A low grade pill is fifty gold, a mid grade pill is a hundred gold, and a high grade pill is two hundred gold.¡±

    Li Yuanyuan¡¯s heartstrings, which were originally stretched taut, immediately loosened: ¡°This... It¡¯s actually not expensive.¡±

    Li Qinqin had already started to count the money.

    Although they didn¡¯t have too many golden banknotes, there was still enough to purchase the Anti-Aging Pills. Since this pill could be taken three times, that was the same as having to buy two more pills! Fifty, one hundred, two hundred... Right, that added up to seven hundred gold! They really had enough money!

    The sisters also weren¡¯t stupid, and didn¡¯t haggle over the price at this time. They were only thinking about their appearances recovering to their peak after taking the Anti-Aging Pills. Couldn¡¯t they immediately find another rich, good-looking guy? Who cared about the trifling investment now? If they haggled over the price and the business didn¡¯t sell it to them, they would be finished!

    As a result, Li Qinqin simply couldn¡¯t have been happier as she handed the money over. She swung her arm and stuffed seven one-hundred golden banknotes into Wu Qingqing¡¯s hand. Wu Qingqing¡¯s movements were also swift. The moment she was given the money, she took out the medicinal pills from the counter. Three bottles per person, and no more than one pill per bottle.

    The two sisters took the Anti-Aging Pills and were going to leave, when Wu Qingqing enthusiastically encouraged them to stay: ¡°The two youngdies are so beautiful that getting the Anti-Aging Pills is but adding flowers to a brocade. However, this medicinal pill¡¯s price isn¡¯t cheap. Wouldn¡¯t the two youngdies feel more assured by taking the pills here?¡±

    The two sisters of the Li Family heard this, and had an even better impression of Wu Qingqing. They had simr lines of thought. Although this store didn¡¯t seem like a scam, what would they do on the off-chance that it was? In addition, they could¡¯t wait any longer!

    Li Yuanyuan¡¯s face was moving and tragic: ¡°Big sis, just let me test the medicine first as your little sister!¡±

    Li Qinqin grabbed Li Yuanyuan¡¯s hand: ¡°Okay, little sis!¡±

    Wu Qingqing: ¡°...¡±

    This wasn¡¯t going to be a separation of life and death...

    After that, Li Yuanyuan poured out that low grade Anti-Aging Pill, and with an all-or-nothing mindset, she swallowed it.

    In the blink of an eye, a sweet fragrance, like that of a spiritual fruit, went down along her throat. Her nose seemed to smell a pervasive perfume. This kind of feeling was almost like falling into a dream, and she couldn¡¯t help closing her eyes... Indeed, it was toofortable!

    Some time passed, and the feeling gradually waned. Li Yuanyuan opened her eyes, and what was right across from her was the unfathomable emotion in Li Qinqin¡¯s eyes.

    Li Yuanyuan¡¯s heart thumped: ¡°Big sis?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t disfigured, right?!

    Then, she saw that Li Qinqin¡¯s face showed an iparably excited expression!

    The next moment, Li Yuanyuan¡¯s hand was stuffed with a face mirror by Li Qinqin. She looked at that mirror ¡ª And was immediately blinded by the flowery, young girl inside.

    Such delicate skin, such a rosyplexion, such a firm and sleek face, such a rippling and affectionate expression!

    Without a doubt, there was no need to say it out loud. She really had recovered her beauty as a sixteen year old girl...

    Li Qinqin looked at how beautiful her little sister had be. She herself impatiently swallowed a low grade Anti-Aging Pill.

    Hence, Li Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes clearly saw her older sister¡¯s skin instantly be lustrous and supple. Those faint, near-indiscernible lines at the corners of her eyes disappeared. Her hair became even more glossy, and her lips became even more dark-red. Those dozen or so years seemed to dissipate in a split second, leaving behind an enchanting and dainty young girl!

    This Anti-Aging Pill was truly, truly too effective!

    She thought about the future, and how she could maintain her current appearance for at least thirty years. She felt the value was far more than the money spent. It simply exceeded her expectations!

    Afterwards, Li Qinqin also took a look at the mirror, but before the two beauties were done, a scream of surprise echoed from the doorway.

    It hade from a woman.

    Wu Qingqing promptly walked over, and pursed her lips into a smile: ¡°Pardon me, what does this customer require?¡±

    This was also a twenty-something year old woman. She looked like someone who was strolling by. The result was that she just happened to witness Li Qinqin, who¡¯d undergone huge changes and had instantly be several times more beautiful. She couldn¡¯t control her amazement.

    She promptly grabbed Wu Qingqing¡¯s hand: ¡°May I ask what medicinal pill they took?¡±

    Wu Qingqing¡¯s smiling expression deepened, and she softly said: ¡°This type of medicinal pill is called the Anti-Aging Pill...¡±

    That woman unwittingly followed Wu Qingqing to the front of the counter.

    Behind the counter, in a corner of the medicine store, Bao You and the other men all showed strange expressions.

    This business was...

    They previously felt that female martial artists were either valiant and formidable or lovable and charming. While their dispositions were all different, each one had a sense of beauty. Yet, they¡¯d never seen a woman¡¯s fervency when it came to confronting her own appearance.

    And this type of bizarre feeling deepened when even more women passing by identally witnessed the women in the medicine store ¡°changing faces¡± and couldn¡¯t help walking in, too.

    Sure enough, the Anti-Aging Pill was a best-seller! It was selling very fast!

    The few blue-dressed girls who had been weing guests at the doorway were also grabbed by those women. Each and every one of them introduced the women to the circumstances of the medicinal pills. In the wake of more and more women entering the store, the people outside discovered the situation and also went in... Gradually, it got to the point where there was more work than one could handle.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on ahead? Why are there so many women?¡±

    ¡°It seems that a new medicine store has opened up.¡±

    ¡°A new medicine store? It actually attracted so many female martial artists?¡±

    ¡°Say no more. All those women seem to have gone crazy...¡±

    Among such discussions, apart from the women, some men also curiously entered that medicine store. At first, they were heading towards those women, but when they took a sweeping nce at the counters, they had a sudden change of interest.

    Furthermore, those male martial artists who had originally been apanying the women also entered the store. Because they were bored of waiting, they looked at the counters and their moods abruptly changed with one look...

    Unexpectedly, the medicinal pills here were soprehensive and special!

    T/N: I¡¯ll be retroactively changing Market Street to Business District.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch172 - Huge Sales

    <h4>Chapter Ch172 - Huge Sales</h4>

    ¡ª For the business at hand, it was better to talk about that first Inner Sect disciple who was concerned for his dear Junior Sect Sister and followed her into Medicine of Life.

    Pang Zhifei came from a small town on the Qingyun Continent. From a young age, he had no close rtives, and was considered to have been raised by the vige. Later on, because two passing martial artists had gotten into a big fight within the town, he was able to see the power of martial artists. From that point onward began his unrelenting path of martial arts. After going through all sorts of things, he finally became an Outer Sect disciple while he was still young. Under a crazy amount of effort, he became a member of the Inner Sect. What supported his motivation was the scene of those martial artists clearly tearing up the town, yet they were treated like guests by the vige leader.

    However, if an ordinary Inner Sect disciple didn¡¯t have a backer, it would be hard to mingle and develop. Pang Zhifei worked hard to earn money and established all kinds of rtionships for an Inner Sect Immortal Realm Elder to receive him as an apprentice. At the same time, in order to stand up on his own in the Sect, he began romantically pursuing that crafty and unruly Junior Sect Sister ¡ª Jing Xiaowan, the unmarried and doted-upon daughter of his Master.

    Jing Xiaowan¡¯s aptitudes weren¡¯t bad. She was a Xiantian stage one martial artist and was five or six years younger than Pang Zhifei. He himself was Xiantian stage two. In addition, she looked delicate and pretty, and was also very popr. In order to gain his Junior Sect Sister¡¯s favor, Pang Zhifei did all of his time cultivating at night, and during the day, he did his best to be there for Jing Xiaowan for her every beck and call. Such matters like window-shopping basically urred every two to three days. Now, it was that time around again!

    Fortunately, Pang Zhifei was a very self-adjusted individual. Since the matter of window-shopping was unavoidable, he took advantage of this opportunity to check the prices and used the best cost-effective ways to buy the things he needed the most. Over the course of time, the more Jing Xiaowan strolled around, the more that Pang Zhifei became aware of. He also developed a bit of interest in finding new things.

    This time around was the same. Just as the two visited this street, they found an unremarkable store with quite a few female martial artists inside. In a moment, Jing Xiaowan realized that this ce definitely had things that were attractive to women. Pang Zhifei took one look at the name of that medicine store and knew that it was newly opened. When Jing Xiaowan wanted to make her way inside, Pang Zhifei was docile and obedient. He took the first step and helped her push aside many people withoutining.

    Because that ce had crowds of women, Pang Zhifei showed determination: ¡°Men and women shouldn¡¯t touch hands when they give or receive things. Apart from the person I love, I¡¯ll avoid all the other women.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he returned a meaningful nce full of tender sentiments to Jing Xiaowan.

    Having been fawned over, Jing Xiaowan naturally went into the crowd to make discreet inquiries by herself.

    Meanwhile, Pang Zhifei retreated to the back and reached the first counter on the left side, which was practically empty byparison. In this way, he thought: Maybe a newly-opened medicine store will sh its prices?

    But when he lowered his head and got a clear look at the things in the counter, he rubbed his eyes several times in disbelief!

    High grade Qi Linking Pills?

    Also, high grade Qi umting Pills?!

    In such a small store, was this medicine real or fake?

    If it was just high grade Qi Generating Pills, then it wouldn¡¯t have made him react like that. After all, that was ssified as a Houtian medicinal pill. It was useless to him. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t that challenging for a certified pharmacist to refine.

    However, Qi Linking Pills and Qi umting Pills were different! The high grade pills were very rare, especially Qi umting Pills! Although he couldn¡¯t use them now, what was stopping him from buying them? By storing up a few early on, he¡¯d use them sooner orter once he broke through!

    There was only one question. Were these medicinal pills real or fake?

    Generally speaking, although no one dared to counterfeit these things, they were very expensive. No matter what it was, so long as something was expensive and could make a profit, someone would inevitably take a risk out of desperation...

    For a moment, Pang Zhifei was truly at a loss. He hesitated, but his heart was moved even more!

    If by any chance ¡ª If by any chance the pills were real, then he would¡¯ve missed an opportunity that would turn his intestines ck with regret!

    Sucking in a deep breath, Pang Zhifei went straight to the shifty-eyed shopkeeper, and spoke ingratiatingly: ¡°May I ask for this shopkeeper¡¯s surname?¡±

    That shopkeeper smiled happily and said: ¡°This one¡¯s surname is Bao.¡±

    ¡°May I venture to ask Shopkeeper Bao how much those high grade Qi umting Pills cost?¡±

    ¡°The low grade Qi umting Pills are fifty gold. The mid grade pills are two hundred gold. The high grade pills are five hundred gold.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s slightly expensive. Is it possible for Shopkeeper Bao to make it a little cheaper?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s already extremely cheap. It¡¯s a set price with no room for counter bargains. I, Old Bao, am also just making ends meet. The medicine store is backed by the owner, and if there¡¯s a mistake in the sales, then Old Bao will have to make up for it.¡±

    ¡°Shopkeeper Bao...¡±

    ¡°Sorry, my hands are tied.¡±

    After wasting some time trying to sweet-talk his way through, Pang Zhifei discovered that there was probably no way to negotiate. He thought that a counterfeit business wouldn¡¯t be so resolute and decisive. And if those goods were real, then it truly wasn¡¯t expensive! It was much cheaper than some private distributors in the Inner Sect!

    Pang Zhifei braced himself, and immediately fished out five hundred gold and pped the banknotes onto the table: ¡°Shopkeeper Bao, one pill!¡±

    Bao You chuckled, and smoothly took out a small bottle from underneath. After that, he also took out a jade bowl from the side and poured a milky-white medicinal pill into the bowl ¡ª It made a crisp chime.

    That sound was silvery and euphonious. That color and luster was full and mellow. That pill fragrance was rich and fresh... No matter how one looked at it, it was the real deal!

    Pang Zhifei held that medicinal pill and ced it under his nose to sniff it. He only felt rxed and alert. In the wake of this odor, a gout of strong energy squeezed into his body, nearly causing his internal true qi to boil up!

    There was no mistake! This was absolutely the real thing!

    Subconsciously, Pang Zhifei¡¯s brain shed with a line of huge words.

    Take advantage of this!

    Take a huge advantage of this!

    Buy, buy, buy!

    Therefore, Pang Zhifei didn¡¯t speak another word of nonsense. He hurriedly counted the amount of golden banknotes inside his bag. Oh, he had saved up fifty thousand gold. It would be out of the question to take it all out for Qi umting Pills. He needed to leave a bit to buy the medicinal pills that were applicable to him at this stage. For example, high grade Qi Linking Pills would be pretty good... High grade pills could be encountered, but not sought. Perhaps, this grand opening was letting him take advantage? After he asked about the Qi Linking Pill¡¯s price, he tolerated the ache in his hands as he spent six thousand gold, which was enough to purchase a hundred high grade Qi Linking Pills! At the present stage, he could consume one pill every month. This wouldst him for a while.

    A little more than forty thousand gold remained. He decided to take another look at the other medicinal pills.

    Bone Replenishing Pills! Buy!

    Meridian Replenishing Pills! Buy!

    Snowy Ginseng Pills ¡ª A good thing for enriching the blood! Buy!

    He also needed to buy Revitalization Pills! Ah, buy it!

    The more he bought, the more he felt that he didn¡¯t have enough money. Which martial artists didn¡¯t receive injuries? When encountering top-notch injury medicine, one needed to stock up. None of this could be ignored!

    Within a brief fifteen minutes, Pang Zhifei only had five thousand gold left out of all his savings.

    He still needed to exercise restraint over this five thousand gold. He used inhuman willpower to prevent himself from continuously spending it all. If it wasn¡¯t for the sake of keeping a little for rainy days, he was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t have stopped until he spent thest bits of gold on his person!

    Finally, Pang Zhifei put away arge pile of bottles and jars into his own voluminous Fangcun Cloth, which he upgraded in the Inner Sect. Atst, he revealed a contented expression.

    Very good, he¡¯d taken the lead! After that, he felt that it was a bit unfortunate. If he had just a few more golden banknotes...

    At this moment, Pang Zhifei had forgotten about his little Junior Sect Sister, whom he was intent on marrying. All his thoughts were centered around the medicinal pills within the Fangcun Cloth. With these pills, his small life would have a very big safeguard! In the future, his cultivation resources could persist for quite a long time! For a moment, he got caught up in a type of dream-like illusion.

    ...Until a somewhat shrill woman¡¯s voice woke him up.

    Pang Zhifei suddenly trembled!

    Wasn¡¯t this the voice of his little Junior Sect Sister? While she was normally a bit headstrong, her voice had never been so sharp! Did something happen?

    People who interacted closely with one another would always develop feelings. Even though Pang Zhifei was a bit utilitarian, his affections for his Junior Sect Sister were still rather deep.

    Hence, Pang Zhifei disregarded his clean-living and honest impression in front of his Junior Sect Sister. He promptly stormed into that crowd of rouge and face powder, and hastily asked: ¡°Junior Sect Sister, what happened? Are you alright?¡±

    Of course, his Junior Sect Sister was fine. It was just that her face was flushed and her eyes were shining: ¡°Senior Sect Brother! Buy me this!¡±

    After she finished speaking, her slender jade-like finger pointed to a counter ¡ª

    Pang Zhifei¡¯s line of sight shifted.

    Anti-Aging Pill?

    Off to the side, the sound of many women giggling and chattering spread to his ears. Atst, he understood what happened.

    Soon after, he wiped away his sweat with some trepidation.

    Fortunately, he saved some money...

    Pang Zhifei forthrightly handed over several hundred gold: ¡°Shopkeeper, give my little Junior Sect Sister one of each pill!¡±

    One of Jing Xiaowan¡¯s hands took the offered medicinal pill bottle, and the other coiled around Pang Zhifei. After that, she went to leave, high and mighty, like her dreams hade true: ¡°I just knew that Senior Sect Brother is the best!¡±

    Pang Zhifei and Jing Xiaowan departed, and bumped into an entering male martial artist who was apanying a woman he wanted to please. Pang Zhifei¡¯s eyes followed that male martial artist as he went in. Looking at the contemptuous appearance on that male martial artist¡¯s face, Pang Zhifei couldn¡¯t help sneering in his heart.

    This guy looked wealthier than Pang Zhifei.

    But...

    It was an act! Wait until the guy got a clear view of the medicinal pills in the sales counter. How long could he keep it up?!

    Ultimately, Pang Zhifei didn¡¯t walk too far away before he turned his head. Sure enough, that male martial artist was leaning over the counter even more brashly than he did. The guy¡¯s voice spread to the outside of the medicine store: ¡°Shopkeeper, take out the medicinal pill so I can get a good look! If it¡¯s fake, I¡¯m going to smash your store!¡±

    Of course, while that shopkeeper still smiled weingly, this dolt¡¯s words attracted the attention of the many beautiful women around the counter. In the blink of an eye, the beautiful women all gave him supercilious looks: ¡°Shut up!¡±

    That male martial artist could only shrink his neck. He didn¡¯t dare provoke those beautiful women who were in the middle of snapping up the Anti-Aging Pills.

    Pang Zhifei¡¯s peripheral vision swept through all this, and the smile on his face became somewhat proud.

    ¡ª He really felt that he was a clever person.

    In the valley, on a bare rock.

    Gongyi Tianheng always practiced here. Today, when he opened his eyes, his gaze met a deferential face...and a pair of gleaming eyes.

    The deferential face naturally came from Dragon One, and those gleaming eyes came from Gu Zuo.

    Tianheng took a book being offered by Dragon One, and couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze fell upon that book.

    Tianheng raised the book in his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo wants to see this?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head fiercely: ¡°I can¡¯t make sense of what¡¯s in the book...¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Then?¡±

    Gu Zuo said with a bit of excitement: ¡°I want to know...how much money our Medicine of Life has made in the past two days!¡±

    The question of the amount of money was a veryplicated one.

    Because the variety of medicinal pills had reached as many as nine types, each type¡¯s set price was different, and different product grades had different prices, the work of calcting was quite mired in the details.

    What Dragon One gave Gongyi Tianheng was the ledger for these two days, which had been ounted once through by every Tianlong Guard who was rtively adept in this field of work. Although it was only the ount of the business for the past two days, because of the crowds of buyers, the records were also densely-packed.

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, opened up the ledger, and swiftly looked it over. All the writings inside were easily remembered by him, and he rapidly calcted. After that, he had a number in mind.

    Immediately following which, he raised his head and saw that Gu Zuo was still anxiously looking at him. He couldn¡¯t helpughing. However, he quickly satisfied Gu Zuo¡¯s curiosity, and said: ¡°There were less on the day before yesterday, but much more yesterday. The estimated total... Each day had about a million gold.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    A million gold!

    One couldn¡¯t look at their current inclinations for turning the tables and snatching countless amounts of gold. When earning money honorably, victory lied in the thin streams that flowed forever! A million gold per day simply meant that they were selling like crazy!

    If it was always like this, then they could make ten million gold in ten days... It was indeed an incredible wealth!

    Looking at his appearance, Tianheng shook his head: ¡°It was novel a few days ago. The Anti-Aging Pill has limited usages. After the female disciples within the Sect purchase a round, it naturally won¡¯t be as popr as it is now. The other medicinal pills suit all martial artists, so those willst for a while. Only, because the store has just opened, many people are quite interested in it, and there¡¯s a peak in sales. By the time things smooth out, the daily profits won¡¯t reach more than a million gold.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood gradually calmed down: ¡°Even if it¡¯s not a million gold, it¡¯ll still be around several hundred thousand, right? Aside from the Anti-Aging Pills, the other ones are all consumable products, and can be taken repeatedly!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face and nodded: ¡°Be that as it may...¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head: ¡°What?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°With the number of pharmacists now, when the previous stockpile of medicinal pills runs out, I¡¯m afraid the follow-up may be insufficient.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Oh, that¡¯s right.¡±

    At the present time, Gu Zuo was mainly refining high grade pills. Because only he could guarantee this sess rate, the mid grade and low grade pills were all handed over to Zhang Mingyuan and the other pharmacists. They had cultivation methods and medicinal herbs. They all had big improvements, and their pill refining speed was also getting faster and faster.

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t that cheerful, and said catingly: ¡°Of the medicinal pills sold, many are certainly Ah Zuo¡¯s. I¡¯ll have them converted to golden banknotes for Ah Zuo to have fun with.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°Then, how much do I have now?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and replied: ¡°A little more than four hundred thousand.¡±

    Gu stared nkly: ¡°This amount doesn¡¯t seem right? Ten percent isn¡¯t this much...¡±

    Tianheng felt he was cute, and softly pinched his cheek: ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. Zhang Mingyue and the other¡¯s ie is ten percent of the profits. And Ah Zuo¡¯s ie is fixed at twenty percent.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over again: ¡°I remember. I¡¯m also...getting twenty percent of the profits.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s because of an appreciation in value.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh?¡±

    Tianheng sighed and said: ¡°Ah Zuo can substitute for more than ten of those pharmacists. You¡¯ll naturally have a different sry. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t think that it¡¯s strange. This is what you deserve.¡±

    Now that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have his old and miserly thoughts of saving money, his mood had suddenly be very good.

    After that, his spirits went up: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s go to the medicine store and take a look!¡±

    After Medicine of Life opened for business, he still hadn¡¯t gone there yet...

    Tianheng didn¡¯t refuse this matter. He saw that Gu Zuo was happy, and his gaze softened: ¡°Okay.¡±

    The Inner Sect¡¯s Business District wasn¡¯t that close, but the two spent only a little bit of time walking over. After arriving, the way was easy to find.

    On the eastern main street, Medicine of Life¡¯s geographical location was pretty good. Its position was right in the middle. Across from it was a restaurant, and there were many other stores on both sides.

    Gu Zuo pulled Gongyi Tianheng along, and when they got close, he couldn¡¯t help rubbing his eyes.

    What was he looking at?!

    Medicine of Life¡¯s huge door ¡ª At least, he felt it was already very huge ¡ª Was unexpectedly packed full of peopleing and going! In the back, there still many people crowding to get in, and the people inside wanted to squeeze out. It was very difficult!

    The tall and strong Qian Hu and Liu Bao, who originally acted as gate guardians, had no other choice but to stand in the middle of the entrance and split the flow of traffic on the left and right-hand sides.

    If nothing else, it was because there were more men on the left and more women on the right.

    The store seemed small with so many people. The female martial artists mostly came over to purchase Anti-Aging Pills. The male martial artists, aside from a very small portion of narcissists, all wanted to purchase medicinal pills for cultivating and healing. If they were all crowded together, it was unavoidable for the female martial artists to voice theirints ¡ª A moment of carelessness would give a nasty brute an opportunity to take advantage of!

    But they were unwilling to give up on going to buy the Anti-Aging Pills...

    Later on, those blue-dressed girls understood the female martial artists¡¯ intentions, and promptly put forth an n. They used their own delicate bodies to bravely stand in a row within the venue, forming a human wall to separate the left and right sides. This would create a safe environment for the female martial artists. In any case, their good looks were limited and they had passed through training. They had plenty of ways to spoil the appetites of those misbehaving fellows. Female customers were the most respected and honorable!

    However, while they had settled the inside of the medicine store, there was nothing they could do about the outside. There was no alternative but to hand this matter over to those two formidable and mighty men, and let them maintain order.

    The Tianlong Guards inside also helped to keep a grip on things. The expression on He Wu¡¯s malicious face was trained fixedly upon the customersing in, leaving them no way to fish in troubled waters!

    Bao You, who was the farthest inside, sold medicinal pills with a flushed face. In his entire life, he¡¯d never been surrounded by so many Xiantian martial artists, especially beautiful female martial artists. It felt especially perfect and emotionally moving.

    The medicinal pills were selling hotly. So long as he could deal with all matters without making any mistakes, he¡¯d definitely obtain many rewards from his boss!

    Exciting! Too exciting!

    The person¡¯s entire existence felt totally different from before!

    Outside, Gu Zuo looked on in bafflement.

    He¡¯d known earlier that the pills were selling like crazy here, but he didn¡¯t expect it¡¯d be this wild. He couldn¡¯t help but worry about his own inventory... He obviously worked so hard, but why did he feel that there still wasn¡¯t enough medicinal pills to sell?

    Tianheng patted his shoulder: ¡°Ah Zuo, we can¡¯t go in right now. If you still want to take a look around here, why don¡¯t we go to the restaurant and sit down?¡±

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and took another nce at that violently surging tide of people... He nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll always listen to big brother.¡±

    Hence, the two turned around and went into the restaurant.

    This restaurant also wasn¡¯t particrly big, but because the business of the medicine store across the street was good, the number of customers for these past two days were a bit higher.

    Gongyi Tianheng led Gu Zuo straight to the second floor, and the first ones he wanted were the seats by the window.

    Fortunately, their luck was pretty good. At this time, there weren¡¯t many who were ordering meals. There also weren¡¯t too many who had stopped by for a drink. That window had three tables, and there just so happened to be one that was still vacant.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo sat at the table, ordered a few dishes, and turned their heads to look outside the window.

    Their lines of sight were tilted downwards right at Medicine of Life.

    From above, they could observe more directly. One would only feel that the people in the store would have a difficult time even standing. The peopleing from behind simply couldn¡¯t go in, and when a person inside arduously squeezed their way out, someone would immediately fill that spot.

    Business was good enough to make a person envious.

    Gu Zuo quietly said to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, if there aren¡¯t enough pills, our store won¡¯t be smashed, right?¡±

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°The pills in a medicine store aren¡¯t limitless. Those who arrive afterwards can only sigh foring toote. On the contrary, what justification is there to tear apart the store and leave us with no ce to arrange the pills?¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a hollowugh: ¡°It seems to be like this.¡± After he finished speaking, he continued to watch that medicine store. After looking at it for a while, he couldn¡¯t help opening his mouth again, ¡°Big brother, what if I work a bit of overtime and refine some more medicinal pills?¡±

    Tianheng pressed his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Right now, cultivating is more important.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°But I can cultivate while refining medicine.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t restrain his smile: ¡°You possess so many pill prescriptions. You can¡¯t be limited to these few, insignificant pills. Researching some other prescriptions would be much more beneficial to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart quivered, and he nodded his head: ¡°What big brother says is reasonable.¡±

    Indeed. He couldn¡¯t be satisfied by only refining these few medicinal pills...

    Yet, after Gu Zuo took another nce, he couldn¡¯t help turning head back: ¡°Or...I can use half the time researching and the other half refining these pills?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng really couldn¡¯t resist, and bent his finger to flick Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°Wait until more than half of these medicinal pills have been sold. Then, we can release the Detoxification Pill, which willst for some time. Ah Zuo, just study on your own. If we really need to, I¡¯ll certainly mention it to you... Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to be so worried at this time.¡±

    Gu Zuo covered his forehead.

    He also eventually reacted to his own foolishness.

    That¡¯s right. Their business still had a huge batch of Detoxification Pills, which hadn¡¯t been released yet. At the Human-Level, it was considered amonly used and rtively expensive medicinal pill!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch173 - A Big Customer

    <h4>Chapter Ch173 - A Big Customer</h4>

    After reacting, Gu Zuo obediently started recalling the pill prescriptions within his mind.

    He had very many prescriptions. Just the Human-Level ones had more than thirty thousand types. It was only that the ones which suited Houtians weren¡¯t considered for the time being. There were very many different patterns, but the refining processes didn¡¯t have too many new ideas. One would see with just a look.

    The ones suited for Xiantians also had more than ten thousand types. Among the thousand or somonly-seen ones, there were many sections where the effects were actually duplicated. If someone wanted to refine, they just had to select the one with the best cost-performance ratio.

    The Immortal Realm had more than eight thousand types, but with his present strength in refinement, he supposed that he had no way to seed. Even if he did, it would be difficult to make one or two low grade pills. That was an outright waste of time...

    In that case, which ones had the best cost-performance ratio?

    In the first ce, a high selling price. The higher the price, the more profits one would earn. Then, it was the price of the medicinal herbs. After all, his big brother was running a business; analogous medicinal effects with cheaper herbs was quite worthwhile. Finally, the effects of the medicinal pills. If the effects weren¡¯t good, then no one would buy and use them. Of course, it was for the best that the effects didn¡¯t ovep. Otherwise, one would bepeting with themselves in the same medicine store. That would also negatively affect the business!

    Therefore, Gu Zuo silently started filtering.

    He thought things over. They had pills that upgraded one¡¯s true qi, pills that treated external and internal injuries, pills that regrew missing limbs and reconnected meridians, pills that maintained one¡¯s beauty, pills that enriched the blood and removed toxins... What else didn¡¯t they have?

    Moreover, dividing the different product grades and selling them at different prices saved him lots of things... Wait a minute, different product grades!

    The reason why medicinal pills had different product grades was due to the amount of impurities within the pills!

    Medicinal pills could upgrade a martial artist¡¯s true qi and aid a martial artist¡¯splete recovery. There were all sorts of effects. All martial artists who wanted to smoothly break through couldn¡¯t do it without the assistance of medicinal pills. However, aside from top grade pills, even high grade pills contained some impurities, which would be deposited within a martial artist¡¯s body over the years. It would either stick to the meridians, dissolve into the blood, or adhere to the muscle fibers. Concealed within the internal organs, one might not feel it at first. However, as time went on, the impurities would cause difficulties when breaking through.

    In addition, among the effects of those pills that assisted in making a breakthrough, an important one was to briefly dissolve those impurities. This allowed a martial artist to smoothly break through. However, this didn¡¯t mean that those impurities had been eliminated. There were still some small pieces that remained within the martial artist¡¯s body ¡ª Unless that breakthrough pill was also a top grade medicinal pill!

    As a result, there was a wide variety of medicinal pills that eliminated impurities. However, this was also about choosing the lesser of two evils. For example, Gu Zuo had refined many Blood Purification Pills ¡ª Its function was to eliminate the impurities within the blood. However, the Blood Purification Pill had no effect on the impurities within the meridians, muscles, and internal organs.

    Currently, what Gu Zuo was thinking about was that, in order to guard against that Lu Jiusi, the Blood Purification Pill couldn¡¯t be exposed yet. But other types of medicinal pills that cleared away impurities could be chosen.

    As such, a problem arose.

    The one with the best cost-performance ratio for eliminating the impurities within the muscles was the Body Purification Pill. The best one for the meridians was the Meridian Purification Pill. And the best one for the internal organs was the Heart Purification Pill... He hesitated, somewhat at a loss.

    These few medicinal pills were very precious, and their prices would reflect that. Gu Zuo carefully recalled the prescriptions for refining them and analyzed those medicinal herbs... He decided to pick the Meridian Purification Pill.

    The meridians were the most important for people who practiced martial arts. Once the meridians were blocked, the consequences were practically instantaneous ¡ª Previously, wasn¡¯t his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, unable to cultivate because of this reason? Only, at that time, what blocked Tianheng¡¯s meridians weren¡¯t impurities, but Xiantian Qi.

    At any rate, Gu Zuo was still considering a problem.

    The medicinal herbs required for refining the Blood Purification Pill had two that coincided with the Snowy Ginseng Pill. At first, they were supposed to use the Snowy Ginseng Pills to confuse Lu Jiusi. Since the Meridian Purification Pill had quite a few that coincided with the Blood Purification Pill, justly and honorably refining this type of pill wouldn¡¯t attract people¡¯s attention.

    Because that Lu Jiusi... He still hadn¡¯t made his move.

    But such a viper was hidden in the dark. Although Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun were pining him down, no one knew whether he could act or when he would act.

    As a result, although this matter was a little troublesome, they still had to rely on other medicinal pills as a cover-up. Gu Zuo felt that he¡¯d rather be inconvenienced now than to rashly dispose of that hidden hand. Otherwise, Lu Jiusi would set up something else. If they weren¡¯t careful and fell into his trap, what would they do then? Confusing the enemy was also very important!

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo heaved another sigh.

    Hold on.

    When his big brother got stronger and reached the stage where he was capable of getting rid of Immortal Realm martial artists, who¡¯d still care about that Lu Jiusi¡¯s petty tricks?

    If one¡¯s skills were inferior, then they could only depend on careful and patient maneuvering.

    Shaking his head to rid himself of this matter, Gu Zuo decided on the Meridian Purification Pill. Soon after, he considered another medicinal pill ¡ª The pills that were used for breaking through realms were the Xiantian Pill and the Dust Molting Pill.

    The Xiantian Pill¡¯s market certainly wasn¡¯t small. Only, he either needed to get the blood of other Xiantians or a few of the main medicinal herbs they hadn¡¯t found previously. But this actually wasn¡¯t something they needed to worry about because Gu Zuo already knew that the Qingyun Sect had pharmacists who could refine the Xiantian Pill. This proved that the three types of medicinal herbs existed ¡ª Because refining pills using blood was too unorthodox, it couldn¡¯t be supplied in great quantities. In any case, the Qingyun Sect was a Sect that looked very honorable and proper, so it was unlikely to use this type of deviant prescription. Those few main herbs could be purchased, or directly exchanged with the Sect using contribution points.

    It was just that, although the Xiantian Pill was good, basically all the Inner Sect disciples were Xiantian. Only when they wanted to attract talents from the Outer Sect would they need the Xiantian Pill. While they could sell it to the Outer Sect¡¯s people, they wouldn¡¯t be able to extract too much money...

    The Dust Molting Pill... Gu Zuo paused. He actually wanted to refine the Dust Molting Pill, but his current strength was too low and he simply wouldn¡¯t have any sess at refining it! He had to break through two more realms at the very least! There was no rushing it.

    Then, what medicinal pill would be used?

    After thinking about this and that, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined.

    If a person couldn¡¯t break through for a long time, then one could for a short time!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo recalled a type of Human-Level medicinal pill that was rtively rare in the Qingyun Sect, but was rated as a life-saving panacea.

    ¡ª The Jinyuan Pill!

    Let alone that temporarily promoting one¡¯s realm by one stage was just with a low grade pill, if it was a mid grade pill, it could increase by two stages and a high grade pill by three stages. Merely, it could onlyst two hours each time. If it was a top grade pill, the continuation time would double!

    The Jinyuan Pill was just so useful!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was suddenly inspired.

    At a critical juncture, the Jinyuan Pill could save a person¡¯s life. The refining technique also had a certain degree of difficulty. If he grasped it, it would be a type of tempering for his skills.

    Thus, not only could he help earn money for his dear big brother, he could also upgrade his own capabilities. It was two birds with one stone! It was the same as his big brother giving him pointers!

    These scattered and fragmented thoughts became clear, and Gu Zuo snapped out of it. He lowered his head to see that his own bowl already had many good dishes ced inside of it. He was a little embarrassed and raised his head: ¡°Many thanks, big brother...¡±

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng also smiled and said: ¡°I saw that Ah Zuo was lost in thought, and it wasn¡¯t appropriate to disturb you. I picked some dishes in case you kept pondering. Ah Zuo, please eat. Don¡¯t be picky.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Don¡¯t think that he didn¡¯t see that saying such tactful words was to poke fun at him... His big brother always had a bit schadenfreude. Meanwhile, he was clearly thinking about proper business.

    Tianheng saw that his face was sullen, and couldn¡¯t help giving some more meat essence with his chopsticks.

    Gu Zuo immediately resembled a deted balloon, and without any better option, he lowered his head to dig in. At first, he was prepared to discuss his thoughts with his big brother, but now it seemed that he had to finish eating first...

    After helplessly finishing his meal, Gu Zuo assumed a very serious face: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ve already thought about which medicinal pills to refine next.¡±

    Tianheng poured him a small cup of tea. He smiled and said: ¡°I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡±

    Gu Zuo was still very serious: ¡°The Meridian Purification Pill, the Xiantian Pill, and the Jinyuan Pill.¡± After that, he talked about the Meridian Purification Pill and Jinyuan Pill¡¯s effects as well as why he chose these pills, ¡°How does big brother feel about it?¡±

    After Tianheng pondered for a bit, he nodded his head: ¡°Ah Zuo thought it over very meticulously.¡±

    The embarrassed feeling Gu Zuo had from being teased suddenly faded away. He showed a happy smile: ¡°Big brother also thinks that they¡¯re pretty good, right? One batch of Meridian Purification Pills and Jinyuan Pills can only produce nine pills per cauldron. The Xiantian Pills are even fewer. At most, just three pills. However, I believe that so long as I keep training myself, I certainly won¡¯t waste any medicinal herbs!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo is naturally extremely powerful.¡± Shortly after, he paused before continuing, ¡°I can only trouble Ah Zuo with the Meridian Purification Pill and the Jinyuan Pill. Unless there are pharmacists who are willing to be controlled by us, these two pill prescriptions can¡¯t be leaked out. On the contrary, we can have the other pharmacists help out with the Xiantian Pill.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it and nodded, saying: ¡°Big brother, I understand.¡±

    People¡¯s hearts were hard to fathom. If all of the prescriptions were shared, those pharmacists would be fattened up and wouldn¡¯t necessarily continue to work hard withoutints. Rather than cing one¡¯s hopes on their gratefulness and loyalty, it was better to carefully control them from the start.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo epted his instructions, and nodded his head in satisfaction.

    His little pharmacist was also gradually learning more as he grew older. However, his inherent qualities hadn¡¯t changed... This was very good.

    Although Tianheng believed that he could protect Gu Zuo, he wouldn¡¯t restrict Gu Zuo¡¯s growth. What other people provided were all external things, and what a person obtained by themselves were one¡¯s true possessions.

    Only...

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a dark light.

    But when he looked at Gu Zuo, his gaze became as soft as usual.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t discover what thoughts arose from the bottom of his dear big brother¡¯s heart. Even if his back suddenly felt a slight chill, this coldness quickly dissipated. With no evil intentions, it was only natural that he didn¡¯t discover anything.

    The two quietly drank their tea. asionally they¡¯d watch that bustling scene down below at Medicine of Life. It was really quite pleasant.

    After being busy these days, stealing half a day of leisure time out of one¡¯s dreary life was also veryforting.

    However, this tranquility was soon broken.

    Gu Zuo silently turned his head.

    Seriously... He could¡¯t stop for a bit to drink some tea!

    It should be said that it was fortunate that things were still running smoothly while they were eating.

    At this time, a person was walking over from three tables away.

    That person¡¯s strength was very high. He seemed to be Xiantian stage six or higher, because even Tianheng could detect a threatening feeling from him.

    Gu Zuo also felt that this person¡¯s qi energy was a bit oppressive. In addition, the other party¡¯s temperament was deep, his qi field was formidable, and his clothing¡¯s material was very special. This, at the very least, showed a problem ¡ª It was for the best that they didn¡¯t ignore this person, who had both strength and a powerful backer.

    However, this person¡¯s manners were still very courteous. After arriving, he first asked: ¡°Would it be possible for me to join these two Junior Sect Brothers at this table?¡±

    In his heart, Gu Zuo ridiculed: It¡¯d be weird if all he wanted is to just share a table!

    However, this kind of matter didn¡¯t need to be dealt with by Gu Zuo. Tianheng took the lead first. His bearing was unhurried, and his aura wasn¡¯t the least bit suppressed: ¡°This is but a small matter. Please sit, Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    That person sat down, and his line of sight also fell upon Medicine of Life down below.

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips. While he appeared at ease, he transmitted to Tianheng through his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [Big brother, is this person someone who came to find us?]

    [Ah Zuo has good eyesight.]

    [Then why hasn¡¯t he said anything yet?]

    [Whening to find someone, one should always first observe for a time...]

    [I feel that he should¡¯ve already observed us for a long time.]

    At this point, Tianheng¡¯s grin deepened. He refilled Gu Zuo¡¯s half-finished tea, and poured a new cup for this person: ¡°Senior Sect Brother, if you don¡¯t mind...¡±

    [What Ah Zuo says makes sense. Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll give him an opportunity to chat.]

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    [Big brother, whatever you¡¯re thinking about, don¡¯t push it onto me...]

    [En, what Ah Zuo says makes sense.]

    [...]

    Off to the side, after the exquisitely-clothed Senior Sect Brother took his tea, he showed a smiling expression. He nodded to Tianheng: ¡°Many thanks for the kindness, Junior Sect Brother. It would be rude of me to refuse.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°After you, Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    Then, that person said: ¡°After you, Junior Sect Brother.¡±

    The two silently drank a round of tea just like this.

    After the preceding pleasantries were covered and the atmosphere was somewhat harmonious, that person said to Tianheng: ¡°I am Senior Brother Hai Tian. How should I address my Junior Sect Brother?¡±

    Tianheng was also very polite: ¡°This one is Gongyi Tianheng. Greetings, Senior Sect Brother Hai.¡±

    Hai Tian smiled: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, I happened to see you looking at that Medicine of Life, but your expression is different from ordinary people. Would you be familiar with the people of that Medicine of Life?¡±

    Tianheng lightly ced the tea cup in his hand onto the table: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Hai, this question is...¡±

    Hai Tian seemed a little embarrassed: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, don¡¯t keep me in the dark. In fact, I want to ask Junior Sect Brother to help give me an introduction so I can get to know the owner of that medicine store in order to...¡±

    In order to do what, Hai Tian didn¡¯t say. Gongyi Tianheng also didn¡¯t ask.

    After that, Tianheng sank into contemtive muttering.

    Hai Tian watched him act like this, and his heart also became somewhat nervous.

    Precisely as Gu Zuo said, he really had been watching these two people for a long time. Furthermore, these two people had been looking at that medicine store without any looks of greed or envy. As this being the case, they either had a robust backer and didn¡¯t care about those medicinal pills, or they had something to do with the medicine store¡¯s people and didn¡¯t react strangely.

    Hai Tian felt that the probability of thetter was quiterge. Additionally, his hearing ability was very good. Once in a while, he could hear one or two words like medicinal pills, meridian purification, and profits. With such wording, he felt that the probability of his guess was even greater. On top of that, he hade bearing a mission. Previously, he was at his wit¡¯s end, so it was better toe over and give it a try.

    Now, he really hoped that Tianheng would provide him an affirmative answer.

    A good whileter, while Hai Tian was feeling somewhat impatient, Tianheng nodded his head with some hesitation: ¡°The owner of that medicine store, I indeed...¡±

    Hai Tian was a bit eager, and his expression was one of joy: ¡°Can Junior Sect Brother help me or not?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng hesitated again.

    On the side, Gu Zuo only felt that he couldn¡¯t bear to look straight ahead.

    Whatever. In any case, he was already used to this type of matter of putting on an act and tempering one¡¯s performance skills.

    Tianheng made things difficult for a while, before lightly sighing: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from Senior Sect Brother Hai, the owner of that Medicine of Life is this lowly one.¡±

    The pupils of Hai Tian¡¯s eyes constricted, and his heart was extremely surprised.

    He had unexpectedly encountered the medicine store¡¯s owner? Taking another look at this Junior Sect Brother¡¯s age and realm, he felt it was even more unimaginable.

    Tianheng forced a smile and said: ¡°If Senior Sect Brother Hai doesn¡¯t believe...¡±

    Hai Tian shuddered, and immediately snapped out of it: ¡°No, this Hai believes Junior Sect Brother. It¡¯s just too shocking, so I was slow to react.¡±

    Originally, he was the one to take the initiative to strike up the conversation. He thought this Xiantian stage three Junior Sect Brother wouldn¡¯t dupe him over this matter. After all, there weren¡¯t any benefits in doing this. On the contrary, Tianheng would offend him after being exposed... Looking at Tianheng¡¯s appearance, he didn¡¯t look so foolish.

    Tianheng shook his head: ¡°My luck has been good to receive some pill prescriptions and recruit several pharmacists.¡± He appeared as if he mentioned something without paying attention, ¡°Later on, there happened to be something in the prescriptions that a certain Immortal Realm Senior Sect Brother in the Inner Sect urgently needed. I brought it in exchange for some benefits and saved up a bit of capital... Then, I umted some medicinal pills and opened this medicine store. I also exchanged these golden banknotes for martial arts resources.¡±

    After Hai Tian heard the words Immortal Realm, his heart lurched. His mind was only left with a few uncertainties, which were gradually dispelled: ¡°No wonder. In fact, I came here this time to run errands and handle matters for my Immortal Realm Senior Sect Brother. Fortunately, I¡¯ve met this Junior Sect Brother and talked with you by chance.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s familiarity at first sight. Please speak your mind, Senior Sect Brother. If I can aplish it, then I naturally won¡¯t make things difficult for Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    Hai Tian gave a sigh of relief, and solemnly said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother¡¯s medicine store has many pills of exceptional quality. The power that this Hai belongs to requires an enormous amount of top-notch medicinal pills. However, in the past, it was always hard to obtain a sufficient supply of goods. Even though we sought many channels, it was like a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood.

    He continued: ¡°The day before yesterday, a Junior Sect Brother discovered that Medicine of Life had arge quantity of high grade pills. Naturally, we were wild with joy. Therefore, this Hai was sent here toplete a business transaction with Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, and order a batch of medicinal pills. There won¡¯t be any problems when ites to the price.¡±

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, he secretly said: Sure enough!

    What else would one do after finding the boss of a store that sold these medicinal pills? It was to privately ce an order!

    Gongyi Tianheng murmured: ¡°Which types of medicinal pills does Senior Sect Brother Hai want?¡±

    Hai Tian looked hopeful, and promptly replied: ¡°Mainly Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills. In addition, there are a few other types. Besides the Rejuvenation Pills, Qi Generating Pills, and Anti-Aging Pills, all the rest are needed.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows furrowed tightly: ¡°Then, how much is needed?¡±

    Hai Tian said: ¡°We¡¯ll need a thousand Qi Linking Pills each month. We¡¯ll also need over a hundred Revitalization Pills and Qi umting Pills each month. As for the remaining medicinal pills, they can bemissioned at your discretion. So long as they¡¯re high grade pills.¡±

    Tianheng forced a smile: ¡°This quantity of medicinal pills is a bit toorge. Senior Sect Brother Hai, I only have those pharmacists altogether, and I still need to support this store. I can¡¯t provide that much in quantity.¡±

    Hai Tian instantly became taciturn.

    Actually, he was aware that he was being somewhat forceful.

    But he was also unwilling to give up just like this.

    Tianheng saw him acting this way and somewhat troublingly asked: ¡°Which power does Senior Sect Brother Hai belong to? Why do you need such great quantities of high grade medicinal pills?¡±

    Hai Tian smiled ruefully: ¡°I said that it¡¯s a power, but it¡¯s actually more like a loose alliance. Junior Sect Brother probably knows that the members of the Earth Leaderboard within the Inner Sect are fond of colluding and forming forces of their own. However, once they rise to the Sky Leaderboard, their own strengths naturally be even more important. Those forces are also transferred to secret ces, and won¡¯t appear every day in a scramble for power.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head.

    Hai Tian said: ¡°The alliance this Hai belongs to is actually abination of several Sky Leaderboard Senior Sect Brothers, known as the Hundred Rivers League. The League Master is currently second ce on the Sky Leaderboard: Senior Sect Brother Xiao.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s face shed with a trace of amazement: ¡°The Hundred Rivers League is indeed extremely powerful.¡±

    The corner of Hai Tian¡¯s lips had a hint of bitterness: ¡°If it was before, it was naturally very powerful. But the influence of a secret powerpletely depends on the Sky Leaderboard disciple¡¯s position and order. Previously, Senior Sect Brother Xiao received a serious injury during a certain outing and hadn¡¯t been able topletely recover since then. Afterwards, the Sky Leaderboard disciple who ranked third pointed his sword at Senior Sect Brother Xiao, wanting to forcefully take the second ranking.

    He continued: ¡°And once Senior Sect Brother Xiao lost, the following properties were tacitly plundered. If the disciples of the Hundred Rivers League don¡¯t have enough medicinal pills to upgrade, not only will they be defeated during those robberies, they¡¯ll even...¡±

    The implications were already crystal clear.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch174 - A Big Order

    <h4>Chapter Ch174 - A Big Order</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng had a clear understanding in his mind.

    Gu Zuo also understood that it was still a matter of a struggle for power. But no matter how onepeted for power, it was all rted to their strength. If one¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t enough, then they could only be trampled upon by others.

    However, at this time, Tianheng still opened his mouth in amazement: ¡°As far as I know, the Sect Regtions don¡¯t allow Sect disciples to massacre one another...¡±

    Hai Tian shook his head: ¡°It¡¯s naturally no good in the Outer and Inner Sect, but if it¡¯s just paring notes¡¯, it won¡¯t be a problem. If robbed, my Hundred Rivers League disciples will certainly be disgraced, but they won¡¯t drop dead inside of the Sect. However, once they leave the Sect to go adventuring, then it¡¯s different.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he looked at Tianheng and warned: ¡°Although the rules within the Sect are thorough, they definitely aren¡¯t without any loopholes. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, you need to be more mindful in the future.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard Hai Tian speak like this, he actually had a bit of a favorable impression of him.

    On the contrary, this person was very good-hearted.

    But at the next moment, a voice arose within his mind.

    [It¡¯s possibly to arouse feelings of a good impression. Was Ah Zuo fooled?]

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    [Yes, I was fooled.]

    [Then, in the future, don¡¯t be deceived so easily.]

    [...Yes, big brother.]

    Soon after, Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint echoed with Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s low, maic, and cheerfulughter.

    Gu Zuo was exasperated.

    Actually, he also understood that Hai Tian might¡¯ve had the intentions of winning a favorable impression, but the guy wasn¡¯t the least bit insincere. His big brother clearly saw this, but still kept ying with him for some reason.

    He simply delighted in evil!

    The longer he interacted with this big brother of his, the more Gu Zuo felt that Tianheng¡¯s nature was a bit mischievous.

    Off to the side, Tianheng was still listening to Hai Tian¡¯s grievances. In addition, he also put out timely expressions of deep concern: ¡°Many thanks for the pointers, Senior Sect Brother Hai. But why didn¡¯t that third ce Senior Sect Brother take his fellow disciples¡¯ feelings into consideration that day? Since they¡¯re all fellow disciples, why be so overbearing? Wouldn¡¯t it have been more righteous to wait until after Senior Sect Brother Xiao¡¯s injuries recovered to battle? Taking advantage of another¡¯s difficulties really isn¡¯t straightforward and upright.¡±

    Hai Tian sighed heavily: ¡°It really is just too tyrannical!¡± He looked at Tianheng with a distressed expression, ¡°That third ranked disciple is a member of a first-ss empire¡¯s aristocratic family, which is on almost equal ground with the empire¡¯s royal family. He¡¯s also the same as those younger generations of the royal family, attaching importance to a monarch¡¯s schemes. Since he has a monarch¡¯s intentions for domination, how could he value a fair fight? He only needs to get the biggest benefits andy the foundations for his sovereignty, regardless of the methods on his path of tyranny. Thus, that person doesn¡¯t care whether he takes advantage of another¡¯s difficulties.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡± Then, he seemed to carelessly ask, ¡°Who might this tyrannical Senior Sect Brother be? The Sky Leaderboard is aloof and remote, and us Inner Sect disciples have no way to get in contact with it. As a businessman, it wouldn¡¯t be good if I identally offend that tyrannical disciple in the future.¡±

    Hai Tian heard this, and suddenly hesitated.

    Just as Tianheng said, ordinary Inner Sect disciples could only know of the Earth Leaderboard. Only by reaching the Immortal Realm and entering the Core Sect would one be able to see the Sky Leaderboard. For everyone else, it was only if they knew someone on the Sky Leaderboard, would they know something about it. If one¡¯s strength was low and they¡¯d just entered the Inner Sect, even if they made discreet inquiries, those who didn¡¯t know naturally wouldn¡¯t know and those who did know wouldn¡¯t breathe a word of it to anyone.

    ¡ª Granted that Tianheng had the Tianlong Guards investigate a long time ago, they were able to scout out information on the Earth Leaderboard and many other matters of the Sect, but they had no sess with matters about the Sky Leaderboard and other things one would know after reaching the Immortal Realm.

    At this time, Hai Tian also wasn¡¯t unwilling to give Tianheng a favor. Only, he was worried that Tianheng wouldn¡¯t dare sell the league any medicinal pills after learning about the foundations of the person who ranked third. Instead, wouldn¡¯t this make it impossible to reach the goal of this trip? He was thinking that, even if he couldn¡¯t obtain therge amount of pills previously mentioned, it was still feasible if a few less were secured. No matter how small a mosquito was, it still had meat.

    After contemting for a good while, Hai Tian decided to speak. He directly answered: ¡°That Sky Leaderboard third ce Senior Sect Brother is called He Chenghong, a descendant of the Qingcang Empire¡¯s He n. In our Qingyun Sect, there are many people from first-ss empires. Although the He n isn¡¯t one of the ten bloodlines, it¡¯s also considered a sizable power with many Elders who¡¯ve taken root within the Sect.

    He continued: ¡°He Chenghong is the strongest individual in his generation and has received the consideration of the He n¡¯s many Elders. After arriving in the Sect, it was smooth sailing and he established a ratherrge base.¡±

    A martial artist¡¯s lifespan was extremely long. Consequently, one generation here would refer to fifty years, which was the period of time for the Hundred Countries Tournament¡¯s assembly. Also, the Earth Leaderboard only recorded martial artists under the age of fifty, and the Sky Leaderboard only recorded martial artists under the age of one hundred. Not all high-level Xiantians could enter the Earth Leaderboard, and not all Immortal Realms could enter the Sky Leaderboard. Whether it was the Sky Leaderboard or Earth Leaderboard, there could only be one hundred people.

    As a result, the Sky Leaderboard only included two generations at most, and the Earth Leaderboard had only one generation. But more often than not, most of the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s top ten were less than fifty years old. In fact, it was only a single generation of people ¡ª Because only exceptional geniuses could easily rush to the peak. On the contrary, for those who relied on age and experience, even though they entrenched themselves on the Sky Leaderboard, very few could reach the top.

    Gongyi Tianheng sighed: ¡°Sure enough, this Senior Sect Brother He has a robust background. His strength is also extraordinary...¡±

    Hai Tian said: ¡°This year, He Chenghong is only twenty-eight years old. He was sent to the Qingyun Sect by the Qingcang Empire ten years ago and directly entered the Inner Sect through a priority selection. Then, he was epted as a disciple by a He n Elder and was carefully nurtured. When he arrived, he was just Xiantian stage three, but he only spent five years to break through to the Immortal Realm. His realm stabilized now that five years had passed, and he made another breakthrough, bing a mid Immortal Realm powerhouse.

    He continued: ¡°The scary thing about him is that he can skip ranks when challenging others. If it wasn¡¯t for Senior Sect Brother Xiao being infinitesimally close to the high Immortal Realm, it would¡¯ve been hard to suppress him. But Senior Sect Brother Xiao had received a grievous injury and his strength dropped. Although he didn¡¯t immediately degrade to the low Immortal Realm, he didn¡¯t have any superiority over He Chenghong.¡±

    The people of the Qingyun Continent weren¡¯t like the people of other continents. If it wasn¡¯t by chance, then one could onlye through the Hundred Countries Tournament. Every year when the Qingyun Sect recruited disciples, they could send people over. As a result, the people of the Qingyun Continent made up over seventy percent of those within the Qingyun Sect.

    After all, the first two were, at most, unsessful. The He n¡¯s He Chengfeng had been dealt a hidden hand by his big brother. He Qianqian and her hired thugs had been directly in by them, and not even ashes remained! This was ssified as an arch-nemesis!

    Originally, Gu Zuo felt that they had acted wlessly. However, now that selling medicinal pills had let them encounter a person who was an enemy of that side, it was inevitable that he felt that this matter was too coincidental.

    It felt as if that secret wasn¡¯t so firm and solid anymore.

    There was a mysterious pair of hands at work...

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuoposed himself.

    He didn¡¯t want to think about whether there was foul y or not. It was fortunate that his big brother had set up a chess piece within He Chenghong¡¯s forces early on. Merely, although Bai Qingyi had a Life Extension Pill in his possession, the right opportunity still needed to be chosen. As a result, although he¡¯d already smoothly entered that power, he hadn¡¯t officially entered a core position. To say nothing of bing a trusted aide of the He n Brothers. In order to prevent him from being discovered, they usually made fewer contacts, and the information passed along from over there was also not much. This only let them have an understanding of some of the matters on the periphery.

    But, this chess piece had its uses.

    Off to the side, Hai Tian yed several cards describing his plight. Tianheng both listened and expressed his sympathy. In addition, he replenished Hai Tian¡¯s tea while listening to his continued grievances.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t bear it, but still chatted with Tianheng.

    [Big brother, do you think we should sell the medicinal pills or not?]

    [What does Ah Zuo think?]

    [The enemy of an enemy is a friend. I think it¡¯s better to sell, which means I¡¯ll refine a few more cauldrons... At worst, let¡¯s just say that there¡¯s a previous stock.]

    [This still needs considering. In my opinion, the quantities of Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills need to be reduced to the lowest amounts.]

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and felt that a quantity that was too few wouldn¡¯t be useful.

    [Big brother¡¯s idea is?]

    [It would be better to sell a different type of medicinal pill.]

    After that, Tianheng continuing talking with Hai Tian with a face full of difficulties. What¡¯s more, Hai Tian had been speaking with him for so long and had mentioned the predicament of his own Hundred Rivers League. Wasn¡¯t this to purchase a few more medicinal pills? If Tianheng listened to so many of that guy¡¯s words and didn¡¯t sell a bit more, then that would be a huge joke ¡ª It would be tantamount to starting a feud!

    Only, in order to hide Gu Zuo¡¯s true medicine refining level as well as maintain the business so it wouldst for a long time, the Qi Linking Pills and Revitalization Pills couldn¡¯t really be sold ording to the other party¡¯s requests.

    Tianheng¡¯s face showed some hesitation: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Hai, each month I can only give two hundred Qi Linking Pills, twenty Revitalization Pills, and twenty Qi umting Pills. If it was any more, my medicinal pill store wouldn¡¯t be able to operate. My pharmacists also wouldn¡¯t be able to squeeze out any more.¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s feelings of disappointment practically bled into his speech. However, he quickly discovered a turn in the conversation.

    Tianheng said: ¡°But...¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s expression shifted: ¡°But what?¡±

    Tianheng became resolute: ¡°But, I actually have another type of medicinal pill here. There¡¯s some stored up in Medicine of Life, and the pills haven¡¯t beenunched yet. Senior Sect Brother Hai has treated me with such sincerity, so I¡¯ll work to resolve this desperate situation. If worstes to worst, I¡¯ll just dy theunch for a period of time. For now, I¡¯ll sell them to Senior Sect Brother Hai. How does that sound?¡±

    Hai Tian heard about another type of medicinal pill and was still slightly disappointed, but since it was rmended by the owner of Medicine of Life, it surely wasn¡¯tcking. He carried a lucky and hopeful mindset, and asked: ¡°What would this medicinal pill be?¡±

    In fact, he also knew that Tianheng was giving him face by being able to take out that amount of medicinal pills. As for that rmendation afterwards, the other side could¡¯ve said nothing. However, saying something was a form of kindness.

    Tianheng firmly said: ¡°This pill is called the Jinyuan Pill. It¡¯s a medicinal pill that will briefly upgrade one¡¯s rank in the middle ofbat...¡±

    After that, he gave a full recounting about that pill¡¯s benefits, capabilities, and the effects of the different product grades. Of course, top grade pills were still concealed.

    In the wake of Tianheng¡¯s words, Hai Tian¡¯s eyes grew brighter and brighter. At first, he felt that it could be a bit useful. However, he never anticipated that it would be far more than a bit useful. It was practically a godsend! It could bepared to a magical tool! If one had this kind of medicinal pill in hand, what would they still fear?! At the very least, all of the disciples would be able to save their own lives! If the opponent lowered their guard or if they themselves used the strategy of disguising as a pig to eat the tiger, it was instead possible to inflict heavy losses on the opponent!

    ¡ª So long as they endured this period of time and Senior Sect Brother Xiao recovered from his injuries, they wouldn¡¯t need to be afraid anymore!

    Hai Tian¡¯s voice immediately became eager: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, are these words true? That medicinal pill really has such godly effects?!¡±

    Tianheng was resolute and decisive: ¡°Every word is true!¡± Soon after, he brought another turn to the conversation, ¡°But...¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s heart thumped loudly and his frame of mind was in a mess. He was afraid of hearing any words that would shatter his joy. Having one¡¯s hopes dashed again, this vor was just too bitter.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t keep him in suspense: ¡°But, it¡¯s very difficult to refine these medicinal pills. Right now, my subordinate pharmacists have been working tirelessly day after day, and most of it has been to refine this pill. While we¡¯ve stocked up some numbers, I¡¯m afraid that the amount is still insufficient. If Senior Sect Brother Hai is interested, would it be possible toe back in five days to fetch the pills? I¡¯ll get the pharmacists to work together and do their best to refine these pills.¡±

    Hai Tian set aside his worries immediately upon hearing this reason. It was only natural that he didn¡¯t object. Wasn¡¯t it just waiting five days? They would wait! Moreover, that He Chenghong also needed to make more preparations to challenge Senior Sect Brother Xiao. Only, they felt a sense of urgency and had gone everywhere to collect medicinal pills.

    Hence, he showed a sincere smile: ¡°Five days is just five days. This won¡¯t cause any harm.¡±

    Tianheng also seemed to rest assured, and showed a smiling expression: ¡°However...¡±

    The corner of Hai Tian¡¯s smile stiffened: ¡°However?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°However, this medicinal pill is somewhat expensive. I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s no way to cut the price.¡±

    Hai Tian heaved another sigh of relief. So it turned out to be a question of money. This also wasn¡¯t a problem. If it wasn¡¯t for them having arge foundation and earning countless golden banknotes, how could they be worried about others robbing them? It needed to be known that one wouldn¡¯t be able to provide for a martial artist¡¯s cultivation without a big handful of golden banknotes. Each Sky Leaderboard powerhouse had properties. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to exchange for enough resources.

    As a result, he said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, please quote a price.¡±

    Tianheng seemed to ponder for a bit: ¡°Low grade pills are a hundred gold, mid grade is five hundred gold, and high grade is a thousand gold.¡±

    To speak frankly, this was the price for Revitalization Pills.

    Hai Tian thought it over, and felt that this price was very fair. Revitalization Pills could treat a Xiantian martial artist¡¯s injuries and was ssified as an exceptional healing pill that could save a person¡¯s life. The Jinyuan Pill allowed a person to briefly break through realms to either kill or flee from an enemy. Likewise, it was also an exceptional medicinal pill that could save a person¡¯s life. Both had their uses. It was truly a case of different methods leading to the same result.

    At once, he sealed the deal: ¡°No problem! An exchange of golden banknotes for medicinal pills. I¡¯ll see my Junior Sect Brother again in five days!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng naturally use the tea to substitute for wine, and said: ¡°Sure enough, Senior Sect Brother Hai is refreshingly straightforward.¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s face reddened and simrly drank a mouthful of tea. Soon after, he finally remembered: ¡°How many Jinyuan Pills can Junior Sect Brother Gongyi give me at that time? I¡¯ll also prepare the golden banknotes.¡±

    Many thoughts shed through Tianheng¡¯s mind. Finally, he said with some ambiguity: ¡°I¡¯ll need to go back to tally up the specific amounts, but we have several hundred pills. However, the product grades can¡¯t be ensured for now. Senior Sect Brother Hai can bring some more golden banknotes and we¡¯ll do a proper ounting then.¡±

    Hai Tian heard this and didn¡¯t continue to ramble: ¡°Then, many thanks, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he didn¡¯t stay here for long and hurried back to report this good news to his superior. He also needed to carefully figure out who could obtain the Jinyuan Pills in the Hundred Rivers League...

    Once Hai Tian left, Gu Zuo, who¡¯d been holding himself back, took this opportunity to say: ¡°Big brother, I still haven¡¯t refined the Jinyuan Pills, yet you dared to agree to him...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face, and pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°What? Ah Zuo¡¯s not confident in himself?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°I have the utmost faith in Ah Zuo. Besides, five hundred is a couple hundred, and two hundred...is also a couple hundred. It was never a definite matter, and there¡¯ll always be some leeway for mediation.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and realized that the matter was like this. What¡¯s more, he himself also recalled something. He didn¡¯t feel that the Jinyuan Pill was difficult to the degree that he couldn¡¯t refine two hundred pills.

    After receiving the transaction, the two stood up and prepared to go back.

    Tianheng leisurely led Gu Zuo onward, but his mind plotted the matter of He Chenghong.

    What his little pharmacist said was correct. The enemy¡¯s enemy was a friend. If it was only a simple scramble for power, he would¡¯ve devised different ways to make discreet inquiries about the temperament, behavior, and style of the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s rank two and rank three powerhouses before judging who to work with. However, since one of the parties was an enemy, then he¡¯d help the other side. This was a matter of course.

    Additionally, they were providing help to the Hundred Rivers League in their hour of need. Not only could a bond of good karma with the league restrict He Chenghong, it would also be a huge benefit to them.

    Five dayster.

    Therge doors of a medicine refining room burst open with a loud bang. A delicate teenager with messy hair and a dirty face immediately came out. His facial expression was a bit gloomy and his figure was somewhat wretched. Thatpletely disheartened appearance was like as if one opened their mouth and spewed out a cloud of ck smoke.

    When he came out, his body suddenly swayed.

    A person¡¯s figure shed. And a pair of arms was already supporting him.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry: ¡°Ah Zuo, what did you do to yourself to be like this?¡±

    Gu Zuo slumped bonelessly in the crooks of his dear big brother¡¯s arms. His eyes were slightly dull: ¡°Ah, I refined pills...¡±

    No matter how cool-headed Tianheng was normally, he was at a loss for words.

    He certainly knew that his little pharmacist was refining pills, but every time he finished refining before, he¡¯d never turned out looking so ragged. In the end, what happened? It was just refining the Jinyuan Pill; it shouldn¡¯t have gotten to this point.

    As a result, Tianheng stopped: ¡°...Refining pills?¡±

    Gu Zuo was still sluggish, but his dull eyes became bright for a split second. He raised a finger: ¡°I refined...a thousand pills!¡±

    At this time, even Tianheng was startled: ¡°Ah Zuo, you... Didn¡¯t you just learn how to refine this medicinal pill?¡±

    Gu Zuo swept aside hisnguor just now, and his expression immediately became proud: ¡°One hundred low grade pills, five hundred mid grade pills, and four hundred high grade pills. I counted each and every pill, and there definitely isn¡¯t one less!¡±

    Tianheng slowly sighed, and lightly flicked Gu Zuo: ¡°How were you refining?¡±

    A person would understand how one became like this after refining a thousand pills day and night. Speaking of which, his little pharmacist really hadn¡¯t taken a single step outside of the medicine refining room within these five days.

    As such, he half carried Gu Zuo to the side while talking, wanting to find a ce for Gu Zuo to sit down.

    Gu Zuo also stuck close as he followed him, and exined: ¡°I was so upset... Big brother, you didn¡¯t know that I was very bothered in the beginning...¡±

    As it turned out, Gu Zuo went into the medicine refining room with the mindset that the Jinyuan Pill wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him. When he was greeted with a room full of medicinal herbs, his mood was also very excited. However, when Gu Zuo was prepared to show his skills, the first cauldron of pills exploded! It unexpectedly exploded so easily! Gu Zuo¡¯s mood suddenly wasn¡¯t so wonderful.

    After calming down, Gu Zuo continued. The result was that the second cauldron of Jinyuan Pills also exploded. One after another, at least five or six cauldrons exploded before Gu Zuo finally refined three low grade Jinyuan Pills!

    Basically, this was a disgrace to Gu Zuo.

    With such a miserable oue, Gu Zuo naturally couldn¡¯t bear it. Afterwards, he was even more focused and careful when he refined again. Under such concentration, he discovered that there were three medicinal herbs which didn¡¯t look any special when examined by themselves, but whenbined, would easily cause a conflict. So long as one wasn¡¯t careful when sorting out the medicinal properties, there would be a high probability for the cauldron to explode!

    It was no wonder why such a medicinal pill that could briefly upgrade one¡¯s realm would be so difficult to refine.

    After this, Gu Zuo was careful, cautious, and prudent. However, his rate for sessful pills and the product grades of those pills still wasn¡¯t high. Gu Zuo was in a bad mood, and drilled into the bull¡¯s horn as he worked tirelessly on the Jinyuan Pills.

    And after that, he didn¡¯te out of the medicine refining room...

    Tianheng said helplessly: ¡°So, Ah Zuo used enough strength to refine them?¡±

    Gu Zuo repeatedly nodded his head: ¡°At the beginning, I wasn¡¯t any good at it, and they were all low grade. Later, I took my time and gradually had mid grade and high grade pills. Following which, I was even more meticulous and refined them faster and faster. After that, I could handle two and then three cauldrons at the same time! And after that, I finally refined a thousand pills.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng put a hand to his forehead.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind had already recovered: ¡°In addition, I also produced twenty top grade pills. These really can¡¯t bepared to the ones I made previously. However, so long as I can refine top grade pills, I¡¯ll definitely be able to keep refining top grade pills in the future!¡±

    Tianheng saw him like this, and reached out a hand to pat his head: ¡°I believe in Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that his face must¡¯ve certainly been glowing.

    Just as they were talking, a Tianlong Guard came in to report.

    There was a visitor outside.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch175 - The Shock of the Hundred Rivers League

    <h4>Chapter Ch175 - The Shock of the Hundred Rivers League</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng looked over: ¡°Hai Tian has arrived?¡±

    The Tianlong Guard respectfully answered: ¡°Just now.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Invite him in.¡±

    The Tianlong Guard answered positively, and shed out.

    Soon after, two of Tianheng¡¯s fingers clutched Gu Zuo¡¯s cor and lifted him up.

    Gu Zuo arms and legs fluttered before he found his footing.

    Tianheng¡¯s other hand took out a mirror and ced it in front of Gu Zuo, allowing him to take a look at his reflection.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The next moment, Gu Zuo jumped up and immediately dashed into their room to bathe: ¡°Ah, ah, ah! I¡¯m so dirty! Why didn¡¯t big brother tell me sooner?!¡±

    Tianheng paused, somewhat speechless.

    Actually, he already asked just then.

    At this time, the Tianlong Guard guided a slender young man inside. This young man was the Hundred Rivers League member Hai Tian, who¡¯d ced an order a few days ago. When he saw Tianheng, he loosened a sigh and promptly came over in greetings: ¡°Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is a reliable person.¡±

    Tianheng smiled as he cupped his hands and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Hai, please sit.¡±

    Hai Tian went over in quick steps and sat across from Tianheng.

    Tianheng poured him a cup of tea, and cut to the chase: ¡°The medicinal pills have already been prepared. Senior Sect Brother Hai, please wait for a bit. Ah Zuo is sorting things out in the other room.¡±

    Hai Tian sighed in relief, and immediately developed a good impression of Tianheng.

    Ordinary people always wanted to exchange conventional greetings when doing business. They¡¯d want to wade through a big, rambling pile before they were willing to step into the problem for discussion. They¡¯d even need to talk about many pleasantries and favors before slowly expressing themselves... If it was during normal times, then exchanging civilities naturally wouldn¡¯t have been a problem. However, when it involved one¡¯s own matter of life and death, such actions would be displeasing. It was just that, under these circumstances, not only didn¡¯t Tianheng get greedy, he was also willing to immediately get down to business. This naturally left Hai Tian in a good mood.

    In the other room, Gu Zuo had directly plunged into the bath tub to bathe. Without waiting for him to clean off the pill dust and cauldron ash, he heard his big brother¡¯s voice through his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [Ah Zuo, after you¡¯re done washing, bring the medicinal pills out.]

    At first, Gu Zuo was still a little embarrassed. Hearing no teasing intent within this tone, he naturally felt much better. He quickened the speed that he cleaned himself and he transmitted back in his mind.

    [I understand, big brother.]

    Outside, Hai Tian drank several mouthfuls of tea. After that, carrying some expectations, he asked: ¡°How many Jinyuan Pills can Junior Sect Brother Gongyi provide for us this time?¡±

    Tianheng seemed to think about it, and replied: ¡°This time¡¯s pill refining went quite smoothly. Because there are many skillful pharmacists, a few mid and high grade pills were also produced. Thus, there are one hundred low grade pills, three hundred mid grade pills, and one hundred high grade pills for a total of five hundred pills... What does Senior Sect Brother Hai think of this?¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s face almost couldn¡¯t contain his smiling expression: ¡°Good, good, good! It¡¯s truly too good!¡±

    He also understood that such medicinal pills weren¡¯t easy to refine. Originally, he thought that having two or three hundred pills was pretty good. He didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng would exceed his way of thinking, and had as many as five hundred! Moreover, within these five hundred pills, there was also no less than one hundred high grade pills!

    His eyes were full of appreciation: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, many thanks for the huge help! With these five hundred Jinyuan Pills, the Hundred Rivers League¡¯s disciples will finally have even more safeguards!¡±

    Tianheng waited for him to calm down a little before reminding him: ¡°However, Senior Sect Brother, whatever the medicinal pill, all of them have their limits. The Jinyuan Pill is only suitable for Xiantian martial artists; Houtian martial artists are unable to bear the medicinal power. Also, no matter how much a Xiantian martial artist upgrades, it¡¯s impossible to break through arge realm. If a Xiantian stage seven martial artist takes a high grade Jinyuan Pill, he can only upgrade to a pseudo-Immortal Realm. His strength will be infinitesimally close to the Immortal Realm, but he won¡¯t be able to surpass it.¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s expression was undisturbed: ¡°I¡¯m naturally aware of this.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°However, there¡¯s also no need to be too worried. If a high grade pill was given to an exceptional genius who was restricted by their realm, when they upgrade to the pseudo-Immortal Realm, it won¡¯t be a difficult matter for them to prevail over several genuine Immortal Realm martial artists.¡±

    Hai Tian also smiled: ¡°It¡¯s precisely this reasoning.¡±

    One needed to look at how to use Jinyuan Pills of different product grades. If they gave mid grade pills to several Xiantian stage eight geniuses, it was equivalent to having several low Immortal Realm martial artists. It would really be used for other martial artists with lower realms to save their lives.

    Hai Tian didn¡¯t need to go into detail with Tianheng about this. Tianheng already understood.

    The two had a tacit mutual understanding.

    After discussing this, Hai Tian then asked about the amounts for the other types of medicinal pills. Tianheng, of course, answered with a detailed exnation. Basically, the negotiations were settled.

    After that, a fair-skinned teenager with soft, jet-ck hair walked out from the other room. His hands carried a basket, and quite a few jade bottles were in the basket. The teenager quickly arrived next to Tianheng.

    In the basket, not only were there Qi Linking Pills, Qi umting Pills, Revitalization Pills, and Jinyuan Pills, there were also Snowy Ginseng Pills, Meridian Replenishing Pills, and Bone Replenishing Pills as well. In addition, they were all high grade pills. It was just that there were differences in quantity.

    Hai Tian¡¯s gaze swept over everything. Sure enough, the amounts were all correct. His heart was happy, and he carefully extracted a stack of golden banknotes. However, because this was the first cooperation, there actually wasn¡¯t too many of the other pills aside from the Jinyuan Pills. As a result, the sum of the golden banknotes was only several hundred thousand. Of course, this was already equivalent to half a day¡¯s turnover for Medicine of Life.

    Soon after, Hai Tian properly put away these medicinal pills. When he looked at Tianheng again, his gaze was even more good-natured. It could be said that his entire being was radiating goodwill towards Tianheng: ¡°With these pills, my Hundred Rivers League will be much more safe. But if this Hai may be so bold as to ask a favor, I hope that I can obtain some pills every month from my Junior Sect Brother from now on. Would Junior Sect Brother...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°I¡¯m indebted to Senior Sect Brother Hai¡¯s regards. ording to what was said before, each month I can provide two hundred Qi Linking Pills, twenty Qi umting Pills and Revitalization Pills each, fifty Snowy Ginseng Pills, ten Bone Replenishing Pills and Meridian Replenishing Pills each, and as for Jinyuan Pills... Because the pill production is indeterminate and the product grades still can¡¯t be ensured, I¡¯ll provide a total of eighty low, mid, and high grade pills. How about that?¡±

    Hai Tian heard this. He knew that the other party¡¯s Medicine of Life also needrge quantities of medicinal pills, and he also considered that his side was probably only going to have challenges in the short term. He nodded and said: ¡°Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is straightforward. Then, it¡¯s settled!¡±

    Tianheng smiled again: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Hai cane fetch the medicinal pills at the start of every month.¡±

    Hai Tian replied: ¡°Many thanks! I¡¯ll be taking my leave!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he turned around and walked out inrge strides. He was very impatient at this moment. He wanted to tell this good news to the numerous sect brothers of the Hundred Rivers League!

    After Hai Tian departed, Gu Zuo sighed in relief and sat down: ¡°Big brother, we still have five hundred Jinyuan Pills. What are we going to do?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°After this, refine the remaining Meridian Purification Pills as well as some Jinyuan Pills, but keep them between mid and high grade. I¡¯ll gather more medicinal herbs and leave them for Ah Zuo¡¯s use.¡±

    Gu Zuo also nodded: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do my best!¡±

    Naturally, there was no distrust. Because, apart from those several main herbs needed for the Xiantian Pill that they previously couldn¡¯t find, his big brother worked through unknown means so that he nevercked for medicinal herbs. Even when he was drilling into the bull¡¯s horn while refining the Jinyuan Pills, there was always enough herbs. As a result, he only really needed to carefully refine medicine... As far as a pharmacist was concerned, there was nothing better than this.

    No hassles and no worries!

    Off to the side, Gongyi Tianheng summoned a Tianlong Guard and ordered: ¡°After three days have passed,unch the Detoxification Pill.¡±

    The Tianlong Guard affirmed respectfully. His silhouette shed as he went back into hiding.

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and also called out to that ce: ¡°Dragon Five, when that timees, remember toe find me to pick up the medicine!¡±

    A voice could be heard from that ce: ¡°Yes.¡±

    This matter was settled.

    Following that, Gu Zuo burrowed into another tidy medicine refining room and started today¡¯s lunch as well as the medicinal decoction Tianheng needed to soak in. With his current psychic power, splitting his attention wasn¡¯t a problem. In addition, after Tianheng stepped into the Xiantian Realm, his meridians naturally widened somewhat. Although it couldn¡¯tpare to other Xiantian martial artists, his meridians were already much stronger than they were previously.

    Because the meridians were blocked by Xiantian Qi at the beginning, this stage was also the stage that the Tiandu Body bore the best. For medicinal decoctions and cuisines, it was okay to slowly nurse the body ¡ª Not like before when it was needed to make Tianheng endure severe pain.

    Yet, this would only continue up to when he approached the Immortal Realm. And once Tianheng broke through to the Immortal Realm, the qi energy roaming through those meridians would be even more rich and powerful. This would cause an intense impact upon the meridians! At that time, the meridians¡¯ tolerance would receive a frightening ordeal!

    Merely, what Gu Zuo presently had was only the treatment method prior to the Immortal Realm. Right now, he didn¡¯t know anything that was more in-depth. He had a premonition that he¡¯d probably obtain it from the system at that time.

    Just like now, Gu Zuo asked in his mind.

    [System, how do I treat the Tiandu Body after reaching the Immortal Realm?]

    [Haven¡¯t started the side mission. Noment.]

    [...]

    It was just like that.

    The Hundred Rivers League was located near the center of the Inner Sect. Those who could hold their base of operations here were all sessive powerhouses on the Sky Leaderboard. As the Sky Leaderboard second ce, it was only natural that Xiao Tianqi¡¯s dwelling was located here.

    Although Xiao Tianqi was only a Core Disciple and not an Apprentice, his strength was outstanding, so he could still upy a mountain peak that was in the vicinity of the tallest ones. And this mountain peak was also surrounded by several small hills, where some other Immortal Realm martial artists lived ¡ª Some of them were powerhouses near the bottom of the Sky Leaderboard rankings, and some of them were Core Disciples. However, all of them relied on Xiao Tianqi¡¯s strength, which formed such an alliance.

    That¡¯s right. The Hundred Rivers League wasn¡¯t just a single mountain, it was a small mountain range made up of twenty-something mountain peaks.

    Hai Tian quickly returned here and directly went up to Tianqi Peak, which was the tallest among them.

    Named after Xiao Tianqi, it was his ce of seclusion.

    Hai Tian¡¯s strength was at Xiantian stage seven. When Xiao Tianqi was in the Outer Sect, Hai Tian was drawn in by his charisma and followed him. Then, they directly entered the Inner Sect together. Unfortunately, his aptitudes were far inferior to Xiao Tianqi¡¯s. Even when Xiao Tianqi made it onto the Sky Leaderboard, he still hadn¡¯t entered the Immortal Realm.

    Yet, Hai Tian was still Xiao Tianqi¡¯s confidante. It was because he was loyal and devoted to Xiao Tianqi. If he hadn¡¯t taken on all the trivial matters for Xiao Tianqi in the early days, Xiao Tianqi wouldn¡¯t have been able to spend all his time honing himself along the path of martial artists so easily. Nor would he have been able to attain his current achievements.

    It could be said that Hai Tian was the only person who was given free ess to wander Tianqi Peak.

    This time, Xiao Tianqi had met with a crisis. Even though Hai Tian had only heard people mention a little bit about Medicine of Life¡¯s matters, he was willing to personally go over to seek proof. It was for the purpose of resolving Xiao Tianqi¡¯splications.

    So, as Hai Tian went up the mountain, he met many martial artists who were more powerful than him, and they all expressed goodwill towards him. Hai Tian always kept the ounts of Tianqi Peak on hand. Even if there were a couple delinquents who wanted to fight over this authority of his, several secret investigations revealed that he basically had no selfish motives whatsoever. The ounts were actually as transparent as clear water.

    Hai Tian eventually reached Tianqi Saber Cave ¡ª The weapon that Xiao Tianqi used was the saber, and his path of cultivation was the way of the saber. Even the ce where he lived was a self-proimed Saber Cave.

    Just as he got close, a rough voice could be heard from inside: ¡°Has Junior Sect Brother Hai Tian returned?¡±

    Hai Tian raised his voice: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xiao! I¡¯m here!¡±

    That voice spoke again: ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Come on in!¡±

    Hai Tianughed, and stepped in just like this.

    While Tianqi Saber Cave was called a cave, it was actually arge hall cut from the mountain face and excavated out. There were indeed many hidden chambers filled with saber marks inside, but there was still a proper outer hall to hold meetings and receive guests.

    When Hai Tian entered, he saw a man at the seat of honor who had a forthright appearance, as well as about seven or eight Core Disciples sitting around him who weren¡¯t that upright.

    That forthright man waved a hand to Hai Tian. He walked over, and casually sat down on a stone couch to the side. Following which, he immediately said: ¡°This time, I found a way to resolve our current predicament.¡±

    As his voice fell, it drew the attention of all the others.

    Xiao Tianqi, the forthright man, stared nkly: ¡°What way?¡±

    The gazes of several others shined, and they all looked over:

    ¡°Junior Sect Brother Hai, you aren¡¯t ying a joke, right?¡±

    ¡°Could it be that you¡¯ve spoken with a power and formed an alliance?¡±

    ¡°He Chenghong¡¯s side isn¡¯t easy to deal with!¡±

    ¡°Whatever method you have, just say it quickly!¡±

    Birds of a feather flocked together.

    Although their hearts weren¡¯t too convinced, these top members of the Hundred Rivers League gave a lot of face, and made their guesses one after another.

    Hai Tian¡¯s thoughts moved. A basket was released from his inter-spatial tool, and he caught it in his hands. Many jade bottles in that basket also appeared in the sights of the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists.

    Hai Tian had always been calm. Previously, because he wasn¡¯t certain that he could get enough Jinyuan Pills, he didn¡¯t tell the many leaders about this matter. Even the golden banknotes given to Gongyi Tianheng came from his own expenses. He didn¡¯t spent a single tael of Tianqi Peak¡¯s gold. It was different now. He obtained so many medicinal pills and he also had a long-term supply arrangement with Tianheng. Naturally, he wanted to inform these colleagues of the good news.

    The numerous Immortal Realms knew that these were definitely medicinal pills, but what sort of pills were capable of freeing them from their current plight? However, they also knew that Hai Tian wasn¡¯t a person who¡¯d speak without thinking. They looked to Xiao Tianqi.

    Xiao Tianqi understood the intent of the many martial artists. He took the lead and asked: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Hai Tian, please tell us carefully! What¡¯s so special about these medicinal pills?¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s face carried a happy expression. He stretched out a hand and took out a yellow-jade long-necked bottle. He opened his mouth and exined: ¡°Contained within this type of jade bottle are all high grade Qi Linking Pills.¡±

    High grade Qi Linking Pills?

    An Immortal Realm martial artist was also somewhat happy: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Hai found a new supplier?¡±

    Hai Tian promptly nodded: ¡°Correct. The ce I found can supply two hundred high grade pills every month!¡±

    Xiao Tianqi might¡¯ve looked forthright, but he wasn¡¯t the type of person whose thoughts were forthright. After he finished listening, he faintly nodded: ¡°Although the amount is somewhat small, it can¡¯t be said to be a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood. Indeed, it can loosen our desperate situation.¡±

    Merely, the many Immortal Realm martial artists understood his iplete meaning. It could only be said that these medicinal pills weren¡¯t too few, but they also weren¡¯t enough.

    If it was just this, how could it be said to be solving their predicament?

    However, that basket still had many jade bottles. In that case, the reason should¡¯ve been among them.

    Sure enough, Hai Tian continued. The ones he took out this time were two small, blue-jade bottles: ¡°Twenty high grade Revitalization Pills.¡± Then he took out another two small red-jade bottles, ¡°Twenty high grade Qi umting Pills.¡±

    Upon seeing this, the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists all nodded.

    These two types of high grade pills were even harder toe by. Twenty pills also wasn¡¯t considered few.

    Following that, the ones Hai Tian took out was a medium ck-jade bottle and two small ck-jade bottles: ¡°Fifty Snowy Ginseng Pills. They¡¯re high grade medicinal pills.¡± He paused before he continued to talk, ¡°This type of medicinal pill doesn¡¯t exist within our Qingyun Sect. It¡¯s a type of pill that enriches the blood. If we are in danger of losingrge quantities of blood, it can be promptly taken after staunching the bleeding. It can rapidly replenish the lost blood, recovering our energy.¡±

    There was an Immortal Realm martial artist who couldn¡¯t help blurting out: ¡°A good pill!¡±

    Xiao Tianqi¡¯s eyes also faintly shined.

    If the effects were really this good, then it was naturally a good pill.

    At this point in time, many Immortal Realm martial artists also held some expectations for the remaining medicinal pills. They saw very clearly that there were still three different colored jade bottles remaining!

    Hai Tian took out a small green-jade bottle: ¡°Ten Bone Replenishing Pills.¡± Then he took out a small teal-jade bottle, ¡°Ten Meridian Replenishing Pills. All of them are high grade. As the names imply, their effects are to reconnect broken bones and meridians.¡±

    The gazes of Xiao Tianqi and the other martial artists became brighter: These two were even better! After a battle, they could reduce the number of seriously injured people, and could let some those who hadparatively grave injuries to re-enter the battle as quickly as possible!

    Merely, the previously mentioned medicinal pills could only be said to provide certain aid, which could reduce the suffering of the league¡¯s numerous disciples when being robbed. However, it was impossible to do what Hai Tian asserted.

    In that case, the most useful one should¡¯ve been the final type of medicinal pill?

    But no one knew what use this kind of magical pill would have!

    Because of the foreshadowing of these medicinal pills, the expectations of the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists had already reached its peak. When it was time to announce it, they also couldn¡¯t help staring at Hai Tian. Their gazes were particrly focused.

    Xiao Tianqi opened his mouth: ¡°Then, the final type is?¡±

    Hai Tian took a deep breath: ¡°The Jinyuan Pill. There are five hundred Jinyuan Pills here, divided into low, mid, and high grades. The low grade pills can briefly upgrade...¡± Each of his words were clear as he went into full detail about the Jinyuan Pill¡¯s uses, taboos, and period of activity. Everything was attentively mentioned!

    Once he finished talking, the venue had be quiet.

    After a good while had passed, an Immortal Realm martial artist hurriedly exhaled and said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Hai, is what you said true? The Jinyuan Pill really has such amazing effects?¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s expression was resolute: ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Although he hadn¡¯t tested it yet, he didn¡¯t feel that Gongyi Tianheng, who had that kind of bearing, would try to fool him. Thus, he believed Tianheng.

    Another Immortal Realm martial artist swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°If it¡¯s true...¡±

    Yet another one supplemented: ¡°Not only can this time¡¯s plight be solved, but the league¡¯s disciples can also be protected while simultaneously baiting the enemy!¡±

    Xiao Tianqi was very decisive: ¡°The medicinal pills are precious, but they must be tested. Junior Sect Brother Hai Tian, instruct a Xiantian Realm Junior Sect Brother toe over to observe the effects.¡±

    Although he trusted Tianheng, this was Hai Tian¡¯s decision. How could he let another fellow Junior Sect Brother test it? Hence, he immediately said: ¡°As a Xiantian stage seven, I happen to be suitable to test the three product grades of the Jinyuan Pill. Also, I can see the results the best from my own body.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Hai Tian first took out a low grade Jinyuan Pill and ced it inside his mouth without the slightest hesitation. In the blink of an eye, the pill transformed into medicinal liquid and flowed down right into his belly. At almost the same time, a medicinal power spread throughout his body. Hai Tian only felt his body faintly heating up. The total amount of internal true qi, the true qi¡¯s cirction, and his own perceived strength all abruptly rose!

    The pupils of many Immortal Realm martial artists all shrank: ¡°It¡¯s true!¡±

    Because of their realms, they could clearly distinguish that Hai Tian¡¯s qi energy had really upgraded from Xiantian stage seven to Xiantian stage eight. In addition, although this stage eight wasn¡¯t too stable, it wasn¡¯t the type to immediately regress back to the previous realm.

    The Jinyuan Pill truly was a pill of godly effects!

    ording to what Hai Tian said, the time this medicinal pill wouldst was two hours. This could be said to be neither too long nor too short. It was enough to flee for one¡¯s life, and it was also enough to make aeback. Moreover, this thing¡¯s medicinal effects could beyered. After taking a pill, if one¡¯s realm was about to drop, they could continuing maintaining their state so long as they took another one of the same product grade.

    Everyone quietly waited for two hours. Soon, Hai Tian¡¯s qi energy weakened and he promptly took another low grade pill. Sure enough, his qi energy immediately recovered! Soon after, another two hours passed and when Hai Tian¡¯s realm fellpletely, he took a mid grade pill. Then once another two hours passed, he took a high grade pill.

    Time passed unwittingly, but not a single person here lost their patience.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch176 - The Trial Grounds

    <h4>Chapter Ch176 - The Trial Grounds</h4>

    After a full eight hours, the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists finally let out long sighs.

    The medicinal effects of these Jinyuan Pills were exactly as Hai Tian said. There weren¡¯t any discrepancies whatsoever. Those things really couldn¡¯t have been any better, and could also be considered something that would pivotally change the course of events in the days toe!

    Xiao Tianqiughed in a clear voice: ¡°Hahaha! With this thing, my Hundred Rivers League disciples don¡¯t have to worry! Hai Tian, you¡¯ve made a big contribution this time!¡±

    At this moment, Hai Tian was in the middle of carefully learning through this experience.

    Just then, that medicinal power had linked many of the acupoints within his body, and each of the corresponding Heavenly Spirit Acupoints formed a roiling ball shape ¡ª This wasn¡¯t a genuine bone pearl, just something briefly formed to rece it. However, its use was actually the same; the upgraded realm was also because of this. After the medicinal power dissipated, he seemed to still be able to sense that previous feeling of mystery. When he attacked his acupoints again in the future, he¡¯ll be considered to have some experience, and perhaps he¡¯d be able to enter the next realm even faster. This should¡¯ve also been another of the Jinyuan Pill¡¯s hidden uses.

    Just as he was thinking this, Xiao Tianqi¡¯sughter entered his ears.

    Hai Tian snapped out of it, and hastily said: ¡°I don¡¯t deserve your praise. So long as we can use this to keep the Hundred Rivers League standing tall and the league disciples safe, this Hai will be satisfied.¡±

    Meanwhile, the other Immortal Realm martial artists also gave Hai Tian their praises.

    Then, a person sighed: ¡°We¡¯ve wasted four pills just now. What a pity.¡±

    However, these words were only said in passing. If they hadn¡¯t tested it, how could they be sure that the owner of Medicine of Life could be trusted? Even though this time¡¯s pills were real, they could still obtain new medicines from that ce in the future. Before it was officially distributed to the disciples, they simrly needed testing... Even if some were wasted, there was no better option.

    Everyone already acknowledged the Jinyuan Pill¡¯s miraculous uses. Following this, Hai Tian needed to distribute these medicinal pills.

    The Hundred Rivers League had tens of thousands of Xiantian disciples, and the amount of five hundred Jinyuan Pills wasn¡¯t veryrge. Thus, for the time being, the pills could only be given to those high-potential geniuses whose powerfulbat abilities could even let them bypass ranks.

    From these disciples, Hai Tian decided to select the disciples at Xiantian stage seven, eight, and nine. Xiantian stage nines would get low grade Jinyuan Pills, Xiantian stage eights would get mid grade Jinyuan Pills, and Xiantian stage sevens would get high grade Jinyuan Pills. That way, when they took the medicinal pills, their realms would immediately break through, and in a short period of time, they would be pseudo-Immortal Realm martial artists! They would be a valiantbat force.

    As for the mediocre ones, they would be scattered. Each of the five hundred pseudo-Immortal Realm martial artists would lead a surplus of ten people to ensure their safety. When the next month came, they¡¯d have more medicinal pills. Naturally, those pills would be issued to Xiantian martial artists whose realms were somewhat high and who had strongbat power. This would let them share the pressure of the previous five hundred people.

    Hai Tian proposed this suggestion. Xiao Tianqi and the others felt that it was rather thorough, and they didn¡¯t think there was anything unsuitable about it.

    After that, the good news was secretly disseminated among those trusted disciples within the league, letting them make their preparations. At the same time, the somewhat oppressed atmosphere that permeated the Hundred Rivers League rapidly rose again in a short period. This practically caused the league disciples¡¯ spirits and appearances to look brand new.

    And it was only natural that this kind of spectacle would fall into the sights of others.

    ¡ª No matter how much the matter of having the Jinyuan Pills was covered up, no matter how loyal those five hundred people who got the medicinal pills in the beginning were, they could only conceal it temporarily. The transformation of the Hundred Rivers League was impossible to conceal.

    Consequently, the people on the other side also began to stir.

    Time passed extremely quickly.

    Medicine of Life¡¯s reputation spread to many ces within a brief period of time, even to somerge medicinal pill stores. Although their businesses weren¡¯t affected too much, they also felt pressure from this upstart and started paying attention to it closely. Fortunately, the floor space of Medicine of Life really was too small. No matter how hot its sales were, it was impossible to truly threaten therge medicine stores. Merely, several of the new medicines beingunched within still caught the people¡¯s interest.

    Zhao Yuheng, Fu Manduo, and the others who¡¯d known early on about Medicine of Life¡¯s foundations hade over to offer their congrattions. Fu Manduo had jokinglyined to Gongyi Tianheng, saying that Tianheng shipped him too few goods. However, in terms of business, although the prices sold to Fu Manduo weren¡¯t low, it was still inferior to Medicine of Life, which had gradually made a name for itself. After Tianheng and him shared probing smiles, they kept their previous manner of cooperation.

    Shipping goods to Fu Manduo was also considered a stable and long-term source of funds.

    As for Zhao Yuheng, he was ssified as someone who came over in support of Tianheng.

    Reaching this stage, it was only necessary for enforcement disciples to wander around in the vicinity of Medicine of Life, which indicated a trend. People would promptly catch the hint that Medicine of Life¡¯s business was naturally very smooth and steady.

    ¡ª Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s temperament, methods, appearance, bearing, aptitude, and potential were all extraordinary. For a person such as this, even if Zhao Yuheng hadn¡¯t obtained more influence because of him, Zhao Yuheng still would¡¯ve been willing to befriend him.

    As before, Gu Zuo was very busy refining pills.

    Because his current psychic power was already very strong, he basically didn¡¯t need to sleep. As he worked against the clock for Medicine of Life and golden banknotes, Gu Zuo practically worked day and night. Moreover, because the amounts of refined medicine were staggeringly high, his qi energy continuously increased and his strength grew at flying speeds.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo unexpectedly had a breakthrough before Tianheng made it to Xiantian stage four!

    Since their arrival to Qingyun Sect, not even a full year had passed. Whether it was Gu Zuo or Gongyi Tianheng, the two¡¯s improvement speeds were fearsome. If it wasn¡¯t for some covert methods, they would¡¯ve caught the attention of many people already! It would¡¯ve been okay if there was nothing else, but if they were regarded by an Elder who wanted to take them as apprentices...

    Gu Zuo suddenly remembered this matter, and while eating lunch, he opened his mouth and asked: ¡°Big brother, are there any Elders in Qingyun Sect who you¡¯d want as a Master?¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said and stared nkly. After that he somewhat muttered to himself and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, I definitely don¡¯t want to be an apprentice to a Master.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in his heart. This was indeed the truth.

    Of course, formally bing an apprentice wasn¡¯t something that could be done casually. If one didn¡¯t have such intentions, they wouldn¡¯t go in search of a suitable Master. And ordinary Elders also wouldn¡¯t meticulously search for an apprentice among the countless disciples in the Inner Sect.

    After the two discussed these matters, Tianheng finished eating his meal. Shortly after, he said: ¡°It¡¯s been some time since we¡¯ve reached the Inner Sect. I haven¡¯t yetpared notes with others nor battled with wild beasts, so I¡¯m going to leave for the Trial Grounds.¡±

    Gu Zuo paid no attention to outside matters. If Tianheng hadn¡¯t mentioned it, he also wouldn¡¯t have known. Now that it was mentioned, he asked: ¡°What¡¯s the Trial Grounds? Will big brother be going out of the Sect?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head and smiled: ¡°No, the Trial Grounds are within the Inner Sect. As a ce where Inner Sect disciples test what they¡¯ve learned and umtebat experience, it wouldn¡¯t be located outside of the Sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°There¡¯s also such a ce within the Sect?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°If Ah Zuo has time, you cane with me.¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated a little: ¡°But the pill refining...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°Ah Zuo has been diligently refining for many days inside of the medicine refining room. Now that you happen to be with me, it¡¯ll be good to relieve your boredom.¡±

    Gu Zuo indeed thought that it was better to strike a bnce between work and rest. In addition, he really was somewhat curious about the Trial Grounds. He answered positively: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll also go to take a look.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I¡¯ve also never gone there before, so this can be considered a learning experience.¡±

    Gu Zuo followed with a smile.

    The Trial Grounds were located within several encircling mountains, and was upied by an extremelyrge building. In front was a za and behind was a stone rampart. There were also quite a few lofty martial arts monuments, which towered around the edges of the Trial Grounds.

    There were many people here. Of the countless Inner Sect disciples, everyone who knew about the Trial Grounds all inevitably wanted toe to take a look. After seeing it, they would inevitably want to try it. As a result, it was somewhat crowded.

    Gu Zuo watched this vast crowd, and couldn¡¯t help sucking in a cold breath: ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s so many people. How are you going to test yourself? It¡¯s not going to be a knockoutpetition like the initial stage of the Hundred Countries Tournament, right?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry. Each and every tester whoes needs to spend some contribution points. And there are quite a lot of ways to earn contribution points here. The grounds are vast, and the designs are borate. Even though there are many people, all of them want to go in. There¡¯ll be enough space.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°Then, are there ones here where pharmacists can participate?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯m actually not sure about this.¡±

    Gu Zuo was somewhat disappointed.

    Tianheng said soothingly: ¡°There might be. It¡¯s just that pharmacists are mysterious. They can¡¯t always refine medicine in front of everybody as to avoid divulging their pill prescriptions. Later on, Ah Zuo can do a thorough search or ask around to scout things out.¡±

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh: ¡°It can only be like this.¡± Following which, he cheered himself up, ¡°First, I¡¯ll watch big brother hone himself! As for myself, there¡¯s probably nothing for honing. It¡¯s a pity, since that¡¯s the way I might be able to earn contribution points.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing, and ruffled his hair.

    His little pharmacist, who now hadplete confidence in himself, was bing increasingly cute.

    Soon after, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s arm, and led him into the crowd.

    Let alone that there were very many methods within the Trial Grounds, one would see at a nce that there were gravity rooms, testing rooms, puppet gates... There were so many that it would leave a person dazzled.

    Gu Zuo simply set aside the matter of medicine refining, and apanied Tianheng. In high spirits, they first arrived in front of the gravity rooms.

    Tianheng walked to the registration desk in front of him, and warmly spoke to the somewhat idle disciple there: ¡°Senior Sect Brother, how many contribution points are needed to enter a gravity room?¡±

    That disciple was used to handling matters here and normally met with very many disciples. At this time, he replied in a rote manner: ¡°The gravity rooms are divided into many grades. What¡¯s the grade of the room that this Junior Sect Brother wants to enter? Right now, except for the fifty-times gravity rooms, the other rooms are all vacant.¡±

    Tianheng thought it over: ¡°Would Senior Sect Brother clear up the confusion over how things are done inside?¡±

    As he was speaking, Gu Zuo handed over a golden banknote. Its denomination was two hundred gold.

    After that disciple took the golden banknote, his facial expression loosened: ¡°The range of the gravity rooms are from one-times to fifty-times. From one-times to ten-times, each room is one contribution point per two hours. The eleven-times to twenty-times rooms are two contribution points per two hours...and so on up until the fifty-times gravity rooms, which are five contribution points per two hours.

    He continued: ¡°Under normal circumstances, which gravity room to enter depends on the strength of the disciple¡¯s physical body. Naturally, the stronger the physical body, the higher the multiplier of the gravity room one can enter to cultivate. As for how a person knows the strength of their physical body... There¡¯s a ce for checking to the side with several small paths that are fifty steps long. Anyone who walks along them will have the gravity increase by one fold for every step they take. This Junior Sect Brother can try it out. When you can¡¯t continue and have toe back, you¡¯ll naturally know.¡±

    Looking at the ¡°face¡± of the money, the disciple¡¯s exnation was very thorough and detailed, which saved Gongyi Tianheng a lot of trouble.

    Hence, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go take a walk along those small paths.¡±

    There were five small paths in total, and each one went in a different direction. They were built up with stone piles and appeared verymonce. They seemed no different from an ordinary dirt road. However, there were at least four or five disciples who were in the middle of their attempts on all of these small paths. Some of them walked on with dignified appearances, and some had simply stopped in ce. There were also a few who wanted to continue walking a few more steps, but their features abruptly twisted like something was blocking them. They suddenly retreated several steps and recuperated their strength.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s vision fell upon the body of a young martial artist whose steps were extremely sluggish.

    The clothes of this martial artist were all torn apart, exposing the sturdy figure within. However, because the gravity on this small path was enormous, the surface of his skin was chapped and cracked. Threads of blood were forced out in rivulets, which dripped down along his body.

    Such a scene shocked the eyes and astonished the heart ¡ª Sure enough, when martial artists tested the limits of their bodies, they would all seem crazy. It would make a person exim in astonishment.

    Tianheng came before a small path that had rtively fewer people. He lifted his foot and began walking.

    Gu Zuo stared at him somewhat nervously, and saw that his steps were steady and his expression was unhurried, without the least bit of distress.

    One step, two steps, three steps...

    Tianheng didn¡¯t walk quickly. Only, in the wake of going further down the path, his clothing hung down and the shine in his eyes brightened.

    Four steps, five steps...

    The further he walked, the more worried Gu Zuo became.

    All of a sudden, he recalled that the power of the physical body wasn¡¯t onlyprised of muscle, it also included the internal organs and the meridians! He believed that his big brother¡¯s body was very sturdy, but it was restricted by his meridians, which weren¡¯t too durable. Would the gravity rooms be suitable for his big brother? But after having second thoughts, he realized that his big brother wouldn¡¯t give up on the gravity rooms.

    ¡ª Also, the gravity rooms were for the purpose of squeezing the martial artist¡¯s physical body to its limits, fracturing some meridians, and damaging some muscles. There were naturally medicinal pills to make up for it. In addition, after suffering damage, the body would be even more powerful when it recovered. This would achieve the goal of the hard training here.

    Hence, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t deal with just watching his big brother¡¯s final result. In a flurry, he started to search for some finished medicinal pills in his own storage space!

    A top-notch injury medicine for Xiantian martial artists was undoubtedly the Revitalization Pill. It was a must-have... Merely, the Revitalization Pill¡¯s effects weren¡¯t as good on internal injuries as external injuries. In that case, the Meridian Replenishing Pill was also a must-have. It specifically targeted the meridians, so thepatibility with the gravity room was certainly very good... Then, because of the uniqueness of the Tiandu Body, the Five Essence Pill could bring nourishment, increasing the cirction of qi and blood to the organs as well as promoting one¡¯s vitality. This would allow the physical body to quickly recover from the inside out.

    As he continued plotting and calcting, a hand suddenly pressed onto the top of his head.

    Gu Zuo immediately snapped out of it and looked up. Sure enough, it was his big brother!

    ¡ª Shoots! How far did his big brother go just now?

    Tianheng smiled like Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking was crystal clear, and said: ¡°I only walked ten steps. On that tenth step, I couldn¡¯t keep going forward.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll first go to the ten-times gravity room to adapt?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded: ¡°Precisely.¡±

    The two then quickly went to that disciple in front to register.

    That disciple recognized at a nce that those two were the generous masters just then, and inly said: ¡°Has Junior Sect Brother chosen a gravity room?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ten-times gravity.¡±

    The disciple then asked: ¡°Would the Junior Sect Brother like the multi-person gravity room or the private gravity room?¡±

    Tianheng murmured: ¡°How are the two types of gravity rooms divided?¡±

    The registration disciple answered: ¡°Because some disciples practice their personal martial skills in the gravity rooms or they want to cultivate without any interference, they choose the private gravity rooms. As I just said, every two hours costs one contribution point. However, if it¡¯s purely to temper one¡¯s physical body and one isn¡¯t concerned about being seen by others, one can select the multi-person gravity room. At that time, other people can watch. Every six hours will cost one contribution point.¡±

    This was a supplementary exnation.

    Gu Zuo inwardly thought: So it¡¯s like this. No wonder there are so many people here. There are still gravity rooms left over. If most of the visitors choose the multi-person gravity rooms, there really won¡¯t be any need to worry about ack of space.

    Tianheng was just here to temper his physical body, so he simrly chose a multi-person gravity room.

    Gu Zuo originally thought that he still couldn¡¯t follow him in, but since one could view the multi-person gravity room, there weren¡¯t any restrictions for a pharmacist like him. Hence, he dly and diligently went to go watch.

    Thus, if his big brother had any idents, he could lend a hand in time...

    Whether the gravity rooms were private or multi-person, they were all located beyond the entrance that the registration disciple guarded. Along with an extremelyrge stone chamber, there were constructs made of an unknown material inside. The instant that Gu Zuo walked in, he could detect something rushing forth from all directions. It was like a tide of subtle pressure.

    This was just a bit more gravity than normal, but Gu Zuo¡¯s body was sensitive and his psychic power was sharp. He was able to realize this immediately.

    Tianheng also detected this, and showed an interested smile.

    They quickly walked to thergest room among the multi-person gravity rooms.

    Sure enough, the number of people inside wasn¡¯t few; there were probably as many as twenty to thirty people. All the martial artists were practically half-naked. Under the pressure of the gravity, their bodies were sweating buckets, and were even rupturing with blood. At first nce, it was truly a intive and miserable sight to behold.

    The path of martial arts crossed the heavens, but enduring it was especially difficult.

    Tianheng was about to go in, but had his sleeve tugged at by Gu Zuo. He came to a halt, lowered his head, and smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips. His palms clutched several bottles, which were all stuffed into Tianheng¡¯s hands: ¡°Revitalization Pills, Meridian Replenishing Pills, and Five Essence Pills. Big brother, use them as you see fit.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s attentive.¡±

    Gu Zuo lifted up his head, his attitude very persistent: ¡°Big brother mustn¡¯t be careless about his body.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Rest assured, Ah Zuo. I understand.¡±

    Such words were spoken, and Tianheng didn¡¯t hesitate any longer. He received the medicine bottles and stored them into his newly obtained inter-spatial tool. Then, he went in withrge strides.

    Gu Zuo saw very clearly that Tianheng¡¯s foot had paused as it came down the moment he entered the room, but his expression didn¡¯t change. It was as if the ever-present gravity in the gravity room didn¡¯t exist. His entire being was still serene andposed. He was graceful and cool as usual.

    Following which, Gu Zuo simply sat cross-legged at the entrance and faced inside to watch.

    There were many other martial artists who¡¯d done the same as Gu Zuo. But as for pharmacists, Gu Zuo was actually the only one ¡ª The purpose of these martial artists waiting here was because their Senior Sect Brothers or Junior Sect Brothers were training diligently inside the gravity rooms. If the other person fainted, they¡¯d rush in without dy and bring the person out. Otherwise, if the unconscious martial artist was left within the gravity room, there¡¯d be concerns about their life. And after those sect brothers trained to their limits, they coulde out and switch ces. When the other went in, the martial artist who¡¯d been previously training would then watch over them.

    This was also mutually beneficial.

    As for Gu Zuo, this pharmacist, doing the same thing as them, although they were somewhat curious, they also didn¡¯t give him that many looks. Presently, their fellow disciples were more important.

    Only, this type of inattention disappeared not long after.

    As it turned out, after Tianheng entered the gravity room, he promptly found a corner and started stretching his body, neither too swiftly nor too slowly. However, because the intensity of the gravity was based on the predetermined limits of his body, although it was still effortless at the start, the more time that passed, the more fearsome that pressure became and the more pain one would feel.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression remained the same, but his clothing was drenched through and tightly stuck to his body. It didn¡¯t take long for some darker colors to appear on that sapphire-blue brocade. This was due to the skin splitting open, and the blood flow was dyeing the clothing!

    Because of this, as he slowly raised his hand, there was a tearing sound and his upper robes were torn open by him. Sure enough, there were many trails of blood on that lustrously-white skin, forming a picture of despoiled beauty.

    At this time, Tianheng took out several medicinal pills. He used true qi to wrap them up and swallowed them.

    In the next moment, the speed that these wounds recovered could be seen with the naked eye!

    ¡ª What were these miraculous medicinal effects?!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch177 - Adapting Oneâ€™s Strength

    <h4>Chapter Ch177 - Adapting One¡¯s Strength</h4>

    This kind of matter wasn¡¯t one that happened by chance. After the numerous martial artists saw Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body recover, that lustrously-white and wless skin ruptured again and split open with countless bloody holes. However, Tianheng took a few medicinal pills once more and those bloody holes were quickly healed at visible rates!

    It happened over and over again, and each time the medicinal effects were extremely marvelous. The entire time there weren¡¯t any feelings of inadequate medicinal power. In addition, after the skin had ruptured several times, the martial artists¡¯ keen perceptions slowly discovered that, in the wake of Tianheng¡¯s physical body repeatedly bursting and healing, the burst-opened, bloody holes decreased and the formed bruises were much briefer and lighter.

    The effects of a robust physical body were immediate!

    How couldn¡¯t this arouse a person¡¯s emotions?

    At first, Gu Zuo only watched his dear big brother strenuously cultivate over there, and felt that a martial artist¡¯s body tempering was actually extremely arduous. His heart was still very pained. But in the midst of his distress, someone suddenly moved closer from the side... His vignt heart immediately red up. He turned his head to look over, his eyes held distrust, and his psychic power was at the ready. If the other side had any bad intentions, Gu Zuo would give them a surprise!

    However, it was several people who¡¯d suddenlye over. Their faces all carried smiling expressions and there was a trace of eagerness in their eyes, but definitely no malice was shown. Seeing that Gu Zuo¡¯s posture was a bit guarded, they realized that they¡¯d been a bit rude. They all kept their distance.

    A square-faced disciple asked: ¡°We have something to ask this honorable pharmacist. Please be generous with your answers.¡±

    Gu Zuo loosened a sigh. They were asking for information. This actually wasn¡¯t a problem, so he just nodded: ¡°What is it?¡±

    The square-faced disciple and the others exchanged nces. They spoke and asked in turns:

    ¡°May I ask what kind of medicinal pills this honorable pharmacist gave that Junior Sect Brother just now? Their medicinal effects are extremely fast. It seems exceedingly useful.¡±

    ¡°That medicine appears to treat both internal and external injuries. It¡¯s very remarkable.¡±

    ¡°Where did you get this medicine? Would this honorable pharmacist give us directions...¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    As it turned out, they¡¯d fallen for the medicinal pills that he refined... However, these were top grade medicinal pills. Aside from his big brother and the contacts whom they needed to bribe, these pills weren¡¯t distributed anywhere else!

    If it were other medicinal pills, there certainly wouldn¡¯t be such good effects. At the very least, the reactions wouldn¡¯t be this fast.

    After this, Gu Zuo looked at Gongyi Tianheng in the venue and his expression became a little strange.

    Although this big brother of his had chosen an overlooked area to cultivate, it wasn¡¯tpletely overlooked, and was quickly discovered by others. Should it be said that his big brother¡¯s presence was naturally noticeable, or should it be guessed whether his big brother did it on purpose or not?

    After thinking things over, Gu Zuo concealed thirty percent of the truth and said: ¡°Revitalization Pills and Meridian Replenishing Pills. The former are for external injuries and thetter are for internal injuries. Taken together, they should be rtively useful for cultivating inside the gravity rooms.¡±

    It was just that the others had also discovered that there were three types of medicinal pills which Tianheng had taken.

    Hence, they also asked: ¡°Then, what¡¯s thest type?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°Thest type is a pill I refined for my young master. It¡¯s tailored only for the young master¡¯s body and has recuperative effects. However, because isn¡¯t suitable for treating illnesses, it can¡¯t be used on the bodies of other martial artists.¡±

    When those people heard this, they weren¡¯t hung up on this question. Although they didn¡¯t know what this teenaged pharmacist refined, there also wasn¡¯t any need to offend others. They switched to inquiring about the two preceding medicinal pills.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also used Revitalization Pills, but their medicinal effects fall short of this pill¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Could it be that the Meridian Replenishing Pill is a pill that reconnects meridians?¡±

    ¡°If one can rapidly connect their meridians andpletely heal their external injuries, they can improve their physical body¡¯s strength. This appears to be a matter of course.¡±

    ¡°Actually, we haven¡¯t asked where these medicinal pills can be bought yet...¡±

    Gu Zuo thought that this was a huge opportunity to advertise his own medicinal pills. At once, he spoke in detail: ¡°Because the product grades are different, the medicinal effects are also different. The ones with the best effects are naturally high grade pills, and the source of these pills is Medicine of Life, which is located along the eastern main street of the Inner Sect¡¯s Business District. There are actually quite a few types and grades of medicinal pills inside.¡±

    Not only were these words heard by the few people who previously asked, they were also quietly and attentively caught by the perked ears of the others waiting here. Right now, the numerous martial artists all heard it clearly. Their minds silently memorized the name Medicine of Life, and each of them contemted. After this time¡¯s training, they would leave for the Inner Sect¡¯s Business District. No matter what, they¡¯d first go to this medicine store and see if the new medicines were any good.

    ¡ª At the very least, they¡¯d never heard of the Meridian Replenishing Pill before.

    After bearing this in mind, the numerous martial artists hastily said: ¡°Many thanks to this honorable pharmacist.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at their expressions, and knew that he¡¯d drummed up some business. When he thought about Medicine of Life¡¯s violently surging foot traffic, he silently heaved another sigh.

    He also felt that there weren¡¯t enough pharmacists to utilize...

    Under the ten-times gravity, Gongyi Tianheng calmly experienced that tremendous pressure.

    Such sensations were difficult to bear. Many martial artists who experienced the gravity here for the first time had no way to endure for long, and would need to get out of the gravity room.

    But Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t the same.

    Perhaps the current feelings were also very unpleasant, but who knew how many times harder it was to walk when his meridians were blocked back then. Moreover, despite the pain, the feeling of his body being continuously strengthened was very clear. Tianheng was almost pleased with this kind of pain.

    ¡ª He was very much alive.

    In the past, each day was a countdown of the remaining days to his death. And now, he was about to turn twenty. Not only could he practice martial arts, his body rushed with formidable strength ¡ª This was proof that he could still live even longer!

    Following the uninterrupted taking of medicinal pills, an intense medicinal power flowed through his blood, meridians, muscles, and internal organs. In the ces where the medicinal power passed through, any pain and exhaustion was soothed. What was left behind was a tingling andfortable sensation. The more his body was mended, the stronger his feelings of happiness!

    A good whileter, Tianheng discovered that even if he didn¡¯t take the medicinal pills, his body didn¡¯t show any signs of copse under the ten-times gravity. Then, he began to slowly punch the air.

    His punches under the gravity and his punches under normal circumstances were different. Thetter might¡¯ve felt very agile, but it was at most because some fighting techniques wereparatively challenging and required more time to understand. Meanwhile, the former was more than ten times as difficult. Let alone the punching uracy, just the speed of a fist¡¯s strike was simr to a tortoise¡¯s crawl. One¡¯s arms would stagger and incessantly drop downwards.

    Outside, Gu Zuo watched Tianheng ¡°dancing¡±.

    That type of ¡°dancing¡± where the feet stood motionlessly in ce and only the arms and upper body moved ¡ª If one watched carefully, they¡¯d see the vestiges of a fighting technique ¡ª It was awkward and disagreeable; not to mention very strange.

    But no one came to ridicule this type of strangeness.

    Among the twenty to thirty people in the multi-person gravity room, ny percent of them were still in the middle of adapting their physical bodies. They didn¡¯t dare budge ¡ª This was because there once was a martial artist who thought highly of himself. He wasn¡¯t too cautious, which led to him falling down head-first under the immense force the instant he practiced a martial skill in the gravity room. From then on, half of his body was paralyzed. He was bedridden for quite a few months until someone purchased enough miracle medicines to restore his body.

    And within the remaining ten percent, they were simrly engaging in some martial skills. However, the results of them practicing those martial skills in the gravity room wasn¡¯t necessarily any faster nor as good-looking as Tianheng¡¯s fighting technique.

    But there were still some people who inwardly felt it was strange. They clearly discovered that this was Tianheng¡¯s first timeing here, yet he was adapting faster than many others. Presently, a bit of an embryonic form could actually be seen in that fighting technique. How could people not pay attention to such adaptability?

    Of course, even more people were thinking about the medicinal pills Tianheng had just taken.

    Due to the doubled effects of the medicinal power and gravity, Tianheng¡¯s physical body strengthened without a hitch. Perhaps when he took more pills, the improvements would be even faster!

    In a split second, some disciples next to Gu Zuo whispered and greeted those who were familiar with the surroundings and asked them to watch over their sect brothers. Those who were greeted knew what was happening as soon as they thought it through. There were a few who responded quickly, following others as they prepared to leave together. There were also a few who diligently remained behind to stand guard, intending to continue the present work of watching the disciples train.

    These people departed softly and quietly. Such a small scale incident where many people left also attracted a few nces from Gu Zuo.

    And in the gravity room, Tianheng¡¯s body ruptured once more in the process of his punching.

    It was due to the gravity, but more than that, it was the honing effects of Tianheng doing his best to persevere under the ten-times gravity. He definitely wasn¡¯t the same as some disciples who, after enduring the powerful gravity, wouldn¡¯t dare to endure it again in a short while. Tianheng treated everything he currently experienced as his own tempering. The more painful it was, the more deeply he remembered it. This also spurred him further onwards, to make himself stronger and stronger!

    The sounds of the qi energy produced by the punches were many times weaker than the qi bursts under normal circumstances. Tianheng was hardly discouraged, and earnestly trained under the gravity with nary a hair out of ce.

    Gu Zuo watched on. His cultivation method rapidly operated within his Dantian. Threads of true qi coordinated with formless medicinal qi, and continuously revolved throughout his body. At the same time, the psychic power within his mind was also toughened up, and waspacted and refined by several fluctuations.

    Unwittingly, six hours passed.

    Gongyi Tianheng, who was covered in clotted blood and dripping with sweat, walked out of the gravity room.

    Gu Zuo opened his eyes, and swiftly got up to greet him: ¡°Big brother, is your body okay?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face ¡ª Although, because this smile was covered up by his appearance, it couldn¡¯t be seen too clearly. He said: ¡°I¡¯m okay. I only need to tidy up.¡±

    Never had Gu Zuo seen his dear big brother cut such a sorry figure. Even when his body was frail and it was the first time he soaked in a medicinal decoction, he only seemed a bit weak. As for being covered filth from head to toe, that had never happened before. But even his own appearance couldn¡¯t be seen now that his entire body was smeared.

    After heaving a helpless sigh, he said: ¡°Big brother, is there a ce here to clean up?¡±

    Tianheng paused. This was also something he wasn¡¯t too clear about.

    The corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth curled up. He pulled some martial artist on the side and asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother, is there a ce here to wash and change clothes?¡±

    This was such a big ce, so it wouldn¡¯t go so far as to make all the cultivating martial artistse in clean, but go out like beggars, right?

    Sure enough, after that martial artist nced at Tianheng, whose face was unclear, but whose bearing was extraordinary, he quickly answered: ¡°If it¡¯s urgent, you can find this ce¡¯s manager about thirty paces ahead. Hand over some money, and you¡¯ll get a bathing room.¡±

    Gu Zuo thanked him without dy, and exined to Tianheng. The two then left this ce.

    Before long, there indeed was a manager waiting in front of a tunnel.

    Gu Zuo looked into the tunnel, and there were quite a few small booths inside, which were well-protected. It looked like...the same as the private bathhouses he knew about in modern times. He looked at Tianheng: ¡°Go ahead, big brother. I¡¯ll wait here for you.¡±

    Tianheng gave that manager a golden banknote. He brushed past another martial artist who¡¯d just walked out. He directly chose this room and went in.

    Gu Zuo waited outside, and inwardly thought: Ah, the service really is attentive in the gravity rooms.

    After a couple of minutes passed, Tianheng came out. At this time, he¡¯d already changed into a new set of clothes and the crust of blood on his body had also disappeared, recovering his appearance as an elegant young master.

    After that, Gu Zuo unknowingly loosened a sigh. He smiled and said: ¡°Big brother, where are we going next?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Let¡¯s go to the testing rooms. We¡¯ll test my physical strength.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally didn¡¯t have any objections, and followed along.

    The two walked towards the exit. As they passed that multi-person gravity room, Gu Zuo coincidentally nced in that direction.

    When he looked over, he happened to see a martial artist inside. Because the gravity pressing down was too great, his body ruptured. At this moment, he took out and swallowed a high grade Revitalization Pill and Meridian Replenishing Pill. That wound rapidly healed, and it also wasn¡¯t that much slower than the recovery speed of a top grade medicinal pill.

    At the same time, there were some voices that were faintly heard:

    ¡°This medicinal pill... Sure enough, it¡¯s pretty good.¡±

    ¡°Such a price is actually worth it...¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, that medicine store was found now. If not, some time would¡¯ve passed and it would¡¯ve been even more difficult to buy...¡±

    ¡°Even just today, it took no less than four hours to squeeze in and fight my way out. This time, I was lucky to buy so many...¡±

    ¡°Those kinds of medicinal pills ¡ª Wait until I save up some golden banknotes so I can buy some more!¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hear all this particrly distinctly, and he also didn¡¯t send out his psychic power to listen carefully. But overall, he couldn¡¯t help showing a glittering smile: ¡°Big brother, business is getting better and better!¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°This is how it should be.¡±

    While they spoke, the two finally left the building.

    Outside, the sunlight was bright and beautiful. The many martial artists were still like a vast crowd. Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s purpose was clear-cut, and they went straight to those testing rooms.

    In the testing rooms, the things that were mainly tested were the body¡¯s reflexes as well as the body¡¯s strength.

    After Gongyi Tianheng handed over a contribution point, he walked straight to an area filled with wooden stakes and sandbags. He started to briskly wander inside.

    The wooden stakes wereprised of extremely hard logs, and the sandbags were wrapped in an extremely pliable and tough wild beast hide and manufactured with a sufficient quantity of Seastar Sand. The former could undertake at least five hundred thousand kilograms of power without damage. Thetter could absorb a martial artist¡¯s power, while simultaneously allowing the person to adapt to their own strength. There also wasn¡¯t any need to worry about shattering the sandbag and causing trouble.

    Gu Zuo looked on, and clicked his tongue in wonder.

    Whether the wooden stakes or sandbags, both were just ordinary things. Only the change in materials made them high-end. In addition, their functions... Sure enough, the Sect was very considerate.

    Tianheng¡¯s thoughts didn¡¯t deviate like Gu Zuo¡¯s did. He leaped up and jumped onto a wooden stake... Well, he jumped at least four or five meters over the stake.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡± Big brother, your jumps are too high!

    Tianheng was calm and unhurried. His body gently dropped and both feet urately stepped onto that wooden stake.

    Because he¡¯d juste out of the gravity room, his physical body had be stronger, but he couldn¡¯tpletely grasp this power. Although Tianheng was already very cautious when applying his strength, he still used a bit too much ¡ª Fortunately, his rough estimation was rather urate. He was unlike many other martial artists, who¡¯de to break in their own strength. They¡¯d be too excited and would make fools of themselves, and others would stand in a circle to watch, mocking them either good-naturedly or in derision.

    Soon, Tianheng was able to jump on and off the stake, and he used exactly enough strength every time. Regardless of where it was focused, his adaptability was first-rate.

    Once he was able to shuttle through the numerous wooden stakes like an oppressive shadow or a wisp of smoke, he struck loudly with a punch!

    This punch fell upon a nearby sandbag. The sandbag rose up high into the air, and almost swung out in a three hundred sixty degree rotation in a split second. It could clearly be seen that the person¡¯s strength was astonishingly huge.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have enough time to exim in admiration when he heard someone beside him speak first: ¡°Powerful, explosive strength! That¡¯s a hundred thousand kilograms, right?¡±

    As a result, Gu Zuo was choked up, and he turned his head to look.

    Several meters next to him was a casual young man who was twenty-something years old. His line of sight had fallen onto Tianheng¡¯s body. He seemed rather interested and appreciative.

    For some reason, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood became somewhat strange.

    However, he quickly threw out this state of mind, and gasped in surprise at his dear big brother¡¯s strength ¡ª Big brother, he was Xiantian stage three! Had the punching force that had erupted already reached this degree? Moreover, maybe this wasn¡¯t his full strength at all... When he only thought about his big brother¡¯s truebat power, he felt that this kind of strength was probably normal.

    That casual young man hadn¡¯t left. He continued to appreciate Tianheng¡¯s fists colliding with those sandbags. The sandbags were tossed up at varying heights. This was precisely because the power of Tianheng¡¯s punches were different. It wasn¡¯t until one or two minutester that the angles of each tossed sandbag became the same. This showed what fine control he had over his own strength. In a brief period of time, he was already finished!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze slightly shined as he watched Tianheng leave the venue.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t pay any attention to that casual young man. Rather, he walked directly to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, follow me to the true testing rooms.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally raised his feet and obediently walked with Tianheng to a room on the side, whose interior seemed to be made of metal.

    ¡ª Correct. Whether testing reflexes or strength, it was all conducted within this room!

    One still needed to hand over a contribution point, but Tianheng didn¡¯t begrudge this, and immediately entered the room.

    He extended his perception a little bit and found that this room didn¡¯t deliberately give any pressure. However, probably because it was constructed with aparatively special material, it caused a sense of exhaustion to well up from the bottom of one¡¯s heart. Even Tianheng himself only drove off this type of reaction after a moment of stagnation.

    Undoubtedly, if one couldn¡¯t cast off this kind of effect, the results obtained when testing wouldn¡¯t be the real results. But at the same time, a martial artist who¡¯d get such a result wouldn¡¯t even have a way to drive off the formless negative influences of the building material. Once he was in realbat, the capabilities produced would probably be only as much as when he was in the testing room.

    From certain aspects, this testing room was still very reasonable and urate.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved, and many thoughts had already streaked across his mind. He opened his mouth and said: ¡°Requesting for this disciple to be tested!¡±

    No one answered. However, at the next moment, a beam of light from a certain part of the wall instantly shot straight towards Tianheng¡¯s shoulder!

    Tianheng¡¯s reaction was extremely fast, and his footsteps criss-crossed. He instantly yielded, and safely dodged it. But at the exact same time, another wall emitted a ray of light that wanted to strike Tianheng¡¯s heart.

    It wasn¡¯t known what results would ur after being hit, but since it tested one¡¯s reflexes, it could naturally be dodged immediately.

    As the light rays became more and more concentrated, Tianheng¡¯s silhouette also turned into stormy winds. Every time he swept across, all the light rays appeared to be crushed by the stormy winds andpletely disappeared.

    Gu Zuo watched a little nervously, and couldn¡¯t help speaking to the casual young man who, at some point in time, had moved beside him: ¡°Senior Sect Brother, what would happen if one was struck by the light ray?¡±

    That casual young man seemed somewhat surprised that Gu Zuo would take the initiative to start a conversation, but he promptly replied: ¡°The light rays are scorching hot. After it¡¯s shot onto one¡¯s clothing, it¡¯ll burn a small hole.¡±

    Gu Zuo frowned.

    In other words, if someone was hit in many ces, a person might end up having to run around naked inside! Who came up with such an idea!?

    Yet, the casual young man continued to speak: ¡°If one was struck many times, the skin might have some burns. If there are lots of burns, it¡¯ll also be harmful to the body.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded woodenly: ¡°I understand. Many thanks for the pointers, Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    That casual young man didn¡¯t speak anymore. His gaze had once again fallen onto Tianheng¡¯s body, who was dodging the rays of light which wereing faster and at higher frequencies.

    At this moment, Tianheng suddenlyunched a punch into the middle of a certain wall.

    Boom!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch178 - Monstrous Talent

    <h4>Chapter Ch178 - Monstrous Talent</h4>

    After the loud sound, the entire room shook. A bit of a white mark appeared on the side of the wall that had been smashed. Although this white mark quickly disappeared, the spectators outside keenly discovered it.

    ¡°He can strike a white mark on the Wall of Punishment? This explosive strength should be over a hundred thousand kilograms!¡±

    ¡°The Wall of Punishment¡¯s restorative ability is extremely powerful. Although that white mark existed for only an instant, it can also be seen that this person¡¯s qi energy is sustained, his follow-up power is rather sufficient, and his power control is very strong.¡±

    ¡°He seems young and his realm isn¡¯t high. However, his strength is unrivaled in equivalent realms!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know which mountaintop and power nurtured this genius. I can go around and make some discreet inquiries.¡±

    When such discussions entered Gu Zuo¡¯s ears, he realized that quite a few people had unknowinglye over to stand right outside Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s testing room. Theymented as they watched. They all seemed to admire Tianheng. This should be beneficial... Right?

    On the contrary, that casual young man from before had sunk into the crowd. He didn¡¯t seem to have much presence.

    When all was said and done, it was just strangersing together by chance. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t go to look for that young man, and just watched his dear big brother in the testing room as he continued his grandiose show of might.

    In the wake of Tianheng¡¯s strikes and heavy punches, the rays of light that tested speed faded away. Each of his punches carried iparable strength. When theynded on the wall, a distinct white mark would appear. When his punching speed got faster and faster, the white marks nketed the face of that wall, almost forming a sheet of white light. And amid this white light, although the fervent-eyed Tianheng carried a faint smiling expression, that kind of attitude was greatly different from the past.

    His imposing aura was like a demon god.

    Previously, when Gu Zuo bantered with Tianheng, his big brother would deal with many business matters and scheme countless situations. However, he¡¯d practically never seen this kind of spectacle where Tianheng unleashed frightening attacks with uninhibited, valiant martial strength. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know why, but after seeing this side of him, Gu Zuo actually felt that his dear big brother had another sort of handsomeness ¡ª A so-called winner in life should basically be a master of the pen and the sword!

    En. Pure menfolk! Aggressive and bold!

    That kind of unadulterated power would leave onlookers enraptured!

    After Gu Zuo watched for a while, he snapped out of it and pinched his arm.

    He had broken through to Xiantian stage four. It really wasn¡¯t known how many times stronger this body waspared to that frail, ordinary body of his in the beginning. His originally weak-chicken figure was no longer so brittle that it would break with a poke. His bones, which weren¡¯t particrly thick, had long been covered with a thinyer of muscle...

    But as a pharmacist, when talking only about the physical body, he was still a squishy. When mentioning strength... It was better not to talk about it. There was nothing but tears.

    Seeing his big brother like this, he really was unreasonably jealous.

    Off to the side, Tianheng had already struck thousands of times in a row. Just like before, he¡¯d altered his footwork tens of thousands of times. Both his strength and speed were being tested.

    Then, he suddenly stopped, and stood calmly in the middle of the testing room.

    At this moment, the gazes of many martial artists couldn¡¯t help facing another wall to look at the words on it:

    Body Technique: A+

    Power: A+

    Overall Evaluation: A+

    ¡ª In other words, judging from his current realm, his speed and strength had both achieved the highest degrees!

    What the testing rooms tested wasn¡¯t just how fast or strong he was. Rather, based on these two items, it judged his aptitude and potential.

    At the same time, the ones this ce tested were all Inner Sect disciples ¡ª That¡¯s to say, the lowest standard among them was much stronger than ordinary martial artists, and some Outer Sect disciples or non-Qingyun Sect disciples ¡ª When their strengths reached this ce, it simply wasn¡¯t possible topute their achievements.

    Returning to the main topic.

    Generally speaking, people were divided into four big grades in the testing rooms. They were A, B, C, and D. And each of the big grades were further divided into three levels, which were plus, neutral, and minus. Altogether, there were twelve grades.

    D Grades were ordinary talents, C Grades were superb talents, B Grades were exceptional talents, and A Grades were monstrous talents!

    Furthermore, this division waspletely different from outside gossips who would say that such-and-such was a super genius. Rather, after passing through the testing, there was a precise division!

    In the Sect, monstrous talents who could reach the A Grade were very rare. And those who reached A Grade and could still be A+ were negligible! Even through the ages, all the monstrous talents that the Qingyun Sect had gathered over countless years could be all counted on one¡¯s fingers!

    Regardless of which generation, such geniuses were the core of the core. So long as they didn¡¯t die prematurely, they all became the Sect¡¯s top-notch powers or were sheltered by the Sect¡¯s almighty personage. In addition, such monstrous talents were usually apanied by tremendous luck. Aside from a small number, the rest could all turn peril into safety and survived without a hitch.

    Thus, when these words appeared on the stone wall, the packed venue became silent. Just then, any discussions or admirations had turned to nothingness.

    The lines of sight of these people had all fallen onto those huge words.

    In response, Gu Zuo again looked at the others¡¯ reactions and suddenly felt a bit discouraged.

    What did it mean for those words to appear on the wall? Wasn¡¯t this ce supposed to test speed and strength? That evaluation... Why did it seem to have attracted some problems?

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng walked out inrge strides. He reached out a hand and patted Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder.

    Yet, there were a total of five or six people here whose expressions changed a little. Following which, one of them suddenly entered the testing room. When the light rays were emitted, the writing on the wall also vanished.

    Outside.

    Gu Zuo asked, puzzled: ¡°Big brother, the words on that wall make me feel a bit uneasy.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°That¡¯s the ce to test a disciple¡¯s aptitude and potential. Everything shown on the wall is the result of my testing.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tensed: ¡°What grade is A+?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smile became somewhat meaningful: ¡°The best grade.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t fully understand: ¡°Big brother already knew earlier what the wall would reveal?¡±

    Tianheng said with mirth: ¡°This is general knowledge, so naturally I¡¯m aware of it.¡±

    Gu Zuo was even more confused: ¡°Then...¡± He hesitated a bit, ¡°Didn¡¯t big brother say that he didn¡¯t want to be a formal apprentice? Wouldn¡¯t the unveiling of the best aptitudes cause a person to be discovered?¡±

    Tianheng saw him with this worried appearance and his gaze warmed. He lifted a hand and covered the top of Gu Zuo¡¯s head, giving him a few ruffles. He said: ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry. On the contrary, because it¡¯s like this, nothing will happen.¡±

    Following that, as the two walked onwards, Tianheng told Gu Zuo all about the grades of talents.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel odd about the matter of his dear big brother being a monstrous talent ¡ª The Tiandu Body: Even the heavens envied it and wanted him to die young. How couldn¡¯t his big brother reach the insignificant rank of monstrous?

    Soon after, Tianheng continued to exin to Gu Zuo: ¡°As far as I know, it¡¯s normally very difficult to witness a monstrous talent at the A Grade or above in the testing rooms. Because many of those with aptitudes reaching such a degree are still young, they¡¯ll be received by veteran Elders with significant authority and strength and even Grand Elders supporting a bloodline, and be true Apprentices. Only in this way can it be ensured that such monstrous talents develop strong emotional ties to their bloodlines. Before reaching the high Immortal Realm, they¡¯ll be willing to dedicate their power to the bloodline, and after bing a high Immortal Realm, they¡¯ll be willing to shelter that bloodline.

    He continued: ¡°And if such aptitudes were discovered as one reached twenty years of age, although many bloodlines would want to rope them in, they wouldpromise with each other. On the contrary, every one of the bloodlines willy down their gs and still the drums. At most, it¡¯s the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline or someone whom I have contact with who¡¯ll determine my tendencies.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood a little bit: ¡°In other words, they all think that big brother can be roped in, but they also think that it won¡¯t necessarily be possible to nurture you after roping you in. As a result, once everyone wrangles over this, no one will rope you in to avoid breaking the bnce of the younger generation... And because the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline needs to supervise the Sect, they can¡¯tpletely ignore big brother. After interacting with big brother, they¡¯ll determine that big brother poses no threat to the Sect, right?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and nodded: ¡°Ah Zuo is smart.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°It¡¯s safe when everyone knows. If only one or two of the bloodlines know, then it wouldn¡¯t be good for big brother to refuse, right?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head again.

    The more Gu Zuo spoke, the more he felt that this was probably the case: ¡°So during this time¡¯s testing, big brother used his full strength in front of everybody, right?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Correct. My strength is increasing by the day. It¡¯s impossible to constrain myself for the long-term. Otherwise, if I lose my cutting edge, even if I want to reveal some skills in the future, I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll have lost my touch. For a person who practices martial arts, no matter how effective their stratagems are, it can¡¯tpare to one¡¯s true martial strength in the end.¡±

    And if he didn¡¯t constrain himself in the future, it¡¯d be impossible to hide his level ¡ª At the least, arge part would be exposed. Rather than being discovered that he could suppress equivalent realms on his own, it was better to expose his aptitudes now so that everyone understood that there was a reason why he was strong.¡±

    Gu Zuo finally figured it out.

    Since this was a decision his big brother made himself, he also didn¡¯t object. Concerning matters of this aspect, his big brother had the final say. This wasn¡¯t the same as refining pills. On that side of things, he had the final say.

    Following which, Tianheng and Gu Zuo arrived at the puppet gates.

    This ce was unlike the previous two. The gravity rooms tempered the physical body and the testing rooms could allow one to know their potential as well as train their strength and footwork. As such, what the puppet gates tested was actualbat.

    Here was the ce where martial artists could best express themselves and show off!

    There were even more people in the puppet gates.

    Just learned a martial skill? Come to the puppet gates!

    Want to verify your martial skills? Come to the puppet gates!

    Feeling that your physical body is very powerful? Come to the puppet gates!

    Haven¡¯t got enough fighting experience? Come to the puppet gates!

    In any case, people could ascertain their own limits and gain deeper self-awareness by fighting against the puppets ¡ª Nothing told more about oneself than fighting.

    Only, what one faced here was just puppets. As it wasn¡¯t real people, it naturally had its pros and cons.

    On the benefits side, the puppets had no emotions. So long as one felt that they couldn¡¯t beat the puppet, they could admit defeat. And once they admitted defeat, the puppet would promptly stop. Fundamentally, there were no emotional reactions, so there also weren¡¯t any selfish motives like being unable to hold back because it was ¡°toote¡±.

    On the detriments side, no matter how life-like the puppets were, they weren¡¯t real people. No matter how exquisite the martial discipline they performed, it would never be as agile and unconstrained as a living person who genuinely and profoundly grasped this martial discipline. Moreover, because one could shout for the puppet to stop at any time, it couldn¡¯t bring about the stress of a life and death crisis.

    Indeed, it could let one familiarize themselves with martial arts and increase one¡¯s battle experience, but it was still somewhat inferior to honing oneself in life and death battles outside. If not, then the Sect¡¯s disciples would only need to stay in the Sect all day long. Why would they still need to leave the Sect to go adventuring?

    Of course, the puppets were manufactured with the utmost care. A martial discipline could be subdivided into low, mid, high, and perfect... A living person would perhaps be able to grasp perfection, but puppets would only be able to grasp a high discipline at most. However, while this world had many martial artists, not everyone could grasp their martial disciplines and reach a perfect state! Thus, a high discipline puppet was useful enough.

    Only those talented geniuses would feel that those puppets werepletely inadequate.

    After listening to Tianheng gradually exin these matters, the two stood in front of the puppet gates.

    Ahead were fifty narrow and small passages, where a single individual could enter each time. Fifty people could step inside every round, but multiple people weren¡¯t able to go into the same passage together.

    There were lots of people here, and the passages were naturally in short supply. As a result, every person who wanted to enter needed to wait for the person in front to go in first. In addition, in order to meet the disciples¡¯ requirements, those who wanted to try out the puppet gates also had some clear-cut and strict regtions.

    Each time someone went in, they needed to spend a contribution point. Once they were defeated while challenging the gates inside, they would be expelled and would be incapable of entering again for an hour. One could challenge the same gate, but if there was no progress after two consecutive tries, they wouldn¡¯t be able to continue challenging the gate that day. When challenging, one was permitted to continue from the location of the previous time¡¯s failure. One could also start from any gate that one had finished previously.

    Thus, many martial artists who wanted to monopolize public resources were restricted, which let even more disciples get their chances.

    The puppet gates had a total of ten checkpoints, which separately corresponded to Xiantian stage one to the Immortal Realm. Every checkpoint also had four types of difficulty settings ¡ª Ordinary gates, challenging gates, extreme gates, and nightmare gates. Among them, one would only face a single opponent in the ordinary gates, five opponents in the challenging gates, ten opponents in the extreme gates, and a hundred opponents in the nightmare gates!

    No matter how valiant the genius, if they had to deal with a siege of a hundred people who had the exact same realm as their own, they would likely die from exhaustion. And if a genius broke through a nightmare gate, then their futures were incalcble! They themselves would also be a generation¡¯s overlord and rule the world!

    Gu Zuo understood the gist of it. He took a deep breath and sighed. Then, he clenched his fists and said: ¡°Go, big brother! I¡¯ll wait for you outside!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Rest assured, Ah Zuo. Watch how I beat that puppet.¡±

    Immediately following which, Tianheng moved forward inrge strides. In the blink of an eye, his body had already shed inside.

    Although the fifty passages were called passages, one was actually confronted with arge building after going in. However, there were some deceptive illusions along that stretch of road as one entered the main hall. With a martial artist¡¯s eyesight, even if they stood outside of the passage, they could watch the performances of those inside from the rear. Those outside could also clearly see the methods used by those inside.

    It was even simpler for Gu Zuo. He could directly release a wisp of psychic power.

    After the psychic power turned to smoke and enveloped everything, he was able to see the situation inside more clearly than anyone else!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s figure disappeared into the passage¡¯s entrance. At the same time, some martial artists who were bored waiting started to pay attention to Tianheng¡¯s battle inside.

    What he first needed to do was to traverse that small and narrow, ten-meter long passage.

    And this narrow passage was actually the first checkpoint.

    After discharging his psychic power, Gu Zuo had sharp ears and keen eyes. Compared to what he ¡°heard¡± previously, he could hear even more sounds. Very quickly, some people started to chat in trivial and low voices, which were all heard by him.

    ¡°Looks like a neer...¡±

    ¡°It seems his realm isn¡¯t high?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get kicked out by the first checkpoint...¡±

    ¡°How can shadow puppets be that easy to handle? Rookies usually have no way to cope.¡±

    ¡°Shush ¡ª He¡¯s going to be given a surprise!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at that new Junior Sect Brother¡¯s wretched appearance! Hahaha!¡±

    Although these words didn¡¯t necessarily have much malice, that type of schadenfreude wasn¡¯tcking in derisive intent.

    After Gu Zuo heard this, he naturally wasn¡¯t too happy, but at the same time, feelings of worry about Tianheng being ambushed had sprung up unbidden from the bottom of his heart.

    Tianheng, who walked along that pitch-ck, narrow road, was nevertheless very calm.

    In front of his eyes, a wind blew passed. His ears also heard the whistling of the wind on both sides. This appeared to be a deliberate attempt at hiding some things. This was also to deceive his five senses, preventing him from seeing or hearing clearly.

    Suddenly, an extremely tiny thread of killing intent lunged towards him!

    Tianheng ¡ª He didn¡¯t seem to have discovered it?

    A human puppet was ruthless and heartless. Due to the issue of the manufactured materials, it wouldn¡¯t cause too many fluctuations when attacking. Under the cover of the sound of the wind, that thread of killing intent came from below Tianheng¡¯s armpit. At the same time, an additional thread of flowing wind that was even finer stabbed from another direction!

    Unexpectedly, this was a chained attack!

    Gu Zuo almost cried out involuntarily.

    It was naturally impossible for a Xiantian stage one puppet to kill his big brother, but being unable to kill didn¡¯t mean that it wouldn¡¯t cause any harm. That attack lunged forward, concealing the other killing move. It was too treacherous!

    The remaining numerous martial artists all experienced that when their realms weren¡¯t high and they came to challenge the puppet gates in high spirits, most of them suffered a loss. As a result, whenever they subsequently saw ater suffer losses, they all had a type of refreshed feeling of watching someone making a fool of themselves ¡ª After all, misery lovedpany! As Senior Sect Brothers, they¡¯d all made fools of themselves. How could the Senior Sect Brothers be happy when the Junior Sect Brothers didn¡¯t mess up?

    It was just that they¡¯d miscalcted this time.

    The sound of the wind indeed had a strong interference effect, but it wasn¡¯t able topletely disrupt Tianheng.

    Gongyi Tianheng had the Tiandu Body. After breaking free from his life and death crisis, his five senses were far stronger than that of the average martial artist. Although the sound of the wind was loud, he had still discovered those two attacks!

    In the blink of an eye, two scimitars appeared in his hands.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Scimitars? Speaking of which, it seemed that his big brother hadn¡¯t used those much...

    But Tianheng¡¯s IQ was at the top of the charts. Even if he didn¡¯t necessarily use the corresponding martial skills, so long as he mastered its general usage, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems in the least.

    Only two sharp and clear metallic noises were heard. The two attacks of the ambushing shadow puppet had already been blocked by those two scimitars.

    At the same time, with its gambit having been broken, the shadow puppet had naturally appeared in front of Tianheng.

    That figure resembled a human. The puppet¡¯s ck skin didn¡¯t have eyes, ears, or any other sense organs. Due to the body¡¯s skin, it couldpletely conceal itself in nooks or corners. It would merge with the darkness, making it hard for someone to detect the puppet.

    The martial artists outside saw this, and felt a little odd.

    He actually avoided it?

    Was this a coincidence, or true strength?

    Ah, but since the Junior Sect Brother hadn¡¯t messed up, the Senior Sect Brothers didn¡¯t feel too happy.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo let out a sigh of relief.

    Sure enough, his big brother was extraordinary. A measly shadow puppet wouldn¡¯t be capable of catching him!

    There was a Senior Sect Brother who¡¯d previously suffered a loss. He harrumphed and said: ¡°I want to see if he can withstand a few more blows!¡±

    Another person couldn¡¯t helpughing, and said to him infort: ¡°Watch for now. If it¡¯s just luck, it won¡¯t always be there for him.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard their conversation, but didn¡¯t discover any malicious intentions, so he didn¡¯t take note of them any longer. His attention was still on his big brother inside.

    Because of that strike, the shadow puppet had appeared, but its reaction was very fast. At once, it blended into the darkness as it prepared to carry out its second sneak attack!

    Gongyi Tianheng was calm and unhurried as he continued to walk onward.

    He only took about five or six steps forward, moving two or three meters, when the killing move came again!

    This time around, that attack was even fiercer. It looked like it was going to immediately dig into his Heavenly Spirit Fatal Acupoints. It would carve bloody holes into his body, which would inflict serious damage!

    Tianheng¡¯s wrist rotated. Immediately following that, there were four or five sonorous, shing sounds one after another. That shadow puppet had made quite a few consecutive moves, but all of them were blocked in an instant. Moreover, just when it was about to blend back into the darkness, Tianheng¡¯s body suddenly shed forward. His arms criss-crossed. The scimitars in his hands sliced up and down, cleaving its neck and waist!

    In the blink of an eye, the puppet¡¯s head rolled on the ground, and its waist had been cut open with an inch-long gash, which reached to the spinal column in the back. Its ability to move had been destroyed.

    At this moment, the shadow puppet copsed. The first checkpoint had naturally been passed.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t even turn around. He kept walking a few more steps and had already traversed this narrow stretch of road, entering the interior of that building, which had be clear.

    Gu Zuo settled his heightened nerves, and his face also revealed a happy, smiling expression.

    Just like he said. With his dear big brother¡¯s strength, how could he still be unable to deal with a measly shadow puppet!? This time, wasn¡¯t it was those jeering naysayers who had their faces pped?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch179 - Shocking Everyone

    <h4>Chapter Ch179 - Shocking Everyone</h4>

    To the veteran Inner Sect disciples who were pessimistically muttering about Gongyi Tianheng, this performance caused theirplexions to flush red and pale white. They felt that they were the ones who¡¯d really lost! But how could they have anticipated that a mere young disciple, who came to try for the first time, would¡¯ve been so keen and agile? Most of all were the few who¡¯d started to ridicule him. Their faces were deep shades of red and they mumbled unintelligibly. After opening their mouths several times, they were closed in the end.

    Yet, there was still the person who was the most unreconciled. He continued harping on: ¡°What does the first checkpoint amount to? That youngster is a Xiantian stage three, so it also isn¡¯t strange. Wait until the second checkpoint, and let him see the ferocity of the light puppet!¡±

    The person beside him gave him a helpless nce: ¡°I hope it can be as you wish this time.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard these two voices again, he couldn¡¯t help facing that side to take a look.

    Of the two, the one on the left was a round-faced teenager, whose creased face was still very indignant. The other one¡¯s looks were very simple and honest. Merely, his eyes asionally shed with hints of radiance, letting one know that his temperament and his outward appearance weren¡¯t that simr. Among them, the round-faced teenager¡¯s strength was around Xiantian stage six and the one with the simple and honest face was Xiantian stage seven. Neither were weak.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t recognize them, but he could also see that the reason why the round-faced teenager was in such a bad mood was probably because he previously didn¡¯t do well on the first and second checkpoints. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have remembered it until now to take his anger out on Gu Zuo¡¯s dear big brother.

    Since there still weren¡¯t any malicious intentions, if that round-faced teenager wanted to act childish, then it was better to just let him act as such. At any rate, they didn¡¯t harm a single hair on their heads.

    In addition, Gu Zuo was a bit expectant ¡ª If his big brother still had a smooth and effortless breakthrough during the second checkpoint, what would that round-faced teenager mumble to himself then? Gu Zuo felt that he would be happy if that round-faced teenager wasn¡¯t happy. Who made the round-faced teenager curse out his big brother so much? It¡¯d serve him right to continue getting his face pped! Humph, it¡¯d be best if he got pped swollen. In any case, his face was already round, so it didn¡¯t matter if it was bit rounder!

    Hence, Gu Zuo, whose heart was simrly indignant, turned his head and started cheering on his dear big brother.

    [Big brother, I heard this is a light puppet. Be careful!]

    Soon, the sound of Tianheng¡¯sughter could be heard in his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [Rest assured, Ah Zuo. I certainly won¡¯t leave you disappointed.]

    Gu Zuo felt at ease.

    In passing, he still gave that round-faced teenager a covert nce.

    Off to that side, because the round-faced teenager had his full attention on Tianheng¡¯s performance, he didn¡¯t discover Gu Zuo¡¯s furtive look. However, that simple and honest-looking one looked back at Gu Zuo. That guy paused and shook his head again, before looking somewhat helplessly at the round-faced teenager¡¯s expression.

    Little Junior Sect Brother, was it okay topare strengths with a new disciple who was less advanced? A private reproach was fine, but wasn¡¯t letting the person beside the new disciple find out just asking for a grievance? Luckily, it appeared that that person was also a young teenager who just red at them in unhappiness. Otherwise, his Junior Sect Brother would¡¯ve really offended somebody.

    Back to Gongyi Tianheng ¡ª At this moment, he entered the interior of therge building.

    The light that filled the main hall was abnormally bright, and emanated from all directions. It was harsh on the eyes like the radiance of a bright sun. With a sweep of one¡¯s vision, there were strong, white lights everywhere, which appeared to stimte one¡¯s tears to fall.

    In this kind of light, there was also a taciturn, killing intent.

    Tianheng was hardly panicked. Somehow, he turned his body sideways and his scimitars were already slicing up and down, which obstructed two vital parts on his body.

    At the same time, what was heard were two crisp and resonant sounds. Those were the sounds of the scimitars blocking the weapons of the puppet!

    This noise was far louder and clearer than during the first checkpoint!

    A human head without a face emerged from the light. At first nce, it seemed like a phantom, but this was no more than a puppet that was manufactured to hide its figure within the light rays. Its outer shell was peculiar. It could reflect the rays of light, so it was hard for someone to detect it. In addition, the radiance stung the eyes. If it wasn¡¯t a disciple with good enough psychological qualities, it was very likely to have their fighting power weakened somewhat. And the puppet¡¯s strength was at Xiantian stage two. Thus, it was only natural that the second checkpoint¡¯s level of difficulty was several times higher than the first checkpoint¡¯s.

    Yet, the second checkpoint also posed no problems for Tianheng.

    Immediately following this, the light puppet made several consecutive moves. All of them were attacks, and the spots being attacked were all Tianheng¡¯s vital parts. However, all of the attacks were blocked by Tianheng.

    After that, Tianheng found an opportunity. His body turned at a strange angle and a scimitar abruptly jolted, which then jolted the puppet out of the light! Meanwhile, he flipped his other hand and skirted the scimitar around to slice down upon the puppet¡¯s head.

    At this point, Gu Zuo also saw that these puppets were made for the Sect¡¯s disciples to hone the ways they confronted enemies. So, the puppets were modeled after the human body when they were manufactured. Of course, those vital parts were selected based on the locations of the human body that caused the greatest harm. The neck, the spinal column, the chest, and so on. If a disciple undergoing a challenge struck these ces and their power reached a degree that could kill a real martial artist, then the puppet would also be destroyed.

    After listening to the conversations of many people, Gu Zuo gradually realized that one didn¡¯t need to destroy the puppets to pass these checkpoints. If one¡¯s realm was greater than the puppet¡¯s realm, it was admittedly true that one needed to ¡°kill¡± the puppet, but if one¡¯s realm was equal to or lower than the puppet¡¯s realm, they only needed to persist against the puppet for an hour to pass.

    At this moment, Tianheng had passed the second checkpoint. When facing the third checkpoint¡¯s opponent, it would undoubtedly be one with a realm equivalent to his own. A puppetparable to a Xiantian stage three.

    By the third checkpoint, what appeared was no longer a sneak attack. Rather, it was an upright and open confrontation.

    After all, the Inner Sect disciples who were Xiantian stage one and two still held the majority, but the puppet gates¡¯ passages were limited. If the low-leveled Xiantian disciples were allowed to continuously challenge the gates, it would be an excessive waste of resources. Moreover, the puppet gates were a ce to hone disciples. At the beginning, ambushes were used to train the vignce of low-leveled disciples ¡ª If a disciple wanted to leave the Sect to adventure, their realms were suitably high. Meanwhile, the mortality rate of disciples with low realms wasn¡¯t low. A reason for arge portion of these deaths was because their abilities to react and their vignce against danger wascking.

    Soon, the light dissipated. What emerged was a two-meter tall, ck puppet. It still didn¡¯t have a face. Its outer shell was hard, its movements were agile, and its strength was enormous. Overall, not only was this puppetparable to Xiantian stage three, it was also ssified as the type whoseprehensive qualities were very high. It basically didn¡¯t have any shorings; it was bnced in all aspects.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw this puppet and, little by little, his eyes shed with flecks of bright light. Shortly after, the scimitars in his hands suddenly disappeared. His hair and robes billowed without any wind. The qi energy that surrounded his body had alsoe to a standstill.

    At the same time, he faintly lifted a hand.

    Tianheng¡¯s figure shed out the instant that the puppet transformed into a streak of ck shadow and bounded over. He started fighting with that puppet! The fists of man and puppet were already heavily smashing together!

    The round-faced teenager talked, but that sentence wasn¡¯t enough. His mouth opened like he wanted to continue taunting.

    The simple and honest-faced young man had been paying attention to Gu Zuo. He discovered that Gu Zuo¡¯s face was turning red with anger. Unexpectedly, his little Junior Sect Brother didn¡¯t even know that the matter of him talking behind that guy¡¯s back had been heard by the involved party¡¯s friend. He felt very embarrassed. He hastily pulled the round-faced teenager¡¯s arm: ¡°Quick, look at that.¡±

    The round-faced teenager gave him an unhappy side-eye, but continued to watch. However, just as he looked over, his eyes widened again and his face was full of astonishment.

    In the venue.

    Boom!

    There was a fierce noise!

    Many Inner Sect disciples thought that Tianheng had overestimated his own capabilities, but they never expected that Tianheng hadn¡¯t retreated after this confrontation between man and puppet. On the contrary, that puppet had taken half a step back!

    One shouldn¡¯t see this as merely half a step. Everyone who challenged this checkpoint knew how frightening the power of this ck puppet was. It was basically impossible for an ordinary Xiantian stage three topete with it!

    However, that handsome young man, who didn¡¯t seem particrly sturdy, had done it!

    Gu Zuo let out a satisfied hum.

    Although that round-faced teenager didn¡¯t pay attention to his existence, this didn¡¯t mean that he couldn¡¯t look down upon that guy who was blind as a bat!

    The simple and honest young man, who was watching this scene: ¡°...¡±

    This type of feeling where two unacquainted children still held grudges against each other...

    But whatever the case, it was better to not allow his little Junior Sect Brother to get acquainted with that young teenager.

    At this moment, Tianheng seemed very excited. As he collided with that puppet, his fists were like the wind and his moves were like lightning. But he didn¡¯t dodge at all. Rather, there wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of pretense. He used his own physical body to tank the puppet¡¯s continuous bombardment!

    Under such a flurry of attacks, all of the martial artists outside were shocked ¡ª How was this an insignificant Xiantian stage three? They¡¯d never seen a Xiantian stage three with such strength!

    Gu Zuo also watched Tianheng with rapt attention.

    But he already discovered that his dear big brother¡¯s fists still seeped with some blood trails. This immediately proved that his big brother was injured. But why did his big brother seem even more brave and fierce after being injured? His psychic power had no blindspots; he could even see his big brother¡¯s expression...which was also bing more and more excited.

    After rubbing his face, Gu Zuo focused.

    He decided to no longer pay attention to that round-faced guy. During this time, he was better off looking after his big brother¡¯s health more. In any case, he was also his big brother¡¯s ¡°personal household doctor¡±!

    The more Tianheng fought, the braver he became. After ruthlessly fighting that ck puppet for a incense stick¡¯s worth of time, he punched the puppet¡¯s head, causing it to explode. The puppet immediately lost the ability to move and fell to the ground, turning into a corpse.

    At this time, he had challenged three checkpoints in a row. Tianheng was already considered to have achieved the clearance of this realm of theirs.

    Hence, because of Tianheng¡¯s performance and the spectating Inner Sect disciples, there were conjectures one after another:

    ¡°Will this person continue to challenge the gates?¡±

    ¡°I see that he still has energy left over, so he shouldn¡¯t miss this chance.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. He¡¯s merely an arrow at the end of its flight. Right now, he¡¯s just pretending to be fine, right?¡±

    ¡°I see that he¡¯s arrogant and overbearing. It should be more than just this!¡±

    As for Gu Zuo, he felt that this was without any doubts.

    The true fighting power of his big brother wasn¡¯t this puny! He¡¯d certainly continue fighting!

    Most of all, after his big brother scored with the aptitudes of a monstrous talent, he certainly couldn¡¯t act like how he did previously, by concealing his cutting edge everywhere he went... In terms of contacts, he was running pretty well. He didn¡¯t need to be cautious and solemn like in the beginning.

    Sure enough, Tianheng stood motionless and uttered: ¡°Requesting the fourth checkpoint.¡±

    Following that, a puppet appeared before him once more.

    This puppet was also ck colored, and there didn¡¯t seem to be too big of a difference between it and the previous puppet. However, its body erupted with a fiendish qi. In now way could it bepared to the previous puppet.

    Gongyi Tianheng was unafraid. His eyes shed with traces of excitement, and his gaze turned dark and profound.

    The next moment, the man and puppet seemed to duplicate that previous checkpoint. Once again, they smashed each other in mutual bombardment! And this time, those who were optimistic and those who weren¡¯t both remained silent.

    Even that round-faced teenager finally bit his lower lip.

    His face really hurt after being pped... He would endure it! A Xiantian stage three was challenging the fourth checkpoint. As soon as that guy failed, he¡¯d go over to mock him again for overestimating himself! Now... Right now, he¡¯d say nothing!

    The simple and honest-faced young man restrained hisughter. However, for the sake of this little Junior Sect Brother¡¯s face, he wouldn¡¯tment about it.

    Following which, he changed the topic of the conversation: ¡°Junior Sect Brother, you probably don¡¯t know, but I recently received a medicinal pill from the league. Once I take it...¡±

    The round-faced teenager¡¯s attention was drawn over at once: ¡°What happens when it¡¯s taken?¡±

    The simple and honest-faced young man moved closer to his ear, and his voice was extremely low: ¡°I¡¯ll have the strength of a pseudo-Immortal Realm. Our Hundred Rivers League won¡¯t bembs for the ughter. So, you also mustn¡¯t vent your anger everywhere.¡±

    The round-faced teenager: ¡°...I don¡¯t vent my anger.¡±

    The simple and honest-faced young man straightened up: ¡°If Junior Sect Brother says he doesn¡¯t, then he doesn¡¯t.¡±

    The round-faced teenager: ¡°Humph.¡±

    At this time, his pursed expression finally loosened.

    It was also fortunate that the round-faced teenager didn¡¯t start taunting again. Because after Tianheng fought with that Xiantian stage four puppet for a while, he blew up its head before a joss of incense would¡¯ve finished burning.

    Following that, he still wanted to fight a Xiantian stage five puppet.

    The martial artists outside were dead silent. If it was said that Tianheng¡¯s performance was only excellent at the beginning, what followed could¡¯ve been said to be breathtaking. Going further, if a Xiantian stage five also couldn¡¯t deal with him, then not only was it breathtaking, it was horrifying!

    Currently, they wanted to see what would happen when all was said and done.

    The only one who felt it was a certainty was Gu Zuo.

    The others were making guesses one after another, but Gu Zuo understood that his dear big brother would definitely pass this checkpoint.

    Tianheng¡¯s performance was indeed like that. He still relied on a pair of fists to settle the Xiantian stage five puppet. Afterwards, within the horrified views of the numerous disciples, he really contended with a Xiantian stage six puppet for a full hour.

    After that, the puppet came to a halt, and a voice asked: ¡°Will you continue challenging the gates?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved. He replied: ¡°No need.¡±

    Once he finished speaking this sentence, the disciples outside all unknowingly released sighs of relief. A Xiantian stage three had the strength to face a Xiantian stage six. Wasn¡¯t this too inconceivable? Fortunately, it didn¡¯t continue, and he only contended with the Xiantian stage six puppet. Otherwise, how could they, these veteran disciples, still muddle along?!

    Tianheng had challenged six checkpoints in a row, attracting the stares of many people. Most of all, during his departure, which was neither too fast nor too slow, nothing could be gleaned from his outward appearance ¡ª In the end, was this calm real or fake? In the end, did he suffer any internal injuries?

    The gazes that many people watched him with had all be somewhatplicated.

    There were also some disciples within the crowd who simrly usedplicated gazes to nce at him. Then, they turned around and left. What they needed to do right now was to report everything they knew about to their bloodline¡¯s superiors.

    ¡ª The emergence of such an individual shouldn¡¯t have been an unknown quantity.

    Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile. He went up to wee Tianheng: ¡°Big brother is awesome!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I¡¯ve troubled Ah Zuo to wait for a long time.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Waiting for a little bit longer doesn¡¯t make a difference. Big brother worked hard challenging the gates.¡±

    The two were harmonious, and affectionately expressed their care for one another. Soon after, they departed from this ce. The gravity rooms, testing rooms, and puppet gates were all challenged. The other ces also weren¡¯t too special, and were basically some small hurdles. After they looked around, Tianheng didn¡¯t keep going ¡ª Today¡¯s limelight was already enough.

    In the meantime, Gu Zuo also asked if there were any facilities here that were rted to pharmacists. Nevertheless, he was told that there were none. Gu Zuo saw that the majority here were all martial artists roaming about. There was an extremely small number of pharmacists who were mostly the same as him, apanying the martial artists. Hence, he let out a sigh and epted the facts.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think that such a huge Qingyun Sect really didn¡¯t have simr things rted to pharmacists. It just probably wasn¡¯t located here. If one wanted to know, then perhaps they could only join the Pharmacist Hall.

    And with regards to him, who didn¡¯t want to be a member, he would find Xu Lingxiu to ask about it.

    As they were leaving this ce, someone suddenly called out to the two of them from behind: ¡°Junior Sect Brothers, please hold on!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo turned their heads. The one they saw was that simple and honest-faced young man.

    Gu Zuo was a little surprised.

    His impression of this person was neither good nor bad, and only knew that hispanion was quite childish. However, hispanion wasn¡¯t there right now, which also wasn¡¯t bad.

    That simple and honest-faced young man walked over, and first cupped his fist: ¡°Pardon my boldness. Just now, I witnessed this Junior Sect Brother¡¯s brilliant and brave feat, and I found it very admirable.¡±

    Tianheng returned the greeting: ¡°I don¡¯t deserve this Senior Sect Brother¡¯s praise.¡±

    The simple and honest-faced young man continued to speak: ¡°However, I saw that Junior Sect Brother only used his fists and seldom used weapons. The material of those scimitars also wasn¡¯t really... Honestly, it¡¯s a pity. For people like us who practice martial arts, the fighting power we can bring out should be even greater if we have a convenient weapon. Thus, I¡¯vee to bother Junior Sect Brother.¡± He paused, and said: ¡°In the Inner Sect, the core region has a Spirit Weapons Pavilion, which is a ce where Inner Sect disciples forge weapons. If Junior Sect Brother has some free time, you can visit that ce.¡±

    Tianheng showed a sliver of a smiling expression: ¡°I¡¯ll keep this in mind. Many thanks for the suggestion, Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    That simple and honest-faced young man cupped his fist again, and turned around to leave inrge strides.

    He seriously only came over just to mention this.

    After waiting for the person to walk away, Tianheng and Gu Zuo were on their way again. Then, Tianheng asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, do you know this person?¡±

    Bringing this up, Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth twitched: ¡°He¡¯s actually not that bad. The one with a problem is thatpanion of his...¡± As he spoke, he told Tianheng about the series of disys from that round-faced teenager.

    Tianheng broke intoughter.

    His thoughts were the same as that simple and honest-faced young man. This was ssified as the grudges between two young teenagers. They didn¡¯t know each other. It was just that one vented his own dissatisfaction, and the other heard this dissatisfaction and silently made trouble. It was very amusing.

    But the reason why that simple and honest-faced young man hade over ¡ª He also clearly understood.

    Tianheng said: ¡°It may be assumed that this person had already realized that the words of that round-faced teenager were heard by Ah Zuo. Consequently, it was that round-faced teenager who was wrong, and he didn¡¯t want to incur our ire. Even though it was merely this small disagreement, he wanted to promptly defuse it. Therefore, he came over to find you and I, and pointed out that ce where we can forge weapons.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood: ¡°Then, his character is pretty good.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, but didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Hundred Rivers League.

    A round-faced teenager rushed straight in while dragging a simple and honest-faced young man. He blurted out to the disciples inside: ¡°I heard our league is different from before? It has something to do with a medicinal pill? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    He himself wasn¡¯t a disciple who was Xiantian stage seven or above, so he hadn¡¯t received the medicinal pill. Not knowing the situation, his heart was gloomy from beginning to end.

    Although Tianqi Peak¡¯s Saber Cave wasn¡¯t here, it was considered the main building where work was handled all year round. There were also very many important personnel inside.

    At this moment, the faces of the league¡¯s disciples were all wearing smiling expressions, not like before with that heavy, mncholic air. Instead, there was a newer atmosphere that was full of vitality.

    The round-faced teenager promptly discovered this difference, but he still waited for these peoples¡¯ answers.

    Beforehand, the simple and honest-faced young man had received a medicinal pill. However, he also didn¡¯t know the specific circumstances of what was happening. Now that he saw someone he was rtively familiar with and the round-faced teenager had asked, he just sat on a nearby chair and listened with respectful attention.

    The one who sat in the foremost position was Hai Tian.

    He also had some familiarity with these two people. They were simrly ssified as people of the core circle around him, so there was nothing to hide. He exined the entire matter that happened previously.

    When the simple and honest-faced young man finished listening, and his eyes shed in rumination: ¡°You¡¯re saying our Hundred Rivers League has the power to strike back this timergely due to that Medicine of Life?¡±

    Hai Tian nodded his head: ¡°Just so. Thus, we need to make friends with that owner of Medicine of Life as much as possible. I¡¯ve seen that he really isn¡¯t a fish in a small pond. If we wait for him to rapidly develop and try to make friends with him afterwards, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be toote.¡±

    The simple and honest-faced young man suddenly asked: ¡°Then, what does that Medicine of Life¡¯s owner, Gongyi Tianheng, look like?¡±

    Hai Tian said: ¡°His figure is slender, his temperament is calm, his appearance is extremely handsome, and there¡¯s always a teenaged pharmacist around sixteen or seventeen years old following him around.¡±

    The simple and honest-faced young man¡¯s heart suddenly lurched.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch180 - The Pill Battling Assembly

    <h4>Chapter Ch180 - The Pill Battling Assembly</h4>

    This appearance...seemed somewhat familiar?

    The simple and honest-faced young man immediately recalled the two people he¡¯d just met, who were extremely simr to Hai Tian¡¯s description. At that time, he only went over to resolve any grudges with the other party on behalf of his little Junior Sect Brother. The names of each side hadn¡¯t beenmunicated, so he didn¡¯t know if it was really those two. But if they were... Then, he wanted to rejoice even more. Fortunately, that teenaged pharmacist didn¡¯t look like the type to hold grudges, and that handsome young man also epted his good intentions. Otherwise, if they weren¡¯t happy, the following procedures for the medicinal pill transaction would be far from good.

    Because his mind was thinking about these things, something showed on the simple and honest-faced young man.

    When Hai Tian saw this, he suddenly asked: ¡°What? Junior Sect Brother Huo Jing, do you also know them?¡±

    Huo Jing forced a smile: ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s them. That handsome guy¡¯s temperament was natural and graceful, and he wore a sapphire-blue brocade robe. His height was about eight handspans tall. And both his eyes were spirited; they looked very extraordinary. That teenaged pharmacist also had jet-ck and glossy eyes. He was extremely delicate and pretty, and had a quick-witted feeling amid his considerations.

    He continued: ¡°The pair didn¡¯t seem like master and servant. Instead, they were like brothers, except they were much closer than ordinary brothers. It would make one¡¯s heart bear feelings of admiration.¡±

    Hai Tian heard what was said, and pondered slightly: ¡°Then, it¡¯s probably them. Within the Inner Sect, there are many people with outstanding bearings. There are also many teenaged pharmacists. Likewise, there are many both sides apanying each other. However, if the two are not only apanying each other, but are also so close as to give one a peculiar feeling at first sight, then I¡¯m afraid that it can only be the two of them.¡±

    The others hadn¡¯t met Gongyi Tianheng nor his constantpanion, the teenaged pharmacist Gu Zuo. Thus, they all felt somewhat interested, and listened attentively one by one; especially when Hai Tian and Huo Jing were both praising those two people. It immediately piqued their curiosity, and they couldn¡¯t help wanting to get to know them ¡ª As for whether they could be friends, that depended on whether they would hit it off or not.

    However, Hai Tian now knew that Huo Jing had recognized them, and recalled Huo Jing¡¯s previous expression. He continued to ask: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Huo, why were you like that just now¡ª¡±

    Huo Jing hesitated slightly. He didn¡¯t know if he should say it or not...

    The matter was over, so it should¡¯ve been okay to sweep it under the rug. If it wasn¡¯t exined, how should they respond if they met those two again in the future? If it was misunderstood by them, it wouldn¡¯t be pleasant.

    Hai Tian increasingly realized that something was wrong.

    Amid Huo Jing¡¯s silence, that round-faced teenager reacted to their conversation and involuntarily blurted out: ¡°My Senior Sect Brothers are saying that those two people are the ones selling us the medicinal pills?!¡±

    Hai Tian saw something from his reaction, and his expression grew severe: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Qi Youle, what have you done?¡±

    Qi Youle¡¯s expression suddenly changed, but he wasn¡¯t the type who refused to admit his wrongdoings. He clenched his teeth, revealed the entire matter from before: ¡°Previously, when my Hundred Rivers League was suffering greatly, it made me depressed all day long. So I went to the puppet gates to drive away my worries. Then, I saw a person...¡±

    Once Qi Youle¡¯s recounting was finished, the expressions of everyone present underwent some subtle changes.

    Qi Youle had a verybustible temper. If he was in a bad mood, it was normal for him to mumble to himself and vent his anger. However, while this didn¡¯t matter to the people of the Hundred Rivers League, outsiders and strangers would certainly take the time to find and scold him. That Gu Zuo was already considered having a good temperament for only secretly ring at him a few times. If the one Qi Youle met also had abustible temper, wouldn¡¯t he incur that person¡¯s hatred immediately?

    Luckily, Huo Jing had always behaved with integrity, and he had more or less settled this matter.

    Hai Tian furrowed his brows: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Qi, learn from your mistakes. Fortunately, this time hasn¡¯t caused any serious repercussions. In the future, this temper of yours needs to be corrected.¡±

    Chastised, Qi Youle said: ¡°I, I understand...¡±

    Hai Tian sighed: ¡°However, when Ie into contact with themter, I¡¯ll need to tactfully express my apologies to them. If we¡¯re going to be associating with them for a long time, we¡¯ll need something to show for it. Previously, they were unaware that we are members of the Hundred Rivers League, so it¡¯s better for us to take the initiative visit them before they find out.¡±

    Qi Youle promptly stated: ¡°I¡¯ll go, too!¡±

    Hai Tian nced at him, his voice indifferent: ¡°You were originally going to go. Just don¡¯t interrupt. They¡¯ll easily know my purpose ining when they see you and I. An apology gift will also be prepared.¡±

    To make up for his mistake, Qi Youle could only say yes again and again.

    At this moment, Huo Jing also said: ¡°At that time, I¡¯ll alsoe along.¡±

    Hai Tian nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s fine, you have some goodwill with those two.¡±

    Just like this, it was settled. The other Hundred Rivers League members mocked Qi Youle for a while, and Qi Youle¡¯s face blushed a deep red, but he had nothing to say. He only thought that he needed to be even more careful in the future. However, whether he could sessfully restrain himself till then, that was another matter.

    It could only be said that Qi Youle was quite determined right now.

    Since the day they came back, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo rarely moved about together.

    Gu Zuo was preupied with his task, refining medicine and cultivating arduously at all times. Meanwhile, as Tianheng cultivated, he also went to the puppet gates, gravity rooms, and other ces to temper his physical body, sharpen his willpower, and increase his realbat experience.

    Tianheng¡¯s performances gradually attracted the attention of many people. His ability to pass through the puppet gate¡¯s sixth checkpoint with his Xiantian stage three realm was quite praiseworthy. It also made some no longer view him as the lowest of the low-ranking disciples or a no-name character. At the same time, there were many who took the initiative to befriend him.

    Even though the current Tianheng was an Inner Sect disciple with a small amount of fame ¡ª The matter of him being the owner of Medicine of Life was slowly revealed.

    However, in Xu Lingxiu¡¯s eyes, Gu Zuo, who used his psychic power to conceal the truth, was still only presently Xiantian stage two. But although it was like this, Gu Zuo¡¯s improvement speed was still ridiculously fast for a pharmacist. Fortunately, because Xu Lingxiu had been squeezing himself dry and using up his true qi to refine Steadfast Heart Pills for a long time, there would be an improvement every time he took a medicinal pill to recuperate afterwards.

    At the present time, he also had a breakthrough and became a Xiantian stage three disciple. Under the circumstances of being one stage higher than Gu Zuo, although his attitude was less arrogant, he still didn¡¯t feel that he himself couldn¡¯tpare to Gu Zuo.

    Meanwhile, the frequency that Gu Zuo met Lu Jiusi in the Violet Tower increased tremendously.

    Lu Jiusi would often meet with him, wanting to conduct some specious enticements. Only, it was a pity because Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu had been investigating the whole time. What¡¯s more, because they hadn¡¯t found the truth, they had increased their efforts in the investigation, preventing him from continuing his scam. Now, he could only ce his hopes upon the dark hand that he previously put to use... However, the few people he¡¯d set his dark hand upon were arduously cultivating in the valley every day. They basically never went out of the Sect to adventure. Moreover, with their strength, it was also impossible for them to leave the valley before they broke through to Xiantian.

    For a period of time, Lu Jiusi was unable to act somewhat. This kind of mood made the ever-patient him slowly be somewhat irascible. His deeper thoughts would flit across his face quite a few times.

    Although Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu were busy and hadn¡¯t really discovered anything, they had unwittingly stopped caring about Lu Jiusi as much as they did in the past. And because Lu Jiusi was no longer so cool-headed, he also hadn¡¯t discovered this subtle difference ¡ª Just like a quietly unloaded naval mine, it would loudly explode when the time came!

    In the blink of an eye, arge amount of time had passed.

    During this time, Hai Tian came once more to receive the transaction of medicinal pills, and he had brought along Huo Jing and Qi Youle. This was a tacitly understood apology. Gongyi Tianheng waved arge hand and received the gift, which naturally showed that he didn¡¯t take offense at all. Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t find Qi Youle pleasing to the eyes, but since Qi Youle didn¡¯t chatter about the matter of his big brother anymore, he didn¡¯t lower himself to Qi Youle¡¯s level ¡ª Gu Zuo¡¯s temperament really was pretty good.

    Immediately following which was Tianheng¡¯sing-of-age ceremony for his twentieth birthday.

    Because his n was far away, his ceremony could only be held in the valley. While not many people came, it was considered very bustling. Zhao Yuheng, Fu Manduo, and the others all came without exception. Hai Tian brought several people over, and Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu gave face. In addition, some old friends Tianheng and Gu Zuo previously knew were also invited. After they arrived, they discovered that, among those whom the current Tianheng made friends with, there were many who were already far beyond their reach. The debut of Tianheng¡¯swork was towering and lofty.

    After the ceremony, they chatted about business with each other. Fu Manduo, who obtained the most advantages, was naturally fully satisfied and left with a protruding belly. The others also obtained some benefits and were all very carefree.

    As for the delivered congrattory gifts... There were all kinds of things.

    After the people left, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng into the house, and watched him ¡°open his presents¡±.

    Gongyi Tianyang, Gongyi Mingxia, and the other children were all very curious. Seeing that Tianheng didn¡¯t block them, they couldn¡¯t help scampering over to take a look.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was very calm. He first opened some mary gifts, and put away arge handful of letters containing golden banknotes. Shortly after, the ones he looked at were Fangcun Cloths, whose insides were fairly mysterious. He picked one up. The thing inside tumbled out andnded onto the table.

    It was a block the size of a clenched fist. It was a densely radiant ore, and the qi energy it emitted was very strange. With one look, it would make a person feel that it was extremely magical and they wouldn¡¯t think about letting it go.

    This was undoubtedly an excellent thing.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother, this is?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, it should be zing Iron. It¡¯s an exceptionally good material for forging spirit weapons.¡±

    When everyone in the room heard this, they all said: ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like this!¡±

    After that, Tianheng opened up the second Fangcun Cloth. What fell out...was also a lump of ore.

    This lump of ore was covered in specks of Star Sand. The color and luster was a deep ocean blue. It was very beautiful.

    Gu Zuo asked again: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s that?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Star Charmed Iron. It¡¯s also material for forging spirit weapons.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Immediately following that was the third Fangcun Cloth. It was still an ore, and its surface was marbled with rings upon rings of elegant vein lines. It was stunningly beautiful.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...And that?¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°Rainbow Stone.¡±

    Gu Zuo supplemented: ¡°Something for forging spirit weapons?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Correct.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    There were items one after another from a fewparatively important people ¡ª Even the two coborative gifts of Xun Suying and Liu Wuyan, who both arrived hand in hand, were precious ores. The ores also didn¡¯tck the function of forging spirit weapons.

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    In the end, did Zhao Yuheng and them all think that his big brother had a huge shortage of weapons... Ores, one and all. Did anyone dare to have a bit of creativity or imagination?

    On the contrary, when Tianheng saw this, he showed a smiling expression: ¡°That spear of mine really can¡¯t keep up with my current realm, but it¡¯s the one I¡¯m ustomed to using. Later, I¡¯ll have someone gather up and cote these ores. They¡¯ll be integrated into a spear, which will act as a personal weapon.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at those ores.

    Okay. Those guests who gave presents were also considered to have helped a friend in need.

    Sure enough, with these things, Gongyi Tianheng quickly went to find someone from that Spirit Weapons Pavilion. The trip took several days. After returning, he took out a spear and familiarized himself with it.

    That spear tip bore the sound of a cold wind, and its might was unmatched. Its original body was silvery-white, but it had now be a ck-gold luster.

    When brandished, flecks of golden florets emerged on the spear¡¯s body. And when the golden florets scattered, Tianheng¡¯s internal true qi also bubbled out. Unexpectedly, it all converged together, forming a scene of dazzling and resplendent gold! Moreover, in the wake of that spear moving faster, that resplendent gold became reddish-gold. And Tianheng, who¡¯d also been enshrouded in thisyer of reddish-gold, became like a venerable god, and glowed with an extremely terrifying majesty!

    Gu Zuo, who¡¯d been stung by that radiance, retreated several steps back. His realm was the highest, but he still ended up like this. Gongyi Tianyang and the other children who wanted to watch Tianheng wield his spear were all forced to retreat further and further back. They all felt like they were going to be burned.

    That type of eruptive heat wasn¡¯t the same as a me¡¯s heat. Rather,pared to a me, it was scarier, hotter, purer, and held a type of destructive power! Whomever it touched would be enveloped and melted by this radiance. And if anyone was awed by it, they wouldn¡¯t dare to look directly at it.

    A terrifying power!

    However, Gu Zuo knew that this was the ability of his big brother¡¯s second set of bone pearls.

    What the first set of bone pearls absorbed was poison... What power did that second set absorb? He looked at that power, and felt that it was absorbing the heat of the sun, no matter how one looked at it.

    If it really was like this, then the Tiandu Body¡¯s formidability was going to increase again!

    After shaking his head, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hurry to ask. Rather, he quietly appreciated Tianheng¡¯s spear skills.

    Although his big brother¡¯s realm hadn¡¯t changed, he still became stronger...

    After a while, Gu Zuo received Xu Lingxiu¡¯s invitation letter. He had just seen Xu Lingxiu during Tianheng¡¯s ceremony not long ago. Currently, he didn¡¯t need to go to the Violet Tower everyday, so what matter did that Xu Lingxiu find him for?

    However, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t intend on refuting Xu Lingxiu¡¯s face. Since the other side had invited him, what would it be like if he didn¡¯t go?! As a result, after he called out to Tianheng, he promptly led the Tianlong Guard protecting him and proceeded towards the Violet Tower.

    Sure enough, Xu Lingxiu was already waiting for him.

    During this period of time, he¡¯d finished refining the proper quantities of Steadfast Heart Pills. Now he had nothing to do and no longer needed to refine pills day and night like before. But because he got used to refining pills during that time, he wanted to refine some more now that he had nothing to do.

    When he saw Gu Zuo arrive, Xu Lingxiu just happened to be putting away his pills. After quickly collecting these medicinal pills into a jade bottle, he extended a hand and pointed towards an empty room, just like every time before: ¡°Sit.¡±

    Gu Zuo sat down: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu asked me toe over. It¡¯d be fine to just let the messenger say it. No need to be that formal.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow: ¡°If there wasn¡¯t any proper business, why should I have called for you?¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately straightened his clothes and sat upright: ¡°Respectfully listening to the words of Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression also became proper: ¡°This time, I want you to go with me to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°Pill Battling Assembly? What¡¯s the Pill Battling Assembly?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t impatient this time around. On the contrary, he carefully exined to Gu Zuo: ¡°The Pill Battling Assembly is a distinguished meeting of pharmacists, which is held in the Qingyun Continent¡¯s Danyun City. The age or realm doesn¡¯t matter; the pill battles are based only on the certified pharmacist¡¯s rank. If you win, you can get lots of top-notch, rare medicinal herbs!¡±

    If Gu Zuo was only a little interested when he heard the first part, his eyes shined when he heard what came after: ¡°Rare medicinal herbs? Which ones? How many can be obtained?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: ¡°Of course there¡¯s many rare herbs. Otherwise, with my position in the Sect, why would I still need to participate in that nuisance of a Pill Battling Assembly? Naturally, there are many for me to choose from!

    He continued: ¡°Danyun City is good at breeding medicinal herbs. When we¡¯re refining pills, aside from the herbs harvested from the mountains and fields, the rest mostlye from Danyun City. And the medicinal effects of the herbs the city breeds aren¡¯t at all inferior to the medicinal herbs in the wild. Instead, some medicinal effects are even more mellow and rich. The city also has herbs of all categories and product grades. So long as one can pass one round of pill battles, there¡¯ll be medicinal herbs to obtain. Even if you lose there, there¡¯ll be many city residents bringing their own herbs to sell during that time. Then, you can pick the things you like.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened, and his heart was moved even more.

    Ah, medicinal herbs... Ah, top-notch medicinal herbs!

    Of course, he believed that so long as it was an herb he needed, his big brother would do his best to find it for him. However, his big brother needed to focus on cultivating; his mental and physical efforts couldn¡¯t all be spent on this endeavor. In addition, some herbs could only be encountered and not sought after, and were very difficult to find nearby. If he went to that Danyun City, he would buy and hoard any useful medicinal herbs he saw. When it was time to use them, there wouldn¡¯t be any need to be concerned... Wasn¡¯t this even better?

    Merely, if he went, he would have to go by himself.

    Gu Zuo was a little hesitant.

    If he went to Danyun City, would he be unable to bring his dear big brother along? It wasn¡¯t that he needed to be together with his big brother. Rather, he¡¯d never been so far away from him before. A trip there and back was estimated to take a long period of time. Even if there were other people on hand, his heart still trembled, thinking that it wasn¡¯t safe.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s hesitation was naturally seen by Xu Lingxiu. He was very haughty, but he wasn¡¯t an idiot. With only a single consideration, he recalled something.

    In a sour mood, Xu Lingxiu looked over: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, are you unwilling to go?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly shook his head.

    Xu Lingxiu choked back his anger: ¡°Then, do you want to ask your family¡¯s ¡®young master¡¯?¡±

    This time, Gu Zuo nodded.

    Xu Lingxiu: ¡°...¡±

    Gu Zuo and him stared at each other for three seconds.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°This is your own matter. Could it be that you still need another person to act as your owner?!¡±

    Gu Zuo heard the meaning within Xu Lingxiu¡¯s words. He thought about it, and said with a smile: ¡°It¡¯s not exactly what Senior Sect Brother Xu thinks.¡±

    He said ¡°not exactly¡± because his current status was still Tianheng¡¯s subordinate, but it actually wasn¡¯t the case in his heart.

    Gu Zuo was a modern person. When he first started out with Tianheng, he was able to consider himself as the other party¡¯s employee. However, it was absolutely impossible to consider himself as a genuine servant. Working oneself to death? Single-minded loyalty? Devoting one¡¯s life to His Majesty? It was only because he¡¯d interacted with Tianheng for a long time that his feelings had changed. As a result, he valued Tianheng¡¯s opinions from the bottom of his heart.

    Although he didn¡¯t know how the brothers of other families got along, Gu Zuo nevertheless realized that, in this other world, he had close feelings for Tianheng. With each passing day, his dependance upon Tianheng was gradually deepening. This kind of dependence was like depending on one¡¯s parents or one¡¯s closest person ¡ª To be unwilling to part from them and to listen to their opinions, that was purely human nature.

    Moreover, Gu Zuo believed that he himself hadn¡¯tpletely integrated into this other world. There were many matters where he¡¯d listen to his dear big brother¡¯s words more, so that he would be duped less ¡ª En, he definitely wasn¡¯t saying that Xu Lingxiu wanted to harm him. He also believed that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s nature wouldn¡¯t do that sort of thing.

    This was only a habit. A type of natural precaution.

    Xu Lingxiu was still dissatisfied. He waved his sleeve, and drove Gu Zuo out: ¡°Out, out, out! Since that young master won¡¯t allow you to leave, then just go back and ask him! I¡¯ll only tell you this: If you go, you can bring a bodyguard, but you can¡¯t bring that Gongyi Tianheng. He¡¯s been in the Inner Sect for many months, but there¡¯s still a mission that hasn¡¯t beenpleted yet! He can forget about that mission if he goes with you!¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know anything about a mission, but he heard the seriousness within Xu Lingxiu¡¯s words. He also didn¡¯t dy. He stood up, and smiled at Xu Lingxiu as he said: ¡°Many thanks to Senior Sect Brother Xu for still thinking about me. I¡¯ll go back at once, and I¡¯ll give Senior Sect Brother Xu a reply within a day.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: ¡°Go, go, go! Get going!¡±

    Gu Zuo ¡°got going¡±.

    Soon, he returned to the valley. Tianheng had also just finished operating a round of his inner cultivation method. At this moment, he was about to stand up to practice a full-body martial skill. When he saw that Gu Zuo had returned, he smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, did you receive another scolding?¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips.

    In the past, if he came back early, it was because he really had received a scolding...

    But this time wasn¡¯t the case.

    Gu Zuo directly said: ¡°Big brother, Senior Sect Brother Xu wants to bring me to the Pill Battling Assembly. He said I can get lots of rare medicinal herbs. I also want to experience the situation of that Pill Battling Assembly, so I came back to ask you for your opinion.¡± He hesitated, ¡°Additionally, although I guessed that big brother probably can¡¯t apany me there, Senior Sect Brother Xu spoke of a mission. What¡¯s that about?¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch181 - Leaving for the Pill Battling Assembly

    <h4>Chapter Ch181 - Leaving for the Pill Battling Assembly</h4>

    Hearing Gu Zuo ask this, Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Outer Sect disciples make contributions to the Sect through farming. This is normally considered sufficient. However, since Inner Sect disciples enjoy numerous and generous treatments, they need to do a mission within a year as proof of their own strength. I¡¯ve also entered the Inner Sect for a period of time, and there¡¯s a couple of months before the year is up. I don¡¯t know how long the mission will take. Naturally, it¡¯s better that I remain behind, aspleting the mission first is even more critical. You¡¯ll be gone for two to three months, and I can¡¯t go with you.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    To put it bluntly, it was considered a test. There was also a worry that Inner Sect disciples would live easily andfortably for a long time in the Sect and wouldn¡¯t be willing to go out to bear hardships. This would result in the futile wastage of the Sect¡¯s resources. Perhaps it would raise some rice weevils. And it was naturally impossible for a rice weevil to be powerful or add to the glory of the Sect ¡ª The Sect wasn¡¯t a professional charity. It raised disciples to train powerhouses who would protect the Sect, not to let people eat and live there for free.

    However, the words were spoken in such a way that when Gu Zuo heard that Tianheng needed to do a mission, he felt that something was up: ¡°Big brother, will Lu Jiusi find you to make trouble?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°If he didn¡¯t act on this big opportunity, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be difficult to find another chance again in the short-term.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and knew that his dear big brother had long made preparations. He couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Then, big brother¡¯s prepared?¡±

    Tianheng smiled again: ¡°For this time¡¯s mission, I¡¯ll be taking along Tianyang, Tianyin, and Tianhe with me. As for Mingxia, her strength still has many deficiencies, so she¡¯ll remain in the valley. With the protection of the Tianlong Guards and the tending of Xi Yangyun, Zhao Yuheng, and the others, it should be safe and secure.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly: ¡°Big brother is preparing to draw out Lu Jiusi?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°But if the mission is excessively challenging, Tianyang and the others will also stay behind. Otherwise, I won¡¯t be able to take action.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    The matter was settled. Next was to mention the matter of heading to the Pill Battling Assembly.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°I also don¡¯t know when that Pill Battling Assembly will be...¡±

    Tianheng responded: ¡°Just give Xu Lingxiu a message. Inform him that you¡¯ve already agreed. At that time, I¡¯ll have Dragon One stay by your side. He knows almost all of the skills of the Tianlong Guards. Although he¡¯s sometimes not as flexible as Dragon Two, he¡¯s better at being calm. He¡¯s also the most satisfactory when handling matters.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that Dragon One and Dragon Two were his dear big brother¡¯s left and right hands; especially Dragon One, who was slightly superior to Dragon Two. His heart warmed: ¡°Many thanks, big brother!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I¡¯ll naturally protect you.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng showed his care for Gu Zuo, so it was only natural for Gu Zuo to show his care for Gongyi Tianheng. After delivering his message to Xu Lingxiu, he found out that there was less than a month before the time of departure. He seized the moment to refine huge quantities of medicinal pills, enough tost the following few months. Fortunately, he was a skillful worker, and utilized several pill cauldrons together. Under an unending stream of medicinal herbs, he managed all this without a hitch. A troubling point was supplying top grade pills for the person close to him. In particr, Tianheng was going to do a mission and it wasn¡¯t known how dangerous it was going to be. How couldn¡¯t Gu Zuo be worried?

    He scoured through the pill prescriptions stored in his mind for some life-saving medicinal pills ¡ª Most of all was the Jinyuan Pill, which could upgrade one¡¯s realm for a short time. That one was fully stocked!

    He didn¡¯t believe it anymore. His big brother¡¯s current fighting power was close to Xiantian stage eight. Once he used a top grade Jinyuan Pill to upgrade three realms, could he be killed so easily? At the very least, low Immortal Realms wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to his big brother! How many could Lu Jiusi mobilize when he reached the mid Immoral Realm? Even if Lu Jiusi ordered someone to act, couldn¡¯t his big brother simply slip away?!

    After arming Tianheng to the teeth with medicinal pills, the remaining bits of time were used to toil away for the other people. At longst, Gu Zuo felt a bit of reassurance.

    Although this time¡¯s separation was a bit unexpected, he hoped that everything would run smoothly.

    With so many preparations being done, time hurriedly passed.

    In the blink of an eye, it was Gu Zuo¡¯s turn to leave.

    Xu Lingxiu, who rarely deigned to lower himself, was actually waiting outside the valley. That kind of proud attitude caused some nearby Inner Sect disciples to double-take. Most of all were those people who recognized Xu Lingxiu, and their frames of mind werepletely astonished. They all knew of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s identity and temperament, and couldn¡¯t help their curiosity towards the person he was waiting for.

    It was always rare for people to enter that valley. It went without saying that the ce was also remote, so fewer people had dealings with it. If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Lingxiuing today, perhaps there wouldn¡¯t have been several people stopping by to linger ¡ª Who was the person living here?

    Not long after, someone scampered out. Looking at his appearance, it was a teenager who was a bit younger than Xu Lingxiu? There was a bit of a blush on his face. After emerging, he walked towards Xu Lingxiu.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, I¡¯ve troubled you to wait a long time!¡±

    Xu Lingxiu pulled a long face: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded.

    Just as the two were about to leave, another person came out of that valley. This person¡¯s stature was very tall, and his appearance and bearing were both extremely impressive. He called out to the two: ¡°Pharmacist Xu, please wait a moment.¡±

    Although Xu Lingxiu¡¯s feelings towards Gu Zuo were normally like hating iron for not bing steel and he also felt that Gu Zuo really followed Tianheng too closely, he greatly admired Tianheng for all kinds of previous matters: ¡°Gongyi, for what matter have you called upon me?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo has never been on his own before. Although this is a matter of necessity, I¡¯m still rather worried in my heart. For this journey, I¡¯ll have to trouble Pharmacist Xu to look after Ah Zuo.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s facial expression loosened somewhat: ¡°You can rest easy. It¡¯s rare to meet a guy with some smarts along the path of medicine refinement. I naturally won¡¯t let him have an ident. I¡¯ll bring him back in one piece.¡±

    Tianheng cupped his hands: ¡°This one believes in Pharmacist Xu. Take care.¡±

    Once all those spectating martial artists exchanged nces, they all made some ns. Amid their realizations, they also wanted to make discreet inquiries as fast as possible for some information and to rify some things.

    A gigantic flying wild beast had long been prepared outside the Sect.

    Although this asion was for going to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly, the distance between Danyun City and here would take no less than ten days to travel had they rode a flying ship ¡ª With Xu Lingxiu¡¯s identity, it wasn¡¯t impossible to get a flying ship. However, going to the Pill Battling Assembly wasn¡¯t the sole purpose of the party. Compared to martial artists, pharmacists had fewer opportunities to travel all over the ce during their initial stages. Now was a chance that was hard toe by. It was preferable to set off a bit earlier to gain knowledge and experience along the way. They didn¡¯t want to rush to the assembly while traveling day and night, focused only on hastening the trip.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s seat was at Xu Lingxiu¡¯s side, which attracted the envious looks of many people. Although he didn¡¯t arbitrarily look around, after he silently discharged his psychic power, the facial expressions of the other people, even the subtle ones, were all taken into his eyes.

    There were also three other pharmacists going this time aside from Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu.

    Besides a middle-aged pharmacist, the other two, a man and a woman, were twenty-something year olds. Their aptitudes might¡¯ve been lower than Xu Lingxiu¡¯s, but they were also first ss among the pharmacists of the entire Qingyun Sect.

    The young, male pharmacist was called Qiu Qian, the female pharmacist was called Zhu Hong, and the middle-aged pharmacist was called Li Yunquan. Apart from Li Yunquan, the other two hadn¡¯t participated in the Pill Battling Assembly before. This was their first time.

    The leader of this group was Xu Lingxiu, whose level was the highest among them ¡ª He¡¯d already gone there once. Last time, Li Yunquan provided aid as his assistant. This time, Li Yunquan would still be his assistant.

    Other than the pharmacists, there were many guards even further away on the wild beast¡¯s back. The ramrod-straight Dragon One was also a member among them. It was just that Dragon One¡¯s realm wasparatively low at Xiantian stage two. The other guards were at least Xiantian stage six. There was even an individual whose qi energy was hard to fathom. He had probably reached the Immortal Realm or above.

    These guards were the people who were going to apany and guarantee the safety of these elite and precious pharmacists. Although Dragon One¡¯s realm was very low, no one said anything about it. It was just that in their eyes, Gu Zuo¡¯s foundation was shallow, so this realm of Dragon One¡¯s wasn¡¯t the least bit odd. And Dragon One himself was naturally only regarded as an attending martial artist who¡¯d pour tea for Gu Zuo. In any case, the other ones with higher realms were already enough to protect these pharmacists.

    Gu Zuo also discovered that those couple of people probably didn¡¯t know about the matter of him following Xu Lingxiu. Because, after he sat down, Qiu Qian and Zhu Hong secretly sized him up without any preamble. On the contrary, Li Yunquan was a bit better, and the peripheral vision from the corner of his eye was also very obscure. The micro-expressions of the three basically expressed this meaning ¡ª This neer, who¡¯d somehow gained Xu Lingxiu¡¯s favor by entering through a backdoor, hade over to gain knowledge and experience. Not a single person had confidence in Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining capabilities. No one felt he truly had any skill, too.

    However, despite these people¡¯sck of faith, they all seemed rtively mature. None of them came over to cause any provocations, and nothing was shown on their faces. If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, with its three hundred sixty degree vision without any blindspots, he basically wouldn¡¯t have been able to find that tiny bit.

    Gu Zuo was looked down upon by others, and his heart was a little choked up.

    To be honest, there were so many people here; even if it was Xu Lingxiu, it was impossible to be better than him on the path of medicine refinement. If, if it wasn¡¯t for the importance he ced on his small life, he wouldn¡¯t... Thinking up to here, he gave a slightly dejected sigh. Ah, right. His small life was very important.

    The system was a powerful golden finger, but the system was also something that could bring a person countless troubles.

    Gu Zuo shook his head quickly and peered down below, shifting his attention to the beautiful scenery of the mountains, rivers, and forests. He was wondering in his heart. Once he reached the Pill Battling Assembly andpeted with the others, what would he show off and how much should he show off... En, the pill refining hand seals he¡¯d use would be the type that he carried out with Xu Lingxiu. As for the medicinal pills he¡¯d refine and so on, he could also give a strong performance...

    At this time, Gu Zuo recalled the scene of the discussion with his dear big brother before leaving.

    ¡°Ah Zuo, since <<Minor Seal: Silken Sky Medicine Refinement>> has already cleared the path, your medicine refining ability can also be raised.¡±

    ¡°Then, then how much would be suitable to show?¡±

    ¡°There wouldn¡¯t be any harm even if it was stronger than Xu Lingxiu¡¯s skills.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s innate talents are extraordinary. Previously, there were no other options but to conceal it. Xu Lingxiu definitely isn¡¯t the sort to be jealous and superficial ¡ª You¡¯ve made friends with him. So, it¡¯s only right that you show off properly.¡±

    As a result, Gu Zuo decided to let loose... That¡¯s not right. He would let loose to a certain extent.

    Just as his big brother said, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s character was a bit domineering, but Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t have those murky thoughts. Continuouslygging behind Xu Lingxiu would only make him slightly acknowledge Gu Zuo as a little brother or something. If he surpassed Xu Lingxiu, then it might be possible to be true friends.

    In addition, he actually wanted to be in the limelight for once.

    Ah, always holding back. His heart was already old and weary...

    On the journey, no one talked with Gu Zuo. Gu Zuo also wasn¡¯t interested in starting a conversation with the others.

    When Xu Lingxiu closed his eyes to meditate, Gu Zuo did the same and operated his cultivation method in passing. And when Xu Lingxiu opened his eyes to look at Gu Zuo, Gu Zuo also looked over and listened to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s harrumphs.

    But it was also because Xu Lingxiu mainly harrumphed to Gu Zuo the entire journey that the others could see that Xu Lingxiu treated Gu Zuo really well. The rtionship between the two was much closer than their rtionships with Xu Lingxiu.

    Li Yunquan¡¯s age was somewhat high, and the things he¡¯d experienced were also many. He didn¡¯t have any messy thoughts like the other man and woman. He only remembered that Xu Lingxiu was just twelve or thirteen during the Pill Battling Assembly five years ago. At that time, he was already haughty and untouchable. He looked down upon all the pharmacists who were older than him. Even for the many people in the Pill Battling Assembly, he totally looked down upon the pharmacists who were below Golden-Level. These past few years, Li Yunquan had also been a member of the Pharmacist Hall and would frequently catch sight of Xu Lingxiu. He¡¯d never seen Xu Lingxiu change his temper.

    Strange. Truly strange.

    Li Yunquan couldn¡¯t help guessing about where Gu Zuo could¡¯vee from to make Xu Lingxiu look upon him so highly.

    Could it be that...it was because of medicine refinement?

    Right away, he felt that this was wrong.

    A young and highly skilled pharmacist such as Xu Lingxiu was only seen once every thousand years. How could it have been possible for one to appear who was even younger than him?!

    But if it wasn¡¯t because of medicine refinement... He couldn¡¯t fathom it at all.

    The flying wild beast could endure for a long time. After taking a break between some herb-rich mountain ranges, the few pharmacists all upied their own territories to store up a good deal of medicinal herbs.

    Gu Zuo would asionally send his consciousness into the storage space to have a look. Within a region, he¡¯d see countless, floating herbs that extended straight towards the interior, and his face would break out in a smiling expression.

    After quite a few such harvests of medicinal herbs, they gradually neared Danyun City.

    The flying wild beast was somewhat tired. It was about time to stop and give it some prepared food and water to let it rest up. Thus, they decided to stop for a day to freshen up at a ce called Yiyun Town, which was just before Danyun City. In any case, there was only about four hours left in the journey. Once each person¡¯s mind and body was recovered, everyone would head towards Danyun City to clearly exhibit the demeanor of the magnificent and grand Qingyun Sect.

    There were many people in the town.

    Perhaps it was because the Pill Battling Assembly was about to start. Although there were at least a dozen towns of simr size around Danyun City, the interior of each one was filled with people. It was extremely lively.

    Li Yunquan¡¯s hand grasped a token and directly tapped it against therge doors of Yiyun Town¡¯s biggest tavern. After shing this token, where could one still hear any words of refusal? That tavern¡¯s main entrance opened wide, which was to deferentially wee them inside. The best courtyard was also opened up for them to check in!

    Gu Zuo was inwardly speechless.

    He was considered to have seen the privileged ss before... He previously followed Gongyi Tianheng to visit many ces, and had a very good reception at most of them. But it was still inferiorpared to the Qingyun Sect.

    The power and influence of the Qingyun Sect was truly extraordinary.

    Keeping silent as he followed in, and keeping silent as he waited for Xu Lingxiu to allocate a room to him ¡ª As Gu Zuo squeezed into the room, Dragon One leaped up and immediately hid on the room¡¯s roof beam.

    Quite a few days had passed since Gu Zuo got to lie on a bed. No matter how smoothly the flying beast flew, he couldn¡¯t get a good rest! Dragon One was trustworthy and the guards Xu Lingxiu brought were also very capable, but he still felt a bit apprehensive for some reason... There wasn¡¯t any sense of security.

    This time, they¡¯d finally reached a tavern, and Gu Zuo was able to sleep on a bed.

    After thinking it over, he divided a portion of his psychic power to drape a ¡°film¡± on Dragon One to iste his qi energy. He himself fumbled around for a bit, and arranged a protectiveyer along the sides of his bed.

    Ever since his psychic power had made another breakthrough, its usefulness had increased again and again. So long as it didn¡¯t separate more than ten meters away from him, the discharged psychic power could be maintained for as long as ten hours!

    Going to sleep and what not... It was enough.

    Although, it stood to reason that this tavern was a safe one.

    ¡ª Ah, right. It stood to reason.

    It was a pity that Gu Zuo¡¯s luck wasn¡¯t too good. What was originally reasonable became unreasonable.

    Not long after Gu Zuo fell asleep, the sound of robe sleeves rustling in the darkness echoed out. From the start, he hadn¡¯tpletely fallen into a deep sleep. Consequently, he woke up with a prompt quiver!

    After Gu Zuo opened his eyes, what he saw was Dragon One in the middle of fighting with another ck-clothed person!

    An, an assassin?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    How could there be an assassin?! Wasn¡¯t this ce supposed to be safe? It was one of the best single-upant courtyards!

    It was unbelievable.

    Gu Zuo then saw that the strength of the assassin who¡¯de to attack him was around Xiantian stage five. Dragon One was no more than Xiantian stage two. Although he was already ssified as someone who broke through quickly, his strength surpassed ordinary martial artists with equivalent realms, and he was able to fight surmounting battles, Dragon One wasn¡¯t Gongyi Tianheng in the end. The discrepancy in ranks between the two was a bit toorge.

    Dragon One soon fell to a disadvantageous position.

    That assassin¡¯s moves were very strange, and was apt to hiding in the darkness. If it wasn¡¯t for the Tianlong Guard¡¯s special training, and that Dragon One was regarded as a personal guard and dark guard, he would¡¯ve been defeated even faster!

    Dragon One¡¯s palm shined and produced a fiery-red energy. It was the power generated in his second set of bone pearls. What¡¯s more, he¡¯d linger near the medicine refining cave when he had free time and this power would absorb the fire qi inside. With the increased support of a special power, hested even longer in his entanglement with the assassin.

    After Gu Zuo hurriedly nced to see all this and saw that Dragon One was already unable to hold out for much longer, he immediately furrowed his brows. If Dragon One suffered injuries in order to protect him, he wouldn¡¯t be happy at all.

    Merely, his psychic power still couldn¡¯t be exposed so rashly ¡ª As such, he wouldn¡¯t use the Spirit Piercing Awl. Using a Trick Pill would be the most effective response.

    Therefore, Gu Zuo raised a hand and ten or so Trick Pills were suddenly thrown out with a tter. They fell haphazardly around Dragon One and that assassin.

    Dragon One reacted almost immediately. After pulling a feint to lure that assassin, he swiftly jumped out and escaped at flying speeds.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Yellow smoke instantly engulfed that assassin. The assassin¡¯s face, which was covered with a shroud, stiffened. In a split second, the assassin tilted backwards and fell to the ground.

    Dragon One¡¯s body was also swaying.

    Gu Zuo hastily slipped him a medicinal pill. Dragon One didn¡¯t dare to act negligently, and swallowed it without dy. This got rid of the threat posed by that yellow smoke.

    Immediately following that, Gu Zuo snapped his fingers and some transparent droplets were sprinkled out. The smoke was dispersed, and the ck-clothed assassin who¡¯d fallen to the ground was still lying on the ground.

    Dragon One walked over and extended a hand to pull off the assassin¡¯s face shroud.

    This face was very ordinary, and it didn¡¯t have a single special thing about it. Moreover, it was unfamiliar. They¡¯d never seen such a person before.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo thought it through. For a profession like an assassin, one would want this kind of personage who¡¯d be lost in a crowd and couldn¡¯t be found. Only, where did the assassine from and why did he want to assassin him? Could it have been Lu Jiusi? Ah, wrong. Hadn¡¯t Lu Jiusi been trying to rope him in the whole time? Ordering an assassin over was truly too simple and crude. It basically wasn¡¯t his style. In that case, who was it?

    He couldn¡¯t get a clear understanding for some time. Gu Zuo then decided to find Xu Lingxiu to talk about it.

    Maybe this guy didn¡¯te for Gu Zuo at all, and he just happened to be unlucky?

    In short, he wasn¡¯t able to fall asleep.

    The facts proved that Gu Zuo¡¯s thinking had really been correct. Because, once he left his room, he could hear the distant and fragmented sounds of fighting without even mobilizing his psychic power to investigate.

    His mind thought: Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be one of the best single-upant courtyards...

    There was no other way. He needed to check things out after encountering this. Gu Zuo still felt that he had some ability to defend himself, and had Dragon One carry the assassin. The two went to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s room together.

    Before they could go in, that door was mmed open and a ck-clothed figure was thrown out from within. The figure smashed into the ground and let out a muffled groan.

    Gu Zuo saw that the guy wanted to struggle and threw out a Trick Pill out of a conditioned reflex.

    A whiff of odor burst out, and that struggling ck-clothed figure lost consciousness...

    The doors of all the rooms opened.

    The people inside came out one after another. Without exception, they had all either captured or killed several ck-clothed intruders.

    Xu Lingxiu first nced at Gu Zuo and saw that there was nothing wrong with him. Dragon One had also caught an assassin. He didn¡¯t turn his face away, but the expression on his face was also a bit unsightly: ¡°What¡¯s going on with this tavern? Assassins have even broken in, and there hasn¡¯t been any response at all!¡±

    At this time, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard from outside the courtyard.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch182 - Origin of the Assassins

    <h4>Chapter Ch182 - Origin of the Assassins</h4>

    A middle-aged man with a slightly fat build led a train of guards and hurriedly came in. Seeing the messy state of the grounds and the many corpses and blood stains, his forehead broke out in thin rivulets of sweat. His expression was also very terrified: ¡°Forgive me, noble guests! This time is the fault of this small inn. Noble guests, please don¡¯t me...¡±

    As he repeatedly announced his faults, his small eyes would flicker with an impatient gleam.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s cold eyes swept over. He raised his chin: ¡°Don¡¯t me? We¡¯ve encountered life-threatening danger here, and you have the gall to ask us not to me you? If our people died here, should we also not me you? If I cut off your people¡¯s heads, you also won¡¯t me me?!¡±

    This questioning voice was severe. Coupled with the displeasure in his tone and the faint suppressive might emitted from his body, that slightly fat, middle-aged man poured with sweat and hisplexion turned pale-white.

    The slightly fat, middle-aged man beseeched them several times. He was fully aware that this was because the tavern¡¯s protection had been toox. He understood even more that this party was a group of elite pharmacists heading to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly. If he offended someone here, not only would his business take a dive, the family property mightpletely decline after being spurned by all the pharmacists ¡ª Even basic safety couldn¡¯t be guaranteed. People had only arrived after the incident urred; it wasn¡¯t something they could simply excuse.

    After Xu Lingxiu showed his bad temper, he gestured with his hand: ¡°Get to the bottom of this at once!¡± His attitude was especially nasty, ¡°I don¡¯t care how much you have to do, but this tavern of yours won¡¯t be able to escape the responsibility of us being targeted by assassins! You need to give me an exnation! Or else¡ª¡±

    The slightly fat, middle-aged man was like a pardoned criminal. After apologizing again and again, he turned around and brought the crowd of guards with him as he departed. Of course, he still left behind some martial artists at Xiantian stage six and above to patrol outside. Once he got out, hisplexion turned gloomy: ¡°Investigate!¡±

    He gnashed his teeth: ¡°You must find that two-timing asshole for me!¡±

    After these people moved away, someone promptly closed the courtyard door.

    Xu Lingxiu impatiently opened his mouth: ¡°Was it the Ghost Division¡¯s assassins?¡±

    A Xiantian stage six martial artist quickly stepped closer. Once those dead bodies were rummaged through, their arms were all exposed.

    Sure enough, all of the ck-clothed people had a vivid and lifelike, ck ghost head on the skin of their arms.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was startled.

    Ghost Division? He remembered that there was a Ghost Division in the Cangyun Empire, and it was still doing business with his big brother. Despite that they hade to Qingyun Sect, that business was temporarily handed over to Gongyi Yan. He led the n¡¯s pharmacists to make use of the medicine refining hand seals that they¡¯d left behind in order to carry on the refining processes.

    However, could it be that the Ghost Division didn¡¯t just exist in the Cangyun Empire, but it had even spread to the Qingyun Continent?

    Off to the side, Qiu Qian and the others looked at the corpses of the Ghost Division assassins, and their eyes shed with traces of loathing.

    Gu Zuo saw everyone¡¯s expressions and didn¡¯t understand somewhat. He thought about it, and asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, the captured assassin here has only just lost consciousness. How should we deal with him?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu stated: ¡°Just throw him on the ground.¡±

    Gu Zuo signaled to Dragon One with his eyes.

    Dragon One obediently threw the ck-clothed man from his shoulders onto that pile of dead bodies.

    Then, some martial artists came over. With des in hand, they all killed that previously captured, but not yet dead, assassin.

    Gu Zuo was a little confused, and walked over to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s side: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, you weren¡¯t going to interrogate him?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s attitude towards him was many times better than towards other people. Although he was impatient, he still gave Gu Zuo an exnation: ¡°The Ghost Division¡¯s assassins will never betray their organization. If they awaken and find themselves captured by others, they¡¯ll certainly kill themselves. It¡¯s useless to question them via torture.¡±

    Gu Zuo was unconvinced: ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that we can¡¯t prevent them from killing themselves?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered: ¡°That¡¯s the Ghost Division¡¯s secret technique. It¡¯s very strange. Once, there were many pharmacists who dissected a corpse in an attempt to find the cause, but it was ultimately a failure. Consequently, they arrived at the conclusion that perhaps the technique wasn¡¯t medicinal poison, but rather a variant martial skill, a means of concealment in a cultivation method, or something else. Since nothing could be found, they naturally gave up. And anyone targeted by the Ghost Division could more or less guess who would have such a deep hatred as to hire an assassin.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh: ¡°So it¡¯s like this...¡± He suddenly reacted, ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s meaning is that he also knows the one who tried to have us assassinated...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nced at him: ¡°You¡¯re actually not that stupid.¡±

    At this time, Li Yunquan took the initiate to speak: ¡°During the previous Pill Battling Assembly, someone had alsoe tounch an assassination. At that time, our Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t vignt enough and the entire team was almostpletely annihted. If it wasn¡¯t for the bodyguards being adequately powerful and for their timely responses, I¡¯m afraid the aftermath would¡¯ve been too horrible to contemte. It was just that it was too sudden back then, and we didn¡¯t discover the real culprits. This time, we¡¯ve long prepared for it, so we emergedpletely unscathed.¡±

    He recalled that the person guarding Gu Zuo was just the lone Dragon One. To avoid causing any conflicting views, he actively said: ¡°Originally, a person on night watch was arranged outside of Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s room. However, Junior Sect Brother¡¯s bodyguard reacted extremely fast, and he wasn¡¯t in any position to use his skills.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    At that time, it turned out that Xu Lingxiu had already met with misfortune once. It wasn¡¯t a surprise that he would be upset after being attacked by an assassin again. But in the end, who would dare to face public condemnation and set themselves against Qingyun Sect?

    After entering the room, Gu Zuo obediently sat on a chair.

    Xu Lingxiu immediately said to him: ¡°It¡¯s said that the main culprits weren¡¯t found, but I think several powers that obtained good rankings during thest Pill Battling Assembly are all under suspicion.¡±

    Gu Zuo reflected on this: ¡°What rankings did our Qingyun Sect obtainst time?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°There were five pharmacists who arrivedst time. Among them, there were two high-level pharmacists, two mid-level pharmacists, and I was the only low-level pharmacist. In the threepositions, except for me, who only got seventh ce due to being too young, the other four people were all in the top three. Every Pill Battling Assembly has almost always been like this.¡±

    Gu Zuo definitely didn¡¯t find it strange that the Qingyun Sect could obtain this achievement.

    This continent¡¯s name was Qingyun Continent. Just by looking at the name Qingyun Sect, it was the greatest entity on the entire continent. Granted that there were other powers and sects, they couldn¡¯t everpare to this colossus. However, that much reputation necessitated that much strength. The Sect¡¯s interior had opened an independent Pharmacist Hall, so would it still be proper if a few extremely outstanding pharmacists couldn¡¯t be found?

    The resources of the other powers fell short of Qingyun Sect¡¯s. So it was only natural that it was harder for them to get by.

    Just like the Pill Battling Assemblies of previous years, the top three ces were basically monopolized by the pharmacists of Qingyun Sect and Danyun City. Though, they weren¡¯t evenly matched. The rankings after them were divided up between the other pharmacists.

    Danyun City had these achievements over the past many years. And so long as the City Lord wasn¡¯t an idiot, he wouldn¡¯t try to have the Qingyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists assassinated. In that case, those few powers that had good rankings naturally had thergest suspicions.

    Gu Zuo asked further: ¡°Then, besides Danyun City and our Qingyun Sect, which ones obtained good rankings the most often?¡±

    After Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression nked for a moment, he replied: ¡°Double Moon City, Pill Heart Sect, ck Water Society, and Green Dragon Sect... They¡¯ve monopolized the remaining top ten ces. Among them, Double Moon City, Pill Heart Sect, and ck Water Society are all veteran powers. When Green Dragon Sect arose some twenty or thirty years ago, they had only participated in the Pill Battling Assembly two times. If theye this time, that¡¯ll be the third time.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°Does Senior Sect Brother Xu believe that the probability of it being the Green Dragon Sect is high?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered: ¡°No. Precisely the opposite. The one with the biggest suspicion is Pill Heart Sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit interested. He also carefully analyzed this, and said to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s meaning is that, because the Green Dragon Sect seems the most suspicious on the surface and is the newest power, its probability is actually the smallest? Has Senior Sect Brother Xu already observed their normal methods of action?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu looked over at him in surprise: ¡°You actually realized this.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and chuckled, waiting for Xu Lingxiu¡¯s exnation.

    Originally, there really was a big rtionship between Green Dragon Sect¡¯s suspicions and the way that Sect handled things.

    Xu Lingxiu was a bit arrogant, but he was also straightforward, so he continued speaking.

    That year, Xu Lingxiu was not yet thirteen years old. Because his status was special and he barely reached the standards of a low-level pharmacist, he followed many pharmacists to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly. His main objective was to gain knowledge and experience.

    After the course of the assassination, the Qingyun Sect¡¯s people were greatly enraged. On the spot, they made the City Lord of Danyun City arrange an inescapable that was bound to find the truth of the assassination.

    During that time, many doubts were cast on Green Dragon Sect, which had lost the previous Pill Battling Assembly in spite of possessing very remarkable pharmacists. If the assassination had been sessful, the Green Dragon Sect would¡¯ve undoubtedly made huge steps forward, obtaining a big reputation. This would¡¯ve attracted even more people to join the Green Dragon Sect.

    While it was only natural for Xu Lingxiu to be skeptical at first, he¡¯d grown up as a moon orbited by the stars. With so many knowledgeable people, how could¡¯ve it been possible for him to not know of this matter? As a result, he secretly sent someone to ask around about Green Dragon Sect¡¯s activities. It was discovered that the style of the Sect was to go steady and strike hard. The previous Pill Battling Assembly was merely for testing the waters.

    In private, they had secretly raised quite a few outstanding pharmacists, and those pharmacists were actually members of a destitute medicine refining family. Because of inadequate resources and fragmented hand seals, the family had fallen into dire straits. The Green Dragon Sect¡¯s Sect Master had boldly offered them shelter and had also given them a portion of the Sect¡¯s superior hand seals. Thus, these pharmacists, who originally had a foundation, made substantial improvements. And after many years of nurturing passed, they reached this kind of standard.

    Following which, they came to participate in that time¡¯s Pill Battling Assembly. Moreover, in order to raise the reputations of those pharmacists, several years prior to the Pill Battling Assembly, they¡¯d already gone to many small gatherings where pharmacists were privately invited for pill battles.

    Soon after, Xu Lingxiu and the Sect¡¯s people made an analysis. It was felt that, with the style of the Green Dragon Sect¡¯s Sect Master, he wouldn¡¯t have offended the Qingyun Sect so shortsightedly. On the contrary, there was a very big probability that someone had done such a thing to shift the me onto Green Dragon Sect!

    If this happened, then not only could the novel andpetitive Green Dragon Sect be eliminated, but an opportunity could be seized to make the Qingyun Sect lose during that time¡¯s Pill Battling Assembly. This would allow their own rankings to improve.

    In addition, after no traces could be discovered following the events, the Qingyun Sect¡¯s people were even more skeptical ¡ª Yes, the mind of the Green Dragon Sect¡¯s Sect Master was very meticulous, but being able to truly act this wlessly wasn¡¯t something that the novel andpetitive Sect could aplish. That capability required a tremendous foundation and roundabout channels.

    Gu Zuo listened with suspense: ¡°Then, which power did our Sect suspect the most?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Pill Heart Sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: ¡°Why?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said nothing else except for three words: ¡°Forever third best.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Danyun City and Qingyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists were both top-notch. Taking turns to im the top three spots showed that there was hardly any differences in their strengths. They were super first-ss. However, if a power was always pushed below them and could only be the third best, it showed that, no matter what, this power was merely first-ss. The differences in position was veryrge.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo further questioned: ¡°Since the suspected one was Pill Heart Sect, why would they still send an assassin to the Sect this time? Wouldn¡¯t a cover-up only make matters worse?¡±

    Weren¡¯t such acts just a bit too stupid?

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°What you¡¯re able to think of, the Sect can also naturally think of. At that time, in order to avoid alerting the enemy inadvertently, all of our doubts were tamped down and Green Dragon Sect was even suppressed to a certain extent to show that our suspicions of them were the deepest. Furthermore, under such pressure, those few pharmacists of Green Dragon Sect were forced to fall in the rankings. Our anger was also taken out on the other few powers to express the wrath of our Qingyun Sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°Even Danyun City wasn¡¯t an exception?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded: ¡°Correct. In addition, the rankings of the four pharmacists who attended at the time had all fallen to second and third ce. Not like before where there¡¯d inevitably be one person to take first.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Expressing failure...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded again: ¡°For the heavens to strike a person down, it must first unseat him.¡±

    Gu Zuo was amazed: ¡°So Pill Heart Sect believed that Qingyun Sect was negatively affected and received a harsh blow. If this was done again, maybe it would fall from grace?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°The ability of Pill Heart Sect to do such things is enough to prove that they believed themselves to have snatched the opportunity as early asst time, and that they were already somewhat arrogant and contrary. Moreover, Qingyun Sect has been suppressing Green Dragon Sect the whole time, which could make them believe that the matter hadn¡¯t been exposed. They¡¯d want to scheme once more.¡±

    He continued: ¡°The ones who came this time were the Ghost Division¡¯s assassins. There were twice as many people asst time, they were even more powerful, and the selected location was even more ingenious. It¡¯spletely different fromst time. If we hadn¡¯t been long prepared for this and made some strategies, I¡¯m afraid we would¡¯ve suffered many losses. If some pharmacists were lost, we would¡¯ve suffered defeat upon reaching the Pill Battling Assembly. Although, no matter how angry we got, they would¡¯ve pushed all these tricks onto that Green Dragon Sect.¡±

    Speaking up to here, Xu Lingxiu revealed a disdainful expression: ¡°As for justification... They could put out evidence that Green Dragon Sect had been driven to desperation after being suppressed. On top of that was the former resentments. Green Dragon Sect had truly be the scapegoat.¡±

    Gu Zuo concluded: ¡°But they didn¡¯t manage to kill us.¡±

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth curled: ¡°In the end, the matter of us being targeted for assassination may negatively affect us. In addition, that Pill Heart Sect may think that we¡¯ll raise some difficult questions to that City Lord again. They¡¯ll still have opportunities through the Pill Battling Assembly¡¯s treacherous undercurrents.¡±

    Nevertheless, Gu Zuo felt that Pill Heart Sect had done something foolish due to crazy fits of rage and jealousy. Truly, they¡¯d been holding it in for too long. Otherwise, they should¡¯ve thought more about this plot which could be so easily seen through with just a few mere suggestions. Doing all this, what were they thinking in the end?

    Gu Zuo voiced his thoughts.

    Xu Lingxiu coldlyughed and said: ¡°In front, there¡¯s an enormous mountain blocking the way, and behind, there¡¯s apetitive neer catching up. The Pill Heart Sect isn¡¯t the same as the other two powers. Pill refining is their primary source of ie, and they have always acted as the top dog of Qingyun Continent¡¯s medicine refining world. Unfortunately, they showed that they weren¡¯t the top dog during each and every Pill Battling Assembly. Instead, they lost to Qingyun Sect, which mainly cultivated martial artists, and to Danyun City, which mainly sold medicinal herbs. Naturally, they weren¡¯t resigned to this. Opportunities are fleeting. Even when facing a bit of danger, they should¡¯ve also felt that it was worth it. The worst thing is that our Qingyun Sect finally discovered a clue, but basically had no evidence. What else could we do to them?¡±

    Gu Zuo blurted out: ¡°Suppress them, too?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Even if we suppressed them, that would be a far-flung path. They¡¯d suffer a huge loss, but so long as the evidence isn¡¯t the final nail in the coffin, we won¡¯t be able to wipe out the Sect. And so long as the Sect isn¡¯t wiped out, they¡¯ll be able to make aeback.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and heaved a sigh: ¡°Then, wouldn¡¯t they feel that they were free to do whatever they wanted?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered and said: ¡°The people of that sect have refined pills to the point of stupidity. Who says that we can¡¯t kill them without proof? Who says that wiping out the Sect is the biggest punishment? The insignificant Pill Heart Sect doesn¡¯t deserve a response from our Qingyun Sect. During this trip to the Pill Battling Assembly, we¡¯ll need to ruthlessly step on their faces. After that, we¡¯ll assist the Green Dragon Sect. Rather than fighting with each other, we¡¯ll ruin the Pill Heart Sect¡¯s reputation. At that time, all the ambitions of the Pill Heart Sect will go up in smoke. Their previous strategy will also turn into a joke!¡±

    To be honest, Gu Zuo was a little slow to understand.

    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t understand what he was hearing, but that the internal matters were really disordered. Having to fight and scheme, and handle these things day after day would definitely cause him to copse.

    In any case, it seemed that Qingyun Sect had guessed who did it, but ignored it. After confirming this, Qingyun Sect thought to assist Green Dragon Sect to get rid of Pill Heart Sect. And the other party, which was miserably suppressed before, was helped. But because it performed well, it was chosen to be a de. In the future, perhaps it could still rise up to a towering position?

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Such a tiny matter really left him confused.

    Could it be that this was the way that big Sects considered things?

    En, it was better that he just diligently refined medicine.

    After clearing up the whole sequence of events, Gu Zuo decided to no longer care about this brief interlude. He talked about a few more things with Xu Lingxiu, then turned around and returned to his own room.

    Originally, he had nothing to do with this matter. He¡¯d honestly participate in the Pill Battling Assembly and obediently go to find the needed medicinal herbs. He wouldn¡¯t foolishly ask questions about anything else.

    After staying here for a night, that slightly fat, middle-aged man came by again. He hadn¡¯t changed his clothes, and it was clear that he¡¯d toiled away all night long. When he arrived this time, he¡¯d also brought along some news.

    Last night, he finally discovered traces of that two-timing guy. Only, when it was discovered, that guy had already be a corpse. It was clear that, although that guy had sold information on the tavern¡¯s guests, he hadn¡¯t obtained any benefits afterwards and had instead lost his small life.

    With this briefing, Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t make things difficult for the slightly fat, middle-aged man. But after Zhu Hong beat the man with a gentle smile, the slightly fat, middle-aged man announced his failings once again and sent off this group of ancestors.

    Following which, that flying wild beast pped its wings, and carried everyone to the nearest andrgest city ¡ª Danyun City!

    Because it was a city of medicinal herbs, one could already see countless medicine fields from high up as they approached the city. There was a multitude of herbs being grown in those fields. It could be said that at least one third of the medicinal herbs of the entire Qingyun Continent came from this ce!

    Martial artists couldn¡¯t stray far from pharmacists, and pharmacists couldn¡¯t do without medicinal herbs. From this, it could be seen how prosperous this Danyun City should be!

    Danyun City¡¯s city gates were particrly tall andrge, and could amodate many wild beasts entering side by side. Beyond the city gates, there were many people arriving. From their style of dress and the people apanying them, most were pharmacists.

    The Pill Battling Assembly was basically a grand gathering of pharmacists. No matter the rank of the pharmacist, even if they didn¡¯t get past the qualifying round, they¡¯d all more or less want to take a look.

    The flying wild beast didn¡¯t fly directly into the city. Rather, itnded on the grounds just outside.

    Gu Zuo followed after Xu Lingxiu and looked to the other side of the city gates. There was another wild beast that was extremely tall.

    This wild beast couldn¡¯t fly, but its back supported a small pce hall with a four-sided fretwork. The interior was draped with fine silk, animal skins, and other things. It seemed exceptionally cozy.

    After Xu Lingxiu¡¯s groupnded, the person leading that wild beast had a wide smile and walked over. He deferentially weed them into the pce hall on that wild beast¡¯s back.

    At this time, Gu Zuo realized that due to Qingyun Sect¡¯s high status, even though they reached Danyun City, there was a specially appointed ¡°chauffeur¡± to pick them up and drop them off!

    ...Sure enough, this was the charm of the privileged!

    After entering the city, the streets to the left and right were very wide, and manymoners on both sides were all looking over here ¡ª And yes, while there weren¡¯t too many martial artists among them, their abilities in tending medicinal herbs absolutely couldn¡¯t be underestimated! At this moment, they were also observing these distinguished guests, and disyed Danyun City¡¯s passion.

    The destination that the wild beast was moving towards was even more remarkable. With itsrge steps, its speed wasn¡¯t slow. Not long after, it stopped in front of a very majestic building.

    Here was the mansion of the City Lord.

    That¡¯s right. Whether it was due to Qingyun Sect¡¯s prowess or the skill of its pharmacists, they would stay at the City Lord¡¯s Mansion every time they came to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly! Moreover, apart from them, no one else could enter the City Lord¡¯s Mansion!

    This was simrly an honor that made the Pill Heart Sect red-eyed with envy...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch183 - Pill Battle at the City Lordâ€™s Mansion

    <h4>Chapter Ch183 - Pill Battle at the City Lord¡¯s Mansion</h4>

    At the gates of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, a middle-aged man with a dignified bearing and great vitality walked out. His chin had a short beard, his eyes shone like lightning, and his qi energy was as deep as the ocean. It could be seen that his strength was certainly high. At the very least, he was a high Immortal Realm martial artist.

    At this moment, he stationed himself outside of the doorway. Behind him followed several slender-figured men and women, who turned out to be leading the pharmacists within the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. They¡¯d alle out in wee together.

    It could be said that this was giving sufficient face to Qingyun Sect.

    Danyun City¡¯s City Lord gave face, and Xu Lingxiu and the others wouldn¡¯t show disrespect. Thus, although Xu Lingxiu was very haughty, he took the initiative to speak as the leader of the group: ¡°The younger generation Xu Lingxiu greets City Lord Xin.¡±

    City Lord Xin gave a fewughs: ¡°I¡¯ve heard of Junior Xu¡¯s exemry talents. Last time, this youth¡¯s power suppressed everyone. Ah, the younger generation will truly surpass us in time! Everyone, pleasee in quickly!¡±

    Gu Zuo and the other few pharmacists all greeted the City Lord. Soon after, they all went into the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, and entered the beautiful and secluded courtyard especially prepared for the Qingyun Sect¡¯s people.

    Each pharmacist was matched with a room, and each room had its own side room next to it. The side room contained medicine refining equipment, which was in good condition. Not only was there a top-notch pill cauldron, there was even a bundle of fire from a ley line ced underneath the cauldron.

    Gu Zuo secretly thought: Sure enough, City Lord Xin is extravagant. Or does he only treat Qingyun Sect like this?

    Whatever the case, at least in the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, many pharmacists would be able to make social connections with each other.

    After everyone was settled down, the City Lord¡¯s Mansion then held a weing banquet. Even though Gu Zuo wanted to refine pills in the medicine refining room even more, this was ssified as a necessary social interaction for himself. Naturally, as his big brother wasn¡¯t there to take his ce, Gu Zuo could only attend the banquet. Fortunately, he was just a minor character, so he should¡¯ve been fine being next to Xu Lingxiu, right?

    With this kind of thinking, Gu Zuo changed into aparatively suitable, light-yellow robe. And with Xu Lingxiu, they went to the front hall together.

    The scenery within the City Lord¡¯s Mansion was elegant and graceful. As one walked by, one could see hills and rivers, stones and woods. In all directions, the verdant-green trees offered plentiful shade, and the tranquility was refreshing and clean.

    After bypassing a promenade, they entered the front hall. The banquet had already been arranged here, but not many people were capable of attending. Aside from the City Lord, there were an additional seven or eight people. Looking at their style of dress, they were all pharmacists.

    Xu Lingxiu sat in his seat. Gu Zuo was still next to him when the other three Qingyun Sect pharmacists moved back in order.

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed. His qualifications were superficial; this wasn¡¯t his position, was it? He was actually thinking about drawing back, but Li Yunquan, who should¡¯ve sat at Xu Lingxiu¡¯s right-hand side, just smiled. He voluntarily drew back to another seat. Gu Zuo saw that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s group took it as a matter of course, so he could only follow suit.

    It was just that he wasn¡¯t toofortable as he took his seat.

    This wasn¡¯t Gu Zuocking confidence in himself or something. He certainly knew that Xu Lingxiu thought highly of him, but he was used to always hiding his strengths. Also, because he wasn¡¯t a native of this world, he constantly reduced his own presence. Suddenly being pulled onto the stage with nowhere to hide...

    Whatever. This kind of matter was probably something he couldn¡¯t avoid in Danyun City, so he should just diligently wait it out.

    Gu Zuo decided to honestly wait it out and not cause trouble, but this wasn¡¯t the case in the eyes of others. Let alone what Qiu Qian and Zhu Hong were thinking, City Lord Xin¡¯s side wouldn¡¯t decrease their attentions towards him.

    Three rounds of wine passed by. This banquet didn¡¯t have any special rules. Proposals for toasts and idle chatter were abound, and Xu Lingxiu was surrounded by people. Just then, a shadow was cast in front of Gu Zuo, who was engrossed in eating his meal.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly swallowed the things in his mouth, and raised his head: ¡°Yes?¡±

    The person who came was also a teenager. He was a bit older than Gu Zuo and his appearance was rtively ordinary. The only noteworthy point was probably a pair of very quick-witted eyes. At this time, he was holding a wine cup, which he raised at Gu Zuo: ¡°How should I address this friend?¡±

    Gu Zuo also raised a toast: ¡°This one is Gu Zuo. May I ask what this brother is called?¡±

    That teenager said: ¡°This one is Xin Qiu. Nice to meet you, Brother Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Nice to meet you, Brother Xin. Would this brother be rted to the City Lord...¡±

    Xin Qiu said: ¡°The City Lord is this one¡¯s father.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°My apologies. As it turns out, it¡¯s the young City Lord.¡±

    Xin Qiu: ¡°You tter me. This Xin has three older brothers, two older sisters, one younger brother, and one younger sister. Besides my eldest brother, who has the title of young City Lord, the rest of us are all merely ordinary pharmacists.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Pardon me, this Gu misunderstood. Brother Xines from a family of pharmacists. That¡¯s truly amazing.¡±

    Xin Qiu¡¯s expression had a trace of reservations. He said: ¡°You¡¯re too kind. The talents in Qingyun Sect are like the clouds. Brother must also be among those outstanding talents.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Coming along was just a formality. I¡¯m just the prince¡¯s study-mate...¡±

    As Xin Qiu and Gu Zuo toasted and talked, their chat seemed to have a very lively appearance. Gu Zuo listened and answered in turn, all the while waiting for Xin Liu to leave satisfied. Finally, he let loose an exasperated sigh of relief.

    Xin Qiu didn¡¯t have any evil intentions. He probably came over on behalf of the City Lord to inquire about Gu Zuo¡¯s identity, origin, and status. Once his questioning was over, they would also know how to treat him.

    Gu Zuo sent him on his way, and believed that the matter was finished. Hence, he honestly sat down and continued eating his meal ¡ª In any case, he wasn¡¯t someone who¡¯d take the initiative to talk to others. The fewer words he spoke, the fewer mistakes he¡¯d make. He was still a very young and inexperienced rookie.

    Yet, after everyone finished eating and drinking, andplimenting and chatting with each other, a maid served fruit and poured tea after the meal. The few pharmacists sitting on the opposite side seemed to perk up.

    Gu Zuo had just put down his bowl and inadvertently saw those pharmacists¡¯ expressions... It looked a bit strange.

    What was going on? Could it be that there was something he wasn¡¯t aware of?

    Hence, Gu Zuo quietly nced at Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression was also even more arrogant. He faintly raised his chin. That attitude was exactly the same as when Gu Zuo first met him ¡ª No, it should be said that he looked even more haughty and imposing.

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: What¡¯s happening? It¡¯s a bit like a fight between little roosters...

    Then, the facts told him that this really was a battle situation.

    Because City Lord Xin had already opened his mouth: ¡°Prior to the Pill Battling Assembly, let¡¯s get to know one another. Just like the usual practices in previous years... Junior Xu, what do you think?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu lifted his chin a bit higher: ¡°Naturally. My Qingyun Sect disciples have never feared battle!¡±

    Across from him, the head pharmacist also said: ¡°The people of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion have also never feared battle!¡±

    Gu Zuo was stunned.

    This was the intention of shifting the pill battles to an earlier time? Also, this was a usual practice?

    In the end, how were those specifics arranged?

    However, both sides had already dered their stances. Xu Lingxiu opened his mouth: ¡°Our side has five individuals. Four mid-level pharmacists and one high-level pharmacist.¡±

    That side also spoke: ¡°We have seven people here. There¡¯s one high-level pharmacist, four mid-level pharmacists, and two low-level pharmacists. Let¡¯s spar based on a best three out of five.¡±

    Upright and unafraid, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Fine.¡±

    That side also said: ¡°Very good.¡±

    Amid the talks, City Lord Xin pped his hands, and two pairs of robust men carried two enormous pill cauldrons.

    The pill cauldrons were high-grade pill cauldrons. Mid-level pharmacists and high-level pharmacists could use them, so it simplified matters and was very convenient when sparring.

    The two enormous pill cauldrons were set on the left and right with five meters between them. Under such a range of distance, there basically wouldn¡¯t be any situations of mutual interference urring. As to whether or not there was any interference, that depended on the levels of both parties in medicine refinement.

    City Lord Xin said: ¡°We¡¯ll refine pills. When sparring, we won¡¯t restrict the category of medicinal pills being refined. Everyone only needs to select the one they¡¯re the best at. After which, we¡¯ll use the degree of difficulty when refining the pill, the amount of pills produced, and the product grade of the pills to determine the oue of the battle.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t ambiguous in the least: ¡°Precisely so. If my Qingyun Sect wins, I hope everyone won¡¯t be discouraged.¡±

    The other side then said: ¡°As youmand, City Lord! We understand!¡± At the same time, they also said to Xu Lingxiu, ¡°If we win, you also mustn¡¯t have your feelings hurt.¡±

    Through such words, both sides were considered to have written a war challenge.

    Then, it was time to assign the contestants who¡¯d participate in the spar.

    A young, mid-level pharmacist very bluntly walked out from that side and immediately sat down in front of the pill cauldron on the left side.

    As the team leader, Xu Lingxiu directlymanded: ¡°Zhu Hong, you¡¯ll go first. Remember, nothing less than victory!¡±

    Zhu Hong stroked her beautiful hair and stood up. She respectfully said: ¡°Zhu Hong understands.¡±

    After she finished speaking, she walked to the other pill cauldron, and simrly sat properly.

    When it came to pill refining, whether the City Lord¡¯s Mansion side or the Qingyun Sect side, both took it very seriously. The expressions of each side were very solemn. When they looked at the pill cauldron, it was like they were looking at something of unparalleled holiness, and they wanted to devote their entire lives to it.

    It was also because they were so focused that they could reach the achievement of mid-level pharmacist at twenty-something years of age through hard work and their own natural talents.

    A medicine runner was stationed at each pill cauldron, respectively supplying the two pharmacists who were about to spar.

    One could only see Zhu Hong closing her elegant eyes, slowly pondering something.

    The young pharmacist on the other side was simrly thinking calmly.

    Not long after, they collected their thoughts at nearly the same time. Their eyes flickered with radiance as they called for the medicine runners!

    Following which, the two medicine runners perked their ears and listened attentively. After silently reciting to themselves, they swiftly scampered away to the back. At the same time, the two pharmacists lit the pill cauldrons. The Earth Fire, that had long been prepared, was extracted, which slowly warmed up the pill cauldrons.

    The medicine runners soon returned. Their hands were holding up arge tray. What was ced upon it were quite a few types of medicinal herbs, which were all presented to the two pharmacists.

    Zhu Hong didn¡¯t turn her head. She gently raised her lily-white hand, and directly grabbed a handful of herbs to throw into that pill cauldron. After that, her fingers shed and a thin de appeared from her fingertip. Again she grabbed some herbs, and at flying speeds, she sliced and diced them inplementary motions that would leave a person dazzled. Once all the medicinal herbs were treated, they were scattered into the pill cauldron!

    On the other side, that young pharmacist was also quite skilled in handling medicinal herbs. In a short period of time, he took care of all his herbs and had thrown them into the pill cauldron no slower than Zhu Hong.

    Immediately after that, the pill cauldrons on both sides made sizzling noises. Under the effects of the Earth Fire, the herbs inside rapidly turned into medicinal liquid. Apanied by the countless hand seals of both parties, the liquid was quicklypressed.

    It was clear to see that not only were Zhu Hong and that young pharmacistpeting in ability, but also in speed. They needed topete in who was faster and who was better. Who had a better understanding of medicinal herbs and the pill cauldron, and who¡¯s hand seals were more exquisite?

    As such, the spectacle was very high-end. If an amateur came to watch, they¡¯d perhaps feel that each movement of the two held an implicit charm. It would leave one feeling carefree and rxed. And even though the conclusion hadn¡¯t been reached yet, the pill fragrances that the cauldrons produced were enough to dden the heart.

    Gu Zuo also watched from the sidelines. Under the circumstances, he had discharged his psychic power, which had beenpressed extremely finely. He knew that a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power was very strong. Even if it wasn¡¯t tempered like his own, it was hard to say if it wouldn¡¯t be detected. As a result, he was especially careful. Once he took the risk to send out his psychic power, he quickly monitored the situations within the pill cauldrons. He could ¡°see¡± the changes in the medicinal herbs, the cirction of the medicinal power, and the process of the medicinal liquid slowly forming pills...

    The feeling of looking at a pill cauldron was different when watching others refine medicine and when he himself refined medicine.

    Gu Zuo was also making a silentmentary in his mind.

    That young pharmacist¡¯s movements were very steady. Meanwhile, Zhu Hong was somewhat impetuous. However, while the young pharmacist was stable, his spirituality was somewhatcking. As a result, the asions when a few herbs were added together had conformed to the established rules too much. On this side, Zhu Hong¡¯s spirituality was a bit stronger, and she could capture the pulse of the medicinal pills better... Like this, it seemed that both sides should¡¯ve been on par with each other.

    But while it looked the same now, the medicinal pills were about to be formed. This hurdle was usually the most difficult one because apse of care in incorrect heat control or even a tiny w in a previous segment would cause this step¡¯s pill numbers and product grades to be different. And for both sides, this was the standard for determining victory or defeat.

    After watching for a while, Gu Zuo withdrew his psychic power.

    When the pills formed, a pharmacist¡¯s willpower was at its strongest. There couldn¡¯t be the tiniest bit of interference. He obediently pulled back, and waited for the true oue.

    Sure enough, only a minute passed when the pill cauldrons on both sides started to produce pinging noises. This was the sign of pill formation. Above the pill cauldrons, wave after wave of white mist floated out.

    Next, it was time to witness the results!

    Zhu Hong and the young pharmacist both performed pill receiving seals. Amid the alternation of endless hand seals, there was suddenly a discement ¡ª Whoosh! The cauldron lids opened and medicinal pills swift flew out!

    Under the effects of the pill receiving seal, those pills were swiftly caught by jade bowls, which fell into the hands of the two pharmacists. The other people all curiously looked over, wanting to know who won and who lost.

    At once, the two bowls of medicinal pills were delivered up for City Lord Xin to make the first judgment.

    City Lord Xin washed his hands, and wore a genial smile as he said: ¡°These two outstanding pharmacists have alreadypleted the refining. Qingyun Sect¡¯s Young Lady Zhu Hong has refined a medicinal pill called the Meridian Easing Pill. If the qi energy of a martial artist shes and causes a disorder within the meridians, they can take this pill. It¡¯s for martial artists at Xiantian stage six and below.

    Then he said: ¡°My City Lord¡¯s Mansion¡¯s Xu Shaodong refined a medicinal pill called the Small Particle Pill. If a martial artist makes a mistake during cultivation and has impurities in his qi energy, any heterogeneous true qi will be expelled after taking this pill. It¡¯s also a pill used by martial artists at Xiantian and below. Both are rtively difficult to refine, and the formed pills¡¯ number limit is nine.¡±

    The numerous pharmacists on the scene all nodded their heads one after another.

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and also knew of the two types of medicinal pills. In the end, however, they wereparatively unorthodox, and the ones refined were ssified as pills that targeted a group which suffered specific ailments. As a result, he wouldn¡¯t have hadrge batches to refine. As for their category, they resembled the Meridian Replenishing Pill and the Bone Replenishing Pill. Only, the Meridian Replenishing Pill and the Bone Replenishing Pill were suited for martial artists of the Immortal Realm and below. Inparison, they were a bit more high-end and could be sold for a bit more money.

    And the number of sessful pills for these two types should¡¯ve been twelve pills. Saying that it was nine pills here was presumably due to the limits of the cultivation method¡¯s hand seals, so that the medicinal power wasn¡¯t maximally distributed to the formed pills.

    Speaking of which, this Danyun City was very interesting. While holding the position of City Lord, this person was a martial artist. However, the thing which the City Lord¡¯s Mansion had the strongest grasp upon was medicine refinement. The City Lord¡¯s children were mostly pharmacists, and among the remaining martial artists who couldn¡¯t refine medicine, the strongest one was likely to inherit the position of City Lord. What was even more interesting was that every martial artist who acted as City Lord needed to learn certain aspects of a great majority of things rted to pharmacists ¡ª It definitely wasn¡¯t medicine refinement in itself. Rather, it was differentiating medicinal herbs and evaluating medicinal pills. Up until now, it had be a kind of tradition that was continuously passed down.

    City Lord Xin continued to speak: ¡°Young Lady Zhu Hong sessfully refined eight pills. Three high grade, four mid grade, and one low grade. Xu Shaodong also refined eight pills. Two high grade, five mid grade, and one low grade. We can see from this that Young Lady Zhu Hong has just narrowly won this match. The first round is Qingyun Sect¡¯s victory.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he disyed the medicinal pills within the two bowls for everyone to see: ¡°Are there any pharmacists who disagree?¡±

    As far as these outstanding mid-level pharmacists were concerned, achievements in medicine refinement were judged first on the number of high grade pills, and then on the total number of pills. Zhu Hong had one more high grade pill, so she naturally won. If Xu Shaodong was able to refine nine pills, then it could¡¯ve been refuted. Unfortunately, the number he refined was the same as Zhu Hong¡¯s. As such, the oue had absolutely no doubts.

    This match really was Zhu Hong¡¯s win on behalf of Qingyun Sect.

    In that case, for the current best three out of five, Qingyun Sect had taken the lead!

    That Xu Shaodong had lost to Zhu Hong, but he wasn¡¯t too unwilling. He wasn¡¯t the person with the highest level, so his appearance now was only to test the waters. It would¡¯ve been pretty good if he had won, but since he lost, he¡¯d go back to self-reflect. In the future, he¡¯d do his best next time.

    This was the first time Zhu Hong came to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly. It was also the first time she sparred with someone of Danyun City as a representative of Qingyun Sect. After winning, her heart was naturally very happy. However, she also knew that she couldn¡¯t let herself beam with joy too much. Hence, she restrained herself, and only her eyes carried a bit of joy.

    Following this was the second match.

    On Danyun City¡¯s side, a young girl with eyebrows like spring willows walked out. Her hair was bound in a high bun and her smile was enthusiastic . Although she wasn¡¯t considered a youngdy of exceptional beauty, she had a special kind of charm.

    Xu Lingxiu spoke again: ¡°Qiu Qian, you go.¡±

    Qiu Qian stood up: ¡°As youmand!¡±

    He also walked out immediately.

    One dainty young girl and one soldierly young man sat before their pill cauldrons.

    Qiu Qian seemed unperturbed. He didn¡¯t give that many nces to that young girl. On the contrary, the young girl sized up Qiu Qian quite a few times. With a smile on her face, she turned her head and started preparing.

    Then, just like before, the two mediated on which medicinal pill to refine. They each instructed their medicine runner, and began refining pills.

    But this time, after Gu Zuo watched for a little bit, he didn¡¯t ce all of his attention on these two people. At this moment, he looked to Xu Lingxiu and asked in a low voice: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, does our Qingyun Sect spar with Danyun City in advance every time ites over?¡±

    Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu were sitting close together. When Gu Zuo moved closer, other people only felt that they were watching the pill refining while discussing things. Because those few people sitting across were also doing the same thing, they didn¡¯t feel that it was strange.

    Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t stingy with his exnation: ¡°This is the usual practice. Because Danyun City and Qingyun Sect have equivalent levels on the path of medicine refinement, and the top three ces in the Pill Battling Assembly have the greatest benefits, there¡¯ll be apetition prior to the Pill Battling Assembly. It¡¯s a best two out of three, best three out of five, or best four out of seven. In short, we must first regard wins and losses. If my Qingyun Sect wins, the other side must reduce the number of people participating in the Pill Battling Assembly. If the opposite side wins, my Qingyun Sect must do the same.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understood: ¡°If both sides send all of their people to participate, what difference will there be in the oue at that time? Wouldn¡¯t it be fine if the number of people on both sides were equal when participating in the pill battles?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered and said: ¡°This is merely for the sake of face. If we each send two people to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly, but one person can¡¯t enter the top three, it would be a loss of face. In this private contest, there¡¯s no harm in winning or losing. After all, our strengths are on par with each other. But if one didn¡¯t enter the top three out in public, that would be different to some extent.¡±

    Gu Zuo somewhat understood.

    So to say, both entities felt that each and every one of their own who participated in the Pill Battling Assembly needed to enter the top three. Otherwise, it would be a loss of face in the eyes of those people who were inferior to them?

    ...Okay. He still couldn¡¯t quiteprehend this kind of thinking.

    But this also didn¡¯t have anything to do with him.

    Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t struggle with this issue. Instead, he said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, although you don¡¯t count as a genuine mid-level pharmacist now, you¡¯re able to refine some Xiantian-level pills. If it¡¯s based on the way of thinking outside of Qingyun Sect, you¡¯re actually already considered a mid-level pharmacist. It¡¯s only here that you¡¯re still somewhatcking. But you also don¡¯t need to worry. Normally, the first four rounds can determine the oue. You¡¯ll be arranged by me to be thest contestant, so you don¡¯t need to be too nervous.¡±

    In actuality, Gu Zuo had always been a powerful mid-level pharmacist. Previously, he hadn¡¯t reacted. But now that he heard Xu Lingxiu¡¯s words, he recalled that he himself shouldn¡¯t have been considered a genuine mid-level pharmacist in Xu Lingxiu¡¯s eyes.

    Xu Lingxiu said that he didn¡¯t need to refine pills with someone here, which was very good. However, based on this situation, would he still be able to participate in the Pill Battling Assemblyter on?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch184 - Xu Lingxiu Lost

    <h4>Chapter Ch184 - Xu Lingxiu Lost</h4>

    Before Gu Zuo could think about it clearly, the results of thepetition between Qiu Qian and that dainty young girl were out.

    Qiu Qian produced seven medicinal pills, and the young girl had fearsomely produced nine pills. Based on the rate of sessful pills, that young girl was even better. At this time, the product grades of the pills werepared. Qiu Qian had five high grade pills, and the young girl only had four. Following this, Qiu Qian¡¯s remaining two pills were both mid grade, and the young girl had three mid grade pills and two low grade pills.

    Altogether, the young girl refined two more pills than Qiu Qian, but they were both low grade pills. However, Qiu Qian refined one more high grade pill than the young girl, and the young girl refined one more mid grade pill than Qiu Qian. Hence, based on the product grades of the medicinal pills, Qiu Qian was better.

    Looking at theprehensive performances again, Qiu Qian and the young girl were judged to have reached a draw.

    Gu Zuo also felt the same.

    If the young girl only had eight pills and hadn¡¯t reached the limit, or if Qiu Qian had refined one more mid grade pill, Qiu Qian would¡¯ve won. If the young girl had refined one more high grade pill, then the young girl would¡¯ve won.

    Unfortunately, none of that happened. As such, it was forced to a draw.

    Qiu Qian wasn¡¯t too pleased with this performance. He was even stronger than Zhu Hong, but Zhu Hong won. He, however, could only tie with his opponent. He really felt that this was less than ideal ¡ª Of course, that girl¡¯s strength was also very powerful, so he actually wasn¡¯t too discontented.

    Xu Lingxiu also wasn¡¯t particrly satisfied. Currently, there were two matches with one win and one tie. Their advantage wasn¡¯t clear at all.

    Furthermore, after the two bouts of sparring between mid-level pharmacists, the third round would be the turn of the high-level pharmacists ¡ª After all, this was to test the levels of all pharmacists, and all pharmacists of different ranks had to take the stage.

    Li Yunquan and a beautiful woman who looked thirty-something years old both walked out. After greeting their counterparts, they each sat at their respective pill cauldron.

    There weren¡¯t any signs of aggression amid their movements. After they sat down, the lingering qi energy surrounding their bodies appeared even more charming than those youthful and vigorous pharmacists just a while ago.

    Gu Zuo looked at the actions of these two high-level pharmacists, and earnestly watched each and every one of their movements, as well as the circtory vestiges of those medicinal powers.

    This kind of spar was very useful to him, and could let him umte some experience.

    And no matter how few, such experiences were never unwanted.

    The medicinal pills that high-level pharmacists refined were ones that were suitable for Immortal Realm martial artists to take.

    The one that Li Yunquan refined was called the Lotus Heart Pill. After taking it, it could briefly raise an Immortal Realm martial artist¡¯s perception, aiding their understanding of high-level martial skills. However, the medicinal power was limited. The higher the grade of theprehended martial skill, the shorter the timeframe¡¯s effects.

    The one that the beautiful woman refined was called the Martial Path Pill. Contained within it was a type of realization for martial artists. After taking it, there was a certain probability in one¡¯sprehension to those martial skills left behind by other martial artists.

    These two types belonged to the moremonly used medicinal pills of Immortal Realm martial artists, but the medicinal ingredients were all very rare. In particr, the main ingredients Nine Heart Lotus, which promoted intelligence, and the following Martial Path Stone, were both very precious.

    Of course, refining the pills was especially difficult. Even within the range of medicinal pills used by Immortal Realm martial artists, they were rather challenging pills to make.

    But it seemed that the beautiful woman and Li Yunquan were both doing okay. Their movements were very adept.

    After less than an hour passed, the smells within those pill cauldrons became very rich. The pill cauldrons buzzed and shook. Suddenly, there was an explosion, and those pill cauldrons issued a long droning noise. The medicinal pills within the cauldrons made whooshing noises and immediately burst out!

    The two used pill receiving seals.

    This meant that there was one high grade Martial Path Pill and one low grade Martial Path Pill.

    The oue was clear and easy to see.

    Originally, for such a distinctive medicinal pill, one could only produce a single high grade pill. However, the beautiful woman used some unknown method, or her skill really was even higher, to produce two pills. Although the other pill was low grade, it was still the beautiful woman¡¯s win.

    In other words, it was Danyun City¡¯s win.

    Gu Zuo secretly sighed.

    This time was okay. Everything had been drawn to a tie.

    Li Yunquan forced a smile, and apologized to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°This Li miscalcted.¡±

    Although Xu Lingxiu was haughty, he didn¡¯t really believe that it was totally Li Yunquan¡¯s fault. He only said in a cold voice: ¡°Next match, I¡¯ll go.¡±

    Li Yunquan nodded his head, his tone carrying a bit of praise: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Xu is naturally the best.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard Xu Lingxiu¡¯s words, and understood in his mind.

    The little prince wanted to settle victory and defeat personally... Correct. One shouldn¡¯t look at his young age, because his level was definitely above that of the previous Zhu Hong and Qiu Qian. Presently, everything was tied, so it was only natural that the little prince wanted to act.

    ...In any case, for the time being, Gu Zuo was just here to buy soy sauce.

    Gu Zuo had seen Xu Lingxiu¡¯s pill refining method many times, and there was no need to doubt his excellence. So, who was his opponent going to be? The first three matches should¡¯ve been mostly to sound them out. The medicine refining experts in the City Lord¡¯s Mansion shouldn¡¯t have been limited to the levels just now ¡ª After all, this ce was the home field of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.

    Sure enough, a charming and handsome young man soon walked out from the opposite side. He wore a full-body white robe, and his face was like fine jade. He had the air of an elegant young master, and his temperament gave people a schrly kind of feeling.

    A moment ago, no one had paid any attention to him. Now that he formally showed himself, everyone then realized that there¡¯d been such a distinguished character here.

    At this instant, that white-robed young man looked at Xu Lingxiu. He reached out a hand to give a polite gesture.

    Xu Lingxiu nodded at him. His expression showed a trace of concern.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat curious.

    Could it be that this person had a special identity?

    The next moment, the two sat down and exhibited their methods.

    Gu Zuo kept an eye on Xu Lingxiu and discovered that the medicinal ingredients he¡¯d selected were the ones for the Steadfast Heart Pill... And the Steadfast Heart Pill truly was the one that Xu Lingxiu was the most familiar with. It should¡¯ve been the easiest one to refine here.

    However, Gu Zuo had already seen Xu Lingxiu¡¯s process of refining the Steadfast Heart Pill who knows how many times. At this time, he wasn¡¯t interested all that much. Instead, his attention was on that white-robed young man.

    And Gu Zuo recognized the pill the white-robed young man was refining based on those medicinal herbs.

    That type of pill... The medicinal effects were especially powerful. By continuously taking this pill, it could allow a martial artist to recover from a state of qi deviation. It was called the Enlightenment Pill.

    The degree of difficulty in refining the Enlightenment Pill was no less than that of the Steadfast Heart Pill. In addition, the Enlightenment Pill¡¯s medicinal herbs were even more precious than the ones for the Steadfast Heart Pill. Its effects were also broader than the Steadfast Heart Pill¡¯s. If this white-robed young man was able to refine a high grade pill, then it could be said that Xu Lingxiu would lose!

    But the remaining pharmacists also didn¡¯t know that the white-robed young man was refining such a rare medicinal pill. They could only see that the young man¡¯s techniques were no less abstruse, his movements flowed no less smoothly, and his reactions to the interior of his pill cauldron were no less slower than that of Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu was indeed very outstanding. However, his excellence definitely didn¡¯t stifle that white-robed young man ¡ª He was equally outstanding, and even his bearing was no worse than Xu Lingxiu¡¯s!

    Li Yunquan revealed aplicated expression: ¡°Xin Bailin, twenty years old, a near high-level pharmacist... He is City Lord Xin¡¯s most outstanding son and is the strongest powerhouse on the path of medicine refinement among the younger generation in the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. He¡¯s also the person with the best medicine refining aptitudes among the younger generation in Danyun City. He¡¯s simrly a quasi Golden-Level pharmacist. I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d show up. Junior Sect Brother Xu is in danger.¡±

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: ¡°His current rank should also be mid-level pharmacist, right?¡±

    Li Yunquan looked to Gu Zuo, and gave him face with an exnation: ¡°Correct. He is still a mid-level pharmacist. However, he¡¯s already infinitesimally close to a high-level pharmacist. He even once refined medicinal pills suitable for Immortal Realm martial artists. Only, because sess rate was low and the product grade was also low, he couldn¡¯t reach the corresponding criteria to be called a genuine high-level pharmacist.

    He continued: ¡°In addition, his strength is also only Xiantian stage seven. Usually, to be a true high-level pharmacist, one must be stage nine or higher. But it¡¯s because of this that people could see his terrifying potential... While he is a mid-level pharmacist, some mid-level pharmacists with profound qualifications could still bepared to him, but once he promotes to the degree of a high-level pharmacist, he¡¯ll probably be able to sweep them all away.¡±

    All along, Gu Zuo had only heard people say that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s aptitudes were extraordinary. He didn¡¯t expect that he¡¯d hear about such a person in Danyun City. His interest was suddenly piqued: ¡°Then, if Senior Sect Brother Xu promotes to the degree of a high-level pharmacist...¡±

    Li Yunquan¡¯s expression was a little embarrassed. He spoke with some diction: ¡°With regards to aptitudes, Junior Sect Brother Xu is naturally not inferior to Xin Bailin. However, Junior Sect Brother Xu is a few years younger than Xin Bailin.¡±

    Gu Zuo instantly understood.

    If Xu Lingxiu was in the same age group as Xin Bailin, then they would¡¯ve definitely strove against one another. However, the two were both exceptional talents. As a result, while their ages had a difference of three years, these three years weren¡¯t an ordinary three years. The time avable in three years would cause a veryrge discrepancy...

    In that case, Xu Lingxiu really would lose this round, wouldn¡¯t he?

    The matter wasn¡¯t beyond everyone¡¯s expectations. After the two of them swiftly finished refining pills, the oue was readily clear.

    ording to normal circumstances, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s speed should¡¯ve been slower than Xin Bailin¡¯s. However, during this time period, the number of Steadfast Heart Pills that Xu Lingxiu had refined was extremelyrge. He could handle it with his eyes closed. So, he was able to achieve a draw with Xin Bailin in terms of time.

    As for the formed pills, Xin Bailin had created a high grade Enlightenment Pill. Xu Lingxiu, however, had made a mid grade Steadfast Heart Pill. Although this mid grade pill was very close to high grade, it was still merely a mid grade.

    This kind of conclusion was basically obvious at a nce.

    Xu Lingxiu had lost.

    Because of a hair-line difference, he was outdone by Xin Bailin.

    It went without saying that Xu Lingxiu always had a long face. Right now, he still had a long face.

    If it was another person, he firmly believed that he absolutely wouldn¡¯t have lost. Yet, Xin Bailin was different. Xin Bailin was strong enough that he should¡¯ve been able to have a fierce battle with him ¡ª But he lost because of age, and that made him particrly unresigned to the loss.

    However, losing was losing. Xu Lingxiu was unwilling to lose, but he wouldn¡¯t take defeat in poor grace.

    Presently, they had one win, two losses, and one tie. There was still one more match. If they lost again, then it was a defeat. If they tied, then it was also a defeat. Only if they won could it be a draw.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s gaze fell onto Gu Zuo.

    He naturally knew that Gu Zuo¡¯s level was pretty good. Moreover, he had greater potential than Zhu Hong and Qiu Qian. However, it hadn¡¯t been long since he obtained that medicine refining hand seal. He was also pretty young. Would he be able to achieve the results Xu Lingxiu hoped for?

    While slightly restraining his thoughts, Xu Lingxiu looked to Gu Zuo: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, the following match can only be left to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly answered: ¡°This one knows.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu paused: ¡°...You¡¯re sure you can do it?¡±

    But Xu Lingxiu understood right away that he was asking too much. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what kind of person his opponent would be. What was the point in discussing assurances?

    Gu Zuo answered honestly: ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡±

    He didn¡¯t predict the oue of this pill battle at present, but... He definitely wouldn¡¯t lose.

    No matter what kind of person his opponent would be, he wouldn¡¯t lose.

    With this kind of thinking, Gu Zuo had already stood up and arrived before the pill cauldron.

    He caught sight of his opponent. Unexpectedly, it was... Xin Qiu?

    As it turned out, he was also a mid-level pharmacist.

    T/N: I was notified that the next couple of chapters are ¡°normal-length¡±, so the updates will being faster than usual.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch185 - Gu Zuoâ€™s Pill Battle

    <h4>Chapter Ch185 - Gu Zuo¡¯s Pill Battle</h4>

    Yet, it wasn¡¯t important whether it was Xin Qiu or someone else. What mattered was that, right at this very moment, Xin Qiu was Gu Zuo¡¯s opponent. Gu Zuo had to defeat him and save Qingyun Sect¡¯s face.

    Xin Qiu was probably around eighteen years old. By bing a mid-level pharmacist at this age, even though his aptitudes couldn¡¯tpare to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s, they weren¡¯t too far off. He was also the City Lord¡¯s son, so he was also Xin Bailin¡¯s biological younger brother.

    In the household of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, those with direct rtions to the bloodline were truly out of the ordinary.

    Previously, one couldn¡¯t just look at when Xin Qiu was ferreting out information from Gu Zuo and speaking in a roundabout manner. Now that it was a pill battle, his entire person waspletely different.

    One would only see that Xin Qiu looked at Gu Zuo and had given him a smile: ¡°This time, I hope Brother Gu won¡¯t hold back. I¡¯ll certainly give it my all.¡±

    Gu Zuo also returned a smiling expression to him: ¡°Everyone¡¯s no better or worse than one another.¡±

    Following which, the two no longer spoke.

    Gu Zuo closed his eyes, and started pondering.

    There were so many pill prescriptions. Currently, what category would be more suitable to refine?

    He could send out his psychic power to see what Xin Qiu would refine and then make his selection... Eh, if he looked, would that be considered cheating? That wouldn¡¯t be too good...

    After hesitating for a moment, Gu Zuo was suddenly struck by inspiration.

    It wasn¡¯t necessary to look! Wouldn¡¯t it be good if he chose the Steadfast Heart Pill? He¡¯d watched this one many times. It would be very reasonable to say that he could refine itpletely. Moreover, wouldn¡¯t using the Steadfast Heart Pill, which the defeated Xu Lingxiu had refined, to facep the City Lord¡¯s Mansion be considered avenging a friend?

    So long as he restrained himself and only refined a mid grade pill, it would be okay...

    Putting thought to action, Gu Zuo promptly instructed the medicine runner to fetch the medicinal herbs.

    This medicine runner had been standing on the side to serve all pharmacistsing from Qingyun Sect. When he heard that the herbs Gu Zuo mentioned were the exact same ones as thest pharmacist, his expressionless cheeks suddenly showed traces of a weird look. However, he was dedicated to his work, and swiftly went to get the corresponding medicinal herbs to deliver them into Gu Zuo¡¯s hands.

    Gu Zuo recalled the scene of when Xu Lingxiu normally refined the Steadfast Heart Pill. He reached out a hand, and each of those medicinal herbs were flung into the pill cauldron.

    As for whether or not Gu Zuo could refine it sessfully... In his opinion, Gu Zuo¡¯s guts were small and he was too dependent on that young master, but he was also very pragmatic. If he couldn¡¯t guarantee sess, he wouldn¡¯t be so reckless.

    On the side of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, many people also witnessed Gu Zuo¡¯s actions.

    However, they hadn¡¯t carefully seen which herbs Gu Zuo had selected. They could only see that Gu Zuo¡¯s movements were along the same vein as Xu Lingxiu¡¯s just a moment ago. It was to the point that, sometimes, they were exactly the same. The crowd guessed that the two studied the same type of pill seal.

    The dainty young girl who previously sparred with Qiu Qian then tilted her head. Her gaze moved from ce to ce: ¡°What does everyone think about this Pharmacist Gu¡¯s medicine refining skills?¡±

    The beautiful woman who sparred with Li Yunquan had a gentle emotion in her eyes: ¡°The fourth young master previously made some inquiries. This Gu Zuo is favored by Xu Lingxiu, but he¡¯s only a nominal disciple attending to another disciple in Qingyun Sect. While he has received some of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s pointers, because there hasn¡¯t been any development in his reputation, his specific abilities are unknown.¡±

    The dainty young girl¡¯s eyes faintly rolled: ¡°It seems that he¡¯ll be given a defeat under the fourth young master¡¯s hands. Mother, isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re saying?¡±

    The beautiful woman smiled, clearly thinking the same way.

    On the contrary, that Xin Bailin suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°No.¡±

    The dainty young girl and the beautiful woman both looked over: ¡°Third young master¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    Xin Bailin said: ¡°This Gu Zuo isn¡¯t as simple as he seems on the surface.¡±

    The other couple of people heard this, and their expressions all changed slightly.

    Qiu Qian and Zhu Hong were also carefully observing Gu Zuo refining pills.

    Their understanding of Gu Zuo was no more than that of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion side, and they didn¡¯t know anything about Gu Zuo¡¯s capabilities at all. Right now was the time to properly have a look.

    With this look, they made a discovery. Not to mention how strong Gu Zuo was, just by looking at the refining method for this type of medicinal pill and the hand seal he was currently using, they realized that his foundations were in no way beneath their own.

    But Gu Zuo was clearly just a nominal disciple. In the end, was it because the person he followed had outstanding abilities, or because Xu Lingxiu treated him favorably?

    They were unable to figure this out.

    For a moment, Zhu Hong¡¯s heart was filled with envy.

    Right now, she had a conjecture. The hand seal Gu Zuo used must¡¯ve been taught by Xu Lingxiu! That Xu Lingxiu was too biased and his behavior was too willful!

    Although Qiu Qian wasn¡¯t as envious, he also felt that everything that Gu Zuo knew was mostly due to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s teachings and pointers. With Xu Lingxiu¡¯s identity and attitude, he never once had such kind intentions towards any other individual!

    Xu Lingxiu also watched the spectacle of Gu Zuo using this hand seal.

    His state of mind was somewhatplicated. It was because Gu Zuo wielded the hand seals with no less familiarity than he himself did... He recalled that the period of time since Gu Zuo obtained this hand seal was very short, but he himself had started practicing since childhood. It was hard to avoid feeling that he¡¯d lost to some degree.

    In addition, because he was very familiar with refining the Steadfast Heart Pill, Xu Lingxiu discovered that Gu Zuo¡¯s smooth and unhindered refining was no weaker than his own. He even felt that Gu Zuo¡¯sprehension was extremely startling ¡ª Previously, when he refined medicine, he once received key information from his own master¡¯s careful directions. The entire sum had been broken down and exined. It was only then that he could refine sessfully and greatly improve his own strength.

    However, he¡¯d never carefully exined any of the matters on how to refine the Steadfast Heart Pill. Even though he¡¯d given some pointers, it was less than one percent of what his master had originally taught him. One could see that Gu Zuo was capable of refining it sessfully. And it was really because he¡¯d figured it out on his own...

    It seemed that Gu Zuo¡¯s potential was still vastly untapped. Gu Zuo¡¯s capabilities were also not limited to what one could see now.

    Gu Zuo, who was in the middle of pill refining, waspletely unaware of the perceptions that other people had of him.

    In his opinion, refining the Steadfast Heart Pill was no trouble at all. This wasn¡¯t saying that he tried to refine it before. He never had. In addition, refining one or two mid grade pills didn¡¯t give him the least bit of pressure. Merely, since he decided to use the Steadfast Heart Pill to give a facep, he could only refine a mid grade Steadfast Heart Pill that was very close to high grade. The idea of refining two pills was directly thrown out.

    Gu Zuo was hardly careless when refining medicinal pills, and estimated that the timeframe was just about there. He even reached the period of pill formation a bit earlier than that of Xu Lingxiu. He took out his pill at the same time that Xin Qiu, who was slower by a few seconds, formed his own medicinal pill.

    That medicinal pill seemed to be a streak of light as it rushed straight to Gu Zuo¡¯s palm. His outstretched hand had already captured it.

    It was at this time that Xin Qiu also collected his medicinal pill, and unfolded his hand.

    The one Gu Zuo refined was a Steadfast Heart Pill. Its product grade and qi energy were exactly the same as the previous Xu Lingxiu. The one Xin Qiu refined was a Myriad Particle Pill, which was among the type of pills that replenished true qi. Compared to the Qi umting Pill, its medicinal power was even stronger, butpared to the Steadfast Heart Pill, its degree of difficulty in refining was a bit inferior.

    Moreover, the one Gu Zuo refined was a mid grade pill that was very close to high grade. The one Xin Qiu refined was just a mid grade pill. With such aprehensiveparison, Gu Zuo was indeed the winner!

    The City Lord announced the oue, and the people on the City Lord¡¯s side all sighed.

    At first, they thought Gu Zuo looked young and had a low realm. Qingyun Sect also shouldn¡¯t have had two ¡°Xu Lingxius¡±. Most of all, Gu Zuo had been put at the end by Xu Lingxiu ¡ª Normally, the first four matches could decide victory or defeat ¡ª So, his strength must¡¯ve certainly been inadequate. They couldn¡¯t have imagined the facts didn¡¯t meet their expectations. Gu Zuo had actually refined the Steadfast Heart Pill, and had directly and efficiently handed Xin Qiu a loss! This was truly difficult for a person to believe...

    On that side, someone praised: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this noble Sect to have hidden away such a talent. It¡¯s truly not simple.¡±

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth curled into a grin, and he exchanged pleasantries with the person: ¡°You¡¯re too kind. Junior Sect Brother Gu still has many areas where he needs to forge ahead.¡±

    No matter what, Gu Zuo¡¯s ability had brought both sides to a draw. This had spared the Sect¡¯s face, so it was only fair that he protected this Junior Sect Brother Gu.

    Merely, now that both sides had fought to a draw, the following matters were a bit difficult to deal with.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch186 - You Let Me Win

    <h4>Chapter Ch186 - You Let Me Win</h4>

    During past pill battles, most had victory and defeat decided by the fourth match. Right now, five matches had passed, and it was still a tie. Within this City Lord Xin¡¯s term of office, it was truly unprecedented.

    It was just that victory and defeat hadn¡¯t been determined. During the true pill battles, who would have one more person and who would have one fewer person?

    After murmuring to himself, City Lord Xin said uprightly: ¡°Since an oue hasn¡¯t been determined, it would be better to have one more match.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu heard this, and his brows rose: ¡°All of my side¡¯s people have been used up. I¡¯m afraid that having one more match wouldn¡¯t be appropriate.¡±

    City Lord Xin quickly had an idea. The moment he heard Xu Lingxiu¡¯s doubts, he coaxed: ¡°Junior Xu misunderstands. My idea is that the final match will be between Junior Gu and my son Xin Qiu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression shifted: ¡°Oh? Right now, the younger generation Junior Sect Brother Gu has already won. Obviously... Could it be that this City Lord will also gift this final match to my Qingyun Sect?¡±

    City Lord Xinughed out loud and said: ¡°Not at all. If we are topete, it naturally must be a fairpetition. My idea is that my City Lord¡¯s Mansion and your noble Sect will set out three pill prescriptions. At that time, my son will draw one prescription from your noble Sect¡¯s pool, and the noble Sect¡¯s Junior Gu will draw one from my City Lord¡¯s Mansion¡¯s pool. Then, it¡¯ll all rely on luck. The two will refine their own drawn pill prescription, and we¡¯llpare the results. What does Junior Xu think?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu reflected on this, and aloofly nodded his head: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll do it ording to the City Lord¡¯s words.¡±

    City Lord Xin twirled his mustache: ¡°Very good.¡±

    After they finished speaking, both sides respectively took out brushes and ink. Amid the rustling of paper, they wrote out the pill prescriptions.

    Qingyun Sect and the City Lord¡¯s Mansion hadrge quantities of pharmacists. The number of pill prescriptions they each knew was also very high. Every time during the pill battles prior to the Pill Battling Assembly, they¡¯d often exchange pill prescriptions ¡ª For example, the medicine runners of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion recorded medicinal herbs, and the pill battles weren¡¯t concealed in the least, letting others view the process of the pill refining. Both of these had the intention of an exchange. Presently, it was just an exchange of one more pill prescription. Neither side objected.

    Although it was impossible to show off the more precious ones, this kind of mutual exchange allowed both sides to be top-notch powers along the path of medicine refinement.

    When Gu Zuo finished hearing City Lord Xin and Xu Lingxiu¡¯s decision, he blinked his eyes.

    So to say, he had to refine an unfamiliar medicinal pill? Would it be decided by drawing straws? But this kind of matter would never pose a problem for him. On the whole, the spectacle of him exploding his cauldron urred very rarely. This was generally because his mood had some fluctuations. He wasn¡¯t the tiniest bit worried about medicinal pills that only suited mid-level pharmacists!

    He would definitely beat that Xin Qiu!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s inted self-confidence was somewhat close to bursting.

    If he lost against someone the same age as him under equal circumstances, then he was better off going back to selling sweet potatoes!

    Once the pill prescriptions were written, City Lord Xin then asked: ¡°Xin Qiu, are you confident?¡±

    Xin Qiu¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t pressured. During normal times, he¡¯d frequently use new pill prescriptions to train himself at home: ¡°This child shall do his best!¡±

    On the other side, Xu Lingxiu also asked: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, are you confident?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°When I refined medicine previously, I¡¯d always figure things out by myself and the pill production rate would still be pretty good.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded as well. Following which, his tone of voice slightly raised: ¡°Speaking of which, I¡¯ve neglected you in the past. Junior Sect Brother Gu, don¡¯t hesitate to use whatever skills you have. You need to understand that the stronger your abilities, the more things I¡¯m able to give to you.¡±

    Although Gu Zuo felt that he didn¡¯t need any of the things Xu Lingxiu could give, he was still grateful towards Xu Lingxiu¡¯s intention. Hence, hisplexion straightened up, and he stated: ¡°I won¡¯t let Senior Sect Brother Xu down.¡±

    Both sides were in agreement. The medicine runners stationed next to both pill cauldrons then each delivered three balls of paper to the two people. They were allowed to grab one paper ball.

    Gu Zuo looked at the paper balls, and didn¡¯t use his psychic power to cheat. He just straightforwardly grabbed the one on the left. In any case, his name was Gu Zuo. So it was easy to grab it.

    Of course, after a martial artist reached the Immortal Realm, the recovery ability of one¡¯s own body was very powerful. The heart also wouldn¡¯t be hurt by the qi and blood so easily. As a result, while the Heart Protection Pill¡¯s medicinal effects looked very awesome, it was still a pill that suited Xiantian Realm martial artists. The degree of difficulty in refining it also wasn¡¯t low, and it wasn¡¯t much lower than the Steadfast Heart Pill.

    When Xin Qiu looked at this pill prescription, his eyes shed with a trace of awkwardness.

    Suddenly, others realized that Xin Qiu hadn¡¯t refined this medicinal pill before... He was aplete novice to this prescription.

    Meanwhile, the pill prescription written in the paper ball that Gu Zuo opened up was the Facial Restoration Pill.

    When Gu Zuo looked at this pill prescription, his entire face had nearly drooped in exasperation. This Facial Restoration Pill was one that gave a person stic surgery! There was no need to bring up the range of application. Because Xiantian Realm martial artists fought and brawled with others, their faces would be disfigured ¡ª For instance, for whatever reason, a section of their face was ruined and couldn¡¯t be healed by a Revitalization Pill, or a Xiantian¡¯s facial features weren¡¯t outstanding enough and they were dissatisfied. All of them could use this medicinal pill to give themselves aplete makeover.

    ...It might as well be called the stic Surgery Pill.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    The medicinal pill that the other guy got was the Heart Protection Pill. One would know it was high-end just by listening to its name. The pill he got was a chicken rib. Generally speaking, aside from some women who wished to appear beautiful, very few people would care about this one!

    After heaving a sigh, Gu Zuo silently read the pill prescription.

    Okay. This Facial Restoration Pill was actually a type of treatment medicine, too. Its primary purpose wasn¡¯t stic surgery. Rather, it expelled any negative states from one¡¯s head. After all, the six yang meridians converged in the head. The pill¡¯s main function wasn¡¯t really to make one beautiful... And the refining method was alsoplicated.

    Of course, as Gu Zuo had already followed Gongyi Tianheng for a long time, his acting skills had long matured from his original inexperience... Although he¡¯d never refined this Facial Restoration Pill before, this pill prescription had indeed been recorded in his item book. He wasn¡¯t caught off-guard at all, but his face still showed an expression that had a trace of amazement.

    All right. In other people¡¯s eyes, they¡¯d naturally feel that Gu Zuo also hadn¡¯t encountered this pill prescription before!

    This time, both sides were on equal standing. Neither had seen their pill prescriptions before, and both had to stake it all on their wits.

    Gu Zuo and Xin Qiu were hardly neglectful. They swiftly instructed the medicine runners to fetch the medicinal herbs.

    Sure enough, the herb stock in the City Lord¡¯s Mansion was no small matter. During these times, no matter which required herbs were spoken, all of them were avable. It could be said that it was veryprehensive.

    This time around also wasn¡¯t an exception. Gu Zuo swept a nce at those medicinal herbs, and from his inter-spatial tool, he took out some tools for handling the herbs. Then, in front of everyone¡¯s faces, he started to ¡°somewhat shakily¡± process the herbs.

    Xin Qiu¡¯s movements also seemed really shaky. After all, he was young. Even if he came from a family of pharmacists, it wasn¡¯t possible to have an understanding of all herbs. In addition, he wasn¡¯t like Gu Zuo who had an innate sensitivity towards medicinal ingredients. With a basic wave of his hand, Gu Zuo would know what he should do. As a result, it could be said that Xin Qiu was cautious and solemn. His speed was also a bit slower than Gu Zuo¡¯s.

    Other people saw this, and inevitablymented:

    ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s skill is very deep...¡±

    ¡°He deserves to be a person favored by Xu Lingxiu.¡±

    ¡°Although he¡¯s somewhat shaky, the medicinal herbs are in good condition. He hasn¡¯t yet made a mistake...¡±

    The other side was also sighing with regret:

    ¡°Fourth young master seems somewhat...¡±

    ¡°There will always be someone stronger. This is a good example right here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged. The pill battle isn¡¯t over yet. There¡¯s still much that can happen!¡±

    Gu Zuo had slowed down, but he still finished processing earlier than Xin Qiu. After that, he assumed a somewhat nervous appearance and ignited the pill cauldron. He performed many hand seals. With some hesitation, he released those medicinal herbs into the pill cauldron!

    At the same time, a sliver of his psychic power was discharged. He would be able to observe Xin Qiu¡¯s pill formation rate at any time.

    Because the Facial Restoration Pill and the Heart Protection Pill were considered pills that were rtivelyplicated to refine, the number of pills that could be formed was three at most. And when ordinary pharmacists refined them, the number of sessful pills was usually abandoned for the sake of the product grade. Thus, a mid or high grade pill would be formed. As for whether it was mid grade or high grade, thatrgely depended on the pharmacist¡¯s skills.

    Gu Zuo was prepared to refine two pills.

    Merely, just in case, he still had to see what was a rtively suitable suppression for Xin Qiu.

    While his psychic power enshrouded that pill cauldron, Gu Zuo observed his own cauldron.

    The medicinal liquid soon formed three balls of liquid. The course of refining was very smooth. It could be seen that this type of medicinal pill wasn¡¯t the sort that would cause his cauldron to explode. It was probably because these herbs didn¡¯t have many among them that shed with one another. He had paid very close attention to this in advance in order to have such a result.

    If it was going this smoothly, he estimated that there¡¯d be at least one top grade pill and the remaining two would both be high grade. But if it was like this, it would inevitably seem a bit...excessive.

    Gu Zuo pondered for a short time, and decided to waste one of the balls of liquid.

    But just as he was about to do this, he suddenly paused.

    Because at this very moment, that separated strand of psychic power discovered there was the scent of three medicinal pillsing from Xin Qiu¡¯s pill cauldron.

    Eh? Could it be that he had underestimated Xin Qiu too much? He actually had this kind of innate talent?

    But that couldn¡¯t have been right. In his opinion, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s talent was higher than Xin Qiu¡¯s. But when Xu Lingxiu refined the Steadfast Heart Pill, he could only produce a single low grade pill in the beginning. It was basically impossible to produce two or more pills. Even if the Steadfast Heart Pill was a bit harder than the Heart Protection Pill, the gap also wasn¡¯t that big.

    Immediately following which, that strand of psychic power ¡°saw¡± that Xin Qiu¡¯s micro-expressions contained traces of pride.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, everyone knew how to y pretend. Acting truly led to a fuller life.

    Xin Qiu¡¯s previous awkwardness and shakiness seemed to have been done deliberately. He should¡¯ve refined the Heart Protection Pill long ago!

    After twitching his mouth, Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind rxed.

    Since everyone was staking it all on their acting skills, there was nothing wrong with ¡°cheating¡± with his psychic power just now. In any case, it was all for the sake of his own victory. Since Xin Qiu dared to refine three pills, he also couldn¡¯t let others look down on him.

    After secretly spying on the individual intensities of the three medicinal pills¡¯ scents, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind settled on a n.

    Not long after, the pill cauldrons on both sides made ringing noises.

    City Lord Xin¡¯s side and Xu Lingxiu¡¯s side both couldn¡¯t help sitting a little bit straighter. Now was the match that would determine victory and defeat. Even though it wouldn¡¯t damage their good rtionship, winning was always better than losing!

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo¡¯s pill cauldron shook. Three streaks of splendorous light shot out from within. All of them were collected into Gu Zuo¡¯s hand, which then closed shut.

    Based on the speed of pill production, Gu Zuo was already the first to win!

    City Lord Xin and the other saw the three rays of light, and naturally knew that Gu Zuo had refined three pills. As such, Xin Qiu could, at most, only tie with Gu Zuo based on the number of formed pills. It was impossible to surpass Gu Zuo.

    On the City Lord¡¯s side, not everyone knew that Xin Qiu had once refined the Heart Protection Pill. In the hearts of those unaware, they were certainly somewhat worried.

    Fortunately, in less time than it took to make a cup of tea, Xin Qiu¡¯s pill cauldron also erupted with three steaks of light. They were simrly caught by Xin Qiu. At this moment, Xin Qiu¡¯s expression was somewhatplicated. He never expected that, after the lucky drawing of the Heart Protection Pill, which he was quite proficient with, his speed and pill production rate still couldn¡¯tpare to that of Gu Zuo.

    Could it be that Gu Zuo¡¯s IQ was so strong? Or, was Gu Zuo the same as him, where everything before was just ying pretend?

    Intellectually, Xin Qiu felt it was the former, but emotionally, he hoped it was thetter even more.

    ¡ª With a youngster¡¯s temperament, one was unwilling to let a person of the same age group surpass them. This was a matter of course.

    Following this, Xin Qiu unfolded his hand first.

    The three medicinal pills that Xin Qiu refined were all low grade pills.

    With his current abilities, if he refined a single pill, there was a probability that he could¡¯ve refined a high grade pill. If he refined two pills, there was a chance he could refine one mid grade and one low grade pill. By refining three pills, all of them could only be low grade.

    In that case... What about Gu Zuo?

    Xin Qiu originally wanted to directly suppress Gu Zuo in terms of the pill production rate. Because he thought this was Gu Zuo¡¯s first time refining the Facial Restoration Pill, being able to refine a single low grade pill would¡¯ve been extraordinary. But he never expected this oue... All of a sudden, his heart tensed.

    The others all looked to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo unhurriedly spread out his palm...

    There were simrly three medicinal pills.

    However, one of them was low grade, and the other two were mid grade!

    There was no need to doubt. Gu Zuo had won once more!

    His strength and potential made people sit up and take notice. It was very shocking!

    Xu Lingxiu, who would always have a scowl across his whole face, suddenly showed a smiling expression that appeared somewhat beautiful... Only to see him slowly open his mouth and say: ¡°The City Lord has gone easy on us.¡±

    Gu Zuo also smiled with a blush: ¡°...You let me win.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch187 - The Pill Battling Assembly Begins

    <h4>Chapter Ch187 - The Pill Battling Assembly Begins</h4>

    The dust had settled.

    Although City Lord Xin¡¯s side lost, they were also very gracious. They cupped their hands one after another. City Lord Xin said: ¡°Since we lost, we¡¯ll only send out one person during the following mid-level pharmacist pill battles.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised his eyebrows: ¡°Could it be the third young master Xin Bailin?¡±

    Xin Bailin cupped his hands again. His smile was gentle: ¡°I hope that Brother Xu will be generous with his teachings during the pill battles.¡±

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth curled into a sneer, and he absent-mindedly nodded his head.

    What a hypocrite! Xu Lingxiu clearly lost to this person just then, but Xin Bailin still asked him to be ¡°generous with his teachings¡±? Humph.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel the same way as Xu Lingxiu, where Xin Bailin had a vulgar personality. He only felt that the atmosphere between these two people was slightly rigid. He also saw that Xu Lingxiu was unhappy about Xin Bailin. But after thinking about them for a bit, this little prince wasn¡¯t someone who would bear grudges because he lost. In that case, was it ipatible qi fields?

    Whatever. Making friends was up to fate.

    Over yonder, Xin Bailin opened his mouth: ¡°Which two people will the noble Sect choose for the pill battles?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu swept his eyes over the few other people there: ¡°Gu Zuo, you¡¯ll go with me.¡±

    When Qiu Qian and Zhu Hong heard this, they were somewhat dejected.

    However, they also understood that, when it came to strength, they really were a bit weaker than these two teenagers who were even younger than them. Granted that Zhu Hong won and Qiu Qian tied, there wouldn¡¯t be any exceptions.

    Hence, they quickly adjusted their moods, and didn¡¯t raise any objections to this matter.

    ¡ª After all, the Sect¡¯s prestige was even more important than their own hopes and expectations.

    Seeing the reactions of the two, Li Yunquan inwardly nodded in satisfaction.

    As a result, the ones who came in the highest numbers were the mid-level pharmacists.

    Mid-level pharmacists were the backbone of the Sect¡¯s strength. Coming to take part in their first pill battle, even if it was merely as a spectator, would give lots of experience. In the future, they would also be in service to the Sect. During the spars with the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, what needed to be chosen was the number of mid-level pharmacists.

    Because of this, not only did the mid-level pharmacists being brought out each time have to be high in strength, they also had to have good moral qualities. Otherwise, if they didn¡¯t take the big picture into consideration while outside the Sect, they might cause a scene when they weren¡¯t chosen. The one to lose face would then be the Sect.

    This time around, they picked Zhu Hong and Qiu Qian, and they hadn¡¯t made an error in judgment. This was very good.

    ¡ª The matter was settled just like this.

    Following that, everyone began to make exchanges with each other. Only, this time, it was through words and not actions. They discussed various kinds of pill refining techniques and swapped pointers about different pill refining methods. They had all squeezed headlong into the world of pill refinement.

    Gu Zuo had never spoken with so many people before. At this time, he also felt it was a bit interesting. Hence, while the discussions were underway, he published some viewpoints that didn¡¯t take things too far. He weed some admiring exmations, as well as a mellowing of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mood.

    After it gotte, everyone returned to their rooms to sleep or consolidated their newly-derived knowledge in their own medicine refining rooms. The next day, everyone got together again to discuss things and spar...

    Such operations continued right until the start of the Pill Battling Assembly.

    The rtionship between the pharmacists of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion and Qingyun Sect was one of rivals and friends. Each other¡¯s harvests also weren¡¯t small.

    On that day was when the Pill Battling Assembly officially began.

    Gongyi Tianheng stood before the manager of the Inner Sect Task Hall, holding a missive in his hand. His gaze faintly shed and his expression was hooded: ¡°This honorable manager means to say that this is my mission?¡±

    The flesh of that manager¡¯s fat face trembled. He resolutely and decisively stated: ¡°All the missions of the Inner Sect disciples are sequenced one by one. The mission which is Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s turn to do just so happens to be this one.¡± After pausing, he continued to speak, ¡°Because this mission is rather dangerous, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi can also bring nominal disciples with him... Completing the mission doesn¡¯t take any methods into ount. You only need toplete it within the following three months.¡±

    Tianheng looked at that manager, and the corner of his mouth hooked up: ¡°And if I don¡¯tplete it?¡±

    The manager said: ¡°If you don¡¯tplete it, this Junior Sect Brother can only go back to the Outer Sect.¡±

    In the manager¡¯s mind, however, he was thinking that if this disciple went to do this mission, it was tantamount to a ny percent death-rate. Unless he immediately escaped halfway through and retreated, it would undoubtedly be certain-death. Yet, he was discussing the consequences of finishing or not finishing the mission? This youngster had the bad luck of offending someone.

    Although the manager didn¡¯t know how this mission got assigned here, since it was assigned, there was nothing to be done. It was the Sect Regtions. When received, one would have to do it. That Junior Sect Brother could only me himself.

    Tianheng also didn¡¯t speak much more with the manager. While still holding the missive, he turned around and left the Inner Sect Task Hall inrge strides.

    As expected, that Lu Jiusi had acted...

    Once he returned to the valley, Tianheng flipped his hand and stored the missive within his inter-spatial tool. After looking at the various kinds of medicaments that filled his inter-spatial tool, the edge of his lips showed a smiling expression. Immediately following which, this smile halted.

    He didn¡¯t know how his little pharmacist was doing right now.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯splexion deepened slightly.

    In the future, it was better that he didn¡¯t let him wander too far away.

    After thinking things through, Tianheng called out: ¡°Tianyang, Tianhe, Tianyin.¡±

    Off to the side, the three of them were in the middle of sparring and sharpening their martial skills. Currently, they were all already Meridian Condensing stage two martial artists. Their progress was swift. Under the hastening of all kinds of top grade medicinal pills, it was almost like there weren¡¯t any bottlenecks at all. Their strength rose rapidly.

    Hearing Tianheng¡¯s call, the three of them stopped what they were doing and went over together.

    ¡°Big brother?¡±

    ¡°Cousin, what have you called us for?¡±

    Tianheng nced at the three, and stood with his hands sped behind his back. He said: ¡°Soon, I¡¯ll need to go out to do a mission. Tianyang and I will be going. Tianhe and Tianyin, you two will stay in the valley and watch over Mingxia. You can¡¯t rashly leave the valley. Even if you¡¯re looking for other people, you must bring the Tianlong Guards to journey together. You must be careful in all respects. Do you understand?¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s expressionless features were suffused with traces of joy. It was only natural that he responded immediately: ¡°Many thanks, big brother!¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianyin and Tianhe were somewhat disappointed: ¡°You sure we can¡¯t we go with cousin...¡±

    Tianheng looked at them acting this way. He also didn¡¯t wish to hurt them, and said: ¡°This time¡¯s mission is very dangerous. It would be fine if I only brought Tianyang because I¡¯d still be able to seek victory amid danger, but if I bring the three of you, I won¡¯t be able to keep all of you safe.¡±

    When Tianyin and Tianhe heard this, they could only obediently do as they were told.

    On the contrary, Tianyang couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s the mission?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was serene and hidden: ¡°Eliminate the Mount An Bandit Gang.¡±

    The three Gongyi n children suddenly stared nkly. Shortly after, they exhaled low breaths: ¡°Eliminate a bandit gang? How many people does that bandit gang have?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°The Bandit Master is a Xiantian stage nine powerhouse. Below him, there are two Xiantian stage eight and five Xiantian stage seven bandit leaders. The remaining Xiantian bandits number thirty-eight, and there are as many as several hundred Houtian bandits.¡±

    When these words were spoken, the Gongyi n children couldn¡¯t help feeling a chill run down their spines.

    ¡ª Wouldn¡¯t, wouldn¡¯t this kind of mission have a one hundred percent death-rate?!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch188 - Brother and Sister

    <h4>Chapter Ch188 - Brother and Sister</h4>

    Seeing the worry and shock on the faces of the Gongyi n children, Gongyi Tianheng smiled and catingly said: ¡°Don¡¯t be worried. If it was ordered for me, a single person, to go up and kill them, that would naturally be extremely difficult to do. But if it¡¯s merely eliminating them, then it¡¯s not necessarily that troublesome. I only need to take out those bandit leaders one by one. Those remaining bandits can certainly be exterminatedpletely with the trick pills Ah Zuo gave me.¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s medicinal pills are certainly the best, but big brother, the strength of those bandit leaders...¡±

    Tianheng looked at him, and his expression wasposed: ¡°At that time, I¡¯ll have a n.¡±

    Seeing how confident Tianheng was, everyone no longer spoke any demoralizing words. They believed that their n¡¯s eldest brother really wouldn¡¯t do anything that was uncertain. Their minds also became smooth and steady.

    And off to the side, several attending Tianlong Guards exchanged nces.

    Only those who safeguarded the young master growing up knew why the young master would always win and never lose ¡ª It wasn¡¯t because he had an absolute certainty every time. Rather, it was because, even if there was only a thirty percent probability, the young master would gamble on it and would win every time... Dancing on the knife¡¯s edge and making the impossible possible was their young master¡¯s most favorite pastime.

    Dragon One had already departed with Gu Zuo. The one who remained here and temporarily assumed the role ofmander was Dragon Two. He advanced a step and asked in a respectful voice: ¡°Young master, do you need the Tianlong Guards to apany you?¡±

    Tianheng slightly muttered to himself, and said: ¡°The business developing here still needs someone to look after it. Dragon Two, you all will stay here to act as suppression. There¡¯s no need to go with me.¡±

    Dragon Two and the other Tianlong Guards naturally paid their respects: ¡°The Tianlong Guards ept your orders!¡±

    On the side, Gongyi Tianyang and the others saw this, and their hearts were all somewhat envious.

    In the Gongyi n, all remarkable children with a direct lineage would have personal guards like the Tianlong Guards. The guards were about ten years older than their charges, and would¡¯ve already been selected when their charge was born. They¡¯d follow their young charges, and grow up together with them. A personal guard¡¯s loyalty was unmatched. But afterwards, whether they could maintain this loyalty and to what degree they strengthened, it all depended on the methods of each young master.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s intelligence was terrifying from birth, and high hopes were ced upon him. He was the n Head¡¯s eldest son and his identity was especially distinct. Thus, he had two hundred personal guards in the beginning, which he named the Tianlong Guards. Later on, when it was discovered that Tianheng¡¯s meridians were blocked up and he wouldn¡¯t live past twenty, these personal guards should¡¯ve originally been abandoned. Although they wouldn¡¯t be revoked, it was impossible to deploy any resources. Yet, aside from his awful martial strength, Tianheng had other aspects which were equally astonishing. As a result, these two hundred Tianlong Guards were instead trained by him into a top-notch and loyal barrier. They became his followers who were loyal unto death.

    Gongyi Tianyang was the second son, and his disyed aptitudes weren¡¯t that extraordinary. Thus, his personal guards only numbered one hundred. Tianhe and Tianyin¡¯s aptitudes were somewhat inferior to Tianyang, and they weren¡¯t part of the n Head¡¯s bloodline. However, because they were considered remarkable talents, each of them could have as many as fifty personal guards.

    Merely, whether if it was Tianyang, Tianhe, or Tianyin, even though their personal guards were loyal, the guards didn¡¯t perform with such willing eptance as the Tianlong Guards. Although these personal guards were rather powerful, the disparity wasn¡¯t smallpared to the Tianlong Guards, who were strong in all aspects.

    ¡ª How couldn¡¯t they be envious?

    But they also knew that this was due to their insufficient experience and that their capabilities couldn¡¯tpare to the eldest brother. If they wanted to make their own guards strong enough, they needed to constantly draw experience from the eldest brother¡¯s actions in re-educating his Tianlong Guards. When they officially became members of Qingyun Sect, they would also transfer their guards here to provide assistance.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression swept over these few Gongyi n children and surmised their way of thinking. Hence, he smiled and said: ¡°The current Gongyi n already isn¡¯t the same as it was in the past. You all have followed me to Qingyun Sect, so your guards will have certainly been nurtured with great care in the n.¡±

    Tianyang and the others were made aware of this matter. Having heard what was said, they all nodded one after another: ¡°Yes, we understand.¡±

    After instructing these children, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t take anyone else along. Rather, he led Tianyang and rode a flying wild beast to leave Qingyun Sect.

    Right now, the destination they were headed towards was Deep River County. The region where the Mount An Bandit Gang wreaked havoc was within that county.

    Deep River County, on a mountain path just beyond the county borders.

    A youth with a gant appearance was in the middle of leading a flying wild beast with its wings folded away down the mountain path. Apanying him was a young man wearing a brocade robe. Hisplexion was so handsome that it could almostpete with the splendor of the sun and moon.

    The appearances of the two were somewhat simr, and it could be seen that this was a pair of brothers.

    ¡ª There was no doubt that they were Gongyi Tianyang and Gongyi Tianheng, who were on their way to eliminate the bandits.

    Ahead was the great Deep River County. Before entering any cities, all flying wild beasts needed tond and they couldn¡¯t cross over high altitudes. Thus, theynded ahead of time. This was also their intention of staying as low-profile as possible to avoid drawing people¡¯s attention.

    After walking for some time, they would soon reach the main road below.

    Suddenly, a burst of rustling noises could be heard. Following that, there were the sounds of urgent gasps and hurried footsteps. At the rear, there were even sounds of some qi energy and qi bursts being constantly used.

    Tianyang looked behind and his footsteps paused: ¡°Big brother, someone is being hunted down! Are we going to find cover?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Don¡¯t go out first. Take a look at the situation before anything else.¡±

    Tianyang made an affirmative sound, and pulled the wild beast several steps back to hide behind a boulder. This wasn¡¯t a very good hiding spot, but so long as they didn¡¯t make any noise, they wouldn¡¯t be too noticeable.

    Sure enough, those two parties in pursuit soon appeared before their eyes.

    The ones in front were two people: A man and a woman. They seemed like a brother and sister pair, who were blindly rushing down the path. Their strengths were only at the Meridian Condensing Realm. If it wasn¡¯t for their footwork being a little wondrous, they likely wouldn¡¯t have been able to outrun the people in the back ¡ª Then, the pursuers appeared. They were all Xiantian stage one martial artists, and there were as many as three people.

    Tianyang looked at the strengths of both sides, and his strained heartstrings loosened.

    No matter how one looked at it, it was impossible for this group of people to threaten them. Since it was like this, there wasn¡¯t any urgency. However, when Tianyang heard a string of wordsing from the pursuers in the back, his brows furrowed.

    ¡°The littledy still dares to run?¡±

    ¡°Your whole family died because of you. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just obediently offer yourself up? As we¡¯re in charge, you¡¯re lucky that we¡¯ve taken a fancy to you. Your constant running has done nothing but hurt others, and it¡¯s all your fault!¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t submit, even your brother will be ughtered!¡±

    At this time, Tianyang clearly saw that those Xiantian martial artists were simply ying with the bother and sister like a cat toying with a mouse. What was this about not being able to chase them? This was basically a deliberate ploy to drive them out! If they were on the mountain path, it was still possible to hide. Once they reached the main road, the two would be captured. It really couldn¡¯t have been more simple.

    Moreover, as he listened to the obscenities that filled those people¡¯s mouths, he also guessed about those guys¡¯ wicked intentions. For a moment, a surge of anger rose up from the bottom of his heart.

    However, Tianyang didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he cast his gaze to Tianheng.

    Tianheng faintly smiled at him: ¡°Perhaps we can obtain some clues.¡±

    Tianyang rxed his expression.

    Then, Tianheng said: ¡°Tianyang, I¡¯ll go capture those evildoers. You keep watch.¡±

    Tianyang understood, and nodded resolutely: ¡°I¡¯ll do my best!¡±

    Following which, Tianheng leaped out and his figure flickered. He¡¯d already appeared beside the brother and sister pair. Yet, he smiled at those three Xiantians in pursuit: ¡°Good sirs, it would be better to give this one some face. How about giving up?¡±

    Those three Xiantians saw Tianheng¡¯s sudden appearance, and they were slightly afraid. But after they found that Tianheng wasn¡¯t so imposing, the evil thoughts in their hearts emerged and they furiously shouted: ¡°We, the Mount An Bandit Gang, have work to do. Who do we need to give face to? Little boy, catch a hint and get lost! You¡¯re one person and we¡¯re three! Be careful where you stick your nose into, or else you¡¯ll lose your life! At that time, it¡¯ll be toote to regret!¡±

    That brother and sister pair saw this person who came to help, but the vignce in their eyes didn¡¯t lessen. They only withdrew backwards and didn¡¯t make any sounds.

    After hearing the words of the three Xiantians, the hope in the two¡¯s eyes dimmed. However, they still remained silent and only looked in all directions, trying to find an escape route.

    After Tianheng heard the words of those three Xiantians, his eyebrows moved: ¡°Oh? You guys are members of the Mount An Bandit Gang?¡±

    One Xiantian smiled malevolently: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Scared?!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s lips faintly curved. After that, his figure shed again and disappeared from his original location.

    The pupils of the three Xiantians suddenly constricted!

    So fast! To their surprise, they didn¡¯t discover how the other side had moved!

    Immediately following this, the three Xiantians almost simultaneously felt a rumbling buzz in their heads. After that, their bodies jolted, and they knew no more. Thest sounds that reached their ears was the muffled impact of their bodies falling to the ground...

    In just a split second, qi energy had shattered their heads and the three had died.

    That brother and sister pair originally wanted to run off. But then they discovered that the three evildoers who were doggedly pursuing them for so long had unexpectedly died so easily in the hands of that seemingly-youthful young man. Their heartbeats skyrocketed. For a moment, they didn¡¯t know if they should be happy, or concerned about the following matters.

    The brother and sister pair hesitated for a while. Nevertheless, they walked over and paid their respects to their benefactor: ¡°Many thanks for the rescue, senior...¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Please stand, you two.¡±

    At this point, Tianyang pulled the mount and walked out to stand beside Tianheng.

    After the brother and sister stood up, their appearances were revealed.

    They indeed should¡¯ve been a biological brother and sister pair, and their facial features were quite simr. But for some reason, the elder brother could only be said to be very gant. And when mentioning the word gant, he was still somewhat inferior to Gongyi Tianyang. And the younger sister¡¯s looks were astonishing; it could practically be said to be heaven-defying. Her tenderness and beauty had no equal... She could evenpete with some of the outstanding ¡°fairies¡± of Qingyun Sect.

    Lacking in strength and growing up with this kind of appearance, it was truly considered a disaster in this world.

    Yet, these two were being hunted down. Was it really only due to that younger sister¡¯s good looks?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch189 - The Ling Clan Siblings

    <h4>Chapter Ch189 - The Ling n Siblings</h4>

    After the brother and sister stood up, they exchanged nces.

    The elder brother said in a low voice: ¡°This younger generation shall bear this senior¡¯s great favor in his heart. It¡¯s just that we¡¯re being hunted down by bandits right now. To avoid implicating this senior, we¡¯ll say our goodbyes first. We hope this senior doesn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    That heaven-defyingly beautiful woman also observed the proper etiquette once again.

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at the two: ¡°Bandits? From what I heard just now, they imed to be members of the Mount An Bandit Gang. Just who are they?¡±

    That elder brother sighed, knowing that this senior didn¡¯t intend on letting them go right now. Although his mind still took precautions, he also had a clear view of things. He only moved his younger sister behind him and went to chat.

    ¡°This region...¡±

    Tianheng saw these two in such spirits, and faintly smiled: ¡°Never mind. My younger brother and I are currently heading towards Deep River County. You two can apany us to find a ce to settle down in advance.¡±

    The brother and sister didn¡¯t dare to object, and could only agree.

    Tianyang had a nk face: ¡°What are you two worried about? What kind of a person is my big brother, and how could he lust after some random woman? Rest assured, it¡¯s just a matter of asking questions!¡±

    That elder brother was somewhat embarrassed. But after looking at Tianyang¡¯s re and taking another look at Tianheng¡¯s looks, his feelings of worry for his younger sister had indeed lessened a bit.

    Following that, a group of four headed towards Deep River County.

    Of course, in order to prevent ater possibility of an armed chase, their steps were somewhat quick and there wasn¡¯t any tarrying. Merely, under Tianheng¡¯s rmendation, the outward appearances of that brother and sister pair were slightly altered using some medicaments.

    After the siblings changed clothes, the elder brother¡¯s appearance became average. It was the kind of look where one could toss him into a crowd and lose him. As for the younger sister, her slender waistline was padded with several articles of clothing. Her remarkably beautifulplexion had also be merely delicate and pretty.

    Hence, when they reached Deep River County¡¯s outermost city, the ones who appeared before everyone¡¯s eyes were a pair of impressive-looking brothers. In addition, there was a coachman and a maid.

    There were tens of thousands of this kind of configuration, which would never attract anyone¡¯s attention.

    After handing over the admission fee, the four immediately went into the city and stayed at a tavern. Tianyang went to order some dishes, and in the room, Tianheng pointed to the chairs in front of a table. He said: ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and talk.¡±

    That elder brotherposed himself, chose his words carefully, and opened his mouth with resentment in his eyes: ¡°This younger generation is called Ling Ziqi and my younger sister is called Ling Ziwei. We¡¯re the children of White Water Town¡¯s Ling n. Originally, my Ling n was considered arge first-ss n in White Water Town. In the n, there were seven to eight Xiantian powerhouses. Our family tree flourished with descendants. However, one day, a group of people came into the town...¡±

    ¡ª To be honest, this was a tale as old as the earth.

    White Water Town was ssified as a town of Deep River County. However, because it was located on the periphery and wasn¡¯t in the central zone, there weren¡¯t many people living there. Naturally, there also weren¡¯t many powerhouses. As White Water Town¡¯s number one n, the Ling n was considered to have protected this area for many years.

    Yet, the affairs of the world wouldn¡¯t always run so smoothly. On a certain day, for some unknown reason, a group of bandits came to this ce. What was even more unfortunate was that, on that day, the leader of this group just happened to catch sight of the blooming-moonlight beauty, Ling Ziwei!

    The bandits were lecherous and savage. At once, they went to ughter the Ling n, intent on sinking their ws into Ling Ziwei. However, the members of the Ling n were united. The seven or eight Xiantians acted together to drive out those bandits, and even managed to kill some of them.

    Unfortunately, these bandits didn¡¯t include all of the evildoers. Those evildoers who escaped brought back even more and soon exterminated the entire Ling n. And the Ling n wasn¡¯t a household that sold out its n members, so the entire n fought in a blood-soaked struggle. Because they understood that Ling Ziwei would fall into the bandits¡¯ hands and would suffer miserably, they allowed Ling Ziqi to knock her out and take her away. In the end, all that remained of the bloodline were these two droplets.

    After Ling Ziwei awakened, she was swept up in Ling Ziqi¡¯s flight from danger. Ling Ziqi once scouted for information and realized that the Ling n really didn¡¯t have a single survivor. They were aggrieved and heartbroken, but their strength was of no use. Ultimately, they could only continue to run away. Originally, they were going to Clear River City, but they didn¡¯t expect that they would be discovered before they could even get inside... Even though they again escaped quickly, they couldn¡¯t avoid being toyed with like a cat catching a mouse. Fortunately, they¡¯d just happened to meet the two brothers, Tianheng and Tianyang. Otherwise, the oue would¡¯ve been too horrible to contemte.

    When Tianheng finished listening, he faintly nodded his head: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Please, restrain your grief.¡±

    That Ling Ziwei had her head lowered the entire time, and Ling Ziqi¡¯s eyes were filled with sorrow and fury. He clearly had a deep hatred concerning the matter of the Ling n¡¯s extermination.

    After that, Tianheng didn¡¯t continue his line of questioning. The waiter bringing their dishes knocked on the door outside, and carried in several boxes of food. After cing them on the table, he withdrew. Tianheng divided a portion of the dishes and let the bother and sister take some away: ¡°If we sit together, I¡¯m afraid you two won¡¯t have much of an appetite. It would be better to return to your own room next door. You two should rest and recuperate.¡±

    When Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei heard this, they naturally gave their thanks again and left in this manner.

    Once the two departed, Tianyang said: ¡°Big brother, I feel that the words of those two are a bit problematic.¡±

    Tianheng wore a smile: ¡°Oh? Can Tianyang give me a detailed exnation?¡±

    Tianyang then said: ¡°First, although this Ling Ziwei was born extremely beautiful, I think it¡¯s a little fishy that she would be pursued so relentlessly by the bandit gang. Unless they were sex-starved ghosts... But even if they were sex-starved ghosts, they should¡¯ve gone in person to take her away. How could they let someone else snatch the beauty?¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t bat an eyelid: ¡°Second?¡±

    Tianyang continued speaking: ¡°Second, since they fled, they should¡¯ve been concealing their identities. Why were they so easily discovered? As for running into the enemy right outside the city, that kind of luck is really too terrible.¡±

    Tianheng asked again: ¡°And third?¡±

    Tianyang paused: ¡°...I don¡¯t have a third.¡±

    Tianhengughed: ¡°Third, when they were escaping, they didn¡¯t have any luggage with them, so they should have an inter-spatial tool on their bodies. Although inter-spatial tools aren¡¯t as rare on the Qingyun Continent as they are in the Cangyun Empire, they¡¯re still precious objects. That a small n with only seven or eight Xiantians could preserve one is already a point of doubt. At the very least, this proves that the Ling n¡¯s original foundations shouldn¡¯t be so shallow.¡±

    His gaze faintly moved: ¡°Tianyang is pretty good at seeking out the problem. After fleeing for a period of time, a beauty is still being painstakingly chased. After another period of arduous fleeing, she is suddenly found... Within this, there are still certainly some things that we don¡¯t know. Based on my conjectures, it should have something to do with the Ling n.¡±

    Tianyang looked on, pensively.

    Tianheng smiled and said no more.

    The Ling n¡¯s matter originally had nothing to do with them. What they wanted to know from the Ling n siblings¡¯ mouths was only information about that Mount An Bandit Gang. Merely, if they wanted to exterminate that bandit gang, it wouldn¡¯t work without a bit of strategy. For now, they couldn¡¯t ignore the matter of the Ling n. Moreover, perhaps they¡¯d have to borrow the identities of this brother and sister pair.

    In the blink of an eye, numerous ideas had already cycled through Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mind. The n to deal with that Mount An Bandit Gang was also slowly taking shape.

    Gu Zuo, who was far away in Danyun City, didn¡¯t know that his dear big brother was currently preupied with an especially daunting mission. With the power of one man, he had to get rid of an entire bandit gang. Right now, as a noble guesting from Qingyun Sect, he was hurrying to the Pill Battling Assembly¡¯spetition field.

    Due to the Pill Battling Assembly¡¯s rules, if any pharmacist won a spot in the top ten of the finals, then the organization that pharmacist belonged to wouldn¡¯t need to participate in the qualifying rounds of the subsequent Pill Battling Assembly. They could directly enter the more high-end finals.

    Thanks to the good fortune of the Qingyun Sect, Gu Zuo also only needed to participate in the finals.

    As such, on the first day of the Pill Battling Assembly, he was just here as a distinguished spectator.

    Thepetition field was veryrge. It was an enormous stone za with very many seats all around. However, with Danyun City as the host and since Qingyun Sect was on equal footing with them, it was only natural that they possessed the best seats. Next were some well-known powers in medicine refinement, which were all mostly seated close by. The other sections were distributed to the remaining powers based on their size, status, as well as theprehensive strength of the pharmacists who came to participate in the pill battles.

    As a contestant taking part in thepetition, Gu Zuo sat with Xu Lingxiu.

    The visibility from this ce was vast, and a panoramic view of the entire za entered his eyes.

    After some conventional introductions from the City Lord, the contestants who came to participate in the qualifying rounds took to the field one after another.

    And before they entered the field, they all had to hand over some gold as apetition fee.

    For example, low-level pharmacists paid one gold, mid-levels paid ten gold, high-levels paid a hundred gold, and so on... At the same time, those who weren¡¯t participating but wanted toe in to watch the battles also needed to hand over the same fees.

    Gu Zuo made a slightly helpless face.

    As it turned out, this wasn¡¯t free of charge?

    So many hade. Perhaps there was still a bit of profits to be made... Right?

    The other pharmacists, however, didn¡¯t object.

    As a pharmacist, if one couldn¡¯t even take out enough money for the entry ticket or to participate on the field, then this pharmacist basically had no ability. They might as well note to join in on the action.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch190 - The Qualifying Rounds

    <h4>Chapter Ch190 - The Qualifying Rounds</h4>

    It didn¡¯t take long for the pill battles to officially begin.

    Danyun City was considered rich and imposing. It had prepared a standardized pill cauldron for each individual. Everyone had exactly the same environment and would use exactly the same medicinal herbs to refine the pills, which basically removed the majority of any outside interference.

    This was also to maintain rtive fairness.

    Gu Zuo witnessed a venue filled with tens of thousands of pill cauldrons, which all burst with colorful red mes together. The heat radiated in all directions, and in the blink of an eye, the temperature of the entirepetition field suddenly rose.

    At first, the hissing noise of the herbs being dissolved only raged on within the pill cauldrons. However, there were many people here. That sound was also naturally greater, and had be so loud that it reverberated throughout the venue.

    This kind of spectacle was very big, but there also wasn¡¯t anything else worth seeing.

    Gu Zuopressed his psychic power to an extremely light weight. Then, like ayer of thin muslin, it enveloped the entire field. In a brief period of time, the scene of numerous pharmacists refining pills was taken into his mind.

    After that, his mouth gaped slightly.

    ¡ª Because, under the gazes of countless people, the pharmacists were too nervous. There were at least a few who failed to capture the right timing to fuse their medicinal pills. At that moment, the pill cauldrons exploded!

    This was like a chain reaction. One person blew up their cauldron, then another, and another. Among the pharmacists whose mental qualities weren¡¯t so good, a few dozen all blew up their cauldrons in session.

    Afterwards, these out-of-luck pharmacists could only dispiritedly withdraw.

    They were tragically eliminated!

    Soon after, when roughly a whole hour passed, this qualifying round ended.

    Perhaps it was because some pharmacists wanted to do even better, but in the end, they ultimately failed to refine the pills. Except for a minority who hurriedly finished just ahead of the deadline, others were eliminated.

    Next was to check the results.

    Here, it needed to be said that the medicinal pill used in the qualifying round was themonly seen Qi Generating Pill. On the whole, this was ssified as a low-level pharmacist¡¯s essential subject. On the Qingyun Continent, the ultimate number of formed Qi Generating Pills was reportedly nine pills. As such, during the qualifying rounds, if the number of refined pills was less than five, a pharmacist would be eliminated. Among these five pills, at least two had to be mid grade, or else the pharmacist would also be eliminated.

    It could be said that the stiptions wereparatively harsh, but at the same time, anyone who could do this really belonged to an outstanding batch of low-level pharmacists.

    At this time, the guards of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion concluded the round. An individual, who was in charge of several dozen others, soon summarized the achievements. After that, more than half were eliminated, leaving only three thousand people.

    Yet, the number of people was still too many.

    In that case, there would be a second qualifying round.

    Gu Zuo discovered that the three thousand people didn¡¯t leave. Instead, they switched to refining the Rejuvenation Pill.

    The Rejuvenation Pill was simrly ssified as amonly seen medicinal pill. Although it couldn¡¯tpare to the widespread usage of the Qi Generating Pill, it was also a pill that Houtian martial artists couldn¡¯t do without ¡ª It could be said that without the Rejuvenation Pill, the mortality rate of Houtian martial artists would have multiplied many times over. As far as pharmacists were concerned, the branch of techniques for the Rejuvenation Pill was also one they needed to grasp.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, there were still so many people.

    So to say, he just didn¡¯t understand. There would be an additional third qualifying round, right?

    This time around, it had be two types of medicinal pills being refined in session. From theirprehensive achievements, the top two hundred ces would be selected as the candidates who¡¯d enter the finals!

    The time for each round was one hour. If it was the previous two qualifying rounds, where one round had one pill, there was ample time. In this way, the third qualifying round was different for having two medicinal pills with a total of half an hour. If one wasn¡¯t a proficient worker and didn¡¯t have excellent skills, it would be impossible to finish refining them!

    Due to anxiety, the pharmacists who previously relied on their proficiency, but whose techniques weren¡¯t strong enough, all started to blow up their cauldrons.

    Banging sounds urred again and again. The more nervous one was, the easier it became to make mistakes. In a short period of time, there were already three or four hundred people who had already exploded their cauldrons.

    Among the remaining people, there were many who were drenched with sweat, many who were cautiously refining, and many...who had cards up their sleeves. Time quickly slipped by, and the results were out.

    After the final results were announced, Gu Zuo found that every pharmacist who entered the top two hundred was capable of refining a high grade medicinal pill. This was enough to prove that pharmacists from all corners of the world had flocked to the Pill Batting Assembly. This was even greater proof of Danyun City¡¯s foundations! In addition, the number of outstanding low-level pharmacists on this continent really wasn¡¯t small.

    Reaching this point, Gu Zuo then asked Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, didn¡¯t you say that anyone who participated in a round of pill battles would get a reward? Would those pharmacists who failed in the qualifiers also receive rewards?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s brows faintly furrowed: ¡°You still don¡¯t know even now?¡± But he didn¡¯t refuse to exin. Rather, he said, ¡°Danyun City has the Myriad Medicine Tower. It has a monopoly on all types of medicinal herbs, and holds many precious and rare things. Only, the medicinal herbs are limited, and not everyone can casually purchase them. Thus, that Myriad Medicine Tower has limited purchasing slips.¡±

    Gu Zuo was puzzled: ¡°Danyun City only has that Myriad Medicine Tower to sell medicinal herbs?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu stared nkly: ¡°Of course not.¡± He continued, ¡°There are medicine streets all over the city, and there are countless medicinal herbs on those streets. It¡¯s just that those ces test your eyesight when buying herbs. Also, you might not necessarily find enough good ones. The Myriad Medicine Tower has the City Lord¡¯s Mansion¡¯s seal of approval. The medicinal herbs within the tower are all the real-deal, and the product grades are usually pretty good. Also, itsprehensive variety is far superior to the various streets outside, and the stock of medicinal herbs is extremely bountiful. Therefore, everyone fights over the rights to make purchases in that Myriad Medicine Tower.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    Simply put, everything outside was just grocery stores, and the source of the goods wasn¡¯t necessarily reliable. However, the Myriad Medicine Tower was ssified as an officially approved store. It could be rated as arge supermarket for medicinal herbs with all kinds of guarantees.

    When one thought about it, medicinal herbs really weren¡¯t like other things. Ones with a guarantee were naturally more trustworthy. If it was Gu Zuo, he¡¯d also be willing to spend a bit more time to go to the Myriad Medicine Tower to purchase herbs.

    Soon after, Xu Lingxiu gave Gu Zuo a detailed exnation about the previously mentioned limited purchasing slips.

    Basically, this thing was considered aplementary item as well as a certificate to pass through the Myriad Medicine Tower. Overall, it was divided into four types: Iron slips, copper slips, silver slips, and gold slips. The range of application was from low-level pharmacist to high-level pharmacist.

    Generally speaking, low-level pharmacists usually could only obtain iron and copper slips, mid-level pharmacists would generally get copper and silver slips, and high-level pharmacists would get silver and gold slips. As for the specific type of permit slip one was able to obtain, that depended on the number of permit slips the City Lord¡¯s Mansion issued as well as the pharmacist¡¯s own strength.

    And how would a pharmacist prove their own strength?

    It was, of course, at the Pill Battling Assembly.

    Gu Zuo understood atst. The City Lord¡¯s Mansion of Danyun City really was good at making gimmicks. This entire time, not only did it raise up its own branding, it also attracted pharmacists from all over. It promoted sales and people¡¯s vanity, increasing their face. Ah, it was indeed a profiteer.

    But even if many could understand the inner workings at a nce, the conveniences it brought about still made them happy toply.

    As a result, during the Pill Battling Assembly, the rewards for the three qualifying rounds were as follows:

    Those who won the first round could receive an iron limited purchasing slip. The iron slip allowed a pharmacist to receive one herb as well as the privilege to buy ten herbs on the first floor. Those who won the second round got two iron slips, which equated to double the rewards. Those who won the third round received five slips, so the rewards were multiplied by five.

    In other words, the top two hundred among those low-level pharmacists could all obtain five stalks of medicinal herbs and the privilege to purchase fifty herbs. So long as they had money, there were no restrictions on the amount they bought ¡ª Even if they came from identical powers, the rewards would also beyered on top of one another!

    The Pill Battling Assembly was so user-friendly!

    These were the real benefits which made those many powers willing to send their pharmacists over ¡ª To seek fame and store up medicinal herbs.

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°These iron slips are...provisional?¡±

    They wouldn¡¯t go so far as to give a medicinal herb every time one went, right?

    Xu Lingxiu harrumphed: ¡°One can only get a cost-free medicinal herb once. However, all the iron limited purchasing slips still belong to the victors. With these slips, one can go to the Myriad Medicine Tower once a month. Every time, one may only purchase up to ten herbs. Any surplus iron slips can be given to others. The Myriad Medicine Tower recognizes the permit slips, but not the people themselves.¡±

    Gu Zuo then asked: ¡°In that case, how can the iron slip be obtained normally?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Maybe someone else could give it as a present. Maybe someone could use golden banknotes to buy it ¡ª But while it has value, there¡¯s no market for it. Maybe one could challenge the checkpoints of that Myriad Medicine Tower, but it¡¯s annoyingly strict.¡±

    So it was like this... Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Compared to all that, with the opportunity of the Pill Battling Assembly, one only needed to pass through a qualifying round to obtain it. It really was much more convenient than those other methods. Not to mention, there were free medicinal herbs. It wasn¡¯t surprising.

    As for the qualifying round for the mid-level pharmacists, two hundred people would simrly be selected. What those people would obtain were copper limited purchasing slips. Because the number of high-level pharmacists was low, there weren¡¯t any qualifying rounds. However, every time they won, what they could obtain were silver limited purchasing slips.

    In order for this Pill Battling Assembly to attract even more pharmacists to participate, it could be said that the City Lord¡¯s Mansion of Danyun City had grand designs. Ultimately, the medicinal herbs it gave out were but a drop in the ocean. In the end, regardless of how many permit slips were given out, those permit slips would all transform into the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s business turnover.

    No matter how one looked at it, there were no losses at all!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help giving a thumbs-up in his mind.

    ...He still had to praise this ¡°profiteer¡± again to express the feelings of admiration in his heart.

    Anyway, back to the Pill Battling Assembly¡¯spetition.

    After the top two hundred low-level pharmacists were decided, things were temporarily put on hold for today. Next was the qualifying round for the mid-level pharmacists. With regards to the number of people who came, there were seven to eight thousand, so three qualifying rounds were needed.

    At this time, the medicinal pills that needed to be refined were the Qi Linking Pill and the Revitalization Pill. There were basically no differences in the elimination methods with the ones for the low-level pharmacists. Moreover, in order to test the mid-level pharmacists¡¯ capabilities, each of the qualifying rounds were limited to one hour.

    After the three rounds passed, the ones chosen were still the top two hundred.

    When it was time for the high-level pharmacists to take the stage, the number of people suddenly decreased by a lot.

    Compared to the previous seven to eight thousand, there only remained a little more than one thousand people now.

    Although it was like this, it still elicited cries of rm from many people.

    One needed to know that while the number of high-level pharmacists among the great powers were many, it was considered pretty good for many small powers to have a single high-level pharmacist. Where could they witness so many high-level pharmacists gathered in one ce?

    Overall, it was very eye-catching.

    But what Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand was if these high-level pharmacists were overconfident in their own identities. They were refining in such a public area with so many people. If they lost, wouldn¡¯t they have felt like they¡¯d lost a bit of face...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s misgivings made Xu Lingxiu give out a coldugh.

    He scoffed and said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, how many of these so-called high-level pharmacists do you think have any genuine skill? Among some of them, in their lifetime, they¡¯re only able to refine one or two types of medicinal pills suitable for Immortal Realm martial artists. Regarding pills that are suitable for Xiantian martial artists, they can¡¯t bepared to you and me... Danyun City not giving them a qualifying round is already showing face to these high-level pharmacists.

    He continued: ¡°However, there really are a few talented high-level pharmacists. The great majority have long be valued guests of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. Just like our Qingyun Sect¡¯s Senior Sect Brother Li, they basically don¡¯t have to participate in the upingpetition. Rather, they¡¯ll directly enter the finals.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and looked again at those high-level pharmacists, who¡¯d just started refining pills.

    It seemed like... Oh.

    He also discovered that, during this round, the pills that the high-level pharmacists refined weren¡¯t set by the Pill Battling Assembly. Instead, the ones they chose...were the pills they were good at.

    Thinking about what Xu Lingxiu had just said, his expression became a little subtle.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch191 - Methods of the Pill Battles

    <h4>Chapter Ch191 - Methods of the Pill Battles</h4>

    Hearing what Xu Lingxiu said, Gu Zuo thought about it again. Suddenly, he didn¡¯t have such big expectations for thepetition between those high-level pharmacists.

    But in general, high-level pharmacists would always be better at medicine refinement than low and mid-level pharmacists. Among those of equivalent ranks, even if these high-level pharmacists were of mediocre quality, their techniques would certainly have some areas worth learning. Otherwise, they simply wouldn¡¯t have developed to this degree.

    After making his decision, Gu Zuo¡¯s originally subtle expression regained its normal look.

    In any case, since he was here, he¡¯d watch earnestly.

    Right now, he didn¡¯t discriminate against the capital of high-level pharmacists... Even high-level pharmacists who could only refine one or two Immortal Realm medicinal pills were the same.

    After all, he still couldn¡¯t refine one on his own!

    Gu Zuo adjusted his mentality, and when he looked at the field, it was done very carefully.

    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t look highly upon those people. It was the so-called situation where ¡°the amateurs watched the entertainment, while the professionals watched the methodology¡±. Other people would probably feel it was dazzling and particrly abstruse, but Gu Zuo could see that the cultivation methods and hand seals that the high-level pharmacists used were all rtively ordinary. Only by relying on proficiency and experience, and under the umtion of many years, were they barely able to make a breakthrough and stand firm.

    Among them, there really were some minor skills that raised the pill formation rate. It was just a pity that these skills werergely of no use to Gu Zuo. It was because the hand seals he practiced directly resolved these problems, and weren¡¯t like ordinary hand seals, which contained many roundabout methods. As a result, pharmacists needed to use minor skills to make up for these deficiencies.

    After an hour, all the high-level pharmacists stopped one after another.

    This time, the selection was moreplex, based on the degree of difficulty and product grade of every type of medicinal pill. In addition, the first two of the previous elimination rounds were done by martial artists. This time, it was the pharmacists ¡ª Even if they were Immortal Realm martial artists, aside from the likes of City Lord Xin who had an extreme understanding of medicinal pills, other people would basically have no way to conduct an evaluation.

    Finally, the top two hundred were also chosen.

    Merely, there was a mix of good and bad within the two hundred people. The discrepancies between first ce and two hundredth ce was ratherrge ¡ª This was the real difference between outstanding high-level pharmacists and rtively outstanding high-level pharmacists.

    At this time, the first day of pill battle qualification rounds hade to an end.

    The semifinals for the low, mid, and high-level pharmacists would be on the next day. As for these people¡¯s pill battles, the rules would differ greatly from the previous state of affairs.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat curious. He turned his head and asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, what are the rules for tomorrow¡¯s pill battles?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s eyes flickered with odd traces. Soon after, he said: ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you watch tomorrow.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard this, he sorted out his mood, and waited for the arrival of the second day.

    Ah, this was an exam!

    Also, it was a written examination... It was really unexpected.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help looking at the arrogant teenager sitting beside him: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, what are they testing?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu curled his lips: ¡°Just some general knowledge rted to medicine refinement. Pharmacists don¡¯t only need to refine medicine, they also need the ability to treat internal and external injuries. Through this assessment, the pharmacists are to select and match medicinal pills. If they can treat the many case studies written on that paper, they¡¯ll pass.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    As it turned out, it was testing points in knowledge. But would they have to put it into practice afterwards?

    The matter really was as Gu Zuo off-handedly mocked.

    After these pharmacists were finished answering the test papers, a grading period was temporarily arranged. Once the tests were finished, the top one hundred test papers were selected from each of the three pharmacist ranks. The remaining pharmacists were considered to have failed the theoretical exam.

    After this, an opportunity to act had arrived.

    At some point in time, three hundred sickly-looking martial artists and ordinary people emerged from the other side of the field. They were distributed in groups of one a hundred people to the three pharmacist ranks.

    The ones who appeared before the low-level pharmacists were Houtian martial artists and ordinary people. The ones who appeared before the mid-level pharmacists were mostly martial artists at Xiantian stage six or lower. And the ones who appeared before the high-level pharmacists were all martial artists who were above Xiantian stage six ¡ª After all, it wasn¡¯t so easy to gather over a hundred Immortal Realm martial artists with all sorts of ailments and injuries. The strength of the martial artists being used as patients would also be weakened somewhat.

    Gu Zuo continued to helplessly watch these pharmacists act like physicians, where one person treated one patient. Ah, they started with feeling the person¡¯s pulse. Ah, they used all sorts of methods to check the patient¡¯s condition. They pondered in an imitative fashion, and wrote down some medicinal prescriptions. Then, they instructed their newly-assigned medicine runners waiting on the side to bring back the herbs.

    Following that, among the necessary medicaments that the pharmacists diagnosed for their patients, if there happened to be some that they could refine by themselves, then they could do so. If they were unable, then they could only order the medicine runners to fetch the corresponding medicinal pills.

    The pharmacists had to treat their patients on the spot. If the patientpletely recovered, it was considered a pass. If the patient¡¯s condition wasplex and didn¡¯t recoverpletely, but there was a very big improvement, then it was also considered a pass. At the same time, if they only used the medicaments supplied by the City Lord¡¯s Mansion to treat the patient, their score would fall, and if they personally refined the medicinal pills, their score would rise.

    After such a tumultuous period, the top thirty were finally selected, bing the ultimate winners.

    They could enter the finals.

    After he slowly finished watching, Gu Zuo let out a long sigh.

    This was really...quite bothersome.

    Fortunately, it had finally ended.

    Just like this, the Pill Battling Assembly¡¯s second day was also conducted smoothly.

    Closely following this was the main event. The Pill Battling Assembly¡¯s finals.

    The third day.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat was a little fast.

    Atst, he would also be an active contestant and would represent the Sect when he took part in the pill battles... Merely, he didn¡¯t know who he would face today. What would be the methods for the pill battles?

    On thepetition field for the finals, there were still fifty to sixty people of each pharmacist rank remaining.

    These people either came fromrge powers with deep foundations, or emerged from innumerable battles with impressive skills. The level of brilliance in this pill battlepetition couldn¡¯t bepared to the previous two days.

    As one could well imagine, the number of pharmacists, and even martial artists, who came to watch the finals today were much greater.

    If one hadn¡¯t participated in thepetition, the cost of the tickets to enter wasn¡¯tparable to the previous few rounds. Moreover, even if someone paid a high price, because space was limited, it created a situation where tickets were in high demand ¡ª If one¡¯s luck was poor or they didn¡¯t have the right social connections, it was basically impossible to get into the venue.

    As apetitor, Gu Zuo entered the field along with Xu Lingxiu and Li Yunquan.

    Li Yunquan went directly to the right-hand side. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu arrived at the center field, and sat in front of medium-sized pill cauldrons.

    Correct. The standardized pill cauldrons used by differently ranked pharmacists had also changed.

    Then, Gu Zuo became aware of the details for today¡¯s assessment.

    ¡ª There wasn¡¯t any need for written examinations or anything like that. For the contestants of the finals, there would be genuine pill battles and patient treatment. In addition, while treating the patient, they had to use medicinal pills that they refined on their own. Otherwise, they would inevitably be filtered out. At that point, they would lose.

    Gu Zuo held his breath with rapt attention. First, he listened to the rules for those pill battles.

    Danyun City required that, during this bout ofpetition, the distance between the pharmacists¡¯ seats would be rtively close. They could also attack and defend against one another through pill refining.

    Methods of attack included the use of shing medicinal powers emitted by pill fragrances to blow up the opponent¡¯s pill cauldron. And defenses required pharmacists to smoothly refine their own medicinal pills under the effects of other pill fragrances, and so on.

    If one ultimately couldn¡¯t refine medicinal pills, it was simply impossible to obtain the patient whom they needed to diagnose and treat.

    After he finished listening to these rules, Gu Zuo looked all around.

    Fortunately, there were still a couple of people between him and Xu Lingxiu. If not, the people who came from Qingyun Sect would engage in ¡°friendly-fire¡±. However, individuals from other powers were also scattered about. In this respect, Danyun City was quite impartial.

    For the same reason, the pharmacists of the three different ranks were separated very far apart. This would prevent any mutual interference.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch192 - The Spirit Devouring Pill

    <h4>Chapter Ch192 - The Spirit Devouring Pill</h4>

    Attack and defense...

    Such pill battling methods were simply unheard-of. But for Gu Zuo, who possessed the secret method of psychic powers, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems with manipting the flow of medicinal power to rapidly produce medicinal pills. Only, since the rules were like this, it would be for the best that he attacked and had the essence of a ¡°fight¡± if he wanted to surpass others.

    Hence, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind began to calcte.

    He wanted to choose a medicinal pill that spewed medicinal power all over the ce and had intense reactions when refining. The best pills would be unstable ones... Of course, there were many pills that restrained one another. If he could sniff out the type of medicinal pills the pharmacists next to him were refining in advance, he could simply focus on selecting those pills... But there were at least four people surrounding him. The ones he most needed to handle were the two on his left and right. He couldn¡¯t guarantee that they would all refine the same medicinal pill. As a result, the selected pill had to be capable of affecting other pharmacists in arge area.

    After thinking about it in this way, ordinary pills weren¡¯t too reliable.

    In the end, the ones that were genuinely suited for ¡°fighting¡± were mostly the Paradox Pills ¡ª The Soul Pills, Trick Pills, and Poison Pills were all useable. Soul Pills required the extraction of souls from other living creatures, so it wasn¡¯t suitable here. The toxicity of Poison Pills could negatively affect other medicinal pills, so it actually could be chosen. The Trick Pills were a jumbled heap with too many applications to count, so it was also naturally feasible... In that case, it was either the Poison Pills or the Trick Pills, or he could simplybine both sides. He carefully pondered over this.

    After Gu Zuo hesitated for a while, he still selected the Trick Pill in the end.

    It would be a pure Trick Pill, without any poison.

    It wasn¡¯t because of anything else. Rather, while it could indeed thwart the nearby pharmacists if it contained poison, the refined medicinal pill couldn¡¯t be eaten. Maybe it would also have strong side effects, which wasn¡¯t too good either. In addition, a disciple of the magnificent Qingyun Sect would be refining medicinal poison in front of everyone. This, this would also inevitably cause a loss of face.

    After contemting for a little bit more, Gu Zuo finally picked a branch of medicinal pills.

    The name of this medicinal pill was the Spirit Devouring Pill.

    By just hearing this name, one would know that it wasn¡¯t a good thing. And as the name implied, the function of this pill was mainly to devour the spirit!

    If the thing devoured was a martial artist¡¯s true qi, then its name would be changed to the Qi Devouring Pill, but it didn¡¯t. The meaning of spirit devouring was to swallow up...the qi of a pill¡¯s medicinal spirit.

    Yes, swallowing a medicinal pill¡¯s spiritual qi wasn¡¯t the same as swallowing a martial artist¡¯s true qi. It was an archetypical type of item for trapping pharmacists. However, if it was only this, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have gone so far as tounching the Spirit Devouring Pill ¡ª Because there were some pills with analogous uses. After swallowing the spiritual qi of very many pills, it would explode. This was purely to harm others without benefitting oneself. It was specifically used to cheat others.

    Ah, but it wouldn¡¯t be good here, right? Although the pill wrecked others, it also destroyed itself. That would still result in a loss! How can it be used here?

    The reason why the Spirit Devouring Pill was stranger than ordinary Trick Pills was due to it being aposite-type medicinal pill.

    It wasn¡¯t known when some illustrious pharmacist genius invented such a medicinal pill. A dozen mutually-restraining herbs were used to refine a type of auxiliary pill¡¯s pill liquid. Meanwhile, the pharmacist then refined another medicinal pill to form the main pill¡¯s pill liquid. After that, by using an exquisite technique, the auxiliary pill¡¯s pill liquid encapsted the other pill liquid. And under the pharmacist¡¯s control, a two-in-oneposite pill would be formed. Thebination of effects was that Spirit Devouring Pill!

    Just as he thought of it, he acted. Gu Zuo swiftly instructed the medicine runner about the proper medicinal herbs he should fetch.

    It didn¡¯t take long for all kinds of medicinal herb fragrances to start wafting through the field.

    The medicine runners busily shuttled between the pharmacists, and the mes within those pill cauldrons were ignited andbusted with the start of thepetition.

    Of course, Gu Zuo had also roused the me underneath his pill cauldron to warm it up.

    The medicinal herbs to his side were divided into two batches. One batch was for refining the Revitalization Pill, which was suitable for Xiantian martial artists. The other batch was the materials for the Spirit Devouring Pill.

    The work methods of the Qingyun Sect pharmacists naturally caused many other powers to take notice.

    Above all, because today was the finals, the City Lord¡¯s Mansion had invited three Grand Elders of the mansion to appear. This was to conduct an urate judgment for this time¡¯s Pill Battling Assembly, and to obtain the fairest grading and ranking.

    Among the Grand Elders, there was even a Golden-Level pharmacist who was of the same rank as Xu Lingxiu¡¯s master in Qingyun Sect. After he appeared, the authority of this Pill Battling Assembly was that much stronger!

    Additionally, there were still many high-level pharmacists who hadn¡¯t participated in the Pill Battling Assembly. They possessed gold slips for the Myriad Medicine Tower and were very famous on their own. All of them tried to sit with the three Grand Elders. When they watched the pill battles, they also carried outmentaries and discussed the medicine refining processes of thosepeting pharmacists ¡ª This was simrly a big attraction for the Pill Battling Assembly. As far as these pharmacists were concerned, thesements and discussions were considered their own pill battles.

    Getting back to the main point.

    After all the pharmacists finished choosing their medicinal herbs, those spectating high-level pharmacists began to talk.

    One would only hear their engrossed chatter:

    ¡°That youngster is pretty good. Looking at the herbs he got, he should be refining the Cold Ice Pill. This pill is suited for martial artists who practice ice-attribute cultivation methods or martial skills. Although it¡¯s an esoteric choice, the refining process will emit intense, ice-cold qi. I¡¯m afraid the youngsters close to him will be out of luck.¡±

    ¡°You all look at that woman. The heat of the herbs she took is enormous. She should be refining the Scarlet Fire Pill, which suits fire-attribute martial artists. She¡¯s the opposite of that youngster refining the Cold Ice Pill. If they were sitting together, wouldn¡¯t that collision be interesting?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, very interesting. It¡¯s a pity that they¡¯re not sitting in the same ce. Thus, any impact will be somewhat small. However, whether it¡¯s the Cold Ice Pill or the Scarlet Fire Pill, the pill cauldrons of the surrounding pharmacists will be negatively affected.¡±

    ¡°How many cauldrons will they blown up this time?¡±

    ¡°Quick, look at that person. Is the thing being refined the Snake Saliva Pill? I¡¯ve heard that one needs the poison of a hundred snakes. However, even though the refined product is highly toxic, it¡¯s also a wonder pill used to counteract other poisons...¡±

    Such conversations were uttered, and many of the spectating pharmacists, who didn¡¯t understand what they were seeing, all had sudden realizations. They took the initiative to raise their many insights. The ones who were currently talking were pharmacists of virtue and prestige. While their words weren¡¯t vaunted as key principles, their words could let many people see the light. It deserved deep respect.

    The pharmacists currently on the field for the finals were the best out of everyone. Practically every person had a few tricks up their sleeves, and they absolutely couldn¡¯t be looked down upon.

    The spectatorsmented one by one, and each of them were in exuberant moods.

    Suddenly, a high-level pharmacist said with hesitation: ¡°That teenager seems to be refining a...Revitalization Pill?¡±

    Hearing these words, the other prestigious pharmacists all looked over, feeling rather astonished:

    ¡°The Revitalization Pill is a pill that can cure the majority of a Xiantian martial artist¡¯s injuries. Its effects are wonderful. Therefore, it mustn¡¯t be refined with other medicinal pills in the same cauldron, and it mustn¡¯t be polluted with other medicinal powers. Otherwise, the caldron will definitely explode.¡±

    ¡°He is refining the Revitalization Pill. When the people to his sides emit medicinal power, he¡¯ll suffer many negative influences.¡±

    ¡°By refining the Revitalization Pill, I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll be much harder for him to form the pill than it¡¯ll be for those refining other medicinal pills... Why would this youngster want to refine the Revitalization Pill?¡±

    Soon, some pharmacists recognized that the teenager was a Qingyun Sect disciple. He hadn¡¯t ever participated in any of the preceding qualifying rounds, and had directly entered the finals. Suddenly, someone guessed that this youngstercked experience. And because he was too young, he hadn¡¯t grasped that many pill prescriptions. Therefore, he had no choice but to use this. But it was also due to the teenager¡¯s young age that many pharmacists believed that it was already fantastic that he came to take part in the finals to gain experience and not achievements. It wasn¡¯t toote for him toe back five yearster to reveal outstanding talent.

    However, the high-level pharmacist who first discovered that teenager continued to speak: ¡°Everyone, if he¡¯s refining the Revitalization Pill, it seems there are a dozen more medicinal herbs than there should be.¡±

    When these words were spoken, everyone else fell silent.

    Ah, right. All the herbs for the Revitalization Pill that the teenager was refining were present, but there were still more than ten extra herbs. What did he want to do? Could it be that the teenager got the medicinal herbs wrong? It wasn¡¯t likely. If it was just refining the Revitalization Pill, the prescription wasmonly seen. In that case, there certainly wouldn¡¯t have been an error with the herbs. Or, could it be possible that it wasn¡¯t the Revitalization Pill? It didn¡¯t seem to be the case either.

    In an instant, these pharmacists became especially interested in the teenager who was refining the Revitalization Pill. On the contrary, they didn¡¯t care that much about the other numerous, outstanding pharmacists in the venue.

    This teenager who was being closely watched was naturally Gu Zuo.

    Indeed, the Revitalization Pill required a purer environment. However, as the Revitalization Pill acted as the main pill, would there still be concerns about impurity when the auxiliary pill¡¯s medicinal liquid encapsted it? It wouldn¡¯t be attacked or polluted by other medicinal powers at all.

    After selecting the medicinal herbs andposing himself, Gu Zuo directly threw quite a few herbs into the pill cauldron. The herbs sizzled as they melted into an extremely pure medicinal liquid and condensed.

    When it was about to be formed, Gu Zuo made another move, and threw out all the medicinal herbs for refining the Revitalization Pill.

    This kind of action immediately made those high-level pharmacists stare nkly.

    Soon after, someone frowned: ¡°Making trouble! He¡¯s really making trouble! Could it be that he considers this ce as a vulgar ptrap to please the crowds?!¡±

    Another felt it was interesting: ¡°He hasn¡¯t blown up the cauldron yet. Perhaps there¡¯s some other purpose?¡±

    Someone else muttered irresolutely: ¡°I haven¡¯t seen anything like this before. Now, let¡¯s see what that teenager intends to do.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s movements were considerably fast.

    Suddenly, all of the Revitalization Pill¡¯s herbs were turned to medicinal liquid and had gathered together. Following that, several medicinal herbs for the Spirit Devouring Pill were also thrown in. Theybined with the herbs of the auxiliary pill, which went in previously, and had also turned to liquid.

    If someone saw the current situation inside the pill cauldron, they would be able to see a transparent liquid ball as big as a pigeon egg as well as a ball of solidifying liquid as big as a thumb. Soon, the pigeon egg-sized liquid ball swiftly drew close to the thumb-sized liquid ball. There was an abrupt collision, and it wrapped the other up!

    At this moment, therge medicinal ball covered the smaller medicinal ball. Yet, as a whole, it still presented a beautiful amber color. And this amber color was the color of the Revitalization Pill. Because the exterior of thatrger medicine ball was colorless and inconspicuous, the amber color was contrasted and became even more lustrous, glossy, and beautiful.

    With such a spectacle, those high-level pharmacists were all somewhat dumbfounded.

    The cauldron hadn¡¯t exploded?

    In the end, what was that teenager doing?

    It seemed as if there was nothing special about it... Was it possible that the extra medicinal herbs that were put in weren¡¯t the least bit useful? Could it be that the teenager had intentionally chosen these herbs in order to please the crowds? Or should it be said that these medicinal herbs were merely to protect the Revitalization Pill? But if it was only this, while there was enough defending, there wasn¡¯t enough attacking. The idea was indeed new and original, but it was only new and original. It was out of the question to say that there was something worthy of a second nce...

    Yet, while the pharmacists were generating many conjectures, a strange matter urred the next moment.

    Above Gu Zuo¡¯s pill cauldron, a faint breeze seemed to have formed.

    In this outdoors environment, having a breeze blowing by was something that couldn¡¯t have been more normal. However, that wind nevertheless came from inside the pill cauldron. That was very abnormal.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch193 - Gu Zuoâ€™s Pill Battle

    <h4>Chapter Ch193 - Gu Zuo¡¯s Pill Battle</h4>

    That breeze became bigger and bigger. Some people slowly discovered that its directional flow was gradually changing from chaotic to a type of specific pattern. It had be the same as a whirlpool.

    At this moment, the whirlpool was still very weak.

    But very quickly, it seemed that there were many strange forces spreading from above the other pill cauldrons. They were quickly sucked into the whirlpool, increasing the whirlpool¡¯s proliferation!

    Whoosh, whoosh!

    The sound of the wind grew stronger and stronger.

    Although the cirction of those forces wasn¡¯t that obvious in the beginning, it had be clear in a very short time. Almost simultaneously, the pill cauldron of a pharmacist on the left suddenly started to shake violently. In the blink of an eye, it loudly exploded ¡ª Boom!

    That pharmacist beat a hasty retreat. Unfortunately, the medicinal pill that was originally close to being formed in the cauldron had already turned to fine powder. The pill cauldron had been thoroughly ruined.

    The pill refining had failed, so he could only leave.

    Additionally, a few pharmacists had also found that the insides of their pill cauldrons weren¡¯t in good conditions.

    Undoubtedly, the medicinal herbs had formed medicinal balls, and all of them were producing peculiar forces. If another short period of time had passed, they should¡¯ve been able to smoothly condense and form medicinal pills. Yet, it seemed like some external force had suddenly appeared. Unexpectedly, those medicinal balls were expanding and contracting, and the plentiful medicinal powers within the pill cauldrons also faded away at extremely fast speeds...

    If this continued, their medicinal pills would be wasted. At that time, let alone forming a pill, perhaps the pill cauldrons would also break. They¡¯d thoroughly lose the qualifications to continue in the pill battles.

    Subconsciously, these pharmacists raised their guards.

    They were also intelligent people. They were fully aware that their own pills were of no use. They promptly distinguished what the force being extracted was. After that, they rapidly replenished the identical herbs in an attempt to increase the medicinal power and to dy the failure of the medicinal pills. They didn¡¯t believe that the external force wouldst for too much longer. As such, so long as they endured this period, they could continue on!

    As for attacking...

    At this moment, they already didn¡¯t have any thoughts of attacking. Being capable of saving their forming pills and smoothly defending was also a type of victory.

    Of course, while there were some pharmacists on guard, there were also some who weren¡¯t.

    Immediately following this, another three or four pharmacists had their pill cauldrons blow up. The medicinal pills they were refining were alsopletely destroyed. They lost and withdrew.

    ¡°What, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°This old man has been refining medicine for over a hundred years, and I¡¯ve never seen such strange phenomena...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a Revitalization Pill. How could such a situation ur? Could it be the effects of those extra medicinal herbs?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the cause is, but it makes this old man very curious!¡±

    ¡°This old man also doesn¡¯t know...¡±

    But just at this moment, that resting Grand Elder, whose eyes had been shut the whole time, suddenly opened them.

    The ce where his vision swept over was also where Gu Zuo was located.

    ¡°This old man had once seen a type of medicinal pill in an ancient text. When refining it, everyone else refining pills within several meters will have the qi of the medicinal spirit sucked dry orid bare, or the pills will be wasted. It¡¯s extremely tyrannical. Merely, that pill¡¯s prescription has long vanished. I never thought I¡¯d get to see it today.¡±

    During the Grand Elder¡¯s speech, the other pharmacists had gone totally silent.

    Their ears heard two crucial points. One was qi of the medicinal spirit and the other was that it was seen in an ancient text and the prescription was long gone.

    Then, a high-level pharmacist asked: ¡°Excuse me, Grand Senior. What is qi of the medicinal spirit?¡±

    The Grand Elder murmured slightly: ¡°When any pharmacist refines medicine, medicinal power is sorted and condensed into the medicinal pill. During refinement, the essence that is continuously emitted is the qi of the medicinal spirit. The finer the pharmacist¡¯s technique, the more abundant the qi of the medicinal spirit. With this, the qi of the medicinal spirit can purify the medicinal pill. It can also help the pharmacist to reduce the conflict between herbs that have mutually restraining properties. Ultimately, one can obtain a medicinal pill of an even higher product grade.

    He continued: ¡°However, if the qi of the medicinal spirit dissipates during the refinement, the medicinal power¡¯s impact will blow up the cauldron or the pharmacist will be unable to continue purifying, turning the pill into a waste pill.¡±

    After listening to this exnation, the other pharmacists all understood.

    Following that, when they looked at Gu Zuo again, the radiance in their eyes was somewhatplicated.

    Such a young, teenaged pharmacist had somehow obtained the prescription for this medicinal pill, and just so happened to use it at this time. One couldn¡¯t help saying that his luck was extremely good.

    Afterwards, so long as he didn¡¯t make any mistakes while refining, he could obtain a rather high grade on the attacking side. And if he could ultimately refine a pretty good Revitalization Pill, he¡¯d have made considerable contributions on the defending side. His performance record would naturally be very good. Perhaps, he¡¯d have a spot on the final rankings.

    As for Gu Zuo himself, he was also sensing the effects produced by that Spirit Devouring Pill at this time.

    Not to mention anything else, one only needed to talk about the enormous medicinal power Gu Zuo sensed while performing his hand seals. While it wasn¡¯t as powerful as usual, this wasn¡¯t what concerned him. What genuinely shocked him was that the forces brought into the whirlpool were very simr to the medicinal qi he¡¯d been gathering all this time!

    Although,pared to that milky-white medicinal qi, it didn¡¯t seem as pure or dense. However, medicinal qi was medicinal qi. No matter how thin, it was still medicinal qi.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tensed up. While he refined the pill, he couldn¡¯t help inquiring within his Tianfu Acupoint: System, is the qi of the medicinal spirit actually just unformed medicinal qi?

    [Yes, host.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    It was just medicinal qi. Using the qi of the medicinal spirit as a recement... However, in the beginning, he also hadn¡¯t given it much thought. Now that he thought about it carefully, the formation of the medicinal pill was facilitated by a special force. The more a medicinal pill¡¯s process was perfected, the purer the qi energy it spilled out. Once it reached a fixed amount without even a trace of wear or tear, it would finally form medicinal qi. This was also a matter of course. So, wasn¡¯t medicinal qi just an abbreviation of qi of the medicinal spirit? In fact, it also wasn¡¯t that strange.

    Soon, Gu Zuo no longer pondered over this question. He continued to use his hand seals, and gave a passing rueful sigh at the Spirit Devouring Pill¡¯s tyranny.

    That¡¯s right. After the aforementioned whirlpool above the pill cauldron got bigger and bigger, low shouts from all around continuously echoed. Many vexed voices, angry voices, and unreconciled voices spread out.

    ¡°My pill cauldron!¡±

    ¡°The medicinal herbs are ruined ¡ª Completely ruined!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s ying tricks?¡±

    ¡°Damn it! What kind of medicinal pill could be so terrifying?!¡±

    ¡°Fuck! It actually failed!¡±

    ¡°Really bad luck...¡±

    Of course, the other pharmacists couldn¡¯t be med for theirints.

    Because, let alone the four pharmacists surrounding Gu Zuo, there were some even further away. With at least ten to twenty people within a ten meter range, most of them had their cauldrons explode under the Spirit Devouring Pill¡¯s effects. Not even one out of ten persisted, but the ones who were persisting wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to hold on for much longer.

    After all, Gu Zuo¡¯s Spirit Devouring Pill hadn¡¯t beenpletely refined yet.

    The members of numerous organizations couldn¡¯t helpining when they saw something amiss.

    It was stated that one would attack and defend during the pill battles, but the battles were so desperate and a little over the top...

    The two Qingyun Sect people who hadn¡¯t gone onto the field, Qiu Qian and Zhu Hong, were simrly in the middle of watching. Moreover, because the influence of the Sect was enormous, although they weren¡¯t high-level pharmacists, they could also sit in positions near the outer circle of that crowd of high-level pharmacists. They naturally heard the previous statements of the Grand Elder and the other pharmacists.

    It could be said that their moods were all over the ce ¡ª At first, they thought Gu Zuo had gone through the back door and hade over to serve as a stopgap. To their surprise, he had made good achievements again and again. In addition, he had stolen the show during the finals. To the Qingyun Sect, this was naturally a good thing, but for them, they couldn¡¯t help having a trace of jealousy.

    However, in the wake of the passage of time, the period for pill refining was approaching its end, and that side¡¯s discussions had started up again.

    The focal points of the discussions were still Gu Zuo and that medicinal pill he was refining.

    A high-level pharmacist sighed with emotion and said: ¡°This type of medicinal pill actually contains the prescription for the Revitalization Pill. It¡¯s really beyond our expectations. It¡¯s clear that all of our guesses just then were incorrect...¡±

    However, at this moment, the Grand Elder said: ¡°That¡¯s also not necessarily the case. The Revitalization Pill is the Revitalization Pill. That medicinal pill is that medicinal pill. If this old man hasn¡¯t seen wrongly, this should be... One pill supporting another pill. Ah, it¡¯s really an ingenious design!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch194 - A Top Grade Little Whirlwind

    <h4>Chapter Ch194 - A Top Grade Little Whirlwind</h4>

    If a bystander had said something like this, the numerous pharmacists would¡¯ve naturally treated it asplete nonsense. They wouldn¡¯t have been convinced at all. However, it was the Grand Elder who spoke this time. As such, not only did they believe it, they couldn¡¯t help gasping in surprise:

    ¡°¡ªIs what you¡¯re saying true?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Elder¡¯s meaning is that two medicinal pills were ced inside the same cauldron?¡±

    ¡°One type supporting another type. Could it be...¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s really like this, wouldn¡¯t that subvert all previous knowledge?!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see what kind of Revitalization Pill that teenager ultimately refines!¡±

    The majority of pharmacists were crazed researchers. Hearing about such an extraordinary thing, their curiosity rose. They were itching to make Gu Zuo finish the pill refining immediately so they could capture and ask him to properly exin. What was the principle behind his refining of this medicinal pill? What they wanted to know even more was the product grade of a pill refined in such a way!

    Unwittingly, Gu Zuo¡¯s limelight had grown brighter. Although there were many pharmacists who were still prominently revealing their own skills, and while some medicinal pill reactions were very badass, none of them were as good at drawing everyone¡¯s attention as Gu Zuo ¡ª Or to say, aside from the pharmacists who sat rtively far away and hadn¡¯t heard the Grand Elder¡¯s words, practically all the high-level pharmacists were awaiting Gu Zuo¡¯s results!

    Such a grand asion hadn¡¯t been seen for many years.

    Sitting high above, City Lord Xin also sighed in his heart.

    He absolutely never expected that the unremarkable Qingyun Sect teenager, whom he hadn¡¯t paid attention to at first, could stir up the situation here and rile the moods of the many pharmacists in pursuit of his refining techniques. Even the Grand Elder had treated him with favor as a result...

    This time, Danyun City had thoroughly lost.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo, who was sitting cross-legged on the field, didn¡¯t care how many people paid attention to him.

    One would know just by thinking about it. How could anyone be ignored after doing something with such great prestige? Right now, what he needed to do was to refine an especially good Revitalization Pill under everyone¡¯s gazes!

    Of course, while the Revitalization Pill wasn¡¯t originally limited to the refinement of a single pill, he could only make one pill with the addition of the Spirit Devouring Pill... Otherwise, the range of influence from the Spirit Devouring Pill wouldn¡¯t have been around ten meters. Rather, it would¡¯ve been tens to hundreds of meters!

    He didn¡¯t have any animosity with the pharmacists who filled the venue. Making everyone lose would¡¯ve been too aggressive. What¡¯s more, there was still Xu Lingxiu! As a result, this performance was already very good.

    Moreover, some things could cross public channels, which would raise the reputation of his dear big brother¡¯s Medicine of Life...

    Currently, Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t by his side. Gu Zuo himself could make some proper ns.

    Everything was for the sake of the two being able to live even better lives.

    The encapsted main pill¡¯s medicinal liquid was also in the middle of shrinking, and during the process of this shrinking, the color and luster became even more gorgeous and pure. None of the medicinal power leaked out. Instead, due to the continuous input of qi of the medicinal spirit, it had be even more consummate. It was clear and easy to see that a pure and extremely high grade medicinal pill was forming!

    This wasn¡¯t the first experience Gu Zuo had in refining such a pill. However, this was the first time he attempted this type of method. To him, it could be said that he found it very interesting.

    Gradually, only a single, thinyer of radiance from the auxiliary pill¡¯s medicinal liquid remained. The whirlpool above the pill cauldron had also be the size of a clenched fist. It wouldn¡¯t take long for the medicinal pill to be fully produced!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s hand seals transformed again and again. His fingers intertwined to form countless after-images.

    He absolutely couldn¡¯t make any mistakes at this time!

    Meanwhile, the numerous pharmacists on the viewing tform, whose moods had long stabilized like obstinate rocks, also had hints of fluctuations. They seemed somewhat...tense?

    Soon, a keen high-level pharmacist blurted out: ¡°Pill fragrance!¡±

    The other pharmacists also immediately sniffed:

    ¡°This pill fragrance...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very rich! Compared to those high grade pills, it¡¯s even more...¡±

    ¡°Is it possible that, is that, that¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive! Wait for the pill to form, and we¡¯ll naturally know then!¡±

    At this moment, Xu Lingxiu had just finished refining the medicinal pill on hand.

    What he refined was also a very powerful, magic pill. It was called the Falling Thunder Pill, and it was a medicinal pill that allowed one to evade thunder and lightning. When many martial artists practiced thunder-attribute martial skills and body cultivation methods, they needed to temper their bodies under heavenly thunder. And even if the martial artist had a valiant physical body, how could they withstand the might of the heavens? Thus, if one wanted to learn those powerful and mighty thunder-attribute martial skills and cultivation methods, they had to take analogous medicinal pills and use thunder and lightning to temper the body.

    Because this type of pill used medicinal herbs that were imbued with the power of thunder and lightning in environments with heavenly thunder, the refining process generated arcs of thunder and lightning. These arcs would dash into the pill cauldrons of other pharmacists, striking the herbs inside into g. Xu Lingxiu made use of this medicinal pill¡¯s properties to conduct attacks ¡ª As for defense? For this type of medicinal pill, offense was the best defense!

    After he sessfully refined it, what he grasped in his hand was a high grade Falling Thunder Pill. This time, he had done better than normal, which pleased him somewhat. When Xu Lingxiu received the pill and lifted his head, he discovered that the field¡¯s atmosphere didn¡¯t seem quite right. Those high-level pharmacists were all looking at...Gu Zuo?

    Xu Lingxiu was astounded, and also couldn¡¯t help looking over there at Gu Zuo.

    He just so happened to see the final bit of the whirlpool, which was formed from qi of the medicinal spirit, suddenly drop down into the pill cauldron. That pill cauldron produced a long groaning noise, and then a dense pill fragrance struck everyone in the face!

    Under everyone¡¯s watchful eyes, an amber colored medicinal pill shot out from within the pill cauldron. It was precisely received into Gu Zuo¡¯s hand. He spread out his palm and that pill glittered resplendently. Soon after, the brilliance was contained within, and it shone with a special type of beauty. Its color was pure, its scent was clean, and its qi energy was dense.

    Someone couldn¡¯t restrain their emotions and shouted out: ¡°Top grade¡ª¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no mistake! That¡¯s a top grade medicinal pill!¡±

    ¡°A top grade Revitalization Pill!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s actually top grade...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so rare! It turns out to be refined like this!¡±

    Those high-level pharmacists clicked their tongues in praise.

    The other spectators heard the two words ¡°top grade¡± and couldn¡¯t help raising their heads and looking around. They hated that they couldn¡¯t immediately go to see. What kind of top grade medicinal pill was it? Their rmed voices were naturally even more resounding.

    At any rate, there were many pharmacists who had sharp ears and keen eyes. When everyone was crying out in surprise, thepetitors heard what happened one after another. In a split second, because someone was too amazed, they neglected their medicinal pill, which was about to be formed. A trembling hand performed a hand seal incorrectly, and the pill cauldron suddenly exploded. In short, quite a few more pharmacists were eliminated.

    But whatever the case, the matter of Gu Zuo refining a top grade Revitalization Pill seriously set off huge waves on thepetition field!

    After Gu Zuo withdrew his hand, he raised his eyes slightly. At once, he sensed the scorching gazesing over from all directions, and his face heated up a little ¡ª Also, this was the first time he¡¯d been stared at so much while ¡°isted and without help¡±. Suddenly, he longed to see his big brother again. What was he to do? If his big brother was here, Gu Zuo would¡¯ve just hid behind him.

    However, Gongyi Tianheng wasn¡¯t here. As a result, Gu Zuo, who had settled thispetition, could only sit in ce. He did his best to calm his state of mind and to ept these stares. In passing, he put that top grade medicinal pill into a jade bowl on the side, and ced the bowl next to the pill cauldron.

    Following that, those gazes all zoomed in and fell upon that jade bowl.

    Gu Zuo simply wanted to think that the owners of those gazes were itching to throw themselves over and snatch the top grade Revitalization Pill to get a closer look...

    He sat on pins and needles as another short time passed. Atst, the period of pill refining had ended.

    At this moment, not only Gu Zuo sighed with relief, those high-level pharmacists also sighed with relief. The whole time, they wanted to look at the top grade medicinal pill, but they had to restrain themselves so that they didn¡¯t disturb the other pill battling pharmacists.

    ¡ª At longst, they could start thementary!

    Only, even though they wanted toment, they still had toe one by one.

    The numerous high-level pharmacists promptly turned their heads and looked towards the first group.

    Correct. They still needed to start from the low-level pharmacists¡¯ results...

    The finals deserved to be called the finals. The medicinal pills that the low-level pharmacists put forward were all very powerful. The ones who were able to protect themselves amid the pill battle melee had refined at least mid grade pills. After attacking others, particrly outstanding ones were able to refine high grade pills!

    But what kind of experience did high-level pharmacists have? It was only natural that they quickly determined the rankings for this group. And then, they swiftly changed directions toward the second group¡¯s pill battling contestants.

    Gu Zuo felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise up.

    This was probably...the cost of refining a top grade pill?

    The high-level pharmacists had upright expressions. As before, they quicklymented on the members of this group.

    After reaching mid-level, the standards of those medicinal pills had a qualitative leap. As a result, the pills refined by those pharmacists ahead of Gu Zuo all somewhat illustrated the extraordinary skills of each pharmacist. Moreover, the intrinsic quality of each pill was also very high.

    Among them, the most remarkable one was undoubtedly Xu Lingiu¡¯s Falling Thunder Pill. This pill¡¯s color was a deep purple like a ball formed of Thunder Fire. As it rested in the hollow of his palm, the contrast with his fair hand seemed both beautiful and stunning.

    Another person¡¯s medicinal pill also wasn¡¯t inferior to the Falling Thunder Pill. It was the Vermillion Bird Pill refined by the son of the City Lord, Xin Bailin. This pill¡¯s shape was perfectly round and its color and luster was gorgeous. When ity in his hand, it gave people an iparably noble feeling like a firebird.

    In clear voices, the two talked about their own refining techniques. Although the details weren¡¯t recounted, after the overall process was revealed, it let others see their foundations and strengths.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s heart was also pleased. If it wasn¡¯t for his exemry performance, he would¡¯ve been slightly inferior to Xin Bailin. But that didn¡¯t happen, so it was already considered a partial victory.

    Just when the two were trying to decide who was better, it was finally Gu Zuo¡¯s turn with his Revitalization Pill!

    Unlike the Falling Thunder Pill and Vermillion Bird Pill, which were magnificent just from hearing their names, the Revitalization Pill was merely amon treatment pill that the majority of mid-level pharmacists were familiar with. At this time, however, it appeared very different in this ce because it was a top grade pill! A top grade pill that high-level pharmacists and even Golden-Level pharmacists had an extremely difficult time refining!

    Like every medicinal pill before it, this top grade Revitalization Pill was presented for numerous judgments andmentaries. They almost loved this medicinal pill too much to part from it, but after each individual checked, everyone doubtlessly dered that it was a top grade pill!

    Gu Zuoposed himself. Within everyone¡¯s lines of sight, he opened his mouth to exin the refining process of this medicinal pill.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch195 - The First Segment

    <h4>Chapter Ch195 - The First Segment</h4>

    ¡°I previously obtained the inheritance of a pharmacist. Although I only encountered the remains of the elder, I still revere him as my master.¡±

    First, Gu Zuo briefly exined the history that his big brother helped him fabricate. After appropriately showing a slightly regretful look, he continued speaking: ¡°Within my honorable teacher¡¯s inheritance, I obtained some pill prescriptions and methods for medicine refinement. The medicinal pill I refined just then is the Spirit Devouring Pill. It can also be called the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method.¡±

    Numerous pharmacists all felt that they¡¯de to a sudden realization.

    As it turned out, he received an ancient inheritance! It was no wonder how such a young one knew so much...

    Afterwards, they had a stronger interest in the so-called Spirit Devouring Pill and the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method.

    Gu Zuo cleared his throat: ¡°The Spirit Devouring Pill was originally a type of method to harm others without benefitting oneself. It destroyed other medicinal pills, but it couldn¡¯t be a pill on its own. My honorable teacher believed that although this method was ingenious, it was inevitably wasteful. Therefore, through painstaking research, he developed a method for one pill to support another pill. The Spirit Devouring Pill became the auxiliary pill, while the nurtured medicinal pill became the main pill. When the auxiliary pill absorbed qi of the medicinal spirit, it supported the main pill by eliminating the main pill¡¯s impurities and raising the main pill¡¯s aptitudes.

    ¡°Through this process, the main pill is often capable of achieving high grade and even top grade. One can draft the main pill¡¯s prescription, but it won¡¯t work if it¡¯s excessively violent. For example, the Revitalization Pill and the Qi Linking Pill have gentle tempers, so they can be used. While the Explosive me Pill and others like it won¡¯t work...

    ¡°But because my honorable teacher¡¯s realm was limited back then, the researched Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method could only refine medicinal pills suitable for martial artists below the Immortal Realm. If it reached the Immortal Realm or above, the medicinal properties would likely conflict, and the pill prescription of the Spirit Devouring Pill would need alterations. Before my honorable teacher passed away, he wasn¡¯t able to figure it out...¡±

    The surrounding pharmacists all listened intently to this generalized speech. Even that Grand Elder wished that Gu Zuo kept going.

    Why did he wish that Gu Zuo would keep going? Because Gu Zuo only talked about the medicinal pill¡¯s origin and function. Many people also saw the required medicinal herbs, but the specific refining process was all done within the confines of the pill cauldron. It was impossible for outsiders to know. Other people also hadn¡¯t witnessed the things that needed to be paid attention to. If they wanted to figure things out on their own, then the energy they¡¯d need to waste would be astronomical.

    Unfortunately, this method was one that Gu Zuo inherited from his ¡°honorable teacher¡±. Everyone else couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    However, they also knew that if they possessed this kind of method, they could use it to refine many top grade medicinal pills! As for the other pills that would be worn down? That wasn¡¯t important. Being able to facilitate top grade pills was absolutely worth some wastage. After all, wasn¡¯t it usually impossible to seed in refining a top grade pill even if lots of medicinal herbs were used?

    At that moment, the minds of quite a few people started to scheme.

    It was only natural for pharmacists to want to research. And when the masters of every organization thought about the benefits this method would bring... In an instant, they looked at Gu Zuo with gazes that hid veiled intents, which made him shiver from head to toe.

    Merely, Gu Zuo had long known that he would attract a certain amount of envy after revealing his abilities. However, he was currently backed by the Qingyun Sect, the refining method for the top grade pill was limited to below the Immortal Realm, and it consumed a lot of resources. As a result, there wouldn¡¯t be any situations of acrimonious piging. And so long as pretenses weren¡¯t shed, there was no need to worry.

    Sure enough, those greed-filled gazes were quickly withdrawn. After the probing expressions were turned away, they reluctantly restrained themselves.

    At this time, the high-level pharmacists again judged the pill batting achievements of those mid-level pharmacists after Gu Zuo. Undoubtedly, no matter what novel ideas they disyed or what skills they performed, they still couldn¡¯t surpass Gu Zuo¡¯s finished product.

    After all the ranks were dered, no one raised any objections. Because while the Grand Elder listed the rankings, he also spoke clearly about the reason for each rank.¡±

    For example, there was Xin Bailin and Xu Lingxiu. Due to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s extraordinary performance, the standards of the medicinal pills the two people refined were equivalent. The speed of sessful refining was also the same. However, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s age was several years younger. When no judgments could be made on the other aspects, this was considered the criterion for a narrow determination.

    And first ce had even less controversy.

    What Gu Zuo refined was a top grade pill! When no one else could refine a top grade pill, he did. Even if his attacks and defenses during the pill battles weren¡¯t good ¡ª Let alone that his attacks had caused dozens of pill cauldrons to explode and his defenses blocked all negative influences on the Revitalization Pill¡¯s refining ¡ª One could say that he fully deserved to be in first ce!

    As such, Gu Zuo had arge lead during the first segment.

    Although Xu Lingxiu and Xin Bailin didn¡¯t refine top grade pills, they were formidable opponents for each other. They couldn¡¯t help exchanging nces. They prepared to score a victory over the other during the next segment.

    Immediately following this was thementary for the high-level pharmacist pill battles.

    Only, after Gu Zuo¡¯s brilliant disy, the high-level pharmacistmentary, which originally should¡¯ve been the most wonderful, didn¡¯t attract the attention of too many people. There was nothing to be done. Who among them was capable of refining a top grade medicinal pill? It was hard to avoid having thements of those judges feelingckluster.

    Hence, the rankings were soon obtained.

    After that, the second segment was finally starting.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s performance shocked everyone during the first segment. His performance during the second segment also became the focus of everyone¡¯s attention.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time Gu Zuo gave someone treatment. However, there was only a single individual whom he gave treatment to. As a result, he didn¡¯t have much experience on the whole. Right now, his heart was also a little tense.

    But as long as he maintained his lead this round, he would be ok. His overall score wouldn¡¯t be too bad.

    Currently, there were only thirty-two mid-level pharmacists remaining on the field. They needed to treat patients, and the patients¡¯ realms were normally between Xiantian stage one to stage six.

    The Pill Battling Assembly urred once every five years, and Danyun City had clearly made ample preparations. After this segment started, a row of patients suddenly entered in a single-file line. They arrived in front of the numerous pharmacists individually.

    ¡ª Those with discerning eyes could even discover that the symptoms of each patient were all different. Regardless of who was being sent to who, everything was rtively fair.

    Gu Zuo looked at the patient in front of him. It was a young man with a paleplexion. His body¡¯s qi energy was intermittent. Though it didn¡¯t seem that he was beyond saving, it was indeed very serious.

    After seeing Gu Zuo, the eyes of that young man shed with a trace of disappointment.

    Gu Zuo knew that this young man felt he was too young.

    But the young man¡¯s attitude wasn¡¯t vile at all. On the contrary, he was refined and courteous: ¡°May I ask for this distinguished pharmacist¡¯s surname?¡±

    Gu Zuo was also polite: ¡°This one¡¯s surname is Gu. You may call me Gu Zuo.¡±

    The young man said: ¡°Greetings, Pharmacist Gu. This one is Qi Lin. I¡¯m a member of the Qi n¡¯s Dojo close to Qingliu City. My body suffers from a deep-seated problem, and I¡¯vee seeking medical treatment. I ask that Pharmacist Gu can assist me.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded at him: ¡°Young Master Qi, you mustn¡¯t resist. This Gu will take your pulse.¡±

    Qi Lin extended his hand without the least bit of resistance.

    Qi Lin and the others¡¯ arrivals acted as exam questions for the numerous pharmacists during thepetition. They were all patients with serious illnesses. They either didn¡¯t have the capability to request a better pharmacist for diagnosis and treatment, or ordinary pharmacists had no way to treat them due to the illness being too rare. Ultimately, they took advantage of this opportunity and sought out Danyun City.

    At this stage, the pharmacists in Danyun City would first examine the symptoms. If they found that it was within the range of diagnosis and treatment, the ill would be given a choice. Either pay a huge price for treatment, or act as a patient during thepetition ¡ª Of course, if they were willing to act as a patient of thepetition, even if thepeting pharmacists gave poor treatment, Danyun City would provide a thorough and free-of-charge treatment as a follow-up.

    With such preconditions, there were many people who were willing to act as patients.

    After all, they were the patients for the finals. None of the pharmacists who were giving them treatment would be inferior. It was basically impossible for them to perish from the treatments. And so long as they didn¡¯t die, even if thepeting pharmacist had no way to cure them, wasn¡¯t there still Danyun City afterwards? It would all be worth it eventually.

    It was also due to this situation that, although Qi Lin felt that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t be able to treat him, he still did whatever Gu Zuo said. He truly was very cooperative.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know about Qi Lin¡¯s way of thinking. After palpating Qi Lin¡¯s wrist, he directly sent his psychic power inside.

    Today was different from the past. In those days, he needed Gongyi Tianheng to rx and cooperate if he wanted to do this. But right now, Qi Lin¡¯s strength was only Xiantian stage four, which was one stage lower than his own. The thread of his psychic power silently and effortlessly probed the state of Qi Lin¡¯s body without discovery.

    After two or three cycles, Gu Zuo loosened his hand.

    The circumstances of Qi Lin¡¯s body were alreadypletely within Gu Zuo¡¯s grasp.

    One shouldn¡¯t look at Qi Lin¡¯s outward appearance and assume he was just a bit weak. His internals were...

    Many bones were fractured, many meridians were broken, and there were quite a few ces that had remnant forces...

    This was really tragic.

    After thinking about it, Gu Zuo immediately started asking: ¡°Young Master Qi, did you fight with someone three months ago? Did your opponent use a saber for a weapon?¡±

    T/N: This is thest normal-length chapter for now. Following this will be another batch of double-length chapters. Expect the usual changes to the updating schedule.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch196 - The Ultimate Victor

    <h4>Chapter Ch196 - The Ultimate Victor</h4>

    When Qi Lin heard this, his face revealed an astonished expression: ¡°How did Pharmacist Gu know?¡±

    After he blurted this out, he realized that he had asked without thinking. How did this pharmacist know? Naturally it was diagnosed after taking his pulse. This was also proof that this person had some skill.

    But despite this diagnosis, it wasn¡¯t certain that Gu Zuo was capable of curing him. Qi Lin still didn¡¯t have hopes that were too high.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t concerned about what Qi Lin was thinking. Through his confirmation, he started pondering.

    It could be said that Qi Lin¡¯s injuries were both simple andplicated.

    The simple cause of those symptoms wasn¡¯t unexpected. It was due to his battle with that very same person. Through the opponent¡¯s martial skills and long saber, saber qi had entered his body and collided with his flesh and internal organs. At the same time, it was also due to the opponent¡¯s saber qi and strength that Qi Lin¡¯s meridians and bones were broken, causing the saber qi to roam freely even faster, which led to the current oue ¡ª However, all these symptoms originated from a single person, which was easier than had ite from very many people.

    As for theplicated parts, during the treatment process, Gu Zuo had to expel the saber qi, heal the internal injuries, mend the meridians and reconnect the bones, and finally nurse the guy¡¯s health so he could recover back to normal.

    While this n shouldn¡¯t have been very challenging, it was mired in minor details. It would leave a novice worn out and exhausted.

    Qi Lin look on at Gu Zuo who hadn¡¯t spoken for a while, and thought that this Pharmacist Gu really had no way to help. However, he still maintained proper etiquette and asked: ¡°Would Pharmacist Gu be able to treat my symptoms?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and nodded: ¡°I can.¡±

    Qi Lin was startled.

    ...He could?

    But he soon calmed down and said: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to trouble Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo saying that he could cure him wasn¡¯t a lie. Perhaps it could also be said to be good luck. There were many things that Qi Lin¡¯s injuries required, and as it just so happened, Gu Zuo had everything. Merely, since it was a pill battlepetition, it¡¯d be better for him to refine on the spot.

    After formting a clear treatment program, Gu Zuo immediately had Qi Lin sit across from him. Meanwhile, he instructed the medicine runner to promptly fetch the medicinal herbs.

    There were many pharmacists who were just as fast in diagnosing their patients¡¯ symptoms and getting their herbs as Gu Zuo. In particr were the high-level pharmacists on that side. Because of their abundant experience, their speeds were even faster.

    Within a short period of time, almost all the pharmacists were in action.

    Gu Zuo settled himself and concentrated. The pill cauldron was quickly warmed up, and the herbs for the first type of medicinal pill were thrown in.

    This was the Meridian Replenishing Pill, which was one of the prescribed medicines.

    The Meridian Replenishing Pill was ssified as a pill that Gu Zuo frequently refined, and he was very skilled at refining it. Not a momentter, the Meridian Replenishing Pill was already produced. Only, in order to protect his secret, the number of formed pills was controlled to two or three, and the product grades of each pill was between mid grade and a mid grade that approached high grade.

    After he finished refining it, he quickly received the medicinal pills and started refining the second type of pill.

    The second type was the Bone Replenishing Pill. It was simrly a pill that Gu Zuo had refined before and was in great demand at Medicine of Life. One could see from Qi Lin¡¯s case that breaking bones and rupturing meridians were an all toomon fact of battles between martial artists. As a result, it was a matter of course for the medicinal pills to sell so well.

    After the Bone Replenishing Pill was finished, there were twopletely new types of medicinal pills.

    Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t refined these two types before. They were picked out from previous recollections. However, he needed to be careful when refining them because the cauldron would explode if he lowered his guard.

    The first type was called the Life Resurgence Pill. It was a medicinal pill that specifically treated internal injuries. In this aspect, it was better than the Revitalization Pill¡¯s effects. However, its range of focus was internal injuries, unlike the Revitalization Pill, which could basically treat almost all wounds.

    Gu Zuo refined carefully until he produced four mid grade Life Resurgence Pills, which were attentively received by him.

    Next was the medicinal pill that had to be used first in the treatment n, but was also the mostplex. It was the Evil Dispelling Pill.

    This type of medicinal pill specialized in expelling heterogenous energies. Saber qi, sword qi, and other types of qi ¡ª All of them were within this categorical scope. It was just that, if the product grade was inadequate, then it would be very painful during the expulsion process and final results might also be rtively tragic.

    Gu Zuo was cautious and prudent, and only obtained two mid grade pills.

    This signified...that Qi Lin would have to properly suffer in a while.

    While working hard and bustling about, Gu Zuo intentionally slowed his speed, and spent a little more than two hours to finally finish refining the four types of pills. The refining of other pharmacists weren¡¯t necessarily as troublesome as his, so his speed could only be said to be neither fast nor slow. He just happened to keep up with most of the group.

    Gu Zuo himself didn¡¯t think about it, but those pharmacists who¡¯d been paying attention to him the entire time all showed very different expressions.

    ¡°Ah, that teenager¡¯s level of mastery is indeed impressive...¡±

    ¡°Look at that. Just now, his diagnosis was extremely fast and all of the medicinal pills being utilized are all unexpectedly being personally refined. It goes to show that his foundations are robust and he¡¯s rather experienced.¡±

    ¡°In the inheritance he gained, there are probably many discourses about his master¡¯s experiences.¡±

    Another person muttered: ¡°If Elder He says this, perhaps that Junior Gu Zuo also has a n in advance. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have refined as such.¡±

    The others also said: ¡°It should be like this.¡±

    Qi Lin, who sat across from Gu Zuo and waited to be treated, was already dazzled.

    Because he had been backstage the entire time, he didn¡¯t know that Gu Zuo had set off waves with his top grade pill. Right now, it was only natural to be shocked by the speed of Gu Zuo¡¯s diagnosis and pill refining efficiency.

    Could it be that he really had underestimated the other party?

    Qi Lin only thought that, even if this young pharmacist couldn¡¯t cure his illness, he was worthy of attention based solely on his ability to refine quite a few medicinal pills so quickly.

    Hence, his attitude immediately straightened out from the bottom of his heart.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t discover the change in Qi Lin. After deliberating again for a bit, he said: ¡°Young Master Qi, I¡¯ll ask that you take this pill first.¡± As he spoke, he handed over the Evil Dispelling Pill, ¡°This pill is called the Evil Dispelling Pill. It can expel the saber qi within Young Master Qi¡¯s body. Only, there may be some pain. I hope that Young Master Qi will properly endure it. You mustn¡¯t lose consciousness. Otherwise, not all of the effects of this pill can be brought out. We¡¯ll only be able to stop the treatment halfway, and start from the beginning again.¡±

    Qi Lin heard this, and his heart trembled.

    He didn¡¯t dare neglect anything, and immediately took the offered Evil Dispelling Pill. After taking a deep breath, he swallowed it.

    In the blink of an eye, a gout of de-twisting pain spread throughout his whole body as if there were many steel knives probing into him. Inch by inch, he was engulfed by this pain as it stirred through his flesh and organs. He almost wanted to curl up like a shrimp, and shout out wordlessly.

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed. After the pain ¡°scraped¡± through him, he sweated profusely, drenching his clothes. At the same time, the pain slightly alleviated. Subsequently, there was an unexpected, rxed kind of feeling ¡ª The former feeling of his entire body being destroyed, where saber qi rampantly crumbled his bones and ruptured every inch of his meridians, had actually vanished at this point!

    Qi Lin gasped huge mouthfuls of air, and barely managed to stand up.

    At this time, he believed in the words of this Pharmacist Gu. Sure enough, after taking that Evil Dispelling Pill, there was some pain, but the saber qi within his body had already been expelled. His body naturally still had wounds and his true qi also wasn¡¯t operating well, but he was doing far betterpared to before, when it felt like his body was carrying a heavy burden at all times.

    After that, Qi Lin found another medicinal pill appearing in front of him, making him stare nkly: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, this is?¡±

    He then discovered that his voice had weakened a little.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°A Life Resurgence Pill. After eating it, your internal injuries will be much improved.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Qi Lin took the offered pill.

    Suddenly, a warm current roved throughout his body. Wherever it passed, the internal organs and flesh were soothed, and the feeling of wounds everywhere had also instantly disappeared.

    He realized that he really had improved greatly. Although he still had some difort, those ces weren¡¯t located in his organs or flesh.

    Again, Gu Zuo handed over a Bone Replenishing Pill: ¡°Bear with it, and ept this Bone Replenishing Pill.¡±

    Qi Lin swallowed it, and his fractured bones soon began to itch. The ones that originally had cracks healed automatically. While he had many broken bones, there weren¡¯t any that werepletely snapped among them. Thus, the bones didn¡¯t need to be joined back together by hand, and the bones were smoothly regenerated.

    Following which, Gu Zuo gave him the Meridian Replenishing Pill.

    Once Qi Lin took it, it felt as if his ruptured meridians had spiritual awareness. An attractive force was promptly generated at the openings of the ruptures, reconnecting the originally separated meridians. The nearly withered ruptures, which originally hadn¡¯t received any sor, were rapidly moistened, bing plump, tenacious, and vigorous.

    With just these four medicinal pills, Qi Lin felt that his body¡¯s ailments hadpletely disappeared. Aside from the fact that being ill for several months had led to deficiencies in true qi and qi and blood, he unexpectedly didn¡¯t have any ces that felt ufortable.

    His grave illness had gone away...just like that.

    Qi Lin gave a rxing sigh. Facing Gu Zuo, he saluted Gu Zuo with one hundred and twenty percent sincerity. He said: ¡°Many thanks for your miraculous skills and forpletely healing me, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Are there any other ces where you feel ufortable?¡±

    Qi Lin shook his head, his expression was unclouded: ¡°No. Pharmacist Gu¡¯s medical expertise is exceptional. There aren¡¯t any ces that are out of sorts.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought things over. He flipped his hand, and gave two medicinal pills: ¡°I won¡¯t leave my work half-finished. Here is a high grade Qi Linking Pill and a high grade Snowy Ginseng Pill. Both are pills that I¡¯ve refined previously, and have nothing to do with the treatment. However, they can improve yourplexion somewhat. You¡¯re naturally aware of the Qi Linking Pill¡¯s usefulness, which can replenish your long dried-up bone pearls. The Snowy Ginseng Pill is a blood replenisher. After you take these two medicinal pills, you¡¯ll be able to immediately regain the true qi and qi and blood you haven¡¯t been able to replenish during this period. There¡¯s no need to do anything else.¡±

    Qi Lin naturally thanked him again and took those two medicinal pills.

    Following that, he sat in meditation. At once, his wan expression, which was initially healing a bit from the serious illness, had be rosy. It seemed that his qi and blood was now exuberant and energetic. He was practically one hundred percent healthy!

    Gu Zuo was very satisfied with his own treatment n.

    His luck also wasn¡¯t bad to have encountered a patient who didn¡¯t require any long-term treatment. As a result, he directly eliminated the root cause of the illness. When it was time tomentate on his performance, this would be very advantageous.

    Amid the process of Qi Lin¡¯s treatment, those high-level pharmacists watched on and inwardly nodded.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s treatment method was very suitable for the illness. Wasn¡¯t it as if Qi Lin hadn¡¯t received any injuries at all? This showed that none of those medicinal pills were used incorrectly. Moreover, the ¡°judges¡± could also easily determine that thest two pills Gu Zuo had given were simply adding flowers to a brocade. The four preceding pills were the real treatment, and these four pills were ones that Gu Zuo had refined on the spot. It could be said that he had gone above and beyond inpleting his task. From start to finish, it was on-site treatment... Such judgments, such responses, and such speeds were all certainly worth high marks.

    After Qi Lin was cured, Gu Zuo looked at the others¡¯ treatments.

    Xu Lingxiu and Xin Bailin were also quick to make their diagnoses. However, in the end, Xin Bailin had richer experience. The speed of his treatment was faster, and he was even more sensitive when refining medicaments. Xu Lingxiu was just a bit inferior, but he was the same as Xin Bailin and had mostly cured his patient. All that was left was the slow recovery process, where on-site treatment wouldn¡¯t be able to eliminate the root causes.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s treatment was considered fast among this group. One after another, the remaining pharmacists alsopleted their treatments.

    Besides a small number of pharmacists who weren¡¯t able to make definitive diagnoses, most of the pharmacists knew what the symptoms of their patients were. However, despite knowing what it was, while a portion was able topletely cure their patients, another portion could only mostly cure them. Reaching the end, the disparities between their performances were also veryrge.

    From the previous pill battles to the current treatments, Gu Zuo had done fabulously for both segments. Atst, when it was time to announce the results, City Lord Xin wore a smiling expression as he read aloud:

    ¡°Tenth ce... Seventh ce...¡±

    ¡°Fifth ce...¡±

    ¡°Third ce, Qingyun Sect¡¯s Xu Lingxiu.¡±

    ¡°Second ce, Danyun City¡¯s Xin Bailin.¡±

    ¡°First ce, Qingyun Sect¡¯s Gu Zuo!¡±

    Because Xu Lingxiu had a slight upper-hand during the first segment and Xin Bailin had a slight upper-hand during the second segment, it caused the rankings between them to be somewhat indeterminate. But after the numerous high-level pharmacists discussed it, the Grand Elder made the final decision, allowing the more experienced Xin Bailin to take second ce.

    On the contrary, there wasn¡¯t the slightest bit of dissent for Gu Zuo taking first ce.

    Because each segment¡¯s victory had its rewards, especially during the finals, the awarded materials were also particrly generous.

    For the time being, low-level pharmacists and high-level pharmacists won¡¯t be discussed. Let¡¯s talk about the mid-level pharmacists. Of the top ten people in the final ranking, tenth ce to fourth ce would get one stalk to seven stalks of precious medicinal herbs, respectively ¡ª They could go and choose them arbitrarily inside the Myriad Medicine Tower. Third ce could get eight stalks of precious herbs and a silver limited purchasing slip. Second ce could get nine stalks of precious herbs and a silver limited purchasing slip. And what the leader in first ce could get was ten stalks of precious herbs as well as a gold limited purchasing slip!

    It was absolutely rare for a mid-level pharmacist to obtain a gold limited purchasing slip. After so many years, whenever it was time for the Pill Battling Assembly, those in first ce who could obtain such slips were usually the same few people. One could imagine that basically no dispatched gold slips were grasped in the hands of mid-level pharmacists!

    In everyone¡¯s sights, Gu Zuo took the gold limited purchasing slip from City Lord Xin¡¯s hand. He felt the heavy weight in his hand, and many notions appeared deep in his heart.

    If it was like this, then he shouldn¡¯t face the slightest obstructions inside the Myriad Medicine Tower, right?

    ...He needed to spend lots and lots of money! He needed to do his best to buy lots of necessary medicinal herbs for when he returned!

    Now, let¡¯s talk about Gongyi Tianheng and Gongyi Tianyang, who were tasked with eliminating bandits. After saving the Ling n siblings, they seemed like ordinary people who were sightseeing. During the day, they went out to stroll around, and in the evening, they returned to the tavern. They basically didn¡¯t reveal anything off about them.

    The Ling n siblings also knew their ce. At the present time, they acted as a coachman and a maid. They both acted in ordance with their identities. It was probably due to them knowing that they temporarily had no way to leave, and the two siblings didn¡¯t deliberately raise any issues. Merely, the looks they asional exchanged allowed people to see that their hearts still had a hint of apprehension.

    Originally, Tianyang didn¡¯t know why his family¡¯s big brother wanted to waste so much time, but when he asked Tianheng, Tianheng only smiled and said: ¡°Wait.¡±

    Hence, Tianyang simply restrained the thoughts in his mind, and apanied his family¡¯s big brother in waiting.

    And when the two brothers went out in the daytime, they weren¡¯t only taking strolls.

    Tianheng quickly ascertained some gray areas in this Clear River City that weren¡¯t fit to see the light of day. In addition, he also scouted out some information ¡ª For matters like this, so long as one found the right ce, it was easy to reach one¡¯s objectives with the help of golden banknotes.

    At the same time, indications appeared within this city of secret searches for the Ling n siblings.

    Although the other party¡¯s identity wasn¡¯t exposed, Tianheng had already discovered their tracks by chance. From what could be seen from their performance, those people weren¡¯t walking along the righteous path.

    Apart from the Mount An Bandit Gang, who else could have a feud with the Ling n siblings at this time?

    Tianheng automatically inquired for information, and it was done even more seamlessly.

    Otherwise, if even the tiniest trace was discovered by the other party, it would be the same as beating the grass and scaring the snake.

    Meanwhile, in ordance with Tianheng¡¯s instructions, when Tianyang asionally chatted with his brother, he¡¯d mention the present restlessness of the Mount An Bandit Gang. He would remind the Ling n siblings to properly conceal themselves, that they had to prepare a disguise at all times. When going out, they needed to be careful in order to avoid being taken advantage of by the bandit gang.

    Under the ceaseless erosion of such information, the Ling n siblings became ever more fearful and apprehensive as time passed. It was to the point where they were like birds startled by the mere twang of a bow.

    Atst, there came a day when the brother and sister pair were unable to endure it any longer. When it was night, there was a knocking at the entrance of Tianheng¡¯s room.

    Presently, Tianyang was in the room receiving Tianheng¡¯s pointers. After Tianheng heard the knocks on the door, the corner of his mouth faintly curled up, revealing a smiling expression.

    The Ling n siblings entered.

    Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei exchanged nces. The two seemed to carry a type of mentality where there was no turning back. They opened their mouths: ¡°Seniors... No, benefactors.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng lightly lifted his hand: ¡°If there¡¯s something on Young Master Ling¡¯s mind, just speak it.¡±

    Ling Ziqi took a deep breath: ¡°Would this benefactor...be interested in the Mount An Bandit Gang?¡± He carefully scrutinized Tianheng¡¯s facial expression, ¡°May it be assumed that this benefactor is enemies and not friends with the Mount An Bandit Gang?¡±

    Tianheng looked at Ling Ziqi. His gaze was serene and deep. At this moment, that handsome young man, who was normally graceful and good-natured, had suddenly be unfathomable. No one could see through his state of mind.

    Ling Ziqi¡¯s words were caught in his throat. Immediately following which, he slightly lowered his eyes: ¡°Benefactor... Has this younger generation guessed...¡± He raised his head with a bit of difficulty, ¡°Have I guess correctly?¡±

    Tianheng smiled, but his smile couldn¡¯t be seen through: ¡°Correct. I am indeed enemies and not friends with the Mount An Bandit Gang.¡±

    Ling Ziqi¡¯s heart was ddened, and his face carried such an expression.

    Ling Ziwei watched her dear elder brother acting in such a way, and she simrly carried an extremely beautiful smile.

    Ling Ziqi had his mind put at ease, and his words were also smooth and unhindered: ¡°Benefactor, me and my younger sister are irreconcble enemies with that Mount An Bandit Gang. If this benefactor also can¡¯t get along with them, don¡¯t overlook the skills of me and my sister. We two are ready to offer our humblest strengths to avenge our nsmen!¡±

    Tianheng heard this, and faintly raised an eyebrow: ¡°With the strengths of you two, how could you possibly help me?¡±

    Embarrassment shed across Ling Ziqi¡¯s face.

    He was also aware that the strength of him and his younger sister was of no use. If such standards really encountered the members of the Mount An Bandit Gang, let alone helping their saviors, they would basically be two huge burdens.

    Yet, on the contrary, Ling Ziqi seemed to make up his mind, and he opened his mouth: ¡°The two of us can do nothing else, but that Mount An Bandit Gang will chase us relentlessly. If this benefactor is interested, we can act as...bait.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Oh? Bait?¡±

    His gaze suddenly fell onto Ling Ziqi¡¯s face, whose heart trembled: ¡°Since you two want to participate, shouldn¡¯t you tell me about that matter you¡¯ve been concealing?¡±

    Ling Ziqi was rmed.

    His mind promptly thought of something. After thinking it over, he immediately clenched his fists.

    He was momentarily filled with regret. But then, he had second thoughts, and seemed to understand that the thing he¡¯d been hiding should¡¯ve been long known to the other party... Presently, his mind was in a disarray. At one moment, his mind shed with being entrusted by his father prior to his death. The next moment, he remembered the ocean of blood and deep enmity resting on his shoulders. For a time, his mind was overgrown with distracting thoughts. He didn¡¯t know what the right thing to do was.

    To talk or not?

    If he did talk about it, would it save the lives of this brother and sister pair?

    But if he didn¡¯t talk about it, would other things happen that would make it even harder for him to protect his sister?

    He wavered back and forth, hesitant and indecisive.

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t worried. He simply sat down, and took out a cup of tea to sip.

    He wasn¡¯t in any rush...

    The Ling n siblings would make the most correct choice.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch197 - The Myriad Medicine Tower

    <h4>Chapter Ch197 - The Myriad Medicine Tower</h4>

    Ling Ziqi hesitated for a long time before finally stating: ¡°This matter is of great importance. It¡¯s the secret which my Ling n has passed down over countless years. Originally, if the Ling n was able to thrive to a certain degree, this secret would¡¯ve been revealed to the light of day. No one expected that after so many years, not only was my Ling n unable to rise up again, it was instead brought to the brink of extinction due to all kinds of reasons. If I don¡¯t speak out about it, I¡¯m afraid the secret will follow me and my sister to the grave. It¡¯s lucky that we¡¯ve encountered our benefactor. Telling our benefactor this secret is much better than letting those despicable and shameless bandits know...¡±

    Amid these brief words, many secrets were revealed.

    He had spoken so much, and while his heart was still unreconciled, there were also some feelings of having a burden begrudgingly lifted from his shoulders.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°It seems that the matter of the Ling n still has many secrets. Since you two have ced your trust in me, I won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±

    Ling Ziqi heard Tianheng¡¯s assurance. Although there weren¡¯t any vows or anything like that, the confidence in his tone made Ling Ziqi trust him even more.

    Hence, after Ling Ziqi catingly patted the back of Ling Ziwei¡¯s hand, he began to slowly narrate the Ling n¡¯s secrets: ¡°Actually, the true cause of the Ling n¡¯s extermination isn¡¯t merely my younger sister¡¯s good looks. It was also due to someone the Ling n had once adopted. However, this traitorous white-eyed wolf bit the hands that fed it ¡ª That damnable Ling Tianen!¡±

    At that time, Ling Tianen was no more than a beggar who pitifully begged on the streets. When Ling Ziwei was young, she was very kindhearted. One day in town, she saw him nearly starving to death in the cold. She gave him some warm soup, which let him survive. Later on, by chance, Ling Ziwei saw the little beggar for the second time and discovered that he had fallen ill. Hence, she implored the bodyguard apanying her to give him medical aid, saving his life again.

    After several meetings, the Ling n felt this was a kind of destiny, and decided to adopt him. At first, it was nned to raise him as Ling Ziwei¡¯s bodyguard, but after discovering that the little beggar¡¯s bone structure was exceptionally good, they were happy to raise him as an adopted son of the Ling n. They also gave him the name Ling Tianen.

    The Ling n Head originally felt that they were brought together by fate, and that it was the grace of the heavens for the little beggar toe to their household. However, the Ling n, which considered Ling Tianen as one of their own, didn¡¯t know that Ling Tianen himself believed that the enormous favor of the Ling n was nothing but a sham. Otherwise, if he was considered one of them, why wasn¡¯t he given the ¡°Zi¡± character like Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei in the family hierarchy?

    Thus, from the beginning, Ling Tianen¡¯s way of thinking was abnormal.

    As Ling Tianen grew older, his strength became very powerful, and he entered Xiantian at a young age. Moreover, he treated Ling Ziwei very well, he was extremely respectful towards the Ling n¡¯s seniors, and he was friendly towards his peers. Gradually, there was no one who didn¡¯t like him. Yet on the contrary, Ling Ziwei, who was the closest to Ling Tianen at the time, became a little estranged from him. But overall, she was just not that intimate. She didn¡¯t loathe him.

    Ling Tianen slowly received the n Head¡¯s trust. It could even be said that, although Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t seem to adore Ling Tianen, he intended to let the two younger generations foster feelings for one another and for them to get married.

    ording to reason, this Ling Tianen shouldn¡¯t have sold out the Ling n ¡ª Even if he misunderstood the Ling n¡¯s attempt in securing his favor, he shouldn¡¯t havemitted such an utterly heartless act. Even in terms of benefits, it shouldn¡¯t have happened.

    Tianheng listened up to this point and raised an eyebrow.

    If everything was as Ling Ziqi had said, then Ling Tianen was too greedy and impetuous.

    However, there was never a shortage of such people.

    Sure enough, Ling Ziqi restrained his anger. After calming down, he took out a treasured sword.

    This treasured sword seemed to have a cold and threatening light. One didn¡¯t know what materials were used to forge it, and the feelings it gave a person were exceedingly extraordinary. If a martial artist used this treasured sword to confront an enemy, they could probably wield the sharpness of this spirit weapon to cut through the opponent¡¯s weapons. At that time, they¡¯d naturally attain victory.

    Of course, a spirit weapon with such a fine edge was something many people would want to obtain.

    Even Gongyi Tianheng, who was several meters away from that spirit weapon, could also detect the cold intents hitting him in the face. It was to the point that a few strands of hair floating in front of him suddenly broke apart amid the cold light that burst forth from that treasured sword.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help looking at that treasured sword with an appreciative gaze: ¡°Ling Tianen did all that in order to get this spirit weapon?¡±

    This kind of treasured sword was capable of raising thebat power of a martial artist by several levels. It could probably be used even at the Immortal Realm. But if the treasured sword existed in the Ling n, it was only natural that it was used by the n Head. There was absolutely no way that it would¡¯ve fallen into Ling Tianen¡¯s hands ¡ª Even if he was a child of the Ling n¡¯s bloodline, it would¡¯ve also been impossible. After all, he was merely a younger generation.

    Yet, while the treasured sword attracted Ling Tianen, if he cooperated with the bandits, the treasured sword wouldn¡¯t have necessarilynded into his possession. Rather than this, it would¡¯ve been better to have waited in the Ling n and married Ling Ziwei. After the Ling n Head became aged and senile, Ling Tianen would¡¯ve naturally had the chance to get it. This was better than bargaining with a tiger for its pelt.

    So, there should still be something else.

    Tianheng recalled what Ling Ziqi previously mentioned, about the secret the Ling n would¡¯ve revealed after reviving, and his heart couldn¡¯t help stirring.

    Ling Ziqi only nodded his head, then shook it: ¡°The spirit weapon is actually nothing more than a pretense. The true secret is something within the spirit weapon.¡±

    Tianheng inclined sideways, making a posture that prompted for more details.

    Ling Ziqi continued to speak: ¡°During ancient times, the Ling n was also arge n. Back then, because of all kinds of fortuitous encounters, my ancestor obtained a treasured secret key capable of opening the Martial Road Secret Realm. So long as that thing is brandished, one can instantly open the Martial Road Secret Realm. ording to the words passed down by my ancestor, that secret realm is actually the burial site of a Human King. It only permits martial artists below the Immortal Realm to enter. When ites into being, it¡¯ll certainly cause a great stir. And with eighteen entrances, seventeen of them will connect to fake graves. Only one connects to the true grave. The person with the secret key can take the earliest opportunity and directly enter the true grave by relying on the secret key¡¯s reactions...¡±

    Within the tomb of the Human King, there were countless treasures left behind by the Human King. No matter who knew about it, everyone would be covetous. And the most important thing was that there was still the Human King¡¯s inheritance inside! Once someone obtained that inheritance, there was a greater than fifty percent chance that they could be the next generation¡¯s Human King!

    No one knew what kind of rank the Human King was, but anyone who dared to use this title must¡¯ve had strength at the Atomic Realm or higher. Merely, among the scraps of information left behind by the Ling n ancestor, the people of the Ling n knew that once a Human King appeared, then the entire continent would fall under the rule of that Human King.

    After all, a Human King was the king of humanity!

    Information about the great tomb of the Human King was so important. But if the Ling n wasn¡¯t strong enough, even if they obtained the Human King¡¯s inheritance through all kinds of decisive opportunities, it would also be difficult to keep it. And if the Ling n revived, then a Ling n with the Human King¡¯s inheritance could develop even faster, bing a first ss, or even higher, power on the Qingyun Continent!

    What was even more important was that the person who obtained the inheritance was a talent nurtured by the Ling n. Otherwise, if an average person found the inheritance, it would be impossible to meet the inheritance¡¯s requirements to receive it ¡ª After all, that was an inheritance left behind by a Human King. It wouldn¡¯t allow any random person to inherit it. If it wasn¡¯t a talented individual, it would be hard to pass the test. This would squander the opportunity of that ancestor, letting other people get a free advantage.

    Only, after so many years, the Ling n either had talents without any influence, or it had influence, but the next generation was mediocre. They were always unable to reach a satisfactory level, causing them to dy the opening of the great tomb.

    Just like this, the Ling n hid its strengths and bided its time until now.

    In order to conceal everything, the Ling n ancestor hid the secret key within a spirit weapon. As a result, some people knew that the Ling n had a treasure that was passed down generation to generation, but they didn¡¯t know that it wasn¡¯t actually the treasured sword itself, but the priceless secret key of the great tomb!

    During this speech, Tianyang¡¯s face was full of shock. Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s gaze flickered slightly, and his heart beat vigorously for a while.

    Even Tianheng would¡¯ve never thought that the insignificant and tiny Ling n, which couldn¡¯tpare to the Cangyun Empire¡¯s Gongyi n, hid a secret that was so earth-shattering!

    Ling Ziqi continued to talk.

    The following matters were as expected. Ling Tianen didn¡¯t know about the matter of the Human King¡¯s great tomb, but after so many years in the Ling n, he vaguely knew that the Ling n had a hidden treasure. And the clues to that hidden treasure were concealed within the treasured sword that was passed down within the n.

    Ling Tianen wanted to obtain the treasured sword. He wanted to obtain Ling Ziwei. He also wanted to obtain the hidden treasure. He even wanted to grasp greater authority and higher martial strength... He was too greedy, so he colluded with that Mount An Bandit Gang. The so-called bandits fancied Ling Ziwei, but it was all an excuse. The true reason was that Ling Tianen had long colluded with the Mount An Bandit Gang to wipe out the Ling n and seize the most benefits!

    Ling Ziqi furiously said: ¡°That white-eyed wolf worked with those evil-doers, and suggested that he wanted to share the hidden treasure with them. At the same time, he also wanted to im my younger sister and the treasured sword.¡±

    Yes, Ling Tianen basically didn¡¯t know that the so-called clues to the hidden treasure were within the spirit weapon. He only thought that he could find the clues when he obtained the treasured sword. He wanted to get Ling Ziwei, and didn¡¯t have intentions of murdering her, which gave Ling Ziqi the chance to escape with her. It was also because Ling Ziwei was the woman Ling Tianen wanted to obtain that the lechers of the Mount An Bandit Gang didn¡¯t personally pursue them. Instead, they only dispatched their subordinates.

    All of the Ling n¡¯s misfortunes were due to this white-eyed wolf!

    The white-eyed wolf was saved several times by Ling Ziwei, so even though the real reason wasn¡¯t brought about by Ling Ziwei¡¯s beauty, she still felt very guilty. Because, if she hadn¡¯t had a kind heart back then, her father wouldn¡¯t have adopted Ling Tianen and the following tragedy of the n¡¯s extermination wouldn¡¯t have urred.

    Although, no one in the Ling n med Ling Ziwei.

    After everything was exined, Ling Ziwei, who covered herself so her features were merely pretty, already had reddened eyes with tears rolling down her face. Throughout her journey to escape, who could know the regrets in her heart?

    Ling Ziwei sobbingly said: ¡°At that time, as I got older, my good impression of Ling Tianen declined over the years. For some reason, I began to somewhat dislike and reject him. Now that I think about it, it should be that Ling Tianen¡¯s personality had be malicious. The others in the Ling n weren¡¯t as close to him as I was, so they didn¡¯t detect what I sensed... If I had told my feelings to father then, perhaps he could¡¯ve guarded against it sooner...¡±

    Ling Ziqi heard this and frowned. He ced his hand onto Ling Ziwei¡¯s dainty shoulder: ¡°Little sister, don¡¯t say such things. Back then, who could¡¯ve known that Ling Tianen had wolfish ambitions and was vicious to such a degree? This isn¡¯t your fault, and this also isn¡¯t our Ling n¡¯s fault. Ling Tianen has the heart of a wolf and the lungs of a dog. We just didn¡¯t see his true colors.¡±

    The brother and sister pairforted each other for a time.

    Ling Ziwei wiped away her tears, and Ling Ziqi also freed himself from his mournful state of mind.

    Tianheng calmly waited a short period of time before opening his mouth: ¡°What are your intentions now?¡±

    Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei nced at each other. Following which, Ling Ziqi offered the treasured sword with both hands: ¡°My Ling n is willing to offer the treasured sword and secret key to this benefactor. We only hope that this benefactor can...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was unmoved: ¡°There¡¯s no harm in telling me what requests you two have.¡±

    Ling Ziqi slowly said: ¡°We siblings indeed have two requests. This benefactor can select one of them...¡± He resolved himself and spoke forthrightly, ¡°First: If one wants to extract the secret key inside the treasured sword, they need a secret method. After wiping out that Mount An Bandit Gang and Ling Tianen, I¡¯m willing to take out the secret key on behalf of this benefactor. Second: I ask that this benefactor will give us a rmendation to enter this benefactor¡¯s subordinate organization. After we have learned a few things, we can apany this benefactor to challenge that secret realm together. We don¡¯t want the inheritance, but we¡¯ll look for a few lost treasures in the secret realm so we can avenge our parents and n members!¡±

    Mentioning these two requests wasn¡¯t excessive.

    The first request was directly asking someone to avenge them, and using the secret key as a thank-you gift. The second quest meant taking revenge on their own, but they also sought a rmendation. In the end, they¡¯d all challenge the secret realm together, and split the spoils.

    Both were worthwhile when considering Gongyi Tianheng.

    The Ling n siblings also had no other way. Just relying on the strength of their current realms, hiding from their pursuers was hard. Don¡¯t even mention relying on help from some organization ¡ª They had no social connections torge powers, and small powers had no way to protect them. Fortunately, they had encountered Tianheng. Ling Ziqi also had a good eye for people. Solely looking at Tianheng¡¯s bearing and the achievements he acquired at this age, Ling Ziqi knew that Tianheng must¡¯ve had significant backing, and they didn¡¯t know how much higher his aptitudes werepared to their own. In addition, the other party had saved their lives, and didn¡¯t have any inappropriate feelings for beautiful women. It could be seen that this wasn¡¯t a wicked and evil person... Without any other choice, they could only bet on him.

    Tianheng heard this, and his index finger tapped against the table. Apparently, he was in the middle of pondering something.

    For a time, the room¡¯s atmosphere had stagnated, and it seemed like the air couldn¡¯t circte. The Ling n siblings sat on pins and needles, but they didn¡¯t dare move or take a breath... Their heartbeats were fast, and they were incredibly nervous.

    Tianyang watched his family¡¯s elder brother acting this way, and also didn¡¯t show his feelings.

    Although they had decided on choosing the first request, he wasn¡¯t going to undermine his elder brother.

    When negotiating, whoever showed their cards first would lose, and whoever revealed their mistakes would get the short end of the stick.

    While he wasn¡¯t as good as Tianheng, he was also well-versed in these methods.

    A good whileter, Tianheng smiled inly: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll wipe out that Mount An Bandit Gang.¡±

    When these words were uttered, Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei couldn¡¯t help trembling slightly.

    Wiping out the Mount An Bandit Gang. This person spoke so lightly!

    When all was said and done, what kind of a person was he?

    After the rankings were settled, the Pill Battling Assembly¡¯s main event had basically ended.

    However, taking a trip here was rare. Could they have merelye here just to get onto the field?

    Absolutely not.

    As a result, numerous pharmacists wouldn¡¯t leave for at least ten days to half a month after the Pill Battling Assembly. They themselves could still conduct some small gatherings for sparring, discussing theories, and exchanging medicinal herbs they didn¡¯t have but the other party had. Or, old friends got together and gave pointers to the younger generations, and so on. In short, the ce was still bustling with excitement.

    Regarding Qingyun Sect, Xu Lingxiu took the initiative and led Li Yunquan to find Danyun City¡¯s City Lord. His goal was very simple. He wanted to thoroughly investigate the affair of Qingyun Sect¡¯s talents suffering an ambush again on their journey here. Moreover, he required that every organization,rge and small, that came here and anyone with intentions of leaving early had to be investigated before they could depart.

    This move could be described as quite overbearing. But firstly, Qingyun Sect¡¯s position was extremely high and its influence was very powerful, and secondly, the affair¡¯s nature was too vile. After the leaders of the small powers learned that Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples were attacked, they immediately lost any sense of security. Some people also recalled the matter from five years ago, and they felt that the attackers were deranged. Naturally, the majority was willing to cooperate.

    Hence, things started getting busy.

    Of course, all of this had nothing to do with Gu Zuo, Qiu Qian, Zhu Hong, and other such disciples.

    As a result, Gu Zuo got some free time during this period.

    To him, this was the time to go shopping.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care about anything else as he carried the gold limited purchasing slip that he personally obtained, and went straight to the Myriad Medicine Tower.

    There was no need to go to the small ces first. He hurriedly walked towards the ¡°big supermarket¡±!

    ¡ª The Myriad Medicine Tower wasprised of five floors.

    The iron slips, copper slips, silver slips, and gold slips all corresponded to the first, second, third, and fourth floors. As for the fifth floor, even a pharmacist possessing a gold slip wouldn¡¯t be able to casually go in. Because that ce was a warehouse that stored spirit medicines. All year round, Atomic Realm powerhouses defended and protected it. They were in charge of the fifth floor¡¯s security as well as the safety of the entire Myriad Medicine Tower.

    Generally speaking, only if it was a pharmacist who made an enormous contribution to Danyun City would they be able to go to the fifth floor and select some spirit medicines as a reward. Perhaps it was a person elsewhere who paid a huge price for spirit medicine, or there was some other reason where spirit medicine had to be taken out. Only then would a Grand Elder, or some other venerable personage who belonged to Danyun City¡¯s pharmacists, personally enter and take out the medicine.

    Naturally, the highest Gu Zuo could reach was only the fourth floor.

    However, as far as the current Gu Zuo was concerned, reaching the fourth floor was already enough. The spirit medicines one floor higher... In the end, what were spirit medicines?

    Just when he thought this, that system which hadn¡¯t moved in a very long time, suddenly stirred.

    It unexpectedly issued a mission?

    [Side Mission: Collect the required medicinal herbs for one hundred prescriptions.]

    [Mission Item: <<Record of the World¡¯s Ten Thousand Herbs>>]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within fifteen days.]

    [Mission Reward: <<Details of Ten Thousand Medicines>>]

    [Failure Penalty: Deduction of one hundred strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo was a little bbergasted.

    There was also a mission reward?

    Okay, the mission reward was also a book...

    [Things pertaining to spirit medicine are recorded within <<Details of Ten Thousand Medicines>>.]

    Gu Zuo felt exasperated.

    So to say, because he carelessly thought this question in his mind just now, the system heard it and casually released a mission?

    Should it be said that the system was considerate or something else...

    Speaking of which, he previously obtained a <<Human-Level Medicinal Ingredient Record>>. The written ounts inside were all the medicinal herbs needed to refine Human-Level medicinal pills. What were the differences between it and this <<Record of the World¡¯s Ten Thousand Herbs>>?

    With such thinking, Gu Zuo felt around his sleeve and simted taking out his newly-obtained item book. He opened it and started to read.

    This item book was really thick. Once he opened it and started reading, it directly recorded the following passage:

    ¡°There are thousands upon thousands of herbs in this world, all of which can be used in medicines. They are called medicinal herbs. There are endless species, and their medicinal effects can be known through intense research. They are divided into six ranks: Sky, earth, profound, golden, human, and nonconventional. Conventional herbs have differences in product grades, which are also divided between low, mid, high, and top grades...¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This familiar method of division was almost the same as that of medicinal pills!

    So the difference between it and the Medicinal Ingredient Record was that this guy only recorded medicinal herbs, while the Medicinal Ingredient Record also included an animal¡¯s eyeballs, heart, fur, horns, and so on.

    In that case, what was inside the Details of Ten Thousand Medicines?

    For a moment, a type of curiosity rose within Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    In any case, he was thinking that he needed to buy a huge amount of medicinal herbs this time. He knew so many pill prescriptions, so it was better that he picked carefully. He selected all thosemonly-used prescriptions, matched them up, and bookmarked them. In the future, he could use them whenever he thought about them ¡ª One should know that it was hard to get such a good opportunity to purchase medicinal herbs without restraint. Even though the system required a hundred types of medicinal pills, he also couldn¡¯t do things half-heartedly...

    Once they were all collected, the rewarded item book would be in his hands. He would read the content written in that <<Details of Ten Thousand Medicines>> as soon as he got it.

    Thinking such thoughts, Gu Zuo lifted his foot and started walking towards that Myriad Medicine Tower.

    There were many pharmacists going in and out, and each one would show their tokens. At the entrance, the people guarding each side blocked Gu Zuo. Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t say very much, and just shed his gold slip.

    The guards saw the gold slip, and their originally rigid faces showed traces of shock. Immediately following which, they took a step backwards, allowing Gu Zuo to enter.

    Gu Zuo stepped across the threshold and passed through therge doors. He suddenly smelled a rich medicinal fragrance.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch198 - Buy Buy Buy

    <h4>Chapter Ch198 - Buy Buy Buy</h4>

    At a nce, it was densely packed with countless, transparent square frames. There was a medicinal herb stalk or some other variety of medicinal ingredient quietly floating in each frame.

    The square frames covered all four walls of the first floor. In front of each wall, there were a dozen or so Myriad Medicine Tower attendants, who were prepared to greet arriving customers at any time.

    The square frames were all sealed up. The medicinal fragrance didn¡¯t actually seep out from the square frames, but it still prated deeply into one¡¯s heart. It let a person immerse themselves in the world of medicinal ingredients the moment they entered, like falling into a dream.

    Gu Zuo carefully examined those square frames.

    It¡¯s said that these square frames weren¡¯t made of ss... He didn¡¯t know what material it was made out of, but it clearly wasn¡¯t cheap.

    En, the Myriad Medicine Tower indeed had a lot of style.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯te to the Myriad Medicine Tower to research the material of those square frames. Rather, it was to purchase medicinal ingredients. Thus, in ordance with the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s rules, he began to calmly look at the first wall. At the same time, he silently noted the medicinal ingredients he wanted to buy as well as the amounts for each ingredient.

    It was a so-called purchasing spree. The length of time he would spend here would be rather long.

    One couldn¡¯t help noting that when it came to the medicinal ingredients in the Myriad Medicine Tower, the product grades were all very good and the variety was also reallyprehensive.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Gu Zuo to see an unorthodox medicinal herb on the first floor. Merely, the numeral written in front of that square frame was ¡°28¡±. This meant that the final stock only had twenty-eight herbs... In a instant, he gave up on his n of choosing all of his ingredients first and then paying for them.

    If he browsed too slowly and these medicinal ingredients were all bought up by other people, what was he to do? It also wasn¡¯t known if he could find them quickly afterwards!

    Making his decision, Gu Zuo promptly waved his hand to summon an attendant.

    Of course, in order to obtain first-rate service, he directly shed his gold slip.

    ¡ª Yes, every person who possessed a gold slip could get an attendant¡¯s personal service. Originally, Gu Zuo wanted to keep a low-profile, but now, he decided it was better to make use of his authority.

    Sometimes, acting low-profile was just looking for trouble!

    That attendant was a charming young man. After seeing the gold slip, he immediately and politely walked over: ¡°This one is Bing Jin. May I ask whatmands this noble customer has?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Come with me. There are medicinal herbs here whose qualities are in short supply. I need to order them in advance.¡±

    Attendant Bing Jin hastily said: ¡°No problem, no problem. This one will certainly manage the needs of this noble customer.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then, mark this down first. Starlight Grass, twenty-eight stalks. I want all of it.¡±

    Bing Jin swept a nce at the serial number of the Starlight Grass, and promptly called out to another attendant on the side. That attendant recorded Bing Jin¡¯s hand signal and made the report. All of the Starlight Grass was ordered. Afterwards, even if there was another noble customer with a gold slip, they wouldn¡¯t be able to fight over it with Gu Zuo.

    Medicinal ingredients were sparse. The faster hand would always be full, and the slower hand would always be empty. There was no reason to negotiate.

    After snatching the Starlight Grass, Gu Zuo was in high spirits, and he continued to walk forward.

    He carefully looked over every medicinal ingredient. Whenever he saw a type that was rare or low in stock, no matter if he had use for them right now, so long as it was a medicinal ingredient that some pill prescription in his mind required, he would promptly purchase it.

    Behind Gu Zuo, Bing Jin, who¡¯d been ordering for him the entire time, felt his scalp going a little numb.

    As an attendant of the Myriad Medicine Tower, he definitely had a certain degree of mastery in distinguishing medicinal ingredients. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to satisfy the requests and inquiries of the customers. Even though he had quite an understanding of some pill prescriptions, he couldn¡¯t be a pharmacist without medicinal beads. Also, he¡¯d never seen such a pharmacist like Gu Zuo ¡ª Anything that was unorthodox, he wanted it. Anything that was in short supply, he wanted it. Moreover, he practically couldn¡¯t find any pill prescriptions that could be adjusted to use those medicinal ingredients. This was simply iprehensible! But the customer was the customer, after all. He could only work ordingly...

    All kinds of medicinal ingredients were ordered. After Gu Zuo revealed a little bit of his financial resources, Bing Jin also didn¡¯t have any hesitations. The one with the money was the boss. In any case, it was all about selling medicinal ingredients, and it didn¡¯t matter who it was being sold to.

    If the guy wanted to be rich and willful, then just let him! Seeing as how such a young pharmacist possessed a gold slip, perhaps he, Bing Jin, was the one who was ignorant and unable to recognize true greatness?

    With clear thinking, Bing Jin happily followed suit no matter what Gu Zuo wanted to order in advance. In passing, he also silently calcted his own percentage cut, and felt that he could make a lot of money with such a big customer!

    Of course, in actuality, Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t spent that much of his money.

    Everyone knew that regardless of how many sessful pills an ordinary pharmacist refined in a cauldron batch, even if there was only a single pill, it would all be sold for huge profits. It could be seen that in the aspect of manufacturing costs, the price of medicinal ingredients was far cheaper than that of medicinal pills.

    Just mentioning the mostmonly seen Qi Generating Pill, the price of a low grade pill was one gold. As such, there were quite a few types of medicinal herbs for refining a cauldron of Qi Generating Pills, and the price for all of these was less than one gold.

    In that way, for the costs apportioned to medicinal ingredients, each batch would be calcted using silver coins or the even cheaper copper coins. One gold was equal to ten silver, and one silver was equal to a thousand copper. Only by purchasingrge quantities of medicinal ingredients could it be said that it wasn¡¯t a small amount.

    Normally, main ingredients were a bit more expensive, and most auxiliary ingredients were cheap.

    On the first floor, unless it was the rare stalks of medicinal herbs which could be valued in gold, the majority were actually valued in copper ¡ª Even the ones that were calcted in silver were already considered rtively costly.

    After making a round for a little more than two hours, Gu Zuo had given a cursory scan of these couple of walls. He had also cleaned out many of theparatively rare medicinal ingredients.

    But for the specific expenditures... The total was actually just seven to eight hundred gold. As for the medicinal ingredients, there was no less than several hundred types!

    After that, Gu Zuo started his second go-around.

    Following this, there were also the ones required for the Snowy Ginseng Pill, the Houtian Realm¡¯s Meridian Purification Pill, and even the Five Essence Pill ¡ª The medicinal ingredients needed for these types of pills were very cumbersome, so he could save a lot of trouble here.

    In addition to these, there were many medicinal pills that Gu Zuo felt his dear big brother would need in order to establish a team in the future. So he bought the required medicinal ingredients for those prescriptions inrge quantities.

    ck Frost Flowers, Golden Mound Grass, Fermented Fish Eyes, Arhat Mushrooms, White Leather Ginseng, Tiger w Roots... In any case, it was scattered and fragmentary. There were at least several hundred to a thousand types, and each type was purchased in innumerably high quantities.

    In the rear, Bing Jin¡¯s eyes widened.

    This big customer...truly was the real deal! He never thought twice about buying anything!

    Just before, those purchases didn¡¯t reach a thousand gold. But the current purchases had already exceeded a hundred thousand gold!

    No matter what it was, many little drops would make an ocean! No matter how cheaply-priced the medicinal ingredients, if they were all purchased, it definitely wouldn¡¯t be cheap!

    Previously, this kind of big spending only appeared with the collective purchases of severalparativelyrge powers. Could it be that this young pharmacist was also the purchasing agent of some organization?

    If not, then this was too outrageous...

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about any of this. After he announced his orders, he directly pped down more than ten sheets of ten-thousand denomination golden banknotes.

    The Myriad Medicine Tower also wasn¡¯t negligent. In a short period of time, the medicinal ingredients were ordered together, and packaged using an inter-spatial tool.

    Gu Zuo took the offered ring-shaped inter-spatial tool. After examining it, he put it in his sleeve. Soon after, his thoughts moved, and all the ingredients inside the inter-spatial tool entered a region of his storage space which was especially for medicinal ingredients. Following that, he returned the inter-spatial tool to the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s staff member who handed over the ingredients.

    The happy expression in Bing Jin¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t be covered up.

    By securing this huge list of items, he could earn a huge percentage cut! The amount that fell into his possession would be close to a thousand gold at that time. This was much higher than his monthly sry!

    After this, Gu Zuo opened his mouth again: ¡°I¡¯m going to the second floor. Bing Jin, are you willing to go with me?¡±

    Bing Jin quivered: ¡°Willing! Of course I¡¯m willing to serve this noble customer!¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and continued leading the way up.

    In any case, he felt that the movements of this attendant were very agile andpliant, which made things much easier for him. In order to have someone lending a hand, running errands, and giving introductionster on, he nevertheless let this person take responsibility for it...

    Upon reaching the second floor, there were simrly four walls. However, each square frame was somewhat bigger than the ones on the first floor, and the total number of medicinal ingredients was also somewhat smaller.

    In here, main ingredients made up the majority, and the auxiliary ingredients that could be ced here weren¡¯t ordinary at all.

    ¡ª Themon varieties were all simply shelved on the first floor.

    Gu Zuo still wandered around, and began looking at the first wall.

    The medicinal ingredients on this floor were much more expensive than the ones on the first floor. One would understand after thinking about it. Many medicinal pills that were suitable for Xiantian martial artists were priced at several dozen gold to several hundred gold. Although there were reasons why refining was more difficult, the manufacturing cost of the medicinal ingredients was an issue that couldn¡¯t be neglected.

    Bing Jin stood next to Gu Zuo, ready to assist with introductions or recording at any time.

    Gu Zuo was the same as before. When he made his choices, it was particrly...simple and crude.

    First of all, just like the first floor, the remote and rare ones as well as the medicinal ingredients that appeared in his pill prescriptions were picked, packaged, and stored. Next, he searched for the main ingredients formonly used Xiantian Realm medicinal pills based on their prescriptions ¡ª For example, the Jinyuan Pill and others like it. Those main ingredients were purchased in bulk. After buying enough main ingredients, then it was the auxiliary ingredients. In short, he bought bought bought them all! He spent money like there was no tomorrow!

    Among the biggest harvests was naturally the main ingredient of the Xiantian Pill. A few batches of the main ingredient were very hard toe by. While one could make an exchange in Qingyun Sect, it wasn¡¯t too easy in the end. That was unlike this ce, where it could be settled as long as one had money!

    Thus, without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo bought over a hundred batches of each ingredient ¡ª This was already enough for Gu Zuo refine over a thousand Xiantian Pills!

    Gu Zuo bought and bought, and his mood was worry-free.

    Right now, he started to understand why the girls in his previous world loved to shop. Even though he was a man, it wasn¡¯t a hardship when he purchased the things he liked!

    Most of all, when Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness asionally wandered into the storage space within his Tianfu Acupoint and looked at all the various, densely-packed medicinal ingredients floating around, a feeling of peace and fullness spontaneously rose up in his heart!

    Hoarding medicinal ingredients...

    This was probably a pharmacist¡¯s instinct, too.

    The second floor¡¯s expenses far exceeded the first floor¡¯s. After a period of such unbridled spending, the variety of medicinal ingredients that Gu Zuo purchased wasn¡¯t as numerous as when he was on the first floor, but the gold he spent was quite a few times higher.

    In the blink of an eye, the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s management staff handed him the goods. Then, Gu Zuo swung his hand and took out a stack of golden banknotes. More than four hundred thousand gold was spent.

    As soon as the transaction was sessful, a voice could be heard once more in his mind.

    [Confirming that there are more than one hundred prescriptions. Mission aplished.]

    [Mission Reward <<Details of Ten Thousand Medicines>> has been granted. The host may examine it.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred. Sure enough, he ¡°saw¡± a newly-obtained ancient text in another region of his storage space. He considered giving it a quick browse, but after thinking it over, he decided against it for now.

    He wasn¡¯t finished buying medicinal ingredients yet...

    Although Bing Jin didn¡¯t know why the noble customer he was leading was just staring nkly ahead, after silently calcting the percentage cut he would obtain this time around, he shivered thrillingly.

    In just a handful of hours, the ie he received wasparable to the percentage cuts for at least one to two years! Being an attendant was also verypetitive! One wouldn¡¯t encounter a customer with such a huge order every time!

    Thinking about how he¡¯d just so happened to be standing near this young guy who possessed a gold slip and was coincidentally chosen to apany him... Bing Jin couldn¡¯t help feeling that his recent luck had been pretty good.

    Perhaps he could consider going out of the city to adventure once in a while. Maybe he could pick up some precious treasures.

    Gu Zuo finished staring ahead. He turned around and went to the third floor.

    There were even fewer medicinal ingredients on this floor. The medicine squares on those four walls no longer dazzled the eyes, but the total amount was still quite high.

    After all, there were many Immortal Realm martial artists on the Qingyun Continent. The amount of medicinal pills they needed was alsorge. At the same time, there were many high-level pharmacists.

    When Gu Zuo selected medicinal ingredients this time around, he was much more prudent.

    The improvement speed of the Tiandu Body couldn¡¯t bepared to that of ordinary physiques. It probably wouldn¡¯t take too long for his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, to swiftly improve his strength and bing an Immortal Realm martial artist.

    Before that, he needed to be thoroughly prepared.

    He needed to prepare all the medicinal pills required by Immortal Realm martial artists in advance... In addition to the high-quality and inexpensive pill prescriptions for making money, he needed to prepare as many medicinal ingredients inside as possible.

    When reaching the Immortal Realm, the pill that was the most suitable for replenishing true qi was no longer the Qi umting Pill.

    What Gu Zuo needed to refine as much as possible were top grade Qi Infusing Pills. Merely, upon reaching the Immortal Realm, the physical body was valiant, andmon treatment pills wouldn¡¯t have the same miraculous effects of the Rejuvenation Pill and the Revitalization Pill. If one wanted to give an Immortal Realm martial artist treatment, each individual needed it to be tailor-made.

    Within the pill prescriptions Gu Zuo knew about, there was a magic pill called the Metamorphosis Pill. It was a treatment pill that was very difficult to refine. Only, this type of pill belonged to the Hundred Transformation Pills. No matter what kind of martial artist, if one wanted to rely on this medicinal pill for treatment, a pharmacist needed to study their constitution. Compatible medicinal ingredients with the same attributes as the martial artist would then be added to the Metamorphosis Pill¡¯s formtion. Otherwise, not only wouldn¡¯t there be any treatment at that time, the patient¡¯s condition would also worsen due to attribute repulsion.

    Gongyi Tianheng had the Tiandu Body. If Gu Zuo wanted to treat him, it would be even harder... The five elements needed to be in equilibrium for it to work. One point more or one point less, even if it was just slightly partial towards any attribute, and it would be a failure.

    What was even more depressing was that whenever a non-top grade medicinal pill was refined, there¡¯d be a trace attribute imbnce to a certain extent. In other words, after reaching the Immortal Realm, that finicky Tiandu Body could only use top grade medicinal pills! If not, it would do more harm than good to him...

    Gu Zuo remembered when he just learned about this matter. At the time, his heart had the urge to shout abuses in the streets. It was just that, as Tianheng treated him better and better, he also began to care more and more about his big brother. As a result, he always wanted to give the best things to his big brother, and he no longer harbored this kind ofpelled feeling.

    Now that he thought about it, his mentality back then was very interesting.

    With such musings, Gu Zuo turned his head and said to Bing Jin: ¡°The purified water of the Enlightened Lotus Dew, Manifold Spirit Stamens, Heavenly Poison Honey, the leaves and roots of the Shooting Star Flower... How much of each do you have in stock?¡±

    Bing Jin was already having a hard time making the appropriate facial expressions. After turning his head and running off to inquire, he returned to give his report: ¡°There¡¯s still three jars of purified water from the Enlightened Lotus Dew, eight bottles of Heavenly Poison Honey, and there¡¯s a lot in stock for the other medicinal ingredients. What are this noble customer¡¯s wishes?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°In that case, I want all of it.¡±

    Bing Jin: ¡°...¡±

    Originally, he thought he was already very desensitized. Now it seemed that he wasn¡¯t desensitized enough.

    Ah, these few medicinal ingredients were all very expensive!

    After this, Bing Jin also nodded. He said with a wooden face: ¡°Rest assured, noble customer. I¡¯ll go make this report at once.¡±

    Following this, the ounts were settled once more.

    Gu Zuo spent eighty thousand gold.

    Just these few medicinal ingredients already overtook the money that was wantonly raked in on the first floor!

    It could be seen that, the higher the rank of the pharmacist, the harder it was to afford the medicinal ingredients they used... Fortunately, pharmacists were good at making money. Moreover, a single individual basically wouldn¡¯t make such outrageous purchases like Gu Zuo.

    But this wasn¡¯t the end.

    Gu Zuo made a few moreps around the third floor. He made a scattered selection of quite a few medicinal ingredients, and they were purchased inrge quantities. In the blink of an eye, two to three hundred thousand in golden banknotes were let loose.

    Buy and buy some more. Buy and buy some more. Buy and...

    Bing Jin mechanically followed behind Gu Zuo, and watched this young pharmacist squander... Ah, that was incorrect. He was distributing his wealth.

    En, although their Myriad Medicine Tower quite grandly sold medicinal ingredients, they were still businessmen. And businessmen liked customers with big spending habits like this one the most...

    Next, Gu Zuo headed to the fourth floor.

    As an attendant, Bing Jin originally should¡¯ve followed him upstairs, but how could he when his knowledge of the stock and his own rank were insufficient? At most, he could only receive customers on the first three floors. When customers went to the fourth floor, the appointed personnel¡¯s service definitely had to be even more considerate and thoughtful.

    Hence, Bing Jin reluctantly delivered Gu Zuo to the flight of stairs heading to the fourth floor, and personally handed him over to a beautiful, young girl: ¡°Xixi, receive him properly.¡± He covertly raised a finger in front of him, and silently mouthed, ¡°This sir has already spent this amount of money.¡±

    How keen was Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power? How couldn¡¯t he be aware of Bing Jin¡¯s small movements? However, he didn¡¯t care. When he thought back to when he worked as an apprentice in the modern era, such actions also couldn¡¯t be avoided.

    In addition, he truly didn¡¯tck money.

    Today, when he purchased medicinal ingredients, he conscientiously experienced the feeling of ¡°notcking money¡±.

    Because a long time had passed with basically nowhere to spend money, the golden banknotes in his personal stash exceeded an enormous two million. What¡¯s more, before his departure, Tianheng had given him hundreds of thousands in golden banknotes as ¡°pocket money¡±.

    With some approximate calctions, the sum was nearly three million gold!

    Only to use it to buy medicinal ingredients... Gu Zuo actually wanted to spend this money until there was nothing left!

    As far as pharmacists were concerned, having medicinal ingredients meant having money and being able to protect one¡¯s life... Money was far less important than medicinal ingredients.

    On the fourth floor, the medicinal ingredients had be even more precious and rare, and their harvesting periods were even longer.

    Their medicinal maturities were at least three thousand years or higher.

    And for medicinal herbs with such ages, their medicinal properties were extremely astonishing!

    Gu Zuo moved around those cabs.

    Yes, the medicinal ingredients on this floor weren¡¯t mundanely ced in square frames. Rather, they were contained in small boxes where all kinds of materials were meticulously employed. Every box was then individually arranged inside each medicine cab.

    The medicine cabs were simrly transparent and hadrge volumes. This allowed all pharmacistsing to pick medicinal ingredients to examine each part from all sides and angles.

    Such a considerate design and such an intense emphasis could only prove one issue.

    That the medicinal ingredients here were all very expensive.

    The medicinal pills that used them in refining were all pills mostly taken by Atomic Realm or even higher ranked martial artists.

    Thus, on the fourth floor, a stalk of the cheapest medicinal herb with the lowest price was ¡ª

    Ten thousand gold.

    Gu Zuo looked on with stars in his eyes, and his heart didn¡¯t have the least bit of pressure.

    City Lord¡¯s Mansion, in the dwelling for Qingyun Sect.

    Xu Lingxiu sat cross-legged in front of a pill cauldron. Across from him was the high-level pharmacist Li Yunquan.

    At this moment, Li Yunquan¡¯s brows slightly furrowed. He said in a low voice: ¡°The previous search resulted in nothing. Could it be that we¡¯ve let Pill Heart Sect escape the me?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered: ¡°What are the rankings for Pill Heart Sect this time?¡±

    Li Yunquan¡¯s heart trembled. After carefully thinking it over, he said: ¡°Apparently... In the mid-level pharmacist field, they¡¯ve fallen out of the top ten?¡± He suddenly remembered this matter, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡ª¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°City Lord Xin really isn¡¯t an idiot. When we exined things to him, his mind naturally had its suspicions, and nothing else needed to be said. During the pill battles, all it took was the rearrangement of Pill Heart Sect¡¯s seating order for them to suffer enough!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch199 - Transaction

    <h4>Chapter Ch199 - Transaction</h4>

    Li Yunquan¡¯s face suddenly showed a startled expression.

    While he carefully pondered and recalled things, he discovered a clue.

    During the pill battle finals, there were a total of eight people from Pill Heart Sect participating in the pill battles. Seven among them were rather strong, and they had all been arranged around Gu Zuo, Xu Lingxiu, and Xin Bailin. As for these three people, they were hotly anticipated to seize the crown.

    Sure enough, the following matters were just as expected. Xin Bailin and Xu Lingxiu directly eliminated more than half of the pharmacists surrounding them. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was even more ridiculous. Each and every pharmacist who was close to him basically had their cauldrons exploded and their pills wasted!

    As a result, those seven rather strong individuals had bad luck and werepletely wiped out. On the contrary, a young and slightly weaker disciple whose identity in Pill Heart Sect was quite high was able to smoothly protect himself because he wasn¡¯t close to the three people.

    Merely, his performance really wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.

    Pill Heart Sect had crafty plots and machinations, wanting to pressure Qingyun Sect and Danyun City simultaneously. If Pill Heart Sect had employed upright and just methods whenpeting in the pill battles with them, Danyun City and Qingyun Sect wouldn¡¯t have backed away from the challenge. However, since they chose to use that treacherous scheme, Danyun City and Qingyun Sect teamed up, which wasn¡¯t that easy to deal with.

    With only the barest changes to the seating order, Pill Heart Sect was firmly trampled upon.

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°However, this is a small punishment. In the future, we¡¯ll give them a proper visit! How respected is my Qingyun Sect? Those clowns absolutely can¡¯t wantonly provoke it!¡±

    Li Yunquan was naturally very reverent towards his own Sect. Hearing what was said, he agreed: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s words are justified. The insignificant Pill Heart Sect truly doesn¡¯t amount to anything.¡±

    The subject of this talk was over, and the two didn¡¯t spend too many thoughts on the matter of Pill Heart Sect. If it wasn¡¯t for Pill Heart Sect¡¯s excessive actions, with Qingyun Sect¡¯s style, it really wouldn¡¯t have paid much attention to them. The pharmacists on the continent were indeed worthy of admiration, but once the pharmacists of certain organizations surpassed those of certain medicine refining sects and that organization¡¯s martial strength shocked the world, those so-called medicine refining sects could only lower their heads in acknowledgement. They weren¡¯t capable ofpeting with those organizations.

    Soon after, Li Yunquan opened his mouth with some hesitation: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Xu, do you have any opinions on...Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s Spirit Devouring Pill?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu paused. After that, he sneered and said: ¡°What opinions could I have? Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s pill prescription naturally belongs to Junior Sect Brother Gu. The glory he has won is both his and my Qingyun Sect¡¯s glory.¡±

    Li Yunquan hesitated even more: ¡°But...Junior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s way of thinking might not be the same as other people.¡± He saw that Xu Lingxiu hadn¡¯t interrupted his words, and continued speaking, ¡°The Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method really is extraordinary. If one learns that method of pill refining, perhaps top grade medicinal pills for the Xiantian Realm won¡¯t be random miracles anymore.¡±

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth curled: ¡°Oh?¡± All of a sudden, he looked at Li Yunquan, ¡°Leaving aside how other people think, what about your thoughts, Senior Sect Brother Li? Do you want this method of pill refining?¡±

    When Li Yunquan heard this, his forehead immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

    Although he was considered Xu Lingxiu¡¯s senior sect brother and his current strength was higher than Xu Lingxiu¡¯s, he didn¡¯t dare mention where he was better than Xu Lingxiu. His identity and position couldn¡¯tpare to that of Xu Lingxiu. He knew that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s rtionship with Gu Zuo was pretty good, and now it sounded like Xu Lingxiu¡¯s tone was a little discontented. It was only natural that he was somewhat aghast for fear that he was misunderstood.

    Hence, Li Yunquan hastily waved his hands: ¡°No, no, no¡ª¡± He stopped, ¡°I won¡¯t keep it from Junior Sect Brother Xu. It would be a lie if I said that I don¡¯t want it, but we¡¯re all fellow disciples. Even though I want it, I definitely wouldn¡¯t secretly n on seizing it. I¡¯m only thinking that such a pill refining method would certainly attract the attention of many powers. I¡¯m afraid that not even Danyun City wouldn¡¯t be tempted. No matter how we think about it, we should at least first protect Junior Sect Brother Gu from being hoodwinked by outsiders.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯splexion loosened a little bit: ¡°I understand your meaning, but the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method is Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s fortuitous encounter. He has the final say in how things are handled. If Danyun City gets in touch with him to provide great benefits, why should you and I make him give it up? Moreover, if this method is sessful, the best medicinal pills of an organization would increase by a grade. The organization could nurture even more talents and core forces. Whether it¡¯s Danyun City or our Sect, they¡¯ll both certainly want to obtain it. Neither will relinquish it.¡±

    Li Yunquan sighed: ¡°Then, Junior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s intent is?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu really isn¡¯t the sort of person who won¡¯t listen to reason. If Danyun City wants to contact him, you and I will watch over things for him. And if the Sect wants to obtain his method... It will pay handsomely for it.¡±

    Li Yunquan startled: ¡°If this prescription is monopolized, it will be a hen thatys an unending stream of golden eggs... Junior Sect Brother Gu, how could he be willing to share it with others?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu listened up to here and his expression became a little unsightly: ¡°Although I didn¡¯t want to mention this matter, if it¡¯s to umte capital for his ¡°young master¡±, I¡¯m afraid Junior Sect Brother Gu, that obstinate fellow, won¡¯t be stingy with this. What¡¯s more, even if we make an exchange for that method, the acquired top grade medicinal pills will be supplied to very few people. This won¡¯t affect the position of the one whom Junior Sect Brother Gu follows. Naturally, it¡¯s also unimportant. Moreover, from what I can see, the ambitions of that young master... Humph.¡±

    Li Yunquan had long known that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a member of the Pharmacist Hall. He also knew that he was only a nominal disciple. However, he didn¡¯t anticipate that, considering Gu Zuo¡¯s natural talents, he was hell-bent on following another person.

    In a split second, he was a little curious: ¡°What kind of a person is the one Junior Sect Brother Gu follows?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu was somewhat out of sorts: ¡°A person you¡¯d loathe just by looking at him.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he pursed his lips: ¡°...But he definitely isn¡¯t an idiot.¡±

    Upon seeing Xu Lingxiu acting this way, Li Yunquan didn¡¯t dare to continue questioning closely. He just slowly revealed a smiling expression.

    The one who could make his Junior Sect Brother Xu give such an assessment...was certainly extraordinary.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s harvests on the fourth floor were veryrge.

    As mentioned previously, the initial prices of the medicinal ingredients here started at ten thousand gold. Each one was very costly, but Gu Zuo still possessed two million in golden banknotes. Basically, he wasn¡¯t afraid that he couldn¡¯t afford it.

    One needed to know that right now wasn¡¯t like when he initially umted capital and did his best to save money. The current situation was where it was easy to obtain ten million golden banknotes, but it was hard to find top-notch medicinal ingredients.

    Gu Zuo was ambitious and exuberant, too. He wanted to buy everything that could be bought in this ce!

    At this time, his first nce had settled upon a shoot of ten-thousand year old ginseng.

    Everyone knew that ginseng, this type of thing, was very precious to ordinary people. But to martial artists, it was considered a medicinal ingredient that was rtively easy to obtain. In addition, it wasn¡¯t that fussy about the environment it grew in. There weren¡¯t any problems in wanting to nt it by oneself. As for the point of difficulty, it didn¡¯t rest with the ginseng itself. Rather, it rested with its years of existence.

    Hence, ginseng that broke a hundred years could be used by martial artists. Ginseng that broke a thousand years was considered precious. And ginseng that broke ten thousand years could be said to be a rare sight.

    Gu Zuo asked for the price. This ten-thousand year old ginseng wasn¡¯t the cheapest. One shoot cost more than ten thousand gold. As for the specific price, one still needed to look at its weight.

    Fifty-eight thousand gold was immediately spent.

    Young Lass Xixi: ¡°...¡±

    Okay, every time this sir saw a medicinal ingredient he liked, he¡¯d certainly clean them out... She finally understood why Bing Jin had hinted like that.

    After the ten-thousand year old ginsengs were purchased, Gu Zuo renewed his search.

    To be honest, the medicinal properties of the medicinal ingredients here were indeed very exaggerated. Sometimes, even though they were partitioned, one could still see the fullness of the ingredients¡¯ color and luster. It was as if the ingredients were emitting a dense medicinal fragrance at all times.

    Gu Zuo was dazzled. One moment, he felt this one was good. The next moment, he felt that one was wonderful. And the moment after that, he felt that there were lots of things that he wanted! Ultimately, these feelings all transformed into regret.

    Sure enough, the reputations of Danyun City and the Myriad Medicine Tower were well-deserved!

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t concerned about anything else. Although he wanted all of the medicinal ingredients in this tower, he still picked out what his dear big brother might need in the future. As for the ones he liked even more, he started ruthlessly buying all of them, even the rarer ones. The ones that could be bought out were all bought. The ones that couldn¡¯t be bought out had the best of them selected.

    In the eyes of other people, this really could be said to be a ¡°ck heart and poisonous hand¡±. He didn¡¯t give any of the pharmacistsing afterwards a way out... But! He had money.

    Having money meant buying good medicine!

    After making such purchases again and again, Gu Zuo was reluctantly choosing between the final two pieces of medicinal ingredients. Hepared them several times, but in the end, he used his remaining hundred thousand gold to buy a Nine-Leaves Lotus. The one left over was a Five-Colored Snake Gall. It could only be abandoned by him. After all, although both of them were very good, the former was even rarer. On the contrary, perhaps one could still hunt down and kill thetter. Hunting it was just rtively challenging...

    Once he heaved a sigh, Gu Zuo lingered in the tower for a moment before begrudgingly exiting.

    This time, he didn¡¯t dare to turn his head around lest he was unwilling to leave.

    Currently, of the golden banknotes in Gu Zuo¡¯s possession, only a thousand gold remained.

    What could this thousand gold buy?

    This wasn¡¯t considered small to ordinary martial artists, but to Gu Zuo, this was probably nothing.

    Gu Zuo carried the medicinal ingredients he received earlier as he walked out the Myriad Medicine Tower. When Gu Zuo raised his head, he saw Dragon One waiting by the entrance.

    As Gu Zuo¡¯s personal bodyguard, he¡¯d been following after Gu Zuo all along. Only, because he was a martial artist and not a pharmacist, he had no way of entering the Myriad Medicine Tower, and could only wait outside the entrance.

    As a Tianlong Guard who¡¯d been following Gongyi Tianheng for a long time and was adept at discerning a person¡¯s bodynguage, Dragon One discovered that Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was off the instant he came out.

    This appeared like... Ah, a miserable look.

    Dragon One¡¯s following and managing was Tianheng¡¯s arrangement. And how could Tianheng¡¯s n simply allow him to protect Gu Zuo while Gu Zuo handled such trifling matters?

    Thus, Dragon One, who¡¯d simrly embraced the mission of ¡°keeping Ah Zuo free from worries¡±, started to resolve this difficult situation for his family¡¯s young master, Gongyi Tianheng ¡ª Yes, Tianheng ¡ª He said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, could it be possible that this trip hasn¡¯t run smoothly?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Whether Dragon One or Dragon Two, both Tianlong Guards wereplete mysteries. How could this enigma suddenly be concerned about him? But on second thought, he knew that this was his dear big brother¡¯s arrangement. He honestly said to Dragon One: ¡°It¡¯s not that it didn¡¯t go smoothly. Rather...¡±

    Ah, it was a little embarrassing to mention.

    Dragon One naturally continued to inquire: ¡°Pharmacist Gu?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit ufortable: ¡°...I don¡¯t have enough golden banknotes.¡±

    Dragon One: ¡°...¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and also felt that this matter was quite ridiculous. He said with embarrassment: ¡°I was too greedy. Because I saw such good medicinal ingredients, I wanted to buy them all up. But since the Myriad Medicine Tower is so big and there are so many medicinal ingredients, after buying a few, I couldn¡¯t buy the rest.¡±

    Dragon One understood. He didn¡¯t speak too much and immediately grabbed for something in his sleeve. After that, there was a stack of golden banknotes in his hand. On his body, he also carried a Fangcun Cloth.

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°It¡¯s not easy for you to save up some money. I won¡¯t call on you to borrow it...¡±

    Dragon One¡¯s expression was very serious: ¡°These are the golden banknotes that the young master handed over to this subordinate prior to our departure. The young master instructed this subordinate that, if Pharmacist Gu doesn¡¯t have enough golden banknotes, I will take it out for Pharmacist Gu to purchase the medicinal ingredients he wants.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Big brother instructed that?¡±

    There were lots of medicinal ingredients in Danyun City, but because Qingyun Sect¡¯s ingredients were also never in short supply, he didn¡¯t undertake the mission to purchase bulk ingredients. Previously, he purchased huge quantities of ingredients purely because he wanted to get more to save his big brother and himself a bit of trouble.

    However, he didn¡¯t expect that his big brother would actually... Gu Zuo¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help warming up from this.

    Dragon One said: ¡°The young master has long known Pharmacist Gu¡¯s preferences.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    So, his big brother had long anticipated that he wouldn¡¯t have enough money from his shopping spree?

    As before with great dedication, Dragon One handed it over with both hands.

    Because it was the golden banknotes given by his dear big brother, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t have any conflicts. As he took it, he asked: ¡°How many golden banknotes did big brother bring?¡±

    Dragon One had a solemn face: ¡°Three million in golden banknotes.¡±

    Gu Zuo stiffened. His head swiveled with a cracking sound: ¡°How many?¡±

    Dragon One: ¡°Three million.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I can use it all?¡±

    Dragon One: ¡°All of it has been given to Pharmacist Gu to control.¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    Then, in other words, this was the equivalent of him spending only half of his money! Previously, there were quite a few medicinal ingredients that he fancied but had no way to purchase. Now that he had money, he could buy them! He certainly couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity!

    Soon, he made his decision. Gu Zuo immediately said: ¡°Hand over all the golden banknotes you have.¡±

    Dragon One also didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest. He took out the rest of the golden banknotes from the Fangcun Cloth, and gave it all to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo grabbed the golden banknotes, turned his head, and swiftly rushed back into the Myriad Medicine Tower.

    No matter! In any case, it was the money owed to his big brother. After he went back, he would just refine medicine!

    The fourth floor¡¯s medicinal ingredients! He, Gu Zuo, had arrived!

    In the tower, the attendant Bing Jin watched Gu Zuo leave and return. After discovering that Gu Zuo had rushed upstairs like a whirlwind, his face couldn¡¯t help revealing a stupefied expression.

    Whatever. He and these wealthy pharmacists were people of different worlds...

    As for Dragon One, after Gu Zuo¡¯s fleeting silhouette disappeared, his whole figure stretched taut. Once more, he waited outside of the Myriad Medicine Tower.

    At this moment, he was like an ageless pir, standing tall and upright in that one spot.

    He waited for the return of that person whom his young master needed to protect.

    One hourter.

    Gu Zuo walked out with a satisfied look on his face.

    Spending money was really refreshing!

    Previously, the ones he fancied were top-notch medicinal ingredients. With the strong financial backing of three million in golden banknotes, he took away at least one stalk of all the medicinal herbs that he admired on the fourth floor. Very quickly, he padded that deep storage space of his, which seemed like it went on forever without limit.

    In this way, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood improved by more than just a little bit. One should know that he thought he was going to miss out on a lot of medicinal ingredients just then. But it was different now. His stockpile was plentiful!

    Even though he owed his big brother a huge debt, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to do it again!

    Upon seeing Dragon One, Gu Zuo said to him in gratitude: ¡°Fortunately, I have you. If not, I would¡¯ve certainly lost hope.¡±

    Dragon One said in a respectful voice: ¡°Everything is within the young master¡¯s forethoughts and considerations.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, showing a great, big smile: ¡°Right. The one I¡¯m most thankful for is still big brother!¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo finally discovered that his stomach was a little hungry.

    This wasn¡¯t strange. He came over in the early morning to purchase medicinal ingredients, and he¡¯d been buying buying buying the whole time. When did Gu Zuo have the time to eat? Currently, the lunch period had long passed, and even now, everyone should¡¯ve been eating dinner. It was inevitable that his stomach rumbled in hunger.

    Although the remaining money was just a few thousand gold, there was no problem if one wanted to eat a couple meals.

    Gu Zuo was unconcerned about anything else. He led Dragon One to first fill their bellies.

    Once he filled his stomach, he wanted to return to the City Lord¡¯s Mansion to look at the mission rewards...

    When Gu Zuo returned to the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, the color of the sky had already darkened a bit.

    Just as he entered the courtyard, he saw Xu Lingxiu and Li Yunquan sitting over there like they¡¯d been waiting for him for a long time.

    When Li Yunquan saw that Gu Zuo had returned, he smiled and said: ¡°Ah, Junior Sect Brother Gu went to the Myriad Medicine Tower. Your harvest has indeed been rather bountiful.¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly coughed: ¡°Indeed. I bought some things I liked...¡±

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth pulled up: ¡°Bought some? I heard that you nearly emptied the entire inventory of that Myriad Medicine Tower!¡±

    Gu Zuo forced a smile: ¡°How could I have that ability? The inventory of that Myriad Medicine Tower shouldn¡¯t be that small, right?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nced at him, and didn¡¯t mock him again.

    At this time, Gu Zuo realized that his disy in the Myriad Medicine Tower couldn¡¯t have been concealed from Xu Lingxiu and the others. Moreover, the people of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion probably knew, too.

    Li Yunquan¡¯s bearing was very good: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, if you don¡¯t have enough of something, you can talk to us. We¡¯ll naturally support Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t say anything, which was considered his tacit approval.

    Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t intend on owing the two of them any favors, he still nodded his head: ¡°In that case, many thanks to my senior sect brothers.¡±

    After that, Xu Lingxiu and Li Yunquan unexpectedly said nothing else. Xu Lingxiu only gestured with his hand and let Gu Zuo in.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to make sense of the matter. Could it be that these two were waiting for him? If they were waiting for him, they wouldn¡¯t have simply said a few words and let things go, right? Or were they just waiting in order to tell him that he could borrow money from them?

    But since these two had nothing else to say, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t put too much thought into it. He simply led Dragon One back to his own room.

    Outside, Xu Lingxiu curled his lips: ¡°That Gongyi Tianheng is quite considerate to Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    Li Yunquan smiled awkwardly, and said: ¡°Are we not going to speak to Junior Sect Brother Gu about guarding against the matter of Danyun City¡¯s talks?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu coldly said: ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate for you and I to bring up this matter. To avoid making Junior Sect Brother Gu ufortable, it¡¯s better to let Danyun City bring it up themselves.¡±

    Li Yunquan thought that this was reasonable. Hence, he was no longer tangled up about this problem.

    Sure enough, on the next day, someone from the City Lord¡¯s Mansion dropped by with an invitation. They wanted to invite Gu Zuo to a banquet, saying that there was an important matter to discuss.

    Last night, Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness had immersed itself in the storage space, admiring the endless top-notch medicinal ingredients the whole time. For a moment, he didn¡¯t understand clearly. Why was only he alone invited this time around? Under the suspicions in his heart, he naturally asked about it.

    The one who came to invite Gu Zuo was also a familiar person. In addition, it was Xin Qiu, who sparred with Gu Zuo that day in a pill battle. It was probably because they were people close to the same age. As a result, he was made to get into contact with Gu Zuo and to let Gu Zuo feel more at ease.

    Gu Zuo turned his head and looked at Xu Lingxiu: ¡°This...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu saw Gu Zuo acting this way. Hisplexion, which always appeared arrogant, rxed a bit: ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. Follow him and you¡¯ll know. Just take care of yourself, and don¡¯t make any careless promises!¡±

    These few words didn¡¯t appear happy, and also seemed like a warning. In a split second, Gu Zuo was even less clear about the situation.

    But since Xu Lingxiu allowed him, a single person, to go, that should¡¯ve meant that there wasn¡¯t any danger. Thus, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t worry about it, and followed Xin Qiu out.

    ¡ª In any case, no matter what, wouldn¡¯t he find out after going?

    Xin Qiu led Gu Zuo, and arrived at a rtively private side room. The room was still very big, and there were quite a few people in it. There was a rich medicinal fragrance on their bodies. It looked like they were all pharmacists whose levels of mastery weren¡¯t low.

    City Lord Xin was here. Xin Bailin was also here. But unexpectedly, after delivering Gu Zuo, Xin Qiu went out by himself and closed the door.

    Gu Zuo looked at this wide expanse of pharmacists who were older than him, a bit dumbfounded. However, through the good and the bad, he was also someone who¡¯d seen the greater aspects of society. Afterposing himself, he followed Xin Bailin¡¯s indications and sat in a seat that was just slightly separated from them.

    At first, this meeting seemed a bit like two armies facing off against one another. However, because the other side didn¡¯t deliberately release any pressure and the numerous pharmacists scattered around were rather casual, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel ufortable.

    En, it only felt a little strange and unfamiliar.

    Gu Zuo was the younger generation. He opened his mouth first: ¡°Honorable seniors, the reason why this younger generation was called over is...¡±

    This didn¡¯t look like he was attending a banquet!

    City Lord Xin revealed an amiable smile: ¡°We invited Junior Gu toe. It¡¯s just a small assembly, and we¡¯ll also set up a small feast to entertain the youngest recipient of a gold slip. However...¡±

    With rapt attention, Gu Zuo realized that this was the important point.

    City Lord Xin said: ¡°However, before that, there¡¯s still a matter that we¡¯d like to discuss with Junior Gu.¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°It concerns...this junior¡¯s method of refining medicine.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch200 - Spirit Medicine

    <h4>Chapter Ch200 - Spirit Medicine</h4>

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    So it was for the Spirit Devouring Pill¡¯s pill prescription!

    Originally, from when he used this method under everyone¡¯s gazes, he knew that it would certainly be coveted. It was just that he¡¯d forgotten about this matter after seeing so many medicinal ingredients and getting too excited about purchasing them.

    Now that it was being mentioned like this, many thoughts suddenly popped up in his mind.

    The people of Danyun City invited him over to engage in talks, so it was clear that they were courteous. That little prince Xu Lingxiu and the others should¡¯ve also known this point. As such, they reminded him when they let him go over.

    In other words, Xu Lingxiu also believed that Danyun City wouldn¡¯t use methods that were too overbearing.

    In that case... They were here to trade with him?

    Hence, Gu Zuo started to calcte what kind of price the other party would set out.

    In any case, he also really wanted to sell this method. When that time came, he¡¯d take out top grade medicinal pills to sell and make a huge fortune. Byying down these foundations, he wouldn¡¯t arouse any suspicions...

    Gu Zuo appropriately revealed a trace of urgency, but right away, he seemed to be cool-headed again: ¡°The City Lord has something to say, but please tell it to me straight. This younger generation will listen with respectful attention.¡±

    When City Lord Xin heard these words, he knew that things were promising. The other pharmacists also revealed happy expressions.

    No matter what was said, being able to discuss things was good!

    After that, City Lord Xin directly said: ¡°Junior Gu is a straightforward person.¡± After that, he said, ¡°Junior, that method has great use to my Danyun City. My Danyun City is willing to pay a high price in exchange for that method of pill refining. Would this junior be willing to make an exchange? If this junior is interested but has some requirements, by all means, please tell us.¡±

    Gu Zuo was really blunt: ¡°I want medicinal ingredients.¡±

    City Lord Xin: ¡°...¡±

    He still had lots of entreaties prepared and many benefits to pledge. He didn¡¯t expect that the other side would put forward his request so directly and efficiently. It was as if Gu Zuopletelycked any feelings of unwillingness.

    However, City Lord Xin soon felt somewhat appreciative towards Gu Zuo.

    Indeed, they were determined to win this pill prescription. No matter how much he declined, it was impossible for them to relinquish it. Even if Qingyun Sect opposed it, it was impossible for them to give up.

    The other side was straightforward, so he should¡¯ve already clearly analyzed the pros and cons. For such a young teenager to aplish this point, it truly wasn¡¯t easy.

    Of course, as far as Danyun City was concerned, it was better being able to make an exchange than starting a war over it. As for the medicinal ingredients the other side wanted... City Lord Xin recalled the report he heard from the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s attendant yesterday. The corner of his mouth slightly curled up.

    There was nock of medicinal ingredients in Danyun City!

    City Lord Xin said: ¡°What medicinal ingredients does Junior Gu want?¡±

    Gu Zuo was very blunt: ¡°I want the fifth floor¡¯s spirit medicine.¡±

    City Lord Xin showed a surprised expression.

    That¡¯s right. Gu Zuo already knew what spirit medicines were.

    Last night, he had spent the night delving into that new item book. Numerous medicinal ingredients were ssified within <<Details of Ten Thousand Medicines>>. This made Gu Zu realize that above those top-grade medicinal ingredients were spirit medicines.

    The meaning of spirit medicine was a medicinal ingredient that had spirituality.

    In that case, what did having spirituality mean?

    Very simply, it meant being capable of movement or making some independent responses.

    For example, ginseng that broke ten thousand years were rarely seen. In that case, what if its maturation was even longer? For instance, what about a hundred thousand years?

    This, too, was a key moment.

    When ginseng reached a hundred thousand years of age, it would be capable of freely traveling in the soil between mountains. It could also briefly transform into the shadow of a child to run. Although a child¡¯s shadow was only to confuse people and to achieve its own goal of escaping, the fact was that it truly possessed intelligence.

    Hence, hundred-thousand year old ginseng was a type of spirit medicine.

    ¡ª The longer the maturation of a medicinal ingredient, the easier it was to produce spirituality.

    Aside from spirit medicines like ginseng which were good at running away, there were also spirit medicines that could bewilder people, and there were spirit medicines that could conduct attacks independently. After evolving for a long time, medicinal ingredients of all sorts could be spirit medicine. Of course, it was easier for naturally raised medicinal ingredients such as herbs or some minerals to produce spirituality than medicinal ingredients taken from the bodies of wild beasts.

    Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how many spirit medicines were on the fifth floor at this moment, since an opportunity to make an exchange hade today, even if it was only an exchange of one or two stalks, he would be equally happy to do so!

    Ah, spirit medicine! Rare throughout the world! He couldn¡¯t let it be in vain!

    As for the wondrous medicines, treasured medicines, and secret medicines mentioned in that item book, those were even rarer. He reckoned that even if it was Danyun City, it also might not necessarily have them.

    But if it did...

    As a result, what Gu Zuo wanted to do the most was to conduct his selection personally.

    Having made his decision, after Gu Zuo dered his own request, he met his gaze with City Lord Xin.

    Among the pharmacists off to the side, there were some who grew restless.

    They truly didn¡¯t expect that the request Gu Zuo would raise would be spirit medicine.

    After City Lord Xin heard what was said, he instead had a feeling that this was a matter of course.

    If nothing else, one could see from previous matters that Gu Zuo was especially fond of hoarding medicinal ingredients ¡ª It could be said that with regards to many pharmacists, their fondness for collecting medicinal ingredients wasn¡¯t necessarily inferior to Gu Zuo¡¯s fervor ¡ª Currently, Gu Zuo had strolled through four floors and wanted to go to the fifth floor. This was very natural.

    City Lord Xin: ¡°...The request of this junior seems somewhat excessive.¡±

    Gu Zuo was still very straightforward: ¡°Then, two stalks. But I get to choose them myself!¡±

    City Lord Xin rubbed his forehead: ¡°How about one stalk?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I know that spirit medicines are very rare, but I also believe that Danyun City certainly doesn¡¯t have just a few in its collection. Spirit medicines are precious, but the value of a single stalk of spirit medicine can¡¯tpare to my pill prescription.¡±

    One could only aid a small number of people. It was definitely precious, but the scope of its usage was very small. Meanwhile, the other one would be the good fortune of younger generations for years toe, upgrading the overall strength of an organization.

    After thinking about it, a single stalk of spirit medicine was indeed not enough.

    If it was an ordinary person, in front of so many seniors of higher identities and positions, perhaps they¡¯d be trembling in fear without any confidence. But Gu Zuo was different! Gu Zuo was itching to empty out all of Danyun City¡¯s spirit medicines! He clenched his teeth on the bare minimum of two stalks. He couldn¡¯t yield a single step!

    City Lord Xin seemed to see Gu Zuo¡¯s determination. He hesitated: ¡°If it¡¯s two stalks, then two stalks it shall be. Only, Junior Gu can¡¯t choose them by himself.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°This younger generation doesn¡¯t mistrust City Lord Xin, but there will inevitably be a degree of suitability between spirit medicines and people. This younger generation still wants to personally choose and collect them.¡±

    City Lord Xin paused. After a moment passed, he said: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then this pill prescription can¡¯t be exchanged with other people.¡±

    Gu Zuo stated: ¡°I¡¯ll be clear with the City Lord. The lowest price in the heart of this younger generation is two stalks of spirit medicine that I choose myself. In addition, if it¡¯s to external forces, I¡¯ll naturally only make an exchange with the City Lord. But to internal forces, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be unavoidable if my Sect has any interests in this pill prescription.¡±

    City Lord Xin exchanged meaningful nces with the other pharmacists.

    Xin Bailin looked to City Lord Xin and nodded his head: ¡°Father, this is good karma.¡±

    City Lord Xin faintly muttered to himself. Immediately following which, he also nodded his head and said: ¡°In that case, it¡¯ll be ording to Junior Gu¡¯s words!¡±

    Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression at once: ¡°Many thanks for meeting me halfway, City Lord Xin.¡±

    City Lord Xin saw him recounting pleasantly, and smiled as well: ¡°You and I are helping each other out.¡±

    Because the trade talks went smoothly, everyone ate harmoniously during the following small feast. After finishing their meals, Xin Bailin was responsible for delivering Gu Zuo back. Xin Bailin also invited him to go look at those medicinal ingredients together when the time came.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know Xin Bailin particrly well, but from Xin Bailin¡¯s figure, he could actually see some simrities to the bearing of his dear big brother, Gongyi Tianheng. Thus, he had a good impression of Xin Bailin.

    Xin Bailin¡¯s attitude was gentle. When he delivered Gu Zuo to the front of the courtyard¡¯s entrance, he smiled and asked again: ¡°It seems that Brother Gu still hasn¡¯t taken the medicinal ingredients he deserves with the gold slip?¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and startled. He remembered shortly thereafter and replied: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu had said that we¡¯d go together to choose them prior to our departure. Therefore, I haven¡¯t made my selection yet.¡±

    There were ten stalks of precious medicinal herbs for winning the first ce reward of the pill battles. The so-called precious herbs were actually medicinal ingredients whose prices were above ten thousand gold. Later on, when they wanted to receive the ingredients, they could rely on the permit slips in hand and proceed to the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s fourth floor.

    Previously, Gu Zuo was too excited when he was buying medicinal ingredients. He actually forgot that he still had as many as ten stalks of unexpected ingredients. His eyes faintly shined. The more medicinal ingredients, the better. After this, he certainly wouldn¡¯t forget again!

    Xin Bailin heard Gu Zuo mention Xu Lingxiu, and his gaze faintly moved: ¡°Brother Lingxiu has always been like this, so it isn¡¯t strange.¡± He paused, ¡°When you all go to select your ingredients, would it be possible to bring this Xin along? Although this Xin doesn¡¯t have any abilities, perhaps I can offer some suggestions on the medicinal ingredients?¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t have a good impression of Xin Bailin, but Xin Bailin gave such a cordial invitation. How, how could he refuse? After hesitating for a moment, he forced a smile and said: ¡°This... Brother Xin is willing to help us out. This Gu naturally can¡¯t thank you enough. Merely, Senior Sect Brother Xu is over there. This Gu wouldn¡¯t dare...¡±

    Fortunately, Xin Bailin also didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for Gu Zuo. After hearing what was said, he gave a free and unconstrainedugh: ¡°Brother Gu can rest assured. Brother Lingxiu definitely won¡¯t forbid it.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded.

    Yes, for the sake of the Sect¡¯s face, he definitely wouldn¡¯t forbid it.

    However, he wouldn¡¯t actually be happy about it.

    If he wasn¡¯t happy...then, no way would everyone else be happy.

    After bidding farewell to Xin Bailin, Gu Zuo returned to the courtyard.

    As a devoted and reliable Tianlong Guard, although Dragon One couldn¡¯t follow due to the City Lord¡¯s request just now, he¡¯d been waiting at the courtyard entrance ever since Gu Zuo left. Upon seeing Gu Zuo enter, he promptly resumed his state of keeping guard in secret, and disappeared in front of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo looked to Xu Lingxiu and Li Yunquan who were drinking tea in the courtyard.

    They were still waiting for him...

    Gu Zuo walked over and forthrightly narrated what happened during the previous banquet. Of course, he didn¡¯t exin things regardless of their significance to Xu Lingxiu and Li Yunquan as he would with Tianheng. Very many details were left out by him, and he only roughly talked about the course of events and the oue. As for any possible conjectures or making transactions with Qingyun Sect, he didn¡¯t raise the issue at all.

    After Xu Lingxiu finished listening, his expression became a little odd: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu means to say that you sought two stalks of spirit medicine from them?¡±

    As core personages of the Sect, Xu Lingxiu and Li Yunquan had a clear understanding of what spirit medicines were. They had the Sect¡¯s backing, and their umted knowledge was quite abundant. This waspletely different from Gu Zuo, who would be the equivalent of a country bumpkin without the item books.

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve heard that spirit medicines are precious and rare, so I want to collect them.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu reflected over this. He nodded his head and said: ¡°Two stalks of spirit medicine. This price is actually suitable, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment, but still asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, how much is the price of spirit medicine?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu saw his confusion, and replied in a mood that wasn¡¯t unhappy: ¡°Spirit medicines have a price but no market. A stalk will normally cost five million gold or more. Tens of millions of gold would be amon matter as well. It¡¯s like this, but rarely would someone be willing to sell them.¡±

    Gu Zuo did some mental math and was satisfied.

    It seemed that it really was very worthwhile... Right now, his views had very big changes. Under the premise that his big brother wasn¡¯t that short on money, medicinal ingredients were his true love. Golden banknotes and whatnot were subpar.

    He wanted take his entire cash reserve and transform it into a medicinal ingredient reserve!

    En, he wanted to do this in the future...

    Soon after, he told Xu Lingxiu about Xin Bailin¡¯s invitation. Following that, he saw the totally expected sneering face of Xu Lingxiu. Gu Zuo felt that he¡¯d better withdraw in a hurry. Otherwise, Xu Lingxiu might explode.

    Luckily, Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t have any intentions of blowing up at Gu Zuo. He immediately waved his hand, allowing Gu Zuo to leave.

    Like a wisp of smoke, Gu Zuo scampered back to his own room.

    He wouldn¡¯t let himself be a cannon fodder between the firing lines of equally talented pharmacists.

    After Gongyi Tianheng epted the Ling n siblings, he started to enact his n of targeting the Mount An Bandit Gang.

    Because he had made discreet inquiries about many matters, Tianheng had roughly inferred some things. Also, from a few seedy elements, he had obtained news that someone was operating in the city recently.

    Currently, the most important thing was to draw the snake out of its hole.

    The bait was naturally Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei, the brother and sister pair.

    Tianheng stood tall with his hands sped behind his back. He looked at the pair, and his voice was slightly deep: ¡°If you two have any objections or feel that there¡¯s something wrong, speak now.¡±

    Ling Ziqi shook his head and said: ¡°This younger generation doesn¡¯t have any objections. Merely...¡± He nced at Ling Ziwei, ¡°My little sister is a woman. I¡¯m afraid that...¡±

    At this moment, his words were interrupted by Ling Ziwei: ¡°Big brother, if you and I don¡¯t appear at the same time, those people from the Mount An Bandit Gang won¡¯t be fooled.¡±

    After all, if only one appeared, it would be possible that the n¡¯s item was taken away by the other person ¡ª Often times, for the sake of the continuation of a n, it was inevitable to sacrifice the one acting as a cover. Only if all the remaining people in the n were present would others want to urgently capture them.

    Otherwise, one wouldn¡¯t be able to catch the big fish.

    In fact, Ling Ziqi was also aware of this reasoning. He, however, dearly loved his younger sister... In addition, there was another reason. His younger sister didn¡¯t know. For the time being, Ling Tianen also didn¡¯t know. However, many of the other members of the n had known.

    And Ling Ziqi wasn¡¯t forting to Tianheng about this reason.

    Ling Ziwei was unaware of her elder brother¡¯s entanglements, but through huge changes, she was no longer that young girl who was kindhearted to the point of stupidity. At this moment, there was a trace of unswerving determination in her countenance: ¡°Big brother, let me go. I must avenge our n with my own hands!¡±

    Ling Ziqi recalled Ling Ziwei¡¯s heart knot ¡ª From beginning to end, she believed that she had caused harm to her n. Atst, he sighed: ¡°As you say. But little sister, you have to listen to our benefactor. Even if you see Ling Tianen, you absolutely can¡¯t act impulsively. Act calmly and pretend properly. Understand?¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s eyes shed with hatred, and she solemnly agreed.

    Tianheng waited until after this brother and sister pair finishedmunicating. Then, he smiled: ¡°You two don¡¯t need to be too worried about safety issues. There are some things here that I¡¯ll be cing in your hands. When it gets dangerous, these will be useful for stalling for time or settling any uncertainties. After you two have these, you don¡¯t need to be flustered. Just use them properly.¡±

    Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei naturally agreed.

    Following which, Tianyang gave them a demonstration of the usage of some Trick Pills and medicinal poison. After the siblings saw the power of those things, their hearts were greatly eased. This also increased their confidence.

    After that, everyone started to act ording to the n.

    Of course, the first thing they needed to do was to anonymously sell some news...

    Yes, just as how Tianheng andpany inquired about the Mount An Bandit Gang in the gray areas of thew, when the people of the Mount An Bandit Gang followed traces and inferred that the Ling n siblings were still within Clear River City, they had naturally scouted out information about the siblings.

    When one wasn¡¯t able to distinguish its source, the information could be true or false.

    As a result, everything depended on the IQ of both parties to determine who could find the true information and who could only obtain the false information.

    However, the news that was anonymously sold wasn¡¯t only about the siblings¡¯ traces. It included an even more important matter.

    It was that...there was a pretty good weapon in the siblings¡¯ possession.

    Moreover, it seemed that they intended to take this weapon out to do something or to exchange it for something else. The Ling n siblings really had exchanged the heirloom treasure with Tianheng, so it was quite easy to fabricate the details. If it was someone who used their heads, they should¡¯ve been very quick to find this information.

    On top of that, although this matter could¡¯ve been either true or false and many people didn¡¯t know how powerful that weapon was, some shadows in the dark were also a little eager to move when they discovered that the strengths of those siblings weren¡¯t high.

    However, it was also because the siblings¡¯ strengths were too weak that no one could recklessly judge the grade of that weapon...

    Perhaps there were many people who were still watching from the sidelines, but those who knew what the weapon was really used for couldn¡¯t help but worry at this moment. Otherwise, once the treasured sword was obtained by others, and even the information of the hidden treasure was obtained from it, it would be greatly disadvantageous to them!

    The people of the Mount An Bandit Gang firmly believed that once the Ling n siblings were found, with their strength, no matter how weak the power they confronted was, the only path they had was to be captured.

    The hidden treasure... In the wake of their capture, the probability of it being discovered was greatly increased.

    Automatically, the furtive movements of the Mount An Bandit Gang rose.

    Before long, Tianyang scouted things out. The information they sold on consignment had already been bought out by someone else.

    Had a fish taken the bait?

    It also wasn¡¯t known whether this time¡¯s fish was big or small.

    Wondrous Wolf Mountain, a bandit den.

    In a serene and deep hall, at the seat of honor and in the seats on the left and right were three men. They were the Mount An Bandit Gang¡¯s Bandit Master as well as two bandit leaders.

    There were two rows ofrge chairs that were just off to their sides. On each chair sat a bandit, and they were all Xiantian Realms.

    This bandit den was the old nest of the Mount An Bandit Gang. All the high-end forces of the Mount An Bandit Gang had upied thisrge hall.

    However, what was different from the past was that the person who sat in the first right-siderge chair was a young man. His appearance was upright and gant, but in this shadowy hall lined with evasive eyes, he seemed somewhat treacherous. He seemed like...a scheming and crooked individual.

    At this moment, a slim man kowtowed at the front of the hall. His head was lowered, but his voice was loud and clear. He shouted the information he¡¯d scouted out: ¡°Reporting to the Bandit Master! I have news to share. The Ling n siblings have gone into hiding within Snake Tail Mountain! It seems they intend on using the heirloom treasured sword in exchange for asylum. Some people have even mentioned that the Ling n siblings will use this to recruit people to retaliate against their enemies!¡±

    There was no doubt that their enemies were the Mount An Bandit Gang.

    The siblings knew that, and the Mount An Bandit Gang knew this as well.

    After listening to the report, the atmosphere in the entire bandit den suddenly became agitated.

    A banditughed in a cruel and strange manner: ¡°Those two are just small mice who don¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth. Yet they dare to challenge our bandit gang? They must be tired of living! I say we should directly pinch them to death and snatch the treasured sword!¡±

    Another bandit said eerily: ¡°Anyone who sets themselves against our bandit gang mustn¡¯t have good deaths! I ask the Bandit Master to allow me, the ck Hand Bandit, to lead a squad to remove the heads of those two. I¡¯ll scoop out the insides of their skulls and give them to the Bandit Master as wine cups. Wouldn¡¯t that be delightful?¡±

    There was an additional bandit whose mouth reeked of blood: ¡°What about after killing them? Let¡¯s cut off slices of their flesh. When the timees, we can fetch some wine to apany that girl¡¯s tender flesh! Hahahaha!¡±

    After thisughter echoed out, the bandits who filled the bandit den all cackled.

    In their eyes, human life wasn¡¯t worth a damn thing.

    There were even many people who smiled strangely while giving sidelong nces at that treacherous and gant young man, as if on purpose. It seemed they were deliberately trying to provoke him.

    A good whileter, the bandit leader who sat on the right side smiled and stood up. She was a beautiful and alluring woman. It was just a pity that her heart was like it was dipped in poison. Even though she was coquettish and touching, the bandits only dared to swallow mouthfuls of saliva. They absolutely didn¡¯t dare to have any lustful feelings towards her.

    The female bandit leader gave a delicateugh and said: ¡°Aiya, you shouldn¡¯t say these vulgar words! We still have a distinguished visitor here. His little darling has run away. And if you guys injure her, I won¡¯t let you off easy!¡±

    The other bandit leader was a man with a jaundiced face. His voice was stiff: ¡°Stop bullshitting. ck Hand Bandit, go forth and capture them! The man¡¯s life or death doesn¡¯t matter. Bring the woman back to me alive. You hear me?¡±

    The two bandit leaders gave their orders. On the contrary, that tall and sturdy Bandit Master kept both eyes slightly closed. At this moment, not a word was spoken.

    It seemed to be his tacit approval.

    Meanwhile, that ck Hand Bandit got up at once: ¡°The ck Hand Bandit follows yourmand!¡±

    T/N: I¡¯ve been tranting this story for a little less than two years. I genuinely love this story, and I appreciate everyone¡¯sments and reviews, for better or for worse. However, while I ept that this story isn¡¯t for everyone, it pains me to see people misconstruing the rtionship between Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng. A long time ago, Charysa once asked me if I was going to trante an author¡¯s note that addressed this issue, but I didn¡¯t think it was that important at the time. I¡¯m putting that author¡¯s note here as well as at Chapter 60, where it came from. Hopefully this corrects any misunderstandings as well as prevents any potential readers from getting the wrong impression.

    The author has something to say:

    Concerning some questions yesterday, I¡¯ll simply list them here for everyone to read. If I see such questions in the future, I won¡¯t exin again. Always having to exin something is like a foot-binding cloth. Little sisters who are earnestly reading shouldn¡¯t need me to exin things over and over again... Okay?

    The things the gong is doing for the shou:

    1. Supplying all the resources he needs.

    2. Giving detailed exnations for general knowledge at any time.

    3. Helping him research a body cultivation method.

    4. Helping him adapt to this world where the weak are prey for the strong.

    5. Giving him encouragement at any time, giving him enough trust.

    6. Bringing him to see the world.

    7. After the shou renounces it, still giving the shou the money and payment he deserves. (Although, the shou still doesn¡¯t know.)

    8. Raising his identity so he can establish himself in the n.

    The things the shou is doing for the gong:

    1. Treating his illness.

    2. When researching medicinal pills, selecting the ones he needs takes precedence.

    3. After emotions have deepened, wanting to give all good things to him.

    Details of the two¡¯s transaction:

    The gong will provide resources, and the shou will treat the gong¡¯s illness.

    ¡ü

    So, everyone shouldn¡¯t feel like the shou is investing a lot while the gong isn¡¯t doing anything. Apart from the first article in their transaction, everything after is about both sides investing in each other. And one should understand from the above-mentioned that the gong acted in good-faith first. When the shou sensed this, he reciprocated. Everyone shouldn¡¯t consider the shou a fool. I¡¯ve hinted it before that he has frequently seen all kinds of people in the modern era. If the gong hadn¡¯t treated him with additional care, how could the shou have treated him with additional reciprocation? The gong gives the shou everything the shou wants, and the shou knows it.

    Furthermore, this story is a mutual love story. The gong first treats the shou well based on morality and integrity, and the shou sincerely reciprocates. The gong treats the shou even better, and the shou tries even harder to reciprocate. It¡¯s this kind of process. After that, it¡¯s BL.

    Many thanks for everyone¡¯s support. Hugs and kisses!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch201 - Plotting Against the Bandit Gang

    <h4>Chapter Ch201 - Plotting Against the Bandit Gang</h4>

    All of a sudden, that treacherous young man opened his mouth. His voice seemed to carry a type of peculiar cadence as it reverberated throughout the entire bandit den: ¡°Hold on.¡±

    The Bandit Master¡¯s eyes opened a crack.

    The male and female bandit leaders both said: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you have a different idea?¡±

    Then, the male bandit leader snorted coldly: ¡°This little boss shouldn¡¯t carelessly butt in on the matters of my bandit gang!¡±

    The treacherous young man¡¯sughter was gloomy: ¡°Last time, three experts were sent to capture those two people. They met with misfortune and perished. It¡¯s clear to see that there might be an even stronger powerhouse apanying those siblings. Should even more experts be dispatched this time?¡±

    With him talking like this, the ck Hand Bandit was unhappy: ¡°What? Do you suspect that the abilities of mine aren¡¯t high?¡±

    The treacherous young man then said: ¡°How could that be? I am merely an insignificant Xiantian stage two. Senior ck Hand beats me by two realms. What¡¯s there to suspect?¡± He paused before speaking again, ¡°It¡¯s just that those two are too capable at concealing themselves. Since it¡¯s been very difficult to find them, making some more preparations would be appropriate.¡±

    The words of this young man weren¡¯t unreasonable. Although the ck Hand Bandit wasn¡¯t happy, he also had nothing to say.

    Yet, the male bandit leader said: ¡°The corpses of those three people have long been transported back. Looking at their condition, they were only ambushed. The remnant qi energy also indicates that the ambusher was Xiantian stage two at most. The ck Hand Bandit¡¯s strength is outstanding. If he can¡¯t lead a squad to snatch them, then wouldn¡¯t that be the ipetence of my bandit gang?¡±

    The treacherous young man didn¡¯t argue much. He only said: ¡°Since the bandit leader has nned in advance, this one will simply wait for the treasured sword to reach my hands so we can start the next step.¡±

    Meanwhile, the ck Hand Bandit spoke in a loud voice: ¡°Many thanks for your trust, bandit leader! This subordinate will certainly settle this matter!¡±

    Hence, it was decided just like this. The ck Hand Bandit would lead a squad to set about this task.

    And in this squad, besides the ck Hand Bandit who was Xiantian stage four, there were three Xiantian stage one martial artists as well as dozens of Houtian Realm bandits. ording to reason, no matter what happened, there wouldn¡¯t be any mistakes.

    Snake Tail Mountain.

    In a hidden region within the mountain, there was a cave that was covered up by vines. This cave was about the height of two people, and was rtively narrow.

    During the afternoon, an extremely handsome young man walked out from inside.

    The young man stood upon arge boulder and slightly raised his head.

    Soon after, he revealed a smiling expression: ¡°They¡¯vee.¡±

    Following that, he jumped off the boulder, hid behind it, and peered down below.

    That¡¯s right. The location of this young man was atop an extremely narrow canyon.

    Both sides were barren, rocky mountains. Massive boulders leaned on each other, and the space underneath could only amodate one or two people going into the narrow path at a time. The narrow path had many muddy sections, and the sides had numerous branches and tendrils hanging down. There were lots of dried up sticks and stones that formed obstructions. If one wanted to pass through here, it would be somewhat difficult.

    A rather distant location had voices echoing out.

    Following which, one could see a man and a woman, two youths, fleeing towards this ce at lightning speeds. After they looked ahead at this narrow path, their eyes seemed to shine. Then, without a care, they used their swords in hand to chop down the branches and tendrils on both sides, and pped the stones out of the way to rush into the narrow path.

    The stones that were pped aside soon fell down behind them, blocking the rear path.

    However, the people in the back were obviously faster. In the blink of an eye, dozens of devilish martial artists rushed over. Each one was at least Bone Forging Realm, and it seemed they wanted topletely surround this ce. There were also four Xiantian martial artists floating above these martial artists. The expression of the leader was excited, but his ckened face was twisted into an extremely ugly appearance. The eyes of the other three people all held bloodthirsty smiles.

    They were the ck Hand Bandit and his capable subordinates.

    That man and woman pair swiftly rushed into the narrow path, and the people behind urgently followed in as well.

    The area of the narrow path was small. If they came pouring in like a swarm of bees and blocked up the front, back, and sides, it would be like catching a turtle in a jar.

    But just at this moment, the ck Hand Bandit suddenly waved his hand: ¡°Slow down!¡±

    The bandits did what they were told, and abruptly stopped in ce: ¡°Leader ck Hand?¡±

    The appearance of the ck Hand Bandit was gloomy and cold: ¡°First send one person to explore ahead.¡±

    Although he was fierce, his conduct was very cautious.

    The Ling n siblings had been in this Snake Tail Mountain longer than them. Who knew if there was poison in the mud of that narrow path or on the surrounding vines?

    If one carelessly stepped into a trap, then it really wouldn¡¯t be worth it!

    Of course, the ck Hand Bandit didn¡¯t think that any traps the Ling n siblings had put out could affect him. However, not all of his subordinates were Xiantian. If the Houtian martial artists were harmed here, then it would be his loss. As a minor leader, if there weren¡¯t many people under his control, then he wasn¡¯t worth mentioning in the bandit gang.

    On the rocky mountainside, Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled behind the boulder: ¡°This despicable bandit is actually attentive.¡±

    But how couldn¡¯t Tianheng anticipate the things that the ck Hand Bandit could think of?

    Even if he wanted to use poison, he wouldn¡¯t put it in such an easily noticeable ce like this.

    Sure enough, the bandit with the lowest martial strength was forced to quickly step forward and rush into the narrow path. The vines and mud all touched him, but no idents happened whatsoever.

    During this period ofg, the Ling n siblings had escaped even further away. Soon, they were about to rush out of that narrow path! And once they left the narrow path and reached the area in the back, there¡¯d be even more hiding ces!

    The bandits flocked around, and this side of the narrow path was also blocked up.

    The current situation was precisely what they previously considered for ¡°catching a turtle in a jar¡±.

    The ck Hand Bandit gave a nastyugh and said: ¡°Ling n boy, hand over that thing and you can still save your little sister¡¯s life. If not, I, the ck Hand Bandit, won¡¯t care about that Ling Tianen, and I¡¯ll give your little sister to my subordinates for a fun time!¡±

    Ling Ziqi shouted: ¡°Shameless!¡±

    Ling Ziwei also said: ¡°I¡¯d rather die than let them have their way!¡±

    However, even though the Ling n siblings were unwilling, no matter how vignt they were, the bandits were still getting closer step by step. The distance between them was getting shorter and shorter...

    The ck Hand Bandit saw that it was impossible for the two to escape, and the malice in his eyes deepened.

    But at the next moment, when the bandits were only a couple of steps away from the Ling n siblings, the siblings suddenly acted at the same time and cast out quite a few round beads!

    Those beads were smashed into the ground and immediately emitted bursts of yellow smoke. In an instant, it diffused in all directions.

    The yellow smoke¡¯s range quickly epassed all the bandits who charged into the narrow path. The bandits didn¡¯t have enough time to make any moves. Their bodies had already stiffened up, and blood poured out of their orifices!

    The ck Hand Bandit never expected that such a thing could happen. His eyes split open in rage, and he immediately wanted to charge into the narrow path. Only, that yellow smoke had yet to dissipate, and the toxicity was very severe. If he went down, he would be poisoned instead ¡ª

    And immediately following this, he didn¡¯t consider these matters any longer.

    Because high up above, a streak of terrifying force ruthlessly struck down!

    The ck Hand Bandit was greatly rmed. Not good!

    He promptly dodged, but while his reaction was fast, it wasn¡¯t faster than that premeditated attack.

    In the blink of an eye, the ck Hand Bandit only had enough time to tilt his head. However, that force still shattered half of his body. His left arm was blown apart, and his whole body was engulfed in immense pain.

    But the ck Hand Bandit understood very clearly. At this moment, he knew that if he couldn¡¯t move in time, the only thing that awaited him was death!

    The ck Hand Bandit instantly retreated, but after that, his eyes were dazzled. A young man with a slender stature had already appeared in front of him. Before he could even get a clear look at the young man¡¯s appearance, he sensed a gout of dreadful and scorching force approaching. Once he was hit, the consequences would be too horrible to contemte!

    He acted without thinking. His hand grasped his weapon and immediately sliced out.

    Unfortunately, while the ck Hand Bandit¡¯s movement was fast, that young man was faster.

    That long saber cut nothing but air. Then, the young man disappeared from his sight, and an even stronger pain arose on his back. Soon after, the center of his chest went cold. A lustrous jade-white fist had punched its way through his back.

    Immediately following that, the ck Hand Bandit¡¯s skull was stunned. He only felt an intense rumble from his head exploding. After that, he knew no more.

    Gongyi Tianheng dropped to the ground. In front of him was a bandit corpse whose skull was hammered into mush and whose heart was smashed into pieces. The moment they met face to face, the Xiantian stage four ck Hand Bandit had been beaten to death by him without the slightest bit of power to retaliate!

    In the narrow path, Ling Ziqi watched Tianheng¡¯s actions and couldn¡¯t help swallowing a mouthful of saliva.

    Too, too frightening...

    Ever since the ck Hand Bandit appeared, the suppressive might he produced was overwhelming. If it wasn¡¯t for Ling Ziqi making sufficient mental preparations long ago, it might¡¯ve been hard to even flee under this kind of suppressive might.

    But such an evil bandit had actually died so easily under the hands of his benefactor, Gongyi Tianheng!

    Momentarily, Ling Ziqi¡¯s impression of Tianheng had be even more reverent.

    As for Ling Ziwei, she was looking at the corpses which were carelessly piled up in that narrow path.

    The Houtian martial artists had all thoroughly died already. Under the effects of the poison, their corpses were practically rotting away while emitting a rancid and loathsome stench. The Xiantian martial artists hadn¡¯t died yet. To Houtian martial artists, this thing was toxic, but to Xiantian martial artists, it was merely a medicament that could paralyze them. Although they had also fallen into the mud, malice stretched across their faces and they stared intently at the Ling n siblings. However, because they¡¯d just watched the ck Hand Bandit die in such a wretched state under Tianheng¡¯s hands, their eyes carried a trace of dread.

    The Ling n siblings had long taken the antidote. After Tianheng walked over, the two both saluted: ¡°Benefactor, there are still three people here. How should they be handled?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Since they¡¯re your enemies, you two shall personally ughter them.¡±

    Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei nced at each other. They were very happy: ¡°That¡¯s perfect. Many thanks, benefactor!¡±

    Soon after, Ling Ziwei suddenly took out a dagger from her waist, and arrived before those three people. She took a deep breath. In front of those three Xiantians, whose expressions became even more terrified but were incapable of speaking a word, she stabbed down with the dagger ¡ª

    ¡°Rip! Rip! Rip!¡±

    There were several ferocious stabs and twisting movements.

    With the hatred of Ling Ziwei, the three Xiantians died in less than a minute under that dagger.

    Their heads, their hearts, their everything had been mixed into a meaty pulp. Obviously, their lives didn¡¯t have the slightest possibility of surviving.

    Ling Ziqi also felt that his hatred was ked. He looked to Tianheng, and asked excitedly: ¡°Benefactor, what¡¯ll we do next?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°First, call Tianyang over.¡±

    Tianyang was in the cave that Tianheng had previously hidden. At this moment, he came out and asked: ¡°Big brother, did things go smoothly?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Quite smoothly.¡±

    Those bandits simply didn¡¯t expect that the Ling n siblings would possess such big killing tools like the Trick Pills. Even if they guessed that the sibling pair might¡¯ve had a helper, they never would¡¯ve thought that this helper would be as powerful as Tianheng.

    Caught unawares, the bandits were naturally wiped outpletely.

    Tianyang let loose a sigh: ¡°Now what?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Tianyang, transport these corpses out, and entrust someone to toss them in the vicinity of that Mount An Bandit Gang¡¯s encampment. Let them take a good look at their own future endings.¡±

    The Ling n siblings: ¡°...¡±

    Tianyang: ¡°...Okay, big brother.¡±

    To speak frankly, this was a provocation. In the Mount An Bandit Gang, the ck Hand Bandit was considered a leader who wasn¡¯t big nor small. It wasn¡¯t known how the Mount An Bandit Gang would react after receiving these corpses.

    Tianheng then spoke to the Ling n siblings: ¡°The next time, we¡¯ll still draw people here. However, if things change, if the arrivals are too vicious and you¡¯re unable to escape, then swiftly throw out a signal object and hide yourselves. I¡¯ll be waiting over here. If I see that object, I¡¯ll head out to save you two.¡±

    When the Ling n siblings heard this, they promptly nodded: ¡°We understand.¡±

    Hence, it was settled just like this.

    Three dayster, many rumors circted underground...

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the Mount An Bandit Gang has been out of luck recently?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. A fool came out of nowhere and actually threw a pile of bandit corpses in front of the bandit gang¡¯s mountain entrance. It was a huge loss of face!¡±

    ¡°Hey, I also heard that the one who died was that ck Hand Bandit who liked to scoop out people¡¯s brains! This time, it was his own brains that were smashed into mushy watermelon! Too disgusting!¡±

    ¡°You guys, isn¡¯t this news outdated? Right now, it¡¯s not only the ck Hand Bandit who died. That ughtering Hand Bandit has also been killed. His corpse returned in a heap!¡±

    ¡°Heh. Yours truly has long said that those people from the Mount An Bandit Gang would kick an iron te sooner orter...¡±

    ¡°Instead of taking joy in cmity, you¡¯d better pray to Buddha for that fool! I¡¯ve heard that the Bandit Master is furious. This time around, he¡¯s making a bandit leader bring a dozen or so Xiantians to form an encirclement. After catching that fool, it won¡¯t be a good oue!¡±

    Five dayster.

    ¡°Breaking news, breaking news! The people led by that Mount An Bandit Gang¡¯s Seductress were wiped out! I heard it was the work of that fool!¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t try to deceive me. That Seductress is ruthless and cruel, but that face of hers is a huge advantage. Would that fool be heartless enough to ravage a beautiful flower?¡±

    ¡°Ravage a flower? She¡¯s attractive, but she¡¯s past her prime. What¡¯s there to heartless about?!¡±

    ¡°Stop talking. Her head was lopped off, and her face was full of holes. Who knows what kind of poison she suffered. Ah, that fool¡¯s hands are also very ck...¡±

    ¡°This time around, that Seductress¡¯ lover is going, too. The remaining bandit leader said that he was going to take revenge, and brought along more than half of the Xiantians. This time, that fool shouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I feel that this isn¡¯t necessarily so...¡±

    Three dayster.

    ¡°You all said that the one opposing the Mount An Bandit Gang is a fool, but from what I see, not only isn¡¯t he a fool, he came prepared! I don¡¯t know what kind of fucking luck the Ling n siblings got to find such a backer.¡±

    ¡°That bandit gang covets the Ling n girl and wants to snatch the heirloom treasured sword. This time, they tried to steal the chicken only to end up losing the rice to lure it.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute, what¡¯s going on? What don¡¯t I know about?¡±

    ¡°Ah, the Mount An Bandit Gang has already lost its bandit leaders. Only the Bandit Master remains!¡±

    ¡°Speaking of which, that fool is also very powerful, but that bandit leader was a Xiantian stage eight expert! Just look at that Seductress from before. The guy isn¡¯t just cruel, he has great skill, too. Don¡¯t tell me that the fool¡¯s strength is on par with that Xiantian stage nine Bandit Master? In the end, what kind of a person...¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. I heard that that fool is very cunning. He¡¯s never faced someone directly. The couple of deaths from before were all ambushes...¡±

    ¡°That strength also isn¡¯t weak. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t the sneak attack fail to kill a person?¡±

    ¡°This time around, that Bandit Master shouldn¡¯t be able to sit still...¡±

    Snake Tail Mountain.

    A burly man rode upon a wild beast simr to a ferocious bull. Following behind him were four Xiantian stage sevens, quite a few Xiantian stage five and six martial artists, as well as one to two hundred Houtian bandits.

    This was nearly the entire force of the Mount An Bandit Gang being dispatched.

    Next to the burly man, a gant young man with a treacherous temperament opened his mouth: ¡°Bandit Master, that guy is truly too insolent. He actually dares to leave behind such words!¡±

    As it turned out, at the base of the mountain, a stone tablet had appeared some time ago. And on that stone tablet, a line ofrge words were written. It was extremely domineering:

    [Mount An Bandit Master, do you dare to enter the mountain alone and fight me to the death?]

    The burly Mount An Bandit Master had a fierce-looking face, and his expression was malevolent: ¡°Killing my bandits and still thinking of using this psychological method? This senior has many troops at his disposal. Why would I foolishly fight with him alone?¡±

    Another bandit jeered and said: ¡°That¡¯s an idiot, right? We¡¯re bandits, not righteous sect disciples who¡¯d pay attention to fairness!¡±

    After that, the other people gave a peal of ridicule.

    The scars on the Mount An Bandit Master¡¯s face started to twitch: ¡°However, I should actually thank him for plotting against me and killing that bastard and bitch pair. They were in a collusion, wanting to seize my position as Bandit Master. But they didn¡¯t know that I had seen through their ruse long ago. I just took advantage of this opportunity to clean house!¡±

    The treacherous young man promptly praised: ¡°The Bandit Master is wise, so naturally he wouldn¡¯t be deceived by such small characters. Now that we¡¯ve sent out so many people, this will certainly capture them. This will also attest to the Bandit Master¡¯s peerless domination. At that time, without those two peons and those backstabbing aides of his, the treasure...won¡¯t need to be divided up that much.¡±

    The Bandit Master burst out in loudughter: ¡°Well said! As this senior has set out, it will be as easy as stretching out a hand and taking it! Underlings, seal up this Snake Tail Mountain and scour the grounds inch by inch. You must capture all of those people who¡¯ve opposed this senior. I¡¯ll give them a lingering execution and dismember their bodies into ten thousand pieces!¡±

    The numerous bandits all made this pledge. Soon after, they charged into Snake Tail Mountain like a flying swarm of locusts.

    The various mounts they rode all cried out. There were strong and healthy horses as well as low grade wild beasts. Within that mountainous forest, they set off enormous winds and waves.

    And that mountainous forest was like the gaping maw of a ferocious beast that weed the arrival of these bandits.

    An underground ck market.

    In a shabby tavern, a woman with a buxom build was packing up a wine jar. It was out of the question to say that her appearance was beautiful and alluring, but there was a certain bearing between every frown and smile.

    The beverages here were dry and astringent, not fresh and tasty. Thus, there weren¡¯t many people drinking here. Because this ce was too small and depressing, there also weren¡¯t too many people sitting here to relieve their mncholy.

    But at this moment, there were suddenly three people wearing conical bamboo hats outside the door. They hurriedly stepped inside.

    The one in the lead said in a hoarse voice: ¡°Boss, we want to issue a mission.¡±

    The figure of that buxom woman suddenly shed, carrying a whiff of fragrant wind. She arrived in front of the three people at once. She used a cleaning rag to wipe the counter, and smiled tenderly: ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s someone who knows the ropes. What kind of mission would this client like to issue?¡±

    That person¡¯s voice was still very hoarse: ¡°I want to find someone to raid the Mount An Bandit Gang¡¯s oldir!¡±

    Once these words were uttered, let alone the buxom woman, all the remaining strays in the tavern looked over.

    The buxom woman flung her cleaning rag: ¡°My apologies, but are you sirs close to the hero who¡¯s been shing with the Mount An Bandit Gang?¡±

    The person wearing the bamboo hat said: ¡°Do you mean that, in order to issue missions here, you must question the entire history of the affair?¡±

    The buxom woman promptly said: ¡°No, no, no. This one talks too much.¡± She smiled sweetly again, ¡°This client needs to know that the Mount An Bandit Gang isn¡¯t a small force. I¡¯m afraid that no one will want to take this mission...¡±

    The person wearing the bamboo hatughed grimly: ¡°I¡¯m not asking them to attack the bandit den. The Bandit Master has already taken his people out long ago, and the ones left behind in the bandit den are extremely few. The couple of Xiantians aren¡¯t worth mentioning. I also won¡¯t hide it from this boss, but that Bandit Master certainly won¡¯t being back. We¡¯re merely cutting the weeds and eliminating the roots. Plus, putting forth this mission is a bond of good karma with this ce. If no one has the guts to raid the bandit den, then the treasury inside will belong to the daring ones.¡±

    The buxom woman hastily smiled again and said: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then naturally it¡¯ll be fullness for the bold and famine for the timid.¡±

    The person wearing the bamboo hat seemed somewhat pleased. His tone eased: ¡°This boss can exin it. For everyone going to raid that bandit den, whatever one acquires will belong to themselves. Additionally, for every Houtian bandit head, I¡¯ll pay out a thousand gold. For every Xiantian head, I¡¯ll pay out ten thousand gold. If anyone gets the head of that ungrateful Ling Tianen in that bandit den, I¡¯ll offer up a reward of a hundred thousand gold!¡±

    The buxom woman spoke with astonishment: ¡°Such a huge spender? This... However, we still need some guarantees.¡±

    The person wearing a bamboo hat took out a stack of golden banknotes from his sleeve. He leisurely said: ¡°Here¡¯s thirty thousand gold. This should be enough for the time being. If someone obtains Ling Tianen¡¯s head, just spread the word and we¡¯lle to inspect the goods.¡±

    That buxom woman seized the golden banknotes, and her smiling expression became even sweeter: ¡°Quite enough, quite enough! I will certainly issue this honorable sir¡¯s mission. You just wait for our good news!¡±

    After finishing this business, that person wearing the bamboo hat turned around and led the two people behind him to leave this underground ck market.

    Someone quietly tailed them from behind. However, a few movements from the three gave that person the slip.

    Upon reaching a certain corner, the three people discarded their conical bamboo hats. They changed back intopletely ordinary appearances and walked out.

    A voice was transmitted between them:

    ¡°The benefactor said that during the critical juncture, the Bandit Master won¡¯t allow Ling Tianen to leave his side. In that case, why did he still offer a bounty?¡±

    ¡°Big brother handles matters thoroughly. Even though there are expectations, it¡¯s better to be prepared, just in case... It¡¯s always good to take care of every eventuality.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa. And thank you, everyone, for your wonderfulmentsst chapter!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch202 - Exterminating Bandits

    <h4>Chapter Ch202 - Exterminating Bandits</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng took a Scent Hiding Pill, and quietly concealed himself beneath an enormous tree withyers uponyers of branches.

    The shadow cast by the tree sheltered himpletely. On top of that, at this moment, he waspletely odorless. Thus, not even the insects and snakes that passed by along the road could sense his existence.

    ¡ª The Scent Hiding Pill was a type of medicinal pill that could erase a Xiantian martial artist¡¯s scent. Unless it was a martial artist at the Immortal Realm or above, no one would be able to detect him.

    It seemed the application of this sort of medicinal pill wasn¡¯t that wide, but between simr realms, it was a sharp weapon for mounting sneak attacks and concealing oneself. While Gu Zuo was carefully searching, he found this to allow Tianheng to adequately protect himself under all kinds of situations.

    Tianheng used it at this time.

    There were two hundred something Houtian bandits, quite a few Xiantian bandits whose realms even surpassed his own, and the Xiantian stage nine Bandit Master! If he really confronted them directly, it would¡¯ve been impossible, even though Tianheng believed that his strength far exceeded those of equivalent realms. With his IQ, it was only natural that he wouldn¡¯t use his own weak points to fight against the bandits¡¯ strong points.

    Thus, Tianheng¡¯s n was to divide and conquer, and to kill them in secret.

    Simply said, he would continue to y tricks on them!

    After those bandits entered the mountain, under the demands of the Bandit Master, they needed to search every inch for the traces of Tianheng and the others. As such, it was certainly impossible for them to gather inrge groups. Rather, they each carried summoning fireworks, and divided into a dozen or so small squads of twenty people. They were led by Xiantian martial artists, and searched in all directions.

    Tianheng was calm and collected as he hid. He slightly tilted his head as he listened to the directional movements of the bandits.

    Perhaps it was due to the uniqueness of the Tiandu Body, but Tianheng¡¯s five senses were much stronger than those of ordinary Xiantian martial artists. On top of that, the Enhancer Pill that Gu Zuo refined further magnified the five senses, which allowed him to be extremely keen. At the very least, the sounds within a fifty-kilometer radius could be easily captured by him.

    This pill was simrly used at this time.

    Not long after, Tianheng moved.

    Under the cover ofyers uponyers of vegetation, he quietly arrived near a leading Xiantian stage six martial artist. After that, his left hand flicked, and several Trick Pills wereunched out. The ground immediately exploded with a dense, yellow smoke. At the same time, his figure was like lightning as he flipped his hand and swiped a dagger across that Xiantian martial artist¡¯s neck!

    This squad of bandits silently toppled over, bing a pile of corpses. Moreover, their corpses were still in the middle of rotting. Not much time had passed for the bodies topletely melt under the effects of this toxin.

    This poison was called the Yellow Springs Mist. It was an iparably dreadful toxin. Houtian Realm martial artists basically had no way to withstand it, and even Xiantian stage five or six martial artists would be rapidly corroded. If they relied on Xiantian true qi, they could slowly expel it, but these Xiantian martial artists would bepletely powerless while driving out the poison.

    Tianheng took out a gourd, and dripped some Corpse Melting Water onto those in Xiantian martial artists to remove all the evidence. After that, he leaped out towards another direction, taking advantage of the Scent Hiding Pill¡¯s effects which hadn¡¯tpletely disappeared yet ¡ª If he didn¡¯t hear incorrectly, there was another squad that had also entered his fifty-kilometer radius.

    He had to seize this chance for another round of scheming.

    Gongyi Tianheng, who¡¯d changed his clothing for a dark-green robe, was continuously shuttling through the forest.

    He possessed countless medicinal pills. At least thirty percent of them had brought him endless sess during this time¡¯s assassination operation. These pills had also saved him effort on many asions.

    Otherwise, how could he have continued this mission which seemed impossible toplete? Originally, he thought about using certain methods to draw out each and every one of the bandits. He never anticipated that he would¡¯ve first encountered the Ling n siblings, and that they would¡¯ve taken the initiative to work with him. This was a golden opportunity bestowed by heaven. If he couldn¡¯t seize it...then he wasn¡¯t Gongyi Tianheng.

    Using nearly the same methods, whenever Tianheng heard signs of activity, he would suddenly approach and assassinate those bandits.

    Two squads... Three squads... Five squads...

    In less than two hours, there were already eight squads that had fallen for his schemes. At the same time, the total number of dead bandits had reached a hundred sixty to a hundred seventy.

    In other words, more than half of the current Mount An Bandit Gang had been lost!

    The ones who remained were the strongest Bandit Master, whom Tianheng deliberately avoided, as well as a few Xiantian stage five martial artists. Whether it was the Xiantian stage six or seven bandits, they had all died one after another under Tianheng¡¯s attacks.

    However, because more and more people died, those corpses that didn¡¯t have enough time topletely rot away were gradually discovered by others. And the person who became aware of those half-rotted skeletons was a Xiantian stage five martial artist.

    His eyes suddenly contracted. He raised a hand and fired a summoning firework!

    At this moment, Tianheng was already hiding not far away. Upon seeing this, his gaze faintly moved and his hand shed to hurl out several Trick Pills. In an instant, he dashed out and went to kill that Xiantian martial artist directly!

    Since the matter had already been exposed, it wasn¡¯t necessary to hide when confronting these trifling twenty people.

    How could that Xiantian stage five martial artist be Tianheng¡¯s match? He never thought that Tianheng would appear this suddenly and fight with him directly. Caught off guard, his head was immediately blown up with qi energy ¡ª He didn¡¯t even have enough time to scream!

    Those Houtian martial artists in the rear were racked with pain. Under such pain, they couldn¡¯t scream at all. They could only watch as their skin constantly sloughed off and as their bodies produced creaking noises inside and out. After that, their minds were smothered, and they knew no more.

    Tianheng quickly withdrew.

    He was aware that this Snake Tail Mountain wasn¡¯t so big that it was beyond the reasonable limits of the arriving martial artists. Through the summoning firework¡¯s function, not much time had passed for the remaining bandits to rush over. If he hesitated again, he would be stopped here.

    Taking out a Trick Pill and urgently setting it off took time. If he wasn¡¯t hiding in a secret ce and was instead surrounded by others, under the suppression of a Xiantian stage nine martial artist, he wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to find the time.

    As a result, Tianheng took another Scent Hiding Pill and quietly vanished amid the dense canopy.

    Then, dozens of bandits rushed over from all directions one after another.

    Tianheng watched this very clearly. The leader had an astonishing aura and strength that was like a deep pool. It even gave him a threatening feeling. Undoubtedly, he was the Bandit Master.

    At this time, the Bandit Master¡¯s whole face was full of wrath, and his chest continuously heaved up and down. Behind him followed a gant young man whose temperament was treacherous. The young man was furrowing his brows, and seemed to be avoiding the Bandit Master to some extent.

    The other bandits could bear it even less. Almost all of them didn¡¯t dare to approach this great leader. Simply because the rage of this great leader...was already skyrocketing.

    The Bandit Master couldn¡¯t restrain his anger: ¡°What toxin? What about our Detoxification Pills? Have you all taken them?!¡±

    Another minor leader said: ¡°Yes, sir. But it¡¯s useless against this poison, Bandit Master. We don¡¯t know where that guy got this medicinal poison, but it¡¯s too terrifying!¡±

    Time passed, but eventually, no more people came over.

    The Bandit Master¡¯s heart sank: ¡°Anyone else? Where did everyone go? A summoning firework was set off, but there¡¯s still those who dare not show up? Don¡¯t they take this senior seriously?!¡±

    Merely, even though he spoke in this way, still no one else came.

    Atst, a bandit cautiously reckoned: ¡°Could they have all...fallen for that guy¡¯s schemes?¡±

    The Bandit Master¡¯s aura suddenly increased sharply: ¡°Find them! Find them for me!¡±

    Seven or eight bandits set out and dispersed in all directions. Their goal was to search for traces of the others. After a little less than an hour passed, these people returned. Their faces were filled with rm and panic.

    ¡°Bandit Master, fifty kilometers to the southwest, I s-saw the same thing...¡±

    ¡°Bandit Master, in the southeast direction, there¡¯s also...¡±

    ¡°Forty-one kilometers to the west... There¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°The northeast, too...¡±

    Nearly all of the mouths of these people carried pieces of news.

    And these pieces of news were all bad news.

    The Bandit Master¡¯s infuriated expression gradually turned grave, and then became as deep as the sea. However, not a single person felt that he wasn¡¯t angry anymore. On the contrary, everyone understood that his wrath had been pushed down to the bottom of his heart. This was even scarier than his previous outward appearance. At the same time, everyone also knew that something terrible had befallen their fellow bandits who hadn¡¯t rushed over ¡ª It was hardly a guess to say that those people should¡¯ve be like what they discovered just now. They had all turned into corpses under the toxin¡¯s harmful effects!

    What could they do? What should they do?

    Those people who were secretly hiding were too scary. Unexpectedly, with the insignificant strength of just a few people, their Mount An Bandit Gang had been turned into such a miserable state ¡ª Yes. They still didn¡¯t know that the real one who carried out this matter was only the lone Gongyi Tianheng.

    But just this fact was also too frightening.

    The Bandit Master took a deep breath: ¡°From this moment on, don¡¯t split up. Be mindful of your actions.¡±

    The numerous bandits barely managed to shore up their thoughts, but morale was still declining: ¡°Yes, Bandit Master.¡±

    Soon after, the Bandit Master took out a leather bag from his waist. After the strap was opened, he immediately shook out the thing inside.

    It was a mouse that was only as big as a fist. Its entire body was snow-white, and it looked exactly the same as ordinary white mice. As for any minute differences, its nose was twice as big as amon mouse¡¯s, and the tip of its nose presented a pure-gold color.

    The Bandit Master lowered his voice: ¡°This is a Tracking Mouse. It can smell any odors left behind several hours ago. Moreover, through this odor, it can find the corresponding person. Previously, this senior wasn¡¯t certain where those people had appeared. But since that person had appeared here just now and dared to assassinate my bandit gang members, that Tracking Mouse can find him for this senior to take his small life!¡±

    After the numerous bandits heard this, they promptly sighed.

    Indeed, this was very good.

    Those who were hidden were scary because mounting sneak attacks and poisoning others was frightening. However, if the whereabouts of the other party were found, the strength of the other side definitely wouldn¡¯t reach theirs. The bandits flocked together, so naturally they weren¡¯t worried.

    When the Bandit Master saw that everyone¡¯s morale picked up again, his expression improved a little. Following which, he made several hand seals at that Tracking Mouse and said: ¡°Tracking Mouse, go!¡±

    Right after that, the Tracking Mouse was like a sharp arrow released from its bowstring. With a whooshing sound, it dashed in front of those corpses. Its nose trembled in the vicinity of the corpses and smelled the remnant odors.

    Tianheng naturally watched and heard everything.

    He didn¡¯t doubt the ability of that Tracking Mouse. It was to the point that he was rather interested in this Tracking Mouse. However, it was obvious that now wasn¡¯t the time to continue hiding himself. Otherwise, if that Tracking Mouse dashed towards him, perhaps his tracks would be exposed, and he might lose his final chance for an ambush.

    ¡ª Although he had taken the Scent Hiding Pill, who knew if the Scent Hiding Pill had any effect on the Tracking Mouse?

    In the end, Tianheng¡¯s decisiveness was absolute. At once, his body shed out, and there were already a dozen or so Trick Pills bursting forth between his fingers¡¯ continuous movements. In a split second, those Houtian martial artists were encased in dense, yellow smoke!

    The next moment, the Houtian martial artists all bonelessly copsed to the ground in quick session. Those Xiantian stage five martial artists who were rtively close also suddenly felt their bodies stiffen. Painful sensations instantly surged up. It was like their bodies were paralyzed and their minds were muddled. They turned pale with fright, and hastily operated their true qi in an attempt to block the spread of the poison. They wanted to expel it!

    The Bandit Master simrly felt a paralyzing sensation.

    However, no matter how powerful that toxin was, its capabilities weren¡¯t that great when brought to bear against a Xiantian stage nine. In just the blink of an eye, more than half of the poison was discharged, and the remaining poison already couldn¡¯t hinder the Bandit Master¡¯s movements.

    Of course, the Bandit Master couldn¡¯t think about other things right now.

    Because, after swiftly discovering those Trick Pill attacks with his keen senses, he¡¯d seen the direction where Tianheng hid! Meanwhile, Tianheng had long settled on a n. The moment heunched the Trick Pills, he himself swiftly leaped out!

    A terrifying streak of qi energy dashed directly at the Bandit Master!

    The Bandit Master reacted almost simultaneously. Although he hadn¡¯t personally taken action in a long time, this didn¡¯t mean that he had neglected his cultivation on the path of martial arts. His reaction speed was still iparably superb.

    The two qi energies collided with a loud bang. The Bandit Master surprisingly discovered that his own hurried strike was evenly matched with that of his counterpart. While he hadn¡¯t used his full strength, the guy in front of him clearly only had qi emissions at Xiantian stage four ¡ª How could this speck of a realmpare to his own?!

    In a split second, the Bandit Master understood that he had met a genius-level martial artist. Perhaps the other party was a disciple of a famous sect and could exhibit the ability to fight surmounting battles with such a realm.

    But, so what if the guy was a disciple of a famous sect?

    Any who opposed him would die!

    The Bandit Master took things seriously, and immediately used his most powerful martial skill ¡ª Scorpion King Energy.

    This was originally his powerful method of suppressing the crowd of bandits. At this moment, although his opponent¡¯s realm was far inferior to his own, he promptly made use of it and didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything.

    He was like a gigantic scorpion. His whole body was lightning-fast as he dauntlessly charged at Tianheng. With every manner of attack, it seemed like there was the sound of a scorpion¡¯s tail brilliantly swinging back and forth. That tremendous qi energy permeated everything, and it was as if the wind carried a bloody stench ¡ª While cultivating this kind of qi energy, he could continuously absorb many subtle poisons. This allowed his attacks to be even more dreadful.

    When Tianheng saw this, his expression shifted.

    A martial skill that carried poison?

    It was no wonder that the Bandit Master got rid of the Trick Pill¡¯s poison that quickly.

    However, he also had martial skills that carried poison!

    In Tianheng¡¯s body, a set of bone pearls had already been dyed ck. Everything contained inside was toxic. So long as his thoughts moved, those poisons would burst forth, mix with his qi energy, and turn into a type of corrosive power.

    Most of all, during this period of time, he¡¯d been constantly using Trick Pills. He had a new realization about the method of manipting the poisons within his body.

    In a split second, the qi energy on Tianheng¡¯s body rose rapidly.

    Wrapped in such an aura, Tianheng carried a type of terrifying air that wasn¡¯t usually present. It was like there were countless, blood-drenched killing intents, which made his temperament undergo aplete reversal.

    The people who died under his hands numbered in the hundreds. After those people died, the resentful energy they produced was inadvertently absorbed by him. This was equivalent to bing a part of him.

    At this time, it had evolved into a part of his aura.

    Tianheng shot out a fist.

    This fist, which carried that resentful energy, was a tyrannical attack!

    The Bandit Master and Gongyi Tianheng collided once more.

    When the Bandit Master¡¯s scorpion poison and the poison of Tianheng¡¯s qi energy struck each other, it produced a sizzling noise. This noise was iparably eerie. It wasn¡¯t like the sound of martial skills colliding at all. Instead, it was like they were tearing and corroding each other. It was extremely bizarre.

    However, the movements of the two didn¡¯t stop just because of the powers¡¯ collision. On the contrary, they took it one step further, and started attacking each other even more ferociously!

    Tianheng still used his fists.

    As fists struck flesh, each punch was stronger and fiercer than thest.

    There was no need to doubt. Such violent punches didn¡¯t match Tianheng¡¯s appearance at all. But at this moment, his eyes flickered with the radiance of the thrill of the hunt. He was enjoying his fight with the Bandit Master!

    The Bandit Master¡¯s mood, however, was different.

    He hade to take revenge. He wanted to get rid of Tianheng as quickly as possible to vent his anger!

    As the battle progressed, the minute differences in mental states caused Tianheng to be braver and the Bandit Master to be impatient with theck of victory.

    But Tianheng¡¯s powers were still increasing.

    Bang bang bang! Bang bang!

    The fight¡¯s momentum was grand.

    Tianheng was incredibly calm. He looked at every w in the Bandit Master¡¯s actions and violently collided with him. When Tianheng punched out, he also discovered that his own punching power had changed drastically on some level.

    It seemed that the resentful energy within each fist had deepened. And the toxins contained in the qi energy of each punch had also undergone a subtle type of change.

    The resentful energy and toxinsbined, forming a strange power. After integrating with his surging qi and blood, it vaguely transformed into a scarlet qi energy.

    This kind of qi energy was unceasingly refined within each punch.

    At the same time, it caused the pressure on the Bandit Master to get bigger and bigger.

    Gradually, the Bandit Master rmingly found that he had fallen to a disadvantageous position. On the contrary, Tianheng¡¯s aura became twice as valiant as before!

    The bone pearls in Tianheng¡¯s body rejoiced. True qi battered an acupoint. Under this state ofprehension, a Heavenly Spirit bone pearl was formed there at flying speeds!

    All of a sudden, a muffled sound echoed in his mind. Tianheng sensed that his own powers were greatly reinforced and his body became even sturdier. His qi and blood rushed forth and his true qi boiled over.

    He made a breakthrough! Just at this moment, he had be a Xiantian stage five martial artist!

    The Bandit Master¡¯s eyes shed with traces of panic.

    Immediately following which, he firmed his resolve. He retreated, and grinned evilly as he pped a mark onto his own dantian.

    Right then and there, the qi emissions on his body sharply rose!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze deepened.

    He could detect that the Bandit Master¡¯s realm was rushing towards the Immortal Realm very quickly. Previously, the Bandit Master had already reached peak Xiantian stage nine. At this time, he wanted to rely on the pressure here to directly break through to the Immortal Realm!

    How could Tianheng allow this?

    At once, he threw himself forward and hurriedly acted.

    This time, he didn¡¯t only employ his fists. Many martial skills were put to use by him one after another, which overwhelmed the Bandit Master. Because of that fluctuating power, it interrupted the Bandit Master¡¯s qi emissions multiple times.

    Tianheng knew that what he currently needed to do was to rush against time!

    Faster! Faster! Faster!

    The faster his speed, the harder it was for the Bandit Master to concentrate his power.

    The facts were indeed as such. Tianheng¡¯s breakthrough took but an instant. However, the Bandit Master, who¡¯d just started breaking through, was stifled by Tianheng¡¯s sessive actions, which almost made him cough blood.

    After that, the Bandit Master¡¯s realm, which had gotten extremely close to the Immortal Realm, abruptly stopped.

    At most, the present Bandit Master could only be said to be a half-step Immortal.

    Tianheng perceived the Bandit Master¡¯s qi emissions, and suddenly let out a sigh.

    Then, he withdrew and stuffed a medicinal pill in his mouth.

    He had to get this done as soon as possible. Although Tianheng wanted to use this opponent to hone that newly-understood punching skill of his, now was unfortunately not the time for tempering himself.

    Tianheng had never been a stupid person. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t drag things out. Ultimately, that would instead allow the opponent to turn defeat into victory ¡ª Even if the Bandit Master had trump cards, he didn¡¯t intend to give his opponent the time to use them!

    In the blink of an eye, Tianheng got close to the Bandit Master.

    The Bandit Master¡¯s heart shuddered.

    Surprisingly, he never detected Tianheng¡¯s approach! This guy was too fast!

    And once Tianheng got close, the Bandit Master discovered that the current Tianheng¡¯s long hair and frontpels had exposed his bare skin. It was all gradually stained with ayer of reddish-gold.

    At the same time, the atmosphere seemed to heat up.

    No! This was the heat produced by Tianheng!

    Tianheng¡¯s aura had unexpectedly risen by more then ten timespared to before he broke through!

    This was ¡ª

    The entire body of the approaching Tianheng seemed to be wrapped up in rays of reddish-gold light. The Bandit Master only felt that it was extremely strange. He mobilized all the strength in his body, wanting to send out his strongest attack ¡ª

    But that terrifying reddish-gold power actually swallowed it up.

    In the end, the Bandit Master simply hadn¡¯t been able to harm Tianheng with the attack he believed was strong. In the horrifying heat, he was melted down to the point where even his bones no longer remained!

    That reddish-gold radiance fell to the ground and abruptly scattered.

    All that remained in this ce was Gongyi Tianheng, whose body surged with waves like a red sun.

    On the other side of things, City Lord Xin, who¡¯d just finished discussing business, had sent someone to bring Gu Zuo to select his spirit medicine.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch203 - Selecting Spirit Medicines

    <h4>Chapter Ch203 - Selecting Spirit Medicines</h4>

    Early in the morning, Xin Bailin was waiting by the entrance. He wore a full-length, snow-white brocade robe. With a slender figure, handsomeplexion, and elegant poise, he was a brilliant personage.

    After the courtyard gate opened, Xin Bailin faintly smiled: ¡°Brother Lingxiu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu wore a full-body purple robe today. With his charming features and arrogant attitude, he looked noble and extraordinary. The moment he stepped out of the gate, he saw his sworn enemy. The corner of his mouth curled up, and he replied with false sincerity: ¡°Brother Bailin.¡±

    Xin Bailin had already walked close to Xu Lingxiu and flicked his sleeves: ¡°Today, this Xin has epted the orders of the City Lord. I¡¯ll be guiding everyone to get those rewards for winning that Pill Battling Assembly. Brother Lingxiu andpany, please follow me.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nced at him, and said without any expression: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll have to trouble Brother Bailin.¡±

    Gu Zuo, who was following behind: ¡°...¡±

    Li Yunquan rubbed his nose.

    After witnessing this scene, even though they didn¡¯t see anything, they somehow vaguely felt like there were saber lights and sword shadows... Although, the majority of the enmity only came from Xu Lingxiu¡¯s side.

    However, nothing bad happened. Under the guidance of Xin Bailin, the group quickly arrived at the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s fourth floor.

    There were still lots of medicinal ingredients on this floor. While Gu Zuo had gone on a spending spree previously, he only had the power of an individual. It was basically impossible to empty out the Myriad Medicine Tower. As a result, this floor was soon reced with a batch of medicinal ingredients. It also wasn¡¯t rare to see ones with good product grades among them.

    When Gu Zuo looked over, his eyes stopped moving.

    He wanted them! He wanted them! He wanted them!

    He felt his warm blood boiling over. Those never-seen medicinal ingredients ¡ª He wanted all of them!

    After that, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind didn¡¯t have any other thoughts. He just stared at the medicinal ingredients that weren¡¯t avable before, or he hadn¡¯t been able to continue purchasing due to ack of funds. He started to calcte everything in his heart.

    Spirit Conk Mushrooms, Thousand-Autumn Vines, Lava Fruits...

    He needed to properly consider how many stalks he¡¯d select.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was soon perceived by Xin Bailin, Xu Lingxiu, and the others.

    Xin Bailin¡¯s eyes shed with hints of interest.

    Meanwhile, Xu Lingxiu paused. He wanted to p him a little.

    Of course, Gu Zuo quickly restrained his drooling looks.

    When he was buying on his own before, there weren¡¯t any problems no matter how much he drooled. Now, he was in thepany of others. If his expression was too tant, that would make the Sect lose face.

    When Xu Lingxiu saw that Gu Zuo had exercised restraint, he felt pleased.

    Otherwise, when they went back, Xu Lingxiu would¡¯ve lectured him for losing so much face.

    Granted that Gu Zuo¡¯s current ability was very strong, Xu Lingxiu, whose identity and position were higher, could still scold him. Not to mention that he now considered Gu Zuo as one of his own. As such, he wanted scold him even more.

    Xin Bailin didn¡¯t pay too much attention to Gu Zuo. He merely said to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Brother Lingxiu, the medicinal ingredients here are all eptable as rewards. Everyone can make their own selection.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded his head, and immediately pulled Gu Zuo along to the other side: ¡°...Do you know what to do?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°Rest assured, Senior Sect Brother Xu. I¡¯ve already thought about it!¡±

    Xu Lingxiu: ¡°...¡±

    Never mind. A pharmacist could never be parted from his medicinal ingredients. This was normal.

    The one Junior Sect Brother Gu followed was just the young master of a small country¡¯s aristocratic family. It was inevitable that he wouldn¡¯t have any channels to get medicinal ingredients in higher quantities and better conditions. He took advantage of the situation to store some up, so he was also considered to have a n in mind.

    ...It had to be said that due to Gu Zuo¡¯s strength and performance, even a haughty person like Xu Lingxiu would make excuses for Gu Zuo whenever he made some moves.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu went their separate ways.

    One¡¯s own medicinal ingredients would be chosen by themselves. Gu Zuo naturally went straight to his destination and directly pointed out the ten types of medicinal ingredients he wanted.

    Spirit Conk Mushroom, twenty-thousand years old, valued at twenty thousand gold.

    Lava Fruit, ten-thousand years old, valued at fourteen thousand gold.

    Thousand-Autumn Vine, ten-thousand year old vine, valued at twenty-three thousand gold.

    Thunder Spirit Fur, thousand year old shedding, the fur of nine sheds, valued at eleven thousand gold.

    Moon Supporting Branch, five-thousand year old branch, valued at neen thousand gold.

    Silk of the White-Heart Silkworm, thousand year old cocoon, valued at twelve thousand five hundred gold.

    Ten types of medicinal ingredients, and all of them were the main ingredients for precious medicinal pills. While there were some that the present Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t refine yet, it was no match for the pill prescriptions he possessed! As a result, he selected them without any pressure.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s selection speed was very fast. The main ingredients he chose were no more than forty thousand gold. Most of them were around ten thousand gold. After making his selection, an attendant of the tower saw this and felt that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t greedy at all.

    One needed to know that with this kind of opportunity to obtain rewards, there were pharmacists in the past who directly chose medicinal ingredients that were worth over a hundred thousand gold! But unless they happened to need that kind of medicinal ingredient, that kind of etiquette was just too unsightly... Any pharmacist who had some foundation wouldn¡¯t do such a thing.

    At first, Xu Lingxiu was worried that Gu Zuo would choose poorly. He saw what had happened, and felt relieved. His own eyesight was also outstanding, and he selected eight stalks not long after. Many of the prices of the previously mentioned ingredients were ten to twenty thousand gold as well.

    Not to mention Li Yunquan. He was an old fox, so naturally he wouldn¡¯t provoke the people of Danyun City.

    Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t the first batch of people to choose medicinal ingredients, but the behavior of every person from Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯tcking. The people on the entire floor saw this, and their hearts were free from worry.

    After the selection was finished, Xin Bailin looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°Brother Gu, since you¡¯re here, why don¡¯t we...also pick those?¡±

    Gu Zuo understood what he meant. This originally was toplete the negotiations. He nodded and agreed: ¡°Okay, no problem.¡± He thought about it, ¡°Can Senior Sect Brother Xu go with me?¡±

    In fact, Xu Lingxiu had been very attentive towards him the whole time. Although Xu Lingxiu couldn¡¯t choose any spirit medicines, he should¡¯ve also been willing to gain some insights as a pharmacist.

    Almost as if Xin Bailin had known earlier that he¡¯d encounter this kind of question, he nodded his head and said: ¡°Naturally there¡¯s no problem. I just don¡¯t know if Brother Lingxiu will do me the honors?¡±

    In any case, this was just doing a favor. It wasn¡¯t bad to have one more person.

    Xu Lingxiu seemed to stare nkly. He actually didn¡¯t expect Gu Zuo to take the initiative to mention this... The corner of his mouth stirred, almost like he wanted to smile. However, he immediately recovered his usual expression: ¡°Deference is no substitute for obedience.¡±

    Indeed. He also wanted to take a look.

    Soon after, Li Yunquan said his goodbyes.

    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to go. Rather, he knew that it was impossible for Xin Bailin to bring another person along based on his identity ¡ª That fifth floor was too mysterious. If Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t have the potential to be a Golden-Level pharmacist, even if Gu Zuo mentioned him, Danyun City wouldn¡¯t have allowed him to go.

    As of now, it was just a mutual exchange between high-end, promising, and young pharmacists going together.

    Once Li Yunquan left, Xin Bailin led them out of the fourth floor to a certain corner. Then, he swiftly pressed down on a mechanism, which opened an enormous iron door.

    Because the fifth floor was tightly guarded, it wasn¡¯t on the same path as the other four floors. If one really wanted to go in without a guide, they¡¯d have to break through seven or eight to even a dozen checkpoints to be able to reach their destination. Moreover, even if they got through, there were still many powerhouses to suppress. Generally speaking, it was basically impossible to steal spirit medicines from here!

    As Gu Zuo followed Xin Bailin forward, he felt that this ce¡¯s design was extremely clever. Although he sometimes saw the mechanisms, he couldn¡¯t understand how those mechanisms worked. He also didn¡¯t know how to decipher them. As for Xin Bailin, he only needed to hold a token and swipe it through a groove on the wall in front of a closed checkpoint. After pressing some buttons, the mechanism would deactivate and wouldn¡¯t set off an rm.

    Xu Lingxiu watched all of this, and slightly sank into contemtion.

    They walked along a very roundabout path for a long time. Finally, after passing through a small copper door, they entered a hidden chamber.

    Once they entered, Gu Zuo felt a chill spread over his face. Why did it seem like an icy cavern in here? Could it be that spirit medicines needed to be preserved in a ¡°refrigerator¡± to prevent them from spoiling?

    With such questions in his heart, Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu walked in side by side. They followed Xin Bailin deeper inside.

    When Xin Bailin took out a pearl and tossed it into the air, the entire cavern was illuminated. Then, they discovered the true situation ¡ª As it turned out, there wasn¡¯t only an ice cave here. Instead, there were quite a few caves. The environments of each cave were all different!

    After Gu Zuo saw a sparkling and translucent orchid nt entrenched in heaps of ice, he promptly understood.

    This was certainly due to the different growing environments that the spirit medicines required. As a result, they were given imitations!

    The facts were indeed as such.

    Spirit medicines all had their own spirituality, and they preferred certain environments to grow. Of course, if they weren¡¯t given the appropriate environment, the medicinal properties wouldn¡¯t necessarily deteriorate. However, if there were any serious problems, the medicinal properties also wouldn¡¯t strengthen! Over time, the properties might dull... And if the medicines were given the appropriate environments, they could maintain their spirituality from beginning to end. By absorbing the power in the environment, they could continue strengthening their own medicinal properties.

    With thisparison, it was naturally worthwhile to provide the spirit medicines with the appropriate environments.

    This stalk of spirit medicine in the ice cave was called the Hundred-Leaved Ice Heart Orchid. While it only had a single flower, it also had a hundred leaves. It had the ability to attack independently ¡ª Whenever a leaf swayed back and forth, it could produce a vast stretch of icy mist. Any martial artists who rashly approached it would have their blood frozen, and they would die.

    Speaking of which, this was a very dangerous type of spirit medicine.

    Gu Zuo recognized it with a nce. After that, his gaze swept over and fell upon an ice pit on the other side.

    There was a spirit medicine in that ice pit, too. Lengthy roots clung to the edges of the ice pit. Its shape resembled a chrysanthemum, but in actuality, each of its ¡°petals¡± were all roots.

    This was a type of spirit medicine called the Inverted Growing Buddha. Its roots were exposed on the surface, and its fruit was instead concealed beneath the ice chunks. The most important part of this spirit medicine was the fruit. While those roots appeared to be overflowing with spiritual qi, they were actually just like whips. Each time a root was whipped, it could swiftly freeze an invader. Moreover, the frozen invader would then be whipped into icy fragments.

    That¡¯s right. It was also a spirit medicine with an offensive characteristic.

    However, the entire ice cave only had these two stalks of spirit medicine.

    From this, one would discover just how sparse the number of spirit medicines were.

    At this moment, Xin Bailin said: ¡°Has Brother Gu settled on these spirit medicines?¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated: ¡°I want to take a look at the other couple of caves first. Is that okay?¡±

    Xin Bailin smiled: ¡°There¡¯s naturally no problem with this. After you, Brother Gu.¡±

    Then, Gu Zuo raised a leg and started walking towards another direction.

    There were five caves.

    The first was an ice cave. The second was warm as spring. The third was burning hot. The fourth was slightly cool and was filled with deep waters. Meanwhile, the fifth had damp soil.

    The ice cave had already been looked over. In the environment as warm as spring, Gu Zuo saw several little children.

    They looked absolutely adorable. Their hair was tied into small braids, and the braids were decorated with red beads. They looked especially lovely. Whenever someone came over, they would disappear with a whoosh. They were very timid. There was also one who wasn¡¯t able to disappear in time. His body suddenly became transparent. After that, he ran far away like he was about to cry.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    These were ginseng babies! They were actually real!

    In the modern world, he only knew that animated films had ginseng babies. He had also seen the corresponding introduction in the item books, but in the end, he felt it was a little illusory. He never thought he would get see the real version.

    He had a very peculiar feeling...

    Upon seeing this, Xin Bailin exined to him: ¡°These are Earth Ginseng that are over a hundred thousand years old. Their attacking power isn¡¯t strong, but they have transformation abilities. They can disguise themselves as children, and can trick harvesters into taking pity on them. Once they find a gap, they¡¯ll promptly escape. Even if they get captured, people will often find it unbearable to take action.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard him speak this way, and the feeling in his heart became even more peculiar.

    The ginseng babies in animated films were all pure and adorable. Based on Xin Bailin¡¯s words, why did they seem crafty and treacherous? This should¡¯ve been considered...one¡¯s survival instinct?

    After shaking his head, Gu Zuo stopped pondering over this problem.

    The medicinal effect of hundred-thousand year old Earth Ginseng was indeed very powerful, but it wasn¡¯t necessarily the most suitable one at the present time. He would still keep choosing.

    To be honest, if he chose this ¡°ginseng baby¡±, he probably wouldn¡¯t have had the heart to take action during medicine refinement... Their resemnce to children was too genuine!

    In the cave that was as warm as spring, there were several stalks of Earth Ginseng. It was probably because ginseng, this type of medicinal ingredient, was rtivelymon. As a result, it was like this. But besides the ginseng, this ce also had a Human-Shaped Knotweed that was over a hundred thousand years old, as well as a giant Spirit Mushroom whose cap was asrge as a parasol. They were also spirit medicines that were good at escaping, and they knew how to transform. Merely, the knotweed would transform into a small person the size of a finger, and the Spirit Mushroom would transform into a miniature horseback rider. Their deceptive characteristics were somewhat weaker than that of the ginseng babies.

    Going to the third cave, there was a tall tree in the burning environment. Its entire body was a fiery-red color like a precious stone, and three peaches grew at the top. Each one was as big as a water jar, and they had a red and white coloration. They hadpletely ripened a long time ago.

    Gu Zuo gave it a nce.

    He asked: ¡°Is this Flowing-mes Saturn Peach Tree considered a single stalk of spirit medicine?¡±

    Xin Bailin slightly shook his head: ¡°Each Saturn Peach is considered one spirit medicine. Each Saturn Peach contains a peach pit, which can be taken out for nting. However, this Flowing-mes Saturn Peach Tree must grow in an inferno. It¡¯s for the best that it isn¡¯t moved.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    He thought about it, and knew that it was impossible for them to give him the whole tree.

    One should know that a single stalk of other spirit medicines was still a single stalk. It was gone once it was used. But the thing that could be counted as spirit medicine from this Saturn Peach Tree was actually the fruits, which could be grown sustainably. This was definitely a guarded treasure. Thinking about taking it away was too naive.

    Yet, a meager Saturn Peach was viewed as one stalk of spirit medicine. Danyun City was also bullying the naive.

    It had to be at least two, right?

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, there was still a chance.

    However, he didn¡¯t propose this, and continued to walk towards the fourth cave.

    In the enormous pool, a golden-colored lotus flower was spouting fragrances.

    The Seven-Turns Auspicious Rose-Gold Lotus. Whether it was the lotus seeds, the lotus leaves, the lotus flower, or the lotus roots, they all possessed extremely powerful medicinal effects. Moreover, each portion¡¯s medicinal effects were all different.

    If this kind of spirit medicine was selected, one obviously couldn¡¯t cut the roots. However, there were three flowers in the pool. On the contrary, a person didn¡¯t need to worry about being unable to obtain an intact one.

    Finally, in the cave filled with damp soil, there were five or six types of spirit medicines being grown. Most of them were considered docile, but each stalk also had its own methods that prevented people from easily plucking them.

    Only, after Gu Zuo had a look, although he felt that these spirit medicines were pretty good, they weren¡¯t as special as those before... In addition, he also didn¡¯t have the environments for raising the spirit medicines...

    After thinking it through, Gu Zuo spoke to Xin Bailin: ¡°Brother Xin, I¡¯ve alreadye to a decision.¡±

    Xin Bailin believed that with so many spirit medicinesid before them, this pharmacist who seemed to be extremely fond of spirit medicines would¡¯ve been quite starry-eyed. Xin Bailin didn¡¯t expect him to make a decision so quickly.

    Hence, his smiling expression became more sincere: ¡°Brother Gu, do tell.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s finger pointed at that Seven-Turns Auspicious Rose-Gold Lotus: ¡°I want one of the lotus flowers, along with at least seven lotus leaves and seven lotus roots. Each lotus root mustn¡¯t have fewer than three joints.¡±

    He didn¡¯t demand his terms carelessly. In the pool, there were at least several dozen leaves. For the lotus roots below, ording to normal circumstances, there would be more than a hundred joints. His demands didn¡¯t even reach one third.

    Sure enough, Xin Bailin immediately agreed: ¡°Okay. Giving Brother Gu these things will be regarded as one stalk of spirit medicine.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded in satisfaction: ¡°After that, I want the Saturn Peaches.¡± He stared fixedly at Xin Bailin, ¡°I don¡¯t want the Flowing-mes Saturn Peach Tree itself, but I want all of the Saturn Peaches. Although Brother Xin previously mentioned that one Saturn Peach is regarded as one stalk of spirit medicine, you and I both know that the Saturn Peach Tree is a stalk of spirit medicine. I only want the Saturn Peaches. After many years have passed, the Saturn Peach Tree will bear more fruit. In fact, I¡¯m still the one losing out.¡±

    This time, Xin Bailin wasn¡¯t that happy.

    This was the so-called ¡°Asking for sky-high prices, and paying with rock-bottom funds¡±. As a son of the City Lord, how could he listen to what Gu Zuo said? At once, he spoke: ¡°Although it¡¯ll bear fruit again in the future, these Saturn Peaches are over a hundred thousand years old. If we waited for the next batch, who knows how many years it¡¯d take? Otherwise, the medicinal properties would be far inferior to the current ones.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°A single Saturn Peach Tree will inevitably produce more than three peaches. In the past, your side should¡¯ve picked many of them.¡±

    Xin Bailin faintly forced a smile: ¡°Counting the ones in the past, there were no more than seven peaches. Four of the picked peaches had already been used up countless years ago. There aren¡¯t many that remain now, so they¡¯ve be increasingly precious.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips. He raised two fingers: ¡°In that case, just two peaches. I can¡¯t go any lower.¡±

    Xin Bailin immediately ended the bargaining: ¡°Then it¡¯s a deal!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was very pleased.

    Even if he was backed by Qingyun Sect, Danyun City was an enormous power, too. He couldn¡¯t make a selection that caused too much heartache. If not, what was he to do if they secretly made trouble for himter on?

    When it came to the ginseng babies where the amount was high, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t satisfied with picking from those. But if he chose something where there was just one stalk avable, that would removing things by the root, and it would be easy to trigger the other party¡¯s resentment!

    Thus, Gu Zuo picked the Seven-Turn Auspicious Rose-Gold Lotus, which was quite extraordinary. Its lotus flower, lotus leaves, and lotus roots were all actually medicinal ingredients with mild and stabilizing properties for refinement. Giving them to his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, couldn¡¯t have been more suitable.

    Then came the Saturn Peaches. This was ssified as something withparativelyrge amounts of heat. Moreover, the reason why it was called the Flowing-mes Saturn Peach was because the power of arge sun was stored within it. It made his heart stir. He felt that it would be very useful to his big brother. As for the amount of Saturn Peaches, he knew that there was certainly no way to take all of them away. As such, two peaches would always be better than one.

    Off to the side, Xu Lingxiu looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s choices, and felt that there weren¡¯t any problems. He himself had also looked at all of the spirit medicines and had increased his insights. His mood was rather good.

    Soon after, Xin Bailin brought Gu Zuo to the side and gave him a brush, a piece of paper, an ink stick, and an ink stone. He watched Gu Zuo write down the method, pill prescription, and techniques of the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method. Meanwhile, he went to carefully harvest the spirit medicine. Using a top-notch jade box to contain them, he delivered them to Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    Following which, one handed over the prescription and one handed over the medicinal ingredients. Both of them were extremely happy.

    Just like this, the transaction was smoothly settled to everyone¡¯s satisfaction.

    Afterwards, a group of people left the fifth floor¡¯s secret warehouse.

    Xin Bailin hurriedly went to hand over the prescription, while Gu Zuo was indulging in his sessful venture. He used his consciousness to perceive the countless medicinal ingredients in the storage space while contentedly following Xu Lingxiu back to the courtyard.

    A big harvest!

    Truly a big harvest!

    The feeling of having countless medicinal ingredients was really delightful!

    Clear River City, Qingyun Sect¡¯s base of operations.

    A tall and handsome young man appeared over there. After reporting his recentlypleted mission, he swiftly departed.

    At the same time, the foreign affairs manager was left with a face full of confusion.

    As a major first-ss power, Qingyun Sect had strongholds like this all over the Qingyun Continent. Every time an Inner Sect disciple went out toplete a mission, it was the foreign affairs managers who conducted the investigation and confirmation.

    This time around, what confused the foreign affairs manager was that the Inner Sect disciple whopleted the mission only brought some bones that hadn¡¯tpletely decayed, some tattered clothing, a token that was full of holes, and other things. There wasn¡¯t a head, which could conclusively prove an identity. The matter had be a little difficult to investigate.

    However, foreign affairs managers weren¡¯t to be trifled with. Often times, if Inner Sect disciples needed toplete high-difficulty actions, the methods were indeed out of their control. Wasn¡¯t it the manager¡¯s duty to conduct various kinds of confirmations?

    As a result, he promptly journeyed out.

    However, through his investigation, the foreign affairs manager was given quite the fright.

    This, this was truly inconceivable!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch204 - The Tracking Mouse

    <h4>Chapter Ch204 - The Tracking Mouse</h4>

    The foreign affairs manager looked at the investigation report in his hand. His face was twitching.

    First of all, that Inner Sect disciple called Gongyi Tianheng had saved the Ling n siblings. They were being hunted down by the Mount An Bandit Gang because of a beautiful woman and an heirloom treasured sword. He quickly convinced the Ling n siblings to act as bait to draw out the Mount An Bandit Gang. After that, he exploited the other side¡¯s overconfidence to ensnare quite a few batches. Finally, after the Bandit Master believed that he had seized control of the situation, the lone disciple relied on Snake Tail Mountain¡¯s terrain to divide and conquer. The disciple eliminated all of the bandits encircling the mountain, and allowed the other three people to split away. The three issued an underground mission calling on some secretive folks who coveted the bandit gang¡¯s treasury to wipe out the remaining bandit gang!

    The lines and courses of his schemes weren¡¯t shallow.

    What shocked the foreign affairs manager even more was the true capabilities of the other party.

    It could be said that the previously mentioned rescue of the Ling n siblings was a coincidence, and the ensnarement andplete elimination was ssified as a cunning scheme. However, one man getting rid of two to three hundred people was purely thebination of schemes and martial strength.

    One needed to know that the Bandit Master¡¯s strength was Xiantian stage nine!

    And based on what the manager knew, Tianheng, who was sent to do this mission, was no more than a Xiantian stage four disciple... As such, no matter what kind of methods the disciple used, this was a huge undertaking!

    However, once he finished reading the report, the foreign affairs manager determined that the mission was indeedpleted by Tianheng. As a result, he was going to prepare a detailed ount, which he would make Tianheng take back at that time.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng still needed to make another trip to the bandit den to bring back even more objects as proof.

    As for Tianheng, at this moment, he was leading Tianyang and the Ling n siblings into the bandit den of Mount An.

    There already weren¡¯t that many people here. After going in, one would discover that lots of ces had been plundered. Basically, anything of some value in the bandit den had been taken away. All that was left behind were just broken, ruined walls and some rubbish.

    Right now, the Ling n siblings had obtained the head of Ling Tianen, which Tianheng had brought back especially for them. Their frames of mind were very good. Most of all, after the bandit gang had beenpletely eradicated, it was as if their heavy burdens had been unloaded all of a sudden. They became iparably rxed. The previous feelings of a fretful and loathsome torment were no more.

    At this time, Ling Ziqi dared to take the initiative and said: ¡°Benefactor, now that we¡¯vee, it seems that there¡¯s nothing left to look for.¡±

    Tianyang looked at the smiling face of his family¡¯s elder brother, and his heart stirred: ¡°Big brother, have you already thought of a way?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head. Soon after, he took out a leather bag from his sleeve, and softly patted it: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    The next moment, a snow-white mouse leaped out from that leather bag. While it was born extremely cute, it was very timid. After looking at Tianheng, it unexpectedly didn¡¯t dare to flee. It only shivered and curled up into a ball.

    As it turned out, after exterminating the Bandit Master, Tianheng found this ownerless Tracking Mouse. He had also found a leather bag in the area where that Bandit Master originally existed.

    Because of the leather bag¡¯s existence, the Tracking Mouse didn¡¯t run away. On the contrary, after Tianheng took note of it, the mouse swiftly burrowed into the leather bag. It was like it wanted to hide itself and avoid danger.

    Tianheng picked up the leather bag, only to discover that the leather bag was engraved with words inside. What was written on it was a method on how to control this leather bag. As for the Tracking Mouse, it seemed that it was originally suppressed by the leather bag... When one thought about it, the Bandit Master should¡¯ve identally obtained the leather bag and the Tracking Mouse inside of it. As for the Tracking Mouse itself, it definitely wasn¡¯t caught by the Bandit Master.

    In other words, rather than saying that the Tracking Mouse recognized the Bandit Master as its owner, it was better off saying that the Bandit Master was the Tracking Mouse¡¯s user. The leather bag was its owner. Now, it was simple. The Tracking Mouse¡¯s user had directly be Tianheng!

    ¡ª Even when Tianheng tried to remove the handwriting on the leather bag, he found that it was basically impossible. It was clear that after the Bandit Master obtained this thing, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to hide this secret, but rather that he couldn¡¯t hide it.

    Of course, this wasn¡¯t the whole story.

    Besides the method of control, the written ount on that leather bag also introduced the Tracking Mouse¡¯s origin.

    As it turned out, this Tracking Mouse wasn¡¯t a pure Tracking Mouse. Its ancestor was even a Treasure-Hunting Mouse. Because it was a descendant born from the coption of a Treasure-Hunting Mouse, this allowed the Tracking Mouse to carry the bloodline of the Treasure-Hunting Mouse.

    The Treasure-Hunting Mouse was a rare breed of wild beast in the distant past. During the early stages, it didn¡¯t have any strength. However, this was no match for its good luck. Regardless of what kind of enemy it encountered, it would never lose its small life. Also, it had an innate skill for seeking treasure. So long as something had a certain value, the mouse could find it.

    In this way, the more treasure it found and the more it supplemented itself, the more strength it umted. However, this kind of umted strength didn¡¯t have any strong points inbat. The best advantage this brought to the mouse was that its escaping speed got faster ¡ª Even if it was a powerhouse whose strength far exceeded the mouse¡¯s, the mouse would still be hard to capture.

    Thus, for anyone who wanted to get a Treasure-Hunting Mouse, most would obtain them during its infancy. Otherwise, once it matured and gobbled up treasures from all over the ce, any traces of it would be difficult to find.

    This Tracking Mouse had the Treasure-Hunting Mouse¡¯s bloodline. Thus, besides being able to find people, it also had a certain ability to find treasure. Only, this kind of ability couldn¡¯t be exploited very much for the time being. The rank of its ability to find treasure also hadn¡¯t reached a heaven-defying degree yet.

    That being said, when Tianheng sent Tianyang to issue the mission, it was indeed to cut the weeds and eliminate the roots. He knew that it might¡¯ve been hard finding even more things to act as evidence after the fact, but while these things weren¡¯t unimportant, the course of events could still be investigated. Moreover, he could still obtain evidence from the remains of other bandits.

    On the contrary, if the opportunity topletely wipe out the bandit gang wasn¡¯t seized, then the mission also wouldn¡¯t be consideredplete.

    Such a choice was merely due to weighing the pros and cons.

    However, after Tianheng saw the Tracking Mouse and the written record on the leather bag, everything was different ¡ª He understood almost immediately. There would certainly have been a treasury hidden extremely deeply in that bandit den!

    With a Tracking Mouse which possessed the Treasure-Hunting Mouse¡¯s bloodline in the hands of the Bandit Master for all these years, how couldn¡¯t the Bandit Master have used it to hunt for treasure? Would the Bandit Master havepletely used up all of the treasure he found without leaving himself an alternative course of action? From the many actions of the Bandit Master, it could be seen that he was a prudent person. Since he was prudent, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have spent all his things.

    As such, the things that he didn¡¯t use would¡¯ve automatically been properly stored away by him.

    There was a smiling expression in Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    Moreover, if he wasn¡¯t mistaken, one would need to use the Tracking Mouse to find that treasury. Otherwise, if the dastardly Bandit Master was overthrown someday in the future and his treasure wasn¡¯t hidden well, how would he have been able to make aeback?

    On the contrary, Tianyang opened his mouth and asked: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s this?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Just watch what it does afterwards.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng¡¯s lips gently moved.

    The Tracking Mouse¡¯s short tail swung back and forth. At once, it shook, and looked towards a certain direction.

    Immediately following this, its soft body shivered and bolted towards that direction at flying speeds!

    Tianheng said: ¡°Follow it.¡±

    Tianyang hastilyplied.

    The Ling n siblings nced at each other, and also promptly followed.

    Very quickly, under the Tracking Mouse¡¯s lead, they found a tract of yellow, loamy soil within a rock garden.

    It seemed that the Tracking Mouse wanted to go underneath the loamy soil, but this loamy soil seemed indistinguishable from the other soils. Could it actually be the entrance?

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng¡¯s right hand formed a fist and directly smashed down.

    In the blink of an eye, a reddish-gold power bubbled out. That loamy soil, which originally appeared to have a hard texture, was melted into a huge, deep pit in a split second.

    This pit was over five meters deep. At the bottom of the pit was a stone b.

    The Tracking Mouse jumped onto the stone b. After hopping on it for several times in a row, that stone b abruptly lifted open.

    Following that, a passage was formed. Tianheng¡¯s figure shed by, and had already entered that passage.

    The group went forward into the passage, and in the time it took for a joss of incense to burn, an indistinct light appeared before their eyes. Unexpectedly, there was an enormous Luminous Pearl underground, whichpletely illuminated the entire underground cave.

    The underground cave had three iron doors, and all of them were closed securely.

    It was still up to the Tracking Mouse ¡ª It hopped towards the first door and leaped at it several times. It was the same for the second door as well as the third door.

    Then, those three doors opened wide.

    Ling Ziqi was somewhat startled: ¡°So it needed the mouse to open the doors...¡±

    Indeed. For that Bandit Master to ensure that the treasury was safe, he actually installed these mechanisms, which could only be opened through the actions of the Tracking Mouse in his possession.

    He originally hoped that even if someone found the treasury some day, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to open it. This made him capable of leaving all of his savings there. But he didn¡¯t expect that not only would he lose his own life, but the Tracking Mouse would also be lost. On the contrary, everything became very convenient for Gongyi Tianheng, who killed him.

    Ling Ziqi and the others stood in front of the first door. At this moment, they sucked in a cold breath.

    Tianheng looked at the things in that room. His expression was inscrutable.

    In actuality, the treasure past the first door was a verymon sight. It was somon that no martial artist would¡¯ve been able to overlook it. Moreover, perhaps one would always be apanied by it, even to the Immortal Realms and above.

    This treasure was...gold.

    The entire hidden chamber! With over thirty square meters, the interior was densely packed with quite a few mountains of gold!

    These definitely weren¡¯t golden banknotes, but if it was really calcted, there would be at least...several hundred million gold.

    Of course, this amount wasn¡¯t huge enough to make some people give sidelong nces. Merely, when it was all arranged together, that sight¡¯s force of impact was truly too big.

    Previously, those people ransacked the bandit den. The things they obtained weren¡¯t worth as much as this treasury¡¯s gold. But it was this gold that had just be the umted wealth of Tianheng¡¯s team.

    ¡ª It also wasn¡¯t known how that Bandit Master got a hold of this wealth and concealed it here under everyone¡¯s noses.

    Tianyang was speechless.

    With the reserves of such arge aristocratic family like their Gongyi n, it was impossible to have this much umted gold... Because the n¡¯s industries were big and its expenses wererge, while there were lots of resources, the gold itself was a consumable resource.

    Right now, this gold, which surpassed the reserves of the Gongyi n, had be the possession of a single man, Gongyi Tianheng!

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say much. He raised an eyebrow, and waved his sleeve. All of the gold was put into his inter-spatial tool by him. Fortunately, the volume of the inter-spatial tool was big enough, so the gold was loaded without a hitch. However, although it was like this, the entire inter-spatial tool was filled up more than halfway. As for the things inside the next two treasuries... He hoped he was able to pack them up.

    After the gold was put away, the dazzling radiance disappeared. The Ling n siblings and Tianyangposed themselves.

    Then, they developed a strong interest towards the things inside the other treasuries.

    What could it be?

    The door to the second treasury was also wide open. Once they entered, what they saw were likewise several piles of things. However, this time around, the piles weren¡¯t gold, but rather armors and weapons.

    Each piece of weapon was iparably sharp, and each set of armor twinkled with a cold light. The killing intent seemed astonishing. The forging should¡¯ve been verybor-intensive, but clearly... These were only suited to Houtian martial artists. Regarding Xiantian martial artists, it wasn¡¯t useful at all.

    Generally speaking, this second treasury should¡¯ve been counted as part of the Bandit Master¡¯seback. Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t useful to Tianheng. On the contrary, if it was delivered to the Gongyi n, it would be regarded as pretty good things.

    There were around two hundred sets of weapons and armors. Tianheng directly collected it all into a Fangcun Cloth, and handed it over to Tianyang ¡ª Later on, these would be given to his second brother to handle.

    Tianyang promptly understood the meaning of his family¡¯s elder brother. After receiving the armors and weapons, his mind started to plot out how it would be delivered back to the Gongyi n. But now clearly wasn¡¯t the right time to do this.

    The second treasury didn¡¯t hold any other surprises. The group then arrived at the third treasury.

    This treasury was strange. Unexpectedly, it was divided into two floors. As for that Tracking Mouse, it was crouching on the first floor, waiting for Tianheng¡¯s arrival.

    There were quite a few stone tables on the first floor. Arranged on the tables were hundreds of porcin and jade bottles. What these bottles contained were all sorts of medicinal pills. At a nce, most were mid grade, and there were even a few bottles with high grade pills. It was clear what the Bandit Master had in mind.

    It was a pity that these things, whichmon martial artists would be greatly happy to see, were too ordinary in Tianheng¡¯s eyes. Even Tianyang felt a little disappointed after seeing so many of the medicinal pills that Gu Zuo refined.

    Tianheng put away the other medicinal pills, intending to put them in Medicine of Life. As for those two or three bottles of high grade pills, he directly waved his sleeve and delivered them into the hands of the Ling n siblings: ¡°You two have worked hard. Take these.¡±

    When Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei saw these medicinal pills, they differentiated their product grades and immediately said: ¡°We only followed along and ran errands. How can we ept our benefactor¡¯s things? Please take back these high grade medicinal pills, benefactor!¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°These are just trifling things. Just take them. There¡¯s no need to sayso much.¡±

    The two siblings heard this, and were inwardly apprehensive.

    Even high grade medicinal pills were trifles? Perhaps this benefactor¡¯s foundations were even bigger than they imagined!¡±

    After that, they didn¡¯t refuse any longer. They were only silently grateful, and didn¡¯t mention it.

    That Tracking Mouse was also very smart. Immediately after Tianheng¡¯s indication, it repeatedly bounced against therge door of treasury¡¯s second floor. A few momentster, this door was ¡°kicked¡± open as well.

    In a split second, a whiff of medicinal fragrance billowed out.

    Tianheng had watched Gu Zuo refine medicine for a long time. In a brief while, he had already distinguished the distinct scents of the medicinal ingredients ¡ª Moreover, by the intensity of the medicinal fragrance, he knew that there were certainly some ancient ingredients!

    His heart faintly stirred.

    Following which, Tianheng entered withrge strides. The remaining three hurriedly followed to widen their horizons.

    They saw that there were four tables inside. On each table was ced one to three jade boxes and chests of varying sizes. Some were cold jade, and some were warm jade. Contained within each jade box or chest was a stalk of a medicinal ingredient.

    Tianheng was rather knowledgable. Although he hadn¡¯t carefully read through Gu Zuo¡¯s item books, he still recognized most of these medicinal ingredients.

    Their normal market values were all above ten thousand gold. But while there was a price, there usually wasn¡¯t a market to buy them ¡ª It would¡¯ve certainly been very difficult for that Bandit Master to get a hold of these through honest means. It was most likely due to the credit of the Tracking Mouse.

    Reaching this point, Tianheng was finally somewhat satisfied.

    Thirteen stalks of ancient ingredients. When he returned, they would be delivered to his little pharmacist.

    With everything settled, Tianheng pondered slightly.

    What could be taken as evidence aftering on this trip? The things in the three treasuries were all considered resources. It was better that he didn¡¯t hand them over. It was even less possible for the Tracking Mouse...

    Amid such thoughts, Tianheng¡¯s gaze fell upon a book on a side table.

    He walked over and opened it up to read. The edge of his lips carried a smiling expression.

    The solution came to him without effort. That Bandit Master probably wanted to haveplete control over the bandit gang. What this book recorded was all of the identities and information of the members of the bandit gang. It also had ckmail on some of the things they had done ¡ª It was probably used to threaten other people. This kind of secret thing could be used as proof of him eliminating the bandit gang. Otherwise, even if he wanted to steal it, wouldn¡¯t it have been hard to seize such a secret?

    On top of that, the bandit gang had indeed been wiped out. And this thing, which ordinarily wouldn¡¯t have been enough as evidence, was very useful now.

    Tianheng flicked his sleeve again, and all the medicinal ingredients were collected by him.

    After that, he smiled and said: ¡°We¡¯re done here. Let¡¯s go back to the tavern first!¡±

    In the tavern.

    Gongyi Tianheng sat at a table with a gentle smile: ¡°Young Master Ling, Young Lady Ling. Now is the time to fulfill your promise.¡±

    Ling Ziqi took a deep breath. His heart was naturally still reluctant, but he didn¡¯t dare pull any tricks in front of Tianheng. Thus, he quickly took out the treasured sword. In front of Tianheng, he cut his own finger: ¡°Benefactor, please wait a little bit.¡±

    The dark-red blood was soon smeared onto the sword de. The blood seeped into it, causing the entire treasured sword to shine with a glittering splendor. After a soft chant, the treasured sword seemed to glow with an extremely cold light, but there were no other peculiar changes to speak of.

    Obviously, things weren¡¯t so simple.

    Ling Ziqi quickly cut his finger again, and started to write some characters on the treasured sword.

    Those characters seemed like the names of several people. One name after another, and the apanying blood gradually vanished into the sword. Soon after, the sword made a keening sound and abruptly broke in the middle!

    At the same time, a simple and unadorned, pitch-ck key fell out of the breach. It was caught by a long-prepared Ling Ziqi.

    Ling Ziqi reluctantly palmed that key, and deferentially delivered it into Tianheng¡¯s hand. He exined: ¡°The first smearing of blood is to activate the treasured sword. The second smearing of blood is to write the names of the first ten generations of my ancestor. This is to confirm our descendant identities. If merely the blood of a Ling n child inattentively fell onto the treasured sword, it would only promote the treasured sword¡¯s might, and affirm its reputation as precious and powerful. However, it won¡¯t break in half to reveal the secret key.¡±

    The Ling n¡¯s ancestor had really put a lot of thought into this.

    One could say that he considered many odds and ends and other strangely-shaped things that could¡¯ve arisen.

    Only, it was unfortunate that the Ling n¡¯s good fortune seemed insufficient. In the end, this secret key had fallen into Tianheng¡¯s hand.

    Tianheng took the secret key. His palm flipped over, and it was already put away: ¡°Where is the Human King¡¯s tomb? How is it opened?¡±

    Ling Ziqi replied: ¡°The Great Tomb of the Human King is at Queying City. To open it, directly offer blood essence with the secret key.¡±

    Tianheng finished listening, and thought deeply: ¡°Queying City...¡± He suddenly spoke, ¡°If I haven¡¯t remembered incorrectly, the location of Queying City is only five hundred kilometers away from Danyun City? It¡¯s indeed that Queying City?¡±

    Ling Ziqi nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s precisely that Queying City. It¡¯s just that Danyun City is apparently in the middle of hosting the Pill Battling Assembly. I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s a lot of people. If you go there now, the timing won¡¯t be good.¡±

    Yet, Tianheng smiled: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡±

    The smile at the corner of his mouth became gentle and warm: ¡°I should go to Queying City right now... I¡¯ll stop along the way at that Danyun City.¡±

    The Ling n siblings didn¡¯t understand, but everything already belonged to Tianheng. They were also incapable of raising any objections.

    Immediately following this, they heard Tianheng speak again: ¡°You two will go with me when the timees. If you can obtain any opportunities, it¡¯ll bepletely yours for the taking.¡±

    The Ling n siblings were jubnt: ¡°You, you¡¯re serious about this?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Since your ancestor discovered this tomb, you two deserve the benefits of this legacy. Rest up, you two. Tomorrow at dawn, we¡¯ll set off together.¡±

    The Ling n siblings couldn¡¯t have been more thankful. After repeatedly expressing their gratitude, they withdrew.

    Once the two left, Tianyang asked: ¡°Big brother, why do you still want to let theme along?¡±

    If it really was to let the other party receive some benefits, that didn¡¯t seem like his elder brother¡¯s style...

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Their ancestor discovered it. How is one to know if there aren¡¯t any methods that would only allow his descendants to obtain benefits? Besides, we don¡¯t know what¡¯s in the tomb. If more people go, there¡¯ll always be more opportunities. Those two don¡¯t seem like the sort who¡¯d bite the hand that feeds them. If they¡¯re suitably tested on this trip, I¡¯ll bring them to Qingyun Sect and allow them to join Qingyun Sect as disciples. That wouldn¡¯t be a bad move.¡±

    Tianyang suddenly understood: ¡°What big brother says is right.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch205 - Meeting in Person

    <h4>Chapter Ch205 - Meeting in Person</h4>

    After one finished speaking about proper business, one could talk about personal matters.

    Gongyi Tianyang had always kept up a mature appearance. At this time, he bore a slight smile: ¡°Big brother, when we pass through Danyun City, we¡¯ll be just in time to visit Brother Ah Zuo.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he thought about it and said: ¡°For Brother Ah Zuo, the Pill Battling Assembly shouldn¡¯t have ended yet, right?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°The pill battles have presumably ended, but this distinguished gathering isn¡¯t only for the sake of battling. Right now, Qingyun Sect should still be staying at that city. The Sect will take some time to depart. If we head over as soon as possible, we should be able to meet Ah Zuo, and hand over to him all the ancient ingredients we got just now.¡±

    Tianyang nodded his head: ¡°This couldn¡¯t be any better. I wonder what achievements Brother Ah Zuo got for this time¡¯s pill battles.¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Ah Zuo has been holding back for so long. This time, he most likely revealed some of his skills.¡±

    Tianyang nodded again, and said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s aptitudes are really unprecedented. Now that we obtained this fortuitous encounter, we¡¯ll have the ability to protect ourselves. We won¡¯t need to cover things up anymore.¡±

    ¡ª Currently, it was still only Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo who knew the true secret. Even Tianyang and the members of the Gongyi n only thought they knew about the matters that Tianheng had originally told them.

    There was no other option. If such a huge secret was known to all their closest people, it wouldn¡¯t bring about fortune for the other party, but would cause a tremendous disaster instead.

    The discussions here were finished. Tianheng¡¯s group then departed Clear River City.

    The elimination of the Mount An Bandit Gang caused great waves in the criminal underworld. But in the end, this bandit gang wasn¡¯t a world-shaking force. At most, it only made people sigh withment.

    However, Tianheng, whopleted this kind of mission, was viewed as an Inner Sect disciple with good prospects. He was reported to the Sect by that foreign affairs manager. As for the kind of treatment he would receive from the Sect, that wouldeter.

    Right now, the group of four travelled day and night. They rode wild horses with extremely fast speeds, and rushed directly to Danyun City.

    Fortunately, the journey wasn¡¯t too far away. Roughly four or five days passed, and they smoothly reached their destination.

    Danyun City was arge city.

    The city was brimming with medicinal fragrances. It resembled a peach blossom spring, bearing an invible, majestic presence.

    There were countless pharmacists and martial artistsing and going. More often than not, themon folks entering and exiting were also carrying some medicinal ingredients that their own families grew.

    Sure enough, it was a location that pharmacists yearned for.

    Let alone the Ling n siblings who¡¯d been holed up in White Water Town all along, even Tianyang, who experienced much of the world, clicked his tongue in wonder.

    There were perhaps more pharmacists seen here than all of the Cangyun Empire. Even the Pharmacist Hall of Qingyun Sect wouldn¡¯t have had this many pharmacists.

    The Pill Battling Assembly was indeed a distinguished gathering of pharmacists!

    Gu Zuo had obtainedrge batches of medicinal ingredients. This was a lucky chance, but at the same time, he didn¡¯t have any money. Wanting to take another stroll around every street in Danyun City was naturally out of the question ¡ª Unless he borrowed money.

    However, Gu Zuo had already spent several million gold to buy medicinal ingredients. How could he still pull enough face to go and borrow money? Moreover, he also didn¡¯t want to owe favors to others.

    Favors were never good things to owe. When in debt, it was both feather-light and wretchedly heavy.

    As a result, while other pharmacists were sparring or shopping, Gu Zuo had withdrawn into his medicine refining room and started to refine pills with some of the purchased medicinal ingredients.

    In any case, being idle was to have time on one¡¯s hands. It would be better to refine medicine and umte true qi.

    He wanted to break through to Xiantian stage six as soon as possible...

    Speaking of which, his dear big brother should¡¯ve smoothly reached stage five by now, right? Gu Zuo was secretly thinking. It went without saying that his martial strength was far inferior to that of his big brother, so he had to take advantage of this lead before his big brother broke through to stage six!

    Of course, while he was thinking up all of these thoughts, the movements of Gu Zuo¡¯s hands never stopped. Every hand seal was full of profound mystery. What followed was the leaping of the cauldron mes as well as the constant sorting of the medicinal properties.

    Not long after, the pill cauldron made a humming sound. The cauldron lid opened wide, and the medicinal pills inside suddenly leaped out. They were easily caught by him, and were put away inside a gourd.

    Yes, what Gu Zuo was refining right now was the Qi Linking Pill, which Xiantian martial artists most frequently used. So long as he didn¡¯t mess up deliberately, he would inevitably refine sixteen top grade pills. In addition, the time it took to refine a cauldron wouldn¡¯t surpass fifteen minutes ¡ª Still, this was under the circumstances where there was plenty of room for casual refining. If he focused his energy and carried out a three-cauldron or even a five-cauldron refining method, it would likewise be within fifteen minutes. He could refine top grade Qi Linking Pills from multiple cauldrons, and all of them would be a full sixteen pills. His efficiency was very high.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo having this skill, it would¡¯ve been impossible for the medicine store to umte that many medicinal pills previously. At the same time, he could still split his energy to research and refine other pills.

    The present Gu Zuo was no longerparable to his former self. Based on the way he quickly refined medicinal pills, even those Golden-Level pharmacists in Qingyun Sect couldn¡¯t reach this level!

    While it was true that all pharmacists would stockpile a huge volume of medicinal ingredients, a high aptitude, good inner cultivation method, good hand seals, proper guidance, and research proficiency ¡ª These inner qualitiespounded upon one another, and contributed to such an outstanding Gu Zuo.

    Moreover, Gu Zuo could still bear hardships.

    For the majority of talented pharmacists in the world, after obtaining a certain type of medicinal pill, they wouldn¡¯t spendrge amounts of time on the most ordinary of pills. When refining hundreds upon thousands of cauldrons, day and night, their energies would mostly be spent on more challenging pill prescriptions.

    Thus, Gu Zuo¡¯s foundations were very sturdy, and his fundamental knowledge was even firmer.

    The medicine refining room¡¯s cauldrons were insufficient. Gu Zuo refined one cauldron at a time, and his speed became faster and faster.

    The one he refined this time was the Jinyuan Pill. He gave himself free rein, and did his best to refine even more top grade pills. After another several dozen cauldrons, he switched pill prescriptions again. He still wanted to refine top grade pills.

    If someone was in the medicine refining room at this moment, they would¡¯ve see a faint wisp of radiance constantly flickering in the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows. In the depths of that radiance, there was the indistinct cirction of a milky-white qi flow.

    His gaze deepened. Hiscquer-ck pupils seemed purer and brighter, like they had just been washed clean by purified water. If a person saw this, they would feel refreshed and at peace.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers continued to move.

    Each of his fingers shed out fantastic afterimages, making it seem like there weren¡¯t only ten fingers in front of this pill cauldron. Rather, there were dozens or hundreds of fingers. They all performed hand seals unceasingly over that pill cauldron.

    No one could even see the medicinal qi flowing out from the storage space. It rushed into Gu Zuo¡¯s body with the ambient qi, and converged into true qi. It continuously polished and hammered the psychic power in his Tianfu Acupoint.

    In that Tianfu Acupoint, gtinous psychic power was gradually formed. While that whirlpool wasrge, the umted gtinous power in the whirlpool¡¯s center became more and more clear and distinct.

    What Gu Zuo himself didn¡¯t realize was that, as the whirlpool grewrger, the areas closer to the core began to contract. The revolving psychic power gradually solidified. In addition, bit by bit, it waspressing towards the centermost gtinous power.

    At some point, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind had be empty and vast. It was like he had been divided into two people. One was immersed in some unknown feeling, detachedly watching himself refine medicine. The other was diligently refining medicine, and he waspletely unaware of the actions of his other half.

    Until Gu Zuo was struck with a sudden feeling, breaking this state of his.

    He rubbed his chest. This was...

    It was like something had an inseparably close connection with him. It was very familiar and very intimate. Although he couldn¡¯t know the other side¡¯s situation through this connection, he vaguely sensed that the other side was very safe and was currently approaching him.

    That familiar feeling was...his big brother?

    Gu Zuo was somewhat dazed.

    He felt as if the position of his dear big brother wasn¡¯t far away.

    Ah, but this wasn¡¯t right. His big brother should¡¯ve been in the Sect or outsidepleting a mission... Right,pleting a mission.

    Could it be that the mission his big brother needed toplete was nearby?

    After shaking his head, Gu Zuo slowly talked to himself: ¡°System, has the Guardian Contract deepened? This time, my awareness of big brother is even clearer. Moreover, the telepathic distance between me and big brother has now reached three kilometers. But the contract tells me that big brother¡¯s position is farther than this.¡±

    The system didn¡¯t give a reply.

    Of course, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t let it respond during this time. Because the question he most wanted to ask was actually this one: ¡°System, the Guardian Contract shouldn¡¯t be as simple as you exined before, right? Perhaps your wording pointed directly to the core of things, but since this contract can change, then it definitely has even more details that you still haven¡¯t told me about. Am I right?¡±

    [Yes, host.]

    After the system heard Gu Zuo¡¯s questions, it finally answered.

    Gu Zuo focused.

    ¡°Does the contract need to be divided into ranks?¡±

    [Yes, the Guardian Contract is divided into four stages.]

    ¡°What are the four?¡±

    [Ordinary Bodyguard, Profound Friendship, Life and Death Companions, Two Halves of a Whole.]

    Gu Zuo listened, and his expression was a little subtle.

    These names sounded strange.

    ¡°What are the differences between the four stages?¡±

    [First stage: Ordinary Bodyguard. The guardian and the pharmacist may not harm one another. The rights and duties between the guardian and pharmacist need to be mutually agreed upon. After the pharmacist takes the initiative to transmit thoughts with the guardian, both sides canmunicate with each other. The distance is determined by the pharmacist¡¯s psychic power.]

    ¡°I understand. The first stage is actually the one you and I initially talked about. Then, the second stage?¡±

    [Second stage: Profound Friendship. The guardian and the pharmacist¡¯s feelings deepen. Their mutual considerations and investments surpass the initial benefits of the concluded pact. A contract is no longer needed between them as they already will not harm one another. At this point, not only can they transmit their thoughts, one is able to sense when the other encounters danger. One can also sense the existence of the other when they approach.]

    ¡°Hearing what you¡¯ve said, I originally thought that big brother and I should¡¯ve been at the second stage. But now it seems like it hasn¡¯t be...fully developed?¡±

    [Profound Friendship is ssified as the stage where emotions are raised to a higher level. It is a tranquil process, but the time it takes is very long. As feelings gradually be profound, the link between one another will progressively deepen, and so too will the level that they can reach. Presently, the host and the host¡¯s patron are at a stage close topletion. The telepathic range is determined by the host¡¯s psychic power, but the range of reacting to one another is farther than the telepathic range. This shows that the friendship between you two is firm, and cannot be broken.]

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened, but his heart was very happy.

    It had to be said that the existence of this contract had given him much stability. If he didn¡¯t have it, it might¡¯ve been hard for him to open his heart so quickly. He also wouldn¡¯t have be more concerned about his big brother if he hadn¡¯t found out that his dear big brother likewise cared about him... Speaking of which, although it was a little convoluted to exin, it had always been a virtuous cycle of mutual advancement. He cared about his big brother, and his big brother cared about him even more. He cared about his big brother even more than that, and his big brother returned the favor... A friendship that wasn¡¯t wasted on unworthy people was truly the best.

    ¡°And the third stage?¡±

    [When the two¡¯s friendship deepens to a certain degree, it gives rise to a qualitative change. They will be willing to give up their own lives for the other person. At this time, the injuries suffered by one side can be transferred to the other side¡¯s body. This is a response to increase the odds of sess when one encounters a powerful enemy.]

    Ah, this was a good thing!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined, but soon after, they dimmed.

    Living in this world where the strong preyed on the weak, this type of ability was very formidable. Just imagine if his big brother were to narrowly encounter a deadly blow while seriously injured. So long as that injury was instantly transferred to his own body ¡ª Even if only a portion could be transferred due to a difference in durability, the battle could be reversed at that instant! And if he encountered a powerful enemy and was heavily injured, his injury could also be transferred to his big brother¡¯s body. By letting his big brother swiftly take healing medicinal pills, the two wouldn¡¯t have any injuries. He could also catch the enemy off guard, and use his psychic power to plot against them!

    However, this had to be used sparingly. Because no matter how one looked at it, his big brother received the short end of the stick. His own body was weak, while his big brother¡¯s physical body was strong due to being a martial artist. This Life and Death Companions stage should¡¯ve been ssified as the stage that allowed the martial artist to protect the pharmacist even better.

    Only, he was afraid that he had no way to reach such a stage.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh.

    He knew that his big brother looked frigid and unfeeling, but he was actually steadfast and true. However, he was also excessively calm. If circumstances of certain death were encountered and there was no way to save him, his big brother would choose to fight. But if his big brother failed, Tianheng would silently endure it to avenge himter. As for himself, he cared about his big brother very much, and was also willing to sacrifice for him. If it wasn¡¯t for his family still waiting for him, he would¡¯ve even been willing to risk his own life for Tianheng... Unfortunately, his dad was in another world. He couldn¡¯t rest easy. He wanted to go back.

    So long as he had this notion, it was impossible for his heart to be worry-free, and it was impossible to not hesitate. Often times, he understood that he had this hesitation and that his big brother wasn¡¯t impulsive enough. They wouldn¡¯t reach the third stage of Life and Death Companions.

    After rubbing his face, Gu Zuo then asked: ¡°Then, what¡¯s the fourth stage?¡±

    [Fourth stage: Two Halves of a Whole. After Life and Death Companions, this friendship is raised to another level once more. At this stage, the two¡¯s feelings are interlinked, and they will always live together. And if they are to die, they must die together.]

    Gu Zuo was surprised: ¡°In other words, if only one side dies and the other is still alive, then the former won¡¯t truly die?¡±

    [Yes.]

    Gu Zuo blew out a long breath: ¡°...How amazing.¡±

    Soon after, he revealed a bitter smile.

    Yet, no matter how amazing it was, it was impossible for him and his big brother to make the contract fully reach this level... After this, he mused, thinking about the silver-lining. Fortunately, he and his big brother were at the second stage. This was already very convenient. No matter how many there were, he wouldn¡¯t be greedy or make extravagant demands.

    After learning about these four points, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think too much about it anymore.

    Right now, the more important matter was that his big brother was getting closer... Did this mean that he wanted toe visit?

    It was a pity that the present contract could only tell him that his big brother was approaching. It couldn¡¯t tell him whether his big brother had entered the city or if he really wasing here.

    For the specific situation, he could only patiently wait.

    In any case, if his big brother didn¡¯te here, the contract would tell him that his big brother was getting farther away again after some time had passed...

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s group entered the city. What they saw was an even more bustling scene.

    Such liveliness couldn¡¯t normally be found in Qingyun Sect¡¯s Market District. Only this kind of distinguished gathering could host such a grand asion.

    It wasn¡¯t surprising at all.

    After entering the city, Tianyang soon scouted out some information.

    For example, the Pill Battling Assembly had indeed concluded, and most of the pharmacists hadn¡¯t departed afterwards. Also, Qingyun Sect was the sole power residing at the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. In addition, the ce was abuzz with the achievements obtained by each of the Pill Battling Assembly contestants.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow.

    This was unexpected. His little pharmacist was first in the mid-level pharmacist group? Tianheng thought that with Ah Zuo¡¯s cautious temperament, he would¡¯ve ced second or third.

    However, this also didn¡¯t matter. It was out of the question to say that there were any slip-ups.

    Since Gu Zuo¡¯s capabilities had reached this level, it wasn¡¯t necessary to hide it during the pill battles with his peers.

    Of course, all of this was the conventional information that everyone knew about. Only the spectators who truly watched the pill battles knew about the finer aspects. However, those spectators were mostly pharmacists, and they wouldn¡¯t just gossip and meddle.

    As they traveled towards the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, there was even more rumors.

    Very many people were talking about the top three pharmacist talents: Gu Zuo, Xin Bailin, and Xu Lingxiu. These rumors belonged to the type that was discussed heatedly and often.

    Tianheng also became aware of a few of Gu Zuo¡¯s actions.

    Almost immediately, he understood Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking ¡ª To promote his own ability and origin ¡ª He couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly.

    The current workings of his little pharmacist were bing even more strategized.

    Before long, they arrived outside of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.

    There were many armor-wearing martial artists guarding in front of the entrance. Their strength was at least peak Meridian Condensing, and the entrance of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion still had some Xiantian martial artist¡¯s qi emissions. This should¡¯ve belonged to the captain.

    After Tianheng came here, he wanted to see Gu Zuo. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t act rashly.

    Hence, he walked forward and spoke to one of the armored martial artists: ¡°Qingyun Inner Sect disciple. Because my path led me here, I¡¯ve specificallye to meet with a fellow disciple.¡±

    That armored martial artist was somewhat surprised.

    There were martial artists and pharmacists who resided in the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. Among them, the pharmacists had more importance attached to them, while the martial artists were people who were brought along as bodyguards. This was normal.

    However, while there were disciples of the same sects who specially came to meet up, the person who arrived wasn¡¯t a pharmacist who intended to spar or have an exchange. Instead, he was a martial artist... What did hee to do?

    But since the guy had spoken, the armored martial artist still maintained his integrity as a guard of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. He didn¡¯t thoughtlessly refuse Tianheng like a vapid, dog-blooded individual. Rather, his attitude was considered forthright as he said: ¡°I have to first report this matter to my superiors. Would this young master wait outside the mansion?¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and made a polite gesture freely and easily: ¡°This is what should be done. This one is Gongyi Tianheng, an ordinary disciple of the Inner Sect... Sorry for troubling you.¡±

    That armored martial artist¡¯s bearing was further ayed.

    Because, from what he could see, this visitor understood this kind of etiquette and didn¡¯t mind hismunications. As such, the probability of the disciple¡¯s identity being real was very high. He should¡¯ve been a member of the friendly power Qingyun Sect.

    Following that, the armored martial artist turned around and entered the doorway.

    However, he couldn¡¯t travel freely inside the mansion either. He just reported the matter to his boss, and that boss would do the rest of the work.

    Only after this kind ofyer-byyermunication could the result be obtained.

    Tianheng stood outside of the entrance with his hands sped behind his back. Even though all kinds of gazes frequently fell upon him from passersby, he didn¡¯t have an appearance that was the least bit embarrassed.

    Tianyang watched his elder brother who acted so unhurried, and pursed his lips. He didn¡¯t allow himself to be taken in by the majestic presence of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.

    As for the Ling n siblings, after their initial panic, they soon steadied their minds.

    While in the medicine refining room, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was a little distracted and his thoughts were in a turmoil.

    Because, not only didn¡¯t that familiar feeling grow distant as time psed, it instead got closer. Thus, he had no way to settle his heart and refine medicine.

    After thinking it over, he didn¡¯t try to insult his own path of medicine refinement. He simply pushed the door open and walked out.

    In the courtyard, Xu Lingxiu, Li Yunquan, and several of the pharmacists of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion just happened to be in the middle of an exchange. Upon seeing Gu Zuo, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated. He was about to walk over.

    But just at this time, someone from outside pushed the gate open and came in. Unexpectedly, it was Xin Bailin.

    At this moment, he wore a smiling expression. He opened his mouth and said: ¡°This Xin heard that there¡¯s a Qingyun Sect disciple called Gongyi Tianheng. Right now, he¡¯s waiting outside. He came to meet up with a fellow disciple. Would this person¡¯s identity be real?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu startled: ¡°Gongyi Tianheng?¡±

    Soon after, he looked towards Gu Zuo.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo¡¯s face revealed a happy smile: ¡°That¡¯s my family¡¯s young master!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he gestured to a few people at lightning speeds. Then, he asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, this...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: ¡°If it¡¯s really him who arrived, you can let hime inside.¡±

    Xin Bailin listened with interest.

    As for Gu Zuo, he¡¯d already lifted his legs and swiftly rushed out.

    Not long after, Gu Zuo came to the mansion¡¯s entrance.

    A sapphire-blue brocade robe and exceptional looks.

    Sure enough, the one calmly waiting outside was his big brother!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch206 - This Young Master is Wealthy

    <h4>Chapter Ch206 - This Young Master is Wealthy</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng also seemed to suddenly feel something. He turned around and gave a faint smile to the teenager who showed up: ¡°Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was extremely happy. There was a spring in his step as he jumped down the stone stairs. Only, it was a pity that he was rushing too much. After a few jumps, his foot tripped and his entire body moved forwards like he was going to fall face-first.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression slightly changed, and his body shed as he approached. He reached out a hand to catch the other just in time ¡ª This tiny collision didn¡¯t affect him at all, and his steps didn¡¯t waver in the least. He just stably embraced this person.

    Soon after, he couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Ah Zuo, is this any way to greet your elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo originally thought he was going to have a hard fall. Just then, he considered how to use his true qi to give himself a cushion or something. He didn¡¯t anticipate that he would be smoothly saved by his dear big brother before he could react. However, he soon heard Tianheng¡¯s teasing, and was somewhat embarrassed: ¡°Big brother, I was hurrying too much.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°It looks like Ah Zuo has missed his elder brother very much.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up, but he didn¡¯t refute this.

    It went without saying that, because he frequently sensed his dear big brother getting closer, he really had been constantly...thinking about him.

    After this, Tianheng loosened his arms.

    Gu Zuo moved out from the crook of Tianheng¡¯s arm, and looked up and down at Tianheng, whom he hadn¡¯t seen in many days: ¡°En. Big brother, did you break through to Xiantian stage five?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I did. Now that I¡¯m on the same level as Ah Zuo, Ah Zuo needs to do his best.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I understand.¡±

    The two had met once again after a long separation. After speaking in hushed voices, Gu Zuo remembered that there were other people there. He raised his head just to see a familiar face: ¡°Tianyang?¡±

    At first, Tianyang remained on the side and hadn¡¯t disturbed them. When he saw that Gu Zuo remembered him, he also walked over: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo.¡± Soon after, he made a gesture at the Ling n siblings, ¡°This is my big brother¡¯s most trusted pharmacist. His surname is Gu.¡±

    The Ling n siblings nced at each other:

    ¡°This one is Ling Ziqi.¡±

    ¡°Ling Ziwei.¡±

    ¡°Greetings, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at the two people.

    Based on their facial features, they were a pair of brother and sister.

    The elder brother was very handsome, and the younger sister was... Ah, one would rarely see such a beautiful youngdy.

    How did they meet his big brother? Were they very familiar with his big brother?

    Gu Zuo nodded at them as well: ¡°Young Master Ling, Young Lady Ling.¡±

    Tianheng watched them getting acquainted, and didn¡¯t spend too much energy on this. He only raised his eyes to look behind Gu Zuo. He smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, aren¡¯t you going to introduce me?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. Then, he turned around and looked back to see that Xin Bailin, Li Yunquan, and Xu Lingxiu were all standing at thatrge doorway.

    Xu Lingxiu faintly lifted his chin: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Tianheng gaze moved slightly: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a little helpless.

    His dear big brother was obviously older than that little prince, but because Tianheng had joined the Sectter, he still needed to address Xu Lingxiu deferentially in the presence of outsiders... To be honest, he sometimes felt that the titles in the Sect were a little confusing.

    In order to avoid any awkwardness, Gu Zuo gave Tianheng an introduction. This time around, he also switched how he addressed his big brother: ¡°Young master, that handsome and preeminent young master wearing the white robes is the son of Danyun City¡¯s City Lord, Pharmacist Xin Bailin. He is also a mid-level pharmacist. The other senior person is our Qingyun Sect¡¯s high-level pharmacist Li Yunquan, Senior Sect Brother Li.¡±

    Tianheng observed the proper etiquette and politely gestured towards those two.

    Immediately following that, Gu Zuo pulled his big brother and gave those people an introduction: ¡°This is the young master I follow. He¡¯s also an Inner Sect disciple of Qingyun Sect. His name is Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Ah Zuo is this one¡¯s adoptive-brother. I¡¯ll have to thank everyone for taking care of him for the past few days.¡±

    Xin Bailin also smiled: ¡°Brother Gu is very powerful. I dare not im to have looked after him.¡±

    Li Yunquan was very amicable facing Tianheng¡¯s bearing.

    To tell the truth, Xin Bailin and Li Yunquan were both very curious about Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s rtionship.

    Of course, Li Yunquan knew from the start that Gu Zuo was just a nominal disciple. He also knew the reason why Gu Zuo never joined the Pharmacist Hall. It was only afterwards that he found out that Gu Zuo¡¯s potential actually wasn¡¯t any lower than Xu Lingxiu¡¯s. In addition, although he wasn¡¯t certain whether it was through luck or genuine ability, but Gu Zuo seemed to be slightly better than Xu Lingxiu... At that time, he immediately felt bbergasted. Why would such a person follow someone else?

    Xin Bailin had taken the initiative to follow them out. There were more doubts in his mindpared to Li Yunquan.

    Even though Li Yunquan was a high-level pharmacist, in actuality, he wasn¡¯t considered the most outstanding among those of the same rank. However, Gu Zuo was different. From what Xin Bailin could see, Gu Zuo, Xu Lingxiu, and himself should¡¯ve belonged to the same rank. They were extraordinarily talented geniuses walking along the path of medicine refinement.

    Geniuses were all arrogant, especially because the medicinal pills refined by pharmacists brought great benefits to martial artists. In identical ranks, even in a situation where a martial artist was one or two ranks higher than a pharmacist, the pharmacist would have a higher status than that martial artist... Thus, while pharmacists could follow martial artists, martial artists could also follow pharmacists. Under normal circumstances, unless a martial artist¡¯s capabilities were much stronger than that of a pharmacist, there was no way to attract a pharmacist to follow them.

    Xin Bailin felt that, with himself and Xu Lingxiu as examples, it was absolutely impossible for them to follow other martial artists. On the contrary, the martial artists who were attracted by their medicine refining abilities and who wanted to follow them were even more numerous.

    But against reason, Gu Zuo followed a young master... In that case, how many breathtaking and shocking abilities did this young master have to make Gu Zuo act this way?

    Because of this curiosity, Xin Bailin couldn¡¯t help giving Tianheng a few more looks.

    His appearance and presence...were indeed excellent in every respect.

    It was, indeed, very interesting.

    But Xin Bailin could also tell that the friendship between Gu Zuo and Tianheng was deep. The intimacy revealed by the two¡¯s conversation could also let one know that if someone wanted to incite disharmony in the two¡¯s rtionship, that probability would¡¯ve been very small.

    Xu Lingxiu swept his eyes over Tianheng: ¡°Since you¡¯vee, just stay with us.¡± He turned to look at Xin Bailin, ¡°How does Brother Bailin feel about that?¡±

    Xin Bailin smiled and said: ¡°Brother Lingxiu doesn¡¯t need to worry. Since he¡¯s a member of Qingyun Sect, he¡¯ll be my Danyun City¡¯s guest. When a guest arrives, how can we justify locking our doors and refusing entry? Pleasee in.¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said, and smiled: ¡°In that case, many thanks to Senior Sect Brother Xu and Pharmacist Xin.¡±

    Gu Zuo stood next to Tianheng. He was in an especially good mood.

    No matter how great his own abilities were, he always felt more relieved when standing beside the person he was closest to.

    Soon after, they all spoke a few sentences with each other.

    Tianyang was also ssified as a Qingyun Sect disciple, so he was permitted entry into the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. As for the Ling n siblings, because they were outsiders, they could only be settled down in a nearby tavern under the arrangements of an intermediary of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.

    But after Tianyang considered things, he still didn¡¯t follow them inside. Instead, he decided to check in with the Ling n siblings. Firstly, this saved some trouble. Secondly, it could be regarded as grasping the situation of the Ling n siblings.

    After that, the four people who arrived then split into two groups.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo walked together with smiles on their faces, and came to the residential courtyard of Qingyun Sect.

    Because Xin Bailin was curious about Tianheng, he chatted a little bit with him: ¡°Although the courtyard has guest rooms, they haven¡¯t been prepared in advance. Allow this Xin to instruct someone toe and tidy up a room for Brother Gongyi. I ask that Brother Gongyi doesn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. This one can stay together with Ah Zuo.¡±

    Eh?

    Xin Bailin¡¯s footsteps paused, and his expression was somewhat subtle: ¡°Then, wouldn¡¯t it be a bit crowded?¡±

    Tianheng still wore a tranquil smile: ¡°Today is gettingte. Ah Zuo and I haven¡¯t seen each other for many days, but we share the same bed and sleep together.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to this conversation, and also followed up to say: ¡°I¡¯ve been living together with the young master ever since I started following him. There¡¯s no need to trouble yourselves to set up a guest room. When the room needs to be tidied up, Dragon One can do it.¡±

    Xin Bailin understood in a sh.

    So this was what it meant.

    Then, he couldn¡¯t help butugh a little. His heart felt it was a little weird, but it didn¡¯t matter in the end.

    Following which, the group entered the courtyard.

    A streak of a human shadow suddenly descended from one of therge trees. The shadow half-knelt on the ground: ¡°Young master.¡±

    Tianheng brushed his sleeve: ¡°Go.¡±

    That person¡¯s shadow shed by, and instantly disappeared.

    Tianheng then said to Xin Bailin: ¡°This is my former householdmander. His power is negligible. He apanied Ah Zuo this time, but it¡¯s just to do minor things for Ah Zuo. Ah Zuo is young, and I¡¯ll be somewhat uneasy if he¡¯s ced by himself.¡±

    The peculiar feeling, which had just disappeared in Xin Bailin¡¯s heart, emerged once more, but it didn¡¯t cause him to pay too much attention.

    Following that, Tianheng got acquainted with the other few pharmacists and the martial artists who apanied them as bodyguards. Everyone was a disciple of the same sect, so there wasn¡¯t any disharmony.

    After exchanging some conventional greetings, Tianheng was pulled into a room by Gu Zuo. The two stayed together, and started to talk to each other about what happened after their separation.

    Regarding Gu Zuo, it was naturally about how he came over, how he was ambushed en route, how Xu Lingxiu analyzed it, how he sparred with others after arriving, how he blossomed and shined during the Pill Battling Assembly, how he... En, went on a spending spree in the Myriad Medicine Tower.

    When he talked about everything, it was neither too long nor too short. It was quite wonderful.

    Tianheng smiled the whole time and listened attentively. From time to time, he would say a few words of agreement or praise.

    After he finished listening, both of his eyes met Gu Zuo¡¯s, and then he started to narrate his own adventure.

    As for what Tianheng¡¯s adventure was?

    It was encountering the Ling n siblings and making use of crafty plots and machinations ¡ªAh, that¡¯s incorrect. He used his extraordinarily refined intelligence to take care of that rotten white-eyed wolf who harmed the Ling n siblings¡¯ whole family as well as all of the evil bandits of the Mount An Bandit Gang.

    For the time being, he didn¡¯t mention how every step was meticulously calcted during the course of events. He only said that the remaining corpses of those killed would¡¯ve ultimately piled up into a small mountain had the bodies not been corroded away.

    Whenpared to Gu Zuo¡¯s adventure, opinions would differ on whose was more marvelous. However, Tianheng¡¯s adventure definitely had a lot more carnage.

    Among all of this, there was still something that was even more important ¡ª That was the information of the Great Tomb of the Human King, which was brought by the Ling n siblings.

    If this information was revealed, perhaps the countless powers of the Qingyun Continent would respond instantly and flock towards that Great Tomb of the Human King.

    It was impossible for Qingyun Sect to be an exception.

    After Gu Zuo heard this, he couldn¡¯t help biting his tongue: ¡°Big brother, in other words, the Great Tomb of the Human King is now grasped in your hands? So long as you want, it can be opened at any time?¡±

    Tianheng nodded with a smile.

    Gu Zuo was suddenly astounded.

    What kind of heaven-defying luck... Tianheng was schemed into doing a mission of certain death, but not only was the missionpleted perfectly, he also brought back a hidden treasure that was concealed for many years. This was truly amazing.

    Gu Zuo spoke from the heart: ¡°This is really an enormously good thing. Congrattions, big brother.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s lips hooked up: ¡°If I didn¡¯t have the countless medicinal pills that Ah Zuo gave me prior to leaving, dealing with that bandit gang wouldn¡¯t have gone that smoothly. Naturally, perhaps I wouldn¡¯t have gotten the secret key to the Human King¡¯s tomb either. For this matter, at least half of the credit goes to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo blushed: ¡°I didn¡¯t do much...¡±

    Tianheng was doubtless: ¡°I say you contributed, so naturally you contributed.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Okay.¡±

    He didn¡¯t argue with his big brother on this ¡ª Whatever his big brother said was how it went.

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo was still very obedient, and reached out a hand to ruffle his hair: ¡°The location of that Human King¡¯s tomb is at Queying City, which is five hundred kilometers from Danyun City. Ah Zuo, once the Pill Battling Assembly ends, bid farewell to Xu Lingxiu and the others. Say that you¡¯ll be going on an adventure with me first.¡±

    Gu Zuo let Tianheng ruffle his hair, and blinked his eyes: ¡°Big brother wants to bring me along?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Naturally. This chance was hard toe by. Doesn¡¯t Ah Zuo want to go see the world?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head vigorously: ¡°I do!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°So, I¡¯ll bring you with me.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked into Tianheng¡¯s eyes, and his heart warmed up for some reason.

    After that, there was intense happiness.

    ...Though, he didn¡¯t understand if this was in response to Tianheng¡¯s kindness or his desire to see the world.

    The two basked in this kind offort for a short while.

    Suddenly, Tianheng recalled something, and swiped his outstretched hand.

    In the blink of an eye, on a wooden table to the side appeared a dozen or so boxes and chests of various purities. Those were the ancient ingredients he obtained from the underground treasury during the course of the bandit extermination.

    Tianheng said: ¡°There weren¡¯t many good things in that Bandit Master¡¯s treasury. These will all be given to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at those medicinal ingredients, and promptly dashed over.

    Hey, hey, hey! This was truly unexpected! From the medicinal properties of these ingredients, they had matured for a very long time. Although they couldn¡¯t be called spirit medicines, they could be considered superior to the rtively expensive and high-quality goods on the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s fourth floor!¡±

    He wanted them very much!

    Immediately after that, Gu Zuo hurriedly examined them one by one, and impishly collected them all.

    Soon after, he cheerfully said: ¡°Many thanks, big brother!¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Is there anything that needs thanks? Usually, if Ah Zuo has good pills, you always give them to me first. Now that I have good medicinal ingredients, I¡¯ll naturally want to give them to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded.

    That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. In this aspect, he never stood on ceremony with his big brother!

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo seemed to think of something: ¡°By the way, big brother. During my leisure time in here, I¡¯ve refined many medicinal pills. I¡¯ve put them all in your region of the storage space. If big brother wants them at any time, just tell me.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I haven¡¯t used up all of the medicinal pills here. It¡¯ll be safer in Ah Zuo¡¯s storage space than in my inter-spatial tool.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. In any case, he mentioned it just to let his big brother know.

    Tianheng thought for a moment, and suddenly, the lips of his smile deepened: ¡°In that treasury, I also found lots of gold. Since Ah Zuo likes the medicinal ingredients in the Myriad Medicine Tower so much, we might as well go there again. There was an unexpected windfall, which can let Ah Zuo satisfy his cherished desires.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how much gold Tianheng found, but now it seemed like there was a lot? Hence, he somewhat hesitatingly asked: ¡°Big brother, that gold had how much?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was tranquil: ¡°A couple hundred million gold.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    Shit... A couple hundred million gold?!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any intentions of refusing. He immediately grabbed Tianheng¡¯s sleeve: ¡°Big brother wants to give it to me to buy lots of medicinal ingredients?¡±

    Tianheng smiled as he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair again: ¡°Buy.¡±

    At once, Gu Zuo¡¯s smile became unprecedentedly brilliant.

    His medicinal ingredients! Lots and lots of medicinal ingredients!

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo acting this way, andughed.

    Now that his little pharmacist revealed outstanding talent, he wanted to let everyone know that he had sufficient capabilities to properly provide for Gu Zuo.

    Xu Lingxiu got up in the early morning. When he reached the courtyard, he only saw Li Yunquan sipping tea underneath a tree. However, he didn¡¯t see Gu Zuo, who would get up at this time every day.

    He inly nced at the door of Gu Zuo¡¯s room.

    Could it be due to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s arrival? Could he have turned Gu Zuo into a truant?

    Li Yunquan had understood Xu Lingxiu¡¯s way of thinking during this period of time. Upon seeing this, he shook his head and said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Xu, Junior Sect Brother Gu had already left with Junior Sect Brother Gongyi around a joss of incense earlier.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sat across from Li Yunquan: ¡°Oh? What are they going to do?¡±

    Li Yunquan forced a smile: ¡°Reportedly, they¡¯re going to purchase medicinal ingredients.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu paused: ¡°Hasn¡¯t Junior Sect Brother Gu already bought several million¡¯s worth of medicinal ingredients?¡±

    Li Yunquan sighed: ¡°It¡¯s probably due to Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s arrival.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu was speechless.

    Although his main business was refining medicinal pills, Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t that sort of person who¡¯d be obstructed by conventional affairs. He had many businesses under his banner, so he naturally knew that Tianheng had some methods to make money.

    However, it looked like he still might¡¯ve underestimated Tianheng¡¯s foundations.

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: ¡°At least he knows how to behave.¡±

    In his opinion, Gu Zuo was lowering himself by following Tianheng. So Tianheng being considerate of Gu Zuo was basically what should¡¯ve been done.

    As for Gu Zuo and Tianheng?

    Even earlier in the morning, they had gone to visit Medicinal Ingredient Street.

    ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s statements, he had already visited all five floors of the Myriad Medicine Tower. He clearly saw everything that was and wasn¡¯t inside, but it wasn¡¯t the same for Medicinal Ingredient Street. He simply hadn¡¯t gone there yet ¡ª He didn¡¯t have money before, but he did now. So, of course, he went to search for anything that he might¡¯ve overlooked.

    Once he plundered Medicinal Ingredient Street, it wouldn¡¯t be toote to go back to the Myriad Medicine Tower to buy those ten-thousand year old ancient ingredients, too!

    Tianheng listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and only raised an eyebrow: ¡°Everything will be ording to what Ah Zuo says. Today, I¡¯ll just be an apanying guest.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was very good. He tugged at Tianheng¡¯s robe sleeve and ran headlong into Medicinal Ingredient Street.

    The Medicinal Ingredient Street of Danyun City was really thergest among all of the Medicinal Ingredient Streets that Gu Zuo had previously seen.

    Basically none of the stores that could be here were small. Thoserge doors alone could¡¯ve amodated a dozen or more people going in all at once. All categories of medicinal ingredients inside were arranged very neatly. Medicinal fragrances assailed one¡¯s nose; with just a sniff, it made people¡¯s hearts feel refreshed. It was hard for them to extricate themselves from it.

    Besides this, there were also plenty of vendor¡¯s booths that were put up. The medicinal ingredients ced here were processed well. Aside from some special ones, the others were allid out in the open. It was very eye-catching.

    In addition, there were some tarpaulins or other fabrics spread out on the ground to act as street stalls. Most of the medicinal ingredients were freshly dug up and harvested. The amount of ingredients in each street stall wasn¡¯t many, but it was no match for the appearance of row after row of street stalls! It was also particrly spectacr!

    Gu Zuo stepped up to the frontmost part of Medicinal Ingredient Street. He was somewhat stunned by the scene before his eyes.

    Ah, there was loads of medicinal ingredients... So many medicinal ingredients!

    Of course, while the ingredients in the Myriad Medicine Tower were moreprehensive, only a single stalk of each kind of ingredient was ced in a square frame of the tower. It was just the huge variety that dazzled one¡¯s eyes.

    This ce was different. On the vendor¡¯s booths here, the precious medicinal ingredients were stacked up in piles. That kind of spectacle was truly stunning!

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°Big brother, this ce...¡±

    Tianheng smiled warmly at him: ¡°Whatever Ah Zuo wants, just buy it.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart silently rejoiced.

    Soon after, he swiftly searched for page after page of pill prescriptions in his mind, and ran towards those fantastic-looking medicinal ingredients ¡ª As for those that looked very ordinary? In the Myriad Medicine Tower, he¡¯d gotten most of them.

    Tianheng unhurriedly followed behind Gu Zuo.

    Whenever Gu Zuo sought out a store owner to purchase a batch of medicinal ingredients, he would leave behind a pile of gold in the area that the store owner designated. He never made any mistakes, but he also didn¡¯t let the store owner get too greedy. It was as if he had a clear understanding of the price for each type of ingredient in his heart ¡ª Although, in actuality, it were merely because Gu Zuo talked with Tianheng, who had a considerable grasp of the psychology of the store owners.

    Gradually, the morning passed. Gu Zuo, who was wantonly monopolizing medicinal ingredients here, as well as the handsomely-dressed young master, who was following Gu Zuo and recklessly flinging out money, became well-known to many of the medicine stores.

    As a result, when Tianheng let out rumors that he wanted to collect ancient ingredients that were worth tens of thousands of gold, some local tyrants who were in charge of pulling the strings started to secretly get into contact with him.

    Although the general conveyance wasn¡¯t that clear, Tianheng was a nouveau riche. The two were also cash cows who never defaulted on their debts... This matter was certain in the hearts of those local tyrants.

    One side had money, one side had ingredients, and one side built a bridge.

    It was mutually beneficial for everyone!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch207 - Proceeding Towards Queying City

    <h4>Chapter Ch207 - Proceeding Towards Queying City</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at the two shifty-eyed local tyrants in front of him, and slightly raised an eyebrow: ¡°Oh? You guys mean that you can bring me to ces that have a few ten-thousand year old ancient ingredients?¡±

    Suddenly, he quietlyughed: ¡°But there are two of you. I don¡¯t know who I should go with.¡±

    The two tyrants looked sallow-skinned. Although their appearances didn¡¯t resemble one another, their temperaments were exactly the same. At this moment, they nced at each other, and their eyeballs rolled.

    Hearing this, the person on the left said: ¡°That ancient ingredient of my old master is a good product that¡¯s been kept for a special asion. If a client doesn¡¯t have enough status, ordinary people wouldn¡¯t even know about it.¡±

    The person on the right said: ¡°My family¡¯s madames from an ancient aristocratic family. Because the family¡¯s status had declined and it wasn¡¯t able to secure a matrilineal marriage, she was instead married off to another family. That stalk of ancient ingredient, which was passed down through the generations, then became the madam¡¯s dowry. It has always been deemed a precious treasure. If it wasn¡¯t for the madam¡¯s only son meeting a disaster recently, she wouldn¡¯t have been willing to sell this family heirloom.¡±

    The two people said: ¡°Our ancient ingredients can be encountered, but they can¡¯t be sought after. Young master, you mustn¡¯t miss this opportunity.¡±

    After that, they continued to speak: ¡°If this pharmacist likes it, why not take a look at both? This young master, who possesses a magnanimous and ample family background, shouldn¡¯t mind these one or two stalks.¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said, and lowered his head to looked at his own little pharmacist: ¡°Ah Zuo, what do you think?¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly sighed: ¡°I want to see both...¡±

    Tianheng made the final decision: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll check both out. If they¡¯re useful, we¡¯ll buy them.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed: ¡°If they¡¯re not good enough, I won¡¯t waste big brother¡¯s gold!¡±

    Those two tyrants were overjoyed when they saw that the business was about to bepleted, but after hearing Gu Zuo¡¯s words, they spoke in loud voices: ¡°Rest assured, sir pharmacist! They¡¯re ancient ingredients of exceptional quality. They certainly won¡¯t leave you disappointed!¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, his heart also held some expectations.

    Who knew if the ancient ingredients of the two factions that came forward were really that good?

    Tianheng said: ¡°Please lead the way.¡±

    After the two local tyrantsmunicated with each other, they decided on which person¡¯s faction they¡¯d go to first. One tyrant would remain at a certain location ¡ª Without a sentry¡¯s permission, that secret area wouldn¡¯t allow the other tyrant to enter. As a result, Tianheng also understood the rules, and didn¡¯t pry.

    At this moment, the first local tyrant led the two ahead.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng followed closely.

    This tyrant led them in a roundabout path through several small alleys, before reaching another gloomy alleyway. It was all basically pitch-ck, and only the glow of a dim, yellow light from a deeper part brought a bit of brightness.

    Gu Zuo saw this and felt a little scared.

    Why did this look like they were documenting a ghost movie... Generally speaking, if the people who lived here didn¡¯t have great skills, they were swindlers who were especially good at cheating others, right?

    He hoped this ce was the former. He didn¡¯t want to have their time wasted with thetter.

    The tyrant trekked towards the glow with uneven steps on the road. It didn¡¯t take long for the group to approach the yellow light. At this time, Gu Zuo discovered that the ce with the yellow light was clearly a very small medicine store. After opening the door, there was probably only four square meters of floorspace. The interior was also very cramped, with things piled up to the brim. It seemed bizarre and shocking.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze swept over, and his eyes suddenly shined.

    The carapace of a Golden Stone Ox, the nectar of a Myriad-Water Ceramic Flower, the galldder of a ck-Water Profound Serpent, the golden armor of an Earth Bull... These were all very rare! Although the Myriad Medicine Tower also had some, the amounts of each were few. If the time came where it was really used, there might not necessarily be enough! This ce was practically giving him a pillow as he was about to sleep!

    He casually looked at the many rare and precious medicinal ingredients. What would be the age and variety of the ancient ingredient collected by that store owner?

    His expectations were getting bigger and bigger!

    Just when Gu Zuo was thinking this, a shriveled shadow suddenly appeared in front of him.

    He jumped in fright! How silent!

    Of course, after being scared, there were some lingering fear. With his psychic power, it was impossible for even an Immortal Realm martial artist to get close without being discovered by him. However, he didn¡¯t sense this person at all.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression also slightly moved.

    Because Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a martial artist, it was very normal for him to miss something when he wasn¡¯t paying special attention. But Tianheng was different. As a martial artist, it could be said that he was on guard at all times whening to such an unfamiliar ce. However, under this kind of vignce, he didn¡¯t detect anything, too.

    ...This old man wasn¡¯t simple.

    The shriveled shadow was a short and small old man.

    His height was only up to Tianheng¡¯s waist, and his eyes were turbid. It seemed like he already had one foot in the grave.

    At this moment, the old man looked at that local tyrant, and then nced at Gu Zuo and Tianheng again. In a hoarse voice, he said: ¡°Do you want ancient ingredients?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°I do!¡±

    That previous bit of uneasy thinking was immediately tossed to the side by him.

    Tianheng smiled and spoke with great etiquette: ¡°Old sir, I¡¯ve heard that you have amodity reserved here for safe keeping. Therefore, we¡¯ve presumptuouslye, wanting to seek it.¡±

    The turbid eyes of the shriveled old man shook: ¡°Okay. Wait a moment.¡±

    At this time, the tyrant quietly withdrew and disappeared.

    During business transactions, even though he was a local tyrant, he also couldn¡¯t be a spectator here.

    Tianheng patted him catingly: ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. The strength of that old sir far exceeds that of you and me. That¡¯s why we can¡¯t track the trajectory of his movements.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, and his madly beating heart slowly returned to normal.

    Following that, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes were dazzled. That shriveled old man had appeared in front of him again.

    He looked at Gu Zuo, and unhurriedly extended his hand out.

    Clutched in between his fingers was something that was writhing unceasingly ¡ª It looked like a small, emerald-green person.

    Gu Zuo looked at this in surprise. His steady mood just now was thrown into disorder once more.

    This, this was ¡ª

    In his mind, he swiftly searched through the information of those medicinal ingredients. After that, he obtained an astonishing answer.

    Gu Zuo blurted out: ¡°¡ªExtempore Grass Spirit?¡±

    Tianheng hadn¡¯t read the item books that Gu Zuo obtainedter on, and naturally didn¡¯t understand the meaning in Gu Zuo¡¯s words. He opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s an Extempore Grass Spirit?¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly replied: ¡°An Extempore Grass Spirit is a stalk of a hundred-thousand year old Extempore Grass that has formed spirituality. This time¡¯s Extempore Grass isn¡¯t just any ordinary Extempore Grass. It has be a type of spirit medicine...¡±

    Yes, that shriveled old man was truly incredible.

    He previously seemed nothing special, but with an outstretched hand, he had casually taken out a stalk of spirit medicine!

    One needed to know that even the Myriad Medicine Tower¡¯s spirit medicines were all well preserved inside the fifth floor¡¯s secret storehouse, and it was necessary to establish a sufficient natural environment for the others. That was what one would call prudent protection. But here, the shriveled old man had directly brought out a stalk of spirit medicine...like it was just a stalk of weeds.

    But how could an Extempore Grass Spirit be a weed?

    The reason why this thing was called ¡°extempore¡± was because it was a type of holy product in medicine refining. ording to the text of the item books, ordinary Extempore Grass was capable of upgrading the sess rate of medicine refinement. Extempore Grass of a certain age could substitute other medicinal grasses of the corresponding age, bing one of the medicinal ingredients of certain types of pill prescriptions. As for this kind of Extempore Grass Spirit right now, one would only need its juice to rece the ingredient of any type of Human-Level medicinal pill!

    ¡ª To put it simply, if Gu Zuo needed to refine a Human-Level medicinal pill, even if it was a pill suited for Immortal Realm consumption, he would only need to throw in the Extempore Grass Spirit¡¯s juice if he was short of a nt-type medicinal ingredient. This type of medicinal pill would also still be refined sessfully.

    Moreover, the medicinal properties wouldn¡¯t have any changes at all!

    Extempore, without preparation, as one wished ¡ª This was the pharmacist¡¯s intent!

    The shriveled old man said straightforwardly: ¡°Do you want it or not?¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo replied: ¡°I want it!¡±

    The shriveled old man said: ¡°One million gold.¡±

    Tianheng smiled. In the vicinity of the shriveled old man, a small mountain of gold was already piled up: ¡°Please kindly ept this offering.¡±

    The shriveled old man was very blunt. He swung his arm, and the Extempore Grass Spirit flew straight into Gu Zuo¡¯s hands. Gu Zuo grabbed the small emerald-green person. As he held it with both hands, he discovered that this wasn¡¯t a transformed, little person. Rather, it was a stalk of dark-green, human-shaped medicinal ingredient that was thick as an arm. Its entire body circted with brilliance, and it was very beautiful.

    Gu Zuo held the Extempore Grass Spirit and swiftly received it into his storage space.

    In the blink of an eye, the other medicinal ingredients in that storage space region made room for its position. Only a few stalks, which were likewise spirit medicines, floated rtively close by.

    The shriveled old man waved a hand, and the gold on the ground was also put away by him.

    ¡°Do you want more?¡±

    ¡°I want!¡±

    It was only after Gu Zuo answered like conditioned reflex that he discovered that the shriveled old man had asked another question.

    However, after he finished replying, he still turned his head to look at Tianheng ¡ª Just one stalk of spirit medicine cost a million gold. Although this price wasparatively cheap with regards to spirit medicines, this actually wasn¡¯t cheap for their little household. In the end, he wasn¡¯t mindful with his words...

    Tianheng patted his head: ¡°This is an opportunity.¡±

    Gu Zuo sucked in a deep breath, and nodded his head.

    Okay. In fact, he also understood clearly... This shriveled old man wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. He decided that if he could get a hold of several stalks, then several stalks it would be!

    That shriveled old man wasn¡¯t concerned about what they were talking about. When Gu Zuo replied affirmatively, he had already vanished and reappeared during this sequence of events.

    This time around, what appeared in his hand was a twisting flower. It possessed flower petals that were gorgeous to the point of eeriness. Its roots were very long, and would p around like constantly wriggling tentacles.

    Clearly, it was also spirit medicine!

    One could imagine that if someone went to touch this stalk of spirit medicine, there was a big probability that they would be bound, attacked, and gobbled up by the tentacles until there was nothing left. After that, they would instead be food for this flower.

    Gu Zuo recognized this thing. It was actually called the Fantasy God Flower. It was said to be a spirit flower, but in reality, it should¡¯ve been a type of bloodthirsty, monster flower ¡ª A poisonous flower! Its petals probably weren¡¯t suited for refining normal medicinal pills, but were actually a good material for Trick Pills and Poison Pills. When refining medicinal pills for bewitching or confusing people¡¯s senses, the effects would be even more extraordinary!

    Such a toxic spirit medicine was even harder toe by than other ordinary spirit medicines!

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Excuse me, old sir. How much for this ingredient?¡±

    He rarely acted in a genteel manner, but this was really too exciting.

    The shriveled old man said: ¡°One million gold.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    Unexpectedly, he still only wanted a million gold? Shouldn¡¯t it have been more expensive?!

    On the contrary, Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything. Tianheng directly piled up the gold next to that shriveled old man¡¯s leg so he could collect it.

    Gu Zuo simrly obtained the Fantasy God Flower, which the shriveled old man had thrown over, and properly put it away.

    Immediately following that, the shriveled old man continued to ask, and Gu Zuo continued to buy without the slightest hesitation.

    Each stalk was a spirit medicine, each one was very special, and each one was only a million gold.

    After an entire ten stalks, the shriveled old man closed his mouth atst.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind hadn¡¯t been able to remain calm for a long time, and the waves in his heart were moving up and down.

    However, he didn¡¯t try to continue inquiring. Today¡¯s harvest had already far exceeded his ideals.

    Ten million gold and ten stalks of spirit medicine.

    If these were set out during normal times, this would¡¯ve basically been impossible. If it was at an auction, perhaps not even ten million gold could¡¯ve purchased a single stalk.

    This old sir...was truly too strange.

    After obtaining these spirit medicines, Gu Zuo deferentially paid his respects to that shriveled old man.

    One could say that he bought the spirit medicines at a cabbage¡¯s price... Although he didn¡¯t know what thoughts were in the other side¡¯s mind, he didn¡¯t believe that the other side wasn¡¯t aware of the spirit medicines¡¯ true value.

    After hesitating for a moment, Gu Zuo still couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Old sir, the prices of these spirit medicines is somewhat too cheap...¡±

    Actually, what he wanted to say was ¡ª ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you aren¡¯t making a loss?¡±

    The shriveled old man said nothing. He just turned around and went deeper into the medicine store.

    Then, thentern went out.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Tianheng put his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, leading him outside: ¡°He¡¯s not worried about selling the spirit medicines. If what the old sir wanted was gold, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have needed to send that local tyrant out to solicit business. Ah Zuo, this person was probably an entric who should¡¯ve taken a fancy to your medicine refining skills. If you want to express gratitude, then do some more research on the paths of medicine refinement, and that would be sufficient repayment for this old sir¡¯s favor to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and solemnly nodded his head: ¡°I will.¡±

    The next moment, a beam of yellow light enveloped the area, illuminating the road ahead for them.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°It looks like I¡¯ve guessed correctly.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head around and nced over. He only saw thatntern floating outside, and didn¡¯t see the appearance of that shriveled old man. He didn¡¯t say anything, and only solemnly nodded his head again.

    He would certainly give it his all!

    After getting the ten stalks of spirit medicine which the shriveled old man had half-sold and half-gifted, the two followed the other local tyrant to find that madam. Although the medicinal ingredient was also a top-notch ancient ingredient, in actuality, it was bought with less than a hundred thousand gold. After this, they strolled around Medicinal Ingredient Street, and plundered the Myriad Medicine Tower a few more times. Not counting the previous spirit medicines, the gold spent on medicinal ingredients was also over ten million.

    The upsurge of wind and waves wasn¡¯t small. Gu Zuo acted as a wealthy and willful young pharmacist, and Gongyi Tianheng acted as a great family¡¯s young master who indulged his pharmacist. The two were recognized by many people. At theter stages, people stood around and watched them from time to time. Without any better option, Gu Zuo had to withdraw back to the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. He had fun refining pills.

    A few dayster, Gu Zuo bade farewell to Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu frowned and said: ¡°This ce has numerous pharmacists. Why do you want to leave early when there¡¯s so many strong points to learn and absorb?¡±

    Gu Zuo forced a smile and said: ¡°Previously, when I was purchasing medicinal ingredients, there were some...¡±

    When Xu Lingxiu heard these words, his furrowed brows loosened a little bit.

    He actually knew that Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t been having a great time recently, but he could alsoprehend Gu Zuo¡¯s fondness for medicinal ingredients. When he had enough money, he wanted to obtain even more good things. This was to be expected.

    Xu Lingxiu thought about it again. Gu Zuo possessed an inheritance, and he had also drawn from the experiences of many others some time ago. So, there was nothing wrong with wanting to leave early. Xu Lingxiu still needed to stay here for a while longer. After returning, he could tell Junior Sect Brother Gu some things.

    After thinking it over, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression rxed.

    At this moment, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°I won¡¯t keep it from Senior Sect Brother Xu. When I went on this mission, I unexpectedly found a ce with many medicinal herbs, which Ah Zuo should like. Only, since I¡¯m not a pharmacist, I was afraid that I¡¯d injure the herb¡¯s roots when harvesting them. Therefore, I came here in order to invite him along to pluck them. Right now, some time has already passed. If we¡¯rete, I¡¯m also worried that those medicinal herbs will be taken away by someone else. So, I want to leave in advance.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    His big brother was fabricating a story again.

    He had deceived this little prince many times already...

    Xu Lingxiu finished listening to Tianheng¡¯s exnation, and his expression looked a bit better: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Junior Sect Brother Gu and Junior Sect Brother Gongyi will leave first.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly showed a smile: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Xu!¡±

    After this, Gu Zuo and Tianheng said goodbye to Xin Bailin. Following which, they arrived at that tavern and took along Tianyang and the Ling n siblings. After everything was prepared and settled, they departed Danyun City.

    On the back of a gigantic wild bird, a group of people sat together in two batches.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo naturally sat at the very front. As for Tianyang, he¡¯d been staying with the Ling n siblings for the past few days, and their rtionship had also be closer.

    Gu Zuo took out a pill refining cauldron, and simply started refining pills.

    He felt that since his dear big brother had spent so much money to buy medicinal ingredients for him, he should make the most of all this time and work hard. He strived to earn back the money his big brother spent on him as early as possible!

    Tianheng was aware of Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking. He directly picked up the few item books that Gu Zuo had recently obtained, and sat beside Gu Zuo to leisurely flip through them.

    Although he wasn¡¯t a pharmacist, he wanted to know about some matters rted to the field of medicine refinement to expand his own knowledge ¡ª Otherwise, if he encountered an opportunity in the future, but didn¡¯t recognize it, then wouldn¡¯t that just be too pitiful?

    Ling Ziwei and Tianyang were also in the middle of chatting.

    Tianyang¡¯s face was nk, but there was a spirited look in his eyes: ¡°Young Lady Ziwei might not know, but Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s medicine refining skills are a rare sight in the world. Refining a cauldron of medicinal pills doesn¡¯t take longer than a joss of incense. In the Sect, almost all of our medicinal pills are refined by Brother Ah Zuo. The product grades of the ones refined are also extremely high, which gives our n brothers more opportunities to improve their strength...¡±

    Ling Ziwei listened very attentively. When Tianyang stopped speaking, she echoed what he said: ¡°Sure enough, very powerful. Such skills like Pharmacist Gu¡¯s are enviable...¡±

    Tianyang said: ¡°Still, my big brother is also extraordinary. Young Lady Ziwei, you also might not know, but big brother¡¯s health had been very poor since childhood. However, with great perseverance, he strengthened the businesses in the n more than ever before. Later, he obtained the pill prescription that Brother Ah Zuo brought, and recoveredpletely. In a short one or two years, he reached a level that would take others ten to twenty years to attain.

    He continued: ¡°Afterwards, he fought through the Hundred Countries Tournament and smoothly entered the Sect. And he became Xiantian with extremely fast speeds. Currently, he stands firmly in the Inner Sect...¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s thoughts wandered far away, and her smile was simple and pure: ¡°Benefactor is so powerful. No wonder Pharmacist Gu is willing to follow him.¡±

    Tianyang nodded his head: ¡°Right! Big brother treats Brother Ah Zuo better than he treats me, his biological younger brother! At that time, when they were getting to know each other, big brother still couldn¡¯t practice martial arts. Brother Ah Zuo also couldn¡¯t refine medicine. Afterwards, they helped one another, and everything changed...¡±

    Ling Ziwei tenderly said: ¡°Young Master Tianyang is also amazing. Your future prospects are limitless.¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s face reddened: ¡°I¡¯m still inferiorpared to big brother and Brother Ah Zuo.¡±

    Ling Ziwei spoke softly: ¡°That¡¯s not true. Young Master Tianyang is very amazing.¡±

    Ling Ziqi watched on from the side, and silently sighed.

    His little sister... unexpectedly had her first awakening of love.

    Even towards that white-eyed wolf Ling Tianen, who grew up together with her from a young age, his little sister had never acted this way before.

    Logically speaking, their benefactor had saved their lives. Young Master Tianyang was the benefactor¡¯s younger brother, and his personality and looks were very impressive. Ling Ziqi should¡¯ve approved of his little sister and Tianyang interacting. But his little sister still had a secret on her, so his heart couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    What to do...

    Ling Ziqi originally thought that, after this matter ended, he would bring his little sister away to not cause any trouble to their benefactor. But now, his little sister had a favorable impression of Young Master Tianyang. Young Master Tianyang also didn¡¯t seem like he was adverse to this. How could Ling Ziqi be willing to break his little sister¡¯s heart? It was just that this affair was truly difficult to handle.

    Perhaps...he needed to let their benefactor know about the matter of his little sister, too?

    He really hesitated.

    Gongyi Tianyang and Ling Ziwei simply didn¡¯t know that Ling Ziqi was racking his brain over this. This boy and girl pair had been getting along for the past few days, and had long developed good feelings for each other. Both of them wanted to get more intimate and to understand each other better.

    As a result, Tianyang, who was normally obstinate and unperturbed, talked non-stop as he exined matters to Ling Ziwei. And no matter what Ling Ziwei heard, she only yearned to look upon Tianyang¡¯s seemingly shining side-profile.

    Emotional matters couldn¡¯t be controlled by people.

    In the front, Gu Zuo had just refined a cauldron of pills and quickly put the finished products away.

    Soon after, he tugged Tianheng¡¯s sleeve and quietly said: ¡°Big brother, Tianyang and Young Lady Ling seem to have secret feelings for each other...¡±

    Even Gu Zuo had taken notice of this matter, so Tianheng, who had such a meticulous mind, naturally had long known about it. He simply said: ¡°Tianyang has also grown up. If there¡¯s a woman he admires, he can court her.¡±

    Gu Zuo poked Tianheng¡¯s arm: ¡°But you see, big brother, there seems to be something wrong with Young Master Ling.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch208 - A Special Constitution

    <h4>Chapter Ch208 - A Special Constitution</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°He seems to be worried.¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°What¡¯s he still worried about?¡±

    Ling Ziqi had already gotten revenge on his n¡¯s enemy and could go to search for chances at the Great Tomb of the Human King right away. No matter how one looked at it, he shouldn¡¯t have had this kind of worried look.

    Tianheng slightly pondered: ¡°If there¡¯s something he¡¯s still currently worried about, it probably has something to do with Young Lady Ling.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Could it be that he doesn¡¯t want Tianyang and Young Lady Ling to get together?¡±

    Ah, after thinking about it, this was also incorrect. Although Tianyang didn¡¯t have such astonishing talents like his dear big brother, Tianyang was definitely a young elite. On top of that, there were many resources in Qingyun Sect. Tianyang would quickly break through to Xiantian and be an Inner Sect disciple in a meteoric rise. After that, his future outlooks would certainly be immeasurable.

    If this kind of person wasn¡¯t qualified enough to be with Young Lady Ling, then no one would.

    Tianheng said: ¡°If I haven¡¯t guessed wrongly, there should be a problem with Young Lady Ling¡¯s body.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Young Lady Ling?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Wait till we find an opportunity. Maybe Ah Zuo can check her pulse to find some clues.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this was reasonable.

    Young Lady Ling was the sole family member of Young Master Ling, and she seemed well on the surface. As such, the probability was rtively high that her health was the only cause of Young Master Ling¡¯s worry. Not to mention anything else, for the infatuated Tianyang, Gu Zuo would give a proper diagnosis to get a clear understanding of that Young Master Ling¡¯s heart knot.

    After making his decision, Gu Zuo no longer thought about this matter and continued refining a cauldron of medicinal pills.

    The wild bird¡¯s flight speed was extremely fast, and the journey was no more than five hundred kilometers. Even though it deliberately slowed down its speed, they arrived in the vicinity of Queying City after about four to six hours.

    Queying City was also arge city. Because it neighbored Danyun City, many martial artists had gathered here. Many businessmen also obtained medicinal pills and top-notch ingredients from Danyun City and resold them in Queying City. As they umted vast amounts of wealth, the development of this city also prospered.

    When entering this city, one needed to pay a city entrance fee.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat curious. Previously, there were many cities that didn¡¯t have this way of handling things. So what was reason for this ce?

    Tianheng exined it to him: ¡°This ce is in the territory of the Qingcang Empire. Everyone entering a city belonging to this country needs to pay a city entrance fee.¡±

    While Tianheng spoke, Tianyang had already acted as an attendant and handed over the expenses for the group of five people.

    As everyone walked in, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Then, what about Danyun City?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Danyun City doesn¡¯t belong to the Qingcang Empire. Although it¡¯s close to Queying City, it¡¯s actually an independent existence. Danyun City¡¯s City Lord position is passed from one generation to the next, and is considered another type of organization.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Danyun City is headed by the Xin n. It¡¯s an existence that has assembled many pharmacists.¡±

    Tianheng nodded slightly: ¡°Just so.¡±

    Soon, they entered the city and came to arge street.

    They would still need to stay here for quite some time. The first thing they had to do was to find and check into a sufficiently safe andfortable tavern.

    Queying City¡¯srgest tavern was Great Blessings Tavern. It was said that the tavern¡¯s boss had some connections with Queying City¡¯s City Lord. Queying City¡¯s City Lord also had some connections with the Qingcang Empire¡¯s upper echelons. So, the security should¡¯ve been the best. Although the prices were somewhat expensive, so long as it saved them trouble, it would be worth it.

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    Actually, it wasn¡¯t only somewhat expensive... It was very expensive.

    For the best, highest quality room, a single room cost ten gold every day! Ten gold!

    While it didn¡¯t sound the same as buying medicinal ingredients, one needed to know that medicinal ingredients were luxury goods! And for this ce, it was only living in a room...

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently kept pace with him.

    Yes. His big brother had also unexpectedly obtained the wealth of several hundred million gold...

    A group of people checked into the Great Blessings Tavern just like this. Altogether, they asked for three upper rooms. Among them, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were in one room, Tianyang and Ling Ziqi were in another room, and Ling Ziwei got special treatment as a little sister and had her own room.

    After Tianheng directly handed over the expenses for ten days, the tavern¡¯s front desk clerk, waiters, and other workers all saw that they weren¡¯t short of money. Thus, the staff¡¯s bearing was even more cordial.

    Once they had a meal together, they gathered in Tianheng¡¯s room.

    Gu Zuo sat to the side of the table: ¡°Big brother, when will we go to open the Great Tomb of the Human King?¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a bit: ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll first scout around the location of the Great Tomb. I¡¯ll make a decisionter.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Oh.¡±

    The others didn¡¯t have anyints.

    He paused, and looked at Tianyang: ¡°Tianyang, you as well.¡±

    Tianyang naturally didn¡¯t have any objections.

    As early as Qingyun Sect, Gu Zuo routinely checked the pulses of their group. This was to prevent their bodies from developing any internal injuries or unknown illnesses over the course of practicing martial arts or other such reasons. It was all promptly resolved. Right now, everyone was going to the Human King¡¯s tomb. Wanting to make even more preparations was to be expected.

    As a result, Tianyang immediately extended his hand and gave up all resistance.

    Gu Zuo quickly squeezed his wrist, and used psychic power to swiftly examine him. After that, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Tianyang has recently practiced martial arts and needs to strike a bnce between work and rest, but this isn¡¯t a problem. Just take a Snowy Ginseng Pill. Replenish your qi and blood to regain your vigor, and you¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    At once, Tianyang took out a medicine bottle, poured out a medicinal pill, and swallowed it.

    Immediately after that, his face shed with bursts of red light. After the red lights disappeared, hisplexion became much better.

    Following which, Gu Zuo looked at Ling Ziqi.

    Ling Ziqi saw that Tianyang was so straightforward, so he also extended a hand.

    As before, Gu Zuo felt his pulse. After that, Gu Zuo took out three medicine bottles and gave them to him: ¡°Deficient in qi and blood, the meridians are damaged, and there¡¯s a lot of built-up impurities. Young Master Ling, three types of medicinal pills, one of each. You should see the effects immediately after taking them.¡±

    Ling Ziqi hesitated a little bit, and then swallowed each of those three pills ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s words. The next moment, the surface of his body exuded some ck sludge and his eyes became even more spirited.

    His face instantly revealed a happy expression: ¡°It¡¯s really much more effortless!¡± After he finished speaking, he looked at his own filthy, outstretched hands and immediately said with shame, ¡°Pardon me. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Please do as you wish.¡±

    Ling Ziqi stood up right away and rushed out to return to his own room.

    After a short time, he came back. Now, his eyes were lively and his face glowed. It was like a crushing boulder was lifted from his body, and even his appearance looked more dashing.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t do anything else during this time. He saw Ling Ziqi return, and sized him up and down. Then, he nodded like he was reassured: ¡°For a long period of time following this, Young Master Ling should be able to improve even faster when practicing martial arts.¡±

    Ling Ziqi cupped his fist: ¡°Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Then, Gu Zuo looked at Ling Ziwei: ¡°I hope Young Lady Ling doesn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    Ling Ziwei looked to her own elder brother, Ling Ziqi.

    Ling Ziqi¡¯s smiling expression stiffened.

    He didn¡¯t know whether this pharmacist would see anything...

    But perhaps, this was an opportunity, too.

    Some things couldn¡¯t be avoided.

    Ling Ziqi nodded to Ling Ziwei.

    Ling Ziwei tenderly smiled: ¡°Thank you for your trouble, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s expression also became focused.

    He wanted to know if there was anything wrong with the body of the girl he had a good impression of.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers gently felt Ling Ziwei¡¯s pulse.

    In a split second, a string of psychic power followed along her wrist¡¯s meridian and passed through her body. In the blink of an eye, it circted through the meridians of her whole body, and sent back information about the circumstances inside.

    Following that, Gu Zuo was somewhat surprised.

    ...This Ling Ziwei¡¯s body was a little strange.

    Gu Zuo was very clear about the average person¡¯s physical body. As for aparatively special one he¡¯d known for the past many years, it was his dear big brother, whose meridians were clogged by Xiantian Qi and whoter possessed six sets of bone pearls. Besides this, there were some Tianlong Guards who took Xiantian Pills refined with his big brother¡¯s blood. Their bodies contained two sets of bone pearls, and their physical bodies also appeared more wless than that of other martial artists.

    In addition, some people¡¯s meridians were wider, some people¡¯s meridians were narrower, and some people¡¯s bodies possessed different powers due to cultivating different martial skills or cultivation methods.

    But aside from this, it was all roughly the same.

    However, Ling Ziwei¡¯s blood seemed to contain a type of power.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t the true qi that a Houtian would umte. Rather, it was a special power. When Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power got into contact with that power, he seemed to detect...an absent-minded, hazy feeling being transmitted through his psychic power.

    What was it?

    Could it be that Ling Ziwei¡¯s blood was very special?

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo recalled his dear big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body.

    He remembered that, in order to better treat Tianheng, Gu Zuo carefully studied the specific circumstances of the Tiandu Body. He knew it was a special physique that was envied by heaven and earth. At this time, he suddenly thought of something. If there was a physique that was envied by heaven, would there be a physique that was protected by heaven, too?

    Besides one hundred acupoints being unimpeded at birth, each Tiandu Body had its own peculiarities. Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s peculiarity rested with his six sets of bone pearls. From looking at the Tianlong Guards¡¯ situation, the origin of his Tiandu Body¡¯s special power might¡¯ve had the greatest rtionship with his blood.

    ¡ª Within Ling Ziwei¡¯s blood vessels, there was a special power as well. Did this special power prove that she possessed a type of special constitution?

    Thinking of this in his heart, Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind was like a stormy sea.

    If his guess wasn¡¯t wrong ¡ª If the power in Ling Ziwei¡¯s blood vessels could be discharged, then she would be a terrifying talent!

    Of course, she probably wouldn¡¯t be like his dear big brother, who received the envy of heaven and earth...

    ¡°Pharmacist Gu...¡±

    ¡°Ph-pharmacist Gu?¡±

    ¡°Ah Zuo, wake up.¡±

    Gu Zuo collected his thoughts.

    He saw Ling Ziqi looking over with a face full of embarrassment. He saw Tianyang and Ling Ziwei who were somewhat hard-pressed. He also saw Tianheng, who reached out a hand to flick his forehead, waking him up.

    Thereupon, Gu Zuo also felt embarrassed.

    Unexpectedly, he had been pinching that little sister¡¯s wrist the entire time. Although it was to treat an illness, it had taken a bit too long... There was nothing to be done. He really had been astonished!

    Moreover, he was also a little excited by association.

    Gu Zuo released his hand at once, but didn¡¯t start speaking.

    In actuality, he wasmunicating with the system through his own consciousness in his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [System, what¡¯s going on with Ling Ziwei¡¯s body? Do you know?]

    [Side mission started.]

    [...Huh?]

    The system directly issued a mission.

    [Side Mission: Diagnose Ling Ziwei¡¯s body information.]

    [Mission Item: <<Comprehensive Collection of Heaven and Earth Physiques>>]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within one day.]

    [Failure Penalty: Deduction of one hundred strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression suddenly turned strange.

    So to say, now he needed to...check the book, right?

    The next moment, an item book appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze flickered, and then his body shed over. He had already appeared behind Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s reading...¡±

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t stingy, and showed the book cover to his dear big brother: ¡°I hadn¡¯t paid attention to it before. Now that I¡¯ve seen Young Lady Ling¡¯s situation, I unexpectedly thought of this book.¡±

    Because emphasis was put on ¡°before¡± and ¡°now¡±, these two keywords, Tianheng naturally understood Gu Zuo¡¯s hint ¡ª Gu Zuo had received another mission, and the item book was newly released. In addition, the mission¡¯s required time certainly wasn¡¯t long. Otherwise, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have been so quick to take the book out and flip through it.

    Gu Zuo spoke to the Ling n siblings: ¡°I seem to have an impression of Young Lady Ling¡¯s situation, but I¡¯ll need to check on it beforeing to any conclusions.¡±

    Ling Ziqi opened his mouth, but in the end, he didn¡¯t say anything.

    As for Tianheng, who stood behind Gu Zuo, he had a highly retentive memory, and read together with Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power, and it enveloped the book. He started to browse swiftly.

    One page after another. The time spent on each page was no more than a brief blink of an eye.

    After about a joss of incense passed, that thick item book was memorized by two people.

    Each page only recorded a single physique. Moreover, because it was an item book given to Gu Zuo, a pharmacist, there was a recounting of each physique¡¯s distinctive features and attributes, the practiced methods, created martial skills, and formidable powers of those who once possessed these physiques, the general simrities between external and internal conditions of the physical body, and the minor details of distinguishing case models.

    These things were naturally useful to Gu Zuo, and the most useful section was certainly the external and internal conditions of the physical body. And with regards to Tianheng, this let him gain insights into the various kinds of strange bodies in this world. This also let him understand how those people with special constitutions became so powerful ¡ª In the future, if he encountered such a person, he would be able to anticipate his enemy¡¯s decisive opportunities and would obtain some certainty of the oue at the start of the fight.

    After he finished reading, Gu Zuo slowly let out a breath: ¡°From the perspective of this ancient text, this Gu has made some progress. Only, there are a few situations like Young Lady Ling¡¯s. I¡¯ll still need to ask Young Master Ling to tell this Gu about the specific circumstances for this Gu to make an urate judgment.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he slowly came to a halt: ¡°Young Master Ling, you should¡¯ve long known about any peculiarities of Young Lady Ling, right?¡±

    Without waiting for Ling Ziqi to respond, Ling Ziwei had already looked over in surprise: ¡°Big brother, my... What¡¯s happening to my body? You, you know about what¡¯s happening to me? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ling Ziqi stiffened for a moment. He looked at Ling Ziwei and gave a heavy sigh: ¡°Yes. Not only do I know, but in our direct bloodline, father and grandfather also knew.¡±

    Ling Ziwei never thought that she was different frommon folks. Even though she looked beautiful, she also didn¡¯t feel that she was anything special. However, now she heard that she was actually different from ordinary people?

    For a short while, her mind was somewhat frantic. At the same time, she couldn¡¯t help looking at Tianyang and into Tianyang¡¯s deeply concerned gaze. She inched closer to him.

    Ling Ziqi looked at his younger sister acting this way, and his mood was veryplicated. After that, he said: ¡°Actually, we¡¯re all not too clear about what¡¯s going on with my little sister¡¯s body. However, as my little sister grew up, if a full moon appeared in the sky during her birthday, she seemed to be a whole other person. She would emit a very frightening...attraction.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood a little in his heart.

    Meanwhile, Ling Ziwei¡¯s voice became panicked: ¡°Be a different person? Um, several times during my birthday, I would get drunk during the n feasts...¡±

    At this moment, she recalled something.

    Ling Ziqi nodded his head and said: ¡°That¡¯s right. Little sister is fifteen this year. This event has happened four times already. When little sister turned four, eight, and twelve years old, the sky had a full moon that day. When the moonlight descended, little sister¡¯s skin became crystalline. You sat beneath the moonlight, and wore a smile that was full of attraction. Anyone who made the mistake of looking at little sister became imbecilic and crazy. They attacked each other in order to gain little sister¡¯s favor! It wasn¡¯t until dawn that little sister sank into unconsciousness, and those confused people awoke.¡±

    Ling Ziwei listened and only felt as if she was hearing about something from another world. Everything was too hard to believe.

    Ling Ziqi continued to talk: ¡°Fortunately, after waking up, it didn¡¯t matter if it was a confused person or little sister herself, none of them had any memories of that night. When this happened during little sister¡¯s fourth birthday, there was a n feast. Only a few knew about this matter. However, no one knew if this would happen again in the future, so for several years afterwards, we didn¡¯t dare let little sister stray too far or let her see too many people. As little sister grew older, we gradually discovered the pattern. It was just that we didn¡¯t want to burden little sister, and no one told her about it.¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s eyes reddened.

    From Ling Ziqi¡¯s description, she could see the love and protection that all of her family members held for her. However, she would never be able to see these cherished people again.

    Tianyang looked at her, and his eyes shed with hints of tender feelings. He hesitated, but used his hand to gently pat her left arm.

    Ling Ziqi sighed again. He looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, this is all of it. Do you know what kind of constitution my little sister has? We¡¯ve always been worried that this constitution would cause her to be scorned or used by the other party if she ever found her sweetheart...¡±

    It was also because of this that, while they were fully aware that Ling Ziwei basically held no feelings of admiration for that white-eyed wolf Ling Tianen, they still held on to the hope that familiarity would breed fondness. It was because they thought they knew all of Ling Tianen¡¯s roots and foundations, so that even if he turned out to be no good for her, they could promptly find out and support Ling Ziwei.

    Gu Zuo knew what was going on. He said to Ling Ziqi: ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. This Gu already knows Young Lady Ling¡¯s specific constitution.¡± He continued to console Ling Ziqi, ¡°Rest assured, Young Master Ling. Young Lady Ling¡¯s constitution is a type of good thing; not a bad thing. There¡¯s a way to resolve it, too.¡±

    Ling Ziqi was overjoyed at once: ¡°Pharmacist Gu¡¯s words are true?¡±

    Tianyang and Ling Ziwei also looked towards Gu Zuo with anticipation.

    Gu Zuo said confidently: ¡°You can feel assured. Although it¡¯s somewhat troublesome, there really is a way.¡±

    Tianheng shook his head, and lightly knocked on Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°Okay, Ah Zuo. Just spit it out.¡±

    Gu Zuo also shook his head and forced augh as he rapidly answered: ¡°First, let me say that Young Lady Ling¡¯s constitution is a type of physique. It¡¯s ssified as an offshoot of the Bodies of Enticement, and it¡¯s called the Moon Siren Body. Before she grew to adulthood, she was able to temporarily awaken her constitution because of the light of the full moon on the day of her birth. That is, the terrifying attractive force shown once every four years previously. In fact, once Young Lady Ling is eighteen years old, it¡¯ll be like that all of the time ¡ª Attracting men with insufficient willpower, and making them hysterical. Most of all, the attractive force will increase when there¡¯s a moon at night. If it¡¯s a full moon, then the attractive force will be at its most terrifying level.¡±

    Ling Ziqi startled: ¡°Then?¡±

    Gu Zuo continued speaking: ¡°Originally, this would¡¯ve been a troubling matter. However, we can change directions to reflect on this issue. Young Master Ling, think about it. If Young Lady Ling can control her own constitution, and unexpectedly exhibits this extraordinary attractive force when battling someone, she¡¯ll be able to confuse the opponent and achieve victory. In a life and death crisis, this can even save a life!¡±

    At this moment, Ling Ziwei also became anxious: ¡°Then, then how can I control my own constitution?¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately said: ¡°A method where we get to the root of the problem. Naturally, it¡¯s practicing a cultivation method that is specially provided for the Moon Siren Body¡¯s cultivation. If someone knew how to help Young Lady Ling develop her constitution, that would be even better.¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°Unfortunately, my big brother and I don¡¯t have this type of cultivation method. We can only search for it slowly. As for a method to treat the symptoms, I can do it...¡±

    Tianyang was deeply concerned: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, what is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly sighed: ¡°I¡¯m a pharmacist. Later on, I can refine a medicinal pill that can control this constitution, but...¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°But what?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t keep them in suspense: ¡°It¡¯s just that, while this medicinal pill can control it, if one can¡¯t treat the root cause, there¡¯ll be a severe bacsh when the pill isn¡¯t in effect.¡±

    T/N: The next two chapters are regr length, so they¡¯ll be out sooner rather thanter.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch209 - The Moon Yin Pill

    <h4>Chapter Ch209 - The Moon Yin Pill</h4>

    At first, Ling Ziqi was somewhat rxed. But the moment he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he immediately felt worried: ¡°What bacsh?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°The attractive force will be over a hundred times stronger than when there was a full moon previously. Each and every person who¡¯s rtively close to her, even if it¡¯s someone with a staunched determination, will have a hard time resisting. Moreover...¡±

    He sighed: ¡°Moreover, Young Master Ling, who has a close blood-connection to Young Lady Ling, as well as the other male family members all could originally resist this attractive force. But after a one hundred-fold eruption, I¡¯m afraid even those with close blood ties won¡¯t be able to withstand it.¡±

    In other words, when Ling Ziwei had previous outbreaks, Ling Ziqi had an immunity and guarded her against other people. But now, once Ling Ziwei had another outbreak after taking the medicinal pills, Ling Ziqi wouldn¡¯t be able to approach Ling Ziwei. Ling Ziwei herself would also be a mobile source of attraction ¡ª A source of attraction that was a hundred times stronger than before!

    Ling Ziwei¡¯splexion became deathly pale all of a sudden.

    If it was like this, then one day, she...

    Sure enough, the method of treating the symptoms still had very big risks. But, but if there weren¡¯t any temporary treatments, what else could they do?

    After this, it was still Ling Ziqi who finally spoke: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, I¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡±

    ¡ª Temporary treatments were always better than nothing at all. At the very least, this could ensure that his younger sister would grow up normally for quite a long period of time. As for a cultivation method that suited the Moon Siren Body, it wouldn¡¯t be toote to think of a solution in the future.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°No matter. This Gu is also rather interested in Young Lady Ling¡¯s special constitution.¡±

    Ling Ziwei reluctantly set her mind to it. She tidied up the front of her robe, and showed her respects to Gu Zuo: ¡°Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Tianyang also watched Ling Ziwei with some concern, but when Ling Ziwei looked over, his concern had turned into a soothing look. Ling Ziwei¡¯s expression became a bit better, and she lightly sighed.

    At this time, Gu Zuo rapidly sorted out the solution rted to the Moon Siren Body that he had previously discovered in his mind ¡ª Back then, the prescription that resolved Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s Tiandu Body was found within those three initial books of Human-Level prescriptions. Currently, that the Moon Siren Body was identified in <<Comprehensive Collection of Heaven and Earth Physiques>>, so the method to resolve it could also be found in those three Human-Level prescription books.

    Merely, the Moon Siren Body wasn¡¯t the same as the Tiandu Body. The Moon Siren Body was just a special constitution, and definitely wasn¡¯t an ¡°illness¡± that a person would die from if it was left untreated like the Tiandu Body. Thus, the so-called solution was just a prescription called the Moon Yin Pill.

    That Moon Yin Pill was the method that Gu Zuo mentioned which would treat the symptoms.

    What was even more coincidental was that the medicinal ingredients needed for the Moon Yin Pill could all be found among the ingredients that Gu Zuo had previously hoarded.

    Undoubtedly, this was Ling Ziwei¡¯s good fortune.

    However, Gu Zuo had a matter that he didn¡¯t mention.

    If Ling Ziwei wasn¡¯t able to find a suitable cultivation method for the Moon Siren Body, then he would use another permanent means to solve this problem ¡ª To cripple her Moon Siren Body.

    But that was too pitiful. Unless it reached the point where this was the only option, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t do it.

    At this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness shed with the ping of a ¡°Mission Completed¡±. This showed that the ailment he found for Ling Ziwei was the correct one.

    Hence, Gu Zuo had even more confidence.

    After that, Tianheng sent them on their way. The Ling n siblings and Tianyang both left the room. Once the door was closed, Gu Zuo took out a pill refining cauldron and started the refinement of the Moon Yin Pills.

    Matters needed to be done sooner rather thanter, seeing as Ling Ziwei would reach adulthood in three years. Before that, on her sixteenth birthday, she would have another break out during the full moon. In order to avert any troubles for them, the sooner she took the Moon Yin Pills, the better. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have any way to steadily cultivate feelings with Tianyang.

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo was giving it his full attention, and didn¡¯t say much. He sat cross-legged on the bed, and started his own cultivation. Previously, he had obtained anotherrge batch of top grade Qi Linking Pills from Gu Zuo. His bone pearls were insatiable, and with the help of the medicinal pills, he swiftly umted true qi, continuously condensed his bone pearls, and improved his realm.

    Even if one more bone pearl wasn¡¯t condensed, his strength would still have a very minor breakthrough. The opening of the Great Tomb of the Human King was imminent. It wasn¡¯t known if there were any dangers, so it was for the best that he made more preparations.

    The Moon Yin Pill was a special pill. Although it was in the Human-Level medicinal pills, it was suitable for all martial artists below the Immortal Realm. Only, if it was the Houtian Realm, one would just need to take a single pill every month. A Xiantian Realm would take two pills every month. And an Immortal Realm would take three pills every month. The stronger one was, the sooner the breakout would ur. Gu Zuo¡¯s spected ten years was based on Ling Ziwei not breaking through to the Immortal Realm. But once she broke through, even if she took four or five Moon Yin Pills every month, she would ultimately be able to only endure for three to five months. Then, it would swiftly erupt, and it would be difficult to pull back.

    Thus, the required medicinal ingredients for the Moon Yin Pill weren¡¯t easy to find, and refining it was rather challenging.

    That time around, Gu Zuo had pill battles with others on arge venue, and won first ce. Compared to before, he was even more confident. As soon as his consciousness moved, those medicinal ingredients naturally appeared next to him. After that, he brandished the pill cauldron. His palm turned over, and a wisp of Earthen Core me, which was contained in his bone pearls, arose. With the support of that Fire Controlling Seal, it appeared underneath the pill cauldron.

    Because he didn¡¯t have that many of the Moon Yin Pill¡¯s medicinal ingredients in his stockpile, he needed to reduce his wastage as much as possible. As a result, he opted to use the Earthen Core me and the handiest pill cauldron. He steadied his heart and calmed his breathing in order to put forward his best condition.

    After taking a deep breath, the Earthen Core me had already warmed up the entire pill cauldron.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power shrouded the area above the cauldron, and every thread of me and every inch of medicinal ingredient was in his grasp! It looked like he was sculpting a delicate piece of artwork as he devoted his sincerest thoughts. His wrist shook, and some treated medicinal ingredients were thrown into the pill cauldron!

    Sizzling sounds roiled inside of that cauldron.

    The first ingredient dissolved. So, too, did the second ingredient, and then the third... Twelve ingredients had all be balls of juice in quick session. The dense qi emissions that they emitted illustrated their concentrated medicinal properties.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s vision focused, and the twelve balls of liquid swiftly converged together. When it shined with beams of silvery-white radiance, the thirteenth medicinal ingredient was thrown in!

    After those several drops of clear medicinal juice joined therge ball of liquid, it all rapidly mixed until the medicinal properties united. Then, thatrge ball of liquid was quickly divided into nine small, silver-colored balls of liquid!

    Each small ball emitted rays of faint and serene light.

    Following which, when these small balls were constantly solidifying, a whistle-like noise disseminated from them. It was a whooshing sound like there were numerous winds blowing inside.

    Those silver-colored balls of liquid became fuller and plumper. However, the silver exterior underwent a change. Soon, the silver gathered to one side and took the shape of a crescent moon. Meanwhile, the other side turned a deep blue.

    This was just like a waning moon hanging high over a deep-blue curtain of night.

    Gu Zuo ¡°watched¡± as a trail of medicinal qi soared up from the pill cauldron and quickly entered his storage space. His heart was happy ¡ª Only when the medicinal properties reached their maximum potential, that is, when he spontaneously formed top grade pills without deliberately controlling it, would medicinal qi be produced!

    Unexpectedly, he seeded on the first try!

    Truly... His diligence wasn¡¯t in vain.

    With a smile on Gu Zuo¡¯s face, he rapidly made a Pill Receiving Seal.

    Nine streaks of silver light shot straight out like lightning. After his prudent actions, they were collected into a snow-white, ice jade box.

    In the blink of an eye, the nine Moon Yin Pills came to a halt inside the ice jade box like they were glued to the bottom of the box. There wasn¡¯t a single movement. It was totally different from those past medicinal pills that whirled, collided, and spun around.

    The pills were peaceful, and slowly emitted an indistinct chill in the air.

    The first round was a sess. Gu Zuo could clearly sense that his level of medicine refinement had improved once again.

    Yes. Although he felt that he was very confident in the past, when he didn¡¯t publicly get the credit, there was still a trace of uncertainty in the depths of his heart. And sometimes, when he refined some high-difficulty medicinal pills, this trace of uncertainty made it impossible for him to do so perfectly.

    But it was different now.

    Granted that Gu Zuo¡¯s level of medicine refinement hadn¡¯t reached the pinnacle, he was utterly self-assured. In the domain of medicine refinement, he believed in his own capabilities from the bottom of his heart ¡ª That trace of uncertainty no longer existed.

    As a result, when refining a new medicinal pill, Gu Zuo found that long-lost, wless ease like when he first refined the Qi Generating Pill. Only then could he refine nine top grade Moon Yin Pills at once.

    One cauldron was achieved. After Gu Zuo put them away, he struck while the the iron was hot, and started the second cauldron¡¯s refinement.

    This time, he was still as careful and serious as before. But because the refining had be even more familiar, the time spent had been reduced by a third.

    Once more, the pills were put away, and once more, Gu Zuo decided to push onwards.

    He improved again. The time of refining the Moon Yin Pills further reduced, bing half of the previous time.

    Gu Zuo proceeded with the fourth cauldron. As before, he seeded, and as before, the time was cut down... The fifth cauldron, the sixth cauldron... The further he went, the less time Gu Zuo used. Finally, it was fixed at half an hour for one cauldron.

    After thest cauldron buzzed with formed pills, Gu Zuo discovered that the room¡¯s oilmp had burnt out some time ago. To his surprise, it was already dawn.

    Unwittingly, he had been refining for the entire night. He had also seeded in refining fourteen cauldrons, which was a hundred twenty-six Moon Yin Pills. He packed a hundred twenty pills into the ice jade box. While the remaining six pills were preserved in an ice jade bottle.

    If Ling Ziwei never broke through to Xiantian, a hundred twenty Moon Yin Pills could be used for over ten years. If she broke through to Xiantian, then a hundred twenty Moon Yin Pills was still enough tost her for a long time.

    After rubbing his face, Gu Zuo stood up and stretched.

    Outside the door, Tianyang¡¯s voice passed through: ¡°Big brother, Brother Ah Zuo. Do you want to have breakfast together?¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch210 - Location of the Great Tomb

    <h4>Chapter Ch210 - Location of the Great Tomb</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng, who was sitting on the bed in meditation, opened his eyes.

    Gu Zuo extended a hand and waved it. After the pill cauldron and the Earthen Core me were both put away, he stood up: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m just in time to hand over the Moon Yin Pills to Young Lady Ling.¡±

    The reddish-gold radiance in Tianheng¡¯s eyes rapidly vanished. He had a faint smile on his face: ¡°Ah Zuo has already seeded in refining them?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little proud of himself: ¡°Not a scrap of medicinal ingredients was wasted. All of them are top grade pills. A hundred twenty-six pills!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°Ah Zuo is getting more and more powerful.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head unabashedly: ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll be even more powerful!¡±

    Outside, Tianyang was still knocking on the door: ¡°Big brother? Brother Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and raised his voice to reply: ¡°Tianyang, we¡¯ll be out soon!¡±

    Then, Tianyang said no more.

    Gu Zuo swiftly tidied up his clothing, which was wrinkled from staying up all night, and walked over to the door: ¡°Big brother, hurry up.¡±

    Tianheng also quickly kept pace.

    The two opened the door, and Tianyang was already waiting outside.

    Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei stood a little farther away. At this moment, they both looked over.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Let¡¯s go eat breakfast.¡±

    A group of five walked downstairs.

    This floor in the tavern was a lounge, and it was partitioned into an inner and outer area. The inside was private seating, and the outside was an ordinary lobby with numerous seats.

    ¡ª He hadn¡¯t thought about it carefullyst night, but now, he discovered a problem.

    He refined fourteen cauldrons of medicinal pills overnight, and all of them were top grade pills. Admittedly, this was within his capabilities, but with regards to the Ling n siblings, wasn¡¯t this just a little too outrageously shocking?

    Although Tianyang had feelings of admiration for Ling Ziwei and Ling Ziwei had a very good impression of Tianyang, she wasn¡¯t married to him yet. The Ling n siblings weren¡¯t truly considered one of their own people. Wasn¡¯t it too impulsive to reveal his own ability to easily refine top grade pills so quickly?

    Of course, due to the existence of the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method, Gu Zuo refining top grade pills wasn¡¯t a behavior that would surprise others. Merely, a hundred-something pills in one night was certainly abnormal.

    After hesitating for a short time, what Gu Zuo took out was instead the small ice jade bottle which he originally intended for his own collection. Contained inside were only six top grade Moon Yin Pills.

    He handed over the small ice jade bottle: ¡°Young Lady Ling, I¡¯ve already refined some Moon Yin Pillsst night. It¡¯s just that there wasn¡¯t enough time, so there¡¯s only six pills. Take this ice jade bottle. From now on, take one pill every month. Once you break through to Xiantian, the amount of medicinal pills taken every month will change to two pills.¡±

    The rims of Ling Ziwei¡¯s eyes reddened. Ling Ziqi was also overjoyed.

    They didn¡¯t expect to have medicinal pills after a single night had passed!

    This young pharmacist was seriously out of the ordinary!

    Ling Ziwei suppressed the wetness in her eyes, and immediately took the offered ice jade bottle. Then, she poured out a pill from within.

    Thereupon, everyone looked at it. This medicinal pill presented silver and blue colors. The silver color was like a crescent moon, and the blue color was like the curtain of a night sky. It was very beautiful. Apart from that, its shape was perfectly round, and the color and luster was full like the glinting of gemstones. With just one look, people could sense its precious rarity and its obviously exceptional medicinal effects.

    ¡ª Although they didn¡¯t know that this was a top grade Moon Yin Pill, its outward appearance was already enough to leave them shocked and grateful.

    Ling Ziwei swallowed the medicinal pill, and only felt a jolt of seeping cold rush straight from her mouth to her belly. It immediately caused the warmth throughout her body to fade away.

    At this time, she discovered that her body actually had a slightly undetectable sense of heat and dryness before. Only, she hadn¡¯t been aware of it because she was young. But now that she had taken the Moon Yin Pill, her constitution had be slightly cold all of a sudden. Unexpectedly, this kind of feeling made her feel unprecedentedlyfortable... Perhaps, this was one of the peculiarities of the special constitution known as the Moon Siren Body?

    Soon after, her pair of beautiful eyes looked at Gu Zuo. She said seriously: ¡°Many thanks foring to my aid, Pharmacist Gu. In the future, I¡¯ll take the medicinal pills every month on time.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a pharmacist. Just now, he had diagnosed a patient, and as it turned out, this patient would follow her doctor¡¯s advice. His mood was very pleased: ¡°Young Lady Ling doesn¡¯t need to be so courteous. However, Young Master Ling and Young Lady Ling must remember that, although the Moon Yin Pill¡¯s medicinal effects are pretty good, it can only suppress Young Lady Ling¡¯s constitution for ten years at most.

    He continued: ¡°Moreover, whenever Young Lady Ling¡¯s strength breaks through arge realm, the Moon Siren Body¡¯s bacsh will be magnified and the suppression time will also be shortened.¡±

    The Ling n siblings seriously listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words. It was clear that Gu Zuo still had more things to say.

    Sure enough, Gu Zuo spoke on: ¡°A Xiantian martial artist¡¯s lifespan is a hundred fifty years. Despite it bing three hundred years after reaching the Immortal Realm, it¡¯ll be difficult for the Moon Yin Pill to suppress an Immortal Realm¡¯s Moon Siren Body. And as the Moon Siren Body is a special constitution, although one can practice other cultivation methods, the Moon Siren Body will basically be the same as an ordinary constitution under the effects of those cultivation methods. There¡¯ll be no way to disy its strong points. As a result, this Gu rmends that Young Lady Ling first temporarily discontinues the cultivation method she originally practices.

    ¡°Instead, focus on finding a cultivation method that suits the Moon Siren Body. Once found, Young Lady Ling can certainly advance by leaps and bounds. Perhaps at even faster speeds. If one can¡¯t be found, Young Lady Ling¡¯s Moon Siren Body will be practically incapable of breaking through to the Immortal Realm within ten years...

    ¡°Young Lady Ling, Young Master Ling. You two can think it over properly.¡±

    After being ruined and orphaned, Ling Ziwei followed her elder brother and ran for her life. Afterwards, she took the initiative to act as bait. In fact, her willpower was already very firm. Previously, it was only because she never expected that she would encounter this kind of matter that hints of despair arose in her heart. But now, since things hadn¡¯t truly reached desperate straits, she recovered her former looks and was determined to do her best in finding a cultivation method from this day forward. She would strive to develop her Moon Siren Body soon.

    At this moment, she didn¡¯t wait for Ling Ziqi to speak. She solemnly spoke in advance: ¡°This young woman will bear in mind Pharmacist Gu¡¯s suggestion. I¡¯ll definitely pay more attention to this in the future.¡±

    Ling Ziqi looked at the appearance of his younger sister¡¯s firm resolve, and his facial expression wasn¡¯t so taut anymore.

    In short, there was still hope for everything.

    This was good.

    On the other side, Tianyang pursed his lips.

    A suitable cultivation method for the Moon Siren Body... He would find one.

    He certainly would.

    Unwittingly, a group of people had already stayed in Queying City for quite a few days.

    During this period of time, Gu Zuo was still refining medicinal pills in a medicine refining room ¡ª Aside from Gongyi Tianheng, the other few people believed that he was in the middle of working his hardest at refining Moon Yin Pills. But in reality, because he had refined sufficient quantities of Moon Yin Pills earlier, he actually spent the extra time researching other new pill prescriptions.

    Additionally, there was Tianyang, Tianheng, Ling Ziqi, Ling Ziwei, and Dragon One, who was hiding in a secret ce. These five people all needed to go out to scout around.

    Tianheng had the clearest understanding of Gu Zuo¡¯s strength. As a result, during this shortage of manpower, Tianheng didn¡¯t arrange for anyone to stay behind in the tavern to protect the ¡°weak¡± pharmacist. And when the Ling n siblings voiced their uncertainties, Tianheng only said that Gu Zuo possessed many strange medicinal pills for self-defense. The Ling n siblings recalled the numerous and efficacious Trick Pills they gripped in their hands at that time. They had a sudden realization, and said no more.

    What this group of five needed to scout around for was mainly the topography of the Great Tomb¡¯s location.

    ording to what Ling Ziqi remembered of his ancestor¡¯sst words, the position of the Great Tomb of the Human King was along a somewhat remote street in Queying City ¡ª It wasn¡¯t within the outskirts of Queying City. On the contrary, it was in Queying City itself. And although it wasn¡¯t the city center, the area made it impossible to noiselessly open the Great Tomb!

    Tianheng slightly raised his head, and looked at that rather tall building. He faintly frowned: ¡°Young Master Ling, the Great Tomb you mentioned is located here?¡±

    Ling Ziqi looked at this spectacle, and the corner of his mouth twitched: ¡°...Yes.¡± His mood was a little subtle, ¡°ording to my ancestor¡¯s words, there shouldn¡¯t have been any streets built here originally. Rather, it was a tract of wilderness that was filled with vitality. Countless years have passed. The blue sea has turned into mulberry fields...bing this current appearance.¡±

    This building was already the store with the best business on the street. Its basic set up was simr to a modern supermarket. It looked like a general store, but actually, the interior had practically everything. More often than not, the owner of that building could provide especially precious or extremely rare items. And even if such things weren¡¯t put forth, clues could be provided.

    As one could well imagine, if the Great Tomb of the Human King was opened here, leaving aside how the Great Tomb woulde into being and what would happen afterwards, but more and more people would arrive as soon as the Great Tomb opened. This building would obviously be destroyed ¡ª Nothing else needed to be said. The war caused by the struggle over the Great Tomb¡¯s inheritance would cause rivers of blood to flow and the skeletons of the dead to form mountains. This would cause immense harm to the building. And if it was damaged to the extreme, wasn¡¯t that just utter ruin?

    Tianyang furrowed his brows: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯ll we do now? Are we going to open the Great Tomb of the Human King?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was serene and deep: ¡°This is natural.¡±

    He wouldn¡¯t miss any opportunity to be stronger.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch211 - The Human Kingâ€™s Tomb Opens

    <h4>Chapter Ch211 - The Human King¡¯s Tomb Opens</h4>

    Several people took measure of the vicinity by pacing around, and the surrounding situation was explored. There was also a certain understanding of the store and the distribution of the crowds here.

    Generally speaking, they needed to pick an appropriate time that would guarantee their priority as much as possible.

    After looking around, Gongyi Tianheng and the others returned to the tavern.

    Following that, they waited.

    And this waitingsted seven to eight days.

    One day, night fell. When it was around midnight, it was dead silent.

    Tianheng and the others swallowed the top grade Scent Hiding Pills that Gu Zuo took out. In a split second, everyone¡¯s qi emissions faded away. After they reached this street, no one sensed their existences while they hid in the shadows.

    Gu Zuo raised his head and looked at that tall building.

    He never expected that the Great Tomb of the Human King would be located here. That supermarket¡¯s boss was truly unlucky.

    However, the scouted information from his dear big brother showed that this building¡¯s owner happened to be a citizen of the Qingcang Empire. The leader inside also had a closely-knit rtionship with the He n. When thinking about those arrogant and despotic He n members, Gu Zuo recalled the feud between them and his big brother. As such, he felt a bit of satisfaction in the other¡¯s misfortune.

    ¡ª If it had been another household, Gu Zuo would¡¯ve felt a bit guilty. But since it was the He n, that guilt was avoided. It served them right to have bad luck.

    Soon, Tianheng took out that secret key.

    There were veined patterns on the secret key, and the patterns concealed some incantations. If one wanted to open the Great Tomb of the Human King, then these incantations and the brandished secret key were indispensable.

    Following this, Tianheng grasped the secret key in the palm of his hand, his eyes closed slightly, and he started to recite those incantations.

    The instant the incantations were read aloud, the veined patterns on that secret key started to faintly shine!

    Gu Zuo curiously watched on.

    This thing...was very advanced.

    It was like it was a smart-device! So long as one inputed themand, it would unlock the password!

    Those veined patterns got brighter and brighter. Gradually, it shined as brightly as sunlight. All of a sudden, Tianheng felt the secret key in his hand tremble and shake incessantly. Then, it escaped from his hand, dashed straight into the sky, and floated high above!

    The next instant, the secret key unleashed its brilliance. Nearly all of the surroundings within a radius of several meters were illuminated as if it was day-time!

    At almost the exact same time, Gu Zuo saw the areas where the white light proliferated. There were numerous hazy shadows emerging. Apparently, there were many passages and many things would flicker in and out, shouting and crying.

    This feeling was very sinister and strange.

    However, even though it was the Great Tomb of the Human King, it was also a graveyard. And graveyards meant corpses, so this didn¡¯t seem too odd. Were those passages the paths that led to the tomb?

    Gu Zuo watched silently.

    He had prepared many medicinal pills with very strong yang powers, which could dispel yin qi. It should be very effective...

    Eventually, there was the creaking sound of a gigantic door opening in the sky. That Great Tomb hadpletely opened. Meanwhile, those shadows inside seemed to exist in another space. Consequently, none burrowed their way out of the Great Tomb.

    This couldn¡¯t help but make one harbor suspicions. Perhaps those shadows were being restricted by something. As a result, they were incapable of breaking away from the Great Tomb?

    As the original owner of the secret key, Ling Ziqi was emotionally moved when he saw the Great Tomb smoothly open: ¡°Benefactor, the white light is the power of the secret key. After opening the Great Tomb, it¡¯s also the power that¡¯s responsible for keeping it open. After about three months, the white light will slowly fade away. And once itpletely fades away, the Great Tomb will close once again.¡±

    These were the same words passed down from the Ling n ancestor.

    Undoubtedly, the guidance at this moment also brought them a certain, decisive opportunity.

    Right now, although it was night-time, the vast prestige of the opening of the Great Tomb still attracted the attention of many people.

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was discharged, he heard the sounds of a faint mor. He promptly understood. If they didn¡¯t seize this moment, once others rushed over and discovered the truth about the Great Tomb, their decisive opportunity would no longer exist!

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Go together.¡±

    The other people¡¯s hearts trembled. Immediately following which, without the slightest hesitation, they leaped into the air!

    Tianheng used a hand to embrace Gu Zuo. He stamped his foot, and they had already soared up like a legendary bird. Shortly after, the group¡¯s figures shed by and their footwork intertwined. They had thrown themselves into that Great Tomb!

    Just as they entered, Gu Zuo¡¯s face fell.

    It was very, very stinky!

    Ah, he wasn¡¯t mentally prepared at all!

    To the side, Tianyang and Ling Ziqi¡¯s faces stiffened and Ling Ziwei wrinkled her elegant brows. On the contrary, Dragon One still devotedly followed behind Tianheng, and Tianheng was as tranquil as ever.

    En, they had all smelled the intensely foul odors in the Great Tomb.

    Gu Zuo wiped his face.

    Okay. He was too naive.

    Tianheng reached out a hand and ced it on Gu Zuo¡¯s head. Heforted: ¡°Ah Zuo can hold his breath.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded vigorously in response to his movement.

    He could do that! He could use his psychic power to block those odors!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but feel the usefulness of his own psychic power.

    Nothing else needed to be said. He covered the bottom of his nose with a thinyer of his psychic power. At once, there were no more odors. Then, he covered the front of his eyes with anotheryer. Just like that, his eyeballs, which were originally being irritated red by the stench, no longer flowed with embarrassing tears.

    Hence, Gu Zuo began to have the energy to observe the surroundings. After seeing things clearly, hisplexion changed drastically, fully reflecting his current gloomy mood.

    In the front, there were several perfectly straight and expansive tomb paths. The sides were constructed using hard stones, and the ground was likewise made of stone bs. ording to reason, aside from the bit of gloom and cold, it should¡¯ve been as clean as what Gu Zuo previously thought. But what people could¡¯ve never imagined was the crisscrossing trails of dark-yellow water on the walls and ground.

    This yellow water emitted a wicked smell, which caused one¡¯s guts to churn in fright.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    He quickly discovered that those areas flowing with yellow water all bore alcove-like depressions. And in those depressions, some pitch-ck ghost ws protruded out! He jumped in shock!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat was very fast.

    He saw things suddenly swaying out of those depressions. Simrly, they were pitch-ck from head to toe. They, they seemed to be dried-up corpses, like evil spirits!

    When he previously saw those swaying shadows outside... It was undoubtedly them!

    Perhaps the things were being stimted by the scent of living people. Within a couple seconds of Gu Zuo and the others arriving here, the ghost corpses promptly reacted and threw themselves over to attack!

    Tianheng and the others also responded in an instant.

    Tianheng, whose strength was the highest, swiftly extended a hand. From the hollow of his palm burst forth a splendorous lump of reddish-gold radiance. In the blink of an eye, it took the shape of an enormous, zing ball of light like a sun. It hurtled out, and engulfed those ghost corpses! The ghost corpses promptly dissolved like ice meeting water.

    It was obvious that Tianheng¡¯s power had a subduing effect against those ghost corpses!

    Gu Zuo breathed a sigh of relief.

    If it wasn¡¯t for his big brother who stopped in front immediately, he would¡¯ve reflexively released his psychic power to bomb the heads of those ghost corpses.

    Tianyang and the Ling n siblings were also given a fright.

    None of them were Xiantian martial artists, and their reactions weren¡¯t that fast. The instant that the ghost corpses attacked, they were going to swiftly confront the enemies. But they hadn¡¯t moved much when Tianheng was already taking the lead to resolve the trouble. It was just that these ghost corpses were too strange and their speeds were too fast. Even if they had reacted in time just now, it might¡¯ve resulted in being scratched by the corpse ws. For a moment, they had a profound sense of the dangers in the Great Tomb of the Human King.

    At the same time, following Tianheng¡¯s strike, the ghost corpses inside those depressions along the deepest parts of a lengthy tomb path withdrew back into their depressions after shaking for a moment.

    ¡ª What did this mean?

    Gu Zuo was somewhat puzzled, and looked to Tianheng.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, carefully observe the realms of those things.¡± After he finished speaking, he was the first to walk into the depths of the tomb path.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred. As he kept pace with everyone else, he also started sizing everything up.

    Eh? The realms of these ghost corpses actually didn¡¯t exceed Xiantian? In other words, before they became ghost corpses, they were merely Houtian Realm martial artists?

    However, that being said, how did these corpses be such ghastly things in the Great Tomb of the Human King?

    For now, no one could exin these qualms.

    The group moved forwards, and the ghost corpses within the depressions knew their ce.

    Apart from those ghost corpses that were melted down by Tianheng at the very beginning, the other ghost corpses kept their eyes tightly shut in the remaining depressions like they had sunken into a deep sleep.

    When they hid in the depressions, the surfaces of their bodies exuded strands of yellow-colored water. It dripped down the stone walls, forming the source of all the yellow water here. And the foul odor that Gu Zuo smelled before was undoubtedly the stench of corpses. This strange yellow water was basically corpse water.

    Gu Zuo clearly saw the peaceful appearances of these ghost corpses.

    They had men and women. Their skin was dried out. It wasn¡¯t known if it was due to exuding corpse water all the time, but they were so thin that only a handful of bones remained. However, despite them being dried out, while some ghost corpses werepletely naked and covered in short, ck hair, the bodies of others were still dressed in tattered clothing.

    Judging from those clothes, the ones that had remnant, tattered clothing were mostly divided by a couple of identical garments. It seemed that they were further divided into small groups. As for those that weren¡¯t identical, where each one was different, the sections that had tattered remains were even fewer than the ones that had identical clothing types. One could imagine that all of those ghost corpses that had identical garments had better quality clothing than the ones that were different.

    Gu Zuo suddenly had a spection in his heart: ¡°Big brother, would you say that these ghost corpses with various, identical clothes came from several different organizations when they were alive?¡±

    Naturally, the garments worn by those with an organization wouldn¡¯t becking. It wasn¡¯t strange to have left behind even more clothing. And people without an organization were normally very poor, but the powerful would leave behind some clothing. As for the ones who were weak, their clothes would¡¯ve been ruined by the corpse water. This was also very normal.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s conjecture is reasonable.¡±

    Gu Zuo was baffled: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then could it be that the Human King¡¯s tomb was opened in the past? Otherwise, how could it seem like many forces had fought each other here? But if it¡¯s really like this, then how did they all be ghost corpses and what¡¯s going on with all these depressions that make the ghost corpses sleep peacefully...¡±

    To be honest, things were getting stranger and stranger.

    Tianyang and the others likewise felt that there was something deeply wrong with the special situation here.

    Tianheng looked at those depressions.

    Above each depression was an odd symbol. It presented a dark-gray color and was somewhat analogous to the stone wall¡¯s color, making it hard for people to notice.

    He looked at the top of those ghost corpses¡¯ heads, which happened to be connected to those symbols. Corpse water was produced from the back of the skull, and would spread from that symbol. At the same time, the dark-gray of the symbol would also flicker with a subtle trace of dark radiance.

    The symbols were eerie!

    Moreover, perhaps the symbols were the source that created the ghost corpses?

    Sure enough, the Great Tomb of the Human King was extraordinary.

    Now that they had decided toe in and fight for opportunities, it was better that they were even more prudent.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t bat an eyelid as he continued to lead everyone onward. However, in his consciousness, he was already talking with Gu Zuo.

    [Ah Zuo, ask the system whether it recognizes the symbol above the depressions.]

    Gu Zuo heard his transmission, and slightly nked.

    [Eh?]

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power quickly discharged, he also found those symbols.

    Unlike Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was even more keen. It was very meticulous when utilized. Thus, as it expanded and touched that symbol, he sensed a feeling of evil that made one very ufortableing from it. It was like his exploring psychic power was being swallowed up at this moment.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to be careless. After taking a deep breath, he promptly raised a question.

    [System, do you recognize what that symbol is?]

    The system¡¯s answer didn¡¯t leave Gu Zuo disappointed. After deducting the corresponding amount of medicinal qi, it conducted a detailed exnation.

    [Yin Gathering Talisman. Yin qi flourishes in a graveyard, and the Yin Gathering Talisman can better gather this yin qi. If a person dies in an area filled with Yin Gathering Talismans, the corpse can receive the pull of the yin qi and approach the Yin Gathering Talisman. Furthermore, through the effects of the Yin Gathering Talisman, over many years, it can be a ghast. These ghasts in front of host are called ghost corpses. The corpse water they exude possesses a powerful toxicity. The ghost corpse¡¯s skin and ws are likewise toxic. Once scratched, it is very easy to be assimted by the ghost corpse and be a simr ghast.]

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, his heart felt slightly helpless.

    It was also infectious?

    This wasn¡¯t a ghost corpse, this was a zombie...

    But despite Gu Zuo¡¯s ridicule, he didn¡¯t dare to overlook his own proper business. At once, he told Tianheng about the information he got from the system. He also told Tianheng about the dangerous qualities of the ghost corpses.

    Tianheng¡¯splexion turned somewhat solemn.

    [Ah Zuo, ask how to remove the poison of the ghost corpses.]

    Gu Zuo shivered. He promptly understood his dear big brother¡¯s intentions.

    Correct. Tianyang and the Ling n siblings were currently present, and they were all Houtian Realms. If they came across the ghost corpses in here and the ghost corpses rebelled, a moment of carelessness would leave them injured. What would they do then? As a result, the best course of action was to get a clear understanding of the situation and to make the corresponding preparations.

    Hence, Gu Zuo asked.

    [How do I remove a ghost corpse¡¯s poison? Do the Detoxification Pills I previously refined have any effect?]

    As before, the system¡¯s answer was very fast. It directly issued a mission.

    [Side Mission: Seek a method to remove a ghost corpse¡¯s poison.]

    [Mission Item: <<Comprehensive Collection of Ten Thousand Poisons>>]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This was a critical juncture, and he unexpectedly had to read a book!

    But there was no other way. Gu Zuo knew that this was the system trying to nurture his problem-solving abilities... Roughly speaking, rather than grumbling about it in his heart, it was better to flip through the book.

    Thinking as such, a thought shed through his mind, and that <<Comprehensive Collection of Ten Thousand Poisons>> had already appeared in his hand.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo disyed his own exceptional reading capability and rummaged through the item book at lightning speeds. He ignored everything else and flipped directly to ¡°Poisons of Yin Evil Spirits¡±. Then, he located the ghost corpses, this type of ghast.

    The things recorded about the aforementioned didn¡¯t leave Gu Zuo disappointed at all. A specific medicinal pill for treatment existed. It also that type of panacea that could remove a myriad of poisons. But poison extracted from the ghost corpse was among the main ingredients... While this method was good, where was the time for him to extract the poison first and refine it into a pill? He could refine some just in case after going out, but it wasn¡¯t reasonable to do so in here.

    Fortunately, there was another method.

    A type of method that basically had no technical content...

    The Corpse Spring Flower.

    A species of flower that grew in areas brimming with yin qi and corpse water, yet possessed a powerful detoxification ability. Its shape might not have been that beautiful, but it was an exceptional helper when exploring graveyard-type secret realms.

    If one was bitten or scratched by a ghost corpse, they would be deeply poisoned. If one could harvest this type of medicinal herb, and immediately chew up and swallow it, the flower could rapidly remove the poison.

    Moreover, what was even better about the Corpse Spring Flower was that the poisons it could remove wasn¡¯t limited to just the type that ghost corpses had. It was capable of handling many of the ghast poisons of Yin Evil Spirits!

    Gu Zuo grew determined.

    Currently, they only needed to find this Corpse Spring Flower.

    All kinds of thoughts shed across Gu Zuo¡¯s mind in an instant, and he immediately told Tianheng about the matter of the Corpse Spring Flower.

    Tianheng faintly muttered: ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll pay more attention to traces of the Corpse Spring Flower.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Got it.¡±

    Off to the side, Tianyang, the Ling n siblings, and Dragon One were given a reminder. They were even more vignt. There were too many dangers in the tomb to avoid. A moment of carelessness, and they would be a burden.

    Although, their current strengths seemed somewhat deficient...

    Atst, this lengthy tomb path came to an end. At the very front, the astonishing turn of a corner appeared.

    And no matter where this corner led to, everyone understood that problems would always ur most easily in ces with such corners.

    Tianheng and the others paused their footsteps.

    Gu Zuo discharged his psychic power like he was about to face a huge enemy ¡ª Correct. Only he, this cheat, could ¡°see¡± some of the specific circumstances in this region full of yin qi.

    However, after his psychic power was discharged, what Gu Zuo never would¡¯ve expected was the ce he ¡°saw¡± beyond that corner. To his surprise, it was a tract of white fog!

    ¡ª No. Perhaps he shouldn¡¯t have said it was white fog. Rather, it seemed that his spying was being obstructed by something. This made himpletely incapable of seeing the situation over there!

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°What a bright, white light!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that street¡ª¡±

    ¡°Quick! Let¡¯s go take a look!¡±

    When the Great Tomb opened, just like Gu Zuo and the others expected, there were many martial artists in the vicinity. Regardless of the realm or identity, everyone rushed over with extreme curiosity.

    And after they arrived, they promptly discovered that a gigantic secret realm had appeared above a rather tall building!

    People cried out in surprise on the spot:

    ¡°It¡¯s a newly-opened secret realm!¡±

    ¡°It unexpectedly appeared here. This is an opportunity!¡±

    ¡°Right. This is certainly an enormous opportunity!¡±

    Many people started to study it at once. They were guessing what was in this secret realm. There were many who were thinking about charging inside, but before they had enough time to act on their impulses, numerous martial artists with outstanding strength had already leaped out from that rather tall building.

    They rapidly assembled into ranks and blocked the front of that secret realm. They blocked all the people who wanted to take the initiative to go in and search for opportunities. As for those people who intended to seize this decisive moment, when there was a conflict of interests that would lead to being severely injured or even killed, it was like a bucket of cold water was spilled over. Those people who were getting restless had all calmed down.

    However, this could only obstruct the people who wanted to go in. It couldn¡¯t stop the spread of information.

    Soon, news of a secret realm appearing here had spread widely throughout all of Queying City. Furthermore, with speeds that were hard to estimate, it spread out in all directions. At the same time, the inside information of this secret realm was being spected upon by some knowledgeable people andrge forces with robust foundations.

    This here was a Great Tomb left behind by an ancestor.

    In addition, that person was capable of concealing the Great Tomb in another space. This was sufficient proof that the strength of the other party was very powerful. It was, by no means, as ordinary as some of the powerhouses they¡¯d currently heard of!

    As such, who was the owner of the Great Tomb?

    In the end, how terrifying was that person¡¯s strength when they were alive?

    But in any case, the person who could be buried in this Great Tomb certainly wasn¡¯t limited to the Atomic Realm in life. They might¡¯ve been even higher, reaching a realm that they were unable to imagine. A realm that they had no hope to reach.

    All the martial artists were excited.

    They were emotionally moved and expectant. Because, in this Great Tomb, not only would there be the entombed person¡¯s collected hoard in life, there was an even greater possibility of the entombed person¡¯s inheritance!

    If they were able to charge inside, while there was a chance of encountering unknown dangers, there were even more chances of meeting incredible strokes of luck!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch212 - The Corpse Spring Flower

    <h4>Chapter Ch212 - The Corpse Spring Flower</h4>

    In a brief period of time, the Qingcang Empire had already sent a sufficient number of experts to suppress those restless martial artists. The empire¡¯s army was also dispatched to exercise control over the terrain.

    Because the other forces were separated by great distances and the opening location of the Great Tomb of the Human King was in Queying City, which was within the borders of the Qingcang Empire, it was the Qingcang Empire that took the initiative to upy it. So it was to be expected that the empire would have a grasp on the entire situation.

    No matter how unreconciled the other martial artists were, they still could only restrain themselves in the end, and wait for the Qingcang Empire¡¯s impending decision ¡ª Naturally, even if the Qingcang Empire wanted to keep everything for itself, that was also impossible.

    After the news had spread, countless martial artists from other regions had all rushed over. This included somerge organizations that were even farther away. They all instructed the members of their nearest strongholds to go over and seize territory to get a share of the action inside. Numerous organizations were also continuously exerting pressure on the Qingcang Empire. In order to prevent matters from escting, the Qingcang Empire could only carry out allocations. In addition, the order in which they would enter the Human King¡¯s tomb was also swiftly decided.

    Those who had some weight from the Qingcang Empire were younger generations of the He n. The ones who were sent by the forces of Qingyun Sect and Danyun City were either leaders of nearby strongholds or trusted aides of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. On top of that, after a round of negotiations, it resulted in as many Inner Sect disciples and Danyun City younger generations as possible.

    Although the appearance of the Great Tomb Secret Realm was a huge stroke of luck, it wasn¡¯t necessarily without huge dangers. People wanted to go in to explore and acquire opportunities, but there was also the possibility of losing one¡¯s life inside.

    Since it was like this, they needed to be especially diligent when making arrangements. For example, that first batch of people going in had to be considered carefully.

    The current n was that at least eighty percent of the batch were those restless martial artists ¡ª Letting them go first to act as cannon fodder would reduce the casualties of the Qingcang Empire and the couple ofrge organizations.

    Of course, necessary sacrifices were unavoidable. Among the remaining twenty percent, one needed to select some rather powerful talents, which were allocated ording to the power of their family or organization¡¯s backing. With the cannon fodder in front, the probability of preserving their lives was evenrger. As for those martial artists off the beaten-path, talents with the protection of an organization had a greater possibility of seizing an opportunity.

    Some time would pass once this first batch entered. Then, the talented characters of eachrge organization would enter as the second batch. At that time, the cannon fodder in front should¡¯ve already eliminated any unseen dangers. After numerous talents entered once more, they would rely on their own abilities to struggle against their counterparts.

    One couldn¡¯t help but say that the calctions of the numerous forces were quite sound.

    Among ordinary martial artists, no one really didn¡¯t know about therge organizations¡¯ way of thinking. But despite knowing this, who forced them to go without backers and only rely on themselves? Rather than missing out on this chance altogether, it was better to fight for it first. Perhaps they would be exceptionally lucky and capture an opportunity?

    What¡¯s more, even if they were used as cannon fodder, not everyone would necessarily be cannon fodder. Those with some skill could use their fellow risk-takers as their own stepping stones.

    Hence, people¡¯s hearts were treacherous, and all kinds of schemes were abound. At this moment, it depended on the destiny and fortune of each individual ¡ª Of all the martial artists who came here, not one didn¡¯t have great hopes and expectations, and not one wasn¡¯t risking their life. They wanted to dauntlessly advance and let themselves be even stronger!

    Once all the people of the first entering batch assembled, the people of the Qingcang Empire, Qingyun Sect, Danyun City, and otherrge organizations were given themand. Then, countless martial artists soared into the air and dashed straight into that Great Tomb.

    It was as if a switch was suddenly turned on. The instant that they entered the Great Tomb, innumerable, pitch-ck ghost corpses leaped out from those depressions and frantically charged at those martial artists!

    After many martial artists came in, they only saw a vast passage, and didn¡¯t immediately discover the existence of the ghost corpses. Thus, their vignce was insufficient. In the moment that they euphorically desired to pass through the tomb path, they were ambushed by the ghost corpses, had chunks of flesh bitten off, or were simply mangled by the ghost corpses¡¯ ws. This made them howl in agony. In a split second, they had sunk into extremely dangerous circumstances!

    In practically a couple of breaths, at least thirty percent of the people had perished in the hands of the ghost corpses. It wasn¡¯t that the strengths of these martial artists were no good ¡ª Indeed, most of them were Houtian martial artists, but there were also many Xiantian martial artists advancing forward with them ¡ª However, along both sides of that deep and long tomb path, while it was true that the ghost corpses in the depressions at the beginning were Houtian Realms, the further one went in, the higher the strengths of the ghost corpses. Upon reaching thetter half of the tomb path, the ghost corpses were allparable to Xiantian martial artists. The pressure the corpses produced was naturally even stronger!

    ¡ª This was precisely the result of Yin Gathering Talismans with different product grades. But these cannon fodder martial artists who rashly entered didn¡¯t have the faintest idea.

    And if they didn¡¯t know, what could they do?

    Under such terror, the number of deaths grew higher and higher.

    What was even more frightening was that some talents discovered that those martial artists who were bitten to death by the ghost corpses and had fallen to the ground were swaggering back to their feet as time passed.

    Although their strengths generally weren¡¯t high, they were about sixty to seventy percent of what they were like when they were alive. This was still enough to injure others.

    Moreover, this kind of sight was truly...too terrifying.

    Throughout the entire tomb path, the ghost corpses went on a rampage. The number of martial artists who came in was too high, and this congested the tomb path. For many martial artists who definitely had chances to escape with their lives, this made it difficult to flee amid all this chaos.

    Gradually, that lengthy tomb path transformed into an Asura field. The anguished wails were countless. The blood-curdling screams were countless. And the casualties...were also countless.

    It didn¡¯t take long for even more people to die.

    The ghost corpses were eventually eradicated. But those who survived already numbered less than twenty percent.

    Among the twenty percent, half wereprised of martial artists who had a bit of skill and didn¡¯t belong to organizations, and the other half were talents who were backed by organizations. Their hearts were even more guarded as they cautiously and solemnly arrived at the end of the tomb path.

    There were quite a few, perfectly straight tomb paths. And the survivors of each path were all like this.

    But encountering such devastation just after setting foot in the Great Tomb still caused a dense haze to arise in the minds of all the lucky survivors.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression suddenly showed a solemn look.

    But right away, he let go of this matter.

    After thinking about it, this was normal. After all, this was the Great Tomb of the Human King. When its master was alive, the Human King¡¯s strength would¡¯ve been iparably powerful. How could it allow a person far weaker to wantonly spy around? Now, they had probably encountered some concealed method.

    They simply had to be even more careful with their following operation.

    Tianheng transmitted back.

    Gu Zuo was promptly cated. He thought it over, and still transmitted: Big brother, although it didn¡¯t work just now, it doesn¡¯t mean that it won¡¯t workter on. I¡¯ll keep releasing my psychic power the whole time. Once I ¡°see¡± something, I¡¯ll promptly tell big brother.

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head, expressing his acknowledgement.

    Soon after, he opened his mouth to warn again: ¡°Tianyang, Young Master Ling, Young Lady Ling. You guys need to be even more careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo handed out a yin qi dispelling medicinal pill that he refined to each person. After watching them swallow it, hisplexion looked better and he felt a bit more assured: ¡°Everyone must be aware of your surroundings at all costs!¡±

    When the other few people heard this, they all answered positively on the spot.

    Dragon One was a secret guard. After taking the medicinal pill, he quietly appeared behind Tianyang ¡ª Actually, he understood very clearly that his biggest use right now wasn¡¯t to protect the young master and Pharmacist Gu. Rather, he needed to reduce their worries over the backline as much as possible. He would protect thesepanions who had yet to enter Xiantian.

    Gu Zuo followed behind Tianheng, and cautiously stepped around that corner.

    In a split second, the dense, white fog rushed toward their faces. It emitted a faint, bloody stench, and also carried a vicious and evil wind. It got close in the blink of an eye!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power reflexively bubbled out. It transformed into a Silver Awl, and made a puffing sound as it traveled straight through the air. It struck something. Soon after, that thing released a sharp cry. There was a muffled noise as if the ground was slicked by something sticky.

    Meanwhile, the others likewise sustained the attacks of those evil winds.

    Clearly, something existed in the white fog!

    Tianyang and the Ling n siblings swiftly dodged. Yet, their strengths were still somewhat deficient. Although they had evaded and wanted to take things a step further to retaliate, it was hard to find the positioning of the evil winds. Nevertheless, Dragon One, who followed right behind them, reacted quickly and protected them.

    At the same time, those evil winds were attacked by Dragon One and weren¡¯t truly able to injure Tianyang and the others.

    Then, Tianheng¡¯s power revealed its might once again.

    After he lifted a hand, a ball of reddish-gold light shot out, immediately dispersing the white fog. And once the white fog was scattered, a terrifying scene within it wasid bare before everyone¡¯s lines of sight!

    This ce was arge hall.

    And in thisrge hall...

    There was an enormous pool of blood!

    Gu Zuo felt like throwing up a little bit.

    In the blood pool, numerous corpses bobbed up and down. Each dead body was blood-red andpletely hairless. The exteriors appeared to have been peeled of any skin, exposing the blood vessels and lumps of flesh to the outside. Also, runnels of sticky blood would drip down and integrate with that blood pool. However, it looked hideous to the point of revulsion.

    What was even more shocking was what Dragon One was fighting at this moment. It was four blood-red corpses!

    As it turned out, after they entered the white fog, each person had already been attacked by a blood-red corpse. When Gu Zuo was attacked, he had immediately used a Silver Awl to solve his problem. When Tianheng was attacked, that reddish-gold power had coincidentally erupted. The corpse was roasted by the attack¡¯s power before it even got close! As for the remaining corpses, they were restricted by Dragon One. Only, because Tianyang and the others¡¯ strengths weren¡¯t enough, they were unable to join in. Thus, Dragon One was unable to solve this problem for a while.

    The moment that the white fog dissipated, Tianyang and the Ling n siblings promptly swung their weapons, and fought together against the blood-red corpses. They were very cautious, and mostly utilized guerri warfare tactics. They were able to give Dragon One some help, and Dragon One took advantage of the situation to respond. He separated and crushed those few blood-red corpses, dispatching them one by one.

    The blood-red corpses looked very ugly, and seemed to be instinctually violent. Fortunately, their strengths weren¡¯t that high. They were peak Meridian Condensing to Xiantian stage one at most.

    Dragon One was the strongest of the Tianlong Guards. Through the hastening of top grade medicinal pills, he was already a Xiantian stage two martial artist. In addition, due to his two sets of bone pearls, he could be considered extremely gifted. The stockpiled true qi and his body¡¯s strength were both above that of ordinary martial artists of equivalent realms. When handling the blood-red corpses, it wasn¡¯t that challenging.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his own face.

    Okay. In spite of the nausea, after reading that newly-obtained item book, he soon recognized what those blood-red corpses were after a few seconds of being shocked.

    In fact, it closely fit the thing¡¯s appearance...

    Its scientific name was the ¡°blood corpse¡±.

    The blood corpse¡¯s form was fully coincidental, and could be purely artificial.

    There were two necessary conditions for its formation. The first was that one needed huge quantities of freshly-dead corpses. The second was that one needed a natural or acquired battle array to draw out the blood from these freshly-dead corpses, which would converge into an enormous blood pool. Afterwards, a corpse and its own homologous blood would be drawn to each other. Immersed in the blood pool, it would be nourished by the blood water and would absorb untold amounts of yin qi, bing this type of disgusting blood corpse.

    And the reason why Gu Zuo had a very clear understanding of the blood corpse was because the blood corpse was poisonous, too. Its uncovered tendons, muscles, and pieces of flesh, the surface of its whole body, seemed to flow endlessly with blood water. In fact, it was all blood poison. Moreover, the blood poison¡¯s toxicity was very tyrannical. Once it infected someone, it would promptly seep into that person¡¯s body andbine with that person¡¯s blood. It would convert all the blood in that person¡¯s body into more blood poison... From this, one would know what would happen to the unfortunate victim.

    En, the entire body would rot and die.

    Taking another nce at the blood corpse¡¯s dreadful state and thinking about the blood poison¡¯s awful consequences introduced by the item book, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help trembling.

    Luckily, the blood corpse¡¯s blood poison could still be resolved. There were two methods. And thetter detoxification method just happened to be that Corpse Spring Flower.

    Gu Zuo quickly told Tianheng and the others about what the blood corpses were.

    Tianyang and the Ling n siblings were both incredibly disgusted. In a sh, they kept even more preparations in mind... Only the heavens knew what grotesque things they would encounter afterwards!

    Of course, the blood corpses also had a weakness.

    Gu Zuo swiftly opened his mouth: ¡°Blood corpses fear heat. Using fire can dispatch them!¡±

    Dragon One¡¯s constitution was aposite of three attribute types: Metal, earth, and water. There was no fire attribute among them. As a result, the cultivation method he practiced naturally wasn¡¯t of the fire attribute. And it seemed that there weren¡¯t any clear restraining properties here.

    On the contrary, Gongyi Tianyang¡¯s constitution had fire and earth dual-attributes. His cultivation method was also rted to these two sides, and the fire and earth attributes were rtively bnced. Unexpectedly, he could use the corresponding martial skills at this moment.

    As for Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei, this brother and sister pair, thetter had the Moon Siren Body. The attributes and so on should¡¯ve leaned towards water and wouldn¡¯t be very useful. Meanwhile, the former had been born from a small aristocratic family and had never been tested. He had basically never cultivated any of those so-called attributes.

    When all was said and done, the most useful among these four, apart from Dragon One who was quite strong, was just Tianyang.

    After the Ling n siblings figured this out, their gazes dimmed.

    With great difficulty, they hade to their ancestor¡¯s ¡°legacy¡± to try their luck. They didn¡¯t expect that not only weren¡¯t they useful, they had often dragged their teammates down...

    But this wasn¡¯t the most dispiriting thing. Because, in the next moment, that blood pool started to bubble. The innumerable blood corpses inside all leaped out. With stiffened postures, they encircled the group of six people!

    Tianheng and Dragon One swiftly entered the fray.

    Tianyang steeled himself.

    As for Gu Zuo, he threw out a couple of bottles.

    The Ling n siblings caught them and popped the bottle corks. A tremendous power of fire wafted out.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°Swallowing this medicinal pill can temporarily grant the power of a zing inferno. Merely, it¡¯ll onlyst for a joss of incense. If you can¡¯t dispatch the blood corpses during this period of time, you two will enter a weakened state. And I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to wait for another joss of incense to recover. During this period of recovery, you guys won¡¯t have the strength to defend yourselves. It¡¯ll be very dangerous. Young Master Ling, Young Lady Ling. You two should think it over before making a decision!¡±

    Yet, without the slightest hesitation, the Ling n siblings both swallowed a pill.

    They suddenly felt a surge of fire power rush through their hearts. Immediately following which, they disyed their martial skills like they were testing them out. Those martial skills were undoubtedly average and ordinary. But the martial skills were unlike how they were normally ¡ª When striking out, they carried a surge of fire power!

    The brother and sister were overjoyed at once.

    They swiftly readied themselves and shot towards those blood corpses.

    No matter what, they couldn¡¯t burden the others anymore!

    Tianyang and Dragon One were back to back as they exterminated the blood corpses together.

    Tianheng directly pulled Gu Zuo onto his back ¡ª Tianyang and the Ling n siblings didn¡¯t feel that this was wrong. Because in their minds, pharmacists originally didn¡¯t have any strength to protect themselves. Handing over the protection to Gongyi Tianheng, who was the strongest, couldn¡¯t have been more suitable at this time.

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think so.

    He was only concealing his innate qualities as he climbed onto his dear big brother¡¯s back. Soon after, he followed his big brother into battle. His fighting tools were naturally the Silver Awls that burst forth from between his eyebrows. Amid the endless blood corpses, Tianyang had a few moments to catch his breath, but didn¡¯t notice anything. Even though he asionally saw some dense after-images of silver lights, he only thought that those were methods used by Tianheng.

    After Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power had increased once more, the might of the Silver Awls and Silver Needles had gotten even stronger. Whenever one was sent out, a blood corpse would inevitably have its head explode and would fall to the ground. It didn¡¯t have any ability to resist.

    However, Gu Zuo also warned that they couldn¡¯t allow those blood corpses to be swept back into that blood pool. Otherwise, even if it was a blood corpse with an exploded head, it would quickly recover under the nourishment of the blood water and be their enemy again!

    Tianheng was calm andposed. His palmsunched reddish-gold rays of light in bright eruptions one after another. Everywhere the rays of light passed through, the blood corpses would all melt away. Before long, a wide stretch of open space was cleared up.

    His target was very clear. It was that huge blood pool ¡ª Although Gu Zuo had given such a warning previously, he actually had aplete understanding that, regardless of whether Gu Zuo gave a warning or not, the blood pool was a section that couldn¡¯t be bypassed if they wanted to get through this present crisis.

    Tianheng¡¯s speed was very fast. Before the effects of the medicinal pill¡¯s joss of incense was reached, he had already appeared in front of the blood pool. Without the slightest hesitation, he released at least half of the power in his body!

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯s body erupted with an extremely bright, reddish-gold radiance. It turned him into arge sun, which burst forth with iparably intense heat!

    At almost the exact same time, that burst of heat transformed into a raging torrent. Like a reddish-gold, giant dragon, it charged forwards, vengefully floated above the blood pool, and continuously pressed down.

    In the wake of the deep pration of the reddish-gold radiance, the blood water in that blood pool constantly boiled, evaporated, and disappeared. The blood pool kept drying up. After more than half of the blood water had vanished, the strengths of the blood corpses that besieged the others gradually weakened. The corpses were even easier to exterminate now.

    Tianyang and the others naturally rejoiced, but Tianheng didn¡¯t have any intentions of stopping.

    Seeing that the power, which he previously spent half of his true qi for, was already close to running out, he immediately transferred another thirty percent over. It turned into sun-like heat, and proceeded towards the depths of the blood pool.

    Finally, the blood water reached the bottom. The mud of the pool¡¯s bottom was also gradually revealed... Correct, at the bottom of the blood pool, it wasn¡¯t like the gravestones of the hall or other sections. Rather, it was a shoal of blood-red mud. It was like a mixture of blood and mud.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t help making a low cry: ¡°Corpse Spring Flowers!¡±

    On that tract of bloody mud, countless Corpse Spring Flowers were shockingly growing. Its shape was simr to a human skull, and its color and luster were no different from a deathly-pale white. Its appearance made one¡¯s heart shiver, but such a strange thing was considered a holy object of detoxification!

    Tianheng¡¯s mood seemed pretty good: ¡°Ah Zuo, are there any taboos when harvesting these Corpse Spring Flowers?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head. After that, he remembered that since he was on his big brother¡¯s back, his head shake wouldn¡¯t have been seen. He switched to speaking: ¡°There aren¡¯t any taboos. It¡¯s not poisonous, so harvesting it like other medicinal ingredients is fine. But this thing doesn¡¯t show up easily. When plucking them, just take the flowers. Leave behind the roots.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Everything will be just as Ah Zuo says.¡±

    On the other side, after going through a difficult battle, Dragon One and the others smoothly disposed of the blood corpses that surrounded them. At this moment, a joss of incense had just passed, and the Ling n siblings didn¡¯t have the tiniest bit of strength. They were now weaker than ordinary people.

    Tianyang came over in haste, and helped the Ling n siblings off to the side to lean against the wall.

    Meanwhile, Dragon One swiftly arrived next to Tianheng, and waited for the other¡¯smand.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Dragon One, go harvest the medicine.¡±

    Dragon One responded in a respectful voice: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    During this time, Gu Zuo had also jumped down and led Tianheng, so that they all could pick the Corpse Spring Flowers.

    Not long after, a total of eighty-nine Corpse Spring Flowers were harvested. All of the roots were also kept intact.

    However, it was also at this time that the hall shook violently all of a sudden. Everyone felt as if the whole world was spinning.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch213 - Eighteen Tombs

    <h4>Chapter Ch213 - Eighteen Tombs</h4>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was startled.

    What was going on? Why had the hall started shaking? Could it be that something bad had happened?

    His turbulent mind was full of all kinds of notions. At once, he sent out his psychic power and wasbat-ready.

    Gongyi Tianheng approached him in an instant, and protected him at his side. Tianyang and the Ling n siblings were farther away, but there was no way for them toe over. Nevertheless, through Tianheng¡¯s signal, Dragon One came to their aid at lightning speed. He used Xiantian true qi to brace the area for them.

    At this moment, the hall produced a loud, rumbling sound, and then it copsed.

    An enormous boulder tumbled down. If it smashed down on a person¡¯s body, they would vomit blood and be grievously injured with crushed muscles and bones!

    Gu Zuo reflexively thickened his psychic power and formed a hard barrier to cover them overhead.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes bore a smile, and likewise unfurled his hand upward.

    In a split second, a transparent barrier protected the two of them. There was even a reddish-gold membrane on top of it, so most of the jagged edges of the boulder were melted before it could drop down. No matter how powerful the remaining parts were, the boulder was unable to break through that transparent barrier.

    This side was secure, but that didn¡¯t mean that the other side was safe.

    Dragon One was indeed strong, but it was still a little challenging if he wanted to use his own power to protect three people.

    His true qi cover shook back and forth. Clearly, if it was continuously smashed by such boulders, it might copse!

    Tianyang also discharged a true qi cover without dy. Unfortunately, a Houtian¡¯s true qi cover wasn¡¯t particrly useful. He could only barely help out.

    It appeared that twoyers of a true qi cover wouldn¡¯t work.

    Tianheng¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. He turned his body and extended a hand to blow up arge chunk of the hall¡¯s stone that was about to fall down. Smaller stones then fell upon the true qi cover, and the destructive power was reduced greatly.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo went to help.

    Although his psychic power couldn¡¯t be tantly used in the open, when his big brother acted first, he could secretly y a few tricks ¡ª For instance, whenever his big brother acted, he could follow-up with a discharge his invisible psychic power to lighten his big brother¡¯s load somewhat.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s open interference and Gu Zuo¡¯s secret assistance, Dragon One and the others got through this cmity without a hitch. Moreover, not a single person was injured.

    The hall¡¯s shaking didn¡¯t persist for too long. In about half the time of a joss of incense, it stopped.

    The scene before their eyes was very astonishing.

    As it turned out, after the hall copsed, what appeared in front of everyone was a veryrge tomb chamber. Once they rubbed their eyes and looked carefully, they realized that the crumbling boulders that fell during the hall¡¯s copse were simply ordinary gravestones that were released by some mechanisms, and the so-called hall was aplete illusion.

    Tianheng said: ¡°After we eliminated the blood corpses and dried out the blood pool, a mechanism was activated. Those boulders were another test to give us some more dangers. Those boulders that we had avoided would¡¯ve been quickly restored to a high altitude to be dropped again. This repeated usage would¡¯ve made us suffer a huge loss.¡±

    Gu Zuo spat out a long sigh: ¡°So it¡¯s actually like this.¡±

    Fortunately, Tianyang¡¯s side couldn¡¯t bear up under the strain. As a result, the two of them had smashed the boulder to pieces, which prevented the mechanism from using the shattered boulder again. Conversely, if they were afraid or already exhausted, they would¡¯ve simply dodged the boulder. That boulder would¡¯ve been used repeatedly until they didn¡¯t have the strength to dodge anymore. The only path after that was probably to be crushed to death by the boulder.

    This kind of mechanism was truly exquisite... Or perhaps, treacherous.

    Tianyang and the others clearly understood the cause amid all of this, and they wiped away a sheen of cold sweat.

    Soon after, the group began to size up this revealed tomb chamber.

    ¡ª To be honest, having gone through two dangerous situations in a row, they didn¡¯t really get a look at this tomb chamber.

    Gu Zuo saw that the front part of the tomb chamber was connected to a tomb passage. And inside this tomb chamber, several stone tables were arranged. However, there weren¡¯t any coffins. It looked like there were funerary objects ced here.

    When they had arrived inside the Great Tomb of the Human King, apart from the inheritance, weren¡¯t funerary objects their most important goal? Who knew how amazing the things on the tables were?

    Thinking as such, Tianheng had already opened his mouth first: ¡°We¡¯ll take a look together.¡±

    Naturally, Gu Zuo, Tianyang, and Dragon One approached dly. But the Ling n siblings hesitated slightly.

    Tianheng said: ¡°There¡¯s no harm. Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    That brother and sister pair wore happy expressions on their faces, and walked forwards.

    The tomb chamber had three long, stone tables. On the left-side table, the things ced upon it was a saber, spear, sword, and halberd. It was a table for weapons. On the middle table, there were some armors and such ced upon it, which were things for self-protection. On the long table on the right, what was ced there was several books. The book covers were simple and unadorned. They looked like a few cultivation methods and martial skills.

    It was clear and easy to see that these were all things that were indispensable to martial artists.

    Everyone walked closer, and sensed a burst of bone-chilling cold.

    This coldness came from those weapons.

    First was arge saber. The entire de was a scarlet-red color. Its shape was sleek and heroic, and appeared very heavy. On top of it, there wereyers uponyers of flowing light streaking across it. With just a look, one would feel that it was out of the ordinary.

    Tianheng dered: ¡°Spirit weapon.¡±

    Gu Zuo also discovered that this weapon was unlike all the others in the past ¡ª No matter how sharp the past ones were, they were all inferior to this scarlet-red saber. Between the circting rays of light, there seemed to be a bit of spirituality.

    The weapons that suited the usage of Houtian martial artists and Xiantian martial artists were actually mundane weapons. Forging them wasn¡¯t so difficult, and the mostmonly seen weapon in the Sect was also this rank of mundane weapons.

    Naturally, what was even stronger than a mundane weapon was a spirit weapon.

    A weapon with spirituality was called a spirit weapon. A martial artist at the Immortal Realm or above who wanted to fully disy their own strength could only use a spirit weapon. Merely, the spirituality of a spirit weapon being used by an Immortal Realm couldn¡¯tpare to that of an Atomic Realm martial artist. Thus, spirit weapons that suited Immortal Realms were called Human-Level spirit weapons, and spirit weapons that suited Atomic Realms were Golden-Level spirit weapons.

    This kind of division actually bore some resemnce to the divisions for pharmacists and medicinal pills.

    The treasured sword that the Ling n siblings formerly used was also a Human-Level spirit weapon.

    From this, one could see the craftiness of the Ling n ancestor ¡ª If the n hadn¡¯t fallen on hard times, a Human-Level spirit weapon in arge aristocratic family would¡¯ve been worth collecting. However, it wasn¡¯t eye-catching, and it could be kept confidential. Once the n declined, a Human-Level spirit weapon would be taken as a treasure passed down through the generations of a small aristocratic family. It, too, wouldn¡¯t be conspicuous.

    The scarlet-red saber was definitely a fire-attributed one. Tianheng didn¡¯t hesitate once, and immediately said: ¡°Tianyang, this thing will belong to you.¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s expression was happy: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°A drop of blood will let it recognize a master, and it will also conceal its brilliance.¡± Then he said, ¡°You have a fire attribute and you¡¯re fond of fighting in an unrestrained manner. This saber is most suitable for you right now.¡±

    Tianyang didn¡¯t stand on ceremony, and epted it at once. A drop of blood fell down.

    The scarlet-red saber instantly let out a low, joyous cry as if it rather liked Tianyang as its master. Soon after, its spirituality acted independently, and it withdrew its splendor. It looked exactly the same as a mundane weapon, but it was totally different on the inside.

    Closely following that was a spear. It seemed to have the metal attribute.

    Tianheng picked it up and threw it to Dragon One: ¡°Take it, and have it recognize you as its master.¡±

    Dragon One took it, and let a drop of blood fall onto it without the slightest hesitation: ¡°Many thanks, young master!¡±

    The sound of that spear¡¯s low cry was even happier than that of the scarlet-red saber.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help inwardly thinking about whether this had a big connection to the two sets of bone pearls in Dragon One¡¯s body.

    However, this was just a guess, and shouldn¡¯t be taken as fact.

    Next was a sword with the ice attribute and a halberd with the earth attribute.

    These two spirit weapons were received into Tianheng¡¯s open sleeves: ¡°Young Master Ling and Young Lady Ling don¡¯t definitively know their attributes right now. For the time being, these won¡¯t be distributed.¡±

    Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t make any fuss. Being able to gain experience was already enough. How could they dare to object here? What¡¯s more, Gu Zuo had also practically saved Ling Ziwei¡¯s life. They wouldn¡¯t harbor any greedy thoughts.

    Thus, the two were merely somewhat disappointed. They promptly responded: ¡°Yes, benefactor.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and took the initiative to walk to the table in the middle.

    What was arranged on the stone table were three sets of inner armor.

    They were light-gold in color and one couldn¡¯t make out what the materials were, but the effects were probably out of the ordinary.

    Tianheng took the saber out from Tianyang¡¯s hand and shed towards the three sets of inner armor ¡ª

    Shing! Clink!

    Several peals of sound echoed out, but there weren¡¯t any marks on the three inner armors.

    Tianheng reached out a hand, and swept out.

    The three inner armors were quickly tossed up into the air. And like a firecracker, they each flew in three directions! Among which, Tianyang received one and the Ling n siblings received the other two.

    Tianheng said: ¡°This ce has many tribtions. The realms of you three areparatively low, so each of you will take one set for self-protection.¡±

    The Ling n siblings never expected that they would still gain such benefits. Upon hearing Tianheng¡¯s words, their hearts couldn¡¯t thank him enough. They expressed their sincerity over and over again.

    Tianyang saw that the woman he adored now had something to protect her body, and his heart was naturally delighted. However, the pharmacist, who was even frailer, actually got nothing. He thought it was due to his family¡¯s elder brother or perhaps some other reason. But after a bit of hesitation, he still offered the inner armor in his hands: ¡°Big brother, now that I have a spirit weapon, the power to protect myself has risen. It¡¯d be better for me to give this inner armor to Brother Ah Zuo. Although big brother is present and nothing will probably happen to Brother Ah Zuo, wouldn¡¯t it be better if he can be protected even more carefully?¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his heart warmed.

    A treasure was at stake, but Tianyang was still willing to give a good thing to him first. This was true friendship. The advantages that he previously treated to Tianyang also weren¡¯t in vain.

    However, his self-defensive capabilities were even higher than Dragon One¡¯s. Compared to his big brother, he was only a bit worse. It wasn¡¯t practical to use the inner armor. And giving it to Tianyang to protect his body was for the best.

    A hint of praise shed through Tianheng¡¯s eyes, but he still said: ¡°Tianyang shall take it. If I¡¯m here, nothing will happen to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo also hastily said: ¡°Rest assured, Tianyang. Big brother has made ns long ago.¡±

    The two had an extraordinary tacit understanding. Tianyang looked left and right at the two before putting on the inner armor.

    It wasn¡¯t known how the inner armor was forged. It appeared to also have some spirituality, and needed a drop of blood to recognize a master. When one¡¯s thoughts turned, the armor would put itself on the body. It was fortunately like this, which didn¡¯t embarrass Ling Ziwei, who was the only woman here.

    On thest table were three books. Among them, one was a cultivation method and two were martial skills. Also, the cultivation method and a martial skill formed aplete set. Meanwhile, the other martial skill was a saber technique. They were all at least at the Human-Level rank, and were very practical.

    It was a pity that the cultivation method and martial skills weren¡¯t suitable for the Moon Siren Body. Without any better option, they were collected by Tianheng. After taking them back to the Sect, they would be distributed to the Tianlong Guards at his discretion.

    These three types of funerary objects were acquired. Tianheng then took the lead to walk into that corner¡¯s tomb path.

    Nevertheless, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power explored it first. And still he saw a tract of white fog.

    At this moment, Tianheng advanced a step without the slightest hesitation, and discharged the reddish-gold power without restraint!

    In a split second, the white fog dispersed. When everyone swiftly walked over, what they saw was anotherrge hall. There was a blood pool and endless blood corpses!

    With experience this time around, everyone had lots of confidence in their hearts.

    Gu Zuo still cooperated together with Tianheng to exterminate the blood corpses. Meanwhile, Dragon One, with the support of Tianyang and the others, made self-preservation a priority over ying the blood corpses.

    However, the strengths of this time¡¯s blood corpses were stronger than those before.

    Not only did the Xiantian Realm blood corpses appear more frequently, the speeds of all the blood corpses were also faster.

    Fortunately, the present Tianyang and Dragon One had spirit weapons. They faced the enemies smoothly and without any trouble. The Ling n siblings wore inner armor, which could protect most of their bodies.

    Overall, it wasn¡¯t as difficult as it was previously.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo soon smashed a clear path for themselves. It was also Tianheng who used more than half of his power to evaporate the blood pool. Merely, the power needed this time was even greater. Reaching the end, Tianheng only had a sliver of power remaining, and barely disposed of the blood pool and more than half of the blood corpses.

    Beneath the blood pool, Corpse Spring Flowers were flourishing.

    There were two hundred-something Corpse Spring Flowers this round. Sure enough, more had shown up here than in the previous blood pool. Moreover, the product grades seemed better, too.

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any thoughts about harvesting them this time. He only rapidly said: ¡°Big brothercks strength right now. Young Lady Ling and Young Master Ling, please help pluck the Corpse Spring Flowers. Dragon One and Tianyang, I¡¯ll have to trouble you two with quickly eliminating the rest of the blood corpses.¡±

    Tianyang and the others all immediately agreed, and urgently set out. The Ling n siblings swiftly evaded the blood corpses and dashed towards the bottom of that blood pool.

    The blood corpses¡¯ powers were greatly reduced. Tianyang and Dragon One had a general understanding. Once all of the blood corpses were disposed of, the hall might copse. Thus, when they acted, their speeds were also controlled extremely carefully.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to deal with anything else. Many top grade Qi Linking Pills quickly appeared in his hands. And all of which were stuffed into Tianheng¡¯s mouth: ¡°Big brother, quickly circte your qi and recover!¡±

    Tianheng was caught off guard, and had quite a few pills stuffed into his mouth. Just then, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He promptly mumbled: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. I¡¯m not going to be a hindrance here.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo hurriedly stuffed the pills, he found that his own reaction was a little extreme. Suddenly, he was somewhat embarrassed. After that, he forced augh: ¡°Sorry, big brother. I was a little... Ahaha.¡±

    While Tianheng swiftly digested the medicinal pills, he shook his head and broke intoughter: ¡°No harm done. Ah Zuo was distraught for me. As it happens, I¡¯m happy, but there¡¯s still not enough time.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened. Once again, he took out some medicinal pills.

    But this time, Gu Zuo just put them all in Tianheng¡¯s hand, letting him adjust the dosage himself.

    As for Gu Zuo, he paid careful attention to this hall.

    He was prepared if this hall also copsed. At the first signs of anything happening, he would unfurl his psychic power to protect his big brother, who had be a weak chicken!

    Not long after, Tianheng¡¯s strength had recovered to a little less than fifty percent ¡ª This was all due to the powerful medicinal effects of top grade pills. Dragon One and Tianyang had also dispatched the remaining blood corpses.

    Sure enough, the hall shook and copsed once again. As before, Tianheng released a reddish-gold cover. Tianyang and the others also did the same. However, only Tianheng and Gu Zuo had extra energy to both brace and shatter that boulder. In addition, Gu Zuo was the main force this time. Tianheng was still taking medicinal pills to recover his true qi.

    This round¡¯s falling boulders were more numerous and concentrated. Smashing them was likewise more challenging. However, as far as Gu Zuo and Tianheng were concerned, this wasn¡¯t a matter that was considered excessively difficult. Before long, the illusion hadpletely faded away.

    What was left behind was three long, stone tables, as well as the funerary objects on the tables.

    Spirit weapons, armors, and cultivation methods.

    It was still these three things. And each one was even better than what they saw previously.

    The spirituality of the spirit weapons and armors was a bit stronger, and the cultivation methods had also reached the Golden-Level. But this time, Tianheng didn¡¯t allocate these objects ¡ª With such product grades, Tianyang and the others simply wouldn¡¯t have had any way to use them freely. If the things were distributed, then that would¡¯ve been considered a reckless waste of resources.

    Simrly, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t receive anything.

    On the contrary, all of the Corpse Spring Flowers that the Ling n siblings harvested before were respectfully offered to Gu Zuo now.

    Following that, the group walked over to the tomb path ahead.

    What no one expected was that there was still a blood pool... In the Great Tomb of the Human King, one tomb chamber connected to another tomb chamber. It was like it was challenging people to pass through checkpoints. Each and every one had simr ghasts to deal with.

    However, they didn¡¯t dare to treat things lightly.

    ¡ª If one faced something without enough prudence, they would instead be fooled due to a force of habit. What should be done then?

    Therefore, under Tianheng¡¯s guidance, not only didn¡¯t they lose their vignce, they instead took even more precautions.

    He felt that this Great Tomb of the Human King wouldn¡¯t let them pass through so easily...

    Outside the Great Tomb.

    After the first batch of cannon fodder and talents were sent off into the Great Tomb, the people outside all waited anxiously. They wanted to know about the movements of the people inside.

    Yet, not much time had passed when someone flew out from that ce in the middle of the sky. He appeared as if he was blindly running for his life, like someone had beaten him out. In short, he cut a very sorry figure.

    The members of all therge organizations gathered closer, grouping into a circle.

    At this moment, they saw that this was a talent who originally had high hopes ced upon him. His body was riddled with bloody holes, and hisplexion was ckened. It was obvious that he was poisoned. And what was even more frightening was that his body was starting to grow inch-long strands of hair, and the skin of his whole body was also constantly darkening. His facial features gradually revealed a malevolent look, as if he was slowly turning into an evil spirit... Subconsciously, everyone couldn¡¯t help sucking in a cold breath.

    Too horrible!

    In the end, just what was in that Great Tomb?

    Soon after, the talent twitched repeatedly. All of a sudden, he leaped up. At this moment, he really was like an evil spirit as he advanced towards those living people and attacked with all his might. Some people were inattentive, and were scratched by his ghost ws. The forming scratch marks immediately became ck. Moreover, it followed the blood vessels and kept spreading, making their features also start to twitch.

    Some people immediately shouted:

    ¡°Careful! Don¡¯t get scratched!¡±

    ¡°Quickly use fire to burn those who¡¯ve already been scratched!¡±

    ¡°We absolutely can¡¯t allow them to injure more people!¡±

    Because the number of wounded was very low, that talent who had transformed into a ghast and the few others were swiftly dealt with. But the feelings of fear that this incident brought still left traces in the hearts of some martial artists.

    Particrly in the minds of those who weren¡¯t that powerful. For a moment, their hearts were beating the sound of retreat.

    Immediately following this, someone yelled: ¡°Look at the secret realm!¡±

    Many people looked over, and their eyes suddenly widened. They all let out cries of rm.

    ¡°How, how can that be possible...¡±

    ¡°Am I seeing things?¡±

    ¡°Just before, there was clearly only one!¡±

    ¡°But now, there¡¯s eighteen¡ª¡±

    Originally, high in the air, there was only a single entrance to the Great Tomb. Now, that entrance had changed into eighteen entrances all of a sudden. Each one was exactly the same as they all towered side by side in the hazy, white light!

    Moreover, no one was able to identify the one that the first batch of people had entered. When all was said and done, which was the entrance?

    Or perhaps, none of them was the entrance...

    These people naturally didn¡¯t know that, at the very beginning, the single entrance was actually eighteen entrances. Seventeen were fake and one was real. It was difficult to distinguish what was real and what was fake.

    Merely, at the start, Gongyi Tianheng and the others had used the secret key to open that Great Tomb. With the secret key pointing the way, they directly passed through and went in, and where they went was naturally to the real tomb. On the contrary, those eighteen entrances were superimposed upon one another. After the first batch of people entered, they had already been long scattered among the eighteen entrances. The death toll was far higher than what they anticipated!

    Right now, Tianheng andpany were crashing their way through several checkpoints. The Great Tomb of the Human King had reduced the degree of difficulty. This transformation into eighteen entrances...allowed those remaining who wanted to enter know how many paths blocked their way.

    This was no more than letting them make some psychological preparations.

    At this moment, the numerous forces which had gathered the second batch of troops all couldn¡¯t help feeling a headacheing along.

    After thinking about it, they realized that there¡¯d be, at most, only one real entrance among the eighteen. But if they sent people in like this, then the probability of selecting the real tomb was too small! After the first batch¡¯s cannon fodder entered, just how many hidden dangers were used up in the eighteen tombs? No matter how they thought about it, it wasn¡¯t too reliable...

    The people of the second entering batch should¡¯ve all been the geniuses of eachrge organization.

    However, if they let the geniuses go in now, the attrition rate of the geniuses would be increased too muchpared to their predictions...

    T/N: For rification, the terminology spirit weapon mentioned in this chapter (Áé±ø) coincidentally matches the name spirit weapon (Éñ±ø) used previously for Tianheng¡¯s new spear and the Sect Pavilion that forged it.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch214 - The Person in the Coffin

    <h4>Chapter Ch214 - The Person in the Coffin</h4>

    Theplexions of the leaders of numerous organizations turned ashen.

    Likewise, some geniuses who had already rushed over wanting to seize a decisive opportunity also had solemn expressions. At this moment, their erroneous happiness that their ownnd of adventure, this Great Tomb, was rtively close at hand had be nonexistent.

    ¡ª There were no advantages at all!

    But there was nothing to be done. Because there were too many entrances to the Great Tomb, if anyone wanted to go in, it needed to be considered, deliberated, and considered again. Otherwise, the losses to the organizations would be too great. Later on, if the inheritance wasn¡¯t obtained, then it wouldn¡¯t have been worth it.

    As a result, the members of numerous forces had no other choice but to suspend the allocations. Instead, they anxiously waited outside for the arrival of even more manpower from their own organizations.

    Just then, when everyone¡¯s minds were forming their own plots, the sound of miserable shrieking could suddenly be heard from high above.

    The people present couldn¡¯t help looking over in haste. They discovered that it turned out to be a few somewhat short-sighted Immortal Realm martial artists, not from any organizations, who had taken the initiative to jump up and dash towards the entrances of the Great Tomb.

    The entrances that they selected were different, and they didn¡¯te into conflict with each other. However, at this moment, the one who dashed the fastest was enveloped from head to toe in a lustrous green radiance. The martial artist howled in agony as he fell out of the sky!

    Because the momentum of the other few Immortal Realm martial artists wasn¡¯t slow, there were two others who got close to an entrance.

    This time, everyone saw it clearly. The second and third person who touched an entrance was struck by a ray of green light the instant they approached. Immediately following which, they fell down just as the first person did.

    In response, those two people, who were dashing somewhat slower, halted their movements in a flurry. They didn¡¯t dare to approach those tunnel entrances at all. Rather, as if they¡¯d seen a devil, they retreated at great speeds.

    Among the people who saw this scene, no one mocked their timidity...

    The entire thing had urred in less than a second...

    Five confident and valiant powerhouses, whose strengths had reached the Immortal Realm, weren¡¯t willing to obey the rules of the numerous organizations and had rashly taken action. In a split second, five had dropped to two.

    This spectacle was a bitter and wretched one.

    Everyone watched those three people who were still howling in anguish. They startlingly discovered that the lustrous green light was a ball of green mes. It firmly adhered to the three people¡¯s bodies. No matter how they rolled and writhed, they couldn¡¯t diminish the me¡¯s intensity in the least.

    Someone who couldn¡¯t bear to watch this got a barrel of water and poured it. However, it was like the water didn¡¯t exist. After being sshed, the water directly flowed onto the ground. Unexpectedly, it wasn¡¯t able to extinguish a lick of that green me!

    Three to five minutes passed. Under the watchful stares of everyone, three Immortal Realm martial artists werepletely burned to death by that green me ¡ª No. Not only were they burned to death, they were burned to ashes. The instant that the green me disappeared, a cool breeze blew past, and nothing on the ground remained!

    Indeed, it was too ruthless, too horrifying!

    The venue was silent.

    Normally, whenever something happened, there¡¯d always be someone discussing it spiritedly. However, that wasn¡¯t the case now. Not only did no one utter a single word, they were all still soaking in what they had just witnessed. For a long time, no one reacted.

    A good whileter, the leader of the great sect publicly known to be the strongest, the Qingyun Sect, spoke with difficulty: ¡°Five entrances were tested just now. Among them, three had green me attacks... Right now, I have two conjectures that I¡¯ll put forth to get the discussion started. Everyone, if you have any opinions, for the safety of us all, I hope you won¡¯t keep things to yourself.¡±

    These words were spoken, and everyone else thought deeply.

    Fighting each other was one thing. Now that such a bizarre situation had urred, joining forces was another thing.

    Soon, the others responded positively. Qingyun Sect¡¯s member exined their own conjectures: ¡°We¡¯ve already previously acknowledged that, among the eighteen tomb entrances, there are probably fake ones and real ones. The appearance of the green mes is too strange. My Qingyun Sect¡¯s first conjecture is that there are no green mes outside of the true entrances and there are green mes outside of the fake entrances. The second conjecture is that the appearance of the green mes is to prevent martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above from entering.¡±

    The numerous martial artists all listened quietly and attentively.

    ¡°I personally believe that the second conjecture is more likely. First of all, none of those martial artists who previously entered had reached the Immortal Realm. Prior to that entrance splitting, no one was obstructed by green mes. Additionally, if it¡¯s the first conjecture, we only need to send a few...Immortal Realm martial artists at the end of their lifespans to sound things out. With the true tomb¡¯s appearance, it would be meaningless for the master of that tomb to set things up this way.

    ¡°Moreover, I believe that martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above have, for the most part, already embarked upon their own paths of martial arts. On the contrary, it¡¯ll be easier for those who haven¡¯t achieved the Immortal Realm to switch their cultivation paths. If the tomb has an inheritance, to be able to utilize the inheritance and develop oneself, it would naturally be better to let those below the Immortal Realm to enter and receive the tests. It would be far more appropriate for the person who ultimately passes thepetition and shows the most promise to obtain the inheritance.¡±

    It could be said that this analysis of his was extremely meticulous and reasonable.

    The disciples of the many forces present were all convinced.

    Following this, an organization selected a Xiantian martial artist who was approaching old age and didn¡¯t have any hope of reaching the Immortal Realm. From the first tomb entrance, he started to approach it. Sure enough, as he cautiously walked into it, he wasn¡¯t hindered at all ¡ª He hurriedly left, and entered the second tomb entrance. Likewise, there wasn¡¯t the least bit of obstruction.

    This happened again and again as he tested them one by one. Atst, the numerous martial artists were sure of this point ¡ª Martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above weren¡¯t permitted to enter the Great Tomb!

    But there was no need for doubt. Once everything was tested, the people on the scene all breathed sighs of relief.

    In any case...at least they now knew what should be done.

    Immediately following which, the leaders of numerous forces dispatched people once more. The matter of martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above not being allowed to enter was also conveyed throughout each respective organization ¡ª When the time came, this was to avoid bringing reliable geniuses while causing the Immortal Realms among them to go on a wild-goose chase.

    They crossed five tomb chambers in a row. The farther Gongyi Tianheng andpany travelled, the higher the difficulties and the greater the hardships.

    But the mighty aura that this sculpture exuded was very severe. Even though it wasn¡¯t a living person, even though it was greatly damaged, it still made people feel a frightening suppression.

    It was like one would be crushed to pieces if anyone approached the carved statue!

    Gu Zuo stared nkly at the sculpture for three seconds before snapping out from that terrifying aura. Soon after, he looked to the left and right. Sure enough, Tianyang, Dragon One, and the others were still stunned. Only that big brother of his seemed to have snapped out of it earlier than him. Although, at this moment, Tianheng was looking at the sculpture and his gaze faintly flickered. It wasn¡¯t known what he was thinking about.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the rest topose themselves.

    Ling Ziqi had never experienced such a mighty aura before. At this time, he couldn¡¯t help eximing in admiration: ¡°Who, who could this be... Quietly standing here, could it be that it¡¯s to guard the person entombed?¡±

    The other few saw this, and they all had guesses.

    In fact, Gu Zuo also felt it was like this.

    Wearing a helmet and armor, and a hand that grasped at nothing like it was holding a weapon ¡ª No matter how one looked at it, it was some kind of guardian! In the Great Tomb of the Human King, who else could it be protecting besides the Human King?

    Of course, it was also possible that this was the venerable Human King... If it really was like this, then what was the venerable Human King protecting?

    For a moment, everyone was thinking.

    After that, Gu Zuo revealed a great, big smile: ¡°By the way, big brother, we still haven¡¯t collected the funerary objects in this tomb chamber!¡±

    Tianheng nced at him, and faintly smiled: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is right.¡±

    Following which, the group customarily began from the first long table, and looked at the funerary objects on top of it.

    What first came into view was still four weapons.

    Everyone was used to this. The spirituality of each time¡¯s weapons was stronger than that of the ones before. This round also wasn¡¯t any exception ¡ª Moreover, it seemed like there was something that wanted to directly pounce over from above this round¡¯s weapons. The spirituality almost made one think that it was alive!

    Gu Zuo murmured: ¡°Compared to the ones before, it¡¯s like the spirituality has broken through some kind of shackle...¡±

    It could be said that if the previous weapons were like twinkling stars ¡ª Correct, even if the brilliance of a star¡¯s radiance was different, they were all stars ¡ª Then, this round¡¯s weapons were like the luminous moon. The two couldn¡¯t be mentioned in the same breath.

    Tianyang blurted out: ¡°Golden-Level spirit weapons!¡±

    Ling Ziqi also said with admiration: ¡°I also think that these must be Golden-Level spirit weapons! If they were only Human-Level spirit weapons, they wouldn¡¯t have reached such a degree.¡±

    Everyone used inquiring gazes as they looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I also think this way.¡±

    Gu Zuo earnestly nodded: ¡°If big brother says as such, then it certainly must be right.¡±

    Golden-Level spirit weapons were the superior spirit weapons that suited Atomic Realm martial artists. Even if it were the big shot Elders of Qingyun Sect, every person who could own one wasn¡¯t simple. But here, there was no less than four weapons!

    From the moment that they appeared here, they had already belonged to Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow and extended a hand, wanting to collect them.

    However, what was beyond their expectations was that...the weapons couldn¡¯t be collected?

    The others reacted instantly. Spirit weapons had spirituality. They weren¡¯t like mundane weapons, which could be simply put away. For Human-Level spirit weapons, that kind of superficial spirituality wasn¡¯t a problem. However, upon reaching the category of Golden-Level spirit weapons, that wasn¡¯t so easy to deal with ¡ª Golden-Level spirit weapons would automatically reject inter-spatial tools that were of a lower product grade than their own.

    Tianyang and the others furrowed their brows.

    If the weapons couldn¡¯t be put away, it would be too conspicuous to just take them out like this... But who would be willing to give this up?!

    On the contrary, Tianheng was calm and unhurried: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here and try collecting them.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it. He suspended his palm over those Golden-Level spirit weapons, and made a concealing gesture. His inner thoughts moved ¡ª In a split second, the Golden-Level spirit weapons obediently flew over and immediately disappeared before everyone¡¯s eyes.

    They were sessfully collected!

    The Ling n siblings were extremely curious.

    Unexpectedly, the inter-spatial tool in Pharmacist Gu¡¯s possession had a higher grade than the one owned by their benefactor? Only, in the end, this was the two¡¯s secret and it wasn¡¯t good to ask questions about it.

    Tianyang quickly recalled Gu Zuo¡¯s fortuitous encounter, and realized it clearly.

    As for Dragon One, he just listened to orders. Thus, needless inquires wouldn¡¯t arise.

    The few people here didn¡¯t say anything. Then, Tianheng walked in front of the second table.

    There were still three sets of inner armor. In addition, this round¡¯s inner armors presented a pure-silver color. When rubbed between the fingers, it was smoother than satin. When the fingers curled up, the entire inner armor could even be crumpled into a small ball, which pressed into the palm of one¡¯s hand. The lightness of its material was clear to see.

    The inner armors were very pliable and strong. Even when it was shed by a Golden-Level spirit weapon released by Gu Zuo, it was still undamaged.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo spoke with haste: ¡°Big brother, let one set recognize you as its master!¡±

    The previous ones were nothing special, but these inner armors clearly weren¡¯t things of the same grade as the ones before. They were barely worthy of his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body.

    Tianheng originally wanted to put the inner armors away. Hearing what was said, his eyebrows raised. However, he still forced out some blood to drip onto that inner armor. In the blink of an eye, the inner armor¡¯s surface released silvery light, which wrapped up his entire body. After waiting for the rays of light to scatter, everyone realized that the inner armor was iparably fitting as it covered all the vital parts of the body!

    Tianyang looked at the inner armor, and also felt that his elder brother¡¯s might was extraordinary. He thought it over, and suggested: ¡°Big brother, why don¡¯t you test it again? I feel that the quality of this inner armor has undergone a change. Its functions shouldn¡¯t be that simple.¡±

    Tianheng gave a nod, agreeing with him.

    Following that, he used his full strength, aimed at his own belly, and unleashed a ferocious bombardment ¡ª After the reddish-gold radiance faded, the silvery-white inner armor didn¡¯t even show that it was smoking ck. As if it had been caressed by a gentle breeze, there wasn¡¯t the faintest of ripples.

    This was an attack that converged all of Tianheng¡¯s power. Unexpectedly, it didn¡¯t cause the tiniest bit of damage to this inner armor!

    Gu Zuo was somewhat eager: ¡°Big brother, how is it?¡±

    Tianheng pondered slightly: ¡°After it recognized a master, I actually came to know a few things.¡±

    Tianyang and the Ling n siblings looked over in curiosity.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t keep them in suspense, and exined to them: ¡°Strictly speaking, this inner armor is also a type of spirit weapon at the Golden-Level. Thus, it contains spirituality. After recognizing me as its master, the uses of the inner armor were ryed, allowing me to know instantly.¡±

    As he spoke, Tianheng operated his cultivation method.

    The next moment, everyone watched as that inner armor clearly transformed into a set of silvery-white, full-body light armor! A silver crown, silver body armor, and a silver mask ¡ª All parts of Tianheng¡¯s body were covered up. Not even a hair-thin seam was revealed. No matter what the attack, it was impossible to harm him!

    Gu Zuo held his breath.

    This light armor...was beautiful!

    Each line was perfectly straight, and each contour flowed smoothly and easily.

    What kind of a person could¡¯ve manufactured such inner armors?

    However, not a few seconds had passed before the silver helmet and armor that covered the exterior suddenly retracted like running water. All of it had returned to the inner sections of Tianheng¡¯s body.

    Tianheng, who appeared once more, was still wearing the silvery-white inner armor.

    At this moment, Tianheng said: ¡°If I want to activate this Golden-Level inner armor, I need to use at least Xiantian true qi. As far as Xiantian martial artists are concerned, the true qi that needs to be spent is too much. If I use it, I can only do so for up to two hours before it returns to its original shape. Additionally, the power of ordinary attacks will be automatically absorbed by the inner armor and won¡¯t cause me any harm. But if a martial artist at the Atomic Realm or above carries out an attack, I¡¯ll need to spendrge quantities of true qi for the inner armor to melt that attack¡¯s power.¡±

    Using good things always came at a high price. These few people had long made mental preparations. Granted that they heard Tianheng speak as such, they also weren¡¯t disappointed.

    Moreover, although this thing consumed a lot, it was an effective tool for saving one¡¯s life at critical moments! Even the attack of an Atomic Realm martial artist could be resisted. This wasn¡¯t easy to do at all!

    Of course, this definitely didn¡¯t mean that one could escape from beneath the hands of an Atomic Realm martial artist. After all, once a person¡¯s true qi was used up, they¡¯d probably get trampled upon... However, this was still advantageous to Tianheng because Gu Zuo could refine enough top grade medicinal pills for him. When he reached a critical juncture, he could madly consume pills and endure for some time. Once that was done, escape wouldn¡¯t be aplete impossibility!

    It could be said that this inner armor really couldn¡¯t have suited Tianheng any better!

    At this time, Gu Zuo quietly nced at the Ling n siblings, and discovered that, while there were feelings of envy in their eyes, there wasn¡¯t any greed or malice. He felt somewhat relieved.

    It seemed that the moral qualities of these two had passed the test.

    At the very least, they weren¡¯t those types of people who hatched schemes when they saw treasure.

    With three sets of inner armor, one was worn by Tianheng, and two were put away by Gu Zuo. There was nothing to be done. Originally, Gu Zuo was also qualified to obtain one set. Unfortunately, the partners that suited this thing were martial artists. A squishybatant like a pharmacist could only allow a martial artist to tank the hit in front...

    If it was said that the several aforementioned things were just precious enough to make a person red-eyed with jealousy, then the two ancient texts on the following third table would make one¡¯s guts churn with desire!

    Yes, this round only had two books. But these two books formed aplete set. Moreover, they were a Profound-Level cultivation method!

    Even in Qingyun Sect, there weren¡¯t many Profound-Level cultivation methods. Also, the guarded treasures of the Sect were Profound-Level high ranks. As for these two ancient texts here, they had jumped over the Profound-Level low rank and had directly be a superior cultivation method at the Profound-Level mid rank!

    <<Lava Earth Seal>> and << Heaven Scorching Eighteen Beheadings>>.

    Just looking at these titles would make it hard for a person to breathe!

    After Gu Zuo saw this set of a Profound-Level mid rank cultivation method, he was suddenly struck dumb.

    Actually, he didn¡¯t feel that it was something that particrly deserved astonishment. After all, his own cultivation method was also very powerful. What left him speechless was from reading the cultivation titles. Lava, earth, and so on. Weren¡¯t theypatible with Tianyang? He had fire and earth dual-attributes! Eighteen beheadings and such. The obvious weapon was a saber! Yet again, it was an unexpected match!

    To put it bluntly, this set of a cultivation method was practically tailor-made for Tianyang. The excessive coincidences would leave a person¡¯s mood a bitplicated.

    Once Tianheng saw them, he also felt it was a little interesting.

    He walked over, swiftly flipping through that cultivation method and martial skill, and firmly memorized them. Following which, he didn¡¯t put them away, and directly tossed them to that stubborn and serious youth: ¡°Tianyang, from this day forth, you will change to this cultivation method.¡±

    Tianyang received them into his hands, and hurriedly read through a few pages. Then, he only felt the qi emissions in his body rush forth as if urging him to cultivate. It was clear to see that this set of a cultivation method was verypatible with him.

    The happiness in his heart was boundless. The corners of his mouth, which were stretched taut, couldn¡¯t help bending up: ¡°Many thanks, big brother!¡±

    After the Ling n siblings saw this, they likewise felt happy for him.

    Soon after, Tianheng said: ¡°Tianyang, I¡¯ve observed that this tomb chamber isn¡¯t ordinary, and the might of this carved statue appears out of the ordinary. From its posture, it may be responsible for the cultivation method in your hands. Since you¡¯ve obtained this cultivation method, you should kneel before it. Kowtow a few times to show your respects to this senior.¡±

    Tianyang felt that his elder brother¡¯s words were reasonable. He stepped forward with a solemn countenance, deferentially kneeled in front of the sculpture, and properly kowtowed a few times ¡ª When all was said and done, this wasn¡¯t bing an apprentice to a master, so just a few kowtows were enough.

    However, something even more amazing happened.

    After Tianyang finished kowtowing and stood up, that sculpture suddenly broke apart.

    At the same moment, from within that huge, broken sculpture, a small sculpture appeared. Its posture was exactly the same as that of therge sculpture, but because its material was gilded and it was haloed in a ck light, it seemed even more mighty.

    This was a man whose hand grasped arge saber. He looked handsome and extraordinary. His body wore heavy armor and his head bore a heavy helmet like a city-guarding general. His bearing and appearance both made one¡¯s heart flutter.

    At this moment, his saber was in a pointing motion. Wasn¡¯t this the first chop of that book <<Heaven Scorching Eighteen Beheadings>>? Apparently, this set of a cultivation method really had a lot to do with him!

    In response, Tianyang made up for the rest of the kowtows.

    Although this man technically wasn¡¯t his master, that man could be venerated as was proper for a master.

    After this kowtowing, the small sculpture also moved.

    The rear stone wall echoed with cking sounds, and split open to both sides. Everyone then realized that there was a tomb chamber within this tomb chamber!

    This tomb within the tomb was much smaller.

    At the same time, ced in the middle of this inner tomb was a gigantic coffin.

    It was a transparent coffin that allowed people to clearly see the figure within.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help drawing in a breath.

    Wh-why did it look like the person inside was still alive?!

    ¡ª Naturally, this person definitely wasn¡¯t alive.

    Merely, this enormous coffin seemed to have been fashioned with cold ice of an unknown age. The one who reclined within like an imperial consort was a gorgeous woman wearing red clothes. Although her facial features weren¡¯t exquisite beyondpare and she wasn¡¯t even smiling, her magnificence was unmatched. With one look, a person couldn¡¯t help but exim that she was a peerless beauty!

    Her beautiful eyes were closed and her skin was white as snow. But even if she was quiet and unmoving, it seemed as though one could see her every frown and smile. Moreover, one would be deeply attracted to her, and it would be difficult to free oneself.

    This was nothing more than the...attractive power of a corpse!

    It was already so astonishing!

    Yet, among the people in the tomb chamber, Gu Zuo felt she was very good-looking, but he also thought that this woman was only good-looking. Tianheng¡¯s willpower was firm, and didn¡¯t submit to this charm. In Dragon One¡¯s heart, there was only devotion. He waspletely unromantic. On the contrary, Ling Ziqi and Tianyang were young, hot-blooded men. However, the former had just resolved a deep-seated hatred, and only looked on distractedly for a moment. Thetter presently had his heart set on someone else, so that charm was ineffective against him... Five men, and not one was infatuated.

    But they never expected that it was ultimately Ling Ziwei who was affected the most!

    It was only seen that the expression in Ling Ziwei¡¯s eyes had suddenly be somewhat dull. Soon after, she slowly walked ahead, step by step... A burst of qi flow rushed over her whole body. One would only see her appearance and movements suddenly taking on the shadow of that gorgeous woman in the coffin.

    At this moment, she seemed to have forgotten everything. She only followed some kind of pull, and moved forward ceaselessly...

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch215 - Historical Origins

    <h4>Chapter Ch215 - Historical Origins</h4>

    Such a change in Ling Ziwei was observed by everyone present, and theirplexions shifted. But they didn¡¯t know whether they ought to prevent it ¡ª Clearly this had something to do with the woman in the coffin, and it was presumed that this woman was the Human King. While they weren¡¯t aware of the Human King¡¯s goal, on the off-chance that they instead ruined Ling Ziwei¡¯s opportunity after interrupting, what were they to do then?

    Even if it was Gongyi Tianheng, he couldn¡¯te to a decision right away.

    ¡ª When all was said and done, this moment¡¯s scene was just too peculiar.

    Amid everyone¡¯s hesitation, Ling Ziwei had already walked close to that coffin. She reached out a palm, and lightly pressed on the coffin.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes suddenly widened.

    He didn¡¯t know if he saw things incorrectly, but the woman in the coffin seemed to have blinked her eyes!

    The next moment, Ling Ziwei¡¯s expression changed.

    Her red lips curled up, resembling a smile brimming with an enticing power, but her brows were tightly creased and the qi emissions of her whole body fluctuated as if she was undergoing an intense struggle. She seemed to be deeply immersed in something.

    Tianheng suddenly said: ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat was also very fast. His intuition was positive that this was something bad, but his knowledge was limited. He simply had no way of knowing what the cause was.

    He promptly inquired within his consciousness.

    [System, what¡¯s going on with Ling Ziwei?]

    The system quickly answered the question.

    [Possession of a Remnant Soul.]

    Gu Zuo suddenly felt far from encouraged.

    Possession of a Remnant Soul? Once he heard this, he knew it wasn¡¯t a good thing! The system¡¯s meaning was that, in this coffin, there still remained the remnant soul of the woman who had already died?

    [Then, how should we resolve this problem? Tell me quickly!]

    [A single thread of the Human King¡¯s Remnant Soul is iparably powerful. However, because it has no support, it still needs to use a bit of time. Presently, there are no other methods. It wille down to a contest between Ling Ziwei¡¯s own willpower and that of the Remnant Soul. If you want to increase Ling Ziwei¡¯s chances of victory, the host can feed lots of Moon Yin Pills to strengthen her. At the same time, this will also suppress the other side.]

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to hesitate for a moment. His inner thoughts moved, and the previously-refined top grade Moon Yin Pills appeared in his hands. He immediately threw them to Tianyang: ¡°Tianyang, quickly go and feed them to Young Lady Ling.¡±

    Likewise, in order to ensure that there weren¡¯t any idents, he also threw a bottle to Ling Ziqi.

    Although Tianyang and Ling Ziqi didn¡¯t know what was going on, when Tianheng mentioned that something was wrong and Gu Zuo acted so urgently, they didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything.

    The two promptly poured out the medicinal pills and approached Ling Ziwei at lightning speeds. One was on the left and one was on the right as they continuously fed her the Moon Yin Pills.

    Luckily, Ling Ziwei seemed to know that they hade to help her. The shifts in her facial features became even more intense. She strived to open her mouth, and did her best to swallow the medicinal pills.

    As more and more Moon Yin Pills were sent in, Ling Ziwei¡¯s delicate body began to faintly shudder. Herplexion turned deathly pale, but her eyes shined resplendently.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng had already walked in front of Ling Ziwei to observe her reactions. The two saw it distinctly. Ling Ziwei¡¯s left eye was crystal clear and held a trace of unswerving determination. It had the feeling of a staunched personality that had yet to see the wider world. As for the right eye, it had the feeling of vicissitudes and heavy enticement. It was as if it had experienced the passing of tens of thousands of years.

    This time, Gu Zuo was even more convinced of the system¡¯s judgment.

    While inwardly anxious, he told Tianheng about the information he obtained after inquiring the system.

    But there wasn¡¯t anything they could do at all.

    The only thing they could await was Ling Ziwei¡¯s own efforts.

    While Gu Zuo exined to Tianheng, Tianyang and Ling Ziqi also heard it. The two only felt both anxious and worried. Their fingers trembled the entire time as they incessantly fed Ling Ziwei the Moon Yin Pills.

    At this moment, they were extremely resentful towards this so-called Human King. She was clearly a person who died long ago, so why was she so ruthless to the younger generations? Ling Ziqi was endlessly regretful, and he even somewhat med that ancestor who obtained the secret key.

    But it was of no use now. Who could¡¯ve expected this situation to ur? Obviously, they had crashed their way through many dangers and obtained many benefits. Nevertheless, during this final juncture, it was like this...

    Gu Zuo threw more jade bottles to the two, and they also didn¡¯t dare to pause for a moment.

    More and more Moon Yin Pills were fed to Ling Ziwei, but the total number of pills decreased further and further.

    Gu Zuo hesitated somewhat.

    If it continued like this, he was afraid that there wouldn¡¯t be enough Moon Yin Pills. Should he take advantage of the time when the Moon Yin Pills weren¡¯t yetpletely used up to refine a few more bottles for Ling Ziwei?

    For a moment, his mood became veryplicated.

    Tianyang steeled himself, and stuffed all the Moon Yin Pills in his hand into Ling Ziwei¡¯s mouth. Upon seeing this, Ling Ziqi clenched his fist and did the same.

    Immediately following this, Ling Ziwei¡¯s palm pulled away from the coffin. She clutched at her head, and shivered as she leaned against that coffin. At this time, she was dripping with sweat like she had suffered the greatest of pains. But at the same time, the surface of her body was also seeping out faintly gray vestiges.

    After another joss of incense passed, Ling Ziwei let out a soft murmur. After that, her body turned limp like she was going to copse.

    Tianyang swiftly caught her. Then Ling Ziqi went to hold his younger sister, taking her from Tianyang¡¯s hands.

    Ling Ziwei opened her eyes.

    Everyone looked over... A part of Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was nervous, too.

    Was the current Ling Ziwei still Ling Ziwei?

    Ling Ziwei showed a weak smile: ¡°Big brother, everyone.¡±

    Her qi emissions were still the same as before, but it was much stronger. The expression in her eyes also had no changes ¡ª There was obviously an extreme difference between a woman who had experienced the vicissitudes of life and a youngdy who¡¯d yet to experience the ways of the world.

    The current Ling Ziwei really was the real Ling Ziwei.

    Everyone¡¯s tensed heartstrings loosened.

    Gu Zuo wiped away a sheen of sweat.

    That was truly a close call... The Human King¡¯s ¡°legacy¡± left behind in the Great Tomb truly wasn¡¯t that easy to obtain.

    To be honest, since they had taken the initiate toe over and rob the tomb, getting trapped was actually to be expected. But while reason dictated as such, who would be happy to experience this?

    Fortunately, it was still their victory.

    After Ling Ziwei sighed in relief, she slowly sat up: ¡°Just now, the Remnant Soul of the Human King Yan Ruo has already been assimted by me. As a result, I¡¯ve learned a few things. I¡¯ll tell everyone about it now.¡±

    Ling Ziqi and Tianyang saw that she was strained, and intended to have her rest for a while. However, Ling Ziwei was somewhat stubborn, and wasn¡¯t willing to do so.

    Following that, Ling Ziwei talked all about the matters she learned from the Human King¡¯s Remnant Soul.

    First of all, this Great Tomb really was the tomb of the Human King, and the owner of the tomb really was that remarkably beautiful woman in the coffin.

    The woman was called Yan Ruo. She also had the Moon Siren Body, and the cultivation method she practiced was <<Nine Yin Moon¡¯s Embrace Sutra>>. There were actually all kinds of secret knowledge in the Remnant Soul. Also, she really had left behind an inheritance. Only, this inheritance was best for a woman with the Moon Siren Body to ept. If there wasn¡¯t a Moon Siren Body, then a woman with a cold constitution would also work.

    But it was absolutely impossible for a man ¡ª Unless that man also had a yin constitution.

    This was certainly good news. Ling Ziwei just so happened to be without a suitable cultivation method. This was tantamount to delivering a pillow when it was time to sleep. This was an enormous opportunity for Ling Ziwei.

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t fully understand.

    Since there was an inheritance, what was going on with the possession?

    Not only Gu Zuo, but the others all had this question, too.

    Ling Ziwei soon continued exining to everyone.

    What the original Yan Ruo had left behind was a thread of a Remnant Soul. This was to allow the Remnant Soul to deliver the inheritance memory of its own ord and properly guide the disciple in Yan Ruo¡¯s ce. However, in this Great Tomb filled with yin qi, there were corpses of the people who intended to plunder Yan Ruo¡¯s savings but wereter buried alive in the Great Tomb by her. What wasn¡¯t expected was that while the Remnant Soul was once Yan Ruo, after the true Yan Ruo vanished like smoke into thin air, the resentment of those corpses had then contaminated the Remnant Soul!

    This so-called contamination gave rise to another consciousness in the Remnant Soul. It became very extreme and vtile. It was no longer willing to act as the tool of an inheritance. Rather, it wanted to seize an opportunity to directly snatch a Moon Siren Body to act as a corporeal body. This would allow it to appear once more in this world.

    Thus, after Ling Ziwei entered the Great Tomb¡¯s core, the Remnant Soul automatically awakened and used its thoughts to attract Ling Ziwei over. It borrowed the inheritance¡¯s chance to invade Ling Ziwei¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint in one stroke!

    If it weren¡¯t for the numerous Moon Yin Pills that had been fed to Ling Ziwei, which let her keep a clear head and suppress the Moon Siren Body¡¯s power, the Remnant Soul would¡¯ve easily dispelled Ling Ziwei¡¯s consciousness ¡ª And regardless of whether the Remnant Soul¡¯s possession was sessful or not, Ling Ziwei would¡¯ve certainly had her own soul scattered.

    During the entire course of events, had there been just a little less luck, even if the process deviated by just a thread, Ling Ziwei would¡¯ve been done for.

    This was truly too frightening.

    Ling Ziqi and Tianyang both held lingering fears.

    However, it could presently be said that Ling Ziwei had nevertheless profited from this disaster.

    After all, this Remnant Soul was the Human King¡¯s Remnant Soul. It contained many experiences about the study of the Moon Siren Body. When that moment came, she only needed to refer to the memories. She wasn¡¯t worried about going down the wrong path and wasting time due to ack of someone¡¯s guidance.

    Once she finished speaking, Ling Ziwei¡¯s expression seemed to turn strange.

    Gu Zuo was a bit curious: ¡°Does Young Lady Ling have something else to say?¡±

    Ling Ziweiposed herself, and said somewhat bashfully: ¡°It concerns that carved statue...¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°The carved statue?¡±

    He suddenly recalled that sculpture from before. It was like a great general who was guarding the Human King¡¯s tomb.

    Although Ling Ziwei was shy, she still spoke the following words.

    The sculpture was in the likeness of a great general. In fact, he really was a great general. The Human King Yan Ruo was originally a country¡¯s princess, and this great general was the princess¡¯ personal guard.

    When Yan Ruo was young, she was like the current Ling Ziwei. Her constitution was special. However, as she was a princess, there were many secrets that the royal family knew about, and they quickly recognized the matter of the Moon Siren Body. Soon after, the princess joined a sect to learn a cultivation method. The Great General Huo Zhan followed her to the sect as a personal guard who protected her.

    Time passed. Huo Zhan¡¯s aptitudes were pretty good, so his strength rose sharply the whole way. However, he had always been faithful and true to Yan Ruo, and his thoughts never strayed. However, young girls were sentimental. After Yan Ruo had her first awakening of love, she didn¡¯t adore anyone who pursued her for her beauty or constitution. Instead, she liked Huo Zhan. It was just a pity that Huo Zhan had no desires for her from beginning to end. He only revered her as a master, and didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of affection for her.

    Originally, Yan Ruo should¡¯ve been a proud and outstanding woman, but her birth country had been wiped out by a powerhouse. Among all the members of the royal family, not a single one survived. If the sect that Yan Ruo resided in hadn¡¯t been rather powerful, perhaps Yan Ruo herself wouldn¡¯t have been able to escape total annihtion!

    Such a disaster filled Yan Ruo¡¯s heart with hatred. From that moment on, she cultivated assiduously, and her strength underwent explosive increases. To put an end to her enemy, she practically squeezed out all of her potential, and got stronger at all costs. To this end, she didn¡¯t hesitate to lure numerous men and made them fall head over heels for her. They supplied her withrge quantities of resources needed for practicing martial arts. As before, Huo Zhan apanied her and remained loyal and devoted. However, Yan Ruo felt that she had be filthy, and repressed her kindly feelings towards Huo Zhan to the bottom of her heart.

    Yan Ruo¡¯s reputation changed from a proud genius to a reviled seductress, but ultimately, she still killed that murderer. However, after the murderer was killed, the opponent¡¯s contacts in the opponent¡¯s sect hunted her down, forcing her into a dangerous situation.

    From running away in a sorry state to being able to return and y her attackers, Yan Ruo¡¯s hands were stained with blood. Huo Zhan had also apanied her to kill her enemies from all directions, and always guarded her in the front.

    In the end, her enemies were finally killed, but Huo Zhan had died protecting her. Not even his skeleton remained. Up until his death, Yan Ruo didn¡¯t know if Huo Zhan ever bore even a trace of affection for her. And after Huo Zhan died, she would never know.

    Moreover, Yan Ruo was approaching the end of her lifespan.

    Afterwards, Yan Ruo decided to pass down her own meager savings and legacy. Thus, she created the Human King¡¯s tomb, making it her own final resting ce. At the same time, with herst breath, she needed to cause a world-shaking event for her own sake and for Huo Zhan¡¯s sake.

    In the Human King¡¯s tomb, there wereyers uponyers of mechanisms within seventeen tombs. Only the innermost section of the true tomb was the location of her and Huo Zhan¡¯s eternal sleep. The exterior sculpture was just to fool others. The interior sculpture was personally carved out using Yan Ruo¡¯s blood, sweat, and tears.

    Yan Ruo ced her own things in the core tomb chamber, and she ced Huo Zhan¡¯s inheritance in the outer tomb chamber. Only when the inheritor paid their respects to Huo Zhan was it possible to enter her tomb chamber. And in her eyes, this kind of person was also considered as the continuation of herself and Huo Zhan.

    As for the corpses outside and the simr situations in the other fake tombs ¡ª Back then, she had let out rumors, which lured countless people who wanted to loot a burning house or who were disciples of forces that feared her and Huo Zhan. Consequently, most of the capable elites of a youthful generation were buried alive in the tomb by her. After the Great Tomb was sealed, these descendants of her former enemies instead became her most unyielding tomb guardians ¡ª This was also considered an unconventional continuation of her vengeance.

    If it was only this, Ling Ziwei wouldn¡¯t have been so shy while narrating this tale. The part that really made her bashful was Yan Ruo¡¯s final wish.

    Throughout Yan Ruo¡¯s life, her greatest regret was not being able to get together with Huo Zhan. She originally believed that she had plenty of time to kindle feelings with Huo Zhan, but due to the downfall of her home and country, she ultimately gave up and didn¡¯t dare to confess.

    As a result, Yan Ruo had left behind this inheritance. Yan Ruo hoped that the person who opened the tomb chamber was either a man who would inherit Huo Zhan¡¯s legacy and would bestow her inheritance upon a Moon Siren Body whom he deeply cared about, or that the person who opened the chamber was a woman who respected Huo Zhan, inherited everything Yan Ruo had, and presented Huo Zhan¡¯s precious cultivation method to her beloved man.

    Yan Ruo wished that the things that she and Huo Zhan left behind could fall into the hands of a pair of lovers, fulfilling her failed dream of Huo Zhan and herself protecting and apanying one another.

    If Yan Ruo herself couldn¡¯t do it, then having a pair from the younger generation practice her and Huo Zhan¡¯s cultivation methods was enough to console her.

    And what was so coincidental here was that Ling Ziwei happened to have the Moon Siren Body, which was the most suited physique for practicing Yan Ruo¡¯s cultivation method, and Tianyang, whom she had a favorable impression of, happened to have the same constitution as Huo Zhan and had been allocated Huo Zhan¡¯s cultivation method.

    If they got together...

    Of course, Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t intend to talk about any matters pertaining to Yan Ruo¡¯s final wish.

    Otherwise, raising this subject in front of Tianyang, with this kind of deliberation, would¡¯ve made her want to bury herself in a pit.

    Gu Zuo gave a small sigh.

    Ah, this was simply a romantic tragedy... But the two¡¯s constitutions happened to be the same as that of Ling Ziwei and Tianyang. It seemed that Ling Ziwei and Tianyang¡¯s predestined rtionship was deep.

    Perhaps what hadn¡¯t happened between those two people could really be achieved by these two teenagers.

    ¡ª Gu Zuo naturally didn¡¯t know that his train of thought was quite in line with Yan Ruo¡¯s final wish.

    However, the others just listened to this romantic tale. After all, this was an affair that happened a long time ago. Thus, they didn¡¯t have any particr opinions about it.

    Alright. The Remnant Soul¡¯s matter had been resolved. Ling Ziwei was considered lucky. Ling Ziqi, who¡¯d been racking his brain the whole time, now stuck close to her.

    But despite their happiness, the expression that Ling Ziqi and Ling Ziwei used to look at Tianheng was somewhat guilt-ridden.

    The entire journey from start to finish was basically through the strength of Tianheng¡¯s group. In the end, the final inheritance fell to Ling Ziwei, and the ones who exerted a lot of effort didn¡¯t get anything. This really wasn¡¯t very appropriate... Although this inheritance was something a woman could use, the Ling n siblings weren¡¯t truly aware of what inheritances were. But no matter how one looked at it, the current scene appeared like one where the siblings had deliberately taken advantage of Tianheng and the others. With excessive remorse, Ling Ziqi also felt worried.

    If their benefactor had a misunderstanding, then...

    Yet, Tianheng didn¡¯t do anything to them, and didn¡¯t once open his mouth to me them. He just walked slowly to the rear of that coffin.

    In here, there was a jade circlet. It was also ssified as a spirit weapon, and it was the weapon of Human King Yan Ruo at the time. It waspatible with the Moon Siren Body, and it brought out the best in each other.

    Ling Ziwei had long known about that head ornament from Yan Ruo¡¯s memories, but at this time, she didn¡¯t open her mouth.

    Tianheng took out that jewelry box, but actually called over his family¡¯s second brother.

    Tianyang nked before trotting over.

    Tianheng tossed this head ornament to Tianyang: ¡°This thing will be in your care. If you have any intentions in the future...¡±

    Tianyang caught the jewelry box in a daze. Hisplexion unknowingly reddened, and a warm feeling sprung up in his heart.

    On the side, Gu Zuo secretly thought: Big brother¡¯s intent is for this to act as a betrothal gift for Tianyang to present to his future wife... It¡¯s really hard on big brother to just give hints without saying it outright.

    Tianyang couldn¡¯t help turning his head to look at Ling Ziwei.

    Off to the side, Ling Ziwei lifted her face just in time to meet Tianyang¡¯s gaze. Soon after, her pupils quickly brightened and she looked away. But her white cheeks were suddenly colored with a wisp of reddish-pink.

    At this moment, her mind was in aplete mess. She didn¡¯t know what to think at all.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t go to manage the thoughts of this young child. His vision fell upon those two ck cloaks that were next to the jewelry box.

    For the cloaks, one was spacious and wide, and the other was slightly narrow and small. The styles were identical. They seemed to absorb all the light and couldn¡¯t have been more in and simple. But since they appeared in the core tomb chamber of the Human King, how could they have been ordinary objects?

    With Ling Ziwei, who obtained the Human King¡¯s memories, on site, Tianheng didn¡¯t go to try them himself. He opened his mouth to ask: ¡°Young Lady Ling, would you know what these two items are?¡±

    Ling Ziwei collected her thoughts without dy. She thought about it, and said: ¡°These two cloaks were unexpectedly obtained after Human King Yan Ruo unearthed some historical remains. The product grade is unknown, but it¡¯s at least greater than Golden-Level spirit weapons. After someone puts it on, they can reveal the strength of an Atomic Realm or higher, but the duration is very short. The higher one¡¯s own realm, the greater the number of times one can use it every day. Aside from this, the cloak has the function of concealing one¡¯s appearance and qi emissions. It has powerful defensive capabilities, and can even hide one¡¯s figure for a short time. It was like this even upon reaching the Human King¡¯s realm.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this and gasped with amazement.

    Heavens. With such descriptions, other spirit weapons were nothing but trashpared to this thing!

    Ling Ziwei continued to speak.

    ¡°During that time, after Yan Ruo obtained these two cloaks, she gifted Huo Zhan with one set. Fortunately, these two cloaks gave them many chances to flee with their lives. Not only did the cloaks allow them to survive, they were able to serve their enemies crushing defeats. This also allowed Yan Ruo to have a life where she ultimately became the Human King.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°Big brother, have it recognize you as its master!¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t reply. He went over to take the two cloaks, and threw the smaller cloak to Gu Zuo.

    After that, he flicked his finger and directed a streak of qi energy to bump onto Gu Zuo¡¯s fingertip.

    Gu Zuo made a bemused face: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m a pharmacist. I can¡¯t use spirit weapons... Eh?¡±

    The instant his blood dropped down, a burst of extremelyfortable sensations engulfed his whole body. For a split second, it made him feel that there was a subtle connection between himself and this cloak.

    No way! What was this thing?! A pharmacist could use it, too?!

    Tianheng likewise dripped some blood to have the cloak recognize a master. He put on the hood, walked next to Gu Zuo, and also pulled up the hood for Gu Zuo since he was still bbergasted. Soon after, the qi emissions of their bodies immediately underwent a drastic change.

    Gu Zuo had always been a good-looking teenager, but after he put on the cloak, he seemed to be somewhat gloomy and sinister. Tianheng¡¯s temperament was originally as bright as the moon, but at this moment, he also seemed to be grim and unfeeling.

    Even though the heights of their bodies didn¡¯t change, and even their statures didn¡¯t change, no matter who stood in front of them, no one was capable of connecting the two with the previous Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch216 - Some Unexpected People

    <h4>Chapter Ch216 - Some Unexpected People</h4>

    After Gu Zuo had the cloak recognize him as its master, he realized the benefits within it. The cloak¡¯s usefulness was roughly identical to what Ling Ziwei said. It would certainly be very useful to himter on.

    For the moment, his heart was very pleased. He stroked his hand along the cloak a little too lovingly.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo suddenly recalled something. He turned to face Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, how did you know that this thing could recognize me as its master?¡±

    Generally speaking, spirit weapons were employed by martial artists. They weren¡¯t things that pharmacists could use.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I only thought of it now. I wasn¡¯t certain.¡±

    Gu Zuo just blinked his eyes.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t continue to exin anything.

    He really did think of it just then, but it wasn¡¯t done blindly without any rationale. He simply recalled that Gu Zuo also possessed an inheritance. That system in his Tianfu Acupoint... Wasn¡¯t it also a special existence? Since the system could be stored on Gu Zuo¡¯s person for his use, then perhaps there were other things that were equally suitable for pharmacists.

    From Ling Ziwei¡¯s words, he knew that these two cloaks were excavated from historical remains, and it was hard to judge the rank. That Human King Yan Ruo wasn¡¯t able topletely figure out the cloaks¡¯ origins, so why not let Gu Zuo give it a try?

    Sure enough, the test was a sess.

    But Tianheng had another notion in his mind... Since the cloak was suited for Gu Zuo¡¯s use, then in all likelihood, pharmacists really weren¡¯t all that simple. In his heart, there was an outrageous conjecture ¡ª Thinking back then, he didn¡¯t know that there was a Qingyun Continent when he was in the Cangyun Empire. Was there an even wider world beyond the Qingyun Continent? In Qingyun Sect, the capabilities of pharmacists far surpassed those of the Cangyun Empire. As such, perhaps pharmacists in the wider world were far, far more than what they were now?

    On top of that, Tianheng also recalled the <<Spirit Piercing Awl>> that Gu Zuo learned.

    He previously believed that perhaps his little pharmacist was relying on the system and cultivation method, or perhaps his own constitution was special. But now he thought that, maybe, it wasn¡¯t just that. Perhaps, if there was a corresponding cultivation method, then all pharmacists could possess the same ability as Gu Zuo?

    ording to Ling Ziwei¡¯s words just now, Human King Yan Ruo previously had enemies. They were members of arge organization who once hunted her down. Human King Yan Ruo and Huo Zhan had then stirred up a foul wind and bloody rain,ying waste to numerous enemies. However, Tianheng had flipped through many ancient records in Qingyun Sect, but had never seen descriptions rted to any of this... Naturally, Yan Ruo was a personage from the distant past. It was possible that no one remembered it after countless generations of change. But this matterbined with all kinds of previous signs didn¡¯t necessarily disprove anything.

    That¡¯s right. Tianheng became increasingly skeptical. Perhaps Human King Yan Ruo¡¯s former location wasn¡¯t in this region. He suspected that, after Human King Yan Ruo buried countless enemies alive, she intentionally sent this Great Tomb to the Qingyun Continent. Otherwise, if it was still on the original continent, then there probably would¡¯ve been many outsidersing to disturb her and Huo Zhan¡¯s peace. This would¡¯ve prevented her from passing on what she had learned!

    Of course, these numerous thoughts shed through Tianheng¡¯s mind in an instant. While he made some calctions in his heart, he didn¡¯t intend to talk about them one by one at this time.

    After all, guesses were only guesses.

    Even if he was ny percent certain, so long as there was only ten percent of uncertainty, he would be even more cautious about it.

    However, Tianheng himself didn¡¯t know that while he was in deep thought, Gu Zuo had secretly asked the system in his consciousness about the cloak¡¯s name and history.

    However, the results left Gu Zuo disappointed.

    ¡ª For a very long time, the system would¡¯ve always answered any questions. This time around, he was unexpectedly thrown the frigid and unyielding, four-word response: Insufficient authority, noment.

    Ah, he was a little sullen.

    But even though he was sullen, there was nothing to be done. If the system was unwilling to answer, what else could he do with the system?

    Without any better option, Gu Zuo¡¯s smile deted and he gave up on this n of getting to the bottom of this.

    Okay. At least he knew that the cloak was a good thing.

    At worst, he could do some more testing on his own.

    After this, the two of them took off the cloaks.

    In order to make matters easier in the future, these things would be kept away during ordinary times. Gu Zuo put his own cloak into the storage space. Tianheng handed over his cloak, too.

    Gu Zuo abruptly remembered that the cloak¡¯s rank was very high. It might¡¯ve not been possible to put it into an inter-spatial tool! As a result, it was better to put it away for his big brother.

    The two partitioned these good things. Off to the side, the Ling n siblings let out sighs of relief.

    The ck cloaks were very good. They were also two individuals, but they didn¡¯t have a single thought of appropriating the cloaks for themselves ¡ª On the contrary, because those treasures weren¡¯t inferior to the inheritance, they felt a lot safer.

    Within the tomb of the core tomb chamber, there weren¡¯t many things left behind. After everything was distributed just now, the only remaining things were a strange object manufactured from an unknown metal and an old-fashioned, wooden box.

    Gu Zuo walked over in curiosity.

    That metal ring-like thing waspletely jet-ck. The surface appeared to have three silver-gray marks, which were presented as vertical lines. The lines divided the metal ring into three sections.

    In addition, while one could call it a metal ¡°ring¡±, the length of its cylindrical wall was actually a little bit more than an inch long. It looked like the wrist protecters he¡¯d seen in the modern era. Only, just by looking at its appearance, one knew that it was far more precious than a wrist protecter.

    But in the end, what was this thing?

    He didn¡¯t recognize it at all.

    Gu Zuo secretly asked the system.

    [Space Bangle.]

    [I understand a little bit, but not entirely.]

    [A storage bangle. An inter-spatial tool with a very high rank. The built-in space is veryrge, and spirit weapons can be loaded inside.]

    The bangle¡¯s surface flickered with a burst of ck light. Soon after, it transformed into a ray of light. In the blink of an eye, it pounced onto Tianheng¡¯s wrist and firmly fastened itself in ce.

    Tianheng only felt that his wrist was ice-cold. That thing was supple and snug, and it seemed as natural as ayer of his skin. It didn¡¯t cause him any hindrances, and didn¡¯t give him any sense of unease.

    Gu Zuo moved closer: ¡°How is it, big brother? Is it useful?¡± He thought it over and quietly asked, ¡°Is there anything inside?¡±

    Tianheng closed his eyes and made an attempt. Once he opened his eyes, they shed with a spark of light: ¡°It¡¯s very useful.¡±

    Immediately following which, he told Gu Zuo about the uses of this thing in his consciousness.

    As it turned out, the three silver-gray, vertical lines on the surface of the bangle were precisely what divided the bangle into three sections. And each space inside of the bangle was veryrge. The internal volumes weren¡¯t measured in meters, but rather in kilometers. Each section could bepared to a small city. It was truly extraordinary.

    When Gu Zuo heard this, he was speechless.

    Granted that his storage space seemed so deep that one couldn¡¯t see the bottom, it wasn¡¯t so exaggerated by direct observation...

    This still wasn¡¯t the end, though.

    Indeed, there were things inside the bangle. However, the stuff was rtively simple. Altogether, it was only divided into three types.

    Following that, a piece of crystal appeared in Tianheng¡¯s palm.

    Tianyang, the Ling n siblings, and Dragon One suddenly sensed a burst of surging power spreading over from Tianheng.

    At first, they didn¡¯t have any thoughts of snooping into the things that Tianheng acquired, but now that Tianheng had taken the initiative to bring stuff out, it was clear that he didn¡¯t mind them knowing about it. They no longer restrained their thoughts, and promptly walked over to check it out.

    ¡ª It was no wonder that they couldn¡¯t control themselves. It was mainly that the thing in Tianheng¡¯s hand was truly too strange.

    This was a small and exquisite piece of crystal. The entire body was transparent, and it seemed like pure crystal. It was very limpid and beautiful. It was only about an inch long, and its shape wasn¡¯t particrly uniform. Only, its shape appeared to carry some kind of rhythm, exuding an iparably pure and formidable power.

    Yet, this power was different from the ambient qi that they normally interacted with. It was also different from the Houtian true qi and Xiantian true qi that they circted in their bodies. But the attractive pull was very strong, which made them want to go and absorb the power. It was to the point that, after seeing this piece of crystal, the true qi within their bodies became restless!

    However, the realms of Tianyang and the Ling n siblings hadn¡¯t reached Xiantian yet. Although the crystal was very mouth-watering, they also felt that it was very dangerous for some reason. This caused them to feel that if they really absorbed that power, there was a possibility that they wouldn¡¯t be able to control it.

    They all expressed these feelings.

    Tianheng faintly muttered to himself. His palm flipped over, and the crystal was put away.

    In a split second, Tianyang and the others revealed traces of reluctance, but they soon returned to normal.

    From this, it could be seen that the attractive force of this thing was too great!

    Even Gu Zuo could sense this attractive force!

    So to say, its attraction wasn¡¯t limited to martial artists, but it also included pharmacists?

    Merely, once Tianheng put it away, he then took out another one.

    This time, what appeared in his hand was a piece of ck crystal. Its size and shape were just about the same as the previous crystal, and what seemed to be contained within was an explosive power. Compared to that transparent crystal, it wasn¡¯t known how many times stronger the ck crystal was. Due to the overflowing threads of radiance, they couldn¡¯t help but hold their breaths!

    Everyone looked at it, and their minds felt that this thing was probably the same as the transparent crystal. But rtively speaking, its level was higher... Right?

    It was probably like this.

    Tianheng put away this ck crystal, too. He looked at Ling Ziwei: ¡°Young Lady Ling, you¡¯ve obtained the Human King¡¯s memories. Do you know what these two things are?¡±

    Ling Ziwei slightly frowned while she slowly thought back.

    To tell the truth, while she had obtained Yan Ruo¡¯s inheritance and memories, what the memories contained were mainly the martial disciplines that Yan Ruo had learned. As for other things, Yan Ruo didn¡¯t deliberately mention them. Even the knowledge of those sentiments were just because Yan Ruo¡¯s point of view was narrated. As for the identities of her enemies and the sect, Yan Ruo didn¡¯t talk about them.

    Fortunately, the matter that Tianheng now asked was rted to martial disciplines, and did exist in Ling Ziwei¡¯s memories. A short period of time passed, and she straightened out these memories.

    Then, she said: ¡°The transparent crystal is called a spirit crystal. Within Yan Ruo¡¯s memories, when she was at the Xiantian Realm, she would always absorb the power within spirit crystals to replenish her own true qi. This type of power is very gentle. As far as Xiantian Realm martial artists are concerned, their progress is faster when absorbing the crystals than swallowing ordinary medicinal pills. The ck crystal is called a profound crystal, and what¡¯s contained inside is a power of an even higher rank. When martial artists reach the Immortal Realm and above, while they¡¯re capable of improving faster by absorbing spirit crystals, absorbing profound crystals is even better. As for above profound crystals, there¡¯s a type of yellow crystal called a treasured crystal. This can be absorbed upon reaching the...Celestial Realm.¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s words drew everyone¡¯s attention. There were too many unfamiliar names within, which would pique one¡¯s interest.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Young Lady Ling, do you already know what realm the Human King had reached?¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s beautiful forehead lowered as she lightly nodded: ¡°In Human King Yan Ruo¡¯s memories, the realm above the Atomic Realm is called the Ascendant Realm. Above that is the Celestial Realm, and above the Celestial Realm is the Noble Realm. When one reaches the high Noble Realm, they¡¯re qualified to be granted the title of Human King.¡±

    Gu Zuo first gasped in surprise, but then he startled: ¡°Granted the title? Human King Yan Ruo was conferred a title by whom?¡±

    Ling Ziwei shook her head: ¡°The title granting isn¡¯t conferred by a specific person. Rather, it seems to be through some kind of judgment... But this judgment isn¡¯t anywhere in Human King Yan Ruo¡¯s memories.¡±

    Soon after, she rambled and supplemented a few things.

    Hearing all of this, everyone heaved long sighs.

    But it was indeed quite insightful.

    So to say, if they wanted to have such achievements like Human King Yan Ruo ¡ª Firstly, when they were at the Xiantian Realm, they needed to absorb spirit crystals. When at the Immortal Realm, Atomic Realm, and Ascendant Realm, they needed to absorb profound crystals. When they reached the Celestial Realm and Noble Realm, they needed to absorb treasured crystals.

    With everything considered, the consumption really wouldn¡¯t be small.

    Only, this was indeed the most ideal cultivation n. But would there be enough of these three types of crystals?

    It seemed that there should¡¯ve been at least two types of crystals in the bangle that Tianheng obtained. But how could Ling Ziwei have the audacity to shamelessly go and ask him...

    Ling Ziwei lightly sighed, but didn¡¯t act upon those greedy thoughts.

    In Yan Ruo¡¯s memories, there was no mention of the bangle. It also didn¡¯t talk about how many crystals were in the bangle. Because, aside from what Yan Ruo herself had collected, there were many crystals that Huo Zhan had given to her to manage. She basically didn¡¯t want to properly count them, and after being granted the title of Human King, she was reluctant to use them.

    After her death, the bangle was left behind. While this wasn¡¯t necessarily without any intentions of letting the younger generations to rely on the things in the bangle to cultivate, she hadn¡¯t anticipated that the person who ultimately obtained the inheritance wasn¡¯t qualified to divide the spoils of war.

    Although those crystals couldn¡¯t be used, Ling Ziwei knew that this didn¡¯t mean that she couldn¡¯t cultivate. Once the Moon Siren Body was developed and she was supported by the cultivation method, it went without saying that her progress wouldn¡¯t be slow. If she worked hard with these things and took medicinal pills, it might not be any slower than the effects of absorbing crystals.

    Right now, Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t say anything. Ling Ziqi wanted to speak up, but hesitated. In the end, he also didn¡¯t say anything that he shouldn¡¯t.

    Gu Zuo nced at the Ling n siblings, and nodded inwardly.

    Very good. Their expressions were upright...

    Tianheng didn¡¯t mention the amount of crystals in the bangle. He only pulled his sleeve cuff down to cover the bangle. After that, he opened the wooden box. From within, he took out three sheets of yellow, nearly jade-like paper.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s this?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯splexion didn¡¯t change as he handed over those three sheets of paper.

    Gu Zuo took them. He lowered his head to look, and his expression became somewhat peculiar.

    These were...pill prescriptions.

    It wasn¡¯t strange that there were pill prescriptions. Because the pill prescriptions were found in the Human King¡¯s tomb, it also wasn¡¯t strange that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t recognize them.

    However, what really made Gu Zuo reveal this kind of look was due to the system notifying him of its existence once again!

    In a split second, numerous beeping noises echoed through Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Hidden mission triggered. Hidden missionpleted!]

    [The host has obtained the item book <<Golden-Level Medicinal Pill Catalog>>!]

    [The host has obtained the item book <<Golden-Level Medicinal Decoction Forms>>!]

    [The host has obtained the item book <<Golden-Level Medicinal Cuisine Recipes>>!]

    [The host has obtained the item book <

    >!]

    [The host has obtained the item book <<Golden-Level Medicinal Ingredient Record>>!]

    Gu Zuo felt exasperated.

    In other words, he had triggered some kind of hidden mission...when there wasn¡¯t even a hint of a reminder before. Furthermore, at some point in time, he had resolved this hidden mission? He waspletely unaware! In addition, the system had unexpectedly flooded him with five item books. It truly caught him off-guard!

    En. On the contrary, he had received a mission rted to detoxification while inside the Great Tomb, but that item book was about dealing with poisons. It had nothing to do with this hidden mission...

    Tianheng discovered that there was something off about Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo immediately transmitted his thoughts over.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow.

    [Ah Zuo, flip through the <<Golden-Level Medicinal Pill Catalog>> and see if it contains the three pill prescriptions currently in your hand.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind shifted. As expected, <<Golden-Level Medicinal Pill Catalog>> was taken out, and he swiftly flipped through it.

    Things weren¡¯t beyond his big brother¡¯s expectations. In this pill catalog, the pill prescriptions for the three types of medicinal pills were really there. One type was for replenishing profound qi ¡ª What was profound qi? Whatever. This wasn¡¯t going to be considered first. In any case, helping to stockpile power was good. Another type was for dispelling the impurities inside the meridians. This was also a very good medicinal pill. The final type was used for tempering the body, which was to improve the physical body¡¯s strength.

    It could be said that the three types of pill prescriptions were all very useful ones.

    Moreover, the three types of pill prescriptions were all suited for Atomic Realm martial artists!

    Ah, these were truly very good things...

    Of course, there were even more of Gu Zuo¡¯s good things, which were directly turned into an item book. What Gu Zuo was currently looking at was the Golden-Level medicinal pills within the item book. There were many whose effects were even better than the three pill prescriptions.

    With such thinking, the interest he had towards the three pill prescriptions in his hand wasn¡¯t that big ¡ª It could be said that these three pill prescriptions were top-notch, but they were rtively unorthodox. They didn¡¯t have the best cost-performance ratios. These weren¡¯t the best, and Gu Zuo generally wouldn¡¯t regard them as pill prescriptions that needed to be researched the most.

    While Gu Zuo was pondering over the matter of the pill prescriptions, the other people looked at him as if he was reflecting over a problem, and they didn¡¯t bother him. What no one expected was that the sound of an enormous explosion echoed outside of the tomb chamber. At the same time, there were the sounds of hurried footstepsing in from the outside.

    It seemed...that some people had arrived?

    Meanwhile, the gazes of this group faced the people outside and looked over.

    In the end, who wereing in?

    The members of severalrge organizations had arrived quickly.

    Although the continent was huge and the distances in-between were usually vast, whichrge organizations didn¡¯t have their own methods? When encountering a particrly urgent emergency, they were always able to think of a way to transmit information and transport enough people as quickly as possible.

    The events of the Great Tomb couldn¡¯t be concealed from others. And now, this matter definitely couldn¡¯t be covered up by the manpower of mere strongholds. Thus, when the Qingyun Sect stronghold leader saw the Sect¡¯s flying ship arrive like a ray of shing light and settle above this territory, he heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    Among the people who came here, there was a prestigious Elder. Although he wasn¡¯t an Atomic Realm Grand Elder, he was of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. He was a half-step Atomic Realm martial artist.

    At this moment, a dozen or so men and women were being led behind him. The men were handsome, the women were beautiful, and they all possessed an indescribable presence and charm. It appeared that their existences were for setting apart the powerful Sect¡¯s prestige and foundation. This was to make the countless other martial artists see them and feel a deep sense of inferiority and shame.

    Once the members of Qingyun Sect arrived, Danyun City was the second to descend, even though it was obviously the closest. Following that, not much time passed before the people of the Qingcang Empire and the City Lord of Queying City, which was the location of the Great Tomb, likewise arrived.

    Not long after, three sets of troops descended one after another. In addition, quite a few people of nearby small organizations also came here.

    The Great Tomb had already opened for a period of time. The arrivals weren¡¯t in the mood to exchange conventional greetings. They didn¡¯t want to waste any time. The way they talked about handling matters could be rated as swift and decisive. They quickly settled the ns and decisions for the following operation.

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s people were divided into two sets of troops.

    Mindful people would discover that the members of these two sets didn¡¯t exactly see eye to eye with each other. Among them, it was clear that one group wasparatively powerful. And while the people of the other group were somewhat less powerful, their grandeur didn¡¯t lose out.

    This Qingyun Sect Elder exined to them: ¡°There are eighteen entrances here, and it isn¡¯t known how many are real or fake. After a while, you all will follow the intuitions of those two and go into that entrance to protect yourselves. If you guys have selected the same entrance, you will help each other as fellow members of the Sect. You shall not cause harm to your counterparts due to trivial matters. Are we clear?¡±

    The troops of both sides stared at each other, and sincerely agreed.

    The members of the other fewrge organizations also called some younger generations to their sides. It seemed that they were also warning the juniors repeatedly. However, everyone didn¡¯t do so for too long. After a couple short words, they left these young disciples to their actions.

    Immediately following this, there was no need for anyone to deliberately mention it. These batches of people looked at those eighteen entrances. After each of them frowned, they all leaped up and dashed towards those entrances.

    As for Qingyun Sect¡¯s two sets of troops, they had both unexpectedly entered the same entrance.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch217 - Dispute Between Two Sides

    <h4>Chapter Ch217 - Dispute Between Two Sides</h4>

    Gu Zuo subconsciously wanted to put away the things in his hand. But after a bit of hesitation, he and Gongyi Tianheng shared a nce and he only put away that item book. The three sheets of pill prescriptions still remained in his hand.

    During this time, those people outside who were making a racket had already barged inside.

    There were two batches of people.

    The batch on the left wasprised of nine young men. The leader had an arrogant countenance. His every moment seemed to be a little frivolous, but the difference in this was that another four people who were clearly guarding him were very cool-headed ¡ª Even though their attitudes had nothing inmon with each other, they all appeared very experienced. There was an additional four who were also somewhat haughty. It seemed that they weren¡¯t protectors, and they were rather fickle and impatient.

    Meanwhile, the other batch of people left Gu Zuo a little astonished.

    The one who acted as the leader ¡ª That young man who wore magnificent robes and had exceptional poise also bore a face full of surprise. It was clear that he recognized them as well.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind was somewhat subtle.

    Wasn¡¯t this person Huangfu Zhanghao? Previously, due to a medicinal pill, Zhanghao¡¯s luck had formed a connection with that of his big brother. Zhanghao simultaneously became his big brother¡¯s shield as well as a person who borrowed his big brother¡¯s luck.

    Ever since they entered Qingyun Sect, they had never bumped into each other. They had only heard that he had been weed into the Inner Sect by someone at the start. He was also given a Xiantian Pill to have a breakthrough. Now, they had unexpectedly met again in here... It was very timely.

    Next to Huangfu Zhanghao, there were only five individuals. And among them, three were very familiar.

    There were two men and one woman: Zou Qingyue, Luo Yanfang, and Liu Wuyuan. At the time, they had presided over the Hundred Countries Tournament. Later, the three brought them to Qingyun Sect, and gave the disciples their initial assignments.

    However, Gu Zuo remembered that these three were Immortal Realm martial artists. They definitely weren¡¯t at the Xiantian Realm... And Ling Ziqi clearly stated that in the Great Tomb of the Human King, only martial artists below the Immortal Realm could enter.

    ¡ª It couldn¡¯t have been that, in order to get into the Great Tomb of the Human King, they had directly dropped their own realms? That was just too heartless.

    Gu Zuo scrutinized them for a moment.

    Soon after, he discovered that the qi emissions of Zou Qingyue and the other two were undting indeterminately. He carefully thought it over, and vaguely recalled something among the previous newly-obtained item books. Written down was a medicinal pill that could temporarily suppress one¡¯s realm. Perhaps, what they had used was this type of pill?

    ...Okay, this wasn¡¯t heartless. Rather, it was just paying a huge price.

    He took another look at the four cool-headed people on the left side. Sure enough, their qi emissions were unstable, too. They were the same as Zou Qingyue ¡ª Immortal Realm martial artists who had suppressed their realms to enter. Moreover, Zou Qingyue and the other two were silently protecting Huangfu Zhanghao.

    On the contrary, those four fickle and impatient young men were the same as Zhanghao, and the remaining two on the right who seemed to have a noble air about them ¡ª They all should¡¯ve been Inner Sect disciples at the Xiantian Realm.

    On this side, Gu Zuo kept a subtle demeanor, but on that side, Huangfu Zhanghao was bewildered.

    Their group of eighteen individuals had entered the same entrance, but chose different tomb passages. Along the way, both sides had encountered many pitch-ck ghasts ¡ª Due to the ghast¡¯s speed and power, they were caught off-guard at the beginning. Each side had one or twopanions perish, and there wasn¡¯t even enough time to save them. After that, they were even more cautious as they finally got through that passage. Following this, the two sides met again in the same tomb chamber. They went forwards, and only the path between tomb chambers remained.

    This time around, both sides didn¡¯te across any difficulties. However, this wasn¡¯t a good thing because they clearly found stone tables on either side of those tomb chambers ¡ª There should¡¯ve been funerary objects on top of the tables ¡ª But now, the tables werepletely empty. This meant that someone had gotten here first!

    Hence, although each side didn¡¯t find their counterparts pleasing to the eyes, they still advanced quickly. Finally, they caught sight of that core tomb chamber, which was different from the ones outside. In order to block those people who¡¯d gotten there first, they had set out many battle arrays. The deed was done. But as it turned out, the one they trapped was that familiar person who once kindled his curiosity, which then became admiration ¡ª Until Zhanghao was finally able to calmly avoid recalling him anymore.

    When neither party said anything, the noble young master on the left side impatiently opened his mouth: ¡°If you guys want to keep your lives, then hand over everything!¡±

    The footsteps of the eight people beside him changed to protect him. Their movements were clearly to back him up.

    Gu Zuo silently swept a nce over to that side.

    Such a small number of people... What did it matter if some were previously Immortal Realms? So long as the opponents weren¡¯t Immortal Realms, it was impossible to cause them too much pressure. Besides, while Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t do anything out in the open, he wasn¡¯t pressured at all when secretly using poison. It would take less than a minute to put them down.

    ¡ª However, what was Huangfu Zhanghao thinking about on that side?

    Without waiting for Zhanghao to speak, those four haughty Xiantian martial artists beside that frivolous young master started talking one after another:

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You guys refuse?¡±

    ¡°Our Qingyun Sect is handling matters here. Sensible people will cooperate!¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    How big were their faces? This was... No, this should¡¯ve shown that they were very confident in themselves!

    Those couple of suppressed Immortal Realms might¡¯ve been a bit hard to deal with, but his big brother could crush the others to death with just a hand. Not to mention his big brother, he could also release a cold arrow.

    That¡¯s right. Among these five young martial artists, the one with the highest realm was just at Xiantian stage six. The others were Xiantian stage four and five. With his realm likewise at Xiantian stage five, assassinating them would be effortless.

    Tianyang said nothing. He only furrowed his brows.

    He felt that it was a little tricky.

    Meanwhile, the Ling n siblings¡¯ former joy slowly changed to worry. Admittedly, they had learned through recent interactions that their benefactor and the others were members of Qingyun Sect. However, their benefactor was only a single individual in the end. Now, there were quite a few people. The statuses of those people seemed equivalent or even higher than their benefactor¡¯s status ¡ª Having gone through numerous things, they actually didn¡¯t dare to have excessive faith in others. Even if it was someone from the same sect, would they truly be trustworthy? Even though they had announced their identities, wouldn¡¯t the other party still be greedy?

    They also said nothing.

    Because they knew that lowly people had no right to speak during this trip. The true leader was still their benefactor, Gongyi Tianheng.

    Since Tianheng had yet to say anything, they acted as if they heard nothing.

    The appearance of Tianheng not talking was observed by Huangfu Zhanghao. In his mind, he secretly pondered.

    Based on his former understanding of Tianheng, this was a person who was calm andposed at all times. Moreover, whenever he had this kind ofposed appearance, he usually would¡¯ve long made sessful calctions and preparations. Although he hadn¡¯t seen Tianheng in a long time, Zhanghao still decided to trust his own intuition ¡ª In the Sect, he really had been greatly valued, but as the young master of an aristocratic family, he also understood that watching out for himself was even more important than his own supposed worth. As a result, after starting off a bit too conceited, he soon came to a realization.

    At this moment, Huangfu Zhanghao took the initiative to open his mouth: ¡°Brother Tianheng, I trust you¡¯ve been well since west met?¡±

    He looked at Tianheng with surprising courtesy.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°While I wouldn¡¯t consider myself well-off, I¡¯ve saved up some capital. Brother Zhanghao, many thanks for your concern.¡± Following that, he said, ¡°Actually, Brother Zhanghao, what are the current rules?¡±

    Zhanghao said in a clear voice: ¡°Brother Tianheng must be joking. We¡¯re all members of the same sect. Naturally, we can¡¯t harm each other. We need to be polite.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and his gaze fell onto that Senior Sect Brother Zhu.

    Huangfu Zhanghao also smiled and said to the frivolous young man on that side: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Zhu, you¡¯ve misunderstood. This is our Qingyun Sect¡¯s...¡± He saw that Tianheng was already at the Xiantian Realm now, ¡°...Inner Sect disciple, and he shares the same status as us. We should get along properly.¡±

    Theplexion of that person surnamed Zhu reddened and paled. Shortly thereafter, he gave a coldugh: ¡°Ha! Huangfu Zhanghao, you seem to be old friends with him? No wonder you¡¯re speaking up for him like this. He has taken away all the benefits up ahead. How could I, the Senior Sect Brother, tolerate him for hogging everything? I¡¯m afraid you also can¡¯t tolerate it!¡±

    Zhanghao bit back a retort, but after seeing that Tianheng¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t the least bit flustered, his mind also made ns. He restrained that sliver of greed borne from Zhu Jiu¡¯s words, and said: ¡°Brother Tianheng, since you got here first and swept away the cmities ahead...¡±

    When he spoke up to here, he suddenly recalled those pitch-ck ghasts as well as those unobstructed tomb chambers. He was frightened at once, but his words didn¡¯t stop: ¡°...The things you obtained naturally belong to you. Senior Sect Brother Zhu, how can you wield your own identity as a fellow disciple to demand it of him? There are things that a man of character will and won¡¯t do. Such instigations really aren¡¯t befitting of a gentleman.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to Zhu Jiu and Zhanghao¡¯s words, and his fingers tightened.

    Right now, it was like they were watching a y or something... This side hadn¡¯t done anything yet, but that side had already started infighting. However, regardless of what Zhanghao¡¯s goal was, he was standing on the same side as his dear big brother. As such, this what somewhat beneficial to them. Otherwise, his big brother would either have to incite disharmony in the rtionship between the two sides, or he would have to deal with them as a joint force, which would be hard work inparison.

    Throughout Zhu Jiu¡¯s life, what he hated the most was insubordination. Upon hearing Zhanghao¡¯s words, he knew that his own instigations had failed. A hint of fury couldn¡¯t help shing through his eyes: ¡°Huangfu Zhanghao, you entered the Inner Sect after me, but do you know that you need to respect your Senior Sect Brothers? Besides, there¡¯s no need to be hypocritical! Who doesn¡¯t want treasure? Meeting us can also be considered their bad luck. It¡¯s better that we get rid of them, seize their belongings, and hand it over to the Sect for even more advantages. They probably didn¡¯t arrive by following the Sect into the Great Tomb, so who would know that we killed them?¡±

    Zhanghao also looked down on Zhu Jiu. His words didn¡¯t have the slightest trace of backing down: ¡°While we should respect our Senior Sect Brothers, those Senior Sect Brothers should also be worthy of respect. Let alone making schemes to plunder the fortuitous encounter that your Junior Sect Brother obtained, you still want to conspire to murder your fellow disciples. Who in their right mind would want to follow such a person? If anyone did follow you, who would be capable of sincerely respecting you? In all likelihood, once someone loses any exploitive value, then they¡¯ll be simrly dealt with. It¡¯s really quitementable.¡±

    Whatever provocations they came up with over there, he could do the same.

    Zhu Jiu¡¯s eyes carried an ominous light: ¡°You really aren¡¯t willing?¡±

    Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯splexion was cold: ¡°I¡¯d advise that Senior Sect Brother Zhu doesn¡¯t entertain any wild fantasies. Although I have a few less people here, I believe that Brother Tianheng certainly won¡¯t mind joining forces with me. At that time, even though you have personal guards, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to fight with us where neither side wins!¡±

    Originally, Zhanghao¡¯s forces here were really weak with just five Xiantians. Tianheng had two Xiantians on his side. Added together, it was seven versus nine. They were still the weaker party ¡ª The pharmacist and Houtian martial artists were all considered superfluous, and weren¡¯t counted among them by Zhanghao and the others.

    However, Tianheng had seized the good things in the Great Tomb. If pressed, there would be no way for Zhu Jiu¡¯s side to achieve their goal. This would pull things back a little bit in terms of battle superiority. On top of that, one couldn¡¯t look at how there were more people on that side. In fact, Zhu Jiu himself couldn¡¯t be counted for anybat power. Zhanghao was likewise being protected, but he could contribute. In this way, the gap was even smaller.

    Zhu Jiu listened to Zhanghao¡¯s threats, and his gaze shed repeatedly. Hisplexion was extremely ugly.

    At this time, the four bodyguards at his side exchanged nces. The most senior among them spoke up: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Zhu, you shouldn¡¯t save a little only to lose a lot.¡±

    Zhu Jiu clenched his fists. After a long while, he lowered his head unwillingly. But, no one saw the bitter resentment in the depths of his eyes. There was nothing to be done. In actuality, quite a few of his people had died earlier. While those four people were protecting him, they would also restrict him under essential circumstances. It was basically impossible for him tomand them when they had already made up their minds. This caused him to develop hatred towards these four people in his heart.

    That senior protector advanced a step, and spoke staidly: ¡°Since we¡¯re all fellow disciples, then any problems can be discussed. We naturally won¡¯t dip our fingers into those previous things, but our Sect will pay a high price to research this Great Tomb. For the state of affairs in the tomb within this tomb chamber... I¡¯ll have to ask this Junior Sect Brother to follow us to see the Elder, and talk things over.¡±

    At first, Huangfu Zhanghao¡¯s mental state was stretched taut, but when he saw the four protecters on that side making this decision, he couldn¡¯t help heaving a sigh of relief.

    He didn¡¯t want to confront Tianheng at all.

    Perhaps he wasn¡¯t too confident in himself, but he thoroughly understood that, back when Tianheng wasn¡¯t able to practice martial arts, there were many times where people weren¡¯t optimistic about Tianheng, but he would always win in the end. This caused those who tried to entrap him to suffer immense retributions, while he earned money by the boatload. In short, he had never suffered a loss.

    Thus, under the premise that he and Tianheng had an oath of allegiance, he wasn¡¯t willing to make things difficult for any unknown benefits ¡ª In actuality, they really didn¡¯t know what was in this Great Tomb. Maybe there wasn¡¯t anything useful? It wasn¡¯t necessary to antagonize others for this reason.

    Gu Zuo secretly praised that guy in the depths of his heart.

    Sure enough, Huangfu Zhanghao was an intelligent person.

    En, it might¡¯ve also been because his borrowed luck was too good.

    Hence, Zhanghao turned his head, and said to Tianheng: ¡°It seems there¡¯s no one else in this Great Tomb. Brother Tianheng, wouldn¡¯t it better for us to go out together? The Elder who¡¯s awaiting us this time is a capable subordinate of the Sect Master. He¡¯s always impartial. If Brother Tianheng makes a big contribution to the Sect, you certainly won¡¯t be treated unfairly. And if Brother Tianheng doesn¡¯t want to do this, the Elder also won¡¯t make things difficult. However, Brother Tianheng is also a member of our Sect, so just don¡¯t let your own fertile waters flow into the fields of outsiders!¡±

    These words were certainly good to hear. Moreover,pared to the former aristocratic young master, not only did he seem open-minded, he also had the bearing of a high-ranking individual. He was very effective at swaying bystanders to his cause.

    Of course, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t form any thoughts about wanting to rely on his help because of this. However, since it was pleasant to the ears, Tianheng put forward a very sincere attitude: ¡°I¡¯ll naturally ce my trust in Brother Zhanghao.¡± Then, he looked at that senior from before, ¡°Many thanks for upholding justice, Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    Off to the side, that Zhu Jiu had beenpletely shaken off. Tianheng looked everyone in the eye except for him. Naturally, Zhu Jiu¡¯s anger was unbearable, but there was still nothing he could do about it. Following this, he could only hatefully remember all these people and get his revenge on them one by one in the future. Merely, he didn¡¯t discover that the other three protecters around him had observed his expression this time. They all faintly shook their heads.

    While there was nothing wrong with wanting benefits, it was inappropriate to persist on a lost cause for personal gain; especially when it was in spite of the Sect¡¯s general situation. Wanting to obtain advantages was human nature, but he didn¡¯t understand how to weigh up one¡¯s words and expressions for the sake of said advantages. From the start, he only thought about murdering his fellow disciples, and there wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of internal struggle. One could see that his heart was ice-cold.

    cing this child in a position of power would be difficult to endure. They still needed to observe some more.

    Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s words weren¡¯t finished: ¡°This one happens to know about some matters in this Great Tomb. When I meet the Elder, I¡¯ll exin the inside information. As for any transactions... I¡¯ll discuss them with the Elder in detail.¡±

    Those couple of protecters heard this, and their expressions were ddened.

    From these few words, they heard some things.

    After that, the leading protecter said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, the matter shouldn¡¯t be dyed. We¡¯ll first guard these few Junior Sect Brothers out of the Great Tomb.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Brother Zhanghao, after you. Ladies and gentlemen, please.¡±

    Zhanghao saw that Tianheng was giving him face, and simrly wore a smiling expression: ¡°Brother Tianheng, after you.¡±

    Yet, right at this moment, Zhu Jiu suddenly shouted: ¡°That coffin should be brought back to the Sect!¡±

    When these words were spoken, the expressions of everyone in the tomb changed.

    Zhu Jiu was proud of himself and said: ¡°What? Witnessing the beauty of this woman¡¯s corpse has unexpectedly captivated you all. Have you forgotten the Sect¡¯s mission? The woman¡¯s corpse here is vivid and lifelike. If we bring it back, open the coffin, and do some checking, maybe we can still obtain benefits!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that no one saw the coffin. On the contrary, because Yan Ruo¡¯s corpse radiated an alluring light as she did in life, the men who came in couldn¡¯t help being attracted in an instant. If that strand of Remnant Soul hadn¡¯t already been fused with Ling Ziwei, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t have immediately started fighting and scheming against one another. Rather, all of their attention would¡¯ve been on the woman¡¯s corpse!

    However, these people also knew that this was the centermost tomb, and the corpse inside of the coffin was certainly the tomb owner. She slept peacefully herein, but it wasn¡¯t known what methods she possessed while alive. Why would they go to disturb her corpse? It was assumed that all the benefits that could be taken in the tomb chamber were snatched by Tianheng. Naturally, it was better to let the woman¡¯s corpse rest in this ce. They simply wouldn¡¯t have been so heedless as Zhu Jiu¡¯s words, and take away the predecessor¡¯s corpse!

    Gu Zuo immediately developed a feeling of disgust towards that Zhu Jiu.

    Grave robbing was one thing, but thinking about stealing the corpse, too? Moreover, after opening his mouth, he was so disrespectful to Yan Ruo. If Yan Ruo was still alive, a single palm would¡¯ve been capable of pping Zhu Jiu to death several times over. How could anyone tolerate him to speak ostentatiously here?

    The others also bore some ill will towards Zhu Jiu.

    Just before Zhanghao was about to berate him, one of Zhu Jiu¡¯s protectors already spoke first: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Zhu, have you forgotten Junior Sect Brother Wang¡¯s ending? Could it be that you want to try it out personally?¡±

    Gu Zuo was puzzled.

    Zhanghao exined to everyone in a cold voice: ¡°Just a while ago, this Senior Sect Brother Zhu took a fancy towards that small sculpture outside. He ordered Junior Sect Brother Wang to go and fetch it for him. In the end, that sculpture possessed great power and Junior Sect Brother Wang died immediately. But our Senior Sect Brother Zhu didn¡¯t care about it at all. Now, he¡¯s being disrespectful towards the owner of this tomb. Does he want to make another Junior Sect Brother test the tomb owner¡¯s methods?¡±

    When these words were uttered, the four actual Xiantian martial artists standing around Zhu Jiu all shifted away to the sides a little bit.

    Zhu Jiu was furious. He knew that this corpse was out of reach, and flicked his sleeves: ¡°You guys had better not regret this!¡±

    Zhanghao¡¯s gaze was gloomy and unfeeling.

    Gu Zuo sighed again.

    How should he put it? Even he, a person who grew up in a peaceful world, had a feeling of wanting to kill that guy and burn the evidence... That guy was too good at pulling aggro!

    Following this, everyone returned to the original path.

    When they left the inner tomb chamber, Gongyi Tianyang and Ling Ziwei both turned around and nced at that coffin as well as that small sculpture.

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    These two people would be allowed their eternal rest here... He hoped that nobody woulde to disturb them in the future.

    If there was a next life, he also hoped that destiny could bring the two together.

    No matter what kind of fated rtionship, so long as they could meet again, that would be the best. Wasn¡¯t that so?

    Although the nature of it wasn¡¯t quite the same...it was much like him and his big brother.

    Aftering to this world, he had always felt that encountering Tianheng was very lucky. That Human King Yan Ruo ¡ª Princess Yan Ruo should¡¯ve also thought the same thing after meeting Huo Zhan, right?

    The process of leaving the Great Tomb was also very smooth.

    Previously, Gu Zuo andpany had disposed of the blood corpses. When Huangfu Zhanghao and the others passed through, they had also gotten rid of the remaining ghost corpses. Inside of the true tomb, there really weren¡¯t any more dangers.

    Speaking of which, Human King Yan Ruo¡¯s temperament was very good. While there were many dangers in her tomb, the strengths of those living corpses actually weren¡¯t beyond reasonable limits. What she used was human wave tactics, but there wasn¡¯t anything outrageous like living corpses at the Immortal Realm or above. This clearly showed that she wanted to choose a disciple. If people still died in droves, what was there to me her for?

    As for there being seventeen fake tombs and one real tomb... Was it okay if she hadn¡¯t wanted to be disturbed too much? Was it okay if she wanted to find a disciple with good luck? It waspletely okay! She had every right to be willful and headstrong!

    Gu Zuo followed behind Tianheng with a head full of assorted thoughts. Then, they were led to a seemingly upright and inspoken Elder.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch218 - Enormous Benefits

    <h4>Chapter Ch218 - Enormous Benefits</h4>

    That staid young man who previously put a stop to Zhu Jiu arrived in front of the Elder. He approached the Elder¡¯s ear, and whispered a few words. Soon after, the Elder¡¯s gaze fell upon Gongyi Tianheng.

    The corner of his mouth twitched, but because he was always solemn and his face was stretched taut, he had no way of showing a warm smile so quickly. Instead, it appeared a little creepy.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The Elder was better off keeping a straight face. Wanting to smile, but being unable to smile made him look like a bad guy.

    Contrary to what one might expect, Tianheng allowed that Elder to size him up. Moreover, he courteously took a step forward: ¡°Greetings, Elder.¡±

    That Elder nodded his head, and said: ¡°The younger generations shall surpass us in time. Your luck is truly amazing.¡±

    He looked like a swift and decisive person. At this moment, he spoke forthrightly: ¡°Student, what ns do you have? Do you want to return to the Sect with us?¡±

    Tianheng eyed his surroundings.

    Huangfu Zhanghao and the majority of his group had returned safely. It seemed that there wasn¡¯t anyone who was doing poorly. This caused some people with discerning eyes to be suspicious. Had they already obtained the inheritance? If not, they should¡¯ve encountered a fake tomb, and ended up empty-handed.

    However, because of Qingyun Sect¡¯s reputation, other forces suspected even more that the inheritance had already been obtained by them. As a result, there was a sense of scrutiny and a nearly imperceptible trace of malice amid the gazes of the many people who were looking over.

    If Tianheng left this ce by himself, he would certainly be the target of a multitude of arrows ¡ª He was also someone who came out of the tomb. The others all left with Qingyun Sect, he would naturally be out of luck.

    How could Tianheng allow himself to fall into such dire circumstances?

    This problem soon had a precise solution.

    Not long after they departed, those eighteen entrances all started to copse!

    The members of the other organizations suddenly weren¡¯t in the mood to preupy themselves with this matter. What they were worried about right now was the safety of those geniuses who previously entered those tombs!

    If they all died here...

    This incident wasn¡¯t beyond Tianheng¡¯s expectations because, once the inheritance was obtained by someone, it indicated that the innermost tomb had been opened and there wasn¡¯t anything left to guard against. Human King Yan Ruo hadn¡¯t wanted to be disturbed. It was only natural that the tomb would be sealed once more. As for the situation of those entrances copsing, it was presumably to give her inheritor some cover.

    The facts really were as such. Although Tianheng andpany had received lots of attention just now, when the entrances of the Human King¡¯s tomb started to copse, those geniuses who were being worried over by the other forces all appeared one by one. And at this time, if the members of numerous organizations didn¡¯t go to rescue them, they would perish due to that copse!

    This time was lucky. There was a ny percent probability that the inheritance had fallen into the hands of a Qingyun Sect disciple. However, they currently didn¡¯t have the energy to investigate.

    ¡ª In Human King Yan Ruo¡¯s original n, if things had reached this stage, her inheritor would¡¯ve possessed her treasures and should¡¯ve been able to escape in one piece.

    The tomb was copsing faster and faster. Although the other forces couldn¡¯t take action for the moment, who knew how many would cause trouble for Qingyun Sect once this incident ended? As the continent¡¯s number one sect, Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t afraid of this matter at all. But in the end, the one who came was merely an Elder, not the entire Sect. It would be good if they were able to muddle their way through.

    It went without saying that Tianheng also had ns in mind. He wanted to extort what he could from the Sect¡¯s hands. There wasn¡¯t any need for hesitation. He promptly said: ¡°If this Elder doesn¡¯t mind, this disciple hopes to follow this Elder back to the Sect.¡±

    The corners of that Elder¡¯s mouth twitched again. After discovering that he still couldn¡¯t form a good-natured expression, he decisively gave up. He waved his sleeve: ¡°Good. Let¡¯s go!¡±

    After he finished speaking, everyone from Qingyun Sect boarded the flying ship, regardless of what thoughts they had.

    Even at this juncture, Tianheng didn¡¯t forget to keep things hidden. Without any trouble, he swept Gu Zuo into his arms and soared into the air while embracing Gu Zuo. Tianyang and Dragon One followed close behind, but the Ling n siblings were hesitating...

    Tianyang said: ¡°With the current situation, it¡¯s better to go together with us.¡±

    Tianheng had told Tianyang long ago about his intentions of receiving this brother and sister pair. On top of that, Ling Ziwei possessed the inheritance and Ling Ziqi had performed quite well the entire time. Surely his elder brother wouldn¡¯t me him for making such a decision at this moment.

    The Ling n siblings exchanged nces, and followed after them.

    Yes, they wouldn¡¯tg behind now after journeying with their benefactor all this time. Moreover, if they had that luck... The brother and sister pair suppressed the hope in their hearts, but they had a certain understanding based on Tianyang¡¯s bearing.

    After boarding the ship, Tianheng put Gu Zuo down.

    In the end, it was still the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline which had the most power.

    Moreover, even if the faction members of the other branch bloodlines united, their forces were still somewhat weaker.

    What surprised Gu Zuo was that Zhu Jiu had also been left outside, which waspletely different from Zhanghao. After that, Gu Zuo used his psychic power to observe everyone¡¯s expressions. He discovered that the attitude of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline towards Zhu Jiu was rather alienated. It appeared like...they weren¡¯t on the same side? Contrary to what one might expect, Zhu Jiu¡¯s protectors also seemed to be part of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline.

    He couldn¡¯t help secretly thinking that maybe there was an ulterior motive for splitting the people who came to the Great Tomb into two groups.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s location was within the airtight hold of the ship.

    His people were all present with Gu Zuo and the others. Not a single one was missing. Merely, they looked like they were only Tianheng¡¯s subordinates. After receiving several nces, aside from Gu Zuo and Dragon One, none of the remaining three were even Xiantian. Their existences were practically the same as part of the background.

    Tianheng looked very modest, but at this time, he should¡¯ve wanted to negotiate for advantages. To avoid being led by the nose, he naturally spoke first to seize the initiative: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from this Elder. There was indeed an inheritance in that Great Tomb, and the inheritance was indeed taken by us.¡±

    That Elder¡¯s expression stirred: ¡°Oh? I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡± He paused somewhat, ¡°This student¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    In addition, some didn¡¯t expect Tianheng to be so blunt and decisive. On the contrary, they looked at him with astonished gazes.

    Zhanghao was also emotionally moved, and soon let out a light sigh.

    Always being able to make the most cool-headed decisions during the most optimal times. On this point, he wasn¡¯t like Gongyi Tianheng.

    It was also because of this that he had always maintained some restraining fears towards Tianheng ¡ª Even though he was now full of experience and was greatly valued, and it seemed like his position was much higher than that of Tianheng, things hadn¡¯t changed.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°As a member of the Sect, since I luckily obtained some achievements in the Great Tomb, I naturally have to consider the Sect. Disciples aren¡¯t saints, but they also aren¡¯t selfish and cold-hearted.¡±

    The Elder¡¯s eyes shed with a glimmer of appreciation: ¡°If this disciple has given thought to the Sect, the Sect also won¡¯t seek this disciple¡¯s benefits. Student Gongyi, this old man can give you this promise.¡±

    Tianheng cupped his hands: ¡°Many thanks, Elder.¡±

    The things he wanted weren¡¯t merely just these, but the transaction¡¯s first step was already tentatively achieved.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Okay, his big brother had always been courageous. He duped others before, and he could dupe the Elder now... He silently withdrew.

    As he waited, he was optimistic about the oue.

    Following this, Tianheng¡¯s expression underwent a change.

    At first, he was just a bit despondent, but then he subtly gestured at Tianyang and Ling Ziwei. Those two were ustomed to listening to him, and walked forward at this moment. Under Tianheng¡¯s instructions, they paid their respects to everyone inside ¡ª In any case, there wasn¡¯t a single individual whose status or strength were lower than theirs. So, they had to be humble.

    When the Elder saw these two people, his mind shed with an idea. Immediately following which, he asked: ¡°Student, this is?¡±

    Huangfu Zhanghao and the couple of protecters all furrowed their eyebrows.

    Could it be that the inheritance had been ¡ª It couldn¡¯t have, right?

    But, in fact, it did.

    Tianheng sighed and said: ¡°This tomb was actually a Human King¡¯s tomb. When we arrived at the innermost tomb, we saw a carved statue and a woman in a coffin...¡±

    Rather than his usual measured pacing where he¡¯d hide or select some things, he exined most of the matter that Ling Ziwei told them to those people of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline.

    As Gu Zuo listened, he inwardlypared it with the real facts.

    After that, Gu Zuo discovered that, although his dear big brother still hid some things this time, Tianheng really didn¡¯t utter a single false or misleading statement. Even the matter of that Remnant Soul was narrated systematically and in full detail. Nothing was omitted ¡ª Gu Zuo thought about this, and found it reasonable. This definitely wasn¡¯t a negligent person. This Elder of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline was a pseudo Atomic Realm martial artist. It wasn¡¯t known how many years this Elder had lived, but trying to act clever in front of him was just too foolish.

    When concealing a little bit, perhaps the guy wouldn¡¯t notice, but even if it was noticed, it was better than having a story full of holes. What¡¯s more, it was said earlier that the Sect wouldn¡¯t take a hold of its disciple¡¯s opportunities. His big brother acting in this way would instead reassure the other party.

    Just as expected, that Elder behaved as Gu Zuo anticipated. There definitely wasn¡¯t the least bit of displeasure, and there was a profound meaning to his expression.

    Tianheng finished talking: ¡°Consequently, because my biological younger brother¡¯s attributes were identical to that General Huo Zhan, he obtained the general¡¯s cultivation method. As for the Young Lady Ling, because of her special constitution, she became that Human King Yan Ruo¡¯s true inheritor!¡±

    Amid all this, he exined that the key which opened the Human King¡¯s tomb was the Ling n siblings¡¯ family heirloom, which connected to the mission he did previously. However, he didn¡¯t mention that the secret key returned to their side after its activation; he only said that it disappeared and was never seen again. He also talked about how they faced several challenges and eliminated the ghost corpses and blood corpses. But as for what they specifically obtained in each tomb chamber, he only said they got some cultivation methods and a few spirit weapons without mentioning the exact amounts. For the others, this was just to hint that the obtained spirit weapons had recognized masters.

    The Elder finished listening. Just as he said, the things Tianheng and the others took out of the tomb chambers weren¡¯t seized ¡ª Because it wasn¡¯t known that there were also Golden-Level spirit weapons which were worth Atomic Realm martial artists fighting over, not a single question was asked. In addition, the gaze that fell upon Ling Ziwei was also very ordinary.

    But with Gu Zuo¡¯s keen psychic power, he realized that there was a trace of happiness in the Elder¡¯s expression ¡ª He wanted to rope in Ling Ziwei! Moreover, he certainly knew about special constitutions and that people who possessed special constitutions were all unequivocal geniuses!

    Perhaps it was also due to this reason that he feigned ignorance and didn¡¯t even get to the bottom of this? Yes. After all, what he cared about were still the things within the innermost tomb. Those things were the most valuable.

    But had this valuation fallen onto Ling Ziwei herself?

    Gu Zuo inwardly shed a few tears for Tianyang¡¯s future bumpy road to love.

    ording to this situation, Ling Ziwei would likely be a proud genius of Qingyun Sect in the future. Most of all, she had a Human King¡¯s inheritance. At the very least, didn¡¯t this mean that she could reach the same level as a Human King? It would be strange if such a personage wasn¡¯t confessed to!

    In contrast, there was Gongyi Tianyang. He had actually obtained General Huo Zhan¡¯s inheritance, but his constitution was unfortunately limited. If he wasn¡¯t able to invest ten thousand times the effort, then he wouldn¡¯t be a match for Ling Ziwei. Rather, he would fail to chase after Ling Ziwei. Granted that they had the Ling n siblings¡¯ favor, this also wasn¡¯t an exception.

    But after Gu Zuo shook his head, his heart became determined.

    If Ling Ziweiter had a falling out with them and became hostile, it wasn¡¯t necessary to pay attention to that kind of weak-willed behavior. It was better to allow Tianyang to reconcile his losses. But if Ling Ziwei stood by Tianyang, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t believe that he and Tianheng didn¡¯t have a way to collect enough for Tianyang¡¯s betrothal gift!

    If nothing else, there was still that jade circlet spirit weapon which suited Ling Ziwei... He had the craftsmanship of medicine refinement, and his big brother had business management skills and exceptional talents. With the two of them working together, even if Tianyang was a wooden club, they could elevate him up to match Ling Ziwei¡¯s realm!

    Because Gu Zuo had be increasingly experienced, the things that the system gave him were also gradually upgrading. On top of that, Gu Zuo had been able to let himself shine brightly when refining medicine several times, which allowed Gu Zuo to develop lots of confidence. In fact, in his heart, his self-confidence was so full to bursting that he clenched his fists silently.

    At any rate, the future was a long ways away, and it was better to just speak about the present. He believed that when his big brother handed over his gains, Tianheng could obtain even more suitable benefits from the Sect!

    Things weren¡¯t beyond Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations.

    Tianheng had moved onto the matter of the inheritance, and discussed some things with the Elder first. One of the more crucial ones was that Ling Ziwei would be taken in by the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. However, a request needed to be made to the Sect Master if she specifically wanted to take on a powerhouse as her teacher. Of course, they had already came to an agreement at the start that it needed to be a peak Immortal Realm or pseudo Atomic Realm Elder who had true authority.

    Ling Ziwei listened to Tianheng and that Elder¡¯s discussion, and her heart was even more grateful towards Tianheng.

    Soon after, Ling Ziqi smoothly obtained the identity of an Outer Sect disciple. Furthermore, he also obtained an Inner Sect disciple token. He didn¡¯t need to pay the monthly tax of Scarlet Blood Rice. Rather, so long as his strength reached a certain degree, he wouldn¡¯t have to take any tests and would directly be an Inner Sect disciple.

    As for Tianyang, he simrly obtained a token. And apart from the same treatment as Ling Ziqi, he could also obtain ten nominal disciple tokens in advance. Also, there was something considered as the added benefit of being Tianheng¡¯s biological younger brother ¡ª In other words, he could also start recruiting a team.

    This portion of the transaction was to everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction.

    It seemed that Tianheng hadn¡¯t done anything and allowed Tianyang to take some small advantages, but it couldn¡¯t be said as such. Tianheng had equivalently gifted the Sect a genius with a special constitution! As a result, the benefits given to Tianyang were actually to rece Ling Ziwei, who was already ssified as a genius of the Sect. This was to express their gratitude to Tianheng and to show the value they had ced upon Ling Ziwei.

    Everyone was very satisfied.

    But, the transaction still wasn¡¯t finished yet.

    Gu Zuoposed himself, and discovered that Tianheng clutched three sheets of ancient paper in his hand. The contents of these three sheets of paper were observed by that Elder and the people of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline!

    At this very moment, that Elder¡¯s face was twitching even more severely. What kind of an old fox was he? At a nce, he could see the worth of these three pill prescriptions! Moreover, there was a high-level pharmacist among the trusted aides who had arrived. That pharmacist had a look where he was itching to snatch them immediately, which illustrated the might of these pill prescriptions.

    These pill prescriptions represented Qingyun Sect¡¯s peak strength!

    Although the eminent and unapproachable status of Qingyun Sect was rted to the Sect¡¯s size and the prosperity of the disciples at all levels, what truly allowed them to stand tall was that they had an unbroken lineage of those at the Atomic Realm and above who could always press down upon the heads of other forces.

    At this moment, Tianheng wore a smiling expression. His tone was clear and lively: ¡°This humble disciple hopes to donate these three pill prescriptions to the Sect.¡±

    If it was said that the Elder was happy about the smooth recruitment of the Moon Siren Body¡¯s Ling Ziwei, then now, he was ecstatic. No matter how promising Ling Ziwei was, she was only a single individual. However, the ones who benefited from the existence of the pill prescriptions were all those who possessed peak martial power ¡ª So long as the medicinal pills were sessfully made, their strengths could advance to another level! For the people who had been unable to make breakthroughs, perhaps they could take the next step!

    Even if it was a little dangerous, the search for riches and honor was fraught with peril. As martial artists, was there anything that wasn¡¯t dangerous?

    Originally, Elder Zhong of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline wasn¡¯t a someone who could only show dignity with a straight face, but when he saw the pill prescriptions, he couldn¡¯t conceal a hint of excitement.

    After this excitement, Elder Zhong promptly made numerous calctions in his heart. He also made a sufficient mental outline of Tianheng¡¯s future treatment!

    The Moon Siren Body couldn¡¯t be lost. It also seemed that Tianheng¡¯s luck and potential were both excellent, and he was discreet. They, the members of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, had always known how to convert disciples. They certainly wouldn¡¯t miss the opportunity here!

    Gu Zuo held his breath.

    His big brother... What could this be exchanged for?

    Elder Zhong reluctantly withdrew his line of sight from the pill prescriptions. When he looked at Tianheng, his expression was almost like he was looking at a child bearing treasure. He spoke solemnly and quickly: ¡°Student, this virtuous act is a contribution to the Sect. My Sect Master¡¯s bloodline will certainly be generous with its treatment! This student¡¯s current strength is already at Xiantian stage five. Normally, you wouldn¡¯t be able to be a Core Disciple, but this old man can take charge of this decision and give this student a paymentparable to a Core Disciple. When this student reaches the Immortal Realm, you can immediately be a Core Disciple.¡±

    ¡ª Not all Immortal Realms were Core Disciples, but a Core Disciple had to be an Immortal Realm martial artist.

    And what treatment did Core Disciples have?

    To say nothing of the higher monthly sry, there were often discounts when using contribution points for transactions within the Sect. For example, there were some very good and precious things that were basically impossible for non Core Disciples to select. In addition, if Core Disciples had a high degree of contribution, many good things could be discounted when making exchanges.

    With regards to one¡¯s foundations, Core Disciples could freely obtain a storefront or some other business in the Business District, allowing them to umte wealth. But the most important thing was still one¡¯s team. Not only would the nominal disciple quota increase by over a hundred slots at once, even the twenty Inner Sect disciple positions could be obtained in advance!

    Of course, the twenty positions didn¡¯t mean that one could pick twenty individuals who¡¯d yet to reach Xiantian to be Inner Sect disciples. However, this could allow some nominal disciples to enjoy the treatment of the Inner Sect ahead of time. They would even be capable of dodging the assessment just like Ling Ziqi. Once the realm was reached, a promotion was only to be expected.

    Core Disciples didn¡¯t need to reside in courtyards or valleys. They could directly have a small hill. And all of the small valleys in the vicinity of the hill also belonged to them. In addition, they could establish farnds at their discretion on the hill, and the harvests would belongpletely to them... One could also obtain a good price if they wanted to sell the crops to the Sect.

    Beyond that, if one wanted to construct a mansion house on the hill, it could be submitted for the Sect to oversee for a one-time offer. Even if it was damaged someday, the Sect woulde to repair it. Merely, the total expenditure couldn¡¯t exceed a certain amount ¡ª But with things like this, the highest amount absolutely wasn¡¯t a small number.

    And so on and so forth.

    Gu Zuo was envious when he first became aware of the difference between Core Disciples and Inner Sect disciples. But how long had it been since his big brother entered the Sect for him to have such treatment!

    Sure enough, when following his big brother, there was meat to eat... Ah, that wasn¡¯t right. There was good living conditions andrge handfuls of medicinal ingredients.

    That Elder Zhong continued to speak: ¡°Because of the enormous contribution of this student to the Sect, you will be promoted to first-ss quasi Core Disciple and will be given an additional ten thousand contribution points to show our gratitude. This student has two options for the medicinal pills refined from the Sect¡¯s Pharmacist Hall for improving your strength. The first is to arbitrarily choose ten types of medicinal pills suitable for Immortal Ream martial artists. You may have ten pills of each type. The second is that this student may arbitrarily choose three types of pills suitable for Atomic Realm martial artists, with one of each type. These will be provided for this student¡¯s use of cultivation.

    ¡°Aside from this, you may go to the Spirit Weapon Pavilion to choose one spirit weapon. This student will also get a token which will allow you to pass through each floor of the Martial Scripture Pavilion, and you may choose a cultivation method to peruse. Only, this student must exercise caution. You mustn¡¯t be greedy, or else it will harm your own cultivation...¡±

    This Elder Zhong dered the benefits that the Sect would bestow one by one. Gu Zuo listened in a dumbstruck manner. He knew that the three pill prescriptions were very useful, but he didn¡¯t expect that there would be so many things in exchange... Soon after, he thought it over again, and realized that his big brother¡¯s goal had been reached.

    As Elder Zhong previously said, all of this was to improve his big brother¡¯s status. This would allow his big brother to possess massive conveniences in the Inner Sect.

    After that, Tianheng calmly expressed his thanks: ¡°This disciple humbly epts. I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch219 - Abnormal Condition

    <h4>Chapter Ch219 - Abnormal Condition</h4>

    Because of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s tact, this trip had been quite rewarding for Qingyun Sect. Not only was there a disciple with a special constitution, there were also rare pill prescriptions. Compared to the other organizations who instead came back empty-handed and had lost many people, they had truly done far better.

    Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and the others were very satisfied with their harvest. During the journey back, Tianheng had disyed those smooth and slickmunication skills of his, and had left a good impression on the many people of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. While it couldn¡¯t be said that he was able topletely make friends with them, nor was he regarded importantly by them, so long as he left this impression, he could certainly have endless benefits at the right time in the future.

    The journey went smoothly ¡ª Or rather, under the urgent prompting of Elder Zhong and the Sect Master¡¯s trusted aides to hasten the flying ship, the other forces didn¡¯t have enough time to react in any way. They had already flown extremely far. Even if the people behind wanted to chase after them, it was absolutely impossible to do so.

    In just a few days, they reached Qingyun Sect.

    Gu Zuo returned to that small valley. Meanwhile, Tianheng followed Elder Zhong into the depths of the Sect¡¯s core area to pay a formal visit to the Sect Master. In Qingyun Sect, the Sect Master was the powerhouse whose strength was the highest. One would always see the dragon¡¯s head, but never its tail. Even Core Disciples and True Apprentices didn¡¯t have the rights to see him. This time around, if it wasn¡¯t for the great importance ced upon the inheritance, that Tianheng was involved in the matter, and that it was needed for him to exin the state of affairs again, it would¡¯ve been impossible for Tianheng to see the Sect Master as well.

    But no matter what, the worth of a disciple who met the Sect Master was always distinctive.

    What could be concealed from Elder Zhong wouldn¡¯t necessarily be concealed from the Sect Master. With regards to the matter of his dear big brother seeing the Sect Master, it wasn¡¯t that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t worried, but there was nothing he could do about it. Gu Zuo could only ce his trust in Tianheng.

    On the aspect of luck, the Tiandu Body should¡¯ve been very good.

    Gu Zuo shook his head, and restrained his unease.

    The Ling n siblings had likewise gone their separate ways. Ling Ziwei wouldn¡¯t being back, but he couldn¡¯t be sure about Ling Ziqi. But with Ling Ziwei present, his affairs probably wouldn¡¯t turn out too bad.

    Gu Zuo instructed the Tianlong Guards to handle any affairs, and cated the worried Tianyang. Then, he took out those newly-obtained item books, and started to slowly flip through them.

    Although he didn¡¯t have the ability to refine Golden-Level medicinal pills right now, he could gain an understanding at an earlier time or even give it an asional try... At the very least, he would know what was going on when he encountered such a situation in the future.

    Gu Zuo gradually became fascinated as he kept reading.

    The refining methods of Golden-Level medicinal pills, medicinal cuisines, and medicinal decoctions were more than twice as mysterious as that of Human-Level medicine. The degree ofplexity of those prescriptions were far beyondparison.

    Gu Zuo read through it all. Just when he went to check his inventory of the medicinal ingredients he purchased once more, Tianheng returned. His expression didn¡¯t contain the slightest trace of reluctance, and hisplexion was very tranquil. Sure enough, it seemed that the results weren¡¯t bad at all.

    Gu Zuo promptly put down his book, and stood up to wee Tianheng back: ¡°Big brother, are you alright?¡± He paused before asking, ¡°The Sect Master, what does he look like?¡±

    Tianhengughed in spite of himself: ¡°The Sect Master was magnanimous. After a bit of questioning, that was it. As for the Sect Master¡¯s appearance, I actually don¡¯t remember it too well. I only vaguely feel that he was a man with an overbearing presence. He had a soaring charisma and a type of awe-inspiring spirit, which one can¡¯t help but admire.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help smiling, too: ¡°Whatever big brother says.¡±

    At this moment, Tianyang, who was off to the side practicing martial arts, walked over a little hesitantly: ¡°Big brother, Young Lady Ling, she...¡±

    Tianheng looked at his biological younger brother. He nodded his head and said: ¡°Young Lady Ling¡¯s constitution is special. Naturally, she is greatly valued. Right now, she has been received as the disciple of the head apprentice under the Sect Master. That head apprentice is an Elder with true authority, who is also a half-step Atomic Realm martial artist. With the new pill prescriptions in hand, it¡¯d only take a hard push and perhaps he¡¯ll be the next Atomic Realm powerhouse. At this moment, Young Lady Ling is a True Apprentice with a number of senior sect brothers and sisters. Her status is extraordinary.¡±

    Tianyang heard this, and his face had an expression that had a hint of relief, but also a hint of disappointment.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Tianyang, are you sure of your feelings for Young Lady Ling?¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s face reddened slightly in silent acknowledgment.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, you should redouble your efforts from this day forth. If not, Young Lady Ling¡¯s strength will make rapid progress while it¡¯ll be impossible for you to catch up to her.¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s originally blushingplexion paled at this moment, but the expression in his eyes was resolute.

    Tianheng was slightly satisfied: ¡°That set of jewelry is suitable for the Moon Siren Body. I was going to give it to you to act as a betrothal gift, but now I¡¯m afraid it can only act as an item to curry favor. If you really want to get together with Young Lady Ling, you¡¯ll have to use absolute strength to force others to hold their tongues.¡±

    Tianyang had already swept aside that previous hint of disappointment. He spoke firmly: ¡°Yes, big brother.¡±

    Once the two brothers finished speaking, Gu Zuo interjected: ¡°Tianyang, if there are any medicinal pills you need, just say the word. At that time, big brother can gather the medicinal ingredients for you and I¡¯ll refine them. In this aspect, you¡¯ll never fall behind those so-called genius disciples.¡±

    Tianyang¡¯s heart warmed, and he said: ¡°Many thanks, Brother Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo withdrew and turned to face Tianheng¡¯s gentle gaze. He didn¡¯t know why his face reddened, but these peculiarities quickly dispersed.

    Perhaps, within his subconscious mind, some things couldn¡¯t be recalled nor understood.

    Gu Zuo had juste back from Xu Lingxiu¡¯s ce ¡ª Because Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s small hill was still under construction, they still couldn¡¯t move for the time being.

    He had returned to the Sect two days ago. After this news had been made known to Xu Lingxiu, Gu Zuo was called over by someone. And the purpose of the one who called him over also wasn¡¯t outside of Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. It was to bring him to see an Elder with true authority who had deep connections to Xu Lingxiu ¡ª This was also an Elder who had a high standing in the Pharmacist Hall.

    That Elder wanted to see Gu Zuo. Naturally it was for the sake of the Spirit Devouring Pill¡¯s pill prescription.

    Danyun City had long obtained this pill prescription. They should¡¯ve researched it for a period of time, and perhaps many finished goods hade out of it. As such, Qingyun Sect also knew of this information and wouldn¡¯t let themselvesg behind their opponents.

    When Gu Zuo came over this time around, he knew that Xu Lingxiu had strived for two types of payment for him.

    The first type was naturally the same payment that Danyun City had given. From the Sect, two stalks of spirit medicine had been allocated to Gu Zuo to obtain the pill prescription.

    The second type was to use contribution points to act as an exchange. And the number of those contribution points reached a shocking ten thousand points ¡ª Although this pill prescription only had a single sheet and didn¡¯t have three types of precious pill prescriptions that were suitable for Atomic Realm martial artists, it wasn¡¯t the least bit inferior in terms of contributions.

    As far as Inner Sect disciples were concerned, contribution points were very important. If it was before, it would¡¯ve been important to Gu Zuo as well. But now it seemed a bit like chicken ribs.

    This thing was used to exchange for some precious medicinal ingredients or to enter some special areas of the Sect. Yet, Gu Zuo was now backed by Tianheng, who also had more than ten thousand contribution points in hand ¡ª In the past, the most Tianheng spent was at the Martial Scripture Pavilion, but the Martial Scripture Pavilion was nowpletely open to him. Thus, contribution points didn¡¯t have too many applicable uses. Naturally, it could all be given for Gu Zuo¡¯s use! What¡¯s more, Tianheng¡¯s current privileges allowed him to purchase many things that disciples with insufficient rank were unable to buy. There were even discounts...

    As a result, without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo chose the two spirit medicines.

    The more spirit medicines, the better. He wasn¡¯t someone who would turn a blind eye to them!

    Merely, on the selection of spirit medicines, Gu Zuo was somewhat unsure.

    His original intention was to stockpile some with different types and attributes. But just when he was about to make his selection, for some reason, he recalled the reddish-gold power that his big brother employed. Subconsciously, he made an exchange for two other spirit medicines ¡ª Both contained the power of the sun, and carried threads of heat.

    Afterwards, he didn¡¯t have any regrets.

    Once he bade farewell to Xu Lingxiu, Gu Zuo went back.

    Only, after Gu Zuo entered the courtyard and returned to his room, what he saw was a Gongyi Tianheng whose body waspletely soaked with sweat ¡ª Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was startled. He rushed over with his mind drawing a nk.

    ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯splexion was flushed red.

    Originally, his beautiful appearance was like the bright moon on a cold night. People would admire it, but they wouldn¡¯t dare to profane it in the slightest. At this moment, hisplexion seemed even more beautiful than the setting sun, and it had be another type of beauty. It would make a person want to touch him, but due to that serene expression, one would shyly retract their hand.

    But this kind of thought only flickered in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart for an instant and immediately faded away. Right now, what he cared about even more was why his big brother suddenly became like this.

    ¡ª Could it be that something had gone wrong during his cultivation?

    Because Tianheng had been practicing a self-made cultivation method that he created based on his ownprehension, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help worrying.

    Thus, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate to rush over and grab Tianheng¡¯s wrist: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t resist.¡±

    Tianheng seemed to be in extreme pain, and only managed to grunt in affirmation.

    Gu Zuo held his breath, and used his psychic power to swiftly investigate Tianheng¡¯s body.

    During this check, he immediately discovered that there was actually a power of an extremely cold yin. It wandered through his meridians as if it wanted to rush into his bone pearls. At the same time, it burned his blood, turning the equilibrium within his body into aplete mess. It also made his meridians, which weren¡¯t that tenacious to begin with, show signs of rigidity and brittleness.

    Gu Zuo was very anxious.

    What, what was this power?

    T/N: ording to the author, a section of this chapter contains outdated information, which conflicts with theter parts of the novel. Due to the rules at JJWXC, the author can¡¯t delete this section because it would be lowering the word count of a VIP chapter. Following the wishes of the author, this section has been removed in this trantion.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch220 - Will-O-Wisp Yin Flame

    <h4>Chapter Ch220 - Will-O-Wisp Yin me</h4>

    Because the source of the cold yin power within Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t be found and it was only sensed that it was continuously damaging Tianheng¡¯s body, Gu Zuo practically lost his head in a panic.

    What should be done? He had undoubtedly read many item books, and even knew how to nurse and treat the Tiandu Body after reaching the Immortal Realm. But unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t able to figure out his dear big brother¡¯s current ailing condition.

    If things continued like this...

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart jumped.

    Immediately following which, he sensed that his own body was bing scorchingly hot. Each bone pearl started to produce intense heat. Like countless strings, the silk threads of that Earthen Core me started to stir restlessly within his body.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s understanding of the current situation became less and less clear, but the swelling ache in his body told him that he needed to do something... Then, those threads of the Earthen Core me converged, and rays of orange light burst forth from his fingertips. Following that, each of his acupoints that contained bone pearls emitted lines of fire. It interweaved in front of him, formed arge, ming, and issued a spirited and scorching fire power!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo discovered that Tianheng¡¯s originally flushed skin suddenly turned an ashen color. Soon after, this ashen color gradually became deathly pale, which further turned into a type of morbid pallor ¡ª Even the qi emissions of his entire body seemed to be a cold yin!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze still hadn¡¯t wavered. Only, his lips had likewise lost their pink, healthy color.

    The fire in front of Gu Zuo burned even more vigorously.

    The Earthen Core me seemed to be both expecting and confronting something.

    Tianheng exerted himself to open his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, cut open my elbow...¡±

    Gu Zuo was rmed.

    But in the end, he trusted Tianheng. After hearing these words, he didn¡¯t hesitate much and promptly released his psychic power and transformed it into a sharp Spirit Piercing Awl. He sliced open Tianheng¡¯s robe sleeve as well as the skin of his elbow.

    In the blink of an eye, the meridian in that area emitted a wisp of lustrous-green mes.

    This me was very peaceful, but the instant it emerged, it seemed to alternate the temperature of the entire room for quite a few times ¡ª One moment, it was ruthlessly hot. The next moment there was a bitter cold. Then, it changed back to a torrid heat. It would leave one¡¯s heart very uneasy.

    Gu Zuo was astonished.

    Why had this me burrowed its way out of his big brother¡¯s body? This didn¡¯t make any sense!

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change: ¡°Ah Zuo, cut half an inch below the Quchi Acupoint.¡±

    Within a brief fifteen minutes, Tianheng¡¯s limbs were already full of bloody holes. At each bloody hole, a lustrous-green me was burning. It seemed as if this me was using Tianheng¡¯s body like a nourishing candlestick. It didn¡¯t want to leave at all.

    Merely, since those lustrous-green mes were forced to show themselves, there was also a reaction.

    They leaped up like they were being provoked, and suddenly turned into motes of fluorescence. The motes dashed out and pounced towards that orange of fire!

    One of the motes of lustrous-green mes moved with the fastest speed. The instant that it touched the fire, it was like the mote had been doused in a ball of cold water. With a shrill hissing sound, it dissipated.

    ...Or rather, it had been wrapped up by that fire and waspletely assimted. It only brought about a reaction in that moment and nothing else.

    Immediately following that, those lustrous-green mes seemed to pause. Soon after, they gathered together and formed a ball of mes the size of a clenched fist. The ball emitted a radiance that seemed both icy and zing hot. Then, it stretched out, forming a short spear, and thrusted at therge, orange-colored!

    The next moment, the short spear and therge struggled with each other. One wanted to pierce through thetter and the other wanted to engulf the former. It seemed like they were in a deadlock.

    At the same time, the lines of fire within Gu Zuo were still spurting out unceasingly, which constantly increased the fire power of the orange of fire. Also, in spite of the injuries to his limbs, Tianheng braced himself and sat upright. At this time, Tianheng took out a dagger and cut small wounds in the vicinity of the acupoints on the rest of his body. And in those wounds, the lustrous-green mes began to stir. They swiftly rushed out and strengthened the short spear¡¯s power. Gradually, once the orange lines of fire and the lustrous-green me¡¯s radiance no longer made any more reappearances, the shing of the short spear and therge became more and more ferocious. Finally, after a few abrupt collisions, the momentum of the battle slowly waned.

    In that instant, Tianheng tossed out an object in his hand.

    That object let out a splendorous light, and the lustrous-green short spear was immediately sucked in. At the exact same moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts turned, and therge, orange was also rapidly gathered up. At once, it returned to his body and reverted into silk threads, which entered the bone pearls condensed in his acupoints.

    Peace at longst...

    Gu Zuo broke out in a full-body cold sweat.

    It was truly too frightening just now. He realized that the thing originally inside of his big brother¡¯s body was actually a type of Wondrous Fire!

    Previously, Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t recalled it.

    Of course, <<Great Sights of the World ¡ª Earth Fires>> had already recorded within it all the mes that were borne from ley lines. These mes were Earth Fires, but were also Wondrous Fires. Coincidentally, this type of lustrous-green me was one type of Earth Fire.

    The mes of the world burned all living things. It went without saying that a me¡¯s property was to be hot, but some mes produced from special environments carried different properties and spiritualities. For example, this Will-O-Wisp Yin me was a me with extreme yin. As a result, the property it carried was cold yin.

    When it burned, its nature was sometimes icy cold and sometimes scorching hot.

    At this moment, Tianheng had sealed that Will-O-Wisp Yin me, and then he rubbed his forehead.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother with his own retaking of the Earthen Core me, and hurriedly rushed over. He took out a top grade Revitalization Pill and gave it to his pitiful big brother who was covered all over with cuts and bruises.

    Actually, all these wounds were superficial injuries. As far as martial artists were concerned, they weren¡¯t worth mentioning. In the end, however, they appeared rather frightening. Gu Zuo was looking at Tianheng, and felt pain in his heart.

    Tianheng naturally received Gu Zuo¡¯s kind intentions. After he swallowed the top grade Revitalization Pill, the bloody holes across his whole body healedpletely at speeds visible to the naked eye. Soon after, he lifted his eyes, reached out a hand, and fiddled with the thing that sealed the Wondrous Fire.

    Gu Zuo saw it clearly at a nce. Wasn¡¯t this heavy thing the secret key that opened the Human King¡¯s tomb? But just what was going on?

    With the suspicions in his mind, Gu Zuo naturally asked.

    Tianheng shook his head slightly: ¡°Today, when I was operating my inner cultivation method, this thing, which I had previously taken out and ced next to me, had mes spurt out for some reason. The mes directly charged into my meridians, damaged my internal organs, and injured my foundations. Afterwards, you arrived here and the Earthen Core me suddenly burst forth. This lustrous-green me grew more and more agitated as if it wanted to escape from my body. Only, it was easy for the mes to go in, but difficult toe out. Therefore, it was extremely unbearable. Once I cut open the ces where the mes were moving, it broke out of my body and struggled with the Earthen Core me. Thus, allowing me to escape this cmitous fate.¡±

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and his heart held lingering fears.

    What would¡¯ve happened if he came backte? Wouldn¡¯t his big brother have received even worser injuries? Or would he have been killed by this Will-O-Wisp Yin me?

    Although he believed in the luck of the Tiandu Body, luck was an illusory thing. One couldn¡¯t ce their thoughts upon it.

    ¡ª Merely, why was the Will-O-Wisp Yin me inside the secret key?

    Tianheng sighed and said: ¡°It¡¯s my negligence. Previously, when we were on the flying ship, I once heard that some Immortal Realm martial artists were burned to death by a green fire when they tried to enter the Great Tomb. But I only thought that the green me had been enclosed within the Human King¡¯s tomb and had disappeared along with it. I didn¡¯t expect that it had actually been thrown into the secret key.¡±

    Originally, there wasn¡¯t a Wondrous Fire inside the secret key. As such, the Wondrous Fire had only entered the key afterwards. Although they didn¡¯t know why, the me was probably a treasure left behind by Human King Yan Ruo... Unfortunately, the Wondrous Fire had rebelled for some reason. Otherwise, in the future, Tianheng and the others would¡¯ve probably sensed the Wondrous Fire¡¯s existence one day. At that time, they naturally would¡¯ve been able to subdue it. It wouldn¡¯t have been like now where they were caught unprepared.

    As for why the Will-O-Wisp Yin me had gotten into a dispute with the Earthen Core me, it was probably because both sides were very powerful Wondrous Fires. When the two collided, they both wanted to swallow up and consume the other. This also allowed Gu Zuo to sense the Earthen Core me¡¯s strange mood.

    However, in Gu Zuo¡¯s current bone pearls, the Earthen Core me was already tyrannically upying all the positions. Just then, the Earthen Core me and the Will-O-Wisp Yin me had been fighting so ferociously. If he wanted to utilize the Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal to subdue the Will-O-Wisp Yin me, then that was impossible. If Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want to make his bone pearls explode, he absolutely couldn¡¯t do such a thing ¡ª After all, relying on his current strength to subdue one type of Wondrous Fire was already extremely rare.

    When he made consecutive breakthroughs in the future and reached the Immortal Realm, perhaps it would be logical for him to amodate the Will-O-Wisp Yin me into his qi ocean.

    Gu Zuo was still a little puzzled: ¡°Big brother, you were only doing your usual cultivation practice. Why did the Will-O-Wisp Yin me suddenly rebel?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze sank slightly.

    He spread out his palm, and in the center of his palm was a ball of reddish-gold radiance: ¡°Perhaps, it has something to do with this power.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze fell upon this ball of radiance.

    The might of this type of power was very formidable. It had helped his big brother out many times. Now, he also knew that what this power contained should¡¯ve been the power of the sun ¡ª To put it inly, it was sr energy.

    Was it really caused by this?

    T/N: I¡¯ll be retroactively changing True Apprentice to True Disciple. The retroactive edits wille with the eventual volume edits.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch221 - Nursing Him Back to Health

    <h4>Chapter Ch221 - Nursing Him Back to Health</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Before all this, I practiced without incident. I also carried this thing the entire way back without anything happening. But when I was cultivating with it, this suddenly happened. So there¡¯s certainly a corrtion.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and this seemed reasonable.

    It went without saying that sr energy was an energy with iparable heat. How did this powere out? In fact, it was also a fire. Although the things introduced in his item book were all Earth Fires, when it was talking about certain Earth Fires, it also mentioned that they were ¡°inferior to the Brilliant Fire of the Sun¡±. And that Brilliant Fire of the Sun should¡¯ve been a sr fire.

    Merely, it was said that only pharmacists were capable of subduing Wondrous Fires for use. Meanwhile, his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, could possess this type of ability that was valued by a Wondrous Fire. It was truly hard to believe.

    But on second thought, Gu Zuo still considered this a special skill of the Tiandu Body. In any case, this was a chance encounter envied by the heavens. At this point, anything special wasn¡¯t strange at all.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo extended a hand: ¡°Big brother, give the secret key to me for safekeeping.¡±

    In the future, his big brother would definitely be be cultivating sr energy often. If this happened again and he didn¡¯te back in time, what was he going to do? It was better to throw it into his storage space.

    Tianheng smiled, and leisurely tossed the secret key over: ¡°Once Ah Zuo reaches the Immortal Realm, you can try to subdue this fire. Although I don¡¯t know how Wondrous Fires function for pharmacists, I know that Wondrous Fires are a tremendous help to them.¡±

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t modest with Tianheng: ¡°I¡¯ll certainly subdue it.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he reached out a hand and grabbed the secret key. It was received into the storage space by him.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t speak much more on this subject.

    Gu Zuo was a little anxious.

    His big brother¡¯s body was very finicky. Now that such a tribtion had been encountered, Gu Zuo needed to readjust the n. Otherwise, it would be harmful to his big brother¡¯s future cultivation...

    Not long after, Gu Zuo made a new n.

    Overall, it would still be carried out ording to the item book¡¯s arrangements, but the parts in-between needed fine tuning. For example, it was first necessary to use medicinal ingredients with characteristics of the five elements to refine medicinal cuisines. This would nourish the body from the inside out. Once Tianheng was nursed to a better condition, ingredients with even stronger medicinal effects would be refined into pills for treatment. At the same time, because the meridians had been burned, and even some ces showed signs of damage or atrophy, it was necessary to use medicinal decoctions to make improvements from the outside in.

    In short, the process wasplicated, and the time it would take was long and tedious.

    During this period of time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take a step outside. Every day, besides cultivating, he was refining pills. And besides refining pills, he was apanying Tianheng. At all times, he paid attention to Tianheng¡¯s body. No matter how minute the problem, he carefully considered everything and supplemented it with food and medicine.

    Tianheng was touched by the deep concern Gu Zuo showed for him. Originally, he wanted to first go to the Martial Scripture Pavilion and flip through all those martial scriptures. However, at the present time, he was recuperating. Also, under Gu Zuo¡¯s request, he couldn¡¯t swallow any Poison Pills nor absorb the world¡¯s power of the sun. Therefore, he could only absorb ambient qi, take Qi Linking Pills and others like it, and continuously condense bone pearls. Any unnecessary matters or things that had the slightest chance of upsetting the bnce in his body werepletely off the table.

    Meanwhile, the people in the valley were busy doing business or other such things that needed handling. Several of the Gongyi n¡¯s children were pestering Tianyang, asking him about this time¡¯s adventure he had going out. Dragon One also told the Tianlong Guards as well as those enved subordinates about the matter of heading to that Great Tomb of the Human King. Everyone was extremely interested. Moreover, because this event was shared, they strived even harder.

    Most of all was Gongyi Tianyang.

    If it was said before that he did his best because he was unwilling to make his family¡¯s elder brother disappointed in this little brother, then now, he had another new goal. He was even more hardworking, and the training was almost hellish.

    There was no need for Tianheng to analyze anything for him. Tianyang himself understood that, if it was in the past, he was free to express his feelings or to openly pursue someone. Right now, he couldn¡¯t do that. Not only did their ranks undergo a reversal, but this reversal was as different as heaven and earth!

    Although Tianyang could faintly sense the shared happiness as gently and cautiously as his counterpart, the disparity in aptitude, potential, identity, and position made it so that he couldn¡¯t rashly get closer to her when he was inferior to his sweetheart in all aspects. Rashly going over would, instead, increase his counterpart¡¯s troubles.

    A grand-apprentice of the Sect Master was very good, but Tianyang, who grew up in an aristocratic family, knew well that one¡¯s identity was sometimes a shackle, too. The higher one¡¯s position, the more pairs of eyes would be watching, whichpelled oneself to be even more outstanding and to undertake even more responsibilities. During this period of time, he didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for her. He would wait until he was enough to match her before he pursued her romantically!

    Because of this matter, Tianyang became even more determined.

    He knew that his own big brother was very strong, but in the future, he didn¡¯t want to have the qualification to pursue his sweetheart just because he was Tianheng¡¯s younger brother. More than that, he hoped to have this qualification based on his own merits, and that his big brother¡¯s might was simply adding flowers to a brocade.

    Now, let¡¯s talk about Ling Ziwei.

    Since she came to the Sect, she wasn¡¯t able to easily appear again. Right now, she could be considered a remarkable younger generation of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. Within a short time, Qinghui Fairy¡¯s reputation had already spread widely throughout the Inner Sect. Many members of the Sect had heard about the matter of her having a special constitution. However, the specific constitution hadn¡¯t been publicly dered.

    Under the teachings of her master, Ling Ziwei cultivated persistently. The unexpected one was Ling Ziqi. He still remembered the grace that Tianheng gave to the brother and sister pair. During this period, he came to the valley quite a few times, and every time, he brought some good things that were delivered to him by his younger sister.

    What was even more interesting was that it clearly included heavenly materials and earthly treasures which had the dual attributes of fire and earth. It was obvious that Ling Ziwei had specially prepared this for Tianyang!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help finding it funny.

    After Tianyang¡¯s face reddened, he made use of the time interval between practicing martial arts to secretly do something in his room.

    While Gu Zuo nursed his dear big brother back to health, he was very interested in this. His thoughts turned, and he quietly used his psychic power to take a peek.

    Gu Zuo realized it with a nce. As it turned out, Tianyang had stealthily used top-notch timber to carve out an exquisite wooden case. Inside that wooden case, the bottom was being hand-painted with a small portrait of Ling Ziwei. It was beautiful and touching. It was like every frown and every smile was before one¡¯s eyes... The meaning of this was also very clear.

    Afterwards, when Ling Ziqi came by again, Tianyang ced that set of spirit weapon jewelry that he obtained from his elder brother into that wooden case with great care.

    Right now, he didn¡¯t have the ability to give the best things. This was merely presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers ¡ª However, he could choose to use his own greatest efforts to give his counterpart his sincerest regards.

    Gu Zuo quietly told Tianheng about this matter.

    As for Tianheng?

    He raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying: ¡°It¡¯s too early to talk about the future. But for Tianyang, he¡¯ll certainly have a period of growth after this event.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch222 - Moving to a New Home

    <h4>Chapter Ch222 - Moving to a New Home</h4>

    Gongyi Tianyang passed along that wooden case together with the jade circlet to Ling Ziwei. When Ling Ziqi dropped by again, he brought along a small self-portrait of Ling Ziwei.

    This small portrait was a drawing of a bright-eyed and beautiful woman in snowy robes. Both of her slender, lily-white hands cherishingly held a wooden case. The jade circlet, which was as splendorous as the moon, shone along with her, making her seem even more beautiful.

    At the lower-right corner of the portrait, was the ¡°Wei¡± character. It was graceful and elegant, while containing a vigorous calligraphic style. It was just like her.

    Tianyang naturally acted as if he had gained the most precious treasure, and kept it close to his heart. Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t send a small portrait of himself. Rather, he made Ling Ziqi carry a sentence back for him ¡ª ¡°This heart is ever yours.¡±

    Following this, in order to avoid drawing the attention of too many people, the frequency of Ling Ziqi¡¯s visits lowered greatly.

    It was after this that Tianheng¡¯s bodypletely recovered.

    Meanwhile, on the small hill that belonged solely to him, the residence he set had been constructed. In addition, a restaurant within Qingyun Sect¡¯s interior Business District was taken over by Dragon One. Everything was stepping onto the right track.

    All the people in the valley moved to that small hill, and Gu Zuo followed along in high spirits.

    His belongings were all inside his own storage space. Other people¡¯s things were mostly held in Fangcun Cloths, inter-spatial tools, and other such devices. Everyone journeyed together, and followed an Inner Sect disciple who specially came to guide them. It didn¡¯t take long to arrive in front of the small hill that Tianheng possessed.

    This wasn¡¯t a small hill that stood alone. There were at least dozens of small hills within its vicinity. However, the ones who dwelled on these small hills were all Immortal Realm disciples. In addition, more often than not, they were Immortal Realm disciples who had considerable financial resources ¡ª Otherwise, even though there were many hills, for those couldn¡¯t afford a hill, several ordinary Immortal Realm disciples would¡¯ve been able to dwell on the same hill by splitting it up for mixed housing.

    Gongyi Tianheng was an underdeveloped Xiantian stage five disciple. Originally, he also shouldn¡¯t have been able to afford a hill. Like some Immortal Realm martial artists, he would¡¯ve left his own hill empty or made an exchange for resources.

    But, who allowed him to obtain the lifetime savings of that huge bandit during the previous trip? And who allowed him to acquire thatrge number of spirit weapons and cultivation methods, and to make an exchange with others? Or what about the two storefronts under his control that were making money every day? What about his personal pharmacist who had such powerful skills?

    As a result, this Xiantian martial artist was even more well-off than many Immortal Realm martial artists.

    In the future, when his team was more sufficient, the benefits would roll in unceasingly and any assurances would also naturally be even more abundant.

    As one ascended, Tianheng¡¯s designated residence was located close to the hilltop.

    The vast stretch of open space on the hilltop had been turned into a martial arts training ground as requested. When numerous martial artists cultivated every day, that ce would be ideal for practicing.

    The residence contained several houses. There were three houses on each side, and they were all connected by many single rooms. Each room was very spacious, and could amodate a single person. ording to the arrangements, the left side was the pharmacist dwellings and the right side was assigned to martial artists. Because the number of martial artists was higher than the number of pharmacists, there needed to be some more rooms on the right side.

    In the middle, thergest one was a two-bedroom dormitory, which belonged to Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng. These two bedrooms were separated by only a side door, connecting each other. However, so long as one side raised their voice, the other side would promptly hear it ¡ª Gu Zuo and Tianheng were long used to such outward appearances. So, they automatically kept this kind of intimate stance. For the past few years, they had hardly parted ways, and no one had suggested that this was inappropriate.

    Behind this two-bedroom dormitory, there was a rather voluminous pce hall.

    The pce hall¡¯s surroundings were tightly protected, and the space inside was veryrge. Unexpectedly, Tianheng had specially instructed for the construction of an enormous medicine refining room for Gu Zuo.

    ¡ª If onepared Gu Zuo¡¯s previous medicine refining room to this one, then it was simply the difference between rubble and ceramic ze. As for the interior furnishings, Tianheng, who had great foresight, had spent huge amounts of gold and had spared no efforts to set everything up.

    After squeezing into and rushing out of the medicine refining room, Gu Zuo was naturally joyous and excited.

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Big brother¡¯s going somewhere?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°Ordinarily, there are also times when I have to go out and handle matters. I¡¯m only worried about Ah Zuo if I happen to be away.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, and then abortively shook his head: ¡°I¡¯ve looked at all of it, and everything¡¯s fine. But, if I really find something afterwards, I¡¯ll definitely tell you.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, and then revealed a great, big smile.

    He would definitely tell his dear big brother. Otherwise, if he kept things hidden, then it wouldn¡¯t prevent difficulties for his big brother. On the contrary, it would make it even more troublesome.

    Once everything was moved in, Dragon One made arrangements for everyone.

    For the pharmacists, apart from having their own rooms, there was actually a medicine refining location built for them. It was simr to the pce hall that Gu Zuo had, but the interior wasn¡¯t as meticulously refurbished ¡ª Normally, besides Gu Zuo himself, only Tianheng could enter or exit Gu Zuo¡¯s pce hall at will.

    The Gongyi n children were treated almost the same as the other subordinates here, and they moved into the martial artist rooms one after another. After settling down, they resumed their daily activities of practicing martial arts and meditating.

    Gongyi Mingxia was the only girl. Although she was still very young, she couldn¡¯t be neglected. On the contrary, she had an ornamented tower, which was located close to Tianheng¡¯s residence. Rtively speaking, it was much more exquisite than the dwellings of other martial artists.

    Soon, everyone obtained their own rooms.

    But after they had their dwellings, there were still other affairs that needed handling. Dragon Three had been put forward from the Tianlong Guards, and was dispatched to that newly-opened restaurant ¡ª Although there was nothing special about its exterior, its interior had actually been made into a ce analogous to a medicinal cuisine shop. Many of the cooking recipes within were medicinal cuisine prescriptions that were copied by Gu Zuo. Merely, ordinary pharmacists didn¡¯t know the refining methods and weren¡¯t capable of the bestbinations between medicinal properties and dietary ingredients. However, with the prescriptions in ce, the cuisine would be somewhat effective. Likewise, it would draw people¡¯s interest.

    Tianheng¡¯s current funds were sufficient. In order to facilitate the work of his subordinates and to save time, Tianheng directly used contribution points in exchange for some wild birds that were reared in the Sect. Their breeds varied, but, without exception, all of them were very applicable.

    These wild birds were settled in the back of the Beast Governing Building. After they were familiarized somewhat, the birds all went out to ¡°work¡±.

    After this, Tianheng held a dinner party.

    So to say, it was also about moving to a new residence. Even if his status was different from before, the quality of those friends he made along the way also weren¡¯t low. The weight of inviting them over was considered sufficient.

    There was Xun Suying, Fu Manduo, and Liu Wuyan. There was also Zhao Yuheng, Xi Yangyun, and several others... They were all people whose friendships were rtively deep. And these people also gave face. After receiving the invitation letters, they quickly arrived one after another.

    Xu Lingxiu also came.

    But he wasn¡¯t here to give face to Tianheng, but rather Gu Zuo.

    The purpose for his arrival here wasn¡¯t to attend the banquet. Instead, it was to deliver something to Gu Zuo.

    Of course, Gu Zuo was busy cooking.

    ¡ª He wouldn¡¯t have bothered if it was just a big banquet, but this small feast was a party for such good friends. So for the most part, he did the job himself. It was also to give his dear big brother some face.

    Xu Lingxiu arrived in front of Gu Zuo¡¯s door and saw him carrying out one big te of delicacies after another. Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression turned a little unsightly: ¡°You¡¯re a dignified pharmacist, and Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is unexpectedly making you cook?¡±

    Gu Zuo had an exasperated look.

    Okay. He knew Xu Lingxiu was offended on his behalf... But this actually wasn¡¯t something his big brother asked him to do. Rather, it was something that he took delight in. Whether ordering from outside or finding a cook to make meals, how could he ensure that his big brother¡¯s flimsy body got healthy?! It was one thing if he had gone out and couldn¡¯t attend to the banquet, but since he was here, he would do it.

    When Xu Lingxiu saw Gu Zuo¡¯s expression, he certainly knew that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t really take this matter seriously. With a straight face, he lifted his chin and said nothing else.

    He wasn¡¯t a small-minded person, and wouldn¡¯t go so far as to incite disharmony in their rtionship. Only, he didn¡¯t understand sometimes. Gu Zuo was a pharmacist with such potential and powerful strength. Why could he be so, so docile and obedient to Gongyi Tianheng? No matter how deep he knew the two¡¯s friendship was, he still somewhat resented iron for not bing steel.

    If Gu Zuo knew about Xu Lingxiu¡¯s way of thinking, his heart would certainly be silently mocking him.

    Because...because his big brother had taken care of everything for him.

    What¡¯s more, where had he been docile and obedient? He just trusted his big brother¡¯s IQ more...

    Xu Lingxiu finally swept his gaze across. Taking advantage of this time when Gu Zuo was serving food, Xu Lingxiu threw out a token: ¡°With this, you can freely go in and out of the Pharmacist Hall like an ordinary Pharmacist Hall disciple. Using this thing, you can also participate in the pharmacists¡¯ internalmunications and conduct exchanges with numerous Pharmacist Hall disciples. Apart from this, you can apply to observe pharmacists refining medicine, flip through a portion of the ancient books of the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s Library Pavilion, or use the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s Earth Fire Rooms. It¡¯s extremely useful, but it¡¯s a special gift from the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s Hall Master. Junior Sect Brother Gu, you need to keep it safe, and go to the Pharmacist Hall from time to time.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly agreed with joy on his face.

    Although he had a system in hand, it seemed that what he learned was all-epassing. These things were often more powerful than what he encountered now. However, since he had this benefit, he naturally wouldn¡¯t let it go.

    He needed to make others feel that this was conforming to reason.

    On the other side of things, Tianheng and the others were in the middle of toasting.

    After courses of delicacies were served, Fu Manduo and the others couldn¡¯t help butugh and praise: ¡°This time, it seems to be Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s handiwork. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, you¡¯re very lucky, indeed.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled into a smile. He lightly raised his wine cup, and saluted towards everyone.

    After the numerous disciplesughed heartily, they likewise drank. Then, they gave a round of toasts to each other.

    Seeing these martial artists having a great time, Gu Zuo quietly sat next to Xu Lingxiu. He came to cate this young prince whose mood still seemed a little sour. With great difficulty, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mood improved somewhat. The two young pharmacists started to exchange their medicine refining experiences, and boosted each other in low voices.

    Xu Lingxiu discovered that Gu Zuo¡¯s skills had increased to some extent once again, and his foundations were even deeper. Amid such a joyful exchange in medicine refinement, his anger just now had been unknowingly tossed away.

    After several rounds of wine, the numerous martial artists presented their gifts one after another.

    Tianheng was hardly stingy as well. He lifted a hand, and each person was given a small jade bottle.

    Originally, these disciples wouldn¡¯t open the jade bottles in front of everyone ¡ª In any case, one only needed to know that these were medicinal pills. If such impulsive actions were taken, wouldn¡¯t that be a public p to Tianheng¡¯s face?

    Who would¡¯ve thought that Fu Manduo was excessively cheerful? In a moment of carelessness, he lightly knocked down that jade bottle. This tiny jostle naturally didn¡¯t cause any harm to the jade bottle, but the bottle cork on top had given way because of this collision.

    At first, Fu Manduo wanted to seal it up again. But for some reason, just as he was about to make a move, he smelled a strong medicinal fragrance ¡ª This was because that bottle cork hadn¡¯t beenpletely loosened. Only an extremely dilute trace of the scent of medicinal pills was leaked. It was impossible for those farther away to discover it immediately.

    This strong medicinal fragrance attracted Fu Manduo¡¯s attention at once.

    This profiteer¡¯s instincts were piqued. Fu Manduo couldn¡¯t endure it a second longer and plucked out that bottle cork. In the blink of an eye, an even denser fragrance drew the attentions of all the disciples enjoying the banquet.

    ¡°This is¡ª¡±

    ¡°Eh, the jade bottle?¡±

    ¡°This jade bottle...¡±

    ¡°Quick, take a look!¡±

    Gu Zuo also had his attention attracted.

    He swiftly recognized that these were the top grade Qi Linking Pills that he refined. The number of pills that were stored with his big brother were many, but now it seemed that his big brother had dug out quite a few, and one small bottle was delivered to each person?

    Soon after, he recalled the Spirit Devouring Pills, and understood in a sh.

    Off on the side, Fu Manduo involuntarily cried out: ¡°...Top grade Qi Linking Pills?¡±

    The other few disciples all recognized it. They drunkenly breathed in a mouthful of pill fragrance, and only felt that the true qi within their bodies was even more lively. It was like their true qi was itching tobine with the medicinal power.

    Instantly, the numerous, noble guests were unable to restrain themselves. They took out their own small jade bottles to open them, too.

    At this moment, gasps of surprise rang out repeatedly.

    T/N: After this, the author will be going back to the double-length chapters, so expect the corresponding updating schedule.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch223 - Decisive Battle

    <h4>Chapter Ch223 - Decisive Battle</h4>

    In each small bottle, there were as many as five top grade Qi Linking Pills. In other words, Gongyi Tianheng had taken out twenty to thirty top grade medicinal pills this time around. Top grade medicinal pills had a price, but no market. So this was truly considered big spending.

    Fu Manduo and the others saw this, and had even more spections on the current Tianheng¡¯s foundations. Naturally, their favorability towards him also increased ¡ª If it was said before that they befriended Tianheng while standing upon a higher position as the active party, then now they held a gentler and more intimate bearing.

    Tianheng invited them over, and also hoped to reach this goal.

    His position in the Inner Sect had gradually exceeded that of their own. Of course, these people still had many ces where they could be of use, but in the future, he would have the greater say.

    Tianheng took a nce at these people who hesitated to speak, and knew what information they wanted to obtain. He didn¡¯t conceal anything, and directly called out: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo no longer spoke with Xu Lingxiu. After hinting to him, Gu Zuo promptly arrived next to Tianheng.

    Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo to his side to sit down. He smiled and said: ¡°The top grade medicinal pills were made with a refining method that my adoptive brother once obtained. Merely, if one wants to create top grade pills, they must waste many other auxiliary medicinal pills. Usually, one will need the cooperation of several pharmacists working together to make it. With that method, refining top grade pills really will be easier than before, but much is wasted, and the manufacturing costs are even more frightful. With this bit of my household properties, there¡¯s no way to refine them in bulk.¡±

    Speaking up to here, Fu Manduo and the others more or less understood. This was Tianheng wanting to show them some information.

    Sure enough, Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°However, if such a method was grasped in the hands of an individual, it would inevitably be excessively wasteful. A few days ago, Ah Zuo had already handed it over to the Sect. Thus, the Sect conferred me many conveniences. This is also considered as allowing me to bask in Ah Zuo¡¯s light.¡±

    That was to say, an individual workshop had no way of mass producing top grade medicinal pills, but with regards to the financially robust Qingyun Sect, that bit of wastage wasn¡¯t a problem.

    So long as the pharmacists put in extra effort, top grade pills would no longer be things that were hard to obtain. But simrly, the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method wasn¡¯t all-purpose. Many medicinal pills couldn¡¯t utilize this kind of method to be refined. As a result, top grade medicinal pills would still be goods in high demand. It was just that, regarding the disciples with rtively high positions, the probability of obtaining the pills was far greater than before.

    Fu Manduo and the others were iparably astonished: ¡°So there¡¯s actually this kind of method?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: ¡°At the start, when Junior Sect Brother Gu and I went together to Danyun City for the pill battles, he used this method to seize first ce. I witnessed all this with my own eyes, so naturally it isn¡¯t fake.¡±

    Fu Manduo and the others looked at each other in dismay.

    What kind of a person was Xu Lingxiu? How could any deceptive wordse out of his mouth? If he said he saw it with his own eyes, then it was naturally the truth.

    Xi Yangyun had recently been busy with the matter of treating his younger sister. Xu Lingxiu had also been very busy, but Xi Yangyun actually hadn¡¯t heard about this. At this time, he drew blood at the first prick, and raised a crucial question: ¡°Lingxiu, can this method refine medicinal pills of any realm?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered: ¡°How can there be such a convenient thing?! It can only refine pills suitable for Xiantian martial artists.¡±

    All of a sudden, when these words were spoken, it seemed like the worth of that Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method had been reduced by a lot. However, among the present disciples, which ones didn¡¯t have their own teams? Which ones weren¡¯t leaders who needed Xiantian ranked medicinal pills? Hearing that this method had its ws, it was instead even more convincing. Otherwise, if it was really said that medicinal pills of any rank could be refined, they would¡¯ve been skeptical of any internal exaggerations.

    Immediately following this, Fu Manduo and the others carefully scrutinized Gu Zuo once more.

    If this Junior Sect Brother Gu was only valued by Tianheng, there might¡¯ve been a trace of previous friendship herein, which would make them have second thoughts. But now, it was clear that he was also valued by Xu Lingxiu. This showed that his medicine refining level had passed this highly insightful person¡¯s appraisal, and perhaps it wasn¡¯t any lower than that of Xu Lingxiu himself! Although seizing first ce during the Pill Battling Assembly might¡¯ve had a bit of an advantage with the Spirit Devouring Pill, that level absolutely wasn¡¯t that simple.

    Zhao Yuheng gave Gu Zuo several looks, and his heart was a little regretful. Then, he shot another nce at Tianheng and felt a bit envious.

    When he thought about it, if someone like Xu Lingxiu could follow him... How delightful would that have been? It was a pity that Xu Lingxiu was someone who would never follow anyone. Even if he wanted to drop by and follow the other, that little ancestor would still be dissatisfied. As for Gongyi Tianheng, such a pharmacist had been picked up for free in that pellet of a small country.

    If it wasn¡¯t for everyone having good rtionships, he really would¡¯ve felt like giving Tianheng a stumbling block.

    No one got tangled up in this matter, and only made ns in their hearts. Someday in the future, perhaps they could go over to request medicine and what not... Wouldn¡¯t seeking Gu Zuo to refine medicinal pills be easier than seeking Xu Lingxiu or some big shot from the Pharmacist Hall?

    Subconsciously, their bearings changed repeatedly. The degree of importance they had towards Gu Zuo rose again and again from the bottom of their hearts.

    Tianheng watched on from the side, and faintly carried a smile.

    Xu Lingxiu saw all this and was satisfied, too.

    ¡ª This was the appearance of a pharmacist with sufficient weight.

    After having eaten and drunk to their hearts¡¯ content, everyone continued to deepen their feelings here and didn¡¯t immediately leave.

    During their casual conversations, they spoke about some recent stirring undercurrents in the Inner Sect.

    Gu Zuo listened, and stared nkly.

    What? Who challenged who to a duel?

    Here, the ones with the most extensive information were Fu Manduo, who was the ¡°minister of goods¡± in the Inner Sect, and Zhao Yuheng, who was in charge of a small squad of enforcement disciples. At this moment, it was still Fu Manduo who happened to blurt it out.

    ¡°He Chenghong, who ranks third on the Sky Leaderboard, has initiated a challenge against Xiao Tianqi, who ranks second on the Sky Leaderboard. It¡¯s already been about seven or eight days since the writ of challenge was made. Originally, Xiao Tianqi¡¯s injury hadn¡¯t healed yet, but he has no choice but to ept the writ of challenge when ites. As a result, the time of the official battle that the two decided upon is a couple of days from now, in the early morning. At that time, there¡¯ll certainly be many Inner Sect disciples who¡¯ll go to watch the fight.¡±

    Unexpectedly, this challenge didn¡¯t begin until now.

    The conversations continued. Xun Suying, this woman, also couldn¡¯t help smiling, and said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, ever since you¡¯ve entered the Sect, your strength has been advancing through the realms extremely quickly. There¡¯s no question that you could have an acknowledged ce on the Earth Leaderboard. If another period of time passes, who knows if you¡¯ll be dashing through the Sky Leaderboard. This time is a rare opportunity. Would Junior Sect Brother Gongyi be interested in going to watch?¡±

    Tianheng wore a smiling expression: ¡°Naturally, I¡¯m very interested. Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters, where would that challenge be located?¡±

    Zhao Yuheng replied: ¡°It¡¯s at the base of the Sky Summit.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know where this Sky Summit was, and his heart was curious.

    Tianheng seemed to know about his puzzlement. At this moment, Tianheng took the initiative to exin to him: ¡°Sky Summit is the name of the location of the Sky Leaderboard. Each of the Immortal Realm martial artists who¡¯re capable of ascending the Sky Leaderboard all have an acknowledged ce over there.¡±

    Gu Zuo still had a hard time imagining what it was, but Tianheng didn¡¯t exin much else.

    It was for the best that some scenes were witnessed with one¡¯s own eyes.

    Afterwards, the numerous disciples chatted for a while longer. When the sky gradually darkened, they all departed with smiles on their faces. They also all agreed to meet up at the base of the Sky Summit three dayster to watch thatpetition together.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s impression of Hai Tian was still alright, but the other side¡¯s position was only that of a big customer. Friendship was out of the question. But in the end, the He n¡¯s He Chenghong was an enemy of him and Tianheng. Generally speaking, he hoped that the Hundred Rivers League could win ¡ª It would be great if they could put He Chenghong in his own ce.

    As a result, the current Gu Zuo hoped to see that Xiao Tianqi in person.

    If he could find out why Xiao Tianqi¡¯s injury couldn¡¯t heal after so long, then that would be even better...

    At night.

    Gongyi Tianheng stood quietly beneath the night sky.

    Far away, a streak of shadow flew over at great speeds. In only the blink of an eye, it had already arrived close by.

    After that shadow¡¯s figure became clear, Gu Zuo, who came out of the medicine refining pce hall, recognized him. This person was a chess piece that his big brother had arranged long ago. This was Bai Qingyi, who had already be a trusted aide of the He n Brothers.

    Naturally, with his present strength at the Xiantian Realm, there was no way for him to be He Chenghong¡¯s trusted aide. However, because he offered a Life Extension Pill, this also showed his loyalty and devotion. That small inner circle had gradually begun to ept him.

    Although Bai Qingyi was enthusiastic about being a spy, after staying there for a long time, his heartstrings were stretched taut at all times and didn¡¯t dare to loosen for a moment.

    Indeed. Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t given any orders for so long. He only needed to sort out some information on the affairs within the He n Brothers¡¯ social circle. However, now that he had been called over, his mind was apprehensive ¡ª Gu Zuo could control his life or death with a thought. Even though he didn¡¯t have any intentions of betrayal, he couldn¡¯t help being nervous.

    Aftering over, Bai Qingyi swiftly saluted the two people: ¡°Master Gu, Young Master Gongyi.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Big brother has something to ask you.¡±

    Bai Qingyi hurriedly turned to face Tianheng: ¡°Young master, please ask.¡±

    In fact, he knew it very well. While he was in Gu Zuo¡¯s grasp, the person who would be issuing him orders for a long time toe was this Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng first praised him: ¡°You have been cautious and conscientious the entire time. At this moment, you¡¯ve alsoe extremely quickly. This is very good.¡± After Tianheng said this, he flicked a finger and gave him a small bottle, ¡°Take a look at this first.¡±

    Bai Qingyi hastily caught it, and opened it as instructed.

    The medicinal pills inside were sparkling, translucent, and pure. They were asrge as dragon eye fruits, and were perfectly round. Their luster and product grades were far better than the high grade pills that he had formerly seen.

    At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help being stupefied: ¡°This, this is...¡±

    Gu Zuo curled his lips: ¡°What big brother has rewarded you with are three top grade Qi Linking Pills. After you go back, take them without dy and cultivate. Don¡¯t let other people discover them. If you work properly in the future, big brother will reward you again.¡±

    Bai Qingyi was ecstatic. After getting this advantage, his strength would surely improve even faster!

    At once, he epted it willingly and delightfully expressed his thanks again: ¡°This subordinate¡¯s life is in your service!¡±

    Tianheng waved his hand: ¡°Stop. We called you over this time for two reasons. The first is to reward you for working sincerely. The second is to ask you about the recent matters rted to He Chenghong challenging Xiao Tianqi.¡±

    When Bai Qingyi heard this, he promptly spoke about the things he knew about: ¡°Reporting to the young master. The He n¡¯s ambitions are enormous. They want treat Xiao Tianqi as a stepping stone. First, they¡¯ll dispose of him, and then they¡¯ll annex his forces. At that time, they¡¯ll go head to head against the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one. Originally, this challenge was going to be conducted as early as a month ago, but in order to guarantee that this challenge was won, He Chenghong fully concentrated on practicing a Profound-Level martial skill. It wasn¡¯t until after he spent this time getting a rudimentary understanding did hee out of seclusion to make the challenge.¡±

    Tianheng muttered: ¡°In other words, Xiao Tianqi doesn¡¯t have any chance of victory this time?¡±

    Bai Qingyi was also very good at collecting information. At this moment, he spoke resolutely and decisively: ¡°Only if Xiao Tianqi has already recovered his strength within this month. If not, then he certainly won¡¯t be He Chenghong¡¯s match.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head. Soon after, he asked almost casually: ¡°In that case, why hasn¡¯t Xiao Tianqi¡¯s injury healed yet? Do you know?¡±

    Bai Qingyi paused.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred.

    This reaction... Could it be that he really did know the cause?

    Tianheng also discovered this point. He stared at Bai Qingyi, and smiled: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Bai, is it possible that you have something too embarrassing to mention here?¡±

    Bai Qingyi quivered.

    He naturally recalled his shock and the threats he received when he learned of this matter. Merely, those shocks and threats weren¡¯tparable to these two people who were inplete control of his life.

    After that, Bai Qingyi diligently talked about the matter he knew of in its entirety.

    What he learned about this time around wasn¡¯t really something that he had deliberately scouted out. Rather, it was during the process of taking an indirect approach to understand that organization. When he was increasing his favorability with others, the other side had a slip of the tongue after getting drunk.

    It all began during the first two weeks when Bai Qingyi discovered that there was something fishy about the He n organization ¡ª Of course, he only realized this now. At that time, it was only because He Chenghong was on the verge ofing out of seclusion to challenge Xiao Tianqi that everyone was excitedly making early-stage preparations.

    That day, Bai Qingyi was keeping an eye on a trusted aide of the He n, and invited the guy to a drink to befriend him. During the conversation, the other side promptly mentioned the matter of the challenge. After a few more words, there was a moment of indiscretion, and he blurted out that Xiao Tianqi¡¯s serious injury wasn¡¯t so simple as an ¡°idental injury acquired while out adventuring¡±.

    At that time, that trusted aide was drunk. Bai Qingyi was apprehensive, and pretended to drunkenly talk with him. During the two¡¯s intoxicated dialogue, Bai Qingyi learned about the true situation.

    Xiao Tianqi had been plotted against by the He n.

    In Qingyun Sect, the He n¡¯s forces weren¡¯t small. Moreover, each sessive generation was stronger than thest. Their ambitions were very great, too. After the umtion of many generations, they either wanted to rece one of the bloodlines of the Sect¡¯s ten bloodlines, or to simply add another bloodline to the Sect themselves. Their top priority was for the He n to have sufficient forces and reputation. In addition, it was to ensure that each generation had enough preeminent geniuses!

    The Sky Leaderboard weighed the official standards of a young generation¡¯s strength. This generation of the He n also happened to be He Chenghong, a peerless genius who could absolutely suppress many of the geniuses of previous generations. He was an exceptional talent located at the top of the list. Unfortunately, above He Chenghong was still two personages who were younger than him, but were even more talented!

    The one who often pushed down on He Chenghong¡¯s head was Xiao Tianqi.

    One wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that Xiao Tianqi was much stronger than He Chenghong. As a result, He Chenghong wholeheartedly wanted to drag him down ¡ª After all, wasn¡¯t second ce better than third ce?

    Most of all, the Hundred Rivers League that Xiao Tianqi had made was able to gather so many people who admired him. In the hearts of He Chenghong and everyone in the He n, that was even more upsetting.

    It wouldn¡¯t be too easy for He Chenghong to justly and honorably defeat Xiao Tianqi. The guy¡¯s original realm was somewhat higher than his own. While He Chenghong chased after him, Xiao Tianqi was also incessantly improving. In the long run, it was impossible to bring about a turnaround because He Chenghong basically didn¡¯t have any advantage at all!

    If he kept enduring this, then the opportunity to shine in this generation would pass. He would only be able to contribute to the children of the He n¡¯s next generation. How could he willing to do that?

    Afterwards, the He n made a collective decision.

    They wouldn¡¯t do anything publicly, but would act secretly. If they couldn¡¯t catch up and meet head-on, they would pull down their opponent¡¯s level!

    As a result, even though the present Hundred Rivers League was developing even better and its cohesion was even stronger, it wasn¡¯t able to resist the He n, which was like a sturdy tree with deep roots. When the entire power of the He n started to scheme against Xiao Tianqi while out adventuring, Xiao Tianqi somehow stepped into a trap, and his strength dropped greatly. Moreover, because of that stubborn injury, he couldn¡¯t improve.

    Because Xiao Tianqi didn¡¯t perish, the entire course of events seemed like an ident. The Sect also couldn¡¯t find any evidence, and it was even more impossible to wantonly grab the He n¡¯s pigtail. But since Xiao Tianqi couldn¡¯t recoverpletely, by only falling behind, it showed that he couldn¡¯t make progress. In the short term, perhaps this wasn¡¯t important. But in the long term, it would be easy to be overtaken by someone else.

    As such, it wouldn¡¯t be the least bit strange for He Chenghong to seize this opportunity to pull Xiao Tianqi down from his horse.

    Even Xiao Tianqi couldn¡¯t randomly suspect anyone. Besides, he also knew that he was probably going to be forced into it. The mostmentable thing was that he basically had no way of refusing his opponent¡¯s challenge. If not, then not only would he be losing face as an individual, but this would also be shaming the entire Hundred Rivers League ¡ª His sect brothers and sisters wouldn¡¯t be able to conduct themselves with integrity in the future!

    Hence, Xiao Tianqi could only make sure that he didn¡¯t lose too badly.

    As for his ranking... He would think of a way to recapture itter on.

    Getting back to the main point ¡ª After Bai Qingyi learned about what the He n did, his heart was both tense and anxious. But he was a spy, so he couldn¡¯t run away. Ultimately, he could only act stupid.

    Fortunately, Bai Qingyi¡¯s performance was normally very good. Once that trusted aide sobered up, he discovered that Bai Qingyi repeatedly denied knowing anything about the drunken revelry the day before. The trusted aide left behind these words: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Bai is a smart guy. You¡¯ll need to be this smart in the future.¡± After making this threat, he departed nimbly.

    As expected, Bai Qingyi did well and didn¡¯t tell anyone. However, Tianheng and Gu Zuo obviously weren¡¯t among that ¡°anyone¡±.

    After he finished listening, Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°That He n is really substandard.¡±

    He Chenghong didn¡¯tpletelyck a reputation. It went without saying that he was a powerful talent, so in the end, he didn¡¯t hide his ambitions at all. The whole He n still came to meddle and deal with Xiao Tianqi¡¯s entire younger generation. It simply left one speechless.

    Bai Qingyi quietly stood on the side, and didn¡¯t interrupt.

    However, in his heart, he felt that this was the case. Most of all, after he contrasted that He Chenghong and the Gongyi Tianheng in front of him... He always felt that the Immortal Realm He Chenghong had an inferior bearingpared to the Xiantian Realm Tianheng.

    He Chenghong¡¯s way of doing things wasn¡¯t wrong, per se. Bai Qingyi himself would¡¯ve resorted to fair or foul means for the sake of some goals. Yet, there was no luck involved in the matter of practicing martial arts. He didn¡¯t know how to say it, but he understood that the likes of He Chenghong weren¡¯t worth mentioningpared to Tianheng. Even if it was Xiao Tianqi, so long as he could get past this critical juncture, He Chenghong would be suppressed by Xiao Tianqi sooner orter.

    Once Tianheng learned of these things, he let Bai Qingyi leave.

    After all, the other was a spy. Even if he went out while it was veryte at night, he couldn¡¯t be away for too long to avoid attracting attention.

    Bai Qingyi moved away, and Gu Zuo followed Tianheng back to their rooms.

    The two each sat down in contemtion. To theing battle, they were brimming with interest from the bottom of their hearts.

    In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

    Early in the morning, Gu Zuo breathed in a mouthful of fresh air on the hilltop, and walked out of his room.

    Gongyi Tianheng always got up early. At this time, he had already practiced some of the martial skills that he¡¯d mastered in an open space. He had alsobed through the things that he already knew of.

    He was wholeheartedly making preparations so that, when they went to watch the fightter, he could straighten out the ws of his own martial skills.

    Gu Zuo smiled as he called out: ¡°Morning, big brother.¡±

    Tianheng turned his head, and his countenance held a smiling expression: ¡°Morning, Ah Zuo.¡±

    The two quickly had their meals.

    After that, Tianheng summoned a wild bird, which carried the two and swiftly flew towards the core region of the Sect.

    Along the journey, many wild birds were flying on both sides. ording to their pathing, it seemed that their destinations were all the same location?

    Gu Zuo was looking forward to it even more.

    It appeared that the people who were going to watch the fight were also particrly significant!

    It took but a few minutes to reach their destination.

    Tianheng embraced Gu Zuo, jumped down, andnded among the crowds of people.

    The wild bird turned around and flew away. It didn¡¯tnd because there really were lots of peopleing and going around here. If a wild bird with that enormous build was tond, it would cause some trouble.

    The arrival of the two didn¡¯t draw the attention of too many people. In particr, after some people discovered that Tianheng wasn¡¯t at the Immortal Realm, they cared even less. They only regarded Tianheng as an ordinary martial artist who learned of the news and came to join in on the fun. As for this kind of martial artist, there truly were too many of them to count.

    Nevertheless, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo along, and searched for their seats.

    That¡¯s right. Each Immortal Realm martial artist who had a small hill residence would have their own seats in this ce.

    It was just that...

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips as he looked at the hundred seats that were held up by stone pirs, which rose to extremely high altitudes.

    It was just that they didn¡¯t have these lofty and remote seats...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch224 - Alliance

    <h4>Chapter Ch224 - Alliance</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng took Gu Zuo to sit among arge amount of Immortal Realm martial artists.

    There were also some stone seats ced all around the Martial Prowess tform.

    That¡¯s right, the Martial Prowess tform.

    It could also be called the Life and Death tform or the Challenge tform.

    This elevated stage was only open to martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above. If two Immortal Realm martial artists bore hostilities, they could sign a life and death form and settle things on the Life and Death tform. If there was someone who refused toply, then it would change to the Challenge tform.

    The current battle between He Chenghong and Xiao Tianqi was undoubtedly a challenge.

    Merely, during the challenge itself, while both sides might sometimes act impetuously, they absolutely couldn¡¯t take the other¡¯s life.

    Of course, one side could directly cripple the other side. That was also amon urrence. However, if it was only to cripple, so long as one spent a certain price, one could still recultivate and return.

    As the sole Xiantian martial artist, Tianheng drew many side-long nces when he took a seat.

    Some who were well-informed naturally knew about such a personage, but there were also some who weren¡¯t mindful, and were dissatisfied with this action of his.

    Seeing this, someone would reprimand him.

    Suddenly, a person sat down in the stone seat next to Tianheng.

    This person¡¯s arrival made those disciples who wanted to scold Tianheng all shut their mouths.

    The person who came was Xi Yangyun. His position in the Sect was rather high.

    Tianheng both nodded and gestured at him: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi.¡±

    Xi Yangyun returned it with a benevolent smile: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi got here quite early.¡±

    Tianheng also smiled: ¡°I came a bit earlier to avoid being rude.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t look after these two people who were in the middle of exchanging conventional greetings. His attention was focused on what was within Xi Yangyun¡¯s embrace.

    Xi Yangyun hadn¡¯te alone. Carried in his arms was a tightly-swaddled, beautiful young girl. Herplexion was pale, but her temperament was untainted and free from vulgarity.

    Gu Zuo recognized this girl. Wasn¡¯t she Xi Shuangyun?

    But could Xi Shuangyun already go out now?

    Xi Shuangyun noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze and faintly smiled at him: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Senior Sect Sister Xi.¡±

    After Xi Yangyun sat down, Xi Shuangyun was ced by his side to sit together with him. In addition, an arm wrapped around her to properly protect and support her. At first, Gu Zuo was standing next to Tianheng as he talked with Xi Shuangyun. Then, Tianheng pressed Gu Zuo to his side, allowing Gu Zuo and Xi Shuangyun to sit and talk together.

    Xi Shuangyun seemed to have a very good impression of Gu Zuo. At this moment, her jet-ck, long hair draped over her shoulders, she wore a smiling expression, and her eyes carried a faint brilliance. She seemed to have clear expectations for her own future.

    Gu Zuo carefully looked over, and found that Xi Shuangyun was indeed doing much better. After counting the days, she should¡¯ve taken almost all of her medicinal pills. It probably wouldn¡¯t take long for her to make aplete recovery. Later on, this little sister would properly practice martial arts. Based on her temper, which had been honed for so many years, while he couldn¡¯t say that she would be better than his big brother, she would certainly outss ordinary martial artists! Perhaps, aparison could be made between her and Sister Ling Ziwei...

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s tone was light as she talked with Gu Zuo: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Junior Sect Brother Gu has gone to Danyun City this time around. With remarkable achievements, you¡¯ve made many contributions to the Sect. Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gu is not an ordinary person.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a hollowugh: ¡°Senior Sect Sister Xi¡¯s praise is too much. I just did my best...¡±

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s lips lifted into a smile: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu is modest.¡±

    She animatedly asked about Xu Lingxiu¡¯s performance, as well as about some interesting anecdotes during the pill battles between the numerous pharmacists in Danyun City.

    Gu Zuo saw that she was interested. Although he didn¡¯t know what she was thinking about, he diligently exined things to her. asionally, one would hear Xi Shuangyun close her mouth and lightly giggle as if she was very happy.

    The two little ones were delightfully chatting close to each other. Xi Yangyun and Gongyi Tianheng watched the two of them, and also had smiles on their faces.

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Shuangyun this happy before. It looks like her and Junior Sect Brother Gu actually make quite the pair.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved: ¡°Once Junior Sect Sister Xi recovers, what arrangements are there?¡±

    Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t hide anything: ¡°Afterwards, Shuangyun wants to renew her studies. However, what she¡¯ll specifically practice is still up to her preferences and suitability.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t ask too much about this. After pausing, he suddenly said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, do you already know about the matter of the Inner Sect mission I had to do?¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression immediately turned solemn: ¡°That¡¯s right. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, that mission of yours was quite fishy.¡± Shortly after, his expression loosened, ¡°But that person behind the scenes definitely doesn¡¯t know that this move of his has instead helped you to seed. Through all kinds of fortuitous encounters, it has allowed you to obtain so many benefits.¡±

    Tianheng also smiled, but immediately following which, his gaze turned cold: ¡°Although it¡¯s like this, deep down, I¡¯m still dissatisfied. If it wasn¡¯t for my good luck and that I had thought of some methods, I certainly would¡¯ve fallen on this trip. The worst yet is that I would¡¯ve also greatly lost face, and I would¡¯ve even lost the identity of an Inner Sect disciple. Harming me in such a way, how can I resign myself if I don¡¯t find him?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes hung low: ¡°How about Senior Sect Brother Xi and I both write down this person¡¯s name and show it to each other?¡±

    Xi Yangyun nodded his head.

    Following which, the two simultaneously reached out their hands and applied their qi energy to etch something into the top of the stone armrests. In an instant, they both finished writing, and they looked at what the other had written.

    [Lu Jiusi]

    Indeed, it was exactly the same name.

    Immediately after, the two used their powers once more to erase the name so that no one else would see it.

    In a soft voice, Tianheng swiftly exined his own previous experiences as well as any conjectures about the matter of Lu Jiusi.

    In the past, he hadn¡¯t said anything. Firstly, because his own status was inadequate, there was no way to have a dialogue with the other party on equal footing. Secondly, because Lu Jiusi had a better rtionship with Xi Yangyun, Tianheng was worried that he wouldn¡¯t have been able to win the trust of the other party.

    But now it was different.

    Xi Yangyun himself had doubts about Lu Jiusi. As such, when he came to push this forward, the other side naturally had some ns.

    As Xi Yangyun listened, his expression changed several times. Finally, he shook his head: ¡°So it was like this. Sure enough, this many coincidences can no longer be considered a fluke.¡±

    Tianheng also asked: ¡°Why does Senior Sect Brother Xi suspect Lu Jiusi?¡±

    Xi Yangyun forced a smile: ¡°Our rtionship was close. Originally, there wasn¡¯t ever the least bit of doubt. Yet, when Shuangyun¡¯s health had mostly improved and Lu Jiusi wasn¡¯t present at one point in time, she warned us to be careful of Lu Jiusi.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows rose: ¡°Since Junior Sect Sister Xi has long harbored suspicions of Lu Jiusi, why did she give a warning only now?¡±

    Xi Yangyun sighed: ¡°Previously, Shuangyun simply didn¡¯t like Lu Jiusi. If she had spoken before her body got well, I also would¡¯ve had a hard time believing it. After all, a person¡¯s likes and dislikes can easily affect one¡¯s judgment. There weren¡¯t any mistakes in any of Lu Jiusi¡¯s performances, and rashly investigating him would¡¯ve caused harm to the friendship between sect brothers. In addition, Shuangyun didn¡¯t say anything before because she was worried that if we listened to her and hastily investigated, it would instead allow Lu Jiusi to sense this in advance. Then, he would hide even deeper, which would make harder to catch any traces.¡±

    In these words, there were still some parts that didn¡¯t tell the whole truth.

    He didn¡¯t trust her before, but he did now. Why was it worded this way?

    In a low voice, Tianheng said: ¡°Could there be other reasons among all this?¡±

    Xi Yangyun paused.

    This was something that was hard to mention.

    Tianheng was very interested in this unmentioned reason, but if he intensely questioned the other side¡¯s hidden secret, then that was just asking for trouble. Hence, he only thought about using other methods to make discreet inquiries. For the time being, he set aside the intention of getting to the bottom of things.

    Yet, after Xi Yangyun hesitated for a moment, he lowered his head and looked at his younger sister who was still in the middle of chatting with Gu Zuo.

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s heart sensed something. She raised her head and looked at her elder brother, showing a sweet-tempered smile.

    Xi Yangyun pondered for a bit, then his tone of voice lowered even more: ¡°I won¡¯t hide this from Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. Although I didn¡¯t understand it before, as Shuangyun recovered day by day, I discovered that Shuangyun is just like that Young Lady Ling who you brought back. She also has a special constitution.¡±

    They, these few people, were close together, so these words were also heard by Gu Zuo.

    Little Sister Xi Shuangyun also had a special constitution? What constitution was it?

    Tianheng¡¯s mind moved: ¡°Does Senior Sect Brother Xi¡¯s trust in Junior Sect Sister Xi have anything to do with that special constitution?¡±

    This time around, Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t hesitate. He solemnly nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. Shuangyun really has the Heavenly Heart Body.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared distractedly.

    It was actually the Heavenly Heart Body?

    In the blink of an eye, information on what type of physique the Heavenly Heart Body was immediately shed through his memory.

    The Heavenly Heart Body was a physique that could listen to the heartbeat of heaven and earth.

    At the lower levels, this was a heart connection. It was ssified as an innate skill. Anyone with this type of physique was naturally able to hear other people¡¯s heartbeats, but every time they went to check, one would need to use up lots of power.

    At the higher levels, what one could hear were the thoughts and feelings of all living things. Grass, trees, worms, and fish ¡ª Even magical powers, martial skills, and inner cultivation methods. The former would allow the Heavenly Heart Body to know all things through and through. Thetter allowed one to know the strong and weak points of an opponent¡¯s martial arts during battle as well as to predict the opponent¡¯s uing attacks or defenses.

    In any case, this was a huge advantage.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but secretly praise in his heart.

    Sure enough, this was a powerful physique... Among the numerous physiques, this could be counted as one of the more valiant ones.

    However, despite its valiance, there were also weaknesses.

    For example, if there was another person with a special constitution, one would need to spend twice the amount of power to listen to their heartbeat. If the strength of the other party¡¯s realm was higher than one¡¯s own and they actively guarded against it, then it would be very difficult to hear anything. As another example, while it was true that one could listen to the heartbeats of all living things in the world, too many sounds would cause a mental impact. A moment of carelessness would bring one to insanity. Further still, while it was true that one could listen to the strong and weak points of an opponent¡¯s martial arts, one needed sufficient strength to defend, dodge, and grasp the opportunity to counterattack.

    When it was said like this, this constitution seemed to be a bit of a chicken rib. However, all of this could be cultivated, and one really wouldn¡¯t know how much stronger it would bepared to ordinary martial artists.

    Tianheng had also looked through that item book. Since Gu Zuo clearly recalled it, then Tianheng naturally remembered it, too. But he remained calm and collected, and only showed a little bit of his own astonishment: ¡°The Heavenly Heart Body? What is special about this special constitution?¡±

    Xi Yangyun inly said: ¡°Previously, because Shuangyun had a congenital heart problem, the Heavenly Heart Body hadn¡¯t awakened. There was only some faint responses to the moods of other people. In the beginning, the reason why Shuangyun didn¡¯t like Lu Jiusi wasn¡¯t because he harbored feelings for her. Rather, the feelings that Lu Jiusi gave to Shuangyun were hypocritical and false. His intentions weren¡¯t the same as the sincerity he disyed outwardly.

    He continued: ¡°But in the end, this was just Shuangyun¡¯s feelings, not the truth, which made her have hesitations the entire time. Afterwards, Shuangyun¡¯s body gradually improved, and through this honing, the Heavenly Heart Body gradually awoke. One day when Lu Jiusi came to visit her, for some reason, she suddenly wanted to know what Lu Jiusi was thinking at the time. The moment she thought this, she unexpectedly heard some things! Even though it was just a few words and it immediately used up all of her power, it also gave her certain grounds for justification...¡±

    Listening to Xi Yangyun¡¯s words, Gu Zuo finally understood.

    So to say, it was most likely that Xi Shuangyun had directly looked for Xi Yangyun, and she hadid her cards on the table. When Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t believe her, it was her method of ¡°listening¡± to Xi Yangyun¡¯s thoughts that finally allowed Xi Yangyun to believe her.

    Following that, Xi Yangyun privately tailed Lu Jiusi in many ways to covertly observe him. So long as Lu Jiusi had any imperfections, there would¡¯ve certainly been an exposure when there was a bit of suspicious behavior. And at this moment, so long as Xi Yangyun could find a bit of a w, the doubts in his heart would continuously increase. Later on, no matter how Lu Jiusi tried to fool Xi Yangyun, Xi Yangyun wouldn¡¯t trust Lu Jiusipletely. Rather, Xi Yangyun would always conscientiously observe and inquire about him.

    ...With regards to his younger sister and this ¡°close friend¡±, Xi Yangyun clearly had more trust in his younger sister, whom he shared a mutually dependent bond with. Hence, the painted skin of that ¡°close friend¡±, which had been kept hidden for many years, was also revealed without a hitch.

    After learning about the truth, Xi Yangyun, who had such a good temperament, became furious. Nothing else had to be mentioned. In any case, while it didn¡¯t really cause him any harm, Lu Jiusi had intended to deceive his younger sister¡¯s feelings. This couldn¡¯t be tolerated!

    It was also because of this that he was forting about this matter to Tianheng right now.

    After all, Lu Jiusi had harmed Tianheng. Tianheng and Lu Jiusi were already enemies, and his present status was iparable to before. Acting together as good friends was also very appropriate.

    Tianheng understood this point. Tianheng was quite happy to listen to Xi Shuangyun¡¯s secret and obtain Xi Yangyun¡¯s friendship, which was done of his own ord. For Xi Yangyun, who had such robust finances and a knowledgablework, it just got better and better.

    Right now, Xi Yangyun was an important figure in the younger generation of Grand Elder Xu¡¯s bloodline. Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo had a pretty good rtionship. And this bloodline of Grand Elder Xu was connected by marriage to the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. At the same time, after Tianheng crashed through the Great Tomb of the Human King and offered many things to the Sect, he obtained the rewards and favor of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline... It went without saying that they naturally could consider an alliance. Making the connection just a little tighter was a win-win situation.

    Then, Tianheng said: ¡°In that case, what does Senior Sect Brother Xi want to do in the future?¡±

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°First, I¡¯ll wait until Shuangyunpletely recovers. After that, I¡¯ll certainly be even more careful. Lu Jiusi has such wolfish ambitions. Someday, when he decides to act again, I¡¯ll catch him red-handed. At that time, no matter what, I¡¯ll hand him over to the torture chambers for punishment or...whatever else is appropriate.¡±

    After Tianheng pretended to ponder, he said: ¡°I previously mentioned the matter of the Demon Frenzy Pills and Spider Silk Powder to Senior Sect Brother Xi. Although I made some preparations then, I couldn¡¯t beat him at his own game due to all kinds of things piling up. But in my opinion, if Senior Sect Brother Xi wants to find evidence, you can also look over these two medicaments.¡±

    As he spoke, he patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head: ¡°Ah Zuo, make a copy of these two prescriptions.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t object in the least, and promptly took out a paper and brush from his storage space. He casually brandished the brush. After that, he handed over those two sheets of paper: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, for you.¡±

    Xi Yangyun reached out a hand to take them. Following which, he wore a grateful look: ¡°Many thanks to Junior Sect Brother Gongyi and Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    This was obviously a free gift. Xi Yangyun couldn¡¯t say anything about the matter of paying for it; otherwise, it would make it seem like Tianheng had done it on purpose. However, Xi Yangyun remembered this matter in his heart. Xi Yangyun wanted to repay him, and postponed it for another day.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi can give these two prescriptions to Senior Sect Brother Xu. He has looked after me considerably. These two prescriptions don¡¯t have much use, but they¡¯re interesting. They can be given to Senior Sect Brother Xu to y with.¡±

    Xi Yangyun had a smile on his face: ¡°Alright. Lingxiu will surely like them.¡±

    Tianheng also smiled and said: ¡°I don¡¯t have too much manpower in the Sect. In the future, I¡¯ll have to ask Senior Sect Brother Xi to keep an eye on Lu Jiusi. If there are any matters that I can help with, Senior Sect Brother Xi only needs to say the word and I¡¯ll fully cooperate.¡±

    Xi Yangyun was very straightforward: ¡°The matter of Lu Jiusi will be handed over to me. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, rest assured. After this, he won¡¯t have another opportunity to plot against you.¡±

    Tianheng heard these words, and became increasingly satisfied.

    With someone else moving to act, he naturally saved trouble.

    And with his current position, what was even more important was to increase his strength. Some trivial matters that others found fault with were no longer considered to be things that he needed to personally get involved in.

    During those times, he only needed to asionally allow the Tianlong Guards to look things over and to bring back news.

    Both sides talked about their own proper business and that of others. Meanwhile, more and more people came to watch the battle below. As it got closer to the time of the match, the atmosphere seemed to be a bit strained.

    Gu Zuo abruptly detected the qi emissions of two approaching peopleing from far away. His heart quivered, and he couldn¡¯t be bothered with chatting anymore. He turned his head, and looked over.

    High in the sky, a sense of agility and vigor flew over. In a brief period of time, it promptly appeared at the summit of a lofty stone pir.

    The stone pirs were the seats of the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s top one hundred. What this person stood upon was the third seat.

    His height was nearly three meters tall, his ck hair was drawn up high, his figure was handsome, and his prestige was enormous. He stood with his hands sped behind his back, and he possessed the bearing of an expert.

    Looking at his appearance, there was a thirty to forty percent likeness to the previously seen He Chengfeng.

    The pupils of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes suddenly contracted.

    He Chenghong!

    This man was certainly He Chenghong!

    The one who arrived at almost the same time as He Chenghong was arge man who was even taller than the former. His appearance was rough, and he carried arge saber on his back. The entire person felt like a saber. When he dashed over, he sliced openyers uponyers of air waves. With shocking boldness, he stood upon the stone pir of the second ce seat.

    He was the leader of the Hundred Rivers League. The Sky Leaderboard¡¯s second ce ¡ª Xiao Tianqi!

    The arrival of these two people set off a huge upsurge.

    Countless sect members raised their heads to look, and their expressions held a type of fervor that couldn¡¯t be put into words.

    It was a confrontation between Immortal Realm powerhouses!

    It was a challenge battle for the qualifications of the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s second and third ces!

    These kinds of fights were too few, and many years would pass without seeing a single one.

    Such battles were also too precious. If they couldprehend some things from within, perhaps there¡¯d be quite a few martial artists who could make consecutive breakthroughs after returning!

    After this kind of fight, there¡¯d always be many such martial artists who could obtain benefits. This would allow several powerful figures to spring up among the Sect¡¯s younger generation.

    These two people didn¡¯t say anything.

    An expert would have an expert¡¯s pride. They had arrived, and they had arrived early. Nevertheless, it still hadn¡¯t reached the exact time of the decisive battle. As a result, neither of them made a move.

    Just when the feverish mor was being constantly stifled by the two¡¯s imposing auras, the pressure of the confrontation between both sides flowed between the countless martial artists. When it even made it difficult for some martial artists to move or breathe, there was a lengthy whistling noise. It was a whistling sound like that of a silver bell, which came from far away.

    In the blink of an eye, quite a few silhouettes swept over.

    It was only during that one instant. After several rustling sounds, quite a few people once more arrived at the summits of those hundred stone pirs. They stood upon the pirs one after another. Likewise, they possessed bearings worthy of pride.

    As it turned out, among the top one hundred of the Sky Leaderboard powerhouses, many genius disciples had arrived in time!

    Unlike the other martial artists who came to join in on the fun, the arrival of the strong was always timely and neverte.

    Not long after, more than half of the the hundred pirs were filled. The time of the duel approached bit by bit, and it seemed like there wouldn¡¯t be any more martial artists arriving.

    The air between He Chenghong and Xiao Tianqi was being continuously drawn out. Now, it was stretched taut to an unfathomable degree! Seeing this, perhaps it would break down at any time!

    The next moment, a strange, shrill whistle could be heard.

    This sound seemed like a ghost¡¯s shrieking, like the mournful weeping of space being cleaved apart. Hearing it made one¡¯s hair stand on end. And apanying this sound, was the arrival of a figure. It was that sort of anomaly that one simply didn¡¯t dare to look directly at, but when looking over, one had no way to move their line of sight away.

    The person who came wasn¡¯t considered too tall, and only approached He Chenghong¡¯s height. This person¡¯s figure was thin, like they had been peeled with a knife. The clothing covered most of the person¡¯s refined skin, and what appeared was the figure¡¯s flowing contours.

    This person¡¯s hair was very short, and each strand stood up. The skin was very white, and almost presented a translucent image. The lips were ck. The outer corners of the eyes and the fingernails were also pitch-ck.

    This person appeared very bewitching, but thatplexion actually made people feel that it was very handsome.

    This person was so handsome that people couldn¡¯t bear to look away.

    Gu Zuo could clearly see this, and he couldn¡¯t help trembling all over in shock.

    Merely, this handsome individual... She was a woman!

    A woman who was as sharp as the edge of a de and as strange as a specter.

    Moreover, thiste woman who drew the attention of countless eyeballs was the person who held first ce on the Sky Leaderboard!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch225 - That Woman

    <h4>Chapter Ch225 - That Woman</h4>

    The Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one was a legend in the Sect.

    About twenty-five years ago, a Elder from the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline picked up an abandoned infant amid a pack of wild wolves. Those wild wolves were originally going to devour that abandoned infant, but that baby let out a piercing, long whistle which forced that wolf pack from rashly charging over. Originally, with the passage of time, the baby¡¯s whistle would¡¯ve ended, and that pack of wild wolves would¡¯ve eaten that infant. But at this time, the Elder¡¯s appearance was that abandoned baby¡¯s fated chance.

    After the infant was picked up, it was only to be expected to be taken under that Elder¡¯s wings. At that time, this Elder was just a mid Immortal Realm martial artist, so his strength was only decent. Also, his position in the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline wasn¡¯t high, and his authority didn¡¯t have much weight. This Elder was unmarried, and didn¡¯t have any descendants. Although he regarded this abandoned infant as his own child, his lifespan was already reaching its final stages. The remaining time was only enough for his golden years. There was basically no way to provide the baby with too many resources and benefits.

    Thus, although the abandoned infant¡¯s growth was in the Inner Sect the entire time, she was still just like an ordinary disciple, where she had to rely on her own efforts to gain sufficient status little by little.

    Due to the infant¡¯s past history, the Elder gave this child the name Huang Ji.

    Since childhood, Huang Ji was capable of using whistling sounds to chase away wild beasts. Hunting by herself for many years, most of her skills were about close-quartersbat and her killing intent was astonishing. She obtained countless contribution points by herself, and her strength often had sudden increases.

    However, when she was fifteen years old, Huang Ji smoothly entered Xiantian. And at twenty years old, Huang Ji smoothly entered the Immortal Realm. Now, she was just twenty-five years old, and she was already a high Immortal Realm powerhouse!

    Since five years ago, Huang Ji had already dominated first ce on the Sky Leaderboard. And after these five years, even though countless geniuses sprung upter on, not a single person could wrest away her honored seat.

    Merely, Huang Ji had only one issue that made the people of the Sect raise their eyebrows.

    She thought that she was a man. He was firmly convinced that he was a man.

    Originally, the Sect also thought that his constitution was special, which made others misjudge him. But no matter how the pharmacists investigated, regardless of whether it was an Atomic Realm or even the Sect Master himself, everyone could see that he was a woman.

    Forck of a better option, the Elder who raised Huang Ji to adulthoodter went to ask him. Why did he think that he was a man and not a woman? Huang Ji replied that he didn¡¯t like men, and he felt ufortable when he thought about marrying a man. He only liked women. And since he liked women, naturally he should be a man.

    When these words were spoken, it made people wonder what to say.

    Huang Ji was iparably gant and handsome. His aura and bearing were far above that of countless Inner Sect male disciples. In Huang Ji¡¯s presence, even the imperious and imposing Xiao Tianqi held restraining fears in his heart as if he was a full head shorter than Huang Ji. On top of that, when Huang Ji said that he liked women, there were also many women who became his fans and were willing to marry him.

    It was just that, although Huang Ji liked women, his heart had never once been emotionally moved or impassioned. Consequently, many Inner Sect female disciples were broken-hearted because of him. It was hard to free themselves from this situation.

    Originally, with such a legend like the number one of the Sky Leaderboard, his story should¡¯ve only been known to other Immortal Realm powerhouses like him. But his strength rose too quickly. While some Inner Sect disciples were still trapped within the Xiantian Realm, he had already shot straight up in leaps and bounds to such a degree that people would have to tilt their heads up to see him ¡ª As a result, there were many Xiantian martial artists who could say that they had watched him ¡°grow up¡±. How could anyone not know about his story?

    However, after Huang Ji achieved first ce on the Sky Leaderboard, he went out on adventures all year round. It was mainly for the sake of harsh cultivation. On rare asions, people would see him carrying enormous wild beasts and leaping over while dripping with blood. Thus, among those who cameter, there were very few who knew about him.

    Presently, the instant that everyone saw Huang Ji, they began to discuss things spiritedly:

    ¡°Senior Sect Sister Huang actually came out of seclusion?¡±

    ¡°The mighty Senior Sect Sister Huang! Her power seems even stronger!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call her Senior Sect Sister in front of her face. You need to say Senior Sect Brother...¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. Once, someone called her Senior Sect Sister, but was beaten half to death by her!¡±

    These were all male martial artists.

    ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang is still so handsome. In the world, there are only a few men who can bepared to him!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that, up until now, no one has been able to capture Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s heart. If Senior Sect Brother Huang falls for me, how great would that be?¡±

    ¡°Although Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s temperament isn¡¯t pleasant, he¡¯s very good to us. Last time, when I was out in the countryside, I came under attack. Nevertheless, when Senior Sect Brother Huang was passing by, he moved to save me. Those couple of fawning sect brothers who were traveling with me didn¡¯t dare to help!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. It¡¯s only Senior Sect Brother Huang who¡¯s truly a man among men!¡±

    These were female martial artists.

    It was also due to these many discussions that, after Gu Zuo discharged his psychic power, he was able to swiftly gather information rted to the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one. It also made his impressions extremelyplicated.

    Actually... Women could also like other women.

    Because he liked women, he believed that he was a man. Huang Ji needed to reconstruct his worldview without dy!

    At first, Gu Zuo thought that there was an error in Huang Ji¡¯s gender perception, but now it seemed that, while there was an error, it wasn¡¯t the kind that he had originally thought.

    But in any case, Gu Zuo developed a bit of curiosity towards this woman whose feet could trample upon most of the men in this Sect. Under this curiosity, he wanted to take a closer look. Thus, his psychic power let off an additional thread, which extended towards the stone pir where that Huang Ji was located...

    Whoosh!

    Huang Ji instantly turned his head.

    In a split second, there seemed to be a sword-like gaze piercing over, which made Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shudder. He swiftly withdrew his psychic power!

    Indeed, that gaze was merely an astonishing and imposing aura, and it didn¡¯t truly harm him. However, this was the first time that someone discovered his psychic power ¡ª At the very least, this was someone who perceived it!

    Originally, he was always careful in all aspects, but in the past, even if it was an Immortal Realm powerhouse, they had no way of discovering him. He had also never encountered an Atomic Realm powerhouse, and he had long decided that he absolutely couldn¡¯t have such small thoughts in the presence of an Atomic Realm powerhouse. But how could he have imagined that Huang Ji would actually be so powerful? Aiya, it was sensed atst!

    What should be said...

    Sure enough, should it be said that the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one enjoyed a well-deserved reputation?

    His heart was a little rmed. Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t deal with anything else, and hastily transmitted to Tianheng in his consciousness. Gu Zuo told him all about the matter just then.

    And after Tianheng heard what was said, he also faintly furrowed his brows.

    This matter was indeed unexpected. He never thought that the psychic power, which had always been sessful in every endeavor, would kick an iron te here. Fortunately, Gu Zuo had only released his psychic power to take a quick glimpse. If he had truly gone over in full, then it wouldn¡¯t have been good. But when all was said and done, it was best that no bystanders found out about this. If anyone did know, then they would need to think of some methods.

    Right now, the most crucial point was that they needed to know what that Huang Ji was thinking about. If he wanted to threaten them, it would be troublesome. If Huang Ji was only going to admonish them and didn¡¯t have any intention of making enemies, then this was possibly a way to develop friendly rtions with Huang Ji instead.

    Tianheng secretly transmitted back.

    [Ah Zuo, don¡¯t get flustered.]

    [Big brother, I¡¯m sorry...]

    [There¡¯s no need to worry. For now, we¡¯ll only watch how that Huang Ji respondster. For the remaining matters, just leave them to your big brother.]

    Gu Zuo was somewhat dispirited.

    [This is all because I was too careless. I still need to let big brother clean up my messes.]

    Tianheng actually gave a faint smile.

    [After this event, Ah Zuo will be even more careful in the future. Think about the bright side. If you didn¡¯t receive your first blow now, wouldn¡¯t it have been even worseter on when confronting an enemy and discovering that something was amiss? Moreover... Ah Zuo helps me quite a bit every day, but there isn¡¯t much that I can do for Ah Zuo. Cleaning up a mess for Ah Zuo is interesting, too.]

    Gu Zuo was a little exasperated.

    However, he also understood that this was his big brother¡¯s way of deliberately consoling him.

    Actually, he was still a fool who pitted his big brother... After this, he would certainly be more careful when handling matters again! As for anything else, he wanted to go back to refine some medicinal pills to make up for it. Even if it was the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one, weren¡¯t there always medicinal pills that one needed?

    Thinking about that pile of medicinal ingredients that formed a mountain and countless types of pill prescriptions in his storage space, Gu Zuo felt a little bit more confident from the bottom of his heart.

    Humph. Unless Huang Ji really didn¡¯t need any medicinal pills, so long as Gu Zuo had something that he sought, Gu Zuo could use medicinal pills to keep Huang Ji¡¯s mouth shut!

    After thinking up to here, Gu Zuo slowly set aside his worries.

    It was better that he didn¡¯t overthink things. When a boat reached the bridgehead... En, it would go straight with the current.

    After Huang Ji came, the venue was filled with peals of discussion and noise. At the same time, in the hearts of all the spectators, they felt that things had be even more interesting.

    If nothing else ¡ª The quality of the people watching the fight could also indicate the status of both parties involved in the battle. Even Huang Ji, that cultivating madman and murderous ruffian, came to watch this bout of martial prowess. This was even more proof that these two people were very worthy of face.

    Soon, the time arrived.

    He Chenghong stood up, and his body moved forward. His full-body brocade robe fluttered in the wind. He was like a white crane, and his posture was extremely graceful as he swiftly glided down. Hended precisely upon the leftmost point of the Martial Prowess tform.

    At almost the exact same time, Xiao Tianqi also moved.

    His figure seemed like a bolt of ck lightning. In the blink of an eye, he stood at the rightmost point. His movements were simple and agile. He also bore the hints of a mad tyrant.

    The two of them were exceptional talents, and both were proud sons of heaven. Although one person was taking advantage of the other¡¯s time of weakness to issue a challenge, there was no need for doubts that this was still a formidable battle between geniuses.

    He Chenghong calcted, but he calcted without the faintest of burdens, and his thoughts were sensible. Xiao Tianqi was someone who¡¯d been schemed against, but he was broad-minded, and had already settled down his subordinates. Even after a hundred battles, he would have no regrets.

    The imposing auras of the two constantly rose. One side was like a white crane giving a long cry as it dashed above the nine firmaments. The other side seemed like a storm that engulfed everything as it shook the highest of heavens.

    The two auras opposed each other with equal harshness. They suddenly shed, and let out a loud rumbling sound.

    The surging qi waves rushed out in all directions and frantic gales blew abruptly, which made some spectating Immortal Realm martial artists feelpelled by the dreadful auras. It was as if it wanted to drive them away.

    Xi Yangyun immediately took Xi Shuangyun into his arms, fending off the violent and overbearing winds for her.

    At first, Gu Zuo wanted to release his psychic power to obstruct the sts of wind, but then immediately realized that he couldn¡¯t do so. In the next moment, he sank into a warm embrace.

    He swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    B-big brother...

    Tianheng used one hand to caress his hair and the other hand to hold his waist. A thinyer of reddish-gold power covered the surfaces of the two people, but every time a gale blew past, it would vanish under this power.

    ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t move.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s back was ramrod straight, and he didn¡¯t dare to fidget: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    Sitting on big brother¡¯s legs, leaning on big brother¡¯s chest, and being directly held by big brother¡¯s arms... He wasn¡¯t that young. This was so embarrassing.

    However, as a young teenager who¡¯d left his dad for a long time, after being protected so lovingly, a warm feeling still arose from the bottom of Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Although he said it was embarrassing, his big brother¡¯s embrace really had a strong sense of security. Tianheng¡¯s muscles were rugged and strong. Compared to his dad¡¯s flimsy build, it actually made one feel even more at ease.

    When Gu Zuo thought such things, his face became a little hot.

    In his heart, he silently told himself again: I¡¯m getting older, I¡¯m going to be an adult soon.

    After that, he obediently continued to lean against his dear big brother.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze fell upon that Martial Prowess tform once more.

    Because, after the colliding auras tossed around the spectators down below, the people on the tform also officially started the battle.

    He Chenghong¡¯s hand held a long halberd, and at some point in time, Xiao Tianqi grasped arge saber with both hands. The halberd presented a bright silver color, while the saber was as jet-ck as concentrated ink.

    There was a ck one and a silver one, and the color and luster were opposites. One was handsome and leisurely, and the other was heroic and forthright. Their temperaments were also opposites. Even the two¡¯s martial skills were such that one was graceful and the other overbearing... During this battle, the two people were such pr opposites. They both used their strongest powers to suppress their counterpart and to conquer this Martial Prowess tform!

    Gu Zuo watched on very earnestly.

    Although the halberd was ssified as a rtively heavy weapon, the one used by He Chenghong was a light halberd. The halberd¡¯s pole was very long, and when it was put to use, it would often bend to have an arc-shaped appearance. When he leaped up and down, his body techniques were quick and skillful. It was also like a white crane catching its prey. Both the man and weapon were well-matched. That crane¡¯s beak appeared to be the sharp point of a cold spear. When the white crane spread its wings, every step was filled with great danger.

    Inparison, Xiao Tianqi¡¯s saber techniques were indiscriminate.

    One basically couldn¡¯t see anypositional rules. Each sh didn¡¯t seem to have any particr trajectory, like he was chopping at random. But it was this disordered chopping that could cut down every surprise attack that He Chenghong made. And after cutting them down, it also gave He Chenghong intense jolts. If one watched carefully, it would even be discovered that, after therge saber and long halberd shed, every one of the halberd¡¯s oscitions were different. This undoubtedly showed that the strength of each saber strike was also different!

    In the current state of affairs, He Chenghong¡¯s steps were lighter and faster, while Xiao Tianqi seemed to be a bit encumbered ¡ª Perhaps, this also had something to do with his unhealed injury, but his saber techniques didn¡¯t give people the impression of being only tyrannical and unwieldy. Two people collided, and the long halberd and therge saber shed. Unexpectedly, they were evenly matched!

    Gu Zuo secretly thought to himself: No wonder He Chenghong wanted to plot against Xiao Tianqi to make his realm drop. Even if they can fight to a draw now, if Xiao Tianqi¡¯s realm hadn¡¯t fallen, then it¡¯ll be a long time before He Chenghong is capable of striking down Xiao Tianqi. Only, after this is over, I don¡¯t know if He Chenghong will use simr methods to plot against Huang Ji after experiencing the sweet taste of victory...

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help transmitting over to Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled.

    [It¡¯s not necessarily as such. However, I also can¡¯t guarantee that the He n won¡¯t take a risk out of desperation. The reason why Xiao Tianqi was easily plotted against is because, although he is strong, he hasn¡¯t yet apprenticed himself to a master. He also hasn¡¯t truly joined any bloodlines. Thus, dealing with him isparatively easy. But Huang Ji is different. The master that this woman apprenticed to was part of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. The Sect Master¡¯s bloodline naturally watches over her to some degree. Moreover, the potential that Huang Ji disys is much better than that of Xiao Tianqi. Presumably, the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline also values her greatly. If the He n plotted against Huang Ji, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be more than ten times harder than plotting against Xiao Tianqi.]

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and the matter seemed to be like this. He nodded his head.

    But, Tianheng¡¯s words still had a follow-up.

    [However, the Elder who adopted Huang Ji has already passed away. If Huang Ji can¡¯t truly join the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, things may change. And if Huang Ji is willing to continue being of the same breath and branches as the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, the situation also won¡¯t be the same.]

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips.

    [Big brother¡¯s meaning is that if Huang Ji wants to continue to be within the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, the He n might try to obstruct her so that she can¡¯t receive the protection of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline?]

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and faintly nodded.

    [Logically speaking, so long as Huang Ji isn¡¯t stupid and so long as the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline doesn¡¯t have any internal power struggles, it¡¯ll be impossible for this matter to ur. For such a genius like Huang Ji, the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline will spare no effort in roping her in and befriending her. If one were to make the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline abandon Huang Ji, one could only let Huang Ji herself offend the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. It would need to cause both sides to be irreconcble. Otherwise, no matter what ns the He n thinks up, it would all end in certain failure.]

    Gu Zuo thought he understood.

    In any case, if the He n didn¡¯t want to do anything, then it didn¡¯t matter. If it did, then the probability of sess was very low.

    Wanting to make Huang Ji offend the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, and wanting to prevent the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline from realizing that Huang Ji was being framed... Neither side would be so foolish.

    Moreover, Gu Zuo thought of something else.

    They had only mentioned reaching the end of one¡¯s lifespan and passing away... For a medicinal pill that could prolong the life of a Xiantian martial artist, there was the Life Extension Pill. As for when one reached the Immortal Realm, there should also be a corresponding pill. Otherwise, at what time would he search for this pill prescription and refine backups forter use?

    ¡ª But such thoughts were still too far away. First, he would observe the fight.

    He Chenghong and Xiao Tianqi were both powerhouses. Their battle naturally didn¡¯t have too many instances of probing the other¡¯s strengths. It quickly entered a high period where things turned white-hot.

    The sound of the halberd and saber¡¯s collisions rang endlessly, but this was negligible. The qi energy and the inexhaustible power emanating from the collisions were the important means to injure each other!

    At this time, the martial skills appeared to be both magnificent and concise. While it was in to see the weapons crashing together, the trajectories contained within and the countless saber marks and halberd techniques left people dazzled with a nce. Ah, it would really give one a headache.

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was very strong. Also, because he didn¡¯t watch to gain a deeper understanding like other martial artists, his head didn¡¯t particrly hurt.

    But while his head didn¡¯t hurt, there was worry in his heart ¡ª Did his big brother have a headache?

    He was clear that his big brother certainly wouldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. Tianheng would also certainly strive his hardest to use his formidable IQ toprehend these witnessed martial skills.

    Merely, reading secret manuscripts and watching people were two different things. Reading manuscripts was a sedate matter. If one didn¡¯t understand, it could be set aside forter. However, when watching people fight, there were very intense movements. There wasn¡¯t simply a singleyer between the Immortal Realm and the Xiantian Realm. Even if it was Gongyi Tianheng, wanting to rely on his own IQ and memory to reconstruct these two people¡¯s martial skills in his consciousness wasn¡¯t an easy thing at all.

    Sure enough, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t even need to turn around. He could sense his dear big brother¡¯s previously rxed body bing taut. The arm that embraced Gu Zuo¡¯s waist also grew tighter and tighter.

    ...His waist was a little sore.

    But this bit of pain could be ignored.

    Gu Zuo nervously turned his head to look at his big brother¡¯s face.

    In the end, Tianheng¡¯s expression was very normal, and Tianheng gave him a gentle smile like usual... Gu Zuo turned his head back around.

    He felt that his big brother could endure very well. If he kept taking nces, then it would distract his big brother.

    On the Martial Prowess tform, the fighting of those two people became even fiercer.

    Gu Zuo clearly saw that Xiao Tianqi¡¯s chest was heaving up and down, and hisplexion was bing increasingly flushed. His saber force had be stronger, but this didn¡¯t mean that his strength had suddenly skyrocketed. Rather, it was because he was nearly an arrow at the end of its flight. Right now, he had overdrawn his own power, and this was the final radiance of a setting sun. At the same time, He Chenghong was no better than him. His face wasn¡¯t red, but it was growing more and more pale. If it got any worse, perhaps he would turn blue. Yet, He Chenghong¡¯s aura was also undergoing a sudden increase. This showed that he was making a big move!

    Xiao Tianqi seemed to have discovered this, too.

    He swiftly withdrew and pulled back. Therge saber in front of his body repeatedly changed into numerous, pitch-ck saber marks. Each saber mark was continuously shattered under the long halberd¡¯s offensive. Suddenly, He Chenghong¡¯s left hand raised the halberd, and abruptly thrusted at that cluster of saber marks ¡ª Pew!

    In a split second, more than half of those saber marks disappeared, but Xiao Tianqi used his full strength to unleash a blood-colored sh. It was a terrifying saber mark that seemed to cover half of the Martial Prowess tform!

    The power contained in this saber mark was extremely astonishing. It appeared to have rolled up innumerable amounts of tyrannical qi, and the people near and far who were intimidated by it seemed to surrender inside. And among all this, it even possessed a type of unparalleled cutting edge which would cleave and smash apart any enemies that dared to encroach upon it!

    When the long halberd struck this blood-red saber mark, it was also like it had stabbed into an indestructible object. It was unable to advance a single inch further.

    But He Chenghong was hardly rmed. The palm of his right hand suddenly flipped up. Following this, it changed directions and swiped downwards!

    He n Martial Skill: Consummate Skill ¡ª Heavenly Crane Palm.

    First Form, The Crane Startles the World!

    Five slim fingers were like an elegant white crane as they pressed down from high in the sky.

    They quickly mmed into the saber mark, but the instant it was struck, the saber mark let out creaking and crunching noises. It seemed like the saber mark was going to disintegrate right away, but the downward power of this palm wasn¡¯t extinguished.

    Xiao Tianqi spurted out a mouthful of blood, and hastened the saber mark. He made the traces above suddenly disappear, and it became stable again.

    But He Chenghong pressed down with another palm.

    He n Martial Skill: Consummate Skill ¡ª Heavenly Crane Palm.

    Second Form, The Crane¡¯s Talons Grasp Heaven and Earth!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch226 - Treating Xiao Tianqi

    <h4>Chapter Ch226 - Treating Xiao Tianqi</h4>

    It was as if an incredibly heavy object was bearing down. No matter how powerful the blood-colored saber mark that Xiao Tianqi shed out was, it copsed at this instant. Just like shattered ss, it sshed out in all directions.

    The power of the collision was even more frightening. Quite a few Immortal Realm martial artists had no choice but to use some moves to disperse those pieces of ¡°ss¡± and the shockwave. At this moment, even Gongyi Tianheng suddenly threw out a fist andunched a ball of reddish-gold radiance!

    After several booming noises, Xiao Tianqi recoiled continuously. In the end, he stood at the edge of the Martial Prowess tform with a paleplexion. He didn¡¯t have the slightest bit of strength left, but he was even more unwilling to admit defeat like this.

    On the other side, He Chenghong withdrew his hand. His face was also very pale, but he looked much better than Xiao Tianqi, who¡¯d already suffered an injury to his internal organs.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression changed.

    Not good! He Chenghong had killing intent!

    Yes. The light in He Chenghong¡¯s eyes flickered indeterminately, and his fingers were faintly trembling. At this time, if he was even slightly impulsive, he might immediately act!

    Fortunately, He Chenghong¡¯s intelligence wasn¡¯t really that low.

    Unlike those who held deep enmity with others, He Chenghong and Xiao Tianqi were ultimately still fighting over power and resources. For years on end, Xiao Tianqi had been pressing down upon He Chenghong¡¯s face. Indeed, it had injured his prestige, and He Chenghong was also itching to kill Xiao Tianqi. However, doing it secretly was one thing. Turning a martial prowess challenge into a battle of life and death so inly was another thing. In order to prevent others from having a poor impression of himself and the He n, He Chenghong endured. In the end, he didn¡¯t act on impulse.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh of relief.

    Compared to He Chenghong, it was only natural that he had a better impression of Xiao Tianqi. If Xiao Tianqi died here, he really felt that it would¡¯ve been too unworthy.

    He Chenghong didn¡¯t move to kill, but this didn¡¯t mean that he would let Xiao Tianqi slip away. One would only see him dashing forwards once more with both hands outstretched. He targeted Xiao Tianqi¡¯s lower abdomen.

    This was precisely the location of Xiao Tianqi¡¯s dantian. It was also the location of his qi ocean. Once it was struck, Xiao Tianqi¡¯s qi ocean would be crippled. In the days toe, even if Xiao Tianqi found suitable medicinal ingredients to restore his own body, it would take a long time to return to the Immortal Realm. After this period of time, He Chenghong¡¯s strength would certainly have world-shaking changes. At that time, Xiao Tianqi wouldn¡¯t be able to catch up to He Chenghong.

    But, how couldn¡¯t Xiao Tianqi sense He Chenghong¡¯s sinister motives?

    He promptly bolstered a trace of strength that he¡¯d just recovered in his body. He made an abrupt backflip, and stamped on the ground. At the same time, two people in the rear threw themselves over in a hurry. They both acted simultaneously to obstruct He Chenghong¡¯s single-minded attack, whose power was increased as if by ident.

    There were two loud rumbles.

    In front, the two Immortal Realm martial artists who protected Xiao Tianqi had smears of blood dribbling out from the corners of their mouths.

    Their strengths were far inferior to that of He Chenghong, but fortunately, He Chenghong hadn¡¯t utilized his full-strength at the very end. This allowed them to catch this move without a hitch. Only, they still consequentially received some injuries.

    Xiao Tianqi smoothly left the Martial Prowess tform, and also saved his qi ocean.

    At this point in time, He Chenghong reconsidered the matter of seizing this opportunity. Chasing after Xiao Tianqi to destroy his dantian was just too unsightly ¡ª If he didn¡¯t want to lose face, then he absolutely couldn¡¯t do such a thing.

    At a location far away, Hai Tian let out a long sigh.

    Although many people would say that He Chenghong was magnanimous, they would also say that he had taken advantage of someone¡¯s difficulties for the sake of his n¡¯s benefits and that there wasn¡¯t a problem with his own moral standing. But from what Hai Tian could see, if there wasn¡¯t a problem with a person¡¯s moral standing, they simply wouldn¡¯t have agreed to do this. At the very least, wouldn¡¯t He Chenghong have avoided this if his true moral standing was very good?

    Hence, Hai Tian had arranged for people to wait below the elevated stage. When they saw Xiao Tianqi suffer defeat, they would promptly protect him. Sure enough, this wasn¡¯t all for naught.

    As Hai Tian initially presumed, He Chenghong was a hypocrite.

    Xiao Tianqi suddenly clenched his fists.

    Because his injuries couldn¡¯tpletely heal, he was defeated under the hands of a despicable younger generation. He even almost had his qi ocean destroyed by underhanded methods ¡ª This was practically a disgrace for all his life!

    True men of character should first know humiliation and then be brave. He decided that he would find a recovery method and then thoroughly step all over that lowly He Chenghong!

    After taking a deep breath, Xiao Tianqi cupped his fist and said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother He, you¡¯ve won.¡±

    He won with a despicable mind.

    But Xiao Tianqi didn¡¯t acknowledge that he had lost because he was determined to have a rematch!

    And as for He Chenghong?

    He showed a graceful smiling expression: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xiao, you let me win.¡±

    Henceforth, the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s second seat was his!

    He Chenghong¡¯s victory was beyond most people. In particr was that Heavenly Crane Palm of his, which stunned numerous people even more. Countless disciples discussed things enthusiastically as they delved deeply into the He n¡¯s consummate skill.

    Afterwards, the order of the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s seats changed, and many of the industries under Xiao Tianqi¡¯s control were seized by He Chenghong ¡ª While the industries of an Immortal Realm martial artist perhaps couldn¡¯t be considered too many, they were umted generation after generation. An organization in the Sect could be a huge monster.

    Back to matter at hand, He Chenghong, the victor, was naturally valued more by many people who wanted to make friends and curry favor. As for Xiao Tianqi, the loser, with the assistance of Hai Tian and the others, he was brought back through his Hundred Rivers League¡¯s numerous channels to his dwelling where he continued to heal.

    After the battle concluded, those terrifying streams of qi also ended. For a moment, Gu Zuo felt pity for Xiao Tianqi. Then, he sensed his own body moving.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo¡¯s embarrassment reached an all-time high.

    He had already grown up so much... This sentence started to echo in his mind once more.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have the time to be embarrassed.

    At this moment, the system in his consciousness issued missions again.

    [Side Mission 1: Verify Huang Ji¡¯s special constitution.]

    [Mission Item: Nothing new to be added.]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Reward: <<Spirit Refining Seal>>.]

    And then...

    [Side Mission 2: Treat Xiao Tianqi¡¯s injuries.]

    [Mission Item: Nothing new to be added.]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    It had been a very long time since two missions were issued consecutively. In addition, it was very strange that the final rewards and penalties for the two missions were also different.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, there was a bit of hesitation.

    He quietly looked towards the ce where Huang Ji was located.

    After the match finished, Huang Ji was originally going to leave. However, before he had time to move, numerous female martial artists gathered around his stone pir and used admiring nces to look at him.

    Huang Ji was a grim and unfeeling woman, but at this moment, while surrounded by numerous women, his unfeeling heart made it hard topletely express himself. But with this moment of hesitation, a female martial artist with high inner strength had already barred his way. Him wanting to leave wasn¡¯t going to be that easy.

    Of course, women were mostly reserved and aloof. Although many women who made achievements in martial arts were bold and unrestrained, they also wouldn¡¯t make any moves that were too unusual in public. These women surrounded Huang Ji. Even though it was to express their own admiration, their actions were simply to ask him about the difficult problems of some martial disciplines.

    Since Huang Ji couldn¡¯t leave, he asionally gave brief replies. After he gave such replies... It became even harder to leave.

    One woman received the attentions of numerous women. There were a few male Immortal Realm geniuses who had subtle expressions. Not to mention anything else, Gu Zuo could see that, in those seats that were close to the Martial Prowess tform like him and his big brother, there were many who were casting disgruntled gazes.

    It was a pity that Huang Ji didn¡¯t take these gazes into consideration at all. It was even more pitiful that, even though they looked at Huang Ji with such adverse looks, they still couldn¡¯t fight Huang Ji... And the most pitiful thing was, granted that so many of them were watching for so long, the women surrounding Huang Ji still kept increasing ¡ª Those women didn¡¯t once turn their heads to look at them.

    Gu Zuo silently ridiculed them.

    Thinking about it, men couldn¡¯tpete against a woman in fighting over women... These kind of men were prettymentable.

    After ridiculing them, Xi Yangyun was carrying Xi Shuangyun off to the side. They had already finished relieving their boredom, and now it was time to go back. Naturally, Tianheng properly bade them farewell. After saying goodbye, Tianheng and Gu Zuo went to see Fu Manduo and the others.

    That¡¯s right. They agreed to meet up here. Only, because the locations of everyone¡¯s seats were different prior to the match, they didn¡¯t have any way to gather. Now that the battle was over, everyone could assemble and talk together to conveniently discuss their impressions after watching that match.

    Tianheng also wasn¡¯t stingy, and mentioned the things he saw that weren¡¯t so unbelievably startling. After Fu Manduo, Zhao Yuheng, and the others heard this, their hearts were full of shock, and only felt that Tianheng¡¯s IQ was too frightening. Unexpectedly, after watching a single match, he had such a profound understanding.

    Overall, this exchange was very pleasant.

    Soon after, Fu Manduo and the others had some sensations in their hearts. They all went back into secluded cultivation one after another.

    Tianheng was now unupied. He lowered his head and asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, do you want to go back now?¡±

    Although it previously seemed that Huang Ji had discovered Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, in the end, they didn¡¯t know how much he knew or what he was thinking. If they took the initiative to go ask Huang Ji and he didn¡¯t know much, then wasn¡¯t that just delivering themselves to his doorstep and giving him information that could be used against them? But if Huang Ji was of a different mind, then they would probably enter a passive state if they didn¡¯t get in touch with him.

    In short, matters weren¡¯t that easy to handle.

    Gu Zuo looked all around. After that, he pulled Tianheng to the side: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ve received another two missions.¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo stealthily transmitted the contents of the two missions to him.

    Tianheng finished listening, and slightly murmured: ¡°The second mission is dependent on your preferences, but it¡¯s best that the first mission is done.¡±

    Gu Zuo also thought the same.

    To say nothing else, the fact that Huang Ji perceived his psychic power couldn¡¯t be ignored. Moreover, that <<Spirit Refining Seal>>...

    At this moment, Tianheng also said: ¡°That <<Spirit Refining Seal>> sounds like it should be rted to psychic power. Ah Zuo, you only had <<Spirit Piercing Awl>>, and that was already a powerful ability. If we let Spirit Refining Seal slip by, it won¡¯t be to your benefit. In addition, Spirit Pericing Awl has been practiced up until now, and it seems to be very difficult to make anyrge improvements. Spirit Refining Seal might just be the follow-up method, so it¡¯s better to take it and have a look.¡±

    Although the system appeared to be in charge of an inheritance, the item books were the contents of the inheritance. However, they had obtained every item book before. If this mission wasn¡¯t done, who knew if there¡¯d be another mission in the future that would issue the <<Spirit Refining Seal>>? On the off-chance that it didn¡¯t happen again, wouldn¡¯t that just be too unlucky?

    Each and every mission that involved item books needed to be done.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll think of a way to approach Huang Ji.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°First, we¡¯ll wait and see if Huang Ji will act on his own ord...¡±

    Gu Zuo tilted his head: ¡°Big brother¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°If Huang Ji doesn¡¯t respond for a long time, it can be seen that he either doesn¡¯t know the root cause or he doesn¡¯t have any intention of threatening us with this. You and I can work in a roundabout way and look for Senior Sect Brother Xu or Senior Sect Brother Xi. Using the intention of making friends as the reason, we can ask them to pull some strings to build a bridge. If Huang Ji seeks us out himself, then we¡¯ll act at our own discretion at that time.¡±

    Gu Zuo also thought that it could only be like this.

    Hence, he said: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll go back first.¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°As for the matter of Senior Sect Brother Xiao Tianqi... I¡¯m also not sure if I can cure his chronic illness, so I won¡¯t take the initiative to do anything. If Senior Sect Brother Hai Tian mentions this during the next medicinal pill transaction, then I¡¯ll look at the situation.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and ruffled his hair: ¡°Alright.¡±

    After that, Gu Zuo gave onest nce at Huang Ji, and then, along with Tianheng, they went back to their small hill.

    For a short period of time, their lives returned to normal.

    Three dayster.

    Hai Tian really came. And once he arrived, not only did he purchase some medicinal pills, he also came to see Gu Zuo, and asked him to go see Xiao Tianqi.

    Gu Zuo nked.

    He had just been thinking about it, but he hadn¡¯t expected that Hai Tian would actuallye to find him... Wasn¡¯t this too strange?

    Hai Tian saw Gu Zuo¡¯s expression, and knew that he himself was being rude. He gave a bitterugh, and said: ¡°I¡¯ve previously invited over many of the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s pharmacists, but each of them said that there was no way. I¡¯ve invited high-level pharmacists to take a look, but they likewise could only guarantee that it wouldn¡¯t worsen. Now, we¡¯ve only been thinking to invite some promising pharmacists who¡¯ve had fortuitous encounters to give an examination. If we¡¯re lucky, maybe someone will really have a way?¡±

    When he said this, he stopped. Then, he apologetically said: ¡°...I ask that Junior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    In other words, they had asked many experts to no avail. Now, they ced their hopes on luck. In the beginning, Gu Zuo had kept a very low-profile. As a result, they also hadn¡¯t paid attention to him. Butter on, Gu Zuo participated in the Pill Battling Assembly and showcased certain foundations. This made some of those who privately investigated him discover that he seemed to have once had a fortuitous encounter by taking out the Spirit Devouring Pill¡¯s pill prescription... Although the probability was very low, what if there was a chance that fortuitous encounter really had a method for treating that injury? Without giving it a try, how could they resign themselves to this?

    If it was prior to this time¡¯s match, the members of the Hundred Rivers League would still be hesitating for a while. But after the battle, Xiao Tianqi was unreconciled with his loss. In the end, there was no way to bear with it.

    This was tantamount to saying that this was a side mission being delivered straight to his front door...

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, there was actually some regard that, since the system issued such a side mission, it indicated that he had a big probability of being able toplete this mission. If this was the case, then there was no harm in trying. This happened to be an opportunity to deepen the rtionship between them and the Hundred Rivers League.

    Only, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t let others think that he had nned this in advance, and he was also afraid of this small possibility... Hence, he spoke with some difficulty: ¡°There¡¯s no harm in going for a trip. Senior Sect Brother Xiao is mighty and extraordinary, and people respect him greatly. This Gu also isn¡¯t willing to see him entrapped by such a grave illness. But while this Gu has some prescriptions, most of them are ordinary and mundane. They might not necessarily be suitable for this.¡±

    Hai Tian was ecstatic: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t need to worry. So long as this Junior Sect Brother is willing to go, it¡¯ll be a huge favor to us. Even if you aren¡¯t sessful, we won¡¯t me you. If this Junior Sect Brother doesn¡¯t feel assured, there¡¯s no harm in bringing someone along. This is to show my Hundred Rivers League¡¯s sincerity.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to him speak to this degree, and also reluctantly nodded his head: ¡°In that case, when will we go?¡±

    Hai Tian said: ¡°This matter shouldn¡¯t be dyed. If Junior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t mind, how about we set off now?¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded.

    Then, Gu Zuo responded: ¡°Okay. I hope that it¡¯ll be useful for Senior Sect Brother Xiao.¡±

    Hai Tian saw how direct and efficient Gu Zuo and Tianheng were, and his favorable impressions of the two immediately deepened. He promptly led the way. After cing his fingers to his mouth and whistling, he called a wild bird over: ¡°Junior Sect Brothers, hop on.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo both said: ¡°Thank you, Senior Sect Brother Hai.¡±

    Not long after, the wild bird flew straight to Tianqi Peak.

    This ce had an unbroken chain of twenty hills, forming a small mountain range. This revealed the umon scenery of the Hundred Rivers League. However, because Xiao Tianqi lost his battle against He Chenghong, while this small mountain range was still the same, it already appeared to be in a state of decline in the eyes of many people.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any special feelings about it. He was embraced in Tianheng¡¯s arms and they jumped off the wild bird. After they had their feet firmly nted on the ground, he gave a sigh ofment to the dignified and tyrannical grandeur of the person of this Tianqi Peak. Then, he said nothing else.

    Hai Tian guided them up ahead. While he walked, he said: ¡°Right now, Senior Sect Brother Xiao is inside the Saber Cave. Because Senior Sect Brother Xiao normally doesn¡¯t like extravagance, he doesn¡¯t pay particr attention to the tone and mood. As a result, the Saber Cave is very simple. I ask that these two Junior Sect Brothers don¡¯t mind it.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xiao is fond of nature and does what he wants. It¡¯s no wonder that his strength is this outstanding.¡±

    Hai Tian sighed: ¡°Unfortunately, he still lost to He Chenghong.¡±

    Tianheng then said: ¡°A momentary loss is nothing. People with discerning eyes all know that He Chenghong is no more than a lowly coward. If Senior Sect Brother Xiao was in good health, where could he have obtained his turn to show off his martial prowess? The path of martial arts is very long. In the days toe, he¡¯ll inevitably copse along that road of struggle.¡±

    Hearing these words, Hai Tian was put at ease.

    In actuality, each individual in the Hundred Rivers League all thought this.

    He Chenghong didn¡¯t dare to challenge Xiao Tianqi when he was at full-strength. They looked down on He Chenghong!

    It could be said that Tianheng¡¯s words came from the bottom of Hai Tian¡¯s heart.

    Gu Zuo was listening off to the side, and his face grew a bit hot.

    This big brother of his really could say anything... He didn¡¯t believe that his big brother truly admired that Senior Sect Brother Xiao Tianqi that much!

    Before long, they reached the Saber Cave.

    With one look, Gu Zuo could see that this ce really was crude and simple. However, it was as his big brother said ¡ª There were saber marks everywhere. It was, indeed, close to nature. Moreover, that Senior Sect Brother Xiao was also very...nonchnt.

    After entering the Saber Cave, Gu Zuo saw that forthright man reclining upon a stone bed inside.

    This sir was Xiao Tianqi. It appeared that, after the big battle a few days ago, his injuries had be much more serious. In this rock cave, there were still traces of pill fragrances that had yet to disperse. It could be seen that the amount of medicinal pills that he swallowed these past few days were rather sizable. Merely, it seemed that these pills weren¡¯t of much help to his injuries.

    In the Saber Cave, apart from Xiao Tianqi, there were seven or eight people. There was some anxiety in the expressions of these people. It looked like they were very worried about Xiao Tianqi.

    From this, it could be seen that their rtionship with Xiao Tianqi was very profound.

    Once Hai Tian entered, he dashed forwards inrge strides to look at Xiao Tianqi.

    The present Xiao Tianqi¡¯s face was like metallic paper, and there was a wisp of ck qi upon the space between his brows. This was clearly the resurgence of old injuries. After he saw this, his expression carried a deep sorrow, but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    However, Hai Tian¡¯s willpower was also very firm. He quickly calmed down, and turned his head to look at Gu Zuo: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, I¡¯ll have to trouble you toe and take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t object. His current pulse-taking technique was pretty good, and his use of psychic power was even more covert. Moreover, this Xiao Tianqi was partially unconscious. Taking a look wouldn¡¯t pose any problems.

    Thus, Gu Zuo quickly walked over, and reached out a hand to sp Xiao Tianqi¡¯s wrist.

    Hai Tian moved out of the way to make things easier for Gu Zuo.

    On the contrary, the other few people didn¡¯t move too far away. They were all somewhat famous Sky Leaderboard powerhouses. Although their rankings were near the end, they weren¡¯t the kind of people who would reject Gu Zuo by only looking at his age ¡ª One needed to know that they were also up-anding geniuses. In the world of martial artists, age didn¡¯t decide everything.

    No one called Gu Zuo into question. He also was a bit more conscientious. While carefully taking Xiao Tianqi¡¯s pulse, Gu Zuo was even more careful as he used an extremely fine thread of psychic power to explore. It rapidly travelled through the world within Xiao Tianqi¡¯s body.

    One loop, two loops, three loops... That psychic power moved through every region inside of Xiao Tianqi multiple times. Gu Zuo¡¯s expression became more and more grave and serious.

    About fifteen minutes passed before Gu Zuo loosened his hand.

    Hai Tian promptly inquired: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, how is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo pondered for a bit, and then replied: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xiao¡¯s lungs are upied by a ball of cold yin qi. It has be embedded and can¡¯t be expunged. Senior Sect Brother Xiao¡¯s body attribute is metal, and what he practices is the Tyrant¡¯s Saber Path. Thus, whenever he circtes his qi to cultivate, that ball of cold yin qi will cause an obstruction. The longer and faster that Senior Sect Brother Xiao cultivates, the greater the harm done to his body. Also, due to fighting with the cold yin qi, it has wounded the lungs, which impedes the cirction of qi.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the people on the scene immediately had greater confidence in Gu Zuo.

    In the past, the diagnoses of those high-level pharmacists were also just like this.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch227 - The Treatment

    <h4>Chapter Ch227 - The Treatment</h4>

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s words could only prove that his level was above average and that his specialized knowledge was rtively precise. This couldn¡¯t prove that he could treat Xiao Tianqi¡¯s deep-seated problem.

    Hence, following this, the martial artists of the Hundred Rivers League cast their expectant gazes upon Gu Zuo and waited for his next words.

    When Gu Zuo talked about his specialty, he was still very capable of awing others: ¡°Therefore, there are three points that currently need to be handled. The first is to expel that ball of cold yin qi. The second is to treat Senior Sect Brother Xiao¡¯s wounded lungs. The third is to strengthen his wounded lungs, and to restore the internal environment that was imbnced by the cold yin qi.¡±

    In short, since Xiao Tianqi had such a powerful metal-attributed constitution, his lungs were his biggest weak point. When his other organs were in equilibrium, his lungs needed to be several times more powerful. Otherwise, it was very easy to be exploited.

    The martial artists of the Hundred Rivers League nodded their heads again.

    This was something that they also knew about. Those high-level pharmacists had simrly diagnosed this.

    The next step was the most crucial one.

    Gu Zuo nced at these people, and faintly murmured: ¡°The second and third points are easy to handle. The most pressing matter is still expelling the cold yin qi. As yin and yang restrain one another, rather than expelling this portion of cold yin qi, it would be better to directly transform it. As such, what Senior Sect Brother Xiao needs is to have medicinal pills with the power of true yang.¡±

    Hearing this, Hai Tian¡¯s eyes shined.

    That¡¯s right. That cold yin qi was practically a weed with deep roots and a solid stem. Wanting to expel it without excessively deepening the injuries in Xiao Tianqi¡¯s lungs was truly too challenging. Even other Immortal Realm martial artists had no way of aplishing this point ¡ª Xiao Tianqi himself was also at the Immortal Realm. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t he have had a better understanding of himself? Could it be that he couldn¡¯t have done it himself?

    Moreover, even if a Grand Elder were to act, their enormous powers would probably be spent on a very painstaking effort. However, what kind of a personage was a Grand Elder? When one reached this realm, they would spend practically all their time in secluded cultivation. How could they undertake a task for an Inner Sect Immortal Realm disciple? Even if this disciple was a brilliant younger generation, it was no good! If Xiao Tianqi was going to lose his life, perhaps there¡¯d be a small chance after paying a big price. But the current state of affairs was that Xiao Tianqi was having a hard time making minor improvements. He wasn¡¯t going to die... For this small matter, who would dare to disturb the Grand Elders who wereprehending the true meaning of the path of martial arts?

    There was no other alternative. They still could only let the pharmacists act.

    Most of the methods that the previous pharmacists mentioned were to ask powerhouses to conduct the expulsion. This point was quickly overruled. There was also a small number of pharmacists who mentioned that they could use medicinal pills that carried heat to conduct a suppression.

    Pills that carried heat were generally fire-attributed medicinal pills. With regards to martial artists who practiced fire-attributed cultivation methods, swallowing this kind of pill had a boosting effect. After Xiao Tianqi took them, the heat inside radiated out, which somewhat inhibited the cold yin qi. This prevented the cold yin qi from continuously proliferating. Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t able to bring it under permanent control.

    Generally speaking, pharmacists who mentioned that they had medicinal pills that could suppress it also usually had the corresponding pill prescription. Just like those previous pharmacists who mentioned that they could only use expulsion methods, could it be that they didn¡¯t know that they could also conduct a neutralization? They were aware of this. Only, they didn¡¯t have a prescription for it, and they weren¡¯t willing to mention it and lose face.

    Those whoter mentioned that they could suppress the cold yin qi were usually holding onto fire-attributed pill prescriptions. It was also their medicinal pills that kept Xiao Tianqi from worsening the whole time. It was only now that there was another re-up.

    Currently, it was Gu Zuo who mentioned this concept of ¡°the power of true yang¡±.

    Hai Tian and the others suddenly thought of something. Could it be possible that they had seeded by a lucky stroke? Did this Junior Sect Brother Gu truly have this kind of pill prescription? If he really had it, then it couldn¡¯t have been better!

    In a split second, Hai Tian opened his mouth in a hurry: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, do you have¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo saw his anxiety, but also didn¡¯t go to tantalize their appetites. He nodded his head and said: ¡°Indeed. I have a prescription. However, this prescription is only suitable for Xiantian Realm martial artists...¡±

    The expressions showing in Hai Tian and the others¡¯ eyes immediately dimmed.

    Then, Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°But if I can refine top grade medicinal pills, then it¡¯ll still work.¡±

    These twists and turns caused several gasps and bated breaths. ying with the hearts of Hai Tian and the others also left them with perturbed states of mind. Eventually, it was only when Gu Zuopletely finished speaking did they begin to seriously ponder.

    Hai Tian asked: ¡°If it¡¯s top grade, it¡¯ll really be useful?¡±

    Gu Zuo earnestly said: ¡°It¡¯s just like Qi Linking Pills. As far as Immortal Realm martial artists are concerned, the ordinary medicinal effects will be next to nothing. If it¡¯s top grade Qi Linking Pills, the effects will be stronger andparatively better than the low grade pills that Immortal Realmsmonly take for replenishing true qi. The medicinal pill I¡¯m talking about is called the Minor True Yang Pill. The medicinal effects are very fierce. Even if it¡¯s low grade, the pill is rather strong to Xiantian martial artists. To Immortal Realm martial artists, the effects are very weak...¡±

    Hai Tian blurted out: ¡°And what if he takes mid grade or high grade pills inrge amounts?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°Large amounts will naturally provide some assistance, but if this happens, the amassed impurities will be very great. After transforming the cold yin qi with great difficulty, the meridians and flesh will instead be clogged by impurities. As such, cleaning it up will also be very challenging. It¡¯s not too cost-effective. Thus, it¡¯s best that we use top grade Minor True Yang Pills as much as possible. Not only will the course of the treatment be shorter, but there also won¡¯t be any side-effects afterward.¡±

    Speaking like this, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power swept past his big brother for an instant.

    Actually, there was a simpler method that would achieve the desired effects even faster. It was to allow his big brother to use his own power of the sun to expel the power of cold yin in Xiao Tianqi.

    However, Xiao Tianqi and Gu Zuo were no more than strangers to each other. And Gongyi Tianheng was the person whom Gu Zuo was the closest to. He wanted to help Xiao Tianqi ¡ª Firstly, because this was to draw in external help for his big brother. Secondly, because he found the He n unpleasing to the eyes. At the same time, he couldn¡¯t bear to watch such a genius like Xiao Tianqi being reduced to this. Hai Tian and the others¡¯ sincerity had also somewhat moved him emotionally. But no matter how many reasons there were, they all couldn¡¯tpare to Tianheng¡¯s own safety and stability.

    Tianheng¡¯s power of the sun was indeed very efficacious. However, the so-called time he would need to spend was only shortpared to a treatment that purely used medicinal pills. If Tianheng really came over to conduct the expulsion, then it would take over a month at the very least. And in this month, how much could Tianheng¡¯s strength improve? How many contacts could he befriend? How many ancient records could he browse through in the Martial Scripture Pavilion? All of it would be squandered on Xiao Tianqi here. Even if his strength improved afterwards, it wouldn¡¯t be cost-effective when put all together.

    After making such a decision, Gu Zuo just waited for the Hai Tian and the others¡¯ reply.

    Hai Tian took a deep breath, and turned his head to have a proper discussion with the other couple of Immortal Realm martial artists. Of course, they didn¡¯t want to refuse Gu Zuo¡¯s treatment method. Rather, they were thinking about what to give Gu Zuo as a reward, as well as how to manage those medicinal pills... In any case, there was a light at the end of the tunnel at longst.

    Gu Zuo stood together with Tianheng, and silently talked to Tianheng about his previous opinions.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head. He returned the transmission.

    [Ah Zuo¡¯s considering things on my behalf, which make this elder brother¡¯s heart very happy.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up.

    [Big brother, that Minor True Yang Pill is actually something that I found long ago for big brother¡¯s use! After taking this medicinal pill, big brother can cultivate that type of power even faster than by simply absorbing the power of the sun!]

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened even more.

    [Then, this elder brother will be waiting for Ah Zuo¡¯s Minor True Yang Pills.]

    Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile.

    The enthusiasm in his heart grew bigger and bigger.

    Ah, this was two birds with one stone.

    Off to the side, Hai Tian and the others also finished their discussion.

    Because of their familiarity, it was still Hai Tian who went over first. His bearing carried a bit of eagerness as he said: ¡°We don¡¯t need to trouble a third-party for this matter. If Junior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t mind, would it be possible for you toe refine the Minor True Yang Pills? No matter the price, Junior Sect Brother Gu just needs to say the word.¡±

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo was a little perplexed.

    Why didn¡¯t this Hai Tian suggest buying the pill prescription? Of course, it was impossible for him to sell this kind of pill prescription, which was especially useful to his big brother. However, could it be that the other party trusted him this much?

    On the side, Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s expression, and immediately understood his way of thinking. Soon after, Tianheng gave a smile. His little pharmacist was still somewhat pure.

    Hai Tian¡¯s behavior was honorable, but in the end, he was still a person who carried the burden of the Hundred Rivers League for Xiao Tianqi. How couldn¡¯t his heart possibly have any twists and turns? Just like this time around, it was only natural that Hai Tian wanted the pill prescription. However, asking someone to treat an illness while simultaneously seeking the other party¡¯s pill prescription ¡ª This kind of matter was truly unreasonable. One couldn¡¯t act so rashly at the start.

    As a result, Hai Tian and the others¡¯ thoughts were certainly like this.

    Firstly, they couldn¡¯t be certain of the usefulness of the Minor True Yang Pills. So they first asked Gu Zuo to refine them. If the effects were good after testing, then they would reconsider the matters of the next step. Secondly, under the precondition that the medicinal pills¡¯ effects were good, if Gu Zuo could refine them all the way through, then it would be a pleasant partnership. And if Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to refine enough pills, then they could purchase the pill prescription at that time. This was likewise good business.

    It was just that Tianheng didn¡¯t feel that he needed to talk to Gu Zuo about this kind of thing so cautiously. It went without saying that this was of no great matter. Moreover, after Gu Zuo learned from this, he would be more perceptive. He would be able to umte experience, too.

    Hence, Tianheng just said: ¡°Ah Zuo, this is fine.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard Tianheng say this, and didn¡¯t give it too much thought. He immediately said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Hai, I won¡¯t guarantee that I can refine top grade Minor True Yang Pills.¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s heart stirred.

    From Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he actually heard a strong sense of self-confidence ¡ª At the very least, this Junior Sect Brother Gu was confident that he could refine Minor True Yang Pills. Only the product grades couldn¡¯t be guaranteed.

    At once, Hai Tian¡¯s heart rxed. He smiled and said: ¡°Rest assured, Junior Sect Brother Gu. So long as you¡¯re willing to do it, regardless of the product grades of the Minor True Yang Pills, my Hundred Rivers League is willing to ept them. I¡¯ll just ask Junior Sect Brother Gu to quote a price. At worst, those with low grades will be put aside for other usester on.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened, and pursed his lips: ¡°This is also considered a custom-made medicinal pill... The Minor True Yang Pill¡¯s refining process is veryplicated. There are twenty-eight types of medicinal ingredients needed. Among them, twenty-seven aren¡¯t too hard to find. Only, the main ingredient must be Fierce Yang Grass, Profound Yang Flowers, Colored Yang Spirit Fruits, Yang me Snake Galls, or other objects that contain the power of true yang. Fierce Yang Grass is the best among them. I¡¯ve tried refining this type of medicinal pill before, and it was done fairly easily. If I use the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method, then I can also try refining some top grade Minor True Yang Pills, but the wasted medicinal ingredients will greatly increase...¡±

    This speech was rtively long. Although Hai Tian and the others were worried, they still listened patiently and attentively.

    In addition, as they kept listening, they gradually understood Gu Zuo¡¯s implications.

    Gu Zuo continued: ¡°If you want me to refine Minor True Yang Pills, you¡¯ll have to ask all the Senior Sect Brothers in the Hundred Rivers League to bear the responsibility of gathering all the medicinal ingredients. Deliver it all to my family¡¯s young master for me to refine them. My young master will send someone to deliver each medicinal pill I sessfully refine. Additionally, the product grades won¡¯t be taken into ount.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind the low grade ones. Because the effects will be minimal to Senior Sect Brother Xiao, I¡¯ll give them for free. If it¡¯s mid grade, my Senior Sect Brothers will pay me fifty gold. High grade is a hundred gold. If it¡¯s top grade, it¡¯ll be two hundred gold.¡±

    Everyone from the Hundred Rivers League heard Gu Zuo¡¯s request, and their minds inwardly calcted.

    ¡°If my Medicine of Life sells Minor True Yang Pills externally, low grades will be fifty gold, mid grades will be a hundred gold, and high grades will be two hundred gold. As for top grade pills... Those won¡¯t be sold publicly.

    ¡°Furthermore, if Senior Sect Brother Xiao takes the Minor True Yang Pills, it¡¯ll certainly show results. Only, I¡¯m unable to give a fixed number for the amount that he needs to take. These Senior Sect Brothers can first gather a portion of the medicinal ingredients. After Senior Sect Brother Xiao takes some Minor True Yang Pills and the medicinal effects are reckoned, then you can gather even more ingredients.¡±

    After hearing this, Hai Tian and the others also finished calcting. Their faces also carried smiling expressions.

    Gu Zuo really hadn¡¯tid a trap for them. It could be said that this price was rtively cheap. The current question was how many pills Gu Zuo could refine and how high his pill refining rate was.

    Naturally, the higher his pill refining rate, the more profitable it would be. Otherwise, it would be a really unlucky matter to squanderrge amounts of medicinal ingredients while obtaining only a few finished products... Nevertheless, one couldn¡¯t me the pharmacist.

    But regardless of what guesses they had about Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining rate, Hai Tian and the others were still inclined to allow Gu Zuo to refine the pills. After all, apart from Gu Zuo, they hadn¡¯t heard of anyone else possessing this pill prescription. Also, Gu Zuo had said that he had refined it before. Thus, rather than giving it to other pharmacists and letting them fumble around and waste medicinal ingredients, it was better to first take a look at the results of Gu Zuo¡¯s refinement.

    After making up his mind, Hai Tian agreed very resolutely: ¡°It¡¯ll be done ording to Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s words.¡±

    Gu Zuo also liked straightforward people: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then I¡¯ll be leaving first with my young master. After my Senior Sect Brothers have gathered the medicinal ingredients, directly sending them to my young master will be okay.¡±

    After that, the people on both sides didn¡¯t say too many superfluous words. One side swiftly ran out to gather medicinal ingredients. Hai Tian had specially given Gu Zuo ten thousand in golden banknotes as a ¡°medical consultation fee¡±. Meanwhile the other side clutched the golden banknotes and took their leave. On the road, Gu Zuo¡¯s eye curled, and he couldn¡¯t stop a glittering smile from appearing.

    Two people were sitting on a wild bird.

    Gongyi Tianheng lightly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°Ah Zuo, why are you this happy?¡±

    Gu Zuo was simply radiating with delight: ¡°Big brother, based on an ordinary pharmacist¡¯s high level of refining the Minor True Yang Pill, I can embezzle lots of medicinal ingredients. With the deducted ingredients, I can refine Minor True Yang Pills whose product grades are even purer for big brother. At that time, big brother¡¯s strength will certainly improve even faster! The money that big brother saves can then be used for many other matters!¡±

    As it turned out, it was for himself... When Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo, his eyes were filled with warmth: ¡°Rest assured, Ah Zuo. As your elder brother, I¡¯ll definitely let you refine medicine in peace.¡±

    Gu Zuo was very happy: ¡°I have faith in big brother!¡±

    Soon, they returned to the small hill.

    Because Tianheng still wasn¡¯t an Immortal Realm martial artist, he hadn¡¯t given this ce a name yet ¡ª Presently, naming it wasn¡¯t justifiable. Simrly, the dwelling inside also hadn¡¯t been given a name.

    Gu Zuo and the others didn¡¯t care about this. At this time, they returned. Gu Zuo waved a hand at Tianheng, and promptly squeezed into his medicine refining pce hall.

    He needed to seize the moment and refine the enhanced version of the Minor True Yang Pill!

    ¡ª What was the enhanced version?

    With a serious face, Gu Zuo sat down in front of an enormous pill cauldron in therge pce hall. On the left and right were severalrge bundles of prepared medicinal ingredients. ced between his crossed legs was a jade bowl. And gently sped in his hand was a giant Saturn Peach. It alternated in red and white colors, and it was as big as a water jar.

    Flowing-mes Saturn Peach.

    Spirit medicine.

    Correct. Right now, Gu Zuo wanted to use a stalk of spirit medicine to refine Minor True Yang Pills for his big brother.

    Logically speaking, if one wanted to use spirit medicine, it shouldn¡¯t be used on medicinal pills that were below Golden-Level. However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think so ¡ª He was thinking that his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body was too precious. If Tianheng was going to be stronger than other people in all respects, then Gu Zuo need to use the best things in all respects!

    This didn¡¯t mean that Gu Zuo was being extravagant. Rather, while he previously believed that he had already been very good to Tianheng, in actuality, it was far from enough.

    And such a discovery was from those five newly-obtained Golden-Level item books.

    In the few Golden-Level item books on medicinal cuisines, decoctions, and pills, there were many prescriptions written down that used spirit medicines to refine the body, expand the meridians, and nurse one¡¯s health. Among them, there was one that had no less than twenty pages that used spirit medicines and precious wild beast¡¯s blood essence to form a medicinal decoction which improved the body and inner qualities of young children. This allowed them to walk ahead of ny-nine percent of martial artists at the start of childhood!

    Undoubtedly, this kind of luxuriant method could only be aplished by the richest and most financially-capable talents. But since this prescription was written down, it meant that there was definitely someone who did this.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what kind of a person would do this, but he also understood that his big brother, who had the Tiandu Body and who had such good aptitudes, had never done this.

    This made Gu Zuo¡¯s heart feel ufortable.

    As one mended the pens after the sheep escaped, it still wasn¡¯t toote. Since he currently possessed spirit medicines, then he would do what ought to be done.

    This type of Minor True Yang Pill was actually a simplified version of the True Yang Pill. The genuine True Yang Pill was a Golden-Level medicinal pill, and it directly used spirit medicines to act as the main ingredient. And if one wanted to have its effects received within the limits of Xiantian martial artists as much as possible, then the best main ingredient was a stalk of spirit medicine that had passed through a dilution.

    When his big brother reached the Immortal Realm, who knew if he could to obtain even better spirit medicines? Good medicines were ones that were used. On the contrary, if they weren¡¯t used now and he got better ones in the future, then these would be washed out, or he might give them to others to use, or simply sell them. In the end, it was still better to give them to his big brother to use now!

    After his mind finally turned clear, Gu Zuo unhurriedly breathed out.

    In that case, the first step was to dilute the spirit medicine.

    Gu Zuo focused his attentions. In the space between his eyebrows, a silver ray of light quickly flickered.

    This was such a big Flowing-mes Saturn Peach. In actuality, he only needed an extremely small amount...

    A tiny silver needle swiftly flew out from between Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows. It pricked that enormous Saturn Peach and disappeared in the blink of an eye. In the next second, a drop of dark-red peach juice tremblingly emerged from the pierced peach skin. Gu Zuo quickly used his psychic power once more to sweep it up. In an instant, it fell into that small and exquisite jade bowl!

    A perfectly-round drop of peach juice rolled around the jade bowl like a strangely-colored drop of mercury. And like a pearl, it was extremely beautiful with its sparkling translucence.

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have the time to appreciate it right now. He took advantage of the fact that the spirit medicine¡¯s medicinal effects hadn¡¯t burst forth too far. Both his hands moved continuously, and he promptly took out several herbs for chopping. The herbs immediately fell into that jade bowl and mixed with the peach juice!

    In the blink of an eye, a puff of white gas erupted, which nearly formed a small trail of smoke. At the same time, the peach juice dissolved under the effects of the medicinal herbs, as if it had melted with those herbs... In a brief period of time, it filled more than half of the jade bowl. It formed a light-red colored liquid that flowed like precious stones. It had practically merged with the jade bowl.

    At this time, Gu Zuo flicked his finger, and the Earthen Core me appeared. It dropped below that giant pill cauldron.

    At the exact same time, he sensed the true qi in his body rapidly disappearing, which greatly rmed him.

    He was urging a Wondrous Fire when his realm was insufficient. Sure enough, this wasn¡¯t a matter that a person should undertake! However, in order to avoid wasting the spirit medicine, Gu Zuo decided to go through with it!

    Under the effects of his psychic power, numerous medicinal ingredients rapidly flew out, and fell into that enormous pill cauldron. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo constantly used his hand seals. The Wondrous Fire¡¯s effects weren¡¯tparable to those of an ordinary ze. After the ingredients entered the cauldron, it didn¡¯t even take a few seconds for it all to swiftly melt into medicinal liquid!

    Gu Zuo seemed to be as nervous as when he first started refining medicine. He was cautious and solemn, and didn¡¯t dare to make the tiniest mistake. His fingers moved extremely quickly and they even appeared to form countless shadows, but a person wouldn¡¯t have been able to make out a single trace!

    In a couple breaths of time, the medicinal liquid automatically separated and formed sixteen balls of liquid. At this moment, the pill cauldron produced sizzling noises. Those drops of medicinal liquid were also gradually congealing like they were about to turn into pills. This moment was when he was going to throw in the diluted spirit medicine juice!

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo bent his finger and flicked it at the jade bowl.

    The present Gu Zuo used his power very precisely. Sixteen drops of spirit medicine juice promptly shot out and rushed into that pill cauldron. While Gu Zuo rapidly utilized his hand seals again, the drops of juice fused with those sixteen balls of liquid!

    In a split second, the liquid balls congealed!

    Sixteen medicinal pills were refined sessfully, and they shot out very quickly. A strand of milky-white medicinal qi also suddenly rose up!

    Gu Zuo had joy on his face. He reached out a hand and scooped up those medicinal pills. The medicinal qi was also deposited in his storage space. Immediately following this, he withdrew the Earthen Core me!

    Once these three steps were reached, he finally gasped a breath of air.

    This was truly too tiring... Fortunately, top-grade enhanced versions of the Minor True Yang Pill were sessfully refined!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch228 - Taking a Bath

    <h4>Chapter Ch228 - Taking a Bath</h4>

    Each of the enhanced versions of the Minor True Yang Pill had a beautiful, light-golden color. It was like they were cast from pure gold, and each pill was a precious gem. They carried a faint heat, and when held in the hand, one would only feel a warm touch. It would make people find it unbearable to consume.

    Gu Zuo fiddled with them for a short while, and then used a top-notch jade gourd to put them away. Soon after, he perceived the leftover true qi in his body and discovered that, after controlling the Wondrous Fire for less than three minutes just now, he had used up close to fifty percent of his true qi! In other words, if he refined two cauldrons, he would ultimately have the strength just to pant for breath... At the same time, because his psychic power had been highly concentrated, a lot of it had also been used up. Right now, he had used about ten percent of it. One needed to know that when he normally refined other medicinal pills, even if he refined over a hundred cauldrons, he usually wouldn¡¯t use up all of his psychic power! For just a single cauldron, the consumption of his psychic power was at least ten times as much as before!

    However, after being at a loss over this consumption, Gu Zuo calmed down.

    Actually, this also wasn¡¯t considered much. As his strength in realms gradually improved, he discovered a wonderful use of his cultivation method. The higher his realm, the faster he absorbed true qi ¡ª This was supposed to be a process that all martial artists possessed, but his cultivation didn¡¯t only need true qi. Medicinal qi also yed a big role. His cultivation method could spur the absorption ofrge quantities of medicinal qi. At the same time, true qi was simrly mixed together. This made him capable of amassing true qi and condensing bone pearls as quickly as possible.

    Thus, Gu Zuo could continuously refine medicine while simultaneously strengthening himself. This also allowed his realm to upgrade even faster than that big brother of his, whose bone pearls consumed top grade medicinal pills like a dissatisfied, bottomless hole.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo sorted out the experience of refining the previous medicinal pills, and started the second round of pill refining. This time around, because he made conclusions about the unsuitable parts before, while there weren¡¯t any changes to the refining speed, the consumption of true qi decreased a little bit. Merely, after receiving the pills, Gu Zuo still sat cross-legged to regte his breathing for a while. There was nothing to be done. The reason why he could refine other medicinal pills in an unending stream was because he both operated his cultivation method within his body and replenished the true qi used up with some to spare. However, when refining the Minor True Yang Pills, any newly-gathered true qi had no way to supplement the rate of consumption. This forced Gu Zuo to begrudgingly halt his hands, and concentrate his thoughts on filling up his bone pearls...

    Fortunately, this recovery was very fast for Gu Zuo. It didn¡¯t take long for his true qi to be replenished. He started to continue refining Minor True Yang Pills while trying to reduce the consumption of true qi.

    He did this over and over again. After refining six cauldrons, the remaining dilution of spirit medicine and medicinal liquid was only four drops ¡ª That¡¯s right. The previous half-bowl of peach juice was one hundred drops. This was also only enough for the six cauldrons.

    The remaining four drops were set aside...

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stay idle. After waiting for his true qi to recover once more, he immediately made the second bowl of peach juice.

    Immediately following that was another round of painstaking refinement.

    Thissted for the whole day. Gu Zuo refined a little more than two hundred Minor True Yang Pills. And, as a matter of fact, the time he used to refine pills didn¡¯t even reach a single hour. The rest of the time was used for recovering true qi. After such grueling drills, he was too tired to keep working. After putting away the final cauldron of pills, not only was his true qi wrung dry, his psychic power only had a single thread left over. Sadly, he was too excited while refining, so he didn¡¯t discover this fact. And now that he found out, his body was too stiff to move!

    After a sullen three seconds, Gu Zuo silently ¡°called out¡± to Gongyi Tianheng in his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [Big brother...]

    Being within range, Tianheng replied without dy.

    [Ah Zuo?]

    Gu Zuo was tangled up in his thoughts for a moment.

    Ah, this was very embarrassing...

    Off to the side, Tianheng didn¡¯t hear Gu Zuo¡¯s reply, and his heart faintly moved. Hence, he no longer took any medicinal pills to cultivate. He stood up, and directly came to the medicine refining pce hall.

    This ce didn¡¯t obstruct him in the least. He walked unimpeded the whole way and entered the inner hall. At once, he saw the spectacle inside.

    In front of that pill cauldron, the only thing he saw was a teenager lying face-up on the ground, covered in a full-body sweat.

    It was an iparably haggard and listless disposition.

    Tianheng: ¡°...¡±

    With his eyesight, he could naturally tell that there weren¡¯t any problems with that teenager, but this appearance was also a bit too pitiful.

    Tianheng walked over inrge strides, and slightly lowered his head.

    At this moment, he saw that face which was filled with mncholy and frustration.

    Tianheng¡¯s mood was a littleplicated.

    He looked at the jade gourd on the side, and knew that these were the medicinal pills his little pharmacist worked so hard to refine for him. But this appearance of Gu Zuo¡¯s ¡ª One truly couldn¡¯t restrain a smile at the tufts of ck hair on his face.

    Gu Zuo also discovered a shadow being cast down upon him. He opened his eyes, and what he saw was his dear big brother.

    Heavens! His sorry figure waspletely seen by his big brother! What was he to do?

    After making a helpless face, he raised his eyelids and forced a smile at his big brother.

    Tianheng massaged his temples. Soon after, he stooped down and, without any disdain for Gu Zuo¡¯s dirty appearance, directly embraced Gu Zuo in his arms. Tianheng lifted his legs and walked out.

    His words carried a trace of exasperation: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t tire yourself out like this in the future. Although my cultivation needs many medicinal pills, it¡¯s not so urgent...¡±

    Gu Zuo promised as hey loose-limbed in Tianheng¡¯s embrace. In his heart, he secretly rejoiced. Fortunately, his big brother didn¡¯t make fun of him this time around. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve lost a lot of face.

    No, wait a minute!

    The medicinal pill gourd was still on the ground!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind urged, and his psychic power moved. In the back, the gourd flew over in a wobbling manner and directly smacked into Gu Zuo¡¯s chest. While in such a great hurry, he let out a muffled groan.

    Tianheng was silent for a while.

    He, he wasn¡¯t young anymore!

    He was going to be an adult soon...

    After returning to their room, because Gu Zuo had used up too much true qi, he couldn¡¯t take care of himself for a short while. So, Tianheng personally carried Gu Zuo into the bathing room.

    Then, Gu Zuo¡¯s outer robes were pulled open.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    B-big brother, w-what are you doing?!

    On the contrary, Tianheng¡¯s bearing was very natural: ¡°Ah Zuo has been toiling for a long time, and it¡¯s all for my sake. Is there something wrong with me personally taking care of Ah Zuo for a change?¡±

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    This big brother of his ¡ª This was Tianheng wanting to give him a bath! But! How could he let his big brother give him a bath?! Granted that both of them were men, this wasn¡¯t any good!

    For a moment, Gu Zuo felt that his heartbeat was as loud as thunder. His heart was going to directly pop out from his throat.

    This still didn¡¯t raise the question of whether his big brother could take care of others...

    Gu Zuo hastily used his true qi to swipe both of his arms. Atst, he had a bit of strength to clutch his own outer robes. He said, stammeringly: ¡°B-big brother, there¡¯s no need for this, right?!¡±

    Tianheng reached out a hand, and softly opened Gu Zuo¡¯s arms.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Tianheng gently smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, behave.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt like copsing a little bit.

    What kind of a matter was this? It wasn¡¯t that he was misbehaving!

    Could it be that this was his dear big brother¡¯s new punishment...

    In actuality, it was pretty much what Gu Zuo was thinking.

    Of course, Tianheng was somewhat angry because Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t cherishing himself ¡ª Although, at the same time, his heart was moved by Gu Zuo¡¯s worry for him. As such, after carrying this person back while holding in his anger, he saw Gu Zuo¡¯s pitiful-looking and dirty appearance. Indeed, for the first time ever, Tianheng decided to take the initiative to give Gu Zuo a bath.

    ¡ª He couldn¡¯t let this disabled, adoptive brother of his lie down on the bed while exceedingly dirty, right? He couldn¡¯t casually look for someone to handle such an intimate matter for Gu Zuo either.

    Originally, this was just a trivial thing. It was only afterwards that Tianheng discovered that his little pharmacist seemed to be very embarrassed and worried about this matter. Thus, he felt it was very interesting, and decided to do it ording to n.

    If this happened, then the little pharmacist wouldn¡¯t dare to work himself to such a degree in the future.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng lifted his hand.

    For the past many years, one shouldn¡¯t think that Tianheng grew up pampered in the vi. His ability to provide for himself was unlike that of those people who were spoiled since childhood. It was even more impossible for there to be any clothes that could only be put on with the help of servants or maids, let alone him having no way to take care of himself. As a result, it went very smoothly for Tianheng to shuck Gu Zuo¡¯s clothes.

    The sash was pulled out and the robe cor was pulled down. As if Tianheng was holding a small child, he quickly took off Gu Zuo¡¯s outer robes and trousers. Tianheng¡¯s fingers moved briskly, and Gu Zuo¡¯s inner clothes were also easily removed.

    In a short, few moments, Gu Zuo was already being gradually disrobed until there was nothing left to hide. This revealed his fair skin which was originallypletely covered.

    Gu Zuo felt that his whole body was bing hot! He was definitely blushing a deep red!

    He was undressed by his big brother! His big brother still wanted to help him take a bath!

    This, this, this ¡ª

    Gu Zuo held his breath. Medicinal qi rushed into his body, and the cultivation method within his body rapidly began to operate. This attitude was absolutely frantic and especially dynamic!

    True qi filled his bone pearls with extremely fast speeds. Slowly, his legs gained a bit of strength. His arms also had some strength. His waist, belly, and both feet also gained strength...

    Just after Tianheng removed the article of undergarments that was closest to Gu Zuo¡¯s skin, Gu Zuo swiftly reached out a hand to cover his own...area. Suddenly, there was a struggle. Trying frantically to escape, he fell into the bath tub!

    Crash ¡ª

    A very big ssh was made.

    With the water that was put in the bath tub, his privates were sheltered. Gu Zuo felt that he could keep on living again. He opened his mouth to breathe deeply as he rested his upper body on the tub¡¯s rim. Having just recovered from a shock, his brow was beaded with sweat.

    His strength was used up once more, but fortunately, his face was saved...

    Tianheng looked at his empty hands, and raised an eyebrow.

    Gu Zuo also carefully peeked at his big brother¡¯s facial expression. He felt that this expression was a little dangerous. Through his intuition for this kind of danger, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva with difficulty, and said with a parched voice: ¡°B-big brother, I don¡¯t need your help. I c-can...do it myself.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips hooked up: ¡°Is Ah Zuo shunning his elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: ¡°No, no, no! I¡¯m not!¡±

    Ah, he found this embarrassing! He wasn¡¯t a little kid!

    The smile at the edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips deepened: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo will behave.¡±

    Following this, all of Gu Zuo¡¯s resistance was ¡°savagely¡± quelled by Tianheng. He wanted to bathe himself, but whenever he moved to gather true qi, while he himself didn¡¯t get tired, Tianheng also looked at him with dissatisfaction. As a result, Gu Zuo could only watch Tianheng get a towel and woodendleter on. While pouring water on his body, Tianheng also used the towel to scrub him.

    From top to bottom, from head to toes, from...

    Gu Zuo only felt that his head was discharging smoke. His entire body didn¡¯t know what to do.

    On the contrary, Tianheng didn¡¯t seem to have any taboos.

    First, he scrubbed Gu Zuo. After the washing was finished, Tianheng fished him up and dried him off. Any of Gu Zuo¡¯s small movements or minor struggles were all totally rendered powerless in Tianheng¡¯s hands. After giving Gu Zuo a bath, Tianheng gave him a new set of underclothes, and smoothly and steadily ced him on the bed.

    During this period of time, Gu Zuo¡¯s unpredictable and erratic expressions were truly a pleasure for Tianheng to watch for a while.

    After the essential clothing finally covered his body once again, Gu Zuo meeklyy on the bed, like the feeling of smashing a cracked jar.

    In any case, his embarrassing appearance had beenpletely seen by his big brother. No matter how bashful or how he felt like he¡¯d lost face, it all didn¡¯t really matter much in the end.

    Ah, this kind of thinking seemed a little calm.

    Afterwards, Tianheng walked over, and gently patted Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°Ah Zuo, slowly regte your breathing and have a good rest.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and said with a muffled voice: ¡°...I understand, big brother.¡±

    Sometimes, his mischievous big brother really made it hard for a person to resist him... In the future, he certainly needed to pay attention, and not let himself fall to such a state!

    Tianheng bullied Gu Zuo, but he also cared for Gu Zuo. After this, he looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s face which was still full of ck lines, and he faintly smiled. Tianheng sat cross-legged right in front of the bed.

    In the jade gourd, there were two hundred and something Minor True Yang Pills. There wasn¡¯t any need to listen to Gu Zuo¡¯s detailed exnation. He could already sense the surging power of the sun emanating from within them ¡ª At the present stage, this truly was the most suitable medicinal pill for him!

    After swallowing a pill, a terrifyingly fierce wisp of the power of the sun immediately scoured through his meridians. Tianheng was long prepared, and mobilized his true qi to quicklybine with that power of the sun. It washed through every acupoint, removing any built-up clogs. Furthermore, the true qi inside swiftly formed an embryonic bone pearl in one of the acupoints. As even more true qi constantly filled in, the embryonic bone pearl condensed even more. Gradually, the condensation sessfully formed a real bone pearl. At the same time, the power of the sun halted at the second set of bone pearls. Not long after, it made quite a few of the bone pearls produce ayer of faint reddish-gold color. And under the scouring of the medicinal power, this reddish-gold color gradually deepened...

    The present Tianheng only had as many as six sets of bone pearls inside his body. Apart from the first set of main bone pearls, there were still many Heavenly Spirit Acupoints that hadn¡¯t been opened up yet. The other bone pearls were securely ced in many acupoints throughout his body.

    Moreover, the present Tianheng also understood that every set of his bone pearls should all be special.

    The main bone pearls, which hadn¡¯t been collectedpletely, wouldn¡¯t be mentioned for the time being. Among the current few sets of bone pearls, there was already one set that fully absorbed poisonous qi, poisons, and other such things. This allowed those originally snow-white bone pearls to be ted with ayer of ck. It was just that this ck color still wasn¡¯t deep enough. As for Gongyi Tianheng himself, he vaguely sensed that this set of bone pearls appeared to not only absorb poisonous qi, but it should have some other changes, too... Once he was clear about these changes, perhaps he would know specifically what the Tiandu Body would bring him.

    Then, there was the other set of bone pearls, which absorbed the reddish-gold power of the sun.

    This type of power was the power that Tianheng received on that day, in the depths of that Spirit-Level wild beast¡¯sir. It wasn¡¯t known how it was smoothly absorbed into him, but henceforth, it became a powerful killing weapon in his hands ¡ª In the Great Tomb of the Human King, it could be said that if he didn¡¯t have this power, it basically would¡¯ve been impossible for things to go that smoothly for them.

    At that time, Tianheng wasn¡¯tpletely certain of the reddish-gold power¡¯s attribute. However, when it circted under the sunlight afterwards, he unexpectedly discovered that he could absorb the heat of that sunlight. Understanding came then. From that point on, it was natural that Tianheng cultivated relentlessly. He was fully aware that it would be bad to recklessly use the power of that set of ck bone pearls. This wasn¡¯t the case for the power of the reddish-gold bone pearls.

    Merely, Tianheng still felt that, within this set of reddish-gold bone pearls, the power of the sun shouldn¡¯t be the only power that suited it. There was still somethingcking... What was missing?

    Just like those ck bone pearls, he still had no way of ascertaining what was missing when it wasn¡¯t encountered yet.

    After contemting for a short moment, Tianheng no longer gave it any more thoughts. He switched to swallowing those Minor True Yang Pills.

    In any event, when one type of power was stockpiled to its limits, then it would need another type of power. It should naturally be revealed at that time.

    As such, he would first handle the aforementioned umtion!

    Gu Zuo, on the other side, silently turned his head to look at Tianheng when he started cultivating.

    Obviously, when sitting in meditation and practicing, he looked so handsome and extraordinary, just like a deity... When he wasn¡¯t practicing, his temperament sometimes made it difficult for people to resist.

    Whatever.

    Gu Zuo silently turned his head away.

    Right now, he was physically and emotionally exhausted. Nevertheless, he diligently rested.

    Hence, when Tianheng finished a few rounds of cultivation, and discovered that his own meridians couldn¡¯t withstand the power of the sun anymore and that he needed to save up ordinary true qi and take top grade Qi Linking Pills, he raised his head to look at Gu Zuo.

    At this time, Gu Zuo, who¡¯d kept his posture just now with his face angled up towards the heavens, had fallen asleep.

    The next day, a member of the Hundred Rivers League arrived.

    When Gu Zuo heard what was said, his eyes promptly shined. He rushed out of the medicine refining pce hall at once.

    Just as expected, Hai Tian opened his own inter-spatial tool, and several hundred portions of medicinal ingredients for the Minor True Yang Pill were moved out ¡ª Of course, the ones indicated here were just the ordinary versions.

    The Hundred Rivers League was very concerned about Xiao Tianqi¡¯s health. Because, even if they could brace themselves under He Chenghong¡¯s suppression for a period of time and protect the league disciples so that they didn¡¯t change sides so easily, it would definitely be very difficult after a long time.

    Xiao Tianqi was their key figure. Only if Xiao Tianqi¡¯s health smoothly recovered could they ensure the Hundred Rivers League¡¯s continued development ¡ª Most of all, they really couldn¡¯t endure the He n¡¯s show of strength. When Xiao Tianqipletely recovered, they needed to reim the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s second seat!

    As a result, the Hundred Rivers League made up their minds. They paid a big price to gather all the medicinal ingredients so quickly.

    Several hundred portions in such a short period of time was reallymendable.

    Gu Zuo took the medicinal ingredients, and first calcted how many he could conceal.

    Xiao Tianqi¡¯s health was a long-term recuperation process. ording to the medicine refining levels here, one instance of the Minor True Yang Pills should produce nine pills at most. And if one wanted to guarantee the product grades of the refined pills, they would have to give up a portion of the pill refining rate... In addition, presuming that some top grade pills could be produced within it, then there¡¯d normally be at least a dozen or so batches to produce one batch of top grade Minor True Yang Pills. Of course, there were failures, too. This was another loophole he could exploit.

    After Gu Zuo used the peach juice to refine the enhanced versions of the Minor True Yang Pill, he could now guarantee that he wouldn¡¯t waste a single batch of medicinal ingredients. He reconsidered the aspect of speed. Among these several hundred batches of ingredients, twenty top grade pills, a hundred or so high grade pills, as well as a small number of mid grade pills would be enough toplete this task!

    As such, he actually only needed to refine twenty to thirty batches of medicinal ingredients...

    After he finished calcting, Gu Zuo had a bit of a guilty conscience.

    With such calctions, wasn¡¯t he just giving people the scraps of his pill refining, while concealing too many for himself? Or, should he refine several more portions? But that also wasn¡¯t any good. If there was more, then his performance would¡¯ve been considered too abnormal...

    After having a guilty conscience, Gu Zuo thought of his dear big brother who neededrge quantities of Minor True Yang Pills, and erased the pressing guilt.

    In any case, the medicinal pills he refined definitely wouldn¡¯t be any fewer than the ones refined by other people. There would even be fifty percent more. If it was like this, then it wouldn¡¯t be considered cheating others.

    After making up his mind, Gu Zuo used about half a day to refine these medicinal pills. Afterwards, he let a Tianlong Guard run errands every day to deliver the Minor True Yang Pills he sessfully refined to the Hundred Rivers League.

    Hai Tian also unexpectedly discovered that, on the first day they delivered the medicinal ingredients, the other party had already returned with the finished goods. The thing that exceeded Hai Tian¡¯s expectations the most was that there were top grade Minor True Yang Pills inside!

    On that day...

    There were three top grade Minor True Yang Pills, ten high grade pills, and two mid grade pills.

    The second day...

    There were two top grade Minor True Yang Pills, twelve high grade pills, and one mid grade pill.

    The third day...

    There were five top grade Minor True Yang Pills, thirteen high grade pills, and one mid grade pill.

    The fourth day...

    There were...

    After Hai Tian received the medicinal pills, he first fed the top grade Minor True Yang Pills to Xiao Tianqi. Then, he found that the cold yin qi inside Xiao Tianqi¡¯s body had truly somewhat declined. Even Xiao Tianqi himself finally awoke from his unconscious state. He could open his eyes and take medicine by himself!

    Once Xiao Tianqi was clear-headed, he could start actively digesting the medicinal pills. Through the assistance of the Minor True Yang Pills, his health improved day by day. Those top grade Minor True Yang Pills, amid taking them in session, brought him immense help. In a short, few days, his injuries had already recovered by twenty percent! This kind of speed and efficiency was something that he could never have imagined!

    The Hundred Rivers League kept this matter a secret, but each individual in the league held profound gratitude to Gu Zuo. It was only natural that, when they gathered medicinal ingredients, they did so even more enthusiastically.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch229 - Meeting Huang Ji

    <h4>Chapter Ch229 - Meeting Huang Ji</h4>

    Gradually, the Minor True Yang Pills that Gu Zuo supplied everyday remained steady at the standard of five top grade pills, twenty high grade pills, and no mid grade or low grade pills.

    At first, the members of the Hundred Rivers League thought that Xiao Tianqi was going to take a mix of top, high, and mid grade Minor True Yang Pills. In the end, they discovered that he would take, on average, three top grade pills every day, which could ensure proper treatment. Later on, after taking two more pills every day, his improvement speed gradually quickened. To their surprise, he didn¡¯t need to take the high or mid grade pills!

    Thus, all of the high and mid grade Minor True Yang Pills were hoarded by the Hundred Rivers League.

    This instance of Xiao Tianqi being assailed by the cold yin qi was also considered a wake-up call for them. They needed to store up some of this kind of medicinal pill that carried the power of the sun ¡ª One shouldn¡¯t assume that, just because they found Gu Zuo, the medicinal pills would being in very quickly. What if Gu Zuo left in the future? What if there was an emergency? It was better to make preparations in advance to avert any disasters.

    This treatment processsted a little more than twenty days.

    On average, a batch of medicinal ingredients were delivered every seven to eight days. After a total of three deliveries, Xiao Tianqi¡¯s injuries had alreadypletely recovered. Following this, he digested some top grade Minor True Yang Pills as before, but that was merely to nurse his body and to clear away thest bits of hidden damage.

    After Xiao Tianqi swallowed the final medicinal pill and opened his eyes, his eyes glimmered with a deep light and the qi emissions of his whole body overflowed. His entire person had be iparably rxed and unhindered! His strength, which had previously been suppressed by the ailment, had suddenly risen. In a short period of time, it had recovered to reach the beginnings of the pseudo high realm. Moreover, he could sense that the distance from a true high realm was a barrier so thin that it could practically be broken with just a poke!

    One could imagine that, so long as Xiao Tianqi worked hard for a length of time, he could smoothly enter a new realm in a couple of days to a month!

    Hai Tian and the others observed on the side. Upon seeing that Xiao Tianqi had finished, they all hurriedly asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xiao, how are you?¡±

    Xiao Tianqi gave a heartyugh: ¡°I¡¯ve gotten rid of all the hidden dangers. My meridians and flesh also don¡¯t have any built-up impurities. Presently, after a few days of cultivation, I can break through to the high Immortal Realm!¡±

    Hai Tian¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of joy: ¡°So to say, although Senior Sect Brother Xiao suffered some pain, this realm breakthrough hasn¡¯t wasted your time!¡±

    The hearts of the other few Immortal Realm martial artists were also full of happiness:

    ¡°This is seriously too good!¡±

    ¡°Luckily, that Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s pills have helped us out a great deal!¡±

    ¡°After this, let¡¯s see if that wolfish guy can still use any tricks!¡±

    Each member of the Hundred Rivers League felt proud and ted. The pervious mncholic air from being threatened by the He n was all spat up at this moment. Everything was swept clean.

    They also didn¡¯t anticipate that, while the previous use of tens of millions of gold couldn¡¯t heal Xiao Tianqi and could only keep him from worsening, the current amount that didn¡¯t even reach one million gold already allowed Xiao Tianqi topletely recover and that it could also give him a breakthrough ¡ª This was simply inconceivable!

    After their rapturous moods gradually cooled down, the numerous martial artists of the Hundred Rivers League felt that Gongyi Tianheng and the others were even more unfathomable.

    But at the present time, their rtionships were pretty good, and business was often smooth. As such, even though it was for the sake of Pharmacist Gu Zuo, who was of an even bigger help than some high-level pharmacists, they still needed to continue making friends with Tianheng. The league absolutely couldn¡¯t be the least bit neglectful to them.

    After Xiao Tianqiughed, his tone carried a cold aggression: ¡°You guys, take control of this matter for the time being. Wait until I enter the high Immortal Realm. Then, I¡¯ll look for that He n twerp for a challenge and reim my seat on the Sky Leaderboard!¡±

    Everyone from the Hundred Rivers League all said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xiao¡¯s might is unrivaled!¡±

    Xiao Tianqi waved hisrge hand: ¡°No need for ttery. The top priority right now is to prepare a generous gift and send it to that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. It¡¯s to express our gratitude to him and Junior Sect Brother Gu foring to our aid. If it wasn¡¯t for Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s painstaking efforts in pill refining these days, it basically would¡¯ve been impossible for me to obtain this benefit!¡±

    The Hundred Rivers League¡¯s people naturally affirmed once more: ¡°Yes, Senior Sect Brother Xiao.¡±

    Hence, when Gu Zuo was in the medicine refining pce hall to refine enhanced versions of the Minor True Yang Pill for his big brother, he learned that the Hundred Rivers League¡¯s Xiao Tianqi and the others wereing to pay a visit and to express their gratitude.

    Tianheng leaned outside the doorframe. He had a smile on his face as he said: ¡°A visitation notice has already been delivered. Ah Zuo, go freshen up.¡±

    Gu Zuo calmly finished refining this cauldron of pills. He looked at the peach juice inside the jade bowl and saw that it was almost used up. Then, he stood up and plugged the jade gourd in his hand with a cork: ¡°Big brother, here.¡±

    Tianheng took it. After his gaze swept passed and he saw the amount inside, he put it away: ¡°Ah Zuo has put in a lot of effort. I have enough Minor True Yang Pills for the time being, so there¡¯s no need to keep working this hard.¡±

    While Gu Zuo was walking out with his big brother, he said: ¡°But there¡¯s also nothing else for it. Since the Hundred Rivers League gathered up so many medicinal ingredients, it would be better to refine and store them.¡±

    Tianheng knew that his little pharmacist had his own ns, and also didn¡¯t say much. He only reached out a hand to lightly pinch his cheek: ¡°Only a little bit. You can¡¯t be as reckless as that time a few days ago.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head with a bit of embarrassment: ¡°Rest assured, big brother. I won¡¯t be so foolish.¡±

    Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°If I¡¯m around, there¡¯s no harm in being foolish asionally.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This was making fun of him! He didn¡¯t take this seriously!

    After the two walked out, Gu Zuo first went to tidy himself up. It didn¡¯t take long for that Xiao Tianqi to lead Hai Tian as well as a bunch of trusted aides over.

    The Tianlong Guard assigned to taking care of things guided them to a quiet ce under arge tree. The Tianlong Guard asked them to take their seats, and conducted a reception.

    Xiao Tianqi had previously heard about those two people, but he hadn¡¯t met them. Later on, Gu Zuo dropped by to give him a medical checkup, but he was more or less in an unconscious state. If things were truly put into consideration, this was the first time they would be meeting in person.

    He cupped his fist towards the two people, and spoke candidly: ¡°Many thanks to these two sirs for the grace of saving my life!¡±

    Gu Zuo followed behind Tianheng, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo only refined some medicinal pills. It¡¯s nothing much. Senior Sect Brother Xiao is exaggerating by saying that we saved your life.¡±

    Immediately after, Gu Zuo hastily nodded his head.

    Xiao Tianqi heard what was said, and didn¡¯t keep up the formalities any longer.

    It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t hold Tianheng in high regard. Rather, Tianheng¡¯s current identity and position were both adequate, and they weren¡¯t able to tell what he specially needed. On the contrary, it could be seen from Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining level and the refinement of certain medicinal pills that he was superior to many high-level pharmacists. As such, it was never a wrong move to give precious ingredients.

    Sure enough, Gu Zuo was very happy. He received the medicinal ingredients, and numerous stockpiles arose in his storage space once again ¡ª When there was free time, he wanted to refine all of these ingredients into medicinal pills!

    Xiao Tianqi and the others were polite and courteous. They came over bearing feelings of deep gratitude, so Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t stingy towards them. After using top-notch medicinal cuisine to entertain them, Gu Zuo also gave them a present before they left.

    His present was naturally top grade medicinal pills.

    Considering the fact that Xiao Tianqi had easily suffered a scheme, the pills that Gu Zuo gave were all top grade Detoxification Pills that had extensive medicinal effects ¡ª These things could dispel the majority of poisons. As for the poisons that couldn¡¯t be dispelled, the pills could also let one survive.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on that these were only Human-Level medicinal pills. The pills suited Xiantian Realm martial artists, but in the end, the product grades were very high. To Immortal Realm martial artists, these also had certain effects.

    Additionally, Gu Zuo also secretly gave three Dust Molting Pills.

    These were his newly-attempted medicinal pills. They could increase the probability of a peak Xiantian martial artist¡¯s breakthrough to the Immortal Realm. Originally, Gu Zuo¡¯s realm was low, and he wasn¡¯t able to refine this pill. However, he now had a Wondrous Fire and the necessary medicinal ingredients. Working until he drained himself dry, he could only produce these few pills. However, with his present level, he still could only refine mid grade pills.

    But even though it was like this, Xiao Tianqi and the others were very happy.

    One¡¯s own side was polite, and the other party¡¯s side was also polite. With this back and forth approach, their friendly rtions naturally deepened.

    ...Especially after they gained first-hand knowledge of Gu Zuo furthered potential.

    Once Xiao Tianqi and the others departed, things were peaceful and carefree for several more days.

    During this time, Gu Zuo suddenly reacted. That mission of Xiao Tianqi waspleted, but for the first mission, Huang Ji had yet to respond.

    Did he not take the matter of that day to heart?

    After Gu Zuo thought it over, he discussed this with Tianheng and didn¡¯t go to find Xu Lingxiu. Rather, Tianheng had gone to find Xi Yangyun, and asked him whether they could meet Huang Ji.

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s identity and position were rather high. Hearing Tianheng¡¯s purpose ining, he helped out and went to inquire. Merely, Huang Ji¡¯s temperament was strange. Whether Huang Ji agreed to meet them or not wasn¡¯t something that Xi Yangyun could decide.

    After about a day, Xi Yangyun replied.

    Tianheng¡¯splexion was tranquil.

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression was a little peculiar: ¡°Junior Sect Sister Huang has agreed.¡±

    Originally, Huang Ji was always unwilling to get into contact with too many people. Usually, he was a cultivating madman who would remain in seclusion or would be out adventuring all year round. He would almost never associate with others. After Xi Yangyun mentioned Tianheng and Gu Zuo, that Huang Ji unexpectedly didn¡¯t ask about anything else. Huang Ji had already agreed to meet with them...

    This was truly strange.

    However, Xi Yangyung also didn¡¯t intend on getting to the heart of the matter. He only pulled some strings to build a bridge. As for any peculiarities amid all of this, he didn¡¯t make any conjectures.

    It was just that, using this as a pretext, Xi Yangyun ced greater regard upon Tianheng¡¯s abilities. If he could smoothly connect with even Huang Ji, then his future prospects were immeasurable!

    After Xi Yangyun bade farewell, Tianheng went back and told Gu Zuo the news.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°He agreed so directly?¡±

    He thought that, at the very least, there¡¯d be a few more probing instances.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng slightly pondered: ¡°After Huang Ji heard Xi Yangyun mention us, he agreed immediately. This is sufficient to prove something.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t answer, and replied with a rhetorical question: ¡°Ah Zuo, have you and I gotten acquainted with Huang Ji in the past?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°Ah, no. We haven¡¯t.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°But Huang Ji ¡®immediately¡¯ agreed to see us.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled. After that, he reacted right away: ¡°Big brother¡¯s meaning is that, although Huang Ji didn¡¯t take the initiative to find us, he has already investigated us!¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Correct. Otherwise, with our reputations, I¡¯m afraid it would¡¯ve been unlikely for Huang Ji to recognize us.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart thumped a bit nervously.

    After investigating, this Huang Ji kept silent. Could it be that he was waiting for them to voluntarily deliver themselves to his front door... No, no, no. Maybe it wasn¡¯t thisplicated?

    But in short, it was better to put this off for another discussion after meeting in person.

    The two soon came to a decision. With the help of Xi Yangyun, the time of the meeting between them and Huang Ji was set.

    And the location of the meeting was a ce that Huang Ji decided upon ¡ª It was at the hill that Huang Ji dwelled.

    Before leaving, Tianheng told Xi Yangyun about the matter of them paying Huang Ji a visit that day. Off to the side, although Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t know what was going on, if Tianheng and Gu Zuo were kept busy by Huang Ji for a long time, he naturally would think of some methods.

    Those two people had a tacit mutual understanding. While Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about it that much, he remained calm. Following Tianheng, they sat on a wild bird and immediately came to Huang Ji¡¯s residence.

    This was a lush, forested hill. Compared to ordinary mountain peaks, it was taller and its soil was more fertile. A dense forest covered the entire hill. In this forest, the howls of wild beasts were often transmitted outwards. It was quite unlike the residences of other Immortal Realm disciples.

    After Gu Zuo ascended the hill, his heart was somewhat surprised.

    Odd. Where did Huang Ji live?

    On the entire summit, he didn¡¯t even see any constructed dwellings that could be seen on other hills. Could it be that Huang Ji lived directly in the forest?

    ...Naturally, Huang Ji didn¡¯t live in the forest.

    But the ce he lived in was actually nearly the same as a forest.

    Huang Ji¡¯s residence was a cavern cut into the top of this summit. The area inside was considered rtively spacious. However,pared to the areas of other martial artists¡¯ dwellings, it was clearly simple and crude.

    Everything was made of stone, and some ces were spread with animal hides. This didn¡¯t look like a woman¡¯s boudoir. It looked like a man¡¯s dwelling... It all felt somewhat barbarous.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng up here, and didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles during the whole journey. With great difficulty, they found traces of someone¡¯s dwelling here, but they didn¡¯t find any trace of Huang Ji himself.

    That said, it was agreed upon that they would be paying a visit. So where did Huang Ji go?

    Gu Zuo was a little speechless: ¡°Big brother, will we wait here or go back?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Since we¡¯vee and we¡¯ve also made an agreement, it wouldn¡¯t be good to just leave. What¡¯s more, the specific agreed-upon time hasn¡¯t arrived. Huang Ji not returning yet isn¡¯t considered as having reneged on our agreement.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    In any case, they would wait until the agreed-upon time arrived.

    Hence, the two didn¡¯t actually walk into that cavern. At the cave mouth, they saw that there was no one within, so they patiently waited outside. This wait was nearly fifteen minutes long.

    Soon, the time was about to arrive.

    Suddenly, amid the mountainous trees outside the cavern, a din of birds swiftly taking flight was heard. A vast stench of blood emanated from the interior. Immediately following that, a figure dashed out like lightning!

    Gu Zuo jumped in fright.

    Tianheng kept both of his hands on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders, which helped to calm him down.

    Gu Zuo was cated, and that rushing human shadow also halted right outside of the cavern.

    After that, Gu Zuo got a clear view of this person. His throat moved, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    Damn...

    Sure enough, the person who came was Huang Ji!

    Huang Ji was wearing full-length leather robes, his short hair stood on end, and his qi emissions were swift and fierce.

    At this moment, one of his arms was crooked up, and clutched in the palm of his hand was a wild beast¡¯s horn. That wild beast was being rigidly slung over his shoulder.

    Altogether, Huang Ji was nearly three meters tall, but the wild beast being carried was dozens of timesrger than him. It was like a pir supporting a small hill. One couldn¡¯t help being shocked by that sight.

    With a nce, Gu Zuo saw that this wild beast was a Spirit-Level wild beast, which wasparable to Immortal Realm martial artists! When it was held aloft by Huang Ji, it was like Huang Ji was carrying a dead pig... One couldn¡¯t see the imposing majesty that it originally should¡¯ve possessed.

    For a moment, Gu Zuo nearly harbored doubts. Was Huang Ji giving them an initial show of strength?

    After that, the facts told him that Huang Ji wasn¡¯t interested in doing such a thing.

    Because, after Huang Ji nodded slightly towards the two, his two hands were like lightning as the Spirit-Level wild beast was swiftly dismantled. The agility of his actions was even more nimble than when Gu Zuo first started harvesting medicinal ingredients and dissecting wild beasts. Clearly, this skill was borne from hard work and numerous revisions. Huang Ji had done this countless times.

    Once Huang Ji finished dismantling the wild beast in less than ten minutes, he hung the animal hide on an enormous, ancient tree, which was in front of the cavern. The blood on the fur rained down in a patter, and gathered into a small puddle on the ground. It released the rich and heady stench of blood ¡ª This scent caused numerous wild beasts in that dense forest to utter lengthly roars, hisses, and cries. However, not a single wild beast dared to leap out of the forest and charge into the vicinity.

    It was at this time that Gu Zuo discovered that, on the enormous, ancient tree that he hadn¡¯t paid attention to previously, the dark-brown of the tree bark wasn¡¯t its original color. Rather, after having the blood of numerous beasts dribble upon it, the passage of many years had congealed into this color. The ck soil beneath the tree wasn¡¯t originally ck, too. Rather, the beast blood had soaked it. After mixing with the earth, it had gradually umted, and formed this kind of color and luster.

    So to say, Huang Ji¡¯s proficiency and the appearance of the ancient tree and the soil...was enough proof that this was Huang Ji¡¯s daily life! This had absolutely nothing to do with an initial show of strength.

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed.

    Okay. It was him who was thinking too much.

    Tianheng stood on the side, and quietly watched Huang Ji¡¯s movements.

    Both of Tianheng¡¯s hands were still pressed on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders like he was still cating him. As if Tianheng was apanying him.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart also calmed down.

    In the end, he didn¡¯t need to wrack his brains over what Huang Ji wanted to do...

    On that side, Huang Ji¡¯s movements were very simple.

    After he dismantled that wild beast,rge chunks of flesh were piled up on the stony floor to the side. Soon after, he acquired some tinder. Just like this, he started to grill right outside the cavern. After using the sticks of some sturdy tree branches to skewer those chunks of flesh, he quickly sprinkled some powder-like things, which caused the surfaces of those chunks to turn yellow.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    In other words, Huang Ji¡¯s series of actions were all basically to just start a barbecue?

    Immediately following this, Huang Ji sat before the bonfire. Towards the two people, he said: ¡°My humble home is simple and crude. Please take a seat.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind instantly becameplicated.

    As it turned out, Huang Ji came to barbecue in order to treat his guests... In which case, the guests were him and his big brother.

    Tianheng heard Huang Ji¡¯s words. He arranged and settled his robes, and was already sitting on the opposite side of the bonfire. At this time, Gu Zuo reacted, and, without the least bit of ambiguity, he sat in the same manner as Tianheng.

    Huang Ji looked across, and his sharp gaze seemed to ease up a tad.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart seemed to realize something.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s words echoed within his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [Although Huang Ji¡¯s temperament is grim and callous, it¡¯s also very pure. Ah Zuo¡¯s actions are brisk and straightforward, which is pleasing to his eyes.]

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a fool. There wasn¡¯t any need to think about it too much, and he came to an understanding.

    [Big brother, it looks like Huang Ji isn¡¯t the sort of person who¡¯ll scheme behind someone¡¯s back. This time, maybe this matter can be resolved.]

    There was a smile on Tianheng¡¯s face.

    [Ah Zuo, when handling matters, just rely on your heart. Don¡¯t overthink it.]

    Gu Zuo was clear about this reasoning, so it was only natural that he agreed as well.

    [Rest assured, big brother.]

    This exchange onlysted for an instant.

    Huang Ji quickly finished roasting the meat. The golden-yellow beast oil dripped into the bonfire, which emitted waves of scorching fragrance. And the Spirit-Level wild beast¡¯s meat essence itself carried a type of intense pungency. The power it emitted was iparably exquisite. When breathing it in, it would feel spicy. But in the next moment, one would felt ddened and refreshed.

    Afterwards, Huang Ji took out two sticks of roasted meat, and handed them over to Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    Upon seeing this, the two naturally received them and took a bite.

    Sure enough, the vor was mellow and rich. It was incredibly splendid.

    Gu Zuo thought it wasn¡¯t bad. He only felt a burst of power circting in his body, which quickly scattered to his limbs, bones, and many acupoints. And as a martial artist, Tianheng¡¯s senses were even sharper. After swallowing a piece of meat essence, he felt that the cirction speed of the true qi within his body had increased by at least twenty to thirty percent. The power emitted from the meat essence was very exquisite. It made his body nice and warm; it was veryfortable. The bone pearls of his entire body were voraciously absorbing this power. After a couple of breaths, it waspletely digested!

    The expression in Huang Ji¡¯s eyes also eased up a little.

    He also grabbed a stick, bit arge mouthful of the meat, and swallowed it into his stomach. It looked like he often ate this way. He was much faster than Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s speeds. The meal seemed extremely delicious.

    Gu Zuo ate to his heart¡¯s content. He shared a nce with Tianheng, and simply didn¡¯t care about anything else. First, they would eat these chunks of meat essence from a Spirit-Level wild beast, which was hard toe by, and then they would discuss things.

    Tianheng ate very quickly, and the bone pearls within his body also operated very quickly.

    It was probably because it was the final bone pearl being condensed. After Tianheng ate the entire chunk of meat essence, by using this burst of power¡¯s impact, a bone pearl was rapidly formed. This caused the bones in Tianheng¡¯s body to make crackling sounds. In a split second, he broke through the shackles and smoothly advanced to Xiantian stage six!

    Gu Zuo was immediately depressed.

    Ah, he lost this round to his big brother...

    Just a little bit short. He needed to make the most of this and rush in!

    It was probably the effect of Gu Zuo¡¯s ¡°indomitable willpower¡±. After he finished eating the meat essence on hand, Gu Zuo also suddenly broke through and likewise reached Xiantian stage six.

    Merely, Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s true realms were revealed before Huang Ji¡¯s eyes.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch230 - Heavenly Beast Body

    <h4>Chapter Ch230 - Heavenly Beast Body</h4>

    Huang Ji nced at the two people, and then continued eating the meat inrge mouthfuls.

    Transparent beast oil rolled along the corner of his mouth, and was lightly wiped away by his hand. Then, it fell on the other side.

    After Gu Zuo broke through, he opened his eyes. Gongyi Tianheng had already finished breaking through. At this moment, Tianheng was sitting across from Huang Ji. He was leisurely enjoying the remaining roasted meat, and consolidating his own strength.

    Seeing that Gu Zuo had also broken through, Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a proper rest.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and looked at Huang Ji.

    Speaking of which, their realms were exposed just like this. Wasn¡¯t this a problem?

    But on second thought, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t worry about this any longer.

    Regardless of the breakthrough, they were just Xiantian stage six. Whenpared to Huang Ji, who had almost reached peak Immortal Realm, what did it matter? Moreover, it seemed that, based on the temper that Huang Ji showed, he also wouldn¡¯t care.

    ¡ª Prior to interacting closely with Huang Ji, Gu Zuo would¡¯ve made all kinds of conjectures. However, after genuinely meeting face to face, he realized that there were some people whom he didn¡¯t need to make any guesses about at all.

    This was considered a type of novel experience, too.

    Hence, Gu Zuo casually regted his breathing. And while he did this, he also watched his graceful big brother get along rather pleasantly with that Huang Ji.

    A good whileter, Huang Ji finally finished eating. He wiped his mouth, and started talking: ¡°That day, it was you who was looking at me.¡±

    While he spoke, those two pitch-ck eyes fell upon Gu Zuo¡¯s body.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Although he could make out Huang Ji¡¯s temperament, being questioned so directly was still something he wasn¡¯t ustomed to.

    Tianheng appeared to have figured out the method formunicating with Huang Ji: ¡°How did Senior Sect Brother Huang find out?¡±

    Huang Ji¡¯s eyes turned to Tianheng: ¡°Intuition.¡±

    Tianheng asked even more bluntly: ¡°At that time, what did Senior Sect Brother Huang sense?¡±

    Huang Ji paused. He seemed to be thinking about something. After that, he said: ¡°Something wasing.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and was a little eager: ¡°Then, can Senior Sect Brother Huang sense that thing?¡±

    Huang Ji¡¯s sword-like eyebrows faintly furrowed: ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief.

    He didn¡¯t suspect that Huang Ji was telling a lie. Huang Ji basically didn¡¯t need to tell any lies.

    Merely, Gu Zuo and Tianheng didn¡¯t anticipate that Huang Ji was someone whom they could get along with so well, nor that he was so straightforward.

    A person with this kind of disposition made them feel like they could be friends.

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo decided to ask directly: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯ve never been willing to meet with unfamiliar disciples. Why didn¡¯t you refuse to meet with us this time?¡±

    He also realized the method formunicating with Huang Ji.

    Sure enough, Huang Ji said: ¡°That day, you were looking at me strangely.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    So it was rare for Huang Ji to be curious. Therefore, he was rarely willing to meet others after hearing about them.

    Huang Ji asked again: ¡°What¡¯s that thing of yours?¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips.

    This kind of Huang Ji made him unwilling to deceive the other party, but if he told Huang Ji... He still hadn¡¯t heard of any other pharmacists possessing a method to hone their psychic powers. Even Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t know how to use psychic power. No matter how favorable an impression Gu Zuo had of Huang Ji, he didn¡¯t know if he could take this risk.

    After some hesitation, Gu Zuo used this way of speaking.

    To be honest, he indeed didn¡¯t know if he possessed a special constitution. However, he had only ever heard of martial artists having special constitutions. As for whether pharmacists had any, it was currently unknown ¡ª A certain number of physiques were recorded in that <<Comprehensive Collection of Heaven and Earth Physiques>>, but all of them were ssified as martial artist physiques.

    In addition, since he wasn¡¯t willing to trick Huang Ji, he could only say that he couldn¡¯t say anything.

    Moreover, Gu Zuo really didn¡¯t know if this type of method of hammering and refining one¡¯s psychic power was something that only he could do or if it was something that all pharmacists could do.

    Huang Ji¡¯s voice carried a hoarse note. In fact, it wasn¡¯t melodious like a normal woman¡¯s voice: ¡°You didn¡¯t try to deceive me. You guys are okay.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Eh?

    Then, he suddenly understood.

    As it turned out, Huang Ji didn¡¯t ¡°innocently¡± treat everyone so openly. Within his disposition was a bit of cunning. He knew to sound them out as well.

    After this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help smiling.

    He felt that Huang Ji appeared to bear a bit of a beastly intuition.

    This kind of ¡°man¡± was also very adorable.

    After this incident passed, Huang Ji¡¯s qi emissions were even more mild when he looked at them. It appeared that his impressions of them were continuously rising.

    Gu Zuo felt much more rxed.

    Since Huang Ji mentioned special constitutions first, he asked directly: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, I¡¯ve heard a rumor about you. Since childhood, you could use whistling sounds to intimidate wild beasts. Is this an ability brought about by your special constitution?¡±

    Huang Ji had a good opinion of the two. He just nodded and said: ¡°It is.¡±

    Gu Zuo curiously said: ¡°What¡¯s Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s special constitution?¡±

    Huang Ji shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This also didn¡¯t seem strange.

    In this world, there were numerous physiques of untold descriptions. Being unable to make a determination after finding out was very normal.

    But in the end, this was his mission. For that item book, he needed to repeatedly ask for any distinctive features. Perhaps he could make a judgment? Furthermore, Huang Ji was sincere to them. After they matched the corresponding physique, they could also mention a training method to Huang Ji to avoid wasting his innate skills.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s abilities... Is it convenient to talk about them?¡±

    Huang Ji pondered: ¡°My strength is huge. The whistling sounds can intimidate beast herds that have realms which are lower than mine. There aren¡¯t any other uses.¡±

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, he started to filter out the characteristics of countless physiques.

    A physique whose whistles could intimidate beast herds. Actually, there were lots... In reality, even if it wasn¡¯t a physique, after one¡¯s strength reached a certain realm, various forms of intimidation wouldn¡¯t be hard. Only, the ones that were capable of achieving this from childhood only numbered a few. Additionally, he added innate herculean strength on top of this, and looked through the list...

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, your blood... Does it have any effect on wild beasts?¡±

    Huang Ji also furrowed his brows: ¡°When I bleed, wild beasts be agitated.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows loosened: ¡°Have wild beasts deliberately gone to devour Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s blood?¡±

    Huang Ji thought it over, and nodded.

    Gu Zuo immediately came to a realization: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, I¡¯ve actually heard of a type of physique that¡¯s very simr to yours.¡±

    Huang Ji¡¯s eyes shined.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°The Heavenly Beast Body.¡±

    Huang Ji¡¯s originally callous appearance eventually revealed a trace of doubt.

    Gu Zuo straightened out his train of thought, and bluntly informed Huang Ji: ¡°Generally speaking, the Heavenly Beast Body is a type of physique that has merits and drawbacks in equal measure. The core of its effects is the martial artist¡¯s blood. And the level of the blood¡¯s valor will increase with each passing year as the martial artist grows older. Whenever the strength of a martial artist who possesses the Heavenly Beast Body rises a level, their intimidation ability towards wild beasts will be stronger ¡ª It can be said that the Heavenly Beast Body is a human-shaped beast king. When letting out a whistle, as far as wild beasts are concerned, it has an intense ability to scare them into submission.¡±

    Tianheng had also read through this item book. At this moment, he was watching Gu Zuo give Huang Ji this exnation, and Gu Zuo¡¯s face was practically glowing. Tianheng revealed a gentle, smiling expression.

    Huang Ji was listening very carefully.

    Gu Zuo continued to talk: ¡°Many Heavenly Beast Bodies mistakenly believe that their own whistles can only intimidate lower-realmed wild beasts. Actually, this type of ability is something that a great majority of valiant martial artists can possess. This prevents them from understanding their own physiques. However, as a matter of fact, this is only because they haven¡¯tpletely developed their own physiques, which leads to such an oue. If the Heavenly Beast Body ispletely developed, one¡¯s whistle should be able to intimidate the vast majority of wild beasts whose bloodlines aren¡¯t noble enough ¡ª Even if it¡¯s a wild beast whose strength is several times higher than that of the Heavenly Beast Body, one should be able to frighten it for some time. This¡¯ll give one the chance to flee.¡±

    Huang Ji grew more and more interested: ¡°And the drawbacks?¡±

    Gu Zuo organized his speech: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang should know that wild beasts will devour one another. If a wild beast consumes the bloodline of another wild beast that has an even stronger lineage, then its own bloodline level will subsequently rise. The blood of the Heavenly Beast Body is equivalent to a panacea that will purify a wild beast¡¯s bloodline. When the Heavenly Beast Body doesn¡¯t shed blood, wild beasts will be afraid of them. But once blood is shed, wild beasts will water at the mouth ¡ª Because fairly powerful wild beasts are insatiable and will restrain the fear in their own bloodlines, they will hunt down the Heavenly Beast Body!

    ¡°As a result, when the Heavenly Beast Body is immature, it¡¯s best not to show one¡¯s face before high-level wild beasts that can¡¯t be dealt with. Otherwise, they¡¯ll be in even greater danger than ordinary martial artists... This is the biggest drawback.¡±

    As for the point about herculean strength, the Heavenly Beast Body was an existence analogous to a beast king. And the reason why the great majority of wild beasts could easily get rid of martial artists of equal strength was because their physical bodies were valiant. They were extraordinarily powerful.

    Naturally, the strength of the Heavenly Beast Body should far exceed the norm.

    Huang Ji listened and understood: ¡°Thank you.¡±

    At this moment, the system beeped in Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint.

    [The side mission ispleted.]

    [Thepletion reward <<Spirit Refining Seal>> has already been ced in the host¡¯s storage space.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness ¡°looked¡± in the storage space. Sure enough, he discovered that there was one more ancient text. He immediately knew that his own guess about Huang Ji¡¯s special constitution was the correct one. Hence, he was even more assured about the following matters that needed to be said.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo shared a nce with Tianheng.

    [Big brother, how about we invite Huang Ji over to our ce?]

    [Ah Zuo¡¯s meaning is?]

    [It would be too pitiful if the Heavenly Beast Body can¡¯t be developed. En, does big brother feel that Senior Sect Brother Huang is worth roping in?]

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened.

    [He¡¯s unlikely to be an enemy.]

    Gu Zuo understood in a split second.

    [Then, let¡¯s make Senior Sect Brother Huang our friend!]

    Tianheng nodded his head.

    The two¡¯s exchangested shorter than a breath.

    Off to the side, Huang Ji looked over: ¡°What are you two talking about?¡±

    Gu Zuo was slow toe up with a response.

    ...Sure enough, it was a beast-like intuition.

    It was really worthy of being called the Heavenly Beast Body.

    Thus, Gu Zuo just asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, I know the method of developing the Heavenly Beast Body. Are you willing to trust me?¡±

    Huang Ji¡¯s eyes flickered with doubt.

    Gu Zuo earnestly said: ¡°Developing the Heavenly Beast Body is a very long process. Originally, when at the Houtian Realm, one would need to use the blood of different wild beasts to temper the body for years on end. When at the Xiantian Realm, one would need to use the blood of ten types of wild beasts for each asion. When at the Immortal Realm, one would need to use the blood of a hundred types of wild beasts. Senior Sect Brother Huang will already be startingte. Right now, it¡¯s best to take medicine and temper the body at the same time. And the medicine that you need to take is the Hundred Blood Pill. As for the beast blood needed for body tempering, it must be processed with the corresponding medicinal ingredients ording to Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s constitution every time.¡±

    The doubts in Huang Ji¡¯s eyes slowly turned to understanding.

    Gu Zuo continued to speak: ¡°However, I normally have lots of work to deal with, and I have no way to take care of Senior Sect Brother Huang at all times. If Senior Sect Brother Huang wants to develop the Heavenly Beast Body, you can only move to the hill that my big brother possesses.¡±

    When speaking up to here, Gu Zuo also felt that his own proposal was somewhat rude and offhanded. Gu Zuo was thinking that, no matter how magnanimous Huang Ji¡¯s disposition was and regardless of how much trust he had in them, Huang Ji couldn¡¯t just take them for their word and allow the other party to control his own pace.

    Thus, after pondering for a bit, Gu Zuo spoke once more: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang doesn¡¯t need to make a decision so quickly. It would be better to get wild beast blood to try tempering the body first. If it really is useful, then it won¡¯t be toote to revisit this decision.¡±

    Huang Ji saw that Gu Zuo was sincere. Huang Ji wasn¡¯t someone who couldn¡¯t tell good from bad, and simply said: ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile: ¡°If Senior Sect Brother Huang has any needs, just inform us in advance and you can drop by at any time. Big brother and I will certainly give a warm wee. However, if Senior Sect Brother Huang goes, it means that you¡¯re willing to trust me. As such, when I develop and temper Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s body, you need to do things exactly as I say.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo and Tianheng felt that they were more or less done. Then, they said their goodbyes to Huang Ji.

    Huang Ji didn¡¯t say anything. He seemed to be thinking deeply about something. But when the two were leaving, he followed closely behind them the entire time. After seeing them down the hill, he went back.

    Gu Zuo turned his head to give a nce: ¡°Big brother, do you think Senior Sect Brother Huang wille?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°What does Ah Zuo think?¡±

    ¡°I feel that...he will.¡±

    ¡°Then, he will!¡±

    The voices of the two slowly got farther away.

    After Gongyi Tianheng increased his realm again, although top grade Qi Linking Pills were very good, their effects on him were already inferior to before. To ensure that those bottomless pit-like bone pearls throughout his whole body could eat their fills, when Tianheng was swallowingrge quantities of top grade Qi Linking Pills, Gu Zuo started to refine Qi umting Pills.

    As far as Gu Zuo was concerned, this type of medicinal pill that improved one¡¯s strength and supplemented one¡¯s true qi didn¡¯t give him any trouble at all. Aside from the medicinal ingredients being a bit more expensive, nothing else was of any concern.

    Gu Zuo quickly and smoothly refined top grade Qi umting Pills. Within two days, the medicinal pills that Tianheng took were upgraded again, so he didn¡¯t need to act like before where he would have to swallow huge handfuls of pills.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo opened up that <<Spirit Refining Seal>> to take a look.

    With this one look, he was a little surprised. It felt as if things were following an inevitable matter of course.

    It was divided into four chapters.

    <<Spirit Forging Chapter>>

    <<Spirit Condensing Chapter>>

    <<Spirit Piercing Chapter>>

    <<Spirit Transforming Chapter>>

    At the same time, the levels of psychic power were also strictly differentiated in this <<Spirit Refining Seal>>.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch231 - The Realms of Psychic Power

    <h4>Chapter Ch231 - The Realms of Psychic Power</h4>

    The first realm was called the Qi Psyche Realm.

    In other words, for basically every pharmacist, when one¡¯s psychic power wasn¡¯t tempered yet, their initial realm would be within this realm.

    And in this realm, the psychic powers of all pharmacists were smoke-like and would only be able to passively defend. Even if the amount was veryrge, it would be very difficult to aplish anything.

    Take, for example, pharmacists like Xu Lingxiu who didn¡¯t have a cultivation method. The psychic power within their Tianfu Acupoints would keep increasing. When it reached the limit that the Tianfu Acupoint could amodate, the smoke-like psychic power would liquify bit by bit. After this liquefaction also reached the limit, it would slowly be gtinous.

    And through Gu Zuo¡¯s cultivation and the use of the ever deepeningyers of the <<Spirit Condensing Chapter>>, he could attain this process without a hitch. Even when his Tianfu Acupoint wasn¡¯tpletely filled, this also allowed him to have more offensive and defensive capabilitiespared to the vast majority of pharmacists.

    At this time, the second realm was also clear and easy to see.

    It was called the Coalescing Psyche Realm.

    As the name implied, under the effects of the <<Spirit Forging Chapter>>, the smoke-like psychic power would form a vortex during a continual forging process. And in the center of the vortex was that gtinous psychic power.

    Once a vortex was generated and when even a bit of gtinous psychic power was generated, one would already have reached the second realm. Afterwards, throughout the entire realm, the gtinous psychic power would constantly increase and the vortex would progressively spread to the entire Tianfu Acupoint. A steady flow of smoke-like psychic power would be drawn over, and would flow to the center of the gtinous psychic power.

    As for the third realm, it was called the Core Psyche Realm.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t aware of this before, but he quickly understood it now.

    The second realm would reach its limit when the center of the gtinous psychic power continuously erged, squeezing the vortex to near-nonexistence. At that time, under the effects of the <<Spirit Forging Chapter>>, that gtinous psychic power would bepressed. At the same time, the vortex would slowly reappear and cause the gtinous psychic power to form a perfectly round shape. The round mass of gtinous psychic power would be sturdier and morepacted until it reached a point where there was no way topress it further. When it formed a pearl, this was the Core Psyche Realm.

    However, whether there were still other realms above the Core Psyche Ream, there weren¡¯t any detailed records in the <<Spirit Refining Seal>>.

    When he read this, Gu Zuo¡¯s interest greatly increased.

    ording to his understanding, <<Spirit Forging Chapter>> was equivalent to a martial artist¡¯s inner cultivation method, and psychic power was equivalent to a martial artist¡¯s true qi. Meanwhile, <<Spirit Condensing Chapter>> and <<Spirit Piercing Chapter>> were ssified as martial skills. As for the newly-added <<Spirit Transforming Chapter>>, after a cursory nce, it was a method on how to utilize psychic power, and should¡¯ve also been equivalent to a martial skill.

    One could say that this <<Spirit Refining Seal>> opened up another path for pharmacists. It made Gu Zuo suddenly understand that pharmacists really didn¡¯t only have the role of medicine refinement. In fact, they were ssified as people with another system of cultivation unlike that of martial artists! It was just that martial artists practiced martial arts, while they tempered psychic powers!

    Gu Zuo was momentarily overwhelmed with emotions.

    At this time, the things that he only guessed about in the past had be reality.

    How couldn¡¯t this make a person excited?

    As such, there was one more problem that hadn¡¯t been resolved yet.

    In Qingyun Sect, pharmacists basically didn¡¯t have this kind of power. In the end, was this because only pharmacists at a higher level could touch upon this subject, or had no one here discovered this path?

    But whatever the case, Gu Zuo had finally determined that it wasn¡¯t due to his own constitution being special that he could temper his psychic power. Rather, all pharmacists in this world were capable of doing the same. Otherwise, <<Spirit Refining Seal>> wouldn¡¯t have had that kind of rigorous set up, right?

    Gu Zuo hoped that he himself could have even stronger self-defensive power.

    As a result, he, who was currently at the second realm, urgently longed to rapidly break through to the third realm of psychic power. As for a pharmacist¡¯s psychic realms, they probably weren¡¯t closely linked to the true qi realms.

    Gongyi Tianheng also quickly understood the issues with the pharmacist system.

    Gu Zuo hesitated a little bit: ¡°Big brother, pharmacists are capable of tempering psychic powers. Would martial artists be able to do this, too?¡±

    ording to reason, the Tianfu Acupoints in pharmacists and martial artists were the same. And all Tianfu Acupoints could hold psychic power. If pharmacists were capable of aplishing this, then couldn¡¯t martial artists do the same?

    Tianheng slightly muttered: ¡°The cultivation method which Ah Zuo practices requires medicinal qi to strengthen the psychic power. Through constant tempering, it¡¯ll let one¡¯s own psychic power reach that realm. As for us martial artists, we can¡¯t absorb medicinal qi. Thus, there¡¯s no way to conduct any tempering ording to that type of cultivation method. Even if it was an ordinary pharmacist, the improvement of their psychic power would be no more than the refining of pills over many years. Their own slow umtion wouldn¡¯t be as easy as Ah Zuo¡¯s.¡±

    Gu Zuo was somewhat disappointed.

    If his big brother could use it, then it would¡¯ve been another trump card...

    But very quickly, Gu Zuo roused himself: ¡°In that case, can big brother find any inspiration from this, ande up with something of your own?¡±

    The Tiandu Body¡¯s IQ was so powerful. In the past, the body cultivation method that his big brother practiced was of his own design. As such, ording to <<Spirit Refining Seal>>, could he establish a new path for martial artists?

    Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°On psychic powers, martial artists fall far short of pharmacists. When my realm is even higher, I¡¯ll give it a try. But for now, I first need to raise my true qi realm.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought that this was reasonable, and said with embarrassment: ¡°Sorry, big brother. I¡¯m being impulsive...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was gentle: ¡°Any care or concern that Ah Zuo shows will be received by your elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up slightly. He squeezed into the medicine refining pce hall, and continued refining medicine.

    Furthermore, he also wanted to figure out what was going on with that <<Spirit Transforming Chapter>>...

    T/N: I¡¯ve made the corresponding corrections to the trantion terms found in the separate post Martial Artist & Pharmacist Ranks concerning pharmacist levels. A link to the post can be found on the main page of ¡°I Have Medicine¡± on CG.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch232 - Huang Ji Moves In

    <h4>Chapter Ch232 - Huang Ji Moves In</h4>

    The names of the first three chapters were self-evident. They were about continuously polishing the smoke-like psychic power, condensing it into gtinous psychic power, molding it into the shapes of silver awls and silver needles, and finally shooting them. In the future, as Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power grew stronger and his strength increased, each chapter would be more profound and he would be able to disy even more destructive power. However, when Gu Zuo read the <<Spirit Transforming Chapter>>, he discovered that the techniques of the first three chapters were basically just the foundation of the fourth chapter¡¯s technique.

    In <<Spirit Transforming Chapter>>, one¡¯s psychic power would evolve into tools of attack or defense ¡ª It wasn¡¯t only limited to silver awls and silver needles. It could also be a shield, a sword, a spear, or a dagger. It could be all sorts of things that one could imagine to stab one¡¯s enemies or to protect oneself.

    And the offensive or defensive powers that these things could hold were naturally far superior to what Gu Zuo previously learned and it went beyond the roles of psychic power that he himself explored.

    ¡ª To put it simply, the <<Spirit Transforming Chapter>> was a step further in the utilization of psychic power.

    After getting a clear understanding, Gu Zuo was somewhat in a hurry to study it.

    The technique of this chapter was even more challenging than that of the previous three chapters. The amount of psychic power that he needed to use was much greater. Even with the capabilities of the present Gu Zuo, he could only barely condense all his psychic power into the embryonic form of a dagger. But Gu Zuo tried it out anyway. After heunched the dagger, the destructive power it caused to hard objects surpassed the damage of a silver awl by over a hundred times! Even if over a hundred silver awls were shot all at once, this would only widen the area of damage. It couldn¡¯tpare to the dagger, which had greater strength, had faster speed, and was easier to confront an enemy with!

    What if there were even more daggerster on? What if there were tens, hundreds, or thousands? How could the silver awls and silver needlespare?

    Sure enough, the <<Spirit Refining Seal>> was an incredible thing!

    For quite a few days, Gu Zuo was immersed in the marvels of the <<Spirit Refining Seal>>.

    He was constantly polishing, condensing, and transforming his psychic power. He would often use up his psychic power until empty. Then, he¡¯d quickly sit down in meditation, regte his breathing, and recover.

    Quite a few days and several of such instances passed just like this. Gu Zuo distinctly realized that, although his psychic power didn¡¯t consequently increase by much, his level of sensitivity and his condensing and transforming speeds had all improved greatly.

    This type of feeling was too peculiar and satisfying. Gu Zuo had been shut in his room for a long time without taking a single step outside ¡ª In any case, the medicinal pills that he should¡¯ve refined had long beenpleted. Recently, his big brother¡¯s body didn¡¯t contain any hidden damage. Thus, he could wholeheartedly try out the newest item book, and study new skills!

    Until one day, Tianheng called on him toe out.

    Because Huang Ji had arrived.

    With less than ten days of time, Huang Ji probably could only temper his body with beast blood once.

    ¡ª In other words, after this one attempt, Huang Ji had already made his own judgment, and promptly came to a decision.

    Gu Zuo hastily jumped off the bed, and prepared to rush outside.

    However, Tianheng reached out his hands to keep Gu Zuo in ce.

    Gu Zuo was puzzled.

    Tianhengughed in spite of himself. He extended a hand to fix Gu Zuo¡¯s outer robes, and crooked his fingers tob through Gu Zuo¡¯s hair.

    Gu Zuo reacted immediately.

    He hadn¡¯t left his room for several days, so his entire person was a mess!

    Unexpectedly, by the time this big brother of his took the initiative to act, Gu Zuo discovered that...he was quite embarrassed.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo sent out his psychic power and ¡°looked¡± at his own current state. Once he hurriedly tidied himself up, he finally felt that he was presentable.

    He blushed a little bit: ¡°Big brother, I can go.¡±

    Tianheng smiled as he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. He spoke leisurely: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Sure enough, after walking out of the room, Huang Ji was already waiting for them outside.

    Like a javelin, he stood with a straight back under a huge tree. From top to bottom, he was d in ck, and his face was grim and unfeeling. Those taut contours, those pursed, thin lips, and those piercing eyes gave rise to a type of feeling ¡ª He was like a lone wolf in the mountains. He was icily arrogant and valiant.

    With a pharmacist¡¯s keen sense of smell, Gu Zuo was able to discover that Huang Ji¡¯s body was emitting a faintly bloody odor of dozens of different wild beasts. His mood also seemed to be fluctuating.

    Perhaps, more than half of the matter had already beenpleted.

    After seeing Gu Zuo and Tianheng, Huang Ji turned to nod at them: ¡°Junior Sect Brothers.¡±

    Gu Zuo walked over, and asked with a smile: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, what brings you here?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gait was unhurried. Likewise, he carried a sense of wee.

    Huang Ji said: ¡°Can I still count on the words you said before?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded at once: ¡°Like I said, if Senior Sect Brother Huang wants toe, then big brother and I will wee you at any time.¡±

    Huang Ji was very blunt: ¡°I trust you.¡±

    But it was different now.

    The present Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t concerned about money or any other worries. His thoughts were preupied by three things. The first was to let his big brother obtain the best path for a smooth cultivation. The second was to raise his own strength before returning home. And the third was to hone his skill levels, to turn his upation into a hobby, and to continue living a peaceful and harmonious life.

    Hence, as a pharmacist who had superior skill levels and who was pretty good at refining medicine, after Gu Zuo discovered a half-feral Heavenly Beast Body which no one knew how to develop, he naturally wanted to study... That¡¯s not right. He wanted to help to develop the other party.

    Huang Ji agreed, and Gu Zuo was very happy.

    However, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of a problem.

    Developing the Heavenly Beast Body would require a lot of medicinal ingredients. What was to be done about the expenses? He was the one who invited Huang Ji over, so he couldn¡¯t just tell Huang Ji to pay for all of it, right?

    Could it be said that this was the price of realizing the Heavenly Beast Body...

    Gu Zuo immediately became gloomy.

    Off to the side, Tianheng quickly detected Gu Zuo¡¯s reaction, and secretly transmitted to him.

    [Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?]

    Gu Zuo talked about what was troubling him.

    Tianheng suddenly couldn¡¯t help letting out some muffledughter in his consciousness.

    [It¡¯s no matter. As the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one, Huang Ji moving here will act as a stabilizing force. If unconcerned third-partiese here, it might be very difficult for them to go looking for trouble. Ah Zuo should just regard it as hiring a high-priced bodyguard. Don¡¯t worry about it anymore.]

    Gu Zuo silently heaved a sigh.

    It could only be like this... At worst, thebor cost wouldn¡¯t be collected. As for the required medicinal ingredients, beast blood, and so on, Huang Ji could certainly look for them himself.

    At that time, he would write out the list of items.

    Just like that, they determined Huang Ji¡¯s entrance and ce of garrison.

    Huang Ji¡¯s livelihood was very in, simple, and sinct. As a result, he didn¡¯t have much luggage, and most of it was packed away using an inter-spatial tool. He arrived here effortlessly.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s instructions, the Tianlong Guards had long arranged a room for him. Because his status was higher, they didn¡¯t allow him to mingle with other martial artists. Rather, they worked overtime to give him a new room.

    Huang Ji didn¡¯t exchange pleasantries, but he also didn¡¯t go to stay in this room. After getting permission from Tianheng, he strolled a few times around the hill. He selected a location along a cliffside and directly excavated a cave dwelling.

    ...This kind of unconstrained Immortal Realm guest left the ¡°staff members¡± of this hill rather bbergasted.

    Gu Zuo specially went to take a look at the dwelling that Huang Ji excavated himself.

    This ce was really just an ordinary cavern. It was a dozen or so meters deep and four to five meters wide. At the entrance, there was an enormous rock that could cover half of the cave mouth. When Huang Ji went in, he would pull it closed; when he went out, he would push it open.

    It was a very rustic and interesting appearance.

    Near the cavern, there was a stream of spring water, which was also upied by Huang Ji. Considering that this was where Huang Ji might take a bath, Gu Zuo instructed everyone else that they couldn¡¯t rashlye to this side of the hill. They weren¡¯t allowed to disturb Huang Ji¡¯s rest or cultivation.

    Naturally, Huang Ji was very pleased.

    After Huang Ji waspletely settled down, Gu Zuo prepared a small feast. It was considered a small-scale weing ceremony, and it was to introduce Huang Ji to all of his dear big brother¡¯s subordinates. This was to prevent any misunderstandings should they encounter Huang Ji in the future. Such mistakes would be anything but reassuring.

    Of course, while it was said that this included all of Tianheng¡¯s subordinates, the ones who could join the feast were still only those who were truly on their side. For example, Bao You and the others who were under control, the loyal and devoted Tianlong Guards, and the Gongyi n children who were linked by blood. In addition, there was Tianheng¡¯s biological brother Tianyang and biological sister Mingxia, who shared a close rtionship.

    Tianyang was working hard so that he could someday marry a certain charming and beautiful woman. Mingxia was working hard so that she could be a sessful and able woman. Every day, the two lived in seclusion. It was basically very difficult to see them outside.

    This time around, because the reputation of the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one was too great and that Tianheng had specifically informed them, Tianyang and Mingxia hade out. In any case, they had already appeared at the small feast. After seeing Huang Ji, they felt very different things.

    They heard that this Huang Ji was obviously a woman, but one needed to refer to Huang Ji as Senior Sect Brother... Also, they heard that this Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s strength was phenomenal. This time, he came to find their Brother Ah Zuo for treatment... Additionally, they heard that Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s disposition was rather straightforward. When speaking with him, it was better to be honest. Any subterfuge would instead offend this person.

    Contrary to what one might expect, Tianyang was fine about it. Meanwhile, a trace of curiosity arose within Mingxia.

    In Qingyun Sect, Mingxia had seen many valiant and formidable women. She also knew lots of women who were stronger than the men. She herself also wanted to be a female martial artist who wouldn¡¯t hold others back. However, for those whom she could truly get into close contact with, for those who could trample over crowds of men, there was only this Huang Ji.

    Perhaps, because Mingxia had been looking for too long, Huang Ji, who was originally drinking wine, turned his head and met Mingxia¡¯s gaze at this moment. The expression in his eyes wasn¡¯t all that scary, but it made Mingxia sense an extraordinarily imposing aura. It seemed to have a very strong deterring power, which put her on guard with a bit of trembling.

    Huang Ji saw that Mingxia didn¡¯t respond, and just turned his head back and continued drinking.

    He saw through Mingxia¡¯s strength at a nce. He could tell her identity from the resemnce between her and Tianheng. But for a little girl like this, she probably stared at him for a few times because of her heavy curiosity. On the contrary, he didn¡¯t feel that the other party had offended him ¡ª From the moment he was born and ever since he entered Qingyun Sect, all kinds of gazes were never in short supply. He paid no attention to this.

    Because Mingxia was the only girl in the crowd of people, she sat somewhere between the newly-arrived Huang Ji and Gongyi Tianyang.

    Gu Zuo was also close by. When he saw Mingxia¡¯s expression, he quietly asked: ¡°Mingxia, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Mingxia calmed her state of mind, and started to talk with Gu Zuo. From her first meeting with Gu Zuo, this good-tempered teenager who was just a little bit older than her, she was very close to him. In particr, after seeing her family¡¯s eldest brother regard Gu Zuo so importantly, she treated Gu Zuo as a member of her family even more. As a result,pared to that ever-dignified eldest brother and that busy second brother, she was more willing to chat with Gu Zuo.

    Hence, Mingxia just said to Gu Zuo: ¡°I¡¯m very envious.¡±

    Gu Zuo first stared nkly, but then he understood.

    Mingxia was envious of Huang Ji¡¯s strength and freedom. Even when Huang Ji called himself a man, no matter how other people didn¡¯t acknowledge this in their hearts, they still had to address him as Senior Sect Brother. The current strength of Mingxia, who was previously pampered growing up, was still the most inferior among everyone. She dearly wished to be a ¡°woman¡± like Huang Ji ¡ª A woman who could make her own rules and who wouldn¡¯t be subjected to the fetters of others.

    Gu Zuo paused.

    Ah, if he could do whatever he wanted, then he would do it, too. But even if he and his big brother Tianheng operated for a long period of time, they would only be able to gradually reveal a fraction of their skills. It was basically impossible to actpletely unrestrained.

    Huang Ji could do it because his potential was huge, but he didn¡¯t have so many goals like them. Growing up, Huang Ji¡¯s disposition possessed beastly qualities ¡ª Not only was there the willfulness, instinct, and tyranny of a beast, there was also the cunning of a beast. But no matter the sort, it all likewise bore the direct nature of a beast, which allowed Huang Ji to choose the path that was the most favorable to him. With his own disposition being like this, he could act confidently and freely.

    Apart from his herculean strength, his power was due to his soul¡¯s purity, and great inner strength.

    After pondering for a while, Gu Zuo spoke to this young girl: ¡°Mingxia, if it¡¯s like this, know that Senior Sect Brother Huang will be living here for a rather long time. You can properly understand him and study his strong points. In the future, I believe that you will certainly find your own path of martial arts!¡±

    Mingxia wasforted: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, would this bother Senior Sect Brother Huang?¡±

    Gu Zuo solemnly said: ¡°I can talk to Senior Sect Brother Huang in advance... Senior Sect Brother Huang is a pretty good person. So long as you don¡¯t trouble him too much, he shouldn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    In short, Gu Zuo was certain that mentioning this matter to Huang Ji beforehand would be fine.

    Under his big brother¡¯s lead, the people who were brought here had all found certain paths forward. It was only Gongyi Mingxia, whose foundations were the weakest, who needed proper guidance.

    Previously, it was because there were no opportunities. But now there was this free and valiant Huang Ji. Under the pretense that thebor costs hadn¡¯t been collected yet, why not dig out some of Huang Ji¡¯s personal value...

    Gu Zuo silently made up his mind.

    Mingxia¡¯s face showed a little bit of happiness, which made her pretty features seem iparably spirited.

    Gu Zuo warned: ¡°However, Mingxia, you have to pay proper attention. Because Senior Sect Brother Huang has been ustomed to living alone since childhood, he¡¯ll asionally be somewhat stiff and direct when chatting with other people. Mingxia, when you talk with Senior Sect Brother Huang, remember that you can¡¯t be too euphemistic.¡±

    Mingxia didn¡¯t fully understand, but she was aware of the severity within these words. She solemnly agreed.

    It was then that Gu Zuo felt somewhat reassured.

    After the small feast, all of the guests left. However, Huang Ji didn¡¯t return to his cavern for the time being.

    It wasn¡¯t for any other reasons. It was mainly because Huang Ji¡¯s treatment process was going to be hereter on. Gu Zuo also needed to clearly exin it to Huang Ji, which would allow him to be well aware of the situation.

    Huang Ji sat on the other side, and his sitting posture was very upright. At the same time, it was impossible to fault ¡ª Regardless of where anyone wanted to attack, he could react instantly, ricocheting the attack back from those angles and conducting his own counterattack.

    He truly maintained a beast-like vignce at all times.

    ...Ever since Gu Zuo discovered Huang Ji had the Heavenly Beast Body, when he looked at Huang Ji again, he couldn¡¯t help feeling that each of Huang Ji¡¯s movements and actions all carried the intent of a beast king.

    When he thought about it, he felt quite exasperated.

    After shaking his head, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t speak any superfluous words, and directly took out a long, long list from his sleeve. He handed it over to Huang Ji: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, here¡¯s the names of the first stage¡¯s required medicinal ingredients and beast blood. Once Senior Sect Brother Huang obtains all of it, we can begin the first step of development.¡±

    Huang Ji took the list, and lowered his head to check it out.

    Most of what was on the list was actually the names of medicinal ingredients. It was a very long string of names. There was a huge disparity between the quantities and varieties of the ingredients. He recognized some of them. The general uses were to reconcile and dilute hostile forces and other such things. This should¡¯ve been to avert the violent sentiments in the wild beast blood and physique.

    Of course, Huang Ji wasn¡¯t a pharmacist. He couldn¡¯t recognize them all. However, since he trusted Gu Zuo, he also trusted these medicinal ingredients.

    Thus, he continued to read down the list. Below thatrge handful of ingredients, there were several written lines that pertained to the necessary beast blood.

    Due to Huang Ji¡¯s Heavenly Beast Body being developed toote and that he had already reached the Immortal Realm, he hadn¡¯tpleted several of the preceding stages of body tempering. If it was to bepleted now, then it would be much moreplicated than before.

    As such, the initial, incremental progress of one type of beast blood to a few types of beast blood wouldn¡¯t be needed. From the beginning, Gu Zuo¡¯s requirements were at least thirty-six different types of wild beasts that could fly, crawl, run, swing, burrow, and swim. The blood essence within their bodies would be collected, and individually packaged in different containers.

    Yes, at the present time, they needed to use blood essence with strong power... Ordinary blood essence was already incapable of tempering Huang Ji¡¯s physical body from the inside out.

    Huang Ji nodded his head: ¡°Okay. How long do you need?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°The sooner, the better.¡±

    His heart was still a little depressed because these medicinal ingredients really were all required, and there were none that he could keep hidden... This was different from when he normally refined pills. This was the same as delivering himself to the front door. Moreover, he still needed Huang Ji¡¯s help, so this was simply a big loss.

    He had acted as an unscrupulous businessman many times already. It was a pity that he needed to be a person with integrity this time.

    Tianheng could see through Gu Zuo¡¯s mood. He shook his head, and couldn¡¯t help finding it somewhat funny. Never mind. After this, he would buy some medicinal ingredients for his Ah Zuo. This would appease him.

    Gu Zuo was still holding a solemn discussion with Huang Ji.

    Huang Ji said: ¡°I¡¯ll be as fast as possible.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Once the medicinal ingredients and beast blood are done, we can start tempering the body immediately.¡±

    Huang Ji nodded as well.

    The two looked each other in the eyes.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, after the first body tempering, would you be able to help out with a small favor?¡±

    Huang Ji: ¡°Talk.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°My big brother and I usually have lots of work, and my little sister, Mingxia, is very young. Her strength is also feeble. If she can¡¯t be guided down the correct path in time, I¡¯m afraid that, in the future, there¡¯ll be obstructions in cultivating on her path of martial arts. Because there normally isn¡¯t anyone who can give her pointers, I hope that when Senior Sect Brother Huang has some free time, you can teach her a thing or two. If Senior Sect Brother Huang thinks it¡¯s troublesome, you can simply live in Mingxia¡¯s ornamented tower so it¡¯s more convenient.¡±

    When Gu Zuo spoke up to here, Huang Ji¡¯s expression finally had a slight change: ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    Gu Zuo was disappointed: ¡°Why not...¡±

    What he said was spoken from the heart. In addition to the hope that Mingxia followed Huang Ji to learn from the other¡¯s strong spirit and approach towards practicing martial arts, there truly wasn¡¯t anyone else who had free time to give her pointers. It wouldn¡¯t be too relieving if they casually found a ce to resettle Mingxia. On the off-chance that something bad happened, it would be absolutely terrible.

    Gu Zuo originally felt that, although Huang Ji had a bit of an independent nature, it shouldn¡¯t have gotten to the point of refusal... But if the guy really wasn¡¯t willing, then there was nothing to be done. It wouldn¡¯t be good to force the other party, right?

    Amid such muddled thoughts, Gu Zuo suddenly became a little anxious. After thinking about the problem of Mingxia¡¯s guidance, he felt that this matter demanded immediate action!

    After that, Huang Ji opened his mouth: ¡°Men and women shouldn¡¯t touch hands when they give or receive things.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Huh?¡±

    They were both girls... Eh, right. Huang Ji still believed that he was a man! Moreover, he himself said that he liked women!

    After remembering this, he felt embarrassed at once.

    Huang Ji supplemented: ¡°Giving directions is okay, but moving in together is not.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood changed from disappointed to embarrassment to joy: ¡°So long as you can give some pointers, that¡¯s fine...¡± Then, he said, at a loss, ¡°Just now, I wasn¡¯t paying attention. I¡¯m sorry. When the timees, I¡¯ll let my little sister take the initiative to find Senior Sect Brother Huang if she doesn¡¯t understand something.¡±

    This time around, Huang Ji answered positively.

    Soon after, he leaped up. His entire body became a bolt of lightning, and he vanished towards the other side of the hill.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face, and turned his head to look at Tianheng who was at his side. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry: ¡°Big brother, it looks like I lost a lot of face just then...¡±

    Tianheng patted his head: ¡°Does Ah Zuo still need some medicinal ingredients? I¡¯ll instruct the Tianlong Guards to make lots of purchases for you to use.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood suddenly improved.

    So to say, this was him beingforted by his big brother.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch233 - Bone Pearl Changes

    <h4>Chapter Ch233 - Bone Pearl Changes</h4>

    Huang Ji¡¯s actions were fast and powerful. After leaving early and returningte for two days, he appeared once more in front of Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo looked over: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji has already made preparations?¡±

    Huang Ji didn¡¯t say a word. In his hand, an inter-spatial tool in the shape of a ring was thrown over.

    Gu Zuo caught the ring, and opened it to take a look. It was densely packed inside. Indeed, it was all medicinal ingredients. Apart from this, there was also quite a few gourds. Contained within these gourds should¡¯ve been the blood essence of different wild beasts.

    No matter how powerful Huang Ji was, it was impossible to personally go hunting and harvesting nonstop. Among the blood essences of these wild beasts, many were probably purchased from the Sect. As for the medicinal ingredients, they were all purchased.

    But this didn¡¯t matter.

    The important thing was that Gu Zuo had checked the items on the list he wrote, and everything was really collected at this time.

    At that moment, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t hesitate. After Gu Zuo briefed Huang Ji and his dear big brother, he rushed headfirst into the medicine refining pce hall. Right now, he needed to hurriedly refine a tub of medicinal decoction, and to let Huang Ji properly soak in it.

    Because he¡¯d been refining medicinal decoctions for Tianheng for a long time, Gu Zuo easily and agilely did the same for Huang Ji. Even though this was the first time he refined the Beast Blood Body Tempering Decoction, he refined it without any hindrances.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo carried out the bath tub that was filled with the medicinal decoction.

    Correct. He just lifted it out ¡ª The strength of the current Gu Zuo was very great. No longer was he a weak chicken like before. This wasn¡¯t to say that he had boundless strength, but lifting a tub of medicinal decoction wasn¡¯t a problem!

    Huang Ji kept watch outside the doorway.

    Gu Zuo directly sealed the bath tub, and passed it over.

    Huang Ji reached out his hands and received it.

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, please find a secluded ce to temper your body.¡±

    Huang Ji lifted his foot and began to walk. The direction he proceeded towards was the cavern at the back of the hill where he moved in.

    At the cavern entrance, the boulder still stood tall and upright. Huang Ji walked straight in, and ced the bath tub on the ground. Not a bit of sound was made when he put it down, so one could tell that his control over his own strength had reached its peak.

    In order to ensure the medicinal decoction¡¯s effectiveness, Gu Zuo had actually only refined a half-finished product. If one wanted to officially soak in it, then it was stillcking a piece of working procedures.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t the least bit ambiguous. He immediately used several hand seals and tossed in some medicinal pills. This concealed the mysteries of him refining the medicinal decoction.

    Huang Ji didn¡¯t investigate it at all. He only quietly watched Gu Zuoplete the task. However, after Gu Zuo said he was done, Huang Ji promptly started taking off his clothes.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The very next instant, Gu Zuo turned his head, lifted his foot, and ran away.

    ¡ª Ah, Senior Sect Brother Huang, what was he doing?! No matter how much he believed that he was a man, his physical body was that of a woman! This was, this was too unconstrained...

    Gu Zuo, who couldn¡¯t tolerate this kind of unconstrained behavior, directly rushed out. At flying speeds, he bumped into Gongyi TIanheng, who had coincidentally followed them from behind because he was somewhat interested.

    Seeing how Gu Zuo was cutting such a sorry figure, Tianheng was a little surprised: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a hollowugh. He pulled Tianheng along, and continued scampering away to the other side of the hill: ¡°Big brother, we¡¯d better not disturb Senior Sect Brother Huang...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s thoughts turned. He had already guessed the matter that previously happened. He allowed Gu Zuo to keep pulling him forward, and revealed a somewhat subtle expression.

    Huang Ji, who stayed in the cavern, acted ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s medical advice, and calmly soaked inside that medicinal decoction. And this period of soakingsted for no less than fourteen hours.

    When he came out, the color of the sky was already dark.

    And, in order to distract himself from that awkward mood prior, Gu Zuo started to sort out the subsequent development process of the Heavenly Beast Body after leaving the cavern. That list of items was read quite a few times by him, he processed all of the ingredients that could be processed, and he even prepared a small batch of decoction ahead time, in order to research it.

    However, Gu Zuo was surprised when Tianheng, who was practicing on the side, suddenly shed over and arrived next to him when he was in the middle of researching this batch of medicinal decoctions.

    Gu Zuo raised his head: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze fell upon the small bowl of medicinal decoction: ¡°Ah Zuo, this is the Beast Blood Body Tempering Decoction you refined for Huang Ji?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°It is. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°It¡¯s indeed just like that.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s frame of mind immediately changed.

    If it was said that Huang Ji was ssified as a thrill, then he would assuredly treat Tianheng prudently and with extra delight. It was just that this Beast Blood Body Tempering Decoction was refined to target Huang Ji¡¯s constitution. If it was switched to Tianheng, then adjustments would have to be made to the prescription.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Since big brother feels it can be used, then we¡¯ll start gathering beast blood.¡± He gave it a thought, and continued to speak, ¡°We¡¯ll start from ordinary beast blood, and then move to wild beast blood essence.¡±

    Originally, he wanted to request Huang Ji to gather it all up in passing, but after some consideration, he felt that Huang Ji¡¯s realm was too highpared to that of his big brother. It was better to avoid using the same kind of beast blood.

    Tianheng naturally agreed.

    Gu Zuo thought of something, and kept talking: ¡°Big brother, during the first instance of body tempering, it¡¯s best to select the blood of nine types of wild beasts. After adapting to nine types of blood, you can switch to nine types of blood essence. Soon after, you can use all types of blood essence.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo will consider things carefully. Just leave the matter of the beast blood to your elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo earnestly said: ¡°I have lots of medicinal ingredients in reserve. It should be adequate.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°If it¡¯s not enough, just tell the Tianlong Guards.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Rest assured, big brother. I will.¡±

    Once the two¡¯s discussion was set, Tianheng and Gu Zuo went their separate ways.

    Also, after Gu Zuo checked on his numerous medicinal ingredients, a swift and fierce silhouette dashed over like a bolt of lightning. In the blink of an eye, the figure had already arrived ahead of him.

    This person, who wore a short leather jacket and pants, had extremely fair skin, but appeared as strong and healthy as a cheetah. They bore a savage and peculiar temperament. The qi emissions which were emitted from the person¡¯s body were like the roars of a ferocious beast, which would intimidate those watching from afar!

    The instant this person arrived, their ferocity and mightpelled quite a few disciples who were practicing martial arts to strategically withdraw, clearing out a path for them!

    Gu Zuo walked out of the medicine refining pce hall, looking at this astonishing person: ¡°How does Senior Sect Brother Huang feel?¡±

    Huang Ji extended a palm and lightly clenched it into a fist. An indistinct qi explosion seemed to erupt between those slender fingers. It was very powerful: ¡°I¡¯ve never been better.¡±

    Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Anything specific?¡±

    Huang Ji said: ¡°My strength has doubled. At all times, my blood is surging forward, and between those surges, it oveys my power and qi energy. My might is far superiorpared to that of my past self. After my physical body absorbed the medicinal liquid, it has be even more resilient.¡±

    It was truly rare for him to speak so much, and still be able to express himself so clearly.

    ¡ª From this, it could be seen that Huang Ji¡¯s mood was unprecedentedly happy.

    Gu Zuo was also very cheerful. He looked at Huang Ji without caring about his uncovered arms and slender thighs. Even though it was just a hurried nce of a doctor¡¯s gaze, he discovered that there was ayer of lustrous, jeweled light on the other party¡¯s muscles. The effects it brought about weren¡¯t only beautiful, but it also gave an indescribable sense of power.

    Huang Ji had be even stronger!

    Soon after, Gu Zuo said: ¡°First, Senior Sect Brother Huang can adapt to the body¡¯s changes, and then gather the next batch of medicinal ingredients and beast blood. By the time Senior Sect Brother Huang gets all the necessary items, you¡¯ll have grasped all the circumstances of your body. Then, we can conduct the second body tempering.¡±

    Huang Ji nodded at him. Immediately following that, he turned back and dashed away like a fierce beast.

    Gu Zuo watched him from a distance, and could see that he was venting his additional power with bouts of running. This was also to adapt to his strength.

    As Gu Zuo witnessed the Heavenly Beast Body continuously growing stronger in his hands, he also could imagine how valiant his big brother would be after tempering Tianheng¡¯s body!

    ...After fantasizing for a few seconds, Gu Zuo resumed refining medicine and cultivating.

    This didn¡¯t require too much thinking. Carrying out the n without dy was the most important matter.

    In the following days, everything returned to normal.

    Every three days, Huang Ji would soak in a medicinal decoction. During his free time, he would either adapt to his strength by himself or, in ordance with Gu Zuo¡¯s arrangements, find Mingxia and give her pointers.

    As for Tianheng, through his discussions with Gu Zuo, he also configured some ns. Sure enough, he gathered the blood of nine different types of wild beasts. Moreover, these nine wild beasts belonged to different beast bloodlines ¡ª Specifically, it was a bull, tiger, elephant, crocodile, wolf, python, eagle, lizard, and sparrow.

    The fresh and hot blood filled numerous gourds. Under Gu Zuo¡¯s meticulous processing, it became a rtively mild and harmless medicinal decoction that the Tiandu Body could absorbpletely.

    Every time Tianheng soaked in it, the originally scarlet-red decoction gradually faded, and became a medicinal liquid that looked like ordinary, clear water. This repeated several times until the medicinal power was unable to further strengthen Tianheng¡¯s physical body. The blood was quickly changed to blood essence, and its medicinal properties were naturally more violent.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo made a suggestion.

    Since they selected the beast blood of nine different bloodlines, during the subsequent refinement process, it was best to not rashly switch to other bloodlines when raising the product grades of the utilized beast blood.

    To make another example, if the essence blood that Gu Zuo first used was from the Lightning Eagle, Gale Wolf, and other wild beasts, then when the power of these wild beasts¡¯ blood essences were no longer sufficient, it would be changed to wild beasts of higher levels such as the Rushing-Thunder Eagle and the Scarlet-me Wolf. Continuing in this manner, the blood used to temper Tianheng¡¯s physical body would still beprised of eagles, wolves, and other wild beasts. However, the bloodline carried by each species would be more and more precious.

    Yes, amid the bone pearls within Tianheng¡¯s body, another change urred.

    Just like Tianheng¡¯s initial guess, his bone pearls were filled with a voracious thirst for the medicinal decoction that Gu Zuo refined, which contained the beast blood power. Once Tianheng soaked in the medicinal decoction, an immense attractive force arose in the bone pearls towards the medicinal power, sucking in the medicinal decoction¡¯s quintessence in an unending stream.

    Merely, what Tianheng also didn¡¯t anticipate was that the reason why he was so keen towards this power was because there were two sets of bone pearls which were interested in the beast blood!

    After the medicinal decoction¡¯s quintessence entered his body, a set of snow-white bone pearls absorbed this power. Within a brief period of time, it was dyed a faint red color. This red color was iparably pure, without the slightest sense of malicious intent. But at the same time, that set of bone pearls, which was gradually bing pitch-ck, unexpectedly started ingesting this power as well!

    Gu Zuo also felt very surprised.

    He originally thought that the set of ck bone pearls would mainly absorb toxins, and the ultimate goal was to be a toxin that could poison anything in the world. However, he absolutely didn¡¯t expect that the beast blood¡¯s power would be split in two. Among them, the pure one was absorbed by a set of nk bone pearls, and the portion with malicious intent that was stripped off waspletely absorbed by the pitch-ck bone pearls!

    Moreover, in the wake of this absorption, the surfaces of that set of pitch-ck bone pearls formed ayer of dark-red. Bit by bit, this dark-red color seeped into the center of the bone pearls. One could imagine that, after even more analogous powers went in, perhaps this set of pitch-ck bone pearls wouldn¡¯t be pitch-ck any longer. It could be dark-red or an even stranger color.

    Contrary to what one might expect, Tianheng seemed to have a faint understanding of the numerous bone pearls within his body.

    Only, after this beast blood power was separated and absorbed, his mental state seemed to give rise to a type of tyrannical feeling ¡ª As if it wanted to control him to go out and indulge in carnage!

    At the same time, Gu Zuo was startled and cried out in a low voice: ¡°Big brother! You, your eyes¡ª¡±

    Tianheng slightly turned his head: ¡°What?¡±

    He himself naturally couldn¡¯t see it. Right now, his eyes, which were originally as bright as the stars or as deep as the abyss, were filled with a heavy malevolence. His pupils had be blood-red, and the whites of his eyes were bloodshot. Although his facial features still wore an easygoing smile, his temperament was no longer graceful and poised. Instead, because of the contrast between his extremely handsome face and his frightening eyes, he exhibited a peculiar sense of beauty.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    Actually, he wasn¡¯t scared...

    Merely, could it be that, because the medicinal decoction he prepared was wrong, his dear big brother was suffering a qi deviation? Obviously, there weren¡¯t any problems with the previous instances of decoction soakings!

    ¡ª In fact, this wasn¡¯t Gu Zuo¡¯s fault.

    After a wild beast died, its blood was naturally filled with the aura of violence. In addition, there was the unwillingness and resentment of the wild beast prior to its death. There was also the lingering death qi and the wild beast¡¯s remnant willpower.

    Many martial artists could make use of this blood, but using it wasn¡¯t easy. The greater the strength of the wild beast, the harder it was to handle its beast blood. If one¡¯s own willpower wasn¡¯t strong enough or if one didn¡¯t request a pharmacist to neutralize these brutal aspects, then there¡¯d only be a single oue.

    To fall into madness, and experience a qi deviation.

    There was no need to doubt how miserable this kind of ending would be.

    When Gu Zuo refined the decoction, he originally used medicinal ingredients to remove the negative aura. He believed that soaking in it would, at most, cause a bit of pain for the physical body ¡ª But was this also caused by the medicinal effects?

    However, when Tianheng absorbed the medicinal power, the pure part, which was neutralized, was absorbed by a set of bone pearls. Meanwhile, the neutralized, but notpletely dissolved, negative aura was absorbed by another set of bone pearls, and fused with the toxins contained within those bone pearls. Then, it attacked his willpower!

    It would¡¯ve been fine if it was ordinary blood, but not only did Tianheng use the blood essence of wild beasts, it was theyering of quite a few types of blood essences. Blood essence that contained the wild beast¡¯s willpower was naturally stronger than ordinary blood, butyering the blood essence would make it even more powerful. Even after Tianheng focused on the blood essences of wild beasts of nine different bloodlines and absorbed them, this justpounded theyering of the willpower of equivalent bloodlines!

    Being capable of only expressing malevolence and brutal desire in his eyes... This already showed how powerful Tianheng¡¯s willpower was.

    The reason for this was due to Tianheng¡¯s constitution. It didn¡¯t have anything to do with Gu Zuo¡¯s skill level.

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know this, so he continued to research up until Tianheng broke free from that tyrannical consciousness and steadied his own willpower. When Tianheng exined the situation to him, Gu Zuo quietly let out a sigh of relief.

    However, the dosages of blood essence would certainly be higher and more concentrated in the future. If the bone pearls absorbed it all like this every time, then how useful would his medicinal ingredients be for neutralization? But originally, the remnant willpower and negative aura of those wild beasts were all part of the beast blood power. If it waspletely removed... On the prescription that Gu Zuo obtained, it was seriously exined that this would cause a huge loss to the purity of the blood essence. It would cause the blood essence to lose at least half of its power.

    Gu Zuo hesitated.

    Should he keep researching, or switch methods?

    Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, you don¡¯t need to worry about this matter.¡±

    He got out of the bath tub by himself, and raised a hand to put on some clothes. However, the uncovered surfaces of his body still possessed contours that were perfect beyondpare. His supple and strong muscles also contained a frightening power.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his small eyebrows, and looked over: ¡°But big brother, you...¡±

    Tianheng looked at his own palm like it was a jade carving, and smiled: ¡°The stronger the beast blood, the greater the benefits to my physical body. The tyrannical willpower contained within is also a type of tempering for my own willpower. Ordinary people would want this sort of tempering for themselves, but they have no way to obtain it. Now that I have this opportunity, how couldn¡¯t this be any more ideal? Just now, I endured a single round and my willpower is tougher than before. From now on, if I encounter this kind of situation again, it won¡¯t disturb me whatsoever. Ah Zuo, you should be happy for me.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°But even if there was one instance where big brother can¡¯t react in time...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened. The corner of his lips curled into a smile: ¡°Then, I can only ask Ah Zuo to look for a type of medicinal pill that can calm the mind and pacify the soul, and refine it for me. In the future, I¡¯ll often be tempering my body and willpower. I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to keep mepany and slip me a pill when I¡¯m unable to endure.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and nodded with a solemn appearance: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to big brother.¡±

    Indeed, this was a method that should allow his big brother¡¯s physical body and willpower to conquer all obstacles!

    Under the effects of countless medicinal decoctions and pills, the advantages of Huang Ji¡¯s Heavenly Beast Body became apparent. His present valiance and qi emissions became even more vigorous with each passing day. However, after frequently training, the qi emissions became reserved. On the contrary, it wasn¡¯t disyed so ostentatiously anymore. At the same time, it caused people to sense feelings of danger and admiration from the bottom of their hearts.

    On this day, Gongyi Mingxia was carrying a basket. She was walking to the back of the hill in the early morning.

    Huang Ji sat cross-legged on arge boulder in front of the cavern entrance. Both of his eyes were closed tightly, and his pitch-ck, thin lips were pursed into a straight line. Hisplexion was upright and solemn. Compared to his usual wild nature, this was more dignified and awe-inspiring.

    Mingxia was still young. After seeing this kind of scene, she didn¡¯t think about how handsome or threatening this ¡°Senior Sect Brother¡± was. She only felt that he was very good-looking. This kind of attitude in practicing martial arts would make people exim in admiration.

    ¡ª Actually, she had long gotten used to the sight of that iparably handsome eldest brother, Gongyi Tianheng. No matter how good others looked or how beautiful their bearings were, none of it was regarded too importantly by her.

    Instead, Mingxia was happier about Huang Ji¡¯s disposition.

    Simple and straightforward, he handled matters in a structured fashion, and was always decisive and nimble.

    With regards to a young girl from an aristocratic family who¡¯d seen all sorts of chaotic and convoluted things, even though Huang Ji looked violent, she didn¡¯t feel scared when he showed his skills. On the contrary, she felt rxed and amiable.

    The moment that Mingxia stopped in front of the boulder, Huang Ji¡¯s eyes opened. His eyes were sharply contrasted and extremely clear. When he looked at other people, it always made them feel like he was looking straight into their hearts ¡ª In reality, this naturally wasn¡¯t the case. Strictly speaking, the truth was that he never let anyone he looked upon enter his heart.

    At this moment, Huang Ji jumped off the boulder.

    Mingxia handed over the basket in her hands: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, this is the breakfast that Big Brother Ah Zuo cooked. Eating all of it will help your body recuperate.¡±

    That¡¯s right. Mingxia now bore a mission which was to bring Huang Ji his breakfast every day! This breakfast was one that Gu Zuo specially made. While it helped Huang Ji recuperate, it also gave Mingxia the chance to interact with Huang Ji. She would seize these opportunities to ask Huang Ji for pointers!

    And this process would repeat every day.

    Huang Ji would eat things in a very bold and unrestrained way.

    After the basket was opened, there was lots of meat essence that came from the same wild beasts whose blood essence was used for tempering his body. The meat was blended and cooked with some medicinal ingredients, and the aroma would assail the senses. It was very beneficial to the body.

    Huang Ji didn¡¯t spare any thoughts to eat slowly. A hand flipped over, and in his palm appeared a trident. It was only about asrge as his palm, but it was very convenient for eating meat.

    On the side, Mingxia watched with a smiling expression. When Huang Ji finished eating, she put away the basket. Soon after, she took a step forward and nimbly said to Huang Ji: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, this little sister has already finished practicing that set of fist techniques yesterday. Please instruct me!¡±

    Huang Ji nodded in a straightforward manner: ¡°Come!¡±

    At once, Mingxia stamped her foot, and her entire body turned into a streak of color. She swung her fist and dashed straight ahead, producing the sound of a whistling wind!

    If Gu Zuo was here, he would¡¯ve discovered that the present Mingxia¡¯s movements were already very simr to that of Huang Ji. Previously, although the temperament of that spirited girl was still bright and beautiful, every one of her gestures and moves seemed to share amon origin with Huang Ji.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch234 - Causing a Disturbance

    <h4>Chapter Ch234 - Causing a Disturbance</h4>

    It was naturally impossible for Gongyi Mingxia to truly face off against Huang Ji. However, since Huang Ji was giving Mingxia pointers, he also wouldn¡¯t crush her by simply relying on his strength and realm.

    As a result, Huang Ji basically didn¡¯t utilize even a hairsbreadth of the power circting within his body. Rather, he only used his physical body to resist Mingxia¡¯s attacks, and didn¡¯t move a single inch to evade.

    Mingxia had one wish ¡ª

    That is, she hoped to someday pressure Huang Ji into moving a single step ¡ª She didn¡¯t overestimate her own capabilities and think that she could rely on her current ability to make Huang Ji use his qi energy. In any case, everything would take its own time. Inevitably, there¡¯de a day when she could catch up with Huang Ji and run wild upon the path of martial arts!

    Today¡¯s Mingxia already considered Huang Ji as her idol. As a result, whenever she thought how she could be as powerful as Huang Ji in the future, she was filled with courage. She weed any and all challenges without the least bit of cowardice!

    It was also due to Mingxia¡¯s ability to bear hardships that Huang Ji didn¡¯t be bored. Instead, he taught Mingxia something new every time so that she could improve quickly.

    In a brief period of time, it could be said that Mingxia had been reborn.

    After using a round of fist techniques and several types of leg techniques with a cheerfulck of inhibition, Mingxia tumbled and her graceful feetnded on the ground. Because of her abrupt use of strength, her shoes were already kicked to shreds, but she didn¡¯t care in the least. On the contrary, she reached out a hand and made a grasping motion. Then, just like every time in the past, both of her hands gripped a trident.

    For this time¡¯s trident, the length of the pole was a little over five feet long, and it was just about the same height as Mingxia. However, the weight wasn¡¯t that exaggerated, which allowed Mingxia to hold it with both hands.

    Huang Ji¡¯s long legs voluntarily strode forwards. In his right hand appeared another trident of a simr style. Soon after, his figure spun and his long arm shook. With great aplomb, the trident was flourished with a vigorous gust of wind.

    Mingxia¡¯s tender figure also rotated, and followed Huang Ji¡¯s pace. She studied his movements with great effort.

    Huang Ji said: ¡°First Form, The Tiger Trident Rushes the Mountain.¡±

    While he spoke, a massive tiger head seemed to appear at the front end of the trident. It whistled out, and its bravery had no equal.

    Mingxia¡¯s arms also moved in session. Likewise, a small and exquisite tiger head appeared at the front of the trident she used. Only, this tiger head was vague, and wasn¡¯t as vivid and lifelike as Huang Ji¡¯s tiger head.

    Immediately following that, Huang Ji spoke again: ¡°Second Form, The Tiger Trident Lunges Over the Sea.¡±

    At this time, that trident formed four tiger ws, which treaded repeatedly through the air like they possessed insurmountable strength.

    Mingxia followed this demonstration, but her power was much weaker. The strength of her treading was far from enough.

    Huang Ji next said: ¡°Third Form, The Tiger Trident Splits the Sky!¡±

    This time around, what the trident formed was a tiger tail. It seemed like a whip that was ready to shatter the sky, as if it was going to rend out several cracks from the firmament. And this transformation wasn¡¯t over. Perhaps, because the trident had three prongs, one tiger tail unexpectedly formed three indistinct tails. Thesh marks that it tore out were even more terrifying.

    Mingxia gasped for breath. When using the third form, her strength already couldn¡¯t persist. Let alone a single tiger tail, when trying to strike out with a virtual image, both of her arms were limp and pained, and she was unable to lift them up. This move was brimming with variant halberd techniques, and it was basically impossible for her to fully utilize it.

    As it turned out, during those days before, Mingxia had only studied up to the first two forms. As for that third form, she had only witnessed it three or four times. Although she would frequently practice in secret, if it was said that she had aprehensive mastery of the subject...that was wishful thinking. Thus, it was natural that she couldn¡¯t strike with Huang Ji¡¯s might. Even if it was an imitated version of his might, it also wasn¡¯t possible.

    After Huang Ji¡¯s demonstration, he came to a halt. The bottom of his foot stamped the ground, and he lightly and gracefully sat on the boulder. He proceeded with his own cultivation. Mingxia was used to Huang Ji¡¯s behavior. She knew that this was the time for her to practice freely. At once, she regted her breathing and took some time to recover her strength. Then, she brandished the trident and continued practicing.

    Move after move, form after form.

    Every time there was a deviation or mistake, Huang Ji would throw out a pebble to instruct Mingxia on the proper trajectory, which allowed her to correct herself.

    Mingxia dripped with sweat, which rolled down the sides of her bright and clean face. However, she still didn¡¯t stop. This kind of practicested four to six hours until her belly was empty and the hunger was hard to endure. It was then that she bade farewell to Huang Ji. She took along the tidied basket, and left this ce.

    Upon reaching the other side of the hill, it was now time for lunch.

    After Mingxia put the basket in the kitchen, she walked out and saw Tianyin and the two other Gongyi n children encircling Gongyi Tianheng on the other side.

    Tianheng also wouldn¡¯t have much free time every day, so these children could only find the time to meet with him ¡ª For example, when it was almost time to have a meal, they would go to him to ask for advice.

    Just like right now.

    After Tianheng gave a round of pointers to those three people, Mingxia vaulted over to block Tianyin¡¯s path forward: ¡°Brother Tianyin.¡±

    Tianyin¡¯s footsteps paused: ¡°Younger Sister Mingxia?¡±

    Generally speaking, Tianyin was the one whom people would believe in the most. He was very tolerant towards other members of the n, and all of his inner qualities were improving extremely quickly in each respect.

    In Qingyun Sect, the three underwent Tianheng¡¯s meticulous polishing, and their potentials were constantly being squeezed out. Currently, they had each entered peak Meridian Condensing stage three one after another. They were but a line away from advancing to the Xiantian Realm! They didn¡¯t dare to imagine this kind of improvement when they were in the Gongyi household. And upon reaching here, they skyrocketed. The moment they underwent this transformation, they were filled with even more love and respect for Tianheng.

    Before, they expressed longing for the ¡°legends¡± of Gongyi Tianheng. Moreover, because everyone was a member of a single n, the glory bestowed to one was glory to all, and the harm inflicted to one was also harm to all. It was for that reason that they were even morepliant. Now, however, they were willing to obey from the bottom of their hearts ¡ª Contained within each of them was a heart of loyalty.

    Consequently, although they presently didn¡¯t feel that they couldpare to Tianyang, they respected him out of reverence for Tianheng. Not to mention the little girl, Mingxia ¡ª Not only because she was Tianheng¡¯s younger sister, she was also their little sister. They indulged her very much.

    Just like this moment. Ever since Mingxia started following Huang Ji to practice martial arts, she¡¯d often find them to spar. However, they weren¡¯t as formidable as Huang Ji, who had peak control over his own abilities and whose physical body was extremely strong. As a result, when they sparred with Mingxia, they inevitably held themselves back and didn¡¯t push themselves very much.

    Mingxia was young and inexperienced, so she wasn¡¯t aware of this point. However, Tianyin and the others¡¯ tolerance towards her had been observed by Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    As it turned out, today was Tianyin¡¯s turn. Tianhe and Tianxiao exchanged nces. The corners of their mouths hooked up, and they walked over together.

    Gu Zuo came out from the medicine refining pce hall. The tray in his hand was ced in front of Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, has Mingxia gone to torment Tianyin andpany again?¡±

    ¡ª Although there were more people now, the food was all prepared by the Tianlong Guards. However, due to Tianheng¡¯s health, he was given preferential treatment most of the time by Gu Zuo.

    Tianheng arranged his robe and brushed his sleeves before he started eating: ¡°Mingxia¡¯s recent improvements aren¡¯t small. It seems like asking Huang Ji to give her pointers was the right move.¡±

    Gu Zuo also took a seat, and replied: ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll refine some medicinal decoctions for Mingxia to temper her body. It¡¯ll also bring her some relief. For the past few days, I¡¯ve seen Mingxia¡¯s exhausted appearance. The amount of training shouldn¡¯t be light... This¡¯ll prevent her from injuring her body.¡± He thought it over and said, ¡°I¡¯ll do the same for Tianyang, Tianyin, and a few of the Tianlong Guards, too.¡±

    Tianheng was aware of Gu Zuo¡¯s kindly intentions. He smiled and nodded: ¡°In that case, it¡¯ll all be up to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Not long after, Mingxia, Tianyin, and a few others also came over to have a meal. Only Tianyang stayed shut in his room, training hard day and night.

    After eating her food, Mingxia delivered a meal to Tianyang. Then, she took Huang Ji¡¯s meal and headed towards the back of the hill. Meanwhile, everyone else went to cultivate on their own. It was a tranquil end to the day.

    On this day, Gu Zuo had just finished refining a couple of gourds of medicinal pills. He came out to deliver them to Gongyi Tianheng when he heard he heard Tianheng¡¯s words. At once, he somewhat doubted his own ears: ¡°...What did big brother say?¡±

    Tianheng softly flicked his forehead: ¡°For a few days, Huang Ji and I will be journeying together. We¡¯ll be leaving for the Deer Blood Mountain Range to hunt wild beasts. We¡¯ll bring back blood essence.¡±

    Gu Zuo covered his forehead, and worriedly said: ¡°Big brother, Deer Blood Mountain Range contains many Spirit-Level wild beasts. Isn¡¯t it a bit too early for you to go there now?¡±

    He didn¡¯t believe that his dear big brother wanted to gain knowledge and experience with Huang Ji. Tianheng certainly wanted to do it himself! But his big brother was just Xiantian stage six. Granted that he was capable of bypassing ranks when fighting others, his strength could only bepared to a Xiantian stage nine. However, Spirit-Level wild beasts were the same as Immortal Realm martial artists. That was ssified as a realm of a whole other level. Challenging them wasn¡¯t going to be that easy... It would definitely be a battle of life and death!

    Tianheng could see his concerns. He smiled and said: ¡°Right now, my strength has reached a bottleneck. I¡¯m afraid it would be inappropriate if I only seek safety and stability. Even if I can rely on medicinal pills to raise my power, my battle experience is stillcking. In the future, I¡¯ll inevitably suffer a setback.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s small brows furrowed: ¡°Normally, big brother can find Huang Ji to spar... Senior Sect Brother Huang shouldn¡¯t be disinclined. He¡¯s a good opponent!¡±

    One shouldn¡¯t assume that Huang Ji¡¯s disposition seemed very simple. He wasn¡¯t a person who didn¡¯t know anything. Although Huang Ji was responsible for the medicinal ingredients and beast blood here, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t collect any other fees. Huang Ji was also aware that he owed them a favor. Otherwise, how could he be so patient with Mingxia? In the Sect, there were many Senior and Junior Sect Sisters as well as many who purely revered him. Yet, he never gave pointers to those people.

    Instructing Mingxia could be considered returning a favor. If he apanied Tianheng to spar, that could likewise be returning a favor.

    Huang Ji wouldn¡¯t refuse this kind of matter that allowed one¡¯s intentions to be understood clearly.

    However, Tianheng shook his head: ¡°If Huang Ji and I were opponents, he would naturally hold back against me. But when fighting outsiders, they won¡¯t hold back. On the path of martial arts, there is danger everywhere. Life and death is out of one¡¯s control. If I don¡¯t hone myself through life and death battles now and I have a genuine encounter in the future, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll only lead to the path of death¡ª¡±

    He looked at Gu Zuo, and his gaze softened: ¡°At that time, I also won¡¯t be able to fulfill my duty as your sworn protector.¡±

    At first, Gu Zuo¡¯splexion had turned pale. Soon after, his face reddened. How couldn¡¯t he have known in his heart that everything his dear big brother said was correct? Moreover, he understood even more clearly that, even though his big brother could face wild beasts at peak grade twelve, which wasparable to peak Xiantian, this wouldn¡¯t provide too much tempering. Only by challenging Spirit-Level wild beasts, which were at a higher level, would it truly allow him to sense the threat of death and make a breakthrough.

    If a martial artist¡¯s road was too smooth, then it certainly wouldn¡¯t be long.

    After rubbing his own face, although Gu Zuo was still worried, he pursed his lips and said: ¡°Then, big brother needs to bring along enough medicinal pills. You need to be careful in all respects.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s heart warmed slightly. He patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. Although I¡¯ll be journeying with Huang Ji, I won¡¯t be entering the Deer Blood Mountain Range¡¯s inner region with him. Rather, I¡¯ll only find suitable opponents in the outer region. Besides, Huang Ji and I won¡¯t be too far apart. If I really end up with a life or death cmity, I¡¯ll only need to send out a signal and he¡¯ll rush over to save me ¡ª Could it be that Ah Zuo thinks it¡¯ll be impossible for me to endure until hees to the rescue?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: ¡°No way. Big brother is the most powerful!¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Then, does Ah Zuo feel reassured?¡±

    Gu Zuo still shook his head: ¡°...Not really.¡± ncing at Tianheng¡¯s helpless expression, he said, ¡°But I believe that big brother will certainly survive ande back.¡±

    So long as Tianheng lived and returned, no matter how many serious injuries he sustained, Gu Zuo would definitely allow him to recoverpletely!

    Tianhengughed as he pledged: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. I¡¯ll certainly return without a hitch.¡±

    Gu Zuo finally nodded his head.

    Immediately following which, he dashed into the medicine refining pce hall. Just like every time in the past when his heart was filled with worries, he prepared countless medicinal pills that he thought Tianheng could use. Gu Zuo only barely felt reassured when Tianheng¡¯s inter-spatial tool was nearly crammed full of bottles and jars of pills.

    The next day, when Huang Ji shot over from the back of the hill, Tianheng put away all of his own ¡°luggage¡±. After saying goodbye to Gu Zuo, he turned around and closely followed Huang Ji as they darted away.

    Their departure was to prepare beast blood as well as to temper themselves.

    Not only did Huang Ji often need to break in his own new power, but Tianheng, who was already in a period of body tempering, had likewise discovered this point.

    Honing themselves was also one of the reasons for this trip.

    After Gongyi Tianheng and Huang Ji left, although Gu Zuo refined medicine as usual, for some reason, he felt that it wasn¡¯t as interesting as before.

    As for any specific causes, Gu Zuo was aware of a few ¡ª Thest time his big brother left, it was also a bit like this. However, he also knew that this was him depending on his big brother too much. Despite not being used to this feeling, he nevertheless felt that he could ovee it.

    After worryingly refining a few cauldrons of pills, Gu Zuo walked out from his medicine refining room. He decided to take a stroll around the Business District outside of the Sect, and adjust his own mood amid that type of bustling environment.

    After that, he informed those on the hill, and took Dragon Three along with him.

    ...Because he promised his dear big brother that he would bring along a Tianlong Guard every time he went out. Even though his current self-defensive capabilities already surpassed these Tianlong Guards, there were no exceptions.

    The Business District outside the Sect wasrger than the one inside the Sect. Merely, after Gu Zuo entered the Inner Sect, he didn¡¯t have any opportunities to go out and take a stroll. In this Business District, there also weren¡¯t any of his and Tianheng¡¯s store fronts. Time had passed, and he hadn¡¯t gone over there in a long while.

    The changes in this Business District were also very big.

    Of course, this was with regards to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was very powerful. As a result, he could find many ces that other martial artists wouldn¡¯t pay much attention to. For example, the shops that had opened or closed down in the Business District. The changes in the store fronts and the flow of peopleing and going also weren¡¯t small.

    Sure enough, the sections within therge-scale Business District, which was close to Qingyun Sect, were all in high demand.

    Dragon Three followed behind Gu Zuo just like a shadow. Without speaking a word, Dragon Three watched him stroll from one store to another, casually purchasing some medicinal ingredients and seemingly novel ythings.

    After a while, the more Gu Zuo walked around, the less interested he became. Then, he simply went into a restaurant, sat in a window seat, and drank tea. In passing, he looked at the bustling foot-traffic down below.

    Dragon Three was requested by Gu Zuo to sit across from him, but Dragon Three was still very vignt against everything in their surroundings. One of his hands was ced at his waist, and his entire body was tensed. The other hand held up a teacup, seemingly giving the appearance of sipping tea.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was much more rxed.

    To him, if there was a malicious thought, it would certainly be detected by him the instant it approached, unless it was from an individual whose strength far surpassed his own. However, why would such a person personallye to make things difficult for him? As a result, he was quite at ease. Naturally, he was also veryforted by the Tianlong Guard¡¯s loyalty.

    Yet, perhaps the heavens weren¡¯t too happy with letting Gu Zuo enjoy his peace. Just when his frame of mind turned tranquil and he started to recite prescriptions from memory, a morous noise downstairs suddenly rushed into his ears.

    And just when those noises entered Gu Zuo¡¯s ears, he almost spat out a mouthful of tea.

    ¡°What lousy stuff! It tastes disgusting!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that this hovel¡¯s backer is the number one sect. Are the things that the number one sect takes out this trashy? Do they still dare to talk big and say that this is exceptional, gourmet food?¡±

    ¡°Hrious! The number one sect is no more than this!¡±

    Gu Zuo was dumbfounded.

    Indeed, Qingyun Sect was unmistakably Qingyun Continent¡¯s number one sect. From wealth and resources to qualified teachers and forces, and even to peak talents, Qingyun Sect was ranked at the very top. Where did this idiote from? Looking down on this restaurant¡¯s things and quarreling with the proprietor didn¡¯t matter, but dragging Qingyun Sect into this was eating a bear heart and a leopard gall!

    It had been so long since he came to Qingyun Sect, but Gu Zuo had yet to meet such an unreasonable fellow!

    After a short period of curiosity, Gu Zuo silently released his psychic power, sweeping it downstairs.

    In the blink of an eye, the entire spectacle down below was taken into his eyes.

    Two men and one woman stood beside some private seats, which were specially partitioned with a screen.

    Across from the three people were the shopkeeper and waiter, whom they were confronting, as well as some guards who were watching over this restaurant.

    Once Gu Zuo got a clear view of their faces, he couldn¡¯t help being surprised.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t because these three young people had wretched appearances and unbearable presences. Rather, it was the exact opposite. Despite their faces carrying a trace of arrogance, their appearances were charming, and the qi emissions that came from their bodies were very powerful. In addition, that woman, who was as beautiful as a pearl, was a pharmacist. Meanwhile, the other two young men were extremely strong martial artists. ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s assessment, the realms of the two men were at Xiantian stage eight!

    At this age, such a person would be praised as a young talent no matter where one went ¡ª In particr, with Gu Zuo¡¯s present eyesight, he concluded that the ages of these three people were just in the early twenties at most!

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    These three people seemed to be treasured seniors, not the sort of people who had questionable IQs. Could it be that they had an exceedingly powerful backer? But that also wasn¡¯t correct. No matter how formidable the backer, they shouldn¡¯t have treated Qingyun Sect...so contemptuously.

    For a while, he didn¡¯t understand things too well.

    Gu Zuo paused, and continued to ¡°watch¡±.

    This ruckus had just started, so maybe there¡¯d be a developmentter on.

    Sure enough, the matter still wasn¡¯t over.

    Gu Zuo could see that those three people were out of the ordinary, and that shopkeeper could also see this. Originally, he had been smiling apologetically the entire time, but once the three people¡¯s words carried contempt for Qingyun Sect, the shopkeeper¡¯s face bore an angry look.

    As a person who did business, he paid particr attention to the fact that making friends would make money. However, if he still insisted on self-restraint when the other party wasn¡¯t polite and they instead spoke rudely, then that wasn¡¯t being friendly ¡ª That was being weak.

    The backer of this restaurant was indeed a Qingyun Sect disciple. Moreover, it was an Inner Sect disciple whose strength was pretty good. That disciple had worked hard for many years to gather enough connections, and manage this restaurant, which had a great public reputation. The disciple¡¯s connections in the Inner Sect were also impressive.

    Usually, when Qingyun Sect disciples went out, most would choose this ce to simply have a meal. Even if they came from other ces, the moment they learned that this restaurant¡¯s backer was a Qingyun Sect disciple, they would, more or less, give a bit face.

    Today¡¯s matter was that, after those three people had their meals, they overturned their dish tes. And when the shopkeeper came over personally to inquire, not only did they criticize the dishes into miserable heaps, they had directly insulted Qingyun Sect...

    Hence, the shopkeeper¡¯s face turned cold, and his tone was also frigid: ¡°Although this small store isn¡¯t as strong as arge restaurant, it also has its own rules. It¡¯s fine if the customer doesn¡¯t like the dishes here. When polite and amiable, we can discuss whatever¡¯s on your mind. But if you want to cause trouble in this ce¡ª¡± He waved a hand, ¡°Then I can only ask these honored brothers to send you out. Don¡¯t be an eyesore here!¡±

    Immediately following this, those guards all rubbed their fists and wiped their palms as they surrounded the others inrge strides.

    However, the three people who were encircled weren¡¯t afraid in the least. One of the young men among them sneered and said: ¡°Just this?¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch235 - Conflict

    <h4>Chapter Ch235 - Conflict</h4>

    The shopkeeper¡¯s strength was only at Xiantian stage one. He had previously failed the test to enter the Inner Sect. Later on, he had attached himself to that Inner Sect disciple, and had simply handled matters on the outside and acquired resources from that Inner Sect disciple¡¯s hands. Because he worked properly and his aptitude for practicing martial arts was average, the passage of time had extinguished any thoughts of entering the Inner Sect. Instead, he concentrated on handling the matters of this restaurant.

    However, despite giving up, the shopkeeper¡¯s feelings of reverence towards Qingyun Sect were the same as the feelings of countless other Outer Sect disciples who couldn¡¯t enter the Inner Sect. Even whenpared to some Inner Sect disciples, his sense of belonging to the Sect was stronger. Only, it was a pity that his realm was too low. Although he could see that those three people had an umon bearing, in the end, he still somewhat underestimated the other side.

    Gu Zuo looked at the strengths of those few guards. The highest was just Xiantian stage five. As an ordinary restaurant¡¯s guard, that was enough. However, wanting to surround and confine those three people wasn¡¯t going to work.

    Just as expected, while the shopkeeper originally intended to merely let the guards threaten and drive the people out, he didn¡¯t expect that one of the young men would walk out just when they were surrounded. The young man¡¯s right foot suddenly lifted up!

    Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!

    Only a few muffled sounds were heard. No one had clearly seen the traces of that young man¡¯s foot moving when it was discovered that several of the guards were kicked away. After crashing into quite a few tables, they smashed firmly into the walls!

    Gu Zuo was startled, and almost wanted to jump up.

    Fortunately, he had experienced many things, and he restrained himself.

    But very quickly, he furrowed his brows.

    That young man was too ruthless...

    The other customers in the restaurant also discovered that those few guards who were smashed into the walls were bleeding from the corners of their mouths. Unexpectedly, they were only kicked like this and they had lost most of their life force. Seeing that they only had a breath of life remaining, if they couldn¡¯t be rescued immediately, then they would certainly die right then and there!

    Those who practiced martial arts all had great eyesight. With a single nce, numerous martial artists clearly understood that the internal organs of those guards had practically been kicked to shreds. Gu Zuo further perceived how terrifying that young man¡¯s kick was. Violently strong qi energy had burst out, and had broken all of the bone pearls in the guards¡¯ bodies!

    The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes split open in rage.

    Although these couple of guards were all hired, they¡¯d gotten along with him for many years. The sentiments between them were deep. Likewise, they were also filled with reverence for Qingyun Sect. Right now, it had only been for the purpose of this trifling matter, and they had unexpectedly been dealt such a ruthless hand by someone else. How couldn¡¯t the shopkeeper me himself?

    However, the ones he deeply hated were nevertheless these threeining people.

    Seeing all this, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart also couldn¡¯t bear it.

    The injuries of those guards were within his capabilities of saving ¡ª It was also a coincidence. Recently, in order to facilitate the smooth survival of his big brother Gongyi Tianheng in Deer Blood Mountain Range, he had refined numerous types of medicines that focused on healing injuries.

    Revitalization Pills mostly treated external wounds andmon internal wounds. For such cases where the internal organs were almost scrambled into a ball, his newly-refined Viscera Growth Pill had the best effects. So long as one used a high grade pill, it could allow the internal organs to disentangle and recover back to normal at the fastest speeds.

    As a matter of fact, Gu Zuo even possessed medicinal pills that could treat bone pearls ¡ª If the bone pearls were only cracked, then there wouldn¡¯t be any problems at all. If the bone pearls werepletely shattered, then one could save the stability of the acupoints, which would allow those martial artists to start over from the beginning. Moreover, because of the preservation of the medicinal power, it would greatly cut down on the time it would take to regain their realms.

    It was just that...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s hesitation consisted of this ¡ª While he wouldn¡¯t be stingy with a few of these medicinal pills, once he acted, would it cause trouble for his big brother? Actually, he was confident in using a type of method that would deliver the medicinal pills with no one the wiser. However, if the Viscera Growth Pill waster sold in Medicine of Life, then those three people would be aware of this if they paid a bit more attention. Ultimately, Gu Zuo was afraid that it was better to stay hidden and to not interfere.

    Unless, aside from to his close friends and allies, he didn¡¯t let the Viscera Growth Pill be known to the public.

    This was a loss of some wealth, but it could ensure their safety and security... Because he currently wasn¡¯t short of money, Gu Zuo made up his mind.

    Indeed. Gu Zuo¡¯s sense of belonging to Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t thatrge, but Qingyun Sect had treated him and his big brother very well. Upon seeing this kind of matter, keeping a unified front against external threats was to be expected.

    If he witnessed a death without trying to save a life, his heart would develop some emotional knotster on.

    However, while the Viscera Growth Pill was fine, the Bone Origin Pill, which could restore one¡¯s bone pearls, was a little bit too special, so taking them both out wasn¡¯t appropriate. It was enough that he acted to save their lives.

    In the blink of an eye, he made his decision. The expression in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes moved slightly, and his line of sight was cast towards the bodies of those few, fainted martial artists.

    The situations of those martial artists weren¡¯t good. Granted that some shop assistants had worked hard to stuff medicinal pills into their mouths, their faces were still like metallic paper. Clearly, the pills weren¡¯t useful at all.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved. A jade bottle suddenly appeared from his sleeve, and there were four Viscera Growth Pills inside. After that, he used his psychic power to bundle it up. Without making a sound, it edged around many of the restaurant¡¯s overlooked areas, and slid all the way down. Atst, it stopped next to the foot of a certain martial artist who had fallen to the ground.

    Among the shop assistants helping on the side, one of them promptly detected it.

    They looked all around, but didn¡¯t discover anyone else. However, they also weren¡¯t stupid. Naturally, they immediately understood that this was the assistance of an expert. While they were mentally guarded, at this point, they would even give medicine to a dead horse. They swiftly took out the medicinal pills, and stuffed a pill in each person¡¯s mouth ¡ª At any rate, someone wouldn¡¯t go so far as to deliberately y a joke at this time, right?

    Following this, the shop assistants¡¯ faces showed joyous smiles.

    As it turned out, once those medicinal pills were each rigidly stuffed into those fainted martial artists¡¯ mouths, theirplexions rapidly improved at speeds visible to the naked eye. Not long after, their breathing gradually became smooth and unhindered!

    A shop assistant grabbed a wrist of one of the martial artists, and promptly sensed that the other¡¯s pulse was stabilizing. In an instant, his mind settled.

    This was truly, truly amazing!

    Something good happened on this side, and something unexpected happened on that side.

    When the shopkeeper confronted those three people, the miserable conditions of the couple of guards were a ghastly sight. Among the others in the restaurant, there were many Qingyun Sect disciples. Naturally, they also felt hatred towards amon enemy. It was just that their strengths werergely inferior to those three people. As a result, they red at the three, but didn¡¯t have any means to act in the least.

    However, while the people on the first floor were helpless, it didn¡¯t mean that the people on the second floor couldn¡¯t do anything, too.

    With so much noise and activity below, people also walked out from some private seats and booths on the second floor. As chance had it, among the people who were eating here today, there really was an Earth Leaderboard powerhouse from the Inner Sect.

    That shopkeeper definitely wasn¡¯t a person who couldn¡¯t make ns. He was well aware of the customers with status in the restaurant. While staking his own life, he also didn¡¯t forget to save himself.

    Hence, the shop assistant was originally instructed to go up and notify them. Who would¡¯ve thought that the Earth Leaderboard powerhouse in a private booth would personally hear themotion ande out. On the contrary, there was no need to make a request, and that shop assistant¡¯s way of speaking changed. He swiftly told this Earth Leaderboard powerhouse about this matter¡¯s course of events.

    The Earth Leaderboard powerhouse automatically became enraged.

    The next moment, a young man with a dignified and serious countenance brought along a fewrades to the side of the second floor. He gave a severe shout: ¡°Who dares injure the disciples of my Qingyun Sect? Don¡¯t tell me that you all don¡¯t want to live?!¡±

    When these words were spoken, the faces of the shop assistants and the shopkeeper all wore grateful looks.

    Most of those who worked here were all rtively mediocre. They were Outer Sect disciples who couldn¡¯t enter the Inner Sect. Usually, when speaking of the Inner Sect, they would consciously lower their heads. There was even an opinion that Outer Sect disciples weren¡¯t true Qingyun Sect disciples. And the arrival of this Earth Leaderboard powerhouse was an acknowledgement of their identities. Regardless of the amount of sincerity within, this greatly eased their hearts. Not to mention, this Earth Leaderboard powerhouse clearly came out to vent their anger, which made them harbor good impressions and respect.

    Gu Zuo also looked at that Earth Leaderboard powerhouse, and found his appearance stately and his qi emissions deep and resounding. He was also a Xiantian stage eight powerhouse. Among the five people following behind, not only were there two more Xiantian stage eights and two Xiantian stage sevens, there was even a Xiantian stage nine! It could be seen that these couple of people belonged to a group. Their personal friendships were considerably good.

    But in the end, what identities did these people have? What rank did that powerhouse have on the Earth Leaderboard?

    Very quickly, these questions were answered. As it turned out, these people were members of the Wild Martial Arts Society, which was one of the few great powers on the Inner Sect¡¯s Earth Leaderboard. The founder was He Yinlong, the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s number one. As for the present Earth Leaderboard powerhouse, he ranked seventh, and was also He Yinlong¡¯s biological younger brother, He Xianglong.

    During this time, He Xianglong was, on behalf of his elder brother He Yinlong,municating and fostering rtions with a few great experts. He didn¡¯t anticipate encountering this kind of matter here. With the reputation of their Wild Martial Arts Society, it naturally came to this conclusion.

    Merely, amid everyone¡¯s spirited discussions, the identities of the few Wild Martial Arts Society members were revealed. However, those three people, who were shown the identities, still couldn¡¯t care any less.

    ¡°Wild Martial Arts Society? What¡¯s that? The trash of Qingyun Sect was hurt, but what can you do about it?¡±

    T/N: To rify, He Yinlong and He Xianglong¡¯s surname is ºÎ, while the He n¡¯s surname is º×.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch236 - Consecutive Defeats

    <h4>Chapter Ch236 - Consecutive Defeats</h4>

    He Xianglong didn¡¯t think that this group of people would be so unbridled. He only felt that his face had been given a tremendous p. If it was said that he originally intended to grandstand a little bit, then now he waspletely furious.

    At once, he shouted: ¡°The egotistical have the gall to prattle on self-importantly. Watch as this Hees to teach you a lesson!¡±

    After he finished speaking, He Xianglong leaped out. His hand was already holding a broadsword as he directly chopped down at those three people! The sword image was incredibly heavy, and its power generated gusts of wind. It seemed to possess a feeling of slicing the sky and rending the earth.

    It seemed as if that young man would react toote, as if he was going to be struck!

    In a split second, quite a few people cheered:

    ¡°The Dragon Beheading Sword Technique! Sure enough, its might is boundless!¡±

    ¡°This move has already attained the peak essence of swordsmanship!¡±

    ¡°There used to be a Senior Sect Brother who practiced this move for a very long time, but was unable to master it. Right now, it looks like Senior Sect Brother He¡¯s swordsmanship has just realized the profound mysteries within. It really makes people feel extreme admiration!¡±

    ¡°Previously, I heard that the He Family Brothers were a pair of champions. Now it looks like they really are out of the ordinary!¡±

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    He somewhat felt that this move wasn¡¯t really going to be that effective against these people... That guy who was about to be chopped also had a man and woman next to him, and their expressions basically didn¡¯t change one bit! He knew that only people who were extremely confident in themselves would act like this.

    He Xianglong felt that he was about to seed, but before he could feel proud of himself, he sensed an enormous pressure passing through the area of his palm as well as an intense jolt.

    As it turned out, at some point in time, that young man whom he primarily attacked had also unexpectedly taken out a long sword. Facing upwards, the sword was raised to block this huge move of his! Moreover, the other party¡¯s qi energy reflected the collision¡¯s jolt, which almost wounded him!

    He Xianglong was shaken, and drew back.

    At this moment, it seemed like raging waves and stormy seas were surging in his heart.

    The other party caused him to retreat in such an understated manner. This went to show that the other¡¯s true qi was even more vigorous than his own!

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    Sure enough, it didn¡¯t exceed his prediction... But he rather hoped that it had gone beyond his expectations.

    He Xianglong wasn¡¯t that young man¡¯s opponent at all. Perhaps other people weren¡¯t able to see it, but when the two shed, Gu Zuo saw it clearly. Among a batch of equivalent realms, He Xianglong was considered valiant. Unfortunately, the other party was a notch better than him ¡ª No. If it was a true fight to the death, then perhaps it would the young man¡¯s overwhelming victory!

    This was probably the difference between geniuses.

    At the exact moment that He Xianglong was forced to retreat, the sounds of discussion and praise all came to an abrupt halt. The people on the scene weren¡¯t blind. Where could one not see that, during the momentary exchange, it was He Xianglong¡¯s loss? They understood a certain point even more clearly ¡ª Those three quarreling people were truly extraordinary!

    Therefore, he brandished his sword once more, and brazenly went forward to fight with that young man.

    The young man¡¯s face was filled with disdain: ¡°You¡¯ve spent so many years only to live like a dog. An insignificant talent dares to fight with this senior?¡± Speaking up to here, he gave a huge shout, ¡°Taste death!¡±

    In the blink of an eye, the sword swept the wind and clouds. The sword tip shot out ¡ª A thousand heavy waves and ten-thousand mountain peaks rose up.

    He Xianglong wasn¡¯t the young man¡¯s opponent at all. Soon, he was was beaten back again and again. His every move was suppressed. It was as if, no matter what he did, the young man was capable of grasping the gaps in between to repel him!

    The skills of that quarreling young man were truly too astonishing. What was even harder to believe was that, when someone observed the expressions of his two travelingpanions, it was discovered that they were ustomed to it. They weren¡¯t stunned by the young man¡¯s strength in the least ¡ª What did this show? This showed that, in their eyes, either the young man¡¯s ability was normal, or their abilities weren¡¯t inferior to that of the young man.

    But regardless of which exnation, it weighed heavily on the minds of those people in the restaurant who were rted to Qingyun Sect.

    While He Xianglong was retreating again and again in defeat, one of the Xiantian stage eight disciples behind him suddenly acted. The direction of his attack was towards the other young man.

    In addition, the other Xiantian stage eights actedte. Seeing that hispanion was already approaching the other young man, he just turned his body around and went towards that woman.

    Gu Zuo held his breath.

    That woman was a pharmacist!

    It was only after that Xiantian stage eight disciple attacked did he suddenly react.

    As a martial artist, how could he attack a pharmacist? Merely, he just momentarily forgot due to his eagerness.

    At once, he wanted to stop and go back.

    However, that woman¡¯s face shed with a trace of contempt.

    In an instant, both of her eyes seemed to be even brighter. Her slender fingers crossed and flicked out ¡ª Pop! Pop!

    Several medicinal pills suddenly appeared. They changed into a surging, ck fog, and promptly formed a snake of ck smoke. It ferociously opened its jaws and bit at that Xiantian stage eight!

    Without exception, the people who filled the building were all shocked.

    What kind of trick was this? Could it be that pharmacists could also have this kind of offensive ability?

    Gu Zuo was very surprised.

    But he wasn¡¯t surprised by that woman¡¯s poison pill trick. Rather, he realized that, during the instant that the woman shot out the medicinal pills, the space between her brows also flickered with a faint glimmer ¡ª Because the change was too small, almost no one detected it.

    This kind of reaction was very familiar to him... This was psychic power!

    Surprisingly, that woman could also freely utilize psychic powers!

    With such a scene, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath.

    What was going on here? Could it be that this woman was the same as him? Did she also have a fortuitous encounter and obtained a cultivation method for a pharmacist¡¯s psychic powers? However, did the people beside her know? She used it in such a public ce. Wasn¡¯t she worried about being detected by others? Although the radiance between her brows was very faint, a martial artist¡¯s eyesight was very good. It definitely wasn¡¯t something that a martial artist wouldn¡¯t have been able to sense...

    In the past, Gu Zuo was always careful and cautious when using his psychic power. He either kept himself hidden, used concealed methods, or just killed his opponents afterwards.

    The woman¡¯s way of handling things made him feel odd.

    However, Gu Zuo definitely didn¡¯t have any thoughts of contacting that woman.

    Regardless of whether it was that woman¡¯s high-profile disposition or some other reason, he wasn¡¯t willing to expose himself.

    These kinds of thoughts just flitted by. Meanwhile, the battle situation below had already been separated by rtive superiority. The three Xiantian stage eight powerhouses of the Wild Martial Arts Society had all lost in the hands of those three people!

    He Xianglong had been the first to go over, but his reactions were also the fastest. As a result, his injuries weren¡¯t the heaviest. Under a few of his opponent¡¯s moves, he swiftly retreated. In any case, he kept his life. However, his miserable condition was very frightening. There were, at the very least, dozens of sword slices on his body. Most of all, there was one bloody hole after another at his acupoint locations. If he hadn¡¯t evaded in time, the bone pearls within would¡¯ve been entangled and broken by the sword qi. In addition, his wrists, ankles, and all of his body¡¯s vital points were the final areas of the injuries. It was clear that the opponent was cruel and vicious. Each and every move was rushing for his life!

    Also, after fighting with the other young man, the Xiantian stage eight martial artist had his left forearm cut off, and both of his legs were sliced open. If his body techniques weren¡¯t nimble enough, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t have been able to keep his right leg.

    However, the severity of everyone¡¯s injuries couldn¡¯t surpass that of the martial artist who acted against that female pharmacist. When he pulled back, he was caught off-guard, and was pounced upon by that snake of ck smoke. Although the serpent¡¯s teeth were illusory, he was deeply poisoned the moment he was bitten. It was basically toote to act once more. Already, his qi and blood was circting the wrong way, and the poisoned qi was attacking his heart. His entire face had be a pitch-ck color!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows furrowed tightly.

    He recognized that poison. It was one of the world¡¯s Wondrous Poisons. The person who was poisoned would feel a sharp pain all over their body. If the painsted for a full two hours, they would perish. The detoxification was challenging andplicated. Ordinary people definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to prepare an antidote within two hours! From this, it could be seen how savage that woman¡¯s nature was!

    This type of poison was one that Gu Zuo could resolve. Merely, with his capabilities, he would need to spend more than an hour if he wanted to refine the antidote. If he still continued watching in this ce...wanting to save that person would be very difficult.

    After letting out a sigh, Gu Zuo signaled to Dragon Three with his eyes.

    Dragon Three stood up at once, and led Gu Zuo through a winding path in the crowd.

    Fortunately, during this time, there were some people who found that this matter wasn¡¯t to their liking, and they all wanted to leave. The people inside the restaurant weren¡¯t obstructed, allowing them to depart.

    After a few twists and turns, the two people didn¡¯t attract anyone¡¯s attention and they left the restaurant without a hitch.

    Right now, time was limited. Under Dragon Three¡¯s lead, Gu Zuo hired a medicine refining room within the Business District ¡ª Before going in, Gu Zuo still remembered to use his psychic power to cover himself and Dragon Three. This could prevent people whose realms were inferior to Gu Zuo¡¯s from recalling their true appearances.

    Inside that medicine refining room, Dragon Three guarded the entrance. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo set his mind on medicine refinement. He focused his energy and exhausted his state of mind. Atst, he settled the antidote with the fastest speed. Soon after, he put away his own pill cauldron, and used some pills that melted into liquid to dissolve the odors of medicine refinement that existed within the medicine refining room. After that, he used his psychic power to make several searches for the tiniest traces of anything amiss until he couldn¡¯t find them anymore. Then, he left with Dragon Three.

    Immediately following this, he allowed Dragon Three to go out, while he draped that cloak over himself.

    After making meticulous preparations, he arrived in front of that restaurant once more.

    The news within the restaurant continuously spread to his ears.

    As it turned out, after he had left, that Xiantian stage nine powerhouse had also acted. Originally, he thought he could rely on his own realm¡¯s suppression to make those three people suffer a little bit. But who could¡¯ve thought that, through the three people¡¯s cooperation, they were even able to force that Xiantian stage nine to incur a loss? Although he was able to escape unscathed, he still cut a sorry figure.

    The Wild Martial Arts Society had taken arge fall here. The three people were extremely unbridled. They only said that they would wait here for sessive challenges from the trash of Qingyun Sect. After waiting for almost an hour amid the poisoned martial artist¡¯s suffering, and not seeing anyonee, they boldly left with a swagger.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh of relief.

    Those three people had already departed, but because they had just left, this ce was still surrounded by numerous people. They all did their best to treat those injured people. In particr, the Wild Martial Arts Society ¡ª Staffing had been dispatched, and they were instructed to find medicaments that could resolve poisons.

    Unfortunately, no matter what kind of Detoxification Pill was used, nothing worked. Soon, that person would truly die...

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo walked up to a shop assistant whose face was filled with concern. Then, Gu Zuo patted his shoulder.

    The shop keeper turned around.

    Gu Zuo took out a medicinal pill, and ced it in his hand. His voice was hoarse: ¡°This thing can treat the poison.¡±

    The shop assistant stared nkly. Just when he was going to say something, he discovered that Gu Zuo¡¯s figure was already far away in the blink of an eye.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch237 - Origin of the Provokers

    <h4>Chapter Ch237 - Origin of the Provokers</h4>

    Gu Zuo left very quickly. After that shop assistant startled, he looked at the bottle in his hand. The emotions in his mind shed by quickly.

    To chase or not? But soon, he didn¡¯t think about it anymore.

    What use was there to chase after that person? If the other party truly had good intentions, what would he do if he instead offended them? Moreover, there weren¡¯t any other detoxification methods right now. It was better to swiftly deliver this thing before making any ns. Otherwise, if this stuff turned out to be real, then his dy would instead lead to an awful turn of events.

    The shop assistant quickly forced his way through the crowd, and dashed into the restaurant. He didn¡¯t act on his own initiative, and just handed over the porcin bottle to the shopkeeper. Then, the shopkeeper delivered it into the hands of a member of the Wild Martial Arts Society.

    He Xianglong received this medicine. Likewise, many thoughts emerged in his mind, but in the end, he was a decisive individual. At once, he opened the porcin bottle, and poured out the medicinal pill inside.

    This pill had an amber color. Sniffing the pill fragrance, there was a hint of spiciness mixed in. It looked as if it also carried a sort of toxicity. However, since He Xianglong made up his mind, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. One hand simply forced open that poisoned martial artist¡¯s clenched teeth, and the other hand sent the medicinal pill into his mouth.

    The next moment, the expressions of the spectating martial artists all changed.

    That Detoxification Pill seemed to melt in the mouth almost instantly. The moment it was stuffed into that poisoned martial artist¡¯s mouth, it promptly took effect!

    The poisoned person¡¯s face had originally turned jet-ck, and the skin of his entire body became a ck color. His body was also enveloped in ck qi, and a few sections of the body¡¯s surface had some traces of rot.

    However, at this very moment, the ck qi around those festering areas instantly disappeared. The ck color on the body¡¯s surface also continuously lightened at speeds visible to the naked eye.

    Not even a joss of incense had passed before that ck color fadedpletely!

    All that remained was a ck-colored liquid underneath that poisoned person¡¯s body. It emitted waves of a foul stench. However, although the poisoned person¡¯splexion was still a little pale, those symptoms of the poisoning had already vanished.

    He Xianglong was overjoyed at the unexpected, good news: ¡°It¡¯s really useful!¡± Soon after, he repeatedly called out in a low voice, ¡°Junior Sect Brother Wu, are you okay? Is there any difort?¡±

    That poisoned martial artist let out a feeble groan. His lips trembled, and his face revealed a bitter smile: ¡°N-no problem... Just that my vital energy took a big hit...¡±

    The members of the Wild Martial Arts Society hastily yet carefully moved him from that puddle of ck liquid. They were very cautious while doing so as they were worried that the ck liquid was toxic, too. Fortunately, the toxicity within the ck liquid had beenpletely eliminated. When the person was moved out, nothing happened at all.

    At this time, the members of the Wild Martial Arts Society let out sighs of relief. Then, they remembered something.

    When all was said and done, who was that person who specially came over to deliver the medicine?

    Being capable of bringing this medicinal pill so quickly, they were either a person who originally had an antidote for this type of poison, or they were an expert of the Pharmacist Hall who happened to be nearby and had taken action.

    But whatever the case, that honorable person who delivered the medicine didn¡¯t seem willing to show their true appearance. As such, it was only the pure intent of providing aid. The members of the Wild Martial Arts Society were deeply grateful, and didn¡¯t have any desires of getting to the heart of the matter.

    The top priority was to return to the Sect without dy, and to get in touch with the contacts behind them ¡ª They needed to figure out the origins of those three people, and what capital they possessed which allowed them to dare be so insolent!

    They, the people of Qingyun Sect, absolutely wouldn¡¯t be so easily bullied and humiliated!

    Now, back to Gu Zuo.

    After he delivered the medicine, he used his psychic power to fully shield himself. In a small nook, he changed out of his dark clothes, restored his original appearance, and returned to the Sect.

    Gongyi Tianheng still hadn¡¯t returned yet. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t talk about the matter that just happened to anyone else. He kept it in mind, and shelved it first. However, what he didn¡¯t expect was that, just when he refined a few cauldrons of medicinal pills, someone unexpectedly called for him outside.

    Among the current team, although Gu Zuo was known as the pharmacist attached to Tianheng, in actuality, both people shared a Profound Friendship. It simply wasn¡¯tparable to other people. Tianheng treated Gu Zuo in a very affectionate manner, and it was extraordinarily close and dear. Thus, even Tianyang and Mingxia couldn¡¯t give orders to Gu Zuo, and other people were even more deferential. Usually, whenever there was a matter that required Tianheng or Gu Zuo¡¯s instructions, unless it was urgent, no one woulde to bother Gu Zuo.

    Right now, the person calling at the door was a Tianlong Guard. And the Tianlong Guards were the ones who most strictly abided by the rules. Naturally, Gu Zuo heard the call. He hurriedly put his things away, and promptly walked out.

    The person outside was Dragon Three, who had returned sooner.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Why have you called me at this time?¡±

    Dragon Three respectfully handed over a card: ¡°Reporting to Pharmacist Gu. Someone had delivered this invitation just now.¡±

    Gu Zuo took the card and casually asked: ¡°Who issued the invitation?¡±

    Dragon Three answered: ¡°It was Pharmacist Xu Lingxiu.¡±

    At this moment, Gu Zuo read the contents of the card clearly. The general idea was that there was something he needed to discuss with Gu Zuo. Xu Lingxiu invited him over for a prompt trip. Originally, after the journey to Danyun City, Xu Lingxiu basically didn¡¯t often summon Gu Zuo to give him pointers. On the matter of medicine refinement, they vaguely became equals when interacting with each other. Now that an invitation was issued, it seemed very serious. In that case, the matter certainly wasn¡¯t small.

    However, Gu Zuo clearly saw the name inscribed.

    Above the writing was ¡°Pharmacist Hall ? Xu Lingxiu¡±... On the previous,mon invitation cards, there was always a ¡°Xu¡± character in mboyant, cursive calligraphy. This meant that the identity that Xu Lingxiu was currently using wasn¡¯t as Gu Zuo¡¯s friend. Rather, it was Pharmacist Xu, whose identity was special in the Pharmacist Hall ¡ª Senior Sect Brother Xu.

    After calling over a wild bird, Gu Zuo and Dragon Three climbed up its back. After that, both of the wild bird¡¯s wings pped as if it was going to dash through the clouds in the firmament. Just like this, it flew upwards swiftly. It only took a little bit of time to smoothly arrive at Xu Lingxiu¡¯s Violet Tower.

    The atmosphere here seemed somewhat rigid, and the wild bird circled around for a short while.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart also carried a trace of heaviness.

    There were many pharmacists and martial artists going through here. For what reason did theye? Could it be that the scale of this gathering wasn¡¯t small?

    It wasn¡¯t known what Xu Lingxiu had nned, but Gu Zuo still had the wild bird descend from the clouds. Afterwards, he took the invitation and led Dragon Three to pass through the guard¡¯s inspection. Then, they entered the Violet Tower.

    Their location was an expansive area on the first floor.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze casually swept over, and he discovered that there were already dozens of people scattered around. Their expressions either revealed their bad moods or confusion, but they all quietly and stably remained in their own seats. It could be seen that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s ability to rally supporters was truly amazing.

    Not to mention the levels of the pharmacists, the strengths of the martial artists here were all Xiantian stage seven and above. The number of stage eights and stage nines weren¡¯t few... But why weren¡¯t there any Immortal Realms?

    The next moment, Gu Zuo realized his own error.

    Walking down the second floor¡¯s flight of steps was a string of seven or eight people. All of them were martial artists who were at the Immortal Realm. The only one who wasn¡¯t an Immortal Realm was that purple-robed teenager who always wore a slightly arrogant expression and whose status was respected ¡ª Xu Lingxiu.

    Xi Yangyun was also among them. Moreover, from his position, it looked like he should¡¯ve been Xu Lingxiu¡¯s staunchest supporter.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s line of sight swept past everyone. When his gaze ¡°passed by¡± Gu Zuo, it lingered slightly for a few inscrutable moments ¡ª If Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power hadn¡¯t been strong enough, he basically wouldn¡¯t have detected it. After this, Xu Lingxiu retracted his gaze.

    Then, he and several Immortal Realm martial artists took their seats. The entire first floor was filled with a type of heavy and solemn air.

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°I¡¯ve heard some news today. Ladies and gentlemen, has the same happened to you all as well?¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the crowd¡¯s emotions were somewhat stirred up.

    Among those who sat in the front, some people were already blurting out:

    ¡°Who knows where that intolerable bully came from!¡±

    ¡°The properties of my Tower were nearly destroyed!¡±

    ¡°My ce also had a conflict. Several Outer Sect disciples died!¡±

    ¡°This kind of savagery is simply no different from wild beasts!¡±

    For a period of time, there was a lively discussion with everyone talking at once. Numerous people spoke out about the grievances that they encountered.

    Gu Zuo listened and listened, and felt that something was wrong.

    It seemed like the matter that he previously witnessed wasn¡¯t an isted incident?

    From what he could see, the dozens of people who came were each from different forces. Listening to these people¡¯s hushed whispers, he could infer that it included the Autumn Waters Association, the Wild Martial Arts Society, Clear Water Pavilion, Mingyue Pavilion, Wangyang Tower, and other established forces in the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s top ten rankings. Among them, the Autumn Waters Association and the Wild Martial Arts Society were the strongest ones. Following them, Clear Water Pavilion also wasn¡¯tcking. As for Wangyang Tower and Mingyue Pavilion, they were slightly inferior. No one from Duanshui Hall came. However, as Duanshui Hall and some other powers were enemies with Mingyue Pavilion, it was considered normal for them not toe.

    But although it was like this, among the Inner Sect disciples, it could be seen that some of the most outstanding forces had been provoked at around the same time. On the contrary, the amount of deaths were unequal. It could also be seen that this was absolutely premeditated.

    Once the forces¡¯ representatives finished speaking, Xu Lingxiu extended a hand and made a quelling motion. This stopped the racket that everyone was making.

    At this time, Gu Zuo further discovered that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s position was much higher than what he imagined. With a pharmacist¡¯s identity, he had summoned so many forces, and all these forces had recognized his authority!

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth slightly curled into a sneer: ¡°Sure enough, it seems to be like this.¡±

    ¡ª Sure enough, like what?

    The numerous powers which had suffered losses all cast their gazes at him.

    In a cold voice, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°In our Qingyun Sect, there are several dozens of powers in the Inner Sect. Today, all of those in the top ten rankings have sufferedmotions. Among which, thirty-eight Outer Sect disciples or management personnel have died, and neen Inner Sect disciples who rushed to the rescue have suffered serious injuries. Although they¡¯ve returned with their lives, most of their martial strengths have been crippled, and they¡¯ve been bedridden up until now.¡±

    Hearing the number of casualties, the forces¡¯ representatives clenched their fists, and forcefully suppressed their fury.

    Gu Zuo was also shocked by these numbers.

    Just how long had it been...

    An uneasy premonition arose in his heart.

    Xu Lingxiu continued to speak: ¡°From this, it can be seen that someone is deliberately targeting our Qingyun Sect. Therefore, after I became aware of this information, I requested a Senior Sect Brother to conduct a discreet inquiry. Now, I know the main culprits.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shivered. At once, he raised his head and looked over.

    The leaders of the other forces made simr movements. Their hearts welled up with many emotions.

    However, at this time, Xu Lingxiu looked at Xi Yangyun: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, please talk about the following matters.¡±

    The following matters were mainly rted to martial artists.

    Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t decline. His expression was solemn: ¡°Perhaps, everyone isn¡¯t aware that our Qingyun Sect had some guests arrive yesterday. They were staying in the hintends beyond the Sect. As it turned out, someone had weed them into the Sect, but who would¡¯ve thought that they woulde too early? After the Sect became aware of this, when extending a genuine invitation, they had already settled down. If they were to move their encampment, that would¡¯ve made things rather difficult. Therefore, they were given directions to take care of themselves for the night, and they waited until today for the Sect to invite them in.¡±

    These words came out, and everyone was discontent:

    ¡°Guests? More like pests!¡±

    ¡°If they¡¯re really guests, how could they have done those things!¡±

    ¡°Their disdainful words clearly show that they¡¯re looking down on our Qingyun Sect. They don¡¯t deserve to be treated as guests!¡±

    ¡°Could it be possible that they¡¯re posing as guests, but were just concealing their wicked conducts?¡±

    ¡°They must give us an exnation!¡±

    After Xi Yangyun let them finish venting, he said: ¡°About the matter of them picking fights in the Business District ¡ª After the Sect found out, it had already dispatched people to the hintends to negotiate with their teachers and Elders. Those disciples who arrived expressed their apologies, but they only said that it was like this because too much wine had been drunk and the youths were frivolous. Their Elders had already given each of them tenshes of the whip as a reprimand.¡±

    After Gu Zuo heard this, he felt a little odd.

    They didn¡¯t need to go so far, right? So many people picked fights, but the Elders of those unweed guests didn¡¯t know a damned thing! Treating Qingyun Sect like this was definitely a provocation. This was in order to upset Qingyun Sect. They even pped the Sect¡¯s face and apologized afterwards. To go this far was just too foolish...

    But right away, Gu Zuo realized that his own thinking was wrong.

    Because the people of those powers were even more worked up:

    ¡°Just tenshes? Do they think that this will make up for the matter?¡±

    ¡°Truly, their thinking is very splendid!¡±

    ¡°Sure enough, their purpose foring is not good. We can¡¯t let matters rest with them!¡±

    ¡°This shameless herd of animals!¡±

    There were many furious words afterward. Gu Zuo heard them clearly, and knew the reason.

    What was a punishment of tenshes? As it turned out, it was simply a perfunctory action. Because, as far as those Xiantian Realm martial artists were concerned, tenshes of the whip was the same as a tickle. How could this be counted as a punishment? Also, that insubstantial apology didn¡¯t contain the tiniest bit of sincerity. Additionally, what justification was that about getting drunk? Nothing else needed to be said. When Gu Zuo encountered those three people, were there even the slightest of signs that they were drunk? It was basically an excuse!

    From beginning to end, it was all empty words. The so-called punishment was a sketch in light shades.

    But not only had Qingyun Sect been insulted, its disciples had greatly lost face and so many people were killed or injured... That group of people tried to talk their way out to settle this problem. It really made people¡¯s rage skyrocket.

    Gu Zuo understood what he heard, and let out a sigh.

    Indeed, he was sullen. To still dare call them guests! But nevertheless, what kind of guests were so grand and noble that, in the presence of the other party, Qingyun Sect didn¡¯t seem as strong as when confronting the people of the continent¡¯s other forces?

    Gu Zuo had this kind of question, and so too did the representatives of those powers.

    Moreover, from looking at these matters, all of the unlucky people were martial artists. On the contrary, no pharmacists were implicated. However, if it was like this, then it would¡¯ve been enough for only martial artists toe. What was the meaning of several pharmacistsing with them?

    Xu Lingxiu finally opened his mouth once more, and brought this matter to an end: ¡°The so-called guests who arrived here aren¡¯t people of our Qingyun Continent. The continent they hail from is called the Chongyun Continent. Their Sect is also the Chongyun Continent¡¯s number one sect, and it¡¯s called Chongyun Sect. However, whenpared to our Qingyun Sect, Chongyun Sect is even stronger.

    ¡°Although the strength of the strongest in their Sect is almost the same as the strength of our Qingyun Sect¡¯s current Sect Master, they have two more powerhouses at this realm, and our Sect only has a single Sect Master. Additionally, below their Sect Master, their Atomic Realm Grand Elders number seventeen, and our Sect only has ten individuals... In terms of peak martial power, they have nearly twice as many powerhouses as we do. Also, because the resources of Chongyun Continent are even more abundant than that of our Qingyun Continent, the Immortal Realms, Xiantian Realms, Houtian Realms... Within all the realms, their geniuses surpass our Qingyun Sect¡¯s geniuses!¡±

    With almost twice as much total strength, that Sect¡¯s disciples looked down upon Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples. This was to be expected. It was just like how the present Qingyun Sect appeared friendly and amiable, but they were actually very prestigious on Qingyun Continent. Normally, wherever they went, lower ranking forces all needed to strategically withdraw out of restraining fears. If one thought about it, how big of a difference was there between that and Chongyun Sect looking down upon Qingyun Sect?

    It was just that Qingyun Sect took responsibility of its face. It didn¡¯t deliberately push around weaker sects. However, once that critical juncture was reached, Qingyun Sect wouldn¡¯t take anything else into consideration and would only allow itself to develop and strengthen.

    After Xu Lingxiu¡¯s speech, the packed venue was quiet.

    Of course, they knew that this world had many continents, but they also knew that Qingyun Continent was the one whose rank was the highest among all the continents. Among the sects of other continents, there basically wasn¡¯t a single one that couldpare to Qingyun Sect. Where did this Chongyun Secte from? Where did Chongyun Continente from?

    Someone was unconvinced: ¡°As the proverb goes, a powerful dragon cannot crush a snake in its old haunts. No matter how powerful that Chongyun Sect is, don¡¯t tell me that they¡¯ll bring back all their peak powerhouses to act as guests? Since they can¡¯t bring them, in our Qingyun Sect¡¯s domain, they¡¯ll have to observe the rules of our Qingyun Sect. How could there be the matter of the guests taking unfair advantage of the host?¡±

    These words were very reasonable, giving rise to everyone¡¯s agreement.

    Xu Lingxiu coldly stated: ¡°Although this is reasonable and the other party¡¯s actions are somewhat excessive, so long as they don¡¯t shed all pretenses of cordiality, the Elders here won¡¯t act. Otherwise, it¡¯ll appear as if our Qingyun Sect fears them!¡±

    Speaking up to here, he gave another sneer: ¡°In spite of the other party¡¯s provocations, if we can strike back at them, then it¡¯ll naturally be the prestige of our Qingyun Sect. But if a person has inferior skills, what kind of face would we have to seek andin to an Elder? Today, there wasn¡¯t a single person at the Immortal Realm or above who acted. This aspect makes it small-scale. It¡¯s true that we¡¯re furious, but this is absolutely no reason to let a Grand Elder act! Otherwise, the face of our Qingyun Sect will seriously be trampled into the ground!¡±

    The numerous martial artists were greatly ashamed.

    Xu Lingxiu spoke correctly. If they were powerful enough, the other party¡¯s provocations would¡¯ve resulted in nothing more than a p to their own faces. However, they weren¡¯t strong enough, so the other party strutted their might in this way.

    Right away, another martial artist spoke: ¡°That¡¯s right. The other party only provoked the lower disciples. We also can only dispatch the lower disciples to act. If we tell the Elders, then it¡¯ll cause Qingyun Sect¡¯s face to fall! However, those people also might not necessarily be that exceptional. They only bullied the Outer Sect disciples and external managers, or pushed around some ordinary Inner Sect disciples. The true geniuses still haven¡¯t acted yet, so it can¡¯t be said that we¡¯ve suffered a defeat!¡±

    At this moment, Xi Yangyun pped his hands, and said: ¡°Good! Well said! Now, we¡¯ve gathered you all here to assemble our Inner Sect disciples and to integrate our power. There can¡¯t be any more internal schisms. Whenever someone starts a fight, we can invite our fellow genius sect brothers to act. We must beat down the arrogance of those visitors!¡±

    Then, someone asked: ¡°Previously, an Elder went to pay them a visit to admonish them. Since the other party has already apologized, how will we retaliate if they don¡¯t act out againter on?¡±

    If they took the initiative to act, it would really leave an inexcusable resentment. But if they swallowed down this matter like this, their hearts would feel regretful and oppressed. They truly needed to get this off their chests.

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth hooked up into a slight sneer: ¡°They were only allowed to provoke us, but could it be that we aren¡¯t allowed to challenge them? If the other party stays quiet from now on, I¡¯ll wait for the right time and invite our strongest people forward to challenge them. However, I think that, since their apology was so insincere, they won¡¯t be content with their lotter on. At the present time, we¡¯ll make preparations and observe their following actions before responding!¡±

    This idea was pretty good.

    Since the other party could provoke, then they naturally could challenge, too.

    En, it would be a friendly spar!

    Revealed on the faces of many martial artists were happy expressions. It seemed that they could pour out all their anger.

    But, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t that optimistic.

    He¡¯d seen those people¡¯s levels with his own eyes. Each one seemed somewhat stronger than the geniuses at equivalent realms. Otherwise, the Earth Leaderboard expert, He Xianglong, wouldn¡¯t have been defeated under the hands of that ordinary young man so easily.

    Perhaps the provokers in other areas didn¡¯t encounter Earth Leaderboard experts, which allowed other people to misjudge... Once the the details of all the incidents were known by each force, maybe their way of thinking would change again.

    Immediately afterwards, Gu Zuo raised his eyes to look at Xu Lingxiu, Xi Yangyun, and the couple of Immortal Realm martial artists who were beside them. Indeed, their expressions weren¡¯t that rxed either. Among the following forces, the representatives of thoseparativelyrge powers likewise looked as if they hadn¡¯tid down their worries.

    It seemed that his notions were correct. Xu Lingxiu only spoke like this to boost morale and to mobilize the thoughts of the Sect disciples¡¯ shared hatred for the enemy. However, if he genuinely talked about any assurances, there were none to speak of. And even if there weren¡¯t any assurances, there were many things that still needed to be done.

    After talking about a few more details, the members of many powers said their goodbyes and departed. One after another, they each made their own preparations. Some of those who hadn¡¯t been invited would inevitably learn of the news if they were friends with the people here.

    In all likelihood, it wouldn¡¯t take long for the disciples of the entire Inner Sect to have a response.

    Gu Zuo looked all around.

    Aside from the chief representative, Xi Yangyun, the ones who remained now were all pharmacists.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch238 - The Southeastern Expanse

    <h4>Chapter Ch238 - The Southeastern Expanse</h4>

    The pharmacists sat near each other.

    They were either people who were close to Xu Lingxiu in the Pharmacist Hall, or they were followers of several honored Immortal Realm martial artists. Apart from Gu Zuo, it could be said that they were all on the same side.

    Gu Zuo felt a little conflicted.

    Although he was Xu Lingxiu¡¯s friend, what business did he have in staying here? If they wanted to share some private words, wouldn¡¯t they feel that he was being shameless for eavesdropping?

    However, just when he was originally going to leave, he was allowed to remain here due to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s meaningful nce. Granted that he was a little too agitated to sit or stand right now, he still endured it.

    Fortunately, it seemed that the others had long investigated the matter of him staying here, and didn¡¯t reveal any strange looks. This allowed Gu Zuo to settle down.

    Xu Lingxiu waved towards Gu Zuo, letting Gu Zuo sit in the chair next to him.

    After a slight pause, Gu Zuo made up his mind and walked over.

    In any case, it was always like this, so he would just go.

    At this time, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Chongyun Sect¡¯s purpose foring isn¡¯t good. If it was only to target the martial artists, it wouldn¡¯t have been my turn to take the lead. However, the facts really aren¡¯t as such. Besides provoking the martial artists, the members of Chongyun Sect have also issued a writ of challenge to us pharmacists. It¡¯s not something one can tolerate.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently thought: Even if it could be tolerated, you probably wouldn¡¯t restrain yourself anyway...

    Following this, Xu Lingxiu discussed even more details about the matter. At this time, Gu Zuo finally understood why Xu Lingxiu waded through muddy waters so proactively. It was primarily because this matter has fallen on his head ¡ª Even if no one came to provoke the martial artists, he still had to lead the pharmacists to face the enemy.

    As mentioned previously, the newly-arrived, unweed guests were residing outside the Sect. Once Qingyun Sect dropped by to give a heavy denouncement, the other party apologized. However, after the other side entertained the Qingyun Sect members, a few younger generations spoke out, wanting to experience the graceful bearing of Qingyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists first-hand. They said it would be an exchange between both sects and what not.

    They all took the initiative to mention a spar. Could it be that Qingyun Sect would admit that it was afraid and wouldn¡¯t ept? Moreover, they said that sparring with the pharmacists wouldn¡¯t damage their good rtionship, and those sparring would be limited to mid-level pharmacists. How could Qingyun Sect refuse?

    In addition, the ones who Chongyun Sect brought this time around were only mid-level pharmacists. The ages of these mid-level pharmacists also didn¡¯t exceed thirty years ¡ª There were quite a few teenaged mid-level pharmacists like Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo.

    In brief, whether it was for the sake of saving face or to prevent malicious rumors from spreading, it was settled just like this.

    Currently, among the lower-ranked pharmacist disciples, Xu Lingxiu was the one who yed the leading role. Since he had the most prestige, after encountering this matter, only he coulde forward to act.

    At this time, Gu Zuo then realized that all of the pharmacists who came to this room were mid-level pharmacists. It was just that, although the ages of these pharmacists were as young as possible, not all of them were under thirty years old ¡ª There were as many as seven or eight people who were thirty-something years old. Based on this age, they were already somewhat inferior to the others. As such, when theyter sparred with the others, how would they gain the upper hand and even out the achievements?

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s idea was to select people from this room to spar with those Chongyun Sect pharmacists. He would look for volunteers first. After that, he would check their medicine refining levels.

    Gu Zuo opened his mouth: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°How are you at refining mid-level pills right now?¡±

    To be honest, Xu Lingxiu felt that, whether it was himself or Junior Sect Brother Gu, both of them barely became mid-level pharmacists. The medicinal pills they knew also weren¡¯t that many. Presently, they needed to search the Sect for pill prescriptions so they could do somest minute cramming before time ran out.

    Right now, Xu Lingxiu wanted to ask Gu Zuo which ones he knew and which ones he wanted to refine ¡ª It was for the best that they didn¡¯t refine the same type of medicinal pill. Otherwise, it would give the appearance of a drop in quality.

    Gu Zuo forced a smile.

    He was already such a pharmacist in the truest sense long ago... After improving his realm a little bit more, he could be a high-level pharmacist who could refine Immortal Realm medicinal pills.

    As for the categories of medicinal pills that he currently knew?

    There were, at the very least, no less than dozens to over a hundred types... Moreover, there were also quite a few pill prescriptions he knew of that he could handle on the first try.

    After hesitating for a moment, Gu Zuo spoke in a low voice: ¡°I can make some medicinal pills that can treat the internal and external injuries of Xiantian martial artists. I¡¯mparatively skilled with the Qi umting Pill and the Revitalization Pill. I can also refine a few pills that are rted to the five elements. En, I also have some unorthodox medicinal pills. As for any more than that, I¡¯ll have to check my pill prescriptions...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow: ¡°You seem to have improved a lot recently?¡±

    Gu Zuo rubbed his nose: ¡°Because I purchased lots of medicinal ingredients in Danyun City, I couldn¡¯t hold myself back after returning, and I wasted a lot.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu showed a pleased expression: ¡°If you can further master these medicinal pills, what uses do these medicinal ingredients have for pharmacists like you and me? Nowadays, it seems that you¡¯ve been studying more than me. From here on out, you need to give it your all. We can¡¯t let those pests push down on our heads.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s repeated warnings, and naturally answered positively again and again: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, rest assured. I¡¯ll certainly do my best. I won¡¯t be outdone by those domineering people.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu was even more pleased with Gu Zuo. At the same time, he was somewhat displeased with his own skills, which currently weren¡¯t too adequate. He reflected over something, and took out several sheets of paper from his sleeve: ¡°Take these pill prescriptions, and give them a try. If you can learn one or two types in these next few days, then it¡¯ll be even more advantageous.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Xu Lingxiu treating him this way. Gu Zuo also took out a few sheets of paper, and wrote on them. He chose some which weren¡¯t that hard to refine. At the same time, he also took out some unorthodox and fashionable pill prescriptions to hand them over to Xu Lingxiu. This was what one called tossing a peach and getting back a plum. Xu Lingxiu treated him sincerely, so how could he let Xu Lingxiu down?

    Xu Lingxiu looked at Gu Zuo. He knew that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t like to owe people favors, and didn¡¯t stop the guy. Once Gu Zuo finished writing, he received the papers. His face became somewhat peculiar: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, it seems that the number of special pill prescriptions you obtained in that fortuitous encounter truly wasn¡¯t low.¡±

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t afraid that Xu Lingxiu would see through anything: ¡°Well, almost all of it has been taken out. Indeed, the senior who left behind that inheritance was an ancient and powerful personage.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu put away the pill prescriptions: ¡°You and I really need to give it our all.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°What Senior Sect Brother Xu says is right.¡±

    In the back, the other pharmacists resolved themselves. Each and every one of them had confidence in themselves, and all of them were willing to fight for the Sect. There were many of these volunteers, so they needed to be filtered. Following this, Xu Lingxiu drew up some topics, and allowed these pharmacists topete.

    Gu Zuo was excused by Xu Lingxiu ahead of time. Xu Lingxiu asked him to go back to properly study the pill prescriptions. Gu Zuo also felt that this ce wasn¡¯t interesting, so he really went back ¡ª As for the pill prescriptions, Xu Lingxiu had given him three sheets. However, the refinement methods recorded in his item book were still more detailed...

    In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

    During this period of time, Xu Lingxiu sent people to pass along some news. In other words, he talked about which pharmacists were chosen. He also discussed with Gu Zuo about someplicated problems in medicine refinement.

    Gu Zuo answered diligently. From Xu Lingxiu¡¯s correspondence, one could see that his improvements really weren¡¯t small. This mid-level pharmacist¡¯s level was stabilizing more and more.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo also realized that those Chongyun Sect disciples had finally moved into Qingyun Sect.

    Among the Tianlong Guards and all the subordinates, many had gone out to make discreet inquiries. Some news would be brought back intermittently. Whenbined with what Xu Lingxiu divulged, it allowed Gu Zuo to put everything together.

    As it turned out, Chongyun Continent, which was the location of Chongyun Sect, wasn¡¯t one of the dozen or so continents on the periphery of Qingyun Continent. It was ssified as a continent of the Southeastern Expanse. As for Qingyun Continent, strictly speaking, it was only thergest continent of the Southern Expanse. Meanwhile, the Southeastern Expanse had over twenty continents. Chongyun Continent, which resided at the pinnacle of this region, was almost twice as strong as Qingyun Continent. It seemed that this was a very normal matter.

    Gu Zuo paused.

    There was a Southeastern Expanse and a Southern Expanse. Both were named afterpass directions. Did this mean that there were six more regions? From looking at Chongyun Sect, one could see that the entirety of the Southeastern Expanse was stronger than the Southern Expanse. As such, what about the other expanses? How strong were they? In addition, since they were adjacent expanses, why weren¡¯t they merged together, and instead divided into two expanses? How did onemunicate and interact between different expanses?

    Soon after, Xu Lingxiu gave Gu Zuo an exnation.

    There were probably other expanses, but only the Southeastern Expanse had interacted with their Southern Expanse. The specific number of other expanses and their locations wasn¡¯t within their current scouted information.

    As for why it was divided into two expanses, it wasn¡¯t because of any customary partitioning of territories. Rather, it was due to a barrier between the two expanses which was difficult to pass through.

    Gu Zuo suddenly recalled a barrier-like thing between the continents.

    In actuality, the division between the Southern Expanse and the Southeastern Expanse was precisely this type of barrier which separated the continents. Only, its strength was many times greater. Those flying ships basically had no way to pass through it. And if there weren¡¯t any specific means of transportation, which only the two Sects solely possessed, then even ordinary martial artists who¡¯d reached the Atomic Realm would likely fall to their deaths halfway through the journey!

    As a result, there was no other choice but to have this kind of partition. Moreover, after the passage of countless years, it had truly formed two different worlds.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo realized something.

    It was that this current provocation wasn¡¯t actually the first one.

    The total strength of the Southern Expanse¡¯s people was lower than that of the Southeastern Expanse. Also, Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t the sort of weaklings who curried favor with others. Therefore, Qingyun Sect seldom dispatched people to interact with the Southeastern Expanse.

    However, the Southern Expanse¡¯s people weren¡¯t willing to go over, and those insufferable people of the Southeastern Expanse wanted toe over! Every time they came over, they basically swept the Southern Expanse¡¯s face ¡ª This wasn¡¯t to say that they wanted to tyrannically kill people on this side and shed all pretenses of cordiality. They woulde to show off, suppress, and look down on people.

    Unfortunately, Qingyun Sect had generally lost every time before. Only asionally would they be able to win a little bit in certain segments. However, their overall strength still fell short.

    As a result, every time the Southeastern Expanse arrived, the Southern Expanse would always lose face.

    Gu Zuo learned even more about why Chongyun Sect¡¯s matter wasn¡¯t known to several generations of young disciples. It was because thest time the Southeastern Expanse visited, it was two hundred years ago. An uncounted number of generations had passed since then. That generation of disciples, which had been tormented by the Southeastern Expanse, had either died long ago or became Elders ¡ª As the Sect¡¯s upper echelons, they simply didn¡¯t want to talk about this kind of morale-lowering matter.

    So to say, Chongyun Sect¡¯s matter wasn¡¯t circted within the Sect. Thus, very few people even knew about it.

    In his heart, Gu Zuo vaguely sensed something.

    There still might¡¯ve been some other matters within that he didn¡¯t know about... He mentioned this feeling to Xu Lingxiu. However, Xu Lingxiu subtly implied that he shouldn¡¯t dig any deeper.

    Gu Zuo immediately realized that Xu Lingxiu knew a little bit more than him, but it wasn¡¯t good to talk about this extra information.

    After letting out a sigh, Gu Zuo decided to wait until Gongyi Tianheng returned before asking again and discussing things further. However, there wasn¡¯t enough information in here. For some of his inklings, he had no way to make any guesses whatsoever! Well, when things came to a head, he would know then.

    It was a pity that Tianheng still hadn¡¯te back.

    However, the day of Chongyun Sect¡¯s appointed battle had already arrived.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch239 - Cheating

    <h4>Chapter Ch239 - Cheating</h4>

    Early in the morning, Xu Lingxiu sent someone to bring Gu Zuo over. Gu Zuo looked around, and brought along Dragon One.

    It had to be said that, because he was the best of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s confidantes, Dragon One¡¯s management abilities were the strongest. Although his current strength wasn¡¯t able to keep up with them, he was the most considerate and thorough when handling matters.

    This time, Gu Zuo needed topete with the members of Chongyun Sect, so taking along Dragon One was still the most appropriate choice.

    Very quickly, they reached the Violet Tower. Xu Lingxiu was already waiting with seven male and female pharmacists. After Gu Zuo walked over and met everyone, he heard Xu Lingxiu speak: ¡°Everyone¡¯s all here, so we¡¯ll be going now.¡±

    The numerous pharmacists all said: ¡°Understood, Junior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked over...and wasn¡¯t familiar with a single one of them. Also, there weren¡¯t only just the faces he¡¯d seen during the ¡°meeting¡± a few days ago.

    However, he knew that these people were the elites of the mid-level pharmacists. In a short while, they would strive to win honors for the Sect.

    Gu Zuo diligently walked behind Xu Lingxiu. Under the protection of a crowd of Inner Sect martial artist disciples led by Xi Yangyun, they rode a wild bird and flew towards the core region of the Sect.

    Qingyun Sect was veryrge. It was sorge that, while Gu Zuo already came here long ago, there were still many ces that he¡¯d never visited before ¡ª Such as this time¡¯s ce where they would spar with Chongyun Sect. The za was incredibly big, and the ground seemed to be iid with a material simr to jade. If a spar was held here, regardless of whether it was a martial artspetition or a pill battle, it would be run very smoothly. It also wouldn¡¯t cause too much damage to the ground.

    Gu Zuo gave a nce and saw several fretwork pavilions. All of the pavilions were gorgeous, and were split up among severalyers. Eachyer would have young men and women either sitting or standing; they had impressive bearings and wore umon clothes. Settled at the topmostyer were some qi emissions which were as vast as the ocean or the abyss. Although he didn¡¯t deliberately discharge his psychic power, in Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness, he keenly felt that that ce was very dangerous and imposing. He couldn¡¯t rashly go to sound things out, or do anything inappropriate.

    Suddenly, he realized that the ones staying there should¡¯ve been apex powerhouses! Not even the Immortal Realm Huang Ji gave him this kind of oppressive feeling. Perhaps, the ones over there were Grand Elders?

    There wasn¡¯t enough time to think too much about it. Soon, Gu Zuo was pulled by Xu Lingxiu to take a seat that was directly across from a pavilion on the secondyer. Over here, besides their nine pharmacists who were participating in the spar, there were also some kindly-looking seniors. Among them was even the face of the high-level pharmacist Elder Huo, whom Gu Zuo had met a few times before.

    Elder Huo clearly still remembered Gu Zuo, this good seedling. He had also heard about some of Gu Zuo¡¯s achievements. At this time, Elder Huo gave Gu Zuo a very gratified smile, but stopped Gu Zuo¡¯s n of going over to pay his respects in public ¡ª He didn¡¯t want toplicate this simple rtionship between the two, which was simr to a cross-generational friendship.

    Gu Zuo sat obediently with Xu Lingxiu, and quickly realized the situation here.

    As it turned out, this ce originally only had some very tidy jade-like stone steps. Whether one was a martial artist or pharmacist, everyone would have to find ayer to sit down cross-legged. However, after the members of Chongyun Sect arrived, they had directly set up those fretwork pavilions. If Qingyun Sect didn¡¯t want to lose face, it needed to do something just as ostentatious.

    As a result, because the other party was escorted by several Grand Elders, and those Grand Elders were concealing themselves on the topyer, Qingyun Sect likewise had their Grand Elderse to guard the venue ¡ª Otherwise, with only this level¡¯s matter of Xiantian Realm younger generations, a few Immortal Realm experts would¡¯ve been enough to supervise them. However, how would that have rmed the might of the Atomic Realms?

    Without waiting for Gu Zuo to ponder things for too long, the spar between pharmacists had begun.

    In that Chongyun Sect pavilion, a person quickly leaped out, and floated down.

    After that, he took out a pill cauldron.

    Gu Zuo immediately heard a peal of astonished voices around him.

    ¡°That¡¯s a pharmacist?¡±

    ¡°How can a pharmacist do something like this...¡±

    ¡°Strange. What technique is this?¡±

    Although a pharmacist¡¯s realm could be continuously improved, their true qi could only be used to hasten the pharmacist¡¯s hand seals. If one was to mention any martial artist-rted abilities, there were none to speak of.

    For example, Xiantian martial artists could briefly fly, but a Xiantian Realm pharmacist wasn¡¯t able to do that. And just now, that fellow who jumped out from the pavilion was undoubtedly a pharmacist. How was he able to jump down from such a high pavilion without sustaining injuries?

    On this side, the expressions of Xu Lingxiu and the other pharmacists were unnatural.

    Something was wrong... They weren¡¯t able to perform this kind of movement.

    Only Gu Zuo was shocked in his heart.

    This was psychic power!

    Under that pharmacist¡¯s feet was a supporting disk of unsophisticated psychic power, which slowly lowered him down! Although too much of that psychic power was wasted, it was unmistakably psychic power!

    It was quiet on Xu Lingxiu¡¯s side.

    Originally, everyone who was going to spar was very excited. However, after the scene before their eyes, the first person to go out would inevitably be subjected to numerous unmeasured gazes like brambles and thorns in one¡¯s back... It would certainly be extremely awkward.

    Xu Lingxiu steadied his expression, and prepared to stand up.

    He was the leader. Since the others weren¡¯t willing to go, then only he could go.

    But just at this moment, a woman who was as pretty as a spring flower stood up instead. With her curvy figure, rosyplexion, and stern temperament, she was like a fire phoenix going out with a head held high: ¡°No, Junior Sect Brother Xu. Let me go to act as your vanguard. Keep an eye on what petty magic tricks those Chongyun Sect members are ying at!¡±

    Gu Zuo collected his thoughts, and looked at this woman. His heart was somewhat worried.

    Previously, he saw that Chongyun Sect had a female pharmacist whoprehended psychic powers, causing him to have many guesses. Now, it seemed that an ominous guess hade true. He had the best understanding of how formidable psychic powers were. The other side had it and his own side didn¡¯t. As such, the following matters had be very difficult!

    Xu Lingxiu and the others¡¯ hearts also had bad premonitions, but they agreed, and watched as the woman departed.

    A Xiantian martial artist came over, and carried that woman down swiftly. Although the spectacle was embarrassing, the woman¡¯splexion was unfazed. In a natural and unrestrained manner, she arrive directly across from that Chongyun Sect pharmacist. She took out a pill cauldron, and sat opposite to him.

    The pill fires were lit, and they began refining medicinal pills.

    The movements of both sides were as smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water. Likewise, the pill fragrances that were emitted during refinement were also very attractive. It appeared that both sides¡¯ skills were about the same? However, because the woman was fully concentrating or perhaps due to having a heart obsessed with medicine refinement, her speed seemed to gradually quicken... If this continued, the winner would most likely be the woman.

    The Qingyun Sect pharmacists watching from far away gave slight sighs of relief.

    It seemed that Qingyun Sect would be able to retrieve a little bit of face during this round.

    But Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze was firmly fixed upon the bodies of those twopetitors ¡ª To be exact, he was staring at the body of that Chongyun Sect person. Because, he discovered that the psychic power over that pharmacist¡¯s entire body was roving around!

    Sure enough, the facts weren¡¯t beyond Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. During the following pill condensing process, each of the woman¡¯s steps didn¡¯t have a single hair out of ce. She was able to condense the pills without a hitch. But just when it was at the most critical juncture, a type of invisible power suddenly surged over and disturbed the qi emissions within that pill cauldron!

    In the blink of an eye, quite a lot of burnt fumes spread out from the pill cauldron, which was a sign that the medicinal pills inside, which were about to condense, were failing!

    Gu Zuo almost wanted to jump up.

    Despicable! Too despicable!

    Perhaps onlookers would think that this was a normal situation, but Gu Zuo was clearly aware that the Chongyun Sect pharmacist had quietly sent over his psychic power to wreck the woman¡¯s refining!

    The next moment, Gu Zuo caught sight of something else. The corner of that Chongyun Sect disciple¡¯s mouth held an imperceptible sliver of conceited pride!

    In a split second, Gu Zuo¡¯s face sank.

    He remained calm, and carefully recalled the strength of that psychic power just now. He immediately made a decision.

    Following this, Gu Zuo condensed his own psychic power into an extremely thin strand. It flew over to the venue, and approached that Chongyun Sect pharmacist.

    The other party didn¡¯t act strangely, and nothing odd showed on his face.

    Gu Zuo was betting. He bet that the other party¡¯s Atomic Realm powerhouses wouldn¡¯t strongly monitor this battle. Furthermore, he won this gamble.

    That strand of psychic power was hidden under the other party¡¯s pill cauldron. The very moment after the woman¡¯s final pill also failed, the strand stimted the cauldron¡¯s me. The medicinal power was instantly thrown into chaos!

    Boom!

    After a loud sound, the Chongyun Sect pharmacist¡¯s cauldron unexpectedly exploded.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch240 - Chongyun Sectâ€™s Plot

    <h4>Chapter Ch240 - Chongyun Sect¡¯s Plot</h4>

    In a split second, the Chongyun Sect pharmacist¡¯splexion stiffened. In the blink of an eye, his conceited pride had gone up in smoke. However, he didn¡¯t understand how his own careful actions led to an exploded cauldron.

    The Qingyun Sect female pharmacist on the opposite side also stopped her hands. She had simrly failed in refining her pills, but she fortunately didn¡¯t blow up her cauldron. It looked like she was slightly better than that Chongyun Sect pharmacist.

    Of course, an exploded cauldron was a failure, but so too was the inability to condense pills. This round¡¯s spar between Chongyun Sect and Qingyun Sect was considered a tie. Both side¡¯spetitors returned to their own pavilions.

    On Chongyun Sect¡¯s side, a young pharmacist had an unsightly expression, and didn¡¯t open his mouth to speak.

    An acerbic young girl with upward-nting, phoenix eyes said in derision: ¡°I say, Peng An. You rushed to be the first to go out and suppress Qingyun Sect, but in the end, you blew up your cauldron. The opening match was turned into this by you, and you still have the face toe back?¡±

    Pharmacist Peng An who exploded his cauldron had a darkened face: ¡°Originally, I was doing fine. Under my psychic power, that Qingyun Sect trash couldn¡¯t condense any pills, but for whatever reason, my cauldron suddenly blew up.¡±

    That acerbic young girl¡¯s words became even harsher: ¡°It¡¯s said that psychic powers aren¡¯t easily controlled. Peng An, what kind of a genius do you think you are? Could you guarantee that you would¡¯ve been able to stably refine your pills after attacking your opponent? You need to know that when ites to psychic powers, this thing, so long as there¡¯s the smallest mistake, it won¡¯t work. You thought too highly of yourself and seized an easy task, but your skills were no good... And you still want to shift the me onto someone else?¡±

    Peng An¡¯s expression was furious, but he really did make a mistake first. Naturally, he could only take deep breaths, tightly clench his fists, and wish that he could go over and beat her up.

    At this time, someone on the side stood up, and said disdainfully: ¡°Okay, what quarrel do you have? This time, I¡¯ll go. I won¡¯t let those Qingyun Sect people gain the smallest advantage!¡±

    Peng An and that acerbic girl exchanged nces. They coldly harrumphed, and didn¡¯t quarrel anymore.

    Meanwhile, that person brushed off the dust on his clothes. He raised his foot, walked out, and leaped down.

    On Qingyun Sect¡¯s side, after the woman returned, she was weed with deep concern.

    Xu Lingxiu frowned and said: ¡°Senior Sect Sister He, you shouldn¡¯t have been incapable of condensing the pills with your skills. What went wrong?¡±

    On the contrary, the woman, He Feng, was very calm. She carefully thought back to the previous course of events. She also frowned and said: ¡°Originally, everything was normal, but when I was condensing the pills, I felt that a power which wasn¡¯t my own had struck... Although it was slight, it promptly disturbed the qi intent in my cauldron, and threw my hand seals into disarray. This was the reason why I lost.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded.

    Although that psychic power attack was simple and crude, the movement wasn¡¯t big. Being capable of discovering it, and not believing that it was a mistake of her own refining... This Senior Sect Sister He Feng was very sharp.

    Xu Lingxiu asked: ¡°Do you know what this power is?¡±

    He Feng was silent for a moment. Atst, she hesitatingly said: ¡°It seemed like...psychic power.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu paused: ¡°You¡¯re saying that someone used psychic powers to attack you? No, or should I say that someone used psychic powers to negatively affect the important parts of your pill refinement?¡±

    He Feng nodded her head: ¡°That¡¯s right. I shouldn¡¯t be mistaken.¡±

    All of the pharmacists inside the pavilion looked over. Their expressions were even more grave and vignt than before.

    ¡°Next, we¡¯ll need to be even more careful. If all of those Chongyun Sect pharmacists are able to...¡±

    This kind of buzzing discussion droned on. None of those pharmacists were stupid, and they soon saw through to the crisis within. The matterid out before their eyes was very clear. Since Chongyun Sect secretly yed tricks in the first round, then it meant that it was imperative that they won this sparring contest.

    Suddenly, someone spoke with misgivings: ¡°Wait a minute. After Senior Sect Sister He Feng was negatively affected and failed her refinement, that Chongyun Sect person blew up his cauldron. How did thate about?¡±

    If the other party did this on purpose, then it wasn¡¯t consistent with their spections! Moreover, it also appeared that the Chongyun Sect person was contradictory from beginning to end! But if it wasn¡¯t deliberate, then how could the skills of that opposing pharmacist be socking?

    It really left people bewildered.

    Gu Zuo was startled.

    For a moment, his mood was a little messy. He didn¡¯t know this should be treated.

    But right away, someone switched the topic: ¡°Chongyun Sect dares to act this way. I¡¯m afraid that they aren¡¯t worried about our Qingyun Sect finding out. As such, they took the initiative to provoke the martial artists and use psychic powers to pressure the pharmacists. Besides wanting to p down on our Qingyun Sect¡¯s face, are there any other goals? If it¡¯s only for the sake of suppression and having battles all over, then it¡¯s really making a big fuss over a minor issue.¡±

    This problem was one that they truly didn¡¯t understand.

    At once, a voice spoke up with some hesitance: ¡°Say, do you guys think that they came to plunder our Qingyun Sect¡¯s resources in exchange for that psychic power technique...¡±

    When these words were uttered, everyone was rmed.

    Gu Zuo was a little frightened.

    This wasn¡¯t unreasonable!

    If Chongyun Sect set up this event to simultaneously publicize psychic powers and suppress Qingyun Sect, then it would cripple Qingyun Sect¡¯s morale. Afterwards, it would take out the technique, and make a business deal with Qingyun Sect. During the negotiations, it could also intensely pressure others. This would make it difficult for Qingyun Sect to bargain! Moreover, because the psychic power technique was precious, Chongyun Sect also allowed its Grand Elders toe and oversee things to prevent the technique from being easily seized by Qingyun Sect... Thinking it over this way, he seemed to understand a little bit?

    Gu Zuo thought about this matter, so other people also reached this conclusion.

    A young pharmacist opened his mouth with difficulty: ¡°If it really can be traded, then that¡¯s also advantageous to us.¡±

    However, Xu Lingxiu sneered: ¡°You and I both know that this psychic power technique has never been seen before. It¡¯s iparably precious. And when this precious thing is taken out for the exchange, what kind of enormous price will our Qingyun Sect have to pay? It¡¯s too early to be happy about this. Since that Chongyun Sect doesn¡¯t have any good intentions, it¡¯ll certainly have other pitfalls in ce.¡±

    Someone else said: ¡°Right! Maybe what the other party takes out is just the low-level stuff they obtained from several techniques, but they¡¯ll want to exchange it for precious things! At that time, their pharmacists will still be able to suppress us. Our resources will be reduced, and the allocations will also certainly be reduced. Then, even though we¡¯ll have the psychic power technique, we¡¯ll still be distantlygging behind them!¡±

    Another person spoke: ¡°What¡¯s more, we don¡¯t know if this technique has any ws. No one has seen it before. If we practice it now, andter find something wrong, what should we do?¡±

    Then, someone else shouted: ¡°Chongyun Sect has wolfish ambitions! We have to keep our guards up!¡±

    Such a conspiracy theory unfolded. Listening to this, Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Ah, but one couldn¡¯t help saying that this kind of spection was truly persuasive...

    Of course, spection was just spection. Most of all, the root of this conjecture ¡ª That the other party came to plunder resources ¡ª This point still wasn¡¯t verified. No matter how much one spected, it was all empty talk.

    Xu Lingxiu made the final decision: ¡°The next person chosen to go will observe how the other party acts.¡±

    Hence, another pharmacist volunteered to go. This person stood up and went out.

    This time, as before, being guided down by a martial artist couldn¡¯tpare to the Chongyun Sect pharmacist who came down by himself. However, when they were refining pills, neither of their imposing auras werecking.

    Xu Lingxiu and several others closely watched the two people in the venue. Remaining calm and collected, they observed carefully.

    Gu Zuo also took it seriously. The calctions in his mind swung back and forth several times.

    Just like before, when it was almost time to condense the pills, the Qingyun Sect pharmacist disciple sensed that the medicinal power in his own cauldron was unstable. Because he paid attention to this matter, he detected the same thing that He Feng did at this time ¡ª Indeed, a burst of subtle power had arrived. In a moment, it obstructed the medicinal power that his hand seals were pulling. It was also at this instant that one pill after another soon turned into dregs!

    This pharmacist disciple felt some heartache.

    Whose family¡¯s medicinal ingredients were blown in with the wind? During this sparring contest, everyone¡¯s medicinal ingredients were self-provided. In order to beat the other party, the things prepared were either precious or rare pill prescriptions ¡ª Those medicinal ingredients were also naturally very hard to find.

    And the results now?

    If one¡¯s own skill was no good and the refinement failed, then that was one thing. But being plotted against by the other party was another matter entirely!

    There was no other alternative. This pharmacist disciple could only tremblingly continue using hand seals. He strived to not let everything go to waste... Originally, if there weren¡¯t any idents, while he wouldn¡¯t say that he could refine a full nine pills, he could¡¯ve at least produced five to six, mid or high-grade pills!

    Now, he didn¡¯t know if he could save a single pill...

    Gu Zuo took this scene into his eyes once again. However, this time, he didn¡¯t dare release his psychic power to make the other party suffer a loss.

    Previously, he dared to act. Firstly, it was because the other party wasn¡¯t guarding against this. Secondly, it was because he was too angry and was a little bit impulsive. But this time was different. If he dared to do it again, then he would definitely be discovered by the other party!

    At this moment, there was a struggle in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Chongyun Sect¡¯s plot didn¡¯t seem small. If he, such a small fry, casually took the initiative, he was afraid that he would be immediately crushed. However, on second thought, he originally had a fortuitous encounter. It wouldn¡¯t seem strange if he obtained a psychic power technique from the fortuitous encounter, right? Only, his methods were too special. Even though he wasn¡¯t afraid of beingbeled a freak, daring to take it out for a transaction wasn¡¯t too good... He still didn¡¯t know if Chongyun Sect¡¯s people could absorb medicinal qi. In the end, he also wasn¡¯t clear about what was going on with their psychic power technique. He didn¡¯t dare to act rashly.

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    Chongyun Sect most likely wanted to plunder resources. He only needed a psychic power technique that was better than Chongyun Sect¡¯s scam to thoroughly wreck this plot.

    It was a pity...

    If it was like those medicine refining hand seals, he would¡¯ve had many types of psychic power techniques that he could choose from.

    [Side Mission: Foil Chongyun Sect¡¯s plot.]

    [Mission Items: <<Eighteen Methods of Psychic Power >>]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within one month.]

    [Failure Penalty: Deduction of one thousand strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Speak of the devil...

    Was the system a treasure chest? This mission was too considerate.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo epted the mission in his consciousness. Immediately following that, no less than eighteen item books appeared in the storage space region where he kept his books!

    ¡ª Even the way the item books were stored was so considerate!

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva. He quietly took advantage of everyone else focusing on the people refining medicine, and withdrew to the back.

    Soon after, an item book appeared in his hand. He swiftly flipped through it, and then switched to another book. When he finished flipping through this one, he changed to another book...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch241 - New Method

    <h4>Chapter Ch241 - New Method</h4>

    Just as Gu Zuo was reading and switching books, a voice that carried an air of arrogance suddenly appeared in front of him: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, what are you doing here?¡±

    The person who arrived was Xu Lingxiu. Just now, he had finished watching the sparring mach. Sure enough, that Chongyun Sect person didn¡¯t explode his cauldron, and the person on Qingyun Sect¡¯s side still wasn¡¯t able to produce any pills.

    As a result, it was different from thest round where both sides had tied. This round was Qingyun Sect¡¯s loss.

    Xu Lingxiu had long guessed the result, but his heart was still choked up. And once he turned his head, he discovered that Gu Zuo had withdrawn to the side, and wasn¡¯t aware of what Gu Zuo was reading. He didn¡¯t know what to think, so he walked in front of Gu Zuo and asked.

    Gu Zuo was just a little bit too eager. Thus, he hadn¡¯t sent out his psychic power, and had only discovered Xu Lingxiu when the guy had arrived right next to him. Subconsciously, he wanted to take the item book in his hands and put it back in the storage space, but on second thought, he stopped his action.

    He had just finished reading it...

    Moreover, wasn¡¯t this a good opportunity?

    Hence, Gu Zuo began to disy his own acting skills, and forced himself to open his quivering mouth: ¡°I...¡±

    While speaking, his fingers tightly gripped the item book in his hands. He had a very hesitant appearance.

    Xu Lingxiu watched him acting like this, and furrowed his brows: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, what¡¯s going on with you?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°After I heard everyone¡¯s analysis just now, I thought of something...¡± He struggled, ¡°Originally, I wanted to keep this matter a secret, but Qingyun Sect is also my Sect. Keeping it hidden will leave my heart uneasy. Senior Sect Brother Xu, actually, my innate skills are merely ordinary. There¡¯s a reason why I can improve my strength so quickly and why my pill refining rate has be rather high.¡±

    As Xu Lingxiu continued to listen, his face lost its usual expression.

    What was the meaning of Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s words? Was it possible that the book he clutched so firmly was¡ª

    In that moment, his mind seemed to make a guess.

    A guess that he didn¡¯t dare imagine.

    Gu Zuo appeared to finally make a decision. He gave a long sigh: ¡°...Senior Sect Brother Xu, I trust you, but you can¡¯t mention this matter to other people for now.¡± He suddenly stuffed the book into Xu Lingxiu¡¯s hands, ¡°The things that I obtained from that inheritance were actually veryplete. There were many remote and far-flung pill prescriptions, and there was apleted set of a cultivation method and hand seals for refining medicine. There was also this book.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu promptly understood.

    This was probably a decision made by that Gongyi Tianheng, who gave him aplicated and roundabout gut-feeling. However, after anyone obtained a fortuitous encounter, one would hide it if the things were too good. He didn¡¯t feel that there was anything wrong about this.

    Afterwards, Xu Lingxiu took a deep breath and, for the first time ever, nervously opened up the book in his hands. Then, he was promptly engrossed by the contents within. Involuntarily, he also failed to notice Gu Zuo¡¯s look of relief.

    After he finished reading, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s throat moved. Because he was too emotional, his voice was unexpectedly hoarse and shuddering: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, your intention is¡ª¡±

    He found it somewhat hard to believe.

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, I¡¯m here to discuss countermeasures with you. I previously listened to the conjectures of my Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters, and there¡¯s an enormous probability that Chongyun Sect wants to use an inferior-ranked technique to extort our Qingyun Sect. However, if the Sect already possesses an equivalent technique, it won¡¯t be coerced into it. I¡¯m willing to offer this technique to the Sect, but I want to get better treatment for my family¡¯s young master in exchange.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu had long guessed that Gu Zuo was willing to trade, but when he really heard it, an unstoppable tide surged in his heart. Although he still didn¡¯t have a deepprehension of this technique, just from a few isted phrases he could understand the terrifying value of what was contained inside!

    He suddenly made a fist: ¡°Rest assured. Whatever you guys want, you only need to mention it, and I¡¯ll fight for you guys with all I¡¯ve got. Even if I can¡¯t do it, there¡¯s also my honored teacher. I absolutely won¡¯t let you guys down.¡±

    Gu Zuo showed a smiling expression: ¡°Of course, I believe in Senior Sect Brother Xu. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have handed it over to you in advance.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he thought of something and asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, it¡¯s just that, when Chongyun Sect came here two hundred years ago, didn¡¯t those pharmacists have psychic powers?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯splexion eased at Gu Zuo¡¯s trust. After that, he slowly nodded: ¡°As far as I know, when Chongyun Sect came at that time, it also used a young generation of powerhouses to utterly suppress our Qingyun Sect under the guise of an exchange. However, during the pharmacists¡¯ spars, it didn¡¯t reveal the peculiarities of psychic powers... If they had it at the time, then it was hidden too deeply.¡±

    In actuality, regardless of whether Chongyun Sect had concealed it for a long time and was only willing to reveal it now, or they had obtained this thing not long ago, Qingyun Sect had already fallen behind.

    After seeing the other uses of psychic power, let alone Xu Lingxiu, the top pharmacists absolutely wouldn¡¯t let this type of special technique slip away!

    Xu Lingxiu returned that item book back into Gu Zuo¡¯s hands: ¡°Put this thing away first. Although you trust me, this thing is owned by you. When the day of the transaction arrives, then you can take it out again.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Xu Lingxiu acting this way, and took it back with a smile: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Soon after, Xu Lingxiu muttered: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, since you¡¯ve long had this thing, have you also learned the technique inside it?¡± His heart suddenly stirred, ¡°During the first round, when that Chongyun Sect pharmacist¡¯s cauldron exploded, did it have anything to do with you?¡±

    Sure enough, he was very intelligent and quick-witted. In a short while, he strung the matter together.

    Gu Zuo nodded in embarrassment: ¡°Yes. Chongyun Sect was taking an excessively unfair advantage. During the spar, that pharmacist used psychic power to cheat. I couldn¡¯t bear to see this, and momentarily acted on impulse...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s gaze flickered: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, you can¡¯t take action again during the following matches. Although there¡¯s a possibility that we¡¯ll lose, we need to bide our time. First, we need to get a clear understanding of Chongyun Sect¡¯s true goals before anything else.¡±

    They would know what Chongyun Sect wanted to plunder from Qingyun Sect once they proposed the terms of agreement!

    Gu Zuo immediately promised, but he also had some doubts: ¡°Then, when it¡¯s time for me to go, should I pretend to lose?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu gave a coldugh: ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± He thought it over, and spoke to Gu Zuo in a low voice, ¡°You and I will be goingst. In the meantime, I¡¯ll refine a few cauldrons of medicinal pills, and you¡¯ll use your psychic power to interfere with me so that I can adapt to it. When it¡¯s my turn, I¡¯ll be able to keep myself under control. As for you, with your psychic power, there¡¯s no need to blow up the other side¡¯s cauldron. During your spar, you only need to pretend that you¡¯re being negatively influenced. Just gain a second-wind at the critical juncture and condense your pills as before. That¡¯ll be enough to make those Chongyun Sect clowns lose face!¡±

    Hearing Xu Lingxiu¡¯s n, Gu Zuo was very delighted: ¡°Okay! But after we figure out their goals, I have to privately plot against them a few times!¡±

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth hooked up into the curve of a sneer: ¡°Rest assured, we¡¯ll bear them in mind for now, but the day of our revenge wille.¡±

    The two were whispering in this ce. Although the other pharmacists had discovered this, they also understood proper etiquette and didn¡¯te over. Since ordinary pharmacists couldn¡¯t use their own psychic powers, their five senses weren¡¯t as strong as those of martial artists. As a result, after the two lowered their voices, those pharmacists had no way to hear their words ¡ª Granted that there were a few seniors here, they only nced over with eyes filled with concern, and didn¡¯t speak much at all.

    Because they knew that the current pressure on Qingyun Sect was very great. At the same time, they also endorsed the spection of these younger generations.

    Following this, Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu arrived in front of the pavilion¡¯s window ledge, and they looked at the venue down below.

    Just as the two had guessed, after Qingyun Sect lost the second match, the third, the fourth... Quite a few matches in session were all losses.

    There was nothing to be done. During every spar, none of the Qingyun Sect pharmacists were able to smoothly condense their pills. However, the medicinal pills that the Chongyun Sect pharmacists refined werergely high grade pills. It was very conspicuous.

    As time went on, Qingyun Sect¡¯s losses became more and more bitter...

    But, no one here was a fool.

    The numerous spectating martial artists and pharmacists originally embraced the mindset of watching exciting matches. They wanted to see the results of the spars. After the first three rounds were all losses, they broke out in a cold sweat for their own Sect, but when they discovered that their Sect¡¯s pharmacists were unable to condense any pills every time, they felt that something was wrong.

    This was impossible. If one or two were incapable of condensing pills, then it could be said that they were too nervous. But if each and every pharmacist failed, then idents had certainly urred.

    It was inevitable. Bursts of discussion echoed out, and all of them were calling into question the validity of this sparring contest.

    However, this uncertainty was soon quelled.

    Regardless of whether Chongyun Sect had done something, the patrolling enforcement disciples wouldn¡¯t allow the members of their own Sect act too impulsively.

    Although, they were likewise filled with puzzlement and uncertainty...

    Next, Xu Lingxiu took to the field.

    He sat cross-legged directly in front of his opponent. He swept a nce at his opponent¡¯s disdainful look. There was a cold smile on his face.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Ch242 - One Faceslap After Another

    <h4>Chapter Ch242 - One Facep After Another</h4>

    From up above, Gu Zuo felt relieved as he watched Xu Lingxiu, who looked like he had a card up his sleeve.

    Xu Lingxiu was worthy of having the aptitude of a quasi Golden-Level pharmacist. Just then, under the interference of Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, he disyed impressive resistance. Although he still failed the first time, after a few more tries, he already could smoothly respond to all sorts of sudden situations. Moreover, Gu Zuo gave him practice by adjusting various methods of interference ¡ª It could be said that, so long as the opponent¡¯s psychic power was weaker than that of Gu Zuo, Xu Lingxiu would definitely be able to condense his pills!

    ¡ª Right now, Gu Zuo waited as he looked at that Chongyun Sect member¡¯s facial expression.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s opponent appeared to be a pharmacist just as arrogant as him. Their ages were also about the same, and the opponent was an elegant teenager. At this moment, that teenager¡¯s nostrils issued a harrumph. Soon after, he refused to acknowledge Xu Lingxiu, and minded his own business as he processed his medicinal ingredients.

    This kind of attitude was even nastier than the couple of people before who were putting on airs.

    Xu Lingxiu coldly hooked the corner of his mouth. Then, he slightly lifted his chin, and showed an appearance that was saturated in arrogance. If that teenager looked down upon him one hundred percent, then he looked down on the other party a hundred and twenty percent.

    We¡¯ll see who can pull more aggro!

    The two people¡¯s refinements were very fast, and Xu Lingxiu swiftly reached the pill condensing phase. Because he had long made preparations, his speed was ten percent faster than normal.

    The other side¡¯s teenager saw him working this quickly, and his previous conceit slightly dwindled. But at the same time, a glimmer flickered in the space between his brows. His psychic power had been silently released!

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s fingers faintly trembled.

    He detected the other party¡¯s psychic power!

    However... Beyond expectations, Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t find it difficult to deal with.

    That teenager¡¯s psychic power really could catch the average person off-guard, but after being trained by Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power for several times, Xu Lingxiu suddenly felt that this psychic power was being handled very crudely ¡ª

    Right, it was very crude.

    If it was said that Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power changed course several times in a purposeful way and carried out exquisite attacks, then the other party¡¯s psychic power could only stumble over like this. After evading Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, meeting this kind of psychic power basically didn¡¯t amount to anything. It could even be said that, if it wasn¡¯t for the Qingyun Sect pharmacists not knowing what direction the psychic power came from, they wouldn¡¯t have had to cope with this experience like before. In fact, this psychic power couldn¡¯t truly cause a pharmacist to waste their pills!

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s eyes flickered with a gleam of cold light. His fingers deftly formed hand seals, and the instant that the opponent¡¯s psychic power arrived to negatively influence him, he had already prompted the medicinal ingredients in the cauldron to change positions. The medicinal properties that had nearly been thrown into chaos were also rapidly returned to their proper trajectories under his actions. That previous burst of psychic power had been evaded by him just like so!

    After that, Xu Lingxiu swiftly alternated hand seals again and again. In the blink of an eye, the medicinal pills were already formed!

    Immediately following this, nine medicinal pills flew out and were scooped up by Xu Lingxiu¡¯s outstretched hand. All of them were packed into a jade bottle.

    Aplete set of nine pills. There were five high grade and four mid grade pills. It was an outstanding performance!

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s series of actions were done all in one go. His movements were like rolling clouds and flowing water, and it was especially beautiful. Before many people could react, his medicinal pills had already been sessfully refined!

    By contrast, there was that teenager on the opposite side. While he was using his psychic power, he didn¡¯t forget that he needed toplete his own pills. However, right when he was condensing his pills, he unexpectedly discovered that his psychic power had no effect on Xu Lingxiu. He didn¡¯t smell any burnt odors at all! Once he lifted his eyes in confusion, he coincidentally saw Xu Lingxiu in the middle of receiving his pills. Moreover, the product grades of those medicinal pills were extremely good. If the teenager didn¡¯t give it his all, perhaps there wouldn¡¯t be any way for him to achieve the same number and grade of pills!

    When all was said and done, that teenager didn¡¯t have much experience. Relying on his psychic power, he thought that he could be as impressive as his Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters. He didn¡¯t expect that, after so many people went, it was precisely his turn when his psychic power didn¡¯t have any effect! His heart couldn¡¯t help panicking, and under such a fluster, the hand seals of both hands didn¡¯t flow that smoothly. At the same time, a hint of an unpleasant odor emerged from his pill cauldron instead.

    The teenager was greatly rmed. He hurriedly turned his head to remedy the situation. Right now, there was only a slight problem. There was still time to fix it! But just at this time, he heard jeeringugh.

    That¡¯s right. It was augh that Xu Lingxiu let out.

    The teenager couldn¡¯t bear it, and raised his head again. What he saw was Xu Lingxiu¡¯s face, which seemed to be filled with the brightly shining words ¡°Weak Chicken¡±. He was even more distracted when he saw Xu Lingxiu mouth the word... ¡°Trash?¡±

    Regardless of the amount or quality, it was allrgely inferior to Xu Lingxiu...

    Presently, Xu Lingxiu was undoubtedly the victor.

    Xu Lingxiu was immensely proud of himself, and nced at the pavilion on the other side with a gaze that was filled with ridicule. He turned around, and returned to Qingyun Sect¡¯s pavilion.

    Everyone from Chongyun Sect: ¡°...¡±

    Immediately following this,ints sprung up from all around:

    ¡°Who is that brat? How arrogant!¡±

    ¡°Who knows what kind of luck he bumped into, but he could actually condense his pills!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all Xu Xing¡¯s fault! How could he be this useless?!¡±

    ¡°Junior Sect Brother Xu is already so young. It can only be said that this Xu Lingxiu¡¯s luck is too good...¡±

    After Xu Lingxiu returned, what he obtained was naturally everyone¡¯s admiring gazes.

    Gu Zuo gave him a thumbs-up: ¡°Awesome job, Senior Sect Brother Xu!¡±

    Xu Lingxiu: ¡°...What¡¯s the meaning of using your thumb that way?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    There was no need to look into this question.

    He was merely a bit excited. That¡¯s all.

    After Xu Lingxiu, it was Gu Zuo.

    Just then, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s performance had been taken into Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. However, after Xu Lingxiu¡¯s round of dodging, he felt that the other party might use other tricks. When he sparred, he needed to be mindful.

    What¡¯s more, this little prince could p the other side¡¯s face so heavily. Thus, he couldn¡¯t be too useless as well.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo finalized his ns.

    Without utilizing psychic powers, could it be that he didn¡¯t have other things he could use?

    After that, Gu Zuo asked Dragon One, who was waiting below, to carry him down.

    Following that, he took out his own pill cauldron.

    The one sitting across from Gu Zuo was a solemn-faced young man. Looking at his stately appearance and upright features, it would easily give one a good impression. However, granted that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t deliberately use any psychic power, the existence of psychic power in his body allowed his five senses to be very sharp. As a result, he naturally could discover that, even though this person didn¡¯t appear to be looking down on anyone, that trace of extremely hidden disdain was still observed by Gu Zuo.

    Disdain... What did he disdain?

    Following the other party¡¯s inattentive mood reveal, Gu Zuo lowered his head and looked at his own pill cauldron.

    This was a cauldron that Gongyi Tianheng prepared for him. It was ssified as the type that was rtively good andmonly used on the market. From quality to medicinal ingredientpatibility, it was out of the ordinary in all respects. ording to reason, there shouldn¡¯t have been anything to nitpick about. However, as far as those genius pharmacists of Chongyun Sect were concerned, this cauldron¡¯s grade was too low.

    Each pharmacist needed to have their own exclusive pill refining cauldron that had all kinds of attributes. In addition, the better the cauldron¡¯s performance, the stronger the boost to one¡¯s pill production rate... Gu Zuo used this kind of pill cauldron which didn¡¯t have any special attributes. Naturally, in the other party¡¯s eyes, he was a country-bumpkin pharmacist.

    Gu Zuo nced at the other side¡¯s gorgeous cauldron, and then looked at his own metal-hulled one. He sank into silence.

    In fact, the ones that bore attributes only gave bonuses to the medicinal pills which possessed those attributes. But as for him, it wasn¡¯t essential at all. Once he reminisced about himself and Tianheng leaving that ce, he couldn¡¯t help bing even more taciturn.

    Speaking of which, he and his big brother really were country bumpkins...

    Very quickly, Gu Zuo pulled himself together.

    It was good enough for a cauldron to be easy to use. Wouldn¡¯t it provoke the other party even more if he used an ordinary pill cauldron to trounce his opponent¡¯s gorgeous, attributed cauldron?

    With such thinking, he made up his mind. Without paying attention to the person across from him, he took out all kinds of medicinal ingredients.

    Soon after, both sides released their mes, and warmed their cauldrons.

    As a result, after the other person released his me, it promptly gave rise to some lightmentary.

    Gu Zuo took a look at the other side.

    The one used over there was a first ss Earth Fire, and the one he used was the third ss Earth Fire that Xu Lingxiu had lended to him ¡ª In terms of the grade of the Earth Fires, it seemed to be a little lower than his opponent¡¯s me.

    However, this didn¡¯t matter. He totally didn¡¯t need to rely on these things to give him a boost.

    This country bumpkin would continue being a country bumpkin.

    Following this was the refining.

    Gu Zuo immediately became serene and focused. When he threw in the medicinal ingredients, the rhythm between his fingers carried iparably perfect mysteries. Everyone who watched it couldn¡¯t help immersing themselves for a second.

    That young pharmacist of Chongyun Sect also nced over to this side, and in the depths of his eyes flickered a trace of malice.

    ¡ª Just a moment ago, Chongyun Sect had lost face. He needed to work twice as hard to retrieve it from this weak chicken!

    En, Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking was the same as his.

    Once the two people started refining pills, the surroundings became silent.

    Whether it was Gu Zuo or that young pharmacist, the medicinal ingredients slid between their fingers, and the medicinal properties lingered on. Countless qi flows roamed through every nook and corner, and the pill cauldrons emitted waves of exotic, sweet scents.

    Both of their speeds were unexpectedly fast!

    Moreover, at this very moment, the two of them were about to condense their pills!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred.

    It came!

    He only ¡°saw¡± a wisp of extremely strong psychic power forcing its way over. In the blink of an eye, it dashed into Gu Zuo¡¯s cauldron. If he could utilize psychic power, he would¡¯ve used a silver needle to instantly shatter it. However, since he couldn¡¯t do so, Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers switched directions. A swift change urred in the hand seal between his fingers. A piece of medicinal ingredient was thrown into the cauldron by him.

    Puff!

    The psychic power pierced that medicinal ingredient. The ingredient was crushed into powder, and fell the bottom of the cauldron. And yet, when this fine powder was sprinkled onto those medicinal liquid balls, the medicinal properties were instantly improved.

    Surprisingly, it was instead beneficial to the medicinal liquid!

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t lower his guard.

    With the sharpness of his own psychic power, he promptly realized that another concealed wisp of psychic power wasing from another direction!

    Without the least bit of fear, Gu Zuo extended a hand and manipted those nine medicinal balls to bounce up. In a split second, they surged to the other side of the pill cauldron ¡ª That¡¯s right. The one that Gu Zuo used was a giant pill cauldron. The space inside was just thatrge! Moreover, what surprised people even more was that, at the same time, Gu Zuo also regted the Earth Fire¡¯s temperature. Unexpectedly, there wasn¡¯t the tiniest impact on the further refinement of those medicinal balls!

    The expression of the young man on the opposite side became unsightly.

    What was going on? This was obviously a brat who couldn¡¯t use psychic powers. How could the brat avoid his psychic power attacks twice? Was this a coincidence? Or perhaps... But he clearly sensed that the brat had no psychic power at all!

    The young man didn¡¯t believe that there was foul y.

    This time around, however, he was shouldering the mission of tearing down Qingyun Sect¡¯s face once more. How could he just give up like this? Immediately following that, he prudently refined his own medicinal pills while discharging the third wisp of psychic power.

    Gu Zuo curled his lips.

    Good. Come right this way.

    Hence, his fingers continuously flicked out, and another type of medicinal ingredient went into the pill cauldron. It instantly collided with that psychic power, but this ingredient had no way of increasing the product grade of the pills. He used his hand seals again, and dispersed the ingredient to pile up in a corner.

    Soon after, the fourth wisp arrived. Gu Zuo increased his speed in pill condensing and dodged it outright. The fifth wisp came. Gu Zuo shifted the impurities from the previous pile in the corner and warded off that psychic power once more. The sixth wisp, the seventh wisp... The attacks came one after another, and all of them were calmly and unhurriedly resolved by Gu Zuo!

    The other party¡¯s temper had been stirred up. Gu Zuo recalled the way Xu Lingxiu handled things before. He also lifted his head, and looked at the other side.

    Just then, that young man used his psychic power and also keenly looked over.

    Gu Zuo drew back the corners of his mouth into a grin, and made a condescending expression of taking pity on the other party.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 243 - Venting a Little Bit of Hatred

    <h4>Chapter Ch243 - Venting a Little Bit of Hatred</h4>

    It had to be said that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s innate skills consisted first in medicine refinement, and second in taunting and pulling aggro. So long as he wanted to anger someone, then it was a definite guarantee. There were very few people who could restrain themselves.

    While Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have Xu Lingxiu¡¯splete proficiency in this field of study, he was seventy to eighty percent there, at the very least. Most of all, when that young pharmacist on the other side tried tounch eight or nine psychic power attacks and none of them seeded, the rage and resentment in his heart rushed forth in a split second. His face flushed red at flying speeds.

    Immediately following that, he was unable to remain calm. In spite of everything, he sent out his psychic power once again. This time around, he increased the ¡°horsepower¡±, and swore to blow up Gu Zuo¡¯s pill cauldron!

    ...Everyone knew that psychic powers relied on control. If there was poor control, then the one who would probably be harmed wouldn¡¯t be others. Rather, it would be oneself.

    Because this Chongyun Sect pharmacist¡¯s jitters had umted into an impulsive urge, and because this impulse prevented the smooth discharge of psychic power... It led to a loss of control.

    Bang! Boom!

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Speaking of which, he didn¡¯t do anything yet. This skill hadn¡¯t been disyed perfectly, so why did the other side¡¯s cauldron explode?

    What was even scarier was that, although the pill cauldron was very sturdy, due to the huge impact of the psychic power, some mes had rushed out from the inside. The Chongyun Sect pharmacist, who was still immersed in his fury, was unable to dodge in time. In the blink of an eye, the frontpels of his robes were burned!

    It went without saying that pharmacists could y with fire. This bit of me certainly couldn¡¯t hurt him, but the originally free-flowing, full-body brocade robes had now be scorched ck. Even his face was pasted with ayer of ck ash... This was truly an unprecedentedly miserable appearance.

    What was even more exasperating was that, after Gu Zuo subconsciously used his hand seals, his pill cauldron issued waves of astonishingly delicate fragrances. Nine deep-blue medicinal pills bounced out, and were instantly collected by him!

    He sessfully refined aplete set of nine pills. Moreover, seven pills were high grade, and two were mid grade pills that were infinitesimally close to high grade!

    As for that Chongyun Sect pharmacist over there...

    His cauldron blew up. The number of finished pills was naturally zero.

    This confident Chongyun Sect pharmacist who came over originally thought that he had the strongest control over psychic powers among all of the sparring contestants. In the end, not only was he unable to deal with Gu Zuo, he also ruined his own medicinal pills, which were in the cauldron that was destroyed by his own psychic power ¡ª One couldn¡¯t help but say that this kind of spectacle was extremely ironic.

    Everyone in the Qingyun Sect pavilion saw this scene, and especially felt that their hatred had been vented.

    Xu Lingxiu, who rarely spoke in praise, also opened his mouth: ¡°During a huge asion like this, Junior Sect Brother Gu sure can do things that exceeds the average person.¡±

    On this side, Qingyun Sect was ecstatic. On that side, Chongyun Sect was aggravated.

    How full of aplished ambitions they were in the beginning, and how utterly difited they were afterwards &#k2014; What kind of a joke was this? If they couldn¡¯t totally suppress Qingyun Sect, then the effect would be much too weak!

    Above all, the one who sparred with Gu Zuo acted as the finisher. He was one of the strongest pharmacists who were brought this time by Chongyun Sect. Who would¡¯ve thought that, not only wasn¡¯t he capable of ending this contest perfectly, he instead lost the most face? With that arrogant ego of his, how could he endure it?

    In that moment, he couldn¡¯t maintain his upright and solemn appearance. He only flicked his sleeves, put away his somewhat damaged cauldron, and turned around to go back to his own pavilion.

    It could be said that he ran away with his tail between his legs.

    The final match ended. Although Qingyun Sect lost dubiously a few times at the start during the pill condensing segments, which triggered many disputes, the emergence of thest two matches made the people of Qingyun Sect understand that this type of matter wasn¡¯t something that couldn¡¯t be guarded against. It was just that their experience wascking.

    Aplete defeat and a few wins were totally different. In particr, during this kind of spar, the first person and thest two people were all said to be the most powerful. As the first match was a tie, and thest two matches were both victories for Qingyun Sect, it was pleasing to hear ¡ª In terms of personnel with high-end techniques, hadn¡¯t they gained the upper hand?

    At the very least, no matter what kind of ns Chongyun Sect hatched, and no matter how much it wanted to suppress Qingyun Sect, it didn¡¯t prevail through these medicinal pill spars.

    Now, it could only wait for their follow-up actions.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu exchanged nces. The two didn¡¯t conscientiously listen to the official nonsense spoken by those people outside. Each of them had their own ns.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s heart already couldn¡¯t wait. He wanted to quickly report the matter of the psychic power method to his own master. Under the protection of the crowd of martial artists, Gu Zuo wanted to go back to his hilltop and wait for his big brother¡¯s return.

    ¡ª To be honest, if that big brother of his still hadn¡¯t returned yet, then missing the arrival of Chongyun Sect was also missing a rare opportunity to gain knowledge and experience.

    It could be said that the members of Chongyun Sect returned in low spirits after their ambitions were dashed.

    In the pavilion, a crowd of young pharmacists looked at each other in dismay. There was hatred and resentment on all of their faces.

    One person angrily said: ¡°The Sect¡¯s mission can¡¯t bepleted right now. What should we do?¡±

    Another person said: ¡°This matter can¡¯t bepletely med on our mistakes...¡±

    Someone else spoke up: ¡°This failed matter rests on our heads. It was clearly a cinch, but idents happened to ur. If we¡¯re not to me, then who is?!¡±

    Then, another person sighed: ¡°After this, when we renegotiate with Qingyun Sect, it¡¯ll be greatly detrimental! Fortunately, Qingyun Sect iscking in ability. It¡¯s fundamentally different from our side, which has such marvelous techniques. It definitely won¡¯t spoil the Sect¡¯s grand ns. It¡¯ll only make the wrangling somewhat more troublesome. If not...¡±

    Everyone had lingering fears.

    ¡°Regardless of how we look at it, we¡¯ve failed the mission this time. No matter how many reasons or excuses, we¡¯ll be punished. I only hope that the Grand Elder will show lenience, and let us off lightly!¡±

    Finally, someone said: ¡°If we can take some time to reveal the might of our psychic powers again, maybe we can make up for it at that time...¡±

    ¡°This bears reconsideration.¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s a chance, we have to give it our all.¡±

    ¡°I hope that we can have our wishes fulfilled...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu, who was apanied by Xi Yangyun, arrived at the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s Medicine God Hall.

    The sole Golden-Level pharmacist in the Sect usually cultivated in secret here. Everyone who entered and exited this hall were all members of the Pharmacist Hall. If other Inner Sect disciples weren¡¯t granted permission or given a token, then they basically weren¡¯t allowed to enter this ce.

    As the Xu n¡¯s extremely outstanding younger generation and as the True Disciple of that Golden-Level pharmacist, Xu Lingxiu was naturally able to pass through without any obstructions. Xi Yangyun was also rather familiar with this ce. It wasn¡¯t convenient for him to go in at this moment, but there was no problem with waiting in a reception area outside.

    Very quickly, Xu Lingxiu walked into the Medicine God Hall.

    In the hall, there was an iparably huge pill cauldron that was nearly ten meters tall. In front of that cauldron sat a white-robed old man with cid qi emissions. With his back facing the entrance, the old man stared at the mes amid that cauldron.

    In a clear voice, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Master, this disciple, Xu Lingxiu, has an important matter to report!¡± Without the slightest hesitation, he spoke the truth, ¡°This concerns Chongyun Sect¡¯s secret ns as well as the continuation of our Pharmacist Hall¡¯s pharmacists for the next hundred-thousand years. I hope that Master will listen to this disciple exin everything clearly one by one!¡±

    Not muchter, a somewhat aged voice that would leave its listeners tranquil echoed out:

    ¡°Lingxiu, speak.¡±

    After throwing all the important matters to Xu Lingxiu ¡ª What Qingyun Sect wanted and what Chongyun Sect wanted had nothing to do with Gu Zuo. Normally, he upied his time in the medicine refining pce hall and mulled over those item books in his possession. Additionally, he was at a loss over the mission that the system had just issued him.

    ¡ª In other words, he hadn¡¯t been told that the mission waspleted yet. This showed that Chongyun Sect¡¯s plot wasn¡¯t thwarted. In that case, was Chongyun Sect still unable to discuss any terms with Qingyun Sect?

    Whatever. It didn¡¯t have that much to do with him.

    The mutual calctions and strategies of the apex powerhouses was a matter that he, a small fry, didn¡¯t need to break his brain thinking about ¡ª In any case, he had already sent over a big bargaining chip.

    However, while Gu Zuo was preupied, Chongyun Sect didn¡¯t remain idle. Not a single one of them was idle. Recently, Gu Zuo heard lots of gossip.

    At the start, the first ones were between Chongyun Sect disciples and Qingyun Sect disciples ¡ª Of both martial artist and pharmacist professions ¡ª And the the spars that urred again.

    This time, conflicts of indeterminable size had sprung up all over the ce among the Xiantian Realm disciples.

    Moreover, one couldn¡¯t tell which side had taken the initiative.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 244 - Gongyi Tianheng Returns

    <h4>Chapter Ch244 - Gongyi Tianheng Returns</h4>

    Gu Zuo heard what was said. Not only were there Duanshui Hall, Clear Water Pavilion, Wild Martial Arts Society, Autumn Waters Association, and otherrge forces on the Earth Leaderboard, there were also all kinds of unobtrusive and inconspicuous forces backed by Immortal Realm powerhouses which had sent out people.

    On the Martial Prowess tform, underneath the Earth Leaderboard, the disciples of both Sects woulde here on their own to battle each other every day. Qingyun Sect still lost more than it won, but in the end, they had many people. From the very beginning, only theparatively powerful were chosen. Afterwards, more and more experts were called out from seclusion to retrieve some face from Chongyun Sect.

    Besides this, the restaurants, tea shops, medicine stores, and other ces in the Business Districts both inside and outside the Sect were frequented by Chongyun Sect disciples wearing looks of disdain. As for the Qingyun Sect disciples, they definitely couldn¡¯t endure it. They would take out their best things andpete with the Chongyun Sect disciples. Amid thesepetitions, it usually led to a big fight breaking out.

    When one side lost, they would ask for their own side¡¯s experts. These experts would win, and the other side would lose. Then, the other side would ask for their own experts toe out... Unwittingly, it could be said that the atmosphere between the two Sects was one with swords drawn and bows bent. Whenever the people of both sides met, they were all ¡°full of youthful vigor¡± and insisted on pushing down the other party¡¯s head.

    At the same time, Qingyun Sect disciples often gathered to hold meetings, roped in alliances, amassed manpower, or initiated mobilizations.

    In brief, under this kind of all-out ¡°war¡±, the consumption of medicinal pills became extremely high for all stores in the Business Districts.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s Medicine of Life had lots of high-quality medicinal pills that treated injuries. Whenever a new batch of medicine was supplied, it would be swept clean off the shelves. In addition, the numerous, exhausted pharmacists would spend day and night in a rush to refine pills. Even Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t avoid taking half of every day¡¯s time to conduct some ¡°automated¡± medicine refinement.

    But what subsequently followed were still the huge handfuls of golden banknotes, which would be Gu Zuo¡¯s personal resources and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s foundation.

    While Gu Zuo industriously refined medicine, he nevertheless thought in his heart: Big brother, why haven¡¯t youe back yet... You¡¯ve been journeying for so long. Are you safe? Have you sharpened your position? Are you keeping yourself healthy? Ah, if you don¡¯te back, there¡¯s no way I can start any talks with Qingyun Sect to ask for resources.

    That¡¯s right. Because the psychic power method was very precious, the day after Xu Lingxiu reported to his superiors, Xu Lingxiu dropped by for another visit and came to fetch the psychic power method book.

    Of course, Xu Lingxiu also stated clearly that, after the psychic power method¡¯s authenticity was verified, his honored teacher would meet with Gu Zuo. At that time, other great personages would also be present. This would allow Gu Zuo to make preparations.

    Gu Zuo was instantly terrified.

    When he thought about it, he knew the reason why. Wasn¡¯t it to let him make his requests? However, when his big brother wasn¡¯t here, how was he supposed to know what would be the best requests to make?!

    The important point was that he simply had no way of outsmarting those old foxes! If he wasn¡¯t careful and was caught in a pitfall, he would be out of luck... Although he wouldn¡¯t say it was certain that the Sect would dig a pit for him, he still had a hard time grasping the propriety of this kind of business. If the requested things were inappropriate or he worsened that side¡¯s impression, it would be no good.

    But there was nothing to be done about an anxious heart. Gu Zuo could only hope that, the next time Xu Lingxiu came to find him, that dear big brother of his was able to return.

    Outside Qingyun Sect.

    Some martial artists were just about to enter. Suddenly, the pungent stench of blood wafted over. They couldn¡¯t help turning their heads, and vigntly looking towards a distant location.

    Over there, the silhouettes of two people arrived at flying speeds. Although the figures were far away, the eyesight of these martial artists could see that the bodies of those two people were practically drenched red with blood. That heavy stench of blood had almost solidified as it travelled from their bodies!

    ¡ª Who were these two people?

    Thinking about the many recent conflicts with Chongyun Sect, theplexions of these martial artists became guarded and the muscles all over their bodies were stretched taut.

    If the two were members of Chongyun Sect, what did they do to have such a terrifying, bloody stench...

    Once the two people were about to arrive in front of them, the bodies of these martial artists couldn¡¯t help slightly shuddering.

    The closer those two people got, the scarier their auras became. The martial artists suddenly discovered that the intense stench of blood didn¡¯t amount to anything. The resentful energy and killing intent borne within that bloody stench were far more terrifying!

    ¡°T-t-that¡¯s¡ª¡±

    Someone¡¯s teeth chattered.

    ¡°Wait a second! It¡¯s not someone from Chongyun Sect. It¡¯s Senior Sect Brother Huang!¡±

    All of a sudden, someone else cried out in surprise.

    Sure enough, the steps of those two stopped here.

    At the same time, their appearances were revealed before the people.

    Both of them were draped with bloodied garments ¡ª And it definitely wasn¡¯t the sort of natural coloring. From those motley vestiges, one could see that these bloodied garments were stained with real blood. Because some ces were stained with too much blood, it had practically turned brown or ck. It was absolutely horrifying.

    The heights of the two people were about the same. The extremely formidable qi emissions on the left were of a martial artist at the Immortal Realm or above. Although he had reined much of it in, others would still be terrified by the sight of it. This person¡¯s hair was short, stiff, and stood upright. The lips and fingernails were all a pitch-ck color, but the exposed skin was a lustrous white. This person¡¯s facial expression was grim and unfeeling, and their slim figure was filled with strength. Wasn¡¯t this the legendary Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji of the Inner Sect?

    However, they didn¡¯t recognize the person who arrived with Huang Ji.

    That person¡¯s face was as handsome as the bright moon in the sky. His posture was tall and straight, and his body was perfectly proportioned. His temperament was also extremely graceful. If it wasn¡¯t for being covered in blood, which brought about a wild and vicious intent, he would¡¯ve been like a noble young master dressed in finery, giving others a feeling of elegance and poise. However, after taking another look at the injuries that nketed his skin and his already tattered clothing, one would know that he had experienced a tempering of life and death. He simply couldn¡¯t bepared to those people who lived like princes.

    ¡ª In fact, by just seeing that he could keep up with Huang Ji¡¯s speed with his Xiantian Realm, it was already enough to show that he was out of the ordinary.

    But fortunately, the two of them were members of Qingyun Sect. As far as these martial artists were concerned, regardless of whether fellow disciples had harmonious rtions or not, so long as they weren¡¯t Chongyun Sect¡¯s people, they could set aside their ill-feelings.

    Hence, those couple of Inner Sect disciples said in greeting: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang. This honorable Senior Sect Brother.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow.

    Senior Sect Brother? While it hadn¡¯t been long since he entered the Sect, his strength indeed was somewhat stronger than that of these few people.

    Huang Ji nodded to these people, and nced at Tianheng. Then, they flew over and entered the Sect.

    The Inner Sect disciples in the back trailed the two figures with their eyes. All of them spoke up:

    ¡°Who knows if Senior Sect Brother Huang and the other guy will encounter Chongyun Sect¡¯s people this time around?¡±

    ¡°If they meet, maybe there¡¯ll be a good fight!¡±

    ¡°If you say it like this, I actually hope that they can meet.¡±

    Perhaps, these couple of people really had crow beaks. When Huang Ji and Tianheng crossed over that abyss and rushed straight into the Inner Sect, they just so happened to hear the sounds of fighting.

    As the number one on the Sky Leaderboard, Huang Ji normally wasn¡¯t someone who meddled in the affairs of others, but he still listened to some voices.

    Tianheng also listened.

    The two didn¡¯t need to look at one another. They just went towards that direction.

    Tianheng said in astonishment: ¡°Chongyun Sect? What Sect is that?¡±

    Yes. If it was only a fight between ordinary Inner Sect disciples, they wouldn¡¯t have been the least bit interested. But now was different. Amid those noises, they clearly heard words like ¡°Chongyun Sect¡±, ¡°Don¡¯t let them get away with this¡±, ¡°Arrogant¡±, and so on... Naturally, they wanted to go over and have a look.

    Huang Ji¡¯s expression was grave and stern as he shed over.

    Tianheng followed closely behind, and didn¡¯t fall half a step behind ¡ª Through life and death tempering, he had graduallybined those many body techniques which he previouslyprehended. He already had the embryonic form of an extremely powerful body technique. When utilized, it could be said that it distantly surpassed the other various techniques that he could presently obtain.

    Between body flickers, the two had arrived at the location of those morous noises.

    Up ahead, two sides were in a confrontation. On one side, many had received serious injuries. As for the people on the other side, one was right in the middle of ¡°sparring¡± with a Qingyun Sect disciple. However, his moves were utterly ruthless. When that palm swatted out, the qi waves overflowed the sky. Once it struck, it would thoroughly cripple the opposing disciple!

    Although they arrived in an instant, Tianheng had alreadypletely seen through the situation of the people here.

    The side that belonged to Qingyun Sect only had a total of seven people. Three of whom had beenpletely crippled, two were seriously injured and were near death, one could barely move and was casting a hateful look at the other side, and another person was just one step away from being crippled!

    By contrast was the other side. Let alone being crippled, there was merely a single person who was seriously injured. The others were, at most, only lightly injured.

    For both sides, the number of people and the realms were about the same. However, in the end, the discrepancies between them were sorge!

    There was no need to overthink things right now. They would save that person first before anything else.

    Huang Ji and Tianheng¡¯s reactions were very fast. Regardless of the oue, the circumstances here made it unsuitable for Huang Ji to take action. As a result, before Huang Ji moved, Tianheng¡¯s body shed. In the blink of an eye, he arrived next to the Qingyun Sect disciple being attacked faster than that side¡¯s ruthless move!

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng stretched out a hand, and firmly pped from the bottom to the side ¡ª

    Boom!

    Qi waves rolled on. Brimming with power, the waves surged out in all directions.

    That person who originally grasped the winning ticket in his hand only felt that his own palm had been struck by a lump of iron falling out of the sky. He felt that his qi energy had been damaged. A mouthful of blood was going to clot in his internal organs!

    He repeatedly retreated several steps back, and clearly saw that someone from the other side had blocked his attack and snatched his prey.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 245 - The Blood Palm

    <h4>Chapter 245 - The Blood Palm</h4>

    The rescued person barely fled for his life. He urgently freed himself and rushed to escape beyond the range of that power.

    There was a cry of rm in the back: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Wu, are you okay?¡±

    This person panted several times: ¡°I¡¯m okay. Luckily, this Senior Sect Brother rescued me!¡±

    Everyone could see that the person standing in front was the one who casually struck from the side and saved that Senior Sect Brother Wu. His posture was unhurried and his bearing was outstanding. It was just that his clothing really was somewhat tattered.

    However, not only wouldn¡¯t this kind of wear and tear cause people to look down on him, it would instead make one feel an intense danger ¡ª Who knew how many times he had been stained with the blood of wild beasts to form such a ring red color!

    That person who had been obstructed forcefully suppressed his injuries, and shouted with a stern voice: ¡°Who are you? Why did you suddenly interfere with our spar? Can you still give an exnation?¡±

    When these words were uttered, that group of people who were saved all said in furious voices: ¡°If it weren¡¯t for this Senior Sect Brothering to the rescue, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to bear these spars! How can you people from Chongyun Sect talk about an exnation?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng watched such a scene, but he didn¡¯t need to understand the details. He could roughly guess some things. For the time being, no matter what origin Chongyun Sect had in the end, he himself was a member of Qingyun Sect and the people behind him were fellow disciples. As such, when facing someone who wanted to torment his Sect, there truly was no need for any justification.

    Hence, he faintly smiled: ¡°Qingyun Sect¡¯s Inner Sect disciple, Gongyi Tianheng. Allow me the honor of experiencing the like-minded might of Chongyun Sect.¡±

    He shot a nce at those Chongyun Sect disciples who were mostly in good condition. He slowly said: ¡°This one¡¯s realm is Xiantian stage six. I think it would be out of the question to say that having a spar with everyone is unreasonable.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s qi emissions were vast, and his performance in the rescue was too effortless. Just then, everyone here unexpectedly didn¡¯t once discover his true realm. Now that they heard him bring it up, the opposing Chongyun Sect disciples were immediately dumbstruck.

    Indeed. In this ce, whether healthy or wounded, whether Qingyun Sect or Chongyun Sect, the one with the lowest strength was Xiantian stage seven. Compared to the present Tianheng, it was still one stage higher!

    Granted that Tianheng wanted to join in, how could they avoid fighting?

    On that side, the Chongyun Sect disciples had no other choice. They were forced to take the challenge. On this side, the Qingyun Sect disciples recalled how they addressed Tianheng just now, and their moods were slightlyplicated... But returning to the topic at hand, he was able to be so valiant with the strength of Xiantian stage six, so addressing him as Senior Sect Brother wasn¡¯t actually uncalled for.

    What¡¯s more, this really was a favor of salvation!

    Tianheng stood unmoving at his original location, and the side of his lips formed a smile: ¡°Since it has already been agreed upon, I ask that a person from this noble sect steps forward. This untalented one will respectfully receive your wise moves.¡±

    The Chongyun Sect disciples exchanged nces, and a person begrudgingly walked out: ¡°Chongyun Sect disciple, Zhou Yan. Please advise me.¡±

    This Zhou Yan wasn¡¯t the person whose attack had failed. Rather, he was one of the few among the Chongyun Sect disciples who had almost no injuries ¡ª Although Tianheng was only Xiantian stage six, they didn¡¯t underestimate him in the slightest.

    No. It should be said that they regarded this with great importance.

    As Zhou Yan¡¯s voice fell, he had already taken the initiative to make the first move.

    He curled his hand into a fist, generating a formidable gust of wind. A whirlwind of qi energy blew wherever his fist went. morous sound waves surged into an extremely strong power. The heaviness of his fist carried a mighty force like that of a mountain, but the unusual nature of the fist intent caused the punch¡¯s trajectory to be very crafty. It was as valiant as a fierce tiger, and as cunning as a poisonous snake.

    The people of Qingyun Sect immediately warned:

    ¡°Senior Sect Brother Gongyi, be careful! That fist intent is very hard to grasp!¡±

    ¡°Beware of that move¡¯s strangeness! Quickly dodge it!¡±

    ¡°The true location of that fist¡¯s energy is extremely hard to find! Senior Sect Brother Gongyi, you must be cool-headed by all means!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to that noise!¡±

    That punch appeared very difficult to deal with, and it barreled towards Tianheng¡¯s blind spots. The previous Qingyun Sect disciples suffered defeat under this move because they couldn¡¯t see through this fist¡¯s strange nature. The airflow brought about by those fist shadows created a peculiar sound that would deceive a person¡¯s five senses. It would leave one muddleheaded during a fight. One basically wouldn¡¯t be able to focus their energy to search for the weak points in that move!

    Naturally, Tianheng heard those people¡¯s warnings, but his reactions were even faster. At almost the exact same time his opponentunched that punch, issuing the airflows and strange sounds, Tianheng sealed off his own auditory perception to prevent that strange sound from shaking him up. Immediately following that, he swatted out a palm.

    At once, in the direction that Tianheng¡¯s palm struck out, everyone saw a dark-red colored Blood Palm suddenly emerge out of thin air.

    This Blood Palm was a little over three meters long. Its form was ordinary, but its color was strange. After striking out, it released an off-sweet odor. It was almost like the stench of blood, and almost like the smell of poison. It was extremely frightening!

    For such a palm print, who would dare to receive it head-on?

    At the Blood Palm¡¯s quick speed, it only took an instant to utterly crush that fist move which filled the whole sky. The Chongyun Sect disciple reacted hastily, and used a body technique to dodge to the side. Unexpectedly, he wasn¡¯t able to escape unscathed ¡ª That Blood Palm had brushed against one of his arms!

    Zhou Yan immediately let out a blood-curdling screech.

    As it turned out, at the area where the Blood Palm brushed past, a dark-red qi lingered on the surface. In the blink of an eye, it formed a ck mark, and this ck mark continuously spread towards the interior. In the brief time it took to breathe, it had already dposed half of that arm. The ghastly, white bones inside had all been dyed with ayer of ck qi!

    Zhou Yan¡¯s agonizedplexion was deathly pale as he dripped with a cold sweat.

    But in the end, he wasn¡¯t someone who¡¯d lose control in a moment of panic. After he discovered his own miserable state, his other hand promptly shed down with a long saber. With a swish, he cut off this arm of his.

    At this time, what flowed out from the stump of this chopped arm was scarlet-red blood ¡ª It seemed that, because he reacted without dy, he prevented that poison from spreading to the rest of his body.

    At the same time, everyone¡¯s gazes fell upon the ground.

    Over there, the half-arm which had fallen down had already been mostly corroded. It was still letting out sizzling noises. After another few seconds, the entire arm had turned to white bones, and the white bones turned to decayed bones. Then, the decayed bones, along with the previously melted flesh, further dposed into a puddle of yellow liquid!

    Whether it was the Chongyun Sect disciples or the Qingyun Sect disciples, they all couldn¡¯t help sucking in cold breaths at this moment.

    A frightening Blood Palm! What a terrifying poison!

    Zhou Yan used his only hand to cover his stump arm. His vitality was greatly injured, and he acknowledged his defeat: ¡°I am no match for you... I have never seen this move before. What do you call it?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows faintly moved, and he said: ¡°The insignificant skill of an eagle catching a worm is unfit to grace my halls.¡±

    Zhou Yan¡¯s face was suffused with a furious scowl: ¡°Since you¡¯re looking down on me, Zhou Yan, then forget it!¡±

    Tianheng remained calm and collected. Following which, he only said: ¡°Who shall fight me next?¡±

    The remaining couple of Chongyun Sect disciples exchanged nces again. The expressions between one another didn¡¯t look good. They hesitated for a while, but atst, someone stepped forward and spoke: ¡°Chongyun Sect¡¯s Li Xing. Please advise me.¡±

    As before, Tianheng took matters calmly. That Li Xing grasped a weapon in hand, and a longsword shed out. However, Tianheng still swatted out a palm, and it was that huge Blood Palm.

    That weapon was thrusted straight at the Blood Palm, and rapidly pierced it. The Chongyun Sect disciple had a delighted expression, but he quickly sensed that, although that Blood Palm had been pierced, its momentum hadn¡¯t been lowered. Unexpectedly, it was still pping towards Li Xing¡¯s body!

    Li Xing hastily turned his sword to chop it, and the Blood Palm had a chunk sliced off. He linked his sword techniques, and diced the Blood Palm into fragments. It was a pity that a chunk still struck his body, causing the side of his waist to issue the sounds of corrosion.

    Agony rushed straight to his head. It was unbearable!

    In a panic, Li Xing used his sword to slice the flesh at his waist. A huge, bloody hole immediately appeared at that location! At first, he thought that this was enough to settle this. Who would¡¯ve thought that a dark-red qi would spread out along the edges of the bloody wound!?

    The next moment, someone hurriedly warned: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Li, the sword you used just now¡ª¡±

    Everyone promptly understood. Li Xing¡¯s sword had just sliced apart the Blood Palm, so there was blood and poison adhered to the sword¡¯s surface. The moment he used that sword to cut out his injured flesh, how could it go smoothly?

    Li Xing had no other option. He could only switch to a new sword, and slice even deeper into his flesh. Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t dare to hesitate the slightest bit. Fortunately, this time around, he sliced to the bone. Finally, when he had nearly reached the viscera, the gaping wound only flowed out with scarlet-red blood.

    Li Xing retreated in defeat.

    Tianheng was unhurried and unobstructed: ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±

    The Chongyun Sect disciples looked at each other in dismay because the bizarre nature of those previous Blood Palms became a taboo in their hearts.

    The confidence of the few Qingyun Sect people was greatly bolstered. They promptly said in provocation: ¡°The magnificent Chongyun Sect doesn¡¯t even have this bit of courage? With Xiantian stage sevens and eights, you¡¯re all still afraid of a stage six disciple?¡±

    When Chongyun Sect and Qingyun Sect confronted each other, what they strove for was honor. Just like when Chongyun Sect had the upper hand and the heavily injured people of Qingyun Sect had no choice but to continue fighting, Qingyun Sect now voiced a few provocations and the people of Chongyun Sect had no way to walk away from this.

    As a result, another person jumped out and confronted Tianheng.

    Tianheng only used this one move, but the next few individuals of Chongyun Sect lost to this move. Ultimately, although not a single one perished, each person who fought with Tianheng either had ruined limbs or missing flesh. When it came to wretched appearances, they weren¡¯t necessarily any better than those crippled Qingyun Sect disciples.

    When Chongyun Sect¡¯s side didn¡¯t have anyone else who could fight, it wasn¡¯t known if they retreated with unwillingness or with a sigh of relief. Before they departed, it was only natural that they firmly memorized Tianheng¡¯s appearance in their minds. Then, they left resentfully.

    As for Tianheng, after they departed, his gaze deepened slightly.

    All of these fights were to...

    Soon after, the Qingyun Sect disciples came over to express their thanks: ¡°Luckily, Senior Sect Brother Gongyi was here. If not, this time, we would¡¯ve all...¡±

    They finished speaking, and theirplexions were dim.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°I was just in the right ce at the right time. It¡¯s not worth mentioning. Actually, what is Chongyun Sect? Why do they dare to treat my fellow disciples like this within our Sect?¡±

    The Qingyun Sect disciples all stared nkly: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Gongyi doesn¡¯t know?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change: ¡°Previously, Senior Sect Brother Huang and I were out hunting and adventuring. We¡¯ve juste back today. Therefore, I really don¡¯t know. I ask that my fellow disciples clue me in.¡±

    The Qingyun Sect disciples suddenly understood. After that, they started to exin the matter of Chongyun Sect one after another, and narrated it to Tianheng bit by bit.

    As Tianheng listened, he took out some medicinal pills, and distributed them: ¡°Here¡¯s some spirit pills. It¡¯ll be somewhat beneficial to everyone¡¯s wounds. Please take them in advance...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 246 - A Warm Welcome

    <h4>Chapter 246 - A Warm Wee</h4>

    These medicinal pills were all ones that Gu Zuo prepared for Gongyi Tianheng prior to his departure. Their quality was outstanding, and they were ssified as top grade pills which were rather effective for internal injuries. Although they were inferiorpared to the targeted nature of the Viscera Growth Pill, because their product grades were very high, the pills were likewise very miraculous.

    Originally, because the several Qingyun Sect disciples were in great pain and theycked the corresponding pills, any healing would¡¯ve been dyed. Now that they obtained these medicinal pills, although it was somewhat embarrassing, the disciples immediately swallowed them. After taking the medicine, they immediately sensed a formidable medicinal power resonating within their bodies.

    The disciple who was the most heavily injured recovered some vitality. He eagerly asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Gongyi, which medicine store did you get these pills from?¡±

    But right away, he felt something was amiss. The source of top grade medicinal pills wasn¡¯t something that could be told to others so easily. After figuring it out, he didn¡¯t investigate any further, but his expression was still sad.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°This medicine was produced by my subordinate pharmacist. Merely, it¡¯s extremely difficult to refine, and very few can be made.¡±

    The several Inner Sect disciples sighed: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Senior Sect Brother Gongyi is very blessed to have this pharmacist under yourmand.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes softened: ¡°Indeed, I¡¯m very blessed.¡± Soon after, he consoled the people and said, ¡°Everyone should first search through the Sect. If you guys can¡¯t find any medicine, you can also look for me. Although I wouldn¡¯t dare guarantee that I¡¯ll certainly have it, it might be possible if everyone is willing to provide enough medicinal ingredients.¡±

    The several disciples heard this, and they all felt at ease in their hearts.

    This fellow disciple was truly virtuous and righteous. Although their realms were higher, calling him Senior Sect Brother wouldn¡¯t be in vain.

    Because their hearts were filled with good impressions of Tianheng, it was only natural that they cupped their hands in obeisance: ¡°In that case, many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Gongyi. If we¡¯re unable to obtain medicine, we¡¯ll certainly prepare many medicinal ingredients and pay you a visit!¡±

    Tianheng exchanged his address information with them. Immediately following which, they all went their separate ways, and he went along with Huang Ji towards his own hilltop. Before leaving, those Inner Sect disciples also paid their respects to Huang Ji, but they didn¡¯t dare to speak any more words. In their hearts, they were very curious how this Senior Sect Brother Gongyi was able to be so familiar with the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one. Through some calctions, many had some ideas.

    After returning to his own hill, Tianheng saw a figure rushing over from far away. This didn¡¯t require a careful look to find that the little pharmacist with a face full of joy had noticed him even earlier.

    Tianheng¡¯s heart warmed, and the corner of his mouth curled up. He extended his hands to catch this person: ¡°Ah Zuo, why did youe out?¡±

    ¡ª In fact, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t be med for being too eager.

    Because, ever since that system-installed contract had evolved into a Profound Friendship between the two, after Tianheng showed up within a certain range around him, Gu Zuo could sense his counterpart¡¯s existence. It went without saying that, every day, he would think about his dear big brother hurriedly returning to discuss matters. While pill refining, he suddenly had a response today. Why wouldn¡¯t he be in a happy mood?

    However, just when Gu Zuo was in the middle of celebrating, he discovered that his big brother unexpectedly wasn¡¯t moving. He thought about going out to find Tianheng, but he was worried that they¡¯d miss each other along the way. As a result, he could only wait like this. After waiting on pins and needles, his big brother finally moved again. Naturally, Gu Zuo hurriedly ran out, wanting to wee Tianheng the very moment he returned.

    Gu Zuo would certainly be embarrassed if he said it like this.

    He grabbed Tianheng¡¯s arms to steady himself. He realized that he was a little too excited, and forced a fewughs. He jumped down: ¡°Because big brother hadn¡¯t returned for so long, I missed you a little bit.¡±

    The moment these words came out, his face immediately heated up.

    Tianheng looked at his appearance, and guessed what he wanted to say. Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing. Soon after, he patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head, ced his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, and led the way back to the top of the hill: ¡°I¡¯ve also rather missed Ah Zuo. I brought back some medicinal ingredients, too. Ah Zuo, see if you can use them&#k2026;¡±

    Meanwhile, Huang Ji was walking quietly. Because his imposing aura was very powerful, his presence was also very strong.

    Gu Zuo quivered. He abruptly realized that he had forgotten to say hello. He promptly said in embarrassment: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, sorry about...¡±

    Speaking up to here, he didn¡¯t know how to take responsibility. Should he say that he was sorry about not noticing Huang Ji? No matter how he said it, it would appear inappropriate and neglectful.

    Huang Ji saw that Gu Zuo finally noticed him, and he gave Gu Zuo a nod: ¡°I¡¯ll be going first.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he leaped out. Then, he disappeared between heaven and earth like an arcing bolt of lightning.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    In a moment of carelessness, he had ignored a noble guest.

    Although he wasn¡¯t med, he felt that he¡¯d let the other down...

    After returning to the hill, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother with any medicinal ingredients. He immediately gripped Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s wrist and gave him an examination. Gu Zuo discovered that the internal injuries really were...out of the ordinary.

    Gu Zuo was suddenly speechless.

    There was no need for a careful inspection. Gu Zuo found that there were countless injuries of various sizes scattered throughout his internal organs. The number of serious injuries that would¡¯ve brought Tianheng close to death numbered at least four or five. This was because, after every time a medicinal pill was used to bring one back, all kinds of medicinal powers wouldn¡¯t bepletely absorbed. To some extent, traces of qi emissions would be left over, which could appear in one¡¯s perception ¡ª Of course, if a person wasn¡¯t continuously getting injured and taking medicinal pills, it wouldn¡¯t be so obvious. While it was like this now, if another length of time passed, the traces would be thoroughly absorbed.

    Gu Zuo found it somewhat difficult to bear in his heart.

    How bitter and desperate this time¡¯s adventure must¡¯ve been...

    In fact, just by looking at the bloody garments his big brother was wearing right now, one could already see the intensity of those close-quarter fights.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo made a careful inspection, and discovered that quite a few powers within his big brother¡¯s body were particrly exuberant. But overall, a bnce still existed in the internal organs. Tianheng¡¯s meridians had also been broken and repaired a few times. They were more resilient than before, but they still needed proper recuperation. Otherwise, allowing things to umte over a long period of time would be inappropriate.

    Generally speaking, the problems weren¡¯t big.

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief. Then, he called for a Tianlong Guard: ¡°Dragon Three!¡±

    Dragon Three appeared in a sh.

    Gu Zuo instructed: ¡°Help prepare a tub of hot water for big brother to take a bath.¡±

    Dragon Three epted the order, and went out.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo is bing more and more thorough now.¡±

    Gu Zuo rubbed his nose, and didn¡¯t say anything.

    With his big brother¡¯s current appearance, no matter who it was, they would all want to ask him to take a bath first...

    Everyone handled their own matters. While Tianheng took a bath in the room, Gu Zuo spent a minute pondering over the problem of nursing his big brother¡¯s body. After that, he used the remaining time to swiftly take out medicinal ingredients, and to concoct a tub of medicinal decoction.

    Tianheng was the young master of an aristocratic family, but he was also a person who practiced martial arts. When it was necessary ¡ª For example, his present filthy state¡ª He nevertheless bathed very quickly.

    After his ¡°battle¡± with the bath, when Tianheng was just about to get out of that tub of dirty water and put on the clothes that were ced on the side, the door was opened by someone. At the same time, a voice came through: ¡°Big brother, wait a moment!¡±

    Tianheng paused, and looked at the doorway.

    As expected, Gu Zuo bounded inside. Dragon Three trailed behind him, carrying a big tub of medicinal decoction.

    Gu Zuo saw that Tianheng hadn¡¯t gotten out of the water yet, and he loosened a sigh. Gu Zuo waved his hand and said: ¡°Big brother,e quick. Soak in the medicinal decoction!¡±

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s eagerly-attentive appearance, and shook his head. Then, he soon smiled and replied: ¡°Okay. Many thanks, Ah Zuo.¡±

    When Tianheng finished his words, he encircled his waist with a bath towel, soared up, andnded directly inside the other bathtub.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    ...His big brother¡¯s movements were still really fast.

    Afterwards, Dragon Three put away that bathtub filled with bloody water, and Gu Zuo arrived in front of the medicinal decoction bathtub.

    Tianheng experienced a pincushion-like pain throughout his limbs and bones, as well as a bloated feeling after that endless medicinal power entered his body. He slowly exhaled.

    Then, he opened his eyes and saw Gu Zuo¡¯s ncing and slightly guilty face. He smiled tenderly: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong? Is there something you want to tell your elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly scratched the side of his face, and nodded his head: ¡°There is, indeed, something...¡±

    Immediately following that, he told Tianheng all about Chongyun Sect¡¯s arrival and provocation, Xu Lingxiu allowing him to participate, his impulsive actions prior to the spar, some of the follow-up conjectures, and so on.

    After Gu Zuo finished speaking, he was a little conflicted: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m not sure if I made a mistake or not... At the time, I just couldn¡¯t restrain myself. Since Chongyun Sect could use psychic powers, I felt that there was nothing to fear by revealing myself on this side. But, will this cause trouble for big brother?¡±

    Tianheng listened to him slowly exin, and gently sighed: ¡°This time, my thinking wasn¡¯t thorough enough. I¡¯ve made things difficult for you.¡±

    Yes. He had made numerous discreet inquires about that thing called psychic power, but he never heard of any clues in this respect pertaining to Qingyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists. The Southeastern Expanse also didn¡¯t exist within his store of knowledge. Naturally, he was incapable of making more predictions. Although he thought there¡¯d be a day when Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was exposed, he didn¡¯t expect that they would meet this turning point so early... However, it couldn¡¯t be said that this turning point was a bad thing.

    The whole time, Gu Zuo was on tenterhooks as he waited for an answer. He watched Tianheng¡¯s expression, and didn¡¯t dare to breathe too loudly.

    A good whileter, Tianheng finally smiled at him: ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. Ah Zuo did an excellent job. If you had informed the Sectte, it would be hard to avoid the resentment of ckmail or coercion. But you seized the opportunity to mention it during that moment, which instead revealed your devotion to the Sect. This also won¡¯t cause people to harbor excessive suspicions. Your friendship with Xu Lingxiu also naturally speaks on your behalf. At that time, you believed in him, and he will certainly do more to protect you now.¡±

    As Gu Zuo listened to Tianheng speak, he immediatelyid down his worries.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 247 - Planning

    <h4>Chapter 247 - nning</h4>

    Following this, Gongyi Tianheng muttered to himself for a moment: ¡°As for the requested items in the exchange with the Sect...¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily asked: ¡°What does big brother suggest?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°The psychic power technique is a hundred times more valuable than the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method, but as members of Qingyun Sect, you and I receive the Sect¡¯s protection. So, we can¡¯t be too greedy.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded repeatedly to express his understanding: ¡°I know, big brother. We can¡¯t ask for things that we can¡¯t use. What we obtain can be our strength ¡ª Either things that have specific advantages at the present time, or things that have long-term benefits.¡±

    Tianheng praised: ¡°Children can be taught.¡± After he finished speaking, he started to give pointers, ¡°Ah Zuo, right now, you don¡¯tck techniques or golden banknotes. What youck are only some external objects. To the best of my knowledge, the Sect¡¯s Pharmacist Hall has a lot of Elders. They can have a fixed amount of precious medicinal ingredients every month. You can request a token for the pay equal to that of an Elder, but without any of the authority.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and felt that it was very reasonable. He delightfully said: ¡°What big brother says makes sense!¡±

    Tianheng kept talking: ¡°Aside from this, you originally obtained two stalks of spirit medicine with the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method. Now, you can strive for five stalks. This request isn¡¯t excessive.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that there were some reserves of spirit medicine in Qingyun Sect. Its foundations were very robust, so taking out five stalks also shouldn¡¯t have been a problem in the least. He continued to nod: ¡°This is good, too!¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°When ites to a pharmacist¡¯s needs, besides medicinal ingredients, nothing can surpass a fire and cauldron. Ah Zuo, although you have a Wondrous Fire in your body, you shouldn¡¯t rashly reveal this Wondrous Fire prior to reaching the Immortal Realm. Since it¡¯s like this, you can seek a first ss Wondrous Fire for refining pills normally. As for the cauldron...¡± At this point, he sighed, ¡°As for the pill cauldron, I¡¯ve wronged you. I haven¡¯t prepared an attributed pill cauldron for you yet.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately said: ¡°Don¡¯t say that. The pill cauldrons that big brother prepared are very good! It might not be thatfortable if I used an attributed cauldron or whatever...¡±

    On the contrary, this was the truth.

    It still came back to that previous statement. Regardless of whether it was increasing the pill refining rate or the attributes of certain medicinal pills, he didn¡¯t need an attributed cauldron at all. Spending so much money to give him a pill cauldron would be in vain. It wasn¡¯t capable of allowing him to refine pills better, so why bother?

    Tianheng felt that Gu Zuo was adorable, and reached out a hand to pinch his cheek: ¡°It¡¯s great that Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t me this elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo allowed the pinch before shaking his head: ¡°I don¡¯t me you.¡± After that, he remembered something, ¡°Big brother, everything you mentioned so far is stuff that I want. If there¡¯s something you want, we can keep exchanging, okay?¡±

    When he thought about it, he knew that those suggested requests truly were inexpensive. Adding one more thing to the trade wouldn¡¯t be a problem at all.

    Tianheng lightly nodded his head: ¡°As for the rewards that I¡¯m capable of digesting now, I¡¯ve already obtained them during the previous exchange for the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method. If I ask for more, it¡¯ll be a disaster instead of good fortune. However, the Sect¡¯s foundations are strong and solid. It is deep and immeasurable. Perhaps, there¡¯s still some secret benefits that it can bestow upon me. At the time of the transaction, the Sect may give it to me.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and thought deeply: ¡°In any case, big brother won¡¯t suffer any losses.¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianheng soaked in the medicinal decoction, and smiled warmly. It was dazzling like a bright moon. Not even a whiff of the stench of blood remained, so anyone who directly looked at him would be left in a dazed trance.

    After Gongyi Tianheng finished soaking, he put on his clothes, and went out to eat the medicinal cuisine prepared by Gu Zuo. This was also for the sake of recuperation. In addition, because the pills for the trip outside had been nearly used up, Gu Zuo supplied much more to his inter-spatial tool to make up for it. Also, some of the recently refined enhanced versions of the top grade Small True Yang Pill and top grade Qi umting Pills were all stuffed inside.

    While Tianheng was eating, Gu Zuo chattered to fill him in on some things. The entire time, Tianheng¡¯s face wore a contented smile.

    The other Gongyi n children and subordinates also took this opportunity to pay their respects. Gu Zuo watched Gongyi Mingxiae over, and beckoned her to ept one of the many meals he¡¯d just cooked. He asked her to deliver it to Huang Ji.

    After Mingxia paid her respects to Tianheng, she promptly went to deliver the food.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°It looks like Mingxia and Huang Ji have been getting along pretty well. It seems that she can withstand Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s rough treatment.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head and said: ¡°Mingxia is really fond of Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s guidance.¡±

    Tianheng had a pensive look.

    Gu Zuo saw him acting this way, and couldn¡¯t help his curiosity: ¡°What is big brother thinking about?¡±

    Tianheng waved a hand to send away the other visiting Gongyi n children and subordinates. After that, he didn¡¯t keep it from Gu Zuo, and simply said to him: ¡°If it¡¯s feasible, I intend on having Mingxia ept Huang Ji as her master.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°To have Mingxia apprentice under Huang Ji?¡± He hesitated, ¡°Then, will Senior Sect Brother Huang agree?¡±

    Tianheng said meaningfully: ¡°So long as Mingxia is also interested, it¡¯ll be fine if wee up with a proper n.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any objections: ¡°Whatever big brother says, goes.¡±

    In this respect, it was clear that it was his big brother whose considerations were even moreprehensive. Huang Ji wasn¡¯t necessarily a good teacher, but Mingxia¡¯s current progress truly was very great. Perhaps his guidance methods were suited to Mingxia, which allowed Mingxia to enjoy them? Since it was like this, it also wouldn¡¯t be inappropriate. Moreover, Huang Ji¡¯s moral standing was good, and his temperament was straightforward. His background also didn¡¯t have too many messy benefits and involvements. It could be said that his record was spotless. Letting Mingxia be an apprentice was also considered as allowing Huang Ji to grow closer to them. After thinking about it, it was truly an excellent choice.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t talk too much about this matter. After only bringing it up with Gu Zuo, Tianheng regaled him with the experience of adventuring with Huang Ji.

    The ce they went to was called the Deer Blood Mountain Range. It was ssified as a region where Spirit-Level wild beasts gathered. The Spirit-Level wild beasts at the outer circle were mostly at the basic Spirit-Level. The deeper one went, the higher the ranks of the wild beasts. The beasts that upied the core zone were quite a few superior Spirit-Level wild beasts that had divided territories.

    Because Huang Ji had already reached high Immortal Realm, and he was constantly striding towards peak Immortal Realm, the ce he wanted to go was precisely the inner circle, which was brimming with mid and high Spirit-Level wild beasts.

    As for Tianheng? His present strength far surpassed that of ordinary Xiantian stage sixes. Below the Immortal Realm, unless he encountered a superb talent who could likewise fight against the higher ranks, even a peak Xiantian martial artist wouldn¡¯t necessarily have been able to handle him. But, what he currently wanted to face were basic Spirit-Level wild beasts ¡ª While he did once y such a beast, that kind of killing method really couldn¡¯t meet his needs. Now, with his own true level, he went to forge a style that was to his satisfaction.

    Huang Ji still conducted himself with integrity and loyalty.

    After Tianheng was brought along, he was specially prepared to stay behind for half a day in the outer circle.

    Of course, he also ughtered some basic Spirit-Level wild beasts and extracted their blood essence, but his most important goal was still protecting Tianheng and allowing him to adapt to the outer circle¡¯s environment first.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t disappoint Huang Ji. He only took two hours to ascertain much of the terrain. Following that, so long as he was careful enough, running for his life probably wouldn¡¯t be a big problem.

    Hence, Huang Ji only stayed for these two hours before turning around and leaving.

    Merely, Huang Ji didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng¡¯s main goal in the outer circle wasn¡¯t to experience the Spirit-Level wild beasts¡¯ attack methods nor to rely on fleeing and dodging. Because Tianheng had immediately chosen a Spirit-Level wild beast and started to fight it in a life or death battle!

    As a result, after Huang Ji delightfully fought a few times and thoroughly eradicated several mid Spirit-Level wild beasts, when he turned around and went back to the outer circle, what he saw was a seriously injured Tianheng sitting under a tree. However, he was taking medicinal pills, and his face was serene.

    This moment¡¯s Tianheng was emitting the stench of blood and an iparably dangerous resentful energy. His eyeballs were pitch-ck, but for some reason, his eyes were surrounded with twisting wisps of blood. His entire person possessed a type of peculiar terror.

    Huang Ji sensed danger.

    Although he didn¡¯t believe that this type of power was currently capable of threatening him, the muscles of his body were still stretched taut. He could perceive the resentful energy¡¯s skin-slicing feeling of battle anxiety ¡ª It probably wouldn¡¯t take long for this danger to genuinely be a threat!

    For the next few days, Huang Ji would often hunt and return. And every time, he would see a Tianheng who was covered all over in cuts and bruises. At the start, Huang Ji only saw him by himself. Gradually, he could see the corpses of basic Spirit-Level wild beasts, and after that, Tianheng¡¯s injuries slowly decreased. Meanwhile, the resentful energy on his body deepened with each passing day.

    Where was that normal appearance of an aristocratic family¡¯s young master on this time¡¯s Tianheng? Even if he smiled, it would make a person tremble in fear.

    During the final day, under Tianheng¡¯s request, Huang Ji took him to the inner circle.

    In this ce, they were soon discovered by mid Spirit-Level wild beasts. Moreover, during this trip, it wasn¡¯t only a single beast. Rather, there were as many as eight beasts!

    While Huang Ji was very powerful, and his realm was one stage higher than that of a mid Spirit-Level wild beast, one shouldn¡¯t forget that wild beasts with equivalent realms were stronger than their martial artist counterparts. As a result, when these eight mid Spirit-Level wild beasts came over, even though they faced Huang Ji, the threat they posed wasn¡¯t small.

    What¡¯s more, Tianheng was also here.

    As one could well imagine, if Huang Ji wanted to look after Tianheng, he inevitably wasn¡¯t as nimble as usual. Later on, Tianheng took a Jinyuan Pill, allowing his own strength to abruptly rise three stages. He unexpectedly broke through his limits, and contended with two to three mid Spirit-Level wild beasts!

    However, the Jinyuan Pill wasn¡¯t all-powerful. He improved his realm, but his improved strength wasn¡¯t so exaggerated as to have truly achieved three of Tianheng¡¯s realms. Following this, Huang Ji ughtered those mid Spirit-Level wild beasts one after another. And Tianheng, who helped him pin down a portion of the beasts, was also worn-out and ragged.

    This was the actual truth which brought about Tianheng¡¯s blood-drenched looks ¡ª Yes. During the first few days, he slew wild beasts and his clothes were damaged. Naturally, he could change into new clothes, but it was during thest day that he didn¡¯t have enough clothes to use. He wanted to return as quickly as possible, which led to this appearance. As for the blood on his body, all of it was from being sshed after he wounded a mid Spirit-Level wild beast in passing. The resentful energy and the frightening grudge and willpower of the wild beast contained within the blood naturally skyrocketed. It was extremely scary.

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, he suddenly understood: ¡°Big brother truly worked hard on this time¡¯s excursion...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°For the sake of raising my strength, this doesn¡¯t amount to much.¡±

    As it turned out, he also finished eating at this time. He directly handed his inter-spatial tool over to Gu Zuo. Inside the inter-spatial tool, were numerous special-material gourds. Besides the blood and blood essence of Spirit-Level wild beasts, loaded within the gourds was the blood of all kinds of non Spirit-Level wild beasts that he had killed in passing. There was also some medicinal ingredients that he¡¯d encountered as well as the corpses of many wild beasts. Everything was given to Gu Zuo for processing.

    Gu Zuo was pleased to receive the inter-spatial tool: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I¡¯ll certainly refine all of it into medicine!¡±

    Tianheng broke intoughter. He ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and softly said: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 248 - Xi Yangyunâ€™s Invitation

    <h4>Chapter 248 - Xi Yangyun¡¯s Invitation</h4>

    Within Shuangyun Hall.

    Xi Yangyun sat upon a tall seat. At a position below and slightly to his side was a beautiful young girl with long hair that hung to her waist. She wore a full-length, light-yellow robe. Like a fairy, herplexion was quiet, exquisite, and free from vulgarity.

    This was precisely his biological, younger sister ¡ª Xi Shuangyun.

    Down below, there was a fit and muscr young man with a high-spirited stature of three meters, as well as an unconstrained, elegant youth. The former was the Society Leader of the Wild Martial Arts Society, and thetter was the Association Head of the Autumn Waters Association. Apanying the Association Head was a beautiful woman whose expression was as limpid as autumn waters and whose figure was as elegant as jade. She was his beloved wife. There was a brother and sister pair whose temperaments were extraordinary. Each of them had exuberant and heroic appearances, and they were both the Pavilion Masters of the Clear Water Pavilion.

    There was also a pair of beautiful sisters. One of them wore a blue robe. Her aloof beauty was threatening, and her almond-shaped eyes contained a fiendish light. The other sister wore a full-length white robe. Her ck hair reached her ankles, and her features were picturesque. They were the pair of Pavilion Masters of Mingyue Pavilion ¡ª Hua Yuerong and Hua Xueyin.

    The other numerous, exceptional figures were all masters of forces that were established by Earth Leaderboard powerhouses.

    And of the numerous people present, those who were ordinary bosses were at least Xiantian stage eight, and those who were masters of a fewrger forces were Xiantian stage nine or infinitesimally close to the Immortal Realm.

    At first nce, one¡¯s eyes would be filled with good-looking and well-favored men and women, leaving a person dazzled. The qi emissions that lingered in this pce hall also revealed their mighty capabilities without any doubts.

    Only, no matter their bearings or majesty, none of them couldpare to that handsome young man sitting up high.

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°Everyone has been working hard recently. Chongyun Sect¡¯s fierce momentum requires that we join hands to face amon foe. Only then can we maintain the Sect¡¯s prestige.¡±

    Down below, the masters of those forces all said: ¡°This is a matter of duty for us.¡±

    Xi Yangyun, who established Shuangyun Hall, had achieved the Immortal Realm and possessed an influential position within Grand Elder Xu¡¯s bloodline. Regarding the masters of these second ss forces, he originally should¡¯ve been a personage who was difficult for them to contact. Now, whether for the sake of the Sect or the futures of their own organizations, they could approach this kind of person and discuss the matter of taking punitive actions against Chongyun Sect. This was undoubtedly an ideal opportunity.

    Seeing these people talk in such a way, Xi Yangyun faintly nodded. Soon after, he looked to Xi Shuangyun at his side. His voice was so low that it almost couldn¡¯t be heard: ¡°Shuangyun, how is it?¡±

    Xi Shuangyun seamlessly gave everyone a nce, and lightly nodded her beautiful head: ¡°They¡¯re all okay. None of them are harboring treachery. They¡¯re all treating elder brother sincerely.¡±

    Xi Yangyun was satisfied.

    If one wanted tomand the Xiantian martial artists below to battle Chongyun Sect, it was necessary to have an Immortal Realm individual to take the lead. But it wasn¡¯t only him who was trying to rope in everyone. There were also other bloodlines or forces of famed Immortal Realms that had surfaced in order to gather the masters of these Xiantian Realm second ss organizations.

    Xi Yangyun was ssified as an Immortal Realm martial artist whose identity, forces, and position were all at the very peak. Although he had never once deliberately gone to challenge the Sky Leaderboard due to his previous and constant worry over his biological younger sister¡¯s health, his own strength was close to the mid Immortal Realm and his connections were abundant. Compared to other Immortal Realm martial artists who¡¯d shown up to meddle, he was the more attractive choice.

    Thus, among those who now convened under hismand, he had almost monopolized several second ss forces that had the best development ¡ª As for the ones that couldn¡¯t be summoned, it was that Earth Leaderboard fifth ranked Duanshui Hall, and Earth Leaderboard third ranked Helin Pce. Of those two, although Duanshui Hall¡¯s Hall Master, Li Duanshui, was somewhat capable, he had inferior moral qualities and was petty-minded. Additionally, he didn¡¯t have any connections or backers. What was more noteworthy was instead that Pce Master of Helin Pce ¡ª He Chengwu.

    He Chengwu was a member of the He n. Perhaps, due to Mingyue Pavilion being enemies with Duanshui Hall, and joining Xi Yangyun¡¯s subordinates, Duanshui Hall colluded with Helin Pce and became a dependent of the He n. This time, a certain Immortal Realm martial artist of the He n came out to suppress things, and allowed He Chengwu to attract many forces. This let He Chengwu be another power that couldpete with Xi Yangyun.

    During the instance of Chongyun Sect¡¯s provocation, Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples hade out on their own, butter on, they gradually assembled together. Some disordered gatherings had already slowly vanished. After a few more integrations, tworge alliances had finally formed.

    Currently, what the Chongyun Sect disciples shed with were mainly these two forces.

    At this time, Xi Yangyun was once again holding a meeting with his subordinates, inquiring about how the recent situation of their battles with Chongyun Sect was unfolding ¡ª The number of wins, the number of losses, specific oues, and so on.

    Then, the male Pavilion Master of Clear Water Pavilion, Xie Yufei, stood up and spoke: ¡°Presenting to Senior Sect Brother Xi, I have a new battlefield report to ry.¡±

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°Very well. Sit down and speak.¡±

    After Xie Yufei saluted, he sat down and talked about the situation: ¡°Four hours ago, someone from my Clear Water Pavilion encountered Chongyun Sect at the Inner Sect¡¯s entrance. A conflict broke out where it was seven versus seven. My side had five seriously injured people, and there were even those who were crippled. The battle situation is far from ideal.¡±

    Xi Yangyun furrowed his brows and said: ¡°There are those who¡¯ve been crippled?¡± A trace of fury flicked across his face, ¡°Those Chongyun Sect lowlives are bing more and more unscrupulous. They actually dare to act so heavy-handedly?!¡±

    Xie Yufei forced a smile: ¡°My side¡¯s people are amateurs.¡±

    The pce hall was silent.

    Indeed, it was like this. Amateurs.

    During this period, how many times had they heard the word ¡°amateurs¡±? Even though they decided to pledge on never backing down in the beginning, to maintain the reputation of the Sect and of themselves, it was still hard to avoid bing dispirited under these kind of circumstances.

    They had still underestimated Chongyun Sect¡¯s strength! When one¡¯s vignce fell short, such consequences were brought about.

    Speaking of which, it was quiteughable. Usually, the magnificent Qingyun Sect only had those who made things difficult for others, not the other way around. And if there was a spar, they always suppressed anyone who was at the same realm. They weren¡¯t supposed to be suppressed by others like now.

    At that time, who would say that they were amateurs? Usually, it was the other side who were amateurs.

    Xi Yangyun saw that the morale had slightly declined, and inly said: ¡°This Xi also has some medicinal pills avable. I¡¯ll bring a few bottles for Junior Sect Brother Yufei so that you can give them to those wounded Junior Sect Brothers. Once those juniors recover, if there¡¯s ack in resources, you can alsoe find me to receive them. I hope those juniors can seed soon, and step upon the path of martial arts once more!¡±

    Xie Yufei thanked him at once.

    After Xi Yangyun handled this matter, he said: ¡°On the Martial Prowess tform beneath the Earth Summit, the disciples who¡¯ve emerged from Chongyun Sect have be increasingly valiant. At that time, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll need everyone to act.¡±

    The masters of the numerous forces each said: ¡°We shall not be shirked without dishonor!¡±

    However, that Hua Xueyin abruptly opened her mouth. Her voice was slow and gentle, carrying a type of indescribable cadence: ¡°When we act, which realm should face against Chongyun Sect?¡±

    When these words were uttered, everyone hesitated again.

    In equivalent realms, the other party¡¯s strength was a bit higher than that of Qingyun Sect. However, if it was during a fair fight, whenever the other side sent out a Xiantian stage seven, Qingyun Sect would send out a stage eight, and when the other side sent out a stage eight, Qingyun Sect would send out a stage nine... In fact, there was no need topare. It was a huge loss of face.

    On the contrary, if the other side didn¡¯t lose with stage eights against stage nines or stage sevens against stage eights, it was already a win for them. And if the other side¡¯s participant happened to be a genius who could fight against higher ranks, then it would instead be a lower realm prevailing over a higher realm. After Qingyun Sect¡¯s face was lost, it was stepped on by a thousand and trampled upon by ten thousand. This was an unspeakably difficult situation.

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, each of you are geniuses who can fight against higher ranks. Later on, we¡¯ll only be facing against those at equal realms. Our Sect also has some superb talents who¡¯re in secluded cultivation. When there are no other alternatives, we can ask them toe out.¡±

    The masters of these numerous organizations immediately let out sighs of relief.

    At this time, Xie Yufei suddenly said: ¡°This Xie has someone in mind, but I don¡¯t know if I should mention it...¡±

    Everyone¡¯s lines of sight moved to look at him.

    Xie Yufei calmly said: ¡°Just then, when a few fellow disciples under mymand were returning, they originally said that they were going to bepletely wiped out, but someone came to their rescue. And with the strength of one person, the other side¡¯s seven people were continuously repressed, and all of those Chongyun Sect disciples were left seriously injured and humiliated. It was extremely formidable.¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s interest was piqued: ¡°Oh? Who was that? What was their realm?¡±

    Xie Yufei said: ¡°I heard it was a young man only at Xiantian Realm stage six. It looked like he had only just reached twenty years of age. His name was...Gongyi Tianheng?¡±

    Xi Yangyun immediatelyughed: ¡°So it turned out to be him.¡±

    For some of the people among Clear Water Pavilion and Mingyue Pavilion, theirplexions were somewhat astonished: ¡°Gongyi Tianheng?¡±

    Xie Yufei said with surprise: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi recognizes him?¡±

    He looked at Hua Xueyin: ¡°Junior Sect Sister Xueyin, could it be that you¡¯ve heard of this person?¡± Then, he also looked at his own younger sister¡¯s unusual expression, ¡°Yuxia, you also know him?¡±

    Xie Yuxia was the first to answer: ¡°Elder brother, Suying once mentioned this person to me, but this little sister didn¡¯t care about it at the time. Therefore, I only have a vague impression.¡±

    Then came Hua Xueyin¡¯s softughter: ¡°When my pavilion and Duanshui Hall were at a stalemate, that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi sold some needed things to us, which brought great help to the pavilion.¡±

    Soon after, Xi Yangyun smiled and said: ¡°If it¡¯s Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, this matter isn¡¯t strange at all. His foundations are sturdy. Although he doesn¡¯t usually reveal his talents, his strength is actually outstanding and he far surpasses his peers. He also has somewhat of a friendship with me.¡± Speaking up to here, he asked, ¡°Before Junior Sect Brother Gongyi left, did he give medicinal pills for those couple of wounded juniors?¡±

    Xie Yufei said: ¡°That¡¯s right. How does Senior Sect Brother Xi know this?¡±

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi has a capable person under hismand whose pill refining isn¡¯t below Lingxiu¡¯s. There are usually many good things in his possession. If there were several juniors who were heavily wounded, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi certainly would¡¯ve lended a helping hand.¡±

    Xie Yufei sighed with regret and said: ¡°Indeed, it was like that. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid it would¡¯ve been a lot harder for those heavily wounded juniors to make a recovery.¡±

    At this time, Hua Xueyin spoke up: ¡°Since that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s strength is outstanding, why don¡¯t you ask him to take action, and rectify our Qingyun Sect¡¯s prestige? Senior Sect Brother Xie, how strong were those subordinates of yours when they acted against the Chongyun Sect disciples at that time?¡±

    Xie Yufei¡¯s gaze slightly sank: ¡°A few were Xiantian stage seven, and most were Xiantian stage eight. My side¡¯s disciples are also like this.¡±

    Hua Xueyin immediately looked to Xi Yangyun: ¡°From this, it can be seen that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s capabilities are at least able to triumph two realms above his own. Indeed, his battle prowess couldn¡¯t be more ideal. I earnestly request Senior Sect Brother Xi to invite him to take action, and redeem the Sect¡¯s face.¡±

    Xi Yangyun nodded and said: ¡°I¡¯ll send someone on this side to go and invite him. With Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s strength,pared to those few secluded cultivators, perhaps he isn¡¯tcking. When Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is present, this will also increase our side¡¯s odds of sess.¡±

    The moods of the many powers wereplicated, but at this moment, they all spoke with deep feelings: ¡°What Senior Sect Brother Xi says is true!¡±

    It was agreed upon just like this. Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t dy, and promptly wanted to call someone forward.

    Just then, Xi Shuangyun suddenly opened her mouth: ¡°Elder brother, let this little sister deliver the invitation card.¡±

    Xi Yangyun hesitated somewhat: ¡°Shuangyun, you...¡±

    Xi Shuangyun gave a gentle and mellowugh: ¡°Elder brother doesn¡¯t need to worry about this little sister. The road isn¡¯t long. This little sister will go over ande right back.¡±

    The present Xi Shuangyun had already started practicing martial arts. Under the hastening of countless resources, she swiftly ascended the realms. Although it was only this brief period of time, she was already a Meridian Condensing martial artist. It was clear that her many years of hardship truly weren¡¯t without use. It had all been transformed into the umtion that which she now used to advance by leaps and bounds.

    Based on his heart as an elder brother, Xi Yangyun greatly cherished her, but he was even more aware of the fact that she needed to be swept by the wind and battered by the rain if this little sister wanted to stand above that person.

    Anyway, this was only delivering an invitation card... She wouldn¡¯t encounter that kind of rabble who didn¡¯t have eyes to see.

    Hence, after a little hesitation, Xi Yangyun agreed straightforwardly. He took out some calligraphy implements, and brandished arge brush to write down an invitation. Then, he handed it over to this younger sister of his: ¡°Shuangyun, go quickly and return swiftly. Just ask Junior Sect Brother Gongyi to meet at the Earth Summit.¡±

    Xi Shuangyun gracefully set forth: ¡°This little sister understands.¡±

    After that, Xi Shuangyun departed in an elegant manner. Her body was like flowing clouds. Unexpectedly, what she used was an extremely good body technique. In just a sh, her silhouette vanished at the pce hall¡¯s entrance.

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we¡¯re leaving for the Earth Summit together!¡±

    All of the masters of the numerous forces said: ¡°Onwards!¡±

    Back to Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    The two had reunited after a short separation. They were right in the middle of asking each other about their recent experiences, and their interactions were a warmfort. Although they also discussed some business, it was rxed and delightful.

    Most of all was Gu Zuo, whose heart was smooth and steady. It was as if he had eaten a pill that had set his mind at ease. He only felt that, no matter what bitter experiences came, none would be able to shake him.

    Just at this moment, a Tianlong Guard suddenly rushed over. He announce that someone had arrived, and sought a meeting.

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°Ah? Who is it?¡±

    It shouldn¡¯t have been Xu Lingxiu ordering someone to call on him to pay a formal visit to those great personages, right?

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, but didn¡¯t speak. He allowed Gu Zuo to raise the questions.

    The Tianlong Guard respectfully said: ¡°Reporting to Pharmacist Gu, it is a woman who ims that her surname is Xi. She came to deliver an invitation card.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    A woman with the surname Xi... Of the people they were familiar with, it seemed that there was only Xi Shuangyun.

    But this woman surnamed Xi was initially recovering from a serious illness. She should¡¯ve been safeguarded under the wings of her big brother, Xi Yangyun, so why did shee over at this point in time?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Who else came with her?¡±

    The Tianlong Guard replied: ¡°She came alone.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Senior Sect Brother Xi Yangyun¡¯s heart was truly big.

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s expression, and couldn¡¯t helpughing. Soon after, he said: ¡°Since she came, something must have happened. Dragon Four, invite this person in.¡±

    Dragon Four epted this order and left.

    Gu Zuo said with puzzlement: ¡°Big brother, tell me. What does Xi Shuangyun want to do by delivering this invitation card?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s on behalf of Xi Yangyun.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    Okay. He also realized that it certainly wasn¡¯t that Little Sister Xi came to find his big brother on her own initiative.

    ¡°In that case, why is Senior Sect Brother Xi looking for big brother?¡±

    Tianheng flicked Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°Before this, he looked for you on behalf of Xu Lingxiu. You and Lingxiu fought together for Qingyun Sect against Chongyun Sect. Now, he is looking for me, and it¡¯s probably for the same matter.¡±

    He considered things. Perhaps, those Qingyun Sect disciples who he previously saved had some connections with Xi Yangyun.

    Gu Zuo also understood this point, more or less: ¡°Then, big brother... Are you going to go or not?¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened, and his voice was unhurried: ¡°Why not?¡±

    Not long after, Dragon Four led a remarkably beautiful girl, who slowly walked in.

    The girl¡¯s beauty was exquisite. The actual person matched the name. Like a cloud of frost on the horizon, she was pure and without ws.

    After walking in, Xi Shuangyun straightened her robes and observed the proper etiquette: ¡°Shuangyun greets these two Senior Sect Brothers.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked a little bit: ¡°Xi...¡±

    Didn¡¯t she call him Junior Sect Brother Gu before? Why did she suddenly switch her terms of address?

    Xi Shuangyun smiled. It was as if a snow flower had blossomed: ¡°Experts take priority. This Shuangyun¡¯s age and realm are both inferior to that of Senior Sect Brother. Naturally, I¡¯ll address you in this way. Previously, I was negligent. I hope that Senior Sect Brother won¡¯t me me.¡±

    Gu Zuo made a helpless expression: ¡°En, I won¡¯t me you. Junior Sect Sister Xi.¡±

    Originally, he had entered the Sectte, and believed that it depended on the sequence of entering the Sect... The terms of address were really arbitrary.

    Tianheng gently said: ¡°Junior Sect Sister Xi, please sit. Has Junior Sect Sistere over personally because of an important matter?¡±

    Xi Shuangyun raised a hand, and sped between her slender, jade-like fingers was an invitation card. She softly spoke: ¡°By order of my elder brother, I¡¯vee to deliver this invitation card. I hope that after these two Senior Sect Brothers read it, you can journey together with this little sister.¡±

    Tianheng extended his hand to take it. Then, he lowered his head and read it.

    Gu Zuo also moved closer to look at it. Sure enough, the written contents were due to his big brother¡¯s strength being very outstanding. It went on about how Chongyun Sect was vile and hateful, that everyone should join hands against amon enemy, and that they would go together to get rid of Chongyun Sect, those sons of bitches.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi has invited me with such great kindness, how could I dare to not go? Junior Sect Sister Xi, what is the appointed location and time?¡±

    Xi Shuangyun lightly sighed and said: ¡°There have been constant provocationstely, and the fights have also been unending. Elder brother has already led a cadre of people to the Earth Summit¡¯s Martial Prowess tform. He has instructed this little sister to ask Senior Sect Brother Gongyi to proceed towards the Martial Prowess tform at once to meet him in person.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Fine. Then, I¡¯ll leave immediately.¡±

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s smile became even more gentle and beautiful: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Shortly after, Tianheng reached out a hand and lifted the back of Gu Zuo¡¯s shirt cor, pulling him up from his seated position: ¡°Ah Zuo, you¡¯ll go with me, too. Okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh?¡±

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°Hasn¡¯t Ah Zuo wanted to see what realm this elder brother has entered during this period of time?¡±

    Gu Zuo responded resolutely: ¡°I do!¡±

    Tianheng ruffled his hair with a hand: ¡°Then, does Ah Zuo want to go?¡±

    This time around, Gu Zuo was even less hesitant: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    After going through life and death battles, Gu Zuo really wanted to know what kind of frightening strength would be revealed from his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body once he sparred with someone.

    Once everything was settled, under Xi Shuangyun¡¯s guidance, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng arrived at the Inner Sect¡¯s Earth Summit.

    Just like the location of the Sky Summit¡¯s Sky Leaderboard, there was a Martial Prowess tform down below, which was often used by Immortal Realm martial artists to battle. As such, the Earth Summit was the location of the Earth Leaderboard. In general, those who wanted to challenge the Earth Leaderboard would do so on the Martial Prowess tform beneath this Earth Summit.

    Compared tost time¡¯s Sky Leaderboard battle, there were even more people in the vicinity of the Earth Summit. The Immortal Realms among them were actually very few in number, but the Xiantian Realm martial artists covered swaths ofnd ¡ª Practically any Xiantian martial artists who were even a little bit hotblooded or ambitious were willing to set aside this period of time¡¯s solitary cultivation toe over and watch the shes between their own Qingyun Sect and Chongyun Sect.

    Xi Yangyun had led members from some of the forces under hismand to upy a stone tform.

    When Gu Zuo and Tianheng followed Xi Shuangyun over, they were directly brought to that ce.

    Tianheng smiled and cupped his hands: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, long time no see.¡±

    Xi Yangyun was very candid: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, I¡¯ve heard that you went out adventuring with Huang Ji? Now that you¡¯ve returned, am I right to think that it has been a big harvest?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯ve made some headway. It¡¯s not worth mentioning.¡±

    Xi Yangyun smiled and said: ¡°You¡¯re too humble.¡±

    After they finished speaking, Xi Yangyun moved some seats out for these two people, allowing them to sit close to him.

    On the Martial Prowess tform, figures from both sides were right in the middle of fighting.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, which side is our Sect¡¯s?¡±

    Xi Yangyun appreciated and greatly regarded Tianheng. Thus, he loved the house and its crow, and also regarded Gu Zuo importantly. As a result, he was quick to answer Gu Zuo: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, take a look. That person with the meandering sword techniques is our Sect¡¯s disciple, who is fifteenth on the Earth Leaderboard. His realm is Xiantian stage eight, and the might of the heavy sword in his hands is out of the ordinary. The other person who uses his bare fists is a Chongyun Sect disciple. His realm is also at Xiantian stage eight.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked over. Indeed, there was a person who was very calm, but his weak points were also very clear. It was that his speed wasn¡¯t fast enough. At this time, the person on the other side who didn¡¯t use weapons raised his palms and made circr motions around his body ¡ª Ah, that was wrong. It should be said that this was a one-sided match. The Chongyun Sect disciple¡¯s speed was fast and his body techniques were agile. Unexpectedly, he delivered a palm to the other.

    It looked, it looked like Qingyun Sect¡¯s side had fallen to a disadvantageous position...

    Soon after, Gu Zuo saw the expressions of the surrounding Qingyun Sect disciples. They were all unsightly.

    So, he hadn¡¯t seen wrongly?

    At equivalent realms, being unable to defeat the other side was like a huge loss of face.

    The thing that was the most exasperating was the Chongyun Sect disciple seemed to be toying with the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s fifteenth ce. After making unexpected strikes seven or eight times, he appeared to casually find a gap in his opponent¡¯s defenses and directly pped the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s fifteenth ce down the tform. The other party unexpectedly didn¡¯t care about that heavy sword¡¯s power in the least. The Chongyun Sect disciple seemed to be very familiar with the ws of that heavy sword¡¯s moves. From the start, it was like he wasn¡¯t diligent at all, and he had already won.

    The Earth Leaderboard¡¯s fifteenth ce was also counted as an expert on the public side of the Inner Sect. It was said that he was someone who could contend with Xiantian stage nines. Surprisingly, he had lost so bitterly in this ce.

    After he got off the tform, there was shame across his whole face. He carried the heavy sword on his back once more, and promptly left.

    Reportedly, he was going to continue to cultivate painstakingly. He strove to wipe away this disgrace as soon as possible!

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded.

    This loss was a loss. Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t a stumble that one couldn¡¯t rise from...

    But very quickly, Gu Zuo realized that it was too early for him to be happy.

    During the next match, it was still this Chongyun Sect disciple. The opponent was the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s thirteenth ce disciple. However, this time around, the Chongyun Sect disciple acted excessively. That he used a weapon would¡¯ve really been normal, but the weapon he used was a dagger. And the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s thirteenth ce was a woman whose stature was somewhat robust. While the Chongyun Sect disciple spiraled one-sidedly around this woman, he used the dagger to thrust out from time to time. His thrusts were also very normal, but these attacks didn¡¯t stab the woman. Rather, each strike would pierce and slice a portion of the woman¡¯s clothing!

    It didn¡¯t take long for the woman¡¯s clothes to be shredded into many pieces. The holes and pinpricks revealed the glistening and supple skin underneath...and it was seen by everyone here.

    At first, the woman didn¡¯t notice anything. But after she sensed that something was wrong and looked down, she was immediately and iparably ashamed.

    Right away, the woman vigorously rose up and attacked. However, the final palm of that Chongyun Sect disciple still struck the woman¡¯s lower abdomen. He sneered and said: ¡°What are you worried about? Just based on these looks of yours, you¡¯re delivering yourself up to me in vain. I loathe women who aren¡¯t beautiful or soft enough!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 249 - Two Arrows

    <h4>Chapter 249 - Two Arrows</h4>

    The appearance of that woman, the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s thirteenth ce, was originally somewhatcking. The moment she heard the words of that man¡¯s frivolous contempt, she directly spat out a mouthful of blood and copsed backwards. Luckily, another woman dashed over and caught her. Yet, the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s thirteenth ce had been humiliated in such a way. On top of that, her body had received serious injuries and she had suddenly fainted. When the other Qingyun Sect disciples saw this, they all seethed in anger. It was hard to endure!

    ¡°How vile!¡±

    ¡°Such a shameless fellow is unworthy of being the disciple of a great sect!¡±

    ¡°That despicable disciple is really wretched!¡±

    Soon after, a person who was even higher in the rankings on the Earth Leaderboard jumped onto the tform. Unfortunately, this person still wasn¡¯t the opponent of that Chongyun Sect disciple. Immediately following that, someone else went up. This time, that Chongyun Sect disciple was finally struck down. However, this person had won several rounds in a row, and was able to fight thest Qingyun Sect disciple to the point that both sides suffered. Although his moral qualities were intolerable, there was no need to doubt the greatness of his skills.

    The battle ended in this way. The Qingyun Sect disciples only felt that their prestige had lost its luster. They clenched their teeth, itching to do something:

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t our Sect¡¯s powerhousese out?¡±

    ¡°Could it be that Chongyun Sect will continue acting so savagely?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather die than suffer this insult!¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t the forces¡¯ leaders willing to take action?!¡±

    Following this, the masters of several powers surrounding Xi Yangyun exchanged nces.

    Originally, they wanted to observe from the sidelines some more ¡ª But Chongyun Sect¡¯s experts seemed to be breeding like flies, and it wasn¡¯t known what their foundations were in the end. Under the present circumstances, it wouldn¡¯t work if they didn¡¯t take action themselves.

    As such, they had to initiate challenges of their own ord.

    Following this, Xie Yufei took the lead and rose up: ¡°Previously, the fellow disciples under mymand were injured because of Chongyun Sect. Now, I will go to seek justice for them. Ladies and gentlemen, allow this Xie to go first.¡±

    Everyone all said: ¡°After you!¡±

    Gu Zuo watched as Xie Yufei jumped onto the tform and reached out a hand to point at a certain Xiantian stage nine martial artist from Chongyun Sect. He inly said: ¡°This Chongyun Sect brother, please don¡¯t be stingy, and teach me a thing or two.¡±

    As that person was a Xiantian stage nine martial artist, once he heard what was said, his body shot out and stood opposite to Xie Yufei.

    Xie Yufei¡¯s strength was outstanding, and his opponent wasn¡¯t one to be outdone. However, this time,pared to the couple of fights before, it was much more pleasing to watch when he took action. Xie Yufei was the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s second ce, and his rank was higher than that of He Chengwu. He was one of the top experts on the Earth Leaderboard. One shouldn¡¯t look at how the difference between the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s thirteenth and second ce was a bit more than ten ranks. In actuality, those who could charge into the top ten couldn¡¯t bepared to those in the rear, and those who could break into the top five were likewise far superior to the other top tens.

    What¡¯s more, Xie Yufei was in the top three.

    The Chongyun Sect disciple he battled with didn¡¯t seem to be that side¡¯s most outstanding genius. Xie Yufei and him fought for two hundred rounds. Finally, at the price of a light wound and the difference of a single move, the opponent was struck down.

    This allowed Qingyun Sect¡¯s beautiful victory toe to pass.

    In a split second, Qingyun Sect¡¯s morale, which was originally quite low, also somewhat improved.

    After Xie Yufei won his match, he didn¡¯t choose to fight again. His body flew down, and he switched with the Society Leader of the Wild Martial Arts Society, Qiu Zhan. His strength was even more formidable, and he was precisely the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s number one. After choosing an opponent, he simrly paid a very small price to defeat the other party.

    Following this, it was the Autumn Waters Association¡¯s Association Head, Xin Lang, as well as the Mingyue Pavilion¡¯s Hua Xueyin, who hadn¡¯t challenged the Earth Leaderboard, but whose strength was actually higher than that of her older sister, Hua Yuerong.

    Each person selected an opponent, smoothly defeated the other side, and didn¡¯t zealously continue to fight.

    In this way, quite a few sessive victories allowed the numerous Qingyun Sect disciples to see the light of day, and sense the magnificent prowess of their own Sect.

    However, while the ordinary Qingyun Sect disciples indeed feel that things had taken a turn for the better, the expressions of the crowd of people who were led by Xi Yangyun were still grave.

    Because they had discovered that the Chongyun Sect disciples who were currently gathered around the Martial Prowess tform were basically the minnows of that Sect. Surprisingly, there wasn¡¯t a single person whose rank carried weight. During the past few days, Xi Yangyun hadn¡¯t personally gone to observe the Martial Prowess tform. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t have noticed anything specific. But now that he was here, he made some inferences.

    ¡ª Just when Qingyun Sect had already taken out more and more experts at the Xiantian Realm, Chongyun Sect¡¯s important personages still hadn¡¯t shown themselves. As such, how terrifying was their Sect¡¯s whole strength?

    As for how Xi Yangyun and the others were able to detect this, they naturally saw that there was only one person who seemed to be in charge in Chongyun Sect¡¯s area. Whenever other people received challenges or actively issued challenges, they would all nce at him as if they were consulting for his opinion. Presumably, this kind of person served the same role as Xi Yangyun. He was revered by the Chongyun Sect disciples who had currently appeared, but his strength was only at Xiantian stage nine.

    This was enough to indicate a problem.

    Gu Zuo thought of these things, too.

    He felt that, no matter how well those Chongyun Sect disciples performed here, it was actually all a trivial matter. When thinking about how the people they had brought were able to press down upon Qingyun Sect¡¯s head, what about the people they hadn¡¯t brought? How many geniuses were inside Chongyun Continent¡¯s Chongyun Sect who were even more terrifying than these people?

    Gu Zuo thought about it from the other side¡¯s perspective. If it was Gu Zuo himself, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have taken along all of the remarkable disciples. For those secluded cultivators and those who didn¡¯t condescend toe, it wasn¡¯t known how many there were.

    And back to the Martial Prowess tform, it was just as expected. After losing four to five matches in a row, one person on Chongyun Sect¡¯s side came up.

    This person¡¯s realm was only Xiantian stage seven. However, because it was like this, all of the Earth Leaderboard experts who just achieved victory for Qingyun Sect were promptly restricted.

    The leaders of the numerous forces had no way to face this challenge. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t this be a higher realm suppressing a lower realm?

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression changed slightly. He turned his head and looked at his own trusted aide: ¡°Can the few secluded cultivators be asked toe out?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t known when that trusted aide had returned. At this moment, there was a bitter expression on that aide¡¯s face: ¡°The few secluded cultivations are all behind closed-doors. None of them are aware of the events of the past few days. I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll need to persevere for some time. After theye out of seclusion, then we can try again.¡±

    Xi Yangyun faintly nodded: ¡°Fine. You and a few groups will go and keep watch. Once theye out of seclusion, immediately invite them over.¡± Once that trusted aide left again, he looked to the extremely handsome young man on his other side, ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, I¡¯ll have to rely on you this time around.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Naturally, I¡¯ll strive to do my best.¡±

    Because the two had spoken a few words during this time, a Qingyun Sect disciple had already gone up on the tform to fight the Chongyun Sect disciple. However, the other party only used a few fists and kicks to strike this Qingyun Sect disciple, who went up with momentary righteous indignation, and sent him off the tform. His mouth spurted blood, and his body was seriously injured. It was only natural that someone immediately went to save him.

    That Chongyun Sect disciple¡¯s ambitions were satisfied, and he was very ostentatious: ¡°What? Does Qingyun Sect only have this kind of trash?¡± His voice resounded once more, ¡°Who dares toe and fight me?¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo exchanged nces.

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°Big brother, you need to be careful!¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and nodded. His silhouette flickered, and he already appeared on that Martial Prowess tform.

    The numerous Qingyun Sect disciples below were incredibly surprised:

    ¡°This person¡¯s bearing is outstanding. Who is he?¡±

    ¡°In our Qingyun Sect, there¡¯s still this kind of personage?¡±

    ¡°Although his looks are great, how are his skills?¡±

    ¡°Seeing how confident he is, maybe he really has some skill.¡±

    ¡°No matter what, I hope that he returns victorious!¡±

    With such praise, there was also doubt.

    But overall, the Qingyun Sect disciples still hoped that this person, who took the initiative to get on the tform at this time, could defeat this Chongyun Sect disciple.

    The Chongyun Sect disciple on the other side nced at Tianheng, and his heart was on guard.

    It seemed that this person of such bearing was only Xiantian stage six. Yet, this guy still possessed the self-confidence to answer his challenge? He didn¡¯t know if this person was too conceited or had a card up his sleeve.

    One shouldn¡¯t see how brash the Chongyun Sect disciple was on the surface. In actuality, he wasn¡¯t really this egotistical and contrary. While his face still wore a look of provocation, he paid much more attention to Tianheng in his heart.

    No matter how he looked, he didn¡¯t feel that Tianheng was that type of arrogant person...

    And when Tianheng faced the Chongyun Sect disciple, he also sensed that this person really wasn¡¯t blind and impulsive. He couldn¡¯t help smiling in his heart. Whatever. Regardless of whether this person was truly brash or not, this matter would still be handled as such. It made no difference to him.

    The Chongyun Sect disciple started the match strongly. He reached out to make a grabbing motion, and a strangely-shaped de was already in his hand. On its surface, both sides had a cutting edge. When he used one of his martial skills, it was like splitting the sea and beheading the waves. His imposing aura was extraordinary.

    It was seen that his umtions were even more robust than those previous Xiantian stage eight and nine Chongyun Sect disciples. After he took action, the scene that emerged from that style was also out of the ordinary.

    Tianheng saw him use a weapon, and he intended to sound his opponent out. He, too, reached out a hand to grab a long spear. The spear shaft turned, and the wind surged like a gathering storm. The spear tip continuously stabbed out, and the stars twinkled.

    The strangely-shaped de and the long spear instantly collided, and the noise resounded. In the blink of an eye, the figures of the two people crossed paths, and they had already fought for several rounds.

    Tianheng could perceive that the Chongyun Sect disciple had a lot of power under his hands, and his body technique also wasn¡¯t slow. For normal martial artists, they usually only excelled in either strength or agility. If there was someone who had both, they would be extremely difficult to handle.

    But as far as Tianheng was concerned, it wasn¡¯t considered that hard.

    After a brief period of probing, Tianheng had already discovered that this person¡¯s capabilities really marked him as a genius. Compared to wild beasts at the same realm, he would emerge victorious against many. As such, most martial artists at the same realm naturally wouldn¡¯t be his opponents ¡ª Among those numerous Chongyun Sect disciples, he should¡¯ve been someone who was fairly well-regarded.

    Therefore...

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes shed with a cold light. His toes tapped against the ground, and the spear shook and rose up. A surge of abundant power immediately burst forth from the spear tip, and due to theyers of spear shadows, the trajectory of that power couldn¡¯t be seen through. In the blink of an eye, it had reached the Chongyun Sect disciple.

    The Chongyun Sect disciple was calm and unflustered, unlike the previous mor. He raised the strangely-shaped de and continuously peeled and sliced. That surge of abundant power was chopped from all directions, whittling the attack¡¯s momentum.

    But after the present Tianheng used his move, he had already drawn back and retreated. In a sh, he stood at the other end of the Martial Prowess tform. At the same time, the long spear in his hand suddenly disappeared. What he took out instead was unexpectedly an iron-coated great bow. It was iparably hard, and it was almost as tall as a person!

    Tianheng¡¯s foot stamped out, pressing onto the body of that great bow. Soon after, his other hand pulled the bowstring, bending the great bow to its limits.

    The next moment, a reddish-gold arrow took shape upon that bow. In an instant, it became a stray arrow that took flight and shot straight out!

    The ce it headed towards was right where that Chongyun Sect disciple stood!

    The Chongyun Sect disciple¡¯s movements couldn¡¯t have been said to be slow. In only a few breaths, he had already defused that surge of abundant power. However, although he was fast, Tianheng was faster. Just when the Chongyun Sect disciple wanted to attack after resolving the spear energy, he saw that reddish-gold arrow hurtling towards him!

    That Chongyun Sect disciple turned pale with fright. In that split second, he couldn¡¯t take anything else into consideration, and he flew backwards in retreat.

    The power contained within this arrow was truly too dreadful!

    But how fast was the arrow¡¯s speed? The Chongyun Sect disciple utilized all of his body techniques and used up all of his strength to simultaneously dodge and counterattack. He continuously attacked that arrow, but he still wasn¡¯t able to slow it down one bit.

    At this very moment, the Chongyun Sect disciple intended to dere his forfeiture, but just as he was about to open his mouth, he suddenly saw another streak of flowing light rushing over! That arrow arrived very quickly, and its power was too fierce. Unexpectedly, it didn¡¯t even give him the chance to make a single sound!

    The first arrow instantly plunged into the Chongyun Sect disciple¡¯s shoulder. The second arrow, which came right after, prated the disciple¡¯s abdomen! At this moment, the reddish-gold arrows split apart into countless rays of light. In the blink of an eye, the bone pearls throughout his entire body were shattered!

    What a tyrannical power! What an overbearing move!

    The Chongyun Sect disciple was sent flying by two arrows, and was flung up high towards the rear. Finally, he was smashed into the ground.

    Upon seeing this, many people had rushed over, but they weren¡¯t able to catch him...

    Silence filled the venue.

    The present Tianheng disengaged from the fight, and that great bow disappeared from his hands. As for himself, he faintly smiled: ¡°This brother let me win.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, what was this about letting him win? This big brother of his was simply pulling aggro!

    However, was this great bow a spoil of war that his big brother obtained during this time¡¯s outing? He had never seen it before. But this wasn¡¯t the important point. What was important was that the reddish-gold arrows seemed familiar. Were they condensed from the reddish-gold power of the sun within his big brother¡¯s body? Was this a new technique that his big brother invented?

    How amazing...

    Although Xi Yangyun and the other Qingyun Sect disciples knew that Tianheng¡¯s skills were outstanding, they didn¡¯t expect him to be this incredible. With merely two arrows, he had crippled a Chongyun Sect genius whose realm was one stage higher than his own. Looking at that guy¡¯s appearance, it wasn¡¯t known how many good medicines it would take to save him.

    Chongyun Sect¡¯s side hurriedly brought this person back. Meanwhile, the gazes that they used to look at Tianheng carried intense anger. But there were also traces of indiscernible fear in the depths of their eyes.

    Gu Zuo keenly sensed this ¡ª But, what were these people afraid of?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 250 - Counter-Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 250 - Counter-Provocation</h4>

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng stood upon the tform with his hands sped behind his back. His expression wasposed: ¡°Honorable sirs of Chongyun Sect, is there anyone else who cane up and advise me?¡±

    On the contrary, he was still very courteous. Merely, it appeared that this kind of courtesy had fallen onto deaf ears for Chongyun Sect.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face, and temporarily pushed down his burgeoning puzzlement.

    The other side¡¯s fear probably had something to do with that guy¡¯s identity... His big brother¡¯s actions were bound to create difficulties. However, it didn¡¯t matter. Since they were members of Qingyun Sect, they were in an unwavering natural alliance with Qingyun Sect. As this was sure to have offended Chongyun Sect, there also wasn¡¯t any need to overthink it. If the problem was very big, wouldn¡¯t their own Sect, which had just benefited from their actions,e to their aid?

    He felt that his big brother should¡¯ve also thought as such.

    Tianheng stood still for a while before unhurriedly asking: ¡°Could it be that my honorable brothers from Chongyun Sect are looking down upon this lowly one? Are none of you willing toe and bestow upon me your teachings?¡±

    The Qingyun Sect disciples only felt proud and ted.

    Although the previous few matches were victories, that was under the situation where the realms of both sides were equal. However, this time around was different. This time, Qingyun Sect¡¯s Xiantian stage six had gotten rid of the opposing side¡¯s Xiantian stage seven. There was a firm distinction in levels!

    Therefore, the Qingyun Sect disciples all became excited:

    ¡°Brothers of Chongyun Sect, please send another person to take part for the sake of the friendship of our two Sects!¡±

    ¡°Are Chongyun Sect¡¯s brothers looking down on us?¡±

    ¡°If that won¡¯t work, then our Qingyun Sect will also put in a good word. It¡¯ll only take everyone to admit defeat.¡±

    ¡°If everyone doesn¡¯t have enough confidence, then sending another Xiantian stage seven is okay, too!¡±

    Xi Yangyun and the others were sitting in the back. They listened toments such as these, and they all wore traces of smiling expressions.

    Hua Xueyin unhurriedly said: ¡°Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is extraordinary.¡± She couldn¡¯t help quietly saying, ¡°Looking at those two arrows just now, I feel that I also wouldn¡¯t have been able to take them on. What about my fellow Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters?¡±

    Hua Yuerong said in a cold voice: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to do it, either.¡±

    Quite a few people all said the same. Even that Xie Yufei shook his head: ¡°That Chongyun Sect disciple is out of the ordinary. If it was me, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to terminate those two arrows.¡±

    The Earth Leaderboard¡¯s second ce said he couldn¡¯t do it. Then, what about the Earth Leaderboard¡¯s number one?

    Suddenly, everyone uniformly looked towards the Society Leader of the Wild Martial Arts Society, Qiu Zhan.

    Qiu Zhan muttered irresolutely, and simrly shook his head: ¡°I¡¯ve pondered over many kinds of methods. All of them wouldn¡¯t work. The might of those two arrows is really too frightening.¡±

    When everyone heard this, they sighed.

    This Junior Sect Brother Gongyi truly exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations. It hadn¡¯t been a year since this person entered the Sect. His realms had been soaring up until now, and his strength had deepened immeasurably.

    Xi Yangyun smiled and said: ¡°Now, I only hope that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi doesn¡¯t need to consume too much energy, and that he can persist for a period of time. If his strikes are this mighty, then no matter how much that Chongyun Sect wants to suppress our Qingyun Sect, they won¡¯t be able to seed.¡±

    The masters of numerous forces all considered this deeply: ¡°The consumption of those arrows is certainly great. We hope that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi can hold on for a while longer!¡±

    All the Qingyun Sect disciples hoped that Tianheng could cripple a few more of those Chongyun Sect disciples, allowing these loathsome guests to receive discipline and to restrain their attitudes.

    This magnificent Sect had been considered a lowly sect and tormented by others. That bellyful of grievances had long wanted to be let out!

    Meanwhile, on Chongyun Sect¡¯s side, it could¡¯ve also been considered as a rise and fall in fortunes.

    Previously, there were various kinds of conflicts. Regardless of whether it was on the Martial Prowess tform or in private, Qingyun Sect¡¯s losses far surpassed that of Chongyun Sect. Even if Qingyun Sect could retrieve a bit of face for a time, it would still be handed back to Chongyun Sect to be trampled upon in the end. Normally, whenever Qingyun Sect disciples wanted to retreat, they would be taunted and ridiculed without restraint. The ones who goaded the other side were also all Chongyun Sect disciples.

    But this time around was different.

    After Tianheng defeated a higher-ranked opponent, Chongyun Sect¡¯s side was momentarily speechless. Soon after, their mncholy was dispelled with great difficulty by Qingyun Sect¡¯s unbridled heckling.

    In short, if they were to leave right now, then they would be the timid cowards with lowly capabilities. Their faces would be firmly trampled upon.

    The Chongyun Sect disciples were unable to restrain themselves when being taunted. Even though Chongyun Sect¡¯s cherished goal was approaching, they also weren¡¯t people who could bear with this! If it wasn¡¯t for their own dispositions having a strong side, allowing them to actively make provocations, it would¡¯ve been impossible for those sorts of people to even think about pping their faces.

    This time, even though quite a few Chongyun Sect disciples had the support of their Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters, they all couldn¡¯t help but want to jump onto the tform.

    As before, Tianheng stood quietly and waited on the tform.

    He saw that Chongyun Sect¡¯s side was rather chaotic. He had a smile on his face as he opened his mouth once more: ¡°If there isn¡¯t enough people here, I can also just wait on the side. When someonees, I¡¯ll ask them to advise me again.¡±

    If it was said that they were only somewhat furious from being taunted and heckled, then now they were practically foaming at the mouth.

    Wasn¡¯t this guy too insolent? He still dared to say that he would wait?

    At once, a Chongyun Sect disciple opened his mouth in disdain: ¡°I hope you don¡¯t regret thister!¡±

    After he finished speaking, several Chongyun Sect disciples flew out. It seemed that they really were going to call for reinforcements.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he silently gave his brother a big thumb¡¯s up.

    This big brother of his was so awesome!

    On the contrary, when Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples saw how confident and unafraid Tianheng was, after being emotionally moved, they were inevitably somewhat worried. One should know that no matter how robust Tianheng¡¯s foundations were, he was only a Xiantian stage six martial artist in the end. If his opponent was a superb talent at Xiantian stage seven, the differences in realms would be very obvious.

    ¡ª Wasn¡¯t this a serious problem?

    The face of their Qingyun Sect had now fallen onto the shoulders of one man: Gongyi Tianheng!

    The masters of the forces on Xi Yangyun¡¯s side didn¡¯t have a lot of confidence.

    Xie Yufei furrowed his brows and said: ¡°Although Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is powerful, if the other side conducts an alternating battle...¡±

    The Association Head of the Autumn Waters Association, Xin Lang, was also deeply concerned: ¡°If there¡¯s a personage who¡¯s an even stronger genius, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll need to use ast-resort trump card, provided that there¡¯s one to use... Junior Sect Brother Gongyi must raise his vignce.¡±

    There were also several women who were worried: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi will be taking up challengester. Ah, I fear that it¡¯ll be dangerous.¡±

    After each of them expressed their own opinions, Xi Yangyun looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, you¡¯re with Junior Sect Brother Gongyi morning, noon, and night. What do you think about all this?¡±

    When the words ¡°morning, noon, and night¡± came out, even though the masters of those forces were worried, they all couldn¡¯t help making some subtle expressions. Wasn¡¯t this kind of wording somewhat excessive?

    However, Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t think about it that much. He only waited for Gu Zuo¡¯s reply.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and spoke honestly: ¡°Although I also don¡¯t know how formidable the young master¡¯s current strength is, I do know that the young master would never do something that he isn¡¯t sure of. If there really is a time of danger, the young master will certainly be able to leave at once. He definitely won¡¯t be troubled by Chongyun Sect.¡±

    These words were truly filled with confidence.

    Xi Yangyun slightly nodded his head: ¡°Since Junior Sect Brother Gu says it like this, then I¡¯ll assume that it really is the case.¡±

    The other few organization masters could only nod along: ¡°Then, we will rest assured.¡±

    Just at this time, the couple of Chongyun Sect members who¡¯d left had now rushed back. Sure enough, a group of people followed behind them with robes that pped in the wind.

    Those people seemed to all be young and full of vigor. Their forms exuded a gant might. Compared to the Chongyun Sect disciples who were defending their positions and fighting the entire time here, the energies of this new batch were a cut above the rest.

    The Chongyun Sect disciples who had even greater potential hade!

    Immediately following this, a Xiantian stage six martial artist, who appeared to be only eighteen or neen years old, leaped out andnded upon the tform.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 251 - Ever Victorious

    <h4>Chapter 251 - Ever Victorious</h4>

    The neer was bursting with valiance. He reached out a hand and grabbed a longbow: ¡°I am Chongyun Sect¡¯s Bao Si. I hear that your bow and arrows are powerful, but do you dare to have a match with me?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng stood with his hands sped behind his back. He moved a hand forward, and made a guiding gesture: ¡°Please do!¡±

    The instant that his voice fell, the iron-coated great bow appeared once again in his hand. His foot stamped out on top of it.

    After the two spoke these words, their speeds became extremely fast. They acted at the same time.

    In the blink of an eye, two streaks of bright light burst forth like shooting stars from both ends of the Martial Prowess tform. The powers contained within them had noparison. The arrows charged straight towards one another!

    The color and luster of Tianheng¡¯s arrow was reddish-gold. It possessed a zing-hot power, and everywhere that the arrow travelled was scorched. It seemed that even the air was being scalded. The temperature was extremely dreadful.

    Meanwhile, Bao Si¡¯s arrow had a golden power that was unyielding and bold. Wherever it passed, it produced an ear-piercing sound of the air breaking as if it was cleaving through space. It was sharp and lithe. What it brought about was a formidable sense of rending.

    The two arrows collided in midair, and were deadlocked almost instantly.

    Creaking sounds constantly entered one¡¯s ears.

    Down below, Gu Zuo could only watch those two balls of light above. For a short while, they hung in the air. It was almost like they were wearing down and pushing against each other.

    However, the two people didn¡¯t wait for the oue between the two arrows. Both of their figures flickered. In a sh, they changed positions. Moreover, they reacted as the same time ¡ª Streaks of reddish-gold and pure gold powers wereunched at the opponent¡¯s location. Once again, the arrows collided in midair and reached a stalemate.

    In quick session, the bodies of Tianheng and that Bao Si continuously shifted. Each time they paused for a bit, arrows would shatter the air. Because their speeds were extremely fast, it didn¡¯t take long for the air to be filled with colliding balls of light. The lights were exceptionally ring, and overflowed with power!

    Everyone below the stage watched with dazzled eyes.

    Some people couldn¡¯t help crying out in surprise:

    ¡°This is the strength of a Xiantian stage six martial artist? How scary!¡±

    ¡°If it was me on the tform, perhaps I would¡¯ve lost my life long ago!¡±

    ¡°What formidable powers! The arrow techniques of those two people are very sharp!¡±

    Many people, whose realms were higher than the two on stage, couldn¡¯t help feeling ashamed of their own inferiority. They felt that they were far inferior to those two young talents who were in the middle of attacking each other.

    Those newly-arrived elites of Chongyun Sect originally came with a surging momentum. Suddenly, they stagnated in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Junior Sect Brother Bao¡¯s arrow techniques have unexpectedly met a worthy match.¡±

    ¡°With such exquisite skills, it¡¯s no wonder why those low-level disciples had no way to fight back...¡±

    ¡°Qingyun Sect, this kind of weak sect, also has some talented people. Merely, he is only one man. What is he capable of? Junior Sect Brother Bao has encountered countless powerful enemies. He can certainly suppress this guy!¡±

    Gu Zuo kept a steady gaze as he stared fixedly at this big brother of his. Whether it was Qingyun Sect or Chongyun Sect, although the sounds of their discussions were heard in his ears, none of it sank into his heart.

    ...His big brother had such a leisurely andfortable stance. It seemed that the other side¡¯s arrow techniques weren¡¯t taken into his eyes.

    As a result, his big brother was definitely going to win this match!

    The worries at the bottom of Gu Zuo¡¯s heart lessened considerably.

    On the contrary, although Xi Yangyun and the crowd of organization leaders also saw that Tianheng still had extra energy, they felt that this new arrival of Chongyun Sect, this talented Bao Si, was a rare genius among geniuses. He certainly still had ast-resort arrow skill. It wasn¡¯t known if Tianheng would be capable of responding to it when it was brought out.

    On the Martial Prowess tform, the two people¡¯s arrow skills had already beenunched for several rounds.

    Previously, Bao Si had heard that Qingyun Sect had someone whose arrow techniques were powerful. Originally, he thought that he certainly would¡¯ve secured a win when he set out. But he didn¡¯t expect that, after he took action, he would be caught in such a stalemate.

    In that moment, his gaze turned heavy. He bent three fingers, and that drawn bowstring also gave a sudden, light vibration.

    If the rate of consumption continued like this, then he would also be somewhat strained. It would be better to take advantage of this chance to promptly shoot that guy dead with this exquisite skill!

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened.

    He only pretended that he didn¡¯t notice anything. Once again, he pulled his bowstring, but he also didn¡¯t make any unusual movements. Only a light had suddenly shed through his eyes. When he released his arrow, it instead burst forth with three flying arrows in a triangr formation with one on top and two below!

    Meanwhile, the arrows that Bao Siunched was a string of two arrows.

    The first arrow was like a stream of fire in the starry sky, and the second arrow was hidden underneath the first arrow. In the blink of an eye, the two arrows, one above and one below, shot towards Tianheng¡¯s left and right!

    Yet, these two arrows were both struck by the arrows that Tianheng released. And since Tianheng had shot one more arrow than him, this arrow immediately pierced through the void and stabbed towards the space between Bao Si¡¯s chest and abdomen!

    Bao Si¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of amazement. Soon after, he retreated at great speeds, and pressed down with that longbow. It was just in time to cover his chest area. He wanted to block that final arrow!

    At this moment, the surging heat jolted through the longbow. Bao Si only felt a shot of pain in his palms, as if that power wanted to follow his meridians to assault his insides.

    But it was also at this very moment that, because he used the bow to block that arrow, he wasn¡¯t able to continue shooting arrows. However, Tianheng then drew his bow once more, and kept shooting!

    This time around, Tianheng didn¡¯t shoot three arrows, but he also didn¡¯t shoot one arrow. Rather, he surprisingly did what Bao Si had done before. A string of two arrows wasunched ¡ª One above and one below, one present and one hidden.

    The extra energy of the arrow lodged in Bao Si¡¯s longbow still hadn¡¯t dissipated. No matter how much he wanted to block, he wasn¡¯t as fast as Tianheng¡¯s arrows. He could only watch as the attack of the two arrows arrived. One arrow stabbed into his right arm, causing him to suddenly drop his longbow. Meanwhile, the other arrow shot into his dantian, making him spurt a mouthful of blood. Under this huge power, he repeatedly recoiled backwards until he fell off the Martial Prowess tform.

    The members of Chongyun Sect were greatly rmed. They hastily dashed over and caught him.

    Soon after, a girl who looked like a pharmacist reached out her hand and grabbed Bao Si¡¯s wrist. Rays of light flickered between her eyebrows as she examined the internal and external circumstances of his body.

    ¡°The meridians are burned... The internal organs have all been damaged by a burst of heat, and the bone pearls throughout his body have cracks... If this burst of heat isn¡¯t dispelled, sooner orter, he¡¯s going to, going to be crippled!¡±

    A young man with an unyielding appearance shouted: ¡°Then, why aren¡¯t you treating him?!¡±

    There was panic in the girl¡¯s voice: ¡°It¡¯s just that this power is very strange. I tried to expel it just now, but it didn¡¯t work... There¡¯s, there¡¯s nothing I can do about this!¡±

    Fury shed in the eyes of Chongyun Sect¡¯s young elites.

    At this moment, Tianheng stood upon the tform and leisurely put away that iron-coated great bow. His palm flipped over as he took out a jade bottle. He poured out a medicinal pill and consumed it. Then, he unhurriedly said: ¡°Is anyone else going toe?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Could it be that his big brother had used up too much?

    But from the reaction of his and his big brother¡¯s contract connection, Tianheng¡¯s qi emissions hadn¡¯t weakened one bit... Following which, Gu Zuo promptly understood, and immediately became speechless.

    This was pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger, right?

    If someone really believed that he was already an arrow at the end of its flight, where he had no choice but to take medicinal pills to replenish his true qi, then they would certainly fall into Tianheng¡¯s pit afterwards. Moreover, this was also probably for the sake of concealing the fact that his big brother¡¯s true qi reserves were incredibly plentiful.

    Xi Yangyun and the others watched as Tianheng used so many of these arrows, and realized that he had consumed a lot of strength. They couldn¡¯t help speaking with deep concern: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, it would be better to let Junior Sect Brother Gongyi get off the tform and rest for a while. Once he recovers to his initial state, then he can go back topete.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters, rest assured. If my big brother really can¡¯t hold on, he definitely wouldn¡¯t overexert himself.¡± After he reflected over something, he decided to supplement his big brother a little bit, ¡°I gave all of the top grade Qi Linking Pills that I¡¯ve been saving over to big brother. Right now, what big brother took was just that. The effects are pretty good.¡±

    Xi Yangyun was aware of Gu Zuo¡¯s skills, and also understood that he possessed the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method. He heard what was said, and was somewhat relieved: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then Junior Sect Brother Gongyi will have to work hard to wipe out Chongyun Sect¡¯s morale. However, if Junior Sect Brother Gongyi truly can¡¯t hold on, he doesn¡¯t need to show off.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Big brother definitely can do it. But if he can¡¯t hold on, I¡¯ll certainly call out to him in a loud voice.¡±

    Hearing Gu Zuo¡¯s words, the masters of numerous forces felt amused, and all of them wore smiling expressions.

    Xi Yangyunughed: ¡°In that case, it¡¯ll dependpletely on Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    Of course, this was just a joke. In their opinion, when Tianheng truly wasn¡¯t able to hold on anymore, they would definitely discover this earlier than Gu Zuo, who was a pharmacist. Also, after they imbued their true qi, their voices would be even louder and clearer. At that time, it would only be natural for their voices to call that person down.

    Back to the Martial Prowess tform.

    Tianheng¡¯s tone of voice, which rather looked down upon Chongyun Sect, infuriated those young elites. On top of that, this time¡¯s Bao Si was different from the disciples who appeared before. He was a genius with huge potential, and had a rather close rtionship with the elites. Now that he was nearly crippled, how could they resign themselves to this?

    In the blink of an eye, another person jumped onto the tform.

    The one who went up was still a Xiantian stage six martial artist.

    Chongyun Sect regarded itself as a great sect that far surpassed Qingyun Sect. Therefore, when fighting with Tianheng¡¯s stage six realm, they also wouldn¡¯t be willing to allow their own stage seven martial artists to go on the tform.

    The martial artist who went up this time was three meters tall. His body was extremely sturdy, and his muscles bulged with strength. The surface of his skin also bore ayer of faint, golden color. The entire person was like a bronze statue, and he was brimming with fierce and tough qi emissions.

    His age also wasn¡¯t high. He was only twenty years old. However, the feeling he gave others was as if he had tempered his body on the path of martial arts for countless years.

    This Xiantian stage six martial artist said: ¡°I, Qing An, havee to fight you!¡± He licked his lips, and revealed a ferocious grin, ¡°Looking at your scrawny body, can you withstand the miraculous powers of my Body of Supreme Gold?!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°After you.¡±

    The sole of Qing An¡¯s foot pressed down. He immediately became like a cheetah as he barreled ahead with rumbling steps. His speed was very fast, and his figure stretched out into long, ovepping images. His footsteps were heavy, and each tread made tremendously loud sounds. It nearly caused the entire Martial Prowess tform to violently shake.

    Immediately following that, heughed heartily: ¡°Let¡¯s see how you deal with your father¡¯s bare fists!¡±

    After he finished speaking, Qing An¡¯s fist explosively shot out. The qi energy that erupted from this fist produced an intense, booming noise. In the blink of an eye, it struck towards Tianheng like a leopard¡¯s head!

    The air also issued the sounds of qi explosions. However, Tianheng didn¡¯t dodge; he only slightly moved his legs to the side. Soon after, his waist turned, and he brazenly shot out a fist!

    Likewise, there were intense qi explosions. The air released peals of booming sounds. The clenched fists of Tianheng and Qing An collided. Both people were impacted by the qi energy of the other party. Their figures trembled, and both of them recoiled backwards.

    Qing An retreated seven to eight steps in a row. Once he stood firm, he shook his fist: ¡°You actually have some strength.¡±

    The number of recoiling steps that Tianheng took was a little higher. Those with discerning eyes saw that, when he was continuously moving backwards, both of his legs intertwined with one another, forming a type of strange footwork. And this footwork allowed his figure to flicker and fluctuate. Amid such fluctuations, the qi energy that his physical body received was constantly reduced, enabling him to escape unscathed.

    Now it could be seen that, although Tianheng used more footwork, there was hardly any difference in the distance that he retreatedpared to the distance that Qing An retreated.

    In other words, Tianheng had relied on skill and a strength that also wasn¡¯t weak to smoothly take on Qing An¡¯s move.

    Chongyun Sect¡¯s side didn¡¯t anticipate this at all.

    After Qing An took action, they originally thought that, if Gongyi Tianheng fell for the provocation and fought directly, those fists would break bone and rend flesh at the very least. They didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng would fully put his methods to use and receive it head-on!

    Even if Tianheng¡¯s presently revealed strength and physical body couldn¡¯tpare to that of Qing An, the discrepancies between them weren¡¯t too vast. Otherwise, let alone receiving that punch, no matter how many skills were utilized, it would¡¯ve been impossible to withstand the boundless power of that bombardment!

    Gu Zuoughed in his sleeve.

    If it was before, his big brother might¡¯ve had a bit of a problem. But it was different now. After tempering his body with beast blood, his big brother¡¯s physical body was much more powerful than before. Moreover, even though the power of his physical body was insufficient, there was an unending stream of true qi in his bone pearls. After increasing the output, he could burst forth with an exceptional amount of qi energy. Chongyun Sect¡¯s n of using strength to suppress his big brother had also been derailed!

    At once, Qing An scoffed, and took action once more.

    His body seemed to be carrying an inexhaustible strength. With every movement, there was a rumbling sound like a p of thunder. But Tianheng didn¡¯t back down at all. Unexpectedly, he used his physical body to fight with Qing An just like this.

    As Qing An fought, the golden light on the surface of his body burst forth, and seemed to bundle his skin in ayer of metal. No matter how much true qi Tianheng used, it was like a y ox entering the sea. He basically couldn¡¯t injure Qing An in the slightest. Meanwhile, Qing An¡¯s own strength was extremely great. While he battled with Tianheng, he constantly jolted Tianheng¡¯s body, trying to injure the other¡¯s internal organs so that Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be able to continue fighting.

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up.

    At the next moment, his fist was covered in ayer of reddish-ck power.

    Creak ¡ª

    After Qing An made a move, he hastily extricated himself and retreated.

    He suddenly revealed his own fist and discovered that it was emitting a burst of ck smoke. His skin¡¯s surface also bore a bit of ck color.

    Qing An was rmed in his heart, and promptly operated his true qi.

    In a split second, his fist released golden light, and that bit of ck disappeared in the blink of an eye. However, he could still sense a type of corrosive power inside. In addition, that thick stench of blood was full of malicious intent.

    What was even more important was that this power seemed to restrain his own miraculous powers to a certain extent!

    Qing An gave a coldugh, and brazenly attacked once again.

    So what if there was a restraining effect? The power of corrosion was just that. There was an abundance of true qi within his body. When the miraculous power operated, the power of corrosion gradually vanished. He could still beat that Gongyi Tianheng.

    At this moment, both of Tianheng¡¯s fists carried a reddish-ck light. Every time he attacked, that light would be released. Also, there was a type of frightening, suppressive might and an off-sweet odor that pervaded the air.

    Although Qing An wasn¡¯t afraid of it, he used up more and more power to eliminate the power of corrosion with every one of Tianheng¡¯s strikes. As the fighting continued, it was only natural that Qing An¡¯s attacks weren¡¯t as imposing and valiant as before.

    Tianheng contended a couple of rounds with him. Suddenly, a short bow appeared in Tianheng¡¯s hand. On the bow, a thin arrow shot forth!

    The angle of this arrow was strange. The location it pointed towards was precisely the center of Qing An¡¯s chest!

    Qing An immediately realized that something was wrong. His sturdy body had already descended overhead in the form of Mount Tai, but as it happened, Tianheng shot a thin arrow at this moment. It seemed he had left a big opening, like he had taken the initiative to wee this arrow with his chest. Qing An was startled. Both of his legs evaded, and he twisted his body to turn around. However, Tianheng¡¯s slender arrow had already beenunched. Qing An wasn¡¯t able topletely dodge it, and the location where he was struck was his arm.

    Indeed, Qing An was wounded at this moment, but he suddenly let out a peal of heartyughter: ¡°Hahaha! This strength of yours can¡¯t pierce through your father¡¯s golden body!¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to pierce that golden body of yours in the first ce.¡±

    In this instant, Qing An¡¯s legs reached the ground, and he was just about to dash over. However, Tianheng was calm and unruffled in the midst of chaos. He reached out a hand, and pped out a palm.

    Pow!

    That Qing An, who¡¯d justnded on the ground, was immediately struck by a huge force. Because his feet weren¡¯tpletely stable, his entire body was like a spinning top. Due to this force, he suddenly spun around.

    Qing An¡¯splexion turned a furious purple.

    A loss of face! What a loss of face!

    He couldn¡¯t help shouting in fury: ¡°Despicable! Shameless!¡±

    Under the Martial Prowess tform, the Qingyun Sect disciples stared nkly. Shortly after, they ridiculed without restraint: ¡°Shameless? It¡¯s nothing more than a move¡¯s palm technique. Could it be that your Chongyun Sect permits you to use that golden body to protect yourself, but it doesn¡¯t permit others to seize an opponent¡¯s gaps and counterattack?! These words are too funny!¡±

    Qing An knew that this was a slip of the tongue. His face burned even hotter, but he didn¡¯t admit his mistake. He repeatedly stamped his feet, wanting to stop spinning.

    Tianheng¡¯s lips hooked up, and he pped out another palm.

    At this moment, Qing An started spinning around once again. It seemed like he was both graceful and clumsy.

    But the current Qing An suddenly discovered that being whipped around like a spinning top wasn¡¯t the worst thing. What was the most horrible was that, while he was continuously rotating, his golden body was constantly being contaminated with ck qi!

    As it turned out, the two palms that Tianheng pped out with were two enormous Blood Palms, which had smeared nearly all of Qing An¡¯s body. At the ces where he¡¯d been struck, reddish-ck qi was continuously spreading. Meanwhile, fury clouded his heart, and he was initially only preupied with stoping his body. He¡¯d forgotten to operate his true qi to dispel the power of corrosion.

    At this time, Qing An felt iparable pain all over his body. After Tianheng pped another Blood Palm out, he was swatted off the Martial Prowess tform. His entire body was ckened, and was in dire need of critical care.

    Tianheng stopped fighting, and hisplexion seemed to turn somewhat pale. Hence, he took out another medicinal pill, and stuffed it into his mouth. His voice was even more tranquil, as if he was suppressing an internal injury: ¡°Who else wille?¡±

    Everyone in Qingyun Sect: ¡°...¡±

    Everyone in Chongyun Sect: ¡°...¡±

    At the present time, neither side talked nonsense. Chongyun Sect¡¯s side choked back a bellyful of anger. Then, a person¡¯s figure swept out like a light breeze. His speed was extremely fast, and he appeared to excel in body techniques. The weapons in his hands were even stranger. They were two horn-shaped objects like that of daggers. After getting on the tform, he didn¡¯t introduce himself. He seized the decisive opportunity and charged over!

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t hurried. In a sh, two short spears appeared in his hands.

    These short spears were only a little more than a foot long each. The tips were sharp and flickered with a cold light. And above those spear tips shed a reddish-ck radiance. It looked incredibly terrifying.

    No one dared to look down upon this reddish-ck light because this radiance was much more strange and crafty than that reddish-gold power.

    If someone underestimated it, then they would wind up with an ending even more wretched than that of Qing An.

    Xi Yangyun and the others roused their spirits for Tianheng.

    They were thinking ¡ª Whether it was the previous arrow techniques or strength, the other party was repeatedlying up just like this, and Tianheng was unexpectedly resisting them all. However, nobody was perfect. Those two fellows were formidable, but it didn¡¯t mean that this body technique could also suppress the other side. Yet, Chongyun Sect was just that despicable. It had sent out disciples who specialized in certain abilities one after another as if it was determined to find Tianheng¡¯s weakness. Then, like a viper, it would defeat him!

    ¡ª This time, would Tianheng still be able to hold on?

    Gu Zuo still had faith in his dear big brother¡¯s body techniques. He knew that his big brother had extensively read up on numerous martial skills. After mastering this subject throughprehensive study, he had gone through several life and death battles, and definitely gained many insights. A body technique was an indispensable method for escaping. In Deer Blood Mountain Range, his big brother had dealt with those numerous wild beasts, so he had certainly honed himself in this respect.

    However, the troubled concern in his heart was stillrge.

    Below the tform, everyone saw that Tianheng didn¡¯tpete with that Chongyun Sect disciple in body techniques. Instead, he stood in ce and his figure remained motionless.

    When that Chongyun Sect disciple encircled Tianheng¡¯s sides and entangled him like a gust of wind, the two daggers were like two poisonous dragons. The daggers repeatedlyshed out at strange angles. Yet, everyone saw that Tianheng wasn¡¯t staying still. Rather, both of his feet were changing positions within a half-meter radius, allowing his entire person to resemble a being with three heads and six arms. Also, the two short spears in his hands were like two mythical rocs. Every instant that the poisonous dragons attacked, the beaks of the two rocs would unceasingly peck at them.

    The sound of colliding metal was like the scouring of a rainstorm. It practically became a scene of an unending mor. However, this sound wasn¡¯t pleasant to hear. On the contrary, it held an endless feeling of harshness. A sense of strain was produced from the bottom of one¡¯s heart for whomever heard this noise. It seemed like, amid this type of sound, the beating of one¡¯s heart would speed up countless times over ¡ª Like it was going to jump right out of one¡¯s chest!

    Such collision sounds continued for no less than a joss of incense. The battle situation appeared to have sunken into a deadlock. It seemed that, for whomever had the more abundant true qi, they would be the one to prevail over the other.

    That Chongyun Sect disciple believed that, under his hurricane of continuous attacks, that Gongyi Tianheng, who had fought several battles in a row, certainly wouldn¡¯t have been able tost for much longer. The Chongyun Sect disciple would breach Tianheng¡¯s defenses. However, he didn¡¯t expect that, after his assassination techniques werepletely put on disy, Tianheng could still maintain the previous frequency and block all of his attacks!

    However, this Chongyun Sect disciple also needed to take a breather.

    He didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and promptly withdrew himself. He was going to catch his breath and attack once more.

    But the Chongyun Sect disciple never once thought that not long after he retreated, when he was about to gain his second wind, the short spears in Tianheng¡¯s hands had disappeared some time ago. After that...

    There was another palm.

    Pow!

    The Blood Palm came out, and pped the opponent off the Martial Prowess tform. This person fell onto those many Chongyun Sect disciples.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 252 - â€œSeriously Injuredâ€

    <h4>Chapter 252 - ¡°Seriously Injured¡±</h4>

    Another person stepped out from Chongyun Sect.

    This person held a long spear. The spear tip was as fast as lightning, its momentum rushed across, and its movements were wide-sweeping. It possessed a bold and unconstrained beauty like sshed ink.

    From his mouth, he shouted: ¡°You seem to have some ability, but do you dare topare spear skills with this one?!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was free and at ease as he turned around. With a swing of his arm, he also took out a long spear. He lifted his hand and thrusted straight out to sh with that person¡¯s spear for a short while. They charged against one another in a back and forth manner.

    This was probably a warm-up. After a period of fighting to one¡¯s heart¡¯s content, Tianheng¡¯s movements became nimbler and smoother. It seemed that his strength was gradually making progress. In the beginning, he was staying level with his opponent, but he eventually gained the upper-hand. After that, he raised his spear and forced the other back. A Blood Palm swatted out, and nearly pped this person off the tform.

    It was just that, for some reason, this time¡¯s Blood Palm didn¡¯t show results with one strike.

    That Chongyun Sect disciple was overjoyed. His figure moved like a dragon as he turned his hands to strike back. Unfortunately, no matter how fast his reaction speed, he wasn¡¯t able to block Tianheng¡¯s next palm.

    Hence, although this match wasn¡¯t settled with a single palm, two palms were enough to end it.

    This Chongyun Sect disciple was defeated as well.

    Chongyun Sect¡¯s mood became as grave as that of Qingyun Sect. Also, because Tianheng had persevered for so long, those from Qingyun Sect weren¡¯t all happy. They harbored worries. While they hoped that he could hold on for a while longer, they also hoped that those disciples in secluded cultivation woulde out as soon as possible to take Tianheng¡¯s ce.

    Right now, although it appeared that Tianheng was constantly winning his battles, they also discovered that Tianheng¡¯splexion was slowly worsening. Wasn¡¯t the reason why two Blood Palms were used previously because his true qi had dropped and the consumption was quiterge? Amid this scene, there was unexpectedly a moving and tragic feeling.

    Thus, the favorable impressions that many Qingyun Sect disciples had for Tianheng increased greatly. They only felt that this person had spared no effort for the Sect. He was considered an exemry model of the Inner Sect. If they could bring out a tenth of his strength, then they would¡¯ve also fought alongside him to uphold the Sect¡¯s honor.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This was just a few equivalent realms... They were certainly geniuses, but they weren¡¯t really genius enough to raise eyebrows. And those who weren¡¯t genius enough to raise eyebrows were justing to deliver heads to his big brother.

    However, his big brother¡¯s disguise was too ruthless. Just how many pits did he want to dig?

    It had to be said that all of the Chongyun Sect disciples who¡¯d been pped down by the Blood Palm wouldn¡¯t be able to go out and make any lively provocations for quite a few days at the very least. In the end, it might be difficult to remove the poison due to that strange reddish-ck power of the Tiandu Body! If there wasn¡¯t enough time, perhaps they¡¯d have to return to Chongyun Sect lying down...

    Gu Zuo silently praised his big brother in his heart.

    &#k2014; His big brother was awesome, hitting multiple birds with one stone!

    Sure enough, Chongyun Sect¡¯s side was still unwilling. Qingyun Sect had guessed that the Blood Palm¡¯s might was already insufficient, so since Chongyun Sect had a living body as proof, they were even more convinced of this point.

    That¡¯s right. The symptoms of the person who¡¯d been pped down indicated that the poison within the other party¡¯s body was weaker than that of those people from before. Moreover, the speed of expelling the poison was a little faster.

    Thus, the Chongyun Sect disciples didn¡¯t take anything else into consideration. An alternating battle was just that. In any case, their faces were on the verge of being torn to pieces. What rules were there to speak of? A thief would pass for a king if he had stolen the crown. So long as Tianheng was crippled, even if they lost a bit of face now, it wouldn¡¯t have anything to do with them!

    After finalizing this n, Chongyun Sect became even braver. The ones who were dispatched were all disciples with enormous potential and whose destructive powers were especially grand.

    Prior to every one of Tianheng¡¯s matches, he would take a medicinal pill. The might of the Blood Palm was indeed weakening. The first and second went up... The third and fourth went up... Nevertheless, they weren¡¯t able to cripple him.

    Eventually, after Tianheng consecutively injured eight of Chongyun Sect¡¯s people, he ended the match with the ninth Chongyun Sect disciple where neither side won ¡ª Tianheng turned around and jumped off the tform.

    Yet, he still hadn¡¯t been crippled. On the contrary, the wounds of the one who¡¯d been pped out by him were rather serious.

    The Chongyun Sect disciples couldn¡¯t help gnashing their teeth:

    ¡°What a crafty guy!¡±

    ¡°It seems he has seen through our n...¡±

    ¡°For this kind of person, we have to look for another opportunity. We can¡¯t let him get away with this!¡±

    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s also not possible for mid-level disciples like us. We¡¯ll have to ask the high-level seniors toe over.¡±

    Chongyun Sect was out of luck. Originally, they hade over while bearing a very big goal. The disciples who were brought along were greater in numbers and strengthpared to the disciples who suppressed Qingyun Sectst time.

    One shouldn¡¯t focus on how they talked about low-level disciples and mid-level disciples. In fact, the word ¡°genius¡± should¡¯ve also been appended to the low and mid-level titles. And how could anyone who wasbelled a genius be weak?

    The fighting within Chongyun Sect was more intense than that of Qingyun Sect. The titles of the low and mid-level had been won by stepping upon the faces of numerous Inner Sect disciples. Compared to Qingyun Sect, this peaceful world, it was much more difficult over there. As a result, in an evaluation between disciples of the two Sects who were at equal or near-equal realms, it was to be expected that Chongyun Sect was superior.

    When they came over this time, it wasn¡¯t like before where the majority were low-level disciples with only a few mid-level disciples. Now, not only had the number of low-level disciples doubled, the number of mid-level disciples was higher than the previous number of low-level disciples. Quite a few high-level disciples were even brought along. This was to ensure that Chongyun Sect thoroughly suppressed Qingyun Sect without giving them the smallest leeway to turn things around ¡ª Moreover, not only the Xiantians, even the Immortal Realm disciples were of the same quality!

    But they didn¡¯t anticipate this. At first, the low-level disciples could still show off their strengths. Even if Qingyun Sect could find stronger people from time to time, this basically wasn¡¯t outside Chongyun Sect¡¯s expectations. Unfortunately, when their provocations had nearly reached a crescendo, when they felt that Qingyun Sect had been suppressed to its breaking point, such a mishap had suddenly urred!

    In Chongyun Sect¡¯s opinion, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy for Qingyun Sect to produce a few personages simr to their mid-level disciples. Once public appearances were made, after casually sending a few mid-level disciples to battle, Chongyun Sect could directly send its high-level disciples to crush the opposition and thoroughly destroy Qingyun Sect¡¯s face. But now, how could this Gongyi Tianheng beparable to a mid-level disciple? He was basically the same as a high-level disciple! How could there be such a genius character in a weak, no good sect like Qingyun Sect?!

    After losing these rounds, there were heavy wounds on his body. If they sent another person to drag the other party out to fight again, that would¡¯ve been too shameless. Chongyun Sect wasn¡¯t in a good position to incite derision, so it could only send someone to inform those couple of high-level disciples to figure out how to deal with Tianheng, this dangerous personage.

    However, although nine mid-level disciples were injured, it was fortunate that the number of mid-level disciples brought here was far greater than this. Chongyun Sect held in its anger. While they couldn¡¯t get rid of Tianheng, couldn¡¯t they take out their anger on Qingyun Sect? Immediately following this, a mid-level disciple who was brimming with potential jumped onto the Martial Prowess tform. The longsword in his hand stabbed into the ground, causing numerous cracks to spread out in all directions under his feet.

    At the same time, his breath rushed out from his throat as he issued his strong grievances: ¡°Everyone of Qingyun Sect, who wille to fight with this one? This one¡¯s longsword will quietly wait for you all!¡±

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples: ¡°...¡±

    Although they understood that the next person to go up might be unlucky, they suddenly felt that... Even if it was their own turn to be this unlucky person, they felt it would be a little cool.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care about anything else. He immediately rushed to Tianheng¡¯s side. He blurted out: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Originally, he had been diligently addressing Tianheng as ¡°young master¡± in front of everyone from Qingyun Sect the entire time. However, because he¡¯d been distracted while watching the fight, he hadn¡¯t been payingplete attention to this. Now, he simply didn¡¯t bother about this anymore. In any case, with his current ¡°position¡± among the pharmacists, it shouldn¡¯t obstruct him nor give rise to any gossip.

    Tianheng¡¯splexion was deathly pale. He weakly lifted a hand as if he wanted to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair or to pat his shoulder. But because Tianheng didn¡¯t have any strength, that hand only lifted halfway before falling back down.

    Gu Zuo promptly reached out to grasp Tianheng¡¯s hand. His voice was urgent: ¡°Big brother! Are you okay? Is there anything wrong?¡±

    In his heart, he silently made a helpless expression ¡ª His big brother really could act. While it looked like he was very weak, if someone really went to examine the interior of Tianheng¡¯s body, they¡¯d discover that he was as strong as a wild beast and that his qi and blood was exuberant.

    It was just that, even though his mind knew what was going on, seeing his dear big brother with such a ¡°heavily wounded¡± appearance still made him felt upset. Unconsciously, this showed up on his face a little bit.

    Tianheng lightly shook his head. His voice was very low: ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    This scene made Xi Yangyun and the others who were approaching suddenly halt their footsteps.

    They felt that it was inappropriate to disturb them for the time being.

    Once the adoptive brothers finished speaking, Xi Yangyun asked with deep concern: ¡°How are you, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi? If you need anything, just say the word. This Xi will certainly prepare it for you.¡±

    The other organization leaders all conveyed their own goodwill one after another ¡ª They were obliged to make friends with this kind of person.

    However, whether it was goodwill or deep concern, no one suggested to ask a pharmacist toe over and diagnose Tianheng. After all, unless one¡¯s strength was enfeebled or there was no other choice, everyone would have some secrets after their strengths made huge advancements. Unless it was an absolutely trusted pharmacist, other people wouldn¡¯t be allowed to easily examine one¡¯s own body.

    The present Gu Zuo¡¯s strength was quite high. Tianheng and him also trusted in each other. Naturally, there was no need to suggest other pharmacists... If it was truly required, they would wait for when Gu Zuo had no other recourse before selling a favor.

    Xi Yangyun especially knew that Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu were friends. Even if they needed a favor, it wouldn¡¯t have been these people¡¯s turn to offer it.

    Tianheng had two medicinal pills stuffed into his mouth by Gu Zuo. Without much extra effort, he slowly recovered. His voice when speaking was also somewhat clear. After he expressed his thanks to everyone in Qingyun Sect, he spoke with some worry: ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Chongyun Sect will want to vent its anger. The juniors who¡¯ll be going upter...¡±

    Xi Yangyun paused.

    He was also a little anxious. It would be fortunate if the people who came to fightter on were only struck and crippled. In a momentary fit of rage, would the Chongyun Sect disciples kill their opponents?

    Otherwise, it would be better that he sent martial artists whose realms were higher than their opponents to avoid any unreasonable losses of life.

    But at the next moment, Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression turned into one of joy.

    He instantly turned his head, and saw the shadow of a sword-like person. In the blink of an eye, this person dropped onto the Martial Prowess tform!

    That was ¡ª

    A secluded disciple hade out!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 253 - Shuangyun Hall

    <h4>Chapter 253 - Shuangyun Hall</h4>

    The secluded disciple¡¯s air of arrogance towered like the clouds. After getting on the Martial Prowess tform, he didn¡¯t waste many words with that Chongyun Sect disciple. On the spot, his hand grasped a longsword, and they began fighting.

    For a moment, there were shes of sabers and shadows of swords. Qi energies surged on, and the lights gleamed coldly. During the exchange, the fighting became extremely fierce.

    At the same time, several gusts of strong wind blew over from far away, bringing along powerful and imposing auras. Each gustnded in an area close to the Martial Prowess tform.

    This grabbed people¡¯s attention, and they looked over. There were two men and two women. The men had heroic and soldierly appearances, and the women were remarkably beautiful.

    The feelings that they gave others were unlike that of many Qingyun Sect disciples. It was as if they were individuals of an even higher standing. They also bore a type of extremely formidable self-confidence.

    These were great geniuses with exceptional potential who were under the care of numerous Grand Elders and extremely strong Elders. Because they were in secluded cultivation all year round, not many people had seen their true identities. However, the high-status disciples who could get in touch with the core were all aware of the existences of such individuals.

    The secluded disciples enjoyed the limitless benefits of the Sect, so it was inevitable that they would fight for the honor of the Sect at the crucial moment!

    Gu Zuo only nced at that side. After roughlymitting their appearances to memory, he continued to act like a good younger brother, and paid attention to his dear big brother.

    He silently transmitted with Gongyi Tianheng.

    [Big brother, what are we going to do now?]

    On the outside, Tianheng seemed to be enduring countless sufferings, but his transmitted voice was leisured and unhurried.

    [Ah Zuo, just say that you¡¯ll take me back to rest.]

    Gu Zuo was somewhat surprised.

    [Doesn¡¯t big brother want to stay here to watch the skills of those secluded disciples?]

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze moved slightly.

    [This moment isn¡¯t a good opportunity. In all likelihood, I¡¯ll certainly get another chance to spar with those secluded disciples after today.]

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and agreed.

    Now that his big brother had secured this kind of face for Qingyun Sect, Tianheng¡¯s treatment in the future would definitely be different. On top of that, with the trade of his psychic power method and so on, the importance that the Sect attached to his big brother ought to be even more distinctive. Rather than dragging around a ¡°seriously injured body¡±, it was better to leave in advance. This was to avoid giving the impression that Tianheng was holding on toofortably, and arousing suspicions.

    As for those secluded disciples, his big brother should get many chances to contact the other party.

    After making such a decision, Gu Zuo spoke to Xi Yangyun: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, since there are already secluded seniors taking responsibility for this ce, I¡¯ll be taking my big brother back to recuperate... It¡¯s very crowded andplicated here. It¡¯s not quiet and definitely not suitable for my big brother¡¯s rest.¡±

    After hearing these words, Xi Yangyun promptly withdrew his attention. He said with deep concern: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s words are reasonable. With Junior Sect Brother Gongyi like this, it¡¯s better to leave this ce for somewhere more appropriate. How about this? I¡¯ll call on a few people to escort you two back, so that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi can heal in peace.¡±

    Gu Zuo said at once: ¡°This couldn¡¯t be better. Many thanks, Senior Sect brother Xi.¡±

    But after Xi Yangyun thought about it some more, he suddenly said: ¡°Wait a moment. I overlooked something.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at him in puzzlement.

    Xi Yangyun inly said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi has greatly obstructed Chongyun Sect. That Chongyun Sect is also ustomed to using contemptible means. If they discover this matter, they may try to find an excuse to make trouble for Junior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    In his opinion, although Tianheng had formed a team, they hadn¡¯t been nurtured into true experts. It wouldn¡¯t be enough if they were to undertake the responsibility of protecting Tianheng while he was weakened.

    Xi Yangyun continued: ¡°It¡¯s better that I ask Junior Sect Brother Gongyi to go to my Shuangyun Hall to recuperate. This is also to avoid...¡±

    Gu Zuo was conflicted: ¡°Many thanks for the kindness, Senior Sect Brother Xi, but Chongyun Sect wouldn¡¯t go so far as to do anything while we¡¯re inside the Sect, right?¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression was somewhat unsightly: ¡°Common sense says that they wouldn¡¯t, but if that one in a million chance actually happens, then it¡¯ll be toote for regrets. Now that Chongyun Sect¡¯s face is damaged, even if the higher-ups know how to handle things, those young and conceited Chongyun Sect disciples might not necessarily be capable of remaining calm.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    Because he felt that this world had all kinds of people. It really wasn¡¯t impossible for Xi Yangyun¡¯s notion to ur. Although he had psychic power and was confident that he could protect his big brother, confidence sometimes had no use whatsoever. In the end, he was still just one person... When things came to a head, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t let his big brother expose the reality that he hadn¡¯t been wounded the entire time, right?

    After that, Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng nodded to him meaningfully.

    Hence, Gu Zuo just said: ¡°In that case, many thanks for your hospitality, Senior Sect Brother Xi.¡±

    Immediately following which, Xi Yangyun ordered a few of his own subordinates toe over. Among the disciples he called, there were two Xiantian stage nines as well as an Immortal Realm martial artist. This kind of lineup was very powerful. Under normal circumstances, that would certainly be able to deliver two people to Shuangyun Hall.

    Gu Zuo saw this, and also set aside his worries. Soon after, he hesitated before reaching out and supporting Tianheng to stand up. Then, Gu Zuo...carried Tianheng on his back.

    Yes. Gu Zuo carried Tianheng on his back ¡ª It was only natural that he couldn¡¯t let others do it. Otherwise, who knew whether the person who carried Tianheng would discover that his big brother¡¯s qi and blood was so exuberant? Moreover, he also felt that he himself was a dignified man with great strength. This was no problem at all.

    It was just that it was a little bit embarrassing.

    This bit of embarrassment was due to the fact that...he wasn¡¯t tall enough.

    Tianheng was almost a full head taller than him. Speaking of which, both he and his big brother were still at the growing age, but the differences in their heights hadn¡¯t once changed.

    If it was Tianheng carrying him, then there naturally weren¡¯t any problems. They fitted together very well. But now it was him carrying Tianheng. Originally, Tianheng was a head taller than him. Tianheng¡¯s legs were currently being supported by his hands, but the guy¡¯s legs were long. It still gave the feeling that Tianheng¡¯s legs would drag along the ground at any moment.

    This picture looked very strange.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t take offense...¡±

    Tianhengughed in a low voice: ¡°En, I don¡¯t mind.¡± Then, he said in a soft voice, ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s working hard.¡±

    The ones who felt that this was odd wasn¡¯t just Gu Zuo himself. Xi Yangyun and several others felt this way, too. However, they didn¡¯t say anything. Granted that he was a pharmacist, he also possessed the strength to carry a fully-grown man on his back. The adoptive brothers were very close, and it was unnecessary for others to cut into the conversation.

    Following this, Gu Zuo and Tianheng bade farewell to Xi Yangyun andpany. Then, they followed those three martial artists who were protecting them, and travelled straight to Shuangyun Hall.

    Not much time passed as Gu Zuo gently carried Tianheng to that pce hall.

    A girl with a peerless appearance came out while carrying some fragrant tea to receive these two unexpected guests.

    Among the three martial artists, the one with the fastest lips quickly exined the situation to Xi Shuangyun. She gave a slight smile: ¡°We¡¯re also friends. Senior Sect Brother Gongyi and Senior Sect Brother Gu, I will make arrangements for the both of you on behalf of my big brother. These three Senior Sect Brothers bear a key task. Quickly go back and assist my big brother.¡±

    After she finished speaking, the three martial artists departed. Then, Xi Shuangyun repeatedly mademands, ordering the powerhouses who managed Shuangyun Hall to stay vignt. During this period of time, they couldn¡¯t allow even a housefly to sneak into Shuangyun Hall.

    Soon after, Xi Shuangyun used her quick and melodious voice to set up the area where Tianheng would recuperate. It was a small hall in the back. The environment was quiet and secluded. No one would disturb them, and it was veryfortable.

    The present Xi Shuangyun was no longer that sickly and pallid girl. As the younger sister of Xi Yangyun, no matter how delicate she outwardly appeared, she also possessed abilities that weren¡¯tcking.

    Naturally, Gu Zuo expressed his thanks to Xi Shuangyun on behalf of his ¡°weakened¡± big brother. As he carried Tianheng, they arrived at that side hall. In a smooth and steady manner, he ced Tianheng down on a soft couch.

    Xi Shuangyun spoke in a gentle voice: ¡°If Senior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t dislike it, this little sister can manage everything you need for Senior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s recovery.¡± She looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s somewhat uneasy expression, andughed, ¡°Senior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t need to worry. Whether it¡¯s Senior Sect Brother Gu or Senior Sect Brother Gongyi, this little sister has no way to listen to your inner thoughts. I won¡¯t be a hindrance to my two seniors...¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted, and promptly said: ¡°I didn¡¯t mean this.¡±

    However, he indeed have his guard up before. Afterwards, he still had his guard up.

    But in the end, were Xi Shuangyun¡¯s words true or false?

    Xi Shuangyun had nothing else to say. After she asked for a list of things that Gu Zuo needed, she turned around and went out of the pce hall¡¯s entrance.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo paused, and raised a question to the system.

    [Is the Heavenly Heart Body incapable of listening to the thoughts of big brother and myself?]

    The system¡¯s answer was especially straightforward.

    [Obtaining an answer requires the deduction of one hundred strands of medicinal qi. Will the host continue this inquiry?]

    Gu Zuo was speechless. Ah, the price went up.

    But Gu Zuo still nodded resolutely.

    The system answered decisively.

    [The medicinal qi has been deducted. Yes.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    A single word for a hundred strands of medicinal qi. It really was quite expensive.

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s trust in the system was still very high. Since the other party said that Xi Shuangyun¡¯s words were truthful, then they probably were.

    Merely, he didn¡¯t understand. Why was this the case? He recalled the distinctive features of the Heavenly Heart Body. It was only said that it consumed a lot to listen to those of a higher realm, and that if the other side was stronger, they could shield themselves. No other conditions were mentioned.

    As a result, Gu Zuo asked the system another question.

    [Why is she unable to hear our thoughts?]

    The system appeared to pause.

    [The host¡¯s authority is insufficient, and cannot inquire.]

    Gu Zuo was truly...dumbfounded.

    Off to the side, Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s eyesight had drifted for split second, and realized that he was probablymunicating with the system. At this time, he looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s strange expression, and couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 254 - System Upgrade

    <h4>Chapter 254 - System Upgrade</h4>

    Gu Zuo silently turned his head: ¡°I asked the system a question, and the system said that my authority is insufficient... Moreover, when I previously asked it a question, it went from five strands of medicinal qi and increased to a hundred strands. How devious.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng stared nkly. After that, he beckoned to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo walked over, and sat next to the couch.

    Tianheng lifted a hand, and ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Since your scope of authority iscking, you need to upgrade your authority.¡± He paused, ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about the increased cost in medicinal qi. In the future, unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary, you should analyze it on your own more often, and make fewer inquiries to the system.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh?¡± Then he nodded his head, ¡°Oh.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°I remember that Ah Zuo once said that the system had issued a long-term mission ¡ª That it was the system¡¯s initial upgrade mission.¡±

    Gu Zuo recalled this at once.

    Indeed, there was such a mission. However, that was still during the Hundred Countries Tournament. Ten-thousand strands of medicinal qi wasn¡¯t considered too many, but at that time, Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining skill level hadn¡¯t reached its peak. Moreover, he and Tianheng were both short on money, and he also needed to userge quantities of medicinal qi for cultivation. As a result, he had thrown this mission off to the side.

    Furthermore, the Gu Zuo back then didn¡¯t have a lot of confidence in himself, and was heavily reliant on the system. Likewise, he had considerable doubts about the system, and didn¡¯t dare to do something like rashly upgrading it. Yet, in the many days that followed, his sense of dependency upon the system also wasn¡¯t that strong. Most of the time, he even preferred to listen to Tianheng¡¯s words ¡ª After all, whenever Tianheng made any decisions, Tianheng would conscientiously exin it to him ¡ª Even now, he still didn¡¯t haveplete trust in the system.

    ...Perhaps it was because the system appeared so suddenly, while Tianheng was the partner he chose to rely on after much careful consideration.

    Gu Zuo lowered his voice: ¡°Big brother, I can squeeze out ten-thousand strands of medicinal qi right now, but would it be okay to upgrade it like this?¡±

    Tianheng understood Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning. He was also aware that, in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, the trust Gu Zuo had in Tianheng surpassed the trust he had in the system. The look in Tianheng¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help softening: ¡°Right now, you and I are both at Xiantian stage six. Although the many item books that you possess cover a wide range, the realms that suit us aren¡¯t necessarily very high. Consequently, it¡¯s evident that we are merely treading upon the initial realms of the paths of martial arts and medicine refinement. It basically doesn¡¯t amount to much at all.

    He continued: ¡°The system has never forced you to do anything, and it has also never forcefully taken your medicinal qi. Rather than incessantly guessing, it would be better to do that mission first and see what appearance that system takes after the initial upgrade.¡±

    If it said that Gu Zuo¡¯s scope of authority was insufficient, that authority most likely had something to do with the system¡¯s upgrade.

    Whether it was good or bad after the upgrade, they naturally would obtain even more information.

    Gu Zuo was naturally convinced by Tianheng: ¡°What big brother says is right. Then, I¡¯ll just...upgrade it now?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded.

    Currently, to the outside world, he was in the middle of recuperating. However, he actually wasn¡¯t injured at all. As such, this free time that he found himself with was just enough to let his little pharmacist handle this matter.

    Gu Zuo was still very cautious. In Tianheng¡¯s presence, he asked: ¡°System, I¡¯ll give you ten-thousand strands of medicinal qi. How long will it take for your initial upgrade?¡±

    [Two hours.]

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng: ¡°The system said it¡¯ll take two hours&#k2026;¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Just in case, it¡¯d be better if Ah Zuo lies down next to me. If anything goes wrong, I¡¯ll respond without dy.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and nodded his head. He got onto the couch, and lied down next to Tianheng.

    Tianheng used one hand to embrace him, and patted his shoulder in passing: ¡°Okay. Ah Zuo, be very careful.¡±

    At once, Gu Zuo closed his eyes. He steeled himself, and gave the system a reply.

    [Begin.]

    The next moment, in the storage region that contained countless milky-white snakes, a bit less than half of those bright points instantly vanished. This made that storage region appear much sparser all of a sudden.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo sensed an intense, white light burst out from the system within his consciousness. There were twelve storage regions, twelve ck holes, which were originally shining clearly, but now he only felt that they were piercingly bright.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness sank. Unwittingly, he fell into a deep sleep.

    On the couch, Tianheng kept his head lowered the entire time as he looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s face. At this moment, he also sensed that his little pharmacist had fallen into such a sleep after a slight burst of involuntary shuddering. Fortunately, although Gu Zuo¡¯s qi emissions had some fluctuations, his breathing was gentle and hisplexion was rosy. It seemed that there wasn¡¯t too big of a difference.

    It could be seen that he wasn¡¯t in great pain.

    In Tianheng¡¯s mind, he became bit more assured ¡ª The danger level of that system had also fallen by one point.

    During the entire two hours, Tianheng watched over Gu Zuo. Shuangyun Hall¡¯s people came over once, but due to this matter, when there came a knocking on the door, the staff member was tactfully declined entry by Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s qi emissions were gradually stabilizing as well.

    Atst, the instant that the two hours ended, not a second more or less, Gu Zuo opened his eyes in a daze.

    ¡°...Big brother, I fell asleep?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Now, Ah Zuo can take a look. After your system upgraded, you can see what has changed.¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted. He turned over, and got up to sit on the couch.

    Tianheng watched him acting this way, and felt it was interesting. He smiled as he watched Gu Zuo¡¯s restless behavior.

    Of course, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t really that restless. His consciousness just moved, and squeezed into his Tianfu Acupoint to see the present circumstances of the system.

    With this one look, Gu Zuo was a little startled.

    Because, previously, his psychic power could faintly perceive the general position of the system within his Tianfu Acupoint. However, when he really connected with the system, what he actually saw were just twelve ck holes, which were the twelve storage regions that the system gave him. But now, the ce that his consciousness connected to had undergone huge changes.

    In that ce, no longer were there twelve ck holes. Rather, there was a seemingly simple and unadorned, yet towering and majestic, pce hall!

    Even though this pce hall was inside his Tianfu Acupoint, even though it clearly shouldn¡¯t have been thatrge, in Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness, it was gigantic, like it could amodate over a hundred people!

    ¡ª This was the system?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking in his consciousness.

    Soon after, a dull voice echoed out.

    [After this system¡¯s initial upgrade, the storage space has been upgraded into the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. May the host use it appropriately.]

    Gu Zuo was taken aback.

    In the very beginning, when the system recognized him as its host, all of its dialogue had appeared in his mind as lines of script, which allowed him toprehend its meaning. Over a long period of time, after his psychic power strengthened, those lines of script seemed to have be a voice. Every time, he almost seemed to hear it, which let him understand it as such. And now, he truly detected that he had ¡°heard¡± a voice in his own consciousness. This was because he could distinguish that the system¡¯s voice was very monotonous. It was an existence without the slightest bit of emotion.

    Could it be that this was also a change following the upgrade?

    [Yes. The connection between the host and system has grown closer.]

    Gu Zuo carefully perceived his surroundings.

    After that, he discovered that...he also had an ability to control this so-called Divine Medicine Pce Hall to a certain extent.

    Moreover, the cultivation that he first obtained was the <<Divine Medicine Cultivation Method>>. After the system upgraded, it formed the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. The inner workings of this rtionship were certainly very clear-cut... Right?

    The Divine Medicine Pce Hall was justprised of one main hall and two side halls.

    In the main hall, directly ahead were twelve ck holes. They seemed to have been embedded within the wall, and were filled with all kinds of things. They were ssified as Gu Zuo¡¯s twelve storage regions. Currently, these storage regions were neatly arranged in front, and it seemed that they had be a part of the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    At first, Gu Zuo thought that the upgrade was the storage space bing the pce hall. But now it looked like it wasn¡¯t a transformation... After reconsidering what the system had mentioned before, and that the system suffered damage and required medicinal qi to mend itself... He suspected that the system upgrade was actually a system restoration. The Divine Medicine Pce Hall also originally existed. It was just that, because the injuries it suffered were too heavy, it only disyed those twelve storage regions.

    After that, there were the side halls.

    The volume of the side hall on the left wasparatively small, but it had a veryrge bed that seemed to have been made of jade. As for the side hall on the right, there were no less than twelve cages. Each cage was unbelievably huge. It wasn¡¯t known what kinds of strange materials were used to cast the cages. They appeared to bear traces of a bloody stench. It was very scary.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred, and he withdrew out of his Tianfu Acupoint. Facing him were Tianheng¡¯s smiling eyes. Gu Zuo¡¯s face became slightly hot, and his mood was somewhat excited: ¡°Big brother, after the system upgraded, there really were huge changes!¡±

    Even under such an emotional state, he could still clearly articte everything he¡¯d previously seen to Tianheng. After putting his train of thought into order, he said: ¡°Big brother, you have no idea. Before the system upgraded, I had to ask everything about it. But it¡¯s different now. After the upgrade, it¡¯s like I¡¯ve immediatelye to know some things.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t move: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°The twelve storage regions still exist and the functions are still the same, but the most important thing is that the pce hall...¡± He settled down his state of mind, ¡°Big brother, you¡¯ll understand after you watch this.¡±

    The next moment, Tianheng found that Gu Zuo had disappeared right in front of him.

    At the exact same time, an extremely small speck of dust, so small that one wouldn¡¯t discover it without careful scrutiny beforehand, floated down as light as a feather.

    No matter how calm Tianheng was, he also couldn¡¯t help revealing an astounded expression at this moment: ¡°You can actually...go inside?¡±

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo reappeared in front of him, and that speck of dust Tianheng was staring at also suddenly vanished. Soon after, Gu Zuo grabbed Tianheng¡¯s arm. Two people disappeared together.

    As for Tianheng, he was looking at the interior of that gigantic and ancient pce hall. He lowered his eyes to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, can this Divine Medicine Pce Hall already allow people to enter it?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, and shook his head: ¡°This is...not the case.¡± He said with a bit of regret, ¡°The Divine Medicine Pce Hall and the storage space are unlike. The storage space can only store inanimate objects and living things without sapience. But it won¡¯t work with things like people, who possess intelligence. Big brother cane in because big brother is my guardian. In addition, our contract has already reached the second stage. Otherwise, only I would be able to go in.¡±

    ...Although, prior to the system¡¯s upgrade, Gu Zuo had also entirely forgotten that the system could stow away non-sapient living things.

    On the contrary, Tianheng wasn¡¯t disappointed at all: ¡°That¡¯s still very good.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 255 - New Function

    <h4>Chapter 255 - New Function</h4>

    Soon after, Gu Zuo pulled Gongyi Tianheng to the left-side hall. His hand pointed to the jade bed: ¡°If you cultivate on this bed, it can clear your heart and soul, and you won¡¯t be disturbed by any outside forces. It also has a very big effect on the rity of your mind. In addition, it can dispel tiredness to a certain degree.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s very useful.¡±

    Gu Zuo was in a very good mood: ¡°In the future, if big brother wants toe up with any martial skills, you cane here.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo. Ah Zuo is very considerate.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to this praise, and pulled Tianheng to the right-side hall: ¡°These twelve imprisonment cages can contain wild beasts. I¡¯m at the Xiantian Realm, so I can put Spirit-Level wild beasts inside them. In any case, the realms of the wild beasts that are imprisoned here can be one rank higher than my own. Moreover, once they¡¯re put inside, they¡¯ll be controlled by the cages, and they¡¯ll be no different from a person I¡¯ve engraved with the Medicinal ve Brand. Both would be under my control.¡±

    Tianheng praised again: ¡°That¡¯s amazing.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and continued to disy his treasures: ¡°Later on, if big brother captures any useful wild beasts, you can send them here. At that time, we won¡¯t have to constantly purchase wild beasts.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°What Ah Zuo says makes sense.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo pulled Tianheng into the main hall. His hand pointed at those twelve ck holes: ¡°Big brother,e look. This is my storage space. This one is exclusively for big brother. I¡¯ve put all of big brother¡¯s stuff in here.¡±

    Following which, Gu Zuo¡¯s voice trailed off. The storage region that he pointed at began shining in an instant. Inside the originally pitch-ck hole, many things appeared before their eyes.

    This was due to Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moving. As a result, Tianheng could see this scene here.

    After that, Gu Zuo pointed to the different storage regions one by one: ¡°This is the one where I put my medicinal pills. This is the one where I put my medicinal ingredients. This is the one where I put poisonous substances. This is for the meat essence of wild beasts. This is for my item books. This is...¡±

    He pointed to each and every one, but he stopped when he reached thest ck hole.

    ¡ª Shit! This was the one that stored Qi Tianyou¡¯s corpse! He would¡¯ve normally forgotten all about it, but what was he supposed to do now?!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind spun at lightning speed, and he immediately withdrew his hand: ¡°This is an empty one. I still haven¡¯t thought about what I want to put inside it.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he sighed.

    Fortunately, his mind didn¡¯t have this intention, so the ck hole didn¡¯t brighten up, and the corpse wasn¡¯t revealed. Otherwise, he really didn¡¯t know how he would exin this to his big brother.

    Ah, this was really a ticking time-bomb... Once his days became smooth and steady, it was for the best that he found a ce with optimal fengshui to bury Qi Tianyou.

    While thinking such thoughts, Gu Zuo¡¯s face still didn¡¯t particrly show anything.

    However, after Tianheng heard these words, he raised an eyebrow and his eyes shed with a strange light.

    Only, it was a pity that Gu Zuo, who felt guilty from the bottom of his heart for telling lies,pletely failed to notice this slight change&#k2026;

    After introducing all of the functions to Tianheng, Gu Zuo sighed with a bit of regret: ¡°The system has gained many functions after the upgrade, but there¡¯s one point that isn¡¯t good.¡±

    Tianheng looked at him: ¡°What¡¯s no good?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Reportedly, this pce hall relies on medicinal qi to be maintained. When I go in, it uses up one strand of medicinal qi every two hours. If big brother goes in, it needs two strands every two hours. When it¡¯s added all up, it¡¯ll be three strands every two hours when both of us go in. That¡¯s thirty-six strands a day. On top of that, the amounts of medicinal qi I need when I¡¯m normally cultivating has been growing bigger and biggertely. What am I supposed to do when I can¡¯t make ends meet. Ah, the pressure is huge.¡±

    Tianheng heard Gu Zuo talk like this, and he couldn¡¯t restrain a smile: ¡°Ah Zuo, these words are wrong.¡±

    Gu Zuo tilted his head.

    Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°With this godly hall, if Ah Zuo and I encounter any life or death cmities in the future, it¡¯ll be equivalent to having an extra life. Even if some medicinal qi is spent, you¡¯ll still be making a profit. Only...¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily asked: ¡°Only what?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s just that Ah Zuo will have to work hard in the days toe, and umte lots of medicinal qi. Preparedness averts peril.¡±

    Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression when he heard this reply: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. When I refine medicine, I¡¯m also cultivating. So long as there¡¯s enough medicinal ingredients, things like medicinal qi are a mere trifle!¡±

    Tianhengughed. He bent a finger and flicked Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°I¡¯ll certainly give you enough medicinal ingredients.¡±

    Gu Zuo stretched his hand to cover his forehead, and giggled along with Tianheng.

    Following this, under Gu Zuo¡¯s rmendation, Tianheng got on the jade bed in the Divine Medicine Pce Hall and tested whether that jade bed was as effective as Gu Zuo said.

    The results were very pleasing. The efficiency in cultivating on that jade bed was much higher than normal. Gu Zuo tried it himself, too. Sure enough, when he umted true qi and tempered his psychic power, the speeds had be faster.

    Hence, for the next two days, when Gu Zuo refined medicine and umted medicinal qi in the outside world, he would allow Tianheng to cultivate inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. And once Gu Zuo finished his tasks, Tianheng woulde out, and Gu Zuo would go in to cultivate for a period of time.

    Aside from asionally dealing with Xi Shuangyun¡¯s expressions of sympathy and care on behalf of Shuangyun Hall, the two didn¡¯t need to worry about anything else. Generally speaking, their days were still very satisfying.

    On the third day, Xi Yangyun returned to meet them in person.

    After entering the room, he first apologized: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, this Xi hasete. Please don¡¯t take offense.¡±

    At this time, Tianheng was ¡°weakly¡± reclining on the couch. Having heard what was said, he lifted his eyes, and gave a slight smile: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, it has been very busy for you. The two of us are also being treated as honored guests here. How can there be any justification for taking offense?¡±

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo dragged over a small seat, and arranged it in a position that was a slight distance away from the couch: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, please sit.¡±

    Xi Yangyun sat down. After he said hello to Gu Zuo, he asked: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, how is your current condition?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯m already quickly recovering. It¡¯ll only take some nursing, and I¡¯ll be able topletely regain my peak strength.¡±

    There was joy on Xi Yangyun¡¯s face: ¡°That couldn¡¯t be any better.¡±

    However, after Tianheng carefully sized up Xi Yangyun, he asked: ¡°I¡¯m doing well here, but why does Senior Sect Brother Xi look worried? I don¡¯t know if this matter can be discussed, but if I can help, then there shouldn¡¯t be any harm in Senior Sect Brother Xi talking about it.¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s smile stiffened. After that, he sighed and said: ¡°I won¡¯t keep this from Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. It has to do with our battles with Chongyun Sect.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was upright and proper. His bearing was rigorous and strict: ¡°I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡±

    Gu Zuo also pricked up his ears.

    On that day, they left as soon as those secluded disciples arrived. The following matters would¡¯ve certainly been marvelous, so he took advantage of this chance to listen. However, Xi Yangyun was so disheartened. Could it be that the oue wascking?

    Sure enough, Xi Yangyun said: ¡°As hidden, great geniuses, the secluded disciples of my Qingyun Sect had many resources and meticulous trainings spent on them. Their strengths far surpassed those of ordinary disciples at equal realms. During this time¡¯s battles with the Chongyun Sect disciples, they quickly adapted and obtained many victories.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo also nodded along.

    This was to be expected! No matter how powerful Chongyun Sect was, it couldn¡¯t move the Sect¡¯s foundations. In any case, Qingyun Sect was a great Sect. How could it be possible that there weren¡¯t any people to defend it?

    But following this, Xi Yangyun wore a bitter smile: ¡°Originally, although the disciples on Chongyun Sect¡¯s side were getting stronger and stronger, both our Sect and the opposing side would still obtain victories and defeats when we shed. Even the strongest among our Sect¡¯s secluded disciples was able to make brilliant consecutive wins, suppressing the other party. Merely, at that time, we didn¡¯t expect that Chongyun Sect would send three more people. And these three people were unprecedentedly powerful. Among them, only the Xiantian stage seven young man was dispatched, and he defeated the strongest secluded disciple of our Qingyun Sect¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo cautiously and solemnly asked: ¡°What was the realm of our Sect¡¯s secluded disciple?¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯splexion turned even more bitter: ¡°Xiantian stage eight.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, no wonder.

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s people didn¡¯t know that Chongyun Sect¡¯s genius disciples were divided into low, mid, and high grades, but it could be seen that the people whom the the other side sent out were of a higher grade than Qingyun Sect¡¯s geniuses. Basically, even Qingyun Sect¡¯s secluded disciples weren¡¯t able to keep their pride for long before being ruthlessly struck down from the clouds.

    Whether it was Tianheng¡¯s previous triumphs or the great increase in the morale of Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples, both were suppressed under such a spectacle.

    Right now, Chongyun Sect¡¯s goal was practically achieved. Although Tianheng¡¯s performance was to everyone¡¯s satisfaction, it was only a bump in the road as far as Chongyun Sect was concerned. No matter how sharply the course of events changed, it was turned over by Chongyun Sect at the final juncture.

    Xi Yangyun was furious.

    Even the secluded disciples were unable to deal with Chongyun Sect. What else could they still do? It wouldn¡¯t get to the point where all pretenses were dropped and the Immortal Realm disciples took action, right?

    At this moment, Tianheng said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi¡¯s concerns are reasonable. But what I¡¯m worried about now is that, after Chongyun Sect has bullied and humiliated my Sect at the Xiantian Realm, will theye for theyer of disciples at the Immortal Realm...¡±

    Xi Yangyun immediately nked.

    But he reacted quickly, too. Tianheng¡¯s conjecture truly wasn¡¯t impossible!

    Waves of rage rushed forth in his heart, but in the end, it transformed into a heavy sigh.

    If it really turned out like that, then they could only continue to respond in kind.

    As ast resort, there was still those people...

    Yet, these thoughts were only considered for an instant. This time around, aside from sending his greetings, Xi Yangyun hade to find Tianheng for another reason.

    After a bit of wording, Xi Yangyun simply said: ¡°Before I came here, Lingxiu entrusted something for me to convey.¡±

    In Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s hearts, they both had a premonition.

    T/N: Drug ve Brand will be retroactively changed to Medicinal ve Brand.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 256 - The Sect Master Requests an Audience

    <h4>Chapter 256 - The Sect Master Requests an Audience</h4>

    Sure enough, with an upright expression, Xi Yangyun spoke with a very solemn bearing: ¡°The Sect Master has summoned you two.¡±

    ¡ª What?!

    Gu Zuo suddenly startled.

    The Sect Master summoned them? Why did the Sect Master summon them? Didn¡¯t that little prince say that it should¡¯ve been the Pharmacist Hall¡¯s upper echelons who¡¯d meet them? At the very most, it should¡¯ve been that Golden-Level pharmacist or the Grand Elder of the Xu n.

    One couldn¡¯t look at how Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng had revealed great potential. In the end, they didn¡¯t have any foundations, and their team was stillparatively superficial. Moreover, when one considered the two of them by themselves, they were also merely neers in Qingyun Sect. It stood to reason that it would take, at the very least, quite a few years of operation to build connections with the real high ranks of Qingyun Sect. Right now, being capable of making friends with such young generations like Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun was already very rare.

    That the Sect Master summoned them was actually somewhat inconceivable.

    Tianheng was also slightly shocked, but he quickly calmed down. He showed a dignified look to Xi Yangyun: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, the ¡ª Why has the Sect Master summoned us?¡±

    Xi Yangyun replied: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi and Junior Sect Brother Gu don¡¯t need to worry. The reason why the Sect Master summoned you two is naturally because your achievements are extremely great. This has alerted the Sect Master. This time¡¯s invitation for you two to go isn¡¯t for other matters. Rather, it¡¯s because that psychic power technique is truly out of the ordinary. It can practically subvert the entirety of Qingyun Sect. Therefore, the Sect Master wants to meet you two face to face, and personally reward you guys.¡±

    Gu Zuo still felt that his own facial expression was a little stiff.

    The Sect Master huh? It was said that he was an exceptional powerhouse among powerhouses, an insurmountable expert among experts. His strength was above the Atomic Realm, but it wasn¡¯t known exactly how strong he was. That kind of personage wanted to meet with them, and the psychological pressure was just too great.

    Moreover, Gu Zuo was still quite conflicted. Would the system in his mind be discovered by that exceptional powerhouse?!

    Tianheng also pondered silently.

    On the contrary, Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t feel that this behavior was strange.

    To be honest, the Sect Master rarely appeared before others. Even if he appeared, disciples with insufficient strength wouldn¡¯t be able to see him. Even Xi Yangyun himself, a direct descendant of Grand Elder Xu, wouldn¡¯t be summoned by him. As for Xu Lingxiu, a quasi Golden-Level pharmacist with great future prospects, he just met with the Sect Master once when he was very young.

    When he first heard that the Sect Master wanted to summon Tianheng and Gu Zuo, Xi Yangyun was so shocked that he almost fell out of his seat. It was only after he finished listening to Xu Lingxiu talk about these two¡¯s contributions that he slowly calmed down.

    That¡¯s right. Although the things that these two people were trading were considered a business deal, the potential worth of the items of this trade far exceeded what the two obtained. As a result, it was considered that they had stored up many contributions to the Sect.

    If it was just the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method, then it actually would¡¯ve been easy to deal with. The contribution wasrge, but it absolutely didn¡¯t reach the point where it was worthy of the Sect Master summoning them to handle this matter personally. However, the psychic power technique was different! After Xi Yangyun listened to Xu Lingxiu talk about some of the details, he found it hard to believe!

    ¡ª If all of the pharmacists learned it, not only would the sess rates of their pill refining grow higher andst longer, the pharmacists themselves would also possess a certain degree of self-defensive capabilities. No longer would they be killed so easily like before! This would simultaneously advance the strengths of martial artists, and alleviate the pressure on the martial artists!

    On top of that, if it wasbined with the previous Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method... It would take only a few years for the total power of Qingyun Sect to increase by leaps and bounds.

    The gaze that Xi Yangyun used to look at these two people had also changed.

    Not to mention that this move of Gu Zuo had quite possibly foiled the conspiracy behind Chongyun Sect, this matter in and of itself was enough to make Qingyun Sect feel gratitude from top to bottom &#k2014; No matter how many times Tianheng pped Chongyun Sect¡¯s face, that was just obtaining superficial honor. It wasn¡¯t like this type of work, which wholly supported the substantive being of the Sect.

    It was also because of this that it was worthy of meeting the Sect Master.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t ponder for too long. He quickly inquired: ¡°When does the Sect Master wish to see us?¡±

    Gu Zuo followed along and looked over, too.

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°It¡¯s tomorrow.¡±

    Tianheng resolutely cupped his hands: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo and I will ept the Sect Master¡¯s order.¡±

    Xi Yangyun smiled and stood up.

    Following this, they talked about other things. After a short period of casual conversation, Xi Yangyun said his goodbyes and departed in order to let Tianheng further improve his own mental state.

    Once he left, Gu Zuo looked to Tianheng with a bit of horror: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m uncertain about meeting the Sect Master. What should I do?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°If Ah Zuo is worried about the system, then just ask if it has a way to hide itself.¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and really went to ask the system.

    [System, do you know what the Sect Master¡¯s realm is?]

    [Five strands of medicinal qi. Will the host exchange?]

    [Eh, it got cheaper again?]

    [The system has already upgraded. The corresponding manner of exchange has also altered.]

    At this time, Gu Zuo realized that he was going off-topic, and hurriedly returned to the main subject.

    [Exchange.]

    [Five strands of medicinal qi have been deducted. Answer: The current strength of Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master is at the high Ascendant Realm.]

    Gu Zuo was a little stunned.

    The Sect Master was actually a high Ascendant Realm! It wasn¡¯t easy for those Grand Elders to be Atomic Realms. What kind of a person was the Sect Master, who had already be an Ascendant Realm?!

    This was simply unfathomable!

    After swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Gu Zuo spoke with Tianheng: ¡°The Sect Master, he¡¯s already a high Ascendant Realm...¡±

    Tianheng looked at how nervous Gu Zuo was acting, and softly pinched his cheek: ¡°No matter how powerful the Sect Master is now, he was nothing but a Xiantian martial artist many years ago.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart calmed down.

    Ah, right. Hadn¡¯t the Sect Master also cultivated step by step from Houtian to Xiantian? It was impossible for that guy to have jumped up to the Ascendant Realm in just a short period of time. With his system and his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body, it definitely wouldn¡¯t be a problem for them in the future!

    Soon after, Gu Zuo discovered that he had gotten off-topic again.

    Presently, the important point wasn¡¯t the Sect Master¡¯s realm. Rather, it was whether the system¡¯s existence could be hidden based on the Sect Master¡¯s realm!

    Hence, Gu Zuo promptly focused his attention, and continued his dialogue with the system.

    [Then, will the Sect Master discover your existence?]

    This time around, the system surprisingly didn¡¯t charge a fee.

    [No.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Very blunt and nimble.

    Moreover, although the systemcked any emotions to speak of, he still felt that there was an undertone of pride.

    After obtaining an answer from the system, Gu Zuo felt much more relieved. He quickly exined everything to Tianheng. Then, they rehearsed the scene of meeting the Sect Master a few times, and Gu Zuo was more confident in his heart.

    Afterwards, Tianheng patted Gu Zuo on the head, pulled him onto the couch, and asked him to get some proper rest.

    Gu Zuo also tugged onto Tianheng¡¯s arm in passing: ¡°Big brother should get some rest, too. We need to be ready for the big day tomorrow.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Just like this, there were two people who didn¡¯t cultivate on this night. Neither rxed nor tensed, they earnestly rested for the whole night.

    At dawn of the next day, they punctually woke up. After tidying up their appearances, they left the main hall of Shuangyun Hall, and met with Xi Yangyun.

    ¡ª To reach the ce where the Sect Master was located, they still needed Xi Yangyun to lead the way.

    But unsurprisingly, Xu Lingxiu had already arrived first thing in the morning.

    Gu Zuo looked at Xu Lingxiu with some cheer: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, you¡¯ll also be going with us?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Originally, I was going to apany my master, but since you guys are also going, I came early to bring you along.¡±

    Now with Xu Lingxiu, Xi Yangyun¡¯s presence was no longer required.

    Once Xu Lingxiu gave a whistle, an extremely robust and powerful wild bird dropped from the sky. It carried the three people, and soared away.

    Down below, Xi Shuangyun leisurely walked next to Xi Yangyun, and raised her head somewhat.

    Xi Yangyun lowered his head, and looked at his family¡¯s younger sister: ¡°Shuangyun, previously, you looked down upon Lu Jiusi. Now, I also hold him in contempt. But how do you feel about Junior Sect Brother Gongyi and Junior Sect Brother Gu?¡±

    Xi Shuangyun startled. Soon after, she unhurriedly shook her head: ¡°Regardless of potential or moral conduct, these two people are both exceptionally good. They¡¯re a thousand times better than Lu Jiusi. It¡¯s just that...¡±

    Xi Yangyun asked: ¡°Just what?¡±

    Xi Shuangyun helplessly shook her head: ¡°It¡¯s just that these two people didn¡¯t spare a nce at anyone else. Not even this little sister.¡±

    Xi Yangyun: ¡°...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 257 - Rewards

    <h4>Chapter 257 - Rewards</h4>

    Under the wild bird¡¯s transportation, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng passed throughyer afteryer of thick fog and wall after wall of precipitous mountain peaks until they entered the very depths of the Sect.

    Here, there was a lengthy mountain range and an enormous and vast buildingplex.

    After the wild birdnded, the group made their way past a long flight of stairs, and arrived inside a prestigious pce.

    Within the somewhat conspicuously unadorned main hall, there were a couple of people who were sitting in chairs.

    Gu Zuo felt it was rtively strange that, whether it was Shuangyun Hall or the residences of other people with reportedly high and weighty positions, the atmospheres within were always very serene and dignified. However, the feeling that this ce gave others was different. Even though it was stillparatively solemn, it didn¡¯t make one feel too threatened.

    Moreover, the people who sat in the chairs were average and unassuming at first nce.

    There were three people.

    Among them, one was quite old. He wore white robes, and his hair was graying. There were also faint traces of pill fragrance on his body. His posture was aged, but his eyes were lively. He should be that Golden-Level pharmacist.

    The second person revealed a kindly smile after Xu Lingxiu entered. He wore yellow robes, and appeared to be a forty-something year old, middle-aged man. However, the expression in his eyes wasn¡¯t like that of some high-ranked, middle-aged men who bore flourishing ambitions. On the contrary, he was gentle and cid, as if he had been in retirement for many years. Hence, he should be Xu Lingxiu¡¯s paternal grandfather, the Grand Elder of the Xu n.

    And the one who was both the most eye-catching and the most easily overlooked was the third person.

    This man appeared to be forty to fifty years old, but with a second nce, he seemed to be only twenty to thirty years old. His eyes were as abstruse as the stars, but with careful observation, one would feel that he was average in every way.

    His appearance wasn¡¯t gantly handsome. On the contrary, he was very ordinary. If he hadn¡¯t shown up in this main hall and instead appeared in the middle of a crowd, one basically wouldn¡¯t haven been able to spot him ¡ª Yet, for whatever reason, when one inadvertently looked into his eyes, a person wouldn¡¯t be able to tear their gaze away.

    There was no need for any words. He was certainly the leading role who summoned them here today. He was Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master.

    After Gu Zuo and Tianheng came in, they diligently followed Xu Lingxiu¡¯s lead, and paid their respects to the three seated people.

    Regardless of experience, strength, or even age, those three people deserved their utter confidence ¡ª Even the Sect Master, who was the youngest one here, was around three hundred years old.

    The Sect Master was good-natured, and still looked like an ordinary man: ¡°Take a seat, you three.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sat down first. Then, Gu Zuo and Tianheng sat next to Xu Lingxiu.

    Grand Elder Xu smiled and spoke first: ¡°The contributions you two have made aren¡¯t small. Sure enough, with one look today, both of you are dragons and phoenixes among men. You¡¯re also rare talents of our Qingyun Sect. I¡¯ve listened to Lingxiu talk, and it hasn¡¯t even been one year since you two entered the Sect. You also haven¡¯t received too much assistance from the Sect. It goes to show that your aptitudes are extraordinary. It makes one exim in admiration.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and felt a little embarrassed.

    Why was it that, even if it was praise, it sounded so sincereing from the top personages of the Sect?

    Tianheng showed an appropriate smile: ¡°These disciples don¡¯t deserve your praise.¡±

    Gu Zuo also hastily bowed his head.

    At this moment, the Sect Master wore a faint smile. He opened his mouth: ¡°Those who contribute to the Sect ought to be rewarded. The contributions made by you two are enormous. If there¡¯s anything you want, there¡¯s no harm in mentioning it. The Sect will definitely meet them.¡±

    While he was speaking, he waved a hand.

    From a corner, a person wordlessly came over, carrying a tray. The things on the tray were delivered before Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head and took a look. Ten tokens were tightly arranged on top of the tray.

    The first token was an Elder Token. Every Elder of the Pharmacist Hall possessed this thing. And as for the name on this token, the words written were ¡°Gu Zuo¡± ¡ª Unexpectedly, this was directly handed over to him, allocating the status of an Elder. Moreover, this Elder Token wasn¡¯t the type thatcked authority. Rather, it was one that held a certain amount of power...

    The next nine tokens were all nk tokens.

    But, what did a nk token mean?

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what these things were, but Xu Lingxiu did!

    Xu Lingxiu exined without dy: ¡°Each token can be exchanged for one thing from the Sect. You can also raise one request to the Sect. Junior Sect Brother Gu, this is an unprecedentedly generous gift of the Sect!¡±

    Gu Zuo sucked in a cold breath.

    Exchanging something with the Sect was one thing, but raising a request was totally different. After his astonishment, he promptly thought of a silly question ¡ª In that case, if his request was to make ten more requests, would the Sect honor it? Of course, this restless and troublesome way of thinking was quickly suppressed by him.

    Right now, the important point wasn¡¯t this. It was what he should ask for...

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo first put forward the discussions that he previously had with Tianheng: ¡°I¡¯ll exchange this for a stalk of spirit medicine.¡± He took out one nk token, and put it on the side, ¡°This is also for exchanging a stalk of spirit medicine...¡± He took out another token and put it to the side, ¡°This is also for a stalk of spirit medicine...¡±

    He repeated this process over and over again.

    Gu Zuo took out no less than five tokens, and wanted to exchange them for five stalks of spirit medicine.

    Soon after, he took out the next token, but he hesitated: ¡°I¡¯ll exchange this one for a wisp of a first-ss Earth Fire.¡± He took out the one after that, ¡°This¡¯ll be exchanged for a top-notch, attributed pill cauldron.¡±

    Now, only two tokens remained.

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°For these two tokens, I¡¯d like to exchange them for something that can swiftly raise my family¡¯s young master¡¯s strength without any hidden dangers, and perhaps for something that can appropriately increase my family¡¯s young master¡¯s long-term sry... However, I¡¯m not too clear about what¡¯s suitable. I¡¯ll have to ask that the Sect Master and my distinguished seniors take charge of this decision.¡±

    It was such a short period of time. While it didn¡¯t seem like he put much thought into it, nine nk tokens had already been used up in a tter of tile against tray ¡ª In Xu Lingxiu¡¯s opinion, the average person wouldn¡¯t have done this.

    These things appeared to be plentiful, but Xu Lingxiu felt that it simply wasn¡¯t equal to the value of that psychic power technique. It seemed that Gu Zuo was being a little foolish.

    However, Xu Lingxiu soon looked at the expressions of the Sect Master and the others.

    Indeed, he failed to distinguish what that profoundly mysterious Sect Master was thinking, but he was capable of recognizing the mood of his family¡¯s grandfather... It was clearly one of appreciation.

    After that, Xu Lingxiu reconsidered things, and came to an understanding.

    These requests were definitely ones that Gu Zuo had discussed with Tianheng! Truly, it suited their present selves. Most of all, thest two requests were quite tactful. Wasn¡¯t the Sect capable of giving Gongyi Tianheng the most generous reciprocation?

    The Sect Master nodded his head in praise: ¡°Neither arrogant nor impatient. Very good.¡±

    The Golden-Level pharmacist and Grand Elder Xu were likewise appreciative.

    For such individuals who could recognize their own positions and not lose themselves to their own ambitions, so long as their luck wasn¡¯t too bad, they would certainly be capable people in the future. On top of that, the Sect had already thoroughly investigated the origins of the two. Their family backgrounds were spotless. They really were talents who deserved to be meticulously nurtured.

    Hence, after this bit of appreciation, everything that Gu Zuo requested was promptly fetched by the Sect Master¡¯s dispatched people. As for the remaining two requests that focused on Tianheng, the Sect Master hade to a decision.

    The Sect Master looked at Tianheng, and he was still very amiable: ¡°This time, the Sect has taken hold of a small advantage, and you two have been so humble. I have decided to grant you the sry of an Elder. Merely, your present realm is insufficient. As you haven¡¯t reached the Immortal Realm, it¡¯s inappropriate for you to handle those misceneous tasks.

    ¡°Thus, you can only receive an Elder¡¯s allowance, and an additional two hundred nominal disciple cements. Moreover, each of your current subordinate nominal disciples can obtain an Outer Sect disciple¡¯s allowance. For those nominal disciples who¡¯re strong enough to be promoted to Outer Sect disciples, they can get the sries of Inner Sect disciples. In addition, some resources will be granted to you as a reserve.¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng expressed his thanks at once.

    These were benefits without any power attached to it. This appeared to be meaningless, but in reality, to have power was to have obligations. While he didn¡¯t originally have any authority, he also didn¡¯t have to undertake any obligations. Thus, he could freely obtain benefits. Even having so many cements, which could win the support of others, was already enough.

    The Sect Master¡¯s words had yet to end: ¡°This will be considered one token¡¯s request.¡± Following which, he continued to speak, ¡°That second token will be exchanged for a token of passage to the Qingyun Mountain Range. Those who hold this token may have a turn of the True Qi Pond for the use of cultivation.¡±

    Gu Zuo was astonished.

    True Qi Pond? What was that?

    However, he also didn¡¯t interrupt. Instead, he looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng understood Gu Zuo¡¯s intent. Because this was ssified as his reward, he took the initiative to ask: ¡°May I ask the Sect Master what this True Qi Pond is?¡±

    The Sect Master smiled: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s a ce where true qi umtes. For any Xiantian martial artists who cultivate in this ce, their cultivation speeds will be several times faster than the outside world.¡±

    This kind of unusual ce actually existed!

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and didn¡¯t feel it was strange. Back when they were in the Cangyun Empire, wasn¡¯t there the Blue Dragon Pool, that astonishing ce which promoted cultivation? Qingyun Sect¡¯s scale of operations was so huge that it wasn¡¯t odd for there to be a special cultivation site, too.

    At this moment, Tianheng pretended to hesitate slightly, and asked: ¡°Would Ah Zuo be able toe with me?¡±

    The Sect Master heard this, and his expression slightly stirred. After that, he just said: ¡°Originally, one token would only allow one person to go, but the situation surrounding you two is unusual. I will specially pass along a two-person order with my Sect Master official seal on it. At that time, whether you two decide to go over separately or together, no one will be able to obstruct you.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo listened, and hastily paid their respects: ¡°Many thanks, Sect Master!¡±

    Not long after, the things that ought to have been given to the pair were delivered. Gu Zuo obtained an inter-spatial tool. The stuff that was sealed inside were all good things. Additionally, the two of them each received a token. Written on Tianheng¡¯s token was the location of the True Qi Pond as well as the names of the pair.

    At this time, the Sect Master¡¯s summons hade to an end. It was now Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s turn to say their goodbyes and depart.

    But right at this very moment, Grand Elder Xu and that Golden-Level pharmacist stood up. They wanted to guide the pair to that True Qi Pond so that they could get to know the area.

    Gu Zuo naturally felt ttered by this favor from a superior, but the Sect Master didn¡¯t seem to think that this proposal was strange. The Sect Master waved a hand, letting them leave together.

    Thus, a group of people really departed from this main hall.

    Among them, Xu Lingxiu was also able to tag along to increase his knowledge.

    While they traveled, Gu Zuo and Tianheng, as the younger generations, were obediently following their seniors. Unexpectedly, that Golden-Level pharmacist took the initiative to speak: ¡°These two students, know that this is all thanks to that method you two took out.¡±

    Of course, once Gu Zuo heard this, he promptly said: ¡°I don¡¯t dare to ept this praise.¡±

    Likewise, Tianheng also wanted to be modest and humble, and so he expressed his own humility and reverence.

    However, off to the side, Grand Elder Xu appeared to be unlike that icily arrogant Golden-Level pharmacist. At this time, he even took the initiative to join the conversation. He directly said to them: ¡°You don¡¯t need to feel frightened. A ¡®thank you¡¯ will suffice. With this, my most beloved Lingxiu will be even more promising from now on, and perhaps that Golden-Level pharmacist won¡¯t be the end. In this Sect, maybe there¡¯ll be even more Golden-Level pharmacists springing up some day. This is a blessing for the Sect.

    He continued: ¡°All rewards given by the Sect will eventually return to the Sect. In the future, my Xu n will have a great gift for the both of you.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo watched as they spoke in such a way, and could only repeatedly say things like ¡°You tter me¡± and so on. However, any more modest refusals had ceased.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the group to reach that mountain range ¡ª That is, Qingyun Mountain Range.

    There weren¡¯t any buildings here; only caverns of various sizes. The ce they headed towards was a hill which wasn¡¯t that tall, and their final destination was a cavern halfway up that hill.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 258 - True Qi Pond

    <h4>Chapter 258 - True Qi Pond</h4>

    Don¡¯t look at how the exterior wasn¡¯t anything special. It seemed like an ordinary cavern, but just as the group entered that cavern, a world-shaking change promptly urred.

    One only heard what seemed like a gust of wind roaring from inside. In the blink of an eye, several people¡¯s clothes and hair were blown into disarray. Of course, nothing of the sort happened to Grand Elder Xu and the Golden-Level pharmacist, but the remaining people were all shaken for a moment, even Gongyi Tianheng.

    But very quickly, everyone withstood the wind.

    Gu Zuo had reached out a hand to hold onto Tianheng¡¯s forearm. One step at a time, he walked towards the interior.

    The deeper they went, the stronger the wind blew. Until suddenly, it seemed like the wind had decreased a bit as they reached the depths of the cavern...

    Gu Zuo thought that the wind that passed through the cavern was almost over. Just as he was taking the next step inside ¡ª

    Boom!

    The interior unleashed a sound like that of a dragon¡¯s cry. That familiar and formidable qi emission whistled out!

    At this moment, it could be said that Gu Zuo waspletely caught off-guard by that frightening and heavy true qi as it smacked into his face. He wasn¡¯t able to steady himself, and fell backwards.

    ...Fortunately, Tianheng was still by his side. Gu Zuo would¡¯ve soon been thrown out, but Tianheng promptly reached out a hand to catch him. At the same time, Tianheng¡¯s feet tightly stuck to the ground as if he had grown roots. No matter how violently the true qi rushed against their bodies, it couldn¡¯t do anything to him.

    A short while passed, and Gu Zuo adapted to the power here. He cracked his eyes open.

    He discovered that, at a spot just ahead, there was a small pond which could barely amodate three or four people. Above that small pond, streams of qi rose up into the air. As the flow of qi gathered into a cloud, it also continuously burst forth in all directions.

    ¡ª That was the True Qi Pond?

    Gu Zuo turned his head to look at the others who came in with him. He saw Grand Elder Xu extending a hand to brace his grandson, Xu Lingxiu, while gentlyughing and twirling his mustache. In the eyes of that Golden-Level pharmacist, there was also a trace of a smiling expression.

    It looked like these two seniors hadn¡¯t warned them just now...on purpose?

    Tianheng and Xu Lingxiu also reacted and came over. Xu Lingxiu immediately deadpanned: ¡°Grandfather, what¡¯s going on here?¡±

    After Grand Elder Xuughed, he spoke unhurriedly: ¡°Although the True Qi Pond is a good thing, because it¡¯s constructed from a formation that plunders the ambient qi, its power is formidable. Ordinary people can rarely cultivate within it. Since its opening, it has always been like this. If you cultivate inside the True Qi Pond, you need a strong physique, and you must be careful at all times.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    It was no wonder that this True Qi Pond was so good that he had never heard of it before. As it turned out, to meet the qualifications to cultivate here, one still needed to have excellent aptitudes and suitable strength. Otherwise, if a person was unable to withstand this ce¡¯s impacts, then the enormous amounts of true qi would certainly start causing havoc after entering the body. Coming here would be a wasted trip.

    However, as far as Tianheng was concerned, this didn¡¯t amount to much. As for Gu Zuo himself, he felt that he could give it try, too.

    After guiding the two here, Grand Elder Xu, the Golden-Level pharmacist, and Xu Lingxiu all left. They only came over to send off Gu Zuo and Tianheng, not to freeload on the True Qi Pond ¡ª As a matter of fact, the one would could genuinely make use of the True Qi Pond was Xu Lingxiu. Currently, his objective had already been achieved, so he naturally had to go back.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng expressed their thanks once more.

    Just before he left, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°If there¡¯s any news, I¡¯ll pay close attention to it. Once you twoe out of seclusion, I¡¯ll send someone to inform you guys.¡±

    Gu Zuo called out from far in the back: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, if there¡¯s anything you need, just send a letter. My big brother and I won¡¯t just stand by and watch!¡±

    Xu Lingxiu waved his hand, and walked out of the cavern withrge strides.

    The ones who remained were the true qi battered and slightly wobbly Gu Zuo and the already anchored against the wind Tianheng.

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was slightly muffled by the wind: ¡°Ah Zuo...¡±

    For a moment, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t hear too clearly: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng paused. Soon after, a voice sounded in Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness.

    [Ah Zuo, can you withstand it?]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    [It¡¯s okay. It took some getting used to in the beginning, but I feel much morefortable now.]

    [Since it¡¯s like this, I intend to continue moving towards the center. What does Ah Zuo think?]

    [Of course it¡¯s fine. I also didn¡¯t get a clear look at the appearance of that True Qi Pond. It¡¯spletely covered by those clouds and mists, so it¡¯s quite gloomy.]

    [Ah Zuo must be more careful. If you feel unwell, tell me immediately.]

    [Big brother, rest assured. I definitely won¡¯t try to force himself. That¡¯ll impede big brother instead!]

    Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s wrist. The two cautiously walked onwards one step at a time.

    About fifteen minutes had passed. Gu Zuo released his psychic power to iste the surrounding qi streams. Meanwhile, Tianheng chose to ignore it, letting these qi streams temper his own body.

    Unwittingly, after seven or eight meters, they smoothly approached the True Qi Pond.

    Gu Zuo got a clear look.

    This so-called True Qi Pond seemed to be a fountain spring that continuously sprayed outwards. Carved along the bottom of the entire pond were some strange, veined patterns. It should be a type of runic script.

    Through such a runic script, countless streams of qi gathered andpressed underneath the pond. At a certain point, the pond wasn¡¯t able to bear the weight of this umtion, and true qi wasunched out.

    Gu Zuo knew that there was ambient qi in this world, and that true qi was a type of ambient qi. At the same time, ambient qi was mostlyprised of true qi. Just like when he was in the modern world, the oxygen in the atmosphere was necessary for humanity¡¯s survival. As such, in this world, the true qi in the ambient qi was a necessity for martial artists and pharmacists.

    Prior to cultivating, martial artists and pharmacists drew in ambient qi. Through an inner cultivation method, it would be transformed in the body, while eliminating other qi emissions. All that remained would be the true qi that was assimted by one¡¯s own cultivation method, bing one¡¯s foundation. Thus, the better the cultivation method and the stronger a martial artist¡¯s aptitudes, the faster one¡¯s cultivation speed.

    Now, this True Qi Pond was very interesting. It directly extracted the true qi and increased its density, allowing any martial artists who ced themselves within the pond to breathe in ¡°pure oxygen¡±. This kind of reduction in the qi emission removal process and immediately assimting the true qi into the qi within one¡¯s body was certainly incredibly fast.

    After this erratic and tangential thinking, Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed out once again.

    [I want to enter the pond. What does Ah Zuo think?]

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate in the least.

    [I¡¯ll give it a try, too!]

    Even though the two of them understood that going into the pond wasn¡¯t without any danger, how could they not use it when the True Qi Pond was dangled right in front of them? Otherwise, even if they cultivated beside the pond and sensed faster speeds, their hearts definitely wouldn¡¯t be willing.

    Following this, Tianheng and Gu Zuo leaped forward together. They jumped into the True Qi Pool with difficulty and resolution.

    ¡°Hss¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help giving a breathy exhale through his teeth.

    When entering the True Qi Pond, because the true qi underneath was excessivelypressed, it practically transformed into a liquid. No wonder it was called a True Qi Pond. Merely, soaking in this liquid also made a person feel too cozy ¡ª It waspletely unlike when they were battered by those qi streams outside!

    Gu Zuo feltfortable, and also tried to operate his cultivation method. In an instant, he sensed some gentle power passing up through his body. It was obediently absorbed by him.

    He suddenly thought that this Qingyun Sect really was quite generous. Originally, he thought that the true qi entering his body would be iparably violent. Now, it seemed that he had been overthinking it?

    Tianheng also seemed to be astonished for a very short time. However, immediately after this, he hinted at Gu Zuo. Both of his eyes closed, and he started to swiftly cultivate.

    ...His dear big brother didn¡¯t ck off, so how could he bezy?

    There was nothing to be done. Gu Zuo no longer continued to ponder. He switched to operating his cultivation method at full strength.

    Under the powerful effects of the True Qi Pond, not much time had passed before Gu Zuo¡¯s body suddenly produced a humming sound. The imposing aura on his body abruptly changed.

    He broke through! He was Xiantian stage seven!

    After that, another two hours passed, and Tianheng¡¯s qi emissions also changed. He had likewise advanced to Xiantian stage seven!

    Sure enough, this True Qi Pond was extraordinary!

    They had cultivated for such a short period of time...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 259 - Meeting an Old Friend

    <h4>Chapter 259 - Meeting an Old Friend</h4>

    After breaking through, Gu Zuo¡¯s perception of his own body became even more effortless. In this True Qi Pond, which was brimming with pressure, he adapted even better than just a while ago.

    He opened his eyes, and turned his head to look at his dear big brother, who simrly made a breakthrough.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng reached out with his right hand, and gently made a grasping motion.

    Bang! Pop!

    A slight qi explosion echoed out. This was because, after breaking through, the qi energies discharged from his whole body were lightly squeezed by his fingers, producing the sound of mutual collisions.

    Let alone that this movement was very dextrous, if someone wanted to extend a hand to touch it, they would inevitably be injured by the qi energy explosion.

    Gu Zuo revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Big brother, congrattions on breaking through!¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Congrattions to Ah Zuo as well.¡±

    The two of them looked into each other¡¯s eyes like this. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know why his face heated up. Soon after, he blinked his eyes, and switched subjects: ¡°Big brother, how did you feel when you were absorbing the true qi?¡±

    Tianheng followed the flow, and switched subjects: ¡°It was veryfortable, like a river seeping into my body. There wasn¡¯t the slightest feeling of pain throughout my four limbs and hundred meridians.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because this ce¡¯s true qi is very pure?¡±

    Tianheng looked pensive: ¡°I can¡¯te to a conclusion... Ah Zuo, you also don¡¯t need to reveal this. After we¡¯ve asked others in the future, we can reconsider things.¡±

    Gu Zuo diligently nodded: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to big brother.¡±

    The true qi here was extremely dense. After the two people finished speaking, they sat in meditation once more, and channeled the true qi into their bodies. However, they didn¡¯t continue to target their acupoints and condense bone pearls. Rather, theypressed the true qi inside the bone pearls that had already taken shape, and consolidated their current realms. Moreover, Tianheng¡¯s sudden increase in strength and Gu Zuo¡¯s even more valiant psychic power both required adapting to. Otherwise, if they encountered an enemy now, the strengths they were capable of exhibiting would probably be very crude. It might be inferior to how powerful they were at Xiantian stage six.

    Once they were more or less stable, Tianheng walked out of the pond with Gu Zuo.

    This ce¡¯s true qi was as dense as water, but because it wasn¡¯t real water, their clothes and hair weren¡¯t wet after they walked out. They were still as dry as before going in.

    Following this, the two walked out of this cavern.

    They looked at the sky. Unexpectedly, the light of dawn was just beginning to shine ¡ª So, a night had already passed during this period of cultivation?

    Gu Zuo looked at the sun peeking over the horizon, and turned his head to ask: ¡°Big brother, shall we continue to stay here or will we go back?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Let¡¯s walk around this ce first.¡±

    In this region, apart from each of the caverns, which they couldn¡¯t arbitrarily rush into, the other ces weren¡¯t restricted. It wasn¡¯t like those mountain peaks outside where each mountain belonged to a single individual, and bystanders couldn¡¯t enter without the owner¡¯s approval.

    Gu Zuo was actually very interested in this Qingyun Mountain Range.

    Speaking of which, since this ce was called ¡°Qingyun¡± and it was a region within the interior of the Sect, it was surely one of the Sect¡¯s most important locations.

    It was only natural that he wanted to understand more about it.

    Hence, these two people first strolled around this hill.

    Unwittingly, they arrived at the top of the hill. At the same time, Gu Zuo noticed the existence of another person on a rather enormous rock just ahead.

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Big brother, look!¡±

    Tianheng raised his eyes, and looked over. His expression faintly shifted.

    The one who sat cross-legged upon that rock was a beautiful and elegant girl. And for some reason, the figure of this girl gave them a familiar feeling.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was detected by that girl. At once, the girl¡¯s tender frame flickered, and she appeared at the base of the rock.

    Both party¡¯s lines of sight met one another. On that girl¡¯s dainty face emerged a hint of astonishment. But even more than that, there was pleasant surprise: ¡°Benefactor, Pharmacist Gu, what are you guys doing here?¡±

    The corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth hooked up: ¡°Young Lady Ling... It turns out to be you.¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianheng gave a light nod to her: ¡°Long time no see. It looks like Young Lady Ling has been doing well.¡±

    ¡ª This girl was Ling Ziwei.

    Gu Zuo considered things, and didn¡¯t feel that it was very strange.

    Ling Ziwei was received as a disciple by a powerhouse of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline. She also had the extremely remarkable Moon Siren Body. Arrangements were made for her in this unusual region, which could swiftly increase one¡¯s strength. Truly, this was very normal.

    A special constitution required special treatment.

    Taking another look at Ling Ziwei¡¯s strength, she was already a Xiantian stage one martial artist. Although she was only Xiantian stage one, how long had it been since she had been taken in as a disciple? Her progress was so fast. Sure enough, Qingyun Sect¡¯s foundations were extraordinary! Ah, it made one envious...

    Ling Ziwei also hadn¡¯t been in touch with them for some time.

    Before her seclusion, she availed herself of the opportunity of bing a disciple, and seized many good things to secretly send them to Gongyi Tianyang. However, after she entered seclusion, there weren¡¯t any more good things to give. However, while that wasn¡¯t great, Tianyang also wasn¡¯tcking. On top of that, Ling Ziqi wanted to cultivate, and didn¡¯t visit Tianyang too often. As a result, she and Tianyang hadn¡¯t received news about each other for quite a few days.

    When Ling Ziwei saw Tianheng and Gu Zuo, she was delighted to see them. But even more than that, she wanted to know about Tianyang¡¯s current circumstances.

    At this time, a rosy blush appeared on her face. Naturally, there was also a bit of bashfulness in her expression.

    Gu Zuo knew what she was thinking about at a nce. It was only natural that Tianheng had an even clearer understanding. Gu Zuo intended to talk, but he didn¡¯t know what to say, so he looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled at him, and said to Ling Ziwei: ¡°In the past few days, Tianyang has already reached the peak of the Meridian Condensing Realm. It won¡¯t take but a few more days, and he¡¯ll definitely break through to the Xiantian Realm.¡±

    Following which, they watched as Ling Ziwei revealed a smiling expression like a hundred flowers at first bloom. It was incredibly beautiful: ¡°Young Master Tianyang has always had a firm determination. This Ziwei has long known that he will certainly achieve this.¡±

    Inparison, Tianyang¡¯s progress was indeed much slower than that of Ling Ziwei. Moreover, Ling Ziwei had the help of the True Qi Pond, so her strength would increase even faster in the future. However, at the very least, the present Tianyang hadn¡¯t fallen behind. So long as he persevered and constantly worked hard, he would be able to keep up with her.

    As far as Ling Ziwei was concerned, this was enough ¡ª When she was at her lowest and most helpless point, heforted her. The one who intimately came to her aid was Tianyang. She kept Tianyang in her heart at all times.

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips formed a smile: ¡°If Tianyang knew that you regarded him like this, he would certainly be very happy.¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s slender fingers curled and wrung together somewhat nervously, and her lips faintly trembled. But in the end, this nervousness transformed into formidable courage. With great effort, she resisted her shy nature: ¡°May I ask my benefactor to pass along a message to Young Master Tianyang for this Ziwei?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Please speak.¡±

    Ling Ziwei slowly said: ¡°This Ziwei will do her utmost to cultivate. When I am powerful, the matter of my marriage will not be arranged by anyone else. The heart of this Ziwei has never changed. As the sky is fathomless and as the earth is ancient, as the constetions spin and as the stars shift, this Ziwei will wait for only one man to bring me away.¡±

    A trace of admiration shed across Tianheng¡¯s eyes: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯splexion reddened slightly, but the resolution in her eyes was still clearly distinguished.

    On the side, Gu Zuo watched on, and couldn¡¯t help thinking in his heart: This time around, Tianyang has also gotten...quite lucky.

    After this kind of reminiscence, Tianheng and Ling Ziwei discussed other matters.

    What was more important was still the matters rted to this Qingyun Mountain Range. After all, although he and Gu Zuo obtained tokens and knew that this ce was a cultivation site, they actually didn¡¯t know if there were any other things that they should take note of. No one had discussed this ce¡¯s specific situation in detail with them.

    Now that they met Ling Ziwei, they could get a careful understanding.

    Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t hide anything at all.

    Gu Zuo listened while following on the side, and quickly learned about these things.

    As it turned out, this Qingyun Mountain Range was a region that was specially used to support the very core of the Sect¡¯s power. And this core power consisted of disciples with special constitutions, disciples with extraordinary aptitudes who deserved to be nurtured without reservation, extremely powerful Elders, any and all Grand Elders, the Sect Master, and so on.

    Among them, the disciples formed one circle, and the Elders formed another.

    Qingyun Mountain Range was also divided into inner and outer rings. The outer ring was for disciples, but the inner ring was hidden extremely deeply. Let alone going inside, it would be impossible to find it even if one excavated a meter down into the earth.

    In the outer ring, there were two types of ces that were specially used for nurturing disciples. One type was called the True Qi Pond, and the other type was called the Profound Qi Eye.

    Everyone knew about the True Qi Pond. It used a formation to converge pure true qi. As for the Profound Qi Eye, it was a small aperture that was drilled out of an ore vein. Profound qi was also emitted from within.

    In that case, what kind of thing was profound qi?

    The answer: Profound qi was something absorbed and possessed by martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above.

    Simply speaking, when martial artists reached the Immortal Realm, what they absorbed was the world¡¯s profound qi. The present ambient qi was mostlyposed of true qi, but the percentage of profound qi was very miniscule. As a result, after a martial artist broke through to the Immortal Realm, the reason why it was even harder to break through again wasn¡¯t only because that realm was even more mysterious and abstruse, it was also because the ambient profound qi was scarce and the rate of absorption was low.

    So to say, after martial artists reached the Immortal Realm, the amount of medicinal pills they required grewrger. Moreover, they needed even more resources to support themselves.

    Profound Ley Lines were one of the most well-known types.

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s exnation was very detailed. She practically told them everything that she knew.

    As the name implied, Profound Ley Lines were ley lines that produced profound qi. They were ssified as a huge nurturing resource. The insides of these Profound Ley Lines were brimming with profound qi. And when the profound qi circted within these Profound Ley Lines, there were some points that stirred somewhat restlessly. If a Sect found this kind of Profound Ley Line and appropriated the ley line for itself, then the Sect only needed to drill through those agitated points for lots of profound qi to rush forth, forming Profound Qi Eyes.

    Back then, Qingyun Sect was established here because this Qingyun Mountain Range was full of many Profound Ley Lines. It could supply resources to countless martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above. And in order to allow these thin streams to flow forever, the Sect didn¡¯t damage the Profound Ley Lines, allowing them the time to recover naturally. As a result, the Profound Ley Lines didn¡¯t supply all the Immortal Realm martial artists. Rather, only the Immortal Realm martial artists who were outstanding enough and those who were at the Atomic Realm and above knew that the Sect¡¯s core had this kind of ce. And only they would enjoy its benefits.

    In addition, for the sake of nurturing Xiantian martial artists, the Sect also added some True Qi Ponds in the vicinity of the Profound Ley Lines. This was also to prevent the Sect¡¯s core from scattering.

    Gu Zuo listened earnestly: ¡°Then, how far apart are the True Qi Ponds and Profound Qi Eyes?¡±

    Ling Ziwei replied: ¡°Every mountain has a Profound Qi Eye. In the ces that don¡¯t have Profound Qi Eyes, it¡¯s possible to set up a True Qi Pond as one pleases. The outer ring is vast, but the boundaries between Xiantian and Immortal Realm martial artists aren¡¯t too big. Aside from one¡¯s own cavern, there aren¡¯t any private territories. It¡¯s just that, after meeting an Immortal Realm senior, one should stay respectful.¡±

    Of course, the Immortal Realm martial artists wouldn¡¯t pick quarrels with the Xiantian Realm juniors in this ce ¡ª Those who coulde here were all valued personages of the Sect. One never knew when everyone¡¯s levels would change, so there was no need to offend others for no reason. Even if it was a disciple with an awful nature, they wouldn¡¯t casually cause trouble here.

    As Gu Zuo listened, he inquisitively asked: ¡°Suppose someone makes a breakthrough and doesn¡¯t want to continue advancing. Do they need to leave this ce if they want to hunt wild beasts or find a sparring partner to stabilize their foundations?¡±

    Hearing this, Ling Ziwei hesitated for a moment. But she quickly answered: ¡°In this ce, a person can challenge the Qingyun Leaderboard.¡±

    T/N: The majority of the next few chapters leading up to the end of this volume are double-length chapters. Expect the usual updating schedule.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 260 - Three Wonders

    <h4>Chapter 260 - Three Wonders</h4>

    ...Qingyun Leaderboard?

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    He only new that there was an Earth Leaderboard and a Sky Leaderboard, but he had never heard of this leaderboard before.

    Gongyi Tianheng carefully inquired: ¡°Young Lady Ling, how does one challenge this Qingyun Leaderboard? Are there any differences between it and the Earth and Sky Leaderboards?¡±

    Since Ling Ziwei mentioned this matter, she no longer hesitated, and gave him an exnation: ¡°The Qingyun Leaderboard is a list that only exists in this ce. All who know about this core region of the Sect can challenge this leaderboard. As for the people on the Qingyun Leaderboard, they are separated into an upper ranking and lower ranking. Those of the upper ranks are Immortal Realms, and those of the lower ranks are Xiantian Realms...¡±

    ording to her words, for any who could appear on the leaderboard, the lower ranks were normally all Xiantian Realm disciples with hidden strength. And the thepetition of the upper ranks was even fiercer ¡ª After all, there were more Immortal Realm disciples than Xiantian Realm disciples in this core region. Rather than saying that the Qingyun Leaderboard was divided into upper and lower ranks, it was better to say that, in order to give the Xiantian Realm disciples a bit of psychological stability, it opened up an additional lower ranking.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, expressing hisprehension.

    Indeed. Originally, this ce only had Profound Ley Lines. Those True Qi Ponds were created artificially. It was only natural that more importance was attached to the Immortal Realm disciples. As a matter of fact, in such a colossus like Qingyun Sect, only by reaching the Immortal Realm could one be counted as the Sect¡¯s true power. The so-called Houtian Realms and Xiantian Realms were actually all reserves. Moreover, only Xiantian martial artists could be regarded as a foundation. Otherwise, why could only Xiantian disciples be Inner Sect disciples?

    In this world where the weak were prey to the strong, no ce was fair. Being capable of using strength to achieve a state of loose fairness, and allowing disciples from poor backgrounds the means to advance themselves was already very considerate.

    Of course,prehension was justprehension. However, as a person from another world, there was always a barrier in his heart to this kind of worldview... Right now, he simply had to do his best to adapt.

    Off to the side, Tianheng and Ling Ziwei exchanged a few sentences, digging out a few more things about the Qingyun Leaderboard.

    As mentioned before, the great majority of Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples didn¡¯t actually know about the Qingyun Leaderboard. In their eyes, the Sky Leaderboard was the highest ranking, but in fact, the powerhouses who could get on the Sky Leaderboard didn¡¯t amount to much on the side of the Qingyun Leaderboard ¡ª If it was the ones near the rear of the list, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t be able to get on the Qingyun Leaderboard at all.

    The fighting prowess of both sides couldn¡¯t be mentioned in the same breath. The geniuses who moved unhindered on the Qingyun Leaderboard were the true geniuses in Qingyun Sect. They were also the personages who would be pulled out to fight for the Sect¡¯s honor at the required moments.

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    So to say, the secluded disciples who were previously asked toe out should¡¯ve been the disciples on the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s lower ranks? Maybe the location of their seclusion was precisely this Qingyun Mountain Range...

    Ling Ziwei guided the way in front. While she walked, she continued to give the two an introduction.

    Just between some mountain peaks stood a towering and enormous mountain. And this mountain was unlike the unbroken chain of mountains from before. It looked arduously steep and tall. It was like the mountain contained heaven and earth within it.

    Ling Ziwei said: ¡°This is the main peak. It¡¯s also the location where the Qingyun Leaderboard is challenged. This ce has five dangers and three wonders, and they¡¯re considered the eight hurdles. Among them, what the Xiantian Realm martial artists challenge are the three wonders. The Immortal Realm martial artists challenge the five dangers...¡± When she spoke up to here, she extended a hand and pointed to a ce halfway up the mountain, ¡°That¡¯s one of the wonders.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head to look. He discovered that the ce where Ling Ziwei pointed to was a pitch-ck and very deep cavern. However, that was just a cavern. What was so ¡°wondrous¡± about it?

    Tianheng also looked over: ¡°What wondrous thing is in that cavern?¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s beautiful forehead faintly dipped into a nod: ¡°That is the Wondrous Wind Cave. Throughout the entire cave is a strange wind. To pass through it, one needs a nimble body technique. Moreover, one¡¯s perception is different every time one rushes into the Wondrous Wind Cave. Being able to pass through it the first time doesn¡¯t mean that it can be done the second time. For the same reason, even if a person passes through the cave on the second, third, and fourth tries, there¡¯s the possibility that they¡¯ll get lost inside during the fifth or sixth attempts. Under normal circumstances, in order to ensure that the entering martial artistse out, a rope is fastened to the waists of all the disciples who enter the Wondrous Wind Cave. Once they get lost, they can rely on the rope to get out.¡±

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°If an Immortal Realm martial artist goes in, will they be able to get through it easily?¡±

    Ling Ziwei shook her head: ¡°Immortal Realm martial artists can¡¯t go in because there¡¯s another peculiarity about the Wondrous Wind Cave. If a martial artist at the Immortal Realm or above goes in, then the wind inside willpletely disappear. It¡¯ll be the same as the most ordinary of caves... This ce came into being naturally. At first, someone mentioned that it should be reconstructed, but reportedly, the results weren¡¯t satisfactory when an attempt was made. Ultimately, it could only be like this.¡±

    Gu Zuo breathed out: ¡°It¡¯s not surprising that it¡¯s called the Wondrous Wind Cave. Sure enough, it¡¯s quite unusual.¡±

    Tianheng also endorsed: ¡°The wonders of nature are beyond words.¡±

    Gradually, the three walked to the base of the main peak.

    At this location, there was an extremely long flight of thousands upon thousands of stone steps, which led straight to the summit.

    Gu Zuo raised his head to look at it, and only felt that he wouldn¡¯t be able to see the end. He couldn¡¯t help but feel gobsmacked: ¡°This is the path to go up?¡±

    Ling Ziwei shook her head again: ¡°This is the second wonder. The Wondrous Stone Road.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so unusual about the Wondrous Stone Road?¡±

    ¡°The strange nature of the Wondrous Stone Road lies in the pressure it gives to martial artists.¡±

    In the wake of Ling Ziwei¡¯s words, Gu Zuo and Tianheng gradually realized what this thing was as they stood at the base of that long flight of stone steps.

    En, it was a variation of the gravity rooms.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng previously went to try out the gravity rooms. In there, different gravity rooms contained different pressures. And this ten-thousand stone step path was simr. The higher one went up the stone steps, the stronger the gravity it exerted.

    For example, the first two-thousand stone steps were nothing special. It also allowed Xiantian disciples to experience the pleasure of ¡°climbing¡±. During the next two-thousand steps, the gravity would abruptly double. Continuing onto the next two-thousand steps, the gravity would double again&#k2026; By reasonable deduction, every two-thousand steps acted as a level, which continuously doubled the gravity.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t fully understand: ¡°If it¡¯s only like this, it can¡¯t be called very ¡®wondrous¡¯, right?¡±

    Ling Ziwei nodded: ¡°The wondrous part isn¡¯t this. The wonder rests in the fact that the Wondrous Stone Road can remember the level of any disciple¡¯sst climb. Ifst time¡¯s climb reached the three-thousandth step, and the disciple couldn¡¯t endure it and had to leave, then during the next time¡¯s attempt, the pressure of the first step would already be equal to that ofst time¡¯s three-thousandth step.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°In other words, the gravity¡¯s range can actually be continuously increased? In that case, if big... If my family¡¯s young master climbed ten-thousand steps on his first climb, would the first step of his following attempt have the pressure of the previous ten-thousandth step?¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s beautiful forehead dipped into another nod: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    So it turned out to be like this. It really could be called ¡°wondrous¡±! This shared a point of simrity with those automatic esctors! In terms of training someone, it was definitely formidable!

    It was just that...

    Gu Zuo still had doubts: ¡°If a person wasn¡¯t able to bear the doubled pressure of the next step, would they simply be crushed to death here? Even if they weren¡¯t crushed to death and could retreat, wouldn¡¯t they be incapable of honing themselves here following this?¡±

    Ling Ziwei replied: ¡°If they died in the blink of an eye, it would only prove that the climbing disciple didn¡¯t know themselves well enough. If such an idiot died here, then it would be considered a meaningful death. And if one was prepared, so long as they could persevere for a moment, the stone steps would sense that the disciple¡¯s physical body was incapable of resisting the gravity, and it would automatically weaken the pressure. The pressure would be set halfway between its original state and the doubled amount. Thus, allowing the disciple to adapt.

    She continued: ¡°During the subsequent attempt, this pressure will serve as the norm, and the disciple can conduct the next round of honing.¡±

    So it was actually this smart...

    Gu Zuo suddenly felt awed.

    Sure enough, it was unusual!

    The first two wonders were both very attractive. All of a sudden, Gu Zuo was brimming with interest towards the third wonder: ¡°Young Lady Ling, what is the third wonder?¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s expression suddenly became somewhat odd: ¡°The third wonder...¡±

    Originally, Tianheng listened attentively while filled with interest. The moment he saw Ling Ziwei¡¯s expression, he followed up with a question: ¡°Young Lady Ling, could it be that it¡¯s an unmentionable secret?¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s tender form slightly paused: ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± She cleared her throat, ¡°The third wonder is the Wondrous Fire Cloud.¡±

    Gu Zuo was stunned at once: ¡°The Wondrous Fire...Cloud?¡±

    The words ¡°wondrous¡± and ¡°fire¡± could be understood, but ¡°wondrous fire¡± and ¡°cloud¡±? What was this thing? He couldn¡¯t understand at all!

    At this time, Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t speak much. She only said in a gentle tone: ¡°Talking about it now won¡¯t make things clear. Wait until we reach the mountain top, then you¡¯ll naturally see the Wondrous Fire Cloud. When that timees, this Ziwei will further exin it to you two. How about that?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s appetite was whetted, but he also didn¡¯t barrage her with questions. In any case, Ling Ziwei said that they¡¯d know once they reached the top, right? Who knew what kind of interesting things were there?

    Tianheng rarely got the chance to see Gu Zuo reveal this kind of lively, teenaged appearance. He reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Wait till we reach the top so that this elder brother can apany Ah Zuo to take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. He couldn¡¯t help opening his mouth to say: ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled!¡±

    But right now, the first thing that Tianheng wanted to do was to walk along the Wondrous Stone Road. He wanted to experience what the gravity on this stairway felt like.

    Gu Zuo diligently waited on the side.

    Originally, they should¡¯ve let Ling Ziwei take the first step, but it was Ling Ziwei who suggested it first. She was willing to wait here.

    After Tianheng and Gu Zuo exchanged nces, they didn¡¯t decline her courteous offer.

    Anyhow, she was most likely going to be Tianyang¡¯s wife... That was also considered half a family member.

    Sure enough, after Tianheng didn¡¯t refuse her, a hint of joy streaked across Ling Ziwei¡¯s beautiful eyes. Soon after, she chatted with Gu Zuo on the side from time to time as they waited for Tianheng.

    Then, Tianheng¡¯s footnded upon the first stone step.

    It was very strange. An attractive power spread out from under his foot, and his back also seemed to be pressed down by something. His entire body became heavy immediately.

    He assessed himself for a little bit. It was approximately the same as the tenfold gravity in the gravity rooms. In his opinion, that was effortless ¡ª Also, for all of the secluded disciples who coulde here, no matter how bad their physical bodies were, they wouldn¡¯t take the tenfold gravity seriously. It was natural that the first two-thousand stone steps were ¡°ordinary stone steps¡±.

    Following which, Tianheng started to ascend at flying speeds.

    Gu Zuo and Ling Ziwei were watching on the side. Seeing that Tianheng was climbing higher and higher, they also swiftly rushed upwards along the mountain¡¯s side path.

    Just as Ling Ziwei started dashing out, she suddenly asked: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, do you need help?¡±

    As a pharmacist, Gu Zuo was naturally weak in an outsider¡¯s eyes. However, while he didn¡¯t bother about being carried to and fro by other people during normal times, being carried by a girl who seemed even slimmer than himself would be too much of a loss of face... Besides, although this girl was considered half a family member, certain proprieties should still be observed between men and women.

    Hence, Gu Zuo just said: ¡°No need. I can run just fine.¡±

    Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t try to persuade him ¡ª Because she was also a little embarrassed.

    Following that, the two of them were like bolts of lightning as they trailed Tianheng at almost the same speed. They continuously scaled up to the top of the mountain. Yes, while Tianheng was burdened by the gravity, his speed was still this fast! Ling Ziwei and Gu Zuo were forced to give it their all, and they could only barely keep up...

    Eventually, Tianheng climbed the first two-thousand stone steps, and arrived at the two-thousand and first step.

    Gu Zuo watched on with worry. In the blink of an eye, he discovered that Tianheng¡¯s entire body had stopped for a moment. After that, he stood still. His body suddenly swayed, and it wasn¡¯t as effortless as it was previously.

    Although Tianheng¡¯s body had passed through the beast blood tempering and his current physical body was several times stronger than before, he was part of those whose bodies found it difficult under tenfold gravity in the past. Even though he was much more powerful now, this didn¡¯t mean that he couldpletely disregard the doubled gravity ¡ª After all, the gravity was strengthening. The feeling of oppression it gave a person couldn¡¯t be offset by multiple increases in one¡¯s physical fitness.

    As a result, the Tianheng who was under twentyfold gravity, could barely stand after swaying for a few times.

    This truly appeared to be a bit challenging.

    Gu Zuo came to an abrupt stop. He was incredibly nervous.

    Gu Zuo hoped that his big brother could walk stably. Otherwise, he¡¯d fall down from here. If, in a moment of carelessness, he couldn¡¯t promptly stop his descent, then what kind of appearance would that fall give him? No matter how strong his physical body was, it would be broken by the fall!

    Fortunately, Tianheng stepped out at once, and smoothly went up the flight of stairs. For a period of time, the tragedy of an inattentive fall didn¡¯t ur. On the contrary, after a short while of adapting, his movements became stable and firm. Only, each step left his forehead drenched in sweat. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t known how many times slower his speed of traveling had be.

    Gu Zuo gently and cautiously apanied him on the side. Ling Ziwei also didn¡¯t speak a word, and was very quiet.

    Gradually, two hours passed. Then, four hours passed...

    During the sixth hour, Tianheng finally reached the area of the four-thousandth step. He swallowed several medicinal pills. After his body, which had split open with rivulets of blood, recovered back to normal, he took a deep breath and raised his foot once more!

    Gu Zuo held his breath, and felt like he was going to suffocate.

    He certainly, definitely, absolutely couldn¡¯t fall down ¡ª

    The instant that Tianheng pressed down with his foot, a dense web of cracks had already appeared on his right leg. He withdrew his leg almost immediately, andnded back down onto the four-thousandth stone step.

    Sure enough, it was no good. If Tianheng really had stepped forward, he probably could¡¯ve held on for a moment. But under those circumstances, the reduction in gravity certainly wouldn¡¯t be within the range of the twentyfold gravity. Since it was like this, with Tianheng¡¯s IQ, he wouldn¡¯t risk his life to waste that amount of time and effort.

    Thus, Tianheng took a few steps to the right side. After that, his figure flickered, and he leaped out of the scope of the stone stairs.

    At this moment, his figure swiftly cut an arc through the air. Immediately following this, his body swayed again. At the end, he gracefullynded next to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°Big brother, quickly let me treat your leg!¡±

    Just then, Tianheng¡¯s right leg had been seriously injured. Because it didn¡¯t receive any treatment, after returning to the twentyfold gravity section of the stone steps, the blood in the wounds practically spurted out like it had been squeezed by a vice. Right now, it looked gruesome.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°This is just a flesh wound. It¡¯s no trouble.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he took a Revitalization Pill. In a sh, those numerous wounds healedpletely at speeds visible to the naked eye. In but a moment, his leg was already as bright and clean as before. Not even the slightest traces of beingcerated were to be seen.

    At this time, Gu Zuoid down his worries.

    He also knew that those were minor injures, but the violent spurts of blood were so scary. It always made one¡¯s heart uneasy...

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything else. After this, their group quickly moved towards the mountain top.

    Along the way, they asionally saw one or two silhouettes shuttling through the forest. It was assumed that they were fellow disciples who were likewise cultivating in this ce. However, since the other parties didn¡¯t take the initiative to show themselves, Gu Zuo and the others couldn¡¯t recognize those fellow disciples. The matter of greeting each other was dropped at this point.

    Not long after, they approached the Wondrous Wind Cave halfway up.

    Tianheng wanted to go inside to take a look around as well. However, while Ling Ziwei was half a family member, she wasn¡¯tpletely part of the family yet. They still needed Ling Ziwei to exin some of the circumstances, and they weren¡¯t willing to trouble Ling Ziwei to wait a few hours at the Wondrous Wind Cave¡¯s entrance just for them.

    After a bit more time passed, the scents that their noses could smell became fresher and cleaner. It also carried an icy-cold feeling. Atst, when Gu Zuo raised his head, he saw the mountain top!

    The mountain top wasn¡¯t some neglected ce that was overgrown with weeds. In this ce, there were many enormous trees, which seemed ancient and especially thick and solid. And the thing that these enormous trees surrounded and protected was a gigantic stone tablet. Upon the tablet were the names of numerous disciples and their rtive rankings.

    Due to the visual obstruction of the enormous trees, they could only see some of the topmost sections. However, they also wanted to take a look at the ¡°true faces¡± of the geniuses on the Qingyun Leaderboard. So, under Ling Ziwei¡¯s lead, they passed through several copses of trees and came to that ce.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyesight was exceptionally good. At this time, he intended to size things up. He discovered that the total number of people on the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s upper and lower ranks was no more than seventy.

    Moreover, the upper rank had fifty people, and the lower rank only had twenty people.

    This amount was truly quite minuscule...

    However, after a second thought, Gu Zuo reacted.

    ¡ª This shouldn¡¯t have been surprising. After all, he knew that there were very few people on the Qingyun Leaderboard, and that there were even fewer Xiantian Realm secluded disciples. To list these ranks, this was actually considered quite a lot, right?

    After that, Gu Zuo started to read the previously-mentioned names one by one.

    Naturally, he started reading from the first ce position. The name of the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s number one was Teng Yunfei... Sure enough, it was a person he¡¯d never heard of before. Ranking at second ce was Hu Yulei, and third ce was Xu Jiaojiao.

    Fourth ce was...

    Sixth ce was...

    Seventh ce was Huang Ji...

    Eh? Eh?!

    Seventh ce was Huang Ji? That same Huang Ji who was the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s first ce?!

    That waspletely unexpected!

    One needed to know that, although Huang Ji was favored by a member of the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, that was based on his master¡¯s close rtionship. It was out of the question to say that he himself was close to the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline ¡ª In actuality, he wasn¡¯t close to anyone! He was a loner. In addition, his Heavenly Beast Body never showed any abilities that caught people¡¯s eyes. Even though his strength increased very quickly, the aspect of his loyalties still needed to be checked.

    The most important thing was that, if he was a person on the Qingyun Leaderboard, did he still have to fight others on the Sky Leaderboard? He didn¡¯t seem like such an idle person...

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know that the reason why Huang Ji became the Sky Leaderboard¡¯s number one was purely because he was neglected for a period of time after his master passed away, and he decided to fight even harder. It wasn¡¯t only to earn some honor for his deceased master, but to show that he wasn¡¯t someone who could be provoked.

    From then on, Huang Ji¡¯s strength improved even faster. After discovering that Huang Ji was indeed a person with great potential, the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline gave him a helping hand, letting him cultivate in this core region.

    After that, Huang Ji found out that there countless experts on the Qingyun Leaderboard, and his heart was endlessly happy. Now, the only thing that he felt sorry about was that he couldn¡¯t fight with the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s first ce: Teng Yunfei.

    It definitely wasn¡¯t that Huang Ji didn¡¯t dare to fight him. Rather, thest time he challenged Teng Yunfei, Huang Ji was at the high Immortal Realm, but he was still suppressed within a hundred rounds... And in order to challenge Teng Yunfei one day in the future, it was only natural that Huang Ji treated himself even more harshly and cruelly.

    Getting back to the main point, Gu Zuo was a little distressed in his heart over this Qingyun Leaderboard. He could wait to take another look at the lower rankings. In any case, he didn¡¯t believe that there were any opponents for his dear big brother at equivalent realms. Presently, what he was concerned about were the names of those throngs of experts at the Immortal Realm and above. He was guessing what levels they had reached!

    Tianheng got a clear look at the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s stone tablet. At this time, he spoke in a low voice: ¡°The path of martial arts is boundless. In equivalent realms, the gaps in strength are usually veryrge. If one wants to make breakthroughs every time, and to sweep away those at equal realms and even those at higher realms, one must be tranquil and even-tempered. One can¡¯t be disturbed by external matters...¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded immediately afterwards: ¡°What big brother says is right.¡±

    At this time, Ling Ziwei opened her mouth once more. Her body leaned slightly to the side. It was almost like she wanted to bring these two people to another location: ¡°Benefactor, would you like to test your own strength?¡±

    Gu Zuo was very curious: ¡°How will he test it? Should he find someone to spar with?¡±

    Ling Ziwei smiled: ¡°Nope.¡±

    While she talked, her finger pointed towards a certain direction.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow. Soon after, he looked over based on her words.

    In that ce, there was actually another stone tablet!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 261 - The Stone Tabletâ€™s Carved Names

    <h4>Chapter 261 - The Stone Tablet¡¯s Carved Names</h4>

    On this stone tablet, the densely-packed personal names numbered no less than several thousand. And to mention the stone tablet itself, it was evenrger than the Qingyun Leaderboard.

    Gu Zuo was astonished.

    He searched through this stone tablet, and found that those personal names were distributed in very regr patterns. From bottom to top, the names went from a sparse collection to a concentrated mass. Also, regardless of whether those personal names were thinly spread or crowded together, they all appeared to be intentionally presented in vertical formats, and none of them covered each other. Moreover, at the topmost position, Gu Zuo saw some familiar names... Huang Ji, Hu Yulei, Xu Jiaojiao, Teng Yunfei, and so on.

    However, the baffling thing was that the sequence of these people¡¯s names wasn¡¯t the same as their sequence on the Qingyun Leaderboard.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Young Lady Ling, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    Ling Ziwei simply said: ¡°Any testers here must leap out, and carve their own names onto the stone tablet with their fingers. Because the downward pressure produced every three meters in front of the stone tablet is different, it proves that the higher one¡¯s name is carved, the stronger the individual at the time of the carving. However, this strength is only measured by the degree of strength. To determine a person¡¯s truebat power, one should still look at the Qingyun Leaderboard.¡±

    In other words, this ce was more or less for everyone topare their foundations and what not, but when engaging inbat, there were many elements that would alter the battle situation. Indeed, such countless changes and constant permutations were matters of challenging the Qingyun Leaderboard.

    Thus, it seemed that this stone tablet was a ce to spread one¡¯s fame. It didn¡¯t have too big of a use, but if one wanted to try and experience it for oneself, there wasn¡¯t any harm in doing so.

    Gu Zuo opened his mouth and asked: ¡°Big...young master, do you want to go give it a try?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Since we came here, I might as well have a try.¡±

    Moreover, he was a neer, and he could build a bit of fame here. Someday, someone might want to challenge him. And if he wanted to challenge others, he also wouldn¡¯t be casually rejected.

    Tianheng made his decision. Gu Zuo deferred to him, and Ling Ziwei, who always strove to stand out, was unassertive at this time.

    The two of them stood quietly on the side, waiting for Tianheng¡¯s disy.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I wonder where big brother will carve his name...¡±

    Ling Ziwei: ¡°Xiantian martial artists usually can¡¯t even carve in the first zone. If someone can rise to the second zone, then this person is a preeminent genius.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Then, big brother is definitely a preeminent genius!¡±

    The words of the two also entered Tianheng¡¯s ears, but he didn¡¯t say anything. A short while after listening to the full details, the sole of his foot stamped down, and he soared into the air!

    In the blink of an eye, an abundant and vigorous power descended from above his head. Like swatting a housefly, it seemed like it wanted to m him straight into the ground!

    However, as far as Tianheng was concerned, this bit of pressure couldn¡¯t do anything to him. After circting the true qi within his body for one revolution, that pressure immediately lightened. Tianheng continued to rise higher into the air. He quickly broke through the first zone, and entered the range of the second zone!

    Gu Zuo raised his head to watch.

    The first and second zones were only fifteen meters long each. It was said that these sections were suited to Xiantian martial artists. After going even higher, the third zone was no less than sixty meters long. It was a ce for Immortal Realm martial artists to exhibit their graceful bearings.

    Most of those numerous names were carved in the third zone. The personal names of the first and second zones were extremely sparse. The ones that remained there numbered only a measly couple hundred.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and somewhat understood.

    The personal names of the Immortal Realms and Xiantian Realms didn¡¯t match up. Did this mean that, after a martial artist left their name in the third zone, their name etched in the first or second zones would disappear? Otherwise, it would be impossible for this kind of situation to ur...

    One would only see Tianheng rising higher and higher. In a brief split second, he reached the 15th meter, the 18th meter, and then the 21st meter!

    Immediately following that, it was 22.5 meters, 23 meters... 24 meters, 24.3 meters, 24.6 meters...

    From a speed that was extremely fast at the start, his momentum gradually slowed down until it became somewhat challenging to ascend a fraction of a meter. Finally, when he reached 29.99 meters, he couldn¡¯t rise up anymore!

    This height of 29.99 meters was the limit.

    After that, Tianheng still had some energy left over. He extended a finger, and wrote down his own name in that spot.

    In that moment, the words ¡°Gongyi Tianheng¡± shone with dazzling light, suppressing all the names in the first and second zones beneath it at once.

    Gu Zuo blurted out: ¡°So awesome!¡±

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s beautiful eyes also carried a trace of deep respect.

    Tianheng dropped to the ground, and revealed a smiling expression to Gu Zuo. His appearance was light, gentle, and effortless.

    With one look, Gu Zuo knew that his dear big brother hadn¡¯t used all of his strength this time around. Suddenly, Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    ¡ª Oh, right. When his big brother was Xiantian stage six, he could ¡°fight hand-to-hand with Immortals¡±. Now that he was one step further, shouldn¡¯t it be feasible for him to dash straight past thirty meters?

    But at the present time, it was also convincing for him to im the top position of the Xiantian zones.

    Anyway, this test was over, and the Qingyun Leaderboard had been looked at. Gu Zuo recalled that Ling Ziwei previously mentioned another wonder. He turned his head to look at her: ¡°Young Lady Ling, where can we see that Wondrous Fire Cloud you talked about?¡±

    Didn¡¯t she say that it was on the mountain top?

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s delicate body shed by. Her entire person appeared at the back of the Qingyun Leaderboard: ¡°It¡¯s right over here.¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces, and the two ran over together.

    After going around the Qingyun Leaderboard, Gu Zuo found that the ce where Ling Ziwei stood was in front of arge, sunken pit. Originally, she was wearing a light-yellow, full-body cheongsam. At this moment, the dress seemed to be dappled with faint, red lights.

    Gu Zuo scampered over, but didn¡¯t feel anything in particr. However, once he arrived in front of the pit and looked down ording to Ling Ziwei¡¯s slender and jade-like finger, he sucked in a cold breath.

    ¡ª Eh?!

    Tianheng¡¯s hooded eyes also witnessed the sight inside the pit.

    As it turned out, in this enormous pit, whose perimeter was at least twenty to twenty-five meters wide, a multitude ofrge and small red clouds drifted along. Tongues of mes danced on top, and the cloudyer was quite thick. To their surprise, the clouds seemed to have real substance, and they weren¡¯t simply mes.

    Could it be that these were fire clouds?

    Ling Ziwei already started exining: ¡°This is the Wondrous Fire Cloud, and this ce is the Fire Cloud Pit. No one knows how long ago when this pit naturally birthed the fire clouds. The clouds are very peculiar. For any martial artists below the Immortal Realm, after jumping into the pit, they cannd their feet onto these fire clouds. They won¡¯t fall into that bottomless pit. But if an Immortal Realm martial artist goes down, not only won¡¯t they be able to rely on the fire clouds to bear their weight and hover, they¡¯ll also be swarmed by the fire clouds. They¡¯ll either be seriously injured and go back...or they¡¯ll die in the pit.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked ahead. There were quite a few Xiantian Realm disciples sitting cross-legged on tufts of fire clouds. Their entire bodies seemed to be engulfed in mes, and their facial expressions appeared to be especially sinister and frightening. The surfaces of their bodies constantly emitted faint trails of ck gas. In addition, countless beads of sweat poured down their foreheads. The sweat also seeped from their bodies, soaking theyers of clothing.

    So, were they being burned? It looked a little painful, but they wouldn¡¯t die from it?

    Tianheng asked a question: ¡°Young Lady Ling, are the disciples on those fire clouds our fellow seniors who cultivate in seclusion here?¡±

    Ling Ziwei nodded her head: ¡°Yes. They¡¯re this ce¡¯s secluded disciples. They¡¯re in the middle of using the Fire Cloud Body Tempering.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Fire Cloud Body Tempering?¡±

    Using self-immtion?

    Ling Ziwei quickly exined: ¡°This fire is extremely unusual. When any Xiantian martial artists drop onto the fire clouds, they only need to cover themselves in true qi, and the mes won¡¯t burn them. Rather, the mes will pass through the true qi and enter as threads of fire. These threads will go into the body, and incinerate bits of the physical body¡¯s impurities, leaving the body pure and free of filth. This will also let the numerous Xiantian disciples reduce the obstructions that they¡¯ll face during future breakthroughs.¡±

    Thus, because many secluded disciples had generous and somewhat privileged families, they could buy lots of medicinal pills. However, taking many medicinal pills would cause pill poisoning, or there¡¯d be lots of impurities within their bodies. At this time, they would only need to endure the pain of a few roastings in the Fire Cloud Pit to gradually ¡°clean¡± themselves up. Moreover, through these roastings, the strengths of their physical bodies would rise, allowing their powers to be even more valiant!

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then, what¡¯ll happen if their true qi is used up?¡±

    Ling Ziwei: ¡°...They¡¯ll certainly have to leave before their true qi is used up. Otherwise, their bodies would be rolled up in the mes immediately. A person would be burnt uppletely from inside out. Perhaps, only fire-attribute martial artists who practice fire-attribute cultivation methods have a chance of escaping. If not, that martial artist will undoubtedly perish.¡±

    Gu Zuo soaked up this new information.

    So to say, this Fire Cloud Pit was a good ce. It was just that, one needed to be extremely careful when cultivating.

    After that, Ling Ziwei went back to introduce the rules for challenging the Qingyun Leaderboard.

    Firstly, there were no problems with people on the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s upper ranks challenging other upper ranks, and people on the lower ranks challenging other lower ranks. However, between an upper rank and a lower rank, an upper rank wasn¡¯t allowed to use any killing moves against a lower rank, and only the lower ranks could issue challenges to an upper rank. This was to prevent these highly-valued core disciples from ughtering each other. At the same time, it prevented disciples with higher strengths from recklessly strangling other geniuses before they matured to the same realm.

    Of course, aside from these couple of rules, there were no other rules to speak of. For the disciples who came to the Qingyun Mountain Range, they could stay as long as they wanted. If they wanted to leave and they took along a token, they could leave automatically. There was a lot of freedom. However, the disciples weren¡¯t allowed to explore the area that was said to partition the inner ring. It definitely wouldn¡¯t be found. Even if those Elders and upper echelons came out from that ce, they wouldn¡¯t pass through the outer ring.

    In addition, there were also some other matters. Ling Ziwei talked to them about everything that she remembered.

    While Gu Zuo was listening, he repeatedly nodded his head.

    If they didn¡¯t encounter Ling Ziwei, he and his big brother would still be making inquiries about this ce. Let alone coincidentally meeting someone who had free time, even if they were to meet someone, why would that person painstakingly exin things to them?

    Thus, their luck truly was very good.

    What should be said had been said. Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t linger here since she also had many things that she needed to take care of. After quickly saying her goodbyes to the two, she went down the mountain.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say much either. He only exchanged a few words with Gu Zuo before leaping out and jumping into that Fire Cloud Pit.

    Right. He wanted to experience the feeling of the Fire Cloud Body Tempering.

    The instant that he entered the pit, Tianheng covered his body with true qi. In the blink of an eye, those countless tongues of me flickered andpped, engulfing his entire body.

    Threads of fire entered his body, and instantly swept out in all directions. Under the impact of these fire threads, his meridians, flesh, bones, and organs constantly produced the feelings of being cooked through.

    These fire threads seemed to be searching for things to attack. As a result, the fire dashed to the left and rushed to the right, looking all over. After constantly wreaking havoc on Tianheng, the fire unexpectedly didn¡¯t find anything. In the end, it finally gathered inside the flesh and on the surfaces of the organs and veins while quietly burning. At this very moment, within every wisp of blood and lump of flesh, it seemed as if something was drawing away the water from every nook and cranny. Gradually, things began to dry up. However, under the abundance of the true qi, the affected locations became plump and full again...

    In fact, this was normal.

    This fire cloud was a kind of peculiar me. Shouldn¡¯t the things that those fire threads were constantly looking for be the impurities inside the body? However, Tianheng possessed the Tiandu Body. His flesh was Xiantian, and originally, it was iparably pure. Although he previously ate some things that weren¡¯t so pure when he was a weak and sickly youth, he only had the best medicinal cuisines and top grade medicinal pills ever since he met Gu Zuo. Of the two, while the former might¡¯ve asionally had some impurities due to the grade of the medicinal ingredients and meat essences, the top grade pillspletelycked any impurities. Naturally, this allowed Tianheng¡¯s physical body to be even purer ¡ª Basically, he had already reached an immacte level.

    Prior to this time¡¯s body tempering, Tianheng hadn¡¯t eaten anything for a full day and night. When he broke through to stage seven, that extremely small amount of impurities had been jolted out of his body, and had dissipated into the air. Now, no matter how much those tongues of me searched, it couldn¡¯t find even the tiniest bit of impurities.

    As a result, the Fire Cloud Body Tempering really could only temper the body and nothing else.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo sat cross-legged in front of the Fire Cloud Pit. He lowered his head, and used his psychic power to pay firm attention to his dear big brother.

    He watched as Tianheng jumped down, and was caught by a wisp of fire cloud. He also watched the mes rise up on that fire cloud. The mes thoroughly enveloped Tianheng, and almostpletely covered him up. With senses that were sharper than that of other people, Gu Zuo perceived those fire threads as they burrowed into the pores all over Tianheng¡¯s body, conducting further body tempering! But, Gu Zuo saw that Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t show a fierce appearance like the other people who were undergoing the Fire Cloud Body Tempering.

    Could it be that his big brother wasn¡¯t in pain?

    However, Gu Zuo quickly threw out this way of thinking.

    Because, with his understanding of Tianheng, Gu Zuo was able to discover the tautness in Tianheng¡¯s body. If there wasn¡¯t any sharp pain, then it shouldn¡¯t have been like this. As such, the reason why Tianheng¡¯s expression could be so tranquil should¡¯ve been because...he had long gotten used to suffering.

    ...This was also right.

    Although the Fire Cloud Body Tempering was painful, Tianheng once endured the agony of having one¡¯s meridians clogged. Whenever he freely moved about, it was like walking on the tips of des. Wouldn¡¯t that be even more painful?

    Since he could endure that, he could certainly endure this.

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    Previously, when Gu Zuo realized that his big brother would persevere through the pain, he only felt admiration. But now, while he was only watching his big brother undergoing body tempering on the fire cloud, he felt a feeling of unease from the bottom of heart because his big brother¡¯s expression was too calm.

    Perhaps... It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that his heart was also pained.

    Gu Zuo sighed again.

    Indeed, after thinking about it, it would be very painful. If it was him, he certainly wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it.

    Unfortunately, there was nothing that Gu Zuo could do to make it less painful for Tianheng. After all, for things like body tempering, the more it hurt and the longer one persevered, the greater the benefits. It was impossible for him to stop Tianheng from improving his physical body just because his heart felt ufortable ¡ª In actuality, this kind of body tempering opportunity was very hard toe by.

    As such, he could only support his big brother, and apany Tianheng on the side.

    With such thinking, Gu Zuo simply sat cross-legged next to the Fire Cloud Pit, operated his cultivation method, and continued to consolidate his realm and umte true qi.

    ¡°Chongyun Sect has gone too far...¡±

    ¡°Sadly, while I thought my aptitudes were extraordinary, such that none of the many disciples of the Inner Sect entered my eyes, I couldn¡¯t evenst a few moves under that Chongyun Sect¡¯s tyrannical abuse! It¡¯s truly...disheartening.¡±

    ¡°Be brave after a humiliation. Is it possible that you¡¯ll stay depressed just because of a temporary setback?¡±

    ¡°If I was seriously like that, then why would I havee here?!¡±

    The arrivals who apanied these voices were two young men. They were tall and sturdy, and their facial features were handsome. Their faces should¡¯ve been heroic and exuberant, but their brows were nowded with exhaustion. The lights in their eyes were also somewhat dim. No longer were they as high-spirited as before.

    These two people were secluded disciples. One was called Cui Hao, and the other was called Huo Qing. Both of them were personages on the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s lower ranks. A few days ago, they fought a few battles with those Chongyun Sect disciples. Originally, they shared wins and losses with their opponents, and asionally, they would gain the upper hand. However, Chongyun Sect¡¯s side suddenly dispatched someone else. This personpletely overpowered them like chopping dried wood and pulling out withered grass. If they had been able to fight to their hearts¡¯ content, then ultimately losing wouldn¡¯t have mattered as much. But for the most part, the other party didn¡¯t make but a couple of moves, and they had already been struck off the tform. They¡¯d even suffered serious injuries!

    Cui Hao and Huo Qing ¡ª Onested three moves, and the othersted four moves. Both of them had been heavily injured after being beaten. Once they left in disgrace, it took a day or two for them to recover with the help of a high-level pharmacist.

    But while their bodies healed, the blows that their faces and spirits took weren¡¯t so easy to recover from. To think that they were valued and nurtured by Qingyun Sect, and that they were brilliant and famous personages in some people¡¯s hearts. And yet, now ¡ª

    At this time, the two were in the middle of studying the reasons for their own failures. Before anything else, they were determined to properly cultivate in the Qingyun Mountain Range, and to hone their physical bodies to be even stronger.

    Hence, because their cave dwellings were rtively close, and because they intended to help one another by pointing out the other¡¯s mistakes, they went together.

    After grumbling for a little bit, they steadied their minds once more. The two people then arrived in front of the Fire Cloud Pit.

    Only, just as they got there, they surprisingly discovered that sitting before the Fire Cloud Put was...a pharmacist? Not only was this face new, but it was also very soft and immature.

    This was so strange.

    Right at this moment, that teenaged pharmacist who was sitting cross-legged opened his eyes.

    His features were delicate and pretty, and his figure was slim and supple. His pair of eyes were like dots ofcquer, and had a clear shine. The light in his eyes turned a little, and they appeared to be very spirited. He seemed to be quite charming.

    Cui Hao and Huo Qing¡¯s impressions of this teenaged pharmacist weren¡¯t bad, but there were some matters that couldn¡¯t be let off just because of a good impression ¡ª In the Qingyun Mountain Range, there were always only martial artists. This wasn¡¯t a ce where pharmacists would show up.

    So, who was he?

    Cui Hao stepped forward, and opened his mouth to ask: ¡°Junior Sect Brother, how did youe here? Can you use a passage token?¡±

    Huo Qing also stood shoulder to shoulder with Cui Hao, and looked over with inquiring eyes.

    Soon after, they watched as that teenaged pharmacist blinked his eyes. Then, his expression became somewhat embarrassed.

    Huo Qing and Cui Hao both faintly furrowed their brows.

    Could this really be a person who had some other objectives? The Sect¡¯s defenses shouldn¡¯t have been this weak!

    ¡°These two Senior Sect Brothers, the passage token...is in the hands of my family¡¯s young master.¡±

    At this time, a feeble voice sounded out.

    Gu Zuo was quite embarrassed.

    Although that passage token had both of their names written on it, he had handed it over to his big brother for safekeeping. Right now, it wasn¡¯t in his possession at all. He didn¡¯t think about this before. What was he supposed to do if someer came to verify his identity while he apanied his big brother¡¯s body tempering?

    His identity couldn¡¯t be confirmed this time, but he shouldn¡¯t be out of luck, right?

    However, just sitting here and resigning himself to his fate wasn¡¯t any good. While Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care if the other party believed him or not, he still feebly spoke a sentence to exin himself.

    Immediately following this, the two young disciples who seemed to be very familiar with this ce exchanged nces. After that, they opened their mouths and asked: ¡°Junior Sect Brother, what¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡ª Did this mean that they believed him?

    Once Gu Zuo heard this, he roused himself: ¡°This one is Gu Zuo. My family¡¯s young master is called Gongyi Tianheng. The passage token for the two of us has been approved. Right now, my family¡¯s young master is tempering his body down below. I¡¯m worried about his safety, so I¡¯ve been waiting on top. If these two seniors don¡¯t believe me, you just need to wait for my family¡¯s young master toe out to confirm it.¡±

    Those two young disciples heard this, and nodded their heads.

    ¡°I am Cui Hao.¡±

    ¡°My name is Huo Qing.¡±

    ¡°Among everyone down below, which one is your family¡¯s young master?¡±

    Gu Zuo turned around, extended a hand, and pointed at Tianheng¡¯s position: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Cui, Senior Sect Brother Huo, please look. That is my family¡¯s young master.¡±

    Cui Hao and Huo Qing both looked over there. Sure enough, they saw an extremely handsome young man who wore brocade robes and was sitting upon a fire cloud. This man was likewise a new face ¡ª The words of this teenaged pharmacist were somewhat trustworthy.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and continued to convey his own security: ¡°My family¡¯s young master also left his name on the stone tablet.¡±

    Cui Hao and Huo Qing heard this, and flew in front of the stone tablet. They raised their eyes, and looked up.

    Their gazes continuously shifted upwards. Finally, at the very top of the second zone, they saw a newly-carved personal name.

    Gongyi Tianheng.

    Cui Hao¡¯s eyelids twitched: ¡°This name is very familiar...¡±

    When they heard the teenaged pharmacist mention it before, they already felt it was familiar. Now that they saw it, this feeling became even more pronounced. In that case, where did they hear of it...

    Huo Qing opened his mouth in haste: ¡°Wasn¡¯t it mentioned by a couple of seniors that someone went to seize glory for the Sect before we went over?¡±

    Cui Hao understood right away.

    Yes. Chongyun Sect came to start quarrels with Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples, and it didn¡¯t take only a day or two. While they had been in secluded cultivation, someone really had stepped forward to fight a few rounds with those Chongyun Sect disciples. Later on, due to repeated battles, that person¡¯s body received heavy injuries and they had to withdraw.

    Wasn¡¯t that person¡¯s name Gongyi Tianheng?!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 262 - Qin Zhuofeng

    <h4>Chapter 262 - Qin Zhuofeng</h4>

    Huo Qing and Cui Hao exchanged nces.

    If they were still somewhat uncertain before, they firmly believed it without any doubts now that they¡¯d seen the stone tablet andpared it to Gu Zuo¡¯s words.

    Immediately following which, Cui Hao¡¯s gaze fell upon that name in first ce. The pupils of his eyes silently contracted: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Huo, take a look. The position of that Gongyi Tianheng is actually 29.99 meters!¡±

    Huo Qing¡¯s expression also turned into a concentrated stare: ¡°His potential is higher than ours.¡±

    29.99 meters.

    Perhaps, other people would see this number and only think it was the lower ranking¡¯s first ce, and they would sigh with deep emotion. However, as secluded disciples, Cui Hao and Huo Qing knew that there were only three people throughout Qingyun Sect¡¯s generations who were able to carve their names in this first ce position.

    ording to rumors, the first one was Qingyun Sect¡¯s first-generation Sect Master ¡ª The son of the great ancestor who truly founded Qingyun Sect. His aptitudes were unrivaled. Butter on, there suddenly came a day when he passed on the Sect to his descendants. Then, he floated into the air, and disappeared. In the end, it wasn¡¯t known where he went nor from whence he fell.

    The second one was the Sect¡¯s taboo. Dozens of generations ago, the Sect had a proud genius who harshly suppressed everyone at the time to the point that they couldn¡¯t show the least bit of might! However, it was said that this person betrayed the Sect for some reason, and just before he left, he killed more than half of the Grand Elders within the Sect. Countless disciples were massacred, and this reduced Qingyun Sect to a second-rate existence for no less than three generations. It was due to the Sect¡¯s deep foundations that life was slowly breathed back into it. Supposedly, it was also because of him that many of the Sect¡¯s rules were changed, and the Qingyun Sect with such a long history came to be... If it was the past, perhaps the Sect wouldn¡¯t be what it was today.

    Consequently, although the people who to came here for secluded cultivation could hear about some of these sect secrets, any information that concerned this person was still deeply concealed.

    As for the third one, it was the present Gongyi Tianheng!

    Whether righteous or evil, it could be seen from the life experiences of the first two people that anyone in the Xiantian Realm who could carve their names at 29.99 meters were all extremely extraordinary.

    Never once was it foreseen that after countless years, in this day and age, there would be an individual who could reach such a realm ¡ª Even among the astonishing talents nowadays, the present Sect Master represented the strongest ever since. Back when he was at the Xiantian Realm, the height he could carve his name on the stone tablet was only 29.1 meters.

    This stone tablet was nurtured through heaven and earth. It wasn¡¯t a mundane object, and it mysteriously had its own calction process. If it wasn¡¯t within that calction process, even if there was a peak Xiantian stage nine who believed their battle prowess was extremely formidable and who tyrannically ruled the lower rankings, it was impossible to climb above that ce.

    Huo Qing said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin must be informed of this matter.¡±

    Cui Hao also said: ¡°You go and notify him. I¡¯ll keep watch over here.¡±

    Huo Qing didn¡¯t object.

    Although one¡¯s own cultivation was incredibly important, the matter of Tianheng also couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    ¡ª They didn¡¯tck the time for these notifications.

    Soon after, the two went their separate ways. Huo Qing¡¯s foot tapped the ground and he flew out. In a sh, he was already hundreds of meters away. The direction he dashed towards was a cavern on a certain mountaintop.

    Meanwhile, Cui Hao turned around and went back to the Fire Cloud Pit.

    At this moment, the teenaged pharmacist he previously questioned was still keeping watch over that ce. He was sitting cross-legged in meditation.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t pay any special attention on operating his cultivation method. After all, those two seniors had gone to confirm his words just now. Once the truth was verified, they would certainly return. As a result, he was waiting just like this.

    However, while he had indeed been waiting for their return, only one person came back.

    Gu Zuo was surprised: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Cui, what about Senior Sect Brother Huo?¡±

    Since Cui Hao had determined that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a person of unknown origin, and saw that he was someone who followed beside Tianheng, Cui Hao¡¯s attitude towards him wasn¡¯t bad: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huo had something to take care of and went on a trip. You and I will wait here for Junior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Gu Zuo: Eh?

    Hadn¡¯t their identities been confirmed? Didn¡¯t theye here for cultivation? What did the guy mean by waiting here with him for his big brother? He really didn¡¯t understand.

    However, at this time, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t just say words to chase him away like, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to wait over here. Get lost!¡± As a result, he could only nod his head and murmur a soft, ¡°Oh.¡±

    Cui Hao wasn¡¯t a talkative person. As secluded disciples, they possessed their own type of pride. At this moment, he didn¡¯t try to get to know Gu Zuo. He likewise sat cross-legged on the side, and waited for Tianheng¡¯s body tempering to finish.

    Not much time had passed before Gu Zuo heard the rustling of robe sleeves from far away. Once again, he looked out. This time, what he saw was Huo Qing and another young man who had an elegant, clear, and bright appearance. The clothing of the two fluttered in the breeze. Looking at them from a distance, they looked like taoist immortals.

    As the distance shortened, Gu Zuo originally felt that he ought to first look towards the acquaintance Huo Qing. But for whatever reason, his line of sight instead fell upon the other person, and he couldn¡¯t look away.

    Speaking of which, as they approached, Gu Zuo discovered that that elegant young man wasn¡¯t truly handsome andpelling. If one¡¯s appearance was discussed, Gu Zuo felt that his dear big brother could toss this guy out three streets over and smack him a few times around the block. But if one¡¯s presence was mentioned, Gu Zuo felt that his big brother would only be able to toss the guy out by half a street.

    That¡¯s right. Whenever the present Gu Zuo looked at any elegant and graceful young masters or martial artists, he always made aparison between them and Tianheng. As for how gant or ssy the other party was, his big brother would be used as a basic, marked scale. For example, so-and-so¡¯s temperament was only half or a third of his big brother¡¯s temperament. Just like this Immortal Realm senior who arrived with this Huo Qing, under Gu Zuo¡¯sparison, he was considered very outstanding and admirable.

    To put it simply, this young man¡¯s personality traits were quite top-notch, but his face was very ordinary.

    If this person¡¯s temperament was excluded, then anyone who attached great importance to looks certainly wouldn¡¯t enjoy looking at him. However, when the personality traits and body were added together, then everyone would ignore his face, and immediately praise him as a ¡°male god¡±.

    Gu Zuo: En. Compared to big brother, he¡¯s a few points short of a male god.

    After this poised male god drew near, his face wore a smiling expression. He appeared warm and kindly, natural and magnanimous. With one look, a person couldn¡¯t help forming an intensely good impression. His voice was also mellow, rich, and euphonious. As if he was chanting softly into one¡¯s ear, it was slightly deep and maic: ¡°This is presumably Junior Sect Brother Gu. This one is Qin Zhuofeng.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily spoke: ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Senior Sect Brother Qin.¡±

    But, why the heck did this Senior Sect Brother Qine here? It didn¡¯t look like he was harboring evil intentions.

    After that, Gu Zuo looked to Huo Qing.

    Senior Sect Brother Huo had brought this person along... Could it be that it had something to do with his dear big brother?

    His mind was filled with many notions, but Gu Zuo¡¯s expression still didn¡¯t have any peculiarities. He had spent so much time with Tianheng, and he hadn¡¯t duped others just once or twice. At certain times, he was very capable of keeping a straight face.

    Qin Zhuofeng didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of beating around the bush. He only amicably said: ¡°The appearance of Junior Sect Brother Gongyi really is a big event. After these two juniors found out, they couldn¡¯t hide it. Therefore, they went to inform me. I ask that Junior Sect Brother Gu doesn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    ¡ª Ah, who could reproach this warm wind and fine rain?!

    If it weren¡¯t for Gu Zuo being bathed in the glory of his dear big brother¡¯s male godhood at all times, he would¡¯ve long been dazedly led astray.

    Fortunately, he still firmly held on.

    Gu Zuo spoke without dy: ¡°You¡¯re too kind... But Senior Sect Brother Qin, has my family¡¯s young master done something? Is it urgent? Is it serious? Please don¡¯t hold back your words!¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng felt a sh of appreciation for this kind of natural bearing, and he replied in a warm voice: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, please rest assured. It¡¯s nothing bad.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    They weren¡¯t familiar with each other. No matter how genial and good-natured his expression, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t feel relieved just like that...

    Luckily, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t conflicted for too long.

    On that fire cloud down below, the speed of Tianheng¡¯s body tempering was quite fast. Qin Zhuofeng and Huo Qing waited on the side for a little more than an hour when an intense change urred at that fire cloud.

    One would only seeyers uponyers of mes within that fire cloud. The ball of fire suddenly exploded, and a person¡¯s figure shot out from those mes. In the blink of an eye, the figure vaulted up, and had alreadynded behind Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo stood up, and opened his mouth.

    In the wake of his position¡¯s promotion, he actually wasn¡¯t as cautious and solemn as he was before. In front of outsiders, sometimes he remembered to say ¡°young master¡±, and sometimes he would blurt out ¡°big brother¡±. He reacted in time, this time around, but which one was the better address in the end?

    Tianheng patted his head, and his line of sight swept over the three people in front: ¡°Are these three sirs the secluded seniors of this ce? This one is Gongyi Tianheng. Greetings, Senior Sect Brothers.¡±

    His tone was clear and bright, his attitude was unhurried, and his bearing was graceful and sumptuous. He gave people a type of extraordinary feeling.

    After Qin Zhuofeng and the others introduced themselves, Qin Zhuofeng said: ¡°Seldom do new peoplee here. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, if you don¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t youe to my cave dwelling with this Junior Sect Brother Gu, and allow me to entertain you two as guests?¡±

    Tianheng listened to this invitation, and slightly nodded his head: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare to decline this request.¡±

    Naturally, Gu Zuoplied and followed behind.

    The location of Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s dwelling was at a rtively tall mountain peak, and his cavern was rather close to the top. While there was certainly a Profound Qi Eye inside the cavern, the cavern itself was very simple and crude. Meanwhile, there were several upright and strong pine trees right outside the entrance. It was simple and unadorned, yet profound and dignified. There was a very thought-provoking feeling about it.

    After the group arrived, they sat beneath a pine tree.

    Qin Zhuofeng took out some wine, and poured some for each of them. Then, he started talking with Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    Tianheng had always been adept at interacting with people. Without waiting for them to inquire, he took out the passage token first, and let those three people take a look.

    Huo Qing and Cui Hao both thought it was strange.

    Their passage tokens could only shelter a single person, but there were actually the names of two people written onto this passage token. Moreover, it had the Sect Master¡¯s official seal. It was quite shocking.

    Qin Zhuofeng took the token to get a closer look, and said to Huo Qing and Cui Hao: ¡°This official seal of the Sect Master is real.¡±

    Huo Qing and Cui Hao spoke without the slightest of doubts: ¡°The Sect Master is really paying a lot of attention to Junior Sect Brother Gongyi and Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    However, they thought things over. After all, Gu Zuo was a pharmacist, and there weren¡¯t any precedents of pharmacistsing here to cultivate. With regards to this matter of the two using a single token, they were able to get over it.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo was somewhat curious. Why did Huo Qing and Cui Hao believe in Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s words so firmly? Could it be that it was rted to his position in this ce?

    Off to the side, Huo Qing quickly gave Gu Zuo an exnation for this puzzlement: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin¡¯s strength is extremely high. His real power is not any lower than the top three on the Qingyun Leaderboard. It¡¯s just that, because he has a busy schedule and has the duty of supervising our Qingyun Mountain Range¡¯s numerous disciples, his reputation isn¡¯t well-known to neers. But so long as one stays here long enough, they won¡¯t not know of Senior Sect Brother Qin¡¯s distinguished name.¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng faintly shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s no need to unt it...¡±

    Cui Hao supplemented Huo Qing¡¯s words: ¡°Regarding identities, Senior Sect Brother Qin is actually the Sect Master¡¯s third son, and he has the resources of the Sect Master.¡±

    To be honest, he was just like his father, Sect Master Qin Bang. Regardless of appearance, disposition, or aptitude, they were all very alike. In everyone¡¯s eyes, if Qin Zhuofeng didn¡¯t perish in the future, he was most likely going to rise above his two elder brothers to be the Sect Master¡¯s sessor. He would inherit the Sect Master¡¯s bloodline, and take over the post of the Sect Master!

    ¡ª Of course, that day was still very far away.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    It turned out to be like this. It was only natural that the son could recognize his father¡¯s official seal at a nce. Any words he spoke about that concerned the Sect Master also wouldn¡¯t cause people to doubt.

    Immediately following this, Qin Zhuofeng mentioned the reasons why he invited Tianheng here. Among which, the very first was to tell them about two legends.

    Both stories were briefly recounted without any borations. The details were hidden, but they were still legends that caused one¡¯s heart to stir upon hearing them.

    Tianheng quietly listened till he finished talking. There was a glimmer in his eyes, and the edge of his smile curved. The expression on his face didn¡¯t change in the slightest. In the beginning, he smiled just like this, and even after he was done listening, the smile didn¡¯t waver in the least.

    Qin Zhuofeng resolutely said: ¡°Although this amounts to taking matters into my own hands, as a bloodline member of Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master, I shoulder the responsibility of the Sect¡¯s bnce as well. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, this Qin will only ask you one question ¡ª What are your opinions of the Sect?¡±

    Tianheng pondered.

    Gu Zuo looked on, and his heart was a little chaotic.

    How was he going to respond to this?

    Since the other party could ask this question, there¡¯d definitely be lots of affairs and information that could be ascertained by them. At the present time, there was nothing that they had done which wasn¡¯t fit for others to see.

    After getting rid of the private worries in his heart, Gu Zuo looked at the side of Tianheng¡¯s face.

    He wanted to know how his dear big brother would respond.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t think things over for too long. He spoke forthrightly: ¡°In the final analysis, although there are some deep-seated problems, the ten bloodlines maintain an equilibrium. One also doesn¡¯t see much bloodshed amid thepetition within the Sect... Inparison, it¡¯s also considered rather good. Being able to practice martial arts at Qingyun Sect is many times better than in the outside world.¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng listened to these remarks, and his concerns, which were ced quite high in his mind, were slightly lowered.

    No matter how one looked at it, Tianheng didn¡¯t show the least bit of malice towards the Sect. There was even a bit of a good impression. Since it was like this, so long as that...that kind of matter didn¡¯t happen, no matter how quickly Tianheng¡¯s strength improved nor how formidable his potential was, he shouldn¡¯t betray the Sect¡¯s teachers like the second disciple who reached 29.99 meters.

    Huo Qing and Cui Hao likewise sighed in relief.

    Now that they looked at Tianheng again, they first seemed to see a brutal wild beast that was iparably terrifying and hard to withstand. Soon after, it was like they were looking at a deity with dazzling radiance. What they finally saw...wasn¡¯t a demon king who would ughter countless people.

    In the blink of an eye, the atmosphere became even more rxed.

    Gu Zuo finally realized that Qin Zhuofeng and the others were worried that his dear big brother was like that second martial artist who possessed extraordinary aptitudes. That guy left an irrevocable wound after betraying the Sect. This ruined the Sect¡¯s vitality. Even if the Sect recovered afterwards, it had also be a part of the Sect¡¯s dark history. Later generations bore this in mind, and they didn¡¯t dare to touch upon this matter again...

    Tianheng originally didn¡¯t harbor any evil intentions towards the Sect, and it was even more impossible for him to conduct himself like that person. When he spoke about this matter at this time, it was only natural that he didn¡¯t conceal anything.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was thinking. What did that person encounter to make him sever all rtions to the Sect like that ¡ª In his opinion, one palm couldn¡¯t p by itself. If the Sect back then really was pure and innocent, then that person was a true demon king. There wouldn¡¯t have been any need for avoiding this subject so vehemently. Thus, whatever happened back then definitely had hidden motives. Otherwise, only if that person was born with antisocial behavior and had a renegade mindset would he do this kind of thing after eating his fill. And if he truly was born with rebellious tendencies, how could the Sect be so foolish as to give him that many benefits and trust in advance?

    Sigh.

    It had been a long time since the incident, and who knew what the actual facts were in the end? However, Gu Zuo felt that the upper limit of their conflicts in Qingyun Sect was shing with the He n and Lu Jiusi¡¯s aplices. To the immense Sect, thetter was only a small fry, and although the former was powerful, it couldn¡¯tpare to the positions of the Sect¡¯s ten bloodlines. Even if everything came to a head, the Sect wouldn¡¯te to either side¡¯s aid. They absolutely couldn¡¯t be irreconcble enemies of the Sect!

    Since it was like this, what else was there to worry about?

    In the short moment that Gu Zuo was lost in thought, Tianheng, Qin Zhuofeng, and the others were pouring wine and exchanging cups as if there already was a good rtionship between the fellow disciples. Qin Zhuofeng and the others intended to make friends with Tianheng and showed their goodwill. Tianheng repaid this kindness in turn. Between one another, there was some tacit understanding.

    After they finished drinking, the pastime of any martial artists was mostly to spar with each other. Previously, Cui Hao and Huo Qing were filled with fire against Chongyun Sect. They were very interested in Tianheng¡¯s strength, and they each fought a round with Tianheng.

    It was only to be expected that they both suffered defeats.

    However, losing wasn¡¯t without its advantages. Huo Qing and Cui Hao were people with high levels ofprehension, and they quickly obtained insights. They advanced a step, and sparred again.

    Because Qin Zhuofeng was already a peak Immortal Realm personage, joining the spars would be no good. But because of his ability to make discerning judgments and that his umtions were strong and solid, between the sparring matches of a few juniors, he could carry out some pointers that focused on their mistakes. After giving advice to them, they immediately had sudden realizations.

    Even Tianheng obtained many benefits within all this.

    Over these past few years, he had created his own body cultivation method. Although he never encountered any bottlenecks due to his heaven-defying intelligence and constant studying, this didn¡¯t mean that all of his deductions had been perfectly achieved. Normally, he only watched how others fought, and made his own modifications under the circumstances. Now with the son of the Sect Master pointing out mistakes for correction on the side, he felt joy in his heart. Like a dried-up sponge, he frantically absorbed every piece of advice. Moreover, the simplification of his own body techniques and martial skills allowed his movements to be even more agile and ruthless.

    This kind of improvement speed left Qin Zhuofeng and the others at a loss for words.

    As for Gu Zuo, he felt dazzled just from watching, so he simply cultivated by himself on the side. While they practiced with abandon, he simply refined pills in the lee of the wind ¡ª No matter what kind of medicinal pills he refined, those three people were proud andposed. They wouldn¡¯te over to check on him. Gu Zuo restrained himself just a little bit, and prevented any pill fragrances from spreading excessively. Without any mishaps, he would save up lots of medicinal qi during this period of time.

    Soon, a day passed.

    Gu Zuo stretched his body contentedly, and Tianheng seemed to have gained some insights.

    Following which, they bade farewell to the three others in advance. The pair returned to their own True Qi Pond, and they wantonly absorbed the true qi to improve their own strengths. As for Huo Qing and Cui Hao, they went to the Fire Cloud Pit once more to temper their physical bodies.

    The next day, if Tianheng had any ideas, he would go to the Wondrous Wind Cave or the Fire Cloud Pit to hone himself. After that, if he still felt it was insufficient, he would go to find Qin Zhuofeng. Or, he would look for Huo Qing and Cui Hao, and ask them to spar with him two against one.

    As before, Tianheng improved at astonishing speeds. While other people were unclear about this, Qin Zhuofeng and the others who frequently saw him were incredibly shocked by his frightening progress.

    In a sh, seven or eight days passed by.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo still came to Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s ce. It was especially so for Tianheng, who had already started sparring with the other party under the condition that Qin Zhuofeng suppressed a certain amount of strength.

    Qin Zhuofeng wasn¡¯t stingy with his own time and energy. He only wore a smiling expression, and watched as Tianheng turned what he had learned into a part of Tianheng¡¯s own knowledge.

    To tell the truth, he was very pleased with this Junior Sect Brother.

    Gu Zuo saw this, and also felt that this Senior Sect Brother Qin truly had a broad mind. In the future, if the Sect Master stepped down and he became the sessor, Qingyun Sect certainly wouldn¡¯t fall to ruin ¡ª Maybe, it would grow even stronger?

    Such a great personage who kept his eyes upon the world and tolerated the multitudes would truly be a good Sect Master! Sure enough, Senior Sect Brother Qin Zhuofeng had this aptitude!

    Just when Gu Zuo was thinking that these days would continue for a long time, there came a day when several people arrived in front of Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s cavern!

    Gu Zuo...didn¡¯t recognize a single one of these people.

    However, he could tell that the qi emissions of these people were all very rich and powerful. It seemed that there were some incredibly powerful Immortal Realm disciples in the Qingyun Mountain Range.

    There were men and women. The men¡¯s faces wore wrathful expressions, and women¡¯s brows were etched with fury. Their tempers were all bursting out.

    What setbacks had they received?

    Qin Zhuofeng saw these people, and his expression underwent some changes.

    Before he could ask why these people hade, another person suddenly came rushing over from far away and hurriedly spoke some things into his ear. This person¡¯s strange and rapid-fire speech made it so that no one present could clearly hear what was said.

    After Qin Zhuofeng finished listening, he was instantly furious.

    He pped a palm onto a stone table on the side. In a split second, the stone table shook, and immediately turned to powder.

    ¡°Fucking Chongyun Sect! Have they no shame?!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart jumped.

    Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s temperament was normally very good. At this time, his anger moved like a p of thunder.

    Just what had that damnable Chongyun Sect done now?

    Off to the side, Tianheng suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, if there¡¯s anything that¡¯s troubling you, why not talk about it? Although we might not be of any use, we can toss around ideas.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 263 - Secret of the Continents

    <h4>Chapter 263 - Secret of the Continents</h4>

    Qin Zhuofeng heaved a long sigh: ¡°In the past few days, Chongyun Sect had dispatched Immortal Realm disciples to start fights. They continuously incited dozens of our Qingyun Sect¡¯s people, and they would win decisively before going back. Although some secluded disciples came out to fight, only Junior Sect Brother Teng Yunfei prevailed over that Sect¡¯s disciple. Among those remaining, only Huang Ji tied. The rest all suffered defeats.¡±

    Gu Zuo was startled.

    There was only one win and one tie, while all the others were losses? When it was at the Xiantian Realm, the battle situation hadn¡¯t been this desperate! Moreover, the strengths of that many secluded disciples would¡¯ve been very powerful. Unexpectedly, there wasn¡¯t even one more win?

    But despite the shock in his heart, he didn¡¯t raise any questions after quietly sweeping a nce over those few men and women who arrived.

    One would understand after thinking about it. These couple of Immortal Realm seniors were this furious, and there was also some self-me contained within this fury. One could figure out their identities.

    Qin Zhuofeng also didn¡¯t pursue the matter. Their identities and positions were arranged right here. If Gu Zuo, a younger generation junior, made inquiries, wouldn¡¯t that just be a p to their faces?

    However, even if Gu Zuo didn¡¯t ask, theplexions of these mindful Immortal Realm disciples still underwent slight changes. The unwillingness on their faces was extremely clear.

    They quickly calmed their states of mind, and reported the circumstances of those battles to Qin Zhuofeng.

    On the side, Gu Zuo listened with perked ears, and had a general understanding of the battle situations at that time.

    While he didn¡¯t understand what was going on with the others, Huang Ji, who previously only ranked seventh, had gone through a period of Beast Blood Body Tempering, and his Heavenly Beast Body had been developed to some extent. Thus, it would be true to say that his great increase in strength had saved a little bit of Qingyun Sect¡¯s face.

    In addition, when the Immortal Realms battled, each of the fights were mostly between those of equivalent realms. The only infuriating thing was that, asionally, their side would lose while the other side would win with ease. There was also the fact that there were Chongyun Sect disciples who challenged higher-ranked Qingyun Sect disciples and thoroughly defeated them.

    To say that their reputations had reached rock-bottom wasn¡¯t enough to describe the Immortal Realm battles.

    After Qin Zhuofeng finished listening to the details, his expression was grave: ¡°When it was originally at the Xiantian Realm, our secluded disciples still had some people who could win multiple battles and redeem our Sect¡¯s prestige. But now that it¡¯s the Immortal Realm, even saving face can¡¯t be achieved. If it weren¡¯t for Junior Sect Brother Teng and Junior Sect Brother Huang, you all would¡¯ve been swept aside ¡ª But there¡¯s also no difference from what¡¯s happening now and a clean sweep.¡±

    His words echoed throughout the surroundings, and caused Gu Zuo and others¡¯ expressions to be solemn and respectful.

    Qin Zhuofeng looked all around him: ¡°All of you ¡ª Do you know what this means?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng was pensive.

    Gu Zuo seemed to vaguely think of something.

    The few Immortal Realm disciples were capable of bing secluded disciples, and none of them were stupid. After a moment¡¯s pause, they immediately clenched their fists. In strained voices, they said: ¡°This means that...at the lower realms, our Qingyun Sect still has the power to resist. But the higher the realms of the martial artists, the greater the advantage Chongyun Sect has. It would be a breeze to suppress us!¡±

    ¡ª As such, what was the cause that brought about this situation?

    Between their two sects, Chongyun Sect was located on a continent with vast territories, and its resources were far superior to that of Qingyun Continent. That side¡¯s disciples also had better aptitudes, and their number of powerhouses was twice the amount that Qingyun Sect possessed. However, this sort of clean-sweep situation was extremely rare. One could imagine that if this wasn¡¯t by chance, but rather normal, then after many years had passed, Chongyun Sect wouldn¡¯t only be twice as strong as Qingyun Sect, it would be five, six, or even ten times as strong. It would view Qingyun Sect as a speck of dust!

    Right now, Qingyun Sect looked like a figure of authority. But in actuality, there were external worries and internal troubles. One had to be on guard in all matters.

    Qin Zhuofeng shook his head: ¡°You all should know. After Chongyun Sect defeats our Qingyun Sect, what will happen?¡±

    Everyone¡¯s hearts trembled.

    Gu Zuo thought about it. Could this be the reason why Qin Zhuofeng cursed out shamelessly just then?

    This must¡¯ve been the case. If Chongyun Sect only took the initiative to provoke and defeat Qingyun Sect, no matter how upset they were, there was nothing they could do about it. After all, the others had fought justly and honorably. In the end, their own side would be ssified as amateurs. If Qin Zhuofeng cursed because of this, then it didn¡¯t seem too ssy.

    Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s gaze turned cold. Unlike those peaceful days, no longer was his temperament warm and genial: ¡°Those Grand Elder bastards of Chongyun Sect came to see the Sect Master.¡± His voice practically hissed through the gaps between his teeth, ¡°They took out a writ of exchange, wanting to obtain our Qingyun Sect¡¯s...¡±

    At that time, Gu Zuo¡¯s thinking started jumping ahead a little bit.

    Writ of exchange? Was it that psychic power method? Had it finallye? Was their conjecture that day really correct?!

    But what, in the end, did Chongyun Sect want to trade that would make Qin Zhuofeng lose his graceful bearing?

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo exchanged nces, having grasped the inside information in their hearts.

    Meanwhile, those secluded disciples didn¡¯t know about this matter. Thus, they looked at Qin Zhuofeng with bright eyes: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, please exin it to us...¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng took a deep breath, and sighed: ¡°Chongyun Sect wanted to exchange a psychic power cultivation technique dedicated exclusively to pharmacists for fifty percent of Qingyun Sect¡¯s Profound Ley Lines, as well as eighty percent of its current reserves of Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones!¡±

    None of the people present knew what Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones were, but they understood the part about exchanging fifty percent of the Sect¡¯s Profound Ley Lines.

    ¡ª Profound Ley Lines! Those were the Profound Ley Lines that acted as Qingyun Sect¡¯s foundation!

    Fifty percent of the Profound Ley lines seemed like Chongyun Sect was only taking possession of half of the ley lines, and fifty percent should¡¯ve also been enough for generations of secluded disciples to use. However, this was just a shallow calction. If one stood from the Sect¡¯s point of view, the portion of Profound Ley Lines that each generation could use was limited. It needed to be controlled within a certain range to guarantee that the ley lines wouldst Qingyun Sect for generations toe. Each generation couldn¡¯tck powerhouses.

    By reducing the Profound Ley Lines by fifty percent, the number of disciples in each generation who could enter the Profound Qi Eyes for secluded cultivation would also fall by fifty percent. In that case, the number of powerhouses produced would also fall by at least fifty percent.

    And the fewer powerhouses there were, the less stable Qingyun Sect¡¯s foundations would be. As time went on, the powerhouses of each generation would continuously weaken. Ultimately, Qingyun Sect would only meet an iparably miserable end!

    This move of Chongyun Sect would weaken Qingyun Sect from the roots. Their scheme wasn¡¯t a brief one. Rather, it might¡¯ve been a huge n that spanned several thousand years. In this way, Qingyun Sect would never be able to catch up with Chongyun Sect. It would also be impossible to cause any threat whatsoever to Chongyun Sect.

    So much so that ¡ª

    Gu Zuo had a worrisome guess in his heart.

    Although everyone wasn¡¯t from the same continent, since Qingyun Sect had a reputation across many of the continents in the Southern Expanse, it was basically in control of the majority of talents who appeared on these continents. As such, once Qingyun Sect was weakened to a certain extent, would the sects and empires that were once controlled by Qingyun Sect continue to blindly follow it? Wouldn¡¯t the Southern Expanse undergo a great upheaval?

    If there was a great upheaval... Then, the vitality of the Southern Expanse would take a heavy blow. Would the various sects of the Southeastern Expanse, headed by Chongyun Sect,e to wantonly plunder this ce, and even turn the Southern Expanse into a subordinate of the Southeastern Expanse?

    All of this thinking and pondering was just too much. Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was pounding.

    He always wondered if he worried too much about groundless fears...

    While Gu Zuo was in the middle of sorting through his chaotic thoughts over here, Tianheng was pondering about what wasn¡¯t said. Meanwhile, several Immortal Realm secluded disciples were opening their mouths and asking questions one after another:

    ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, what sort of thing is this psychic power cultivation technique?¡±

    ¡°If one practices it, what benefits would pharmacists have?¡±

    ¡°Will the Sect agree to these humiliating conditions and pander to that Chongyun Sect?¡±

    There were all kinds of thoughts and concerns.

    All of which were within these inquiries.

    They only knew that their own pharmacists hadpeted with Chonyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists, and it was considered a match where they neither won nor lost. But as for the specifics, because those pharmacists were just guessing, it hadn¡¯t been announced to the outside yet. Thus, they also didn¡¯t know about the details.

    At this moment, Qin Zhuofeng calmed down somewhat, but he was still very solemn: ¡°The psychic power cultivation technique is only suitable for pharmacists. Once pharmacists practice it, they¡¯ll walk along a different path of cultivation, but they¡¯ll have the ability to protect themselves. Aside from this, they can rely on this technique to make their psychic powers even stronger. When pill refining, they can increase the number of formed pills and the pills¡¯ product grades, and they can also persist for longer. It won¡¯t be like in the past where a pharmacist would have to stop and regte their breathing after a period of painstaking refinement.¡±

    After listening to these words, a secluded disciple gave a low exhale: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, wouldn¡¯t the pharmacists¡¯ capabilities be greatly increased? For a long time toe, not only will our Qingyun Sect be able to nurture even more pharmacists, the length of time that these pharmacists can survive will also grow longer and longer!¡±

    Another person suddenly guessed: ¡°Those Chongyun Sect disciples at the Immortal Realm were able to sweep us aside. Could it have something to do with the capabilities of their pharmacists...¡±

    Someone else was puzzled: ¡°Since this is such an unprecedentedly good thing, why would they take it out to conduct a trade with us? The worth of this psychic power technique isn¡¯t low. After exchanging fifty percent of the Profound Ley Lines, if our Sect¡¯s pharmacists practice this technique, we won¡¯t necessarily be negatively affected too greatly. Could it really be possible that they only want to take away the Profound Ley Lines? By letting our powerhouses grow stronger, could it be that they don¡¯t want to weaken us?¡±

    ¡ª Would Chongyun Sect be that kindhearted?

    Of the people present, no one really believed this.

    Qin Zhuofeng sighed and said: ¡°Correct. Chongyun Sect has been studying this technique for many years, and many pharmacists have already learned it with worthwhile results. This had caused Chongyun Sect to be stronger, which added a lot of leverage. Moreover, even if our Sect¡¯s pharmacists studied it, Chongyun Sect would have a huge lead in the short-term. ording to Chongyun Sect¡¯s words, the pill refining of the pharmacists in their Sect is now several times better than before. And after studying that psychic power technique, they can use psychic powers to harass and briefly muddle other people¡¯s minds. Protecting themselves has allowed the lifespans of the pharmacists to lengthen.¡±

    This kind of good thing was indeed something that everyone would want.

    Now that Chongyun Sect had mentioned this, it could be regarded as profiting from another¡¯s misfortune. It could also be said that it was a sincere business transaction ¡ª A transaction of things that were far too precious. Unfortunately, they were also unwilling to not trade.

    It was no wonder why Qin Zhuofeng wanted to curse them out for their shamelessness.

    This was practically...a coerced trade. It was hard for a person to endure.

    The numerous secluded disciples heard this, and their expressions were all rather unsightly: ¡°Then, what¡¯s the Sect Master¡¯s decision?¡±

    The circumstances were stronger than the individual. Such an urgently-needed thing still had to be bought even though they were being forced to buy it.

    Otherwise, it would probably be a loss that the Profound Ley Lines couldn¡¯t recover.

    Gu Zuo was well aware of the situation, and blinked his eyes.

    In Tianheng¡¯s eyes, there was also a trace of a smiling expression.

    Chongyun Sect had performed such a dazzling and shyrge-scale production. By attacking Qingyun Sect from all aspects and showing off their strength, wasn¡¯t it to conveniently threaten Qingyun Sect into paying a huge price to avoid causing more trouble?

    But now it seemed that the attacks weren¡¯t considered to be veryplete. As for that thing being forcefully traded... Hehe.

    Soon after, Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s expression eased up: ¡°The Sect Master naturally refused.¡±

    The numerous secluded disciples: ¡°...¡±

    He naturally refused? This shouldn¡¯t have been a natural refusal! Refusing didn¡¯t make the least bit of sense!

    It obviously would¡¯ve required a lot of energy to make this choice, and most of it would¡¯ve been used to bow one¡¯s head...

    They truly didn¡¯t expect that the Sect Master would ¡°naturally refuse¡±.

    But Qin Zhuofeng quickly let out a sigh, and said: ¡°Everyone, listen to this Qin¡¯s words.¡±

    The numerous secluded disciples looked over, and their few private uproars were kept hidden.

    Qin Zhuofeng smiled and said: ¡°Fortunately, some time ago during the sparring matches between the pharmacists of the two sects, our Sect had a newly-admitted pharmacist who sensed the other party¡¯s use of psychic power. This pharmacist once had a fortuitous encounter, and coincidentally knew of such a psychic power cultivation technique. After that, this pharmacist presented the psychic power technique to the Sect, which freed our Sect from Chongyun Sect¡¯s restriction ¡ª Now, even though they brought along quite a few Atomic Realm Grand Elders, they can¡¯t stir up any waves in our Qingyun Sect¡¯s territory!¡±

    Without that psychic power method, Qingyun Sect would¡¯ve had to clench its teeth and follow along.

    But now Qingyun Sect clearly had a way out of its current circumstances. Reportedly, the psychic power tempered by this cultivation method, whenpared to the technique that Chongyun Sect showed off in order to better persuade Qingyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists, was even slightly better by a few measures.

    Why would they still need topromise with Chongyun Sect?

    Whether it was Profound Ley Lines or Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones, absolutely none of it would be given to that scheming Chongyun Sect!

    The numerous secluded disciples were ted! Just a while ago, they were unwilling to stand the humiliation of being defeated by Chongyun Sect¡¯s hands. This moment had put an end to much of their grievances. Now that the Sect had a countermeasure, those temporarily losses wouldn¡¯t turn into a lifetime of defeats. When one carefully considered it, this was also a kind of tempering of one¡¯s will. They couldn¡¯t allow this to influence their states of mind.

    The disciples who coulde to this ce for secluded cultivation were all certainly dragons and phoenixes among men. They wouldn¡¯t allow a momentary loss to trouble their hearts.

    Currently, Qin Zhuofeng¡¯s mood had also improved somewhat. Previously, he was infuriated by all kinds of deeds done by Chongyun Sect, but after his rage was let out, he promptly recalled that Chongyun Sect was certainly going to go back without having achieved anything. At this moment, his state of mind was naturally smooth and unhindered.

    After that, these secluded disciples all said their goodbyes, and went back to continue their cultivations.

    Chongyun Sect¡¯s n had failed, so it would inevitably want to cause some kind of troubleter on. In order to exert their strengths for the Sect at that time, they also had to be stronger.

    Once those men and women left, Qin Zhuofeng hinted at Huo Qing and Cui Hao to make them leave as well.

    Even though Huo Qing and Cui Hao had informed Qin Zhuofeng of the recent name carving, they weren¡¯t the most outstanding of secluded disciples. Originally, they didn¡¯t have much of a friendly rtionship with Qin Zhuofeng, so they bade their farewells the moment they heard this order.

    Those who remained were just Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    Qin Zhuofeng gave a warm smile to these two people: ¡°This Qin has already heard about it. The ones who offered the psychic power technique were precisely you two. I ask that these two Junior Sect Brothers ept this Qin¡¯s proprieties.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he bowed and made a true salute to the two.

    The feeling of gratitude in his words were also very sincere. It wasn¡¯t hollow or pretentious at all.

    Gu Zuo hastily jumped to the side: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, what are you doing this for? We¡¯ve also exchanged for many good things! Otherwise, how could we havee to this ce to cultivate?¡±

    Tianheng also stepped aside in a sh: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are correct. Senior Sect Brother Qin, there¡¯s no need to go this far.¡±

    However, Qin Zhuofeng still carried out this act of propriety to the end.

    Immediately following which, he sat down, and resumed that usual grand and stately bearing.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo also took their seats.

    After pretending to slightly hesitate, Tianheng opened his mouth and asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, I have a question, and I wonder if I can request this senior to answer it?¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng looked at Tianheng, and smiled as he said: ¡°There¡¯s no harm in speaking one¡¯s mind.¡±

    Tianheng paused: ¡°That Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone... What exactly is it?¡± He wore a smile on his face, ¡°If I haven¡¯t guessed wrongly, this senior¡¯s fury is greatly rted to those Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones.¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng also stopped. Shortly thereafter, he calmly nodded: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi¡¯s words are correct. Just as that junior said before, if what Chongyun Sect wanted was only fifty percent of the Profound Ley Lines, although it would indeed be costly, it also can¡¯t be said that they¡¯re shameless for offering a technique¡¯s method that can subvert the cultivation of pharmacists. The true source of their shamelessness is really due to those Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones.¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath as he listened.

    He couldn¡¯t imagine what a Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone was at all!

    Qin Zhuofeng didn¡¯t keep them in suspense: ¡°Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones actually have nothing to do with cultivation. Normally, it would be considered an object of little interest, and it doesn¡¯t have much use to us. Only, it also has a time when it¡¯s absolutely indispensable ¡ª At the Roads of Death, which open once every three hundred years.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was tense.

    A trace of radiance shed through Tianheng¡¯s eyes: ¡°The Roads of Death?¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng nodded and said: ¡°You guys wouldn¡¯t know. Above this world, countless continents are partitioned into eight regions. Apart from our Southern Expanse and Chongyun Sect¡¯s Southeastern Expanse, there are still six more expanses. Each of them are based on the eightpass directions. And in the middle of these eight, surrounding expanses, there is a center. It isn¡¯t an expanse. Rather, it¡¯s aplete continent known as the Central Continent.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes gleamed.

    The Central Continent. What kind of ce was it?

    Qin Zhuofeng continued to talk: ¡°This is the history of the world¡¯s origin. Legend has it that during the most ancient of ancient times, this world was once a unifiedndmass, and the ambient qi was iparably abundant. There were countless inheritances of the path of martial arts, there were civilizations of unparalleled resplendence, and there were innumerable, heaven-sent geniuses. Mighty martial artists would abruptly rise with each passing generation. They would stir the wind and clouds, and raise unbelievably vast waves upon thatndmass.

    He continued: ¡°At that time, countless, marvelous personages came and went one after another, leaving behind a myriad of legends ¡ª The present expanses simply can¡¯t bepared to that time.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°In that case, why is it split up now?¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng revealed a fascinated expression, but within it, there seemed to be a faint trace of indiscernible dread: ¡°They say...there was a natural disaster that engulfed the whole world, and shattered thendmass into pieces!¡±

    A natural disaster!

    The pupils of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes suddenly contracted.

    What kind of natural disaster could be so powerful!?

    Tianheng breathed slowly. Within his eyes, there was a strange light.

    Qin Zhuofeng said: ¡°Back then, the edges of thendmass crumbled piece by piece, forming chunks of smaller continents. As for thergest and centermost continent, it was retained. Later on, after many years had passed, what remained was probably half of the core zone of that ancient continent. This is the Central Continent. As for the numerous continental fragments that broke away, they formed independent continents. These continental fragments are called the Peripheral Continents.

    ¡°After the natural disaster, countless formidable energies were left over. Due to the existence of these energies, the Peripheral Continents were incapable of approaching the Central Continent. And because some energies survived in the spaces between various Peripheral Continents, they likewise floated independently. The energies were enormous in some regions and feeble in others, so the degrees of separation were also great and small. The continental fragments that couldmunicate rtively easily across smaller separations formed the expanses. As for the spaces between expanses, the separation was somewhatrger. This is the origin of the eight expanses.¡±

    Gu Zuo remembered something.

    There really was such a matter. Between the Cangyun Empire¡¯s continent and the Qingyun Continent, there were lots of other continents. There were also barriers between these continents, but it wasparatively easy to pass through these barriers. As for the space between Chongyun Sect¡¯s continent and this side¡¯s continent, the barrier was rtively harder to traverse.

    Qin Zhuofeng continued to talk: ¡°And between the Peripheral Continents and the Central Continent ¡ª Yes, between the continental core and each of the continental fragments, that separation¡¯s energy is unbelievably terrifying. Every three hundred years, there¡¯s a period of weakening. During that period, some new pathways are opened up. Those pathways are the Roads of Death.¡±

    The astonishment in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t be described.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng nced over: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, can the continents really be divided so neatly into eight expanses?¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng gave a slight smile: ¡°It isn¡¯t really like this. The eight expanses are named after thepass directions, but the expanses just have to contain at least five or more continents. However, there are still some separated groups that have less than five continents. Those aren¡¯t really expanses. Perhaps, they can be called minor expanses. Their strengths are even weaker. In the vicinity of the eight expanses, there are many minor expanses, but there are only four Roads of Death.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°In that case, each time the Roads of Death open, do we, the people of the various expanses, have the chance to enter that Central Continent? Is the reason why those Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones are indispensable because they disy an extremely important function on the Roads of Death?¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng said with praise: ¡°Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is smart. It¡¯s precisely so.¡±

    Following that, he seemed to have a far-away look.

    ¡°Back then, thendmass was split apart. However, the present Central Continent still retains an overwhelming majority of thendmass¡¯s inheritances. Right now, it¡¯s also a ce whose resplendence has reached an extreme point. The geniuses we recognize here can only be called mediocre on the Central Continent. Perhaps, our exceptional people here can only raise a few waves over there!

    ¡°At that time, the Peripheral Continents lost all attachments to thendmass. The ambient qi of each continent gradually weakened, while the Central Continent still has resources that are frighteningly robust. Even the ambient qi gained from a single breath is countless times greater than in this ce! The newborns over there have much better aptitudes than that of the people here, and the chosen talents over there are all far superior still!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 264 - Preparing to Leave

    <h4>Chapter 264 - Preparing to Leave</h4>

    Qin Zhuofeng talked a lot.

    From his words, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng slowly understood many things.

    Back then, after the Central Continent and the Peripheral Continents separated, there wasn¡¯t any contact between them at first. Very many friends and family were mournful after thendmass had split up and parted. Time passed over the years, and gradually, they divided into numerous cadet branches, and the bloodlines separated.

    Afterwards, there eventually came a day when the people of both sides realized that, once every three hundred years, they could connect between the Central Continent and the Peripheral Continents. At once, numerous martial artists from the Peripheral Continents who weredened with familial ties proceeded towards the Central Continent in search of rtives. There were also many powerhouses who wanted to use this excuse to pass through this pathway.

    However, things weren¡¯t so easy.

    The higher the strength of the martial artist, the harder that person was obstructed. It was enough to break through on the Peripheral Continents, but that passage could only amodate martial artists who were at the mid Immortal Realm at most.

    As for those powerhouses who thought they could use all kinds of methods to forcefully cross over, without exception, all of them were turned into puddles of blood and muddy paste in that passage.

    After that, the Peripheral Continents¡¯ powerhouses were unable to take a single step further. After approaching the end of their lifespans, they died. Because the ambient qi of the Peripheral Continents was deficient, no matter how good their aptitudes were, it was difficult for those who came after to attain the strengths of the powerhouses of yore ¡ª Unless, when this pathway opened, they too used it to enter the Central Continent!

    Gu Zuo recalled that Great Tomb of the Human King from before.

    Although there were all kinds of legends, that time¡¯s Human King should¡¯ve forcefullye over. But aftering over, she ced the great tomb into the void of this ¡°barrennd¡± andpletely perished.

    Otherwise, it would be very hard to reconcile what he was hearing right now.

    However, this wasn¡¯t important. Gu Zuo continued to listen.

    He was...fascinated by that Central Continent.

    During the early periods, the Central Continent didn¡¯t stop the people of the Peripheral Continents froming over. On top of that, because many blood-rted people could trace their lineages to amon ancestor, rtives and family members could see each other again. It was a wonderful thing. But after a long time passed, the rtives who should¡¯ve gone over had already gone. As for the other people of the Peripheral Continents, because their strengths were rtively weak and because they basically had no friends or rtives, they often received many setbacks. Once they became powerful, they caused lots of disturbances.

    Following this, the Central Continent set down rules.

    Those who were capable of crossing the passage were assigned to a nine-rank system. Those with the highest-ranked aptitudes could be epted as disciples of the Central Continent¡¯s forces. The lowest-ranked ones could only fend for themselves. As for the mid-ranked ones... It depended on luck.

    Thus, many things became unfair in an instant.

    To obtain the qualifications to enter these organizations, the geniuses who had slightly inferior aptitudes started to take action against those with the best aptitudes. Martial artists struggled for their fates against the heavens. While they didn¡¯t necessarily want to kill the members of their own sects, they didn¡¯t have the least bit of pressure towards the people of other forces. And the ones with the best aptitudes didn¡¯t simply sit still and wait for death. They counterattacked their would-be killers even more fiercely. The oue was indeed pleasing. Those who died were all the ones who had insufficient strength or poor luck. Those who survived all had good aspects, and were treated with sufficient importance. Afterwards, the majority were able to make good achievements.

    Slowly, the pathways, which were originally called the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, became passages that symbolized death. In those ces, there were many whom one needed to guard against, and even more people who would die. It was filled with blood and great danger!

    Qin Zhuofeng said: ¡°A dense fog lingers on the original Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen. It¡¯s said that this fog is the embodiment of the energies of that natural disaster. Every three hundred years, the energies transform into fog, and this lowers the obstruction. However, the fog itself is a type of energy with very strong invasive properties, and it can restrain a martial artist¡¯s strength. Only by wearing a Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone can one resist it.

    ¡°However, each piece of Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone can onlyst for half a month, and the time that the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen close is also only fifteen days. After fifteen days have passed, the fog will disappear and transform back into the obstructive energies of that natural disaster. At the same time, not a single martial artist will be capable of entering the passage again.¡±

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, he slowly sighed.

    He felt that these Roads of Death were truly...quite frightening.

    An entire road that caused people to ughter one another!

    But unfortunately, such a delicious cake like the Central Continent was a bait that people couldn¡¯t help but want to swallow down when ced before them! It truly left one speechless.

    Gu Zuo twitched his mouth again.

    [To be honest, isn¡¯t the Central Continent just unwilling to allow this side¡¯s people toe and fight over resources with them? The Central Continent¡¯s people are shady enough. A restriction that causes more than half of the Peripheral Continent¡¯s travelers to drop dead not only gathers this side¡¯s geniuses, it also gets rid of the remaining ones who show promise. It restrains the development of the Peripheral Continents in a worry-free way.]

    Tianheng listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s unconsciously-transmitted ridicule, and his eyes held a smiling expression.

    On the contrary, he understood that this actually wasn¡¯t a hidden conspiracy, but rather an open conspiracy.

    For each and every genius, it didn¡¯t matter if they didn¡¯t know about the Central Continent. But once they found out, how could they be willing to limit themselves to this small pond? It was natural that people would want to move to bigger and better ces.

    Of course, this side¡¯s people eventually developed certain countermeasures of their own. To some extent, they also left behind some cornerstones...

    Qin Zhuofeng spent several hours rifying the affairs of the continents on both sides.

    And after Tianheng finished listening, he revealed a hint of a smile: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, these secrets shouldn¡¯t be matters that everyone may know, right?¡±

    Qin Zhuofengughed and said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is sharp.¡± He nodded his head, ¡°Correct. Because the Roads of Death only open once every three hundred years, it¡¯ll cause unrest if everyone knows about it.¡±

    Tianheng kept smiling: ¡°The Sect is considerate.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it.

    Ah, right. With it being only once every three hundred years, if everyone knew about it, then wouldn¡¯t people¡¯s hearts be rmed? The agitation of those who could go and the jealousy of those who couldn¡¯t go ¡ª Many things would have subtle changes. At that time, everyone would want to go to the new continent in search of fame and fortune. What would happen to this side¡¯s development?

    However...

    Gu Zuo nced at Tianheng and Qin Zhuofeng over here.

    What mysteries were these two unravelling?

    Then, he heard Tianheng ask a question: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin, are the Roads of Death going to open soon?¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng sighed with feeling: ¡°&#k2026;That¡¯s right.¡± He stared firmly at Tianheng, ¡°There¡¯s less than two years left.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    No wonder! It was just under two years! Now it made sense why Chongyun Sect came here and acted so rampantly!

    ¡ª Eh, wait a minute.

    Two years?

    Rays of light twinkled within Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes.

    The meaning of two years! Was his big brother going to ¡ª

    Off to the side, Qin Zhuofeng didn¡¯t keep them in suspense: ¡°This Qin knows that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi reached Xiantian in only a year. If you have two more years, this junior only needs to fight a few Immortal Realm disciples to obtain a quota to enter the Road of Death. Only, is Junior Sect Brother Gongyi interested in this quota?¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng said: ¡°Naturally, I¡¯m interested! Senior Sect Brother Qin, many thanks for your pointers.¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng smiled and said: ¡°The quotas are bestowed by the Sect Master.¡± His tone was somewhat meaningful, ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, although you normally keep a low-profile, true talent is hard to conceal... Some of this junior¡¯s aplishments have been seen by the Sect, and it has noted them down. This quota was originally something that this junior deserved, too.¡±

    Tianheng remained calm and collected. He only said one sentence: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin must be joking.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    [Big brother! Could it be that they know all about it? What are we supposed to do about our secret?!]

    [Ah Zuo, rest assured. They certainly don¡¯t know about the most crucial secrets. Otherwise, their attitudes would¡¯ve changed. It¡¯s just that your elder brother was seen doing some things in the Sect. But this doesn¡¯t matter. Now that the Sect views me as someone who can be cultivated, and that they have ced high hopes upon me, this is within expectations.]

    Gu Zuo listened to Tianheng¡¯s transmission, and finally set aside his worries.

    This was okay. Things that could be covered up would be kept hidden.

    But suddenly, Gu Zuo thought of another matter. He hastily looked at Tianheng, and couldn¡¯t help calling out: ¡°If big brother wants to go to the Central Continent, then I...¡±

    Qin Zhuofeng nced at the two in surprise.

    Didn¡¯t these words mean that he wasn¡¯t willing to separate?

    Tianheng smiled, and cated Gu Zuo. Then, he asked Qin Zhuofeng with sincerity: ¡°Ah Zuo is my adopted brother. If I leave him behind, I really can¡¯t rest easy. Would I be allowed to bring Ah Zuo along when I go to the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen?¡±

    That so-called quota should¡¯ve meant that he could obtain a Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone. When these words of his were uttered, he hoped that another Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone could be given to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo silently sighed.

    If he had known about this matter earlier, he would¡¯ve switched one request for a Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone when he first made his requests to the Sect. But since he didn¡¯t know about it at that time, he couldn¡¯t be med for being thoughtless, right? Otherwise, he would¡¯ve returned a stalk of spirit medicine and switched it for a Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone.

    Qin Zhuofeng heard Tianheng¡¯s words, and pondered a little bit.

    There had never been such a precedent like taking along a pharmacist. However, the statements he got from the Sect greatly affirmed these two¡¯s contributions.

    As such, it wasn¡¯t necessarily impossible to achieve.

    Qin Zhuofeng didn¡¯t dare to make any guarantees, but he did state clearly: ¡°I¡¯ll go make some inquires on behalf of these two juniors.¡±

    Gu Zuo was ecstatic, and hurriedly expressed his thanks.

    Tianheng also wore a grateful expression.

    After Qin Zhuofeng and Tianheng exchanged information, the following days were very busy. Gu Zuo and Tianheng cultivated here for a period of time until they finally returned to their own hilltop.

    For the time being, Xu Lingxiu, Xi Yangyun, and the others didn¡¯t go looking for them.

    Because Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t done much pill refining previously, he took advantage of this time topletely go through all the medicinal pills he could refine for a few rounds. He vigorously umted medicinal qi, and continuously improved his own psychic power.

    Later on, there came a certain day. Gu Zuo was originally in the middle of pill refining when his heart suddenly skipped a beat. He stopped what he was doing.

    The medicinal pills inside the cauldron were scrapped just like that, but this wasn¡¯t the important point. The important thing was that Gu Zuo sensed that thend under his feet had a slight tremor ¡ª Crap, this wasn¡¯t an earthquake, right?! Could it be that this world also had earthquakes? It didn¡¯t matter if earthquakes existed, but how could there be an earthquake inside Qingyun Sect?

    Following this, another suffocating feeling suddenly jolted thend. Even though Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power protected his body, he still felt his blood boiling. Subconsciously, he lifted his foot and walked outside.

    Sure enough, at this moment, the Gongyi n children, Tianlong Guards, and some subordinates on the hilltop had fallen to the ground under the shaking just now. For some of those with weaker constitutions, blood was seeping out of their orifices!

    Gu Zuo was greatly rmed. He ran with haste, and took out medicinal pills to distribute.

    The Tianlong Guards¡¯ resistance wasparatively strong. They stood up right away, and helped Gu Zuo to examine the health of the others.

    Fortunately, their qi and blood had only been shocked. There weren¡¯t any other abnormal conditions... Merely, what was going on with that shaking just now?

    Tianheng also came out of the building. His face wore a seldom-seen trace of solemnity: ¡°You guys, be careful and keep your guards up.¡±

    Then, he called all of the Gongyi n children who had yet to reach Xiantian to his side.

    Everyone listened and diligently obeyed hismand. Soon after, they discovered that the surfaces of their bodies were covered with a thinyer of some unknown power. Their heartstrings loosened.

    This power wasn¡¯t only Tianheng¡¯s true qi, but also Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, who likewise stood beside Tianheng. It was double the protection in order to guard against the unexpected.

    Sure enough, following that, another jolt arrived. Like the sound of an enormous drum being struck, it smothered one¡¯s heart, making a person want to spurt out a mouthful of blood.

    This time around, they were prepared for it. Everyone only felt stuffy, and didn¡¯t suffer injuries like before.

    At the exact same time, numerous figures flickered through the empty sky above the Sect!

    Those were Immortal Realm martial artists! They were in the middle of patrolling the surroundings!

    A voice echoed out: ¡°Qingyun Sect has treated its guests inconsiderately! This guest won¡¯t stand for it! We¡¯re leaving!¡±

    Immediately following which, an aged and unfamiliar voice spread out: ¡°If you¡¯re leaving, then leave. Why must you injure my Sect¡¯s disciples? It isn¡¯t that my Qingyun Sect has treated its guests poorly, but that these guests are despicable pests! We can¡¯t ount for everything!¡±

    Up above, that voice coldly harrumphed: ¡°They can¡¯t bear just this much aura? As expected, this Sect sure has fallen from grace!¡±

    Another clearer and brighter voice echoed out: ¡°There¡¯s no need for small talk. Please desist!¡±

    In the sky, the power of the voices appeared to form circr ripples. The people from Chongyun Sect seemed to want to do something, and after a soft sigh, those ripples expanded some more.

    However, right at this moment, a gigantic hand protruded out of nowhere, and only gave a light p in the air.

    In a split second, these ripples all scattered. That gigantic hand made another wave, and a violent hurricane stormed out. What resounded was a muffled groan from that original voice.

    Clearly, they received a slight injury.

    Next, Gu Zuo heard the Sect Master¡¯s voice: ¡°If you still won¡¯t go, do you want this venerable one to send you off?¡±

    That person didn¡¯t utter another word.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    The Sect Master didn¡¯t appear eye-catching, but he was unexpectedly so bold and assertive when in front of those vile guests.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face, and his heart felt ddened.

    High in the air, it seemed that many qi emissions disappeared in the blink of an eye.

    Immediately, everyone knew that those quarrelsome people from Chongyun Sect had finally left Qingyun Sect!

    They came and caused so much trouble, but in the end, they were the ones who cut sorry figures. This kind of result was enough.

    The entire Sect was brimming with a joyful air as well as feelings of longing and excitement for the Sect Master and all the Grand Elders.

    What subsequently followed was the motivation to rise up even more ¡ª All the disciples were doing their best to practice martial arts. This time, the Sect Master took action. The next time, they definitely couldn¡¯t allow themselves to fall into a situation where they were continuously defeated again!

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng released their defenses, and each of the Gongyi n children went to cultivate.

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Ah Zuo, we still have a long way to go.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Big brother¡¯s right.¡±

    For the next year and eight months, everyone cultivated painstakingly.

    Because they had obtained a psychic power method, the pharmacists in the Sect also started cultivating their psychic powers. Gradually, the functions of psychic power became clear.

    The present psychic power method that Qingyun Sect obtained was called the <<Wave Folding Psychic Power Refining Method>>.

    As the name implied, when one¡¯s psychic power was cultivated to the end, it was likeyer uponyer of surging waves. It was iparably vast.

    Xu Lingxiu previously came over to practice his psychic power with Gu Zuo.

    He believed that Gu Zuo had been cultivating longer than him, so Gu Zuo was certainly capable of letting him figure out some mistakes in his usage of psychic power. And after losing a few spars with Gu Zuo, he endeavored to work even harder.

    Gu Zuo also discovered that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s progress was very fast.

    Even though Xu Lingxiu started cultivating thister, because he had built up a good foundation early on, he now had reached the Coalescing Psyche Realm. However, this was unlike Gu Zuo who had been immersed in this realm for a long time. Xu Lingxiu had just reached the Coalescing Psyche Realm ¡ª And he was almost at the level where Gu Zuo could initially produce one silver awl.

    As for Gu Zuo himself,unching thousands of silver awls wasn¡¯t a problem.

    This psychic power cultivation method also had a special characteristic. It was that any attacks or defenses were ¡°surging waves¡±. On defending, it was naturally more effective to protect oneself withyers of folding waves. However, on attacking, if one¡¯s psychic power wasn¡¯t valiant to a certain degree, a person wouldn¡¯t be able to form ocean waves ¡ª As a result, when at the second realm, the attacking power wasn¡¯t that great. What appeared were mostly attacks like jets of water.

    The present Gu Zuo had already studied the Spirit Transforming Chapter. Unbelievably sturdy daggers, shields, and other objects could all be derived and constructed. Of course, a simple and rough transformation such as a stream of water was nothing difficult.

    During these battles with Xu Lingxiu, he also didn¡¯t arouse the slightest bit of suspicion.

    In this period of time, the strengths of the Sect¡¯s pharmacists underwent a qualitative leap.

    Currently, top grade medicinal pills weren¡¯t as rare as they were in the past. For many pharmacists who were originally still practicing the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method, because their psychic powers rose, they were even more meticulous with its usage, and their control over this pill refining method grew stronger. Within the internal exchange system of the Sect, it looked as if this kind of top grade pill wasn¡¯t something that could only be look upon without any hopes of obtaining. At the same time, no longer did pharmacists hole themselves up in their rooms to persistently refine pills. Now, they met up more often. Just like Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo, they also conducted psychic power sparring sessions with one another.

    Within this short period of time, their self-defensive capabilities likewise made leaps and bounds ¡ª At the very least, if martial artists used weapons to carry out attacks, they wouldpletely release their psychic powers to protect themselves for a short duration. While inside this kind of protection, they could hold on until their guards arrived to help.

    Nowadays, the Sect was a flourishing scene. Xu Lingxiu once vaguely mentioned that those old antiques inside the Pharmacist Hall had also finished transforming their psychic powers. Their present strengths already allowed them to assume important responsibilities.

    This was undoubtedly an enormous headway.

    As one could well imagine, if other organizations really came to invade in the future, then not only would Qingyun Sect have ten exceptional powerhouses out in the open, it would have some hidden pharmacists who could support the Sect, too!

    It was also in the past two years that Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s realms both rose to Xiantian stage nine.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s Spirit Transforming Chapter had already been practiced to a fairly profound degree, but the deeper parts had yet to be studied meticulously. The bone pearls in Tianheng¡¯s body had produced three variations. One type was a reddish-gold power. Another was a power of fiendish poison. And the other type seemed to have been drenched in blood.

    At the same time, Tianhengprehended many new martial skills. The corrtion between the martial skills didn¡¯t seem to be too big, but they corresponded with the powers of each set of bone pearls. Each type of power was especially powerful.

    During this time, Tianheng¡¯s reputation also skyrocketed.

    Although he didn¡¯t challenge the Sky or Earth Leaderboards on the outside, arge portion of those secluded disciples in the Qingyun Mountain Range had already been challenged by Tianheng.

    Merely, Tianheng himself was also well aware of the situation. At most, the ones he challenged were mid Immortal Realm martial artists. Currently, those high and peak Immortal Realms weren¡¯t his opponents.

    What made Gu Zuo happy was that, although Tianheng¡¯s body ran at a higher temperature than normal, the overall health of the Tiandu Body was still taken care of. There weren¡¯t any problems at all with the follow-up treatments. The frailest meridians had been constantly ruptured and repaired, bing much more robust ¡ª Even if it couldn¡¯t bepared to his IQ, his body wasn¡¯t the least bit inferior to ordinary geniuses.

    Nothing could¡¯ve been more satisfying to Gu Zuo than the wellbeing of Tianheng¡¯s physical body.

    From beginning to end, Tianheng didn¡¯t forget his jaunts with Huang Ji through the Deer Blood Mountain Range, and he fought with those wild beasts, which wereparable to Immortal Realm martial artists. Over the course of many days, he umted lots of blood essence from Spirit-Level wild beasts, which Gu Zuo used to temper his body. Atst, Tianheng¡¯s physical body had reached iparably sturdy levels from inside out!

    At this time, Tianheng was considering the matter of leaving.

    First of all, the people on his hilltop needed to be entrusted to a suitable candidate ¡ª As Tianheng¡¯s biological younger brother, Gongyi Tianyang gradually matured through motivation. Naturally, he was unwilling to pass on his responsibilities to others. In addition, there were the Tianlong Guards to assist him, as well as Xi Yangyun and other influential people in the Sect to lend him a hand. If Tianyang¡¯s strength could smoothly and continuously break through, then he could stand on his own.

    The only thing that concerned Tianheng was Gongyi Mingxia.

    However, after asking about Mingxia¡¯s own aspirations and promising to develop Huang Ji¡¯s Heavenly Beast Body, Gu Zuo advised Huang Ji so that he was capable of unearthing the potential of his special constitution on his own. Thus, Huang Ji finally epted Mingxia as his apprentice. From then on, Mingxia was under Huang Ji¡¯s protection, which put Tianheng at ease.

    When they were on the verge of leaving, Gu Zuo refined countless medicinal pills of all kinds that were suitable at the Xiantian and Immortal Realms. Then, he gave them for Tianyang to keep ¡ª His psychic power and realm had risen dramatically up until now. To the numerous Immortal Realm medicinal pills, he could handle all of them skillfully and easily. Just like this, lots of assorted things were prepared.

    Tianheng¡¯s strength had finally obtained recognition. After that, someone from higher up passed along a message that they were being summoned.

    T/N: A quick reminder for the ages of the MC and ML. Gu Zuo was fifteen and Tianheng was eighteen at the start of the novel. Tianheng celebrated his twentieth birthday before the timeskip, so now, Gu Zuo is around neen and Tianheng is around twenty-two.

    There are only two more normal-length chapters until the end of the third volume.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 265 - The Sect Masterâ€™s Bestowment

    <h4>Chapter 265 - The Sect Master¡¯s Bestowment</h4>

    Gu Zuo stood up.

    This movement appeared carefree and casual. Although he was now two years older, he still had the appearance of a teenager. His eyes were as crystal clear as they were in the very beginning. Not even the slightest of changes had urred.

    Gongyi Tianheng stood next to him, and gently patted his hair.

    The friendship of these two people had also grown stronger over the course of time, bing even deeper. Above all, in terms of intimacy, even the younger siblings Tianyang and Mingxia felt endless envy and admiration for Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother, you said that the Sect has summoned us. What for?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°They¡¯ll probably be granting those Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones to us.¡±

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh: ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll happen. Ever since that time, Senior Sect Brother Qin hasn¡¯t given us any news. If we pursue the matter with him, it¡¯s not good manners...¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be worried. There¡¯s still a few days before the departure date. If it¡¯s no good, there¡¯s still time to think of another way... Besides, the people being summoned this time includes you. If it really wasn¡¯t for this purpose, then why would it be like this?¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a bit more reassured.

    To be honest, he wasn¡¯t unaware of worldly matters like when he first came to this ce. From beginning to end, his goal had never changed. He wanted to return to his family in the modern era, and to take care of his dad. But now, he discovered that the Southern Expanse was too small. He had been cultivating here for this long, and the most he obtained were Golden-Level medicinal prescriptions. However, the Void Pill didn¡¯t exist in the Golden-Level prescriptions ¡ª This showed that the Void Pill¡¯s rank was much higher. With this continent¡¯s resources, he probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to collect all of the medicinal ingredients!

    As such, Gu Zuo needed to proceed towards even vaster continents.

    ¡ª The Central Continent was undoubtedly that kind of continent.

    As a result, he was determined to win a quota.

    Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something. Shouldn¡¯t the system have announced a mission?

    The very next second, a voiced echoed out in his consciousness.

    [Side Mission: Go to the Central Continent.]

    [Mission Items: None.]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: One month.]

    [Completion Reward: One Life-Substitution Beast Pearl.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Speak of the devil ¡ª The system really was a timely rain.

    It was normal for this mission not to have any mission items, but thepletion reward of a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl seemed very special. From then till now, this was the first time he would receive something from the system that wasn¡¯t an item book.

    [What¡¯s a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl?]

    [After using a drop of blood to recognize an owner, it can directly take the ce of a life below the Immortal Realm.]

    Gu Zuo almost cried out in surprise.

    It could take the ce of a life? Wasn¡¯t that saying he was picking up a free life token?! This was simply inconceivable. What kind of thing was a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl to be this incredible?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted, and he promptly asked.

    [Then, what about at the Immortal Realm and above?]

    [Insufficient authority, unable to inquire.]

    Gu Zuo powerlessly held his forehead.

    Tianheng discovered Gu Zuo¡¯s unusual behavior: ¡°Ah Zuo, is something wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll tell youter.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and nodded.

    It really wasn¡¯t convenient right now ¡ª At this time, the Gongyi n children and numerous subordinates were waiting out in front. Their bearings were reverential, and the reluctant looks they cast towards this side were like they were unwilling to part.

    Because he wasn¡¯t sure whether he and Gu Zuo would be able to return after being summoned, Tianheng handed over all other matters just in case. Apart from what was discussed previously, Tianheng took all those nominal disciple cements that he obtained but never used, and ced them into Tianyang¡¯s hands.

    He said: ¡°Tianyang, the majority of my subordinates, the Tianlong Guards, are still at the n residence. You¡¯re already Xiantian. Once you break through to stage three, you can make a return trip back. Receive the Tianlong Guards who¡¯ve advanced to the Xiantian Realm as nominal disciples. They¡¯ll be of assistance to you.¡±

    He paused, before saying: ¡°I know you have personal guards, too. You can use the pills that Ah Zuo has left behind to properly raise them and bring them over... Nowadays, you can already shoulder some matters. How those cements are used will be up to your discretion.¡±

    In his heart, Tianyang was moved.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°You aren¡¯t just my kid brother anymore.¡±

    Immediately following which, Tianheng instructed the Tianlong Guards in front: ¡°You all have also been apanying me for some time. Hereafter, Dragon One shall take charge. Once the n residence Tianlong Guardse over, Dragon One and Dragon Two shall assign the manpower. You all shall act as squadron leaders, and train them properly. Use Ah Zuo¡¯s remaining pills to raise your strengths, and do your best to cultivate.

    ¡°Finally, there wille a day when I shall return.¡±

    These words weren¡¯t actually that trustworthy, but for some reason, they suddenly became very trustworthy when they came out of Tianheng¡¯s mouth.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have absolute certainty, but he had this natural determination that, in the future, he was bound to spare no efforts in keeping this promise.

    The Tianlong Guards naturally affirmed in a chorus of voices. The expressions that they used to look at Tianheng had also be more fervent.

    In their hearts, the young master¡¯s words were the truth. He would certainly be able to aplish what he said!

    Soon after, Gu Zuo and Tianheng departed.

    The Inner Sect disciple who came to summon them was a new face. Seeing the expressions of those Tianlong Guards, the disciple¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of admiration. Following that, the disciple brought them straight to the core region, in front of arge discussion hall.

    In this hall, some people had already arrived.

    Among them, there were about four or five peak Xiantian stage nine disciples. The other martial artists were all at the low and mid Immortal Realms. Each one¡¯s qi emissions were boundless, and they looked very powerful. All of them were top-quality geniuses. Such personages were the Sect¡¯s treasures, and it was an enormous loss to the Sect that it was willing to send them off.

    Gu Zuo was actually a little puzzled.

    If they weren¡¯t sent off, what did it matter to the Central Continent? Although it was said that the Central Continent wanted to restrain this side¡¯s development, there was the existence of that barrier. Moreover, the Central Continent was just too powerful. No matter how good the development over here was, in reality, the Peripheral Continents couldn¡¯t threaten them.

    In fact, the Sect could totally persuade its geniuses into staying behind...

    Tianheng smiled.

    [Ah Zuo, if it was me, I certainly wouldn¡¯t be willing to stay behind.]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head to show his understanding.

    [But can¡¯t some people be persuaded by the Sect?]

    Tianheng lost his smile.

    [How would Ah Zuo know if the Sect has never tried to persuade its geniuses before?]

    Gu Zuo was momentarily dumbstruck.

    Tianheng hadn¡¯t been persuaded. That was because the ambition in his eyes hadn¡¯t been deliberately concealed. The Sect knew that it was incapable of persuading him. But other geniuses were different. Those who were somewhat loyal and considerate, and who weren¡¯t that conceited and pretentious, were convinced. Those who would stay behind would do so. As for those who weren¡¯t willing, the Sect naturally wasn¡¯t going to be enemies with them.

    Moreover...

    Tianheng lowered his eyes.

    The more talented one was, the greater the probability of breaking through and the more resources one would upy. An ordinary genius wasn¡¯t important, and if it was one or two of those apex geniuses, it also wouldn¡¯t cause any issues. However, if there were crowds of geniuses who wanted to acquire resources to reach the highest realms, even Qingyun Sect wouldn¡¯t be able to afford it.

    Previously, Tianheng hadn¡¯t made contact with lots of matters. However, he had already taken some glimpses now.

    The ambient qi on the Peripheral Continents was limited, so there was a limit to what could be provided to apex geniuses. The Peripheral Continents were basically incapable of supplying everything that they needed. Rather than hindering those apex geniuses who were unwilling to be dragons entering a great ocean, it was better to draw in the faction who were utterly loyal to the Sect or those who were just a little bit inferior. In this way, it would form a bond of good karma with those apex geniuses, and alleviate the pressure on resources. In addition, the Sect wouldn¡¯t be short of powerhouses who would carry the responsibility of the Sect.

    At this point, Tianheng saw the reason why Qingyun Sect often only had a small number of powerhouses at the Atomic Realm or above in each generation. It wasn¡¯t just because there was ack of top-notch medicinal pills. There was another, bigger reason. The majority of those geniuses who didn¡¯t need to take too many pills to advance had entered the passage of that Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, which opened once every three hundred years. They went in, and never returned.

    While Tianheng was specting, Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight swept from left to right. Then, he saw a purple-robed teenager striding over with a head held high. His expression was arrogant, his appearance was elegant, and his entire body¡¯s imposing aura was astonishing.

    His voice also couldn¡¯t conceal his haughtiness: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu!¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at this person, and his heart was ddened: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, what are you doing here?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow: ¡°What¡¯s so strange about it? I came here for the same thing as you!¡±

    Gu Zuo was shocked: ¡°Does the Hall Master know?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: ¡°Worrywart. I¡¯ve handled it, so naturally nothing can be held against me!¡±

    Gu Zuo revealed a flustered smile.

    Once Xu Lingxiu saw Gu Zuo¡¯s expression, he couldn¡¯t help furrowing his brows, but he also didn¡¯t say anything.

    At this moment, Tianheng lightly pressed on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, do you have any news?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t too happy: ¡°If I don¡¯t have any news, would you forbid me from talking with Junior Sect Brother Gu?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head: ¡°I meant no such thing.¡±

    Gu Zuo forced augh: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu looked at these two people, and suddenly felt it was a little harsh on the eyes. He turned his head, and walked to the other side.

    There truly were no future prospects. What the eyes didn¡¯t see, the heart wouldn¡¯t grieve over!

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces, and both of them smiled.

    Not long after, the ordinary-looking Sect Master appeared at the seat of honor of the main hall.

    However, he didn¡¯t look kindly and amiable like thest time Gu Zuo saw him. Rather, he was faintly emitting a bit of suppressive might. It made him seem incredibly dignified, and the other disciples didn¡¯t dare to look upon him. It was like they were going to be injured by that discharged might.

    All of the genius disciples took their seats.

    Gu Zuo also saw that, aside from Xu Lingxiu, there was a small number of pharmacists who had also appeared here. His mind immediately had a few ideas.

    Perhaps, he really could...

    Sure enough, the Sect Master spoke: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, this trip for the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen is extremely dangerous. If you can pass through it, you¡¯ll be met with the boundless seas and skies. If you can¡¯t, then you¡¯ll perish in foreignnds. My Sect doesn¡¯t have too many resources to bestow. Each of you will be granted some travel expenses as a final send-off as disciples of my Qingyun Sect.¡±

    After he finished speaking, some enforcement disciples who were originally guarding both sides of the hall came forward. In each of their hands, they carried a small package, which delivered to the people who were seated.

    Gu Zuo opened his own package and took a look. Inside, there was a jade box and a wooden box.

    In the jade box, there were five transparent crystals. Meanwhile, in the wooden box, there was a stone that was around the size of a pigeon egg or a human eye.

    All of a sudden, he recognized that the transparent crystals were spirit crystals, which were suitable for the cultivation of Xiantian martial artists. As for that human-eye like stone, it was clearly a Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone.

    The things in Tianheng¡¯s package were exactly the same.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 266 - Teng Yunfei

    <h4>Chapter 266 - Teng Yunfei</h4>

    Those things were put away. While Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng had long known what spirit crystals were, the other seated people didn¡¯t necessarily know.

    At once, someone asked: ¡°What is this thing...¡±

    This kind of matter naturally didn¡¯t require the Sect Master to personally exin.

    The Sect Master¡¯s son, Qin Zhuofeng, walked out from the side, and answered for everyone¡¯s sake: ¡°This object is called a spirit crystal, and it can be used for cultivation. On the Central Continent, although golden banknotes are still inmon use, spirit crystals are usually exchanged between martial artists. When one¡¯s strength is even higher, there are also profound crystals. Only, the number of profound crystals is even more scarce. It¡¯s also very rare in the Sect, and they¡¯re only in the hands of the Grand Elders.¡±

    So it was like this.

    These disciples all nodded their heads. They had long thought that golden banknotes might¡¯ve not been of much use. Most had prepared quite a few inter-spatial tools, which were stored with useful things and lots of gold that could be converted. Although it was a bit inconvenient, once they reached the Central Continent, they could take out the gold and convert it for that side¡¯s banknotes.

    As for the spirit crystals...

    They recalled previously hearing about the martial artists from other expanses who would also be traveling on the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    Between fellow disciples, if there weren¡¯t any feelings of deep hatred, it was only natural that they¡¯d help each other out. However, it was different for the other expanses. Most of all ¡ª That Chongyun Sect!

    The shame of that year had yet to be forgotten!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but look at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled at him.

    As far as these martial artists were concerned, spirit crystals and even profound crystals were very rare. However, the quantities of both were very high in Tianheng¡¯s inter-spatial tool... That was the legacy left behind by that Human King Yan Ruo.

    To this day, that bangle was still worn on Tianheng¡¯s body. Somemonly-used things were put inside by him, but as for specifically how much ¡°wealth¡± it contained, Gu Zuo still hadn¡¯t asked him.

    [Is Ah Zuo curious?]

    [A little...]

    [Inside the bangle, there¡¯s 1.2 million spirit crystals, a hundred thirty thousand profound crystals, and two thousand treasured crystals.]

    [So many!]

    [If Human King Yan Ruo hadn¡¯t spent so much to set up the great tomb, there would¡¯ve been even more remaining.]

    Gu Zuo thought about it. This made sense.

    Speaking of which, among those spirit weapons and other things inside the Great Tomb of the Human King, besides a small number that were rtively suitable for Tianheng, the rest were going to be left behind. All of it would be ced in Dragon One and Tianyang¡¯s hands for safekeeping. At that time, one would be in charge of the Tianlong Guards, and one would be in charge of the Gongyi n children and his own team. The division ofbor was clear-cut. Those martial skills that Tianheng had looked over were also left behind and copied. They were handled in the same way.

    At this time, Tianheng¡¯s transmitted voice carried a smiling expression.

    [Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no need to worry. When we get to the Central Continent, this elder brother will have enough money to buy medicinal ingredients for you. Of course, half of the riches in the bangle belong to Ah Zuo.]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    [I¡¯ve always been together with big brother. There¡¯s no need to divide it...]

    Tianheng smiled.

    [Some will be stored with Ah Zuo for pocket money. How about that?]

    Gu Zuo heard these words, and didn¡¯t refuse anymore.

    Nowadays, he and his big brother had long stopped bickering that much. Too much arguing would hurt one¡¯s feelings.

    After the crowd of disciples thanked the Sect Master, the Sect Master said: ¡°This trip will have thirty-eight martial artists and six pharmacists. We don¡¯t know what will happen while on the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, but everyone must properly wear the Heaven¡¯s Eye Stones. Otherwise, you will be invaded by other exotic energies. Then, it¡¯ll be toote for regrets.¡±

    Everyone asserted: ¡°Understood.¡±

    After making these things clear, the Sect Master looked at those few pharmacists: ¡°Never once have pharmacists gone together in the past. However, since you all are willing to go out and make your way in the world, you¡¯ll need to follow the apanying martial artists. Don¡¯t just rely solely on your psychic powers, and let your guards down.¡±

    The pharmacists all agreed.

    Gu Zuo watched as the Sect Master warned them repeatedly in this way, and sighed ruefully from the bottom of his heart.

    Whether the Sect Master was sincere or not, he was quite good at swaying people.

    Once everything that ought to have been said was covered, the Sect Master brushed his sleeves: ¡°Now, you all can go and pack your luggage. Return here within six hours, and this venerable one shall lead you all to the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled.

    Tianheng faintly shook his head at Gu Zuo.

    [Big brother, are we going to go back?]

    [Any matters that needed to be exined have already been made clear. Leaving on a journey will pain those left behind. There¡¯s no need to go back.]

    Gu Zuo sighed softly.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time they had left on a journey, butst time was when they left the Cangyun Empire. Although the distance between the Qingyun Continent and the Cangyun Empire was vast, it wasn¡¯t impossible if one wanted to make the trip. But now, they were heading for the Central Continent. In the end, who knew if they could return?

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng stayed seated, and didn¡¯t move. Among the other martial artists, the majority did the same. Only a small number of people hurriedly left.

    At this time, Gu Zuo remembered many things and many people.

    For example, when he first came to this other world, he was hesitant. And now, even if he had to go to an unfamiliarnd again, he was calm.

    For instance, the people he¡¯d met back then in the Cangyun Empire. Regardless of whether it was the Ninth Prince Cang Yu who once could be mentioned on equal terms with his big brother, Huangfu Zhanghao who borrowed his big brother¡¯s luck and acted as his shield, or those formerly dazzling young masters of the other aristocratic families ¡ª Nowadays, in Qingyun Sect, some werepeting on the Earth Leaderboard, some were in the middle of painstaking secluded cultivation, and some had never made the smallest of sshes to this day...

    Additionally, some time ago, his big brother had taken a trip back to the Cangyun Empire to inform his close rtives in the Gongyi n that he was going to leave for wider ces. There was a chance that he wouldn¡¯t be able to return for a long time.

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    Originally, he thought that the Qingyun Continent would be the end point. He never expected that even Qingyun Sect would probably be nothing more than a starting point.

    Six hours passed in the blink of an eye.

    The few people who had rushed out hade back in a flurry. The Sect Master didn¡¯t mince words. He immediately stood up, and stated: ¡°Follow this venerable one!¡±

    The expressions on the numerous disciples¡¯ faces were all different, but a deep and spirited light blossomed in most of their eyes.

    The Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen! The Central Continent!

    Even though what they were about to face was a passage filled with death, they firmly believed that they could get through this crisis and be the people who would smoothly reach the finish line!

    They, who had this kind of desire to forge ahead in the face of hardships and danger, also had such determination and self-confidence!

    Gu Zuo followed along next to Tianheng.

    However, Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t walking with Gu Zuo. Beside Xu Lingxiu was a martial artist with powerful qi emissions. It appeared that he and Xu Lingxiu were partners. There was some tacit understanding, but between these two people, it didn¡¯t look like there was any deep friendship like with Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun.

    ...It was probably for the sake of entering the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, and they had to select a partner just a while ago?

    Gu Zuo made this guess.

    However, what astonished him even more was that an individual was still hidden among these martial artists. Because this person¡¯s qi emissions were very weak, Gu Zuo surprisingly hadn¡¯t detected him before.

    A slender and tall figure that thrusted straight into the blue dome of heaven like a sharp sword. His face was lean, his lips were thin, and his pair of long and narrow eyes were as sharp as the cutting edge of a saber.

    He was Teng Yunfei.

    Originally, he had already reached the peak Immortal Realm. So much so that he was someone who was only a final push away from the Atomic Realm.

    However, the present him was just a peak Xiantian stage nine martial artist.

    This was very strange.

    Once Tianheng ¡°heard¡± Gu Zuo¡¯s puzzlement, a trace of admiration streaked across his eyes.

    [Ah Zuo wouldn¡¯t know. Two years ago, when you and I found out about the matter of the Roads of Death, many of the secluded disciples in the Sect likewise found out. At that time, Senior Sect Brother Teng Yunfei¡¯s strength far exceeded the highest limit. Thus, he was direct and straightforward. He voluntarily abolished his own qi ocean. Because he had already cultivated once through, his strength smoothly advanced to peak Xiantian stage nine again over the course of about two years. From then on, he didn¡¯t enter the Immortal Realm.]

    Gu Zuo was shocked when he finished listening.

    What powerful courage! Sure enough, the Qingyun Leaderboard¡¯s first ce was a justified reputation!

    At first, there were almost no intersections between Teng Yunfei and them. Teng Yunfei also appeared and disappeared unpredictably. However, the legends that one could hear about Teng Yunfei truly weren¡¯t few. At that time, Gu Zuo already looked highly upon Teng Yunfei, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect that the true Teng Yunfei would be even more decisive than what he¡¯d imagined!

    ¡ª Although most of what was abolished could be re-cultivated, it didn¡¯t rule out the possibility of failing to re-cultivate. Teng Yunfei needed to treat the injuries of abolishing his qi ocean before he started re-cultivating. Even if there was enough resources, it didn¡¯t guarantee that he could reach his expected achievements before the two years were up.

    Once he failed or didn¡¯t reach his goal, then he basically wouldn¡¯t be able to enter the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen. The matter of crippling oneself would mean that everything he did had been for nothing.

    However, Teng Yunfei didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest.

    What was even more frightening was that he was extremely calm. After re-cultivating, he could give up on making breakthroughs and having means of self-defense while on the Road of Death. He suppressed his own desires, and didn¡¯t be an Immortal again.

    Gu Zuo sighed ruefully. That guy and his dear big brother were this resolved.

    The Immortal Realm was to break free from the ordinary andmonce. It was ssified as an important stage in cultivation. The Qingyun Continent was too small. If one was an Immortal, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to meet their own expectations.

    They all wanted to reach the Central Continent to break through ¡ª Because over there, when they broke through to the Immortal Realm, perhaps it could allow them to obtain even better results!

    Hence, for the past two years, they only continuously umted, but they never tried to break through.

    Their bone pearls had long beenpletely condensed. They only needed to wait for a certain day to smoothly transform their qi oceans ¡ª

    Under the Sect Master¡¯s call, a Spirit-Level wild beast flew over and carried them away.

    Amid the sound of gale-force winds, the Spirit-Level wild bird pped its wings. Its speed was as fast as lightning and as sudden as thunder.

    In only three or four days, they arrived at their destination.

    T/N: This is the final chapter of the third volume. The title of the next volume is ¡°The Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen¡±, and it¡¯s only twenty-six chapters long.

    I¡¯m going to take at least a week to recharge my batteries, and to edit everything for any typos or trantion inconsistencies. I¡¯ll make a post on discord to confirm the day of the next update once I¡¯m done.

    In the meantime, let me know what you guys think of the novel so far. If you¡¯re feeling generous, please leave a review, too. It would make my day!

    Thank you, everyone, for reading. And thank you, Charysa, for all your hard work!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 267 - Road of Death

    <h4>Chapter 267 - Road of Death</h4>

    From far away, one could see an enormous pir that rose up to the sky.

    The huge pir towered into the clouds, and there were countless tendrils of mist that curled around it. As they got closer, everyone realized that the pir was extremely thick. It would take over a hundred people to gather together and surround it. At the top of the pir, it could probably amodate several hundreds of people.

    The Spirit-Level wild bird flew directly ahead, andnded upon that pir¡¯s summit.

    Above the pir, there were many simr wild birds descending and temporarily taking roost on top of the huge pir.

    Many people jumped down from the wild birds. They were the disciples of the forces on other continents in the Southern Expanse. Among them, there were also some sects. The realms of the people who led them were also at the Atomic Realm or above.

    Gu Zuo came to this world so long ago. Ever since he entered Qingyun Sect, this was still the first time he¡¯d seen the sects and organizations of other continents from the same expanse. It looked like there were many talents here. In terms of vitality and energy, they definitely weren¡¯t too inferiorpared to Qingyun Sect¡¯s secluded disciples.

    This kind of feeling was very peculiar.

    Gongyi Tianheng swept a nce over those people: ¡°Is Ah Zuo curious?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m not. I just feel... Previously, I had limited my attention to only thergest Qingyun Sect. On the contrary, I didn¡¯t have a good understanding of what was on the other continents, and I didn¡¯t think that there were any other sects. Now, it looks like there are...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Although the other continents have some organizations that are called sects, their foundations fall far short of Qingyun Sect¡¯s foundations. Thus, when themon people of the Southern Expanse talk about sects, they¡¯ll only talk about Qingyun Sect. The other forces only call themselves sects within their local continents. Within the Southern Expanse, there¡¯s no mistake in saying that the only genuine sect is Qingyun Sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    In any case, they were Qingyun Sect disciples. After recognizing these people, who were also from the same expanse, Gu Zuo and Tianheng wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to do anything to them on the Road of Death.

    After the two spoke these few sentences, the Sect Masters and such personages from the other organizations came over to meet with Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master.

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master Qin quietly stood in ce. At this very moment, his appearance somehow became faintly indiscernible, as if he was veiled in mist. His features werepletely different from when Gu Zuo and the others met with him in the Sect ¡ª No, perhaps it wasn¡¯t different, but rather, his features had been covered up. Even if others saw him, they wouldn¡¯t recognize him.

    However, Qingyun Sect was, after all, aloof and remote. After Sect Master Qin received these few people, he closed his eyes and didn¡¯t speak.

    The numerous disciples of Qingyun Sect stood behind Sect Master Qin and also waited quietly.

    Since they had arrived and found a ce to settle, they currently needed to calm their hearts and wait for that Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen to open.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces. The two simply sat down cross-legged, and made the most of this final bit of time to review all of their previousprehensions.

    At the same time, they also wanted to make further preparations ¡ª Preparations for confronting all kinds of things in that Road of Death.

    After seven and a half hours, the color of the sky darkened.

    Sect Master Qin abruptly opened his eyes, which spilled forth a brilliant radiance. His entire person revealed an extraordinary might! The area that his gaze fell upon was the void in front of the enormous pir under his feet. If a person carefully looked over, one would discover that theyered shadows of many mountain ranges appeared amid the lingering clouds and mist. And surrounded by the mountain ranges was an abyss!

    Gu Zuo startled.

    This abyss was ¡ª

    As the mountain ranges became more and more distinct, that abyss yawned open like the jaws of a beast. Sect Master Qin, the other Sect Masters, and organization leaders all came to the edge of the pir.

    Soon after, Sect Master Qin opened his mouth: ¡°My Sect disciples, falling from this ce will allow you to enter the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.¡±

    The other Sect Masters and organization leaders all said: ¡°That¡¯s right. Just jump down from here.¡±

    Meanwhile, the hundreds of disciples gathered here all looked at each other in dismay.

    Into the abyss?

    While they had powerful strength and great potential, they couldn¡¯t see the bottom of this abyss as they gazed into it. If they jumped down, wouldn¡¯t they drop to their deaths without an intact skeleton?

    This wasn¡¯t the time for making jokes!

    Sect Master Qin solemnly said: ¡°The entrance is right here. Is there anyone who dares to take the first step?¡±

    As soon as his voice fell, a figure had already shot out and rushed down extremely quickly. Unexpectedly, there wasn¡¯t the slightest feeling of cowardice or hesitation.

    Gu Zuo looked over, and recognized that this person was Teng Yunfei.

    Yes, could a person who had abolished his own qi ocean to enter the Road of Death be scared of a mere overhanging cliff?

    However, Gu Zuo felt that he had lost.

    Soon after, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, you and I can¡¯t fall behind.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded.

    After that, Tianheng reached out a hand and grabbed Gu Zuo¡¯s wrist. Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo hopped onto Tianheng¡¯s back.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng shed out. The bottom of his foot stamped the ground, and he had already jumped down!

    They had longe to an agreement.

    No one knew what would happen while on the Road of Death.

    As a result, they would stick close together to avoid being separated under any circumstances!

    One after another, people began jumping down.

    Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed and said: ¡°They truly run quite fast. I also can¡¯t lose out to them.¡±

    After he finished speaking, with his own partner¡¯s mutual support, he fell below that overhanging cliff.

    The remaining people no longer hesitated.

    They had alreadye here. It was life and death. They would either turn into meat paste, or soar into the sky ¡ª

    There was no need for any regrets.

    The sound of the wind whistled past their ears. The mist that rushed by from all directions seemed to bear an insurmountable gravity. The mist pressed in from every angle.

    But right away, before it rushed into their bodies, a wisp of radiance appeared on the surfaces of the two. In a split second, the mist seemed to transform into true mist, and didn¡¯t negatively affect them anymore.

    Gu Zuo rested against Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s back, and sensed the brilliant life underneath him.

    His big brother had already been properly nursed by him. Every inch of muscle possessed a vigorous life-force and terrifying strength!

    No longer was Tianheng that sickly young master.

    A burst of satisfaction bubbled forth in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, and he snuggled closer to Tianheng.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything, but they were alreadymunicating within their linked consciousness.

    [Ah Zuo, are you afraid?]

    [With big brother here, I¡¯m not afraid. It¡¯s just that...]

    [What?]

    [Big brother, how long will it take for our feet to touch solid... Eh?]

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness, he still hadn¡¯t finished reacting when he sensed that Tianheng¡¯s body hade to a halt. The gale-force winds on both sides had also vanished. It seemed that they were already stepping on the ground?

    At this moment, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°We¡¯vended.¡±

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face: ¡°...Big brother, let me get down.¡±

    In the past, although Tianheng made most of the decisions, he rarely rejected Gu Zuo¡¯s many suggestions. But this time, Tianheng shook his head: ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Why not?¡±

    Tianheng lightly sighed: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look around.¡±

    Hearing what was said, Gu Zuo looked to the side: ¡°Eh, there¡¯s nothing there...¡±

    Wait a minute. That wasn¡¯t right.

    Nothing there?

    How could there be nothing?

    Gu Zuo suddenly startled.

    When he previously talked about not wanting to separate, that was only just in case. But now, it was clear that the ¡°just in case¡± hade true!

    Apart from them, there was basically no one else nearby. If Teng Yunfei was alone when he jumped down, then he¡¯d be walking by himself. In that case, what about those martial artists afterwards? Could it be that not a single person jumped down during this time? This was impossible! The martial artists who came here were all people who¡¯d stake it all on one throw! Their courage wouldn¡¯t be so weak!

    As such, where did they go?

    Why had no one elsee?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings were stretched taut.

    Sure enough, there was something weird about this ce. They had to keep their guards up.

    Subconsciously, he put a big more strength in the hands that were ced on Tianheng¡¯s shoulders, and he hugged his dear big brother even more tightly.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯ll we do now?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°We¡¯ll move forward. Ah Zuo, release and send out your psychic power. From now on, we need to be even more careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. After that, he could sense what his big brother couldn¡¯t see, and hurriedly said: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I will.¡±

    Following that, Tianheng supported Gu Zuo even more firmly. Step by step, he resolutely walked forward.

    Gu Zuo also stretched his mind to the limit, and didn¡¯t dare to neglect even the tiniest details.

    All around was very quiet. Too quiet.

    Through this passage, aside from the all-epassing mist, there was only a spacious and empty road.

    On the road, there was soil and some weeds. However, these weeds were unremarkable, and the soil also made the most typical ck, dirt road. It looked like an average road surface, and it wouldn¡¯t cause one to raise their guard.

    But for some reason, Gu Zuo sensed a feeling of concealed danger, as if something was in hiding. A moment of carelessness would cause a huge cmity!

    Hence, he did several things at once. His thoughts moved in his consciousness, and a round pearl had already appeared in his hand.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo stuffed this pearl into Tianheng¡¯s cor.

    Tianheng only felt a chill on his neck. Soon after, something rolled down and went directly into his own inner robes. After that, it tumbled to his waist where it came to a halt.

    In that moment, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry: ¡°Ah Zuo, what are you doing?¡±

    Gu Zuo was very serious. In a low voice, he said: ¡°It¡¯s a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl.¡±

    Yes. The instant that Gu Zuo sessfullynded, the system had already reminded him that hepleted the mission, and then it granted the reward. Only, at that time, he was too nervous, and didn¡¯t give a timely response. But now, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all.

    Tianheng heard the name of this pearl, and faintly frowned: ¡°Ah Zuo, this is...¡±

    Gu Zuo softly talked about the pearl¡¯s function, and said: ¡°Big brother, who the hell knows what¡¯ll happen here. You see, I can use my psychic power to protect myself, and I can also enter the Divine Medicine Pce Hall with just a thought. But if, by any chance, I dodge to the side and I don¡¯t have enough time to bring you with me when we encounter trouble, you can use the pearl to take the ce of your life.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed.

    Gu Zuo continued to murmur: ¡°Big brother doesn¡¯t need to stand on ceremony about this with me. We always maximize the value of things. No matter how we slice it, it¡¯ll be more secure on big brother¡¯s body than on mine.¡±

    Tianheng still shook his head: ¡°If Ah Zuo¡¯s thoughts aren¡¯t fast enough, how is that any better?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly waved his hand: ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this. My psychic power has been protecting my body the entire time. It only needs to block for one instant, and I¡¯ll be able to escape!¡±

    At that time, Tianheng didn¡¯t continue to refuse. His steps only became more stable: ¡°As your elder brother, I absolutely won¡¯t let anything happen to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a brilliant smile: ¡°I believe in big brother!¡±

    It was just that the silence on this Road of Death wasn¡¯t so simple.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 268 - Ancient City

    <h4>Chapter 268 - Ancient City</h4>

    After walking for a long time, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo both discovered that something was wrong.

    ording to their awareness, they should¡¯ve travelled very far, but the nearby scenes to the left and right hadn¡¯t changed one bit.

    If it was an ordinary person, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t have noticed. However, Tianheng had a highly retentive memory, and Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was meticulous to the tiniest details. After the initial adaptation, the two realized that even the stalks of those weeds by the roadside hadn¡¯t undergone the slightest of changes ¡ª How could this be possible? Time had obviously been passing all along.

    Tianheng halted his steps: ¡°Ah Zuo, discharge your psychic power, and aim an attack at a special location using the Spirit Transformation Method.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ll have to look if there¡¯s any special locations here.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo can just follow his heart.¡±

    Gu Zuo expressed his understanding. After that, he sent out his psychic power, and transformed it into something like a light, muslin. The shrouded all directions in search of any peculiarities that this ce might¡¯ve had.

    Tianheng waited patiently.

    Eventually, that light, muslin appeared to scrape against a certain location ¡ª A stalk of weed that was hidden within the underbrush gave off a faint feeling of dissonance.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze turned cold.

    After that, without the slightest hesitation, the psychic power that he released instantlyunched an attack!

    In the blink of an eye, that light, muslin converged into a dagger. Moreover, it had already be iparably distinct and solid. The dagger¡¯s location was very close to the weed, so the instant that it condensed, the dagger was alreadyunching an attack towards that ce!

    At the exact same time, while Tianheng used one hand to prop up Gu Zuo, his other hand clenched into a fist and directly exploded out!

    Reddish-gold power sprayed forth, transformed into an arrow like a shooting star, and fired straight towards the dagger¡¯s location. After the dagger carried out a fierce attack over there, the arrow closely followed up the next moment. Both powersbined, and in that instant, a sound like the wretched howls of humanity echoed out.

    The wailing was cut short.

    Immediately following which, it was dead silent.

    At this moment, it was like a ss room shattering into tiny pieces. All of a sudden, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were in contact with the true passage again. And, they also discovered that everything before their eyes had undergone another transformation ¡ª Apart from the fact that there still weren¡¯t any other people.

    Although there was still a long stretch of road, the weeds on the left and right were no longer ordinary, short, and small. They were as tall as a person, and were like a thicket instead of an underbrush. Even farther away, there was an indistinct city wall. Vast and ancient, it possessed a type of feeling that made one¡¯s heart shudder.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo¡¯s attention was on a bizarre nt on the right side.

    That nt had a thick stem that was a blood-brown color, and its roots ran very deep. From top to bottom, it was covered in strange, ck speckles. Upon reaching the top of the stem, there was an abnormally beautiful flower. However, at the blood-brown flower, which was asrge as a water tank, the flower¡¯s pistil was overflowing with gurgling blood. And within that pistil, there weren¡¯t any fments or fibrous hairs, but rather fangs that were each about a foot long.

    After getting a clear look, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help sucking in a mouthful of cold air.

    The air was permeated with an unusual odor. It seemed to be both sweet-smelling and rancid. It fascinated one¡¯s soul. The instant he smelled it, he couldn¡¯t help bing absent-minded ¡ª Frightened, he promptly sent out his psychic power to quickly free himself from this odor¡¯s interference.

    Gu Zuo sighed. He moved closer to Tianheng¡¯s ear, and said: ¡°Big brother, we got caught in an illusion just now. This nt is very strange. Could it have been in the middle of hunting for prey?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded. Soon after, he lifted a hand.

    Qi energy gathered, and soon formed arge fist. It grabbed that nt¡¯s ¡°corpse¡± ¡ª Following which, there was a popping sound, and the entire nt was pulled out. The appearance of the root system was also revealed in front of them.

    Gu Zuo discovered that, besides being thick and solid, the root system¡¯s positional arrangement most resembled something like human legs. He instantly shivered.

    In the end, was this a nt or an animal... The surroundings didn¡¯t appear to have anything else like it. Could it be that it was something that ran on the ground or specially ambushed its prey?

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo licked his dry lips.

    He didn¡¯t want to think about it anymore. It was better to shove something this disgusting back into the depths of his mind. But at the same time, a strong desire for studying it welled up from the bottom of his heart... After feeling conflicted for a moment, his thoughts moved.

    The nt¡¯s corpse disappeared.

    Tianheng: ¡°...Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I put it away in my storage space...together with those misceneous, toxic substances.¡±

    Tianhengughed in spite of himself. After that, he readjusted Gu Zuo on his back, and continued walking forward.

    This time around, the two were even more careful.

    Just when they arrived, this carnivorous nt had nearly made them suffer a huge loss. They had no other choice but to defend themselves. After thinking about it, one would realize that, while they believed they had travelled a long road, it actually should¡¯ve only been a short time and the distance didn¡¯t change at all. That nt deliberately wanted to grind down their willpower. Then, it would take a split-second advantage of their exhaustion to devour them both! It could be said that it was truly cunning.

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s reactions were very fast. They responded in an instant, and didn¡¯t allow that nt to have its way. However, what would they encounter even further ahead?

    In short, their degree of vignce still needed to be raised a few levels.

    While they were lucky that there weren¡¯t any more dangers on the road, as far as Gu Zuo was concerned, thisck of danger didn¡¯t mean anything ¡ª Because that ancient city was no more than a kilometer away.

    Reaching the city gates, the two walked inside.

    The ancient city¡¯s interior was rather dpidated.

    It was as if tens of thousands of years had passed by. The infrastructure had gone through countless hardships to the point that almost all of the buildings were crumbled ruins. Only a few buildings were still standing within the city ¡ª From the outside, a person totally wouldn¡¯t be able to tell that the interior had deteriorated to this extent.

    Tianheng calmly walked forward: ¡°Ah Zuo, first we need to choose a ce to rest and scout around.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    Hence, Tianheng quickly picked a few buildings that seemed to be in rtively good condition. Then, he struck the outsides with qi energy. Among those that weren¡¯t damaged, he selected the most durable one.

    After that, Tianheng kept carrying Gu Zuo, and went inside. Surprisingly, the interior also had a wooden bed... However, it was quite decayed, and couldn¡¯t be used for sleeping.

    Having just arrived, they couldn¡¯t guarantee that there weren¡¯t any dangers. Tianheng still carried Gu Zuo on his back as he handled matters.

    As early as prior to their departure, Gu Zuo had prepared many useful things. At this time, his thoughts moved, and soft bedding appeared in front of them. It gently fell to the ground.

    ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s no need to tidy up. We can just sleep like this.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t object. He brought Gu Zuo along, and the two squeezed into the bedding together. At this moment, Tianheng didn¡¯t continue cing Gu Zuo on his back. Rather, Tianheng shifted Gu Zuo to the front, and held Gu Zuo in his embrace.

    In the blink of an eye, the scent that belonged to Tianhengpletely surrounded Gu Zuo.

    A little ufortable, Gu Zuo fidgeted... At this age, he was still lying on his big brother¡¯s thighs. Granted that it was for the sake of safety, it was also quite embarrassing.

    But at this time, he still needed to take care of proper matters first.

    Gu Zuo hesitatingly said: ¡°Big brother, did you find anything?¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°In this ce, perhaps things are sheltered by the fog. True qi can¡¯t be recovered, and the consumption is evenrger. Just now, when I only probed a little bit, I already used up five percent of my reserves.¡±

    Gu Zuo also followed with a sigh: ¡°Me, too. My true qi is being used up very quickly, and there¡¯s no way to absorb the ambient qi. Would it be useful to take medicinal pills?¡±

    While speaking, he had already taken out the top grade Qi umting Pills. He gave Tianheng one pill, and took one for himself.

    Fortunately, a warm current instantly trickled through their bodies. Their true qi also recovered back to normal in a split second.

    Gu Zuo set aside this worry: ¡°After this, I¡¯ll remember to give big brother medicinal pills to replenish... It¡¯s lucky that we have enough of this stuff. Later on, even more trouble might show up. In a strange ce like this, we need to stay in peak condition at all times.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is reasonable.¡±

    Having made a decision, the two rested without dy.

    ording to Tianheng¡¯s hypothesis, although fog lingered on this passage, there was a separation between day and night. Right now, it was almost nightfall. As such, it was better to keep watch in this room overnight. They¡¯d get a clear understanding if there were any differences between daytime and nighttime, which would make handling future matters easier.

    Gu Zuo felt that his dear big brother¡¯s thinking was thorough, and maintained this posture, which was a little bit embarrassing. He kept watch with Tianheng as night came.

    Just like this, the color of the sky turnedpletely ck.

    Far away, the rustling wind echoed out. Strong winds passed through the buildings. Sometimes, the wind sounded like sobbing, which increased the feeling of malicious intent within this barren, ancient city.

    Indoors, it was so dark that one couldn¡¯t see their own syed fingers. Although the two had excellent night-vision, it was hard to avoid feeling that they could only listen to the sounds of their own breathing in this quiet room. It was a little frightening.

    Okay, it was mainly Gu Zuo who felt frightened.

    Tianheng tossed out a Night Pearl, which made the inside of this room as bright as day. In a split second, that scary feeling just now vanished.

    Gu Zuo straightened his back, and didn¡¯t dare to rx his mental state.

    At first, the two of them didn¡¯t speak a word. Suddenly, Tianheng looked towards a certain direction outside the window.

    Gu Zuo also perceived that there was something wrong at the same time.

    In just the blink of an eye, Gu Zuo flipped over onto Tianheng¡¯s back, and dodged the sharp and concealed attack that had abruptly arrived!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 269 - Ambushers

    <h4>Chapter 269 - Ambushers</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng stamped his foot down to evade. His entire person arrived at an overlooked area on the left-side wall. His hands didn¡¯t stop, and he suddenly drew a bow. At once, a reddish-gold arrow shot out. The arrow pierced the chest of that sneak attacker, and firmly nailed that fellow to the ground!

    That person twitched for a moment, and quickly stilled.

    As for Gu Zuo, his legs were wrapped around Tianheng¡¯s waist. He did his best to avoid adding to the burden on Tianheng. This allowed Tianheng to draw the bow with both hands in time to kill the enemy.

    However, at this time, while they had put an end to the enemy, Gu Zuo discovered that his own posture was especially simr to that of a ko. He loosened his legs in embarrassment, and prepared to jump off.

    But Tianheng used a hand to hold him up: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t leave my side.¡±

    Thus, Gu Zuo continued to mp his legs, and diligently didn¡¯t move.

    The two walked in front of that corpse to examine it.

    The one who fell to the ground and didn¡¯t get up wasn¡¯t human. Or perhaps, it ought to be said that it wasn¡¯t a human anymore. Its figure was simr to that of humanity. However, the top of the head didn¡¯t have any hair, and the body¡¯s surface also had tendons and muscles that protruded like earthworms. The body was also extremely thin. It looked like... After draining out half of the water content within the body, what emerged was an emaciated appearance. But,pared to a skeleton that was only draped in ayer of skin, this was still much better.

    Gu Zuo keenly discovered that this fellow¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t have a white sclera. Rather, it was a ball of something green. It glimmered like a will-o-wisp, but after careful scrutiny, it resembled green gemstones that had been pulverized. It was filled with this padding-like substance. Apart from this, the figure seemed to be the same as an ordinary martial artist. It possessed its own martial skills and abilities, and it could fight with others. Its intelligence also wasn¡¯t badly damaged. For example, it knew how to hide and mount a sneak attack. When moving, it also stood up like a human. From this, it could be seen that there was more to this than what met the eye.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s put it away. In this ancient city, this thing definitely can¡¯t be the only one.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood. He purposefully waved a hand, and that corpse was collected into the region of his storage space where he put anything poisonous.

    Because the two¡¯s actions were extremely fast just now, the bedding that was spread on the ground wasn¡¯t dirtied by the least bit of dust. They still huddled together. Both were resting and paying attention to any signs of activity around them.

    Gu Zuo had never been so vignt before. Unfortunately, for the sake of their small lives in this ce, he truly didn¡¯t dare to neglect even the smallest thing.

    Not much time had passed when another figure flickered outside the doorway.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s reactions were incredibly fast. Whenever the other party appeared, they could detect the enemies in advance. While evading the ambushes, they would promptly and simultaneously counterattack. They never missed.

    Before long, Tianheng¡¯s true qi had been used up a lot. But as for Gu Zuo, because every time he could¡¯ve used his psychic power, Tianheng would¡¯ve alreadyunched his arrow to attack from afar. Thus, Gu Zuo¡¯s qi consumption was very small.

    Hence, Gu Zuo shouldered the responsibility of stuffing Tianheng with medicine.

    He didn¡¯t bother Tianheng while he was handling matters. Once he discovered that Tianheng had shot several arrows, Gu Zuo would promptly give him a medicinal pill. When Tianheng used less strength and consumed less true qi, he could give a top grade Qi Linking Pill. And when Tianheng used lots of strength, he would give a top grade Qi umting Pill. The two types of pills were given in alternating rounds. This positively guaranteed that Tianheng¡¯s true qi would be full at all times. As such, Tianheng never had to exhaust himself by using big moves, which would¡¯ve ced the two in danger.

    Unwittingly, a night passed just like this.

    From the very first kill, there were one or two at a time. Butter on, those things would arrive even more frequently, and would attack from all sides. There were at least twenty corpses inside and outside the building.

    Gu Zuo looked at the corpses, and his expression was odd.

    When it was daytime, he didn¡¯t notice that there were so many things within this barren, ancient city. In the end, they all came out when it was night.

    ¡ª Just where were they hiding during the day?

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo, and walked out of the doorway.

    It was already shining brightly outside. The entire ancient city seemed to be illuminated. Those monsters, which came to attack for a period of time at night, had once again vanished without a trace. Not even a shadow could be seen.

    Gu Zuo climbed up to Tianheng¡¯s shoulders: ¡°Big brother, now what¡¯ll we do?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°We¡¯ll cross this ancient city, and search for the path onwards.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll send out my psychic power as a precaution.¡±

    Tianheng gave another smile: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s working hard.¡±

    Following this, Tianheng lifted his foot, and dashed out. His body was like a violent gust of wind that suddenly swept towards the other side of the ancient city.

    The whole way there, they still didn¡¯t see any figures on either side.

    In such arge city, it seemed as if all that remained were the sounds of Tianheng¡¯s running steps ¡ª No, even the continuous sound of footsteps was indistinct due to Tianheng¡¯s peak control over his strength ¡ª Yet, nothing unexpected happened.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the two of them to traverse the city.

    After that, Gu Zuo was shocked to discover that a forest had strangely appeared on this side of the ancient city!

    The position of this forest...was right outside the city. They hadn¡¯t even reached the suburbs.

    However, Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s expressions were quite solemn.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°Big brother, are we going to go straight through?¡±

    Tianheng pondered slightly: ¡°Ah Zuo, this time around, you need to be even more careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°I¡¯ll do my very best.¡±

    Afterwards, the two didn¡¯t hesitate in the least. They immediately entered this forest!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was like a giant as it enveloped a range of around a hundred meters from his body. So long as there was a bit of an abnormality, everything that entered this distance would be discovered by him, and he would swiftly make a judgment.

    Tianheng¡¯s senses were also very sharp. However, because Gu Zuo was present, what he paid attention to weren¡¯t the things that interfered with him. Rather, as a seasoned veteran, he could perceive any dangersing from all directions and those things that emitted malice towards him.

    If Gu Zuo found anything amiss and his experience wasn¡¯t enough to distinguish it, Tianheng would resolve it. They would coborate and make a determination ¡ª Either avoid it or fight. Just like this, two people divided thebor and worked together. While not much time had gone by, they had walked arge distance through this forest.

    After walking so much, it would easily make a person feel like their surroundings were nothing but trees. There would be no end to the walking. What if...they took a wrong turn and got lost?

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo happily said: ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s a path here!¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said, and looked in the direction that Gu Zuo pointed at.

    Sure enough, although there were overgrown weeds and brambles in the direction they travelled, burying many traces, when Tianheng seriously searched, he discovered that long, long ago ¡ª Perhaps, three hundred years ago or longer ¡ª This ce once had many people traveling through here before. Even if the interval between each time took years, this path remained in the end.

    In other words, this path was the correct road! They hadn¡¯t gone the wrong way!

    As a result, this kind of Gu Zuo, who would doubt himself no matter how much went on, understood the situation. The certainty of the path undoubtedly provided a soothing balm to his heart, allowing him to feel even more at ease going forward.

    After studying it, Tianheng slightly nodded: ¡°Ah Zuo, since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll go along this path.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother, you need to take care.¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and his footsteps were more assured.

    It was just that, whether it was Gu Zuo or Tianheng, neither anticipated that they would spend two days in this forest. During these two days, the same race of nt that Gu Zuo previously ¡°corpse collected¡± had once more shown themselves. Their stems and roots were like human legs, and they ran no slower than martial artists whoprehended body techniques. However, their scents were even more frightening. Gu Zuo was forced to continuously give himself and Tianheng medicinal pills that cleared their minds so that they wouldn¡¯t be assailed by these bewildering smells.

    Besides this type of nt, the vines within the forest were like pythons, and the trees that reached high into the sky were like gigantic octopi. Any kind of animal inside the forest had changed into strange appearances. They were still wild beasts, butpared to those wild beasts that congregated outside, not only were their temperaments more brutal, their strengths were much higher. At the same time, their vicious natures were amplified. They werepletely controlled by their instincts!

    With Gu Zuo, this cheat-like existence, Tianheng shot these wild beasts dead from far away. As for the lively nts nearby, they were skewered one by one by Gu Zuo¡¯s discharged psychic power, and were nailed onto various trees ¡ª Sometimes, this could be regarded as killing two birds with one stone!

    Gu Zuo was only regretful that the ones killed by Tianheng, the wild beasts that lived here, were basically inedible. Not only was the quality of the meats bitter and astringent, but the power that should¡¯ve existed inside the meat essence had long disappeared. It could only be uselessly thrown away.

    Apart from that, this ce had animals and nts attacking during the day ¡ª But when it was night, those monsters that they had previously encountered were added to the mix, which increased the pressure somewhat.

    Fortunately, the two cooperated with a tacit understanding, and they took supplemental medicines in a timely manner. They maintained abundant energies and the corresponding levels of safety from beginning to end.

    After killing everything that should¡¯ve been killed, Tianheng simply cut his own path through the thistles and thorns. Both sides had been practically swept t. The path that remained of their predecessors allowed Tianheng to establish it once more. After three hundred years, the path would presumably be buried again. Those who arrivedter woulde here, and they would be able to rediscover it.

    Here was the ce where the first generation pioneered the path forward...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 270 - Song He

    <h4>Chapter 270 - Song He</h4>

    After two days and two nights, Gongyi Tianheng was still carrying Gu Zuo on his back as he swiftly moved forward.

    What they had been facing these past two days were concentrated attacks, so they didn¡¯t rest. However, their energies were still abundant ¡ª In case they were a little tired, they would take a top grade medicinal pill that was prepared long ago. They would be vigorous and lively as dragons and tigers. They were full of energy!

    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

    Three silver awls were shot in three different directions. One awl nailed a lengthy, sharp-toothed vine to the ground. One awl shot through a swinging branch from above. One awl prated the skull of a bizarre wild rat, whose figure was short and small.

    The entire process was direct and efficient. The uracy was iparable.

    Gu Zuo habitually unleashed his psychic power. In the blink of an eye, the three species that suddenly and simultaneously attacked were annihted.

    At the exact same time, Tianheng drew his bow to fire arrows. Five arrows were shot in rapid session. The first three directly pierced the eye, chest, and forehead of a gigantic wild beast. Meanwhile, the other two arrows prated tworge trees, causing them to ignite into raging mes. In an instant, they were turned to ashes.

    But matters still weren¡¯t over. At once, Gu Zuo burst forth with over a hundred silver needles. The surrounding flying insects that were about asrge as palms werepletely destroyed. Tianheng pped out a huge Blood Palm. It violently collided and ruthlessly crushed a poisonous, ck-bodied wild beast into the ground!

    Immediately following that, Gu Zuo sent out a dagger, which stabbed the chest of a mutated wild beast. Tianheng¡¯s arrow pierced another mutated wild beast that came with it, causing that beast¡¯s head to explode!

    At the same time, Tianheng rushed at great speeds and crossed the swamp ahead. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze lowered, and dozens of silver awls wereunched. The densely-packed awls stabbed into the necks of the wild crocodiles that suddenly appeared with jaws wide open. Under the pain, they immediately crashed back into the muddy waters. As for Tianheng, he had already transformed into a remnant shadow, and quickly flitted across the territory of these wild crocodiles!

    This was the kind of intensive battle where there wasn¡¯t any time to rest. Initially, they would miss once in a while or they would have rushed or muddled moments. Now, their smooth, unhindered, and natural movements hardly had any dys. This showed the lightning-fast improvements of these two adoptive brothers.

    Most of all was Gu Zuo, who had never experienced this kind of fighting before. After going through it once, his immaturity had diminished. What it was reced by was a trace of solemn killing intent that would asionally flicker in his eyes during battle.

    After the two finished killing, the true qi within their bodies circted very rapidly. Whether it was Tianheng¡¯s martial skills or Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, they previously felt that their usage was very smooth and meticulous. But after fighting one battle after another, they discovered that it could be improved even more.

    Another hour passed, and Gu Zuo slew two wild beasts in a row. After that, he paused slightly.

    In the direction that his psychic power swept out, he captured another fluctuation ¡ª That fluctuation, those qi emissions, it was from a martial artist?

    In a split second, Gu Zuo opened his mouth: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ve found a martial artist.¡±

    While Tianheng continued to fight, he asked: ¡°Oh? Can Ah Zuo distinguish which organization that martial artist is from?¡±

    Gu Zuo carefully took measure of the martial artist. Soon after, he shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t recognize him. That guy isn¡¯t from the Southern Expanse. When we were on the giant pir before, I didn¡¯t see this person.¡± He paused, ¡°That guy is surrounded. Should we go save him?¡±

    Tianheng immediately said: ¡°We¡¯ll save him, and ask him a few questions.¡±

    Gu Zuo was also thinking as such.

    This was the first person they had encountered. Moreover, while he wasn¡¯t from the Southern Expanse, they had met him on this path. What did that person go through, and how did it alle about? It was better to get a clear understanding of the situation, and to supplement any information.

    Hence, Gu Zuo swiftly answered: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go quickly.¡±

    The instant his voice fell, Tianheng leaped out and changed directions, rushing to that ce.

    That area...wasn¡¯t too far away.

    After hurrying over, that martial artist had already been ensnared by arge mass of rattan vines. A little farther away, there were also many predators in hiding. Only, because the rattan vines had captured the key moment, those predators were now looking for an opportunity.

    However, there wasn¡¯t any need for doubt. If no one came to lend a hand, no matter how valiant this martial artist was, he would still suffer the fate of bing prey.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo acted simultaneously.

    Like a shooting star, an arrow struck the outer encirclement of those rattan vines. Those vines were suddenly set on fire. In a split second, they let out a scraping sound simr to a screech. The vines promptly loosened and frantically writhed on the ground. It seemed that it wanted to use this method to save itself from the power of the sun.

    Merely, the power of the sun wasn¡¯t an ordinary me. The more those rattan vines rolled around, the faster the reddish-gold power spread. Instead, the mes swiftly engulfed the vines, and burned them to ashes!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power had also transformed into silver awls, and quickly nailed down several small mutated wild beasts and other insect-like things that tried to sneak in, which relieved that martial artist¡¯s fears of any trouble in the back.

    After the two took action, those creatures that were still lurking around discovered that the neers weren¡¯t to be trifled with. After directly observing the terrifying capabilities of the power of the sun, a trace of restraining fear emerged. Like the tide, they quickly retreated.

    The martial artist who hadn¡¯t died was shocked. He turned his head to look, and saw that the two individuals were young men who only seemed to be slightly worn down. One had just put away his bow and arrows. The other was looking at him with a beaming smile.

    ...This meant that he was saved by people?

    Or did that side have other goals?

    Granted that he had been helped, the martial artist didn¡¯t dare to let down his guard. He only dragged his body, which was covered in cuts and bruises, and walked over with quick steps. He cupped his fist, and said: ¡°This one is Luoyin Sect Disciple Song He. Many thanks foring to my aid, senior brothers.¡±

    However, his posture still allowed him to attack or defend. He looked like he couldunch an attack or go on the retreat at any time.

    Gu Zuo waved a hand. His smiling expression still glittered brilliantly: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. My big brother and I have been in this forest for a long time. It hasn¡¯t been easy to meet people, so we helped out in passing.¡±

    Song He heard these words, and his heart slightly rxed.

    Since he could speak, then the other side shouldn¡¯t have any intentions of murdering him for his belongings. The following matters would be easy to deal with.

    Song He expressed his thanks once again.

    Gu Zuoughed lightly, and gave introductions: ¡°I¡¯m called Gu Zuo. This is my big brother, Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    Song He and Tianheng also greeted each other.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was amiable: ¡°I won¡¯t keep this from Brother Song. Ah Zuo and I have been here for several days, and we still haven¡¯t seen any other people. Now that we¡¯ve met Brother Song with great difficulty, our hearts are ddened. What has Brother Song seen and heard during these past few days?¡±

    Song He dared to break through the Road of Death, but he also wasn¡¯t a fool. He understood Tianheng¡¯s meaning at once, and immediately rxed even more: ¡°I just came to this forest today, and I didn¡¯t expect to be met with this disaster. As for what I¡¯ve seen and heard...¡±

    Gu Zuo patiently listened to Song He¡¯s recounting.

    He understood that there were simrities between what Song He and they had encountered, but there were even more things that were different.

    For example, he wasn¡¯t a member of the Southern Expanse. Rather, he was the disciple of a second-rate sect from the Southeastern Expanse. His sect only arrived with a dozen or so people. He was separated from the very beginning, and basically hadn¡¯t seen the traces of anyone else. Fortunately, his luck was pretty good. When he just arrived, what he met wasn¡¯t that kind of extremely dangerous illusion that Gu Zuo and Tianheng faced. Rather, he quickly spied arge road. After that, he sped along this road, andter saw this forest ¡ª Because he had been running too fast and had acted without taking the time to think, he didn¡¯t even encounter those monsters that would attack at night!

    However, the moment he saw this forest, it seemed like his luck had been used up.

    Song He fought with some strange and bizarre creatures. In the beginning, he was handling things easily, but he immediately discovered that he couldn¡¯t supply himself with more true qi. He wanted to take medicinal pills, but this wasn¡¯t easy to aplish due to the concentrated attacks. When he reached the deeper parts of the forest, his true qi diminished more and more. A moment of carelessness caused him to be wrapped up by the rattan vines, and he had no way of using his true qi to struggle free. This was the reason why he was in such a wretched state.

    ¡ª It could be said that, if it wasn¡¯t for Tianheng and Gu Zuoing to the rescue, he would¡¯ve died. Even his bones wouldn¡¯t have necessarily been left behind!

    As a result, Song He was very grateful towards these two people.

    After all, he knew that everyone in this ce actually hadpetitive rtionships... Thus, when Gu Zuo and Tianheng inquired, he gave a full narration of everything that he knew about.

    When Gu Zuo finished listening, he returned the favor, and told Song He about those monsters that they had previously encountered. Song He heard this, and was even more thankful.

    After this hurried exchange of information, Gu Zuo said: ¡°We shouldn¡¯t linger here. Big brother has just set a fire, which will intimidate a few beasts for now, but I¡¯m afraid that more wille to fight. Therefore, we¡¯d better leave this ce quickly.¡±

    The words that were spoken here had the meaning of parting ways.

    Song He hesitated, but still spoke with some embarrassment: ¡°Would these two senior brothers allow this Song to tag along? I won¡¯t hide it from you two. This Song¡¯s true qi iscking. I need to take an opportunity to replenish it.¡±

    Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t personally make a decision about this kind of matter. Inparison, his big brother was shrewder.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo had a tacit understanding. Hearing what was said, he smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no harm in traveling together for a time. Only, it already isn¡¯t easy for Ah Zuo and I to protect each other along the way. I¡¯m afraid that we won¡¯t able to deal with that kind ofprehensive care.¡±

    Song He heard the veiled meaning within those words, and wasn¡¯t dejected. He hurriedly said: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare to trouble these two senior brothers. It¡¯s just that, if you two could spare some time to watch over me for a little bit, I would be extremely grateful.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Then, so be it.¡±

    Song He was greatly relieved. He tightly followed the two by their side as they dashed out.

    This dash left Song He extremely shocked.

    First of all was the speed of this dash. Tianheng really was too fast. He was practically as fast as lightning. Song He needed to use up a lot of strength to barely keep up and not fall behind.

    Aside from this, what astonished Song He even more was the two¡¯sbat power.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t need to be mentioned. Up ahead, sometimes he would use a longbow, and sometimes he would use other ded weapons. He was truly bold and decisive. Everything that blocked the way forward would bepletely wiped out by him. An unobstructed passage was cleared out.

    As for Gu Zuo, he was exceedingly good at utilizing psychic powers. He also let nothing through ¡ª Yes, Song He realized that this was psychic power because pharmacists had been capable of using psychic powers for close to a hundred years in their Southeastern Expanse. The offensive and defensive capabilities of numerous pharmacists had been witnessed by martial artists like him.

    Only, Song He absolutely never expected that the strength of a mere pharmacist could reach this high of a degree!

    Suddenly, his mind was sent into a turmoil... Now, it seemed like his fighting strength couldn¡¯tpare to a pharmacist.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 271 - Imperial Order

    <h4>Chapter 271 - Imperial Order</h4>

    Despite his feelings of frustration, Song He was currently breaking through this forest with the others. It was only natural that the better the skills of those he journeyed with, the happier he¡¯d be. However, in his heart, there was still the self-respect of a martial artist. He didn¡¯t mind asking a stronger martial artist to watch over him, but letting a pharmacist save him... This kind of reversal in the roles of protector and protected made Song He exert one hundred twenty percent of his strength. He did his utmost to sweep away the surrounding monstrous creatures. Wherever he could, he would help out as much as possible. He was relentless.

    Atst, after another day and night, Song He followed behind the two and walked out of this forest.

    Upon seeing the outside, where the bright sunlight wasn¡¯t hidden by the trees, he heaved a long sigh: ¡°Finally, I got out alive.¡±

    At this moment, even Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s bodies were sshed with flecks of strange blood. Not to mention Song He ¡ª That guy was basically in tatters. Anyone who saw him would feel pity.

    Gu Zuo looked at how Song He had trouble covering his body, and couldn¡¯t help but sympathize with him for a second. After that, he said: ¡°My big brother and I will keep a lookout for you. Brother Song, you¡¯d better quickly change into a new pair of clothes.¡±

    Song He was incredibly embarrassed, but he also felt that this suggestion was timely. After he thanked the two, he promptly turned around and hurriedly changed into a clean set of clothes.

    At this time, he had once more be as handsome and neat as he was in the past.

    The area outside the forest was a vast in. The surface was covered by many weeds, and it also formed arge road. Only, this ce¡¯s fog was even denser, which hid the in from view. However, if one peered into the distance, one could still make out the mountainous shadows of ancient buildings on other side of the sea of fog.

    It looked like it was another city.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Whenever there¡¯s a city, we should scout it out.¡±

    Gu Zuo approved: ¡°Maybe we can meet other people.¡±

    Song He: ¡°...What these two senior brothers say is right.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo turned their heads to look at him: ¡°Brother Song, what do you n on doing now?¡±

    Song He hesitated.

    He followed the two so that he could smoothly leave the forest. During this period of time, he had seen how strong these two were, and knew that traveling with them would be the most advantageous for him.

    However, Song He¡¯s face wasn¡¯t so thick.

    While he couldn¡¯t help the others, how could he possibly want them to shelter him the entire time? Hence, he restrained the restless thoughts in his heart, and cupped his fist to bid farewell: ¡°Words can¡¯t express my appreciation for what you¡¯ve done. This Song will part ways here. If we can meet again in the future, this Song will certainly return the favor.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°The waters of the mountain will inevitably reach the sea. Brother Song, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll meet again someday.¡±

    Song He heard this, and his heart was ddened.

    No matter how it was said, this was the bond of good karma...

    Immediately following this, Song He walked out first. His entire person plunged into the fog, and in the blink of an eye, they couldn¡¯t see his figure anymore. They also weren¡¯t able to discover the direction of his departure.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°Big brother, shall we go in, too?¡±

    He felt that the inside of this fog definitely wouldn¡¯t be peaceful...

    Tianheng spoke: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly clung tightly to Tianheng¡¯s shoulders. His psychic power was instantaneously discharged and spread out.

    In a split second, the two¡¯s silhouettes also plunged into this tract of fog.

    After going in, Gu Zuo astonishingly realized that the area that his own psychic power could extend had been greatly reduced ¡ª If it was said that it could originally spread out to a kilometer due to repeatedly improving, then the current range was only ten meters. Previously, it was effortless for Gu Zuo to continuously observe up to a hundred meters away from his body, and he still had energy left over. But now, he needed to fully exert himself to achieve only a tenth of that.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart turned cold as he told Tianheng about this matter: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll need to be extra cautious from now on.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°No problem. Ah Zuo, wrap your legs around me. I¡¯ll take out the spear.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded: ¡°I¡¯ll save my psychic power, too.¡±

    After deciding as such, Tianheng immediately grabbed a spear in his hand. Gu Zuo¡¯s legs spontaneously mped around Tianheng¡¯s waist. Gu Zuo stuck to Tianheng¡¯s body as much as possible. This was to lessen the restrictive burden on his big brother when he fought.

    Such meticulous preparation wasn¡¯t without its uses.

    In a sh, a streak of sword light stabbed from the side!

    Tianheng raised his spear!

    ng!

    Metal grated against metal, and the sneak attacker was foiled.

    The pupils of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shrank.

    Just then, he wasn¡¯t able to inform his big brother in time!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t be med for not reacting in time. Rather, it was because the other party was beyond ten meters away. Moreover, that person¡¯s speed was too fast. The instant they entered the ten-meter range, they had already mounted an ambush and had attacked immediately.

    During this brief window, from discovering the enemy to wanting to inform Tianheng, there wasn¡¯t enough time for Gu Zuo to act on this thought ¡ª On the contrary, Tianheng himself had a very strong intuition towards danger. As a result, he sensed it before being attacked. At the same time, he followed his own vignce and withstood the ambush.

    However, while Tianheng withstood the attack, the other side¡¯s reactions were also very fast. With the help of the fog¡¯s natural cover, the ambusher came and went through the area. Every streak of sword light was iparably crafty, and every flicker was extremely strange.

    At this very moment, the spear and that ambusher¡¯s sword lights were shing constantly. Tianheng waspletely passive as he defended against the other side¡¯s attacks. Only, the opponent¡¯s movements were too quick, and their whereabouts were fleeting. This made it so that, for a while, Tianheng couldn¡¯t find the opportunity to counterattack.

    Gu Zuo had a bitter expression.

    It seemed that he wasn¡¯t of any use... But after that, he calmed down.

    At this time, shouldn¡¯t he centralize his psychic power to enshroud the vicinity? He could find a chance to secretly help his big brother, and directly mount a sneak attack to get rid of that person.

    Having decided this, Gu Zuo gathered his psychic power. From a ten-meter range in the beginning, it had been narrowed to within five meters ¡ª This range also epassed the scope of the entangled fight between that elusive person and Tianheng.

    Once the battle n was adjusted, Gu Zuo immediately discovered the tracks of the other side.

    Disyed within his psychic power, that ambusher seemed like a faint shadow. To be honest, although the body technique was strange, the attacker moved across the environment by virtue of their dexterity. If there wasn¡¯t any fog to take shelter, this kind of body technique would be fast, but it would only be fast. The ambusher would¡¯ve been found long ago.

    And even now, Gu Zuo discovered that his dear big brother was getting faster and faster as he fought with the enemy. After thrusting the spear, there were quite a few times when it pierced the hem of the other side¡¯s robe. If it was but a hairsbreadth closer, then it could¡¯ve given the enemy a serious wound.

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded.

    If this continued, then it wouldn¡¯t take a minute for his big brother to ferret this person out of the fog and get rid of them! However, a minute was still a minute. This ce had so many dangers. Was he going to just let this minute go to waste?

    Immediately after that, Gu Zuo burst forth with dozens of silver needles.

    The function of these silver needles wasn¡¯t to cause injuries. Rather, they were cleverly strung together to mess up the gait of that elusive guy¡¯s body technique!

    Once the steps were messed up, then the qi emissions would naturally follow.

    In a split second, Tianheng grasped the opportunity. His spear stabbed out!

    St!

    The spear skewered the enemy¡¯s chest, immediately killing that person!

    Gu Zuo slightly sighed in relief.

    Although they were attacked by monsters and all sorts of creatures before, this was still the first time that they were attacked by a fellow martial artist in this ce.

    It was said that there were many people on the Road of Death who would massacre each other, but he never expected that it would start so soon.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows furrowed.

    It seemed that meeting a reasonable person like Song He wasparatively rare. It looked like he still recognized the favor of saving one¡¯s life... But it also couldn¡¯t be said that Gu Zuo was deluding himself. Could it be that the reason why Song He had been well-behaved the whole time was because he had a clear view of things? Did he know that he basically didn¡¯t stand a chance against Tianheng and Gu Zuo?

    Consequently, Song He¡¯s behavior still wasn¡¯t the norm.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t seem to be negatively affected by anything, and he easily pulled out the spear. Soon after, the spear tip dug up all of the inter-spatial tools and other such things from the corpse on the ground.

    After Gu Zuo used his psychic power to search through these inter-spatial tools, Gu Zuo unexpectedly found a few good things. For example, there were cultivation methods and martial skills from the Golden-Level up to the low Profound-Level. Apart from this, there was a dazzling tile piece.

    Following this, Gu Zuo took out the token, and ced it in front of Tianheng¡¯s eyes: ¡°Big brother, look at this. Isn¡¯t this thing a little strange?¡±

    Tianheng swept his eyes over it: ¡°This is probably...a token to prove one¡¯s identity.¡±

    Gu Zuo flipped the token like a coin, and discovered that this thing glittered with golden light. It seemed to have been forged with a mixture of gold. Carved on the surface were the characters for ¡°Imperial Order¡±. Written underneath that was the character for ¡°Guard¡±. And below that was a person¡¯s name.

    It could be assumed that the person¡¯s name belonged to that low Immortal Realm fellow who just died.

    A martial artist of this realm basically wasn¡¯t Tianheng¡¯s opponent, and wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.

    However, what they needed to pay attention to right now was what this imperial order meant, and whether the meaning of ¡°Guard¡± was the same as what they imagined.

    If it was...

    This gave an ominous type of feeling ¡ª It was as if some kind of formidable organization had already shown up.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slowly turned serene and deep.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 272 - The Ones Behind This

    <h4>Chapter 272 - The Ones Behind This</h4>

    Gu Zuo had this realization, and hesitatingly asked: ¡°Big brother, what do you think?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng wanted to say something, but after that, he pondered: ¡°I still need to take another look.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Big brother still can¡¯t be sure?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t ask anything else. He continued to tightly cling to Tianheng, and they ventured deeper into the fog.

    Within the thick fog, apart from a feeling like the body was bearing heavier and heavier loads, there was nothing else. And as far as Gu Zuo and Tianheng were concerned, this added weight wasn¡¯t serious. Because Tianheng had previously conducted long-term training in gravity environments, this didn¡¯t affect him the slightest bit. Even Gu Zuo only needed to use a bit more true qi, and his physical body didn¡¯t have any feelings of copsing.

    With such uninterrupted walking, the speed of Tianheng¡¯ steps gradually changed from quick to slightly slow. However, each step was steady, and thend underneath his feet was stamped with the marks of each and every footprint.

    The soil was very loose...

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo discovered a streak of shadowing to attack!

    As it turned out, a smooth and slippery thing had protruded from underground. Just like a whip, it thrashed towards Tianheng! This ¡°whip¡± was extremely pliable and tough. It changed directions several times in the air before finallyshing horizontally at Tianheng¡¯s defensive weak spot ¡ª Gu Zuo¡¯s back!

    If he was struck, the aftermath would certainly be too horrible to contemte!

    Gu Zuo immediately released a spinning de from the space between his eyebrows. It rotated one hundred eighty degrees, and shed out towards the rear as it spun. This was another annotated style that he had cultivated from the Spirit Transforming Chapter in the past two years ¡ª To fill the surroundings with thin, sharp, and circr des. Once put to use, its strength was unusually great, and its deftness also didn¡¯t lose out. The sharpness of its point surpassed the prative power of a dagger. So long as it wanted to slice something to ribbons, even if it couldn¡¯t seed on the first try, it would aplish the deed when it whirled a second, third, or even more times.

    This lethal weapon was a de that couldn¡¯t help but cause Tianheng to exim in admiration.

    At this moment, the spinning de spun out. With a whistling sound, it swiftly sliced at the body of that ¡°whip¡±. In the blink of an eye, the whip was like a flower that burst forth with countless, beautiful petals. One slice of meat after another was peeled away, and fell down like fluttering leaves in the wind.

    In a split second, that thing let out a piercing cry. Immediately following that, it suffered the death of a thousand cuts.

    The spinning de withdrew at great speeds, and sank back into the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows.

    If there was anything praiseworthy after mastering the Spirit Transforming Chapter, it was that the des, shields, and any other objects condensed with the Spirit Transforming Chapter could all be regained. So long as the power wasn¡¯t damaged by others.

    This undoubtedly lightened the consumption of psychic power.

    At this time, Gu Zuo clearly saw the appearance of that thing. It was an earthworm-like monster. It originally possessed a monstrous head with a mouth filled with long fangs. Now, that head was sliced away. Along the entire body, there was only a long stretch of muscle. Besides this, there weren¡¯t even any bones.

    Those muscle fibers appeared to be very tough and durable. Previously, its fierce and imposing attacks reliedrgely upon its muscles to aplish. Gu Zuo¡¯s mind moved. He reached out a hand, and collected those muscle fibers.

    This stuff could be studied. After that, perhaps there could be other uses...

    After putting it away, the two continued to travel.

    In the dense fog, what appeared the most was this type of earthworm-like monster. Their bodies were thick, their flesh was hard, and their structures were flexible. The monsters appeared and disappeared unpredictably like spirits or ghosts. They were considered experts at ambushing.

    It could be assumed that this region, which was shrouded by fog, was their of these earthworm-like monsters &#k2014; Or, it was the ce where they congregated.

    However, these things came across Gu Zuo like errant snowkes meeting the intense sun. They simply had no way to resist, and were utterly in under the continuous attacks of the spinning de.

    Tianheng watched Gu Zuo¡¯s magnificent disys, and asionally lended a hand. It was just that, after taking action, he discovered that the power of the sun he utilized would burn down the flesh of the monsters. Even though he was careful, those muscles were still charred ck... He immediately put his hands away.

    Afterwards, the two saw that the fog ahead was bing thinner and thinner. When they could already see the silhouettes of the ancient buildings, they knew that they were about to leave the fog. The heavy pressure on their bodies was lightening, and the scouting range of Gu Zuo¡¯s discharged psychic power was also widening.

    They were still ten steps away, nine steps, eight steps...

    The deep fog became thinner, and the scenes outside became clearer.

    Gu Zuo embraced Tianheng¡¯s neck, and transmitted his voice.

    [Big brother, watch out. There¡¯s an ambush ahead!]

    Tianheng¡¯s expression turned slightly cold.

    [How many people?]

    [Three people.]

    [Where are they?]

    [Two on the left and one on the right.]

    [Ah Zuo has worked hard, but... Ah Zuo can rest easy now.]

    After the brief conversation, the two had already walked the final three steps, and left the fog!

    At almost the exact same time, three sts of power rushed in from both sides in a pincer attack, creating a surge of qi waves. The bitingly cold killing intent within those waves wanted to tear them apart. Among those that were the most terrifying, nothing could surpass the iingnce. It swept along a huge gale. It seemed as if it wanted to run through Tianheng and Gu Zuo simultaneously, making a skewer of bloody hawthorn-like corpses!

    Unfortunately, Gu Zuo and Tianheng had kept their guards up long ago.

    Tianheng¡¯s spear was like a dragon as it pierced straight out. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power turned into lightning as it swiftly collided with one of the attacks. Like the sh of electricity or the spark of a flint, the owners of those three sts of power failed in their surprise attack, and were suppressed instead. It didn¡¯t even take a single breath for two of the ambushers to be corpses under this counterattack!

    The corpses of this ce seemed to be more and more worthless...

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo stopped attacking, and looked at the three dead bodies scattered on the ground.

    There were two men and one woman. Each of them were low Immortal Realm martial artists. Looking at the strength of their qi emissions just now, they should¡¯ve been first-ss geniuses. However, for whatever reason, these people were lying in wait here to intercept and kill Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    Could they have been enemies?

    No. Based on the actions of these three people, rather than saying that they were enemies, it was better to say...

    Just as Tianheng was in the middle of thinking, he suddenly heard Gu Zuo give a low shout: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    His heart lurched: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    While he spoke, his arms exerted a bit more strength, and he supported Gu Zuo even more carefully.

    Gu Zuo raised a hand, and the inter-spatial tool in his possession opened. The things inside tumbled around and rolled out.

    The blood stench of those things assailed the senses. To his surprise, there were no less than seven or eight martial artists¡¯ heads!

    Gu Zuo sucked in a deep breath.

    This inter-spatial tool had just been plundered by his dear big brother from one of those corpses, and was handed over to him. However, when he was checking the belongings from this time¡¯s counter-looting, he unexpectedly realized that only having these bunch of human heads in this hollow and empty evening caused a malevolent appearance to emerge.

    Tianheng frowned slightly as he looked at the heads tumbling on the ground.

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°It wasn¡¯t wrong at all to kill those people just now. I really didn¡¯t expect that, aside from us, they would also kill so many people. But they wouldn¡¯t carry these human heads just topete and show off, right? In any case, the geniuses of other expanses wouldn¡¯t be this senseless...¡±

    Tianheng stabilized his arms: ¡°Ah Zuo, we¡¯ll keep going.¡±

    Gu Zuo hummed, and said: ¡°I don¡¯t know if there¡¯ll be any more ambushester on. Big brother needs to be careful.¡±

    Tianheng agreed. He carried Gu Zuo, and travelled towards a small hill ahead.

    That¡¯s right. Aftering out of the mass of fog, they realized that the distance to those ancient buildings was still separated by quite a few rolling hills. The hills weren¡¯t tall, but it clearly raised the difficulty in moving forward.

    What concerned Gu Zuo and Tianheng was whether they would encounter many ¡°human disasters¡± in these hills.

    As for the real state of affairs, it didn¡¯t go beyond the two¡¯s anticipations.

    Between these dozen or so hills, although Tianheng didn¡¯t meddle in other people¡¯s businesses and rushed ahead with all his strength, they were still met with quite a few batches of attacks. The two coordinated with a tacit understanding. They continuously took medicinal pills, and smoothly dodged this series of ambushes. On the contrary, they killed the ambushers neatly and cleanly.

    From these people¡¯s inter-spatial tools, the two either discovered an imperial order, or they saw the human heads stored in the inter-spatial tools. Naturally, the more they encountered these kinds of killers, the stronger the uneasy premonition they had in their hearts.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was tense: ¡°Big brother, they¡¯re made up of two different groups of people...¡±

    Tianheng also sighed: ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not limited to just two groups.¡±

    Bearing such conjectures and suspicions, the two passed through these hills and caught sight of the ancient buildings up ahead. This was still a city, but it looked even more simple and unadorned. However, there were basically very few ces that were ruined or destroyed. At the city gates, there were guards on patrol. Every person wore a set of armor and a helmet. Their expressions were solemn and respectful, imposing and dignified. They were the ideal soldiers. However, what made one guess with incredulity was how there could be such guards on the Road of Death? Could it be that, besides outsiders like them, there were also other inhabitants along the Road of Death?

    At the entrance of the city gates, the guards didn¡¯t obstruct the two. They only ncingly sized them up a little bit, and allowed them to pass in a straightforward manner.

    Gu Zuo entered the city while carried on his big brother¡¯s back. After his eyes looked all over the ce, he heaved a lengthy sigh. Was his guess just now actually correct?

    In this ancient city, there were many figuresing and going along the streets. Their clothing and style of dress were generally ancient. It was a style from several tens of thousands of years ago. Among the crowd, there were a small number of people nearby who were looking at Gu Zuo and Tianheng ¡ª Their gazes didn¡¯t contain any malice, but there wasn¡¯t too much goodwill either.

    Apart from this, everyone in the city was living in normal ways. It was curious, but more than that, it was smooth and steady. Vendors set up stalls on the street, people opened up all kinds of stores, and pedestrians were walking around. There were ces that held great simrities with every city outside the Road of Death.

    If there was anything peculiar or different... It was that none of the inhabitants doing their best to survive in this ancient city were martial artists.

    All of them weremon people.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was keen. He could sense that there were some surging qi emissions concealed among thesemon people. These individuals were very strong. Within the qi emissions, they were like those from before. They all had the desire tomit murder!

    Gu Zuo was very prudent, but his heart couldn¡¯t help but worry. These abnormal martial artists...

    Tianheng sensed Gu Zuo¡¯s mood, and said catingly: ¡°Ah Zuo, no matter what, you and I will first find a tavern to check in. Then, we¡¯ll scout out the situation.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally followed along.

    But immediately after this, the two heard several high-pitched and prating voices.

    ¡°The Third Prince¡¯s chariot has descended. Why haven¡¯t you all quickly withdrawn?¡±

    ¡°The hunt is already over, and the Young Master Xin will take first ce. How many prey have those younger generations beheaded?¡±

    ¡°Prince Zhou¡¯s subordinate is here. I havee to make aparison!¡±

    T/N: Just to borate, the Third Prince is denoted with ÍõÒ¯. This can mean prince, but usually as a conferred title for the brother of a monarch. ÍõÒ¯ can also mean marquis or nobleman. A ÍõÒ¯ cannot inherit the throne. Meanwhile, Prince Zhou is denoted with »Ê×Ó. This definitively means prince, and it¡¯s reserved for the son of a monarch. A »Ê×Ó can inherit the throne. For example, Prince Cang Yu also uses this denotation.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 273 - Headhunting

    <h4>Chapter 273 - Headhunting</h4>

    Taking advantage of the fact that the majority had their attentions drawn to these voices, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body flickered and dodged to the side. He did his best to reduce his own presence.

    Gu Zuo also kept silent. He vaguely sensed that the present situation wasn¡¯t too suitable.

    The meaning within the words of those people...

    He wasn¡¯t relieved after thinking about it. Gu Zuo released his psychic power to cover both of them. He used it to shield their qi emissions.

    Because the two hid rather quickly, they evaded the gazes of those people for the time being. The martial artists within the crowd who possessed killing intent and qi emissions quickly flew out, and came into view along the street.

    Thosemon people seemed to be used to such happenings. They all carried their things and hid near those stores, giving these martial artists the room to move out.

    At the same time, the sky suddenly echoed with several voices that shattered the air. From the fragments, three people appeared above that open space.

    Three to five people gathered before each individual.

    During this bit of time, three groups had already shown up in mutual confrontation.

    Gu Zuo stared fixedly at these people. His throat gulped.

    Their strengths weren¡¯t weak.

    Those low Immortal Realms weren¡¯t worth talking about. Meanwhile, those three martial artists who¡¯d just shouted at each other had ostentatiously disyed their imposing auras. They had the strengths of mid Immortal Realms.

    Three people stood proudly.

    A young man who wore a light-yellow, full-body robe said: ¡°Bingchen Guards, how many dregs have you purged?¡±

    Another person who wore a ck-colored changpao opened his mouth and said: ¡°Imperial Guards of Zhou, how many heads have you hunted?¡±

    In addition, that person in the sapphire-blue brocade robes raised a question: ¡°Yiyuan Guards, how many weeds have you uprooted?¡±

    Then, they said: ¡°Take them out for inspection at once!¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    Dregs, heads, and weeds... These people were really too arrogant.

    Although the little prince in their Sect was very haughty, what he was proud of was his own capabilities. However, he had never belittled others to raise himself up.

    Where had these guyse from?

    The next moment, Gu Zuo smelled a pungent, bloody stench.

    The bunch of deferential people in front of the three all took out and opened the inter-spatial tools in their possessions. Many human heads rolled out, and made separate piles on the ground.

    In just a few breaths of time, three piles of human heads had already appeared. Each pile had dozens of heads.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was somewhat disturbed.

    Most of the eyes of these heads violently bulged from their sockets. It was obvious that they had died with extreme unwillingness. Their injustices rushed straight into the sky. The blood paste that clung to the faces of these heads was like flowing tears of blood.

    From those eyes that refused to close in death, grievances and hatred spilled forth, which bled into the surrounding space. After anyone saw this, a type of fury would well up from the bottom of their hearts ¡ª This was the influence from those people¡¯s leftover resentments after death.

    However, after looking at these three piles of human heads, those people¡¯s expressions were very natural. To these people, it was as if these heads weren¡¯t the lives of real humans, but rather the ordinary items fetched in thispetition with the others.

    ¡°The Bingchen Guards have eliminated forty-three dregs for a total of forty-three heads!¡±

    ¡°The Imperial Guards of Zhou have hunted forty-one heads!¡±

    ¡°The Yiyuan Guards have pulled out forty weeds, and have obtained forty heads!¡±

    Those three people heard this, and the young man in the light-yellow robes stood straight with his hands sped behind his back. He sneered and said: ¡°Sure enough, my Bingchen Guards have lived up to my expectations, and havee out on top. The Third Prince defers to providence, and will certainly be addressed as emperor in the future. The othermoners aren¡¯t worth mentioning!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he half-nced at these human heads. Then, he led those couple of subordinates away whileughing boisterously.

    The other two people coldly snorted.

    The one in the ck changpao had a displeased expression: ¡°Not obtaining first is equivalent to a loss. Move out! Imperial Guards of Zhou, after you all return, you¡¯ll have to exin yourselves to Prince Zhou personally!¡±

    Once he was done talking, he also led this group of people away.

    The final ones remaining were the young man wearing the sapphire-blue brocade robes, and the three Yiyuan Guards.

    This young man¡¯s expression was unsightly: ¡°Yiyuan Guards, is this the kind of face you¡¯ll give to the great young master? I gave you those spirit weapons, and yet you still couldn¡¯t hunt down a few more heads? Truly, such useless things!¡±

    Each and every one of the five Yiyuan Guards were kneeling on the ground. They bent their heads and said: ¡°Reporting to the Second Steward, we discovered a few corpses in front of the Mist Cloud Region. They were our colleagues. It may be assumed that they had encountered prodigies from the Peripheral Continents. They were beheaded by someone!¡±

    Hearing this, the young man in the sapphire-blue brocade robes, the Second Steward, halted his footsteps. His words carried a trace of contempt: ¡°Prodigies of the Peripheral Continents? How could those ruinednds produce any prodigies? Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡±

    The five members of the Yiyuan Guards didn¡¯t dare to speak.

    After the Second Steward disparaged them, he still closed his eyes in the end. He adjusted his state of mind, and said: ¡°Alright. I will report this matter to the great young master. If there really are others, I¡¯ll recruit some subordinates. I won¡¯t waste the great young master¡¯s energy. He personally went to the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen to select talents.¡±

    Naturally, the five Yiyuan Guards agreed repeatedly.

    Immediately following this, the Second Steward departed as well.

    Prior to leaving, he still wasn¡¯t too pleased in his heart: ¡°People of the Peripheral Continents... Heh! Once this steward calls them in, it¡¯ll certainly make him realize that even so-called prodigies can¡¯t bepared to a strand of this steward¡¯s hair! Don¡¯t think that those low-grade fleas can capture the great young master¡¯s regards!¡±

    Once everyone left, themon people on the street returned to their original positions, and continued their lives as usual.

    Some soldiers from the city gates came over. They packed away the three piles of heads on the ground and dragged them all away. The entire process was straightforward and smooth as if they had done this hundreds or thousands of times.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t withdraw his psychic power, and Tianheng still kept his presence lowered. The two remained calm, and quietly searched for lodgings at a tavern here.

    After paying ten gold, they checked in without a hitch, and entered their own room.

    At this point, Gu Zuo let out a breath and wiped away the imaginary sweat on his forehead: ¡°Big brother, can you put me down?¡±

    Tianheng let go of him, and the two sat down on the couch in the room: ¡°Ah Zuo, what did you notice?¡±

    Gu Zuo said, a bit powerless: ¡°I heard their words... It seems like they came from the Central Continent.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was serene and deep: ¡°If I haven¡¯t guessed wrongly, these people should be the children of rtivelyrge forces and even of the imperial family from the Central Continent. They came here to select the talents who can return as their subordinates. That unbridled massacre from before must be a filter...¡±

    Gu Zuo also felt that this was reasonable: ¡°In that case, what are we going to do?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°We mustn¡¯t draw attention to ourselves. First, we¡¯ll take a look at the situation before anything else.¡±

    The two decided to do this, and stayed in the current tavern for the time being. However, holing up in the tavern the entire time certainly wouldn¡¯t be any good. The road ahead was long. They needed to pass through this ancient city, and hurry to the next location to finally walk out of this Road of Death.

    Once the discussion was finished, Gu Zuo and Tianheng sat cross-legged in meditation, and regted their breathing.

    ¡ª They had to leave tomorrow.

    Deep in the night.

    Gu Zuo suddenly opened his eyes.

    He heard a rustling noise outside right before the sliding door let out a bang. Something was rushing inside!

    Gongyi Tianheng reacted at the same time, and reached out a hand. He scooped Gu Zuo up, and threw him onto his own shoulders: ¡°Ah Zuo, prepare for battle!¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally understood, and tacitly embraced Tianheng¡¯s shoulders. Following that, Gu Zuo fought together with Tianheng against the monster that had just barged into the room.

    After that, he said with astonishment: ¡°This ce isn¡¯t the outskirts or the countryside, it¡¯s a proper tavern. Why did this monster charge inside? This so-called tavern is toox in its security...¡±

    After Tianheng pped out a palm to shatter the attacking monster, he kept watch at the doorway. He replied: ¡°Ah Zuo, things aren¡¯t so simple.¡±

    At this moment, Gu Zuo also got a clear view of the tavern¡¯s circumstances.

    Just like the monsters the two had encountered the previous nights, there were simrly many flickering shadows in this tavern. Those things charged into every room, and the sounds of fighting emanated from the rooms.

    Gu Zuo felt that something was wrong.

    His faculty of memory was very strong. In his impression, the person who checked into the room a few doors over was amon man who was basically incapable of using martial skills. ording to reason, the monster should¡¯ve made quick work of the upant after barging in. So why were the sounds of fightinging out of that room?

    Tianheng¡¯s steps alternated as he rushed towards that direction.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo saw the interior¡¯s situation.

    In that room, the two sides that fought were actually both monsters!

    Both were simrly bald, and both had exposed muscles and tendons all over their bodies. They were likewise iparably ugly and exceptionally violent. They were like each other¡¯s mortal enemies as they swiftly tore into their counterpart¡¯s flesh.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the monsters¡¯ bones to be ripped out or their skin and flesh to be split open.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s breath was caught in his throat.

    The clothes of those two monsters ¡ª

    Tianheng said: ¡°The waiter and the rich merchant.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head with difficulty: ¡°When it was daytime, they were obviously still living people...¡±

    This wasn¡¯t a shoot for a horror movie. Could it be that the people in this tavern had all suddenly been infected by a virus in one night? But he and his big brother didn¡¯t have this type of feeling at all!

    He wasn¡¯t convinced. If someone really had used poison, they couldn¡¯t have concealed it from the perception of a pharmacist like him!

    The next moment, the two monsters that were originally fighting with each other turned their heads.

    Their gazes fell upon the bodies of the two humans. Soon after, they unexpectedly abandoned their own fight. Instead, they let out yells, and threw themselves at Gu Zuo and Tianheng!

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo fired two silver awls ¡ª

    Bang! Bang!

    ¡ª Which exploded their heads wide open.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 274 - Rushing Through

    <h4>Chapter 274 - Rushing Through</h4>

    After ying the two monsters, Gu Zuo silently pressed on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s shoulders: ¡°Big brother, what do you think we should do now?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°It looks like this tavern¡¯s owner and guests have already turned into monsters. You and I should go back to our room, and keep watch at the door.¡±

    Gu Zuo also felt that this was reasonable, and waited at the doorway with Tianheng in ordance to his words.

    Every time a monster came to attack, the two would exterminate it. Gu Zuo felt apprehension in his heart. After killing those monsters, he would use his psychic power to roll them up, and toss them into that room with the rich merchant and waiter monsters.

    Gradually, the night passed. The monsters slowly dwindled until they finally disappeared.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng returned to their room once more.

    After another two hours passed, the daylight shined brightly.

    Suddenly, a shrill cry echoed from outside: ¡°Dead people! There¡¯s dead people over here!¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    This time around, Tianheng wasn¡¯t carrying Gu Zuo on his back. Rather, he pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s arm, and they walked outside together.

    At this time, many people gathered at the doorway of that rich merchant. Each person¡¯s expression was different. It looked like they were either frightened or curious.

    Gu Zuo looked at the faces of these dead people, and felt a sense of dread in his heart... If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, inside were the monsters he¡¯d seen yesterday with his psychic power! Today, they had transformed back into humans again. What was going on?

    Following this, Tianheng also nced into that room.

    There really were a dozen or so dead bodies, and basically all of them had been killed by him and Gu Zuo. Now that those corpses had changed back into human appearances, their deaths appeared very wretched.

    Conflicted, Gu Zuo transmitted his voice to Tianheng.

    [Big brother, it feels like what we killed weren¡¯t monsters, but rather ordinary people. You don¡¯t think that we were caught in an illusion and had mistakenly killed peoplest night, right?]

    Tianheng shook his head.

    [If it was an illusion, they wouldn¡¯t havested a single move in our hands with the capabilities of ordinary people. Their wretched and desperate corpses also wouldn¡¯t have been limited to just this.]

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and reached the same conclusion, too.

    Right. If it was an illusion, a casual move of theirs would¡¯ve directly sted their bodies to pieces. It wouldn¡¯t have been like what they were seeing now. The wounds on the corpses were exactly the same as what they had caused yesterday.

    Then, in other words, these people were humans during the day, and they turned into monsters at night? Was it possible that the ancient city they came to was a den of monsters?!

    Last night, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power had delivered the soundsing from the other few rooms. At that time, monsters were fighting monsters in those ces. There were some that lived and some that perished. But now, after he got a clear look, Gu Zuo was astonished even more.

    The monsters that had died by the hands of other monsters yesterday were still healthy and active! It was like they had never died!

    Could it be that only the monsters that perished under the hands of outsiders like them would truly die? No matter how much the other monsters fought each other, was it all actually just a spar?

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo lightly pinched Tianheng¡¯s arm. They seamlessly left this ce, arrived in front of the tavern owner, and checked out. Following this, they stayed at an inconspicuous area next to the tavern.

    Sure enough, not much time had passed before a formation of city guards came to handle the pile of murder cases here. They didn¡¯t discover who the murderer was, and they had no choice but to deal with the corpses.

    Soon, a dozen or so bup sacks were carried out by the others. Packed inside were precisely those dead bodies. Gu Zuo stealthily followed them with his psychic power, and ¡°watched¡± the city guards carrying away the corpses before tossing them onto a random burial mound outside the city. After that, the sacks were opened, and the dead bodies were casually thrown into a deep pit. Just like that, the matter was settled.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was cast into that hole. He shockingly discovered that these corpses had once again turned back into monsters! However, it didn¡¯t look like a single one of these city guards who¡¯d tossed the dead bodies inside had noticed...

    After withdrawing his psychic power, Gu Zuo told Tianheng everything he¡¯d seen and heard.

    Tianheng pondered for a little bit: ¡°Ah Zuo, if one person was pretending, then it would still be credible, but everyone in the city is like this. Perhaps, during the day, they seriously don¡¯t know about their own appearances at night.¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°Based on your elder brother¡¯s spection, it may be assumed that one of the causes has something to do with the Road of Death. This ce¡¯s special situation is also unknown. Right now, you and I must leave this ce as quickly as possible. As for the matter of these monsters... If anye to attack at night, then we¡¯ll kill them. The rest of the time, if we¡¯re free, it won¡¯t be toote to go out and explore again.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then, that¡¯ll be okay. The most important point for us right now is still to avoid those people from the Central Continent, right?¡±

    That group of fellows who senselessly went around randomly murdering people...

    Tianheng said: ¡°Just so. Let¡¯s move!¡±

    At once, Gu Zuo embraced Tianheng¡¯s neck. The two were like a trail of light mist as they swiftly headed towards the rear of the city.

    Outside this ancient city, there was anotherrge road.

    This road was very wide, but it wasn¡¯t known how many travelers it could amodate at one time. There were mountain ranges on both sides of the road, but each and every mountain weren¡¯t lone peaks. They surpassed lone peaks. All of them stuck straight up into the sky like rows of monolithic, steel needles, which stabbed into the surroundings of this road. It was the only path one could take.

    No matter where one looked, there were no other roads. Some locations surged with fog, and some ces had numerous strange, man-eating nts. It was extremely dangerous everywhere.

    Gu Zuo twitched his mouth: ¡°Big brother, this is the real Road of Death...¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°It should be.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°In that case, will we arrive at the Central Continent after passing through it?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Probably.¡±

    Alright. In any case, they would traverse this road before anything else!

    There was still...ten days left.

    There weren¡¯t any monsters on the road.

    But what did suddenly appear were people from different forces.

    Gongyi Tianheng was carrying Gu Zuo on his back. Suddenly, his figure leaned backwards. At the same time, the spear in his hand shook, and a beam of terrifying qi energy burst forth. There was a fluctuation in the middle of the air. It transformed into three circr arcs, which continuously struck at the person who arrived!

    That person grasped two oddly-shaped des.

    Crash! ng!

    Those three circr arcs were neutralized. Soon after, his steps transformed, and his figure lowered. He wanted to chop Tianheng in half at the waist! Tianheng¡¯s body technique changed again, and he immediately pressed down with his spear. At once, the spear curved around, and the spear tip shot out ¡ª Directly at that person¡¯s chest!

    Originally, that person was going to dodge. If he sacrificed half of his shoulder, then he could escape with his life. However, right at this moment, his figure suddenly stiffened. In a split second, he was impaled by the spear tip. Blood poured from his chest, and he died!

    Only Tianheng¡¯s praise could be heard: ¡°The timing of Ah Zuo¡¯s move just now was beautiful.¡±

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t me me for acting hastily.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°This ce has dangers lurking around every corner. We take action only to attack the enemy, and not for an impartialpetition. How has Ah Zuo made any mistake?¡±

    Then, Gu Zuo showed a smiling expression.

    In the past, whenever they were under a group attack, Gu Zuo would certainly make a move. However, when it was a one-on-one battle, he would let Tianheng respond on his own because Gu Zuo believed in his big brother¡¯s strength.

    Currently, they had been traveling on this road for more than half a day. From time to time, a new martial artist would suddenly appear from the dense fog or the nt thickets as they walked along the way.

    Gu Zuo knew that these people probably came via different routes, but all roads led to the same destination. Ultimately, they would still be traveling upon this Road of Death.

    Perhaps it was because these martial artists had previously experienced too many dangers, and maybe there were calctions in each of their hearts ¡ª After appearing on this Road of Death, without exception, each and every one of them would attack Tianheng and Gu Zuo in an attempt to kill them. Since it was like this, Tianheng and Gu Zuo naturally struck back.

    The people who showed up were usually low Immortal Realms. They definitely weren¡¯t Tianheng¡¯s opponents, but that person just now was a mid Immortal Realm martial artist!

    With regards to Tianheng, this mid Immortal Realm martial artist still needed to be dealt with properly. He wasn¡¯t able to exterminate this martial artist with ease. On top of this, a younger generation from such arge organization might¡¯ve had hidden trump cards ¡ª Just a while ago, a low Immortal Realm fellowunched an attack while facing death¡¯s door. If Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power wasn¡¯t keen enough and if Tianheng¡¯s intuition towards danger wasn¡¯t strong enough, that attack might¡¯ve secretly reached them!

    As a result, when Gu Zuo saw that the realm of this person was high, after his big brother gained an advantage during the fight, he didn¡¯t take the other¡¯s actions into consideration ¡ª In any case, he couldn¡¯t give this guy the chance to take out his trump cards!

    Tianheng naturally understood this point.

    Thus, he didn¡¯t me Gu Zuo at all. On the contrary, he encouraged Gu Zuo.

    On this Road of Death, fairness and the self-respect of geniuses weren¡¯t important. In order to avoid capsizing into the gutters, one needed to be cautious and prudent to keep on living. That was the most important thing!

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back, and they continued to proceed at flying speeds.

    He sensed Gu Zuo¡¯s sour mood, and the edge of his lips curled into a faint smile.

    He could probably guess Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking, but there was one matter that Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t thought of.

    The reason why those people came to attack wasn¡¯t only because they had met with many dangers or because they were scheming. Rather, they had immediately assumed that the two of them were weak and vulnerable.

    Tianheng¡¯s realm was only at the peak of Xiantian. This couldn¡¯t be concealed from an Immortal Realm martial artist. As for Gu Zuo, he was a pharmacist. Even though he learned how to use psychic powers, in their eyes, this wasn¡¯t capable of shaking up an Immortal Realm.

    Since it was like this, even if Tianheng was a genius who could fight at higher realms, even if Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining level was extremely high and his psychic power was powerful, those Immortal Realms believed that they didn¡¯t pose the slightest threat.

    Therefore, they wanted to kill these two people to plunder their Heaven¡¯s Eye Stone as well as their medicinal pills ¡ª How couldn¡¯t a pharmacist carry some top-notch medicinal pills? Naturally, they had already discovered that they couldn¡¯t automatically recover their true qi in this ce. So they could only rely on pills. Granted that the medicinal pills in Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s hands were only suitable for Xiantian martial artists, after robbing the pills, they would take sufficient quantities for it to be somewhat useful.

    While Tianheng was thinking, he adjusted his hold on Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo tightly embraced him again without dy.

    The two suddenly turned into a bolt of lightning, which swiftly shed down the road!

    In front of their eyes, another ancient city had appeared.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo had already been rushing for a day and night. After reaching this ancient city, they could take advantage of the daylight to rest. And when it was close to night, they would leave the ancient city from the other road to avoid the monsters that filled the city.

    However, just before they were about to enter the ancient city, they suddenly heard someone calling out to them.

    ¡°Brother Gongyi! Brother Gu!¡±

    This voice was a little strange, but it was also a bit familiar.

    Gu Zuo turned his head around to take a look. This was...Song He?

    Compared to before, the present Song He was much more bright and handsome.

    T/N: The next chapter happens to be the only double-length chapter in this volume, so the updating schedule won¡¯t be affected much.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 275 - Captured

    <h4>Chapter 275 - Captured</h4>

    Song He wasn¡¯t the only person here. Next to him was a beautiful woman. And beside the woman were two gant and bright young men who were particrly attentive towards her.

    Just by looking at them, that beautiful woman was rather close to Song He. As for how she treated those two men, she was clearly somewhat icily arrogant.

    Right now, Song He had called out to the two. Gongyi Tianheng halted his steps, and spoke together with Gu Zuo: ¡°Brother Song.¡±

    Song He made introductions very enthusiastically: ¡°Brother Gongyi, Brother Gu. This is my Senior Sect Sister Yao Yao, who entered the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen alongside us this time.¡±

    Then, the level of his enthusiasm was lowered slightly: ¡°These two are Senior Sect Sister Yao¡¯s friends, Brother Jiang Qin and Brother Gao Peng. They are both very strong.¡±

    In a moment, Gu Zuo distinguished the realms of these few people.

    The realm of that beautiful woman, Yao Yao, wasn¡¯t low. She was already a mid Immortal Realm martial artist. Jiang Qin and Gao Peng were the same. The one who was slightly weaker was the low Immortal Realm Song He.

    The three of them didn¡¯t seem to be members of a single organization. Otherwise, Song He wouldn¡¯t have addressed them this differently.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng politely said: ¡°These two sirs and Young Lady Yao ¡ª It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡±

    Yao Yao faintly smiled at the two. Like a hundred blossoming flowers, her smile was iparably tender and beautiful. Her voice was also like the song of a ck-naped oriole. Although it wasn¡¯t that fervent, it still possessed a type of special quality that made it pleasant to listen to: ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, too.¡±

    However, Yao Yao¡¯s positive bearing wasn¡¯t considered a good thing.

    Off to the side, theplexions of Jiang Qin and Gao Peng both changed.

    Just then, when their gazes swept over Tianheng, they originally couldn¡¯t help but automatically reveal a trace of malice. And this kind of malice, amid Yao Yao¡¯s gentle warmth, had reached even higher values. Their hearts were aggrieved. Thus, they only negligently nodded their heads. There weren¡¯t any intentions of taking the initiative to speak.

    Tianheng was unconcerned.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo felt a little exasperated ¡ª Those two fellows wouldn¡¯t happen to be jealous of his big brother because he was too handsome and that woman was paying too much attention to him, right? Greeting one another was a basic courtesy! And being unjustly attacked was a little uncalled for!

    At this time, Jiang Qin¡¯s tone of voice carried a hint of impatience as he reminded: ¡°Brother Song, we should be entering the city.¡±

    Song He responded in affirmation, and made a sincere invitation to Tianheng and Gu Zuo: ¡°Crossing paths twice is being brought together by fate. These two sirs, why not enter the city with this Song?¡±

    Yao Yao seemed to be a little surprised, but she didn¡¯t voice any refusals after Song He brought this up.

    This kind of scene made her two suitors even more displeased.

    Although Gao Peng constrained his emotions somewhat, his words still unavoidably bore a trace of disdain: ¡°There¡¯s one crisis after another on the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen. Mid Immortal Realm martial artists can also only barely protect themselves. If one¡¯s strength is of no use, then one shouldn¡¯t burden others... Brother Song, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Not a single word was spoken to Tianheng, but the implication was definitely to make Tianheng voluntarily refuse so that he didn¡¯t be a nuisance to them!

    Hearing this, Gu Zuo was very upset.

    Gu Zuo thought about giving that guy a silver awl to make him nice and cold. What was he to do?

    Song He¡¯s smiling expression turned stiff.

    Actually, he also didn¡¯t have the slightest good impression of Gao Peng and Jiang Qin. Yes, their strengths were quite powerful and their martial skills were brilliant. They were counted as genius personages. However, his Senior Sect Sister was even more extraordinary. How could they be her match? What¡¯s more, these two people looked down on him, so it would be strange if he was willing to let them act as his senior¡¯spanions!

    Now, they were even more done for, having ridiculed Tianheng to his face ¡ª In actuality, Song He¡¯s confidence in Tianheng was far greater than his trust in these two fellows!

    It really seemed that Tianheng¡¯s realm wasn¡¯t high, but his strength and his ability to persevere through prolongedbat far ousted that of these two people! If these two individuals were considered geniuses, then Tianheng could still throw them eighteen streets over, bing a peak existence among geniuses! Furthermore, there was Gu Zuo, the pharmacist whose psychic power was incredibly mysterious.

    Song He had, with great difficulty, relied upon this tiny bit of friendship borne from two coincidental meetings, and had tried to journey together with Tianheng and Gu Zuo in the face of a ¡°pleasant encounter¡±. In the end, just as he suggested this, it was ruined by those two fellows who didn¡¯t have eyes to see! He was quite dejected.

    Sure enough, Tianheng tactfully declined at the next moment: ¡°This one appreciates Brother Song¡¯s kindness. However, Brother Song isn¡¯t by himself anymore, so I won¡¯t interrupt you any longer.¡±

    Song He¡¯s smile became a bit strained. He hesitated: ¡°This&#k2026; Since these two sirs don¡¯t have any intentions, then this Song won¡¯t force the issue.¡± Very quickly, his expression became solemn and respectful, ¡°To be quite honest, these two sirs have done the favor of saving this Song¡¯s life. Consequently, this Song has obtained some information that I¡¯d like to share. If these two sirs aren¡¯t willing to travel together, that¡¯s no problem. But we¡¯ll still be entering the city at the same time. This Song may as well share this information with these two sirs. After entering the city, it won¡¯t be toote for you and I to go our separate ways.¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment: ¡°Many thanks for this.¡±

    Gu Zuo also expressed his thanks to Song He.

    Song He¡¯s obstinance enraged Gao Peng and Jiang Qin. They opened their mouths as if they were going to continue berating him. Only, just before they started, Gao Peng saw a trace of unhappiness quickly flicker across Yao Yao¡¯s face. He immediately closed his mouth. And since Jiang Qin and Gao Peng were love rivals, Jiang Qin also naturally paid attention to Gao Peng¡¯s expressions at all times. The moment he saw Gao Peng stop, Jiang Qin no longer said anything else without the slightest hesitation.

    Gao Peng discovered that Jiang Qin had learned about his matter, and was a little annoyed. However, in his opinion, the one who was even more dangerous than Jiang Qin was still Gongyi Tianheng.

    A group of six people entered the city gates, each with their own thoughts. In order to build a good rtionship with Tianheng and Gu Zuo, Song He didn¡¯t keep them in suspense, and talked about all the things that he knew of: ¡°Brother Gongyi should¡¯ve also noticed those seemingly-ordinarymoners within several ancient cities. During the day, they live normally, but when night arrives, they transform into monsters that hunger for flesh and blood. They are a hindrance to people like us who¡¯vee to the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.¡±

    Tianheng nodded slightly: ¡°That¡¯s right. They¡¯ll tear and rend each other, but they¡¯lle back to life during the day. It¡¯s very bizarre.¡±

    Song He said: ¡°Brother Gongyi might not know about this. After the continents separated at that time, these ancient cities and monsters are actually the originally founded cities and their inhabitants. Back when thendmass shattered into pieces, the strange energy brought about by that disaster turned the living people into monsters. However, their consciousness was preserved within the minds of those monsters, which made them feel that they themselves were still real humans. Thus, under the influence of their consciousness and the interference of the outside world, the monsters both reproduced and lived their lives like ordinary people. During the night, they liberate the evil thoughts in their hearts, and during the day, they maintain the awareness of humans. Gradually, they survived just like this...¡±

    Gu Zuo listened up to here, and his heart felt a little upset.

    Back then, there were still people here on thisndmass, but they were truly quite unlucky.

    Song He continued to speak: ¡°As for why these monsters are ordinary in the day and have greatly increased attack power at night, it¡¯s rted to their origins. In those years that the disaster arrived, the powerhouses of this region bore the brunt of its devastation, and were the first to be erased. After that, the remaining martial artists weren¡¯t strong enough. Although they could slightly resist the onught of the disaster¡¯s powers in the beginning, whether they were gradually assimted, ormitted suicide to preserve their dignity, or died from old age, the ones who were ultimately left behind were just the monsters that never embarked upon the path of martial arts. Only the intent that was left behind by these martial artists was engraved into the blood of these monsters. This was passed down from generation to generation, granting them the capabilities to attack.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he sighed: ¡°Of course, the strengths of the first monsters weren¡¯t that powerful. However, this ceter became the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen. More and more genius martial artists died here, and their intent was simrly left behind. After being absorbed by these monsters, it gradually became their own to use... Reaching the present day, the monsters have already be very powerful. As more time passes, the monsters will be even stronger. It¡¯s just that, no matter how strong they are, they¡¯ll never surpass the mid Immortal Realm. This ce can also be considered a natural tempering site.¡±

    He was very sincere with the things he knew about, and introduced everything one by one. This immediately answered the questions in Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s minds.

    However...

    Tianheng inquired: ¡°Where did Brother Song find out about these secrets?¡±

    There was a hint of embarrassment on Song He¡¯s face: ¡°Speaking of which, it was also a coincidence. Previously, I...¡± He spoke a little vaguely, ¡°...Encountered a dead body, and obtained a secret manual from that dead body. These matters were written inside it.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t pry: ¡°So it was like this. Many thanks for the pointers, Brother Song!¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°By the way, Brother Song, have you heard about the Third Prince, Prince Zhou, and Young Master Xin?¡±

    Song He startled: ¡°Brother Gu, is it possible that you¡¯ve met them? Then, you¡ª¡±

    He spoke somewhat indignantly: ¡°Those are people from the Central Continent. They came over to select talents for their own forces, to collect people like us from the Peripheral Continents, and to go back and order us about. If it was only this, then it could be glossed over as a pursuit for talents. However, those couple of people are very tyrannical. Prior to recruiting, they first send people to hold a great purge. Everyone who can¡¯t escape from their hands are unqualified. It could be described as extremely arrogant and insolent!¡±

    Many people hadn¡¯t gotten very far and were already dead under the great purge. It could be said that they were truly small and weak, but it also could be said that they weren¡¯t vignt enough.

    But, regardless of which type one was, the main culprits were still those three powerful people who came over from the Central Continent!

    Gu Zuo confirmed his and Tianheng¡¯s conjectures from Song He, and the worries in his heart bubbled forth.

    How many people from the Southern Expanse had died during this purge? Furthermore, he didn¡¯t know if his close friend, Xu Lingxiu, was still alive... He was a pharmacist, so he ought to have been shown mercy, right?

    However, Gu Zuo also knew that this way of thinking was too naive. After all, as a pharmacist himself, none of his opponents had shown him any mercy during their journey. How could he have any extravagant hopes of Xu Lingxiu being let off easy by someone else? It was just that he didn¡¯t know if he would still be able to meet Xu Lingxiu on the road ahead.

    Tianheng first asked: ¡°Brother Song, aside from us, have you met anyone else from the Peripheral Continents?¡±

    Song He forced a smile and said: ¡°Not yet. Even if I did, they¡¯d either swiftly pass by or turn into corpses.¡± He was very frustrated, ¡°I also just found out that there are a total of four Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, but it¡¯s not that every two expanses share the use of one road. Rather, whenever we martial artists go in, we¡¯ll randomly enter a certain Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen through the distortions of the thick fog. I¡¯m someone from the Southeastern Expanse, but I don¡¯t know if the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen that I¡¯vee to is the road on the eastern side or the southern side.¡±

    To put it simply, the people of every expanse would be warped to a nearby Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen. For example, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were members of the Southern Expanse. As such, the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen that they entered might¡¯ve been the eastern, western, or southern roads. Song He was from the Southeastern Expanse, so he either went to the eastern or southern roads. Thus, it was extremely unlikely that he had jumped to the western or northern roads.

    Likewise, it was possible that the people Gu Zuo and Tianheng met were martial artists of any expanse. However, it was unknown which passage they were specifically traveling across.

    Naturally, the possibility that the two were on the southern road was still the highest.

    The group continued to move forward.

    On this side, Song He shared information with Gu Zuo and Tianheng. On that side, although Jiang Qin and Gao Peng didn¡¯t look upon them too favorably, they were also happy that Tianheng didn¡¯t strike up a conversation with Yao Yao. As a result, they only surrounded Yao Yao and didn¡¯t pay any attention to what Song He was talking about with Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    The situation in this ancient city wasn¡¯t any different from the other cities. Only, there were more people in this ancient city. Suppose, for instance, those previous ancient cities were at the township level, then this one was at the county level. Perhaps, the following ancient cities would be evenrger.

    After entering the city, they were originally going to separate. However, after considering the issue of taverns, they went in search of one together.

    Gu Zuo still had some doubts: ¡°Brother Song, do you know the specific identities of those three powerful people? In addition, can they really act so unscrupulously on this Road of Death?¡±

    Song He¡¯s current information was fast and abundant, but most of it was obtained from that dead body. Song He recalled something, and said in a low voice: ¡°This Song only knows that the Third Prince is actually a prince of a bronze-level empire on the Central Continent. In that empire, anyone who can be granted the title of ¡®prince¡¯ isn¡¯t an ordinary genius. Not only does he have the support of many forces and ns inside the empire, he also has the backing of sects and other organizations on the outside. Of course, his own aptitudes and potential are certainly at the first rank.

    He continued: ¡°The Third Prince came here this time because he had epted the royal family¡¯s title bestowment trial. To pass this trial, he has to find the appropriate talents here and bring them back as battle ves. Then, he can gain a true title. Otherwise, the Third Prince will only be a reserve member. Even with the name of a prince, he can¡¯t obtain the unified recognition of the empire. Compared to those princes who¡¯ve passed their trials, his position and treatment will be lower by half. The prince himself will also have no face.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    There was a lot of information in these words...

    He hesitated for a moment before saying in a feeble voice: ¡°How old is the Third Prince? After the mid Immortal Realm, he can¡¯t enter this ce, right?¡±

    Song He despaired: ¡°The Third Prince is only twenty-two years old.¡±

    Gu Zuo was also discouraged.

    He was even more outstanding than Huang Ji! And his age was about the same as his big brother...

    Song He shook his head: ¡°In addition, the purpose ofing here for the other two, Prince Zhou and Young Master Xin, are the same. In theirpetition with the Third Prince, their statuses and strengths ought to be equally matched. This time around, three great lords havee. Who knows what¡¯ll happen in the end?¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo spoke one sentence: ¡°In any case, this Gu would rather die than be a battle ve.¡±

    Song He sighed and said: ¡°This is natural, but anyone who is marked as a ve has no freedom of choice in life and death. Rather than living in this way, I¡¯d rather go down fighting.¡±

    Gu Zuo repeatedly nodded his head: ¡°Right, that makes perfect sense!¡±

    As the two talked and chatted, they had unwittingly arrived in front of the street which, after making inquiries, housed the best tavern around. If they were going to rest, they¡¯d certainly pick the best and mostfortable ce.

    But just as the group walked to the street entrance, Gu Zuo heard shouting and cursing up ahead: ¡°Who are all of you?! Why are you blocking the way?¡±

    Then, another personshed out: ¡°If you¡¯re sensible, you¡¯ll quickly let us through. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to the owners of these voices. They were the ones who didn¡¯t get along too well with his big brother ¡ª Jiang Qin and Gao Peng. These two thought very highly of themselves, and had an air of arrogance. They were reprimanding at this moment because they had been met with an unhappy matter. They were originally walking forward, but had been obstructed by others just now.

    Song He hastily said: ¡°Let¡¯s go and take a look.¡±

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back, and moved behind Song He with steps that were neither fast nor slow.

    Gu Zuo was a little nervous: ¡°Big brother, do you think we¡¯vee across some trouble?¡±

    Tianheng was tranquil: ¡°It¡¯s more like trouble hase to us.¡±

    Indeed... Trouble had arrived.

    After Gu Zuo drew closer, he discovered that there were dozens of people watching over this street. They wore armor, and were just like soldiers. Themander who headed them was even more lofty and out of the ordinary. With an abundant height of three meters, bronze-colored skin, and sharp and chiseled features, he possessed the tenacity and intensity that was characteristic of a military man.

    The ones who barred Gao Peng and Jiang Qin¡¯s way were two soldiers. They both had the strengths of the low Immortal Realm. At this moment, they held their spears and crossed them horizontally in front of everyone.

    It was clear that this path was blocked.

    What was even more surprising was that, even with a beauty with such an excellent temperament andplexion like Yao Yao, their hearts were as cold and hard as steel. They didn¡¯t nce more than once at her. From this, one could see their resolute willpower as well as how harshly they had been trained.

    Then, themander saw this group of people. He stalked forward like a predator, and said in a loud voice: ¡°The Third Prince¡¯s subordinate, the Fourth Commander, is present. By the order of the prince, I shall recruit you all. Report your names at once, and pay your respects as the prince¡¯s subordinates!¡±

    Gao Peng and Jiang Qin heard what was said, and their faces became furious: ¡°What¡¯s this about a Third Prince and Fourth Commander? We are heaven-sent prodigies. Why should we listen to someone¡¯s orders? You all have no manners, so just get out of our way!¡±

    The two¡¯s performance was taken into Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. It felt very strange.

    What kind of status did a personage like the Third Prince possess? Although he was recruiting with bad intentions, his influence was overwhelming and his strength was extremely high. They still needed to be respectful. Even if they refused, they also shouldn¡¯t be this disdainful. If they really didn¡¯t submit to force, it would immediately lead to a fight. As it happened, giving orders in such a way also appeared somewhat...ill-mannered and tactless.

    A thought suddenly sprung up in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, and he furtively looked at Song He.

    Could it be that, because Song He disliked these two people so much, he simply didn¡¯t inform them about the matter of the Third Prince? This also wasn¡¯t impossible...

    Sure enough, Song He¡¯s expression carried a bit of regret at this moment.

    He actually wasn¡¯t worried about these two arrogant fellows. It was just that these two had offended someone before he could respond the way he wanted to. Wasn¡¯t this finding trouble for him? If he had known earlier, he would¡¯ve exined the matter of the Third Prince to them first!

    That Fourth Commander saw Gao Peng and Jiang Qin acting this way, but hisplexion didn¡¯t change. Soon after, he waved his hand: ¡°Capture them!¡±

    Unexpectedly, he didn¡¯t intend on speaking with them seriously from the start. All those who resisted would be given the tough treatment!

    Gao Peng and Jiang Qinpletely failed to expect this. But in the end, their strengths were outstanding. They promptly defended themselves, but nine people abruptly leaped out from among those armored soldiers. Grasped in their hands was a golden rope. They crossed paths several times in the air, and seemed to transform into dozens of remnant shadows. The multitude of golden ropes formed a densely-packed golden, which enveloped the two from every direction!

    Although these two reacted quickly, they didn¡¯t manage their defenses too well. During the attack, due to the other side¡¯s crafty body techniques, and the formation andbined attacks of the nine people, Gao Peng and Jiang Qin simply couldn¡¯t injure those Immortal Realm soldiers. They only saw the golden rope weave together a few times in front of them... And when they stopped, the two discovered that they had already been trussed up, with their arms bound behind their backs and the rope looped around their necks. The profound qi throughout their bodies couldn¡¯t be utilized, and they were the same as ordinary people. They could only stand in position while staring ahead nkly.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings tightened.

    The formation of these soldiers and that golden rope were very strange. If dozens of people came to surround and capture them, would they be able to escape? If he released his psychic power, how many people could he kill? Could he tear open a gap to escape from this encirclement?

    Off to the side, even Gao Peng and Jiang Qin¡¯s mouths were bound shut. They couldn¡¯t speak at all, and could only re at the Fourth Commander. As for the Fourth Commander, he was looking at Yao Yao: ¡°Please, youngdy. Make your choice. Will you go together with us, or shall we tie you up and then go?¡±

    A reddish hue appeared on Yao Yao¡¯s face, but this wasn¡¯t bashfulness. Rather, it was anger. Merely, she also wasn¡¯t a person who couldn¡¯t adapt to the current circumstances. Upon seeing Gao Peng and Jiang Qin¡¯s tragic situation, she nodded straightforwardly: ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Then, the Fourth Commander¡¯s gaze turned to Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and Song He: ¡°What have you three decided?¡±

    Song He¡¯s senior would be going, so he could only bitterly say: ¡°There¡¯s no need to trouble you. This Song will go.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo also said: ¡°We¡¯ll go as well.¡±

    The Fourth Commander nodded: ¡°Very good.¡±

    He waved his hand again, and ordered a dozen or so people to rush forward and surround the group. Like this, they half monitored and half escorted the group down the street. At the same time, he bared his teeth, and showed a smiling expression that nearly bordered on a ferocious snarl.

    ¡°You all don¡¯t have much time to think it over. Before night falls, if you make the correct decision, then naturally it¡¯ll be fine. But if you don¡¯t... Hehehe. I advise that you don¡¯t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Although these two are tied up, they¡¯re still alive. But if they make a few more foolish moves like before, then we¡¯ll have a ¡®Meat Viewing Ceremony¡¯ at nightfall!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 276 - Suo Qian

    <h4>Chapter 276 - Suo Qian</h4>

    Gu Zuo was still resting his upper body against his dear big brother¡¯s back. That Fourth Commander didn¡¯t demand that he had to get down, so he naturally pretended to not know anything.

    In short, this was where he felt a stronger sense of security ¡ª When he found an opportunity to escape, wouldn¡¯t it be even more convenient?

    At this time, Gu Zuo captured a phrase among the Fourth Commander¡¯s words.

    Meat Viewing Ceremony.

    It didn¡¯t sound like it was a good thing. The implications seemed to have a bountiful appearance...that would leave a person with a type of ominous premonition.

    He absolutely didn¡¯t want to go and try it.

    The group was sent straight to a tavern while under escort.

    Yes. This was the same ce they previously wanted to stay at. Now, this location no longer was a ce to rest. On the contrary, it was a ce of house arrest and imprisonment. This truly left people withplicated feelings.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo were immediately assigned to a central courtyard room.

    While this room was very spacious, the two of them weren¡¯t the only ones inside it. Rather, there were at least seven or eight other people. On top of that, there was Song He and the other three.

    Gao Peng and Jiang Qin were the ones who entered whilepletely tied up. At this moment, theirplexions were very unsightly. In particr, when the gazes of the other upants were all cast over, their faces practically darkened to the color of pig livers. Since their births, Gao Peng and Jiang Qin felt like they had never lost so much face! Unexpectedly, they cut such sorry figures in front of everyone!

    Simrly, from the people who were imprisoned, a martial artist spoke to console them: ¡°Previously, there were also others among us who arrived in bondage. As fellow suffers can empathize with one another, these brothers don¡¯t need to brood about this.¡±

    However, when Gao Peng and Jiang Qin heard this, they didn¡¯t feel happy nor any sense offort. They only felt that they had been ridiculed once more. But because their mouths had been blocked up and they couldn¡¯t speak, they could only let out humphs from their noses.

    That martial artist originally expressed some goodwill, but was courted with a rebuff in the end. At once, he didn¡¯t have any desire to speak with those two people. And beyond expectations, those two armored soldiers who escorted them over also didn¡¯t have any intentions of at least loosening those things that tied their mouths shut.

    Gao Peng¡¯s fury steadily rose, and it wasn¡¯t known how many times he had sliced these two soldiers to ribbons in his mind. For the same reason, Jiang Qin was also incredibly enraged. To this time¡¯s situation, it could be said that his hatred was imcable!

    They were only thinking that, if they could enter the Central Continent alive, then one day, they would certainly ughter everyone here who had watched them in amusement today!

    This malice practically condensed into a solid substance&#k2026; Ah, how much did these two fellows hate them?

    Gu Zuo sighed. He turned his head, and threw this matter to the back of his mind.

    No one cared about Gao Peng and Jiang Qin¡¯s attitudes. Those armored soldiers pushed the two of them into a corner, and made them stay over there obediently.

    Immediately following which, the armored soldiers went to keep watch at the doorway.

    Back to the matter at hand, the others in the room had embarrassed or unsightlyplexions.

    All martial artists who could enter the Road of Death were top personages of their respective organizations. Without good cause, they had been threatened by someone to submit, and then they were imprisoned. How could they be willing? But unfortunately, the circumstances were stronger than the individual. They had no other choice but to remain here.

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back as he walked next to the martial artist who had offered some kindness just now. Tianheng sat down, and Gu Zuo was soon picked up by him. Then, Tianheng switched to hugging Gu Zuo in his arms while the pharmacist was perched on hisp.

    It went without saying that Song He followed behind them. At this moment, he went with Yao Yao and sat on the other side of Tianheng ¡ª He definitely didn¡¯t go to sit with Gao Peng and Jiang Qin.

    The martial artist beside them turned his head to look at Tianheng. On his face, there was a bit of teasing intent: ¡°This brother has already reached this degree. Your hands are still reluctant to let go. Your feelings truly must run deep.¡±

    Tianheng faced the martial artist, and smiled: ¡°I naturally have to protect him.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to the words of this martial artist. For some reason, he felt that there was something odd in the meaning within these words. However, he didn¡¯t think about it too deeply. He only watched as his dear big brother chatted and scouted for information with the other person.

    Tianheng spoke a few sentences and exchanged names with that martial artist. Then, he asked this martial artist called Suo Qian about some things: ¡°Brother Suo, there¡¯s some matters that I wonder if it¡¯d be okay to ask you about.¡±

    Suo Qian wasn¡¯t concerned in the least, and opened his mouth: ¡°I know what Brother Gongyi wants to ask. It¡¯s nothing else but that Meat Viewing Ceremony those guys previously threatened you with, and the identity, history, and some of the conduct and style of the Third Prince. Is that right?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Sure enough, Brother Suo has pierced through to the heart of the matter.¡±

    Suo Qian simply said: ¡°This isn¡¯t something that can¡¯t be talked about. You probably don¡¯t know, but the forces on the Central Continent stand in great numbers. There are countless geniuses who emerge in evenrger numbers. The rulers among these geniuses are the pride of heaven, and are marked as prodigies. As the saying goes, a genius is easy to obtain, but a prodigy is hard to find. One day, a fully matured prodigy might be addressed as an emperor. Under the shade of ns and close friends, they would be an individual who stands above all others. Their throne would gather unimaginable power and countless beauties.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°In that case, that Third Prince...¡±

    Suo Qian said: ¡°He¡¯s precisely one such prodigy. Moreover, he isn¡¯t a prodigy from an iron-ranked organization. Rather, he¡¯s a prodigy of a bronze-ranked organization!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice lowered: ¡°I¡¯d like to hear the details. What else can you tell me about all this?¡±

    Suo Qian grimly said: ¡°An elder of this Suo¡¯s family once entered the Road of Death, and told us about some matters. Among it all, the one that had the highest importance was the distribution of the forces on the Central Continent. They are roughly divided into five ranks.¡±

    Tianheng slightly inclined his head: ¡°Iron, bronze... After that, could there be silver and gold?¡±

    Suo Qianmended: ¡°That¡¯s right. In addition, there¡¯s a nonconventional rank ¡ª In reality, the ranks that can be recognized only number four. And the nonconventional rank, which is lower than iron, is only there for the sake of having a term of address. In fact, a force that reaches the iron-rank can be called arge organization on the Central Continent.¡±

    Gradually, Suo Qian talked about many things. Moreover, apart from Tianheng, the others all eventually listened intently. They almost forgot about the humiliation they suffered.

    Because, as far as they were concerned, an opportunity to understand the Central Continent was very rare. It needed to be cherished.

    ¡°Arge organization can shelter countless people, but resources are only one aspect. The only ones who can truly protect an organization¡¯s people and do so for a long time are those long-lived, exceptional powerhouses ¡ª There¡¯s no need for doubt that exceptional powerhouses are basically equivalent to the organization itself. Thus, the ranks of theserge organizations are rted to the realms of the exceptional powerhouses.¡±

    Gu Zuo inwardly thought: This is very easy to understand. I wonder what kind of rank Qingyun Sect could have if it was on the Central Continent.

    Suo Qian continued to speak: ¡°For the people of our Peripheral Continents, a person usually would never realize the end of the path of martial arts all their lives. Meanwhile, there¡¯s somewhat of an exnation to this on the Central Continent. The realms of the path of martial arts are divided into Houtian, Xiantian, Immortal, Atomic, Ascendant, Celestial, Noble, Royal, Cosmic, Lesser Emperor, and Greater Emperor ¡ª These eleven realms. Among these, if an organization wants to be considered an iron-ranked organization, the weakest of their powerhouses have to be at the Ascendant Realm. These Ascendant Realm powerhouses are capable of protecting the organization for a thousand years...¡±

    After that, bronze-ranked organizations needed to have Royal Realm powerhouses to watch over things. The lifespan of a Royal Realm powerhouse was five thousand years. As a result, even if an organization wasn¡¯t able to nurture another Royal Realm, that bronze-ranked organization would have a lifespan of at least five thousand years. For the same reason, the exceptional powerhouses of silver-ranked organizations were Cosmic Realms who could protect their organizations for eight thousand years. And the exceptional powerhouses of gold-ranked organizations were Lesser Emperors who could protect their organizations for 9,900 years.

    As for the Greater Emperor Realm...

    It was said that the lifespan of a Greater Emperor was infinite. However, there were also some people who¡¯d heard that exceptional powerhouses of the Greater Emperor Realm could live for 129,600 years, which was precisely the length of a world cycle. Their lifespans were over thirteen times longer than that of an exceptional powerhouse at the Lesser Emperor Realm! While this wasn¡¯t an infinite lifespan, it was close enough.

    ¡ª Moreover, apart from Greater Emperors, no one could live past ten thousand years.

    Gu Zuo listened with a dumbstruck look on his face.

    First of all, there was no need to mention the conjectures surrounding those Greater Emperors who lived to 129,600 years ¡ª One just had to talk about those Lesser Emperors! What kind of concept was living for 9,900 years? Previously, he¡¯d heard of the phrase, ¡°May the emperor reign for ten thousand years and ten thousand by ten thousand years¡±. In this ce, it truly wasn¡¯t a joke to say that a Lesser Emperor could live for close to ten thousand years.

    Although Gu Zuo already knew that the stronger the martial artist was, the longer their lifespan would be, his three world-views as a modern man had still sustained a strong impact at this moment...

    After Suo Qian rambled for a long time, he finally reached the main topic: ¡°...The Third Prince is the third prodigy of a bronze-ranked empire, who has the qualifications to obtain the title of a prince. Therefore, the exceptional powerhouses of the forces within are Royal Realms. If there aren¡¯t any idents, after a certain number of years, and with the Third Prince¡¯s innate talents and the support of his forces, he will most likely advance to the Royal Realm and proceed with consolidating a bronze-rank organization. In addition, if his fortuitous encounters are sufficient, he could also obtain the training of evenrger forces due to his value. In the future, he could break through to the Cosmic Realm, and it would be possible for his own forces to be upgraded to the silver rank! And once an organization reaches the silver rank, it can seize even more resources. At the same time, it can also improve the nurturing of the children within that organization...

    He continued: ¡°All of thoserge organizations are usually borne from a single prodigy who attains a certain realm advancement ahead of the others. After that, such arge organization can nurture countless prodigies. Finally, after years of umtions, its position will be stabilized.¡±

    Although, it should be said that a possibility existed where exceptional powerhouses reached the end of their lifespans and failed to raise a second one.

    As Gu Zuo listened, he felt that something wasn¡¯t right. How could this Brother Suo Qian, while talking with his big brother about some important pieces of information about the Central Continent as well as the matter of the Third Prince, still seamlesslyud the Third Prince¡¯s forces and that man¡¯s capabilities?

    Which side was this guy on?!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 277 - Desire to Escape

    <h4>Chapter 277 - Desire to Escape</h4>

    Thinking such thoughts, Gu Zuo exchanged a meaningful nce with Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders slumped.

    Okay. This was most likely a fraud to lure in the others...

    Off to the side, Suo Qian talked all about the organizations of the Central Continent and the capabilities of the Third Prince. Then, he turned his head and sighed: ¡°As for the ¡®Meat Viewing Ceremony¡¯... I also know a thing or two.¡±

    Speaking up to here, Suo Qian¡¯s expression seemed disheartened. Moreover, it carried a trace of fear.

    Gu Zuo thought to himself. He had probablye across a talent whose acting abilities wereparable to that of his big brother.

    These facial expressions were quite true to life!

    The armored soldiers who were guarding on the side didn¡¯t block Suo Qian¡¯s conversation in the least. They only had nk faces, as if they were robots that had been installed with automatic programing.

    Song He, Yao Yao, and quite a few other people in the room were attracted by Suo Qian¡¯s words just now. At this moment, they strained their ears in an attempt to obtain even more information.

    Because Gu Zuo still had a teenaged appearance, he looked spritely and beautiful. He questioned further, seemingly impulsive: ¡°Then, what is it? Brother Suo, can you talk about it?¡±

    This person performed in this way, so he would also follow along and set up the punchline as the supporting role. He wanted to obtain the information as soon as possible to avoid wasting time.

    Suo Qian foresaw that someone would definitely inquire since he was dragging things out and keeping his listeners in suspense. At this time, a slightly indiscernible flicker of pride shed through his eyes as he tirelessly spoke: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we all know that these ancient cities are theirs of monsters. There aren¡¯t any problems in the day, but when it¡¯s night, themoners turn into monsters. The Third Prince deserves to be called a prodigy of the Central Continent. His methods and means are many. I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s keeping this tavern¡¯s original owner, his wife, the waiters, and all of the guests who¡¯vee to stay here for the past two days in the tavern¡¯s back garden.¡±

    These guests naturally weren¡¯t outsiders. Rather, they were the city¡¯smon folk who behaved normally during the day.

    While deliberately wearing a bit of puzzlement, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Brother Suo, you know about this as well?¡±

    Suo Qian also anticipated that someone would call him into question, and he spoke with deep anguish: ¡°Brother Gu, you might not know... Don¡¯t look at how this room still has some people inside it ¡ª In actuality, this Suo is the one who had been captured the earliest. Thus, this Suo saw with his own eyes how a person who didn¡¯t surrender was ultimately dragged away from thest batch of captives, and thrown into that, that enclosure of monsters!¡±

    What happened next didn¡¯t need to be exined in detail. Everyone present could fully utilize their imaginations. The bitter fate of that person was rehearsed within their minds!

    Blood and flesh certainly went flying. That person had beenpletely...

    Suo Qian¡¯s voice was strained: ¡°It wasn¡¯t even ten minutes. That, that youngdy had been torn apart and eaten by the monsters. Her entire body, her flesh and even her bones, were all chewed up and swallowed!¡±

    In the blink of an eye, many people couldn¡¯t help but feel somewhat sick and disgusted.

    Some with sharp minds even thought of that youngdy whom Suo Qian mentioned ¡ª In other words, the people here weren¡¯t only ruthless, they didn¡¯t have the tiniest bit of protective feelings for that gentle and jade-like woman. It was clear that they had hearts of stone! As such, when it came to men like them, those soldiers would naturally be even less charitable.

    Suo Qian was satisfied with everyone¡¯s reactions, but he also didn¡¯t say too much. He only assumed a timid and fearful appearance as before: ¡°This Suo and everyone here are the same. We¡¯re all part of the next batch of captives. That Third Prince definitely won¡¯t keep us here for long. After thinking about it, they¡¯ll probably only give us this one day to consider it. Once it¡¯s night, if we still don¡¯t surrender, I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll have no choice but to experience that Meat Viewing Ceremony personally!¡±

    The Meat Viewing Ceremony was used to threaten every subsequent batch of captives. It made them watch as the people whom they had just been bantering with were thrown into the pile of monsters at the next moment. It was a ceremony where their flesh was eaten mouthful by mouthful.

    In fact, it was just a revealing method to force people into surrendering...

    After listening to Suo Qian¡¯s words, theplexions of Song He and others became furious.

    If they didn¡¯tply and were killed, then in any case, it would be a straightforward death. However, if they were forced to personally watch as their own flesh was consumed by monsters ¡ª Considering how powerful a martial artist¡¯s vitality was, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t perish until their brains were devoured ¡ª That truly challenged their psychological bottom line.

    After their expressions changed several times, a restrained voice finally sounded out: ¡°What¡¯ll happen if we give ourselves to that Third Prince¡¯s subordinate?¡±

    Suo Qian¡¯s heart was ted, but his mouth spoke in a sad tone: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll naturally be the Third Prince¡¯s...battle ves.¡±

    Everyone here knew that they were being recruited by the Third Prince, but not everyone knew that the Third Prince was recruiting them to make them into his battle ves.

    To these geniuses, anything that was touched by the word ¡°ve¡± was a humiliation.

    At once, those furiousplexions turned ashen. There were even a few people whose hair practically stood up in anger. They all rose up in one bound! However, while their rationality barely allowed them to restrain themselves, they were still trembling all over in rage.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat puzzled, and he couldn¡¯t help blinking his eyes.

    [Big brother, that Suo Qian is clearly a fraud. Why would he tell us about bing battle ves? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to conceal this matter?]

    Tianheng faintly shook his head.

    [If it isn¡¯t talked about now, they¡¯ll naturally find out after surrendering. At that time, regardless of whether the others silently endure while harboring evil intentions or they rebel right away, both cases are unsuitable. It would be better to make things clear in the beginning. Those who aren¡¯t willing to surrender would be immediately thrown to the monsters to be eaten. This would save a lot of trouble.]

    Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t quite understand.

    [Could it be that the Third Prince doesn¡¯t have any methods of controlling people?]

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up.

    [If he wants to use that kind of method, wouldn¡¯t it be better to directly control people at the very beginning? There also wouldn¡¯t be any need to gather and imprison these fellow travelers here. What¡¯s more, there are countless types of methods in this world. Any method that can control people and not harm one¡¯s aptitudes is certainly extremely rare. Don¡¯t focus on how Suo Qian heaps praises on the Third Prince like a deluge of flowers, that Third Prince is, after all, only a person from a bronze-ranked organization.

    [There might be the support ofrger organizations behind him. But with his age and strength, he might not be able to easily obtain this type of method. While he could obtain this method, perhaps this method must be epted full-heartedly by the person being controlled. Otherwise, it won¡¯t seed. We just don¡¯t know.]

    Gu Zuo understood a little bit. However, he suddenly thought of something.

    [Then, big brother¡¯s Tianlong Guards...]

    Tianheng ruffled his hair.

    [The Tiandu Body is different from him. The Tianlong Guards also have undivided loyalty.]

    Gu Zuo considered this, and agreed.

    The Tianlong Guards were given to his big brother by the Gongyi n to be raised as his personal guards from when he was a child. The Tianlong Guards were totally unlike these people who were subdued along the way. They couldn¡¯t be ced in the same category at all!

    After Suo Qian spoke those words, he felt that he had added enough fuel to the fire. He closed his mouth and didn¡¯t say anything else. He simply acted out a posture of being ¡°immersed in sorrow and helplessness¡±.

    Of course, this wasn¡¯t the first time he had performed with others like this ¡ª In actuality, he hadn¡¯t spoken many lies. At the very least, there indeed was another batch of people who had been captured yesterday. At that time, he performed with those people, too. Unfortunately, because that batch of people might¡¯ve just arrived, they were all unbridled and untamable. As a result, they were ultimately fed to the monsters.

    This time, Suo Qian¡¯s methods were upgraded. Later on, once night had fallen, if these people still couldn¡¯t take what was being offered, then the Fourth Commander really was going to toss these disrespectful people into the pile of monsters one by one. This would increase the maximum psychological pressure on anyone who cameter.

    Although theplexions of the other martial artists were unsightly, their gazes flickered with indecision. It was clear that they were all undergoing a fierce struggle.

    Only Gu Zuo gave a sweeping nce over these people¡¯s disys. Then, he continued the voice transmission with Tianheng.

    [Big brother, when will we escape?]

    There was no need for doubt. They definitely needed to find a gap and escape before they were fed to the monsters. Otherwise, it would be toote once night fell.

    Tianheng lowered his eyes.

    [Let¡¯s wait a little bit more. Now really isn¡¯t the best time to escape.]

    Gu Zuo was a little nervous.

    [When does big brother think it¡¯s better to go? How will we leave?]

    Tianheng pondered slightly, and made a decision.

    [Ah Zuo, find an opportunity to release the strongest poison pills you have right now to poison everyone here without exception. Then, give the antidote to Song He and the others. Following which, we¡¯ll act together and kill our way out of here.]

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and silently nodded.

    [In that case, I choose this type. After being poisoned, a person will be able to support themselves for three to five seconds. After that, they¡¯ll be able to lift their hands, but they won¡¯t have any strength to walk.]

    Tianheng wore a look of praise.

    [Ah Zuo¡¯s thoughts are thorough.]

    After the two sat down and resolved themselves, time seemed to pass slower and slower.

    Because the matter of their voice transmission couldn¡¯t be revealed, they couldn¡¯t secretly discuss anything with the others who were also trapped. As a result, the timing was truly difficult to grasp.

    Gu Zuo sat on top of Tianheng¡¯s thighs, yet he felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.

    Obviously, they wanted to escape, but as it happened, there wasn¡¯t any time for them to easily act on it. This matter was constantly on his mind, so his mentality naturally became tense.

    However, this type of feeling was only a feeling. The present Gu Zuo had experienced many things inparison. When the strengths of the people who trapped them weren¡¯t that high, he still had some confidence.

    Gradually, time stretched out longer and longer.

    Outside, the radiant light in the sky began to set over the western hills. Not even two hours passed when the curtain of night was about to officially descend. The time of that ursed Meat Viewing Ceremony was surely approaching.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power silently spread outside, and discovered that the armed forces of the entire tavern were actually decent. There were no less than several dozens of people who came to guard the ce. Merely, the majority were downstairs. Only less than ten were keeping guard on the same floor as them.

    Under the circumstances, the armed forces weren¡¯t that adequate. It had to be said that this way of handling things was considered a tight defense.

    But this also made it convenient for Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    [Big brother, within a radius of five hundred meters, there¡¯s only a small number of armored soldiers. The Fourth Commander and them aren¡¯t in the vicinity. I also haven¡¯t detected any people in hiding.]

    [Very good. Ah Zuo, let out your pills!]

    The next instant, three or four pitch-ck medicinal pills smashed into the floor. Suddenly, numerous tendrils of ck smoke ignited. It was a type of poison fog. It couldn¡¯t be said that this trick wasn¡¯t insidious.

    Although those armored soldiers were dressed in armor, because they hadn¡¯t taken Gu Zuo seriously from the start, they also didn¡¯t dodge. As a result, they all let out muffled groans, and copsed to the floor in loud thumps.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t remain idle. He bent his fingers and repeatedly shot out many milky-white medicinal pills, which were distributed to the Peripheral Continent martial artists who¡¯d been simrly poisoned.

    Those martial artists weren¡¯t stupid, and they swallowed the pills right away. In a split second, the powerlessness and sharp pains in their bodies were already alleviated. If there were still any differences, then it wouldn¡¯t be toote to discuss it again when that time came!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 278 - Escape

    <h4>Chapter 278 - Escape</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo, who promptly jumped onto his back. Then, he propped Gu Zuo up with his hands. Soon after, Tianheng shouted: ¡°If you¡¯re interested, let¡¯s kill our way out of here!¡±

    With his speechpleted, he didn¡¯t pay attention to the others. He sprang forward and jumped out of the window. He went straight to the bottom of the tavern!

    Inside the room, that Gao Peng and Jiang Qin were stillpletely trussed up. Two medicinal pills had also been ced in front of them. Only, because they couldn¡¯t free themselves, their faces soon overflowed with ck qi. They were about to lose their lives.

    Yao Yao¡¯s beautiful eyes slightly turned. A slender jade-like finger stretched forward, and a line of qi energy shed down. In the blink of an eye, the golden rope broke apart, and those two regained their freedom ¡ª As it turned out, although the martial artists bound by this object were powerless to operate the power within their bodies, if it was broken from the outside, it would be no harder to unravel than an ordinary rope.

    Even though Gao Peng and Jiang Qin didn¡¯t look upon Gu Zuo and Tianheng favorably, they also knew that preserving their small lives was the first priority at this moment. At once, they swallowed the medicinal pills. As for Yao Yao, after cutting their ropes, she promptly tugged Song He. Unexpectedly, the two were the first ones to respond to Tianheng. They also jumped out of the window, and closely followed them!

    At the same time, the other detoxified martial artists furrowed their brows. There were calctions in all of their hearts. They swept a nce over those jet-ck armored soldiers on the floor, and saw that their lives wouldn¡¯tst long. Among the martial artists, there was a cold-hearted and ruthless individual. In order to prevent these people from having their poison cured by otherster on, he took out a sharp de and stabbed all of these people. He butchered them! A few other martial artists saw this, and did the same.

    Meanwhile, among the poisoned individuals who didn¡¯t get an antidote, there was Suo Qian. Previously, the other martial artists here had obtained lots of information from him. At first, they were rmed that he didn¡¯t get an antidote, but soon after, they developed suspicions. They simply ignored him and didn¡¯t kill him. They simrly jumped out of the window and departed.

    On the contrary, because Gao Peng and Jiang Qin were humiliated and furious, and because Yao Yao left just like this, they were emboldened tomit evil when they looked at Suo Qian. They both acted, and casually murdered Suo Qian.

    Suo Qian acted as the mole of the Third Prince. His intelligence was unmatched, and his orations were as eloquent as lotus flowers. He wanted to convince these numerous martial artists, but he didn¡¯t expect that he would die so tragically now...

    Just before Suo Qian died, he was extremely unwilling. He reached out a hand to grasp into the empty air.

    Amid those country bumpkins, there was actually a pharmacist who could refine such a toxic thing.

    The Third Prince...he needed to be...careful...

    Thinking up to here, his right hand fell. Not another word was uttered ever again.

    Gongyi Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back as he jumped out of the window. He was graceful and silent.

    The range of Gu Zuo¡¯s poison was limited, and everyone who was near that building was poisoned to death without exception. At this moment, in order to wipe out a path forward as soon as possible, he promptly tossed out the poison pills again when they approached the ground. The guards and personnel throughout the entire tavern were all poisoned, and fell to the ground.

    Immediately following this, the two didn¡¯t linger for the slightest moment, and madly dashed through the shadows of each building along the street.

    It wasn¡¯t known how many people the Third Prince had brought along. The entire street was blockaded, and there wasn¡¯t even a single pedestrian on the road. Unexpectedly, it seemed like martialw had been imposed. Thosemon people, who would turn into monsters at night, had received threats during the day, and had obediently returned to their own homes. They withdrew into their shells like tortoises and didn¡¯te out.

    The street was spacious and empty. In Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s opinion, it was fortunate that there weren¡¯t any obstructions along their path. However, it was also unfortunate that the Third Prince could seal off this lengthy street. It was reckoned that anyone at the end of the street wouldn¡¯t let them pass by so easily. Let alone when they reached the edge of the city.

    Sure enough, the facts were just so.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power immediately dispersed outwards. The closer they got to the end of the street, the more cautious he became.

    In the distance, he ¡°saw¡± a few dozen armored soldiers simrly keeping guard over there. Within the crowd, there was also a person at the rank of amander. It looked like his strength wasn¡¯t any lower than that of the Fourth Commander.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying in a low voice: ¡°How manymanders does this Third Prince have under him?¡±

    While Tianheng ran, he said: ¡°Yesterday, we heard that person mention the Bingchen Guards. Since it¡¯s named as such, it might be based on the ten Heavenly Stems and the twelve Earthly Branches. ¡®Bing¡¯ is the third Heavenly Stem, which corresponds to the Third Prince. ¡®Chen¡¯ is the fifth Earthly Branch...

    ¡°Previously, there was that self-proimed Fourth Commander. The subordinate troops under that Third Prince might be sequenced with the Earthly Branches, and there are probably squadrons for each of the twelve Earthly Branches. As for each squadron, each probably has several dozen people.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he felt that this made sense.

    When he thought about it, his dear big brother had two hundred Tianlong Guards. If each of the Third Prince¡¯s squadrons had fifty people, then the total in his possession was six hundred. As a prodigy of a bronze-ranked empire, this amount wasn¡¯t considered much.

    Only, did the Third Prince bring all of his subordinates into the Road of Death this time around? If he did, then the squadrons wereprised entirely of Immortal Realm martial artists whose experiences were even more abundant. To the people like them who came from the Peripheral Continents, this was a terrifying force...

    ¡°Big brother, shall we rush past them?¡±

    ¡°Cast the poison first. Then, we¡¯ll dash through!¡±

    Gu Zuo silently calcted.

    He only had a total of thirty-something poison pills that targeted Immortal Realm martial artists. Just now, he had already used quite a few of them. Following this, he needed to conserve as many as he could.

    For this asion, there were dozens of people. He needed to use at least four pills...

    Soon, the pair approached the end of the street. The armored soldiers on that side reacted very quickly. They turned around right at this moment. However, how could Gu Zuo allow them to respond in time? He was even faster than them, and smashed the poison pills in their direction!

    After the pitch-ck poison fog emerged, those armored soldiers were unable to resist. They copsed to the ground one after another!

    Only that mid Immortal Realmmander had a slightly stronger resistance. Right now, he was still capable of turning his head.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly deepened. He lifted a hand, and pulled a bow. An arrow was shot!

    The bowstring was like a full moon, and the power was like a brilliant sun.

    A fiery, shooting star-like arrow shed a lengthy mark through the air. The reddish-gold power immediately struck themander. If thatmander was still at his peak state, then he could¡¯ve at least stopped or evaded this arrow. But he was poisoned at this moment. Even though he could temporarily sequester some of this poison, the poison had still reached his blood and had circted throughout his body. It made his body very sluggish.

    Therefore, themander wasn¡¯t able to dodge it.

    That arrow plunged into his throat, bursting a hole into his neck. However, the physical body of a mid Immortal Realm martial artist was strong. Themander had gorged on the nourishment of resources, and his skin was tough and durable. The present matter of almost being pierced through startled themander. After that, he swiftly grabbed a jade bottle in his possession. He wanted to take a Detoxification Pill!

    How could Gu Zuo let him take such a pill?

    Although this Detoxification Pill wasn¡¯t suited to this poison, he didn¡¯t have any understanding of the inheritances of the pharmacists on the Central Continent. He also didn¡¯t know if this Detoxification Pill really could inhibit the poison.

    Thus, a silvery light flickered in the space between his eyebrows. A dagger whistled out.

    At the exact same time, several silver awls nked from the sides, and immediately shattered that jade bottle! That dagger took advantage of the Immortal Realm martial artist¡¯s rmed fury, and instantly prated his forehead!

    In the blink of an eye, a crack split across the skull of that Immortal Realm martial artist. Tianheng pulled his bow and shot another arrow, which shot along the crack that Gu Zuo opened!

    In an instant, under Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s string of coordinated and tacit attacks, thatmander was finally blown apart by these two different powers...

    As for the remaining armored soldiers, they would pass away after a few more seconds. Their life signs were very weak.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t pay them any attention. He only patted Tianheng¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Big brother, shall we go?¡±

    Tianheng stamped the bottom of his foot, and pushed his way through this haphazard pile of human bodies.

    Presently, they were dashing towards the edge of the city.

    Upon reaching the edge of the city, Gu Zuo carried out the same actions as before. He sent out poison pills, which poisoned that group of armored soldiers who guarded the city limits. Immediately following which, Tianheng and Gu Zuo joined hands to eliminate the equivalentmander of that group. Just like this, they killed their way out of this ce.

    Tianheng¡¯s body techniques were extremely fast, and each half step followed the next. Without any forks in the path, they rushed onto the single, straight, and expansive road!

    At a location south of the city, there were several lone peaks.

    Upon the summits of three of those lone peaks sat three young men with terrifying auras.

    One wore a bright-yellow dragon robe with four-wed dragons. The next wore a ck, brocaded changpao. And another wore dark-blue robes. Each person bore qi emissions that were sometimes proud and aloof, sometimes violent and fierce, and sometimes graceful and elegant. They were as deep and immeasurable as the abyss.

    Originally, the three people were recuperating with their eyes closed. Suddenly, many people hurriedly rushed over from down below.

    They abruptly opened their eyes, and a streak of radiant light flickered within.

    The people who arrived were all wearing clothes of different colors, and all of them were mid Immortal Realm martial artists. Among them, one party had fear and trepidation stered across their faces. Meanwhile, the members of the other two parties had vague traces of schadenfreude in their expressions.

    In a split second, that young man wearing the bright-yellow dragon robe slightly narrowed his eyes.

    A yellow-robedmander hastily kowtowed: ¡°Reporting to the prince, something has happened on Huanglong Street!¡± His tone was urgent, ¡°Today, we captured a batch of captives. Who would¡¯ve thought that, after the captives didn¡¯t resist and pretended to be unable to rest and reorganize for a day, they took advantage of the time just before nightfall to poison over a hundred experts of my Binglong Army! The Sixth Commander and Seventh Commander were also unfortunately killed. After the Eighth Commander, who was originally on guard, took Detoxification Pills, he used all of his willpower to go and exin this matter to the Fourth Commander. Right now, his body is seriously injured. If we can¡¯t thoroughly suppress the toxins, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll also...¡±

    With just a few words, raging waves and stormy seas would be stirred up in one¡¯s heart!

    The young man wearing the bright-yellow dragon robe spoke in a cold and detached voice: ¡°Poison?¡±

    The yellow-robedmander was heart-pained and enraged: ¡°We originally thought that we didn¡¯t need to pay attention to those insignificant people from the Peripheral Continents, but among them, there¡¯s an extremely remarkable pharmacist... We treated them lightly, which gave rise to this problem. I ask for the prince¡¯s punishment!¡±

    T/N: If anyone is wondering, the Fourth Commander leads the Bingmao Guards, while the unidentified Fifth Commander leads the Bingchen Guards. If any namese up in the future that reference the Heavenly Stems or Earthly Branches, and aren¡¯t exined in-text, I¡¯ll make a one-time notation for the readers.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 279 - Pursuit

    <h4>Chapter 279 - Pursuit</h4>

    That young man in the bright-yellow dragon robe, the Third Prince, had a furious scowl on his face. Soon after, he turned tranquil: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ashamed, the yellow-robedmander said: ¡°Some acquaintances have already fled the city. However, because this was detected in time, several others have been overtaken and recaptured.¡±

    Once these words fell, that young man wearing the ck, brocaded changpao sneered: ¡°Third Zhao, it was previously this prince who dispatched people for guard duty, but there weren¡¯t any idents at all. And now, when it¡¯s your turn, there was such a careless mistake. Sure enough, it can clearly be seen that this weak nation is quite useless. Ancestors above, he speaks with solid judgment!¡± Talking up to this point, he faced that young man wearing dark blue robes and raised an eyebrow, ¡°Young Master Xin, what do you think?¡±

    The person in the ck, brocaded changpao was Prince Zhou. His nation of origin, the Zhou Empire, was also a bronze-ranked empire. It could also be considered to be in a feud with that Zhao Dynasty¡¯s Zhao Empire.

    The foundations of the two nations were about the same, and the same could be said of their resources. Unfortunately, the two nations were located rtively close to another. In the present generation, the remarkable prodigies who had appeared were Prince Zhou and the Third Prince. And behind these two people were the backers of great forces... Currently, from children to adults, even if they weren¡¯t enemies, there was a fierce rivalry amid their confrontational rtionship.

    Off on the side, Young Master Xin faintly smiled. He flicked his wrist to open a fan, which partly covered the corner of his mouth.

    He put on a fake smile, and said: ¡°If it was me, this young master, then it certainly would¡¯ve been as secure as a city protected by a wall of metal and a moat of boiling water.¡±

    The two people hardly concealed their ridicule towards the Third Prince, which caused the Third Prince¡¯splexion to suddenly be unsightly.

    He took a deep breath, and stifled the surge of fire in his heart. Shortly after, he spoke to that yellow-robedmander: ¡°Ninth Commander, you and Old Four will receive tenshes of the whip as discipline. As for Old Eight, give him the best medicine. You must save him. It won¡¯t be toote to punish himter.¡±

    The yellow-robedmander gratefully said: ¡°Many thanks, my prince. This subordinate certainly won¡¯t make such a grievous mistake again!¡±

    The Third Prince waved his hand, and allowed him to leave: ¡°Send a message to the next city. Capture that pharmacist and the person protecting him alive.¡± He gave a slight pause, and added in a cold voice, ¡°If you capture him, keep him alive. If you can¡¯t, then just kill him. You absolutely can¡¯t let him fall into anyone else¡¯s hands!¡±

    The yellow-robedmander was solemn and respectful: ¡°As youmand!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he departed at flying speeds.

    After this person left, Prince Zhou spoke in a peculiar way: ¡°Third Zhao, it looks like you¡¯re treasuring talent?¡±

    Meanwhile, Young Master Xin put away his folding fan: ¡°This is just a method to bribe the hearts of people. I, this Great Xin, am ashamed of my inferiority.¡±

    The Third Prince flicked his sleeve: ¡°Enough nonsense! If you two don¡¯t ept this, then you can only use your own methods. There¡¯s no need to gossip around here like ignorant housewives! Hmph!¡±

    That Prince Zhou and Young Master Xin were quite annoyed. At once, they gave their own cold harrumphs, and no longer paid attention to the Third Prince.

    After this, they listened to their own subordinates¡¯ reports and of the following oues ¡ª For example, along the two streets that they upied, which members of the Peripheral Continent had walked into their traps and were captured by them, which ones refused to submit and were massacred, and which ones finally submitted.

    What the three of them were ultimatelypeting in was the number of battle ves their subordinates could acquire.

    There were still nine days left. There was plenty of time for scheming before this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen closed. It also wasn¡¯t known who would im victory in the end.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s speed was too fast. No one had the time to react, and they had already escaped this city. Originally, Song He and Yao Yao did their best to catch up with them, but when they reached the end of the street and the edge of the city, they only saw poisoned corpses strewn everywhere. They didn¡¯t catch sight of Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s figures at all.

    However, Yao Yao wasn¡¯t just a pretty face. She grabbed Song He, and while she used her own body technique to take him far away from the city, she spoke with tant surprise: ¡°You really can¡¯t judge a book by its cover. I heard you saying that Young Master Gu¡¯s psychic power was extraordinary, but never once did I think that his poison techniques were so astonishing, too!¡±

    How could Song He have imagined this? He always felt that Gu Zuo had a tacit understanding with Tianheng. By himself, Gu Zuo was very strong, but he was even stronger when he coordinated with Tianheng. Song He also didn¡¯t expect that Gu Zuo could be so skilled on the path of medicine refinement at his age. Today¡¯s few encounters made him understand that he judged others by their appearances, and that his thoughts were too narrow-minded.

    After Yao Yao pondered, she said: ¡°Right now, it looks like their impression of you isn¡¯t bad. In the future, no matter what youe across, you must remember at all costs that you can never sell them out.¡±

    Song He forced augh: ¡°Senior Sect Sister, what kind of a person am I? There¡¯s no need to talk about the fact that they saved my life. It¡¯s enough for me to pledge my life in their defense since they allowed me to escape the evil clutches of the Third Prince today.¡±

    Yao Yao nodded sternly: ¡°It¡¯s good that you can think in this way. But if you chicken out, I¡¯ll slice off your chicken. Do you understand?¡±

    Song He¡¯s scalp tightened: ¡°I, I understand, Senior Sect Sister...¡±

    Truly, this kind of threat was too scary!

    Immediately after that, the two no longer talked much. They only followed the ¡°footprints¡± of Tianheng and Gu Zuo. They dashed ahead the entire way.

    As for Tianheng and Gu Zuo, whom these sect siblings were discussing? Their travel went very quickly. Although they kept encountering monsters that leaped out of the thick fog and strange nts on both sides of the road, with their psychic power and archery to explode the heads of those monsters, they weren¡¯t stopped for long.

    Gu Zuo once again recovered. While utilizing his psychic power, he stuffed his dear big brother with medicinal pills. Meanwhile, he asked: ¡°Big brother, do you think there are soldiers chasing behind us?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯m afraid that any pursuing soldiers won¡¯t just be limited to the back. There should also be an interception up ahead.¡±

    Gu Zuo was taciturn: ¡°In that case, what should we do?¡±

    Tianheng always made many ns. At this moment, a hint of a natural and unconstrained feeling suddenly appeared on his face: ¡°Perhaps, there aren¡¯t any other methods. We can only do our best to cut a bloody path out of here!¡±

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo shivered from the bottom of his heart. Soon after, he felt a rush of youthful valor, which made his entire body somewhat hot-blooded.

    Truth be told, as a man, how many were willing to sullenly have his head constantly pushed down by others? Were there any who clearly cherished his fortuitous encounter and soared into the sky, but because the secret was too big, he had to carefully plot and scheme lest he revealed too much and lost his life?

    With all his heart, Gu Zuo wanted to live well and refine the Void Pill to return to the modern era. For this reason, he adjusted his own worldview to ept this world¡¯s current situation, and embraced an iparably cautious mindset. He had told countless lies to the point that he could unleash his own acting skills anytime and anywhere... In fact, he didn¡¯t want to do this at all.

    His age wasn¡¯t that high, so he should¡¯ve been an impulsive youth. However, for the sake of his ultimate goal, he wore down his own impulses. In the beginning, he was still somewhat brisk and reactive, but he became steadyter on... He knew that what he was doing was correct, but when all was said and done, it was hard to keep one¡¯s thoughts and desires calm.

    But now, on this Road of Death, Tianheng told him that they would be killing their way out together!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was heating up.

    Indeed. This could liberate the restrained feelings in his heart, and he also wouldn¡¯t feel guilty for those people with bloodstained hands. However, he still had some misgivings.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Big brother, is it really okay if we kill our way through like this? Do you want to think of a method to fool them and stay hidden? We could strive to stealthily pass through the next ancient city and get back onto the road. That way, we can get out of this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen a bit earlier.¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head.

    After that, his voice carried a trace of cold intent: ¡°Ah Zuo, if there¡¯s an enormous disparity between us and our enemies, we would need to socialize, strategize, and endure. Only by doing this can we protect ourselves and aplish our aims. But...¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°But what?¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°But, if the differences between us and our enemies aren¡¯t big, a martial artist should face difficulties and openly oppose them. Only by wandering the border between life and death can we pursue the supreme path of martial arts! If we continue to hide and avoid this time, it¡¯ll reduce our scope of understanding, narrow our ambitions, and tarnish our bearings. At that time, any thoughts of practicing martial arts will instead be muddled, which will affect the path of martial arts.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard these words, and was convinced.

    Yes. Previously, when they were in Qingyun Sect, they had many secrets that would turn the world against them if revealed. As a result, they had to socialize and patiently endure ¡ª After all, the fingertip of Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master was enough to crush them to death. They had to be careful in a respects. Moreover, they were still Qingyun Sect disciples at the time. They also needed to establish themselves and decrease their enemies¡¯ footholds. His big brother always used schemes first. Even if he found some hidden enemies like Lu Jiusi, he wouldn¡¯t use a strong hand to take action. Rather, he would deliver this to his enemy¡¯s enemies, and their friends woulde and handle it.

    But now, the ones with the highest strength here were just mid Immortal Realms. Even if those individuals were people who could challenge higher ranks, it was nothing more than a struggle. Could it be that they would still run away? If they remained hidden at this juncture, it would seem like they had lost. Perhaps, this would have a detrimental effect on the hearts of their own paths of martial arts?

    After all, his big brother had the Tiandu Body. It was unreasonable for him to hide from his peers day and night!

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded.

    Hence, once the two arrived in front of this ancient city, they discovered that the ones who were guarding the gates were some armor-wearing martial artists. Ignoring everything else, they immediately dashed over.

    Those armored soldiers berated: ¡°Don¡¯t resist capture, and you¡¯ll have a way to survive. If not, don¡¯t me us subordinates for being impolite!¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and confirmed that these were enemies! At once, he set aside his reservations, and released his silver awls. He¡¯d give them a cold thrashing first!

    Tianheng also showed no quarter, and swept his spear across, which immediately sent many armored martial artists flying!

    The two used practiced movements to give those shouting armored soldiers an answer.

    This time, the armored soldiers naturally exerted themselves to the fullest as they surged forth. They held nothing back as they attacked.

    There weren¡¯t anymanders among these people, so the two responded rather easily. It didn¡¯t take long for them to take quite a few lives. At the same time, they also tore open a gap in the encirclement.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng leaped out from this opening. Behind them, there were still many people in fierce pursuit. They chased to kill.

    Tianheng¡¯s body techniques were swift, and the two quickly escaped.

    Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something: ¡°Big brother, the Third Prince and the others are mid Immortal Realm martial artists, but there are alsorge organizations backing them! Even if we get out of the Road of Death, the great personages within their forces will also be able to crush us with just a finger...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s face wasn¡¯t reddened, and his breathing wasn¡¯tbored: ¡°If such seniors have any pride and dignity, and if it¡¯s to their benefit to dispatch others, then they certainly won¡¯t condescend to personally deal with a younger generation. And if they send younger people, then this elder bother has nothing to fear.¡±

    As his big brother¡¯s martial strength was above that of his peers, Gu Zuo was reassured. However, this wasn¡¯t the important point. What was important was that it wasn¡¯t strange for the majority of seniors to be prideful and dignified, but this didn¡¯t mean that there weren¡¯t any entrics among those seniors! The positions of the Third Prince and the others were very high. If Gu Zuo and Tianheng couldn¡¯t find peak personages or Atomic Realms, then there was also nothing they could do!

    As a result, Gu Zuo took care, and opened his mouth again: ¡°Then, what if we meet that kind of unreasonable senior?¡±

    As before, Tianheng was unhurried: ¡°After we leave this ce, you and I can rely on the help of another organization. With their resources, we can study the path of martial arts. If there¡¯s this kind of person who disregards the rules, the sect¡¯s elders will naturally take action.¡±

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t doubt that his big brother could be epted into an outstanding sect... However, there was still a problem!

    ¡°But what if the other side¡¯s forces can crush the organization we rely on? What if our organization isn¡¯t willing to fight on our behalf?¡±

    This issue was very serious. He felt that this wasn¡¯t safe.

    After all, the Central Continent was the home field of the other side.

    Tianheng faintly sighed: ¡°If it really ends up like this... Then, you and I can only rely on ourselves to the bitter end.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Eh?!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 280 - A Prodigy?

    <h4>Chapter 280 - A Prodigy?</h4>

    As if he could sense Gu Zuo¡¯s conflicted and dejected mood, Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing. Finally, he smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t overthink it. No matter what kinds of skills the Third Prince has, the forces behind him can¡¯t take the ce of the entire Central Continent. We members of the Peripheral Continentse once every three hundred years, so there must be some reason for it. Although many perish, arrangements are certainly made for those who survive and walk out of the Roads of Death.¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo realized that his dear big brother had been joking with him just then. His face immediately reddened.

    Okay, so he was just taking delight in making mischief... Still, he was scared for a moment!

    Tianheng sighed again: ¡°However, this is only this elder brother¡¯s spection. If the Central Continent has long hatched a conspiracy, then every person who refuses to surrender will be pped to death. As such, you and I will have no other option but to be pped to death, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Although the possibility is vey small, isn¡¯t this still the same as before?¡±

    Tianheng changed the subject: ¡°But no matter what happens, none of it will have any effect on us. Ah Zuo, at that time, you only need to hide inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. As for this elder brother, I have the Life-Substitution Beast Pearl, so I¡¯ll be able to escape as well.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, don¡¯t take such long breaths in between sentences!

    After being teased by his big brother again, Gu Zuo recalled that he himself and his dear big brother were both people who possessed cheats. His heart suddenly became much more smooth and steady. In any case, so long as they didn¡¯t lose their small lives, everything was possible. He also didn¡¯t need to prematurely worry about other matters. When the boat reached the bridgehead, it would go straight with the current. One shouldn¡¯t allow themselves to be tied down by what could happen.

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo¡¯s breathing had stabilized, and chuckled slightly: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo stretched his back: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    After being teased twice, was this going to be the third time?!

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth slightly curled up. His voice was gentle: ¡°In fact, the various analyses Ah Zuo and I made before were just a type of excuse. Reducing our scope of understanding, narrowing our ambitions, and tarnishing our bearings ¡ª All of those are excuses. In actuality...¡± A serene and hidden light flickered in his eyes, ¡°...Based on my heart, this elder brother just wants to cut loose for a while.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how many times he had choked on this feeling of exasperation.

    What was the matter with this matter-of-fact attitude of ¡°I just suddenly want to beat all of them up¡±? Wasn¡¯t this just a bit too nonchnt?! So, it didn¡¯t matter if he thought it was reasonable previously? In fact, it was just a ¡°Since I want to, I¡¯ll just do it¡± type of scenario... It made him feel speechless from the bottom of his heart.

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo remembered a matter he previously knew about.

    Because he had been careful at all times in Qingyun Sect for so long, he had almost forgotten that his big brother was a gambler&#k2026; Tianheng was someone who would dare to bet on his own life even with a three percent chance of sess. Wasn¡¯t the present situation precisely the kind of moment that would stimte him?

    After a second of silence, Gu Zuo grunted and said: ¡°I understand.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened. He actions were like lightning. With a turn of his body, he had already killed a handful of approaching people at extremely fast speeds. Then, his body technique switched, and he immediately dashed away even faster!

    That¡¯s right. Because Gu Zuo was a pharmacist, he might¡¯ve not understoodpletely. However, Tianheng hadprehended this long ago.

    Obeying themands of one¡¯s heart, and doing what one wanted ¡ª This was the mentality that a martial artist who wanted to climb to the peak needed to possess. One didn¡¯t blindly follow the rules of others nor conform to any so-called conventional reasoning. One would set their own rules, and break the barriers that surrounded them! It didn¡¯t matter if they were strong or weak, and it didn¡¯t matter if the ones they faced were strong or weak. A person only needed to act based on their own way of thinking. For example, if Tianheng¡¯s heart still wanted to socialize like before, then what did direct confrontations and proving oneself matter? It was basically impossible to affect the heart of his path of martial arts! Along the same train of thought, if Tianheng didn¡¯t want to socialize, then he would directly shed all pretenses of cordiality. They didn¡¯t necessarilyck a way to survive.

    It was just that one¡¯s heart was a veryplicated thing.

    When Tianheng first realized that Gu Zuo possessed such a formidable secret, his heart had already chose to conceal this on his behalf. At this moment, as they were on the verge of approaching that vast world filled with countless miracles, Tianheng¡¯s heart chose to carve out a bloody path for him.

    A person¡¯s heart was full of changes, and was closely rted to the temperaments of each individual. If a martial artist wanted to clearly distinguish what their heart was and what ¡°should¡± be done, then it really wasn¡¯t that easy to do.

    With regards to Tianheng, his heart was nothing more than a part of himself. Even if he lost, this also wasn¡¯t a matter that he would regret.

    But as for the hearts of other people, he wasn¡¯t able toe to any conclusions.

    Naturally, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t give Gu Zuo an exnation since it would negatively affect his own judgment.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know that Tianheng¡¯s clever mind had thought of so many things in the blink of an eye. Because Tianheng had already brought out his killing intent, Gu Zuo nervously and hurriedly recalled all kinds of cultivation methods. He strove to reduce the burden on Tianheng.

    Only, poison pills couldn¡¯t be used right now. Using a pill meant losing a pill. Later on, when there were too many people who needed to be disposed of, then he might reconsider... But then, what was he going to do now?

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and a silvery light flickered in the space between his eyebrows. A sharp-pointed dagger sliced through the empty air and flew out in a sh. It effortlessly impaled the head of an Immortal Realm martial artist who excelled at speed!

    That blood-curdling scream was ear-piercing. Gu Zuo shuddered as he felt the echoing cries of the wind against his ears. His big brother¡¯s running speed also quickened!

    Escape, escape, escape! Kill, kill, kill!

    As Gu Zuo took out another medicine bottle, he silently cursed: Send everyone over to pursue us, if you dare! Humph!

    ¡°Send all of the guards of the Binglong Army¡¯s Twelve Earthly Branches! Capture those two people dead or alive!¡±

    d in a bright-yellow dragon robe, the Third Prince pped out a palm and shattered a small hill in the surroundings. His face carried a dreadfully cold expression.

    Argh! Just great!

    He had never suffered such a great loss before. In a short two or three days, as many as several dozen people under him had perished! It was truly intolerable!

    At this time, quite a fewmanders encircled the Third Prince. All of them crawled on the ground, and didn¡¯t dare to defend themselves in the least. They, the Binglong Army, had always been arrogant. Among the imperial armies, their strengths were also rather well-known. However, during this instance¡¯s unimportant mission, they had suffered greatly. There was unwillingness in their hearts.

    Currently, the Binglong Army would have a total of six hundred people, but close to two hundred had already died. Although there were many reserve troops training in the imperial barracks who could rece them at any time, the present mortality rate was truly too high.

    When the Third Prince unleashed his anger, the ever-presentmanders of the Bingzi Guards, Bingchou Guards, and Bingyin Guards, the first three of the Earthly Branches, walked forward.

    The Third Commander said: ¡°My prince, don¡¯t be angry. This subordinate shall bring back the corpses of these two people!¡±

    The Third Prince calmed down somewhat: ¡°That¡¯s fine. Those pieces of trash are quite helpless right now. Third Commander, this time, if you can¡¯t aplish this task, then simply bring me your own head instead!¡±

    Naturally, the Third Commander made repeated assurances. Immediately following which, he turned around, and departed with terrifying power.

    The twomanders who remained, the Grand Commander and the Second Commander, were the most trusted among the Third Prince¡¯s confidants. While the others had many recements and were all people who cameter, these two had been the Third Prince¡¯s loyal servants since childhood. At the present, they were still faithful and true. They could also speak in front of the Third Prince.

    Just then, the Grand Commander spoke in a deep voice: ¡°My prince, this subordinate has some suspicions. Among those two individuals, that pharmacist may already be a high-level or even a pseudo Golden-Level pharmacist. As for that martial artist, he¡¯s probably a rare prodigy only seen once every thousand years on the Peripheral Continents. Only thus would they have such capabilities!¡±

    The Second Commander also consoled: ¡°Although the prodigies on the Peripheral Continents don¡¯t count for much, a prodigy is, after all, a prodigy. Although every person in my Binglong Army has a resolute determination, they aren¡¯t enough to best even the mostmon genius in terms of aptitude. It also wouldn¡¯t be surprising to fall to a disadvantage against a prodigy.¡±

    The Third Prince was advised like this by these two confidants. His fury just now had also been tossed to the side: ¡°A prodigy? I previously heard people say that a Peripheral Continent prodigy had appeared this time, and at first, this highness believed that it was just a rumor. But now it looks like, even if that person truly isn¡¯t a prodigy, he can also count as a quasi-prodigy. What you two are saying is reasonable. A prodigy originally can¡¯t be judged withmon sense. If the other person is a prodigy, whether this highness kills or subdues that prodigy, it¡¯ll be a grand and happy matter!¡±

    Hearing these words, the twomanders both spoke: ¡°The prince is mighty, and will surely achieve his wish!¡±

    The Third Prince faintly nodded his head: ¡°Now I understand this matter. If there are some losses, it¡¯ll be worth it for the sake of this goal. After this, you two shall make arrangements. The family members of those who died in battle must be properly reimbursed. This can¡¯t be taken lightly.¡±

    The twomanders wore smiling expressions: ¡°The prince is benevolent and charitable!¡±

    On the other side of things, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t know that, due to their period of terrorizing, the Third Prince had be even more interested in them. It was to the point that he preferred to continue losing members of the Binglong Army to kill them. This was to satisfy the restless and agitated heart of his path of martial arts.

    This time around, after Gu Zuo and Tianheng encountered any ancient cities, they didn¡¯t properly rest in them. Rather, on every asion, they crashed through the city gates and ughtered a path onwards. Blood continuously sshed onto their bodies, and all of it dried into a ck color. While it made them appear wretched, it also seemed to carry an icy, resentful energy. It intimidated people at the first nce.

    When night fell, those monsters would attack. However, they were even more ruthless, and slew the monsters with extreme prejudice.

    In each and every ancient city they passed through, there were the workers and soldiers of the Third Prince.

    As the numbers of the dead in the Binglong Army rose, the conflicting views of both sides became more and more insoluble.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 281 - Core Psyche Realm

    <h4>Chapter 281 - Core Psyche Realm</h4>

    Gu Zuo gasped, and felt that his vision was somewhat blurry: ¡°B-big brother, how are you feeling?¡±

    During their escape for the past few days and nights, as soon as they encountered anyone, a high-intensity fight would break out between the pair and the crowd. His psychic power would quickly see through them, but the enemies ahead seemed like an unending stream ¡ª Apart from that Third Prince¡¯s subordinates who constantly encircled and attacked them, Gu Zuo could also sense that there were other people who were spying on them. Although, all of his psychic power was being used for attacking and defending, so there wasn¡¯t enough time to scout and probe those people.

    However, Gu Zuo was also aware that the others were ring like a tiger stalking its prey. If the two of them weren¡¯t cautious enough, even if they could wipe out the Third Prince¡¯s aggression and arrogance, they might not be able to escape from the hands of the others.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s qi energy was still considered deep and resounding: ¡°Ah Zuo, if you¡¯re tired, then take a short nap. After you recover enough energy, it won¡¯t be toote for you toe and help me.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit gloomy.

    He felt very useless. Undoubtedly, he had already mastered a body cultivation method of another type of cultivation system. He also had very strong offensive capabilities. Yet, in the end, because of insufficient endurance, he wasn¡¯t able to keep going.

    The onesing from every direction were all enemies!

    But despite his gloom, Gu Zuo knew that he couldn¡¯t hold on. Rather than exhausting thest bit of his psychic power now and bing a burden, it was better to take advantage of this period of time when his dear big brother had enough strength in order to recuperate. Soon after, wouldn¡¯t it be fine to continue helping?

    With his thoughts settled, Gu Zuo shook off that useless state of mind, and stuffed several medicinal pills into Tianheng¡¯s mouth: ¡°Big brother, use these first. Once I restore my strength, or if you run out, just call out to me.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. Because of the constant medicinal pills, I still have sixty to seventy percent of my strength right now. This is enough to break through another encirclement.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt slightly at ease. After that, he closed his eyes, hardened his heart, and fully concentrated on operating his inner cultivation method. He absorbedrge quantities of medicinal qi, and continuously transformed his true qi... At the same time, because he had used up too much psychic power and because there seemed to be a slight stinging in his Tianfu Acupoint, the newly-made smoky psychic power instantly gushed out. In the blink of an eye, it crammed into the Tianfu Acupoint, entered that vortex, and transformed into gtinous psychic power. Then, it rapidly changed that empty and barren location into a ce that was plump and viscous.

    During this period of time, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power vortex became smaller and smaller. Meanwhile, the quantity of gtinous psychic power inside became greater and greater. Soon after, that vortex faded away. Because the gtinous psychic power was toorge, in the wake of even more gtinous psychic power being shoved inside, the entire mass quickly began to condense! At the same time, that psychic power vortex also gradually built up again.

    Just like this, one side disappeared while the other side grew. As the vortex expanded, the gtinous psychic power inside shrank. Slowly, it reduced in size to the mouth of a well, the mouth of arge jar, the mouth of a bucket... Then, it was the size of a human head, a clenched fist, and then a chicken egg.

    Finally, when it was the size of a chicken egg, that gtinous psychic power became motionless.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s whole body was almostpletely bundled up in that invisible medicinal qi.

    These strands of medicinal qi frantically entered his Tianfu Acupoint. His cultivation method operated at speeds that were over a hundred times faster than normal!

    Within Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint, the strangely-shaped gtinous psychic power, which was still the size of a chicken egg, suddenly trembled! Even more gtinous psychic power rushed inside,pressed the chicken-egg sized lump, and swiftly rotated the nearly-solid gtinous mass. Moreover, amid this kind of rotation, the lump gradually became perfectly round!

    It seemed that, through this highly-skilled polishing, this nearly-solid mass rotated faster, its shape became rounder, and its size became smaller. In addition, none of the psychic power was being flung away. On the contrary, even more psychic power was being sucked in. Gradually, the chicken-egg sized psychic power was shrunk to its limits. And then, after Gu Zuo suddenly shivered, that psychic power pulsed! It came to a stop!

    At this moment, the entire psychic power vortex was present in a gtinous state. As for the psychic power being rigidly fixed in the center, it was now only the size of a pigeon egg. It was perfectly round, and it was lustrous and glossy. It was just like a solid pearl!

    Gu Zuo suddenly became clear-headed.

    That was &#k2014;

    His psychic power had unexpectedly broken through to the Core Psyche Realm!

    At this time, Gu Zuo heard a slightly urgent voice: ¡°Ah Zuo, how are you feeling?¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and immediately smelled the heavy stench of blood. He became fretful at once: ¡°Big brother, are you injured again? Are your injuries serious? Why didn¡¯t you call out to me to give you medicine?!¡±

    At the same time, Tianheng simrly opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, just now, your body was burning up, and your qi emissions had some fluctuations as if it was out of sorts. Now that your body temperature has fallen, do you feel unwell anywhere?¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Just then, because he broke through, he had probably spent a very long time doing so. Something unusual also happened to his body, so his big brother didn¡¯t disturb him all the while... Tianheng also protected him in this ce up until now.

    ¡°This ce¡± was a cer.

    It was the type of basement that ordinary people would dig out from under their own homes.

    Gu Zuo never expected that his big brother would bring him to hide inside a cer.

    This was a difficult situation... Moreover, Tianheng had certainly used many methods to be able to avoid the eyes and ears of those people.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart ached a little. He mumbled: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m sorry...¡±

    Immediately following that, a warm andrge hand pressed down on his head, and it used a bit of strength to ruffle his hair.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°It¡¯s good that nothing bad happened to Ah Zuo.¡±

    After clearing things up, Gu Zuo realized that while he was recovering his psychic power, he was in a semi-unconscious state. And after Tianheng discovered that something wasn¡¯t right with Gu Zuo, he promptly disengaged from those people besieging them. He spent nearly all of his true qi, and this extraordinary disy allowed him to temporarily throw off all of those people.

    Meanwhile, the bodies of the two were draped in hooded ck cloaks ¡ª This cloak was one that Gu Zuo recognized. They were obtained inside the final tomb chamber of the Human King¡¯s tomb. The product grade wasn¡¯t known, but it could alter its owner¡¯s qi emissions. It was very useful.

    However, the cloaks were originally put away inside Gu Zuo¡¯s storage space. If the cloaks hadn¡¯t recognized them as owners through a drop of blood, and if Tianheng wasn¡¯t a guardian whom Gu Zuo trusted with his heart and soul, Tianheng basically wouldn¡¯t have been able to summon the cloaks. Previously, Tianheng only made an attempt, and through this attempt, he fortunately seeded. This was considered a great help to the two.

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, he sighed in relief: ¡°In that case, the Third Prince¡¯s people shouldn¡¯t be able to find us.¡±

    Tianheng, however, stated: ¡°They certainly won¡¯t be able to find us at the moment, but this might not necessarily be the case as more time passes.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood. Because searching required a certain amount of time. This was also the time that his big brother previously struggled for.

    After pursing his lips, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother about anything else. First, he took out a top grade Revitalization Pill, and handed it over to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, eat this.¡±

    Tianheng naturally didn¡¯t refuse his kind intentions. At once, he swallowed the pill. As he sensed the faint stinging of the numerous gaping wounds in his flesh squirm and heal under the cloak, he asked: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s psychic power...¡±

    Gu Zuo saw that Tianheng¡¯splexion had improved somewhat, and recalled the matter just now. He wore a trace of happiness: ¡°Big brother, I broke through! I made a breakthrough from the Coalescing Psyche Realm to the Core Psyche Realm!¡±

    Tianheng suddenly revealed a smiling expression: ¡°As expected, it was like this.¡± Then, he praised, ¡°The speed of Ah Zuo¡¯s progress can hardly bepared to that of ordinary people. This elder brother is delighted.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened: ¡°I also don¡¯t know why this happened, but while I clearly didn¡¯t have any breakthroughs in the past two years, I suddenly had one now. I have no words to respond with.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°It should be fighting to the death with other people during these days. Ah Zuo¡¯s utilization of psychic power has also be increasingly fine. After this, through the constant consumption of psychic power, the impassioned spirit in your mind, and the countless hardships and perils, the pressure has been pouring down on your head. However, once the pressure reached its peak, it became an opportunity for a breakthrough. This ought to be a matter of course for Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face, and his eyes shined: ¡°I can sense that the total amount of psychic power is over a hundred times greater than before! Moreover, the speeds of operating my inner cultivation method and recovering my psychic power are also a hundred times faster than before! If I fight alongside big brotherter on, I won¡¯t be running out so much anymore!¡±

    Although the amount of medicinal qi he used up would also be a hundred times more than before, the size of his medicinal qi consumption wasn¡¯t worth mentioning whenpared the rate that his own strength increased! What¡¯s more, with the amount of medicinal qi he had previously umted, he had enough tost for quite some time based on his current speed of consumption...

    Tianheng¡¯s heart stirred. Soon after, the edge of his lips curled into a grin: ¡°Right now, this elder brother¡¯s true qi has alsopletely recovered.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head: ¡°Big brother has a n in mind?¡±

    Tianheng lightly nodded his head: ¡°Since the Third Prince isn¡¯t willing to let us get away, you and I will go and kill a couple hundred of his subordinates. When that timees, he¡¯ll probably show himself.¡±

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°Big brother is thinking about...getting rid of that Third Prince, too?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened: ¡°How would that be possible? He certainly has a hidden trump card on his person, so I¡¯m afraid it would be rather difficult.¡±

    Gu Zuo was suddenly ovee with a great ambition: ¡°If we can¡¯t kill him, then we have to make him spit blood! Only then can we get our revenge for the enmity of being hunted down!¡±

    Tianheng saw him acting this way, and couldn¡¯t helpughing. After that, he spoke in a light tone: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is reasonable.¡±

    The two made a decision just like this, and removed the cloaks on their bodies one after the other.

    This object was also considered a trump card. Previously, whenever it needed to be used, it would be used. But now, their energies were plentiful and vigorous, and the cloaks could be stored.

    After putting the cloaks away, they both changed their clothes. Immediately, their tattered and ruined appearances became bright and beautiful. Following that, they didn¡¯t recklessly storm out of the cer. Rather, Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back, and the two were like inseparably close shadows. In a split second, they came to the street.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s legs tightly clenched around Tianheng¡¯s waist, while his arms wrapped around Tianheng¡¯s neck. He firmly hung onto his big brother¡¯s body. As for Tianheng, both of his hands faintly trembled. Once he discovered any enemies, he would promptly react.

    The pair¡¯s heartstrings were pulled taut as they noiselessly crossed over several city blocks.

    Finally, they saw a few dozen armor-wearing soldiers ¡ª There was no doubt that they were the Third Prince¡¯s people.

    At this moment, they were searching from building to building. The atmosphere was tense, and their expressions were solemn. It was clear that they were in the middle of handling what they considered an extremely grave and serious matter.

    Tianheng pulled his bow. He was preparing to shoot.

    The person he aimed at was naturally themander at the very front.

    However, Gu Zuo stealthily tugged at his dear big brother.

    Tianheng startled.

    [What¡¯s wrong?]

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    [Big brother, I¡¯ll prepare a big move. Wait for me, and let¡¯s do it together!]

    It was only natural that Tianheng agreed.

    After that, Tianheng discovered that countless strands of energy were rapidly gathering in front of him. What slowly formed was an iparably fierce...wolf-tooth cudgel?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 282 - The Wolf-Tooth Cudgel

    <h4>Chapter 282 - The Wolf-Tooth Cudgel</h4>

    It was a little more than three meters long. The surface waspletely covered with sharp spikes, and each spike was about a foot long. It looked terrifying. The body of the cudgel was as thick and solid as a water barrel. When spikes were added on, then it took the shape of an extremely fierce weapon. It gleamed with a ghastly, cold light.

    However...

    One wolf-tooth cudgel wasn¡¯t the end of it.

    After the first wolf-tooth cudgel appeared, a second and third cudgel appeared by its side. The bottom ends of the cudgels seemed to link together, extending out in three directions. This framework was like a gigantic maw, and once they started to rotate, it looked like a wheel of thorns. It exuded a type of outrageous and brazen sharpness!

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at this kind of ominous and terrible thing, and slightly raised an eyebrow.

    It seemed that, although his little pharmacist¡¯s temperament was always mild and soft, Gu Zuo was also a young man full of vim and vigor. Currently, Tianheng had only been carrying him around to kill for a few rounds, and he had developed such a way to confront the enemy.

    The might of the psychic power¡¯s Spirit Transforming Chapter originally depended on whether the practitioner of this method had the courage to create and transform things of immense power.

    Gu Zuo held his breath as he manufactured three wolf-tooth cudgels. Then, he wiped away his sweat.

    In fact, after he had once thought about waiting for his psychic power to strengthen, he wanted to transform even stronger weapons ¡ª After all, the best of his previous daggers were only short and small. Although their destructive powers were great, they still weren¡¯t that tough and unyielding.

    This time around, once he sessfully reached the Core Psyche Realm, his originally insufficient psychic power became abundant. He silently forged the weapon that he admired the most.

    It was just that, with the present Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, manufacturing three of them was already his limit. In actuality, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the psychic power of the Spirit Transforming Chapter could be regained, it would¡¯ve been even less likely for him to use up ny percent of his psychic power to make such things!

    Gu Zu closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they shined: ¡°Big brother, watch me make a move first. If I miss any, big brother can just shoot them dead!¡±

    Tianheng saw how impassioned Gu Zuo was, and didn¡¯t brush off his n. His eyes carried a trace of pampering: ¡°Okay.¡± In a warm voice, he said, ¡°This time, I¡¯ll just watch Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo focused his thoughts, and the space between his eyebrows shed with rays of light.

    In the blink of an eye, those three wolf-tooth cudgels swiftly whirled around, and wrapped up a huge gale as it swept towards those dozens of armored soldiers!

    The wolf-tooth cudgels passed through the wind, and the whirling noises were like ps of thunder. Its countless spikes sliced apart that wind like it wanted tocerate the entire space. The tyrannical power and vast momentum was frightful to the extreme!

    Those armored soldiers reacted very quickly. Even though the detectable movements of psychic power attacks were usually very small, the pressure being brought to bear against the other party was too huge. It instantly made them take defensive stances!

    ...Yet, these defenses were of no use at all.

    The wolf-tooth cudgels were too fierce and violent. Most of all, because they were continuously spinning, the sharpness of those spikes rose rapidly. When the cudgels smashed into those armored soldiers, the spikes tore through them from all directions. Each and every soldier crashed into the spikes. A few had their armors torn apart, where only their skin was yed open. Many, however, had their flesh shredded to ribbons by the wolf-tooth cudgels. From head to toes, they were directly ground up between the great millstones created by the three wolf-tooth cudgels. Entire bodies were transformed into piles of quivering mincemeat!

    St! St! St!

    Numerous armored soldiers repeatedly tried to cry out in rm, but they weren¡¯t even able to scream. Their broken and shredded limbs and torsos had already fallen to the ground!

    It had to be said that the three wolf-tooth cudgels that Gu Zuo sent out were truly just like a meat grinder. Even though the ones they faced were low Immortal Realm armored soldiers, even though the armor that those soldiers wore possessed certain defensive capabilities, they still weren¡¯t able to withstand a single blow!

    Only themander, whose strength was the highest and whosebat awareness was even higher, had jumped high into the air prior to the arrival of the wolf-tooth cudgels. He had avoided the attack range of the wolf-tooth cudgels. At the same time, his hands grasped arge saber. While in the air, he shed out lengthy saber strikes, which burst forth with the keening sounds of sharp saber qi!

    The saber qi advanced in an instant. The target was precisely Gu Zuo¡¯s location!

    At this moment, the majority of Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power had transformed into the wolf-tooth cudgels. Meanwhile, a smaller part of his psychic power was manipting the weapons. As such, his self-defense was quitecking. It was reasonable to say that, if he sustained an attack at this time, he either had to recall the wolf-tooth cudgels to protect himself or, if he couldn¡¯t recall them in time, he had no choice but toy down and die.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take action. His big brother was also present!

    Tianheng had already made preparations long ago. He had known earlier that, despite the devastating nature of those wolf-tooth cudgels, the present achievements were mostly due to the surprise attack. And this kind of surprise attack, when confronting a person at the level of amander, was just a bitcking.

    Hence, Tianheng had made preparations in advance. At this moment, the saber qi soon approached. He promptly swatted out with both hands, and two Blood Palms suddenly appeared out of thin air!

    Bang! Crackle ¡ª

    During the first impact, a Blood Palm directly pped the saber qi to pieces, but the Blood Palm itself also dissipated. As for the second strike, which closely followed behind, the huge hand made a grabbing motion. It clenched the remaining, scattered saber qi together into the hollow of its palm. In the blink of an eye, it produced the sound of an extinguished me. The vestigial saber qi waspletely smothered until not a single trace remained.

    Immediately following that, Tianheng leaped up. Without waiting for thatmander to respond, his hand already gripped a spear, and he went to fight with thatmander.

    Thatmander¡¯s skills were also very formidable. Therge saber in one hand was brandished in a free and unconstrained manner. It was extremely imposing. When it collided with the spear, the noise resounded unceasingly. The battle was as unstoppable as a wildfire.

    The present Tianheng was very powerful, and his true qi was exceedingly vigorous. However, the qi energy that an Immortal Realm utilized was supported with profound qi. On the other hand, his qi energy was only supported with true qi. The innate qualities of profound qi far surpassed that of true qi. During battle, for equally powerful moves, it was naturally themander who held the advantage.

    But Tianheng also possessed extraordinary traits. His physical body was the Tiandu Body, and his body contained three sets of bone pearls with different powers. It was just that the bone pearls that absorbed blood essence only made his physical body even stronger. As for the bone pearls that absorbedrge quantities of blood and countless strands of resentful energy and poisonous qi, it formed a type of blood-red power that allowed him to use that Blood Palm. Then, there was the reddish-gold power, which at least doubled the might of every one of his moves.

    Thus, the tip of Tianheng¡¯s spear bore the blood-red power. With the addition of his crafty spear techniques, the resentful poison within the power was quite virulent. This allowed Tianheng, this peak Xiantian martial artist, to escape the restriction brought about by true qi against Immortal Realm martial artists.

    After contending for several rounds, victory and defeat still couldn¡¯t be determined.

    The cause, if nothing else, was due to the fact that the one whom Tianheng was battling was none other than the Third Commander. And among thesemanders, aside from the first twomanders who were the Third Prince¡¯s trusted aides and whose strengths weren¡¯t within the scope of contemting, the remaining bottom tenmanders were ordered by might.

    As such, although the Third Commander was known to have ranked third, he was first ce in terms of strength among themanders. Even if it was the Great Commander or the Second Commander, had it not been for the spirit weapons in their possession, which were bestowed by the Third Prince, they also probably weren¡¯t the Third Commander¡¯s match.

    It was also for this reason that, after the Third Commander received his orders, he was filled with self-confidence ¡ª One needed to know that he once sparred with the Third Prince, and his strength didn¡¯t fall much behind!

    The Third Commander naturally felt that this would allow him to capture these two individuals. Of course, stretching out his hand to grab them wouldn¡¯t take too much time at all. Merely, he didn¡¯t expect that those two would be so slippery during the pursuit through several ancient cities. Not only weren¡¯t they captured, he had lost quite a few soldiers and a couple ofmanders. If this continued, he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin himself to the Third Prince. In the future, how could there still be a position for him in the Binglong Army? Later on, thosemanders would all be hoping to drag him down. It would be great to rece this position which was closest to the Third Prince!

    At this moment, the Third Commander crossed weapons with Tianheng. He originally believed that he should¡¯ve had high odds of sess in direct confrontation. In the end, he didn¡¯t anticipate that his own mid Immortal Realm strength could only fight the peak Xiantian Tianheng to a standstill!

    This guy was certainly a genuine prodigy!

    The more ferociously he attacked, the more amazed the Third Commander became in his heart.

    He once thought that the Third Prince was a rare personage among prodigies, but right now, he couldn¡¯t help having some thoughts... When their Third Prince was also in this realm, had he been stronger than this person?

    After thinking about it, he couldn¡¯t help bing somewhat frightened. At the same time, his actions became even more ruthless.

    The Third Commander needed to get rid of this person! Otherwise, this guy would certainly bear the pursuit of the past few days in his heart. If he was able to survive, he would definitely be a lingering trouble in the future!

    As for capturing them alive... The Third Commander didn¡¯t consider this any longer.

    Tianheng also sensed the Third Commander¡¯s state of mind, and how it promptly became extremely resolute after a moment of distraction. The saber qi he wielded also carried a dreadful killing intent.

    This was the Third Commander¡¯s intention to kill him at all costs?

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips bore a trace of coldness.

    He shook his spear, and the spear shaft suddenly oscited. The spear tip trembled and billowed like wave after wave of the ocean. Each wave of power was stronger than thest, and thebinedyers thrashed towards the Third Commander.

    The Third Commander¡¯s expression was heavy. Therge saber carried a ring, golden light. It could behead mountains and split the seas. It was unstoppable!

    The waves of power borne by that spear hindered him from behind, but this obstruction couldn¡¯t persist for much longer. It would only take a second at most for the Third Commander to force his way through!

    Tianheng naturally didn¡¯t rely on this one move to deal with the Third Commander. His palms interlocked, and that spear vanished from sight. The remaining power was pierced by the Third Commander, and the saber light struck straight ahead.

    However, what appeared in Tianheng¡¯s hands were two single-edged, short halberds. While the halberds were as imposing and fierce as a saber, they were far more flexible and versatile.

    At this moment, ayer of radiance was coated on each of the two halberds¡¯ crescent moon-shaped des.

    The light on the left was reddish-gold, and the light on the right was reddish-ck.

    One was like the sun with qi that was both vast and bright. The other was iparably gloomy and cold, and within its flickering brilliance was an indescribable tyranny!

    These two types of powers erupted. Once again, Tianhengshed out with the intent to kill. The halberd techniques utilized in his left and right hands were extremely special. When put to use, both sides did things their own way. One side was broad and magnanimous, and the other side was sly and treacherous. It seemed that these were different martial skills. Yet, at the same time, it was as if this was a single set method for a pair of halberds. Although the halberd intents were contrary to one another, they alsoplemented each other¡¯s deficiencies. This caused theirbined might to increase by several folds in a split second.

    Originally, when the Third Commander battled with Tianheng, he felt that they only needed to wear each other down to see whose determination was more ruthless. However, once that guy took out the pair of halberds, he realized that the current, singr Tianheng seemed to use a method that wasprised of two Tianhengs. It appeared to cause the guy¡¯s martial strength to double!

    In a split second, the Third Commander, who was originally evenly matched with Tianheng, fell to a disadvantage!

    Tianheng started to pressure the Third Commander. Every time he took action, he was able to wound the Third Commander.

    Themander¡¯s body was covered in reddish-ck and reddish-gold streaks. The former had the power of corrosion. It made his wounds itchy and painful. It was hard to endure. Thetter had the power of zing heat, which prevented those wounds from healing. Instead, as the battle progressed, the wounds continuously widened in size!

    He could detect that his own energy was constantly eroding away. If the scales continued to tip, then the one who was going to die here was him!

    Gu Zuo leaned against Tianheng¡¯s back, and was quite rxed.

    Never did the Third Commander not view Gu Zuo as a weak point to attack. Unfortunately, Tianheng always prevented him from approaching. Thus, he basically had no way of aplishing this.

    The majority of Gu Zuo¡¯s mental efforts was on the wolf-tooth cudgels.

    And at this time, those three wolf-tooth cudgels separated, and went in three separate directions. They chased after three armored soldiers who were running away!

    Bang ¡ª

    St! St!

    Around those wolf-tooth cudgels, one would only see three badly-mangled corpses, where even the bones were crushed to pieces. The corpses fell to the ground like bags of meat.

    T/N: Due to work, I¡¯ve had less time to trante. Until further notice, I¡¯ll be aiming to trante 2k length chapters in three days and 4k length chapters in five days.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 283 - Rescuing Fellow Disciples

    <h4>Chapter 283 - Rescuing Fellow Disciples</h4>

    The dozens of low Immortal Realm martial artists weren¡¯t Gu Zuo¡¯s match. During the battle between Gongyi Tianheng and the Third Commander, Gu Zuo had already used the three wolf-tooth cudgels to annihte them all with an unstoppable momentum.

    After that, Gu Zuo caught his breath. A silvery light flickered in the space between his eyebrows as he recollected those wolf-tooth cudgels.

    Things like flesh and filth wouldn¡¯t really stick to one¡¯s psychic power. When being regained, the psychic power would be as clean and pristine as before. Merely, because the length of the battle wasn¡¯t short, the psychic power had undergone a certain amount of wear and tear. Currently, of the remaining psychic power in Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint, there was only seventy percent left.

    ¡ª But this didn¡¯t matter. Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts turned, his inner cultivation method operated, and an untold number of medicinal qi strands were absorbed by him. His psychic power was replenished at lightning speeds! It probably wouldn¡¯t take long for him topletely recover!

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯s pair of halberds moved faster and faster. Suddenly, his figure rotated, and his spinal column bent like arge bow. At the same time, the strength in his waist greatly increased, and he swung back around!

    The two halberds connected, and formed a pair of scissors. They sliced towards that Third Commander¡¯s neck!

    The power of this neck strike was too formidable. The Third Commander¡¯srge saber barely swept out in time, but the strike had been avoided when Tianheng abruptly arched his back. Although the saber qi still cut a deep wound into Tianheng¡¯s nk, at the exact same time, the Third Commander¡¯s head had been ruthlessly decapitated by the scissors!

    A head, whose eyes remained open in death, tumbled and rolled along the ground. A spray of hot blood fountained from that neck stump. Tianheng hardly paid any heed as he put away the halberds. Then, he abruptly lifted a leg, and kicked that corpse away.

    The present Third Commander was as dead as dead could be.

    Gu Zuo embraced Tianheng¡¯s neck. He exhaled, and said: ¡°These people are truly hard to kill.¡±

    While he appeared to be very rxed, in actuality, he hadn¡¯t been taking things so lightly ¡ª Utilizing one¡¯s psychic power was also a big burden.

    On the contrary, his big brother had been very cool and handsome just then.

    Tianheng was still carrying Gu Zuo on his back. He stepped through these dead bodies and advanced forward: ¡°Indeed. Thismander was much stronger than all of the previous ones. He was probably an important person among themanders. Ah Zuo, I¡¯m afraid that it won¡¯t take much longer before we face off against the true Third Prince.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s nose smelled the stench of blood, and his brows immediately furrowed ¡ª His big brother was injured.

    But despite his deep concern, he didn¡¯t make a fuss about such a small matter like in the past. Rather, he directly took out a medicinal pill, and stuffed it inside Tianheng¡¯s mouth. Moreover, after ¡°watching¡± that wound continuously reduce in size, he replied to Tianheng¡¯s words: ¡°Come what may. I actually want to see just how powerful he ispared to that guy just now!¡±

    Yet, it seemed that Tianheng had guessed wrongly this time.

    During the next two days, the pair traversed through two ancient cities. However, never again did they encounter the interception and pursuit of the Third Prince¡¯s subordinates. Instead, they saw some Peripheral Continent geniuses traveling together in groups.

    These people were able to survive up until now, so they all had certain skills and abilities.

    It was just that, even though there weren¡¯t any of the Third Prince¡¯s people, this ursed Road of Death apparently still wasn¡¯t willing to allow the two any rest. When they came to this ancient city in a rtively easy andfortable manner, beyond all expectations, they encountered some familiar people &#k2014; Looking at the clothes and style of dress, those people were disciples of Chongyun Sect!

    Gu Zuo felt conflicted: ¡°Big brother, this luck of ours...really isn¡¯t all that great.¡±

    Tianheng, on the other hand, slightly raised his eyes: ¡°Ah Zuo, it seems that those people from Chongyun Sect aren¡¯t open and guileless at all.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. Without the slightest hesitation, he discharged his psychic power, which closely followed those Chongyun Sect people. Although there were some pharmacists among that group of people, how could the strengths of those pharmacistspare to that of Gu Zuo, who had already broken through to the Core Psyche Realm?

    As a result, their disdainful words were all ryed to Gu Zuo¡¯s ears through his psychic power.

    ¡°Hey, a few more useless fellows...¡±

    ¡°...Qingyun...trash...¡±

    ¡°All of you...kill...¡±

    ¡°...where will you run... Hmph!¡±

    The information contained within those brief couple of sentences couldn¡¯t be neglected in the least.

    It was quite ominous.

    Gu Zuo forced a smile and said: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m afraid that we¡¯ll have to go over and take a look.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows faintly moved: ¡°What happened?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°It seems they want to harm the disciples of our Qingyun Sect.¡±

    Tianheng paused: ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose. If Chongyun Sect has any wicked intentions, we¡¯ll just have to eliminate this trouble for Qingyun Sect.¡±

    The two promptly reached a consensus in this respect. Immediately following which, Tianheng stamped the bottom of his foot, and closely trailed behind those Chongyun Sect disciples at extremely fast speeds.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to arrive in front of a tavern.

    Because their discussion took a couple of seconds, Chongyun Sect¡¯s vanguard troops had already started a ruckus over here while they were rushing over.

    During the daytime, the ancient city had no monsters. What it had were only the ¡°ordinary¡±moners who would tuck their heads and hide whenever they encountered these gallivanting martial artists. When others caused trouble inside the tavern, themoners had no other choice but to vacate the area, and allow the disturbance to continue.

    Gu Zuo saw that a second-floor window had been smashed earlier. It was clear that someone had been dwelling there before. And up ahead, on top of some buildings, there were several martial artists who were fighting in a group. With people moving back and forth, it was very lively!

    However, this wasn¡¯t an evenly-matched fight. In the blink of an eye, those few people were struck down. At the same time, a couple others who were originally standing guard on the side let out low cries and swiftly caught them. Then, they all retreated to the back.

    Soon after, those young men in fluttering, white-patterned robesnded on the ground, and surrounded the group of six ¡ª These six people were members of Qingyun Sect.

    There were five men and one woman. And the sole woman was a pharmacist.

    They didn¡¯t share any friendly rtions with Tianheng and Gu Zuo, but because they were secluded disciples, there were one or two people among those five male martial artists who had once sparred with Tianheng. Thus, they could be counted as half-acquaintances.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo appeared on the side, and watched the spectacle ahead.

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s people had fallen to a disadvantage. Who knew what Chongyun Sect wanted to do at this moment?

    After the members of Chongyun Sect surrounded the Qingyun Sect disciples, the leader stood tall with his hands sped behind his back. He was the most arrogant of the bunch. The others who had just struck the Qingyun Sect disciples down from the rooftop were filled with satisfaction: ¡°Sure enough, just as our juniors said, the people of Qingyun Sect are all useless pieces of trash! When in Qingyun Sect, my honorable juniors let you all off easy. While you trash might¡¯ve tried to act presentable then, haven¡¯t your true appearances been revealed on this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen?¡±

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s secluded disciples naturally weren¡¯t weak, but their luck wasn¡¯t that good. Originally, they weren¡¯t the strongest among the secluded disciples, but the others had all separated. Meanwhile, this group of Chongyun Sect disciples whom they now encountered were the high-level disciples dispatched by Chongyun Sect. The aptitudes and strengths of each individual were extremely impressive, and they were all difficult to handle. These Qingyun Sect secluded disciples naturally weren¡¯t their opponents.

    Thus, while being ridiculed like this, the five male martial artists hurriedly swallowed medicinal pills. After that, they stood up and protected the front of that female pharmacist ¡ª The present pharmacists had some strength, butpared to martial artists, their offensive capabilities were far too inferior.

    The humiliated expressions of the Qingyun Sect disciples seemed to please the Chongyun Sect disciples.

    After the Chongyun Sect disciples gave a round of malicious taunting, near the edge of the group, a disciple who carried a lewd gazended beside female pharmacist: ¡°I hadn¡¯t realized, but now that I¡¯ve taken a look...¡± He clicked his tongue, ¡°Although there¡¯s lots of trash in Qingyun Sect, this beauty has a high aptitude!¡±

    While he spoke, his eyeballs swiveled up and down, practically stripping that female pharmacist of her clothing.

    The meaning within these words instantly caused the expressions of the Qingyun Sect disciples to be extremely unsightly. That woman, in particr. While there was a surplus of revulsion, there was also a trace of panic in her heart.

    The current circumstances were clear ¡ª

    That rather vulgar disciple wore a smile that harbored evil designs: ¡°Senior Sect Brothers, how about this young missy gives me a good time first?¡± He gave another look to that leading disciple, ¡°If not, does Senior Sect Brother Da want to ¡®im his prize¡¯? So long as this little brother can have a bit of leftovers afterwards...¡±

    Having heard what was said, that Senior Sect Brother Da gave a cold harrumph: ¡°No need!¡±

    However, even though he declined to ¡®im his prize¡¯, there wasn¡¯t any intention of obstructing that disciple.

    That disciple¡¯s smile became even more obscene. As he reached out a hand to snatch that woman, he said: ¡°Senior Sect Brothers, block the others for this little brother. Don¡¯t dy this little brother¡¯s¡ª¡±

    His voice hadn¡¯t trailed off. The remaining words simply didn¡¯t have the opportunity to leave his mouth.

    One would only see that this head, which still carried a depraved smile, had already been cut from that person¡¯s neck. It tumbled to the ground, and rolled a few times.

    In the meanwhile, not a single person understood what had happened nor who had acted!

    For a moment, the scene was quiet.

    Immediately following which, Chongyun Sect¡¯s Senior Sect Brother Da abruptly flew into a rage: ¡°Who¡¯s there! Who dares to attack from the shadows to kill my Chongyun Sect¡¯s disciple?!¡±

    This was a p to his face. It was a p to Chongyun Sect¡¯s face!

    He needed to catch that bastard!

    The expressions of all the Qingyun Sect disciples had been frozen in rage as well, but these looks of fury had shifted into ones of astonishment. It was because the situation had changed too quickly. These expressions weren¡¯t able to shift in time, and seemed especially strange.

    Then, who had taken action?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 284 - Completely Wiping Them Out

    <h4>Chapter 284 - Completely Wiping Them Out</h4>

    However, no one came out to face them. Instead, another two strands of invisible power lunged out. In a split second, an attack wasunched on three pharmacists who were huddled within the crowd of Chongyun Sect disciples.

    These three pharmacists sensed the psychic power¡¯s attack, and promptly used their own psychic powers to defend themselves. However, two of the three were merely at the Coalescing Psyche Realm. The might of the approaching attack was a hundred times stronger than what they could achieve! Naturally, the attack prated their skulls and thoroughly killed them.

    When the Chongyun Sect disciples, who were guarding the pharmacists on the side, saw this, theirplexions flushed red.

    As arge sect, they originally brought along the pharmacists to make things easier after entering the Central Continent. They didn¡¯t expect to suffer these losses before even getting there. Of thest remaining three pharmacists, none of them were protected!

    That eldest Senior Sect Brother, who previously flew into a rage, unexpectedly restrained that anger, which seemed excessive and exaggerated. Rather, his expression became cold and detached, and any furious intentions were concealed within his eyes.

    At this moment, he waved his hand: ¡°Keep an eye on the Qingyun Sect trash. As for the rest of you, search for that person in hiding!¡±

    The numerous Chongyun Sect disciples swept aside their arrogance, and simultaneously responded: ¡°Yes, eldest Senior Sect Brother!¡±

    Immediately following which, the Chongyun Sect disciples promptly dispersed, and searched for any and all locations that could hide a person. Just now, they weren¡¯t able to get a clear look at the direction of that attack, but there were also only a few ces where it could¡¯vee from...

    Hiding in the shadows, Gu Zuo used his psychic power to cover himself and Gongyi Tianheng. He felt that the behavior of the Chongyun Sect disciples was a little odd: ¡°Big brother, they...¡±

    Tianheng calmly stated: ¡°That eldest Senior Sect Brother isn¡¯t really hot-headed and reckless. That act he put on before was only to make us despise him and jump out to reveal our real bodies.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it for a bit, and understood. He suddenly furrowed his brows: ¡°He sure has sinister intentions! There¡¯s only the two of us, while they have a group of people. Right now, we¡¯re in the dark and they¡¯re in the open, which is beneficial to us. But if we¡¯re too conceited about our sessful ambush and go out, then everyone will be out in the open. It¡¯ll certainly be disadvantageous to us, right?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°That he could have a response like this in an instant shows that his thoughts are meticulous. Since we didn¡¯t go out, he knew that we weren¡¯t arrogant. Naturally, he stopped his act, and switched to giving orders for a search.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have the slightest good impression of that person: ¡°He indulged his junior into doing that kind of deplorable, lecherous thing. He¡¯s not a good person.¡±

    Tianheng indulgently said: ¡°That¡¯s right. He really isn¡¯t.¡±

    Gu Zuo only believed that those Chongyun Sect disciples would bully women and get angry, but Tianheng could see through some of the attitudes which the members of Chongyun Sect used in conducting themselves and handling matters.

    There was truth in that birds of a feather would flock together, and that people would separate ording to groups. The entire cultivating environment of Chongyun Sect was perhaps one where those of lower standing had to obey those of higher standing, and that people with outstanding talent could wantonly bully people with insufficient talent.

    Just now, among those numerous Chongyun Sect disciples, it was natural that not all of them were sex crazed. When that lecherous disciple opened his mouth, their expressions all contained scorn. Merely, this scorn wasn¡¯t due to his lecherous behavior, but rather due to hisck of control over his own desires and his weak willpower.

    However, the aptitudes of this Chongyun Sect disciple were very good, and his imposing aura was strong. As a result, if he wanted to act on his urges, the other Chongyun Sect disciples would just let him ¡ª This was probably the privilege of the powerful.

    Tianheng could, more or less, understand why these differences existed between the disciples of Chongyun Sect and Qingyun Sect.

    This was probably because the aptitudes and social hierarchies of the outstanding talents of Chongyun Sect¡¯s Southeastern Expanse were far superior to that of the Southern Expanse. Consequently, although the weak were prey to the strong by general practice in Qingyun Sect, the numerous disciples still abided by certain rules. However, in Chongyun Sect, perhaps thew of the jungle and the social distribution that existed between geniuses were especially cruel.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what Tianheng was thinking. His thoughts also weren¡¯t thisplicated. At this moment, when he saw that those Chongyun Sect disciples were getting closer and closer, he simply spoke in a muffled voice: ¡°Big brother, I feel that they want to kill members of our Qingyun Sect here because they didn¡¯t get what they wanted back then. As a result...We definitely need to save these fellow disciples, and we definitely need to wipe these Chongyun Sect disciples out!¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Sure.¡±

    After the two finished speaking, Gu Zuo took action once more. At the same time, Tianheng drew his bow and shot an arrow. In the blink of an eye, the low Immortal Realm Chongyun Sect disciple who was approaching the fastest had his abdomen pierced through!

    Gu Zuo also showed no quarter. The next moment, he condensed a wolf-tooth cudgel ¡ª For this time¡¯s cudgel, he spent seventy percent of his psychic power to create it. Compared to the previous three cudgels he formed, this one was several times bigger. Once this wolf-tooth cudgel came out, it swung towards another Chongyun Sect disciple¡¯s head!

    Whoosh ¡ª

    Bang!

    Hands pressed against a belly wound as blood spurted out. However, there was no way to stop one¡¯s own internal organs from igniting. Soon, this person¡¯s life force was burnt up.

    Another miserable, blood-curdling scream didn¡¯t even have the time to be let out. This person¡¯s head had already been punctured by those many spikes. In the wake of the great power from the wolf-tooth cudgel¡¯s swing, the entire body was riddled with bloody holes before swiftly turning into a puddle of meat paste! Soon after, the wolf-tooth cudgel disappeared.

    Two people died in extremely wretched states...

    At the same time, this intimidated all of the other Chongyun Sect disciples who were right in the middle of searching!

    At once, quite a few Chongyun Sect disciples halted their steps, and looked all around.

    This was because the attacks on the two people just now were too quick. Tianheng¡¯s archery was extremely fast, and the dead body had burned to ashes even faster. The others hadn¡¯t been able to see the pattern of the arrow wound, and couldn¡¯t distinguish the arrow¡¯s trajectory. As for Gu Zuo, the position from where he generated the wolf-tooth cudgel had been in the other direction. This further confused the Chongyun Sect disciples¡¯ lines of sight.

    The figure of the eldest Senior Sect Brother flickered. He had already arrived in front of the two dead bodies. A trace of killing intent shed through his eyes, but a smiling expression hung from the corner of his mouth. He cupped his hands, and said: ¡°Friends hidden in the dark, it¡¯s better to squash enmity rather than keeping it alive. Since my sect¡¯s degenerates have already been disciplined by my friends, it would be better to show yourselves. How about we resolve these grievances?¡±

    Gu Zuo: Pei.

    Who would believe that?!

    Tianheng didn¡¯t respond, nor did he act ¡ª Right now, the other party was somewhat guarded. No matter what action he took, any traces would easily be discovered by that person.

    [Ah Zuo, injure a few more people.]

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head.

    [I understand, big brother.]

    Then, one would see a gust of wind pick up as another enormous wolf-tooth cudgel formed.

    The next moment, the wolf-tooth cudgel swept across and attacked several Chongyun Sect disciples standing together near the rear. This time around, their reactions were very fast. They dodged again and again. Unfortunately, the iing direction of the cudgel was all-epassing. They wanted to evade it, but the path to dodge it was narrow. And such a narrow space naturally couldn¡¯t amodate everyone¡¯s escape.

    At this time, those couple of Chongyun Sect disciples struggled against one another. There were three fast ones who escaped, and only a certain number of bloody holes appeared on their arms and legs. However, there were also two who couldn¡¯t get away. One had his skullpletely smashed, and the other had half of his body pulped into a gory mess. Immediately following this, they were both run over by the wolf-tooth cudgel. They couldn¡¯t escape the fate of bing meat paste!

    Another two Chongyun Sect disciples were lost!

    The gaze of that eldest Senior Sect Brother grew colder, but he promptly raced out! His speed was extremely fast. Like a streak of light and shadow, he had already arrived at this corner!

    Tianheng no longer continued concealing himself tounch sneak attacks. He shook the pair of halberds in his hands. He instantly stopped the attack of that eldest Senior Sect Brother, and halted that man¡¯s de in its tracks.

    Gu Zuo leaned against Tianheng¡¯s back, and couldn¡¯t help mutter another ¡°sinister¡± under his breath.

    As it turned out, although that eldest Senior Sect Brother didn¡¯t discover the location of the two, he had long detected the danger in the vicinity. Only, because he couldn¡¯t determine the specific location of the danger, he remained calm and collected the entire time. Using the opportunity of his own sect¡¯s disciples being killed, he probed with his perception a few times, and finally locked onto their location.

    Hence, the eldest Senior Sect Brother took advantage of the moment ofcency right after Gu Zuo finished killing a few people, and promptlyunched an attack towards the ce where the two hid!

    Merely, the eldest Senior Sect Brother believed that, in order for the two to attack them from unidentified directions, the pharmacist Gu Zuo was hiding here and that Tianheng was hiding somewhere else ¡ª Chongyun Sect¡¯s pharmacists could only make singr attacks. They couldn¡¯t multi-task like Gu Zuo could, which misled the eldest Senior Sect Brother. He wanted to at least grab Gu Zuo so that he could draw that marital artist out into the open. Then, he would capture them both all in one go!

    Unfortunately, due to this misleading point, the eldest Senior Sect Brother who had deep thoughts made a misjudgment. Instead, he came into direct contact with Tianheng. As for Gu Zuo, he didn¡¯t withdraw the wolf-tooth cudgel any longer. He diverted his psychic power, and split that cudgel into five parts. In an instant, it became fiverge flying discs that were rimmed with rotating saws!

    The flying discs continuously spun, and the torn-up space was letting out low, buzzing sounds. The directions of the discs were random and casual, and they moved recklessly back and forth through the air. One of them abruptly moved up before descending with a loud bang. It immediately whirled through the body of a Chongyun Sect disciple ¡ª The des were too sharp, and this Chongyun Sect disciple was directly sawn in half by it. The internal organs like the intestines and stomach all slipped out from that rupture, and sttered to the ground in a gurgling mess!

    After swiftly killing one person, that flying disc stuck close to the ground as it streaked across in the blink of an eye. Soon after, it rose into the air once more, and behaved erratically like the other four flying discs.

    The numerous Chongyun Sect disciples were totally incapable of seeing through the trajectories of these flying discs. No matter how strong they were, they couldn¡¯tpare to these flying discs which weaved between one another. It was to the point that just a few shing motions would dismember them!

    This kind of scene caused the Chongyun Sect disciples to panic. It also left the Qingyun Sect disciples, who were hiding on the side, extremely amazed. They swallowed mouthfuls of saliva with difficulty: ¡°Wh-what... What is this?!¡±

    That female pharmacist¡¯splexion was deathly pale, but she was still considered calm: ¡°This should be psychic power. However, my psychic power is far less condensed than this.¡±

    At the same time, the Qingyun Sect disciples saw the two people who had finally been forced out of the corner by that eldest Chongyun Sect disciple. They only saw those hands grasping the pair of halberds as well as the person who fought so fiercely. In their Sect, there was a low-key yet rather well-renowned secluded disciple. Handsome withoutpare, unsurpassed heavenly talents, and a teenager hanging on his back ¡ª This was precisely his personal pharmacist who was as inseparable as a shadow.

    They had known long ago that, even though the realm of this Junior Sect Brother Gongyi was low, he wasn¡¯t one to be trifled with. His pharmacist¡¯s medicine refining methods were also considerably good. However, they didn¡¯t expect that the martial artist would be so domineering and that this pharmacist was so amazing!

    Not much time had passed, and Gu Zuo had used up more than half of his psychic power to behead the still-living Chongyun Sect disciples one by one. It wasn¡¯t that these Chongyun Sect disciples hadn¡¯t thought about threatening him by grabbing the Qingyun Sect disciples. Rather, they unfortunately didn¡¯t get the chance to do so from the start. The Chongyun Sect disciples had considered it, but due to those flying discs, they couldn¡¯t get close anymore.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 285 - Prince Zhou

    <h4>Chapter 285 - Prince Zhou</h4>

    At this moment, the only Chongyun Sect disciple who remained was the eldest Senior Sect Brother.

    Because his fight with Gongyi Tianheng was as unstoppable as a wildfire, he didn¡¯t know for sure that he was thest one. However, as the surroundings became quieter and quieter, he faintly understood. Gradually, his heart sank more and more, and when he took action, he slowly stepped back into that previously calm mindset.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze darkened. Soon after, the reddish-ck and reddish-gold rays of light on the two short halberds began to flicker. His footwork was extremely fast, and it was like he had turned into several streaks of shadow. His movements became quick and urgent, which repeatedly interrupted the rhythm of that eldest Chongyun Sect disciple!

    Suddenly, that eldest Chongyun Sect disciple retreated several steps, and the qi emissions around his body rose dramatically. He opened his mouth and swallowed a medicinal pill! This pill was blood-red, and it unexpectedly caused his qi energy to rise again and again!

    Gu Zuo had just finished killing the other Chongyun Sect disciples. At this time, he discovered that something was wrong, and abruptly blurted out: ¡°Fierce Blood Pill! It can double hisbat power ¡ª Quick, big brother! Stop him!¡±

    Although Tianheng didn¡¯t recognize this pill at first, his reaction was very fast. In fact, there wasn¡¯t any need for Gu Zuo to deliberately warn him, as he had already pped out a palm.

    In a split second, an enormous Blood Palm mmed into the eldest Chongyun Sect disciple, and grasped him firmly. At the exact same moment, Tianheng drew his longbow, and shot a series of thirteen arrows!

    These thirteen arrows were shot out like a string of pearls. Each arrow disrupted the outbreak of that qi energy, and continuously weakened the other party¡¯s qi emissions. After the thirteen arrows wereunched, this eldest Senior Sect Brother suddenly spurted a mouthful of blood. He lowered his head, and looked at his own abdomen, which had been pierced. In the end, he plummeted down with eyes filled with unwillingness.

    Once the eldest Chongyun Sect disciple fell to the ground, the reddish-gold power instantly enveloped him. When this ball of resplendent light scattered, all that remained on the ground was a scorched-ck skeleton.

    The wind blew by. This skeleton turned into countless specks of bone ash, and dissipated into the air.

    Tianheng withdrew his fists. His forehead was slightly sprinkled with sweat.

    Gu Zuo sensed that his big brother¡¯s body was damp. At once, he reached out a hand to wipe away the sweat. Soon after, he took out a medicinal pill and stuffed it into Tianheng¡¯s mouth.

    There was an incredibly huge disparity in the consumption of energy between shooting thirteen arrows without stopping and shooting thirteen arrows one at a time. Even though Tianheng¡¯s current true qi was who knew how many times more vigorous than in the past, continuously shooting thirteen arrows was equal to using sixty to seventy percent of his true qi. On top of that, there was the true qi that was previously consumed during his fight with the eldest Chongyun Sect disciple. Right now, he had less than ten percent left. If he didn¡¯t recover as soon as possible and came across another one or two enemies, then they would have no choice but to pick an escape route while in a weakened state.

    After swallowing the medicinal pill, Tianheng¡¯splexion greatly improved.

    At this time, off to the side, the Qingyun Sect secluded disciples and the female pharmacist walked over one after another.

    Gu Zuo smiled at them: ¡°Senior Sect Brothers, Senior Sect Sister.¡±

    Those Qingyun Sect disciples naturally expressed their gratitude to the two before anything else: ¡°This time, we suffered a cmity. Many thanks foring to our aid, Junior Sect Brothers. If you guys have any requests, we won¡¯t refuse them.¡±

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°We¡¯re all fellow disciples. Taking action and helping one another is proper and to be expected.¡± Then, he didn¡¯t concern himself any further with their appreciation. He only said, ¡°Ah Zuo and I are preupied with something. Since the danger has now been resolved, we won¡¯t tarry here any longer. Senior Sect Brothers, Senior Sect Sister, farewell!¡±

    Once he finished talking, he stamped his foot down and created a gust of wind. He had already turned around and left.

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and waved his arm at them in the distance. Then, he swiftly followed Tianheng, and they disappeared together.

    The two people had walked away, but they moved extremely quickly. The Qingyun Sect disciples exchanged nces. Their expressions varied.

    Leaving just like this?

    However, that was fine, too.

    Although those two were frighteningly powerful, they weren¡¯t familiar with one another. The other side upheld the ideal of fellow disciples and came to rescue them. If they needed to travel the same road again... It wouldn¡¯t be appropriate. They would still be a burden to the two.

    As genius personages within the Sect, they were truly unwilling to be the burden of someone else. After these Qingyun Sect disciples shook their heads, they reflected over their own shorings during this bitter experience just now. Soon after, they still stayed together as a group.

    ¡ª It wasn¡¯t known whether those Chongyun Sect disciples were all of them, but they had already recognized the fact that their own strengths were insufficient. If they wanted to smoothly pass through this Road of Death, they had to work hard to gather together more Qingyun Sect disciples.

    Along both sides of arge road, lone peaks stood in great numbers.

    Countless shadows flickered across the summits of these lone peaks as they swiftly moved onward.

    The one who led them was a young man wearing a full-length changpao in ck brocade. His attitude was unhurried, and the speed of his walk was neither hasty nor slow. However, with every one of his steps, he was able to cross a lone peak. On the contrary, those shadows by his side all had to incessantly change their body techniques to keep up with him.

    They were also in the middle of discussing things.

    ¡°Ah Da, is that Third Zhao still biding his time?¡±

    The young man¡¯s voice carried a hint of ridicule. His tone of voice was somewhat heedless and indifferent. It seemed that he didn¡¯t hold that person he mentioned in high regards.

    The few people to his side slightly panted. They reported simultaneously:

    ¡°Currently, the Third Prince has incurred losses to his soldiers andmanders. Less than half of his subordinates remain.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that he had brought six hundred people and twelvemanders. Now, there¡¯s a little over two hundred soldiers and fivemanders left.¡±

    ¡°Because the damages were too great, the Third Prince has already assembled his people. He¡¯s no longer engaging in a pursuit.¡±

    ¡°But in the first city, I¡¯ve heard that he has already set up an inescapable. He¡¯s only waiting for them to enter the, and he¡¯ll swallow them whole!¡±

    The young man in the ck changpao sneered: ¡°So many people, and yet he wasn¡¯t able to deal with those two. His future prospects only amount to this.¡±

    Someone inquired: ¡°Your Majesty, shall we dispatch someone in advance to intercept them?¡±

    The young man curled his lips: ¡°Since I¡¯ve been watching the excitement previously, there¡¯s no need to deliberately get involved now. You all will follow me to the first city. If we encounter them, then it¡¯s destiny. If not... Hah, it won¡¯t be impossible to benefit from the others¡¯ dispute.¡± Speaking up to here, he raised a lengthy brow, ¡°What¡¯s Xin doing over there?¡±

    Another person reported: ¡°Young Master Xin seems to have the same thoughts as Your Majesty.¡±

    The young man harrumphed: ¡°He actually isn¡¯t stupid.¡±

    Then, someone else seemed to sigh with some regret, and said: ¡°This time around, the Third Prince has lost a lot of face. If he personally takes action in the first city and still can¡¯t capture those two people, then he might need to go into seclusion for three years before this matter can be slowly suppressed.¡±

    The young man jeered and said: ¡°That guy has always thought highly of himself. Those who arepetitive and ambitious will only feel that this world¡¯s numerous heroes can¡¯t enter their eyes. That morality and conduct of his is really sickening. This time, if they really can make him tumble head first, even if this mission is a failure, this prince¡¯s heart will be ddened.¡±

    The people on the side spoke in respectful tones: ¡°The number of geniuses Your Majesty has collected this time is already twenty-eight people. Only two more are needed to reach thirty. This mission can hardly challenge Your Majesty.¡±

    Yet, hearing these words, the young man wasn¡¯t happy. On the contrary, he raised an eyebrow: ¡°Since I¡¯mcking two people, what are you all going to do about it? Hurry up, and get me people to top off the quota!¡±

    Those subordinates of his naturally promised to do so again and again: ¡°Your Majesty, please rest assured. We won¡¯t disappoint Your Majesty!¡±

    The young man waved his hand: ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath. This prince isn¡¯t worried. Speaking of which, what if that person Third Zhao couldn¡¯t catch really is a prodigy... A prodigy who¡¯s enemies with Third Zhao ¡ª Now, that¡¯s just too interesting!¡±

    While speaking, the young man¡¯s mood became delighted. The speed of his hastened journey wasn¡¯t slow, but his gaze would asionally sweep across thendscape. It was somewhat leisurely and carefree.

    Suddenly, his line of sight paused and fell below.

    In that ce, a deep-purple monster nt unfurled its leaves, which were covered in serrated teeth. It was continuously ensnaring some kind of living creature in several lengthy, tentacle-like feelers. Upon closer inspection, that creature was actually a teenager wearing purple robes. Because the color of the clothes resembled the color of that nt, if it wasn¡¯t for the young man¡¯s exceptional eyesight and that the purple monster nt had undergone some unusual changes, he might not have discovered this person.

    But since this was discovered, the young man¡¯s interest was slightly piqued.

    If nothing else, it was because the one who struggled and resisted inside the binds of this monster nt was a very young pharmacist. His psychic power crashed down with one wave after another. Indeed, it had a bit of attacking power. This kind of skill was considered normal in some of the Central Continent¡¯s sects, but it was certainly a rare sight among the people of the Peripheral Continents... After all, they had somewhat of an understanding of the Peripheral Continents¡¯ circumstances. The inheritance of the spiritual path of pharmacists over there had long been broken.

    With such thoughts, the young man halted his steps in a straightforward manner. Then, he slowly watched in appreciation.

    That purple-robed teenager was very imperious and headstrong. Arrogance was painted upon his brows and eyes. Even if quite a bit of his flesh would be torn by the serrated leaves, even if his body would be covered in the tormenting wounds of those lengthy feelers, he still resisted endlessly. There wasn¡¯t the least bit of intent to surrender.

    Immediately following which, that monster nt¡¯s patience seemed to run out. An enormous, crimson flower bud suddenly appeared behind it. Layers uponyers of petals opened up, ready to take a huge bite out of the teenager in the monster nt¡¯s grasp.

    In a moment, the teenager was going to fall into that gigantic maw ¡ª

    Screech!

    A sharp scream echoed out. A shadow had flickered in front of that monster nt, and that purple-robed teenager had already disappeared.

    What remained were dozens of shredded monster nt chunks that had been torn apart by some unknown force.

    Atop a mountain peak, the young man in the ck changpao sized up the purple-robed teenager in front of him.

    A lot of fair skin was revealed where the outer robes were damaged. When covered in rivulets of blood, it presented a pleasant contrast. Truly, it was especially beautiful.

    The young man couldn¡¯t help but want topliment him.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 286 - Guizhong City

    <h4>Chapter 286 - Guizhong City</h4>

    The young man gave a frivolous smile, and spoke: ¡°To be apanied by one so beautiful is to be blessed by the heavens... Young pharmacist, since this prince saved you, how about you keep this prince somepany?¡±

    The purple-robed teenager nced at him in loathing: ¡°If you¡¯re unhappy about it, then just let me go. Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡±

    The young man raised an eyebrow, but didn¡¯t get angry. Instead, he reached out a hand, and held the pharmacist¡¯s jaw between his thumb and index finger: ¡°If this prince doesn¡¯t let you go, and insists on bullying you, what¡¯ll you do then?¡±

    The purple-robed teenager sneered and said: ¡°If you have the guts, then you can try it!¡±

    After this exchange, the young man in the ck brocaded changpaoughed in a bright and clear voice. Then, he seized this purple-robed teenager by the waist, and dashed back down just like before.

    His voice slowly filtered through the wind: ¡°Whether you get bullied or be this prince¡¯s honored guest will depend on your skills! Outsider, if your skills aren¡¯t any good, then don¡¯t me this prince...¡±

    After the purple-robed teenager was seized under the crook of this person¡¯s arm, his drooping head lifted slightly, and revealed an exasperated look.

    The Road of Death was indeed filled with dangers. After going in, he was able to travel with that secluded disciple who protected him at first, but as more time passed, the greater the dangers became. When that secluded disciple was powerless to help, they eventually parted ways. Originally, he had his psychic power to protect himself, but after supporting himself for a few days, the recovery of his psychic power was unfortunately extremely slow. He also no longer had any medicinal pills as a shortcut. At this point in time, his strength had been exhausted, and he had nearly been eaten by that monster flower.

    Now, he had been saved by someone. Listening to this stranger¡¯s words, ording to what he previously heard by chance, this was a prince who came from the Central Continent. Merely, this prince¡¯s temperament was strange. He didn¡¯t know if he was lucky or unlucky.

    But in any case, this was considered as reaching his destination as well.

    Only, he didn¡¯t know where that pure-hearted and foolish Junior Sect Brother of his and that cunning adoptive older brother had gone. Were they safe right now?

    It was a pity that he was busy adapting at the start, andter on, he was fighting with everything he had all by himself. From beginning to end, he wasn¡¯t able to scout things out...

    At this moment, the ¡°pure-hearted¡± junior and ¡°cunning¡± adoptive brother being thought about were running along an expansive and wide road. Soon, they were going to enter an enormous, ancient city that practically spanned the horizon.

    This ce was the final ancient city. Every person who coulde to the previous ancient city alive knew that this ce was the end point. So long as they could pass through this ancient city, they could smoothly reach the Central Continent.

    However, the method of how one specifically crossed over was, nevertheless, inside this ancient city.

    After arriving at a location that was a dozen or so kilometers away, Gongyi Tianheng halted his footsteps.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows. Clinging to Tianheng¡¯s shoulders, he spoke with concern: ¡°Big brother, we¡¯ve already reached this point, but we still don¡¯t know how Senior Sect Brother Xu is doing. Although he has someone to apany him, we also don¡¯t know how strong that person is&#k2026; For these past few days, we haven¡¯t seen any traces of Senior Sect Brother Xu nor have we heard anyone mention him. It truly makes me worried.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry about it too much. Even though Senior Sect Brother Xu hasn¡¯t appeared on this road, it doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that he has met with misfortune. Since the other secluded disciple also hasn¡¯t been seen, maybe they were sent to another road after going into the entrance. Therefore, you and I might not meet him.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°Even if he¡¯s on another road, I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s safe or not...¡±

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo really was quite concerned about Xu Lingxiu, so Tianhengforted him: ¡°Right now, it¡¯s useless to worry. After we enter the Central Continent, we can think of a way to join an organization. Then, it won¡¯t be toote toe back and make some careful inquiries.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought that this was reasonable, and nodded his head. He said with some embarrassment: ¡°Yes. Since everyone is heading towards the same ce, for better or for worse, we¡¯ll always be able to ask around. Moreover, Senior Sect Brother Xu is very smart. He¡¯ll certainly be able to protect himself and survive without a hitch.¡±

    Tianheng naturally smiled, and agreed with his sentiments.

    Thus, Gu Zuo slowly eased his heartstrings.

    Soon after, however, Tianheng¡¯s voice became somewhat grave: ¡°Ah Zuo, it¡¯s already the final ancient city. I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll need to be even more careful. Otherwise...¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°Is big brother worried about the Third Prince?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°For the past few days, the Third Prince hasn¡¯t made any movements. However, we previously heard how great a loss he suffered. If he just let this go, wouldn¡¯t that bury and tarnish the heart of his path of martial arts? He certainly still has something up his sleeves. The calmer he is, the angrier he¡¯ll be. He should¡¯ve already been drawn out by us. In this final, ancient city, he¡¯lle to search for our ends.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood, and nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ve already made preparations. We killed all those subordinates of his, so haven¡¯t we been waiting precisely for this day?¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°We can¡¯t let our guards down. Ah Zuo, how many poison pills do you have left?¡±

    Gu Zuo silently counted: ¡°I have a total of eighteen pills.¡±

    Because he had been saving them all the while, there really were lots left over.

    Tianheng briefly pondered: ¡°Keep them on hand. Once anything goes wrong, brandish them immediately. There¡¯s no longer any need to save them now. There¡¯s also no need to hold back against the people of that Third Prince. It¡¯s just that we need to be mindful of the others who¡¯ll try to benefit from the conflict. This time, although it has only been the Third Prince who has been pursuing us relentlessly, there¡¯s still two more people on this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen whose strengths are not lower than that of the Third Prince. You and I need to prudent and vignt.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was stern and upright: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I understandpletely.¡±

    Tianheng gave a few more instructions, and discussed some tactics and other simr topics. Unwittingly, even though they had slowed their speed, they had already reached the front of the final ancient city.

    This ancient city was also the only city that erected a stone tablet that kept the city¡¯s name.

    Guizhong City.

    It would be assumed that this was established by the first batch of Peripheral Continent people who used this passageway to return to the Central Continent... Guizhong ¡ª To return to the Central Continent.

    The meaning within this name was clear.

    This time around, the city gates didn¡¯t have any guards. Gongyi Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back as they entered the city. What they saw was an incredibly bustling and lively scene. And this kind of liveliness seemed somewhat different from what they¡¯d seen in the previous ancient cities.

    Although those ancient cities hadmoners, travelers, and all kinds of stores, so long as one watched carefully, one could sense a bit of discordance about those people ¡ª This was because there wasn¡¯t a single martial artist or pharmacist among them! They were allpletely ordinary. This, instead, made it seem unusual.

    However, in this final Guizhong City, it was like any of the cities that Gu Zuo had once seen in the Cangyun Empire. There weremon folk, but there were also martial artists. In fact, the great majority of the people in this ce were martial artists. On the contrary, themon people were extremely sparse. Moreover, when themoners here werepared to the moners¡± previously seen, they discovered that thesemon folk bore a type of flourishing vitality. It was totally unlike those fellows who were calledmoners but had the strengths of monsters.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t quite understand.

    Where did these peoplee from? ording to their strengths, there were Houtians and Xiantians present. They certainly weren¡¯t the people who hade from the each of the expanses. Could it be that these people lived in this ancient city? That also wasn¡¯t right. He had heard that the bizarre fog in this Road of Death was very dense. It was basically impossible for anyone to survive.

    After Tianheng looked around, he turned his gaze towards a few Immortal Realm martial artists. Their temperaments were ipatible with this ce. It seemed that these people were like them. They were all outsiders.

    The others dwelling in this city were rather cordial and enthusiastic. He saw the Immortal Realm martial artists, and went over to inquire about some matters. They gave replies ¡ª If there was anything they didn¡¯t know, they would shake their heads and point towards some location to the east side.

    Hence, Tianheng raised his foot, turned around, and walked towards that eastern location.

    Gu Zuo recollected his thoughts: ¡°Big brother, we¡¯re going?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Since this ce is different from the other ancient cities, we¡¯ll work in ordance to how we handled things on the Peripheral Continents. Right now, we¡¯re neers, so we should go to a ce where we can scout out information.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°This way?¡±

    Tianheng talked about the matters he¡¯d previously seen. After that, he said: ¡°It should be.¡±

    Gu Zuo also saw a couple of martial artists swiftly pass by. Sure enough, they were going in this direction. However, Tianheng wasn¡¯t anxious. Every one of his steps were stable and assured.

    Speaking of which, why hadn¡¯t they seen any of the Third Prince¡¯s tracks... Could it be that he had some kind of plot? It probably wouldn¡¯t go that far, right?

    Not long after, Tianheng and Gu Zuo reached the eastern side without any problems.

    This ce was an even more bustling street. The figures of those few martial artists who ran ahead just now had disappeared in front of an old tower.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°That¡¯s the ce.¡±

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo as he walked over. They sized up the tower at the entrance.

    Then, a teenager with a clever appearance scampered over: ¡°Have these two honored guestse from the Peripheral Continents?¡±

    Gu Zuo talked with him: ¡°Yes. How did you know?¡±

    The clever teenager revealed a smiling expression as if he was a little proud of himself: ¡°If any of the guests whoe from there want to leave alive, they all need toe here to us!¡± He gave another look to the two, ¡°Do these two guests want toe in?¡±

    Gu Zuo pressed on Tianheng¡¯s shoulders: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Naturally, we want to go in.¡±

    Gu Zuo believed in his dear big brother¡¯s judgment, and nodded to that clever teenager as well: ¡°Please lead the way.¡±

    The clever teenager seemed to have guessed their decision long ago. He turned around, and shouted: ¡°New guests have arrived! Bringing them to the Jiazi Room¡ª¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t hesitate, and quickly followed him.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 287 - The Girl In White

    <h4>Chapter 287 - The Girl In White</h4>

    The floorspace of the Jiazi Room was quiterge. Its arrangements were also elegant and quiet. The ground was tiled with a warm jade that was bright and clean. Upon the four walls hung numerousndscape drawings that seemed to contain boundless mysteries.

    In the middle of the room knelt a girl with long hair that reached her ankles. She wore full-length, snow-white clothes. Both of her eyes were tightly shut, and there were ash-colored silk threads woven into that head of hair. As for herplexion, it was as luminous as a lotus floating upon limpid, autumn waters.

    Gu Zuo silently watched this girl, and he couldn¡¯t help but praise in his heart.

    Ever since he came to this world, he unexpectedly discovered that it had so many beautiful, little sisters. One and all, their beauty was natural and unadorned. It was simply too much for one¡¯s eyes to take in.

    Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have the frame of mind to appreciate and admire them.

    The girl¡¯s voice was ethereal: ¡°This servant¡¯s eyes can¡¯t see. Therefore, this one can¡¯te up to wee you. This one hopes that these honorable guests don¡¯t take offense.¡±

    Gu Zuo interpreted this in his heart.

    This meant that...such a beautiful girl was blind? This was truly tragic. However, the girl didn¡¯t seem to bemoan her own fate. Her willpower was quite strong.

    Gongyi Tianheng was carrying Gu Zuo on his back before he took a seat across from that girl. After Gu Zuo was put down, Tianheng turned him around, and held him in his own arms.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Okay, so he really wasn¡¯t scared of any traps.

    After Tianheng sat down, he smiled at the girl. His voice was gentle: ¡°Would this youngdy have anything to say?¡±

    That girl was also very gentle: ¡°This ce is known as the Tower of Profound Theories, where information is widely spread. All of the honorable guests whoe to this ce have questions in their hearts. Although this servant isn¡¯t talented, this one hopes to clear up the confusion of these honorable guests.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to the polite dialogue of these two people, and also spoke: ¡°Since this youngdy has such confidence, how about we ask a question and the youngdy gives an answer? If we haven¡¯t made the right inquiries once we¡¯ve finished asking, I¡¯ll have to trouble this youngdy to bring it to our attention. Is that okay?¡±

    The girl¡¯s words were sincere, and her smile was sweet: ¡°Okay. Honorable guests, please ask away.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head: Big brother, do you want to ask?

    He didn¡¯t talk out loud. Tianheng understood his intent, and nodded to him with a smile.

    Then, Gu Zuo turned around, and considered the matters he wanted to ask about for a while.

    Tianheng looked at the girl in white clothing. After pondering for a little bit, he opened his mouth: ¡°Are the residents within Guizhong City the descendants of Peripheral Continent martial artists who were left behind after this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen closed?¡±

    That white-clothed girl¡¯s face showed a trace of surprise. After that, she slightly inclined her beautiful forehead: ¡°As expected of a prodigy. Young Master Gongyi¡¯s words are correct. The majority of the residents within Guizhong City are descendants of the stragglers of numerous expanses.¡±

    The girl quickly gave an exnation for this matter, and it was very thorough and detailed.

    After this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen closed, each and every person who couldn¡¯t reach Guizhong City within the allotted time was unable to leave. Thus, they had no choice but to survive in this ce.

    Because the fog was too thick, not only did it negatively affect the cultivation of martial artists, it also harmed their life energy. Countless martial artists had their lifespans depleted, and they perished. Naturally, the martial artists who were weaker than them died even faster. Later on, when only a small number of exceptional powerhouses remained, just before their lifespans were going to end, they forcefully sacrificed themselves for their offspring and left behind a city that blocked the fog. And within this city, due to the legacies of those exceptional powerhouses, any residents who had the aptitude could cultivate. Merely, they weren¡¯t able to advance past the Immortal Realm.

    Time passed, and the martial artists within this ancient city gradually multiplied. Among each generation of martial artists, there would inevitably be some who didn¡¯t have enough time to leave the Road of Death. The lucky ones could reach this ancient city, and the unlucky ones would die in other locations. The martial artists who came to this ancient city naturally could only stay here. Their strengths had no way to improve. And after three hundred years, they would usually have already died before this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen opened again.

    However, when all was said and done, the people within this ancient city were used to living here. They didn¡¯t know anything about the outside world. From the day they were born, they believed that the martial artists with the highest strength were Immortal Realms, and that the people with the longest lifespans could only live for three hundred years.

    Only the city lord of each generation knew that, once every three hundred years, they had an opportunity to leave this ce. However, not everyone was suitable to leave. If they left without careful consideration, who knew what kind of oue would be waiting for them... Due to the ns that had long taken shape, due to the distribution of all kinds of benefits, due to a host of other reasons, the ones who could ultimately leave were only those young talents with limitless prospects.

    The white-clothed girl softly said: ¡°Apart from this, there¡¯s also a small portion who, by the orders of the Central Continent¡¯s ns and sects,e to secure this ce while the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen is open. In this way, they can both monitor the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen on behalf of the ns and sects, and allow theter generations to get in touch with the geniuses sent from the Peripheral Continents. In addition, when the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen opens again, they would¡¯ve long selected the recruits from the ancient city¡¯s residents to be sent back to their own forces. Because the living conditions of the ancient city¡¯s residents are very poor, where they do battle with numerous monsters and mutated creatures all year round, no matter their aptitudes, each individual has formidable martial strength. These are the excellent talents whom the numerous organizations need...¡±

    Gu Zuo blurted out: ¡°...As battle ves?¡±

    The white-clothed girl nodded her head once again: ¡°The people of this city are the most outstanding seeds for battle ves. Every three hundred years, the prodigies of the Central Continent wille here to make their selections.¡±

    So to say, Prince Zhou, the Third Prince, and Young Master Xin didn¡¯te to this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen solely to make things difficult for the people of the Peripheral Continents. Actually, they mainly selected battle ves from the people of this city. Meanwhile, to the Peripheral Continent geniuses, if they could pick some, then they would. The ones they couldn¡¯t pick would be brought over with threats and promises. This way, they would be able toplete the mission they needed to finish.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°Are there many battle ves on the Central Continent?¡±

    The white-clothed girl lightly said: ¡°The rules of the Central Continent are harsh. Every prodigy has their own subordinates, and the subordinates are divided into three sses. The first ss are distinguished guests. The second ss are henchmen. The third ss are ves. Battle ves conduct campaigns for their prodigies, and hold the highest positions among the ves.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently lowered his eyes.

    Distinguished guests and henchmen were normal, but he still wasn¡¯t too used to ves and the like... However, he also didn¡¯t have the moral high ground. Previously, in order to guard his secrets, his big brother received ves and he himself made a medicinal ve... To be honest, he was still adapting to this world.

    After reaching the Central Continent, it wasn¡¯t known if he would see things that would refresh his three world-views again... Whatever. So long as he didn¡¯t overthink it, and he continued to act as his big brother¡¯s ¡°Ah Zuo¡±, then it would be fine.

    Clearly, Tianheng could adapt faster than Gu Zuo, as he only nodded his head. Immediately following which, he had a pensive look, but he didn¡¯t ask another question.

    In the time it would take to make a cup of tea, Tianheng raised his eyes: ¡°How can one pass through this city and proceed towards the Central Continent?¡±

    The white-clothed girl gave a sweet-tempered smile: ¡°Just walk through this ancient city and you¡¯ll understand.¡±

    Tianheng pondered deeply for a little bit: ¡°Would this youngdy have any books that introduce therge organizations? May we take a look?¡±

    It seemed that the white-clothed girl had long anticipated that he would have this question. A book had already appeared in her hand. It was at least an inch thick. She gave it to Tianheng: ¡°This is a present for Young Master Gongyi. Please ept it, young master.¡±

    Tianheng received in a serious manner. After that, he finally smiled: ¡°In that case, I have onest question.¡±

    The white-clothed girl said: ¡°Young master, please ask.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was deep and serene: ¡°What would be the cause for this youngdy¡¯s...magnificent hospitality?¡±

    The white-clothed girl¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change in the least. Instead, an invitation card appeared on top of her hand, which she handed over: ¡°Our Tower of Profound Theories always takes the initiative to befriend prodigy-level geniuses. And since we make friends, we naturally want to show our goodwill and to let these prodigies know about these advantages. Young Master Gongyi, with your peak Xiantian Realm, not only were you able to escape the well-known Binglong Army belonging to the Zhao Empire¡¯s Third Prince, you alsopelled him into losing a lot of face... A person who can make a prodigy lose face is naturally a prodigy, too.¡±

    Tianheng took the card, and opened it up.

    The white-clothed girl spoke slowly: ¡°This invitation card was entrusted to our Tower of Profound Theories by the Third Prince. He instructed to have this card delivered once the young master arrived with the intention of...¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled into a grin: ¡°An appointed fight?¡±

    The white-clothed girl smiled: ¡°Correct. At noon of the thirteenth day, at the base of Guizhong City¡¯s Great Smoke Pagoda, the Third Prince challenges Young Master Gongyi to settle any previous disputes.¡± She slightly inclined her head, ¡°Will the young master...take up this challenge?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Naturally, I ept.¡±

    After he finished speaking, his palm suddenly red with a ball of reddish-gold power. Following which, the power quietly ignited like a me, and the invitation card within that power was suddenly burned to nothing.

    Not even smoke or dust remained.

    After asking a few more irrelevant questions, Tianheng stood up while holding Gu Zuo. Then, before Gu Zuo could feel embarrassed, Tianheng swung him onto his own back.

    Gu Zuo went outside with him, and his heart was puzzled: ¡°Big brother, why didn¡¯t you ask more questions about some of the Central Continent¡¯s state of affairs?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°When making inquiries and collecting information, one must also personally distinguish it. Otherwise, if there¡¯s a falsehood, it¡¯ll be greatly detrimental to one¡¯s own judgment and choices.¡±

    Gu Zuo lowered his voice: ¡°Big brother¡¯s meaning is that they might cheat us?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head: ¡°If it¡¯s this Tower of Profound Theories, it probably won¡¯t. However, if some things are concealed, or if some biased words are seamlessly added in...¡±

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    The two didn¡¯t speak anymore. They found a tavern, and quickly checked in.

    The matter of that Third Prince wasn¡¯t brought up between them because it wasn¡¯t necessary to mention it. That appointment of noon on the thirteenth day was actually noon tomorrow. At that time, they only needed to ept that challenge.

    However, there was something else that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t quite understand. That Third Prince, he...unexpectedly didn¡¯t arrange any traps? So many of his subordinates had been killed, and he didn¡¯t care at all?

    No, that wasn¡¯t right.

    Even if he didn¡¯t care about the lives of the Binglong Army, he certainly cared about his own face.

    In this split second, Gu Zuo seemed to understand something.

    Perhaps, it was precisely for the sake of reiming his honor that the Third Prince wanted to conduct a challenge at this time and ce. Moreover... Gu Zuo silently shook his head.

    In any case, he didn¡¯t understand the hearts of prodigies. Maybe this was also some kind of inexplicable pride.

    Nothing happened during the night.

    When it was early the next morning, Gu Zuo and Tianheng opened their eyes at the same time.

    Ever since they came to this ce, no matter the time of day, the two of them would endure everything together. As such, the matter of Gu Zuo directly jumping out of Tianheng¡¯s embrace, turning around, and climbing onto his back was to be expected.

    After washing their faces, Tianheng carried Gu Zuo, and they swiftly dashed towards the location of that Great Smoke Pagoda.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 288 - The Third Prince

    <h4>Chapter 288 - The Third Prince</h4>

    From a distance, Gu Zuo saw a person who was standing on the roof of the pagoda.

    It was man who was wearing a bright-yellow, four-wed dragon robe. His figure was great and tall, and his appearances were abstruse. As a pair of falcon eyes swept over, the spirited light within them shone deep and clear. It was sharp and prating.

    This person was imperious and awe-inspiring, which gave people an unfettered and outspoken feeling. However, there was now a faint trace of malice, which would cause fear to well up unbidden once someone saw this.

    Gu Zuo promptly realized that this person was definitely the Third Prince. As for the malice and what not, it was easy toprehend. If several hundred of his own subordinates were killed by someone, his mood wouldn¡¯t be very good, too.

    The instant that he and Gongyi Tianheng arrived, they caught this person¡¯s attention. Those imposing eyes red daggers that tore through the void. Although it waspletely imaginary, it actually made Gu Zuo¡¯s skin feel a slight stinging sensation... Was this considered using one¡¯s imposing aura to harm others? Or was this just intimidation?

    Of course, this ce didn¡¯t only have the Third Prince by himself. It was just that his temperament was too distinct. By unleashing his aura, it caused their attentions to fall onto him at first nce. Once they saw this person clearly, their attentions shifted to the surroundings of the Great Smoke Pagoda. There were severalmanders who each led a division of guards to encircle the pagoda. The objects of their fury-filled res were precisely Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    ...Yes. Of the living people here, some had only heard about their colleagues being killed one after another, while others had personally witnessed their colleagues¡¯ deaths while they could only arduously escape with their own lives.

    Their hatred and fury couldn¡¯t be contained.

    The Great Smoke Pagoda was a solitary structure that towered above arge za. Martial artspetitions would be held here, so the area was sufficiently spacious. Perhaps the Third Prince was too high-profile ¡ª Aside from himself and his people, there were also some martial artists with unknown identities who were waiting even farther away.

    In particr, there were two tall terraces. Each one wasn¡¯t any shorter or smaller than that Great Smoke Pagoda. At the tops of each of those tall terraces sat a young prodigy. Among them, one had a graceful posture who fluttered a fan like an elegant young mater. The other wore a smiling expression. Hints of ferocity would asionally flicker within those eyes, and that smile was indescribably strange.

    Gu Zuo immediately guessed that the one with the graceful posture was definitely Young Master Xin, and the one with the strange smile ought to have been Prince Zhou. Those two people were in apetitive rtionship with the Third Prince, but it seemed that for the sake of face, they didn¡¯t bring as many people as the Third Prince had.

    Since these two hade, matters had be even moreplicated.

    If they were careless for a moment...they probably would suffer a defeat this time around.

    However, if the previous Gu Zuo faced this kind of situation, his heart would certainly feel worried and nervous. Yet, for whatever reason, perhaps due to encountering too many dangers on the Road of Death, he was numb to it instead. At this moment, not only wasn¡¯t he experiencing any negative mindsets, he seemed a bit excited. He was brimming with confidence in his big brother.

    While Gu Zuo was sizing up and muttering about these prodigies in his heart, Tianheng was also naturally getting a quick look at these people¡¯s features. Only, his pace didn¡¯t falter in the least. He arrived with steady steps beneath the Great Smoke Pagoda.

    Soon after, in the blink of an eye, the Third Prince appeared four or five meters in front of the two. He stood with his head held high and his hands sped behind his back. His attitude was dignified and imposing, his gaze was as bright as a zing fire, and his fury seemed to overflow the heavens. His terrifying aura nketed the sky and covered the earth as it pressed down upon the two.

    The Third Prince¡¯s voice resonated like a bell.

    ¡°You guys finally came. Gongyi Tianheng, your speed is too slow!¡±

    Tianheng was calm and unhurried as he put Gu Zuo down. He moved close to Gu Zuo¡¯s ear, and quietly opened his mouth. However, he didn¡¯t make any sounds. At the exact same time, his voice echoed inside Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Ah Zuo, go stand on the side and keep your guard up. If that Binglong Army makes any funny moves, just brandish your poison pills. Remember to be careful. Don¡¯t get hurt.]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head solemnly: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±

    [There¡¯s absolutely no need to be polite to the Third Prince! Kill him!]

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled into a grin: ¡°Okay. As your elder brother, I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    After that, Gu Zuo continuously retreated straight to the edge of the venue. A person stood all alone at one side. From beginning to end, his gaze didn¡¯t leave Tianheng at all. Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes followed Tianheng as he took a few steps forward to stand across from the Third Prince.

    Suddenly, at this moment, Gu Zuo somewhat understood that Third Prince¡¯s way of thinking ¡ª Having been thwarted many times previously, and it could be said that the Third Prince¡¯s face had been trampled by him and his big brother. However, no traps were set up. Instead, the Third Prince openly invited his big brother to a fight. This was to personally kill his big brother under the watchful eyes of so many people. After that, the Third Prince would eliminate him!

    Like this, the Third Prince would also be able to prove his own prowess, thereby reiming his honor. This would dere to the world that he was the strongest prodigy!

    He was quite confident...

    Gu Zuoposed himself, and tightened his grip around the poison pills in his hand.

    But, he believed that the person who would ultimately prevail was certainly going to be his big brother!

    On the battlefield, the Third Prince and Gongyi Tianheng locked gazes.

    The Third Prince¡¯s palm made a light grasping motion, and from his palm appeared a weapon. It was a golden, square-edged baton. Its entire body seemed to have been cast in gold, but anyone would know that it was impossible for this weapon to possess the soft qualities of gold. It should¡¯ve been meticulously cast with an extraordinary material.

    The baton had four sides, and it was surprisingly heavy. However, each and every person who dared to wield this kind of weapon had outstanding strength. The Third Prince, who took this weapon out during this life and death battle, certainly had ample confidence, and possessed the corresponding martial skills.

    Tianheng also didn¡¯t cover anything up. His fingers faintly moved, and he gripped a spear. He could use many weapons, and there wasn¡¯t a single one that he wasn¡¯t proficient in. However, the length of the weapon determined its advantage in battle. The other party¡¯s golden baton was only a little bit more than a meter long. It also wasn¡¯t known what trump cards the Third Prince kept hidden. As such, Tianheng naturally wouldn¡¯t fight him at close-range, and switched to using the spear in response.

    The Third Prince saw this, but didn¡¯t have much to say in terms of starting the fight. He only said: ¡°My realm far exceeds yours. As I disdain pushing around the weak, I shouldn¡¯t be fighting with you. But from your sesses in battle, it can clearly be seen that your strength is not lower than that of a mid Immortal Realm. I¡¯ll let you make the first move right now so I won¡¯t be considered to have taken advantage of you.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled. Those filled with youthful vigor might hear these words and feel that the other side was looking down on them, which would mess up their mental states. But on the contrary, Tianheng calmly lifted his spear: ¡°If you insist, deference is no substitute for obedience.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he swiftly made his move!

    Two masses of light and shadow shed together. That Third Prince was fast, but Tianheng wasn¡¯t the least bit slower! The golden baton and the spear continuously collided. The figures of two people crisscrossed, and countless streams of qi energy burst forth with each collision. The unrestrained attacks caused sand to fly and rocks to shift all over the ce. Even the ground had been fissured!

    The profound qi surrounding the Third Prince was robust, and its power far surpassed that of true qi. Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s victories in terms of strength were continuous and unbroken. The spear tip, which carried exotic energy, was also capable of offsetting the might of the profound qi.

    This scene should¡¯ve left people astonished, but the Third Prince didn¡¯t feel that this was strange. The spectators like Prince Zhou and Young Master Xin likewise gave minimal responses, and they believed that this was to be expected.

    Yes, he was able to kill that many Immortal Realm martial artists, so how could he have sliced through the profound qi that protected those martial artists¡¯ bodies if it wasn¡¯t for some special power? The strength of true qi couldn¡¯t bepared to that of profound qi. However, if it was specialized true qi, then the difference wasn¡¯t thatrge.

    Perhaps ordinary geniuses wouldck these insights, but those prodigy-ss personages naturally wouldn¡¯t be caught by surprise.

    Tianheng wielded the powers of his Tiandu Body, and fought with the Third Prince. He could also sense that the Third Prince truly was unlike the people he had battled in the past. If those mid Immortal Realm martial artists seemed like rivers, then the Third Prince¡¯s strength was like a great sea.

    And since it was like the sea, he naturally fought like the churning waves, which billowed and surged. The Third Prince was extremely tyrannical and formidable. Tianheng¡¯s martial skills were thebination of many schools of thought and his own creations, so they were the most suitable for him. Consequently, although they weren¡¯t as profound as the martial disciplines of the Third Prince, there was a special type of exquisite subtlety.

    The two battled for a long time.

    Among the spectators, many watched in stupefaction. They couldn¡¯t help opening their mouths andmenting:

    ¡°Sure enough, someone who can trample on another prodigy¡¯s face is also a prodigy!¡±

    ¡°Originally, I thought that this person would suffer a realm limitation when fighting the Third Prince, and that he wouldn¡¯tst long in the hands of the Third Prince. But now, four hours have already passed, but he¡¯s still fighting fiercely and endlessly. He¡¯s truly extraordinary!¡±

    ¡°One can indeed gainprehensions from a battle between prodigies!¡±

    ¡°As it turns out, that martial skill can also be used like this! Hahaha, when I go into seclusion this time around, I¡¯ll definitely be able to make a breakthrough!¡±

    All of a sudden, as the discussions sprang up, a person¡¯s voice feebly spoke: ¡°The Third Prince is a prodigy, and his realm is at the mid Immortal Realm. That Gongyi Tianheng has been fighting the Third Prince, but his realm is only peak Xiantian... What would happen if Gongyi Tianheng was an Immortal Realm?¡±

    In a split second, a phrase couldn¡¯t help pouring out from everyone¡¯s hearts.

    ¡ª If Gongyi Tianheng was at the Immortal Realm, couldn¡¯t a single move p the Third Prince to death like amon mongrel?

    However, this kind of sentence wasn¡¯t something that anyone dared to utter.

    On the contrary, on the other two terraces, someone spoke with ridicule: ¡°As expected, that Third Zhao is really stupid! He¡¯s fighting with a Xiantian Realm prodigy with a strength that¡¯s two realms higher. If he loses, it¡¯ll be unbelievably ugly, and he¡¯ll never be able to live it down. And if he wins, would that really be something praiseworthy? Therge takes advantage of the small, and the strong bully the weak ¡ª He has no sense of shame. The prestige of my generation¡¯s prodigies has been lost because of him!¡±

    Winning was a matter of course, but losing would make him trash. It was seriously stupid.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 289 - The Fight

    <h4>Chapter 289 - The Fight</h4>

    Meanwhile, the other person, Young Master Xin, said: ¡°The life of a man depends on his face, just as the life of a tree depends on its bark. If Prince Zhao didn¡¯t invite Gongyi Tianheng to a battle, then would the lives of those subordinates not matter? His own face had been lost long ago. Now, even if he loses some more, so long as he can reveal his skills, no one would dare to bring it up after a year or so. When all is said and done, Gongyi Tianheng is nothing more than a person from the Peripheral Continents whocks any support. Along this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, what does temporary fame amount to? After this Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen closes, who among those on the Central Continent would still know that there was this kind of prodigy?¡±

    Prince Zhou, who had previously spoken out in ridicule, still had an extremely contemptuous tone: ¡°As early as when it was determined that Gongyi Tianheng was a genuine prodigy, Third Zhao should¡¯ve thought of a way to resolve their dispute. He¡¯s just too arrogant, and it¡¯s impossible for him to stop halfway through. I think that something like this is unavoidable.

    ¡°Xin, why bother making these excuses for him and glossing over his faults? Just take a look. If he can kill Gongyi Tianheng, then that¡¯s fine. But if he can¡¯t, there¡¯ll certainly be organizations out there that¡¯ll ept someone with potential like him. At that time, Third Zhao won¡¯t necessarily be able to do anything to him. Once Gongyi Tianheng reaches the Immortal Realm, he¡¯ll certainly soar sky-high. At that time, Third Zhao will be constantly sick to his stomach!¡±

    Speaking up to here, Prince Zhou suddenlyughed: ¡°When I think about that day and Third Zhao¡¯s sullen face, this prince feels very happy! Hahahaha!¡±

    Young Master Xin¡¯s expression was unreadable. Nevertheless, his gaze fell below, and he slowly said: ¡°In that case, that Gongyi Tianheng will also need to survive...¡±

    Prince Zhou heard these words, and he slightly narrowed his eyes. After that, he didn¡¯t talk anymore.

    Underneath.

    Tianheng and that Third Prince fought fiercely. Amid the unceasing strikes between the two¡¯s weapons, some cracks unexpectedly appeared on the weapons¡¯ surfaces. This was enough to show how much power the two were using as well as how strong their qi energies were.

    More than four hours had passed. The cracks on the weapons became bigger and bigger. After a while, the instant that the two met in a violent collision, one above and one below, the golden baton and the spear simultaneously fractured. Bits and pieces scattered in all directions!

    A nearby mid Immortal Realm martial artist was caught in the shrapnel of these fractured weapons. At first, he used some qi energy to stop it, but he didn¡¯t anticipate the tumultuous momentum of the weapon shards. The shrapnel prated his qi energy, and injured his body! In a split second, the shards pierced into his arm!

    This mid Immortal Realm martial artist was greatly rmed. He hastily retreated backwards, and used his hand to cover those wounds that dribbled with blood. Just then, he perceived that horrifying strength. Then, he immediately understood even more clearly just how terrifyingly strong the two prodigies fighting on the battlefield were!

    Gu Zuo slowly exhaled.

    How outstanding!

    In the past, granted that he followed his dear big brother through foul winds and bloody rains, he also didn¡¯t have this kind of feeling right now where he was shaken to his core. This was because, at that time, he could always sense that his big brother handled things skillfully and easily, as if Tianheng could get though it with the lightest brushstroke. But this time was different. Perhaps, it was due to the fact that prodigies were better than those geniuses who could challenge the higher ranks. On top of that, they were both prodigies, but the other party¡¯s realm was still two higher than that of his dear big brother ¡ª It could be said that the disparity was like a natural moat. As a result, during the fight, Gu Zuo could clearly sense that his big brother was the prudent one to the point that he didn¡¯t hold back in the slightest.

    In other words, this wasn¡¯t a fight that Tianheng waspletely assured of.

    Although Gu Zuo was confident in Tianheng before and he wasn¡¯t as worried as he would be, after he got a clear look at the battle situation, he couldn¡¯t help clenching his fists.

    He had to win!

    Otherwise... Perhaps, it would only be a road to ruin!

    In any case, after Tianheng and the Third Prince began fighting in earnest, they also forgot that this was originally a battle of life and honor.

    After the weapons became damaged, the two straightforwardly tossed aside the hilts in their hands. The two brought up their fists, and resolutely pummeled each other!

    Bang &#k2014; Boom, boom!

    Both sides threw out three punches in a row.

    The two acted extremely quickly. In a sh, they continuously exchanged blows.

    Countless streams of qi energy burst forth from the ces where the two collided. A type of thunderous rumbling echoed, which whistled out in all directions.

    Such noises like that of a flooding storm caused the spectating martial artists to retreat once more.

    By falling back, the opened venue became evenrger. Those two fighting figures were practically cloaked in qi energy. Each of their moves were extremely powerful, and each of their moves targeted the opponent¡¯s vital parts with the intent of thoroughly defeating the other!

    The battle raged for a long time, but Tianheng was unflustered.

    Through his palm style, a blood-red power was faintly discernible. Whenever he threw out a palm, not once did an enormous Blood Palm appear. However, a dense, blood-red palm formed on the surface of his hands. It seemed that gigantic Blood Palm had been shrunk to its limit, but it could still sh with the Third Prince¡¯s golden fist energy. Both powers smashed the other.

    Originally, Tianheng didn¡¯t want to fight at close-quarters with the Third Prince. However, once the battle reached this point, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to do it, but that he had to.

    The fight had gotten out of hand. Even if it was Tianheng, he had no way of regainingplete control over the situation!

    Gu Zuo condensed his psychic power over his eyes, and distinguished the two fighting each other.

    He wanted to know whether his big brother was unscathed...

    Fortunately, it appeared that both of them were evenly matched. For the past few hours, neither side had once sustained any injuries during the fight.

    The only things had been worn down were their profound qi and true qi.

    Gradually, they fought from day to night.

    Gu Zuo sensed that the curtain of the sky was darkening, and his heart suddenly trembled.

    When it was night, wasn¡¯t that the time when the monsters woulde out...

    However, he soon realized that there wasn¡¯t a single monster in this ancient city. Although, while the sounds of monsters could be heard from outside the city, the sounds didn¡¯t reach the city¡¯s interior and had already faded away.

    On this matter, Gu Zuo set aside his worries. Then, his attention returned to the two who were in the middle of fighting.

    Perhaps, due to battling the entire day, the amount of energy the two used wasn¡¯t small. Having reached this moment, Gu Zuo clearly perceived that the style of their moves had be even more domineering. It seemed that they wanted to determine the winner and loser as quickly as possible.

    Tianheng¡¯s right palm swung up and down. That palm, which was filled with a reddish-ck power, immediately turned pitch-ck. The poison within all of his bone pearls had been drawn out, and the strongest poison palm was created!

    Even if it didn¡¯t strike his body, the poison that came loose from the poison palm still seemed to corrode everything it touched. It made sizzling sounds as it moved through the air. This kind of powerful poison even made the Third Prince somewhat apprehensive, and his brows slightly furrowed. He retreated, and explosively threw out a fist to split and widen the gap!

    This punch naturally couldn¡¯t cancel out the poisonpletely, but Tianheng seized this opportunity to continuously withdraw. His waist turned, and a longbow had its bowstring pulled!

    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

    In the blink of an eye, thirteen arrows were sent out simultaneously!

    A reddish-gold power burst forth. One arrow closely followed the next, reinforcing that power over and over again.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the first arrow to radiate with a golden light. It was iparably bright, as if the tip of the arrow-head had produced a miniature, red sun. It was as intense as the noonday sun, and the zing energy seemed to scorch the surrounding space!

    Gu Zuo widened his eyes.

    ¡ª It could be done like this, too?

    But, it was really awesome!

    As it turned out, the reason why Tianheng suddenly used up the poison in his body was to take advantage of this opportunity to extricate himself and fall back. Thus, came about this extremely great and powerful move of his where the numerous arrowsbined into one.

    At once, Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight fell onto the Third Prince.

    Who knew what kind of move the Third Prince would use in response? He didn¡¯t believe that an arrogant, heavenly prodigy who came from the Central Continent would be casually defeated like this!

    Sure enough, that Third Prince wasn¡¯t panicked at all.

    Although his expression was slightly rattled, his entire body immediately started shining.

    At the Third Prince¡¯s dantian, a streak of light and shadow slowly appeared.

    This streak of light and shadow instantly transformed into a changpao, whichpletely protected the Third Prince. After that, a shield suddenly emerged from the changpao¡¯s front, covering the Third Prince¡¯s vital parts.

    In the blink of an eye, that red sun flew over and shot straight at the Third Prince. And the exact same time, the Third Prince¡¯s shield shined brightly and instantly engulfed the red sun!

    However, since the red sun was extremely resplendent, how could it be swallowed by another radiant light so easily? The red sun likewise unleashed its splendor, whichpeted with the shield¡¯s bright light.

    After bing deadlocked, the red sun suddenly exploded!

    A noise that seemed to shake the sky sted outwards. It was like a p of thunder that leveled thend. It greatly startled everyone!

    The Third Prince was immediately engulfed by this sound, and his whole body was immersed within the light... But in the next moment, another noise spread out. Contrary to expectations, a figure flew out, and gradually stood firm upon the ground.

    This was the Third Prince. He was still quite alive.

    Only, his bundled hair had alreadye loose. It draped over his shoulders, and made him look especially coarse and wild. Between his eyebrows, there was rivulet of dried blood. This was a bloodstain that he¡¯d been sshed with just when the red sun exploded.

    On his body, there were numerous ces that had ckened marks. The backs of his hands, his neck, and the rest of his bare skin showed injuries bothrge and small.

    These wounds weren¡¯t fatal, but the Third Prince¡¯s appearance was much more haggard than before. Moreover, his clothes were somewhat torn. Just then, that spirit-weapon level changpao, which had been taken out to protect his body, had been greatly damaged. In the short-term, there was no way to take it out again to defend himself.

    At this moment, the Third Prince was already furious.

    He was like a fierce tiger as his fist intent burst forth, brazenly smashing down towards Tianheng¡¯s head! Tianheng merely tilted his head and held his left palm up, which somewhat stopped the falling momentum of the fist intent. After that, Tianheng¡¯s entire body twisted, and he simrlyshed out with an explosive punch!

    The two began to fight once more.

    This time, however, the Third Prince¡¯s state seemed frantic. Each move was dedicated solely in offense, and he didn¡¯t defend himself at all. Because even more profound qi was being poured into every attack and because many profound martial skills were being mixed together, the might of each move dramatically increased.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly brightened. It possessed a luminous and burning light.

    He also fought fervently as if he was answering with a bitter and desperate battle, like the time when he was surrounded by a pack of spirit-level wild beasts. His mental state was stretched taut. No matter how the Third Prince took action, Tianheng was able to stably ept everything that the Third Prince threw at him.

    Yet, due to the battlesting too long, Tianheng¡¯s meridians had a somewhat dull ache. And due to the Third Prince¡¯s stormy and gale-like attacks, regardless of how Tianheng responded, it was also hard to avoid some injuries.

    Suddenly, after the two smashed out a punch, they retreated simultaneously. Then, both of them pped out a palm at the same time!

    A golden-colored palm print instantly collided with a blood-red palm print!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 290 - An Indiscriminate Beating

    <h4>Chapter 290 - An Indiscriminate Beating</h4>

    Immediately following that, there were dozens upon dozens of palm strikes.

    Both sides fully exerted themselves, and used this move to unleash a frenzied attack. Countless palms were smashed to pieces, and countless more solidified in the air. The vast and mighty power contained within seemed to topple mountains and overturn seas. It was incredibly astonishing!

    Numerous spectators couldn¡¯t help secretly pondering ¡ª If it was them, could they protect themselves under this kind of barrage? Following which, they shook their heads. They definitely couldn¡¯t.

    Among these people, there were also those who previously heard that Gongyi Tianheng had ughtered many of the Third Prince¡¯s subordinates. At the time, they only thought that this was a distortion of the truth. They didn¡¯t take it seriously. But now, it looked like they had been narrow-minded.

    A prodigy was a prodigy, and couldn¡¯t bepared to normal people. Things that were impossible for ordinary people weren¡¯t necessarily the case for prodigies.

    The two¡¯s clothing were ruined, but that Third Prince¡¯s body shed with rays of light, and he promptly put on a changpao. His properties and holdings were enormous, so he definitely wouldn¡¯t have only one or two of such protective objects. Usually, he would simply bring it as a change of clothes, but whening across this kind of huge fight like today, it was of great help to him.

    After putting on this defensive clothing, the Third Prince promptly gained the advantage. Even though his consumption of profound qi increased somewhat, his body didn¡¯t sustain injuries any longer, and the profound qi used to restore his body was reduced. As such, this was instead considered an equilibrium in terms of ie and expenditure. However, on the other side of things, the wounds on Tianheng¡¯s body continuously increased. In this brief period of time, there might not be any negative effects to be seen, but in the long-term, this would certainly cause him to lose under the hands of the Third Prince!

    ¡ª Unless, Tianheng put on that ck cloak right now.

    It was just that the product grade of the ck cloak was unknown, and it was very strange. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to make a hasty decision. Who knew if his big brother didn¡¯t include it in his ns?

    Hence, after thinking about it for a moment, Gu Zuo clenched his teeth and transmitted to Tianheng.

    [Big brother, do you want the cloak?]

    Originally, Tianheng could summon it by himself, but that was only when Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness was muddled. Otherwise, since Gu Zuo was the owner of the Divine Medicine Pce Hall, even if the guardian Tianheng wanted to personally take something out, it would be extremely difficult.

    Tianheng¡¯s reply came quickly.

    [No need. Pass me the spear from the golden-level spirit weapons.]

    Gu Zuo suddenly remembered.

    In the Great Tomb of the Human King, they had once obtained many good things. Although the majority had been left behind in Qingyun Sect, several that were fit for his big brother¡¯s use had been taken along by them.

    Among which were two spears that his big brother was most fond of. The first one was a human-level spirit weapon, and the other was a golden-level spirit weapon. The human-level spirit weapon had already been damaged during the fight with the Third Prince before, so the only one he could use now was the golden-level spirit weapon.

    Merely...

    Worry abruptly rose within Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Golden-level spirit weapons were suitable for martial artists at the Atomic Realm and above, but his big brother was only a peak Xiantian. How could he rouse such a spirit weapon? Even if he could rouse it, wouldn¡¯t he be sucked dry of his qi energy&#k2026;

    However, despite his worry, Gu Zuo still followed through with his actions because he trusted in Tianheng.

    He swiftly transmitted his voice.

    [Big brother, catch!]

    Tianheng paused and made a grasping motion. And in his hand was the silvery-white spear that Gu Zuo had delivered with his thoughts!

    Soon after, Tianheng¡¯s body emitted a silver light. Once the silver light scattered, a set of light armor was draped over his body. The armor enveloped him from top to bottom.

    Gu Zuo stared fixedly at his big brother.

    He remembered that this light armor was originally the inner armor which was also obtained from the Great Tomb of the Human King. Although it wasn¡¯t as good as that cloak, it¡¯s own defensive capabilities weren¡¯tcking.

    But while this thing¡¯s product grade wasn¡¯t low, it¡¯s energy consumption was huge. Did it really not matter? Truly, his big brother was too adventurous...

    In actuality, it really was just like this.

    After Tianheng summoned the light armor and took the golden-level spirit weapon, he immediately sensed the emptiness in many of the bone pearls within his body. At this moment, arge portion of his true qi had been drawn out like the water of a river, constantly pouring out in torrents. He probably wouldn¡¯t be able to persist for much longer before his bone pearls dried uppletely ¡ª Amid all this, the true qi absorbed by the light armor was therger share. Although he didn¡¯t deliberately rouse the golden-level spirit weapon for its abilities and only relied on its resilience, he still had to input a bit of true qi at all times. The consumption was considerable.

    Consequently, Tianheng needed to end the battle in the shortest time possible!

    Hence, he thrusted out his spear. The spear tip was adorned with the reddish-gold power of the sun, and its zing heat was hard to block! After this spear shot out, it seemed like space had been punctured. Even though the Third Prince had defensive clothing to protect himself, aftering into contact with this spear style fused with reddish-gold power, he also felt waves upon waves of suppression assaulting his senses.

    The Third Prince didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything.

    He immediately took out another spirit weapon, and crossed des with Tianheng¡¯s silver spear.

    In the blink of an eye, a crisp and brittle sound echoed out. Unexpectedly, a crack had appeared on that spirit weapon? That wasn¡¯t right. Although his spirit weapon was only at the human-level, it had ample spirituality. If it collided with another spirit weapon at the same rank, it certainly wouldn¡¯t lose out. This damaging encounter meant that the other party¡¯s spirit weapon was ¡ª

    The Third Prince¡¯splexion sank.

    A golden-level spirit weapon!

    At once, this line of words shed through his mind!

    If it came to golden-level spirit weapons, he, a prodigy of a magnificent empire, certainly didn¡¯tck one. However, that golden-level spirit weapon was being stored and raised within his qi ocean for uninterrupted tempering. It still wasn¡¯t ready to be used.

    But this insignificant fellow from the Peripheral Continents ¡ª Even if he was a prodigy, how could he have managed to get a golden-level spirit weapon?!

    On the high terraces.

    The corner of Prince Zhou¡¯s mouth hooked into a grin: ¡°Heh, he¡¯s using a golden-level spirit weapon.¡±

    Young Master Xin¡¯splexion stiffened slightly. After that, he softly shook his head: ¡°Even though he has a golden-level spirit weapon, it hasn¡¯t recognized a master. Any so-called usage is merely the borrowing of the spirit weapon¡¯s characteristic advantages. He can¡¯t disy the spirit weapon¡¯s true strength.¡±

    Prince Zhou raised an eyebrow: ¡°In this prince¡¯s opinion, this is actually a clever way of handling things. This prince has seen that his true qi is rather formidable, and when poured into a human-level spirit weapon, his qi energy actually slowly corrodes it. This isn¡¯t very suitable. Now that he has switched to a golden-level spirit weapon, although the weapon¡¯s might is minimal after inputting his qi energy, his own strength isn¡¯t small. Moreover, when the golden-level spirit weapon takes in his true qi, there isn¡¯t any damage. Compared to him, that Third Zhao is truly living in the belly of a dog.¡±

    Young Master Xin knew that Prince Zhou found the Third Prince displeasing to the eyes, so it was natural for Prince Zhou to praise Tianheng and belittle the Third Prince. At this time, Young Master Xin didn¡¯t get involved, and only shook his fan. He looked towards the venue once more.

    Back to the matter of that Third Prince. Although it was somewhat shocking when Tianheng suddenly put on the light armor and used a golden-level spirit weapon, the Third Prince was also a cool-headed person. Naturally, he could see the systemic problem. Right now, his rate of consumption was less than that of Tianheng. He only needed to maintain the deadlock between himself and the other party. Once Tianheng exhausted his true qi, he could easily catch and behead that guy! As for the slight disadvantage at this moment...he didn¡¯t care about it.

    But anything the Third Prince could think of, so too could Tianheng. The Third Prince wanted to watch him use up his energy. As such, Tianheng ignored his own rate of consumption in order to defeat the Third Prince as quickly as possible ¡ª If he could kill the Third Prince, that would be even better.

    Therefore, the Third Prince utilized guarding positions and prioritized defense. Meanwhile, Tianheng suddenly leaped over. He raised that silver spear up high, and smashed it down over and over again!

    Gu Zuo almost wanted to call out.

    His big brother... This was, this was ¡ª

    It could only been seen that Tianheng¡¯s speed was extremely fast. As a Xiantian martial artist, he could walk through the air. The qi emissions within his body were long and continuous, so the period of air walking could be maintained for a very long time.

    Thus, after that silver spear of his ruthlessly pounded down, one would see that the Third Prince, who was tightly protected by that defensive clothing, was being pelted with a rain of at least several dozen spear smashes!

    Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    This series of noises were immediately heard by numerous spectators, whose eyes and mouths hung open in a dumbfounded manner.

    Ahead, the Third Prince had lost the key moment. Under Tianheng¡¯s indiscriminate beating, he unexpectedly wasn¡¯t able to find a suitable opportunity to counterattack! Every time he wanted to take action, just when he was about to assemble the qi energy, he was suddenly smashed by that silver spear. This interrupted his qi energy, and the chance to act also naturally disappeared.

    Thus, at this time, within everyone¡¯s view, the Third Princepletelycked the strength to resist, and was directly and viciously beaten up by a prodigy who came from the Peripheral Continents... Although he didn¡¯t receive any wounds from being hit and his defense was rather good, this kind of spectacle still made people feel apprehensive in their hearts. Their faces also heated up.

    The Third Prince seemed to cut a very sorry figure.

    Gu Zuo also felt helpless and exasperated.

    This big brother of his was too...too unbridled! In any case, the guy was a prodigy-ranked prince of an empire. After vigorously beating down on the Third Prince from overhead, was Tianheng worried that the Third Prince didn¡¯t hate him enough?

    If this continued, then the hostility value was going to be even fuller. The Third Prince was going to beat Tianheng to death at all costs!

    To be honest, Tianheng¡¯s move was truly too unexpected. Let alone that the spectators were all rubbing their eyes and doubting if what they saw was real, even the two people on the tall terraces were beyond astonished.

    Prince Zhou was originally holding a wine cup, and was drinking wine while watching the fight. At this time, he spat out a mouthful of wine and almost choked. Immediately following which, he couldn¡¯t help pping his leg, and boisterouslyughed: ¡°Hahaha! This Gongyi Tianheng sure has some guts!¡±

    When he finished, he pointed at the Third Prince, and practically swayed back and forth as he smiled: ¡°Xin! Hey, Xin! Doesn¡¯t that Third Zhao look like a tortoise huddled inside his own shell? With his shell being pounded on, does that tortoise head still dare toe out? Haha, this truly makes this prince happy!¡±

    Off to the side, Young Master Xin¡¯s mouth twitched: ¡°This time, I¡¯m afraid that the Third Prince will fight with Gongyi Tianheng to hisst breath. Such an insult cannot be wiped away without spilling blood.¡±

    Prince Zhou sneered in disdain as he spoke: ¡°Didn¡¯t he himself take the initiative to challenge Gongyi Tianheng? His face was torn clean off, and it serves him right to suffer the consequences of his own actions. Who would stand to sympathize with him?!¡± Then, he curled his lips, ¡°What¡¯s more, you also can¡¯t turn an enemy into a friend. How could it be after stepping on him again and again? Originally, this prince only felt that Gongyi Tianheng was just so, but today, I¡¯ve seen that he has enough courage. If that Third Zhao dares to break the rules, I¡¯ll invite an elder out to have a talk with him!¡±

    Young Master Xin heard what was said, and his gaze faintly flickered.

    He looked at the Third Prince on the venue, and slowly became pensive.

    Down below, after the Third Prince was given a beatdown, although there weren¡¯t any ces that hurt too badly, that silver spear¡¯s power was able to make his qi and blood churn. There was even a mouthful of heart¡¯s blood blocked up in his chest. He only felt that he was burning from the inside out. Even when those numerous battle ves died, never once did it make him feel so humiliated.

    Of course, as far as Tianheng was concerned, this was intentional.

    After all, there were limits to one¡¯s realm. It wasn¡¯t known how many trump cards the Third Prince had, and it wasn¡¯t known how much power the defensive clothing possessed. His moves were nearly used up. If he wanted to prevail over the Third Prince, Tianheng needed to make him lose his cool first, and dig him out of that shell ¡ª He had long exhausted any attempts at rousing the golden-level spirit weapon¡¯s capabilities, so he was better off straightforwardly relying on the weapon¡¯s own material properties to pummel the Third Prince and hope to split open that defense. Once the Third Prince was enraged, when he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to use everything to kill Tianheng, he would most likely make use of his trump cards due to his anger.

    At this time, Tianheng would take advantage of the fact that his true qi wasn¡¯t depleted yet, and perhaps, he could make a response. Otherwise, when even more of Tianheng¡¯s true qi was used up, the Third Prince would utilize his trump cards again, and there would be absolutely nothing that Tianheng could do about it.

    Sure enough, the Third Prince was infuriated. Around his dantian, rays of light shined brilliantly once more.

    Over there, something like a copper mirror was released.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 291 - Startling Changes

    <h4>Chapter 291 - Startling Changes</h4>

    This copper mirror made humming noises as it shined. Right away, a shadow emerged from the mirror¡¯s surface, and took the shape of the skull of a wild beast. Its appearance looked sinister. In no time at all, more than half of its body had emerged, except for a lengthy tail, which was tethered to that copper mirror. It seemed that the mirror was used to control it.

    At the risk of being pummeled by Gongyi Tianheng, the Third Prince raised his head up, and urgently shouted: ¡°Eat him!¡±

    The wild beast immediately swung its head, opened its enormous jaws, and soared into the air. After that, it pounced at Tianheng to tear a huge bite out of him!

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo startled: What kind of thing is that? It looks like it isn¡¯t alive, but why does it seem like a living organism?

    At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit dispirited.

    It seemed that his knowledge was still too little...

    In the blink of an eye, Tianheng and the virtual image of that wild beast fought at close quarters. The wild beast was fierce and violent, and its strength wasn¡¯t any lower than that of the Third Prince. While Tianheng fought with the wild beast, the Third Prince moved back, stamped the ground, and rose high into the air to act together with the wild beast to fight Tianheng.

    At this moment, the advantage Tianheng held due to acting first had gone up in smoke. While Tianheng was fighting, he also understood that this virtual wild beast was certainly umon. It would be assumed that it was the Third Prince¡¯s trump card.

    Only, Tianheng didn¡¯t know if this was his only card, or if he was still hiding a few more up his sleeves.

    However, after pondering for a bit, the light armor on Tianheng¡¯s body suddenly retracted from his right arm. And that right arm was then bitten by the maw of that wild beast.

    Gu Zuo sucked in a breath of cold air.

    His big brother had a tranquil appearance, but the non-participant Gu Zuo instead felt as if he was in Tianheng¡¯s ce... He was only watching like this, but he thought it was so painful!

    Tianheng¡¯s arm was torn by the wild beast, and a chunk of flesh was ripped apart. However, the difference here was that this chunk of flesh fell to the ground, and wasn¡¯t consumed by the wild beast.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows. He restrained himself, but nevertheless, he discharged his psychic power. At once, the chunk of flesh which had fallen to the ground was swiftly collected.

    In the past, there was nothing to be done if his big brother¡¯s flesh was wounded and eaten, but he couldn¡¯t allow this solitary, torn piece to fall into other people¡¯s hands!

    Meanwhile, Tianheng had ascertained the approximate capabilities of the wild beast. He covered himself in the light armor once more, and continued to fight with that man and beast. Both sides fought fiercely.

    And because everyone¡¯s attentions were on the battle, Gu Zuo¡¯s presence originally wasn¡¯t high. But after Gu Zuo made such a move, his sense of existence immediately increased.

    The expressions of everyone who took note of him were somewhat peculiar.

    This pharmacist had collected Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s flesh&#k2026; What was he going to do with it? Was it possible that it could also be used to refine medicine?

    Those who thought about benefits only felt that this was the profound friendship betweenpanions. As for those whose thinking weren¡¯t so upright, their moods were subtle.

    Once Gu Zuo put away his dear big brother¡¯s flesh, he discovered that everyone who was looking at him had weird expressions. His face reddened. Then, after he took a deep breath, he felt that his own face had be just a little bit thicker.

    ¡ª Who cared about how others looked at him? Whatever he thought about doing, he would just do it!

    On the venue, Tianheng fought one against two, and was being suppressed once more. It seemed that, in order to get his revenge, the Third Prince ordered that wild beast to repeatedly bite at Tianheng. Several times, it was like the wild beast was going to swallow his head whole. The style of its attacks was especially ruthless. However, because the Third Prince had resorted to the copper mirror, his usage of profound qi had doubled. In terms of consumption, he was no less inferior to that of Tianheng.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng did his best to squeeze out everyst bit of true qi within himself. He also constantly searched for that wild beast¡¯s weak points. And in the end, after relinquishing the silver spear, he used nimble body techniques to swiftly circle around that enormous wild beast¡¯s body, and fought at close-range with the Third Prince. The direction of his attack was precisely the copper mirror, which currently floated around the Third Prince¡¯s chest!

    A reddish-gold arrow, which was about to reach that copper mirror, had been shot by Tianheng. The size of its strength and the temperature of its heat were hard to imagine. However, the copper mirror let out an ear-piercing noise, and that wild beast¡¯s figure suddenly expanded!

    The Third Prince revealed a cold and callous expression: ¡°What do you treat this highness¡¯ copper mirror for? If one¡¯s realm is lower than the realm of this highness, then no matter how much true qi or profound qi one uses, it¡¯ll all be swallowed up to replenish itself!¡±

    His words seemed to match the virtual wild beast¡¯s increase in size. For a moment, it made numerous spectators suck in breaths of cold air ¡ª With this kind of cheat-like object, how could anyone deal with it? Tianheng was in danger!

    The concern in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart also rose.

    However, Gu Zuo definitely didn¡¯t need to worry about this too much.

    Because, just as the virtual wild beast erged and its strength seemed to increase, a surge of reddish-gold color suddenly ignited from within its body. In the blink of an eye, the reddish-gold power engulfed the entirety of the wild beast¡¯s virtual form!

    At this moment, revealed upon the virtual wild beast wasn¡¯t the look of satisfaction from absorbing true qi. Rather, it was the type where satisfaction had instantaneously transformed into fright and pain!

    After that virtual wild beast swallowed the power of that arrow, it was devoured instead!

    Gu Zuo slowly let out a sigh of relief.

    What a close call...

    His heart was still beating like a roller coaster.

    The Third Prince¡¯s unfeeling and taut face finally twitched.

    At once, he swatted the copper mirror and took it back into his dantian. Immediately following which, a clearly regretful and pained look appeared within his expression.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shuddered with a heavy ¡°ba-thump¡±.

    ¡ª Not good!

    From the Third Prince¡¯s dantian, another burst of radiance appeared.

    This burst of radiance seemed particrly strange. It appeared grandiose and majestic, and it was as sharp as the point of a needle. Bit by bit, the rays of light stretched outwards.

    At this moment, someone got a clear look. It was a jade ruler. It was only about three inches long and half an inch wide. The ruler flickered with a lustrous and brilliant radiance.

    This thing didn¡¯t look like an object that held incredible might. Why did the Third Prince look so regretful? Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand at all, but the vignce in his heart suddenly rose by anotheryer.

    The smiling expression on the Third Prince¡¯s face bore a hint of abnormality. He extended a finger, and a drop of blood fell onto this jade ruler. Soon after, he threw the jade ruler, and it immediately pierced the Great Smoke Pagoda!

    Right now, the Great Smoke Pagoda and the jade ruler merged together and twinkled with intense light!

    At the same time, the Third Prince swooped down and attacked Tianheng once more!

    Tianheng raised his fist to meet the attack!

    Boom!

    The attacks of the two interlocked, but regardless of whether it was Tianheng or the Third Prince, the qi energies contained within these punches had be extremely sparse.

    Yes, during the continuous battle before, the energy within their bodies had nearly been used up. Presently, what they used to fight each other with was nothing more than the strength of their physical bodies!

    Gu Zuo multitasked. While he monitored the Great Smoke Pagoda that seemed to be undergoing astonishing changes, he also watched Tianheng. Gu Zuo was deeply concerned over the battle situation.

    Fortunately, after this big brother of his went through the Beast Blood Body Tempering, his physical body had be much stronger. He far surpassed the category of Xiantian martial artists. Otherwise, when fighting with their physical bodies, Tianheng might¡¯ve soon lost in this face-to-face encounter. Where else could he have had the strength and vigor to resist?

    The Third Prince didn¡¯t expect that even Tianheng¡¯s physical body could withstand his own. Displeasure shed across his face. However, he had already resorted to using that item. He only felt that, since Tianheng¡¯s death was only a matter of time, he wouldn¡¯t care about it anymore. It probably wouldn¡¯t take long for Gongyi Tianheng...to be a dead man.

    Outside the venue, after the ever-guarding Binglong Army¡¯s Chief Commander and Second Commander saw the jade ruler, their pupils suddenly shrank. They slowly approached, and little by little, they walked towards a certain location.

    The other martial artists still failed to understand the situation, and only felt that the Third Prince had probably made an unusual move. All of them were curious as they waited for that move to exhibit its might.

    On the high terraces, Prince Zhou¡¯s looks changed. Young Master Xin¡¯s facial expression also didn¡¯t look too good.

    Prince Zhou clenched his teeth and said: ¡°This Third Zhao is truly shameless!¡±

    Young Master Xin repeatedly pped his fan, and quickly ordered a few subordinates over. He muttered a few words into their ears. Unwittingly, a few more quietly entered the crowd and made those people retreat.

    After Prince Zhou restrained himself for a moment, he also quelled his discontent. He called someone over: ¡°Go! Take the person in the backroom, and bring him to a tavern farther away. Also, order the people who¡¯re still watching the battle to leave quickly!¡± He paused, and spoke in a cold voice, ¡°No need to cover it up. Make them leave with great fanfare. This prince must give that Third Zhao something to think about!¡±

    That subordinate heard what was said, and didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. He left without dy.

    The personnel at the venue became increasingly harsh. Gu Zuo soon detected this, and his worried gaze turned straight to Tianheng. Tianheng also discovered that something was wrong, but he needed to treat things prudently during the fight.

    Consequently, Tianheng retreated as he fought. He was moving in the opposite direction of the Great Smoke Pagoda.

    The Third Prince wore a cold look on his face. He stated tly: ¡°Toote!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression faintly shifted.

    However, he didn¡¯t reveal any flustered looks. On the contrary, he seemed even more unhurried and calm. With hisst bit of strength, he put that set of light armor back onto his body.

    Unfortunately, although Tianheng made this preparation, the Third Prince¡¯s expression still made it look like victory was in his grasp.

    Right at this moment, the radiance of the Great Smoke Pagoda became even more magnificent. Suddenly, an enormous ck hole abruptly opened behind the pagoda. Within the ck hole arose an incredibly powerful suction force, causing a gigantic squall to swirl up!

    This oing wind was strange, and this ck hole was even stranger.

    Yet, the strangest thing was that the light on the Great Smoke Pagoda was suddenly shining on Tianheng¡¯s body!

    Gu Zuo only felt his mind going nk. He didn¡¯t know how it happened, but in a split second, he appeared in front of Tianheng, and he thew himself at his big brother!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 292 - Departure

    <h4>Chapter 292 - Departure</h4>

    Immediately following that, Gu Zuo was enveloped by those rays of light. He was unexpectedly pulled into that ck hole in the blink of an eye.

    Gongyi Tianheng reacted extremely quickly. He swiftly reached out a hand, and closely pursued Gu Zuo for a few steps. But in spite of everything, he wasn¡¯t able to grab Gu Zuo. He could only watch as that ck hole became smaller and smaller. Countless hurricane-force winds inside of the ck hole advanced towards the figure within it to tear him to pieces!

    Even though only some of those hurricane-force winds leaked out of the ck hole, quite a few people who were rtively close by and who didn¡¯t leave in time were all swept up. In a split second, they were twisted and torn into sheets of mutted flesh. Were it not for these people¡¯s slow movements, they all would¡¯ve hastily taken medicinal pills. Perhaps, the instant that these people were sucked in by the winds, they had already been turned into bloody paste.

    Although it was like this, the seriously injured numbered in the dozens.

    From this, one could well imagine what fate had befallen Gu Zuo who had been drawn into the ck hole...

    Right away, Tianheng¡¯s eyes became bloodshot, where several wisps of blood covered the whites of his eyes. This suddenly transformed such a handsome young man into a fiendish asura. There was movement in his hand, and he immediately gripped arge saber. Without waiting for how the others were shaken and how they didn¡¯t have enough time to react, he had already dashed out with flickering steps. He used all of his body¡¯s strength, and brandished the saber ¡ª sh!

    This saber swiftly chopped down upon the Third Prince¡¯s neck. Half of it was sliced open.

    At first, the Third Prince was startled and infuriated. He thought the matter was properly handled, but halfway through, that pharmacist had messed everything up. However, what he didn¡¯t anticipate even more was for Tianheng to immediately take action against himself just because that guy got mad about the pharmacist. Tianheng¡¯s condition was frenzied and wild. It was quite terrifying.

    In a split second, a hint of fear took root within the Third Prince¡¯s heart. He clutched his neck, and hastily retreated.

    Tianheng followed closely and relentlessly. Although the two could only rely on their physical bodies to fight, Tianheng¡¯s whole body was boiling with qi emissions. Unexpectedly, it seemed that he was squeezing out his own potential to keep shing his saber!

    Because his aura was being suppressed, the Third Prince held up his head with his other hand. It already wasn¡¯t easy to protect himself, let alone counterattacking Tianheng. And at this moment, those subordinates of his flocked over. They only cared about protecting the Third Prince and taking him away. In any case, the martial artists of the Binglong Army were about to take action against Tianheng.

    No matter how fierce the others¡¯ attacks were, Tianheng only used his physical body to resist them as he chased after the Third Prince. Momentarily, it seemed that the rest weren¡¯t able to block him.

    On those tall terraces, Prince Zhou gave another cold grunt, and ordered his subordinates to rush over. His position on the issue was to help Tianheng and to torment the Third Prince.

    Young Master Xin watched with folded arms on the sidelines. His gaze flickered as he watched Tianheng...

    At this moment, these four prodigies each had four bearings. They all had their own ns.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes became increasingly bloodshot. His entire body was wrapped up in a haze of blood-red qi. Compared to the terror just then, he had be somewhat sinister and malevolent.

    In the end, the people of the other two prodigies also didn¡¯t know why they were getting involved. Moreover, under the protection of the numerous Binglong Army soldiers, the Third Prince was getting farther and farther away. Tianheng¡¯s boiling qi emissions slowly dwindled.

    Soon after, Tianheng gave the Third Prince a profound look. A trace of scarlet light flickered within his eyes &#k2014; Shortly thereafter, he turned around and departed swiftly.

    Once Tianheng left, Prince Zhou waved a hand and ordered his own people to return. He watched the Third Prince¡¯s group escape under the protection of his soldiers from far away. Hisplexion was unsightly: ¡°Originally, this prince thought that Third Zhao was useless. I didn¡¯t expect that he would be so cowardly and shameless. How could he deserve to be this prince¡¯s opponent? It shames me to be associated with him!¡±

    His subordinates all nodded their heads one after another: ¡°The Third Prince¡¯s actions just now are truly...¡±

    It was hard to exin in only a few words.

    One prodigy would know the foundations of another prodigy. Prince Zhou also possessed something simr to the jade ruler that the Third Prince utilized, which were all manufactured by the exceptional powerhouses of one¡¯s n, masters, or backers. It was used to escape with one¡¯s life while on the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen ¡ª Although there wasn¡¯t any way topletely remove the post natural disaster barrier, if someone refined a spirit weapon, there wasn¡¯t any problem in briefly opening a passage. This was also a good thing every n¡¯s elders produced because they worried that the prodigies would encounter something and wouldn¡¯t be able to flee in time while on the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    Merely, after this object recognized a master with a drop of blood, if the blood-recognized master aimed it at someone else, that person would be swallowed into the spatial crack and they would be twisted and crushed by the spatial storms! Basically, there wasn¡¯t any possibility of survival...

    For every item that was used, there would be one fewer. Ordinary prodigies would only have that single item. ording to established customs, it wasn¡¯t something that a person would use lightly. As for that Third Prince, he rashly used it when fighting with a prodigy whose realm was many times lower than his own. Truly, he shouldn¡¯t have done this.

    On top of that, there was a big rtionship between the jade ruler¡¯s manufacture and the Great Smoke Pagoda. By fusing the jade ruler and the Great Smoke Pagoda, one could open a departure passage that was sufficiently safe. Conversely, if one used the Great Smoke Pagoda to open the spatial crack, its might would naturally be even greater.

    This was also what led to such an oue...

    Prince Zhou looked down upon such conduct.

    However, although the Third Prince had luckily escaped this time, the matter of him losing against Tianheng again would soon spread. Moreover, the enmity between the Third Prince and Tianheng had more than doubled.

    After going back to his lodgings, Prince Zhou didn¡¯t bother about anything else, and simply waited till the next day ¡ª On this day, the final day of the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, he led everyone to the Great Smoke Pagoda, and climbed it.

    On the top floor of the Great Smoke Pagoda, he surveyed the view outside from high above. When night fell, a small pathway opened with a loud rumble. Once someone jumped down from the pagoda, one could directly enter it.

    This small pathway was precisely the exit of the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    The Third Prince had already closed the gate and left since yesterday evening. That Young Master Xin had also disappeared at some time. Prince Zhou was going to be thest to leave. And likewise, he brought his people to depart.

    At this time, there were only some people whose speeds were extremely fast who left this ce with these Central Continent prodigies who staggered their departure times.

    Among Prince Zhou¡¯s troops, there was a teenager who wore purple clothes. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly looked back.

    He saw a handsome young man in brocade robes gently walking over. The figure quickly transformed into a streak of shadow. It wasn¡¯t known from where that man entered, nor where he disappeared to.

    The exit to the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen had nowpletely shut. If any martial artists still hadn¡¯te to the Great Smoke Pagoda within this timeframe, they could only be left behind in this Guizhong City. They wouldn¡¯t be able to leave for three hundred years, and would only be able to produce descendants with the city¡¯s inhabitants... No longer would they be able to advance a step further upon the path of martial arts.

    On a wide official road, several carriages swayed back and forth as they travelled onward.

    On both sides of the carriages were a dozen or so armored martial artists who were riding wild beasts. On their waists hung ded weapons. Their expressions were solemn and respectful. They looked like a family¡¯s security detail, but they also seemed like a squadron of personal soldiers. Their imposing auras were quite out of the ordinary.

    And among the carriages that these martial artists surrounded, the carriage at the front was the most impressive. Although its outward appearance wasn¡¯t that gorgeous, it had a type of subdued, ancient elegance that gave one a vague sense of nobility. In the back, there were also two smaller carriages. They werepact and exquisite, but the style was somewhat inferior. These were probably used by concubines or first-ss maidservants.

    While this group travelled, the caravan of carriages suddenly came to a halt.

    Within the first carriage, rustling noises echoed out, and a voice spoke a few words.

    It was a tender and charming female voice. It should¡¯ve been a young servant girl: ¡°Young master, why did you order them to stop? Could it be that this road isn¡¯t good to travel?¡±

    Then, there was a male voice that wasparatively honest and sincere: ¡°Just now, I saw what appeared to be a person in the underbrush. Go take a look. If it¡¯s not inconvenient, then save them.¡±

    The young servant girl was somewhat unhappy: ¡°This young master is always so kind. With the current circumstances within our household, you still want to pick up a vagrant and return home with them. Wouldn¡¯t the people who don¡¯t know the inside information think that this is inappropriate?¡±

    That young master sighed and said: ¡°The main reason for the difficulties in our household is that there isn¡¯t anyone who can help us. When I see someone who has met with misfortune, I want to umte good luck for myself. Huan¡¯er, saving a person is a happy affair. Go quickly.¡±

    There was nothing else the young servant girl could do. She jumped out of the first carriage, and soon knocked upon the doors of the second and third carriages.

    The people within these two carriages were perceptive and clever. Having heard the movements up front, they had prepared to disembark at an earlier time. In total, there were two graceful girls and two servant women.

    One would only see that young servant girl pointing into the underbrush behind the carriages and speaking a few sentences in a delicate voice. These two girls faintly shook their heads in exasperation, and ordered those servant women to go with them to the side of the underbrush.

    Sure enough, a person was lying on their stomach in there. Apparently, this person¡¯s height wasn¡¯t tall and their waist was thin. This wasn¡¯t an adult. A servant woman turned the person over, and they saw that this was a teenager with delicate features. Right now, both eyes were tightly shut, and hisplexion was pale. It looked like he had suffered injuries.

    Seeing that this teenager¡¯s breathing was feeble, he was still alive. They thought that if this person was left lying on the ground, he wouldn¡¯t live for much longer. The few girls didn¡¯t say anything else, and allowed a servant woman to carry the person back to the second carriage.

    The young servant girl was waiting here. After figuring out the situation, she returned to the first carriage, and reported to her household¡¯s young master. She left the remaining couple of people, and found a ce for that injured teenager in the back.

    That teenager was unconscious the entire time. For half a day, not a grain of rice could be eaten and not a drop of water could be drunk. However, despite his loss of consciousness, he was very quiet. He never talked in his sleep. Naturally, it was even more impossible to let others know about his origins.

    It wasn¡¯t until night fell that there was a change in his breathing. After that, he suddenly opened his eyes and woke up.

    The girl who was keeping watch on the side was pleased. She immediately opened her mouth: ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±

    That teenager¡¯s figure trembled somewhat. He turned his head, and his face was filled with distrust: ¡°You are...¡±

    T/N: This is the final chapter for this volume. Like always, I¡¯ll be taking a week off to rest and edit previous chapters. The next volume is ¡°All-Star Prodigy¡± and it¡¯s ny-nine chapters long.

    And no, Gu Zuo doesn¡¯t have amnesia. The author will give a more detailed exnation in the next chapter about that.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 293 - Hu Changâ€™an

    <h4>Chapter 293 - Hu Chang¡¯an</h4>

    Gu Zuo still remembered the instant that those rays of light shining on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body. Due to a sudden premonition of extreme danger, he practically lost his senses. When he came to, he had already thrown himself into that light and tossed his dear big brother out. Following that...

    He carefully thought back.

    Following that, he was immediately sucked into the ck hole. He was surrounded by terrifying hurricane-force winds. It was as if the winds were going to rip him apart in an instant. If it hadn¡¯t been for his consciousness being faster than his reaction speed, he would¡¯ve used his psychic power to protect his entire body in the blink of an eye. It was very likely that, at that time, he would¡¯ve been twisted and crushed to pieces!

    Fortunately, he had the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. Thus, even though Gu Zuo could only persevere for a moment, he still smoothly entered the hall and avoided even more winds.

    However, the ce from which he entered the Divine Medicine Pce Hall would still be the location where he exited. Even if he could hide for a long time, he would still have to face the hurricane-force winds of this wretched ck hole.

    It was also at that time when the system spoke once more, asking whether he would activate the function for automatic defense.

    Gu Zuo naturally agreed. After that, he himself possessed this function. Moreover, the power of this function was to defend against external damage. Even the ck hole¡¯s hurricane outside wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to him at all!

    It was just that this defensive function couldn¡¯t be activated for free.

    Upon activation, he needed to burn one strand of medicinal qi every second. In other words, one minute needed sixty strands, and one hour needed three thousand six hundred strands!

    Who knew if he would be floating through this ck hole for several hours... If by any chance he suddenly ran out of medicinal qi halfway while floating, what was he going to do?

    Fortunately, the system¡¯s capabilities were powerful. After Gu Zuo spent five strands of medicinal qi, the system calcted the ¡°floating¡± time. Altogether, it would take a dozen or so hours. However, Gu Zuo only had a little more than twenty thousand strands remaining. Therefore, this simply wasn¡¯t enough!

    With no other option, Gu Zuo started refining medicine in the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    Currently, if he refinedparatively low-level medicinal pills like the Qi Generating Pill or the Rejuvenation Pill, he could refine one cauldron¡¯s worth per minute on average. And with his present psychic power, he could operate eight cauldrons at once.

    Thus, if he didn¡¯t stop to rest or sleep, he could umte around ten thousand strands of medicinal qi every day. Gu Zuo tried his best, and in the blink of an eye, he refined for three days and three nights!

    Finally, the amount of medicinal qi he gathered had reached sixty thousand strands. The extra portions would probably be enough to use.

    After that, Gu Zuo activated the defensive function and left the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. He was prepared to float along the currents. Only, it was a pity that he couldn¡¯t float back from whence he came. He could only drift towards the Central Continent.

    Fortunately, however, he wouldn¡¯t die in this ck hole. In addition, he didn¡¯t make his big brother suffer this hardship together with him.

    Following this was the automated process of Gu Zuo¡¯s endless floating journey. As he felt the sensations of being battered by countless hurricane-force winds, he silently waited and endured. However, gradually, the strength of the collisions became bigger and bigger. Gu Zuo was finally knocked dizzy. Reaching that point, he straightforwardly lost consciousness!

    Ignorant and unaware, he floated out of the ck hole¡¯s lengthy corridor and was flung into the Central Continent...

    Gu Zuo was now fully awake. He discovered that he was lying down in a rather exquisite carriage. On the side, there was also a person keeping watch. This should¡¯ve meant that he had been rescued by someone. Though, he didn¡¯t know what kind of person saved him.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo looked all around. Sure enough, he didn¡¯t see any traces of Gongyi Tianheng. For a moment, he was somewhat sad.

    He originally thought that, because he had been dyed for three days and because the ck hole wasn¡¯t the normal way out, he had most likely been separated from his big brother. But now that he discovered that he was truly separated, the feelings in his heart weren¡¯t particrly pleasant to ept.

    These thoughts shed by. He looked at the girl keeping watch at the front of the bed. She was in the middle of flipping through an ancient text, and hadn¡¯t noticed that he had reawakened. Gu Zuo opened his mouth, and called out with a voice that was a little hoarse: ¡°This youngdy...¡±

    That girl heard this, and quietly muttered: ¡°Ah.¡±

    She promptly lifted her head and looked over: ¡°You¡¯re awake this time?¡± After that, she hurriedly shouted to the other side of the carriage, ¡°Quick, tell the young master that the person he saved is awake!¡±

    Outside, someone moved away. Gu Zuo watched her act so hurriedly, and didn¡¯t bother her. Once she was finished, he spoke with words that carried some gratefulness: ¡°Many thanks for saving me.¡±

    The girl also smiled: ¡°It wasn¡¯t us maidservants who saved you. It was the young master¡¯smand.¡±

    Hearing the words ¡°young master¡±, Gu Zuo thought about Tianheng again and his heart ached with a sour feeling.

    Ah, they were separated...

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t show his feelings, and only said: ¡°Then, many thanks to you all.¡±

    Just as he spoke, the carriage door was opened, and someone else entered.

    Gu Zuo inclined his head and looked over. What he saw was a young man who had put on some weight. His figure wasn¡¯t too good and his face was a little swollen, but his facial features appeared gentle and soft. His temperament was warm and genuine... At the very least, Gu Zuo¡¯s first impression of him was very good.

    However, this appearance didn¡¯t seem too normal. Did this person have some kind of...illness?

    That portly young man came over. The girl stood up first, and yielded her seat at the bedside.

    After walking closer, the young man sat in that seat, and asked Gu Zuo in a warm voice: ¡°Where did this little brothere from, and why did you faint halfway on your journey?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and decided not to mention that he was someone from the Peripheral Continents ¡ª Who knew what attitudes the people of the Central Continent had towards the Peripheral Continents? However, he also felt that deceiving the person who saved him wasn¡¯t appropriate either.

    As a result, Gu Zuo said: ¡°I¡¯m called Ah Zuo. I can¡¯t talk about my origins, but because I identally intruded into a ce where I shouldn¡¯t have, I was thrown out, and lost consciousness. If this young master hadn¡¯t rescued me, I¡¯m afraid I would¡¯ve fallen into dire straits.¡±

    When Gu Zuo finished speaking, that girl wasn¡¯t happy. Her household¡¯s young master had saved this fellow¡¯s life, but he didn¡¯t give a full name nor did he talk about his origins or the cause of his wounds. What was the justification for this? Moreover, this guy was very strange. A basic checkup didn¡¯t reveal any ailments. His internal organs had only been shaken up a little bit. Against reason, he had been in an unconscious state for so long!

    Contrary to what one might expect, that portly young man was adept at empathizing with other people. He noticed that Gu Zuo was speaking like this, and responded warmly: ¡°Since Brother Ah Zuo has some hidden troubles that can¡¯t be mentioned, this one won¡¯t force the issue. A chance meeting is to be brought together by fate. Since we¡¯ve crossed paths, there also isn¡¯t any reason to watch one die without trying to help. Brother Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no need to express your thanks. However, does Brother Ah Zuo have a destination in mind?¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and couldn¡¯t help forcing a smile.

    How could he know where he was supposed to go now... He waspletely unfamiliar with the Central Continent.

    That portly young man understood Gu Zuo¡¯s expression. He further asked: ¡°In that case, what ns does Brother Ah Zuo have?¡±

    Gu Zuo slightly shook his head: ¡°I was with...¡± He sighed, ¡°Originally, I was with my family¡¯s big brother, and we had gone out to experience the world together. Later on, we were met with an ident and got separated. Now, I want to find a ce to stay for a time, and make discreet inquiries for information on my big brother. Then, I¡¯ll do my best to reunite with my big brother as soon as possible.¡±

    The portly young man listened to what was said, and his face showed a sympathetic look. He considered things, and spoke withfort: ¡°The heavens will help the worthy. If Brother Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t you stay a few days in this one¡¯s small abode? This humble one¡¯s household also possesses a few family properties that can make discreet inquiries on Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s behalf.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the tender and charming face of the girl standing by in attendance suddenly revealed a somewhat anxious expression. Only, due to unequal status, her cherry-red lips slightly opened and closed, but she didn¡¯t say anything in the end. It could be seen that, although her heart had different opinions, she still treated her young master with great respect.

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his heart was moved.

    He wasn¡¯t someone who didn¡¯t keep his guard up, but this young man¡¯s moral standing seemed somewhat greater than his own. The expression in this young man¡¯s eyes was clear and limpid. Moreover, seeing as how his maidservant wasn¡¯t happy, Gu Zuo realized that this wasn¡¯t the first time that this young man acted with such charity. Perhaps, this was the result of suffering a loss.

    On top of that, this person saved him. No matter how he considered it, this young man wasn¡¯t the type of fellow who harbored treacherous intentions. Also, as Gu Zuo was on the Central Continent, he was but a stranger in a strangend. If he went off on his own, he would certainly wander aimlessly like a headless housefly. Gu Zuo was better off following this young man for temporary lodgings. After that, he would slowly search for his big brother¡¯s whereabouts.

    Additionally, this young man had the kindness to save his life and look after him. Seeing that worried frown, perhaps there was trouble afoot... Maybe, he could help a little bit?

    With this kind of thinking, Gu Zuo hastily spoke to the portly young man: ¡°Then, many thanks, young master.¡± Speaking up to here, he was a bit embarrassed, ¡°As for the cost of lodging... I wouldn¡¯t dare to inconvenience this young master to cover the cost. I¡¯m a pharmacist, so I can refine some medicinal pills...¡±

    The portly young man showed a smiling expression that would let anyone who saw it feelforted: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo is actually a pharmacist? Then, that¡¯s even better. This one¡¯s household just happens to do business in medicinal pills. With Brother Ah Zuo lending a hand, it¡¯ll be like adding wings to a tiger.¡±

    Off to the side, the girl softly mumbled to herself: ¡°Our household has plenty of pharmacists. What skills could someone so young have...¡±

    The portly young man heard this, and he furrowed his brows as he nced at the girl. He softly reproached: ¡°Qing He!¡±

    The girl also didn¡¯t want to make her household¡¯s young master angry. After hearing this, she promptly shut her mouth and didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo said at once: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare presume. I only have some negligible, small skills that are hardly worth mentioning.¡±

    Meanwhile, the portly young man said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to take it to heart...¡±

    As the two of them exchanged courtesies, Gu Zuo gradually learned about some of this young man¡¯s household matters. He silently summed everything up.

    The portly young man¡¯s surname was Hu, and his first name was Chang¡¯an. He was the eldest son of an aristocratic family¡¯s direct line of descent. He was twenty years old this year, but he wasn¡¯t a pharmacist. Rather, he was a Xiantian stage eight martial artist. There were many pharmacists in his n. Moreover, many generations had operated businesses in medicinal pills. The n head of each generation would generally be the eldest son of the n¡¯s direct line, but under normal circumstances, this eldest son would also be a pharmacist. And if the eldest son wasn¡¯t a pharmacist, then an outstanding pharmacist from the direct line would also suffice. Otherwise, the n head¡¯s position would be unstable.

    During this generation, Hu Chang¡¯an was the eldest son of the direct line. Without a doubt, he was the n¡¯s heir. Under him, there was also a younger brother and sister who were both pharmacists. However, his younger sister was just blooming into her teenaged years, and his younger brother wasn¡¯t even ten years old. There was still a long time before the two fully matured. Unfortunately, there was a remarkable pharmacist in the cadet branches who was exceptional in all fields.

    As one could well imagine, Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s position wasn¡¯t that secure, but he was kindhearted and good-natured. In the n, he was considered to be rather well-connected, too ¡ª At the very least, he was deeply respected among the servants by his side.

    The author has something to say.

    It isn¡¯t memory loss. The rtionship hasn¡¯t fully developed, so what¡¯s so good about memory loss? Of course, even if the rtionship develops, amnesia isn¡¯t within my estimations... Unless I suddenly think of some kind of plot to incorporate it. Otherwise, it won¡¯t happen.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 294 - The Hu Clan

    <h4>Chapter 294 - The Hu n</h4>

    Along the way, Gu Zuo realized many things. Just like this, he rode the carriage with Hu Chang¡¯an and arrived at the city where the Hu n resided. At the same time, from these conversations, he roughly understood lots of information about the Central Continent.

    For example, it wasn¡¯t only the organizations here that were divided into the four ranks of iron, bronze, silver, and gold. Even inhabited regions known as ¡°cities¡± could likewise be divided into these four ranks. Moreover, a city¡¯s rank was determined based on the rank of thergest organization within that city. Even the size and area of the city was judged in this way.

    Under normal circumstances, if the highest-ranked organization within a city was at the iron rank, then the city would also be at the iron rank. Once this organization¡¯s rank fell and no other forces within the city filled the gap, then the city¡¯s rank would also drop. Of course, in order for one¡¯s own organization to be the leader, there would usually only be one organization at the highest-rank. There wouldn¡¯t be multiple forces of equivalent ranks within the same city. However, this wasn¡¯t absolute. In cities at the iron and bronze ranks, if it were those type of ancient cities, then the phenomenon of many iron and bronze ranked forces mingling together in one city would appear.

    ¡ª But there was no need for doubts. Silver and gold ranked organizations were ones that inevitably monopolized a single city.

    The Hu n, where Hu Chang¡¯an hailed from, was an aristocratic family that attached importance to pharmacists. However, the determination of his n¡¯s rank wasn¡¯t based on the realms of the n¡¯s martial artists. Rather, the level of the pharmacists and the pharmacist level requirements were more rigorous inparison.

    Within Qingyun Sect, human and golden-level pharmacists were already praised as treasured objects, but on the Central Continent, forces specialized in medicine refinement could only barely reach the iron rank if they had at least one profound-level pharmacist ¡ª Profound-level pharmacists were able to proficiently refine profound-level medicinal pills. And profound-level medicinal pills were pills that suited martial artists at the Celestial, Noble, and Royal Realms. And if one was a Royal Realm martial artist, one was capable of overseeing a bronze-ranked organization!

    This n of Hu Chang¡¯an was also originally considered an iron-ranked organization, and within the n, there was a profound-level pharmacist. Merely, this profound-level pharmacist was already quite aged. His profound qi realm was at the Ascendant Realm, and his psyche realm was at the Core Psyche Realm. In those years when he maintained the n¡¯s glory, he was only barely able to refine medicinal pills for Celestial Realm martial artists. Now, he was old, and his strength had waned. In fact, it had already been a long time since he refined any pills. Moreover, the current Hu n¡¯s situation was that, if this Grand Elder of the Hu n passed away and a new profound-level pharmacist didn¡¯t appear, the Hu n would automatically have its rank drop.

    Of course, although these matters weren¡¯t a secret, it was also considered the Hu n¡¯s internal affairs. This normally wouldn¡¯t be mentioned to outsiders. However, returning to the matter at hand ¡ª Because Gu Zuo¡¯s attainments on the path of medicine refinement weren¡¯t small, and although Hu Chang¡¯an was a martial artist, due to his identity and his understanding of medicinal ingredients, the two¡¯s discussions were quite congenial. As a result, Hu Chang¡¯an believed that if he received Gu Zuo as a guest, then telling Gu Zuo a thing or two about the n¡¯s situation was fine.

    Gu Zuo consequently understood why Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s maidservants rejected him somewhat. It was because, right now, not only was the Hu n facing great pressure on the outside, Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s position was being threatened within the n itself. Under such internal worries and external dangers, any actions taken could possibly stir up trouble. As it happened, Gu Zuo was a person of unknown origin. How could the maidservants rest assured?

    After figuring this out, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel that there were any issues with the maidservants¡¯ attitudes. Moreover, despite their dislike, they gave face to their household¡¯s young master and didn¡¯t neglect Gu Zuo as a guest. This, on the contrary, made Gu Zuo feel like he was the one who was actually causing trouble for this household.

    Gu Zuo himself really didn¡¯t have any other way to deal with Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s excessive kindness... What conflicted him the most was that the highest ranked prescriptions in his possession were only at the golden-level. He didn¡¯t have a single profound-level prescription! He wanted to help, but it seemed that there wasn¡¯t anything he could do to lend a hand...

    [Side Mission: Safely enter the Central Continent.]

    [Mission Items: <

    > <

    > <

    > <

    > <

    >]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: One month.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    [Completion State: Mission alreadypleted.]

    Gu Zuo suddenly felt exasperated.

    Previously, no missions had been released, but at this time, a mission suddenly came. In an instant, it stated that the mission was alreadypleted&#k2026; Could it be that the system had discovered his predicament, and especially delivered him some warmth as a result?

    Okay. He really did feel very warm. After separating from Gongyi Tianheng, the system had once again raised its sense of existence. This made Gu Zuo¡¯s heart feel that he himself wasn¡¯t that lonely.

    These ancient texts were smoothly put into the Divine Medicine Pce Hall¡¯s storage space. Currently, they had already reached Xuanwu City, so Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any time to flip through the books. Once they reached the Hu n¡¯s residence, then he would consider how he would handle future matters.

    Because the present Gu Zuo was getting along with Hu Chang¡¯an, he wasn¡¯t sitting in the rear carriages dedicated for the maidservants. Rather, he was riding along with Hu Chang¡¯an in the leading carriage. At this moment, the caravan of carriages entered the city. At the city gates, no one obstructed them.

    While the Hu n could barely qualify as an iron-ranked organization, the iron-ranked Xuanwu City was where the n presided over matters and affairs.

    The Hu n was located in the east of the city. The residences it possessed were extremely widespread. At the side of the carriage, Gu Zuo raised the window cover and swept his gaze across. He realized that this region was so wide that he simply couldn¡¯t hope to see all of it in one go.

    Although this Xuanwu City was called a city, the vastness of its size was incredibly astonishing.

    Gu Zuo was inwardly speechless.

    As an iron-ranked organization, the Hu n probably wasn¡¯t asrge as Qingyun Sect, but if the entirety of Xuanwu City was included, then Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t any bigger than the city itself.

    However, Qingyun Sect was ssified as the ruling force of the Qingyun Continent. Then, what about this Xuanwu City? Not to mention that it upied the bottom-rungs of the Central Continent, it was only a little bit better than the lowest of the nonconventional-ranked entities. Through this, one could see even more howrge and terrifying the Central Continent was...

    The Hu n¡¯s guards were numerous with Immortal Realm personal soldiers keeping order on the outside. In Gu Zuo¡¯s opinion, the power of the garrison of Cangyun Empire¡¯s imperial city wasn¡¯t this strong.

    Also, Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t paid attention to something before. The bodyguards escorting them along their journey were Immortal Realms at the very least. As for the personages in the lead, they were all Atomic Realms.

    When he thought about it, there would certainly be many golden-level pharmacists in an iron-ranked pharmacist organization. Golden-level pharmacists could refine medicinal pills suited for Atomic and Ascendant Realm martial artists. As such, seizing the opportunity to recruit Ascendant Realm martial artists would be very easy, and it naturally wouldn¡¯t feel strange for Atomic Realm martial artists to act as the captains of a squadron of bodyguards.

    Gu Zuo was only somewhat rueful.

    Just looking at the tip of the Central Continent¡¯s iceberg was already this shocking...

    After this, Gu Zuo followed Hu Chang¡¯an through the residential gates.

    The first ce they went to was the Eastern Gardens. It was ssified as a huge garden that contained a buildingplex of numerous courtyards. With beautiful scenery, it was the most respectable location of the whole Hu n.

    Nowadays, those who mainly resided within the Eastern Gardens were the direct descendants of the main branch ¡ª Such as Hu Chang¡¯an and his two younger siblings.

    Gu Zuo was also arranged to go to the Eastern Gardens. It stood to reason that this wasn¡¯t in ordance with the rules, but in the end, the ones who managed this household were still the direct descendants. If the rightful, eldest son wanted to entertain a guest in his own courtyard, then no one could block him, right?

    As a result, amid the worried gazes of the maidservants, Gu Zuo smoothly stayed in the outer courtyard of Chang¡¯an Vi. The ones who resided within the inner courtyard were Hu Chang¡¯an and his two younger siblings.

    The courtyards were quiet, and the rooms were spacious. Perhaps due to the fact that this was an aristocratic family which refined medicine, a medicine refining room, a medicinal garden, and a medicine cab were allocated to the side.

    Inside the medicine cab were manymon human-level ingredients. And in the medicinal garden were nted some rtively rare human-level herbs as well as a small portion of golden-level herbs.

    ...There were no spirit medicines.

    Gu Zuo knew that, although the spirituality of those spirit medicines he had umted wasn¡¯t that high, spirit medicines were still very precious things. Even though he wanted to refine medicinal pills that were at the profound level or higher, spirit medicines were likewise indispensable.

    He looked at these medicinal ingredients, and his hands couldn¡¯t help but itch at the thought of refining medicine. However, when he thought of medicine refinement, he also couldn¡¯t help but think about his big brother... If he was still in Qingyun Sect, his big brother would be practicing martial arts outside whenever he was refining medicine. Once he finished refining pills suitable for his big brother, he would happily scamper over and slip Tianheng a pill to try out... But now, he couldn¡¯t do that anymore. Only Gu Zuo was left.

    Gu Zuo sighed, somewhat depressed.

    After staring out in a daze for a while, he shook his head. Several ancient texts suddenly appeared in his hands.

    These were all item books that were rted to the profound level. Right now, he wanted to reunite with his big brother. This hope was truly too distant and indistinct, so he had better learn and memorize what he ought to study. He would look for any methods inside these texts that might help Hu Chang¡¯an.

    After all, Hu Chang¡¯an was a pretty good person. Gu Zuo owed him what could be counted as a life-saving favor...

    Gu Zuo sat at the doorway. Without the slightest bit of distraction, he flipped through all of the item books once over. He even took out those previous item books for reviewing.

    As he had been getting along with Hu Chang¡¯an for the past two days, he truly felt that Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s body...had something wrong with it.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 295 - The Three Siblings

    <h4>Chapter 295 - The Three Siblings</h4>

    After reading through everythingpletely, Gu Zuo still couldn¡¯t be sure.

    When all was said and done, he had only looked at Hu Chang¡¯an superficially ¡ª Swollen facial features, overweight figure, dull color and luster of the pupils, waxen skin... This was but a small number of indicators.

    In addition, there was an indeterminate symptom. Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s strength increased very slowly.

    One needed to know that he was the rightful, eldest son of an iron-ranked aristocratic family, and the ce he lived in was the Central Continent, whose resources were iparably abundant. It didn¡¯t have to be mentioned that the grade of medicinal pills and body cultivation methods would be excellent. In that case, under such good conditions, no matter how poor his aptitudes, he should¡¯ve been able to reach the Immoral Realm by now. But this Hu Chang¡¯an was actually only Xiantian stage eight. Wasn¡¯t this a bit too low?

    To be honest, this kind of situation could be an illness, but it could also be some kind of special constitution. For the specific circumstances, Gu Zuo still needed Hu Chang¡¯an to trust him in order to treat it. Through several types of examinations, he could make a determination.

    However, without a good cause, he couldn¡¯t just walk up to Hu Chang¡¯an and say: ¡°Hey, how about letting me treat you? Brother, you¡¯re ill!¡±

    ...Something like that.

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo shook his head. He felt that he would need to consider this at length.

    Just when he lifted his head, he saw a little boy who was probably five or six years old running over in small steps. This kind of young boy wasn¡¯t something that Gu Zuo had never seen before. Previously, there was the Gongyi n¡¯s Gongyi Tianteng, who was a robust and adorable little boy. Tianteng had been even younger at the time.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if Tianteng was currently soaking in the decoctions based on the prescriptions he had left behind. He didn¡¯t know if his big brother hade to the Central Continent yet. Did Tianheng miss them? Did Tianheng miss him... Stop it.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly recollected his train of thought, which had drifted far away. His gaze fell onto the young boy.

    This little guy was a little thin, and his tiny eyebrows were pinched. When such a little kid had this kind of bitter and resentful impression, he looked very interesting.

    Based on his exterior appearance and bearing, and that he shared some resemnce with Hu Chang¡¯an, this ought to be Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s younger brother. Reportedly, Hu Changfeng possessed pretty good talents in medicine refinement.

    But, what did this little guy n to do aftering to the outer courtyard?

    Gu Zuo was somewhat puzzled as he locked gazes with the tiny Hu Changfeng: ¡°What brings the little young master here?¡±

    Hu Changfeng pursed his lips: ¡°Are you the new one big brother picked up?¡±

    A wisp of disappointment and frustration flickered through Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. After collecting his thoughts, he smiled at the boy and said: ¡°That¡¯s right. I have no home to return to, but fortunately, Brother Chang¡¯an has a kind heart, and he gave me a helping hand. If not, I¡¯m afraid I would be wandering the streets. Maybe I would¡¯ve eventually been killed by a bad guy passing through.¡±

    The expression on Hu Changfeng¡¯s little face was anxious: ¡°Aiya, big brother is always like this.¡± He looked at Gu Zuo, and promptly said, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you¡¯re no good.¡±

    Gu Zuo put on a broken-hearted look.

    Hu Changfeng pursed his lips again.

    He felt as if he was in the wrong foring over for ¡°interrogating¡±...

    After this reply, Gu Zuo, who was ying with the child, felt his state of mind rxing somewhat. He blinked his eyes: ¡°Little Young Master Hu, can I be in your care?¡±

    Hu Changfeng heaved a long sigh: ¡°Okay, you can just stay here. But in the future, you can¡¯t do anything bad.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally agreed: ¡°Little young master, rest assured. I certainly know my ce!¡±

    The two conversed, and Hu Changfeng seemed to slightly ease his worries towards Gu Zuo. However, the boy hesitated to say something. It was like there were some things that he still wanted to ask Gu Zuo.

    At this time, a young girl wearing a jade-green cheongsam walked out from the inner courtyard. As cardamoms blossomed during maidenhood, she still had yet to fully grow up. However, her countenance was lucid and elegant, and she already presented the makings of a remarkable beauty. She should be Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s only sister, Hu Changbi.

    Following behind Hu Changbi was Hu Chang¡¯an.

    Originally, after Gu Zuo was settled down, Hu Chang¡¯an still had some household matters he had to manage. Thus, he only said that he would hold a small feast in the evening out of hospitality. But after a busy period of going back, he noticed that Hu Changbi was looking for Hu Changfeng. Then, he realized that Hu Changfeng had intentionally gone to look for Gu Zuo because he had picked Gu Zuo up.

    After Hu Chang¡¯an walked over, he first gave an apologetic smile to Gu Zuo. He said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, has Changfeng given you any trouble?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: ¡°Not once. Changfeng is only concerned about Brother Chang¡¯an. He¡¯s also allowing me to stay here. He¡¯s very attentive.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an naturally understood as well. It was because his temperament was problematic. This brother and sister pair were constantly worried that he would be deceived by someone. And previously, it wasn¡¯t like he had never encountered others with poor moral standing. Therefore, amid this unstable situation where Hu Chang¡¯an was tossed about by the wind and rain, Hu Changfeng was worried in his heart. Thus, it was to be expected that he would want to personally take a look.

    Speaking of which, Hu Chang¡¯an, who acted as the eldest brother, felt ashamed. He would often make his younger brother and sister anxious... It was just that, in the past, he didn¡¯t have a good grasp of the human heart, and he was only happy to be of service to others. However, he intuitively knew that this Brother Ah Zuo definitely wasn¡¯t a person who harbored treacherous thoughts.

    Hu Chang¡¯an would know Hu Changfeng¡¯s way of thinking. Seeing that Gu Zuo was speaking on his younger brother¡¯s behalf like this and that Hu Changfeng wasn¡¯t opposing it, he promptly knew that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t lying. Indeed, Hu Changfeng wasn¡¯t excluding Gu Zuo. Hu Chang¡¯an couldn¡¯t help but feel happy.

    Following this, Hu Changbi capably went to prepare a small-scale feast. However, because Hu Changbi was a young girl, the feast¡¯s location wasn¡¯t inside the inner courtyard. Rather, it was simply arranged in the outer courtyard where Gu Zuo was located. Those small appetizers weren¡¯t cooked by the kitchens but through the skilled hands of the three siblings¡¯ loyal and devoted maidservants under Hu Changbi¡¯s guidance. It was very delicious.

    Gu Zuo faintly detected that these pieces of food carried the feeling of medicinal cuisine... He suddenly felt that this aristocratic family of pharmacists was really out of the ordinary. Moreover, the inheritance of pharmacists seemed intact on the Central Continent. There probably weren¡¯t any issues with the medicinal cuisines, decoctions, and pills.

    During the feast, Hu Chang¡¯an asked with deep concern: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, you previously mentioned that you lost contact with your elder brother. Now that we¡¯ve returned to our household, this one can take out some manpower to make inquiries on your behalf. Could Brother Ah Zuo tell me your elder brother¡¯s full name, his appearance and age, and if he has any distinctive features?¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard this, he put down his bowl. He gratefully said: ¡°Many thanks, Brother Chang¡¯an.¡±

    Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi had also heard that Gu Zuo had been separated from his family, and unconsciously became worried.

    Gu Zuo sensed this, and inwardly praised them in his heart.

    They appeared to be a little stubborn and mistrustful, but in fact, they were the same as their elder brother. The three siblings were very good and honest people.

    After considering things, Gu Zuo replied: ¡°That big brother of mine is called Gongyi Tianheng. He¡¯s three meters tall, and his appearance is extremely handsome. Like the bright moon in the night sky, he¡¯s hard to forget once people see him. When we separated, big brother¡¯s realm was the same as mine ¡ª Peak Xiantian. However, big brother and I have been suppressing our realms for a long time. Once there¡¯s an opportunity, he¡¯ll probably break through to the Immortal Realm very quickly. Thus, it¡¯s hard to say much about his realm. As for his age... Big brother is three years older than me. Right now, I¡¯m almost neen years old, so big brother is twenty-two. If we¡¯re talking about distinctive features, big brother¡¯s appearance is his distinctive feature. In this world, there probably aren¡¯t but a few people who posses his looks. Even if their appearances are equal, their temperament can¡¯tpare to big brother¡¯s.¡±

    Hearing Gu Zuo¡¯sments, Hu Chang¡¯an and the two siblings were a little dumbstruck.

    Such a method of introduction... Just how handsome was this new friend¡¯s big brother? In addition, this praise was just too unbelievable! Wasn¡¯t this exaggerated somewhat?

    The present Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t pure and simple like in the beginning. Seeing the expressions of the three siblings, he could guess what they were thinking. Hence, he pursed his lips and said: ¡°Once we finish eating, I¡¯ll paint a small portrait of my big brother. At that time, I¡¯ll have to inconvenience Brother Chang¡¯an. Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    Naturally, when Hu Chang¡¯an heard this, he repeatedly agreed.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng were skeptical, but they were also curious about Tianheng¡¯s appearance.

    When all was said and done... Just how handsome could he be?

    Sure enough, after the meal, Gu Zuo squeezed into the study, and made use of the currently avable paper and writing brush. He waved his hand, and swiftly painted out the Tianheng in his memories. Although he hadn¡¯t studied how to paint, so long as he had gone to elementary school, he would¡¯ve had a bit of a foundation in the fine arts. On top of that, his psychic power was mighty, and his hand-eye coordination was excellent. When he decided to conscientiously paint, he automatically drew out aplete, full-body portrait ¡ª Most of all was that face, whose facial features were especially distinct. Even the smiling expression at the margin of the lips was exactly the same as the real person.

    Hu Chang¡¯an had been watching on the side for a little while. At this moment, he noticed that Gu Zuo had finished painting, so he went over to take a look. He was startled with just one nce.

    Hu Changbi, as a girl, was naturally the one who had the greatest say in judging the male appearance. She also got a clear view, and silently nodded her head: ¡°Indeed... He¡¯s very good-looking.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an reached out a hand to take the painting. He properly appreciated it for a moment before he finallyuded: ¡°Today, I have seen a man so handsome that he makes all those heroic and great men I¡¯ve seen in the past seem likemon rubble. Brother Ah Zuo, your family¡¯s elder brother is seriously handsome and extraordinary!¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a hollowugh: ¡°Ah. Yes, he is.¡±

    To be honest, he didn¡¯t know how he ought to have responded. He didn¡¯t think about it when he personally praised how gant and handsome his big brother was, but when he heard other people speak such praises, he realized just how sappy and maudlin it sounded.

    It would make a person break-out in goosebumps all over...

    Fortunately, despite Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s appreciation of beautiful men, this was only on the basis of an ordinary person¡¯s aesthetics. After looking at this painting, Hu Chang¡¯an properly put it away, and pledged: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, rest assured. I¡¯ll take this painting, and I¡¯ll immediately instruct those below me to make dozens of wood-print copies. Then, I¡¯ll send people out to ask around. Once there¡¯s news, I¡¯ll promptly inform Brother Ah Zuo!¡±

    Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if this move would truly be of any use, he was still happy inside: ¡°In that case, many thanks, Brother Chang¡¯an!¡±

    After the two settled things, the color of the sky had turned dark.

    Hu Chang¡¯an soon bade farewell to Gu Zuo, and was about to take his younger siblings back to the inner courtyard.

    Because Hu Chang¡¯an had been meticulously handling his matter, Gu Zuo increasingly felt like he should be treating Hu Chang¡¯an a bit better. He hesitated for a moment, then haltingly raised the issue: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, when you have some free time, how abouting over here so that I can take your pulse?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an and his two siblings were originally going to depart, but upon hearing these words, they couldn¡¯t help stopping their footsteps, turning their heads, and looking over.

    Hu Changbi asked in a bbergasted tone: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, have you noticed something?¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 296 - Diagnosis

    <h4>Chapter 296 - Diagnosis</h4>

    Gu Zuo discovered that the three siblings in front of him had be incredibly nervous. They stared at him like they had encountered a particrly scary and difficult problem. Hu Changfeng had originally epted Gu Zuo, but the vignce in his small eyes promptly resurfaced. There was even a trace of panic... Did this mean that Hu Chang¡¯an really had some kind of terrifying illness?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind churned with several thoughts, but he didn¡¯t intend to prolong these people¡¯s anxiety. At a loss, he simply stated: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, I owe you for saving my life. I¡¯ve seen that Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s body doesn¡¯t seem to be doing so well, so I want to put my limited powers to use and return the favor.¡±

    Hu Changbi asked in a clear and loud voice: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, you can tell what my big brother¡¯s symptoms are?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t keep them in suspense, and nodded his head: ¡°I have several suspicions, but I¡¯m still not certain about which one it is.¡±

    In the end, Hu Changbi was young. At this time, she couldn¡¯t contain herself: ¡°Several suspicions? You have a different opinion?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused, and prudently looked over: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, could it be that...a confirmed diagnosis has already been made? Is it a recent diagnosis?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an forced a smile: ¡°It isn¡¯t like that. I¡¯ve had this illness confirmed since the second year I started practicing martial arts. Up until now, it has already been seventeen years.¡±

    He started practicing martial arts when he was three years old until now...

    Gu Zuo remained silent.

    So many years, and the illness hadn¡¯t been treated. Could it be that, among the few types of illnesses he previously suspected, it was the type that no medicine could cure? However, if it was that type, so long as the medicine was precise during the early course of the treatment, it should¡¯ve allowed Hu Chang¡¯an to continue practicing martial arts normally. It shouldn¡¯t have led to this appearance as if the illness had broken-out less than two years ago.

    Otherwise, the treatment was incorrect, or Hu Chang¡¯an hade across... En, a chatan.

    It was just that these words were unpleasant to say out loud.

    Gu Zuo knew that he looked young, and that this household was an aristocratic family of pharmacists. If he casually doubted Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s diagnosis, wasn¡¯t this just picking faults with a non-issue? But if he didn¡¯t say it, could he continue allowing Hu Chang¡¯an to live like this? In any case, Hu Chang¡¯an was the person who saved his life. He couldn¡¯t ignore it.

    Fortunately, Hu Chang¡¯an wasn¡¯t a stupid person. After hearing what Gu Zuo said previously and seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s expression, he somewhat understood.

    He was taciturn for a while. Then, he opened his mouth and asked: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, if you have something to say, there¡¯s no harm in directly telling me.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°I¡¯ll still need to take Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s pulse first before saying anything.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an revealed a gentle smile: ¡°In that case, please take my pulse, Brother Ah Zuo.¡± He nced at his siblings and spoke seriously, ¡°I find Brother Ah Zuo trustworthy!¡±

    This kind of trust was extremely precious. Although it couldn¡¯t be said that the present Gu Zuo was as unconventional and amateurish as when he first met Gongyi Tianheng, with his level, he shouldn¡¯t have been able to enter the eyes of an iron-ranked organization. Regardless of whether Hu Chang¡¯an truly believed in Gu Zuo or not, the fact that Hu Chang¡¯an was able to say such words and embrace this mentality of not wanting to make Gu Zuo lose face caused him to feel moved.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dy his instructions: ¡°Since Brother Chang¡¯an trusts me, then go backter today. No matter what, don¡¯t touch any medicines and don¡¯t eat anything. Tomorrow morning,e here with an empty stomach. I¡¯ll do my very best to give Brother Chang¡¯an a proper diagnosis.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an heard Gu Zuo speak like this, and didn¡¯t hesitate: ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll keep Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s words in mind. Tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll have to trouble you!¡±

    After he finished talking, Hu Chang¡¯an led his siblings, and turned around to leave.

    Gu Zuo stood at the rear, and his eyes followed their backs as they departed...

    Once Hu Chang¡¯an was far away, his pair of siblings still looked at him with worry-filled gazes.

    ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re really asking Big Brother Ah Zuo to diagnose you?¡±

    ¡°Will Big Brother Ah Zuo give a correct diagnosis...¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an smiled catingly at the two: ¡°If Brother Ah Zuo hadn¡¯t said anything, I still would¡¯ve received him as a proper guest. However, he doesn¡¯t appear to be the sort who¡¯s only interested in personal gain... Thus, I¡¯ll invite Brother Ah Zuo to take a look, and I¡¯ll only have to reduce my medicine by one dosage today. If Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s diagnosis is no good, then I¡¯ll take another dose tomorrow. There won¡¯t be any hindrances. And if Brother Ah Zuo really can cure me, wouldn¡¯t this be an enormously good thing?¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng listened and were convinced by Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s words. Both of them nodded together: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll wait till tomorrow before saying anything else. We hope that Big Brother Ah Zuo can cure big brother!¡±

    The next day.

    Gu Zuo walked out from the medicine refining room. There was still a bit more than twenty thousand strands of medicinal qi remaining in his storage space. This looked like a lot, but that wasn¡¯t enough if it was taken out for cultivation. Hence, he didn¡¯t sleepst night. Apart from researching more prescriptions, he refined medicinal pills. He had umted some medicinal qi to a certain extent.

    Just as Gu Zuo finished eating his food, there was the sound of knocking beyond the courtyard door. Sure enough, after Gu Zuo responded, Hu Chang¡¯an and his two siblings walked in.

    Hu Chang¡¯an saw that there were still some bowls and chopsticks that hadn¡¯t been put away on the stone table. He spoke apologetically: ¡°Did Ie too early? Did I interrupt Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s meal?¡±

    Gu Zuo talked as he quickly put everything away: ¡°You aren¡¯t bothering me. I just finished eating.¡± After that, he sat beside the stone table, ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, Young Lady Hu, Little Young Master Hu. Why don¡¯t you threee and sit down?¡±

    The three siblings acted ordingly.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, may I take your pulse?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an was already prepared. At this moment, he rolled up his sleeve, extended his chubby arm, and ced it on the stone table. He waited for the diagnosis.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression turned solemn.

    Regardless of whether he revealed his own strength, he would give it his all to repay this favor of saving his life.

    Soon, Gu Zuo¡¯s finger pressed down onto Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s pulse. Then, a thread of psychic power was discharged. It followed Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s arm, and slowly started to spread upwards.

    Under normal circumstances, unless a martial artist particrly trusted the other party, they usually wouldn¡¯t allow a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power to enter their body and conduct a check ¡ª This would easily reveal one¡¯s own secrets and fortuitous encounters. Consequently, when a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power was strong enough, they only needed to attach their psychic power to the surface of the patient¡¯s arm and use some special methods to make a clear judgment on the patient¡¯s condition.

    The current Gu Zuo had already reached the Core Psyche Realm, and had learned the Spirit Transforming Chapter. He let the thread of psychic power climb up like a vine. On that strand of psychic power grew numerous things that looked like suction cups. One after another, the suction cups adhered to all of the arm¡¯s acupoints that had condensed bone pearls.

    Gu Zuo stated: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, my psychic power will extend into your acupoints, but it won¡¯t spread to the other parts of your body.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an nodded his head: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo just needs to make a diagnosis. Don¡¯t worry about anything else.¡±

    Gu Zuo became even more careful.

    As Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power suction cups adhered to the bone pearls, his finger felt the pulses of the meridians. He continuously monitored the state of affairs within Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s body. Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes slightly narrowed. His appearance became increasingly serious.

    Unwittingly, a little more than an hour had passed.

    Hu Chang¡¯an didn¡¯t make a single move. Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng also waited patiently.

    It had to be said that watching Gu Zuo, who looked like he had already discovered something, had faintly made them a bit more confident in him.

    Another thirty minutes had passed.

    Gu Zuo instantly scattered his psychic power and pulled his finger away. He heaved a sigh.

    As the child of the family, it already wasn¡¯t easy for Hu Changfeng to restrain himself for so long. There was no way he could wait anymore, and he hurriedly asked: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, how did your diagnosis go?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s no rush.¡±

    Following this, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows condensed a silver needle. It turned towards Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s finger and lightly pricked it ¡ª In the blink of an eye, a drop of scarlet blood flowed out. It gathered into a jade bowl, and it was as smooth and glossy as a blood pearl.

    The three siblings restrained their emotions, and watched Gu Zuo¡¯s actions.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, and many medicinal ingredients appeared in front of him. The three watched him use methods they didn¡¯t understand to transform these ingredients into liquid. Soon after, he poured this liquid into the bowl and mixed it with the blood.

    Not long after, bothponents underwent a series of reactions. The dark-green liquid and the dark-red blood shed until both colors unexpectedly disappeared!

    All that remained was a solution that was as clear and transparent as water.

    The three siblings had some experience, so they promptly understood what happened. Gu Zuo¡¯s method used medicine to change the things contained with Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s blood... Being able to make it transparent showed that the effects of these two types of things had cancelled each other out.

    In other words, since Gu Zuo had nned this in advance, it should mean that he already knew the specific situation of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s body! If not, it would¡¯ve been impossible for him to do this...

    Hu Chang¡¯anposed himself, and looked at Gu Zuo.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng both had hopes and expectations in their eyes.

    Gu Zuo tidied up his train of thought: ¡°Previously, did the results of that pharmacist¡¯s diagnosis say that Hu Chang¡¯an suffered from a type of bone rotting disease? The refined medicinal pills were... Spirit Mending Pills, Bone Growing Pills, and Truth Returning Pills... He should also soak in a medicinal decoction simr to the Tortoise-Serpent Calcium Decoction, right?

    Hu Chang¡¯an looked amazed.

    Meanwhile, Hu Changbi blurted out: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo can diagnose this, too?¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 297 - The Myriad Leaking Body

    <h4>Chapter 297 - The Myriad Leaking Body</h4>

    Gu Zuo was a bit embarrassed. Actually, he hadn¡¯t taken Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s pulse in its entirety. Rather, he had sensed the feedback of the symptoms. After thinking about the medicines normally used to treat these symptoms and verifying it through a blood test, he made a determination... However, if it was said that he had made a diagnosis, then that wasn¡¯t quite correct.

    Hence, he just said: ¡°It was just deduced from many factors...¡±

    But despite Gu Zuo¡¯s modest behavior right now, the degree of trust the three Hu n siblings had in Gu Zuo had risen rapidly. Even Hu Chang¡¯an, who had taken all kinds of medicine, could tell that this level of strength was extraordinary.

    Hu Changfeng¡¯s face reddened, and he stammeringly apologized: ¡°Back then, I...¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes as he looked at the young boy, and reached out a hand to ruffle his hair. After that, he suddenly recalled something, and his body stiffened a little.

    Hu Changfeng didn¡¯t expect that Gu Zuo would do this, but his heart also rxed.

    Off to the side, Hu Changbi inquired with a delicate voice: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, from listening to your tone, does this diagnosis have any problems?¡±

    When these words were uttered, Hu Chang¡¯an and Hu Changfeng also reacted.

    The tone of Gu Zuo¡¯s question just then seemed to treat this diagnosis with disapproval.

    If it was before, the three Hu n siblings would¡¯ve certainly trusted that honorable pharmacist more, but now that they discovered Gu Zuo¡¯s prowess, they also wanted to hear Gu Zuo¡¯s opinion.

    If the previous diagnosis was truly mistaken, was the actual situation worse...or better?

    Hu Chang¡¯an quelled his heart: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no harm in speaking the results of your diagnosis.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at them, and slowly started talking: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s situation appears to be bone rotting disease, but in actuality, there are subtle differences. The biggest characteristic of bone rotting disease is that, due to certain unknown causes, the bone pearls that a martial artist produces are innately faulty and aren¡¯t capable of storing enough true qi. Moreover, the bone pearls are unstable. In a moment of carelessness, the condensed bone pearls will easily crumble.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an nodded his head: ¡°The senior who previously diagnosed me said this, too. I¡¯ve been practicing martial arts since I was a child, but when I condensed my first bone pearl, I wasn¡¯t able to store true qi to the fullest extent. And since the first one couldn¡¯t store it well, it naturally inhibited the condensation of the second bone pearl. Later on, through diagnosis and treatment, I started taking some specific medicinal pills. This gradually stabilized my bone pearls, and allowed me to continue practicing martial arts.

    ¡°Only, the pressure on my bone pearls increases with each passing year. If I stop taking the medicine, I won¡¯t be able to store true qi, so I have no choice but to keep taking medicine. I¡¯ve heard that, for this type of illness, one can only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. But if I can smoothly be an Immortal Realm and generate a qi ocean, then this illness will go away without any medicine needed.¡±

    However, getting better without taking medicine was actually a joke.

    This type of bone rotting disease was basically incurable. Granted that one temporarily suppressed the copse of the bone pearls during the early stages of the treatment, the more time that passed, the less effective the medicinal power became. Even if he reached peak Xiantian, those fragile bone pearls wouldn¡¯t be able to smoothly transform into a qi ocean&#k2026; Under normal circumstances, a martial artist who had this type of illness would perish during the breakthrough process!

    From ancient times till now, an Immortal Realm recoveringpletely from bone rotting disease was the most ideal situation. It was just a legend. And apart from this legend, no one had ever heard of a single living example.

    As the rightful, eldest son, not only wasn¡¯t Hu Chang¡¯an a pharmacist, he was also diagnosed with this illness. As one could well imagine, the pressure on him was immense. To guarantee his position, his parents, who had died untimely deaths, had directly concealed his true condition. And to the outside world, they only said that his aptitudes were average. This was done to hide the fact that most of his true qi couldn¡¯t be stored and that his realm advancements were slow. Reaching the present day, his younger siblings were born one after another. It was just in the past two years that his parents had unexpectedly died, leaving behind the three of them. Hu Chang¡¯an bore the burden, and naturally worked even harder.

    Whaty ahead of Hu Chang¡¯an wasn¡¯t only a death that crept closer by the day, but also trouble that gued both inside and outside the n. In fact, the person who diagnosed him was the profound-level pharmacist who was on the verge of dying ¡ª Their Grand Elder. All of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s pills were refined by this elder who forcefully spat his heart¡¯s blood doing so... Although it was only human-level medicinal pills and the damage to him was small, it required the Grand Elder to spend a lot of energy.

    Once the Grand Elder passed away, Hu Chang¡¯an would have to stop taking medicine, and it would be even harder on his body.

    With such a short period of time and so many dangers, Hu Chang¡¯an sometimes wondered whether he could still smoothly watch his brother and sister grow up.

    It had to be said that Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng both knew about Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s condition. As a result, this boy and girl, who both possessed medicinal beads, strived to learn the methods of medicine refinement to cure their big brother with their own capabilities one day.

    Speaking of which, while it was true to say that recovering without any medicine was a joke, not a single person among the three Hu n siblings found it funny.

    Gu Zuo continued to talk: ¡°But if it really was bone rotting disease, Brother Chang¡¯an would¡¯ve been able to practice martial arts and store true qi normally after the early-stage treatments of that senior.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an knew this. He furrowed his brows, and asked: ¡°We all thought that this was within the reasonable range of any pathological changes. Could it be that it isn¡¯t?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Even if it¡¯s only treating the symptoms, it can also temporarily allow the bone pearls to be sturdy. And when the bone pearls are sturdy, true qi can enter them normally. The reason why one must take medicinal pills every day when treating bone rotting disease is because one uses the pills to construct the medicinal power that makes the bone pearls sturdy. But since the medicinal power is present, it¡¯s impossible for a situation to appear where only a portion of the true qi can be stored. Rather, all of it ought to be stored. Therefore, because this symptom is incorrect, Brother Chang¡¯an simply doesn¡¯t have bone rotting disease.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s heart suddenly lurched: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ve been¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled catingly: ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. It isn¡¯t a bad thing.¡±

    The gazes of the three Hu n siblings locked onto Gu Zuo.

    Hu Changfeng: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°It¡¯s a special constitution. The Myriad Leaking Body.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an slowly ruminated over this name. The Myriad Leaking Body... Ten-thousand leaks.

    Ah, no matter how he parsed it, he felt that this name was inauspicious.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s expression became respectful: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡±

    Gu Zuo could empathize with the three siblings¡¯ feelings. He didn¡¯t keep them in suspense, and immediately said: ¡°The Myriad Leaking Body really is easy to confuse with bone rotting disease. Or it should be said that bone rotting disease is actually an iplete Myriad Leaking Body. Because the body is defective, there¡¯s no way to break through to the Immortal Realm. Because the body is unawakened, the functions of this special constitution haven¡¯t appeared.¡±

    Hu Changbi¡¯s charming face ddened: ¡°Since big brother has this kind of constitution, are his future prospects very good? Since this isn¡¯t an illness, can he also be a genius-level personage?¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°A genuine Myriad Leaking Body naturally has marvelous abilities, but if it isn¡¯t properly provided for during its initial stages, the Myriad Leaking Body is equivalent to a crippled body. At that time, it¡¯ll be no different from having bone rotting disease.¡±

    Hu Changbi¡¯s appearance turned deathly pale: ¡°Then, then... What about my big brother? Big Brother Ah Zuo, just now, you said that big brother¡¯s previous diagnosis was wrong. Can we still turn this around now?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s face was strewn with thin rivulets of sweat. In his eyes, there was terror and apprehension.

    There was nothing to be done if he mistakenly believed that stuff the entire time, but Gu Zuo had given him hope. He wasn¡¯t originally afflicted with an incurable disease. On the contrary, his future outlook was boundless. If he was given this hope and it was changed into despair, that feeling of despair would plunge him into the abyss!

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t that sort of pervert who liked to toy with people¡¯s hearts.

    It went without saying that, if he made a diagnosis and discovered that the Myriad Leaking Body had failed to awaken and had turned into bone rotting disease, why on earth would he intentionally bring this up? Wasn¡¯t that just looking for trouble? Of course, because it wasn¡¯t the worst oue and the situation could be salvaged, he raised the subject!

    The three Hu n siblings were deeply concerned and their emotions were in an upheaval. The atmosphere was so tense, one could cut it with a knife.

    Hence, Gu Zuo simply said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Although the early stages were diagnosed mistakenly, due to the rtionship between bone rotting disease and the Myriad Leaking Body, methods that treat the symptoms and not the root cause will only dy the awakening of the Myriad Leaking Body. This won¡¯t cause the awakening to fail!¡±

    Hearing these words, those three Hu n siblings all breathed sighs of relief, and slightlyid down their worries.

    This time around, Hu Chang¡¯an stepped forward and bowed: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, please help me.¡±

    At once, Gu Zuo spoke: ¡°You saved my life before, andter on, we¡¯ve be friends. Is there still any need to ask? Of course, I¡¯ll certainly help you.¡±

    The three Hu n siblings exchanged nces, and their faces wore smiling expressions.

    Hu Chang¡¯an asked: ¡°Then, what do I need to do now?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°No matter what, stop taking medicine for three days and allow me to take your pulses. During these three days, I¡¯ll be able to determine thetest circumstances of the Myriad Leaking Body through the changes in your bone pearls. Afterwards, I¡¯ll write up a proposal on how to advance the awakening process of the Myriad Leaking Body...¡±

    Following this, he brandished his brush to write down numerous medicinal ingredients, and handed the list over to Hu Chang¡¯an: ¡°These are the required ingredients. The more, the better.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an took it, and the other two siblings moved closer. They were very curious.

    A lengthy stream of characters were written on that list. There were many strange and unorthodox medicinal ingredients. However, as direct descendants of an aristocratic family of pharmacists, their foundations allowed them to recognize the ingredients.

    It was just that, from this, they could see Gu Zuo¡¯s profound erudition even more clearly.

    After this, Hu Changbi hurriedly took the list, and left to prepare the medicinal ingredients.

    In the courtyard, Hu Changfeng lifted his head to look at Gu Zuo: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, what¡¯s so special about the Myriad Leaking Body?¡±

    Gu Zuo considered his wording, and said: ¡°In the early stages, the symptoms are almost the same as bone rotting disease. However, the biggest characteristic of a person with this type of constitution is that, whenever they condense bone pearls, the pearls will have many tiny holes. After true qi is poured into them, there won¡¯t be any way to store the qi, and it will always ¡®leak¡¯ out. If one can¡¯t find the proper method of awakening, then it¡¯ll be the same as bone rotting disease, and they won¡¯t be able to break through to the Immortal Realm. They¡¯ll either die during the breakthrough, or they¡¯ll die never having achieved their goal.¡±

    Gu Zuo carefully exined: ¡°But as for the biggest feature of the Myriad Leaking Body... It¡¯s said that, although martial artists with the Myriad Leaking Body have difficulties in realm advancement prior to the Immortal Realm, the true qi that leaks out doesn¡¯t actually disappear. Rather, it fuses into the martial artist¡¯s flesh or into locations even more hidden within the body. Once a martial artist smoothly bes an Immortal Realm, the Myriad Leaking Body sessfully awakens. As such, an Immortal Realm martial artist¡¯s qi ocean will present itself as a whirling funnel. Every time one draws out their profound qi while fighting, that profound qi¡¯s eruptive might will be several to a dozen times stronger than that of anyone at equivalent realms!¡±

    The pure strength of a matured Myriad Leaking Body was unimaginable!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 298 - Suppression

    <h4>Chapter 298 - Suppression</h4>

    Hu Chang¡¯an listened with unhurried fascination.

    He was a man, but also a martial artist. In a aristocratic family of pharmacists, his position naturally wasn¡¯t stable enough. However, if his strength was outstanding and he could break through to that higher realm in a single move, then it wouldn¡¯t be important whether he was a martial artist or a pharmacist. Moreover, he could protect his younger brother and sister. At that time, for the three of them, his siblings could grasp power and prestige along the path of medicine refinement, and he could lend his strength to support them while he walked the path of martial arts. This was, undoubtedly, even better!

    This Myriad Leaking Body was a constitution renowned for its incredible strength.

    It was only natural that Hu Chang¡¯an was ecstatic. At the same time, his feelings of gratitude to Gu Zuo deepened.

    If Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t diagnosed him, he would¡¯ve considered the Myriad Leaking Body as bone rotting disease all along. Granted that his willpower was strong for now, despair would¡¯ve taken root within his heart if he wasn¡¯t able to break through after a long time.

    But now, it was different.

    The Hu n¡¯s two brothers steeled themselves.

    Gu Zuo saw that their expressions were exactly the same, and couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, little young master, the two of you don¡¯t need to be anxious. Although my skills aren¡¯t worth much, I still have some understanding in matters pertaining to special constitutions. Awakening the Myriad Leaking Body definitely isn¡¯t an overwhelmingly difficult task. You just need to take the medicines ording to the prescription, and it¡¯ll slowly change.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an blushed with shame.

    Hu Changfeng was also a little embarrassed.

    They had been looking forward to Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s recovery for such a long time. Their present jubtion was indeed somewhat improper.

    After restraining their states of mind, Hu Chang¡¯an sent a maidservant to make the best tea so that he could slowly enjoy it with Gu Zuo and his family¡¯s third brother. While the three sipped their teas and chatted, they waited for Hu Changbi¡¯s return. Their moods loosened, and they were greatly satisfied.

    Not long after, Hu Changbi hurriedly rushed back. However, her charming face bore resentment, and it could be said that her eyes had turned red out of anger.

    Upon seeing this, Hu Chang¡¯an and Hu Changfeng nked.

    Hu Changfeng abruptly stood up: ¡°Second sister, what happened? Who has bullied you?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an also had a look of displeasure. He was tolerant of everyone around him, especially his two siblings who depended on him. But no matter how kindhearted he was, at this time, he was angry: ¡°Changbi, who bullied you?¡±

    Hu Changbi¡¯s chest slightly moved up and down, and all of her slender fingers practically dug into her palms. Clearly, her anger wasn¡¯t light. She urgently said: ¡°That Hu Long is an intolerable bully! He¡¯s just too much!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯splexion shifted: ¡°What happened with Hu Long? What did he do to you?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know who that Hu Long was, but from listening to the name, he should¡¯ve been a member of the Hu n. Seeing as how his name wasprised of two characters and didn¡¯t have the ¡°Chang¡± character, perhaps he was from a cadet branch? Among the aristocratic families Gu Zuo knew of, some had this naming convention, while others didn¡¯t. However, it didn¡¯t mean that this possibility didn¡¯t exist.

    Although Hu Changfeng was young, he was maturing early. At this moment, he exined to Gu Zuo in a low voice: ¡°Hu Long is Hu Jun¡¯sckey. And that Hu Jun is the most powerful young pharmacist among the cadet branches. Right now, he¡¯s only twenty-four years old, and he¡¯s already a golden-level pharmacist. The n has ced high hopes on him, and he¡¯s also the biggest threat to my big brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    When the cadet branches were strong and the main branch was weak, one would want to supnt the other. They would certainly cause trouble.

    Hu Changbi had gone to fetch medicinal ingredients. Now that she hade back so angry, perhaps she had suffered a loss?

    Sure enough, Hu Changbi furiously spoke about her encounter: ¡°I went into the medicine storehouse to get ingredients when I ran into that Hu Long at the doorway. In the beginning, he only said that he was there to get ingredients for Hu Jun. But once I mentioned the ingredients I needed, he wanted to take those ingredients and said that Hu Jun urgently needed them to refine a type of precious medicinal pill. Then, he said that it didn¡¯t matter that our side would have to wait a few days!¡±

    She continued: ¡°I just don¡¯t understand. In the prescription Big Brother Ah Zuo wrote, many of the medicinal ingredients were far-flung and strange. They simply aren¡¯t inmon usage. How could that Hu Jun suddenly need them? Moreover, he¡¯s refining a precious pill that¡¯s especially important to the n? Isn¡¯t big brother¡¯s health more precious than some medicinal pill?!¡±

    What made Hu Changbi even angrier was that, in order to not inadvertently alert the enemy, she didn¡¯t rashly say that the ingredients were necessary to treat her big brother¡¯s illness. She didn¡¯t dare to speak of the matter of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s Myriad Leaking Body. As a result, after Hu Long spoke those words, she could only look on helplessly as Hu Long snatched the ingredients and swaggered away. She would speak nothing else of the feelings in her heart!

    Hu Changbi furiously said: ¡°If that Hu Jun didn¡¯t have this intention at an earlier time, how could Hu Long, that guy¡¯sckey, dare to take the initiative to offend our main branch? Although big brother¡¯s current situation is indeed far from encouraging, the main branch is still the main branch. Among the cadet branches, only a single Hu Jun is worthy of any restraining fear. They want to break tradition and plunder the main branch¡¯s position, but reversing the statuses of the cadet branches and the main branch isn¡¯t that easy!¡±

    Merely, the cadet branchescked the crucial moment to overthrow the main branch, but this didn¡¯t mean that they couldn¡¯t worsen the main branch¡¯s situation... Because Hu Changbi personally went to get medicinal ingredients, it was naturally very important to the main branch. Hu Long¡¯s involvement had made gathering those ingredients difficult! After this, they could imagine that, so long as Hu Changbi went to get ingredients, it wouldn¡¯t be achievable due to Hu Jun¡¯s obstructions from within!

    Once Gu Zuo heard this, he also became somewhat irritated. Even the cleverest housewife couldn¡¯t cook without rice. Without medicinal ingredients, he naturally didn¡¯t have any way to refine medicine for Hu Chang¡¯an.

    However, there was no other option at this moment. Gu Zuo closed his eyes, and considered things. In actuality, he was checking the stockpile of ingredients in his own storage space.

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo had the habit of storing medicinal ingredients. Whenever an ingredient appeared, even if it was a very unorthodox ingredient, he would always collect as much as he could. It was to the point that, every time he encountered something, he would sweep the merchandise clean. In his Divine Medicine Pce Hall, many of the ingredients had multiple duplicates in stock, and the types of ingredients were quiteprehensive.

    Originally, when Gu Zuo came to this pharmacist-centered aristocratic family, he thought that Hu Chang¡¯an would certainly be able to mobilize lots of medicinal ingredients, and he didn¡¯t intend to take out his own ingredients. In the end, they were met with trouble, so he naturally couldn¡¯t keep hiding this.

    While Gu Zuo checked his inventory, he talked to the three siblings: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, I actually have some medicinal ingredients in reserve. However, due to the grade limits, I only have human-level ingredients and a small number of golden-level ingredients here. There¡¯s a few types of special, unorthodox ones that I couldn¡¯t get...¡±

    At first, Hu Chang¡¯an had seen Hu Jun¡¯s way of handling things, and he had been deeply worried and aggrieved. At this time, he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and it was like a sweet rain was pouring down from the sky. He hastily said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, are these words true?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°My big brother treats me very well. Previously, he gave me free reign to collect medicinal ingredients. So long as I can get a hold of those few unorthodox ingredients, it¡¯ll still be possible to start the initial awakening process for Brother Chang¡¯an. But once Brother Chang¡¯an reaches the Immortal Realm, I¡¯ll need golden-level and profound-level ingredients, and there¡¯ll be nothing I can do without them.¡±

    How could Hu Chang¡¯an be that avaricious and insatiable? So long as he didn¡¯t suffer any side-effects during the early-stages of the awakening, he could always think of something during theter stages. As a result, he hurriedly said: ¡°In that case, what are those couple of unorthodox medicinal ingredients? Brother Ah Zuo, please tell us, and we¡¯ll naturally think of a way to get them.¡±

    Gu Zuo mentioned those three types of ingredients: ¡°Ascetic Seeds, Particle Vine Roots, and Serpentine Grass. The seeds, roots, and grass des are indispensable. So long as I can get them, I can match the other medicinal ingredients and refine the medicine. These arrangements shouldn¡¯t be dyed. Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s current body is only slightly fat. But if we¡¯re too slow to resolve it, your strength won¡¯t be able to break through and the true qi contained within your flesh won¡¯t condense. Later on, you¡¯ll be fatter and fatter, and due to the external overflow of power, your skin will be...¡±

    The end result would basically be a big, ball-shaped fatty. Moreover, the surface of his skin would be sticky and greasy. At that time, could this appearance still be looked upon with pride?

    Although men didn¡¯t wish to appear beautiful like women, this didn¡¯t mean that they wouldpletely disregard their looks! No matter how it was said, a person¡¯s appearance could still have adverse effects on one¡¯s mindset and wellbeing!

    Hu Chang¡¯an looked at his own arm, which had gradually put on weight, and quickly visualized that scene. He couldn¡¯t help trembling. After that, he didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and promptly said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, rest assured. I¡¯ll certainly get these three types of medicinal ingredients as fast as I can!¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled at him: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll be waiting quietly for the good news.¡±

    Immediately following which, Hu Chang¡¯an and his two siblings wanted to depart. And prior to leaving, they told the maidservants to do their utmost to satisfy any of Gu Zuo¡¯s requests. The maidservants were to receive him as the highest of guests. They couldn¡¯t slight him in the least. Although those maidservants didn¡¯t know how amazing the resolution that Gu Zuo proposed to Hu Chang¡¯an was, they still attended to Gu Zuo with particr care in ordance with the two young masters and youngdy¡¯s instructions.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother about anything else. In this ce, he was considered a visitor who had lodged under another¡¯s roof. In order to not cause any trouble for Hu Chang¡¯an and the others, during the course of waiting for the medicinal ingredients, Gu Zuo only spent half the day refining pills and the other half absorbing medicinal qi to strengthen his psychic power.

    One day after another passed just like this. These days were also very peaceful.

    That longing for Gongyi Tianheng, which arose after they had separated, didn¡¯t be vague due to the passage of time. On the contrary, during this period of peace and quiet, he couldn¡¯t help but constantly have Tianheng on his mind. His feelings had be increasingly intense. It was just that Gu Zuo also knew that any remarks right now would be pointless. Eventually, he constantly stayed busy to help himself focus, and to prevent himself from being distracted by other things...

    In front of an ancient, enormous, and overgrown statue, numerous wild birds hovered in the sky and wild beasts stood tall in great numbers. There were also many martial artists who each drove majestic carriages. All of them had an extraordinary and mighty air.

    This was the day when the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen would open once every three hundred years. There were four of such pathways, and each were divided into the north, south, east, and west. Meanwhile, the final exits converged at the four sides of this ancient statue.

    Of course, this ce had gathered the members of many forces. They came here with the intentions of recruiting geniuses ¡ª That¡¯s right. Those from the Peripheral Continents who could pass through the Roads of Death all possessed great talent. They weren¡¯t burdens. When selected to enter their respective organizations, they would reach untold heights along the path of martial arts!

    However, many of those who came here were younger generations. Most of those protective seniors were quietly hiding, and wouldn¡¯t reveal their existences.

    The younger generations weren¡¯t as calm as those elders. Now that they encountered this grand asion, all of them were discussing things.

    Currently, it was already the twelfth day. Those geniuses and anyone else who had the capabilities ought to being out of the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    In the afternoon, at the Northern Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    The sounds of shaking roared out, and the earth trembled. Everyone turned around and looked over. They only saw a single person dashing out from the northern side¡¯s narrow and winding road. His hair was disheveled and his face was dirty, but his temperament was swift and fierce. His figure and stature were like that of a savage. asionally, he would lift his head, and his eyes would flicker with a coarse and wild light, making him appear even more barbaric!

    However, this man¡¯s appearance didn¡¯t make people feel contempt. This was because, while the crowd of martial artists first nced towards the man himself, their second nce allowed them to notice what was behind him. He used one hand to drag a long piece of rope. And on that rope was a train of rolling and bloodstained human heads.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 299 - The Four Roads

    <h4>Chapter 299 - The Four Roads</h4>

    Numerous martial artists recognized that those rolling human heads, which were being dragged along the rope of that wild man, had familiar appearances. When they carefully looked over, their expressions abruptly changed.

    ¡°This is clearly Martial Weaponry Sect¡¯s exceptional genius. How could he have ended up like this?¡±

    ¡°I also recognize that person. He¡¯s the exceptional genius of Truth Seeking Sect!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s another one! The Cai Family¡¯s Young Master Chang from Yong Province ¡ª He was likewise an exceptional genius!¡±

    ¡°The three of them entered the Northern Road to subdue battle ves for their own uses. I didn¡¯t expect that they would all be like this...¡±

    ¡°Quick, take a look. Wouldn¡¯t the rest of the human heads belong to the retainers brought inside by the three of them?!¡±

    After a burst of low shouts, the members of many organizations here watched on. These few exceptional geniuses originally viewed the geniuses of the Peripheral Continents as coins in their pockets, but unexpectedly, they were killed by the people whom they looked down upon. Their heads, which were all that remained, were humiliatingly dragged out, and became the capital that showcased the strength of this rope-carrying wild man.

    These organizations¡¯ membersmented in hushed voices. Meanwhile, that wild man walked out inrge strides, shook his arm, and threw that rope pulling numerous human heads to the side. He drew back the corners of his mouth and bared his snow-white teeth, revealing a beast-like and sinister smile: ¡°Whose families shall I give these dogs to?!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he walked step by step in another direction.

    At this time, the crowd realized that there were also some people following behind this coarse and brutish man. These people seemed to have pretty good aptitudes, but they kept their distance from that wild man. Separated by at least several kilometers, they certainly didn¡¯t want to get close to him.

    Once the wild man emerged from the narrow and winding road, they also leaped out one after another. They wanted to disperse and leave. Just then, the members of some organizations barred the way, and inquired: ¡°Who is the man who came out just now?¡±

    When they were asked this, all of those geniuses who walked out from the Northern Road had their pupils constrict. At the same time, their eyes bore deep vignce: ¡°That¡¯s Kuang Tianzhan. A terrifying prodigy!¡±

    Other than that, they didn¡¯t say much at all.

    That Kuang Tianzhan had lifted his feet to move, but he couldn¡¯t just walk away.

    Soon, several people dropped down from high in the sky. Standing in front of him, they made invitations:

    ¡°Kuang Tianzhan, my Dragon Beheading Valley invites you to join us. Are you willing?¡±

    ¡°My Thousand Ren Mountain is the most suitable. How about joining us?¡±

    ¡°Right now, you have offended three iron-ranked organizations, and my Heavenly Thunder Sect is a bronze-ranked organization. With this invitation, all of your future worries will be resolved!¡±

    During this brief period of time, a handful of bronze-ranked organizations extended their hands toward Kuang Tianzhan to rope him in. They all knew that this was a prodigy. Moreover, no matter what prodigy level he was at, if he was properly raised, there was an enormous possibility that their organization could at least preserve their rank or even increase it!

    Prodigies always made people water at the mouth.

    This Kuang Tianzhan remained silent. His pair of leopard eyes swept across all the organizations present, and finally settled upon one figure among the group. After that, he lifted his feet and walked over.

    Kuang Tianzhan had joined the Frenzied Beast Sect!

    This prodigy had already joined an organization, so the other forces naturally didn¡¯t try to rope him in any longer. Soon after, they distributed the other geniuses who had walked out of the Northern Road. Most had selected suitable disciples who were taken into their own organizations. And those geniuses also knew that they were alone on the Central Continent like tufts of duckweed without any roots. Consequently, the more outstanding individuals went through a round of selections and picked certain organizations to join, while the less outstanding ones directly joined other organizations. Everything soon became calm and orderly.

    Practically not a single person wanted to leave by themselves.

    After these people found ces to settle down, an extraordinary sight appeared at the Western Road!

    One would only see a streak of cold light hurriedly dashing out. This figure was like lightning, whose quick speed even formed virtual images! After this person appeared, he suddenly stood in front of a mound of strange-looking rocks. Numerous people saw him clearly. This person¡¯s figure was slim, his temperament was proud and aloof, and he didn¡¯t spare any words to anyone. After a swift, sweeping nce over this situation, he immediately turned around, and disappeared under everyone¡¯s gazes with extremely fast speed!

    At this moment, a streak of saber light rapidly shot out, and blocked that person¡¯s path ahead: ¡°Do you study the saber?¡±

    The slender young man spoke indifferently: ¡°Yes.¡±

    The tall and sturdy man who blocked his wayughed in a clear and bright voice: ¡°If you study the saber, then you should join my Heavenly Saber Sect!¡±

    While he spoke, the light at the tip of his saber flickered with ps of thunderbolts and shes of lightning. It was precisely to show off his abilities.

    The slender young man¡¯s eyes flickered with a trace of fervency. Finally, he said: ¡°Okay.¡±

    The tall and sturdy manughed boisterously again. He directly pulled the young man over, and carried him up and away: ¡°Hahaha! Good! What¡¯s the name of my student?¡±

    The slender young man¡¯s expression regained an undisturbed look: ¡°Teng Yunfei. Hello, instructor.¡±

    The crowd of martial artists quickly realized that this was another prodigy.

    And this prodigy was roped in by a bronze-ranked organization whose foundations were extremely solid. He had been received as a disciple!

    After that, numerous other geniuses walked out from the Western Road. Likewise, all of them were received one by one.

    Following this was the Eastern Road.

    The one who walked out of the Eastern Road was a gorgeous youngdy. She had a snow-likeplexion. She also possessed a frigid temperament and an icy path of martial arts.

    This was another prodigy. Simrly, she was taken in as a disciple to a bronze-ranked organization.

    Shortly thereafter, the other geniuses were divided up.

    Ultimately, all that remained was the Southern Road.

    The northern, western, and eastern prodigies had already shown themselves. Comparatively outstanding geniuses had also walked out one after another. Yet, why hadn¡¯t anyone seen any figures at the Southern Road?

    Someone suddenly recalled: ¡°Three prodigies went into the Southern Road on a hunt!¡±

    The other martial artists also remembered this, and their expressions became subtle.

    Indeed. The Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen opened once every three hundred years. Although one could recruit many geniuses, those who paid the most attention to this matter were the iron and bronze-ranked organizations. Merely, they needed a touch of luck to asionally recruit prodigy-level personages. As for those silver and gold-ranked organizations, they were never short of disciples ¡ª Let alone exceptional geniuses and prodigies. Naturally, they didn¡¯t need to pay attention to the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    This time around, when the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen opened, some iron and bronze ranked organizations chose toe and wait for the final victors to appear in order to select disciples. Meanwhile, a portion of organizations sent out their own prominent disciples on missions, and ordered them to enter the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen to gain experience.

    It was just that the disciples who entered the other three Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen were the exceptional geniuses of iron-ranked organizations. Only, for whatever reason, three prodigies from bronze-ranked organizations suddenly made a bet and unexpectedly went into the same entrance!

    ¡ª And this entrance was the Southern Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    In a split second, the members of numerous forces didn¡¯t feel that it was strange for no one to appear at the Southern Road. Once the prodigies went inside, perhaps all of the geniuses had been captured like fishes in a, and were divided up among the prodigies to be their battle ves. How could there still be any geniuses left behind for the other organizations?

    This road didn¡¯t need to have expectations ced upon it any more.

    In approximately three days, the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen would close. While receiving these disciples, one would have to wait for a little while longer. One could also take advantage of this chance to exin the Central Continent¡¯s situation to these newly-received disciples for the purpose of passing the time.

    With this thinking, many of the organizations¡¯ members didn¡¯t leave yet.

    In the blink of an eye, another two days passed.

    During this period of time, there were a few more fish that had escaped the, and walked out from the eastern, western, and northern pathways. Among them, the outstanding ones were quickly divided up, and the somewhat inferior ones were received by others.

    Soon, it was precisely the fourteenth day.

    At this time, many people felt that something odd was going on ¡ª Why hadn¡¯t there been any signs of activity at the Southern Road? If all of the geniusesing from the Southern Road had been subdued, then those three prodigies should¡¯vee out by now.

    Just like this, everyone waited until nightfall.

    The color of the sky darkened. The darkness was dotted with stars, which glinted with errant beams of cold light.

    At this moment, the Southern Road finally had a reaction. The five senses of the crowd of martial artists were sharp. They suddenly smelled faint traces of a bloody stench. Then, dozens to over a hundred people hurriedly ran out in disorderly steps.

    ¡ª Eh, this seemed somewhat wrong?

    Many martial artists looked over, and saw several robust men swiftly carrying a pnquin. Looking at the armor they wore, someone recognized it extremely quickly.

    ¡°The Binglong Army!¡±

    ¡°These are the battle ves of the Zhao Empire¡¯s Third Prince!¡±

    ¡°How did they end up in this wretched state? Why is the number of people reduced so much? Where is the Third Prince?¡±

    ¡°Could it be that ¡ª No, the Third Prince is a prodigy!¡±

    Countless peoplemented one after another, but they all didn¡¯t dare to believe it.

    But from what their vicious gazes could tell, the Third Prince had clearly suffered a loss... Was he on that pnquin?

    Innumerable suspicions sprung up in their hearts.

    However, the Third Prince¡¯s delegation didn¡¯t linger. That Binglong Army carried the pnquin, and rapidly departed from this ce.

    Everyone was left baffled.

    Not much time had passed when Young Master Xin and his battle ves unhurriedly walked out from that Southern Road. It was a grandiose sight of several hundred people, but they simrly didn¡¯t linger for a single moment.

    While someone asked about that Third Prince¡¯s situation, Young Master Xin didn¡¯t say anything. He only took a step, and disappeared far into the distance.

    The next day, Prince Zhou finally appeared.

    He originally had a peculiar temperament, and usually wasn¡¯t willing toe into contact with others. However, this matter was too strange, and some people couldn¡¯t help asking him to obtain clues.

    Prince Zhoumanded his subordinates and left in an ostentatious manner. However, he did leave behind a few words: ¡°Third Zhao failed to kill someone, and was beaten half to death instead. Serves him right!¡±

    Afterwards, these martial artists realized that, while Prince Zhou had gone away, he had also kept one person behind.

    A person who seemed like a very clever and eloquent speaker.

    Following this, the clever fellow vividly described all sorts of encounters that the Third Prince suffered while on the Southern Road. It really left people...stuck betweenughter and tears.

    Merely, while they didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, everyone felt that it was inconceivable.

    It was said that, along the Southern Road, the Third Prince had failed to recruit someone, and the two had be adversaries. Later on, the opposing party attacked several times and killed many of the Third Prince¡¯s subordinates, which trampled the Third Prince¡¯s face. From adversaries to enemies, and then to mortal-enemies where both sides would fight to thest breath! But after that, even though the Third Prince battled the other out in the open, the Third Prince still couldn¡¯t beat him. It was to the point that, after using a taboo move, the Third Prince instead had been nearly killed by the other side.

    An insignificant person from the Peripheral Continents... And what everyone found hard to believe was that the Southern Road prodigy hadn¡¯t even reached the Immortal Realm!

    How could they believe this?

    Numerous martial artists were bewildered and uncertain.

    One after another, their gazes fell upon that Southern Road.

    Many geniuses were continuously walked out from that ce, but among them, there wasn¡¯t a single prodigy.

    These geniuses were received by plenty of organizations. And after being received, some made discreet inquiries about the information that Prince Zhou dered. After this, everyone confirmed it.

    These forces were astounded.

    Immediately following which, they suddenly discovered that an astonishing feeling was emanating from the Southern Road.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 300 - Big Brother Appears

    <h4>Chapter 300 - Big Brother Appears</h4>

    At this time, it was already the final day. It was close to midnight.

    In less than two hours, the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen would close.

    On that narrow road, which had already been engulfed in darkness, it appeared that something was approaching from far away.

    A type of ¡°qi¡± silently extended outwards. Like flowing water, it was extremely faint and light as it passed by. Yet, it also seemed tomand everyone¡¯s attention.

    Before anyone could get a clear look, they already sensed a threat that welled up from the bottom of their hearts.

    In a split second, a word poured forth in the minds of many organizations¡¯ members:

    ¡ª Prodigy!

    Because only a prodigy, no matter what realm he had and no matter how strong he was, could use his imposing aura to terrify others without even showing himself.

    And right now, this prodigy¡¯s imposing aura was even more frightening. Just then, they only sensed a bit of it, and their bodies had broken out in goosebumps all over. Likewise, a chill suddenly crept across their backs.

    Subconsciously, numerous people held their breaths.

    They thought about the news they heard just now, and couldn¡¯t help their interests rising by a hundred twenty percent in this Southern Road prodigy who wiped the floor with the Third Prince¡¯s face.

    There were also ranks among prodigies.

    The Third Prince was already an outstanding prodigy, so could another prodigy with even more robust potential appear within those insignificantnds on the periphery? What kind of prodigy was that?

    Gradually, a shadow finally emerged.

    That tall young man slowly walked out one step at a time.

    However, although his pace was measured, neither fast nor slow, he seemed to appear in front of the crowd of martial artists in the blink of an eye.

    Each of the young man¡¯s steps was steady, but with every step, the aura of his body would be released and restrained in turns. It was like a gigantic beast was breathing in the ambient qi of heaven and earth. A spirited light shined within his pair of eyes as if a great sun was stored inside of them. It was like a halo of stars was suspended above his Tianfu Acupoint. His long hair draped loosely over his shoulders, and moved freely without any wind. The expression on his face was serene, but it seemed to contain a bottomless well. It was secluded, cold, and deep. Others weren¡¯t able to peer through his thoughts, and their hearts suddenly felt an automatic feeling of wariness.

    Contrary to expectations, his appearance came second.

    His temperament had already put everything on disy.

    An unusual prodigy, but this prodigy was indeed very powerful.

    The strength of a prodigy didn¡¯t lie on the surface, but in the qi emissions one released when opponents didn¡¯t conceal themselves. How cryptic and obscure those qi emissions were was how unfathomable and enigmatic that prodigy was.

    This young prodigy with a handsomeplexion was wearing a sapphire-blue brocade robe. His bearing was graceful like that of an aristocratic family¡¯s precious young master, and he wielded the forbearance of arge and influential n. However, when such a noble young master simply walked out, it seemed like each step was treading upon boundless bloodstains. Every time a foot was raised, the turbid mud would be upturned. And with every downward stamp, countless screaming and piteous souls would be crushed under heel. Endless strands of resentful energy entwined upon itself.

    With an imposing aura such as this, he certainly had killed many people. When carefully scrutinizing him, one could also detect that in the depths of this prodigy¡¯s brilliant, sun-like eyes were threads of blood as thickly weaved as a silk screen. It tethered and bound that sun, transforming that nascent, bright existence into an eclipse of blood.

    It was extremely strange, but it still expressed a sense of magnificent beauty.

    This young prodigy walked out from the narrow road. Soon after, he lifted his eyes.

    Even more people were able to get a clear look at his eyes. At this moment, where were the wisps of blood in his eyes? Where was the brilliant, sun-like resplendence? His pupils were clearly pitch-ck. Although his eyes were still deep, they weren¡¯t like before, where a nce would cause a person to suck in a breath of cold air.

    It was just that all of the martial artists didn¡¯t believe that what they saw just now was a mere illusion.

    Indeed, what this young prodigy brought people was more horror than awe and reverence. For a short while, the members of these organizations forgot that they had wanted to rope him in.

    As before, that young prodigy walked unhurriedly. And in a brief period of time, he had already traveled several kilometers away. His body technique seemed to be even faster, and soon, his silhouette was about to disappear ¡ª

    At this very moment, the numerous forces suddenly snapped out of it.

    ¡ª The prodigy was about to leave?

    Wait a second!

    They naturally understood that if this prodigy was received, this would mean making an enemy out of the Great Zhao Empire and the Third Prince. However, forrge organizations, while iron-ranked ones might give up after weighing the pros and cons, the somewhat stronger organizations among the bronze ranks wouldn¡¯t refuse entry to a prodigy just because of a Great Zhao Empire.

    Very quickly, quite a few members of bronze-ranked forces went out, and dashed towards that young prodigy¡¯s direction. In the sky, some protective powerhouses followed behind, and their attentions likewise fell upon that prodigy.

    Some powerhouses had the same intentions as that tall and sturdy man from Heavenly Saber Sect, and flew ahead to block that young prodigy¡¯s path. However, due to that tall and sturdy man¡¯s actions, the other powerhouses were all on guard. Each of them kept a close watch on those nearby, and prevented them from separating to stop that prodigy.

    The powerhouses¡¯ hearts burned passionately, but they quickly calmed down.

    After exchanging nces with each other, they came to a decision:

    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s test the younger generations¡¯ capabilities.¡±

    ¡°Whichever organization whose junior can bring that man back will be the organization that gets to receive him!¡±

    ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled. If anyone goes back on their word, everyone else will put an end to it!¡±

    ¡°Prodigies are hard toe by. This prodigy can defeat another prodigy, so let him choose by himself!¡±

    Hence, the numerous powerhouses decided to allow each of the organizations¡¯ younger generations below them to rope in the young prodigy. They used all sorts of methods to let those younger generations know about this mission. The juniors needed to use their best efforts toplete it.

    ¡ª Whoever could bring that prodigy back would certainly be richly rewarded!

    Indeed. Though it meant making enemies of an organization with an equivalent rank, there were countless forces on the Central Continent that rose and fell. Even though it wasmon to see entire families exterminated in a single day, how could they give up just because of this trifling danger?

    A peak Xiantian prodigy could nearly kill another prodigy who was two small realms higher. Among the first ss prodigies, he was the best of the best!

    If such a personage could mature without any hitches, then...

    There was even a ny percent possibility of letting his own organization advance in rank to be a silver-ranked organization!

    However, after an hour, those younger generations returned one after another.

    The eyes of those who returned each carried feelings of dismay.

    For the numerous bronze-ranked organizations¡¯ powerhouses, their hearts chilled, and they became slightly nervous: ¡°What, what happened?¡±

    Those younger generations all sighed: ¡°We actually couldn¡¯t find that prodigy...¡±

    As it turned out, when those juniors hurriedly rushed out, they could only see that there were countless martial artists in the town ahead. There were jumbled crowds with peopleing and going.

    Yet, when they passed through to check for that prodigy¡¯s qi emissions, they couldn¡¯t find hide nor hair of that prodigy. With no other choice, they were forced to return and confess their failings to the powerhouses.

    The powerhouses of numerous bronze-ranked organizations merely shook their heads. Disappointment filled their eyes.

    In their hearts, they looked upon that prodigy even more highly. Unfortunately, it would be extremely difficult for them to receive him. Although they also had ns in mind, if they were to go searching personally, it would all depend on luck. But they knew that this hope was exceedingly uncertain. It couldn¡¯t be taken seriously.

    At this time, everyone who coulde out of the four roads already came out. The Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen had closed. The members of numerous organizations parted ways. Each of them was busy.

    This major event, which urred only once every three hundred years, hade to an end.

    Gongyi Tianheng draped a cloak over his shoulders. His entire person was concealed within a pitch-ck shadow. He slowly walked into a crowd like the most ordinary of martial artists who drifted aimlessly.

    At this time, he stood in front of a massive notice board, and read through what could¡¯ve been real or fake information. After that, he turned around, and entered a nearby restaurant.

    There were countless martial artists in the world. Those with strange dispositions and those who wore disguises were also countless. Tianheng was only wearing a cloak that prevented people from seeing his appearance, which didn¡¯t attract anyone¡¯s attention ¡ª This style of dress was truly toomon.

    Naturally, no one noticed that he would softly brush his hand against his heart every so often.

    Tianheng would always wear a smiling expression, but at this time, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to smile.

    It was only because of one thing.

    He had lost his little pharmacist.

    A few days ago, Tianheng fought with the Third Prince. At the final juncture, the Third Prince tossed out an unanticipated trump card. Originally, he was about to suffer a disaster, but at the critical moment, his little pharmacist Gu Zuo dashed over and took the move on his behalf. At that moment, Tianheng¡¯s hundreds of calctions all turned to nothing. Unexpectedly, for the first time, his heart¡¯s instincts urged him on, and he erupted with untold potential to beat up that Third Prince like a dead dog.

    After that, the Third Prince relied on his many men to escape. Tianheng¡¯s state of mind also calmed down somewhat, and he sensed a wave of sharp paining from his own heart. At once, he recalled the guardian contract that bound him and Gu Zuo back then. In the end, he didn¡¯t chase after the Third Prince any longer. He hurriedly left, and studied this matter.

    Fortunately, with this contract, Tianheng¡¯s heart only hurt for a moment. He quickly recovered his tranquility, and didn¡¯t suffer any feelings of a bacsh to vomit blood. He realized that Gu Zuo had been met with a small disaster, but there weren¡¯t any worries of dying.

    Currently, Tianheng restrained theyers of wrath in his heart, which made his imposing aura heavy. Compared to before, even more feelings of oppression surged out, but deep in his heart, he was somewhatforted.

    So long as Gu Zuo¡¯s life wasn¡¯t at risk, Tianheng would always be able to retrieve his little pharmacist ¡ª But in order to reach this goal as soon as possible, he definitely couldn¡¯t rely on just the help of a bronze-ranked organization.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 301 - The Ten Ultimates Sect

    <h4>Chapter 301 - The Ten Ultimates Sect</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s present location was a bronze-ranked ancient city called Great Phoenix City. In this ce, the highest organization was the bronze-ranked Flying Phoenix Sect. The industries that operated under its banner wereplex. Out in the open, there were businesses like casinos and restaurants that lined the sect¡¯s pockets. Meanwhile, in the dark, the stores had quite arge domain for selling information.

    Ever since Tianheng left the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, he had been hiding from the searches of numerous bronze-ranked organizations. During his journey, he made inquiries, and finally arrived at this ce.

    Naturally, his objective was to make ns for his future survival.

    There was a written ount on that notice board just then. It stated that the silver-ranked organization, Ten Ultimates Sect, was recently recruiting disciples. Flying Phoenix Sect, as one of its subsidiary organizations, sent out this information to give the world¡¯s outstanding individuals a channel to join them.

    Tianheng came to this restaurant for the sake of confirming that information¡¯s authenticity.

    In addition, he also wanted to make discreet inquiries into the style and conduct of Ten Ultimates Sect. Then, he would make a decision.

    Not long after, Tianheng finished drinking a pot of wine, and departed.

    At this very moment, he knew a thing or two about the matters of Ten Ultimates Sect.

    First of all, there was the state of affairs.

    Ten Ultimates Sect was the only silver-ranked organization within a range of five hundred thousand kilometers. The region was vast, and the sect¡¯s tracts ofnd spanned over fifty thousand kilometers. It possessed countless subsidiary sects, and its number of prodigies wasn¡¯t low.

    That sect was named after the ten types of ultimate martial skills it held. Each of the ultimate skills were at the heaven rank, whose might was endless. The geniuses of each generation practiced these ten ultimate skills, and the strongest among those who practiced each ultimate skill were known as the Ten Ultimates Sovereigns. And under normal circumstances, each of the Ten Ultimates Sovereigns were prodigies.

    The martial prowess of Ten Ultimates Sect was extremely formidable.

    The greatest strength of silver-ranked organizations were Cosmic Realm martial artists. The more Cosmic Realm martial artists there were in a silver-ranked organization, the more stable the organization and the more profound its umtions.

    The Cosmic Realm was likewise divided into low, mid, high, and peak states. Each and every martial artist who was at the high Cosmic Realm or above could be addressed as a Heaven Lord.

    Ten Ultimates Sect had at least ten Cosmic Realm martial artists because the title of the Ten Ultimates Sovereigns had never decreased over the generations within this organization. These Ten Ultimates Sovereigns were precisely the ten people who were the strongest among the organization¡¯s Cosmic Realm martial artists ¡ª No one even knew if those Heaven Lords among the previous Ten Ultimates Sovereigns, who had gone into seclusion and disappeared, had died or if they had broken through in secret.

    ¡ª Not every silver-ranked organization would rush to advance to the gold rank after getting a Lesser Emperor Realm marital artist.

    Under Ten Ultimates Sect, there were countless forces that adhered to it. Regardless of whether it was sects or ns, the number of iron and bronze-ranked organizations wasn¡¯t low. Therefore, in principle, the domain that each of these organizations upied belonged to Ten Ultimates Sect. This has allowed the original territory of Ten Ultimates Sect to expand multiple times over.

    Besides these things, the numerous powerhouses inside the sect had their own personal adherents. The same went for the prodigies who hadn¡¯t matured yet, too. In addition, while the rtives of some of the sect¡¯s disciples weren¡¯t previously considered adherents, after those rtives deepened their foundations in the sect, they also developed inclinations and preferences. Gradually, they were in no way different from the sect¡¯s adherents.

    This was equivalent to an extremely terrifying force!

    At the same time, this also allowed the range of the sect¡¯s organizations to radiate even farther.

    The industries of Ten Ultimates Sect were also exceedingly widespread. The personal properties of the disciples, and the foundations and industries of the sect... All of it had been established into a tremendously huge interest group.

    It could be said that, for this veteran sect organization, it wasn¡¯t known how many tens of thousands of years it had been taking root, how long its history spanned, and how robust its foundationsid. If Ten Ultimates Sect waspared to Qingyun Sect, then it would be like a giant and a mole cricket. It was the difference between heaven and earth. Perhaps, Ten Ultimates Sect wouldn¡¯t even need to extend a finger ¡ª No, it would only need to shed a strand of hair to easily annihte Qingyun Sect!

    In short, the information that Tianheng had scouted out was that Ten Ultimates Sect was a veteran silver-ranked organization where many things had yet to be revealed. Perhaps, it was no worse than some rtively weaker gold-ranked organizations.

    This kind of sect could be rated as the ideal backer!

    When he heard this, Tianheng already had some thoughts.

    On the Central Continent, the things that a person could aplish when one walked a solitary path and when one relied on a sect were entirely different.

    After this, Tianheng learned that the information about Ten Ultimates Sect recruiting disciples was also true.

    This wasn¡¯t strange at all. It was only because Tianheng had juste to the Central Continent and he wasn¡¯t aware of it yet. In actuality, all of the conventional organizations basically chose days when they would recruit disciples every year.

    The Central Continent was vast, and its geniuses were many. However, thepetition between organizations was simrly fierce. Within each family that adhered to an organization, they would often send their own outstanding children to higher-ranked sects. While it was true that this was an important source of disciples for the higher-ranked sects, one couldn¡¯t ignore the geniuses who sprung up inrge numbers in ces further afield and among the wider territories. Limiting oneself to only the geniuses from the adherents of an organization might be fine in the beginning, but over many years, this could possibly cause a shortage of activity for the sect. After all, in this world, there were too many geniuses with all sorts of aptitudes. For identical organizations, especially within identical ns, there were probably duplicates in the types of emerging geniuses.

    Indeed, while it was advantageous to some insr and outstanding bloodlines, a sect couldn¡¯t limit itself to these bloodlines. In the end, it would be lifeless. If it only worked based on conventional practices, there wouldn¡¯t be any motivation.

    So to say, if an organization didn¡¯t recruit disciples year after year, perhaps some impoverished disciples with extraordinary aptitudes might inadvertently choose another smaller organization to join. Or, they might be dug out by anotherrger organization that recruited disciples annually. And once this disciple was raised and had skyrocketed, maybe they would be a big shot for one side. This would cause the people who missed that disciple to wring their hands endlessly out of regret.

    Of course, despite making selections every year, not everyone would be received. If one wanted to enter a silver-ranked organization, and that individual didn¡¯t have any channels to enter through the back door, then what that person needed to rely on was their own aptitudes and current skills.

    Usually, this kind of disciple was the most numerous, and guaranteed the fresh development of a silver-ranked organization.

    Tianheng gathered the material of his cloak, and came to a nearby beast escortpany.

    In this ce, there were countless wild beasts and all sorts of transportation tools. So long as one could take out enough money, one could make a purchase and use it to hasten their journey.

    Tianheng touched the bangle on his arm.

    On the Central Continent, those who had bangles weren¡¯t that rare. It was just that they either had respectable identities, were extremely strong, or had enormous influence. He didn¡¯t have any of that, so naturally he kept it hidden. He didn¡¯t deliberately show off.

    After entering the beast escortpany, Tianheng chose three Wind-Walking Rhinos and a sturdy, bronze chariot. After paying a few dozen spirit crystals, he sat in front of that bronze chariot. He flicked the whip, and started moving forward.

    ¡ª He didn¡¯t select any actual flying wild beasts for the sake of gathering even more information about the Central Continent while on this travel path.

    He needed a greater understanding of thisndmass to determine his style of conduct in the sect.

    Several dayster, he arrived at Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Probably because the time when the sect recruited disciples was fast approaching, even though Shijue City was sorge, it was almost overflowing with people.

    Gongyi Tianheng came to the front of the city gates. He lifted his eyes, and saw the towering city walls. They were roughly over three hundred meters tall. Smelted from an unknown type of metal, it was cast into huge monoliths. It was like a long, formidable dragon that entrenched the entire ancient city. One couldn¡¯t see the boundaries with a nce. No matter which direction one looked, one would only see the endless surfaces of the walls. It was incredibly stunning!

    The city gates were very high and wide.

    Tianheng saw with his own eyes that there were numerous wild beasts that were dozens of meters tall. They were like a miniature mountain range as they slowly entered through the city gates. Set on the backs of those wild beasts were iparably luxurious pnquins. Some even had exquisite or straightforward buildings. They were extremely imposing. Surrounding these wild beasts were some troops whose mounts had slightly smaller builds. On the mounts¡¯ backs sat armored warriors. And the appearances of these warriors were quite bizarre. Their skin and figures were substantially different frommonly-seen martial artists.

    What were these warriors?

    Could it be that...they weren¡¯t of the human race?

    Teams and troops that came from unknownnds all entered the city one after another. Tianheng made careful observations. At the entrance of the city gates, ordinary martial artists only needed a single spirit crystal, but if an entire troop wanted to go in, they needed to hand over a profound crystal or a treasured crystal.

    Of course, this trifling bit of property didn¡¯t enter the eyes of the men and women who possessed those huge numbers of troops.

    Tianheng mixed into the crowd, and entered this Shijue City.

    At the entrance of the city gates, what he sensed was this city¡¯s lofty and long history. And after entering it, what he saw were countless simr and unusual sights. Compared to all of the powerful cities he had seen in the past, this one was a hundred or even a thousand times more bustling!

    In fact, after entering Shijue City, one could already be counted as having entered Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Just as Qingyun Sect had a city and an outer circle on the outside, Ten Ultimates Sect, as a silver-ranked organization, was naturally the same as well. Shijue City was the sect¡¯s outer circle, and residing within it were countless ns and smaller organizations. And beyond the gigantic dragon-like city walls were innumerable sects among the many mountain ranges. It was all because they had adhered to Ten Ultimates Sect and had migrated over.

    Over the many years, the vicinity of Shijue City became a seat of power.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t search for a tavern for lodging. He only looked for a restaurant to drink and listen to some news. He circled the crowd a few times before following the flow of people and arriving under the main gates of Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Unlike Qingyun Sect, the outer circle of Ten Ultimates Sect didn¡¯t have a true outer gate. Rather, it had an academy known as the ¡°Sect Offering Academy¡±. It specialized in delivering talents to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    In the past, those adherent organizations all wanted to send their families¡¯ children to this academy. By passing through the filter of studies, the academy could select the outstanding ones among the students to enter the sect. For external disciples, if they came toote and didn¡¯t make it in time for the disciple recruitment period, then they could pay a certain amount of spirit crystals or receive testing to enter the academy for learning. Simrly, if one was discovered to be an outstanding student after learning, they could enter the sect.

    Tianheng¡¯s luck was pretty good. Since he came during the disciple recruitment period, if he reached the standard, he could be directly recruited by the sect. If he couldn¡¯t pass their tests, but his aptitudes were satisfactory, then he could directly enter the academy for learning, and wait for the next opportunity.

    Currently, there were only two days left until the end of the recruitment drive. And the location where apprentices received testing was inside the Sect Offering Academy.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 302 - Testing

    <h4>Chapter 302 - Testing</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng casually walked into an alley. He put away the cloak he was wearing, revealing his sapphire-blue brocade robes. He looked graceful, wealthy, and handsome. He also behaved like an aristocratic family¡¯s young master.

    He touched his sleeve cuff again. Fortunately, he had obtained part of the Human King¡¯s legacy. Right now, he actually wasn¡¯t short of spirit crystals. Merely, immediately following which, he slightly frowned. He thought about his lost, little pharmacist... Previously, he only gave Gu Zuo some spirit crystals to y around with. He was originally going to give Gu Zuo some more in reserve, but due to the matter of the Third Prince, he temporarily didn¡¯t have enough time to take care of it. Afterwards, they suddenly got separated. Who knew how he was doing?

    However, Tianheng quickly considered the countless medicinal ingredients stored within Gu Zuo¡¯s Divine Medicine Pce Hall, and felt slightly reassured. He continued to ponder. An expert who was proficient in a specialized area ought to be unobstructed. Only, he was afraid that the output would be high and the input would be low. New ingredients would be hard to obtain. On the contrary, he felt that he had wronged Gu Zuo.

    These thoughts shed by in an instant. Tianheng¡¯splexion turned slightly colder. He walked out of the alley, and came directly to the Sect Offering Academy. Up ahead, there were many young martial artists who were lining up. Tianheng swept a nce to the side, and went to the front desk to hand over a spirit crystal in exchange for a number te. After that, he stood at the end of the queue.

    At the Sect Offering Academy, regardless of the identities of the young men and women, all of them needed to abide by the rules of this ce. At most, they could ask their subordinated servants or retainers to stand in the line on their behalf. However, not a single person could cut in line nor arrogantly cause a disturbance here ¡ª In actuality, the people who had the qualifications to cause a scene either didn¡¯t need to get involved with Ten Ultimates Sect due to their own organization¡¯s vast size, or they had been guided into the sect through the friendly rtions between Ten Ultimates Sect and their own organization. Basically, they didn¡¯t need to go through such a tedious andplicated process.

    Naturally, this ce was very peaceful and quiet.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he patiently waited.

    His eyesight was exceptionally good. After using it to make observations, he could clearly see the circumstances of the testing along with many marital artists who came from far away like him.

    What the first checkpoint tested was one¡¯s bone age and realm.

    These two things were closely rted to one¡¯s potential. The disciples whom Ten Ultimates Sect wanted to recruit had to be below the Atomic Realm. Among them, the differentiation was meticulous. It could even be said to be harsh.

    For example, at the Houtian Realm, almost anyone above ten years old was rejected without exception. Likewise, at the Xiantian Realm, those over twenty-five were all turned away. As for the Immortal Realm, they didn¡¯t want anyone who was over forty years old.

    The reason was very simple. The lower one¡¯s realm, the easier it was to mold that person. For those who were young and had high realms, if their sprouts weren¡¯t pulled up prematurely, then their aptitudes were good and their potential was high. Of course, this didn¡¯t exclude talents who developed great aptitudester than normal. As a result, they would appropriately ease the restrictions based on age and realm. However, for Xiantians over twenty-five and Immortal Realms over forty, the probability that they were slow on the uptake was exceedingly higher than the probability that they would show promise in due time. For such arge silver-ranked organization, they didn¡¯tck a few geniuses who werete bloomers.

    Tianheng followed the crowd, and walked forward. In front, the testing for those people was also very fast.

    After an hour had passed, the queue was already approaching Tianheng¡¯s position.

    ¡°Bone age is seventeen. Xiantian stage eight. Foundations are shallow, and aptitude is fourth ss! Pass!¡±

    ¡°Bone age is neen. Xiantian stage eight. Foundations are robust, and aptitude is fourth ss! Pass!¡±

    ¡°Bone age is twenty-four. Xiantian stage five. Foundations are robust, and aptitude is fifth ss! Pass!¡±

    ¡°Bone age...¡±

    Numerous martial artists only needed to input their qi emissions from their bodies into that bone wheel. The faster that bone wheel turned, the more robust one¡¯s foundations. When the bone wheel stopped, whichever notch the bone needle stopped in front of determined the bone age.

    In this ce, one could only test the most genuine bone age and realm. If a person took medicinal pills or used some other methods to suppress their realm, the apparent realm would be inconsistent with one¡¯s actual realm. This would cause the bone wheel to produce an ear-piercing re, and would draw the attention of an auditing master. After that, the person would be banished.

    At this moment, it was finally Tianheng¡¯s turn.

    The bone wheel was as tall as a person, and was erected in a position right in front. At both sides of the bone wheel stood some auditing masters. The qi emissions of each individual were deep and immeasurable. They were, at the very least, Atomic Realms or above.

    From this, it could be seen that every time Ten Ultimates Sect recruited disciples externally, they would still attach great importance to this matter. Not only were the dispatched people the department heads of the academy, there were also many powerhouses from within the sect who came to manage and supervise the process.

    Then, a young person ¡ª It should¡¯ve been an Inner Sect disciple of Ten Ultimates Sect ¡ª Opened his mouth at this moment: ¡°Would the next person please step forward for testing.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng pressed his hand against that bone wheel.

    He instantly imbued his own true qi inside of it. Soon, that bone wheel let out a whistling sound as it immediately started to spin crazily. The speed of the rotations could hardly be calcted. Not even a hint of the rotational movement could be seen clearly!

    Upon witnessing this spectacle, those masters¡¯plexions all revealed a trace of alleviation:

    ¡°Pretty good.¡±

    ¡°The foundations are robust. This is a very good seedling.¡±

    ¡°An ordinary genius can only spin it for a few breaths of time. This person has already spun it for nearly ten minutes, and it still hasn¡¯te to a halt. With regards to aptitude, perhaps it has reached the level of an exceptional genius?¡±

    ¡°Or possibly, he has a special constitution?¡±

    Those masters didn¡¯t deliberately conceal thesements. As a result, Tianheng heard all kinds of unspoken things. However, his appearances remainedposed. He seemed quite calm.

    Such willpower that wasn¡¯t moved by external objects naturally made those masters nod their heads in praise after exchanging nces.

    Gradually, after spinning for no less than fifteen minutes, the bone wheel finally slowed down. It would soone to a halt. The martial artists in the rear saw Tianheng¡¯s performance, and their hearts were filled with lots of diverse thoughts.

    As for those many martial artists in front, none of them had this kind of robust foundation. Which family¡¯s young master had actually solidified his foundations to such a degree? In the future, if he wanted to break through to the Immortal Realm, he would certainly be well-prepared. His prospects were limitless!

    For a moment, many martial artists became somewhat impatient.

    As for that bone wheel, it had finally stopped.

    The bone needle on the bone wheel had slipped into a notch.

    Everyone looked over. The number above that notch was twenty-two.

    ¡ª The present genius with robust foundations was already twenty-two years old?

    What was a genuine exceptional genius? Sometimes, they would be Xiantian before reaching ten and the Immortal Realm before twenty. For an individual who was still Xiantian at twenty-something years old, although he could be called a genius,pared to those previous examples, this was actually far too inferior.

    However, on the contrary, those masters weren¡¯t dissatisfied. Recalling this young man¡¯s robust foundation, they naturally considered that the other party was suppressing his own realm. He was continuously umting, and wasn¡¯t willing to break through. It wasn¡¯t because he couldn¡¯t break through. It couldn¡¯t be said that his aptitudes were inferior. Instead, the other party¡¯s aptitudes were good, and he also had his own intentions!

    As a result, after slightly pondering for a moment, a master spoke out loud: ¡°Bone age twenty-two. Peak Xiantian. Foundations are extremely robust, and aptitude is second ss! Pass!¡±

    He wasn¡¯t evaluated with a superior grade. That was because only a crude judgment was needed right now. This was just a filter. Later on, there would be other tests, and naturally, the evaluations would change. On the contrary, it wasn¡¯t that significant for the initial selection right now.

    Tianheng had passed this test. He took out his own number te, handed it over to the other party, and exchanged it for a new number te. After that, with the help of this number te, he could go and conduct the second phase of testing.

    Soon, under the directions of a Ten Ultimates Sect disciple, he walked towards the interior of the academy. When it came to the second checkpoint, that test¡¯s location wouldn¡¯t be at the academy gates.

    Because the number of people who passed the first checkpoint¡¯s rough selection was high, there were still many people who were queueing up. As before, Tianheng unhurriedly lined up at the end, and sized up the situation of the second checkpoint.

    The venue of the second evaluation site was arge hall. Inside this hall, several extremely long, wooden log-like objects that were cast out of transparent crystal were ced horizontally. Above each pir were carved twelve vivid and life-like stars. Their exquisite beauty was beyondpare.

    Just as Tianheng saw this, someone took a step forward and stood at one end of that column.

    When a master gave the order, that person gave an unrestrained palm strike to the pir¡¯s front end. Immediately, an enormous st of qi energy burst forth and directly entered the pir!

    In the blink of an eye, on the first star of that column¡¯s front end, a shinning green radiance slowly emerged. Moreover, that radiance became brighter and brighter. In a sh, the first star was filled, which caused the entire star to turn a light-green color.

    Immediately following that, the second star also started to shine with radiance. Likewise, after it became a light-green star, what followed was the third star!

    However, after the third star was illuminated, it was only filled halfway, and didn¡¯t progress any further. This made it seem like the star was very dim. It was far less beautiful than thest two stars.

    After this young man pulled his hand away, hisplexion became a little unsightly.

    When thinking about it, one would understand. There were twelve transparent stars here. Yet, he wasn¡¯t able topletely fill three stars. This performance couldn¡¯t be considered to be good.

    Off to the side, an attending Ten Ultimates Sect disciple spoke: ¡°Attack power, two and a half stars. Ordinary genius rank.¡±

    As it turned out, during this test, all of the examinees needed to use their full strength to attack that column. This type of column would carry out a judgment based on each individual¡¯s attack power. Under normal circumstances, those with higher attack power would have greater martial strength within equivalent realms. Once such a person broke through, the disparity would obviously overturn the heavens.

    After that young man being tested took a deep breath, he came to the front of the second column. At this moment, he covered one hand up, but this time¡¯s movement was very slight. He also only inputted a thread of qi emissions inside.

    Closely following this, there was a pause for about a breathe of time.

    During this one breath, the stars on the second column underwent rapid changes. Simrly, the first star began to light up. It had likewise turned into a light-green color. However, this time¡¯s performance seemed much better than the one before. Because, not only were the stars illuminated, the color had also turned from a light-green to a dark-green. Moreover, the first three stars had all beenpletely filled with a dark-green radiance. Even the fourth star seemed to gain a hint of light-blue.

    Only, it was a pity that it didn¡¯t truly enter that fourth star.

    After one breath, that young man opened his eyes, and saw three dark-green stars on that column. At first, his expression had slightly rxed, but it quickly became a nk te once again.

    One could see that this performance also wasn¡¯t that ideal...

    The attending disciple monotonously stated: ¡°Comprehension, three stars. Ordinary genius rank.¡±

    Following this was the third column. This time around, he didn¡¯t input his qi emissions or anything like that. Rather, he entered a transparent, human-sized capsule at the front of that column. Then, that transparent capsule¡¯s door closed.

    Before long, a green liquid appeared inside the capsule,pletely submerging that young man from head to toe. While inside, that young man was sweating fiercely. After about a couple of seconds had passed, his facial features turned fierce. Once his mouth said something, that liquid swiftly dispersed, and the capsule door was opened.

    On the third pir, what appeared were three stars with a light-green color.

    The attending disciple spoke again: ¡°Physical toughness, three stars. Ordinary genius rank.¡±

    After this third round of testing, another virtuous and reputable master stroked his beard. He spoke with a steady voice: ¡°All threeponents are at the ordinary genius rank. You can¡¯t directly enter the sect, but you can enter the academy without any testing. In the future, after you¡¯ve ascended the realms, you may be tested again.¡±

    That young man was clearly somewhat unwilling, but despite his unwillingness, he didn¡¯t dare to be hostile in front of such arge silver-ranked organization. Consequently, he could only settle for the next best thing. After he saluted the many present masters and attending disciples, he turned around, took his own number te, and departed inrge strides.

    Now, anyone would know what things would be tested during this second checkpoint.

    Attack power,prehension, and toughness of the physical body. If a martial artist wanted to set foot upon the summit of the path of martial arts, these three things were all absolutely essential. When these threeponents reached a set standard, they could be taken into the sect without further testing.

    Tianheng inwardly calcted, and his mind had already made a decision.

    There was still a dozen or so people until it was his turn, so he stilled his heart and waited...

    Soon, another person finished testing.

    [Attack power, three and a half stars. Elite genius rank. Comprehension, four stars. Elite genius rank. Physical toughness, three stars. Ordinary genius rank.]

    These achievements were much better than that of the previous young man. Unfortunately, the recruitment standards of this ce were that all threeponents had to reach four stars or more. If it didn¡¯t, then one could only enter the academy to study.

    The next one.

    [Attack power, two stars. Ordinary genius rank. Comprehension, two stars. Ordinary genius rank. Physical toughness, one star. Ordinary genius rank.]

    These achievements were even worse. These threeponents didn¡¯t all reach two stars. Even if he went to the academy, he also needed to pay a fee that wasn¡¯t small. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to enter the academy.

    For the one after that, his threeponents were two four-stars and one five-star. Thus, he could directly enter the sect.

    For the next one, his threeponents was a sequence of three stars, four stars, and five stars. Unfortunately, his three-star attack power dragged him down, and he still could only go to the academy.

    Each and every one went over. The majority had no other choice but to go to the academy with an exemption from any further testing, or they had to pay a fee to enter the academy. But on the contrary, there weren¡¯t any individuals who were too weak for the academy to refuse or who needed to have extra testing done.

    Finally, it was a somewhat gloomy and slender young man¡¯s turn.

    This young man was amazing. During the testing of his attack power, his palm pped out a ball of deathly-pale qi energy. In an instant, it unleashed a great radiance in that column. In the span of a breath, the stars on the column flickered to life one after another. Green stars, blue stars, and red stars! It wasn¡¯t until the eighth star turned an intense, blood-red color did that red light stop spreading!

    Attack power, eight stars!

    At longst, someone with impressive aptitudes had arrived. Off to the side, the expressions of those attending disciples and masters, which were originally tranquil, became somewhat interested. They paid attention, and went over.

    Following this, the young man inputted his qi emissions to test hisprehension.

    This time, he used at least five breaths of time before he stopped. On that column, the red light that appeared in the stars was extremely dazzling. Unexpectedly, it halted at the ninth star!

    Comprehension, nine stars!

    Finally, the young man entered that transparent capsule, and persevered for the time it would take to make a cup of tea. Aftering out, the column simrly presented itself with eight blood-red stars!

    Physical toughness, eight stars!

    This unassuming and gloomy young man¡¯s aptitudes were actually eight stars, nine stars, and eight stars! Starting from the seventh star, one was already at the rank of an exceptional genius!

    As a result, since each of this young man¡¯sponents weren¡¯t any lower than eight stars, it was enough to prove that, even though he was within the rank of exceptional geniuses, he was also among the highest in quality.

    Most of all, hisprehension was nine stars. This was already infinitesimally close to that of a prodigy!

    In silver-ranked organizations, they weren¡¯t short of exceptional genius disciples, but this kind of disciple also wasn¡¯t simply a piece of bok choy. Exceptional geniuses were just slightly inferior to prodigies. They were simrly considered seeds for nurturing. Not all of the past Ten Ultimates Sovereigns and Heaven Lords were prodigies. On the contrary, the deaths of prodigies wasn¡¯t a rare sight, and there had been many exceptional geniuses who had broken through to the Cosmic and even Lesser Emperor Realms.

    One master sighed: ¡°We¡¯ve finally seen a pretty good seedling. Student Liu, mark this person down. Later on, remember to inform the higher-ups so he can select a skilled teacher.¡±

    To the side, the young man who monotonously reported the entire time nodded his head: ¡°Yes, Instructor Xu.¡±

    That gloomy young man¡¯s face revealed a trace of delight. Meanwhile, he stood to the side ording to that master¡¯s instructions. He simply wasn¡¯t in the same position as those previous elite-ranked geniuses who barely passed!

    In a split second, many envious gazes were cast towards that gloomy young man. The gloomy young man¡¯s eyes flickered with a sense of pride. The reason why he didn¡¯t use his n¡¯s resources to establish a top-down rtionship to directly enter Ten Ultimates Sect was because he believed in his own strength. He intentionally revealed his own skills here to let himself have ample leeway in choosing a teacher. Otherwise, although his n¡¯s bribes could gain him a position, there was only a small number of powerhouses susceptible to their bribes. Where could a person select a teacher so openly and straightforwardly?

    Thinking up to here, the gloomy young man made a sweeping nce over the people in the hall.

    Humph. If it wasn¡¯t for that, he wouldn¡¯t be waiting in this ce and keepingpany with these mediocre fools!

    The gloomy young man¡¯s way of thinking wasn¡¯t wrong. For the next few people after him, their aptitudes were considered eptable, but they also couldn¡¯t bepared to him. The more time that passed, the more he looked like a crane among a flock of chickens.

    Then, another person walked forward. He stood in front of the first column.

    The gloomy young man lifted his head, and coincidentally noticed this young man with a graceful build. He saw the extremely handsome face of that young man. That guy¡¯s bearing was out of the ordinary no matter how he looked at it. For some reason, he became unhappy.

    Perhaps, this silvery spear tip was actually made out of pewter? This fellow looked good on the outside, but maybe he was a bag filled with straw on the inside?

    With such thinking, the gloomy young man¡¯s attention unwittingly fell upon that other young man.

    This person was naturally Gongyi Tianheng, who had been waiting for a long time.

    Tianheng slightly pondered something.

    Right now, he didn¡¯t have any intentions of hiding his strength. What he was currently pondering was which type of martial skill had the strongest attack power and the greatest lethality.

    After a bit of hesitation, he formted a n.

    Following this, Tianheng¡¯s palm swatted the top of the column.

    In an instant, a streak of reddish-gold light poured into the column. And in the blink of an eye, it raised a stormy surge!

    One would only see that many stars on the column were flickering in session at extremely fast speeds. From the first star to the eighth star, all of them ignited in practically a split second! However, it didn¡¯t stop there. The ninth and tenth stars lit up without the slightest hesitation at all! And from the eleventh to the twelfth stars, it moved without any obstructions!

    Quite a few masters who were twirling their mustaches suddenly pulled out a few of their hairs. Someone almost couldn¡¯t help jumping up: ¡°This, this is a prodigy? A prodigy with a full twelve stars?!¡±

    Those attending disciples also had faces that were filled with shock.

    Prodigies emerged in great numbers within silver-ranked organizations, and there would be prodigies in each generation. However, prodigies would have the equivalent air of arrogance, good luck, and capabilities. Regardless of where they went, they would always be able to raise enormous waves.

    Thus, prodigies would enter organizations for two reasons. One was that their rtives came from an organization. After revealing outstanding talent, they were promptly received so that their own fertile waters didn¡¯t flow into other fields. The second reason was that a powerhouse with status in an organization personally came to rope the prodigy in and to receive them as an apprentice. Either way, it would generate quite the stir. Even those prodigies who were the most low-profile and who had inconspicuous reputations were, by andrge, recognized since childhood by people with discerning eyes and brought back to the sect. It would slowly show up with age...

    At the very least, if a prodigy set their sights on a particr organization, they would still create a great scene to make it known to everyone.

    But which prodigy would silently and nondescriptlye before a organization, line up, and reveal his true identity during the tests?

    This was simply inconceivable!

    Of course, those masters and attending disciples didn¡¯t scrutinize this carefully. On the contrary, there was nothing to take note of. Once Tianheng showed himself, they discovered that this person¡¯s body contained a type of imperceptible feeling. Indeed, he possessed extraordinary qi emissions...

    After the excitement, those experienced people quickly calmed down.

    Oneponent at the prodigy level didn¡¯t mean that a person would sit stably in the seat of a prodigy. They couldn¡¯t allow themselves to be happy too early. Perhaps, this person was only strong in one area, which was why he acted so low-key?

    However, there was no need for doubts. Although they silently settled their emotions in their hearts, they couldn¡¯t conceal their boundless expectations for Tianheng during the following tests.

    This was the case for the masters and attendants. As for those who lined up behind and those who had already been epted in the front, they were even more astonished. They all knew what twelve stars represented. Their moods at this moment were even harder to describe!

    No matter how it was said, they had greater envy and admiration for prodigies. In short, they were overwhelmingly curious about the next two tests. Only one person, who was originally proud of himself, had an ashenplexion. He forcibly restrained the terrible mood in his mind, and hoped from the bottom of his heart that this fellow failed the remaining tests...

    Only, Gongyi Tianheng definitely wouldn¡¯t fail.

    He unhurriedly stood in front of the second column, and inputted a thread of qi emissions.

    In a split second, his consciousness seemed to move into an empty space. In that ce, someone was practicing martial skills. As for his own consciousness, it seemed that he was involuntarily following along in the practice.

    Soon, one school of martial skills was settled. Then, it was switched to the second school of skills. When the second school was settled, it was exchanged for the third...

    These martial disciplines were all iparably exquisite, causing him to be immersed within them. He had forgotten that he was in the middle of taking a test.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 303 - Entering Ten Ultimates Sect

    <h4>Chapter 303 - Entering Ten Ultimates Sect</h4>

    On the outside, everyone was paying attention to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s situation.

    They only saw how Tianheng¡¯s eyes were slightly closed. His entire person was ignorant and unaware. His consciousness was already wandering through the martial skills without any boundaries. A breath of time quickly passed by. Soon after, it was two breaths of time, three breaths of time... Four breaths, five breaths, six breaths! This had surpassed the time of that exceptional genius from before!

    He still didn¡¯t wake up.

    At this point, everyone present realized that, regardless of whether hisprehension reached the level of a prodigy during this test, he was certainly at the level of an exceptional genius at the very least.

    Thus, they were even more expectant.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t disappoint them. In the blink of an eye, he had already illuminated nine stars!

    However, to move from nine stars to ten stars was to shift from exceptional genius to prodigy. This was a natural barrier. As a result, if one were to say that five breaths could reach nine stars, then six breaths would be the same. Even with seven or eight breaths, one would still remain at nine stars!

    If one wanted to reach the ten-star prodigy rank, then the amount of time spent would be several times to dozens of times as much as before.

    Everyone waited with bated breaths. The seconds and minutes ticked by.

    Gradually, just when everyone felt that the day was dragging past like a year, the tenth star lit up!

    Sure enough, it was the prodigy rank!

    Even if his final result was only at ten stars, this was theprehension of the prodigy rank!

    ¡ª In that case, was he capable of illuminating the eleventh star?

    The facts didn¡¯t leave them disappointed.

    After the time of a small cup of tea, the eleventh star lit up. And after a joss of incense, the twelfth star was also ignited!

    And once the twelfth star was illuminated, no less than another ten minutes passed before Tianheng slowly opened his eyes. From within those boundless and profound martial skills, he had awakened.

    In addition to his twelve-star attack power, he also had a twelve-starprehension!

    Such aptitudes were truly formidable!

    The moods of those masters suddenly becameplicated.

    So long as the attack power andprehension reached the prodigy rank, then even if the toughness of his physical body was ordinary, it wouldn¡¯t matter. This was because, regardless of how bad a martial artist¡¯s physical body was, one could make up for it so long as there was enough resources. Instead, it was one¡¯sprehension which was the most important. It was innate. In this world, the miraculous medicines that could raise one¡¯sprehension were iparably precious and rare. Even if the sect had them, it wouldn¡¯t give them to someone so easily.

    In actuality, during the second checkpoint¡¯s testing, one¡¯sprehension was of the utmost importance!

    After bing aware of how good Tianheng¡¯sprehension was, the masters didn¡¯t say too much. However, among the attendants who stood around them, some people silently left the main hall.

    When the other martial artists saw this, how couldn¡¯t they realize that those people wanted to leave for the Inner Sect to disclose information? This was already a quasi top-notch prodigy, and such personages were destined to enter the Inner Sect. As such, whoever could be his master could get the greatest benefits because of him!

    Regardless of whether it was short-term or long-term benefits... Whoever struck first would gain the upper hand. Those runners naturally wanted to hurriedly inform the people of their own factions. To prepare for benefits, one needed to be ready to fight for it!

    At this moment, Tianheng didn¡¯t pay too much attention to everyone¡¯s impressions of him. He only lifted his legs, and entered that transparent capsule. He intended to test his own physical body.

    Among the threeponents that the second checkpoint assessed, the one that Tianheng had the most confidence in was naturally hisprehension. And as for the one he was the least assured of, it was the toughness of his physical body.

    Just when he entered the capsule, a green liquid began to emerge from all directions. And the instant it appeared, an enormous squeezing force was simrly transmitted from all sides, making Tianheng feel a terrifying pressure that continuously attacked his physical body from inside and out.

    In the blink of an eye, he felt a slight twinge of pain.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he quietly experienced this kind of sensation.

    It was as if these squeezing forces were causing the bones from all over his body to make creaking sounds. His blood started to boil, his meridians were subjected to impacts, and every inch of his flesh was being squeezed into paste by a type of enormous constriction.

    Naturally, this was an illusion.

    However, this kind of illusion was incessantly attacking Tianheng¡¯s willpower.

    Fortunately, Tianheng¡¯s willpower was very strong. He was an expert in endurance.

    Due to the Beast Blood Body Tempering, the Fire Cloud Body Tempering, and Gu Zuo¡¯s long-term medicines which nourished his body, although the Tiandu Body¡¯s meridians wereparatively frail, they had been mended up to this point in time. With regards to the Xiantian Realm, this was already sufficient. As a result, his present physical body had long excelled in the Xiantian Realm. It, in no way, held him back!

    Outside the transparent capsule, the masters originally worried that Tianheng hadn¡¯t been able to bnce his development. Theirplexions all bore deep concern. However, after Tianheng persevered for a joss of incense, the number of stars on that column had already reached as many as ten! This proved that his physical body far surpassed that of an ordinary person!

    Only, there were also masters who saw that Tianheng was currently in a lot of pain. However, because of Tianheng¡¯s performance, they praised him even more.

    When the green liquid within that transparent capsule was brimming with crushing force, it was also simultaneously filled with a nourishing power, which prevented the pressure from copsing Tianheng¡¯s physical body. Although this was a test of the physical body, it could also be considered a test of one¡¯s willpower. If a martial artist¡¯s willpower was extremely strong, then even if his body didn¡¯t genuinely reach the level indicated by the star rating, his physical body¡¯s potential would¡¯ve attained that degree eventually. Such an achievement was quite out of the ordinary.

    At this very moment, those purple stars on the column which belonged to the prodigy rank were steadily flickering. Suddenly, it suddenly jumped to eleven stars! As for Tianheng, hisplexion was still tranquil as he let the time pass him by.

    ¡ª Was it going to be twelve stars again?

    As a matter of fact, the eleven stars right now already exceeded everyone¡¯s predictions. After all, even if it was a prodigy, one would always have strong points and weak points. Merely, even though their weak points were considered strong points among other geniuses, it didn¡¯t mean that they themselves didn¡¯t have tendencies or inclinations.

    Nevertheless, after this prodigy obtained two full sets of twelve stars, there was a possibility to attain a third full set of stars!

    Those masters didn¡¯t say a word.

    Right now, the venue waspletely silent.

    Time was clearly passing quickly, but at this moment, it felt slow. As they waited during these final moments, their hearts were high-strung, and they couldn¡¯t remain calm.

    Another joss of incense passed.

    That twelfth star flickered to life as it was dyed a purple color.

    During the test for physical toughness, the stars didn¡¯t rise as rapidly as it did for the first twoponents. However, when all was said and done, there were still twelve stars. And finally, within a period of time that wasn¡¯t short, that hint of purple gradually dyed the entire star a deep violet!

    The twelve purple stars were peerlessly refined and exquisite!

    Those masters couldn¡¯t help heaving lengthy sighs: ¡°An all-star...¡±

    Three consecutiveponents, and all three had full scores!

    This kind of all-star prodigy would be as rare as a phoenix feather or a qilin horn even in a gold-ranked organization. But meeting one in a silver-ranked organization was almost an impossible encounter!

    Immediately following which, these masters didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    It was only because this prodigy, who had three full sets of stars, had truly emerged too sedately. They really didn¡¯t know how they ought to have responded. But whatever the case might be, retaining this prodigy was the first priority!

    Tianheng walked out of the capsule, and sensed the lightness of his whole body.

    The bone pearls within his body began to stir. Afterprehending the path of martial arts through the second test, the barrier that separated him from the Immortal Realm weakened increasingly, as if he could make a breakthrough at anytime and anywhere.

    Yet, he still restrained himself. This junction was special. He wanted to apprentice himself to a master and obtain the other party¡¯s pointers before making a decision. Moreover, after leaving those endlessly profound and mysterious martial skills, although he no longer remembered what those martial skills were in the end, the sensations of many paths of martial arts had already settled within his heart. This allowed him to achieve realizations with a few of his own self-created martial skills. He only needed to find a location with sufficient ambient qi, and then he could enter seclusion to create and refine them.

    At this moment, a master walked over with a face filled with smiles: ¡°What would this prodigy be called? Do you want to follow this old man into the Inner Sect, and apprentice yourself to a great teacher?¡±

    He hadn¡¯t yet asked whether this prodigy would enter their Ten Ultimates Sect, so he was going to confirm this matter with his words right now! What should be done if by any chance this prodigy originally didn¡¯t know that his aptitudes were already so extraordinary, and he felt regretful about joining a silver-ranked organization after the testing? It was better to be polite first, and to keep the other side¡¯s mood happy.

    Tianheng swept a nce over his own test results, and felt slightly surprised over the matter that he had a full score of twelve stars three times in a row. However, he knew that he possessed the Tiandu Body, and under Gu Zuo¡¯s cautious and conscientious nursing, his physical body¡¯s shorings had reached incredible levels in the Xiantian Realm. Afterposing himself, he didn¡¯t feel that this was strange.

    And with his intelligence, he naturally understood his own worth the instant that master opened his mouth. He also understood that he would certainly obtain countless benefits if he entered Ten Ultimates Sect.

    This was precisely what he had been searching for in his heart.

    In addition, even though his tested aptitudes exceeded expectations, he didn¡¯t intend to switch directions and seek out a gold-ranked organization. Although the resources of gold-ranked organizations were more abundant, it would be internally distributed among many more geniuses. Granted that such aptitudes were rare, it would never be rarer than within silver-ranked organizations. While he might be able to get first-ss treatment in a gold-ranked organization, he could probably obtain special-grade treatment in a silver-ranked organization ¡ª Besides, Ten Ultimates Sect, this kind of silver-ranked organization, was a veteran force. It definitely wasn¡¯t inferior to a gold-ranked organization. Gold-ranked organizations also wouldn¡¯t easily make an enemy out of Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Tianheng understood even more clearly that after he entered a silver-ranked organization, the influence and clout he received would certainly be higher than if he was in a gold-ranked organization. As such, he could persuade the sect to help him search for his little pharmacist as soon as possible. His Ah Zuo.

    Having made up his mind, he followed along with that master¡¯s words, and slightly nodded his head. Just as he was about to open his mouth ¡ª

    All of a sudden, the other couple of masters promptly approached. They spoke one after another:

    ¡°It would be better for this little brother to apany this old man. How about it?¡±

    ¡°The road to the Inner Sect is long. This old man possesses the World Palm skill, and it¡¯s most convenient to carry people with. Why not journey together with this old man?¡±

    ¡°This old man has a mount with a wingspan of dozens of meters. It¡¯s incrediblyfortable. Little brother, how about epting this old man¡¯s invitation?¡±

    ¡°Little brother, this old man can...¡±

    There were all kinds of enthusiastic words and all sorts of cordial invitations. Not a single one didn¡¯t invite Tianheng to go with them to the Inner Sect. As for the other people who still needed to be tested, as well as those who had already been tested and needed to be taken away, all of them had been tossed to the back of their minds.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 304 - The Ten Ultimates Palace Masters

    <h4>Chapter 304 - The Ten Ultimates Pce Masters</h4>

    Among these people who were tossed to the side, some wore bitter smiles. They knew that their aptitudes weren¡¯t that good, but they were used to being ignored like this. Others had envy in their hearts, but they also rejoiced that they had tested at the same time as this prodigy. Perhaps, they could mingle as familiar faces? Who knew if they could rely on someone¡¯s help in the future? In addition, some possessed pride in their hearts, and weren¡¯t thinking about relying on help. However, they did intend on making friends with him.

    As for several others ¡ª Previously, they were worshiped upon as the moon was encircled by the stars. Now, they were eclipsed by Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s radiance. Just like that gloomy young man with the nine-starprehension... The dissatisfaction in his chest practically overflowed. Jealousy and resentment bubbled up from the bottom of his heart.

    In the wide and open world, living beings had all kinds of attitudes and behaviors. From this, it could be seen that the temperament of a martial artist was but a small item in the grander scheme of things.

    At this time, although Tianheng was being surrounded by many masters, he didn¡¯t neglect the expressions of the other people. It was just that he was splitting his attention, and he didn¡¯t reveal it on his face.

    Of course, the enthusiasm of these masters was the most crucial matter. Although it was very good that he was being fought over by others, his response couldn¡¯t carelessly offend them, too.

    As a result, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Honorable masters, please.¡±

    These words weren¡¯t partial towards anyone, but they also didn¡¯t reject anyone either.

    When the numerous masters heard what was said, they restrained themselves one after another. In their eyes, Tianheng was neither servile nor overbearing. From his expression, he wore a faint smile. However, his countenance also possessed an invible air of respect that belonged to a prodigy. Suddenly, their understanding of Tianheng went up by two points.

    Never mind. Each and every prodigy had their own ns. While they could rope him in, they wouldn¡¯t be able topletely call the shots. It was better that they sent him in together. Then, they would ask those decision makers who bestowed the benefits to fight over him!

    After making such a resolution, the masters inly smiled: ¡°Gongyi Tianheng. Is Student Gongyi okay?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±

    The masters spoke: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, this student shall follow us into the Inner Sect. You¡¯ll go to the Ten Ultimates Pce Hall, and see the sect elders.¡±

    Tianheng naturally answered: ¡°This one understands. Deference is no substitute for obedience.¡±

    After that, these masters exchanged nces, and pretended to consider something. All of them had dispatched the attending disciples at their sides to temporarily watch over the testing. Meanwhile, the remaining masters moved to escort Tianheng ¡ª The heart of a prodigy was hard to fathom. This personal escort was also a showing of their sincerity.

    Tianheng was well aware of the intentions of these many masters, but he didn¡¯t turn them down. Only, the bigger the prestige one had in this kind ofrge organization, the more precious one appeared. This could guard against viins, but it also acted as a warning sign to powerhouses. This freed oneself from wasting time on some trifling matters.

    When all was said and done, the Central Continent¡¯s Ten Ultimates Sect and the Qingyun Continent¡¯s Qingyun Sect were different. The forces within thetter were a mass of twisted roots and intertwined joints. When they first arrived at Qingyun Sect, they were encumbered by family and the secrets they protected. Consequently, they needed to be careful in all things, contend and mingle in every possible way, and establish themselves to engage with others.

    As for Ten Ultimates Sect, there were countless powerhouses, and its factions stood tall in great numbers. The number of ways they could kill him was as numerous as the hairs on an ox. No matter how smooth and slick he was, it would be useless. On the contrary, he would appear petty and small-minded. He needed to show all of his strong points to be able to seize an opportunity and gain the appreciation and recognition of one side¡¯s powerhouses. This would avert many dangers.

    This was what it meant when one rested their back against a great tree, and cooled off in its shade. What Tianheng currently needed to do was to select a rather powerful faction out of all parties to be his backer. This wouldy a solid foundation for what he needed to do in the future.

    After walking out of the hall, a master stepped forward and stood out. He extended a hand, and made an outward grabbing motion. In the blink of an eye, a gigantic palm dropped down from the sky. It gently and cautiously fell in front of Tianheng.

    This masterughed in a clear voice, and said: ¡°This is called the World Palm. Student Gongyi, allow this old man to send you on your way!¡±

    Tianheng looked at this hand, and saw that it had been condensed out of power, but the palm, fingers, and even fingerprints were all true to life. It was like a material object, and it would make a person gasp in amazement. The size of this palm dominated a range of five hundred meters. The vastness of its form could amodate several hundred people, so there was no harm in riding on it.

    Hearing this master talk like this, Tianheng leaped out and stood on its surface.

    Off to the side, those masters cursed under their breaths: ¡°Cunning!¡±

    Immediately following which, they also boarded the palm, and apanied Tianheng.

    This palm hid the sky and covered the earth like a mass of ck clouds that continuously stretched onward. Tianheng lowered his head to take a look. With the mere wave of this palm, that huge academy suddenly passed by. Soon after, whatid ahead were vast tracts ofnd, lofty and towering mountain ranges, and a boundless reservoir of ambient qi. In addition, there was that long and mountainous stairway,yers uponyers of pces, and a torrential ocean of clouds. One nce would never hope to see the end of this horizon. Regardless of whether one looked to the left or right, front or back, there were flourishing blossoms, dense forests, wondrous animals, and precious herbs. The resources everywhere seemed inexhaustible.

    Down below, there were innumerable Ten Ultimates Sect disciples. They wore all kinds of robes. Their bearings were broad, and their miens were unhurried. The qi emissions that everyone gave off carried fantastic and astonishing tones, as if they possessed countless mysteries. Throughout the sect, many young martial artists were drenched with sweat as they roamed like surging waves and sparred with each other. The entire sect overflowed with a grand martial spirit. Endless spirit weapon lights glittered brilliantly, and an untold number of geniuses and elites showed outstanding might.

    There were also vast stretches of spirit fields and fertilends. Inside the gardens and flowerbeds, the gleams of precious treasures were blindingly bright. Rich and heavy pill fragrances permeated many areas. And many more beams of psychic power would soar into the sky. They spread out in all directions, colliding with each other. Countless messages were rolled up, and many obscure and ineffable things were sent out!

    Tianheng took everything into his eyes, and inwardly praised in his heart.

    A silver-ranked organization was worthy of its designation. The Qingyun Sect he had originally seen was already majestic and mighty, butpared to this Ten Ultimates Sect, it was nothing but the light of a firefly against the luminous moon. It simply couldn¡¯t be mentioned on equal terms. Even at conservative estimates, if the total sum of Qingyun Sect was multiplied a hundred to a thousand fold, it would still fall short of Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have to think about it too much. He only needed to breathe in a mouthful of the ambient qi here, and he suddenly felt that his internal organs were brimming with a dense and pure true qi. It swiftly proliferated to every one of his cells and spread to every corner of his body. It made each strand of hair seemingly want to tremble and stand up!

    His time of secluded cultivation at Qingyun Sect already couldn¡¯t bepared to a mere random location in Ten Ultimates Sect. That true qi pool, which Qingyun Sect viewed as a treasure, was somewhat inferior. Moreover, these qi emissions were gentler and easier to absorb.

    Tianheng remained calm and collected. He just carefully experienced the various things received within a silver-ranked organization.

    A period of time passed. After crossing over quite a few valleys and mountain ranges, another master swung his arm and tossed out a token-like object. And carved on this token was a fierce wild bird that bore its fangs and brandished its ws. Once the token shed with rays of light, a wild bird with the exact likeness of that carved portrait appeared. It spread its pair of enormous wings.

    That master said: ¡°This ce is quite windy. Student Gongyi, why don¡¯t we ride this wild bird and experience it for a little bit?¡±

    Ten Ultimates Pce Hall.

    The sound of booming footsteps, the whistling of gale-force winds, the crackling of mes, the surge of a jade-green ocean, the booming of thunder and chirping of lightning... All kinds of sounds converged inside the main hall.

    After several loud noises, a scattering of ten people stood at the center of this main hall.

    Among the ten, there were men and women. Some were old and some were young. Their looks also had nothing inmon with each other. However, there was no need for doubt that their moods were all rather eager. The lights in their eyes faintly flickered.

    A tall and sturdy man with a height of three meters sat down on a chair. In a loud voice, he said: ¡°Hey! I¡¯ve heard that a good seedling hase. You guys have taken many before, so this one must be left with the great me, okay?¡±

    Another voice as soft as jade-green waves lightly echoed out: ¡°You can¡¯t say that. The disciples are recruited based on their skills. Besides, this time¡¯s disciple is different...¡±

    A child-like voice violently shouted: ¡°In your dreams! In the past, most were nothing but exceptional geniuses. This one is a triple all-star prodigy! How can you take advantage of this, you brainless oaf!¡±

    After that, many distinctive voices echoed out one after another. All of them were arguing.

    Finally, an unquestionable voice stopped everything: ¡°When too many speak, no one can listen. Wait until that all-star prodigy arrives. Then, we¡¯ll each tell him our advantages, and allow him to select a teacher for himself. Now that things are somewhat steady, don¡¯t show anything disgraceful! If that all-star prodigyes here and is greatly disappointed, then we are sinners of the sect!¡±

    When these words were uttered, these powerhouses stopped quarreling like young children. Rather, they quieted down, albeit with some unwillingness.

    Indeed. Prodigies were rare, and all-star prodigies were even more precious. If they gave that prodigy a bad impression and he turned around to join another organization, wouldn¡¯t they be the ones to me?

    Naturally, these ten people were also the Ten Ultimates Pce Masters. All of them knew their ces.

    Not long after, disjointed voices echoed from outside the pce hall. After the sound of a blustery wind, a dozen or so masters escorted a young person who possessed the grace of a dragon and the looks of a phoenix. They saw that his appearance was extremely handsome, his temperament was as bright as the moon, and his bearing and elegance were first ss. Moreover, it seemed he wasn¡¯t that type who was arrogant, obstinate, and hard to get along with... In a split second, the hearts of the Ten Ultimates Pce Masters gushed with a trace of fondness.

    Gongyi Tianheng entered through the doorway. First, he cupped his fist out of courtesy: ¡°This one greets the pce masters!¡±

    Along the way, the numerous masters had already told him about the situation of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls.

    Ten Ultimates Sect had ten Heaven Lords. Each of them were Cosmic Realms, but because their realms were deep and profound, they bore the responsibility of the sect¡¯s safety as well as of their own ascension. Thus, they were in secluded cultivation all year round, and didn¡¯t handle misceneous tasks. As a result, apart from the ten Heaven Lords, there were also the Ten Ultimates Pce Masters who were separately in charge of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls. They were also responsible for raising disciples, and other such matters.

    As for the Ten Ultimates Pce Masters themselves, they were the ten Royal Realms who had the highestprehensive qualities in the sect ¡ª Although there were disparities in the smaller realms in terms of theirrge Royal Realm, their positions were all identical. The differences in theirbat strengths also weren¡¯t as exaggerated as that of heaven and earth.

    These Ten Ultimates Pce Masters were: Absolute Thunder Pce Master, Ardent Earth Pce Master, Howling Wind Pce Master, Frigid Ice Pce Master, Golden Light Pce Master, Blood Transformation Pce Master, Raging mes Pce Master, Fallen Soul Pce Master, Jade Ocean Pce Master, and Red Sands Pce Master.

    Each pce master, and each of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls, grasped a school of ultimate knowledge.

    Every disciple who joined Ten Ultimates Sect, besides the minority who could directly apprentice themselves to a master, would work on their own in the beginning. When their strength and realm improved, they could choose to study a school of ultimate knowledge. Finally, there was a possibility that they could to enter one of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls where those ultimate knowledges were located.

    As for Tianheng, this prodigy, it naturally wasn¡¯t necessary to run himself ragged like an ordinary disciple, waiting to be noticed by a powerhouse ¡ª He could directly enter and join a pce hall.

    After Tianheng paid his respects, those pce masters of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls each nodded their heads and gestured one after another.

    Among them, a dignified and solemn middle-aged man spoke ahead of the others: ¡°As the Absolute Thunder Pce Hall¡¯s pce master, I possess the great treasure known as the Milky Way Thunder Pond. It can forge one¡¯s muscles and bones. I also have the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Nine Firmaments Thunder Finger>>. Do you want to learn it, and have me as your teacher?¡±

    T/N: I have an announcement to make. I¡¯ll be going back to school soon for an elerated nursing program. In three years, I hope to get a doctorate in nursing practice. I¡¯ll try to maintain the current updating schedule of one chapter every three days, but if I can¡¯t keep it up, the schedule may change. Thank you for your patience!

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 305 - Apprenticing to a Teacher

    <h4>Chapter 305 - Apprenticing to a Teacher</h4>

    At once, a sharp, child-like voice echoed out: ¡°Elder Senior Sect Brother, you¡¯re quite crafty! You actually started talking first!¡±

    Soon after, this voice hurriedly said to Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°I am the pce master of the Fallen Soul Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Fallen Soul Bell. I also have the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Three Notes of the Heavenly Soul>>. Do you want to be my apprentice?¡±

    Tianheng looked over, and saw a boy with a gant and unconstrained appearance. It looked like he was only five or six years old. He wore a full-body, moss-green changpao, and there was a daub of green-med patterns between his eyebrows. It gave people a gloomy and strange type of feeling.

    However, Tianheng didn¡¯t have enough time to respond.

    Because the others all started talking.

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Ardent Earth Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Sky Suppressing Seal, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Eight Points Suppressing Prison>>...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Frigid Ice Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Profound Ice Net, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Heaven and Earth Frost Cage>>...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Howling Wind Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Raging Wind Sword, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Wind Dragon Nine Transformations>>...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Golden Light Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Golden Sun Mirror, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Ethereal Three Lights>>...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Jade Ocean Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Ocean Lashing Whip, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Life Seizing Imperial Ocean>>...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Red Sands Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Scarlet Gold Vessel, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Traceless Sand Stepping>>...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Raging mes Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Fire Dragon Cover, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <

    >...¡±

    ¡°I am the pce master of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. I possess the great treasure known as the Spirit Blood Rope, and the heaven-ranked ultimate skill <<Endless Blood of the Divine Body>>...¡±

    In a short period of time, the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls, the ten types of ultimate skills, and the ten great treasures were all mentioned by them. They wanted to allow Tianheng to choose which of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls he would join.

    Tianheng listened, and his heart was naturally shaken.

    The names of those ultimate skills weren¡¯t ordinary. Onceprehended, the deep meanings within would practically enrapture one¡¯s mind. It would be hard to free oneself!

    Apart from this, these pce masters talked about other benefits.

    For example, in the Inner Sect, there wasn¡¯t actually anything like Inner Sect disciples, Core Disciples, and True Disciples. What existed here were simply Inner Sect disciples and Pce Hall disciples. However, the distinction between them was that the former developed on their own in the Inner Sect while thetter sought out factions. However, it wasn¡¯t entirely the case to say that this determined their positions in the Inner Sect ¡ª But this was getting off track. In any case, Tianheng was certainly going to be a Pce Hall disciple.

    Compared to Inner Sect disciples, the greatest difference of each Pce Hall disciple was that they could enjoy the advantages given by their own pce master. And these advantages weren¡¯t fixed. One would either take things out in exchange, or the pce master allocated them. Whatever the case, the things that each pce hall could allocate were all different.

    Naturally, in order to rope in Tianheng, the pce masters of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls talked about all kinds of resources avable in their own pce halls. One by one, they expressed that Tianheng would obtain the highest treatments among the Pce Hall disciples. Each and every resource that was open to him, apart from the things that were beyond Tianheng¡¯s realm to utilize, would either be given freely or at an enormous discount.

    In short, regardless of which pce hall Tianheng went to, all of them would have incredible benefits!

    As for Tianheng?

    Once he listened to those speeches, his mind made many calctions. First and foremost, he had a clear understanding of himself. Due to his special constitution, practicing any body cultivation methods or ultimate skills would only be provisional. In the end, he still needed to rely on his own understanding to grasp what was the most suitable for him in order to tread upon the summit of the path of martial arts.

    As such, what he currently needed to consider was which school of ultimate skills best suited the present him.

    After a bit of pondering, Tianheng picked two schools.

    One school was naturally the Golden Light Pce Hall, which was rted to the power of the sun. The other school was the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, which was making two sets of his bone pearls restless at this moment.

    Tianheng currently had three sets of bone pearls. The first had the power of the sun, the second absorbed the blood essence of wild beasts, and the thirdbined poison, resentful energy, and the blood of wild beasts to form a strange power. Within these three sets of bone pearls, the second and third were rted to blood, and he could obtain numerous inspirations from the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. On the other hand, due to the first set¡¯s power of the sun, he could acquire some realm advancements in the Golden Light Pce Hall. As for the ultimate skills of the other Ten Ultimates Pce Halls, those weren¡¯t crucial items to him right now.

    After thinking it over, Tianheng made a decision. He bowed towards a figure who wore a blood-colored changpao. This person¡¯s appearance was nefariously handsome, and he looked like a young man who was twenty-something years old.

    Tianheng said: ¡°This humble Gongyi Tianheng wishes to enter the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.¡±

    Although there was a connection between the Golden Light Pce Hall and the power of the sun, they weren¡¯t aplete match. On the contrary, his resentful poison bone pearls could continuously advance through the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Moreover, his blood essence bone pearls, which still had been only barely activated, needed to be urgently developed... Under thisparison, it already wasn¡¯t necessary to overthink things.

    Yet, when Tianheng¡¯s words were uttered, quite a few of the pce masters couldn¡¯t help their astonishment.

    ¡ª He actually chose the Blood Transformation Pce Hall?

    Although the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls held profound positions within Ten Ultimates Sect, the names of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall and Fallen Soul Pce Hall sounded somewhat evil. With regards to the people outside of Ten Ultimates Sect or the people who heard these names for the first time, the probability of choosing these two pce halls were usually the lowest.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that this all-star prodigy would only think about it for only a little bit before decisively selecting this pce hall?

    For a time, this caused a somewhat subtle mood to arise within these many pce masters.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s pce master reacted extremely quickly. He promptly revealed a smiling expression, and spoke invigoratingly: ¡°Good, good, good! As expected of a disciple I¡¯ve had an eye on. Quicklye here, and let your teacher get a proper look at you!¡±

    Since Tianheng had chosen a master, his bearing was natural. He walked over, and gave another salute: ¡°Disciple Gongyi Tianheng greets this master.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master tentatively reached out a hand. When he saw that Tianheng didn¡¯t have any negative reactions, he happily grabbed Tianheng¡¯s arm, andughed heartily: ¡°Good, apprentice! Wait until we go back to the pce hall, and your teacher will hold an official apprenticeship ceremony for you so that I can ept you as my disciple!¡±

    Tianheng naturally gave his thanks once more. After that, he expressed his apologies to the other pce masters.

    That pce master of the Jade Ocean Pce Hall was an extremely slender woman. Although her voice was pleasant to hear, the prestige and dignity within it couldn¡¯t be easily ignored: ¡°Student Gongyi, we have many ultimate skills from which to choose from. You don¡¯t have to worry if your own attributes are ill-suited. Each of us pce masters have countless resources to alter one¡¯s attributes, enabling this disciple to practice many types of ultimate knowledge...¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled, and respectfully said: ¡°Responding to this instructor. This disciple¡¯s constitution has some unique qualities, and the cultivation methods I practice arepatible with the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, which is why I made this choice. Therefore, although this disciple greatly admires the other pce halls, I also can¡¯t learn all of their ultimate skills. As this disciple is only one person, I can only make such a choice.¡±

    These wordsforted the hearts of the other pce masters who didn¡¯t receive this all-star prodigy. At the same time, the feelings of regret over the fact that Tianheng was entering the Blood Transformation Pce Hall and not their own only deepened.

    When the Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s pce master heard Tianheng speaking in this way, his brows rose up and his thoughts were filled with joy. His disciple¡¯s ¡°admiration¡± for the other pce halls didn¡¯t make him unhappy. In any case, the advantages had all been upied by him, so giving the other pce masters some face and a way out of this embarrassing situation was a simple affair!

    After Tianheng settled his obligatory civilities, the Blood Transformation Pce Master swept his robe sleeve, and immediately took Tianheng away. He only left behind a single sentence: ¡°The apprenticeship ceremony will be in two hours. You guys, be sure to prepare your congrattory gifts ande over!¡±

    Once these words were spoken, no one knew where they had vanished off to.

    The remaining pce masters were exasperated, but they also understood.

    If Tianheng had apprenticed under their schools, they would¡¯ve done the same thing as the Blood Transformation Pce Master. Now, there was nothing they could do about it. The most outstanding disciple had be a member of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, and they had no other choice but to bitterly prepare their congrattory gifts.

    However, the Golden Light Pce Master ¡ª A tender, genuine, and beautiful woman ¡ª Gave a sigh: ¡°The strength of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall is only lower than that of the Absolute Thunder Pce Hall. It will be very beneficial for Student Gongyi to go over there...¡±

    On the other side of things, Tianheng only felt darkness before his eyes. He didn¡¯t know what had lifted him up when his feet were firmly nted on the ground a short timeter. His vision had brightened again.

    The area ahead of him was enveloped in a dense, bloody qi. And to his side stood the master he was about to apprentice to.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master saw that Tianheng had a puzzled look, so he smiled and said: ¡°Apprentice, this ce is a secluded area within the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Just now, your teacher has called out to a Heaven Lord. And this Heaven Lord is going toe out to see you.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression turned solemn: ¡°This disciple understands.¡±

    Soon after, the two waited in silence.

    In a split second, that blood fogpletely faded away like it had been swallowed by a whale.

    At the exact same time, the scene before them became crystal clear.

    Gu Zuo had just refined several cauldrons of outstanding medicinal pills. He walked out of the medicine refining room, and noticed that Hu Chang¡¯an and his two siblings wereing over together.

    He hastily called out: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, Young Lady Hu, Little Young Master Hu.¡± He recalled something, and asked, ¡°Are we missing any of the medicinal ingredients we¡¯re short of?¡±

    Based on these three people¡¯s expressions, it didn¡¯t appear that they had suffered any setbacks. On the contrary, there was a vague sense of delight. It should¡¯ve been like this, right?

    Hu Chang¡¯an and the others revealed smiling expressions. Their good impressions of him had been deepening ever since they first got to know him. Most of all was Hu Chang¡¯an, who practically considered Gu Zuo a benefactor and close friend. He spoke frankly: ¡°I won¡¯t keep it from Brother Ah Zuo. Our luck has been pretty good. Among the three types of medicinal ingredients we¡¯recking, we¡¯ve already collected two of them. As for thest one we¡¯re missing, there¡¯s been some news. Large quantities will show up during today¡¯s auction. If we can smoothly bid for them, there won¡¯t be any more future worries!¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng smiled and nodded their heads. Their moods were cheerful.

    The two aforementioned ingredients had been collected without any hindrances, and quite a bit had been stored. And currently,rge amounts of the final ingredient were being auctioned. Having seen their elder brother enduring those hard times in the past, how couldn¡¯t they be happy for him as he was preparing to soar into the sky now?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart rxed.

    Once all of the medicinal ingredients were collected, he would help Hu Chang¡¯an awaken the Myriad Leaking Body. This was also considered as having repaid his life-debt. After this, he wanted to be friends with Hu Chang¡¯an, but it would be a friendship without any burdens.

    At this time, Gu Zuo realized something, and inquired: ¡°In that case, did Brother Chang¡¯ane here to¡ª¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an spoke in a happy mood: ¡°I came to invite Brother Ah Zuo toe with us to experience the auction. This time¡¯s auction is mainly focused on medicinal ingredients. I assumed that Brother Ah Zuo wouldn¡¯t want to miss it.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and naturally became d: ¡°I¡¯ve troubled Brother Chang¡¯an. Truly, this is exactly what this one has been looking for.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an and the others exchanged nces. Then, they led Gu Zuo out the door while wearing bright smiles.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 306 - Particle Vine Roots

    <h4>Chapter 306 - Particle Vine Roots</h4>

    The group of people walked out the door just like this.

    Hu Chang¡¯an was the young lord of the Hu n. Under normal circumstances, whenever he went outside, apart from when he kept a low profile himself, any ceremonial presentation would beprehensive and luxuriant ¡ª First, there was a wild beast that was as tall as a small mountain. After that, there were spear-wielding bodyguards on both sides who were as densely-packed as a forest of trees. It wasn¡¯t the least bit ambiguous.

    Gu Zuo followed the three siblings in a small pce hall that was mounted on the back of that wild beast. They were heading towards Xuanwu City¡¯s West Street. The venue of that auction was precisely at the most flourishing segment of this West Street.

    The organization currently in charge of Xuanwu City was the Hu n. Because the Hu n was an aristocratic family of pharmacists, many of the other forces that congregated within this city also developed through medicine refinement. As a result, things like medicinal ingredients or cauldrons were indispensable for ordinary auctions. And there were more of these auctions which prioritized ingredients with every year. There were countless rarities abound.

    The speed of that enormous wild beast wasn¡¯t slow. After traveling for about fifteen minutes, they finally stopped in front of a gigantic building.

    Although Gu Zuo was standing on the beast¡¯s back, he still had to lift his head to get a clear look at the signboard ¡ª

    Heaven Connecting Pavilion?

    Gu Zuo silently thought about it. The organization that held this auction had quite the ir...

    On the side, Hu Chang¡¯an, who already had a good understanding of others, gave him an introduction: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, this Heaven Connecting Pavilion is a subordinated business under a veteran silver-ranked organization. It has always been able to take out many precious and fine goods, and the prices are also fair. Moreover, the auctions are carried out impartially, and rarely do peoplee here to cause trouble.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°The business of a silver-ranked organization? Which silver-ranked organization is it?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an thought about it, and replied: ¡°It¡¯s called Ten Ultimates Sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo was somewhat curious.

    Hu Chang¡¯an straightforwardly talked about some of the information he knew of: ¡°Among the silver-ranked organizations, it could be said that Ten Ultimates Sect is prestigious and far-famed. Once, another silver-ranked organization shed with it. At that time, both sides waged a huge war. Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s ten Heaven Lords brazenly took to the battlefield, and after taking action, they moved mountains and drained oceans ¡ª They practically swept everything away...¡±

    He continued: ¡°Until now, none of the martial artists who were fated to witness it could forget that celestial-like grandeur. Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s ten Heaven Lords caught all of the peak powerhouses of that provoking silver-ranked organization in one go, and caused that silver-ranked organization to immediately drop to the bronze rank. If it wasn¡¯t for Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s tolerance, that organization wouldn¡¯t have even been able to exist at the bronze rank. Rather, it would¡¯ve been thoroughly wiped out by them.¡±

    In any case, the side that took the initiative to provoke didn¡¯t have any reasonable grounds to stand on. Under the same circumstances, was it so rare for the implicated organization to be exterminated? Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s move made people heave sighs of relief, but more than that, it also invoked restraining fears.

    Indeed, the Ten Ultimates Sovereigns of Ten Ultimates Sect couldn¡¯t bepared to mortals!

    Gu Zuo listened with some fascination.

    Silver-ranked organizations...were truly too high to reach.

    It would be great if he could get into a silver-ranked organization. At that time, he wouldn¡¯t be impeded from all directions when inquiring for news about his big brother like he was right now. Even if the Hu n undertook the task of helping him, it would be helpless to aplish much.

    After this bit of casual conversation, that enormous wild beast steadily entered through the auction¡¯s giant gateway.

    The interior space was vast. There were many wild beasts, carriages, and troops who were all moving inside. They were shown the way by some men and women with outstanding appearances. Their seats were arranged one after another.

    When all was said and done, the Hu n wielded the power of this city, so they would be quickly arranged with the best private rooms. Additionally, there were also some noble customers who were also properly arranged &#k2014; Simrly, with the best private rooms.

    Soon after, the crowded tide of people was neatly sorted out. Then, the auction officially began.

    Down below, the strikes of a hammer echoed out. A sharply-dressed woman who looked heroic and exuberant stood on the stage. In a loud voice, she dered the first auctioned item: ¡°The golden-level Raging Inferno Cauldron. The starting price is thirty spirit crystals. ce your bids!¡±

    Gu Zuo stayed with the three Hu n siblings in their private room. He was looking at the medicinal cauldron, which was carried by two tall and sturdy men. Engraved upon it were numerous me patterns, and underneath it were eighteen fire openings. When refining medicine, one could regte the heat at will. Reportedly, it was a very meticulous medicinal cauldron. When refining pills that were inclined towards high intensities, the pill production and sess rate were increased by a certain degree.

    This kind of medicinal cauldron suited golden-level pharmacists. And while it was a cauldron that was inmon usage, since it could be taken out for the auction, then it would certainly have a strong point in certain aspects. This strong point was precisely me regtion.

    Based on Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s impressions, although Gu Zuo was a human-level pharmacist, he ought to have reached the golden-level with his strength. If he got a hold of this medicinal cauldron, then it shouldn¡¯t take long for him to be able to utilize it. On top of that, it just so happened that he was thinking about finding an opportunity to express his thanks to Gu Zuo...

    As a result, Hu Chang¡¯an took the initiative to open his mouth and ask: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, do you like this medicinal cauldron?¡±

    Gu Zuo listened this, and heard the meaning within Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s tone. He couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Although this cauldron is good, it doesn¡¯tpletely suit me. I gave it a second look, but its form is only interesting.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an saw him acting this way, and didn¡¯t mention his own proposition.

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    Hu Chang¡¯an was a friend, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t like gaining too many things from one¡¯s friendship.

    Spending a friend¡¯s money and making a friend give him presents... He felt that this wasn¡¯t particrly appropriate.

    The first item, a golden-level Raging mes Cauldron, was finally sold for a price of a hundred twenty spirit crystals. Gu Zuo evaluated the exchange rate between spirit crystals and gold, and discovered that one piece of spirit crystal on the Central Continent was equivalent to one million gold. In that case, wasn¡¯t the price of that medicinal cauldron a little more than a hundred million gold? However, he also knew that if it was on the Qingyun Continent, the number of people who were aware of spirit crystals was extremely small. If he wanted to use gold to exchange for spirit crystals, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to get any even if he had ten million gold. There was a price, but no market.

    Immediately following this, some medicinal ingredients appeared.

    Basically none of these ingredients were at the human level. Granted that there were some asionally, either they were extremely unorthodox and inrge quantities, or they were mutated ingredients with special effects. Under any other circumstances, human-level medicinal ingredients didn¡¯t have the qualifications to be exhibited at this auction.

    Gu Zuo silently watched for a while. He had reserves of those unorthodox ingredients, but as for the mutated ingredients, he eyed them with a covetous gleam. Ah, it was a pity that he was embarrassingly short of money.

    Altogether, he had a little more than a dozen spirit crystals. Among them, five were the ones that Qingyun Sect gave him prior to their departure. The remaining few spirit crystals were given to him by his big brother when Tianheng saw that he was interested in the crystals... Originally, they agreed to give him some spirit crystals keep on his person. Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t enough time before they got separated, which led to his present destitution. He couldn¡¯t have been more miserable!

    Sure enough, when he followed his big brother, there was meat to eat. And when he didn¡¯t...he could only be out of luck.

    In any case, the next dozen to two dozen auctioned items were brought out and sold. Gu Zuo was in a very salty mood the entire time.

    How could anyone understand that type of mood where a person could look and admire medicinal ingredients, but didn¡¯t have the money to buy them?!

    Meanwhile, despite what Gu Zuo wanted, in order to prevent Hu Chang¡¯an from spending any money on him, he didn¡¯t dare to look too much at the things that he came across and admired. As a result, Hu Chang¡¯an didn¡¯t notice anything, allowing Gu Zuo to stifle his own urges by his lonesome. He kept restraining himself until he finally became calm and collected. In his mind, he started to silently recite prescriptions to constrain his restless heart.

    Gu Zuo inwardly sighed.

    As a pharmacist, his fondness for rare medicinal ingredients...was truly hard to control.

    With this kind of thinking and restraining, the next auctioned item passed by.

    The three Hu n siblings roused their spirits.

    Hu Changbi hastily said: ¡°Big brother, look at that. The Particle Vine Roots havee out!¡±

    Gu Zuo also trained his eyes over there.

    That¡¯s right. At this time, another young girl was holding a tray with her silk-white hands. In a densely-packed arrangement, there were somewhat fine and slender roots. Each root was roughly the thickness of a strand of hair. There was no need to count them individually, piece by piece. One could recognize that there were at least ten thousand roots.

    Particle Vine Roots were never seen often, and the prescriptions that could use it were also few in number. As a result, it usually wasn¡¯t that popr. However, with regards to the specific people who needed to use those prescriptions, the appearance of these Particle Vine Roots were like a timely rain. It was a great and pleasant surprise that they absolutely couldn¡¯t give up on!

    For instance, Hu Chang¡¯an and his two siblings.

    At this moment, that heroic and exuberant auctioneer quoted a price on the stage: ¡°Particle Vine Roots, thirteen thousand roots. The starting price is five spirit crystals. Each increase in price cannot be lower than one spirit crystal!¡±

    At once, someone blurted out: ¡°Ten spirit crystals!¡±

    What a surprise! The price was doubled right off the bat!

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    Wasn¡¯t ten spirit crystals equal to ten million gold? In that case, each individual root was several hundred gold. This was still a human-level medicinal ingredient... Among the human-level ingredients, that was extremely expensive.

    Immediately following this, other people quoted prices in quick session:

    ¡°Eleven spirit crystals!¡±

    ¡°Thirteen spirit crystals!¡±

    ¡°Fourteen!¡±

    ¡°Sixteen!¡±

    The subsequent bids were neither fast nor slow, neither lukewarm nor hot. Nearly all of them were from just a few families. They should¡¯ve been medicine refining aristocratic families. Particle Vine Roots were seldom seen, so they wanted to bid for it. But because the rank of the Particle Vine Roots wasn¡¯t particrly high, the pricepetition also didn¡¯t to go that high. Thus, the bidding was slow-going.

    Hu Chang¡¯an calmed down. After that, he immediately announced: ¡°Thirty spirit crystals.¡±

    When these words were uttered, the outside suddenly became quiet.

    Thirty spirit crystals?

    Which family¡¯s wastrel would spend so many spirit crystals on Particle Vine Roots?!

    However, there were discerning people who guessed that the person who called out this price might¡¯ve been running short of Particle Vine Roots... Those people took another look at the person who made that bid for the Particle Vine Roots. The voice came from inside one of the best private rooms. Although the tone of the voice was somewhat distorted, that person certainly couldn¡¯t be offended.

    At once, in order to gain that person¡¯s favor, some bidders closed their mouths.

    In any case, Particle Vine Roots weren¡¯t things that they had to have. Was it worth the trouble of crossing that person?

    For a short while, no one continued to call out prices.

    Hu Chang¡¯an was d. He guessed earlier that the probability of him obtaining the Particle Vine Roots should¡¯ve been rtively smooth... But, something unexpected urred.

    Inside another private room, someone¡¯s voice could be heard: ¡°Thirty-two spirit crystals.¡±

    This voice hadn¡¯t been distorted. It was a deliberate, male voice, and it sounded like it should¡¯ve been a young man. Moreover, the position of this young man certainly wasn¡¯t low.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯splexion changed in a split second.

    Gu Zuo faintly frowned: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an slowly shook his head: ¡°Not good. This time¡¯s affair will probably have some twists and turns.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng¡¯s expressions also didn¡¯t look so good.

    Gu Zuo looked at the three siblings.

    The three Hu n siblings gave him an exnation: ¡°That¡¯s a member of the Wu n.¡±

    The Wu n was the aristocratic family who had the highest probability of recing the Hu n.

    Within their n, there was a profound-level pharmacist whose lifespan still had a ways to go.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 307 - Coercive Measures

    <h4>Chapter 307 - Coercive Measures</h4>

    In Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s opinion, the greatest threat didn¡¯t actuallye from his own n¡¯s cadet branches. After all, no matter how much they all struggled for power, they were all one family. Indeed, Hu Jun was sometimes excessive, but it was only to suppress Hu Chang¡¯an and to reduce his prestige. In addition, Hu Chang¡¯an was still the n¡¯s young lord, and he shared a big rtionship with some elders who carried out tradition ¡ª If they encountered an enemy, they would nevertheless work together for amon purpose.

    The problem before them was the up-anding Wu n.

    As for the Wu n, it was also an aristocratic family of pharmacists. Back then, when the Hu n was in its golden age, this n was merely an existence analogous to an adherent. Unfortunately, over the years, generation after generation, the Wu n¡¯s n heads were all very wise. In every generation, some genius pharmacists were able to support the n, and even allowed the n to advance a step upward. Gradually, the Wu n¡¯s development became better and better, and its foundations became more and more stable. With each generation, they either preserved their aplishments or formed a distinct contrast against the slightly weakening Hu n.

    Up until now, the Wu n flourished with the ambitions of recing the Hu n. Most of all, after the Wu n finally produced a profound-level pharmacist, it suddenly broke the status quo of Xuanwu City where the Hu n was once the sole major power!

    The Hu n¡¯s profound-level pharmacist was old, and most of theter generations were mediocre. This n was in a steep decline. Meanwhile, the Wu n¡¯s profound-level pharmacist still could live for a long time, and its younger generations were dauntless and enterprising. This n was full of vitality.

    Consequently, under such a reversal, many of the forces that originally adhered to the Hu n had already switched to relying upon the Wu n. The Wu n fought with the Hu n in all aspects to the point that, the more time that passed, the stronger the Wu n became!

    In Xuanwu City, although the city lord still originated from the Hu n, the members of the Wu n had already started preparing to seize that position. However, because nothing had happened to city lord for the time being and the Hu n¡¯s prestige still existed over there, the Wu n had postponed any endeavors. But this situation would, at most, persist until the life of the Hu n¡¯s grand elder ended. At that time, the Wu n would certainly seize power like a stormy wind and sudden rain. The Hu n would also be as easily defeated as snapping withered grass or rotten wood.

    Gu Zuo finished listening to the disputes between the Wu and Hu ns, and his heart didn¡¯t feel too good.

    Hu Chang¡¯an was in a downcast mood: ¡°I¡¯ve already changed my voice, but I didn¡¯t expect that I would still be detected by that Wu n.¡±

    This private room was a top-quality one, where a person could alter the voice of the room¡¯s owner. In order to prevent any idents from happening, and to use the identity associated with a private room to intimidate the other bidders, Hu Chang¡¯an had especially made all sorts of preparations. Unfortunately, while virtue was one foot tall, the devil was ten feet tall. He had been making preparations over here, but the Wu n had been keeping their attentions on him the entire time. As a result, the younger generation over there had given him a stumbling block without the slightest hesitation.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, are the Wu n¡¯s people so excessive?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an sighed: ¡°It¡¯s the same as what Hu Jun does in the n. The owner of that voice is a child of the Wu n¡¯s direct line of descent. While it would be out of the question to call him a young lord, he¡¯s capable of acting this way here. In a moment, we¡¯ll reach a dispute. And regardless of whether I win or lose, I¡¯ll lose face. This loss of face will cause the Hu n¡¯s reputation to...¡±

    Gu Zuo roughly thought of the twists and turns within all of this, and couldn¡¯t help holding heartfelt sympathy for Hu Chang¡¯an.

    ¡ª Not to mention the Central Continent, the scramble over benefits was bitter and desperate even on the Peripheral Continents and in the modern era. Hu Chang¡¯an wouldn¡¯t have been able to save the situation by himself, and he wasn¡¯t outstanding enough to garner a backer. Naturally, things were quite difficult. If Hu Chang¡¯an hadn¡¯t been misdiagnosed in the past, the Myriad Leaking Body would¡¯ve been activated long ago. Perhaps the Hu n could¡¯ve relied on him to be a bronze-ranked or an even higher-ranked organization. But right now, he didn¡¯t have anything of the sort, so it was hard to avoid being bullied.

    There was no other alternative. After all, this ce was an auction. Since he wanted to participate in the auction, he needed to follow the rules. That fellow had properly raised the bidding price, so they could only respond in kind.

    Hu Chang¡¯an shook his head, and quoted a price: ¡°Thirty-five spirit crystals!¡±

    Come on. This price was really tough, right?

    Yet, matters weren¡¯t outside what Hu Chang¡¯an expected. That Wu n direct descendant really got into a dispute with Hu Chang¡¯an. This side called out thirty-five, and that side called out thirty-seven. Hu Chang¡¯an raised it again by one crystal, and that side increased it by another two.

    Over the course of time, the price of these Particle Vine Roots constantly rose. Originally, it should¡¯ve been taken away with twenty to thirty spirit crystals at most. Unwittingly, through thepetition between two ns, it had reached a little more than eighty spirit crystals.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯splexion increasingly worsened.

    Hu Changbi was frantic: ¡°Too far! They¡¯re going too far!¡±

    Meanwhile, Hu Changfeng was taciturn.

    The atmosphere inside the private room became somewhat depressive.

    Gu Zuo was also helpless. Right now, he basically didn¡¯t have a hand to meddle in this kind of conflict.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s forehead was beaded with sweat.

    Over yonder, a towering price was announced: ¡°One hundred spirit crystals!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an: ¡°...¡±

    After taking a deep breath, he shook his head and gave up.

    Hu Changbi was worried: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an spoke somewhat dejectedly: ¡°Although we have some properties in our possession, we can¡¯t rely on this to have a battle of wealth. What¡¯s more, even if I want to fight with money, our n¡¯s resources can¡¯tpare to the Wu n¡¯s. If I call out another bid, maybe I could get this item with an outrageously high price. But if it¡¯s like this, would we be able to provide for our household¡¯s retainers and servants? And if I called out a higher price and still didn¡¯t get it, then it would be even more disheartening...¡±

    He continued: ¡°Never mind. Although the Particle Vine Roots are rare, it hasn¡¯t gone extinct. I can¡¯t get them here, so I¡¯ll think of a wayter on. I¡¯ll send some subordinates to go to other cities to gather intelligence and to make discreet inquiries.¡±

    It was just that the time of treating his body would be dyed again.

    Hu Changfeng stubbornly said: ¡°Lowering the expenses of me and big sister for big brother¡¯s treatment is okay, too.¡±

    Hu Changbi also nodded her head: ¡°What little brother says is true. Big brother, you don¡¯t need to spend any money on me and little brother!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an expression was upright: ¡°There¡¯s no need to bring this matter up again.¡±

    Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi were frustrated, and could only heave a few sighs.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo approved of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s way of handling things. Sometimes, a person had to be pragmatic and flexible. The road ahead was clearly impassible, so why must a person trudge on and humiliate themselves? It was better to think of other ways... It was only a pity that he wasn¡¯t Tianheng. If his big brother was here, he would¡¯ve been able to think of a good method.

    As far as the three Hu n siblings were concerned, the rest of the auction was dull and insipid. They weren¡¯t in any mood to pay attention to those auctioned items. As for Gu Zuo, since he was theirpanion, he also naturally had to maintain a consistent pace with them. As a result, although he was very interested in the auction, he still restrained himself and didn¡¯t show anything on his face.

    Finally, they endured till the auction¡¯s conclusion. Hu Chang¡¯an led his siblings and Gu Zuo, and they departed together.

    How happy they were when they came, and how disappointed they were when they left...

    Yet, the matter was far from over!

    Hu Chang¡¯an thought that he would return home and promptly dispatch his subordinates to search for information on other ces that had Particle Vine Roots. However, he didn¡¯t expect that they would be stopped by a group of people just as they walked out the door.

    ¡°Young Lord Hu, are you leaving so soon?¡±

    It was a somewhat handsome young man. At this moment, his face wore a smiling expression. He stood in front of Hu Chang¡¯an in a seemingly good-natured manner: ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. My Wu n¡¯s pharmacists are currently studying an ancient prescription that needs a lot of Particle Vine Roots. I heard that there would be plenty at this auction, so I just had to spend some money for them. I didn¡¯t anticipate that Young Lord Hu would also need them... If I had known earlier, how could my Wu n have allowed Young Lord Hu to waste a trip here?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an was aggravated, but he didn¡¯t reach out a hand to p this person¡¯s smiling face. With this Wu n child being so courteous, he naturally couldn¡¯t forget his own manners. This was to avoid being mocked by onlookers.

    Thus, he smiled and said: ¡°If one doesn¡¯t know any better, then they can¡¯t be held responsible. Third Young Master Wu, you¡¯re too polite.¡± After that, he faintly nodded his head, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, then this Hu will be taking his leave. There are many people here who tend to let their mouths run. This Hu¡¯s younger siblings are underaged, and it¡¯s better that they don¡¯t stay outside for too long.¡±

    Since that Third Young Master Wu was blocking Hu Chang¡¯an, why would he be willing to let Hu Chang¡¯an leave just like this?

    At once, Third Young Master Wu said: ¡°Young Lord Hu is the leader of our Xuanwu City¡¯s youthful generation. If this Wu didn¡¯t know that those Particle Vine Roots were needed by Young Lord Hu, then there wouldn¡¯t be anything to be done. Now that I know, I also can¡¯t simply turn a blind eye. Merely, my Wu n also needs it rather urgently. If I donate them to Young Lord Hu like this, then it¡¯ll certainly disappoint my n¡¯s pharmacists... How about this? If Young Lord Hu doesn¡¯t oppose it, why don¡¯t our two ns¡¯ pharmacists have a pill battle? The Hu n¡¯s illustrious children are breeding like flies, and their skills in medicine refinement are also exquisite. This is for the sake of not damaging our ns¡¯ good rtionship...¡±

    After pretending to sigh, he continued: ¡°How about the two ns send out someone younger than twenty for a spar? When the Hu n wins, this Wu shall offer the Particle Vine Roots with open hands, and give them to you.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the gazes of some martial artists and pharmacists who hadn¡¯t left yet all fell onto Hu Chang¡¯an.

    More or less everyone in Xuanwu City knew about the matters between the Wu and Hu ns. Even if outsiders didn¡¯t know about it, when they asked around for a thing or two, they also thought that they would see some excitement.

    They were all waiting for Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s response.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s face sank like he had been submerged in water.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng¡¯splexions reddened, bing especially unsightly.

    At this moment, several of the pharmacists next to that third young master stepped forward. However, there was only one person who was under twenty years old. On the Hu n¡¯s side, none of the pharmacists were over twenty, but Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng were underaged. Let alonepeting with people, one just had to look at their own realms...

    Hu Changfeng was only five or six years old. No matter how intelligent he was, he was only a Houtian Realm. Hu Changbi was a little older, but she was also only a low Xiantian Realm.

    Between the two people, regardless of who was taken out topete, they were guaranteed to be the loser. Third Young Master Wu repeated over and over again that the Hu n would win. Wasn¡¯t this sarcasm?

    Gu Zuo secretly sighed in his heart.

    The Wu n¡¯s way of handling things was truly too...sinister.

    This was undoubtedly targeting Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi! The Hu n siblings were being coerced on their way home. While one side just so happened to bring along two young pharmacists, could Hu Chang¡¯an ovee the shame to say that they would go back to exchange for another pharmacist who was less than twenty years old? That clearly wouldn¡¯t work! But if they couldn¡¯t make an exchange...

    Hu Chang¡¯an trembled in anger.

    The words of that person surnamed Wu forced them to face that challenge, but once that challenge was epted, it was definitely Hu Changbi who would take action. And when Hu Changbi was beaten, her confidence would be greatly damaged, and the Hu n¡¯s reputation would take another blow ¡ª

    Hu Changbi knew that she would have to go. She clenched her fingers, and decided that she would give it her all no matter what happened!

    However, at this very moment, Gu Zuo silently walked next to Hu Chang¡¯an: ¡°...Brother Chang¡¯an, after listening to such an interesting matter, my fingers are itching to do something. How about you let me join in on the fun for this match?¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 308 - Psychic Emulation Form

    <h4>Chapter 308 - Psychic Emtion Form</h4>

    Hu Chang¡¯an tensed: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, this matter has nothing to do with you. You don¡¯t need to do this.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked at him: ¡°Although my skills are ordinary, I can refine medicinal pills suitable for Immortal Realm martial artists. I won¡¯t necessarily be unable to put up a fight. What¡¯s more, I¡¯m not a child of the Hu n. Even if I lose, I¡¯m a nobody who¡¯s not afraid of criticism. If the Hu n wants toment on this, it¡¯s easier to answer to them.¡±

    How couldn¡¯t Hu Chang¡¯an realize what Gu Zuo was thinking?

    If Gu Zuo represented the Hu n, his chances of winning were much higher than if it was Hu Changbi ¡ª Hu Chang¡¯an understood this from the moment he took out the refining method for the Myriad Leaking Body. Moreover, Gu Zuo would fight on the Hu n¡¯s behalf, but he didn¡¯t have the surname Hu. Defeat would simrly cause the Hu n to lose face, but overall, this was considered as a shame-covering loincloth for the Hu n children.

    Merely, if it was like this, the thing that would be damaged was certainly going to be Gu Zuo¡¯s reputation... But as it happened, Gu Zuo expressed that he didn¡¯t care about this bit of reputation.

    How couldn¡¯t Hu Chang¡¯an be moved by Gu Zuo¡¯s sacrifice?

    However, despite being moved, how could he allow Gu Zuo to act as the Hu n¡¯s scapegoat on their behalf?

    Hu Chang¡¯an promptly wanted to refuse.

    Thus, Gu Zuo deliberately made a serious face: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, could it be that you¡¯re looking down on me? Do you think that I don¡¯t have any skill?¡±

    He was speaking in this way, but his good impression improved towards Hu Chang¡¯an who refused several times. Perhaps to outsiders, he was disregarding the overall situation of their Hu n, but Gu Zuo valued his innate character towards responsibility andmitment.

    Hu Chang¡¯an listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and didn¡¯t say anything else. He could only consent. However, he also didn¡¯t forget this, and continued to repeatedly warn: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, you need to be absolutely careful. Your safety is the most important.¡±

    Gu Zuo was naturally quick to agree.

    Hence, Hu Chang¡¯an just looked at that Third Young Master Wu, and said: ¡°Since the Wu n is so kindhearted...¡± He stressed thatst word. This honest and sincere person was being forced into this situation, so it was hard to avoid getting angry, ¡°...It also wouldn¡¯t be good for my Hu n to refuse. This is my Hu n¡¯s distinguished guest, Brother Ah Zuo. I have invited him to take part in the spar.¡±

    Off to the side, Third Young Master Wu¡¯s gaze swept over Gu Zuo, and he revealed a cold smile.

    They had always paid attention to the matters of the Hu n¡¯s young lord. They hadn¡¯t missed the fact that Hu Chang¡¯an had picked someone up on the way back. It seemed that this was that person. However, what skill could someone so young have? If he really was skilled, he wouldn¡¯t have cut such a sorry figure, only to be met and saved by Hu Chang¡¯an ¡ª At most, he was only mediocre and useless.

    A worthless fellow who didn¡¯t have any inheritances and who could only rely on himself wouldn¡¯t cause any threat whatsoever. At best, he was just a bit stronger than Hu Changbi. This was for the sake of leaving the Hu n with a bit of face, and bracing themselves in thispetition. But as far as their Wu n was concerned, it wouldn¡¯t make any difference no matter how many loincloths the Hu n bought to cover themselves. The only thing they wanted was the prestige of having the Wu n beating the Hu n again.

    Having made a decision, Third Young Master Wu didn¡¯t argue that they had to send someone with the Hu surname to participate. He smiled leniently and magnanimously: ¡°This is my Wu n¡¯s pharmacist. He¡¯s also my younger cousin from the main family line, Wu Ziqi. He¡¯s neen years old, and although he¡¯s only a human-level pharmacist, he can exert himself to refine a small quantity of golden-level medicinal pills.¡±

    Wu Ziqi was a low Immortal Realm. In the capacity of a pharmacist in the profound qi realms, he had no problems refining pills suitable for the Immortal Realm. If his abilities were strong, he could try refining Atomic Realm pills. Of course, this was under the premise that his psychic power realm had already reached the level of a pseudo Core Psyche Realm. Otherwise, the increase in the degree of difficulty wasn¡¯t insignificant ¡ª If he could reach the Core Psyche Realm, then he would have even more certainty.

    As such, when all was said and done, what was this Wu Ziqi¡¯s psychic power realm?

    Gu Zuo silently rubbed his fingers.

    He himself was at the Core Psyche Realm. At a nce, he could see that this Wu Ziqi truly hadn¡¯t reached the same level&#k2026; Although it was better for a person to be a little modest, Gu Zuo still felt that he would definitely win.

    As a result, Gu Zuo opened his mouth and said: ¡°This one is only a human-level pharmacist. Honorable brother, please treat me well.¡±

    Third Young Master Wu nced at Gu Zuo, and spoke to Hu Chang¡¯an: ¡°Since it¡¯s settled, we¡¯ll find a ce with fewer people, and get the sparring results out as quickly as possible.¡± He grinned, ¡°Once Young Lord Hu wins, my Wu n will swiftly offer those things and express our kindly feelings.¡±

    The corner of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s mouth twitched: ¡°In that case, would Third Young Master Wu pick a location? My Hu n will apany you.¡±

    Third Young Master Wu said nothing else, and led the group in one direction. He clearly came prepared. After a short while, they stopped inside a public square.

    Hu Chang¡¯an, Gu Zuo, and the others hurriedly followed over. There were many spectators on the side. They were simrly curious, and had gathered to watch the excitement. This grandiose scene truly had a lot of momentum.

    Having reached the public square, Third Young Master Wu pointed at the open space: ¡°Although this ce isn¡¯t a secluded spot, the area isrge and there isn¡¯t any vegetation to hide things from view. During the spar, we can have a refreshing mood.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an allowed him to point out the venue, so he didn¡¯t object. It was just that, the more spacious the location, the more spectators it could amodate. And after losing, the more people who witnessed it, the farther this news could spread... Therefore, this ought to have been the purpose for the Wu n choosing this spot.

    Gu Zuo and Wu Ziqi were opponents. At this time, they both nodded and gestured to each other, and sat down on opposite sides.

    Third Young Master Wu said: ¡°The two of you will have a spar, and it¡¯ll be the best two out of three rounds. This Wu and Young Lord Hu will each take out two topics, and they¡¯ll draw lots for each round. Whatever is drawn will be the topic for thepetition. This is also considered fair. What does Young Lord Hu think?¡±

    Indeed, this sounded very fair. Hu Chang¡¯an had no objections, and agreed.

    Hence, both sides started writing topics. In addition, the subjects were written separately on three slips of paper, for a total of six.

    Gu Zuo and Wu Ziqi waited for a short period of time. When those six slips of paper were done, they were put in front of the two.

    Who would draw for the first round?

    This was a serious question.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and made a decision.

    The Wu n kept saying that it held the Hu n in such high regards in order to stomp all over the Hu n¡¯s face. In that case, as the pawnpeting on the Hu n¡¯s behalf, wouldn¡¯t it be better to straightforwardly show the Hu n¡¯s grace and poise?

    Thus, he said: ¡°Since the Wu n upholds the Hu n with such high esteem, the Hu n should naturally express it.¡± After speaking so eloquently, he waved a hand, ¡°Would the Wu n be so kind as toe draw the lots? Three rounds, best two out of three ¡ª We¡¯ll allow the Wu n to draw for all of them.¡±

    Third Young Master Wu heard the meaning within these words, and a trace of cold light flickered through his eyes.

    Although Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings felt delighted in their hearts, they were still somewhat worried about Gu Zuo. After all, they didn¡¯t know anything about Gu Zuo¡¯s true strength.

    In the end, Wu Ziqi was only neen years old. Having been spoken to like this, his expression was a little unhappy, but he quickly restrained himself. He confidently extended a hand, and grabbed one of the first round¡¯s two paper balls.

    Soon after, he spread out the paper ball on the ground for all to see. The handwriting inside was revealed.

    [Three Aperture Pill, a human-level pill suitable for Immortal Realm martial artists. The pill prescription will be self-drafted. Those with destroyed pills will lose. Those with unformed pills will lose. Those who exceed the time-limit will lose. Medicinal pills below grade four will not be counted. The duration of the pill battle is one hour.]

    Gu Zuo could read the words, but he didn¡¯t understand its meaning.

    Could it be that destroyed pills and unformed pills weren¡¯t the same thing? Weren¡¯t both simply medicinal pills that weren¡¯t refined sessfully? Why did it need to make this distinction? In addition, medicinal pills were divided into low, mid, high, and top grades. What the heck was grade four?

    He was totally confused.

    Gu Zuo had a wooden expression.

    On the Central Continent, were the product grades of medicinal pills exined differently? Should he hurriedly ask the system a question right now? But consulting the system required the spending of medicinal qi. When his big brother wasn¡¯t by his side, every strand of medicinal qi had to be used to strengthen himself. If this expenditure was for the sake of information, then wasn¡¯t it just a little extravagant?

    Gu Zuo quickly stopped overthinking things.

    In any case, he currently didn¡¯t need to hide his strength. He only needed to refine the best medicinal pills that he was capable of refining. Wouldn¡¯t it be fine if hepletely exerted himself? After thepetition was over, he would simply ask around about the things that he didn¡¯t understand! These bits of information certainly wouldn¡¯t be a secret. He didn¡¯t need to worry at all.

    Thus, Gu Zuo fully disyed his own acting skills. With a self-assured appearance, he sat cross-legged in front of a pill cauldron the two ns separately prepared.

    It was a standardized pill cauldron without any exceptions. To guarantee fairness, pill battles were generally held like this.

    While Gu Zuo checked whether the Three Aperture Pill¡¯s medicinal ingredients that the two ns provided were reliable, he also quietly sent out a thread of psychic power to Wu Ziqi¡¯s side. He looked at the situation of his counterpart¡¯s current preparations.

    After that, he was d that he hadn¡¯t immersed himself in pill refining and had paid attention to his opponent.

    Because, just when both of them lit their fires to warm their cauldrons, the space between Wu Ziqi¡¯s eyebrows suddenly flickered with rays of light. Close to his left side, a saber appeared. It was just under half a meter long. Although it wasn¡¯t as mighty as the wolf-tooth cudgels that Gu Zuo previously created, it seemed to twinkle with a cold gleam. It was very sharp.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s breathing stagnated.

    That released thread of psychic power then swept back and forth, and he discovered that everyone else hadn¡¯t shown any strange expressions. He realized that there were necessary methods during this pill battle.

    Afterwards, the corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth curled into a grin.

    He figured out why there had to be a differentiation between destroyed pills and unformed pills. The destroyed pills were the ones that were ruined by other people¡¯s psychic power, and unformed pills were the ones that a person failed to refine themselves. They weren¡¯t the same thing at all!

    Moreover, pill battles on the Central Continent were cruel and fierce... These types of mutual attacks of psychic power were simply done out in the open. Where were the pill battles when it was done in secret like between Qingyun Sect and Chongyun Sect?

    After having understood this, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows also flickered with rays of light.

    Appearing next to him was an object that was formed out of psychic power. It was a shield, and it was only a third of a meter across. In addition, it seemed that it wasn¡¯t particrly solid. It had a somewhat ¡°malnourished¡± appearance.

    On the side, many people whispered:

    ¡°The psychic emtion form of the Hu n¡¯s person is the defensive type?¡±

    ¡°It looks like the emtion form is still immature. Ah, I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll be hard to defend...¡±

    ¡°He only needs to deal with the attacks. He doesn¡¯t have to obstruct the other¡¯s pill refining.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then there¡¯s still some assurance. I only hope that he controls and handles it well...¡±

    Gu Zuo only managed himself, and didn¡¯t listen to those idle gossips. Now that he had readied those medicinal ingredients, he threw them into the pill cauldron ording to established practices. As he waited for them to dissolve, he performed numerous hand seals one after another.

    On the opposite side, Wu Ziqi¡¯s movements were fast, too. Likewise, the inside of his pill cauldron was reacting violently.

    At almost the exact same time, that short saber of psychic power beside him made a brief, keening sound. After that, it whistled through the air as it chopped towards Gu Zuo¡¯s cauldron!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 309 - Flawless Pills

    <h4>Chapter 309 - wless Pills</h4>

    Thunk!

    After a muffled sound, numerous spectators saw that the psychic power saber had been inserted directly into that puny shield. It had gone a few centimeters in, but it was firmly embedded inside. It couldn¡¯t shatter the shield at all. Naturally, it was also impossible to wreck Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining.

    Gu Zuo treated this as nothing. He waspletely unaffected as he continuously performed hand seals.

    With his current realm and robust umtions, Immortal Realm medicinal pills were incapable of causing him any trouble. Right now, his sess rate for refining Immortal Realm pills was equal to his sess rate for when he once refined Xiantian and Houtian pills. So long as he wanted, refining a full set of pills was no problem.

    This time around, Gu Zuo held nothing back in order to let Hu Chang¡¯an, his life-saving benefactor, vent his anger. Although he had never refined the Three Aperture Pill before, he was careful and meticulous. He was afraid of causing a reduction in the number of medicinal pills due to a moment of carelessness. He was cautious with every step of the way.

    ...In the end, prudence had its uses.

    On the other side, when Wu Ziqi discovered that his attack was ineffective, he switched to earnestly refining his own pills. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo¡¯s pill cauldron was undergoing many changes. This caused the medicinal liquid to quickly assemble together, and it formed into medicinal pills.

    After nearly an hour passed, the insides of the cauldron emitted pleasant chirps. At the same time, an exotic fragrance assailed the senses. Because the standardized cauldron¡¯s capabilities were simple and crude, it couldn¡¯t iste the changes within it. As a result, the aroma quickly spread everywhere. It was iparably rich ¡ª With a slight sniff, people would feel worry-free from head to toe as it prated deeply into their hearts.

    Although Hu Chang¡¯an wasn¡¯t a pharmacist, he had experience in distinguishing medicinal pills. Just by sniffing the fragrance, he couldn¡¯t helping revealing a smiling expression: ¡°These medicinal pills are superb.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng smiled one after another: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo is awesome! It¡¯s been a long time since anyone has refined such pills. It seems that this pill fragrance is even more pure than what many of our n¡¯s outstanding pharmacists can make! That Wu Ziqi says that he¡¯s amazing, but he can¡¯t refine as quickly as Big Brother Ah Zuo!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an faintly nodded his head: ¡°If I haven¡¯t guessed incorrectly, what Brother Ah Zuo has refined might be wless pills...¡±

    Hu Changbi widened her eyes in astonishment: ¡°Really?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an smiled at her: ¡°There¡¯s a very big possibility.¡±

    Hu Changfeng also eximed in admiration: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo is like a lofty immortal. He wouldn¡¯t show his true form to just anyone. Maybe this time, we can...¡±

    Arge amount of confidence sprung up unbidden within Hu Chang¡¯an and Hu Changbi¡¯s hearts.

    Granted that the Wu n had forced the situation, they, the Hu n, were no pushovers!

    Unlike the joy of the Hu n on this side, the Wu n on that side weren¡¯t particrly delighted.

    Someone behind Third Young Master Wu quietly said: ¡°Third young master, nothing unexpected should happen, right?¡±

    Third Young Master Wu swept a nce over the three siblings who couldn¡¯t conceal their happiness, and revealed a sneer: ¡°This is just the first round. What does it matter? It¡¯s merely the Three Aperture Pill, and it isn¡¯t hard at all. That trash came from who knows where ¡ª He can refine one type of pill, but that doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that there won¡¯t be any problemster on. Although Ziqi is young, his studies span extensive fields, and he can refine many unorthodox medicinal pills. What kind of foundation does that Ah Zuo have? We just have to watch him make a fool of himself!¡±

    Several parties on the outside had different reactions. However, Gu Zuo was concentrating on pill refinement, and didn¡¯t pay them any attention.

    Right now, he was already receiving the pills.

    The pill cauldron produced a peal of ttering sounds. Gu Zuo fingers moved continuously, and formed several afterimages. Shortly thereafter, quite a few hand seals were made, which entered the cauldron and repeatedly tethered those medicinal pills.

    Suddenly, the cauldron lid popped off. Following this, several pillsunched out, and were pulled by Gu Zuo¡¯s Pill Receiving Seal. They fell into the tray in front of him.

    These three medicinal pills were the Three Aperture Pills, which suited Immortal Realm martial artists. The maximum number of formed pills also happened to be three pills.

    After collecting the pills, Gu Zuo stayed seated.

    This was because Gu Zuo¡¯s neighbor, that Wu Ziqi, was still in the process of pill refining. However, looking at his posture, he was also at the finishing stages. In probably a few more minutes, he would smoothly receive his pills.

    Merely, the present situation was that Wu Ziqi¡¯s pill refining speed was a step slower than Gu Zuo¡¯s. As such, unless he refined a full set of pills and that those pills were of a higher quality, then he would lose.

    Sure enough, after a short period, Wu Ziqi collected his pills without a hitch. Simrly, three pills fell onto the tray in front of him.

    After that, it was time to inspect the quality of the medicinal pills.

    The two of them put away their psychic powers. Gu Zuo took his tray, and stood up. Wu Ziqi did the same.

    The two stood before Hu Chang¡¯an and Third Young Master Wu. They were going to be this instance¡¯s pill refining inspectors. In this public space with numerous people, for the sake of the two ns¡¯ prestige, they certainly wouldn¡¯t make any unfair determinations during the judging.

    Hu Chang¡¯an gave a sweeping nce, and saw that the Three Aperture Pills the two refined were tricolored. Moreover, the colored sheen roamed and wandered, and the color and luster were full. The pills were sparkling and translucent, pure and limpid. It was very beautiful.

    There didn¡¯t seem to be any different appearances with a cursory gaze. However, for the specifics, it was better to get closer to do a careful examination.

    Hence, Hu Chang¡¯an first took one of the Three Aperture Pills that Gu Zuo refined. He appraised it with Third Young Master Wu: ¡°This pill is... This Hu believes that this is a grade twelve pill.¡±

    As he spoke, Hu Chang¡¯an couldn¡¯t conceal his smiling expression.

    Third Young Master Wu¡¯s expression stayed the same, but a trace of astonishment flickered in his eyes. He took a deep breath, and carefully observed this medicinal pill. As expected, he discovered that there wasn¡¯t the slightest feeling of roughness amid the roving three colors. In addition, after scrapping a little bit with his fingernail for a taste test, he felt that the medicinal power was pure. There wasn¡¯t even a hint of impurities.

    After a while, although Third Young Master Wu wasn¡¯t willing, he still nodded his head in agreement: ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s a grade twelve wless pill.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s smile became even happier.

    Following this, Third Young Master Wu took out one of the pills that Wu Ziqi refined, and evaluated it in front of the two people. However, this time, he furrowed his brows and only spoke after observing it for a long while: ¡°This is a grade nine pill.¡±

    Without any objections, Hu Chang¡¯an said: ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s grade nine.¡±

    Grade nine and grade twelve ¡ª Also, the term ¡°wless¡± was tacked on right after the ¡°grade twelve¡± designation. Even though Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too knowledgeable about this ce¡¯s ranking division, he more or less understood that he had won decisively over the judgment for this first round¡¯s medicinal pills.

    Wu Ziqi¡¯splexion was stiff. He almost didn¡¯t dare to believe that he was actually inferior.

    Immediately after this, Hu Chang¡¯an and Third Young Master Wu assessed the remaining two pills for bothpetitors. Absolutely nothing unexpected happened for Gu Zuo. Each pill was a grade twelve wless pill. And as for Wu Ziqi? The product grades for his three pills were pretty good, but the remaining two pills were both grade eight pills. As it turned out, they weren¡¯t even grade nine.

    After the judging was finished, Wu Ziqi lost thoroughly. The spectators also couldn¡¯t help inwardly praising the Hu n ¡ª Even a scrawny camel was bigger than a horse. This veteran medicine-refining aristocratic family was superior to the Wu n.

    Third Young Master Wu still had a smile on his face, but his mood wasn¡¯t happy.

    After the pill fragrance from Gu Zuo¡¯s cauldron wafted out, he did think that Wu Ziqi would lose the opening match, but he didn¡¯t expect that Wu Ziqi would lose this miserably. Not only did the Hu n win, three wless pills also came out! Were wless pills so easy to refine? Their Wu n was such arge aristocratic family, and it had so many pharmacists. However, the number of wless pills it could produce was no more than a measly hundred!

    Heaving a long sigh, Third Young Master Wu elegantly said: ¡°This time is my Wu n¡¯s loss. Sure enough, the Hu n is no small matter. As such, Young Lord Hu, why don¡¯t we continue to the second round?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an looked at Gu Zuo.

    He didn¡¯t know if the present levels of true qi within Gu Zuo were enough or not. After all, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t an Immortal Realm...

    Gu Zuo nodded at Hu Chang¡¯an, indicating that he wasn¡¯t under any pressure.

    Hu Chang¡¯an set aside his worries. Turning his head to Third Young Master Wu, he spoke confidently: ¡°Might as well.¡±

    Third Young Master Wu coldly harrumphed in his mind, but he didn¡¯t show it on his face: ¡°In that case, draw the lots.¡±

    Previously, the Hu n had blurted out such big words, so at this time, it was still Wu Ziqi who would choose the next topic.

    Wu Ziqi reached out a hand, and clutched one of the next two paper balls. Just likest time, the short note he grabbed was written by the Wu n. And when this slip of paper was opened, the corner of his mouth couldn¡¯t help curling into a slight grin.

    He would certainly win this time!

    [Profound Infusing Pill, a golden-level pill suitable for Atomic Realm martial artists. The pill prescription will be self-drafted. Those with destroyed pills will lose. Those with unformed pills will lose. Those who exceed the time-limit will lose. Medicinal pills below grade four will not be counted. Because this medicinal pill skips a grade, the duration of the pill battle is changed to four hours.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly jumped.

    Profound Infusing Pill? Wasn¡¯t this the mostmonly-seen medicinal pill that Atomic Realms took to replenish their profound qi? Although it was the simplest type to refine among the golden-level pills, under normal circumstances, the psychic power realm needed to have reached the Core Psyche Realm and the true qi realm needed to have reached the Immortal Realm to be able to refine it.

    As of now, his psychic power realm had met the requirements, but his true qi realm wascking by onerge realm... No matter how robust his umtions, this discrepancy still existed.

    After the contents were revealed, the other spectators who had gradually gathered were all shocked.

    What the hell was the Wu n nning to do? With two human-level pharmacists, and ones so young, the slip of paper they had written during the spar required a type of golden-level medicinal pill? This was too childish! Whether the two exploded their cauldrons or failed to refine the pills, who would win and who would lose in the end? Was this specially used to set up a tie?

    But there were also some people who keenly sensed something.

    Since the Wu n wrote this content, did it mean that the participant, Wu Ziqi, could actually refine the Profound Infusing Pill?

    The three Hu n siblings felt like their hearts had stopped.

    Previously, that Third Young Master Wu really seemed to have mentioned that Wu Ziqi was a human-level pharmacist who could refine a small number of golden-level pills... Could it be that he was talking about this?

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too panicked.

    He didn¡¯t think that he was bound to lose. There were so many golden-level pill prescriptions in his possession. Although he would always fail in the beginning, it was frequently due to deficiencies in true qi and because he couldn¡¯t persist in the refinement. But at that time, wasn¡¯t he only at the Coalescing Psyche Realm? Currently, he was at the Core Psyche Realm, and his sess rate had definitely risen.

    Besides, while his opponent¡¯s true qi realm was indeed higher than his own, his opponent¡¯s psychic power realm was only at the Coalescing Psyche Realm. Compared to Gu Zuo, this was inferior. Both of them had a condition that hadn¡¯t been reached. Neither person held an advantage over the other. Victory and defeat were at equal odds!

    After such determinations, Gu Zuo calmly and unhurriedly prepared the medicinal ingredients. He conscientiously handled the herbs, warmed the cauldron, andpleted other such matters.

    At the same time, a small, wobbling shield appeared at a position next to him. It still didn¡¯t look that sturdy, but at this moment, it was trained towards Wu Ziqi¡¯s direction.

    Wu Ziqi breathed calmly, and also started warming his cauldron.

    T/N: For those wondering, the Profound Infusing Pill is the stage after the Qi Infusing Pill, which is suitable for Immortal Realm martial artists. This pill is part of the same family of pills as the Qi Gathering Pill. The Qi Infusing Pill was first mentioned in Chapter 198.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 310 - End of the Pill Battle

    <h4>Chapter 310 - End of the Pill Battle</h4>

    The movements of the two people were like floating clouds and flowing water. It was iparably smooth and easy. The process of continuous motions allowed one to see the exquisite nature of their utilized hand seals. They seemed to bear countless, profound mysteries.

    Because the things they were refining were golden-level medicinal pills, after these hand seals slightly breached the pill cauldrons, the unleashed medicinal properties were gathered and kneaded together. Among this, what it gave people, apart from the pinnacle of visual pleasures, was a type of trembling excitement that came from the bottom of one¡¯s heart. It made people unwilling to tear their eyes away ¡ª They didn¡¯t want to stop watching.

    Gu Zuo and Wu Ziqi were bustling. Hu Chang¡¯an and the others were all admiring the two¡¯s refining processes.

    Hu Chang¡¯an sighed and said: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo has never refined pills in front of us before. I didn¡¯t realize it, but now that I¡¯ve taken a look, those hand seals seem simple, but they feel rather bizarre with a little delving. Like aplicated problem being resolved with simple methods, the hand seals possess extremely deep foundations. It seems that Brother Ah Zuo should¡¯ve obtained an inheritance, and the hand seals of that inheritance aren¡¯t weak.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng both nodded their heads. As pharmacists, they were even more capable of understanding the mysteries within those hand seals. The medicine refining hand seals passed down through their Hu n weren¡¯tcking, butpared to Gu Zuo¡¯s hand seals, they appeared somewhat inferior.

    However, the world had too many outstanding inheritances to count, and each family had their own locations of origin. They wouldn¡¯t go so far as to develop improper feelings as a result of this.

    Contrary to what one might expect, Hu Chang¡¯an opened his mouth and said: ¡°Regardless of whether Brother Ah Zuo wins or loses this fight, I¡¯ll dispatch some manpower to protect him. My Hu n won¡¯t covet his hand seals, but we still need to keep our guards up against the Wu n.¡±

    Of course, this didn¡¯t mean that the Wu n had taken a fancy to the hand seals Gu Zuo used. Only, as far as medicine-refining aristocratic families were concerned, many schools of hand seals were many individual bricks to one¡¯s foundations... One needed to be prepared for all eventualities.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know that Hu Chang¡¯an was worried about this on his behalf. The hand seal he was currently using was the <<Minor Seal: Plucking Nine Stars>>. It was the hand seal he primarily practiced, and it waspatible with his <<Divine Medicine Cultivation Method>>. Because the Central Continent was vast and there were untold numbers of inheritances, he didn¡¯te to this ce just to cover it up. What¡¯s more, he wanted to stand up for the Hu n, and he wanted to refine golden-level pills. If he didn¡¯t use his most powerful hand seals, he was afraid that he was going to lose.

    In any case, there was still the Hu n¡¯s young lord behind him. If he hadn¡¯t befriended Hu Chang¡¯an, he also wouldn¡¯t have represented the Hu n. He would¡¯ve kept it concealed.

    Thus, when Gu Zuo was refining golden-level pills, he fully exerted himself. After perceiving every strike of his hand seals, the true qi within him poured out like a flood as if they had been given an extremely huge pull. His bone pearls trembled frantically. It was uncontainable.

    However, although Gu Zuo¡¯s umtions were very firm, if things went on like this, he would also end up suffering a lot. Moreover, the refining of golden-level medicinal pills were much more meticulous than that of human-level pills. He had to concentrate all of his energy on refining to let the pill take shape. If there were any sudden mistakes, it would be a waste pill.

    Yet, during Gu Zuo¡¯s wholehearted state, Wu Ziqi wouldn¡¯t allow him to refine pills so peacefully. Just like before, a short saber whooshed out of the space between Wu Ziqi¡¯s brows, and stabbed into Gu Zuo¡¯s shield with extremely fast speed!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s shield resolutely blocked the saber. It seemed that it would still be the same?

    But at the very next moment, the space between Wu Ziqi¡¯s brows shot out another short saber! The direction of that saber was still that puny shield!

    Everyone understood that the small, tottering shield could block one saber, but it wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to block a second one. After the shield was broken, the pill refiner would be in danger!

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s heart tensed.

    Brother Ah Zuo, be careful!

    However, he didn¡¯t dare to say it out loud because when refining medicinal pills that were beyond one¡¯s own realm, the pharmacist¡¯s consumption would be enormous. Not even a bit of activity could be listened to. Otherwise, it was easy for the cauldron to be ruined and the person to die!

    Hu Chang¡¯an remembered that the psychic power method of the Wu n was very tyrannical. Once a pharmacist reached the Coalescing Psyche Realm, they could condense their psychic powers into short sabers. It was just that the pressure borne by the pharmacist when condensing this type of short saber was huge. It was incredibly painful every time one wanted to condense it. As a result, under normal circumstances, pharmacists would only condense one saber while at the Coalescing Psyche Realm. Upon reaching the Core Psyche Realm, when a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power was morepact, then they could try condensing more sabers.

    But this Wu Ziqi wasn¡¯t so simple. Unexpectedly, he was tenacious enough to condense two sabers at the Coalescing Psyche Realm! It was no wonder that Third Young Master Wu believed Wu Ziqi was certainly capable of winning.

    Many spectators were shocked to see two short sabers appearing in a row. They weren¡¯t necessarily worried about Gu Zuo, but they also wanted to see the following oue ¡ª The battle between these pharmacists was thick with gunpowder.

    At the next moment, their expressions changed from curious and expectant to somewhat subtle and distorted.

    As it turned out, just when the second saber was hurtling over, that small, wobbling shield began vibrating. Then, as it faced the oing attack, it transformed from a puny shield into a gigantic shield that was well over three meters across!

    The second saber immediately ran into the surface of the giant shield. Although it was extremely sharp, it wasn¡¯t able to pierce through that shield. Instead, it was stuck inside, and couldn¡¯t be easily pulled out!

    Everyone: ¡°...¡±

    They absolutely didn¡¯t expect this result.

    Hu Chang¡¯an also stiffened for a moment. Right after that, he couldn¡¯t helpughing.

    The Wu n were experts in psychic power attacks. Their emtion forms were offensive types, butpared to this Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s...ultra-defense, it was like a street performer in the presence of a grand magician. There was nothing to be proud of at all.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng both revealed smiling expressions. Off to the side, theplexions of Third Young Master Wu and his group of people suddenly sank.

    At this time, they discovered that not only were they preserving their strength, that Ah Zuo person was holding back, too! In addition, looking at that shield¡¯s form, it was clear that they had been yed with!

    It was seriously excessive!

    Gu Zuo was calm and unhurried. Right now, the true qi within his body was surging like waves. Pill refining upied all of his time, so how could he have any thoughts of observing the others? Transforming the small shield into arge shield had wasted some of his thoughts. After this, he couldn¡¯t be distracted in the least!

    Fortunately, because Gu Zuo was fully concentrated, the pill refining process went without a hitch. After the medicinal ingredients dissolved uninterrupted, the condensation of the embryonic pill form was extraordinarily fast.

    Gu Zuo lightly clenched his teeth, and his fingers shed out countless afterimages.

    Not good. With every additional second he persevered, the consumption of true qi would double!

    After a long time, when he was finally on the verge of production, that medicinal pill was nearly condensed sessfully. It was onlycking thatst bit, and then it could be smoothlypleted!

    However, at this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s true qi was all used up. He was practically squeezing each of his bone pearls to discharge more true qi.

    Gradually, Gu Zuo¡¯splexion turned deathly pale.

    He used his psychic power to pull the medicinal properties. He meticulouslybed through each shred down to the finest detail. He wasn¡¯t willing to waste the smallest amount. Merely, when it came down to thest bit, he actually...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shed with rays of light.

    No! He absolutely couldn¡¯t fail at the final juncture just because he was about miss thest step!

    At this very moment, Gu Zuo frantically operated his inner cultivation method. Innumerable strands of medicinal qi were absorbed into his body, and were transformed into true qi in an unending flow. Although every strand was being seized as soon as it was produced, this still caused his bone pearls to erupt with a terrifying pain. But Gu Zuo forcefully endured. Tightly clenching his jaw, he unleashed his strength once more!

    Atst, when all of his bone pearls were squeezed dry, Gu Zuo suddenly used the Pill Receiving Seal. After that, he waved his arm! Received!

    In the blink of an eye, a medicinal pillunched out of the cauldron like a shooting star, and instantly fell into a tray that Gu Zuo had exhaustedly thrown out!

    The pill refining was done!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s temples throbbed in pain. He didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. Taking a deep breath, the cultivation method operated continuously inside his body. Gradually, even more true qi was produced, which were stuffed into his numerous bone pearls... This allowed hisplexion to recover a little bit. No longer was it so unsightly like before.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo was in the mood to look at Wu Ziqi¡¯s side.

    Who knew if this Wu Ziqi¡¯s medicinal pill had been refined or not?

    As before, Wu Ziqi was slightly slower than Gu Zuo. At this time, he was right in the middle of the final juncture.

    Gu Zuo massaged his temples, and looked at Hu Chang¡¯an and the others.

    Hu Chang¡¯an and his group, Third Young Master Wu and the others, as well as those countless spectators had all paid great attention to Gu Zuo when he was pill refining. Most of all, when Gu Zuo seemed like he wasn¡¯t able to persist in the end, their expressions were all different. Reaching this point, Gu Zuo had smoothly produced his pill. Meanwhile, although Third Young Master Wu and those people on the side had maintained their elegant demeanors, the coldness in their eyes and the qi emissions around their bodies made it clear how poor and loathsome their states of mind were.

    In any case, Gu Zuo could refine golden-level medicinal pills. Even if the product grade wasn¡¯t any better than what Wu Ziqi produced, this wouldn¡¯t cause the Hu n to lose face.

    The intentions of Third Young Master Wu had no way of being achieved. His own n might end up losing, so naturally, he wasn¡¯t too happy. Luckily, he was also the young master of arge n. Although things didn¡¯t look very encouraging, he didn¡¯t lose hisposure.

    Once Wu Ziqi finished, he no longer received surprised and admiring gazes ¡ª After all, wasn¡¯t his publicly-disyed profound qi realm a level higher than Gu Zuo¡¯s true qi realm?

    Soon after, Third Young Master Wu and Hu Chang¡¯an continued to jointly evaluate the victory and defeat of the two¡¯s medicinal pills.

    Yet, this round¡¯s oue was still outside people¡¯s expectations.

    Because the two had refined pills of higher product ranks, each of them had only produced a single Profound Infusing Pill. For the time being, this issue wasn¡¯t mentioned. What surprised people were the product grades of the pills.

    Wu Ziqi was somewhat capable. Although, as he had refined a medicinal pill of a higher rank, what he produced was a grade five Profound Infusing Pill. Since it wasn¡¯t among the bottom three grades, it reached the standards of the test with some leeway. Additionally, its product grade was of rather fine quality.

    As for Gu Zuo¡¯s Profound Infusing Pill, it was even more...

    Hu Chang¡¯an pinched the medicinal pill Gu Zuo made between his fingers. He couldn¡¯t help raising his voice: ¡°A grade nine Profound Infusing Pill?!¡±

    Off to the side, Third Young Master Wu immediately looked over, and carefully distinguished it. He observed the pill for at least fifteen minutes, but in the end, he had no other choice but to acknowledge it. This really was a grade nine pill ¡ª If it wasn¡¯t for thest of Gu Zuo¡¯s true qi not flowing smoothly, then it was entirely possible for the pill to have reached grade ten or even higher!

    They lost.

    They had lost once again.

    Third Young Master Wu sighed in his heart. Facing Hu Chang¡¯an, he said: ¡°Sure enough, this battle is the Hu n¡¯s victory. This Young Master Ah Zuo is quite strong. This outstanding potential is admirable.¡±

    While speaking, he instructed his retainers to hand over the Particle Vine Roots that were previously won at the auction. He cupped his hands, and said: ¡°I offer these things to this young lord. I hope you¡¯ll kindly ept them.¡± Then, he spoke to Gu Zuo, ¡°I also hope we can be friends through pill refinement in the future. We could have many more chances to spar and learn from one another.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he turned around and left.

    Losing with such magnanimity made the spectators feel a wave of appreciation for him.

    Hu Chang¡¯an watched Third Young Master Wu acting this way, and sighed again.

    Shortly thereafter, he said to Gu Zuo: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, this time was truly all thanks to you.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 311 - Blood Transformation Heaven Lord

    <h4>Chapter 311 - Blood Transformation Heaven Lord</h4>

    Gu Zuo shook his head and said: ¡°My luck was pretty good. That¡¯s all. It goes without saying that my chances of winning or losing were fifty-fifty. If that side¡¯s person was just a bit stronger, then I wouldn¡¯t have won.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an smiled: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo is too modest.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng¡¯s impressions of Gu Zuo were currently better than ever. Originally, they had some reservations in the beginning, but all of it had now been thrown beyond the topmost clouds. When they recalled that their family¡¯s eldest brother had ced his hopes on the other party, they felt even more that meeting this person was their greatest fortune ¡ª Their family¡¯s eldest brother frequently collected people on his return-trips, but this time was undoubtedly the most reliable and beneficial one.

    Following this, no one lingered outside for long. Everything was packed away, and they hurriedly returned. Gu Zuo was asked to swiftly refine the medicine to awaken the Myriad Leaking Body, which would allow Hu Chang¡¯an to smoothly be a martial artist with extraordinary gifts. From this point on, his position as the young lord would be secure!

    Sitting cross-legged above a blood pond was a silver-haired, middle-aged man. His expression was grave and stern, and his sharp facial features seemed to have been carved by sabers and chiseled by hatchets. He was brimming with masculinity.

    At this moment, he opened his eyes. Then, a mass of bloody light suddenly erupted from deep within his pupils! This bloody light traced along the curvature of his eyes and extended outwards. A sheet of blood markings was quickly interwoven along the sides of his face. It instantly gave him an aura of wickedness. His appearance no longer looked that righteous.

    Tianheng followed the Blood Transformation Pce Master, and observed the proper courtesies: ¡°Disciple Gongyi Tianheng pays his respects to this Heaven Lord.¡±

    Originally, that silver-haired, middle-aged man possessed a pair of blood-red pupils. At this time, he nced at Tianheng, and he appeared to see through Tianheng amid the depths of that gaze. It was quite terrifying.

    Tianheng wore a smiling expression. Although he felt boundless pressure closing in on himself, he still endured it. He also didn¡¯t show the slightest of peculiarities.

    A good whileter, the silver-haired, middle-aged man, Blood Transformation Heaven Lord, faintly nodded his head: ¡°Pretty good. You deserve to be called an all-star prodigy. Truly, you can¡¯t bepared to the mundane.¡±

    Meanwhile, the Blood Transformation Pce Master candidly smiled and said: ¡°It was easy for this all-star prodigy to choose our Blood Transformation Pce Hall. It has given us a huge rise in prestige. Father, you can¡¯t treat him unfairly. You need to give him some benefits.¡±

    Presently, Blood Transformation Heaven Lord had be much more friendly, but then he gave a reproachfulugh: ¡°You have just be his master, and you¡¯re focused solely on your apprentice. Have you forgotten about your old father?¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled and replied: ¡°Could it be that father doesn¡¯t value this apprentice of mine?¡±

    Blood Transformation Heaven Lord said exasperatedly: ¡°If I hade across this child outside, perhaps you would¡¯ve had one more junior sect brother instead of an apprentice.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Masterughed boisterously. He syed his fingers, and extended his palms out: ¡°From this, it can be seen that this child¡¯s luck is surprisingly good. Father, you absolutely can¡¯t be stingy.¡±

    This conversation between father and son naturally entered Tianheng¡¯s ears. It made his heart stir. He was slightly surprised.

    As it turned out, the Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s Heaven Lord and pce master had a father-son rtionship? This was a rare sight.

    Tianheng was naturally unaware. This kind of father was a Heaven Lord, and the son could be a pce master. Within all of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls, only the Blood Transformation Pce Hall had such a generation. Among the other pce masters, the majority had passed their titles down from master to apprentice. It was to the point that not even all of them were masters and apprentices. Some merely shared the rtionship of practicing within the same pce hall.

    The reason was quite simple. Not just anyone could break through to the Cosmic Realm. The vast majority of Heaven Lords had enormous ns, but there wasn¡¯t a guarantee that a n could raise a prodigy with the aptitudes of bing another Heaven Lord within a specific timeframe ¡ª At the very least, a pce master needed to have the potential of bing a Heaven Lord. In addition, one had to distinguish themselves among the other numerous powerhouses who had Heaven Lord potential. All aspects had to be sufficiently outstanding.

    After all, a tiger father might have dog sons. What were the odds of the present Heaven Lord and present pce master having a father-son rtionship? However, it was precisely because the Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s Heaven Lord and pce master had this rtionship that the resources it could manage were a cut above what other pce halls could mobilize!

    ¡ª En, who allowed this household to have such a good father?

    Moreover, the strength of the Blood Transformation Pce Master was extremely mighty. Currently, he was already a high Royal Realm. Perhaps, he could advance to a peak Royal Realm at any time. Compared to the peak Royal Realm of the Absolute Thunder Pce Hall, he was just slightly inferior.

    Tianheng had chosen the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, which was truly quite reasonable.

    Originally, he thought that the gaps between the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls weren¡¯t that big. At the very least, when he disyed his own aptitudes, the discrepancies between their treatments towards him wouldn¡¯t have been veryrge. So naturally, he chose the one that was the most useful to him. But now, he discovered that it was somewhat better than what he had imagined. Of course, he was even more satisfied.

    After the father and son finished their conversation, they looked at Tianheng.

    Blood Transformation Heaven Lord was still in the middle of the blood pond, but he extended a hand, and made a swiping motion.

    In the blink of an eye, three small boxes appeared in front of Tianheng.

    On the side, the Blood Transformation Pce Master urged: ¡°Apprentice, why don¡¯t you open them and take a look? If father is being stingy, then as your teacher, I shall demand more good things on your behalf.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°When a senior bestows a gift, the disciple will only be joyful. How can I be picky?¡±

    After he finished talking, Tianheng took those small boxes. He started to open the first one.

    Just when he opened it, he saw a swath of twinkling and glittering light inside. Those dazzling rays of light would practically leave a person dazed as it pricked one¡¯s eyes with a burst of pain.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyelids fluttered, and he quickly suppressed any tears. Soon after, he saw it clearly. The things inside this little box were numerous spirit crystals. They were densely-packed, and piled up in heaps.

    The box wasn¡¯trge, so it was reasonable to say that one couldn¡¯t pack away so many spirit crystals. Thus, the space within had clearly been erged, and the spirit crystals were contained like grains of sand.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled and said: ¡°A million spirit crystals. These can also be used during the initial stages.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Many thanks, grandmaster.¡±

    Blood Transformation Heaven Lord faintly nodded his head.

    Tianheng immediately went to look at the second small box.

    This time around, he prepared himself as he opened it. The interior was also a swath of brilliance. Compared to the one just before, these rays of light were even more dazzling. Simrly, there were numerous crystals, but these weren¡¯t spirit crystals. Instead, they were profound crystals!

    There was no need for the Blood Transformation Pce Master to exin. Tianheng already recognized them. The number of profound crystals was approximately one thousand.

    Between these two types of crystals, the exchange rate was one profound crystal for one hundred spirit crystals. However, when all was said and done, profound crystals were of a higher level. Under normal circumstances, no one would make such an exchange.

    Concerning a martial artist who was going to break through to the Immortal Realm, those million spirit crystals were obviously start-up funds, and the thousand profound crystals were used for cultivation.

    Tianheng expressed his thanks once again.

    Finally, it was the third small box.

    Inside this box were two items.

    The first one was a pearl. Tianheng recognized this thing at a nce. Unexpectedly, it was a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl! He just so happened to possess such a pearl as well.

    Just then, the Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°This is a mid grade Life-Substitution Beast Pearl. After using a drop of blood to recognize a master, any Immortal Realm martial artist can use it to preserve their life. Apprentice, although you¡¯re still Xiantian right now, you¡¯ll soon make a breakthrough. After that, remember to have this object recognize you as its master, and keep it safe. It¡¯s of great use!¡±

    Tianheng hurriedly said: ¡°This disciple will bear this in mind.¡±

    His thoughts turned, and he somewhat understood. Perhaps, the pearl that Gu Zuo previously gave him was a low grade Life-Substitution Beast Pearl since it could only preserve the life of a martial artist below the Immortal Realm.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master continued: ¡°While this object is rare, it isn¡¯t something that can¡¯t be encountered. In the future, if this apprentice goes out adventuring and has the opportunity toe across this thing, then store away a few more pearls. You can bestow them upon your retainers, or you can resist your enemies. If you temper this object a few times, it can transform into a clone of yourself. When running into a powerful enemy, it can go out to fight on your behalf at a critical juncture. It will strive to give you a chance to escape with your life!¡±

    Tianheng felt reverence: ¡°Many thanks, grandmaster. Many thanks, master.¡±

    Previously, that system wasn¡¯t willing to tell anything to his little pharmacist. It only said that Gu Zuo¡¯s scope of authority was insufficient. Now, it seemed the life substitution also had this kind of use for body doubles.

    And as for the other item, it was a jade-like, blood hand.

    This object looked strange, but the feeling it gave one was actually quite upright. It didn¡¯t have any sinister or evil sensations.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master furrowed his brows: ¡°It¡¯s unexpectedly this thing?¡± Then, he smiled at Tianheng, ¡°Sealed within this object is a single strike of my father¡¯s strongest Heavenly Blood Palm. Even if a Heaven Lord wants to harm you, this can unleash a move equivalent to that of my father. Treat this as a trump card. You mustn¡¯t use it casually.¡±

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng expressed his thanks again.

    Soon after, he properly put these things away.

    Blood Transformation Heaven Lord was indeed considerate and thoughtful. With money to spend during the initial stages and life-saving trump cards, if Tianheng wasn¡¯t unlucky, then his small life wouldn¡¯t have any problems. There also certainly wouldn¡¯t be any issues with his development in the beginning.

    Tianheng¡¯s heart warmed slightly.

    Although this was for the sake of his own development and apprenticeship, his master looked upon him kindly due to his potential. But both sides were discerning people, after all. The senior¡¯s considerations were attentive, so he¡¯d ought to be grateful, too.

    Currently, Blood Transformation Heaven Lord was in secluded cultivation. He was called out by his beloved son to meet his grand-apprentice, so he also didn¡¯t intend to say much.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master led Tianheng to bid farewell, and then received him into the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    Following which, the pce master allowed Tianheng to sit on the right side of the main seat. He instructed the attendants to summon the other disciples.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master amiably said: ¡°Your teacher doesn¡¯t have many disciples. There¡¯s only eight people, so this apprentice¡¯s rank is ninth. Try to get along with your senior sect brothers and sisters.¡±

    Tianheng naturally heard this, and agreed readily: ¡°Yes, master.¡±

    The pce master smiled: ¡°However, this apprentice doesn¡¯t need to be too polite. As a prodigy, you are the most crucial person within my Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s younger generation. Those seniors of yours will have to make amodations for you. In the future, if anyone doesn¡¯t treat you seriously and bullies you, or if they¡¯re envious that you have more resources and secretly act against you, then tell your teacher. As your teacher, I will discipline them.¡±

    Tianheng showed a trace of appreciation on his face: ¡°Many thanks for your concern, master.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master nodded his head, and said with satisfaction: ¡°Originally, most prodigies have peculiar temperaments. You don¡¯t need to deliberately conceal it. Just follow your heart.¡±

    He continued: ¡°Your teacher won¡¯t personally get involved in the affairs of the younger generations, but if it¡¯s a member of the same generation, don¡¯t think that it¡¯ll be unfavorable against you! If there¡¯s one person, then your teacher will kill them. If there¡¯s crowd, then your teacher will kill them, too! Even if this teacher¡¯s methods aren¡¯t enough, my father can take action. Apprentice, you only need to do your best to cultivate and raise your strength!¡±

    This kind of undisguised support, this kind of unhesitating protection...

    Tianheng spoke unhurriedly: ¡°This disciple thanks master.¡±

    While speaking, many voices could be heard from outside. The qi emissions of some powerful people were getting closer.

    The remaining eight disciples of the Blood Transformation Pce Master had already arrived.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 312 - Provisional Team

    <h4>Chapter 312 - Provisional Team</h4>

    These eight people wereprised of five men and three women. The men were gantly handsome, the women were beautiful and eye-catching, and their temperaments were all out of the ordinary. They didn¡¯t wear blood-red changpaos like the Blood Transformation Pce Master. Instead, some were schrly with elegance and grace, and some were dignified and refined like the daughters of a noble house. There were others who were as splendid as peaches and plums, or confident and at ease like the wind. They had theportments of the skilled.

    Aftering inside, they all took their seats under themand of the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    After that, these men and women looked at Gongyi Tianheng. They smiled and said:

    ¡°This is our new little junior sect brother?¡±

    ¡°Sure enough, his outstanding appearance has defeated all of us!¡±

    ¡°In the future, this little junior sect brother will receive our master¡¯s favor, but he¡¯ll be pulling in my senior sect sisters, too.¡±

    ¡°Such charm, such innate talent ¡ª I¡¯m afraid that all the women in the world will be drawn to him like rushing ducks! At that time, don¡¯t forget to leave some for your senior sect brothers, okay?¡±

    There were a few teasingments. The group was friendly.

    Overall, they were being very polite and intimate.

    Tianheng also greeted these seniors one by one.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master solemnly said: ¡°Later on, you guys will have to protect Tianheng. If he has any matters or requests, you can¡¯t just watch on the side with folded arms.¡±

    After the Blood Transformation disciples were done messing around, they nevertheless heeded the words of their master. At this moment, they respectfully replied: ¡°Yes, master. We disciples will keep this in mind! We will certainly cherish this junior as our own kin!¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master heard what was said, and nodded slightly.

    Tianheng spoke in a warm voice: ¡°Having joined the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, my glories are the pce¡¯s glories, and my losses are the pce¡¯s losses. If this disciple has any future prospects, I certainly won¡¯t forget my senior sect brothers and sisters. Nor will I forget the friendship of my esteemed teacher.¡±

    When these words were uttered, the atmosphere naturally became even better.

    It was out of the question to say that there were any deep friendships upon meeting everyone just now. Didn¡¯t they agree to protect this prodigy because they valued this prodigy¡¯s potential? Tianheng was someone who adhered to etiquette and decency. Naturally, if both sides were happy, then everyone was happy.

    Afterwards, each of these eight seniors brought their own introductory gifts.

    It was quite interesting. These introductory gifts were spirit crystals and profound crystals. The former were readily given at numbers ranging from several tens of thousands to upwards of a hundred thousand. Thetter were in the dozens to a little over a hundred. All of them were rated as big expenses.

    This likely stemmed from the worry that this little junior was a lonesome neer. It wasn¡¯t easy to handle matters when a person didn¡¯t have any money. Thus, each of them dipped into their own pockets to supplement his allowance. As for other objects, presenting such things wasn¡¯t necessarily useful. Later on, when he needed their social connections, then it wouldn¡¯t be toote to lend a hand.

    Although Tianheng had an abundance of wealth, he received this goodwill, too.

    Soon after, a delicate and charming girl took the initiative to speak: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that little junior sect brother came from the Peripheral Continents?¡±

    Tianheng startled, but he quickly nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. It was that ce.¡±

    Then, a senior sect brother who appeared somewhat straightforward sighed and said: ¡°Being able to walk out from the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, my junior sect brother isn¡¯t easy to handle.¡±

    Another gentle and reserved senior sect brother opened his mouth: ¡°Our little junior is extraordinary. In the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, he could set off huge winds and waves. Even a prodigy from a bronze-ranked organization was served a loss in this junior¡¯s hands. How unlucky. Nowadays, that fellow doesn¡¯t have a bit of face!¡±

    These seniors seemed to have an understanding of Tianheng¡¯s history. During their chats, they praised Tianheng:

    ¡°What does that prodigy from Great Zhao amount to? It¡¯s a mere bronze-ranked organization. Even if it has prodigies, they can¡¯tpare to the prodigies of our Ten Ultimates Sect!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s more, isn¡¯t little junior an all-star prodigy, too?¡±

    ¡°That guy is considered lucky. If anything had happened, I would¡¯ve ground his bones to dust for little junior¡¯s revenge!¡±

    ¡°It isn¡¯t easy for Great Zhao to raise a prodigy. Now that he lost under little junior¡¯s hands, it seems that their luck has run out ¡ª But who forced them to go around asking for trouble?¡±

    ¡°Even if theye looking for little junior, they¡¯ll only have their faces stomped on again. Hahahaha!¡±

    While Tianheng listened, his gaze faintly stirred.

    Sure enough, a silver-ranked organization wasn¡¯t ordinary. Perhaps, it had already used all kinds of methods to investigate his origins the moment he revealed his outstanding talents during the testing.

    It was just that he didn¡¯t know whether they had only checked if he came from the Peripheral Continents, or the Southern Expanse¡¯s Cangyun Empire specifically. But it could be assumed that it was the former. After all, there were few people who coulde out from the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, and there were fewer who recognized him. And not only did they need to recognize him, they also needed to know his inside information. Thus, the number of people would¡¯ve been incredibly small... What¡¯s more, everyone had scattered. It wasn¡¯t known where they could find these people.

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t very worried. Right now, he only needed to improve his own strength as quickly as possible. He smiled the moment he heard his seniors¡¯ words, but he didn¡¯t say much.

    Eventually, the time hade.

    After the agreed-upon two hours was the apprenticeship ceremony. The metaphorical bell had rung.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master suddenly stood up: ¡°Tianheng, follow your teacher to the ceremony hall.¡± He gestured to the other disciples, ¡°You guyse along, too. Give your little junior sect brother some face.¡±

    All of the disciples said: ¡°Yes, master!¡±

    Not long after, everyone arrived at the ceremony hall.

    The size of this ceremony hall could amodate several tens of thousands of people. In the back of the hall, there was a statue that was entirely blood-red. Carved into it was a young man with an extremely outstanding appearance.

    This person held one hand up to the sky and pressed one hand down to the ground. Both palms were bloodied, and the red robes on his body seemed to be dyed with fresh blood. Depicted behind this statue were numerous rare birds that and ferocious beasts. They spread their wings or bared their fangs, looked up to the sky, and madly trilled and roared!

    This was when the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls were founded. The Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s first-generation pce master had refined the <<Endless Blood of the Divine Body>> until it had reached perfection. He had advanced to that most profound realm, and was unimaginably formidable.

    Now, there was only this carved statue, but people didn¡¯t dare to look upon it too closely. After looking at it for less than ten minutes, one¡¯s mind would be seized. It was as if endless blood lights immediately rushed into their mind, causing one to go insane.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s expression was solemn and staid as he peacefully sat down in the main seat.

    Tianheng stood on the side with the other few Blood Transformation disciples, and quietly waited for the arrival of anyone else who was going to take part.

    It didn¡¯t take long for people to walk inside withrge strides one after another.

    Apart from the pce masters, everyone had unfamiliar faces. However, the imposing auras of each person were umon. They wore all kinds of apparel. Quite a few people were wearing the same robes, letting others know at a nce which pce halls they came from.

    Before they knew it, the entire ceremony hall had been nearly filled to capacity.

    An all-star prodigy was apprenticing himself to a master. Many pce masters as well as disciples in the sect who hadn¡¯t gone into secluded cultivation had been brought out. They wanted tomit the face of this all-star prodigy to memory.

    At the very least, so long as this all-star prodigy could continuously improve, he would be one of the most important and well-received people among the entire Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s younger generation for a long time toe!

    His position wouldn¡¯t be below that of those prodigies who had already been meticulously raised for many years. After a long time had passed, perhaps his position would rise even higher!

    The ceremony began.

    Tianheng walked forwards with stable and firm steps. Facing the serene Blood Transformation Pce Master, he kowtowed three times, prostrated nine times, and observed the proper etiquette to officially be an apprentice. He had a clear understanding in his heart. These people who came might say that they wanted to remember him and that they valued him, but actually, many of them were afraid of him. They viewed him as a key target for observation.

    Prior to bing an apprentice, the other nine pce halls weed him into Ten Ultimates Sect in name only. And once he became a Blood Transformation Pce Hall disciple, he shared apetitive rtionship with the other nine pce halls.

    But what did this matter?

    Tianheng unhurriedly kneeled down to bow, and steadfastly stood back up again.

    His prostrations and salutes were alreadypleted.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Masterughed boisterously in a clear voice: ¡°Good! Good! Good! My Blood Transformation Pce Hall has obtained this fine apprentice. I¡¯ll hold a grand feast for three days in celebration! From this day forth, my apprentice, Gongyi Tianheng, is my ninth direct-line disciple! Eldest apprentice,e here and tell your junior sect brother what resources he can get.¡±

    Tianheng naturally stood respectfully on the side as he listened.

    Simrly, the other pce halls also learned what kind of treatment this all-star prodigy would receive.

    Just then, a schrly young man walked out. A picture scroll-like object was held in his hand. He stepped forward, and lightly pulled it open, unfurling a long roll of woven silk.

    ¡°Youngest junior sect brother can obtain the following resources.¡±

    ¡°Every month, one thousand spirit crystals and three profound crystals¡ª¡±

    ¡°Every month, ten sets of martial robes¡ª¡±

    ¡°Every month, he may choose one hundred types of human-level medicinal pills for a total of one hundred bottles¡ª¡±

    ¡°Every month, he may choose one type of golden-level medicinal pill for for a total of one bottle¡ª¡±

    ¡°Every month, he may choose one thousand stalks of human-level medicinal herbs and ten stalks of golden-level medicinal herbs¡ª¡±

    ¡°Every year, he may choose three stalks of spirit medicine with twenty percent spirituality¡ª¡±

    ¡°Every year, he may choose three pieces of spirit weapons with twenty percent spirituality¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have one mountain peak with the height of three hundred meters and one plot ofnd with a range of five hundred kilometers. The mountain peak and plot ofnd may be chosen arbitrarily¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have a plot of woonds with a range of ten kilometers, chosen arbitrarily¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have one ore vein, chosen arbitrarily¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have three mountain springs and one spiritke¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have three one-thousand-person courtyards, ten one-hundred-person courtyards, and one hundred ten-person courtyards¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have one ten-meter-wide blood pond¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have three hundred battle ves¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have three branches of servile racesprised of five hundred people¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have one superior spirit beast, two high spirit beasts, ten mid spirit beasts, and one hundred low spirit beasts¡ª¡±

    ¡°He will have...¡±

    That schrly young man read each point out loud one after another. His articte voice was powerful and resounding.

    All of the benefits given to Tianheng, all of the resources he could acquire ¡ª Everything was arranged clearly and distinctly before the people in the pce hall.

    Still, these were merely the material objects he obtained. There were other benefits among these. For example, the qualifications for studying martial skills, forprehending the path of martial arts, and for receiving the pointers of the Blood Transformation Pce Master. In addition, there were numerous other benefits that couldn¡¯t be quantified, but were secretly real. All of it flowed through Tianheng¡¯s consciousness one by one, and were memorized by him.

    All of these things would be greatly advantageous to his future!

    And from these mere basic benefits, many disciples of each pce hall could see that Tianheng was valued immensely. Moreover, the strength of Ten Ultimates Sect was truly deep and immeasurable!

    It could be said that what Gongyi Tianheng, this sole individual, could obtain within ten years might quickly overtake the foundations of Qingyun Sect ¡ª Of course, this only referred to the quantity of good things.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze turned faintly heavy. In the depths of those bottomless eyes ignited an inferno of ambition!

    The ceremony didn¡¯t persist for long. Once everything that needed to be said was said, it was time for the grand feast. Numerous disciples gathered together to eat and drink.

    As the man of the hour, Tianheng symbolically met with the others. Then, he wanted to rush his affairs.

    For instance, he wanted to select the battle ves and members of the servile races. He also wanted to build up a provisional team... After that, he could go and find his little pharmacist, Ah Zuo.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 313 - The Myriad Primordial Races

    <h4>Chapter 313 - The Myriad Primordial Races</h4>

    The person who brought Gongyi Tianheng to make his selection was his eldest senior sect brother. That schrly young man, He Zizhang.

    This person¡¯s qi emissions were fair, honest, and gentle. It seemed that his temperament was pretty good. At this moment, he was wearing a genial smile as he used a gigantic wild bird to carry Tianheng to an enormous valley, which was simr to an army barracks.

    Tianheng lowered his head to take a look. The people inside the valley were as numerous as ants, but it wasn¡¯t chaotic or disorderly. The sounds of their battle cries shook the heavens, and even the area above the valley was brimming with a type of red-hot fighting spirit. It was very formidable.

    Within the barracks were countless powerhouses. Each individual possessed an astonishing amount of resentful energy like that of ferocious beasts. Clearly, they had gone through harsh training as veterans of a hundred battles.

    ¡ª It was no wonder they were called battle ves.

    He Zizhang pressed his foot, and that wild bird flew straight down. It fell towards a lofty and expansive stone tform that was inside the valley. When both wings spread out, it hid the sky and covered the earth. At the same time, the battle ves who where in the middle of training were ordered to stop by their leader. They swiftly formed ranks, and quietly stood at the ready on the wide and open space in front of the stone tform. A single nce couldn¡¯t hope to see the edge of it.

    Tianheng also looked over.

    Soon after, his gaze slightly flickered, and a trace of surprise streaked across his heart.

    The appearances of these battle ves were...very strange.

    Although they were born with one head and four limbs like the human race, there were big differences in the details. For example, some had grown animal ears, some had horns on their heads, and some had tails behind their backs. A few only had a single eye, and others had three eyes. There were those who had bird ws instead of hands and beast hooves for feet. In addition, there were bird beaks and alligator jaws. Their bodies had fish scales and all sorts of decorative designs.

    There were many who simply weren¡¯t normal humans!

    He Zizhang inquired considerately: ¡°Little junior came from the Peripheral Continents. Perhaps, you haven¡¯t seen the people of other races before?¡±

    Tianheng faintly revealed a smiling expression: ¡°It¡¯s a remote ce, and I¡¯m like a frog at the bottom of a well. I ask that senior sect brother is generous with his teachings so this foolish junior can learn a few things.¡±

    ¡°Junior sect brother doesn¡¯t have to say it like that. This is all part of the job.¡±

    Then, He Zizhang politely and amiably gave him an exnation: ¡°As junior sect brother knows, we¡¯re situated on the Central Continent. But besides pure humans like you and me, there are the myriad primordial races that likewise exist on this slice ofnd.

    ¡°ording to legend, when it was the primordial age, the world was replete with numerous racial groups. The human race was the smallest and weakest among them, and struggled to survive amid countless ancient and fierce races. During that age, the human race was the favorite food of every race, and it had an exceptionally hard time developing. However, the human race was also a gathering of the ingenious and the refined. Although humanity¡¯s lifespans were short and their physical bodies were frail, their reproductive capabilities andprehensions were strong. Gradually, emerging inrge numbers were humans who understood the supreme paths of martial arts and spirituality. Moreover, under their guidance, the human race changed from small and weak to great and powerful. Finally, the human raceid im to its own space to exist.¡±

    In a split second, it was like a long picture scroll was gently unfurled in front of Tianheng. Countless races either fought one another or lived in coexistence. Time flowed and surged like a river, and an endless stream of living things underwent change.

    When He Zizhang mentioned this period of history, his eyes shed with fascination, but he also didn¡¯t forget that he was currently giving his little junior an exnation. He continued to speak: ¡°Originally, in times immemorial, each race was in a mess, and there weren¡¯t many systems ofmunication. But after the human race rose abruptly, they established their own set ofnguage and culture, and many things were differentiated. Cultivation realms and all kinds of resources were partitioned &#k2014; Everything was codified.

    ¡°After the human race became strong, no longer did they exist to be food. They were capable of dividing the world with the other races. For many years, the races collided, mixed, and developed diplomatic rtions. Numerous races intermarried with each other, and this included the human race. Later on, even more descendants with unusual abilities and appearances were born. Over the course of development, they all formed their own respective racial groups. It was to the point that no one could find any resemnce to their mother races anymore.

    ¡°Reaching the age of antiquity, humanity had already stabilized, and the other races also had been differentiated. For example, during the primordial age, there were the races like the human race that emerged naturally. If they weren¡¯t destroyed across the span of history, then they were collectively known as the Primordial Ancestor Races. Among them, many were iparably mighty. Even if they weren¡¯t incredibly strong, they also passed down extraordinary abilities.

    ¡°At the same time, since the ancestor races are extremely powerful, they usually rest upon the purity and richness of their bloodlines and call themselves the True Spirit Ancestor Races. And as for those racial groups that developed after intermarrying, they are called descendant races. Unless they¡¯re powerful, these descendant races usually need to rely on other ancestor races. More often than not, such descendant races are no different from servile races.¡±

    ¡ª Consequently, the human race was likewise an ancestor race.

    Meanwhile, these individuals in the valley with unusual appearances were members of the servile races that were adept in battle. Thus, they were specifically trained to be battle ves.

    Speaking up to here, the basic exnation was more or less over. He Zizhang smiled as he pointed down below: ¡°These battle ves are chosen from among these battle-adept races. Compared to other servile races, their positions are higher. As for the servile races that have contributed their own powerhouses, they receive even more protection. Little junior, you¡¯re able to advance to the Immortal Realm at any time. Thus, you can select three hundred battle ves. At most, you can have one Ascendant Realm, ten Atomic Realms, and two hundred eighty-nine Immortal Realms.¡±

    When Tianheng heard this, he raised an eyebrow.

    One Ascendant Realm and ten Atomic Realms... Wasn¡¯t this basically equivalent to the high-endbat power of Qingyun Sect? Unexpectedly, they could only be his battle ves over in this ce?

    Pondering up to this point, he suddenly asked: ¡°Eldest senior sect brother, if my realm advances once more, what¡¯ll happen concerning the realms of the battle ves?¡±

    He Zizhang nodded his head and smiled: ¡°As for a day, so too for a lifetime. Unless a Cosmic Realm powerhouse emerges from a racial group, they¡¯ll still be a servile race within our Ten Ultimates Sect. For that same reason, if a bronze-ranked organization has a servile race, that race can also be emancipated when a powerhouse of that race reaches the Royal Realm. Little junior, you¡¯re an all-star prodigy of our Ten Ultimates Sect. Every time your realm advances, you can obtain the corresponding battle ves. The sect regards you very importantly, so it absolutely won¡¯t leave you disappointed!¡±

    Tianheng understood clearly.

    In fact, within the organizations of a sect or n, when the strengths of their servile races¡¯ powerhouses reached the same footing of the organization¡¯s highestbatants, the racial groups of those powerhouses were qualified to stand as equals and remove themselves from the ¡°ve record¡±. This was because they themselves had experts who could protect them. Otherwise, they were better off obediently lodging under someone else¡¯s roof, and exerting themselves with restricted freedoms.

    As expected, power was respected on this continent. If a racial group¡¯s strongest powerhouse didn¡¯t have sufficient martial strength, then the entire group would suffer a cmity. Conversely, if the racial group was strong enough, then the ones to suffer would be other people.

    When it came to fairness... It wasn¡¯t very fair at all.

    Soon after, Tianheng smiled at He Zizhang: ¡°Many thanks for the exnation, eldest senior sect brother. This junior already understands.¡±

    He Zizhang also said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then little junior can choose his battle ves.¡±

    Then, He Zizhang ordered this region¡¯s manger toe over. He was carrying a thickly-bound registry book, which provided a detailed ounting of the strong aspects for each of the battle-ve racial groups within these barracks.

    Tianheng¡¯s memory was excellent. At this time, he listened to each one, and carefully differentiated them in his mind.

    A long whileter, Tianheng made his decision. He immediately stated: ¡°Thirty members of the sighthound race, one hundred ny-two members of the mastiff race, and seventy-eight members of the wild dog race. Among them, the Ascendant Realm will be selected from the mastiff race. As for the Atomic Realms, I¡¯ll pick six from the mastiff race, one from the sighthound race, and three from the wild dog race.¡±

    He Zizhang was slightly surprised: ¡°Little junior, you don¡¯t want to select from the other races? You only want to utilize the war hound races?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°There are many racial groups, and it isn¡¯t easy to manage them. The sighthounds are flexible and adaptable, the wild dogs have berserk battle spirits, and the mastiffs haven¡¯t lost their ferocity amid their steady natures. All of them are useful. Moreover, the war hound races are good at obeying orders. They¡¯re loyal, reliable, and don¡¯t overthink things. This junior has settled on them.¡±

    He Zizhang thought about it, and understood Tianheng¡¯s meaning.

    Although the war hound races weren¡¯t the most powerful of the battle ves, they really were one of the most loyal races. This little junior was a neer, so the selected battle ves would all be stronger than him. It would be inappropriate if they were hard to quell ¡ª This wasn¡¯t saying that the battle ves would dare to disobey their master¡¯s orders. Rather, there would be different temperaments between the servile races, and the less troublesome ones were naturally more suitable.

    These kinds of thoughts shed through his mind, and He Zizhang spoke a few more words of praise for this new, little junior: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, little junior can pick the specific battle ves. At that time, the names will be recorded in the book, and they¡¯ll be delivered.¡±

    Tianheng naturally didn¡¯t object.

    Among the three branches of the sighthounds, mastiffs, and wild dogs from the war hound races, the battle ves who had reached a set standard all advanced a step forward, and walked in front of Tianheng.

    With a cursory nce, there weren¡¯t considered too many battle ves from each branch. There were only a little more than a thousand. Because Tianheng had been listening carefully, there were enough Atomic Realm powerhouses among these groups.

    Tianheng faced these individuals, and looked at them one at a time. Not long after, he selected three hundred people who had vigorous qi and blood. And these three hundred people, including that Ascendant Realm powerhouse, stepped forwards once again, and kowtowed facing Tianheng.

    Immediately following which, the registry book and three hundred ve brands were put away by Tianheng. From this point on, the three hundred battle ves belonged in Tianheng¡¯s hands.

    He Zizhang asked: ¡°Little junior, what do you want to select next?¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment: ¡°Let¡¯s go pick an ore vein.¡±

    He Zizhang¡¯s expression shifted.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°After picking this, it won¡¯t be toote to choose the mountain peak and the servile races.¡±

    He Zizhang instructed the manager to find arrangements for the three hundred battle ves. Then, he directly and efficiently led Tianheng to the location of those ore veins.

    These bustling activitiessted the entire day.

    It wasn¡¯t until evening approached that everything that should¡¯ve been given to Tianheng was slowly picked out by him.

    Tianheng sat inside the pce hall that Ten Ultimates Sect had constructed for him. Crowded together on both sides up ahead were the servile races he had just chosen. Meanwhile, standing guard outside were his battle ves.

    Following this, he didn¡¯t have much to say. He only ordered someone to fetch some paper and a brush. In front of everyone, he brandished his brush.

    The pce hall, which was filled to capacity, was silent.

    The servile races didn¡¯t know what to do. Forck of a better option, they quietly waited, lest they disturbed their prodigy of a master.

    Before long, the sounds of rustling turned quiet.

    Tianheng shook his wrist and flipped open the bamboo paper, which was the height of a person. The image of the aforementioned person was revealed.

    This was a slim-figured teenager with delicate and pretty facial features. At first nce, there didn¡¯t seem to be anything special about him, but his pair of eyes beheld a sharp contrast and the edge of his lips wore the hint of a smiling expression. On the contrary, he was rather spirited.

    ¡°Right now, what you all need to do is to find this person for me.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 314 - Three Races

    <h4>Chapter 314 - Three Races</h4>

    The three races in the pce hall had distinctive forms. All of them possessed obvious characteristics of different races.

    Among them, the leader of the first racial group was an elderly man who was barely a meter tall. His stature was fat, but his cheeks were extremely lean. Upon his cheeks was a thinning beard, and on top of his somewhat tapered nose was a faint, golden smear. His appearance was very peculiar.

    However, one could promptly see that this racial group was a branch of the mouse race.

    Apart from this old man, there were a dozen or so people standing behind him. Their statures were also short and fat, andpared to this elderly man, their mouse racial characteristics were even more pronounced. It seemed like...the mice hadn¡¯tpletely changed into human forms.

    There were also some small mice on their shoulders. Their noses simrly bore golden spots, and even their fur was somewhat golden.

    This racial group was the descendant race of the mouse ancestor race. Their original bodies had the forms of mice, but when their strengths were high, when they reached a certain age, or if their ancestral bloodlines were strong, then they could change into human forms.

    The second racial group was a race of monkeys. Or it could be said that they were a race that was both human-like and monkey-like.

    They stood upright, and their bodies were covered in light-brown monkey fur. Their hands and feet were also exactly the same as that of humans. Merely, regardless of whether it was the hands or feet, this race had one fewer digit than humanity. Of course, their faces were still monkey faces, so they were a branch of the monkey race.

    Their peculiarity lied in the fact that their leader, a short and small, old monkey whose fur had already turnedpletely white, was almost the same height as the mouse race on the other side. As for the monkey folk behind the old leader, each one was taller than thest ¡ª The tallest one had a height that exceeded a lofty three meters.

    Then, there was the third race. The leader¡¯s facial features were simple and honest, and he looked just like a normal human. However, his two legs didn¡¯t have feet. Rather, there was a pair of ox hooves. Likewise, those members of the same race who followed behind him had massive ox heads.

    This was a branch of the ox race.

    Tianheng took out the picture, and passed down his orders to the three servile races.

    The seniors of the three servile races didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and they hastily took that painting. They carefully scrutinized it, and agreed without dy: ¡°Lord, please rest assured. We¡¯ll certainly exhaust all our efforts to find this person.¡±

    Tianheng heard this, and slightly nodded his head. Shortly thereafter, he said: ¡°In the future, address me as ¡®young master¡¯.¡±

    The three servile race elders naturally agreed again.

    However, while the eyes of the mouse race elder were cloudy, this didn¡¯t conceal their astuteness. His eyes lightly swiveled, and he suddenly asked: ¡°Concerning the person whom the young master wants us to find ¡ª Do you want him alive or...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was cold: ¡°This person is someone I hold dearly. After you find him, you must take proper care of him. Don¡¯t harm a single hair on his head.¡±

    While speaking, his imposing aura grantly assaulted their senses. His majestic presence was revealed.

    The mouse race elder hastily bent his waist low: ¡°As youmand, young master.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression slightly rxed: ¡°Shu Lao, dispatch your children and mobilize mouse-kind throughout the world. Find this person as quickly as possible. Besides this, I¡¯m sending ten sighthound and ten mastiff battle ves to journey with your mouse race. Dog-kind have excellent noses, and your mouse race can manage mouse-kind. Work together in good faith, and don¡¯t disappoint me. Although the other two races must help you, the importance of this matterrgely falls upon your race.¡±

    The mouse race elder bowed again.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°No matter which of your three races aplishes it, I will greatly reward whomever finds him first!¡±

    The eyes of the three races¡¯ leaders lit up. Their energetic looks also changed.

    After discussing the matter of finding this person, Tianheng somewhat pretended to mutter to himself: ¡°You¡¯re a race of Gold-Devouring Mice with innate skills. I chose your race to be my subordinates for this reason. I have a mixed ore mine that can produce many types of ore. I¡¯ll hand this mine over to your mouse race to look after, and you¡¯ll send the appropriate manpower to carefully manage it. Afterwards, your race will grade and harvest the various ores inside the ore vein, and you¡¯ll cooperate with the Iron Ox race to forge top-notch mundane weapons and all kinds of spirit weapons. Establish shops from Shijue City to many ces abroad. There can¡¯t be any mistakes.¡±

    As he spoke, he looked at the simple and honest features of the ox race people: ¡°Niu Ben, your Iron Ox race is good at fighting and refining weapons. You have to properly coordinate with the mouse race. As for the matter of ounting, you¡¯ll give me a yearly report. If there¡¯s any discrepancies, then there¡¯ll certainly be punishments. If it¡¯s done well, then I¡¯ll naturally reward you.¡±

    The mouse race had crafty natures, and they were also fond of stealing. Once Shu Lao heard this, he knew that this contained the master¡¯s warning. He was reminding them to control their natural instincts. Although the mouse race¡¯s numbers were widespread, their external forms and capabilities weren¡¯t obvious. Nowadays, it was hard for a prodigy-ranked master to willingly receive them. Shu Lao didn¡¯t dare to be careless, and readily agreed with sincerity.

    The middle-aged man who was born with ox hooves came from a racial group that was open and guileless. When he heard this, he wasn¡¯t concerned about the deeper meaning within the words. He only knew that he needed to do as he was told. He stepped forward without dy, lowered his head, and spoke in a respectful voice: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    After briefing these two sides, Tianheng looked towards that elderly monkey: ¡°Hou Lao, your racial group is the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey race. Your race excels at harvesting medicine and making wine. Previously, I selected you all because my pharmacist... Because I have ten kilometers of woonds under my name, and there¡¯s lots of medicinal herbs and fruits within it. Properly harvest and refine them into medicinal wines and fruit wines. Like the Iron Ox race and the Gold-Devouring Mouse race, you¡¯ll open up wine shops that¡¯ll extend far and wide.¡±

    Hou Lao had an aged voice, but the expression in his eyes was wise and farsighted: ¡°I obey the will of the young master.¡±

    Tianheng gave many instructions. At this moment, hisplexion rxed once more: ¡°Since your three races have been received by me, you¡¯re also my subordinates. With me around, I won¡¯t allow others to take advantage of you. In the future, if your three races make many contributions, there¡¯s arge possibility that I¡¯ll receive the outstanding children within your races to be my subordinate retainers.¡±

    The faces of the three races¡¯ elders brightened when they heard this.

    Although Ten Ultimates Sect wasrge and there were many servile races, not everyone was qualified to choose a servile race. For the most part, those who were qualified usually had realms that were already quite high. They would purchase some servants in the sect to handle their own matters. Merely, under this kind of situation, many of the servile races were controlled by the subordinates of these powerhouses. Even if the master was benevolent, there was lots of exploitation beneathyers andyers of managers. It was very hard to truly meet with one¡¯s master, and they had to endure suffering for years on end.

    However, as members of the servile races, if no one received them, then they had no other choice but to bitterly toil for the sect. Their resources were at the lowest grades, racial groups had a hard time developing, and the poptions never rose. It was, likewise, quite detrimental. And if a master wasn¡¯t benevolent, then it only made matters worse. Not only were they squeezed dry for everything they had, the younger generations within the races were also in precarious states. It was to the point that there was a possibility that they would be taken as ythings before being thrown away. No one had any way of knowing if the poption would suffer a steep decline.

    As far as the powerhouses within the sect were concerned, the servile races were just servants. Life and death was grasped by their hands. Even if an entire race was wiped out, it wouldn¡¯t hinder them much. At worst, the powerhouses would simply switch to another race. But with regards to the servile races, this was a matter of the continuation of their racial groups. Whether they could umte resources and obtain their freedom was the key.

    It was a slightly better situation to be selected by an outstanding disciple of the sect.

    Once the sect recruited a prodigy with superior aptitudes or an aplished genius, they could obtain servile races to act as helpers when their realms weren¡¯t too high or their foundations weren¡¯t that robust. At this time, for the sake of development, an outstanding disciple would usually assign the servile race to handle matters, and wouldn¡¯t waste the poption of the servile race for no reason.

    When Tianheng selected these servile races, these three races were wild with joy. Most of all, they had been granted a meeting with their master today. The elders of the three races were mature and experienced. Right away, they saw that this master made clear distinctions between rewards and punishments. Having made promises beforehand, their hearts, which previously still bore traces of apprehension, rested easy.

    At once, the three races¡¯ elders repeatedly thanked their master for his benevolence. They all made ns, and decided that they needed to work properly to push down the other two races, and to allow their own racial group to be the most favored one.

    This sort ofpetitive intent was considered a positivepetition, and Tianheng happily watched them acting in this way. Only withpetitive hearts that burned fiercely enough would they work even harder on his behalf.

    At this moment, everything that needed to be said had been discussed. He waved a hand, and allowed the three races to withdraw. Each of them rushed off.

    The three races¡¯ elders quickly brought their members away. What awaited them was the initial construction of Tianheng¡¯s personal properties. There were too many things that they needed to do.

    After that, Tianheng let out a clear whistle, and ten men and one woman quietly appeared in front of him.

    Tianheng looked at them one by one.

    The person leading them was the mastiff race¡¯s Ascendant Realm powerhouse. He was called Ao Ying. He was born with a tall build, slender limbs, and well-proportioned muscles. Every inch of his body seemed to be brimming with strength. His appearance was gantly handsome and the expression in his eyes was docile. However, amid his wandering gazes, his countenance also possessed a type of untamed grace. It was a contradiction, but this was something that put others at ease, too.

    Tianheng was very pleased with him: ¡°Ao Ying, from this day forth, you¡¯ll be protecting me by my side at all times. For anyone who tries to harm me ¡ª If you can capture them, then do so. If you can¡¯t, kill them!¡±

    Ao Ying bowed: ¡°As youmand, young master!¡±

    Following this were the ten Atomic Realms.

    The mastiff race had six people, and all of them were men. The feelings they gave one were simr to Ao Ying. The member of the sighthound race was also a man, and he had almost no sense of existence. But among the three people from the mad dog race, there was one woman and two men. In addition, there was a vague feeling that the woman was in charge.

    Tianheng looked at them carefully.

    Within the bodies of the mad dog race was the blood of the wild. It was said that they were normally no different from the mastiff race or the sighthound race. However, if they encountered a powerful enemy or their moods underwent violent upheavals, the blood of the wild would be stimted, and their strengths would suddenly double. It was extremely formidable! If this racial group could properly utilize it, then it was beneficial. If they couldn¡¯t, then it was a detriment. It could even be said to be a double-edged sword.

    However, Tianheng made Ao Ying the leader. With his Ascendant Realm strength, even if these three mad dogs went wild, there was someone who could control them. Under his management, the mad dogs would be harmless assault troops.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Ao Ying, these ten people shall be arranged by you. If any of my properties requires a powerhouse¡¯s suppression, you can send one or more people to defend my properties. Do you understand? If things get out of hand,e and inform me. I¡¯ll naturally invite someone else to handle it.¡±

    Ao Ying was solemn: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Tianheng waved his hand again, and ordered these powerhouses to withdraw.

    It was only a pity that his Tianlong Guards weren¡¯t able to follow along and that their strengths were insufficient. Otherwise, those Tianlong Guards, who swallowed his blood and practically shared the same bloodline as him, were the best helpers!

    On this side of things, Gu Zuo collected the medicinal ingredients, and started to carefully refine the medicine ording to the prescription.

    When one wanted to smoothly stimte the Myriad Leaking Body, medicinal decoctions and pills were indispensable. The former worked from the outside in, and thetter worked from the inside out. Promoting both sides was the best course of action.

    After meticulously refining for a day and night, Gu Zuo immediately shouted out: ¡°Changfeng, quickly go and call for your big brother! The medicine is going to be finished soon. Have hime over right away!¡±

    Because it wasn¡¯t suitable for Hu Chang¡¯an to stay in the outer courtyard for a long period of time, Hu Changfeng, as the younger brother, had been keeping watch right outside ever since they came back. Now that he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s call, he promptly lifted his legs and dashed away. His heart was racing.

    T/N: The surnames of all the beast folk correspond to their race¡¯s animal species.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 315 - Making a Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 315 - Making a Breakthrough</h4>

    Hu Changfeng ran like the wind, and it didn¡¯t take long for him to arrive at the inner courtyard. As for Hu Chang¡¯an and Hu Changbi, they stayed in the inner courtyard during this period as much as possible. This was because Gu Zuo could summon them at any time. As a matter of fact, the brother and sister rushed out from the inner courtyard¡¯s medicine refining room right at this moment, and hurriedly spoke: ¡°Changfeng, is it really¡ª¡±

    After gasping for breath, Hu Changfeng spoke hastily: ¡°Exactly! Big Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s almost done refining the medicine. He asked me to tell big brother toe over.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an was beside himself with joy. He didn¡¯t dare to be careless, and promptly followed behind Hu Changfeng. He was practically itching to go faster as they moved towards the outer courtyard.

    Soon, just when they arrived, they smelled a dense medicinal fragrance. Although it seemed somewhat pungent and acrid, after reaching his nose, Hu Chang¡¯an could also sense that the bone pearls within his body were bing restless.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice promptly echoed out from the side room: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an,e in quickly!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an sucked in a deep breath, and rushed straight into the medicine refining room.

    In this ce was arge bath tub. Gu Zuo was right in the middle of pouring a ck medicinal liquid into it, and the hot water inside that bath tub suddenly bubbled with a cloud of ck mist. Immediately following that, Gu Zuo poured in an amber-colored fluid. The instant it mixed with the ck liquid, the two stimted each other ¡ª After a whooshing sound, there was a surge of qi waves, and the solution inside the tub became an extremely beautiful icy-blue color. It seemed to be emitting a faintly cold qi.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s spoke rapidly: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, take off your clothes and jump in.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an paused, and then the true qi within his body burst forth. In a split second, he wasn¡¯t wearing a stitch of clothing. While this level of nudity would truly leave one embarrassed, the instant that his clothes disintegrated, he had already used his fastest speed to plunge into the bath tub!

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Just then, he only felt that there were stars in his eyes, and this person had already passed by. On the contrary, he hadn¡¯t seen the specific details of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s naked body... This was for the best. Casually gawking at other people¡¯s bodies, even if they were men, was harmful to the eyes.

    As for Hu Chang¡¯an, his entire person was soaking inside the icy-blue medicinal decoction. When only his head remained on the surface, his whole face immediately grimaced.

    Hiss¡ª

    He had never experienced such pain before!

    But this still wasn¡¯t the end of it. Gu Zuo saw that his posture was correct, and immediately pped the side of his pill cauldron. In a split second, a medicinal pill leaped out and was grabbed by his extended hand. Following which, Gu Zuo stuffed the pill into Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s mouth.

    When the pill entered his mouth and melted, Hu Chang¡¯an felt miserable from the bottom of his heart.

    The medicinal power of this pill resembled a raging inferno. It was like it wanted to burn his internal organs to a crisp. However, the decoction on the outside was bone-pratingly cold. He was hot on the inside and cold on the outside. This amalgamation of fire and ice was truly terrible!

    Unfortunately, Gu Zuo also warned: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, you need to endure. Otherwise, if you faint, then the awakening will fail.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an: ¡°...¡±

    He would certainly endure it!

    &#k2026;Yet, it wasn¡¯t going to be that easy to bear.

    Although he heard that the pain was going to be severe prior to the medicine refinement, he didn¡¯t expect that it was this bad.

    The structure ofnguage was built upon the foundation of words. The characteristic feature of the Myriad Leaking Body was that the bone pearls had small holes. As such, if one wanted to smoothly awaken the Myriad Leaking Body, those small holes, which were previously treated as bone-rotting disease and were blocked up with medicinal power, had to be opened again.

    Once the treatment began, the pain would be like silk threads that burrowed into the bone marrow. It was frighteningly painful.

    Moreover, because this Myriad Leaking Body couldn¡¯t awaken during childhood, Hu Chang¡¯an was alreadygging far behind other Myriad Leaking Bodies. It could be said that it was incredibly troublesome to awaken it. In addition, for the sake of bone pearlpatibility, his body developed many internal injuries while practicing martial arts. Gu Zuo could naturally resolve these problems for him, but the resolution method was seated within the decoction mixed with all kinds of medicinal liquids. Likewise, it was also the source of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s agony.

    Hu Chang¡¯an was twitching all over from the pain.

    Hu Changfeng watched on with whitened knuckles and clenched fists. Hu Changbi, this young girl, originally would¡¯ve stayed away, but because she didn¡¯t care about anything else and was determined to remain behind, her heart was now breaking. However, they had long heard Gu Zuo mention that there would be a veryrge reaction. Right now, they didn¡¯t dare to say a word or move a muscle. They could only silently keep their eldest brotherpany.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo thought about something for a little bit. Then, he waved a hand, and collected the remaining couple of medicinal pills inside the cauldron. He split the pills into two batches, stored them into two jade bottles, and gave Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi one bottle each.

    The sister and brother took them, and looked at Gu Zuo in puzzlement.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Give Hu Chang¡¯an one pill every two hours. There can¡¯t be any mistakes.¡±

    This was considered diverting their attention, right?

    It was as if Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng suddenly received a big mission. They nodded their heads seriously: ¡°We certainly won¡¯t make any mistakes!¡±

    Sure enough, once they finished speaking, their attentions were diverted. Although their worry just now hadn¡¯t scattered, they were preupied even more with caution and prudence.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head in satisfaction. He took out the prescription he previously wrote down, and prepared the second stage¡¯s medicinal ingredients.

    In fact, if one wanted to awaken Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s Myriad Leaking Body, there were three courses of treatment. And after that, what one needed in order to nurture this Myriad Leaking Body were other prescriptions.

    At the present time, Gu Zuo only needed to let Hu Chang¡¯an awaken. As for the nurturingter on... He directly handed over the prescriptions to allow Hu Chang¡¯an to slowly grow.

    After all, he had always wanted to find his big brother. Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t apany Hu Chang¡¯an by his side and make ns on his behalf.

    Hu Chang¡¯an saved his life once, so he would help Hu Chang¡¯an awaken. Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t let him ultimately degenerate and die due to ¡°bone rotting disease¡±. This was regarded as returning the favor.

    The three courses of treatment couldn¡¯t be interrupted, but when everything was added up, it could bepleted in two full days.

    With great difficulty, they had reached the third course of treatment. As before, it was a medicinal decoction and medicinal pills. Obvious changes had also urred throughout Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s body ¡ª The most easily noticeable one was that his stature was no longer portly. The fat was reduced, and had been transformed into mounds of strapping muscle. It caused his entire person to appear robust and healthy. Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s outline had be clear. The good-natured pacifist and his average and unassuming face had unexpectedly revealed a somewhat handsome silhouette.

    With Hu Chang¡¯an in the center, the medicinal decoction inside the bath tub formed a whirlpool. During the continuous rotations, Gu Zuo could see that each and every pore of Hu Chang¡¯an was creakingly emitting small quantities of true qi. Countless, tiny vortexes roved across the surface of his body, and his aura was constantly rising.

    Hu Changbi said with amazement: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    Gu Zuo was calm and collected: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an awakening was dyed. Currently, he has just been given a lot of medicinal power, and he can use this opportunity to break through to the Immortal Realm in one stroke.¡±

    Although Hu Changfeng was young, he also knew that the Immortal Realm wasn¡¯t something that was so easy to break through to. He immediately furrowed his brows: ¡°But all of the n¡¯s younger generations need to go to the restricted area if they¡¯re going to break through...¡±

    This time, it was Gu Zuo¡¯s turn to furrow his brows: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then it¡¯ll be detrimental to Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s awakening. Little young master, Brother Chang¡¯an still can¡¯te out of the bath tub. If he really needs to go to this restricted area, you guys need to call someone to carry both him and the bath tub into it.¡±

    Originally, it wasn¡¯t necessarily a guarantee that it would awaken, so he didn¡¯t mention this. This was to avoid giving Hu Chang¡¯an hope and taking it away. Now, it looked like the Myriad Leaking Body could awaken, but Gu Zuo discovered that there was a bit of a setback. Who knew whether this would cause adverse effects?

    Hu Changfeng spoke without the slightest hesitation: ¡°The restricted area only permits the n¡¯s children to enter. Big brother will be carried by me!¡±

    Gu Zuo had a helpless expression: ¡°But you...¡± He couldn¡¯t help sizing up Hu Changfeng¡¯s small body.

    Hu Changfeng: ¡°I still have a bit of strength.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood. In any case, he had made all of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s medicine. Hu Changfeng felt that there weren¡¯t any problems, so he wasn¡¯t concerned about this matter.

    After this, Gu Zuo tossed a gourd to Hu Changfeng. There were over a hundred Qi umting Pills inside, and all of them were top grade medicinal pills that he had previously refined. When Hu Chang¡¯an was running low on true qi, this would certainly help out in a pinch.

    Hu Changfeng opened the gourd, and took a sniff. He felt that the quality of these medicinal pills was exceptionally good, and thanked Gu Zuo on the spot.

    Then, he and Hu Changbi stood on both sides of the bath tub. They exerted their arms, and carried the bath tub out.

    Gu Zuo thought about something, and followed behind them.

    Two underaged kids were carrying a big bath tub. He really was a bit uneasy. While he couldn¡¯t enter the restricted area, it would still be okay to escort them to the outside of the zone.

    Just like this, the group promptly travelled toward the restricted area with hurried steps.

    However, what Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect was that not only was his way barred, the three Hu n siblings were also obstructed.

    Some people were keeping guard in front of the restricted area on top of several tall stone pirs. Sitting on each pir was an Atomic Realm powerhouse. Their bodies looked withered and decrepit like their lifespans were reaching their ends. However, at this time, the ones who blocked the group weren¡¯t these powerhouses. Rather, it was a few young martial artists wearing light armor. Theirplexions were solemn, and their movements were efficient as they used their spirit weapons to bar the way ahead. As for the elderly folks sitting on those stone pirs, they kept their eyes closed and didn¡¯t take notice of the matters down below.

    Hu Changbi was considered to have the most suitable identity to talk. She spoke in a cold voice: ¡°My big brother is going to break through to the Immortal Realm. ording to the n rules, he should enter the restricted area to advance. All of you should quickly step aside, and let my big brother in.¡±

    Yet, those young martial artists didn¡¯t move one bit. After exchanging ambiguous nces, one person with an expressionless face said: ¡°Right now, the young lord remains unconscious, and can¡¯t prove that he¡¯s on the verge of breaking through. I can¡¯t let you pass. Second youngdy, the n rules have their limits. You can¡¯t make things difficult for us.¡±

    Hu Changbi was flustered. How was she making things difficult for them? Didn¡¯t she just exin the reason?

    Hu Changfeng was also unhappy: ¡°My big brother is going to have a breakthrough. Can¡¯t you see the qi emissions? The n rules state that big brother can go in, but you¡¯re saying that the rules don¡¯t permit it!¡±

    The young martial artist was firm: ¡°Pardon me, little young master. We haven¡¯t sensed any differences in the young lord¡¯s qi emissions.¡±

    Hu Changbi wished she could w at them: ¡°We can all sense it! Are you guys saying that you can¡¯t?¡±

    The young martial artists were inflexible: ¡°The young lord¡¯s qi emissions have indeed risen, but it¡¯s only at Xiantian stage nine. He certainly can¡¯t break through to the Immortal Realm so quickly. I ask for the second youngdy¡¯s understanding. We are loyal and devoted to the n.¡±

    In short, these martial artists wouldn¡¯t allow them to pass!

    Hu Changbi was out of options. She tried calling out to those elders on the stone pirs, but it was like those elders had turned into statues. They weren¡¯t even willing to open their eyes. Clearly, they didn¡¯t intend to make any decisions.

    At this moment, Hu Changbi couldn¡¯t help falling into despair somewhat.

    It wasn¡¯t easy for her eldest brother reached this step. If he couldn¡¯t enter the restricted area, and had to make a breakthrough outside, wouldn¡¯t that be a mockery? A direct descendant who couldn¡¯t break through in the restricted area was usually weaker than the other younger generations. Her eldest brother was originally their pir of support. But now, could it be that he was going to sink down into mediocrity?

    Hu Changfeng was anxious, but he was even younger and was even less capable.

    On the other hand, there was Gu Zuo. Although he didn¡¯t say anything, there were some suspicions in his mind.

    He heard that those young martial artists were following the rules, but now that their young lord was right in the middle of a critical juncture, they were obstructing him... Why didn¡¯t this seem like the treatment of a young lord? What¡¯s more, rules weren¡¯t alive, but people were. Under these circumstances would a normal n really show such a rigid and inflexible disy?

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 316 - Three Sides

    <h4>Chapter 316 - Three Sides</h4>

    In arge and gloomy pce hall, the entire space was pitch-ck. There was only an enormous ancient cauldron in the center of the hall. Beneath that cauldron was a me that emitted a purple radiance.

    The Violet Bedrock me liked dark environments the most, but it was also a type of top-notch, medicine-refining Wondrous Fire.

    Muffled footsteps echoed from outside. Someone wearing long robes walked in, and stood in front of the ancient cauldron.

    Amid the purple light, an indifferent and wizened face came into view from behind the cauldron.

    This was an old man with a slim build. His appearance was haggard, and it looked like he wasn¡¯t going to live for much longer. He was already on the verge of keeling over.

    The old man¡¯s voice was also very indifferent: ¡°What have youe here for?¡± He calmly spoke, ¡°On the matter of recing the young lord, this old man still refuses. Although the direct line is weakened, it still possesses the bloodline that was passed down from ancient times. Furthermore, the direct line¡¯s second daughter and third son are spirited and intelligent. In the future, it won¡¯t necessarily be impossible for them to reach this old man¡¯s realm.¡±

    He continued: ¡°Although the aptitude of that child from the branch family is impressive, he can¡¯t beat the second daughter and third son. Moreover, they aren¡¯t of age yet, and there¡¯s also a difference of more than ten years between both sides. This old man can support them. I know that you want to revitalize the cadet branches, but this old man won¡¯t allow it.¡±

    The voice of the person who arrived was soft-spoken, and it carried a feeling of intense allurement: ¡°Grand Elder, thou was also born from the branch families. Why keep vigil over the direct line? It¡¯s true that the cadet branches once let thee down, but it has been nearly a thousand years since that matter urred. Thine offended people have also long passed away. Don¡¯t the present cadet branches share closer blood ties to thee?¡±

    The old man gave a cold harrumph: ¡°In those days, this old man answered to the n head to support the Hu n. Naturally, I attach the most importance to the Hu n. You aren¡¯t lying when you say that the matter happened almost a thousand years ago, but who knows how many generations of offspring havee and gone after a thousand years. It¡¯s out of the question to say that I¡¯m close to the bloodline of the present cadet branches!¡±

    His tone was somewhat severe: ¡°If you came here to arouse this old man¡¯s sympathy, it¡¯s absolutely impossible. You might as well get out of my sight!¡±

    The other person lightly chuckled: ¡°No. The reason why I came to persuade the Grand Elder isn¡¯t merely this.¡± The lower his voice, the deeper it became, ¡°Thou surely still remembers that there¡¯s a golden-level pharmacist called Hu Jiao within our cadet branches. His profound qi realm is at the Atomic Realm, and his spiritual realm is at the Core Psyche Realm.¡±

    The old man said: ¡°That¡¯s right. And what about it?¡±

    The other person said: ¡°Because the younger generations worry about the present circumstances of the Hu n, they have been searching for a method to resolve this cmity for the past few years. And just a few days ago, they finally got information on some Spirit Deity Grass. The younger generations quietly took it, and they only need to request thy help to refine it, and turn it into medicinal liquid for Hu Jiao to drink. When that momentes, he¡¯ll certainly be able to break through from the Atomic Realm to the Ascendant Realm. At the same time, he¡¯ll also make some progress in the spiritual realms...

    ¡°At that point, he¡¯ll only need to consolidate for a period of time once more. By then, wouldn¡¯t we have another profound-level pharmacist?¡±

    The old man¡¯s body shuddered. He waved a hand, and the me beneath the cauldron flourished, practically illuminating half of the entire hall: ¡°Are you speaking the truth? You¡¯ve really obtained Spirit Deity Grass?¡±

    The other one spoke in dulcet tones: ¡°It¡¯s a challenge for us pharmacists to cultivate. Although there aren¡¯t any true bottlenecks, the medicinal pills we ordinarily take to augment our inner qi can only replenish it. The pills can¡¯t allow us to break through. However, the heavens won¡¯t disappoint those who persevere. When some spirit medicines with spirituality are melted down into medicinal liquid, it can promote the two types of realms when we¡¯re at such bottlenecks.

    ¡°When thou first guided the younger generations, the words of thine instructions were all put to memory. Spirit Deity Grass is precisely one of the types thee meticulously exined, and the younger generations haven¡¯t forgotten.

    ¡°Hu Jiao¡¯s spiritual realm is barely enough. Once he takes the Spirit Deity Grass medicinal liquid, it will only take the entire batch to challenge the profound qi bottleneck. He¡¯ll certainly be able to break through. Merely, if this kind of spirit medicine was taken directly, then much of the medicinal power would be lost, and I¡¯m afraid it would be hard to achieve a breakthrough. I just need to trouble thee to melt it down first...to preserve most of the medicinal properties.¡±

    The old man slowly sighed: ¡°After this matter, Hu Jiao of the cadet branches will rise abruptly. Perhaps, the cadet branches will do the same. When that momentes, how will you treat Chang¡¯an, Changbi, and Changfeng?¡±

    The other replied: ¡°Please rest assured. The members of the direct line naturally won¡¯t be the Hu n¡¯s sessors any longer. However, while they won¡¯t be sessors, they¡¯ll still be members of the Hu n.¡±

    The old man was silent.

    After a long time, he said: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then this old man is obliged to do so.¡±

    Even though, with his present lifespan and state of affairs, he would likely perish after he finished refining the Spirit Deity Grass.

    The other person smiled: ¡°Thou deserves to be called the one who values the Hu n the most.¡±

    The old man slowly waved his hand: ¡°Go away, and leave behind the Spirit Deity Grass.¡±

    The other person respectfully put down a small box. Soon after, his muffled footsteps gradually faded away.

    The pce hall¡¯s gateway was closed. In this ce, the voices of no one else appeared.

    It was only that indistinct, purple fire that still constantly sputtered and spewed forth tongues of me and rays of light.

    Thus, Gu Zuo and Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s group was blocked outside the restricted area. Regardless of how they persuaded or reasoned, the other party wasn¡¯t willing to permit them entry. The elders who guarded this ce also weren¡¯t willing to amodate them.

    Suspicions filled Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, and he quietly asked: ¡°Changfeng, do we still need to enter the restricted area?¡±

    Hu Changfeng was young. No matter how steady he was, his adaptability wascking.

    Hu Changbi had argued for a while to no sess. She also had dejection across her whole face.

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°Currently, we have two options.¡±

    Hu Changbi hurriedly asked: ¡°What options?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°The first option is that we give up on the restricted area, and go back together. Brother Chang¡¯an will have to break through in the courtyard.¡±

    Hu Changbi hastily replied: ¡°Ah, this won¡¯t do! It¡¯ll be unfavorable to big brother!¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°In that case, the second is that we charge into the restricted area... But, I¡¯m an outsider. If I go into the restricted area, you guys might be punished.¡±

    Hu Changbi nked.

    This was also certainly out of the question! No matter how they sliced it, this honorable Big Brother Ah Zuo wasn¡¯t a member of their Hu n...¡±

    Hu Changfeng also listened to these two options, and his heart was anxious.

    Would they help their big brother and go against the Hu n¡¯s rules?

    What were they supposed to do?!

    Hu Changbi blurted out: ¡°Then, Big Brother Ah Zuo can wait outside...¡± Speaking up to here, her voice came to an abrupt stop.

    She suddenly thought of something. If Gu Zuo, a person who wasn¡¯t part of the Hu n, was left outside by himself, the people outside would definitely take their anger out on Gu Zuo. What¡¯s more, perhaps there simply wasn¡¯t any way for the three siblings to get into the restricted area with so many guards around. And since Gu Zuo mentioned this option, he probably had a way?

    After considering many things, Hu Changbi was extremely hesitant. Finally, she stomped her foot: ¡°Big brother¡¯s future prospects are more important. Big Brother Ah Zuo, we¡¯ll go with whatever you say!¡±

    Gu Zuo pretended to mutter to himself, and nodded his head: ¡°Right now, it¡¯s not good to do anything. First, we¡¯ll head back to the courtyard, and wait until it¡¯s nighttime when they¡¯re not as vignt toe back...¡±

    Hu Changbi understood, but her beautiful eyebrows furrowed: ¡°When will big brother break through...¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Originally, he would¡¯ve broken through at night.¡±

    Hu Changbi was slightly reassured.

    After that, she hatefully red at those couple of guards. She lifted the bath tub with Hu Changfeng, turned around, and departed.

    Once they returned, Gu Zuo stayed inside the medicine refining room.

    Meanwhile, Hu Changbi impatiently walked back and forth. She was a young girl, but the responsibilities she shouldered weren¡¯t light. Even though she chose her family¡¯s eldest brother, she was still quite nervous deep down.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and talked to Hu Changbi about the things he didn¡¯t understand. Then, he asked: ¡°Has Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s situation in the Hu n already reached such a serious degree?¡±

    Hu Changbi reacted, and spoke haltingly: ¡°Probably not...¡±

    There were some parts that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand, but this was certainly part of the n¡¯s internal affairs. As a result, he simply reminded her: ¡°I don¡¯t know whether the Hu n¡¯s Grand Elder is no longer shielding you guys or if the cadet branches¡¯ forces have already grown to this extent, but you guys need to mentally prepare yourselves.¡±

    Hu Changbi¡¯s little face paled.

    Her thoughts were all over the ce, and she didn¡¯t know what to think for a time. She had no other choice but to set the matter aside: ¡°Then, when are we going to the restricted area? How are we going? Big Brother Ah Zuo, do you have a n?¡±

    Gu Zuo sorted out his train of thought, and stated the following: ¡°I have something here that cane in handy. Additionally, I refined some Trick Pills, too. If the amount isrge enough...¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng listened carefully, and didn¡¯t dare to miss a single word.

    They knew that this was their eldest brother¡¯s only chance.

    On a road paved with smooth and level stones, a squadron of troops was escorting a long train of transport wagons. They barreled ahead at great speeds.

    The forms of these troops were somewhat strange. Although they stood and travelled like humans and their appearances resembled that of the human race, because their bodies bore different characteristics, it clearly showed that they weren¡¯t pure humans. Rather, they were members of different races.

    The one in front was a fat, mousey-eyed, middle-aged man. From time to time, his small, beady eyes flickered with a cunning glimmer. It could be seen that he was an extremely shrewd individual.

    On the left and right of the middle-aged man was a dog-tailed young man. The ears of the man on the left side were pricked up, and the tip of the nose of the man on the right side slightly trembled. It seemed that they were on high alert.

    Both sides of the transport wagons had twenty ox-headed people. Their bodies were robust, tall, and strong, and their qi emissions were swift and fierce. However, their facial features appeared simple and honest. Overall, they weren¡¯t weak.

    Among them, it looked like the strongest one was the person who wielded a gigantic iron g. In the center of the g, there was arge bloody handprint. Faintly written along its side was a phrase of gilded characters.

    Gradually, this squadron of troops arrived in front of an enormous city. After speaking a few words at the city gates, they marched straight in unchallenged, and went to the most bustling street around.

    Afterwards, a city guard saw that the captain hadn¡¯t conducted any additional forms of extortion, and couldn¡¯t help bing curious: ¡°Captain, why didn¡¯t we stop them for a bit of profit?¡±

    That armored captain gave a coldugh: ¡°You dare to extort the profits of Ten Ultimates Sect?¡±

    The guard suddenly pulled his head back: ¡°What did Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s peoplee here to do? Could it be that they¡¯re here to collect taxes?¡±

    The armored captain was practically speechless: ¡°...Didn¡¯t you see the symbol on that iron g?¡±

    The guard hesitated: ¡°A bloody handprint! The Blood Transformation Pce Hall?¡±

    The armored captain: ¡°Do you remember the most recent activities of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall?¡±

    The guard startled: ¡°The all-star prodigy!¡±

    At this point in time, the armored captain nodded his head and said: ¡°Whenever arge organization can take in a prodigy, they¡¯ll umte capital for that prodigy. Thus, they¡¯ll certainly need to allow that prodigy to establish industries. You noticed that those escorts were from different races. It can clearly be seen that they were the prodigy¡¯s newly-acquired servile races. This time, they came to set up industries in our Hunyun City...¡±

    T/N: Please forgive my butchering of Middle English.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 317 - Entering the Restricted Area

    <h4>Chapter 317 - Entering the Restricted Area</h4>

    Ever since Gongyi Tianheng gave themand, the many servile race members had discussed matters, and decided to spread out by divide themselves into ten groups ¡ª Although the cities under the jurisdiction of Ten Ultimates Sect weren¡¯t limited to these paltry numbers, this kind of distribution could only maintain certain speeds. After all, there weren¡¯t many people at present.

    Thus, contained within each of these ten squadrons was one Gold-Devouring Mouse race member who could control numerous mice, and twenty Iron Ox race members who were responsible for guarding. In addition, there was one sighthound race member and one mastiff race member who could be utilized for protection. They could also aplish many things through their innate skills.

    As for the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey race, because refining medicinal wine and brewing fruit wine required a certain amount of time, the shops they could grasp wouldn¡¯t be established so quickly.

    Apart from this, among the great majority of the remaining Gold-Devouring Mouse race, half would mine and harvest ore within the sect, and the other half would scatter and search for that person who was in the portrait ¡ª In other words, the existence of Gu Zuo.

    Hunyun City, where this one group came to, was a bronze-ranked city. With the number of people Tianheng had on hand, they were only barely capable of establishing industries in key bronze-ranked cities.

    After entering this city, the Gold-Devouring Mouse race¡¯s Shu Xin, who acted as an astute supervisor, quickly arrived at some markets controlled by Ten Ultimates Sect, and choose suitable store fronts. For this reason, he naturally wanted to go to some locations to make discreet inquiries and investigations. At the same time, he also needed to observe this city¡¯s purchasing power and the distribution of other forces.

    The efficiency of his actions was quite high. In a brief period of time, he already knew the general situation. However, just when he was about to leave, he unexpectedly discovered a portrait.

    A clear and distinct portrait was posted on a notice board for missing persons.

    Moreover, the familiarity of this portrait was practically engrained within their hearts!

    Shu Xin¡¯s eyes turned. He immediately took down that portrait, came to the missions desk, and opened his mouth to inquire: ¡°May I venture to ask this brother if anyone wants to take this mission...¡±

    This location for information gathering was filled with streams of people, and there were all sorts of folks. In addition, because this was arge city, thepetition was very fierce. Naturally, the more people who came to buy and sell information or to scout out the situation, the more advantageous it was.

    The person who was stationed at the desk today was rather old, so he dealt with mattersprehensively and evasively. The moment he heard Shu Xin¡¯s question, he replied in a low voice: ¡°You recognize this person?¡±

    Shu Xin made a ridiculing sound, and spoke with ambiguity: ¡°There must be some ways...¡± While talking, a spirit crystal was shoved into the old man¡¯s hand, ¡°...to talk about the details.¡±

    As the old man looked at this spirit crystal, his eyes shined.

    Ah, this was a big spender! Normally, when other people offered tips, being able to give some gold was already pretty good. Yet, he could directly receive a spirit crystal right now! Wasn¡¯t this saying that this person was a cash cow?

    In the blink of an eye, the old man¡¯s eyes flickered with a trace of greed. He wanted even more. However, at the next moment, he saw Shu Xin¡¯s meaningful smile, and was suddenly frightened.

    Yes. The other party didn¡¯t look like a rich spender who wasn¡¯t savvy to the ways of the world. Since this guy dared to give a spirit crystal, he was definitely relying on something. This kind of person usually shouldn¡¯t be offended.

    After quickly adjusting his mindset, the old man carefully told the information he knew about to Shu Xin: ¡°You might not know that this portrait was put forward by the direct line of the Hu n, a medicine refining aristocratic family of the iron-ranked Xuanwu City. It¡¯s in order to find a person for the new friend of their n¡¯s young lord. However, that Hu n¡¯s present situation isn¡¯t too optimistic. The internal power struggle is rather chaotic. If you really recognize the person in this portrait, you¡¯ll need to keep the Hu n¡¯s instability in mind&#k2026; No matter what, a medicine refining aristocratic family is abundantly rich and powerful. The Hu n might be somewhatcking, but even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. They¡¯re still capable of ughtering with the stroke of a brush!¡±

    Once Shu Xin finished hearing everything, he smilingly bade farewell to the old man. After that, he took that portrait and promptly left this ce. At the same time, his mind was filled with a burst of happiness and schemes.

    Wasn¡¯t the one painted on this portrait precisely their household¡¯s prodigy and master? And from the information he previously listened to, he also knew that the person whom that Hu n young lord recently befriended had clearly appeared at almost the same time as their master. Moreover, the Hu n had simrly put forward a painting. If it was said that they didn¡¯t recognize the portrait, then that was too coincidental! Right now, they only needed to proceed towards the Hu n as quickly as possible, and see whether that person had the same likeness as the person their master had painted. At that point, they could naturally make a determination.

    Shu Xin thought to himself: We could get this news as soon as we came out. Sure enough, it seems that the heavens are looking fondly upon the mouse race and me. Once I find that person, I can go before the master and take the credit.

    However, they couldn¡¯t dy any longer. Otherwise, if anything unexpected happened, it would be no good. In particr, the Hu n¡¯s circumstances were messy. In order to prevent that person from being drawn into the Hu n¡¯s affairs or from suffering any harm, they had to hurry and bring that person back.

    After returning, Shu Xin brought lots of information when he rendezvoused with his own people.

    Then, he whispered a few words into the ears of two of the sighthound and mastiff race members, and the eyes of those pair of hounds shined.

    Shu Xin said: ¡°First, keep an eye on the shops. Soon after, we¡¯ll leave for Xuanwu City together. I¡¯ll be bringing my mouse army and ten Iron Ox race members. Everyone else will unload the cargo here and make preparations. What do you two sirs think?¡±

    The sighthound race¡¯s Xi You and the mastiff race¡¯s Ao Feng both said: ¡°Okay.¡±

    The three were in agreement. After giving instructions to the Iron Ox race on the side, they went straight to the most bustling street, and selected an excellent store front inside the territory of Ten Ultimates Sect. Then, another nearby shop of nearly the same size was settled by Shu Xin.

    The location of this kind of spirit weapon shop and tavern were appropriately selected. After this, they only needed to wait for the various types of goods to be shelved, and then the stores could be officially opened.

    Immediately following that, Shu Xin and the other twelve people rode traveling beasts, and swiftly galloped towards Xuanwu City.

    About a day passed by, and they had already smoothly reached their destination.

    The night was deep, and the room was shrouded in silence.

    In the center of a bath tub, Hu Chang¡¯an was still enduring the pain and soaking in the medicinal decoction. Right now, his consciousness was somewhat muddled, and his mind was filled with only the thoughts of bearing through this period of time. This was to allow himself to smoothly awaken his special constitution so he wouldn¡¯t remain a piece of trash who was mocked by his fellow n members. However, it was also due to this stubborn willpower that his consciousness was immersed the entire time. He wasn¡¯t able to consider any other matters, and he also wasn¡¯t able to pay attention to anything that happened on the outside.

    Naturally, he didn¡¯t know that his friend and close family were single-mindedly thinking of a way to deliver him into the restricted area, and to give him the most suitable environment for cultivation.

    Hu Changfeng¡¯s little face was soaked with beads of sweat.

    After Hu Changbi¡¯s bout of walking back and forth in the room, she was also tired. She was mentally and physically exhausted. Currently, Hu Changbi was biding her time as she sat in a chair with a tormented heart.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo had taken out a medicinal cauldron, and was in the middle of refining pills without holding back.

    His techniques were exquisite. If it was during normal times, Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng would¡¯ve definitely used this opportunity to sit on the side and learn. However, they were worried for Hu Chang¡¯an, and they couldn¡¯t concentrate at all.

    The color of the sky continuously darkened. Eventually, the entire room had turned pitch-ck.

    As the appearances of the Hu siblings became more and more anxious, Gu Zuo collected the final batch of medicinal pills, and got up.

    After her heart trembled, Hu Changbi suddenly stood ramrod-straight: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, have you finished refining the pills we need?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°One type of Trick Pill isn¡¯t useful. After all, they¡¯re all merely human-level medicinal pills. They¡¯ll have no effect against those Atomic Realm elders. However, I remember that I have a type ofposite pill that¡¯s made from blending several types of Trick Pills together. So long as I can make them interact at the right time, I can keep those guards busy for an hour.¡±

    Hu Changbi¡¯s heart rxed somewhat, but she still had doubts: ¡°This kind ofposite pill truly can obstruct those elders? They¡¯re old, and they have years of experience. If there¡¯s a way to resolve it, what¡¯ll we do?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°The pill prescription is very esoteric. It¡¯s a mixture of no less than eight types of medicinal pills. Even if they know the solution, it¡¯ll take a while to refine the antidote, and it¡¯ll be impossible to restrain it for that period of time.¡±

    Hu Changbi let out a sigh: ¡°Then, that¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Hu Changfeng didn¡¯t raise any suggestions or ideas. He only stayed quiet and calm. He decided that he had to make even more progress in the future.

    Once everything was prepared, Gu Zuo went over the following n with the brother and sister once more. Soon after, they silently left the courtyard.

    At the exact same time, Gu Zuo tossed out numerous Trick Pills, which transformed into expanding plumes of smoke. This caused all the nearby people who were still awake to slowly fall asleep.

    The three of them carried a bath tub as they soundlessly approached the restricted area.

    As before, the guards and a few elders were protecting that ce. Although it was said that a pharmacist¡¯s Atomic Realm profound qi didn¡¯t represent one¡¯s strength, they also couldn¡¯t get too close either.

    Gu Zuo discharged his own Core Psyche Realm¡¯s psychic power, and bundled the group.

    ¡ª Yes. A pharmacist¡¯s greatest strength was their psychic power. And within the entire Hu n, there basically wasn¡¯t anyone who was higher along the path of spirituality than Gu Zuo¡¯s Core Psyche Realm.

    However, using psychic power to shield themselves didn¡¯t mean that they were invisible. Perhaps, if the elders eyes were closed, any psychic power wouldn¡¯t be capable of sensing them. But the naked eye could still see them.

    Gu Zuo carefully let off some psychic power to sound things out, and discovered that those Atomic Realm elders hadn¡¯t reacted. He felt relief, and hinted at Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo curled his fingers, and eight medicinal pills suddenly appeared between his fingers. After that, rays of light flickered in the space between his eyebrows. His psychic power was released, and these pills were instantly crushed into fragments. The remains were abruptlyunched straight into the region just before the restricted area!

    In the blink of an eye, dense smoke surged out. Under the cover of night, it quickly surrounded those people!

    The Atomic Realm elders opened their eyes, but they soon discovered that not only were their psychic powers unable to prate this thick smoke, if they even took in so much as a single breath, they could feel waves upon waves of drowsiness engulfing them!

    There was no need to mention those guards. The instant that the dense smoke drifted over, they had already crumpled to the ground...

    Gu Zuo made a hand signal: Go!

    Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi carried Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s bath tub, and charged directly into the restricted area!

    Gu Zuo followed close behind. They stepped through the thick smoke, and quickly saw a dense forest inside the restricted area. After that, Hu Changbi travelled towards a certain direction based on a premonition in her heart. In just a few moments, the group disappeared.

    Outside, those elders rushed to resolve the medicinal properties within the thick smoke. They wanted to jump down from the stone pirs. However, that smoke was too powerful. It actually muddled their thoughts.

    At this time, they didn¡¯t dare to act blindly without thinking. They had no other choice but to anxiously wait as they considered what to do after being exposed to the medicinal properties...

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 318 - The Hu Clanâ€™s Foundations

    <h4>Chapter 318 - The Hu n¡¯s Foundations</h4>

    Although Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng never came to the restricted area before, they could sense a vague type of resonance after entering for some reason. Afterwards, they couldn¡¯t help passing through the dense forest and arriving at the front of a rocky mountain.

    At the top of the mountain, there were quite a fewrge caves. On the surface of the mountain, there were many markings that had been carved out for unknown reasons. Each marking presented a strange energy.

    Gu Zuo smelled a whiff of medicinal fragrance.

    The fragrance wasing out of those caves. If it wasn¡¯t for his keen sense of smell and that he himself was at the Core Psyche Realm, he would¡¯ve never discovered this.

    However, since the destination that the Hu n siblings locked onto was this ce, then presumably, Hu Chang¡¯an needed to enter these caves if he wanted to break through.

    Hu Changfeng stood in front of a cave. He had alreadye to a decision somewhat.

    His gaze fell onto those engraved markings, and his eyes slightly shed with radiance.

    Those were ¡ª His mind had almost immediately been distracted. It was as if he was about to be immersed within some kind of inspirational conception.

    But in any case, Hu Changfeng still remembered what he needed to do right now. He pulled his consciousness back with difficulty. Soon after, he turned around and said to Gu Zuo: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, we should enter here.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an will soon reach his limits. We need to carry him inside as quickly as possible!¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng exchanged nces. The pair swiftly raised the bath tub, and all three promptly squeezed into the cave.

    In an instant, a wave of heat crashed over them.

    The tip of Gu Zuo¡¯s nose trembled.

    Thousand-Leaf Flower, Dragon Whisker Root, Myriad Blossom Fruit, Scarlet Snake Galldder, Earth Dragon Saliva... These odors mixed together, and seemed to form a peculiar type of medicine. It made one¡¯s own true qi resonate in ordance...

    These scents didn¡¯t cause any harm to the body. On the contrary, it appeared to be greatly beneficial. As a result, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t speak any words to call this to the group¡¯s attention. Instead, he seized the moment, and quickly arrived at the deepest parts of the cave with the pair of siblings.

    In this ce, there was arge pond that was over thirty meters across. Hanging in the air were billowing clouds of white qi. At the edges, one could see that the extraordinary liquid inside the pond was milky-white as it boiled and churned.

    Gu Zuo was startled: ¡°A natural medicine pond?¡±

    He scrutinized the edges of the pond. Sure enough, he found some markings, and these markings were drawn out by someone through unknown means. It took the shape of a formation, and was capable of locking up all of the medicinal properties inside the medicine pond. Only silken threads of medicinal fragrance slowly wafted out.

    At this time, Gu Zuo also recognized the medicinal decoction within the medicine pond. It was refined using a type of prescription that was very advantageous to the physical body. The liquid inside was fresh, and someone probably threw in the corresponding ingredients included in the prescription every so often. After that, under the effects of this formation, the ingredients were automatically refined like the grinding of a millstone. Ultimately, one generation of sediment would umte after another.

    Once a Hu n child entered the pond, they could absorbrge quantities of the medicinal properties into the body during the breakthrough from Xiantian to the Immortal Realm. Thus, numerous grave illnesses would be washed away, and the meridians would be cleansed and left unimpeded. It was to the point that, to a certain degree, the pond could assist the Hu n child to make a breakthrough, and improve a bit of the child¡¯s aptitude.

    After the Hu n¡¯s younger generations broke through in this ce, it was no wonder that they would be stronger than martial artists who casually broke through elsewhere.

    The vast majority of why this happened was due to this medicine pond.

    However, since the medicinal decoction wasn¡¯t the sole cause, then the remaining reasons stemmed from those engraved markings.

    Gu Zuo had noticed that the markings on the outside were scattered all over the ce, but inside this cave, the markings were even moreplicated. There was a vague understanding that the underlying logic and context were even more powerful.

    Merely, after Gu Zuo submerged his consciousness for a moment, he immediately withdrew it back into his body.

    These engraved markings simply weren¡¯t set aside for pharmacists!

    Because Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng had been curiously paying attention to the engravings on the stone walls, they also couldn¡¯t help being drawn in. However, this was unlike when Hu Changfeng strived to pull away his consciousness outside. At this moment, the instant they immersed their minds, they were bounced back out. Traces of throbbing pain arose within their psychic powers.

    They hurriedly snapped out of it, and stabilized the bath tub containing their family¡¯s eldest brother. They slowly ced it on the ground.

    Hu Changbi asked: ¡°Big Brother Ah Zuo, what should we do now?¡±

    Of course, they knew that the n¡¯s younger generations would soak themselves directly within the pond waters in the past, but their big brother was currently in a bath tub. What were they going to do?

    Gu Zuo also hesitated.

    To be honest, the medicinal decoction inside this medicine pond was refined from a type of prescription called the Hundred Parts Whole Body Decoction. It required a hundred medicinal ingredients, and its efficacy was formidable.

    It was just that the awakening decoction that Hu Chang¡¯an was soaking in likewise had extraordinary medicinal effects. If these two decoctions werebined, he didn¡¯t know if there would be any conflicts. Would it cause any harm to Hu Chang¡¯an?

    Let alone that this was originally a good thing ¡ª On the contrary, due to these reasons, the result could bring about serious consequences...

    Hu Changbi looked at Gu Zuo, and then looked at her family¡¯s elder brother. Her mood was simrly conflicted.

    After thinking about it, Gu Zuo stated: ¡°Give me a moment. You guys keep an eye on Brother Chang¡¯an first.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he took out a clear and cold jade bowl. He scooped out adle¡¯s worth of medicinal decoction from the pond, and also extracted a bit of the decoction from inside the bath tub. Then, he started to swiftly inspect their medicinal properties.

    There wasn¡¯t much time to spare. Gu Zuo was fully aware that he needed toplete this as soon as possible. Hepared the medicinal decoctions of both sides at lightning speeds. After trying to refine them together, he discovered that they really couldn¡¯t coexist. There were quite a few medicinal properties that were in conflict... After this, he didn¡¯t dare to waste any more time, and immediately transferred his consciousness into his Tianfu Acupoint.

    [System, the other medicinal ingredients don¡¯t have any problems. There¡¯s just five that are in conflict. If I add Heavenly Star Grass, it can bring three of them into an equilibrium, but the remaining two be even more violent. If I add Caterpir Fungus Extract, these two ingredients are bnced, but the effects of both decoctions are neutralized. Although it won¡¯t harm Brother Chang¡¯an, it also won¡¯t benefit him. Is there anything that can rece the Heavenly Star Grass or the Caterpir Fungus Extract that¡¯ll be capable ofyering the effects of the two decoctions?]

    The system probably knew that Gu Zuo was currently in a rush. As a result, its reply was also very fast.

    [One hundred strands of medicinal qi to make an inquiry. Does the host want to check?]

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest.

    [Yes.]

    The system gave an answer the next moment.

    [Yin and yang are opposites. It is said that yang is born from extreme yin, and yin is born from extreme yang. If you want both types of medicinal decoctions to harmonize and exist independently, then you need two spirit medicines with different characteristics to assist. In your possession are the Seven-Turns Auspicious Rose-Gold Lotus and the Corpse Spring Flowers. Take three lotus seeds and eighteen Corpse Spring Flowers. Refine them into medicinal liquid, and mix it into the bath tub. Then, cast the bath tub and Hu Chang¡¯an into the medicine pond. The lotus seeds are extreme yang and the Corpse Spring Flowers are extreme yin. Although the Seven-Turns Auspicious Rose-Gold Lotus is a spirit medicine, its spirituality is rather weak. Although the Corpse Spring Flowers are not spirit medicines, they were born in a location of great malevolence, and only their spirituality have yet to take shape. Using six Corpse Spring Flowers to one lotus seed will yield a highpatibility.]

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, his mind had some vague thoughts pertaining to spirit medicines, but now wasn¡¯t the time for careful considerations. Rather, he needed to take advantage of this period as Hu Chang¡¯an continuously fermented and engaged the Immortal Realm to make the medicinal liquid!

    Fortunately, this was merely crushing the ingredients into a juice, and mixing it for a little refining...

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng were still waiting as Gu Zuo pondered. At this moment, they saw that Gu Zuo had opened his eyes. Their faces were full of expectations.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression rxed, and he smiled at them: ¡°Rest assured, I found a way to allow Brother Chang¡¯an to incorporate the strong points of both medicinal decoctions. I just need to take a few things out.¡±

    Hu Changbi hastily asked: ¡°Do you need us to go get medicinal ingredients?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°No worries. I have them.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, two types of things promptly appeared in front of him. One was a glorious, golden-colored lotus. The flickering, golden lights were dazzling to the eyes, and it possessed spirituality. Meanwhile, the other type of thing were deathly-pale, skull-shaped flowers. With one look, a person would feel a chill wind swept over them. It was quite frightening.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng weren¡¯t familiar with the ingredients, and their hearts were afraid.

    Following which, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say much else to them. He took out an ordinary pill cauldron, threw these two types of things inside, and rapidly refined them.

    Not long after, crackling and hissing sounds came from that pill cauldron. The entire cauldron shook endlessly.

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo opened the cauldron lid, and a stream of light-gold liquid burst forth. Having been pulled and towed by Gu Zuo¡¯s hand seals, it swiftly fell into Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s bath tub!

    Gu Zuo spoke urgently: ¡°Throw the bath tub into the pond!¡±

    The siblings acted almost immediately, and tossed the bath tub straight into the medicine pond.

    In the next moment, the bath tub sank to the bottom of the pond, and the pond¡¯s medicinal decoction poured into the bath tub. As for Hu Chang¡¯an, who was inside the bath tub, his appearance unexpectedly turned serene.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Originally, Brother Chang¡¯an would¡¯ve been in even more pain while advancing towards the Immortal Realm. But now that this has happened, it won¡¯t actually be that painful. Truly, his luck is pretty good.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng heard this, and their hearts were ecstatic. With their minds at ease, they waited.

    After smoothly entering the cave, they didn¡¯t need to worry anymore.

    Although the siblings didn¡¯t initially know what was inside the restricted area, they vaguely understood that so long as a child of the Hu n sealed the restricted area, others wouldn¡¯t be able to intrude and cause trouble. After their inspection, the cave entrance really underwent a strange phenomenon. They couldn¡¯t go out, and the people outside couldn¡¯te in.

    This gave Hu Chang¡¯an the conditions for a smooth breakthrough. And once he finished breaking through, there would probably be many members of the Hu n keeping watch on the outside. At that time, no matter how they exited, they needed to deliberate things at length.

    But currently, the most important point was still Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s breakthrough.

    Gu Zuo silently considered the Trick Pills he was capable of refining, how he would need to make moreposite pills, and what kinds of opportunities he needed to find to escape... En, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems.

    Shu Xin and the others arrived at Xuanwu City. Once more, he went to inquire at locations for discreet information.

    This time around, it went smoothly. It was because the person, who the Hu n¡¯s young lord saved, was living in seclusion, but had suddenly represented the Hu n to participate in a pill battle against the Wu n one day. This person¡¯s appearance had naturally been seen by many people.

    The informant gave a description, and Shu Xin already felt that there was quite the resemnce. After that, he straightforwardly took out that teenager¡¯s portrait, and it was promptly identified by the informant. The facial features were exactly the same!

    Shu Xin was practically wild with joy. He actually found the right one!

    Immediately following this, he took several deep breaths and calmed down. He gave the informant a portion of the reward.

    Soon after, Shu Xin left this ce, and returned to the tavern.

    In the shadows, some fragmented noises echoed out. Multitudes of mice scattered and dispersed. Some infiltrated the Hu n¡¯s premises...and others headed straight towards Shijue City.

    After Shu Xin left, that informant called someone over, and quietly spoke a few words into his ear.

    That person nodded his head and went out the door. The ce he went to was the Wu n.

    T/N: As a reminder, the Seven-Turns Auspicious Rose-Gold Lotus was one of the spirit medicine rewards Gu Zuo selected after winning first ce during the pill battle assembly back in Chapter 203.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 319 - The Fourth Young Master

    <h4>Chapter 319 - The Fourth Young Master</h4>

    Through many winding twists and turns, this person came to the Wu n¡¯s premises through some concealed passageways. Afterwards, he walked through a secret tunnel, and arrived directly inside a courtyard.

    Within this courtyard, a young man was sitting cross-legged under a tree. He was in the middle of operating an inner cultivation method to advance his realm. His strength was just at the low Atomic Realm. As a martial artist, he was merely somewhat stronger than a peak Immortal Realm powerhouse. However, he was only twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. While he couldn¡¯tpare to some prodigies, he was regarded as an exceptional genius. His foundations and strength were both robust.

    Inside a residence on the other side of the courtyard was a giant, ancient cauldron. There was another young man, a pharmacist who was around twenty years old, who was fully concentrated on refining pills. He wasn¡¯t paying attention to anything else.

    The appearances of the two young men shared five or six points of simrity. They were a pair of brothers.

    The new arrival emerged from behind the rock garden, and headed straight to the young man under the tree. He bowed and saluted: ¡°Fourth young master, this subordinate has something to report.¡±

    The young man under the tree opened his eyes, and the lightning within was put away. After that, his face revealed an indifferent, smiling expression: ¡°Oh? What happened? Xiao Qi, you rarely contact me. Unless you¡¯ve encountered a big problem that requires my consideration... Since you¡¯vee now, does the information in your report have anything to do with the Hu n?¡±

    Xiao Qi nodded his head, and said: ¡°Does the fourth young master still remember the matter of when the third young master lost a few days ago?¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu slightly nodded: ¡°Third brother is one year older than me, and he handles mattersprehensively. However, his failure this time shocked me. It seems to be rted to that person who was picked up by Hu Chang¡¯an?¡±

    Xiao Qi said: ¡°The news precisely concerns that teenaged pharmacist.¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu¡¯s interest was piqued.

    Xiao Qi continued: ¡°The fourth young master has always known that this subordinate has been hiding there for a long time. Normally, I¡¯m considered well-behaved. And after close to two years, I was finally approved to act as an information broker. My cautious and conscientious behavior was regarded as trustworthy. Today, this subordinate was on duty when I chanced upon someone who came to buy information. His features were strange, and it looked like he was from the mouse race. His purpose foring here was to ask around about that teenaged pharmacist¡¯s appearance. After that, he even took out a portrait for this subordinate to identify...

    ¡°Looking at his style, it doesn¡¯t seem like he wants to harm that teenaged pharmacist. On the contrary, that teenaged pharmacist is valued greatly...¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu suddenly pondered: ¡°Although the mouse race is shrewd and evasive, they aren¡¯t cunning enough in the end. You were able to notice clues this time, but you have to be more careful when informing me. Otherwise, your current boss will find out, and I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯ll be met with a tribtion.¡±

    Xiao Qi hurriedly spoke: ¡°This subordinate was hiding in that ce precisely to provide the young master with some conveniences. If I have truly been detected, then this subordinate shall find his own way out.¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu slightly nodded. Then, he said: ¡°The power of the mouse race is weak, and they often act as someone¡¯s servile race. We only don¡¯t know whether the master, whom this mouse race serves, is a party¡¯s powerhouse or an authority of days toe?¡±

    He thought deeply for a short period: ¡°Later on, this matter will be entrusted to you, Xiao Qi. From now on, you must pay attention to that mouse race member¡¯s whereabouts. Once anything peculiar happens, you must inform me as soon as possible. If... This possibly may be of great use to our Wu n. It¡¯s not clear yet.¡±

    Naturally, Xiao Qi nodded his head right away. Immediately following which, he walked to the secret passage, and departed in a hurry.

    After Xiao Qi¡¯s figure disappeared, Fourth Young Master Wu¡¯s eyes flickered with a strange sheen.

    When all was said and done, it was still unknown whether this was an opportunity or a vain hope&#k2026;

    Gongyi Tianheng sat upright in the center of a blood pond. His body was soaked in the dense bloody qi, and every pore on his body was frantically absorbing the pond¡¯s qi. These streams of bloody qi were continuously circted through his meridians until finally rushing into a set of bone pearls, which dyed their surfaces darker shades of red little by little.

    That set of bone pearls had once passed through the Beast Blood Body Tempering in Qingyun Sect, and now were absorbing countless strands of bloody qi. This made it seem like the surface of Tianheng¡¯s entire body was engulfed in a blood fog, obscuring his handsomeplexion. Unlike his usual grace and poise, threads of malicious intent saturated the corners of his eyes and the tips of his brows.

    However, if someone carefully looked at the same pair of Tianheng¡¯s tempered, blood-red eyes, they wouldn¡¯t think the same anymore. This was because the pupils carried a hidden and restrained bloodlust, but it couldn¡¯t be considered malevolent at all.

    The blood ponds of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall couldn¡¯t be enjoyed by non-prodigies, nor by powerhouses who had made insufficient contributions or whose strengths were above the Celestial Realm. Its refinement wasn¡¯t easy to aplish. umted inside each blood pond was the purified blood of countless wild beasts ¡ª It wasn¡¯t their extremely rare blood essence. Rather, it was refined through the use of fresh blood and apanied by numerous body-tempering medicinal ingredients. It contained an untold number of natural resources and exotic energies. It was incredibly mouth watering.

    What Tianheng possessed was a blood pond suitable for a Celestial Realm ¡ª Even though he was only at peak Xiantian.

    Of course, this was a resource that he ought to have as an all-star prodigy. If his physical body was no good and his willpower wasn¡¯t tough enough, then there was a chance that his body wouldn¡¯t be able to ept the tempering of this blood pond. He would¡¯ve had no other choice but to operate an inner cultivation method in the vicinity of the blood pond, absorbing and consolidating the overflow of bloody qi. But this never happened. On the contrary, he sat in the center of the blood pond, and madly absorbed everything with a serene expression!

    If this kind of capability was witnessed by other people, they wouldn¡¯t be able to help praising: He deserved to be called an all-star prodigy!

    Tianheng still continued to swallow the bloody qi, but it seemed like the source of the blood pond was unending. It didn¡¯t appear to decrease in the least. Afterwards, once he used up this blood pond, so long as he could prove that his strength was constantly improving, someone would refill the blood and medicine inside the pond. His cultivation wouldn¡¯t be squandered.

    How could such benefits bepared to that of unimportant disciples?

    Tianheng¡¯s conscious decision toe to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall was the correct choice. It allowed him to use this kind of blood pond for cultivation, and it allowed his foundations to solidify even further.

    The thoughts in his mind moved. In the blink of an eye, he sank once more into the pleasures of cultivation.

    Suddenly, the sounds of movement could be heard outside.

    After passing through a special channel, the voice of someone calling from outside echoed into the cave. Tianheng abruptly opened his eyes, and woke up from that state of frenzied cultivation.

    Tianheng¡¯s mind moved slightly, and he ordered the person to enter.

    The ones who came in were a member of the mouse race and...several mice.

    The mice stood on their hind legs atop this person¡¯s shoulders, and were incessantly squeaking as theymunicated something.

    That mouse race member lifted his eyes, and saw the spectacle of Tianheng soaking in the blood pond. His eyes immediately flickered with a hint of reverence.

    Their mouse race had been serving Ten Ultimates Sect for generations, so they also knew a few things about the legends of the blood ponds... Soon after, his bearing became even more deferential, and he swiftly reported: ¡°Young master, traces of that honorable teenager thou painted have already been scouted out.¡±

    Just as his voice fell, he detected the sweet stench of bloody qi wafting over. That handsome young man, who was originally immersed within the blood pond, had already appeared right in front of him at this very moment!

    That handsome young man wasn¡¯t stained with a speck of blood. His entire body was just like before he had gone in ¡ª He waspletely spotless. However, with this mouse race member¡¯s power of observation, he discovered that his master¡¯s qi emissions had undergone some changes. It appeared that he was a little impatient?

    The mouse race member promptly restrained the conjectures in his heart, and quickly ryed the matters he knew of: ¡°These little ones have just returned with a letter. It says that after Shu Xin went to Hunyun City, he inadvertently found that someone was seeking news about thee as well as thy portrait. Shu Xin felt that the situation was strange, and traced things back. Then, he found the source of that information. Soon after, Shu Xin brought the portrait thou painted for people to recognize. And sure enough, he determined the whereabouts of the person in that painting.¡±

    Tianheng demanded: ¡°Where is he?¡±

    The mouse race fellow hung his head, and said: ¡°Ranked below Hunyun City, there is the iron-ranked Xuanwu City. The ones in charge are the Hu n, and the eldest son of the direct line is Hu Chang¡¯an. A few days ago, he brought back a teenaged pharmacist. This is exactly the person in the painting.¡±

    Soon, there was a measured silence.

    But after a few breaths of time, Tianheng opened his mouth again: ¡°Make an inventory of my staffing. Within two hours, follow me to Xuanwu City. Also, send someone to inform my master about my departure. Just say that I¡¯ll be back in a few days.¡±

    The mouse race member¡¯s heart shivered. He had reconfirmed that the painted individual held an extremely important position in the master¡¯s heart. Then, he didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. He immediately went to search for his race¡¯s elders to take stock of the remaining manpower among the servile races and battle ves. After leaving enough candidates to handle the affairs within the sect, everyone else assembled together.

    Tianheng saw that the actions of the numerous servile races were quite swift and efficient.

    Subsequently, his line of sight fell towards a certain direction. He opened his mouth and spoke: ¡°Move out.¡±

    The crowds of servile races assented, bringing along many wild beasts, chariots, and other things. The group departed in a grandiose manner.

    Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s prodigy went out on a journey. Naturally, there was a certain amount of majesty.

    Although Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s realm was inferior to that of his servile races, his identity and position were extremely high throughout the entire sect. As such, within all regions under the jurisdiction of Ten Ultimates Sect, his standards were also out of the ordinary.

    To put it simply, if Ten Ultimates Sect was this territory¡¯s emperor, then its prodigies were princes. As for Tianheng, the all-star prodigy, if he made rapid progresster on, then he would almost be a crown prince-like existence.

    ¡ª Of course, he was still only a ¡°prince¡± who was greatly valued right now.

    During the journey, they passed through many bronze and iron-ranked cities. Each city left their gates wide open for him. The g, which bore the symbol of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s Blood Transformation Pce Hall, was flown freely. No one dared to obstruct his chariots, and they passed through each city with the fastest speeds.

    The highest organizations and city lords within these cities usually took the initiative to ask for an audience, but Tianheng would only say that he had an urgent matter to settle. He would instruct a subordinated Atomic Realm battle ve to tactfully decline their offers, and the chariots would swiftly leave. They hastened their journey, and practically travelled nonstop.

    Not long after, they came to Hunyun City. Aftermanding a sighthound battle ve to make discreet inquiries, he confirmed that the information Shu Xin brought back didn¡¯t have a single error. He left immediately, and proceeded towards Xuanwu City.

    Xuanwu City couldn¡¯t bepared to Ten Ultimates Sect. But because this was a city controlled by pharmacists, there were particr areas that appeared somewhat refined.

    On this day, the road in front of the city gates began to tremble. No less than a hundred wild beasts carried armor-wearing battle ves of different races. And set upon the back of the most ferocious and tallest wild beast was a small and mighty pce hall. The building¡¯s four sides were an open fretwork, and the massive, muslin curtains fluttered against the wild beast¡¯s tyrannical breathing.

    Faintly revealed within was a respectable silhouette.

    At the entrance of the city gates, the soldiers on guard saw this huge procession, and couldn¡¯t help their astonishment.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 320 - Arrival of a Prodigy

    <h4>Chapter 320 - Arrival of a Prodigy</h4>

    It wasn¡¯t strange for there to be Immortal Realm guards, and it wasn¡¯t odd for the guards to be riding spirit grade wild beasts. However, if these guards weren¡¯t guards, but rather battle ves ¡ª And if these battle ves weren¡¯t of the human race, but of other races... Then, this could only mean one thing.

    The identity and position of the person who came was extraordinary. This was a personage who would be seldom seen within iron-ranked cities.

    Those city guards didn¡¯t dare to be careless. Most of all, once they saw the symbol affiliated to Ten Ultimates Sect on that giant, iron g, their expressions turned solemn. They promptly tidied their appearances, stood up straight, and presented fearful and reverent bearings.

    Although Xuanwu City was within the jurisdiction of Ten Ultimates Sect, they only slightly drew upon the support of the sect¡¯s majestic presence. The city didn¡¯t have that close of a rtionship with Ten Ultimates Sect, and only paid heavy taxes to it every year.

    At this moment, there was a person who arrived and tossed out Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s name just like this. His prestige was incredible. The guards at the entrance and many selected people naturally didn¡¯t make any mistakes, and swiftly rushed into the city to notify their superiors. At the city gates, a guardmander stepped forward, and inquired after saluting: ¡°May I ask who this guest is, and what has brought you to our city?¡±

    A young man with a pair of slender ears quickly approached. He looked quite youthful, but his strength was also at the Immortal Realm: ¡°My household¡¯s young master hase here bearing an important matter to handle. It¡¯s inappropriate to discuss it, so please let us pass.¡±

    The guardmander saw that the other party had no intention of exining anything, and knew that it wouldn¡¯t be good to keep digging. Moreover, Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s reputation would cause a person¡¯s heart to quiver in fear. Hence, after his halfhearted attempt at scouting, he immediately waved a hand, and made the guards on both sides disperse.

    In a split second, the city gates were opened wide, and they used the most ceremonious attitudes to wee the procession.

    Fortunately, it was early morning right now, and the entrance was considered peaceful and quiet. After the city gates were opened, that slender-eared young man who spoke with the guardmander swiftly stepped aside, and respectfully invited the people behind him to enter.

    With booming steps, the hundred wild beasts strode with an orderly march into the city. The battle ves riding the beasts kept their backs straight, and didn¡¯t make any sounds. It was even more silent inside that small pce hall above.

    During the entire time that the wild beasts entered the city, the noble visitor, who the battle ves defended, didn¡¯t utter a single word.

    The guardmander saw that the numerous guards were still somewhat shaken. He settled his thoughts, and shouted: ¡°Get into position and attend to your duties!¡±

    The guards heard this and were startled. They didn¡¯t dare to dawdle, and resumed their original positions one after another. They defended this city with responsibility and diligence just as before.

    Inside Xuanwu City.

    Such a huge group of people flowed inside, which stunned those defending the entrance. It was only natural that the residents within the city were simrly surprised. Because it was only an iron-ranked city and wasn¡¯t that sort of harsh locale, the martial artists who resided here weren¡¯t as powerful as the ones living in certain battle-crazed cities. The citizens were also rtively peaceful.

    The people on the road automatically parted to either side, and didn¡¯t obstruct the advance of this huge group of men and beasts. They watched as these imposing and formidable fellows passed through tworge avenues, before arriving at a bustling street.

    ¡°How impressive...¡±

    ¡°Compared to that one from Liyuan Cityst time, this one¡¯s even mightier!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably a noble guest from a higher ranked city. It¡¯s only natural that they¡¯ll show off their strength in our city.¡±

    ¡°Does anyone know who it is? What¡¯s their identity?¡±

    ¡°Fool! Do you see that g?¡±

    ¡°It&#k2026; It¡¯s actually Ten Ultimates Sect!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that our Xuanwu City is originally within the territory of Ten Ultimates Sect&#k2026;¡±

    ¡°Ah! So it¡¯s like this!¡±

    Without exception, all of the spirited discussions fell into the perceptive ears of the battle ves.

    However, so long as a distinguished disciple from arge organization went out somewhere, it would be very eye-catching ¡ª It didn¡¯t even have to be a prodigy; a powerful genius would do ¡ª Thus, such things were actually quite normal.

    The battle ves didn¡¯t have wandering eyes, and they marched straight ahead.

    If someone watched carefully, they would discover that there were numerous mounted beasts between the small gaps of these battle ve troops. These mounts were below the spirit grade and were only half as tall. The wild beast species were unknown. And riding these beasts were some ox-headed people and members of the mouse and monkey races. It was just that, because they were so short and small, bystanders easily overlooked them.

    Several mouse race members in the lead opened their mouths to say a few words. The route of these troops remained on the proper path, until they finally halted in front of a tavern.

    From within the tavern, a short and stout man practically scrambled on his hands and knees as he rushed outside. After that, he immediately fell prostrate to the ground while trembling in fear. With a shuddering voice, he said: ¡°G-greetings, young master! This subordinate has handled matters poorly. I still haven¡¯t...¡±

    Shu Xin¡¯s heart wanted to copse.

    Altogether, the time it took for him toe here, settle down, and scout for information didn¡¯t even reach a full twenty-four hours. Just when he thought that the Hu n¡¯s vexing matters were made clear, he also discerned whether the Wu n was going to cause any mischief. Then, he thought of a surefire method to find that teenaged pharmacist. However, he didn¡¯t expect that his master, who was thousands of kilometers away, would¡¯ve alreadye here before he couldplete these measures!

    In the end, he didn¡¯t have any results... Wasn¡¯t this clearly showing that he was ipetent?

    Originally, he believed that he was going to be rewarded. But now, it looked like he would be lucky if he wasn¡¯t punished.

    Shu Xin trembled from head to toe, and could only kneel as he waited for judgment.

    The people in the tavern, the bystanders, and anyone else paying attention to this matter saw this spectacle. They guessed that this was an internal problem of arge organization. At first, it felt like they were watching a y, but they didn¡¯t know what kind of temperament the master of these menacing and imposing troops had. Either they had to turn their heads and not watch this lively spectacle, or they had to move far away. No matter what, they had to be careful.

    Soon after, these people heard a slightly deep and maic voice resound from inside the small pce hall on the back of that gigantic wild beast: ¡°Your racial group is originally as timid as mice... Just stand up.¡±

    ¡ª This wasn¡¯t a punishment? Shu Xin was overjoyed, and leaped up.

    However, there were other mouse race members who had followed along. Among them, the race¡¯s elders who had higher positions and who were even wiser furrowed their brows.

    A racial group as timid as mice... That wasn¡¯t anything praiseworthy.

    Naturally, those who were cowardly wouldn¡¯t be very useful. The mouse race followed their master. If their evaluation fell to the point of uselessness, how could they still think about getting jobs? How was the racial group going to rise in station? How would they obtain even more resources?

    At this time, receiving a punishment would¡¯ve been a good thing.

    Forgoing a punishment meant that their master was already somewhat dissatisfied. They needed to think of a way to perform several more brilliant acts to show their sincerity!

    Closely following this, the tavern¡¯s boss also walked out, weing the group to arge courtyard in the back. The figures of these troops quickly vanished, forcing the people outside to disperse.

    After that, the troops made no sounds.

    All that remained were many guesses and feelings of mystery...

    The Wu n.

    Fourth Young Master Wu stood up, and his voice carried a trace of surprise: ¡°You said that someone hase?¡±

    Xiao Qi rapidly nodded his head. His voice was also quite fast: ¡°Exactly.¡±

    With hurried footsteps, Fourth Young Master Wu paced back and forth several times. He turned around, and spoke urgently: ¡°Could it be that this person¡¯s identity is incredibly special, which made you take the risk? Yesterday, you came. And today, you came again?¡±

    Xiao Qi nodded again: ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s very special. For this person, it¡¯s worth it for this subordinate to reveal himself.¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu closed his eyes before opening them again. Soon after, he pulled over a stone stool, and sat down: ¡°Xiao Qi, tell me what happened.¡±

    This Xiao Qi, whom he had ced in a certain position, was his trusted aide. Ordinarily, Fourth Young Master Wu understood Xiao Qi¡¯s way of thinking. Since Xiao Qi was willing to do this, then the information he brought was certainly going to be of extreme interest.

    Xiao Qi stated: ¡°Just now, a trail of troops has arrived from outside the city, bearing the military banner of Ten Ultimates Sect. There¡¯s a hundred spirit grade wild beasts, a hundred battle ves, and three kinds of servile races who¡¯re waiting upon a single individual to enter the city...¡±

    He spoke carefully, and first described that person¡¯s position: ¡°If this subordinate hasn¡¯t guessed wrongly, he should be the prodigy who has just joined Ten Ultimates Sect, and who has be a member of the mighty Blood Transformation Pce Hall. The one called Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu¡¯s voice interrupted: ¡°A newly-joined prodigy? Is this information true? How strong is he currently? How many businesses does he have? What are his origins?¡±

    Xiao Qi¡¯s wizened face revealed a hint of a smiling expression: ¡°Originally, the matter of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s new prodigy was only known to thoserge organizations. If they wanted to advertise this to the world, they would need to wait for that prodigy to develop himself and practice an ultimate knowledge within the sect. This subordinate hid in that ce, and came to know lots of things. However, there would inevitably be discreet inquiries.¡±

    He continued: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s definitely that prodigy¡¯s identity. As for his strength, Gongyi Tianheng is presently a peak Xiantian, but his foundations are robust. When he was tested, he scored as an all-star prodigy. His potential is limitless! While nothing is known about his properties, with Ten Ultimates Sect present, there¡¯s presumably some foundations to take root. His origins, however, aremonce. He actually came through the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, so hisbat power is certainly even more incredible!¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu listened to this, and his pair of eyes rippled with an extraordinary splendor.

    Xiao Qi¡¯s expression also became a little excited: ¡°This subordinate knows the fourth young master wants to get acquainted with a prodigy with such wealth and enormous potential. Therefore, this subordinate thought to take advantage of the fact that this prodigy hasn¡¯t acted yet, and went to inform thee without any hesitation!¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu took a deep breath. Soon after, he suppressed his rising emotions, and spoke in a deep voice: ¡°Xiao Qi, you have done well. If there¡¯s nothing wrong with your information, then perhaps he¡¯s the one I¡¯ve been waiting for all these years!¡±

    Xiao Qi said: ¡°When the guardmander at the city gates saw the prodigy arrive, he had already sent someone to inform the City Lord¡¯s mansion. However, the City Lord¡¯s mansion hasn¡¯t responded yet...¡±

    When Fourth Young Master Wu heard this, the edge of his lips curled into a ridiculing sneer: ¡°The Hu n... Ha!¡±

    Xiao Qi spoke in a low voice: ¡°Fourth young master, you need to be careful, too. I¡¯ve heard that the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches have obtained something good, and that they¡¯re going to make use of it. Someone secretly mentioned that once it¡¯s used, the Hu n will be able to stand on equal footing with our Wu n.¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu¡¯s smile became even more derisive: ¡°The Hu n merely has this bit of vision. How small is Xuanwu City? Although my Wu n really does want to seize the position of the City Lord, how can the Wu n be satisfied with only Xuanwu City? Even among the numerous iron-ranked cities, Xuanwu City is so weak and small. If set before the entire continent, it would be easily destroyed. It would be hard to allow my Wu n to flourish and prosper.¡±

    Xiao Qi had always deeply respected Fourth Young Master Wu. At this moment, he naturally uttered his agreements: ¡°Precisely. The Hu n is declining due to its shortsightedness. Has it forgotten that the fourth young master ns far ahead, and that our Wu n has been striving to make itself stronger from generation to generation?¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu waved his hand, and brushed aside this topic of conversation. He switched to pondering something else: ¡°You previously mentioned that the mouse race member came here to find that teenaged pharmacist. This prodigy has rushed over here with such haste, so could it be that the one who¡¯s truly rted to that teenaged pharmacist is actually that prodigy?¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 321 - A Request to Serve

    <h4>Chapter 321 - A Request to Serve</h4>

    After thinking out loud to himself, Fourth Young Master Wu said: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, although my Wu n has always fanned the internal mes of the Hu n, we must grasp things even more delicately now.¡± Speaking up to here, he directly instructed, ¡°Xiao Qi, go meet with the Hu n¡¯s spy, and quickly sort out all of that teenaged pharmacist¡¯s movements and recent actions in the Hu n. Report to me within two hours. By all means, avoid any conjectures or things that aren¡¯t confirmed facts. If there¡¯s any doubts, just tell me what you¡¯ve seen and heard.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Xiao Qi hurriedly acquiesced.

    Fourth Young Master Wu faintly nodded: ¡°Once the spy delivers it, I¡¯ll immediately pay a formal visit to that prodigy. What the other¡¯s temperament is like, and how he conducts himself ¡ª I¡¯ll know once I meet him.¡± Shortly thereafter, he sighed, ¡°I only hope that my kindly intentions will be reached this time. Don¡¯t let me down.¡±

    Xiao Qi promptly turned around, concealed himself, and departed.

    Fourth Young Master Wu watched Xiao Qi¡¯s retreating back, before arriving inside a wide-open residence.

    In that ce, an elegant young man was in the middle of pill refining with rapt attention. It was as if all the sounds from outside couldn¡¯t enter his ears. Nothing could disturb him in the least.

    But just as Fourth Young Master Wu came to his side, that elegant young man suddenly snapped out of it: ¡°Fourth brother, is something wrong?¡±

    As it turned out, when Fourth Young Master Wu came to this location, due to his fluctuating mood and changing qi emissions, he was immediately sensed by the other person, who promptly worried about him.

    Fourth Young Master Wu sat across from the elegant young man, and revealed a gentle smile: ¡°Seventh brother, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Seventh Young Master Wu¡¯s face wore a puzzled look: ¡°Does fourth brother have something too difficult to talk about?¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu was dumbstruck. Following which, he lost his smile: ¡°It seems I still can¡¯t fool you.¡± His expression righted itself, ¡°Seventh brother, today might be our Wu n¡¯s chance. If I handle things well, with your aptitude, you¡¯ll be able to advance a step further.¡±

    Seventh Young Master Wu stared nkly: ¡°Fourth brother wants to...¡± He shook his head, ¡°It won¡¯t matter even if the Wu n is only like this now. With the Wu n¡¯s present foundations, it¡¯ll be easy for the Wu n to remain stable for a number of generations here.¡±

    Fourth Young Master Wu shook his head: ¡°You can¡¯t waste your time. Moreover, if things stabilize, who knows if the ones to have the final say in the Wu n will be our Wu n¡¯s great household? The other two households are extremely talented. Although I can tolerate them, I¡¯m not going to let them surpass us. My name, Wu Xing,es from the word prosperity. It¡¯s the prosperity of you and me, the prosperity of our great household, and the prosperity of the Wu n. I¡¯ll never be as feeble and foolish as the Hu n¡¯s Hu Chang¡¯an. Let alone the cadet branches, even the direct line will have to honor our great household for generations toe!¡±

    Seventh Young Master Wu¡¯s face flickered with a trace of longing. After that, he nodded his head: ¡°I will listen to fourth brother.¡±

    Wu Xing had nothing else to say, and Seventh Young Master Wu went back to pill refining. For this pair of younger and older brothers, one had a conscientious and earnest bearing, and the other had a heart filled with schemes and calctions. After passing the time in this contented manner, someone handed over a folded sheet of information. Once Wu Xing carefully looked through it, he wore a smiling expression. His palm flipped over, destroying the paper.

    Afterwards, Wu Xing looked at his seventh brother before standing up and leaving.

    As Wu Xing walked away, Seventh Young Master Wu raised his head, and looked at his fourth brother¡¯s receding figure. Concern shed across his face.

    ¡°I only hope that fourth brother¡¯s dream can be fulfilled.¡±

    For this trip, Wu Xing didn¡¯t bring too many people. He only had Xiao Qi and a peak Atomic Realm bodyguard following by his side. The group of three quickly arrived at the tavern where Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s prodigy was staying.

    In front of the tavern, he first handed over a writ of visitation to go inside. Then, he stood respectfully before the tavern, waiting for a reply from inside.

    Not long after, a battle ve emerged, and bade them to enter.

    Wu Xing nced unobtrusively at this battle ve ¡ª Sure enough, it was a member of the hound races. Truly, knowing someone by their reputation couldn¡¯tpare to meeting them in person. The subordinates of thatrge organization¡¯s prodigy were all quite unconventional.

    Following this, he smoothed out his robes, raised his foot, and entered the tavern.

    Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s prodigy had brought many people over. The ce where they dwelled was thergest courtyard. Wu Xing understood proper etiquette, and every time he entered through a doorway, he first quietly waited for the other party¡¯s permission. After moving through a number ofyers just like this, he didn¡¯t harbor the slightest amount of disrespect from beginning to end. On the contrary, his state of mind was tranquil, and he didn¡¯t lose his decorum as a graceful schr, giving people a very good impression.

    Eventually, Wu Xing was passing by a battle ve every five steps and a servile race member every ten steps. At longst, he came to the main courtyard. He slightly raised his head, and saw a young man with his hands sped behind his back.

    One would see that this person¡¯s back was as tall and straight as a mountain. Although no imposing aura was released, a type of majestic and foreboding qi emission had faintly appeared.

    This individual was extraordinary.

    Wu Xing assured himself that his eyesight was correct. Just the view of this person¡¯s back caused fear to grow in his heart. Also, one couldn¡¯t forget that this person¡¯s current realm hadn¡¯t reached the Immortal Realm. This prodigy was certainly an extremely terrifying person.

    After this, Wu Xing didn¡¯t dare to make this prodigy wait. At once, he bowed and saluted: ¡°This one is the fourth son of the remote and small Xuanwu City¡¯s Wu n. This Wu Xing greets the high sect prodigy, Young Master Gongyi.¡±

    Then, he heard a slightly low and maic voice: ¡°There¡¯s no need for Fourth Young Master Wu to be so polite. Please have a seat.¡±

    Wu Xing heard the implicit meaning within this voice, and his heart stirred.

    This person didn¡¯t seem that hard to get along with.

    Immediately following which, that prodigy turned around, and silently appeared right in front of him.

    Wu Xing was shocked.

    What kind of method could cause him, who was tworge realms higher, to almost miss it?

    Right away, he was even more cautious.

    Wu Xing got a clear look at the other person¡¯s appearance, and his gaze couldn¡¯t help wavering.

    What handsome features!

    As far as men were concerned, although one¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t the most important thing, a person¡¯s inner qualities would influence their outward looks. In most cases, when a person cultivated for a long time, their physical body would tend towards perfection, and their features would also be much more outstanding. It was just that he had already traveled to many cities, and had seen countless elites, but not a single one couldpare to this liege¡¯splexion. Not to mention that this person stood beneath a glimmering light, his temperament was as bright and clear as the moon, and his bearing was as deep as the abyss. One couldn¡¯t help but feel admiration from the bottom of their heart.

    Wu Xing immediately restrained his expression even more.

    He inwardly thought: Perhaps, it¡¯ll really work out this time around.

    Tianheng looked at the person on the other side. This young man seemed somewhat reserved, but his behavior was natural and unrestrained. Tianheng slightly raised an eyebrow.

    He had just arrived here. Perhaps his Ah Zuo was still too far away, or perhaps there was some other cause ¡ª But for whatever reason, Tianheng couldn¡¯t establish a telepathic link.

    Therefore, he was on the verge of contacting the various forces in this city to make discreet inquiries. Then, he would look for an honorable justification, and proceed towards the Hu n to search for Ah Zuo... Among this, the ones he wanted to speak to the most were the Wu n. Merely, Tianheng didn¡¯t expect that, before he could send someone over, the empowered fourth young master of the Wu n would pay him a visit first.

    He roughly knew that this fourth young master was extremely courageous. Several years ago, when he was only twenty-four or twenty-five, he distinguished himself amid the direct line¡¯s young masters with his Immortal Realm, and became the Wu n¡¯s unofficial lord. Although he and the Wu n¡¯s seventh son were all that remained of one of the senior household¡¯s bloodlines, he was able to rope in many organizations affiliated with that senior household. In the end, he seeded in upying the Wu n.

    During these few subsequent years, his skills became even more unyielding, but he didn¡¯t lose his cunning. Soon, a new atmosphere appeared within the Wu n. It presented a situation where it became more prosperous with each passing day. In the Wu n, this caused those hard-working pharmacists who were unconcerned with external matters, the senior household, and even those childless, secluded powerhouses of the direct line to support him. The entire Wu n turned into an object in the palm of his hand ¡ª While it couldn¡¯t be said that everything was decided by the will of a single person, so long as he said the word, each strategic decision he mentioned would be executed. Practically no mistakes were made.

    This allowed him to establish even more prestige, and fewer people opposed him.

    Such an individual was someone whom Tianheng naturally appreciated.

    If this continued, the Wu n would certainly be able to stabilize and develop during this generation. If the next generation was able to find a resourceful n lord, then it would grow for many years toe.

    As such, this Fourth Young Master Wu had taken the initiative to find him, and behaved politely and modestly. Thus, Wu Xing certainly had other goals.

    In that case, he would listen for a while.

    Tianheng sat across from Wu Xing. After Wu Xing took a deep breath, he began choosing his words. He was aware of his own objectives, and he had been prepared to sound out the other party. However, after some reflecting, it now seemed that this prodigy was an extremely intelligent personage. If Wu Xing tried to sound out Tianheng, it would be unfavorable to the Wu n even if he reached his goal someday. It was better that he abandoned those stupid attempts at probing, and respectfully offer his own sincerity first.

    Wu Xing quickly finished his thought process, and lowered his posture even more: ¡°It¡¯s a supreme honor for Young Master Gongyi toe to my Xuanwu City. My humble Wu n hopes to lend aid and share this young master¡¯s worries.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s interest was piqued: ¡°Oh? You know what concerns me?¡±

    Wu Xing spoke quickly: ¡°Many days ago, the Hu n¡¯s young lord, Hu Chang¡¯an, saved a person. That person gave Hu Chang¡¯an treatment for his incurable bone-rotting disease. However, the Hu n is gued with internal strife. The cadet branches cause mischief, but the direct line is hard to suppress. Yesterday, that person entered the restricted area with the direct line¡¯s three children, but they haven¡¯te out yet. Because the cadet branches had an important matter, they didn¡¯t pay much attention to this, but today, that important matter has already beenpleted. The cadet branches took stock of their manpower, and also entered the restricted area...¡±

    He continued: ¡°The affairs of the restricted area are hard to investigate. I¡¯m afraid that something¡¯s wrong, and it needs to be resolved as soon as possible.¡±

    With this speech, the greatest sincerity of this trip had been conveyed.

    Tianheng finished listening, but his gaze was difficult to understand: ¡°Then, how will you share my worries?¡±

    Wu Xing¡¯s voice immediately became even more deferential: ¡°On behalf of Xuanwu City¡¯s Wu n, this Wu Xing wishes to serve this young master. I hope that this young master will allow us to follow him, and be his retainers!¡±

    This time around, Tianheng truly was given a slight surprise: ¡°You represent everyone in the Wu n?¡±

    Wu Xing was resolute and decisive: ¡°Naturally!¡±

    The Hu n¡¯s restricted area, inside a cave.

    Gu Zuo, Hu Changbi, and Hu Changfeng looked at that medicine pond. The medicinal decoction inside the pond was still boiling ceaselessly. Hu Chang¡¯an had been in the bath tub, which was also submerged within the pond, for a full day.

    During this day, his qi emissions had advanced continuously. The more time that passed, the more that a type of sharp, cutting edge emerged. It appeared that, once he broke through, it would cause an earth-shattering event!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 322 - Rebellion of the Cadet Branches

    <h4>Chapter 322 - Rebellion of the Cadet Branches</h4>

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s original expression changed from suffering to endurance, and then turned into unswerving determination. The medicinal properties of the decoction he was soaking in had already been absorbed, and the influx of energies within the liquid of the decoction were likewise continuously absorbed by him. His entire body showed overwhelmingly powerful changes!

    Gu Zuo saw that, with Hu Chang¡¯an at the center, countless strands of true qi were forming a huge, constantly-revolving vortex. Soon enough, the more the vortex turned, the faster andrger it became. It practically enshrouded Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s whole body as it continuously grew, until it finally formed a hurricane-like existence. As for Hu Chang¡¯an, he was the eye of that hurricane! Alternatively, this was the convergence of gigantic waves upon a surging ocean of true qi. When the waves approached, they were ttened and dragged in by some kind of enormous power. Then, a sunken depression formed, and sitting upright and cross-legged at that hole in the ocean was Hu Chang¡¯an!

    In actuality, if one needed a better visualization, Hu Chang¡¯an was sitting at the bottom of a funnel. Endless amounts of true qi enveloped him. Moreover, it was increasing and changing nonstop. As one could well imagine, when he genuinely broke through, these streams of true qi would turn into profound qi, which would strengthen Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s power even more!

    Suddenly, Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s eyes opened abruptly, and the seemingly tangible and intangible true qi funnel exploded in midair. Untold amounts of qi energy burst forth, which directly struck the stone walls, causing numerous, fine holes the size of pins to appear. It was iparably sharp!

    Gu Zuo promptly covered Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng as they retreated. His psychic power immediately discharged, and formed a thick barrier in front of them. After that, they edged closer to the cave entrance so that they wouldn¡¯t suffer excessive injuries. However, there were still some traces of small and minor scrapes on their bodies.

    In the medicine pond, Hu Chang¡¯an slowly spat out a breath of turbid air. This time around, his body didn¡¯t have an ounce of unwanted fat. His skin also wasn¡¯t suffused with any strange grease.

    His looks were preeminent, his muscles were well-proportioned, and his figure was trimmed. Although it couldn¡¯t be said that his outward appearance looked rock-solid, a person could see that he was strong and unyielding.

    As words typified the author, so too did qi embody the martial artist.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s temperament had undergone a transformation. Granted that his inherent qualities hadn¡¯t changed, at least he no longer carried the previous gloom and inferiority, which he had tossed into a corner of his heart and dared not speak of. Now, he felt the power in his body, and he had great confidence in himself.

    Gu Zuo saw this, and started to speak: ¡°Congrattions, Brother Chang¡¯an! You¡¯ve smoothly advanced to the Immortal Realm!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an revealed a smiling expression. Within this smile, one could make out a shadow of his gentleness andpassion: ¡°I still need to thank Brother Ah Zuo. If it hadn¡¯t been for you, I would¡¯ve lugged around that ruined body till the day I died.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°It¡¯s also due to your endurance. Otherwise, no matter how many preparations I made, you would¡¯ve only failed.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an replied: ¡°Endurance is part and parcel. Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s medicinal decoction and prescriptions are the real stars of the show.¡±

    The two of them exchanged words just like this. Soon after, they looked at each other, smiled, and stopped acting so modestly.

    Afterwards, Hu Chang¡¯an realized that he was located inside a cave. He was somewhat puzzled.

    Hu Changbi, this young, little girl, took a step forward. Her elegant eyebrows were furrowed, and her heart was filled with worry: ¡°Big brother, this is within the restricted area. Big brother has been soaking in the medicinal decoction since the day before yesterday. Because the medicinal effects were exceptional, Big Brother Ah Zuo said that you could break through to the Immortal Realm. But at the restricted area, our n members...¡±

    Her words were clear as she quickly told Hu Chang¡¯an about their encounter in front of the restricted area, the n they were forced to make, and their current situation ¡ª Although Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s previous nature was somewhat weak, he was the eldest brother in the end. Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng were both young, so regardless of how they made decisions and raised suggestions normally, they still depended on their eldest brother deep down in their hearts.

    Previously, they had been very cautious at all times. It was quite the ordeal. It was only now that they rxed a little bit.

    When Hu Chang¡¯an heard this, his brows furrowed: ¡°The people of the cadet branches have truly gone too far.¡± He lifted his head, ¡°Then, what¡¯s going on now? Where are the cadet branches currently?¡±

    Gu Zuo eyed the outside, and said: ¡°We used some small tricks at the entrance. Originally, we believed that they would quicklye over, but we didn¡¯t expect that no one would show up for a whole day... Although the cause was unknown, we also thought about quietly taking a look to see whether we could escape after Brother Chang¡¯an finished breaking through. However, silhouettes have suddenly been wandering around outside within the past few hours. Perhaps, it wasn¡¯t that the cadet branches¡¯ people weren¡¯t paying attention, but rather they had readied their preparations just now?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an sighed: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, second sister, and little brother have shouldered these toils on my behalf. In the past, I didn¡¯t have any breakthroughs, so naturally, it was improper toe here. But since I¡¯ve made a breakthrough, it also proves that what you guys said when you wanted to bring me into the restricted area was the truth. Entering the restricted area to make a breakthrough is in ordance with the rules. The cadet branches¡¯ people shouldn¡¯t have made things difficult.¡±

    Hu Changbi hurriedly said: ¡°But in the end, we¡¯re the ones who barged in!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯anughed and said: ¡°Although you guys rushed inside, the fact is that I made a breakthrough. Those guards barred my movements, which was something they shouldn¡¯t have done. The moment I leave here as an Immortal Realm, would they still be able to investigate it? If it was investigated, it would also be found that they had obstructed me. They¡¯re at fault for almost preventing me from having a smooth breakthrough! They would have to gloss over this matter, and it would be appropriate for both sides to take a step back.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly had a bright idea: ¡°By the way, it¡¯s true that we¡¯ve entered the restricted area, but no one can prove that the people who used the Trick Pills that night were us. At that time, so long as we don¡¯t admit to it, wouldn¡¯t it be better if we said that we didn¡¯t break into the restricted area and that we didn¡¯t see any guards?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an thought deeply: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s words are reasonable.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng both let out sighs of relief.

    However, Gu Zuo also said: ¡°But I don¡¯t suggest that we leave right now...¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Why?¡±

    Gu Zuo also wasn¡¯tpletely sure as he said: ¡°It wouldn¡¯t matter if the cadet branches found an excuse to make things difficult for the direct branch overmon, trivial matters. But this time was clearly rted to the breakthrough of the n¡¯s young lord. Yet, they still blocked you. This wasn¡¯t merely making things difficult for you. This practically meant that they didn¡¯t consider you, the young lord, important at all. They wanted to cut off any possibility of your survival! After all, they should¡¯ve only known that Brother Chang¡¯an was suffering from a bone-rotting disease, and that you needed to break through to the Immortal Realm to have a way to live... Where did they get this courage to act this way? As a result, I eventually had a bad premonition.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an also stopped: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, the Grand Elder wouldn¡¯t have permitted it...¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if this was just a conspiracy theory, but he still said: ¡°Could it be that there have been changes on the Grand Elder¡¯s side?¡±

    The expressions of Hu Chang¡¯an and the other two siblings shifted.

    Soon after, Hu Chang¡¯an calmed down, and stated: ¡°In that case, we won¡¯t go for the time being. I¡¯ll wait for a while, and take another look...¡±

    Gu Zuo had no objections. He watched as Hu Chang¡¯an turned around to look at the numerous markings on the walls. As Gu Zuo startedprehending some things, he also hesitatingly ced aforting hand over his own heart.

    No. Besides the bad premonition concerning Hu Chang¡¯an, it seemed like he also had a special feeling that made his chest warm up.

    This was... What was going on?

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any time to think about it.

    Because, at this time, some terrifying voices suddenly resounded from outside the cave.

    Most of all, the colored ss-like formation sealing the cave entrance slowly cracked as if it was being chipped away bit by bit.

    Gu Zuo was shocked, and he hastily said: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, you guys take a look!¡±

    Each of the three Hu n siblings woke up from their own contemtions. They looked at the cave entrance, and their expressions became slightly rmed.

    Hu Chang¡¯anposed himself. After seeing the formation being opened, he noticed the figures outside had be visible.

    Those people were all members of the cadet branches. The one who led them was an elder of the cadet branches. Although he had only been a golden-level pharmacist up until now, his seniority was high. His existence was equivalent to an old antique.

    Currently, he had brought lots of manpower, and was waiting outside with an intimidating attitude.

    Hu Changbi silently gritted her pearly-white teeth: ¡°Hu Long...and Hu Jun.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought for a moment, and recalled these two people.

    Hu Jun was a twenty-four year old, golden-level pharmacist. He was the strongest genius of the cadet branch bloodlines. He was also the youth who posed the greatest threat to Hu Chang¡¯an. Hu Long was the former¡¯sckey. His specific strength was unknown, and his realm was Xiantian stage six.

    ¡ª The premonition in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart worsened.

    Sure enough, at this time, that elder asserted: ¡°The Grand Elder passed away. Elder Hu Jiao has smoothly made a breakthrough, and has be the new Grand Elder. Hu Chang¡¯an, Hu Changbi, and Hu Changfeng of the original main branch have insufficient qualifications, and cannot be treated as the n¡¯s leaders. The Hu n honors those with power. Thus, Grand Elder Hu Jiao¡¯s bloodline shall be the main branch, and Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s bloodline shall be a cadet branch. The current main branch¡¯s Hu Jun has extraordinary aptitude, and will be trained to be the young lord.¡±

    He continued: ¡°Hu Chang¡¯an, since you¡¯ve already broken through, why don¡¯t youe and pay your respects to the young lord? The young lord is charitable and merciful. Although you, with your cadet branch identity, havemitted the crime of trespassing into the restricted area, he is also willing to give a lenient punishment. He has only ordered you to move out of the master courtyard, and will confine you for one year. After one year, you will naturally have the same treatment as the other members of the Hu n. Hu Chang¡¯an, you should pay your respects and apologize to the young lord!¡±

    It was an imperious, forceful, and one-sided monologue!

    No matter how good Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s temperament was, he couldn¡¯t listen to the words of this group of people who had switched right and wrong. What¡¯s more, he couldn¡¯t tolerate their absolute disregard for the rules. But at the same time, he was greatly stunned ¡ª The Grand Elder had passed away? With his capabilities, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for him to live a few more years if he didn¡¯t refine medicine. So long as he was diligent, he would¡¯ve certainly been able to support himself. However, the Grand Elder¡¯s death drastically cut down the time avable for him to develop. Granted that Hu Chang¡¯an had the Myriad Leaking Body, he was an insignificant Immortal Realm. How could he resist a rebellion of the cadet branches¡¯ forces? At this moment, he suddenly hated himself. When he was forced to this degree, he was still powerless to do anything about it!

    Gu Zuo felt that this turn of events was anything but reassuring. This move of the cadet branches was too abrupt! Did the fighting between the main branch and the cadet branches reach the tipping point just when Hu Chang¡¯an got his hopes up?

    At this moment, after the cadet branches¡¯ elder finished monologuing, he was pleased to see that Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s qi was trembling impotently.

    That Hu Jun was a handsome young man, but his eyes flickered with treachery. This let one know that he wasn¡¯t easy to get along with. At this time, he spoke a few words to Hu Long, who gave a ttering smile.

    Soon after, Hu Long shouted in a loud voice: ¡°Hu Chang¡¯an, you still haven¡¯te out to pay your respects to the young lord? Don¡¯t you know the rules? Could it be that you¡¯re going to refuse a toast, only to be forced to drink a forfeit? Do you want us to invite you toe out? Hu Chang¡¯an...¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an took a deep breath. After closing his eyes, he clenched his teeth and said: ¡°Okay, we¡¯lle out!¡±

    He lowered the tone of his voice: ¡°Brother Ah Zuo, I¡¯m sorry for dragging you into this.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°This isn¡¯t Brother Chang¡¯an¡¯s fault... Let¡¯s go out and see what they want.¡±

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng followed close behind.

    The group of four finally walked out of the cave.

    Across from them, the cadet branches¡¯ elder, Hu Jun, and the others had formed a half-circle around the entire cave entrance. Even though Hu Chang¡¯an was an Immortal Realm, it would be hard to escape even if he had eighteen hands and feet.

    Gu Zuo silently pondered and reflected over his getaway methods.

    With so many people, how would they leave... Truly, this was quite unlucky.

    On the other side, Hu Long and the others still wanted to see Hu Chang¡¯an grovel before Hu Jun. Hu Long coaxed and pleaded, allowing Hu Jun to stand in the front. They were waiting for Hu Chang¡¯an to pay his respects and apologize.

    Hu Chang¡¯an only felt humiliation in his heart.

    He wasn¡¯t resigned to being coerced with such methods, but he faintly understood that, although this move of the cadet branches was excessive, it was the true meaning of thew of the jungle. He didn¡¯t have enough time to mature, so he could only be crushed.

    But when all was said and done, he was once the young lord. He remained unwilling...

    While Hu Chang¡¯an was in this deadlock, Hu Long¡¯s gaze suddenly fell upon Gu Zuo. He remembered that this person reimed some face for Hu Chang¡¯an. As such, this person should be rather important to Hu Chang¡¯an, right? A thought immediately rose within Hu Long¡¯s mind.

    Hu Long whispered something into Hu Jun¡¯s ears.

    From the corner of Hu Jun¡¯s mouth, the trace of a smiling expression leaked out. He slightly nodded his head.

    Hu Long raised his eyebrows, and spoke in an uncanny voice: ¡°In the end, Hu Chang¡¯an once had a precious identity, so it¡¯s also natural that, for the time being, he can¡¯t ept that his status has changed. However, since you aren¡¯t willing to pay your respects and apologize, then it¡¯s not impossible to order your important retainer to do it for you.¡±

    He looked at Gu Zuo and said: ¡°It would be for the best that this retaineres here to take your ce, don¡¯t you think?¡± He raise his voice, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t this retainer kneeled down yet?!¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Unexpectedly, the fire had spread to him!

    Yet, how could he possibly get down on his knees for this group of wretched fellows?

    He was practically fuming at the ears!

    Hu Chang¡¯an was even more infuriated. His body shuddered fiercely. He couldn¡¯t endure this.

    Hu Long was immensely proud of himself. He bluntly advanced a few steps, and reached out a hand to grab and press Gu Zuo down...

    At this moment, from a certain distance, a slightly low voice unhurriedly thundered out: ¡°Who dares make my Ah Zuo kneel?¡±

    T/N: It shouldn¡¯t be a surprise that the MC and ML will reunite in the next chapter. However, I¡¯ve noticed that some readers were unaware of when the reunion would ur. About a month ago, I made a post on the discord to let everyone know which chapter to look out for so they could stockpile chapters and binge it all at once to avoid cliffhangers. As a reminder, I make posts about any dys, updates, and special announcements concerning this trantion on the discord.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 323 - Meeting EaChapter Other Again

    <h4>Chapter 323 - Meeting EaChapter Other Again</h4>

    Where did this voicee from? Who would charge onto the Hu n¡¯s premises, and break into the Hu n¡¯s restricted area?!

    At this moment, everyone couldn¡¯t help but look towards the source of that voice ¡ª

    High in the air, one would only see a person walking along the wind currents. His figure was tall and straight, his form was lean and slender, and his long hair was tied up in a bundle through a jade cor. His full-body, sapphire-blue brocade robe was luxuriant, and his exceptional bearing was first ss.

    His beauty seemed like floating clouds, and his mien was like the bright moon. Due to the dazzling brightness, others didn¡¯t dare to look upon him too closely.

    This person only stood there, but it was as if he had captivated the sights of everyone beneath the heavens. Everything else in the surroundings was crushed under the dimming light.

    His imposing aura was majestic and boundless. By uttering those words, an extremely terrifying pressure caused people to momentarily forget their own realms. They only felt that the air had be difficult to breathe, and the rage they revealed or restrained was suppressed!

    Yes. Hisplexion was tranquil, but that pair of eyes seemed to be condensing a cruel storm. So long as it was unleashed, this storm would shatter everything in the surroundings to smithereens!

    Such a personage was truly unprecedented!

    This person moved very quickly. As soon as his voice arrived, so too did he.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s lips slightly twitched: ¡°This, this is...¡± He couldn¡¯t help turning his head to look towards Gu Zuo¡¯s location.

    From this one look, his heart was filled with jubtion.

    As it turned out, that Hu Long originally wanted to use a hand to push Gu Zuo to his knees, but after that voice erupted, it appeared that Hu Long had been assaulted by a burst of killing intent. Hu Long¡¯s entire body was immobilized from top to bottom.

    The terrifying aura crashed down, and caused him to feel like brambles and thorns were stabbing into his back. It was like Mount Tai was pressing down on his head. It was like he was being pricked by countless steel needles. It was extreme agony. Even his trembling arms and legs were limp and pained. He couldn¡¯t muster up the tiniest amount of strength toy a hand on Gu Zuo!

    In Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s eyes, Hu Long¡¯s legs turned soft, and his knees buckled as he copsed to the ground. Wasn¡¯t this a kneeling stance? Unexpectedly, he had been forcefully suppressed by someone¡¯s aura, and he was the one who sank to his knees instead of Gu Zuo!

    Hu Long was covered in a full-body cold sweat. Nearly all theyers of his robes were soaked through, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead ¡ª Where else could one see such a spectacle of this thuggishckey?

    At this moment, hisplexion was deathly pale. He looked towards Hu Jun as if asking for help.

    However, Hu Jun didn¡¯t once pay attention to Hu Long. Instead, his gaze had fallen onto the person who arrived. There was a trace of panic in Hu Jun¡¯s eyes, but they quickly became calctive.

    As for Gu Zuo, the instant he heard this voice, his mind had already turned nk. Immediately following which, he couldn¡¯t help looking over. When he got a clear view of that person, his face couldn¡¯t restrain his emotions. He revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Practically the next moment, that person also showed a dazzling smile. That person spoke in a soft voice to him: ¡°Ah Zuo,e to your elder brother.¡±

    Before these words finished falling from those lips, Gu Zuo dashed straight to that ce, and threw himself into that person¡¯s arms.

    In his mind, there was nothing to think about ¡ª He only knew that he wanted to stay by that person¡¯s side. Whether that person was as beautiful as the bright moon or as ugly as Queen Wuyan, the spot next to that person was the ce where Gu Zuo felt safest in the whole world!

    Were these few steps taken in a single breath, or did theyst a lifetime?

    When Gu Zuo reacted and came over, his entire body was embraced against the beating heart of that handsome young man. With great strength and a tight grip, one arm wrapped around the small of his back, and another clutched over his shoulders. However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel that it was painful one bit. Only the rims of his eyes became somewhat hot and teary. Now, he felt that he wouldn¡¯t suffer any more dangers or grievances.

    ¡°Big brother...¡±

    He couldn¡¯t help warbling out again.

    Soon after, a warm hand dropped down onto Gu Zuo¡¯s head. He was gently pulled to this person¡¯s side by that familiar hand. Then, that voice, which he had always longed to hear, resounded once more at the edge of his ear.

    ¡°Ah Zuo, be good and stay here. Don¡¯t be scared.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Big brother came. I¡¯m not scared.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, he heard gentle and softughter, which made him even happier.

    Once he vaguely recollected himself from the joys of reunion, Gu Zuo suddenly recalled Hu Chang¡¯an and the two siblings. He turned his head, and looked over there.

    At this time, Hu Chang¡¯an and the siblings were surprised. They were simrly looking over here.

    To say nothing of everyone else on the scene.

    Originally, the Hu n cadet branches came over to revel in their own victory. They wanted topletely reverse the positions of the direct line and that of the cadet branches. They also wanted to suppress the prestige of the three remaining members of the direct line¡¯s present younger generation. Once the siblings were demoted to the cadet lines, they would¡¯ve also taken this opportunity to punish Hu Chang¡¯an. They wanted those extremely few fellows in the Hu n who stubbornly opposed them topletely forget about the original young lord, and to remember only the members of their cadet lines.

    The Hu n¡¯s direct line of descent was too weak, and the majority of the direct line¡¯s elders had passed away. The few who remained were the same as the majority of the Hu n¡¯s elders. They followed and conformed to the rules and norms, but it was out of the question to say that they had any power or influence. Their greatest backer, the Grand Elder, originally could¡¯ve protected the direct line for a few years, but because the cadet lines had found the Spirit Deity Grass, he had also passed away. Now, all that remained of the direct line was Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings. They, alone, couldn¡¯t save the situation. At this moment, wasn¡¯t this simply awaiting for the ¡°transition to a new dynasty¡±?

    It was to the point that they let Hu Long disgrace Gu Zuo. This also made everyone realize that Hu Chang¡¯an basically couldn¡¯t protect his own followers. It could be said there weren¡¯t any future prospects in following him!

    It was just that, when the members of the cadet lines coerced Hu Chang¡¯an, stepping over the faces of the direct line¡¯s three siblings and leaving them without any prestige, no one expected that such a personage would suddenly arrive. And this person, who treated the Hu n so discourteously and had casually barged inside, had truly ridden roughshod right over them!

    After their momentary shock, many younger generations among the side branches red at that handsome young man one after another. The others were also furious. There was even one person on the other side who tapped his foot against the head of his spirit beast, and arrived in front of the members of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches.

    This was a middle-aged man with a mediocre appearance. His profound qi realm was at the Ascendant Realm. While it was slightly unsteady, his spiritual realm was conversely at the Core Psyche Realm, and it was rather robust. Overbearing and arrogant, he opened his mouth and scolded up into the air: ¡°Which family¡¯s insignificant peak Xiantian child dares to act so insolently? You break into my Hu n, you intervene in my Hu n¡¯s domestic affairs, and you still haven¡¯t offered an apology? Could it be that you want this old man to teach you a thing or two on behalf of your family¡¯s elders?¡±

    Once these words were spoken,ughter filled with ridicule echoed out: ¡°What formidable might. But this is only trash with unstable foundations. You broke through by relying on external forces. And while you forcefully ascended, you also won¡¯t be able to advance a single inch further. How thick must your face be to dare prattle on self-importantly to the young master here? You also dare to discipline the young master on behalf of his teacher? What a joke!¡±

    That mediocre-looking, middle-aged man was Hu Jiao. The former elder, now Grand Elder, was being spoken to in such a way. Hisplexion reddened and paled. Indeed, not only was his appearance mediocre, his aptitude was also quite ordinary. He hadn¡¯t been able to break through for many years. Deep down in his heart, he was jealous of those genius personages, and bore an extremely low self-esteem. At this moment, he scolded this person precisely because he saw that, while this fellow¡¯s current realm was somewhat low, the young man¡¯s aptitudes were actually quite high. As a result, he deliberately appeared arrogant, and relied on his age to show his contempt in an effort to give himself face. Now that this facade had been destroyed, it seemed that both his inner character and outer honor was stripped away.

    Hu Jiao flew into a rage out of humiliation. The space between his eyebrows shed with rays of light, and transformed into arge saber. No matter the identity of the person who spoke, this saber would shower down and behead them.

    He was already a quasi profound-level pharmacist. In this Xuanwu City, who could take him on?

    But following this, a longsword swung out. It was simrly created out of psychic power. This longsword instantly shattered the condensed saber. When the fragments of the psychic power flew backwards, Hu Jiao was caught off guard. Several strands of his hair were sliced off ¡ª Hisplexion became even more unsightly. His face was practically ashen.

    Then, he looked towards that direction, and found another person whose suppressive might wasn¡¯t below his own. After taking action, that individual promptly withdrew to the back.

    That taunting voice resounded again: ¡°Heh, so this is the level of the Hu n¡¯s skill. To let this kind of mediocre person act as a Grand Elder, the Hu n indeed only amounts to this. It isn¡¯t worth mentioning.¡±

    At this moment, the members of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches discovered a person who had been quietly standing on the side the entire time like a respectful attendant. Unexpectedly, it was someone whom their Hu n viewed as a great obstacle. Moreover, it was the feared and extremely young Wu n Head: Wu Xing!

    The handsome young man, who had been previously scolded by their Grand Elder, hadn¡¯t said anything at all to them. He also wasn¡¯t paying attention to them. Rather, he had been speaking in low and dulcet tones to the teenager in his arms all the while. The young man¡¯splexion was gentle, and his expression was focused. On the contrary, the Wu n Head, Wu Xing, seemed to be sharing the burdens of that young man. Wu Xing had personally appeared and had taken the initiative to handle this matter, ruthlessly pping the Hu n on that young man¡¯s behalf.

    The gazes of some people in the Hu n had already started to faintly flicker.

    They heard the meaning in Wu Xing¡¯s words. The Wu n Head was actually so deferential to this young man... They couldn¡¯t help but feel a hint of intense unease at the bottom of their hearts.

    In the end, who was that young man?! And that Hu Chang¡¯an ¡ª What kind of person did he pick up this time...

    Just when the hearts of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches were in a turmoil, Hu Jun took a step forward, and said to that young man: ¡°I don¡¯t know who this brother is, but what issues do you have with my Hu n? Isn¡¯t rashly breaking into one¡¯s home somewhat discourteous?¡±

    Within this speech, half of it was a rhetorical question, and the other half was a style of discussion to express his discontent. Hu Jun conscientiously spoke with eloquence, and felt that if he kept a humble posture, the other party ought to say a few words. And so long as that young man spoke, a bit of the face that the Hu n had just lost could be redeemed.

    However, Hu Jun¡¯s ¡°expectations¡± didn¡¯te true.

    That handsome young man still ignored Hu Jun. It seemed that he wasn¡¯t done talking, and his eyes, which overflowed with warmth and tenderness, had settled upon the teenager by his side. It was as if he regarded Hu Jun as nothing more than a speck of dust. Let alone speaking with Hu Jun, even a sweeping nce felt like a waste of time.

    Hu Jun couldn¡¯t wait for the other side¡¯s response, and his facial features grimaced in a split second.

    Wu Xing gave an ice-cold nce at Hu Jun with eyes filled with mockery.

    During this brief period of time, the trusted Grand Elder of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches had been given a humiliating haircut, and the most promising genius of the younger generations had been disregarded. They appeared tiny and insignificant. The entirety of their grandeur had beenpletely suppressed.

    Immediately following this, that handsome young man slightly nodded towards the teenager by his side.

    At once, that teenager was greatly delighted. He turned towards a certain direction, and shouted in a loud voice: ¡°Brother Chang¡¯an, Young Lady Hu, Little Young Master Hu! You guyse here, too! Big brother said that he wants to invite you over!¡±

    Originally, the three Hu n siblings didn¡¯t have any presence. All of a sudden...they were the focus of everyone.

    The gazes of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches seemed to be as sharp as knives.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 324: The Hu Clanâ€™s Ending

    <h4>Chapter 324: The Hu n¡¯s Ending</h4>

    Hu Chang¡¯an and his two siblings were beset with such sinister gazes. Their backs were pricked with pins and needles, and their hearts were cold. Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng looked at their eldest brother with some hesitance. Meanwhile, Hu Chang¡¯an suddenly furrowed his brows as he watched Gu Zuo. Then, he took another look at the attitude of the person in the portrait he once witnessed, and recalled how coercive the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches were¡­ The next moment, Hu Chang¡¯an steeled himself, grabbed his two siblings, and dashed towards Gu Zuo¡¯s location!

    Originally, when Gu Zuo ran over, he didn¡¯t receive any obstructions because the members of the cadet branches were still shocked. But now, it was different. Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings were clearly part of the Hu n. If the cadet branches wanted to usurp the direct branch¡¯s position, they couldn¡¯t allow them to get away. It was only natural that they promptly sent out many people to block the way.

    Just then, Hu Chang¡¯an was impeded by all kinds of moves. Even though, no matter how benevolent his nature, he was also extremely angry. Now, heshed out, and used the power of his newly awakened Myriad Leaking Body. He reached out a hand, and made a forward shing motion ¡ª?In the blink of an eye, a tumultuous qi wave surged out violently. In the air, it formed a half moon-shaped wave, and instantaneously wounded quite a few martial artists who were raised by the cadet branches. It sliced off their arms, split open huge gashes along their nks to expose their intestines, or shredded their flesh to reveal ghastly, white bones. It was terrifying.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng saw that their eldest brother had such power, and their eyes gleamed with happiness. Soon after, they followed suit. Under Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s protection, they rode the wind and waves, and swiftly advanced.

    They made their way past several people in this way, but the strength of the cadet branches wasn¡¯t merely at the Immortal Realm. In a split second, two Atomic Realms blocked Hu Chang¡¯an.

    Whenparing Atomic Realm martial artists to Immortal Realm martial artists, the difference was like that of heaven and earth. Let alone that Hu Chang¡¯an had only just broken through. Even with the help of the Myriad Leaking Body, he couldn¡¯t respond to their attacks.

    All of a sudden, Hu Chang¡¯an was suppressed. Those two Atomic Realm martial artists reached out their arms. One wanted to contain Hu Chang¡¯an, while the other wanted to capture Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng.

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s heart lurched. His eyes unknowingly revealed a trace of despair.

    At first, it seemed like he could¡¯ve soon escape the humiliation of the cadet branches. And now, who would¡¯ve thought that ¡ª

    Gu Zuo looked at this situation. He had already turned towards his family¡¯s big brother as early as when Hu Chang¡¯an first took the initiative to act. Merely, the speed of those few hindering battles was too quick. Before his big brother replied, the two Atomic Realms had stopped Hu Chang¡¯an. Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help bing worried.

    Immediately after this, that familiar voice resounded once more: ¡°Ao Ying, take care of them.¡±

    The next instant, a streak of shadow bounded out like a gale-force wind. In the blink of an eye, that shadow had reached the front!

    At this moment, just as the two Atomic Realms extended their hands, they let out miserable shrieks. Agony ripped through their abdomens, and their minds felt lightheaded and dizzy. Soon after, their entire bodies were racked with pain, and they fell the ground without any strength! What was even more frightening was that they could sense that their qi oceans were bursting like dams. The profound qi within their bodies was washing away like an errant flood. It seemed that they would bepletely crippled in a short while!

    Their resentment skyrocketed: What ruthless intentions!

    However, following right after were waves of panic¡­ This was tantamount to falling into the mud from high up in the clouds. In this world, without any martial strength, what should they do in the future?

    But at this moment, no one had any thoughts of taking care of those two former powerhouses. Ao Ying simrly reached out a hand, instantly rolled up those three siblings, and directlynded before his master.

    As for those insignificant and foolish clowns of the Hu n? Ao Ying didn¡¯t care the slightest bit.

    Theplexions of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches became even more unsightly.

    Immediately following this, the thinning clouds and mist that seemed to constantly enshroud the area behind that handsome young man suddenly dispersed. A dense crowd of shadows was made visible.

    The Hu n¡¯s cadet branches all sucked in cold breaths.

    As it turned out, that side wasn¡¯t limited to just the Wu n Head, Wu Xing, and several lofty martial artists with indistinct appearances. Dropping down from above and standing uniformly behind that handsome young man were well over a hundred members of non-human races!

    Just the dog-eared battle ves numbered a hundred-something. There were also members of the ox, monkey, and mouse races. Some were in front, while others were behind. Their numbers couldn¡¯t be counted. What¡¯s more, it wasn¡¯t only Wu Xing and a select few from the Wu n. Rather, there were two hundred people altogether. Included among them were several young masters of the direct line. All of them were calm and unruffled in the back as they watched the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches.

    This kind of force was like a huge monster.

    Under such a giant force, if the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches dared to make any sudden moves, they would be ground to dust in the blink of an eye!

    Hu Jun¡¯s eyes clouded over with a gloomy haze.

    It was clear that he would¡¯ve soon taken and reced Hu Chang¡¯an, but Hu Chang¡¯an had such good luck! When all of the strength of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches were added together, they couldn¡¯tpare to that ruthless and vicious battle ve legion. Even whenpared to the people brought by the Wu n, they were a little inferior. Could it be that this day was truly their predestined fate?

    The rest of the members of the Hu n were as silent as cicadas in winter. When they got a clear look at the true strength and numbers of those who arrived, they obediently retracted their heads, and didn¡¯t dare to prattle on self-importantly like before.

    Hu Jiao, the Grand Elder, was inconsbly aggrieved. That mass of fury from being humiliated earlier was thoroughly pushed down into his heart. Smothering it was extremely painful. He almost had to vomit blood.

    On the other side of things, Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings had escaped the deadly sting of the cadet branches, but they also didn¡¯t dare to get close to that handsome young man like Gu Zuo. After exchanging nces, they stepped forward one after another to courteously express their gratitude: ¡°Young master, many thanks for saving us.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s palm was still holding onto Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, but his mouth bore a smiling expression: ¡°My younger brother was saved by Young Lord Hu, and was treated so thoughtfully. Right now, I¡¯m simply raising a helping hand. How is this worth mentioning?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an didn¡¯t feel it was like this.

    He wanted to say that saving Brother Ah Zuo was merely taking a person along on his carriage. It was too farfetched to say that he had tended to his charge. Brother Ah Zuo had woke up on his own. Once they returned to the household, Hu Chang¡¯an had only arranged a dwelling ce. Nevertheless, without waiting for any reception, Brother Ah Zuo had helped him awaken his Myriad Leaking Body.

    Furthermore, Brother Ah Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate to take the risks to spar in a pill battle on his behalf and intrude into the restricted area¡­ All be told, Hu Chang¡¯an owed Brother Ah Zuo even more. Currently, these three siblings had avoided disgrace due to Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s prestige. How could they treat this as a non-issue?

    Then, Tianheng spoke a few more polite and amiable words to Hu Chang¡¯an. Most of which were questions about Gu Zuo¡¯s situation while he was there. Hu Chang¡¯an answered him honestly. As Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s gaze roamed, he suddenly met Wu Xing¡¯s visage.

    Wu Xing nced at him, and wore a smile that wasn¡¯t a smile.

    Hu Chang¡¯an was greatly embarrassed in his heart.

    He had long known that the Wu n treated the Hu n like how a tiger watched its prey. He didn¡¯t expect that Wu Xing would rely on the support of Tianheng. Meanwhile, not only couldn¡¯t he save the Hu n, he was instead overthrown by the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches. Even his position as the young lord had been lost. He didn¡¯t know what status this Tianheng had to make Wu Xing take the initiative to work for him like this. Did no one in the entire Wu n have any objections?

    What made him even more depressed was that he didn¡¯t have any ground to stand on in the Hu n. Now, he had no other choice but to rely on Tianheng for protection ¡ª?Still, this depended on Brother Ah Zuo¡¯s prestige. How couldn¡¯t he feel ashamed after running into the Wu n like this? If he only said that he had been forced into a difficult situation with a spirited voice, then that would be enough to strip him of any and all face!

    At this time, he increasingly felt that he was useless. Compared to Wu Xing, the differences between them¡­were truly too numerous.

    Fortunately, although Wu Xing looked down upon Hu Chang¡¯an, he didn¡¯t speak any mocking words. He only turned a blind eye.

    Hu Chang¡¯an sighed in relief, and didn¡¯t dare to meet Wu Xing¡¯s gaze again.

    As for Tianheng, he gently said: ¡°Young Lord Hu, how do you want to deal with these rebellious people?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an stared nkly.

    There was a smile on Tianheng¡¯s face as he said encouragingly: ¡°Regardless of what request this Young Lord Hu has, there¡¯s no harm in saying what one thinks.¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an immediately understood. In other words, no matter what he wanted to do, this big brother of Brother Ah Zuo was willing to handle it on his behalf?

    In a split second, his mind was locked in a struggle.

    This was an enormous temptation. He could rely on Tianheng to thoroughly suppress the cadet branches, and retake the authority to control the Hu n. From Tianheng¡¯s tone, he also realized that he could even have the cadet branchespletely exterminated, or have them utterly repressed such that they would never be able to rise up against him again! As for the external threat of the Wu n, although Wu Xing and the others followed Tianheng, Tianheng could also restrict them fromying a hand on the Hu n.

    Such conjectures caused his heart to boil with wave after wave of fiery passion. If he really did this ¡ª?He wouldn¡¯t need to worry about his younger siblings anymore. Their Hu n would still be the ruler of Xuanwu City!

    Almost subconsciously, Hu Chang¡¯an was about to make a decision ¡ª

    But then and there, he looked once more at Wu Xing.

    Wu Xing seemed to see right through his thoughts, and a hint of ridicule shed across Wu Xing¡¯s face.

    It was like Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s head had been sshed with a bucket of icy water. He felt cold to his bones.

    He suddenly recalled a question that had flitted through his mind before ¡ª Why did the entire Wu n take refuge in Tianheng? They followed him over, so they certainly knew about the rtionship between Brother Ah Zuo and Tianheng. They could guess what Tianheng would do, but the Wu n was still so deferential and obedient. There wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of resentment. What was Wu Xing thinking? Did he simply not care about the Hu n and Xuanwu City?

    After this, Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s mind, which had almost lost its rationality in the excitement, became clearheaded. He turned to look at the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches on the side. He discovered that they were silently fuming, but they had no way to do anything about it.

    If he regained control over the Hu n, how could he be stronger than these people when facing external enemies? It would only be once he gained mastery over the Myriad Leaking Body, but who knew how many years that would take?

    Hu Chang¡¯an had never understood something so clearly.

    The Hu n¡­was too weak.

    This weakness made him feel that the entirety of Xuanwu City wasn¡¯t actually worth much.

    Hu Chang¡¯an pondered. Soon after, he finally made a firm resolution. He lifted his head: ¡°Although the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches have rebelled, in the end, it was caused by my ipetence. This Hu requests to follow the young master. In the future, after I¡¯ve made some achievements, I¡¯ll naturally return and personally take back the Hu n!¡±

    In a sh, his expression became unprecedentedly determined.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow. In his consciousness, he suddenly sent out his voice.

    [Ah Zuo, what do you feel about this?]

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 325: Revenge

    <h4>Chapter 325: Revenge</h4>

    Gu Zuo looked distracted, but after that, he gave a reply through his consciousness.

    [This decision is up to big brother to make. All of it is up to big brother¡¯s will.]

    Although Gu Zuo owed Hu Chang¡¯an a favor, and Hu Chang¡¯an was considered his friend, it was only natural that Gongyi Tianheng was the most important person in his heart. If there was anything that Hu Chang¡¯an needed help with, he would do his best. However, that didn¡¯t mean he would mess up his big brother¡¯s ns just for Hu Chang¡¯an.

    Thus, he gave this kind of answer.

    And such an answer clearly pleased Tianheng.

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and gave a slight smile.

    [Do the three Hu n siblings have any skills in a particr field?]

    Gu Zuo thought about it.

    [Brother Chang¡¯an has the Myriad Leaking Body. Young Lady Hu and Little Young Master Hu¡¯s gifts in medicine refinement are also impressive.]

    Tianheng seemed to consider something.

    [In that case, they can be trained.]

    Gu Zuo said nothing. At this time, he didn¡¯t want to throw his big brother¡¯s train of thought off track.

    Soon after, Tianheng came to a decision.

    Although it seemed that much had been said during the dialogue between these two, in actuality, it had already ended in the blink of an eye.

    Just when Hu Chang¡¯an started to grow nervous waiting for this young master¡¯s reply, Tianheng smiled: ¡°Right now, I¡¯m still a neer, and I¡¯m looking for talents. Young Lord Hu is willing to help, and is quite gifted. What reasons are there to refuse?¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s anxious heart, which was previously hanging by a thread, suddenly came back down.

    He didn¡¯t know that Gu Zuo had already told Tianheng about the matter of his special constitution. At this moment, he was still somewhat ashamed. It was just that, because he realized that he and his siblings were like stray dogs, and because he thought that Tianheng took them in to indulge Gu Zuo, Hu Chang¡¯an believed that this was truly a friendship of monumental proportions. Moreover, while he possessed the Myriad Leaking Body and he was somewhat confident in his own future prospects, once he carefully considered things¡­ Supposing that he didn¡¯t have such a constitution, he couldn¡¯t help but suddenly feel even more disgraced. For the sake of the safety of his siblings, if he was met with these circumstances, then it seemed he would have to follow along with his tail between his legs.

    Hu Chang¡¯an had never done anything shameful. And now that he wascking confidence, he inevitably felt depressed. After this, he secretly became even more determined in his heart. Since he decided to ce himself into Tianheng¡¯s hands, he couldn¡¯t keep relying on his good friend Brother Ah Zuo in the future. Or else, he wouldn¡¯t be able to put his heartpletely into his work. On the contrary, because of this, he needed to strive even harder to gain benefits for his younger siblings and to improve himself to genuinely be of help to Tianheng.

    He, Hu Chang¡¯an, no longer acknowledged the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches. He represented the Hu n¡¯s main branch. The previous losses didn¡¯t matter. From this day forth, he was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s subordinate, and he wouldn¡¯t have his head pushed down by the Wu n ever again. Even though he and his siblings were few in number, their dedication and potential weren¡¯tcking. He was set on suppressing the Wu n!

    With this kind of thinking, Hu Chang¡¯an took his siblings into his arms, and told them to pay their respects to Tianheng.

    Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng had witnessed Tianheng¡¯s prestige, and had long felt fear in their hearts. Now that they heard their eldest brother¡¯s words, they diligently observed the proper etiquette.

    Soon after, Tianheng nodded his head, and directed the three Hu n siblings to stand on the side.

    Hu Chang¡¯an led his siblings over. With deferential faces and rigidly straight backs, they, intentionally or otherwise, stood on the side where the Wu n wasn¡¯t present.

    Hu Jun¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of bitter resentment. After that, he withdrew to the side, and slowly lowered his head.

    Damn it¡­

    Tianheng¡¯s nce swept over everyone from the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches. He saw their dread and confusion. They looked as if doomsday had befallen them, and they had practically turned into a sheet of loose sand with no cohesion. Fundamentally, he didn¡¯t think that their numbers were that numerous. But even though they couldn¡¯t fight Tianheng¡¯s delegation, if they steeled themselves and risked their lives, it also wasn¡¯t impossible for them to bite a mouthful of flesh from a powerful enemy ¡ª?What kind of graceful bearing and courageous spirit was that?

    Unfortunately, they weren¡¯t the slightest bit courageous. And Tianheng wasn¡¯t even marginally interested.

    But at this moment, the Hu n was a scene of chaos. Hu Chang¡¯an didn¡¯t have any ns to take care of the Hu n. However, if they departed just like this and didn¡¯t teach the Hu n a lesson, wouldn¡¯t it be too unpleasant?

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth slightly curled: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone have any thoughts?¡±

    The next instant, Wu Xing took a step forward, and respectfully said: ¡°Young master, if you aren¡¯t going to discard them, would it be possible to hand the Hu n over to this subordinate to deal with?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Oh? What do you have in mind?¡±

    Wu Xing had a n in advance: ¡°It will definitely leave the young master satisfied!¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head, and said: ¡°Go, then.¡±

    Wu Xing answered: ¡°Many thanks, young master!¡±

    Following this, Wu Xing brought along an Ascendant Realm bodyguard, and moved where the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches were located.

    The subsequent matters he wanted to aplish were to please the person he had just started serving. And in his heart, he had alreadye up with an idea the moment he realized the Hu n had offended Tianheng.

    On the other hand, the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches had many people who recognized Wu Xing. When they realized that Wu Xing hade to deal with them, they became even more guarded.

    There had been many disagreements between the Wu and Hu ns. Now that they had fallen into Wu Xing¡¯s hands, how could this end with any gains? In a moment, all of the various conjectures in their hearts turned into fright. They didn¡¯t know what they ought to do.

    Hu Chang¡¯an watched this spectacle, and his mood wasplicated.

    However, he had already given up the power to handle the Hu n. As such, whatever happened to the Hu n was no concern of his¡­ Even though the one who was taking care of the Hu n was Wu Xing.

    Hu Jun nced at Wu Xing, and only felt that this fellow was an eyesore. In his heart, he was extremely unwilling. Right away, his gaze swept towards a certain corner. It was a pity that this empty space didn¡¯t have a single person. It made him even more regretful.

    If it wasn¡¯t for him ¡ª

    Wu Xing walked over, and Hu Jun wanted to speak with him.

    Just when Hu Jun opened his mouth, Wu Xing unexpectedly brushed right past him. It seemed that Wu Xing didn¡¯t view him as an equal, and went before the current Grand Elder Hu Jiao.

    Hu Jun¡¯splexion turned ashen.

    That was the second time! This was the second time someone had insulted him!

    From the start, Wu Xing didn¡¯t pay any attention to Hu Jun¡¯s thoughts, and only softly whispered a few words into Hu Jiao¡¯s ear.

    Hu Jiao¡¯s face immediately turned deathly pale. His fingers also faintly trembled. It was like he was furious. It was like he was full of dread. It was like¡­ Afterwards, he falteringly rummaged through his sleeve, and took out a pill cauldron. Setting it in front, he immediately extended a hand to form several hand seals. From within that pill cauldron¡¯s furnace chamber, a purple me was slowly scooped out.

    ¡ª?The Violet Bedrock me!

    Medicine refining aristocratic families that could pass down inheritances usually possessed some top-notch mes. However, not every aristocratic family had a Wondrous Fire. And not every Wondrous Fire possessed sufficient spirituality!

    Yet, as it turned out, the Violet Bedrock me was one such Wondrous Fire that was rather spiritual. The grade of this me was very high, and it could assist in medicine refining. If the Wu n hadn¡¯t found their own Wondrous Fire several generations ago, it simply would¡¯ve been impossible to develop to the present stage where it could nearly overturn the Hu n. It would¡¯ve been even more impossible to expand up until now.

    In this world, which pharmacists would shun a few more Wondrous Fires?

    The Wu n had watered at the mouth over this Violet Bedrock me for a long time. When Wu Xing offered to serve Tianheng, he also considered what kind of precious gift he could hand over to Tianheng.

    The opportunity was right now.

    After that, Wu Xing also took out something from his sleeve. It was a sealed container simr to a candlestick holder. It was sparkling, translucent, and extravagant like fine jade.

    Wu Xing lifted the lid, and held it in front of Hu Jiao.

    Hu Jiao had a pained face as he performed several more hand seals. After severing the connection between himself and the Violet Bedrock me, he tossed the Wondrous Fire into the candlestick holder.

    He turned his head away: ¡°It¡¯s done. You must let my Hu n go!¡±

    Wu Xing sneered: ¡°What kind of a personage is the young master? How could he bother himself with ants like you? Rest assured, this object is an apology gift. The only thing worth mentioning in your Hu n is this me.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Wu Xing ced the lid back, and saw the the entire candlestick holder had be a faint purple color. It was exquisite and extremely beautiful.

    Following this, Wu Xing turned around, and returned to offer this candlestick holder to Tianheng. He smiled and said: ¡°This thing is pretty good. I hope the young master kindly epts it. The insignificant Hu n would nevere to take it back.¡±

    Tianheng looked at this Wondrous Fire, and there was a hint of appreciation in his eyes: ¡°This thing isn¡¯t bad. You are considerate.¡±

    Wu Xing revealed just the right amount of joy: ¡°Young master, many thanks for your praise.¡±

    Then, he withdrew to the side once more.

    Tianheng casually ced the candlestick holder into Gu Zuo¡¯s hands. The emotions in his eyes were doting: ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you for so long, and this elder brother hasete. Take this as an apology gift.¡±

    Gu Zuo was flustered as he received it. He repeatedly shook his head: ¡°It wasn¡¯t big brother¡¯s fault.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was soft: ¡°Does Ah Zuo like it?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at the candlestick holder. Indeed, he was quite enamored with it. He immediately gave a brilliant smile: ¡°I love it!¡±

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°In the future, if I find more Wondrous Fires, I¡¯ll give them all to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed, but he didn¡¯t refuse.

    He treated big brother well, and big brother treated him well. In his mind, this was as it should be. For a long time now, he already didn¡¯t need to think about anything else.

    Seeing this scene, many people of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches revealed reluctant and pained expressions. But this time, their small lives had been saved. Apart from the pain, they finally felt a little relieved. Only Hu Jun, who had long felt that the Violet Bedrock me would belong to him sooner orter, had the hatred in his heart burn even fiercer. It was hard to extricate himself. Most of all, Tianheng didn¡¯t seem to care about the candlestick holder at all. For a short while, Hu Jun couldn¡¯t restrain his dagger-like gaze as he stared at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo sensed it, and looked over. After that, he didn¡¯t pay Hu Jun any more attention.

    He wasn¡¯t interested in this kind of person¡­ He also didn¡¯t ce any importance in that bit of hatred.

    As for Hu Jun, when he discovered that Gu Zuo was ncing in his direction, he hastily lowered his head. He constrained his anger, and didn¡¯t dare to look again.

    The matters here were basically settled. Naturally, Tianheng and the others wouldn¡¯t linger in this ce. They didn¡¯t care about the Hu n¡¯s reactions, and only listened to Tianheng¡¯s voice: ¡°Move out.¡±

    In a split second, the battle ves, servile races, Wu n members, and the three Hu n siblings moved one after another. With great momentum, they formed ranks and stepped out of the way, allowing Tianheng to walk ahead.

    Tianheng embraced Gu Zuo in one arm as he walked a few steps. But all of a sudden, he turned his head around as if he had recalled something. The edge of his lips bore an ice-cold smile: ¡°Actually, I forgot something.¡±

    Once his words fell, he moved slightly to the side, and pped out a palm!

    In the blink of an eye, an enormous Blood Palm sted outwards. The palm crushed someone into meat paste!

    The Hu n¡¯s cadet branches were startled. They suddenly discovered that the one who had been pped into a bloody pulp was the person who had tried to force that teenaged pharmacist to kneel. It was Hu Long!

    After that, the Blood Palm unexpectedly didn¡¯t disappear. Rather, it travelled towards another direction!

    Hu Jun turned pale with fright. He retreated again and again.

    It was just that he was too slow in the end¡­

    The Blood Palm swatted him away. Instead of turning him into meat paste, the medicinal beads in his hands were shattered by the qi and blood. His qi ocean had also crumbled to pieces.

    In spite of everything, he had beenpletely crippled! It could be said that he didn¡¯t have the slightest future prospects!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 326: Returning to the Sect

    <h4>Chapter 326: Returning to the Sect</h4>

    The resentment in Hu Jun¡¯s eyes was so thick that it seemed like it was going to condense into tears of poison. However, it was absolutely useless. He only had enough time to spit out a mouthful of blood before falling unconscious.

    Seeing Hu Jun¡¯s miserable condition and taking another look at the meat paste that Hu Long had be, the entirety of the Hu n¡¯s cadet branches kept quiet out of terror. The atmosphere became a pall of deathly stillness.

    After Gongyi Tianheng sent out this p like an afterthought, he continued walking forward as before. On the other hand, Gu Zuo turned his head around to take a look, and silently shivered. However, contrary to what one might¡¯ve expected, he leaned even closer into Tianheng¡¯s side.

    If it was anyone else besides his big brother who had mashed a person into a bloody pulp, perhaps he would¡¯ve been a little scared right now. But it was precisely because it was his big brother that, apart from some reasonable shivers, he actually felt a very strong sense of security¡­ Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help making a rueful smile in his heart.

    He arrived here just a short four years ago, and he had already grown ustomed to such matters. If he stayed in this world for a few more years, would he still be the same Gu Zuo when it was time to return?

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo slightly shook his head. He didn¡¯t deeply ponder this question anymore.

    In any case¡­ He would simply take this long journey one step at a time.

    This grandiose delegation of people quickly departed the Hu n¡¯s restricted area, and then they left the Hu n¡¯s premises.

    On the street in front of the Hu n¡¯s gates, almost the entire road was overflowing with spirit grade wild beasts that were as tall as hills. Between these wild beasts, there were other wild beasts whose levels were slightly lower, but the strange thing was that they weren¡¯t the slightest bit unruly. It seemed that they were battle beasts that had already been tamed. The iron-blooded beasts appeared stalwart and determined.

    Along the street, the remaining businesses, peddlers, and milling crowds didn¡¯t dare to breathe too loudly. Much earlier, there were those who closed their doors, some who had lost their heads out of fear, and others who took the opportunity to leave and watch the show from far, far away.

    Amid everyone¡¯s suspicions, they wondered where this group of enormous and formidable troops hade from. Did they aggressively charge into the Hu n to carry out a vendetta?

    Numerous people wanted to leave, but they also couldn¡¯t withstand the curiosity and worry in their hearts. Therefore, they cautiously stayed in their nooks and corners. There were even more scouts from therge and small aristocratic families in this city who braved the danger, and likewise stayed put to wait for news.

    This detachment of troops actually caused the entirety of Xuanwu City to be rmed.

    All of a sudden, the Hu n¡¯s gates opened. Walking out was a procession of handsome and beautiful men and women. The pupils of many people suddenly shrank, and they spoke with amazement:

    ¡°Members of the Wu n!¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not just the Wu n¡­ Look at how the Wu n Head treats that young man so respectfully!¡±

    ¡°Hold that thought. There¡¯s the Hu n¡¯s young lord. Why is he also among them?¡±

    ¡°I recognize that teenager. He previously took action on behalf of Young Lord Hu. Why is he so close to that young man?¡±

    ¡°This affair¡­¡±

    Subconsciously, many people spected.

    Soon after, everyone realized that this was an important matter that needed to be kept secret.

    Tianheng unhurriedly walked past the gates. He stretched out a hand to cradle Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder. Then, he leaped up, andnded directly onto the back of thergest wild beast.

    He silently thought: Eh, did big brother get rich?

    After thinking about it, he looked at Tianheng¡¯s face ¡ª?When all was said and done, just what did his big brother experience? It felt like Tianheng had saved them many years of work all at once.

    Tianheng knew what Gu Zuo was thinking as he looked at this expression, and couldn¡¯t help breaking intoughter: ¡°I recently joined Ten Ultimates Sect. Because I luckily obtained the evaluation of a prodigy, I received this treatment. As for the specifics, Ah Zuo will have to wait until we go back together to see. Then, you¡¯ll know what¡¯s going on.¡±

    Gu Zuo was startled: ¡°Ten Ultimates Sect?¡±

    He remembered hearing this name before. It was a silver-ranked organization! That auction was a property of Ten Ultimates Sect. All of Xuanwu City, and even bronze-ranked cities, didn¡¯t dare to provoke it! Originally, he thought it would be great if his big brother could enter this kind of organization, but he didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng would actually join one. Nevertheless, when he was met with danger, his big brother hade just in time!

    Truly¡­did his wishe true?

    Soon after, he calmed down, nodded his head, and followed Tianheng into the small pce hall.

    Speaking of which, it also wasn¡¯t strange that his big brother could aplish things to this degree¡­

    Extremely soft furs were spread across the floor inside the pce hall. He didn¡¯t know which wild beast¡¯s body these furs were skinned from. At first nce, the furs only appeared thick and sturdy, but with a careful inspection, he noticed it was suffused with brilliant lights and vibrant colors. There were no words to describe its tactile qualities.

    Gu Zuo randomly found a ce to sit down.

    Tianheng smiled at him: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here. Let your elder brother have a look at you.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened. He slowly ambled over, and sat by Tianheng¡¯s side.

    Tianheng ruffled his hair, and spoke in a warm voice: ¡°How many days has it been since we got separated? Ah Zuo, could it be that you want to stay apart from your elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: ¡°Absolutely not!¡±

    In fact, he only felt that the space within this small pce hall was a little narrow. It would be rather embarrassing to lean up close to Tianheng¡­ Although, he also didn¡¯t know why he suddenly felt that it would be embarrassing. After all, it was clear that he had gotten used to this matter long ago.

    Perhaps, it really was due to this long-awaited reunion?

    ¡ª?Even though, in reality, this long separationsted no more than a dozen or so days.

    While they were in the Hu n just now, Gu Zuo had already told Tianheng many things about his experiences. Currently, he started to carefully ask about Tianheng. Naturally, Tianheng slowly narrated his own story into Gu Zuo¡¯s ear.

    ¡°How dangerous. It¡¯s good that nothing happened to big brother¡­¡±

    ¡°Those people¡¯s eyes are pretty good! But who forced them to bete when inviting big brother?¡±

    ¡°Eh? Big brother¡¯s master is really awesome!¡±

    ¡°Ah, Ten Ultimates Sect is treating big brother well¡­¡±

    ¡°Big brother¡¯s seniors aren¡¯t half bad, too!¡±

    ¡°Now, we¡¯re not short of money¡­¡±

    ¡°It goes without saying that big brother deserves the best!¡±

    At times, Gu Zuo either sighed in amazement or eximed in admiration. Gradually, he no longer felt that there was anything awkward between them.

    While Tianheng talked, his line of sightnded onto Gu Zuo¡¯s face. His gaze became increasingly gentle. It seemed like he was slowly taking in Gu Zuo¡¯s image, andmitting every curve and tilt of that smile to memory. It was like the only thing Tianheng could see in the whole world was Gu Zuo.

    Unwittingly, Gu Zuo snuggled even closer to Tianheng. His eyes were bright and clear, and there was an inexplicable feeling of trust and dependance etched across his face. For some reason, although he missed Tianheng when they were separated previously, it wasn¡¯t like now where his entire body was heating up. His heart, which had drifted aimlessly without a resting ce, suddenlynded onto solid ground.

    Meanwhile, the wild beasts outside had already started moving. The battle ves knew the route, so they didn¡¯t go to disturb Tianheng or Gu Zuo. Arrangements were made for Hu Chang¡¯an and the others, and ces were also found for the Wu n members.

    Wu Xing was an extremely discerning n Head. He was different from people like Hu Chang¡¯an who had only experienced some things in the world until now. At this time, he quickly connected to and shared a few words with those battles ves who led the way. With his sharp way of looking at things, he discovered that, among all the servants, the ones whom Tianheng regarded as the most important were undoubtedly these battle ves. Within the three servile races, the monkey race was first, the ox race was second, and the mouse race was third ¡ª?He felt even more that the person he followed was without fault.

    Soon after, Wu Xing chatted with the monkey race member who happened to be next to him.

    He vaguely understood that battle ves were normally the most loyal fighters directly under themand of their master. When scouting for intelligence, there was no need to find it from the battle ves. Absolutely no information could be pried out. As such, the easiest ones to make dealings with were naturally the servile race members who received the most importance. Compared to numerous types of races, the monkey race was the closest to the human race. Since he had the skills, it was only natural that he would develope a rtionship with them.

    Moreover¡­ He was a neer. If the Wu n wanted to gain a foothold, he had to find an entry point to fight for an advantageous position. This was to gain even more importance and resources for the Wu n members who followed him.

    Because Wu Xing met Tianheng, he no longer ced the puny Xuanwu City in his eyes. Prior to their departure, he only brought along the direct line of the Wu n. The hidden foundations of the n had also been taken away without exception.

    He had cut off all means of retreat. He was betting everything, himself and his family, on Tianheng. He had the courage and confidence to make Tianheng value them through such a disy of sincerity.

    In fact, it was indeed just like this, and Tianheng treated Wu Xing with appreciation.

    Tianheng could see that, although this person was capable of seizing opportunities, Wu Xing also wasn¡¯t someone who was faint of heart. Once he made a decision, even if he temporarily fell on hard times, so long as he didn¡¯t suffer an irrecoverable setback, he would continue to persevere and gamble that he could to turn things around.

    On this day, a group of people came in a rush and left in a hurry.

    Once they departed Xuanwu City in a grandiose manner, the Hu n, which had been upied by the cadet branches, finally let out sighs of relief. Contrary to expectations, there were some who previously supported Hu Chang¡¯an, butter on, due to all kinds of reasons, the elders of the original direct line only watched with folded arms as Hu Chang¡¯an was coerced and threatened. Now, they saw how the Hu n suffered such humiliation. Perhaps, it would soon be bleak and deste. In their hearts, there was unspeakable regret.

    Yet, there was no other alternative.

    The Hu n¡¯s cadet branches pulled themselves together with great difficulty. They carried Hu Jun away, and cleared up the meat paste. For a short while, everyone tried to keep themselves busy and forget what had just urred. This caused their nervous and wildly-beating hearts to slowly settle down.

    No one noticed that the unconscious Hu Jun was opening and closing his lips. It seemed that he was constantly repeating something¡­ Maybe it was a person¡¯s name? Perhaps, it was a designation?

    There was also no one who discovered that, in a shadowed corner of the Hu n¡¯s numerous buildings, an individual silently left.

    There was a faint muttering along the wind:

    ¡°The Hu n has been cut down by someone¡­ What a pity.¡±

    ¡°Hu Jun is too useless. The cadet branches cannot be brought up.¡±

    ¡°Too bad about that stalk of Spirit Deity Grass.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to Gongyi Tianheng as he narrated everything that happened after their separation. As he listened, his body, which originally didn¡¯t feel tired, unexpectedly felt a wave of exhaustion rush through him. All of a sudden, he became somewhat drowsy.

    Not long after, he felt his eyelids grow heavy and droop down. With almost no resistance, he¡­fell asleep.

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo leaning on his own shoulder, and closed his mouth. He didn¡¯t continue to speak.

    He quietly watched Gu Zuo for a while. Reaching out a hand, he took Gu Zuo into his arms. With the other hand, he supported Gu Zuo¡¯s head, and softly pressed it against his shoulder. Just like this, Gu Zuoid on his chest, held in an embrace against his heart.

    The mood was peaceful and serene.

    Tianheng lightly patted Gu Zuo¡¯s back. Afterwards, he looked at his palm, which had moved without him realizing it. A rare trace of surprise flickered through his eyes.

    Shortly thereafter, his gaze became gentle once more.

    Tianheng faintly chuckled.

    Whatever. He had finally retrieved his Ah Zuo.

    In Ten Ultimates Sect, he would certainly give his little pharmacist only the very best.

    T/N: Username Tangelcinnamon has made fan art of the Tianlong Guards and Huang Ji! You can check them out here and here. These links will also be put in the trantor¡¯s notes of the original chapters that the artist posted them in, which are Chapters 213 and 232.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 327: Sorrow

    <h4>Chapter 327: Sorrow</h4>

    While it couldn¡¯t be said that Xuanwu City was close to Shijue City, it couldn¡¯t be said to be far away either.

    For normal travel, it would take ten days to half a month to arrive. However, if one was riding a spirit grade wild beast that used its full strength to hasten the journey, then a person could get there in less than a day.

    Gu Zuo was sleeping deeply. Although this was done while the spirit beast galloped, it didn¡¯t shake or jolt him. This went to show how emotionally and physically exhausted he was.

    With Gu Zuo none the wiser, they reached Shijue City.

    In the evening.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s temples felt a slight, throbbing ache. Enveloped within aforting and familiar scent, he struggled to stay asleep for a long time. He slowly opened his eyes.

    He discovered that there was darkness before his eyes. After that, he realized that a pair of warm hands was covering his own eyes ¡ª?He immediately understood that his family¡¯s big brother had been worried that the intense light might¡¯ve irritated him. As such, his big brother protected him from the light.

    Gu Zuo blinked.

    Following this, the palms shifted away. As the warmth faded, it actually made Gu Zuo a little reluctant to part from it.

    A low and gentle voice resounded: ¡°Has Ah Zuo woken up?¡±

    Gu Zuo stretched his body, wanting to stand up.

    At this moment, he suddenly discovered that something wasn¡¯t quite right.

    His butt was sitting on warm thighs, his head was resting on a warm chest, and his waist was encircled by a warm arm. His entire body was cocooned in a warm and loving embrace¡­ Gu Zuo was slightly startled.

    He was using his big brother like a muscled cushion!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart fluttered. He wanted to jump off.

    However, he only managed to move halfway before he was pressed back down by another hand.

    One could hear a voice that carried a hint of a smile: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t rush. Take your time.¡± There was a pause, ¡°During the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, Ah Zuo and this elder brother spent days like this. We didn¡¯t treat each other like strangers. Why are you acting so flustered now?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s inner monologue: Ah, I also don¡¯t know why I¡¯m so flustered! But back then, it was to keep our lives safe! I only fell asleep now¡­ Really, this is so embarrassing.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo diligently withdrew his arms and legs, and crawled up to sit on the side.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t tease him anymore. He only took his hand back, and let Gu Zuo move about freely.

    Gu Zuo lifted his head, and looked at Tianheng.

    En. Today, his big brother was handsome as always.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Ah, that was very long.

    Tianheng saw him with such a furrowed face, and gave a tenderugh: ¡°Does Ah Zuo want to make it up to elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo spiritedly nodded his head: ¡°Big brother, just say the word and I¡¯ll do it!¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up. He reached out a hand, and lightly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°There we go. Ah Zuo haspensated me.¡±

    Gu Zuo dazedly covered the left side of his face. He didn¡¯t know why his face was heating up.

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression became softer and gentler.

    After looking at each other for three seconds, Gu Zuo turned his head: ¡°Big brother, shall we go down?¡±

    Tianheng stood up. He scooped Gu Zuo up by his cor, and lifted him into a bridal carry: ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s go down.¡±

    Following this, after the sound of the billowing wind, Gu Zuo had his feet firmly nted on the ground. In the span of a breath, he had already dropped down from the back of this enormous wild beast!

    At this moment, the other wild beasts started to stir restlessly.

    When Gu Zuo raised his head, he found that this ce was considered a remote countryside beyond the city. Battle ves, servile races, and members of the Wu and Hu ns, who had been resting in organized formations, had all been waiting for him.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo made an embarrassed expression.

    This type of feeling where he had been holding everyone else up¡­

    Gu Zuo hurriedlyposed himself. After he slightly nodded and sent his greetings to Hu Chang¡¯an and the two siblings, he continued to follow along Tianheng¡¯s side.

    Tianheng ced his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°We¡¯ve been separated for many days, and this elder brother hasn¡¯t tasted Ah Zuo¡¯s craft for a long time.¡±

    Gu Zuo spoke at once: ¡°I¡¯ll go cook something for big brother!¡±

    Tianheng was very satisfied: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­What does big brother want to eat?¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°There isn¡¯t a single thing that Ah Zuo makes that I won¡¯t be happy to eat.¡±

    Whether it was all of the servants who followed Tianheng or the members of the Wu and Hu ns, everyone was astounded by the subsequent affair.

    It was because Gu Zuo grabbed Tianheng¡¯s wrist.

    This move was so abrupt. The battle ves were fine since they possessed a steely willpower. As for the servile races, they were extremely surprised.

    Ever since they started following this prodigy, the very first thing that the servile races came to understand was Tianheng¡¯s resolute behavior and assurance in handling matters.

    Although it was true that he had just entered Ten Ultimates Sect, after he was able to select resources, he promptly chose suitable servile races. Moreover, all of his properties were appropriately assigned to those servile races at the onset ¡ª?In reality, this point wasn¡¯t strange. Back then, the number of properties that flowed under his palms in the Gongyi n wasn¡¯t low. While it could be said that he didn¡¯t have as many as he did now, when it came to abundance, the properties in the past were only of different varieties and insufficient value. However, the matter of such industries was something he had long mastered. Dealing with this was naturally arranged in an instant.

    Apart from this, Tianheng was clear in his rewards and punishments. It seemed that, so long as one did a good job, it wouldn¡¯t be hard to get along. And actually, Tianheng never gave any signals to any one servant that they could get close to him. Commands made up the majority of his words, which made him appear even more indifferent ¡ª?Through observation, he projected an image of fairness and insurmountability to his subordinates.

    Simply said, his skill and majesty caused people to futilely make attempts at currying favor with him. Awed into submission, people would overlook his age even more easily.

    But what were they seeing right now?

    A youth who was treated so dearly and gently? Furthermore, that same person was being teased so intimately like nothing coulde between them?

    To say nothing of the fact that Tianheng allowed this teenager to grab his wrist. This level of trust was unheard of. What¡¯s more, their master¡¯s eyes were filled with a doting look. Even his qi emissions swept away the previous estrangement, bing much warmer.

    Soon after, everyone watched that teenager frown and think for a short while. Then, he chattered: ¡°Big brother, you certainly haven¡¯t been taking your medicine properly as ofte. The energies in your body are imbnced. In addition, although your meridians are very stable, big brother¡¯s strength is even greater. You¡¯ll suffer an impact in a moment of carelessness. Ah, also, because the obstructions haven¡¯t been removed, the widening of your meridians can¡¯t keep up with your energy reserves. This has caused a bit of liquefaction right now¡­ Okay, it¡¯s still my fault. There wasn¡¯t enough medicine for big brother to take, right? I should make some more¡­¡±

    The information contained within such words held a lot of weight. It seemed to have a big rtionship with the health of the young master they followed, but the specifics weren¡¯t too clear.

    Of course, from this conversation, they also seemed to somewhat understand why the young master trusted this teenager, and why he hadn¡¯t conducted any inspections on the pharmacists sent by the sect to determine his own personal pharmacist.

    After this, everyone watched as that teenager took the young master¡¯s pulse. Then, he scampered to the side to take out¡­an ordinary-looking,rge wok. Soon after, numerous medicinal ingredients inexplicably appeared, and piled up in heaps on the ground. There was also some fresh meat essence from wild beasts that had been stored up. The meat essence emitted a faintly bittersweet stench of blood.

    ¡ª?So to say, there was also a fairlyrge inter-spatial tool in this teenaged pharmacist¡¯s possession?

    Gu Zuo lit the fire to warm the wok, tossed in the medicinal ingredients and meat essence, scattered lots of fine powder, and meticulously refined everything.

    This was obviously the preparation of medicinal cuisine.

    They heard that this teenager could refine golden-level pills, and even asionally seeded in refining the simplest of profound-level pills. It went to show that he was a medicine refining genius. It was just that medicine refinement was divided into the three categories of decoctions, pills, and cuisines. Ordinary pharmacists usually became proficient in only one category. As for the other two categories, they would merely get by.

    But looking at this teenager¡¯s exquisite hand seals, could it be that he was also held mastery over medicinal cuisines? In that case, this person had excellent aptitudes on the path of medicine refinement. It seemed the trust the young master ced in this teenager was well-founded.

    Not to mention what Tianheng¡¯s subordinates were thinking, the three Hu n siblings were simrly amazed. However, what astonished them was mainly the intimacy and sense of closeness between Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    One just had to bring up Tianheng. Under those circumstances, he had literally dropped out of the sky, leading arge contingent of troops. This gave the three Hu n siblings quite the shock. It was to the point that they felt reverence for Tianheng in their hearts. Tianheng¡¯s closeness to Gu Zuo notwithstanding, they found it incredible that he trusted Gu Zuo to take his pulse.

    As for Gu Zuo, the three siblings had gotten to know Gu Zuo for a period of time. They could somewhat tell what kind of a person Gu Zuo was. Even though he treated them as friends, he was courteous, and knew when to give the other side space. He also exined any matters to allow them to make their own decisions. He never did anything without informing them first¡­

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how his friends and his big brother¡¯s subordinated servants were looking at him. Right now, what he was thinking about were the deficiencies in his big brother¡¯s body! He needed to make up for it without any dys¡­

    And deep in his heart, Gu Zuo also couldn¡¯t help forming a notion ¡ª?He couldn¡¯t be separated too far from his big brother anymore. Otherwise, his big brother¡¯s body wouldn¡¯t be able to endure it.

    However, right after this notion appeared, Gu Zuo¡¯s body suddenly stiffened.

    He couldn¡¯t be too far away¡­

    How was it possible for them not to part ways?

    Currently, they had been only separated by a distance of a few cities. Gu Zuo already felt that this was ¡°too far¡±. Yet, how vast was the disparity between two cities and two worlds? When he and his big brother were separated by two worlds, they¡­

    A surge of uncontrolled sorrow bubbled up in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Two worlds¡­

    At that time, who would nurse his big brother¡¯s health?

    With this kind of thinking, Gu Zuo nearly forgot to perform his hand seals. The scents of the medicinal cuisine in the wok almost changed.

    He hurriedlyposed himself, and rapidly saved the dish.

    But the trace of sorrow that arose from the bottom of his heart still didn¡¯t disperse.

    T/N: Username Tangelcinnamon has made fan art of Huang Ji and Gongyi Mingxia! You can check it out here. This link will also be put in the trantor¡¯s note of the original chapter that the artist posted them in, which is Chapter 233.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 328: Realization

    <h4>Chapter 328: Realization</h4>

    As Gu Zuo silently refined the medicinal cuisine, Gongyi Tianheng sensed that there was something slightly different about him. Tianheng sat next to Gu Zuo, and suddenly asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, why are you unhappy?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused, and shook his head: ¡°I just thought of something. I blurted out big brother¡¯s affairs after taking your pulse¡­ Previously, it didn¡¯t matter that the Tianlong Guards were around, but I don¡¯t know if these people can be trusted. Have I caused trouble for big brother?¡±

    ¡ª?What he was thinking about right now naturally couldn¡¯t be shared with his big brother. However, he really thought that, due to the excitement and habituation, he had been a bit foolish.

    When all was said and done, these servile races and battle ves weren¡¯t the Tianlong Guards.

    The radiance in Tianheng¡¯s eyes faintly moved. There was a sh of deep pondering.

    But following this, he smiled catingly: ¡°There¡¯s no harm. What Ah Zuo said is nothing but an ordinary trifle. If it was heard by people harboring evil designs, they wouldn¡¯t be able to infer anything meaningful.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng transmitted a warning.

    [These people have either been gifted by the sect or they chose to follow me voluntarily. Although it was done with sincerity and integrity, the situation isn¡¯t fully understood, and we can¡¯t trust thempletely. They¡¯re quite unlike the Tianlong Guards.]

    [The battle ves are personally trained and re-educated by the sect. They¡¯re good at fighting and are always devoted. Their racial groups are subservient to the sect, which mutually binds them. Their trustworthiness is seven percent.]

    [The servile races have been adherents for many generations. Each one has its good aspects, which would¡¯ve been grasped by the sect. It¡¯s just that, in the end, their minds are many and diverse. The trust I have in them is six percent.]

    [The Wu n is an independent adherent. The Wu n Head has long-term foresight and great ambitions. If I can subdue him, he¡¯ll be a sharp de for me. If I disappoint him, he may also turn his back and leave. They can be trusted up to four percent.]

    [As for the three people from the Hu n, although they¡¯ve also adhered to me now, their natures haven¡¯t been determined yet. However, their camaraderie is rather strong, and Ah Zuo is friends with them. While it may be assumed that they don¡¯t pose a threat to Ah Zuo, if they¡¯re viewed as subordinates, they must be cultivated some more. Merely, it¡¯s because of their camaraderie and that thisradeship isn¡¯t only that of friends, that I still can only ce four percent of trust in them.]

    Gu Zuo listened to Tianheng¡¯s transmission, and nodded his head to show his understanding.

    What his big brother said made sense. Although Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings surprised Gu Zuo, he thought better of it after considering this matter. Brother Chang¡¯an was sentimental and loyal, but his nature was somewhat weak. Gu Zuo was worried that he didn¡¯t have the Wu n¡¯s determination to serve and be a subordinate¡­ To be honest, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether Hu Chang¡¯an could be a good subordinate and proper adherent.

    Gu Zuo treated Hu Chang¡¯an as a friend, but this fellow could only be a friend he couldn¡¯t share secrets with.

    If Hu Chang¡¯an wanted to be trusted even more, then it would take a long period of operations to slowly reach that level.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo suddenly retracted his hands. The medicinal wok immediately erupted with a strand of milky-white qi. In a split second, it was collected by Gu Zuo. Soon after, a rich fragrance drifted out, and he meticulously processed the medicinal cuisine for Tianheng. The refinement was a sess!

    After that, Gu Zuo sighed. He took out arge bowl, and used adle to scoop out the best and most essential parts. The medicinal cuisine flowed into therge bowl, and was delivered into Tianheng¡¯s hands: ¡°Big brother, eat it while it¡¯s still hot.¡±

    Tianheng took it, and easily picked up the pair of jade chopsticks that Gu Zuo provided. At once, just like every time before, he used a graceful and unhurried posture to swiftly consume that cuisine.

    On the side, Gu Zuo watched Tianheng¡¯s familiar movements. His glittering eyes gradually dimmed.

    The truth was that separation had been difficult. And on the day they separated, he didn¡¯t know when he could reunite with his family¡¯s big brother. It was to the point that many thoughts and feelings arose within his mind. The worry, which was once hidden in the depths of his heart, also welled up to the surface.

    This caused Gu Zuo, who had psychologically prepared himself long ago, to start thinking about the Void Pill he would obtain in the future as well as the subsequent matters after he returned to his own world. At that time, they would part ways for real.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart felt sour.

    They only separated for a dozen or so days, and he had felt such longing for his big brother. In the future, years would pass by, and catching a glimpse of Tianheng would forever be out of his reach. What was he supposed to do then?

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo closed his eyes.

    [System, what rank of medicinal pill¡­is the Void Pill?]

    Previously, he didn¡¯t know when his efforts woulde to an end, but now, he wasn¡¯t like before when he didn¡¯t understand anything. Maybe he could find out how long it would take to reach his ultimate goal?

    The system probably heard the feelings in Gu Zuo¡¯s voice, and quickly answered his question.

    [Earth-level pill.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat sudden sped up.

    An earth-level pill!

    Originally, he thought that it might¡¯ve been a sky-level pill or a sacred-level pill. Who would¡¯ve expected that it was only an earth-level pill?

    Currently, the medicine refining texts in his possession had already reached the profound-level pills. In other words, he only needed to take one more step, and there would be arge probability that he could obtain the Void Pill¡¯s prescription!

    As he thought about this, Gu Zuo still wasn¡¯t relieved.

    [Is the Void Pill¡¯s prescription inside the >?]

    The system replied.

    [>]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s high-strung thoughts abruptly loosened.

    Ah, it really wasn¡¯t far away¡­ Finally, he had a precise understanding.

    Gu Zuo restrained the excitement in his heart. He suddenly thought of something.

    [If the Void Pill can be produced the first time, then more can be made. Can each medicinal pill bring a person through space and time? If two people take Void Pills together, can it be guaranteed that their destination is the same?]

    As before, the system was quick to answer.

    [One Void Pill can be produced at a time. A top grade medicinal pill can guarantee that there will not be any errors when passing through spacetime.]

    Gu Zuo clenched his fingers, and held his breath.

    [In other words, if I want to bring big brother along with me¡­]

    The system¡¯s tone didn¡¯t have any fluctuations.

    [It is feasible.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers unclenched.

    He was very happy. He had never been so happy. So long as he had Void Pills in hand, even if he and his big brother were separated across two worlds, they wouldn¡¯t be separated forever!

    If it was like this, he wouldn¡¯t have to keep the guilt he¡¯d been concealing from his big brother the whole time close to his chest anymore¡­

    But, the joy rising in his heart disappeared in the blink of an eye.

    ¡ª?Indeed, it wasn¡¯t an eternal parting, but they couldn¡¯t always be together either. What separated them would be worlds, not just a few buildings down the road.

    Gu Zuo had a clear understanding.

    His big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, possessed the most outstanding of talents in this world. He had strong ambitions, vast aspirations, and the capabilities to reach the top.

    For such an individual, he ought to shine brilliantly in this world filled with martial arts. He would be the strongest ¡ª?Yes. Gu Zuo knew, ever since Tianheng stepped foot upon the path of martial arts, that the direction he was dashing towards was that of the strongest!

    As a result, this kind of person couldn¡¯t remain in a world like Gu Zuo¡¯s for long.

    Although Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t cultivated when he was in that world, he knew that it wasn¡¯t a world with a path of martial arts. What emerged were the means of science and technology. The physical bodies of humankind hadn¡¯t been developed vigorously. That world didn¡¯t even have dense ambient qi like this ce¡¯s numerous continents, which supplied great quantities of martial artists and pharmacists! It could be said that it would be impossible for Gu Zuo to have any realm advancements after he went back. Being unable to advance was something that Tianheng definitely couldn¡¯t endure.

    Gu Zuo, who was tethered to his family in that world, also wouldn¡¯t renounce his rtives. He wouldn¡¯t simply return to the Central Continent after seeing his parents.

    The lifespans of his parents weren¡¯t long. But by the time Gu Zuo was capable of refining the Void Pill, his lifespan would¡¯ve certainly lengthened. Gu Zuo could apany his family for a lifetime, and then go back. Yet¡­ Why didn¡¯t his heart feel that happy?

    Gu Zuo had thought about it earlier. Once he returned to his original world, the skills he mastered would undoubtedly allow him to find his father. He would let his dad and father live long and happy lives. A hundred years? Two hundred years? He would give it his all.

    As such, granted that he coulde back to this world, there was still this length of time¡­

    He suddenly recalled something, and hurriedly asked.

    [Then, since the Void Pill can ensure that I¡¯ll return to the original point in time I left the other world, can it work for when Ie back?]

    Unfortunately, the system¡¯s response left him disappointed.

    [There is no way to halt the Central Continent¡¯s flow of time.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood fell.

    How could an earth-level medicinal pill be able to break through the torrent of time that suffused a world like the Central Continent?

    ¡­After he went back, he would surely miss his big brother very much. After one year, two years, many years, he wouldn¡¯t change. This was because, after seeing this continent¡¯s vastness, the many things of that world had no way of disrupting his frame of mind. But in these years, his big brother would have many experiences of surging forward with great momentum. And these experiences wouldn¡¯t include him.

    Unwillingness surged forth within his heart.

    It was obvious that the one closest to his big brother was himself, but there would be a nk space of at least two hundred years between them! During this period of time, he didn¡¯t know what realm his matured and worldly big brother would¡¯ve broken through to. Even if he came back, could he still help his big brother? Would he be able to catch up with his big brother¡¯s pace? How many people would rece his position? How much of the trust his big brother ced in him would remain at that time?

    Even if his big brother still trusted him, how could the estrangement and unfamiliarity of two hundred years of emptiness be eliminated?

    He couldn¡¯t put down the worries he had for his dad. He needed to refine the Void Pill and promptly go back. Only, because he couldn¡¯t ignore his own indulgences in this world, and because the modern world¡¯s time could be chosen at will, he just took care of himself.

    But¡­he still wasn¡¯t reconciled.

    If there was even the smallest possibility that there was another person standing by his big brother¡¯s side after he returned ¡ª

    What was he supposed to do?

    What did he want to do?

    At this moment, it was as if a p of thunder echoed through his mind.

    Gu Zuo was rmed.

    What were these feelings?

    He wanted it to be like this all of the time. He and his big brother were closest to one another. They trusted each other the most. No one else coulde between them¡­ What kind of feelings were these?

    Rtives?

    He had always regarded his big brother as his most important rtive.

    However, Gu Zuo suddenly found that, perhaps, it wasn¡¯t only this.

    If it was his dad and father, they were also very important, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want to be so close to them that he didn¡¯t have any space for himself.

    Even if they were his close rtives, one needed to keep some personal space between each other, right?

    Gu Zuo covered his face.

    What was going on¡­

    Maybe he hadn¡¯t discovered it before, but he didn¡¯t understand this kind of emotion.

    He was happy when he saw Tianheng. He felt longing when he left Tianheng. He mourned when he thought about never seeing Tianheng again. It was as if his entire heart was bursting with thoughts of Gongyi Tianheng.

    The desire to upy all of a person¡¯s thoughts. The desire to be the most important thing in the other¡¯s heart. No matter where one went, so long as one could be by that person¡¯s side, there was nothing to fear.

    Even if countless people by Gu Zuo¡¯s side came and went, he would only feel sorry in the end. But so long as Gu Zuo thought about losing him, it felt like his organs were being twisted into knots¡­

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    He liked Tianheng¡­the same way his dad liked his father.

    T/N: Hello, this is the trantor. I just want to put in my two cents on the reason why Gu Zuo didn¡¯t consider bringing his family to the Central Continent. In my opinion, Gu Zuo was considering the safety and happiness of his father and dad above his own happiness. This is a case of being a big fish in a small pond, and a small fish in a big ocean. Once Gu Zuo returned to the modern world, he would undoubtedly be the strongest person there. He would be able to keep his family healthy and safe from harm. On the other hand, there are unfathomably powerful forces on the Central Continent, and there isn¡¯t an absolute certainty that he would be able to keep them safe once he uprooted them. Finally, I¡¯m not sure if ordinary people can consume a Void Pill and survive.

    Username Tangelcinnamon shared that she used to post her artwork on Deviantart, which will be linked?here. It¡¯s outdated, but she may consolidate her recent artworks there in the future.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 329: Master Came to Meet You

    <h4>Chapter 329: Master Came to Meet You</h4>

    And yet, there was no use in figuring this out.

    Gu Zuo quietly rubbed his face, and kept his mood under control.

    He never realized that he could tuck his thoughts into his heart in the presence of his big brother this quickly. However, he knew that he couldn¡¯t confess to his big brother right now.

    ¡ª It definitely wasn¡¯t that he was unwilling. Rather, he had heavy apprehensions.

    He wanted to go back to his original world. But even if they went together, it would be a long-distance rtionship. He couldn¡¯t cause his big brother, who was pursuing the summit of the path of martial arts, to always think about going to another world to visit him¡­ To be separated from the one you love was an unbearable type of anguish for anyone. Although he hadn¡¯t personally experienced this kind of pain, he had seen it from a young age, and could ce himself in someone else¡¯s shoes. After thinking it over, he could understand.

    What was even more important was that¡­

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if his big brother would be willing to ept him after he confessed.

    One could assume that it wouldn¡¯t work. This world was like the previous world. Homosexual love wasn¡¯t mainstream. Apart from Bai Wenjun and Qi Feng¡¯s cut-sleeve farce, he hadn¡¯t seen any gay people expressing their love for one another. Even though there was Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji back then, he felt that he was a man, and held that particr way of thinking.

    In this world, perhaps the perceptions of many people were that men and women could love each other, and that yin and yang created harmony. By passing down powerful bloodlines, one could develop a n, and produce even more descendants.

    Had it been Gu Zuo himself, if he didn¡¯t grown up by his dad¡¯s side, even in that world of information explosions, the younger him who didn¡¯t have any additional forms of entertainment wouldn¡¯t necessarily have known that love could sprout between people of the same gender. To say nothing of his understanding of masculine passions.

    And in his big brother¡¯s heart, the n was extremely important. Tianheng had a n for every step of his life. In all likelihood, a unbroken chain of heirs was also in it¡­

    Gu Zuo was confident that if he really told Tianheng about his own feelings, based on the trust and sentiment between them these years, his big brother wouldn¡¯t disdain or hate him. However, when all was said and done, it was unlikely for there to be no negative effects. Regardless of how his big brother reacted, so long as Tianheng didn¡¯t ept him, what difference would it make to him? Between the two of them, it would be a barrier of his own making.

    It was better that they continued this close, fraternal rtionship before he departed¡­ Although it made him somewhat forlorn, there also wasn¡¯t anything bad about days such as these.

    After all, there were many things they needed to do.

    It was still far away. There wasn¡¯t any time to waste one¡¯s efforts over the entanglements of love.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was pained, but when Tianheng looked over, he promptly revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Big brother, does it taste good?¡±

    Tianheng watched him pensively.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile stiffened.

    He had been concentrating too hard on his thoughts just now. Had big brother discovered that something was wrong? His big brother absolutely couldn¡¯t question him about this! He still hadn¡¯t thought of a good excuse! Should he say it was because he was worried about going to Ten Ultimates Sect, that he was too nervous?

    Fortunately, Tianheng didn¡¯t ask about Gu Zuo¡¯s anxious matter, which made Gu Zuo sigh in relief.

    After all, Tianheng¡¯s identity in his heart had now doubled¡­

    Gu Zuo blurted out: ¡°In the past, I cooked for big brother every day! Whatever big brother wants to eat, I¡¯ll make it!¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow before his smile returned: ¡°Then, wouldn¡¯t it be hard on Ah Zuo? You don¡¯t have to do that. There¡¯s no harm in simply waiting till there¡¯s a need or when Ah Zuo has some free time to let this elder brother enjoy your cooking.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help burning up a little.

    Since he recognized his heart¡¯s intentions, he realized why he had always felt embarrassed before. And now that he was clear about his embarrassment, every one of Tianheng¡¯s responses caused joy to sprout in his heart. His state of mind was set adrift as it floated along

    ¡ª?He had to endure it.

    He couldn¡¯t let his big brother notice.

    Gu Zuo disyed a hundred twenty percent of his acting skills as he nodded to Tianheng: ¡°That¡¯s fine. But if big brother wants to eat something, just tell me. At that time, I¡¯ll prepare it for big brother.¡± He looked at Tianheng like he wanted to say something else, but he hastily continued to talk, ¡°Big brother can¡¯t refuse me on this!¡±

    The smile on Tianheng¡¯s lips deepened, and his gaze became even softer: ¡°Okay. This elder brother happily epts.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t stop the corner of his mouth from revealing a smiling expression.

    This feeling was ten times greater than anything he had felt before, but it came from his heart, and it was hard to control himself.

    It was the same as before when refining medicinal cuisines. Except for the first bowl, the rest of the dishcked the same medicinal effects seen in that first bowl, and even the vor was slightly inferior. However, it still tasted good when bystanders ate it.

    After Gu Zuo received a bowl that Tianheng personally served, he happily ate it. At first, the remaining medicinal cuisine would¡¯ve been left untouched, but the Wu n Head, Wu Xing, had a shrewd mind. He went over and asked for a bowl to eat ¡ª Originally, he didn¡¯t need to act this way. Doing it was clearly to get closer and ingratiate himself.

    Afterwards, some Wu n members also dropped by to get into his good graces because they had been seeking refuge. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t mind, and Tianheng also allowed them to do so. Later on, Gu Zuo saw that the Hu n¡¯s Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings seemed somewhat hesitant. Gu Zuo waved at Hu Chang¡¯an, and invited the three siblings to try his cooking.

    At this moment, under Tianheng¡¯smand, the battle ves and servile races prepared some food to fill their bellies. Everyone assembled together in the wilderness outside the city, but it felt a little bit like they were having a pic.

    The rtionships between one another seemed to be much more close-knit.

    After the meals were finished, the moon was already hanging in the sky.

    The night would deepen soon. Gu Zuo had slept already, so would they keep waiting outside the city, or would they simply go inside?

    Tianheng quickly made a decision. He lifted Gu Zuo¡¯s robe cor, and helped him stand up. Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Enter the city.¡±

    The crowd of subordinates obeyed this order: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    Those who practiced martial arts didn¡¯t need to be afraid of the light of day or the darkness of night. Since they had rested earlier, it was convenient to enter the city and go back to the sect at this moment.

    Gu Zuo tugged at Tianheng¡¯s sleeve. He truly was a bit nervous: ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s no problem for me to go to Ten Ultimates Sect, right?¡±

    Tianheng let Gu Zuo pull on his sleeve, and reached out his other hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. He spoke in a soft voice: ¡°It¡¯s no bother. From now on, Ah Zuo is this elder brother¡¯s personal pharmacist. You¡¯ll have the identity of a sect disciple.¡±

    As Gu Zuoid down his worries, a faint redness quietly climbed up his ears again.

    Previously, he always felt that this ruffling was a normal thing to do, that it was an ordinary movement of the hands. Now, that theyer of dense fog had been cleared, the feelings this action brought him were different¡­

    Shijue City was the city where Ten Ultimates Sect was located. When going in oring out, security was always tight. Gongyi Tianheng and his majestic procession of troops also needed to present themselves before the city gates.

    An Atomic Realm battle ve took the initiative to sh forward and toss out a deration.

    This deration had a number ofrge characters in flowing, cursive script. In addition to a personal seal, clearly written on it was that Gongyi Tianheng, a prodigy of Ten Ultimates Sect, needed to enter the city at this moment.

    Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s prodigies held extraordinary positions in Shijue City. When the deration came over, the nearly undetectable arrogance of the guards of the city gates became respectful: ¡°Open the city gates. May we have the honor of this prodigy entering our city!¡±

    Immediately following this, the city gates, which were three hundred meters tall, opened wide. The troops¡¯ wild beasts entered in an orderly fashion, and there wasn¡¯t anyone who dared to obstruct them.

    This kind of momentum actually seemed even more formidable than when they were in Xuanwu City.

    The members of the Wu n and the three Hu n siblings were strongly affected when they saw this grand sight.

    Wu Xing was only in this ce, and he experienced even more definitively the enormous difference between a silver-ranked organization and an iron-ranked organization. His thoughts heated up, and he became increasingly resolute about his own choice.

    He needed to make the Wu n flourish. There woulde a day when their Wu n wouldn¡¯t fear others any longer, when they could freely stand tall upon this vast continent!

    Meanwhile, a trace of pride sparked within Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s mind.

    Upon witnessing this sight, he recalled the Hu n they had left just recently. Unexpectedly, it already felt like a lifetime ago ¡ª

    In the small pce hall, Gu Zuo could feel Tianheng¡¯s precious identity in Ten Ultimates Sect, and was at a loss for words. Moreover, when he previously sent out his psychic power, he could sense that, just among the guards here, the lowliest soldier was an Immortal Realm. As one climbed the ranks, the strengths of the guards continuously increased. In several of the city gates¡¯ towers, there were numerous qi emissions that were deep and immeasurable. This disyed the extremely terrifying foundations of Ten Ultimates Sect!

    Indeed, this kind of sect was one that enraptured people¡­

    Gu Zuo sighed internally.

    Previously, when they were in Qingyun Sect, Gu Zuo could feel the insignificance of the Cangyun Empire. Now that he came to Ten Ultimates Sect, he again sensed the smallness of Qingyun Sect. As for Ten Ultimates Sect, it was only a silver-ranked organization.

    If he saw a gold-ranked organization one day in the future, just how shocking would it be?

    There wasn¡¯t enough time to ponder such things. All of a sudden, Tianheng¡¯s expression twitched.

    Right now, Gu Zuo was paying attention to his big brother at all times. Naturally, he became aware of this at once: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    What could make his big brother¡¯s expression shift like that? Gu Zuo¡¯s tone was quite concerned.

    Tianheng shook his head to pacify Gu Zuo. Then, he smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, follow me. Let¡¯s pay our respects to my master.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. After that, he became incredibly nervous: ¡°Big brother¡¯s master? But this is¡­ I¡¯m just¡­¡±

    Tianheng drew Gu Zuo over by his forearm, and pulled him into a one-armed embrace. Then, Tianheng directly jumped off the back of the wild beast while holding him.

    As it turned out, they were already before the towering mountain gates at this time. And in front of that enormous stone tablet stood a man wearing blood-red robes. His pitch-ck hair, which resembled crow feathers, hung down in straight bundles, but the tips seemed to be drenched with a bloody mist. It was very strange, but his appearance was malevolently handsome. At first nce, his pair of eyes were clearly ck and white, but with a careful inspection, his eyes seemed to contain a ball of heavy, blood-like redness. One couldn¡¯t look upon them too closely.

    This kind of blood-robed person ought to have been incredibly horrifying, but at this moment, he suddenly turned his face to look at Tianheng and revealed a benevolent smile. Contrasted by his face of indeterminable age, he seemed somewhat bizarre.

    ¡°Apprentice, you¡¯ve returned.¡±

    Tianheng brought Gu Zuo along, advanced a step, and saluted: ¡°This disciple came across a troubling matter, and anxiously left the sect in a hurry. This disciple is at fault for worrying master.¡±

    Soon after, he nudged Gu Zuo forward: ¡°Ah Zuo is this disciple¡¯s adoptive younger brother. We got separated previously, and I was greatly worried for him. I was lucky enough to retrieve him, and I wanted to bring him to pay his respects to master. We¡¯vee just in time to observe the proper courtesies with master.¡±

    Gu Zuo had never seen this kind of person before. Granted that the other party was kind and amiable, Gu Zuo still felt a bit timid. However, he quickly made his salutations: ¡°This Gu Zuo pays his respects to this senior.¡±

    The blood-robed man gave Gu Zuo a measured nce as he withheld the bloody light inside his eyes. His tone was genial and close: ¡°Since you¡¯re my apprentice¡¯s adoptive brother, you¡¯ll also be considered my half disciple. Ah Zuo¡¯s qi emissions are pure and mild, making you a pretty good seedling. Excellent, you¡¯re a good kid.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 330: Initial Stages of Asset Development

    <h4>Chapter 330: Initial Stages of Asset Development</h4>

    Gu Zuo smiled bashfully, and loosened an inward sigh of relief.

    This kind of personage could speak to him in such a way, and seemed quite genuine about it. This was certainly out of respect for his big brother. And sure enough, when the Blood Transformation Pce Master spoke with his big brother, the pce master treated his big brother with great importance. This was for the sake of protecting one¡¯s weak points.

    It truly put one at ease.

    As for the somewhat peculiar appearance of the Blood Transformation Pce Master, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have much of an opinion. After all, in the modern world, there were so many people who would put on crazy and bizarre makeup styles. Hadn¡¯t he be used it already? The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s looks were certainly brought about by cultivation. He just treated it as if the pce master had put on a strange costume.

    Soon after, the Blood Transformation Pce Master gave Gu Zuo something. He said: ¡°This is a weing gift. It¡¯s not worth much, but I hope that Ah Zuo will ept it. In the future, I only hope that Ah Zuo and my apprentice will get along well. Don¡¯t fail to live up to that friendship.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard this, he naturally agreed right away. He took the offered object with both hands.

    Gongyi Tianheng also smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo is someone this disciple has absolute faith in. I want to make him this disciple¡¯s personal pharmacist. Master, rest assured.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master listened, and faintly nodded his head: ¡°If this apprentice is fond of him, then everything¡¯s fine. If anyone dares to gossip behind my back and makes this apprentice unhappy, then you may punish them in my name.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s good impression of the Blood Transformation Pce Master silently rose ¡ª?A fellow who cared this much about his big brother was definitely a good person.

    Tianheng expressed his thanks once more.

    Afterwards, the Blood Transformation Pce Master said nothing else. He only extended a hand, and made a pushing motion. Then, an iparably mighty force surged over.

    Gu Zuo only felt the bottoms of his feet lightening, and his entire body floated upwards. He almost staggered and fell over. Fortunately, Tianheng reached out a hand in time, and pulled him into an embrace.

    In the blink of an eye, under the light swipe of a gigantic, bloodied hand, a vast and powerful crowd of people vanished from the vacant space in front of the mountain gates.

    Traces of the Blood Transformation Pce Master were also nowhere to be found.

    By the time Gu Zuo reacted, he had been drawn up against Tianheng¡¯s shoulder. They were standing outside of a huge manor.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°This is where Ah Zuo and I will live in the future. Ah Zuo can take a look. Do you like it?¡±

    Gu Zuo lifted his head, and swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    Wasn¡¯t this ce¡­a little too big?

    What¡¯s more, these stone walls stretched out in both directions as far as the eyes could see. A single nce simply wouldn¡¯t be able to tell how vast the epassingnds were.

    And this ce ¡ª All of it belonged to his big brother?

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face.

    Sure enough, wherever his big brother went, he would always be a first-ss male god. Tall, rich, and handsome¡­ Ah.

    Tianheng kept his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and followed Tianheng through the top-quality iron doors, which matched the height of the stone walls. In a split second, a burst of extremely pure ambient qi rushed out. In between breaths, a faint pressure entered through the nasal passages, and seeped into the internal organs. It brought about a powerful, overly-full feeling to the meridians of the whole body. However, there were no doubts that this environment was an excellent one. If a person could adapt to this ce, then their body¡¯s starting points woulde to be higher and their strengths greater than that of martial artists and pharmacists who stayed in areas with weaker ambient qi.

    After entering thepound, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help gasping in amazement.

    Although he knew that this manor was incrediblyrge when he looked at it from the outside, he discovered that his imagination was still a littlecking once he went in.

    For example, after going inside, what he saw was a gigantic mountain peak that cut across thepound. It seemed that it wasn¡¯t the type that rose straight into the clouds, but in terms of width and breadth, it was quite considerable.

    Surrounding the mountain peak were woonds brimming with lush and flourishing trees. Inside were the roars and snarls of wild beasts. It seemed to be full of stunning vitality.

    Gu Zuo sent out his psychic power, and discovered even more things.

    In the vicinity of the woonds, there were numerous courtyards of various sizes clustered together. Among them, thergest courtyards were distributed separately, and interspersed between them were some small and medium-sized courtyards. This formed a circryout like the three legs of an ancient cauldron. Thergest and sturdiest courtyard was situated upon a mountain that was three hundred meters tall,pletely covering it.

    The entirepound stretched long and unbroken for at least five hundred kilometers. It wasn¡¯t known how many people the area could amodate, nor how many races could inhabit and multiply within it. Currently, only three servile races and three hundred battle ves had gone to establish a presence. Manpower was insufficient, and thend seemed somewhat spacious and empty ¡ª?Even those courtyards were far from being filled.

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    Truly, this was a bit beyond one¡¯s reasonable limits. However, this was undoubtedly a very good base of operations. Once he and his big brother upied and developed this ce bit by bit, the forces they managed would certainly be extremely formidable.

    It had to be said that, upon seeing this manor, he genuinely felt that his big bother¡¯s ambitions could finally have the foundations necessary to radiate outwards¡­ Indeed, this saved them many years of painstaking work.

    Tianheng let Gu Zuo size things up for a while before taking him all the way to the woonds ahead. In the meanwhile, he gave an introduction: ¡°Ah Zuo, this ce has threerge courtyards that can hold a thousand people each. In that courtyard on the mountain, the centermost dwelling will be our permanent residence. The other two thousand-person courtyards are spread across two tracts ofnd to the east and west outside the forest. One will be specially used for training and housing the battle ves, and the other will be arranged for pharmacists¡­ In the future, I¡¯ll leave the recruitment of pharmacists to Ah Zuo.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard this, his footsteps paused: ¡°Me?¡±

    Tianheng looked at his widened eyes, and couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°The matter of medicine refinement is of the utmost importance. Although the sect can send several people over, and their strengths would be rather outstanding, they wouldn¡¯t be people your elder brother trusts¡­ Ah Zuo, this elder brother can¡¯t ask you to toil day after day over those trifling matters. I only need you to manage over them to prevent the others from infighting or causing trouble. You¡¯ll also have to guard against those arrogant and unyielding pharmacists who refuse discipline. Ultimately, the product grades of any medicines they produce will be inferior, which will negatively affect your elder brother¡¯s ns.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that a trusted person was needed when it came to the matter of medicine refinement. He also wasn¡¯t unwilling, but he had a problem: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m not experienced in management.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand, just slowly learn about it. Right now, Ah Zuo only needs to supervise. Naturally, some misceneous tasks can be relegated to your personnel.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to this, and agreed: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go and supervise them¡­ In any case, so long as the medicinal pills are refined to the required standards, I¡¯ll just ask big brother about anything I don¡¯t understand!¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said, and chuckled. His gaze also softened: ¡°Okay.¡±

    The two settled matters, and continued to unhurriedly walk forward.

    Behind them, the hundred-something wild beasts, the numerous battles ves and servile race members, and the members of the Wu and Hu ns also followed closely.

    The battle ves and servile races produced within Ten Ultimates Sect weren¡¯t bad. Although the Wu and Hu ns were among the very best in Xuanwu City, Wu Xing¡¯s vision was considered extremely broad. Now that he saw this kind of manor, he inevitably raised his evaluation of Tianheng and Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s foundations and strengths a step further.

    Most of all, Wu Xing¡¯s heart surged. He couldn¡¯t help grabbing the forearm of the person beside him, and speaking in a lowered tone. He restrained the excitement within himself: ¡°Seventh brother, look at this.¡±

    Seventh Young Master Wu couldn¡¯t help returning a smiling expression to his elder brother: ¡°Fourth brother, the decisions you make are always the best ones.¡±

    These decisions weren¡¯t necessarily absolutely correct, but as far as the Wu n was concerned, they were always the most appropriate.

    Wu Xing took a deep breath, and faintly nodded his head: ¡°I haven¡¯t been wrong yet.¡±

    This was an all-star prodigy with extraordinary potential and unparalleled talent. He was backed by a veteran silver-ranked organization, and he had a great and powerful master who treated him extremely well and protected his weak points. This prodigy had the skills, means, aspirations, and capabilities of governance¡­ At the same time, he had set out just recently. There were many things waiting to be done, and there was ack of manpower.

    Finding this chance to adhere to Tianheng was their Wu n¡¯s greatest opportunity. If they waited till the other party was fully fledged, the insignificant Wu n wouldn¡¯t be ced in the other¡¯s eyes!

    Wu Xing had already made some conjectures.

    After this, their Wu n could enter this manor and be this prodigy¡¯s first batch of retainers.

    The Wu n¡¯s starting point would also begin from this moment on!

    Soon after, Wu Xing quietly spoke into Seventh Young Master Wu¡¯s ear: ¡°Seventh brother, although this elder brother trusts Young Master Gongyi¡¯s vision, no matter the abilities of Pharmacist Gu, you must do your best to support him when he¡¯s sent to supervise everyone¡¯s medicine refinements. If there¡¯s anyone who¡¯s a detriment to him, you need to help him with suppression. Do you understand?¡±

    Seventh Young Master Wu hadn¡¯t gotten involved with many affairs in the Wu n, but this didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t realize how things worked. Once he heard what was said, he nodded his head and replied: ¡°Fourth brother, rest assured. I¡¯ve seen that Pharmacist Gu¡¯s qi emissions are upright and proper. He¡¯s a good pharmacist, and his temperament isn¡¯t hard to get along with. I¡¯ll support him properly.¡±

    Wu Xing nodded in satisfaction. Then, he said: ¡°An old friendship exists between the three Hu n siblings and Pharmacist Gu. I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t be able to strive and get ahead of them in the short term. But this won¡¯t cause any harm. Those two children still need to think about growing up first, and it¡¯ll take a few years. You¡¯ve already made some progress, and while you can¡¯t be Pharmacist Gu¡¯s friend, you can be his capable assistant.¡±

    He continued: ¡°However, you don¡¯t have to be enemies with those two children either. Just focus on aplishing all of your affairs. Conversely, if those two children target you, such acts will be noticed by Pharmacist Gu. Sooner orter, it¡¯ll wear down his friendship, and even Young Master Gongyi won¡¯t tolerate them. It also won¡¯t hurt if you guys can live together in harmony.

    ¡°The Hu n has never been ced in our eyes, but now, we must work as subordinates under one man. Is there really any harm if we view them as colleagues? After all, the development of our Wu n and our loyalty to the young master are the most critical things.¡±

    Seventh Young Master Wu nodded his head again: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, fourth brother. I got it.¡±

    After that, the two brothers didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Up in front, Gu Zuo and Tianheng had already entered the dense forest.

    A shadow suddenly shed in front of them, and whispered a few words into Tianheng¡¯s ear. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power discharged and the shadow didn¡¯t defend against it, so Gu Zuo listened to the shadow¡¯s words, too.

    Gu Zuo made an exasperated face: ¡°Why didn¡¯t Wu Xing made arrangements for his younger brother before talking out loud? Wouldn¡¯t this be easily overheard by others?¡±

    The world of martial artists was unscientific. It wouldn¡¯t be hard for people with decent hearing abilities to listen to a bit of whispering. Even if the sound of one¡¯s voice was controlled through profound qi, a person with a higher realm could decipher it. As for his big brother¡¯s side, they had Ascendant Realms.

    Tianheng¡¯s smile was somewhat meaningful: ¡°Perhaps, he wanted to talk precisely so that your elder brother could hear it.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°So to say, he¡¯s deliberately expressing his loyalties?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded: ¡°He¡¯s a smart fellow.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 331: Unrestrained Arrangements

    <h4>Chapter 331: Unrestrained Arrangements</h4>

    As the two talked and talked, they had already entered the depths of the forest.

    This stretch of dense forest was ten kilometers long. While it wasn¡¯t considered to be a wide tract of woonds, the resources within it were quite abundant. Not limited by ranks, various kinds of wild beasts, precious trees, and medicinal ingredients had grown for a long time in these woonds ¡ª This ce was a veritable warehouse of natural resources.

    Gu Zuo casually looked around, and could see many medicinal ingredients of various levels. Nevertheless, the product grades of all the ingredients were exceptional. Suddenly, he felt a little starry-eyed, and his mood became quite happy.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°This tract of woonds can provide hunting grounds for battle ves and harvesting spots for pharmacists. In the future, if Ah Zuo has any needs, juste here and take what you want.¡±

    It was only natural that Gu Zuo hurriedly nodded his head: ¡°The medicinal ingredients here are very good. I can refine many types of pills!¡±

    Tianheng also nodded: ¡°Later on, Ah Zuo will be in charge of which medicinal herb seeds to nt for this elder brother and his subordinates.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately felt the heavy weight of responsibility, but when he thought about handing over the matters of his family¡¯s big brother to someone else, his heart didn¡¯t rest easy. Thus, he nodded his head once more, and agreed.

    Without realizing it, they had walked through this dense forest.

    Up ahead was a mountain path, which led directly to a mountain peak that was three hundred meters tall.

    Nearby, Gu Zuo saw the headwaters of quite a few mountain springs and waterfalls that cascaded down the stones and winded through the underbrush. Amid the rippling sshes, the gleaming reflection of waves in the sunlight was clear and crystalline. It was a beautiful sight. And this mountain wasn¡¯t an ordinary and deste stone mountain. Its surface was likewise rich with natural resources. There were numerous trees, flowers, and other nts. At the edges of some cliffs and inside some streams grew various ingredients of exceptional product grades. Exotic medicinal fragrances wafted out.

    Although the mountain had been installed with a thousand-person courtyard, this courtyard epassed the entire mountain. The main courtyard resided at the peak. Meanwhile, the other side courtyards and small courtyards were constructed based on the grooves and contours of the mountain peak. The individual views of the mountain formed a harmonious whole. Nothing more beautiful could be imagined.

    Gu Zuo watched for three seconds.

    His big brother had be a bigndlord¡­

    After this, they climbed the mountain.

    This time around, no one hesitated. In addition to the servile races and battle ves, even the newly-epted Wu and Hu ns were allowed to enter the grounds of this mountain peak.

    However, these people also knew that this mountain was the centermost section of the manor. One couldn¡¯t rest upon the fact that they coulde over today. If it was in the future and they didn¡¯t have a deration or announcement, perhaps they would be refused entry. Simply put, they couldn¡¯t casually climb this mountain.

    Yet, nevertheless, everyone was only allowed to climb to the midpoint between the base and waist of this mountain peak. It was out of the question to keep going.

    As for this area, which was one-fourth the way up this mountain, what stood tall and upright was a towering and majestic pce hall. It upied a vast plot ofnd, and its might was full of grandeur. It was incredibly shocking. After entering this pce hall, the internal space was also quite enormous. While it couldn¡¯t be said that the hall could hold over ten thousand people, one or two thousand wouldn¡¯t be a problem.

    Tianheng smiled at Gu Zuo, and waved a hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, sit here.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused. His mood wasplicated.

    He knew that this was Tianheng¡¯s way of raising his identity and expressing the importance to which Tianheng held him. However, this method was simr to the ancient seating arrangements of an emperor and empress. It truly left one conflicted.

    Currently, his thoughts were very improper!

    Big brother, in my eyes, doing this is practically the same as tempting me¡­

    However, if it was in the past, Gu Zuo probably would¡¯ve felt nervous because he would soon have to face so many people. But now, it was different. If he didn¡¯t go and sit in that position due to nerves and worries, wouldn¡¯t that be giving a total stranger the chance to stand on equal footing with his brother in the future?

    Gu Zuo definitely wouldn¡¯t let that happen!

    As a result, Gu Zuo steeled himself, scampered over with loud footsteps, and sat down in a straightforward manner.

    At this time, Tianheng reached out a hand. He was just the right height to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, who was slightly lower. A trace of a smile shed through Tianheng¡¯s eyes. Soon after, when he looked at the other subordinates who came in one after another, the softness in his expression disappeared. He resumed his usual unhurried and majestic appearance.

    The remaining people entered in quick session ording to respective order. The battle ves stood on the left and right, and acted as guards. The monkey race kept to one side, and the mouse and ox races stayed on the other side. As for the newly-arrived Wu and Hu ns, under Tianheng¡¯s indications, they sat separately below the monkey race.

    At the present time, although the Wu and Hu ns ought to have been categorized as retainers, and although the three nonhuman races were technically servile races, the servile races had been following Tianheng for a longer time. Therefore, they were more trusted.

    Wu Xing didn¡¯t mind at all. He confidently led his own n¡¯s direct bloodline to take their seats up front. Meanwhile, the Wu n¡¯s remaining members were arranged towards the back. As for the three Hu n siblings, they took deep breaths, and felt that they had to stay calm and collected like the Wu n. They kept their cool, and likewise projected the elegance and grace of a n¡¯s direct line.

    Just like this, everyone sat down properly, and looked upwards.

    At the same time, they also understood that from this moment on, as their glories would be tied to Tianheng, so too would their failures. To develop and strengthen their own racial groups and ns, they absolutely had to remain loyal and adhere to him.

    In the seat of honor, Tianheng first lightly pointed to Gu Zuo and said: ¡°This is Pharmacist Gu Zuo. He is my adoptive younger brother. In the future, treat him as you would treat me. Do not neglect him in the slightest. Do you all understand?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. He knew that his big brother was emphasizing his status. When all was said and done, his current realm wasn¡¯t high, but a pharmacist¡¯s rank also wasn¡¯t set so rigidly in ce.

    The crowd of subordinates heard this, and repeatedly spoke: ¡°We understand!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an and his siblings followed suit.

    There was a clear distinction between public and private matters. While they were friends with Gu Zuo, after adhering themselves to Tianheng, they couldn¡¯t rely on their identities as friends any longer.

    Tianheng saw that these people listened to his words, and nodded his head in satisfaction. Then, he looked at the Wu n¡¯s delegation: ¡°Wu Xing, since you say that your entire family will adhere themselves to me, report your Wu n¡¯s headcount, inside information, properties, and everything else one at a time.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, there was a bit of restlessness at the back of the Wu n.

    This was the highlight of this grand y which would decide whether they would receive any important positions! One should know that the entire n had adhered to a single individual. This was very risky. Since they did this, they had to be firm and resolute!

    Wu Xing settled his state of mind, and started talking: ¡°My Wu n¡¯s direct line of descent has one hundred twenty-two people. The cadet lines have five hundred seventy-eight people. There are three hundred eighty-eight vassal pharmacists, three thousand trained martial artists, one thousand two hundred employed martial artists, two thousand one hundred ny-seven servants¡­

    ¡°There are thirty-nine medicine shops, one hundred twenty medicine gardens, three small ore veins¡­

    ¡°In the n, there are two Ascendant Realms and twenty-nine Atomic Realms. As for Immortal Realms, there are¡­

    ¡°The n¡¯s inside information is¡­

    Sure enough, an organizationparable to the iron rank wasn¡¯t ordinary. Although the Wu n hadn¡¯t made much noise, in actuality, itsprehensive strength had long surpassed that of the Hu n. It could be said that, so long as they wanted to, the Wu n could¡¯ve usurped the Hu n at any time. Previously, the reason why the Wu n nned slowly was probably for the sake of pulling the wool over people¡¯s eyes. They would¡¯ve made a peaceful transition to gain even more benefits.

    Hu Chang¡¯an listened to these things, and hisplexion turned a bit pale.

    As a young lord, he was naturally clear about some of the n¡¯s foundations. Hearing the Wu n¡¯s self-report, he realized just how ipetently the Hu n had performed.

    The Wu n had always been swimming up against the current, while their Hu n had been falling behind for many generations.

    Xuanwu City¡¯s number one organization? This title didn¡¯t reflect the reality of the situation!

    After Gu Zuo listened, he also silentlymended the Wu n¡¯s strength.

    This was quite arge household¡­ When it came to high-end strength, they were almost as good as Qingyun Sect ¡ª?Still, this was under the premise that there were many pharmacists among these higher-realm individuals. There were many people below them as well. Incorporating such a n would immediately allow his big brother¡¯s foundations to greatly improve! Because the Wu n had talents in various fields, it would quickly be thergest force under his big brother¡¯s control! It could receive a lot of importance right away!

    Once Tianheng finished listening, there weren¡¯t any changes to his expression. This prevented others from seeing his thoughts. He only asked a question: ¡°What are the Wu n¡¯s ns going forward?¡±

    Wu Xing understood what was being said, and replied promptly: ¡°The Wu n has a multitude of people. Since we¡¯re throwing our support behind the young master, we¡¯ll allow the young master to make the arrangements.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he paused for a moment before continuing: ¡°Practically all of my Wu n¡¯s direct line has followed. Among the cadet lines, the outstanding members have done the same. Only a few people of the direct line remained behind to lead the rest of the cadet lines and numerous pharmacists, and keep the n properties in order. Once everything has been settled, they¡¯ll alsoe to seek shelter under the young master. Right now, they¡¯re probably already on the way here. All of the Wu n¡¯s trained martial artists have followed. As for the employed martial artists, unless they consented to signing a contract, all of them were disbanded without exception. We definitely couldn¡¯t add to the young master¡¯s troubles. The n¡¯s properties and foundations will also be up to the young master to arrange. So long as the young master doesn¡¯t abandon us, we¡¯re willing to apany you here and serve you at all times.¡±

    To put it briefly, they paid a steep price to seek the permission to live in this manor.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°You all have disyed such sincerity, so I will make arrangements, too. For now, I¡¯ll allocate three one-hundred-person courtyards and ten ten-person courtyards to settle your n members. Because your Wu n is a pharmacist aristocratic family, everyone who can refine medicine will live in the thousand-person courtyard. Just don¡¯t break the rules. They must obey Ah Zuo¡¯s authority. Apart from this, while inside thepound, you¡¯re permitted to search for your own resources, construct courtyards, and choose plots ofnd. As for those properties and foundations of yours, it¡¯ll still be handled by your Wu n. Only, you¡¯ll hand over thirty percent of the profits to me every year.¡±

    When Wu Xing heard this, he sighed in relief: ¡°Many thanks, young master.¡±

    Sure enough, this wasn¡¯t a demanding or harsh master. A thirty-percent tax on profits to be subordinates of a Ten Ultimates Sect prodigy. This was an enormous advantage. If they followed a master who was slightly more demanding, then it would¡¯ve been fifty percent. If it was an unreasonable master, giving sixty or seventy percent wouldn¡¯t have been enough to satisfy the other party¡¯s stomach.

    With arrangements like these, the leeway for the Wu n¡¯s development would be even bigger.

    After this, Tianhengmanded the three servile races: ¡°The Gold-Devouring Mouse Race and the Iron Ox Race will keep working the same as before. You must give it your all. Otherwise, changes will certainly be made. Wu Xing, select a number of Wu n members who¡¯re good at management. They¡¯ll act as managers to supervise the businesses run by these two races.¡±

    Then, he spoke to the monkey race: ¡°Your Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey Race is intelligent and shares a close affinity to nts. From now on, you¡¯ll be under Ah Zuo¡¯s control. Choose monkeys who¡¯re proficient at distinguishing medicinal herbs, and supply them to Ah Zuo. They¡¯ll harvest and process ingredients for him. Henceforth, your racial group will listen to and obey Ah Zuo¡¯smands. Do you understand?¡±

    Everyone in the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey Race heard what was said, and prudently acquiesced.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo had turned his head to look at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled at him. The doting in Tianheng¡¯s eyes was hardly covered up: ¡°Ah Zuo, I¡¯m giving this monkey race to you.¡±

    The edges of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes warmed up. The emotions in his heart began to stir, and he suppressed them with great difficulty. However, if this continued, he truly felt that it would be harder and harder to repress his feelings¡­

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 332: Greatly Rewarded

    <h4>Chapter 332: Greatly Rewarded</h4>

    With much difficulty, Gu Zuo sorted out his state of mind. He raised his eyes, and saw that Hu Chang¡¯an and the siblings were practically sitting on pins and needles. It seemed that they were somewhat embarrassed.

    It had to be said that Hu Chang¡¯an possessed the Myriad Leaking Body, while Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi were pharmacists with excellent aptitudes. All three of them had boundless potential. But in actuality, they were of no use at the present stage. They came over by seeking refuge. Compared to the ones they originally couldn¡¯t deal with, that Wu n which hadpletely thrown its support behind his big brother, how could they be feeling any better?

    Unfortunately, Gongyi Tianheng hadn¡¯t given them anymands, so they couldn¡¯t help but overthink things.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel that his family¡¯s big brother had forgotten them. Thus, he kept silent.

    Sure enough, Tianheng finally looked at the three Hu n siblings, and said: ¡°Chang¡¯an has a special constitution. He requires many medicinal ingredients for awakening and training to increase hisbat strength. Meanwhile, Changbi and Changfeng need nurturing. Thus ¡ª¡± He swept a nce towards the Wu n Head, ¡°Wu Xing, after settling down your Wu n, I¡¯m handing these three Hu n members over to you to take care of. Their ages aren¡¯t high, and their capabilities haven¡¯t been improved yet. You must do your best.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the three Hu n siblings gave uniform, nk stares.

    On the contrary, Wu Xing was shrewd and rather deep. Although his mood was also strange, he still answered with solemnity: ¡°Young master, please rest assured. This subordinate shall deliver Young Lady Hu and Little Young Master Hu to a Grand Elder in the n for instruction and guidance. As for Young Lord Hu, this subordinate shall make arrangements to look after him. His constitution shall be developed, and he will be a valiant general for the young master!¡±

    Hu Chang¡¯an held no fondness for the Wu n, but he knew that with his refugee identity andck of capability, anything he said would be groundless nonsense. When Tianheng didn¡¯t have enough manpower, such arrangements were the most reasonable ones. Hence, after hinting at his two younger siblings, all three spoke together: ¡°As the young mastermands.¡±

    Also, while restraining theirplicated moods, they said to Wu Xing: ¡°Many thanks for watching over us, Wu n Head.¡±

    Wu Xing smiled: ¡°We both serve the young master. There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony.¡±

    It was considered that the Wu and Hu ns had temporarily reconciled.

    However, Hu Chang¡¯an was still a bit hesitant. He looked at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo understood his intent, and simply said: ¡°Since everyone is going all out to serve my big brother, I also won¡¯t be stingy with some of the prescriptions in my possession. The method to awaken the Myriad Leaking Body is rted to Brother Chang¡¯an, so you can handle it personally. In this respect, I have no suggestions orints.¡±

    A hint of gratitude shed through Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s eyes. Although he didn¡¯t deliberately express his thanks, he marked this friendship inside his heart.

    The best stroke of luck in Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s entire life was probably picking up Brother Ah Zuo along that road and bringing him back. If it wasn¡¯t for Brother Ah Zuo, he would¡¯ve quickly been imprisoned by the cadet branches who had made preparations early on. It also would¡¯ve been hard to preserve the lives of the three siblings ¡ª?After all, so long as they existed, those cadet branches who desired to be the main branch would forever be illegitimate in word and name.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t speak further with Hu Chang¡¯an. Right now, it was his big brother¡¯s home field. He couldn¡¯t impede how his big brother handled matters just because of his friendship with Hu Chang¡¯an.

    Hu Chang¡¯an also clearlyprehended this fact. Everyone¡¯s mutual understanding would allow their friendship tost longer.

    After handing these matters over, Tianheng listened to the reports from these nonhuman races concerning the opening of his properties and shops. He was especially interested, and didn¡¯t want to miss a single thing.

    It was just that, if one thought about opening more shops, there wasn¡¯t any way to aplish this in the short term.

    To reiterate, Tianheng had been able to select servile races that consisted of five hundred people. But in reality, this poption wasn¡¯t that fixed. So long as the number didn¡¯t exceed a thousand people, it would be within the selected poption range of five hundred servile race members.

    As a result, there were actually five hundred twenty-seven members in the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race. Among them, three hundred were hale and able-bodied, a little over a hundred were elderly or female mice, and close to a hundred were juvenile mice.

    Although a mouse¡¯s reproductive capability had always been strong, that pertained to ordinary mice. It didn¡¯t extend to the members of the nonhuman, mouse race. In particr, it was even harder for the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race to have this kind of innate capability. What¡¯s more, every time they reproduced, their offspring would be distributed between several branches, and sent out and arranged for other powerhouses or talents.

    There were even more people in the Iron Ox Race with a surplus of eight hundred members. Among them, five hundred were able-bodied, a little more than two hundred were female, a dozen or so were elderly, and the juveniles didn¡¯t reach a hundred¡­ This racial group didn¡¯t have very strong reproductive capabilities. However, they matured quickly. They were diligent, and were willing to bear hardships. Overall, this racial group made pretty good helpers.

    The poption of the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey Race was even greater. For this racial group, only those who reached a certain age were considered enlightened. The rest were ssified as hundred spirits. There were no less than nine hundred twenty monkeys. Among them, there were forty to fifty Enlightened Monkeys, a little more than seven hundred adult Hundred Spirits Monkeys, and about a hundred juvenile monkeys. Their reproductive capabilities were ordinary. While juvenile monkeys matured quickly, reaching the enlightened stage required not only age, but innate skill, too.

    The Enlightened Monkeys possessed unusual skills and abilities. They were enlightened to hundreds of medicines, they could recognize medicinal properties, and they were excellent assistants to pharmacists. As for the Hundred Spirits Monkeys, under the instructions of the Enlightened Monkeys, they would harvest medicinal herbs and fruits, and refine them into wines. As time passed, quantitative changes would beget qualitative changes, and these Hundred Spirits Monkeys would also be Enlightened Monkeys.

    At first nce, the number of people seemed high. Half of the mouse and ox races were sent out to open storefronts and to expand the properties in dozens of bronze-ranked cities. However, after Gu Zuo heard Tianheng¡¯s following words, he realized that his family¡¯s big brother was far from closing this situation. There wasn¡¯t nearly enough manpower!

    This was because there were hundreds of bronze-ranked forces among the subordinates of Ten Ultimates Sect, this veteran silver-ranked organization. In other words, within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s foundations, there were at least several hundred bronze-ranked cities!

    Stores were only opened in one out of ten cities at best¡­ No matter how anyone looked at it, this was rather weak.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    When he came to Ten Ultimates Sect, he felt that the capital of his family¡¯s big brother was already quite robust. However, it seemed that one had to give it their all if they wanted to sit securely in the position of a prodigy.

    This wouldn¡¯t be easy¡­

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo thought about his own assets.

    There was the monkey race to help prepare medicinal ingredients. There were the Wu n¡¯s pharmacists to act as his assistants. There were the countless pill prescriptions at the profound-level and below in his possession. This had the tempo of him opening a medicine store!

    So to say, he was useful, too?

    After this, Gu Zuo turned his head to look at Tianheng.

    Tianheng shed a smile at him.

    [Ah Zuo, I¡¯ll need you to help me a lot.]

    [Big brother, rest assured. I¡¯ll definitely give it my all to help you!]

    The two looked at each other, and smiled.

    Gu Zuo suddenly turned away and averted his gaze. He didn¡¯t want to blush due to this kind of tacit understanding.

    En. Everything remained unspoken, so he knew that it was okay. T-there wasn¡¯t any need to look¡­

    Tianheng also turned his eyes away. He needed to say one final matter concerning this time¡¯s summons: ¡°The Gold-Devouring Mouse Race took the lead in finding Ah Zuo for me. As a result, they shall be greatly rewarded. There are two options, and you all may choose freely.¡±

    He paused, and his sight swept across the pce hall: ¡°First, within one year from this date, I will increase the resources allocated to the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race by one level. Or second, the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race may pick one juvenile mouse to learn a martial skill from me. This skill will bepatible with the mouse race, but it can¡¯t be imparted to other races. Otherwise, you will be punished severely! What will you chose?¡±

    The members of the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race listened to these rewards, and immediately boiled with excitement. However, while they were wild with joy, they didn¡¯t dare to speak up.

    A mouse race elder stepped forward: ¡°Young master, please allow these servants to discuss it.¡±

    Tianheng flicked out his sleeve: ¡°You may.¡±

    At once, numerous members of the mouse race started whispering into each other¡¯s ears. Beneath all this, there were a lot of discussions going on.

    Their racial group seemed to possess a method tomunicate with one another. Messages were exchanged quite a few times. Gradually, the information converged towards the mouse elder¡¯s location. On the mouse elder¡¯s expression, there was a trace of unswerving determination.

    After that, the mouse elder bowed: ¡°These servants have chosen a juvenile mouse. We ask for the young master¡¯s guidance.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll give you all three day¡¯s time to deliver this person to me. If you¡¯rete, this matter will be dropped.¡±

    Naturally, the mouse elder repeatedly acquiesced, and didn¡¯t dare to disobey.

    The other two races listened to these great rewards, and were rather green-eyed with envy. If their resources were increased by another level, they would¡¯ve been able to raise many young. If these young could learn a school of martial skills, the geniuses with the best resources would have the hopes of advancing to be powerhouses. This would also grant the entire racial group all of the benefits thereafter.

    It was only a pity that their two races couldn¡¯tpare to the investigative abilities of the mouse race, which allowed it to set up this huge contribution. But at the same time, because they knew their household¡¯s young master held such strong affections for that Pharmacist Gu, perhaps there was a way they could curry favor from Pharmacist Gu¡¯s side.

    Within the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey Race, there were many monkey elders who were twirling their mustaches and nodding their heads.

    Their monkey race had been set aside for Pharmacist Gu, so they would hold nothing back. It was also fortunate that the young master regarded them with some importance.

    As for Wu Xing, as he looked at the attitudes of the nonhuman races, his eyes flickered with a radiant light.

    The young master he followed was clear in rewards and punishments. Even though that mouse race member handled matters poorly, because they really had found Pharmacist Gu, they were rewarded ordingly. Calming the previously agitated mouse race made them even more meticulous¡­ This kind of master, who was magnanimous and fair, was even harder to despise.

    Not long after, this summons was concluded. Tianhengmanded some battle ves to lead everyone down and to make arrangements. Meanwhile, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s forearm, gathered him into a half-embrace, and carried him up to the summit.

    At this moment, those eleven battle ve powerhouses were also permitted to follow along.

    As they travelled, Tianheng instructed: ¡°Ao Ying, I previously asked you to follow me. Many days have since passed, and you¡¯ve gained my trust. Henceforth, follow by Ah Zuo¡¯s side, and carefully protect him. Additionally, Xi Ying and Feng He, you two shall receive Ao Ying¡¯s assignment, too. You¡¯ll act as Ah Zuo¡¯s personal bodyguards. You can¡¯t let hime to harm in the slightest. Do you three understand?¡±

    Ao Ying was always calm and steady. He naturally agreed with a respectful voice.

    Xi Ying was a slim youth with an average appearance. Feng He had a beautifulplexion and fierce temperament. They had witnessed some of Tianheng¡¯s ways of doing things, and they were equally deferential. They epted one after another.

    Gu Zuo heard this, but his brows furrowed instead: ¡°Then, what about big brother? If you give them all to me, then what¡¯ll big brother do?¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and gently poked Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°The Wu n also has an Ascendant powerhouse. I¡¯ll just send them over.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips.

    How could the Wu n¡¯s Ascendant Realm powerhousepare to an Ascendant Realm battle ve¡­

    T/N: The next four chapters are all triple-length. Due to my studies, I¡¯m tentatively aiming on releasing each chapter once a week.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 333: As I Sleep In Your Arms

    <h4>Chapter 333: As I Sleep In Your Arms</h4>

    In the end, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t refuse Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s good intentions, especially after Tianheng told Gu Zuo about some of his trump cards. At that point, Gu Zuo reluctantly set aside his worries. At the same time, he also nned to improve his own strength at all costs and to steadily be a profound-level pharmacist. After that, he would nurture lots of powerhouses for his big brother ¡ª At the very least, he had to establish a hundred-eighty-person team of Ascendant Realm bodyguards to make him feel slightly relieved.

    Perhaps, he could give the rest to his big brother to deal with¡­ There would only be these traces left of him before he departed.

    Tossing his head side to side, he threw out these pessimistic thoughts. Gu Zuo followed Tianheng, and they had already arrived at the summit.

    Although Ao Ying and the other battle ves were personal guards, this didn¡¯t mean that they stuck close to their charges. Rather, so long as it was within a certain range, they could hurry over in an instant.

    Consequently, the true destination on the summit was Tianheng¡¯s extremely private territory?¡ª?Even that blood pool of his had been arranged in a somewhat lower location.

    Gu Zuo lifted his eyes, and witnessed the view of the summit.

    It stood to reason that the taller the mountain peak, the colder it was. However, it was quite different here. Unexpectedly, it was as warm as spring. The meadow was a jade-like green, the forest provided ample shade, and some exotic flowers and rare herbs blossomed in between. With one look, a person¡¯s mood couldn¡¯t help but be cheered and delighted.

    The summit also wasn¡¯t lofty and majestic like the pce hall a quarter of the way up the mountain. This ce only had a rather spacious, wooden house, which was separated into a bedroom and reading room. In addition, constructed on the other side was an even more standalone room. Its style was ancient and staid, and its size was delicate and charming. It was a wlessly-built medicine refining room.

    This was such arge area. Apart from many natural and idyllic scenes, there was actually only this small building. It could amodate no more than a few people to live in.

    After Gu Zuo saw this, a hint of nostalgia flickered through his eyes.

    At the very beginning, he and his big brother met each other at a vi. That ce¡¯s residence was almost the same as the one here. As for any differences, there was just the standalone medicine refining room, which had been directly refurbished from a pre-existing room.

    As he thought about their first encounter, Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened somewhat.

    Back then, he had only been fifteen years old when he came to this world. Hisck of knowledge and a system that threatened obliteration caused him to go and find a patron who would invest in himself. At that time, what did he understand? After such a scare, it was only natural that he hurriedly went to look for one. After a few rounds of careful selections, he finally picked this sickly big brother.

    During this period, there was nothing Gu Zuo could do. He clearly knew that he would eventually get into trouble on ount of his precious items. With no other alternative, he confessed the matter of the system to his family¡¯s big brother, who was still a stranger. At that time, he thought it would be simple. There was a contract where both sides couldn¡¯t harm one another. Moreover, he felt that he was being very self-aware. Whenever there was anything he didn¡¯t understand, he didn¡¯t conceal it. On the contrary, he was candid and forthright, which removed the other party¡¯s suspicions of him. Thus, his small life was saved!

    Now that he considered it, his thought process really had been a bit simple. Contracts and the like weren¡¯t actually reliable. If his big brother was willing, Tianheng could¡¯ve used other methods to restrict him ¡ª?Fortunately, this inadvertent gambler won this authentic bet. Not only wasn¡¯t he harmed, he also gained his most important person in this other world. He was well taken care of! But if that person hadn¡¯t been his big brother, who would¡¯ve had that sort of courage out of all the people of the Cangyun Empire? Perhaps, Gu Zuo would¡¯ve died much earlier!

    As a result, although he still had a bit of lingering fear, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any regrets.

    If his big brother, who was thoughtful and considerate towards him in all respects, hadn¡¯t been there to cover for him, he would¡¯ve been discovered by someone else. At that point, who knew what kind of tragic ending awaited him?

    What¡¯s more, he was still able to make progress to the present time, and he could still go back.

    For a moment, Gu Zuo was moved with sorrow.

    This was also considered¡­a scene which evoked the past.

    It was just that, while he originally should¡¯ve felt tenderness and warmth, because his own thinking was askew, this warmth turned into feelings of love and admiration. With regards to this, he was unworthy of his big brother¡¯s kindness.

    Ah, this shouldn¡¯t have happened.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng had one arm wrapped around Gu Zuo as they went to that medicine refining room. He pushed open the door: ¡°I made this ce ording to theyout Ah Zuo¡¯s used to. If Ah Zuo needs anything, just mention it. I¡¯ll make up it to Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked around. Sure enough, the arrangement of everything inside was the way he liked the most. However, the quality of every object here was higher than what he previously used. The quantities were also much greater. Medicine cabs and other storage containers were replenished with many ingredients. The majority of these herbs wereparatively unorthodox. The person who prepared this medicine refining room had obviously put a lot of thought into it.

    Naturally, he wasn¡¯t dissatisfied at all.

    Gu Zuo faced Tianheng, and revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Big brother, I like everything about this ce. There¡¯s nothing else I need to add!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened slightly: ¡°Later on, if you think of anything, just tell me.¡±

    Gu Zuo, of course, nodded.

    After that, the two walked out of the medicine refining room. Tianheng led Gu Zuo to their rooms, and opened the door: ¡°The reading room was built somewhatrge. Although there¡¯s only one table in the room, Ah Zuo can work at the same table with me. There¡¯s no need for us to be so far apart.¡±

    Then, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng into the bedroom. His footsteps came to a halt.

    This ce was nearly identical to the vi all those years ago. As a result, both of their beds were inside the same room, too.

    But this time, there wasn¡¯t arge bed and a soft couch. Instead, there were two simrly soft beds. Although the room was fairly spacious, these two beds weren¡¯t small. It was to the point that nearly the entire room was upied. There was only a partitioning aisle in the middle that was less than a meter wide. It was just big enough to let one person walk through.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    With things like this, if they went to sleep at night, there wouldn¡¯t be much of a difference from two people sleeping on a single bed. He knew that this was safer, and was more in line with their habitual lifestyles, but his current thoughts were already impure!

    After waking up and seeing his family¡¯s big brother and that iparably handsome face of a male god, he really wasn¡¯t sure if he was going to show any strange behaviors once something unexpected happened.

    Truly, this made him quite nervous.

    However, when Tianheng opened his mouth, his tone bore a somewhat smiling expression: ¡°After this, Ah Zuo and I will live here just like we did in the past.¡±

    Gu Zuo suppressed that bit of hesitation, and his voice carried eptance¡­and happiness: ¡°Whatever big brother says.¡±

    Never mind. It wouldn¡¯t matter.

    He would just treat it as training for his acting skills¡­

    They looked at everything they needed to see. Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s moods had calmed down quite a bit. Previously, their surroundings always had people nearby, so they couldn¡¯t properly settle down. Now, they finally returned to Tianheng¡¯s base of operations. Gu Zuo also regarded this ce as their ¡°new home¡±, and the sense of belonging in his heart increased.

    The two came to arge boulder at the edge of a cliff on the mountain. They jumped onto it, and sat down.

    Gu Zuo spoke with concern: ¡°Big brother, you¡¯ve been in Ten Ultimates Sect for a while. When do you n on breaking through?¡±

    Originally, they had been suppressing their realms. They felt it wasn¡¯t too reliable to break through on the Peripheral Continents. But now, there was such a powerful sect backing them, and the Central Continent¡¯s ambient qi was many times denser. Naturally, their breakthroughs shouldn¡¯t be dyed any longer. What¡¯s more, with Tianheng¡¯s present identity, only a swift breakthrough to the Immortal Realm could allow those people watching from the sidelines to see his potential.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo returned, so I¡¯ll prepare to break through.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart thumped: ¡°Big brother has been waiting for me the whole time?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Naturally. Ah Zuo was alone on the outside, so I couldn¡¯t feel assured, and my mood was affected. How can I break through when I can¡¯t keep a perfectly clear heart and mind?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression crumpled: ¡°I¡¯ve burdened big brother again¡­¡±

    Tianheng shook his head: ¡°How can you say that you¡¯re a burden? These kinds of words should¡¯ve stopped being used a long time ago between the two of us.¡±

    Gu Zuo was temporarily speechless. Hearing what Tianheng said, he hastily replied: ¡°I misspoke.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t mind. He also asked with deep concern: ¡°Ah Zuo, how are you doing right now? Can you make a breakthrough?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought it over: ¡°My spiritual realm has already reached the Core Psyche Realm, and my internal qi realm ought to improve rapidly, too. This will allow me to refine medicinal pills of even higher levels. Previously, I felt that it was good enough to break through. Only, before I break through, I also need to refine pills for a few days to urately seize that opportunity.¡±

    Tianheng understood. After pondering for a bit, he said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to rush to refine pills. It¡¯s already getting dark. Wait until tomorrow, and I¡¯ll bring you to my Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s Path Comprehending Pavilion. In there, not only are there martial skills that I require, there are also spiritual techniques that Ah Zuo might need. After we browse through various cultivation methods, it won¡¯t be toote to carefully prepare for our breakthroughs.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this made sense: ¡°What big brother says is right. The Immortal Realm is a critical juncture. We can¡¯t treat it lightly. If we make some more realizations, it¡¯ll definitely be even more advantageous.¡±

    Besides, he also wanted to take a look. The things that the pharmacists studied in this ce were methods of the path of spirituality. Were those inner cultivation methods he obtained from the system any different from the ones here?

    Aftering to a decision, the two usually cultivated or rested.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings were a little tense.

    Just then, Tianheng pulled him to the bedside and said: ¡°This elder brother has finally found Ah Zuo. Today, how about you and I sleep together just like old time¡¯s sake as brothers?¡±

    In his mind, this directly tranted to getting married!

    Although it was normal for brothers to share a bed, sleeping in the same bed after a long reunion was a good way to pull a rtionship closer together. However, Gu Zuo truly felt that his good impressions of his big brother were already full to bursting. There wasn¡¯t any need for such fostering!

    If his feelings were fostered any further, he wouldn¡¯t be able help wanting to ¡ª

    Stop. He couldn¡¯t allow himself to be ¡°full of vim and vigor¡±.

    But if he could sleep with his big brother¡­ Actually, he really wanted to get a bit closer to Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was in the middle of a fierce struggle.

    Tianheng was still waiting for his answer with a smile. Noticing that Gu Zuo looked like he was about to run away, Tianheng simply bent a finger and flicked his forehead: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head. He suddenly thought of an excuse: ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong. Did you want to go to sleep now? I still haven¡¯t taken a bath¡­¡±

    This was a conditioned reflex to follow his heart¡¯s demands.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Previously, my master permitted me three spirit springs and one spiritke. I had chosen a hot spring among them, which was ced on this mountain peak. Now that Ah Zuo has returned, we can go soak in it.¡±

    Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t soaked in a hot spring before. After hearing this, he was very interested: ¡°Okay. Then, let¡¯s take a dip!¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng smiled as he led Gu Zuo out of the room, past a boulder, and towards the back.

    The steam was thick over there. Sure enough, it was a pool of spring water where the waves insidepped gently against the shore. One could see that the water wasn¡¯t stagnant. There were faint currents of high temperature that churned the water, and steam would billow out into one¡¯s face. It was quitefortable.

    Gu Zuo was delighted at a nce. He turned his head: ¡°Big brother, I ¡ª Eh?¡±

    Tianheng was right in the middle of taking off his outer robes: ¡°What?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    T-this was the intention of bathing together!

    Tianheng¡¯s mood seemed rather cheerful: ¡°The spring water is just right, and the pool is quite big. This elder brother will take a bath, too. After that, I¡¯ll go to sleep early with Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently rubbed his face.

    Okay. What he currently needed to do was to prevent his big brother from noticing clues by any means necessary. Speaking of which, his big brother¡¯s body¡­ Forget it. He shouldn¡¯t think about it too much.

    On the contrary, Tianheng was broad and open-hearted. Without any hindrances whatsoever, he removed his clothes, and sank into the water with only a single article of underclothes remaining.

    For a moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if he was disappointed or d. Following that, he also took off his robes, except for his undergarments, and got into the water.

    The distance that separated the two was roughly a little over a meter wide. Each of them soaked in the water quietly and peacefully, and their appearances were made indistinct by the water vapor. The atmosphere seemed especially gentle and cid.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t sneak a peek. He was restless, but he didn¡¯t act on it.

    After that, the sound of sloshing water appeared next to him.

    Tianheng had walked a few steps over, closing that meter-long distance to a little less than eight inches.

    Gu Zuo was a bit nervous.

    Nevertheless, Tianheng was very magnanimous: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that in many families, brothers who have close rtionships will scrub each other¡¯s backs when bathing in a hot spring. It¡¯s a freeing experience. Although we martial artists don¡¯t have that many fun things to do, would Ah Zuo be willing to indulge this elder brother?¡±

    When Gu Zuo previously treated Tianheng¡¯s illness, to say nothing of the body¡¯s exterior, even Tianheng¡¯s insides were explored by his psychic power. However, at that time, his way of thinking truly couldn¡¯t have been more pure and simple. How could itpare to now?

    ¡ª?The present Gu Zuo felt like his very own breath was filled with wicked desires. He didn¡¯t dare to act the same way as before.

    Gu Zuo, whose mood had be even moreplicated, couldn¡¯t help but stumble a bit.

    To scrub or not to scrub ¡ª It was a serious question.

    After reacting, Gu Zuo discovered that he was already sitting behind Tianheng. Using both hands to hold a towel, he was scrubbing a broad back with an up-and-down motion.

    Wasn¡¯t his subconscious moving a little too quickly?

    Fortunately, it seemed that Tianheng hadn¡¯t noticed anything either. He enjoyed himself while sitting with a calm and easy heart. There was the sound of his even breaths blowing through the steam. Although there were no other noises, Gu Zuo¡¯s face still had a slightly hot temperature that was hard to control.

    The muscles in front of him were as white as lustrous jade, but they were filled with strength. This sight almost caused Gu Zuo to close his eyes in a panic.

    Actually, looking at a man¡¯s back wasn¡¯t rming, but when there was a ghost in one¡¯s heart, it would leave a person with a guilty conscience! No matter what he did, it would look sphemous¡­

    He scrubbed the back¡­

    Scrubbed the back¡­

    Scrub.

    After who knew how long, the sound of sshing water echoed out in front again. Tianheng¡¯s low, soft, and maic voice was heard: ¡°You worked hard. Ah Zuo, turn around. Let your elder brother scrub your back, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt like he was under a spell. Obviously, he ought to refuse at this time, but it was like the demons and gods were at work ¡ª?He said nothing, and only turned around absentmindedly.

    Immediately following this, a slightly warm qi emission came from behind. It pressed closer while carrying a familiar feeling. It practically bundled him up.

    His big brother always had such a strong presence. It was hard to ignore.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat sped up.

    His big brother was very close! Compared to the eight inches he maintained just a moment ago, this distance seemed a bit shorter. Currently, it seemed like it was less than six inches. Ah, it was even closer!

    If he moved just slightly backwards, he couldpletely retreat into his big brother¡¯s embrace!

    This wouldn¡¯t do at all! He had to stay put!

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath, and his body stretched taut.

    Soon after, a pair ofrge and wide palms pressed down onto his two shoulders.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s really tired. You¡¯ve been so stiff up until now.¡±

    As Tianheng spoke, his slender fingers were already giving a gentle yet strong massage.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    The agreed-upon back scrub had turned into a massage. The separation of a towel had be skin-on-skin contact. This would cause a person¡¯s blood to start racing!

    He couldn¡¯t help sinking into a deep and frustrating mncholy.

    Ever since he came to realize the feelings of his heart, he was suffering all the time¡­ Unfortunately, it was like his big brother hadn¡¯t noticed at all. He had to cast aside his own wicked thoughts three times a day!

    But this was of no use.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want to refuse Tianheng¡¯s intimacy and trust, so he could only silently endure. Gradually, after Tianheng massaged him for a while, he slowly rxed his body at longst. Soon after, Tianheng straightforwardly pressed against his back ¡ª?At this time, should it be said that he was lucky Tianheng didn¡¯t request to massage his front? Although he could refuse if the other party mentioned it, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help feeling ashamed again at his own impure thoughts.

    With great difficulty, this bath in the hot springs and this exercise of torment was over.

    Tianheng walked out in a natural and leisurely manner. His qi energy rotated, and his entire body became dry. Gu Zuo also hastily operated his true qi. After sensing that no unmentionable changes had urred with his own body, he hurriedly followed Tianheng, and returned to their room.

    After that, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo onto the bed. The two were lying side by side, close enough for their feet to touch.

    Although¡­ Gu Zuo was slightly shorter, so their feet couldn¡¯t actually touch.

    The two of them said nothing. Just like this, they reclined on the bed shoulder to shoulder.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was suddenly somewhat happy ¡ª?The person who could get close to his big brother was only himself, right? So long as it could be like this, it would be enough.

    Originally, he thought that he wouldn¡¯t have been able to fall asleep while next to the person he liked. On the contrary, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect that, because this scent was too familiar and close, he would soon sink into thend of dreams.

    On this night, he slept well.

    He slept until the break of dawn.

    Gu Zuo hazily woke up. His legs and the rest of his body were surrounded by the warm texture of skin. The side of his face was sticking to something. It was sturdy and had a sense of security. He couldn¡¯t help softly rubbing his cheek against it.

    After that¡­ His heart quivered, and he abruptly opened his eyes!

    ¡ª?Wait a second. The thing he was leaning on was an expanse of smooth skin. It was his big brother¡¯s chest? But how did his position suddenly change to this?

    Gu Zuo moved his legs again.

    Indeed, he was currently sleeping with his big brother. However, because he was a head shorter, his body had slid down for their feet to touch. As a result, the side of his face was just the right height to press against his big brother¡¯s chest.

    In addition, Gu Zuo¡¯s waist was covered by arge, warm hand. He was almost locked inside a wide hug. His face reddened, and his heart warmed. He didn¡¯t know whether he ought to burrow his way out of bed, or pretend that he hadn¡¯t woken up to stay in this embrace for a while longer.

    In his heart, the wills of man and heaven waged war¡­

    A hand gently ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. That voice, which carried a bit of dark huskiness, resounded: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings tensed: ¡°I just got up. Big brother, you¡¯re awake?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing. His chest faintly shook: ¡°Yes. This elder brother has just woken up.¡±

    While speaking, he released his arm. It appeared that he wasn¡¯t concerned about their sleeping postures.

    Gu Zuo was slightly disappointed, but he quickly pulled himself together. After fumbling out of Tianheng¡¯s embrace, he sat up: ¡°Today, I need to go with big brother to the Path Comprehending Pavilion, right?¡±

    Tianheng also turned over, and sat up. He smiled and said: ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll go after washing up.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly jumped out of bed: ¡°I¡¯ll go first. Big brother, there¡¯s no hurry. Let me cook something for big brother before anything else.¡±

    Tianheng watched as Gu Zuo scampered away as fast as a rabbit, and he couldn¡¯t help smiling. Looking at Gu Zuo¡¯s distant, retreating figure, he finally responded: ¡°¡­Okay.¡±

    Soon, Gu Zuo prepared a medicinal cuisine suitable for nursing Tianheng¡¯s constitution. After Tianheng swiftly ate it, the two didn¡¯t tarry any longer. They left the summit together.

    Just as they walked beyond a certain range, several streaks of shadow quietly appeared before vanishing again.

    Gu Zuo knew that they were showing their own presences. Moreover, they had already hidden their figures to follow and protect the two ¡ª If it had been the Tianlong Guards, they would¡¯ve followed close behind. As for these war hound battle ves, their strengths were quite high, so they could naturally conceal themselves even more thoroughly.

    Tianheng summoned a huge wild bird, and the two sat on its back. The wild bird pped its wings, and flew towards a particr direction.

    Gu Zuo sensed that this wild bird was extremely powerful. Besides its lightning-fast speed, the suppressive might of its rank was also quite frightening. It should¡¯ve been at least a wild bird of the high spirit rank. And such a wild bird could only be a means of transportation¡­

    Just as he was thinking these things, Tianheng suddenly pointed at some ce and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it. He followed Tianheng¡¯s intent, and looked in the indicated direction.

    Over there was winding ore vein. It seemed like a single mine, but it was connected to several branches. It upied arge area of the ground. Along the ore vein, quite a few mines appeared in different locations. Inside each pit, there were some enormous gold-furred mice that were digging in and out. Every time they came out, they brought along small piles of ore. Their efficiency was quite high. Off to the side, there were a few mining carts, and one cart after another was loaded with ore. Also, there didn¡¯t seem to be only one type of ore. When in the middle of gathering, these ores were ced ording to different categories.

    Gu Zuo looked for a while, and said in puzzlement: ¡°Big brother, this ore vein is somewhat unusual.¡±

    Tianheng knew what he meant, and exined: ¡°There¡¯s no need to be confused. At first, my master asked me to choose an ore vein, but I wanted to open those spirit weapon shops. Although one ore vein would be good, there were too many things I needed, and it wouldn¡¯t have been easy to procure them. Therefore, I selected a mixed ore vein.¡±

    He continued: ¡°If a mixed ore vein is too varied, it would be detrimental. Thus, I picked a Scarlet-Gold Stone ore vein and its secondary-growth mixed ore veins, which produced many supplementary ores. At that time, during the weapon forging process, the number of usable ores would be even greater.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood, and couldn¡¯t help but admire: ¡°Big brother¡¯s considerations are the mostprehensive.¡±

    Tianheng raised his eyebrows slightly: ¡°Many thanks for the praise, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Having looked at the ore vein, the wild bird pped its wings again, and flew through the skies. Its speed had multiplied several times over. Within the time of a stick of incense, they finally stopped in front of a valley.

    In this ce, all four sides were encircled by mountains. There were numerous caves amid these mountains, and even more pce halls in the valley. A dense fog permeated the deeper and more remote ces. A person couldn¡¯t see the circumstances inside at all.

    This ce was the location of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    Although the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s personal residence wasn¡¯t here, he lived in this ce ever since he became the pce master. He would leave once the next appointed Blood Transformation Pce Master seeded the position.

    However, due to the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord, unless the Blood Transformation Pce Master underwent an enormous breakthrough, the authority to control this ce couldn¡¯t be easily transferred to other people.

    As for the Path Comprehending Pavilion of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, it was also located right here.

    The wild birdnded. Then, Tianheng jumped down while holding Gu Zuo in a one-armed embrace.

    Originally, Gu Zuo wanted to say that it wasn¡¯t like before when they were in the Peripheral Continents. This ce cultivated the path of spirituality. He could also use psychic power to carry himself down¡­ But for whatever reason, he didn¡¯t mention it.

    Afternding on the ground, Gu Zuo simply closed his mouth with a sense of finality.

    ¡­In his heart, the struggle continued.

    There weren¡¯t any guards in front of the valley. In fact, the Blood Transformation Pce Hall didn¡¯t need any guards. The valley was covered in formations. If one didn¡¯t have a Ten Ultimates Sect token, a person basically couldn¡¯t enter.

    Tianheng had prepared Gu Zuo¡¯s token long ago. At this time, they hung the tokens on their waists, and smoothly moved through the formations.

    After that, Gu Zuo discovered just howrge these pce halls were. He saw many that were dozens to hundreds of meters tall! The central blood-red pce hall, which was surrounded and protected by the other buildings ought to have been the main structure of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, right? This pce hall befitted its name. The characteristics were obvious to see.

    Yet, Tianheng didn¡¯t led Gu Zuo into the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Rather, their steps turned towards the left-hand side.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother, we don¡¯t need to pay our respects to the pce master?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°I would go if I need pointers, but as for matters of ordinary cultivation, my master is busy with other affairs. There¡¯s no need to ask for instructions for every little thing. This is to avoid being denounced by others.¡±

    Gu Zuo agreed after thinking about it. His big brother was certainly being watched by many people right now. Improving his strength and raising his foundations was the way of a leader. Looking for the pce master every day wasn¡¯t a praise-worthy matter ¡ª?If other people found out, they would say that his big brother was ipetent.

    Having thought this, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng, and came before arge building.

    This structure was peculiar. The space it upied was vast, and it looked like a treasure pagoda. However,pared to other pagodas, it was much broader. Moreover, every floor wasprised of several side halls. Astonishingly, its height was over a hundred floors tall.

    In front of the pagoda, there was a board. Written upon it in threerge characters was Path Comprehending Pavilion. Because it was the Path Comprehending Pavilion of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, even its sign board was a blood-red color.

    There were guards around the front of this Path Comprehending Pavilion. In actuality, there were guards stationed at every floor of the pavilion. Furthermore, all of them were seemingly unkempt, old men. Although their appearances were different, their facial features were very simr.

    Tianheng hade here over the past few days, so he had a rather deep understanding of Ten Ultimates Sect. At this time, he spoke to Gu Zuo: ¡°These guards are also of a nonhuman race. They¡¯re a bookworm race, and they¡¯re quite special.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled: ¡°Bookworm race? What an odd name.¡±

    He thought about it, and had some questions that wouldn¡¯t have been appropriate to ask in the presence of these guards.

    [Big brother, the bookworm race is a nonhuman race. Does the sect not mind handing our foundations over to them to watch over? If anything was to happen¡­]

    He wasn¡¯t saying that he didn¡¯t trust in the loyalty of the bookworm race, but could it be guaranteed that all of the bookworms in a single racial group were loyal? Which racial groups didn¡¯t have traitors?

    Tianheng smiled, and ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair.

    [Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no need to worry. The bookworm race is quite bizarre. If they want to survive, they must draw in the literary qi from books. Every individual looking after the sect¡¯s martial skills are members of the bookworm race. From the beginning, the sect takes newly-born worm eggs, and ces them in their respective book collections. The worm eggs absorb the qi of the books on their assigned floors, and break out of their shells. Then, they absorb their assigned floor¡¯s literary qi to grow up, which connects their lives to the books on that floor. After maturing, they transform into the shapes of old men. At this moment, the sect removes a single book from the assigned floor, and ces it in a repository. This is equivalent to holding the lives of these bookworms. If they want to betray the sect, they must take away all of the books on their assigned floor. Otherwise, even if there¡¯s only one book missing, they¡¯ll die so long as they leave this pavilion. Thus, it would be difficult for the bookworm race to betray the sect.]

    Gu Zuo understood.

    With such a strange lifecycle, it was no wonder it was like this.

    It was just that it still seemed unusual.

    Tianhengughed in spite of himself.

    [If it¡¯s an extremely precious, ancient record, it definitely won¡¯t be casually disyed. And even if it was disyed, it wouldn¡¯t only be a bookworm watching over it. The sect¡¯s inheritances have been pass down for countless years. Many loopholes have been understood more clearly than you and I can imagine. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t overthink it.]

    Gu Zuo epted this. He really had been worrying about nothing.

    The bookworm race recognized tokens, but not the people holding the tokens. Tianheng¡¯s token hung down from his waist, and the member of the bookworm race clearly saw Tianheng¡¯s identity. Apart from the Heaven Lord and pce master, this person was the most respected individual in the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Where could he be blocked? The Blood Transformation Pce Hall didn¡¯t mention any other areas. At the very least, this Path Comprehending Pavilion waspletely open to him ¡ª?This kind of all-star prodigy had an incredible power of understanding. Naturally, he wasn¡¯t the same as ordinary disciples who were restricted in many ces and had to slowly strive for opportunities. That would be a waste of his time, which was a waste of his innate talent.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng, and entered the Path Comprehending Pavilion.

    Just as they stepped onto the first floor, Gu Zuo was shocked by the scenes of this ce.

    Outside, it looked like each floor had a few dozen side halls at most. Yet, after going inside, he discovered that the first floor¡¯s side halls weren¡¯t limited to just a few dozen. Instead, there were at least several hundred to over a thousand side halls of varying sizes! Moreover, there was only one book ced inside every side hall. Everything else in the side halls were sculptures. It was baffling.

    The Path Comprehending Pavilion didn¡¯t seem ordinary at all¡­

    Tianheng stood in the middle of the main hall, and paid his respects to an enormous blood-red statue on the other side.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo also hurried to follow suit.

    Tianheng solemnly asked: ¡°This disciple wishes to learn >. May I begin?¡±

    Following this, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    That statue appeared to understand his big brother¡¯s intent. It circted with a bloody light, and those side halls shook and underwent some changes. It caused therge doors of the side hall facing Tianheng to open!

    How advanced!

    Tianheng smiled. After bowing again, he pulled Gu Zuo straight into this side hall.

    Inside, there were twenty to thirty sculptures of various shapes and sizes. A blood-red rare book was ced on a high tform. Tianheng reached out a hand, and the manual was drawn towards his palm.

    Gu Zuo moved closer to take a look. Written on it in fourrge characters was >. Flowing with a bloody light, it was very frightening: ¡°Big brother, you need to learn this?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°The final thing I need to learn is the heaven-ranked ultimate skill >, but not everything can be aplished in a single step. To learn this ultimate skill, I first need to study numerous derivative methods. After gaining many enlightenments, the more I finally learn, the deeper my understanding, and the easier it¡¯ll be toprehend the main body of that heaven-ranked ultimate skill.¡±

    Gu Zuo reflected: ¡°Did big brother choose to join the Blood Transformation Pce Hall precisely for >? I remember that big brother has two sets of bone pearls that are rted to blood essence¡­¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and nodded: ¡°Ah Zuo knows me well. That¡¯s right. The blood pools here are extremely useful to me. Also, with my constitution, if I want toe up with my own body cultivation method, I¡¯ll have to know many techniques of the same type. Right now, > is the highest ranked technique I¡¯m aware of. If I want to develop my constitution to be the most powerful and ascend the heights of the path of martial arts, the cultivation method I create must be the absolute strongest. By learning and drawing from this technique, I¡¯ll forge my own path to follow.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°What big brother says is right.¡± Then, he asked, ¡°In that case, you¡¯ll first learn >?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°The first floor merely has human-level techniques. It¡¯s enough just to experience it. I¡¯ll study what I can, but I¡¯ll most likely need to incorporate other more exquisite techniques into my own cultivation method. I really don¡¯t need to research this skill.¡±

    Gu Zuo expressed his understanding: ¡°Then, I won¡¯t disturb big brother. I¡¯ll just sit over there and meditate.¡±

    Tianheng kept smiling: ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to wait a moment.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved his hand, and sat in a corner: ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. I¡¯ll wait for big brother.¡±

    Actually, he felt that watching his big brother practice martial arts was very enjoyable¡­

    Hence, Gu Zuo sat on the side and meditated. While operating his inner cultivation method and umting true qi, he couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off Tianheng, who practiced this martial skill in the room.

    Speaking of which, he was clear about the rare book here, but what was the purpose of these sculptures?

    Tianheng moved quickly.

    One would only see him cing that thin, rare book into his hand, and then his fingers moved like the wind. He swiftly thumbed through it. Before long, he had already finished reading.

    Soon after, he appeared pensive. After pondering for three seconds, he walked in front of one sculpture. He pressed his hand against the sculpture¡¯s forehead, and both of his eyes closed slightly.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but he felt as if this sculpture was shining.

    Not long after, Tianheng walked away from this sculpture, and came to the second sculpture. Following a set pattern, he covered it with his hand as before. This repeated over and over again.

    Every time he touched a sculpture, the time it took was as short as a couple of seconds to as long as a minute. Altogether, it was quite fast. Just like this, Tianheng came into contact with all of the sculptures in less than fifteen minutes.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 334: Breakthrough to the Immortal Realm

    <h4>Chapter 334: Breakthrough to the Immortal Realm</h4>

    Once all of the sculptures were essed, Gongyi Tianheng suddenly retracted his hand, and stood calmly inside this pce hall.

    After that, he abruptly stretched out a palm. His fingers formed ws, and his fingertips surged with a bloody light. He pivoted his body, raised his arm, and shed a dozen or so blood marks out of thin air! Immediately following that, there were sts of razor-sharp wind. Countless bloody lights weaved together to form a, and every beam of bloody light bore an iparably sharp power. It resounded with the screeching of the shattered void!

    Tianheng¡¯s figure shifted. His palms formed talons, and the marks he carved out began to crisscross. The crashing qi energies carried a faint, bloody stench, and unleashed peals of crackling sounds.

    As for the inundation of bloody lights, it gave a strange type of feeling. With one look, a person¡¯s heart would quiver in fear.

    Gu Zuo watched for a while, and couldn¡¯t help discharging his psychic power. Following which, he discovered that his big brother was using three types of w techniques in quick session. The moves were bing more and more precise and formidable. As for these w techniques, every time they were exerted, Gu Zuo also recognized that they were almost exactly the same as the stances of those sculptures.

    He instantly realized that it wasn¡¯t pointless for his big brother to touch these sculptures¡­

    Not long after, Tianheng¡¯s movements became smooth and flowing. Gradually, those wing winds converged, which brought about subtle changes. The blood mark shes transformed from those disarrayed cross-hatchings into structured patterns, and were even more mysterious. Indiscernibly, the moves fell into line with him.

    Gu Zuo understood that Tianheng was using his powerful IQ to conduct modifications on > ¡ª?In the past, there were many instances when Tianheng learned other martial skills, and did just this. Afterwards, whatever that was altered became even mightier. Even a martial skill¡¯s product grade would improve.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng could conduct a revision in such a short period of time for the w technique of a heaven-ranked ultimate knowledge¡¯s derivative martial discipline. This was something that had been housed by Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s Blood Transformation Pce Hall. It could be seen that his big brother¡¯s power of understanding might¡¯ve improved again.

    Eventually, Tianheng stopped attacking. The bloody light on his fingertips immediately disappeared, and he stood with his hands sped behind his back. After pondering for a short moment, it seemed he had gained insights into many things. His eyes flickered with an obscure light as he quietly digested this experience.

    Following that, he came to Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re done learning?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯m done.¡±

    Gu Zuo praised: ¡°Big brother learns really fast!¡± Soon after, he was a bit curious, and pointed at the sculptures, ¡°Big brother, you touched those statues just a while ago. What are their uses? I could see what appeared to be the engraved w technique. Do you have to touch it with your hand to experience it? But why do you need to touch it?¡±

    Tianheng was ustomed to exining for him: ¡°This Path Comprehending Pavilion is strange, but those capable of entering this ce can practice and train with the martial skills in every side hall. Once disciples refine their learning of a martial skill, and develop an extremely unique trait, the hall will automatically undergo a change. It will mold a sculpture to record that exquisite trait or uniqueness. Anyone in the future who goes to read this rare book can ce their hands on a sculpture¡¯s forehead to see aprehensive performance of the person depicted by the carved statue training with the martial skill. From this, one can gain some insight.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°It both honors a disciple¡¯s abilities and benefits those whoe after?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°There are very few who can leave behind a sculpture in the halls. After so many years throughout Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s history, only twenty-something sculptures exist in this martial skill¡¯s side hall. Among them, those who developed an exquisite first form of the w technique number fifteen. For the second form, there are seven. And there¡¯s only three for the third form. In addition, there have been numerous magnificent talents in Ten Ultimates Sect. It has prospered generation after generation, but the situation is still like this. It can be seen how difficult it is to leave behind a sculpture.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s wonderful that one generation can pass things along to the next. Everyone whoester can appreciate the elegance and grace of their predecessors. With each generation¡¯s umtions, the foundations of every martial skill be even more robust¡­ It¡¯s no surprise that Ten Ultimates Sect can turn into such a veteran silver-ranked organization.¡±

    ¡ª?Merely, it was obvious that the w technique his big brother used just now had been exquisite. Why wasn¡¯t a sculpture made? This definitely wasn¡¯t because his big brother¡¯s level of achievement was insufficient. Could it be that it was because Tianheng had altered the w technique, and it was too different from the original? As a result, it didn¡¯t stimte the creation of a sculpture?

    En, this was actually a possibility.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bring this up. He only asked: ¡°Has big brother already mastered this martial skill?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°That¡¯s right. Ah Zuo, follow me to the second floor. There should be another derivative martial skill like this one that¡¯ll let me broaden my studies.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally didn¡¯t object, and promptly stood up: ¡°I¡¯ll keep big brotherpany.¡±

    Tianheng put an arm around Gu Zuo, and the smile on his face became even more gentle and soft.

    Shortly thereafter, the two went to the stairwell on the side, and reached the Path Comprehending Pavilion¡¯s second floor. Simrly, there were sculptures and countless side halls. As before, Tianheng paid his respects in front of a statue, and asked for guidance to the location of the derivative martial skill. A side hall appeared, and opened itself to the two people.

    Gu Zuo looked around, and saw that the interiorposition of this side hall wasn¡¯t any different from the one on the first floor. He reckoned that the martial skill would still be at the human rank. Only, this one was switched to a leg technique. There were also only neen sculptures inside this side hall.

    Nevertheless, one person sat down and meditated, and another person trained. As he had done many times in the past, Gu Zuo watched Tianheng swiftly familiarize himself with this martial skill. Then, he rapidly exerted and improved upon it. Finally, he thoroughly mastered this martial skill and its post-modified version. The powerful efficiency of his high IQ would cause people to double-take.

    Once Tianheng became proficient in this skill, a new sculpture still didn¡¯t appear inside the side hall. After that, he took Gu Zuo along, and continued upwards to study the third floor¡¯s derivative martial skill.

    The third floor had a body technique, the fourth floor had a finger technique, the fifth floor had a punching technique, the sixth floor had a palm technique, the seventh floor¡­

    They traveled from one floor to another. In the wake of Tianheng bing more and more adept at using numerous derivative martial skills, he rehearsed everything he learned from each floor earlier, and gradually blended them together. Tianheng¡¯s entire body seemed to emit a bloody light. asionally, whenever he struck with a Blood Palm, the qi emissions it contained were especially terrifying!

    With the eyesight of a pharmacist, Gu Zuo could tell that the Blood Palms now were much more profound than the previous ones. Compared to the present Blood Palm, the ones before were simple, crude, and unfit for observation.

    During this brief period of time, Tianheng made great progress. It wasn¡¯t known how much his strength had improved.

    At this time, Tianheng opened his mouth and said: ¡°Ah Zuo,e with me. Let¡¯s leave this floor.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit confused: ¡°Big brother isn¡¯t going to keep learning?¡±

    It was clear that no bottlenecks had been encountered.

    Tianheng slowly voiced a reply: ¡°Getting up to here is good enough. Although I¡¯m proficient in what I previously learned, that doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that I¡¯ve gained a thorough grasp of the principles contained within them. Therefore, I still need to reflect on things to integrate everything into the ultimate knowledge I create. Right now, already half a day has passed. This time, I¡¯ll apany Ah Zuo to the other side of the Path Comprehending Pavilion where the pharmacist techniques are kept.¡±

    However, after walking out of the side hall, Tianheng didn¡¯t bring Gu Zuo downstairs. Instead, he pulled Gu Zuo into his arms, and continued to the next floor. And this floor was already the thirtieth floor ¡ª?As it turned out, the medicine refining body cultivation methods and some materials and information that pharmacists needed were all on the thirtieth floor and above!

    When Gu Zuo stood on the thirtieth floor, he found that the situation here had already undergone changes.

    No longer was there a gigantic, blood-red statue in the front like the floors below. Rather, there was a small pce hall withrge doors opened on the left and right.

    The qi emissions wafting from the left door were pure and mild, and the ones from the right were swift and fierce ¡ª?There was no need for doubts. The methods for the path of spirituality should be through the left door.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo walked towards the left. This time around, it was Tianheng¡¯s turn to stay by his side.

    The two reached the main hall on the left, and what they saw directly ahead was a youngdy in white robes. Herplexion was quiet and elegant, there was a pure and holy air surrounding her countenance, and everything was vivid and lifelike ¡ª?That¡¯s right. She was also a statue. Merely, she was just like a real person at first nce.

    Gu Zuo was a bit curious: ¡°Big brother, do you know who this statue is depicting?¡±

    Tianheng looked at the statue, and said: ¡°Her specific name isn¡¯t known, but this person¡¯s legends are actually quite ancient.¡±

    Gu Zuo was interested: ¡°What legends?¡±

    Tianheng saw that his gaze was shining slightly, and couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that this predecessor was born out of poverty, but sheter had a fortuitous encounter. Her strength advanced by leaps and bounds until she finally became a sacred-level pharmacist. The medicine refining skills in her possession were greatly admired by the people of the world. Her nature was virtuous, and when she travelled thend and met countless people, regardless of whether they were martial artists, pharmacists, or ordinary people, she treated everyone favorably. It was only a pity that, while her medicine refining capabilities were phenomenal and her internal qi had reached the Greater Emperor Realm, she ultimately perished for some reason¡­¡±

    Being capable of making all pharmacists honor her as a founder, this senior who had the appearance of a youngdy was truly amazing! Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t live to the age a Greater Emperor ought to have lived. Otherwise, perhaps she could¡¯ve achieved even greater heights.

    After admiring this statue, Gu Zuo took a step forward to observe the proper etiquette: ¡°This younger generation wishes to deepen his shallow understanding of the path of spirituality. Would this senior please give this one directions?¡±

    On the statue, a faint, white light flickered before disappearing. After that, a hall on the side shook before its doors opened.

    Gu Zuo reflexively extended a hand to pull Tianheng along, and they stepped into that side hall together. Soon after, Gu Zuo noticed theyout of the inside of this hall waspletely different from the martial artist halls. Not only wasn¡¯t there any sculptures, but there was a rare book as well as a reading cab on the high tform.

    This surprised him. He got closer, and raised a hand to take the book. Then, he turned his head, and looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother,e see this.¡±

    Tianheng walked over, and lowered his head to read it.

    On that book was clearly written: >.

    It was phrased just like so.

    Gu Zuo quickly opened the book. It stated:

    [Those on the path of spirituality cultivate psychic powers. At first, one is ignorant to this power. After gaining an understanding, condense it. Transform this qi into a whirlpool, gather this whirlpool into a core, nurture this core as a seed, and the core will break open to give birth to a spirit¡­]

    From these brief, few sentences, numerous realms of the spiritual path were clearly exined. Compared to the information Gu Zuo obtained from the system, it was even more clear and detailed.

    To put it simply, the realms of the path of spirituality were divided into fiveyers.

    The firstyer was the Qi Psyche Realm. The secondyer was the Coalescing Psyche Realm. The thirdyer was the Core Psyche Realm. The fourthyer was the Nurturing Psyche Realm. The fifthyer was the Spirit Psyche Realm.

    And these five realms shared a huge rtionship with the rank of the pharmacist. For instance, the most important thing was that, even if a pharmacist from the lower realms could push themselves into refining a medicinal pill of a higher rank with sufficiently strong talent, it would require a pharmacist to reach the Spirit Psyche Realm to refine an earth-level pill. Otherwise, no matter how high their realm, no matter how abundant their internal qi, it wouldn¡¯t work.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s case, with his current Core Psyche Realm, he could refine profound-level medicinal pills suitable for the Celestial Realm with some difficulty. If he could stabilize himself and refine a few more types of pills, he could be barely rated as a profound-level pharmacist. However, once his psychic power made another breakthrough, regardless of how infinitesimally close he came to the Spirit Psyche Realm, so long as he remained in the Nurturing Psyche Realm, it would basically be impossible for him to refine earth-level pills ¡ª?This also made him realize that his most important goal right now was to get his psychic power to break through to the Nurturing Psyche Realm!

    After that, there was some information that Gu Zuo previously knew about.

    Pharmacists were a very special group of people. To be a martial artist, it mainly depended on whether their aptitudes were sufficient and whether they could persevere through cultivation ¡ª?That¡¯s right. Even if it was an ordinary person, so long as they wanted to learn, they could make an attempt. As for the requirement to be a pharmacist, there had to be medicinal beads inside their palms. The biggest functions of a medicinal bead were to sort through medicinal properties and to link with one¡¯s internal qi. It was even somewhat rted to the management of psychic power. No matter how much one strived, a person without medicinal beads couldn¡¯t be a pharmacist! This was an irond rule!

    If a pharmacist wanted to cultivate, they would have to walk along two paths simultaneously. First of all, they would have to umte internal qi just like martial artists. From the lower ranks to the higher ranks, internal qi was divided into true qi, profound qi, vital qi, and so forth. These were collectively known as the internal qi realms, and the realms of psychic power were called the spiritual path realms. To improve, one needed a cultivation method. If one wanted to allow their own psychic power to possess special abilities, then that person had to absorb medicinal qi of certain attributes.

    Reading up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes lit up.

    Medicinal qi!

    When Gu Zuo cultivated, half of the medicinal qi would be taken into his bone pearls to merge with his true qi. The other half would fly into his Tianfu Acupoint to merge with his psychic power. During his time on the Peripheral Continents, he never heard of the cultivation matters of the path of spirituality. Thus, he had been covering it up in fear of a problem arising due to a moment of carelessness. At this time, he finally set aside his worries.

    Tianheng read this, and then saw Gu Zuo happily smiling at him. He cupped his fingers against Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°Ah Zuo, keep reading.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily nodded. His mood was cheerful as he continued to broaden his understanding of the path of spirituality.

    Speaking of this medicinal qi, whenever pills were refined, the overflowing pill fragrance would contain medicinal qi. However, medicinal qi was light and insubstantial, so it was difficult to capture. If a medicinal pill wasn¡¯t refined sessfully, it would cause damage and impurities to the medicinal qi. Thus, one needed a very good cultivation method to draw in the medicinal qi for absorption. It was said that only the refinement of the highest three grades would guarantee intact medicinal qi. In addition, only twelfth grade wless pills could ensure that the medicinal qi would be both intact and free of impurities¡­

    Although, just as a martial artist¡¯s body cultivation method could be divided into inner cultivation methods and martial skills, a pharmacist¡¯s body cultivation method could also be divided into inner cultivation methods and spiritual skills. However, the special point was that the inner cultivation methods of pharmacists were veryplex, and could be divided further into internal qi cultivation methods and spiritual path cultivation methods. Internal qi cultivation methods required the strengthening of internal qi and the absorption of medicinal qi. Among these, one half would be fused with true qi, and the other half would enter the Tianfu Acupoint and fuse with one¡¯s psychic power. Meanwhile, spiritual path cultivation methods dealt with increasing and tempering psychic powers.

    Often times, spiritual path cultivation methods already contained spiritual skills. Take for example the > that Gu Zuo learned, which simultaneously improved Gu Zuo¡¯s spiritual path realm, and gave rise to the silver awls, silver needles, as well as the following Spirit Transforming Chapter. All of these were spiritual skills.

    Much of the essence of cultivation on the path of spirituality was jumbled together, and it wasn¡¯t as clear as it was for martial artists. But generally speaking, it was just that the mix of medicinal qi, internal qi, and psychic power made things quiteplicated. It would cause many unusual variations. But in actuality, the overall boundaries were distinct.

    It was because it was like this that an entire system of cultivation could form.

    Gu Zuo released a long sigh, and felt like his brain was swelling a little bit.

    Fortunately, he had a basic understanding of many matters rted to cultivation of the spiritual path.

    After that, the topic returned to the issue of attributes.

    A martial artist¡¯s constitution possessed its own attribute. A pharmacist¡¯s constitution also had its own attribute. If someone with a single-attribute constitution studied the correct path, then that person would advance faster than many others on the pathway of that attribute. Of course, the attributes of the vast majority were jumbledbinations, and there weren¡¯t even somewhat strong ones among these jumbled attributes. At this time, so long as a person chose the attribute they favored the most, and selected cultivation methods, martial skills, or spiritual skills of the same attribute, then this single attribute of theirs would be continuously magnified. When this favored attribute suppressed the other attributes, it would finally be considered a sess.

    Just like how constitutions had attributes, so too did medicinal ingredients. Naturally, the pills that were refined also had attributes, and the medicinal qi emitted by these pills would possess the same attribute.

    Regardless of whether it was the attributes of constitutions, medicinal pills, or medicinal qi, everythingplemented one another.

    As an example, consider if there was a certain pharmacist who had a fire attribute constitution, and he refined fire attribute medicinal pills. The fire attribute pills would overflow with medicinal qi that was predisposed towards fire. The pharmacist would absorb this type of medicinal qi for cultivation, which would allow his own internal qi and psychic power to favor the fire attribute. Internal qi and psychic power with the fire attribute would be capable of boosting the pill sess rate of fire attribute medicinal pills, which created a positive feedback loop.

    As time passed, this would be a pharmacist who was an expert at refining fire attribute medicinal pills.

    At this point, one needed to talk about the two realms that followed the Core Psyche Realm: The Nurturing Psyche Realm and the Spirit Psyche Realm.

    As the name implied, the Nurturing Psyche Realm nourished one¡¯s spirit.

    And what kind of spirit was being nurtured? It was the Spiritual Embodiment.

    In other words, after achieving the Core Psyche Realm, the spiritual core within the Tianfu Acupoint would continuously increase in size. Gradually nurtured within it would be the sound of a heartbeat. This was proof that something new was being born ¡ª?This thing was a qualitative change in one¡¯s psychic power, and it was analogous to the existence of a pharmacist¡¯s avatar.

    It was known as the ¡°spirit body¡±.

    It could be said that the spirit body represented a pharmacist¡¯s inner self. It could also be said that it was the incarnation or embodiment of a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power. Usually, it was closely aligned with a pharmacist¡¯s nature. Its abilities were also dependent on the pharmacist or were based on the pharmacist¡¯s greatest wish.

    Its form could be human, but most often it took the shape of beasts, birds, nts, or objects. Some could even be pill cauldrons, jade panpipes, or ded weapons¡­ A spirit body could take the form of all sorts of things. It was difficult to predict.

    Whether or not a spirit body was powerful depended on how sturdy a pharmacist¡¯s foundations, and how condensed their psychic powers, were. One shouldn¡¯t focus on how Gu Zuo was only at the Core Psyche Realm right now. In actuality, it was hardest to advance from the Coalescing Psyche Realm to the Core Psyche Realm. On the contrary, from the Core Psyche Realm to the Nurturing Psyche Realm, one only needed an opportunity to begin nurturing their spirit.

    However, the process of nurturing the spirit to the hatching of the spirit body wasparatively long. If one wanted to make it break out of its shell as quickly as possible, it depended on how the pharmacist nourished it.

    Gu Zuo was deeply interested in this topic, but when he thought about these profound mysteries, his mood couldn¡¯t help bing a little subtle.

    When Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s reddenedplexion and strange expression, heughed and asked: ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo collected himself, and replied with exasperation: ¡°Big brother, it seems that an egg is growing inside my Tianfu Acupoint. Later on, I need to start incubating it¡­¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°¡­¡± He was at a loss for words. Immediately following which, he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s way of thinking is truly¡­¡±

    Then, Tianheng recalled what he recently learned, and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. It was the situation that emerged when a martial artist was at the Immortal Realm. As a matter of fact, if it really was like that, the martial artists who broke through to the Immortal Realm were very alike¡­

    After cracking a joke, Gu Zuo tossed this strange thought to the side, unaware of Tianheng¡¯s musings.

    He had finished reading this book. Immediately following this, he looked through all of the other books here. The subject matter of these books went into greater detail. Things such as attributes, medicinal pill product grades, and some general knowledge rted to the spiritual path. In addition, with regards to Ten Ultimates Sect, the introductions to inner cultivation methods, spiritual skills, and other such things in the field of the spiritual path were thorough and exhaustive.

    Once Gu Zuo was done, he had already formed a base of information in his mind. He also clearly understood what he should disy in front of others in the future. In actuality, his inner cultivation method was incredibly special. It granted himprehensive improvements that weren¡¯t partial to any attributes. However, while pharmacists with bnced attributes existed, his advancements weren¡¯t slow like that of those bnced pharmacists. Moreover, his pill sess rate was extremely high. It wasn¡¯t a bnce in the attributes that made it difficult for pharmacists to maintain control.

    What was worth rejoicing over was that the Central Continent¡¯s level of tolerance towards talent was quite high. It was said that the Central Continent wasn¡¯tcking in even better things. Right now, he was inside a veteran silver-ranked organization. No matter how great the talents he revealed, he would only be chased by admirers and sycophants. He wouldn¡¯t be subjected to terrifying, covetous eyes ¡ª?This definitely wasn¡¯t saying that others wouldn¡¯t be jealous of him. It was just that so long as he didn¡¯t involve himself with the Lesser Emperor rank, he basically didn¡¯t have anything to fear.

    This undoubtedly relieved much of Gu Zuo¡¯s worries. In the future, he didn¡¯t have to conceal himself excessively. If he needed to hide one or two things, he only had to pretend that he was slightly partial to two attributes.

    Gu Zuo shared his thoughts with Tianheng.

    Tianheng nodded his head, and praised: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are reasonable. At the present time, although the system still can¡¯t be exposed, there¡¯s no need to hide your inner cultivation method or spiritual skills. From what I¡¯ve seen of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s foundations, it won¡¯t go so far as to make a big fuss over it. On the contrary, since Ah Zuo belongs to me, the greater the talents you reveal, the more they¡¯ll value you.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard the few words ¡° Ah Zuo belongs to me¡±, his heart started beating wildly. However, at this time, he was able to keep his face from reddening and his breath from hitching. Doing his best to hide his bashfulness, he slightly nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s only natural that I act as big brother¡¯s personal pharmacist.¡±

    Right, he was pure and free of wicked thoughts!

    Following that, Tianheng apanied Gu Zuo to other side halls, and they read through the rare books arranged within those halls.

    There were likewise no sculptures. However, among the rare books inside every side hall, quite a few consisted of inner cultivation methods, hand seals, and spiritual skills. For the most part, they formedplete sets of the same attribute. There were some that mentioned other matching styles as well as the side halls where those hand seals and spiritual skills were kept so that pharmacists could explore on their own.

    Gu Zuo browsed through a few, and discovered that some really were profound. But ultimately, they weren¡¯t as powerful as the > he practiced. They also weren¡¯t as strong as the >. Naturally, he would still study his own materials. There was no need to switch halfway to something else. That would instead negatively affect his own cultivation.

    It was unfortunate that the mysterious things inside these ancient records couldn¡¯t be integrated into his own techniques. Merely, during hisprehensions, he realized that his inner cultivation method actually contained these contexts. As a result, he could only say that he had gained some knowledge and experience. Then, he read other methods of action and conduct.

    After he finished reading, a long time had passed.

    Gu Zuo wanted to continue, but he nevertheless put down the ancient record in his hand. He turned around, and said: ¡°Big brother, shall we head back?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°If Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t want to stop, there¡¯s no harm in looking around a little more.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s no need. I can¡¯t finish reading everything in the short-term. I¡¯ll go back to refine pills for a few days. After I consolidate, I¡¯ll find an opportunity to make a breakthrough.¡± Speaking up to here, he hastily asked, ¡°Big brother, how about you? Have you prepared a specific time to break through?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Today, I¡¯ve made many realizations. I¡¯ll go into seclusion to start breaking through.¡± He murmured to himself, ¡°If I was to give a timeframe¡­ It isn¡¯t likely to be tomorrow. It¡¯ll probably be the day after.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly stated: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go home right away and make preparations!¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and spoke in a soft voice: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After heading back, under the management of the battle ves, those servants and retainers handled matters cautiously and conscientiously. Although they couldn¡¯t take care of everything, everything was clear and orderly. They concentrated fully on their work.

    Once Gongyi Tianheng looked around, he didn¡¯t make any inquiries. He directly sat on a boulder, which was at the edge of a cliff at the summit. Rays of bloody light and reddish-gold light shined across his body one after another. He quickly sank into the deepyers ofprehension.

    Because Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel assured about Tianheng¡¯s health, he straightforwardly moved his pill cauldron to an area some distance away from the cliff. In this ce, he could raise his head to see Tianheng¡¯s performance, which set his mind at ease.

    After that, Gu Zuo started refining pills.

    Numerous medicinal ingredients appeared around him. He focused himself, and quickly ignited a me. Cauldron after cauldron of medicinal pills were refined ¡ª?There were countless types of pills from the human-level to the golden-level. In his hands, it was as if all of them were the easiest things to shape and mold. He could create numerous medicinal pills with no difficulty whatsoever.

    This kind of scene couldn¡¯t help but shock those concealed battle ves guarding on the side.

    Normally, the disposition of the wild dog race was hidden. However, when encountering certain matters, it would be exposed.

    Feng He also wasn¡¯t an exception. At this moment, his lower back was arched, his slender fingers were lightly pointing forward, and his mouth was mumbling in a low voice:

    ¡°Nine pills, nine pills, sixteen pills, three pills, eight pills¡­¡±

    ¡°A full set, another full set, all of them are full sets of pills?¡±

    ¡°This is a cauldron of wless pills, that cauldron also has wless pills. All of them¡­¡±

    While speaking, his voice became shrill, and his entire body shuddered slightly. His tranquil expression became somewhat strange, then frantic and fierce. In the end, it seemed like he wanted to pounce over, gather those medicinal pills in his hands, and carefully fondle them a few times!

    But, Feng He¡¯s nape was immediately clutched by someone else, who pulled him back and kept him restrained.

    Soon after, what echoed out was Ao Ying¡¯s steady voice: ¡°Feng He, calm down.¡±

    Feng He¡¯s facial expression changed, and returned to its initial tranquility. He didn¡¯t make a sound.

    On the side, Xi Ying sighed and said: ¡°It¡¯s no wonder the young master cares so much about Pharmacist Gu. He isn¡¯t that old, and he can refine this many types of medicinal pills. A lot of the pills are unfamiliar, and even we can¡¯t recognize them. And based on his realm, his spiritual path has already reached the Core Psyche Realm. On the contrary, while his internal qi realm hasn¡¯t caught up, it has reached its limit. He¡¯s able to advance at any moment. Seeing how easily he can refine golden-level pills now, when that timees, perhaps he¡¯ll be a profound-level pharmacist.¡±

    The ever-taciturn Ao Ying was a man of few words, and also nodded his head: ¡°Just so.¡±

    After Feng He calmed down, his tone of voice was still somewhat strange. However, this was just a characteristic of his race: ¡°It looks like we have exceptionally good luck to be selected by the young master.¡±

    Xi Ying¡¯s expression was dignified: ¡°It¡¯s an honor for many of my hound race¡¯s members to be battle ves, but there are still those who haven¡¯t been selected yet. Compared to us, they¡¯re only slightly inferior. Perhaps, they¡¯ll cast their support after some discussion. With the young master¡¯s natural disposition, he won¡¯t treat us unfairly. I¡¯ve seen that the Wu n is outstanding. Their n head is resolute, brilliant, and courageous. My race shoulde to a decision as quickly as possible.¡±

    The battle ves were different from ordinary servile races. Although they were all servile races initially, because most of the warriors in their racial groups were chosen, these races could autonomously adhere themselves to Ten Ultimates Sect. These racial groups didn¡¯t have to be ced into servant records, regardless of selection. At the same time, if battle ves believed that a master was worthy, the warriors who frequently appeared within the adherent race could voluntarily choose a master to support instead of joining the sect barracks.

    Of course, these kinds of racial groups were adept at fighting. Any random servile race wouldn¡¯t have such qualifications.

    Ao Ying and Feng He didn¡¯t speak anymore, but from their slightly flickering gazes, they definitely had this way of thinking. If it was said that the unveiling of Tianheng¡¯s exceptional aptitudes tempted them, then Gu Zuo¡¯s ability to refine wless pills was another point of attraction.

    On the Central Continent, top grade pills were easy to obtain, but wless pills were hard to seek. Granted that Gu Zuo was still quite young, and the rank of wless pills was only suitable for Ascendant Realm martial artists and below, it was enough.

    After all, every martial artist had to go through the process of cultivating from the lower realms to the higher realms. What¡¯s more, who was to say that Gu Zuo would only be limited to this rank in the future?

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know anything about these battle ves¡¯ thoughts.

    It was only because he already gained an ample understanding of information rted to the path of spirituality. Right now, he had set aside his worries, and held the intention of breaking through. When he refined medicinal pills, he naturally didn¡¯t hold back.

    ¡ª?At any rate, everyone on the summit was Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s people.

    As he continued to refine, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was immersed within some abstruse realm. All of a sudden, he felt his true qi rush forth. Each of his bone pearls were rotating madly!

    All of his meridians ached.

    Gu Zuo tightly furrowed his brows. He had unconsciously loosened his hands.

    At this moment, he had just refined another of the simplest profound-level pills. Because his true qi had waned too quickly, he had touched upon a certain barrier. This caused his realm to suddenly advance!

    The changes within his body were very fast. Gu Zuo¡¯s mood became slightly tense.

    Ah, he was about to break through¡­ He was inexperienced.

    During his past cultivations, he just continuously generated bone pearls. However, upon reaching the Immortal Realm, he researched that the bone pearls would transform into a qi ocean! This was a process of qualitative change. He absolutely couldn¡¯t treat this lightly!

    Gu Zuo remained prudent, and waited for the changes to his bone pearls.

    Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to keep operating the introductory chapter of his >. At most, this writing could allow one to smoothly cultivate to the threshold of the Immortal Realm, but once a person entered the Immortal Realm, they would need the follow-up method.

    That said, the system still hadn¡¯t given the follow-up method¡­

    Whatever. He would break through first before returning to this problem.

    [Cultivation Mission: Break through to the Immortal Realm.]

    [Mission Items: Three wisps of Wondrous Fire, >]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    [Completion Reward: >]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Speak of the devil. The system truly appeared and disappeared unpredictably.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s present consciousness was still considered clear-headed. He easily saw thepletion reward, which was the method for further cultivation. He was greatly relieved. But at the same time, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression didn¡¯t turn into a smile. His face had stiffened.

    ¡ª?Why did the mission items include three wisps of Wondrous Fire?

    Gu Zuo knew that he would be able to correspondingly utilize Wondrous Fires after breaking through to the Immoral Realm, but he didn¡¯t expect that he needed these things during the breakthrough itself. Could it be that he was going to undergo a special change?

    No matter what, after experiencing so many things, Gu Zuo still trusted the system. As a result, although he was somewhat sore, he swiftly took out his own Wondrous Fires.

    The Earthen Core me was scattered throughout his bone pearls. He didn¡¯t use anything to manage this me. Meanwhile, he rapidly used his thoughts to take out the wooden token, which was loaded with the Will-O-Wisp Yin me, and the candlestick holder, which was loaded with the Violet Bedrock me. Both objects were ced by his side.

    The next moment, Gu Zuo felt the pain of something being peeled away from inside his meridians!

    It was a bone pearl. It had rushed out from his flesh and smashed directly into his dantian!

    Immediately follow this, it happened again and again. The seventy-two Earthly Fiend bone pearls raced against each other. All of them dashed out and converged towards one location!

    In a region just below his navel, it was as if a great wind was blowing out of the void.

    The bone pearls were spinning swiftly and unceasingly. It was like they were also slowly transforming into revolving streams of qi. The streams abruptly whirled and broke through, causing a sudden pain within Gu Zuo¡¯s dantian.

    One bone pearl after another was tossed about by the wind and dissipated. However, Gu Zuo knew that they had turned into another type of substance. A space was opened up in his dantian. Moreover, because he used himself to iste and reinforce it, the space transformed into a very steady existence.

    Gradually, this space¡¯s outline became clear, but the framework wasn¡¯t that solid. In Gu Zuo¡¯s flesh, the thirty-six Heavenly Spirit bone pearls dashed out. Like countless shooting stars, they suddenly crashed into the formless qi streams!

    In a sh, that space stabilized.

    One hundred and eight bone pearls opened his dantian, and turned into a qi ocean.

    He had be an Immortal Realm.

    Yet, Gu Zuo¡¯s breakthrough didn¡¯t seem that easy.

    From within that newly-formed qi ocean, tongues of me suddenly drilled out. They were swimming around like strings of silk¡­

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 335: Big Brother Breaks Through

    <h4>Chapter 335: Big Brother Breaks Through</h4>

    Gradually, those threads of me started swimming in regr patterns. Unexpectedly, they formed a whirlpool, and continuously rotated inside the qi ocean. The speed of the whirlpool¡¯s rotations was almost like that of a hurricane. It seemed that these threads of me had emerged from the bone pearls. Numbering one hundred and eight, the licks of me shook within the hurricane, until they finally gathered together. One, two¡­seven, and then eight woven tendrils! These tendrils then slowlybined into a single bundle, bing thick, solid, and agile.

    In the end, it abruptly shot upwards, and transformed into a giant, orange-colored petal. It quietly floated in the center of the qi ocean.

    Meanwhile, as the whirlpool continuously subsided, it progressively changed into a new appearance!

    Gu Zuo could ¡°see¡± it clearly.

    The more the whirlpool solidified, the more distinct its shape became. After a careful inspection, he found that a milky-white lotus throne had burst forth from within this vast qi ocean. It was divided into thirty-six segments, and the petals and lotus seeds were equal to the number of Heavenly Spirit bone pearls. The throne was securely fixed at this qi ocean¡¯s core. The area it covered was huge, and practically filled up the entire qi ocean.

    This lotus throne looked like a candlestick holder. As for that orange me which originally floated in the qi ocean, it drifted over and fell onto the lotus throne. In an instant, it squeezed into a lotus seed, and didn¡¯t shift positions anymore. The petal that was closest to this lotus seed promptly turned orange, igniting a fire just like the Earthen Core me. This gave the milky-white lotus throne an additional bit of splendor!

    Such a change stunned Gu Zuo, but he wasn¡¯t truly dumbfounded. Instead, he subconsciously sped up the operation of his inner cultivation method. In a split second, he sensed that, after shuttling through his qi ocean, the true qi within his body overflowed once more and linked up with the qi streams of his hundred meridians. It was already several times more powerful than before!

    That¡¯s right. This wasn¡¯t true qi ¡ª Rather, it was profound qi!

    An Immortal Realm would break free from the mundane, and the metamorphosis of one¡¯s true qi was an extremely remarkable characteristic amid these changes!

    At the same time, Gu Zuo also sensed the lightness of his body. It was like he had shedded a grave disease. He glowed with an exuberant life force that was even more glittering and vibrant. After removing as many impurities as possible,pared to his past self, his physical body was even more pure, limpid, and wless.

    In summary, his psychic power had been sufficient, but his internal qi realm was a type of shackle. Now that he had reached the Immortal Realm, his physical body had gradually caught up. It was like the feeling of one¡¯s body and soul bing even morepatible.

    It was very mysterious.

    Just when Gu Zuo continued to operate his inner cultivation method to umte profound qi and fill his qi ocean, the surface of that wooden token by his side suddenly released a cluster of lustrous-green mes. On the other side, a dim, purple me gushed out of the candlestick holder. Both mes trembled quickly. After that, they turned into two streaks of ming arrows, and shot out at great speeds!

    In the blink of an eye, they had already rushed into Gu Zuo¡¯s body!

    The sensations of gloomy cold and zing heat prated his entire body. Wherever the mes travelled, those body parts would be inundated with a kind of energy. Every inch of his skin and flesh sizzled like it was being burned.

    It was a frightening feeling¡­

    Gu Zuo did his best to endure, despite these two mes roaming throughout his body.

    All of a sudden, an enormous attractive force emerged from that thirty-six segmented lotus throne. These two mes seemed to have obtained guidance, and finally found their way. Like two birds returning to their roosts, they pressed onward, entered that qi ocean, dropped onto the lotus throne, and directly upied two lotus seeds!

    The Will-O-Wisp Yin me and Violet Bedrock me seeded. After sinking into the seeds, two nearby petals changed colors. One was a lustrous green, and the other was a dim purple. Both of them were iparably beautiful.

    Gu Zuo subconsciously heaved a sigh of relief. On his qi ocean, there was the lotus throne¡¯s suppression. Those Wondrous Fires were docile and obedient. Unexpectedly, the mes had already established a secure connection with him ¡ª?No, it should be said that what he shared a secure connection with was that lotus throne, and the thing that established a connection with the Wondrous Fires was also that lotus throne. Originally, the lotus throne was a manifestation that grew from inside Gu Zuo¡¯s qi ocean. It was considered an extension of himself. Deep down, he knew that this was probably caused by that inner cultivation method.

    Although the formation process of this manifestation hadn¡¯t beenpletely within Gu Zuo¡¯s control, the final result was a good thing. One could even say that this allowed Gu Zuo to immediately gain a great amount of resources and capital.

    He could freely collect Wondrous Fires, and manipte them for his own use.

    Slowly, all of the qi streams within Gu Zuo quieted down. The qi emissions of his entire body also stabilized. At this time, he opened his eyes, and reached out a hand to faintly grasp something. What he was looking at, what he was perceiving, seemed to be an entirely different world.

    It was so different after bing an Immortal Realm!

    Crouching right in front of Gu Zuo was a young man with an extremely handsome appearance. At this moment, there was a look of worry on his face. Within his eyes, there was concern and a gentle softness.

    Now that this young man saw that everything about Gu Zuo¡¯s body had settled down, he smiled: ¡°Congrattions, Ah Zuo. You smoothly broke through and reached the Immortal Realm.¡±

    Gu Zuo also gave a brilliant smile: ¡°Thank you, big brother!¡±

    Tianheng extended a hand, and pulled Gu Zuo up. Following which, he said: ¡°Just now, when Ah Zuo broke through, I saw the virtual image of a lotus throne. The Wondrous Fires also underwent changes¡­¡±

    Once Gu Zuo heard this, he told Tianheng all about the manifestation produced by his own qi ocean as well as the destination of those three Wondrous Fires.

    After he finished talking, he stretched out a finger. In a split second, it was like the fingertip had been set ame. The wisp of a dim, purple fire flickered right above it. The depths of its color and luster were exactly the same as when it was inside the candlestick holder ¡ª No, perhaps the feeling it would give a person was even more spirited.

    Tianheng looked at it with an intrigued gaze: ¡°This thing¡¯s a little interesting.¡±

    Gu Zuo instinctively wanted to make his beloved happy. Hence, an orange me leaped out from another finger. After waiting for this wisp to stabilize, a third wisp appeared. This one was a lustrous green color.

    On one hand, there were three fingers that were all on fire.

    The mes burned calmly. Their forms were beautiful. However, considering that the objects ignited by the Wondrous Fires were Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers, it made one feel that this was exceedingly bizarre.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°It seems that there were many changes.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. Atop his ten fingers, there were three mes of different colors that were nimbly ring to and fro. It seemed that he could already move the mes as one¡¯s arm moved the fingers. His control over the mes was quite satisfactory.

    Tianheng asked: ¡°Can Ah Zuo attack with the Wondrous Fires?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it. He clenched his hand, which caused the mes to vanish. After that, he flicked a finger. A ball of dim, purple mes immediately burst forth, and transformed into a purple thread. In the blink of an eye, it struck a giant stone that was half his height!

    Only the sound of a collision echoed out. The instant that the Violet Bedrock me touched the stone, the outpouring of power caused that stone to shatter into pieces! What was even scarier was that, after the shattered rocks fell to the ground, they didn¡¯t remain in their previously full and solidified states. Rather, the energy, which burnt up the interior of the rocks, became somewhat darker. Even the surface of the rocks turned desated and brittle.

    This power was astonishing¡­

    In the past, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power attacks could also smash rocks apart, but there weren¡¯t these kind of effects.

    ¡ª?After the stone was shattered, Tianheng lightly swatted out a palm of wind. Those withered rocks instantly turned to dust, and dissipated into the air!

    Tianheng nodded his head, and praised: ¡°Now, Ah Zuo has the power to defend himself.¡± Then, he spoke with deep concern, ¡°How much does it use up? I assume that a Wondrous Fire attack isn¡¯t easy to pull off.¡±

    Gu Zuo considered it: ¡°If I manipte one type of Wondrous Fire, I should be able to persevere for an hour. If I use several types, the consumption rate is doubled. En, using this kind of method not only consumes profound qi, it also uses up psychic power. However, my profound qi hasn¡¯t caught up to my psychic power. As a result, once I¡¯ve used up my profound qi, I¡¯ll still have psychic power left over to use spiritual skills.¡±

    Tianheng pondered somewhat: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, your Wondrous Fires should be treated asst-resort trump cards. When fighting someone, don¡¯t rashly use them. Right now, the reason why Ah Zuo¡¯s consumption isrge is presumably because you¡¯re not proficient yet. It¡¯s caused by lots of wastage. It¡¯s better to regrly use the Wondrous Fires to refine pills. You¡¯ll be more familiar with them, and you¡¯ll devise ways to reduce this wastage. From this, you¡¯ll also temper your qi ocean, allowing your profound qi to recover even faster. Your realm will rapidly improve, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded in agreement: ¡°I understand, big brother.¡± He hesitated before saying, ¡°Previously, I wasn¡¯t too clear about it, but now I know. In fact, we pharmacists can also swallow medicinal pills. It¡¯s just that, because our constitutions are special, we can only take pills that purely replenish our qi. However, I¡¯ll have to take a lot of pills¡­¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Your elder brother is also aware of this matter. Whether martial artists or pharmacists, both can assimte ambient qi for one¡¯s own use. Taking medicinal pills is no different. Ordinarily, martial artists don¡¯t take many pills. This is because the pills aren¡¯t pure. The impurities within the pills are deposited within the martial artist¡¯s body, which is harmful. But if one takes wless pills, there won¡¯t be any obstructions. If that¡¯s the case for martial artists, it¡¯ll naturally be the same for pharmacists. The great majority of medicinal pills that Ah Zuo refines are wless pills. Thus, you can take them for a long time without causing any damage. In any case, it¡¯s the pure and clean energy of the world.¡±

    Gu Zuo had this pointed out to him, and it was like he had an epiphany.

    What his big brother said really made sense!

    It was harmless to draw in the natural energy of the world. This was because the other types of qi were eliminated during the absorption process. In fact, when refining medicinal pills, one tempered natural energy andbined it with energies that suited oneself. So long as a person got rid of the impurities during refinement, there were no differences between a wless pill and the world¡¯s energy.

    After this, Gu Zuo smiled with embarrassment: ¡°Right. Later on, I¡¯ll refine some wless pills suited for Immortal Realms, and give them to big brother to take.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed slightly: ¡°Many thanks, big brother. I understand!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression softened. He didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo held his breath: ¡°¡­I have many prescriptions here. If big brother finds the Wu n trustworthy in the future, I can take out some prescriptions to act as rewards for the pharmacists.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was quite gentle: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo. If I didn¡¯t have Ah Zuo by my side, things certainly wouldn¡¯t have gone as smoothly for this elder brother.¡±

    This time around, it was Gu Zuo¡¯s turn to stammer. He was speechless.

    For a moment, the atmosphere became warm andfortable.

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo thought of something. He hurriedly looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ve broken through, but what about you?¡±

    When he opened his eyes, Tianheng was already in front of him. It was clear that Tianheng had been guarding him. His big brother¡¯s chance to break through had already arrived at an earlier time. He didn¡¯t know if this would negatively effect his big brother.

    Tianheng understood Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning, and shook his head while smiling: ¡°It¡¯s no problem. Ah Zuo woke up on time. I¡¯ll be going to the blood pond to make a breakthrough there.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief. After that, he gave a clear and bright smile: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll keep watch over big brother this time.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded his head. Following which, Tianheng stood up, pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s forearm, and led him down the summit.

    Not too far away, there was a cave abode.

    This cave abode was hidden from view within a forest. After walking inside, one would promptly smell the faint stench of blood as it assailed the senses. And carried within this bloody stench was a rich, sweet scent. It should¡¯ve been the numerous blood essences that were blended into the blood pond. This smell was emitted after a sessful refinement.

    Speaking of which, this blood pond was actually considered a type of medicinal decoction. It was just that blood essence was the main ingredient.

    Once Gu Zuo entered the cave abode, he was incessantly differentiating these refined medicinal ingredients in his mind. He detected that an absurdly huge number of ingredients had been mixed together. The prescription was also extremelyplicated¡­ Among the numerous ranks of prescriptions he had obtained, he also possessed this type of medicinal decoction. Previously, when he helped Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji to stimte his blood vessels, Gu Zuo used one such type of decoction. However, because the types and quantities of added blood essences and other medicinal ingredients were all different, he wasn¡¯t certain about the specific prescription.

    Later on, if they ever had a need for it, they would have to look for him to adjust the prescription. Moreover, the matter of capturing wild beasts and extracting their blood essences required a careful strategy ¡ª?After all, they wouldn¡¯t be able to capture even higher ranked wild beasts. As such, if they wanted to refine higher ranked blood decoctions, it would be impossible.

    For the time being, they still had to rely on the sect¡¯s blood ponds.

    After thinking about these things, Gu Zuo had already gotten a full view of the blood pond.

    It was ten meters wide. The bloody liquid inside was concentrated, but the color and luster was bright and vivid. Although the feelings it gave a person were a little strange, there wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of malevolence.

    In other words, the qi emissions within the blood pond were pure. It was the purest essence of blood. After absorbing it, what one obtained was the purest energy. There weren¡¯t any impurities such as grievances or hatred.

    It seemed that the person who refined this blood pond was an expert.

    Gu Zuo set aside his worries. He also had even more confidence in his big brother¡¯s breakthrough.

    After Tianheng gestured slightly to Gu Zuo, he started taking off his clothes.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Both of them were men. He felt that there wasn¡¯t any need for him to panic like a virginal maiden every time this happened, but the crucial point was that his gaze couldn¡¯t help trailing¡­ Ahem, upwards.

    After that, he would always chastise himself.

    Just like now.

    Gu Zuo silently retreated three steps: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ll keep you safe.¡±

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled into a smiling expression. He turned around, and sat cross-legged directly in front of Gu Zuo: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Following this, the blood pond began to boil.

    In a split second, the countless qi emissions that surrounded Tianheng began to surge. His long hair billowed in the nonexistent wind. It was as if numerous streams of energy were twisting around his body at this moment. A faint blood fog slowly rose up, engulfing his entire body. His features became indistinct.

    Gu Zuo watched carefully, and could see that the blood fog was actually being drawn out of the blood pond by the qi energy. The blood fog seeped into the acupoints all over his big brother¡¯s body, and passed through his four limbs and hundred meridians as it circted within.

    The power of this blood pond was being absorbed by Tianheng!

    Gu Zuo knew that there were six sets of bone pearls inside his big brother¡¯s body. Among them, three sets had already umted many different powers. The first was the power of the sun, the second was the power of blood poison, and the third was the power of blood essence.

    Although all three types of powers were extremely important, two of them were rted to blood. When breaking through, one would naturally make use of the blood pond to achieve even better results.

    In fact, it was really just as Gu Zuo thought.

    The present Tianheng was continuously absorbing the bloody qi inside the blood pond, and could sense that the set of bone pearls that were filled with the power of blood poison was greedily drawing it in. The set¡¯s color and luster was a reddish-ck, and the hue was bing even fuller. As time passed, the blood-red color was turning increasingly magnificent, and the ck color was gradually brightening. As for the other set of originally blood-red bone pearls, which held the power of blood essence, it was incrementally absorbing thread after overflowing thread of the purest bloody qi. Likewise, the hue of these bone pearls was slowly turning fuller.

    Tianheng was able to detect that, between the power of blood essence and the power of blood poison, the former was absorbing the purest blood energy. This contained the blood essence of wild beasts, which passed down the hidden mysteries of generations of beasts. Meanwhile, what the power of blood poison epted was the filth and all of the negative energy inside the blood. After mixing with the poison, this brought about a terrifying corrosive power¡­ The wild beasts¡¯ bloodlust, resentment, and everything negative that hadn¡¯t been previously eliminated were unexpectedly absorbed and refined by this set of bone pearls. In the future, who knew what kind of appearance it would finally take?

    However, Tianheng also perceived that no matter how strange the numerous powers within his body, these powers could easily be prompted and controlled by him. The more powers he absorbed, the stronger he would be ¡ª?Maybe this was a special trait of the Tiandu Body?

    It was said that the powers of every Tiandu Body would be different. As for his powers¡­ Although he never once grasped a clear understanding of them, he faintly sensed that what he subconsciously wanted to obtain was such an evolution.

    ¡ª?He wanted to be the strongest Tiandu Body!

    In Tianheng¡¯s mind, this train of thought shed by in an instant. The forces within his body had already spontaneously started to operate. Perhaps it was because the inner cultivation method he created was incredibly well-suited to himself. The speed he plundered the ambient qi was especially fast, too. With the addition of the brimming energy within the blood pond, his bone pearls unwittingly released clear and melodious chirruping!

    Outside of the blood pond, Gu Zuo saw that his family¡¯s big brother was breaking through, and suddenly made a sound of surprise.

    He heard many whistling noises. It was like streams of wind passing through a stone cave. This was¡­produced by his big brother¡¯s bone pearls?

    After that, he watched with even more focus.

    He had never witnessed a true breakthrough of the Tiandu Body. Who knew what would happen? Compared to the simrly special constitution of Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s Myriad Leaking Body, what differences would there be?

    He was curious, but he was also somewhat concerned.

    This inner cultivation method was created by his big brother. He only hoped that Tianheng seeded ¡ª

    No. He believed that his big brother would definitely seed!

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo discovered that something had appeared behind his big brother. It was¡­a ck hole?

    He suddenly nked.

    To say nothing of Tianheng. His attention waspletely concentrated on operating his inner cultivation method. He was experiencing how all of the bone pearls within his body grew restless. Within his dantian, it was painfully swollen. There was a feeling that an incredible change would ur at any time.

    He was clear that this was an imminent sign of a breakthrough. He had also researched the situation that would ur when a peak Xiantian broke through to the Immortal Realm. Merely, his own constitution was special, and he had six sets of bone pearls. He never heard about any precedents of what happened when breaking through like this. Thus, he could only rely on himself to grasp this moment.

    Hence, Tianheng settled his heart and mind. He would take action the moment this special change urred.

    The next instant, he only felt the pain of the acupoints throughout his whole body tearing apart. Suddenly, among those six sets of bone pearls, the seventy-two Earthly Fiend bone pearls of the main set had struggled free from their acupoints, and had directly smashed into his dantian!

    If it was said that his dantian was originally a ckened abyss where nothing could be clearly seen, then these bone pearls were the bright lights that were sewn within this curtain of the night. In a sh, that abyss was pierced through and embedded with light. Furthermore, thanks to the unfathomable radiance that these bone pearls emitted, the surrounding darkness was engulfed bit by bit. The entire abyss was being torn asunder!

    By tearing apart that wastnd, it was like they were making way for a boundless ocean.

    However, the stabler the foundations of a martial artist, the harder it was to establish their qi ocean. If the bone pearls weren¡¯t strong enough, they wouldn¡¯t be able to tear open the dantian and stabilize the qi ocean. If that happened, then their breakthrough would fail.

    Of course, Tianheng¡¯s bone pearls were quite strong, but his dantian was even stronger. Its umtions were even greater since he had been suppressing himself for several years. His dantian was incredibly vigorous. It couldn¡¯t bepared to that of ordinary prodigies!

    Thus, when the main seventy-two Earthly Fiend bone pearls entered his dantian, they could only barely settle in ce to poke a few holes. However, they weren¡¯t strong enough to rip open the entire dantian.

    Yet, the reason why Tianheng umted excessively was due to the six sets of bone pearls. As such, opening the dantian wouldn¡¯t happen with only one set.

    The next moment, the other five sets of bone pearls moved in unison. Seventy-two bone pearls were extracted from each set. Like the petals of a flower, they instantly congregated around the first set of bone pearls!

    At this time, if someone could see Tianheng¡¯s dantian, they would discover that his main bone pearls were arranged in the center of his dantian in the celestial configuration of the Earthly Fiend constetion. As for the other five sets, they orbited the main bone pearls. Likewise, they were arranged in the configuration of the Earthly Fiend stars.

    His entire dantian had suddenly turned into a piece of the night sky. And stars filled this sky like how chess pieces were strewn across a board. These points of light pierced through the deep darkness. It possessed an indescribable beauty.

    Beyond the blood pond.

    Gu Zuo watched the scene in front of him with a stunned expression.

    He got over the emergence of this ck hole behind his big brother, but when a shower of stars started flickering and shing around inside that ck hole¡­ Just what was going on?

    The qi emissions surrounding Tianheng were still surging.

    Tianheng found that his six sets of bone pearls were working together to open his dantian. With single-hearted devotion, he operated his inner cultivation method, and continued to gather his strength.

    At the same time, after the Earthly Fiend bone pearls settled at his dantian, those thirty-six Heavenly Spirit bone pearls started to issue scorching energies!

    All of a sudden, the main Heavenly Spirit bone pearls shot out at great speeds, and went straight toward his dantian.

    At this moment, the Heavenly Spirit and Earthly Fiend bone pearlsbined, and rays of dazzling light bloomed. After theybined, the bone pearls broke open, and these stars seemed to turn into star dust. In a split second, a whirlpool filled with star dust formed in the center. It began to spin with great difficulty.

    The surrounding five sets of Earthly Fiend bone pearls closely followed in the footsteps of the main bone pearls, and started to connect with their own thirty-six bone pearls that fell from the ¡°sky¡±. They also rapidlybined, broke open, and turned into star dust. As the main bone pearls transformed into a whirlpool, the others likewise produced their own star dust whirlpools.

    In this way, as many as six whirlpools took shape within his dantian. They churned endlessly. It was for the purpose of drawing all of the darkness within themselves, andpletely opening the dantian.

    In the end, it was a sess.

    Along with the continuous whirling of the six sets of bone pearls, each whirlpool constantly expanded. Out of the abyss-like darkness of the dantian, six deep whirlpools gradually formed. The outer five whirlpools revolved around the main whirlpool in the center ording to a strict pattern. In addition, during this orbiting process, the star dust was persistently absorbed. In the end, this repeatedly strengthened the whirlpools, allowing them to each form a vast ocean!

    An unknown amount of time passed. Tianheng¡¯s six sets of bone pearls acted simultaneously. Atst, they sessfully opened the dantian, and produced boundless qi oceans!

    Each qi ocean was several timesrger than that of an ordinary martial artist. There were hardly any differences between the volumes of the six qi oceans. The outer five were almost exactly the same, and only the whirlpool in the middle was just a little bit wider.

    Soon after, the qi oceans boiled.

    Tianheng basically didn¡¯t have any time to study the recently-generated qi oceans when he found that a certain qi ocean on the periphery had unexpectedly turned a reddish-gold color.

    Yes. The bone pearls that originally absorbed the power of the sun had turned into this qi ocean. Naturally, this qi ocean, which was brimming with sr energy, had be reddish-gold.

    Bright, brilliant, and glorious ¡ª Its magnificence was unparalleled.

    Immediately following this, another qi ocean turned reddish-ck. Between the two colors, red was the primary color, and ck was secondary. It unleashed wave after wave of poisonous fumes, but even more numerous were the streams of sinful and filthy qi. All of it wanted to erupt outwards. It was extremely terrifying.

    But when all was said and done, these resentments never overflowed. Instead, whenever it struggled, it would be sucked back into the qi ocean. It had no choice but to remain in ce.

    Finally, an another colorless whirlpool was suddenly sprayed with bloodstains. Those blood stters transformed into dozens of blood pearls, which quietly floated on top of that qi ocean.

    This qi ocean was clearly transformed from the bone pearls that were filled with the power of blood essence. However, when these bone pearls were inside their acupoints, they were dyed a blood-red color. After turning into a qi ocean, the entire ocean didn¡¯t change color. Rather, it was just the blood pearls floating on the qi ocean¡¯s surface. It seemed quite strange.

    Even Tianheng was somewhat puzzled at this moment.

    He observed carefully.

    Soon, Tianheng realized that each blood pearl appeared to contain the virtual image of a wild beast.

    There was a crocodile, a lizard, a roc, a falcon, a tiger, a wolf, a leopard, a lion¡­ All of them were ferocious beasts and vicious birds.

    Although these fierce animals were only virtual images, they were vivid and lifelike. They were no different from the numerous wild beasts that Tianheng previously captured. Among them, there were several unfamiliar ones. The qi emissions they released were much more terrifying than the auras of the ones Tianheng had captured. They should¡¯ve been the owners of the blood essences kept within this blood pond.

    Tianheng suddenly understood.

    What this set of bone pearls assimted was the blood essence that contained a wild beast¡¯s mysteries. It was the quintessence of the blood, which should¡¯ve inherited everything about that wild beast. Therefore, it was manifested like this.

    In that case, how should these blood pearls be used¡­

    A hint of fervency shed through Tianheng¡¯s heart.

    Since it was his power, it couldn¡¯t break free from his control!

    In a split second, Tianheng¡¯s thoughts directly entered that qi ocean, and promptly touched one of the blood pearls!

    After that, throughout his body, he felt as his bones produced cracking sounds and his flesh pulled and shifted. It was like he had sank into an endless agony.

    Outside the blood pond, Gu Zuo rubbed his eyes in astonishment.

    H-he, he hadn¡¯t seen wrongly!

    At first, everything was going well. At most, Tianheng manifested the image of a ck hole behind him. There were stars in that ck hole, and the stars underwent changes. Afterwards, one ck hole turned into six ck holes.

    Gu Zuo remembered that his family¡¯s big brother had six sets of bone pearls, and guessed that they might¡¯ve transformed into six qi oceans. However, after one ck hole was lit reddish-gold, another turned reddish-ck, and thest was decorated with blood-red stars, he didn¡¯t expect one of the blood-red stars to suddenly drop out of that ck hole and envelop his big brother¡¯s body. At once, his big brother shapeshifted!

    That¡¯s right! It was true! He changed shape!

    Gu Zuo could only watch as his big brother¡¯s arms abruptly bent, and the surfaces of his body sprouted feathers. Even that iparably handsome visage was suddenly stained with animalistic ferocity ¡ª?However, it also bore another type of malevolent beauty.

    T-this was a transformation into a bird!

    ¡ª?Just as he thought this, Gu Zuo was already wearing a helpless expression.

    He absolutely didn¡¯t expect that there could be this kind of change during his big brother¡¯s breakthrough¡­

    Tianheng¡¯s transformation was very thorough.

    From the changes to his skeleton to the growth of a pair of wings to the burst of feathers across his whole body, he had already turned into an extremely robust, male falcon in the span of a few seconds ¡ª?Gu Zuo recognized that this species of wild falcon was ssified as a low spirit-ranked wild bird. It was incredibly violent, and when confronting an enemy, its feathers could be sharp des. Every time it took action, the flesh of the martial artist who confronted it would be peeled away slice by slice. It was like the death of a thousand cuts!

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he couldn¡¯t rte such a vicious bird to his big brother¡­ Yet, for some reason, his big brother had undergone this transformation at this time!

    Could it be that this was some kind of ability of his big brother?

    For a moment, Gu Zuo was stumped.

    He was only worried that his big brother wouldn¡¯t be able to change back.

    Of course, Tianheng was able to do so.

    Following this, he carried out several shocking performances.

    For example, after turning into a wild falcon and pping his wings, he changed into a fierce tiger. Soon after, it was a male lion, an enormous bear, a lone wolf¡­ He could also turn into a rhinoceros, an eagle, and an elephant¡­

    To put it shortly, he transformed into a dozen or so species of wild beasts and birds in a brief period of time. This caused Gu Zuo¡¯s initial shock and worry to be exuberant interest, before finally turning into exasperation. His frame of mind was also quiteplicated.

    Gu Zuo was a bit speechless.

    Ah, he thought that his big brother¡¯s ability had a bit of that¡­ ¡°Behold, my seventy-two transformations¡± type of feeling.

    Fortunately, after Tianheng went through a round of transformations, those blood-red stars didn¡¯t descend anymore. Subsequently, his body¡¯s qi emissions increased sharply, and those six ck holes behind him seemed to be even more stable.

    Gu Zuo took a step back, and sat on the ground to continue watching.

    No matter what was said, this breakthrough wasn¡¯t over yet. He still needed to guard his big brother.

    Now, let¡¯s talk about Tianheng ¡ª

    After he touched those blood pearls one after another, he felt the changes to his bones and flesh. He sensed that, every time a blood pearl was shattered, he could transform himself into the same shape as the wild beast¡¯s virtual image within that blood pearl. There weren¡¯t any differences in strength.

    In a split second, Tianheng felt a wave of joy.

    Shapeshifting into a wild beast was an extremely useful ability. And he didn¡¯t only gain the shape and appearance of the wild beasts. Even the numerous things passed down through the blood of those wild beasts were simrly perceived andprehended by him!

    Merely, because his realm was too low, he wasn¡¯t able to fully understand those wild beasts. However, so long as he shapeshifted more in the future, his strength would increase. Then, he would be able to ascertain everything about these wild beasts!

    Previously, when Tianheng tried the second and third blood pearls, he was able to sessfully shapeshift. Indeed, he confirmed his thoughts with each transformation.

    However, after he shapeshifted a little more than ten times, he abruptly discovered that his own strength was continuously dwindling. He suddenly realized that the energy consumption during his transformations was very high. Currently, he was in the middle of an important juncture of his breakthrough, so he couldn¡¯t make anymore rash attempts. After figuring out these marvels, he would need to wait until his breakthrough ended to properly experience them again.

    Thus, Tianheng promptly retracted his consciousness, and ceased interacting with those blood pearls.

    At this moment, he observed the insides of his own dantian. After the efforts just a while ago, he found that his dantian had been officially opened. There were as many as six qi oceans that had been established. Within these qi oceans, an unending stream of ambient qi flowed in. Profound qi umted bit by bit before overflowing. This provided him a dozen times more strength. From inside out, he was granted even more formidable power!

    One could say that Tianheng, who supported six qi oceans, was equivalent to six all-star prodigies who supported one qi ocean each. Even if several prodigies of equal or slightly higher realms surrounded and attacked him together, he had nothing to fear!

    Ba-thump!

    Ba-thump! Ba-thump!

    The sound of a rhythmically beating heart echoed out from within his dantian.

    Tianheng¡¯s attention immediately fell onto the reddish-gold and reddish-ck qi oceans.

    After that, his mood became somewhat subtle.

    He previously investigated. For each and every outstanding martial artist ¡ª?Regardless of whether they possessed a special constitution or an unusual body cultivation method ¡ª?When breaking through from peak Xiantian to the Immortal Realm, the instant they generated a qi ocean, their qi ocean would produce a manifestation.

    And when this manifestation was born, it was just like¡­

    Remembering the way Gu Zuo talked about giving birth to an egg, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help losing his train of thought as he looked for his own qi ocean manifestation. He felt that something wasn¡¯t quite right with that wording no matter how he considered it.

    However, in the end, Tianheng had a steady will. He quickly brushed off this irrelevant thought, and focused his attention on the specifics of that qi ocean manifestation.

    For outstanding martial artists, their manifestations were generated within their main qi ocean ¡ª?This was because they usually only had one qi ocean. As for Tianheng, he had six qi oceans, but his main qi ocean didn¡¯t have any responses. On the contrary, it was those two colored qi oceans that showed signs of producing a manifestation.

    In the reddish-gold qi ocean, there was a faint, indiscernible shape. In the reddish-ck qi ocean, the qi waves churned like a mass of bloody light was constantly fermenting.

    Tianheng used his full strength to mobilize his profound qi, and injected it into those two qi oceans.

    It was a pity that the reddish-gold qi ocean still didn¡¯t react. However, within the reddish-ck qi ocean, the bloody light flourished like it was going to burst forth.

    T/N: For a refresher on the mathematics behind the bone pearls, check the trantor¡¯s note at the end of Chapter 46.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 336: Giving Out Benefits

    <h4>Chapter 336: Giving Out Benefits</h4>

    At this moment, what looked like a massive bolt of blood-red silk unfurled from the surface. It hung upside-down over the reddish-ck qi ocean. Its source, which was submerged in the depths of the qi ocean, couldn¡¯t be seen. This was a torrential river of blood. Its vicious currents soared into the sky, and its cruelty knew no bounds.

    The manifestation of the reddish-ck qi ocean was unexpectedly an upside-down blood river!

    Despite Gongyi Tianheng having prepared himself earlier, he was also slightly taken aback.

    It was actually ¡ª?A blood river?

    Soon after, he faintly furrowed his brows.

    Although the blood river¡¯s might appeared endless, it didn¡¯t seemplete. It was just like that thing hidden inside the reddish-gold qi ocean, which wasn¡¯t fully nurtured.

    But overall, after this blood river was generated, no other manifestations appeared inside Tianheng¡¯s dantian. He only felt the qi oceans rumble and open expansively. He sensed strength surging through his body like waves. It was extremely refreshing.

    After he considered many of the previous martial skills he was practicing, heprehended the corresponding ultimate knowledge. He knew it had been difficult to perform them a few times before his breakthrough, but now it would be a piece of cake to use them dozens of times.

    Outside the blood pond, Gu Zuo blinked distractedly.

    If he saw it correctly, within the reddish-ck color of that ck hole¡­a roiling river of blood was gushing out?

    That overbearing stench of blood practically struck one in the face, but with a bit of careful observation, a person would feel that the blood river was somewhat cold and deserted. Merely, its powerful presence also caused people¡¯s hearts to palpitate.

    However, before Gu Zuo could figure things out, those six ck holes suddenly disappeared. After that, Tianheng opened his eyes, which sharply contrasted the deep ck of his pupils. An obscure sharpness flickered through them, which would make others feel a sense of inexinable fear¡­and distance.

    Originally, Gu Zuo wanted to rush over to offer his congrattions, but after seeing this kind of scene, his footsteps came to a halt. Without realizing it, he was staring in awe, and his heart became a little hesitant.

    Nevertheless, when Tianheng suddenly smiled, it was like the frosty ice had shattered and spring had returned to the earth. His qi emissions had be gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and felt that the sense of distance was gone. At once, he scampered over. His face was flushed red, and he was a bit emotional: ¡°Big brother, congrattions! You¡¯ve made it to the Immortal Realm!¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°It was a daunting experience, but nothing dangerous happened.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about the many unusual sights that were shown, and guessed that the breakthrough process certainly wasn¡¯t easy. However, after some consideration, he didn¡¯t pursue the matter ¡ª?That was because Gu Zuo directly grabbed his big brother¡¯s wrist to take his pulse.

    Regardless of what happened, he would find out what the final oue was in the end!

    Tianheng never obstructed Gu Zuo, and now was still the same. Since Gu Zuo wanted to look, he let Gu Zuo to examine himself with a thread of psychic power.

    With the psychic power of the Core Psyche Realm, it was naturally extremelypact. It quickly swam through Tianheng¡¯s meridians. When the thread came out, Gu Zuo sighed. He already understood Tianheng¡¯s condition.

    Tianheng smiled, and asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, how am I?¡±

    Gu Zuo sorted out his train of thought, and replied: ¡°Big brother¡¯s qi oceans are special, majestic, and vast. Compared to the qi oceans of ordinary martial artists, yours are much more powerful. However, big brother¡¯s main problem still lies with the meridians and bncing the five elements. Even with regards to geniuses, big brother¡¯s meridians are already wide and strong enough, but if you want to circte the profound qi of various attributes from six qi oceans, it would be very easy to be harmed¡­ Furthermore, big brother¡¯s internal organs are somewhat weakened due to the excessively vigorous qi and blood. You¡¯ll need to supplement it with elementally-bnced medicine for a long time. Using medicinal cuisines, decoctions, and pills together can regte big brother¡¯s constitution. Big brother won¡¯t be encumbered by his internal organs and meridians, which would otherwise make future advancements harder.¡±

    Tianheng had prepared himself psychologically long ago, and nodded his head: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is reasonable. This elder brother will bear this in mind.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief: ¡°Actually, I also have a way to settle this once and for all¡­¡±

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°Is there a written ount in the follow-up medical texts?¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated before saying: ¡°There is.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was inquiring.

    Gu Zuo paused. Nevertheless, he stated: ¡°It¡¯s to find five types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects that have been nurtured by and produced from ley lines¡­¡±

    Tianheng had a tentative guess in mind: ¡°What are those Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Wondrous Metal, Wondrous Wood, Wondrous Water, Wondrous Fire, and Wondrous Earth.¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo recited: ¡°Metal enters the lungs, wood enters the liver, water enters the kidneys, fire enters the heart, and earth enters the spleen. These five types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects will consolidate the five viscera. Afterwards, a small cycle will develop from the five viscera, allowing the five elements to grow endlessly within those organs. Meanwhile, the strength and toughness of these organs will be provided a steady stream of power through these five Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects. If we can find these things, big brother can channel them into his organs, and the Tiandu Body¡¯s mdies can automatically recover. At that point, we won¡¯t have to conduct long-term treatments any longer.¡±

    Tianheng asked: ¡°This won¡¯t impede the meridians?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°The weakness and frailty of your meridians arergely rted to the weakness and frailty of your five viscera. Once big brother mends these organs, they¡¯ll also be nourished by the power of the five elements and will be continuously strengthened. At that time, you still might need some medicine as a supplement, but the general situation won¡¯t cause any negative effects.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Then, what this elder brother needs to do now is to find these five types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects.¡±

    Gu Zuo pondered, and shook his head: ¡°I can¡¯t say it¡¯s quite like this. ording to the Wondrous Fires I¡¯ve obtained, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects are divided into yin and yang. There are some that are bnced in yin and yang, some that are partial towards yin, and some that are partial towards yang. There are also some that are extreme yin or extreme yang¡­ As a result, although we need to find Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, we need ones that are bnced in yin and yang. It¡¯s true that there are certain types that are bnced, but only one type won¡¯t work. We¡¯ll need pairs of slightly yin and slightly yang, or pairs of extremely yin and extremely yang. As such, I can only say that we¡¯ll either need at least five or at most ten types of different Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects.¡±

    Tianheng understood: ¡°In that case, this elder brother will send someone to begin the search right away.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°Big brother, I have several Wondrous Fires here. The Earthen Core me is partially yang, the Will-O-Wisp Yin me is extremely yin, and the Violet Bedrock me is partially yin. Their spiritualities are also pretty good. You don¡¯t have to look for more Wondrous Fires. However, if big brotheres across a bnced me or an extremely yang me, that would be a better match than the partially yin and yang mes I possess.¡±

    Tianheng paused: ¡°Ah Zuo has already subdued these Wondrous Fires. There¡¯s no need to give them to your elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother doesn¡¯t have to worry about this. There¡¯s no use in having so many Wondrous Fires. When the timees, I¡¯ll separate a fire seed to nurture myself, and I¡¯ll hand over the matured parent fire to big brother. In any case, once I raise the fire seed for a period of time, it¡¯ll be another parent fire.¡±

    Tianheng heard what was said, and his expression softened: ¡°Ah Zuo, keep your Wondrous Fires for now. If I can¡¯t find something better in the future, then I¡¯lle to get Ah Zuo¡¯s help.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened, and nodded with satisfaction: ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled.¡±

    The matter of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects was set aside for now. Gu Zuo and Tianheng had both broken through to the Immortal Realm. The strengths of the two had improved by leaps and bounds. At this moment, they were rxed and alert as if they had thrown off some sort of shackle. Moreover, since they could break through this quickly, not only did this prove that Gu Zuo¡¯s potential deserved Tianheng¡¯s special attention, it also set the minds of Tianheng¡¯s retainers and servants at ease.

    Look, their young master had previously endured the allure of breaking through while on the Peripheral Continents, and firmly umted. After arriving at the Central Continent, he obtained bountiful resources, and promptly had a smooth breakthrough. With his strength, this allowed him to be an absolute powerhouse in equivalent realms! Wasn¡¯t this indisputable proof that the one they followed was a wise and capable master? Wouldn¡¯t this make them feel even greater confidence in him?

    Naturally, Tianheng, who had now broken through, ought to have gone to announce his strength to the world to prove himself.

    In the blood pond, Tianheng extended a hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, can you pull me up?¡±

    Gu Zuo was slightly conflicted.

    Actually, he didn¡¯t need to pull Tianheng out. His big brother could get out just fine¡­ However, Tianheng was expressing the closeness between brothers, and he couldn¡¯t help but follow suit¡­ Right, it wasn¡¯t that he had any wicked desires. Rather, he was acting as an obedient and good adoptive brother.

    After thinking as such, Gu Zuo reached out with a clear conscience, and gripped Tianheng¡¯s palm.

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled up.

    It was rude to stare.

    In a great rush, Gu Zuo averted his eyes, and he turned his gaze towards his big brother¡¯s face.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng released Gu Zuo¡¯s hand, and patted his head. His tone carried an indistinct smile: ¡°Ah Zuo, in the future, you can also be as sturdy as your elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo rapidly nodded his head: ¡°I think so, too.¡±

    Tianheng paused, and muffled hisughter.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Okay. As a pharmacist, he felt that the toughness of his physical body could neverpare to that of his marital artist big brother no matter how many realms he advanced through.

    But beingughed at was still very embarrassing! His big brother¡¯s temperament was too fond of teasing others!

    Yet, as it happened, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart felt secretly delighted at being teased like this¡­

    Whatever. Who asked his thoughts to be improper?

    Tianheng didn¡¯t keep teasing Gu Zuo. After walking out of the blood pond, qi energy swept across his entire body. He had already resumed his neat and tidy appearance. It was just that his originally silk-white underclothes had been stained red by the bloody liquid, which made it clear that he had just gone through a period of arduous cultivation.

    After this, the two climbed straight to the summit, took a bath, and changed their clothes. Then, they started adapting to their own bodies¡¯ various changes and the numerous abilities they could utilize after breaking through.

    Soon, under his instructions, the news of Tianheng¡¯s breakthrough to the Immortal Realm was announced to his many subordinates. As for the Blood Transformation Pce Hall and the pce master, someone was appointed to make a report.

    Closely following this, the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s rewards arrived. Because Tianheng¡¯s inside information had been confirmed, the rewards were incredibly generous. These were stored away by Tianheng. Among them, the most precious rewards were given to Gu Zuo to be ced inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. This way, it was even more hidden. Presently, some seniors under the pce master came to deliver congrattory gifts. Amid the remaining nine pce halls, all of the somewhat famous and outstanding disciples did the same, unless they had extremely entric temperaments.

    While Gu Zuo was checking and storing the numerous congrattory gifts, he said with amazement: ¡°Big brother, Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s disposition of forces is huge enough. If someone gets presents every time they make a breakthrough, do we need to pay attention to this matter in the future?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Naturally, we need to keep this in mind, but it doesn¡¯t have to be done personally. Also, not everyone is treated like this.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand, and looked over.

    Tianheng exined to him: ¡°During this time, there have been many fellow disciples who¡¯vee to offer their congrattions. Because I have just joined the sect and disyed my potential, it has made everyone think that they can make friends with me. In addition, because they don¡¯t know my temperament, they¡¯re afraid of me bearing a grudge and harming any potential friendships if they don¡¯te to congratte me. In the future, when I make another breakthrough, those who intend to be friends will stille to offer their congrattions. As for the others, they won¡¯t take notice.¡±

    He looked at Gu Zuo, who was listening with rapt attention, and the corner of his mouth hooked up: ¡°Andter on, when someone else makes a breakthrough, if this person previously gave me a congrattory gift and I don¡¯t want to be friends with them, I will simply give a parcel of the most ordinary things. There won¡¯t be any need to overthink it. Moreover, it¡¯ll only be this once, and there wouldn¡¯t be a next time. However, if this person is also someone I want to befriend, then I¡¯ll need to make careful preparations, and tailor a gift for them. Finally, once the sect epts another prodigy-level disciple, and that disciple makes a breakthrough, I¡¯ll do the same as everyone has done for me today, and give that person a congrattory gift as well.¡±

    When Gu Zuo finished listening, he silently nodded his head: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡±

    The interpersonal rtionships that existed between martial artists seemed quiteplicated.

    However, Tianheng smiled again: ¡°But we don¡¯t need to trouble ourselves with this matter. Our subordinated monkey race and mouse race can collectively manage these affairs. Some trifles will naturally be handled by them. You and I only need to focus on grasping opportunities and cultivating. Furthermore, this matter isn¡¯t absolute, and there are some who have strange temperaments who¡¯ve never cared about social rtionships. However, so long as one¡¯s own strength continuously increases, far surpassing that ofmon people, there¡¯ll be countless sycophants trying to curry favor. If Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t like it, there¡¯s also no harm in keeping good rtions with only those of the same pce hall.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly shook his head: ¡°In any case, I feel that we don¡¯t need to waste so much time pondering this. We shouldn¡¯t be too standoffish. Also, big brother isn¡¯t strange. Why should we deliberately act like those entric people? Besides, big brother still needs to recruit people. It¡¯ll be fine so long as we can keep things under control, but being excessively disagreeable will always make people hesitate. And since big brother is strong, it won¡¯t be difficult to get into contact with others. There¡¯ll certainly be even more people toe.¡±

    Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo was considering all these things on his behalf, and faintly smiled: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll listen to what Ah Zuo says.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Oh no! His ears were heating up!

    Afterwards, for many days in a row, Tianheng and Gu Zuo consolidated their realms and studiously cultivated.

    Every day, Tianheng would leave early ande backte. He proceeded towards the Path Comprehending Pavilion, and developed an understanding of countless martial skills throughprehensive studies. Most of all were the derivative martial skills of the >. After Tianheng practiced them, he integrated these martial skills into his own moves. This allowed the Blood Palm he learned to absorb all kinds of profound mysteries, and its attack power became even stronger. After the Blood Palm struck out, it would be even harder to withstand or evade.

    Although Gu Zuo wanted to stay with his beloved day and night, he knew that their current positions were high. In fact, if they wanted to truly take root, they needed to constantly improve ¡ª?After all, a person¡¯s own strength was the basics of establishing oneself. As a result, he also didn¡¯t have the time to preupy himself with little thoughts every day. Instead, he carefully studied the new item book that the system gave him ¡ª?That is, the Immortal Realm >.

    However, while the inner cultivation method had been upgraded, there weren¡¯t any changes to the hand seals. It was still >. Afterwards, Gu Zuo considered things. It was probably because he wasn¡¯t even a profound-level pharmacist right now. If he wanted to utilize the mid or high level hand seals, his spiritual path realm needed to have reached the Nurturing Psyche Realm at the very least. At that time, he would be able to refine earth-level pills, right?

    He thought that this conjecture was certainly reasonable.

    As for other means of cultivating his psychic power¡­ > was enough for his uses.

    Under the circumstances where Gu Zuo hadn¡¯tpletely mastered the Spirit Transforming Chapter, there truly wasn¡¯t any need to be greedy.

    Of course, Gu Zuo was spending even more time on refining medicinal pills.

    When he was pill refining, he discovered a peculiar matter.

    Unexpectedly, the medicinal qi he obtained became even more numerous and pure!

    Gu Zuo was puzzled. After a period of research, he learned the reason why he previously could only generate a single strand of medicinal qi.?Apart from the fact that the levels of the pills he refined wereparatively low and the ambient qi wasn¡¯t dense enough, the bigger cause was that he wasn¡¯t an Immortal Realm!

    There was a huge rtionship between the formation of medicinal qi, the overflow of medicinal properties from refined pills, the concentration of ambient qi, and the quality of internal qi while performing hand seals. So long as oneponent wasn¡¯t high enough, the medicinal qi would be reduced. It was to the point that, when Gu Zuo initially refined Houtian pills, he only acquired medicinal qi because his hand seals were sufficiently profound!

    Otherwise, even if he refined wless pills and no medicinal properties were wasted, he still would¡¯ve failed in generating medicinal qi¡­

    Gu Zuo was a bit regretful.

    Nevertheless, he had wasted quite a lot.

    Fortunately, he was already an Immortal Realm now. With every cauldron of medicinal pills, he could obtain even more medicinal qi. If this wasn¡¯t the case, then he would¡¯ve worried that the amount of medicinal qi was insufficient. Also, now that he spent so much time on cultivation, he couldn¡¯t go without medicinal qi!

    Thinking in such a way, Gu Zuo worked even harder when he refined pills. Not only did he refine the Five Essence Pill¡¯s strengthened version, the Five Elements Pill, for his big brother, he produced even more wless pills that were suitable for Immortal Realms. An unending stream sprung up from his hands ¡ª?Naturally, most of them were Qi Infusing Pills.

    One cauldron could produce sixteen wless pills at most. Since the monkey race continuously transported medicinal ingredients to him, he could refine several hundred Qi Infusing Pills every day. Most of all, his present realm had long been able to keep up, so Immortal Realm medicinal pills were no problem at all. While refining these Qi Infusing Pills, he also refined lots of Vast Spirit Pills, which allowed Atomic Realm martial artists to replenish their profound qi, as well as Profound Qi Pills, which suited Ascendant Realm martial artists for replenishing their profound qi.

    After refining many of these types of medicinal pills, Gu Zuo handed seventy percent to Tianheng. Meanwhile, the remaining thirty percent was intercepted by Gu Zuo, and stored in a secret ce. He knew that whatever was handed over would be ced in a public warehouse. There would certainly be many pills that would act as resources to be allocated to the lower subordinates. Only the thirty percent he intercepted wouldpletely belong to the two¡¯s private stash.

    The facts were indeed like this. Tianheng immediately ced these medicinal pills into the warehouse. Moreover, the moment they were received, Tianheng had already sent battle ves to issue a summons, whereby the leaders of numerous subordinates were called over.

    The one from the Wu n was Wu Xing, the one from the Hu n was Hu Chang¡¯an, and the ones from the three servile races were all elders of these races. Meanwhile, among the battle ves, the ones from the three hound races were the strongest powerhouses.

    Soon after, ording to his recent understanding of the situation, Tianheng distributed the wless pills.

    Altogether, there were roughly eight groups of subordinated forces. Each of these organizations obtained many medicinal pills. As for the forces that made contributions, they obtained even more pills.

    Tianheng acted with fairness and impartiality. When he dered the manner of pill allocation, it was enough to make one ept it wholeheartedly.

    These huge quantities of wless pills delighted the numerous forces, and even the Wu n was no exception. Although they were a medicine refining aristocratic family, they rarely saw this many wless pills ¡ª?If the pharmacists within their n were substituted, even if these pills were obtained by their own n as an incentive, the amount of time it would take was at least one or two years.

    Wu Xing¡¯s eyes flickered with a gleam of radiance.

    He made guesses about the origins of these wless pills¡­

    But very quickly, he restrained these conjectures.

    Currently, not only was he the sole decision-maker of the Wu n as the n head, he was also an adherent. As such, he needed to have the discretion of a follower. He couldn¡¯t pry into the matters of his master¡¯s household.

    After issuing the wless pills, Gu Zuo opened his mouth: ¡°Wu n Head, please wait a moment and stay behind.¡±

    Wu Xing startled, but he soon reacted. He didn¡¯t deliberately nce at Tianheng, and respectfully answered: ¡°Yes, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes carried praise.

    That¡¯s right. This was how a subordinate ought to behave.

    After that, the rest of the racial groups left. Gu Zuo saw that Ao Ying and the other two battle ves remained. He was slightly surprised, but he didn¡¯t say anything. He just led Wu Xing, and turned towards a side hall: ¡°Wu n Head, pleasee with me.¡±

    Wu Xing followed closely. It was like he didn¡¯t notice that those people from the hound races weren¡¯t leaving.

    In the side hall, Gu Zuo looked at Wu Xing, and handed over three books: ¡°Wu n Head, take these.¡±

    Wu Xing: ¡°¡­Yes, sir.¡±

    This Pharmacist Gu really handled matters candidly. To his surprise, there weren¡¯t any opening remarks nor was there any initial show of strength. This was so¡­straight to the point.

    Wu Xing opened the three books one by one. After swiftly ncing through them, he suddenly revealed an astonished expression: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, these are¡ª¡±

    His shock wasn¡¯t strange. Contained within these books were two sets of medicine refining cultivation methods and hand seals that weren¡¯t inferior to that of his Wu n, as well as oneplete set of cultivation methods and hand seals that was superior.

    Moreover, with Wu Xing¡¯s discerning gaze, he naturally could tell that these three sets were of different attributes. They were incredibly exquisite, with or without any follow-up cultivation methods or hand seals! It truly left people in disbelief!

    One should know that no matter which medicine refining aristocratic families, none of their cultivation methods or hand seals would be revealed to outsiders. Even if they were subordinates of someone else, they would only hand over the finished goods. They would never divulge their own foundations¡­ Right now, it hadn¡¯t been long since his Wu n had cast their support, but he unexpectedly got to see these three new sets?

    As far as Wu Xing was concerned, this was undoubtedly an extremely great temptation!

    Although the Wu n¡¯s cultivation methods and hand seals were good, when all was said and done, they weren¡¯t suitable for all constitutions. For some pharmacists, when practicing the ones that didn¡¯t suit them too well, it more or less went against their own attributes or failed to develop their best attributes. They suffered a few restrictions, which made it difficult for them to reach even higher levels.

    But if they received these three books, then it would cause the entire Wu n to look brand new!

    However, while Wu Xing had some guesses in his heart, he didn¡¯t dare to say such things.

    He restrained his own excited frame of mind, and waited for Gu Zuo¡¯s reply.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t keep him in suspense, and immediately said: ¡°These three books are ones that I obtained from a fortuitous encounter. Two of them are somewhat inferior, which I¡¯m giving to your n. There¡¯s another one that¡¯s slightly stronger, which suits your seventh brother¡¯s attribute. I¡¯m presenting this one to you, too.¡±

    For each and every adherent, their attributes had all gone through testing. Furthermore, the results were recorded on file, and delivered into his and his big brother¡¯s hands. When he read about the constitutions of the Wu n pharmacists, he had been keeping track of them. Then, he selected these two books. In order to make Wu Xing even more loyal, he also picked something out solely for Seventh Young Master Wu.

    Once Wu Xing heard this, overwhelming joy swiftly shed across his face. In the end, however, he was still a steady and calm person. At this time, he inquired with a solemn bearing: ¡°Does Pharmacist Gu have anymands?¡±

    Gu Zuo was direct and inspoken: ¡°Ever since your Wu n started following my big brother, the entire n, from the highest elder to the lowliest servant, has been working their hardest. Having witnessed this, I felt that I should nurture you guys. Currently, your cultivation methods and hand seals can¡¯t keep up, but my big brother requires even sharper talents. As a result, I¡¯m giving these to you first. Study them properly. You need to be capable of handling your own responsibilities as quickly as possible to share burdens and resolve difficulties on my big brother¡¯s behalf. In the future, after your Wu n¡¯s pharmacists have been nurtured, they must be able to supply enough medicinal pills for my big brother¡¯s forces.¡±

    Wu Xing listened, and suddenly understood Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning.

    When the entire Wu n offered their servitude and handled matters swiftly, it had pleased this honorable Pharmacist Gu. Thus, he presented them this favor. The ultimate goal was to raise the Wu n into a powerful arm to serve their new master, Gongyi Tianheng.

    Although he originally believed that they would receive important positions, he thought it would only happen after some time had passed. He didn¡¯t expect to obtain benefits this quickly¡­ Wu Xing increasingly felt that his own decisiveness had been worth it.

    In particr, there was this inner cultivation method, which would be given to his seventh brother. He had to turn his seventh brother into Pharmacist Gu¡¯s most indispensable arm!

    Soon after, Wu Xing expressed his devotion once more: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, please rest assured. My Wu n will certainly spare no efforts to serve the young master.

    ¡°One hundred deaths, no regrets! We¡¯ll never betray you!¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head with a taut face. He looked a bit serious: ¡°Remember this well ¡ª?If you guys betray my big brother, I¡¯ll never let any of you get away with it.¡±

    Wu Xing naturally reaffirmed himself.

    There was a thought in his mind: This Pharmacist Gu seriously cares about the young master. The young master also regards Pharmacist Gu with such importance¡­ This sort of friendship is truly hard toe by.

    A subtle feeling suddenly rose within his heart, but it disappeared in the blink of an eye.

    After showing both grace and might, Wu Xing was sent away. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo turned around and walked back to the main hall. He was just in time for Tianheng to finish delegating some matters. Ao Ying, Xi Ying, Feng He, and the other hound race powerhouses at the Atomic Realm concealed their figures one after another.

    Gu Zuo came over, and asked curiously: ¡°Big brother, did something happen with them?¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t keep him in the dark, and replied with a smile: ¡°A good thing.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Fine, big brother was keeping him in suspense and teasing him again.

    But Gu Zuo still satisfied Tianheng¡¯s mischievous streak, and continued to ask: ¡°Then, what good thing happened?¡±

    Tianheng extended a hand, and ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. He slowly opened his mouth: ¡°The mastiffs, sighthounds, and wild dogs, these three races, have five tribes who are casting their support for me.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°The mastiffs have three tribes, and the sighthounds and wild dogs each have one tribe. The battle ves I¡¯ve chosen alle from these five tribes. As it turns out, Ao Ying and the other Atomic Realm powerhouses alsoe from these five tribes. Their tribes have tentatively decided to be my battle ves. Later on, the pups born within these five tribes will no longer be sent to the sect¡¯s battle ve divisions for training. Rather, they¡¯ll be raised within their own races, and they¡¯ll ultimately be my manpower. It¡¯s just that the resources for this nurturing process wille from me.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s first reaction was: There¡¯s not enough money!

    But his second reaction immediately caused him to understand. The support of the battle ves¡¯ five tribes was an enormous advantage. Granted that this would consume resources, it was worth it! This also greatly increased his big brother¡¯s manpower!

    Merely¡­

    Was it really a coincidence that the three hundred battle ves all came from these five tribes?

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng while bearing this doubt.

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression wasn¡¯t hidden.

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    In actuality, his big brother had thought of this long ago¡­

    Between the battle ve tribes, the hound races would deliver high numbers of pups every year. In Ten Ultimates Sect, the hound races had numerous tribes, and were a gargantuan force. Among them, the mastiff tribes were the most numerous.

    As for these branches of the hound races, which were capable of bing tribes, the poption of each branch reached at least one thousand. Moreover, for each and every hound race, the soldiers weren¡¯t divided by male and female genders. They were only divided by whether one was old or young. However, when the pups were already trained, their maturation period took no longer than ten years. After bing adults, they would only step into old age when three years remained of their lifespan.

    In other words, within the five tribes, only approximately thirty percent couldn¡¯t fight. The other seventy percent were either formidable battle ves or battle ves who were slightly weaker. All of them could be utilized!

    Gu Zuo eximed. He was a bit excited.

    It had to be said that his big brother had both brains and luck. Ah, this was truly amazing!

    The joining of the five hound race tribes allowed Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strength to improve by arge margin.

    Any battle ves who belonged to the five tribes returned to their respective tribes. Adding up the total number of battle ves, it suddenly increased by two thousand. Furthermore, while there was a little more than a thousand hound race members who were slightly inferior to the battle ves, they could act as bodyguards. All of them became the fighting strength of Tianheng¡¯s forces.

    Under the arrangements of the monkey race head manager and the mouse race second manager, as well as Tianheng¡¯s writtenments, the most valiant of these hound races were chosen to be trained as elite troops. Meanwhile, the rest who were not as good became bodyguards. They were each stationed beside a few people whose martial strengths weren¡¯t that high ¡ª?This was especially so for the pharmacists whose capabilities were rtively strong.

    Due to the potential of some of the Wu n¡¯s youthful generation, quite a few hound race bodyguards were arranged beside at least twenty young and outstanding pharmacists. Then there was Wu Xing¡¯s younger brother who received the most importance. Next to Seventh Young Master Wu, whose talents were a cut above the rest, stood ten rather powerful hound race bodyguards. They protected him closely.

    After Wu Xing found out, he naturally became even more thankful.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t discriminate against the Hu n either. Hu Chang¡¯an was already being nurtured with the utmost care. As for Hu Changbi and Hu Changfeng, they were each assigned eight hound race members. Only, because they hadn¡¯t offered to serve like the Wu n and the two siblings¡¯ body attributes matched the inherited cultivation methods of their Hu n, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t give them any special treatment.

    However, Gu Zuo privately instructed a monkey race member to asionally supply the two little ones with more medicinal ingredients to let them practice. This was considered the aid between friends.

    The Hu n were aware of which aspects they were weak in. They were already very satisfied with being able to obtain these rounds of nurturing. And as for Gu Zuo¡¯s considerations, they were even more grateful.

    Merely, whenever Gu Zuo looked at the bills that the two managers handed over every few days, he couldn¡¯t help having bursts of conflicted feelings.

    This, this, this¡­was spending money like running water.

    The properties opened for business hadn¡¯t reached the point where funds could be withdrawn from cirction. Even with a prodigy¡¯s monthly allowance and the great amounts of capital they previously acquired, he was afraid that they weren¡¯t going tost for too long.

    Gu Zuo felt that if things continued like this, they wouldn¡¯t be able to make ends meet. It was quite the predicament.

    Sure enough, therger the family properties, the greater the expenses¡­

    There was no helping it. Gu Zuo was considering whether he ought to refine some unorthodox wless pills to fetch a high price, or think of other methods to obtain funds in the sect, or straightforwardly sell some pill prescriptions that weren¡¯t the best but were rtively precious.

    In short, he needed to raise money¡­

    Just when Gu Zuo was silently scheming, Tianheng discovered that something was wrong with Gu Zuo. At once, he came over and asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s making you unhappy?¡±

    Gu Zuo was always honest and forting with Tianheng, so he talked about the worries in his heart.

    Tianheng listened to what was said, and his gaze suddenly softened: ¡°So Ah Zuo was concerned for this elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    How couldn¡¯t Gu Zuo worry? Previously, this close rtive was oneyer of worry, but now it was a close rtive in addition to a beloved sweetheart. Doubling the worries made Gu Zuo too anxious.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was upright: ¡°It¡¯s true. Although this elder brother has some savings, there¡¯ll be practically nothing left if this goes on. Thus, I¡¯m going search for some lucrative things to do.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined: ¡°Big brother already has a n?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°The inner workings of the sect have considered this matter. In order to allow many remarkable disciples to feel at ease and improve their strengths, as well as to enable these disciples to have enough to spend, they set up mission boards long ago. These missions are divided into the four ranks of A, B, C, and D. Within each rank, there are numerous missions which can be used for obtaining resources.

    ¡°For example, I could help some small organizations under Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s jurisdiction. At that time, I could go kill the people trespassing through their territories, and it¡¯ll suffice if I bring back the heads. As another example, I could go hunt some wild beasts and bring back their corpses. I could also explore secret realms as a show of force on the sect¡¯s behalf, and seize gains for the sect and take a cut of the profits for myself.

    ¡°Taking these missions can both sharpen myself and make up for any deficits. Moreover, the sect doesn¡¯t make these missionspulsory, so there¡¯s a lot of freedom. Thus, there are many genius disciples who frequently go out for a bustling period and return with countless profits.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind immediately rxed: ¡°This is great. With big brother¡¯s strength, the missions on those boards will definitely bepleted quickly!¡±

    Tianheng saw how confident Gu Zuo was, and his smile deepened: ¡°These are just the benefits on the surface. Once I do many missions, it¡¯ll also showcase my skills, which will draw even more forces into casting their support for me. At that time, those whoe will inevitably offer benefits on their own, so we won¡¯t need to excessively worry about savings.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood improved: ¡°In that case, which rank of missions does big brother want to take?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Normally, if I went to take a mission, it would need to be a B-rank at the very least. Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be enough profits. If a mission is ordinary, it won¡¯t be worth it. However, when I go, I need to pick an A-rank mission. It¡¯s because this is my first time taking action. A-rank missions are always arranged for extremely outstanding geniuses and prodigies. If I choose a mission of another rank, I would be ridiculed by others.¡±

    Gu Zuo slightly furrowed his brows: ¡°An A-rank mission¡­ Does big brother have any certainty of the oue?¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t answer directly, and switched to say: ¡°When my master made the previous summons, he had already given me some advice. Among the A-rank missions, there¡¯s one that¡¯s rather suitable for me.¡±

    T/N: For the rest of this volume, the author wrote chapters of varying lengths. Until further notice, expect a regr-length chapter to release every three days, a double-length chapter to release every three to five days, and a triple-length chapter to release every seven days. As always, I¡¯ll let everyone know about dys in the discord.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 337: Black Sand River

    <h4>Chapter 337: ck Sand River</h4>

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°What mission?¡±

    Unexpectedly, it was a mission that was especially pointed out by the pce master?

    Gongyi Tianheng answered: ¡°Eliminating a flood dragon.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    It sounded like it wasn¡¯t a problem that was easy to solve.

    Amid Gu Zuo¡¯s misgivings, Tianheng gave him a proper exnation.

    As it turned out, this time¡¯s A-rank mission was actually given to Tianheng to make his first public appearance. Or perhaps, it could be said that this was a mission to prove one¡¯s own strength. After all, those participating in this mission weren¡¯t limited to only Tianheng.

    The flood dragon in this extermination mission was a type of beast that had undergone a transformation after making an advancement. It was known as an ¡°origin beast¡±.

    Like wild beasts, so-called origin beasts were beast races that were forever incapable of taking human forms. They werepletely different from those nonhuman races which possessed two forms. Although origin beasts possessed greater intelligence than wild beasts, because it was impossible to develop emotional bonds, it was also impossible for the human race to treat origin beasts the same way they treated nonhuman races.

    ¡ª?If it was said that the rtionships between the nonhuman races and the human race wereplicated, then origin beasts were humanity¡¯s mortal enemies. Once encountered, they regarded each other as food. Contrary to what one might expect, among the nonhuman races, there were some who were also mortal enemies with the origin beasts, some who could control them, and some who couldmunicate with them. Thus, the rtionships between both sides were quiteplex as well.

    Tianheng sighed and said: ¡°Even though spirit-level wild beasts can be controlled by the human race, once a wild beast evolves into an origin beast, it can¡¯t be managed by humans any longer. Even if the human race wants to control them, it can only be done indirectly through a servile race that¡¯s capable of managing the origin beasts. We can¡¯t make the origin beasts directly obey ourmands.¡±

    Although it wasn¡¯t so absolute, it was said that origin beasts were also mainly divided into ranks. For example, starting from the Atomic Realm, every realm corresponded to one rank of the origin beasts. Thus, a rank one origin beast wasparable to the Atomic Realm, a rank seven origin beast wasparable to the Lesser Emperor Realm, and only in legends was it said that a rank eight origin beast wasparable to the Greater Emperor Realm. Let alone whether there were even higher ranks.

    Gu Zuo spoke with concern: ¡°Then, this flood dragon is an origin beast of which rank?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Because we young prodigies are heading off to hunt this flood dragon, it¡¯s naturally only rank one. If it was far older, then it would merely be somewhat more difficult to y. For this trip, I won¡¯t be going alone. I¡¯ll have battle ves apanying me, so the danger won¡¯t be great.¡± Speaking up to here, his tone lowered, ¡°Besides, there have been some newly-advanced prodigies from other organizations who¡¯ll also be taking part. Each of them have their own trump cards, so there will certainly be no obstructions.¡±

    After listening to Tianheng, Gu Zuo was firm and resolute: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m going with you.¡±

    Tianheng lightly ced his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no need to do this.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m also going to gain knowledge and experience. Moreover, if that flood dragon is so awesome, maybe there will be medicinal ingredients in the vicinity for me to harvest.¡±

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng acquiesced: ¡°When that timees, call for Ao Ying, Xi Ying, and Feng He to keep close. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t wander around carelessly.¡±

    Naturally, Gu Zuo promptly agreed.

    He didn¡¯t want to part from his big brother. However, while Gu Zuo wanted to see the important scene when his big brother made his official debut outside the sect, he didn¡¯t want to inconvenience his big brother.

    As a result, he had to be diligent, and he absolutely couldn¡¯t cause trouble.

    Someone quickly delivered the gold-leafed record of the mission. It was put away inside Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s bangle. Because this wasn¡¯t a solo mission, the time of eliminating the flood dragon had already been set for a few days from now. As an all-star prodigy of a veteran, silver-ranked organization, he naturally couldn¡¯t dy. Thus, he had to rush over as soon as possible.

    With the title of a prodigy of Ten Ultimates Sect, his first public appearance in front of numerous organizations certainly couldn¡¯t be handled frivolously. When he went out, they would be paying careful attention to hisportment, attire, and manpower.

    While Gu Zuo watched Tianheng scheme, his gaze drifted.

    In this aspect, he wasn¡¯t going to be of much help to his family¡¯s big brother.

    However, due to the support of the hound races¡¯ five tribes, the number of powerhouses at the Atomic Realm and above had increased again. The sighthound race had two, the mastiff race had twelve, and the mad dog race had four. Included among these were two Ascendant Realms from the mastiff race ¡ª?Ao Ying and the new addition, Ao Min. Altogether, there were eighteen people.

    Thus, it was even more convenient to make arrangements.

    This trip was very important. Tianheng had been operating for a short time, so for the sake of security, he had to take Ao Ying and Ao Min when heading out. Between the two, Ao Ying was going to protect Gu Zuo, and Ao Min was going tomand five hundred battle ve elite troops as they followed along ¡ª?Currently, within the battle ves he possessed, the ones who could be considered elite troops numbered no more than eight hundred. Tianheng directly took away more than half. One could clearly see how much importance was being attached to this trip.

    Apart from this, there were numerous wild beasts going, too.

    Since origin beasts couldn¡¯t be tamed and there weren¡¯t any servile races with gigantic body types among the subordinates, the ones that could be brought along were still those hundred or so spirit-level wild beasts.

    Naturally, in order to keep an orderly and pleasing appearance, Tianheng spent even more spirit crystals to purchase several hundred spirit beasts of the same type from the sect. Presently, there was a total of five hundred-something wild beasts, which were divided between five branches. These wild beasts would carry the battle ve elite troops: one hundred sighthounds, one hundred wild dogs, and three hundred mastiffs. In addition, there was one Ascendant Realm powerhouse and five Atomic Realm powerhouses who would lead the battle ves. They formed an army, and guarded all sides of thergest wild beast. With everyone in position, they were finally ready to move out!

    Gu Zuo followed right behind Tianheng as they jumped onto the wild beast¡¯s back. He was stunned by all the tedious preparations that were made before this time¡¯s trip.

    Gu Zuo subconsciously nuzzled against that warm palm. After that, he rigidly stopped himself.

    Ah, right. He only remembered those days when they arduously struggled in Qingyun Sect. He had almost forgotten that this big brother of his actually lived as the pampered son of a wealthy family¡­ Ordinary folks might find it troublesome, but this guy was entirely in his own element. There wasn¡¯t any need to worry at all!

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo withdrew to the back: ¡°The road is long. Big brother, why don¡¯t we y a game of go?¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t refuse, and merely gestured towards a secret ce. A streak of qi energy delivered a go board, and arranged it between the two: ¡°Okay. Ah Zuo, you first.¡±

    Gu Zuo instantly regretted suggesting it. But now that he saw a go board appearing, he could only put on a bold face, and use what little superficial knowledge he had to y with Tianheng.

    Honestly, why would this world have something like go¡­ Furthermore, why didn¡¯t he simply suggest a game of gomoku instead? Perhaps, he could still win a few games.

    The following events were indeed rather desperate. Because martial artists and pharmacists were people who cultivated, unless they wasted energy for a long time, they usually wouldn¡¯t need to rest. As a result, the next couple of days were unwittingly passed by ying go.

    Gu Zuo was thoroughly dominated for dozens of rounds. His mood was especially dismayed.

    He knew that his own IQ couldn¡¯tpare to that of his big brother. He also knew that his own considerations weren¡¯t as far-reaching. However, he hadn¡¯t won a single game. On top of that, every time he lost, the carpet had been pulled out from under him. It was too miserable!

    Gu Zuo ced his go stone, and spoke in a gloomy voice: ¡°Big brother knows that my skills aren¡¯t good, but he also won¡¯t go easy on me¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianheng smiled apologetically: ¡°Whenever Ah Zuo loses, your reactions are extremely cute. This elder brother hadn¡¯t noticed, so I couldn¡¯t help it ¡ª?I hope that Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t me me.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Right now, should he be bashful since his big brother called him cute, or should he criticize his big brother for his mischievous streak breaking out again?

    This truly left one conflicted and embarrassed.

    Hence, what Gu Zuo showed in front of Tianheng was an expressionless face that changed several colors.

    Upon seeing this, Tianhengughed in spite of himself.

    At this moment, these games of go naturally didn¡¯t continue any longer.

    At the same time, this delegation had reached its final destination.

    This was a vast and mighty river. It was situated between the shared borders of severalrge cities within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s domain. From its shallows to its depths, the water of this river was a torrential flood. It was so broad that one couldn¡¯t see the opposite banks, and it was so long that one would never see its ends. With surging waves, the thunderous sounds of the water shook the sky. It was like countless fierce tigers were roaring. Its power was insurmountable.

    Each of the nearby cities were iron-ranked entities. However, these iron-ranked cities were unlike the previous Xuanwu City. Within each city, there were at least two organizations of the same rank. For the past many years, they vied against each other, and took turns upying the position of the city lord. They appeared to possess bothpetitive strength and vitality. The atmospheres of whole cities were like that of men in the prime of their lives. These cities developed steadily, and didn¡¯t lose their courage or drive.

    Ten Ultimates Sect had recently received an all-star prodigy. When this honorable prodigy joined, he was only peak Xiantian. After entering the sect, he smoothly broke through to the Immortal Realm within a month. This matter had gradually propagated outward, and all of the organizations with some reputation within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s domain had heard of this prodigy¡¯s name.

    Automatically, the members of theserge organizations wanted to see this all-star prodigy with their own eyes. When all was said and done, did this remarkable personage with three heads and six arms possess any real skills?

    Additionally, many medium and small organizations and racial groups with their own intentions sent important younger generations to make discreet inquiries. They wanted to observe this distinguished meeting of prodigies who would jointly eliminate a flood dragon. This time around, an all-star prodigy would be participating.

    That¡¯s right. This all-star prodigy¡¯s reputation had been proimed far and wide. Within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s domain, numerous veteran forces had taken in prodigies and top-notch geniuses. These prodigies and geniuses all possessed an air of arrogance, and weren¡¯t necessarily convinced by this all-star prodigy. Consequently, many came to participate in this distinguished gathering to wipe out the flood dragon. They wanted topare who was better.

    ¡ª As for the flood dragon to be eliminated, it lived within this ck Sand River.

    Originally, it should¡¯ve only been a wild python. Perhaps, it came from this river, and after growing for many years, it somehow stimted its own bloodline. By undergoing an awakening, it made a breakthrough, and became an even stronger origin beast in one move. In the end, it stirred up havoc within the river. Its behavior was rampant, and traces of it were discovered by others.

    These past few days, the city lords of severalrge cities near the ck Sand River gathered together. As they stood on a tform, it looked like they all had their own elegant demeanors. In fact, many people had tried to investigate the situation in private. However, after obstructing them, the city lords thoroughly controlled their own cities, lest they slighted the people on the outside, and provoked a murderous disaster.

    One after another, numerous wild beasts clopped their hooves along different roads surrounding the ck Sand River, and there were even wild birds chirping as they flew high in the sky. The top-notch geniuses and prodigies of everyrge organization were showing off their own impressive mights. They rushed over from all directions like a great flood.

    Countless, powerful auras soared up, and seemed to twist into a boundless storm. Once this storm vanished, numerous, well-favored personages with eminent looks appeared at the banks of this great river in quick session!

    The members of many organizations retreated, yielding arge tract ofnd.

    One would see a valiant man who stood upright and unafraid like an iron tower. His feet were nted upon a colossal elephant, which arrived with great speed! That elephant lifted its head, raised its trunk to the sky, and unleashed a long, trumpeting cry. The sound was astonishing!

    Soon after, there was a gigantic tiger that gave a thunderous roar. On its forehead was a bright and vividly blood-red mark of a king. Its huge pair of eyes swept across, bearing a strong and fierce prestige! And on the back of this fierce tiger stood a tall man. His appearance seemed ordinary, but people would feel that his roving eyes were like that of a beast. Anyone he looked at would feel as if their marrow was being scrapped away.

    Following this was a violent bear.

    The eyes of this bear were scarlet, and were iparably ferocious. Its body was full of power and grandeur like a lofty mountain.

    On the shoulders of this violent bear stood a robust man with bulging muscles. The feelings he gave people were unexpectedly the same as this bear. The man and beast carried an indescribable sense of frenzied rage!

    The imposing auras of these three people were extremely terrifying. Every person seemed to possess an unapproachable disposition of prideful and aloof airs. Besides one another, no other geniuses could enter their eyes.

    The three ferocious beasts they rode upon were also exceptionally frightening. As they approached, these beasts let out howling sounds like they were in the middle of banishing these equally-powerful enemies, which had intruded into their own territories. They wanted to safeguard their own domains!

    Formless sound waves collided with one another, causing thend to split open and grains of sand to fly upwards.

    Three ferocious beasts and three honorable prodigies. At this moment, they seemed toe to a tacit understanding, and uniformly stopped when there was about a hundred meters between each party.

    ¡°Beast Taming Sect, Fan Meng!¡± The fierce tiger he rode snarled.

    ¡°Hundred Skies Sect, Qi Xuanao!¡± The gigantic elephant trumpeted abruptly.

    ¡°Bao n, Bao Hong!¡± The violent bear also wasn¡¯t to be outdone.

    Although these three men were presently at the Immortal Realm, it wasn¡¯t because they were incapable of breaking through. Rather, they were constantly saving up capital. Their forces were all bronze-ranked organizations, but there weren¡¯t necessarily no conflicts between each other. There had already been many shes between both sides. Even for those who hadn¡¯t exchanged blows, they would¡¯ve heard of their counterparts¡¯ reputations. Often times, they were like kindred spirits. While there were a few who were antagonistic, there were also people of talent who appreciated one another. It was just that when convening, this was their first time meeting one another. Therefore, they all announced their own names.

    Currently, three people came with hardly any differences in their time of arrival. At this moment, they nced at one another, and didn¡¯t say anything else.

    This trip wasn¡¯t for the sake of the other two prodigies. Rather, it was for the one who suddenly appeared. The all-star prodigy whom they heard possessed aptitudes many times greater than their own!

    With Fan Meng, Qi Xuanao, and Bao Hong¡¯s aptitudes, it wasn¡¯t impossible to enter silver-ranked organizations. However, Fan Meng was an orphan, and Beast Taming Sect had brought him back. Qi Xuanao was the child of the Qi Family, which was one of the hundred families of Hundred Skies Sect. He had been received as a disciple by the sect master since childhood. As for Bao Hong, he was originally a child of the Bao n¡¯s direct line of descent. Thus, although his aptitudes were exceptional, he was also a member of this bronze-ranked organization.

    Yet, Beast Taming Sect, Hundred Skies Sect, and the Bao n were all veteran bronze-ranked organizations. Within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s domain, the capabilities of these three forces were all located at the very front. Even though they adhered to Ten Ultimates Sect, they were also greatly valued by Ten Ultimates Sect. It was to the point that, if they ever desired to do so, some silver-ranked organizations with shallow foundations would need to tread carefully around them.

    The prodigies of these three forces were naturally extraordinary.

    Fan Meng, Qi Xuanao, and Bao Hong were three prodigies with different temperaments, but they were all exceedingly arrogant. They were aware that they had excellent aptitudes. The prodigies of some iron and bronze-ranked forces also weren¡¯t worth their attentions. While they heard the name of this all-star prodigy, they believed that this all-star prodigy wasn¡¯t necessarily stronger than them. They wanted to properly show off here to suppress that neer¡¯s prestige.

    Of course, even if they wanted to suppress an all-star prodigy, their pride prevented them from joining hands to work together. Thus, after exchanging nces, they turned their gazes away and did things their own way.

    The arrival of three prodigies affected the people of numerous forces who were previously waiting by the ck Sand River. Their gazes shined, and their moods surged. The scene of several honorable prodigies gathering was very rare. For young elites such as these prodigies, apart from when they initially became famous and could be asionally seen and heard, it would often be up to fate to get a glimpse of their faces. It was basically impossible to catch a trace of the other party ¡ª?And if one couldn¡¯t see them, how was a person to worm their way into their good graces? Let alone scouting with the intent of relying on them for help.

    However, on this day, numerous medium and small organizations broadened their horizons. Having seen such formidable prodigies and a prodigy¡¯s graceful bearing, they were greatly shaken. Their eyes were dazzled, and their minds were stupefied!

    ¡°Look! Prodigy Fan is so elegant. How captivating!¡±

    ¡°Prodigy Bao is a real hunk. If I could be with him¡­ Aiya!¡±

    ¡°What an unabashed girl. With your good looks, you can be a small concubine. Are you going to ask that Prodigy Bao or not?¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, Prodigy Qi¡¯s appearances are the most outstanding. I¡¯ve also heard that his rosy-cheeked bedmates span the whole world, and his knowledge of the heart is unparalleled. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be impossible for us to be his wives, but there¡¯s a chance for us to be Prodigy Qi¡¯s concubines! Prodigy Qi isn¡¯t like other prodigies, the kind who are unromantic!¡±

    ¡°The prodigies? How can onlookers say such things? This lowly maidservant can only rmend herself as Prodigy Bao¡¯s pillow mat and nothing more. To speak like this just now, you truly don¡¯t know the meaning of shame!¡±

    ¡°W-what nonsense are you thering¡ª¡±

    Besides the countless organizations that intended to gain first-hand knowledge of these prodigies, the spectators who came were numerous, admiring martial artists. Among them, most were beautiful women whose hearts were secretly moved. As orioles and swallows sang, so too did they tease and poke fun at one another. It was very lively.

    Between these women, many had been raised and groomed by their families and ns. Originally, they would¡¯ve been used to create marriage connections so there weren¡¯t any bashful feelings in their words. On the contrary, each of them opened their beautiful eyes, and wanted to cling to these prodigies. To find themselves a husband like these graceful and elegant prodigies, they would serve as concubines or maidservants. However, there was also the awe-inspiring authority, and they would be able to gain benefits for their families and ns. Indeed, this was like killing two birds with one stone.

    As for the adoring voices of these women, prodigies would normally be pleased hearing them, and wouldn¡¯t feel offended. Thus, these women became increasingly bold in voicing their thoughts and feelings. They only hoped that, if their luck was good, they would be noticed. Wouldn¡¯t that be the same as winning the grand prize in a lottery?

    Off to the side, when some male martial artists saw this, their faces were colored with envy.

    The stronger the martial artist, the more women there would be to throw themselves into his arms, and the prettier their looks. Once a crowd of women birthed descendants, it would be enough to create one¡¯s own n, and the family properties would flourish.

    Such circumstances were a wonderful thing. If someone could obtain that, how delighted would they be? Even though they admired prodigies in their minds, it was hard to avoid having these kinds of thoughts.

    However, right at this moment, the voice of another woman resounded: ¡°What¡¯s so good about bing the small concubine of a prodigy? Women should be like Goddess Mu. She¡¯s a prodigy, too. While her looks are exceptional enough for other prodigies pursue her, she doesn¡¯t rely on deceptions and falsehoods! Such a woman should be the ideal example in the hearts of us female martial artists! Even if we¡¯re inferior to the goddess, we¡¯re strong, too. Stand on your own two feet, and don¡¯t depend on your ns and forces to make appointments and arrangements for you!¡±

    This voice was inharmonious. Numerous male martial artists looked over, and their eyes gleamed.

    As it turned out, although this youngdy¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t pleasant to hear, her features were quiet and exquisite, and her temperament was exceptionally good. To their surprise, she was extremely beautiful. The qi emissions that surrounded her body were also rather powerful. She didn¡¯t seem weak or delicate.

    And when some of the women of these ns saw her, they both envied her good looks and flew into a rage out of humiliation from the belittlement in her words. They were about to ridicule her, but at this moment, a cool and refreshing qi suddenly arrived through the sky. It would clear a person¡¯s state of mind at once.

    Everyone lifted their heads, and witnessed an enormous, light-cyan bird approaching with spread wings. Sitting on its back was a youngdy. She wore a fluttering, white robe that billowed in the wind.

    The youngdy¡¯s skin was snow-white, and her appearances were refined. Between her eyebrows was a dot of cinnabar, which made her even more beautiful. However, her expression was indifferent, as if nothing in the world could enter her eyes.

    Even though there were three prodigies down below, she remained unfazed.

    In a split second, numerous martial artists cried out in low voices:

    ¡°Ice Phoenix Goddess Mu Baizhi! She actually came, too?¡±

    ¡°The Ice Phoenix Goddess has arrived!¡±

    ¡°Sure enough, her good looks are exceptional. Ah, it makes people adore her!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that there are several prodigies who want to take her as a wife¡­¡±

    ¡°Then, who did she choose?¡±

    ¡°She has never assented to any prodigy. Reportedly, she¡¯s looking for a man who¡¯spatible with her to shareprehensions and attainments hand in hand. Otherwise, she would rather walk along the path of martial arts alone.¡±

    ¡°This time around, there¡¯s an all-star prodigying. Could it be possible that she wants to inspect him?¡±

    ¡°Hehe, who can say for sure¡­¡±

    If it was before the Ice Phoenix Goddess arrived, the numerous women would¡¯ve red at the previous beauty who spoke up. But when they truly looked at the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ features, each of them felt ashamed of their inferiorities. None of them dared to talk anymore.

    There was no need for doubts. Regardless of temperament, appearances, or identity, the Ice Phoenix Goddess was ten thousand times better than them. They were nothing but mole crickets and ants. How could theypete with her?

    No one took notice of that beautiful youngdy who had been praising the Ice Phoenix Goddess the entire time. At this moment, when she genuinely looked at the Ice Phoenix Goddess, what flickered through her eyes was a trace of contempt.

    [Tch, just a¡ª]

    Nevertheless, nothing was uttered.

    When the Ice Phoenix Goddess arrived, the attentions of those three male prodigies also shifted towards her.

    The behaviors of the three were all different. Bao Hong¡¯s eyes contained a stunned look, but they quickly revealed a somewhat baleful re. Qi Xuanao showed a smile, but his eyes were as tranquil as an undisturbed pond. Fan Meng was the exception. On his face, there was a wisp of admiration. Although he didn¡¯t say anything, his originally berserk qi emissions were restrained.

    The enormous, light-cyan bird slightly descended, and spiraled around another section next to the three prodigies. While it didn¡¯tnd on the ground, it didn¡¯t hover higher than the other prodigies.

    Bao Hong¡¯s re immediately scattered, Qi Xuanao¡¯s brows perked up, and Fan Meng indicated with a nod.

    Just when these prodigies were exchanging looks, a tremendous noise echoed out from a ce even farther away. It drew everyone¡¯s attention.

    Someone suddenly opened their mouth: ¡°That¡¯s the all-star prodigy¡ª¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 338: A Meeting of Prodigies

    <h4>Chapter 338: A Meeting of Prodigies</h4>

    Boom!

    Boom, boom!

    The sounds of regimented hooves stamping the ground echoed from far away. There were several hundred armored hound race battle ves with rich and powerful qi emissions. Steady and solemn, they rushed over with a strong momentum.

    There were five divisions of troops which surrounded and protected a wild beast that was nearly a hundred meters tall. A small pce hall was set upon the back of that wild beast. This prestige was extraordinary, but not a shadow nor voice of the owner was revealed. It seemed rather mysterious.

    In the blink of an eye, the troops made their final approach. Up ahead, an Ascendant Realm powerhouse gripped an immense iron g, which pped in the wind. The iron g was dyed blood-red, and Ten Ultimates Sect was written inrge characters upon it. Painted in iron and etched with silver, the calligraphy was grand and majestic.

    Suddenly, that Ascendant Realm powerhouse swung his arm. That iron g shattered the sky, plummeted down from above, and pierced straight into the ground. In a split second, the pole of the iron g dug about ten meters underground, and the gigantic face of that g swayed out. Another line of bloody characters was revealed ¡ª?Blood Transformation Pce Hall!

    At this very moment, it seemed like a tide of blood was surging into people¡¯s faces. The invisible stench of blood permeated the whole ce, leaving a heavy iron-like taste in everyone¡¯s mouths.

    The next instant, the vast number of troops came to a halt. Throughout all the ranks, not a single person made a sound.

    At the same time, numerous martial artists discovered that they had already unknowingly yielded exceptionally good positions, which became the territory of this newly-arrived prodigy!

    If it was said that the existence of the Ice Phoenix Goddess, the sole woman among the previous prodigies, drew everyone¡¯s attention, then now, she had also be a shadow in other people¡¯s eyes. For all the present martial artists, although that all-star prodigy hadn¡¯t truly shown himself, they still looked over. Their hearts were either overwhelmed by emotions, or filled with curiosity.

    What kind of a prodigy was this?

    Qi Xuanao and the other male prodigies scoffed, and slightly exerted their own auras.

    At this time, many martial artists found that these three prodigies didn¡¯te alone. Behind them, there were orders of troops, too. Merely, because the three of them arrived the fastest and had rushed to the very front, and their qi fields were too powerful, they masked the approaching presence of their troops. A person basically wouldn¡¯t take notice without carefully looking.

    It was just like the situation behind that light-cyan wild bird hovering in the air. There were numerous birds in flight. Likewise, there were many martial artists sitting on their backs. There were men and women wearing silk-white robes, and they were light and airy like immortals banished from the heavens.

    For a short while, the five sides stood in confrontation.

    Those four prodigies looked towards that gigantic wild beast. Their gazes were bright, clear and indifferent, suspicious, or fierce, but there were no doubts that they all carried the same intent ¡ª?They were waiting for the prodigy inside that high pce hall to show himself!

    Numerous martial artists of other organizations also held their breaths with rapt attention as they looked at Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s fighting force.

    Immediately following this, on that wild beast¡¯s back, the pce gates of the small pce hall opened.

    A figure suddenly came out, and calmly stood in front of the pce hall.

    Soon after, this person faintly smiled. His voice was low, soft, and maic: ¡°This one is Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng. I have troubled everyone for the long wait.¡±

    It was as if a bright moon emerged from the sea, blossoming with a lofty, silver splendor.

    There was a moment of silence.

    Before Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo came to the ck Sand River, they distantly perceived that numerous, majestic auras were soaring into the sky up ahead. Clearly, the prodigies of other organizations had gotten there in advance. The two were consideredte by half a step.

    They made slight preparations, and someone suddenly appeared in front of them.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ao Ying, speak.¡±

    Ao Ying was as steady as always: ¡°Within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s domain, there are four prodigies at the Immortal Realm. They are Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Fan Meng, Hundred Skies Sect¡¯s Qi Xuanao, Bao n¡¯s Bao Hong, and Jade me Valley¡¯s Ice Phoenix Goddess Mu Baizhi. These four have already arrived, and they¡¯re currently waiting beside the ck Sand River.¡±

    Tianheng nodded briefly: ¡°It looks like I really haveete.¡±

    Sometimes, Ao Ying was very old-fashioned: ¡°Those four organizations are Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s subordinate forces. Although their prodigies are powerful, their statuses also fall short of the young master.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I care more about strength than status.¡±

    Ao Ying respectfully said: ¡°Their foundations are also certainly inferior to that of the young master.¡±

    Tianheng waved his hand, and ordered Ao Ying to withdraw. Meanwhile, he looked at the person by his side, and softly said: ¡°Ah Zuo, how about going out with me?¡±

    Gu Zuo was quiet.

    They would certainly be the focus of everyone¡¯s attention if they went out like this. Was he going to be poked into a sieve by these pointed gazes? However, since his big brother mentioned it¡­he would definitely follow along.

    Hence, Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and patted Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If I leave you by yourself in the pce hall, then onlookers will notice. On the contrary, this would cause people to pay even more attention to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded again. He trusted his big brother.

    Since people came, Tianheng didn¡¯t intend to put on airs inside the pce hall. He quickly sensed that extremely formidable qi emissions were rushing towards this side. If he didn¡¯te out, perhaps he would be subjected to an initial show of force.

    Tianheng¡¯s brows faintly moved. He stood up, and took a step forward: ¡°Ah Zuo, follow behind me.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily kept pace with him: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    After walking a dozen or so steps, the two were already in front of the pce gates. Then, Tianheng shed ahead, presenting himself in front of everyone. On the other hand, because Gu Zuo was following in the back, he stood behind Tianheng while keeping absolutely silent. Hepletelycked any presence.

    However, Tianheng¡¯s sense of existence surpassed that of ordinary people. Just as Gu Zuo previously imagined, almost everyone¡¯s gazes fell onto his big brother.

    There were all kinds of feelings within those gazes, but in general, all of them were filled with shock.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    He would always feel that what shocked them was his big brother¡¯s face. Was it because his big brother hadn¡¯t unleashed his aura, and restrained it instead?

    Although, this face was indeed worthy of shock¡­

    Returning to Tianheng ¡ª After he appeared, he didn¡¯t have any stage fright in the least, and allowed these numerous organizations to size him up.

    Because his features, bearing, and elegant demeanor were beyond themon man, he naturally caused many people¡¯s thoughts to undergo an upheaval. However, when all was said and done, what those few prodigies cared about right now was Tianheng¡¯s strength.

    Bao Hong¡¯s throat moved: ¡°Certainly, this is a low Immortal Realm who has just broken through. But¡ª¡±

    This person couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    Qi Xuanao and Fan Meng¡¯s eyes also flickered deeply.

    That¡¯s right. For people of the same rank, even if one couldn¡¯t see through the opponent¡¯s trump cards, defeating the other depended on whether they really had any skills or if they were worthless despite an attractive facade. One could develop a hunch just by looking at the other party ¡ª Unless they were ipetent, this was the case for everyone.

    Obviously, none of these prodigies were inept.

    Thus, all of them raised their vignce by ten percent, and reduced their previous doubts by thirty percent.

    When Tianheng entered the scene, he introduced himself. Although these prodigies still had some misgivings about Tianheng, they also gave face at this moment, and simrly introduced themselves one after another.

    While he was in the small pce hall, Gu Zuo already heard Ao Ying¡¯s report. However, now that he was listening to the voices of these prodigies, he realized that they werepletely different from those geniuses he had seen in the past.

    If it was said that the pressure those geniuses gave was rated as one, then the pressure these prodigies emitted was at least ten. Even though they were all at the Immortal Realm, the perceived distance between them was hard to imagine.

    ¡ª?If Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power wasn¡¯t keen enough, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t have been able to distinguish this point so quickly.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help recalling the three prodigies who threatened and hunted down numerous elites while on the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen. They were also prodigies, butpared to these four honorable personages here, their imposing auras seemed somewhat weaker. It was just that they were likewise prodigies of bronze-ranked organizations. Even though there were discrepancies between forces of the same rank, there shouldn¡¯t have been such huge differences between prodigies, right?

    At that time, Gu Zuo watched the intense fight between his family¡¯s big brother and the Third Prince. Later on, had it not been for the Third Prince making use of that trick, the Third Prince probably would¡¯ve lost to his big brother. However, Gu Zuo was able to make another measurement, too. If that time¡¯s Tianheng battled with the prodigies here, Tianheng definitely wouldn¡¯t win.

    Howrge was the difference between peak Xiantian and the Immortal Realm? After breaking through, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t have understood it more clearly.

    So to say, was it possible that¡­the strengths of those three prodigies had been somewhat restricted within the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen?

    Gu Zuo quickly restrained this thought.

    In any case, it was true that they became enemies with the Third Prince at that time. Even if the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen had restrictions, the present Gu Zuo and Tianheng had nothing to fear.

    After his big brother broke through to the Immortal Realm, no matter how many times the Third Prince¡¯s strength doubled, the Third Prince would still be beaten up like a dead dog! Moreover, his big brother was backed by a silver-ranked organization. There was even less need to worry about the other party shamelessly sending an older generation to take revenge.

    Hence, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t ponder this any longer. He redirected his gaze back to Tianheng.

    At this moment, the sole woman among the prodigies, the Ice Phoenix Goddess Mu Baizhi, opened her mouth. Although her manner of speaking was clear and cold, because her tone of voice was slightly soft, it gave people a feeling that was different from her outward appearance: ¡°We havee here to eliminate the flood dragon. Do these esteemed senior brothers have any ns?¡±

    The corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth twitched.

    Ah, he previously heard that this woman was older than his big brother¡­

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 339: Origin-Level Flood Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 339: Origin-Level Flood Dragon</h4>

    However, while Gu Zuo was also embarrassed by that term of address, he didn¡¯t actually have any other thoughts regarding it.

    In any case, everyone could practice martial arts. After frequent breakthroughs, one could be several hundred to a thousand years old. Most of all, for the great majority of women, their appearances would stop at their most beautiful spring-times.

    This Ice Phoenix Goddess appeared to be only twenty years old. Her grace was natural, and her looks were stunning.

    At this moment, the Ice Phoenix Goddess had taken the initiative to speak. As if the ice was broken, the attentions of the present prodigies all focused on this trip¡¯s primary objective.

    They came to y a flood dragon, but ying a flood dragon didn¡¯t mean that everyone could fight recklessly. Rather, they needed to make a n beforehand ¡ª?While this didn¡¯t point towards joining forces for total cooperation, at the very least, they couldn¡¯t get in each other¡¯s way.

    Immediately following this, Fan Meng was the first to agree with the Ice Phoenix Goddess: ¡°Would the Lady Baizhi have any thoughts on the matter? I¡¯d like to hear what you have to say. Since we arrived, we ought to get rid of that origin flood dragon. Otherwise, we¡¯ll really lose face.¡±

    Qi Xuanao raised an eyebrow: ¡°If Goddess Mu has something to say, this Qi will naturally lend a respectful ear.¡±

    Meanwhile, Bao Hong¡¯s panther-like eyes swept across: ¡°What¡¯s this? We¡¯re all just going to listen to a woman¡¯s words?¡±

    His tone wasn¡¯t too pleasant. Then, Bao Hong¡¯s gaze fell upon Gongyi Tianheng. He clearly wanted to have a look at the temperament and behavior of this prodigy.

    Qi Xuanao gave a free and unconstrained smile: ¡°We can always make more suggestions to any ns, but what Brother Bao said is reasonable, too. Currently, there¡¯s a higher-level sect present. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s unsuitable to¡­ Haha.¡±

    Previously, he responded to Fan Meng and Mu Baizhi with an answering voice, and now he parroted Bao Hong. It seemed like his opinions were shared unanimously, but this prevented people from making out what he was really thinking in the end.

    Tianheng noticed that each of these people were sounding things out. The corner of his mouth hooked into a grin. ording to reason, he ought to follow along with their conversation and reveal some things, but in actuality, he spoke in a straightforward manner: ¡°We¡¯ve just met, so none of us know each other¡¯s inside information. If we try to cooperate, we¡¯ll end up binding our own hands and feet instead. It would be better for each of us to take action ¡ª The flood dragon¡¯s head, ws, and tail will be answered by one person each, and its body will be answered by two people simultaneously. This would be more appropriate.¡±

    He continued: ¡°I intend on attacking the flood dragon¡¯s tail. The head and ws, these two sections, will be selected by Brother Bao and Brother Qi themselves. It¡¯s only the people attacking the flood dragon¡¯s body who need to have some tacit understanding. I see that Goddess Mu and Brother Fan are on good terms, so it may be assumed that you two can act together.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, several prodigies promptly quieted down.

    Bao Hong was rather unhappy in his heart.

    Everyone was a prodigy. Although this personage resided within a silver-ranked organization, how could this Brother Gongyi make arrangements for him like this?

    Qi Xuanao was quite reserved. Whatever he was thinking about, none of it showed on his face.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess still had a cold and cheerless expression. Only her elegant eyebrows suddenly furrowed, but this didn¡¯t allow bystanders to sense anything.

    There was only Fan Meng. Originally, he was angered when he listened to Tianheng¡¯s words. After hearing that he was going to be arranged with the Ice Phoenix Goddess, he restrained this anger. This was especially due to that phrase ¡°tacit understanding¡±. It could even be said that this scratched his itch, easing his expression in a split second.

    Yet, Tianheng¡¯s proposal wasn¡¯t inappropriate. No matter what thoughts these few people had, after some careful considerations, they also felt that this method was the most optimal ¡ª If it was a proposal that suggested total cooperation for the sake of fighting against that flood dragon, then they would¡¯ve been even more displeased. Therefore, there was nothing to be done. Since Bao Hong and the others tried to probe the situation in advance, they could only hold their noses and suffer through it withoutints now.

    Following this, Bao Hong choked back his anger, and was the first to speak: ¡°My Bao n possesses the >. With unrivaled defense and superior strength, I can deal with that origin flood dragon¡¯s head without fear of its sharp teeth, and I¡¯ll strike its skull¡¯s vulnerable spots.¡±

    Qi Xuanao had no objections: ¡°I practice the Hundred Skies Sect¡¯s >. My body techniques are quite fast. With some sharp weapons, I can respond to the origin flood dragon¡¯s ws.¡±

    Thus, Fan Meng brazenly said on the side: ¡°I shall make use of some methods to injure the origin flood dragon¡¯s body.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he looked towards the Ice Phoenix Goddess with some anticipation in his eyes.

    Mu Baizhi¡¯s expression was indifferent: ¡°I have the > to lock people in ce. Against the origin flood dragon, perhaps it¡¯ll be of some use. I can coordinate with Brother Fan.¡±

    As before, Tianheng wore a smiling expression: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, the flood dragon¡¯s tail will be handed over to me.¡±

    Just like this, it was settled. The group of prodigies swatted their mounts, and went to give orders to their armymanders. They intended to encircle and kill the origin-level flood dragon.

    ¡ª In the end, that origin flood dragon¡¯s realm was one level higher. To prevent it from escaping, there had to be numerous battle ves to hold the lines. Otherwise, if there was a mistake, the flood dragon would get away. Perhaps, it would stir up trouble and cause a mess in some other location.

    Soon, the other prodigies made their own preparations. Tianheng turned around, and spoke to Gu Zuo in a soft voice: ¡°Ah Zuo, for the time being, watch the battle from over here. Don¡¯t move away.¡± Then, he gave furthermands, ¡°Ao Ying, Xi Ying, Feng He ¡ª?You three must protect Ah Zuo. Don¡¯t let a single haire to harm!¡±

    The three battle ve powerhouses responded urgently: ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Consequently, because it was going to be a water battle, the four male prodigies didn¡¯t ride on mounts. Rather, they fully utilized their body techniques, and stood a distant three hundred meters up in the air. They calmly looked down below.

    Only that Ice Phoenix Goddess sat on the back of a wild bird. It hovered beside these few prodigies.

    When it was time to get down to business, the group of prodigies didn¡¯t harbor any signs of unwillingness like before. Rather, all of their expressions were upright as they looked towards the middle of that great river.

    At this moment, Fan Meng had also curbed any of his silken thoughts, and spoke solemnly: ¡°I have information to share. Although this flood dragon stays inside the river, it¡¯ll suddenly venture in and out at indeterminate times. Every time that happens, living people from nearby viges will be swallowed by it. In addition, due to this flood dragon, all of therge ships passing through the ck Sand River will vanish every couple of days. It may be assumed that this flood dragon swallows everything into its stomach when it¡¯s hungry. From the earliest reports until now, it has already devoured a thousand people. It ought to be captured so that its bones are picked and its skin yed. Then, it can be refined into leather armor and medicinal ingredients!¡±

    Qi Xuanao interjected: ¡°Since it doesn¡¯t emerge at regr intervals, how will we capture it? I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll have to think of a way to draw it out before surrounding and killing it.¡±

    Bao Hong said: ¡°This flood dragon is extremely cunning. Currently, it hasn¡¯te out for half a month. Perhaps, it knows that someone wants to make things difficult for it. Therefore, it has withdrawn into the river. If it¡¯s like this, we may have to enter the river and chase it out. However, we aren¡¯t as proficient in the water as this flood dragon. Our strengths would plummet after entering the river. I¡¯m afraid that once we go in, we¡¯ll also end up perishing in this flood dragon¡¯s jaws.¡±

    Three people had spoken. In the end, it was necessary to get the flood dragon out of the river. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be able to find a solution. Even if there were countless methods, none of them would work effectively.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess said: ¡°I see that Brother Gongyi hase prepared, but I¡¯m not sure if you have a way to deal with this. How about telling us about it so we can discuss it?¡±

    The other three prodigies looked at Tianheng as well.

    They didn¡¯t necessarilyck any ns, but they wanted to know something even more. How capable was this Gongyi Tianheng, who had just arrived and dared tomand them?

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Under this type of situation, there are two methods. The first is to use benefits to lure the flood dragon, and the second is to use strength to force it out. If we want to make that origin flood dragon appear, we¡¯ll have to use these two methods. Attacking this problem from two angles at the same time should prove useful.¡±

    Luring with benefits, and forcing with strength.

    When this statement was uttered, these prodigies understood Tianheng¡¯s meaning.

    Strength referred to martial prowess, and benefits¡­meant that they needed to find items that the origin flood dragon couldn¡¯t bear to part with, and use them as bait.

    Right now, the top priority was finding those things.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t wait for them to say anything. After speaking, he already spread out his palm where a small box appeared. Then, he said: ¡°This is Swimming Dragon Grass. It¡¯s rumored that after an ancient, ferocious dragon died, this medicinal herb grew from the remnant qi and blood. However, after a long time, the qi and blood within this grass has dwindled more and more. Now, none of it remains. However, although it¡¯s like this, an echo of the presence of that qi and blood exists within this grass. While it¡¯s only somewhat useful for tempering our bodies, this grass can further stimte the origin flood dragon¡¯s bloodline, allowing it to advance another step.¡±

    Upon seeing this, those prodigies had a hitch in their breaths.

    Then, Qi Xuanao spoke first: ¡°Since Prodigy Gongyi is being so generous, this Qi will take something out as well. Everyone, behold ¡ª¡±

    A small box also appeared within his hands. Its color and luster were crystal-clear. Inside the box, there was a lump of flesh that pulsated like a heart: ¡°This is a Sky Serpent Galldder. It was dug out the instant that the Sky Serpent was in, which preserved all of its toxins. What¡¯s more, because the Sky Serpent was terrified as it neared death, its poison is ten times as potent! If we martial artists were contaminated with a trace of this poison, even an Atomic Realm would be harmed. However, with regards to the origin flood dragon, this thing can increase the power of its poison sac. Thus, this galldder has a bit of luring capabilities.¡±

    Even Qi Xuanao had something to show, so the other two male prodigies weren¡¯t going to be outdone.

    Bao Hong said: ¡°I have an Earth Dragon Fruit. It possesses dragon blood like the Swimming Dragon Grass. It¡¯s just that this dragon blood doesn¡¯t belong to an ancient, ferocious dragon. Rather, it¡¯s from an ancient flood dragon. Although it¡¯s inferior to the Swimming Dragon Grass, it¡¯s also rather useful to the origin flood dragon.¡±

    Meanwhile, Fan Meng said: ¡°I have a Flood Dragon Eye. However, this thing isn¡¯t a genuine eye of a flood dragon. Instead, it¡¯s a type of spirit medicine produced from heaven and earth. It would be beneficial for a real flood dragon¡¯s eyes.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Sure enough, since they came to hunt and y an origin flood dragon, anyone who had some ns in mind were capable of anticipating that they needed to have items to lure it into a trap. Prior to Tianheng¡¯s departure, the Blood Transformation Pce Master had sent someone to deliver the Swimming Dragon Grass, which saved him the effort of searching. Those remaining prodigies of severalrge organizations also brought along the appropriate objects.

    Finally, the Ice Phoenix Goddess, who hadn¡¯t spoken the entire time, raised her beautiful eyes and gently opened her deep-red lips: ¡°My resources are shallow, and there aren¡¯t these types of rare and wondrous treasures. However, the profound cultivation method I practice mutually restrains the flood dragon. Once utilized, we¡¯ll be regarded as natural enemies. After these senior brothers use their dragon-tempting objects, this little sister shall unleash her internal qi to stir up the great river. This should help.¡±

    At this time, Fan Meng smiled and said: ¡°Naturally, who can say that Sister Baizhi¡¯s profound cultivation method won¡¯t be even more useful?¡±

    Bao Hong and Qi Xuanao both said nothing.

    Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled. Let¡¯s send people to ask the surrounding forces to move further back so we may act.¡±

    Having heard what was said, the other prodigies pondered this for a moment, and wholeheartedly agreed.

    Soon after, behind every prodigy, a number of Atomic Realm powerhouses moved out, each leading a team of battle ves. Along therge river, they negotiated with the numerous, spectating organizations. These forces originally came to watch the prodigies eliminate the flood dragon. This was for the sake of developing rtionships. They naturally didn¡¯t have any intentions of offending others, so they gave words ofpliance one after another, and fell back.

    Not long after, everyone retreated a little more than fifty kilometers. With their eyesight, they could still witness the might of the various prodigies on the great river. They wouldn¡¯t be affected by the residual powers of the battle that would ur in a short while.

    Everyone held their breaths in endless anticipation.

    ¡ª?The prodigies were going to y the flood dragon. Who knew what kind of magnificent spectacles there would be?

    Returning to the topic at hand,?since those prodigies came to a decision, they didn¡¯t tarry.

    The troops of the five prodigies stood at the ready along four sides. Gongyi Tianheng, Qi Xuanao, and the other two male prodigies opened the small boxes in their hands. In an instant, several streams of pungent, medicinal fragrances soared into the sky. These scents, which carried extreme enticement, spread in all directions! Because these odors were trapped for a long time inside the boxes, their fragrances were several times stronger than normal. Even though the spectating martial artists were fifty kilometers away, they could also smell it. While they experienced chest pain, they also felt full of vitality. It was a sensation that was difficult to describe.

    The martial artists were far away, and these rare and wondrous treasures weren¡¯t that useful to these people. Yet, they all had these feelings. Did anything need to be said about that origin flood dragon hiding inside the ck Sand River?

    Although this flood dragon had advanced, breaking free from the category of those ignorant and foolish wild beasts, it hadn¡¯t been long since it evolved. Moreover, its spiritual wisdom wasn¡¯t decisive or witty, and its body had be even more beastly¡­ Therefore, after several items that were incredibly attractive to it were revealed, it was controlled by its bestial nature and greed. Beneath the great river, it churned fiercely.

    At this moment, the Ice Phoenix Goddess suddenly set forth. While standing atop that light-cyan wild bird, her waist gently moved side to side, her lotus root arms were sweet and charming, and her footsteps were spry and lively. At once, she began dancing.

    In a split second, an icy-cold power floated from within those dancing steps. Soon, it formed an intangible force. Behind her, it seemed like a transparent ice phoenix was taking shape. Amid the beating of its winds, it produced a clear and melodious phoenix cry.

    If it was said that the previous couple of enticing items were the fuse, then this dance of the ice phoenix became the zing fuel that ignited this fuse. In the blink of an eye, the river water violently roiled and seethed. All of a sudden, dozens ofrge and small, irregrly-shaped whirlpools formed. They spun wildly!

    Tianheng held the Swimming Dragon Grass in his hand, and his gaze deepened slightly.

    He could see it clearly. These dozens of whirlpools didn¡¯t mean that dozens of other wild beasts were revealing themselves within the water. Rather, the dozens of sharp spikes on that origin flood dragon¡¯s body were suddenly rising up. Countless cyclones were circling around it, which also caused the river water to rapidly rotate around the flood dragon ordingly, revealing this unusual sight!

    However, since this urred, that origin flood dragon was about to emerge from the surface of the river!

    The remaining prodigies steeled their expressions. All of them had taken their own precautions, wanting to take action!

    The facts really weren¡¯t outside Tianheng¡¯s expectations. After a few seconds, the waves on the river¡¯s surface rolled and crashed again and again. Then, a wall of water as gigantic as a lofty mountain instantly rose into the air. It was no less than a hundred meters tall!

    Qi Xuanao immediately said: ¡°Go up!¡±

    ¡ª?In fact, there wasn¡¯t any need for him to warn them. The figures of Tianheng, Fan Meng, and Bao Hong had already moved to higher altitudes. They had gone a little more than three hundred meters upwards. Although the dancing Ice Phoenix Goddess hadn¡¯t changed positions, the bird she rode was quite intelligent. In the blink of an eye, the wild bird pped its wings, and went up.

    In a sh, the circumstances hidden within the river waves were unveiled to the people.

    It was an extremely malevolent flood dragon head. Its pair of eyes were scarlet-red. Within them, there was insatiable greed, a thirst for blood, and iparable cruelty. This flood dragon didn¡¯t have any humane qualities or emotional sentiments. Every one of its actions was driven by interests and governed by desire. It was attracted by the dragon-tempting items and incited by the dance of the ice phoenix. Now, aftering out of the river, it saw several puny bugs with exuberant qi and blood. In a split second, its appetite was piqued. With a nod of its head and a shake of its tail, it wanted to devour them!

    In the time it took to blink, this origin flood dragon had already risen over three hundred meters out of the river. But although it was like this, it hadn¡¯tpletely emerged from the water¡¯s surface. Its lengthly flood dragon tail was still inside the river.

    At this moment, it wasn¡¯t really the best time to attack.

    While the one attacking the flood dragon¡¯s tail was Tianheng, which had nothing to do with the other prodigies, these prodigies also weren¡¯t going to attack at this point. Instead, they continued to fly higher, wanting to draw out the entire flood dragon!

    The origin flood dragon was urged by its greed. Sure enough, it was excited and wasn¡¯t able to act rationally. At once, it followed them upwards. Gradually, all of the gigantic flood dragon¡¯s body emerged from the water. The entire body of the flood dragon was revealed!

    Unexpectedly, it was almost a kilometer long! How terrifyingly colossal!

    Tianheng and the others saw that the long flood dragon had already beenpletely drawn out. They simultaneously signaled at the numerous battle ves.

    Within several organizations, Ascendant Realm powerhouses instantly took action. Using prohibition formations, the surface of the river was sealed. This forced that origin flood dragon to battle the prodigies above the river. It wouldn¡¯t be able to dive back into the water to escape.

    In the air, the origin flood dragon only wanted to feed on blood and flesh. It didn¡¯t have the slightest thoughts about the sealed river. Opening its blood-soaked mouth, a terrible air permeated the whole ce. Its lengthy tail, which seemed capable of tearing the sky and splitting the earth, coiled with extremely frightening strength! Its sharp teeth were long and pointed, and each tooth looked like it could bite through the void. Its entire body twisted with formidable qi energy, and space would faintly tremble everywhere it passed as if it wasn¡¯t able to bear this power!

    At this exact moment, the prodigies uniformly acted, and the dragon-tempting items in their hands were put away. Once the objects disappeared, Mu Baizhi¡¯s ice phoenix dance also came to a halt as she withdrew her qi energy.

    The various heady fragrances, which originally lingered in the sky, immediately faded away. What remained were the couple of prodigies and the origin flood dragon whose head and eyes slightly cleared!

    The origin flood dragon¡¯s enormous eyes opened, and it looked at these tiny insects.

    It was only at this moment that the flood dragon realized that they had lured it out to harm it!

    However, the origin flood dragon wasn¡¯t afraid.

    Insignificant mole crickets and ants, and inferior realms ¡ª?How could they be its opponents? Even if they fought it at the same time, they would merely be giving it a bloody meal!

    However, it had been enticed by these insects, which aroused this origin flood dragon¡¯s fury. Ever since it advanced, it had been practically sessful in every endeavor. And now, it was being provoked by these insects. How could the flood dragon tolerate this?

    At once, the origin flood dragon moved its body. Its long tail swung out, and its enormous jaws opened. The flood dragon lunged over to kill them!

    The next instant, the prodigies separated to all sides.

    Compared to this origin flood dragon, this group of prodigies indeed looked insignificantly small. However, although their sizes werecking, their qi energies were majestic and boundless.

    Qi Xuanao and Bao Hong abruptly shot out to either side like two cannonballs. One dashed towards its head, and the other veered straight at its ws. The two¡¯s body techniques became incredibly strange. Qi Xuanao¡¯s agility possessed a hundred transformations, and Bao Hong was as violent and fierce as lightning! At almost the same time, their dantian¡¯s erupted with rays of light. Spirit weapons with ample spirituality suddenly appeared in their hands!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze moved slightly. Without the slightest hesitation, he syed his hand to grasp a long spear. This spear was a golden-level spirit weapon. After he broke through to the Immortal Realm, he searched out this spear, and stored it inside his qi ocean for his dantian to continuously refine it. These days, one man and one spear had already developed a tacit understanding. Once he poured in his profound qi, the spear hummed with a sonorous keen, and the spear shaft turned silvery-white. Spear qi rushed out of the front end, and extended about a hundred meters out. The sharpness of the spear tip was unrivaled!

    Tianheng promptly flourished the weapon in his hand, gripped the spear tightly, and moved towards that origin flood dragon¡¯s tail. His spear tip shook, and qi energy burst forth ¡ª?Suddenly, it pierced through the softer scales that crisscrossed the tail!

    At practically the same time, Qi Xuanao brandished his saber, and shed between its sharp talons amid the wing winds. Bao Hong¡¯s two halberds directly stabbed the origin flood dragon¡¯s pair of eyes. The Ice Phoenix Goddess slightly opened her hands, and blew softly. Cold air currents rushed forth, and enshrouded its body. As for Fan Meng, his hands held two short spears, which were thrusted into the left and right sides of the origin flood dragon¡¯s abdomen!

    Every prodigy acted together. Even though that origin flood dragon¡¯s spiritual wisdom was poor, which caused it to view these humans as insignificant insects, how could they really just be mole crickets and ants?

    The weapons in these prodigies¡¯ hands were golden-level spirit weapons. Once utilized, they made the sharpest des. Although the flood dragon¡¯s scales had extremely formidable defenses, between these scales was soft flesh. The abdomen, eyes, between the talons, and the softer scales of the tail were all weak points.

    While these prodigies didn¡¯t seek them out, once they found the right opportunity, they instantly inflicted serious damage upon that origin flood dragon with the help of their golden-level spirit weapons!

    Areas all over the origin flood dragon were attacked, and the surfaces of its body were run through. Its pair of dragon eyes had been stabbed by sharp weapons, and qi energy had pierced into them in an attempt to destroy its brain and take its life!

    The origin flood dragon suddenly unleashed a bleak and miserable roar.

    It had never expected that it would be wounded to such a degree by a few puny bugs. More than that, it didn¡¯t anticipate that underestimating these enemies during this confrontation would cause it to sink into this predicament!

    Fifty kilometers away, on the back of a gigantic wild beast.

    Gu Zuo watched this distant scene, and his heart was ovee with amazement.

    He originally thought that it wouldn¡¯t have been that easy if they wanted to stab this origin flood dragon¡­

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 340: Big Brother Takes Action

    <h4>Chapter 340: Big Brother Takes Action</h4>

    However, Gu Zuo also wasn¡¯t dumb enough to think that this first round of attacks had inflicted heavy losses on the origin flood dragon and that the following matters would be easily resolved. On the contrary, while the flood dragon had initially underestimated the enemy, once it received these serious injuries, its brain, which had been blinded bycency after evolving, would clear somewhat.

    At this moment, the origin flood dragon recalled something. These members of the human race that it was battling had such vigorous qi and blood. They were certainly the exceptional offspring of the human race. With powerful weapons, they were capable of harming it!

    Consequently, the origin flood dragon raised its guard as it suffered through the pain. It didn¡¯t look negligent or casual like before.

    Right now, it was a caged animal that hadn¡¯tpletely sank into a frenzy. It endured the pain, and finally disyed the might that belonged to a rank one origin beast!

    The origin flood dragon opened its jaws, and spewed a torrent of ck liquid! The targeted person was Bao Hong, who had stabbed its eyes!

    But how could Bao Hongck any vignce?

    After his strikes, Bao Hong strove to pull out his two halberds, and had flown towards a higher position. Those halberd tips brought out the stench of blood, and smeared the flood dragon¡¯s eye sockets, preventing it from seeing its surroundings clearly. Then, Bao Hong had already flipped onto the flood dragon¡¯s head. One hand exerted strength to grab the sinister thorns at the top of its skull. The other hand put away the two halberds, clenched into a fist, and condensed a multitude of profound qi streams. He started to bombard the head¡¯s Tianling Acupoint!

    It was only a pity that, while this profound qi was powerful, that origin flood dragon¡¯s head would erupt with waves of splendor each time Bao Hong smashed down. This splendor cancelled out more than half of his attack strength. Even if Bao Hong held nothing back, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to break through this defense.

    Meanwhile, that ck flood failed to hit Bao Hong, but within the range of that stream was the Ice Phoenix Goddess who was using her profound cultivation method. At this moment, the wild bird flew swiftly to get out of the way. Unfortunately, it was an instant toote, which allowed a few feathers to be soaked by that powerful current. In a split second, those feathers were scorched ck.

    The bird promptly let out a miserable cry, and staggered backwards through the air. The Ice Phoenix Goddess abruptly floated up. She waved a hand, and created a sheet of ice powder to freeze the bird¡¯s injury. Then, she lightly flicked her sleeve, and ordered that wild bird to retreat.

    Presently, Mu Baizhi was like the other prodigies. She relied on her own body¡¯s profound qi to stay in the sky, and didn¡¯t use another mount.

    Of course, this origin flood dragon wasn¡¯t only spraying poison.

    Its sharp ws stretched forward. At once, the talon tips were coated in ayer of ck qi, and the soft areas between the talons were covered with ayer of fine scales. Under this w swipe was what appeared to be a type of unusual martial skill. As it broke through the space that separated them, the talons grabbed at Qi Xuanao in an iparably strange way!

    Qi Xuanao reacted extremely quickly. His weapon was a golden-level great saber. It was thick, heavy, and sharp, and its might was inexhaustible. At this time, his body stretched taut. The muscles on his arms bulged, and he used all of his strength as his saber crossed paths with those sharp talons!

    The edge of the saber scrapped over the scales, producing a clear and morous screech.

    Sure enough, the golden-level great saber was unyielding, and it wasn¡¯t damaged by the sharp talons. Although some traces of the flood dragon¡¯s poison had contaminated it, the poison quickly faded away due to the cleansing saber qi. There wasn¡¯t the slightest impact.

    However, only a few white scratches appeared on those scales. And through the qi flow revolutions of the origin flood dragon¡¯s entire body, these marks were also quickly disappearing.

    Apart from Qi Xuanao being pushed back a dozen or so meters by that terrifying strength, this collision didn¡¯t injure that flood dragon in the least. How could it still be so easy like before when they caught it off-guard?

    At the same time, while Fan Meng was attacking the flood dragon¡¯s body, its scales circted with rays of light, which easily obstructed the prodigy. As for Gongyi Tianheng, he was located at the flood dragon¡¯s tail. That lengthy tail suddenly made a horizontal sweep, and even space was split apart by that thrashing. Where would he still be able to attack? It was inevitable that he had to dodge to the left or right so that he wasn¡¯t whipped and injured by that tail!

    Currently, its defenses were extremely tight. In addition, its form was enormous, and it roamed around in various directions. No matter how the prodigies wanted to target an area to assault, the origin flood dragon would often slip through their attacks after a struggle. It was hard to show any results.

    Gradually, this battle turned into a war of attrition.

    The profound qi consumption of the group of prodigies was severe. This was only because, every time they attacked, it would require incrediblyrge bursts of qi energy. Otherwise, the flood dragon¡¯s wounds would be even smaller. However, these massive attacks couldn¡¯t be sustained for long. Once their internal qi was depleted and they were struck by that flood dragon, the aftermath would be too horrible to contemte.

    The prodigies weren¡¯t stupid. Since a protracted battle was untenable, they had to think of another way.

    Soon, the five stopped attacking. Their figures retreated, and immediately arrived in one ce.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess said: ¡°Senior brothers, I¡¯m afraid that we must join hands this time.¡±

    Although Bao Hong and the others possessed the arrogance of prodigies, and didn¡¯t want to coborate with others to fight, it would obviously be even more shameful if they didn¡¯t catch this origin flood dragon. Thus, they all grunted or huffed in tacit approval.

    Tianheng spoke in a mild voice: ¡°Although the flood dragon¡¯s eyes and the soft flesh of its tail were previously wounded, this flood dragon is quite capable of healing itself. Currently, the situation has shifted in its favor. If we take too long, this will allow it to recover its state for a perfect victory. Therefore, I think that one of these two ces should be taken down. First, we¡¯ll have to thoroughly injure it. Immediately following this, the others will pin it down to break its skull, snap its neck, cut open its abdomen, and chop off its tail to kill the flood dragon. Merely, after damaging those areas, we must keep our guards up when its willpower suddenly enters a frenzied state, and it fights like a trapped animal. It would be unworthy if we are injured due to a moment of inattentiveness.¡±

    The remaining prodigies heard what was said, and inwardly nodded.

    They naturally had some ns in mind, but they fell short of Tianheng, whose thinking was so fast andprehensive. Moreover, during this time when they needed to cooperate, these prodigies of bronze-ranked organizations certainly weren¡¯t willing to serve under their counterparts. However, if Tianheng, this all-star prodigy, was called to unify and manage them, then their pride was somewhat willing to listen to him.

    It had to be said that, although Tianheng hadn¡¯t shown any skills that surpassed prodigies like them yet, the strength that he previously disyed had already caused them to acknowledge and ept him.

    As for the things hidden even deeper, they naturally intended to get a look over the course of ying the flood dragon.

    In the presence of the woman he admired, Fan Meng wanted to show off his abilities. Now that he heard Tianheng¡¯s words, he spoke ordingly: ¡°It would be better to take its eyes first. Once it¡¯s blind, no matter how crazy it gets, we¡¯ll have an easier time dodging it.¡±

    Qi Xuanao nodded his head: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll work together?¡±

    Bao Hong said: ¡°If we¡¯re working together, we need to rify what types of moves we¡¯ll use, who¡¯ll provide support, and who¡¯ll be the main attacker. However, that origin flood dragon is about to catch up with us. We can¡¯t waste any more time. We need to make a decision now.¡±

    Tianheng nced at the others, and faintly smiled: ¡°If we¡¯re attacking its eyes first, I actually possess an arrow technique that can strike from afar. If everyone hasn¡¯t given up, why don¡¯t you let me give it a try. If it doesn¡¯t work, we cane up with something else.¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess lightly said: ¡°Since this liege is sure, then there¡¯s no harm in trying.¡±

    Fan Meng heard what she said, and his eyes shed with a hint of displeasure.

    Mu Baizhi seemed to have a rather favorable impression of this all-star prodigy¡­ She had never been too close with anyone, but now she had taken the initiative to speak several times. Could it be that she had fallen for this attractive young man?

    Although this really wasn¡¯t the time to be jealous of a love rival, this suspicion still existed inside Fan Meng¡¯s heart. A spark of jealousy couldn¡¯t help igniting.

    It was only because, while he knew that his own aptitudes were incredible, his facial features weren¡¯t very handsome. Although women nowadays admired strength, one¡¯s appearances were the second most important thing. However, if two people were equally powerful, then women would naturally prefer the good-looking one even more.

    Presently, within the borders of Ten Ultimates Sect, only prodigies were a match for the goddess. With regards to the adherent sects and forces, those who couldpete with Fan Meng were only Bao Hong and Qi Xuanao.

    Bao Hong¡¯s skin was rough and his muscles were thick. His face also wasn¡¯t attractive to women. Since the man himself didn¡¯t care to understand amorous feelings, Fan Meng didn¡¯t worry about him. As for Qi Xuanao, although he was handsome, he already had countless rosy-cheeked bedmates. He wasn¡¯t the top choice for a husband. Originally, he believed that, after some time, Beast Taming Sect would be connected to Jade me Valley through marriage, allowing him to obtain Mu Baizhi. However, who would¡¯ve thought that someone like Gongyi Tianheng would show up midway? Not only was it reported that this guy possessed stronger potential and greater power, even his features were blessed by the heavens!

    In Fan Meng¡¯s heart, he naturally felt a sense of crisis.

    The uncertainty of what Mu Baizhi was expressing made it increasingly difficult for him to remain calm¡­

    Fortunately, Fan Meng understood what was important at this moment, and forcibly stifled that trace of jealousy. Though, he still said: ¡°Sister Baizhi¡¯s words are correct. Since Prodigy Gongyi is this confident, it¡¯s best that we hand this matter over to him. We can simply provide support on the side.¡±

    There was a flicker of radiance in Qi Xuanao¡¯s eyes. As for Bao Hong, he had a look of contemtion.

    The two also nodded their heads, and said: ¡°Alright.¡±

    Tianheng knew that they all had schemes in their hearts, but he didn¡¯t care. He came to eliminate the flood dragon only for the sake of revealing himself, recruiting manpower, and raising the sect¡¯s reputation. He had nothing to fear if it was only him confronting that rank one origin flood dragon ¡ª?With his abilities, while he wouldn¡¯t have been able to kill the flood dragon, there would be no problems with making a clean escape.

    It was at this point in time when he ought to fully disy his capabilities, and it just so happened that he wanted to give it a try. After achieving the Immortal Realm, what kind of powerful might would burst forth from his reddish-gold qi ocean?

    Hence, Tianheng smiled at the others, and said: ¡°Everyone, please hold the lines.¡±

    Once his words fell, the figures of the remaining four prodigies shed away. In the blink of an eye, they moved a little more than a kilometer away to make room for him. Originally, the flood dragon was lunging and thrashing above the great river. Seeing that the numerous prodigies had departed, it promptly swiveled its savage eyes all over the ce in search of them.

    That origin flood dragon quickly discovered the traces of several prodigies. At once, it turned its head, and soared over.

    Tianheng was calm and unhurried as his hand grasped the void. In his palm, a greatbow had already appeared!

    This bow was ten meters tall, and the entire frame was a fiery red. It wasn¡¯t known what kind of material was used to forge it, but its color and luster was gorgeous, and it was iparably heavy. Upon the bow, the bowstring was incredibly pliable and tough. The string was as thick as a finger, and it wasn¡¯t easily pulled. However, once a person exerted themselves and drew the bow, there would be the sound of the shattered void without any oscitions! The bow was also equipped with several long arrows. Every arrow was solid and unyielding. Whenbined with this bow, extraordinary power would be unleashed. This power could split stone and sunder mountains!

    This was also a golden-level spirit weapon. Tianheng traded for it in the sect using numerous human-level spirit weapons and other resources. He stored and raised it within his reddish-gold qi ocean for the purpose of archery.

    Consequently, this bow was forged with ore that contained the power of the sun. As far as Tianheng was concerned, it could be said that this weapon greatly suited him. Now, once it was fired, the bow would increase its power even more, further strengthening the arrow!

    When this greatbow was taken out, it faintly overflowed with the heat of the sun. It caused the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere to rise, and people¡¯s foreheads wouldn¡¯t be able stop flowing with sweat.

    Tianheng slightly restrained his gaze. One foot stepped onto the bow, one hand pulled the bowstring, and the other hand gripped an arrow and ced it onto the bow.

    These movements were neither fast nor slow. It was like he didn¡¯t see that the origin flood dragon was getting closer. But in fact, his actions werepleted in an instant. At this moment, ayer of reddish-gold power suddenly erupted all over his body, which practically caused his pitch-ck hair, eyes, and skin to turn reddish-gold!

    The majestic power of the sun surged forth from the hollows of Tianheng¡¯s palms. It transformed into a streak of reddish-gold light, and swiftly entered the bow! In the blink of an eye, the greatbow changed color, too. zing energy exploded outwards as if a scarlet sun hade into existence. This brilliant corona of light was bright and resplendent. It stung people¡¯s eyes, and nearly brought them to tears.

    After that, a reddish-gold arrow shattered the air!

    Whoosh!

    This force pierced through the sky. It was like a ball of sr mes had torn open space, and its reflection turned all of the water of the ck Sand River into a field of golden fire.

    In a sh, this arrow had already hurtled towards that origin flood dragon. Suddenly, one arrow became two ¡ª With one on the left and another on the right, both were heading straight at the flood dragon¡¯s eyes!

    As it turned out, this wasn¡¯t a single arrow. Rather, two arrows had been sent out at the same time. Tianheng wanted to shoot out its eyes!

    It was like that origin flood dragon was delivering itself to their doorstep as both dragon eyes weed the two arrows. Then, the long arrows instantly pierced and entered those eyes. There were sizzling and burning sounds. No matter how much that flood dragon shook its head, it couldn¡¯t dislodge the arrows!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    His big brother¡­was so awesome!

    T/N: Happy holidays, everyone!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 341: Harvesting the Flood Dragonâ€™s Corpse

    <h4>Chapter 341: Harvesting the Flood Dragon¡¯s Corpse</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s arrows didn¡¯t only rely on the sharpness of spirit weapons. There was also the more frightening power of the sun attached to them. After those two arrows pierced through the origin flood dragon¡¯s eyes, it only took a few moments for the eyes to be burned by this power. They were nearly turned to ashes!

    The origin flood dragon let out an agonizing shriek. Due to the pain, its entire body swooped down below and its dragon tail swung out with strength. Across the surface of the river, enormous waves that were three hundred meters tall were whipped up, and those innumerable streams of water created surging whirlpools!

    It was only a pity that, no matter how high the flood dragon whipped up the river water, it was incapable of diving under the river¡¯s surface ¡ª?This river had been sealed off by several Ascendant Realm powerhouses long ago. How could they allow it to escape?

    However, the origin flood dragon was under intense pain, and when it madly swung its tail, it still possessed incredible strength. These Ascendant Realm powerhouses couldn¡¯t help bing agitated from sensing this qi energy. Their chests ached somewhat as well. Although this power wasn¡¯t able to injure these Ascendant Realm powerhouses, it also appeared that this flood dragon was already close to going berserk. Now, perhaps it was about to stake it all with one move!

    On the other side of the battlefield.

    The might of Tianheng¡¯s arrows was truly formidable. Even Gu Zuo, who had watched Tianheng mature was astonished. Let alone the other people.

    Those numerous organizations spectating from far away saw Tianheng taking action. His body seemed to transform into a bright star, and his attitude was like that of a sun god. That shocking arrow technique left people¡¯s minds with a surge of thoughts! All of a sudden, their hearts no longer had any doubts about this all-star prodigy ¡ª?How could an ordinary person use such a stunning martial skill while at the Immortal Realm?!

    The other prodigies all felt cold in their hearts.

    This was¡­the power of an all-star prodigy?

    At this very moment, they couldn¡¯t help inwardly calcting. If they were faced with this arrow, were they capable of withstanding it? One couldn¡¯t look at how that origin flood dragon¡¯s eyes were a weak point. Even if it was like this, an origin beast was still an origin beast. The defensive power of that pair of dragon eyes was also extremely frightening. Otherwise, when Bao Hong previously stabbed into them, they wouldn¡¯t have healed so quickly.

    But now, that origin flood dragon had been genuinely blinded by the two arrows!

    The prodigies focused even more.

    Bao Hong had always been a straightforward person. Whenever his heart was unwilling, he would act on it. After seeing that Tianheng truly had the capital to back himself up, Bao Hong developed some admiration, and became much more content with his ce.

    Qi Xuanao¡¯s expression was calm and gentle. He still didn¡¯t say much, but restraining fear slowly grew in his heart.

    Only Fan Meng cared even more about Tianheng¡¯s matters. Even though he was also shaken by that arrow technique, he wasn¡¯t willing to let Tianheng hog all of the glory.

    Hence, he simply said: ¡°Prodigy Gongyi has already blinded the flood dragon¡¯s eyes. We must pull together and work as one to attack that origin flood dragon¡¯s vital parts and kill it!¡±

    Qi Xuanao and Bao Hong nodded their heads: ¡°That¡¯s right. This is the perfect moment to strike.¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess also spoke: ¡°I¡¯ll use the Ice Phoenix Heavenly Dance¡¯s most powerful skill to slightly freeze that origin flood dragon. Everyone, work together. Don¡¯t miss this opportunity.¡±

    In a sh, these prodigies had already concluded theirmunication.

    Immediately following this, the Ice Phoenix Goddess danced in the void. Snow as soft as goose feathers instantly began falling. Every single snowke drifted in different directions. A nketing chill spread across thend.

    Numerous snowkes fell onto the ck Sand River. In a split second, it was frozen solid, which allowed the river water to be further covered by ice and frost. This emitted an extremely intense cold.

    It wasn¡¯t only the surface of the river. Every ce that those snowkes passed by was turned silvery-white. That origin flood dragon was naturally no exception.

    In just the blink of an eye, snow fell upon the flood dragon¡¯s body, ting its scales in ayer of white. The origin flood dragon sensed the danger within the snow. Originally, it was in the middle of enduring the agony in its eyes, but at this moment, it promptly writhed its body and discharged its qi energy to shake off all of the surrounding snowkes!

    However, it was also due to its blindness that it couldn¡¯t perceive the descending snowkes in time. When it sensed the cold and danger, the snowkes had already fallen. No matter how much it shook, it was still somewhatte.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on the fact that the flood dragon had been a step toote. The power of ice and cold had rapidly invaded through its scales. The flood dragon¡¯s blood and flesh were oppressed by the ice and cold, and slowly became stiff and rigid¡­

    Although this rigidity didn¡¯tpletely freeze the origin flood dragon, this nevertheless impacted its movements. At this moment, the frenzied and vicious might it previously revealed was weakened.

    Taking advantage of this golden opportunity, the other couple of prodigies swiftly acted!

    Fan Meng took the lead. One would only hear him shouting in a loud voice: ¡°A Fierce Beast Roars at the Sky!¡±

    Then, his hands spread out, extending towards the front. He made an abrupt pushing motion!

    At this moment, a sinister beast head rushed out of Fan Meng, and formed an enormous beast shadow. As this entity dashed straight towards the flood dragon¡¯s body, its huge jaws widened, and its sharp teeth mped down onto the flood dragon¡¯s throat!

    ¡ª?It only needed to bite this ce, and forcefully grip that origin flood dragon¡¯s vital part. This limited the flood dragon¡¯s actions in fear of causing irreparable damage to itself.

    After that, it was Bao Hong who made the next move.

    His legs suddenly bent, and the soles of his feet pushed out! He immediately transformed into a human-shaped cannonball as he flew straight up. Then, like a shooting star, he abruptly smashed down!

    Both of his fists shot forward. The strength and qi energy of his entire body gathered into each punch. His body¡¯s qi energy red and boiled, causing his face to flush red. This was precisely caused by the qi and blood.

    The power of his whole body mmed downward right at the weak point at the back of the origin flood dragon¡¯s head! Although it wasn¡¯t effective when he previously struck its Tianling Acupoint, this attack was different. If someone observed carefully, they would see that his fists were wearing a pair of battle gloves. These things seemed ancient and unadorned, but they possessed an understated presence. These gloves could increase his strength several times over. Thus, as he smashed down, it was extremely powerful!

    Following this was Qi Xuanao.

    He didn¡¯t spare any words, and only took out that great saber once more. Immediately after that, his figure shed past, and appeared beneath that flood dragon¡¯s body. He raised the great saber, whirled his waist, swung his muscr arms, and performed a ferocious, circr sh!

    The cutting edge of that saber followed the curvature of the origin flood dragon¡¯s abdomen, and shed out. Wherever the saber met scales, it was sonorous and resounding like metal scraping against metal. However, Qi Xuanao didn¡¯t stop with this one move. He spun his vigorous form again. He was actually using a saber technique, and unleashed saber strikes again and again. Every saber mark struck one location!

    Thest one to take the stage was Tianheng.

    Previously, his two arrows pierced the flood dragon¡¯s eyes. Now, he put away the greatbow, and slowly stretched out his two palms.

    As for these palms, they were dyed with a bit of red.

    Tianheng¡¯sportment was still natural, graceful, and poised like the young master of an aristocratic family. Originally, his skin was a lustrous white, but at this moment, he was almost as white as jade. Compared to his palms, whose color and luster were gradually deepening, it seemed like his palms were welling up with a drop of blood. There was an incredibly strange sense of beauty.

    Immediately following this, Tianheng¡¯s right hand stretched forward, and lightly made a grabbing gesture.

    In an instant, a scarlet-red storm swept out. In the sky, it suddenly formed a gigantic hand!

    The size of this hand was no less than a dozen meters in size. Its blood vessels were distinct, and it didn¡¯t seem like it had been condensed from energy. Instead, it was like a real hand had descended from thin air to forcefully grab something!

    At this moment, the origin flood dragon¡¯s long tail was captured by that hand!

    With the strength of that hand, it tightly clenched onto that tail. When that origin flood dragon was caught, it couldn¡¯t move its tail anymore. Its entire body was in pain, and its head was dizzy. Meanwhile, its insides were chilled and constricted, and struggling was extremely difficult. This made it even more furious.

    It opened its jaws, and sprayed poisonous fluids. This jet of liquid burst forth, and everything fell into that great river, which dyed arge tract of the river¡¯s waves pitch-ck. However, this poisonous fluid couldn¡¯t injure these prodigies in the least. Its eyes were blinded, and it was continuously wounded. No matter how berserk it became, its momentum was also gradually declining¡­

    However, although the origin flood dragon¡¯s imposing aura was slowly diminishing, the internal qi of a rank one origin beast was quite deep. If these prodigies wanted to thoroughly kill it, they couldn¡¯t pull their punches. After the flood dragon was enraged, it was waiting for something. Once the prodigies used up their internal qi, it might still have the chance to escape with its life!

    In this way, the battle unexpectedly entered another deadlock!

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes faintly narrowed.

    His right hand closed once more. The huge, blood-red hand that clutched the flood dragon¡¯s tail promptly tightened, too.

    A surge of bloody qi erupted within the hollow of the palm. Within that clenched hand, it seemed to be mixing with an indistinct, ck light. A sickly-sweet stench assailed one¡¯s nostrils.

    Sizzling noises wereing from the flood dragon¡¯s tail. In the blink of an eye, mottled traces appeared on the originally bright and clean scales. Now, they looked like rusted sheets of iron. These scales no longer possessed formidable defensive capabilities!

    As for the reddish-ck light, it extended up along the scales. The origin flood dragon unleashed an even more miserable roar, and struggled even more violently! Thread-like cracks appeared within the white snow on its body, and some qi energy broke through. Consequently, Qi Xuanao, who was underneath the flood dragon¡¯s body, was jolted by that qi energy. He fell down for about a kilometer before flying back up shortly thereafter. He could sense that the flood dragon¡¯s power was dwindling, which reduced the distance that he was swept away¡­

    Presently, the flood dragon knew that it would be useless even if they remained in a deadlock. Right now, it was afraid that it really wouldn¡¯t be able to preserve its small life. Therefore, it stimted all of its ferocity. It wanted to take these puny bugs down with it!

    As a result, the qi energy on its body abruptly rose several times over!

    All of a sudden, not only was the ice and snow that covered its body shaken off, even Fan Meng, Qi Xuanao, and Bao Hong, these people who were close to the flood dragon¡¯s body, were blown away by that qi energy. They did their best to muster up enough strength, and they weren¡¯t too badly wounded during this fierce and violent qi energy st ¡ª But even though it was like this, they still suffered some internal injuries.

    At the flood dragon¡¯s tail, that extremely powerful-looking, blood-red hand likewise developed hairline fractures along its clear, porcin-like surface. If the origin flood dragon stimted its strength once more, perhaps the gigantic blood hand holding its dragon tail in ce would also copse.

    Tianheng stood quite a distance away. At this moment, although the gale-force winds generated from the origin flood dragon¡¯s qi energy blew against his robes and long hair, he was still stable and unruffled.

    The blood-red color on his palms didn¡¯t wane. Right now, he slowly unfurled his fingers once more.

    This hand followed Tianheng¡¯s previous movements. It flipped over, and brazenly pressed down!

    Howl¡ª

    The origin flood dragon¡¯s shriek rattled people¡¯s eardrums with a reverberating echo! This unexpectedly wounded some spectating martial artists whose realms wereparatively low. Blood flowed out of their ears!

    There seemed to be the crisp sound of breaking bones underneath that howl. Between the torrential waves, the roars of the flood dragon were long, continuous, and filled with suffering. However, its enormous body was still clearly visible to everyone.

    The ce where that blood-red hand pressed down on was that origin flood dragon¡¯s lengthy dragon tail. At this moment, in coordination with the previous blood palm, the tail was twisted and wrung into a crooked shape until its bones broke and sinews snapped! Countless streams of bloody qi followed the grooves of the misshapen scales, and burrowed inside. Every invasion contaminated a range of several meters. The scales within that range became dull and dim. It was practically impossible to move them again¡­

    The origin flood dragon¡¯s voice slowly weakened. Just a while ago, it had incited its ferocity, and ended up receiving another shocking blow. As for the qi energy it previously roused, how could it still act so boisterously?

    Qi Xuanao and the other prodigies naturally wouldn¡¯t let this chance slip away. They swiftly flew over, and utilized their own methods at the same time!

    A Fierce Beast Devours the Sky!

    First Strike of the Cruel Bear!

    The Harsh Saber, Third Form!

    Dance of Ice, Ninth Heaven!

    These prodigies used the true ultimate knowledges they practiced. These were also one of the most powerful moves they could currently send out. These moves burst forth with terrifying strength, causing the hearts of the spectating martial artists and organizations in the rear to be overwhelmed with emotions. Theirplexions couldn¡¯t stop flushing with excitement.

    Yes. They hade from various ces. Perhaps, they didn¡¯t know about each prodigy¡¯s skills, but there would always be someone who had seen prodigies or heard about their ultimate knowledges.

    However, such people had only seen one or two prodigies, or merely listened to hearsay. Now, all of these prodigies were taking action at the same time. How couldn¡¯t this cause people¡¯s hearts to surge and their horizons to broaden?

    These attacks fell upon the origin flood dragon¡¯s body, and it could only let out an agonized groan. Because its defenses were corroded, it could no longer weather the majority of the attacks and protect itself.

    All of the attacks disyed tremendous abilities. The origin flood dragon¡¯s throat was crushed, its skull was shattered, and its abdomen was sliced open with a longceration, which caused its internal organs to tumble out. Countless skewers that were condensed from ice and snow prated those dull scales, making the origin flood dragon¡¯s body look like a hedgehog.

    Lastly, a figure grasped a silver spear, and quivered the spear tip.

    In a split second, a current of horrifying power flooded out, and directly pierced that origin flood dragon¡¯s heart!

    After letting out a final, unwilling, blood-curdling screech, the flood dragon¡¯s enormous body thrashed violently. It swayed a few times before powerlessly falling onto the surface of the river, creating a gigantic ssh.

    Numerous battle ves uniformly acted, and used a huge to catch it. The origin flood dragon didn¡¯t have the least bit of breath remaining. Just like this, with a body covered in cuts and bruises, it died under the encirclement and onught of these prodigies!

    Soon after, the waves of the great river settled down.

    A number of silhouettes shot out, andnded along the riverbank.

    Their figures seemed far smaller than the corpse of the origin flood dragon on the river. However, as they stood there, no one dared to neglect them in the least.

    With their Immortal Realms, they yed a rank one origin beast.

    Sure enough, the prowess of prodigies shocked the heavens and shook the earth. They were outstanding and extraordinary!

    Numerous spectating martial artists let out lengthy gasps of air. At this time, they discovered that they had long forgotten to breathe during the exciting battle just now¡­

    Gu Zuo, who was on the back of an enormous wild beast, slowly unclenched his fingers and sighed in relief.

    In the beginning, he could still calmly watch the battle, but as time passed, he watched with more and more focus. His mood also became apprehensive and nervous.

    Now, the matter had ended. The prodigies killed the origin flood dragon without a hitch, and his big brother¡¯s impact during this battle couldn¡¯t be ignored by anyone.

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded his head.

    Undoubtedly, Tianheng¡¯s performance was the best, and his power was the strongest!

    At this time, those arrogant and condescending prodigies wouldn¡¯t dare to hold any veiled criticisms against his big brother, right?

    After sighing again, Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight couldn¡¯t help falling onto the corpse of that origin flood dragon.

    Ah, an origin beast¡¯s corpse¡­ He hadn¡¯t seen one before.

    He really wanted to dissect it, and harvest its medicinal ingredients.

    Just as he was thinking about it, Ao Ying suddenly appeared in front of Gu Zuo. In a respectful voice, he said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, the young master invites you toe over.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. Then, he swiftly inquired in his consciousness.

    [Big brother, you¡¯re calling for me?]

    Tianheng¡¯s reply quickly arrived.

    [Ah Zuo,e to my side.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up. He turned his head to look at Ao Ying: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Ao Ying immediately concealed himself once more.

    Under hismand, the wild beast soon galloped forward. It rushed straight to the banks of the ck Sand River. Surrounding this wild beast were resounding footsteps. These belonged to the previously dismissed battle ves who couldn¡¯t approach the battlefield, and included the subordinates of the other prodigies. All of them promptly came over, and rendezvoused with the battle ves who held the lines at the riverbanks.

    Once the enormous wild beast reached its destination, Gu Zuo walked a few steps to the side, and jumped down below!

    The space between his eyebrows slightly swelled with light, and his Core Psyche Realm¡¯s psychic power rapidly discharged. It bundled up his body, and instantly allowed him to be as lithe as a swallow. He rode the winds and floated down.

    Not long after, he stood firmly on the ground.

    Tianheng waved his hand to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo subconsciously wore a smile, and swiftly scampered over: ¡°Big brother.¡±

    Beside the other prodigies were also several men and women who had pure and mild qi emissions. They were simrly pharmacists, and their rtionships with those prodigies seemed quite close.

    Qi Xuanao opened his mouth first: ¡°Now that the origin flood dragon is dead, its physical body will be partitioned by us. The things inside its den will also be distributed by us. As for how everything will be divided¡­ Brother Gongyi has made the biggest contributions during this trip, and he should obtain even more.¡±

    His words were reasonable, but since he took the initiative to speak, this was doubtlessly to express his goodwill to Tianheng.

    Bao Hong also said: ¡°This is how it ought to be.¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess lightly inclined her beautiful forehead: ¡°Indeed. It should be like this.¡±

    Finally, that Fan Meng also spoke: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Although he still viewed Tianheng as a love rival, he saw things clearly during the previous battle. With his pride as a prodigy, he wouldn¡¯t go so far as to make things difficult for Tianheng in this ce. On the contrary, it would make himself seem crass.

    Tianheng naturally didn¡¯t refuse: ¡°In that case, many thanks, everyone.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened on the side, and was somewhat appreciative of these prodigies.

    In the past, he would hear that many people would fight each other with faces flushed in anger when plundering resources. Any agreed-upon distributions based on one¡¯s merits were promises that couldn¡¯t be kept. Where could negotiations be so peaceful like now?

    But when he thought about it again, he felt that this was very normal.

    After all, these were prodigies! Good things weren¡¯t in short supply. Fighting over the benefits brought about by the origin beast certainly wouldn¡¯t be proper. If this happened, it would truly be a loss of face!

    Hence, he inwardly nodded again.

    After this, Qi Xuanao and the other prodigies nced at each other. It seemed that they weremunicating something.

    Nevertheless, it was Qi Xuanao who spoke: ¡°From what this Qi witnessed, Brother Gongyi¡¯s contributions far exceed ours. It would be appropriate for his share to be twice our own. It¡¯s just that this won¡¯t be easily split up. Therefore, this Qi thinks that Brother Gongyi can take thirty percent of everything, and the remaining seventy percent can be further distributed between the four of us. Apart from this, Brother Gongyi gets first pick of the various treasures on the origin flood dragon¡¯s physical body, and there will be no need to divide it between us. What does everyone think?¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess and the other two prodigies nodded: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng also gave a faint smile: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, this one won¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡±

    Following that, it was time to disassemble the origin flood dragon¡¯s physical body.

    Fan Meng said: ¡°There are treasures all over an origin beasts¡¯s body. We martial artists have rough hands and coarse feet. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be hard to harvest anything. Thus, our subordinates can each send out a pharmacist to extract those elusive and inessible treasures. Afterwards, it¡¯ll be allocated by us. How about that?¡±

    Having heard what was said, the group of prodigies didn¡¯t object.

    Tianheng slightly inclined his body, and revealed an encouraging smile to Gu Zuo: ¡°Go ahead, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt joy in his heart. He didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng would really let him participate!

    After that, he looked at the others. Basically everyone was at the Core Psyche Realm. However, their internal qi realms were only somewhat higher than his own. Thus, not everyone had be profound-level pharmacists. As such, they were likewise being sent out by the prodigies to gain first-hand knowledge. Perhaps they were the prodigies¡¯ personal pharmacists or candidates to be personal pharmacists?

    If it was like this, then he couldn¡¯t lose out to them!

    The pharmacists of the other prodigies had probably experienced professional training, but Gu Zuo himself traversed an unorthodox path. There were many item books that he had gone through. His field of knowledge was vast, and he wasn¡¯tcking in strong points.

    As a result, Gu Zuo silently made a fist.

    ¡ª?He certainly wouldn¡¯t cause his big brother to lose face!

    Soon, Gu Zuo and several other pharmacists were ready and waiting.

    That gigantic origin flood dragon¡¯s corpse had been dragged ashore by the battle ves. When it wasn¡¯t moving, the enormity of the flood dragon¡¯s body seemed like a small mountain range. It emitted a faint suppressive might.

    Although the origin flood dragon had died, the realm it possessed while alive was still being exhibited. If some pharmacists with low realms came over, their legs would soften under this kind of suppressive might. To say nothing of hanging on the corpse to collect medicinal ingredients.

    However, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t afraid. His spiritual path realm was rather high, and he didn¡¯t care about this bit of suppression.

    Currently, what he needed to do was to swiftly harvest any useful medicinal ingredients. He had to do his best to collect more than the others to give face to his big brother.

    After that, Gu Zuo breathed deeply, and took out a knife that emitted a faint, spiritual light.

    This was something that Tianheng had prepared for him in advance. It was a spirit weapon that was especially used for cutting the corpses of origin beasts. This spirit weapon didn¡¯t have any attributes. When such tools were first refined, they were provided for the use of pharmacists. Now, they brought out the best in each other.

    Gu Zuo followed the winding flood dragon¡¯s body, and arrived in front of a w. He looked at the sharp talons, which flickered with a cold gleam, and his eyes shined.

    First, he would settle therger chunks. Then, he would take care of the things that required delicate work¡­

    However, just when he was about to undertake his task, his expression turned a bit subtle.

    [Side Mission: Harvest the origin flood dragon¡¯s physical body for medicinal ingredients. No fewer than five types.]

    [Mission Items: One set of harvesting equipment.]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: One day.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s reaction to the appearance of one more small chest in the Divine Medicine Pce Hall was to blink his eyes.

    Currently, he understood that all of the missions that the system gave him were things that he was about to do or matters that he could quickly aplish. Their objectives were usually to give him item books or suitable objects¡­ Basically, these were all free presents from beginning to end.

    How could it bepared to this time? Rather than saying that this was simply letting himplete a mission, it was better to say that it was only delivering him the harvesting tools ¡ª?That mission requirement which stated ¡°no fewer than five types¡± should be urging him not to bezy.

    One needed to know that the categories of medicinal ingredients on this origin flood dragon weren¡¯t fewer than five types.

    Gu Zuoposed himself, and his thoughts moved. That small chest appeared in front of him.

    When he opened it, he saw a sh of spiritual light. It was blinding.

    There really were many things inside.

    A small hatchet, pliers, gourds, long needles, surgical hooks¡­ The variety wasprehensive. Anything that Gu Zuo could think of was right here.

    This was practically gifting a pillow to a drowsy person!

    Gu Zuo no longer hesitated. He ced the knife his big brother gave him inside the chest. Then, he turned to the small hatchet, and took it out.

    Soon after, he took several deep breaths. Gu Zuo faced the area that connected the flood dragon¡¯s w to its body, and chopped down with the hatchet!

    The pharmacists were bustling around.

    For such an enormous flood dragon body, it wasn¡¯t easy to harvest its parts.

    Gu Zuo had selected a dragon w. Although that spirit weapon hatchet was sharp, it still consumed a lot of energy.

    The origin flood dragon¡¯s outeryers were very hard. Even though he checked to make sure he used his strength at the seams between scales, it was difficult to break apart the connective tissues that held everything together.

    He concentrated the qi energy within his body onto the hatchet, and used his psychic power to meticulously observe the ces being cut open by the hatchet. Every movement of the hatchet was slowly adjusted, which allowed the wound at the incision site to deepen and widen¡­ After persevering for a full hour, this flood dragon w was stripped away in perfect condition. Once he severed it, he didn¡¯t damage the tendons and muscles inside. He also didn¡¯t cause any damage to the intact skin that covered the flood dragon¡¯s body.

    After smoothly taking down one dragon w, a battle ve came over and used a vessel to receive it. Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo turned around and moved forward to another dragon w. He started the harvesting process once again.

    Because he gained experience with the first attempt, Gu Zuo was much faster during the second one. Thus, Gu Zuo was already done in less than an hour. Immediately following that was the third and fourth ws. Each attempt was faster than thest.

    The origin flood dragon had a total of four ws, and all of them were smoothly collected by him!

    Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat, and heaved a sigh of relief.

    This was considered a sessful harvest for one type of medicinal ingredient¡­ Of course, he didn¡¯t blindly harvest the flood dragon¡¯s ws. Rather, it was because he had already decided on the second type of harvestable material.

    ¡ª?The flood dragon¡¯s scales.

    Once the dragon ws were sliced off, there were small cracks around the scales in the areas adjacent to the ws. He simply peeled off these scales along the cracks. It was much easier than randomly finding a ce to start working.

    Harvesting the dragon scales was a delicate affair. This was because not every dragon scale was intact. Back when his big brother used the Blood Palm, the reddish-ck blood poison had invaded and contaminated many scales, which harmed the origin flood dragon. It was just that these contaminated scales couldn¡¯t be ced among the harvestable medicinal ingredients that were in good condition.

    Of course, Gu Zuo felt that, if the other prodigies didn¡¯t want these discarded scales, he would still want them¡­ His big brother¡¯s blood poison was powerful. A flood dragon¡¯s scales were also possessed medicinal properties. Who knew what kind of effect it would have once both sidesbined? He wanted to test them.

    While thinking such things, the movements of Gu Zuo¡¯s hands never once faltered.

    He swiftly took out the knife, and started to wlessly peel away the scales one at a time.

    The intact scales were set on one side, and the scales contaminated with blood poison were ced on the other side¡­ Without realizing it, Gu Zuo starting climbing up as he descaled the corpse. When he dropped back down, he had a huge pile of scales.

    The jet-ck flood dragon skin inside was also revealed.

    Merely, some of the dragon skin¡¯s surfaces were also contaminated with blood poison. In other people¡¯s opinions, these sections of skin were also going to be abandoned¡­

    Gu Zuo rubbed his shoulders, and prepared to continue.

    With so many flood dragon scales taken, the second type of medicinal ingredient was settled. As such, he would subsequently take the flood dragon¡¯s skin ¡ª En, as well as its blood.

    Previously, the wounds that caused the origin flood dragon¡¯s death had long been frozen by the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ ice and frost. This alsopletely preserved the blood within its body. However, after he sliced open the skin, its blood would obviously flow out.

    After that, Gu Zuo held the knife in one hand, while his other hand took out that gourd.

    Just then, he noticed that the gourd was specially used for storing blood. The internal volume was dozens of cubic meters. If nothing else, the blood that flowed out of one or two wounds definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to fill it ¡ª At worst, after he extracted several rounds of blood, he would send the dragon blood within the gourd into the sky to be collected by the battle ves.

    The flood dragon¡¯s skin was sliced open. Gu Zuo separated the good skin from the spoiled skin, and he cut them intorge sheets as much as possible. At the same time, once any skin was sliced, the flowing blood would be rapidly sucked dry by that gourd. What remained was pure dragon muscle. While there was also blood contained within the muscles, it didn¡¯t flow easily.

    Just like this, the flood dragon¡¯s skin and blood made up two types of medicinal ingredients.

    Once these were harvested, Gu Zuo took out a surgical hook, and began lifting the muscles and sinews within the flood dragon¡¯s body. Each and every blood vessel was distinct. Utilizing various tools, he did his best to keep every single strand of muscle intact and undamaged.

    He worked enthusiastically, and every movement was practiced and unhindered. He was as smooth as floating clouds and flowing water.

    Slowly, the fifth type of medicinal ingredient, the flood dragon¡¯s many muscles, was taken by Gu Zuo.

    However, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t content with only this. He continued his operations along the flood dragon¡¯s body, and fully concentrated on harvesting the medicinal ingredients. He worked with the other pharmacists to partition these ingredients. Their faces all revealed satisfied expressions.

    In the vicinity of the flood dragon¡¯s body.

    The prodigies stood calmly, but they weren¡¯t only standing there.

    They instructed the Ascendant Realm battle ves to remove the seal on the river¡¯s surface, and sent these battle ves to dive to the bottom of the river. That origin flood dragon¡¯s oldir would be plundered, and everything inside would be extracted.

    As before, the remaining battle ves stood near the great river. While they didn¡¯t use any sealing techniques, they guarded the area, and didn¡¯t allow anyone to fish in troubled waters.

    Because the origin flood dragon was already dead, the spectating organizations and martial artists who were originally far away had stepped forward one after another to get a full view of the flood dragon. They also looked somewhat covetously at those pharmacists who were harvesting the corpse.

    Pile after pile of medicinal ingredients were resolved. On the ground, they practically umted into numerous, small mountains. This caused feelings of admiration and envy to arise within these people.

    Ah, an origin beast¡­

    Even if it were the members of organizations, it would cost a lot to exchange for the things on an origin beast¡¯s body. Not to mention the people who weren¡¯t part of any organizations. With their realms, it was basically impossible to hunt and kill an origin beast. If it was purchased in the outside world, the prices were deathly expensive.

    What an origin beast represented was tremendous wealth and riches!

    Most of all, this fortune was still piling up before their very eyes ¡ª?As for those prodigies, their expressions were calm andposed as before.

    Later on, the battle ves continuously brought out the things inside the origin flood dragon¡¯s underwaterir, and set everything in a pile. Although the flood dragon had only recently advanced, once it evolved, it had acted willfully and recklessly within the great river, and umted many treasures. After that, it caused havoc above the river, and seized even more good things. All of it was amassed within its oldir.

    Now, after moving these things out, everyone could see clearly. There were even spirit weapons and many rare and wondrous treasures. While their ranks weren¡¯t extremely high, the sheer number of goods couldn¡¯t be looked down upon.

    It was a huge fortune¡­

    Time slowly passed.

    The pharmacists were working nonstop. In the end, they progressively harvested as many medicinal ingredients as they could gather. Even the flood dragon¡¯s head and abdomen were cut open, and the things inside were extracted.

    At this moment, the only thing that remained was a corpse with its skin peeled away. It was just a skeleton and some of its muscles with meat essence attached to its surfaces. At first nce, it was surprisingly in good condition, and still presented the shape of a flood dragon. People couldn¡¯t help eximing in admiration for the exquisite skills of those pharmacists. Unexpectedly, they could achieve a dissection to such a degree.

    The flood dragon¡¯s skin, scales, muscles, and so on were piled up like mountains. The flood dragon¡¯s blood, ws, heart, brain, and other organs were ced in different vessels. They were exuding a rich and heavy bloody qi.

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled at the other prodigies: ¡°The meat essence on the flood dragon¡¯s corpse has been preserved. It can be taken down by the battle ves. This will also expose the the flood dragon¡¯s bones.¡±

    The group of prodigies heard this, andmanded their subordinates: ¡°All of you, go quickly.¡±

    Tianheng gestured to Ao Min, who was next to him. The Ascendant Realm mastiff brought along over a hundred battle ves, and went to cut apart the flood dragon¡¯s flesh.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t hold back, and asked within his consciousness.

    [Big brother, how was my performance? Was I outdone by them?]

    Just then, he had been too earnest. It was to the point that he didn¡¯t pay attention to whether he did a good job or not.

    Tianheng beamed.

    [Ah Zuo did extremely well. You didn¡¯t lose out to the other pharmacists, and you even did better than several people. All of the numerous medicinal ingredients are intact, and there are almost no mistakes. The other prodigies are rather envious of your elder brother.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face slightly reddened after being praised.

    He knew it was impossible for the other prodigies to feel envy, but when he was praised by his big brother, this already made him very, very happy.

    [I didn¡¯t make big brother lose face?]

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened.

    [You gave this elder brother a lot of face.]

    More time passed. All of the flood dragon¡¯s flesh was cut down by the battle ves. What remained was a skeleton. Apart from the tail section, which had been bent out of shape, this flood dragon skeleton was quite intact.

    Presently, the entire harvest had concluded. Following this was the true distribution of the spoils of war.

    Gongyi Tianheng was given the rights to choose first.

    He pretended to ponder somewhat, and walked in front of a jade box.

    Contained within this box was water from the ck Sand River. And soaking within the water was a pair of pearls. Each pearl was approximately the size of a clenched fist.

    They were the dragon eyes that were previously pierced by Tianheng¡¯s arrows. Because they were burned by the power of the sun, the majority of each dragon eye was damaged. The remaining pieces were carefully extracted. These were the most important parts of the dragon eyes, but they also weren¡¯t as precious as the original pair.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°I¡¯ll be taking these things!¡±

    Having heard what was said, the expressions of the other prodigies slightly shifted.

    He ended up taking those things? Its worth clearly wasn¡¯t the highest¡­

    The group of prodigies didn¡¯t say much. However, they all took the same action without any prior arrangements. During the subsequent allocations, each of them uniformly handed over an extra one or two percent of their own gains to Tianheng.

    Because the prodigies didn¡¯t argue over the benefits and only took what was necessary, the exchange went smoothly. Therefore, all of the spoils of war were divided cleanly within an hour.

    T/N: Happy New Year!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 342: Qi Xuanao

    <h4>Chapter 342: Qi Xuanao</h4>

    After the spoils of war were distributed, the esteemed group of prodigies said nothing else.

    Gu Zuo looked at Gongyi Tianheng. Currently, he didn¡¯t know whether they ought to leave or not.

    Before these prodigies made any decisions, several highly important-looking martial artists wearing splendid robes and many people with genial and respectfulplexions walked over.

    After they approached and spoke a few words, Gu Zuo realized that these people were the city lords of several nearby cities.

    At first, when an origin flood dragon suddenly started causing havoc on the ck Sand River, they intended to have the Ascendent Realms in their cities eliminate it. Unfortunately, this flood dragon was cunning, and frequently submerged itself in the depths of the great river. It wasn¡¯t known how dangerous it was inside the river. As far as the iron-ranked organizations were concerned, their Ascendant Realm powerhouses couldn¡¯t be put at risk¡­ Consequently, this matter was passed up to the sect with a request to transfer manpower to get rid of the flood dragon.

    Soon, the higher sect passed down a decree. It stated clearly that this flood dragon would be treated as a learning experience for several prodigies, which delighted the various city lords. Therefore, they strived their hardest to protect the nearby citizens so that they weren¡¯t harmed by the flood dragon. Merely, they were powerless when it came to the people who came and went along the great river. Ships either capsized or were swept away by the wind and waves.

    Now that these prodigies had eliminated that origin flood dragon, these city lords naturally wanted to express themselves ¡ª Not only was it due to the gratitude in their hearts, it was also because they wanted to build a bit of a rtionship with these prodigies. In the future, this would certainly be enormously advantageous to themselves.

    As for those people who followed and surrounded the city lords, they were members of numerous organizations of various sizes. Under the lead of several city lords, they all came together to send out invitations. They wanted to host a banquet to entertain the prodigies.

    After those city lords respectfully stated their purpose ining, these prodigies, who still hadn¡¯t left, briefly pondered.

    Soon after, Qi Xuanao looked at Tianheng, and asked with a smile: ¡°What does Brother Gongyi think?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°I¡¯ll go along with everyone else¡¯s decisions.¡±

    At this moment, the Ice Phoenix Goddess spoke: ¡°Since these city lords are so cordial, and these numerous visitors are so sincere, we might as well go to the city and rest for a bit.¡±

    Even this woman agreed.

    And since the Ice Phoenix Goddess answered positively, Fan Meng, who still intended on getting closer to this woman, naturally said: ¡°If Sister Baizhi goes, this Fan will keep herpany.¡±

    On the contrary, Bao Hong wasn¡¯t particrly interested in going. However, while he possessed an air of arrogance, he didn¡¯t want to deliberately estrange himself from the others. Since everyone held the same statuses, not giving face would be in poor taste.

    Thus, Bao Hong and Qi Xuanao agreed.

    Likewise, Tianheng naturally followed suit.

    Upon hearing this, those city lords were ecstatic. They promptly said: ¡°We wee these honorable prodigies! Not more than a few hundred kilometers away is Luoxiao City. This certainly won¡¯t be a waste of your time!¡±

    Although these iron-ranked cities all possessed nearly the same foundations, who allowed that Luoxiao City to be the nearest? The location for hosting the banquet could only be there.

    Afterwards, the prodigies got on their own mounts. The numerous battle ves formed ranks, and closely followed and guarded their charges.

    Gu Zuo also diligently stayed with his family¡¯s big brother. He didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of stealing the spotlight.

    The wild beasts that could act as means of transportation for these prodigies were able to travel very quickly. In less than an hour, that gigantic city appeared before everyone¡¯s eyes ¡ª?Of course, while it couldn¡¯tpare to Shijue City, its city walls were also quite tall. The walls looked like a towering and lofty ferocious beast lying on its side.

    However, for the current Gu Zuo, this wasn¡¯t enough to astonish him like in the past.

    The city gates opened wide. This iron-ranked city didn¡¯t dare to make these prodigies get down from their own mounts.

    However, these prodigies had to be well respected. If they were separated in terms of priority at this time, wouldn¡¯t this refute their own honor? Although the city gates wererge, they weren¡¯t big enough to amodate this group of prodigies and their battle ve troops all at once.

    Soon after, Tianheng warmly said: ¡°Let¡¯s enter first, and have the battle ves go in after us.¡±

    The other prodigies didn¡¯t object. They urged their mounts forward, and passed through the gates side by side.

    Reaching this point, they regarded Tianheng somewhat more favorably.

    After entering the city, they went to the city lord¡¯s mansion.

    The city lord¡¯s mansion was the most magnificent building in the city. It featured a main hall that could fit several thousand people.

    Right now, the members of numerous organizations who came to watch the prodigies eliminate the flood dragon definitely numbered more than several thousand. However, not everyone could enter the city lord¡¯s mansion. This requiredyers uponyers of selections, and each guest could only bring along a few people into the building.

    The Luoxiao City Lord had made preparations long ago. Once Tianheng and the others came to the city and entered the main hall, they were guided to the seats of honor.

    That¡¯s right. All of the prodigies would be ced at the seats of honor. There was a row of five chairs for the group of prodigies to choose for themselves.

    Intentionally or otherwise, the other prodigies gave the center-most seat to Tianheng. As for everyone else, Fan Meng took the initiative to sit on Tianheng¡¯s left side. Then, he invited the Ice Phoenix Goddess to sit next to him. Meanwhile, Qi Xuanao immediately sat on Tianheng¡¯s right side. Bao Hong simply took the seat on Qi Xuanao¡¯s other side.

    There weren¡¯t any disputes over the seating.

    The chairs of the five prodigies were arranged in a semicircle so that there was no division between first andst. This also made it convenient for them to see each other¡¯s faces. From where the prodigies were seated at the head of the table, the city lords and other members of rtively important organizations also took their seats. They were separated based on their identity, position, and influence.

    Gu Zuo quietly sat slightly behind Tianheng at the same table. He felt slightly exasperated.

    The people of Luoxiao City had made such arrangements. They truly put in a lot of effort¡­ It probably wasn¡¯t easy to serve prodigies.

    Concerning this group of prodigies, just how prideful and standoffish were they? While they wouldn¡¯t exchange conventional greetings and social niceties with others at this banquet, because these prodigies had experienced ying the flood dragon together, this was considered a connecting point for friendly rtions. Thus, they chatted among each other.

    As for the city lords and the organization members, asionally gaining eye contact was already regarded as a bit of honor as the hosts of this banquet. Of course, if anyone from strong organizations took the initiative to offer congrattory gifts, these prodigies wouldn¡¯tpletely ignore them.

    However, as this feast progressed, a type of feeling arose within the hearts of numerous organization members ¡ª?Not only was the strength of this new all-star prodigy a cut above the rest, it seemed that his temperament was also much better than that of the other prodigies.

    Immediately following this, some organizations, which were originally rushing to meet this all-star prodigy, started to calcte a bit.

    In the back, Gu Zuo observed the expressions of these people who approached with apprehension and departed with satisfaction. His mood was a little strange.

    This time around, it looked like his big brother¡­was going to return from a rewarding journey.

    Regardless of whether there were offers of servitude or solicitation, the people at this banquet were all talented in the art of speech. It wasn¡¯t the best time to handle matters. As a result, one would only look at familiar faces. Besides those who had ns in mind, Tianheng also kept an eye on a few others. He understood the intentions of these organizations.

    Following this, he would check things afterwards.

    Finally, the city lords concluded the reception. It was now evening.

    Originally, the city lords intended to invite the prodigies to stay at the city lord¡¯s mansion. However, the courtyards within the mansion were of various sizes, and their positions weren¡¯t the same. This wasn¡¯t a good arrangement, and it would leave the prodigies dissatisfied ¡ª Moreover, if they stayed here, it wouldn¡¯t be convenient if they wanted to take care of any business-rted matters.

    Thus, under the eager guidance of the Luoxiao City Lord, each of the prodigies selected thergest taverns in the city and chartered them.

    Tianheng¡¯s battle vemanders took the lead in securing arrangements. After the feast, he brought along his little pharmacist, and the group confidently and calmly entered their own tavern.

    ¡ª?Naturally, his tracks had already been observed by those who wanted to see him.

    Once they checked into the mostfortable room, Gu Zuo sat across from Tianheng, and let out a sigh: ¡°Big brother, social interactions in the outside world are really time-consuming and troublesome.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Could it be that this has made Ah Zuo tired?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and joked: ¡°My heart and mind are tired. If I was in big brother¡¯s position, my mental state and patience wouldn¡¯t be as good.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smile deepened. He extended a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°I¡¯ve mostly been looking around. The rest of the time, I¡¯ve been receiving the fawning of others. There¡¯s no need to socialize with these people, so I wouldn¡¯t say that I¡¯m tired.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood. Currently, his big brother didn¡¯t have to be cautious at all times like when they had just entered Qingyun Sect. On the contrary, there were sycophants wherever they went¡­ To be honest, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t adept at this type of matter. It was a bit unnatural for him.

    If no one truly came to find his big brother, then that would be detrimental to them! Conversely, the more organizations that came, the more sessfully it would demonstrate Tianheng¡¯s actions during the ying of the flood dragon!

    After the two spoke a few more words, each of them went to take a bath ¡ª?Although they hadn¡¯t received any wounds during the elimination process, and qi energy could be used to wash off any blood stters, one had fought fiercely above the great river and the other had busily dismantled the flood dragon corpse for a long time. If they rested just like this, it would be somewhat ufortable.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo hesitated a bit.

    In the room, there was only one bed¡­ Should he leave and find another room to stay? If Gu Zuo didn¡¯t leave, he wasn¡¯t sure what he was going to do.

    However, Gu Zuo quickly discovered that he had been overthinking things.

    Tianheng immediately sat cross-legged on one side of the bed, and waved at him: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly went over.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Your elder brother used up some energy during the day. Right now is the perfect time to sit in meditation and recover my strength. Fortunately, this bed is ratherrge. Ah Zuo can do whatever he wants.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s little thoughts just then caused him to blush with shame.

    After that, he simply said: ¡°Today, I also consumed a lot of psychic power. I¡¯ll sit in meditation, too. But big brother, will I be bothering you over here?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head, andughed: ¡°No matter who I¡¯m wary of, I¡¯ll never keep my guard up against Ah Zuo.¡± His voice softened, ¡°Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    Just then, the little tangle of emotions surrounding Gu Zuo¡¯s mood immediately dispersed. His eyes and heart were filled with happiness.

    ¡ª?His big brother was clearly saying that he trusted him¡­

    Following this, the two sat cross-legged, and operated their cultivation methods. They took out some top grade Qi Infusing Pills, which were suitable for replenishing profound qi, and all of these pills were swallowed without exception.

    In a split second, an extremely pure power swept through their bodies. In a brief period of time, it filled their iplete qi oceans. As they continuously operated their cultivation methods, they rapidly replenished themselves¡­

    Gu Zuo soon entered a state of high concentration.

    Previously, he didn¡¯t know that pharmacists could also take certain medicinal pills. Now that he knew, he didn¡¯t hesitate any longer. In any case, his foundations were superb. There really wasn¡¯t any need to spend all of his time on absorbing ambient qi and transforming it into profound qi. His time ought to be used advancing his medicine refining techniques.

    Unwittingly, a night passed by.

    Over the course of the next day, the number of people who came to the courtyard to pay Tianheng a visit slowly grew. The majority of them were representatives sent by small and medium-sized organizations. With the ostensible purpose of paying their respects and giving gifts, they also came to further inquire about Tianheng¡¯s temperament and style of work.

    However, because time was short, the opportunities they had to seize were only within these brief couple of days. Thus, it didn¡¯t take long for a session of many organizations to pass along their true intentions.

    It was just that Tianheng wouldn¡¯t give his approval for every organization that sought refuge.

    During the early stages of umtion, if he assembled organizations that were unreliable, not only wouldn¡¯t this help him, it would be harmful instead. Consequently, he needed to choose carefully and consider things from all sides.

    The battle ves were immediately busy. They divided into several batches, and used stealth and concealment to discreetly gather information. After verifying those organizations¡¯ styles, everything they knew about was reported to Tianheng.

    In the end, it was up to Tianheng to make the decision.

    Gu Zuo was watching Tianheng who sat in front of a desk and was in the middle of writing something. He walked over in curiosity: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s this?¡±

    Tianheng unfolded the paper in his hands, and spread it out on the table: ¡°Ah Zuo,e look.¡±

    Gu Zuo moved closer to read it.

    Written on this enormous sheet of white paper were numerous, densely-packed names of organizations from the nonconventional to the iron rank. All of their strengths and weaknesses wereid bare.

    At this moment, among those many names, five had already been circled in red with Tianheng¡¯s writing brush. There were also a few others that were circled in ck. The calligraphy of those brush strokes seemed somewhat hesitant.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother, the ones circled in red have already been chosen, and the ones circled in ck are still being considered?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. The ones circled in vermilion red have already been investigated. Although I wouldn¡¯t go so far as toment on how powerful they are, the heads of these households are ambitious, but they¡¯ll listen to orders. Within the ns themselves, they¡¯re friendly and polite, and they¡¯re even proficient in particr fields¡­ As such, they may be trained. As for the ones circled in carbon ck, they¡¯re slightly mediocre, or somewhat unsatisfactory, or they¡¯re too far away and are still under investigation. Thus, I can¡¯t make any decisions yet.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°In short, it would be better to go without than to scrape the bottom of the barrel.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words fit my thoughts quite nicely.¡±

    Hence, Tianheng continued to pick and choose as hepared things from all sides. Indeed, he wasn¡¯t willing to be the slightest bit careless.

    Gradually, another few days passed.

    Gu Zuo simply stayed in the room and refined pills while Tianheng handled official business. Unexpectedly, a battle ve arrived to report that a prodigy came to visit.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo was astonished: ¡°Which prodigy?¡±

    That battle ve replied in a respectful voice: ¡°Prodigy Qi Xuanao.¡±

    At this moment, Tianheng put down his brush, and wore a pensive look: ¡°It¡¯s him?¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly asked: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Tianheng instructed the battle ve first: ¡°Invite him into the courtyard.¡± Then, he spoke to Gu Zuo, ¡°Among the few prodigies, this person seems different. There¡¯s more than meets the eye.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about this prodigy, but didn¡¯t feel that there was much of an impression¡­ If anything, the only impression was probably that his temperament seemed a bit more normal than that of the other prodigies. It also appeared that Qi Xuanao had acknowledged his big brother the earliest? Soon after, his heart thumped.

    It appeared that this prodigy was a bit of a schemer?

    Just as he was considering this, Tianheng was already lifting him up: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t think about it too much. Come with me so we can receive this visitor.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard his big brother¡¯s words. He shook his head to get rid of his scattered thoughts, and diligently followed behind.

    The actions of the battle ves were very fast. Apparently, Qi Xuanao was quite sincere when he paid them a visit. He brought along some battle ve troops, but those troops were stationed outside of the tavern. As for himself, he only took two Ascendant Realm powerhouses who remained on his left and right. They went straight to the reception area that Tianheng designated.

    In that courtyard, the flowers and leafs drifted lightly in the wind.

    When Tianheng arrived, he immediately came face to face with the other. He lightly brushed a sleeve: ¡°Brother Qi, please sit.¡±

    Qi Xuanao nodded out of courtesy, and arranged his robes as he sat down just like Tianheng. They sat on opposite sides of the stone table.

    Tianheng asked with a smile: ¡°The battle has already ended. Brother Qi, this visit is¡ª¡±

    Qi Xuanao inly said: ¡°I won¡¯t beat around the bush, Brother Gongyi. This Qi came here to invite Brother Gongyi to apany me on a journey.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s heart was slightly startled, but his face remained calm andposed: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Qi Xuanao said: ¡°Although we prodigies possess high and weighty positions, we also must have a lot of experience. Many days ago, this Qi discovered an unexplored area. I want to solicit a helper to investigate it together.¡± As he spoke, he gave Tianheng a deep look, ¡°Because this matter is hard toe by, the helper also can¡¯t be decided lightly. Therefore¡­I ask that Brother Gongyi considers it carefully.¡±

    Gu Zuo secretly thought: An unexplored area? I don¡¯t know what kind of ce it is, but it actually caused this prodigy to personally invite my big brother?

    Tianheng looked as if he suddenly became somewhat interested. He proceeded to inquire: ¡°Would Brother Qi divulge a bit more information?¡±

    Qi Xuanao naturally understood. If he didn¡¯t exin some things, perhaps it wouldn¡¯t be possible for Tianheng to make a decision. Hence, after pondering for a moment, he spoke about the matter in detail: ¡°When this Qi once went out adventuring, I came across a cave abode. Considering the depths of its concealment, it should¡¯ve been left behind by a predecessor. Its age is ancient, and its scale is ratherrge. Presumably, there are many things inside. Originally, this Qi wanted to open up this ce alone. However, I discovered afterwards that, to enter this ce, one must be apanied by someone whose foundations are extremely profound. Naturally, I asked my bloodline for a generous favor, and invited someone with extremely high aptitudes to apany me inside. Yet, although that cave abode had a reaction, mypanion was kicked out, and this Qi also wasn¡¯t able to enter¡­¡±

    He continued: ¡°Thus, this Qi believes that non-prodigies aren¡¯t allowed to enter that area.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he wanted to click his tongue in wonder.

    Unexpectedly, there was a ce that possessed such identification capabilities, and it would only allow prodigies to go inside? However, this was merely Qi Xuanao¡¯s conjecture. Who knew what was really going on in the end?

    Tianheng smiled, but said nothing. Qi Xuanao realized what he was thinking about, and knew that he wasn¡¯t moved by the triflingly few words spoken just now.

    After pondering for a short while, Qi Xuanao resolutely said: ¡°I won¡¯t hide this from Brother Gongyi. Back then, while this Qi couldn¡¯t go inside, I managed to see some amazing marvels. After going out, I carefully researched and distinguished them. Then, I found that those were some extremely rare things¡­¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I would like to hear the details.¡±

    Qi Xuanao¡¯s expression was heavy: ¡°Not to discuss the rare and wondrous treasures, but among them seemed to be the existence of a spiritual source.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t care much before, but at this moment, he couldn¡¯t help pausing: ¡°Spiritual source?¡±

    Qi Xuanao was grim and unflinching: ¡°That¡¯s right. That spiritual source¡¯s qi emissions were mysterious and profound. This Qi had a fortuitous but fleeting glimpse of such an item in the past, so I wouldn¡¯t recognize it incorrectly. That thing is always rarely seen. More often than not, only powerhouses whose realms are extremely high can utilize it. However, although our realms are rtively low, we should always n ahead for rainy days. The earlier wee into contact with that thing, the more advantageous it will be for our aptitudes. If Brother Gongyi is willing to journey with this Qi, I¡¯m willing to evenly split everything we obtain. What do you think?¡±

    This looked as if Qi Xuanao was suffering a loss, but in actuality, this really wasn¡¯t the case. Qi Xuanao provided the information, but the strength that Tianheng disyed was superior to that of Qi Xuanao. As such, this was also considered fair.

    However, Qi Xuanao didn¡¯t seize the opportunity to make more demands. Naturally, this made it easier to develop a good impression.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved. Shortly thereafter, he finally murmured: ¡°Allow me to consider this matter. If Brother Qi isn¡¯t in a hurry, how about I give Brother Qi an answer in two days?¡±

    Qi Xuanao knew that it would¡¯ve been impossible for him to immediately agree. One would always have to deliberate before making a decision.

    Hence, Qi Xuanao simply stood up with a smile: ¡°Since it¡¯s like that, this Qi looks forward to Brother Gongyi¡¯s answer. I¡¯ll be taking my leave.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t preupy his guest, and said: ¡°Until then.¡±

    As Qi Xuanao walked away, Tianheng remained seated at the stone table. It seemed that he was still deep in thought.

    Gu Zuo went over to sit down: ¡°Big brother, what do you think? Do you know what that spiritual source is?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t knowledgable. On the contrary, he knew many things that he currently needed to learn. Among those item books that he was continuously digesting, none of them included the concept of a spiritual source. Of course, he also didn¡¯t have the time to find out about things that were outside of these item books.

    As a result, when his big brother¡¯s interest was piqued the moment Qi Xuanao brought up spiritual sources, he didn¡¯t understand the cause at all.

    Tianheng said: ¡°So-called spiritual sources are a type of extremely special power. For the most part, they¡¯re the same as Wondrous Fires. They¡¯re produced from ley lines, and they all have different attributes. There are some rare ones such as the Wind Thunder Spiritual Source, the Five Elements Spiritual Source, and the Profound Ice Spiritual Source. With regards to the constitutions of martial artists, each of them have incredibly magical effects. However, these spiritual sources are extremely precious, and it would be difficult for ordinary people to even catch a glimpse of them. While they certainly exist within Ten Ultimates Sect, this item is a necessity that¡¯s normally cultivated by powerhouses at the Cosmic Realm and above. As far as your elder brother is concerned, I currently can¡¯t use it.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t expect that it was this kind of thing. He suddenly startled, but quickly puzzled over something: ¡°Since you can¡¯t use it, does big brother still want to go? If that ce has such a precious item, wouldn¡¯t it be dangerous?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he exined: ¡°It¡¯s precisely because treasured items are hard toe by that we absolutely can¡¯t let it slip away. While this elder brother can¡¯t use it now, I won¡¯t necessarily be unable to use it in the future. Even if that spiritual source¡¯s attribute is unusual, it can also be handed over to the sect in exchange for endless benefits. As for danger, there will definitely be danger. Merely, since that Qi Xuanao dares to invite this elder brother, there are probably other restrictions ¡ª For example, our realms¡­ Otherwise, he would¡¯ve asked his sect to send someone to fetch it instead, and he wouldn¡¯t have invited this elder brother to apany him.¡±

    Gu Zuo finally understood the reasoning within, and said: ¡°Has big brother already decided to go?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and nodded: ¡°That¡¯s right. This elder brother decided on the spot. It¡¯s just that I can¡¯t make that Qi Xuanao think that this elder brother is impulsive. I only said that I would consider it for one or two days. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll give him the news that I¡¯ve agreed to this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and didn¡¯t have much to say: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll just listen to big brother¡¯s arrangements.¡±

    Regardless of what happened, he would go wherever his big brother went.¡±

    But since it was already decided that they would be taking a detour halfway and wouldn¡¯t be returning directly to the sect, some matters that required handling would have to be settled first. For instance, those organizations and the spoils of war.

    The matter of those organizations was rtively easy to manage. For those couple of forces circled in red, Tianheng sent several Atomic Realm battle ves with outstanding strength to negotiate with them. Once the talks werepleted, an appointment would be made, and he would tell them to go to Shijue City. For those circled in ck, the investigations would continue. If they were found to be seriously unsuitable, then they would be ruled out. There wasn¡¯t any need to overthink it.

    As for the spoils of war¡­

    The vast majority of the things that Tianheng obtained needed to be arranged properly to avoid any mistakes during the handling process.

    Gu Zuo sat next to Tianheng, and watched him take out a lengthy list. ording to those numbers, Tianheng instructed Ao Min: ¡°The power of an origin beast¡¯s meat essence is tremendous and fierce. Unfortunately, ordinary martial artists and pharmacists cannot enjoy it. Ao Min, take fifty thousand kilograms of the flood dragon flesh, and divide it between my subordinate martial artists at the Atomic Realm and above so that they may sample it. Then, take several buckets of the flood dragon blood, and give two buckets to each tribe of the hound races. How the blood is utilized will be determined by each tribe.¡±

    Ao Min heard what was said, and his eyes shed with a trace of delight: ¡°Many thanks, young master!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 343: The Ice Phoenix Goddess

    <h4>Chapter 343: The Ice Phoenix Goddess</h4>

    The blood of an origin beast was a good thing. The strength it contained was tremendous. Regardless of whether it was given to their powerhouses to absorb or provided to the children and geniuses within their races to soak in, so long as the blood was diluted ordingly, it could achieve excellent results. Especially if it was given to the children and geniuses. Their meridians and physical bodies hadn¡¯t matured yet, and their aptitudes weren¡¯tpletely developed. Once they were supplied with even better resources, their future prospects would be immeasurable!

    ¡ª?Sure enough, the master they followed was extremely generous! Casting the support of their entire tribe hadn¡¯t been in vain!

    On the side, Gu Zuo noticed Ao Min¡¯s happiness, and couldn¡¯t help silently giving his big brother a mental thumbs-up.

    Ah, this was buying the hearts of the people¡­ Although an origin beast¡¯s blood and flesh were precious, increasing the levels of one¡¯s own battle ves and gaining their heartfelt gratitude was even more beneficial.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have much else to say. After casually bestowing this reward, he continued to give instructions: ¡°I was allocated one flood dragon w, and many bundles of flood dragon sinews. In addition, the scales, skin, and other parts are all top-notch materials for refining spirit weapons. The Iron Ox race possesses talents who can make use of them. Among the materials, some will be given to the Iron Ox race to be handled by proficient weapon smiths. If they can produce top-notch spirit weapons, I¡¯ll reward them as well.¡±

    Ao Min naturallyplied.

    Tianheng gave another smile: ¡°All of you battle ves have been following me, and it has been hard work. I also haven¡¯t forgotten your contributions. If the Iron Ox race is able to sessfully refine these good things, I¡¯ll naturally prioritize my own people. This will also increase the strengths of my subordinated battle ves.¡±

    Ao Min became even more deferential.

    Soon after, Tianheng gave further instructions, and Ao Min memorized them one by one. Many things that couldn¡¯t be used at the moment were properly stored away so they wouldn¡¯t be wasted or lost.

    Following this, Tianheng spoke to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, when you¡¯re refining medicine, you¡¯ll also run short of this type of medicinal ingredient. For me and you, there¡¯s one hundred fifty thousand kilograms of flood dragon flesh, thirty vats of ordinary blood, ten thousand scales, ten bundles of sinews, thirty sheets of skin¡­ Once you¡¯ve used them up, ask me for more. The others can¡¯t utilize anything that was contaminated with blood poison, so it all goes to you. Also, there¡¯s two more things. The medicinal effects of the flood dragon¡¯s eyes are exceptional. Although most of it has been damaged, it just so happens to suit your realm. I also got ten drops of blood essence from the flood dragon¡¯s heart. Ah Zuo can attempt to refine top-notch medicinal pills with them.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that he would certainly get his own share of the medicinal ingredients on that origin flood dragon¡¯s body, but he didn¡¯t expect that it would be such arge share. He immediately revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Many thanks, big brother! I¡¯ll definitely research even better medicinal pills as soon as possible. I¡¯ll give them to big brother¡­and big brother¡¯s subordinates to raise their strengths!¡±

    When Tianheng heard this, he smiled and replied: ¡°This elder brother believes in Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo had obtained so many good things. He went with Tianheng to where those spoils of war were stockpiled, and ced everything that was part of his share into the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. When he had free time, he intended to promptly begin researching.

    Among his pill prescriptions, there were lots of pills that utilized flood dragon-type materials for refinement. Moreover, many had unusual functions. Once these pills were refined, they could enhance the strength of a martial artist¡¯s physical body. Some carried an extremely faint trace of dragon power, which would allow a martial artist who practiced the corresponding cultivation methods to improve at lightning speed. Others could imbue a martial artist¡¯s body with a tiny portion of the flood dragon¡¯s skills¡­ In short, the effects would be much better than simply consuming the flood dragon¡¯s flesh directly.

    With so many origin flood dragon medicinal ingredients, he was convinced that he could make the most of it!

    Overwhelmed by his emotions, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes gleamed as he followed Tianheng back to their courtyard. Right now, he wanted to start refining immediately. But¡­

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess¡­ Why on earth did shee to find his big brother?

    After that, he pretended as if he never wanted to go back to their room. He turned around, and proceeded to sit down.

    Tianheng nced at him, and softly chuckled.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up a little bit, but he still acted as if nothing happened. Like a seasoned general, he held back his own troops, and bided his time.

    At this moment, the Ice Phoenix Goddess leisurely walked in, bearing a faint chill and wearing a full-length, snow-white robe. As before, herplexion was indescribably lucid and elegant. Her temperament was also cold and indifferent, but after she arrived, she was natural and unrestrained as she sat across from Tianheng.

    Tianheng slightly indicated: ¡°The arrival of this goddess brings light to my humble dwelling.¡±

    The frigid features of the Ice Phoenix Goddess unexpectedly revealed an extremely faint trace of a smile. Like the first bloom of a winter plum flower, this beauty would momentarily take a person¡¯s breath away: ¡°Brother Gongyi, you overpraise me.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Why did thisdy have toe here¡­

    For some reason, a sense of crisis was wing its way out of his chest.

    Regardless of the angle that Gu Zuo used to look at the Ice Phoenix Goddess, he felt that she was truly, bewitchingly gorgeous. Compared to the beautiful people he had seen in the modern world, not only did her beauty resemble nature itself, even her temperament and grace were unprecedented. No matter the type of man, when such a beautiful woman was looked upon with a ttering gaze, she would inevitably feel pleased with herself. If she expressed goodwill of her own ord, it would be hard for anyone to resist her charms ¡ª What¡¯s more, apart from outward appearances, her other qualifications were also outstanding. For instance, when it came to her aptitudes, she was a prodigy, too!

    After thinking about it, this would leave one feeling dismayed¡­

    Ever since he came to this world, Gu Zuo had seen many good-looking women. There had even been a few with special constitutions in Qingyun Sect. Though, to be honest, besides the ones who hadn¡¯tpletely grown up, the physical assets of the other women couldn¡¯tpare to that of the Ice Phoenix Goddess. It wasn¡¯t known if it was because Gu Zuo had a crooked thinking process or some other reason, but Gu Zuo had never guarded against those girls before. Contrary to expectations, he was actually a bit repelled by this Ice Phoenix Goddess.

    If there was anything that was worth being d about, it was probably that his family¡¯s big brother didn¡¯t continue the conversation after the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ modestment. Tianheng only sipped his tea and smiled. He didn¡¯t speak at all¡­

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s cheer didn¡¯tst two seconds.

    Though his big brother didn¡¯t talk, that Ice Phoenix Goddess took the initiative to speak instead!

    Following this, she slightly parted her lips, and chatted with Tianheng.

    The subject matter contained discussions about martial disciplines, unobtrusive praises for Tianheng, and some topics that would probably interest geniuses¡­ One couldn¡¯t focus on how the Ice Phoenix Goddess had a temperament as cold as snow. While she didn¡¯t speak often, once she started chatting with someone, there truly weren¡¯t any awkward silences.

    As Gu Zuo continued to listen, he became even more gloomy.

    This definitely showed that¡­

    Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say it.

    Later on, Gu Zuo discovered that he didn¡¯t understand some of the things they talked about when it came to martial disciplines. Gradually, he withdrew into himself¡­ It wasn¡¯t to escape. Rather, there was just this constant droning in his ears. He could no longer differentiate the contents of the discussion.

    In any case, he wouldn¡¯t leave.

    He absolutely didn¡¯t want to leave the two of them alone in their own little world!

    Just like this, he waited with a mind muddled with chaotic thoughts until a hand pressed onto his shoulder. Gu Zuo was frightened, and almost jumped up from his seat.

    A low and soft voice was heard: ¡°Ah Zuo? Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and suddenly discovered that the Ice Phoenix Goddess had disappeared.

    He paused: ¡°Big brother? Did Goddess Mu leave?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°She left. Ah Zuo didn¡¯t say anything the entire time. Do you feel hurt anywhere?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He thought of something, and hesitated, ¡°Just now, my thoughts drifted, and I didn¡¯t pay attention¡­ Big brother, Goddess Mu came to find you. Was it just to chat?¡±

    Tianhengughed in spite of himself. He reached out a hand, and patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head: ¡°It really wasn¡¯t like that.¡±

    Gu Zuo was worried: ¡°Then, what was it?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°She sought me out for the same reason that Qi Xuanao did. She invited me to explore a secretnd together with her. The terms were also very generous.¡±

    Soon after, he slightly shook his head: ¡°However, I rejected her.¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath: ¡°Big brother, why did you refuse?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°A gift freely given may have strings attached. As a fellow prodigy, she yielded the benefits, so there certainly must be a reason. We aren¡¯t familiar with one another, and I¡¯m not willing to receive such generous treatment only to suffer trouble in the future. By lucky coincidence, Qi Xuanao has already invited me, so I can distance myself from this matter without damaging a good rtionship.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, which had been hanging by a thread, slowly settled down.

    From his big brother¡¯s words, there wasn¡¯t any need to talk about anything else. At the very least, that Ice Phoenix Goddess was still inside the range of his big brother¡¯s vignce. There weren¡¯t any special impressions¡­

    T/N: I made some minor retroactive changes to the ranking system.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 344: The Cave Abode

    <h4>Chapter 344: The Cave Abode</h4>

    After that, Gu Zuo felt sad again.

    With Tianheng¡¯s appearance, strength, aptitude, and position, he had long known that other people would certainly adore his big brother. However, despite knowing this, he still felt depressed when it really happened.

    Unfortunately, he also didn¡¯t dare to confess his feelings to Tianheng!

    Okay. In actuality, he felt that confessing would be pointless. Think about it ¡ª This would be a long-distance rtionship, and this was a world of so many straight men. If there was only one of these two points, he would¡¯ve given it a try. But with these two pointsing together, how could he still have the courage?

    An aching heart could only grieve by itself.

    Gu Zuo silently rubbed his face.

    When he thought about how another person would show up next to his big brother sooner orter, he became even sadder.

    He also understood that even if the Ice Phoenix Goddess hadn¡¯t shown up, who was to say that there wouldn¡¯t be a Red Phoenix Goddess or a Blue Phoenix Goddess in the future?! Most of all, when his big brother was born, he gained a constitution and experienced many things while growing up. This was assuredly the standard allocations for a story¡¯s main lead. Perhaps, it would even be a stallion novel! At that time, if Gu Zuo was given more than one sister-inw, like a second, third, or fourth¡­ His heart would be crushed.

    With such thinking, when Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng again, his eyes unconsciously carried a trace of grief.

    Tianheng: ¡°¡­Ah Zuo, what¡¯s making you unhappy?¡±

    Gu Zuo abruptly snapped out of it, and forced a smile: ¡°N-nothing¡¯s wrong¡­¡±

    He carelessly allowed his thoughts to run wild!

    The person he was secretly in love with would easily scatter his thoughts. Haha.

    Fortunately, Tianheng didn¡¯t intend to ask any further questions. He only solemnly warned Gu Zuo: ¡°In the future, Ah Zuo also needs to learn how to distinguish entrapments. For those like the Ice Phoenix Goddess who would offer more than half of the benefits when both parties have equivalent positions, they usually have other ns and can¡¯t be easily trusted. But on the contrary, those like Qi Xuanao who get straight to the point and distribute benefits properly are people who make better friends. Ah Zuo, can you remember this?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll remember, big brother!¡±

    Tianheng softly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek, and smiled: ¡°In the future, you also can¡¯t let your mind wander around while listening to proper business.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was burning hot as he nodded earnestly: ¡°I¡¯ll remember this, too.¡±

    ¡ª?Afterwards.

    Although Tianheng refused the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ invitation and epted Qi Xuanao¡¯s proposition, because this was a matter of ¡°firste, first served¡±, the Ice Phoenix Goddess didn¡¯t express her disapproval. Instead, before leaving, she conveyed that there would be opportunities to work together again in the future. Tianheng naturally replied that they would meet again one day, but he still didn¡¯t give a definitive reply to the hint in the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ words.

    And when the Ice Phoenix Goddess left, that Fan Meng followed as well. It seemed that he had some kind of an arrangement with this goddess, but it also appeared like he was deliberately chasing after her¡­ However, this wasn¡¯t important. It also wasn¡¯t within the scope of what they had to understand.

    Later on, besides Bao Hong who still had some visitors to receive, Tianheng and Qi Xuanao finally reached the agreed-upon time. Two teams of troops charged towards another direction.

    This time around, Tianheng only brought along three hundred battle ves and some Ascendant and Atomic Realm powerhouses. Meanwhile, the other battle ves escorted the remaining spoils of war, and returned to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    The journey would take as long as ten days.

    In the small pce hall.

    Gu Zuo sat in meditation on the side while watching Gongyi Tianheng and Qi Xuanao who were currently sitting across from one another.

    They were in the middle of discussing martial disciplines. During this discussion, they would asionally practice the moves they talked about ¡ª?Of course, they didn¡¯t utilize any qi energy, and only performed the moves. However, with just this, it could be seen that the two had benefited from it.

    This situation continued for quite a few days.

    Initially, these two prodigies were still somewhat estranged. Although both parties¡¯ troops were traveling together, they also kept to their own sides and didn¡¯t acknowledge each other.

    After traveling for two days, Gu Zuo had just finished cooking a medicinal cuisine. The strong fragrance enticed the senses. At that time, Tianheng had been looking outside the pce hall, and happened to see Qi Xuanao looking in his direction. Hence, Tianheng courteously invited Qi Xuanao to share a meal. Unexpectedly, Qi Xuanao epted.

    Thus, Qi Xuanao sessfully established a presence inside the small pce hall. The rtionship between both sides was no longer stiff and indifferent like in the beginning. After that, Qi Xuanao seemed intent on making friends, and Tianheng naturally responded in kind. From this martial arts exchange, the ice began to break, and the atmosphere between the two gradually became somewhat harmonious.

    Compared to the Ice Phoenix Goddess, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t regard Qi Xuanao as a love rival.

    Besides the fact that Gu Zuo felt that Qi Xuanao was a straight man, this prodigy¡¯s bearing wasn¡¯t the least bit ambiguous ¡ª?At the very least, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t unabashedly think there was that type of closeness between them!

    As a result, from the bottom of his heart, Gu Zuo also felt that his big brother could make such a friend.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t consider this in depth. Tianheng wouldn¡¯t make friends with someone so easily.

    Just like this, after a total of ten days, they arrived at the location Qi Xuanao pointed out.

    It was a stretch of overgrown forest.

    From the small pce hall, Qi Xuanao took the initiative to go out and lead the way. He stood directly in front of the overgrown forest, and pointed towards the interior: ¡°Brother Gongyi, the cave abode this Qi mentioned is over there.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo jumped down, and looked into the overgrown forest.

    Gu Zuo was a bit puzzled.

    Where could one see a cave abode in this ce? Shouldn¡¯t things like so-called cave abodes exist on mountains? It was truly strange¡­

    In a split second, the sapling was chopped down, and this huge stretch of overgrown forest transformed into a mountain range covered in trees. This mountain range winded and meandered for several hundred kilometers. It was arduous, steep, and secluded.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    As it turned out, this ce had been using some kind of mechanism or illusion?

    How unusual!

    At this time, Qi Xuanao exined to Tianheng: ¡°This Qi once came to this ce while locked in a fierce fight with someone. I identally discovered that this tree couldn¡¯t be harmed.¡± The one he pointed at was that sapling, ¡°This Qi had received some wounds after the fight. By lucky coincidence, blood had sttered onto this tree. The next moment, I don¡¯t know what thoughts were turning through my mind, but I used my de to chop down the bloodstained area of this tree¡­ After I shed out, the tree was cut down, revealing this mountain range.¡±

    Afterwards, it was only natural that Qi Xuanao tried many times, and the situation would be the same every time. When he entered the overgrown forest and did nothing, the forest would remain unchanged. However, once he performed today¡¯s actions, the overgrown forest would turn into a mountain range. When he walked out of the mountain range, it would turn back into a forest.

    In brief, there seemed to be an ingenious formation that enveloped this ce. It was probably set up by the owner of that cave abode. Only special candidates could have the luck toe across it.

    Qi Xuanao sighed and said: ¡°The blood of ordinary people is useless, but my blood can be used. As for those who have worser aptitudes and higher realms than me, their blood can also be used, but only if their ages don¡¯t exceed thirty years. When in front of the cave abode, only this Qi has been able to get a reaction. Therefore, I specte that the owner of this cave abode is extremely proud. It¡¯s basically impossible formoners to acquire the remaining treasures. This overgrown forest has obstructed numerous talents, and the restrictions of that cave abode stringently tests the potential and aptitude of any explorers¡­ It¡¯s unknown what kind of personage left that cave abode behind.¡±

    Tianheng listened to Qi Xuanao¡¯s spection, and slightly nodded his head: ¡°Perhaps, the owner of that cave abode is a prodigy, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo also felt that this made sense.

    Because the owner was a prodigy, maybe they were only willing to give their things to other prodigies.

    Qi Xuanao nodded as well: ¡°Whatever the case may be, we¡¯ll have to climb these mountains first.¡±

    Tianheng had no objections: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After this, the group passed through the forest ahead, and followed Qi Xuanao as they climbed up to the cave abode.

    At this time, because the mountain paths were narrow, all of the wild beasts were temporarily set aside. The battle ves escorting the two prodigies fully utilized their body techniques, and advanced swiftly.

    As for Gu Zuo¡­ He was carried on Tianheng¡¯s back.

    He only heard the whistling sounds of the surrounding winds as if the entire world had been separated from him. All that remained was him and his big brother in this narrow and rtively still space.

    Due to this kind of sensation, he couldn¡¯t help hugging Tianheng¡¯s neck a little tighter. This was just like when they were on the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen ¡ª The Roads of Death. They relied on one another, and were practically tied at the hips at all times.

    However, when all was said and done, this ce wasn¡¯t as dangerous. It didn¡¯t take long for Tianheng¡¯s footsteps toe to a halt. Soon after, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to tarry, and immediately jumped down from Tianheng¡¯s back.

    Qi Xuanao stood on the side, and opened his mouth at this moment: ¡°Brother Gongyi treats this adoptive younger brother quite well.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo is the person I trust the most. It¡¯s only natural that I treat him this way.¡±

    Qi Xuanao listened to Tianheng admit this, and gave a long nce at Gu Zuo: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Pharmacist Gu must have outstanding qualities. In the future, I hope that there¡¯ll be a chance for this Qi to experience it for himself.¡±

    Tianheng also nced at Gu Zuo, but he only smiled and didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Gu Zuo kept silent, and quietly stood behind Tianheng.

    In any case, he absolutely didn¡¯t want to make his big brother lose face¡­

    This casual conversation wasn¡¯t important right now. Thus, Qi Xuanao also didn¡¯t intend to linger over how good the rtionship was between Tianheng and Gu Zuo. He pointed at the smooth mountainside in front, and immediately said: ¡°This is the location of the cave abode.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo heard what was said, and looked in the direction he was pointing at.

    There was a smooth stone wall that was covered in vines. It was situated between crevices and mountain stones, and there were numerous trees hiding it from view. Qi Xuanao was able to find this ce, but it wasn¡¯t known how much physical and mental effort was spent to determine its location.

    Qi Xuanao extended a hand to make a grabbing motion. Qi energy burst forth, which tore down the numerous vines.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo saw the surface of that mountainside. Among the areas sheltered by the vines, there were two different handprints¡­ Eh, both were right hands?

    Clearly, this required two people.

    Qi Xuanao said: ¡°These vines were also left behind by that predecessor, and they¡¯ve concealed the palm prints for countless years. I have to remove the vines every time Ie here. However, once I leave this ce, the vines will return to this state upon my return, no matter how long or short the time of my absence. Therefore, one would be even more convinced. In the beginning, this phenomenon was what helped me recognize it.¡±

    No wonder.

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded his head.

    But regardless of how it happened, this was considered a prodigy¡¯s good luck. If it was an ordinary person, even if they came inside, it might¡¯ve still been hard to discover the cave abode. To say nothing of being able to figure out the method of entering the cave abode. However, this wasn¡¯t only based on luck. If Qi Xuanao wasn¡¯t a daring and scrupulous individual, what use was there even for a prodigy?

    ¡ª?No. Perhaps, it couldn¡¯t be put that way.

    Maybe, it was precisely because Qi Xuanao and his big brother were people who had multiple strong points and the perseverance to be prodigies. They turned their luck into strength and paid it back, which further increased their good karma¡­ Whatever. If he thought about it too much, his head would explode.

    Gu Zuo wiped his face, and silently treated himself as an invisible person.

    The two prodigies were decisive.

    At this moment, Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°Brother Qi, do you know how many people can enter the cave abode once it¡¯s opened?¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    Right. It was said earlier that two prodigies were needed to open the cave abode, but what about afterwards? It didn¡¯t necessarily mean that only the two who opened it could enter.

    It was clear that Qi Xuanao had also thought about this problem. Thus, he didn¡¯t hesitate: ¡°After it¡¯s opened, we¡¯ll test it out before anything else.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Alright.¡±

    The two came to a decision, and moved to the left and right. They stood separately in front of the two palm prints on that mountainside.

    In the back, Gu Zuo was a bit nervous.

    Qi Xuanao also hadn¡¯t gone inside, but there wouldn¡¯t be any issues appearing the moment it was opened, right?

    At this time, Qi Xuanao and Tianheng simultaneously stretched out their right hands. They ced their hands onto those palm prints at the same time, and injected a trace of profound qi.

    In a split second, the handprints produced ring, white lights, and the mountainside trembled. Many rock fragments showered down amid the shaking. Meanwhile, a crack appeared between the two palm prints on the mountainside. It constantly tore open in both directions, and formed the shape of a door that was six meters tall and three meters wide.

    Tianheng and Qi Xuanao saw that the cave abode had opened, and promptly withdrew.

    It was just that it was already toote for them to retreat!

    The instant that the door appeared, the very moment that the two pulled their hands away and moved backwards, the doorway ejected two rays of extremely terrifying, pale-white light! These rays of light carried putrid and fearsome qi emissions. It seemed that so long as these rays touched the two people, they would be sliced apart. Their intestines would be run through and their guts would be scrambled!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help crying out in a low voice: ¡°Be careful!¡±

    He was aghast to realize that, even with his Core Psyche Realm¡¯s psychic power, he hadn¡¯t detected any sense of danger when the mountainside split open. It was only the instant that the door formed and the attack burst forth that he perceived the danger!

    However, by the time he sensed it, there was basically nothing he could do¡­

    That attack was already drawing near. In a moment, it was going to harm his big brother!

    Tianheng instantly pped out a palm.

    An enormous Blood Palm surged out, and directly pressed down onto that pale-white light. Meanwhile, that radiance struck the Blood Palm with iparable vengeance as if it wanted to smash right through Tianheng¡¯s move ¡ª?However, the Blood Palm¡¯s might was stronger. It gripped that ray of light almost immediately. The Blood Palm slightly closed its fingers, and the light was crushed until it dissipated.

    Not a single hair on Tianheng¡¯s head was disced.

    On the other side, Qi Xuanao had taken his saber out right away. The tip of his saber directly sliced through the white light. One would only hear a few swishing sounds, and that white light was chopped into pieces by that saber. The radiance scattered in all directions, and disappeared without a trace.

    Qi Xuanao also wasn¡¯t injured in the least.

    The attacks that these two people received were actually dispatched with such ease. Sure enough, they were worthy of the titles of a prodigy!

    At this time, Gu Zuo sighed in relief.

    Fortunately, the owner of this cave abode wasn¡¯t that vile¡­ Just when that attack appeared, he almost thought that this ce specially chose prodigies to kill them.

    Luckily, he was overthinking things.

    At this moment, the cave abode overflowed with an extremely dense ambient qi. Gu Zuo was farther away than Tianheng and Qi Xuanao, but when these qi streams poured out, he felt that his entire body was being immersed in lukewarm water. From inside out, he feltfortably warm. Gradually, he felt somewhat hot and drowsy. His inner cultivation method automatically circted without end, and power instantly poured into his qi ocean. It was like his qi ocean was continuously being developed and filled.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±

    While he spoke, he beckoned to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo swiftly moved next to Tianheng.

    Qi Xuanao also instructed his subordinates: ¡°Follow me.¡±

    Soon, the group walked towards that doorway.

    Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and Qi Xuanao all went inside. However, when it was an Ascendant Realm battle ve¡¯s turn, he wasn¡¯t able to enter.

    This battle ve was one of Qi Xuanao¡¯s men. He waved his hand, and ordered this person to fall back. This battle ve was exchanged for one at the Immortal Realm. Who would¡¯ve thought that this Immortal Realm martial artist also wasn¡¯t able to go in.

    How odd.

    Tianheng slightly pondered, and instructed his Ascendant, Atomic, and Immortal Realm subordinates to try one after another. Unexpectedly, all of them couldn¡¯t enter.

    But if everyone, excluding the two of them who activated the cave abode, couldn¡¯t go inside, then what was going on with Gu Zuo?

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly moved.

    Perhaps it was due to the contract between both of them. Or maybe it was due to Gu Zuo¡¯s identity¡­ In the presence of another prodigy, he sincerely hoped that thetter was the cause.

    Off to the side, Qi Xuanao also thought that Gu Zuo¡¯s identity might¡¯ve been the issue. Hence, he called over his own subordinated pharmacist. This pharmacist¡¯s spiritual path realm was at the Core Psyche Realm, and his profound qi realm was at the Atomic Realm. This person wasn¡¯t able to enter. Qi Xuanao dismissed him, and switched to an Immortal Realm pharmacist. It was just that his spiritual path realm hadn¡¯t reached the Core Psyche Realm, and was still at the Coalescing Psyche Realm.

    This time around, the pharmacist was suddenly able to go inside.

    Qi Xuanao sighed and said: ¡°This cave abode can only amodate pharmacists whose profound qi realms are at the Immortal Realm. Moreover, if it¡¯s a martial artist, only the people who opened the cave abode can enter. I wonder ¡ª?If it wasn¡¯t this Qi who initially discovered this ce, but a pharmacist instead, wouldn¡¯t it have been limited to prodigies?¡±

    His words were rather regretful.

    If he had known earlier, Qi Xuanao would¡¯ve used pharmacists to test things out. Only, it was a pity that there was an error in his previous thoughts, and he didn¡¯t anticipate that this cave abode could¡¯ve been rted to pharmacists. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have invited Tianheng toe along¡­ The palm prints on that mountainside had misguided him.

    Gu Zuo understood what Qi Xuanao meant, and could only sigh along with him.

    There was nothing to be done. Granted that they were both prodigies, his big brother was thebination of an all-star prodigy and the Tiandu Body. His luck was assuredly much better than that of a pure prodigy!

    He already started to feel that the reason why Qi Xuanao¡¯s brain short-circuited was to pave the way for his big brother¡­ When he thought about it, Qi Xuanao was the unlucky one.

    Fortunately, while Qi Xuanao wasmenting on the side, he didn¡¯t have any intentions of bing hostile here. He himself invited Tianheng, and he naturally had his own pride. He wouldn¡¯t go back on his own word, nor would he allow his inner thoughts to be stained with filth.

    Tianheng slightly smiled, but didn¡¯t make anyments about this.

    ¡ª?He was the one who had inadvertently taken advantage of the situation. The more he spoke, the likelier he was to say the wrong things.

    Afterwards, Qi Xuanao called upon another pharmacist to enter, too ¡ª?There was no other way. The pharmacists who could follow beside him for a long time were all golden-level at the very least. Their spiritual path realms were at the Core Psyche Realm, but to ensure proper pill rates, their internal qi realms were all basically at the Atomic Realm. Apart from these pharmacists were their juniors who had potential. As a result, the Immortal Realm pharmacists who coulde on this trip numbered only two. And the spiritual path realms of these two pharmacists were only at the Coalescing Psyche Realm.

    Of course, Immortal Realm pharmacists whose spiritual path realms could reach the Core Psyche Realm were extraordinarily rare. More often than not, it was an even rarer sight for pharmacists who had their strengths meticulously nurtured byrge medicine refining ns to work for others. After all, pharmacists who possessed such potential would usually prefer to select adherents to protect themselves instead of following someone else. Wasn¡¯t that so?

    Consequently, besides heaving a sigh, Qi Xuanao had no other choice but to use quantity to make up for quality¡­ Although, the numbers also weren¡¯t quite sufficient either.

    Inside the cave abode, Tianheng spoke to his subordinates: ¡°All of you wait outside. Don¡¯t let other peoplee inside to disturb us.¡±

    Qi Xuanao also gave simr orders to his own battle ves. After that, a group of five people cautiously and solemnly moved towards the depths of the cave abode.

    Just as they turned away, their receding forms had already disappeared from the battle ves¡¯ gazes. It was like they suddenly entered another space.

    Gu Zuo was clutching at his dear big brother¡¯s robe sleeve. As they walked, each and every step was very stable and secure.

    Qi Xuanao and Gongyi Tianheng walked side by side. As for those two young pharmacists who followed on either side, theirplexions were somewhat pale, and their walking speed was very slow.

    After going inside, the sights of the five had blurred. Then, they immediately set foot upon a roadid with gstones.

    This gstone road was quiet, and some fresh and green nts were growing on both sides. It was just that the nts and the gstone road didn¡¯t exist in the same space. One could only look at the nts, but not a whiff of their scents could be smelled.

    However, this wasn¡¯t the important point.

    What was important was that the group sensed the arrival of surging pressure the moment they stepped onto the gstone road. It surrounded them from all sides like an ocean of water. The squeezing sensation was crushing.

    Gu Zuo subconsciously discharged his psychic power, and it swept across his whole body.

    Instantly, most of that pressure was dispersed, and its negative effects became extremely faint. Soon after, he saw that his family¡¯s big brother and Qi Xuanao¡¯s bodies were also releasing qi energy to separate themselves from the pressure. It seemed that they also weren¡¯t affected. But it was different for those two young pharmacists. It appeared that they received the brunt of the suppressive might. In a split second, their foreheads beaded with sweat ¡ª?Even though they quickly unleashed their psychic powers, they still didn¡¯t feel much better here.

    Qi Xuanao slightly furrowed his brows.

    Altogether, the gstone road was three hundred meters long. These two young pharmacists hadn¡¯t crossed more than fifty meters before they started slowing down more and more. He couldn¡¯t waste time waiting here all the while.

    Thus, when Qi Xuanao saw that Tianheng and Gu Zuo were walking farther ahead, he simply said: ¡°The fact that you two could enter this ce can also be considered your good luck. Only, since this road¡¯s surface is hard to traverse for you, I have no other alternative but to let you guys walk slowly in this ce. I¡¯ll move ahead first.¡±

    Those two young pharmacists suddenly discovered that they wouldn¡¯t be of any help at all. How could they dare to refuse? Both of them hurriedly responded: ¡°Once we get through here, we¡¯ll do our best to find treasures for you!¡±

    Qi Xuanao slightly nodded at the two. After that, he chased after Tianheng and Gu Zuo withrge steps.

    It didn¡¯t take longer than a few breaths for him to catch up.

    Gu Zuo was still unhurriedly following Tianheng. His state was totally unlike the sorry figures of those two pharmacists. Even though the pride in Qi Xuanao¡¯s heart hadn¡¯t diminished, his eyes flickered with a hint of admiration and envy.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°How about we pick up the pace?¡±

    Qi Xuanao said: ¡°After you!¡±

    Following this, the two prodigies tookrge strides and swiftly advanced.

    Gu Zuo watched them move ahead, and circted his psychic power. He trailed closely behind them with a fleet-footed scamper.

    He nevergged far behind them.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 345: Taking the Spirit Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 345: Taking the Spirit Medicine</h4>

    Gu Zuo reckoned that a dozen or so minutes had passed. This gstone road also finally reached the end. However, when he took another step forward, he felt his entire body lightening. He almost staggered and fell over.

    Gongyi Tianheng had swift eyes and fast hands, and promptly caught him.

    But it was also at this moment that the two of them abruptly vanished.

    As for Qi Xuanao, he had likewise disappeared.

    After Gu Zuo regained his footing, he unexpectedly discovered that Qi Xuanao was nowhere to be found.

    Fortunately, because he had fallen just now, his big brother had caught him. This prevented them from separating.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo looked around.

    This ce¡­seemed like the legendary Peach Blossom Spring in the outside world.

    Gu Zuo blinked his shining eyes.

    He smelled medicinal fragrances! It was the ever-present, rich, and spiritual scent of medicinal ingredients! Moreover, as these scents mingled together, it brought about an inexhaustible, alluring power!

    If he didn¡¯t guess incorrectly, there was certainly a medicine garden in the vicinity! The scents were so potent that there were definitely many spirit medicines in this medicine garden!

    Tianheng saw the joy spreading across Gu Zuo¡¯s face in the blink of an eye, and couldn¡¯t help lightly patting his head: ¡°Ah Zuo? Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuoposed himself, and excitedly said: ¡°Big brother, this ce has a medicine garden! Ah, a medicine garden! I can harvest medicinal herbs, lots of them!¡±

    At Gu Zuo¡¯s happiness, Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression softened somewhat. However, Tianheng gently squeezed Gu Zuo¡¯s upper arm so that he didn¡¯t get ahead of himself: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be hasty.¡±

    Once he heard Tianheng¡¯s calm words, Gu Zuo blinked his eyes and his excitement cooled down a bit: ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    Tianhengughed in spite of himself: ¡°This ce is an unfamiliarnd. Although it lingers with medicinal fragrances, it¡¯s not necessarily safe. It would be for the best that we don¡¯t run around without watching where we step.¡±

    Gu Zuo settled down, feeling that he ought to cultivate a bit more tranquility in himself.

    After that, he spoke with an unflustered appearance: ¡°Big brother, what are we going to do now?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°First, let¡¯s take a look around over there. Ah Zuo, release your psychic power so we can avoid running into any dangers that we can¡¯t defend against in time.¡±

    Gu Zuoplied. He rapidly weaved his psychic power into a, and spread it out in all directions. Since he was already at the Core Psyche Realm, it was effortless for him to extend the fifty meters out.

    Then, it was like they had suddenly returned to the past. Gu Zuo was pulling Tianheng¡¯s sleeve. As he took the lead, he remained vignt of their surroundings. Although his mind was stretched taut, his mood wasfortable and cheery.

    ¡ª?Right now, anything he could do together with his big brother would make him happy.

    Back to the matters at hand. It seemed that Gu Zuo and Tianheng were being overly cautious. During this stroll, they saw flourishing flowers and jade-green grass, but didn¡¯t encounter any dangers.

    In fact, not to mention that this ce didn¡¯t have any aggressive, ferocious beasts, there wasn¡¯t even a single insect.

    ording to reason, this kind of environment should¡¯ve been very dangerous, but from the bottom of Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he felt that this ce was auspicious and peaceful. Theck of any animals didn¡¯t mean that there were hidden undercurrents. Rather, it genuinely allowed people to feel tranquil and even-tempered, and expelled any of those kinds of animals.

    Gu Zuo was a bit doubtful, and shared his own perceptions with Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, do you think we¡¯re inside an illusion or something?¡±

    Tianheng closed his eyes and contemted for a short while. He faintly shook his head: ¡°This elder brother also only feels that this ce is auspicious and peaceful. There¡¯s nothing unusual going on. If this is really an illusion, it¡¯s too realistic¡­ However, we still have to proceed with caution.¡±

    Gu Zuo solemnly nodded his head: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I understand.¡±

    Hence, the two continued their journey.

    Not long after, they came upon a wide clearing. A spirit field suddenly appeared in front of them!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s breathing became sluggish: ¡°That, that, that¡ª¡±

    Tianheng stopped. He was somewhat astonished as well.

    It wasn¡¯t strange that the two were acting this way. It was only because that spirit field was over a hundred meters wide. It was likewise divided into over a hundred plots of medicine gardens. Inside each medicine garden, the medicinal fragrances revolved all around and the spiritual qi pressed out!

    This was a medicine field!

    Moreover, the majority of the nts were spirit medicines¡­

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face.

    He calmed down for a minute, but his heart was still beating quickly.

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo behaving like this, and smiled gently. After that, he sized up their surroundings, and observed whether there were any unknown dangers¡­ However, he still concluded that there were none.

    Could it be that such arge medicine field would allow anyone to pluck its medicinal herbs?

    Although his heart still remained somewhat vignt, he wouldn¡¯t ignore the benefits in front of them due to these precautions. Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s forearm, and swiftly led him to the side of the medicine field.

    Up ahead, growing on the first piece of the medicine field were three stalks of lotus flowers emitting a faintly cold qi. All of them were taking in and sending out snowy motes of light, disying a wonderful and elegant beauty ¡ª?These lotus flowers ought to have been growing inside a special body of water, but right now, they had taken root in the soil here. It was truly baffling.

    At this time, Gu Zuo reacted and came over. After a bit of hesitation, he used his psychic power to investigate. From beginning to end, he never discovered any problems. He reached out a hand to pluck a lotus flower¡­ Eh?

    Tianheng paused.

    Sure enough, it wouldn¡¯t be this easy.

    Just when Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers were about to touch that lotus flower, they were suddenly blocked by an invisible barrier. This barrier didn¡¯t hurt Gu Zuo or anything like that. It only obstructed him. However, he also couldn¡¯t break through the barrier forcefully. Otherwise, a moment of carelessness would damage the lotus flowers. That would be a great travesty.

    Gu Zuo was a little disappointed: ¡°It¡¯ll let me look, but not take¡­¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s heart faintly stirred. Suddenly, he asked in a soft voice: ¡°Ah Zuo, I don¡¯t recognize this thing. What kind of medicinal herb is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo pulled himself together, and attentively answered his big brother¡¯s question: ¡°This isn¡¯t an ordinary medicinal herb. It¡¯s a spirit medicine. In general, after the lifespan of a medicinal herb with the corresponding product grade exceeds ten thousand years, it¡¯ll likely develop spirituality and be a spirit medicine. Only, the higher the grade of the herb, the harder it¡¯ll be to transform. Such as this Ice Lotus Flower. En, when it hasn¡¯t be a spirit medicine, it¡¯s called the Ice Lotus Flower. Once it bes a spirit medicine, its name is reced, and it¡¯s called the Twelve Turns Ice Heart Lotus. Big brother, notice how it has thirty-six petals? An ordinary Twelve Turns Ice Heart Lotus has twenty-four petals, and will grow twelve more petals after a hundred thousand years have passed. Since this lotus has thirty-six petals, it¡¯s at least 110,000 years old.¡±

    Tianheng softly asked: ¡°Then, what are the medicinal effects of this Twelve Turns Ice Heart Lotus?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°It can be refined into many types of medicinal pills. It¡¯s particrly suitable for refining golden-level and profound-level pills. Among them, there¡¯s a type of Obstruction Breaking Pill. Generally, one uses an Ice Lotus Flower to refine it. If it¡¯s switched to the Twelve Turns Ice Heart Lotus, it can increase the pill¡¯s assistive capabilities of breaking through realms without causing a qi deviation. The effects are very good.¡±

    While listening to Gu Zuo talk, Tianheng split half of his attention onto that medicine garden. Because his examination was extremely sensitive, he abruptly detected something. The more Gu Zuo lectured, the faster that area¡¯s qi streams were circting.

    After that, Tianheng revealed a meaningful smile: ¡°Ah Zuo, touch it again. Let¡¯s give it another try.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, but he always trusted his family¡¯s big brother. Hence, he extended his hand once more, and slowly went to touch¡­

    It worked?

    This time around, he actually touched the lotus flower¡¯s petals without a problem!

    In a split second, he turned his head: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Since this ce is without any danger, and the cave abode¡¯s attitude towards pharmacists is rather good, it may be assumed that the cave abode¡¯s owner wouldn¡¯t take offense to sharing the stored treasures with pharmacists. However, if an ordinary pharmacist obtained a treasure, it would inevitably be wasted. Before allowing anyone to take a treasure, testing them will be essential.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    So the reason why his big brother asked him what this spirit medicine was called and its effects was to let him take this test? And once he talked about these details, the cave abode realized that he knew how to utilize this spirit medicine. Thus, it was willing to give the spirit medicine to him?

    If it was like this, then it would make sense!

    Gu Zuo restrained the excitement in his heart, and carefully plucked and put away the three stalks of mature Twelve Turns Ice Heart Lotuses in this field. He left the remaining young stalks to continue growing. Immediately following that, he impatiently dashed to another medicine garden in the medicine field, and reached out a hand to experiment ¡ª?Oh! Sure enough, he couldn¡¯t pluck anything! However, after he speedily recited everything he knew about concerning this type of spirit medicine, the medicine garden really opened up once again!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the?original author.

 Chapter 346 - The Cave Abodeâ€™s Hidden Treasures

    Chapter 346 - The Cave Abode¡¯s Hidden Treasures

    Needless to say, while in possession of <<details of="" ten="" thousand="" medicines="">>, which contained a list of countless spirit medicines, Gu Zuo could easily identify such good things when encountering them. It could be said that he knew this item book like the back of his hand. In this respect, his foundational knowledge was extremely firm.

    As a result, while looking at this medicine field, every time he walked to a medicine garden, he could smoothly identify the species of spirit medicine and name at least one of its applications ¡ª Naturally, this was done without a hitch. These spirit medicines were plucked one by one, and stored inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall for safe keeping.

    At the same time, because these spirit medicines required different environments, whenever he harvested something, some of the soil would be left on the roots. However, so long as he encountered a garden with young sprouts, he would only take the matured ones. If the gardens didn¡¯t have any young sprouts¡­he would¡¯ve harvested all of the spirit medicines. Yet, it seemed that this type of situation never happened.

    Gu Zuo almost forgot everything else around him as he attentively and conscientiously plucked his way through the medicine gardens. He practically sank into a type of obsessive state. Once he plucked all of the harvestable spirit medicines in the entire medicine field, his mind nked, his legs went soft, and he started to fall backwards.

    But then, he fell into a warm embrace instead. He didn¡¯t touch the hard ground at all.

    Gu Zuo detected a familiar scent. Soon after, he heard muffledughter above his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, slow down a little.¡±

    As it turned out, when he had been continuously harvesting spirit medicines, his big brother had been quietly following behind him. Up until now, Tianheng had been keeping himpany.

    Gu Zuo felt embarrassed right away: ¡°I wasn¡¯t careful¡­¡±

    Tianheng helped Gu Zuo up, and ruffled his hair: ¡°Ah Zuo has picked this many spirit medicines. Can you make a tally?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly shook himself free from his embarrassed mood, and happiness spread across his whole face: ¡°Big brother, there are three hundred twenty-four types of spirit medicines here. The spirituality of each type is different. In total, I have eight hundred twenty-two stalks!¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood couldn¡¯t be pacified.

    He wasn¡¯t being petty or scornful. Rather, there were too many spirit medicines here. Although most of their spiritualities were less than forty percent, the ages, quantities, and qualities of this harvest would cause anyone to be wild with joy!

    Previously, Tianheng had nced over the scene of this medicine field. Naturally, he anticipated that there would be many spirit medicines here. However, he didn¡¯t expect that the total would be this high when the plucking was finished. Moreover, the species were also quite abundant!

    Although there were even more varieties of spirit medicines in Ten Ultimates Sect, those spirit medicines required things in exchange. This was unlike the ones here, which already belonged to them.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Ah Zuo did a great job.¡±

    Gu Zuo brightened at the praise: ¡°With these spirit medicines, I can refine even more precious medicinal pills. At that time, it¡¯ll be advantageous when big brother sways more people and trades for good things with others.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression became even more soft and gentle: ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to work hard.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I like refining medicine.¡±

    Moreover, regardless of whether it was for a rtive he cared about or his beloved sweetheart, he wouldn¡¯t feel it was hard work even if he was dead tired¡­

    The atmosphere between the two wasforting.

    Since all of the harvestable medicinal ingredients had been plucked, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng out of this medicine field. It was just that, after the two people took their final steps out of this tract of medicinal soil, the huge medicine field behind them suddenly underwent a peculiar transformation!

    Gu Zuo heard the wind whistling behind them, and turned around to look ¡ª

    What he saw made him jump in fright.

    That medicine field actually d-disappeared?!

    This was too high-tech¡­ No, it was too unscientific!

    Tianheng quickly reacted. He extended a hand, and swiftly pulled Gu Zuo to his side for protection.

    At this moment, a gigantic male lion suddenly appeared in the area where that medicine field originally existed.

    It looked vivid and lifelike, but in actuality, it was a stone carving that could move.

    The stone carving moved forward step by step. Tianheng kept his guard up.

    Finally, when there was still a dozen or so meters separating them, the stone carving came to a halt. It opened its jaws, and spat out a roll of yellowed silk fabric. An oppressive voice echoed: ¡°Temperance, diligence, and sturdy foundations. You may obtain my master¡¯s gifted scroll¡ª¡±

    After that, the stone lion also vanished.

    The instant it disappeared, that silk fabric flew parallel to the ground, and fell directly into Gu Zuo¡¯s hand.

    Gu Zuo unravelled and read it.

    Written on this silk fabric was the means to cultivate medicinal soil ¡ª In other words, the same soil that covered this medicine field? Every medicine garden had differentpositions that satisfied the growing environments of different spirit medicines!

    Incredible! This was indeed a good thing!

    Among the many item books that the system gave Gu Zuo, while some pertained to medicinal decoctions that increased soil fertility, none could cultivate spirit medicines. Perhaps, it was because the system didn¡¯t think that Gu Zuo¡¯s capabilities had reached this degree yet?

    But now that he had this silk fabric, he could take a look at it when they returned¡­ Even if it truly wasn¡¯t the right time, he could always gain an understanding of it first.

    Once Gu Zuo put away the silk fabric, another change urred to the scene in front of them ¡ª Or it could be said that, after the stone lion vanished, some indistinct virtual images had already emerged on top of that hugend.

    At this moment, these images finally solidified. Gu Zuo only felt that this slice of the world had undergone a transformation. The originally tilled soil suddenly became hard ground. The surroundings suddenly darkened, and the location where he and Tianheng stood became a cavern!

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    With these countless permutations, one would think that the cave abode¡¯s owner was ying around.

    On the contrary, Tianheng was undisturbed. He nced around, and casually pped the stone walls.

    It was real.

    After his and his little pharmacist¡¯s location was linked together, perhaps there was no turning back. They could only move forward.

    Gu Zuo also discovered this point. He discharged his psychic power, and moved it to the front¡­ After that, he seemed to sense a drizzle of light.

    ¡°Big brother, shall we go forward?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Let¡¯s go. Since we¡¯vee here, we¡¯ll keep exploring.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought the same.

    The cave abode¡¯s owner was very charitable. From the start, they never noticed any bad intentions. There was always some deep meaning and goodwill in every area¡­ If they missed the opportunity to explore this kind of cave abode, it would¡¯ve been too pitiful.

    ¡ª Even though there was the off-chance that something happened, he would always be with his big brother. So long as they stayed together, no matter what challenges or crises they encountered, they could smoothly and steadily figure out a n to resolve any problem.

    Hence, the two continued to advance.

    After walking for a while, a distant ball of soft light came into view. When Tianheng saw this, the pupils of his eyes suddenly contracted. He pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s forearm, and dashed straight ahead!

    Before long, the distance to that soft light became shorter and shorter. The true identity of that soft light was also revealed in front of the two!

    It was a pool of water.

    At the back of the pool was a small waterfall. It cascaded down the stone walls, and crashed directly into the pool. The sshes sent up drops that glittered silver. It was incredibly beautiful.

    However, Tianheng didn¡¯t pay attention to this beautiful scene. Rather, in the center of the pool, something was being constantly battered by that waterfall. Quietly floating on the surface was a ball of water that had a diameter of two feet.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    T-this was Wondrous Water!

    Gu Zuo involuntarily released a sigh in his heart.

    Oh, to be so lucky¡­ Just when he said that his big brother¡¯s body needed Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of the five elements, they discovered some Wondrous Water, one of the five elements, during an adventure after his debut mission!

    However, it was a pity that he couldn¡¯t tell the variety of this Wondrous Water¡­ From the ipatibility between the astonishing qi energies this thing exuded and the flow of ordinary water, as well as the characteristics of the water in the pool affected by this thing¡¯s emitted quintessence, he could only say that it should¡¯ve been a type of Wondrous Water.

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng with hesitation: ¡°Big brother, can you recognize it?¡±

    Tianheng stood at the edge of the pool, and watched with hooded eyes. After that, he slightly shook his head: ¡°Previously, this elder brother consulted some ancient texts in the sect. There were many types of Wondrous Water in the books, but none of them resemble this water. Your elder brother doesn¡¯t recognize it.¡±

    There was a defeated look on Gu Zuo¡¯s face.

    What was there to be done¡­ It wasn¡¯t easy to encounter Wondrous Water, but unfortunately, they didn¡¯t recognize it. If, by any chance, there was a mistake in the gathering method, the Wondrous Water might be damaged. That would be an awful loss!

    After considering things, he suddenly thought about the system. He wanted to ask a question.

    However, at the next moment, the system issued a mission.

    [Long-Term Mission: Gather Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, and cure the Tiandu Body.]

    [Mission Item:

    >]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was subtle: ¡°Big brother, the system gave me another item book¡­¡±

    Tianheng turned his head, and looked over: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo exasperatedly took out the Comprehensive Collection of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects. He said: ¡°Look at this. Just when we said that we didn¡¯t recognize this Wondrous Water, the system gave me this entire set.¡±

    After flipping through it, he lifted his head: ¡°I originally had Great Sights of the World ¡ª Earth Fires. When I read through this item book¡¯s chapter for Wondrous Fires, aplete collection of Earth Fires was included. Big brother, do you think that the previous book¡¯s ¡®Great Sights¡¯ were picked from thisprehensive collection?¡±

    Tianheng paused. Soon after, he bent his finger and flicked Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°This matter doesn¡¯t need to be considered at length. Just flip through the chapters rted to Wondrous Waters so we can collect this thing.¡±

    Gu Zuoughed mischievously. He didn¡¯t joke around anymore, and diligently started browsing.

    Indeed. The cave abode also had Qi Xuanao and the two pharmacists. Although everyone didn¡¯t remain together, who knew if they wouldn¡¯t find their way over? Good things would naturally be collected for oneself.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Gu Zuo to find the information he was looking for.

    ¡°The color is a pearlescent white, and the surface bears a slightly greenish and watery sheen. It takes the shape of a ball of water, and suspends itself above the center of moving water. Whenever a stream flows down, the ordinary water will revolve around the ball three times, and will be extraordinary. This exceptional water will nourish nts, and it possesses spiritual effects, especially to spirit medicines¡­ Its intrinsic qualities are gentle and mild, the yin and yang are bnced, and it has ample life force. It is called the Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop.¡±

    After Gu Zuo finished reading aloud, Gu Zuo beamed with a glittering smile from the bottom of his heart: ¡°Big brother, we¡¯re off to a great start! It¡¯s actually a Wondrous Water that¡¯s bnced in yin and yang! This is rare!¡±

    Tianheng also felt fantastic: ¡°How do we collect it?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile widened: ¡°Collecting it is simple. I¡¯ll use my psychic power to pull it over. Then, I can directly receive it into my storage space. It can float on its own!¡±

    Even collecting it wouldn¡¯t pose any inconveniences. It could be seen that this thing was eager to serve. Compared to many other Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, it was incredibly mild.

    Absorbing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects into one¡¯s internal organs was a painful process. However, if the first one subdued was this Wondrous Water, its cid nature and vigorous life force was a great boon.

    Gu Zuo was extremely concerned about Tianheng¡¯s body. He didn¡¯t expect that they could obtain the initial stage of treatment this quickly!

    Momentarily, he couldn¡¯t help thinking about something. So-called luck couldn¡¯t be seen nor touched, but it couldn¡¯t be said that his big brother¡¯s luck didn¡¯t exist. Could it be that this was due to the innate luck of the Tiandu Body? If it really was like this, then suffering the envy of the heavens was quite normal. If Tianheng wasn¡¯t on his side, he would¡¯ve been incredibly jealous!

    ¡­Despite thinking about this, Gu Zuo¡¯s movements were still quite fast.

    He swiftly released his psychic power. Moreover, under this kind of happiness and pressure, he utilized the Spirit Transforming Chapter to turn his psychic power into an invisible,rge hand. It quickly reached out and seized the Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop inside the pool. After that, his psychic power was put away, and the entire dewdrop was immediately floating in his storage space. The Wondrous Water blossomed with a faint and soft light.

    This course of events went smoothly.

    Gu Zuo turned his head to look at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ve already put it away.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Thank you for the trouble, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Once we go back, big brother will integrate it into your internal organs. The Wondrous Water will be different from the others. Although it will enter your kidneys, due to the characteristics of the Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop, it can indirectly rejuvenate the other organs. This will allow those organs to take in the other Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects more easily.¡±

    When the task ahead was mentioned, Tianheng¡¯s expression became slightly serious: ¡°Naturally.¡± Then, he spoke in a softer voice, ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. This elder brother understands.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood rxed.

    After the two collected the Wondrous Water, they sized up this pool of water.

    Previously, their attentions had been focused on that Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop. It was to the point that theypletely neglected everything else. However, now they discovered the things that grew alongside the Wondrous Water. Sure enough, these things were out of the ordinary.

    On the Central Continent, there was widespread, general knowledge. Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects were very rare, especially so for things rted to the five elements. For the areas where these objects resided, great changes would ur after a certain period of time had passed.

    Besides the transformation of the environment, everything else would be nourished by the energies they emanated ¡ª Even if it was a stone or a nt, anything could be a good thing that grew to apany it.

    The Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop clearly hadn¡¯t been born here. Instead, it had been transported to this location by someone else. Its power radiated into this pool, and the water in the pool flowed outward through certain irrigation channels. Even more, however, remained within the pool, and passed through the soil underground to nourish the surrounding, few medicine gardens.

    That¡¯s right. Epassing the pool were several small medicine gardens that were fenced in with stones.

    Each medicine garden was approximately one square meter in size. The unusual medicinal herbs growing inside were replete with dense qi emissions, brilliant bouquets of light, and effervescent clouds of sunset hues. They looked as elegant as clinking jewels. There were some that grew human faces, some that developed limbs, and others that straightforwardly resembled certain living creatures. They possessed immense spiritualities, and all of them were different.

    Surrounding the medicine gardens were tiny, looping irrigation channels.

    Much of the water flowing from the pool poured into these channels. In the wake of the circr flow, the water would seep into each medicine garden. This allowed the spirit medicines within to develop more spirituality the longer they grew.

    Gu Zuo cried out in a low voice: ¡°Big brother, the lowest spirituality of these spirit medicines should be fifty to sixty percent!¡±

    Tianheng was amazed as well.

    Spirit medicines, this type of thing, were the same as spirit weapons. The stronger their spirituality, the more useful they were. However, despite the spirituality of these things, it couldn¡¯t bepared to the intelligence of the human race. As a result, their spiritualities were simply divided by percentages of ten.

    If it was a spirit weapon, those with spiritualities lower than twenty percent were ssified as human-level spirit weapons, and those below forty percent were golden-level¡­ And so on. Of course, within the category of spirit weapons, the highest was a spirituality of ny-nine percent. At that time, it would be ssified as a heaven-level spirit weapon.

    If it was a spirit medicine, since their varieties prior to evolution were all different, and there were variations in the period of change following evolution, it became quiteplicated. As a result, there weren¡¯t any divisions of rank. Whenever the topic was raised, one used spirituality percentages to indicate a spirit medicine¡¯s medicinal properties and worth.

    Before the medicine field transformed into a cavern, that huge tract ofnd that grew spirit medicines was probably rted to the pool that had been influenced and mutated by the Wondrous Water¡¯s abilities. However, there were greater quantities of nts and less water to go around in that ce. Thus, the spiritualities of those spirit medicines were somewhat lower. On the contrary, there was more water to allocate here, so these spirit medicines had higher spiritualities.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath, and made the same preparations to pluck these spirit medicines.

    He walked in front of a medicine garden to test it out. Indeed, it was just like before. All of them had verifications. With Gu Zuo¡¯s sturdy knowledge base, he quickly harvested all of the spirit medicines.

    However, because there weren¡¯t any young sprouts this time around, he left behind some roots despite his plucking ¡ª Granted that the Wondrous Water had already been removed, this ce¡¯s environment was still suitable for growing spirit medicines. After many years passed, perhaps the roots would regrow intoplete spirit medicines again? At that time, ater generation would naturally find this cavern, and take away the remaining resources.

    After Gu Zuo was done, the waves within that pool rolled and churned.

    The thing that appeared this time was still a stone carving. The likeness engraved on this stone carving was a crocodile.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    He took away the Wondrous Water! Was he considered too greedy?

    But there was nothing he could do about it. This was something he urgently needed¡­

    Fortunately, that stone crocodile didn¡¯t be hostile. After its throat let out a burst of noise, it opened its jaws and spoke: ¡°For those who have passed through the medicine field, if you have the capabilities, the resources here may be taken. How much you recognize is how much you may take. The Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop was left here, and today, it was removed. As fate brings people together, so too will they eventually part ways. There is nothing to me. When you harvested the spirit medicines, you were willing to blemish them by leaving the roots. This sword can show the way into the depths.¡±

    Once it finished speaking, the stone crocodile spat out an arm-length shortsword. Then, it submerged back into the water with a rumble.

    Gu Zuo walked over, and silently picked up the shortsword. He said: ¡°Big brother, what kind of a person is the cave abode¡¯s owner? Isn¡¯t leaving so much stuff behind giving too much favor to those whoe after? I feel a bit embarrassed taking everything¡­¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and ced a hand on his head: ¡°This is what Ah Zuo deserves. There¡¯s no need to brood over it.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Tianheng kept smiling, but didn¡¯t say anything else.

    From what he saw, during this journey, the cave abode¡¯s owner had set up many tests. It could be said that if another pharmacist took Gu Zuo¡¯s ce, it would¡¯ve been basically impossible to take everything away.

    One needed to know that there were many restrictions to go through the cavern¡¯s checkpoints. And under these restrictions, how many umtions and insights could a young pharmacist have? No matter what, there wouldn¡¯t be enough. Such a pharmacist could only obtain a small quantity of spirit medicines here.

    It was precisely Gu Zuo, in possession of the system, who could get so many benefits.

    But these benefits weren¡¯t given freely. Gu Zuo had been meticulously and painstakingly studying for a long time. He had aptitude, luck, moral conduct, and helpful tools ¡ª This chain reaction enabled him to gain so much.

    Therefore, there truly wasn¡¯t any need to concern oneself over this.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about it too much. He quickly tossed this thought to the side, gripped the shortsword, and stood up: ¡°Big brother, shall we continue?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Naturally, we¡¯ll keep going. Although this ce has many benefits, we still haven¡¯t seen the spiritual source that Qi Xuanao mentioned. In this cave abode, there ought to be more things to obtain than this.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shivered.

    Ah, right. There was also Qi Xuanao and the others.

    He and his big brother had obtained this many things through several consecutive checkpoints on their side. Meanwhile, Qi Xuanao had gone somewhere else. With his luck as a prodigy, he should¡¯ve obtained many things, too!

    Thus, they had better keep exploring¡­

    Afterwards, Tianheng took the lead, and walked toward the depths.

    Behind the pool, there was arge gate. On the gate¡¯s surface, there was a small hole. The hole was a thin, vertical seam with some extremely small sawtooth indentations. This matched that shortsword perfectly.

    Gu Zuo rushed over, lifted the shortsword, and inserted it into that small hole.

    The next moment, that huge gate produced cking sounds. It only opened a crack at first, but then it rapidly swung wide open.

    Because the cave abode¡¯s changes were too fast, Tianheng and Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to timidly enter and exit through the gate. Hence, Tianheng simply carried Gu Zuo on his back, and stepped straight into thatrge gate.

    Whoosh ¡ª

    Winds abruptly blew past their ears. Gu Zuo felt as if his entire body had be weightless. They were falling straight down. His arms unconsciously hugged Tianheng¡¯s neck tighter, and he stuck tenaciously to Tianheng¡¯s back.

    Qi energy twisted around Tianheng¡¯s whole body. At once, the two¡¯s falling speed slowed.

    But following this, a severe gust pressed towards them on the side. A rancid smell permeated the whole ce. Something was attacking them!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings tensed.

    The previous few checkpoints were very safe, so what was going on now?

    He didn¡¯t believe that taking the Wondrous Water would cause them to encounter this kind of danger. Could it be that the cave abode¡¯s owner arranged it this way, or were there deeper intentions?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s experience in battle was still somewhat meager. For a moment, he didn¡¯t consider counterattacking, but his mind was smooth and steady.

    Because, at this time, Tianheng¡¯s response was extremely fast.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo sensed a wave of fire rising and bundling them up. However, this wave of fire didn¡¯t harm him in the least. On the contrary, it surged violently towards a certain direction. Immediately following that, Gu Zuo realized that he was starting to lean backwards as the warm back he clung to was straightened ¡ª In order to not fall off, he hastily tightened his two legs around Tianheng¡¯s waist. He strived his hardest to not increase the burden on his big brother.

    Swish, swish ¡ª

    After intense, air-breaking sounds echoed out, a beam of reddish-gold light burst forth!

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes from the harsh light.

    After that, he rapidly fell to the ground with Tianheng.

    At almost the exact same time, a muffled thud was heard in front of them.

    Gu Zuo opened his eyes, and saw the corpse of a gigantic bird up ahead.

    This was a wild female bird. It appeared to be a rather vicious, superior spirit-ranked wild bird. Currently, its throat had been pierced by an arrow, and it was still burning with a reddish-gold me. That fire roamed in all directions and into every nook and cranny¡­ This wild beast seemed to have plunged into an ocean of fire. It didn¡¯t even have enough time to give a blood-curdling screech. It had already perished.

    However, Gu Zuo was a little bewildered.

    His big brother was incredibly powerful right now, but it wasn¡¯t to the point that a casual arrow could bring down something at the superior spirit rank. ording to reason, a superior spirit-ranked wild bird could¡¯vested for more than a little while.

    Yet, it looked like it had died too easily?

    With his feet firmly on the ground, Tianheng ced Gu Zuo down: ¡°Ah Zuo, what worries you?¡±

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°The wild bird¡¯s strength¡­¡±

    He was afraid that something strange was going on.

    Tianheng nced at that wild bird, and said: ¡°If this thing was born outside, it would¡¯ve certainly been fierce and violent. Dealing with it would¡¯ve been somewhat troublesome. However, the wild bird had been reared inside the enclosure of this predecessor¡¯s cave abode. Naturally, it would be somewhat inferior to any counterparts outside.¡±

    Normally, wild beasts were stronger than martial artists of the same rank. This was because they were fighting for their lives at all times in the wild. With their bestial natures, they were iparably ferocious. A confined wild beast would naturally have differences.

    As a result, one couldn¡¯t focus on how the wild bird appeared to be experienced when itunched the ambush just now. Once Tianheng acted, it had already been exposed.

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    As it turned out, it was this reason¡­ Thus, the area they were currently seeing might¡¯ve looked like the wilds outside, but it was actually inside the cave abode?

    The skills of that cave abode¡¯s owner were truly extraordinary.

    Then, Gu Zuo put away the corpse of that wild bird.

    Even if its wild nature was insufficient, it was also a superior spirit-ranked wild beast. It couldn¡¯t be wasted¡­

    After this, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng as they proceeded forwards. While discharging his psychic power to search for the spiritual source, he also stayed vignt of their surroundings.

    Sure enough, this ce was a simtion of the wilds. Every time the two passed through an area, a wild beast would emerge to attack them. And most of these wild beasts were at the superior spirit rank. However, there wasn¡¯t a single wild beast that had advanced to an origin beast.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°This is another restriction, right? Because the peopleing in are only at the Immortal Realm, us specifically, the ranks of the wild beasts here are also restricted. However, because so much time has passed, many wild beasts have reached the superior spirit rank¡­¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s probably just as you said.¡±

    While speaking, his palm struck out. A Blood Palm pressed down like a mountain peak, and seriously injured a wild beast. Then, it was held between the Blood Palm¡¯s fingers, and was crushed to death!

    Gu Zuo moved his thoughts with practiced ease, and collected the wild beast his big brother had yed.

    Without realizing it, after a journey of fifty kilometers while searching for the spiritual source and killing wild beasts, the collected corpses had already exceeded thirty!

    In the moment, he didn¡¯t think about it. But after the fact, he realized that the appearances of these wild beasts were a bit concentrated¡­ If it wasn¡¯t for his big brother possessing six qi oceans and having iparably robust umtions, even though Tianheng had great strength and easily killed the beasts, the consumption of profound qi would¡¯ve been prohibitive.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    If he was in here alone, his psychic power would¡¯ve been used up¡­ Perhaps, he might¡¯ve sustained injuries.

    In the future, he had to be even more careful.

    After the two walked a few more kilometers, a person suddenly emerged from the woods on the side.

    At once, Gu Zuo was stunned.

    When he got a clear look, his heart thumped ¡ª This was a familiar person!

    It was Qi Xuanao.

    At this moment, he had walked out of the woods. His robes andpels had a few scratches, and there didn¡¯t seem to be any wounds on his body. However, it was obvious that he had conducted fierce attacks, which caused his profile to look a bit unkempt.

    After seeing Gu Zuo and Tianheng, Qi Xuanao was also slightly startled. However, he quickly walked over, and revealed a smiling expression: ¡°What a surprise to see you guys here. Brother Gongyi, Pharmacist Gu, have you guys been well during this trip?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Actually, it¡¯s been pretty good. We¡¯ve also obtained some benefits. How about Brother Qi?¡±

    Qi Xuanao spoke: ¡°This Qi has gained some benefits, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little hesitant.

    Prior toing here, it was agreed that everything they obtained would be split evenly. Later on, they had separated, and the oues for each side were decided by luck¡­ How was the split going to be calcted?

    Tianheng and Qi Xuanao clearly didn¡¯t intend on making any calctions.

    They looked each other in the eyes, and didn¡¯t continue to speak. The meaning within these gazes was understood. Each side¡¯s fortuitous encounters would belong to themselves. The prior arrangement wouldn¡¯t be counted.

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief.

    This was very good.

    If they really divided things evenly, not one drop of that Wondrous Water for treating his big brother could be separated. In addition, harvesting that many spirit medicines had been hard work for him. But if he hid them, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart wouldn¡¯t feel at ease.

    Now, it looked like Qi Xuanao¡¯s side should¡¯ve obtained benefits that he wanted to keep for himself. He simrly didn¡¯t want to take them out. As a result, they simply treated the previous encounter as if it didn¡¯t happen ¡ª The so-called agreement was used as the allocation standard only when the two of them worked together to resolve problems.

    Hence, the status quo was to everyone¡¯s satisfaction.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Now that we¡¯ve run into each other, let¡¯s move forward as a group.¡±

    Qi Xuanao responded: ¡°This Qi also has this intention.¡±

    After that, the party of two became a party of three.

    The wild beasts that came to ambush them still flowed like an unending stream. However, this time, there were two prodigies opening up a path. With one on the left and the other on the right, they swept everything away. Were there any wild beasts capable of breaking through their defenses?

    Naturally, these wild beasts were all turned into corpses.

    When collecting the corpses, the two prodigies didn¡¯t bother speaking nonsense. Each prodigy would take the beasts he defeated. As for which wild beasts were more precious or more powerful, it depended on one¡¯s luck ¡ª If they argued about trivial matters like this, would they still have the face of a prodigy?

    Gu Zuo was in charge of gathering stuff for his dear big brother. He also felt that this wouldn¡¯t cause any worries.

    As they searched, Qi Xuanao and Tianheng shared their own prior experiences. Of course, the benefits they obtained and the amounts therein couldn¡¯t be told in detail, but a generalization of those things was information they needed to exchange. This was for the sake of gaining a better understanding of this cave abode. Those things couldn¡¯t be hidden.

    Therefore, Gu Zuo came to know Qi Xuanao¡¯s encounters.

    After Qi Xuanao came in, he immediately entered a stone forest.

    Inside this stone forest, there were many stone puppets. And within each puppet was a spirit weapon. Qi Xuanao was attacked by a stone puppet the moment he entered the forest. Once he crumbled it with difficulty, he discovered that there was a storage space within its body. Thus, Qi Xuanao exerted his strength, and remained in that ce for several hours.

    To put it simply, while Gu Zuo was in the middle of harvesting medicinal herbs, Qi Xuanao was fighting puppets for their weapons. Gu Zuo had umted many spirit medicines. After Qi Xuanao¡¯s work, the number of spirit weapons he collected definitely wasn¡¯t low.

    However,pared to Gu Zuo¡¯s tests of knowledge, Qi Xuanao¡¯s physicalbors were certainly more tiring.

    Once the stone forest was cleared, Qi Xuanao came out, and seemed to have obtained some spirit medicines. However, these spirit medicines were all guarded by wild beasts. This forced him to conduct several consecutive fights. Fortunately, he won all of them, and took the spirit medicines. Merely, because he wasn¡¯t a pharmacist, he asionally caused a bit of damage during the harvesting process.

    On this side, when Tianheng talked about his experiences, he only mentioned that they had encountered some spirit medicines with excellent spiritualities. Since there was a pharmacist present and there wasn¡¯t any need to fight with wild beasts, they took the matured spirit medicines and didn¡¯t touch the young sprouts. Later on, they found some spirit medicines with even better qualities. Likewise, they left behind the roots.

    As for the matter of the Wondrous Water, not one word of it was mentioned.

    Gu Zuo distinguished both sides¡¯ encounters. He felt that what Qi Xuanao experienced was the treatment of a martial artist. On this side, what he experienced was the treatment of a pharmacist. The former inspected one¡¯s martial strength, and thetter inspected one¡¯s knowledge reserves¡­ This was very reasonable, right?

    It was just that the cave abode¡¯s owner really treated pharmacists better.

    After all, on the Central Continent, so long as a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power reached a certain standard, their spiritual skills would be very formidable!

    While entertaining such thoughts, the number of lunging wild beasts became more concentrated, and their abilities seemed to also grow stronger.

    Gu Zuo carefully followed along, and didn¡¯t cause any trouble. Gradually, he could detect that an especially fresh, clean, and tremendous energy was bubbling up from all around them ¡ª It seemed to being from nowhere. However, the surplus of suppressive might was filled with an alluring power.

    He suddenly had a guess, but he didn¡¯t figure out what it was. Up ahead, the movements of the two prodigies had already grown more valiant and dauntless. Their speeds also quickened!

    ¡ª Did they know what it was?

    Gu Zuo was shocked.

    The thing that could make the prodigies this excited was the spiritual source!

    This wave of suppressive might was definitelying from the spiritual source!

    Gu Zuo felt joy in his heart.

    Originally, he thought that since they had taken the Wondrous Water, did Qi Xuanao hide the fact that he had already taken the spiritual source? Right now, it looked like this wasn¡¯t the case.

    Otherwise, this ce had more than one spiritual source.

    Merely, the probability ought to have been very small¡­ Martial artists at the Cosmic Realm and above required spiritual sources. The supply of spiritual sources possessed by the cave abode¡¯s owner would never be that plentiful. However, if there really were many spiritual sources, then that would be a magnificent find!

    Gu Zuo remained calm, and didn¡¯t forget to keep collecting the wild beast corpses.

    After rushing ahead for a little more than an hour, Gu Zuo finally sensed that the wild beasts were no longer attacking. He discharged his psychic power again. The exploration range of his psychic power was bing smaller and smaller.

    Tianheng turned around, and pulled Gu Zuo towards his side.

    Meanwhile, Qi Xuanao advanced inrge strides. He happily said: ¡°Sure enough, this ce has a spiritual source! Brother Gongyi, look at this!¡±

    Even though Qi Xuanao¡¯s temperament was steady and calm, his heart couldn¡¯t help surging.

    Gu Zuo looked at his family¡¯s big brother.

    Tianheng smiled and softly said: ¡°Go on. Let¡¯s go look at it together!¡±

    T/N: A minor yet obvious change in trantion terms. Pill cauldrons will be retroactively changed to pill furnaces.

    Several years ago, I was inspired to start tranting after reading ¡°The Legendary Master¡¯s Wife¡±. Needless to say, I only had an entry-level understanding of Chinese, and decided to adopt some of the terminology. After hundreds of chapters, I hoped that this distinction would never rear its ugly head, but there¡¯s going to be an uing chapter that goes over both furnaces and cauldrons. Thus, I went back and made the changes.

    For those wondering, a furnace is basically a cauldron with a built-in chamber for the fire below.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.  </details>

 Chapter 347 - Exchange

    Chapter 347 - Exchange

    The two quickly approached the front, and saw a small mound up ahead.

    This small mound was quite short. It was only a little more than five feet tall. In the center, there was a hollow space about two feet in diameter, which contained a thick liquid. The fluid itself was transparent, colorless, and glimmered with a gem-like radiance.

    The liquid emitted a strong suppressive might. When Gu Zuo neared, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a conflicting sense of wanting to get closer and farther away. The former because his qi ocean was stirring restlessly to gobble it up. Thetter because the suppressive might was incredibly strong, and his body was on guard ¡ª He felt that the liquid would cause extremely severe injuries if it was consumed.

    Due to these two conflicting reasons, one would naturally be hesitant and indecisive.

    Qi Xuanao was already standing in front of that small mound. A colorless bottle with a slender neck appeared in his hands. It was almost two feet tall, and its belly was stout. The bottle¡¯s volume wasn¡¯t small.

    At this moment, he appeared a little impatient. If he wasn¡¯t waiting for Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, perhaps he would¡¯ve already used this bottle to draw up that liquid.

    After Gu Zuo got a clear look, he spoke in a low voice: ¡°This is the spiritual source? What spiritual source is it?¡±

    It seemed like bejeweled nectar or ambrosia. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

    Tianheng exined to him: ¡°This is an Earth Spiritual Source. It¡¯s the mostmonly seen spiritual source.¡±

    Following this, he told Gu Zuo all about what spiritual sources were.

    A so-called spiritual source was the vital qi of heaven and earth ¡ª It was a deposit of heaven and earth energy that had undergone another evolution that surpassed the ranks of ambient qi and ambient profound qi.

    It was normally in a liquid state. The two types that were the mostmon were Earth Spiritual Sources and Heaven Spiritual Sources. Among them, Heaven Spiritual Sources were more spirited and light, while Earth Spiritual Sources were more mellow and rich. Neither one was inherently better than the other, and both typescked attributes.

    In other words, Heaven Spiritual Sources and Earth Spiritual Sources were suitable for both martial artists and pharmacists. They had the same effect as moderate medicinal pills that replenished the body¡¯s energy such as Qi Generating Pills, Qi umting Pills, and Qi Infusing Pills. The powers of special spiritual sources were stronger, but this was in rtion to special groups of people. The Wind Thunder Spiritual Source was such an example. If a martial artist or pharmacist without any special attributes encountered a spiritual source, it would certainly be more worthwhile to obtain an ordinary spiritual source. Otherwise, they would have to hand the spiritual source over to a powerhouse and exchange it for other resources.

    Qi Xuanao and Tianheng explored this cave abode, and what they encountered was an Earth Spiritual Source. This was considered a type of good luck.

    Currently, it had to be partitioned.

    After taking several deep breaths, Qi Xuanao looked over.

    Tianheng was magnanimous and well-mannered.

    After Qi Xuanao¡¯s eyes flickered a few times, he also became tranquil. He smiled and said: ¡°Brother Gongyi, as per our agreement, it¡¯ll be split fifty-fifty.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°As it should be.¡± Speaking up to here, he sighed, ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯ll have to borrow a bottle from Brother Qi to hold this thing.¡±

    Contrary to expectations, it wasn¡¯t that Tianheng hadn¡¯t made preparations ahead of time. Rather, it was because his current influence in the sect wasn¡¯t enough to allow him to get a bottle to specially hold spiritual sources, and he didn¡¯t want to leak any information. Once it was found out by someone in the sect, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to conceal this time¡¯s operation.

    As a result, he simply didn¡¯t make preparations for the spiritual source. He only informed Qi Xuanao early on.

    When Qi Xuanao heard this, his palm flipped over, and clutched another long-necked bottle. It was thrown to Tianheng: ¡°This is a matter of course. This Qi has already made suitable preparations for Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Tianheng took the bottle, and smiled: ¡°Many thanks.¡±

    In actuality, Qi Xuanao had also sighed in relief.

    When eliminating the flood dragon, he saw that Tianheng¡¯s strength was only the tip of the iceberg. He had already acknowledged with some unwillingness that he wasn¡¯t Tianheng¡¯s opponent. Right now, Tianheng¡¯s side had two people, while he was alone. If the other party suddenly became hostile, his luck would run out ¡ª Even his sect probably wouldn¡¯t be able to demand any justice on his behalf.

    Fortunately, Tianheng was an honorable man.

    Thus, if he encountered this kind of situation again in the future, he could find this person for assistance.

    The two prodigies raised the long-necked bottles, and walked closer to that small mound.

    After that, they gently lowered the openings of the bottles into the Earth Spiritual Source to suck it up.

    Not long after, both bottles were more than half full. The remaining amount of the spiritual source wasn¡¯t going to be enough to fill the bottles ¡ª As the level of the spiritual source gradually lowered to the bottom, they discovered that this hollow space was only one foot deep.

    There really wasn¡¯t a lot of Earth Spiritual Source here.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo had been watching for a while.

    At this moment, he only saw Qi Xuanao extend a hand and make a shing motion. Finally, thatst bit of spiritual source at the bottom was split in half. After both people collected their shares, not one drop of the Earth Spiritual Source was left in this hollow space. And within both of their bottles, neither had gathered more of the spiritual source than the other.

    However, after the spiritual source was collected, a stone-like object appeared at the bottom of the hollow space.

    This was ¡ª

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly thought of a phrase: A source crystal.

    After a spiritual source umted in a deposit for a long time, it could form a source crystal. Only, although a source crystal was thepression of a spiritual source, it was generated through the integration of other things. Thus, the source power contained within a source crystal was less pure than that of its liquid state counterpart¡­ As far as martial artists at the Cosmic Realm and above were concerned, source crystals and spiritual sources were both cultivation resources. However, source crystals also possessed another big feature. If a Royal Realm martial artist absorbed a source crystal, it could provide a certain amount of help in breaking through to the Cosmic Realm.

    Source crystals were also quite precious. Unfortunately, there was only one here. If it was something ordinary, it wouldn¡¯t be an issue. But this kind of thing couldn¡¯t be yielded so easily.

    It was a pity that this source crystal seemed to havebined with some kind ofw during its formation. It could be absorbed, but its physical form couldn¡¯t be tampered with. Consequently, cutting it in half wouldn¡¯t work.

    Qi Xuanao and Tianheng looked at each other.

    Tianheng said: ¡°What does Brother Qi intend?¡±

    Qi Xuanao murmured: ¡°This thing is precious, and I want to exchange for it with something I have. What does Brother Gongyi think about this?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡±

    Qi Xuanao pondered once more.

    After a short period of time had passed, he lightly swept his hand towards the ground.

    In the blink of an eye, a dense pile of ck rocks appeared in front of Qi Xuanao. They couldn¡¯t have looked more ordinary, but careful observation would allow one to feel that those rocks emanated with muted rays of light. Only a person with an extremely keen perception could detect that, wherever those rays of light roamed across the surfaces of these things, they would faintly radiate with profound mysteries.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    He felt that he needed to supplement his own knowledge base as soon as possible¡­ This was the second time he encountered something he didn¡¯t recognize! Actually, he could tell that these should¡¯ve been a type of ore, but he didn¡¯t have a clear understanding of the specifics. Moreover, the system hadn¡¯t reacted either¡­

    But at the very least, this illustrated one point. Either this stuff¡¯s rank was very high, it was an ore-type medicinal ingredient that he wasn¡¯t ready toe into contact with, or these things basically couldn¡¯t be used in medicine.

    As such, which one was it?

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he faintly made some guesses.

    Off to the side, Qi Xuanao opened his mouth: ¡°Does Brother Gongyi recognize these things?¡±

    After Tianheng examined them carefully, he confidently said: ¡°Jet-ck Origin Iron.¡± Shortly thereafter, he couldn¡¯t help smiling, ¡°Brother Qi is quite lucky to encounter this stuff.¡±

    Qi Xuanao also didn¡¯t deny this.

    Indeed, this was something he found in the cave abode. After exiting that stone forest, he identally discovered a very small mine of Jet-ck Origin Iron. He spent a little more than an hour to extract all of the Jet-ck Origin Iron. Right now, it was just enough to take out in exchange for the source crystal.

    Qi Xuanao said: ¡°I presume that Brother Gongyi is clear about the benefits of Jet-ck Origin Iron.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°When forging weapons, there¡¯s a chance of increasing a trace of spirituality by adding this thing. The more Jet-ck Origin Iron is used, the higher the increase in spirituality. These ores of Jet-ck Origin Iron are a little more than five hundred kilograms. If they¡¯re used to forge spirit weapons, at least ten thousand can be produced.¡±

    But to be honest, these Jet-ck Origin Iron ores were still a bitckingpared to the value of the source crystal.

    For this quantity of Jet-ck Origin Iron, if all of it was used to forge low-ranked, human-level spirit weapons, one could produce a little more than ten thousand. If one wanted to forge golden-level spirit weapons, the amount would be reduced to a dozen or so weapons. And if one wanted to forge profound-level spirit weapons¡­ It could only be said that it would depend on one¡¯s luck to produce a single weapon.

    However, these Jet-ck Origin Iron ores also had their advantages, and would be useful to the present Tianheng. The Iron Ox race under his administration could forge spirit weapons, which he needed to make money and to equip his battle ves. Thus, the discrepancy in rtive value wasn¡¯t that big.

    From this, it could be seen that Qi Xuanao had a certain understanding of Tianheng¡¯s current properties and industries.

    Qi Xuanao heard Tianheng¡¯s words, and knew that his own deal wasn¡¯t fair. Thus, he added another line: ¡°If Brother Gongyi needs something, you can bring it up for discussion.¡±

    Tianheng paused, as if in deep thought.

    During this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze fell onto the brown clumps that surrounded the small mound. He reached out a hand to pick up a clump, grazed a finger over it, and used the tip of his tongue to lightlyp at his finger.

    These actions of his naturally attracted the two prodigies¡¯ attentions.

    Upon seeing this, Qi Xuanao¡¯s mind moved: ¡°This stuff is the mud that has been transformed by the circting energies emitted by the spiritual source for many years. Now, it has built up into clumps. It can be utilized in medicine or blended to help refine weapons. Its uses are by no means few in number. If Pharmacist Gu likes it, you can take all of it to y with.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and his eyes faintly shined: ¡°You¡¯ll really give it all to me?¡±

    Qi Xuanao nodded.

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother¡­¡±

    Tianheng gently smiled: ¡°If Ah Zuo likes it, then take it.¡± At this point, he addressed Qi Xuanao, ¡°We came to this ce because Brother Qi supplied the information. Being able to collect the spiritual source is also thanks to the vessels that Brother Qi gifted. Since it¡¯s like this, I will ept the Jet-ck Origin Iron in exchange for the source crystal if you throw in the mud clumps that Ah Zuo likes.¡±

    Qi Xuanao heard this, and was somewhat surprised.

    When he said those things just now, although he had the idea of making an exchange, he didn¡¯t expect that Tianheng would actually agree. However, after thinking about this Pharmacist Gu¡¯s potential and his identity as Tianheng¡¯s personal pharmacist, Qi Xuanao felt that this was to be expected ¡ª For simr circumstances in treatment, if he had this kind ofpanion by his side, he would also be willing to suffer a slight loss in benefits to make his important person happy.

    Sure enough, Gu Zuo revealed a great, big smile. He looked delighted and pleased.

    Qi Xuanao felt amused, and also smiled: ¡°Brother Gongyi treats Pharmacist Gu with intimate friendship and deep kindness.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up. Although he knew perfectly well that Qi Xuanao didn¡¯t mean it in that way, he still felt embarrassed like someone had seen through him. He hastily turned his head, focused his attention back onto that pile of mud clumps, and stopped minding the deal between those two prodigies.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he epted the Jet-ck Origin Iron that Qi Xuanao handed over. As for Qi Xuanao, he stepped forward, and carefully put away the source crystal.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo took the opportunity to collect the mud clumps.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind suddenly echoed with a low and soft voice.

    [Ah Zuo, what kind of magical effects do these mud clumps have?]

    This was Tianheng¡¯s voice. Just then, they had been coordinating with each other the entire time. However, this didn¡¯t mean that he hadn¡¯t discovered that Gu Zuo was up to something ¡ª He was simply too familiar with Gu Zuo¡¯s antics.

    Gu Zuo had a distracted look on his face, but quickly responded. In his consciousness, he was unable to conceal his excitement.

    [Big brother! This really is a good thing!]

    Tianheng paused slightly.

    [Can you tell me more?]

    Gu Zuo straightened out his train of thought. He slowly and thoroughly talked about the matter in detail.

    For this affair, it was better to start from when that source crystal was first discovered.

    At that time, Gu Zuo¡¯s brows were furrowed. His mind was conflicted.

    ¡ª It would¡¯ve been great if it belonged to his big brother, but Qi Xuanao was the one who supplied the information. That prodigy proposed an exchange, and also took out the Jet-ck Origin Iron. If the trade didn¡¯t go through, he would sincerely feel bad. But if the trade went through, then they would be losing out¡­

    [Modified Long-Term Mission: Gather Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, cure the Tiandu Body, collect the source sand, and raise your strength.]

    [Mission Item:

    >]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Unrestricted.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    At once, Gu Zuo was stupefied. He couldn¡¯t help asking right away.

    [System, wasn¡¯t the Wondrous Water already collected? Could it be that there¡¯s another Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object? Furthermore, what¡¯s source sand? I haven¡¯t seen anything like this, so how do I collect it?]

    The system answered promptly.

    [The information can be obtained for three hundred strands of medicinal qi.]

    Three hundred¡­

    It was a tad pricey.

    However, it was much easier to obtain medicinal qi on the Central Continent than when they were on the Peripheral Continents. Moreover, no matter how expensive it was, his big brother¡¯s health was more important!

    Gu Zuo made his decision, and replied immediately.

    [Exchange!]

    The system¡¯s voice echoed out once again.

    [A metal Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object is hidden within the Jet-ck Origin Iron. The Earth Spiritual Source radiates energy, which has merged with the surrounding mud. Perhaps because its power has transformed the mud, a special change has urred. Alternatively, because the mudcks any impurities and shows no promise of sess, the radiated energy polymerized and reacted with the mud, forming source sand. The power within the source sand is extremely minute. However, it can be refined into a pill for the guardian to absorb. If the pill refining fails, the source sand will be wasted. May the host figure out the method of refining this pill on his own.]

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his mind nked.

    Should he be considered stunned or intimidated by this good news?!

    Originally, he felt that this thing wasn¡¯t much. But through the system¡¯s exnation, it had be one of the best things they could obtain during this trip?

    This was too outrageous¡­

    Gu Zuo silently asked.

    [Wondrous Metal and source sand. Could it be that the cave abode¡¯s owner had¡­]

    He couldn¡¯t help making such a guess. Impurity-free mud and the energy radiated by the spiritual source hadbined to form source sand. However, there was an artificial spiritual source here, and the mud next to it happened to be free of impurities. Wasn¡¯t this too abnormal?

    The system answered his question in a monotone voice.

    [The source sand and Wondrous Metal had been purposefully orchestrated. This cave abode was casually created by an ancient powerhouse, and was intended to be a gift forter generations¡­]

    Soon after, Gu Zuo realized the true appearance of this cave abode.

    It was purely used¡­to give things.

    Reportedly, there was a heaven-level pharmacist in ancient times. Because their realm had reached a certain degree, they travelled around the Central Continent and ced some of their unneeded items into different cave abodes to be passed down to future generations. This cave abode was of a rtively high standard. Prepared within it were two types of precious Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects: The Wondrous Metal and Wondrous Water. Among them, the Wondrous Metal was for a martial artist who could break through the cave abode, and the Wondrous Water was for a pharmacist with the right aptitudes.

    Of course, because this predecessor was a pharmacist and not a martial artist, their requirements toward pharmacists were much lower ¡ª After all, a pharmacist¡¯sbat power wasn¡¯t the important point. In any case, the strength of a person¡¯s potential corresponded to how much they could take. This method of ¡°giving things¡± was actually quite fair.

    As for martial artists, it was true that young talents with aptitudesparable to prodigies coulde inside. The reason for this wasn¡¯t because the pharmacist predecessor was too arrogant. Rather, it was because they didn¡¯t have many things to leave behind for martial artists. Apart from cing tests with wild beasts and stone puppets, they also didn¡¯t know which methods were more suitable. In addition, they were worried that if martial artists with insufficient strengths entered, it might¡¯ve led to a mad scramble over resources and a fight to the death¡­ In any case, there were many types of factors that were considered, which led to the present situation.

    With regards to martial artists and pharmacists, this heaven-level pharmacist did their best to be impartial and unbiased. Martial artists were tested on strength, and pharmacists were tested on knowledge reserves. It was to the point that, prior to the checkpoints, martial artists and pharmacists would enter their designated locations. It was very considerate.

    Merely, who would¡¯ve expected that Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo, these two oundish marvels, would appear among theter generations. From the beginning, Tianheng identally followed Gu Zuo into the pharmacist domain. Fortunately, the performances of these two people had been pretty good the entire time. At the final juncture, the pair was allowed to go to the martial artist domain together¡­

    Having listened to the system¡¯s exnation in its entirety, Gu Zuo gained an understanding of the generosity and inclinations of this cave abode¡¯s owner. Right now, it wasn¡¯t good to do anything in front of Qi Xuanao, but his heart still silently expressed his sincere gratitude to the cave abode¡¯s owner.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the appearance of this cave abode and numerous coincidences, it wasn¡¯t known how much time he and his big brother would¡¯ve had to spend to find the required Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects. This time, they came to a cave abode, and gained two types! It truly could be said that a flood of good fortune had filled the heavens.

    The value of the Jet-ck Origin Iron wasn¡¯t enough, but if it was the Wondrous Metal, then it wasn¡¯t inferior to that of the source crystal. On top of that was the source sand¡­ Even though he wasn¡¯t sure if he could refine this thing into a pill, it was enough to leave one satisfied.

    Of course, Gu Zuo certainly wouldn¡¯t foolishly confess these matters to just anyone.

    In general, it was good enough to get by when fighting over resources. This was because both sides were prodigies, and both needed to keep face. Currently, Qi Xuanao had taken the initiative to suggest a trade. At that moment, Gu Zuo had the bright idea of pretending to like those clumps of mud.

    Sure enough, Tianheng cooperated well. He automatically followed suit, and logically traded for the Jet-ck Origin Iron and the source sand. Moreover, because of Gu Zuo¡¯s actions, Qi Xuanao didn¡¯t be the slightest bit suspicious.

    After listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, Gongyi Tianheng understood in a sh.

    [So it¡¯s like this. Ah Zuo has done extremely well.]

    Gu Zuo blushed.

    He had simply relied on the external software known as the system to get the best deal.

    Reaching this point, both sides felt that they had gotten the upper hand in this exchange. Naturally, they were even more polite and amiable with one another. The atmosphere between the two parties also seemed a bit closer.

    Afterwards, the group of people search the area once more. Besides ying some wild beasts, they didn¡¯t encounter any other passable tests to acquire benefits.

    Finally, Qi Xuanao took out a shortsword: ¡°Now that our harvests are rather bountiful, we should depart. In this ce, I gained a shortsword that had been concealed within one of the stone forest puppets. It may be assumed that it¡¯s rted to how we¡¯ll leave.¡±

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng asked Gu Zuo to take out their own shortsword. He said: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, how shall we use them?¡±

    Qi Xuanao had a guess, but he didn¡¯t know the genuine method. However, since they came in, the cave abode¡¯s owner wouldn¡¯t go so far as to provide no means of leaving, right? The problem was that Qi Xuanao didn¡¯t know how he was transferred inside. Meanwhile, Tianheng had been carrying Gu Zuo on his back while they fell down. When he had looked up, there hadn¡¯t been a doorway.

    As a result, both prodigies thought that the sole possibility had something to do with the shortsword keepsakes. However, utilization of the shortswords required more testing¡­

    Seeing that Qi Xuanao also didn¡¯t know, Tianheng began scrutinizing the shortsword. Several people started to research.

    After that, they steeled themselves, and used the most conventional method. They poured in their profound qi ¡ª In a split second, the shortswords unexpectedly erupted with bright lights!

    Gu Zuo slightly startled.

    Tianheng had fast reaction speeds, and directly pulled him over.

    Immediately following this, the pair suddenly vanished from this ce.

    Qi Xuanao lowered his head to look at the shortsword emitting rays of light, and also disappeared in an instant.

    Right after this, a group of three people opened their eyes. What they saw was a mountainside.

    Behind them, the two prodigies¡¯ battle ves were still keeping watch. After seeing the group appear, the battle ves let out sighs of relief one after another.

    Tianheng and Qi Xuanao returned to their own troops, and inquired about the situation.

    Gu Zuo went along to listen, and found out that two days had already passed since they entered the cave abode.

    After the prodigies went inside, the cavern¡¯s entrance suddenly shrank by fifty percent. Then, the interior became absolutely silent. When looking into the entrance, nothing could be seen.

    The sudden disappearance of the prodigies had shaken the battle ves. It wasn¡¯t until a battle ve powerhouse with a high realm came out to manage the general situation that the crowd of battle ves finally waited quietly.

    One day passed by just like this. The cave abode hadn¡¯t undergone any reactions, which caused them to be somewhat anxious. Fortunately, not long after the first day passed, two pharmacists were ejected. After the battle ves made discreet inquiries, they realized that there weren¡¯t any great dangers inside the cave abode. They hadn¡¯t been able to pass a few so-called tests, and were kicked out.

    But despite it being this way, there were happy expressions on the faces of the two pharmacists. Clearly, during this period of time, they had a few fortuitous encounters and obtained some benefits inside the cave abode.

    After another day, Qi Xuanao and Tianheng appeared.

    No other strange urrences happened between then and now.

    Tianheng heard this, and slightly nodded his head: ¡°I obtained some benefits during this trip. After sorting everything out and cing them into the storehouse, they¡¯ll be allocated in theing days to serve as resources.¡±

    The battle ves were ecstatic.

    Just from these matters, one could see that their master¡¯s luck rained down from the heavens. So long as they followed him, would they be afraid that they wouldn¡¯t be able to get a cut of the profits? For people like them, aside from wanting to follow a tolerant master, what they hoped for even more was an exceptionally lucky master ¡ª Otherwise, no matter how good their master¡¯s temperament was, once he fell on hard times, how would he be able to care for the people who followed him?

    Now that the future was bright, they couldn¡¯t help but disy their loyalties to the end!

    On the other side, Qi Xuanao¡¯s luck also wasn¡¯t poor. His subordinated battle ves were likewise filled with joy.

    However, the two prodigies¡¯ cooperation had ended. After giving a slight indication to each other, they went their separate ways, and didn¡¯t journey together like when they arrived ¡ª Since this matter was done, they ought to return to their respective sects!

    Gu Zuo stayed by Tianheng¡¯s side, but his thoughts had already scampered over to that Jet-ck Origin Iron.

    The system only said that a Wondrous Metal was hidden inside. Once they returned, he needed to find a way to get it out¡­

    After a dozen or so days, Tianheng and Gu Zuo made their way back to the sect.

    Currently, Gu Zuo had long gotten used to these past few days, which amounted to a ¡°short-distance¡± trip. While riding in the small pce hall, he chatted with and was tyrannically oppressed in go matches by his big brother. He had also taken out the Jet-ck Origin Iron, source sand, and other things for research. As time passed, the days almost blurred together.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 348 - Giving Benefits

    Chapter 348 - Giving Benefits

    During this period of time, what needed to be mentioned first was that Gu Zuo had figured out how the Wondrous Metal had hidden itself.

    In fact, it wasn¡¯t anything special. It had divided its own body into fragments, and hid each bit into a piece of Jet-ck Origin Iron.

    After Gu Zuo discovered this, he couldn¡¯t help speechlessly holding his forehead.

    In other words, if he wanted to collect the Wondrous Metal, he had to break open every piece of Jet-ck Origin Iron, and reassemble it one at a time¡­ From work that tested a person¡¯s intelligence, it had turned into work that was physically intensive. This was simply providing the full experience.

    Jet-ck Origin Iron wasn¡¯t a hard ore that was difficult to break apart. On the contrary, it was ssified as a type of soft iron. Its main use was to increase spirituality, but an additional function was to increase a weapon¡¯s ductility and flexibility.

    But no matter how soft the iron was, it was still an ore. Gu Zuo took a dagger, and handled this tedious matter at a sluggish pace. It was a bit miserable.

    Later on, Gongyi Tianheng muffled hisughter. Naturally, he sat next to Gu Zuo, and they worked together.

    Gu Zuo originally felt that this painstaking matter wasn¡¯t quite befitting of an aristocratic family¡¯s young master. Although he was distressed, there was another corner of his heart that made him want to do things with his big brother. It feltforting and intimate¡­ Afterwards, he regretfully asked his big brother to stop and rest.

    However, Tianheng wasn¡¯t willing to let Gu Zuo work all by himself. Tianheng patted his head, and continued.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s head was patted, and his heart became soft and a bit sour. He obediently stopped rejecting.

    By the time they reached the sect, the two had broken open all of the Jet-ck Origin Iron ores with high efficiencies, and had extracted the Wondrous Metal within.

    This type of Wondrous Metal was also unusual. As each and every grain was removed, they resembled iron chunks of various sizes. However, once all of them were taken out, the entire pilebined in the blink of an eye. It formed a light-gold, gtinous material, which was approximately the size of an adult¡¯s clenched fist. This clump was as soft as mud, but it was also as clean and bright as ss.

    At this time, Gu Zuo recognized it: ¡°Myriad Manifestation Supple Gold! A yin-aligned Wondrous Metal!¡±

    Once Tianheng carefully scrutinized the Myriad Manifestation Supple Gold, he put it away: ¡°Ah Zuo, we should disembark.¡±

    Upon arriving at their ownrge manor andpound, Tianheng passed like thunder and moved like the wind. He instructed his subordinates toe over and move the remains of the Jet-ck Iron Ore, as well as the surplus portions of spirit medicines that Gu Zuo picked out, into the storehouse. However, none of the other iparably precious things could be revealed to anyone.

    Inside the two¡¯s room, Gu Zuo took out the Wondrous Water: ¡°Big brother, this matter shouldn¡¯t be dyed. Channel this thing into your body so that it can properly protect your kidneys.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo suddenly felt embarrassed.

    It was a kidney supplement¡­ After that, he swiftly tossed out this train of thought, and brought his own way of thinking back onto the right track.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng said: ¡°If I absorb the Wondrous Water, I might need to enter seclusion for a few days. Now that I¡¯ve obtained some good things, I should separate a portion to show filial respect to master.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about the spiritual source&#k2026; Ah, right! There was arge bottle of spiritual source. Currently, they weren¡¯t able to use it, but that couldn¡¯t be said for the head of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Tianheng¡¯s master had treated him with such generosity, so it was only natural that he reciprocated with one or two good things in his possession.

    As a result, Gu Zuo nodded without the slightest hesitation: ¡°What big brother says is right.¡± He thought of something, and said, ¡°I have also received lots of care from the pce master. He should have many spirit medicines with less than forty percent spirituality, but as for the ones with fifty to sixty percent spirituality, I¡¯ll give one stalk to the pce master¡­ Will it be okay to count this into big brother¡¯s filial piety?¡±

    Tianheng heard what Gu Zuo said, and his expression slightly softened: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Ah, is there still a need to be this courteous between me and big brother? If it isn¡¯t for the fact that I need to stockpile more medicinal ingredients here, it would be fine to give all of it to the pce master. The pce master treasures big brother and protects me. I need to express both of our gratitude to him as well.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened even more, but he didn¡¯t say much else on this topic. He only ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Ah Zuo, store half of the spiritual source into the storage space. Your elder brother will take the rest to deliver it to master.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Tianheng took out that long-necked bottle, and handed it over to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo caught it, and his arms buckled¡­ So heavy!

    Fortunately, his current strength wasn¡¯t just for show. He swiftly steadied his grip, and took off the cover.

    After that, he focused his thoughts, and extracted half of the spiritual source inside. He condensed the liquid into a ball as it hovered within a region of his storage space. Following which, he handed back the bottle with the remaining half of the spiritual source.

    Tianheng smiled, turned around, and departed: ¡°Ah Zuo, I¡¯ll be going to pay my respects to master.¡±

    In the back, Gu Zuo waved his hand: ¡°Big brother,e back soon!¡±

    Once Tianheng¡¯s receding figure disappeared, Gu Zuo went to his own medicine refining room, took out some of the source sand, and started researching.

    The first task he currently faced was this ¡ª Originally, the source sand had formed from the integration of the impurity-free mud and radiated energy. As such, when pill refining, would the impurity-free mud have to be filtered out, or would it be refined in its entirety? If it was filtered out, the radiated energy wouldn¡¯t have anything to adhere to. In the end, would the energy precipitate as pure crystals, or would the energy simply fade away?

    This was quite a headache¡­

    On the other side of things, after Gongyi Tianheng walked out of the residence, he summoned a wild bird. He jumped onto it, and flew directly to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    In front of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, there were many guards. All of them were iron-blooded, austere, and filled with vignce. However, when they clearly saw the wild birdnd, and realized that the visitor was Tianheng, their expressions became deferential.

    They all recognized Tianheng, and knew that this was an all-star prodigy.

    Moreover, they understood that, if Tianheng could make breakthroughs at a steady pace and could set a sufficient reputation for himself in the future, then the position of the young pce master couldn¡¯t be entrusted to anyone except for him!

    As a result, the guards treated him with extreme respect.

    Tianheng gestured at the crowd of guards: ¡°I havee to pay my respects to master. I hope that these sirs will notify him.¡±

    The guards naturally responded with dutiful voices, and quickly sent someone to make a report. At the same time, their impressions of Tianheng improved.

    With Tianheng¡¯s identity, nothing would¡¯ve happened if he charged straight inside. However, he was willing to wait here, which gave them face.

    How could the dignity of an all-star prodigy make them unhappy?

    Soon, the guard who made the report returned: ¡°The pce master is inside the pce hall. Prodigy Gongyi Tianheng, please enter!¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head. After that, his figure shed past. His entire person had already appeared over a hundred meters away. With another faint movement, he vanished through the pce gates.

    The eyes of the numerous guards were overwhelmed with shock.

    This kind of body technique was even faster than when he camest time!

    Not long after, Tianheng entered the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    At this time, the pce hall was empty. Only the Blood Transformation Pce Master was still inside.

    As before, the exceptionally handsome pce master was wearing a full-body, blood-red robe. At this moment, he looked towards the arriving Tianheng, and his eyes contained a kindly and amiable gaze. It would cause a person¡¯s heart to feel calm andfortable.

    He smiled: ¡°This apprentice has smoothly returned and has secured the reputation of an all-star prodigy. Itforts this teacher¡¯s heart.¡±

    Tianheng also smiled: ¡°This disciple has finally lived up to master¡¯s expectations.¡±

    The master and apprentice shared a few words. Overall, it was about the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s concern for Tianheng and Tianheng¡¯s experiences while eliminating the flood dragon. In addition, he answered some questions that Tiangheng posed, and gave some pointers and exnations.

    For a time, it was rather warmhearted.

    Afterwards, Tianheng spoke: ¡°Reporting to master, my return was a few dayste. It was due to an invitation given by Hundred Skies Sect¡¯s Prodigy Qi Xuanao to explore a cave abode. This disciple obtained some benefits inside. I¡¯ve brought these benefits to offer them to master as a small token of this one¡¯s sincerity.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was somewhat surprised. He couldn¡¯t help raising an eyebrow: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Truly, he found this situation to be outside his expectations.

    Of course, this wasn¡¯t saying that other disciples wouldn¡¯t show filial respect to him. Merely, it hadn¡¯t been that long since he had epted Tianheng as an apprentice. With Tianheng¡¯s savings, he shouldn¡¯t have anything in his possession that could be given to him. Besides, a prodigy-level apprentice differed to some extentpared to other apprentices. Many prodigies were inordinately proud of their own abilities. Any thoughts of reciprocating to their masters wouldn¡¯t arise for a long time. What¡¯s more, this was an all-star prodigy.

    Originally, the Blood Transformation Pce Master had made preparations. He wanted to spend even more time teaching and guiding so that this apprentice could develope a sense of belonging to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Yet now, this all-star prodigy suddenly said that he wanted to show filial piety¡­

    But it had to be said that the Blood Transformation Pce Master truly felt gratified.

    And once he got a clear look at what his apprentice had offered, the qi emissions of his entire body surged!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 349 - Big Brother Enters Seclusion

    Chapter 349 - Big Brother Enters Seclusion

    There was a transparent bottle with a long neck and rounded belly. This bottle was crafted with polished Spirit Heart Ore, which specialized in holding spiritual sources and ensuring that any spiritual power didn¡¯t disperse. Contained within that half-filled bottle was a colorless liquid. This fluid, which was thick and gleamed with a jewel-like radiance, was precisely a spiritual source!

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master never once imagined that Gongyi Tianheng would¡¯ve had such a fortuitous encounter upon his first outing after joining the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. What¡¯s more, Tianheng even brought back a spiritual source ¡ª Something that Royal Realm martial artists like him had a hard time finding!

    Truly¡­

    Could an all-star prodigy¡¯s luck be this rich and powerful?

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master couldn¡¯t help looking at this apprentice. From his countenance, one couldn¡¯t tell if he was happy or astonished, but afterbining the two, his expression appeared rather strange.

    It needed to be said that, although spiritual sources were an extremely precious item, their Ten Ultimates Sect was a veteran, silver-rankedrge organization, and there were some already stored within the sect. It was just that this thing could only be freely used by powerhouses at the Cosmic Realm and above. Apart from an allocation to the Heaven Lords every one hundred years, all of it would be kept in reserve. For the Royal Realm powerhouses such as the pce masters, unless they made huge contributions, those spiritual sources were impossible to obtain.

    As far as those Heaven Lords were concerned, those allocations were like cups of water on a burning cart of firewood. Maintaining their levels of strength was already difficult. If they wanted to advance one step further, the allocations of spiritual sources basically weren¡¯t going to be enough to use.

    Even the Heaven Lords were unable to make ends meet. Let alone the the Royal Realm powerhouses who couldn¡¯t obtain allocations. If there weren¡¯t any fortuitous encounters and they couldn¡¯t make contributions, they would nevere into contact with a spiritual source.

    Unfortunately, if those Royal Realm powerhouses had any hopes of achieving the Cosmic Realm, they needed to umte at least some spiritual sources. If this happened, then they could seize the opportunity to absorb as many spiritual sources as possible at the moment of their breakthrough. The metamorphosis brought to them at that instant would be iparably huge.

    With regards to the Blood Transformation Pce Master, he had a Heaven Lord for a father. When he was going to break through, the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord would certainly give him some prepared spiritual sources. However, there was no such thing as too much of these things. Moreover, it was clear that his old man also needed spiritual sources. As a son, he nevertheless wanted to provide for himself as much as possible. He didn¡¯t want to dip into his father¡¯s savings.

    Now, an apprentice had presented him with filial piety. What this apprentice gave was a spiritual source, which was a type of gift that no one could refuse.

    Perhaps the quantity wasn¡¯t considered much, but spiritual sources were extravagant. This half-bottle weighed anywhere from a thousand to nearly two thousand kilograms. For low Cosmic Realm powerhouses, they would use up around fifty kilograms every time they cultivated. Thus, this amount wasn¡¯t bad at all.

    The spiritual sources that the Blood Transformation Pce Master had personally saved up were few in number. Most of all, after he became a pce master, it was hard to go out for long periods of time to search for more. The amounts grasped in his hands were only twice as much as what this apprentice had offered.

    Consequently, it had to be said that this was incredibly enticing.

    But it was also because spiritual sources were so precious that the Blood Transformation Pce Master realized that he hadn¡¯t given enough to his apprentice. If he epted this gift, he truly would feel like his hands were scalded. It was somewhat embarrassing.

    Although he knew that this wasn¡¯t everything, it simrly wasn¡¯t the reason to ept it ¡ª Even if it was only fifty kilograms of spiritual source, the value was extremely high.

    The most important thing was that spiritual sources were too rare.

    After hesitating for a moment, the Blood Transformation Pce Masterughed and said: ¡°This thing is hard toe by. This apprentice should save it until your realm is profound enough to utilize it. If you give this to your teacher, I¡¯m afraid there won¡¯t be enough for this apprentice to use when the timees.¡±

    Hearing what was said, Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°The remaining half is kept at this disciple¡¯s ce. I¡¯ve made preparations, so there¡¯s no need to worry. This disciple will have many experiences in the future, and the distance to the Cosmic Realm is a long road. It¡¯s possible that I maye across more spiritual sources in the future.¡±

    Then, he said: ¡°Master¡¯s current strength is profound. While I can¡¯t say which day you¡¯ll break through, if you aren¡¯t able to store up some more, this disciple won¡¯t feel at ease. I hope that master doesn¡¯t refuse. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t this disciple be seen as an outsider? That would cause unavoidable harm to the fellowship between master and apprentice.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s speech had reached this extent. The Blood Transformation Pce Master wasn¡¯t an argumentative person. He only said: ¡°Once this apprentice is about to break through and you don¡¯t have enough spiritual sources,e to this teacher¡¯s ce. At that time, this teacher will think of every possible method to replenish this disciple¡¯s spiritual sources. I¡¯ll make sure that there won¡¯t be the slightest hidden danger when this apprentice breaks through.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°In that case, this disciple thanks master in advance.¡±

    The master and apprentice looked at one another and exchanged smiles. The friendship between them had developed a bit further.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master originally regarded Tianheng with importance, but seeing as how his apprentice was so filial, he became increasingly preferential towards Tianheng. The gaze he used to look at Tianheng was clearly more benevolent.

    Tianheng took out a small box: ¡°During this trip, Ah Zuo apanied me. Because that cave abode was set up by a pharmacist, many spirit medicines were umted inside and left behind for future generations. Ah Zuo acquired lots of spirit medicines through various tests. Among them, a few of the most precious ones can¡¯t be utilized by him with his current strength. Thus, he asked this disciple to pass along his kind intentions on his behalf, and to present this stalk of spirit medicine to master.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master startled: ¡°Ah Zuo is so filial, too?¡±

    The meaning in his words somewhat held the intent of treating Gu Zuo as a younger generation as well.

    When this pce master spoke, his every word weighed as much as nine cauldrons. Back then, since he said that he would treat Gu Zuo as a half-disciple in front of both of them, he didn¡¯t show any implications that Gu Zuo was irreverent.

    Tianheng offered the small box: ¡°Ah Zuo has always been considerate. He treats this disciple with meticulous care, too.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master took this small box, and opened it to take a look. His expression slightly shifted at once: ¡°A Purple Sunset Cloud-Embracing Mushroom? It has already taken a human shape, its eyes, ears, mouth, and nose are distinct, and its countenance is quick-witted¡­ Its spirituality is fifty-five percent.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°This disciple and Ah Zuo had little experience with spirit medicines, and we could vaguely estimate that the spirituality was between fifty and sixty percent. They ought to be things used for refining earth-level pills. Therefore, we wanted to present this to master.¡±

    Spirit medicines with fifty to sixty percent spiritualities were precious items to the Blood Transformation Pce Master. In particr, this Purple Sunset Cloud-Embracing Mushroom was ssified as an exceptional medicinal herb for tempering the physical body. Although it was always used by Cosmic Realm martial artists, if small amounts of mushroom juice were used to refine medicinal decoctions for a Royal Realm powerhouse to soak in every day, their body would certainly be even stronger. And if a Royal Realm martial artist wanted to break through to the Cosmic Realm, it would be very easy to fail if their body wasn¡¯t strong enough.

    Tianheng presented a spiritual source that could swiftly strengthen the qi ocean after breaking through. Gu Zuo presented a Purple Sunset Cloud-Embracing Mushroom, which could be used for strengthening the physical body before and after a breakthrough¡­ It could be seen that the two were extremely considerate. Items for showing filial piety were also used with amon purpose.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s heart warmed slightly. Meanwhile, the smiling expression on his face became less strange and more incredibly handsome: ¡°This thing is great. Your teacher won¡¯t refuse these gifts.¡±

    He continued: ¡°It may be assumed that, besides being grateful for this teacher¡¯s protection, Ah Zuo did this more because he keeps this apprentice in his thoughts. As the saying goes, love the house and its crow. As such good brothers, this apprentice must treat Ah Zuo with even more sincerity.¡±

    Tianheng took pleasure in hearing the Blood Transformation Pce Master praise Gu Zuo. At this moment, after being urged, the edge of his lips naturally curled into a smile and his eyes carried a soft light: ¡°Master, rest assured. Ah Zuo treats me well, so I¡¯ll certainly return it a hundred fold.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was quite satisfied, and spoke a few more words with Tianheng. From the numerous servile races under his control, he selected one race, and granted it to Tianheng. He said: ¡°This isn¡¯t your teacher taking a hands-off approach. Rather, this apprentice needs manpower. Don¡¯t refuse this kindly regard of your teacher.¡±

    Tianheng heard this, and received this gift without further reciprocation.

    This pair of master and apprentice chatted for a while longer. As the apprentice showed filial piety, the master showed attentive care. Then, Tianheng bade farewell to the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    The pce master had a straightforward temperament. Having heard what was said, he brushed his sleeve: ¡°If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand,e and ask me at any time.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Yes, master.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng turned around and departed. At the doorway, he encountered an elderly man with a solemn and respectful expression. This elderly man escorted Tianheng out of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, and delivered a thousand-person servile race into Tianheng¡¯s possession. The elderly man stated: ¡°From this day forth, the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race listens to the young master¡¯s orders.¡±

    Tianheng looked at the Blood Transformation Pce Hall in the distance: ¡°This disciple humbly epts.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng received and put away a servile tablet, which contained the ve brand of this race.

    After he returned to the manor, all of the members of the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race had long been appropriately sorted, and had established a presence ahead of time. At this moment, the number of useful people within thepound had increased.

    Tianheng distributed and assigned the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race. Gu Zuo distantly perceived his dear big brother¡¯s approach, and naturally, he mentally called out from the bottom of his heart.

    Unexpectedly, Tianheng called back to him.

    [Ah Zuo,e to my side.]

    Gu Zuo set aside the work in his hands. Simrly, he summoned a wild bird to ride it. He flew down the main peak and into the forest.

    This area was spacious and wide. Tianheng stood next to a wooded mountain, and the location in front of him was densely-packed with silhouettes.

    Gu Zuo was a little puzzled: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo arrive, called him over, and pointed at the people ahead: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo carefully observed, and discovered that this was another nonhuman race.

    These peoplecked the appearances of the aged and elderly. All of them looked youthful and charming. The men were tall and slender, and the women were dainty and delicate. Also, regardless of gender, even though some were in the middle of childhood, they still possessed the early makings of great beauty. This race ought to have attracted the gazes of other people, but their temperaments were somewhat gloomy and subdued. If Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t actively gone to observe them, he would¡¯ve only felt that they were the same as streaks of shadow. He almost wouldn¡¯t have paid attention to their facial features.

    As for the characteristics of this nonhuman race¡­

    Their ears were slightly pointed. They possessed a long, slender tail behind them, which was coiled around their waists. The tail fur was a pure-ck color, and it was glossy and beautiful. The tail itself was like a lengthy whip. It was quite unusual.

    Gu Zuo looked here and there, until he finally said with hesitance: ¡°¡­Cats?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°That¡¯s right. This is the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race. The entire race is described as beautiful, and it¡¯s only at the moment of death that their youthful looks wither to desated bone. An aged cat will leave behind a skeleton in just a few breaths of time.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, but without any of the amazement he had when he looked at nonhuman races in the beginning.

    Among his big brother¡¯s subordinates, there were mice, monkeys, oxen, and dogs. Now, there were cats, too. There was nothing strange about it.

    However, since Tianheng called Gu Zuo over, it naturally wasn¡¯t only to introduce him to these cat race members. Tianheng spoke forthrightly: ¡°Although the strength of this race isn¡¯t as good as that of the hound and ox races, their agility is fleet-footed and doesn¡¯t lose out to the mouse race. Moreover, because their figures are flexible and nimble, this racial group is like a troop of shadows. Their methods of concealment are better than that of numerous battle ves, and they¡¯re the first choice for assassins, death soldiers, and secret guards.

    ¡°Ah Zuo, even though you have hound race battle ves by your side for protection, while they excel at guarding, they¡¯re a bitcking when ites to following trails, assassinating, or actively attacking. Master presented this race to improve my self-defensive capabilities. Among them, there¡¯s two Ascendant Realms and thirteen Atomic Realms. Ah Zuo, choose one Ascendant Realm and two Atomic Realms for yourself.¡±

    Currently, the ones following Gu Zuo were one Ascendant Realm and two Atomic Realm hound race members. Tianheng wanted to double Gu Zuo¡¯s manpower, but the increase to his defensive strength would be far greater.

    After Tianheng finished speaking, he gestured to the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race.

    From within that crowd, fifteen people promptly walked out. The two figures in front were one man and one woman. Behind them, the thirteen people wereprised of eight women and five men.

    Amid the other many nonhuman races, males made up the majority of powerhouses. However, the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race went in the other direction. Among their top powerhouses, females upied the majority.

    This, on the contrary, increased the race¡¯s lethality.

    Gu Zuo looked at these shadow cat girls, and his heart quailed a little.

    When the people of this world were at rtively low realms on the path of martial arts, unless they were naturally gifted, they generally followed the societal conventions of his own world¡¯s feudalistic era. Women were disadvantaged in martial arts because of physical limitations ¡ª It was better to have medicinal beads to be pharmacists. However, at the same time, this also meant something else. Under these conditions, women who could fight for their lives and be top powerhouses usually had strengths that were superior to numerous men at equivalent realms! Such a woman¡¯s fighting experience was usually more bountiful, and the extent of her actions was often more ruthless.

    The entire shadow cat race possessed extraordinary appearances. The women were even more attractive and beguiling, and they were experts in assassination¡­ When thinking about it, one would realize just how scary thesedies were.

    But at the present time, Gu Zuo needed to pick out a few guards from these scary women.

    He swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    After pondering for a short while, Gu Zuo pointed to the male shadow cat among the two Ascendant Realm martial artists. As for the two members from the Atomic Realm group, he chose¡­the sole pair of husband and wife.

    Of course, Gu Zuo originally had selfish motives. If he didn¡¯t choose the beautiful women, it was possible for them to be his big brother¡¯s secret guards! His heart flooded with vinegar¡­ But after giving it a second thought, he gave up on that course of action.

    In the shadow cat race, arge portion of the powerhouses were women. Even if he selected three of them, there were still quite a few remaining. What difference would this make? It was better to quickly put away these little thoughts of his.

    Hence, Gu Zuo curbed his state of mind, and told Tianheng the people he chose.

    Tianheng looked at these three people, and nodded his head with satisfaction: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s eyesight is pretty good. From now on, these three will stay hidden and safeguard Ah Zuo.¡± Then, hemanded those Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race members, ¡°All of you will regard Ah Zuo with the utmost importance. Do not be the slightest bit neglectful. Do you all understand?¡±

    The shadow cat powerhouses answered: ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    After that, the three people Gu Zuo selected swayed for some reason. Subsequently, the spaces where they originally stood seemed to warp ¡ª In an instant, they thoroughly vanished.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Big brother, they really can hide better than Ao Ying and the others¡­¡±

    If hepletely discharged his psychic power, he could probably still discover traces of Ao Ying and the others¡¯ existences. However, he continuously searched and scrutinized for these shadow cats. When it seemed like he could faintly discern a hint of a ripple, this ripple promptly faded away.

    But after Gu Zuo spoke those words, the qi emissions where Ao Ying, Xi Ying, and Feng He originally hid ended up vanishing even more thoroughly. Everyst trace of them was concealed.

    Gu Zuo forced a smile.

    Okay. This was a type ofpetition, too.

    Actually, this was very good¡­

    Once Gu Zuo finished choosing, the majority of the Shadow Morphing ck Cat Race¡¯s powerhouses followed Tianheng. Only a small number were arranged elsewhere.

    Apart from the young, several hundred of the most powerful members of the thousand-person racial group formed secret guard troops. The others were mostly assigned to cooperate with hound race members to protect outstanding pharmacists.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng led Gu Zuo back to their base of operations.

    The head manager and second manager received their orders once more. They realized that Tianheng was going to enter secluded cultivation, and the time of his emergence was undetermined. During his absence, news of his seclusion couldn¡¯t be leaked to outsiders. All business matters and difficult decisions would go through Gu Zuo for him to finalize.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    Suddenly, he felt that the burden of responsibility on his shoulders had be heavier.

    However, he still nodded his head and epted.

    Indeed. When his big brother was in seclusion, he wouldn¡¯t have felt at ease to hand these important matters over to other people¡­ In that case, it was unavoidable for him to put in more effort.

    After the managers departed, the two needed to make preparations for Tianheng¡¯s seclusion.

    Gu Zuo sat across from Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, this time, you¡¯ll first absorb the Wondrous Water. I¡¯ll refine some corresponding medicinal pills. Once big brother feels any pain, swallow a few pills, and it¡¯ll be much better.¡±

    That¡¯s right. There were certain procedures to absorb the Wondrous Water. Besides relying on one¡¯s own body cultivation method, it was even more important whether one¡¯s willpower was strong enough.

    Due to Tianheng¡¯s bitter experiences in childhood, his willpower surpassed many others. However, this didn¡¯t guarantee that nothing would go wrong for him ¡ª At the very least, under Gu Zuo¡¯s concerns, Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be going into battle empty-handed.

    As a result, due to Gu Zuo¡¯s requirements, Tianheng promptly soaked in medicinal decoctions to strengthen his internal organs. This was to withstand the Wondrous Water¡¯s corrosion. At the same time, he needed to take medicinal pills of other attributes to conduct a neutralization. When the Wondrous Water entered the kidneys, this was to prevent the surplus power from triggering an imbnce in the other organs.

    ¡­In the end, no matter how gentle or mild the Wondrous Water was, it was ssified as a foreign substance. The course of events after it was absorbed and before a new cycle was established couldn¡¯t be neglected in the least.

    Tianhengplied with his ¡°doctor¡¯s advice¡±.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo talked with him. He had a smile on his face as he listened to Gu Zuo chatter away. For every word and sentence, he would respond in kind. This showed that he heard things clearly, and remembered everything in his heart.

    Just like this, once Gu Zuo finished saying what needed to be said, that tense mood of his slightly eased. After that, he suddenly stood up: ¡°Big brother, hurry and prepare to soak in the decoction. Later on, I still need to refine pills. Quickly make your own adjustments so that you¡¯ll be in your best state! There can¡¯t be any mistakes!¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up, and his smile was gentle and soft: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. This elder brother will definitely be more careful. I¡¯ll certainly seed.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up. After absentmindedly nodding his head, he turned around and left.

    He was very busy. He was very, very busy. Within a single day, he settled everything¡­

    The enormous stone doors in front of him slowly closed, swallowing that tall and slender figure inside. Not a trace of qi emissions spilled out.

    Gu Zuo silently looked at these doors. When he thought about the figure who previously entered, he became a little foolish and distracted.

    Ah, big brother had gone into seclusion¡­

    Who knew when he woulde out?

    He calcted the things that he had prepared for his big brother. There were all kinds of medicinal pills that supplemented profound qi and strengthened the internal organs. There were all sorts of suitable medicinal cuisines that he meticulously cooked. Then, there were other various and useful medicaments.

    He thought of anything that could happen. For this time¡¯s secluded cultivation, the most important thing was to absorb the Wondrous Water. As for the Wondrous Metal, because it was yin-aligned and the metal element could promote the water element, if everything went smoothly, then the Myriad Manifestation Supple Gold could also be absorbed. However, if the equilibrium was barely established and wasn¡¯t steady, the Wondrous Metal wouldn¡¯t be absorbed for the time being. It had to be at least until the elements were stabilized.

    It was because of this that the duration of Tianheng¡¯s seclusion became even more uncertain.

    Gu Zuo took another fleeting look before turning around and leaving.

    Contrary to what one might expect, he would¡¯ve liked to make transmissions to keep an eye on his big brother¡¯s situation. But on the off-chance that his big brother was in the middle of a critical juncture, his actions would undoubtedly cause harm to his big brother. As a result, he pretended that he didn¡¯t have this ability, and went to research the source sand¡­

    Therefore, after Tianheng entered seclusion, Gu Zuo squeezed into the medicine refining room, and practically entered his own half-seclusion. He began researching day and night.

    Although the system told him that there was a method to refine this thing into a medicinal pill, any problems would increase a hundred fold if he had to fumble around on his own instead of having a pill prescription. After Gu Zuo started studying it, he discovered something else. As expected, the path of medicine refinement was vast and boundless. The deeper he researched, the shallower he realized his understanding was.

    Just like this, he researched for seven to eight days.

    Gu Zuo blended and refined many types of medicinal ingredients of different natures with the source sand. He only perceived that the source sand was a new kind of substance. The originally impurity-free mud had also be a part of it. The radiated energy and the mud had already fused. Even if one wanted to refine it, both parts had to be refined together. There wasn¡¯t a scenario where the radiated energy could be separated¡­ Apart from this, there really were some medicinal ingredients that could cause a reaction with the source sand. But despite these reactions, it didn¡¯t mean that they could be formed into a pill. He needed even more ingredients to conduct his experiments.

    There were some of these medicinal ingredients in Ten Ultimates Sect. While Gu Zuo could go and exchange for them, his big brother was currently in secluded cultivation. Although Tianheng said that he could mobilize the items in the storehouse, he didn¡¯t know whether his big brother had any arrangements for those items. As a result, he decided that he would simply go straight to Shijue City, and stroll around the medicinal ingredient stores there.

    ¡ª In any case, he had a few good things in his possession. In addition, Tianheng had left him many spirit crystals and profound crystals. At that time, he could directly buy anything he wanted to buy!

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo stood up without the slightest hesitation.

    Because he had been staying in the medicine refining room for a long time, he was somewhat unkempt. He quickly took a bath in the mountain hot spring, and made himself clean and presentable. He summoned a wild bird, and ordered it to take him outside the sect.

    ¡°Ao Ying, Xi Ying, Feng He, and the shadow cats ¡ª You guyse along with me.¡±

    Several figures shed over, and quietly sat on the other side of the wild bird.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t deliberately initiate any conversations with them. He only patted the wild bird¡¯s back, and gazed into the distance beyond Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Almost an hour passed by when the wild bird smoothlynded outside Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Gu Zuo bade it to return. After that, he informed his bodyguards: ¡°You guys can stay hidden, but leave one person to journey together with me.¡±

    After the few guards exchanged nces, the steadiest Ao Ying took a step forward. He quietly stood behind Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Ao Ying said: ¡°Yes, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 350 - Medicine Heart Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 350 - Medicine Heart Pavilion</h4>

    Shijue City was huge, and the entirety of the city was under the domain of Ten Ultimates Sect. However, just like every other city, there were numerous, wide-open roads that winded and intersected. And on every street, the great majority of businesses shared familial or friendly rtionships with Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s disciples.

    After Gu Zuo left Ten Ultimates Sect, what he saw were countless lofty and expansive stores. Contained within them weremodities and goods of all sorts and sizes. These stores towered above those streets.

    The streets here were wider than any Gu Zuo had seen before, and were built using heavy and massive bluestone bs. There practically wasn¡¯t a single crack or seam in the masonry ¡ª He did a cursory estimation. Even if the giant wild beast his family¡¯s big brother rode on every day and multiple ranks of troops travelled side by side, they would be able to smoothly pass through these streets.

    In other words¡­

    Suppose Gu Zuo was standing on the left side of the street and looked at the things inside a certain store on the right side. If he wanted to run straight across at normal speeds, it would take quite a few minutes.

    As a result, after Gu Zuo looked around at the start of this street, he discharged his psychic power. Once both sides were swept over, he walked to the right side of the street.

    Inparison, there were more medicinal pill stores and medicinal ingredient stores on this side.

    Gu Zuo intended to look through each and every business.

    In fact, while he strolled past many medicinal ingredient stores, it was still his first time going through such a big city.

    At the present time, the ingredients he needed should¡¯ve been at the golden level. Based on his hypothesis, since the source sand could be refined into a medicinal pill for his big brother to use, the corresponding ingredients wouldn¡¯t be outside the limits of his capabilities.

    Currently, it wasn¡¯t a problem for him to refine golden-level pills. However, if it was a profound-level pill, then he was still a long way off.

    It had to be said that every medicinal ingredient store here had its own advantages. For example, some rare ingredients normally required bounties or other methods to be found. But some of the stores that could gain a firm foothold here also secretly possessed the means of securing some rare ingredients at certain intervals. Different medicinal ingredients would have different product grades. Some medicine stores could obtain thousand-year old herbs, while others could get a hold of several-thousand to ten-thousand year old herbs. Likewise, this would cause people to develop preferences in their selections.

    As such, although the majority of medicinal ingredients could be found in every store, there were fiercepetitions between individual stores. They would use all kinds of methods to draw the attention of would-be customers.

    Right now, Gu Zuo had three hundred thousand spirit crystals in hand. After purposefully walking through several medicinal ingredient stores, he bought dozens of types of ingredients. Every type was purchased in sufficient quantities. All of a sudden, he spent over a thousand spirit crystals.

    How long had it been just now¡­

    Sure enough, a pharmacist spent money like running water.

    After considering things, Gu Zuo felt his heart aching. He turned to look at his faithful guard behind him: ¡°Ao Ying, do you know which ces ept medicinal pills and haveparatively fair prices?¡±

    Ao Ying respectfully said: ¡°Treasure Source Pavilion, Medicine Heart Pavilion, Dosage Hall¡­¡±

    In one breath, he mentioned a handful of names. All of them were rtively famous in Shijue City, and their fairness was well-known. Merely, each had at least a dozen or so branches in just this city alone.

    However, the current Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t the same as before, who listened without asking for details. After thinking about something, he inquired further: ¡°What kind of people are backing these ces?¡±

    They definitely had backers.

    Ao Ying had long prepared for things of this respect. He answered without batting an eye: ¡°Treasure Source Pavilion is a property of Ten Ultimates Sect. Behind Medicine Heart Pavilion is the existence of a gold-ranked organization¡¯s disciple. Dosage Hall is a property of another silver-ranked organization¡¯s disciple. The others&#k2026;¡±

    In short, these couple of famous stores were backed byrge organizations.

    When thinking about this, it made sense. Shijue City was Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s main city. Which ordinary forces would have faces this big? Organizations would need to be at least on equal footing with Ten Ultimates Sect to open more than ten store fronts in its main city.

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh: ¡°In that case, let¡¯s go to Medicine Heart Pavilion.¡±

    He wanted to know what kind of shop someone from a gold-ranked organization would open.

    On the street that Gu Zuo was walking on, there happened to be a branch of Medicine Heart Pavilion.

    Gu Zuo came to the entrance, and lifted his eyes to see the threerge characters written by some unknown person. Between the various brush strokes, there were stern and austere qi emissions ¡ª The calligrapher ought to have been a martial artist?

    He didn¡¯t reflect on this too much. Instead, he walked straight inside.

    Theposition within Medicine Heart Pavilion was normal. It was a lot like other medicinal ingredient stores where numerous transparentttices leaned against the four walls. It was just that medicinal ingredient stores would have herbs ced within theirttices, but in Medicine Heart Pavilion, one type of medicinal pill was ced within each of these frames. On thebels in front of the frames were written the names of these pills. The handwriting was either shining or dull. This showed whether the pills within the designated frame were in stock or not.

    In the rear of the store was an enormous sales counter, and standing behind the counter was a woman with a beautiful and alluring appearance. She looked graceful and charming, and possessed a mature and lovely appeal.

    This woman¡¯s qi emissions were indistinct, which prevented people from seeing the strength of her realm. It could only be vaguely seen that she was a martial artist. Anything more than that would require careful prying. However, if one didn¡¯t want to cause trouble, nobody would forcefully scope out the other party in the store.

    Standing respectfully on both sides of the charming woman were some men and women who wore uniformed white robes. It seemed that they were trained rigorously. Whenever a customer came inside and asked questions, these customers could receive precise answers.

    This was just a branch store, but theyout was in good taste, and all of the arrangements were clear and orderly.

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded his head.

    It looked like the Central Continent also knew about the importance of service attitude¡­ Indeed, there wasn¡¯t a shortage of managerial talents anywhere one went. Even though he had knowledge of another world, he wasn¡¯t necessarily ahead of the people here.

    However, the service attitudes weren¡¯t the important point that Gu Zuo wanted to consider. It was only because he followed Gongyi Tianheng, and saw that his big brother had many properties to manage. Thus, he had a better sense of these things.

    Right now, Gu Zuo mainly wanted to know the variety and quantity of the medicinal pills this ce provided. He couldn¡¯t necessarily rely on himself to refine some pills, and he wanted to know if he could obtain them here for the right price.

    As a result, Gu Zuo started looking around from the first wall.

    While browsing, he couldn¡¯t help praising the system. In this branch of Medicine Heart Pavilion, even though close to a thousand types of medicinal pills were extravagantly disyed, he recognized all of them. Moreover, their pill prescriptions appeared in his item books.

    At this time, Gu Zuo furthered his understanding of just how massive the wealth he possessed was!

    After looking around for one round, Gu Zuo knew the ins and outs of the matter.

    He didn¡¯t go directly to the sales counter tomunicate with the charming woman. Rather, he went straight to an attendant on the periphery. He asked in a low voice: ¡°Does this ce ept medicinal pills?¡±

    This attendant had good manners: ¡°What might be the rank of this honorable pharmacist and the types and product grades of the supplied medicinal pills? This small store shall appraise them. Our house offers sincere treatment to all and fair trade to the old and young alike. This pharmacist needn¡¯t worry.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I have golden-level pills, but the product grades vary. Why don¡¯t you take a look at what I have and quote a price? As for my rank¡­ I¡¯m considered a golden-level pharmacist.¡±

    In this ce, one would meet many pharmacists who weren¡¯t willing to divulge their identities, let alone their ranks. Usually, those who weren¡¯t willing to talk either wouldn¡¯t necessarily form long-term transactions, or they still had some doubts in their hearts. As such, if it was the former, it would be a bond of good karma. And if it was thetter, the attendant would do their best to develop a long-term medicine supplier.

    This attendant made some calctions, and soon knew the score.

    Hence, the attendant replied with a respectful bearing: ¡°In our Medicine Heart Pavilion, we only ept medicinal pills of grade six and above. We use spirit crystals to settle ounts. If it¡¯s amonly-seen pill, we¡¯ll purchase it at ny percent of the market value. If it¡¯s rarely seen and has special benefits, the price can be negotiated in private.¡± He paused, ¡°Which category of medicinal pill does this pharmacist wish to offer?¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at Ao Ying.

    Ao Ying slightly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo realized that these kinds of prices were the same as the purchasing prices that Medicine Heart Pavilion normally put out. Since the other party was sincere, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t keep the attendant in suspense: ¡°The medicinal pills I¡¯ve produced are somewhat unorthodox.¡±

    The attendant revealed a smiling expression: ¡°This pharmacist presumably understands that our Medicine Heart Pavilion is¡­¡± His finger pointed upwards, ¡°¡­the property of a powerhouse. Since it¡¯s backed by such arge organization, naturally the requirements for the subordinates aren¡¯t low.¡±

    To put it simply, even these attendants were experienced and knowledgable. They weren¡¯t just country bumpkins.

    These words contained the impression of a bit of pride.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel that this pride was abnormal. In any case, they were connected to a gold-ranked organization. For such a person to not look down on others already meant that this attendant had been trained well.

    Thus, he directly said: ¡°The first type is the Innate Mending Pill.¡±

    After hearing Gu Zuo¡¯s words, the corner of the attendant¡¯s mouth twitched. His smile also stiffened on his face.

    Just now, he had boasted¡­

    The attendant observed the proper etiquettes somewhat rigidly: ¡°Such a medicinal pill should be discussed between the shopkeeper and this pharmacist¡­ Would this pharmacist please wait a moment. This lowly one will fetch the shopkeeper.¡±

    After he finished speaking, the attendant swiftly turned around, walked to the sales counter, and quietly spoke a few words to the manager on the side whose attire was even more tasteful and of a higher quality.

    That manager listened, and nced at Gu Zuo on this side. After that, the manager gestured at the charming woman, and walked over to Gu Zuo in quick steps: ¡°I have troubled this customer for the long wait. I am this small store¡¯s shopkeeper. This pharmacist may call me Shopkeeper Fang.¡±

    Gu Zuo saw how cordial he was being, and rxed the taut muscles in his cheeks, which had been due to a bit of nerves: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang, this Gu hase here because of a surplus of medicinal pills. Would you be interested?¡±

    When Shopkeeper Fang heard Gu Zuo talk like this, he lowered his tone of voice: ¡°I hear that it¡¯s Innate Mending Pills?¡±

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang has heard of it?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s eyes shed with appreciation, and nodded slightly: ¡°If it¡¯s this kind of pill, and at rank six or above, then it¡¯s exceedingly wee. If Pharmacist Gu doesn¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t we go to a side room to discuss things?¡±

    Gu Zuo imitated his big brother¡¯s raised eyebrow: ¡°Sure. Why not?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang became even more solicitous: ¡°Please ¡ª Pharmacist Gu, pleasee this way.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate, and he beckoned Ao Ying. With one in the front and the other in the back, the two followed Shopkeeper Fang as they rounded corners.

    Soon, they came to a quiet and small reception hall.

    This ce had some martial artists on guard. There were also some things hidden from view. It was rather covert.

    The customers who normally came here wouldn¡¯t have found this ce easily.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 351 - Big Business

    <h4>Chapter 351 - Big Business</h4>

    Gu Zuo was guided to sit in front of a Purple Jade Peaceful Sandalwood table. Someone quickly came over sping a cup of fragrant tea, and offered it to him. Meanwhile, sweet and aromatic fruits were arranged to the side. In a short period of time, he was treated as a noble guest, and was received with great propriety.

    Ao Ying calmly stood behind Gu Zuo like a gate guardian. He maintained a defensive posture with a solemn and respectful air.

    The qi emissions his body gave off as well as the nonhuman characteristics he presented allowed people to realize that Gu Zuo¡¯s identity wasn¡¯t ordinary.

    Shopkeeper Fang walked over, and sat next to Gu Zuo. He used a natural and formal attitude to inquire: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, would you take out the medicinal pills for a look? This humble Fang is considered to have decent eyesight when ites to grading and inspecting pills. If the medicinal pills are sufficient, the quoted prices will certainly be to Pharmacist Gu¡¯s satisfaction.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and felt that he couldn¡¯t reveal that he was short of money with a foolish appearance. He recalled the normal expressions of his close friend, Xu Lingxiu ¡ª He slightly lifted his chin, took out a bottle from his sleeve, and pushed it over: ¡°Take a look. The product grades won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled, grabbed that bottle, and carefully opened it.

    In a split second, a st of fantastic pill fragrance assailed the senses. He couldn¡¯t help immediately waving a hand: ¡°Damn! Use the Pill Locking Formation! Don¡¯t let the matters here leak out!¡±

    Someone promptly responded. At once, an invisible power enveloped this reception hall, locking up the pill fragrance wafting from that bottle. Not a single trace flowed outside.

    Shopkeeper Fang sighed in relief. Following that, his tone bore a feigned grumble: ¡°Pharmacist Gu has medicinal pills of such outstanding product grades. Couldn¡¯t you have warned me in advance? It nearly caused this Fang to make a fool of himself!¡±

    The corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth pulled up, and he continued to exhibit his acting skills, which had already gone through much tempering: ¡°The medicinal pills of this Gu are naturally good ones.¡±

    At this time, Shopkeeper Fang didn¡¯t bother with the believability of Gu Zuo¡¯s acting. He gently took out a jade bowl, and cautiously poured out one pill from inside the bottle. The jade bowl was moved to his eyes, and he carefully scrutinized it¡­ Afterwards, he praised: ¡°The product grade has actually reached grade eleven. Between top grade pills, it can be counted as above average. Based on its color and luster, its smooth and round shape, and an almostpleteck of impurities, its value truly isn¡¯t low.¡±

    After he finished observing, Shopkeeper Fang wanted to talk business with Gu Zuo. However, just as he was about to put this Innate Mending Pill back into the bottle, which was to prevent the dispersal of its medicinal properties, he identally let out a sound of surprise.

    He quickly tilted the bottle, and two more pills rolled out and fell into the jade bowl. The impact produced clear and melodious ringing like gold clinking against jade.

    ¡°The additional pills have no pill fragrance¡­¡±

    Just as he was speaking, Shopkeeper Fang got a clear look at the appearances of the other two medicinal pills. At once, he retracted his misgivings, and the pupils of his eyes shrank.

    At that moment, he wasn¡¯t able to restrain his emotions, and blurted out: ¡°The dragon of the furnace swallows a purple river, and a pill begets rose-tinted clouds ¡ª This is an Innate Mending Pill that has produced prismatic clouds?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded with a detached attitude: ¡°Correct. Sure enough, Shopkeeper Fang has good eyesight.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s throat moved slightly: ¡°No blemishes and no leaks. Prismatic clouds, and a sealed fragrance¡­ Such characteristics are beyond recognizable.¡±

    Only medicinal pills at the golden level and above could possibly produce this kind of manifestation. However, the number of pharmacists who could genuinely refine such product grades were minuscule ¡ª It depended almost entirely on natural talent.

    There were many pharmacists in the world who cultivated and passed through the path of spirituality. If one¡¯s body cultivation method wasn¡¯t too inferior, they could refine pills of grade seven, eight, and nine after their experience increased. These weremonly referred to as the three high grades of medicinal pills. If a pharmacist¡¯sprehensions were strong and they were very familiar with a certain type of pill, it wouldn¡¯t be considered too surprising for them to take it a step further and refine pills among the three top grades. In particr were the grade ten and grade eleven pills. These two categories were seen rtively frequently.

    However, refining a grade twelve wless pill was incredibly difficult, and the pill fragrance of a wless pill would permeate an entire room. Presuming that a pharmacist¡¯s natural talents were unparalleled, there was a possibility of a phenomenon known as ¡°the furnace dragon swallows a purple river¡± when producing a pill. And a medicinal pill refined in such a way would have rose-tinted clouds covering its surface. These prismatic clouds wouldpletely lock up the pill fragrance!

    ¡­The reason why these prismatic clouds existed was due to the remarkably exquisite nature of the pill refining technique utilized. Not a fraction of the medicinal properties were allowed to flow away. All of the produced pill fragrance was instantly gathered up, and perfectly preserved!

    A person who didn¡¯t have enough talent wouldn¡¯t be able to aplish this at all.

    As a result, even though wless pills were already ssified as a special grade within the golden-level pills, prismatic wless pills were even more precious and valuable objects. For every single pill, it could be sold for a very high price whenever one appeared.

    Prismatic pills were highly sought after. It wasn¡¯t only because their medicinal effects were perfectly whole. There was another reason. When a person consumed them, there was a certain probability of hearing a Pill Note Mantra Echo. This was the inner sound of the medicinal pill, which corresponded to a certain rhythm. After a martial artist heard this Pill Note Mantra Echo, they could keep a record of it in their mind. During a future breakthrough or pathprehension, this sound could merge with one¡¯s consciousness, allowing the martial artist to enter a special state and heighten their rity of mind. Many things that were previously difficult orplex could be instantaneously resolved.

    It was only a pity that the majority of pharmacists capable of refining prismatic pills had lofty and preeminent positions. They were kept hidden within the core areas ofrge organizations. Moreover, granted that they could refine prismatic pills, this didn¡¯t mean that the pill frequencies were high ¡ª There weren¡¯t enough pills to be used within one¡¯s own organization. Whenever a few more pills flowed out, would martial artists on the outside be allowed to purchase them?

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how Medicine Heart Pavilion was backed by a gold-ranked organization. It was only the property of a certain powerhouse within this gold-ranked organization. And there wasn¡¯t this kind of pharmacist in that powerhouse¡¯s hands.

    What¡¯s more, the Innate Mending Pill was a very special type of medicinal pill. Strictly speaking, it was a pill that spanned across ranks. From golden to profound to earth, there was a type of medicinal pill called an ¡°Innate Mending Pill¡± within each of these three ranks. As the name implied, the original effect of these medicinal pills was to supplement inborn deficiencies. Suppose that a martial artist was born with atrophied meridians, problems with their organs, or a badly damaged body. The Innate Mending Pill could repair all of these things. Merely, the greater the severity of damage, the greater the number of Innate Mending Pills required.

    At the same time, Innate Mending Pills could also supplement insufficient talent. For example, a certain martial artist¡¯s body had various attributes. The Innate Mending Pill could search out the one attribute among them that was slightly stronger than the rest, and reinforce it. In addition, it would simultaneously weaken the other attributes. What would finally be achieved was a formidable constitution that would only be a bit inferior to one with a pure attribute.

    ¡ª Gu Zuo had studied this Innate Mending Pill as well due to his present internal qi and breakthroughs. Otherwise, even though the Innate Mending Pill was only a golden-level pill, perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have been easier for him to refine than the mostmon profound-level pills. Regretfully, the Innate Mending Pill couldn¡¯t treat the root problems of the Tiandu Body. Gu Zuo could only refine some, and give them to his big brother to alleviate any pain and strengthen the internal organs while in secluded cultivation.

    Returning to the topic at hand.

    So to say, when Shopkeeper Fang discovered that what Gu Zuo took out were actually prismatic wless pills, he was almost unable to conceal the joy that suddenly sprung up within his heart. His frame of mind had also been incessantly shaken.

    As it turned out, he was only that polite to Gu Zuo due to the Innate Mending Pills. Now, he practically treated the other party as a Buddha-like figure who was worthy of consecration and worship.

    &#k2014; Fortunately, Shopkeeper Fang didn¡¯t lose his calm.

    At this moment, there were still many things he was puzzling over.

    For instance, were these pills really refined by Pharmacist Gu? What was the identity and origin of this Pharmacist Gu? How many prismatic wless pills could Pharmacist Gu still take out? What price did Pharmacist Gu wish to sell these pills for?

    And so on and so forth.

    But at this time, not a trace was revealed on Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s face.

    He was merely being cautious. With extreme care, he put the couple of medicinal pills back into the bottle. Then, he showed Gu Zuo a smiling and eagerly attentive expression: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, the Innate Mending Pill is an incredibly rare pill. Among the golden-level pills, it¡¯s one of the few types that are said to be the hardest to refine. Even if it was a medicinal pill of the three mid grades or three high grades, it would fetch for a pretty good price. Besides a grade eleven Innate Mending Pill, Pharmacist Gu is also currently offering two prismatic wless pills. Those prices would be even higher.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened as Shopkeeper Fang spoke, and only thought that this personpletely avoided the main topic of discussion. This narration was truly too long-winded!

    Could it be that the important point right now was to not directly tell him how much money these Innate Mending Pills of different product grades could be sold for ¡ª No, how many spirit crystals they could be exchanged for!

    But Gu Zuo didn¡¯t show anything. He used a finger to lightly tap the tabletop. He continued to remain aloof: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. First, he quietly asked: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, would you have any more of these Innate Mending Pills in your possession¡­¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart thumped. He immediately valued the attractiveness of the Innate Mending Pills even more, and shook his head: ¡°Getting these already wasn¡¯t easy. In order to do this, I wasted lots of medicinal ingredients. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I have no use for Innate Mending Pills and I currently need many ingredients to research a new prescription, I wouldn¡¯t have taken these out.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he deliberately looked Shopkeeper Fang in the eyes: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the organization behind Medicine Heart Pavilion is out of the ordinary. I believe that having such arge force backing it would mean that its prices ought to be fair. Thus, I came here.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang had a respectful appearance: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, please rest assured. Our Medicine Heart Pavilion certainly won¡¯t disappoint thee!¡±

    Soon after, he talked about the prices in a low voice: ¡°Normally, golden-level medicinal pills are calcted with spirit crystals. For grade four to grade six Innate Mending Pills, the prices are between six to ten spirit crystals. Grade seven to grade nine are ten to fifteen spirit crystals. Grade ten to grade eleven are twenty to thirty spirit crystals. If a grade twelve wless pill is attained, the price jumps to fifty or more. If it goes to auction, one to two hundred spirit crystals is possible. As for a prismatic Innate Mending Pill¡­ It can be called a treasure. At an auction, the starting bid for this kind of treasure would be two hundred spirit crystals. The final sales price would be hard to estimate.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was amazed.

    The Innate Mending Pill was difficult to refine, but for him, it was just a small challenge.

    Within golden-level pill prescriptions, the cost of its medicinal ingredients was only above-average. While it was said to be rare, the refining process could be rated as harsh ¡ª For ordinary pills, if one¡¯s heat control was just slightly off, it could be saved so long as the pharmacist caught it in time. If a pharmacist¡¯s technique was brilliant enough, they could still form a wless pill. Though, a prismatic wless pill would be out of the question.

    However, when refining the Innate Mending Pill, if there was the slightest mistake, the furnace would blow up immediately. All of the medicinal ingredients would be wasted!

    When Gu Zuo was refining Innate Mending Pills, he inevitably blew up his furnace two or three times. But following this, he already became proficient. In the wake of using ingredients, he had no issues in theter stages when refining wless pills. In every furnace, one or two prismatic wless pills could appear¡­ Of course, in one batch of Innate Mending Pills, there would be just three pills at most.

    Because he realized the rarity of prismatic pills, everything that Gu Zuo gave Tianheng wasprised of only prismatic Innate Mending Pills and wless Innate Mending Pills. The other types of medicinal pills were the same. Indeed, there really were only two prismatic Innate Mending Pills left in his possession. However, he absolutely didn¡¯t expect that the market price for this category of pill would reach such levels!

    These numerous thoughts shed through his mind. Gu Zuo wanted to pull a long face, but his expression remained tranquil. His eyebrow rose up: ¡°This ce will even ept grade four to grade six defective pills?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang heard this tone of voice, and initially felt that this pharmacist was arrogant ¡ª Even mid grade pills were looked down upon, and he directly called them ¡°defective pills¡±. What kind of natural talent did he possess to act this way?

    At once, he said: ¡°Naturally, we ept them. The Innate Mending Pill is difficult to refine, and ordinary people don¡¯t even have the pill prescription. How could anyonepare to Pharmacist Gu, who has such rich experience and extraordinary skills? Consequently, this pill¡¯s supply doesn¡¯t meet its demand. For the past many years, our Medicine Heart Pavilion has caught wind of this pill, but few could pass through our hands. Once one did, it would usually be taken immediately. Therefore, it can¡¯t be kept and disyed outside of the pavilion.¡±

    He took a breath, and said: ¡°If Pharmacist Gu feels that this price is tolerable, no matter how many Innate Mending Pills you have, our Medicine Heart Pavilion will buy them all!¡±

    Gu Zuo silently trembled.

    He was being ttered.

    But such ttery left him with goosebumps¡­

    After calming down, Gu Zuo¡¯s index finger continued to tap on the table. It appeared that he was in deep thought.

    On the other side, Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s heart was hanging by a thread. He was very nervous.

    A good whileter, Gu Zuo finally stretched his hand into a sleeve. Soon after, one bottle of medicinal pills after another was taken out, and ced on the tabletop.

    Meanwhile, he spoke a bit reluctantly: ¡°Three bottles of grade four Innate Mending Pills, two bottles of grade five, two bottles of grade six, one bottle each of grades seven to nine, two bottles of grade ten, four grade eleven pills, one bottle of wless pills, and two prismatic pills¡­ I only have these. En, and each bottle has three pills.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang watched as those pill bottles were taken out one by one and continuously spread across the small table. His eyeballs wanted to fall out of his head. C-could it really be true that Pharmacist Gu had refined them all? From low grade to high grade, it was clear that these numbers of pills were from a single person who gradually became familiar with the process!

    This was the first time he had seen this many Innate Mending Pills¡­ He couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Settle the ount, please.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang suddenly clenched his fingers, allowing himself to calm down. Immediately following which, he started to calcte: ¡°For grade four to grade six, this Fang will purchase each pill for ten spirit crystals. Grade seven to grade nine will be fifteen, grade ten to eleven will be thirty¡­ This totals to six hundred forty-five spirit crystals. As for the wless pills and prismatic pills, will Pharmacist Gu sell them directly to our Medicine Heart Pavilion or conduct an auction?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Shopkeeper Fang, and the corner of his mouth curled into a grin: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang can actually do business.¡±

    Naturally, Shopkeeper Fang smiled apologetically: ¡°It¡¯s a bond of good karma.¡±

    In fact, when it came to the wless pills and prismatic pills, these two categories of Innate Mending Pills, Shopkeeper Fang certainly could¡¯ve announced a price and directly purchased them. However, he took the initiative to mention that they could be auctioned. Undoubtedly, this favored Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and said: ¡°If the wless pills are sold to Medicine Heart Pavilion, what price level are you willing to give me?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang spoke without the slightest hesitation: ¡°One hundred fifty spirit crystals per pill.¡±

    This was already a high price.

    Admittedly, while it was true that it could reach two hundred in an auction, the auction house itself would take a cut of the profits. Moreover, it might not reach two hundred. What if it was only a hundred-something? Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s quoted price was truly generous.

    Gu Zuo pushed the bottle that contained the wless pills forward: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll sell it to Medicine Heart Pavilion.¡±

    A smile spread across Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s face: ¡°With that, another four hundred fifty spirit crystals are added. The total is one thousand ny-five spirit crystals.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze fell upon thest two prismatic Innate Mending Pills. He hesitated: ¡°As for these two prismatic pills¡­ This Gu still wants to ce them in the auction.¡±

    However, at this time, Shopkeeper Fang suddenly made a proposal: ¡°I won¡¯t hide this from Pharmacist Gu. In Heavenly Martial Sect, the gold-ranked organization where our Medicine Heart Pavilion is located, numerous disciples cooperate with each other. The owner of our Medicine Heart Pavilion and the owner of the Wind God Trading Company are a pair of close friends. Any top-notch medicinal pills that Medicine Heart Pavilion obtains are usually mixed into the auctions conducted by the Wind God Trading Company.

    ¡°It just so happens that there¡¯s a Wind God Auction being held in this city. If Pharmacist Gu is interested, why don¡¯t you ce the prismatic Innate Mending Pills in this auction?¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°There¡¯s an auction? When is it?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang earnestly said: ¡°Tonight, at the middle of the eleventh period.¡±

    Gu Zuo converted the hours. This was exactly at 8:00 PM? It was actually a good time.

    Only, wasn¡¯t the arrival of this auction too coincidental?

    Shopkeeper Fang naturally saw the suspicion in Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze, but in his opinion, this wasn¡¯t a problem that was hard to exin. He spoke with a low chuckle: ¡°Did Pharmacist Gu happen to see that elegant and outstanding woman beside this Fang? Her rank is higher than mine. On this trip, she came to inspect the properties on behalf of Medicine Heart Pavilion¡¯s owner. She came here first precisely because the Wind God Trading Company is about to hold an auction.¡±

    Gu Zuo slightly pondered this, and took his word for it.

    It went without saying that his arrival to this exact store was random happenstance. However, the hosting of this auction certainly wasn¡¯t done casually. The auction¡¯s numerous goods would¡¯ve had to be prepared long ago¡­

    After that, Gu Zuo nodded his head, but he also furrowed his brows: ¡°Will it be okay to put in the Innate Mending Pills?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang hurriedly said: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s fine. Our Medicine Heart Pavilion has this bit of face. This Fang can even send someone to discuss the matter with the tradingpany. They won¡¯t deduct that ten percent auctioning fee from Pharmacist Gu either¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo tilted his head, and looked over: ¡°What requests does Shopkeeper Fang have?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang let out a shortugh: ¡°First, I ask that Pharmacist Gu carries out the auction in the name of our Medicine Heart Pavilion. Second, I ask that Pharmacist Gu only auctions one prismatic pill. The remaining one will be directly sold to our Medicine Heart Pavilion. Naturally, the second pill¡¯s purchase will ur after the auction. The amount of spirit crystals the first prismatic pill is auctioned for is how much our Medicine Heart Pavilion will pay for the second pill ¡ª How about it?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied in a straightforward manner: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang cut to the chase and praised Gu Zuo to make friends with this honorable pharmacist who could take out prismatic pills. At the same time, this also left the remaining prismatic pill to be presented to the owner of Medicine Heart Pavilion.

    Now, the goal had finally been reached.

    Following this, Shopkeeper Fang swiftly collected all of the Innate Mending Pills, took out the corresponding spirit crystals, and handed them over to Gu Zuo. Thus, they settled the ount of those medicinal pills.

    Gu Zuo adopted an attitude, and flicked his sleeve. The spirit crystals were stored inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. Soon after, he silently calcted his finances, and discovered that he had basically recouped the loss of spirit crystals he spent a while ago. Inwardly, he was nodding his head with a pleased expression.

    After that, Gu Zuo took out several batches of Trick Pills.

    These weren¡¯t perfectly preserved prismatic pills, and many were ordinary pills of the top three grades. Every batch wasbined, and they all possessed unusual effects. However, with a martial artist¡¯s strength, these wouldn¡¯t be of too much help. It was only when one was out adventuring, and during some special situations, that these pills could provide great aid.

    Not only did these Trick Pills give Gu Zuo an ie of less than a hundred spirit crystals, they couldn¡¯t evenpare to a single wless Innate Mending Pill. Still, this was considered better than nothing.

    Then, Gu Zuo took out some all-purpose Detoxification Pills of the top three grades. Likewise, they were useful during adventures. These medicinal pills were even more popr than Trick Pills. Dozens were exchanged for three to four hundred spirit crystals. This was a pretty good price.

    In the end, Gu Zuo already obtained about one thousand five hundred spirit crystals before his trip to the auction.

    En, after smoothing out his ounts, he earned a tidy profit.

    Following that, he would wait for the prismatic Innate Mending Pills to bring him even more ie!

    Off to the side, Shopkeeper Fang was satisfied as well.

    Today, Shopkeeper Fang had received this honorable Pharmacist Gu. Not only did this fellow give their Medicine Heart Pavilion a chunk of business, he also revealed a powerful inheritance and natural talent ¡ª Besides the Innate Mending Pill, the other medicinal pills also weren¡¯t bad!

    In the future, perhaps a long-term cooperation could really be established. At that time, they wouldn¡¯tck top-notch medicinal pills¡­ Moreover, this Pharmacist Gu was presently at the golden level. Once they waited for the other party to reach the profound level and above, then the help brought about would be incalcble!

    After this was over, Shopkeeper Fang needed to make a report. He hoped that the owner of their Medicine Heart Pavilion made friends with this pharmacist¡­

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯tpletely guess Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s thoughts.

    Currently, he felt much more carefree. His frame of mind was quite rxed.

    On the Central Continent, top-notch medicinal pills were extraordinarily valuable. And what he feared the least was refining top-notch pills. In the blink of an eye, he didn¡¯t have to worry about depleting a mountain of wealth anymore.

    From afternoon to evening, apart from briefing that charming woman about a few circumstances within the store and sending her off at the storefront, Shopkeeper Fang spent the rest of the time chatting with Gu Zuo and keeping himpany.

    Every word and sentence was filled with cordial and sycophantic intents. However, among these casual chats, there also wasn¡¯t necessarily anyck of discreet inquiries. He wanted to know Gu Zuo¡¯s true origins.

    Gu Zuo was the most inexperienced in things like this¡­ But he was currently ying the role of a pharmacist genius with a haughty temperament. So long as he recalled how Xu Lingxiu dealt with others, he would repeatedly cycle through short phrases such as ¡ª ¡°En.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°So what?¡± ¡°I have my own ns.¡± From time to time, he would make scoffing or harrumphing noises, hook up the edge of his lips into a sneering curve, slightly raise his chin, and do other things to maintain his deception.

    Contrary to what one might expect, during this period of time, Gu Zuo became aware of the general information of Medicine Heart Pavilion¡¯s owner from the words that Shopkeeper Fang specially divulged.

    The owner seemed to be an exceptional genius of a gold-ranked organization. Although his potential definitely hadn¡¯t reached the level of a prodigy during the tests back then, the distance to a true prodigy was but a line away. Merely, that person wasn¡¯t satisfied with this kind of oue. Later on, he passed through numerous adventures, and his strength advanced by leaps and bounds. Even though he didn¡¯t have the title of a prodigy, it seemed he faintly possessed the makings of one. Presently, that exceptional genius had already broken through to the Celestial Realm. He obtainedrge quantities of Heavenly Martial Sect¡¯s resources. Moreover, his forces had also been operating well. Among them, this Medicine Heart Pavilion was running extremely well.

    Gu Zuo gradually understood Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s meaning.

    He was doing his best to speak favorably on his master¡¯s behalf. He wanted to make Gu Zuo interested in his master ¡ª Granted that there was probably no hope of roping in Gu Zuo, it was good to strike up friendly rtions with Gu Zuo in advance.

    Originally, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t particrly care, but after listening for a while longer, his mind had a few notions.

    Ah, the Celestial Realm¡­ Compared to the Immortal Realm, it was threerge realms higher. If everything ran smoothly, he could talk to Tianheng about that exceptional genius once his big brother came out of seclusion.

    After all, the person belonged to a gold-ranked organization, and was a hard worker. If he could facilitate a rtionship of mutual external aid, it would be of great help to his big brother¡¯s future development.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 352 - The Auction

    <h4>Chapter 352 - The Auction</h4>

    Just like this, both parties socialized for the entire afternoon while entertaining different thoughts.

    When night fell, Shopkeeper Fang wanted to invite Gu Zuo to a meal. Gu Zuo felt that he couldn¡¯t but give some face, and went to eat with the other person. He got to experience the gourmet food of a first-rate restaurant in Shijue City.

    After they finished eating, the time of the auction was fast approaching.

    Shopkeeper Fang stood up: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, this way, please.¡±

    Gu Zuo also stood up in a calm and collected manner, and followed him out of the restaurant: ¡°After you.¡±

    Right outside the restaurant, a carriage was already properly prepared.

    When all was said and done, Shopkeeper Fang had been doing business for a long time. His thoughts and intentions were meticulous and thorough. If he wanted to curry favor with someone, then that person would be received with aforted and uplifted mood.

    Although Gu Zuo knew that this was Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s strategy, he indeed felt at ease. Hence, he allowed his mind to rest, and enjoyed this reception¡­ In passing, he decided to learn from Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s experience. Once he returned, he would bring it up to his family¡¯s big brother. The service staff in their own organization would have to be trained like this.

    Shopkeeper Fang had no clue about Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts. He only felt that his attending skills were pretty decent. Afterwards, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the auction house. With the greetings and token that Shopkeeper Fang disyed, they smoothly entered the passageway for honored guests. They didn¡¯t have to crowd together with those martial artists and pharmacists waiting outside.

    Following this, Gu Zuo was guided by Shopkeeper Fang through several hallways, and walked into a room without any problems.

    In this room, there was arge, transparent screen ahead. However, because it was constructed with special materials, one could look out and see everything, but nothing inside could be seen from the outside.

    Regardless of whether it was a martial artist¡¯s eyesight or a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power, neither could prate the barrier that protected this room. The appearances and information of the people in here wouldn¡¯t be leaked.

    ¡ª Once a disciple of a gold-ranked organization truly undertook a task, it would always be an airtight operation.

    As for the ordinary people who knew about the auction¡¯s backer, they wouldn¡¯t make any provocations lightly.

    Otherwise, what awaited them was the crushing retaliation of a pinnacle organization on this continent!

    Gu Zuo sat on a low couch with soft cushions. Arranged in front of him was a distinctive, fragrant tea that the Wind God Auction House had prepared for its honored guests. This tea had also been refined by pharmacists. Strictly speaking, it should¡¯ve been ssified as a branch of medicinal cuisine.

    With regards to a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power, this sort of fragrant tea was quite advantageous. While it didn¡¯t have any supplemental effects, it could allow a person to rx, thereby alleviating any pressure. A pharmacist¡¯s psychic power would be even more tranquil and quick-witted.

    Gu Zuo drank a mouthful, and felt great.

    He also had this recipe. In the future, if he got too tired from refining pills, he could whip up some of this tea to enjoy.

    On the side, Shopkeeper Fang poured him more tea.

    It had to be said that this room had simrly been arranged with a beautiful youngdy to serve them, but what kind of a discerning individual was Shopkeeper Fang? After he noticed that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t give a second nce at that girl, he dismissed that person with a wave of his hand, and continued to serve Gu Zuo himself.

    It didn¡¯t take long for therge screen ahead to flicker with a streak of flowing light.

    At once, Shopkeeper Fang smiled and said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, please take a look. The auction is already starting.¡±

    Gu Zuo straightened his body somewhat, and took out a booklet that Shopkeeper Fang had given him. He browsed through it.

    The drawings and descriptions in this booklet were luxuriant and detailed. Written on its pages were the first thirty items of this time¡¯s auction. This kind of booklet could only be possessed by people who were capable of entering a private room like Gu Zuo. However, thest three items were considered part of the finale. Even Gu Zuo, who was auctioning an item, couldn¡¯t see them.

    They were kept confidential despite the numerous pieces of gossip being privately circted¡­ However, these so-called circtions and confidentialities were also methods of gaining attention.

    At this moment, Shopkeeper Fang smiled at Gu Zuo and said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, thy prismatic Innate Mending Pill has already been sent into the auction¡¯s item pool. Because this object is precious and a deration has been made, the head manager has also agreed to not charge amission fee.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded to him: ¡°Thank you for the trouble, Shopkeeper Fang.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang had long discovered that, with the exhibition of his means and methods, this Pharmacist Gu¡¯s attitude was bing better and better. Granted that Gu Zuo still had a bit of a testy temperament, it was basically harmless ¡ª Gu Zuo was powerful. Compared to other pharmacist geniuses who were even more conceited and contemptuous, it was far easier to get along with him.

    With these thoughts, Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s smile carried some sincerity: ¡°This ce has many good things. If there¡¯s something that Pharmacist Gu likes, feel free to bid for it. If you aren¡¯t able to get it, this Fang can pay for it on behalf of Pharmacist Gu. Since this Fang hasn¡¯t handed over the spirit crystals for the second prismatic Innate Mending Pill yet, there¡¯s also no harm in diverting the funds in advance.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally had enough spirit crystals. However, what he previously disyed was a facade. Because he wanted to purchaserge quantities of medicinal ingredients, he sold the Innate Mending Pills. As a result, it created the illusion that he was currently short of money, and that his expenses would be veryrge.

    In this way, Shopkeeper Fang continued to ingratiate himself. Gu Zuo harrumphed, blowing out a cold puff of air from his nose. However, he didn¡¯t make any refusals. He also didn¡¯t make any surly facial expressions.

    Shopkeeper Fang tactfully didn¡¯t say anything more. It was because he knew that Gu Zuo had already listened to his words.

    Soon after, the auctioneer¡¯s voice echoed out: ¡°The Wind God Auction House respectfully wees these honored guests!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression became slightly focused. His attention immediately fell onto that transparent screen.

    Shopkeeper Fang looked over, too.

    The first auctioned item was already disyed. It was a spirit weapon with thirty percent spirituality. ording to reason, this kind of spirit weapon wouldn¡¯t have been too rare. It could¡¯ve been purchased from many storefronts, and it was unlikely for it to have been taken out especially for an auction. However, this spirit weapon was extremely delicate and beautiful. Its exterior appearance was just like a woman¡¯s head ornament. It seemed enchanting.

    If it was a man, he naturally wouldn¡¯t be concerned. But if it was a woman, her interest would inevitably be piqued.

    Consequently, people quickly started bidding.

    The price of this golden-level spirit weapon rose from dozens to hundreds of spirit crystals. This item¡¯s base price was fifty spirit crystals. In the wake of voices continuously calling out bids, the price rose to two hundred-something in a short period of time.

    Ultimately, it was a young man who purchased it for three hundred twenty-five spirit crystals. Shortly thereafter, he turned around, and gave it as a present to the lovelydy sitting next to him. There was a glimpse of a smile on that youngdy¡¯s face. The young man put on that head ornament for her, and it immediately contrasted against the girl¡¯s snow-white skin, making her good looks shine even brighter.

    At this moment, the atmosphere became even more ardent and warm, causing the entire auction venue to boil with passion!

    It could be said that the selling of the first auctioned item had been quite sessful.

    At once, the numerous guests participating in the auction increased their expectations of the second item.

    And the second item didn¡¯t also didn¡¯t disappoint anyone. It was a mighty piece of armor suitable for a man. If it was worn on the body, one¡¯s defenses would be greatly increased. Likewise, it was a golden-level spirit armor!

    Because it amplified one¡¯s defense, the base price was sixty spirit crystals, which was even higher than that of the beautiful and feminine spirit weapon just now.

    Under the auctioneer¡¯s fervent rmendations and constant stimtions, this piece of armor was sold for four hundred spirit crystals!

    Soon after, it was the third item, fourth item, fifth item¡­

    Gu Zuo sensed the surging craze in the auction house, and also felt like he was somewhat drawn in.

    However, there were very few things that truly deserved his bids.

    Up until the bidding ended for the first thirty auctioned items, the number of times that Gu Zuo acted didn¡¯t exceed three. However, every time he took action, he would sessfully bid for that item.

    These three things were all medicinal ingredients. That Shopkeeper Fang was considered to be rather insightful. This Pharmacist Gu was obsessed with good ingredients. At the same time, he made some calctions in his heart: ¡°Pharmacist Gu seems rather interested in rare and precious medicinal ingredients?¡±

    Gu Zuo lifted his chin: ¡°Are there any pharmacists who don¡¯t love medicinal ingredients?¡±

    This was an admission.

    Shopkeeper Fang hurried to curry favor: ¡°In the future, if Pharmacist Gu wants any medicinal ingredients, perhaps this Fang can make use of his limited power. Our Medicine Heart Pavilion purchases medicinal pills as well as ingredients. Even if this Fang can¡¯t find it, I can alsomission the Wind God Trading Company to scour thends and seas. In the end, they¡¯ll surely be able to find some news.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard these words, and couldn¡¯t help being emotionally affected: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then I¡¯ll have to trouble Shopkeeper Fang.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled right away, and said: ¡°It¡¯s no bother. Taking care of these matters for Pharmacist Gu is also this Fang¡¯s wish.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and epted the other party¡¯s kind intentions.

    Shopkeeper Fang was even more satisfied.

    This was considered as a tightening of friendly rtions, right?

    It was also at this point in time that the final auctioned items were going to be taken out.

    T/N: This chapter was rather short, so it was uploaded early.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 353 - Pill Cauldron Spirituality

    <h4>Chapter 353 - Pill Cauldron Spirituality</h4>

    Gu Zuo was also interested: ¡°Do you know where my Innate Mending Pill is ced among the final three items?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang had a certain understanding of this. He smiled and said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu¡¯s Innate Mending Pill is the most precious item. The first two can¡¯tpare. This time¡¯s auction originally had just two items for the finale. When that prismatic Innate Mending Pill appeared, the head manager immediately struck his hammer and decided to ce this item in thest slot. This also had the meaning of increasing the Wind God Trading Company¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Gu Zuo slightly nodded his head: ¡°So they think highly of me.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang gave another smile and said: ¡°Originally, it was precisely so.¡±

    The first thirty auctioned items each had their own remarkable traits, but when all was said and done, the owner of the Wind God Trading Company was the same as the owner of Medicine Heart Pavilion. Both were Celestial Realm disciples of a gold-ranked organization. Although they were considered powerhouses, they were merely young powerhouses. Their ages weren¡¯t that high.

    Even though such a person had been engaged in business for many years and was able to expand the tradingpany to this extent, it was hard to get a hold of rare things that could make powerhouses at the Noble Realm and above want to participate in any auctions.

    As a result, auctions under the banner of the Wind God Trading Company would often target the couple of stages between the Immortal Realm and Ascendant Realm.

    A golden-level Innate Mending Pill was one of the treasures that deserved the pursuit of these few stages the most. The groups of people it suited were Atomic Realm and Ascendant Realm martial artists.

    Subsequently, the first of the three auctioned items for the finale was carefully taken out.

    This was a spirit weapon with forty-five percent spirituality, and was rated at the profound level. However, it was on the weaker side of the profound-level spirit weapons. Usually, at the bare minimum, Celestial Realm martial artists were able to smoothly utilize profound-level spirit weapons. However, Ascendant Realm and even Atomic Realm martial artists could do so with some hindrances if they got in touch with a rtively weak profound-level spirit weapon early on. They wouldn¡¯t bepletely defenseless. Moreover, this would alsoy the foundations for when they used profound-level spirit weapons of even higher ranks in the future.

    Thus, this profound-level spirit weapon deserved to be one of the finale¡¯s items in this auction.

    However, when all was said and done, this forty-five percent spirituality was still too low. The base price given out was merely two hundred spirit crystals.

    When the base price was announced, thepeting bidders immediately started shouting out:

    ¡°Two hundred fifty!¡±

    ¡°Three hundred!¡±

    ¡°Four hundred!¡±

    ¡°Four hundred twenty!¡±

    ¡°Five hundred¡­¡±

    Thepetition was rather fierce, but if someone carefully checked the identities of the people calling out bids, almost none of them were genius personages ofrge organizations. Otherwise, once their strengths reached a certain realm, so long as they applied for it, each of their organizations would naturally take the initiative to provide profound-level spirit weapons. There wouldn¡¯t be any need to make them bid for one by themselves.

    ¡ª Of course, this wasn¡¯t absolute. There were a few who didn¡¯t want to disclose their own hidden trump cards or needed to bid for good things to give to the people close to them.

    A profound-level spirit weapon with forty-five percent spirituality caused people to scramble around like a flock of ducks.

    After approximately fifteen minutes passed, this spirit weapon was finally won by a martial artist for nine hundred thirty-seven spirit crystals. He was an Atomic Realm expert, and didn¡¯t seem to have any backing. At this moment, this lone individual was among the crowd of numerous guests below. After obtaining the spirit weapon, his thin and hollowed face was filled with a deranged fondness. He loved it too much to put it down. Once he got a feel for the weapon, he probably realized that his own strength wasn¡¯t enough to deter the crowd. Therefore, he quickly got up, shed through the crowd a few times, and vanished without a trace.

    Several people with malicious intentions pursued him closely for a few steps. Who would¡¯ve thought that they weren¡¯t able to catch a glimpse of that person¡¯s back. They had no other choice but to resentfully return and continue to pay attention to the next auctioned item.

    Such a spectacle inadvertently entered the eyes of Gu Zuo, who was inside a private room high above. He furrowed his brows: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang, could it be that the auction¡¯s intermediaries pay no attention to such matters?¡±

    After Shopkeeper Fang looked over, he promptly replied: ¡°If it¡¯s within the auction house, it¡¯ll naturally be taken care of. If it¡¯s outside, they¡¯ll also manage anything that happens close by. As for things that are farther away¡­they¡¯d be unable to help no matter how much they¡¯d like to.¡± He appeared to guess what worried Gu Zuo, and immediately said, ¡°However, Pharmacist Gu may rest assured. The auction house absolutely won¡¯t divulge thine identity. If people in the private rooms want to go out, they all have separate routes. They won¡¯t cross paths, and their whereabouts won¡¯t be easily discovered by others.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and set aside his concerns: ¡°I don¡¯t want other people to know about this. Otherwise, it will make me lose face!¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang also knew that such personages were always arrogant and haughty. He couldn¡¯t help inwardly chuckling. Immediately following which, he gave another stern affirmation: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, please rest assured.¡±

    After speaking these couple of sentences, the venue¡¯s second item for the finale was brought out.

    What appeared this time was unexpectedly a pill furnace?

    The base price was also at two hundred spirit crystals.

    Gu Zuo was secretly baffled.

    For things such as pill furnaces and medicinal cauldrons, the former could only refine pills, but thetter could refine medicaments of any type or form. But generally speaking, both could refine lots of pills, and the distinctions weren¡¯trge.

    ¡­In fact, he hadn¡¯t done any research on this particr subject.

    This was because the value of upgrading a pill cauldron lied in its attributes, pill sess rates, and other things. All of this was basically meaningless to him. What he used had always been the most ordinary of pill cauldrons. If there was one distinction that needed to be mentioned, it was that he utilized even higher ranked pill cauldrons after strengthening his psychic power and internal qi.

    In addition, whether or not a pharmacist was able to refine excellent medicinal pills mainly depended on themself. So-called pill cauldrons merely had a supplementary impact. Moreover, the ones helped were mostly pharmacists with insufficient aptitudes. It allowed them to obtain a livelihood¡­ On this continent where pharmacistsprised a sizable branch of the poption, although pill furnaces and medicinal cauldrons had certain values, because the vast majority needed frequent recements, they weren¡¯t as precious as spirit weapons. Sometimes, it was to the point that they couldn¡¯tpare to some precious medicinal pills.

    One simply had to mention what happenedst time in Xuanwu City. During an auction, a golden-level medicinal cauldron had appeared. However, that one¡¯s sales price had merely reached one hundred twenty spirit crystals. Simrly, this time around, it was a golden-level pill furnace. Why did its base price already reach two hundred spirit crystals?

    Yet, despite the present Gu Zuo¡¯s doubts, he didn¡¯t ask anything out loud. He didn¡¯t forget that he was ying the role of a proud and aloof pharmacist who had seen and experienced many things. When it came to the aspect of pill cauldrons, he needed to have a certain understanding. If he asked anything just like this, wouldn¡¯t that expose himself?

    As a result, Gu Zuo only kept a calm expression, and silently waited for this round of bids to end.

    ¡ª In any case, regardless of how powerful or useful the pill furnace was, he wouldn¡¯t particrly care.

    It was just that¡­

    [System, do you have an item book that introduces pill cauldrons? If you do, can you issue a mission for me toplete?]

    The system¡¯s response was swift.

    [Side Mission: Sell the prismatic Innate Mending Pill.]

    [Mission Item:

    >]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: One day.]

    [Failure Penalty: None.]

    Gu Zuo was a bit surprised.

    He was actually trying to ask&#k2026;

    After that, he epted this mission without the slightest hesitation.

    Without much extra effort, an ancient text appeared in his hands.

    To the side, Shopkeeper Fang naturally saw this scene, but he only believed that it had been taken out of an inter-spatial tool. He also didn¡¯t move closer to take a look &#k2014; As for what Gu Zuo was reading, Shopkeeper Fang wouldn¡¯t ask no matter how curious he was.

    Gu Zuo was aware of this point. As such, he acted without any restraint.

    After opening the book, he started from the first page, which introduced the differences between pill furnaces and medicinal cauldrons. Soon after, it detailed the forging materials, attributes, and functionalities ofmonly-seen furnaces and cauldrons.

    After flipping through the system¡¯s introduction, Gu Zuo finally read up to a subsequent chapter.

    This chapter was titled: ¡°Pill Cauldrons that Possess Spirituality¡±.

    At once, Gu Zuo was somewhat astonished.

    A pill cauldron¡¯s spirituality?

    Was it the type of refining¡­where pill cauldrons became spirit weapons?

    Shortly thereafter, he opened this chapter, and carefully thumbed through it. Then, he realized what these so-called spiritual pill cauldrons were ¡ª As it turned out, these were pill cauldrons that could refine medicine on their own.

    Curiosity immediately bloomed in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    A pill cauldron without spirituality still needed a pharmacist to operate, but one with spirituality didn¡¯t even need a pharmacist? If it was like this, wouldn¡¯t pharmacists be out of a job?

    After Gu Zuo read through the chapter carefully, he realized that it wasn¡¯t as he had guessed.

    A pill cauldron¡¯s spirituality didn¡¯t appear when the cauldron was manufactured. Rather, it was after a cauldron experienced an endless number of years. Because it was often used by pharmacists to refine medicine, it would automatically produce a trace of spiritual wisdom.

    And due to the origin of how the spiritual wisdom mighte to be, spiritual pill cauldrons were roughly divided into two categories.

    The first type urred when a pharmacist possessing the pill cauldron was only good at a couple types of medicine. However, this pharmacist needed to be extremely proficient in the refinement. After several thousands or tens of thousands of refinements, the sequence of events would be engraved as a memory into the pill cauldron¡¯s consciousness. From muddled and ignorant, this consciousness would be somewhat clear. Gradually, it would transform into that trace of spiritual wisdom.

    Thus, this trace of spiritual wisdom would be exceedingly skillful in these few types of medicine. It would only require the pharmacist to throw in the necessary ingredients, and the cauldron would automatically refine them into a finished product.

    As for the product grades of these medicines, it could preserve the rtively high levels of the pharmacist who allowed the cauldron to develop spiritual wisdom.

    Meanwhile, the second type urred when every pharmacist who used the same pill cauldron had bountiful experience and extremely high strength.

    For the most part, this kind of cauldron was a pill cauldron passed down within a medicine refining aristocratic family, or a pharmacist¡¯s generational inheritance in a medicine refining organization. They would use the pill cauldron generation after generation, and the cauldron would consequently develop spiritual wisdom. And this spiritual wisdom was even clearer than the first type that arose. Not only did it have the first type¡¯s capabilities, it could also form a virtual image that was capable of externalmunication to teach younger generations how to refine medicine. What these pill cauldrons could refine were the prescriptions of past generations of pharmacists. What they represented was history. These cauldrons were considered treasures that suppressed racial groups and organizations.

    As for the probability of a pill cauldron¡¯s every owner being a medicine refining powerhouse¡­ That was iparably rare.

    Those pill cauldrons could refine many medicinal pills. Each and every force that obtained them would basically get a hold of all the prescriptions contained within the cauldron.

    It could be rated as a wondrous treasure!

    However, among the two types of pill cauldrons, only the first type wasmonly seen.

    Unless an organization fell into a decline, where its people were either wiped out or were too useless and brainless, the second type of cauldron would never flow outside. Once it appeared, the cauldron would be immediately taken away by someone. It was almost impossible to appear in this kind of private auction.

    The golden-level pill furnace of this time¡¯s auction was born precisely from the first type of circumstance.

    Its function was to refine ten types of golden-level medicinal pills. As for these ten types of golden-level pills, although the great majority weremon, there was one type that wasparatively precious and rare.

    In addition, the pill furnace could automatically refine those nine types ofmon pills with a product grade of grade seven. As for that precious and rare pill, the furnace could refine it at grade five.

    Thus, it could serve as an item for the finale.

    Suppose a small organization didn¡¯t have too many pharmacists, but urgently needed ordinary medicinal pills. Or there was a small organization that had martial artists, butcked resources. Both could try purchasing this pill furnace. At that time, only a certain amount of medicinal ingredients would have to be supplied, and the returns would be many times greater!

    Gu Zuo considered these things as he watched. Outside, the shouted prices had already be incredibly fierce.

    Sure enough, this round was as Gu Zuo expected. Some small organizationspeted against one another, which caused the price to continuously rise. In the end, it was sold for one thousand one hundred spirit crystals.

    If this golden-level pill furnace was able to refine one or two more types of precious pills, then the auction¡¯s final price would¡¯ve doubled. Merely, as far as some pharmacists with mediocre aptitudes were concerned, knowing one type of precious pill and multiplemon pills was enough to maintain their livelihoods.

    The second finale item was sold. Right away, the auction had reached thest item.

    In numerous private rooms, some people with certain channels couldn¡¯t helpmenting.

    When they received the auction house¡¯s notice, they learned that there originally had been just two items for the finale¡­

    In one private room, several men and women were reclining on their respective couches. Their expressions were somewhat bored.

    Among them was a girl whose body was clothed in crimson. Herplexion was beautiful. At this moment, shezily said: ¡°Every time we go to attend an auction, we never encounter anything worth admiring. Why bother evening?¡±

    Another girl with a schrly countenance turned her eyes, and slightly smiled: ¡°Ah Zhu, don¡¯t be mad. Our big brothers made this decision, so they certainly have something in mind. It¡¯s just that we¡¯re obsessed with practicing martial arts, and we can¡¯t see the forest for the trees.¡±

    The beautiful girl blew out a puff of air, and couldn¡¯t help giving a heartyugh. The sound of herughter echoed out like silver bells. After this echo faded away, she spoke: ¡°What Ah Zi says is right! We¡¯re shortsighted¡­ En, but who left us in the dark?¡±

    That girl with the schrly air, Ah Zi, also pursed her lips into a smile. Meanwhile, she quietly cast a fluid nce at the other two people in the room.

    A young man, who was originally lying face-down on a couch, suddenly got up, and grabbed a handful of his thick and coarse hair: ¡°Sister Ah Zhu, Sister Ah Zi, don¡¯t say it like that¡­¡±

    He looked sunny and handsome, but he didn¡¯t seem to be very eloquent with his words.

    The other young man¡¯s temperament was a bit cold. Not a strand of hair nor a stitch of clothing was out of ce. Yet, when he opened his mouth, his words were crude and boorish: ¡°Cut the bullshit. It¡¯s a waste of time to exin.¡±

    Ah Zhu, the beautiful girl, shot an icy re, and couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big Brother Yu, Second Brother Chang, your temperaments are too¡­¡±

    After that, Chang Min¡¯s pitch-ck eyes swept over to her, and she immediately kept silent. She didn¡¯t dare to say anything else.

    On the contrary, Young Lady Ah Zi turned her head to look at therge screen in front: ¡°Ah Zhu, big brothers, take a look at that!¡±

    The remaining three turned to look.

    At this moment, on that screen, what the auctioneer carefully took out was a dainty and delicate jade bottle ¡ª So to say, thest item was a medicinal pill?

    Who knew what kind of pill could be reserved for the finale?

    Soon after, the auctioneer revealed the answer: ¡°An ordinary medicinal pill naturally can¡¯t be part of the finale. This time, our Wind God Trading Company went through numerous fortuitous encounters, and obtained this pill ¡ª Ladies and gentlemen, surely everyone has heard this phrase before.¡±

    His gaze swept across the numerous guests and even the private rooms. After that, he solemnly opened his mouth: ¡°The dragon of the furnace swallows a purple river, and a pill begets rose-tinted clouds¡­¡±

    Once these words were uttered, Ah Zhu and Ah Zi couldn¡¯t hold back low cries: ¡°Could it be¡­¡±

    An obscure light flickered through Chang Min¡¯s eyes.

    Yu Fei¡¯s breathing hitched.

    From the bottom of their hearts, an incredible answer suddenly shed out.

    There was amotion among the guests down below.

    ¡°The dragon of the furnace swallows a purple river, and a pill begets rose-tinted clouds¡­ T-this is¡ª¡±

    ¡°This poetic verse can¡¯t be spoken lightly!¡±

    ¡°This auction can actually get a hold of this kind of good thing? I wonder what the product rank is¡­¡±

    ¡°It should be at the golden level. If not, it wouldn¡¯t be in this auction.¡±

    ¡°Who knows what type of golden-level prismatic pill it is?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be scared of? Even if it¡¯s only used for qi replenishment, it deserves to be auctioned!¡±

    Finally, someone gave a heavy sigh: ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. If it¡¯s really a prismatic pill, how will we be able to bid for it? Those honored guests in the private rooms won¡¯t let us get away with it so easily!¡±

    Once these words were uttered, a basin of cold water was immediately sshed over them. The anxious and restless crowd had no choice but to unwillingly stop their lines of thought. However, there were still a few people who hoped to be that one lucky individual.

    At this very moment, not only were the guests below in an uproar, even the people in the private rooms who were out of the loop couldn¡¯t help standing up.

    In one private room, a man pushed away the pair of beauties he was embracing with his left and right arms. A stern light shed through his eyes: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that I¡¯d actually see this kind of good thing after merely giving some support to that person!¡± Then, he shouted, ¡°Quickly prepare some spirit crystals. If I miss this, it¡¯ll be too pitiful!¡±

    In another private room, a handsome young man, who had just swallowed a mouthful of fine wine, threw away his wine cup. He rigidly stared at the medicinal pill that had appeared before his eyes: ¡°I must have it!¡±

    There was also a private room where someone guffawed in a straightforward manner: ¡°I have nothing to fear! The great me isn¡¯t short of money ¡ª Winning this bid will be a piece of cake!¡±

    Yet, within another private room, there was a charming woman. Her slender fingers lightly closed together, and shattered the wine cup in her hand. Her beautiful eyes rippled with extraordinary splendor: ¡°If I present this thing to master, maybe I can gain master¡¯s happiness¡­¡±

    Inside quite a few of the remaining private rooms, the same scenes were ying out.

    All of these honored guests considered themselves wealthy, and wanted to win the prismatic pill.

    This item was too hard toe by. If they could get it, not only would it bring great honor, it would also allow them to obtain many benefits ¡ª How could they let it slip away just like that?

    They recognized that they had to go for it no matter how much they had to spend!

    Right at this time, the auctioneer started speaking as he finally revealed the medicinal pill.

    He cautiously poured the pill onto his palm, which was covered with a thin silk handkerchief made from special materials. Moreover, as he held the pill between two fingers, he disyed it for the venue¡¯s numerous guests to look at.

    All of the guests were either martial artists or pharmacists. With their eyesights, even if this medicinal pill was twice as small, it could be seen by them with iparable rity.

    On that light-blue pill wereyers uponyers of rose-tinted clouds, just as how the sun and its light would hide behind the clouds in a clear sky. Although the clouds covered portions of the sky, it was difficult to describe how exceptionally beautiful the contrasting colors were.

    There were no doubts. This was indeed a prismatic pill!

    The auctioneer finished his follow-up words: ¡°Perfectly persevered with rose-tinted clouds to contain its fragrance¡­ Although the exterior is beautiful, so long as the pill fragrance doesn¡¯te out, it¡¯ll be hard to recognize the product rank. After a pill produces rose-tinted clouds, it¡¯s considered a spiritual object of hidden potentials. This prismatic pill is a golden-level medicinal pill. It¡¯s known as ¡ª The Innate Mending Pill!¡±

    Innate Mending Pill?

    W-was it actually an Innate Mending Pill?!

    Some martial artists had never heard the name of this medicinal pill before, but after others heard it, they suddenly quivered. Their faces glowed with radiant smiles, and they were even more determined to im this pill!

    The auctioneer said: ¡°As the name implies, the Innate Mending Pill can repair congenital deficiencies¡­¡±

    With a lengthy stream of flowing words, he covered the subject matter with a detailed recounting.

    For those who didn¡¯t know about the Innate Mending Pill and were patient enough to listen to the auctioneer¡¯s speech, the more they listened, the more astonished they became. However, there were some who already knew about the Innate Mending Pill¡¯s benefits. They were so angry that they wished that they could immediately jump onto the stage, and block up the auctioneer¡¯s mouth so that he wouldn¡¯t spout any more nonsense. They wanted to speed up the auction so they could return with the Innate Mending Pill right away!

    A short while passed by. When the crowd¡¯sints couldn¡¯t be suppressed any longer, the auctioneer finally struck his hammer, and announced the base price: ¡°The starting price is two hundred spirit crystals. Each increase in price may not be fewer than ten spirit crystals!¡±

    At almost the next instant, three or four voices simultaneously echoed out:

    ¡°Two hundred seventy!¡±

    ¡°Three hundred fifty!¡±

    ¡°Four hundred!¡±

    ¡°Five hundred twenty!¡±

    Before a single breath could be taken, the bids had already exceeded five hundred spirit crystals!

    In a split second, such frightful price hiking caused numerous martial artists and pharmacists down below toy down their gs in surrender.

    How could anyone strike it lucky now?

    Perhaps the final price of an ordinary prismatic pill could be halted in time, but this was an Innate Mending Pill! It was one of several medicinal pills that were considered to be the hardest to refine within the golden level, and a perfectly preserved one had appeared!

    In terms of the price, they were utterly powerless.

    As a result, it was better to avoid calling out bids and making fools of themselves here.

    For the martial artists in those private rooms, their eyes shed with fanatical lights.

    Currently, they weren¡¯t just thinking about the legends of prismatic pills and their own reputations. Rather, they genuinely wanted to obtain this medicinal pill from the bottom of their hearts.

    The Innate Mending Pill was capable of repairing congenital problems. But in fact, one¡¯s shorings and weak points were also within the scope of what it could repair!

    If it was an ordinary Innate Mending Pill, perhaps it wouldn¡¯t be enough. This was because the lower the product grade, the less it could repair. But now it was different. This was a prismatic pill, which was even better than a simple wless pill!

    If a person swallowed it, was there any need to exin the advantages it could bring?

    Even if one lost their family fortune, it would be worth it!

    The price continuously rose.

    From five hundred-something spirit crystals, it had already reached over one thousand.

    At this point in time, while the bidders also showed some prudence, the price still climbed higher and higher. It gradually approached one thousand three hundred. Then, one thousand five hundred¡­ This momentum showed that the trend wasn¡¯t going to slow down.

    There was a fiercepetition going on between the private rooms.

    All except for one private room. Inside it, there were only a few voices that would call out asionally.

    Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s distorted voice was transmitted outside: ¡°One thousand six hundred spirit crystals!¡±

    Gu Zuo turned to look at him.

    This was the third time he made a bid¡­

    Why was Shopkeeper Fang raising the price for him?

    Shopkeeper Fang took note of Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze. He promptly smiled and said: ¡°I¡¯m just giving ourselves some cover. If we don¡¯t quote a price, I¡¯m afraid that someone with discerning eyes will figure out the location of the owner of that medicinal pill. Although the other party won¡¯t be able to see through Pharmacist Gu¡¯s true identity even if they find out, there¡¯s no harm in ying along, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    His present attentions weren¡¯t actually focused on Shopkeeper Fang. Rather, it was on the price of that prismatic Innate Mending Pill¡­ En, he was quite shocked in his heart.

    A wless Innate Mending Pill was merely one hundred fifty spirit crystals. In an auction, it would probably be around two hundred spirit crystals. However, prismatic pills were the best of wless pills. In a brief period, the price of the prismatic Innate Mending Pill was already ten times higher. This was too ridiculous!

    ¡ª In fact, Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t have a precise understanding of just how difficult it was to refine a prismatic pill.

    It needed to be said that, no matter how difficult Innate Mending Pills were, these were only at the golden level. Perhaps golden-level pharmacists might feel that it was hard to refine wless pills, and it would be somewhat challenging for profound-level pharmacists to do the same. However, earth-level pharmacists could refine them in passing, and it wasn¡¯t so rare that it was urgently needed.

    As a result, it was normal for the sales price to be somewhere between one hundred and two hundred spirit crystals.

    However, it wasn¡¯t the same for prismatic pills.

    As mentioned previously, it was necessary to have talent in order to refine these things. This didn¡¯t refer to casual talent either ¡ª It was circted among pharmacist powerhouses that one needed to have the talent to be a heaven-level pharmacist to refine prismatic pills!

    Even if a person had already be an earth-level pharmacist, it wasn¡¯t guaranteed that they could break through to the heaven level¡­

    From this, it could be seen why Shopkeeper Fang treated Gu Zuo with such enthusiasm.

    A young man with the potential to be a heaven-level pharmacist was equivalent to those martial artist prodigies ¡ª With their aptitudes, they could reach the Lesser Emperor Realm at the very least. Although it wasn¡¯t certain that they would be Lesser Emperors, pharmacists with the potential at the heaven level might also end up being only earth-level pharmacists. Yet, just this possibility was enough to make people raise them onto a pedestal.

    Shopkeeper Fang wanted to invite this young pharmacist who could potentially reach the earth and heaven levels!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know about these things. Thus, he was only watching the soaring prices with a detached expression. This didn¡¯t feel real to him in the slightest.

    That¡¯s right. As a pharmacist who produced prismatic Innate Mending Pills with every attempt, how could he possibly have had any sense of reality?

    T/N: This is the chapter I mentioned previously that necessitated the retroactive change for cauldrons and furnaces. I apologize for any confusion.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 354 - A Sky-High Price

    <h4>Chapter 354 - A Sky-High Price</h4>

    The price rose higher and higher.

    Unwittingly, it had already gone above five thousand.

    In those private rooms, many honored guests hatefully smashed their tables as they forfeited one by one.

    There was nothing they could do. Among them, there were quite a few who didn¡¯t truly need anything in this auction, and only came to support the Wind God Trading Company. On top of that were the sessive items brought out by the auction. As a result, they didn¡¯t bring along their entire family holdings ¡ª Normally, having five or six thousand spirit crystals was enough.

    But who could¡¯ve imagined that a prismatic Innate Mending Pill would suddenly appear in this ce?

    It would be good if one went with some friends to work together and join in on the action. Under themand of the person with thergest influence, several forces could support one organization ¡ª Of course, this didn¡¯t rule out the fact that everyone wanted to be resolute and upromising. If someone came over by themselves to y around, they would be out of luck. If they didn¡¯t have enough spirit crystals, they would have no other choice but to instruct their servants to rush back for more. However, who knew if the prismatic Innate Mending Pill would still be here once the servants returned?

    This was practically toying with them!

    As a result, fewer and fewer groups remained. Afterwards, there were only four or five private rooms left that were still persistently announcing their own bids.

    At this time, as they continued to call out prices with reddened faces, they also rejoiced in their hearts.

    It was fortunate that they came and that the Wind God Trading Company did a good job in maintaining secrecy. Otherwise, if someone else with even more abundant financial resources arrived, then perhaps there wouldn¡¯t be any way to participate in the biddingpetition. Even if it was them!

    Among these few private rooms, there was one where four men and women resided. The rims of their eyes were flushed red, and their fingernails dug into their palms.

    The beautiful Ah Zhu was unwaveringly staring at therge screen. She didn¡¯t allow her mind to wander one bit: ¡°Six thousand two hundred!¡± After that, she heard a few more quoted prices, and quickly retorted, ¡°Six thousand three hundred fifty!¡±

    The price was gradually beginning to stagnate. However, there wasn¡¯t a single person who was willing to give up. As before, they kept raising the price step by step. The differences were extremely small.

    Ah Zi was very nervous. She clenched her fists so tightly that her fingertips nched white. Her pursed lips were also pale: ¡°We must win it. We must, we must¡­ Fifth brother¡­¡±

    Chang Min and Yu Fei were constantly rummaging through their own inter-spatial tools to pour out the spirit crystals inside:

    ¡°I still have seven hundred here!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got four hundred fifty-eight left in this one!¡±

    ¡°Keep looking! Keep looking!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m looking! Great, there¡¯s neen more in here!¡±

    Pile after pile of spirit crystals were released, and thrown onto the ground.

    Right now, no one cared if the spirit crystals were dirtied. All of them only wanted to gather even greater numbers to make a sessful bid for that prismatic pill!

    If it was only a simple prismatic pill, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t have acted this way. But when all was said and done, this was an Innate Mending Pill! They absolutely couldn¡¯t miss it!

    Just when everyone couldn¡¯t find any more spirit crystals, the prices being announced outside had already reached seven thousand.

    Ah Zi¡¯s slender fingers trembled: ¡°Altogether, we only have seven thousand one hundred twenty-five spirit crystals¡­¡±

    With the quoted prices, there was still a surplus of a little more than one hundred ¡ª No. Now, there was only a difference of a few dozen spirit crystals.

    ¡°Seven thousand eighty!¡±

    ¡°Seven thousand ny!¡±

    ¡°Seven thousand one hundred!¡±

    ¡°Seven thousand one hundred fifty!¡±

    Yu Fei pounded his forehead with great strength, and ruthlessly smashed himself against the back of a couch.

    Chang Min almost cracked his teeth with how hard he clenched his jaw.

    Ah Zi and Ah Zhu¡¯s tears instantly tumbled down. The two beautiful figures couldn¡¯t help hugging each other as they cried bitterly.

    Yu Fei heaved deeply: ¡°It¡¯s all because of me! It¡¯s my fault! If I hadn¡¯t bought those Tiger Vitality Pills before this, I certainly could¡¯ve taken out several hundred more spirit crystals now!¡±

    Chang Min took a deep breath: ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault. Any Tiger Vitality Pills would always be given to little brother. If not for that, little brother wouldn¡¯t be alive right now. Every time we save some spirit crystals, it¡¯s customary that we buy dozens of pills as a stockpile. Otherwise, if we travel too far away, little brother might run out of medicine¡­ Therefore, this isn¡¯t your fault, Ah Fei.¡±

    But no matter how these four people tried tofort one another, they weren¡¯t able to change the facts.

    When all of the spirit crystals in their possession were added together, even if they traded away everyst cent of their wealth, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to purchase this prismatic Innate Mending Pill.

    At this moment, the earnest hopes and expectations in their hearts turned into despair.

    ¡ª Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know about the despair of the other people.

    At this time, because another two groups didn¡¯t have enough spirit crystals, there were only two private rooms still in thepetition.

    An intense fight passed by. In the end, the price of the prismatic Innate Mending Pill halted at nine thousand eight hundred spirit crystals.

    Gu Zuo abruptly let out a sigh.

    To be honest, he was no less nervous than those people who were locked in the bidding war¡­ Nevertheless, he never expected that this price would get so close to ten thousand.

    Originally, he believed that, at most, a thousand-something spirit crystals could settle things.

    It would¡¯ve been simr to the first two auctioned items for the finale.

    The one who ultimately obtained the prismatic Innate Mending Pill was the honored guest of a certain private room. However, this person¡¯s identity and origins were unknown. Only the manager of this branch of the Wind God Trading Company took the spirit crystals and handed over the auctioned item that belonged to the other party.

    And with the sale of the Innate Mending Pill, the heavy curtains of this instance¡¯s auction were drawn to a close.

    Everyone who came to participate in this time¡¯s auction felt that it had been a worthwhile trip.

    In an auction of this standard, being able to sell an auctioned item for nearly ten thousand spirit crystals was truly a rare sight!

    Gu Zuo epted the bag that Shopkeeper Fang presented. Inside of it, there were no fewer than twenty thousand spirit crystals packed away. He raised an eyebrow: ¡°There¡¯s a lot, Shopkeeper Fang.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled and said: ¡°If the second pill was auctioned, the price would¡¯ve surely risen even higher. So, don¡¯t worry about this. The total was just rounded up to a ¡®whole number¡¯.¡±

    Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t split hairs over this bit of spirit crystals. After silently thinking things over, the corner of his mouth curled into a grin: ¡°In that case, many thanks, Shopkeeper Fang.¡±

    Naturally, Shopkeeper Fang was happy. After that, he took the initiative to stand up and guide Gu Zuo out.

    This small passageway that the two travelled through really didn¡¯t ovep with the routes of anyone else. Once they walked out, they appeared directly in front of the auction house¡¯srge doors.

    Gu Zuo bade his farewells to the other: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang, I¡¯ve already been out for quite some time. I must be on my way.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang probably thought of a response in advance. At this moment, he cordially asked: ¡°After this auction, there will certainly be many people making discreet inquiries about Pharmacist Gu¡¯s traces. It may be assumed that, due to the rtionship between our Medicine Heart Pavilion and the Wind God Trading Company, people will being to this Fang as well¡­ This Fang has no other choice but to discuss a n with thee. If there truly are such personages, how shall I inform Pharmacist Gu? Apart from that, this Fang also has an unreasonable request ¡ª In the future, if Pharmacist Gu has any top-notch medicinal pills, would thou consider our Medicine Heart Pavilion?¡±

    Gu Zuo pondered, and nodded his head: ¡°Your prices are fair, so I can naturally do that. As for the people who mighte looking for you¡­ We¡¯ll discuss it at that time.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang struck while the iron was hot: ¡°Since Pharmacist Gu isn¡¯tpletely opposed to those people, what shall be the contact method when I need to find Pharmacist Gu?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused.

    The contact details¡­

    Soon after, Gu Zuo thought of a method: ¡°If you want to find me, send a message to the West Garden Tavern. My people will be there to deliver your message to me. When that timees, I¡¯ll naturally give you a reply.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang didn¡¯t try to fish out the other party¡¯s true origins. He also wasn¡¯t disappointed. He only said his farewells to Gu Zuo with even more cordial familiarity.

    Once Gu Zuo¡¯s silhouette disappeared, Shopkeeper Fang turned around and departed.

    Following this, how they scouted any information would be their Medicine Heart Pavilion¡¯s matter¡­

    T/N: This was another short chapter, so it was uploaded early, too.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 355 - People Seeking Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 355 - People Seeking Medicine</h4>

    When Gu Zuo bade farewell to Shopkeeper Fang, he went straight back to the sect.

    He needed to do what he previously promised that fellow. Therefore, he called over the people of the mouse race, and ordered them to pick several members to keep watch over that tavern and its surroundings. In addition, he also sent some senior mice to observe the movements of that Shopkeeper Fang.

    Once they met any of Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s people, the mouse race members would keep the matter hidden. They would take the initiative to receive the other party¡¯s message and deliver it into his hands.

    This was considered a long-term mission. ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, if the mouse race did well, he would naturally bestow them with some medicinal pills. He had the authority to reward them.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s position next to Gongyi Tianheng, even if he gave nothing in return, it was a foregone conclusion that the mouse race would work for him. However, this time around, not only did Gu Zuo intend to give them rewards, he would be generous about it. As such, the mouse race would handle matters even more carefully and diligently.

    Soon, several mouse race members were who especially good at self-concealment were chosen to receive this mission. They swiftly turned around, and burrowed into the ground in the blink of an eye. Then, they vanished from sight ¡ª

    Gu Zuo: ¡°¡­¡±

    As it turned out, the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race also had the ability to dig underground.

    That was very useful.

    After he finished giving instructions to the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother about this matter any longer.

    During this trip, he had earned back so many spirit crystals. After he leveled the previous ounts, he ended up saving a bit of a private fund. In the future, he wanted to buy medicinal ingredients for himself and raise subordinates for his big brother. Due to this connection with the prismatic pills, it seemed that this future was right around the corner.

    However, the implementation of his n would have to wait until after his big brother came out of seclusion.

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo continued his love for the scientific process. He spread out the dozens of types of medicinal ingredients he previously bought outside, and started to research the method of utilizing the source sand.

    He felt that this work would take a long time, but at this moment, he finally caught a glimpse of the way ahead.

    The biggest difference between the source sand and ordinary medicinal ingredients was that the source sand was hard to dissolve. And if the source sand didn¡¯t dissolve, it couldn¡¯t be blended with other medicinal fluids. If there wasn¡¯t any blending, no remarkable reactions would ur with eachponent. And without the addition of any reactions, it couldn¡¯t be condensed into a medicinal pill¡­ At the present time, it seemed that using a Wondrous Fire to heat up the source sand could allow it to soften. Merely, besides this, he also needed to use other medicinal fluids to undergo exposure. With the corresponding Wondrous Fire, both sides would catalyze one another, which would thoroughly dissolve the source sand.

    However, the medicinal fluids of certain ingredients were insufficient. As such, Gu Zuo was now trying to devise a way to blend and refine many ingredients that simrly reacted with the source sand. By extracting the characteristics which would dissolve the source sand, and striving topletely superimpose all of these characteristics, it would increase the melting effects by tenfold or even more ¡ª In coordination with the Wondrous Fire, this could result in the thorough melting of the source sand.

    Of course, this was only to dissolve it¡­ After that, whether he could smoothly blend and refine the source sand into a medicinal pill depended on numerous attempts and constant revisions. Moreover, continuous adjustments were required for the source sand¡¯s power in the finished product to be gentle, easily absorbed, and maximally utilized.

    ¡­In terms of researching this kind of targeted pill prescription, it wasplicated and troublesome.

    Yet, Gu Zuo absolutely had to do this.

    He spent three or four days handling this delicate work. He conductedpatibility testing for one type of medicinal fluid after another. Just the medicinal decoctions that achieved different efficacies already numbered a dozen or so. Only, these dozen decoctions weren¡¯t considered anything special. Some of the effects weren¡¯t even that good. Later on, he still had to discard them.

    Fortunately, after passing through this period of experimentation, the medicinal fluids he refined had approximately five times the efficacy. They could also coordinate with the Wondrous Fire to dissolve more than fifty percent of the source sand.

    If this continued, he would be able to reach his objective very soon¡­

    Just when Gu Zuo started neglecting his sleep and forgetting his meals, a slender figure appeared in front of him.

    Feng He¡¯s thin lips were stretched towards both sides, making his handsome face appear somewhat strange. His voice was thready: ¡°Reporting to Pharmacist Gu, the senior mice have brought back news. Does Pharmacist Gu wish to see them?¡±

    Gu Zuo was still a bit leery of this member of the wild dog race. Whenever he saw how the wild dog race looked like they could have a frenzied outbreak at any given moment, he felt a little timid in his heart¡­ However, he kept his cool: ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±

    Feng He stood up straight ¡ª Although while one would say that he stood up straight, his back still looked somewhat hunched. It gave one an incredibly strange feeling.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stare.

    In any case, his big brother would certainly be able to manage this group of wild dogs¡­ En.

    A mouse race member was waiting a quarter of the way up the mountain when Gu Zuo arrived.

    Upon seeing Gu Zuo, the mouse race member hurriedly bowed down: ¡°Greetings, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too ustomed to being saluted by others. However, since he followed his family¡¯s big brother, he needed to get used to such things regardless. As a result, he just nodded his head: ¡°Feng He said that you¡¯ve brought me news.¡±

    The mouse race member promptly presented a message with both hands, and replied: ¡°In front of the West Garden Tavern, I took a card delivered by Medicine Heart Pavilion. Pharmacist Gu, please take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo received that message. He opened the card to read it.

    It pertained to Evesting Happiness Restaurant, which was the location Shopkeeper Fang and Gu Zuo agreed upon previously. It said that someone with true and honest intentions had requested a meeting. Shopkeeper Fang hoped that Gu Zuo could find some time in his busy schedule to go over. And so on and so forth&#k2026;

    From these ¡°true and honest intentions¡±, Gu Zuo seemed to notice something.

    However, Shopkeeper Fang shouldn¡¯t have been that sort of person with a heart overflowing with kindness, right?

    On second thought, he didn¡¯t feel that this was odd.

    Shopkeeper Fang probably wanted to deepen the rtionship with him. Perhaps, this was to scout out his origins.

    No matter what, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to see how things went.

    In any case, the other party had given him many spirit crystals. Back when he was on the Peripheral Continents, he was cautious at all times. This was for the sake of not inviting trouble for his big brother. Now that his big brother¡¯s position was so high, it was unreasonable for him to cower and flinch in fright.

    ¡ª Even if his identity was seen through, what was so important about that?

    Could it be that the enormous Ten Ultimates Sect couldn¡¯t protect the people who stood next to an all-star prodigy? Besides, he wasn¡¯t going to do anything bad¡­

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo put away the message. Then, he brought along that crowd of concealed bodyguards, summoned a wild bird, and headed towards Shijue City.

    Evesting Happiness Restaurant was a well-known establishment on a bustling street within Shijue City. It was ssified as property of a powerhouse¡¯s subordinate within Ten Ultimates Sect. Naturally, it was very popr in the city. Some people would discuss secrets here, and these secrets were kept well.

    Shopkeeper Fang reserved a special-ranked private room. Anyone who had their meals in here was able to guarantee that whatever they said wouldn¡¯t leave the room. They also wouldn¡¯t be easily overheard by others.

    After taking out the card, Gu Zuo was guided straight to the second floor. After turning several corners, he entered through a small door.

    Ao Ying maintained a guarded posture as he followed inside. Meanwhile, those battle ves who were concealed in some hidden ce were blocked by the room¡¯s formation. Their forms emitted thread-like ripples as they bumped into the locked space.

    Gu Zuo noticed this, and immediately said: ¡°These are my people.¡±

    Soon after, it appeared that the formation was manipted by someone. While staying hidden, the battle ves also followed inside.

    After walking through the door, Gu Zuo saw Shopkeeper Fang sitting on the side.

    The room¡¯s interior was decoratedvishly. It didn¡¯t seem like a ce purely for eating. Rather, it wasprehensive. One could rest and rx, eat meals, drink tea, and chat all the while. The room was so spacious that a person could even practice martial arts.

    But rtively speaking, the price would¡¯ve been quite costly.

    Since Shopkeeper Fang booked this room, there were no doubts over his respect for Gu Zuo.

    At this moment, he saw Gu Zuo walk in. He stood up, smiled, and greeted: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, many thanks for honoring this one with your presence. I haven¡¯t seen you for many days, but Pharmacist Gu is still as elegant and graceful as always.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt exasperated.

    These formal greetings were truly a mouthful¡­

    After that, Gu Zuo nodded his head in an aloof manner: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang, for what purpose have you asked for me?¡±

    Right. His disposition would be this frank and straightforward.

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled, and poured Gu Zuo a cup of tea: ¡°I won¡¯t hide this from Pharmacist Gu. Ever since the auction, many people havee to our Medicine Heart Pavilion to figure out who the owner of that prismatic Innate Mending Pill is. As one of its many branch managers, this Fang also received many questions. Most of those inquirers were sent away by this Fang, but a small number have friendly rtions with our Medicine Heart Pavilion. It would be difficult to reject them outright.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he observed Gu Zuo¡¯s expression. After discovering that there wasn¡¯t any displeasure, he continued speaking: ¡°Naturally, this Fang never divulged any information. I only asked about their general circumstances¡­ While the rest were doing alright, there were a few who were really pitiful. After finding out about them, this Fang felt sympathetic, and took the liberty to invite Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to this, and calcted in his heart. He roughly understood Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s intentions.

    In short, Shopkeeper Fang first mentioned that this venture would be profitable. Then, he moved people with emotions. If one was softhearted, he could raise the benefits and bargaining chips once more. By painting with two brushes, he strove to establish a favorable rtionship with both sides as the middleman.

    ¡­Gu Zuo shouldn¡¯t have guessed incorrectly, but the specifics depended on Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s following performance.

    However, Gu Zuo also wanted to deepen the rtionship between himself and Medicine Heart Pavilion.

    After all, Medicine Heart Pavilion¡¯s social connections were much broader than what he and his big brother possessed. The pavilion¡¯swork of rtionships was far-reaching. Apart from opening their stores, his family¡¯s big brother still needed to rope in many other people to get things done.

    At first, what Gu Zuo wanted to do was to open his own medicine store. The Wu n, which they had roped in, already owned several medicine stores, and the Wu n¡¯s pharmacists provided the refined medicinal pills. Yet, the current situation indicated that, no matter how much Gu Zuo wanted to do so, it was impossible for them to simultaneously manage even more medicine stores and open his own¡­ Even though their body cultivation methods had been upgraded and their efficiencies would be even higher in the future, they weren¡¯t able to reach that level yet.

    Of course, Gu Zuo could supply some of the medicinal pills. Moreover, his speed was very fast. However, he couldn¡¯t supply the pills for that many medicine stores all by himself ¡ª If he only umted wealth by supplying a small quantity of top-notch pills, then it wouldn¡¯t be worth the effort of specially opening a store.

    As a result, the notion of opening a medicine store couldn¡¯t be achieved within the short-term.

    Thus, at the present stage, it was more feasible to find a good coborative partner.

    It was just that this partner had to be chosen carefully.

    Shopkeeper Fang was the first coborative partner who came into contact with Gu Zuo. So long as Shopkeeper Fang had a clear understanding of the situation and was sincere enough, Gu Zuo felt that this person, as a representative of Medicine Heart Pavilion, could try out a long-term cooperation.

    As he thought about this, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t show anything on his face. He just slightly lifted his chin: ¡°Alright. Then, let¡¯s meet. If Shopkeeper Fang can get in touch with those people, have theme over now. My schedule is very busy, and I can¡¯t wait here for too long.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang¡¯splexion showed joy: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, rest assured. They are people who have a request. How could they dare to make thee wait? Those people have long been waiting in the adjacent private room. Just give the order, and they¡¯ll arrive promptly.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a new understanding of those people¡¯s eagerness. After that, he harrumphed, which was considered a positive response.

    Shopkeeper Fang immediately sent someone to invite them inside.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo reached into his sleeve, and pulled out a ck cloak. He shook it open, and draped it over his shoulders.

    In a split second, the teenaged pharmacist with bright and cheerful qi emissions was nowhere to be found. While the figure still seemed the same, the feelings he gave one werepletely different.

    If Shopkeeper Fang hadn¡¯t been watching the entire time, he wouldn¡¯t have thought that this gloomy and reclusive pharmacist had any connection to Gu Zuo whatsoever.

    But after looking at this scene, Shopkeeper Fang realized that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want others to know his face. Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s mind slightly moved. He deliberated, and spoke to Gu Zuo: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, rest assured. Without thy permission, this Fang absolutely won¡¯t divulge thine appearance to the outside.¡±

    Naturally, those on the inside would still know¡­

    The head, which had been covered by the cloak¡¯s hood, nodded. The voice that transmitted outwards had be hoarse: ¡°Very good.¡±

    This kind of voice caused Shopkeeper Fang to shiver slightly. He only felt that this Pharmacist Gu appeared even more enigmatic and unfathomable.

    Not long after, someone knocked on the door.

    Shopkeeper Fang nced at Gu Zuo, and beckoned the subordinate to open the door ande inside.

    At this time, several men and women entered. Each person¡¯s appearance was outstanding, but their temperaments were all different. It looked like they were decent geniuses at the very least. Such people should¡¯ve been arrogant and overbearing giants among their peers. Yet, after these people came in, they were filled with hopeful emotions. If theirplexions were carefully observed, they also seemed somewhat dispirited and faintly exhausted.

    What unsolved problem was gnawing at their minds?

    Under Gu Zuo¡¯s sweeping gaze, he thought of something.

    He reckoned that these people came looking for him because an important person of theirs needed medicinal pills¡­

    The facts proved that Gu Zuo¡¯s guess was correct.

    After those four people entered, they courteously bowed to Gu Zuo in a cramped line. Under Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s gesture, they sat on circr stools across from the pharmacist. After exchanging nces with each other, Ming Wanzhu, the beautiful youngdy who was the eloquent and fluent speaker among them, quickly exined the entire sequence of events as well as the cause of their eagerness.

    On the Central Continent, strength was respected above all. As far as ordinary people were concerned, when powerhouses weren¡¯t restricted, even an inadvertent move could be a cmity that wiped out themon folk.

    Among these disasters, the mostmonly seen ones urred when powerhouses passed through certain viges. This was because they were being pursued or were chasing after someone, and got into a big fight. At that time, the vige would usually be utterly destroyed, creating a scene where almost none of the vigers survived. Not to mention the powerhouses with vile temperaments who vented their anger for some reason or another¡­ To put it briefly, many families were ruined, and the people were left destitute, orphaned, or dead.

    This was how the story of these four people began.

    The four of them were orphans whose mountain vige had been devastated. The four had known one another since childhood, and their rtionships were good. Each of them had been individuals who excelled beyond theirmon peers in the vige. When the vige was being destroyed, they happened to be together to celebrate Ming Wanzhu¡¯s birthday up on the mountain. However, once they returned, what they saw was a vige in ruins ¡ª If it wasn¡¯t for Chang Min¡¯s steady disposition, which allowed him to obstruct the impulsive Yu Fei at the appropriate time, perhaps they would¡¯ve been discovered by those venting powerhouses. Had that happened, it would¡¯ve basically been impossible to keep their small lives.

    After the vige was gone, the four vowed to take revenge for their vige. They stayed together, and hoped to find a strong dojo or simr organization to rely on and to study martial arts.

    However, these four people resided in an isted and remote ce, and they were dressed like street urchins. When the local organizations got a look at the four orphans, they weren¡¯t willing to see them. Naturally, it was even more impossible to receive them.

    If a charitable n hadn¡¯t offered them shelter, let alone being able to attain their present Immortal Realm and Atomic Realm strengths, even survival would¡¯ve been brought into question!

    As for the person they wanted to provide life-saving treatment to, it was the rightful grandson of the n that took them in!

    ¡ª In fact, that n was rather small. It couldn¡¯t even be treated an iron-ranked organization. It was merely at the nonconventional rank.

    The number of people within this n also wasn¡¯t very high. When the members of the main branch and cadet branches were added together, there were just a few dozen. When calcting the other subordinates, there were only about a hundred-something people. However, this kind of n was already considered a bit powerful in that region. Originally, it shouldn¡¯t have taken in those orphans.

    At that time, the n head was bringing along his grandson to visit a friend. When the group of four was beset by hunger and cold, their first meeting with the grandson was when the other young girl, Lian Xinzi, barred the carriage¡¯s way.

    The n head¡¯s grandson was just four or five years old, but because he was sympathetic to the plight of these young boys and girls who were only three or four years older than him, he asked the n head to offer them shelter and to treat their wounds and ills.

    Later on, the n head saw that Lian Xinzi and the others treated his grandson with much gratitude. He took the initiative to give them pleasant-sounding first names on the premise of retaining their respective surnames. He also nurtured and trained them to be his grandson¡¯s right-hand men and women.

    The rtionship between that grandson and the four people was very good. After the four became his sworn older brothers and sisters, he also took the initiative to join with them. Because there was a difference between master and servant, they naturally declined at the time, but this still greatly improved the rtionships between them.

    As the orphans grew up, their natural talents gradually appeared, and they obtained even more vigorous training. The four protected this grandson, and they cherished him very much. In this way, ten pleasant and cheerful years passed by.

    One decadeter, there came a day when a rival family invited a powerhouse to destroy the entire small n. The four fled with the grandson, but they were almost overtaken at the final juncture.

    In the end, it was the grandson who facilitated the four¡¯s escape. The grandson blocked the other party¡¯s move, which left an opening for the four to get away. The four weren¡¯t willing to flee, but they were forcefully pushed away by the grandson. In order to not let down the grandson¡¯s final wish, they had no choice but to reluctantly run away and plot revenge! That powerhouse was very conceited ¡ª He believed that the grandson would perish under a single strike, and felt it was beneath him to hunt down the people who escaped. After the powerhouse left, the four promptly returned, and found the grandson¡¯s corpse. They wanted to bury him.

    Perhaps because the grandson was fated for bigger things, there was unexpectedly still a trace of life inside him. It was just that his internal organs and meridians werepletely ruined by that powerhouse¡¯s energy. If they wanted to save his life, it would be incredibly difficult.

    However, even though it was like this, the grandson¡¯s survival was enormously good news to the group of four. They carefully carried away the grandson to settle him down. Meanwhile, through their own power, they started to constantly venture out to y wild beasts. They did everything they could to earn money and umte funds to treat the grandson.

    Their intentions weren¡¯t in vain. As their strengths increased, the grandson¡¯s wounds gradually stabilized. Then, he woke up. At this time, the feelings shared between them couldn¡¯t be described as master and servants any longer. The grandson, Xue Shen, swore himself to them, and became their most precious fifth brother.

    Ming Wanzhu¡¯s eyes were reddened: ¡°After years of hard work, we finally gained some strength and obtained more resources. We invited quite a few pharmacists to take a look at little brother. The most useful medicinal pills they offered were Tiger Vitality Pills. It was just that the Tiger Vitality Pills could only preserve little brother¡¯s life, and weren¡¯t truly capable helping him get better. Later on, a prestigious and preeminent pharmacist proposed another method. A wless Innate Mending Pill would be enough to let little brother thoroughly recover! Of course, if we could get a prismatic Innate Mending Pill, not only would little brother recoverpletely, maybe he could luckily hear a Pill Note Mantra Echo to improve his potential¡­¡±

    The Tiger Vitality Pill was a golden-level medicinal pill. Ten spirit crystals could purchase one pill. Normally, it would be swallowed by Atomic Realm or Ascendant Realm martial artists, but Xue Shen was a special case. The energy within his body was left behind by an Atomic Realm martial artist. If Tiger Vitality Pills were used to counteract this energy, the pills needed to be melted into a medicinal liquid to soak the body. It would temper the physical body amid the boundless pain. This prevented the collision of both forces from crumbling the body.

    Under these circumstances, even though Ming Wanzhu and the others had be more powerful and they could earn lots of spirit crystals with hard work, they had to purchase Tiger Vitality Pills all year round. They also had to take into ount their own cultivations, so there would often be nothing left. Besides this, they wanted to find a way to save up some spirit crystals to scout the whereabouts of wless Innate Mending Pills. However, they knew that hopes were vague and uncertain ¡ª As for prismatic Innate Mending Pills, they didn¡¯t dare to think about those things at all!

    For the sake of Xue Shen, the four brothers and sisters did their best to maintain good rtionships with all sorts of ces. Supporting the Wind God Trading Company was just one of these ces. This time, they obtained some good things in exchange for arge sum of spirit crystals. However, they didn¡¯t expect to see the unimaginable prismatic Innate Mending Pill in such an ordinary auction!

    It was a pity that the spirit crystals gathered by the four brothers and sisters couldn¡¯t win the prismatic Innate Mending Pill. But when they caught sight of hope after so many years, how could they just give up on it?

    After the auction, they made discreet inquiries everywhere, but couldn¡¯t obtain any information. Later on, they suddenly had the bright idea of finding the Medicine Heart Pavilion, which had an extremely good rtionship with the Wind God Trading Company.

    As it turned out, the four brothers and sisters were familiar with Shopkeeper Fang. They didn¡¯t want the product grades of any Tiger Vitality Pills to deviate from their expectations. As a result, they selected Medicine Heart Pavilion to buy Tiger Vitality Pills from the beginning. They were considered old customers after many years.

    As for Shopkeeper Fang, he went through many deliberations, but he didn¡¯t directly tell them the origin of the prismatic Innate Mending Pill. He only said that someone might know some information, and told them to wait every day.

    Even though the four brothers and sisters only had a glimmer of hope, they persevered unremittingly. Thus, after quite a few days of waiting, they were finally lucky enough to see Gu Zuo.

    It wasn¡¯t until they were summoned by Shopkeeper Fang that the four brothers and sisters realized that he facilitated a meeting with the person who took out that prismatic Innate Mending Pill!

    Right away, they didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything in the slightest. They also didn¡¯t dare to hide anything as theyid all of their cards on the table. This was so that they could express their greatest sincerity.

    Gu Zuo finished listening to their story, and he felt somewhat sympathetic.

    No matter what was said, this was a tale of charity and vengeance¡­ The feelings between these few brothers and sisters were quite moving.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 356 - Frightening Others

    <h4>Chapter 356 - Frightening Others</h4>

    After Ming Wanzhu finished talking about everything, she said tearfully: ¡°We know that a prismatic Innate Mending Pill is extremely difficult to refine. We wouldn¡¯t dare make this request. We only hope that if this senior has any wless Innate Mending Pills remaining, this Wan could purchase a pill to heal my little brother...¡±

    That¡¯s right. What they wanted to buy wasn¡¯t a prismatic Innate Mending Pill. Rather, it was a wless Innate Mending Pill, which could equivalently treat Xue Shen. It was because they understood the level of difficulty when it came to prismatic Innate Mending Pills. However, since this senior could refine a prismatic pill, wless pills ought to have been somewhat easier.

    Although a wless Innate Mending Pill could cure Xue Shen¡¯s body, his original strength and realm had turned to nothing. Once he recovered, it would certainly require a long period of nursing to start practicing martial arts once again. However, this would be a better life than dragging around a crippled body day after day. They were pressed for time because Xue Shen had already been enduring for ten-plus years. Who knew how many years he could live while being tortured like this...

    Having listened to these words, Gu Zuo made several imperceptible nces at Shopkeeper Fang.

    He remembered that he gave Shopkeeper Fang three wless Innate Mending Pills. But it appeared that Ming Wanzhu and the others didn¡¯t know about it?

    After thinking it over, it wasn¡¯t that strange. If Shopkeeper Fang took out the Innate Mending Pills so quickly, it would be considered as a leak of his information. That would certainly draw his ire, which wouldn¡¯t be advantageous to Shopkeeper Fang. Moreover, wless Innate Mending Pills were rare items. Shopkeeper Fang should¡¯ve delivered these three wless pills and the other prismatic pill to the previously-mentioned owner of Medicine Heart Pavilion.

    With a n in mind, Gu Zuo looked at these four men and women. The sound of his voice was hoarse and rough: ¡°This type of pill isn¡¯t easy to refine, and I don¡¯t have that many wless ones lying around. If I do this for you, what kind of price will you pay? Spirit crystals are unnecessary. This venerable one doesn¡¯tck these things.¡±

    Ming Wanzhu and the others listened as these words were uttered. At first, they sighed in relief. Shortly thereafter, they grew apprehensive.

    They guessed that the other party had noticed their eagerness. Maybe this pharmacist wouldn¡¯t easily allow them to use spirit crystals for a trade, but they had no idea what the other party wanted in exchange.

    Bing nervous was unavoidable.

    After the group of four nced at each other, it was still the courageous and dazzling Ming Wanzhu who spoke anxiously: ¡°Senior, please tell us. Regardless of the price, so long as we have it, we¡¯ll take it out in exchange!¡±

    Having heard what was said, Gu Zuo kept silent. It seemed that he was thinking about something.

    The four men and women didn¡¯t dare to urge the other party. With the passage of time, their backs became damp with thin rivulets of sweat and their hearts were weighed down with intense pressure.

    Under the cloak¡¯s distortion, Gu Zuo¡¯s lowered voice became even more sinister: ¡°This venerable one wants the four of you to be my medicinal ves...¡±

    The moment these words were spoken, Ming Wanzhu and the others were already trembling all over.

    ¡ª Medicinal ves?

    On the Central Continent, everyone knew that the people who followed pharmacists were either retainers, servants, or medicinal ves. Among them, medicinal ves needed to take the pharmacist¡¯s poison pills and were branded with the pharmacist¡¯s psychic power imprint. Following that, once they betrayed their pharmacist, they would immediately perish!

    In addition, the mostmon function of a medicinal ve was to test the medicine...

    Gu Zuo acted as if he didn¡¯t discover that these people had stiffened. His tone was unhampered: ¡°Normally, this venerable one is most fond of delving into pill prescriptions. However, without enough experimental subjects, progress is slow-going. The four of you have now delivered yourselves to my doorstep. If you all consent to this arrangement, this venerable one will do his best to refine another prismatic Innate Mending Pill ¡ª Even if I can¡¯t produce another prismatic pill, this venerable one still has wless Innate Mending Pills to bestow. So, what do you all intend to do?¡±

    Those four heard this, and their minds were shaken.

    However, the astonishing thing was that they didn¡¯t hesitate for too long. They only pondered for less than three seconds, and the exact same expression appeared on each person¡¯s face.

    After that, the four people bowed down:

    ¡°Ming Wanzhu.¡±

    ¡°Lian Xinzi.¡±

    ¡°Chang Min.¡±

    ¡°Yu Fei.¡±

    ¡°We are willing to be medicinal ves to obtain an Innate Mending Pill in exchange!¡±

    Once they paid their respects, Chang Min clenched his fingers: ¡°We¡¯re ready to ept this senior as our master. It¡¯s...it¡¯s just that little brother is handicapped and can¡¯t endure any testing. Will master permit us to support little brother by our side?¡±

    Gu Zuo watched their disy, and let out a scoff: ¡°Someone with an enfeebled body is useless for testing medicine. What would I need of him? For the time being, you four are enough!¡±

    Gratitude appeared on the faces of Ming Wanzhu and the others. They bowed and expressed their thanks again. Then, they looked at Shopkeeper Fang and expressed their appreciation.

    Gu Zuo flicked a finger, and four pitch-ck medicinal pills appeared in front of the others: ¡°Swallow.¡±

    Chang Min grabbed his pill first. He knew that this was a necessity, and didn¡¯t hesitate to take it. Yu Fei and the two women were the same, and took their pills one after another.

    Gu Zuo faintly nodded his head: ¡°Very good.¡± Then he said, ¡°Send someone to fetch Xue Shen. After that, you¡¯ll go back with this venerable one to be medicine testers.¡±

    Naturally, Ming Wanzhu gave several prompt affirmations. As the men and elder brothers of the group, Chang Min and Yu Fei were unwilling to pass their responsibilities onto others. At this moment, they bade farewell in advance. They were going back to meet up with Xue Shen.

    At this point, the matter had been settled.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t spare a second nce at those two beautiful women, and said to Shopkeeper Fang: ¡°I presume that there¡¯s nothing else, right?¡±

    Just now, Shopkeeper Fang had been watching how Gu Zuo handled the matter of these four brothers and sisters. His face had been wearing a smiling expression the entire time, but a restraining fear of Gu Zuo had rose up from the bottom of his heart. Although he had known earlier that Gu Zuo¡¯s appearance was pretty good and he had brief encounters with Gu Zuo before, perhaps because of the cloak¡¯s functions and because he believed that Gu Zuo exposed his own style of doing things, there was a big difference in his perception of Gu Zuo at this moment. In response, he became even more cautious and prudent.

    After a slight pause, Shopkeeper Fang still maintained a cordial attitude. He didn¡¯t allow anyone to see his thoughts in the slightest. He brought out a few lists, and pushed them towards Gu Zuo¡¯s side: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, please take a look. These are the things this Fang found out. It concerns the information of the organizations that are inquiring about any traces of thee. Pharmacist Gu can personally check through these lists. If there¡¯s anyone thou wishes to meet, there¡¯s no harm in telling this Fang. This lowly one shall thoroughly investigate them again, and present a visitation notice or an invitation card.¡±

    Gu Zuo took these lists, and immediately put them away.

    He was prepared to investigate, but meeting these people would have to wait until after his big brother came out of secluded cultivation. This meant looking at the results of the investigations and the follow-up development before making any decisions.

    Shopkeeper Fang was considerate in his work.

    With such thinking, Gu Zuo made a sound of affirmation: ¡° We¡¯ll keep contact the same old way.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled and said: ¡°Yes.¡±

    After that, someone came up and arranged the table with fine wine and delicious food. Shopkeeper Fang was eagerly attentive as he rmended dishes to Gu Zuo one after another. Gu Zuo used the hood to cover his face. Although the delicacies here were really tasty, he couldn¡¯t eat much. He was quite sullen.

    However, Ming Wanzhu and Lian Xinzi weren¡¯t above eating. After all, they were female martial artists at the Immortal Realm. At this moment, they promptly and diligently divided the dishes and poured the wine on the other side.

    Gu Zuo...found it even more awkward to eat.

    As a gay guy with a beloved sweetheart ¡ª That¡¯s right, he already regarded himself as such ¡ª Being surrounded and attended by beautiful women wasn¡¯t actually a wonderful thing.

    Most of all, when a person¡¯s entire face was obstructed, so too was their line of sight. One wouldn¡¯t even have the ability to appreciate another¡¯s good looks. No matter how beautiful the women were, they would be the same as doorposts.

    After about two hours, someone knocked on the door outside the private room.

    The chopsticks in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand stilled.

    Shopkeeper Fang hastily said: ¡°Those two brothers probably brought that person back.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Let them in.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang instructed a subordinate right away.

    Soon, the private room¡¯s door was opened. Yu Fei and Chang Min walked inside while carrying a soft chair. And on this soft chair sat a frail-looking young man.

    Gu Zuo watched as those two brothers carefully ced the chair down, and listened to that young man, who arduously lowered his head in salutation: ¡°This younger generation, Xue Shen, greets this senior.¡±

    What was beyond expectations was that this young man¡¯s face didn¡¯t show any expressions of resentment or unwillingness ¡ª The emotions between him and the four brothers and sisters ought have been rather good. The group of four waspelled to be medicinal ves. He shouldn¡¯t have been this tranquil and undisturbed. Unless, he was an ungrateful white-eyed wolf?

    However, Xue Shen didn¡¯t seem like a thankless wretch.

    Originally, he had been born with jet-ck hair and eyes. His appearances had been gantly handsome. It was just that, because he was prone to sickness and was bed-bound for long periods of time, he looked thin and weak. It seemed like his life was already on the verge of copsing like a flickering candle. It wasn¡¯t known when his light would be snuffed out.

    However, Xue Shen¡¯s sight was clear and true. His eyes didn¡¯t me gods or use others. On the contrary, his temperament was firm and unswerving.

    This kind of person wouldn¡¯t show ingratitude to a friend.

    After thinking better of it, Gu Zuo understood.

    This was precisely how Xue Shen expressed his appreciation to the four brothers and sisters.

    Xue Shen definitely heard about the matter of Ming Wanzhu and the others swallowing poison pills from the two brothers. Regardless of how unreconciled or unwilling he was, Xue Shen must have already sorted out his own feelings. If he acted excessively in front of Gu Zuo, he was worried about angering this pharmacist. When his elder brothers and sisters were testing medicine in the future, they would suffer greatly.

    As a result, Xue Shen disyed deference and respect as much as possible.

    Gu Zuo looked at this group of five people, and felt a bit satisfied.

    After that, he bade farewell to Shopkeeper Fang, brought away the five sworn brothers and sisters, and left this restaurant.

    Once they were outside, Gu Zuo nced at Ao Ying.

    Ao Ying whistled to summon a wild bird. Immediately following which, everyone leaped onto its back. The wild bird spread its wings, and streams of air surged. It had already travelled several hundreds of meters.

    Up in the sky, the wild bird spiraled several times as it took a winding course. Then, it swooped down towards Ten Ultimates Sect.

    At this moment, several people who were sitting on the wild bird¡¯s back looked ahead ¡ª Their heartstrings were stretched taut at the thought of their unknown fates.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 357 - Big Brother Comes Out of Seclusion

    <h4>Chapter 357 - Big Brother Comes Out of Seclusion</h4>

    Chang Min lowered his head, and saw a magnificent and glorious view. At the same time, he also noticed that distinct symbol, and recognized this ce!

    Ten Ultimates Sect!

    It was actually Ten Ultimates Sect!

    The others made this same discovery. They looked at one another with incredulous expressions.

    The four brothers and sisters had never joined any organizations.

    It was because they knew that, although their aptitudes weren¡¯t bad, they only improved up to this point by giving it their all. When their realms were low, there was basically no way to join arge organization. Even if they could enter one, it would be hard to be regarded importantly by the other side with their aptitudes. At that time, if they had toplete any missions assigned by that organization, all of the obtainable resources wouldn¡¯tpare to what they could strive to get on their own ¡ª There wouldn¡¯t have been any way to satisfy the requirements for purchasing Xue Shen¡¯s Tiger Vitality Pills!

    While they might¡¯ve been able to find and rely on the members of arge organization when they were stronger, it couldn¡¯t be casually done right now. They had to find an amodating individual who could give Xue Shen some treatment.

    With regards to the people who had integrated into Shijue City for many years, Ten Ultimates Sect was the best destination. Unfortunately, their reputations in this ce could only frighten martial artists of lower sses. As far as Ten Ultimates Sect was concerned, that didn¡¯t count for anything ¡ª Let alone saying that they possessed any desire to join the sect.

    But now, they were under the control of another person, and became this guy¡¯s medicinal ves. Contrary to expectations, they were entering Ten Ultimates Sect... It had to be said that they couldn¡¯t help butment in their hearts.

    Ming Wanzhu inwardly sighed: ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been thinking. It doesn¡¯t seem surprising that a senior who could refine a prismatic pill woulde from Ten Ultimates Sect.¡±

    Having heard what was said, the others nodded their heads with heavy expressions.

    However, regardless of where their new master came from, their fates had long been sealed. All that they could hope for now was that the other party tested medicines in moderation, which would allow them to live a few years longer ¡ª They would try their hardest to elevate themselves from medicinal ves to retainers as shortly as possible.

    Once again, they realized the darkness of the days ahead, and said nothing else.

    Although they used qi energy to screen their voices, a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power could be considered a cheat tool. Perhaps, their master could hear them... As a result, it was for the best that they obediently refrained from discussing anything further.

    Without anyone the wiser, the wild bird had already flown a very far distance. Finally, it slightly descended after circling a few times in front of a vast and boundless manor andpound.

    Up above, Ao Ying gestured toward the guards of the manor.

    At once, the precautions were lifted, and the wild bird flew once more... This time, it traversed a dense forest, andnded before a mountain peak that was three hundred meters tall.

    Ming Wanzhu and the others jumped down. Their hearts were beating quickly.

    This ce was too shocking. What kind of person would own such arge plot of feudalnd? Could it be that it belonged to this senior?

    Previously, when they caught glimpses of the amazing scenery, they noticed theing and going of many non-human races. ording to the information they obtained after mingling with the lower ss martial artists, the ones who could utilize nonhuman servile races in Ten Ultimates Sect were either prodigies or powerhouses... This inevitably caused them to make numerous guesses.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take down his hood.

    Right now, he suddenly thought of a problem. At the present time, where would be a rtively good ce to settle these people down?

    Originally, he said that he would make them medicinal ves, and medicinal ves ought to have stayed with their master. However, on this mountain peak where he and his family¡¯s big brother resided, no one else was allowed to climb up besides the bodyguards who personally defended them. He couldn¡¯t let other people live in his and his big brother¡¯s private space, right?

    After considering some things, Gu Zuo looked at Ao Ying: ¡°Send someone to pass along these orders. Set aside a location below the waist of the mountain to build a residence, and settle them down.¡±

    Ao Ying promptly responded, but didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he made several signals at a secret ce. A shadowy figure immediately shed out with great speeds, and went to implement this matter.

    Ming Wanzhu and the others gained a better understanding of this senior¡¯s might and influence.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo turned around.

    His facial features still couldn¡¯t be seen clearly, and his entire person waspletely covered up. The feelings this gave people were so sinister and strange. One would tremble from the bottom of their heart.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was dark and sullen: ¡°All of you will wait here. If this venerable one has any need of you,e when summoned.¡± Speaking up to this point, the malice in his tone practically overflowed, ¡°You all are useful to this venerable one, but if you dare escape ¡ª Humph!¡±

    These couple of people trembled uncontrobly, but nevertheless, their expressions were solemn: ¡°Yes, master. We wouldn¡¯t dare betray thee!¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a sweeping nce: ¡°This venerable one will go to refine medicine. If you all know your ce, there will naturally be benefits.¡±

    Even though Ming Wanzhu and the others knew that this was a stick-and-carrot strategy, their hearts still roused with happiness. In any case, at least this pharmacist¡¯s words could be counted on. It was better to settle on an agreement than constantly rush around and worry about their little brother¡¯s small life like before...

    After making things clear, Gu Zuo led the others up the mountain.

    The footsteps of the medicinal ves were lighter and quicker. It was probably due to hope. As before, Xue Shen was lifted by the two older brothers with a soft chair. When he looked at this high mountain peak, he felt the attentive care of his older brothers and sisters. At this moment, his pair of somewhat frail and perplexed eyes became even more firm and determined.

    If he was able to recoverpletely, never again would he be a burden to them!

    Once they reached the halfway point on the mountain, Ming Wanzhu and the other four were left behind. Suddenly, a monkey race member leaped out from the side. In a conscientious and serious manner, he exined the rules and provided guidance to them.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo continued upwards. With Ao Ying and the other hidden guards, they reached the summit.

    Gu Zuo took off the cloak as soon as he made it to the top.

    After that, he silently wiped away the sweat on his forehead.

    ...Putting on an act was truly a technical skill. Improvisation was just too tiring.

    Of course, Gu Zuo¡¯s character had always been a little soft. Granted that he had been tempering himself for a long time in this different world, when all was said and done, he wasn¡¯t even twenty yet. If it was in modern times, he would¡¯ve just reached the age to go to college! Truly, it was quite difficult for someone who never had a rotten conscience to pretend to threaten innocent people with ¡°poison¡±.

    Fortunately, the cloak increased his imposing aura, and he himself imitated Xu Lingxiu¡¯s manner of speech. Thus, he scared those people without any problems ¡ª Most of all, this prevented Shopkeeper Fang from having too many ideas based on his outward appearance.

    Speaking of which, Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t thought of everything initially, so he had to make up for it afterwards.

    In the beginning, selling medicinal pills had been a n he devised at thest minute. Because he spent too much, he wanted to make some money in return. He naturally knew that prismatic pills were very precious, but he also knew that the most precious aspect of prismatic pills was that it reportedly could aid martial artists in pathprehension. As for his own pill prescriptions, because of this kind of prescription in his possession, he estimated its value incorrectly.

    Due to this, when Gu Zuo began selling medicinal pills, he thought there was nothing to hide. Later on, once he found out that the price had exploded, he wondered whether it would¡¯ve saved him some trouble if he had kept it hidden from the start.

    As a result, he tried to frighten people.

    He hoped that this could achieve his goal.

    After shaking his head and rubbing his face, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about this anymore. Then, he squeezed back into the medicine refining room.

    Agreements to other people needed to be upheld. Regardless of when he gave them the medicinal pill, he would at least refine it first. He would think about what to do next afterwards. Hehe.

    Perhaps because prismatic pills received too much recognition, their prices were a hundred times greater than that of wless pills. Under such formidable pressure, Gu Zuo actually performed exceptionally well. For the first time, all three pills of this batch were prismatic pills!

    The three pills inside the furnace looked beautiful, but not a trace of qi emissions leaked out. They seemed like ordinary medicinal pills. Gu Zuo made a helpless expression.

    What should be said about this...

    He might¡¯ve been a bit of a money-grubber.

    Gu Zuo wiped his face again.

    He took out the source sand, and continued to research this thing. His dear big brother¡¯s breakthrough was close at hand. He didn¡¯t believe that he wasn¡¯t able to figure it out!

    In a wooden house, on a soft bed.

    A slim young man was reclining against the headboard. Although his body could barely move, at this moment, he was thumbing through an ancient text and doing his best toprehend something.

    Outside, the door opened with a creaking noise. An elegant youngdy with a schrly appearance entered while carrying a wooden tray. ced on top of this tray was a goblet of medicinal soup. It gave off faint trails of steam.

    ¡°Little brother, you should take your medicine.¡±

    Although Lian Xinzi¡¯s tone was tranquil, one could hear that it was full of deep concern. It would cause people¡¯s hearts to ache with sympathy.

    At the same time, another clear and loud voice resounded. A gorgeous youngdy wearing crimson robes came inside while holding an iron basin. She wrung a towel dry, moved to the side of the bed, and wiped the young man¡¯s fingers clean: ¡°Little brother, how do you feel today?¡±

    After the two girls entered, standing beside the doorframe were two young men with totally different temperaments. They looked somewhat older than the youth on the bed, and attentive care was clearly seen across their faces.

    Xue Shen allowed Ming Wanzhu to wipe him clean. When his gaze swept over these older brothers and sisters, the expression in his eyes softened: ¡°Big brother, second brother, third sister, fourth sister ¡ª There¡¯s no need for you guys to act this way... I¡¯m already doing pretty well. In the future, I¡¯ll definitely recoverpletely. At that time, our family will be even better.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he seemed to think about something, and his voice weakened somewhat.

    For his sake, his brothers and sisters paid too much. It was to the point that the pain in his heart was difficult to describe. He was better off thinking about the brighter side of things.

    Ming Wanzhu and the others looked at Xue Shen, who was already a mature, young adult. What they recalled wasn¡¯t the price they paid. Rather, it was that stubborn teenager back then ¡ª The one whom they called master. At that time, he was afraid of implicating them, and drew away that powerhouse by himself. Their lives had obviously been saved by the Xue n and by Xue Shen. Even though it would¡¯ve been a matter of course to sacrifice themselves for him, Xue Shen had been so young. He truly regarded them as his close family members. How couldn¡¯t they treat him the same, and view him as their most important person?

    Up until now, they really hadn¡¯t been separated from one another.

    Watching Xue Shen drink the medicinal soup, this small group of people were happy and reassured.

    It had been four to five days since they came to this ce, but they never heard any word from that senior to test his medicines. On the contrary, a golden-level pharmacist was sent over to check Xue Shen¡¯s pulse. In addition, this pharmacist used some medicinal soups to temporarily warm and nurture his body. Although this wouldn¡¯t be able to cure him, this allowed Xue Shen to feel much more rxed.

    Previously, it wasn¡¯t that Yu Fei didn¡¯t invite some pharmacists toe over. It was just that the pharmacists withinrge organizations simply couldn¡¯t be contacted. The ones he invited were pharmacists who set up clinics outside. Although they were also at the golden level, it could be seen that their foundations were inferior to that of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s pharmacists ¡ª Granted that the group didn¡¯t understand any medicine refining techniques, one could tell just how exquisite these techniques were.

    Sure enough, this pharmacist wasn¡¯t the same as the ones from before. Those exorbitant pharmacists didn¡¯t utilize any special or effective methods. Yet, after checking Xue Shen¡¯s pulse, this pharmacist was the first to alleviate Xue Shen¡¯s pain.

    As far as Ming Wanzhu and the others were concerned, this was already worth celebrating.

    At the same time, they no longer felt tormented over the fact that they risked everything to be medicinal ves. Instead, their hearts truly became somewhat willing.

    Xue Shen obediently finished drinking his medicine, which eased the four brothers and sisters.

    Soon after, Lian Xinzi gave a gentle and soft smile: ¡°Today, it¡¯s Ah Zhu¡¯s turn to watch over little brother. If there are any martial disciplines that little brother doesn¡¯t understand, you can directly ask Ah Zhu. Just don¡¯t exhaust yourself.¡±

    Such words were spoken once a day. The four brothers and sisters would patiently urge him, and Xue Shen would patiently agree: ¡°Okay, third sister.¡±

    Ming Wanzhu proudly sat on the side: ¡°If little brother says something wrong, I¡¯ll smack your hand!¡±

    The others were amused by her joke, and even Xue Shen, who had been worried the entire time, cracked a smile.

    After that, they chattered and bantered a bit more. Lian Xinzi and the other two left the room first.

    Although life during these years of interdependence hadn¡¯t run smoothly, and Xue Shen¡¯s body also seemed like a hopeless case, Ming Wanzhu and the others never gave up on nurturing Xue Shen. Yes, his body was no good, but this didn¡¯t mean that his mind was a lost cause. Consequently, the four gathered all of the body cultivation methods they had, and let Xue Shen read through them. They also gave Xue Shen many demonstrations of their moves.

    Although the present Xue Shen¡¯s strength was equal to nothing, his theories and insights were extraordinary.

    Ming Wanzhu was today¡¯s instructor. She put away the bright smile on her face, and spoke in a conscientious manner: ¡°Little brother, I¡¯ll give you a demonstration of a new martial skill I learned first. This one doesn¡¯t need internal qi. Let¡¯s see how much you can understand.¡±

    Xue Shen nodded without the slightest hesitation: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have to trouble fourth sister!¡±

    After that, one person demonstrated and the other observed. Both of them took things seriously.

    Outside.

    As Lian Xinzi put away the bowl and tray, Chang Min and Yu Fei were already sparring.

    They didn¡¯t have any foundations or backers. Their opponents were each other, and the same went for helpers. As their realms were both at the Atomic Realm, the strengths of these two brothers were evenly matched. While their battles were exceptionally fierce, they were hardly worried about harming the other side with their own attacks.

    Because, only by suffering injuries at this time would it be possible to save one¡¯s life when fighting in the outside worldter on.

    Lian Xinzi watched for a short period. Then, she sat cross-legged on the side, and began meditating and operating her cultivation method.

    There was no time to waste. She needed to be stronger, too!

    ¡ª This was the daily routine for these five brothers and sisters after they came to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    However, this day was destined to be different.

    Just when they were sparring and meditating, everyone suddenly felt a severe bout of shivers within their hearts. It was as if an invisible, suppressive might had engulfed and swept everything away. In a split second, it almost made them want to copse and crawl on the ground ¡ª Luckily, they had adventured for many years, and their willpower was enough to endure it. As a result, they barely held on.

    But even though it was like this, Chang Min and Yu Fei stopped battling. Lian Xinzi stood up with even prompter vignce, and followed the two older brothers to meet up together.

    Theirplexions were pale.

    Yu Fei¡¯s voice was somewhat hoarse: ¡°What¡¯s going on? Although there¡¯s a powerhouse on this mountain peak, the suppressive might is usually restrained. It has never been this much...¡±

    Just as these words fell, a rumbling boom echoed out.

    The boulders above the waist of the mountain started to break apart, and many tumbled down.

    Chang Min leaped out, and used qi energy to destroy several bs of stone. However, the energies carried by those boulders still numbed his palm. It felt rather sore.

    This greatly surprised him!

    ¡ª What kind of energy could be so frightful?

    These couple of brothers and sisters became even more worried. If these boulders fell on top of little brother¡¯s room, it certainly would¡¯ve been smashed. It would be anything but reassuring had this injured little brother.

    After exchanging nces, the three of them decided to scout out the situation.

    They were given instructions not to climb to the summit, but these signs of activity didn¡¯t originate from the peak. In that case, it should¡¯ve been okay. If they were able to discover anything suspicious going on, perhaps this would be regarded as a small contribution.

    Bearing such thoughts, the group jumped up, and swiftly moved towards the source of that noise.

    Along the way, quite a few stones continued to topple. They rapidly swatted with their palms to shatter the rocks. Finally, there was nothing else to cause these stones to tumble down.

    Not muchter, they arrived at the noise¡¯s source.

    Immediately following which, the three couldn¡¯t help holding their breaths. They rigidly stood a slight distance away.

    At this moment, a person had just walked out of a cave on the side of a cliff. His stance was rxed, his temperament was calm and unruffled, and his qi energy...was terrifying. The danger was indescribable.

    This threatening feeling assailed the senses. Yu Fei almost subconsciously wanted to reveal his spirit weapon! Fortunately, Chang Min was more cool-headed, and swiftly used a hand to pull him back, which also calmed Yu Fei down.

    Lian Xinzi¡¯s fingers lightly trembled. She had never felt this kind of dread before ¡ª In that very instant, it was as if she had been glimpsed upon by that person. The intimidating light in his eyes had nearly caused the heart of her martial path to break!

    ...Her realm was the lowest, and the terror she felt was the greatest!

    Soon after, in the blink of an eye, the three saw a young man wearing a full-length, sapphire-blue brocade robe appear just eight steps in front of them. This person¡¯s appearance was extremely handsome. Once the imposing aura was restrained, he was like the moon on the horizon ¡ª Clear and bright, with a wondrous splendor.

    The feelings of terror were alleviated. It was just that this type of feeling had already been carved into their hearts. No matter what happened, the group of three would never be able to forget it.

    Then, the young man suddenly opened his mouth. His voice was slightly low and maic: ¡°Who are all of you?¡±

    As the eldest, Yu Fei stepped forward bravely. His voice was self-assured andposed: ¡°We are the medicinal ves of Pharmacist Gu. We have been arranged to wait for his summons on the mountain. Because the boulders on the mountain had tumbled down, we were worried and went to check things out.¡±

    The brocade-robed young man revealed a smile. In a split second, the sky was bright and the wind was clear: ¡°So, it¡¯s like this.¡± After that, he paused, and seemed tough softly, ¡°Medicinal ves?¡±

    Yu Fei answered: ¡°Yes.¡± He exchanged a nce with Chang Min, and inquired, ¡°Whom might this honored sir be?¡±

    The brocade-robed young man said: ¡°Me?¡±

    He slightly turned his head. His tone carried a smiling expression: ¡°I¡¯ll let the one who epted you guys be the one to exin.¡±

    Yu Fei didn¡¯t understand.

    Chang Min and Lian Xinzi also didn¡¯t understand.

    All of a sudden, their lines of sight faced up towards the mountain top.

    At this very moment, a silhouette was rushing down. In a short time, this figure threw themself in front of the brocade-robed young man.

    ¡°Big brother, you came out of seclusion!¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 358 - The Truth About the Medicinal Poison

    <h4>Chapter 358 - The Truth About the Medicinal Poison</h4>

    This was a teenager with a refined and elegant appearance. His stature was neither tall nor short, and his qi emissions were pure and unsullied. His hair, which reached slightly past his shoulders, was tied at the back of his head. At this moment, the smile that stretched across his face glittered brilliantly. His entire person gave off a cheerful disposition.

    It was strange, but people would feel that this teenager ought to have had a very good temperament with a single nce.

    Lian Xinzi and the others watched as the panting teenager came to a stop in front of the brocade-robed young man. The teenager¡¯s hair was ruffled by the other, and it seemed that the rtionship between the two was quite close. These sworn brothers and sisters thought about the sentiments between themselves, and the sudden vignce within their hearts eased greatly. A rather favorable impression of that little teenager also arose ¡ª It was like they were looking at the Xue Shen who still hadn¡¯t sank into a mncholy caused by his ailments.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw how eager Gu Zuo was, and ruffled his hair. He was in a good mood: ¡°I¡¯m out.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately asked: ¡°How did the absorption go?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Everything has been absorbed. And my realm had a minor breakthrough.¡±

    Gu Zuo sent out his psychic power, and carefully explored. Sure enough, he found that his family¡¯s big brother had advanced from the low Immortal Realm to the mid Immortal Realm. At once, he was even happier: ¡°Congrattions on another breakthrough, big brother!¡±

    Although the time between these divisions appeared somewhat brief, the breakthroughs between major realms wereparatively difficult ¡ª Generally speaking, once a martial artist¡¯sprehension reached a certain level, they could attempt to make a breakthrough in major realms. Prior to breaking through, they would¡¯ve already cultivated the embryonic form of the next realm. Once they broke through, the embryonic form would truly take shape and the route of cultivation would be set. The following four minor realms were actually aprehensive process of umtions and understandings.

    When Tianheng was at the Xiantian Realm, his umtions were robust. His ns for the Immortal Realm wereplex, and there were many things he hadprehended. However, in the Immortal Realm, he needed to simultaneously deepen theseprehensions and umte profound qi until his qi oceans further stabilized. Once hisprehensions progressively improved to a deeper level, he could touch upon the barrier of the Atomic Realm.

    As a result, Tianheng¡¯s minor realm breakthrough wasn¡¯t actually so strange.

    Hearing Gu Zuo¡¯s congrattions, Tianheng¡¯s smile widened. He said: ¡°But Ah Zuo... This elder brother has juste out of seclusion, and he has heard that you¡¯ve epted several medicinal ves. What ns do you have?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened, and he mumbled: ¡°Um, this is...¡±

    Before Gu Zuo could stammer out an exnation to his big brother, the pair¡¯s conversation had already struck the remaining people dumb like a sudden p of thunder.

    ...Including Ming Wanzhu, who discovered that the situation wasn¡¯t right outside and went to search for the others while carrying Xue Shen on her back.

    At this moment, Chang Min and the others recalled the words Tianheng previously spoke ¡ª ¡°I¡¯ll let the one who epted you guys be the one to exin.¡± Their gazes couldn¡¯t help falling onto Gu Zuo.

    Could it be that the one who received them, that senior in the ck cloak, was actually this seemingly harmless teenager? It was too far from what they imagined!

    In an instant, the five brothers and sisters were firmly rooted on the spot.

    Incredulity shed through their minds ¡ª How was this possible?!

    Tianheng became aware of these people¡¯s sluggishness, and raised an eyebrow: ¡°Why aren¡¯t they able to recognize Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo exasperatedly tugged on Tianheng¡¯s sleeve cuff: ¡°Big brother, I was wearing the cloak when I epted them...¡±

    Before Gu Zuo finished speaking, Tianheng got out a bit of unfinished meaning from it. He slightly nodded his head, and his tone of voice was somewhat telling: ¡°It looks like Gu Zuo¡¯s experiences have been rather substantial while this elder brother was in seclusion.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt embarrassed: ¡°Actually, I just took a trip down the mountain&#k2026;¡±

    After that, Gu Zuo started to slowly tell Tianheng about what he went through. As he spoke, the two walked towards the summit.

    The five sworn brothers and sisters who were left behind exchanged nces. They didn¡¯t dare to follow. Their bodies were frozen stiff.

    After Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s figures disappeared, Yu Fei talked slowly: ¡°Say, you guys... If a person just changes a set of clothes, can the difference in feelings he gives others be this big?¡±

    Ming Wanzhu and Xue Shen were left speechless.

    Lian Xinzi barely managed to speak: ¡°P-probably?¡±

    As for Chang Min, he had always been the cool-headed one. At this time, he said: ¡°Don¡¯t make random guesses. Regardless of the outward appearance or temperament of the person who epted us, we only need to perform our duties well.¡±

    The others nodded their heads one after another.

    It was just that, after epting the facts, their expressions were somewhat subtle ¡ª Including Chang Min¡¯s.

    Sure enough, they thought about that sinister and grim pharmacist who treated them with grace, power, and prestige. Yet, this teenager was lively, cute, intimate, and pure to this brocade-robed young man. It was a bit...hard to get used to.

    Back to Gu Zuo. He hadn¡¯t seen his family¡¯s big brother for a dozen or so days. At this time, he pulled on Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s sleeve, and didn¡¯t let go. His mouth smoothly narrated his tale. For any matters, great or small, none were omitted.

    After he finished talking about his dealings with Shopkeeper Fang, Gu Zuo asked with some hesitance: ¡°Big brother, I got in touch with Shopkeeper Fang like this, but it shouldn¡¯t cause any hindrances to you, right?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head, and said with a smile: ¡°No harm done. With Ao Ying and the others by your side, there ought to be very few impulsive people in Shijue City who wouldn¡¯t know what¡¯s good for them. It doesn¡¯t matter whether you show your face or not. However, if you¡¯re outside of Shijue City, you need to be careful. You must always be mindful of ignorant people taking risks.¡±

    Gu Zuo waspletely relieved: ¡°I also think that it shouldn¡¯t matter inside the city. It¡¯s just that the price was somewhat excessive after the medicinal pill was auctioned, and I became worried.¡±

    As a result, he had draped the cloak over his shoulders and frightened the others to intimidate Shopkeeper Fang.

    Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°Ah Zuo did a pretty good job.¡± Shortly thereafter, he said, ¡°Your way of thinking is also correct. Right now, your elder brother is still at a fledgling stage. It¡¯s better to build wine stores first since we can¡¯t recruit staff members for medicine stores. Our reserves are insufficient, too. Presently, the subordinated pharmacists you¡¯ve acquired can barely allow numerous battle ves to cultivate without any issues.¡±

    Gu Zuo obtained Tianheng¡¯s approval, and revealed a great, big smile.

    Immediately after that, Tianheng asked: ¡°Just now, are those five individuals going to be Ah Zuo¡¯s helpers?¡±

    He naturally didn¡¯t think they were true medicinal ves. It was only because he was Gu Zuo¡¯s guardian. If the other party was marked with a Medicinal ve Brand, he certainly would¡¯ve been able to sense it. And there clearly weren¡¯t any brands on those five people.

    Gu Zuo told Tianheng about the matter of these five brothers and sisters: ¡°I saw that they were sincere in their request, and it seemed that the feelings between them were good. I also had a bit of sympathy for that Xue Shen. However, I couldn¡¯t tell if these experiences were real or fake, so I wanted to test them. In the end, I gave them four trick pills, and they swallowed the pills without the slightest hesitation... I believe that they should be very loyal and righteous people. If I epted them, they would be indebted to me.¡±

    Tianheng spoke with praise: ¡°Not bad. It looks like their friendships are quite profound.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head as he followed along: ¡°If they weren¡¯t willing to take the ¡®medicinal poison¡¯, it wouldn¡¯t necessarily mean that what they said was false. However, it would at least prove that, in their hearts, their friendship with Xue Shen wasn¡¯t as important as they imed. If that was the case, I would¡¯ve needed to find someone to investigate their real situation. If their experiences were real, I could¡¯ve sold some wless pills to them through Shopkeeper Fang. Though, the prismatic pill would¡¯ve been out of the question. But now it¡¯s different...

    ¡°Big brother, I feel that they can be nurtured. Such people can be great helpers. Moreover, once I tell them that the trick pills aren¡¯t actually medicinal poison, they¡¯ll certainly be grateful to me. At that time, they¡¯ll be even more devoted!¡±

    Speaking up to here, Gu Zuo supplemented: ¡°I observed Xue Shen, too. He didn¡¯t turn into a dark and petty person due to this misfortune. On the contrary, he was appreciative of his older brothers and sisters. He should be someone who can be raised as well. I feel that I can give him the prismatic pill after another short period of observation.¡±

    A river of words spilled from his lips. Tianheng looked at his confident appearance, and couldn¡¯t help reaching out a hand to ruffle his hair again: ¡°Now that Ah Zuo has the means to manage his subordinates, this elder brother is reassured.¡±

    Gu Zuo giggled: ¡°I learned a thing or two when I promised to supervise the pharmacists for big brother. Although I¡¯m sympathetic to this group¡¯s plight, I¡¯ll consider how they¡¯ll be treated specifically, and I won¡¯t casually make friends with them... Otherwise, it¡¯ll definitely make trouble for big brother. Currently, big brother has nothing to fear. But when all is said and done, we¡¯re still relying on Ten Ultimates Sect and the pce master. We haven¡¯t reached the point when we can act willfully and brazenly.¡±

    Tianheng heard this, and his gaze softened: ¡°With Ah Zuo considering things wholeheartedly on this elder brother¡¯s behalf, this elder brother couldn¡¯t be happier.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed up: ¡°Big brother has been considering my needs the whole time, too! I¡¯m the happy one.¡±

    Two people looked into each other¡¯s eyes. The atmosphere was tender and warm.

    After staring at one another for a short while, Gu Zuo felt that this moment was a bit too tender. A bit of carelessness might expose his inner thoughts. He hurriedly changed the subject: ¡°Speaking of which, while researching the source sand, I can already dissolve seventy to eighty percent of it. However, that discrepancy of ten to twenty percent still isn¡¯t good enough. I need to find even more different types of medicinal ingredients for testing. Also...¡±

    It had been a long time since Tianheng heard Gu Zuo chatter. At this moment, he quietly listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and asionally answered or agreed. The mood was joyous and harmonious.

    Unwittingly, several hours passed by.

    In the afternoon.

    With Tianheng¡¯s permission, Gu Zuo summoned those five brothers and sisters.

    Of course, the group wouldn¡¯t truly climb up to the summit. Instead, there was a t meadow just below the top of the mountain. Tianheng and Gu Zuo were sitting over there while they waited.

    After seeing that Gu Zuo¡¯s real appearance waspletely different from what they imagined, no matter how much Ming Wanzhu and the others told themselves not to mind, there wasn¡¯t any way for them topletely stop thinking about it.

    As a result, when Gu Zuo looked at them, he discovered that they all hadplicated moods.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He knew that there was a bit of a contrast, but it didn¡¯t need to be like this.

    After that, Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°All of you, sit down.¡±

    The five brothers and sisters exchanged nces, and obediently sat across from the pair.

    Gu Zuo directly stated: ¡°Previously, because Shopkeeper Fang was present and because I wanted to test you guys, I decided to disguise myself. My name is Gu Zuo. I¡¯m a golden-level pharmacist, and the prismatic pill really was refined by me.¡± Then, he pointed to the person next to him, ¡°This is my big brother, Gongyi Tianheng. He¡¯s also Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s all-star prodigy. We¡¯ve just joined Ten Ultimates Sect, and we¡¯re under the jurisdiction of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.¡±

    Ming Wanzhu and the others sucked in deep breaths. They looked at the two people with gazes filled with astonishment.

    Without the cover of the cloak, they could see that Gu Zuo¡¯s age hadn¡¯t reached twenty. If someone his age could refine a prismatic pill, just how formidable were his innate skills? In addition, there was Gongyi Tianheng. Yes, they also knew that Ten Ultimates Sect had received an all-star prodigy, which was a rare sight once every hundred thousand years. They once had a thought ¡ª If they could get in touch with this person, perhaps there was hope for their little brother¡¯s full recovery. However, they knew that this was nothing more than a delusion.

    But now, that delusion had turned into reality. The person before their very eyes was actually the all-star prodigy!

    Even more frightening was that there was such a gifted pharmacist to assist the all-star prodigy by his side. Moreover, the closeness of their rtionship wasparable to a pair of brothers. It was to the point that they were even more intimate than most brothers!

    While the five wouldn¡¯t say that this kind of rtionship could conquer every obstacle, it was extremely stable and firm.

    Right now, the two were neers. Their realms still weren¡¯t high enough. But what if a few more years passed? Once they were fully-fledged, what kind of terrifying forces could they bring up?

    At this time, thest trace of unwillingness hidden deep within the bottom of their hearts finally disappeared.

    To be this person¡¯s medicinal ves, even though they were merely medicinal ves, was counted as their stroke of good luck.

    Gu Zuo continued: ¡°In order to give Shopkeeper Fang a dose of restraining fear, I presented myself with that attitude. What you guys swallowed wasn¡¯t medicinal poison. Instead, it was a type of trick pill. It was also considered a test. If any of you harbored malicious intentions, your stomachs would ache for a period of time. I would detect this, and chase you all out.

    ¡°The number of times this trick pill can re up is only once. However, if you guys have sincere thoughts, the effects of this trick pill will automatically disappear after about half a month, and it won¡¯t really do anything to you.¡±

    Sure enough, just as Gu Zuo previously thought, the gratitude in the eyes of the five brothers and sisters practically overflowed after listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s recounting.

    They had already prepared themselves for the worst. They didn¡¯t expect that the other party wasn¡¯t actually that harsh... This was an unexpected happiness!

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded his head. After that, he said: ¡°At the present time, I¡¯m not epting any medicinal ves, but my big brother needs workers. I really like your moral characters, so I wanted to ask if you guys are willing to be my big brother¡¯s subordinates? But you also don¡¯t need to worry. There¡¯s no harm if you¡¯re not willing. Since I admire the friendship between you guys, I can give you medicinal pills. I have some wless pills here. You only need to purchase them at the market price.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 359 - Accepted

    <h4>Chapter 359 - epted</h4>

    What was there still to consider? This was exactly what they had been looking for!

    Just as Gu Zuo¡¯s voice fell, the five sworn brothers and sisters had already opened their mouths in tacit understanding: ¡°We¡¯re naturally willing. Many thanks for regarding us, Pharmacist Gu! Many thanks for taking us in, young master!¡±

    Seeing that they responded without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo feltfortable in his heart.

    What did this mean?

    It meant that this group of five was optimistic about him and his big brother. Moreover, it proved that his insight was correct. These people knew to pay back favors!

    As such, Gu Zuo made a decision. He was going to give them a prismatic Innate Mending Pill ¡ª There was definitely a difference between his own people and outsiders.

    Gu Zuo considered something, and said: ¡°Later on, you guys will listen to big brother¡¯s arrangements and handle matters for him. Once you¡¯ve made some contributions, it¡¯s only to be expected that I¡¯ll bestow medicinal pills to you. Right now, you guys have just pledged yourselves to him, and haven¡¯t made any contributions yet. If I reward someone without a reason, it¡¯ll harm the rtionships between you and your fellow workers.¡±

    Rules were rules. Previously, regardless of whether it were battle ves, servile race members, or people who voluntarily offered their services, no one had been rewarded for not working ¡ªWhen all was said and done, a prismatic pill was extremely precious. It wasn¡¯t the same as a monthly allowance. Moreover, the aptitudes of the five brothers and sisters weren¡¯t outstanding enough for targeted nurturing. Naturally, it couldn¡¯t be said that it was for the sake of diverting more resources in their favor.

    The sworn brothers and sisters were aware of this reasoning as well. The rewards and punishments were clear, and matters were handled justly. This would allow an organization to walk along the path of development for a long time. It was just that they couldn¡¯t help worrying about Xue Shen¡¯s health. After all, he had been enduring this for so many years.

    Of course, these people didn¡¯t raise any objections. They only decided that it was necessary to properlyplete any arranged affairs and umte enough contributions as early as possible. Then, they would request a reward.

    Gu Zuo saw how obedient they were, and sent a meaningful nce at Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled and nodded.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were sharing a voice transmission.

    [Big brother, I¡¯ve already refined the prismatic pill. Let¡¯s keep an eye on their work capability and the style they handle matters before deciding when to bestow the medicinal pill. In any case, so long as they start working, we can always loan them some credit. We can give them a helping hand!]

    Tianheng grinned.

    [What Ah Zuo says is quite true.]

    Gu Zuo was d. He pondered something, and decided to give the five brothers and sisters a bit more hope: ¡°I also know that the matter of Xue Shen¡¯s health can¡¯t be dyed for too long...You guys don¡¯t need to worry. Once you make some contributions, even though there won¡¯t be enough to conduct an exchange for the time being, there¡¯s an excuse for you guys to use other methods to make up for it. It¡¯s just that you guys need to put in even more effort afterwards. If the way you guys handle matters can¡¯t earn the respect of big brother¡¯s other subordinates, it¡¯ll be useless even if I deliberately help you guys seed. Do you understand?¡±

    Of course, these determined brothers and sisters only felt an unexpected happiness upon hearing this. At the same time, they fondly recalled the kindness of Gu Zuo and the magnanimity of the young master who had been silently smiling on the side.

    At once, they bowed and saluted. This was paying their respects to their master: ¡°Yes! We shall do our utmost! Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu! Many thanks, young master!¡±

    Xue Shen silently clenched his fingers.

    Based on their experience, it wasn¡¯t that they couldn¡¯t hear the bit of probing implications in these statements. It simply didn¡¯t matter. Even if he was interested in taking them in, there wouldn¡¯t be one hundred percent trust at the very beginning ¡ª That would be the height of stupidity.

    In any case, the two people they followed were willing to make this kind of promise, which was enough to prove that they were following the right people. No matter what tests there were, every sentence the other party spoke was reasonable, fair, and just. For them, this made the pair even more trustworthy.

    He submitted with a ddened heart.

    If he could recoverpletely... With the grace of a new lease on life, he would spare no effort to work for the young master and Pharmacist Gu with his brothers and sisters!

    Afterwards, the five brothers and sisters withdrew.

    If it was said that they previously treated their prospects with mncholy and only possessed a speck of hope, then now, they were blooming with enthusiasm ¡ª It wasn¡¯t only towards Xue Shen¡¯s ailments, it was also with regards to their own futures.

    After they left, Gu Zuo turned his head: ¡°Big brother, how was my performance just now?¡±

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°Excellently done.¡±

    Gu Zuo was immediately in high spirits.

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth faintly curled up.

    There were people who were given inside the sect, there were outsiders who valued his potential and the power of the sect, and there were those who followed only him for various reasons... The first type was trained by the sect, and was loyal and true. Although they could be trusted, there would inevitably be concerns. The second type was eagerly drawn by benefits ¡ª Utilizing them required proper handling. As for the third type, they tied themselvespletely to him, and had no way of retreating.

    Although the first two types had points that might¡¯ve caused hesitation, their backgrounds possessed enormous implications that bound them. So long as they were selected prudently and utilized well, they were exceptional helpers. Meanwhile, thest type was extremely devoted, but they were uncontroble due to ack of bindings. Therefore, under his administration, all three types were indispensable, and there wasn¡¯t one type that stood above the others. It could be likened to a cauldron bnced on its three legs ¡ª Each side restricted one another, and allowed him topletely control the three types in his hands. The situation would be as steady as Mount Tai.

    With these thoughts running through his mind, Tianheng¡¯s gaze, which had fallen onto Gu Zuo, became warm and doting.

    He knew that his little pharmacist didn¡¯t necessarily consider things as deeply as he did, but these actions had already helped him expand the ranks of this third type of people.

    Was this also considered an invisible kind of tacit understanding?

    This made his heart feelforted and cozy. He was quite happy.

    Soon after, Tianheng and Gu Zuo returned to the summit.

    As before, Gu Zuo was busy with refining medicine and studying the source sand. As for Tianheng, he arranged Chang Min, Yu Fei, Ming Wanzhu, and Lian Xinzi among the battle ve elites. He had them work behind those Atomic Realm battle ves as deputy generals. They all trained together, and learned the way of leading armies.

    Presently, although the battle ves already formed arge army, if all of the avable troops were entrusted to the battle ves, it wouldn¡¯t have been the way Tianheng operated. In the future, he certainly had to choose the most outstanding children from numerous adherent organizations, and temper them to form an army. At that time, if these four people were somewhat sessful, they could be militarymanders. If they weren¡¯t sessful, the opportunity would be handed over to others.

    With regards to Tianheng¡¯s personal motives, he naturally wanted to keep thosemanders within his grasp where they were only loyal to him alone. Therefore, he didn¡¯t want the positions of themanders to be chosen from among the various forces. This was to prevent themanders from unconsciously favoring their own organization. When making selections within their own armies, this would lead to a loss of impartiality and would damage their own prestige. However, supposing that the capabilities of those only loyal to him were no good, then he would have no other choice but to go through some inconveniences, and select people from the organizations. But at that time, he would naturally re-establish rules and practices, whereby members of many forces were divided among several armies to keep them in check.

    However, these considerations were concerns for the future. The present legion was iplete. He was also only slightly pondering over this, and it didn¡¯t require much thought.

    Several more days passed by.

    During these couple of days, because Gu Zuo still hadn¡¯t made a lot of headway in researching the source sand, he set this matter aside for the time being. Instead, he came to the thousand-person courtyard down the mountain to see Wu Xing and the others.

    It really wasn¡¯t for any other reason except for the fact that, after Tianheng eliminated the flood dragon, several organizations that were determined to cast their support and were epted by Tianheng hade to Ten Ultimates City in quick session.

    After Tianheng met and discussed things with them amid his busy schedule, he epted them into Ten Ultimates Sect, and brought them to hispound.

    At the same time, these forces brought out their own ns¡¯ foundations, which included the construction of their own residences. Soon, the vastpound became an extremely bustling ce. Those buildings rose steeply from the ground up. Crowds of people who had pledged their loyalties had their own work to do, and the mes of industry zed up to the sky.

    Within these organizations, there was one that was merely an insignificant nonconventional force. However, this organization also had a technical ability ¡ª They were a medicine refining aristocratic family. It was just that, because they only relied on a familial inheritance and never recruited pharmacists from outside the family, their properties were curtailed and didn¡¯t have an enormous scope of activity.

    But when it came to the medicine refining skills and aptitudes of the core younger generations, they weren¡¯t that much worse than the children of the Wu n.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s visit this time was also to allow everyone in this household to familiarize themselves with his face ¡ª Wasn¡¯t it important to let them know who their immediate boss would be in the future?

    So long as the people of this household were pharmacists, they simrly had a ce to stay in this thousand-person courtyard.

    If by any chance there wasn¡¯t enough space, he could always make extensions! Although the borders of the thousand-person courtyard had been made earlier, this didn¡¯t mean that he couldn¡¯t expand them.

    As he arrived in front of the gates of that thousand-person courtyard, Gu Zuo was a little surprised.

    How long had it been since he came here? The entire courtyard had already changed beyond recognition. It was even more spacious and elegant. After that, he saw a few people appear at the gates in a sh. He lifted his eyes, and the ones he saw were the Wu n¡¯s two brothers.

    The present Wu n Head and Fourth Young Master, Wu Xing, as well as his biological younger brother, Seventh Young Master Wu He.

    Gu Zuo silently recited the names of these two people in his head, and suddenly felt a little peculiar.

    If the family lived in harmony, all affairs would prosper... The former n head might¡¯ve had this idea. However, with the addition of their surname, the meaning was theplete opposite.

    His train of thought instantly derailed. Gu Zuo shook his head, and pulled his thoughts back on track.

    Yet, under Wu Xing¡¯s leadership, the Wu n was definitely harmonious. Moreover, it was in the middle of a revival.

    At this moment, Wu Xing and Wu He had already bowed and stated: ¡°We respectfully wee Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo settled himself, and didn¡¯t say any unnecessary words of salutation. Rather, he said: ¡°You guys have worked hard.¡±

    Wu Xing smiled and said: ¡°Now that we are fortunate enough to work under themand of the young master and Pharmacist Gu, we naturally have to work harder.¡±

    While speaking, he guided Gu Zuo into the thousand-person courtyard.

    This courtyard had already been given the name ¡°Myriad Medicine Estate¡±. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any objections, but as he looked at the name Wu Xing chose, he could see that Wu Xing held grand ambitions.

    ¡ª Of course, this wasn¡¯t anything bad.

    Inside the Myriad Medicine Estate, there was a curtain of ovepping medicinal fragrances. The area was also peaceful and calm.

    Gu Zuo raised his eyes, and noticed that the originally vacantnd was already densely-packed with numerous medicine lodges. Within each medicine lodge was a pharmacist who was right in the middle of refining medicine with pill furnaces or cauldrons.

    Those fragrances wereing precisely from these buildings.

    Wu Xing exined: ¡°Myriad Medicine Estate was originally a thousand-person courtyard, but it would eventually be unsuitable if it was only used as a residential area. Consequently, this subordinate altered sections of the interioryout, extended the courtyard, and divided it into two regions.

    ¡°The inner estate is where the numerous pharmacists dwell. Each person has their own room, which is further subdivided into a living space and personal pharmacy. It provides them a ce to rest and to study medicine refinement.

    ¡°Besides this, the outer courtyard was spread out as much as possible, and divided into several side courtyards of equal rank. There are many medicine lodges in every side courtyard where the pharmacists who practice the same type of body cultivation method can refine medicine, spar, andmunicate with one another. If there¡¯s an obstruction, one can swiftly investigate it with someone else, and resolve the difficulty.¡±

    As Gu Zuo listened to this, he inwardly nodded.

    Wu Xing continued: ¡°Presently, there¡¯s onerge side courtyard and a number of small side courtyards. Our Wu n has many people, so the direct descendants are in therge courtyard, and the previously recruited pharmacists are ced in the side courtyards based on their cultivation methods for practice. Meanwhile, another ce has been arranged for some underaged pharmacists who haven¡¯t grown up yet.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he mentioned: ¡°The Hu n¡¯s Hu Changfeng and Hu Changbi are training together with many peers of simr ages inside a certain side courtyard.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°This is fine.¡±

    Wu Xing saw that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have anyints, and added: ¡°Recently, I¡¯ve heard that another household of pharmacists has joined, and it appears that the number of people isn¡¯t small. After this subordinate meets them and makes some inquiries, this one will certainly be able to make the appropriate arrangements.¡±

    Gu Zuo was very satisfied, and said: ¡°Sure enough, the Wu n Head has handled matters properly. After I go back, I¡¯ll let my big brother know.¡±

    Wu Xing smiled: ¡°Pharmacist Gu and the young master have treated us with such grace. A few trifles shouldn¡¯t have to be looked after by these two sirs. Now that this subordinate has obtained Pharmacist Gu¡¯s praise, this one is extremely happy and will certainly do his best to live up to his lord¡¯s expectations.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Although he knew that he was being unobtrusively ttered by these pleasant words, he still felt rather pleased.

    It was no wonder why everyone was fond of people who had strong work capabilities and were adept at speaking well... This was also to his liking.

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo followed Wu Xing, who gave a tour of the numerous small rooms of the inner estate. He discovered that while those rooms were small, they were as integral as the organs of a sparrow. Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t have been more satisfied with Wu Xing¡¯s management.

    Afterwards, the group walked out of the Myriad Medicine Estate, and went into a pavilion on the side. There, Gu Zuo met the n head of the newly-joined, medicine refining aristocratic family. It was the Tan Family Head, Tan Deyuan.

    This Tan Family Head wasn¡¯t like Wu Xing. He had the facial features of a seemingly middle-aged man, but he was actually two hundred-something years old. However, he was nevertheless a golden-level pharmacist with an internal qi realm at the Atomic Realm. This was unlike the customs of the Wu and Hu ns, which were currently controlled by martial artists.

    The Tan Family had direct descendants whose medicine refinement had been passed down generation after generation with the assistance of cadet branches.

    But it was probably for this reason that, although the medicine refining techniques of every generation were consummate and exquisite, few profound-level pharmacists appeared. While some existed, there often wasn¡¯t a sessor.

    As a result, even though the Tan Family asionally met the criteria to be an iron-ranked force, it would quickly drop back down. It could only be said that it was regarded as a well-known family among the nonconventional ranks.

    Upon seeing the arrival of the Wu n brothers and Gu Zuo, the Tan Family Head lowered his posture: ¡°This Tan wees these gentlemen.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled at him. When all was said and done, he stood on behalf of Tianheng. At this time, he needed to be a bit more reserved.

    The Wu n brothers would be colleagues with him in the future, so they reciprocated with greetings of their own.

    The Tan Family Head seemed to sigh in relief at this treatment. Then, he sat down with the other three in the pavilion.

    Gu Zuo gestured at Wu Xing, and handed everything over to him so that he would exin matters to the Tan Family Head.

    Speaking of which, although the entirety of the Myriad Medicine Estate belonged to Gu Zuo, the one who had really been handling its affairs the whole time was Wu Xing, who was considered the main steward of Myriad Medicine Estate.

    Though Wu Xing himself wasn¡¯t a pharmacist, his Wu n had been developing well with each generation. He was an individual with foresight, drive, and strategy, and he knew how to manage pharmacists. While his strength as a martial artist was decent, it would be a waste of human resources to make arrangements for him purely as a martial artist.

    Thus, Wu Xing had originally intended for his seventh brother to be the one to get close to Gu Zuo. Butter on, the one who upied an acknowledged ce by Gu Zuo¡¯s side was himself.

    This kind of work was undoubtedly something he enjoyed. And under this kind of situation, his seventh brother could concentrate on medicine refinement. So long as Wu He¡¯s skills improved, and the two cooperated tacitly, they could grasp even more important positions.

    Of course, while Wu Xing was the main steward, he kept in mind Tianheng¡¯s firstmand ¡ª Only pharmacists could live in Myriad Medicine Estate. As a result, even though he had this job, he still went back to his own courtyard to rest at night, and didn¡¯t take the opportunity to stay within the estate.

    He knew to behave appropriately, and he worked straightforwardly and efficiently.

    Just like now. Gu Zuo had been sitting for just a short period of time, and Wu Xing had already told the Tan Family Head about the current circumstances of Myriad Medicine Estate. He had also inquired about the ranks andposition of the Tan Family¡¯s pharmacists.

    The Tan Family¡¯s direct line had twenty-eight people, and its cadet branches had fifty-two people. Added together, the sum didn¡¯t even reach one hundred.

    However, between these eighty people, the direct line had sixteen pharmacists. Among them, eight were golden-level pharmacists, two were human-level pharmacists, and six were still underaged. Meanwhile, the cadet branches had forty pharmacists. Among them, three were at the golden level, twenty-five were at the human level, and twelve were still underaged.

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he felt like gasping in surprise a little bit.

    The Tan Family hadn¡¯t recruited any other pharmacists. In other words, the capabilities of every person who had medicinal beads seemed to be pretty good. Also, the probability of a golden-level pharmacist appearing truly wasn¡¯t low!

    It really was worth it.

    Wu Xing was also shocked by the quality of the Tan Family¡¯s pharmacists. He quickly thought about his own n, and swiftly calcted whether the Tan Family could snatch away even more importance due to this reason. He also considered those body cultivation methods that Gu Zuo bestowed upon them, and pondered whether Gu Zuo would bestow the same things to the Tan Family... Many thoughts shed through his mind in an instant, but Wu Xing restrained any of those that were improper.

    This wasn¡¯t the time for any crafty ploys and machinations. He was handling matters for Gongyi Tianheng. Granted that he sought benefits for his n, it needed to be established under the prerequisite that Tianheng¡¯s interests were protected and leftpletely untouched.

    The Tan Family was useful to Tianheng, so he naturally had to make suitable arrangements. He couldn¡¯t casually suppress them.

    Immediately following this, Wu Xing carried out some ns for the Tan Family.

    These ns weren¡¯t wretched or poverty-stricken. On the contrary, they were quite generous. The monthly allowances and other such arrangements were no different from what his Wu n had. Included among these, he made an official request to Gu Zuo for the protection received by the Tan Family¡¯s pharmacists to be the same as those of his Wu n.

    Gu Zuo naturally gave his approval.

    However, he wasn¡¯t prepared to give the Tan Family any inner cultivation methods.

    Firstly, it was because the Tan Family hadn¡¯te as early as the Wu n. He couldn¡¯t disregard the Wu n¡¯s seniority and leave them feeling disillusioned. Secondly, since the Tan Family was so strict with the inheritance of their medicine refinement methods, it meant that they greatly valued their own techniques. If Gu Zuo rashly made a decision, not only might the other party not feel gratitude, they would instead feel that he was throwing his weight around. As such, was it really worth the trouble?

    It was better to wait till ater date to get a clearer picture of everything. Then, things could be discussed.

    Once arrangements were made for the Tan Family, the Tan Family Head asked to be excused. There were still many things that he had to do. Settling down the family members also required his guidance. There was no way for him to tarry for long.

    Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something. He looked at Wu Xing, and asked: ¡°Wu n Head, how is Hu Chang¡¯an doing right now?¡±

    It seemed that Wu Xing had known earlier that Gu Zuo would ask this question. He gave a detailed response: ¡°The prescriptions that Pharmacist Gu left behind have been very efficacious. Presently, the Hu n Head¡¯s constitution is gradually developing, and he practices the techniques of the Hu n. Oftentimes, the martial skills he exerts are all extremely mighty... His realm hasn¡¯t advanced yet, but his strength is ten times stronger than before. His temperament is also more firm and resolute. After the Myriad Leaking Body has reached a preliminary level, he can handle matters for the young master by himself...¡±

    From Wu Xing¡¯s words, Gu Zuo heard many things.

    Yes. Hu Chang¡¯an had undergone many changes. If he still wasn¡¯t able to mature, then it would also be impossible for him to revive the bloodline of the Hu n¡¯s main branch.

    Moreover, it appeared that Wu Xing somewhat approved of Hu Chang¡¯an. At the very least, he no longer addressed Hu Chang¡¯an as Young Lord Hu. Rather, Wu Xing was willing to call him the Hu n Head. As far as Wu Xing was concerned, there was certainly a significant difference between the former andtter.

    After Gu Zuo was done listening, he felt relieved.

    Since Hu Chang¡¯an was adapting well to everything, how ever much importance Hu Chang¡¯an received under his dear big brother¡¯smands in the future depended on Hu Chang¡¯an¡¯s own skills.

    After a round of such conversations, Gu Zuo abruptly reacted to something. He turned his head to look.

    Then, he saw a streak of blue shadowing towards him from far away. In a sh, the figure was already before his eyes.

    ¡ª Big brother?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 360 - Wondrous Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 360 - Wondrous Medicine</h4>

    Wu Xing was extremely quick to bow: ¡°Greetings, young master.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng slightly nodded to Wu Xing. Then, his gaze turned to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, have your affairs been handled?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°Everything¡¯s been taken care of.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo has worked hard.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly stated: ¡°I¡¯ve just been talking and giving orders. The one who¡¯s really been taking action is the Wu n Head.¡±

    Tianheng swept a nce over the deferential Wu Xing, and said: ¡°The Wu n Head has been working hard, too.¡±

    This time, it was Wu Xing¡¯s turn to reply without dy: ¡°This subordinate wouldn¡¯t dare talk of ¡®working hard¡¯. These are all matters that are part of this one¡¯s duties.¡±

    After speaking a few simple sentences, Tianheng spread out his palm, and a card appeared.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Tianheng said: ¡°A member of the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race came to deliver this thing. Because Ah Zuo wasn¡¯t present, this message was handed over to me.¡±

    At this time, Wu Xing tactfully withdrew.

    Gu Zuo took the card, and looked at it: ¡°It¡¯s a message from Shopkeeper Fang.¡± He slightly furrowed his brows, ¡°Hasn¡¯t it been only a few days since west met? Why has another carde?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang previously gave him some information, which was passed along to Tianheng to read through. However, he felt that he didn¡¯t have to agree to a meeting so easily. Otherwise, it would seem out of line with his character. When these people saw there was no response, they would naturally consider things more. If they still wanted to meet, then there was probably more to discuss. It was just that he didn¡¯t expect it to happen again so quickly... Who knew if there was anything strange going on.

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo unfolded the message.

    Inside the card, Shopkeeper Fang wrote clearly. Besides reporting how he had perfunctorily declined several ns that hade searching once more, he mentioned that a new person arrived to make an appointment. This person brought forth a worthy gift, and his identity was that of a member of the Divine Wind Trading Company. Naturally, this person knew that Shopkeeper Fang was someone familiar with Gu Zuo. Consequently, this matter was difficult to conceal or brush aside.

    Thus, another message had been delivered.

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°Someone from the Divine Wind Trading Company?¡±

    Tianheng took the card, and looked it over. Then, he smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s prismatic pill had been given to the Divine Wind Trading Company by Shopkeeper Fang, but while the Divine Wind Trading Company and Medicine Heart Pavilion have a good rtionship, it may be assumed that the tradingpany isn¡¯t willing to get in touch with Ah Zuo only through Shopkeeper Fang. Thus, it¡¯s to be expected that they¡¯ll want to contact you personally.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°In that case, shall I go see them?¡±

    Tianheng asked a question in return: ¡°What does Ah Zuo think?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°I feel that Shopkeeper Fang definitely knew that the Divine Wind Trading Company would make this request. It¡¯s just that they might¡¯ve discussed something before finding me?¡±

    Tianheng praised: ¡°It¡¯s more than likely to be like this. If the Divine Wind Trading Company didn¡¯t offer an adequate price tag, Shopkeeper Fang certainly wouldn¡¯t have been willing to act as a bridge of his own volition.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that these kinds of twists and turns were particrly taxing on one¡¯s mind, but he could see how this affected his benefits: ¡°Also, I think that since I¡¯ve made friends with Medicine Heart Pavilion, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to make another friend of the Divine Wind Trading Company. After all, if I can¡¯t find certain medicinal ingredients in the sect one day, then I can ask the tradingpany to make some discreet inquiries. Moreover, I wouldn¡¯t want all aspects of the transactions between me and the Divine Wind Trading Company to be known to Medicine Heart Pavilion.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s considerations are valid. No matter how good the rtionship is between the owners of Medicine Heart Pavilion and the Divine Wind Trading Company, they wouldn¡¯t want to share everything like this elder brother and Ah Zuo. Therefore, it would be even more advantageous to make friends separately.¡±

    Hence, Gu Zuo settled the matter: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll send the news to Shopkeeper Fang, and let him find a suitable ce for big brother and I to go together.¡±

    Tianheng gave a faint smile: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After going through the experience once, the second meeting went smoothly.

    Shopkeeper Fang was waiting at the same location. As the door opened, he was surprised to discover that the party toe this time wasn¡¯t one person. Rather, it was two people &#k2014; Of course, Ao Ying and the other bodyguards weren¡¯t counted.

    That Pharmacist Gu still looked the same as before. As for the other person, his bearing was natural, and hisplexion was handsome. He seemed like an aristocratic family¡¯s young master, but when one looked into the depths of this fellow¡¯s eyes, one could tell that this wasn¡¯t a simple personage.

    Compared to Pharmacist Gu, who previously made him feel some restraining fear, the sense of dangering from this fellow was even greater.

    Gu Zuo saw Shopkeeper Fang, and lifted his chin: ¡°This is my big brother, Gongyi Tianheng. Surely, you know his identity?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang heard this, and nked. But soon, his eyes slightly turned and he cleared his throat. At once, his expression turned solemn. He stood up and bowed: ¡°Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s newly joined, all-star prodigy ¡ª Gongyi Tianheng. This Fang has been looking forward to meeting thee for a long time.¡± Shortly thereafter, his words slightly flickered with a tone of regret, ¡°So it turns out that Pharmacist Gu stands beside Prodigy Gongyi. Please forgive this one¡¯s presumptions.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s attitude was magnanimous. Although he gave people a somewhat distant feeling, his temperament didn¡¯t appear that peculiarpared to that of ordinary prodigies: ¡°Ah Zuo is my personal pharmacist. Previously, I was in the middle of secluded cultivation inside the sect, and didn¡¯t know about this matter. Since I¡¯m out now, I ought to apany him for a turn.¡±

    Gu Zuo pretended to be proud of himself: ¡°That¡¯s right. My big brother and I have been together for a very long time.¡±

    At this moment, Shopkeeper Fang had already given up on introducing Gu Zuo to his master. In addition, his idea of inviting Gu Zuo to stay beside his master switched directions. Now, it had changed to facilitating a good rtionship between the two parties: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. People would look up to the profound friendship between these two sirs.¡±

    Sure enough, once these words were spoken, Shopkeeper Fang discovered that Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s expressions had improved. He silently noted this in his heart.

    Fromst time¡¯s meeting, Shopkeeper Fang knew that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t the type of person who liked to waste time with pleasantries. As a result, after both sides exchanged conventional greetings, he agilely took something out from his sleeve. He nudged it towards the pair, and said: ¡°The manager of the Divine Wind Trading Company that this Fang got in touch with greatly admires Pharmacist Gu¡¯s skills. After properly settling the matters of the auction house, he made a few overtures to meet Pharmacist Gu. Although this Fang made several evasions, magnificent hospitality is hard to refuse. And the visitation gift he took out is truly too precious... Thus, this Fang didn¡¯t dare act arbitrarily.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard Shopkeeper Fang speaking in this way, and somewhat curiously looked at the wooden box he pushed over: ¡°It¡¯s something that precious?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang nodded: ¡°If the person whom he wanted to deliver it to wasn¡¯t Pharmacist Gu, this Fang would¡¯ve wanted to appropriate it for himself.¡±

    Gu Zuo was even more astonished. He turned his head to look at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother,e have a look, too.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and moved to sit even closer to Gu Zuo. Then, he took that wooden box, and opened it.

    In a split second, a rich and intoxicating fragrance assailed the senses. An extremely irresistible feeling arose unbidden from the bottom of their hearts.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, and felt as if he had been struck into a daze.

    And at this very moment, Tianhengposed himself, and reached out a hand to grasp the object inside that wooden box. The particrs were revealed before everyone¡¯s eyes: ¡°This is a...stone ovum?¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo also snapped out of it. His gaze settled onto the item between Tianheng¡¯s fingers.

    Sure enough, that thing¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t ordinary.

    It was about the size of a pigeon egg, and its entire body was ash-white. At first nce, it looked like an unremarkable stone, but upon closer inspection, one would almost think that its outer shell was formed out of jade. The surface should¡¯ve been covered in tiny pores that couldn¡¯t be seen with the naked eye, which were faintly releasing the fragrance that they smelled just now.

    However, what was a stone ovum? A stone egg?

    Such an interpretation was naturally correct, but Gu Zuo felt that what his big brother specially mentioned wasn¡¯t only a description. Rather, it was a specific designation.

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled and said: ¡°As expected, Prodigy Gongyi is knowledgable. That¡¯s right, this is a stone ovum!¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°Indeed, this is extremely precious.¡±

    For the sake of maintaining a unanimous front with his family¡¯s big brother, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t ask any questions in his presence.

    However, Tianheng was aware of Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts, and secretly transmitted to him.

    [Ah Zuo, a stone ovum is something produced from leylines. It¡¯s wondrous medicine.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank.

    Wondrous medicine?

    He knew about wondrous medicine. It was just that Details of Ten Thousand Medicines only gave aprehensive exnation of ordinary medicinal ingredients and spirit medicines. As for wondrous medicines, it only stated that such things were stored in rocks. Only a non-descriptive footnote was written about it. So for a short while, he didn¡¯t make a connection to the stone ovum.

    But now that he heard his family¡¯s big brother mention this, he had a realization.

    ¡ª Wondrous medicines were actually a type of wondrous object born from leylines, and protected by an outer stone shell. Because the wondrous objects usually had medicinal effects, they were directly called ¡°wondrous medicine¡±.

    And wondrous medicine was indeed more precious than ordinary medicinal ingredients. This was because their characteristics were usually quite special. ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s thought process, this ought to have been due to growth under the protection of the earth¡¯s qi as well as the corresponding mutations that would arise. As a result, ces that produced wondrous medicines were often located within environments of extraordinary geography.

    Gu Zuo returned the voice transmission.

    [Big brother, is this wondrous medicine so precious?]

    It was just like his skewed sense of valuation towards prismatic pills. When it came to wondrous medicine, which he had heard about long ago, he also didn¡¯t have a clear understanding of its true worth.

    Tianheng¡¯s reply was swiftly sent.

    [Leylines produce special wondrous objects. Due to changes in a leyline, it may form stone ova with jade-like qualities. After cutting one open, a person can obtain whatever¡¯s inside. While the wondrous object within the stone ovum usually can¡¯t be seen, if the stone ovum hasn¡¯tpletely transformed into a jade ovum ¡ª Just like the stone ovum we¡¯re looking at today ¡ª It¡¯ll still release some qi emissions for people to analyze. However, once it bes a jade ovum, it¡¯s hard to predict what¡¯s inside. The object is always extremely rare and precious, causing others to rush like a flock of ducks. Therefore, a stone ovum isn¡¯t as valuable as a jade ovum, but stone ova aren¡¯t ordinary at all.]

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and carefully thought about it.

    [So to say, one still needs to look at the thing inside to determine the specific value...]

    Tianheng wore a smiling expression.

    [Correct. Though, based on the qi emissions and rich fragrance this item is releasing, it¡¯s certainly extremely precious.]

    Gu Zuo understood.

    In any case, stone ova seldom appeared. Some had great uses, and some were rarely seen. However, from the qi emissions of the stone ovum that had been taken out now, it was judged to be both rare and useful. As a result, it was incredibly precious.

    To put it simply, the other party had given him a type of wondrous medicine that was perfectly intact and of the highest quality!

    It was no wonder that Shopkeeper Fang expressed that he didn¡¯t dare to take action for himself.

    Gu Zuo previously showed how much he liked medicinal ingredients. Whether it was based on a sense of fair y or selfish motives, Shopkeeper Fang had to look to Gu Zuo to make the final decision.

    The conversation within the pair¡¯s consciousnesssted only a breath of time. The connection had already ended.

    Shopkeeper Fang was none the wiser. After Tianheng confirmed the stone ovum¡¯s value, he said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, would these two sirs please ept this gift?¡±

    Tianheng handed over the stone ovum to Gu Zuo: ¡°If Ah Zuo is interested, it¡¯s better to open it now, and take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo took the stone ovum, and simply nodded his head: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang, does this ce have any tools?¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang heard these two speak in such a way, and his smiling expression became even more distinct. He knew that so long as the two cut open the stone ovum, it indicated that they had already epted the gift. The matter of meeting the other person was basically settled. He didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything in the slightest, and immediately reached into his sleeve again to take out a knife that had been forged from a special metal. He passed the knife into Gu Zuo¡¯s hand: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, please take this.¡±

    Gu Zuo ced the stone ovum inside the wooden box. Using his fingers to hold it in ce, he readied the knife. After lightly cing the knife against the stone ovum¡¯s shell, he slowly tapped it.

    As it turned out, Tianheng was sharing another voice transmission with him.

    [Ah Zuo, when cutting open the stone ovum, lightly knock on the ovum¡¯s shell. Bring down the knife where there¡¯s a hollow sound...]

    Without missing a beat, Gu Zuo strictly did as instructed.

    Sure enough, upon hearing a crisp noise, his fingers slightly exerted the knife on that spot. That knife moved like it was cutting through tofu, and a hole was sliced out of the stone ovum.

    In the blink of an eye, an even heavier fragrance billowed out, and almost instantly filled the entire room.

    The stone ovum rapidly split apart. After a clear and melodious sound echoed out, a beam of white light burst forth!

    Gu Zuo was startled, and swiftly mobilized his psychic power.

    Tianheng had already stretched out a long arm, and a formless palm closed around that white light!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 361 - Leyline Secret Land

    <h4>Chapter 361 - Leyline Secret Land</h4>

    Gu Zuo got a clear view of that white light. As it turned out, it was a snow-white cicada. The pair of jade-hued cicada wings was pping furiously as if it was constantly struggling, but in the end, it couldn¡¯t break free. Its entire body glittered like clinking jewels, and looked exceedingly lovely. It appeared to have quite a bit of spirituality. The instant it broke through the ovum, it wanted to run away. However, since it was born as wondrous medicine, how could anyone allow it to flee? Therefore, once his big brother took action, it was already captured.

    After seizing it, Gongyi Tianheng only held the snow-white jade cicada between his fingers.

    At this moment, the cicada didn¡¯t move anymore. It was like a tiny, motionless jade carving.

    Gu Zuo moved closer: ¡°It¡¯s a Snowy-Jade Cicada?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo recognizes this thing?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°There¡¯s a record of it in an ancient text.¡±

    Although Details of Ten Thousand Medicines had very few records of wondrous medicines, it referenced many types. It was just that these wondrous medicines weren¡¯t recounted in detail, and only rough drawings were given.

    The Snowy-Jade Cicada was one such type. As a result, Gu Zuo could recognize it.

    As for Tianheng, he had browsed through many books in Ten Ultimates Sect. Among them were those that contained things pertaining to medicine refinement. Although martial artists didn¡¯t study the body cultivation methods of pharmacists, it was essential to read up on these kinds of medicinal ingredients ¡ª Otherwise, when they went out on adventures by themselves, what could be done if they failed to recognize the good things they encountered?

    Coincidentally, Tianheng had read the introductions of wondrous medicine in some books, but the records in those books detailed an extremely sparse number of species. It was to the point that he wouldn¡¯t have been able to recognize a few upon seeing them. He wasn¡¯t familiar with the Snowy-Jade Cicada either.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng were together now. After supplementing each other, it seemed like there was nothing they didn¡¯t know. In Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s eyes, their extensive knowledge became increasingly apparent.

    Gu Zuo slightly pondered, and put the Snowy-Jade Cicada into the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    This thing had a bit of spirituality, but this spirituality was actually due to growing inside the stone ovum for years on end. Upon dashing out anding into contact with the outside world, all of the spirituality would be discharged. Once this outburst passed and it was captured by someone, that spirituality would dissipate. Then, it would only be wondrous medicine to be used.

    Sure enough, after more than half of the white light on the Snowy-Jade Cicada scattered, it didn¡¯t struggle even a little bit. There also weren¡¯t any signs of life or qi emissions to be seen. While it was considered a living thing, it wasn¡¯t an animal or nt. Instead, it was an anomaly that straddled the line between both sides.

    Gu Zuo considered things, but didn¡¯t understand the principles of this thing¡¯s existence. Thus, he didn¡¯t think about it any further.

    When all was said and done, did it really matter what it was? In any case, it could be turned into medicine.

    No matter how lovely it looked, the Snowy-Jade Cicada was also...a type of medicinal ingredient.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo spoke to Shopkeeper Fang: ¡°The Snowy-Jade Cicada is an excellent wondrous medicine. Shopkeeper Fang, pass along our gratitude to that friend of yours.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang smiled and said: ¡°He would be most pleased if these two sirs would be willing to meet with him.¡±

    This time around, Gu Zuo was very straightforward: ¡°Shopkeeper Fang, you¡¯ll still have to set a time and ce.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang nodded: ¡°He wants to entertain these two sirs properly, and hasn¡¯t neglected anything. He previously mentioned that, if these two sirs agree to a meeting, it will be held at Phoenix Wind Restaurant, tomorrow at noon.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked through his memories, and recalled that it was a well-known restaurant. He nced at his family¡¯s big brother.

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo answered: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Shopkeeper Fang¡¯s heartstrings seemed to rx.

    With this, the meeting was set.

    Soon after, the three ate a meal together. Then, Tianheng and Gu Zuo bade farewell, and returned to the manor.

    Meanwhile, Shopkeeper Fang turned around and went his own way. He also had many matters that required his busied attention.

    Very quickly, the next day arrived.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo showed up at Phoenix Wind Restaurant on time.

    At the restaurant¡¯s entrance, Shopkeeper Fang was standing next to a simr-looking man with the facial features of a thirty-something year old. They both seemed to be waiting.

    Upon seeing the two arrive, they stepped forward in wee and cupped their hands in greeting: ¡°Prodigy Gongyi, Pharmacist Gu. Punctual, as expected. Pleasee inside and have a seat.¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng simrly call out in greetings, and entered the restaurant with them.

    As before, the meeting was held in a luxurious andfortable private room. Following the gestures of a few people, they all took their seats one after another.

    The Divine Wind Trading Company¡¯s manager smiled and said: ¡°This one is Lou Wei. As this location¡¯s office manager, it¡¯s this one¡¯s pleasure to wee Prodigy Gongyi and Pharmacist Gu. Sure enough, these two sirs are just as Anfu said ¡ª Radiant with health and vigor, and in possession of well-favored, handsome, and extraordinary bearings.¡±

    While speaking, he cast a nce at Shopkeeper Fang.

    Shopkeeper Fang cupped his hands.

    As it turned out, his full name was Fang Anfu.

    Gu Zuo listened to the adtions of this Manager Lou Wei, and felt slightly embarrassed.

    All of this flowerynguage actually described his big brother perfectly. But when these terms were used to describe himself, didn¡¯t it feel a little unnerving?

    One just had to look at this scrawny body of his...

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s current disposition was disguised as prideful and arrogant. As a result, he appeared to calmly ept thesepliments.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng slightly smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    After Lou Wei¡¯s sentence of praise, he didn¡¯t waste time with excessive conventional pleasantries. From what Fang Anfu mentioned, he had long known about these two people¡¯s temperaments. Inviting the two over also hadn¡¯t been only to meet them.

    Consequently, after the dishes and three rounds of drinks were ordered, he directly addressed his own objectives: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from these two sirs. This Lou has actuallye here on the order of his master.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression remained the same. He faintly inclined his head, and gave the impression that he was listening attentively: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo put down his chopsticks, and looked over.

    Logically speaking, a prodigy like Tianheng wouldn¡¯t have made a personal appearance at a meeting with another organization¡¯s subordinate to engage in talks. It was just that, because this business involved Gu Zuo and because Tianheng expressed how importantly he regarded his little pharmacist, Tianheng tagged along to safeguard Gu Zuo. As for Gu Zuo¡¯s willingness to step forward, it was originally for the sake of building a connection with the owners of the Divine Wind Trading Company and Medicine Heart Pavilion...

    Now, it looked like it would be happening earlier than they thought.

    Lou Wei rummaged around his sleeve, and a pearl the size of a clenched fist appeared in the palm of his hand. The interior of this pearl was engraved with strange, lined patterns. The pearl radiated glistening and dazzling lights, but due to the patterns, the entire pearl was shrouded in ayer of mystique.

    Gu Zuo raised an eyebrow: ¡°What is this?¡±

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo putting on an act, and couldn¡¯t help chuckling.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Don¡¯t think that he couldn¡¯t hear his big brother making fun of him in their consciousness.

    Contrary to what one might expect, Lou Wei didn¡¯t notice themunication happening between the two. He only respectfully stated: ¡°This is a Gate Opening Pearl. It¡¯s capable of opening a sealed leyline. This leyline manifested and took shape long ago, and it has produced countless stone ova. It only opens once every ten thousand years, and only those who carry a Gate Opening Pearl can enter it. Altogether, there¡¯s no more than one thousand Gate Opening Pearls, and each pearl can only bring in two people.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart slightly stirred.

    This person wouldn¡¯t have brought out the Gate Opening Pearl just for the sake of telling them about this matter, right?

    Tianheng smiled and didn¡¯t speak. He only waited for Lou Wei to proceed.

    Lou Wei saw that these two people were calm so far, and couldn¡¯t help thinking about his own master. Suddenly, his heart trembled. He didn¡¯t dare to keep them in suspense, and continued to talk: ¡°My master has three Gate Opening Pearls in his possession. The first was conferred by his sect, the second was bestowed by his n, and the third was obtained through a fortuitous encounter.

    ¡°For the first Gate Opening Pearl, my master carefully selected someone from his own personal pharmacists. For the second pearl, it was reserved for an outstanding younger generation of my master¡¯s n and that younger generation¡¯s personal pharmacist. As for this third pearl, my master intends to present it as a gift for these two sirs, and invites thee to journey together.¡±

    Although Gu Zuo had a guess, he still felt that this favor was was a bit too big.

    On the entire Central Continent, there were only one thousand Gate Opening Pearls, and the owner of the Divine Wind Trading Company only had three. Unexpectedly, he was giving one of the pearls to them... Wasn¡¯t this a little unscientific?

    Off to the side, Tianheng was as unflustered as ever: ¡°This object is far too precious. I wouldn¡¯t dare ept it presumptuously.¡±

    Although ¡°countless¡± stone ova were quite attractive to people and many would be reluctant to give them up, when Tianheng spoke in such a tone, he acted as if he didn¡¯t care about it at all. It was like what he rejected wasn¡¯t a huge opportunity to obtain resources, but an ordinary, trivial matter.

    Lou Wei saw these two¡¯s reactions, and was even more determined to not underestimate them. This was especially so when his gaze met Tianheng¡¯s serene and deep eyes. He only felt a cold sweat sweep across his back. The muscles throughout his body stretched taut.

    Heposed himself, and voiced what hadn¡¯t been said: ¡°Naturally, there¡¯s a reason why my master did this.¡±

    After speaking this sentence, that suffocating pressure seemed to ease slightly. He hastily continued: ¡°The location of that sealed leyline is unusual. Anyone carrying a Gate Opening Pearl needs to bring a pharmacist, and the age of the pharmacist must be less than thirty. If the person who brings the Gate Opening Pearl is a pharmacist, then the restriction will be the same. When taking along a martial artist, their age cannot exceed forty...¡±

    Following this, Lou Wei gave aplete recounting of that leyline¡¯s situation, and didn¡¯t leave out any details.

    Within that leyline, a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power could be utilized, but a martial artist¡¯s internal qi would be sealed within their body. They would have no other choice but to rely on their physical body¡¯s strength to take action. Because the offensive capability of a pharmacist at this age usually wasn¡¯t powerful, basically no fights would ur in the leyline.

    After entering the leyline, everyone had to rely on a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power to look for stone ova. Although there were many stone ova in that ce, it didn¡¯t mean that they were everywhere. The amount that one could find depended on the individual¡¯s luck and strength.

    Moreover, the leyline wasn¡¯tpletely without danger. That ce had a type of organism called an Earth Worm. These creatures were just a little over a foot long. If a martial artist was fast enough, they could use their physical body to capture it. If one wanted to kill an Earth Worm, it required a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power. However, suppose a pharmacist¡¯s control over their own psychic power wasn¡¯t particrly good. When they used their psychic power to explore for stone ova, an Earth Worm might pounce on the psychic power and devour it.

    As a result, in times of great opportunity, so too would there be many challenges.

    Thus, more than half of the pharmacists who could enter the leyline would¡¯ve already been filtered out.

    Through the summarized experiences of sessive generations, the upper echelons of somerge organizations determined the realm requirements for those going inside. The realm of those pharmacists had to be at the Core Psyche Realm. In addition, they had to be outstanding pharmacists ¡ª The most optimal were those who could refine pills of the top three grades and above. Otherwise, if weaker pharmacists went inside, it would end with most of their psychic powers being devoured by Earth Worms, and they wouldn¡¯t be able to bring out their selected stone ova.

    The pharmacists who satisfied these requirements usually had the potential to reach the earth level or higher ¡ª Almost all of them were twenty-something year olds at the Core Psyche Realm. And as for Gu Zuo, who hadn¡¯t even reached twenty and was already at the Core Psyche Realm, that potential of his was absolutely at the heaven level.

    Lou Wei said: ¡°Begging thy pardons, but there¡¯s no need to harbor suspicions. If these two sirs are willing to ept this object, when it¡¯s time to enter the leyline, thou may move together with this one¡¯s master for mutual assistance. Merely, provided that these two sirs reap arge harvest afterwards, please allow ten percent of them to be sold to this one¡¯s master. This would be considered the price in exchange for the authority to use this Gate Opening Pearl.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he paused. Then, he supplemented: ¡°Naturally, if there¡¯s anything among the stone ova obtained by this one¡¯s master that these two sirs need, it can be bartered for.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to this, and felt that his own side had the greater advantage.

    After all, this fellow said to sell ten percent, not take ten percent... Of course, he also knew that this might¡¯ve been the other party valuing his so-called potential in the hopes that he could find even more stone ova. So long as there were stone ova, things like the price didn¡¯t matter at all. Though, it still ced them in an awkward position to agree to this affair.

    This was different from Qi Xuanao¡¯s invitation previously. That time, Qi Xuanao had thought that such a team-up was required to enter the cave abode. Later on, after they were unexpectedly separated, and no one wanted to take out their own spoils to split things evenly. Thus, both sides reached a tacit agreement, keeping the benefits they obtained for their own means. But now, the owner of the Divine Wind Trading Company didn¡¯t have to give them the Gate Opening Pearl. It also could¡¯ve been granted to his own subordinates. This was purely sending off benefits...

    Tianheng pondered slightly, and said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, many thanks for the kind intentions.¡±

    Lou Wei heard this, and a smile spread across his face: ¡°This Lou will promptly return to report to his master. Would these two sirs make early preparations? The journey will be set in a few days!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Okay.¡±

    On the side, Fang Anfu also said: ¡°My master possesses a Gate Opening Pearl as well. If thou happens to cross paths with my master in the leyline, thou may join forces.¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo spoke: ¡°If we run into each other, we naturally can.¡±

    Fang Anfu smiled, too.

    However, the fact of the matter was that, at the present time, Tianheng and the other two didn¡¯t know one another...

    Gu Zuo silently considered things.

    That owner of the Divine Wind Trading Company would be able to get acquainted with Tianheng rather quickly. As for the owner of Medicine Heart Pavilion, the Divine Wind Trading Company¡¯s owner was already familiar with him.

    Actually, this made no difference.

    After saying their farewells, Gu Zuo told Tianheng what he had been thinking: ¡°I¡¯m d that they view us with importance, but this is a favor. It isn¡¯t particrly good to owe too many...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are reasonable, but there¡¯s no need to overthink it.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head, and looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng borated: ¡°When all is said and done, it isn¡¯t known how dangerous it¡¯ll be inside the leyline. It also isn¡¯t known how many stone ova we¡¯ll be able to obtain. Thus, it isn¡¯t appropriate to say too much in advance. After this trip is concluded, if we obtain enough stone ova, we can take out a number of them to present to the owner of the Divine Wind Trading Company. If he requires some stone ova that we don¡¯t urgently need, then we can conduct an exchange with him. In this way, it doesn¡¯t count as an owed friendship nor a imed advantage.¡±

    Speaking up to this point, he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Naturally, he¡¯s giving us an opportunity this time. After that, you and I should observe his personal character. If he proves himself, then we can be friends. In the future, we certainly can¡¯t forget about him when there are benefits. And if we can¡¯t be friends, we¡¯ll search for another way to pay him back for this opportunity.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll do as big brother says.¡±

    In this world, let alone taking unfair advantage of others, even bing hostile and backstabbing one¡¯s benefactors was amon sight. However, he always felt that, while it wouldn¡¯t be a big problem if he did too many contemptible and petty things, he might develop some unseen heart knots or something ¡ª After all, he wasn¡¯t someone who was born and raised here! It was better to be safe than sorry. What was he supposed to do if this negatively affected the speed of his breakthroughs? As a result, no matter what he did, he would maintain his own bottom line.

    Gu Zuo silently nced at Tianheng.

    He would handle matters ording to his own thoughts. Other things were for his big brother to consider...

    A few dayster, Lou Wei punctually arrived outside Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s mode of transportation had long been prepared. For this trip, he was bringing along Ao Min and the others, as well as five hundred battle ve elites. This grandiose and majestic delegation grouped up with Lou Wei¡¯s procession, and both parties hastened towards their destination.

    Because Lou Wei was the guide this time, he was received into Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s small pce hall. While sitting down on the side, he spoke in the capacity of his own master.

    The owners of the Divine Wind Trading Company and Medicine Heart Pavilion were a pair of friends. At the same time, they were also fellow disciples of the same sect. The sect that the two belonged to was the gold-ranked organization known as Heavenly Martial Sect.

    The Divine Wind Trading Company¡¯s owner was called Shen Yuanbai. He was currently thirty-five years old, and was already a mid Celestial Realm young powerhouse. He had been developing his force for twenty years, and its foundations were deep. In addition, with the support of a gold-ranked organization, he established the Divine Wind Trading Company in countless cities, which brought him untold profits. Consequently, although he was only at the level of an exceptional genius, no one dared to provoke him. Even some prodigies held restraining fears towards him. Moreover, many people believed that his fast cultivation speed didn¡¯t lose out to that of ordinary prodigies. It wasn¡¯t known, but perhaps he had improved his potential beyond the level of an exceptional genius during these years of training.

    Shen Yuanbai was traveling to the leyline to get a hold of even more stone ova for his Divine Wind Trading Company to act as merchandise. With such precious goods, he could open up higher channels, and allow the Divine Wind Trading Company¡¯s reputation to grow. This would grant him with even more power.

    With such a line of thinking, it appeared reasonable for him to boldly gift a Gate Opening Pearl to the newly-acquainted Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    As for the owner of Medicine Heart Pavilion, he was called Lan Wenxi. He was a low Celestial Realm young powerhouse, and was simrly an exceptional genius. Presently, he had just turned thirty-two. Because his n¡¯s organization was inferior to that of Shen Yuanbai, it had only been twelve years since he started developing his own force. However, he had been friends with Shen Yuanbai from the beginning, and the help he got from Shen Yuanbai wasn¡¯t small. As a result, his current personal assets were substantial, and he was a well-known figure among his peers.

    Of course, Lou Wei didn¡¯t know too much about the specific circumstances, but his words made it clear that Medicine Heart Pavilion and the Divine Wind Trading Company were in a partial alliance at the very least.

    For this time¡¯s trip to the leyline, perhaps Lan Wenxi was simply traveling together with Shen Yuanbai.

    Havinge to such an understanding of certain things, half a month of time unwittingly shed by.

    The group travelled day and night. The wild beasts galloped at great speeds before arriving just beyond the boundaries of Heavenly Martial Sect¡¯s sphere of influence.

    However, everyone didn¡¯t actually enter Heavenly Martial City, where Heavenly Martial Sect was located. Rather, they only waited outside its immediate territory.

    This was because the location of that leyline wasn¡¯t inside Heavenly Martial City. Instead, it was quite far away.

    After gifting that Gate Opening Pearl, Shen Yuanbai had also been hastening his journey.

    Both sides were going to meet one another at the iron-ranked Wuxin City.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 362 - Lan Wenxi

    <h4>Chapter 362 - Lan Wenxi</h4>

    Shen Yuanbai owned properties inside Wuxin City. Among them, the Divine Wind Trading Company had the best development. upying half a street, many distinguished and domineering buildings stood tall in great numbers.

    The location of the meeting was naturally going to be within the grounds of the Divine Wind Trading Company.

    When Gongyi Tianheng and the others entered the city, they caused some waves. However, because this iron-ranked city was at the level of a veteran organization, it didn¡¯t catch excessive amounts of attention. Just a few of the city lord¡¯s people came over to make discreet inquiries. After rifying that this prodigy only came to visit a friend, and having their invitation to a banquet tactfully declined, the city lord¡¯s people let the matter rest.

    Shen Yuanbai had long been waiting inside the tradingpany.

    Tianheng instructed his subordinates to follow the attendants for arrangements by themselves. Then, under the guidance of Lou Wei, Tianheng led Gu Zuo and several bodyguards to enter the core area of the tradingpany.

    This was a lofty building, but it wasn¡¯t a pce. Rather, it was arge house. It looked like it wasn¡¯t a ce for entertaining guests. On the contrary, it seemed like Shen Yuanbai¡¯s own residence.

    Lou Wei silently withdrew. In the end, he was a subordinate who didn¡¯t have permission. He wasn¡¯t someone who could go inside without authorization.

    Tianheng slightly paused. After letting a breath loose, he calmly walked inside.

    Gu Zuo followed close behind while giving furtive, measured nces all around. Soon after, his gazended on the owner of thisrge house.

    There was a handsome young man who possessed a pure, masculine air. His facial features were deep and sculpted, his brows were as ck as calligraphy ink, his fringe of hair was styled on the edge of a de, and his temperament was grave and stern. While he sat in there, he didn¡¯t need to make any movements to give others a strong sense of danger. As his eyes swept over, it was as if a bolt of cold lightning burst forth with even more suppressive might.

    He was Shen Yuanbai.

    Gu Zuo felt a little shocked.

    He had seen so many prodigies, but the feelings Shen Yuanbai, this supposed exceptional genius, gave people were the most frightening. Even Qi Xuanao and the others weren¡¯t like this ¡ª Perhaps, he really wasn¡¯t a mere exceptional genius any longer? Moreover, Gu Zuo could detect that the source of Shen Yuanbai¡¯s formidable pressure didn¡¯t lie in his realm. Instead, it was due to his own body. Although Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t figure it out, he could perceive that, in addition to the qi energy surrounding his body, there were some other qi emissions that entwined around him. It was this kind of qi emission that gave off a feeling like a mountain of daggers or an ocean of mes. With a single look, one wouldn¡¯t be able to stop their heart from palpitating.

    However, after the two walked inside, those qi emissions surrounding Shen Yuanbai vanished. He was originally sitting down, but now, he gave even more face by standing up. He said: ¡°Wee, please have a seat.¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng looked at this person, and observed the necessary etiquette without speaking. Then, they called out: ¡°Senior Shen.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai spoke: ¡°I¡¯m just a few years older. There¡¯s no need to address me as such.¡±

    Following this, Gu Zuo and Tianheng changed the designation to Brother Shen.

    To be honest, the feelings this Shen Yuanbai gave off were very different from what Gu Zuo imagined.

    Gu Zuo originally felt that, since he had been running many industries, he ought to have been a little closer to his big brother in terms of temperament. But now it seemed that, let alone close, he was practically...a fierce general who had just returned from the battlefield. Or perhaps, it should¡¯ve been said that he seemed like a lone swordsman, a reclusive saber wielder, or some other personage. It was quite unusual.

    But overall, his temperament was still ¡°upright¡±.

    Shen Yuanbai appeared to have a hint of a good impression of Tianheng. After everyone took their seats and Tianheng expressed his thanks, Shen Yuanbai¡¯s lips, which were stretched into a thin line, slightly moved: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the one Brother Gongyi has joined in Ten Ultimates Sect is the Blood Transformation Pce Hall?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Precisely.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai nodded his head: ¡°The Blood Transformation Pce Hall possesses miraculous skills and is extremely powerful.¡± Then, he said, ¡°With Brother Gongyi¡¯s aptitudes, you¡¯ve surely imed a seat under the Blood Transformation Pce Master as an apprentice.¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°It¡¯s certainly as you say.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai didn¡¯t pursue the heart of the matter. After making these two inquiries, he changed the subject. They talked about when the leyline could be opened as well as when they would officially enter the leyline.

    Following Shen Yuanbai¡¯s exnation, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were even more clear about the leyline¡¯s circumstances.

    As it turned out, this leyline was one that had been sealed up by someone.

    Many tens of thousands of years ago, a pharmacist travelled to thisnd, and happened to discover that a leyline was on the verge of transforming. At that time, the earth would be overturned, and stone ova would burst out of the ground. This would¡¯ve inevitably led to a bloodypetition that erupted with unrest throughout the entire Central Continent!

    That pharmacist was benevolent and charitable, and couldn¡¯t bear such a thing. Thus, she used her psychic power to create a blockade, which sealed the whole leyline underground and prevented it from emerging. If anyone wanted to secretly wrest control of the leyline, their psychic power would¡¯ve needed to be stronger than that pharmacist¡¯s psychic power. And in the wake of that virtuous pharmacist¡¯s advancing realm and growing strength, she was ultimately bestowed the title of emperor. Over the years, the psychic power that blockaded the leyline became more and more secure. Even when that pharmacist finally passed away, the psychic power in the leyline solidified when that pharmacist was at her strongest. Generation after generation, the blockade had never weakened.

    It was also from that moment onward when information spread out. That pharmacist allowed the leyline to open once every ten thousand years. At that time, the matured stone ova could be harvested by those who wouldeter. The numerous stone ova were also for the sake of nurturing the younger generations. By doing so, it prevented any extremely powerful pharmacists among them from wrecking havoc and bringing about a reign of terror.

    Gu Zuo heard this, and only felt that it sounded somewhat familiar: ¡°That benevolent and charitable pharmacist...¡±

    Tianheng opened his mouth as well: ¡°Could it be Greater Emperor Medicine Sage?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai spoke: ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s precisely that Greater Emperor.¡±

    That female Greater Emperor had aplished many matters such as this since her time as a youth. With her capabilities and luck, she originally could¡¯ve turned all of these things for her own use. However, because she didn¡¯t take anything away and properly preserved them instead, it allowed the younger generations to make use of these resources like a thin stream that flowed forever. This deserved the unparalleled gratitude and reverence of the current pharmacists on the continent.

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and sighed.

    Truly extraordinary.

    If it was himself... Gu Zuo was a little ashamed. He definitely wouldn¡¯t have done that. His strength wasn¡¯t high enough, and there were still objectives he needed to achieve.

    But supposing that, in the future, his realm was profound and he really came across an opportunity, he would try to do the same.

    It was just that the present him couldn¡¯t do that.

    Tossing this abrupt state of mind to the side, Gu Zuo looked at Shen Yuanbai.

    Shen Yuanbai hadn¡¯t said these things to stimte any enlightening thoughts within Tianheng and Gu Zuo. When talking about the leyline, he simply mentioned its origins.

    After that, Shen Yuanbai continued to speak: ¡°Three days from now, we¡¯ll head to Maple Forest Ruins. There are twenty-something entrances to the leyline, but there¡¯s only one entrance under the jurisdiction of my Heavenly Martial Sect.¡±

    In any case, the leyline was huge, and very few people could enter each time. One entrance was adequate. Even though smaller organizations might¡¯ve known about the positions of other entrances, there was nothing they could do about it. Basically, there was no need to fight over the entrances.

    Tianheng responded: ¡°Ah Zuo and I will certainly be on time.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai seemed satisfied, but he didn¡¯t say much. He only said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Lan will being along, too.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°We know.¡±

    Since there would be only one entrance, it wasn¡¯t strange that all members of Heavenly Martial Sect would be going inside together.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    That Shopkeeper Fang talked about running across Lan Wenxi within the leyline, but this encounter would be happening before they went inside.

    Immediately after this, the two bade their farewells.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng, and left this residence. While walking away, he had an odd feeling. He didn¡¯t dare to turn around, but he felt that Prodigy Shen Yuanbai was staring at his big brother¡¯s back. However, he also felt that gaze didn¡¯t contain anything peculiar... En, that fellow shouldn¡¯t have been lusting after his big brother¡¯s charms.

    When thinking about the word ¡°charming¡± to describe Tianheng, Gu Zuo felt embarrassed.

    So, what was this type of gaze in the end... He was unable to make sense of it.

    [Big brother, d-do you sense that?]

    [There¡¯s no harm in it.]

    [Eh?]

    [Anyway, it shouldn¡¯t have anything to do with me.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Alright. Since big brother thought there weren¡¯t any problems, then there definitely weren¡¯t any problems.

    If Prodigy Shen liked to watch, then just let him...

    The period of three days passed by in the blink of an eye.

    Maple Forest Ruins was located in the back of Wuxin City. As far as prodigies were concerned, this bit of distance wasn¡¯t worth mentioning. However, this time around wasn¡¯t going to be the same as before. Although some people were heading over one after another, the total number wasn¡¯t particrly high. Also, there weren¡¯t any bustling, crowded scenes of people from the city after discovering a secret realm like in the past.

    During these few days, Lan Wenxi met up with them.

    He didn¡¯t resemble the words that made up his name. Not only wasn¡¯t there any feeling of culture or gentle elegance, he was instead born with broad shoulders and a thin waist. His facial features were handsome and bright, and his temperament was heroic and high-spirited. Looking at him, one would feel cheerful and delighted.

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s attitude towards Lan Wenxi was pretty good, but from beginning to end, his face was solemn and serious. One couldn¡¯t see any changes that were too big. Meanwhile, Lan Wenxi was the one who held more respect for Shen Yuanbai. While Lan Wenxi would asionally be chastised by him when asking for guidance on martial skills, this fellow would always listen respectfully.

    To be honest, this wasn¡¯t like a pair of good friends. Instead, it seemed like a stern older brother and an obedient younger brother... Though, on the contrary, there still existed a friendship between them.

    But as far as Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng were concerned, it was enough to determine that their friendship really existed and that both parties were able to contact one another.

    Lan Wenxi was outspoken and straightforward: ¡°While we go on this trip, my numerous subordinated battle ves will remain here. Senior Sect Brother Shen, would you mind tending to them for a few days?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s face was expressionless: ¡°They won¡¯tck for a bite to eat. If you disdain that as insufficient, then you can fork over the spirit crystals for their meals personally.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This was considered cracking a joke, right? Haha.

    Soon after, Shen Yuanbai spoke to Tianheng: ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, your subordinated battle ves can also stay here. When we head to Maple Forest Ruins, the battle ves won¡¯t be able to follow us inside, so there¡¯s no need for any grand processions. Naturally, if you have some other arrangements, you can do as you wish.¡±

    Tianheng inly said: ¡°What arrangements would I have? I will have to trouble Brother Shen.¡±

    At this moment, Lan Wenxi smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Shen treats Brother Gongyi with such cordiality, but is so stern with this little brother. It truly leaves one with a saddened heart.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai still didn¡¯t make any expressions, and stated: ¡°Previously, you¡¯ve eaten my things, and now, your battle ves are going to eat my things, too. This has been going on for years. Brother Gongyi has only eaten a few meals from me. What are you sad about?¡±

    Lan Wenxi sighed: ¡°Eventually, we all grow old. Senior Sect Brother Shen no longer cherishes me.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai gave him a sidelong nce: ¡°Talking out of your ass.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt exasperated.

    Okay. Now, he knew that these two people didn¡¯t just have friendly rtions. Rather, this friendship was very strong. Though, watching Shen Yuanbai make jokes with such a deadpan expression still caused people to flinch a little in their hearts.

    However, those two fellow disciples didn¡¯t intend to show off this brotherly camaraderie in front of new acquaintances on purpose. After they spoke a few words, Shen Yuanbai stood up first, and began moving: ¡°Brother Gongyi, you and Pharmacist Gu should follow us.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head, and said: ¡°Brother Shen, Brother Lan. We¡¯ll be in your care.¡±

    Gu Zuo stood on Tianheng¡¯s left side, disying his closeness.

    Shen Yuanbai took the initiative to lead the way.

    Contrary to what one might expect, Lan Wenxi¡¯splexion became somewhat subtle after seeing this scene.

    His Senior Sect Brother Shen normally wasn¡¯t a talkative person. Today, his senior sect brother was in the mood to joke with him, and had actively conversed with this Gongyi Tianheng. It was truly too rare.

    Something strange was going on for such an unusual event to ur. Lan Wenxi was somewhat curious.

    At first, he was quite interested in Gu Zuo, who could refine prismatic pills. As for Tianheng, he felt that the other party¡¯s aptitudes were pretty good, but he would wait until this fellow¡¯s realm was more profound before genuinely regarding the other party with importance. But now, just by looking at the unusual attitude of his Senior Sect Brother Shen, he wanted to pay even more attention to these two.

    What was the reason for Shen Yuanbai¡¯s attitude? The mystery made Lan Wenxi¡¯s heart itch.

    Due to the rather good rtionship between their two masters, he had received a lot of Senior Sect Brother Shen¡¯s care since joining Heavenly Martial Sect. Yet, he had never seen any intersections between Senior Sect Brother Shen and Gongyi Tianheng. Besides, it had been no more than a short two months since Tianheng appeared, so the source of his senior sect brother¡¯s special respect most likely wasn¡¯t on Tianheng himself.

    ...It truly left one yearning to figure it out.

    Just as he was considering this, Shen Yuanbai, who was originally in the very front and had turned his head to provide directions, suddenly swept a sharpened gaze at Lan Wenxi.

    Lan Wenxi immediately kept an upright attitude.

    Even if he wanted to know, it seemed that he could only make discreet inquiries on the sly.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts were preupied with the leyline, and he didn¡¯t notice anything strange.

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips wore a smile. It appeared that he simrly hadn¡¯t realized anything.

    After traveling for a while, the group reached Maple Forest Ruins without a hitch.

    Soon, a number of people came to wee them. Lan Wenxi gave introductions, and pointed at the four: ¡°This time, we¡¯ll be entering the leyline. My spot has a pharmacist who¡¯ll be going with me. Senior Sect Brother Shen¡¯s spot also has three people.¡± Then, he presented Tianheng and Gu Zuo, ¡°These two will be going with us. One is Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s prodigy, and the other is a pharmacist with heaven-level potential. All of you can¡¯t be neglectful.¡±

    Between those people, there were three pharmacists and one martial artist. Among them, the martial artist was slightly simr in appearance to Shen Yuanbai, so he must have been the chosen member of the Shen household. As for the pharmacists, apart from the one who was close to that Shen n member, the other two were deferential to Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi, respectively.

    At this time, they also came over to call out in greetings.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 363 - The Leyline

    <h4>Chapter 363 - The Leyline</h4>

    Thanks to Lan Wenxi¡¯s introductions, the pharmacists maintained very good attitudes toward Gu Zuo ¡ª Although they were also often called geniuses of medicine refinement, since they could be selected as Lan Wenxi and Shen Yuanbai¡¯s personal pharmacists, they would have the ability to read someone¡¯s expressions. Granted that Gu Zuo was another candidate who had appeared out of thin air, they were capable of remaining polite and amiable on the surface. What¡¯s more, they quickly realized that Gu Zuo was, in fact, already a personal pharmacist of another prodigy, so they were even more friendly.

    After going into the leyline, perhaps they would need to draw support from Gu Zuo¡¯s strength.

    Hence, it didn¡¯t take long for the couple of people to familiarize themselves with one another.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t chat too long with these pharmacists, whom he had just met. Without any conscious decision, his gaze took measure of his surroundings.

    They definitely weren¡¯t the only people in this ce, and the number of bystanders wasn¡¯t low. There were simrbinations of one pharmacist and one martial artist that had also gathered at Maple Forest Ruins.

    Lan Wenxi said: ¡°Our Heavenly Martial Sect has granted these folks permission to use this path.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    Although there were many entrances, not every entrance was close by. Naturally, one would usually need to find a nearby sect or organization that held an entrance in their possession.

    However, if a person thought about it, they would also realize that borrowing an entrance wasn¡¯t done for free. Who knew how many resources one needed to pay in exchange?

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo suddenly heard a voice that was as clear and melodious as birdsong.

    In a split second, he felt an inexplicable headacheing on ¡ª It wasn¡¯t actually painful. Instead, it was a bit of an ill omen.

    In the next moment, Gu Zuo saw a cyan wild bird descending from the sky at great speeds. It didn¡¯t sweep past the heads of the numerous prodigies. Rather, after circling a few times far away, it suddenly dived down andnded on the ground.

    Sitting upright on top of this cyan wild bird was a youngdy wearing a robe as white as snow. Her looks were impably beautiful, her temperament was ice-cold, and her entire body emitted a faint chill. It seemed like no one else was reflected in that pair of gorgeous eyes.

    This was the Ice Phoenix Goddess. Jade me Valley¡¯s Mu Baizhi.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess jumped off and shed downward. Strands of snowy light seemed to linger and curl around her, and the contrast gave her a fairy-like appearance. Each and every man who looked upon her almost couldn¡¯t help giving another nce. If a passionate fellow saw her, he would¡¯ve had an even harder time resisting the desire to conquer her, and take her into his arms with gentle tenderness and honeyed love.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He really didn¡¯t want to see thisdy appear.

    Every time he looked at her, he always had a strange feeling.

    Behind the cyan bird, there were two more birds that were flying over. At this moment, they likewisended, revealing the passengers on their backs.

    Atop the bird on the left sat a male pharmacist with a slender build. After settling on the ground, he promptly stood behind the Ice Phoenix Goddess with a deferential look. Meanwhile, sitting atop the bird on the right were a man and woman. The woman¡¯splexion was quiet and exquisite, her temperament was tender yet unyielding, and it was clear that she was extraordinary. She was another pharmacist. As for the young man, his features were pale, and the edge of his lips carried a weak smile. He appeared refined in manner, but somewhat frail.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo secretly pondered: Jade me Valley, which the Ice Phoenix Goddess hails from, is just a bronze-ranked organization, but it actually has two Gate Opening Pearls in its possession? Even the gold-ranked Heavenly Martial Sect¡¯s Lan Wenxi only has one pearl. Shen Yuanbai, who has the Divine Wind Trading Company, has no more than three pearls. Big brother is Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s all-star prodigy. If it wasn¡¯t for Shen Yuanbai¡¯s gift, it would¡¯ve been hard obtaining one... Sure enough, this Ice Phoenix Goddess isn¡¯t simple.

    Thinking as such, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t ce any more attention on the Ice Phoenix Goddess. However, while he didn¡¯t want to get in touch with this woman, it seemed that she didn¡¯t share the same thoughts.

    Very quickly, the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ clear and cold gaze swept over everyone present, andnded on Tianheng. In an instant, the indifferent light in her eyes receded as if a trace of joy flickered past.

    ¡°Brother Gongyi?¡± The Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ tone also warmed up, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you for so many days. Brother Gongyi has only be increasingly graceful and outstanding.¡±

    The outer corner of Gu Zuo¡¯s eye twitched slightly.

    He was in a bad mood.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have any intentions of going over to chat. He only faintly nodded his head: ¡°Goddess Mu.¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess didn¡¯t take any offense to Tianheng¡¯s reticence. Her words were soft and unhurried: ¡°When we enter the leyline, there will be dangers one after another. It¡¯s quite rare to meet Brother Gongyi, so I wonder if we can journey together and give one another a helping hand?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood worsened.

    What did this woman want to do?

    Tianheng bore an apologetic expression as he said: ¡°This time, I¡¯ll be traveling with Brother Shen and Brother Lan because of sentiments and face. I also wouldn¡¯t have a Gate Opening Pearl were it not for them. I appreciate Goddess Mu¡¯s kindness, but I¡¯ll have to decline.¡±

    A hint of unhappiness streaked across the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ eyes. She was just about to say something, but another man¡¯s voice echoed out, which put a stop to her actions.

    ¡°Little sister.¡±

    The person of this voice was the young man with the paleplexion.

    Having heard what was said, the Ice Phoenix Goddess gently nodded her beautiful head: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, Brother Gongyi must take good care of himself.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say much, and only stated: ¡°The same to you all as well.¡±

    Immediately following which, the Ice Phoenix Goddess stayed far away, and didn¡¯t have any intentions of walking over like before.

    Gu Zuo looked at the young man who spoke, and thought about how he addressed the Ice Phoenix Goddess.

    ¡ª Little sister?

    He and the Ice Phoenix Goddess were brother and sister?

    Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t paid attention just a while ago, but as he carefully observed now, he discovered that their appearances really did seem somewhat simr. It was only due to the fact that the temperaments of both people were as different as night and day that he wasn¡¯t able to tell at first nce.

    It had to be said that Gu Zuo¡¯s impression of this young man was much better than that of the Ice Phoenix Goddess.

    ...Of course, this wasn¡¯t simply because the Ice Phoenix Goddess seemed interested in his big brother, while this young mancked such thoughts.

    When he was turning his gaze away, Gu Zuo was caught by surprise.

    He inadvertently saw the expression of the youngdy who came with that young man. It seemed to bear a hint of disdain, and the one this disdain was directed at was the Ice Phoenix Goddess.

    Gu Zuo nked slightly.

    He thought that only carefully selected individuals with good rtionships would explore this leyline together. He didn¡¯t expect that there would be this type of person who held others with such contempt.

    However, while it didn¡¯t matter that this youngdy disliked the Ice Phoenix Goddess, why did she also look down on the other?

    For the time being, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t able to get a clear understanding of their internal matters, but the youngdy¡¯s expression was noted down in his mind.

    There ought to have been a reason for this.

    The thing that would make people feel even more astonished was that this youngdy treated the pale young man with great respect. There was also a wisp of indiscernible...sympathy?

    Gu Zuo collected his thoughts with exasperation.

    Whatever. Anything he couldn¡¯t make sense of right now could be mentioned to his big brother if it cropped up again in the future.

    Back to the matters at hand. The short conversation between the Ice Phoenix Goddess and Tianheng just now was naturally noticed by many people. Although the youths who coulde here were mostly the outstanding personages of numerous organizations, regardless of their elite standings, it didn¡¯t mean that they were immune to feminine charms. As a result, quite a few of these people had be fans of the Ice Phoenix Goddess. When they saw the Ice Phoenix Goddess expressing goodwill to Tianheng, they were rather envious. And after the Ice Phoenix Goddess was turned down by Tianheng, they somewhat resented him. Of course, at the same time, they were also secretly delighted.

    Hence, a few displeased lines of sight swept towards Tianheng.

    Though, Tianheng was unconcerned.

    This sort of people who were easily swayed by feminine charms couldn¡¯t shake his state of mind.

    On the contrary, after Lan Wenxi saw this spectacle, he let out a derisive scoff and red his suppressive might.

    In the blink of an eye, those elites retracted their gazes. They remembered this trip¡¯s objectives, and recognized Lan Wenxi¡¯s identity. Seeing that Tianheng was definitely journeying with Lan Wenxi, they didn¡¯t dare to make any more moves.

    Afterwards, Lan Wenxi sized Tianheng up and down, and teased: ¡°Sure enough, Brother Gongyi exemplifies an upright and well-favored appearance. It¡¯s no wonder that you would catch the interest of a beautiful woman. It¡¯s only a pity that Brother Gongyi has a heart of iron, and that beauty is a blossom floating on treacherous waters.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Why was the meaning within these words so strange?

    Meanwhile, Tianheng gave a respectful smile: ¡°Unfortunately, such a beautiful woman cannot be enjoyed.¡± After saying this, he asked with a slightly puzzled tone, ¡°Does Brother Lan also know Goddess Mu?¡±

    Lan Wenxi sneered, and said: ¡°I have a tentative friendship with her older brother, Mu Baiyue.¡±

    Speaking up to this point, Lan Wenxi didn¡¯t continue the conversation.

    Gu Zuo grew suspicious.

    Mu Baiyue? Was that the pale young man just now?

    But since Lan Wenxi was friends with Mu Baiyue, why did he look down on Mu Baizhi like this? There was certainly something going on.

    It was unfortunate that Lan Wenxi wasn¡¯t willing to talk. The root cause probably couldn¡¯t be investigated by ordinary people.

    Gu Zuo restrained his curiosity.

    Off to the side, Tianheng didn¡¯t get to the bottom of the matter.

    As even more people gradually arrived, so too was the opportunity to open the leyline.

    The members of Heavenly Martial Sect didn¡¯t only include Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi. In addition, there were a few others who also showed up. It was just that the rtionships between them and the pair of sect brothers appeared average and mediocre. They only came over for perfunctory greetings, and nothing more.

    Once everyone was present, a woman with a graceful figure delicately emerged from the crowd. Her jade-white hand stretched out with a Gate Opening Pearl ced in the hollow of her palm. She spoke: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please take out your Gate Opening Pearls.¡±

    The numerous arrivals didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and brought out their pearls.

    That woman continued: ¡°Now, would the pharmacists please stand in front with the martial artists behind them? Both sides need to keep their hands sped. There must be no mistakes.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly clutched the Gate Opening Pearl in one hand. Soon after, his other palm warmed up. It was because Tianheng took the initiative to hold his hand.

    In a split second, his heart became hot.

    Ah, we¡¯re h-holding hands...

    It wasn¡¯t that he never experienced simr skin contact before. It was just that the perception had changed, and his heart wanted to jump out of his chest. What was he supposed to do?

    His big brother absolutely couldn¡¯t be allowed to hear this and find out!

    Tianheng stood with a smile on his face. In a low voice, he said: ¡°Ah Zuo, after we enter the leyline, don¡¯t leave my side. We must be extra careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo put away those thoughts, and nodded his head in a serious manner: ¡°Big brother, you can rest assured.¡±

    Once everyone made suitable preparations, they suddenly sensed waves of powerful vibrations under their feet. It seemed like there was an earthquake. It was as if the entire Maple Forest Ruins was being shaken!

    Gu Zuo tightly grasped Tianheng¡¯s hand, but his gaze was firmly affixed to the Gate Opening Pearl in his possession.

    At this time, the Gate Opening Pearl erupted with ring rays of light. In the blink of an eye, the pearl grew in size and encapsted both of them! In the next moment, the rays of lightpletely engulfed the pair. In the ce where they once stood, not a trace of them could be seen!

    Around Maple Forest Ruins, everyone who had been holding a Gate Opening Pearl met the same fate.

    The Gate Opening Pearls had opened portals that delivered them into the leyline!

    Gu Zuo only felt a dazzling sh before his eyes. Once he snapped out of it, he realized that he had arrived in an area of pitch-ck darkness.

    His heart was worried: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Immediately following that, someone lightly squeezed his hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, your elder brother is here.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings loosened, and he looked to his side.

    Sure enough, both of them were still holding hands. They hadn¡¯t separated.

    So long as he didn¡¯t lose Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo felt safe and secure. He wouldn¡¯t have any nervous or scared thoughts.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother, what about the others?¡±

    Just as these words fell, another voice echoed not far away.

    It was Lan Wenxi who was speaking: ¡°We¡¯re over here.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai also uttered: ¡°Here.¡±

    Then, the remaining pharmacists and the Shen n martial artist called out one after another.

    This was good. Including the two of them, the group of six didn¡¯t have a single person missing.

    Shen Yuanbai spoke again: ¡°Pharmacists, pour your psychic powers into the Gate Opening Pearls.¡±

    Because he was the oldest among them and he probably understood the situation the most, after hearing thismand, all of the pharmacistsplied without the slightest hesitation.

    Gu Zuo simrly poured in his psychic power. After that, he discovered that the Gate Opening Pearls were blossoming with radiance once more. In a split second, the surroundings were lit up.

    ¡ª Right. They were lit up.

    At this time, Gu Zuo found that this ce originally had many enormous pearls embedded in the ceiling. They were just like giant versions of the Gate Opening Pearls. And when the rays of light shining from the smaller pearls transformed into pirs of light, they instantaneously shot straight up and entered those enormous pearls. Following this, those giant pearls also released rays of light, which illuminated the surroundings as if it was daytime!

    Gu Zuo was relieved.

    If it was pitch-ck the entire time, then finding those stone ova would¡¯ve been a nightmare. Now that the lights were turned on, the situation was considered much more hopeful.

    At this moment, everyone started surveying the environment.

    After getting a clear view, they couldn¡¯t help gasping in amazement.

    This ce was incredibly unusual!

    Gu Zuo held his breath as he looked around.

    There were no doubts that everyone was underground, and that they were inside that sealed leyline. This leyline was absolutely gigantic, and the interior formed countless panoramic sceneries.

    Lifting his eyes, he saw things resembling stone dragons that winded up and down, and extended far into the distance. On the backs of the stone dragons were numerous stone forests. Each and every cluster was like a barb on the stone dragon¡¯s body. It was as if the forests grew from the dragon¡¯s scales and absorbed the stone dragon¡¯s flesh and blood. It was eerie and iparably majestic.

    Likewise, on the sides of the stone dragons were innumerable, jutting rocks. The positioning and shapes of these rocks were like corals. Though, they were even more massive and thickset. With crowded frameworks and hollowed nests, these coral reefs held another type of exotic beauty.

    When he looked farther away, he saw that there was a gigantic stone tree on every dragon head. Each tree soared into the ¡°sky¡±, and was wreathed with innumerable branches and tendrils. Each thick and solid branch interweaved into giants that canopied vast tracts of space.

    Apart from this, there were many ferocious beasts made of stone. They presented with all kinds of postures and stances, but every beast was unbelievablyrge and lofty. Although they were hewn through natural processes, their imposing auras were terrifying. It seemed that they could turn into living animals at any time, and pounce on people to devour!

    Presently, everyone was standing at the edge of a stone dragon.

    The stone dragons and beasts were like towering mountain peaks, and those stone forests and coral reefs were vast and giantndscapes to them. As they stood in this ce, they appeared extremely insignificant like mole crickets and ants. Awed by the unseen qi emissions radiated by these massive structures, even standing firmly on their own became difficult.

    Tianheng realized that the six qi oceans within his body had been sealed, and the profound qi couldn¡¯t be utilized. On the other hand, his physical body was sufficiently sturdy, and his strength wasn¡¯t low.

    Shen Yuanbai, Lan Wenxi, and the remaining martial artist were simrly restricted. On the contrary, the few pharmacists were the same as before, and didn¡¯t feel that anything had changed.

    All of a sudden, a beam of ashen-white light shot out.

    Although Tianheng couldn¡¯t use internal qi, his awareness was still sharp. At once, he pulled Gu Zuo and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, be careful!¡±

    Gu Zuo also reacted immediately. His psychic power promptly burst forth, andpletely covered himself and Tianheng in a psychic power. When that ashen-white light attempted to turn around and retreat, the space between his eyebrows heated up. A dagger rushed forward, and instantly cut down that ashen-white light!

    At this time, everyone saw it. What fell to the ground were two severed sections of an ashen-white thing. It appeared to be the length of a chopstick and the thickness of a little finger. The entire body was as smooth as amon stone. However, if one looked carefully, they would realize that the front end had a set of mandibles and the back end had a sharp stinger. Small amounts of gray liquid flowed out from its body.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 364 - Searching for Stone Ova

    <h4>Chapter 364 - Searching for Stone Ova</h4>

    Gu Zuo stared distractedly: ¡°This is an Earth Worm?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng ruffled his hair: ¡°After this, we¡¯ll have to be even more careful.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai opened his mouth: ¡°That¡¯s right. This thing is an Earth Worm.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help remarking: ¡°It looks tiny. Wouldn¡¯t it be difficult to keep our guards up during ambushes? Though, when I used my psychic power to chop it up, killing the Earth Worm wasn¡¯t hard.¡±

    At this time, Lan Wenxi smiled, and said: ¡°Don¡¯t focus on how this Earth Worm is thin and small. It¡¯s only because this thing is so young and the outer skin is so weak. But if it¡¯s an Earth Worm that has matured for a few years, there are differences in its physical state. The outer skin would be much more tough and durable, and dealing with it would be harder.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°This is only a young worm?¡±

    Lan Wenxi nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. When they¡¯ve matured, their appearances will be different... Once some time has passed, you¡¯ll understand when you encounter them. It¡¯s just that, from now on, we can¡¯t treat these things lightly.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai supplemented ordingly: ¡°All martial artists must properly protect their pharmacists. After the worms mature, they¡¯re rather repulsive and weakly poisonous. While it¡¯s not very harmful to martial artists, if ittches onto a pharmacist¡¯s psychic power, it¡¯ll be easy for the pharmacist¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint to copse and their psychic power to disintegrate.¡±

    What happened to a pharmacist who didn¡¯t have psychic power?

    To use a modern phrase, it was brain death.

    ¡ª Of course, martial artists also possessed mental energies. Some powerful pharmacists could even use their own psychic powers to deal with martial artists, but the physical bodies of martial artists were resilient. The qi energies, which covered their entire bodies, defended them. Whether or not an ordinary pharmacist could break through thatyer of a martial artist¡¯s defense and burrow their psychic power into that martial artist¡¯s mind depended on the gap in strength between both parties.

    However, the Earth Worms of this ce had no way of breaking through the defenses of a martial artist¡¯s physical body. As a result, although a martial artist couldn¡¯t kill the beasts, those Earth Worms basically couldn¡¯t harm a martial artist.

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s idea was simple. If an Earth Worm came tounch an attack and the pharmacist couldn¡¯t react in time, the martial artists would hurriedly use their own bodies to block the ambush! They absolutely couldn¡¯t allow the pharmacists to have their brains eaten by Earth Worms.

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    Okay. He would be even more careful.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want his family¡¯s big brother to put himself in harm¡¯s way at all.

    Matters that had to be exined were made clear. Following this, the group needed to start looking for stone ova.

    Gu Zuo ced that Earth Worm¡¯s corpse into the storage space. Soon after, he earnestly listened to Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi¡¯s introduction.

    As mentioned previously, stone ova were produced by leylines. The things that were born from the stone ova depended on the environment of thend as well as the nourishment provided by the leyline. The reason why everything in this leyline had stone appearances wasn¡¯t because it had all dried up. Rather, it was a type of camouge for spiritual objects. Why would the leyline allow people to find and freely take away the stone ova it painstakingly nurtured? The countless stone forests, dragons, beasts, and coral reefs automatically took shape to conceal any traces of the stone ova.

    Anyone who wanted to find the stone ova needed to release their psychic power and explore bit by bit. Using the naked eye to look for them would be very difficult.

    Shen Yuanbai stated: ¡°The rest of you will split into three groups, but don¡¯t stray too far from each other while searching.¡±

    Lan Wenxi smiled: ¡°This little brother will follow your orders.¡±

    Tianheng also agreed: ¡°We understand.¡±

    Hence, everyone formed groups of two so that they could keep their promise to watch each other¡¯s backs and to search for spoils.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng were naturally in one group.

    Tianheng still held Gu Zuo¡¯s hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, you can search with peace of mind. Your elder brother will protect you.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. He returned the grip, and said: ¡°Big brother should also take care.¡±

    After the pair exchanged a sentence of concern for one another, Gu Zuo released his psychic power.

    Presently, because he had been refining medicinal pills of considerable difficulty for a long time, his control over his own psychic power had be as free and effortless as moving his arms and fingers. At this moment, his psychic power was meticulously split into innumerable silk threads, which were weaved into many giants. Theses were cast towards the closest dozen or so stone corals. After that, these silks continuously expanded in all directions.

    Within Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness, he ¡°saw¡± everything within the envelopment range of these silks. Every inch was brought into crystal-clear focus, and nothing could be hidden from him. It was like flowing water. As his psychic power flowed through thend, it would flit across areas that were t and smooth, while whirlpools would form in ces with obstructions.

    However, Gu Zuo consciously exercised control over the direction of the silks, and didn¡¯t crowd the other pharmacists. If he carelessly bumped into their psychic powers, both sides would quickly move out of each other¡¯s way.

    After a while of this carpet-style searching, Gu Zuo suddenly sensed the presence of a whirlpool.

    Gu Zuo subconsciously paused.

    After that, he lightened the psychic power silks in other areas, gathered his attention, and carefully distinguished the location of that whirlpool. Then, he discovered that there was something that was repelling his psychic power. It gave off a feeling that was different from the other rocks.

    Gu Zuo abruptly opened his eyes: ¡°Big brother.¡±

    Tianheng focused his attention on Gu Zuo. Hearing what was said, he responded: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°I want to go over there.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow. Reaching a hand around Gu Zuo¡¯s waist and holding his pharmacist close to his chest, Tianheng rushed out just like this. Within a short couple of breaths, they arrived at the ce Gu Zuo pointed out.

    This area was a stone dragon¡¯s front w. Its five talons pressed against the ground, and its might was extraordinary.

    Gu Zuo patted Tianheng¡¯s forearm, and Tianheng let him go. Immediately following which, Gu Zuo walked closer to the w, reached out a hand, and felt around a small crack between those five talons.

    Sure enough, a hint of a sweet scent overflowed from within that small crack.

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion was ted: ¡°Big brother,e take a look!¡±

    Just as his voice fell, Tianheng extended a hand once more. His fingers were like pincers as they tightly captured an ashen-white creature that was as thick as an arm.

    When Gu Zuo turned his head and called out to Tianheng, he saw this scene.

    ¡ª Those mandibles filled with sharp teeth were directed straight at his skull!

    Naturally, it wasn¡¯t really aiming at his head. Rather, it was aiming for the psychic power that he hadn¡¯tpletely put away. Fortunately, the instant it drew near, it had already been grabbed by Tianheng. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve definitely taken a bite out of his psychic power, which would¡¯ve caused him to suffer damage.

    This was a mature Earth Worm!

    Looking at its form, it was two meters long. Compared to that young worm just a while ago, this one was much bigger.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate. An invisible dagger was promptly sent out from the space between his brows, and shed at the Earth Worm. However, the first strike wasn¡¯t able to slice it in half. On the contrary, it could only cut open arge wound, which caused the Earth Worm to struggle even more fiercely. If it wasn¡¯t for Tianheng¡¯s incredible strength, perhaps it would¡¯ve gotten away!

    After that, Gu Zuo produced a few more des, which simultaneously targeted one location. In the end, the Earth Worm was chopped in half and perished. Gu Zuo collected its corpse, and ced it inside the storage space.

    Tianheng moved closer.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t let this brief interlude negatively affect his state of mind. He now realized that the Earth Worm probably hadn¡¯t been sensed by his psychic power because both were natural enemies of each other. He just reminded himself to pay more attention to this fact. Afterwards, he stretched out his fingers, and finally fished out the round object that had been stuck in the hollow of the dragon¡¯s w.

    At this time, that faintly sweet scent suddenly became dense and rich.

    What appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s palm was an ashen-white ovum. It was exactly the same as the Snowy-Jade Cicada¡¯s stone ovum that Shen Yuanbai gave. This one was somewhatrger, and was the size of a clenched fist.

    Finding one this quickly was indeed a good start.

    Gu Zuo grasped the stone ovum, and examined it carefully. This stone ovum had only partially transformed into jade. Therefore, it overflowed with a medicinal fragrance, but the specific type of wondrous medicine inside couldn¡¯te out ¡ª It had to be cut open.

    The medicinal fragrance was pleasing and delightful, so it ought to have been rather precious. In any case, one didn¡¯t need to think about it too much.

    Gu Zuo ced the stone ovum inside the storage space, and discharged his psychic power once again.

    Shen Yuanbai, Lan Wenxi, and the others weren¡¯t considered too far away, and they naturally saw Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s movements. At this moment, they couldn¡¯t help ncing to this side, and notice the stone ovum in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand.

    Lan Wenxiughed and said: ¡°Sure enough, a pharmacist with heaven-level potential has sharper senses.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai nodded his head, but didn¡¯t have much to say.

    Upon seeing this, the remaining pharmacists felt their heartstrings stretch taut.

    It would¡¯ve been fine if everyone couldn¡¯t find a stone ovum, but Gu Zuo located one so quickly. This caused feelings of urgency to rise up in their hearts.

    Subconsciously, they started searching with even greater concentration.

    But when it came to psychic power, this thing, every pharmacist would have different levels of sensitivity.

    Why were the potentials of some pharmacists at the profound level or earth level, but others could actually reach the heaven level? In addition to the inner cultivation methods that each person practiced, it was said that there was the factor of one¡¯s medicinal beads ¡ª There was a big rtionship between the sharpness of an individual¡¯s psychic power and the positions of the medicinal-bead acupoints on the palms.

    Only those who possessed medicinal beads could practice the path of spirituality, be pharmacists, and utilize psychic power. However, the medicinal beads of each and every pharmacist weren¡¯t in the same acupoint locations. And there were a total of twenty-eight palmar acupoints that could store medicinal beads.

    On the Central Continent, many pharmacists knew that the closer one¡¯s medicinal beads were to the Daling and Yangchi Acupoints, the better that person¡¯s talents in medicine refinement. And if one¡¯s medicinal beads were set precisely in the Daling or Yangchi Acupoints, the pharmacist¡¯s potential was generally at the heaven level.

    Gu Zuo knew that when he refined medicine, his internal qi would pass through his medicinal beads and discharge during his hand seals. However, he never carefully distinguished which acupoints his medicinal beads were located in.

    He naturally didn¡¯t know that, because his medicinal beads were special, his initial psychic power had received the nourishment of his medicinal beads and was incredibly keen. Later on, he used an extremely exquisite inner cultivation method for training. It was to the point that, after continuously refining medicine, his sensitivity had far surpassed that of numerous pharmacists at equivalent spiritual path realms!

    As a result, Gu Zuo easily sensed the existence of these whirlpools. Though, because the other few pharmacists weren¡¯t sensitive enough, they would often have difficulties sensing any whirlpools. Naturally, they had to search over and over again before asionally detecting clues.

    Tianheng apanied Gu Zuo. Half of his attention was focused on his pharmacist releasing psychic power, and the other half remained vignt of their surroundings. This was in case an Earth Wormunched a surprise attack to gobble up the psychic power.

    Fortunately, those Earth Worms weren¡¯t able to recklessly swallow Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power. If the psychic power became slender and spread out, it appeared quite thin. Even if the Earth Worms jumped at it, the creatures wouldn¡¯t be able to devour anything.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Gu Zuo to ¡°see¡± everything within a kilometer radius, and he didn¡¯t once detect a second stone ovum. Shen Yuanbai, Lan Wenxi, and the others were simrly left empty-handed.

    Gu Zuo dwindled his psychic power, and pretended to rest.

    Lan Wenxi sighed and said: ¡°As expected, the search won¡¯t be easy.¡±

    Gu Zuo made a suggestion: ¡°What if we move somewhere farther away?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai and the others didn¡¯t object: ¡°Very well.¡±

    The vastness of the leyline extended as far as the eyes could see.

    Because they stood very close together, they were actually able to arrive at the same ce after entering the leyline. But once the Gate Opening Pearls were stimted, even those who were a slight distance away had been delivered to locations that were far from their current location.

    To put it simply, no one else could be seen within a kilometer radius, but traveling farther away didn¡¯t necessarily mean that they would run into others.

    Gu Zuo felt that this was good.

    If they really did meet someone, on the off-chance that both parties weren¡¯t able toe to an agreement, the collision of psychic powers would be unfavorable to pharmacists like them.

    The group gradually moved beyond the kilometer mark.

    They stood in front of a dragon head, and what greeted them was an enormous stone tree. The tree trunk wasrge enough for dozens of people to encircle it. Every branch of the tree was incredibly thick and solid. The surfaces of these branches were densely-packed with stone leaves ¡ª While they were called stone leaves, they were better off being called thinner stems and twigs. This created a type of scene that seemed to hide the sky and cover the earth.

    Gu Zuo raised his head to look around, but he wasn¡¯t able to see the crown of the tree at all. When he released his psychic power to extend his senses, he realized that his psychic power, which smoothly swept through the stone dragons, corals, and other things just a while ago, was only able to spread around ten meters out on this enormous stone tree.

    ...This couldn¡¯tpare to how far the naked eye could see. That was because psychic power was even more detailed when it could envelop things.

    Lan Wenximented: ¡°This is the great work of Greater Emperor Medicine Sage. Back then, she could form such magnificent scenes after sealing the leyline. If it wasn¡¯t sealed, these sights of stone forests and dragons wouldn¡¯t have appeared. At that time, the leyline probably would¡¯ve erupted, and many abnormal environments might¡¯ve shed against each other to take shape. And if we wanted to harvest the stone ova, we would¡¯ve had to go through those environments and endure many dangers.¡±

    However, risks and benefits went hand in hand. The current hazards were small, but without the guidance of abnormalities, it was difficult to judge what was in the stone ova based on the external environment ¡ª This was because the environment was just a big pile of rocks! There basically wasn¡¯t anything special!

    If someone to make a judgment about a stone ovum obtained in this way, they would either have to cut open the stone ovum or rely on a pharmacist¡¯s knowledge and psychic power to distinguish it.

    After sighing with sorrow, Lan Wenxi said: ¡°An ancestor once mentioned that, within the leyline, most stone ova appeared on these trees, but there were dead ova among them. It was extremely difficult to see through the exterior appearances of these dead ova. Perhaps, the wondrous objects inside had already rotted and wasted away due to excessive maturation. Or maybe, the things being nurtured were wicked, and would turn around to bite the handler once they broke through their shells.¡±

    Gu Zuo was curious: ¡°Could it be that there aren¡¯t any dead ova among those produced by the stone corals, dragons, and beasts?¡±

    Lan Wenxi smiled, and said: ¡°There are very few. Usually, there would be just one dead ovum among dozens of stone ova. But if it¡¯s on the stone trees, the number of dead ova is around eighty percent.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly.

    The risks of plucking stone ova from the trees really weren¡¯t small... There was only a twenty percent chance of gaining a useful stone ovum. Wasn¡¯t this pit a little too big? Going through so much trouble to get one, only to open it up to find trash. Wouldn¡¯t that be upsetting? Moreover, it was one thing if the ovum had wasted away, but it was pure, rotten luck if the thing inside ended up attacking the person.

    But these kinds of stone trees were opportunities that everyone entering the leyline wouldn¡¯t miss.

    After several people exchanged nces, Shen Yuanbai stated: ¡°Let¡¯s split up and search.¡±

    They all responded: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Soon after, everyone divided into the same groups as before. Each person climbed up along the side of the enormous stone tree. As they climbed, they also looked around.

    Tianheng grabbed Gu Zuo¡¯s arm, and tossed his pharmacist onto his own back. Gu Zuo was caught off guard, but his movements bespoke of an even stronger tacit understanding. Just like when they were on the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, he swiftly wrapped his legs around Tianheng¡¯s waist, and folded his arms around Tianheng¡¯s neck. He responded: ¡°Big brother, this is?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Since this task needs strength, it¡¯s naturally easier for a martial artist to do it. This elder brother will climb, and Ah Zuo can search. If we coordinate with each other, we¡¯ll find some more stone ova.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and felt that it was reasonable. He answered positively: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    Consequently, Tianheng¡¯s long arms stretched out to grab the tree bark that protruded from the stone tree. Following this, his long legs exerted strength, and his feet stamped out. He had already leaped over a dozen meters up.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 365 - A Wager

    <h4>Chapter 365 - A Wager</h4>

    From the ground to the branches, the distance was nearly five hundred meters. When climbing up this stone tree, it caused people to feel even more insignificant and small. Without internal qi, one had to rely on their physical body to climb, which was like carrying a heavy burden. It wasn¡¯t known how many times harder than usual this task became.

    Gu Zuo clung to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s back, and only felt that the movements of his family¡¯s big brother were very deft and nimble. In a short period, they moved up several dozens of meters. Their speed hadn¡¯t slowed one bit.

    Tianheng¡¯s foundations were firm. Although travel was more difficult with Gu Zuo on his back than by himself, his movements never stopped. It didn¡¯t take long to approach the branches.

    Gu Zuo raised his head a little. Right before his eyes, he saw the densely-packed and iparably huge canopyyer.

    Tianheng spoke: ¡°Ah Zuo, be careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath with rapt attention: ¡°I know, big brother.¡±

    The two had a clear understanding. After getting onto these branches, they reckoned that it would be easy to be attacked. When they were below, the number of Earth Worms wasn¡¯t high, but it wasn¡¯t guaranteed now that they had reached this canopy ofyers uponyers of branches.

    ording to their observations, ces that had Earth Worms didn¡¯t necessarily have stone ova, but locations that had stone ova were more than likely to be guarded by mature Earth Worms ¡ª After all, heavenly resources and earthly treasures were often surrounded by vicious beasts.

    The facts weren¡¯t outside the two¡¯s expectations.

    Tianheng exerted his strength once more to stamp his foot against a section of protruding tree bark. As he propelled himself directly into the canopyyer, a streak of gray light suddenly appeared!

    Gu Zuo had long prepared his psychic power, which had already formed a shield to cover their front. Since he had sufficient quantities, he quickly condensed arge saber. When that gray light hurtled towards them, he instantly removed the shield to chop at it. After that, seven or eight more sabers followed in close session.

    That gray light didn¡¯t anticipate that Gu Zuo¡¯s counterattack would be this fast. Before it could approach them, it had already been sliced apart. Its corpse was likewise collected by Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo loosened a sigh, but he wasn¡¯t careless either.

    If nothing else, he had to keep his guard up against other Earth Worms.

    Tianheng voiced his praise: ¡°Ah Zuo did great.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled with a bit of embarrassment: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s start looking!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s figure turned around, and immediately stepped onto a thick and sturdy branch. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power discharged, and expanded along the length of this branch.

    In the spaces between these branches, besides creating a continuous, tangledwork, numerous nest-like hollows were formed. These hollows were of various depths, and could be found at all elevations. Many took the shape of pitch-ck caverns. Settled within those countless branches, these hollows appeared somewhat strange.

    This time around, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power couldn¡¯t be used to envelope the area. Instead, he divided it into several portions. Some smoothly looked through each stone leaf on this thick and sturdy branch, while others explored and searched inside every one of those tree hollows.

    Based on his way of thinking, if this stone tree could produce stone ova, any ovum ought to be surrounded by stone leaves like a real fruit or was hidden away inside these termite-like tree hollows...

    As Gu Zuo continued this search, he came across a ce that wasn¡¯t quite right.

    Because his psychic power was fairlypacted this time, it suddenly seemed to be missing a bit after entering a certain tree hollow... He reacted immediately. Ah, it had been gobbled up!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled. To prevent his psychic power from beingpletely devoured, he instantly withdrew what was left. The astonishing thing was that an abrupt sense of danger also gradually emerged. When his psychic power hurriedly gathered itself up, an Earth Worm that was a little more than two meters long suddenly burst out from the explored tree hollow!

    Gu Zuo subconsciously released a sharp de from the space between his brows to violently wage battle against that Earth Worm! After several rounds, the Earth Worm was stabbed a number of times and its severed body perished. The corpse was collected, but Gu Zuo, who had been given a fright, also put away the rest of his psychic power.

    Tianheng felt Gu Zuo stiffen on his back, and gently asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, are you hurt anywhere?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head. After that, he remembered that his family¡¯s big brother couldn¡¯t see his own movements, and spoke without dy: ¡°I¡¯m not injured. I just didn¡¯t expect it.¡±

    He continued: ¡°I used very little psychic power and retreated quickly. Although the Earth Worm consumed a bit of my psychic power, that small amount is lost with any normal wear and tear. It¡¯s not worth mentioning.¡±

    In fact, Gu Zuo was a little exasperated as he recalled the matter just now.

    When he took back his psychic power with the Earth Worm in close pursuit, it was practically the same as hooking a fish...

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power once again explored the tree hollow that contained the Earth Worm. After putting it inside, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows rose in delight withughter in his eyes: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s go in there! That tree hollow seems to have a stone ovum!¡±

    Tianheng arched a brow: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡±

    After he finished speaking, his foot pushed against the branch¡¯s bark. Then, Tianheng carried Gu Zuo straight to that ce in a sh.

    Assumptions couldn¡¯t be made when looking at these tree hollows from a distance. This tree hollow wasn¡¯t small, and its diameter was nearly five feet across. Sure enough, the interior was dark and deep.

    Once Gu Zuo got here, he peered inside.

    The interior of the tree hollow weren¡¯t t and smooth. Instead, it seemed like a mountain cave with numerous rocky folds and crevices. A stone ovum the size of a chicken egg was embedded at the very bottom. Its texture was as smooth as a river rock, but not the slightest wisp of qi emissions was emitted.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    Could it be that it was a dead ovum?

    Tianheng propped up Gu Zuo with a hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, hold on tight.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly exerted the muscles in his limbs, and clung tightly: ¡°Yes, big brother.¡±

    Immediately following which, Tianheng¡¯s other hand stretched forward, and swiftly plucked out that stone ovum like a bolt of lightning!

    Then, he flipped away andnded on a nearby, drooping tree branch: ¡°Ah Zuo, take it.¡±

    Gu Zuo received this stone ovum, and carefully inspected it. He discovered that this stone ovum¡¯s outer shell was even more jade-like than the ones he had seen before. It wasn¡¯t known whether it was because the quality was so good that the medicinal fragrance didn¡¯t leak out, or because the contents had basically wasted away.

    However, their luck was very good to be able to find another stone ovum this quickly.

    Gu Zuo shook his head. He didn¡¯t overthink it, and put away the stone ovum.

    In any case, when it came to this thing, the more the better. He would wait until the end to use his psychic power to examine them. Right now, he needed to conserve his psychic power so that he could y the Earth Worms.

    After finding this ovum, Gu Zuo¡¯s confidence rose. Soon after, he followed the previous method, searching branch by branch and examining one tree hollow after another.

    Not every tree hollow had an Earth Worm, and not every tree hollow with an Earth Worm would produce a stone ovum. Most of the time, they werepletely and utterly empty.

    After roughly two hours passed, no more than five stone ova were found inside the tree hollows.

    At this time, Gu Zuo voiced his thoughts: ¡°Big brother, I feel that relying on my psychic power to search isn¡¯t the best way to do it. How about we try our luck and look around using our normal eyesight instead?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°We can do it that way, too.¡±

    Yes. Because the amount of his psychic power already used up wasn¡¯t small, Gu Zuo decided to recover some first before broaching the subject again. But if they stopped like this, it would waste a lot of time. Thus, they would try to look around with their eyes.

    Hence, Gu Zuo vigorously absorbed medicinal qi in the storage space and hurriedly operated his inner cultivation method. That pearl-like psychic core in his Tianfu Acupoint was continuously osciting as it sucked in the newly-generated, drifting psychic power, which caused it to circte with rays of brilliant light. He recovered bit by bit.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s strong and healthy body shuttled along the branch.

    As he searched with his eyes, it wasn¡¯t done haphazardly. He only followed the length of the branch and walked ahead. Every time he moved past a cluster of stone leaves, he parted them and carefully looked around. And when he passed through areas with tree hollows, he would get close to them and examine the interiors...

    Just like this, after traveling along more than half of the branch, Tianheng suddenly paused his steps. He faced a cluster of stone leaves, and leaped over! He brushed away the leaves with a hand, and abruptly reached to grab something ¡ª ck!

    With a crisp sound echoing out, a stone ovum the size of arge cantaloupe appeared in Tianheng¡¯s hand!

    His way of getting it was really simr to plucking a fruit...

    After this, his other hand stretched forward, and firmly captured something else.

    Gu Zuo listened to these movements, and opened his eyes.

    What first came into view was an ashen-white stone ovum whose entire surface was covered in downy rays of light.

    As well as an Earth Worm whose mandibles were opened wide.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Mobilizing some extra psychic power, it was condensed into a sharp de. With a few swishes, he got rid of the Earth Worm.

    With another direct observation of his dear big brother¡¯s luck, he felt pressured.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, can you put it away?¡±

    Gu Zuo silently collected the Earth Worm corpse and the stone ovum: ¡°I think that the probability of there being something really good in this stone ovum is extremely high.¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°Everything good belongs to Ah Zuo, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Many thanks, big brother.¡±

    After the two halted the conversation, Tianheng continued to move once more.

    With the same method as before, he searched, looked, and investigated.

    Gu Zuo straightforwardly multitasked, and split his attention. As he continuously recovered, he followed his big brother¡¯s lead and started to distinguish the interior of each cluster of stone leaves.

    Perhaps, it was because the luck of the Tiandu Body was too good. During this stroll, Tianheng swiftly and meticulously looked through a handful of branches. On almost every branch, he was able to harvest a stone ovum ¡ª Even if there were asional misses, Tianheng seemed to be prompted by sudden impulses or whims to look in certain ces. Following that, he would coincidentally discover an ovum hidden underneath the stone leaves.

    These stone ova were as small as a clenched fist or asrge as a watermelon. Based on their exterior appearances, all of them were of excellent product grades.

    That¡¯s right. In the beginning, besides a very small number that exuded medicinal fragrances, all of the stone ova looked the same to Gu Zuo. He didn¡¯t know if his own psychic power was special or not, but after he and Tianheng harvested ten stone ova together, he unexpectedly discovered that, when he sent his psychic power into the storage space, he was able to make out the subtle distinctions in these stone ova.

    Some surfaces were covered in extremely tiny bubble-like pores, while other surfaces werepletely sealed. The ones that had pores usually had fine fragrances. As for the ones that werepletely sealed, the degree of each ovum¡¯s luster had extraordinarily minute differences.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    He had a hypothesis. Perhaps, the higher the luster of a stone ovum, the better the object inside and the greater the life force? As for the ones that had dim rays of light, maybe they were approaching death or were already dead ova?

    Currently, it was pointless to talk about all of this. Once he harvested even more, he could try cutting open a few samples that fell into those categories. Then, he would see whether his hypothesis was correct or not.

    After having this idea, Gu Zuo immediately became even more enthusiastic: ¡°Big brother, I have recovered a lot of my psychic power. Let¡¯s split the work. You can look around the stone leaves, and I¡¯ll check the tree hollows!¡±

    Tianheng sensed his excitement, but chose not to pry. He simply raised an eyebrow, and smiled: ¡°Okay.¡± He gave brief pause, ¡°Ah Zuo, do you want to have apetition to see who can find more stone ova?¡±

    Gu Zuo stiffened. For some reason, his pride red up: ¡°Let¡¯spete! But, will there be a prize for winning?¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment. Once Gu Zuo seemed a little nervous, he finally said: ¡°If there¡¯s no prize, it won¡¯t be interesting. What prize would Ah Zuo want?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused.

    I want big brother to confess whether he likes me or not!

    Of course... That was out of the question.

    Gu Zuo was slightly dispirited.

    Though, what else could he think of?

    For the time being, he couldn¡¯t think of anything.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°In that case, what does big brother want as a prize?¡±

    Tianheng thought deeply for a short while: ¡°If this elder brother wins, Ah Zuo will warm my bed.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°! ! !¡±

    He had a dumbstruck look on his face. What did his big brother mean by that?!

    His heart wanted to jump out of his chest!

    Soon after, Tianheng promptly sshed a bucket of cold water onto Gu Zuo. One would only hear himugh and speak: ¡°That day I reunited with Ah Zuo, we lived and slept together. In my heart, I felt it was quite interesting. If Ah Zuo loses, we¡¯ll find an opportunity to do it again. We can while away the time in bed, talking freely and intimately. Nowadays, Ah Zuo is always busy refining medicine and my training can¡¯t be put on hold. As such, let¡¯s use this as an excuse to rest and rx for a day.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately spurned his own wicked thoughts, but a hint of disappointment couldn¡¯t help bubbling up.

    However, he quickly threw out this state of mind, and spoke with a blushing face: ¡°W-warming a bed is just warming a bed! It has also been a long time since I¡¯ve had a proper chat with big brother, so losing isn¡¯t a big deal. But if big brother loses, then you¡¯ll find a day to keep mepany when I go out to stroll around and... En, buy lots of medicinal ingredients before going back.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°What¡¯s the difficulty in this? Your elder brother epts. We¡¯ll treat these things as the prizes for winning!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was delighted, but he was also a bit nervous.

    Although his big brother was mischievous and liked to tease him, his own prize...was actually a date.

    In any case, this matter was amon sight only in the modern era. His big brother definitely wouldn¡¯t realize it.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 366 - Who Wins and Who Loses

    <h4>Chapter 366 - Who Wins and Who Loses</h4>

    The two of them agreed on a time limit of six hours. After that, they motivated themselves and went to search.

    What they relied on was eyesight or psychic power. They also relied on luck. Although Gu Zuo felt that his own luck definitely wasn¡¯t as good as that of his big brother, psychic power was a bit more useful than eyesight. He believed that it was considered fair.

    Besides, regardless of whether he won or lost, Gu Zuo thought...that both were very good oues.

    Hence, whenever Gongyi Tianheng encountered an Earth Worm, he would reach out a hand and restrain it for Gu Zuo to kill. As for Gu Zuo himself, he also paid attention, and swiftly split apart his psychic power to fish out every one of those tree hollows.

    Without realizing it, six hours had passed.

    Tianheng plucked the final stone ovum, and lowered his hands.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo put away his psychic power.

    Tianheng held out his hand with a smile, and made a sweeping motion over the wide tree branch. In a split second, a pile ofrge and small ashen-white things appeared on the wide tree branch. They were precisely the stone ova that he obtained ¡ª From the moment the wager started, he ced the stone ova he collected himself inside the spatial bangle. This way, it was easy to differentiate.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo likewise stirred his consciousness, and put the stone ova he found on the other side of the tree branch. His pile was equallyprised ofrge and small ones.

    At first nce, both of them found quite a lot of stone ova. The piles seemed indistinguishable.

    Gu Zuo was a little nervous.

    Tianheng simply said: ¡°Why don¡¯t we count?¡±

    Gu Zuo had a serious look on his face: ¡°Okay!¡±

    The both of them started taking an inventory of their number of stone ova.

    After a few breaths of time ¡ª

    Tianheng said: ¡°Twenty-three.¡±

    Gu Zuo also said: ¡°Twenty-three.¡±

    Unexpectedly, there really weren¡¯t any differences!

    What were they going to do now? Could it be that there wouldn¡¯t be a winner or a loser?

    Gu Zuo was slightly out of sorts.

    If it was a draw, then did that mean his hopes for bed-warming and the date went up in smoke? Maybe this was heavenly punishment for his crooked feelings. It would be a little too obvious if he suggested an overtime round just because it was a tie. After all, this was only an entertaining game between the two of them...

    His heart struggled. And then, it struggled some more.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo steeled himself, and spoke with Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I made a hypothesis earlier.¡±

    He talked about his spection pertaining to dead ova and how to differentiate them. Then, he suggested: ¡°This time around, we found lots of stone ova. What if I just cut open a few to give it a try? If what I said can be verified, not only can we determine the oue of thepetition based on the number of dead ova, it¡¯ll also help with matters in the future. Big bother, how do you feel about it?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Wonderful.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly rubbed his fists and wiped his palms. The quantity was one thing, but he didn¡¯t believe that the quality would be the same, too!

    I-if a winner and loser couldn¡¯t be determined after all that, he would just... Gu Zuo¡¯s face crumbled a little. He would have no other choice but to give up on what was at stake.

    Though, it was simply too great of a psychological blow.

    Tianheng let go of Gu Zuo. Then, the pair came to the front of those two piles of stone ova.

    Gu Zuo took one of them.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng paid attention to guarding against their surroundings ¡ª After all, they weren¡¯t in apletely worry-free environment. Moreover, if what they encountered was a dead ovum, it was possible that something hostile could burst out. Vignce was essential.

    Gu Zuo took out a knife, and lightly tapped on the stone ovum.

    He also released his psychic power to cover it. Through the outer shell, he observed the interior of the stone ovum.

    It was strange. Gu Zuo unexpectedly felt that he could faintly see the shadow of the wondrous medicine inside. Although it wasn¡¯t that clear, he was more or less able to tell the silhouette.

    This silhouette appeared to be&#k2026;something that had leaves.

    Taking another look at the stone ovum¡¯s degree of luster, it was considered mid or high level. In other words, it most likely wasn¡¯t a dead ovum?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s knife tapped a certain spot that gave an empty sound. At that ce, Gu Zuo ¡°saw¡± the corresponding interior of that empty spot, and confirmed that this area had a gap in that wondrous medicine¡¯s shadow. His confidence in his own conjecture grew somewhat.

    Soon after, he followed along the silhouette of that ce, and carved down.

    Once a small crack in the stone ovum¡¯s outer shell was cut open, an extremely concentrated fragrance assaulted the senses. It wasn¡¯t known how many times stronger it becamepared to when the shell was intact.

    At once, a ray of splendor rushed out at great speeds, but it was swiftly intercepted by Gu Zuo¡¯s increased psychic power!

    Very quickly, Gu Zuo saw that this really was a nt. It possessed seven leafy des, and its entire body was like a piece of green jade. The entire nt had leaves, but itcked any flowers. While it was norger than the size of a palm, its form ebbed and flowed with the wind. It was exceedingly beautiful.

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°Big brother, this is Seven-ded Grass.¡±

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo also recognizes this?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Big brother hasn¡¯t read my item book since then. In Details of Ten Thousand Medicines, it recorded the names and pictures of many types of wondrous medicines. The previous Snowy-Jade Cicada is one type, and this Seven-ded Grass is another. It¡¯s just a pity that it doesn¡¯t talk about the specific medicinal effects. It also doesn¡¯t mention much information rted to stone ova.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s a pity.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded: ¡°If the system issued another mission, and gave me a canonical text about wondrous medicines...¡±

    [Side Mission: Collect forty-nine types of wondrous medicine.]

    [Mission Item: <<Canon of Wondrous Medicines>>]

    [Completion Method: Unrestricted.]

    [Completion Time: Within seven days.]

    [Failure Penalty: Deduction of one thousand strands of medicinal qi.]

    The words that Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t finished speaking came to a sudden halt.

    Tianheng startled: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo rolled his stiff neck with a couple cracks: ¡°Big brother, a mission came...¡±

    Tianheng was surprised: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo wore a helpless expression. Previously, he had asked the system for a mission, and the system actually gave him one. This time, when he mentioned that he wanted something, the system issued a relevant mission. He told Tianheng all about this matter.

    What confused him the most was that he said he wanted ¡°a canonical text about wondrous medicines¡±, and the item book that appeared in his storage space was called the Canon of Wondrous Medicines!

    When it came down to it, was this a coincidence, or...

    But at any rate, a failure meant a deduction of medicinal qi. Was it because he said that the system was very consideratest time?

    ¡ª If it was a real person, Gu Zuo would¡¯ve thought that this was a quarrel.

    Tianheng looked pensive.

    Though, he quickly responded: ¡°We¡¯ll investigate this matter in the future. Right now, can Ah Zuo take out that ancient text to browse through first?¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this was reasonable, andplied with his request.

    The next moment, an item book appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand. He flipped it open, and pulled Tianheng closer. They studied it together ¡ª Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to set his psychic power to keep an eye on their surroundings.

    The two of them thumbed through the item book one page at a time.

    Indeed, what this canonical text recorded was all rted to wondrous medicine. The contents were exceedingly detailed...

    A good whileter, the book was finally finished.

    Gu Zuo heaved a lengthy sigh: ¡°As it turns out, it¡¯s like this.¡±

    Besides the things that Tianheng, Shen Yuanbai, and the others mentioned, written down in the canonical text were many important points that they hadn¡¯t noticed.

    Most of all were the distinctive features of stone ova. The exnations were especially clear.

    From partial jade crystallization toplete jade crystallization, the longer that time passed, the more precious the object inside became. In addition, the formation of jade would be even more proper and whole. At the same time, if the stone ovum had tiny pores, the fragrance it exuded would be rich and full-bodied. The more a stone ovum crystallized, the weaker the fragrance it released. Once a stone ovumpletely transformed into jade, no matter how sharp the senses of the individual, there would be no way to detect the fragrance.

    Consequently, if a jade-quality stone ovum had wondrous medicine inside, not only would it have matured for a sufficient amount of time, its medicinal properties would¡¯ve been sealed well. Even after cutting it open, some jade-quality liquid would flow out. This liquid was condensed from the medicinal power of the wondrous medicine. Although it wasn¡¯tparable to the wondrous medicine itself, this liquid contained the quintessence of the medicinal properties, which was extremely valuable.

    ¡ª As such, if one encountered a jade-quality stone ovum, they needed to be incredibly careful during the incision process. The best course of action was to ce it inside a jade-quality vessel. This was to prevent the jade liquid from being contaminated or wasted when cutting the ovum open.

    Meanwhile, dead ova had two types of origins.

    The first type was one that had failed to be nurtured. After a stone ovum formed its stone shell, those tiny pores would absorb the impurities of the outside world, which negatively affected the interior. This caused the wondrous medicine to perish and waste away before it could take shape. Alternatively, this sort of wondrous medicine could only survive for a certain period of time. And during this time frame, if it didn¡¯t smoothly be a jade-quality stone ovum and seal up all of the medicinal properties, it would begin to rot due to excessive ripening.

    The second type was mostly due to a mistake in the nurturing direction. Positive energies weren¡¯t always found throughout a leyline. If someone died in that ce, yin qi, bloodlust, and other forms of resentment would umte. Thus, anything contained within a stone ovum produced there would naturally be tainted by these negative energies. Later on, it was possible that anything born would be an anomalous version of the wondrous medicine. It was also possible for it to be some fiendish object, or simply a puff of unformed, inauspicious air. If it was discovered when it was still an initial stone ovum that hadn¡¯t undergone any jade crystallization, then it was fine to destroy it directly. However, if many years had passed and it had turned into jade, then the thing inside would strengthen on its own. Once someone cut the ovum open, it would promptly jump out to stir up trouble!

    At the same time, the canonical text also stated that dead ova weren¡¯tpletely useless. Those that failed to be nurtured or were rotten didn¡¯t necessarilyck remnant medicinal properties. As for those that were nurtured in a mistaken direction, if one used their own blood to raise it, then it would automatically undergo another period of nurturing after absorbing the blood. Following this, the wondrous medicine would break out of the shell on its own. At that time, any hostility would be very small, and the thing inside the stone ovum would listen to the orders of the blood donor.

    When he read up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    This was saying that ¡°dead ova¡± was actually a manner of expression. It wasn¡¯t necessarily true that these things couldn¡¯t be used?

    Further below, the canonical text talked about the issue of the luster of a stone ovum.

    What Gu Zuo previously thought was half right and half wrong.

    Most of the time, the higher the degree of luster, the closer a stone ovum was to jade crystallization. As such, apart from dead ova, the more precious it would be. However, low luster could be due to insufficient jade crystallization or could be caused by the attribute of the wondrous medicine inside. One couldn¡¯t lump different matters together.

    In addition to this, the item book exined that a stone ovum¡¯s category and product grade weren¡¯t indistinguishable. While it was harder for martial artists, as far as pharmacists were concerned, it mainly depended on the sensitivity of their psychic power and their spiritual path realm ¡ª These two aspects were usually the same, with only a few exceptions. For example, Gu Zuo and his extraordinary potential.

    Normally, Nurturing Psyche Realm pharmacists were able to see an indistinct shadow inside a stone ovum. When pharmacists reached the Spirit Psyche Realm, so long as they concentrated their thoughts, they could see even more clearly. It was to the point that, if their realm was profound enough, it was entirely possible to see through the stone ovumpletely.

    A Spirit Psyche Realm pharmacist could sense whether the object inside a stone ovum was good or bad, normal or fiendish. When they used their psychic powers to envelop the stone ovum, if they feltfortable, the wondrous medicine was good. If they felt repelled, the thing was most likely wicked. And so on and so forth.

    After Gu Zuo finished reading, he was a little dizzy.

    Right now, he was ssified as a pharmacist who could ¡°see¡± the shadows inside a stone ovum. However, ones that were half-clear or utterly indistinct required him to strive his hardest to tell them apart. Putting it this way, was the quality of his psychic power almost as good as that of the Spirit Psyche Realm?

    For a moment, he couldn¡¯t help feeling somewhat at a loss. In the end, what kind of inner cultivation method did he practice? Also, what were the characteristics of the medicinal beads the system gave him? After they returned, he needed to investigate the matters rted to medicinal beads.

    At this time, Gu Zuo thought that he was a little slow on the uptake.

    He had been cultivating for so long, but he still hadn¡¯t taken notice of the precise positioning of his own medicinal beads. Back then, he only felt it was good that the system allowed him the chance to cultivate. His energy had been mainly focused on medicine refinement.

    It appeared that he needed to pay more attention to himself at present. Otherwise, while it didn¡¯t seem like there were any problems now, these vague areas could be hindrances to his development as his realm advanced.

    Just as he was thinking about this, Tianheng pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek. His big brother¡¯s tone carried a smiling expression: ¡°What¡¯s this? Does Ah Zuo think that he¡¯s going to lose, so he¡¯s going to renege on his debt?¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and obediently allowed himself to be pinched. He tilted his head up, and said: ¡°I¡¯m not thinking of backing out. I was just feeling that I had made some assumptions just now. But since the canonical text exined the method, I¡¯ll just differentiate the items first.¡±

    Tianhengughed as he rxed his fingers: ¡°Please, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo lightly coughed, and proceeded to identify the following stone ova one after another.

    First, he observed whether the surfaces had any tiny pores. Then, he divided the stone ova into a few batches ording to the degree of jade crystallization ¡ª Of course, his and his big brother¡¯s stone ova weren¡¯t ced together. Instead, their shares were divided separately.

    After that, from those with low to high crystallization, he sensed for medicinal fragrances, rotten odors, or nothing at all. The former was applicable to stone ova, but thetter two were indicative of dead ova. It was just that this method of distinction could only be applied to those that hadn¡¯tpleted the jade transformation process. It was pointless for ones that were entirely crystallized.

    In the end, he finally found all of the stone ova that were fully crystallized. After focusing his psychic power, he covered the stone ova to conduct an examination of the things inside ¡ª This kind of method used up a ratherrge amount of psychic power, so he only targeted the ones that werepletely jade. As such, he separated the ones that he sensed were good to one side, and the ones he sensed were bad to the other side.

    After he finished separating everything, Gu Zuo sighed in relief: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s done.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up, and he walked over: ¡°Then, what¡¯s the oue between this elder brother and Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo cleared his throat. He was a little proud of himself: ¡°Both sides have a total of twenty-three stone ova. There are five dead ova in my pile, and seven dead ova in big brother¡¯s pile.¡±

    Tianheng made a sound of affirmation. He raised an eyebrow, and asked: ¡°In that case, what are the product grades of the stone ova that are in good condition?¡±

    Gu Zuo was at a loss.

    The higher the jade transformation, the better. He had roughly divided things into four grades...

    Tianheng looked at him with a smile.

    Gu Zuo dragged it out as he replied: ¡°Among big brother¡¯s stone ova, there are three low jade-quality stone ova, two mid jade-quality stone ova, and five high jade-quality stone ova. The remaining six are all jade ova.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Then, how about Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent before he spoke: ¡°Five low jade-quality stone ova, three mid jade-quality stone ova, five high jade-quality stone ova, and five jade ova.¡±

    Tianheng restrained hisughter: ¡°So for this wager, who won and who lost?¡±

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too delighted as he opened his mouth: ¡°Based on the quantity of good stone ova, I won. Based on the quality of good stone ova... I lost.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was respectful: ¡°Then, is this considered a tie?¡±

    Gu Zuo really didn¡¯t wish it was a draw: ¡°I...¡±

    Ultimately, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help breaking out inughter. He reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair into a mess: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then we¡¯ll calcte it separately. Ah Zuo won and lost, but I also won and lost. Therefore ¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined. He lifted his head to look at his big brother.

    Tianheng gave a slight smile: ¡°After we go back, this elder brother will find some time to apany Ah Zuo to go shopping. When we return, Ah Zuo will keep my bed warm at night. For that whole day, you and I will properly rest and rx. How is that?¡±

    A smile immediately spread across Gu Zuo¡¯s whole face: ¡°Great! Then, do you agree to this?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°I agree.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was iparably happy.

    This time¡¯s wager was practically a double steal!

    After that, he spoke with contentment: ¡°Let¡¯s continue to find stone ova! This harvest really has been very good!¡±

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s happiness, and his gaze was gentle and soft: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hence, the two conscientiously proceeded to find stone ova.

    This stone tree was truly enormous. Obviously, the group of people split into four pairs and searched in four directions, but none of them bumped into each other while looking around.

    Time passed quickly. With almost two days, Gu Zuo and Tianheng managed to find lots of stone ova, all of which were collected into the storage space. However, for the sake of saving his psychic power, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t differentiate these stone ova one at a time. Regardless of whether there were good stone ova or dead ova, everything was put in the same ce.

    Later on, they traversed an expansive branch that stretched for over a thousand meters, and dropped to the ground on the other side.

    At this time, even Tianheng, whose luck far surpassed that of the ordinary person, and Gu Zuo, whose psychic power was meticulous and exquisite, failed to find a single stone ovum after nearly two hours.

    Although it couldn¡¯t be said that this stone tree didn¡¯t have any more stone ova, it showed that things might improve if they switched to a different environment and changed their states of mind.

    After jumping down from the other side of the tree, Gu Zuo leaned on Tianheng¡¯s back, and happened to see that Shen n younger generation in the middle offorting a pharmacist ¡ª It wasn¡¯t Shen Yuanbai, but rather his n member.

    Once that Shen n member saw the two of them, his face revealed a bitter smile.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t familiar with him.

    But since everyone arrived together, one couldn¡¯t help but be concerned during an encounter, right? As a result, Gu Zuo adjusted his expression, and walked over using a type of reserved yet not indifferent attitude. He opened his mouth and inquired: ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    The Shen n younger generation shook his head, and sighed: ¡°It went rather smoothly at the start. We killed several Earth Worms and found some stone ova. However, around a certain cluster of branches, that Earth Worm appeared too quickly. Just before Brother He killed it, and though I did my best to grab it, I still allowed that Earth Worm to...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 367 - Cracked Psychic Core

    <h4>Chapter 367 - Cracked Psychic Core</h4>

    It sounded like their luck was wasn¡¯t good.

    This younger generation of the Shen n was also part of the direct line of descent. He was called Shen Yuanxu. He was Shen Yuanbai¡¯s cousin, and possessed the aptitudes of an exceptional genius. Although he wasn¡¯t as outrageous as Shen Yuanbai, who made people wonder if he was just an exceptional genius or an actual prodigy, he was hardworking and diligent. Presently, at the age of twenty-eight or twenty-nine, he was already a high Atomic Realm.

    Shen Yuanxu¡¯s personal pharmacist, He Meng, had earth-level potential, and his spiritual path realm was at the Core Psyche Realm. Growing up together, he was patient and experienced. He also had a good understanding of wondrous medicine. As a result, among the descendants of this generation of the Shen n who could enter the leyline, while the two of them weren¡¯t obligatory choices, they were still among the top candidates, and not many had any objections about it.

    Previously, the pair cooperated well on the stone tree. Compared to the stone dragons and corals, where not a single stone ovum was obtained, they quickly found a handful in this location. Even if only one was good and the others were all dead ova, it was worth it. Thus, they worked even harder, and He Meng focused even more psychic power.

    Unfortunately, because He Meng was young and was caught up in the momentary excitement, he didn¡¯t withdraw his psychic power in time after encountering an Earth Worm, and was pounced on head-first by that creature!

    Although, Shen Yuanxu immediately went to block it, they were separated by a distance of ten to twenty feet. Shen Yuanxu¡¯s movements were fast, but the Earth Worm was faster. The instant it pounced on the psychic power, that tail stinger was already sweeping out like a whip ¡ª It instantaneously pierced into the space between He Meng¡¯s brows!

    At that very moment, Shen Yuanxu promptly reached out a hand, grabbed the Earth Worm¡¯s body, and exerted all of his strength to throw it off. But despite doing this, because the tail stinger had already impaled the Tianfu Acupoint, the psychic power inside had been absorbed till there was practically nothing left. Even that psychic core was just about ready to shatter!

    In the end, He Meng was a calm and cool-headed person. When he discovered that his own psychic core was beginning to sting, he immediately erupted with a st of surging psychic power. No matter what the Earth Worm absorbed, the protected psychic core wasn¡¯t devoured. But after Shen Yuanxu caught that Earth Worm, He Meng wasn¡¯t able to hold on any longer. Out of self-preservation, he sank into unconsciousness.

    There was nothing Shen Yuanxu could do. He could only carry He Meng, and leave the stone tree. Then, he came to this side to settle down. Later on, he saw Gu Zuo descend the stone tree, and went through this question-and-answer session just now.

    Gu Zuo listened, and felt that it was a great pity.

    In fact, if the distance between the pharmacist and Earth Worm had been far, there wouldn¡¯t have been any need to worry about the creature¡¯s mandibles biting into his psychic power. The amount it devoured would¡¯ve been limited to what had been released, leaving him with only some damage. What was truly horrible was that the Earth Worm pounced on He Meng ¡ª In other words, the distance was very close. As its mandibles bit into his psychic power, its tail stinger directly stabbed into the space between his eyebrows!

    The Earth Worm¡¯s devouring speed would¡¯ve increased a hundred fold. In a single breath, it would¡¯ve been capable of copsing a pharmacist¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint till ¡°brain death¡±.

    Back then, Shen Yuanxu¡¯s luck hadn¡¯t run out. His arrival was just in the nick of time. This was because, after an Earth Worm¡¯s stinger pierced a pharmacist¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint, its whole body would be insubstantial due to psychic power. At that time, how could a martial artist use their physical body to grab onto the worm? Fortunately, Shen Yuanxu reacted swiftly. The moment the Earth Worm stabbed its tail stinger into He Meng¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint, he grabbed the creature and pulled it out. If he hadn¡¯t done this, there wouldn¡¯t have been only cracks appearing on He Meng¡¯s psychic core. Instead, his psychic core would¡¯ve been directly consumed, and He Meng would¡¯ve perished.

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°Then, what will you do now?¡±

    Shen Yuanxu shook his head: ¡°I can only wait. Brother He is currently in the middle of operating his inner cultivation method to replenish the psychic power inside his Tianfu Acupoint. For the time being, he can preserve his psychic core and prevent the cracks from expanding. It¡¯s just that...¡±

    Gu Zuo understood his meaning.

    It was just that He Meng¡¯s slow recovery of his psychic power couldn¡¯tpare to the speed of the widening cracks. As such, this was a futile effort. At this rate, He Meng¡¯s ¡°death¡± was only a matter of time.

    Although Gu Zuo had witnessed many deaths sinceing to this world, this didn¡¯t mean that he liked to watch the constant passing of life. Most of all, this was an acquaintance.

    But even Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t do anything about it because, in this world, there wasn¡¯t anyone capable of refining medicine that could heal psychic cores... As for the issue of psychic power, one could only rely on psychic power to resolve it.

    ¡ª Eh? That was wrong!

    Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something.

    Just at this time, several figures quickly shed over.

    Shen Yuanbai, Lan Wenxi, and their pharmacists hade here, too.

    Upon seeing He Meng lying on the ground, Shen Yuanbai spoke in a cold voice: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Shen Yuanxu had a pained look on his face as he told the others what he had just said to Gu Zuo. Soon after, he spoke with regret and loss: ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. If I had been closer to him, this tragedy wouldn¡¯t have happened.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.

    As martial artists, they had to be very careful about selecting their personal pharmacists. As a result, they often had many candidates who needed to go through a long trial-run to be chosen ¡ª It was better to let the candidate pharmacists mutually restrict one another than to fully trust a single pharmacist among them.

    Shen Yuanxu was able to grow up with He Meng, and they had be friends who went through life and death together. This matter was very hard for him. Right now, He Meng was on the verge of losing his life because Shen Yuanxu couldn¡¯te to the rescue in time. Shen Yuanxu¡¯s heart was naturally filled with guilt and shame.

    When confronted with his older cousin¡¯s displeasure, he couldn¡¯t help lowering his head.

    Lan Wenxi faintly shook his head: ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to feel guilty. Brother Shen Yuanxu, the top priority is for you to bring Brother He out of this ce, and to let Brother He cultivate properly. Don¡¯t focus on how thisnd only limits a martial artist¡¯s internal qi. There are unseen influences on pharmacists as well ¡ª When a pharmacist¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint is stable, it¡¯s naturally easy to deal with. But once the Tianfu Acupoint is jolted and the primordial spirit is about to shatter, the longer one remains here, the faster it¡¯ll copse.¡±

    Shen Yuanxu loosened a sigh: ¡°Yes, I know. Many thanks for the reminder, Brother Lan.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai also said: ¡°As it should be. Leave quickly! You can¡¯t stay here for much longer!¡±

    Shen Yuanxu bade farewell to the others, and gripped the Gate Opening Pearl.

    Although this object required a pharmacist to open to it whening inside, it was fortunate that a martial artist could also use it when leaving. Otherwise, Shen Yuanxu would¡¯ve had to die alongside He Meng in this ce.

    The Gate Opening Pearl instantly shined with a stunning, red light. In the time it took to blink, Shen Yuanxu and He Meng both disappeared from their original locations.

    All of a sudden, the journeying group of eight had decreased by two. This caused the couple of pharmacists who had been happily looking for stone ova to feel a mist of shadow creeping over their hearts.

    Gu Zuo was a little worried, while the other two shivered.

    If they were also pounced on by Earth Worms... Right away, everyone increased their vignce, and didn¡¯t dare to be the least bitcent.

    Shen Yuanbai spoke: ¡°Keep moving forward.¡±

    Originally, Gu Zuo had already jumped down from Tianheng¡¯s back. At this moment, he pressed closer to Tianheng, and reached out a hand to grab the other¡¯s wrist.

    Tianheng tilted his head, and gave a faint smile to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly became much more smooth and steady. He thought it over, and talked to Shen Yuanbai about the words he didn¡¯t have enough time to share with Shen Yuanxu: ¡°Brother Shen, I¡¯ve heard that, among the various kinds of wondrous medicine, there are several that can mend the Tianfu Acupoint and restore the psychic core...¡±

    Just a moment ago, Gu Zuo recalled this point.

    Perhaps it was because wondrous medicines were born from leylines, and were different from other medicinal ingredients. After being buried underground and nurtured for countless years, they underwent many strange and magical changes, which gave rise to even more fantastical effects.

    Pharmacists really had no way to refine medicines that could boost one¡¯s psychic power. When they took medicinal pills, they could only use ones that purely supplemented their qi. However, among the wondrous medicines, there really were a few that shared a rtionship with psychic power.

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s footsteps came to a halt: ¡°Pharmacist Gu knows which types?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Flowing-Tassel Hearts, Immacte Bamboo, Hundred-Dew Vines...¡±

    As he thought back on what he read in Canon of Wondrous Medicines, he recited each and every wondrous medicine written inside that was rted to the restoration of psychic power. Overall, while there were dozens of types that were rted to psychic power in and of itself, there were only seven or eight that could correctly treat He Meng¡¯s situation.

    When Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi finished listening, they looked at Gu Zuo with gazes that flickered with a trace ofplex emotions.

    This person¡¯s knowledge was truly extraordinary.

    As expected, the luck of a pharmacist with heaven-level potential was exceptionally good.

    Actually, everyrge organization had specialized introductions in the field of wondrous medicine. However, based on the timing that Gu Zuo joined Ten Ultimates Sect, he shouldn¡¯t have learned about this so quickly.

    Thus, the only possibility was that he had a fortuitous encounter.

    Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi viewed Gu Zuo in this way, so it was only natural that they regarded him with special respect.

    Shen Yuanbai said: ¡°Within Heavenly Martial Sect, there are some introductions to wondrous medicine. Merely, I hadn¡¯t read through all of them back then, so I don¡¯t know these names.¡± He sighed, ¡°There should be a few of these types of wondrous medicine kept in the sect, but these wondrous medicines are extremely precious. A pharmacist who isn¡¯t valued with great importance wouldn¡¯t be able to get them. Based on He Meng¡¯s aptitude, he can¡¯t acquire them. If we want to treat him, we can only take advantage of the present opportunity and keep looking. At that time, if we can find one or two, we can save him.¡±

    Gu Zuo also felt that there was no other alternative.

    He exchanged nces with Tianheng, and reached a consensus. Then, he said: ¡°The matter of Brother He is enough to make anyone wring their wrists in worry. As a fellow pharmacist, this Gu can sympathize. Since it¡¯s like this, once this trip ends, and if there are any of those wondrous medicines inside this Gu¡¯s stone ova, it¡¯ll be yielded to Brother He.¡±

    A hint of a happy expression shed in Shen Yuanbai¡¯s eyes. Shortly thereafter, he said: ¡°Many thanks for this kindness, Pharmacist Gu. This Shen will certainly exchange it for a wondrous medicine of equal or higher value. As for whether we can really save him... That¡¯ll be up to Brother He¡¯s fate.¡±

    Lan Wenxi smiled and said: ¡°If I find these wondrous medicines, I also won¡¯t forget about my senior sect brother. At that time, senior sect brother must give me the best, or I won¡¯t trade.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai swept a nce over him, and coldly harrumphed.

    Lan Wenxi didn¡¯t take it seriously, and only raised an eyebrow.

    At this moment, Tianheng also spoke: ¡°Since we¡¯vee to a decision, let¡¯s start looking right away.¡±

    Gu Zuo agreed at once: ¡°We need to be more meticulous this time.¡±

    Hence, after everyone came to that decision, they moved out, and divided into the same pairs as before.

    They searched the entire way, and didn¡¯t leave any nearby ces unexplored. Every time they encountered a giant stone tree, they went to climb it and carefully looked around. The vignce in each person¡¯s heart was much higher than when they first came in.

    This leyline would remain open for only seven days.

    Within these seven days, if the Gate Opening Pearls weren¡¯t stimted to bring themselves out, then they would have no choice but to stay in the leyline and wait for their own deaths ¡ª After all, this leyline only opened once every ten thousand years. Even if it was a Lesser Emperor Realm martial artist, the person¡¯s lifespan would only be 9,900 years. It didn¡¯t break through ten thousand at all.

    The group of people searched with rapt attention in this way until the sixth day silently arrived.

    There was still one and a half days before the leyline was sealed again.

    Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat.

    They had been traveling for a long while. This time around, they came across extremely small numbers of martial artists, but everyone¡¯s main goal was to harvest stone ova. As a result, after ncing at the other party, they hurriedly left. Basically no conflicts urred ¡ª Wasting so much avable time on fighting definitely wasn¡¯t worth it! As for those who wanted to rob others, some did exist. However, did the person they wanted to rob find any stone ova? How many stone ova did they find? If there were such dys, perhaps in the end, not only wouldn¡¯t they be able to snatch any stone ova, they would instead be stolen from. That would be the height of stupidity.

    Therefore, when the group noticed some people far away, they didn¡¯t pay too much attention.

    The martial artists probably put some thought into taking precautions, but more energy was focused on searching for stone ova.

    Yet, this incident wasn¡¯t as simple as they thought.

    The astonishing thing was that those people were unexpectedly fighting each other!

    Not only were the martial artists locked in closebat, even the pharmacists were releasing substantiated psychic powers!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 368 - As the Dragon Turns, the Earth Quakes

    <h4>Chapter 368 - As the Dragon Turns, the Earth Quakes</h4>

    After discovering this situation, Shen Yuanbai and the others swiftly reacted, and gathered together.

    Gongyi Tianheng tugged Gu Zuo¡¯s forearm: ¡°Ah Zuo, stay close.¡±

    Gu Zuo solemnly nodded his head: ¡°I know, big brother.¡±

    The group put down what they were doing, and focused their gazes to look in the direction of the fighting.

    In that ce, both sides had around five or six people. The battle was incredibly fierce and cruel. Martial artistsnded punches and blows upon one another¡¯s flesh, while the psychic powers of pharmacists were substantiated into sabers, spears, swords, and halberds, which shed with sonorous ringing. From time to time, a portion of a person¡¯s ¡°de¡± would be cut down, and instantly dissipate. As for the pharmacist whose psychic power was cut down, theirplexion would be somewhat unsightly.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s attention fell onto one of the girls.

    At this moment, this youngdy with slender, silken-white hands flowed around and evaded her opponent¡¯s attacks like a butterfly weaving its way through the flowers. However, if someone with discerning eyes went to watch, they would realize that there were a few times when she didn¡¯t directly confront the other person. Whenever a sh urred, her tempo would be thrown off, causing her to alternate herposition once more to slowly deal with it.

    This youngdy was precisely the Ice Phoenix Goddess, Mu Baizhi.

    She had always been cold and dignified, but it wasn¡¯t known why she was fighting others this time around.

    A hint of a strange look shed across Gu Zuo¡¯s expression.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess was obviously a prodigy. However, after her internal qi was restricted, although the physical strength she disyed here was much stronger than that of ordinary martial artists, it was vastly weaker whenpared to Tianheng and other prodigies.

    Could it be that she had abandoned physical strength, and set her mind on cultivating martial skills and ultimate knowledge?

    Gu Zuo nced at the people who apanied the Ice Phoenix Goddess.

    Although that girl with a clear and exquisiteplexion was a pharmacist, her movements and actions were devastating. That enormous horse-chopping saber was waved through the air, and unleashed a sharp sound that cleaved the void. In addition, there was the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ older brother, Mu Baiyue. While he appeared refined in manner, his physical body was incredibly strong. With his every move, he emitted a tremendous suppressive might ¡ª Compared to actual prodigies, such a physical body wasn¡¯t the least bit inferior!

    For some reason, Gu Zuo thought that the feelings this pair of siblings gave others were very strange.

    After shaking his head, he tamped down on this odd feeling.

    ...In any case, this was other people¡¯s business.

    Once Lan Wenxi saw what was happening, his brows tightly furrowed: ¡°Mu Baiyue, what the hell are you doing?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Hearing this tone of voice, it looked like this wasn¡¯t merely a ¡°tentative friendship¡±.

    Shen Yuanbai seemed to realize something. At this moment, he inly said: ¡°If you want to help, let¡¯s figure out what caused this first.¡±

    Lan Wenxi, who was originally wearing an unbridled expression, became dignified: ¡°In this ce, there are certainly reasons foring to blows. Senior sect brother, why don¡¯t we go over to have a look?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai didn¡¯t answer him. Instead, he looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°This one is interested as well.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I¡¯ll follow my big brother¡¯s lead.¡±

    At this point, the remaining two pharmacists could only obey the will of the majority. After this, the group quickly travelled to the ce where the fighting had broken out.

    Before long, the group of people drew closer.

    Gu Zuo and the others didn¡¯t recognize the other party. When they were in Maple Forest Ruins, they also didn¡¯t see this group. Presumably, these were people who had entered the leyline from another entrance. The Ice Phoenix Goddess originally journeyed with three others, but now, two more people were fighting alongside them. In all likelihood, they encountered one another afterwards and joined forces.

    The fighting between both sides was intense. It was as if they wanted to bury their opponents in the ground. From what Gu Zuo could see, the other party¡¯sprehensive strength was about the same as that of the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯panions. As a result, everyone was in a deadlock, and there was a possibility that neither side would win.

    Noticing that some people wereing over, the Ice Phoenix Goddess flew back in retreat, and swiftly flitted her gaze over those people. When she saw Gongyi Tianheng, her eyes brightened slightly: ¡°Brother Gongyi, please lend a hand!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He wouldn¡¯t rashly take action. Instead, he unhurriedly said: ¡°I don¡¯t share any enmity with these people. If I get involved without careful consideration, I¡¯m afraid that it would be inappropriate.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart rxed.

    Right. Who knew what background the other side might¡¯ve had? Helping someone, who basically amounted to a stranger, to get rid of another party ¡ª Clearly, something wasn¡¯t right! Moreover, that Ice Phoenix Goddess hadn¡¯t fallen into circumstances of certain death. She asked his big brother to take action with red lips and white teeth. She didn¡¯t even make a single remark of there being arge reward to express her gratitude. Wasn¡¯t this an empty-handed ploy to steal a white wolf? Who was she taking for a fool?

    A trace of unhappiness shed across the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ beautiful features. Immediately following which, she said: ¡°This Ice Phoenix Goddess earnestly requests that the prodigy of a higher sectes to my aid. These people aren¡¯t affiliated with the higher sect. I hope that Prodigy Gongyi will give some thought to the feelings of an old friend!¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This was still the intention of stealing a white wolf!

    It was one thing if such a matter could be handled with the flip of a hand, but who wasn¡¯t aware that there were consequences to one¡¯s actions? In addition, what was the point of ying the friendship card in this leyline, which restricted one¡¯s internal qi?

    The light in Tianheng¡¯s eyes became faintly cold.

    Meanwhile, a wisp of killing intent flickered in Shen Yuanbai¡¯s eyes. As for Lan Wenxi, his smile curled into a sneer. He nced at Mu Baiyue, who was still in the middle of a bitter struggle. When he swept another look at the Ice Phoenix Goddess, a sliver of hatred arose in his heart.

    Even those two pharmacists furrowed their brows.

    These actions and words of the Ice Phoenix Goddess truly left them discontented.

    At this time, Mu Baiyue suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°If these gentlemen are willing to lend a hand, this Mu will share the information we acquired with everyone. In addition, each of us will give two stone ova in return!¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess appeared anxious: ¡°Elder brother ¡ª¡±

    The space between the quiet and exquisite girl¡¯s brows overflowed with heat. As she fought against her opponent, she spoke with a cold scoff: ¡°When asking for help, it¡¯s only natural to pay them back. This goddess still doesn¡¯t want to reveal too much.¡± Once she finished saying that, she shouted in a loud voice, ¡°Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s words are our words. I ask that these sirse to our aid! We won¡¯t be able to thank you enough!¡±

    When Mu Baiyue and the quiet and exquisite girl spoke like this, Shen Yuanbai and the others¡¯plexions improved somewhat.

    They considered what the other party said just now, and suddenly sensed some things ¡ª Information? What information was specially worth mentioning now?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help looking at the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ enemies, and discovered that this group of six was already positioned to fight with everything they had. But if a person observed more carefully, one would realize that, while they openly fought as if their lives depended on it, there was a hidden tendency of wanting to run away.

    It looked like the reason why these two sides fought was due to that ¡°information¡±?

    Tianheng said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we should lend a helping hand.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi¡¯s footsteps sped up, and they swiftly appeared near the members of both parties. These two martial artists showed up on the left and right of the battlefield, sealing all escape routes ¡ª Of course, anything that Gu Zuo was capable of noticing was naturally noticed by experienced veterans like them. As such, they immediately made preparations.

    Soon after, the group joined the battle.

    Gu Zuo and the other two pharmacists stood at the outer circle of the battlefield. Their psychic powers burst forth, materialized, and dashed into the fights between the two sides¡¯ pharmacists!

    Very quickly, the couple of oing weapons unleashed their might. All of a sudden, these weapons smashed apart the tenuous and perilous bnce.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng and the other two martial artists joined the inner circle. Likewise, the winds of victory started to blow in favor of Mu Baiyue¡¯s side.

    Those who had the advantage in numbers rapidly made their moves. Like stormy winds and torrential rains, the ferocity of the battle was without equal ¡ª Finally, once all of thebatants on the other side were rendered unconscious, they stopped and withdrew.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess motioned at the pharmacist by her side.

    That pharmacist grasped arge saber in his hand, and walked towards the six unconscious enemies. He crudely smashed their skulls into a viscous paste one by one. There wasn¡¯t even enough time for these six people to let out pain-filled screams before they lost their lives.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    These actions were quite ruthless... But when he looked at his family¡¯s big brother, he found that Tianheng¡¯s expression was at ease.

    Alright. It actually wasn¡¯t strange. It seemed that these people were aware of the same information. It went without saying that one side would want to get rid of the other side. His big brother and the others only knocked them out, but didn¡¯t take the initiative to kill anyone. This was probably the willingness of ¡°lending a hand¡±. No one genuinely wanted to help them eliminate their enemies.

    After those six people were killed, the Ice Phoenix Goddess and her party came over to express their gratitude: ¡°Many thanks foring to help, gentlemen.¡±

    That quiet and exquisite girl had already taken the lead to bring out several stone ova and hand them over: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Mu and I will each take out two stone ova as an expression of our gratitude.¡±

    After that, a pair of beautiful eyes turned around, and looked towards the other four people ¡ª This was an urging signal.

    At this moment, the Ice Phoenix Goddess appeared to have adjusted herself, and hinted to the pharmacist at her side: ¡°Take out four stone ova.¡±

    This pharmacist did as instructed. He brought out four ashen-white objects, and simrly handed them over.

    Thest two people were unwilling in their hearts.

    Among them, the shorter and smaller one spoke discontentedly: ¡°The two of us didn¡¯t agree beforehand, so why do we have to...¡±

    The taller and bigger one was simrly reluctant, but when faced with the attentive gazes of this many people, his fingers still hesitatingly rummaged around the inside of his sleeve.

    The quiet and exquisite girl sneered: ¡°Just a while ago, you guys were looking for people to rescue you. But now that you¡¯ve been saved, you startining. This kind of temperament... No wonder you and ¡ª Hah!¡±

    Her gaze swept over the Ice Phoenix Goddess at lightning speed. Then, she immediately retracted it.

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ eyes shed with several indiscernible, obscure lights. Shortly thereafter, the wind was gentle and the clouds were mild. It was as if she didn¡¯t hear anything.

    Mu Baiyue slowly opened his mouth: ¡°Time is running out. If you guys don¡¯t want to be left behind, you need to settle this matter as soon as possible.¡±

    Theplexions of the tall and short duo trembled. The stone ova were swiftly taken out, and handed over.

    At first nce, it was hard to distinguish whether these stone ova were good or bad. It also wasn¡¯t a smart idea to pick them without looking carefully. Hence, Gu Zuo and the other two pharmacists stepped forward to receive the stone ova offered by each person separately.

    The stone ova that Gu Zuo took were the ones given by that quiet and exquisite girl. After taking them, he made a reserved motion to her.

    The quiet and exquisite girl¡¯s attitude towards Gu Zuo was considered pretty good. There weren¡¯t any of those taunts or disdainingments that she made whenever she mentioned the Ice Phoenix Goddess: ¡°After this, we¡¯ll tell you guys the information.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head and said: ¡°We¡¯ll listen with respectful attention.¡±

    Off to the side, once the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ line of sight flitted across Shen Yuanbai and the others, it stopped on Tianheng. As her sight moved away again, her breathing changed slightly. However, this change onlysted for a split second before returning to normal.

    Following this, she unexpectedly opened her vermillion-red lips, and spoke before the others: ¡°This information was obtained by ident. I¡¯ll inform these gentlemen in a moment, but I also hope that everyone will journey together with us following this...¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t respond. Among these martial artists, he was the youngest. He moved sideways to stand with Gu Zuo, and waited for the group toe to a decision.

    Shen Yuanbai was the oldest. At this time, he spoke in a low voice: ¡°For the time being, let¡¯s see whether this information is worth it.¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess paused. It looked like she also knew that this wouldn¡¯t be amitment made in advance. She lightly sighed, andpliantly talked about the matter: ¡°We became aware of it just recently. Originally, every hundred thousand years, the dragon of this leyline will turn over and the earth will quake. And every time this urs, those wondrous medicines, which wouldn¡¯t be born for a hundred thousand years, will gather at the head of the earth dragon, and emerge from the ground...¡±

    ording to what the Ice Phoenix Goddess said, they unexpectedly heard this from the mouth of a pharmacist. That pharmacist only spat out this information after losing a fight and being constantly tortured by another party. The Ice Phoenix Goddess and her group arrived toote, and couldn¡¯t save that pharmacist. They had no choice but to chase and kill those evil people who tortured the pharmacist.

    Of course, if it wasn¡¯t for the assistance of Tianheng and the others, it would¡¯ve been hard to confirm whether the ones to perish were them or the evil people.

    As a result, they finally smashed those people¡¯s heads. Besides wanting to prevent the information of the earthquake from spreading to too many people, the bigger reason was still for the sake of getting revenge for that pharmacist.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Only a few people would trust this manner of speaking.

    But regardless of whether people trusted it or not, it was fine so long as the information was real... Right?

    Indeed, Shen Yuanbai and the others didn¡¯t pay attention to the truthfulness within this story. No one was familiar with one another, so it was even less likely for any thoughts of checking the truth to exist.

    After the Ice Phoenix Goddess spun her tale, what they cared about was only the authenticity of this information about the ¡°turning dragon and quaking earth¡±.

    Lan Wenxi spoke with malicious intent: ¡°How do we know that you aren¡¯t trying to deceive us with lies?¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess furrowed her brows with indifference: ¡°Because I invited everyone to journey together just now. You¡¯ll know if what I said is true or false once you go.¡±

    On that side, Mu Baiyue slightly shook his head. His eyes seemed to carry a somewhat defeated and helpless expression.

    Fortunately, Lan Wenxi didn¡¯t bother about this matter. He turned around, and discussed things with Shen Yuanbai, Tianheng, and the others.

    Shen Yuanbai said: ¡°If this is real, we can¡¯t miss this opportunity.¡±

    Tianheng also spoke: ¡°Even if it¡¯s fake, we should take a look around.¡±

    Everyone here was an intelligent person. There was no need to waste too much time making a decision. Martial artists were always striving to reach the top. In order to obtain the final benefits, any valuable information was worth investigating.

    It was clear that this matter was more likely to be true. As such, traveling together was the inevitable choice.

    Gu Zuo simply asked: ¡°Then, shall we go?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and said: ¡°We¡¯ll go.¡±

    After settling this, several people turned around and gave a response.

    Shen Yuanbai stated: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll proceed to the dragon¡¯s head together.¡±

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess gently nodded her beautiful head: ¡°Gentlemen, please follow us.¡±

    Mu Baiyue and Lan Wenxi nced at each other¡¯s faces. Immediately following that, they acted as if they were strangers, and shifted away their lines of sight.

    This spectacle was seen by Gu Zuo.

    Wanting to conceal a friendship with Mu Baiyue... Things were getting stranger and stranger.

    Because there wasn¡¯t much remaining time, the present group of twelve people was hurriedly dashing to another location.

    Gu Zuo rested his body against Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s back, and listened to the sound of the whistling wind blowing past his ears. He only felt that this speed was truly fast. Compared to Shen Yuanbai, Lan Wenxi, and the others, Tianheng wasn¡¯t the least bit slower!

    At the moment, basically all of the pharmacists were being carried away by their martial artists ¡ª Either under the armpit, over the shoulder, or through other methods of carrying. This included the Ice Phoenix Goddess, Mu Baizhi. Granted that her physical body was the weakest among all the martial artists here, she was still stronger than a pharmacist. She had no option but to extend a hand, grab the cor of the pharmacist who had been following her the entire time, and tightly hang on to the tail-end of this hastened procession.

    Gu Zuo asionally turned his head to take a look. Through the boundless winds and waves, he could see a tempest-like gloom condensing on Mu Baizhi¡¯s forehead.

    Sure enough, she wasn¡¯t really that kind of clear and cold fairy.

    At any rate, this instance of rushing took more than half a day.

    Although it required the Gate Opening Pearls to stimte the giant pearls overhead to brighten and illuminate the interior of the leyline, there was practically no distinction between day and night. However, what kind of faculty of memory did everyone have? Naturally, they could perceive that it was already close to midnight. The day of the leyline¡¯s sealing was less than twenty-four hours away!

    Thus, they brooked no dys. If they wanted to get a piece of the action during the earthquake, they needed to move with all haste!

    Gradually, those countless stone forests, coral reefs, dragons, and beasts became sparse and infrequent. Among them, the enormous stone trees were already long gone. What remained were heaps upon heaps of rubble-like mountains. It wasn¡¯t known what forms these rocks were piled to create, but it would cause people to scratch their heads in confusion. One would feel somewhat dizzy after looking at these structures for long enough.

    The group came to a halt.

    Shen Yuanbai observed their surroundings, and inquired: ¡°Is this the ce?¡±

    Mu Baiyue said: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Gu Zuo sensed surges of warmth bubbling up in all directions.

    At this moment, the Ice Phoenix Goddess also arrived. Just then, Mu Baizhi said: ¡°When the dragon turns, the earth shall quake. The dragon¡¯s head pours forth a dragon¡¯s breath, and the surroundingnds shall be set ame... That pharmacist said exactly this.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai and the others weren¡¯t concerned about any codes or hidden jargon within these words. It was enough to know that this ce was their destination. However, they didn¡¯t see any sights that resembled a dragon overturning the earth in this ce ¡ª What was going on?

    The Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ gaze looked all around.

    Then, Gu Zuo suddenly felt the hairs on his body stand up. It was as if he perceived a strong sense of danger. He couldn¡¯t help calling out softly: ¡°Big brother, be careful ¡ª¡±

    Be careful of what?

    He didn¡¯t know what they had to be careful of, but that sense of crisis was impossible to shake off. It made him blurt this out!

    Immediately following this, the other pharmacists reacted simultaneously. Each of them used a hand to cover the space between their brows, and started to rapidly size up their surroundings. Their bodies were drenched with a cold sweat, and their lips faintly quivered: ¡°Be careful, be careful...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was deep and low: ¡°Ah Zuo, hold me tightly.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedlyplied: ¡°Big brother, I feel like something must be wrong.¡±

    The mental states of Shen Yuanbai, Lan Wenxi, Mu Baiyue, and the other martial artists were stretched taut.

    What the hell was happening ¡ª

    The next moment, everyone couldn¡¯t stop a chill from running down their spines.

    Amid the mountainous heaps of rubble nearby, countless Earth Worms of iparable bulk abruptly shot out! Every single one of these creatures was as thick as a water vat and almost fifty meters long! Their mandibles were sinister, and their tail stingers were sharp. It was incredibly scary!

    At this time, it seemed like these creatures had encountered some kind of horrifying tribtion, and were in the middle of fleeing for their lives and darting all over the ce!

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°The Earth Worms are going to go out of control!¡±

    The others were apprehensive.

    It wasn¡¯t that the creatures were about to go mad. The Earth Worms had already gone mad!

    Everyone swiftly reacted.

    They absolutely couldn¡¯t let the Earth Worms encircle them. Otherwise, even if the martial artists weren¡¯t killed, their skin and flesh would be littered with bite wounds. This definitely wasn¡¯t a rxing matter. As for the pharmacists, it was even more perilous. If they weren¡¯t careful, they could be pounced on by these Earth Worms. It wouldn¡¯t take a second for them to be sucked dry and perish!

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo, and rose up in one bound. Then, he climbed up a huge boulder in the area. They needed to jump high to evade the attacks of some Earth Worms that burrowed through the ground.

    Gu Zuo was uneasy.

    This many worms... They resembled pythons, but were uglier than pythons. Ah, they looked disgusting!

    The rest of the group were mostly searching for ces to huddle down and to handle their own matters.

    But shortly following that, something else happened that caused everyone to widen their eyes.

    Rumble, rumble ¡ª

    The mountainousnd swayed and shook. The ground split open, revealing numerous, giant cracks. Many of the Earth Worms were swallowed inside. Soon after, several stony mountains copsed, and huge boulders rolled down their sides. All of a sudden, within the earthen cracks and ruptured mountains, rivers of scarlet-red magma burst forth. It seemed like the terrifying temperatures could melt stone!

    This region, which was originally a panorama of stone, transformed into an ocean ofva in the blink of an eye!

    ¡°Quick, avoid it!¡±

    ¡°Split up and escape ¡ª¡±

    Everyone didn¡¯t have enough time to say anything more to the others. They all leaped out, and fled from countless, falling stones that had yet to shatter into smaller rocks. Many times, as soon as they stepped on one chunk, that boulder would crumble. Other times, just as they departed one area, that ce would be immediately engulfed inva.

    On Tianheng¡¯s face, there wasn¡¯t a smiling expression any longer, but he was still incredibly cool-headed. He observed many boulders that wereparatively sturdy, and jumped.

    Gu Zuo firmly clung to Tianheng¡¯s body. He didn¡¯t want to increase the burden on his big brother, but he still blurted out a sentence: ¡°So this is what it meant by the earth dragon turning over...¡±

    As it turned out, it was this kind of turning!

    He had thought it had already happened before they got there!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 369 - Lightning Strikes

    <h4>Chapter 369 - Lightning Strikes</h4>

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s considerations were of no use. There also wasn¡¯t any need to concern themselves about why the tremors urred. In the present situation, Gongyi Tianheng was carrying Gu Zuo, and they were running for their lives. It seemed like theva, which was pouring out from all over the ce, could sweep everything away. It surged with enormous waves that flooded the heavens!

    Tianheng¡¯s running was fast, but Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was tense. He didn¡¯t even know how long they had been escaping now, and he didn¡¯t have a clear understanding of when this would end.

    Those rivers ofva seemed unrelenting. The ¡°water level¡± was rising little by little. It was like it wanted to wipe everything off the face of the map!

    ¡ª If there was one thing to be d about, it was that those innumerable Earth Worms were submerged under the churningva. Although it wasn¡¯t known whether these Earth Worms could survive in theva, there were no doubts that the creatures were too busy to conduct any attacks on the escaping people.

    However, after an undetermined amount of time, just as Tianheng stepped on a mostly-submerged boulder, it suddenly broke apart. From within, ava spout nearly fifty meters tall sted up!

    Theva spout was extremely horrifying. The terrible heat it carried rushed towards Tianheng in a split second!

    Gu Zuo noticed this, too.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t toss Gu Zuo aside ¡ª Even though Tianheng could¡¯ve soared even higher had he thrown Gu Zuo away. Perhaps, he could¡¯ve avoided thisva spout.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind nked. There wasn¡¯t enough time to think about anything. Then, a stream of surging energy drilled out from the space between his eyebrows! At the same time, he braced himself for the scorching pain once they were surrounded by theva...

    However, there were no such sensations.

    Gu Zuo slowly opened his eyes, and discovered that he and his big brother were floating in the air.

    His thoughts shifted, and the two people abruptly started falling. Gu Zuo was frightened as he focused his mind again. Both of them re-stabilized.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°This time, it¡¯s all thanks to Ah Zuo.¡±

    As it turned out, during that moment of crisis, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power erupted. He suddenly took out more than half of his reserves, turned it into a t, solid object like a door panel, and supported their weight under Tianheng¡¯s feet.

    In the past, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power wasn¡¯t strong enough, and supporting himself wasn¡¯t easy. But now, he was at the Core Psyche Realm. In fact, so long as he was willing, he could carry passengers ¡ª Though, the greater the number of passengers, the faster his psychic power would be used up.

    Previously, Gu Zuo was always taken along by Tianheng under the armpit or on the back. He had basically forgotten that he also had this kind of special skill. Just now, when it was a matter of life and death, his survival instincts kicked in, and he brought the two of them away from the range of theva¡¯s surges.

    Tianheng said that escaping with their lives this time was all thanks to Gu Zuo. This waspletely correct.

    Gu Zuo looked below.

    While they were fleeing, he hadn¡¯t thought about the bigger picture. He only felt that there wasva wherever they went. Yet, now that they were looking down from a high vantage point, he realized that those rock piles and stony mountains seemed like fountains that spewed outva. The cracks in the ground were the same. Withva springing up all over the ce, it dyed the entirendscape the colors of a zing me.

    Of course, he didn¡¯t know that this spectacle was ¡°the dragon¡¯s head pouring forth a dragon¡¯s breath¡±. Likewise, the tremors and cracks were due to the dragon overturning the earth. This shifted up the leyline that was concealed even deeper underground. After the earthquake, while thend welled up withva, it also spewed out lots of resources ¡ª The stone ova.

    Right now, they only needed to wait until everything settled down. Then, they naturally could conduct further explorations.

    At this moment, Tianheng opened his mouth and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, conserve your strength. Let¡¯s move to a stable mountain.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and promptly snapped out of it.

    Indeed. This wasn¡¯t the time to sightsee. Taking advantage of the fact that his psychic power was still at adequate levels, he looked for a smooth and steady location without dy!

    It was easy to scout an objective from high elevations. Gu Zuo controlled his psychic power to ¡°fly¡± even higher. After that, he searched in all directions. Not long after, he found a gigantic mountain that was over three hundred meters tall. While many boulders had fallen from that stone mountain because of the quake, due to the mountain¡¯s solid structural stability, the outer crust hadn¡¯t been torn asunder. Naturally, it also didn¡¯t erupt with anyva. As for theva pouring out of those nearby cracks and ¡°volcanic craters¡±, although the sides of the mountain were mmed by molten waves many times, the mountain was only half-submerged in the end.

    Gu Zuo pointed to that side: ¡°Big brother, what do you think about that ce?¡±

    Tianheng took a quick look: ¡°Pretty good. Let¡¯s go there.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo urged the thoughts in his mind, which caused his psychic power to swiftly deliver them through the empty sky!

    After one or two seconds passed, the pair smoothly reached their destination.

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh of relief as they slowly descended, and withdrew his psychic power&#k2026; This round of consumption was a little big.

    Tianheng still carried Gu Zuo on his back, but didn¡¯t let his pharmacist down. Instead, he spoke: ¡°Ah Zuo, use this chance to increase your recovery speed. I¡¯m afraid that thisva will keep erupting for some time. We¡¯ll have to make early preparations.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any objections, and diligently heeded those words: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡± He thought about something, and said, ¡°If we can¡¯t wait here anymore and there¡¯s nowhere else to stay, then big brother needs to remember to call for me.¡±

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips revealed a smiling expression. He spoke in a warm voice: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt relieved. After that, he rapidly operated his inner cultivation method, continuously extracted the medicinal qi inside the storage space, and swallowed quite a few wless pills to replenish his internal qi. Just like this, he sank into a deep state of cultivation.

    He improved and recovered a lot!

    In this leyline, it wasn¡¯t known what kinds of dangers they would meet...

    The luck of these two people was pretty good. After going through this period of running away and finding this mountain, the mountain itself was strong and tenacious. Until the end, it stood firm and didn¡¯t copse. During this length of time, the most dangerous thing was just that theva submerged more than half of the mountain. However, it waspletely out of the question to burn and rend this mountain like the others.

    As a result, once several hours passed, only small trails ofva were still bubbling up from all over the ce. The majority of the region had already be tranquil.

    Numerous scorching-red qi currents spiraled into the sky, and a bizarre fog rose up from the ground.

    Theva had settled down. Much of it was reabsorbed back into the earth¡¯s cracks, and what were left behind on the surface had turned into areas of sunken depressions,va pools, and the like. Though, it wasn¡¯t the same as before where there were no ces to stay.

    Down below, the vast stretches ofnd, which were originally barren and rocky, had bepletely different environments with strange phenomena!

    This, too, was the aftermath brought about by the turning of the earth dragon and the outpouring of the dragon¡¯s breath. Around those strange phenomena and within those different environments, there were many times when stone ova were surging out from the depths of the leyline.

    Gu Zuo sucked in a deep breath: ¡°Big brother, we...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°We¡¯ll go to harvest the stone ova together. It¡¯s just that we must be even more careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo earnestly nodded his head: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. My psychic power has already recoveredpletely.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng stamped his foot, and his entire form turned into a flying arrow loosed from its bowstring. He swiftly stepped down along the stones, which had finally stabilized, and charged into the dense and rolling fog.

    The two¡¯s lines of sight were obstructed by the fog. Anything that they were able to see had be vague and difficult to distinguish.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power, and discovered that the range he could extend it this time had reached one hundred meters: ¡°Big brother! This side, this side!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s footsteps slowed. Then, he turned around, and travelled in ordance with Gu Zuo¡¯s pointers.

    Gu Zuo started to give directions:

    ¡°Left! On the left side!¡±

    ¡°Here, it¡¯s on the right side, but you can only go five meters ahead. Otherwise, you¡¯ll fall into theva!¡±

    ¡°Around the corner! There¡¯s a swamp!¡±

    ¡°Over there, quick!¡±

    Five to six minutes psed in this way. Tianheng walked ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and not a single step was out of ce. Afterwards, the area ahead of them opened up. At the same time, a crisp, crackling noise echoed out. Although the lingering fog had dispersed, some purple clouds would suddenly emerge every now and then. These clouds would break out with rolls of distant, rumbling thunder.

    There was no need for Gu Zuo to use his psychic power to investigate. The two people could see that a thunder pond had unexpectedly appeared in front of them!

    Of course, to say it was a thunder pond was a bit of an exaggeration. It was just a big hole. Inside the hole, there were many tiny bolts of lightning that formed lightnings. At the center of these revolvings was a huge rock that was about the size of a human.

    This was a stone ovum?

    No. This was a light-purple colored stone! It didn¡¯t share the same characteristics of a stone ovum!

    Canon of Wondrous Medicines reported that all of the stone ova in this world were ashen-white.

    Gu Zuo jumped down from Tianheng¡¯s back: ¡°Big brother, what should we do?¡±

    Tianheng pondered a little: ¡°Ah Zuo, can you tell whether the inside thatrge stone has...¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gu Zuo promptly focused his attention, and looked towards the interior of that light-purple boulder. Sure enough, it took a single nce! Bundled inside that light-purple boulder was an indistinct, egg-shaped object!

    That was a stone ovum!

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°Big brother, I saw it, too! In that case, shall we go to pick the stone ovum now?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s not that we¡¯ll go together. Rather, I¡¯ll be going alone.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh? That¡¯s no good. It¡¯s dangerous!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°If we¡¯re going into that pit, we¡¯ll have to carry thatrge stone out. Ah Zuo isn¡¯t strong enough, but this elder brother has a tough body. Naturally, I¡¯ll go alone to resist the lightning. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t Ah Zuo be injured for no reason?¡±

    Gu Zuo was conflicted.

    What his big brother said really did make sense. This little body of his probably wouldn¡¯t be able to endure a few licks of lightning before burning to a crisp. At that point, he might be a burden for his big brother... After hesitating over and over again, he finally nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo warned repeatedly: ¡°Big brother, when you go, you must be careful. If you feel like you can¡¯t withstand it, return right away. It doesn¡¯t matter if you can¡¯t remove the boulder. Big brother¡¯s safety is the most important.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo.¡± He softly reminded, ¡°This elder brother will be going. There¡¯s a bit of distance, so Ah Zuo will be by himself here. You need to be cautious, too.¡±

    Of course, Gu Zuo answered positively. However, from beginning to end, his gaze never strayed from Tianheng¡¯s back.

    After that, Tianheng strode forward inrge steps, and quickly went to thatrge hole.

    Gu Zuo saw Tianheng plunge into the hole, and watched as the lightnings instantly wrapped around Tianheng¡¯s whole body. He also noticed that the lightnings wereshing many ckened marks onto Tianheng... At the same time, although Tianheng¡¯s outer robes werergely burned to ashes and most of his skin wasid bare, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any adventurous or uncontroble thoughts. Rather, his heart was filled with pain.

    Aiya! When all was said and done, being struck by lightning into that appearance didn¡¯t matter. His big brother hadn¡¯t called out in pain, but it was also okay to not stubbornly endure it...

    But in fact, it wasn¡¯t unbearable for Tianheng.

    In actuality, for the sake of tempering his physical body, the training he endured had been even more severe than now. It was just that it hadn¡¯t looked so excessive on the surfaces of his skin. On the contrary, he was initially engulfed by waves of stabbing pain due to these lightnings. Though, after a brief period of adaptation, he realized that, once the electrical power entered his body, not only did it temper his muscles, it also stimted his meridians, strengthening their flexibility and durability.

    As he possessed a Tiandu Body that hadn¡¯t beenpletely treated, and whose meridians were always somewhat weaker than the physical body, Tianheng deeply felt that these lightnings were advantageous to him. He couldn¡¯t help slowing his steps as he walked inside the pit.

    Gu Zuo watched anxiously, and couldn¡¯t stop himself from asking.

    [Big brother, is there something wrong? If you can¡¯t endure it, juste back!]

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was unhurriedly transmitted.

    [Ah Zuo, pay attention to yourself, too. This ce is beneficial to me. It¡¯s just tempering.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was wooden.

    [Oh. Then, big brother, you can take your time.]

    It was good that nothing bad happened...

    Gradually, the usefulness of the lightnings became smaller and smaller, and Tianheng¡¯s steps started picking up speed. Before long, he approached the center of therge hole, which was also the location of the light-purple boulder.

    Immediately following this, Tianheng extended a hand, and slowly went to touch thatrge stone.

    In a split second, a clear electric current arced out, encapsting Tianheng in purple rays of light! This time around, the bolts of lightning weren¡¯t silk threads like before. Rather, the electric charge was instantly increased. This caused the ends of Tianheng¡¯s hair to spread out in all directions, making them somewhat disheveled.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    ¡ª Big brother, this is getting an electric shock, right? Are you sure there¡¯s nothing wrong?

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t flustered this time. He carefully observed Tianheng¡¯s expression, and found that there truly wasn¡¯t the least bit of reluctance or forced difficulty. Instead, Tianheng was calmly learning through experience. Gu Zuo withdrew his psychic power, and didn¡¯t go to bother him.

    After a short period of time, Tianheng reached out his hand once more.

    This time around, when he touched that boulder, there wasn¡¯t any interference by thunder or lightning ¡ª Or it could be said that this bit of interference was already useless against him.

    Following this, Tianheng carried the boulder, and effortlessly returned from inside therge hole.

    However, while he was walking back, the pupils of his eyes suddenly shrank!

    At the exact same time, Gu Zuo, who had sighed in relief because his family¡¯s big brother was safe, abruptly sensed a type of intense danger! He subconsciously dodged. A long saber made of psychic power was already aimed at the source of that danger, and violently sliced out!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s figure retreated. At this time, he realized that a gigantic, python-sized Earth Worm, whose entire body was covered in a faint-purple light, was in the middle of ambushing him!

    His heart shivered. He moved his psychic power again, which transformed into an enormous mallet and a giant wolf-tooth cudgel.

    These were the most destructive weapons that Gu Zuo could imagine. At this moment, he showed no mercy. Against that gigantic Earth Worm, the saber sliced, the mallet smashed, and the cudgel mauled. A cruel hurricane of attacks rained down!

    Originally, an Earth Worm of this size should¡¯ve been very difficult to handle.

    Yet, for some reason, this Earth Worm¡¯s defense was somewhat weaker than what Gu Zuo anticipated. It didn¡¯t take long for it to fall to the ground and die under this deluge of strikes.

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh, and wiped away any sweat.

    That was a close call.

    At this time, Tianheng rushed over.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 370 - An Injured Person

    <h4>Chapter 370 - An Injured Person</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng threw the boulder in his hands to the side as his figure shed over. He was already standing next to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, you¡¯re not hurt, are you?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just now, that Earth Worm¡¯s defensive power was much lower than what I imagined. As a result, it died after a few random strikes...¡±

    The two people walked to the front of that Earth Worm¡¯s corpse. They carefully examined it.

    Before long, they discovered that the carapace of this Earth Worm was congested with electric currents. Of course, this electricity wasn¡¯t emitted by the Earth Worm itself. It seemed like the Earth Worm had been traveling back and forth inside the lightning, so the electricity affected the surface of its carapace.

    After that, they understood.

    This ought to have urred after the dragon¡¯s head poured forth the dragon¡¯s breath. Once peace was tentatively restored, this Earth Worm, which luckily survived, scented the qi emissions of the stone ovum. Just like in the past, the creature would¡¯ve gone searching for it. Then, as before, the Earth Worm would¡¯ve kept guard over the stone ovum nearby. However, this stone ovum was unlike those that were formed at the upper parts of the leyline. It had been underground, fermenting a hundred thousand years¡¯ worth of thunder. The moment it surged out, lightning flickered with unparalleled might.

    Therefore, because this Earth Worm was injured by theva and entangled by the lightning, its defensive power fell. And the moment Tianheng took out the boulder, the Earth Worm naturally lunged out to attack.

    Yet, if another length of time had passed, the Earth Worm would¡¯ve adapted to these bolts of lightning. Its carapace would¡¯ve recovered and be even stronger simultaneously. At that point, Gu Zuo might¡¯ve encountered that version of the Earth Worm, and the battle wouldn¡¯t have been so easy.

    After figuring this out, Gu Zuo waved his hand, and collected the gigantic Earth Worm¡¯s corpse.

    Shortly thereafter, the two people came before the light-purple boulder once more. Gu Zuo examined the stone ovum inside at close range.

    Gu Zuo murmured: ¡°I feel that the wondrous medicine inside this stone ovum should have the thunder attribute... Big brother, what do you think?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°It should be as you say.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°In that case, will we break the rock open now?¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    One simply had to think about it. Even though they could take the entire boulder, this was the first hundred thousand year old stone ovum they found. It was better to study it, and look at the specific situation before anything else.

    The matter of splitting open the boulder was naturally left in Tianheng¡¯s hands.

    One would only see his arm wave out as the palm of his hand grabbed a long spear. The spear tip was extremely sharp. It was a golden-level spirit weapon. While he couldn¡¯t pour qi energy into the spear at this moment, with the quality of the weapon¡¯s material, it was strong enough.

    Tianheng flicked his wrist. The spear tip already shot out, stabbing directly at the boulder!

    A perfectly-round, small hole was instantly cut into that huge stone.

    In a split second, a bluish-purple liquid flowed out of that small hole. Like a fine wine or a jade syrup, it was viscous and lustrous. At the same time, it wafted with faint, thunderous qi emissions.

    Gu Zuo subconsciously took out arge, open-mouthed jade bottle, and went to catch those rivulets of liquid.

    The liquid entered the jade bottle with gurgling sounds, and gradually filled it up. Not long after, the jade bottle was simrly dyed a bluish-purple color. It looked particrly beautiful.

    Inside such arge boulder, there actually wasn¡¯t a lot of this kind of liquid. After loading threerge bottles, there was nothing left. Each bottle weighed about a hundred kilograms, but if one was poured out, there would only be a dozen or so liters.

    Ah, the liquid was quite dense.

    After all of the liquid dribbled out, Gu Zuo swiftly closed the jade bottles. Once everything was finished, he responded: ¡°Big brother, what kind of liquid do you think this is?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t known when Tianheng had walked over to Gu Zuo¡¯s side. Having heard what was said, he smiled: ¡°The power of thunder and lightning probably gathered together. Itbined with the medicinal power emitted by the wondrous medicine. Then, it fused and fermented.¡±

    While speaking, Tianheng took one of therge jade bottles. He opened it, and poured out a small amount into the hollow of his palm.

    The next moment, it felt like tiny arcs of lightning were hopping around on his palm. If his physical body wasn¡¯t extremely tough and he hadn¡¯t gone through the thunder tempering, he might¡¯ve been injured by these shocks.

    Soon after, Tianheng moved this liquid to his lips, and drank a mouthful.

    Gu Zuo was rmed, and hurriedly went to pull Tianheng¡¯s sleeve: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t randomly swallow things that I haven¡¯t tested yet!¡±

    But he wasn¡¯t fast enough. The ever-cautious Gongyi Tianheng unexpectedly drank this thing!

    At this moment, after drinking a mouthful of liquid, ayer of purple light gathered on Tianheng¡¯s face. It caused his entire appearance to be somewhat hazy and mysterious, but at the same time, he seemed even more handsome, too. His features were mesmerizing&#k2026;

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°B-big brother?¡±

    The purple light on Tianheng¡¯s face slowly vanished. After that, he revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Sure enough, it wasn¡¯t outside my expectations. This substance looks brutal, but in fact, its energy is gentle. Taking it won¡¯t harm the internal organs, but it can temper the meridians, flesh, and five viscera. It can be said to be a type of wondrous medicine.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to these words, and his tense heartstrings finally loosened.

    At this time, he swiftly browsed and searched for the corresponding information in his mind. Who knew how many types of simr entries he skimmed through before eventuallying across a certain type of object.

    ¡°This seems to be Thunderous Jade Liquid...¡± Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat, ¡°It really is a derivative of a very gentle wondrous medicine. It¡¯s safe to drink.¡±

    Okay. He was sure it could be drunk.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°This elder brother was too impulsive just now.¡±

    This time around, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say anyforting words. Instead, he spoke with a bit of a conflicted tone: ¡°From now on, big brother can¡¯t do this kind of thing again. It almost scared me to death.¡±

    Tianheng reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s head. He replied: ¡°In the future, if it¡¯s not ast resort, I won¡¯t do anything so risky.¡±

    Gu Zuo set aside his worries.

    Thunderous Jade Liquid was a derivative of Thunderous Sky Bamboo. And Thunderous Sky Bamboo was a type of wondrous medicine that was very useful to thunder-attribute martial artists. If it was taken and refined into medicinal pills, there were at least seven or eight corresponding prescriptions. While this thing could be consumed directly, the better the constitution, the better the effects. Likewise, the worse the constitution, the worse the utilization rate. In general, it was more advantageous to refine it into medicinal pills.

    This stone ovum¡¯s ¡°identity¡± was proven, and all of the Thunderous Jade Liquid was collected. As such, what followed was the extraction of the stone ovum itself. This activity was still left to Tianheng. He only needed to stir that long spear a few times, and with another quick jolt, the entire outer crust of the boulder was shattered. That stone ovum obedientlynded in the middle of the sunken pile of rubble. Gu Zuo leaned down, ced his hand on it, and immediately received it into the storage space.

    Thunderous Sky Bamboo was an exceptional wondrous medicine. Moreover, one hundred thousand years had to pass before any jade liquid could be formed. Presently, the jade liquid didn¡¯t have any rotten odors. It could be seen that this stone ovum was certainly a good one, and it was incredibly precious.

    ¡ª Previously, Gu Zuo had collected so many stone ova. Once they were cut open, none of them would necessarily be of a higher quality than this one!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but sigh: ¡°Big brother, when the earth dragon overturned, it really was the perfect time to dredge for treasure.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°For the journey ahead, I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to point the way.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll definitely give it my all!¡±

    Following this, Gu Zuo climbed onto Tianheng¡¯s back again. Then, the pair continued to walk onwards.

    Under the effects of the far-reaching fog, although they would constantly be paying attention to their consciousness, they would inevitably be subconsciously led astray and their sense of direction would be less urate.

    Gu Zuo discharged his psychic power, and observed everything within a hundred meter radius. Though, due to some kind of unusual ¡°maic field¡±, he still felt somewhat confused... Fortunately, their luck shined through. After a brief, couple of seconds, they arrived at another special environment.

    This time around, the brightness in front of them was a little...dazzling.

    No. It ought to be said that it was extremely ring. In addition, it was searingly hot!

    Gu Zuo promptly closed his eyes due to the re. He said: ¡°Big brother, you should close your eyes, too!¡±

    However, Tianheng didn¡¯t respond.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled.

    Was something wrong with his big brother?

    He immediately called out with a voice transmission.

    [Big brother, big brother? Can you hear me?]

    [Big brother, don¡¯t scare me!]

    [Is something isting our voices?]

    [Hello? Big brother?!]

    After a moment passed, Tianheng¡¯s voice slowly echoed out.

    [Ah Zuo, I¡¯m okay.]

    Gu Zuo released a long sigh.

    [Just now, I had been calling out to big brother for a long time, but you never answered. Did we run into something?]

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was tranquil.

    [It¡¯s nothing... I just felt that I share some fate with that object. Because it seemed to be calling out to me, I didn¡¯t hear Ah Zuo¡¯s voice. I hope that Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t take offense.]

    It was only natural that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t me Tianheng. Merely, he also harbored suspicions. When all was said and done, what would take the initiative to call out to his big brother? After the earthquake, the environments here were strange. It shouldn¡¯t be anything troublesome, right?

    Tianheng appeared to sense Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking, and slightly shook his head. He soon replied.

    [No. This object should be harmless to me. Instead, my qi ocean...is getting restless because of it.]

    Following this, Tianheng was going to proceed forward.

    This time, he carried Gu Zuo, and retreated several steps until the rays of lights weren¡¯t so piercing. Then, he put down Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo forced his eyes open. What he saw was a panorama of resplendence. It was like a sea of light. And within that sea of light was a peculiar object that brightened and dimmed intermittently.

    Tianheng spoke to Gu Zuo with an urging voice: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t walk around randomly.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood what Tianheng meant, and replied: ¡°Big brother, if I see you going the wrong way, I¡¯ll remind you in our consciousness... This time around, you can¡¯t be drawn in by that beckoning.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and said: ¡°Naturally. Just now, this elder brother originally hadn¡¯t been bewitched. It was because I had been in the middle of calming my state of mind that I didn¡¯t reply to Ah Zuo. Now that this elder brother is going again, I¡¯ll certainly remain cool-headed. If that still isn¡¯t enough, I have Ah Zuo to save me.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened: ¡°Big brother needs to be more careful.¡±

    After the two spoke these sentences, Tianheng promptly lifted his foot, and swiftly shed into the sea of light. This time, there wasn¡¯t the least bit of dissonance. His figure vanished inside, and then immediately reappeared.

    Gu Zuo: He came back fast.

    But, of course, this was a good thing.

    In Tianheng¡¯s hands was sped a stone ovum that was over a foot in diameter. Compared to the stone ovum that contained the Thunderous Sky Bamboo, this one was a little smaller. Meanwhile, its surface was coated in ayer of reddish-gold radiance. It looked like a brilliant orb of light. Like the scorching sun as it hung over the horizon, this stone ovum emitted a luminous splendor.

    If it was tossed up and affixed in the air, people would think that it was a small sun. Its heat was inexhaustible.

    After Gu Zuo saw it clearly, he immediately understood.

    No wonder his big brother said that he was being beckoned. Wasn¡¯t the medicinal power overflowing from the surface of this stone ovum the same power of a certain qi ocean in Tianheng¡¯s body? The wondrous medicine contained inside was definitely rted, and this thing was certainly beneficial to his big brother.

    Tianheng handed over the stone ovum to Gu Zuo: ¡°After we return, I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to refine this for me.¡±

    Gu Zuo put it away: ¡°I definitely won¡¯t let big brother down.¡±

    Unexpectedly, he felt a special happiness in his heart.

    ¡ª Up until they left, this ce didn¡¯t have any ambushing Earth Worms. It was probably because the energy in this area wasn¡¯t inferior to the heat of theva. So the Earth Worms were either afraid and didn¡¯t dare to approach due to theva, or they couldn¡¯t move due to additional injuries?

    But regardless of why this happened, the stone ovum fell into the possession of the lucky Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    There were quite a few wondrous medicines that had the power of the sun, but nothing could be seen from the overflowing energies. While Gu Zuo rested against Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s back and continued to give directions, he started to think back on those wondrous medicines and corresponding pill prescriptions. Before long, his mind assembled several types of prescriptions. When they returned, he intended to properly refine it.

    Later on, they arrived at the third location, fourth location, fifth location...

    There was an environment like a world of ice and snow, and the surface of that ce¡¯s stone ovum was condensed out of permafrost. Another ce had stormy winds and biting cold. In the eye of the constantly rotating storm, there was a stone ovum that was incessantly spinning. There was a location that generated a thunderstorm with gale-force winds and rolling bolts of thunder and lightning. The bolts were continuously striking a gigantic stone ovum that was two people tall and one person wide. Two types of energy, purple and green, spiraled around the surface of this stone ovum, making it faintly indiscernible and untouchable.

    There was an area rich and diverse with clouds tinged by sunset hues. Countless rays of light would burst forth and weave into a wondend of colored ribbons. The stone ovum was entwined by these colored ribbons, and the beautiful scenery was intoxicating. In another environment, nothing could be seen. There was an illusion that was convincingly real. Once someone fell into it, they would be killed by Earth Worms. But if that person woke up, they would be able to see a barrennd with an ashen-white stone ovum wrapped up by two Earth Worms. There was a ce with peculiar odors and bloody water that gurgled out of an underground spring. In the middle of that spring was a stone ovum covered with a bloody light. It was bobbing up and down in the water...

    And so on and so forth.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng travelled for a long time, and saw many strange and fantastic environments. Because their luck was good, their strength was high, and their vignce was sufficient, they got through these daunting experiences without any mishaps. All of the stone ova were taken into their hands!

    ¡ª But not everything would proceed with a favorable wind in their sails.

    Or to say, after a smooth and unhindered journey, one would inevitably encounter a bump in the road.

    Therefore, when Gu Zuo and Tianheng came to the next unusual environment, they discovered that this ce was filled with a sinister miasma. From a suspicious, tree-like cluster of tumor-ridden, withered rattan extended a bare vine that pierced straight through a girl¡¯s chest, firmly pinning her in ce!

    At the same time, there was a streak of shadow ¡ª It was the ck-clothed person who had just attacked that girl. The figure turned around and took flight. It seemed like this person had already sensed their existences. Right now, the shadow immediately fled without the slightest hesitation.

    The pupils of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes suddenly shrank.

    He recognized that this girl had a few encounters with them. She was precisely the quiet and exquisite girl who had been traveling with Jade me Valley¡¯s Ice Phoenix Goddess. There was still a trace of tenacity present in her countenance, but the blood continued to pour from thatrge hole in her chest. The tree roots converged together into a small sheet of low-lying ground, and all of the blood was constantly absorbed by the withered rattan.

    If this continued, the girl would certainly die in this ce. No matter how strong her determination, it would be an effort in futility.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s impression of this girl wasn¡¯t bad, but when all was said and done, he wasn¡¯t familiar with anyone else. That withered rattan was so monstrous. Should they rescue her or not? He pressed his hands into Tianheng¡¯s own, and slightly squeezed them. His heart was somewhat hesitant.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze withdrew from the rear view of that ck-clothed person. While he didn¡¯t have any intentions of pursuing, he did open his mouth to say: ¡°Ah Zuo, use your psychic power to chop down the withered rattan.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart loosened.

    Since his big brother said this, he didn¡¯t need to feel conflicted about it.

    Very quickly, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows swelled with power, and arge saber burst forth. The weapon swiftly hacked at the withered rattan that impaled the girl.

    The withered rattan looked powerful, but whenpared to an Earth Worm¡¯s carapace, it wasn¡¯t as solid and durable. After therge saber made a dozen or so sessive chops, a handful of vines sprang up from other ces and flew towards Gu Zuo and Tianheng. There was even one vine that whipped at the saber with the intent of smashing it to pieces!

    However, the saber¡¯s speed was too fast. In a couple breaths of time, it had already chopped through the vine that pierced the girl. The girl fell down, and she suddenly spat a mouthful of blood. The blood from her chest was also still pouring out.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

    If he couldn¡¯t dispose of the withered rattan as soon as possible, even if they rescued the girl, they wouldn¡¯t be able to save her life.

    Hence, he promptly turned his face, and discharged his substantiated psychic power once again. In addition to the saber that battled with the withered rattan, he also released numerous tiny daggers tounch a hurricane-like attack on the withered rattan¡¯s main body!

    At this moment, Tianheng also took action. His hand grasped a long spear as he shuttled through the withered rattan with Gu Zuo on his back. After every strike, a vine would be wounded. This caused the vines to be even more frenzied.

    However, the attack methods of this cluster of withered rattan were truly limited. Under the swift efforts of the two people, it didn¡¯t take long for all of the vines to be cut down. The main body of the withered rattan was also twisted into a tangled, wooden mass by the spear!

    The next instant, Gu Zuo jumped down from Tianheng¡¯s back, and dashed towards that girl. He extended a hand, and used all his might to pull out the withered rattan¡¯s vine. It was a pity that the blood didn¡¯t stop. He could only take out an article of clothing he had never worn from the storage space, and tear it into cloth strips. He firmly bound the girl¡¯s wound to staunch the bleeding a little.

    At this time, the quiet and exquisite girl groaned. She opened her eyes to see Gu Zuo and Tianheng. A weak smile appeared on her face.

    She clenched her pearly-white, blood-stained teeth, and her voice burst forth from her throat: ¡°You guys need to be careful. Mu Baizhi... Just now, it was her...¡±

    T/N: In real life, if someone is impaled, don¡¯t pull the object out. You¡¯ll just speed up the hemorrhaging.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 371 - The Cuckoo Body

    <h4>Chapter 371 - The Cuckoo Body</h4>

    Just as these words left her mouth, the quiet and exquisite girl was already having a hard time staying awake. Then, she fainted.

    Gu Zuo was startled.

    Just now, that ck-clothed figure was the Ice Phoenix Goddess?

    This was truly unexpected.

    These two women were members of Jade me Valley. Although this quiet and exquisite girl seemed to treat the Ice Phoenix Goddess with great disapproval, they were fellow disciples. The Ice Phoenix Goddess shouldn¡¯t have gone so far as to murder because of this, right?

    Besides that, what was the meaning of that warning before the girl lost consciousness? Could it be that the Ice Phoenix Goddess had plotted a conspiracy?

    Gu Zuo recalled that he had always felt repelled by the Ice Phoenix Goddess, and hisplexion couldn¡¯t help bing a little serious. He tilted his head, and looked at Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I think that we need to get a clear understanding of this matter.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Does Ah Zuo have any methods that can treat her?¡±

    Gu Zuo turned around, and looked at the remains of the cluster of ruined and haphazard withered rattan. His expression changed several times: ¡°Being nailed onto this withered rattan is her misfortune, but it¡¯s also considered her good luck...¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo swiftly arrived in front of that withered rattan. He reached out a hand, rummaged around the remains, and scooped out a section of the interior roots.

    This thing looked like a fresh and green bamboo tube. Compared to the withered rattan, which had tumors growing all over its exterior, it wasn¡¯t known how many times better-looking this thing was. And inside this ¡°bamboo tube¡± was a stone ovum the size of a chicken egg.

    As it turned out, there was actually a stone ovum inside the withered rattan!

    After Tianheng got closer, he raised an eyebrow and smiled: ¡°So it¡¯s this thing.¡±

    At this moment, Gu Zuo and Tianheng went through their recollections.

    The name of this withered rattan was the Hundred-Tumors Bloodsucking Rattan. It was considered a strange phenomenon as well as a wondrous medicine produced by the leyline. However, this type of wondrous medicine wasparatively monstrous. The stone ovum was equivalent to its inner core, that section of tree roots that resembled a bamboo tube was its heart, and the vines were its method of self-protection. Even the Earth Worms that got close to guard it had all been devoured by this nt. After killing the Hundred-Tumors Bloodsucking Rattan, one would be able to extract the true wondrous medicine.

    The Bloodsucking Rattan was naturally bloodthirsty. Since it was bloodthirsty, it was certainly fiendish and ck-hearted. Though, as the saying went, yin was born from extreme yang, and yang was born from extreme yin. When malevolence reached extremes, the wondrous medicine that was produced would instead be an exceptionally good substance that was brimming with vitality ¡ª Not only did it have marvelous effects on martial artists, it was also useful to pharmacists!

    Consequently, this wondrous medicine¡¯s name was the Hundred-Spirits Revival Pearl.

    As one cut open the stone ovum, the verdant pearl would be taken out and soaked in pure spring water. Once some time passed, the spring water would turn a bluish-green color. Then, it would be Hundred-Spirits Revival Water. This water could be refined into medicine or directly ingested. Of course, the pearl could also be directly refined into medicinal pills or swallowed whole, but that would be too much of a waste. Normally, when utilized in medicine, the pharmacist would use the Hundred-Spirits Revival Water. At most, a few specks of dust would be shaved off the pearl for refinement.

    Gu Zuo took out the bamboo-like section of tree roots, and used a knife to cut a small hole. In a split second, verdant liquid within that bamboo tube rapidly flowed into his jade bottle. After all of the liquid ran out, he split apart the bamboo tube, extracted the stone ovum, and put it away.

    Like the Thunderous Jade Liquid he initially obtained, this verdant liquid was formed through the condensation of emitted medicinal properties. The purity was very high, and it was also a type of first-rate derivative used in treatment. Its name was the Hundred-Spirits Revival Nectar. Its efficacy was a cut above the healing properties of Hundred-Spirits Revival Water, but it was somewhat inferior whenpared to the dust shaved off the Hundred-Spirits Revival Pearl itself.

    Gu Zuo carried the jade bottle containing the Hundred-Spirits Revival Nectar, and came next to that quiet and exquisite girl. He lowered himself to one knee, held her lower jaw, and forced her mouth open.

    Tianheng: ¡°...¡±

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo extracted several drops of Hundred-Spirits Revival Nectar, and allowed them to drip into the girl¡¯s mouth. After that, he let go of her jaw.

    In a split second, the speed of blood loss at the site of the girl¡¯s chest wound immediately slowed. One could see iting to a halt with the naked eye. At this time, Gu Zuo unraveled the cloth strips that were used to bind her injury, and found that the huge wound was shrinking. It was healing swiftly.

    At once, Gu Zuo stepped back, and used another set of clothes to cover the girl¡¯s body.

    Previously, he didn¡¯t think about it when there was a wound, but now... En, it was better to stay a little farther away.

    The girl¡¯s willpower was strong. Although she had lost a lot of blood and herplexion was pale, her qi emissions were already much more stable and cid than just a while ago. Perhaps, because she was anxious in her heart, it took less than ten minutes for her to regain consciousness! Afterwards, she looked at Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    After being dazed for a moment, the girl¡¯s graceful eyes shed with vigor. She remembered the matter just now, and she also recalled these two people.

    Following that, the girl used all her willpower to say: ¡°Many thanks to these two sirs...for saving my life.¡±

    Originally, she thought that she was going to die. But now, she could sense an extra burst of vitality within her body. She was a pharmacist, so it was naturally obvious that medicinal pills wouldn¡¯t have any effect on her. Only the refined juices of a small number of medicinal herbs could treat her injury. As for such medicinal herbs, they were all extremely precious. The fact that she was currently alive was due to the enormous kindness of these two people.

    Gu Zuo waved a hand: ¡°Never mind that. Before you lost consciousness, weren¡¯t you warning me and my big brother to be careful?¡± While he spoke, his expression was upright and proper, ¡°You have to tell us what¡¯s going on with the Ice Phoenix Goddess. Why did you tell us to be careful of her?¡±

    After listening to this series of questions, the quiet and exquisite girl¡¯splexion changed slightly.

    She seemed to struggle for a short while. In the end, she came to a decision, and showed a resolute expression: ¡°I¡¯ve hidden this matter in my heart for a long time. I¡¯ve always been careful about it, but the Ice Phoenix Goddess discovered that I knew her secret and moved to kill me... Although I escaped this time, who can say when I¡¯ll end up dying at her hands? Rather than letting everyone be fooled by her disguise, it¡¯s better that I tell these two sirs about the truth. If I die, I hope that these two sirs...¡±

    Whatever she hoped that they would do, the girl didn¡¯t finish telling them.

    Did she want them to expose the secret? Did she want them to pay attention to their own matters? Or could it be that she simply didn¡¯t want the Ice Phoenix Goddess to live happily? No matter what, since she didn¡¯t say it clearly, maybe she herself didn¡¯t know which she wanted the most.

    Presently, Gu Zuo and Tianheng only wanted to know what was going on.

    Soon after, the quiet and exquisite girl straightened out her train of thought, and exined the entire sequence of events in great detail: ¡°My real name is Hua Lanruo. I¡¯m an orphan girl...¡±

    As mentioned previously, almost every day on the Central Continent, many ns and organizations would be overturned and lots of viges would be destroyed. Originally, Hua Lanruo was a member of a small family. When she was just two or three years old, the family was wiped out by enemies, and she was simrly going to die under such circumstances. But her mother had long made preparations, and thought of all kinds of methods to hide her so that she could survive.

    Yet, in the end, she was just too young. Back then, she should¡¯ve froze to death amid the icy sky and snowy earth. Coincidentally, that time¡¯s Mu Baiyue and Mu Baizhi happened toe across her. Mu Baiyue wanted to save her. Mu Baizhi didn¡¯t object, so Hua Lanruo lived on.

    At the same time, she became the ymate and future maidservant of the Mu n siblings, who were only two years older than her.

    Hua Lanruo was detected to have the aptitude of a pharmacist. She hardly forgot that life-saving favor, and was loyal and devoted to the Mu n siblings. However, because it was Mu Baiyue who wanted to save her, she was more thankful to Mu Baiyue. Meanwhile, she treated Mu Baizhi with a little less enthusiasm. If there hadn¡¯t been any mistakes or idents, her goal would¡¯ve been to be the two siblings¡¯ pharmacist. She would¡¯ve taken care of their health and made them into the most powerful martial artists.

    Since childhood, Mu Baizhi¡¯s temperament was cold and indifferent. As for Mu Baiyue, he was refined and courteous. Hua Lanruo treated both of them with the same reverence, and she felt that there was no one else in the world who was more outstanding than them.

    Later on, Hua Lanruo realized that Mu Baizhi¡¯s aptitude was better than that of Mu Baiyue. She possessed a prodigy¡¯s potential. This was incredibly rare! Due to Mu Baizhi¡¯s temperament, Hua Lanruo regarded her as a role model for women, and vowed to learn from her.

    However, after finding out the truth, the previous reverence turned into disdain.

    With Hua Lanruo¡¯s performance, she gradually gained some trust. It was also because of an unexpected turn of events that Hua Lanruo heard some conversations and saw someone by ident.

    At the time, Hua Lanruo was twenty years old and the Mu n siblings were twenty-two years old. The person she saw was a woman who had been imprisoned inside a secluded dungeon.

    Hua Lanruo was shocked to discover that the youngdy¡¯s features were exactly the same as that of Mu Baizhi!

    In her mind, she subconsciously felt confused and overwhelmed. She sensed that she had stumbled upon an enormous secret.

    When Gu Zuo listened to this part, he seemed a little nervous following her description.

    The inner-workings of this secret really appeared to be out of the ordinary?

    Hua Lanruo revealed a sneering smile: ¡°Afterwards, I realized that Mu Baizhi actually had a special constitution. And her constitution is called the Cuckoo Body.¡±

    Gu Zuo recited this term: ¡°The Cuckoo Body...¡±

    Was this the same cuckoo as the cuculidae family?

    Generally speaking, the name of a physique could disy a portion of the physique¡¯s capabilities. In other words, the Cuckoo Body was the body of the cuculidae, so its abilities ought to have been rted to the characteristics of the cuculidae family.

    And the cuculidae¡¯s most well-known trait was that the mother bird wouldy its eggs in the nests of other bird species. It wouldn¡¯t personally hatch the eggs. Rather, it made other birds do the work for free. If it was just this, then it wouldn¡¯t have mattered much. But for the sake of not being discovered, after hatching, the newly-born cuckoo would directly push the other bird eggs out of the nest. It would even push out the other hatched chicks to their deaths!

    It harkened back to the old saying ¡ª ¡°The turtledove upies the magpie¡¯s nest¡±.

    A certain premonition grew in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Sure enough, that Hua Lanruo grimlyughed as she continued to talk: ¡°Originally, Mu Baizhi and Senior Sect Brother Mu were fraternal twins. After being born, Mu Baizhi¡¯s aptitude had been satisfactory, but it was Senior Sect Brother Mu who had a special constitution. Merely, because Senior Sect Brother Mu was too young, his constitution couldn¡¯t be awoken yet. But this type of constitution already exhibited great power. In the future, once it was awakened, Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s potential would¡¯ve certainly shot straight to the level of a prodigy!¡±

    Speaking up to here, her voice became embittered: ¡°However, when the two of them were a month old, Mu Baizhi¡¯s mouth unknowingly sprouted teeth, and she bit Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s finger. After she let go, they both fell unconscious...¡±

    At this point, Hua Lanruo was practically gnashing her teeth.

    ¡°Once they woke up again, Mu Baizhi¡¯s aptitude suddenly increased, but it became impossible to awaken Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s special constitution!¡±

    The volume of her voice rose. She almost couldn¡¯t bear it: ¡°Mu Baizhi¡¯s innate talent was simply stolen from Senior Sect Brother Mu! She harmed her twin brother, but she still has the gall to wear that holy and invible look on her face!¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 372 - Origins

    <h4>Chapter 372 - Origins</h4>

    Gu Zuo slightly furrowed his brows.

    If it was like this, then Mu Baizhi really had gone too far. But at that time, Mu Baizhi had been no more than a month old. It would be an exaggeration to say that it was done intentionally. It was more appropriate to say that it was the instincts of the Cuckoo Body.

    The cuckoo was the turtledove upying the magpie¡¯s nest. Mu Baizhi robbed everything from her ¡°fellow nest-mate¡± Mu Baiyue. This appeared to be normal.

    But if it was only this, then Hua Lanruo¡¯s hatred of Mu Baizhi was somewhat excessive.

    Back then, it was true that the one who rescued her was Mu Baiyue, but when all was said and done, Mu Baizhi had agreed with Mu Baiyue¡¯s course of action. Moreover, the two siblings hadn¡¯t treated Hua Lanruo poorly over the years. Judging from Hua Lanruo¡¯s initial description, as these siblings grew up, the rtionship between them hadn¡¯t reached the degree of ipatibility of fire and water ¡ª At the very least, Hua Lanruo wouldn¡¯t have noticed anything if it hadn¡¯t been for the fact that she found out by ident.

    As such, instinctively stealing her twin brother¡¯s innate talent after being born probably wasn¡¯t the only reason why Hua Lanruo despised Mu Baizhi from the bottom of her heart.

    Some other matter should¡¯ve urred... Perhaps, it had something to do with that youngdy in the dungeon who looked exactly like Mu Baizhi?

    Hua Lanruo caught her breath, and restrained the agitated mood in her heart. Then, she continued to talk: ¡°After Mu Baizhi stole Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s innate talent, although the people of the valley were initially furious, Mu Baiyue hadn¡¯t beenpletely crippled. Mu Baizhi had also be rather strong. It couldn¡¯t be said that she wouldn¡¯t have prodigy-level potential once she grew up. Thus, this matter was kept secret. From that moment on, Mu Baizhi became the valley¡¯s most meticulously nurtured person. Meanwhile, due to this unexpected disaster, Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s recognition was designated as a mistake. The real person who showed promising potential would be Mu Baizhi.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about something.

    If his life-saving benefactor had their innate talent stolen by someone else, and was suppressed into obscurity, then he certainly wouldn¡¯t have had the slightest favorable impression of that thief.

    The fury of this Sister Hua wasn¡¯t entirely iprehensible.

    Hua Lanruo proceeded to say: ¡°At that time, I was young and didn¡¯t think much about it. My eyes were blind to the truth up until the point that I found out this secret. Looking back, I realized that Mu Baizhi had long been unobtrusively suppressing Senior Sect Brother Mu. From when he was originally a favored prodigy of heaven, she pushed him farther out of the limelight with each passing year. However, although Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s innate talent had been stolen, his intelligence was extraordinary. There were also many times that he gave advice to Mu Baizhi. It was a pity that whenever someone mentioned Senior Sect Brother Mu, they would only treat him as Mu Baizhi¡¯s subordinate. Oftentimes, it was obvious that Mu Baizhi needed Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s advice. Unfortunately, people treated this as Mu Baizhi giving Senior Sect Brother Mu opportunities, and they would privately ridicule him. They would say that Senior Sect Brother Mu could only hold such a position in Jade me Valley because of his younger sister...

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for their precious Ice Phoenix Goddess, how could they have known what kind of an incredibly talented personage Senior Sect Brother Mu was? It was clear that he could¡¯ve blossomed with a lofty radiance that would¡¯ve put the sun, moon, and stars to shame!¡±

    As she finished speaking, Hua Lanruo tightly clenched her fingers.

    Gu Zuo mentally reconstructed the intact version of Mu Baiyue ording to her words. It seemed that he indeed had the aptitude of a prodigy. To be honest, his impression of Mu Baiyue wasn¡¯t bad. Hadn¡¯t Lan Wenxi looked past the ¡°outward appearance¡± and seen Mu Baiyue¡¯s inner self? Therefore, should Mu Baiyue be treated as a friend?

    In addition...

    He felt that there wouldn¡¯t be any way to control one¡¯s instincts when one was a child, but after growing up, the thief used various methods to bully the victim. Not only did the thief trample on the victim¡¯s seat of honor without saying anything, she also constantly disyed her ¡°benevolence¡± to her victim. Indeed, this seemed rather shameless.

    Hua Lanruo still hadn¡¯tpletely calmed down, and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Mu should¡¯ve clearly understood these matters in his heart, but he was willing to let it go. Although I was of little value to him, I knew that Senior Sect Brother Mu and Mu Baizhi were biological siblings in the end. Since senior sect brother was willing, I also didn¡¯t say anything to the others. But afterwards, I came to know many things...¡±

    The following matters refreshed Gu Zuo¡¯s three worldviews.

    When Hua Lanruo was a little more than three years old, a white-clothed youngdy was brought back to the valley. That youngdy¡¯s looks were exceptional, her temperament was clear and cold, and the qi she emitted had a wintry chill. There was a dab of cinnabar between her eyebrows, and the contrast made her seem like a fairy. It was just that her face was covered with a light, muslin veil. Other people could see indistinct facial features, but they couldn¡¯t make out her true appearance.

    This white-clothed woman had an indifferent nature, but she was rather caring towards young children.

    Thus, the gaze the white-clothed youngdy used when looking at Mu Baizhi was always different from how she looked at others. This gaze carried a feeling of gentleness. She followed Mu Baizhi, and came to Jade me Valley as a visitor. Later, she became this ce¡¯s distinguished guest, and made many contributions for Jade me Valley.

    She herself was someone who had ventured out from seclusion. However, when asked for more details, she only said that the travelled path was extremely long and going back to that ce wasn¡¯t easy. If this trip¡¯s venture was a failure, then it would be difficult to return.

    Although the white-clothed youngdy didn¡¯t ept Mu Baizhi as an apprentice, she taught and guided her wholeheartedly.

    However, one day, Mu Baizhi suddenly took advantage of the woman¡¯sck of vignce, and pulled her into a trap. When the woman didn¡¯t have any strength to resist, Mu Baizhi bit off her finger, and sucked away her innate talent!

    Afterwards, people from Jade me Valley rushed over to suppress this matter. Someone was sent to disguise themself as the white-clothed youngdy and leave Jade me Valley. As for the real white-clothed youngdy, from that moment on, she was shut away inside the dungeon.

    These kinds of things were all done by Mu Baizhi herself. She had only been five years old, but she was able to devise a way to use the great formations within Jade me Valley to control the white-clothed youngdy, who closely cherished her. Then, she seized the other party¡¯s innate talent!

    It was also from that point onward that Mu Baizhi¡¯s appearances gradually changed. Two or three years passed, and she was blessed with the makings of a stunning belle which were no different from the white-clothed youngdy.

    Although Mu Baizhi¡¯s original looks weren¡¯t bad, she couldn¡¯tpare to the white-clothed woman¡¯s matchless beauty. After seizing the white-clothed youngdy¡¯s innate talent, she likewise stole her appearance.

    Ever since Hua Lanruo was rescued by Mu Baiyue, Mu Baizhi was already approaching thisplexion. As Mu Baizhi grew older, no one doubted this change in appearance anymore.

    How cruel, how despicable!

    At once, Gu Zuo felt loathing for that Ice Phoenix Goddess.

    If it was said that she had been dictated by instinct when she was one month old, then those deeds at five years of age were clearly premeditated. Could it possible that it was also considered instinctual? No. Perhaps, it really was an instinct. The nature of the Cuckoo Body was that it wanted to do these things in order to obtain everything for itself.

    Soon after, he became somewhat puzzled: ¡°In that case, why does Brother Mu Baiyue¡¯s features resemble Mu Baizhi¡¯s?¡±

    Hua Lanruo sneered: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s because Jade me Valley wanted to safeguard Mu Baizhi, and made Senior Sect Brother Mu change his appearance to look this way. If senior sect brother hadn¡¯t learned a secret technique to alter his features, they might¡¯ve forced him to swallow some secret medicines to aplish this goal!¡±

    Gu Zuo flinched slightly.

    This way of doing things was really...

    Even he listened to this, and he felt very ufortable. Not to mention Hua Lanruo, who had been in contact with Mu Baizhi the entire time. For someone who used to be so revered to suddenly reveal their true face, it was indeed difficult to ept.

    These were the facts that Hua Lanruo put together after identally learning some things, specting on others, and making discreet inquiries with extreme caution.

    However, Hua Lanruo wasn¡¯t done speaking yet.

    ¡°After Mu Baizhi stole Senior Sect Brother Mu¡¯s innate talent, her potential rose to the level of an exceptional genius. After she stole that white-clothed woman¡¯s innate talent, the two types of talents were added together, which caused her to form a physique called the Ice Phoenix Body. It was precisely due to this physique that her strength advanced by leaps and bounds. The improvements could¡¯ve been rated as a thousand miles in a single day.

    ¡°What was even more despicable of her was that she had been cultivating with the ultimate knowledge she robbed from that white-clothed youngdy. It¡¯s the present-day Ice Phoenix Heavenly Dance...¡±

    Once she advanced to the Immortal Realm, Mu Baizhi no longer made any more breakthroughs. ording to her remarks, she was in the middle of continuously umting. After her umtions were perfected, she would achieve skyrocketing results as she broke through to the Atomic Realm. Many prodigies would do this, so naturally it didn¡¯t arouse anyone¡¯s suspicions.

    However, after going through many matters, Hua Lanruo learned about another secret of the Cuckoo Body.

    Currently, Mu Baizhi¡¯s Ice Phoenix Body was actually a modification of the Cuckoo Body. Compared to a real Ice Phoenix Body, it was iplete. While she could make a breakthrough just like this, her potential would fall below the standard of a genuine prodigy afterwards. Mu Baizhi gained her present reputation with great difficulty, so how was it possible for her to give it up?

    Thus, she needed other methods and a satisfactory physique to conduct further breakthroughs ¡ª It was just that, due to the two shares of innate talent she previously absorbed, only the aptitudes of prodigies could elevate her to the next realm.

    At this moment, Hua Lanruo¡¯s face revealed a trace of revulsion: ¡°She had probably long known about this matter. Therefore, after reaching the Immortal Realm, she started roaming the continent. She met many prodigies, and mingled with a cold and indifferent attitude. She acted covertly, and because her appearance and temperament were ¡ª¡±

    Hua Lanruo swallowed down some harsh words: ¡°...extremely outstanding, she fooled quite a few people. Adoration is a hallmark of the springtime of youth. Prodigies would inevitably admire a beautiful girl, not to mention that this girl was a prodigy, too. If they were connected by marriage, not only would they be able to gain a beautiful woman for a cultivation partner, they would receive arge rise in face. Naturally, there were several prodigies who held a favorable impression of Mu Baizhi.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. He knew about this matter.

    Back then, wasn¡¯t Fan Meng one of those people who admired Mu Baizhi? Moreover, he heard there was a possibility that their forces would be connected by marriage. That Fan Meng practically regarded Mu Baizhi as his future wife.

    Hua Lanruo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Mu Baizhi has been using that white-clothed woman¡¯s stolen face, temperament, and innate talent to seduce prodigies. If that white-clothed woman knew about this, could you imagine just how, how...¡±

    She sighed: ¡°It was onlyter that I learned that, when Mu Baizhi found a target and got together with a prodigy, the Cuckoo Body...¡± Speaking up to here, she resisted the feeling of shame, ¡°...would plunder that prodigy¡¯s innate talent during the coupling without leaving any traces.¡±

    Truly, her disgust had reached its peak.

    When Gu Zuo heard this, he suddenly remembered the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ friendliness to his family¡¯s big brother. At once, his scalp tingled and his hairs stood on end.

    So to say, his big brother was also prey?

    Furthermore, this hunter was harboring evil intentions!

    Gu Zuo had a hard time speaking: ¡°Before, you warned us to be careful of her...¡±

    Hua Lanruo spoke so much, and it appeared that she had finally calmed down somewhat. At this time, she helplessly nodded: ¡°That¡¯s right. Although I saw that Prodigy Gongyi didn¡¯t seem interested in Mu Baizhi, one moment doesn¡¯t equal a lifetime. Mu Baizhi has understood how to disguise herself like the cuckoo since childhood. This is her temperament, but it can also be said to be her natural instincts.

    ¡°Back then, the white-clothed youngdy had been so graceful and elegant. After many years, Mu Baizhi is able to imitate about ny percent of it. She¡¯s rather capable at attracting men. However, every single prodigy has always been a person of strong willpower. There¡¯s nothing to be done if one didn¡¯t guard against her in the beginning, but once that guard is raised, one could naturally see many ws. At that point, their true feelings won¡¯t be moved by her, and they won¡¯t climb into her boiling pot.¡±

    Gu Zuo rubbed the goosebumps on his body.

    What Hua Lanruo said made a lot of sense. Once a person¡¯s guard was raised, no matter how outstanding the beauty, it would be hard to sway a prodigy¡¯s determination. At that time, the prodigy would see Mu Baizhi as an enemy rather than a woman. And since the other party was an enemy, their heart naturally wouldn¡¯t be moved easily.

    Hua Lanruo¡¯s momentary kindness saved her. At the same time, it also allowed Gu Zuo and Tianheng to know about the truth.

    Really... This truth was unimaginable.

    At this point in time, Gongyi Tianheng, who hadn¡¯t asked anything the entire time and had merely been quietly listening, suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°The core of this secret isn¡¯t something that you alone could¡¯ve investigated. Someone else must have gotten involved... Is that person Mu Baiyue?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tensed. He promptly looked over.

    Ah, right! With Hua Lanruo¡¯s identity, no matter how much she investigated, it would¡¯ve been impossible for her to find out about extremely secretive things like Mu Baizhi and the Cuckoo Body. There was a chance if she had been born inside Jade me Valley. The n¡¯s influence inside the valley was tremendous. However, it was clear that this wasn¡¯t the case! She was an orphan brought in from outside the valley. It was impossible for her to have such arge informationwork in the valley... By herself, a single wooden beam couldn¡¯t support a house. Even if she was able to converse with the white-clothed woman in the dungeon, she wouldn¡¯t have necessarily known this much.

    But Mu Baiyue was different.

    Speaking of which, he truly was the most-likely candidate...

    Hua Lanruo¡¯splexion changed slightly.

    Tianheng¡¯s question was too sudden, and she didn¡¯t have enough time to hide it.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Suppose that Mu Baiyue had his innate talent stolen by his younger sister in the beginning. If he really could put forward ns and ideas to Mu Baizhi, would this kind of intelligence be unable to see any problems after so many years? And once he saw a problem, he would naturally go to investigate it. After he found out, could there really be no anger or resentment?

    In this world, it could be said that innate talent was one of the most important factors that determined a martial artist¡¯s worth. Originally, Mu Baiyue ought to have been a prodigy. Naturally, like other prodigies, he possessed his own air of arrogance. If his most important aspect was snatched by someone else, even if that person was his twin sister, he probably wouldn¡¯t have truly been willing. Besides, if the two siblings had a close rtionship and their familial bond was strong, then that would be one thing. Unfortunately, Mu Baizhi had been suppressing him over the years. How could he not find out?

    Mu Baiyue was born and raised in Jade me Valley. The Mu n was also rather influential in the valley. What¡¯s more, because ¡°the Ice Phoenix Goddess was his younger sister¡±, he would¡¯ve been able to grasp some things.

    If he wanted to investigate these matters, so long as he facilitated Hua Lanruo, he would¡¯ve been able to slowly make discreet inquiries in secret. Both of their information werebined, and they would¡¯ve finally been able to obtain the results.

    Perhaps... That white-clothed youngdy in the dungeon had even more exchanges with Mu Baiyue.

    The enemy of an enemy was arade-in-arms!

    Thinking about this, Gu Zuo was puzzled once more: ¡°Then, why has Mu Baizhi kept that white-clothed woman alive this whole time?¡±

    Under normal circumstances, with Mu Baizhi¡¯s ruthless heart and vicious hands, shouldn¡¯t she have cut the weeds and eliminated the roots? Wasn¡¯t keeping the woman alive too risky?

    Hua Lanruo¡¯s expression turned unsightly. It was like she was somewhat nauseated: ¡°In order to maintain her appearance, Mu Baizhi needs to take that youngdy¡¯s blood every year...¡±

    After all, stolen goods couldn¡¯tpare to the genuine article. Even with internal qi to protect the body, one¡¯splexion was still rather hard to preserve. But if Mu Baizhi swallowed that youngdy¡¯s blood, she could maintain the same youthful and otherworldly beauty.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The more he heard, the more he felt that Mu Baizhi...had the heart of a scorpion and the guts of a snake.

    He wasn¡¯t sure of which adjectives to describe her.

    It was just that...Gu Zuo had further doubts.

    He couldn¡¯t help asking a question in his subconscious.

    [System, why isn¡¯t the Cuckoo Body recorded in the Encyclopedia of Heaven and Earth Physiques?]

    Indeed. He didn¡¯t think about it while listening to this tale, but he reacted after he finished hearing it. He was someone who had an item book that gave a detailed recording of numerous physiques. In that item book, there were obviously many unorthodox physiques, but as it happened, the Cuckoo Body was nowhere to be found!

    What was the reason for this?

    The system¡¯s reply was fast. It didn¡¯t keep him in suspense, but it also didn¡¯t toss him another item book.

    [Heaven and Earth Physiques are said to be natural reflections of heaven and earth on the physiques of martial artists. They have nothing to do with bloodline inheritances. Therefore, they arepletely arbitrary. It is possible to awaken a Heaven and Earth Physique among anyone, regardless of organization or individual.]

    Gu Zuo seemed to understand a little.

    [Then, could it be that the Cuckoo Body isn¡¯t ssified as a Heaven and Earth Physique?]

    The system was as thorough as always.

    [The Cuckoo Body is a bloodline physique. Although it is called a physique, it is actually a product of one¡¯s lineage. These kinds of physiques aremonly due to a bloodline inheritance. If it is within the same family, the bloodline physique may possibly awaken among the descendants.]

    Gu Zuo realized things clearly.

    Simply put, one was randomized. Whoever had good luck would get it. The other was ssified as an inheritance. Whoever was born with good genes would get it. However, if the Cuckoo Body was inherited through one¡¯s bloodline, then didn¡¯t this mean that the ancestors of Mu Baizhi¡¯s n likewise possessed this bloodline inheritance?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was stiff.

    Just one Mu Baizhi could stir up this much trouble. If there were more who had this physique in the n... Who knew how many evil deeds that n hadmitted?

    From what Hua Lanruo said just now, one would understand that the Cuckoo Body relied entirely on stealing! Those who didn¡¯t rob from others would only be slightly stronger than ordinary martial artists.

    Who would be able to resist walking down this shortcut... In addition, the Cuckoo Body¡¯s instincts would also be driving these people to rob and steal.

    Back to the matters at hand.

    Now that she finished telling her story, it seemed like Hua Lanruo¡¯s whole body had be much more rxed.

    She had been carrying such a secret. Although she despised Mu Baizhi, who appeared pure and holy, but didn¡¯t care at all about the methods to raise her innate talent, Hua Lanruo also felt heavy and mired down ¡ª In those years, her impressions of Mu Baizhi changed in a split second like the sky and the earth had turned upside-down. No matter how she denied the truth, she gradually calmed down as she learned more and more. It was just that, whenever she thought about it, aplicated mood would billow and churn. There was loathing. There was hatred. And there was also scorn directed at her past self.

    Hua Lanruo sighed: ¡°Mu Baizhi attacked me probably because she was aware that I knew her secret. I had gradually drifted apart from her, and asionally, it was difficult to hide my expressions. She naturally suspected me. However, despite her suspicions, for the sake of keeping her disguise, she had no choice but to put up with me. However, this time, she gave one slot to enter this leyline to Senior Sect Brother Mu, and the best candidate Senior Sect Brother Mu could bring along was me. It may be assumed that she had long made ns. After we came inside, theva surged up during the earthquake, and almost everyone was separated. Naturally, she didn¡¯t need to go make any opportunities. Instead, she only needed to find my tracks and take action...¡±

    Speaking up to here, her facial expression ttened: ¡°And since she could find me, I¡¯m afraid that she has already used certain means against me at some point.¡±

    Gu Zuoposed himself: ¡°In that case, what does Young Lady Hua intend to do now?¡±

    Hua Lanruo said: ¡°I¡¯ll still go back to Jade me Valley.¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°It won¡¯t be safe.¡±

    Hua Lanruo smiled freely: ¡°I owe senior sect brother for saving my life. I must go and help him.¡±

    While speaking, although she didn¡¯t formally admit anything, she already verified Tianheng¡¯s guess: ¡°Mu Baizhi came to attack me with her face covered, and disguised herself down to the deepest levels. Even when she felt certain that I was going to die, she didn¡¯t expose herself. However, this deed of hers has helped me instead. Now, even though I was attacked, it isn¡¯t known who attacked me. At any rate, she has been nning to kill me for a long time. In the future, I just have to take greater precautions.¡±

    Actually, Hua Lanruo felt that she had already been exposed, but her exposure could obscure Mu Baizhi¡¯s line of sight, allowing Mu Baiyue a little more time to...

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng understood what she meant. They also didn¡¯t try to stop her. One couldn¡¯t help but sigh at the situation.

    Hua Lanruo had been telling this story while lying down. Under the formidable medicinal power, her body had recovered by eighty to ny percent. At this moment, she had a clear understanding of herself, and slowly stood up. Then, she bade farewell to these two people: ¡°Opportunities to hunt for treasure are hard toe by. This Lanruo still needs to find Senior Sect Brother Mu and join up with him. This Lanruo shall never forget these two sirs for saving this one¡¯s life. I¡¯ll definitely repay this favor in the future.¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng didn¡¯t keep her here. They only gave a slight wave, and allowed her to leave.

    It was because they really weren¡¯t familiar with her. While they did rescue her and listen to her story, if they brought her along and journeyed together... That would still be inconvenient during this treasure hunt.

    Once she left, Gu Zuo sighed. Then, he exined the matter of the Cuckoo Body being a bloodline physique to Tianheng. After that, he spoke with a bit of worry: ¡°Big brother, do you think we need to investigate this Jade me Valley? For the time being, let¡¯s not talk about Mu Baizhi. What I¡¯m concerned about is whether this bloodline inheritance also appeared among the Mu n¡¯s ancestors.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°It should be investigated.¡± Then, he said, ¡°Perhaps, it¡¯s traced through Mu Baizhi¡¯s mother. And supposing that it really is due to her mother, then we need to understand her mother¡¯s origins.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 373 - Speculation

    <h4>Chapter 373 - Spection</h4>

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. His thoughts were numerous and disorderly.

    Jade me Valley had been subordinated to Ten Ultimates Sect for many years, and the Mu n had deep foundations in the valley. If their ancestors had the cuckoo bloodline, there ought to have been several prodigies over these years. And so long as these prodigies appeared, how could Jade me Valley have been only aparatively weak and small bronze-ranked organization? Even if the organization¡¯s background hadn¡¯t grown stronger due to the limitations of the bloodline, its fame should¡¯ve increased.

    However, prior to the Ice Phoenix Goddess, a reputation for extremely powerful prodigies didn¡¯t spread out. It could be seen that talent had withered over the generations.

    But if it wasn¡¯t the Mu n¡¯s bloodline, and it was due to Mu Baizhi¡¯s mother, then why did Jade me Valley repeatedly conceal the truth of Mu Baizhi¡¯s evil deeds? If nothing else, what about that white-clothed youngdy? With that special physique, she was certainly a woman blessed by the heavens in her organization. After being imprisoned, drained of blood, and even having her face stolen, wasn¡¯t the Mu n afraid of that organization finding out anding after them? Moreover, this many years had gone by, and Mu Baizhi had used many underhanded methods. Throughout Jade me Valley, there were so many elders. Were none of them aware of this? With regards to Mu Baizhi¡¯s physique, were there no misgivings? Anything that he and his big brother were thinking of shouldn¡¯t have escaped Jade me Valley¡¯s considerations, right?

    These doubts were all hard to exin.

    Additionally, there was something that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t too clear about. Mu Baiyue was aware of all this, so why weren¡¯t there any reactions? Could it be that he was also doubting or concealing something?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was a little swollen. He looked at Tianheng with an entreating gaze.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help chuckling.

    Soon after, he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and slowly said: ¡°If Mu Baiyue acted recklessly, he would certainly be a liability that Jade me Valley had to erase.¡±

    Tianheng appeared to see that Gu Zuo still wanted to ask something, and took the first steps to exin: ¡°If he took away this information and relied on other organizations, because his innate talent had long been stolen and his qualifications were insufficient, no matter which organization, none would fight against Jade me Valley on his behalf. All that he would be able to do is to slowly scheme and prevent others from realizing that he already knows about this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    This seemed to be the case when one thought about it.

    If Mu Baiyue was still a prodigy,rge organizations would¡¯ve certainly treated him with importance. But in the end, he wasn¡¯t a prodigy. He basically had no way to get in contact with the upper echelons. If he acted blindly without thinking, he would be condemned to a terrible fate in a moment of carelessness.

    How could the power of an individualpare to that of an organization? Even if Jade me Valley was merely a bronze-ranked organization with shallow foundations, it was the same.

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back. While he was directed towards the next strange phenomenon, he exined the other problems: ¡°This elder brother has considered Jade me Valley¡¯s circumstances, and I have some spection. For the past many years, no powerhouses have appeared in this valley. There¡¯s no way to improve its foundations or upgrade to the silver rank. Naturally, it hasn¡¯t resigned itself to this fate. Those who are born with outstanding talents must be greatly cherished and carefully nurtured for the sake of future ns...

    ¡°The Cuckoo Body is a brutal and tyrannical physique. If such personages often appeared within the Mu n, Jade me Valley would¡¯ve definitely known about it. And such a physique would only be achieved through the robbery of others. Once known to outsiders, it would inevitably cause a massive disturbance. While a single Cuckoo Body would be negligible, if an entire n was flowing with this bloodline, then only a short-sighted and disloyal organization would offer them shelter. Jade me Valley has been passed down for many years, and it wouldn¡¯t have gone this far.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°But now, they¡¯re&#k2026;¡±

    The smiling expression at the edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips carried a trace of cold intent: ¡°Originally, if Mu Baiyue¡¯s physique still existed, the entire Jade me Valley would¡¯ve certainly and wholeheartedly nurtured him to facilitate his awakening. However, Mu Baiyue¡¯s physique has already been lost. Mu Baizhi took his ce, and since the valley has been thirsting for talents, it naturally switched to nurturing her.

    ¡°Yet, when all is said and done, Mu Baizhi only seized a type of bloodline, and her innate talent hadn¡¯t been elevated to the level of a prodigy. Initially, it may be assumed that the importance attached to her also hadn¡¯t reached that of a prodigy. And due to her tyrannical physique, Jade me Valley ought to have tempered their cherishing with vignce to keep her under observation first. Butter on, Mu Baizhi seized that youngdy¡¯s innate talent, and her body transformed into the Ice Phoenix Body. She did enough to conceal the matter, and her potential already reached the level of a prodigy.

    ¡°Jade me Valley naturally wanted to nurture her so that she could be a future powerhouse who would bend low to do the valley¡¯s bidding. With this ckmail in their possession, how could Mu Baizhi disobey?¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard this, his heart was rmed and fearful.

    Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°As for the stagnation of Mu Baizhi¡¯s realm, she intends on marrying prodigies and stealing their innate talents. ording to this elder brother, Mu Baizhi¡¯s physique is already more mature than it was in the beginning. She should be able to control the process of seizing their innate talents when coupling with prodigies by herself...

    ¡°Ah Zuo, for all prodigies, if we don¡¯t strive our hardest, we won¡¯t necessarily remain prodigies in every realm. In the future, it¡¯s even possible to degrade and fall into mediocrity. Mu Baizhi stole slowly to consolidate herself, and manifested the Ice Phoenix Body. Who would know that her husband¡¯s affairs were orchestrated by her?¡±

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    H-how vicious!

    Tianheng seemed to think that this wasn¡¯t intimidating enough, so he still unhurriedly exined to Gu Zuo: ¡°As for the matter of stealing that white-clothed youngdy¡¯s appearance, this elder brother believes that it was a mistake on Mu Baizhi¡¯s part. When she did this, she was only three years old. Even though it depended on instincts and the trust of that youngdy to seed, her physique was immature. When seizing the innate talent, it¡¯s not impossible that she stole more than she meant to. Now, she needs to frequently absorb the white-clothed woman¡¯s blood, and she¡¯s unable to move an inch after reaching the Immortal Realm. These may be the drawbacks of the Cuckoo Body. But...¡±

    Gu Zuo blurted out: ¡°But what?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°But, this elder brother has heard that, if it¡¯s within an extremelyrge organization, whenever an outstanding disciple goes adventuring, they¡¯ll leave behind a blood tile to monitor whether they¡¯re still alive or not. If the organization backing the white-clothed woman is small, then there¡¯s no way that she¡¯ll have left behind a blood tile. Considering how vast the Central Continent is, that organization definitely wouldn¡¯t know the white-clothed woman¡¯s whereabouts. If they wanted to make discreet inquiries, the passage of time would¡¯ve long eroded any traces.

    ¡°If she¡¯s backed by arge organization that can manufacture blood tiles, she would¡¯ve certainly left one behind. So long as the white-clothed woman is alive, the blood tile won¡¯t fracture. Moreover, since her strength has only been confined and her blood asionally drained, there wouldn¡¯t be any other reactions on the blood tile. A martial artist¡¯s lifespan is long, but when disciples go adventuring, they¡¯ll sometimes be trapped inside certain secretnds. Not emerging after dozens of years is verymon, and wouldn¡¯t cause anyrgemotions.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Jade me Valley hasn¡¯t kept the youngdy alive just for Mu Baizhi to maintain her looks. If it was only for the sake of her appearance, the number of medicines that can alter one¡¯s features in this world isn¡¯t low. Some are rather precious, but they can be obtained. It¡¯s just that it wouldn¡¯t be as good as absorbing the youngdy¡¯s blood.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gu Zuo let out a long sigh: ¡°Big brother¡¯s conjecture is very reasonable...¡±

    Tianheng simply smiled again: ¡°Conjecture is just conjecture. Although it may seem reasonable, it might not necessarily be the truth. Before wee to any conclusions, this matter still requires investigating. If Jade me Valley has deeper intentions, it¡¯s not impossible to deliberately conceal things within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s territory.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded again.

    He knew that anything was possible in a world thisrge.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°The mother of Mu Baizhi and Mu Baiyue is rather suspicious. To be allowed into the Mu n, the genealogy of any sons and daughters born to the n would¡¯ve certainly gone through an investigation to confirm that there weren¡¯t any mistakes. If any of those types of people appeared in the past few generations of the mother¡¯s family, Jade me Valley should¡¯ve been able to find out... Currently, we can only look to the mother of the Mu n siblings. As for where she came from, we can probably make some spections afterwards.¡±

    Gu Zuo listened to Tianheng¡¯s words, and tried to sort out the questions he had just now.

    He felt that hidden within his dear big brother¡¯s hypothesis was a huge secret. And perhaps, this huge secret wasn¡¯t something that they could touch upon at the moment.

    No matter how intelligent his big brother was, it already wasn¡¯t easy to make so many conjectures from these known pieces of information. But if they wanted to know even more, then they had to keep investigating.

    After reaching this conclusion, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t tire out his own mind. He embraced his arms around Tianheng¡¯s neck, and nestled closer to ask in a soft voice: ¡°Big brother, how are we going to handle the Ice Phoenix Goddess?¡±

    Tianheng supported Gu Zuo, and chuckled as he said: ¡°Although Mu Baizhi¡¯s affairs are detestable, this person is still Jade me Valley¡¯s prodigy. If we kill her without a good reason, it¡¯ll seem to outsiders that our Ten Ultimates Sect is overstepping its boundaries. They¡¯ll also say that your elder brother and our master are to me. Those prodigies who¡¯ve been charmed by Mu Baizhi will alsoe looking for trouble. Although I¡¯m not afraid, there¡¯s no need to provoke so many reactions for only a single matter that hasn¡¯t been investigated yet.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°But she wants to steal big brother¡¯s...¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°I definitely won¡¯t allow her to be my wife.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, that¡¯s right.

    No matter what Mu Baizhi schemed, his big brother wasn¡¯t going to marry her. What could she still do?

    Tianheng spoke unhurriedly: ¡°If Mu Baizhi has the audacity to extend her hands to me, I¡¯ll naturally chop her ws off. But if she just keeps to her turf in Jade me Valley, I won¡¯t be bothered to pay any heed. However, supposing that there really are other secrets behind Mu Baizhi, there¡¯s no need for this elder brother to personally take action. There are many organizations that can crush her to death.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°In any case, let¡¯s just see what she does next. There are the results of our investigation, too.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is right.¡± Then, he said, ¡°Ah Zuo and I are hunting for treasure, so let¡¯s not ce any more thoughts on that Mu Baizhi.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up: ¡°I was just curious...¡± After that, he rubbed his nose, ¡°I know, big brother. I¡¯ll keep all of my thoughts focused on treasure hunting.¡±

    Tianheng smiled gently: ¡°You have to keep some of your thoughts on me, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared distractedly. His ears were burning hot.

    Tianheng muffled hisughter: ¡°It¡¯s so that Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t lose his grip while this elder brother is running fast.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    After tossing aside the matter of Mu Baizhi, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng continued to search for stone ova throughout thend of the dragon¡¯s head and its numerous, strange phenomena. Because their luck was exceptionally good, their excursions went smoothly almost every time they went looking.

    Of course, whenever they caught sight of dangerous areas, Gu Zuo would search through his memories. If the stone ovum produced in that ce was a good thing, they would take their chances to obtain it. But if the object that ce produced was sinister, they would quickly make a detour and wouldn¡¯t get involved.

    Thus, the journey was a daunting experience, but there hadn¡¯t been any mishaps. The harvest was bountiful.

    However, the strange phenomenon the two saw at this time was quite baffling.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s this...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 374 - Leaving the Leyline

    <h4>Chapter 374 - Leaving the Leyline</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng was simrly startled. Immediately following which, he forced a smile: ¡°This elder brother also doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t strange that the two were puzzled. Indeed, this ce was different from all the marvelous sceneries they had seen previously ¡ª There wasn¡¯t any dense fog that nketed the area in front of them. Rather, there were two streams of qi, one ck and one white, that swam through the air like two inseparable fish or like the intertwined necks of two dragons. The qi streams were coiled around a pond, and were endlessly revolving around that ce.

    The qi streams were extremely spirited. They seemed like living creatures.

    Meanwhile, that pond underneath the ck and white qi streams glowed with colorful lights like a pane of dazzling ss. It was impossible to see anything clearly inside, let alone locating the stone ovum.

    The most important thing was that both Gu Zuo and Tianheng had read Canon of Wondrous Medicine. However, there weren¡¯t any descriptions of this marvelous sight. Moreover, among the books that Tianheng previously thumbed through in the sect, there weren¡¯t any written ounts that matched...

    To put it simply, something had finally appeared that the two couldn¡¯t recognize.

    As such, this also indicated that ¡ª

    Gu Zuo spoke distractedly: ¡°There¡¯s definitely an object causing this, right?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    If there was nothing here, those qi streams would¡¯ve certainly scattered already. The strange phenomenon would¡¯ve also mostly dissipated.

    Gu Zuo made an exasperated expression: ¡°Then, the object here probably isn¡¯t wondrous medicine?¡±

    He was convinced that each and every wondrous medicine was recorded inside the item book. After all, that was the canonical text of wondrous medicine, not the canonical text of stone ova. Wondrous medicines were certainly found inside stone ova, and stone ova were produced through leylines. However, not all of the produced objects were necessarily wondrous medicines!

    Tianheng nodded again: ¡°This is probably the case.¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated: ¡°Then, we...¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°It isn¡¯t wondrous medicine, but it¡¯s definitely something amazing. Doesn¡¯t Ah Zuo want to take a look?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused. He spoke honestly: ¡°...Yeah.¡±

    Tianheng fixed the tone with a single hammer blow: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go and check it out!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t wondrous medicine, but wouldn¡¯t that make people even more curious?

    Inside a stone ovum produced by the leyline, apart from wondrous medicine, what else could it be?

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo on his back, and slowly walked forward. He was very cautious.

    ¡ª Although he was curious, safety was the most important in the end.

    Soon, they approached the pond. Gu Zuo released his psychic power, and probed the surroundings to check whether there were any Earth Worms that would suddenly attack. Under this examination, there weren¡¯t any traces. This caused him to slightly exhale in relief. Then, he raised his vignce: ¡°Big brother, do you feel anything? I don¡¯t sense any dangers...¡±

    Tianheng tone was smooth and steady: ¡°It¡¯s the same for me.¡±

    This time, Gu Zuo felt much more relieved.

    Perhaps, when that Greater Emperor sealed up the leyline in the beginning, she had already set up a series of restrictions. Although the martial artists in this ce had no way to disy their strengths and could only rely on their physical bodies, their perception towards danger still existed. It was to the point that they had to be even more sensitive to dangers here than in the outside world.

    At the very least, since Tianheng said that he didn¡¯t sense anything right now, there weren¡¯t any Earth Worms hiding anywhere nearby.

    Atst, the two stood near the edge of the pond.

    Up above, those ck and white qi streams seemed to detect their existences. A certain rhythm became more prominent amid the circtions.

    Gu Zuo had a feeling. He seemed to sense a type of spirituality from the circtions of these two qi streams? There was even an indistinct...sapience?

    In a split second, Gu Zuo was astonished.

    It couldn¡¯t be, right?

    Right then, Tianheng suddenly said: ¡°Ah Zuo, did you hear a voice calling out to us?¡±

    Gu Zuo carefully distinguished his senses. Apparently, he really did detect something. That pond and those two qi streams were faintly transmitting something.

    Gu Zuo spoke hesitatingly: ¡°It¡¯s calling us...to go over?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, be careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo had a concentrated look on his face.

    He was well aware.

    Tianheng moved a little closer. Now, they were just two or three steps away from that pond¡¯s colorful lights. He came to a halt. He wasn¡¯t willing to take a single step further.

    Gu Zuo craned his neck, and peered into the pond water.

    At this moment, the pair only felt that the colorful lights in the pond and the ck and white qi streams overhead were conforming to each other. There was a sense of tranquility and inexplicable esction.

    At the same time, a feeling sprang up within Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s hearts. It was like... If they wanted to get the stone ovum, they needed to drip blood into the pond?

    Then, were they going to do it or not?

    Gu Zuo rubbed his chin against Tianheng¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Big brother, what do you think?¡±

    Tianheng pondered slightly: ¡°This elder brother doesn¡¯t feel that there¡¯s any malice in this.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°I also don¡¯t feel anything wrong.¡±

    Moreover, in that indistinct consciousness, he detected a hint of pleading. Apparently, if they didn¡¯t agree, that strange object would be greatly harmed.

    While it was true that the quality of the strange object had nothing to do with them, if it was just a matter of convenience, it seemed doable.

    Tianheng inly said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like that, this elder brother will drip a few drops of blood inside. Let¡¯s see what happens.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help his curiosity, and said: ¡°What about me?¡±

    Yet, Tianheng shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s no need. Right now, I only have my physical body to defend against enemies. If anything unexpected urs, Ah Zuo will still have his psychic power to help me.¡±

    Gu Zuo considered this, and found it reasonable. He didn¡¯t insist any longer: ¡°In that case, big brother needs to take care.¡±

    Tianheng voiced his affirmation. Shortly thereafter, he swiftly nicked his wrist, and allowed some of his blood to drip into the pond.

    In a split second, the colorful lights in the pond became kaleidoscopic, and surged towards the center of the pond. In the blink of an eye, all of the lights were assimted. They rotated in a certain direction, and formed a ¡°pond eye¡±-like whirlpool.

    Up above, the white-colored qi stream suddenly descended, and rushed straight into the pond eye. Very quickly, the pond eye spun even faster. On the other hand, an impatient feeling was transmitted from inside the ck-colored qi stream.

    Gu Zuo startled.

    What was going on? Was his big brother not supposed to drip any blood? Currently, there were changes happening inside the pond, but the stone ovum hadn¡¯t shown itself!

    The feeling it gave others was a sense of ipleteness...

    Tianheng murmured: ¡°It probably still needs the blood of another person.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Then, shall I drip my blood into the pond as well?¡±

    Tianheng nced at the pond eye, and looked pensively. A good whileter, he revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Since matters have already reached this point, we can give it a try. This time, I will protect Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo had always listened to his dear big brother¡¯s words. Since Tianheng spoke in this manner, he should¡¯ve had a notion in mind. As such, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t conflicted. He simrly nicked his wrist, and let his blood drip into the pond.

    At that moment, he seemed to hear a soft cry of happiness.

    Without the interference of the colorful lights, he could clearly see the silk threads of red converging within the pond eye as his blood blended into the pond water. At the same time, another undercurrent took shape in the pond. This undercurrent was rotating in the opposite direction of the first whirlpool¡¯s streams!

    That ck-colored qi stream abruptly fell, and threw itself into the pond eye. At this time, the pond eye didn¡¯t undergo further changes. After the clockwise and counterclockwise streams of water formed, the pond eye wasn¡¯t as anxious as before. Instead, it had stabilized.

    A premonition suddenly appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart. He withdrew his wrist and staunched the bleeding.

    Tianheng said: ¡°This elder brother and Ah Zuo have both given nine drops of blood.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded: ¡°This time around, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    Indeed. Following the continuous rotations of those two undercurrents, the pond eye slowly expanded, deepened, and darkened. And within that whirlpool, which seemed like a ck hole, a hazy type of joy spread outwards.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression promptly became somewhat odd: ¡°Big brother, why do I feel like that strange object is dear to my heart?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°This thing should¡¯ve appeared after obtaining our blood. Naturally, it should feel close to us.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    In other words, he and his big brother had the same feelings?

    The pair didn¡¯t take their eyes away as they attentively watched that whirlpool.

    The pond water rose and swelled. All of a sudden, a streak of brilliance burst forth from the pond eye!

    In a sh, that object had arrived in front of them!

    Gu Zuo felt a sense of closeness. From the start, there weren¡¯t any feelings of avoidance or repulsion.

    Tianheng only reached out a hand to grab it. In an instant, a stone ovum around the size of a clenched fist appeared in his palm.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head to take a look. He was very curious.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°This object is quite interesting.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt the same way.

    No matter what kind of strange object this stone ovum produced, it ought to have been born through his and his big brother¡¯s blood. As such, was this considered a type of bloodline connection? If they shared a bloodline connection, then this was another bond between him and Tianheng.

    With these thoughts running through his head, Gu Zuo felt even happier about the strange object inside this stone ovum.

    But this stone ovum was also a little different from ordinary stone ova. Overall, while it was still ashen-white, a miniature pattern of the ck and white qi streams had appeared on the front and back.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s opinion, maybe there was a big rtionship between those ck and white qi streams and the birth of this strange object?

    Tianheng used his fingers to lightly caress that stone ovum.

    The miniature ck and white qi streams on the stone ovum immediately shed with a flowing light.

    Gu Zuo was surprised: ¡°Eh?¡±

    He also couldn¡¯t help reaching out a hand to rub it. He discovered that the surface of the stone ovum was slightly hot. At the same time, that flowing light rotated again like it was responding to his gentle touches.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°The strange object inside is definitely alive.¡± Soon after, he furrowed his brows, ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ve only been using a knife to cut open the outer shells of those wondrous medicines. But this living strange object... Should we wait for it to break its shell ande out on its own?¡±

    When one thought about it, although it was a stone ovum, since there was a living creature inside, wasn¡¯t it the same as a chicken egg, a snake egg, or any kind of egg? If the stone ovum was cut open, wouldn¡¯t that cause the strange object to die?

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng broke into a grin: ¡°If we¡¯re going to let it break out of its shell, we¡¯ll have to incubate it.¡± Then, he suddenly teased, ¡°Could it be possible that Ah Zuo wants to personally ¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°I¡¯m just kidding. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be mad.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I¡¯m not mad. I¡¯m just thinking whether this thing really needs to be incubated or not...¡±

    This question left Gu Zuo vexed for a good while.

    He was considering that, after they returned, he could find a wild beast to incubate this stone ovum. However, he also had misgivings about this. After all, this was an egg made of stone. It wasn¡¯t the same as a chicken egg. If a wild beast came to incubate it, would it be able to hatch? It would be terrible if they made a mistake that prevented the strange object from breaking out of its shell.

    Additionally, did hatching require any special environments and the like?

    To this end, Gu Zuo specially asked the system.

    [How can this stone ovum be hatched?]

    The system¡¯s reply was straight to the point.

    [Within the stone ova, wondrous objects will emerge from their shells in a variety of ways. May the host seek these answers on his own.]

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    After that, the system spoke again.

    [All such living things have forms of feedback. The host can patiently explore this and wait.]

    Gu Zuo sighed.

    It looked like getting aplete answer from the system wasn¡¯t going to work.

    At this time, Tianheng had a smile on his face as he said: ¡°From what this elder brother can tell, this thing might need nourishment to hatch. Our blood is probably useful.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    This seemed to make sense.

    Soon after, he made a helpless expression.

    Using his blood... Didn¡¯t this still require him to incubate it?

    The only thing probably worth celebrating was that Tianheng would need to incubate it with him.

    After determining that they would ¡°hatch the egg¡± together, Gu Zuo took the stone ovum, and prepared to ept it into the storage space. However, for whatever reason, although his thoughts moved, the stone ovum wasn¡¯t received inside.

    Right away, Gu Zuo was startled again: ¡°Big brother, I can¡¯t put away the stone ovum!¡±

    Tianheng paused: ¡°Oh?¡±

    He retrieved the stone ovum, and attempted to ce it inside the spatial bangle... Sure enough, it didn¡¯t work.

    Gu Zuo was gloomy.

    [System, what¡¯s going on? It stands to reason that even wild beasts can be collected now, but not a stone ovum containing a living being?]

    The system¡¯s voice was monotonous.

    [The host can personally deliver it inside. Give it a try.]

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and talked with Tianheng.

    Tianheng nodded his head and said: ¡°It won¡¯t hurt to try.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptlyplied.

    His thoughts moved again, and his entire person disappeared from Tianheng¡¯s back.

    At this moment, the Divine Medicine Pce Hall seemed like a grain of fine sand as it lightly fell onto Tianheng¡¯s body. Tianheng sensed this object, but felt it was the same as a genuine grain of fine sand. It could be said that itpletelycked any weight.

    Presently, Gu Zuo cradled the stone ovum in both hands. He was already standing inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    Sure enough, since he was holding it, the stone ovum was able toe inside.

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief as he carefully and cautiously held the stone ovum... Eh, where was he going to put it? He looked all around before trotting over to the side hall on the left.

    Afterwards, he slowly ced the stone ovum on top of that jade-like bed.

    Following this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t resist petting the stone ovum again. He sensed that the somewhat impetuous strange object inside had been cated. Then, he shed out, and reappeared on Tianheng¡¯s back.

    As far as Tianheng was concerned, this bit of weight really couldn¡¯t faze him. He reached out his hands to support his little pharmacist. He smiled and asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, did you settle it down?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°I put it on the bed in the side hall.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we should leave this ce.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Eh?¡±

    After that, he remembered that there originally wasn¡¯t much time left after the dragon¡¯s head poured forth its dragon breath. The two of them were busy for quite a while, so hadn¡¯t they already reached the final time limit?

    They couldn¡¯t spare any thoughts on the fact that they hadn¡¯t met up with Shen Yuanbai and the others. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and hastily took out and stimted the Gate Opening Pearl.

    After that, it flickered with rays of light. Tianheng and Gu Zuo vanished in front of the pond water, whose colorful lights had already scattered...

    After a dazzling moment, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng reappeared in Maple Forest Ruins.

    At this time, there were fewer people in this ce than when they first arrived. However, there were many familiar faces. It could be seen that everyone who came here had stayed in the leyline for as long as possible to increase their chances of obtaining stone ova.

    Gu Zuo jumped off Tianheng¡¯s back, and stood with him under arge tree.

    They didn¡¯t see Shen Yuanbai and the others here, so they had to wait.

    This period of waiting didn¡¯t take a long time. A little less than an hour passed when a figure shed. Lan Wenxi hade out. His gaze swept over, and he saw Tianheng and Gu Zuo. Then, he walked over inrge strides.

    It was just that there was no one else by Lan Wenxi¡¯s side. How did he get out?

    Gu Zuo was somewhat astonished.

    Lan Wenxi appeared to be aware of his question. His eyes flickered with a trace of regret as he said: ¡°I was separated from that pharmacist who had been apanying me before. Although I used certain methods to locate him, at that time, he was already...¡± a corpse.

    There was no need for him to finish that sentence. Gu Zuo understood his meaning, and also felt sorry for them.

    His own journey was considered smooth and steady. It was already quite unpleasant to send off the nearly-dead He Meng before. He didn¡¯t expect that another would perish due to the earthquake.

    This was a pharmacist with earth-level potential!

    It truly was a pity.

    Tianheng knew what Gu Zuo was thinking, andforted him: ¡°The world of martial arts is fraught with perils, and there are countless people who have fallen. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t brood over this matter too much.¡± Then, he apologetically said to Lan Wenxi, ¡°I hope that Brother Lan can ept our condolences.¡±

    Lan Wenxi sighed: ¡°I¡¯ve already collected his corpse. After I bring it back, there will certainly be a grand funeral.¡±

    After speaking these few words, Shen Yuanbai smoothly appeared while carrying his pharmacist.

    After seeing Gu Zuo and the others, he also walked over.

    In response, Gu Zuo let out a sigh of relief.

    Altogether, four pharmacists came here, but that number had been cut in half. It was fortunate that nothing happened while apanying Shen Yuanbai.

    Shen Yuanbai handled matters swiftly and decisively. Noticing that everyone was present, he nodded his head: ¡°Shall we look for a restaurant for the follow-up?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°We haven¡¯t eaten in the past few days, so we¡¯re certainly hungry. This is the perfect time to satisfy our appetites.¡±

    Lan Wenxi also gave an unaffected smile, and said: ¡°This is fine with me.¡±

    Gu Zuo and the other pharmacist didn¡¯t have any objections, and voiced their agreements. Before Gu Zuo followed the group of departing people, he quietly nced behind him.

    He didn¡¯t see the Ice Phoenix Goddess. He didn¡¯t see Mu Baiyue or Hua Lanruo either... He wondered how their situation was right now.

    These kinds of thoughts flitted through his mind. By then, Gu Zuo was already leaving this ce.

    He didn¡¯t need to impose too much on the matters of other ns or sects.

    There were many decent restaurants in every city. And within every restaurant, there were always private rooms that were kept confidential and isted from the outside world. Shen Yuanbai¡¯s organization was ratherrge. He only needed to say the word, and the members under his employ in the city immediately settled everything.

    Their speeds were fast. After the group arrived at Silver Radiance Restaurant, they were already being respectfully ushered into the best private room.

    Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng sat next to each other.

    He didn¡¯t forget that they made a deal prior to epting the Gate Opening Pearl and proceeding towards the leyline. For all of the stone ova they acquired, ten percent would be sold to Shen Yuanbai.

    As such, what they needed to do now was to discuss this matter.

    It was just that there was a problem at the present time.

    The number of stone ova that Gu Zuo and Tianheng obtained...was a little over five hundred. Even the amount acquired from those strange phenomena after the volcanic eruptions was a bit more than thirty.

    Of course, while lots of stone ova were obtained in the leyline, the number of dead ova couldn¡¯t be confirmed ¡ª During theter stages of their hunt, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t differentiate them one at a time. Meanwhile, the shares obtained from the dragon¡¯s head were top grade stone ova of remarkable ages and excellent qualities.

    Certainly, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think there was anything wrong with taking out ten percent in exchange, and he was quite willing to respect their priormitment. It was just that this amount was a little high. Were they going to...

    This left him somewhat conflicted.

    Shen Yuanbai stated: ¡°I¡¯ve already invited a Nurturing Psyche Realm pharmacist toe over, and his spiritual path realm is just a hair¡¯s breadth away from the Spirit Psyche Realm. He rarely makes mistakes when refining medicinal pills suitable for Noble Realms, and he can asionally produce pills for Royal Realms. This person is my Divine Wind Trading Company¡¯s special-grade appraiser. He hase here to appraise our stone ova.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and didn¡¯t have any opinions about it: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡±

    Ah, this Brother Shen hade prepared. He handled matters very meticulously... Although Gu Zuo himself could also appraise the stone ova, it was better to go through the formalities.

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s work efficiency was really high, so that pharmacist should¡¯ve longe to this city. Just as Shen Yuanbai arrived and dispatched someone to ry the invitation, that pharmacist had promptly rushed over.

    He had the appearance of a thirty-something year old man. He wasn¡¯t very handsome, but his temperament was fair, honest, and gentle. As a result, people feltfortable at a nce.

    Once this pharmacist entered the room, he introduced himself. His surname was Huang, and his first name was Zhen. He and Shen Yuanbai were fellow disciples, and their friendship was rather deep. In addition, he and Lan Wenxi were very familiar with one another.

    Huang Zhen¡¯s bearing was natural. After exchanging greetings with Gu Zuo and Tianheng, he quietly sat next to Shen Yuanbai, and waited for the stone ova.

    Shen Yuanbai was calm: ¡°Whenever you two are ready.¡±

    Tianheng indicated to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, take out ten percent.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng faintly nodded. He smiled and said: ¡°There¡¯s no harm in this. Brother Shen operates a tradingpany. Thus, working in good faith takes priority. It may be assumed that he will keep secrets on our behalf.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai solemnly said: ¡°Naturally. Including me, the people here won¡¯t pass along the number of stone ova these two sirs have obtained to the ears of others. Otherwise, it would be a huge embarrassment to this Shen.¡±

    Huang Zhen smiled: ¡°This is to be expected.¡±

    Lan Wenxi chimed in: ¡°I¡¯ve gained much on this trip. I¡¯ll have to ask Brother Huang to do a favor for me in a short while.¡±

    Huang Zhen replied: ¡°No problem.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it. Then, in the blink of an eye, a pile of stone ova appeared from the storage space.

    T/N: For those who know about it, feel free to write hints or inside jokes, but please avoid posting any explicit spoilers about that in thements.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 375 - Selling Stone Ova

    <h4>Chapter 375 - Selling Stone Ova</h4>

    These stone ova numbered a little more than fifty, which was ten percent.

    As for the hundred-thousand year old stone ova, he naturally couldn¡¯t casually give them to someone for appraisals. Otherwise, would it be okay if others knew the details of his own collection? It was just like how Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi wouldn¡¯t take out all of their stone ova.

    Once these stone ova appeared, the few people in the room were startled.

    Even Shen Yuanbai¡¯s pupils shrank in an instant.

    If this was extrapted, wouldn¡¯t the total be five hundred-something? Although they were aware that the number wouldn¡¯t have been low based on Gu Zuo¡¯s previous reaction, they didn¡¯t expect it to be like this...

    A long whileter, the stagnated atmosphere slowly rxed.

    Lan Wenxi sighed and said: ¡°Sure enough, heaven-level potential will stand out from the masses. The amount of stone ova you guys obtained is many times higher than what we got.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai also nodded: ¡°It¡¯s quite astonishing.¡±

    They also discovered that none of the stone ova here were acquired from those strange phenomena ¡ª This wasn¡¯t unusual. After all, no one knew that there would be an earthquake. Furthermore, there weren¡¯t any requirements for the ten percent of stone ova. As a pharmacist, it would¡¯ve been baffling if Gu Zuo had been willing to take out the stone ova that had matured for far longer in those strange phenomena.

    In actuality, when Shen Yuanbai took out the Gate Opening Pearl, it mostly acted as a token of friendship. As for selling ten percent of the stone ova, if there many, it would be better. But even if there were few, it wouldn¡¯t be considered a loss.

    However, he never anticipated that Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng were willing to take out so many stone ova. Surprisingly, it far exceeded his estimations.

    Shen Yuanbai slightly pondered, and asked: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, Brother Gongyi. Are you two sure about appraising these stone ova and selling them to this Shen?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and said: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say it quite like that.¡± He chose his words carefully, ¡°After these stone ova are appraised, those with a rtivelyrge number of the same grade will definitely be sold. If I don¡¯t have any need for it, I¡¯ll sell it. But if I really like it, I¡¯ll keep it. However, I¡¯ll take out some more stone ova to make up for the deficiency... Brother Shen, do you think this is okay?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai nodded his head, and said: ¡°It should be so.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have to ask Pharmacist Huang to appraise them.¡±

    He also knew that it ought to have been like this, but it was better to talk about it in advance.

    Soon after, Huang Zhen didn¡¯t stand on ceremony. He grasped one of the stone ova, and held it in the palm of his hand.

    Gu Zuo detected that a silk thread of psychic power rushed out from the space between Huang Zhen¡¯s eyebrows, and swiftly wrapped up the stone ovum. At the same time, an invisibleyer covered his eyes, bathing them in a bright and clear sheen.

    Huang Zhen scrutinized it for some time.

    Gu Zuo observed for a while, and saw that he was only doing it this way. There weren¡¯t any other special disys. Right away, Gu Zuo was a bit disappointed... However, because Gu Zuo could see that Huang Zhen¡¯s psychic power was stronger than that of all the pharmacists he met before, and that Huang Zhen¡¯s control wasn¡¯t lower than his own, he gradually gained a deeper understanding of the level of his own psychic power.

    If it was guaranteed that Huang Zhen could refine Noble Realm medicinal pills... Well, although his own internal qi realm was insufficient, perhaps he could make a slight attempt at refining pills suitable for Noble Realms, too.

    While considering such things, Huang Zhen opened his mouth: ¡°This ovum is not dead. Contained inside is a wondrous medicine called the Heavenly Zither Feather.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he handed the stone ovum to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo also ¡°looked¡± at it.

    Based on his memory of the canonical text and the differentiation of the shadow inside the stone ovum, he came to the same conclusion as Huang Zhen. It seemed that Huang Zhen truly was rather knowledgeable in terms of wondrous medicines.

    Gu Zuo ced this stone ovum on the side.

    Huang Zhen started the appraisal of the next stone ovum.

    ¡°This ovum is not dead. Contained inside is a wondrous medicine called the Jasper-Silk Mesona Mint.¡±

    ¡°This ovum is not dead. Contained inside is a wondrous medicine called the Redbud Longhorn Beetle...¡±

    ¡°This ovum is not dead. Contained inside is a wondrous medicine called the Roosting Swallow Flower.¡±

    ¡°This ovum is not dead. Contained inside is a wondrous medicine called...¡±

    Huang Zhen confidently identified one stone ovum after another as if he already had aplete picture of them in his mind.

    Whenever he wasn¡¯t appraising one stone ovum, Gu Zuo would quietly ¡°look¡± at it again. Indeed, it would be exactly the same as what Huang Zhen saw. Huang Zhen, this individual, was worthy of being Shen Yuanbai¡¯s heavily-relied-upon master appraiser!

    Everyone patiently watched Huang Zhen¡¯s appraisals. After roughly three hours passed, Huang Zhen finally finished identifying all of the stone ova. He slowly gave a long sigh.

    ¡°There are fifty-six stone ova. Among them, the number of dead ova is...six.¡±

    The room was filled with silence.

    Lan Wenxi eximed: ¡°In fifty-something stone ova, not even ten percent are dead ones! This kind of result is truly incredible!¡±

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s expression was grave and stern: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, Brother Gongyi. Are you sure that you want to sell these stone ova to this Shen?¡±

    The amount of good stone ova was rather shocking. He had no other option but to ask this question once more.

    Gu Zuo spoke: ¡°There are neen duplicates here. Naturally, I¡¯ll have to take some back. In addition, there are twelve types that are very rare, and I want to keep them for myself. This leaves a discrepancy of a little more than thirty... I¡¯ll bring out some more stone ova. Though, I¡¯ll have to trouble Pharmacist Huang to help appraise another batch.¡±

    Soon after, he took out another fifty stone ova.

    Shen Yuanbai faintly nodded his head.

    Huang Zhen continued the appraisals.

    As before, this roundsted about three hours. It was found that there were a few more dead ova in this batch, but it only amounted to ten. It could be seen that the stone ova obtained by Gu Zuo and Tianheng were of outstanding quality.

    Gu Zuo simrly withdrew some of the duplicates and rare ones, of which there was an even twenty types. Subsequently, they followed the set pattern until he chose exactly fifty stone ova to be sold to Shen Yuanbai.

    Then, it was time to settle the ounts.

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s present Divine Wind Trading Company had been established across many regions. Naturally, he was rich and influential, and his assets were extremely robust. While these wondrous medicines were precious, if it was just fifty stone ova, he was still capable of purchasing them. Not to mention that there were differences between wondrous medicines. The stronger the medicinal effects and the greater the rarity, the more valuable and expensive they were ¡ª For the most part, profound crystals were used to calcte the price. However, for some especially rare ones, even treasured crystals were utilized. It also wasn¡¯t necessarily impossible to trade with source crystals.

    Though, among this batch of stone ova, it didn¡¯t get to the point that wondrous medicines requiring treasured crystals or source crystals appeared. If there were any of those kinds of wondrous medicines, only extremely few would¡¯ve been sold at an auction. Even if a martial artist obtained one, it would be kept hidden until it was traded with someone else at ater date.

    ¡ª Back to the main point. The price for this batch of stone ova was quickly calcted.

    Five hundred thousand profound crystals.

    It was basically an average of ten thousand profound crystals per stone ovum, but this was a fair price. Additionally, the specific price of each stone ovum was somewhat different, so this total price wasn¡¯t considered too low. However, if these stone ova were ced on an auction or privately sold to others, the price would¡¯ve risen several times higher.

    Shen Yuanbai didn¡¯t expect that he could purchase this many stone ova, but he was never short of funds. Hence, he touched the bangle on his wrist, and took out several bag-shaped, inter-spatial tools. Inside each bag was a hundred thousand profound crystals.

    He spoke forthrightly: ¡°Please confirm the amount.¡±

    Of course, Tianheng didn¡¯t actually take an inventory. He received these bags, swiped his hand, and collected them inside his own bangle. Immediately following which, he smiled and said: ¡°Why should I have to check? This one naturally trusts Brother Shen.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanbai¡¯s gaze eased.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo took out ten more stone ova, and pushed them in front of Shen Yuanbai: ¡°For this trip into the leyline, we¡¯ve had a bountiful harvest. This paltry sum will be gifted to Brother Shen to show our appreciation.¡±

    At this time, Shen Yuanbai¡¯s brows faintly furrowed: ¡°There¡¯s no need to do this.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°These ten stone ova haven¡¯t been appraised yet. Who¡¯s to say that there will be bad luck and all of them are dead ova? Brother Shen, there¡¯s no need to decline. This is just a small kindness.¡±

    Tianheng also said: ¡°Brother Shen should understand that Ah Zuo and I have already gained many benefits on this trip.¡±

    When the conversation reached this stage, Shen Yuanbai couldn¡¯t refuse again if he didn¡¯t want to step on Tianheng¡¯s honor. As a result, he could only keep these ten stone ova. He also didn¡¯t have Huang Zhen do any appraisals in their presence.

    Gu Zuo smiled happily.

    This affair no longer weighed on his mind.

    The discussion about this matter was basically finished. Following this, everyone had a meal together.

    With the friendly rtionships developed over the course of this trip to the leyline, Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi were optimistic about Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s potentials. Everyone also became more familiar with one another.

    After the meal, it was time to go their separate ways.

    Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment, but he still inquired: ¡°Now, about Brother He Meng... Brother Shen, did you guys find any wondrous medicines that can treat psychic powers?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai shook his head: ¡°The stone ova haven¡¯t been cut open yet, but we didn¡¯t encounter any of those types among the strange phenomena.¡±

    Gu Zuo struggled a little.

    But after hesitating, he spoke up: ¡°I actually have one stalk of this type of wondrous medicine... When Brother Shen goes back to check on his stone ova, if there are none to be found,e to Ten Ultimates Sect and look for me. At that time, although the wondrous medicine can¡¯t be given away in its entirety, I can share some of it. Then, Brother Shen can take it back to treat Brother He.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai originally thought about inviting Gu Zuo to go back and test his stone ova. If there was one that was rted to psychic power, Shen Yuanbai wanted to purchase it. However, Gu Zuo had previously taken out so many stone ova, and sold them to him. It wouldn¡¯t have been easy for him to mention it ¡ª Otherwise, it would¡¯ve appeared somewhat excessive.

    But what he didn¡¯t anticipate was that Gu Zuo would take the initiative to bring this up. This made his mood much better, and his impression of Gu Zuo and Tianheng also improved.

    Shen Yuanbai resolutely said: ¡°Although it¡¯s not appropriate, this matter is rted to He Meng¡¯s life. If nothing can be found, this Shen will have to shamelessly impose.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a bit of heartache, but he couldn¡¯t bear to see He Meng being crippled and dying like this. Hence, he soothed his frame of mind, and smiled as he said: ¡°This is nothing. I just hope that Brother He gets better as soon as possible.¡±

    After these words were spoken, Gu Zuo and Tianheng bade farewell to the others.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on the fact that they had checked lots of stone ova in this ce. Once they went back, they would be busy for quite some time...

    Very quickly, the battle ves were led away from Shen Yuanbai¡¯s residence. Just like this, Tianheng and his personal pharmacist rushed back to Ten Ultimates Sect in a grandiose procession.

    After returning to the manor, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng stayed at the summit. They took out all of the stone ova, bothrge and small, which practically piled up into a small hill on the ground.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath. After that, he disyed a mentality that wasn¡¯t afraid of hardships or weariness. Regardless of the time of day or night, he differentiated the stone ova, divided them into various types, andid them in certain areas.

    Tianheng assisted him on the side. Whenever Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t distinguishing one stone ovum, Tianheng would help him by setting it in the proper ce.

    Gu Zuo had thepany of his family¡¯s big brother. After bustling around for an entire twenty-four hours, he finally separated all of the stone ova.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 376 - The Allocation of Things

    <h4>Chapter 376 - The Allocation of Things</h4>

    In total, there were five hundred sixty-eight stone ova. Excluding the fifty that were sold to Shen Yuanbai as well as the ten that were freely given, there were five hundred and eight remaining. Among these five hundred and eight stone ova, there were seventy-eight dead ones. Thus, only four hundred thirty stone ova containing wondrous medicines were left.

    At the same time, not every stone ovum among these four hundred thirty had unique wondrous medicines. After some partitioning, they obtained one hundred twenty-nine types of wondrous medicine.

    From the region of the dragon¡¯s head, the pair acquired thirty-six stone ova, and none of them were dead ones. Every single type was also different. Among these thirty-six stone ova, there was only one that had been formed with Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s blood.

    Once Gu Zuo took an inventory, these stone ova weren¡¯t ced inside the public storehouse. Rather, they were carefully put in the storage space. Meanwhile, after those dead ova were cautiously examined by Gu Zuo, they were split open one at a time. Seventy-five were corrupted, and three contained wicked things. Under the preparations of two Ascendant Realm hound race battle ves, they were destroyed the moment they emerged from the stone ova. Those wicked things didn¡¯t have any time to strike back.

    As for those corrupted stone ova, some didn¡¯t possess the slightest bit of functionality, some had be poisonous, and others still had remnants of medicinal properties. Gu Zuo picked up these portions, and brought out their final bit of usefulness. He refined them into some trick pills or poison pills. There were also a fewparatively special medicinal pills avable.

    However, the amounts were quite small. After Gu Zuo studied these pills, he tossed them into the storage space where they became part of his secret stash of countless pills.

    He would get back to them eventually.

    Gu Zuo finished his inspection of all the stone ova and made a rough n. What he did next was to release the Earth Worm corpses that had been ced inside the storage space.

    In an instant, the corpses piled up into a small mountain next to the two people!

    Gu Zuo turned his head to look, and gave a hollowugh: ¡°Ah, I didn¡¯t think that there would be this many...¡±

    During those days in the leyline, he hadn¡¯t thought about it. Now that he took them out, he found that there were many more than he imagined.

    Fortunately, there were only very small amounts of bodily fluids inside the Earth Worm corpses. And those bodily fluids also didn¡¯t give off any unpleasant odors. Thus, even though ¡°the skeletons of the dead formed a mountain¡±, the experience wasn¡¯t too trying for people.

    Tianheng raised a brow: ¡°Does Ah Zuo already have a n?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hide it, and immediately replied: ¡°I think that the Earth Worms are unusual. They can only be harmed by psychic powers. No matter how powerful a martial artist is, one can only restrict the creatures, and doesn¡¯t have the ability to kill them. As a result, I feel they can be studied more. I want to see whether their outer carapace, flesh, and bodily fluids can be refined into battle armor, martial clothing, and so on. These things ought to have very strong defensive capabilities, right? Perhaps, they might even have other uses...¡±

    Speaking up to here, he was a little embarrassed: ¡°Big brother, what do you think?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°What Ah Zuo says makes sense.¡± While he talked, he lightly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek, ¡°For those I¡¯ve taken as subordinates, I don¡¯t only order them to handle ordinary work. Later on, I¡¯ll hand over this matter to the cooperation of the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race and the Iron-Ox Race. They should be able to study this as soon as possible.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings loosened: ¡°If they can find any uses, that would be great.¡± Soon after, he looked at that mountain of Earth Worms, and couldn¡¯t help grumbling, ¡°That Manager Lou Wei¡¯s information was a little inurate. He said that the Earth Worms were only a little more than a foot long, but from what I saw in the leyline, the ones that were a foot long were immature Earth Worms. The adults could reach fifty meters in length ¡ª Forget calling them worms. Those things were basically gigantic pythons!¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he said: ¡°If the creatures really were no more than a foot long, we would¡¯ve obtained far fewer Earth Worm corpses. How could there be enough for research? Besides, the Earth Worms might¡¯ve seemed ferocious, but dealing with them wasn¡¯t particrly difficult.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s actually true.¡±

    Okay. Gu Zuo also knew that this wasn¡¯t anything toin about. After all, thest time the leyline opened was ten thousand years ago. The information they currently possessed wasn¡¯t enough. This was normal.

    In any case, they knew that there would be Earth Worms, so they were able guard against the creatures. As for the problem of the Earth Worms¡¯ sizes... It really wasn¡¯t a serious problem.

    Although Gu Zuo took a fancy to these Earth Worms as materials for refining weapons, he also wanted to see if they had any value in refining medicine. Therefore, after pondering for a short while, he took three to five Earth Worm corpses corresponding to each stage of life, and put them away.

    Then, he spoke to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, can you deal with these corpses?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a good idea to leave this pile of Earth Worm corpses here the entire time.

    Tianheng faintly smiled. Shortly thereafter, he gestured towards a secret ce.

    The member of the Shadow-Morphing ck Cat Race who was hidden there swiftly shed out. With the fastest speeds, the cat went down the mountain to ry orders.

    Not long after, a member of the Iron Ox Race was summoned over ¡ª This fellow was hardly permitted to enter this area, so he didn¡¯t dare to size up his surroundings too much. He quickly collected those Earth Worm corpses into amunal inter-spatial tool of his race. Then, he brought everything back to his race¡¯s own base of operations to conduct research.

    The member of the Shadow Cat Race swiftly vanished. The mountain of Earth Worm corpses was also nowhere to be seen.

    The summit once again returned to a peaceful and quiet state.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, now that this matter has been settled, I intend to go and pay respects to our master, and tell him about Mu Baizhi.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded. Soon after, he thought of something: ¡°Big brother, should we pick some wondrous medicines that the pce master can use from the stone ova, and give them as a present?¡±

    When going out on a journey, one should bring back souvenirs, right?

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°If it¡¯s for master, we can pick some.¡±

    Gu Zuo conscientiously pondered. After that, his face twitched.

    He was conflicted and hesitant...

    A good whileter, Gu Zuo haltingly said: ¡°If we¡¯re giving something to master, we naturally have to give the most precious things. It¡¯s just that, when ites to those most precious wondrous medicines, there¡¯s only one of each type&#k2026;¡±

    In fact, one couldn¡¯t say that those thirty-six stone ova from the strange phenomena were all of the best wondrous medicines. Among the one hundred twenty-nine types obtained before, there were also seven or eight kinds that were very valuable. However, this was the way of the world &#k2014; The more precious something was, the rarer it would be. As a result, even though this handful weren¡¯t produced through the strange phenomena, there was simrly only one of each kind.

    Contrary to expectations, it wasn¡¯t that Gu Zuo was unwilling to part with them. Instead, because there was only one of each kind, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to study them after they were delivered to the Blood Transformation Pce Master. As a pharmacist, it was truly difficult to let go of medicinal ingredients that hadn¡¯t been studied.

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo acting this way, and couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Ah Zuo is overthinking it.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, why don¡¯t you tell this elder brother ¡ª What level of pill prescriptions do these wondrous medicines mostly require?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied without the slightest hesitation: ¡°It¡¯s mostly pill prescriptions at the profound level or higher. Within the earth-level and heaven-level prescriptions, some wondrous medicines that have reached a certain age and rarity are also needed.¡±

    Indeed. His item books only covered pill prescriptions at the profound-level and below. However, when his canonical text introduced wondrous medicines, it mentioned that they were incorporated into pill prescriptions of certain types and levels. Merely, he didn¡¯t have the corresponding item book that gave the specifics of those pill prescriptions.

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Master is a Royal Realm powerhouse. The medicinal pills he needs are profound-level pills.¡±

    Gu Zuo widened his eyes.

    Ah, right! The answer was right under his nose...

    He had only been thinking that what he needed to give their master was the best. He didn¡¯t consider that the best ones were those that he currently had no way of studying, and that the pce master also had no need of them! Holding onto these wondrous medicines meant either storing them or waiting until his realm was higher to utilize them!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t conflicted anymore.

    He rapidly scanned through the profound-level prescriptions in his mind, and found many wondrous medicines that were required in useful prescriptions. Then, he cross-referenced those wondrous medicines with the ones he obtained.

    Soon after, from those partitioned stone ova, he chose twenty types of wondrous medicine that were useful and rtively precious. There was one stone ovum for each type. Additionally, these wondrous medicines had duplicates, which fit Gu Zuo¡¯s preferences.

    After making his selection, Gu Zuo tilted his head and thought about something. He hurriedly flipped through twenty jade boxes and chests of various sizes. These stone ova were of different sizes, and each one required careful handling. This looked like... En, it looked like giving presents!

    Once his preparations were done, Gu Zuo handed these jade containers to Tianheng. After that, he paused: ¡°Right, big brother. I remembered that your senior sect brothers and sisters previously gave you weing presents. Now that we have lots of wondrous medicines, do you want to give one to each person? Won¡¯t that boost the rtionships between fellow apprentices?¡±

    Tianheng slightly pondered. After that, he faintly shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s no need. If I randomly give things away, I¡¯m afraid that everyone will know that you and I have many wondrous medicines. Later on, Ah Zuo had better research these things carefully, and refine them into some useful medicinal pills. At that time, it would be more appropriate to deliver them as a set.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this was reasonable, and just nodded his head: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll research them properly.¡±

    After they finished talking, Tianheng waved his hand over those jade containers, and received them into the bangle. Soon after, he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and turned around to jump onto the back of a wild bird. He travelled directly to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng¡¯s fleeting form with his eyes for a short while. Then, he resolutely turned around, and headed straight into the medicine refining room.

    Research! Research!

    When Gongyi Tianheng arrived at the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, the pce master stood with his hands sped behind his back. The expression in his eyes was as kindly and amiable as before. He noticed that Tianheng¡¯s strength had another breakthrough, and there was joy on his face: ¡°Sure enough, my apprentice¡¯s aptitudes are out of the ordinary.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a big deal to make a minor realm breakthrough at the Immortal Realm. The important thing was that one¡¯s realm was stable after breaking through. When one¡¯s umtions were more robust and qi emissions more powerful, then that was worthy of praise.

    Tianheng observed the proper courtesies and expressed his thanks with a smile. Then, he said: ¡°Previously, this disciple left the sect to go adventuring. I had a fortuitous encounter, and obtained many good things. Just when I didn¡¯t know what to do with them, Ah Zuo made a suggestion that I show my appreciation to our master.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master suddenly nked. Soon after, heughed and said: ¡°Oh? This apprentice hase to express his filial piety again?¡±

    Tianhengughed and replied: ¡°Although the things this time aren¡¯t as good asst time, they do have some usefulness. I hope that master doesn¡¯t disdain such gifts.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master heard his apprentice talking this way, and felt amused.

    Naturally, he always treated Tianheng amiably, but his also knew that his own cultivation methods were treacherous. In his presence, his other disciples were deferential. Rarely would they act so jokingly and close... For it to be like this between a teacher and student, his heart warmed. Thus, he spoke ordingly: ¡°This apprentice only needs to take them out. This teacher certainly won¡¯t shun them.¡±

    Tianheng took two steps back.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master watched on with eyes full of interest.

    Tianheng extended a hand, and waved it.

    In a split second, a big table appeared before the pce master.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master made a questioning expression.

    Tianheng¡¯s thoughts moved again. Upon that big table, from left to right, from small torge, from jade boxes to jade chests, appeared a row of jade-manufactured vessels.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master: ¡°...¡±

    After a moment of silence, he spoke: ¡°These...are all for this teacher?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Precisely so. Master, why don¡¯t you take a look at each one?¡±

    The pce master didn¡¯t actually expect to receive so many presents this time around. But when all was said and done, he had witnessed many great winds and waves, and his frame of mind wouldn¡¯t be disturbed just because of the number of his apprentice¡¯s presents. As a result, he tranquilly walked in front of the first jade box, reached out a hand to rest it on his palm, and opened it.

    ¡°The color presents an ashen-white hue, and the interior wafts with a subtle fragrance...¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s expression was also somewhat subtle: ¡°This is a stone ovum produced by a leyline. Contained within it is wondrous medicine?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    The pce master swept his eyes over that row of jade vessels: ¡°And these are all stone ova and wondrous medicines?¡±

    Tianheng was still smiling: ¡°Correct. I hope that master doesn¡¯t disdain them.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master lightly flicked his finger. The lids of the other neen jade vessels opened one after another. And what emerged from inside them were stone ova of various sizes. Every stone ovum had a subtle fragrance. Undoubtedly, they were all wondrous medicines that hadn¡¯t perished.

    Although the pce master had experienced many extraordinary things, the huge move by this personally-imparted, little apprentice really gave him quite a shock.

    Indeed. These wondrous medicines couldn¡¯tpare to the spiritual source¡¯s valuation, but they weren¡¯t necessarily any less useful to the pce master.

    What¡¯s more, there wasn¡¯t just one stone ovum. Rather, there were twenty! The prices that these things could be auctioned for didn¡¯t need to be mentioned. One simply had to talk about the amount ¡ª Even if it was the Blood Transformation Pce Master himself, he had never seen this many wondrous medicines in one ce before!

    Because the requirements for a stone ovum¡¯s production were very demanding, these things were extremely rare outside of leylines. Furthermore, leylines were opened only once every ten thousand years, and many stone ova would flow out. During these ten-thousand-year gaps, the stone ova would definitely be used up... At the pce master¡¯s age, he only had a total of two stone ova in his stock.

    All of a sudden, Tianheng had increased his stock by ten fold!

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s mood was very strange.

    This was only the second time his apprentice had gone adventuring.

    Should he have ruefully sighed at this apprentice¡¯s fortuitous encounters or be ashamed that he, as the master, was actually...always obtaining benefits from this apprentice¡¯s hands?

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master sighed: ¡°Never mind. This teacher needs to make many preparations to break through to the Cosmic Realm, so I shall reluctantly ept them. Later on, this teacher shall give another race ¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish speaking, his words were tactfully interrupted by his apprentice.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°If master gifts a race every time this disciple presents a token of filial piety, wouldn¡¯t master¡¯s fields be picked bare some day? There¡¯s no need to do this.¡±

    The pce master helplessly said: ¡°If it¡¯s an ordinary gift, it wouldn¡¯t matter much. Every time this apprentice goes to such lengths, while it leaves me feeling overjoyed, it also makes me feel like I¡¯m taking advantage of you. It really leaves my heart uneasy.¡±

    Tianheng shook his head: ¡°A disciple ought to pay his respects to his teacher. This is a matter of course. If a disciple doesn¡¯t do this, then naturally there is no filial respect. But for this trip, this disciple obtained far more than just this amount. If master runs out, just ask this disciple for more. Master doesn¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±

    There was nothing the pce master could do. He could only say: ¡°I won¡¯t need any more.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°All ording to master¡¯s will.¡±

    Soon after, he changed the topic of the discussion: ¡°Offering a token of filial appreciation was just in passing. This disciple actually came here to report an important matter to master.¡±

    When the Blood Transformation Pce Master saw Tianheng acting this prudently, he also brushed aside thoseplicated moods from before. He inquired: ¡°What matter has this apprenticee to report?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°This matter concerns a prodigy from my Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s subsidiary forces...¡±

    Following this, Tianheng gave a general recounting of everything he experienced during this trip to the leyline. Most of all, after seeing that Hua Lanruo and hearing what she knew about, he voiced his spections and suspicions in exacting detail.

    At first, the pce master was only rather interested in listening to the tale of his apprentice¡¯s adventure. But when he heard about Mu Baizhi¡¯s deeds, a trace of fury gradually appeared on his handsome visage. And after Tianheng finished telling the whole story, his eyes flickered with bloody lights. His head of long hair, which hung down to his waist, billowed in the nonexistent wind.

    Tianheng finally said: ¡°...Although this disciple has many conjectures, they haven¡¯t been ascertained yet. Also, this disciple¡¯s current manpower is insufficient, and I¡¯m afraid of alerting the snake by beating the grass. Therefore, I¡¯vee to ask for guidance. I hope that master is able to investigate this matter.¡±

    The qi emissions across the pce master¡¯s body roiled a few times before suddenly bing cid and serene. He waved his robe sleeve, and the big table in front of him as well as the numerous jade vessels were put away.

    After that, he paced back and forth for several steps.

    He furiously shouted: ¡°Jade me Valley! How bold!¡±

    There were many physiques in this world, and it wasn¡¯t like there weren¡¯t any physiques that plundered others. However, that only referred to identical physiques that devoured one another to be aplete whole. Within this category, it followed thew of the jungle. In fact, the prodigy who ultimately achieved this would bear the true appearance of that physique.

    As for Mu Baizhi, there were no taboos that she wouldn¡¯tmit. It seemed that she was capable of seizing the innate talent of any physique, and disguised herself to do so. In addition, that physique of hers needed to constantly devour others to make up for any defects and to continuously advance ¡ª This was to say, if Jade me Valley wanted to ¡°achieve¡± one Mu Baizhi, numerous prodigies had to be sacrificed before they could seed!

    This wasn¡¯t apetition between simr physiques... That Cuckoo Body was simply crossing the line!

    Which family would want their nurtured prodigy to be turned into nutrients?

    What¡¯s more, it would¡¯ve been fine if any prodigies were outright defeated by Mu Baizhi. However, she wanted to use her charms for seduction and entrapment. She transformed prodigies into nobodies just for their aptitudes. In this way, she wouldn¡¯t only make up for any deficiencies in her own body, she would also exploit the forces of the other family she married into. Perhaps, she would even turn the many genius younger generations in that family into her personal tonics.

    Her greed was contemptible and her actions were despicable...

    If this kind of woman was allowed to maintain her disguise the entire way, she would ultimately reach the Cosmic and Lesser Emperor Realms. At that time, if she wanted to take the next step, wouldn¡¯t she have to make use of the continent¡¯s powerhouses?

    How could she, one mere person, be the least bit worthy?!

    Tianheng stood quietly on the side.

    After the Blood Transformation Pce Master was enraged, Tianheng sensed a terrifying power permeating the entire building. If it hadn¡¯t been for the fact that he wasn¡¯t the target of the pce master¡¯s ire, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to resist with his current realm.

    But despite this, he also appeared to see unending bloody lights that transformed into a torrential ocean of blood. There were countless vicious bodies that emerged from the ocean of blood, thrashing among the raging waves!

    ¡ª The Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s ultimate knowledge. It was only due to an imposing aura, but it practically caused one to suffer an illusion. Truly horrifying!

    A good whileter, the pce master calmed down.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how he always treated Tianheng kindly. He himself wasn¡¯t a kind or benevolent person. Most of all, he possessed theplete works of the Blood Transformation Ultimate Knowledge. When he led campaigns on behalf of Ten Ultimates Sect, the mere mention of his impressive military achievements was enough to silence a child¡¯s nightly tantrums!

    At this time, Tianheng spoke soothingly: ¡°Master, there¡¯s no need to get angry. When all is said and done, this is an internal matter of Jade me Valley. Although Mu Baizhi has many evil intentions, she has yet to harm but a few people. Later on, we only need to investigate this affair. No matter whether it¡¯s a coincidence or something more... With the proper preparations, is there anyone Ten Ultimates Sect is afraid of?¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s tone finally eased up: ¡°What this apprentice says is true.¡± Then, he said, ¡°This apprentice can rest assured. I will certainly send someone to investigate this matter. I will also get in touch with the other nine pce masters. Later on, this apprentice must raise his vignce. A woman like that Mu Baizhi is not worthy of being a wife.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°This disciple has bright eyes and a clear heart. How could I look fondly upon someone like that... Master doesn¡¯t have to worry. This disciple wouldn¡¯t dare make any presumptions, but I¡¯m quite confident in my own power of self-control.¡±

    The pce master alsoughed, his mood was much morefortable: ¡°You must also be careful. Don¡¯t allow yourself to be plotted against.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Ah Zuo has an excellent understanding of pharmacology. With him by this disciple¡¯s side, it would be impossible for such hidden schemes to approach me.¡±

    The pce master spoke with satisfaction: ¡°Ah Zuo is certainly an exceptionally good talent. He¡¯s also very filial. With him and this apprentice helping one another, I feel relieved.¡±

    Everything that this pair of master and apprentice needed to say was said. The two of them were the kind of people who handled matters decisively, and didn¡¯t waste time over this matter. Immediately following which, Tianheng mentioned the difficulties he had with some martial disciplines, and the Blood Transformation Pce Master attentively provided guidance. After that, Tianheng bade farewell to the pce master, and returned to his own manor.

    Three dayster.

    At this time, Gu Zuo was in the medicine refining room. He had basically finished his research on the Earth Worms ¡ª Perhaps it was because these things were practically lifepanions to wondrous medicines. While the medicinal effects of wondrous medicines were incredibly powerful, the Earth Worms couldn¡¯t be used in medicine at all.

    With no other option, he could only throw the Earth Worm corpses he studied to the Iron Ox Race, and give them some more experimental goods to further their own research.

    At this time, Tianheng called Gu Zuo toe out, and handed him a card.

    As it turned out, Shen Yuanbai had sent someone to deliver a visitation notice.

    Gu Zuo swiftly finished reading it, and lifted his head to say: ¡°Sure enough, it looks like Brother Shen wasn¡¯t able to find the type of wondrous medicine that¡¯s rted to psychic powers.¡±

    Tianheng asked: ¡°What does Ah Zuo n to do?¡±

    Gu Zuo just smiled: ¡°My luck has been very good. Among those remaining five hundred-something stone ova, I found a few.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 377 - Business Transaction

    <h4>Chapter 377 - Business Transaction</h4>

    Wondrous medicines that could affect psychic powers were extremely rare. However, because the sample size exceeded five hundred, quite a few showed up among Gu Zuo¡¯s stone ova.

    Although they couldn¡¯tpare to the stalk of hundred thousand year old Immacte Bamboo Gu Zuo obtained in a certain strange phenomenon, he did have two bunches of Flowing-Tassel Hearts and three stalks of Hundred-Dew Vines.

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll send someone to wee Shen Yuanbai.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°We¡¯re not going to go out to see him?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°For a personage like Shen Yuanbai, if we found a restaurant outside to meet with him, then it would inevitably be somewhat neglectful of his station.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and understood in a sh.

    Yes. When Shen Yuanbai received them as guests, it was within one of his own properties ¡ª This also showed how much he valued them.

    It stood to reason that they weren¡¯t particrly familiar friends, and Shen Yuanbai shouldn¡¯t have been invited to their residence in the sect. However, their properties in Ten Ultimates City hadn¡¯t been developed yet. It would be inappropriate to invite Shen Yuanbai to one of those ces.

    What¡¯s more, Shen Yuanbai¡¯s strength was several major realms higher than their own, and he had also politely delivered a visitation notice... Even though he came to seek something from them, he had also given enough face.

    Thus, they were obliged to invite Shen Yuanbai onto the manor grounds.

    Soon after, Tianheng stood up: ¡°Ah Zuo, you can stay here to refine medicine. This elder brother will go to wee him.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to go with you?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo was originally focused on refining medicine, so he doesn¡¯t have to mind this.¡±

    Gu Zuo considered it, and nodded again.

    Right. This was an exchange between a prodigy and a Celestial Realm martial artist. It was better that he didn¡¯t insert himself into this kind of excitement... In any case, they were going toe over before long.

    Hence, after an hour, just as he finished refining a furnace of medicinal pills, Gu Zuo was called by Tianheng toe out.

    However, there was no one by Tianheng¡¯s side.

    Gu Zuo stared: ¡°Big brother, did Brother Shen note?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°He¡¯s in the central room of the side hall.¡±

    Within the side hall.

    Shen Yuanbai sat quietly, sipping tea.

    At this time, although he was alone, his expression was serene and his bearing was rather unhurried. One wouldn¡¯t have been able to tell that his mood was actually a little anxious.

    Gongyi Tianheng originally used this side hall as a ce for entertaining guests, so it was considered ratherfortable after tidying it up.

    When Gu Zuo and Tianheng entered together, Shen Yuanbai slightly lifted his head, and his eyes shed with a hint of happiness. Shortly thereafter, he faintly nodded his head and gestured to the pair.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Brother Shen has been kept waiting.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly called out in greeting: ¡°Brother Shen.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai stated: ¡°Brother Gongyi, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    The two other people quickly took their seats.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t keep their guest in suspense. Instead, he directly asked: ¡°Did Brother Shene here to get wondrous medicine?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai was also straightforward: ¡°That¡¯s right. Previously, this Shen had all of his stone ova examined without exception, but I still didn¡¯t see any wondrous medicines that could treat He Meng.¡±

    He exined concisely: ¡°After He Meng left in advance, Yuanxu settled him down, but couldn¡¯t find any useful medicines. If the wondrous medicine can¡¯t be found as soon as possible, the dy of one more day means He Meng is in that much more danger. Who can say when He Meng¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint will copse? Otherwise, this Shen will have no choice but to...¡±

    Gu Zuo finished listening. He nodded and spoke: ¡°Previously, I said that if Brother Shen couldn¡¯t find the corresponding wondrous medicine, he cane find me. Even up until now, this answer hasn¡¯t changed.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s breath hitched. His tone was filled with gratefulness: ¡°Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    In a natural and rxed manner, Gu Zuo took out a stone ovum from the storage space. He ced it on the table, and said: ¡°Brother Shen is pretty lucky. Among the remaining stone ova, this Gu obtained this stalk of Hundred-Dew Vine. I can yield it to Brother Shen.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai remembered that the Hundred-Dew Vine was one type of wondrous medicine that could treat psychic powers. He immediately spoke: ¡°Pharmacist Gu is a trustworthy person.¡± Once he said that, he asked: ¡°This kind of wondrous medicine is rarer than the other stone ova. There¡¯s a price, but no market. Even in higher-ranked auctions, it has practically never been sold. Whatever price Pharmacist Gu asks for, just name it. This Shen definitely won¡¯t be stingy.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Brother Shen can do as he sees fit. After all, we¡¯ve gotten to know one another for a while. Moreover, were it not for Brother Shen giving a Gate Opening Pearl, let alone this stalk of Hundred-Dew Vine, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to obtain any wondrous medicines.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai replied: ¡°If I need to quote a price, then it¡¯s worth a million profound crystals...¡±

    Gu Zuo was shocked.

    A million profound crystals was too outrageous! If the asking price was this much, then did Shen Yuanbai not want to save face?¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°There¡¯s no need for this much.¡±

    A trace of a smiling expression flickered across Shen Yuanbai¡¯s cold and resolute face: ¡°If the purchasing price for ordinary wondrous medicines is ten thousand profound crystals per stalk, then it¡¯s not at all surprising for the price of this Hundred-Dew Vine to be a hundred-fold. Besides, the Hundred-Dew Vine¡¯s medicinal properties are rather powerful. One stalk can provide critical care to a handful of pharmacists. Apart from He Meng, the rest will be preserved by this Shen for future uses.¡±

    Gu Zuo still shook his head.

    He knew that what Shen Yuanbai was saying was right. Even a million profound crystals was just the normal purchasing price, not the auctioning price. However, he originally nned to sell it cheaply. Receiving this much was out of the question.

    Seeing that Gu Zuo was somewhat worried, Tianheng finally stopped being a spectator. Instead, he took the initiative, and spoke to Shen Yuanbai: ¡°Brother Shen, in my opinion, three hundred thousand profound crystals is already enough. There¡¯s no need raise it higher.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s brows furrowed deeply: ¡°This isn¡¯t reasonable.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s lips curled into a grin: ¡°Brother Shen is a businessman. We should try our hardest to lower the costs. How can there be one who stubbornly wants to make a fair business deal? We have already yielded the advantage. Is it worth the trouble for Brother Shen to decline?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai said: ¡°This is no ordinary business deal.¡±

    Tianheng calmly stated: ¡°We won¡¯t sell it any higher than that. Brother Shen should think it over.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai: ¡°...¡±

    If outsiders were allowed to witness this form of price haggling, perhaps they would feel that these people were fools. Otherwise, how could they yield the advantage just like this? However, the inner-workings of this matter weren¡¯t something that mere profound crystals couldpare to.

    Shen Yuanbai hesitated for a moment. Then, he forthrightly said: ¡°You guys have good intentions, but I can¡¯t take such a huge advantage. How about I give you guys three hundred thousand profound crystals, and ten treasured crystals on top of that?¡±

    Once these words were uttered, Gu Zuo stared distractedly again.

    Treasured crystals on top of that?

    In this otherworld where strength was respected, crystals such as spirit crystals, profound crystals, and treasured crystals were generated from heaven and earth. They weren¡¯t only resources for cultivation. They were also a form of ¡°currency¡± due to their rtive abundances. However, it was precisely because they were still resources that, barring unexpected circumstances, they couldn¡¯t be converted with each other based on their corresponding valuations.

    To put it simply, between objects of different realms, it was suitable to use the corresponding crystal of the lower realm to act as currency. For example, profound-level medicinal pills used spirit crystals or profound crystals to conduct a purchase. However, if it was an earth-level pill, one needed to use treasured crystals. This was actually considered a type of alternative bartering system.

    This time¡¯s Hundred-Dew Vine was very precious and rare. However, when all was said and done, it didn¡¯t have any records of being sold on the market. As a result, there weren¡¯t anyparisons. Because the other stone ova were all exchanged using profound crystals, if the Hundred-Dew Vine also used profound crystals, the value ought to have been at least a hundred-fold. However, if the Hundred-Dew Vine used treasured crystals to conduct a trade, then that would also be possible.

    How many spirit crystals wereparable to ten treasured crystals? This method of calction basically didn¡¯t exist. Thus, it could be said that Shen Yuanbai¡¯s actions were treating treasured crystals as an incidental freebie. It was just that this kind of freebie was too costly.

    Just then, Gu Zuo wanted to refuse again.

    At this time, Shen Yuanbai also stated: ¡°If you aren¡¯t even willing to ept this, then this Shen will have no alternative but to miss this chance at the Hundred-Dew Vine. I will have to look for other means to provide critical care for He Meng.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This matter couldn¡¯t be handled like this! Brother Shen, He Meng was your cousin¡¯s personal pharmacist!

    Both sides were deadlocked.

    Atst, Tianheng said: ¡°Since Brother Shen is so insistent, Ah Zuo also can¡¯t be so unbending. We don¡¯t want to hurt any feelings.¡±

    Gu Zuo had always listened, and diligently nodded his head: ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll do it this way, big brother.¡±

    Then, he spoke to Shen Yuanbai: ¡°Brother Shen, here you go.¡±

    As he spoke, he pushed the stone ovum over.

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s expression eased. He epted the stone ovum, took out two bags that were respectively loaded with three hundred thousand profound crystals and ten treasured crystals, and pushed them to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo simrly epted the bags.

    This business transaction was consideredplete.

    Shen Yuanbai stated: ¡°After He Meng gets better, I¡¯ll be sure to have him and Yuanxue to express their gratitude.¡±

    Gu Zuo was exasperated, but promptly said: ¡°There¡¯s no need. This was as simple as lifting a finger, or charging a fee...¡±

    Shen Yuanbai didn¡¯t argue with him on this matter. After giving a pointed look, he only changed the subject. Then, he sat and conversed with Tianheng about the path of martial arts.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo withdrew to the back.

    Now that the conversation had nothing to do with him, he silently reviewed his prescriptions. He started nning what to refine in the following period of time...

    It was alreadyte in the day when Shen Yuanbai arrived. Once the color of the sky darkened, Tianheng insisted that Shen Yuanbai stayed here for a meal. Gu Zuo quickly stood up, and personally cooked a great feast of medicinal cuisines. The dishespletely covered therge, round table. He took out the fine wine stored inside the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey Race¡¯s wine-cer, and served them attentively. For this meal, both the guest and the hosts thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    At this time, it was already quite deep into the night. If one sent away a guest thiste, then it wouldn¡¯t have been proper.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo instructed someone to set up a guest room for Shen Yuanbai to spend the night. Early the next morning, Gu Zuo once again entertained Shen Yuanbai with the best medicinal cuisines. As a host, his care waspletely genuine.

    Once he finished breakfast, Shen Yuanbai said: ¡°He Meng¡¯s matter can¡¯t be dyed any longer. This Shen should take his leave.¡±

    Tianheng naturally smiled and said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we really can¡¯t keep Brother Shen for much longer.¡±

    Shen Yuanbai¡¯s lips twitched. It seemed like he wanted to reveal a smiling expression, but to no avail. His facial features were cold and stern, and he was serious in speech and manner all year round. A momentary smile was hard to aplish.

    He appeared to hesitate about something, but his movements in standing were agile and fluid. After another short period passed, he spoke again: ¡°Before leaving, this Shen would like to pay a formal visit to the Blood Transformation Pce Master. I don¡¯t know if...¡±

    Hearing Shen Yuanbai say this, Tianheng¡¯s mind stirred.

    He had long discovered that, ever since their first meeting, Shen Yuanbai treated him with greater lenience than other people. At that time, he already guessed that he and this Shen Yuanbai shared some kind of rtionship. And now, it looked like the source of this rtionshipy with his master.

    Tianheng inly said: ¡°If you want to pay a formal visit to see my master, I can introduce you to him. But if my master isn¡¯t willing, there¡¯s nothing I can do about it.¡± After that, he seemed somewhat curious, ¡°Brother Shen, could it be that my master is an acquaintance of yours?¡±

    Shen Yuanbai paused.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he looked at the other.

    In the end, Shen Yuanbai spoke: ¡°It would be going too far to say that we¡¯re acquaintances. Fifteen years ago, this Shen was attempting to develop his tradingpany, and was going through critical circumstances. Unexpectedly, I was caught by a powerhouse of an extremely profound realm. Before I was crushed like an ant, someone wearing blood-red robes descended from the sky and rescued this Shen. At that time, this Shen was too weak, and didn¡¯t have the ability to help. I could only watch the battle on the sidelines. It was just that, the longer the fighting progressed, the less clear everything became. On the contrary, when the two¡¯s battle reached its fiercest heights, the qi streams rushed forth, and this Shen was instantly knocked unconscious.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he sighed: ¡°When I came to, I was already inside the sect. It was only then that I realized Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s Blood Transformation Pce Master had been hunting down an infamous bandit and happened to notice this Shen¡¯s predicament. He saved me, and sent someone to escort me back... The kindness of saving my life is something that I must repay.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nced at Shen Yuanbai¡¯s grave and resolute face, and thought about the iparably handsome face of his big brother¡¯s master. The pce master was only slightly less good-looking than Tianheng... He started imagining.

    For the matter that happened fifteen years ago, would it be considered as the ¡°beauty¡± saving the hero? The strength of the present ¡°beauty¡± had already reached near-unclimbable heights, but the hero¡¯s realm was also advancing extremely quickly. Speaking of which, both of them were formidable, genius personages...

    This Shen Yuanbai was someone who knew to repay favors.

    Shen Yuanbai continued to talk: ¡°This ipetent Shen has developed his tradingpany up to this point, and has only now obtained some good things to use as gifts of gratitude. While I came to trade for the Hundred-Dew Vine, I also came to pay my respects to the Blood Transformation Pce Master. Perhaps, the pce master has long forgotten that he once saved this Shen in passing, but this Shen has never forgotten why he is alive.¡±

    Tianheng heard the sense of responsibility within these words, and happily approved: ¡°While I don¡¯t have the authority to handle this matter, how about I report this to my master? Once my master gives the order, you can tell him yourself.¡±

    The radiance in Shen Yuanbai¡¯s eyes was smooth and steady: ¡°Many thanks, Brother Gongyi.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s reply came quickly. After Tianheng swiftly read the letter, his expression carried a smile: ¡°Brother Shen, my master has agreed. You can ride one of these wild birds. It can bring you to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.¡±

    Happiness sparked in Shen Yuanbai¡¯s heart. He said once more: ¡°Many thanks for making this possible, Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Following this, Tianheng whistled to call a wild bird. Shen Yuanbai jumped onto its back, and rapidly flew away.

    As for what Shen Yuanbai wanted to give to the pce master, the kind of scene that would y once the two of them met, and how they got along, none of it was known to Gu Zuo or Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo rotated his arms, and loosened his shoulders: ¡°Big brother, that guy¡¯s temperament is quite straightforward.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 378 - Gifts of Gratitude

    <h4>Chapter 378 - Gifts of Gratitude</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled.

    Gu Zuo continued to speak: ¡°At first nce, the exnation behind Manager Lou Wei giving us the Gate Opening Pearl sounded reasonable at the time, but it was actually a little far-fetched. Now that I think about it, Brother Shen probably made discreet inquiries and gained a clear understanding of big brother¡¯s identity. As a result, he specially presented the Gate Opening Pearl to us.¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianheng said: ¡°That might¡¯ve been the reason, but if Ah Zuo didn¡¯t have heaven-level potential, a businessman like Shen Yuanbai definitely wouldn¡¯t have given away the Gate Opening Pearl for nothing.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°In any case, Shen Yuanbai really is a broad-hearted man who knows to repay favors.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°We can make friends with him.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°Right, we can be friends.¡±

    As for Shen Yuanbai ¡ª

    After he paid a formal visit to the Blood Transformation Pce Master, he came back not long after.

    Gu Zuo saw this exceptional genius, or perhaps ¡°concealed prodigy¡± was more apt, and discovered that this person seemed to have done something big. The feelings he gave others werepletely different from just a while ago.

    Gu Zuo really wanted to inquire about it, but once he considered that it was that guy¡¯s private matter, he didn¡¯t ask.

    This time around, Shen Yuanbai didn¡¯t tarry, and said goodbye to the pair. Afterwards, under Tianheng¡¯s farewell, he swiftly departed from Ten Ultimates Sect.

    However, just as Tianheng sent him on his way, the Blood Transformation Pce Hall unexpectedly issued a degree to summon Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo made a helpless expression.

    Tianheng rushed over as quickly as possible, and said to Gu Zuo: ¡°Master probably has something important.¡±

    Gu Zuo watched Tianheng go. In his heart, he was silently thinking: This important matter probably has something to do with that Brother Shen...

    One hourter.

    Tianheng returned. His expression was somewhat subtle.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Big brother?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, master called me. Firstly, he asked about Brother Shen¡¯s personal character.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°His character is pretty good.¡±

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Secondly, he asked about Brother Shen¡¯s current assets.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Huh? The Divine Wind Trading Company...¡±

    Tianheng followed up: ¡°Thirdly, he ask me to look at Brother Shen¡¯s gifts of gratitude.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ???

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°Among the things Brother Shen presented to master ¡ª There were two source crystals, ten stalks of spirit medicine with sixty percent spirituality, ten stone ova, one earth-level spirit weapon with eighty percent spirituality, three earth-level pills...as well as numerous precious objects. The inventory is nearly uncountable. It would be impossible for ordinary Celestial Realms to purchase one or two of such gifts. Some Noble Realm powerhouses would view these gifts as a hoard of treasure. As for Royal Realm powerhouses, if they took out these resources, they would ruin themselves...¡±

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°Brother Shen hasn¡¯t caused himself to go bankrupt, right?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°I think that, ever since Brother Shen was rescued, he had been developing the Divine Wind Trading Company and gathering these precious resources for this exact purpose. Now that Brother Shen gained a friendly rtionship with me, he also gained the chance to pay a formal visit to master. Thus, he brought everything over to make these offerings all at once.¡±

    Gu Zuo blew out some air: ¡°Brother Shen is truly considerate.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze bore a peculiar look: ¡°Master met with Brother Shen because of me, and because master didn¡¯t remember raising a hand to rescue Brother Shen back then, he simply epted Brother Shen¡¯s gifts of gratitude. After Brother Shen departed, the gifts ought to have been ced in the storehouse. When master examined them, he unexpectedly discovered that the objects inside were so precious. He had no other choice but to summon me to ask questions.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s state of mind at this moment, and couldn¡¯t resist chuckling: ¡°The pce master must¡¯ve felt veryplicated.¡±

    Then, he couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°The pce master is a thankful person, and he always wants to give servile races as presents. Brother Shen isn¡¯t a member of Ten Ultimates Sect... Big brother, how does the pce master want to treat Brother Shen? With the pce master¡¯s temperament, he definitely wouldn¡¯t consider the act of raising a hand to be worthy of this many good things.¡±

    Tianheng alsoughed and said: ¡°Servile races naturally can¡¯t be given as gifts. However, master probably has a deep impression of Brother Shen. In the future, perhaps master will take care of him through other means.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Brother Shen is too straightforward. If he had only taken out one or two of these gifts of gratitude, that would¡¯ve already been enough to express his thanks. By giving this many all of a sudden, wouldn¡¯t that make the pce master feel embarrassed?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow. He appeared to have thought about something. After a short moment, he said: ¡°Master gave me a Blood Transformation Token, and asked me to give it to Brother Shen. With this token, Brother Shen will have three opportunities toe looking for master for guidance on martial disciplines. He will also have one chance to summon master for rescue during a time of cmity.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then Brother Shen hasn¡¯t made a loss?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved. He smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    This matter had reached up to this point, and was concluded.

    Because Tianheng bore a mission entrusted by the Blood Transformation Pce Master, after he said goodbye to Gu Zuo, he swiftly descended the mountain. Then, Tianheng went looking for Shen Yuanbai to give him the token.

    Shen Yuanbai travelled very quickly. Unexpectedly, he had already left Ten Ultimates City. Naturally, Tianheng had to chase after him...

    As for Gu Zuo, he burrowed back into the medicine refining room, and started the medicine refining n he prepared earlier.

    First, he began with the golden-level Innate Mending Pill.

    He refined this type of medicinal pill for the development of Tianheng¡¯s subordinated racial groups.

    Regardless of whether they were members of servile races, battle ves, or dependent organizations, those with congenital defects were bound to be few in number. However, the number of people with insufficient innate talents or misceneous attributes wasn¡¯t low. These individuals were also considered manpower. Since their aptitudes weren¡¯t good enough, they had no way to advance a step further. As such, so long as there were Innate Mending Pills on hand, their aptitudes would be supplemented. Then, would there be any worries about not obtaining their loyalties?

    For the golden-level Innate Mending Pill, it could, at most, repair the congenital deficiencies of martial artists already at the Atomic and Ascendant Realms ¡ª One needed to know that, the higher the realms of a martial artist, the harder it was to resolve their congenital problems. If it was a Celestial Realm, even if it was the golden-level Innate Mending Pill, it would only be able to make them feel somewhatfortable. The pill had no effect in allowing them topletely recover.

    The advantage of the golden-level Innate Mending Pill was that its medicinal properties were gentler than that of its profound-level and earth-level counterparts. From Houtian to Ascendant Realm martial artists, all of them could take it, unlike the profound-level and earth-level Innate Mending Pills. If a martial artist of a lower realm mistakenly took one of those higher-realm pills, if their physical body wasn¡¯t strong enough, they would blow up. Contrary to expectations, their viscera and internal organs would explode.

    Gu Zuo sat cross-legged in front of a golden-level pill furnace. To his side were medicinal ingredients that piled up into a mountain. Heposed himself, and his expression was serious. His fingers moved like butterflies flitting through the flowers as he formed numerous hand seals.

    At the same time, a wisp of wondrous fire burst forth from his fingertips. In an instant, it dropped underneath the pill furnace, and faintly burned.

    The present Gu Zuo no longer used ordinary earthly fires when refining medicine. Rather, he consciously started to temper himself with wondrous fires. Although this asionally caused situations where his improper control wasted the pills, so long as he could smoothly manipte the fire, what he obtained were medicinal pills of even higher product grades than before!

    One medicinal ingredient after another was thrown into the pill furnace.

    It seemed like a milky-white radiance was circting across his face, and an invisible power was waxing and waning in the space between his eyebrows.

    As he refined the medicine, he operated his inner cultivation method. This allowed him to simultaneously advance his internal qi realm and spiritual path realm. Though the energies of both sides were also being simultaneously used up at this moment, this allowed him to form an equilibrium. Moreover, the lower the realm, the higher the rate of improvement that exceeded the rate of consumption. Thus, as he improved, he neglected neither realm. However, once his realms became more profound, he would only be able to form an equilibrium at most. Under a bnced state, it was through the continuous cirction of internal qi and psychic power that he tempered himself. It was the quality, not the quantity, of both aspects that would be improved.

    Of course, with regards to pharmacists, one could swallow supplemental pills that replenished their internal qi prior to refining medicine. Although this could cause the internal qi to destabilize, after going through periods of medicine refinement, the quality would automatically be genuine and stable in the process.

    It was just that this method couldn¡¯t be used on medicinal pills that were unfamiliar or beyond one¡¯s rank. Otherwise, it would waste great amounts of one¡¯s internal qi and psychic power. It was to the point that, due to the need for a high degree of concentration on the mind, it would cause their internal qi to empty and their qi oceans to run dry... The pills would also be wasted, and their psychic powers would be injured.

    Currently, Gu Zuo was refining the Innate Mending Pill. He was already very familiar with it.

    In the storage space, countless strands of medicinal qi sprung out and rapidly entered Gu Zuo¡¯s qi ocean. Soon after, the qi ocean was continuously filled, and the rays of light on the lotus throne became ephemeral. The wondrous fires overflowed with strands of heat, which constantly permeated the qi ocean. This caused the profound qi inside the qi ocean to roil like waves of fire. The sight was elegant and magnificent. Nothing more beautiful could be imagined.

    At the same time, a st of energy surged up from below, and dashed straight into Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint. It sank into that plump psychic core, and innumerable strands of psychic power were absorbed and released by the psychic core. Amid the undtions, the strands threaded together seamlessly.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers moved incessantly, and formed many abstruse hand seals.

    Every hand seal seemed to possess an uncanny connection to the next hand seal. One followed into another, and some hand seals even harmonized. And it was precisely due to these harmonizations that the medicinal liquid inside the pill furnace dissolved and fused together with the fastest speeds, forming the medicinal pills.

    All of a sudden, Gu Zuo pulled his hands back!

    At once, a beam of purple light streaked across the interior of the pill furnace. Immediately following which, the furnace shook, the lid opened wide, and several lights swiftly escaped. At this moment, another hand seal burst forth. It seemed as if a dozen or so ovepping hand prints formed over the pill furnace. These hand prints made scooping motions towards all directions ¡ª Swish!

    Three light-blue medicinal pills promptly appeared in a jade tray on the side.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power swept over.

    One prismatic pill and two wless pills.

    ¡ª This was considered his normal standard. Ah, there wasn¡¯t any extraordinary performance.

    He rechecked his internal qi and psychic power. As before, he maintained a bnced state, and his control over the wondrous fire was going smoothly and easily. The situation was still considered pretty good.

    Gu Zuo knew that this was just his way of warming up. He just had to shake off a bit of rust and limber up.

    Hence, he rummaged around his sleeve, took out two jade bottles, and ced them on the other side of the jade tray. Soon after, he pointed his finger. Under the effects of his psychic power, the three pills rapidly shot out to the left and right. Then, they separately fell into the two long-necked bottles.

    After this, Gu Zuo started the refinement of the second furnace of medicinal pills.

    His actions were just like before. The ingredients went into the furnace, the wondrous fire zed, the hand seals erupted, and the furnace bore a purple river... This time around, there were two prismatic pills and one wless pill.

    There was a little bit of progress.

    Closely following this was the third furnace, fourth furnace...

    Most of the time, each batch had one wless pill and two prismatic pills. asionally, there would be two wless pills and one prismatic pill. However, it wasparatively rare for all three to be prismatic pills.

    Even Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t refine prismatic pills that easily.

    But among pharmacists, with this kind of achievement, one could already smile proudly against any circumstances.

    This manner of refining continued. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how long he stayed in the medicine refining room. It was only after he refined all of the medicinal ingredients for the Innate Mending Pills that he slowly retracted his hands.

    At this moment, due to his nonstop refining, the energies within his qi ocean and Tianfu Acupoint had be dense and prating. This made Gu Zuo somewhat happy and pleased.

    Once Gu Zuo received all of the Innate Mending Pills, he solemnly took out a stone ovum.

    He was done warming up, and he had shaken off any rust. As such, he could refine some medicinal pills that were suitable for his big brother to use right now.

    The present Tianheng was already a mid Immortal Realm, and his strength could sweep away nearly all other Immortal Realms. Gu Zuo believed that, with the support of his big brother¡¯s six qi oceans, even if the other was a top-notch prodigy, it was impossible for that person to be his big brother¡¯s opponent!

    Also, because there were six times as many qi oceans as that of the average martial artist, while many people took human-level medicinal pills, even if those were grade twelve wless pills, they were practically useless to Tianheng.

    As a result, Gu Zuo worked up the courage, and intended to refine golden-level pills for his big brother.

    Currently, what he wanted to refine were True Yang Pills ¡ª Back then, when he refined Minor True Yang Pills, he used spirit medicines. Now that he obtained a wondrous medicine that contained the power of the sun, he decided to test how useful this type of wondrous medicine was for his big brother!

    As a pharmacist, there was never anyck of motivation to research...

    Taking out a knife, Gu Zuo cut open the stone ovum. Right after that, he tossed the stone ovum to the front, and he himself swiftly stepped backwards. In addition, his psychic power rapidly spread out, and formed a huge that enveloped everything!

    The facts proved that Gu Zuo¡¯s way of handling things was absolutely correct.

    Because the instant the stone ovum was cut open, a ray of extremely resplendent light tore through the air and escaped. In the blink of an eye, the entire medicine refining room was illuminated. It was almost ringly bright!

    And within this brightness, that ray of light wanted to leave the medicine refining room. If Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power hadn¡¯t already covered every inch of the room, the ray of light would¡¯ve definitely escaped. At that point, capturing it would¡¯ve been impossible. The instant the ray of light touched the, the psychic power transformed into a cage to trap it.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t careless in the least. He mobilized at least seventy percent of his psychic power to form this imprisoning cage. While both of his eyes were tightly shut, he didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything.

    No less than an hour passed. The brightness was gradually weakening, and the struggling movements of the ray of light inside that cage were also slowly calming down.

    Gu Zuo opened his eyes, and his psychic power moved.

    That cage was pulled closer, which allowed him to clearly see the appearance of the object inside.

    This was a bird-shaped nt. It looked exactly like a real bird, and the details of every feather were present. Its form was a fiery-red color, and there were three ws beneath its body.

    Gu Zuo eximed: ¡°A three-legged Golden Crow.¡±

    However, he was aware that this wasn¡¯t a bird. After holding it in his hand, he could detect that only liquid was flowing around inside. There were no tactile sensations that indicated a bird¡¯s flesh and bones.

    The name of this type of wondrous medicine was Golden Crow Grass.

    Among wondrous medicines, Golden Crow Grass was considered rtively special. The heat inside of it was extraordinarily powerful, and its range of uses was extensive. Generally speaking, when martial artists who possessed the same powers as this type of wondrous medicine were breaking through certain barriers or cultivating the corresponding martial disciplines, they would think of all kinds of methods to search for it, and refine it into medicine.

    And now, Gu Zuo wanted to use it for refining True Yang Pills. They would be given to his big brother for nurturing that reddish-gold qi ocean.

    Gu Zuo was hardly stingy ¡ª He would only use the very best for his big brother.

    One would only see him using both hands to sp that Golden Crow Grass. The pads of his fingers pushed against the bird belly of that wondrous medicine, lightly squeezing towards a fire jade bowl ¡ª In a split second, a drop of reddish-gold liquid oozed out from the bird beak, and fell into the fire jade bowl.

    A wave of iparably hot energy burst forth. There was only a single drop of medicinal liquid, and it was already like a small sun. It unleashed the unparalleled and glorious light of a brilliant eye!

    At the same time, after this drop of medicinal liquid was spat out, the luster of the Golden Crow Grass faintly darkened.

    Gu Zuo took out a small box,yered the interior with fire jade, and ced the Golden Crow Grass inside. After that, he put everything into the storage space.

    Fire jade could maintain the Golden Crow Grass. Although fire jade couldn¡¯t foster the Golden Crow Grass as strongly as the minerals and crystals that simrly possessed the power of the sun, it could still preserve the medicinal properties of the Golden Crow Grass, and prevent any deterioration.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo brought out a bucket of extremely pure Spirit Spring Water. He lifted the fire jade bowl, and emptied it into the Spirit Spring Water ¡ª Tss, tss!

    After a plume of snow-white steam rose up, the bucket of Spirit Spring Water had turned reddish-gold. The color and luster were gorgeous, and the quality of the water seemed like amber. Although it appeared to flow and churn like a liquid, it also caught the light like it had solidified into the facets of a gemstone.

    Gu Zuo saw this, and inwardly nodded his head.

    Soon after, he ignited the Earthen Core me, and tossed in the numerous medicinal ingredients needed for the True Yang Pill. Finally, he extracted three drops from the bucket of reddish-gold Spirit Spring Water, and delivered them into the pill furnace.

    Within the furnace, a violent reaction urred!

    One strand of milky-white medicinal qi after another poured out of the pill furnace, and swiftly flew into the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows ¡ª They weren¡¯t being absorbed by Gu Zuo. Instead, they were directly entering the storage space, bing Gu Zuo¡¯s umted medicinal qi.

    At the same time, the pill furnace wobbled back and forth as if something was constantly colliding with the walls inside. However, the medicinal fragrance was dense, and filled the entire medicine refining room. It seemed like a reddish-gold sunrise. It was incredibly beautiful!

    Suddenly, the furnace let out a loud rumble.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly formed countless hand seals to enshroud the pill furnace.

    The furnace¡¯s lid abruptly flew up, and quite a few streaks of red light shot out!

    Innumerable hand prints enveloped the furnace, seizing the lights left and right. Atst, when Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead was damp with rivulets of sweat, nine medicinal pills appeared within the fire jade bowl on the side.

    All of them were reddish-gold. Each one looked like the morning sun shining against a rose-tinted sky.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head to take a look.

    The product grades of these medicinal pills were...

    Two grade twelve wless pills, three grade eleven pills, and four grade ten pills.

    To be honest, the results were average.

    However, Gu Zuo was very happy because his attempt was a sess. He could sense that even the grade ten pills contained a power of the sun that was superior to that of normal True Yang Pills. Sure enough, the effects of the Golden Crow Grass were out of the ordinary!

    It was just that, although the medicinal effects of grade ten and grade eleven pills were decent, they also contained trace amounts of impurities. He wasn¡¯t willing to give any medicinal pills that had impurities for his big brother to consume, even if the levels were low enough to be negligible.

    Therefore, Gu Zuo divided the batch into three bottles, and put away these medicinal pills. After that, he carefully pondered the process of pill refining just now, and summed up the experiences that prevented all of the pills from bing wless... Then, he started the refining of the next furnace.

    One furnace, two furnaces, three furnaces...

    The proportion of wless pills that appeared rose higher and higher. Gu Zuo¡¯s spirit was stimted, and he kept refining till twilight colored the sky and darkness covered thend. He didn¡¯t distinguish between day and night.

    ...That was, up until Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed out.

    T/N: A slight, retroactive change from ¡°earth fire¡± to ¡°earthly fire¡±.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 379 - A Date?

    <h4>Chapter 379 - A Date?</h4>

    At this time, just as Gu Zuo finished refining a furnace of True Yang Pills, there was suddenly a billowing swell inside his qi ocean. The psychic core within his Tianfu Acupoint was also blossoming with intense rays of light. This caused countless strands of psychic power to surge and rage!

    At once, he silently thought: Not good!

    This couldn¡¯t havee at a more inopportune time. He was about to make a breakthrough!

    It was probably because he was so industrious during the recent pill refining. On top of the previous experiences, it was only logical that his internal qi realm would advance to the mid Immortal Realm.

    But, as it just so happened...

    His big brother hade over to call him!

    With this going on, how was he supposed to respond?

    Gu Zuo had to choke back his words.

    There was nothing he could do about it. The breakthrough was fast approaching, and no words could be spoken. He had no other choice but to swiftly pacify his profound qi, withdraw the Earthen Core me underneath the pill furnace, and prepare for the breakthrough.

    All of Gu Zuo¡¯s mental and physical efforts were focused on breaking through, which was also why he couldn¡¯t answer Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice in their consciousness ¡ª One couldn¡¯t look at how it would merely be a telepathic conversation, it would also consume his psychic power!

    As a result, his big brother called out to him several times outside, but he still didn¡¯t respond.

    Immediately following this, the medicine refining room¡¯srge doors suddenly disintegrated.

    Soon after, a slender figure came into view, and entered in the blink of an eye.

    As it turned out, since Tianheng saw that no one was answering him, he wanted to rush inside to see what was wrong. Only, because he was also worried of negatively affecting Gu Zuo, he directly used that reddish-gold power to melt the doors. This way, he could enter safely.

    ...It was fortunate that he was prudent.

    During a breakthrough, if anything too shocking urred, it might impact the person undergoing the breakthrough.

    After Tianheng came inside, he realized that Gu Zuo was breaking through.

    One would only see that numerous invisible energies were bundling around Gu Zuo, which caused his long hair and clothes to gently flutter in the wind. As for Gu Zuo¡¯s facial expression at this moment, it waspletely different from the usual lovable and well-behaved look he wore when in front of Tianheng. Rather, he actually seemed a little...divine and saintly?

    His face, which was veiled in rays of white light, and his body, which was cloaked in iparably pure qi emissions, created a scene that would inevitably cause some misunderstandings.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng knew that Gu Zuo was in the middle of a critical juncture. He faintly smiled, and didn¡¯t take a single step further.

    He only went back to the medicine refining room¡¯s empty doorway, and acted as Gu Zuo¡¯s gate guardian.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s qi emissions changed extremely quickly.

    The breakthroughs after generating a qi ocean needed to be mentioned ¡ª Unless the qi ocean produced a manifestation, every individual change wouldn¡¯t be significant. From one major realm to the next, the qi ocean would expand, and its surface area would multiply in size. As for the minor realm breakthroughs within each major realm, the focus would be on the qi ocean¡¯s depths. And with each minor breakthrough, the depths would also increase several times over.

    Whether it was martial artists or pharmacists, what they relied upon were qi oceans.

    Therger and deeper their qi oceans, the greater their strengths and the longer their lifespans.

    At the same time, there were also transformations to the physical body, but these were all imperceptible influences, and didn¡¯t have any special disys.

    The profound qi within Gu Zuo¡¯s qi ocean was boiling. It was like countless strands of profound qi were continuously pressing downwards. Unwittingly, the depths of the qi ocean seemed incapable of containing these streams of profound qi. Thus, they were like a flood. One wave after another crashed down and washed away!

    After that, an explosion echoed out ¡ª Boom!

    The qi ocean instantly underwent a gigantic change!

    It looked like the bottom of the qi ocean had been blown apart. In a sh, an extremelyrge cavity appeared. The profound qi, which had originally been pressing downwards, abruptly poured in like a torrent. The profound qi filled the empty space before dashing against the walls!

    One time, two times, three times!

    After innumerable waves of attacks, the yers of silt¡± were finally knocked down. Gu Zuo¡¯s qi ocean suddenly became twice as deep. This was the mid Immortal Realm!

    At this moment, the psychic power that was still raging inside Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint also calmed down.

    At longst, he broke through without a hitch.

    Gu Zuo opened his eyes. The veil of white light on his face disappeared, and the qi emissions around his body stabilized. Soon after, he remembered the previous calls of his dear big brother. He hurriedly stood up, wanting to go out ¡ª When he lifted his head, he was greeted with the smiling eyes of his big brother.

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°Congrattions for reaching the mid Immortal Realm, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t restrain his emotions, and revealed a smiling expression alongside Tianheng: ¡°I finally caught up with big brother! Later on, when I¡¯m refining medicinal pills, it¡¯ll go much more smoothly!¡±

    When Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo, his gaze naturally softened: ¡°Ah Zuo has always been amazing.¡±

    Gu Zuo was praised so openly, and he was a little embarrassed. However, he quickly thought of something. He fished up several long-necked jade bottles on the side, and arrived in front of Tianheng with scampering steps.

    Then, he took the initiative to shove one of the bottles into Tianheng¡¯s hands: ¡°Big brother, these are the True Yang Pills I¡¯ve refined using Golden Crow Grass.¡±

    Tianheng received the bottle, and uncorked it to take a look. There were as many as three hundred wless True Yang Pills inside this bottle... In addition to the remaining bottles, ording to the calction of nine medicinal pills per one furnace, Gu Zuo must¡¯ve refined at least a couple hundred furnaces of pills. Also, these True Yang Pills weren¡¯t as simple as ordinary medicinal pills. With the refinement of each furnace, the time it took wouldn¡¯t have been short. One could well imagine the amount of meticulous care that Gu Zuo spent in here.

    No wonder... A flower of warmth bloomed in Tianheng¡¯s heart. He carefully put away the True Yang Pills.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo became even happier. After that, he felt somewhat awkward: ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s also two bottles of grade ten True Yang Pills and three bottles of grade eleven True Yang Pills. Each bottle has about three hundred pills. These product grades are too lousy, so big brother shouldn¡¯t eat them. How should we deal with them?¡±

    Tianheng chuckled and said: ¡°Grade ten and eleven are among the top three grades. If these were ced outside, not even the disciples of gold-ranked organizations would be able to pick them up. Yet, in Ah Zuo¡¯s eyes, these pills have all be lousy product grades.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    He truly felt that anything containing impurities were no good...

    Seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s appearance, Tianheng smiled: ¡°I don¡¯t have any subordinates who can also cultivate the power of the sun, so it wouldn¡¯t be a good idea to put them inside the public storehouse for resource distribution. But, has Ah Zuo forgotten about Medicine Heart Pavilion?¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll sell them to Medicine Heart Pavilion. That¡¯ll earn a tidy sum.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Right now, Shopkeeper Fang Anfu is already aware of our identities, so there¡¯s no need for Ah Zuo to go personally. For such matters, Ah Zuo only has to hand it over to Wu Xing in the future. He¡¯ll properly discuss things with Fang Anfu to obtain a suitable price.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have the shadow cat race deliver these to Wu Xing.¡±

    Tianheng gave another smile: ¡°This younger brother can be taught.¡±

    The matter of the True Yang Pills was settled. Gu Zuo also brought out those Innate Mending Pills he refined before: ¡°I¡¯ve used up all of the medicinal ingredients for the Innate Mending Pills. I got ny-six prismatic pills and thirty-nine wless pills. These can be given to big brother to supplement his body.¡±

    Gu Zuo considered something, and continued: ¡°I previously promised to give one wless pill to Ming Wanzhu and the others... Though, what I want to give is a prismatic pill to provide critical care for Xue Shen.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know whether they¡¯ve made some contributions yet. Have they worked hard? Originally, I felt that they should¡¯ve been very loyal, but if they haven¡¯t reached our expectations, then it would be better to just give them the wless pill. If they have met expectations, when does big brother think it would be a good time to give the prismatic pill?¡±

    Tianheng slightly pondered: ¡°Ming Wanzhu and the others have done a good job, and they¡¯ve performed to the best of their abilities. For a little more than a month, they¡¯vepleted some practical matters. I¡¯ve also had someone watch over that Xue Shen. If he wasn¡¯t encumbered by his health, he would be a talent.¡±

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Big brother¡¯s intentions are?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I have some notions, but they haven¡¯t fully formed yet. Let me think things through, and I¡¯ll talk to Ah Zuo about them.¡±

    While he spoke, he epted the few bottles of Innate Mending Pills that Gu Zuo handed over. His smiling expression deepened: ¡°Leaving that aside... Ah Zuo hasn¡¯t left this ce for twenty days. Now that you¡¯ve had a breakthrough, you should get some rest.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a bit shocked: ¡°I¡¯ve been refining pills for twenty days?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. After I returned, I saw that Ah Zuo was busy, so I went into secluded cultivation for several days. However, when I came out, I still didn¡¯t see Ah Zuo. Hence, today¡¯s intrusion.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, he reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Speaking of which, we previously made a bet in the leyline. This elder brother lost, so I¡¯ll apany Ah Zuo to stroll around town. Carefully setting an auspicious date doesn¡¯t beat seizing an opportunity. Why don¡¯t we do it today? And since Ah Zuo lost...¡± His tone carried a smiling expression, ¡°Will Ah Zuo warm my bed tonight?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, he didn¡¯t need to bring this up so suddenly!

    ...After freshening up, Tianheng and Gu Zuo went out on a date.

    The area covered by Ten Ultimates City was incredibly vast. Gu Zuo himself had once gone to take a stroll, but when he came out, he didn¡¯t even finish walking down two streets. There was still more than ny-nine percent that he had yet to visit.

    This time around, Gongyi Tianheng was keeping himpany. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t go shopping with a destination in mind like before. As a result, the two of them were walking at an unhurried pace. There was a somewhat leisurely andfortable feeling.

    Gu Zuo kept walking and walking. Suddenly, he felt a bit shy.

    What should he say? Didn¡¯t a date need to have topics to talk about? But he talked with his big brother during normal times. There was basically nothing that they didn¡¯t discuss. Were there any new topics to talk about?

    It seemed that there were none.

    For a moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s shy and careful thoughts disappeared.

    Without anything to talk about, what kind of a date was that?!

    Furthermore, were they really going to go shopping? For these two grown men, what the hell were they going to shop for? If he was just going to buy medicinal ingredients or something, then it wouldn¡¯t be like a date at all! What¡¯s more, he currently wasn¡¯t short of medicinal ingredients.

    Gu Zuo was a bit conflicted.

    Tianheng watched as Gu Zuo¡¯s facial expressions changed several times, and raised his eyebrow: ¡°Ah Zuo, are you feeling bored?¡±

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it: ¡°Ah? No.¡±

    Tianheng asked: ¡°Does Ah Zuo have something weighing on his mind?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°Is it because I called you out of your medicine refining room, and made you unhappy with me?¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately said: ¡°How can that be possible?¡±

    Tianheng lowered his eyes, and met Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    If he really revealed his inner thoughts, his big brother definitely wouldn¡¯t smack him, right?

    Ah, he didn¡¯t dare to talk about it!

    Moreover, how did he have the qualifications to confess right now...

    Tianheng saw him acting like this, reached out a hand, and flicked Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Since we¡¯re out, this elder brother will bring Ah Zuo to a certain ce.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook off the sour thoughts that had just resurged, and asked curiously: ¡°What ce?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°When I first arrived at Ten Ultimates Sect, in order to join the sect for cultivation, I had to undergo assessments at the Sect Offering Academy. As of now, although the time hasn¡¯t arrived for another sect recruitment drive, perhaps Ah Zuo would like to go to this academy and take a look around?¡±

    Sure enough, this piqued Gu Zuo¡¯s interest: ¡°I¡¯ll go with big brother¡¯s suggestion!¡±

    Tianheng simply smiled, moved his arm behind Gu Zuo¡¯s neck, and gently hung his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s other shoulder. With this half-embrace, he steered their steps in a different direction.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed.

    Although his big brother wasn¡¯t aware of his inner thoughts, this was also considered as his big brother taking the initiative to find a ¡°dating¡± venue, right?

    Even though the Sect Offering Academy was in the outer perimeter of Ten Ultimates Sect, the two were still far apart. Both sides weren¡¯t interconnected, and the entrances to either establishment weren¡¯t close together.

    At this time, Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo were heading towards the Sect Offering Academy. They needed to traverse several roads before they could see therge gates of that academy.

    The space that the Sect Offering Academy took up was extremely wide. There were many students studying martial arts here. Just the official students totaled no fewer than a hundred thousand. Apart from the period of time when Ten Ultimates Sect recruited disciples, the academy would admit students annually. So long as one reached the Houtian Realm and could pass the corresponding tests, they could smoothly enter the academy and study martial arts. Besides this, some ns and schools would send their younger generations from among the smaller organizations, which provided them an easier time getting into the academy.

    When Gu Zuo arrived in front of the academy¡¯s gates, what he saw was a sea of people.

    He couldn¡¯t help being somewhat surprised: ¡°Big brother, this is?¡±

    Tianheng gave a sweeping nce, and said: ¡°What a coincidence. It just so happens to be the time when the academy is admitting students, and many outsiders have gathered here. Right now, they¡¯re probably in the middle of registering for the entrance examinations.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll...¡±

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Since we¡¯re here, let¡¯s watch how their assessments go, and see whether there are any good seedlings.¡±

    Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t object to this. It was just that...

    ¡°Big brother, are we going to mingle with them?¡±

    Tianhengughed involuntarily: ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Ah Zuo, just follow your elder brother inside.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo¡¯s forearm, and led him through the crowd.

    Because the temperaments of the pair were different from these people who congregated around this ce, when they wanted to move ahead, everyone spontaneously made way for them, allowing them an easy way to pass through.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Tianheng to lead Gu Zuo to therge gates. They walked before an armored martial artist who solemnly stood with a deadpan expression. Tianheng shed a decree token.

    Upon seeing this, that armored martial artist¡¯s expression changed immediately.

    After that, he swiftly took measure of Gu Zuo. The look in his eyes was incredibly deferential. Once he paid the proper courtesies, he spoke in a low and deep voice: ¡°Does this young master have any instructions?¡±

    Tianheng stated: ¡°Today, while this ce is enrolling students, I would like to take a look around.¡±

    The armored martial artist didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. His deep voice resounded again: ¡°Would the young master please follow me?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head: ¡°Thank you for your trouble.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say anything, and simply followed along.

    Very quickly, the armored martial artist brought the pair to a side door and went inside. Then, he swiftly led them to the front of arge hall. Soon after, he said: ¡°Would these two sirs please wait here for but a moment. I will go find a teacher toe over.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Very well.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head to nce at that rapidly-departing, armored martial artist. He opened his mouth, and asked: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s he going to ask the teacher to do?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°That person has other responsibilities, and can¡¯t apany us. Thus, he has to find someone capable of receiving and guiding us as guests.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood instantly.

    So, the guard went to find a tour guide.

    The two walked to the side of the hall, and stood in a corner while quietly looking around.

    In the center of therge hall, the first round of assessments were underway. The applicants¡¯ bone ages were being measured.

    Tianheng carefully exined how he had been tested back then, and pointed to the huge, horizontal pir in the hall. He said: ¡°When I was tested, they were using a bone wheel. Perhaps, because there are so many people now, there¡¯s no need to be that meticulous. It only takes a few dozen people to advance together. Then, they strike that pir one after another. The ones who can make it change color are allowed to pass.¡±

    Gu Zuo carefully looked over.

    He discovered that the lights everyone produced were all the same color. Although some were darker or lighter than others, they were all red lights. Did the deepness of the hues represent the differences in the applicants¡¯ ages?

    Tianheng continued to exin to him: ¡°At that time, not only was I tested on my bone age, I was also tested in terms of realm, foundation, and aptitude. Currently, this pir is just a filter. If there¡¯s anyone who can¡¯t produce a red light, and their bone age exceeds thirty years old, this person won¡¯t be able to enter the academy. In addition, any martial artists who¡¯ve reached the Immortal Realm also can¡¯t go in.¡±

    Gu Zuo expressed his understanding.

    He heard his family¡¯s big brother mention the matter of these tests before. At this time, theparison was even more detailed and clear. Sure enough, there was still a big difference between the recruitment of disciples to Ten Ultimates Sect and the enrollment of students to the Sect Offering Academy.

    After watching here for a while, Gu Zuo was still observing those who passed the test. Suddenly, his gaze subconsciously fell upon a few people to the side.

    Those people were gathered together, and it wasn¡¯t known what they were talking about. Clearly, there was something secretive going on. However, the location where they hid was quite clever. If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo¡¯s inadvertent glimpse, there probably would¡¯ve been very few people who could¡¯ve taken notice.

    Gu Zuo was curious.

    They weren¡¯t scheming something, were they?

    This ce was the subordinate academy of Ten Ultimates Sect. Every year, it had to deliverrge quantities of talents to Ten Ultimates Sect. If these people really were here to scheme... How much courage did they have?

    Without a second thought, Gu Zuo tugged on Tianheng¡¯s sleeve cuff: ¡°Big brother...¡±

    Tianheng lowered his head: ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo quietly pointed at those people: ¡°It¡¯s them...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes followed the direction Gu Zuo pointed at, and looked over. He chuckled in his heart, and inly said: ¡°If Ah Zuo wants to know, just send out your psychic power. You¡¯ll naturally know then.¡±

    Gu Zuo tried to restrain himself, but he couldn¡¯t endure his inquisitive mind. Subsequently, a silk strand of psychic power burst forth from the space between his brows. In the blink of an eye, it had already transformed into a sheet of light muslin, and enshrouded that ce.

    Naturally, the conversation of those people also fell into his ears.

    ¡°We must be on the lookout! We absolutely can¡¯t let that kid enter the academy!¡±

    ¡°But he¡¯s sixteen years old. He¡¯ll certainly be able to pass the bone age test.¡±

    ¡°Testing the bone age is something that the great majority of martial artists can pass. It¡¯s not worth mentioning. But during the second checkpointing up, we have to do everything we can to block him. Otherwise, the second young master won¡¯t forgive us...¡±

    ¡°I also don¡¯t know why, but the second young master really hates this kid.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for the son of the second wife to hate the original wife? Unfortunately, this child¡¯s aptitude is better than that of the second young master. Since the second young master has long viewed the Yu Family as his own possession, he naturally isn¡¯t willing to let this child learn any piece of ultimate knowledge inside the academy and return topete for the family properties...¡±

    ¡°The family head¡¯s bias is another reason.¡±

    ¡°What a pity. If the family had portioned its resources to nurture this child, his strength would¡¯ve definitely far surpassed that of the second young master. Sadly, he was suppressed. Now, it¡¯s far toote. The second young master has been clued in, and he won¡¯t endure the resentment in his heart...¡±

    As Gu Zuo listened, he gained a general understanding.

    As it turned out, this was a story of gaining a stepmother and getting a stepfather?

    In this world, which respected strength and valued aptitude above all else, this was quite a novelty.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 380 - Watching the Platforms

    <h4>Chapter 380 - Watching the tforms</h4>

    However, when all was said and done, this was someone else¡¯s business. Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t so idle that he would manage all sorts of matters every step of the way ¡ª Otherwise, who would quarrel with whom today, who would fight with whom tomorrow, and who would do whatever with whom the day after that ¡ª How was he going to take care of his own affairs?

    While it was quite pitiful that this teenager was schemed against, if he wasn¡¯t able to pass through this hurdle on his own, even if he set foot upon the path of martial arts in the future, he would still crumble under the external forces of others. At that time, perhaps what they took would be his little life instead!

    As a result...

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and pretended like he didn¡¯t know about it.

    ¡ª They were still waiting for someone toe.

    Gongyi Tianheng saw Gu Zuo acting this way, and didn¡¯t ask further. Although he couldn¡¯t utilize any psychic power, his hearing was sharp. He was able to listen to some words and sentences, which allowed him to infer the general situation.

    He smiled, and kept Gu Zuopany as they continued to wait.

    Because a prodigy had arrived, that armored martial artist naturally reported the matter swiftly. The teacher who had been invited by him also didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. Before much longer, the teacher hurriedly dashed over.

    When he saw Tianheng and Gu Zuo, he first paid his respects: ¡°Wee, Prodigy Gongyi.¡±

    After that, the teacher looked at Gu Zuo, but didn¡¯t know how to address him.

    Gu Zuo gave him a meaningful smile.

    Tianheng spoke: ¡°This is my adoptive younger brother, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    That teacher heard Tianheng speaking in such a serious manner, and his attitude towards Gu Zuo became a bit more prudent.

    Soon after, Tianheng repeated their purpose to the teacher: ¡°We came here this time because this is a ce to nurture talents for the sect. Would it be presumptuous if we observed the recruitment situation?¡±

    Although that teacher had already found out from that armored martial artist, he still hastily said: ¡°This one dares not refuse. Prodigy Gongyi is a distinguished son of our sect, and thine arrival to this academy is a privilege. Please...¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°In that case, I will trouble this honored teacher to show us the way.¡±

    Naturally, the teacher replied: ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all.¡±

    The first checkpoint tested one¡¯s bone age, and wasn¡¯t really that exciting to watch. The reputation of Ten Ultimates Sect was well-known, and the dignity of the Sect Offering Academy was naturally invible. Practically no one would dare to y any tricks in this ce. Granted that members of somerge organizations woulde to scout the sect¡¯s foundations, they wouldn¡¯t be able to enter Ten Ultimates Sect while thinking they could hide in the Sect Offering Academy.

    Though, everyone had their own means, and some even had secretive, tacit understandings... But that was another matter entirely.

    As a result, in order to allow Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s arriving Gongyi Tianheng to see the best appearance of the Sect Offering Academy, the teacher led the pair straight to the location of the second checkpoint.

    It was a test on one¡¯s skills and talents.

    When Gu Zuo raised his eyes, he saw several dozen gigantic, raised tforms that towered across the academy¡¯s sprawling venue. Surrounding each tform was a dense congregation of people. In addition, these tforms were all set up differently to meet the assessment needs of the students of different ranks.

    Anyone would be interested once they saw this.

    The teacher started an introduction: ¡°From left to right, the students are tested from lower to higher realms.¡± He guided the pair to the front of the first raised tform, ¡°Have a look. Most of those who are tested here have just started training their bodies, and are at the Blood Refining Realm. Therefore, during the assessment, we ce the most importance in testing their physical body and strength.¡±

    On the raised tform were numerous stone blocks.

    Many martial artists walked onto the tform one by one, and lifted those stone blocks to verify their own strengths.

    This spectacle... For some reason, it seemed familiar.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help looking at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Does Ah Zuo remember that I was also given such a test when we were in the Cangyun Empire?¡±

    Indeed. Gu Zuo remembered.

    At that time, his big brother received an invitation to represent the Cangyun Empire to participate in the Hundred Countries Tournament. Because Tianheng acquired a position in the rankings, there was the subsequent matter of joining Qingyun Sect. Then, there was the opportunity toe to the Central Continent ¡ª It could be said that it was precisely due to his big brother¡¯s formidable willpower and supreme determination to strive ahead that they didn¡¯t miss the chance to grasp their present destiny.

    However, back then, his big brother was just someone being tested. Right now, although his big brother wasn¡¯t in charge of the assessments, his identity could directly influence the oues of these applicants.

    It was just that his big brother wouldn¡¯t be so senseless.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight returned.

    The Cangyun Empire¡¯s Qianjun Stone wasn¡¯t as light as these stone blocks, but the people being tested back then weren¡¯t as young as most of the people here.

    Gu Zuo saw that there were as many as nine stone blocks. The first one was the smallest at one hundred kilograms. After that, every subsequent block weighed fifty kilograms more. When one reached the ninth stone block, it was no less than five hundred kilograms. Among the martial artists who were participating in the tests here, the majority were only eleven or twelve years old. Of course, there were also some even younger than ten. ¡°Seniors¡± who were in their early twenties could also be seen. The realms of these martial artists were Blood Refining stage three at most.

    At this time, a youngster with a bone age of nine years walked onto the tform. However, one couldn¡¯t focus on his young age. He held himself as if he stood nearly eight feet tall, but his realm was at Blood Refining stage one. Not to mention his powerful, imposing aura, it could be seen that he was steady and unflustered... In the future, so long as this youngster didn¡¯t fall halfway, he could probably make something of himself.

    The youngster walked to the first stone block, and effortlessly lifted it into the air. After setting it down, he went to the second stone block and raised it up just as easily. Immediately following that was the third stone block, the fourth stone block... His strength was extraordinary, and he didn¡¯t expend too much effort till the seventh stone block. When it came to the eighth, his forehead was slightly damp with perspiration, but he still seeded. Finally, he reached the ninth. He used his hands to grasp that stone block, his cheeks were flushed red, and rivulets of sweat rolled down his fevered face!

    One would only hear him suddenly give a shout: ¡°Hah!¡±

    In an instant, the veins on his arms bulged like young dragons, his muscles swelled up, and he quickly heaved that stone block up! He endured this pain and persevered for quite a few breathes of time before releasing his grip and tossing that stone block down!

    At this time, the youngster¡¯s bare upper-body was already drenched with sweat. Practically his entire body was soaked through.

    Gu Zuo also exhaled at this moment.

    He unexpectedly realized that, as the youngster was lifting the stone blocks one by one, he had been following along with bated breath. The youngster¡¯s inspirational enthusiasm really wasn¡¯t weak.

    Tianheng chuckled, and patted his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, snap out of it.¡±

    Gu Zuoposed himself, and praised: ¡°This youth has heaven-sent strength!¡±

    Apart from those who had heaven-sent strength, people who didn¡¯t practice martial arts usually only had enough strength to lift fifty kilograms. After practicing martial arts, the strength of Blood Refining stage one was usually around one hundred to one hundred fifty kilograms. As a person progressed, each advancement in their realm would improve their strength. It was just that the incremental increases were small at the Blood Refining Realm, moderate at the Bone Forging Realm, andrge at the Meridian Condensing Realm.

    Thus, the general limit of the Blood Refining Realm was five hundred kilograms.

    However, at such a young age, this Blood Refining stage one youngster already possessed the strength of five hundred kilograms!

    Moreover, after lifting that five hundred kilogram stone block, although he waspletely covered in sweat, his physical body didn¡¯t suffer any irreversible harm. This was enough to prove that he had excellent results in terms of physical training!

    This kind of youngster was truly a rare sight.

    Naturally, it wasn¡¯t only Gu Zuo who voiced a line of praise. Other spectators were also discussing spiritedly. All of them were astonished. On the side of the tform, the teacher who was in charge of this assessment saw this achievement. He twirled his mustache, and smiled: ¡°Pang Wei, you have the strength to raise five hundred kilograms. You¡¯ve passed this assessment! Having entered the Blood Refining Realm, you¡¯ll be assigned to a first-ss residence in the Alpha Institute.¡±

    When that youngster named Pang Wei heard this, no matter how mature he was, he couldn¡¯t help beaming with a white, toothy smile: ¡°Many thanks, honored teacher!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he promptly jumped down from the elevated tform, and hugged a robust man on the side. That man¡¯s physical body was clearly formidable. At this moment, the man¡¯s hand, which was the size of a palmetto fan, pped against Pang Wei¡¯s back several times. The loud whacking sounds that echoed out would make listeners wince in pain. They would only think that this man wanted to p the child¡¯s internal organs out of his body. However, Pang Wei was used to this, and his smiling expression still glittered brilliantly.

    Upon seeing this performance, other people would be vignt, but more than that, they would be envious.

    Anyone who was epted into the Sect Offering Academy could enter many institutes for learning based on their realm. Houtian Realms had threerge school districts, which were respectively responsible for the studies of the three major realms of Blood Refining, Bone Forging, and Meridian Condensing. Each of the school districts were further divided into four institutes: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. Every institute also had student residences that corresponded to a ss rank. For example, the Alpha Institute corresponded to the first-ss residences, and these dwellings were the student residences that had the best and mostfortable treatment.

    Pang Wei quickly followed that robust man, and stood on the side to watch the other assessments on the raised tform. In Pang Wei¡¯s area, there were some who already passed their tests and earned their rights to stand here. Currently, they were observing and chatting with each other ¡ª After all, they would be fellow ssmates at the same institute before long.

    Gu Zuo looked at Pang Wei, and couldn¡¯t help saying to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, what rtionship do you think that man with the muscr body has with Pang Wei?¡±

    Tianheng slightly raised an eyebrow: ¡°Based on his facial features, there¡¯s somewhat of a resemnce. Their bloodlines should be closely rted.¡±

    Gu Zuo quietly said: ¡°That Pang Wei has heaven-sent strength, and in my opinion, that man¡¯s strength also isn¡¯t low...¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo means to say that all of their family members might be like this?¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head: ¡°Possibly.¡±

    Tianheng understood Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning, and pinched his cheek: ¡°This elder brother understands Ah Zuo¡¯s thoughts. Pang Wei, this person, is someone I will remember. Let¡¯s see how he will advance in the future while at the academy. If there¡¯s a use, I will send someone tomunicate with him. Then, we¡¯ll take in the whole family.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly had a thought. From this suggestion, his big brother listened attentively, and made the appropriate considerations. Suddenly his heart felt sour and soft. He didn¡¯t know how to describe his own state of mind. He only blinked his eyes, and kept his mood under control.

    After that, he gave a great, big smile: ¡°Let¡¯s look around this ce for a while longer. Maybe we can find lots of talents. At that time, we¡¯ll store up on manpower with some more observations!¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Ah Zuo¡¯s every word.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face warmed up. He wasn¡¯t willing to think about it too deeply to prevent himself from misunderstanding his big brother¡¯s intentions. He tugged on Tianheng¡¯s robe sleeve, and calmly said: ¡°Then, let¡¯s keep watching the next ones, big brother.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was soft: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After looking around here for a while, they could see that there were indeed many young martial artists who had excellent foundations. The performances at this tform were also out of the ordinary. Merely, among these people, another person as gifted and strong as Pang Wei didn¡¯t appear.

    As Gu Zuo watched, he only felt that, although most of these Blood Refining Realm martial artists were twelve or thirteen years old like those from the Cangyun Empire and Qingyun Sect, their qi and blood were denser and their physical bodies stronger. One could imagine what would happen once they broke through in the future. Within equivalent realms, they would certainly be capable of sweeping away their peers from the Peripheral Continents!

    Of course, most of these students couldn¡¯t bepared to the exceptional geniuses and prodigies nurtured within somerge organizations. Because it was normal for those people to be trained differently since childhood, one couldn¡¯t mention both sides in the same breath.

    However, while the entire Central Continent was full of geniuses, ordinary martial artists were the ones who mainlyprised thisndmass. In addition, the robust foundations and powerful strengths of ordinary martial artists were the backbone of the Central Continent¡¯s overall might. They were also the source that could provide a steady stream of geniuses with natural talents and excellent aptitudes.

    With Pang Wei¡¯s outstanding performance in the beginning, because no one else surpassed himter on, Gu Zuo¡¯s interest began to wane.

    Tianheng saw this, and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s go look at the next area.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly perked up when he heard this: ¡°Okay!¡±

    During the date, anything his big brother said was fine with him!

    ...Although, this wasn¡¯t anything like a date at all.

    The teacher was silently waiting on the side the entire time. It was only when the pair asked something that he would deliberately speak.

    At this moment, he noticed that they wanted to proceed towards another tform. He showed the way once more, and stated: ¡°The second raised tform is for Bone Forging Realms. This time, besides having to test their strengths, we also need to test their fighting skills.¡±

    Thus, on the second tform, apart from stone blocks whose material looked different, every two applicants would battle one another with their own skills after their strengths were assessed. This allowed people to take a look at their battle awareness.

    The third tform assessed Meridian Condensing Realms, and they were tested on three items: Strength, battle, andprehension. With regards to strength, they still had to lift stone blocks. Forprehension, they needed to understand a martial discipline from a scratched-up stone tablet. Meanwhile, in terms of battle, they wouldn¡¯t be fighting another person. Rather, they had to deal with a starving wild beast.

    Neither weightlifting nor the power of understanding would truly harm oneself. But if an applicant had a moment of carelessness when dealing with a starving wild beast, there was a chance of being heavily injured ¡ª It was just that, under the protection of the teachers, they wouldn¡¯t be killed.

    When Gu Zuo and Tianheng walked in front of this elevated tform, what they saw was a wild wolf striding its way out of a cage. Its stomach rumbled in hunger.

    This starving wolf was lean and bony, but its eyes were filled with an ominous glint. It hadn¡¯t fought with anyone yet, so none of its remaining energy was used up. This was the time when it was at its most ferocious.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 381 - An Unlucky Teenager

    <h4>Chapter 381 - An Unlucky Teenager</h4>

    Perhaps, its hunger was too overwhelming. After the starving wolf left the cage, it immediately charged towards the person in front of it. Its fang-filled jaws opened wide, glinting with a cold light. Even though the wild beast was so far away, it was as if the numerous, spectating martial artists who surrounded the elevated tform could smell the rancid stenching from that wolf¡¯s mouth. Taking another look at that starving wolf¡¯s savage and repulsive appearance, it was enough to make one¡¯s heart quiver and legs tremble.

    The person to battle this starving wolf was a teenager who seemed to be fifteen or sixteen years old. His figure was slender, and his face was thin. His half-length hair was crudely tied behind his back, and his temperament was bitingly cold. His pair of pitch-ck eyes flickered with a firm and unswerving shine. There were no weapons in his hands. He only utilized some peculiar footwork, and swiftly dodged the starving wolf¡¯s attack.

    However, the wolf¡¯s speed was too fast!

    Although the teenager rapidly sidestepped, he wasn¡¯t able topletely get out of the way in time. This caused a lengthy, trailing scratch to be cut across the side of his face and his nk. Scarlet blood oozed out, dyeing one side of his face and body red. If his reaction hadn¡¯t been quick enough, perhaps he would¡¯ve already been blinded in one eye. His belly also would¡¯ve been sliced open with his stomach and intestines spilling out.

    With only this one exchange, a bloody scent covered the whole tform. This was clearly just a Meridian Condensing Realm fight, but for some reason, it gave others a type of feeling like it was a life and death battle. It was incredibly exciting.

    Gu Zuo just so happened to see this scene, and couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big brother, this teenager¡¯s nature is quite intense.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°He has a strong willpower. He ought to be cultivated.¡±

    When the pair was watching the martial artists of these realms fight, they definitely weren¡¯t analyzing them as opponents. Instead, they were looking at whether these martial artists had any value in training.

    The two of them were short-staffed...

    Although it looked like that teenager was at a disadvantage, because his footwork wasparatively remarkable and the style of his martial disciplines was rather exquisite, the battle between human and wolf wouldst for much longer.

    However, after a few nces, Gu Zuo suddenly glimpsed some familiar figures. He let out a soft gasp.

    Tianheng took note of this, and quietly asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, is something wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly said: ¡°Big brother, look at those people.¡±

    Subsequently, Tianheng looked over.

    The couple of people over there were the henchmen Gu Zuo saw in front of the main hall during the first checkpoint¡¯s assessment. They wanted to teach a bitter lesson to the son of the original wife on behalf of the stepmother¡¯s son. They also wanted to make the original wife¡¯s son fail the Sect Offering Academy¡¯s assessment.

    While it looked normal for these people to show up here, their lines of sight had all fallen onto this raised tform. In their eyes, there were somewhat treacherous lights, too...

    Gu Zuo suddenly felt that this world was truly small.

    At first, he didn¡¯t intend to meddle in other people¡¯s affairs, but he didn¡¯t expect these affairs to actuallye to him.

    Could it be that the teenager on this tform was the target they wanted to entrap? Furthermore, it did seem that this teenager¡¯s age was around what they previously mentioned.

    It was just that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how these people intended to entrap the teenager right under the academy¡¯s nose.

    His heart was curious. Gu Zuo released his psychic power, and sent it to the sides of those people.

    The henchmen were also in the middle of quietly talking, as if they were discussing the current situation. Since he could overhear them, Gu Zuo quickly realized what they had done.

    As it turned out, the ravenous wild wolf that the teenager faced was actually their doing.

    To be precise, they tried all sorts of ways to get in contact with the person in the academy who was responsible for the transportation of the assessment¡¯s wild beasts. After paying a huge sum of resources, arrangements were made.

    The matter wasn¡¯t soplicated.

    The wild beasts used for the assessments here were all starved. Their strengths wereparable to the Meridian Condensing Realm. However, no matter how great an understanding the handlers had of domesticating wild beasts, there was no way to guarantee that every wild beast would have exactly the same power levels. The handlers could only make approximations. Moreover, under the premise that nobat strength was lost, the same wild beast would only be used to test, at most, three people in a row. The first applicant would naturally have the worst experience. What that individual faced would be a wild beast whose hunger was at its fiercest and whose vigor was the most abundant. The following two applicants would do rtively better because the wild beast would¡¯ve already used up some of its strength. In addition, after each battle, the brewing momentum of the wild beast would be interrupted, which prevented any ¡°caged beast¡± battles from appearing.

    Every tform had an attendant who specialized in observing the state of the wild beast and promptly recing it when necessary. Simrly, in a battle between a Meridian Condensing Realm martial artist and a rank three wild beast, if a Meridian Condensing Realm grade one martial artist fought against a wild beastparable to Meridian Condensing stage three, that applicant would be done for ¡ª Consequently, the attendants didn¡¯t dare to do anything like this. However, within a small range, it was still possible to exert the most control, and raise the assessment¡¯s difficulty to the highest level. Even if this was done, it wouldn¡¯t vite the rules, nor evoke any punishments from the academy.

    Such as this instance, for example. The attendant didn¡¯t handle matters ording to the normal sequence. Instead, it was carefully calcted that, when the teenager would go up on the tform, he would face a wild beast that wasparable to peak Meridian Condensing stage two. It was infinitesimally close to Meridian Condensing stage three. Moreover, because the teenager¡¯s footwork was remarkable, the wild beast sent out was a wild wolf with equivalently fast speeds ¡ª And the teenager would be the wild wolf¡¯s first opponent!

    In this way, under the sharp ws of the wild wolf, the odds of the teenager passing the assessment would be much lower.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, and turned his head to speak with his big brother in a whispered hush.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°It¡¯s just that this kid¡¯s luck is extremely bad. If he can still win, I will keep him under simr observation like that Pang Wei. If his moral conduct isn¡¯t bad, he¡¯ll receive the same treatment as Pang Wei, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo considered this, and continued to watch that teenager battle with the starving wolf.

    But in his heart, there was a faint feeling that this teenager wouldn¡¯t be defeated so easily. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t it be too embarrassing for him to carry that ambitious and resolute expression? Normally, a person with this kind of look in their eyes wouldn¡¯t have such bad luck...

    Returning to the matters on the raised tform.

    The scene was still quite intense as the teenager and starving wolf¡¯s figures crossed paths again and again. In the beginning, every w strike of that starving wolf was capable of leaving scratches on that teenager. Later on, the teenager continuously shed across the tform, whittling away the wolf¡¯s strength while preserving his own true qi as much as possible. This disyed a calm and stable mind... Gradually, the starving wolf¡¯s movements slightly slowed, but the teenager didn¡¯t rashly counterattack. Instead, he continued to roam about and observe for a long time. After noticing that the ominous glint in the starving wolf¡¯s eyes had be somewhat dim, he brazenly took action and delivered punishing blows to the wolf!

    In the end, the teenager attacked the wolf several times in a row, and caused it to dazedly retreat. At this moment, the teacher halted this tform¡¯s battle, and gave the teenager a respectable evaluation.

    Together with his previous tests of strength andprehension, he achieved excellent results. Thus, he was smoothly enrolled, and became a student of a first-ss residence in the Alpha Institute¡¯s Meridian Condensing Realm district.

    Once the teacher announced the oue, Gu Zuo deliberately looked at the expressions of those henchmen who had been scheming in the dark. Sure enough, they looked unsightly. Between these words, it also wasn¡¯t known how they were going to exin themselves to the second young master. They obviously weren¡¯t willing, but with their meager capabilities, there was basically no way for them to even think about messing around within the Sect Offering Academy.

    Soon after, the bunch of henchmen stormed away. It was unknown whether there would be any sinister ns in the future. As for that teenager on the raised tform, after he got down, he walked ahead with an unsteady gait, but his face bore a type of joy that couldn¡¯t be restrained. When all was said and done, he was only sixteen years old... It was just that there was no one to apany him by his side. When he was fighting with the starving wolf, he expended too much energy. After walking a few steps, he barely squeezed his way through the crowd. Then, his vision blurred, and he copsed forward.

    Gu Zuo extended a hand, and caught the teenager¡¯s arm.

    He was a bit exasperated.

    Perhaps, it ought to be said that fate had brought them together, or something along those lines. This fellow had fallen right in front of him. It would¡¯ve been embarrassing if he hadn¡¯t reached out and given the teenager a helping hand.

    However, he was in the presence of his beloved sweetheart. No matter how young this teenager was, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t do anything to cause a misunderstanding like pulling the fainted teenager into an ¡°embrace¡±.

    Gu Zuo only grabbed the person and slowly raised him up, allowing him to get his feet back on the ground.

    Contrary to what one might¡¯ve expected, after Tianheng saw this scene, he couldn¡¯t help finding it somewhat funny.

    Gu Zuo was half a head shorter than the teenager, so this kind of action was indeed awkward. One couldn¡¯t help but smile. Merely, that teenager was still disoriented. If Gu Zuo let go and allowed him to fall down, that wouldn¡¯t have been appropriate.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng gestured to a secret ce.

    In the blink of an eye, a streak of shadow leaped out, and promptly received the teenager in Gu Zuo¡¯s arms, and ced him in a partial hold.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face rxed.

    The shadow was a member of the shadow cat race who had been following the two the whole time. Although his stature wasn¡¯t as lofty as other nonhuman races, he was very tall and thin. At this moment, he supported the teenager firmly and securely.

    Tianheng asked the teacher on the side: ¡°Will it be possible to send him to a student residence?¡±

    Upon seeing this, that teacher naturally said: ¡°Certainly. This child has already passed the tests. Please allow this Han to make a few inquiries first, and this one shall send him to his student residence.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯splexion was unhurried. He gave a slight smile: ¡°As the saying goes, help a man once, then help him to the end. Since he just happened to bump into me, I¡¯ll simply deliver him to his residence. By chance, I also want to see what the student residences look like in the academy. Dare I ask that this matter is convenient for Teacher Han?¡±

    Teacher Han naturally responded: ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. It¡¯s just that there isn¡¯t much to see over there.¡±

    Just like that, it was settled.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was very good.

    Previously, when he went to sses in modern times, he was only a student at a junior high school. He had always been a day student, and his rtionships with his fellow ssmates were mediocre. Thus, he never had the chance to go to the dorm rooms in the school. At this time, he could take a peek at this otherworld¡¯s version of student dormitories, and see what they looked like.

    The member of the shadow cat race carried the teenager on his back, Teacher Han guided in front, and Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo followed behind. The group of people quickly wound their way through those assessment tforms, and headed straight to the buildingplex in the rear.

    This tract ofnd was the location of the student residences.

    The student residences were divided into several ranks. In fact, it went from an outer circle to an inner circle, from several people crammed together to single-door courtyards, from rtively narrow and cramped to wide and spacious, from ordinary concentrations of ambient qi to high concentrations.

    Gu Zuo looked over, and discovered that the Delta Institute was connected together by numerous rows of rooms. Each room could house four people ¡ª Whether it was possible to live smoothly and steadily depended on whether the roommates were reliable. Soon after, it was the Gamma Institute. It was simrlyposed of rows of rooms, but the rooms were perhaps a bit bigger. Also, the number of people who could dorm in them was limited to just two. Even better was the Beta Institute. No longer did the students live in huge rows of rooms. Rather, there were small courtyards. Inside a courtyard were four rooms side by side, and each room housed one person. As for the Alpha Institute, it was amazing. Each of itsrge courtyards contained four small courtyards, and within every courtyard lived one student.

    One would understand after thinking about it. Who wouldn¡¯t prefer the Alpha Institute? Not only would one livefortably, the ambient qi was four times greater than that of the Delta Institute. Moreover, there were spacious courtyards where a person could practice martial arts. One didn¡¯t have to be surrounded by roommates when training, and things like privacy were well protected. When it came to cultivation, the degree of freedom was high!

    However, in order to stimte thepetitive mentality of the students, the cements of the four sses of student residences weren¡¯t permanent. Instead, there would be an evaluation once a month. Those who held onto their top spots in the rankings could keep their residences. If anyone wasn¡¯t able to make progress after a long time, they would be kicked down to a residence of a lower ss. And if anyone made huge improvements, they could rece those who were demoted, and enter an even better environment for cultivation.

    As they walked, Teacher Han exined the system of the academy to the others in a soft voice. Gu Zuo heard everything, and inwardly nodded his head.

    Every year, there were many outstanding students who were delivered into Ten Ultimates Sect to undergo the assessments to be Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s disciples. This academy still had very impressive means when it came to nurturing powerhouses.

    Without realizing it, the group had already passed through many student residences, and was approaching the Alpha Institute.

    Along the way, some students happened to be returning or leaving. All of these students discovered that the temperaments of the group werepletely different from those who were checking into this ce ¡ª In particr, when they saw Teacher Han, a few rtively intelligent people noticed some things.

    After all, Teacher Han was one of the teachers who managed the academy¡¯s internal affairs. What he was mainly responsible for were the Houtian Realm students. Naturally, in this school district, his reputation was rather high.

    Even if the appearances of this group of visitors didn¡¯t seem that much older than their own, Teacher Han received these guests with such reverence and respect. It was enough to prove that the identities and strengths of the other party were beyond their reach.

    Soon, everyone arrived in front of an extremelyrge courtyard. Teacher Han reached out a hand to push open the courtyard¡¯s gates. Then, he brought them inside.

    What greeted them was a cross-shaped intersection that joined four smaller, branching roads. Each road connected to a courtyard door, and the surfaces of the roads were lined with fine and delicate stones. On both sides of the roads were flowers that gleamed like jasper and grass that shined like jade. It seemed refined and elegant.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s footsteps came to a halt.

    Teacher Han walked straight to a courtyard close to the inside: ¡°There are no differences between each of the courtyards here. Since this child is still disoriented, he can be sent to one of them directly.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, and asked: ¡°Have the rooms been put in order?¡±

    Teacher Han smiled: ¡°Every small courtyard in the Alpha Institute is equipped with several maidservants. Every day, theye to clean and tidy ¡ª We can¡¯t have students spending all of their spare time doing chores while practicing martial arts, can we? What¡¯s more, there are students checking in today, so they have made preparations long ago.¡±

    With that said, Teacher Han led the group into that courtyard.

    Gu Zuo spoke to Tianheng, who was behind him: ¡°Big brother, this ce¡¯s environment really isn¡¯t bad.¡±

    Tianheng looked around.

    Indeed. The interior of this small courtyard was furnished with a sophisticated taste. A type offorting feeling permeated throughout the rooms. To be honest, this kind of courtyard was very good, and even the rooms were grand. It wasn¡¯t any smaller than the residence that Tianheng arranged on the summit for himself and Gu Zuo.

    Of course, those rooms were built by Tianheng as an imitation of his former vi, so he didn¡¯t care about spaciousness. What he wanted was actually to evoke the ustomed intimacy and cherished memories of two people.

    Back to the present. Inside a room was arge bed. It was enough that the shadow cat had carried the teenager here. Following this, under Tianheng¡¯s gesture, the shadow cat ced the teenager directly onto the bed.

    Gu Zuo thought about something: ¡°Let¡¯s cover him with a thin nket.¡±

    After all, the teenager had been sweating a lot and was quite exhausted. If he was randomly set down like this, no matter how healthy the teenager¡¯s body was, he was only a Meridian Condensing Realm. It was impossible to guarantee that he wouldn¡¯t get sick under internal and external pressures.

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and lightly sighed: ¡°Ah Zuo is certainly considerate.¡±

    Gu Zuo slowly processed this, and spoke as if demons and gods were at work: ¡°There¡¯s no one I would treat as attentively as I do with big brother.¡±

    Tianheng seemed satisfied: ¡°This elder brother understands that Ah Zuo is easy to get along with.¡±

    Once he said this, he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair again.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was jumbled up, and he subconsciously rubbed against Tianheng¡¯s palm.

    Although thisrge, warm hand had already moved away, in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he couldn¡¯t help but feel extremely happy.

    Later on, after they looked at this student residence, the group walked out of the courtyard.

    Teacher Han candidly led them through a tour of several school districts. Finally, they made a detour, and prepared to return via their original route.

    But just then, Gu Zuo saw a bunch of people aggressively moving towards the Alpha Institute.

    ¡ª What was going on this time?

    Teacher Han faintly furrowed his brows: ¡°What kind of folks would act so rambunctiously around here?¡±

    Speaking of which, such a situation wasn¡¯t too umon. It was just that, because there was someone of high status present when this urred, Teacher Han had no choice but to talk this way.

    Gu Zuo paused, and said: ¡°How about we take a look?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that he had been flooded with curiosity again. Rather, it was because he remembered that the location of the courtyard where they had delivered that teenager was in this area. Although he couldn¡¯t be sure that these people were searching for that teenager, there was a feeling in his heart. He still wanted to check things out.

    Tianheng said: ¡°As Ah Zuo wishes.¡±

    That Teacher Han originally wanted to lead the pair out of here before finding an academy guard with excellent strength to settle this issue. He didn¡¯t expect that these two actually wanted to join in the fun... With no other alternatives, he had to continue apanying them.

    Hence, several people walked back along the road, following the group in the distance.

    The closer they got, the more they realized that the destination of those people really was the courtyard where that teenager had been settled down!

    Only, because the bunch didn¡¯t have a key, they couldn¡¯t enter the teenager¡¯s single-door courtyard. They could only congregate inside the wide open space of therge courtyard, and bang their fists on the door of the small courtyard.

    ¡°Eldest young master,e out right now!¡±

    ¡°Eldest young master, if you don¡¯te out, we¡¯ll have to make our way inside!¡±

    ¡°The second young master is worried that the eldest young master isn¡¯t familiar enough with this ce. He sent us toe and serve the eldest young master. Please unlock the door quickly!¡±

    ¡°Eldest young master, the second young master has sent word for you!¡±

    These shouts were messy and contradictory. Neither beginning nor end could be fitted together.

    It was clear that this was only for the sake of calling the person outside.

    Gu Zuo pulled Tianheng, and stopped Teacher Han¡¯s steps. He asked them to stay with him at a certain distance from the small courtyard. He silently watched, and waited for the situation¡¯s development.

    They all heard these people¡¯s unscrupulous calls, and witnessed these actions that could almost be described as boorish.

    Gu Zuo was watching the small courtyard¡¯s door.

    He heard some movement inside.

    Sure enough, in the next moment, that courtyard door was flung open. There was a straight-backed teenager who looked like a lone wolf. He seemed like a javelin as he stood behind the threshold: ¡°Yu Ze ordered you guys toe here, so what the hell do you want to do?!¡±

    Seeing that the teenager had appeared, the bunch of people settled down. After exchanging nces, the person who led them took a step forward.

    In a loud voice, he said: ¡°The second young master sent us to make an inquiry. The eldest young master is all alone. Is there anything you need? Do you have enough gold? Whatever the case, you two are brothers for life. If the eldest young master has a request, you only need to say the word, and he will promptly deliver it with a heart filled with brotherhood.

    ¡°The second young master also has something to say. He asks that the eldest young master will forgive his father for that short while of neglect. After all, as the head of the family, the father is busy with all kinds of matters, and it¡¯s normal to forget asionally. And now, for his son, the father expresses his apologies to the eldest young master!¡±

    After listening to these words, the teenager¡¯s cold features didn¡¯t have the slightest fluctuation of emotions. But in his eyes, there was a trace of anguish that shed like lightning ¡ª Very quickly, it also disappeared.

    He closed his eyes, and stated coldly: ¡°You guys can go back and tell that Yu Ze that there¡¯s no need for him to be so meddlesome. I, Yu Cheng, have been without a father and mother since I was a child. I¡¯m not a member of the Yu Family, and I¡¯m definitely no brother of his. There¡¯s no need to bother about this. If he really has even a sliver of a conscience, he won¡¯te looking for my bad luck in the future. I¡¯ll be perfectly satisfied as long as we don¡¯t ever meet again!¡±

    When the remaining people heard this, some had furious looks flicker across their faces. Meanwhile, others appeared to be rejoicing at another¡¯s misfortune.

    That leader didn¡¯t seem to find Yu Cheng¡¯s way of speaking strange. However, he also wasn¡¯t about to leave this ce. On the contrary, he drew a step closer, and suddenly said: ¡°Since the eldest young master isn¡¯t willing to be a member of the Yu Family any longer, then the thing taken from the Yu Family ought to be returned its original owners ¡ª¡±

    Yu Cheng¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°When have I taken anything from the Yu Family?¡±

    That person sneered: ¡°The Jade Heart Pendant ¡ª Eldest young master, please take it out, and return it to the Yu Family!¡±

    A wave of violent fury suddenly shed across Yu Cheng¡¯s face: ¡°Yu Ze has the gall to find me for the Jade Heart Pendant? The Jade Heart Pendant was left behind by my mother, and it passed into my possession. What does it have to do with the Yu Family? What does it have to do with Yu Ze?! If Yu Ze dares to covet the Jade Heart Pendant, then he truly has no sense of shame!¡±

    The person making demands swiftly said: ¡°Since the madam was married to the family head, she became a member of the Yu Family. Naturally, everything she owned must be returned to the Yu Family. Indeed, the eldest young master was born from the madam, but since the eldest young master is no longer part of the Yu Family, you also aren¡¯t considered the madam¡¯s son. As such, everything bequeathed by the madam should be inherited by the madam¡¯s stepson ¡ª The second young master.¡±

    As soon as these words came out, no matter how much Yu Cheng told himself not to fight with these people, to endure it and to get revenge only after learning ultimate knowledge, at this moment, hisplexion flushed red with anger and his lips trembled with rage.

    These shameless people could actually speak such words!

    Yu Cheng¡¯s chest heaved violently.

    That Yu Ze had the nerve to talk like this!

    He was obviously nning to seize the Jade Heart Pendant!

    In the back, Gu Zuo heard everything loud and clear.

    He wouldn¡¯t say that he was dumbstruck, but he truly was surprised.

    He didn¡¯t know how to describe this...

    ¡ª It had to be said that, if nothing else, it was enough to make Yu Cheng feel inferior when mentioning the thick skin of this so-called Second Young Master Yu Ze.

    T/N: I have been getting more questionstely about how long the slow-burn is going tost until they get together. For those who really want to know, you can check the drop-down spoiler.

    <details><summary>Click here.</summary>

    Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s rtionship will take the next step in Volume 6 (the next volume). Not too far away now...

    </details>

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 382 - Coming to Help

    <h4>Chapter 382 - Coming to Help</h4>

    But in this world, people with thick skin would always benefit at another¡¯s expense.

    Yu Ze said that the Jade Heart Pendant belonged to him, even though it wasn¡¯t his to own. So long as he covered this shameful act with this figurative loincloth, he would use force to snatch it away. Even in a ce with rules, wouldn¡¯t there be times when no one discovered that the rules had been broken?

    As a result, these henchmen didn¡¯t care how furious Yu Cheng became. Right away, the leader ridiculed: ¡°Since you aren¡¯t a member of the Yu Family, don¡¯t think about fighting over the second young master¡¯s things. Eldest young master ¡ª Ah, that¡¯s not right. It should be Young Master Yu Cheng. You should obediently take out the Jade Heart Pendant now. Otherwise, with the current state of your body, after you suffer a painful beating, you¡¯ll still have to take it out!¡±

    Yu Cheng¡¯s clenched fists suddenly tightened.

    Indeed. Right now, his body was weakened.

    Previously, battling with the starving wolf on the elevated tform had used up great amounts of energy. This caused his physical body to be aching and weary. It would be very difficult to engage in another high-intensity fight ¡ª Or, it should be said that, if it hadn¡¯t been for someone bringing him here, he would¡¯ve been dazed and confused for a long while outside before he could slowly crawl over. Perhaps, at that time, he would¡¯ve been taken away by these henchmen and robbed of the Jade Heart Pendant.

    However, because Yu Cheng was poor and didn¡¯t have any medicinal pills to consume, he could only rely on himself. He basically had no way to recover in such a short period of time. These people were all Yu Ze¡¯s attendants. Normally, most of them wouldn¡¯t be his opponents, and only a few could put up a fight against him. But now? He wouldn¡¯t be able to resist even the weakest one among them!

    Yu Cheng¡¯s heart sank all of a sudden.

    He wasn¡¯t foolish enough to question why the Sect Offering Academy didn¡¯t have anyoneing to prevent this. It was only because, while he had already passed the assessments, he still hadn¡¯t received a student token. He also hadn¡¯t formally registered himself. Someone like himself could be considered an official student, but if Yu Ze used some methods, that fellow could temporarily prevent him from being recognized as a student. This was a gray area, but there was basically nothing he could do about it!

    Maybe he had no choice but to resolutely fight to the end ¡ª Even if he died, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t hand over the Jade Heart Pendant to Yu Ze!

    After making up his mind, Yu Cheng¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. On the contrary, his entire person didn¡¯t re up with any of the rage just now. It had be deep and profound. Little by little, he mobilized the true qi inside his body. His fingers flexed and rxed. While continuously building up energy, he would be able to unleash the strongest attack!

    He would rather exhaust his strength and shatter his bone pearls. He would give these people a good show!

    Far in the back, Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng, and Teacher Han watched this spectacle. They also perceived Yu Cheng¡¯s subsequent disy.

    Teacher Han¡¯s facial features were dyed with a furious look.

    Although he was aware that there were all kinds of struggles and conflicts inside the academy, so long as there weren¡¯t any major problems, the academy encouraged such behavior to sharpen its students. But the scene before him was clearly of one party taking advantage of another person¡¯s weakened state. They wanted to scheme and rob the other side. This greatly displeased him.

    Subconsciously, Teacher Han wanted to step forward. Merely, because Tianheng and Gu Zuo were present, and he didn¡¯t know the opinions of these two people, Teacher Han only turned his head and nced over. He didn¡¯t rashly intervene, but there was an inquiring look in his eyes.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Help a man once, then help him to the end. Right?¡±

    Tianheng knew what Gu Zuo meant, and faintly nodded his head: ¡°This child¡¯s aptitudes are impressive, and his willpower is firm. If we truly let him use this attack, he¡¯ll most likely end up crippled. For those small fry, it really isn¡¯t worth it.¡±

    Teacher Han had this thought, too.

    He had a heart that valued talent. After watching the confrontation between Yu Cheng and Yu Ze¡¯s henchmen, the moment he saw that Tianheng and Gu Zuo shared the same thinking, he didn¡¯t hesitate any longer. He lifted his foot, and walked over to shout: ¡°Who are you all? Why are you causing trouble in the academy and bullying a new student?¡±

    Once these words were spoken, both sides that were locked in confrontation realized that the person who arrived was protecting Yu Cheng. Otherwise, this individual wouldn¡¯t have appeared just now and mentioned the word ¡°bullying¡±.

    Those bunch of henchmen originally thought that victory was within their grasp. How could they have imagined that someone would show up to disrupt their ns? They immediately looked at Teacher Han, wanting to see through Teacher Han¡¯s identity.

    Once they got a clear look at the changpao that Teacher Han wore, they took another nce at Teacher Han¡¯s face. They recognized him right away. This was a teacher of their school district.

    The leader reacted swiftly, and restrained his imposing aura. He smiled and said: ¡°This teacher misunderstands. We are members of the Yu Family. We received orders toe and visit the eldest young master, and to ask whether there was anything he needed. It¡¯s just that, because the eldest young master is too tired, he seems like this... Ahem.¡±

    If Teacher Han hadn¡¯t witnessed everything just a while ago, and only relied on this person¡¯s cordial performance, he might¡¯ve felt that this fellow¡¯s words were true, and that the entrapped Yu Cheng was someone who wasn¡¯t able to tell good from bad.

    Once Yu Cheng saw Teacher Han, he sighed somewhat in relief. He slowly withdrew the true qi he had roused, and sent it back into his numerous meridians to pacify those sore and swollen bone pearls.

    He didn¡¯t intend to refute those ims. It wasn¡¯t because he was too stubborn and blindly wanted to show that he had a backbone. Rather, he knew that, since Teacher Han had been preferential to him from the beginning, that teacher must have noticed something. If Yu Cheng did more than what was required, then he would appear impetuous.

    Moreover, Yu Cheng wasn¡¯t prepared to pin all of his hopes on Teacher Han. His only consideration was to get past this hurtle first. Later on, when he confronted Yu Ze¡¯s plots in the academy, he had to rely on himself. He firmly believed that if he hadn¡¯t already been exhausted by the assessments, he wouldn¡¯t have had anything to fear from these henchmen!

    After seeing all of this, there was a hint of praise in Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°It seems that a person like Yu Cheng should be able to smoothly survive this ordeal?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression was meaningful: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll have to see how his luck fares.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°That¡¯s right. Luck is very important.¡±

    There were many things that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t aware of that Tianheng could see.

    Since Yu Ze was so obsessed with the Jade Heart Pendant, it must¡¯ve been an object that could allow one to obtain great benefits. Yu Cheng currently had this item in his possession. If he could safeguard it, then he would have extraordinary luck and sess. But if he couldn¡¯t protect it... Then, one could only say that Yu Cheng was just the temporary custodian of the Jade Heart Pendant, and that the Jade Heart Pendant had been waiting for its true owner.

    These things would be proven by the passage of time.

    The henchmen that Yu Ze sent weren¡¯t so stupid that they didn¡¯t have any sense of propriety. Since they discovered that a teacher hade, they naturally didn¡¯t try to forcefully confront the teacher in the academy. The Yu Family obviously wasn¡¯t powerful enough to strong-arm the academy. As a result, they smiled apologetically and tactfully took their leave.

    Upon seeing this, it was natural that Teacher Han didn¡¯t have a good way to punish them. After all, it was just a battle of words before. The situation hadn¡¯t reached the point where punishments could be meted out.

    Thus, the henchmen beat a hasty retreat ¡ª Of course, in the process of leaving, they also noticed Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    The bearing of these two people was different from ordinary folks. For a moment, it caused the leader to have apprehensions in his heart.

    He didn¡¯t know what the identities of these two were, what their purpose was, how much they had seen here, and what their thoughts were regarding that abandoned eldest young master.

    He thought of many things. He needed to hurry back and report what he knew to the second young master.

    ...This matter was unavoidable!

    When the henchmen left, much of Yu Cheng¡¯s persevering spirit was used up again. He used a hand to support himself against the doorframe, and struggled to stand firm. Then, he paid his respects to Teacher Han and to Tianheng and Gu Zuo who were walking over: ¡°Many thanks to this teacher foring to help. Many thanks to these two sirs...for alsoing to help.¡±

    Teacher Han saw him like this, and came closer to support him.

    Yu Cheng was naturally somewhat shocked, and promptly wanted to express his thanks once more.

    Teacher Han said: ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Previously, I delivered you here, but I didn¡¯t ask those maidservants toe over and look after you. I didn¡¯t think about it thoroughly enough.¡±

    He pondered about it for a moment. In the end, he took pity on Yu Cheng¡¯s plight, and stated: ¡°The ones you should be thanking are those two. Back when you came down from the raised tform, you were already quite disoriented. It was those two noble sirs who sent their subordinate to carry you here.¡±

    Yu Cheng knew earlier that he had been carried by someone, but he didn¡¯t expect that it had been through the assistance of these two people. He immediately conveyed his gratitude to the pair. His expression was truly sincere.

    Tianheng saw through Teacher Han¡¯s little thoughts, but he himself was also optimistic about Yu Cheng. Therefore, this had his tacit approval.

    As for Gu Zuo, he didn¡¯t think about it that much. He saw that Yu Cheng was so miserable, and considered that they shared a bit of fate. He took out two bottles of medicinal pills from his sleeve, and handed them over: ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. Just take it easy.¡± Then, he said, ¡°Since we were brought together by fate several times, I¡¯ll give you a little weing gift. You mustn¡¯t regard it with disdain.¡±

    Yu Cheng originally wanted to refuse. It wasn¡¯t good to take advantage of one¡¯s benefactor. However, after he finished listening, he didn¡¯t dare to refuse. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t that be an insult? As a result, he had no alternative but to ept it with gratitude.

    After that, Teacher Han helped Yu Cheng into his rooms, and settled him down. Immediately following that, he came back out, and continued to lead Tianheng and Gu Zuo on a tour around the academy.

    Yu Cheng, who remained behind,posed himself and sat on the bed.

    Too many things had happened today that stirred up the emotions in his heart.

    His rtives, who obviously shared the bloodline of the same family, had threatened him in all sorts of ways. As for a couple of people whom he only just met, they talked about being brought together by fate, and gave him a helping hand.

    A good whileter, Yu Cheng revealed a bitter smile.

    Truly, there was nothing about that kind of family that he could recall fondly... He opened the two bottles, and poured out the medicinal pills with the intention of swallowing them.

    After that, he was astonished to find that these two bottles had wless pills that were suitable for his realm!

    Yu Cheng: ¡°...¡±

    Those two people ¡ª Just who were they?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 383 - Warming the Bed

    <h4>Chapter 383 - Warming the Bed</h4>

    Once they left this school district, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng were still apanied by Teacher Han to watch the assessments of other potential students on numerous elevated tforms. For the subsequent Xiantian Realm, the assessments were virtually the same. It was only during the battles that the applicants no longer fought with wild beasts. Instead, these were true sparring sessions with each other.

    After watching for a long time, Gu Zuo pointed out many who had first-rate aptitudes. Tianheng noted down their names. In the future, they would be kept under slow observation.

    Gradually, they toured through the school districts, and observed the assessments. The color of the sky had already darkened.

    An entire day had passed by, so the two had to depart.

    Before Gu Zuo left, he asked Teacher Han, who had apanied them for the whole day: ¡°Does this teacher educate the Houtian Realm students?¡±

    Teacher Han was at a loss for words. He didn¡¯t know why Gu Zuo asked about this matter, but he nevertheless answered in an upright and honest manner: ¡°To be precise, this Han manages the academy¡¯s internal affairs. All of the Houtian Realms are within the jurisdiction of this Han.¡±

    To put it simply, Teacher Han wasn¡¯t someone who was responsible for instructing students like a ssroom teacher or a lecturer. Rather, he was more like a department head or a district administrator.

    This was ssified as an official rank.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head to express his understanding. After that, he nced at Tianheng.

    Tianheng faintly smiled.

    Then, Gu Zuo rummaged around his sleeve, took out two small-sized, yellow-jade gourds one at a time, and handed them to Teacher Han: ¡°Today, we¡¯ve troubled this teacher to guide us. This is but a small token of our gratitude. I hope that this teacher doesn¡¯t refuse it.¡±

    Teacher Han was surprised, but he remembered the jade bottles that Gu Zuo gave to Yu Cheng, and he also recalled the question that Gu Zuo just asked... Since he wanted to develop a good rtionship with these two people, then it would be fine to ept. Although he didn¡¯t know what rank this Pharmacist Gu had reached, one would assume that this gift wouldn¡¯t be toocking if it was taken out and given to someone.

    En, even if it wascking, he would receive it with a cheerful mood.

    Hence, Teacher Han straightforwardly expressed his thanks, and reluctantly sent them on their way from the academy.

    Once he saw Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s backs disappear from view, he slowly let out a heavy sigh.

    Fortunately, he didn¡¯t offend those two noble personages.

    Ah, especially that all-star prodigy...

    After unhurriedly returning, Teacher Han lowered his head, popped open the gourds¡¯ corks, and took a look at the medicinal pills inside. With this nce, he was a bit dumbstruck.

    One gourd of Qi Linking Pills and one gourd of Rejuvenation Pills.

    The former could be used straight up to Xiantian stage six. Thetter was a healing pill that spanned the entire Houtian Realm.

    This wasn¡¯t the important point. What was important was that all of the medicinal pills were wless.

    While these two types of pills weren¡¯t particrly brilliant, top grade pills could be easily obtained, but wless pills were hard to find. Being able to gift this many wless pills...was enough to prove a pharmacist¡¯s capabilities.

    Each gourd contained about fifty pills. Teacher Han personally had no use for them, but if they were taken to encourage the Houtian Realm students, then they would be invaluable.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was in the middle of pulling on Tianheng¡¯s sleeve. He was happily going back with his family¡¯s big brother.

    As far as he was concerned, that small amount of medicinal pills wasn¡¯t worth mentioning. His inventory was huge. In the future, there would be pharmacists among his subordinates, and he wouldn¡¯t need to refinerge quantities of such low-level medicinal pills by himself anymore. But those would still be left over... He would take ny percent and ce them in the treasury. When his realm was higher, thest ten percent would be taken out in passing to either reward others, act as weing gifts, or for convenience¡¯s sake.

    Just like today.

    After giving medicinal pills to two people, Gu Zuo secretly felt pretty cool.

    After departing, Gu Zuo had been lost in thought as he travelled with Tianheng to Ten Ultimates Sect. Without realizing it, when they got back to the summit, the sky had already darkenedpletely.

    The stars covered the sky like chess pieces strewn across a board. The specks of starry splendor that sprinkled down were extremely beautiful. Ityered the scenery of the mountain peak with a gentle, transfixing halo.

    Gu Zuo followed by Tianheng¡¯s side, absentmindedly stepping on his big brother¡¯s shadow with every stride forward.

    Tianheng¡¯s pace abruptly came to a halt.

    Gu Zuo also stopped.

    Tianheng chuckled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, what are you doing?¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly reacted. He realized what he had just been doing.

    Shadow stepping!

    Wasn¡¯t this a game yed by three-year-old kids?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened, and he promptly said: ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll just keep following big brother.¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t expose him. After waiting for a moment, Tianheng kept an eye on Gu Zuo as they travelled together.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly tried to forget the dark history that had just taken ce as he trailed right behind Tianheng¡¯s footsteps back to their house.

    Later on, Tianheng wandered around inside the study before moving to the bedroom. Then, he opened a wardrobe, and took some things out. When he turned around, Gu Zuo bumped into him.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He ended up making a fool of himself several times tonight!

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing out loud. With great difficulty, he softly murmured: ¡°Ah Zuo, you need to watch your step.¡±

    Gu Zuo nearly facepalmed.

    He didn¡¯t have the face to meet others...

    Fortunately, Tianheng didn¡¯t continue teasing, and only carried things out the door. He turned his head, and spoke a sentence: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s take a bath and go to bed a bit earlier tonight.¡±

    Gu Zuo also subconsciously turned around to follow him. Right at this time, Tianheng¡¯s voice echoed out once again ¡ª

    ¡°...This way, you can quickly warm this elder brother¡¯s bed, okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo was silently soaking in the hot spring. Not far away was his bare-chested big brother who was calmly lounging against the shore. Gongyi Tianheng originally had an outstandingplexion, but at this moment, through the obscuring view of the dense water vapor, he appeared especially good-looking. Like a deity, he was handsome beyondpare.

    For the past two days, Gu Zuo would hear about ¡°warming the bed¡± from time to time. He was already rather used to it. However, under this kind of mood, amid these circumstances, listening to this phrase again caused his face to swiftly and involuntarily redden.

    Even now, his ears were burning hot.

    Gu Zuo shrunk down on himself.

    The hot spring¡¯s waterspped at his shoulders, and practically thered his face with heat.

    Conflicted, he thought: This time, no matter how red my face gets, I can just say that I¡¯m being overheated by the steam. I won¡¯t lose any more face and beughed at by big brother...

    Indeed, Tianheng didn¡¯t make fun of Gu Zuo. Perhaps, it was because he knew that Gu Zuo¡¯s nerves were stretched to the extreme.

    He grinned as he watched Gu Zuo soaking in the waters, and finished his own bath. Then, with a smile on his face, he came out of the hot spring, showing his back to Gu Zuo. This revealed a stream of dripping-wet, ck hair that hung straight down, as well as a tight, firm, and slender body that was only partially hidden by the ck hair.

    Gu Zuo only saw a glimpse before turning his head away. He barely stopped himself from covering his eyes.

    For some reason, it was bing harder and harder...to resist the charms of his family¡¯s big brother.

    Even if it was a view of his back, that was a view brimming with attractive power!

    This was obviously apletely normal scene of brothers getting along. In his mind, a moment of carelessness could¡¯ve shifted things in another direction. Truly, truly... After taking a deep breath, Gu Zuo jumped up all of a sudden.

    Just at this time, Tianheng turned his head, and opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s ¡ª¡± go.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened. He almost wanted to run away!

    Ah, but immediately following this, he remembered that he was actually wearing some underpants while submerged. There was absolutely no need to worry! As a result, he simply stood there as stiff as a board.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo had no choice but to endure his family¡¯s big brother attentively sizing him up and down. Then, Tianheng said to him: ¡°Ah Zuo, you need more meat essence in your diet so you can grow stronger. Right now, this...makes your elder brother look at you with worry.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Oh, right. He was short and skinny. His stature wasn¡¯t any good in the least.

    Suddenly, the charming yet nervous butterfly that had just started fluttering around in his heart was pierced by his big brother...

    After returning to their bedroom, Gu Zuo moved to another room to change into a new set of underclothes. Then, he went back inside.

    When he lifted his head, he saw that his handsome big brother was already reclining on the bed. Tianheng smiled at him, and beckoned.

    Gu Zuo unconsciously walked over.

    Once he reacted, Gu Zuo discovered that he had unexpectedly fallen for those charms again!

    Of course, because he was frequently enamored, Gu Zuo had already developed a type of ¡°my thoughts are a jumbled mess, but my face still looks normal¡± skill long ago. This being the case, he walked to the edge of the bed, and stood there hesitatingly.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo steeled himself. He lifted the quilt, and burrowed underneath so that only his head popped up.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t restrain a chuckle: ¡°We said that Ah Zuo would warm the bed for this elder brother, but who would¡¯ve thought that Ah Zuo woulde toote, and I would warm it instead? Ah Zuo, why are you distressed?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was stiff: ¡°I¡¯m distressed that I couldn¡¯t warm big brother¡¯s bed in time. Truly, I¡¯ve let big brother down.¡±

    Tianheng nked. Shortly thereafter, he muffled hisughter.

    Gu Zuo silently burrowed back under the quilt.

    Yes, yes. Keepughing. But Gu Zuo understood.

    En, all was right with the world when his big brother was happy.

    After that, the two were about ready to sleep together.

    This made Gu Zuo remember thest time they slept together. They had just reunited after a long period of separation. However, at that time, because he and his big brother finally saw one another again, he quickly fell asleep under an exhausted state of mind. Before they fell asleep, there weren¡¯t any of those essential nightly discussions that the average person would¡¯ve experienced. This time, he wasn¡¯t the least bit tired. It also looked like his big brother wasn¡¯t sleepy either?

    Sure enough, Tianheng didn¡¯t have any intention of going to sleep right away. He tentatively reached out a hand...

    Gu Zuo sensed his dear big brother¡¯s approach. His body tensed slightly.

    Soon after, he discovered that a lock of his hair was being yed with by Tianheng.

    Tianheng softly pulled against the strands for a little while: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t fall asleep yet.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    But Tianheng still didn¡¯t let go of this lock of hair. It seemed that he felt it was interesting, and kept ying with it: ¡°Ah Zuo, do you remember? How many years has it been since the two of us first met?¡±

    Ah, this was a true chat thatmunicated the feelings between two people.

    Hearing this kind of topic, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred. He thought about it, and replied: ¡°When I first met big brother, I was fifteen years old. Now, I¡¯m neen years old, nearly twenty. So it¡¯s been four years.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Over the past four years, we¡¯ve gone through many things. I had forgotten to ask ¡ª Ah Zuo has worked hard in all respects, but have you ever once regretted looking for me to be your guardian that day? Although I want to, there are many things that I can¡¯t do to truly help Ah Zuo. If it was someone else, I¡¯m afraid that they would treat Ah Zuo even better. They also wouldn¡¯t make Ah Zuo so tired, or rush you all over the ce.¡±

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and promptly shook his head. His attitude was serious: ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve always felt that finding you, being honest with you, and forming a guardian contract with you had been the most correct decision I made after obtaining the system. If I hadn¡¯t made a contract with big brother, and with someone else instead, I probably would¡¯ve been killed by that person long ago. Or maybe, I would¡¯ve been locked somewhere far from the light of the sun, refining medicine day after day like an old cattle without any rest.¡±

    He summoned his courage, and gripped Tianheng¡¯s arm. He clenched down before loosening his hold: ¡°While I¡¯ve been refining medicine for a long time, this is because big brother treats me well. As a result, I treat big brother well. I also get to research whatever medicinal pills I want to study, so I¡¯m perfectly happy to do it. If it wasn¡¯t for things like this, I would¡¯ve certainly run away without a trace. If that didn¡¯t happen, I would¡¯ve used substandard products to muddle through any jobs. I wouldn¡¯t have been willing to put all my heart into it!¡±

    Tianheng beamed as he heard this. The corner of his mouth curled up into a smile.

    After he finished listening to Gu Zuo talk, his mood seemed to improve, and his expression became even more gentle and soft.

    Afterwards, Tianheng let go of Gu Zuo¡¯s lock of hair. Instead, he ced his palm on top of Gu Zuo¡¯s head, and gently ruffled it a few times. The feeling of the warm and soft strands that carded through his fingers caused his smile to deepen. As he spoke, his tone of voice seemed like a ripple that lightly syed across the water, but he only spoke one sentence: ¡°So Ah Zuo has never once regretted or disdained choosing me?¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ve always been happy getting to know big brother.¡± His voice lowered somewhat, ¡°I¡¯m more worried that big brother regrets it, that you feel like I¡¯m holding you back...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s palm stopped. Soon after, his clear voice entered Gu Zuo¡¯s ears: ¡°Absolutely not. Ah Zuo has never been a burden to me. Rather, you are my most important, most indispensable person.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and the rims of his eyes heated up slightly. He quickly blinked his eyes, and stifled those traces of heat that teared up.

    Although he wanted to go back to the modern world, although he never dared to confess his feelings, although he had long thought that, one day, his position by his big brother¡¯s side might be reced by another person... Yet, now that he could hear Tianheng state so clearly that he was ¡°indispensable¡±, it already made him feel extremely satisfied and contented.

    ¡ª For a person who was secretly in love, the thing they wanted the most was no more than this line of recognition.

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips. He quietly, and ever so slightly, leaned against Tianheng¡¯s side.

    He faintly lowered his head, but didn¡¯t allow his big brother to see the dependence and yearning in the depths of his eyes. However, his voice still couldn¡¯t help carrying a whisper of those emotions: ¡°In my heart, big brother is also like this.¡±

    ...Though, it was even deeper than just that.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened to the extreme.

    He said nothing else. He just quietly watched Gu Zuo¡¯s somewhat irregr breaths gradually even out.

    This was Gu Zuo in a peaceful mood as he slowly sank into a deep sleep.

    Tianheng beheld him for a long time.

    Finally, after Gu Zuo¡¯s consciousness had fully drifted, Tianheng quietly bowed his head nearer.

    After that, Gu Zuo unconsciously snuggled closer.

    Tianheng reached out his hands, and lightly embraced him.

    At this moment, a wisp of deep pondering appeared in Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    He slowly closed them.

    Although the two would tell each other almost everything, he always felt that, sometimes, his little pharmacist would seem deeply worried and heartsick. However, whenever he wanted to pursue the matter, Ah Zuo would return to normal. It was like his perceptions were nothing but an illusion.

    It was just that...

    Tianheng lightly sighed.

    When all was said and done, he still couldn¡¯t bear to get to the heart of the matter.

    It was better to observe some more, and find a way to relieve Ah Zuo¡¯s worries.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 384 - One Year Later

    <h4>Chapter 384 - One Year Later</h4>

    One yearter.

    As martial artists cultivated, time passed quickly when the process was smooth and steady. However, due to varying identities, talents, and fortunes, there were usually many different circumstances that took ce.

    Since the moment Gongyi Tianheng entered Ten Ultimates Sect, he apprenticed himself under the Blood Transformation Pce Master, and became the pce master¡¯s ninth personal disciple. In the beginning, he acted together with several prodigies to y an origin-level flood dragon. Later on, he travelled with another prodigy to a secret cave abode, and explored a mysterious leyline with a young Celestial Realm powerhouse.

    His subsidiary forces rapidly developed. In a short period of time, stores were opened throughout all bronze-ranked cities within the borders of Ten Ultimates Sect. As for his subordinates, a new atmosphere was unveiled with strict obedience, unwavering loyalty, and passionate devotion.

    Apart from this, although he often painstakingly cultivated within the sect, he also went out several times. With the strength of one man, he beheaded a rank one origin tiger. He travelled to the outskirts of Ten Ultimates Sect and, at the request of that ce¡¯s city lord, ughtered a small n of evildoers. He had gone to many more locations with fortuitous encounters, and reaped bountiful harvests one after another... In any case, he quickly rose to fame, and the members of many other sects came to know the might of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s all-star prodigy!

    On the other hand, there was someone who still wasn¡¯t that famous ¡ª Tianheng¡¯s personal pharmacist, Gu Zuo. However, thisck of reputation just meant that there wasn¡¯t any publicity. In the privacy of some familiar organizations, some well-informed people were vaguely aware of some things.

    To give a few examples, wless pills with exceptionally good qualities would suddenly appear in Medicine Heart Pavilion at certain intervals. Tianheng¡¯s subordinate forces would very rarely go out to other ces to obtain special pills. Several experts who once roamed among the lower ranking martial artists for many years would be Tianheng¡¯s subordinates, and sometimes, they would bring along new faces when out adventuring... All of these points would make people guess certain things.

    Merely, when all was said and done, no one wanted to offend Tianheng within the territory of Ten Ultimates Sect. As a result, this vague awareness remained unconfirmed. At most, when there was an urgent need for any medicinal pills, the people who entrusted Medicine Heart Pavilion to bring back information could usually obtain good results.

    Thus, there were some pieces of information that everyone was even more reluctant to make known ¡ª Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t the chances of it being their own turn someday be greatly reduced?

    It was also due to this specific reason among many other matters that even more people kept an eye on Tianheng.

    This seedling¡¯s luck was like an unending rainbow. In the future, if his luck wasn¡¯t seized by a simr prodigy and he didn¡¯t perish halfway, the veteran Ten Ultimates Sect might really have the opportunity to be a gold-ranked organization!

    Naturally, this was also only an ¡°optimistic perspective¡±.

    No one knew how the future would unfold.

    Close to the summit, inside a cavern.

    A tall figure was sitting cross-legged in the middle of a blood pond. The bloody qi that hung in the air caused that figure¡¯s skin, which was originally as white as jade, to be a canvas of crimson.

    However, even though it was like this, his facial featurescked the slightest blemish. On the contrary, it made him look like a blood-jade sculpture. This sight beheld a unique aesthetic.

    A long time after, he suddenly exhaled a mouthful of bloody qi. The liquid inside the blood pond began to churn as it was absorbed by him in a steady flow. Before the end of an hour, the entire blood pond had already dried up!

    Immediately following which, the blood-red luster that covered this person retreated into his body like a tide. Once again, he shone with a glittering and glossy light. When his pair of eyes opened, it was as if twin moons had rose up from the ocean. The resplendent brilliance reached the peak of beauty.

    This was the prodigy praised by the outside world ¡ª Gongyi Tianheng!

    At this moment, he waspletely naked. He stood up, reached out a hand to grab a changpao, and draped it over his body.

    Although many disciples in the Blood Transformation Pce Hall liked to emte the pce master by wearing blood-red clothes with strange qi emissions and bloody qi lingering around their faces, Tianheng¡¯s aura was still clear and bright. His temperament was natural, graceful, and poised like that of an aristocratic family¡¯s noble young master.

    In the past year, he had gone through many experiences, and he went to the Path Comprehending Pavilion quite often. From within its vaults, he would choose the Endless Blood of the Divine Body¡¯s derivative martial skills for practice. He also browsed through countless martial disciplines. After gaining a clear understanding of them, he turned these insights into umtions. Amid such harsh studies, he mastered the Heart Sutra of Divine Blood. Many of its essentials were integrated into his own Blood Palm, which caused this attack to be even more agile and flexible. Whenever this strike wasunched, it could outy or suppress its opponents. Less energy was used up, but even more strength was brought out.

    The bloody light of the Blood Palm could also be transformed into w marks. Every time he took action, it could practically tear the sky and split the earth, nketing every possible space with w shadows. For anyone captured by the Blood Palm, they would either be ripped apart or barely escape. However, those w marks would remain on their bodies. From beginning to end, their wounds would neverpletely heal, and would bleed out until they died.

    Furthermore, his Blood Clouds governed the sky, his Blood Spear could kill in a single strike, and so on and so forth. His techniques were too numerous to mention one by one.

    In addition, there were lots of other martial skills that Tianheng didn¡¯t deliberately go to study, but having browsed through so many, he naturally came to know them as well. The times that he could casually use these martial skills were not few. It was incredible.

    However, this was also because Tianheng had learned so much and his power ofprehension was quite powerful. After several attainments, that original blood pond had already weakened quite a lot. Later on, it was soon used uppletely, which inhibited Tianheng¡¯s studies. Consequently, Tianheng came up with all sorts of means to exchange for resources within the sect. Yet, the Blood Transformation Pce Master often paid attention to the situation of this little apprentice. Seeing that he was troubled by the grade of this blood pond¡¯s resources, the pce master waved his hand in a show of wealth, and bestowed a blood pond of an even higher grade.

    As expected, Tianheng went to pay his respects and gratitude.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master had been in a very good mood &#k2014; In fact, because he received so many good things from his apprentice, and couldn¡¯t give any corresponding gifts in return, he felt twinges of guilt. He only felt satisfied when he noticed that his apprentice had some needs and promptly sent presents to fulfill them.

    Tianheng saw through his master¡¯s considerations, and his heart warmed slightly.

    Between this master and disciple pair, there was naturally an even stronger bond of apassionate teacher and filial apprentice. The feelings of familial affection grew.

    Over time, this blood pond allowed Tianheng to smoothly break through to the high Immortal Realm. Today, he had another breakthrough, and became a peak Immortal Realm martial artist. He wouldn¡¯t be able to use it any longer.

    All of the liquid in the blood pond had been absorbed by the insatiable blood-red qi ocean. Although Tianheng certainly seeded in this breakthrough, he still needed to take some wless pills to stabilize his own realm.

    Hence, Tianheng left the cavern. After he adjusted his robes, he turned his steps toward the mountain summit.

    He had been in secluded cultivation for a month. Who knew how his Ah Zuo was doing right now?

    At the peak.

    Gu Zuo sat cross-legged inside the medicine refining room. To the side was a furnace of medicinal pills that he had just finished refining. Before he could use the Pill Receiving Seal to draw the pills out, he already had no choice but to perform some deep breathing exercises to calm his fluctuating qi emissions.

    It was rather coincidental.

    Originally, he had been upied with research and medicine refinement for the past year. His own spiritual path realm and internal qi realm didn¡¯t undergo any further breakthroughs, but due to his fruitful research, some of the shackles in his mind had faded away. Moreover, just now, he had sessfully refined a furnace of pills. Unexpectedly, under such joy, both realms had breakthroughs!

    Within Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint, it seemed as if that psychic core, which originally had been slowly expanding, suddenly had a heartbeat. It was now producing rhythmic, thumping sounds. In addition, a type of mental connection that linked with him hade into being. After that, his qi ocean surged and churned, sinking down below. In a split second, its depths abruptly doubled!

    Just like this, his Core Psyche Realm had transformed to the Nurturing Psyche Realm, and his mid Immortal Realm had advanced to the high Immortal Realm.

    Both sides had simultaneous breakthroughs, and both of these breakthroughs were sessful!

    tion flowed through Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    It went without saying that, because his family¡¯s big brother had been in secluded cultivation, he also simply went into seclusion to refine pills. Right now, there had been great progress in several aspects, which was a pleasant surprise.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo arrived in front of that pill furnace, and quietly examined the medicinal pills inside.

    In here, there were dual-colored medicinal pills of gray and white.

    Altogether, there were two pills that were exactly alike. Both were wless pills. The luster was emotionally moving and absolutely beautiful. However, the total number of pills that this furnace ought to have produced was actually three. Gu Zuo only just seeded. Therefore, if he really refined three pills, he definitely would¡¯ve had to sacrifice the pills¡¯ product grades ¡ª As far as other pharmacists were concerned, it was difficult to achieve such meticulous control. It was a small price to guarantee the product grades of two pills. Moreover, even if the quality had fallen a bit, it would¡¯ve still been within the top three grades, which was enough. But with regards to Gu Zuo, he had used that many precious medicinal ingredients. If they weren¡¯t wless pills, it wouldn¡¯t have satisfied him. As a result, in his subconscious mind, Gu Zuo already utilized many methods, and risked the loss of one medicinal pill to refine the other two pills at the wless product rank.

    And these two pills were ones that Gu Zuo researched on his own.

    The entire experimental process was recorded in Gu Zuo¡¯s Research Reports. He carefully studied each and every step, and didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything in the slightest. In the end, he named it the Realm Breaking Pill.

    Theposition of the Realm Breaking Pill was source sand, wondrous medicine, and several rare and precious medicinal ingredients. It required the use of the Violet Bedrock me to heat the furnace for refinement. The finished product would be a furnace of three pills. The effects... Well, it could be considered both simple andplicated.

    Since no one had tested the specific effects, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare make any detailed statements, but he could guarantee that this medicinal pill was harmless to the human body. Its biggest use was to improve the quality of internal qi within a martial artist¡¯s qi ocean. The scope of application were martial artists at the Celestial Realm and above. It belonged to the category of profound-level medicinal pills.

    As for how it improved the quality of internal qi?

    This pill was created by extracting the source energy from within the source sand. A neutralization and dissolution reaction was conducted with other medicinal ingredients, which caused the internal qi of Celestial, Noble, and Royal Realm martial artists to carry a trace of the source energy¡¯s nature. While this could strengthen their attacks, when they were at the peak of the Royal Realm, this pill allowed them to react with the source energy and break through with greater ease. Furthermore, because they would¡¯ve experienced the nature of some source energy beforehand, after breaking through to the Cosmic Realm, the adaptation time to any source energy would shorten and they would be able to disy the strength of the Cosmic Realm even faster!

    If it was only this, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have named it the Realm Breaking Pill. If he said that it could break realms, then it naturally had the ability to do so.

    Perhaps, it was also the effect of some source energy inside. If a peak Ascendant Realm martial artist failed to break through to the Celestial Realm, then so long as they took this type of pill, they could increase their chances to smoothly break through. In addition, after breaking through, due to the effects of the source energy, they would possess internal qi that carried the nature of source energy from the start! Merely, this kind of breakthrough also had certain dangers... ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s reckoning, if the pill was taken and the martial artist still failed, the source energy would sh inside the qi ocean. When that moment came, not to mention that the internal qi would be contaminated with the source energy¡¯s nature, because profound qi had no way to ept source energy, the qi ocean would copse. At that point, the martial artist would be out of luck.

    Gu Zuo carefully put away these two medicinal pills.

    Under normal circumstances, his big brother wouldn¡¯t be able to swallow this type of pill. However, when all was said and done, his big brother had six qi oceans. Moreover, several qi oceans had manifestations. Perhaps, they could give it a try? At any rate, even if it couldn¡¯t be attempted for the time being, he could just store them away. In the future, it could definitely be done.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo continued the refinement of the next furnace of pills.

    It was best to strike while the iron was hot. Right now, both of his realms had twin breakthroughs, so refining would be much easier ¡ª In fact, he understood that this type of pill¡¯s degree of difficulty wasn¡¯t low. At the final juncture of the refinement, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he had practically broken through to the Nurturing Psyche Realm, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to seed at all.

    But now it was different. He already hadplete faith in himself!

    Soon after, Gu Zuo took out some source sand. First, he ced it inside a vessel on the side, and mixed in some medicinal ingredients to soften it. Then, it was the most important part! He slowly took out a jade box. Inside was an unusual nt, which looked like a Cotton Rose Hibiscus. Theyers uponyers of petals made it look like a flower ball. As for the number of petals, it was probably in the dozens.

    Gu Zuo gently plucked a petal.

    That¡¯s right. This was the wondrous medicine that could coordinate with the other ingredients to dissolve the source sand and integrate the medicinal properties into refined pills. It was an Evergreen Cotton Rose that hade from a stone ovum.

    Following this, Gu Zuo immediately closed the jade box and put it away. Then, he delivered this Evergreen Cotton Rose petal into that vessel... In the blink of an eye, those medicinal ingredients and the source sandpletelybined, transforming into an ashen-white liquid. Both colors blended into each other, and the substance was as viscous as glue.

    After that, Gu Zuo swiftly brought out the wondrous fire. He warmed the furnace, and poured the liquid inside. Then, there was a series of hand seals and medicine refinements as his psychic power was quickly unleashed...

    With the experience of the first furnace of pills, his next few attempts went exceedingly smoothly. Every furnace produced three medicinal pills. It was just that he used up quite a bit of his internal qi.

    After three furnaces in a row, Gu Zuo slowly exhaled. He didn¡¯t have any intentions of continuing.

    Presently, the product grades of the eleven Realm Breaking Pills were all wless.

    It was only a pity that none of the pills could form sunset clouds.

    After all, a prismatic pill didn¡¯t only signify that the pill fragrance was locked inside, it also required that the pill itself possessed enough good fortune to sustain the Pill Note Mantra Echo or was closely adjusted to certain cadences. Otherwise, even if the pharmacist¡¯s skill and talent were sufficient, during the moment that sunset clouds were about to take shape, due to all sorts of reasons, what ultimately formed would still be a wless pill.

    As a result, although the Realm Breaking Pill was good, due to the forceful refinement of source energy, while the formed pills were exquisite, it was also impossible to produce sunset clouds.

    Though, wless pills were pretty good, too.

    Gu Zuo considered things. He already decided on the destination of these eleven wless Realm Breaking Pills.

    But right now, he needed to leave the medicine refining room and take care of himself before anything else.

    After leaving the medicine refining room, Gu Zuo went to wash up. After that, he leisurely walked out of the room.

    He was feeling rxed and alert. While lifting his head, he just so happened to see his big brother climbing up the mountain with loose robes and wide sleeves.

    His entire person appeared to float through the air as if he was flying. This temperament could really cause a person to...

    At once, Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled in return: ¡°I had been in secluded cultivation for many days without seeing Ah Zuo. How are you?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was exceptionally good: ¡°I¡¯m doing fine. It seems big brother also had a breakthrough?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Also?¡± Soon after, he carefully looked at Gu Zuo. Heughed and said, ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s internal qi realm is already at the high rank. And it seems that your spiritual path realm has also undergone some sess?¡±

    Gu Zuo mischievously chuckled: ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right. My spiritual path realm has advanced to the Nurturing Psyche Realm! In the future, profound-level medicinal pills won¡¯t pose any problems to me anymore!¡±

    Tianheng had drawn closer long ago. At this moment, he lightly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek, and spoke in a soft voice: ¡°Congrattions, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°And congrattions to big brother for reaching the peak Immortal Realm! It probably won¡¯t be long before you can advance to the Atomic Realm!¡±

    The two of them talked andughed like this for a while. The atmosphere was happy and entirely free from worry.

    Gu Zuo recalled the matter just now, and pulled Tianheng to sit down on the side. In an exaggeratedly mysterious voice, he said: ¡°Big brother, can you guess what pills I previously refined?¡±

    Tianheng slightly pondered. There was already a smile on his face as he stated: ¡°Since Ah Zuo is this happy, could it be that the source sand research has produced results?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Tianheng faintlyughed.

    Wearing a defeated look, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Couldn¡¯t big brother just pretend that he doesn¡¯t know...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression became upright and straightforward: ¡°Okay!¡±

    With exasperating slowness, he appeared to be in the middle of guessing: ¡°Could it be the Cloud Blossom Pill, the Vitality Purification Pill, the... Oh, this elder brother doesn¡¯t know. Ah Zuo, please dispel my doubts.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Big brother¡¯s performance isn¡¯t the least bit believable.¡±

    Soon after, he dejectedly said: ¡°Whatever.¡± But he cheered up quickly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter that you guessed it. A sessful pill refining is a happy asion.¡±

    While speaking, he rapidly told Tianheng about the many effects of the Realm Breaking Pills that came from his own research.

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved. He gave heartfelt praise: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s level of mastery on the path of medicine refinement is unparalleled among his peers. Even for some old seniors... With the passage of time, perhaps they will also be the defeated generals under Ah Zuo¡¯smand.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed, but he wasn¡¯t excessively modest either. Instead, he spoke with confidence: ¡°I will definitely be the best!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Right, big brother. Last year, after we retrieved the wondrous medicines, we said that we were going to give our senior brothers and sisters a batch of medicinal pills. Now that I¡¯m refining Realm Breaking Pills, and big brother temporarily can¡¯t utilize them, would it be better to give one pill to each senior brother and sister? I¡¯ll give master two pills, and we¡¯ll leave one pill for ourselves until I make more... How about that?¡±

    Tianheng softly said: ¡°Ah Zuo is considerate.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, he summoned nine members of the shadow cat race.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 385 - Giving and Receiving Gifts

    <h4>Chapter 385 - Giving and Receiving Gifts</h4>

    The members of the shadow cat race were called over for no other reason but to deliver these medicinal pills to the residences of their senior sect brothers and sisters, and their master.

    The shadow cat race¡¯s speed was extremely fast. It didn¡¯t take long for nine people to pay their respects and kneel on the ground towards Gongyi Tianheng.

    In this brief period of time, Tianheng used different bottles to hold each of these Realm Breaking Pills. After that, he handed a bottle to each of the nine shadow cats, told them the medicinal pills¡¯ miraculous effects, and ordered them to send these gifts one by one. The gifts had to be delivered personally, and the bottles couldn¡¯t be opened by other people.

    The members of the shadow cat race naturally epted the orders with respectful voices, and swiftly dashed out. In the blink of an eye, they had already transformed into remnant shadows and disappeared from view.

    After their figures vanished, Gu Zuo remembered something else. His thoughts moved, and both of his hands made a sping motion.

    In the hollow of his palms appeared a glossy and lustrous stone ovum. This stone ovum was ck and white, but these two colors were gradually encroaching upon each other, as if they were in the middle of fusing. Once they fused, the pigmentation presented a faint, dark-silver color. It was unusual.

    Gu Zuo rubbed the stone ovum, and said: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s thirsty for blood again.¡±

    Tianheng smiled, extended his wrist, and used a knife to gently nick it ¡ª In a split second, a rivulet of blood flowed down and fell right onto the stone ovum.

    It was quite a strange sight. Seeing as how the stone ovum was so smooth and glossy, ording to reason, the blood should¡¯ve slid off after falling onto the surface. However, not only didn¡¯t the blood slide off, it was rapidly absorbed when it touched the stone ovum¡¯s shell. At the same time, the slightly cool stone ovum gradually warmed up.

    Once a few seconds passed, Tianheng pulled his hand back. This time around, he took the stone ovum. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo stretched out his hand, nicked his wrist, and dribbled some blood.

    As before, the stone ovum quickly absorbed it, and the temperature rose higher and higher. After the dark-silver area expanded somewhat, Gu Zuo also moved his hand away.

    At this moment, the stone ovum, whose life force had increased much more than just a while ago, was spirited and adorable.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help rubbing it again.

    The more blood he gave, the more affection he felt towards this stone ovum. Whenever the stone ovum was burning hot, it seemed as if he could sense a kind of intimate bonding from inside.

    ¡ª Gu Zuo and Tianheng acquired this stone ovum from within a strange phenomenon at the region of the leyline¡¯s dragon head by dripping the blood of two people.

    In the beginning, this stone ovum only had two miniature versions of the ck and white qi streams. After the pair brought it back, there suddenly came a day when, just as Tianheng surmised, it expressed a pleading feeling. At that time, Gu Zuo was still a little worried, but the stone ovumpletelycked even the slightest hint of malicious intent. Hence, after discussing it with Tianheng, Gu Zuo gave the stone ovum some blood.

    Immediately following that, the miniature ck and white qi streams continuously expanded in the wake of the blood drops.

    Time and again, whenever the stone ovum had a need, Gu Zuo and Tianheng used the blood of two people to satisfy it. Those miniature versions grewrger andrger until each upied half of the shell, which caused the stone ovum to bepletely ck and white.

    After that, once they continued to nurse it with their blood, the ck and white colors started to intermingle. Then, the blending areas changed to a unified dark-silver... But right now, the majority of the shell was still ck and white. Gu Zuo and Tianheng had a guess. After the stone ovumpletely turned dark-silver, perhaps it could hatch.

    It had to be said that Gu Zuo was looking forward to it a little bit.

    This wondrous object that was absorbing his and his big brother¡¯s blood... What would it be in the end?

    No matter what, just based on this wondrous object¡¯s ¡°bloodline connection¡± between him and his big brother, he would certainly treat it well.

    Once the stone ovum was fed, Gu Zuo ced it on the jade bed in the side hall as usual. At this point in time, those gift-delivering shadow cats ought to be returning, too.

    Speaking of which, once the members of the shadow cat race descended the mountain, they dashed towards various directions like soldiers splitting up along numerous routes.

    Besides the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, the locations they were heading to were the residences of the eight older personal disciples.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how Gongyi Tianheng was given so many choices when he first arrived. In actuality, the manor, ore vein, and other geographic features that he selected were all within the borders of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s jurisdiction ¡ª Naturally, the locations of the other nine pce halls were even further away.

    As a result, while it could be said that the residences of the eight older personal disciples were rather distant, it wasn¡¯t to the extent of the other pce halls. Granted that they wouldn¡¯t be called ¡°neighbors¡±, they could be considered of the same ¡°homnd¡±.

    Among them, the one who was the closest was actually the eldest senior sect brother, He Zizhang.

    The speeds of the nine shadow cat race members were about the same. Thus, the fastest one to reach their destination would naturally be the one to pay their respects to He Zizhang.

    He Zizhang¡¯s dwelling was located in a valley.

    The valley was surrounded by mountains. It was inhabited by numerous racial groups under hismand and battle ves who trained arduously all year round. As for the valley encircled by mountain ranges, its area was vast and filled with dense forests and idyllic fields. It was leisurely, free, andfortable.

    Outside the valley, the shadow cat quickly took out a visitation notice.

    Not to mention anything else, all battle ves sent to act as doorkeepers needed to record the names and handwriting of anyone familiar with their master.

    Tianheng was one of the nine personal disciples. Although he hadn¡¯t been a part of the sect for as long as those senior brothers and sisters, he was equivalently ced within that batch of personages who were regarded with great importance.

    Naturally, this visitation notice was recognized by that door-keeping battle ve at a nce. Right away, the guard didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and swiftly notified the chain ofmand.

    The shadow cat youth was also quick to dere his young master¡¯s order, and that there was an object he needed to offer personally.

    Not long after, the battle ve returned, and handed over the matter of guarding the gateway to a fellow soldier. Then, the battle ve led the shadow cat youth with swift steps into the valley. After passing through numerous restrictions and formations, they arrived in front of an enormous tree. On top of the tree, whose branches extended far and wide, towered an borate housing structure. This was He Zizhang¡¯s dwelling ce.

    The shadow cat youth shed onto the premises, bowed, and saluted.

    As it turned out, the instant he came, a young man wearing schrly robes was already walking out of the residence.

    At this time, the young man looked mild with his hands sped behind his back. But in fact, there was a hint of arrogance in his eyes.

    He Zizhang opened his mouth: ¡°What thing did my youngest junior sect brother send you to give to me?¡±

    The shadow cat youth immediately took out that bottle, and presented it respectfully with both hands: ¡°Last year, the young master obtained some benefits. Originally, he wanted to share them with his seniors, but it couldn¡¯t be aplished at that time. Therefore, it had been dyed until now. Today, the refinement was finished, so the young master instructed us to deliver these things to every residence.¡±

    Hearing these words, He Zizhang revealed a smiling expression.

    It seemed that, because his dear junior brother was mentioned, the look of arrogance in his eyes turned into gentle warmth. He stated: ¡°My youngest junior sect brother is considerate. Right now, he should still be in the process of saving up resources. All of his profits ought to be kept for himself. Even though he is formidable, there really isn¡¯t any need to constantly have us seniors on his mind.¡±

    Soon after, He Zizhang took that bottle. While bearing a heart filled with curiosity, he opened it.

    Although his junior brother came from the Peripheral Continents, Tianheng was far-sighted and astute. He wouldn¡¯t have deemed a withered weed as precious treasure. With this sort of conscientious act, who knew what type of good thing was inside?

    It was only seen that, just as the bottle cork was removed, a puff of rich pill fragrance drifted out. Its aroma was pure and clean. When a lungful was breathed in, he could sense the vital qi within his qi ocean bing restless.

    He Zizhang was currently a mid Noble Realm martial artist. Among the nine apprentices under the Blood Transformation Pce Master, his realm fully deserved the title of the highest. There were extremely few medicinal pills that could evoke this kind of feeling in him.

    In that moment, he was given a slight shock.

    After some thought, He Zizhang poured that pill onto the hollow of his palm, and carefully examined it.

    However, he couldn¡¯t recognize this medicinal pill at all. He only felt that there was a profound mystery within that his present realm would have a hard time striving for. If he swallowed it, it would certainly be of great use to him!

    He Zizhang looked at that member of the shadow cat race: ¡°Does my youngest junior sect brother have any information about this medicinal pill?¡±

    The shadow cat youth promptly answered in a deferential voice: ¡°The young master said that this pill was developed by his personal pharmacist. Before this, no pill prescription existed. Its name has been initially set as the Realm Breaking Pill. The effects of this pill are...¡±

    Due to the outward appearances and personal strengths of the Shadow-Morphing ck Cat Race, although their states of mind were usually indifferent, when the youth mentioned this type of medicinal pill, his voice still carried a trace of excitement that took great willpower to suppress.

    After listening to this, He Zizhang took a deep breath: ¡°Unexpectedly... It¡¯s such a miraculous pill.¡±

    On the contrary, he didn¡¯t doubt whether the pill really had those effects, nor did he doubt Gu Zuo¡¯s ability based on age. Just because they were martial artists, although they might not be able to rify a medicinal pill¡¯s category, there were many times when the pill¡¯s efficacy could be roughly understood so long as they smelled the pill fragrance ¡ª At the very least, unless it was specially hidden, they could sense whether a pill was beneficial or detrimental.

    Moreover, He Zizhang was convinced that if that youngest junior sect brother of his wasn¡¯t absolutely sure about the medicinal pill¡¯s effects, he wouldn¡¯t have delivered it with such earnest solemnity. As a result, this pill was certainly real.

    Soon after, a feeling of excitement grew within He Zizhang¡¯s heart.

    There were nine individuals under the Blood Transformation Pce Master: Two Noble Realms, two Celestial Realms, three Ascendant Realms, one Atomic Realm, and one Immortal Realm. Among them, his realm was the highest. In his opinion, this medicinal pill was the most crucial for him.

    With his present realm, wanting to break through as quickly as possible was somewhat challenging. But if he relied on other methods to improve his strength, then it was feasible. Originally, he wanted to look for opportunities and hone himself while out adventuring. With this Realm Breaking Pill in hand, he could enter secluded cultivation. Once his internal qi was dyed with the nature of some source energy, he would go out to gain experience and adapt to this new-found strength. He would get twice the results with half the effort!

    He Zizhang closed his eyes. To his family¡¯s youngest junior sect brother, he naturally felt gratitude and warmth. After pondering for a bit, he made a gesture to the side. Soon after, he took out a sheet of cloth and silk. On top of it was a return letter written with cursive calligraphy as bold as flying dragons and dancing phoenixes. He handed everything to the shadow cat youth, who was to deliver it to Gongyi Tianheng.

    Immediately following that, the person who had been gestured at swiftly came back having fetched a jade chest. Inside of it was stored many rare spirit medicines. He instructed the shadow cat to bring this back as well.

    He Zizhang wasn¡¯t a stupid person. He knew that his youngest junior sect brother gave this medicinal pill, but the capability of that guy¡¯s personal pharmacist was mentioned, too. It wasn¡¯t only due to the friendship between fellow disciples. It was to raise that pharmacist¡¯s position in his eyes. Therefore, he also understood that, if he gave these reciprocative gifts to express his gratitude to his junior brother, that junior brother might feel unenthusiastic. However, if he presented spirit medicines to that pharmacist as gifts, then perhaps that junior brother would be happy.

    The shadow cat youth took these two parcels. After bidding farewell to He Zizhang, he swiftly departed.

    He Zizhang nced in the direction of his youngest junior sect brother¡¯s manor. Then, he turned around, and hurriedly walked into a hidden chamber. After entering seclusion, he swallowed the medicinal pill.

    Simr scenes were ying out in different locations.

    One after another, the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s apprentices received a medicinal pill delivered from their youngest junior sect brother, Gongyi Tianheng. They all listened to the shadow cat race members¡¯ recounting of the pill¡¯s functions. Each of their faces were emotionally moved.

    They were the same as the eldest senior sect brother, He Zizhang. Practically all of them took out some spirit medicines to send back to express their gratitude. Although spirit medicines were good to have, if someone wanted to truly disy their usefulness, one needed to have a sufficiently outstanding pharmacist. How could spirit medicinespare to the Realm Breaking Pill, which could be of such immense help to themselves? What¡¯s more, the pill¡¯s product grade was so good.

    Naturally, although the scenes were simr, not everyone went into secluded cultivation. After all, swallowing the medicinal pill required suitable preparations and a precise grasp of the oues. Yet, among them was the fifth senior sect sister. Her realm was already at the peak of the Ascendant Realm. She had long been searching for an opportunity to break through, but she hadn¡¯t been able to make it a certainty. Now that this pill arrived, her heart stirred. While her internal qi bubbled and surged, she decided to break through immediately...

    Finally, the Blood Transformation Pce Master himself met with a shadow cat girl.

    This girl¡¯s face was expressionless. She deferentially held out a slightlyrger bottle with both hands. Inside this bottle was stored two Realm Breaking Pills.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master paused: ¡°My apprentice and Ah Zuo ordered you to deliver this?¡±

    The shadow cat girl lied prostrate on the ground. Her voice was monotonous: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Soon after, she started to systematically narrate the origins and effects of the medicinal pills.

    For a time, the Blood Transformation Pce Master remained silent.

    As he listened, he opened the bottle.

    To be honest, he truly never expected that the grains of source sand near a spiritual source could be utilized. Nor did he anticipate that one could actually extract a sliver of source energy andbine it with many medicinal ingredients and wondrous medicine to form such a miraculous pill.

    In his mind, he couldn¡¯t help raising his evaluation of Gu Zuo¡¯s abilities.

    Merely, when he discovered that these two pills were wless and that he could clearly use them without any burdens, the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s mood became somewhat subtle.

    How long had it been since his apprenticest brought out something so good...

    It wasn¡¯t known how many times he had sighed in his heart about the luck of that all-star prodigy. The pce master pondered over and over again before posing a question: ¡°Is my apprentice and his pharmacistcking in any resources right now?¡±

    The shadow cat girl shook her head: ¡°Reporting to the pce master, this subordinate doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master lightly sighed.

    There was no other alternative. He could only take out a token, and give it to the shadow cat girl, who properly received it.

    The color of this token was blood-red. Written in fiverge characters was ¡°ss Three Blood Pond Order¡±.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master stated: ¡°When ites to other precious things, with my apprentice¡¯s luck, he shouldn¡¯t becking in anything. However, if one practices the ultimate knowledge of my Blood Transformation Pce Hall, there¡¯s one thing that only my pce hall should have an easier time obtaining. My apprentice¡¯s appetite is ratherrge, so this teacher shall bestow this order. Whenever my apprentice¡¯s blood pond dries up, it will permit him to receive a new one. It¡¯s just that this ss Three Blood Pond Order can only requisition a blood pond suitable for Celestial Realms at most. Otherwise, the bloody qi will be excessively abundant, and will cause harm instead. Currently, my apprentice can use this first. One day, if it isn¡¯t enough, he can seek out this teacher to exchange for another blood pond order.¡±

    In his voice, there was also a bit of cold indifference when talking to other people: ¡°You must ry everything that this venerable one has said to my apprentice. Not a single word is to be omitted.¡±

    The shadow cat girl answered in a serious manner: ¡°Yes, pce master.¡±

    After the Blood Transformation Pce Master made things clear, he didn¡¯t have any intentions of continuing the conversation with this girl.

    Previously, that Noble Realm He Zizhang was quite eager after obtaining a medicinal pill. This pce master was already a peak Royal Realm powerhouse, so he was naturally even more impatient. Although he wasn¡¯t looking for an opportunity to break through right now, his realm had been stagnating for a long time. However, after gaining these medicinal pills, perhaps he could look for the location of that opportunity?

    The shadow cat girl swiftly withdrew. Soon after, she carried away the blood pond order, and dashed straight to the manor.

    ¡°Five stalks of spirit medicine.¡±

    ¡°Four stalks of spirit medicine.¡±

    ¡°Four stalks of spirit medicine.¡±

    ¡°Six stalks of spirit medicine.¡±

    ¡°Five stalks...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng opened those reciprocative gifts from those senior sect brothers and sisters one by one. His mouth curled into smiling expressions several times. He said: ¡°Sure enough, our seniors are well aware of my intentions. Ah Zuo, these belong to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked over. Even though the number of spirit medicines he possessed wasn¡¯t low, he still had a desire to stuff everything into his pockets immediately. However, as he considered his family¡¯s big brother, he nevertheless reluctantly asked: ¡°Big brother, aren¡¯t there some things in here that should be put into the treasury?¡±

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°There¡¯s no need. These are the gains of Ah Zuo¡¯s hard work. Naturally, everything must be returned to Ah Zuo. Although Ah Zuo and this elder brother share ounts, while all the things inside the public treasury also belong to this elder brother, those things can be exchanged at will. It¡¯s better to calcte these things clearly.¡±

    It was also the method that Tianheng came up with after thinking about it for a long time. It was within this manor andpound where he resided that all of his subordinates and underlings, regardless of whether they were servile races, battle ves, or subsidiary organizations, could quantify theirbors in exchange for contribution points. And every item inside the public treasury was quantified by the number of contribution points, which was based on its valuation.

    Originally, besides the monthly allocation of resources the sect provided everyone, their master would also distribute some resources from time to time. This earned their unswerving loyalty. Though, how resources were allocated and what types of things satisfied everyone were difficult matters in the hearts of many prodigies and powerhouses ¡ª More often than not, a set of finalized conclusions was only reached after lengthy deliberations.

    With Tianheng, everyone was allocated contribution points each month. If any racial groups performed any meritorious services, the race would be conferred arge amount of contribution points, which could be internally distributed as they saw fit.

    These contribution points were umted, and could be exchanged for resources within the public treasury. The time of the exchange, the amount converted, and the type of item to be traded were all decided by the subordinate... The process was incredibly considerate to their needs.

    This way of handling things was extremely simr to some rules within the sect, and putting them into practice was rather easy. Earlier, Tianheng simply spent a little more time on the ¡°pricing¡± of numerous resources in the public treasury, and quickly gave the orders. During this past year, this matter had been implemented well. Unwittingly, it had ushered in the gratitude of many subordinates!

    Inside the public treasury, there were all kinds of rare items. Most of all were the medicinal pills, whose product grades left people in a state of disbelief.

    Among these, although some conjectures couldn¡¯t be confirmed, it caused some to develop feelings of reverence from the bottom of their hearts.

    In particr, Ming Wanzhu and her band of siblings, who had long integrated with Tianheng¡¯s subordinates, had been doing their best to perform many meritorious services since this process was put into effect. However, when they saw the amount of contribution points needed in exchange for the prismatic Innate Mending Pill, they clenched their teeth and hardened their hearts, borrowed funds from all over the ce, and exchanged for it with great difficulty.

    But the results were also clear and easy to see.

    That year, the auction¡¯s prismatic Innate Mending Pill had been real. This time, the pill they exchanged for was also real.

    There were numerous mdies that gued Xue Shen¡¯s body. Under the efficacy of this pill, he recovered swiftly andpletely. From that point onward, he could proceed with practicing martial arts and cultivating like a normal person!

    ¡ª Back to the main point.

    Currently, the resources in Tianheng¡¯s hands were divided into public and private treasuries. There was no need to mention the public treasury, but as for the private one... A small portion was kept inside Tianheng¡¯s spatial bangle. The other,rger, portion was carefully stockpiled inside the storage space of the Divine Medicine Pce Hall by Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo finished listening to Tianheng¡¯s words, and his heart warmed.

    With his own ears, he heard his big brother say that they didn¡¯t make any distinctions between what belonged to who... No matter what, this represented a heavy sense of trust, right? Listening to this truly made him feel extremelyfortable in his heart.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stand on ceremony, and the spirit medicines gifted by the eight senior brothers and sisters were all collected and put away. The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s blood pond order was also delivered.

    Tianheng grasped this thing in his hand, and broke intoughter: ¡°Master is really...¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help smiling when he thought about the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s mood, but he also felt that it wasn¡¯t easy for the pce master, who was always troubled with sending gifts in return. Merely, since he and his big brother obtained good things that were suitable for the pce master, they couldn¡¯t be unfilial to their teacher just because the pce master had a hard time finding good reciprocative gifts.

    There was nothing to be done. Without any better options, it was like this.

    Still, thinking about this situation was very interesting.

    At any rate, Gu Zuo believed that all of today¡¯s affairs that needed handling were concluded.

    But what he didn¡¯t anticipate was that someone woulde bearing information.

    And this person was someone whom he would¡¯ve never imagineding here.

    The author has something to say: No, it isn¡¯t Xu Lingxiu. It still isn¡¯t time for him toe onto the stage yet.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 386 - The Jade Heart Pendant

    <h4>Chapter 386 - The Jade Heart Pendant</h4>

    In a reception room halfway up the mountain.

    Gongyi Tianheng was seated at the head of the table with Gu Zuo by his side.

    Both of them were looking at the slender teenager who stood respectfully at the bottom of the flight of stairs with a back as straight as a javelin. There was a trace of surprise etched in their expressions.

    The slender teenager wasn¡¯t unfamiliar to them. When they had gone on a ¡°date¡± one year ago, they had helped the abandoned son of the Yu Family at the Sect Offering Academy. It was the unyielding and courageous Yu Cheng.

    Ever since this child was aided by themst time, Teacher Han became aware of his name. Thus, although his stepbrother Yu Ze, who simrly entered the academy, continued thinking of ways to fault and quarrel with him, Yu Cheng was still able to tactfully avoid any pitfalls.

    With his many experiences, his strength increased repeatedly, and his insight grew prudent and cautious. In this short year, his realm had already advanced to Xiantian stage six. One could say that it was incredibly fast. However, what was even more astonishing was that, no matter how quickly his realm improved, there were never any indications of unstable or hollow foundations. This was enough to prove that he had a stroke of luck, and that he was extremely hardworking.

    For this kind of good seedling, Tianheng had arranged someone to observe him two months ago. Over time, this observer gradually made contact with Yu Cheng. Naturally, Pang Wei, whom they regarded with good prospects, was likewise contacted. That fellow¡¯s progress was no slower than that of Yu Cheng. Moreover, his heaven-sent strength had be even more outrageous under the academy¡¯s Houtian nurturing!

    It was just that there were some differences between Pang Wei and Yu Cheng. Pang Wei was slow on the uptake, and his temperament was honest and straightforward. After he was approached by another observer, he didn¡¯t notice any of the probing hints within the conversation. Instead, he only considered the contact as a new friend. In order to avoid upsetting Pang Wei, the contact developed their connection slowly, and unobtrusively mentioned some matters.

    But it seemed that Yu Cheng had quickly discovered the contact¡¯s identity.

    He didn¡¯t reject the contact because of this. Rather, he practiced martial arts as usual during this period of time. However, he seemed to have listened to some of the words the contact suggested to him. It looked like...he didn¡¯t refuse.

    Yet, based on Tianheng¡¯s way of thinking, both Yu Cheng and Pang Wei needed to develop a connection with their contacts for a long time before they would react. Unexpectedly, this Yu Cheng somehow figured out his identity and came directly to their doors?

    This piqued a bit of Tianheng¡¯s interest.

    Gu Zuo was also deep in thought: This Yu Cheng came looking for us. He sure has a lot of guts... But, why?

    Under Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s measuring gazes, it was only natural for Yu Cheng to be a little nervous.

    After all, he was an abandoned son. Although his improvements in the academy were fast, it hadn¡¯t reached the point where he could see all the smaller mountains down below with a single look, and simply rush over. While he had made some preparations, he didn¡¯t know if this would be considered offensive by this legendary prodigy...

    Tianheng took measure of him for a moment. When Yu Cheng almost couldn¡¯t bear it any longer, Tianheng gave a faint smile and opened his mouth: ¡°Yu Cheng? I remember meeting you once.¡±

    Yu Cheng noticed that the atmosphere that froze the entire hall had been broken. He let out a light sigh of relief, and solemnly said: ¡°Yes. Many thanks to Prodigy Gongyi and Pharmacist Gu for thy helpst year. This Yu Cheng can¡¯t thank thee enough.¡±

    Tianheng waved his hand: ¡°There¡¯s no need to talk more about what has long passed. You expressed your gratitude on that day, and it¡¯s not necessary to give more thanks today.¡± His gaze swept over Yu Cheng, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee looking for me just for this?¡±

    Yu Cheng¡¯s body stiffened. He lowered his head: ¡°Prodigy Gongyi, please forgive this one¡¯s impertinence.¡±

    After that, he slowly pulled out a lovely jade pendant of a gem-like green color. He held it up with both hands: ¡°This Yu Cheng¡¯s visit is rted to the Jade Heart Pendant.¡±

    Tianheng naturally knew about the Jade Heart Pendant. He also knew that this was an object that the Yu Family sought to plunder. Seeing Yu Cheng¡¯s action at this moment, Tianheng had two guesses about what he would say next.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°In one year, the Yu Family has been making all kinds of threats against you, but you have yet to hand this thing over to them. Now that you stand before me, are you not afraid that I will seek to steal it?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Yu Cheng also didn¡¯t know what he was feeling in his heart.

    Back when he was rescued, he originally didn¡¯t think much of it. But after the matter passed, he guessed that the couple of people who saved him certainly didn¡¯t do so abruptly. They should¡¯ve heard his and the henchmen¡¯s words. Otherwise, that teacher wouldn¡¯t have immediately stood on his side. However, conjecture was just conjecture. Now that Tianheng said this, it was all but confirmed, whichplicated his frame of mind.

    Though, it was precisely due to this that he summoned his courage and came over.

    Soon after, Yu Cheng¡¯s tone became reverent: ¡°If Prodigy Gongyi intended to take this object away, he would¡¯ve taken it on that day. This Yu Cheng isn¡¯t talented, but has received care and attention on many asions. Naturally, this one firmly believes that Prodigy Gongyi is straightforward and upright.¡±

    This meaning held a little bit of praise, but these words weren¡¯t necessarily empty ttery.

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s mouth pulled up into a grin. His opinion of Yu Cheng increased by ten percent.

    Although this person had been honed and sharpened many times, he wasn¡¯t someone with only integrity and no sense of propriety. Moreover, his mind was clear-headed and fully cognizant of the consequences. Sufficient courage was admirable.

    Indeed. He didn¡¯t care about this Jade Heart Pendant. ording to his thought process, this object was either a key or some other opening device for resources or fortuitous encounters that Yu Cheng¡¯s mother left behind for her son. In this world, how numerous were the fortuitous encounters and how abundant were the resources? Tianheng was backed by Ten Ultimates Sect, and many resources were readily avable. Furthermore, if Yu Cheng didn¡¯t have this trinket, perhaps it would be extremely difficult for him to rush up in the future. Why should Tianheng cut off Yu Cheng¡¯s path of survival, and make himself appear petty and small-minded?

    Hence, Tianheng inly said: ¡°You will clearly exin your purpose ining.¡±

    Gu Zuo also curiosity looked over.

    With Yu Cheng¡¯s temperament, it wouldn¡¯t have been just for the sake of offering the Jade Heart Pendant to his big brother, right? Then, why did he take it out for? Could it be that ¡ª

    Yu Chengposed himself, and dered his own intentions: ¡°This one won¡¯t hide it from Prodigy Gongyi. This Jade Heart Pendant was left behind by my mother. When she was on her deathbed, she stated clearly that this Yu Cheng didn¡¯t have to believe in the Yu Family. After growing up, I could take this thing to a historical ruin, and search for treasures...¡± He hesitated slightly, but still spoke honestly, ¡°...and the Xiao n¡¯s inheritance.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Actually, he didn¡¯t expect that there would be an inheritance inside, too.

    However, he didn¡¯t need an inheritance either. It was only because he was currently learning a supreme piece of ultimate knowledge. It was also because the Tiandu Body¡¯s qi oceans were all different. He needed to create his own martial discipline. As for other martial skills and so on, he could memorize them at a nce. No matter how incredible, there wasn¡¯t any need to steal it.

    Yu Cheng saw that Tianheng didn¡¯t care, and there were two certainties in his heart: ¡°Some time ago, this Yu... I held onto this thing, ventured to the location of those ruins, and smoothly entered. Unfortunately, while this Jade Heart Pendant is a good thing, my strength wasn¡¯t enough. I could only search around the outer circle. Although I did obtain some benefits, they aren¡¯t worth mentioning whenpared to the inheritance.¡±

    Though the martial disciplines in the Sect Offering Academy were great, most of them were for building one¡¯s foundations. There were also someplete inheritances avable, but most of those required one to sessfully enter Ten Ultimates Sect first, and then make many contributions to be exchanged ¡ª Unless he was lucky enough to directly apprentice himself to an excellent and venerable teacher. However, that type of possibility wasn¡¯t high. His innate talent wasn¡¯t formidable enough to catch a powerhouse¡¯s attention.

    As a result, for the sake of future growth and development, Yu Cheng needed to obtain the inheritance as soon as possible. After cultivating it at the earliest time, it would be possible to pull ahead of the others, and he wouldn¡¯t have to be anxiouster on.

    It was only a pity that he couldn¡¯t charge into the core region at all. How was he going to im the inheritance, then?

    Yu Cheng¡¯s voice was dim: ¡°That historical ruin was left behind by the Xiao n, and I am also considered a descendant of the Xiao n. But when all is said and done, my bloodline isn¡¯t pure. Therefore, the tests were rather numerous. If I challenge them slowly, it would take a very long time. While I could gradually finish them, I¡¯m only worried that I¡¯ll die before I can see it through...¡±

    Due to the Sect Offering Academy¡¯s protection, Yu Cheng was able to deal with the Yu Family. However, every time he went out adventuring, he would be stared at by the Yu Family. He experienced many moments of life and death before safely returning. He was able to survive without a hitch once or twice, but in the end, he was just one person. Who knew when his luck would eventually run out? Yu Cheng was aware that he needed to n for a rainy day before going out.

    It was also during this time that Yu Cheng discovered those contacts, and he gradually realized that Tianheng was keeping an eye on him. After confirming that Tianheng was one of the people who saved him back then, he thought it over many times. Finally, he came to a decision.

    Once Yu Cheng finished speaking, he saluted deferentially: ¡°If this Yu Cheng may be so bold as to ask this prodigy to take action and explore the historical ruin together, apart from the inheritance, everything that this prodigy fancies will belong to him. And although it¡¯s to ept the Xiao n¡¯s inheritance, after receiving it, I would like to inform this prodigy in full... Please have mercy and allow this one¡¯s request, Prodigy Gongyi.¡±

    This was considered exceedingly sincere. He wasying out everything he had on a silver tter.

    This was taking an enormous risk, but for the sake of being able to practice even better martial disciplines and obtaining the most optimal inheritance for himself, he could only take this risk and entrust his life to the best choice capable of making this happen.

    After Tianheng finished listening, he silently pondered.

    His fingers lightly drummed against the armrest. The sound wasn¡¯t loud, but it tugged at one¡¯s soul.

    All of a sudden, Yu Cheng feel keenly nervous.

    His forehead was damp with sweat. At this moment, he only felt lingering fears and apprehension about Tianheng¡¯s possible decision.

    But, Yu Cheng didn¡¯t regret it either.

    He would seed or die trying. If he didn¡¯t even dare to brave this bit of danger and cultivated at a smooth and steady pace, how long would it take for him to break free from the Yu Family¡¯s entanglement?

    He took a deep breath. If he incorrectly recognized a person¡¯s character, he could only me his own poor eyesight!

    Gu Zuo felt exasperated as he watched Yu Cheng, who looked as if he was about to face the gallows.

    This matter wasn¡¯t a big deal. His big brother would definitely agree. Right now, these actions were just to frighten and intimidate people. Otherwise, it would seem like they were speaking on excessively good terms. That would be rather undignified.

    The facts were just as Gu Zuo thought.

    After this short period of pondering, Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Very well. Since I¡¯m optimistic about you, I agree to your terms. Today, you will go back to rest and make preparations. Two days from now, bring the Jade Heart Pendant. I will take along a few people, and you¡¯ll journey with us.¡±

    Yu Cheng was overjoyed. Regardless of how calm or steady he tried to be, he couldn¡¯t control his voice from trembling slightly: ¡°Many thanks, Prodigy Gongyi! This Yu Cheng can¡¯t thank thee enough!¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°You may go. If there¡¯s anything you need, inform your contact.¡±

    Yu Cheng¡¯s cheeks reddened. After paying his respects once more, he departed with a spring in his step.

    The oue of this time¡¯s visit was far better than what he imagined. He witnessed the magnanimity of this prodigy, and it made him feel...gratitude from the bottom of his heart.

    Once Yu Cheng left, Gu Zuo turned his head to look at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I think that this Yu Cheng is a little foolish.¡±

    Tianheng chuckled and said: ¡°Why is that?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and murmured: ¡°He¡¯s so happy now that big brother agreed, but he hasn¡¯t considered what he would do if we wanted to take his small life inside the ruins and rob him of everything.¡±

    Tianheng ced a hand against his forehead: ¡°How could this elder brother do something so meaningless?¡± But he was also gratified, ¡°However, it¡¯s great that Ah Zuo knows to guard against others now. In the future, you need to bear in mind that people¡¯s thoughts are diverse and multifaceted. Don¡¯t trust others easily.¡±

    Then, he said: ¡°Yu Cheng is young. Although he¡¯s cautious, there are still ces he has overlooked. But in the end, he had once been saved by us. Compared to other people, he will naturally trust me a bit more. With his current position, the best he can pick is only me.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Actually, I was just about to say this, too. But big brother, are you really interested in that historical ruin?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Although this elder brother has no intention of stealing Yu Cheng¡¯s things, there¡¯s no harm in going ahead to explore it if he took the initiative toe to our doors. What¡¯s more, I¡¯m also somewhat interested in that Xiao n. Who knows what method that n used to preserve their inheritance? If this method is useful, it can be replicated in the future...¡±

    Gu Zuo silently listened.

    Hearing his big brother animatedly talking in this way made him very happy.

    In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

    The location that Yu Cheng agreed to meet at was a rather famous restaurant outside the Sect Offering Academy. Because he had been waiting for Gongyi Tianheng and the others to arrive, he already drank several cups of tea. He was somewhat restless whether sitting or standing.

    Not muchter, the door opened wide.

    Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and a few others walked inside.

    T/N: Just a heads up. After this, there are five more chapters for this volume: One triple-length and four double-length chapters. So, you guys can imagine what the upload schedule will be like.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 387 - Historical Ruin

    <h4>Chapter 387 - Historical Ruin</h4>

    Yu Cheng felt some relief. He stood up, and called out: ¡°Prodigy Gongyi.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Have you made suitable preparations?¡±

    Yu Cheng reflected for a moment, and replied: ¡°There won¡¯t be any problems entering the ruins.¡±

    Tianheng inly said: ¡°For this trip, besides me and you, my personal pharmacist, Pharmacist Gu, will be apanying us. In addition, there¡¯s two Ascendant Realm and several Atomic Realm battle ves for protection. Do you have any objections?¡±

    Yu Cheng naturally said: ¡°None at all.¡±

    Within the historical ruin, there might be danger. While it probably wasn¡¯t good if too many people were brought along, it was necessary that such people were elites and small in number. It was only natural that he didn¡¯t have anyints.

    No one had any intentions of eating a meal here. Tianheng signaled a hidden shadow cat race member to pay the bill, and smiled at Yu Cheng¡¯s somewhat hard-pressed expression: ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose. Since preparations have been made, we¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    Yu Cheng quickly reacted. He wasn¡¯t perplexed by his mood any longer: ¡°Yes, Prodigy Gongyi.¡±

    With just these couple of meetings and conversations, Yu Cheng¡¯s impression of Tianheng was already getting better and better.

    Afterwards, Tianheng travelled light, and only brought a few experts. Under Yu Cheng¡¯s eager guidance, they left Ten Ultimates City. The territory they proceeded towards was an unacknowledged city that few people would pay attention to.

    Because this city was rtively remote and deste, the majority of talents here who had some aptitude looked for opportunities elsewhere and sought shelter in more powerful ces. Later on, not many returned. Thus, even though this city was also within the jurisdiction of the silver-ranked Ten Ultimates Sect, the powerhouses within this city...weren¡¯t very strong.

    In this ce, the person who was regarded as the strongest was merely a high Atomic Realm old man. As for the leading families in this city, some of the strongest people in these families were only approaching or at the cusp of reaching the Atomic Realm. In this way, those at the Atomic Realm were already admired by the entire city.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help recalling the Peripheral Continents where they hailed from.

    As it turned out, the more remote a ce was on the Central Continent, the closer it resembled the Peripheral Continents... Also, not every location on thisndmass was so formidable.

    As a result, when Yu Cheng previously came here by himself, it went smoothly.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on the fact that he was Xiantian stage six. In this city, a Xiantian stage six at his age could basically do whatever they wanted. It was to the point that many older people weren¡¯t as strong as him.

    When they reached the city gates, Tianheng and the others restrained their qi emissions.

    However, even though this group lowered their presence, theirplexions and bearings were still out of the ordinary. The soldier guarding the city gates didn¡¯t dare make things difficult for them. After receiving the normal city entrance fee, the soldier allowed them inside.

    Yu Cheng had some experience, and quickly led everyone to a tavern. At the same time, he spoke: ¡°In this city, this tavern is the mostfortable. It¡¯s also rather secretive. Other ces aren¡¯t as good. Merely, it¡¯s just that an unacknowledged ce like this can¡¯tpare to evenrger cities. Therefore, theforts will be limited. I hope that this prodigy...¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Everything is in and simple when out on a journey. There¡¯s no need to exin yourself in so many words.¡±

    Yu Cheng sighed in relief.

    He settled on several rooms, which were all on the first floor. He simrly checked into one of them.

    After that, they made arrangements and ate meals. They were going to wait until the next day to officially proceed towards the location of the ruins.

    The next day.

    Yu Cheng took the initiative to lead the way. The ce where they travelled to was beyond the city gates. It was a tract of scorching, yellow sand dunes.

    The yellow sand stretched as far as the eyes could see. Whenever gusts of wind blew by, the sand would swirl up until the sandstorm hid the sky and covered the earth. It was quite difficult for people to bear.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°This ce is the location of the historical ruin?¡±

    Yu Cheng nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right. This area is called the Disorienting Yellow Shore. Yellow sand has covered this area for countless years. Within the dunes, there are many sand scorpions and sand worms. Nothing grows here, and it¡¯s incredibly deste. Even though martial artists previously tried entering it on expeditions, many had lost their bearings. When any survivors came out, they hadn¡¯t been able to find any precious or rare things, and couldn¡¯t exchange for other resources. Gradually, fewer and fewer people ventured inside. As for why the city has never advanced beyond the unacknowledged rank, this desert isn¡¯t necessarily without me.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°In that case, how will we recognize the path after we enter?¡±

    Yu Cheng said: ¡°Once we travel five kilometers inside, we can continue onwards with the Jade Heart Pendant.¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the Yu Family didn¡¯t know the historical ruin was here and that only the Jade Heart Pendant could guide the way correctly, they wouldn¡¯t have been so persistently coercive. However, even if one knew that the ruins were hidden in the yellow sand, it was practically impossible to find without the Jade Heart Pendant. For the sake of protecting the inheritance, the Xiao n likewise used many methods.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡±

    After Yu Cheng gave the affirmative, he still took the initiative to move to the front. In a split second, he was battered by the sand kicked up by the wind. His face and hair were buffeted by the sand. He jolted the true qi that surrounded his body to shake off the sand, but in the next moment, he was swept up in the sandstorm again.

    The flourishing wind and sand had arrived in abundance.

    Tianheng reached out a hand: ¡°Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head: ¡°Yeah?¡±

    Tianheng took Gu Zuo¡¯s arm, and pulled his pharmacist to his side: ¡°Let¡¯s move together so we don¡¯t get separated if we encounter any idents.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and shifted closer to Tianheng.

    The Ascendant and Atomic Realm battle ves no longer concealed themselves. Instead, they acted ordingly, and followed close behind.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the yellow sand to spill across the sky like a deluge. The silhouettes of the group of people also vanished inside the all-epassing sandstorm.

    It wasn¡¯t known how long they travelled. Though the direction couldn¡¯t be distinguished, when all was said and done, everyone¡¯s strengths were out of the ordinary. It was unlikely for them to bepletely lost.

    After gradually walking along a path, Yu Cheng halted his steps. He took out a lustrous-green jade pendant from the folds of his robe, and ced it in the hollow of his palm: ¡°Prodigy Gongyi, honorable sirs, I¡¯m about to begin. Pleasee to my side.¡±

    Then, he said: ¡°Once there are unusual changes, everyone must hover in the air.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng and the others naturally advanced quickly, and stayed close to him.

    After that, Yu Cheng bit his finger, and let the dribbling blood fall onto the Jade Heart Pendant. Immediately following which, he quickly used his fingertip to smear the blood, dyeing the entire jade pendant a beautiful blood-red color.

    The lustrous-green and blood-red intermingled. In the blink of an eye, a beam of radiant light shot out from the Jade Heart Pendant and rushed straight into the sand dunes!

    Shortly thereafter, just ahead of them, countless grains of sand began to frantically shift and churn like they were being drawn downwards by something. The yellow granules formed streams of sand that revolved around the center. As for the center, it rapidly turned into a huge hole that swallowed even more yellow sand.

    Soon, a gigantic empty space appeared there.

    All of a sudden, everyone felt that the sand under their feet was also flowing swiftly. It was as if thend beneath them was no longer sturdy and solid. It was somewhat hollow...

    Tianheng quickly reached out a hand, scooped up Gu Zuo, and threw him onto his own back. Gu Zuo had gotten used to this long ago, and his hands fastened into a tight hug. Then, Tianheng and the others mobilized their qi, and soared into the air.

    Yu Cheng reminded them at almost the same time: ¡°Be careful!¡±

    At this time, everyone lowered their heads and saw that this ce had suddenly changed.

    Where was the desert that had been brimming with thick, yellow sand? It was clearly an enormous and barren ancient city under the sand!

    The ancient city sprawled out for several kilometers. There were many old buildings that towered within the cityscape. Looking at it from the outside, one would only think that it held a type of boundless atmosphere. But upon closer inspection, one would feel that this ancient city was constructed in the shape of concentric squares. The direction and positioning of theyout was bizarre, and the entire ancient city was like abyrinth.

    Apparently, there really wereyers uponyers, one after another.

    Tianheng unhurriedly opened his mouth: ¡°When and how should we descend?¡±

    Although this wasn¡¯t the first time Yu Cheng came here, he was still fascinated by the strangeness of the ancient city. At this time, he heard Tianheng¡¯s voice, and promptly responded: ¡°We can go down now. After entering the city, there will be many tests from the outer circle to the inner circle. We need to be cautious.¡±

    After he finished speaking, in order to prove that what he said was true, Yu Chengnded first and stood at the threshold of the ancient city¡¯s gates.

    While carrying Gu Zuo on his back, Tianheng dropped down next to Yu Cheng. The several Ascendant and Atomic Realms likewise followed suit. But despite it being this way, they still maintained their vignce.

    Yu Cheng pushed open the city gates: ¡°Pleasee in together, and be sure not to fall behind me. Otherwise, your lives may be at stake.¡±

    Tianheng and the others didn¡¯t neglect anything, and strode inside.

    Yu Cheng let go of those gates, and swiftly dashed in between the gap.

    At the exact same time, countless grains of yellow sand fell from high up. This avnche was going to fall onto their heads in the blink of an eye!

    Gu Zuo was startled: ¡°&#k2014;This is?¡±

    Yu Cheng hurriedly said: ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. The sand isn¡¯t really falling down!¡±

    Sure enough, this was only a self-defense mechanism of the sunken ancient city.

    Those densely-packed grains of sand rained down like a flood, but seemed to have been blocked by something invisible. It was just that the canopy of the bright and shining sky was covered, so nothing in the ancient city could see a trace of the light from outside.

    Tianheng furrowed his brows: ¡°This ancient city has a city-wide prohibition array.¡±

    Yu Cheng nodded: ¡°Prodigy Gongyi¡¯s knowledge is extensive. That¡¯s right, this is the prohibition array of the ancient city. Now, if anyone from outside is looking around, all that they¡¯ll see is a vast and boundless desert. They won¡¯t notice this ancient city. After everything is concluded, whether the tests were failed or passed, the ancient city will directly kick us out. Though, there won¡¯t be any harm done.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°You don¡¯t need the Jade Heart Pendant?¡±

    Yu Cheng had an upright expression as he said: ¡°There¡¯s no need, but if Prodigy Gongyi has any doubts, I can hand over the Jade Heart Pendant to this prodigy for safekeeping.¡±

    Hearing these words, Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Very well.¡±

    He didn¡¯t refuse the Jade Heart Pendant, and took it from Yu Cheng¡¯s hand.

    It wasn¡¯t that Tianheng didn¡¯t believe Yu Cheng¡¯s words. It was just that the level of trust he had in Yu Cheng didn¡¯t outweigh the lives of the group, which had been ced in his hands.

    There weren¡¯t any ulterior motives in Yu Cheng¡¯s heart. Although he stared nkly at Tianheng¡¯s candid and direct actions, he quickly returned to normal. Tianheng inwardly nodded after looking at his expression.

    Once this trip was over, if nothing wrong happened, Tianheng would naturally return the Jade Heart Pendant to Yu Cheng. After all, this item was left behind by his mother. Even though it was the key to this historical ruin, it was also a type of memento.

    Soon after, the group looked ahead.

    It was strange. After the light from the outside world was obscured by the yellow sand, the interior of the ancient city was momentarily plunged into pitch-ck darkness. Then, everything was brightly illuminated as if it was daytime.

    In front was a tall stone wall. At this time, Yu Cheng spoke: ¡°Honorable sirs, please withdraw. Allow me to demonstrate.¡±

    Tianheng, with Gu Zuo riding on his back, took several steps backwards.

    The other battle ve powerhouses did the same.

    Following this, everyone discovered the changes happening to that stone wall.

    In an instant, the stone wall produced many bulging sacs. And from these bulging sacs, several sinister-looking sand scorpions burrowed out. They brandishedrge pincers and made threatening gestures as they charged at Yu Cheng!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°This is a test?¡±

    He could tell that the strength of these sand scorpions was around Xiantian stage two and three. They weren¡¯t very strong. With Yu Cheng¡¯s Xiantian stage six strength, he ought to be able to handle them easily.

    Yu Cheng¡¯s strength was indeed impressive. When the sand scorpions attacked, he swiftly engaged them in battle. His palm made a grasping motion, and held a long spear ¡ª Unexpectedly, he was also a spear user.

    However, his spear techniques were far less sophisticated than Tianheng¡¯s. Moreover, it could be seen that, although the essence of some spear techniques were incorporated, because the user wasn¡¯t fully proficient, his might was only somewhat strong. It didn¡¯t reach the level that would astonish others. However, this fight wasn¡¯t without points of excellence. Yu Cheng had given up on certain areas that were shy but without substance. With moves that flowed along dauntless and agile trajectories, he possessed some prowess.

    Before long, the several sand scorpions were in under Yu Cheng¡¯s hands.

    Then, the stone wall underwent another change. The number of sand scorpions that appeared instantly doubled. On top of that, these scorpions were twice asrge. As they swarmed over to attack, their dozens of legs made skittering noises. The suppressive might they carried caused Yu Cheng¡¯s expression to turn solemn.

    The strength of these sand scorpions was alreadyparable to Xiantian stage five martial artists!

    At once, Yu Cheng was caught up in an encirclement.

    With his realm at Xiantian stage six, dealing with these slightly weaker sand scorpions was going to be very challenging.

    However, Tianheng and the others didn¡¯t hastily step forward to help him. They only waited on the side, and watched Yu Cheng do everything he could to fight and kill until these scorpions were all dead.

    After that, what appeared were still sand scorpionsparable to Xiantian stage five. But the amount this time had doubled again!

    It was even harder for Yu Cheng to kill them, but in any case, he still seeded.

    The next moment, the numbers doubled once more. And this time around, after going through several struggles, Yu Cheng repeatedly fell into dire straits. It took a lot of thought and effort to barely escape the sand scorpions¡¯ encirclement.

    Ultimately, Yu Cheng¡¯s defenses were overturned, and he retreated the the rearmost line.

    Tianheng spoke with his hands full: ¡°How are you doing? Is there still no need for us to take action?¡±

    Yu Cheng wiped away his sweat: ¡°For the time being, there¡¯s no need to act. I will give this prodigy an exnation for the way things are done in here.¡±

    During this time, Gu Zuo realized that, after Yu Cheng retreated to this position, the sand scorpions that hadn¡¯t been killed quickly burrowed back into the wall. It was like the battles never happened.

    He was somewhat surprised, and more than a little confused.

    Since it was a test, why did those sand scorpions only attack Yu Cheng alone? Moreover, the strength of the scorpions also closely matched Yu Cheng¡¯s. Could it be that everyone else who was following along were already being ignored?

    Then, Yu Cheng exined: ¡°This ce is the Xiao n¡¯s historical ruin. Within it, the Xiao n¡¯s inheritance was also left behind. As a result, the tests that remain will only target the Xiao n¡¯s bloodline. It¡¯s just that if it¡¯s someone with a pure Xiao n bloodline, the tests they face aren¡¯t thisplicated. Instead, they¡¯ll be immediately delivered to a certain location. After a slight inspection, they¡¯ll be able to obtain the inheritance directly.

    ¡°As for someone like me, who has an impure Xiao n bloodline, I need to go through many hurdles. But in the end, because I am rted by blood, taking the tests one at a time will only temper me. So long as I withdraw in time, there also won¡¯t be any intent of taking my life...¡±

    After that, Gu Zuo and the others knew what was going on.

    The Xiao n¡¯s direct descendants could immediately acquire the inheritance, but coteral rtives from the cadet branches or those such as Yu Cheng could take many things by passing a number of tests. And if all of the tests were passed, then they could take the inheritance. This would¡¯ve been regarded as satisfactory to the members of the Xiao n.

    Speaking of which, the degree of difficulty for the tests had nothing to do with the strengths of those who cameter. No matter what kind of descendants arrived here, they would all be subjected to the same tests. If a descendant brought more people in, then the gains would naturally be split up. Of course, that was on the basis of voluntary action.

    Merely, prior to entering, one needed to have a Xiao n descendant¡¯s blood smeared onto the Jade Heart Pendant to open the historical ruin. And when entering the ruins, only the Xiao n descendant could push open the city gates. Once the descendant entered, the city gates would close, and the yellow sand would bury everything. Those who couldn¡¯t enter the city would suffocate under the desert sands and perish.

    Previously, this was the exact reason why Yu Cheng went into the cityst.

    Gu Zuo finished listening. While he understood, he still furrowed his brows.

    It wouldn¡¯t be good to criticize anything right in front of Yu Cheng, so he secretly transmitted his voice to Tianheng.

    [Big brother, shouldn¡¯t he have clearly exined these things in the beginning? Although he has given reminders in advance at every step, and told us everything that needed to be said, since he came to find us first, he should¡¯ve taken the initiative to describe his experiences so that we could gain an understanding.]

    Tianheng gave a slight smile.

    [These are just some careful thoughts. I am indulging him because of his pitiful past.]

    Gu Zuo was puzzled.

    [What careful thoughts?]

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved.

    [He came looking for my help, which was originally very risky. If he told us all of his experiences beforehand, he might worry that he would bepletely useless once I gained an understanding of the matter.]

    Gu Zuo understood a little bit, but he still had doubts.

    [Ah, that¡¯s not right. Opening the gates also required him... That¡¯s to say, his identity isn¡¯t without use, right?]

    Tianheng light raised an eyebrow.

    [If I wanted to control him, the methods I possess are countless.]

    Gu Zuo made a helpless expression.

    [So you¡¯re saying that he felt there was a possibility of being directly controlled if he talked. But if he didn¡¯t talk, then big brother would value him a bit more because of what he didn¡¯t say? After reaching the ruins, he spoke clearly every step of the way, which also disyed his own worth? En... This is also a show of sincerity?]

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled into a grin.

    [Correct. Therefore, these are simply careful thoughts. Such harmless things are of no great matter.]

    This time, Gu Zuo thoroughly understood.

    To put it bluntly, there was no sense of security. Intellectually, Yu Cheng knew that Tianheng should¡¯ve been a trustworthy person. However, emotionally, he wanted to hold onto a bargaining chip. At the same time, he was afraid of offending this prodigy... When Gu Zuo thought about it, this Yu Cheng¡¯s frame of mind was trulyplex.

    Though, it really was just as his big brother said. There was no harm in indulging these careful thoughts. After all, they weren¡¯t ill-mannered guests, nor did they have any intentions of kicking Yu Cheng out.

    After understanding this, Gu Zuo no longer bothered about these things.

    It wasn¡¯t easy for Yu Cheng. When a child was ying house, it was up to himself to find happiness.

    Following this, Tianheng inly said: ¡°What does it mean now that the sand scorpions have returned to the stone wall?¡±

    Yu Cheng answered: ¡°It means that the first checkpoint has already been challenged and failed... Thest time, I seeded, but I suffered greatly for it. Dozens of sand scorpions had been the first checkpoint¡¯s highest level of difficulty. If I want to challenge it a second time, I only need to attack the stone wall.¡±

    Gu Zuo was still resting against Tianheng¡¯s back: ¡°Then, let¡¯s start now.¡±

    Yu Cheng answered positively. He waved his palm, and struck a blow towards that stone wall.

    The next moment, bulging sacs suddenly appeared on the wall. Numerous sand scorpions gushed out, and swarmed towards Yu Cheng. But this time, Tianheng and the others didn¡¯t waste any time allowing Yu Cheng to act on his own. Instead, after Tianheng made a gesture, an Atomic Realm powerhouse took action. A single palm pped out, and shattered all of the sand scorpions!

    Subsequently, even more sand scorpions came out. As before, they were crushed by the Atomic Realm powerhouse. Soon after, another batch appeared only to be in once more.

    After doing this over and over again, the sand scorpions stopped showing themselves. The first checkpoint was thoroughly cleared.

    Right at this time, the stone wall separated to either side. What weed them was an ancient pce hall.

    Yu Cheng said: ¡°The rewards of the first checkpoint are inside the hall.¡±

    Gu Zuo curiously said: ¡°Thest time you came, you also cleared it. What you saw was this pce hall?¡±

    Yu Cheng nodded his head: ¡°Precisely so. However, although I passed the test, not everything in the ancient hall could be taken. Rather...¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°It¡¯splicated to exin. In a moment, Pharmacist Gu will understand with one look.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t pursue the matter.

    The group of people quickly stepped into the ancient pce hall.

    In this hall were quite a few long tables. Several objects were ced on top of each table. At a nce, Gu Zuo saw that the product grades weren¡¯t the same. The brightness of the lights enveloping the long tables were also different.

    Only the centermost table wasn¡¯t enveloped by any light.

    Yu Cheng led them over, and stood in front of the long table.

    On the table, there was a human-ranked spirit weapon, a suit of battle armor, several bottles of medicinal pils, and several dozen spirit crystals.

    While these things weren¡¯t too precious, as far as Xiantian Realm martial artists were concerned, this was ssified as a ratherrge sum of wealth. In addition, many resources needed by Immortal Realms were also prepared. For any Xiao n descendants who came here, so long as they acquired these things, it would be a long time before they had to rush around umting resources again.

    However, with regards to Tianheng and the others, these things weren¡¯t that useful.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Yu Cheng, you can put these things away. They are useless to us.¡±

    Yu Cheng was naturally grateful.

    This prodigy didn¡¯t like them, but he needed them very much.

    As a result, he didn¡¯t hold back, and took all of these resources.

    Gu Zuo considered something. He tilted his head, and looked at Yu Cheng: ¡°After you cleared the checkpointst time, what did you get?¡±

    Yu Cheng replied: ¡°It was simr to these things. Only, the types of spirit weapon and battle armor were different. Every time the test is passed, the light covering a long table will vanish. However, there aren¡¯t any ways to easily obtain the items on the tables whose light covers haven¡¯t disappeared.¡±

    Gu Zuo paid attention to one word in this response.

    ¡°Easily¡±.

    There weren¡¯t any ways to easily obtain these objects, but one could still get them?

    Yu Cheng already took the initiative to bring it up: ¡°If someone attacks the light covers, the virtual image of a ferocious beast will appear. This beast¡¯s strength is incredibly high, and well above my own. I gave it a tryst time, but I wasn¡¯t able to oppose that ferocious beast. I was forced to retreat outside the ancient hall, and I could only stare helplessly as the hall closed shut.¡±

    He didn¡¯t lose his small life, but there also weren¡¯t any unexpected harvests.

    Simrly, it was also because Yu Cheng saw so many resources that, thinking there might be more in the next checkpoint, he made up his mind to find Tianheng after much consideration.

    He was only afraid that...a long night would bear many dreams.

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head. He gestured at several battle ves: ¡°Break all the light covers, and take everything inside them.¡±

    The battle ves received their orders, and swiftly went to attack the light covers.

    ¡ª It was just that, after these attacks, it seemed that there weren¡¯t any reactions?

    Tianheng pondered for a moment, and understood clearly.

    Shortly thereafter, he instructed: ¡°Yu Cheng, you will go. But you must be careful.¡±

    Yu Cheng wasn¡¯t stupid. Right away, he realized that these light covers needed him, a descendant of the Xiao n, to personally strike them. Therefore, he took a deep breath, utilized his footwork to its peak state, and unleashed high-speed attacks toward the dozen or so long tables in the pce hall. His disposition was iparably vigorous. Every hit was as fast and nimble as a dragon. The entire ordeal was exceedingly quick.

    In only one or two breaths of time, all of Yu Cheng¡¯s attacks fell onto those light covers!

    The next moment, the sounds of quite a few beastly roars echoed out. Pale-white virtual images rushed out of those long tables. Every one of these beasts was extremely fierce. They didn¡¯t seem to have bodies and there wasn¡¯t any stench of beasts, but once they approached, the terrifying chill was self-evident. The intimidation was enough to make a person weak in the knees. Even if someone counterattacked immediately, their bravery would be suppressed by the other side¡¯s imposing aura.

    Naturally...it would be hard to defeat them.

    But it was different this time around. It wasn¡¯t only the lone Yu Cheng ¡ª If he was by himself, how could he dare provoke them this frantically? Hence, after the virtual images of these ferocious beasts lunged up, several battle ves were already rushing over tounch attacks. Many powerful moves and styles burst out violently, all heading towards the virtual images.

    Gu Zuo watched for a moment. All of a sudden, his attention fell onto a corner of those light covers.

    Over there was a depression. Inside of it, something round and plump was spinning. What was it?

    If his memory wasn¡¯t wrong, that thing was...

    Just as he thought this, a ferocious beast¡¯s virtual image charged straight at Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s position. Its strength wasparable to a high Immortal Realm. While Tianheng was at the peak of this realm, he was carrying a ¡°little package¡±. Compared to the other powerhouses, it was only natural that this pair was easier to deal with.

    Granted that these were virtual images, they also knew that ¡°the softest persimmons were the easiest to pinch¡±...

    Unfortunately, that ferocious beast¡¯s virtual image had counted its chickens before they hatched, and was promptly shattered.

    Without waiting for Tianheng to swiftly take action, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows had already burst forth with a sharp spear of psychic power. In a sh, it broke the virtual image, which immediately scattered its remnant soul!

    Gu Zuo retrieved his psychic power. His heart tensed.

    He seemed to sense that his psychic power had improved somewhat after scattering that remnant soul?

    This...

    But it really wasn¡¯t the time to carefully think about such things. Gu Zuo¡¯s attention quickly fell onto the battle ves who were continuously shattering all of the ferocious beasts¡¯ virtual images.

    They just seemed to be doing the mostmon, trivial things. Once their work was done, they withdrew simultaneously.

    Tianheng swept a nce over those long tables.

    Sure enough, all the items were very much the same, and only differed in the small points. Even though just one or two were somewhat special, they weren¡¯t necessarily that special. These things were likewise ordinary in Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    As such, there wasn¡¯t any problem with doing a few good deeds.

    Hence, Tianheng yielded the benefits. These things also entered Yu Cheng¡¯s possession. All except those spirit weapons. Each battle ve who shattered the ferocious beasts¡¯ virtual images took one weapon ¡ª These weren¡¯t for their own use. Rather, they could bring these weapons back to their racial groups to be allocated to their race members at will.

    After everything was taken away, the interior of this ancient pce hall was empty.

    Once theyposed themselves, the group was standing before a stone wall once again.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Besides stone walls, couldn¡¯t they have thought of any other scenes?

    Oh, he almost forgot ¡ª The ancient pce hall just now.

    However, he couldn¡¯t think of any better adjectives to describe the hall¡¯s decorating style other than decrepit.

    Disregarding the disorderly thoughts for the time being, one only had to mention that stone wall.

    Once Yu Cheng and the others reappeared in this area, quite a few sand scorpions of especiallyrge sizes burrowed out from the wall. Whether it was the strange qi emissions they released or the sharp teeth that lined their mouthparts, the scorpion tails behind them all appeared to be a hundred times more powerful than those seen before!

    Gu Zuo swept his eyes across: ¡°Their strengths areparable to Immortal Realms.¡±

    But this also didn¡¯t ount for much.

    With Yu Cheng¡¯s strength, after passing the first checkpoint, he would be powerless against the second one. Thus, after gaining first-hand knowledge of these terrifying sand scorpions, even more reverence bloomed in his heart.

    Merely, these awe-inspiring sand scorpions couldn¡¯t make more than two moves in the hands of the battle ves.

    When they met face to face, these scorpions had already lost.

    Following this, the subsequent scorpions became increasingly fierce and numerous.

    Yet, the battle ve powerhouses dispatched their targets skillfully and easily. Not only were all of the sand scorpions eliminated in the end, even their own energy consumptions weren¡¯t worth mentioning.

    This time, Yu Cheng didn¡¯t know what they would see. Thus, he kept silent, and followed behind the others. Immediately after this, his eyes shined.

    What appeared this time was simrly a quiet and peaceful pce hall.

    In the hall, there were twelve pill furnaces and twelve medicinal cauldrons. Set around every pill furnace and medicinal cauldron was a gloomy-blue halo of light. There was only one pair among the furnaces and cauldrons thatcked any barrier.

    Yu Cheng hesitated somewhat, and stepped forward: ¡°I¡¯ll go to collect the things inside.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Handle yourself prudently.¡±

    Yu Cheng responded solemnly. He arrived in front of that pill furnace first, and extended a hand to open the furnace lid.

    In a split second, a whiff of peculiar pill fragrance flowed out.

    Gu Zuo promptly recognized it: ¡°Jade Muscle Pills! These are...grade twelve wless pills.¡±

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how strange the Jade Muscle Pill¡¯s name sounded. While it seemed to specialize in giving female martial artists a beautiful and youthful appearance, it didn¡¯t actually have this use. Rather, it was an exceptionally good medicinal pill for tempering a martial artist¡¯s physical body.

    It was just that, when this pill was used, it would be excruciatingly painful. One would feel the agony of their flesh and meridians burning ¡ª The wider a person¡¯s meridians, the more suitable it was to use this pill.

    Gu Zuo was aware of this pill¡¯s prescription. However, because this medicinal pill was a little unorthodox, and because its effects would be poor for Tianheng, whose meridians were insufficient, he never refined it.

    Meanwhile, after Yu Cheng heard the words ¡°grave twelve wless¡± and Gu Zuo¡¯s quick exnation of the pills¡¯ marvelous effects, he already reached out a hand to grab the pills inside.

    There weren¡¯t that many medicinal pills inside this furnace. There were no more than five pills, but the total count of this type of pill should¡¯ve reached nine. It was an excellent human-level pill, and it was suitable for Xiantian and Immortal Realm martial artists ¡ª While there were only five pills, these five pills were all wless ones. This meant that the other few pills had been sacrificed. From this, one could see that the capability of the pharmacist who controlled these pill furnaces was out of the ordinary.

    An average human-level pharmacist would hardly be able to aplish this. As such, what kind of strength did that pharmacist have?

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make any casual guesses.

    However, he did have other ideas, which were yet to be confirmed.

    Afterwards, Yu Cheng walked to the front of the medicinal cauldron, opened the cauldron lid, and another burst of exotic odors assailed the senses.

    A pill furnace refined pills, but a medicinal cauldron refined medicine.

    While pills were medicine, not all medicines were pills.

    Consequently, what appeared inside the cauldron was a handful of light-purple powder.

    Gu Zuo recognized this as well: ¡°wless Violet Light Powder. Its hemostatic effects are exceptionally good.¡±

    It was simrly an exceedingly precious medicament. For external wounds, its medicinal effects were extraordinarily good. One shouldn¡¯t look at how it had the form of fine powder. This was because, during refinement, a medicinal decoction would be boiled down until all that remained was its quintessence.

    ¡ª Medicine refinement was divided into threerge categories: Medicinal pills, medicinal decoctions, and medicinal cuisines. However, there weren¡¯t only these threerge categories.

    Take the Violet Light Powder, this type, for example. Some powders were differentiated within the medicinal pills. While the finished goods were in pill form, further refinement would cause the pills to burst and crumble, creating a fine powder. There were also some that were differentiated among the medicinal decoctions. Just like the Violet Light Powder, the decoction would be refined until all of the liquid was evaporated. Theplexities between these categorizations were difficult to fully describe.

    Violet Light Powder was also within the human-level medicaments. In that realm, what Gu Zuo frequently refined were the Revitalization Pills, which could treat internal and external injuries, as well as other more exquisite, but not quite as unorthodox, medicaments. Likewise, he was only aware of the Violet Light Powder, and never actually refined it.

    Though, wless Violet Light Powder was the same as wless pills. Both were basically free of impurities.

    After this recounting, Tianheng said: ¡°These two types of medicines will also belong to Yu Cheng.¡±

    The gratitude in Yu Cheng¡¯s heart deepened.

    He couldn¡¯t obtain these kinds of medicaments easily ¡ª Although it wouldn¡¯t be hard to purchase medicinal pills, with his financial resources, where would he be able to buy things of wless quality?

    This was considered as delivering coal in the middle of winter. Yu Cheng put away the Jade Muscle Pills and the Violet Light Powder. Once he returned, he could further temper his body and increase the difficulty of his adventures.

    After that, everyone¡¯s lines of sight fell onto the other eleven pairs of pill furnaces and medicinal cauldrons.

    If nothing unexpected happened, the medicaments inside them would be like these two types, or their effects would be simr. Merely, what made people feel anxious was that the exteriors still had ayer of gloomy-blue light.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo jumped down from Tianheng¡¯s back: ¡°Big brother, let me go this time.¡±

    The others didn¡¯t have any objections.

    Those gloomy-blue halos looked too strange. Who knew what these things were? A pharmacist¡¯s methods included fantastic oddities of every description. It was basically impossible for ordinary martial artists to guard against them. For many affairs, only those who were also pharmacists could get a glimpse of the clues and find solutions.

    In this ce, only Gu Zuo was a pharmacist. Letting him go was naturally the best choice.

    Hence, Gu Zuo approached those furnaces and cauldrons. His line of sight quietly dropped to the areas surrounding these vessels.

    In those ces, there were also depressions. And within those depressions were pearl-like objects that quietly hibernated.

    Gu Zuo carefully inspected them for a short while. Then, he sighed: ¡°Soul pills.¡±

    When these words were uttered, the others were astonished.

    Soul pills?

    This sounded somewhat familiar...

    Contrary to what one might expect, Tianheng had an impression of these things. He opened his mouth: ¡°Extracting the soul of a living thing and integrating it into a nk pill... That soul pill?¡±

    T/N: Retroactively changed ¡°nonconventional¡± to ¡°unacknowledged¡±.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 388 - Soul Pills

    <h4>Chapter 388 - Soul Pills</h4>

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s precisely this soul pill.¡±

    However, the fact that Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng were aware of this didn¡¯t mean that the battle ves and Yu Cheng also knew about it. After they heard what was said, they revealed doubtful expressions.

    Yu Cheng spoke hesitatingly: ¡°To extract the soul of a living thing, wouldn¡¯t that be...somewhat ruthless?¡±

    When all was said and done, he was only sixteen years old. Although he knew that this was a world where the weak were prey to the strong, when even the soul was exploited after death with no way to rest in peace, it made him feel anxious.

    Here, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t mind clearing up their confusion: ¡°You guys should know that the so-called soul is actually a person¡¯s consciousness. Normally, it is intangible and invisible. Only once the body dies will it dissipate into the world.¡±

    This wasmon sense, and everyone knew this.

    Yu Cheng and the others nodded their heads.

    Gu Zuo continued to speak: ¡°When martial artists cultivate their physical bodies, this is the path of martial arts. When pharmacists cultivate their minds, this is the path of spirituality. However, this doesn¡¯t mean that martial artists don¡¯t possess mental strength. It also doesn¡¯t mean that their mental strength won¡¯t have the slightest impact. In the wake of one¡¯s progression along the path of martial arts, one¡¯s mental strength will improve, allowing the martial artist to possess sharper perceptions and greater willpower. During the martial artist¡¯s life, their soul will be continuously nourished by their mental strength, bing even more powerful. Once the martial artist dies, if they have an obsession, they can absorb the copsing mental strength at the moment of death, and turn into another type of lifeform known as a dead soul.

    ¡°But with regards to pharmacists, when they are alive, they specifically cultivate the path of spirituality and make full use of their psychic powers. During the Qi Psyche Realm and Coalescing Psyche Realm, the soul is still only nourished by psychic power. Once the pharmacist reaches the Core Psyche Realm, the instant the psychic core forms in the Tianfu Acupoint, the soul will be taken into the core. After this, the pharmacist¡¯s spiritual path will advance to the next realm. Upon reaching the Nurturing Psyche Realm, it is actually an integration of psychic power and soul, and the ¡®spirit¡¯ arises. When it has fully matured, it¡¯s called the spiritual embodiment ¡ª Also known as the spirit body.

    ¡°Rather than saying that the spirit body is a transformation of psychic power, it¡¯s better to say that the psychic power has absorbed the soul¡¯s characteristics to reflect the pharmacist¡¯s inner self. Thus, it can be said that the spirit body is a variation of the soul. It can also be said that the soul is stored within the spirit body. But whatever the case may be, if the spirit body is destroyed, the soul will also no longer exist.

    ¡°If one wants to kill a pharmacist, one must kill their spirit body. And if the pharmacist dies naturally, the spirit body will also disperse ¡ª Of course, if it doesn¡¯t disperse, that spirit body can attach itself to certain objects or materials. It will still survive in the world until it eventually deteriorates to nothing. Merely, during this borrowed time of the spirit body, one can say that the pharmacist is still alive. Though, one can also say that what is alive is actually the obsession.¡±

    The ce where a person¡¯s soul was stored was in the depths of the Tianfu Acupoint.

    The rtionships between the soul and one¡¯s psychic power or mental strength were veryplicated. Sometimes, it was impossible to tell one from the other. This was a type of mysterious and abstruse concept that martial artists and pharmacists both understood and failed toprehend. However, they were able to spur these forces spontaneously.

    Everyone seemed to have an understanding of souls and realms, but with respect to pharmacists, they didn¡¯t know as many details as Gu Zuo.

    After finishing his scattered and piecemeal exnation, Gu Zuo finally talked about the important point: ¡°As for the requirements for soul pills, living souls and dead souls are both eptable. The souls of wild beasts and origin beasts are mostly used, but not the souls of people.¡±

    When this was mentioned, Yu Cheng and the others¡¯ heartstrings loosened.

    Hearing Tianheng¡¯s brief description of the soul pill¡¯s origins caused their hearts to tense. However, now that they heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, they felt that soul pills were perhaps unorthodox, but weren¡¯t too shocking.

    And since soul pills mostly used beast souls, a pharmacist who was an expert in soul pills wouldn¡¯t necessarily be that fiendish or ck-hearted.

    Following this, Gu Zuo talked about the history of the soul pill¡¯s main ingredient: ¡°The majority of soul pills are Battle Soul Pills. Once a sessfully-refined pill is brandished, it can exhibit the capabilities of the utilized soul when it was alive to protect the person who activates the soul pill. Thus, while soul pills are unorthodox, and the required techniques are exceedingly high, there are also some specialized soul pill pharmacists who focus on cultivating this path. It is also because of this that there are many ways to capture souls.¡±

    He sorted out his thoughts, and said: ¡°Under normal circumstances, if a martial artist wants a Battle Soul Pill, they¡¯ll usually have to hunt a beast on their own. Merely, the majority of martial artists don¡¯t know how to extract the beast¡¯s soul. If they didn¡¯t get a hold of a pharmacist¡¯s token, they can only not y it and deliver the nearly-dead beast to a pharmacist. Then, the pharmacist will extract a living soul and conduct the pill refining. Of course, beasts can also have dead souls, but the souls of beasts are very different from the souls of people. Wild beasts possess no sapience. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, there¡¯s no way for it to leave behind an obsession.

    ¡°As for origin beasts, although they have some sapience, if one leaves behind a soul, that obsession will most likely be unreconciled and vengeful. This kind of soul is incredibly dangerous. Prior to taking it, a martial artist may be killed by the dead soul first... Right, whether humans or beasts, both have mental strength. It¡¯s just that, aside from an extremely small number of races that have the innate skills, almost no beasts can utilize their mental strength, much like martial artists.¡±

    As Gu Zuo continued to talk, his eyes also faintly shone: ¡°In addition, there¡¯s also human soul pill refining.

    ¡°When ites to dead souls... Some martial artists and pharmacists don¡¯t feel reassured about the future. For the sake of protecting their families andter generations, when their lifespans are used up and they are powerless to break through, they¡¯ll go looking for a trusted soul pill pharmacist. Then, at the veryst moment, they¡¯llmit suicide. At this time, the pharmacist will use special hand seals to extract the soul, and use the individual¡¯s barely existing obsession and defeated mental strength to nourish the soul. This can allow the soul to take shape and be the main ingredient for pill refinement ¡ª If it¡¯s a pharmacist, they can directly use hand seals to preserve their spirit body, and turn it into medicine. The oue would be the same.

    ¡°There are also some dead souls thate from the ruins of exterminated racial groups or sects. Before the disciples of those organizations meet their ends, they experience intense emotions. There is a possibility of forming countless dead souls that linger around the ruins. At this time, if a soul pill pharmacist detects these dead souls, the pharmacist can collect them as main ingredients. Of course, the human souls used in refining Battle Soul Pills are all dead souls. If a soul pill pharmacist dares to recklessly extract the living souls of people to conduct pill refining, then once they¡¯re discovered by others, they¡¯ll certainly be feared and hated. Many organizations won¡¯t tolerate this kind of pharmacist to exist. Whenever such heretics are found, these organizations will wipe them out!¡±

    In conclusion, soul pill pharmacists were strange. However, if they used beast souls, they were actually the same as those who used a beast¡¯s blood, flesh, and bones. This was within the category of normalcy. As for the use of a person¡¯s soul, it was divided into several situations. Basically, the existence of such soul pills was mostly to protect one¡¯s future generations. Prudence was needed for any other circumstances.

    This field of medicinal pills was special, and couldn¡¯t be messed around with.

    Once Gu Zuo finished talking, Yu Cheng and the others had their eyes opened.

    Their moods were quiteplicated, and there was still a feeling of worry in Yu Cheng¡¯s heart. Since there were pharmacists who liked to use living souls and the souls of people, he could only hope that the Xiao n wasn¡¯tposed of wicked folks.

    Otherwise...

    When all was said and done, Yu Cheng was a descendant of the Xiao n. Thus, he was worried that he would be treated differently because of this.

    However, now that it was said, everyone understood what needed to be done to proceed.

    Gu Zuo stood in front of the pill furnaces and medicinal cauldrons. Psychic power trembled in the space between his brows, and charged straight at the nearest pair.

    Those gloomy-blue halos instantly underwent changes.

    They disappeared in a sh. Meanwhile, the soul pills embedded near the pill furnace and medicinal cauldron rapidly spun, and two ferocious beasts lunged out. In the time it would take to blink, they had already arrived!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power swiftly generated two thick wolf-tooth cudgels that swung across.

    Although the beasts were fierce, after drawing support from the soul pills¡¯ medicinal power, they actually lied between the material and immaterial. Whenever they attacked, they became tangible. And once they dodged, they would be intangible.

    But regardless of their state of being, this was only a limitation for the physical strikes of martial artists. During a confrontation with a pharmacist who was already at the Nurturing Psyche Realm, their psychic power was ever-changing. So long as it could strike those ferocious beasts, it could freely transform into the same state to hit them.

    Thus, under the punishing blows of the two wolf-tooth cudgels, the ferocious beasts seemed to let out invisible roars that caused surging qi streams. They were swiftly propelled backwards as they were smashed away.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was focused.

    As the wolf-tooth cudgels kept the ferocious beasts busy in midair, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows shot a sharp needle. After this needle flew out, it split in two. With one on the left and another on the right, the needles rushed straight at the rapidly spinning soul pills at the pill furnace and medicinal cauldron.

    Soon after, only two loud and clear popping sounds were heard. Those soul pills were shattered into fragments by the sharp needles ¡ª The foundations that supported the ferocious beasts were destroyed. The beasts had no way to maintain their forms, and were likewise defeated!

    All that remained were only the undamaged pill furnace and medicinal cauldron.

    The others watched this speedy and nimble battle, and their views of Gu Zuo¡¯s strength were refreshed. This was Yu Cheng¡¯s first time seeing a pharmacist fight like this, and admiration grew in his heart. At the same time, his vignce towards pharmacists also rose a level.

    ...One couldn¡¯t think that, just because pharmacists were good at refining medicine, they weren¡¯t skilled at using their psychic powers to fight!

    After Gu Zuo was finished, he turned his head and exined to the onlookers: ¡°Everyone, if you encounter a soul pill pharmacist in the future, you must be careful. Don¡¯t focus on how I shattered the soul pills during this fight to defeat the soul beasts. This is only because that pharmacist used a special technique to refine the soul pills, leaving behind this type of testing method countless years ago. In this way, the soul pills could be preserved for a long time. Moreover, so long as the medicinal power of the soul pills aren¡¯t totally depleted, the soul beasts can always be utilized.

    ¡°But if you really encounter a soul pill pharmacist, when they fully utilize their methods, a soul pill can only be used once. Usually, they will directly crush the soul pill, allowing the soul beast to automatically absorb all of the medicinal power and run wild. At this time, unless the soul beast¡¯s medicinal power ispletely used up, it will obey the pharmacist¡¯s orders and tirelessly fight.¡±

    After Yu Cheng finished listening to these words, his heart trembled.

    He almost took breaking the soul pill as the best way to y a soul beast, but after having this brought to his attention, he realized that the matters here weren¡¯t normal at all.

    Thinking these things, Yu Cheng squeezed his fingers, and tentatively said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, I was wondering if I could...give it a try?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at him, having understood his meaning, and answered: ¡°You can. It¡¯s better to know a little bit more here than to suffer a loss in the future.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled at Gu Zuo, and said to Yu Cheng: ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to test it yourself. I¡¯ll have Ao Min do it since he can handle things faster.¡±

    Yu Cheng naturally didn¡¯t object.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo stimted the gloomy-blue halos, and two more ferocious beasts lunged out.

    Ao Min¡¯s speed was extremely fast. He shed in front of Gu Zuo, and engaged in an intense battle with those ferocious beasts.

    Under Tianheng¡¯smand, Ao Min used his strongest moves to fight these peak Immortal Realm beasts in close-quartersbat. The might of every move was incredibly powerful. Between every gesture was boundless and inexhaustible strength.

    The battle souls were no match for Ao Min as they tenaciously fought. A small amount of time passed, and after the battle souls¡¯ bodies were shattered for the third time, the Battle Soul Pills that were embedded at the pill furnace and medicinal cauldron stopped moving. Then, the battle soul¡¯s figures promptly disappeared.

    Gu Zuo stated: ¡°It appears that the test is passed once the battle souls are damaged three times.¡±

    Once he said that, he considered the strength levels of everyone present. Without the slightest hesitation, he opened all of the light covers to release all of the battle souls.

    Several battle ves quickly took action. In an instant, every single battle soul was stopped in its tracks.

    The space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows produced a wolf-tooth cudgel, which floated in the vicinity of Yu Cheng. This was to protect him ¡ª Even if there were cunning battle souls that escaped the battle ves¡¯ encirclement, they wouldn¡¯t be able to cause any harm to Yu Cheng.

    Yu Cheng naturally realized that, from this point on, he wouldn¡¯t have any way to help the other party in terms of martial strength. He suddenly felt a burst of indelible gratitude that he wasn¡¯t forgotten during this dangerous time.

    The speed that the battle ves used to resolve the problem wasn¡¯t slow. Before long, the tests for all of the battle souls were concluded. However, they didn¡¯t destroy those Battle Soul Pills. Rather, it was Gu Zuo who took action and put them away.

    As for the pills inside the furnaces and the powders inside the cauldrons, there weren¡¯t any differences in variety with the first batch. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want any of them, and allowed Yu Cheng to keep them. Additionally, Gu Zuo decided to use half of the remaining Battle Soul Pills for research, and gifted the other half to Yu Cheng. This was regarded as giving him some life-saving trump cards. In the future, since the Battle Soul Pills didn¡¯t have to be activated spontaneously, Yu Cheng only needed to input his internal qi and crush a pill with his fingers before using it. Then, the battle soul would automatically protect the owner of this internal qi.

    In this second checkpoint, it was still Yu Cheng¡¯s harvest that was thergest.

    However, this was expected. While the items in the preceding checkpoints weren¡¯t bad, they were far from reaching the degree that would move Tianheng¡¯s heart. From the start, his objective was in the depths of this historical ruin.

    Shortly thereafter, the third checkpoint began.

    It was from this checkpoint that they broke past the outer circle, and moved towards the inner circle.

    As a result, what appeared in this checkpoint weren¡¯t stone walls. Instead, it was an empty inner city.

    Within this inner city, there were ancient buildings all over the ce that gave off peculiar cadences. And unexpectedly, growing near those buildings were many trees ¡ª Even though the leaves were already withered, making it look like only bare tree trunks were left, it still showed that these trees possessed an incredibly powerful vitality.

    All of a sudden, three perfectly round objects hurtled through the air from far away. In a split second, the objects fell to the ground with loud cracking noises. After these sounds echoed out, three wild tigers appeared where those objectsnded. Each tiger possessed a strength that was infinitesimally close to a rank one origin beast. Their imposing auras were formidable and their ferocity was unparalleled.

    The beasts didn¡¯t distinguish who was in front of them. They opened their fang-filled jaws, and were already lunging out to bite everyone!

    Yu Cheng was overwhelmed with shock.

    The imposing auras of those wild tigers were like an oppressive hammer beating down on his mind. It caught his heart in a vice-grip of pain that nearly squeezed it right out of his chest.

    His qi and blood were churning and his brain was throbbing ¡ª Under the ws of the wild tigers, he would never be able to get through a single round!

    Gu Zuo noticed the terrible power of these wild tiger souls, but to him, this was nothing but a bit of low atmospheric pressure. It couldn¡¯t cause much damage at all.

    As a result, he quickly discovered that Yu Cheng wasn¡¯t doing so well, and promptly discharged his psychic power. It formed a cover-like object, which encased Yu Cheng inside.

    In this way, the suppressive might from the outside world could be isted, and Yu Cheng could be protected from being killed by the shock.

    Yu Cheng just recovered from his panicked state, and could only bitterly smile as he regted his breathing.

    Originally, he believed that his willpower was strong, and could resist some of the bad things to a certain extent, but he didn¡¯t expect that he would almost fail after only one encounter.

    These were three wild tiger souls. As one could well imagine, if he was going to explore on his own, it wasn¡¯t known how long it would take and how many times he would fail before he approached the interior edge of the inner circle ¡ª To reach the central city of the historical ruin!

    At this moment, Tianheng and Gu Zuo walked next to Yu Cheng, who didn¡¯t dare to rush indiscriminately into action. Tianheng took out the Jade Heart Pendant.

    Yu Cheng had already calmed down. He said to the pair: ¡°After we get through this checkpoint, we can enter another area to receive rewards. After that, we will directly move into the city within this city. However, the routes areplicated, and there are many simr things. If you want to get anything, you¡¯ll have to find it on your own. Prodigy Gongyi, carefully look at the lines of blood on the Jade Heart Pendant.¡±

    Tianheng heard his words, and lowered his head to see.

    Gu Zuo also looked over. Previously, Yu Cheng used some blood to open the historical ruin. At this moment, the scarlet lines of blood on the Jade Heart Pendant had interweaved into a distinctwork. It had formed an iparably detailed map.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°A map?¡±

    Yu Cheng nodded his head and said: ¡°Drawn on this map are the routes of the city within this city. The specks of blood are locations where tests have been set up. You can get benefits from these ces.¡±

    Sure enough, after Gu Zuo glimpsed at it, he discovered that, within that bloodstainedwork of roads, there were many nodes that formed drops of blood that were half the size of sesame seeds. Although it wasn¡¯t densely packed, he counted around twenty to thirty locations.

    Though, the area that contained the inheritance was certainly in one of these ces. The other locations were probably for obscuring their line of sight.

    Yu Cheng pointed at thergest blood speck, and said: ¡°Here is the location of the inheritance.¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°After going in, we¡¯ll take the things at the other ces first. We will proceed towards the inheritancest. This is to prevent the ruins from undergoing any sudden changes once the inheritance is imed.¡±

    Yu Cheng naturally didn¡¯t have anyints: ¡°Everything will be ording to this prodigy¡¯s words.¡±

    While the three of them talked, the battle ves had already smoothly dispatched the wild tiger souls.

    But matters weren¡¯t finished yet. Once the three wild tiger soulspletely disappeared, several other cesunched many round objects. As they smashed into the ground, streams of wind swirled up, and even more wild beast souls took shape.

    There were crocodiles, wolves, lions, tigers, pythons, and elephants ¡ª There were all manner of fierce and violent beasts.

    The only thing worth rejoicing over was that the strength of these wild beast souls didn¡¯t surpass the Immortal Realm. This was probably because the Xiao n had been worried about excessively harming their descendants.

    The number of wild beast souls that came this time suddenly rose to fifteen.

    Fortunately, this didn¡¯t pose a problem to the battle ves. After taking action a few times, they swiftly depleted the energy powering the beast souls. This caused the medicinal power, and the beast souls themselves, to disappear even faster.

    However, the very next moment, soul pills began falling down like raindrops.

    In the blink of an eye, everyone was surrounded by a dense crowd of wild beasts!

    This time around, the wild beast souls that appeared were no less than one hundred!

    Yu Cheng sucked in a cold breath.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything, and immediately stood next to Yu Cheng. He used his psychic power to form a total of four giant shields to unswervingly block all sides. This was to prevent any beast souls from charging inside.

    Yu Cheng knew that he was a burden. He clenched his teeth, restrained himself, and made absolutely sure not to act blindly without thinking.

    It was also at this moment that Tianheng nced at Gu Zuo. After finding that his little pharmacist was safe and secure, his own figure shed out to join the scene of battle and fight those wild beast souls.

    This was the first time Yu Cheng got to see Tianheng take action.

    One would only see Tianheng¡¯s wrist shake. In his palm, he grasped a reddish-gold long spear. Yu Cheng saw it clearly. This wasn¡¯t a true weapon. Rather, it seemed to have been condensed from some type of martial skill. The spear bore an incredibly frightening power.

    Soon after, Yu Cheng witnessed extremely sophisticated spearmanship.

    At this time, he discovered that the honorable prodigy he invited out also used a spear, but it wasn¡¯t known how many times stronger the other party¡¯s spear techniques were whenpared to his own! He originally believed that his spear techniques were already very sinct. Now that he saw Tianheng in battle, he realized that this prodigy¡¯s spear techniques were truly without the slightest redundancy. Every move and every form was used at the most appropriate moment and at the most perfect angle!

    All of a sudden, Yu Cheng forgot that he was still being protected by a pharmacist. Both of them were caught up in a dangerous siege, but his thoughts were all on the spearmanship that Tianheng utilized. He didn¡¯t even notice that, every time Tianheng pierced a wild beast soul with that long spear, that beast soul would burst into mes with its entire body enveloped in rays of light. It would look up to the sky, and let out silent, agonizing howls.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was also watching this scene.

    Right. This reddish-gold energy was the power of the sun... His big brother used this energy to battle with the beast souls. Truly, it was very effective.

    Everything considered, it wasn¡¯t unreasonable. The power of the sun was firmly yang in nature. As for the beast souls ¡ª Even if the attributes they possessed in life were also yang-aligned, the beast souls were still beast souls. After being refined into medicinal pills, they were partial towards yin.

    Since it was like this, if one utilized a scorching-hot substance to burn the beast souls, the medicinal power wouldn¡¯t necessarily bepletely consumed. But this kind of scorching-hot substance wasn¡¯t that easy to find.

    The pressure brought about by the siege of nearly a hundred wild beast souls was like a tidal surge that progressed with one wave after another.

    Indeed, the realms of the couple of battle ves were higher, but the wild beast souls knew no weariness or exhaustion. Sometimes, the battle ves even failed to hit them! This kind of enemy was much more difficult to deal with than being besieged by one or two hundred martial artists.

    As a result, apart from Tianheng, whose energy consumption was small and who wasn¡¯t having that hard of a time, the other battle ves needed to put in a bit more effort once they discovered the difficulty level of this matter.

    And right then and there, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something.

    Ah, how could he have forgotten his own top-notch attack methods?

    The next moment, Gu Zuo became tranquil and even-tempered. The manifestation inside his qi ocean became active.

    At the same time, a wisp of orange mes was hovering at his fingertip.

    The temperature of this me was astounding.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo flicked his finger. This me transformed into a line of fire that shot out.

    Its speed was extraordinarily fast, and it instantaneously fell onto the body of the nearest wild beast soul. Within a split second, that wild beast was engulfed in an inferno!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 389 - Obtaining Treasure

    <h4>Chapter 389 - Obtaining Treasure</h4>

    That wild beast soul flinched the moment it was engulfed in the twisting mes. Immediately following this, it charged at Gu Zuo¡¯s side like it had gone crazy. However, while it had gathered as much strength as possible, it could only shrink smaller and smaller amid the shining fire light. In just a single breath of time, it had already beenpletely cremated!

    As for that twisting line of fire, it flew back swiftly.

    Not even Gu Zuo expected this kind of spectacle.

    ¡ª As it turned out, he could dispose of them this quickly?

    But there were no doubts that this was a good thing.

    Gu Zuo sensed the profound qi being continuously extracted within his qi ocean. Without the slightest hesitation, he shot out embers one after another. These embers transformed into lines of fire without exception, and swept across those wild beast souls that were besieging everyone.

    Soon, dozens of wild beast souls were burned to nothing under the weaving mes. No amount of medicinal power and no amount of strength while they were alive could resist the mutually restraining power that wondrous fires had over wild beast souls!

    In the wake these fiery threads falling onto the bodies of the wild beast souls, this scene caught the attention of the others. At this moment, Yu Cheng was roused by the brilliant fire light, and abruptly discovered that Pharmacist Gu¡¯s ability to manipte wondrous fires was so effortless and terrifying!

    His heart immediately trembled.

    It was worthy of a prodigy¡¯s closely-favored personal pharmacist. This honorable Pharmacist Gu¡¯s potential was extraordinary!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s power of the sun was marvelously effective, Gu Zuo¡¯s wondrous fire was extremely powerful and destructive, and the realms of the other battle ves far exceeded that of the wild beast souls. As a result, when everyone took action, they were able to wipe outrge swaths of enemies.

    There had been nearly a hundred wild beast souls here, and it was reasonable to say that the challenge was exceptionally formidable. It was enough to cause any impure-bloodline descendants of the Xiao ning to ept these tests to retreat in a three days¡¯ march. However, although they were tired, through their continuous attacks, this test had turned into an ordinary difficulty that couldn¡¯t force them back.

    After nearly two hours, these wild beast souls ¡°died¡± under everyone¡¯s hands.

    And following this, no more battle souls appeared.

    Obviously, the hundred wild beast souls were already considered by the Xiao n remnants back then to be a severe and rigorous test.

    Gu Zuo withdrew his wondrous fire. Once the threads of the Earthen Core me entwined around his fingertips, they swiftly sank into his flesh and disappeared without a trace. Yet, the might of this wondrous me as it dealt with the wild beast souls forced everyone to remember it in their hearts.

    Meanwhile, within this inner city, the crowded ancient buildings underwent a transformation.

    Wave after teeth-aching wave of metal-grinding noises echoed out. It was like these ancient buildings could move on their own. After they shifted and squeezed together, what unexpectedly took shape was a wide and expansive passageway.

    Yu Cheng said: ¡°If we go through here, we can enter a ce to receive our rewards.¡±

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°How do you know?¡±

    Yu Cheng replied: ¡°I have a somewhat vague feeling...¡±

    This was rtively subtle.

    But when all was said and done, their bloodlines weren¡¯t the same. Indeed, there were some things had no way of recounting. Yu Cheng ought to have said this due to intuition.

    No one said anything, and only followed him as they proceeded to walk towards that passageway.

    Yu Cheng conscientiously walked at the front of the group, but he also maintained a distance where he could be quickly grabbed and saved by someone else. A battle ve apanied him close by. As before, in the back were Tianheng and the others.

    Once they stepped into that passageway, no unusual changes urred.

    This made everyone breathe sighs of relief, including Yu Cheng.

    The group began to walk inrge strides.

    This passageway looked very long, but it was actually quite short.

    After traveling for almost two hundred fifty meters, they reached the end of the passageway. As for the Jade Heart Pendant in Tianheng¡¯s hand, it exuded a certain level of heat.

    Shortly thereafter, everyone saw a tall and lofty stone tablet.

    On this stone tablet was written inrge characters: Palm Strike.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly before exchanging nces with Tianheng.

    As for Tianheng himself, he raised his head to gaze at that stone tablet. After slightly pondering, he said: ¡°Ao Min, go and give it a try.¡±

    He continued to carefully observe in the back.

    Ao Min promptly stepped forward. He raised his palm facing that stone tablet, and struck down with a blow from high in the sky!

    The strength of this attack was enormous and its boldness was astonishing. However, after that power entered the stone tablet, not even a ripple graced the tablet¡¯s surface. Itpletely disappeared.

    Yet, immediately following this, a whirlpool emerged on the stone tablet.

    This whirlpool seemed to exist halfway between reality and fantasy. Subsequently, it seemed to form arge mouth. With a puffing sound, an object was spat out.

    Ao Min extended a hand to catch it.

    Everyone saw that it was a spirit weapon.

    The spirit weapon was an iron w sheath. It was just the right size to fit onto Ao Min¡¯s fingers. The w sheath flickered with a spiritual light. It was like there was a type of spirituality that wanted to split apart and emerge from the w sheath.

    Those with discerning eyes could infer that this item¡¯s spirituality was around fifty-five percent!

    This was already a superb profound-level spirit weapon.

    Ao Min was adept at w techniques, and his body¡¯s attribute was metal-aligned. It could be said that this spirit weapon had been made with his measurements in mind. With a single look, he was somewhat unwilling to put it down.

    But in the end, he was a member of the loyal and devoted mastiff race. At this moment, he restrained the fondness in his heart, turned around, and offered this item to Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng had a pensive look.

    Soon after, he nodded his head to Ao Min: ¡°You can put this object away first. If nothing peculiar happens before we leave, I will bestow it to you. At that time, it won¡¯t be toote for you use a drop of blood to refine it.¡±

    There was happiness in Ao Min¡¯s heart. He respectfully answered: ¡°Many thanks, young master.¡±

    In turn, the other Ascendant Realm battle ve also took a step forward under Tianheng¡¯smand. Just as Ao Min had done, he used his greatest strength to strike that stone tablet.

    After that, the whirlpool reappeared on the stone tablet. It spat out another object, then faded away.

    This time, what the battle ve acquired wasn¡¯t an offensive spirit weapon. Rather, it was a piece of inner armor that simrly had fifty-five percent spirituality. Its defensive power was incredibly high. So long as it was worn on the body, it nearly doubled the wearer¡¯s survivability.

    ¡ª Though, while one could say this was a battle ve, he was actually one of the two Ascendant Realms of the Shadow-Morphing ck Cat Race. While this racial group was originally categorized as a servile race, they were trained as the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s subordinates. After falling under the jurisdiction of Tianheng, they were directly transferred among his battle ves.

    The bodies of the shadow cat race weren¡¯t as powerful as those of other battle ves, but their concealment abilities were exceptionally good. Normally, they were experts of assassinations and sneak attacks. With this item for self-protection, it was the most suitable reward.

    As before, Tianheng nned to bestow the item to this person.

    Afterwards, the several Atomic Realms made attempts one by one. Likewise, they obtained one item each. The majority were spirit weapons, but there were also some precious medicinal pills and rarely-seen heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

    Then, the only ones who hadn¡¯t tried yet were Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and Yu Cheng.

    Gu Zuo nced at his family¡¯s big brother, and said: ¡°I¡¯ll go next. Big brother, I want to know... If it¡¯s a pharmacist like me, what would I get?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t get too close to it. You must be absolutely careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded, and responded with an affirmative.

    However, what the stone tablet required was a palm strike. This should¡¯ve been a judgment based on the type of move and internal qi utilized by the martial artist. Then, it would make a decision on the object to appear. But Gu Zuo was a pharmacist. Psychic power and internal qi weren¡¯t the same types of energy. If he was going to send out a palm strike, how was he going to do it?

    After pondering for a short while, Gu Zuo formed hand seals facing that stone tablet.

    Prompting hand seals required internal qi. Perhaps, this could work?

    Facts proved that Gu Zuo¡¯s spection was correct.

    A whirlpool quickly appeared on that stone tablet. What it spat out was a dainty and delicate...pill furnace.

    Gu Zuo stretched out a hand to grab it. He stared at it fixedly.

    This pill furnace was pitch-ck in color and was surrounded by eight malevolent snake heads. Every snake head unhinged its jaws wide open, and inside these jaws were channels filled with darkness. They seemed to lead directly to the pill furnace¡¯s interior.

    Gu Zuo soon recognized it.

    This was a particr kind of pill-refining furnace ¡ª One could say that it was a specialized pill-refining furnace.

    It was recorded in the Encyclopedia of the World¡¯s Pill Cauldrons. It was called a soul furnace. As the name implied, it was a pill-refining furnace that could only refine soul pills. After the lid on top of the furnace was opened, one could ce other medicinal ingredients inside. As for the eight snake mouths along the sides, they were used for delivering the souls into the chamber.

    Using this furnace to refine soul pills, one could prevent the contamination of other medicinal pills. Moreover, the effects of refinement were enhanced due to the qi emissions brought about by utilizing souls for years on end. This allowed the soul furnace to reach even greater heights.

    Although Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t picky about pill furnaces, when it came to such a soul furnace... If he wanted to research soul pills, he really needed to have something like this.

    Using this vessel would make things even more convenient.

    Yet, a notion arose within Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    Previously, every test couldn¡¯t escape from the utilization of soul pills. And now, he had obtained a soul furnace... Considering this kind of inductive approach, the soul pill pharmacist of that Xiao n shouldn¡¯t be looking for a disciple to inherit their own legacy, right?

    After shaking his head, Gu Zuo restrained this thought.

    Regardless of whether this was the case or not, he would simply take note of it first.

    En. So long as it didn¡¯t harm them, it was fine.

    Afterwards, Tianheng slightly pondered, took one step forward, and hacked down with a palm strike.

    He possessed six qi oceans and numerous types of different abilities. At this moment, his thoughts turned, and the striking qi energy was blood-red. This was the present Blood Palm that was a fusion of many blood-transforming martial disciplines and realm advancements he obtained after joining the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    An enormous, blood-red palm instantly mmed straight into the stone tablet. In a split second, the Blood Palm smeared the entire stone tablet. The strength of this strike was especially great. Based on the momentum, this attack was no less inferior to the blows of those battle ves.

    After the stone tablet absorbed the Blood Palm, it swiftly formed a whirlpool. After spinning for quite a while, it spat out a chunk of ore that was around the size of a human head.

    Gu Zuo nked.

    Tianheng took the ore.

    One would see that this ore was also blood-red. The surface emitted a faint, bloody stench, but its color and luster were bright and beautiful. It looked like a lump of crystalized blood ¡ª But in fact, it was still a chunk of metal that hadn¡¯t been fully refined yet.

    Once Tianheng thought deeply, he said: ¡°If I haven¡¯t remembered wrongly, this thing is a piece of Heavenly Blood-Merging Metal.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head to look at Tianheng: ¡°Is this thing useful to big brother?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°The beauty of this object is that it can be turned into a nk weapon, and ced inside one¡¯s qi ocean for nurturing. After many years, it can be a spirit weapon linked to one¡¯s own qi and blood. As the martial artist¡¯s strength increases, so too will the weapon¡¯s spirituality.¡±

    If it was amon spirit weapon, there wouldn¡¯t be this kind of effect. The usefulness of a spirit weaponpletely depended on the tacit understanding between the martial artist and spirit weapon ¡ª Not every spirit weapon could grow alongside the user.

    Of course, all prodigies of extraordinary status would try their best to obtain growth-type nk weapons, and cultivate these weapons starting from the Immortal Realm. Unless they weren¡¯t able to find this type of material, they would settle for the next best thing. As they continued their search, they would be constantly recing their spirit weapons of varying product grades.

    Gu Zuo was delighted: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, big brother should take it without dy.¡±

    There were many things that failed to meet his expectations before, but this was definitely a good thing! Gaining this here would save lots of trouble in the future!

    However, while he thought that this item was good, it probably wasn¡¯t enough for aplete set. His big brother had six qi oceans. At that time, perhaps he would need to find six types of materials...

    Tianheng smiled. As expected, he received the object and put it away.

    Now wasn¡¯t the time to temper it. He needed to find a quiet and secure location, and it would have to be taken slowly.

    At this point, the only one remaining was Yu Cheng.

    Right then, Tianheng spoke to him: ¡°You should also give it a try.¡±

    Yu Cheng took a deep breath. He raised his foot, and walked in front of the stone tablet.

    To be honest, after seeing everyone¡¯s harvests, he had already been envious for quite a while.

    Who knew what he could obtain?

    ...What Yu Cheng got was a sword and a token.

    He put away the sword. But as for the token, the instant he touched it, the token directly flew out of his hands and abruptly pped into the top of that stone tablet.

    In a sh, the stone tablet disintegrated.

    At once, the scene in front of the group underwent a change, revealing a vast,ndscaped park. There were pavilions and kiosks, artificialkes and false mountains, medicine gardens and flower orchards...

    The permeating fragrances quickly wafted over through the air.

    It really seemed that the stone tablet would immediately disappear after Yu Cheng received his reward. If Yu Cheng was allowed to im his reward first, perhaps everyone else wouldn¡¯t have been able to get anything.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo haltingly said: ¡°This is the city within a city?¡±

    Yu Cheng hesitated: ¡°Probably.¡±

    But, why was the city within a city not an actual city? Why did it look like a park instead?

    This was just too strange.

    Tianheng noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s puzzlement, and walked to his side: ¡°The so-called ¡®city within a city¡¯ is nothing but a name. We only need to enter inside, follow the Jade Heart Pendant¡¯s routes, and search for the historical ruin¡¯s hidden treasure troves.¡±

    ...These words were very reasonable. Indeed, they didn¡¯t have to wrack their brains about the name right now.

    Hence, everyone ventured together towards thendscaped park.

    Tianheng took out the Jade Heart Pendant, carefully distinguished the routes, and quickly found the group¡¯s position. Soon after, he took another measuring nce at some of the trails and other footpaths between the trees ahead. Sure enough, he discovered that those directions also coincided with those shown on the map.

    Gu Zuo followed him, and looked over for a bit: ¡°Big brother, where shall we go first?¡±

    After Tianheng reckoned for a moment, he said: ¡°We¡¯ll move from the closest to the farthest locations.¡±

    None of the people present had anyints.

    In thendscaped park, each person stayed vignt.

    One had to know that there were already plenty of troublesome things in the preceding checkpoints. If someone came to this historical ruin by themself, unless their realm was very high, the checkpoints would¡¯ve been incredibly difficult to deal with. This city within a city contained the most precious things inside the historical ruin. Who knew what else would suddenlye out?

    They had no choice but to keep their guards up.

    However, it appeared that they were harboring groundless fears. In this ce, there weren¡¯t any soul pills that flew over to transform into beast souls. There also weren¡¯t any ambushes, assassinations, or the like. Once in a while, there were some living creatures, but none were violent or ferocious like wild beasts. Rather, there were only some insects. Furthermore, none were poisonous or bothersome. They werepletely harmless.

    Not long after, they arrived at the location of the first blood speck on the map.

    This was a false mountain.

    It was situated right in front of a bamboo forest.

    Gu Zuo was a little confused.

    What treasure was hidden on such a bare, rocky formation? But no matter what, since it was used to confuse their lines of sight, there had to be something good for people to discover. What¡¯s more, that Xiao n was a n that could create this historical ruin. They wouldn¡¯t go so far as to casually get rid of anyone who found the ruins, right?

    They weren¡¯t country bumpkins anymore...

    Yu Cheng wasn¡¯t aware of these many thoughts.

    He came into the possession of the Jade Heart Pendant, which his mother left behind. It was also from his mother¡¯s mouth that he learned some matters rted to the historical ruin. But this was only limited to the facts that the outer circle wouldn¡¯t kill people, the outer circle had tests, and the inner circle had a map. These kinds of things.

    The specifics of the tests and the treasures found at the blood specks on the map were basically hidden behind a curtain of fog and mist. These answers were beyond his reach.

    Tianheng slightly furrowed his brows. After that, his expression rxed: ¡°Since it¡¯s used to confuse people, it must certainly have some problems. Otherwise, if it was found easily, the use of confusion would be next to nothing.¡±

    Gu Zuo agreed: ¡°What big brother says is right. We should look around carefully.¡±

    Thus, while an Ascendant Realm powerhouse was ced to the side to guard them, the others split up to examine this false mountain. The ¡°mountain¡± was thirteen to sixteen meters tall, twenty-three to twenty-six meters long, but less than ten meters thick. Around the structure, there were many open fretworks and odd, stony crags. It had a rather strange and harsh sense of beauty.

    However, these stones were so oundish and strange-looking that it made searching with the naked eye a little difficult.

    As a pharmacist whose psychic powers were beyond the normal range of measurement, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need to use his eyes to find things like those martial artists. He discharged his psychic power, and immediately enveloped up the entire false mountain. He attentively ¡°looked¡± at every inch with his psychic power. The group¡¯s efficiency was greatly improved.

    Yu Cheng was carefully searching, too.

    It was because everyone talked it over just now. On the off-chance that they weren¡¯t able to find it in the end, they would try sprinkling Yu Cheng¡¯s blood to see whether every location in this confusing ce gave preferential treatment to the Xiao n¡¯s descendants. Yu Cheng didn¡¯t particrly want to cut his wrist again. Of course, this wasn¡¯t to say that he was scared of pain. Merely, wasn¡¯t the less blood spilled, the more that was saved? If they could make a concentrated effort to find the entrance, that would be the best oue.

    Perhaps, Yu Cheng¡¯s hopes were useful. After a bit of time passed, that cheat-like Pharmacist Gu discovered an incongruous spot on the false mountain.

    Following this, everyone came to that spot.

    At first nce, this lump was quite ordinary. But in actuality, this rock was slightly different from the other stones on this false mountain.

    Gu Zuo looked at this rock. He reached out a hand in an attempt to break off this rock.

    Rumble, rumble ¡ª

    In a split second, the false mountain separated to either side.

    What appeared before the group¡¯s eyes was a pitch-ck road that extended downwards.

    It looked like it led underground?

    After Tianheng gave an order, everyone set off once again. They stepped onto this pitch-ck road, and went below the ground.

    Gu Zuo tightly held onto Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s sleeve. Within this darkness, one could only listen to the surrounding sounds of faint breathing.

    It wasn¡¯t known why a trace of panic appeared, but this feeling of panic quickly vanished. It was because Tianheng¡¯s hand returned the grip and pulled him close. At this time, Gu Zuo detected the temperature and scent radiating from Tianheng¡¯s body, which was pressed against him. A sense of safety sprung up unbidden within his heart.

    Without him realizing it, this dark passage came to an end.

    Up in front was an iron door. It looked like it had been cast withrge quantities of molten iron. It was incredibly thick, and blocked their way ahead.

    Everyone¡¯s footsteps came to a halt.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Open this door.¡±

    Ao Min promptly moved forward, and his hand made a grabbing motion. He was already gripping a giant hatchet.

    Shortly thereafter, he boldly chopped down with this giant hatchet!

    A tremendous noise suddenly echoed out.

    Nearly everyone¡¯s hearts skipped a beat. A long, trailing mark appeared on that iron door.

    Gu Zuo loosened a sigh.

    It seemed that this iron door wasn¡¯t going to be hard to deal with.

    Sure enough, following dozens of consecutive hatchet strikes, that iron door was chopped into a mangled mess amid Ao Min¡¯s powerful attacks. After that, Ao Min kicked out his leg several times, and knocked the iron door¡¯s wreckage off its hinges. Inside, a st of heat surged out.

    Ao Min instantly took action to withstand it.

    At the same time, the others kept their guards up as well.

    Immediately following this, everyone realized that this ce didn¡¯t have a fearsome prohibition conducting an attack. Instead, because this location had been sealed for too long, a rather high temperature had been fermenting. At this moment, it was all released.

    Ao Min¡¯s response was also just a habitual reaction.

    Gu Zuo spoke: ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°Right, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Thus, the group quickly passed through the iron door¡¯s threshold.

    Yu Cheng spoke under his breath: ¡°An underground treasury?¡±

    Indeed. Many families would construct storerooms. The most important storerooms were the secret treasuries. Of course, there were various means to safeguard them. However, there wasn¡¯t only this secret treasury. There were many others that were concealed in hidden locations with all kinds of methods.

    An underground treasury was just one of these types.

    This ce was clearly a storeroom, but it wasn¡¯t known what things were left behind.

    Everyone promptly looked around.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power, and took careful precautions.

    This treasury was quiterge, and there were stacks of thirty to fifty chests. The base of each chest was about ten square feet, and the top of each chest reached a height of five feet.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t considered too tall. When he walked in front of those chests, he almost felt that they were about to overtake the height of the average human ¡ª At the very least, they reached just below his shoulders! It made him feel ufortable.

    Tianheng arrived before a chest, and prudently said: ¡°When so many wooden chests are being opened, it¡¯s only necessary to be careful at moment of their opening.¡±

    Gu Zuo answered: ¡°I understand, big brother.¡±

    The others also gave affirmatives.

    Ao Min moved forward with his body cloaked in qi energy. He suddenly utilized a clever technique as he lightly swatted at the chest.

    In an instant, the wooden lid of the first chest popped open. The resplendent rays of light within that chest immediately burst forth, practically blinding one¡¯s eyes.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his eyes, and looked over. He was startled right away.

    Unexpectedly, the interior of that chest was densely packed with profound crystals! Although the profound crystals¡¯s ck radiance was rtively subdued, it was no match for the sheer number of crystals! ck-colored light was still light!

    For the profound crystals in onerge chest, a conservative estimate was well into the tens of thousands.

    It appeared that just this amount wasn¡¯t enough to shock Gu Zuo like in the past, but it was by no means a small number.

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

    Could it be that the other chests were all full of profound crystals?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 390 - A Womanâ€™s Embroidery House

    <h4>Chapter 390 - A Woman¡¯s Embroidery House</h4>

    This time around, Gu Zuo had guessed incorrectly.

    What filled the remaining chests weren¡¯t only profound crystals.

    After counting, the number of chests reached forty-five. Among them, fifteen contained profound crystals, and each chest held between eighty thousand and one hundred thousand crystals. As for the other thirty chests, they contained refined ores ¡ª In other words, there were all kinds of ores that had long been extracted and purified. Each of these ores were rather precious, and could be forged into spirit weapons.

    When Gu Zuo looked around, he was instantly happy.

    This was simply tailor-made for his big brother! As a circted currency, the profound crystals would greatly boost his big brother¡¯s funds. The refined ores would also increase the ore reserves of their spirit weapon shops. After handing over these ores to the Iron Ox Race, they could forge many spirit weapons!

    The remaining battle ves witnessed this, and joy spread across their faces. One after another, they spoke to Tianheng: ¡°Congrattions, young master.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled. After that, he turned his head and looked at Yu Cheng: ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, you may take the first pick.¡±

    Yu Cheng was very tactful.

    He thought deeply, and replied: ¡°Among the things here, I hope to keep one thousand profound crystals, and for the various types of ores... Five hundred grams each.¡±

    Gu Zuo was surprised by Yu Cheng¡¯s selection.

    Ah, this way of speaking...was smart.

    With Yu Cheng¡¯s present strength, profound crystals were actually useless to him. However, once he advanced several levels, profound crystals would be indispensable. Thus, his request for a thousand crystals didn¡¯t even ount for one-thousandth of the amount here. Since he was building up his own reserves and he didn¡¯t seem greedy about it, this request was quite reasonable. As for five hundred grams of each of those ores, once his strength improved, he would be able to pick and choose when forging spirit weapons that suited him.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s brows moved slightly: ¡°I¡¯ll grant your request.¡±

    Yu Cheng revealed a smiling expression as if he had been relieved of a great burden.

    In fact, Gu Zuo¡¯s train of thought onlyprised one aspect of the cause. There was another aspect.

    Originally, Yu Cheng said that, aside from the inheritance, he wouldn¡¯ty im to anything else that Tianheng might take a liking to ¡ª In general, it stood to reason that these types of things would be needed by Tianheng and unusable to Yu Cheng.

    Merely, while it couldn¡¯t be said that the things here were extremely precious, they were indeed what Tianheng needed. But as it happened, Yu Cheng could also use them... Tianheng possessed the bearing of a prodigy. Naturally, it wouldn¡¯t be good to hog everything for himself. As a result, this inquiry was made.

    Yu Cheng initially intended to refuse the offer, but once he refused, it would instead make Tianheng appear stingy and small-minded ¡ª Although Yu Cheng didn¡¯t exert himself, the Jade Heart Pendant belonged to him, after all. Therefore, the proposal he put forward was small. This not only benefited himself, but it also didn¡¯t go so far as to make it seem like Tianheng owed him a favor for this small matter. It seemed that he had other ns... He was much smarter than what Gu Zuo thought.

    Sure enough, Tianheng acquiesced to Yu Cheng¡¯s proposal.

    Naturally, Yu Cheng was greatly relieved.

    Now, it looked like Tianheng¡¯s resolution was even better than he could¡¯ve imagined, and the matter of the inheritance would really proceed as he hoped. Yu Cheng didn¡¯t want anything to go wrong in the slightest.

    Following this, Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, collect the profound crystals from five chests.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly. This was going to be the private stash of money for the two of them!

    Hence, he promptly moved his thoughts, and the profound crystals of five chests were put into the storage space.

    Afterwards, Tianheng reached out a hand, and flicked his wrist.

    One thousand profound crystals and many chucks of different refined ores flew up, and umted into a small pile at Yu Cheng¡¯s feet. After brushing his sleeve, all of the chests disappeared from their original positions ¡ª They were ced inside his bangle.

    Yu Cheng also had an inter-spatial tool.

    He looked at the assets that belonged to him, and put everything away with a happy expression.

    In the future, he wouldn¡¯t becking in resources for a very long time.

    Once everything in this underground treasury was taken, the group returned to the original path.

    Gu Zuo was in a good mood. He started looking forward to what things those other blood speck locations held.

    Their first time finding hidden treasure had gone without a hitch, but there also hadn¡¯t been any problems for the second time, third time, and many more times after that. What existed in these locations were all storerooms and treasuries. Some were at the bottoms ofkes, a few were hidden behind the flowers and trees, and others took on the appearances of medicine gardens ¡ª But the locations of the most ordinary of weeds among the medicinal herbs were the actual mechanisms. And some entrances were set beneath bamboo shoots in the small bamboo forests...

    The items inside the treasuries were basically profound crystals, refined ores, spirit weapons, armored clothing, as well as non-nt based medicinal ingredients sealed within cases. asionally, they encountered precious medicinal pills. Moreover, because these pills were kept inside restrictions, they didn¡¯tpletely lose their medicinal effects. They had lots of research value. Additionally, there were also some rare books that recorded the inner cultivation methods of pharmacists and martial artists, and were divided between spiritual skills and martial skills.

    It was clear that these items were all what Gongyi Tianheng needed. Naturally, they were all taken by him. Subsequently, Tianheng would ask about Yu Cheng¡¯s requirements. Sometimes, Yu Cheng picked a few refined ores that he had never seen before, selected a set of body-protecting armored clothing, took a couple medicinal ingredients and pills, and so on. Yet, he was never greedy. He only picked what he could use or would soon be able to use.

    Tianheng also permitted Yu Cheng to choose some of those rare books that suited him. Duplicates would be made for practice. Upon hearing this, Yu Cheng¡¯s heart was naturally filled with delight.

    Without realizing it, among the grand total of twenty-three blood specks on the map, they had already found twenty-one locations.

    Regarding martial artists from the Immortal to Noble Realms, the hidden treasures they contained were all very useful. As for those at the Royal Realm and beyond, they were much less useful.

    ¡ª Arranged within this final city within a city was something like an ordinary person¡¯sndscaped park. Not only weren¡¯t there any dangers, even the defenses of some treasuries were no different than normal mechanisms. When looking for these mechanisms, it was easy to be deceived by customary lines of thought, but once found, entering the treasuries wasn¡¯t difficult at all.

    However, sometimes, one wouldn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    Just like the present situation.

    Tianheng gazed at the two specks of blood that were so close together that they practically ovepped. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh: ¡°The Xiao n¡¯s thoughts are truly out of themon run.¡±

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was looking at their destination up ahead. There was a faintly helpless expression on his face.

    Ah, indeed. Their thoughts were truly atypical.

    It was because the ce where these two blood specks ovepped was unexpectedly a woman¡¯s embroidery house!

    A woman¡¯s house!

    He wanted to ask anyone who came here hunting for treasure &#k2014; Who would specially go inside a woman¡¯s home to snoop around? In addition, who would believe that the most important inheritance was actually ced here?!

    It was truly hard to believe.

    Yu Cheng forced a smile.

    The Xiao n¡¯s way of handling things... In fact, it was very deliberate.

    It was just a little embarrassing.

    Fortunately, everyone¡¯s determination was quite strong. Now that they found the location of hidden treasure, they weren¡¯t going to care about the issue of this ce.

    Following this, they moved towards the embroidery house together.

    The building was very delicate and refined. It was a quaint, little two-story home made of bamboo.

    It was as if it hadn¡¯t been a long time since the youngdy inside left the house. As soon as anyone walked in, they would be able to smell a permeating wave of sweet perfume. It was like the scent of a woman¡¯s body or the fragrance of cosmetics.

    But as far as martial artists were concerned, they would subconsciously raise their guards the instant they smelled any unusual odors.

    Once everyone heightened their vignce, they discovered that ¡ª There weren¡¯t any problems at all.

    Right away, they felt somewhat embarrassed.

    Soon after, the group walked deeper into the building.

    The deeper they travelled, the more fleeting and errant this perfume became. It lingered at the ends of their noses, and unexpectedly gave one a type of intoxicating feeling.

    Yu Cheng¡¯s gaze faintly flickered. His head seemed to be getting a little dizzy.

    All of a sudden, a medicinal pill shot into his open mouth, causing his consciousness to be sober and calm.

    At this time, he snapped out of it, and realized that the others were all staring at him.

    Yu Cheng reacted: ¡°Did I fall into a trap just now?¡±

    Gu Zuo kindly exined to him: ¡°The distant ancestors of your Xiao n had many thoughts. Don¡¯t focus on how there really is the fragrance of cosmetics on the outside. After taking a few steps inside, although most of the smells are still cosmetics, the odors have already started changing. The scent you smelled just now is the Serene Soul Incense. It¡¯s also ssified as a type of soul pill. It can cause a person to be unconsciously controlled by its fragrance.¡±

    He smiled, and cated: ¡°However, you don¡¯t need to worry. Like the great majority of soul pills, the Serene Soul Incense is also afraid of heat. You just swallowed a me Energy Pill, which sent heat throughout your whole body. Naturally, there won¡¯t be any issues.¡±

    After discovering that something was wrong, Gu Zuo promptly had everyone take this type of medicinal pill. It was just that, because the realms of the others were high, they didn¡¯t react that quickly after breathing in this scent. As a result, nothing happened once they took the medicinal pills. Meanwhile, Yu Cheng was much weaker, so he was already addled. He needed someone to shoot the pill into his mouth to resolve the problem.

    Ashamed, Yu Cheng said: ¡°Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu. I¡¯ve be a burden to everyone.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved his hand: ¡°This odor is very hard to recognize, and your realm is low. Moreover, as a martial artist, there¡¯s no need to dwell over getting caught in a trap. In the future, just be a little more careful.¡±

    It was only natural that Yu Cheng promptly agreed.

    Following this, the group got a clear look at the furnishings of the first floor.

    Of course, while they didn¡¯t feel that this embroidery house was the site of hidden treasure, there was certainly some kind of mechanism that would reveal its position. In addition, because the blood specks of thest treasury and the location of the inheritance were close to ovepping, the treasury was definitely going to be exposed first. The treasury¡¯s gains certainly wouldn¡¯t be small ¡ª This could conceal the true hiding ce of the inheritance.

    In fact, the ingenuity of the Xiao n¡¯s ns didn¡¯t only stem from cing the entrance in this woman¡¯s embroidery house. It was also due to multiple nested concealments.

    At the front, the Xiao n used so many treasuries to cover it up like a leaf in a forest. It appeared that they already utilized lots of ns. However, if the people arriving had great foresight, this wouldn¡¯t be enough to convince them. As such, these intelligent people would ovee the treasuries and find the woman¡¯s embroidery house. Once they went through the effort of grasping the twenty-second hidden treasury, they would judge the things inside this embroidery house to be the inheritance. As for the location of the real inheritance, in actuality, it would be hidden even deeper behind thest treasury. It would be even more elusive...

    With the Jade Heart Pendant in hand, everyone could observe these blood specks that numbered over twenty, and would quickly discover these points. But if a person without the Jade Heart Pendant entered the historical ruin, they definitely wouldn¡¯t make this judgment so easily. In this situation, they would likely be deceived.

    The embroidery house¡¯s first floor basically didn¡¯t have anything. There were a few ordinary chairs and an incense burner table. Hanging right in the center was a painted scroll. Depicted on the scroll was a small portrait of a woman in the prime of youth.

    This woman was graceful and beautiful. Her appearance was sweet, pleasant, and happy. As she smiled, her cheeks formed small dimples and her eyes slightly curved. While it was out of the question to say that she reached the pinnacle of beauty, one would form a good impression in their heart with a single nce.

    When everyone saw this woman, they couldn¡¯t help turning their heads to look at Yu Cheng.

    This woman was certainly a member of the Xiao n. With their eyesight, they could immediately tell that, while this woman¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t identical to that of Yu Cheng, those pairs of eyes were exactly the same.

    Upon seeing this, Yu Cheng stared nkly.

    Compared to the others, the shock he received was ratherrge ¡ª If nothing else, this woman shared some degree of resemnce to his biological mother in his memories. Once he saw this portrait, it was like his heart had skipped a beat.

    Afterwards, Yu Cheng couldn¡¯t help saying to the group: ¡°Please allow me to light a joss of incense for her...¡±

    Tianheng and the others naturally weren¡¯t that unreasonable. Since they came to this ce, it was considered as having received numerous presents from the Xiao n. This small matter was left ording to Yu Cheng¡¯s will.

    Yu Cheng thanked them, and swiftly took out several things from his inter-spatial tool. He fiddled with them for a short while, and personally made some incense sticks.

    Gu Zuo watched this, and felt astonished.

    While Yu Cheng worked, he said: ¡°My only close rtive was my mother. The incense sticks I lit for her had always been made by my own hands. I could even...¡±

    His words were left unspoken, but his meaning was understood by everyone.

    As a result, no one disdained what he was doing right then and there. Rather, they quietly waited and watched him finish.

    Once Yu Cheng was done, he reverently lit the incense with filial piety. Soon after, he conscientiously paid his respects. Then, he turned around, and continued to search with the others.

    They looked all throughout the first floor, but didn¡¯t find any clues.

    Gu Zuo followed everyone to the second floor ¡ª In actuality, this small house¡¯s second floor was the ce where the embroidery house¡¯s owner lived and moved about. The boudoir and the embroidery room were above.

    Thus, after walking up the stairs, everyone was greeted with the sight of an embroidery frame set next to a window, a dainty and exquisite round table slightly in front, andyers of muslin curtains. Hemmed by the muslin curtains was a circr door. Going further in, there was a ratherrge screen that blocked everyone¡¯s lines of sight.

    Deeper inside, there was an embroidered bed, a delicate dressing table, a few long-legged stools, and some well-ced jade bottles, porcin vessels, and other things.

    The arrangement of everything was clear and orderly. The style was filled with a woman¡¯s touch.

    Gu Zuo looked all around, and didn¡¯t find any areas that gave a discordant feeling.

    Soon after, each person looked in different directions, and went to investigate the furnishings of the rooms.

    The probability that these decorations hid the mechanism was very high. It was just like their previous experiences.

    Gu Zuo walked in front of the dressing table.

    On the table was a cosmetics case, a jewelry case, a copper mirror, some small locked chests, and so on. He looked over every item one at a time. When he opened the jewelry case, he saw a glorious, pearlescent sheen inside. The fine jade practically brightened up the room. The many pieces of jewelry were iparably beautiful and refined ¡ª If he was a girl, he would certainly love them too much to put down. It was a pity that he was a pharmacist who had a crush on his dear big brother. Thus, his attention was only focused on the product grades of the jewelry.

    Ah, although they had the appearances of jewelry, all of them were spirit weapons.

    Gu Zuo picked up a hairpin, and waved a hand to beckon Yu Cheng.

    Yu Cheng just finished looking at the window, and realized that there weren¡¯t any problems with it. When he saw Gu Zuo¡¯s action, he hastily came over: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, do you have anymands?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Inject your true qi inside this thing to test it.¡±

    Yu Cheng eyed the jewelry, and his expression became strange in an instant. However, he still obediently followed Gu Zuo¡¯s instructions, and handled this girly head ornament.

    With one try, the jewelry abruptly blossomed with strands of light. It suddenly turned into a slender and long spirit sword. It was pure and clean like the limpid waters of autumn. The spiritual light on its surface was dense. Its spirituality reached thirty percent.

    Of course, while thirty percent spirituality was merely the average of golden-level spirit weapons, its age was ancient and its style was delicate and refined. Moreover, it was just one type among many pieces of jewelry. This would give anyone a bit of surprise.

    Following this, lots of people discovered strange things.

    The round table and stools were constructed from Winter Season Wood, and this wood was an extremely good refining material for making spirit weapons. Inside the teapot on the round table, half of the pot was tea stained. This substance could be condensed into tea paste. Its taste was rich and mellow, and it could be used in medicine. The teapot and teacups were constructed out of ten thousand year old Purple Jade. If these things were used to store wine, the wine fragrance wouldn¡¯t disperse. If they were used to store medicine, the medicinal power wouldn¡¯t scatter either...

    That embroidery frame was also built out of Winter Season Wood. The embroidery threads that wrapped around the frame were ten thousand year old Ice Threads. They were refined from the threads produced by a type of origin spider. Likewise, it was ssified as an extremely good refining material.

    The viewing screen was made out of ten thousand year old Warm Jade. Drawn on its surface was a length of ten beautiful dancing diagrams. However, those pictures weren¡¯t actually dances. Instead, they were a type of body cultivation method suitable for women. One could sense an inner cultivation method by looking at it a few more times. By following the ¡°dances¡±, one could learn martial skills. It was very peculiar.

    All of the wooden furnishings were actually jade. When they were manufactured, they all already exceeded ten thousand years in age. Since the inheritancested until now, it wasn¡¯t known how many years had passed. The wooden structures were exquisite refining materials. If a piece of the table was chopped off and taken back, it could be refined into a spirit weapon. The threads of the muslin curtains were likewise refining materials. Certain vessels were either spirit weapons or heavenly materials and earthly treasures...

    In short, there wasn¡¯t a single thing on the second floor that wasn¡¯t precious or expensive!

    As Gu Zuo watched on, he felt that, although this ce wasn¡¯t the site of the hidden treasury, the things here really were impressive.

    This included the jade flute hanging on the wall. It was basically a profound-level spirit weapon with a spirituality of 59.9%!

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    It wasn¡¯t known if this ce was deliberately arranged this way, or if it really was the boudoir of a certain woman from the Xiao n back then. If it was thetter, then the Xiao n had been incredibly prosperous in those days.

    Merely, after a period of amazement, they still weren¡¯t able to find the location of the real hidden treasury.

    Later on, there was nothing to be done. Everyone started testing the things in this ce one by one.

    Hence, Tianheng took down the jade flute on the wall and yed it. The battle ves injected their internal qi into everything they could get their hands on to reveal the items¡¯ true colors. Yu Cheng brought out some top-notch water, and poured it into that teapot to boil tea... However, nothing worked.

    In the end, Gu Zuo¡¯s sight fell onto that embroidery frame.

    The others also looked over.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I wonder if this needs to be used.¡±

    The battle ves: ¡°Reporting to Pharmacist Gu, we¡¯ve already injected it with internal qi. There was no reaction.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...No, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    After that, it seemed that everyone understood Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning.

    There hadn¡¯t been any changes once that embroidery frame was injected with internal qi. It could only indicate one problem ¡ª This thing was really used for embroidering. That was it! In that case, if one was going to use it, then didn¡¯t it mean that someone had to...embroider flowers?

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°...¡±

    Yu Cheng: ¡°Um...¡±

    The battle ves were silent.

    After a long while, Gu Zuo opened his mouth with some difficulty: ¡°How about we test it...by embroidering something?¡±

    He used his psychic power to search around. There were no incongruities at all!

    As such, the only inconsistency, other than embroidering flowers, ought to have been the embroidery frame, which didn¡¯t have any unusual reactions.

    Everyone exchanged nces.

    When it came to fighting a battle, no one had any issues. But if it was embroidering flowers, then it was a big problem.

    When all was said and done, in a group of adult men, who could embroider?

    Tianheng faintly furrowed his brows.

    Gu Zuo raised his head and looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m a little regretful that we didn¡¯t bring any women from the nonhuman races along with us.¡±

    Tianheng lightly sighed: ¡°Even if it was a female battle ve, I¡¯m afraid that it also wouldn¡¯t work...¡±

    Gu Zuo was at a loss for words.

    T-that was right!

    Any female martial artists who could dedicate their hearts to practicing martial arts all year round would be incredibly powerful, and their willpower would be unyielding. Who would have the time to y around with embroidery?

    At this moment, it seemed that they had fallen into a deadlock.

    With all other alternatives beyond reach, Yu Cheng finally, tentatively, took a step forward.

    In a split second, many gazes uniformly looked over.

    Yu Cheng¡¯s expression was a bit stiff: ¡°I¡¯ve been living by myself, so I know how to sew and mend clothing. How about I give it a try...¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly replied: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to thank you for the trouble!¡±

    That response was direct and to the point. There wasn¡¯t the slightest hesitation.

    In any case, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how to do it, so it was best to leave it to a ¡°professional¡±.

    Yu Cheng was like a duck driven onto a perch.

    For the final inheritance that belonged to him, even if other people had misunderstandings about him... He would give it his all!

    Yu Cheng soon took a deep breath. He sat behind that embroidery frame, and started to thread the needle in smooth and unhindered motions. Immediately following which, the needle tip pierced through the white muslin canvas on the embroidery frame. The needle poked a small hole, and pulled through a lengthy strand of thread...

    Gu Zuo and the others didn¡¯t dare to go over and exert any pressure on him. They simply stood not too far away, and watched his flying needlework. Many threads were ¡°drawn¡± on the white muslin to create a tree peony pattern. While it wasn¡¯t that brilliant, there also weren¡¯t any mistakes.

    At this time, they discovered that, although the embroidery frame hadn¡¯t undergone any big changes, something was happening to the tree peony flower that was being embroidered. As one needle¡¯s stitch after another fell onto the canvas, it interweaved into a faint splendor.

    Upon seeing this, everyone knew that this was probably the crucial point.

    Gu Zuo was conflicted. He spoke to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, who do you think set up this checkpoint...¡±

    Wasn¡¯t this too much of a pitfall? Who would think of this?

    On the contrary, Tianheng faintly smiled and said: ¡°Would it be impossible that the person who set up this hurdle is the owner of this embroidery house ¡ª The person in the painting on the first floor?¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    In other words, the one who concealed this ce was a woman?

    When thinking about it carefully, it couldn¡¯t be said that the possibility was low.

    Gradually, the tree peony flower on the embroidery frame became clearer and clearer. Yu Cheng¡¯s forehead was damp with beads of sweat.

    Everyone keenly sensed this. They could detect the fluctuations of Yu Cheng¡¯s true qi. It appeared that, as he embroidered the flower, the true qi he used up wasn¡¯t small.

    Gu Zuo immediately took out a medicinal pill, and directly shot it towards Yu Cheng. In order to prevent his internal qi or psychic power from negatively influencing Yu Cheng, Gu Zuo reliedpletely on his own strength. His hand-eye coordination was very precise, too.

    Yu Cheng seemed to sense something, and opened his mouth to swallow that medicinal pill. Shortly thereafter, his slowly-paling face suddenly turned rosy, and his breathing smoothed out.

    Before long, the tree peony flower was finally done.

    After that, it unexpectedly separated from the embroidery frame, and floated up in the air!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 391 - Location of the Inheritance

    <h4>Chapter 391 - Location of the Inheritance</h4>

    When this tree peony flower was originally embroidered, the flower model wasn¡¯t sewn in full bloom. Rather, it was a flower bud that was about to break free. Although Yu Cheng¡¯s embroidery wasn¡¯t that good-looking, every stitch was always in the intended position. At this moment, the tree peony floated up. It was like it had been injected with spirituality ¡ª Layer uponyer of flower petals suddenly burst forth, revealing a type of ultimate beauty.

    After that, the image of this bursting tree peony flower continuously erged until the entire room was filled. Then, an entrance appeared at the location of the stamen and pistils.

    Such an amazing sight gave everyone present a slight shock.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°This ce...leads to thest hidden treasury?¡±

    Truly, this waspletely unexpected.

    The senior who conducted this concealment really had too much time on her hands...

    Gongyi Tianheng and the others could smell the fragrance of the tree peony. It was as if the tree peony flower was real. Immediately following which, Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll go inside together.¡±

    It didn¡¯t matter what considerations that person had. In any case, the destination they wanted to reach had already been found.

    Thinking along the same lines, everyone lifted their legs and moved onward.

    Yu Cheng jumped to his feet. With embarrassment strewn across his face, he dashed over ¡ª He was a young teenager. No matter how tenacious and cool-headed he was normally, this moment of doing embroidery in front of this group of people had be a piece of dark history that he yearned to be forgotten.

    Fortunately, none of the others continued to express their opinions on this matter. They also didn¡¯t use this fact to mock him. Yu Cheng hurriedly followed after them into the entrance at the stamen, and released a sigh like a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

    After going inside, everyone¡¯s expressions remained subtle.

    It was because the interior of the stamen led to the passageway to the hidden treasury. This path was the same gorgeous scarlet color as the tree peony flower. The walls, ceiling, and floor were soft and silky, and the air was brimming with a dream-like scent.

    If it was a woman, she would probably feel very happy. At the very least, the ambiance would delight the heart and please the eyes. However, it was this group of men¡¯s turn to experience this, and their moods truly were quiteplicated.

    Gu Zuo also felt something that was hard to put into words.

    Nevertheless, everyone¡¯s actions were unified. They elerated their pace to swiftly leave this ¡°flower-like passageway¡±.

    The path was very long. While everyone was being tormented by a sweet-smelling fragrance, they finally saw the end. Subsequently, they impatiently leaped out, andnded into...a woman¡¯s study.

    This study wasrge, and there were plenty of details where one could make out a woman¡¯s meticulous thoughts. Gu Zuo¡¯s attention fell onto a great, big bookshelf. There were a dozen or so book frames, and ced within every book frame was an ancient paper-printed volume of varying thickness.

    Gu Zuo walked over, and reached out a hand to take a volume ¡ª As of Soul Pills.

    Eh?

    Though, it seemed like it wasn¡¯t to the point of astonishment.

    Following this, Gu Zuo read through the volumes in the book frames one by one. Sure enough, every volume was rted to soul pills. It could be seen that the owner of this bookshelf was purely a soul pill pharmacist. From what they encountered and saw outside as well as the arrangements in here, this soul pill pharmacist was definitely a woman!

    Gu Zuo moved to another shelf.

    This one wasn¡¯t a bookshelf. Instead, it was used for cing objects. The shelving was also divided into a dozen or so frames. Some frames stored quite a few bottles, and others wereid out with several containers. The wooden cases, jade boxes, and a small chest were of simr borate designs.

    Gu Zuo opened them one at a time, and looked them over.

    The oue wasn¡¯t beyond his expectations. The things ced inside these frames were likewise rted to soul pills.

    Sealed within the bottles were intact soul pills, but some of their medicinal properties had diminished over the years. ced inside the cases were basically precious medicinal ingredients necessary for refining soul pills. Not all of them were nt-based. Instead, ingredients that contained yin energy were among them. For example, there were Netherworld Ghost Eyes, Emotional Demonic Hearts, Ghost Dragon Sinews, ckened Earth Ores, and so on and so forth. Of course, among them, the most precious things were part of that small chest ¡ª Stored inside were eighteen soul crystals. A so-called soul crystal was a dead soul that had been preserved in a special crystal by a soul pill pharmacist with a particr method.

    Gu Zuo nced at the ranks of these soul crystals. They were all dead souls of origin beasts!

    From rank one origin beasts to rank five origin beasts, this was enough to frighten anyone. Most of all were the dead souls of rank five origin beasts, which wereparable to the Royal Realm. Undoubtedly, this was the precious collection of that soul pill pharmacist!

    There was only one pharmacist present, so these things naturally fell into Gu Zuo¡¯s possession. He waved a hand, and put away everything. Once the group prepared to go back, he would slowly research them.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo turned around, and saw that Tianheng was sitting in front of a table. On this table was a milky-white sphere held up by a white jade cup.

    There appeared to be clouds and mist curling around inside the sphere. The milky-white hue wasn¡¯t the color of the sphere itself. Rather, the clouds and mist were too thick, which formed this kind of scene.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s this?¡±

    Tianheng pondered: ¡°If this elder brother hasn¡¯t guessed wrongly, this is...a type of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object.¡±

    Surprised, Gu Zuo hurriedly walked over, and trained his eyes as he carefully observed that sphere.

    One would only seeyer after swirlingyer of clouds and mist inside that sphere. At almost every moment, there were violent movements and collisions. However, if one only took a cursory nce, the observer would feel that it was tranquil and beautiful like the most delicate of flowing, white muslin.

    After Gu Zuo got a clear look, he slowly exhaled: ¡°So, it¡¯s actually a Heavenly Cloud me.¡± He was somewhat disappointed, but quickly perked up, ¡°The Heavenly Cloud me is a fire of extreme yang. Big brother, so long as we find a fire of extreme yin, you can absorb them!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression rxed: ¡°Indeed. Since this fire is currently sealed, we can put it away first. In the future, we can search for the other type of me. At that point, it won¡¯t be toote to find some time for secluded cultivation to absorb them.¡±

    Presently, Tianheng had alreadypleted the criteria for wondrous water, and he had absorbed one type of wondrous metal. However, this wondrous fire was different from the others. Its nature was fierce and violent. In addition, extreme yin and extreme yang had to be absorbed together.

    Gu Zuo knew about this reason, but he still happily put away the Heavenly Cloud me first.

    At this time, Yu Cheng¡¯s voice suddenly echoed out from the side. It carried some hesitation: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, you just mentioned wondrous fires. Would this thing be...¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and looked at the ce Yu Cheng indicated.

    Right now, held in Yu Cheng¡¯s hands was a dainty pill furnace. It appeared to be norger than a balled fist. Its entire body was snow-white, and was incredibly exquisite and refined. In the chamber beneath the pill furnace was a thin wisp of me, which was quietly burning ¡ª The me never moved nor flickered. If someone didn¡¯t seriously examine it, perhaps they would only treat it as a dainty design. They wouldn¡¯t know that this me was genuinely burning.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank. He almost couldn¡¯t control himself as he took a few steps forward, and quickly received that pill furnace. Immediately following which, he got a clear look at that wisp of greenish-ck me, and couldn¡¯t help revealing an ecstatic expression: ¡°Big brother,e here and see this!¡±

    Tianheng shed over, and stood by Gu Zuo¡¯s side: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Gu Zuo pointed a finger at the greenish-ck me. He couldn¡¯t contain his excitement: ¡°This is a Yin Bone me ¡ª A fire of extreme yin! Unexpectedly, this ce has fires of both extreme yin and extreme yang!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s mind stirred. He looked at this me, and unhurriedly opened his mouth: ¡°This is truly a stroke of luck.¡±

    Gu Zuo got a hold of his emotions, and sized up this pill furnace for a short while. He discovered that it was constructed using Star-Refined Beast Bone. This type of beast bone belonged to a high-ranked origin beast, which had been tempered by countless years of starlight. It was a type of refining material like the beautiful Starlit Profound Iron. It was an exceptionally good object that could preserve the Yin Bone me. Therefore, one couldn¡¯t look at the whole thing like it was a work of art. It was actually a wondrous fire and an outer shell that preserved that me.

    After putting away the pill furnace as well, Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng: ¡°When we go back this time, big brother can absorb these two types of wondrous fire to raise his strength.¡±

    Now that he had calmed down, it naturally wouldn¡¯t be mentioned in front of others that he needed to treat his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body ¡ª In any case, there were many people who used wondrous fires to cultivate. It wasn¡¯t a mistake that he only said that it would ¡°raise his strength¡±.

    Sure enough, off to the side, Yu Cheng didn¡¯t have any doubts. He just felt that he could see a pharmacist happily giving another martial artist a wondrous fire that was obviously very useful to the pharmacist. Thinking about his own messed-up family, his heart was a bit envious of these two people¡¯s friendship.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened, but he didn¡¯t say anything more.

    At the other end of the room, Ao Min suddenly spoke up: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, there¡¯s something odd over here.¡±

    Several people looked towards Ao Min¡¯s location.

    As it turned out, there was a delicate incense burner atop a long-legged stool. When Ao Min uncovered the lid of this incense burner to examine it, something the size of a pigeon¡¯s egg started to spin.

    Ao Min recalled the previous scenes of the many tests, and knew that there was certainly a problem. Out of a conditioned reflex, he promptly closed that lid again. Just like this, that round pearl inside the incense burner stopped moving.

    Nevertheless, he needed to let Gu Zuo take a look.

    Hearing Ao Min¡¯s report, Gu Zuo walked over, and opened that incense burner.

    Indeed, the pearl inside started spinning once more. Simultaneously, at a pill furnace just ahead, an old man with a seemingly-lifeless expression appeared. His countenance looked treacherous, as if he wasn¡¯t a good person. However, he also didn¡¯t have any characteristics of going on the attack. Instead, he muttered to himself:

    ¡°Soul pills, and the souls that enter pills, can wage war in the sky, battle on the earth, and shatter the blue dome of heaven. They can also bridge the past and present, an inheritance of ten thousand years... Of the medicinals that enter the pill, living souls...dead souls...require...pill prescriptions...¡±

    As Gu Zuo listened, he realized that this was a narration of the knowledge for conducting soul pill refining! This exnation wasprehensive, and not the smallest concept was lost. Every detail seemed to be broken down to their most fundamentalponents. If a martial artist heard this, they might not be able to understand it too well, but as a pharmacist, he knew that this contained a soul pill pharmacist¡¯s lifetime of experience.

    ¡ª In other words, this was a soul pill¡¯s inheritance?

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo put back that incense burner¡¯s lid.

    The old man vanished.

    He took off the lid again.

    The old man appeared once more, and started to speak from the first line of words.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The others also somewhat understood.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°This is probably an Inheritance Soul Pill. Once we open the incense burner, the inheritance will begin from the beginning, and it will consume the medicinal power of that soul pill inside. Although I don¡¯t know how much medicinal power it has, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems for it to run through at least one full recording. It¡¯s just that we can¡¯t make any more attempts. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be repeated every time. When the medicinal power is insufficient at a crucial momentter on, the inheritance will be wasted.¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s put it away.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°After we return, I can find a few more pharmacists to listen to it together. This inheritance is clearly meant for more than one person. On the contrary, there isn¡¯t any need to fight over it.¡±

    But in any case, this ce really went through a lot of effort to cover things up.

    Not only were there two types of wondrous fire, there were so many soul pill volumes, precious soul pill medicinal ingredients, and the soul pill inheritance... On top of that, there had been the traces of soul pills throughout the entire journey here. Wouldn¡¯t this mislead any treasure hunters into believing that the inheritance left behind by the Xiao n was a soul pill pharmacist inheritance?

    Although the soul pills were an unorthodox type of medicinal pill, they were very practical. Those who cameter would obtain a precious soul pill inheritance. While some martial artists would be disappointed, once they gained an understanding, they would believe this deception and dly ept it.

    In particr, ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s observations, the soul pill pharmacist of this ce had been at least an earth-level pharmacist when she was alive. As such, the inheritance she left behind was truly invaluable.

    Gu Zuo sighed inment. His thoughts turned, and settled onto the real inheritance.

    When the time came, who knew what was left behind. Moreover, how were they going to enter the final entrance? With this way of thinking, he could only let everyone continue the search.

    The study wasrge, but it wasn¡¯t too big. After the things inside were collected by Gu Zuo, it made the room appear even more empty.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power discharged, and formed countless psychic power threads. The strands spread out across the entire room, and every nook and cranny was attentively investigated.

    However, this time around, Gu Zuo miscalcted. His psychic power searched all over, but there wasn¡¯t a single ce that had anything wrong. This prevented him from finding the entrance to that inheritance¡¯s location.

    Could it be that they had to violently break through? If the study waspletely destroyed, would they be able to see the inheritance?

    Though he had this train of thought, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t rush indiscriminately into action.

    After all, this was considered thest ce the woman left behind. They had already taken enough good things. Unless it was ast resort, they wouldn¡¯t overdo it.

    Merely, if it was never found, it would cause one to feel discouraged.

    When all was said and done, they knew that this ce was still hiding the most important thing...

    A good whileter, Tianheng flipped his palm, and took out the Jade Heart Pendant.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big brother, what do you have in mind?¡±

    Tianheng pondered: ¡°The Xiao n had done many things in the hope that outsiders would take away the numerous hidden treasuries, be tricked by this deception, and leave. Everything they did was for the sake of safeguarding the inheritance so that no outsiders would im it. But if even the Xiao n¡¯s descendants weren¡¯t able to find it aftering here, the inheritance would lose its original purpose.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood a little bit: ¡°What big brother means is that the key to this final checkpoint still lies with Yu Cheng?¡±

    Yu Cheng trembled. He swiftly straightened his back, and awaited orders.

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head. He extended his finger and flicked it: ¡°Ah Zuo,e see this.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked over.

    He saw a small stack of paper spread across the desk that Tianheng indicated. It wasn¡¯t known what material they were made of, but even until now, the papers never degraded nor rotted away.

    Tianheng¡¯s finger lightly pointed out several things.

    Gu Zuo saw that there was an ink stone on the side, and inside the well was an ink stick. ced above it was a bamboo brush with a glossy surface. The bristles of the brush tip were still soft. Beside it was a brush pot with a phoenix design of outstretched wings in mid-flight. The phoenix¡¯s unfolded wings were as graceful as a dancer. It was like the figure was about to fly into the sky... The pattern was graceful and elegant.

    Ah, but this wasn¡¯t the important point.

    Whose desk wouldn¡¯t be arranged this way?

    However, the next moment, Gu Zuo found that Tianheng had tilted the Jade Heart Pendant at an angle, and inserted a convex corner of the pendant into the depression formed by the back of the phoenix¡¯s pping wings. Soon after, he watched in amazement as the Jade Heart Pendant was securely inserted. There was no chance of it falling down!

    Yet, there still weren¡¯t any subsequent reactions?

    Tianheng waved a hand, and called Yu Cheng over.

    Yu Cheng was puzzled.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Cut your finger, drip some blood into the ink stone, and grind the blood with the ink stick.¡±

    Yu Cheng promptly did as instructed.

    His biggest objective ining to this ce was the inheritance. While it could be said that it wasn¡¯t essential for Tianheng and the others to find the location of the inheritance, as far as he was concerned, it was the most important!

    Thus, let alone making him use his own blood to grind some ink, he would try whatever was asked of him!

    ¡ª He even embroidered flowers before, so what was there to be afraid of?

    Very quickly, Yu Cheng ground out a small puddle of ink. His blood was blended within this liquid. In a short moment, the surface of the pitch-ck ink carried threads of blood. Unexpectedly, it didn¡¯t feel strange. On the contrary, there appeared to be starlight twinkling inside. This filled Yu Cheng with a sense of closeness.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Take the bamboo brush, dip it in the ink, and write some words.¡±

    Yu Cheng stillplied, but he did pause: ¡°What should I write?¡±

    Tianheng pondered slightly: ¡°You can write ¡®The Xiao n¡¯s descendant. Please present the inheritance.¡¯¡±

    Yu Cheng felt that this was very blunt and didn¡¯t know if there was any use in the end, but... He trusted in Tianheng¡¯s judgment. Brandishing the brush, he quickly wrote out these eight words!

    It could be said that the instant Yu Cheng finished writing these words, right as the brush came to a halt, the eight words written by him floated up just like the tree peony flower outside. At the exact same time, the words rapidly erged. The inky words continuously changed and twisted to form a ck gate.

    Following this, all of the blood lines on the Jade Heart Pendant burst out. Like a jet of blood-colored water, it rushed straight into the ink gate. At this moment, the ink gate abruptly opened, revealing a pane of darkness inside.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°It really worked...¡±

    Since it worked, what was there to hesitate about?

    Under Tianheng¡¯s gesture, everyone uniformly plunged into that ck gate.

    The interior of the gate was pitch-ck, but this darknesssted for only an instant.

    It was like they had really strode across a door¡¯s threshold. As everyone moved inside, one foot stepped into one space and stepped out of another. Then, they were already standing within a cave.

    There were only two stone tforms in this cave.

    ced upon the first stone tform was a prayer mat. And atop the other stone tform was a weaver shuttle.

    Compared to all the previous hidden treasuries, this ce was obviously cruder and simpler. There also weren¡¯t any other heavenly materials or earthly treasures to be seen. Yet, it was precisely because of this that it appeared guileless and forting. There was no confusion at all.

    The prayer mat was certainly the inheritance. So long as a person sat on the mat, they would presumably obtain it. As for that shuttle, it should¡¯ve been a bequeathed treasure of the Xiao n. But for the time being, it wasn¡¯t clear what kind of treasure it was.

    Tianheng gave a slight smile: ¡°Yu Cheng, that prayer mat belongs to you. First, regte your breathing. When you¡¯ve adjusted yourself to an optimal state, ept that inheritance.¡±

    The great stone that weighed in Yu Cheng¡¯s heart had finally,pletely, dropped to the ground.

    Having reached this stage, he alreadycked any exploitive value. This honorable prodigy also didn¡¯t have any intentions of breaking their promise... An all-star prodigy was worthy of the title. The vastness of his bearing caused people to admire and look up to him!

    Yu Cheng took deep breaths, and hurriedly sat on one side to calm his state of mind.

    Though he failed to live up to his own expectations, he was still able to acquire the greatest benefit. And this was after being given things by others!

    At the other end, Gu Zuo walked towards that weaver shuttle.

    For some reason, he felt that this shuttle was pulling at him. In the world unseen, it was like this object was incredibly important to him. Hence, he couldn¡¯t help taking that shuttle in hand. He gently rubbed it with his fingers, and carefully inspected it.

    The weaver shuttle was sleek and streamlined. It presented a translucent, silvery-gray color. Streams of light faintly roved across the surface, which seemed to draw a person¡¯s mind into it. The shuttle wasn¡¯t heavy, and it was small enough to be grasped in one hand. The interior appeared to contain a bit of splendorous starlight. It was like one could activate it with the injection of some internal qi. Then, it would blossom with a bright and resplendent brilliance.

    But whatever this shuttle was, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t recognize it. He also didn¡¯t know what function this thing had.

    Perhaps, Yu Cheng could tell him after receiving the inheritance?

    Tianheng also came over: ¡°Ah Zuo, what are you looking at?¡±

    Gu Zuo raised the shuttle in his hand: ¡°This.¡± He thought of something, ¡°Big brother, can you tell what use it has?¡±

    Tianheng carefully observed it before shaking his head: ¡°This object isn¡¯t an offensive spirit weapon, and it doesn¡¯t seem to be a defensive item either. As for other uses... Its qi emissions are cryptic and extremely hard to distinguish. This elder brother can¡¯t tell.¡±

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t disappointed.

    No matter how well-read his big brother was, it didn¡¯t mean that Tianheng knew everything.

    At this moment, Tianheng silently mouthed something.

    Gu Zuo noticed the two sybles for ¡°system¡±.

    In an instant, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined.

    He promptly inquired in his consciousness.

    [System, do you recognize this thing?]

    This time around, the system¡¯s answer wasn¡¯t candid at all.

    Gu Zuo: ???

    After a long while, the system replied.

    [Void-Breaking Shuttle.]

    It wasn¡¯t known why, but Gu Zuo¡¯s heartbeat suddenly quickened.

    Void-Breaking Shuttle...

    This name seemed to cause some indistinct thoughts to rush out from the bottom of his heart.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help his heart from trembling.

    [System, what are the Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s functions? D-do you know?]

    The system¡¯s reply came even slower.

    It was hard for Gu Zuo to stay calm. For a moment, he actually forgot that there was someone else by his side.

    On the contrary, when Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s expression change, he faintly furrowed his brows.

    Ah Zuo... What was he thinking about?

    [If the Void-Breaking Shuttle has enough energy, it can travel back and forth through space ande and go to different worlds.]

    It was like Gu Zuo¡¯s heart came to a sudden, violent halt.

    Travel back and forth through space! Come and go to different worlds!

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo injected his profound qi into the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    He dearly wished to see what would happen after this Void-Breaking Shuttle was activated... With this thing, so long as he could make up for theck of energy, he wouldn¡¯t need to refine the Void Pill. He would be able to...

    Yet, after the profound qi was poured into the Void-Breaking Shuttle, it instantly erupted with extremely frightening rays of light. These rays of light enveloped Gu Zuo, and seemed to cause his entire body to distort along with the surrounding space!

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s expression changed abruptly.

    Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately reached out a hand, and made a desperate grab ¡ª

    T/N: And that¡¯s the final chapter of this volume. It¡¯s a bit of a cliffhanger, isn¡¯t it? Volume 6 is up next. It¡¯s called ¡°Sudden Return to the Modern World¡±, and it¡¯s thirty-seven chapters long.

    In the meantime, I will be taking a week off to rest and recover.

    As always, let me know what you guys think. If you¡¯d like, please leave a rating and review on Novel Updates. Even though the website¡¯s rules prevent me from linking these chapters directly to that site, most new readers and traffice from there, so every little bit helps!

    Until then, happy reading!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 392 - Going Back

    <h4>Chapter 392 - Going Back</h4>

    After a dazzling sh of white light, the two people who were originally still in the cave, along with the Void-Breaking Shuttle, disappeared without a trace. The only ones remaining were the battle ves and the dumbstruck Yu Cheng. Everyone looked at each other in dismay.

    Ao Min¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted. In nearly an instant, he appeared in front of Yu Cheng, and hoisted the teenager up: ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡±

    Yu Cheng felt wronged. He also had no idea what happened! Like these battle ves, he only watched Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng studying the spirit weapon on that stone tform. After that, he simrly discovered that the two were nowhere to be found! Now that Ao Min was interrogating him like this, he was in no position to give any answers whatsoever.

    Ao Min caused Yu Cheng¡¯s deathly-paleplexion to look like he was thinking about something. The mastiff¡¯s brows furrowed tightly: ¡°Spit it out! Otherwise, don¡¯t think about leaving here alive!¡±

    Yu Cheng was intimidated by Ao Min¡¯s imposing aura. Now that he was disparaged like this, he already reacted and hastily said: ¡°This is my first timeing here, and I don¡¯t know the reason behind all of this. I also didn¡¯t recognize that thing. However, since it was simrly ced inside this cave with the inheritance, I can probably obtain some information about it after I ept the inheritance.¡±

    Ao Min¡¯s expression changed repeatedly.

    Right now, he didn¡¯t believe in Yu Cheng¡¯s words at all. The young master and Pharmacist Gu had disappeared, and it was obviously caused by that weaver shuttle. He wasn¡¯t sure that Yu Cheng was telling the truth, so he ought to have ordered someone among their group to receive the inheritance and acquire the information themselves.

    But after calming down slightly, he had some conjectures.

    Along the way, the Xiao n made many calctions. Just now, it wasn¡¯t necessarily impossible for that shuttle to be part of those schemes. That being the case, if they epted the inheritance and something went wrong...

    Yu Cheng¡¯s mood was tense. He came here for the inheritance, but such an ident befell them right at the very end. This was practically setting him up! He preferred to share this historical ruin with Prodigy Gongyi. His original n was to evade the Yu Family and grow up without any troubles. But now that this mess happened, not only had he failed to smoothly resolve his problems, he actually might¡¯ve be enemies with a prodigy ¡ª He truly felt that he was as unlucky as one could be.

    It had to be said that he was an intelligent person. In the depths of his heart, Yu Cheng inevitably guessed that the matter of those two¡¯s disappearance was orchestrated by the Xiao n ancestors.

    Ao Min took a deep breath.

    Aftermunicating with the other battle ves, he still didn¡¯t dare to take any risks.

    Hence, he carried Yu Cheng to the front of that prayer mat, and solemnly stated: ¡°The inheritance will be received by you. But if you dare conceal anything in the slightest afterwards, we certainly won¡¯t spare you!¡±

    Yu Cheng promptly answered: ¡°Naturally! You can rest assured!¡±

    Nevertheless, Ao Min didn¡¯t release his grip. One hand clutched around Yu Cheng¡¯s wrist, and the other slowly ced the teenager on that prayer mat: ¡°Receive it just like this.¡±

    Although Yu Cheng felt that having his wrist grabbed was ufortable, he knew that this was the other side¡¯s precaution. Heposed himself, operated his inner cultivation method, and started to perceive the prayer mat.

    In a split second, countless fragments of information entered Yu Cheng¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint and battered against his consciousness. Numerous pieces of knowledge poured inside. This caused him to instantly understand innumerable secrets left behind by the Xiao n.

    The eptance of this inheritancested for no less than a full day and night.

    During this time, Ao Min and the other battle ves were incredibly anxious. They were extremely worried about the safety of their young master and Pharmacist Gu. However, they were also afraid of interrupting Yu Cheng¡¯s inheritance, which might prevent him frompletely receiving it and missing any relevant information.

    In this way, they suffered for a long while. Finally, Yu Cheng opened his eyes.

    Ao Min suddenly tightened his fingers: ¡°Yu Cheng, how was it?¡±

    Yu Cheng¡¯s gripped wrist was starting to turn blue, but he quickly sorted out the things that the other party wanted to know. He spoke rapidly: ¡°That item back then is called the Void-Breaking Shuttle. So long as there¡¯s enough power inside, it can send the person who uses it across space to enter different ces.¡±

    Ao Min¡¯s emotions were running high: ¡°What you mean is that this Void-Breaking Shuttle has sent the young master and Pharmacist Gu out of the historical ruin? Do you know where they went?¡±

    Yu Cheng shook his head and forced a smile: ¡°Speaking of which, this was also a scheme of my ancestors...¡±

    Ao Min and the others couldn¡¯t help looking over.

    Their heartstrings tightened. It seemed that all of them had a bad premonition.

    Yu Cheng¡¯s following words proved this premonition true: ¡°To prevent the inheritance from falling into the hands of others, my ancestors intentionally stored lots of energy in that Void-Breaking Shuttle. It can easily deliver someone to an extremely distant location, but where that ce is depends on the strongest thoughts of the person touching it.¡±

    Even if outsiders came here, so long as it was the the Xiao n descendant, the Void-Breaking Shuttle wouldn¡¯t trigger. Meanwhile, if it was the opposite, the shuttle would send off the outsider the instant it was manipted... This was also a small calction. This was because, when all was said and done, this historical ruin belonged to the Xiao n. People who weren¡¯t from the Xiao n might have doubts in their hearts after encountering the inheritance. More often than not, they would look at the other treasure before making any judgments. It was this psychological thought process that the Xiao n wanted to target.

    One needed to know that anyone who coulde here definitely brought along a member of the Xiao n. As such, once the other people were sent away, the remaining Xiao n descendant would be able to directly acquire the inheritance.

    Of course, it was also due to the rarity of the present situation where many people were brought along. After all, unless the information was identally leaked, would the average person want to share with others? If Yu Cheng had been captured by selfish people who threatened him to acquire the inheritance, the ones sent away would be those selfish people.

    Who could¡¯ve imagined that this kind of spectacle would ur? The ones implicated were Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    After Yu Cheng learned everything from the inheritance, he felt ashamed of his ancestor¡¯s ns. Yet, what gave him an even guiltier conscience was that he never voiced that, if the person who touched the Void-Breaking Shuttle didn¡¯t have any extreme desires to go somewhere, that person would most likely be drawn into a spacetime crack and be crushed to death by the spacetime storms. This was because he knew that the battle ves would take out their anger on him the moment he said this. There was even the possibility that they would directly kill him.

    Now, Yu Cheng could only hope that Pharmacist Gu, who took the initiative to touch the Void-Breaking Shuttle, had some ce in his heart that he really wanted to go to...

    Ao Min wasn¡¯t aware of Yu Cheng¡¯s concealed notions. It was just that everyone had cold and solemn expressions on their faces, and worry in their eyes.

    But presently, there was nothing they could do about it. With their capabilities, it was basically impossible to confirm where their young master and Pharmacist Gu went. All they could do now was return to Ten Ultimates Sect as soon as possible, and report these circumstances to the Blood Transformation Pce Master. They had to let their young master¡¯s teacher know!

    Afterwards, they would obey themands of the pce master, who would make any subsequent decisions.

    Ao Min restrained the unease in his heart, and spoke in a low voice: ¡°We shall swiftly return!¡±

    The other battle ves had no objections.

    Yu Cheng had obtained the inheritance. At this moment, he also didn¡¯t dare to say anything. He would do whatever Ao Min said.

    The group quickly left this cave, and the Jade Heart Pendant was removed from the phoenix notch.

    Immediately following this, Yu Cheng utilized some things he learned from the inheritance, and transported everyone out of the historical ruin with the Jade Heart Pendant.

    Shortly thereafter, they rushed back to Ten Ultimates City without stopping to rest!

    City A.

    It was just the beginning of winter, and snowkes were lightly drifting down from the sky. Although it still hadn¡¯t reached particrly cold temperatures, the wilted, yellow leaves of the trees that lined the sidewalks were dusted with ayer of silvery-white.

    There were very few pedestrians on the roads, especially at this time of year when daybreak waste to arrive. Thus, although it was already 7:00 AM, the color of the sky was still a somewhat murky twilight. The moon was slow to depart, and the morning sun couldn¡¯t be greeted.

    Liang Jing was ustomed to braving the wind and snow on her morning jogs. For some reason, just as she passed by a small alley, she turned her head to look inside. She glimpsed a shadow lying prone on the ground next to the wall.

    ¡ª A shadow? Was it a stray cat or a feral dog avoiding the wind?

    Her eyesight was exceptionally good, and she quickly got a clear view. That shadow definitely wasn¡¯t a cat or dog like she thought. It was actually a human!

    Liang Jing was startled. She immediately ran over, wanting to turn the person onto their back to get a better look. But before she could move her hand, that fellow had already turned over. The person¡¯s face was pointing upward, and the eyelids were faintly quivering.

    ¡°Um...¡±

    Liang Jing discovered that this person was quite young. Just by looking at their face, one could tell that this person hadn¡¯t reached adulthood yet. This was a teenaged boy.

    She felt a little sympathy, and hurriedly called out in a soft voice: ¡°Are you awake? Why did you fall down here? Do you need me to help you up?¡±

    That boy¡¯s eyes finally opened. He looked at Liang Jing with a gaze filled with surprise: ¡°Eh? Y-you are ¡ª¡±

    At this moment, Liang Jing realized that this boy¡¯s clothes were different from her own. The design was somewhat unusual. It was a pure and ancient style, but the clothes were too thin. She furrowed her brows, and said: ¡°Are you cosying? When it¡¯s first thing in the morning, you should be wearing severalyers of clothing. The weather is very chilly. With just this, you¡¯ll easily catch a cold.¡±

    While speaking, she didn¡¯t ask what was going on with this person. She extended a hand, and pulled the teenager up.

    The boy¡¯s expression was rather strange. At this time, he seemed to have a sudden reaction. He hurriedly replied to Liang Jing: ¡°Me and my friend nned to go cosying. Because my friend¡¯s house isn¡¯t far away and it has a heater, I wanted to rush over quickly. In the end, I was running too fast, tripped, and fell down by ident. I almost couldn¡¯t climb back up.¡±

    Liang Jing understood clearly, and advised: ¡°In the future, you¡¯d better not take any shortcuts. You should also be a bit more careful when going out on foot.¡±

    The boy smiled: ¡°Ah, thank you.¡±

    Liang Jing shook her head: ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Then, she asked, ¡°You wanted to go to a friend¡¯s house right now?¡±

    The boy nodded: ¡°I don¡¯t know what time it is. Can you let me see your phone?¡±

    Liang Jing was quite straightforward. She took out a cellphone from her bag, and showed it to him.

    The boy nced at it, and said to Liang Jing: ¡°Thank you. If that¡¯s all, I¡¯ll be taking my leave. It seems that I¡¯m already running a littlete. En, I don¡¯t want to dy you either.¡±

    Liang Jing and the boy were originally strangers. Seeing that he was alright, she didn¡¯t say much else. Liang Jing only waved at him, muttered a quick goodbye, and swiftly jogged away.

    She moved quickly, and left the boy behind. Naturally, she didn¡¯t notice the look on the boy¡¯s face. At this moment, the boy couldn¡¯t help revealing an expression caught between grief and joy.

    ¡°Five years... How could it be like this?¡±

    Gu Zuo recognized the nearby scenery. He had walked through here many times in the past. Although there was a gap of several years, there weren¡¯t any changes to the overallyout, which allowed him to recognize it. From that girl¡¯s cellphone just now, he knew the present date and time. Indeed, he had really returned...

    Undoubtedly, he had achieved his wish ofing back, but he suddenly felt like his footsteps weredened with heavy weights. For a short while, it seemed as if he couldn¡¯t take another step forward.

    Gu Zuo clenched his fingers before spreading them out to look at the object in his hand.

    In the hollow of his palm was an inch-long weaver shuttle. It was the Void-Breaking Shuttle. It wasn¡¯t known why, but it had suddenly be smaller. Nevertheless, it was firmly held by him in a tight grip. The entire time, it was never dropped or lost.

    Gu Zuo remembered everything that happened before.

    Back then, he learned about the miraculous ability of the Void-Breaking Shuttle from the system. Under the excitement in his heart, he wanted to turn on the Void-Breaking Shuttle. After looking at its active state, he intended to sense its qi emissions and some of its functions.

    But Gu Zuo never expected that, the moment he infused his profound qi, the Void-Breaking Shuttle would carry him through space without even recognizing an owner with a drop of blood!

    Originally, he wanted to slowly umte energy, and think of a way to tell his big brother about the matters rted to himself. After obtaining this thing, he might¡¯ve been able to think of a n to get the best of both worlds so that his feelings would have a hard-earned chance.

    But, but why were things like this now?

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, an intense feeling of sorrow and loneliness rushed out.

    He clearly remembered that when the power of spacetime encapsted him, his big brother had reached out a hand to grab his wrist just in the nick of time. However, the Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s speed was too fast. He didn¡¯t know how long Gongyi Tianheng had been holding on, butter on, there was a sudden jolt. Both of their hands were flung apart...

    Just like now, his big brother was nowhere to be found.

    He couldn¡¯t sense his big brother¡¯s existence.

    Then, they were scattered?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes were dry and heavy.

    It wasn¡¯t known where his big brother went. W-were they already worlds apart? Would he still be able to see his big brother again? The Void-Breaking Shuttle had used up a lot of energy, but in this world, the ambient qi was extremely thin. The levels were close to nothing. If he wanted to advance his realm and refine a Void Pill, it was almost impossible...

    He didn¡¯t even have enough time to say goodbye to his big brother.

    Gu Zuo originally thought that he had plenty of time before leaving to confess everything to Tianheng, and tell him what he still needed to do. But now, everything had been messed up.

    ¡ª What was his big brother going to think?

    Separating under these kinds of circumstances was thest thing he wanted!

    Gu Zuo quietly waited there for a long time. The drifting snow that fell down from the sky couldn¡¯t break through the protection of the surrounding profound qi, and failed tond onto his body. If anyone else witnessed this scene, they would¡¯ve felt that it was iparably strange.

    Fortunately, he still had enough awareness to stand in a remote corner.

    After a long while, Gu Zuo numbly walked out.

    He suddenly remembered something. In his consciousness, he urgently inquired.

    [System! System, are you there?]

    However, the system¡¯s voice never echoed out.

    Worry grew in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    He could sense that both his martial path realm and spiritual path realm still existed. After using his consciousness to set up a connection, he discovered that the Divine Medicine Pce Hall could also be opened.

    However, the system never gave any responses. It made him feel somewhat uneasy.

    Gu Zuo was contemting. Back then, he fainted and didn¡¯t know what happened afterward, but the system was there the entire time. Wouldn¡¯t it know what urred during the shuttling process? Though, what he wanted to know even more was how his big brother was doing right now!

    This was because he suddenly recalled ¡ª When he and his big brother were forcibly shaken apart, where had Tianheng been flung off to? It would¡¯ve been tolerable if they were scattered between two worlds, but he didn¡¯t know when they separated! N-nothing ought to have happened if Tianheng was thrown off halfway, right?

    The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. Gu Zuo paced back and forth. His current strength wasn¡¯t the same as before. After only walking a few steps, the snow on the ground was melted by an invisible energy.

    He couldn¡¯t help calling out incessantly.

    [System! System!]

    [Hello? Are you there?]

    [What happened to my big brother...]

    [He was thrown off. Is he still safe?]

    [System! Answer me right now!]

    Gu Zuo had never been so agitated before.

    At that time, he knew that Tianheng had reached out a grasping hand for his own sake. If something happened because of that action, what should he do? The guardian contract that he normally could always sense now felt half-real. Was it because they were separated in two different worlds, or was it because his big brother was...

    Eventually, it seemed that the system couldn¡¯t endure Gu Zuo¡¯s noisy moring any longer. In his Tianfu Acupoint, two lines of characters shed out with difficulty.

    [Insufficient energy.]

    [Nothing happened to the patron.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, which had been hanging by a thread, suddenlynded back down.

    Nothing happened... That was good.

    Gu Zuo now knew that the system was unable to respond in time due to insufficient energy. Therefore, perhaps it would be okay if he supplied enough in return. As for his big brother... Although he still dearly missed Tianheng, as long as his big brother was alright, he could feel a little more at ease.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo was able to tranquilly observe this world.

    He had returned.

    It was unexpected and he was still reluctant to part ways, but... This allowed him to finally see his dad again.

    Gu Zuo put the Void-Breaking Shuttle back inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. His gaze fell onto that street up ahead.

    Before he left, it was here that he had the traffic ident. After crossing two more roads on the side, one would see the neighborhood where he and his dad once lived.

    Right now, he had to go back.

    Gu Zuo lifted his legs, and swiftly moved towards that direction.

    Gradually, he entered the smallmunity, and walked in front of an apartment building.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo was suddenly wracked with homesickness and a certain apprehension for what awaited him.

    Five years had already passed.

    Originally, he was supposed to use a Void Pill to travel through spacetime. The system ensured that the earth-level pill would¡¯ve been able to bring him back to the moment of the ident, allowing him to seamlessly reconnect to the timeline. This would¡¯ve also prevented his dad from bing worried.

    But now, he had unexpectedly returned, which wasn¡¯t within his ns at all. This also facilitated the normal passage of time... Then, was he supposed to be d that he only spent five years in the other world? Otherwise, if he identally returned through the Void-Breaking Shuttle dozens of yearster, wouldn¡¯t it be possible that he would¡¯ve never been able to see his dad?

    Gu Zuo wiped his forehead.

    Yet, there was still a problem.

    Back then, in order seem less jarring once he came back, he had been consciously controlling the growth of his physical body during his realm breakthroughs. This allowed him to preserve his own features at sixteen to seventeen years old. But now that five years had passed in this world and his age was supposed to be twenty years old, wouldn¡¯t this undersized and immature appearance seem too jarring instead? If his dad saw his present form, what would he think?

    Gu Zuo steeled himself, and hastened his pace as he entered the first floor.

    Their home was right here.

    It was an ordinary two-bedroom apartment, and they had been just ordinary people living here.

    Gu Zuo stood in front of the door, and his eyes reddened slightly.

    He felt another wave of timidity, and didn¡¯t dare to knock on the door.

    It was because, at this moment, he didn¡¯t know what to say or do at all. He also didn¡¯t dare to release his psychic power to look at the person in the apartment room.

    A good whileter, quite a few people quickly came down from the higher floors. They were rushing out to go to school or work. Some of them curiously turned their heads to look at him... It was precisely this kind of activity that caused Gu Zuo to realize that he couldn¡¯t stall any longer.

    Finally, he lifted his hand, and pressed the doorbell.

    A couple seconds passed, but the seconds felt like years to Gu Zuo.

    At this time, an inquiring voiced resounded from inside: ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s nose turned stuffy. After that, he was choked with emotions: ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me.¡±

    In the outskirts of a city.

    ¡°Fucking hell! There are traitors!¡±

    ¡°Who are the traitors? Damn, it must be their people!¡±

    ¡°Eldest young master, run for it! Follow this road and run away!¡±

    ¡°Old Three, protect the young master. You absolutely can¡¯t let anything happen to him!¡±

    Several gunshots rang out inside an abandoned residence. There were many people pouring out of the surrounding alleyways. Everyone was holding a real weapon, and some people were exchanging bursts of gunfire. Meanwhile, there were several people guarding a young man who was wearing a ck suit. They were swiftly retreating towards the rear.

    Although the people protecting the young man were skilled and the young man¡¯s marksmanship was very urate, when all was said and done, they were few in number and they didn¡¯t carry enough guns. Soon, a couple of people toppled over. Before they copsed, they strove their hardest to buy more time. The remaining people guarding the young man ran even faster.

    They were traveling towards a river bank, and there was a small tract of woods nearby. If they could hide inside, they could rely on the obscurement of the trees to get rid of some of the pursuers. It could also conceal their tracks.

    Yet, although this road was normally quite a close walk away, it seemed extraordinarily distant now.

    A gunshot echoed out. Someone in front of the young man had rushed over to block it, but he no longer had the ability to continue following the group. Without any better option, he choked down the blood in his mouth, and said: ¡°Eldest young master...run away! After you return, take revenge ¡ª¡±

    The young man¡¯s gaze hardened, but he remained calm. His pair of eyes stared fixedly at those mercenaries in pursuit, and he continued to retreat while shooting with speed and precision.

    It was just that the pursuers were growing in number. Even though the young man had many loyal and devoted subordinates who gave their lives to stall for more time, it still wasn¡¯t enough to allow him to truly escape.

    At least twenty-something people were rushing over from all directions. They were moving to outnk him, and he was being surrounded little by little.

    There was only one person who remained by the young man¡¯s side.

    Behind him were the trees.

    The young man seized an opportunity, and raised his gun in a sweeping motion. He was about to dash into the woods. However, right at this moment, the person who was originally protecting him unexpectedly shot him in the leg! His momentum stalled, and he fell to the ground!

    ¡°You ¡ª You¡¯re a traitor, too?¡±

    That simple and honest man took several steps back, and pointed his gun at the young man: ¡°Eldest young master, you should give yourself up.¡±

    The young man let out a coldugh: ¡°Go fuck yourself!¡±

    The simple and honest man suddenly revealed a vicious appearance. His finger tightened around the trigger. He was about to shoot: ¡°Eldest young master, if you refuse a toast, then you¡¯ll only be forced to drink a forfeit ¡ª¡±

    Bang!

    After the bullet was fired, it suddenly exploded halfway.

    Everyone was stupefied.

    At this time, a person walked out from the woods.

    He was dressed in strange clothes, and a jadeb was holding together his head of long hair. Originally, he should¡¯ve been an entric weirdo, but as it happened, his features and temperament made one feel that he was like a deity who had descended from the bright moon.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 393 - The Same World

    <h4>Chapter 393 - The Same World</h4>

    Of course, everyone was only stupefied for a moment.

    The mercenaries who surrounded the young man realized that an outsider had intruded. Their first reaction was to raise their guns. A burst of gunfire sted out.

    But what happened next shocked all the people on the scene!

    Everyone could only watch as those bullets abruptly exploded in the air the instant they flew out. The bullets blew up in a shower of sparks. Surprisingly, there wasn¡¯t a single exception.

    Fear suddenly took hold within the mercenaries¡¯ hearts. Soon after, they couldn¡¯t help but fire repeatedly. It was like they wanted to fire all of their bullets.

    Bang, bang, bang!

    Crack, tter!

    Each and every bullet exploded the instant it was shot out!

    As for the person they were shooting at, he wasn¡¯t harmed in the least...

    It could be said that the mountain road had twisted around each new peak. The young man with the wounded calf swiftly dodged to the side. Countless thoughts appeared in his mind. He waspletely shocked and terrified.

    Who was this guy? What ability was this?!

    In the end, the simple and honest man and the numerous mercenaries finally realized that, whoever they encountered, he wasn¡¯t a pushover. After uselessly firing their guns, quite a few fellows who only knew how to unt their prowess and fight ruthlessly were already shivering and pissing themselves. They never imagined that something this bizarre could¡¯ve happened ¡ª Even the guns they were so proud of were useless!

    Their previouslycent moods while threatening the eldest young master turned illusory In this split second.

    In the end, that simple and honest man had gone through many things in life. After seeing that person didn¡¯t make any additional moves after emerging from the woods, he stifled the fear in his heart and spoke with a shuddering voice: ¡°Your excellency, we offended you just now. If you¡¯re just passing through, could you leave this ce?¡±

    Immediately following that, he red at the young man. The precautions that ought to be taken couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    Soon after, the one wearing strange clothes ¡ª The extremely handsome young man opened his mouth. His voice was soft and gentle, but his ent and intonation were somewhat foreign and unfamiliar. However, his voice was undoubtedly pleasant on the ears.

    ¡°No.¡±

    The simple and honest man¡¯s pupils shrank. He wanted to immediately resist!

    At the exact same time, that neer stretched out his fingers, and made a light grasping motion towards them ¡ª

    In a split second, the twenty-something people on the scene, including that simple and honest man, were gripped by a type of invisible power. Their lungs couldn¡¯t take in a single breath, and their muscles couldn¡¯t budge. Their fingers couldn¡¯t even twitch, let alone using the weapons in their hands. Amid that terrifying squeezing force, they all lost consciousness after just a brief couple of seconds.

    The only one awake was the young man with the wounded calf. However, he was horrified to find that the bodies of the traitor and those henchmen who chased him and his subordinates started to contort and twist. The next moment, their heads exploded like the bullets from before. Their skulls burst apart like flowers of gore!

    The twenty-something people had died simultaneously. And their deaths had been gruesome and wretched.

    The young man instantly wanted to escape, but he quickly restrained his own impulses. Not to mention that his wounded calf made it hard to escape, the capabilities of the person who suddenly appeared made him realize that ¡°wanting to escape¡± was nothing but a delusion.

    Presently, although he didn¡¯t know why the other party spared only him, it probably had a lot to do with him not offending the neer. What he needed to do right now was to strive his hardest to socialize and to preserve his own small life.

    Hence, the young man braced himself with difficulty, and stood up. He said to the other person: ¡°I am Zhang Bohan, this generation¡¯s eldest grandson of the Zhang Family. The family owns some small businesses... When I came out to handle some matters this time, I ran into traitors. Fortunately, this mister showed up and saved my life. If this sir doesn¡¯t mind, please allow this Bohan to express his gratitude by providing some proper hospitality.¡±

    That person walked over one step at a time. There wasn¡¯t the slightest expression on his face. His gaze was as deep as the ocean. It was like there were dense, dark clouds that obscured the bottom of his heart. If that point was touched upon, it would trigger his unending fury.

    His imposing aura would cause one to involuntarily overlook his features. Although his appearance was handsome and without the slightest blemish, it still made Zhang Bohan feel a sense of dread. There wasn¡¯t any feeling of closeness.

    That person unhurriedly opened his mouth: ¡°Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    Atst, his gaze fell upon Zhang Bohan¡¯s face: ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    Zhang Bohan didn¡¯t dare to bring this person straight back to his household. What¡¯s more, he didn¡¯t know what the situation in his family was like right now. As a result, he simply led the person to one of his suburban vis.

    This vi was one that he privately purchased in his early years. The location was rtively concealed. Later on, after he slowly took over the duties of the family properties, he stopped going over, and no one else knew about it.

    Now, it was considered a path of retreat.

    Because it was still early in the morning, Zhang Bohan had travelled under the cover of darkness while enduring the pain in his leg. That strangely-dressed cmity didn¡¯t draw the attention of many people. Once they entered the vi, Zhang Bohan called out to the cmity to take a seat. None of his tense heartstrings rxed.

    Afterwards, Zhang Bohan discovered that the cmity was leisurely sitting on the sofa. No thoughts could be discerned from his expression. And it also wasn¡¯t known where he originated from. What made the young man even more uneasy was that the other party didn¡¯t have any intention of starting the conversation.

    After a momentary pause, Zhang Bohan stood up, and limped over to steep a cup of tea. After organizing his speech, he slowly said: ¡°Mister Gongyi¡¯s kindness cannot be repaid with a single meal of hospitality. If this sir has any requests, don¡¯t hesitate to tell me.¡±

    Then, Gongyi Tianheng raised his eyes: ¡°Give me a change of clothes first.¡±

    Zhang Bohan stared nkly: ¡°Does this sir want to...take a bath?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was as tranquil as a pool of water: ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Zhang Bohan promptly smiled and said: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. I¡¯m sure that this mister is in need of a bath to freshen up.¡±

    As he spoke, Zhang Bohan led Tianheng to the second floor bathroom. He briefly pointed out where everything was arranged and which valves to turn on. Immediately following which, Zhang Bohan turned around, walked out, and closed the door behind him.

    Only Tianheng remained as he stood inside the bathroom.

    His expression, which had been tranquil and calm the whole time, slowly revealed a ponderous look.

    This continent...was very unusual.

    Yes. Tianheng had already discovered that he arrived at an entirely differentndmass ¡ª It was because he had the previous experience of traveling from one continent to another. As a result, it was also easy for him to ept that the mysterious artifact caused him to cross over to another continent from the historical ruin.

    It was just that, regarding this continent, not only was the ambient qi thin to an almost non-existent degree, even the people here were strange. Their style of dress, their behaviors and bearings, everything showed apletely different state of affairspared to the continent he hailed from.

    Among them, the most concerning thing was that martial artists didn¡¯t seem to exist here. Instead, there were some peculiar weapons, which created a certain level of lethality without requiring the wielder to have much power themselves.

    Of course, these weapons weren¡¯t even spirit weapons. No matter how flexible their applications, they couldn¡¯t cause any harm to him.

    Tianheng loosened his jade cor, took off his clothes, and entered this odd mechanism which could directly release hot water. He switched on the water, and a stream flowed down at a steady rate.

    The water temperature was ordinary. Even if it was adjusted to the highest degree, he only felt some heat. It was barely usable.

    Tianheng lowered his eyes.

    The stream of water slid down the side of his face, and fell onto the ice-cold, porcin surface.

    He lightly syed his hand over his heart... He couldn¡¯t sense the existence of his little pharmacist.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time he had been separated from his Ah Zuo, but this pain was even more thorny and agonizing than before.

    The depths of Tianheng¡¯s gaze were serene and hidden.

    He definitely grabbed Ah Zuo, but it seemed that when they passed through a barrier of some sort, they were suddenly separated by a powerful force. After that, he couldn¡¯t extrapte where the mysterious artifact had gone. Fortunately, his willpower was strong enough. On the contrary, at the final moment, he sensed that the energy of that mysterious artifact had already been exhausted. Thus, his Ah Zuo ought to have been on the same continent as him.

    Following this, he would do as he did before, and think of a way to find his Ah Zuo.

    Merely, this kind of forced separation still made him realize just how powerless he really was. This caused his own mood to be extremely unhappy ¡ª At this moment, he already understood the Xiao n¡¯s schemes.

    After pondering for a little while, Tianheng temporarily tossed aside the matters of the Central Continent.

    His top priority was to figure out what was going on with this continent.

    Once his body was rinsed down, Tianheng acted in ordance with Zhang Bohan¡¯s statements. From a locker on the side, he took out a clean bathrobe and put it on.

    After that, he walked out of the bathroom, and returned to the first floor¡¯s lounge.

    At this time, a medicine box was set up on the small side table. Meanwhile, Zhang Bohan was holding a scalpel and tweezers in his hands as he poked and prodded at his own calf. He had tried several times, but because he wasn¡¯t a professional, taking out the bullet wasn¡¯t going smoothly. Hisplexion was deathly pale from the pain, and his forehead was drenched with fine rivulets of sweat.

    Tianheng¡¯s figure slightly flickered, and he was already standing in front of Zhang Bohan.

    Zhang Bohan was startled as he sensed that a shadow had been cast over him. Soon after, he realized that the cmitous personage he brought back had silently appeared!

    Tianheng nced at the leg wound: ¡°Do you want that thing taken out?¡±

    Zhang Bohan forced a smile and said: ¡°Yes. Unfortunately, there isn¡¯t a doctor here, and I...¡±

    Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Bohan discovered a stream of warmth had rushed into his calf. Immediately following which, there was a spurt of hot blood. Something trembled inside his flesh, and subsequently shot out.

    It was precisely that bullet!

    Zhang Bohan had never seen someone who could make a bullet do this. His heart gave a thumping lurch. He considered the method that the cmity used to kill those people before. Could it be that what he used was... qigong? This kind of conjecture caused his face to pale a bit more.

    In the end, no matter how steady or calm he presented himself, Zhang Bohan wasn¡¯t even thirty years old yet. While he had a vague understanding of some things, he still had a restraining fear of esoteric and mysterious subject matters.

    Following this, another streak of power came over. Zhang Bohan¡¯s calf, which was still oozing blood, stopped bleeding. Instead, the wound was rapidly staunched. If it wasn¡¯t for the bullet hole and the pain that was still present, he would¡¯ve thought that he had simply imagined being shot in the leg.

    Zhang Bohan forced himself to remain calm: ¡°Many thanks, mister.¡±

    Tianheng looked over. His gaze was a little deep: ¡°I want to stay here for a few days. Is that alright?¡±

    How could Zhang Bohan dare to refuse? Right away, he nodded his head: ¡°Of course! This sir can stay here for as long as he wants.¡±

    Tianheng finally revealed his first smiling expression aftering here. It was just that this smile didn¡¯t contain any warmth: ¡°During this time period, if anyonees looking for you to cause trouble, I will naturally take action.¡±

    After hearing these words, Zhang Bohan¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help feeling a trace of happiness: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have to trouble this sir.¡±

    After he lost all of his loyal subordinates, the pros far outweighed the cons when it came to gaining the help of such an expert. As far as he was concerned, it didn¡¯t matter what the origins of the expert were or why that expert¡¯s style of speech was somewhat strange.

    At the very least, his life was guaranteed.

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head at the young man.

    Zhang Bohan continued to speak: ¡°It isn¡¯t convenient for me to go out right now, but this ce still has several sets of clothes that haven¡¯t been worn before. I can give them to this sir to change into. It¡¯s just that you¡¯re a little bigger than me. I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯ll have to put up with it temporarily. Once I¡¯ve finished handling my obligations, I¡¯ll provide the very best for this mister.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s no bother.¡±

    Upon meeting the forces of both sides, he quickly chose Zhang Bohan. It was because the young man had fallen to a disadvantageous position, but it was also because the other side¡¯s leader actually dared to harbor ideas on his own person.

    Now, it appeared that this decision wasn¡¯t wrong.

    Gu Zuo silently stood just beyond the threshold.

    After he spoke the words ¡°It¡¯s me¡±, the movements inside the room suddenly stopped.

    In a split second, a feeling of fright arose from the bottom of Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    What happened? The voice just now was clearly his dad¡¯s. Why didn¡¯t he open the door?

    Was it because he had been gone for too long, and his dad already...already wasn¡¯t willing to forgive him anymore?

    But he really didn¡¯t do it on purpose!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s frame started to tremble slightly.

    He and his dad had been relying on one another for the past many years. It could be imagined that his dad would¡¯ve been inconsble after his initial disappearance. Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Because of an ident, he never returned in time. As a result...

    Just as Gu Zuo¡¯s imagination was running wild in his head, the door was suddenly opened!

    A man¡¯s silhouette emerged from within the doorway. When he looked at Gu Zuo in the hallway, his face was struck with disbelief!

    ¡°Xiao Zuo?¡± The man¡¯s lips faintly quivered, ¡°Is it really Xiao Zuo? This kid hasn¡¯t been willing to see his old man in five years. Why did youe out during the day? Aren¡¯t you worried about vanishing in the sunlight, you silly child?!¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at his family whom he hadn¡¯t seen in five years, and also spoke somewhat incoherently: ¡°Dad, it was daytime when I returned. I couldn¡¯t just wait until night toe back. By the way, it¡¯s only been a couple years. Why are you so thin? You aren¡¯t a girl. There¡¯s no need to lose weight. You¡¯re thinner than a bolt of lightning!¡±

    Speaking up to here, his voice warbled: ¡°...I¡¯vee back. Dad, aren¡¯t you going to let me in?¡±

    The man hastily made room: ¡°Right, right. Quicklye inside. Don¡¯t let outsiders see you!¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly walked through the doorway. Just as he went in, he couldn¡¯t help giving the man a strong, heartfelt hug: ¡°Dad, I missed you! I really, really missed you!¡±

    The man who just closed the door was tightly hugged by Gu Zuo. After that, he stared nkly.

    Warm and solid... Alive?

    Didn¡¯t he watch with his own eyes as his Xiao Zuo was cremated and interred at the public cemetery?!

    What was going on?

    Gu Zuo sensed the man¡¯s rigidity. After doing his best to calm down, he pulled the man¡¯s hand, went back to the room, and sat down on the living room sofa: ¡°Dad, I have a lot to tell you. You wouldn¡¯t know, but for the past five years, my experiences have been so strange...¡±

    At the exact same time, the man¡¯s doubtful voice also echoed out: ¡°Xiao Zuo, you¡¯re not a ghost?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The man: ¡°...¡±

    It seemed that something wasn¡¯t quite right.

    After the chicken clucked and the duck quacked for a while, Gu Zuo eventually figured out what transpired five years ago from his dear dad. He also realized the reason behind his dad¡¯s current behavior.

    As it turned out, on the day of Gu Zuo¡¯s traffic ident, Gu Zuo thought that he had only disappeared. However, when his dad, Gu Qi, received the notification and rushed over, what he saw was Gu Zuo¡¯s corpse.

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t expect that his son, who went to learn some knowledge as usual, would have an ident on the way back. He died, covered in blood. It was so miserable and wretched that there wasn¡¯t even a need to call an ambnce. His son had already stopped breathing... For a time, he didn¡¯t dare to believe it, but when that dead body was unequivocallyid out in that ce and the police officer rushed over to offer condolences, he only barely epted reality after a long period of anguish. He had Gu Zuo¡¯s mangled corpse cremated and buried.

    Afterwards, Gu Qi shut himself away in this room. Apart from replenishing the necessary supplies to live, he rarely went out. So long as he left this ce and saw that street, he would think about his son who died tragically. The agony in his heart was crushing. Later on, he had no choice but to iste himself. Under the unending grief and mourning, his entire person inevitably lost weight until he was practically skin and bones.

    As a result, Gu Qi, who was originally 1.8 meters tall and had a sunny and handsome appearance, now looked like he had aged twenty years. Even his hair was mixed with strands of gray.

    He was thin, pallid, and haggard.

    After listening to Gu Qi¡¯s narration, Gu Zuo quickly understood. Back then, that dead body was definitely fabricated by the system. Its goal was probably to prevent any mishaps? It was just that no one anticipated that he wouldn¡¯t utilize the Void Pill, and would instead be identally brought back by the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    Originally, being able to go back and see his dad should¡¯ve been a joyous asion. If it wasn¡¯t for this error, Gu Qi would¡¯ve only seen his son returning home with the groceries, and not the corpse and ¡°ghost¡± of his son who returned five yearster.

    Gu Zuo forced a smile: ¡°Dad, I¡¯m really sorry. I didn¡¯t think it would be like this.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s eyes reddened. He ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°My good son, you were able toe home. Dad is already very happy.¡±

    The father and son met each other¡¯s gazes. Their eyes shined with tears.

    But coincidentally, they tacitly restrained their own emotions. Gu Zuo also slowly talked about his own experiences.

    From the traffic ident, he was sent directly to another world. His life had been saved by the system. He bound himself to the system, did the missions required by the system, got acquainted with his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, advanced and retreated with his big brother, passed through several continents...

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t the type of person who was good at telling stories, but even when he narrated so dryly, it still caused Gu Qi to listen with rapt attention. The anguish of mourning his son for the past five years seemed to be cured little by little amid Gu Zuo¡¯s tales. Gu Qi¡¯s countenance no longer carried anxiety or distress.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t talk about his own feelings for Tianheng. He only finally concluded: ¡°...It¡¯s like this. I still didn¡¯t have enough time to say goodbye to big brother when I was brought back by the Void-Breaking Shuttle. I only hope that big brother, who was shaken off halfway, didn¡¯t encounter any dangers while traveling through spacetime. Rather, I hope that he smoothly returned to Ten Ultimates Sect.¡±

    Gu Qi finished listening, and took a long time to digest everything. After giving a lengthy sigh, he consoled: ¡°Son, you don¡¯t have to worry. Didn¡¯t you say that this adoptive big brother has the Tiandu Body? His innate luck is good, so he¡¯s definitely okay.¡±

    Gu Zuo vigorously nodded his head: ¡°The system also said that nothing happened to big brother. I¡¯m only... I can¡¯t help feeling a little worried.¡±

    Gu Qi revealed a clear and bright smile, and felt the same five years ago: ¡°Isn¡¯t feeling worried for your adoptive brother normal? It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t let this worry harm your health.¡±

    Then, he spread out his arms, and gave Gu Zuo a great, big hug: ¡°Son, wee back!¡±

    Although Gu Zuo¡¯s heart still had an unbearable ache after mentioning Tianheng, now that he saw his dear dad like this, he returned the hug: ¡°Dad, I¡¯m back. I¡¯m really back.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s body suddenly trembled.

    Some warm tears fell onto Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder. Gu Zuo closed his eyes, and revealed a smiling expression.

    He had returned.

    Only...

    He and his big brother had probably parted ways forever.

    Gongyi Tianheng sat on the sofa. One hand was holding a remote control, which lightly clicked at a widescreen, digital television. It promptly changed channels.

    His posture was graceful and his bearing was unhurried. Though he was jumping from one channel to the next, every time he lingered on one channel, it never exceeded ten minutes. Yet, it still made people feel that he seemed to be doing something grand, and these actions weren¡¯t to be underestimated in the slightest.

    Zhang Bohan stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, and looked at...the dead bodies piled up under the perimeter wall.

    Should it be said that it was fortunate that this was a private vi? While this was a residential district of vis, every property was far apart. Therefore, whatever happened in one of the vis might not necessarily be known to the nearest neighbor.

    In these two days, someone had still found him.

    Merely, whenever the pursuers scaled the walls at night and tried to assassinate him, they would¡¯ve already silently died just as they climbed over the perimeter wall. In the end, they were never able to step foot into the vi.

    Originally, Zhang Bohan slept well at night, but when he was exercising in the courtyard during the day, he conspicuously noticed the corpses at the base of the wall. Shock shed across his whole face. Once he moved closer to take a look, he discovered that those corpses didn¡¯t have any wounds or bruises anywhere on their bodies. It was like they had simply stopped breathing. At that point, he felt even more indescribable reverence toward Tianheng¡¯s methods.

    He could tell that this Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t ce any importance on human life at all. Although, as far as his family was concerned, it was a matter of course for some people to die during a power struggle. However, at the very least, they always had some special feelings after taking people¡¯s lives. Yet, in Tianheng¡¯s eyes, killing a human was no different from squashing an ant. It wasn¡¯t a question of capability, but necessity.

    In Zhang Bohan¡¯s mind, Tianheng¡¯s danger level had already risen to first ce for the rest of his life.

    He didn¡¯t dare to offend this cmity one bit.

    However, after the other party arrived two days ago, apart from living in this ce, Zhang Bohan still couldn¡¯t figure out what kind of goal the other side had.

    As for Tianheng, his mood at this moment was hard to put into words...

    It was gloomy.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 394 - Big Brotherâ€™s Discovery

    <h4>Chapter 394 - Big Brother¡¯s Discovery</h4>

    In just two days, Gongyi Tianheng already had a thorough understanding of his present situation as well as the basicmon sense and information of this continent.

    If it was said that this ce¡¯s ambient qi was close to zero, that there weren¡¯t any real wild beasts, that there were all kinds of mechanisms and machines exined as ¡°science and technology¡±, and that there was apletely different knowledge system, one could believe that this continent was too deste and remote. It was to the extent that he developed another type of possibility.

    In fact, the continent under their feet wasn¡¯t t and level. Rather, it was a spherical ball, and people walked on it by relying on a kind of power that emanated from the ground. It was enough to prove one thing.

    This ce wasn¡¯t another continent as he mistakenly thought. It was another world!

    What that mysterious artifact passed through wasn¡¯t the ordinary space between continents. Instead, it was the even stranger...spacetime?

    With Tianheng¡¯s current insight, it still wasn¡¯t enough to recognize the secrets hidden within this subject. However, he only needed to be aware of these things to specte on many matters.

    Yet, being in another world wasn¡¯t enough to upset Tianheng. What truly made his mood gloomy was that he suddenly discovered one fact.

    His little pharmacist deceived him.

    His Ah Zuo was never the former Qi Tianyou. Instead, he originated from this world.

    In the depths of Tianheng¡¯s eyes, a deep and dark me danced.

    At this moment, the many details that he deliberately ignored in the past poured into his mind.

    Qi Tianyou of the Cangyun Empire¡¯s Qi Family really was someone who existed. His appearance and age were exactly the same as that of Gu Zuo, and his experiences were likewise real. As a result, when Tianheng investigated at the very beginning, he was convinced of Gu Zuo¡¯s identity. Later on, Tianheng punished the Qi Family on Gu Zuo¡¯s behalf, so that all those whomitted wrongs would receive the retribution they deserved. After that, Tianheng no longer ced this matter in his heart. Moreover, he once considered Gu Zuo, who was getting closer and closer to him, as his most prized possession.

    But, Gu Zuo¡¯s cover also wasn¡¯t without ws.

    There were many times when Gu Zuo¡¯s speech patterns were different from that of the continent¡¯s poption. However, there were no barriers tomunication, and there were many people with special habits in the world. Thus, this didn¡¯t arouse Tianheng¡¯s attentions. On the contrary, he felt that this way of talking was very cute. Therefore, he indulged Gu Zuo.

    Now that he thought about it carefully, it wasn¡¯t just the way of speaking. There were some words that he grasped intuitively once in a while, but in actuality, Gu Zuo¡¯s phrases and expressions, which weren¡¯t spoken on those continents, could be seen in this world...

    On top of that, there was also Gu Zuo¡¯s character, hisck of general knowledge, the worries he faintly revealed from time to time, and the fact that the way he conducted himself waspletely different from the Qi Tianyou mentioned in the investigation ¡ª This actually indicated that he wasn¡¯t Qi Tianyou. He was someone else.

    In the deepest parts of Tianheng¡¯s heart, it wasn¡¯t like there weren¡¯t any doubts about Gu Zuo¡¯s real identity. However, these kinds of doubts had never taken shape. They were always washed away and repressed to almost nothing because of Gu Zuo¡¯s unreserved concern for him.

    Tianheng had long sensed that Gu Zuo had some extremely deep secrets. However, he restrained his own desire for control, and patiently waited for Gu Zuo to bepletely at ease before confiding in him. But now, after finding out by ident, what bloomed from the bottom of his heart wasn¡¯t the happiness of learning that secret. Instead, it was a type of intense mood that vacited between unspeakable anger and gut-wrenching disappointment.

    With Tianheng¡¯s intelligence, how couldn¡¯t it have urred to him?

    He always thought that this little pharmacist would always be together with him. Yet, not only wasn¡¯t Gu Zuo prepared to stay with him forever, he single-mindedly wanted to return to this world!

    If it wasn¡¯t for thatst shred of rationality allowing Tianheng to constrain his own pessimistic thought process, he would¡¯ve almost suspected that ¡ª

    Gu Zuo treated him wholeheartedly with kindness. Was it because he would be returning to this world sooner orter that he didn¡¯t care so much about everything on the continents? Because he would return, did Gu Zuo listen to him and never go against his intentions? Because he would return, was Gu Zuo willing to hide himself? Was the kindness toward him not out of sincerity at all, but to take advantage of his protection and curry favor ¡ª

    One had to wonder if Gu Zuo really was as simple and innocent as he appeared. Was Gu Zuo really taught and guided by him little by little until he gradually matured? Whenever Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng like he was the most important person in the world, were the emotions in his little pharmacist¡¯s eyes real or fake? Was it true that Gu Zuo¡¯s feelings of him changed from reverence to closeness to dependence? Had everything Gu Zuo done for him genuinelye from the heart?!

    Tianheng closed his eyes.

    He was brought into the world twenty-two years ago. Even though his body was frail and weak in the beginning, and it was reported that he would die once he reached twenty years old, never once had his mood boiled like right now. He seemed to have an innate understanding of how to take control of his own life, what he needed to do, and what he wanted to obtain.

    But...

    At this moment of realization, the many doubts on the brink of bursting out from under his tenacious suppression nearly made him lose control!

    When all was said and done, Tianheng was Tianheng. As a result, while the drinking ss in his hand was squeezed into a fine powder, he still managed to restrain the rage that narrowly flooded out.

    No. Whether that friendship was real or fake, even if his understanding of Gu Zo was proved...partial, he was still capable of telling the difference.

    Gu Zuo was definitely sincere. Although, the concealed secret had been well outside his expectations.

    There was a hint of coldness at the edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips.

    Fifteen-year-old Gu Zuo was basically incapable of going to the Peripheral Continents on his own. Disyed through the numerous detailster on was the desire to return. One could see that he hadn¡¯t voluntarilye to that world. As such, the only thing that could¡¯ve sent Gu Zuo over was the system he carried.

    Therefore, finding Gongyi Tianheng, and making their contract for cooperation, was something that couldn¡¯t have been done without the system¡¯s influence.

    ¡ª In the end, what was the goal of the so-called system?

    Currently, Gu Zuo identally returned due to the mysterious artifact...

    Tianheng became much more calm.

    He had to trust in the friendship between himself and Gu Zuo. If it wasn¡¯t for this ident, Gu Zuo ought to have said goodbye to him before leaving.

    It might¡¯ve been fine like this.

    But the color of Tianheng¡¯s eyes darkened even more.

    If this was really Gu Zuo¡¯s initial way of thinking, he was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t have permitted this at all. Perhaps, because of this matter, he would¡¯ve ced Gu Zuo into captivity.

    Now that he identally travelled to this world with Gu Zuo, this wasn¡¯t necessarily without an opportunity.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s character, he would be eager to return here. He ought to have been worried about something. Thus, Tianheng only needed to resolve this worry. If he wanted to take Gu Zuo away, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. However, if he conceded like this, Gu Zuo also wouldn¡¯t be willing to leave with him...

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze cooled.

    Indeed, he was still willing to restrain his own desire for control, but this was on the premise that...his little pharmacist would always be his.

    Because the qi emissions surrounding Gongyi Tianheng were undting intermittently, and were even overflowing with some terrifying imposing auras, Zhang Bohan, as a person whose perception of danger was rather sharp, already moved far away the instant he discovered this.

    At this time, he received a phone call. After that, when he turned to look Tianheng with aplicated frame of mind, he discovered that the cmity¡¯s mood had already been restored to its previous deep and immeasurable state. His heart didn¡¯t know whether to rx somewhat or be even more vignt.

    Tianheng raised his eyes: ¡°Eldest Young Master Zhang.¡±

    Zhang Bohan promptly said: ¡°It¡¯s fine for this sir to directly call me by name.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Mister Zhang.¡±

    Zhang Bohan waited a moment before finding that Tianheng said nothing else. It seemed that this cmity only greeted him because he happened to walk over.

    However, while Tianheng had nothing to say, he actually had some matters to discuss.

    After hesitating for a little bit, Zhang Bohan said: ¡°Mister Gongyi, for the past two days, I have already gotten in touch with some people, and told them about the recent situation. Because I¡¯m still alive, the matter has basically been resolved.¡± He paused, and proceeded to say, ¡°Thus, I¡¯m afraid that I have to leave immediately to deal with the newly caught traitors and any remaining affairs.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was tranquil: ¡°I suppose that you won¡¯t mind providing me a ce to stay for a few more days?¡±

    Because of the two days of learning, through his intentional imitations, there already weren¡¯t any differences between his speech patterns and that of this world¡¯s people. And under his imperceptible influences, Zhang Bohan didn¡¯t meticulously pay attention to this either. The transition appeared natural and automatic, which caused him to be used to it.

    Zhang Bohan¡¯s heart trembled, and swiftly came up with many thoughts.

    During the past two days, because he wanted to think of safe and secure ways to contact the deployment of backup, he had been staying with this dangerous personage. Although the other party was indeed dangerous, he had also epted the other¡¯s protection. But now, while he was basically safe, this cmity didn¡¯t have any intentions of leaving... He couldn¡¯t help but hesitate.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was indifferent: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is Mister Zhang unwilling to receive me as a guest?¡±

    Zhang Bohan only felt a powerful aura mming into his face. Although it didn¡¯t seem to be oppressing him, it still caused a type of suffocating feeling to emerge.

    Following this, he forced himself to smile and say: ¡°How can that be? This Bohan naturally wees this sir. If mister wants to stay for a few more days, it will be this Bohan¡¯s honor.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up: ¡°Mister Zhang doesn¡¯t need to worry. While I do have my own goals, there can be more coborations between us, too.¡±

    Zhang Bohan took a deep breath. After that, he barely revealed a smiling expression: ¡°To work together with this sir leaves this Bohan overwhelmed by the favor. As such, shall mister and I proceed to my ancestral residence together?¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°Then, sorry for the trouble.¡±

    Zhang Bohan restrained all of his emotions, and also nodded: ¡°Mister Gongyi, right this way.¡±

    The two people went out.

    From the garage, Zhang Bohan drove out in a low-profile, bulletproof car. He opened the car door, and let Tianheng sit in the front passenger seat.

    Tianheng had only seen these things on the television, but this didn¡¯t affect his ability to use it ¡ª Under Zhang Bohan¡¯s indications, he unhurriedly sat in the car without the least bit of unfamiliarity. It was no different from the people who originally lived in this world.

    The car drove away. Amid Tianheng¡¯s asional inquiries, Zhang Bohan gradually talked about his family¡¯s circumstances, whether he wanted to or not.

    Based on the number of years, the Zhang Family was considered an aristocratic family.

    Several hundreds of years ago, their family made their fortunes from the leader of mountain bandits. That old ancestor of the Zhang Family was very bold. After dredging up enough, he bought some ships to travel overseas. After making a few trips, the familypletely prospered. However, in the end, the old Ancestor Zhang was once a bandit. Even though the family was rich, he couldn¡¯t shed the airs of a bandit when handling matters. After the whole country was torn apart by civil unrest, the new ruler sealed off the nation from foreign influences. The old ancestor couldn¡¯t get through this way, so he spent a high price to collude with the officials of that time, and started selling smuggled salt. Returning to his old business, he became a big salt merchant, and secretly raised a faction.

    Perhaps, it was that their luck was good. And maybe, it was because every generation of the Zhang Family inherited the airs of those bandits. As a result, even though the country was subsequently torn apart again, they still persevered. Granted that the industries on the surface were bankrupted, those businesses hidden in private allowed them to take a new lease on life as the rich and powerful after the next country¡¯s founding.

    It was just that, over the course of multiple dynasties, the Zhang Family had always maintained underground forces. Within the family, its descendants were like a tree with numerous branches and luxuriant leaves. Although the family properties were massive, if they were to be preserved, the descendants needed to go through a blood-soakedpetition. Ultimately, the strongest and most discerning individual would be able to seed as the family head.

    Unfortunately, the ways of the present world were bing more and more peaceful, and the country¡¯s policies were gradually suppressing these underground forces. The Zhang Family on the government¡¯s watchlist. Granted that there was a tacit understanding for the time being, who knew if their ounts would be exposed in the future?

    As the saying went, in times of destitution, one would think of ways to change the current situation. Since the Zhang Family¡¯s development no longer suited the current trends of the country, then naturally, they also needed to adapt.

    As a result, thest generation¡¯s family head quickly chose a preferred candidate among the younger generation. That is, Zhang Bohan, who proposed to whitewash the family.

    While it was true that the family head was optimistic about Zhang Bohan, this individual also possessed the identities of an eldest son and rightful descendent. He was capable, but he wasn¡¯t someone who had the power to suppress others vying for supremacy by himself. Behind him, there were also some people who were unwilling ¡ª Those folks would rather conduct the same bloodypetition as they did in the beginning than ept Zhang Bohan¡¯s trouble-free promotion.

    The oue was obvious.

    When Zhang Bohan was wholeheartedly whitewashing the Zhang Family¡¯s enterprises, the weak points of some of his subordinates were captured, and these traitors betrayed him. This caused him to fall into a trap during an ordinary business deal. He had almost lost his life by that riverbank.

    One could well imagine that, if Tianheng hadn¡¯t appeared at the time, Zhang Bohan¡¯s ending would¡¯ve been to sink to the bottom of the river as a corpse and disappear forever.

    Zhang Bohan was undoubtedly grateful to Tianheng, but this kind of gratitude couldn¡¯t dispel the fear and suspicion he had of Tianheng.

    However, although he was filled with unease when Tianheng initially mentioned that he would be staying for a few more days, now that he realized that he had no way to stop this and that he could get his paternal grandfather to pay attention to his plight after bringing Tianheng to the ancestral residence, his heart felt a little more smooth and steady.

    Tianheng naturally sensed the change in Zhang Bohan¡¯s mentality.

    In his opinion, these things were within his expectations. On the contrary, he also wanted to meet the grandfather Zhang Bohan talked about. He wanted to see whether this person was good enough for any cooperation.

    Gu Zuo was lying t on his back while on the bed. His arms and legs were stretched out like the points of a star, and his posture was natural and rxed.

    However, at this moment, his eyes were looking straight at the ceiling. They appeared dull and dispirited.

    The door was pushed open. Gu Qi knocked on the door¡¯s paneling, raised an eyebrow, and asked: ¡°Son, why are you so sullen? You just came back. Are you not used to it yet?¡±

    Gu Zuo used an arm to prop himself up. He shook his head: ¡°Ah, no. I¡¯ve already gotten used to it.¡±

    Gu Qi walked to the bedside. He suddenly sat down, and hooked an arm over Gu Zuo¡¯s neck: ¡°Then, why don¡¯t you tell your pitiful old man what¡¯s making you so unhappy?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head again: ¡°...There¡¯s nothing making me unhappy.¡±

    Gu Qi bent a finger, and flicked Gu Zuo¡¯s forehead: ¡°You still dare to tell lies to your old man?¡±

    After that, he watched Gu Zuo distractedly cover his forehead. It wasn¡¯t known what this son was thinking about.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    This wasn¡¯t bewitchment or possession, right?

    Gu Qi¡¯s brows furrowed.

    Originally, he was brokenhearted because his son had died. Thus, he tormented and starved himself. But now that his son returned, his appetite recovered and his mood became much better. His slightly sallowplexion also greatly improved. However, it was like his son¡¯s energies had been transferred to him instead. Gu Zuo was bing haggard.

    With regards to this son, whom he hadn¡¯t seen in five years, Gu Qi still had an impression of him at that time. Even though Gu Zuo must have matured quite a bit after going through things in the other world, he still cared a lot.

    After thinking it over, he messed with Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Son, if it¡¯s a matter of the heart, can you tell your old man about it?¡±

    Gu Zuo spoke with a muffled voice: ¡°It¡¯s nothing...¡±

    Gu Qi tugged on his hair again: ¡°Is it really nothing?¡± He suddenly had a sh of inspiration, and swiftly asked, ¡°Do you miss that adoptive big brother from the other world?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s body stiffened.

    Gu Qi immediately understood. He moved closer, and pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°Son, you were with your adoptive brother for that long, so thinking about him is very normal. It¡¯s not necessary to hide it. Could it be that there¡¯s something you can¡¯t talk to your old man about? You know I have to take double the care of you on behalf of your father, right?¡±

    Gu Zuo grimaced, but still answered evasively: ¡°Dad, don¡¯t pinch me.¡±

    Gu Qi was caught off guard as his fingers slipped off. In his heart, he felt even more strange: ¡°After not seeing you for these couple of years, even your cheeks aren¡¯t willing to be pinched by me? My son has grown up, but he has also grown apart from his old man...¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯ve grown apart. It¡¯s just...¡±

    Speaking up to here, he became reticent, and didn¡¯t continue to talk.

    Gu Qi couldn¡¯t do anything about his lost and newly-regained son, but he wasn¡¯t willing to give up. It had to be known that he already lived five years without his son. Now that this son had returned, being unable to tell each other everything like before made him feel depressed, too.

    Apart from an extremely small number of things, Gu Qi had always been a person who wouldn¡¯t allow himself to feel wronged by his own emotions. Since he felt that his son was bing estranged from him, he wouldn¡¯t let this type of situation continue.

    Hence, Gu Qi carefully gathered Gu Zuo into his arms, gently rubbed a hand on his head, and immediately ruffled his entire head of hair into aplete mess. Regardless of his son¡¯s refusals, Gu Qi also kneaded Gu Zuo¡¯s cheeks until they were flushed and rosy.

    He panted, and said: ¡°Are you going to talk? Son, are you going to talk or not?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Gu Qi exhausted himself half to death, but realized that his family¡¯s son didn¡¯t react whatsoever. Besides a tangle of messy hair on the top of his head and a reddened face, there wasn¡¯t a drop of sweat... Gu Qi¡¯s mood suddenly became a littleplicated.

    He forgot that this sonpletely turned into a superhuman after going to another world. This little bit of roughhousing naturally couldn¡¯t make him cry uncle like in the past.

    However, it also wasn¡¯t totally useless. At the very least, Gu Zuo realized from Gu Qi¡¯s attitude that his dad really wanted to know what was bothering him.

    After hesitating for a while, Gu Zuo rubbed his neck. Following Gu Qi¡¯s posture as he patted hisp, Gu Zuo went to recline on his dear dad¡¯s thigh.

    Gu Qi sighed: ¡°Son, do you really not want to talk about it?¡±

    Gu Zuo felt awkward: ¡°It isn¡¯t that either...¡±

    Gu Qi rubbed his face: ¡°Then, just say it. Maybe this old man can give you an idea? Even if you don¡¯t get any ideas, won¡¯t you feel a little better after letting it all out?¡±

    Gu Zuo considered this, and felt that it made sense.

    Thereupon, his face blushed slightly as he spoke exasperatingly slowly: ¡°Dad, actually, I... I like big brother.¡±

    Gu Qi was startled, and almost jumped up: ¡°You¡¯re saying that you l-like your big brother? That Gongyi Tianheng?¡± His face suddenly scrunched up, ¡°Brat, how old are you?!¡±

    Gu Zuo made a helpless expression: ¡°I¡¯m not a minor anymore... Besides, this isn¡¯t something that can be determined by age. For a guy like big brother, I¡¯ve been with him for so long, and it¡¯s easy to like him.¡±

    Gu Qi was conflicted: ¡°But, Gongyi Tianheng is a man.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...But father is a man, too.¡±

    Gu Qi: ¡°And in the end, your old man has been so unlucky. Up until now, I haven¡¯t been able to find anyone else.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    It was obvious that dad still hadn¡¯t forgotten about father. He never went looking for someone else the whole time.

    After the father and son pair finished criticizing each other, Gu Qi¡¯s mood calmed down.

    Gu Qi sighed once more: ¡°Son, you haven¡¯t been influenced by me and your father, right? In this world, there are still many who like women. Do you really not view yourself as a straight man any longer?¡±

    Gu Zuo said with a muffled voice: ¡°I can¡¯t say that I haven¡¯t beenpletely free of any influences, but it has made me realize that the one I love could be a man or a woman. En, right now, the one I really like is big brother, so I shouldn¡¯t be considered a straight man. Dad, maybe you feel that I¡¯m not old enough, but when dad and father started dating, neither of you were adults. You guys started much earlier than me, but would the feelings have changed even after a lifetime?¡±

    His voice was slow, but there was no need to doubt the emotions contained within: ¡°After meeting someone like big brother and feeling how much big brother cared about me, there was no way I could like anyone else in the future... Dad, you haven¡¯t met big brother. If you did, you would understand how I feel. As far as I¡¯m concerned, there¡¯s no one else in the world like big brother. There¡¯s no one I¡¯ll be able to like wholeheartedly...like him.¡±

    Gu Qi finished listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and couldn¡¯t help revealing a concerned expression: ¡°But right now, you and...that big brother of yours are separated in two different worlds. Your feelings haven¡¯t born any fruit. My silly son, do you want to be alone your whole life? It¡¯s not worth it. You¡¯re still young, and you still have plenty of time to meet many more people. Maybe, when the timees, you will find someone you can grow old together with?¡±

    Gu Zuo forced a smile: ¡°Father was forced to leave us many years ago. Hasn¡¯t dad been waiting for him the entire time? Aren¡¯t you convinced that he¡¯ll be able toe see us sooner orter?¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s face flickered with a hint of reminiscence. After that, he earnestly said: ¡°But I know that your father wille back sooner orter, so I can certainly wait for an oue. Your case is different. That big brother of yours basically doesn¡¯t know about your feelings. Also, you and he are separated by two worlds. Maybe, one day in the future, he¡¯ll get married and have kids... You can¡¯t wait for him.¡±

    One side was the harmony of a couple, and the other side was unrequited longing. The differences were huge.

    The former left one worried, but despite all the hardships, there was always hope. However, thetter held hopes and expectations amid the hopelessness. As time passed, those positive emotions would be whittled away until only hopelessness was all that remained.

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    After that, he opened his mouth and said: ¡°Dad, even if waiting is meaningless, there won¡¯t be anyone else.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 395 - Meeting Master Zhang

    <h4>Chapter 395 - Meeting Master Zhang</h4>

    Gu Qi looked at his silly son¡¯s expression, and realized that he was already prepared to hang himself from this tree. Gu Qi couldn¡¯t help sighing inment: ¡°If there¡¯s anything you learned from your old man, it¡¯s how to be obstinate...¡±

    While speaking, he put some strength into his hands as he pressed down on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders: ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to return because you were worried about your old man? Now that you¡¯ve seen me, can you feel at ease? Although this guy is apanied by rtives, it will be his lover who can stand guard by his side for a lifetime. Your old man has spent half his life being stubborn, and I don¡¯t want this matter to entrap you...

    ¡°Son, since you decided to watch over that big brother of yours, why don¡¯t you think of a way to go back? I have some bank savings here, so there¡¯s no need for you to take care of me into retirement. Oh, just treat it like you¡¯re getting married and going abroad. It¡¯s no big deal, and there¡¯s no need to worry.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smile was pained: ¡°I can¡¯t go back.¡±

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Why not? Is that shuttle of yours not working?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°It sent me here, and doesn¡¯t have enough energy anymore. If it was over there, I could think of ways to replenish its energy, but in this ce, I don¡¯t know what kind of power it needs. This world might not have the corresponding energy...¡±

    Gu Qi couldn¡¯t bear to see his son¡¯s sullen and aggrieved appearance, so Gu Qi hugged him and pressed on his head: ¡°No matter what happens, don¡¯t always think the worst. Don¡¯t you have a system that¡¯s low on power? Once it¡¯s back on, just ask what energy the shuttle needs. After that¡¯s cleared up, you can think of a way to find it! This world of ours is indeed rtively scientific, but who knows whether those deep mountains and ancient forests hold anything useful? This is about human effort. Striving your hardest to find a solution is better than just foolishly waiting in your room by yourself, right?¡±

    As Gu Zuo continued to listen, his gaze also faintly shined.

    What his dad said made sense. Aftering back and seeing his dad¡¯s situation, he really did feel much more at ease. Perhaps... It was just that, before anything else, there was something that he absolutely had to do.

    Gu Zuo looked at his dad with a serious expression: ¡°Dad, I¡¯m grown up now. Can you tell me about what you know about father¡¯s information? At that time, why was father forced to leave? What¡¯s the origin of those people who took father away?¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s smile stiffened.

    Gu Zuo continued: ¡°The present me is alreadypletely different from the me back then. Maybe I can help father reunite with us a bit sooner? Dad, suppose that I¡¯m really going to think of all kinds of methods to find big brother. If you truly want me to leave with real peace of mind, I can only personally bring dad into father¡¯s care, and know that you guys will live properly and happily.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s expression gradually became somewhat solemn. It looked like he was carrying a bit of sorrow and regret: ¡°What you said is right. I really can tell you about my and your father¡¯s matter.¡±

    His cheerfulness suddenly turned gentle and soft, and his ever-optimistic voice also became tranquil and undisturbed: ¡°For this matter, I need to start from our backgrounds...¡±

    As for Gu Qi and Zhao Ji¡¯s backgrounds ¡ª Actually, there weren¡¯t any backgrounds.

    When they were two years old, they were both abandoned at the gates of an orphanage. One child was found by the orphanage matron as she was passing by, and the other was picked up from the foot of the wall as she wasing back. They were about the same age. From childhood, they liked to y together. And after growing up, they were inseparable.

    They went to elementary school, middle school, and high school at the same time. Because their achievements and performance records were always close, they shared the same sses and grades. As for going to a university, they passed the key points in both entrance examinations, and chose different majors of the same university.

    And just how good was the rtionship between these two people? Throughout their whole lives, they casually wore each other¡¯s clothing, ate and drank together, and used the bathroom together. Even though their temperaments were different, they were veryplementary. After so many years, they never quarreled. Even the orphanage matron once remarked that they looked closer than biological brothers.

    Because they supported and urged one another, their studies and grades were better than their peers. As a result, it seemed like they werepletely different from everyone else.

    Even their names ¡ª

    Because Gu Qi was already two years old when he arrived, he actually remembered what he was called. However, Zhao Ji, who almost froze to death in winter, wasn¡¯t the same. When he was young, the orphanage matron casually picked a nickname to call him by. Once he reached elementary school, he felt that his own name needed to have a bit of a connection to the littlepanion he liked the most.

    As a result, Zhao Ji considered things from all angles, and split Gu Qi¡¯s name into itsponent parts, Gu (¹Ë) and Qi (Ææ). Zhaogu (ÕÕ¹Ë) meant to care or look after someone. In the future, he wanted to look after Gu Qi, who was just one month younger than himself. As a result, his family name would be Zhao (ÕÕ). It was just that this character looked too ordinary, and he felt that he wasn¡¯t destined for mediocrity. Thus, he chose to use Zhao (•×) as his own family name instead. It sounded the same as the former, but it was more stylish. As for why he wanted to be called Zhao Ji (•×¼£), as it was exined earlier, he believed that he was definitely going to be a miracle, or Qiji (Ææ¼£)! Since he and Gu Qi shared such a good rtionship, he would ¡°reluctantly¡± bring him along on the road to sess...

    When Gu Qi spoke up to here, his features revealed a trace of a smiling expression. It seemed that there was a slight hint of sweetness.

    Gu Zuo had never heard that his father, who was always calm and unflustered in his memories, once had this kind of embarrassing incident. However, even from such a small matter, he could see how beautiful the memories his dad and father cherished were.

    Everything afterwards had been like a never-ending dream.

    When the two were in high school, Zhao Ji suddenly found that he hated it when Gu Qi talked to others, regardless of whether they were male or female. In the beginning, he didn¡¯t understand these feelings, but he was able to figure it out in the end. Because they were about to take the college entrance examinations, Zhao Ji suppressed his thoughts to the bottom of his heart. However, emotions were uncontroble, and Zhao Ji didn¡¯t want his feelings to negatively affect Gu Qi. Thus, imperceptibly, he seemed to distance himself from Gu Qi somewhat.

    However, Gu Qi was such close friends with Zhao Ji that they were practically the same person, and he quickly sensed that something was wrong with Zhao Ji. Since Gu Qi was a forthright person, he soon caught Zhao Ji and interrogated him.

    Afterwards, Zhao Ji was forced into a corner, and helplessly confessed his feelings. Gu Qi should¡¯ve rejected and turned away from Zhao Ji, but for some reason, after seeing Zhao Ji¡¯s usual indulgent expression, he inexplicably epted it.

    Of course, Zhao Ji was extremely happy. And to Gu Qi¡¯s own surprise, he felt absolutely no regrets. The feelings of these two people became even more harmonious. Considering that this kind of emotional road wasn¡¯t easy to tread upon, they strove even harder when it came to their studies. The achievements of their subsequent exams didn¡¯t leave them disappointed.

    Once they went to university, the two began their honeyed romance. Over the years, they had supported each other as family like a pair of fish in a drying pond, so their beloved¡¯s presence was as sweet and refreshing as fine wine. At the same time, they had the determination to stay together. Naturally, they wanted to try their best to umte capital in order to live a better life.

    Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were both capable people. Among them, Gu Qi studied medicine and Zhao Ji was engaged in business. The two went from working part-time outside of ss to ying the stock market to making venture capitalist investments. They saved up money bit by bit, and worked hard one step at a time. Gu Qi mainly studied medical expertise. He endeavored to be a famous doctor worthy of his lover¡¯s respect. He also learned many skills that could give the couple a steady livelihood. Meanwhile, Zhao Ji seemed insightful by nature. He could urately predict which stocks would rise and which businesses would earn money. Even if the earnings weren¡¯t big, they would always make a profit.

    Several plentiful years passed by just like this. When the two graduated university, Zhao Ji had already established a smallpany, and had some initial funds. As for Gu Qi, because his skills were outstanding, he quickly joined a private hospital with high requirements for its doctors. It was specialized in diagnosing and treating people who possessed considerable financial resources.

    While they were busily working, the feelings between the two never changed or wavered. They nned to get ¡°engaged¡± at the age of twenty, and promised themselves to each other. As water blended with milk, they achieved the most intimate of rtionships, connected in both body and mind. Although there were many temptations from the outside world, they still cherished one another the most, and never strayed emotionally in the least.

    Later on, Gu Qi picked up an infant ¡ª This baby appeared in the alleyway adjacent to the apartment room they recently purchased.

    Gu Qi felt that finding an infant just as they got married and established themselves proved that the baby might¡¯ve been a child bestowed by the heavens and shared a strong fate with them. Zhao Ji was in favor of Gu Qi¡¯s point of view. With almost no hesitation at all, they wanted to think of a way to adopt the infant.

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh: ¡°This baby was me, right?¡±

    Gu Qi nodded his head: ¡°It was you. Back then, I would always tussle with your father about our positions in the bedroom. Although he was far scrawnier than me, I unfortunately lost every time...¡±

    As he continued to speak, his face didn¡¯t redden and his heartbeat didn¡¯t jump: ¡°As a result, your father said his family name would follow after my own in all matters, and allowed you to take my family name.¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his head to look at his dad: ¡°Then, why am I called Gu Zuo?¡±

    Gu Qi answered in a straightforward manner: ¡°While you and I share the family name ¡®Gu¡¯, someone had etched the character ¡®Zuo¡¯ on your clothes at that time. Thinking that it might¡¯ve been left by your biological parents, your father and I simply decided to give you this as your first name.¡±

    Two fathers and one son formed a three-person family that was asforting and warm as an ordinary household. Originally, they ought to have continued living happily. Zhao Ji was going to earn money and provide a good life for his family. Gu Qi was going to be a great doctor and give his family a good reputation. Gu Zuo was going to grow up happy and blessed under the cherished care of his two fathers...

    However, when Gu Zuo was five years old, all of these beautiful things were smashed to pieces.

    That year, Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were twenty-six years old, and in the prime of their lives. They already gained the life conditions that many people could never obtain. While they weren¡¯t quite as well-off as the rich and wealthy, they themselves were very satisfied.

    But there suddenly came a day ¡ª When the two were right in the middle of celebrating Gu Zuo¡¯s birthday, a group of intruders came into their home and brought Zhao Ji away without any bystanders finding out.

    Gu Zuo vaguely remembered this incident. Clearly, everyone had been happy at the time, but the people who broke down the door, father who was overpowered despite his best efforts, and dad whose neck was nearly strangled... He ended up suppressing and forgetting some nightmarish scenes due to fear, but now, he gradually recalled the event.

    That group of people didn¡¯t hurt father at all, but they didn¡¯t shy away from him and dad. Afterwards, they even threatened father with the safety of him and dad. Father had no other choice but to go with the intruders.

    But at that moment, father also seemed to have said something...

    Gu Qi barely showed a smiling expression, but his eyes flickered with a trace of pain and sorrow: ¡°Your father said that if we were harmed in any way, no matter what the other party wanted him to aplish, he would rather die than do it. It looked like it was out of those people¡¯s hands, so this allowed your old man to get his life back.¡±

    Following this, Zhao Ji was taken away by the intruders. From then on, he disappeared from Gu Qi and Gu Zuo¡¯s lives. It also seemed like Zhao Ji¡¯spany never existed. All that remained were the millions of fluid funds in Gu Qi¡¯s debit card.

    The private hospital where Gu Qi worked at ended up dismissing him. He went to other hospitals to apply for positions, but never seeded. When he went looking for other jobs, he was rejected every step of the way. There was nothing he could do. With no better option, Gu Qi used his remaining bank savings, and properly raised Gu Zuo.

    For a very long time, Gu Qi hardly went out. But whenever he did, he always felt like someone was keeping a close eye on him. In the end, he could only choose to do some financial management online, pick up some trantion work, and earn enough to cover living expenses.

    This kind of life continued until Gu Zuo was twelve years old.

    Gu Zuo remembered that, at that time, they moved to a different apartment.

    Gu Qi sighed: ¡°Back then, someone came looking for your old man and brought news about your father. It was said that he was totally safe, but he had no way to escape. In order to let us keep our freedom, he found a gap in security and asked this person to send us off. Because that person used the deepest secret of me and your father to verify his identity, I believed him. Later on, he sent us here, and even the guardian when you were in school was reced by that person... This was to conceal our existences.¡±

    After that, Gu Qi handled matters even more judiciously. Hepletely removed his previous traces on the inte, and severed all connections with those he contacted. As before, he rarely went out. It was just that, year after year, he cautiously waited in this ce for that person to eventuallye back.

    It was only a pity that that instance was the first andst time he received any information about Zhao Ji. Afterwards, no one came even when Gu Zuo ¡°died¡±.

    Listening up to this point, Gu Zuomented: ¡°So, dad also doesn¡¯t know who took father away. You also don¡¯t know how father is doing right now?¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s eyes finally revealed a bit of exhaustion and weariness, but he quickly waved away any useless thoughts, and said: ¡°Based on what little I gleaned from that person who brought the information, I¡¯m specting that nothing bad has happened to your father. It also seems that those people share a bit of a blood rtionship with your father.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    If the people who took father really were rted by blood, then there was a reason not to hurt him.

    Could this matter really have been caused by his father¡¯s background? But back at the orphanage, his father had almost froze to death. He had been abandoned. After so many years, they came looking again and were still so tough and unyielding about it... No matter what it was based on, all of this was loathsome and hateful.

    After a long while, Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°The ones capable of achieving these things certainly aren¡¯t the average thugs. Dad, if we want to know about father¡¯s whereabouts, we¡¯ll have to get it from the hands of influential officials and aristocratic families that ordinary people can¡¯t see. However, if we want to develop a rtionship with those people and make discreet inquiries about father, we must use a brick as a door knocker.¡±

    Gu Qi listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s deadly earnest analysis. The pain caused by recalling the past had greatly dwindled, too. He pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°Son, what do you suggest?¡±

    Gu Zuo covered the half of his face that was pinched: ¡°I think that I can utilize my old profession.¡±

    What old profession?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s old profession was undoubtedly the only thing that he trained his skills in ¡ª As a pharmacist of the Central Continent.

    Then, what things could a pharmacist do?

    Obviously, it was to refine medicine and sell medicinal pills.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s Divine Medicine Pce Hall, there were still many medicinal ingredients. Yet, this world¡¯s ambient qi was extremely thin. It wasn¡¯t known if refining was possible.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t conflicted about this. Moreover, having already lost his dear big brother, he didn¡¯t want to see any objects that made him think about his beloved sweetheart.

    As such, without refining any medicinal pills, the things that Gu Zuo could take out were only what he had umted.

    The number of pills that Gu Zuo saved up formed mountains, and the varieties were too many to count. However, the tragic thing was that, although his medicinal pills were numerous, in this world which basically had no martial artists, the precious and applicable pills were simply useless!

    At this time, one had to ruefully sigh that Gu Zuo¡¯s luck was pretty good.

    Therge quantities of Qi Generating Pills and Rejuvenation Pills that he previously stockpiled were the two types of medicinal pills that he initially used to get rich in the Cangyun Empire ¡ª Among them, one type would shine brilliantly in this world.

    Right. It was the Rejuvenation Pill.

    This type of medicinal pill could treat a martial artist¡¯s internal injuries as well as any external injuries that weren¡¯t contaminated with the remnants of anomalous powers. The medicinal effects were very strong, and it was a pill that was indispensable to Houtian martial artists. Merely, when all was said and done, it was aimed at martial artists. The true qi within their bodies yed a big role when it came to disseminating and supporting the pill¡¯s medicinal power. However, the people of this world didn¡¯t have true qi. Thus, if they wanted to use it, they needed to conduct a certain level of dilution.

    Fortunately, the Rejuvenation Pills that Gu Zuo possessed were all top grade. The fewer the impurities in a medicinal pill, the easier it was to digest the medicinal power. The subsequent procedures that Gu Zuo was going to do wouldn¡¯t be that troublesome either.

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t understand this field at all, but once he witnessed a yellow-jade gourd appear in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand out of thin air, and smelled the rich pill fragrance that wafted out after it was uncorked, confidence bloomed in his heart.

    Perhaps, the person he thought he would have to wait for a lifetime to see again really could be reunited with them sooner than expected ¡ª All with the help of their son who obtained a fortuitous encounter!

    As such...

    Gu Qi took a look at what he could do, and silently made some ns.

    A car silently passed through the unending flow of traffic in the streets. After taking detours through several hidden routes, it entered a rtively quiet area.

    Zhang Bohan swerved the car, trailed along a wide and open thoroughfare, and transitioned onto a slope with a rather high terrain. Following this, an enormous iron gate that was at least twenty-odd meters tall appeared before their eyes as well as fleeting glimpses of vis.

    As it turned out, the Zhang Family ancestor decided to settle down in this city. At that time, they had the original vision to find a ce with excellent fengshui, buy arge plot of territory, and quickly hire people to n and construct this ce into the Zhang Family¡¯s ancestralnd.

    Slowly, one vi after another was built on this ancestralnd. As for the people who were capable of living here, they were either the descendants of the elders who seized power by following the Zhang Family ancestor, or the generations of ¡°retainers¡± who supported the Zhang Family, or the rtives who sprouted and multiplied from the Zhang Family¡¯splicated genealogical tree. Of course, from beginning to end, there was only one main branch. All the others were cadet branches.

    The so-called Zhang Family ancestral residence was the huge vi where the main branch lived. Generation after generation remodeled and expanded upon the building, which became the Zhang Family¡¯s official ancestral residence.

    Every year, all members of the Zhang Family woulde here to pay their respects. Normally, it was only the lineage of the main branch who could reside in this ce.

    ¡ª What was worth mentioning was that the Zhang Family used to conduct blood-soakedpetitions between the main branch and cadet branches. The winner would be the head of the family, and their lineage would be the main branch. After so many generations, most of the time, it was the original main branch that would win the position of the family head. And even though a cadet branch or two would asionally overturn the situation, the next generation of the main branch would always make aeback and return things to the status quo.

    The bullet-proof car quickly travelled to the front of the iron gates. Zhang Bohan extended his hand to an apparatus that a gate sentry had taken out. His five fingers were inserted inside. A couple secondster, the apparatus emitted a bright, yellow light. Soon after, the iron gates were opened. The bullet-proof car quickly glided inside.

    Gongyi Tianheng nced at Zhang Bohan¡¯s fingers.

    Just a moment ago, he smelled a trace of blood...

    Zhang Bohan noticed Tianheng¡¯s reaction, and exined to him: ¡°This is a gic testing device. Members of the Zhang Family, whether they¡¯re from the main branch or cadet branches, will have their own genes inputted into a gic warehouse after they¡¯re born. Every time that persones to the ancestral residence, they have to put their fingers into the device. It will draw minuscule drops of blood, and cross-reference the samples against the genes in the gic warehouse. Anyone who has a match is proven to be the original person, and they can go in. As for anyone without a match... Having used this kind of method to try and sneak into the ancestral residence, they will certainly be viewed as an enemy of my Zhang Family.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°How interesting.¡±

    Zhang Bohan gave a gentle smile: ¡°It¡¯s somewhat annoying, but the family¡¯s industries and properties are in a mess. If we don¡¯t want any idents happening, we can only do this.¡±

    The two spoke a few sentences. Meanwhile, the bullet-proof car had already entered a vast parking structure with many parking spaces. At this moment, there were already numerous vehicles that were properly parked inside.

    Zhang Bohan didn¡¯t hesitate in the least, and directly moved into one of the stalls of the first row. His position in the Zhang Family was just like his current parking spot. He always received the very best. Therefore, such a captivating level of authority caused those people who were biting at his heels to recklessly order a hit on him.

    Shortly thereafter, the two got out of the car.

    Zhang Bohan walked slightly in front, and guided Tianheng, whose demeanor was unbothered and whose posture was unhurried. Although his entire person was clothed in a semi-formal suit, besides a head of long hair that draped over his back, it seemed that he was no different from an ordinary person. Nheless, he still revealed a type of special, indescribable temperament that others couldn¡¯t ignore.

    In front of the ancestral residence were several straight-backed, elderly men. Their faces were carved with deep furrows and wrinkles. ording to reason, they should¡¯ve been decrepit and senile, but as they stood at the entrance, they appeared solemn, capable, and experienced. They were even brimming with the same type of feeling that exuded from that ancestral residence.

    Zhang Bohan took the initiative to speak: ¡°Butler Liu, Second Butler, Third Butler. I have returned. I have troubled you all these past few days to take care of grandfather and manage the household duties.¡±

    The leader, Butler Liu, showed a hint of a smile: ¡°Eldest young master, the family head is waiting for you inside. This eldest young master has made the family head quite worried recently. This one is afraid that a proper chat is needed.¡±

    Zhang Bohan also smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s only natural that I will need to have a clear discussion with grandfather. In addition, I also have this person I want to introduce to grandfather.¡±

    Butler Liu¡¯s gaze fell onto Tianheng. The moment anyone¡¯s eyes looked upon this person, they were subjected to a feeling of danger.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 396 - Help Me Find Someone

    <h4>Chapter 396 - Help Me Find Someone</h4>

    Butler Liu was born from one of the Zhang Family¡¯s ¡°retainer¡± families. Since childhood, he was part of a group of people who were trained by the Zhang Family as future managers of the ancestral residence. Later on, he strove to absorb everything he could utilize and worked tirelessly. After passing several tests, he finally obtained the authority of a butler. Then, among the butlers, he went through an intensepetition to follow this generation¡¯s family head, and served as the head butler for several decades ¡ª He was also the sole individual who could be designated as a named butler.

    Over the years, Butler Liu had seen many types of people. Some were secretive, whose information was only known by the family head. As the family head¡¯s most trusted confidante, he also knew numerous things. However, from Butler Liu¡¯s memories of ¡°those people¡± the Zhang Family feared, none of them possessed such a terrifyingly oppressive force as the one who appeared before them.

    Butler Liu¡¯s bearing immediately became more prudent. He restrained his gaze, and treated Gongyi Tianheng with the utmost courtesy and respect: ¡°Whom might this young master be?¡±

    Although he knew that this person hade over by following their family¡¯s eldest young master, as a man with extensive experience, how couldn¡¯t he see that their family¡¯s eldest young master treated this person with such a reverent attitude? Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t say anything like ¡°the eldest young master¡¯s friend¡±.

    Zhang Bohan exchanged nces with Butler Liu, and replied: ¡°Ah, right. He is called Gongyi Tianheng. He¡¯s my life-saving benefactor. During these days, if it wasn¡¯t for Mister Gongyi¡¯s help, I¡¯m afraid that I wouldn¡¯t havee back.¡±

    Butler Liu spoke to Tianheng: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Mister Gongyi, pleasee in.¡± Then, he said, ¡°The Zhang Family shall remember the life-saving favor of this sir.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Butler Liu¡¯s heart loosened slightly, but he still wore a sincere smile on his face: ¡°Sir, please follow me.¡±

    Subsequently, the matter of weing other family members was handed over to the second butler, third butler, and the rest. Using a type of respectful and well-regarded bearing, Butler Liu led Tianheng and Zhang Bohan into the ancestral residence. No matter who they met along the way nor how the others sized them up, Butler Liu kept his eyes trained forward as if he didn¡¯t see anything else.

    With the development of the times, the ancestral residence of the Zhang Family had also changed from a in and unadorned style to the currentrge-scale vi with an exterior thatbined simplistic and chic fashion as well as an iparably luxurious interior.

    After stepping past the threshold, they entered a spacious lounge with quite a few long tables set up. Everyone present was either beautifully clothed or immactely dressed, and all of them appeared modern and stylish.

    However, this was just a side hall. As they walked onward, they came to the main hall. In this ce, there were manyfortable sofas arranged in an orderly manner. On the centermost sofa sat several elders. Sitting and fawning on the side were loads of younger men and women. In addition, there were a few upper-ssdies who delivered fruit tters, teas and cakes, and other refreshments with graceful and elegant postures.

    It seemed that the inside and outside were two different worlds. Nheless, it was veryfortable and warm.

    When Zhang Bohan came in after following Butler Liu, someone saw his figure and promptly said: ¡°Our eldest young master has returned!¡±

    In the blink of an eye, a dignified and important-looking elder sitting on the main sofa turned his head and peered over. The elderly man¡¯s eyes suddenly flickered with a sharp, falcon-like gaze.

    After that, the elderly man waved his hand: ¡°Bohan,e here and let your grandfather take a look at you.¡±

    Zhang Bohan approached deferentially, but didn¡¯t forget to give an introduction on behalf of that cmity: ¡°Grandfather, this is your grandson¡¯s life-saving benefactor, Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    The elderly man ¡ª This generation¡¯s family head, Zhang Huiguo, had long taken note of this young person, and perceived Butler Liu¡¯s hints. There were some notions in his heart.

    But at this time, he still only nodded toward Tianheng: ¡°As it turns out, it¡¯s Bohan¡¯s benefactor... Mister Gongyi, please have a seat.¡±

    During this short conversation, nothing was covered up. Everyone who was sitting around clearly heard what was said. At the same time, those fellows who had various ns also picked out a few keywords from this exchange.

    Life-saving benefactor and Mister Gongyi.

    Within all of this, there were several things that could be contemted over.

    Zhang Bohan had been missing for several days. Amid the uncertainty, some information leaked out. The members of the Zhang Family naturally wouldn¡¯t ignore it, and each person would use other means to scout things out a few times. Among them, there was a reliable source of information that Zhang Bohan had already perished ¡ª It was said that all of those subordinates¡¯ corpses had already been found, but Zhang Bohan had been submerged in the river. Of course, there were still some doubts here. In the end, who was behind the incident? Quite a few people were suspected. Yet, amid this investigation, Zhang Bohan suddenly returned, which gave others the feeling that a storm was approaching.

    However, for those who had nothing to do with this matter, they only needed to consider whether their side¡¯s benefits would be affected. While they sat secure and firm as before, those responsible were panicked and rmed. This was because Zhang Bohan would definitely find out any ws and handle things thoroughly.

    People from several sides took measure of that ¡°life-saving benefactor¡± using unobtrusive nces.

    It wasn¡¯t known what role this Gongyi Tianheng would y in this little drama. Was he, this so-called benefactor, really a savior or was this person part of another one of the eldest young master¡¯s ns?

    But no matter what, under everyone¡¯s scrutinizing observations, Tianheng remained calm andposed. Additionally, they weren¡¯t able to overlook his excessively outstanding appearance and deportment.

    In a smooth and natural manner, Tianheng sat down on a vacated, upholstered armchair that was close to Zhang Huiguo. Likewise, Zhang Bohan found a nearby seat as well.

    Zhang Huiguo¡¯s expression was somewhat severe: ¡°Bohan, the matter of your disappearance needs to be carefully exined to me.¡±

    Zhang Bohan respectfully said: ¡°Yes, grandfather.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo faintly nodded. He stood up while clutching his walking stick, and steadily walked to the second floor: ¡°Come with me to the study.¡± He instructed Butler Liu, ¡°Old Liu, properly attend to Mister Gongyi on my behalf.¡±

    Then, he spoke to Tianheng: ¡°Pardon me, Mister Gongyi. I must take my leave first.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s lips curled into a grin. His voice was slightly low and gentle: ¡°No harm done.¡±

    In the split second he opened his mouth and spoke, his voice seemed to carry a deadly kind of magic that drew everyone¡¯s attention to him.

    Soon after, Tianheng quietly sat with upright poise. He only asionally spoke a couple sentences amid Butler Liu¡¯s seamless praises. However, with regards to the other members of the Zhang Family, he didn¡¯t pay the slightest bit of attention to them. Those people didn¡¯t have a clear grasp of his inside information. After some hesitation, none of them took the initiative to step forward and talk to him.

    After half an hour of this seemingly peaceful deadlock, someone came to Butler Liu¡¯s side, and whispered a few words into his ear.

    Butler Liu nodded his head without batting an eye. After that, he respectfully said to Tianheng: ¡°Mister Gongyi, the family head has requested for thee to go to the study for a chat.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, Butler Liu met Tianheng¡¯s unchanging eyes ¡ª He seemed to be aware of everything already? In other words, no matter what, there was no way to shock or rattle him? Butler Liu quickly waved those guesses away, smilingly guided the already-standing Tianheng straight to the study¡¯s doorway.

    The numerous Zhang Family members were left behind in the main reception hall. They looked at one another in dismay. Each of them had their own thoughts.

    Tianheng pushed open the study¡¯s door, and smelled the faint fragrance of books and ink. However, within the qi of these book fragrances, he didn¡¯t sense the same vestiges of power as those books from the continents he hailed from. Rather, it was very ordinary, stiff, and inflexible. There was only an extremely small number of overflowing qi emissions that had some detectable spiritedness.

    ¡ª Because he already understood this world¡¯s knowledge systems, Tianheng also realized that the things that gave this spirited sensation were probably handwritten a long time ago, while those things that felt rigid and immovable were the so-called printed materials.

    Of course, this wasn¡¯t too important.

    Tianheng lifted his eyes. What he saw was Zhang Huiguo and Zhang Bohan who were sitting next to a coffee table. The expressions of this grandfather and grandson pair were somewhat solemn, especially that of Zhang Bohan. His attitude toward Tianheng had changed even more ¡ª Besides the sense of revealed respect, his prudence and reverence had increased.

    When Tianheng entered, Zhang Huiguo took the initiative to stand up: ¡°Mister Gongyi, please have a seat.¡±

    His talking speed was slow. It seemed that he was deliberating over his words: ¡°Just a while ago, I slighted this sir. I hope thou doesn¡¯t take offense. Also, this sir had helped Bohan several times. My Zhang Family shall certainly repay this favor.¡±

    Tianheng sat down ordingly, and spoke in a measured voice: ¡°There is nothing to be slighted about. Master Zhang doesn¡¯t need to mind it. As for the matter of lending a hand, it was no more than lifting a finger.¡±

    Both of them were talking. However, although every word was no different from that of an ordinary conversation, the speed and tone of Tianheng¡¯s speech gave others a peculiar sense of rhythm that one couldn¡¯t help but carefully listen to. After that, others would feel that every word was very reasonable.

    Zhang Huiguo paused. His voice was somewhat aged and his bearing was somewhat hesitant ¡ª Or to say, it carried a bit of caution and solemnity: ¡°Mister Gongyi, I have a question, and I¡¯m not sure if I should ask it or not...¡± His fingers were sying over the knob of his walking stick, and seemed to tighten slightly, ¡°Is thine identity...an ancient martial artist?¡±

    Tianheng brows faintly moved: ¡°Ancient martial artist?¡±

    Zhang Huiguo hesitated even more: ¡°When thou saved Bohan, the power used was very strange. Though this one is untalented, I had once seen some ancient martial artists. They possessed a type of internal power. Reportedly, thou could achieve a simr effect. I had this conjecture when I heard Bohan bring this up. I don¡¯t know whether or not it¡¯s correct.¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment, and replied: ¡°I really am a martial artist, but I don¡¯t know anything about this ancient martial artist you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo¡¯s expression loosened, and his smile became more eager: ¡°In that case, may I presume that Mister Gongyi doesn¡¯t know about the Ancient Martial Artists Association?¡±

    Tianheng gently shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo didn¡¯t ask where he learned his skills from. It was because he more or less understood that an ancient martial artist¡¯s inheritance was a secret. If he tried to get to the root of the matter, perhaps it would instead make the other party unhappy. On the contrary, what was important was the ancient martial artist himself ¡ª If he was a member of the Ancient Martial Artists Association and his Zhang Family made friends with him, then they might be able to build a rtionship with the association. And if he wasn¡¯t a member of the association, then that would be even better. They might be able to rope in this ancient martial artist.

    As a result, Zhang Huiguo quickly said: ¡°Does Mister Gongyi have any intentions of joining the Ancient Martial Artists Association? Although my Zhang Family leaves much to be desired, if this sir so wishes, we will do everything in our power to knock upon their doorstep and rmend thee.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I have always liked my freedom. I¡¯m not that interested in the Ancient Martial Artists Association.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo was silent for a short while. Following this, he sounded things out: ¡°Mister Gongyi, how do you feel...about my Zhang Family?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled.

    Everyone here was intelligent. While Zhang Huiguo was a crafty, old fox, he repeatedly deliberated when faced with what he believed was an ancient martial artist. Nevertheless, he only brought up the subject tactfully, and didn¡¯t make any schemes. Firstly, even if such schemes bore results, ancient martial artists were arrogant and unyielding. Later on, perhaps he would end up overreaching himself. Secondly, during Zhang Bohan¡¯s brief recounting, Zhang Huiguo already realized that this ancient martial artist¡¯s disposition wasn¡¯t as gentle and mild as what was currently disyed ¡ª What¡¯s more, such temperament and meticulous thinking made one feel that this fellow had long resided in high-ranked positions. In a moment of carelessness, he might think himself clever and end up offending someone to death.

    The facts of the matter were precisely so. Tianheng had been at the very top ever since he was born. Even in Qingyun Sect, he had never been reprimanded. He had long be ustomed to controlling the overall situation. Although there were many times when he was lenient and tolerant, that also depended on his mood ¡ª As it happened, he had recently received a blow from his little pharmacist. Even if he persuaded himself to make the corresponding decision, that shard of sorrow was still firmly lodged at the bottom of his heart.

    Fortunately, Zhang Huiguo relied on his intuition, which he used to brave through great storms over the many years, and made the most correct choice. This allowed Tianheng to think twice before anything else. He opened his mouth and said: ¡°I¡¯m aware of your intentions, and it¡¯s not like we can¡¯t cooperate.¡±

    The smiling expression on Zhang Huiguo¡¯s face deepened: ¡°Would this sir please borate?¡±

    During this back and forth exchange, Zhang Bohan didn¡¯t interrupt the talks, but the shock in his heart was by no means small.

    Originally, he felt that Tianheng was very scary, but at the same time, he also felt that his grandfather would be able to handle the situation after this person was brought over.

    But now, when Zhang Bohan truly witnessed the meeting between the two and listened to the discussion of both parties, intentional or otherwise, he unexpectedly discovered that his grandfather¡¯s attitude towards Tianheng was even more cautious than his own... This couldn¡¯t help but cause his heartstrings to stretch taut.

    At the same time, he abruptly understood that his action of rashly bringing Tianheng to meet his grandfather was actually very dangerous ¡ª Although the circumstances at that time forced him into making that choice, he also believed that the protective power of the ancestral residence was strong enough.

    Zhang Bohan immediately felt a lingering fear, and broke out in a cold sweat.

    Perhaps, one could only say that his luck this time around wasn¡¯t bad... At this very moment, he was even more vignt of the ¡°ancient martial artists¡± mentioned by his grandfather. He wanted to understand the existences of the ancient martial artists as well as the organization known as the Ancient Marital Artists Association.

    On the other side, Zhang Huiguo and Tianheng already had the intention of deepening their connection.

    Tianheng¡¯s index finger lightly tapped on the armrest. As his finger fell again and again, it seemed like he was in the middle of pondering something. After this short period passed, he said: ¡°From what I understand, the Zhang Family¡¯s forces aren¡¯t small.¡±

    He raised his eyes, and looked at Zhang Huiguo¡¯s expression, which hadn¡¯t undergone any peculiar changes. He slowly continued: ¡°Then, if you guys want to find a person¡¯s whereabouts, it would be presumably easy.¡±

    At first, Zhang Huiguo was still thinking about the reason why this ancient martial artist was willing to associate with ordinary people like them. While he was happy, he naturally had precautions. But now he heard this ¡ª The first matter that this sir raised was actually to find someone?

    It wasn¡¯t known what kind of person he was looking for, or if there was anything troublesome about that person. However, anyone capable of making an ancient martial artist pay that much attention to them should¡¯ve been extraordinary.

    Zhang Huiguo slowly nodded his head: ¡°The Zhang Family can still handle a few matters. If it¡¯s finding a person, it¡¯s probably within our capabilities.¡± He paused, ¡°Could it be that Mister Gongyi wants to find someone?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°That¡¯s right. So long as you guys help me find this person, I can allow you guys to take some things you¡¯ll need ¡ª¡± He looked Zhang Huiguo in the eyes, ¡°For example, martial skills and the like.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted: ¡°Martial skills ¡ª The types that this sir uses? The special powers exclusive to ancient martial artists?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°More or less.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo¡¯s breathing quickened. His chest faintly moved up and down.

    Ancient martial artists were rarely seen. The Ancient Martial Artists Association was also mysterious. It was to the point that the general poption didn¡¯t even know about them. As for an aristocratic family like the Zhang Family, they had only caught wind of names and asionally saw a few members in that organization. This definitely wasn¡¯t a grassroots organization, but rather, an independent and detached force that was tacitly epted by, and inextricably linked with, the nation. While their Zhang Family had history, they were exceedingly careful over the generations. It could be said that they were dancing on a knife¡¯s edge. A moment of carelessness, and the family would be plunged into a decline. This was because their foundations were insufficient. Even though they had built many connections, those rtionships weren¡¯t that sturdy or reliable.

    However, the Ancient Martial Artists Association wasn¡¯t the same. The number of people they took in was very small, but the Zhang Family had learned from a few channels that the various aristocratic families and ns in the capital city had some children who shared deep ties with this association. It could be said that if the family¡¯s younger generations could be epted into this association, the Zhang Family¡¯s whitewashing would be even easier and its foundations would be even stronger. It also wouldn¡¯t be so easily to purge it.

    However, Zhang Family wasn¡¯t strong enough for the members of the Ancient Martial Artists Association to take the initiative to recruit their children. If they wanted to get closer to this association, they could only search for ancient martial artists to practice martial arts. After instructing their outstanding younger generations, they could think of a way to join the association. However, ancient martial artists weren¡¯t cabbages lying on the side of the road, either. The Zhang Family wouldn¡¯t have been able to find this kind of person. And even if they did, the other party wouldn¡¯t necessarily be willing to provide serious guidance. If the teaching wasn¡¯t taken seriously, what was the point of talking about outstanding younger generations?

    Tianheng¡¯s appearance was undoubtedly the Zhang Family¡¯s fortuitous and sweet rainfall after a long drought. Originally, Zhang Huiguo thought that, since the other party wasn¡¯t a member of the association, perhaps this ancient martial artist would loosen his mouth and provide teaching if they roped him in and treated him well. However, he didn¡¯t expect that this ancient martial artist would openly put forward conditions and agree to teach martial skills. This couldn¡¯t help but make Zhang Huiguo feel wild with joy. As such, gasping out of excitement was only natural human behavior.

    They only needed to find one person...

    Zhang Huiguo swiftly calmed himself, and returned to his normal state of rigorous ns and deep insight. Though, his urgent tone still revealed his eagerness: ¡°This sir wants to find someone? The Zhang Family will certainly spare no effort!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was serene and deep: ¡°He¡¯s called Gu Zuo. He¡¯s a young man of twenty years.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo didn¡¯t hear anything else, and was stunned: ¡°There are only these pieces of information?¡±

    At this time, Zhang Bohan also understood many things, and suddenly asked: ¡°There are certainly many people with this name and age. Mister Gongyi, do you have a photo of this person in your possession?¡±

    Tianheng already knew what a photo was, and gently shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t have any.¡±

    Zhang Bohan asked further: ¡°Do you know the address where he lived in the past?¡±

    Tianheng shook his head again: ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Zhang Bohan was silent.

    But, after thinking about it, this wasn¡¯t strange. If the other party knew everything, then there basically wasn¡¯t any need to look for their Zhang Family to check. In other words, theck of information created a favorable position for the use of their skills.

    At this time, Zhang Huiguo started to plot and calcte. Within the family, there were younger generations who were experts with regards to the inte and electronic information. In addition, there were some descendants working in the government who should be able to contribute. If all of these people were brought out for aplete investigation, conducting side-by-sideparisons and running through checklists one by one would require a bit more time...

    However, at this moment, Tianheng said: ¡°Take out a set of paper and brush. I can draw out his features.¡±

    This request was a little strange.

    He didn¡¯t have a photo, but he could draw a picture?

    However, when considering ancient martial artists, they all had some entricities. Zhang Bohan didn¡¯t make any objections, and only quickly got up and looked for a paper and pencil ¡ª Right before he left, he suddenly thought of something, and inexplicably asked: ¡°What kind of ¡®paper and pencil¡¯ does this sir want?¡±

    Tianheng also recalled the problem of this world¡¯s pen and ink, and answered: ¡°A writing brush and the ink from an ink stone will suffice.¡±

    Zhang Bohan: ¡°...¡±

    He almost went to fetch a sketching pencil and white paper.

    Fortunately, he made sure to ask.

    It was just that things drawn with a brush were generally simr in spirit, but not in shape. Was this really going to be useful?

    Tianheng quickly demonstrated to them what it meant to use a brush to draw an image that reflected both shape and spirit. He wielded the brush as it flew across the paper, and used less than fifteen minutes to draw a young man with a spirited and elegant appearance. When Tianheng was painting the young man¡¯s eyes, the young man seemed toe alive. The image was so lifelike that he was practically leaping right off the paper.

    Zhang Huiguo couldn¡¯t help but exim in admiration at this ancient martial artist¡¯s painting skills.

    Zhang Bohan also felt that, with this painting, it would be much easier to find the young man so long as they made reasonable use ofputer technology.

    Tianheng put down the writing brush, and spoke in a gentle and mild voice: ¡°I believe in the Zhang Family¡¯s strength, so I¡¯m also willing to pay a certain price.¡±

    He ascertained that the other two were listening well, and clearly stated: ¡°If you can find him within one day, I will take out three types of martial skills. If he¡¯s found within two days, it¡¯ll be two types. And if three days are spent, there will only be one type of martial skill. Of course, if he can¡¯t be found in three days, then I can only doubt the Zhang Family¡¯s capabilities. Then, I will find another family for help.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo took a deep breath. Soon after, he calmly said: ¡°The Zhang Family won¡¯t disappoint this sir.¡± He said to his grandson, ¡°Bohan, this matter will be handed over to you. If you seed, you can immediately be the heir of the Zhang Family. Everyone in your generation and even those of the previous generation will follow your lead.¡±

    He enunciated the following sentences one word at a time: ¡°You must handle this matter properly. The Zhang Family¡¯s manpower is yours tomand.¡±

    Zhang Bohan¡¯s expression hardened: ¡°Grandfather, rest assured. I will aplish this as soon as possible!¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up slightly. He seemed to show a satisfied smile.

    Perhaps, generous rewards created courageous men. Zhang Bohan¡¯s work ethic was pretty good, and the Zhang Family¡¯s capabilities were also rather powerful. After approximately one day passed, there was news.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 397 - Heâ€™s Dead?

    <h4>Chapter 397 - He¡¯s Dead?</h4>

    As Gongyi Tianheng flipped through the thin dossier, he listened to Zhang Bohan¡¯s exnation. Following this, he found out what he wanted to know.

    Zhang Bohan said: ¡°With regards to the person this sir wants to find, his information had been erased by another person¡¯s subordinate, and any traces of their lives had been removed as well. The organization that erased this information is very powerful. What my Zhang Family could find is only news within the past eight years. It¡¯s unknown where these two people came from, and their identities are also unknown.¡±

    Nevertheless, because they had an image of Gu Zuo¡¯s appearance, they tapped into numerous school databases, and found a few clues. If it wasn¡¯t for this, it might¡¯ve been impossible for them to proceed.

    Speaking up to here, Zhang Bohan¡¯s expression was tinged with an almost indiscernible nervousness: ¡°It¡¯s just that, five years ago, that young man...already passed away in a traffic ident.¡±

    He didn¡¯t know why Tianheng wanted to find this young man, but he only hoped that the other party wouldn¡¯t go back on their deal or take out his anger on them due to this matter.

    Contrary to expectations, Tianheng didn¡¯t have any intentions of venting his anger. His fingers were swiftly turning the pages. In less than a minute, he read through all of the information.

    There were no discrepancies between the contents within and what Zhang Bohan said. However, unlike the anxious Zhang Bohan, he was able to notice some things between the lines.

    Eight years ago, they moved locations and erased their traces... This indicated that there was something about his little pharmacist¡¯s past that couldn¡¯t be made known to outsiders. As for the traffic ident five years ago ¡ª This reminded him of his first encounter with Gu Zuo.

    However, ording to the information, Gu Zuo had indeed been hit by a truck, and all that remained was a dead body. If Gu Zuo travelled to his world through the system¡¯s actions, then what was going on with that dead body? Based on his current understanding, if a martial artist or pharmacist died, it was impossible to be resurrected. And since Gu Zuo was alive, that corpse naturally couldn¡¯t have been the real Gu Zuo.

    Yes, and if it wasn¡¯t the real Gu Zuo, it was possible to simply make a simr replica of flesh and blood. At the time of the ident, everything happened too quickly. Who would suspect that the dead body was a fake one? It would¡¯ve been easy for the system toe along, and steal a rafter only to rece it with a column.

    Tianheng had several such trains of thought running through his mind.

    His fingers slowlynded on a certain line of words on thest page ¡ª Written here was the current address of Gu Zuo¡¯s sole living rtive.

    It was only a pity that the Zhang Family was based in Q City, and that address was stated to be in A City.

    Tianhengughed softly. His palm flipped over.

    In an instant, a wisp of scorching power burst forth from the hollow of his palm. Although he neither showed the mountains nor revealed the rivers, Zhang Bohan and Zhang Huiguo suddenly sensed that the temperature inside the room had abruptly risen. Soon after, theirplexions changed.

    As it turned out, when the temperature increased to a certain degree, that thin stack of papers spontaneouslybusted without any mes whatsoever! Moreover, in just a blink of an eye, it had been burnedpletely, leaving no ashes.

    Zhang Bohan sucked in a cold breath: ¡°This is a martial skill?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Zhang Bohan clenched his fingers into fists: ¡°Are the ones that this sir will teach meparable to ¡ª¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was low and unhurried: ¡°If you so choose, this naturally can be counted among them.¡±

    Zhang Bohan¡¯s heart was filled with joy.

    As for Zhang Huiguo, his old eyes slightly squinted. He gained a new understanding of Tianheng¡¯s level of danger.

    Fortunately, this person meant what he said.

    It seemed that he really was a person of character.

    As such, no matter what the cost, they needed to preserve this ¡°friendship¡±!

    ¡ª After the elder and younger leaders of the Zhang Family witnessed the power of Tianheng¡¯s martial skill, the services provided in all aspects became even more thoughtful and considerate. Thus, when Tianheng mentioned that he wanted to pay a visit to A City, Zhang Huiguo took the initiative to speak up, and allowed Zhang Bohan apany him. The family head also allocated a dozen or so bodyguards, and chartered a special ne to pick them up.

    Tianheng himself could¡¯ve circted his profound qi to hasten the journey, but he chose not to for two reasons. Firstly, one had to follow the local customs when entering a vige. And secondly, the special ne¡¯s velocity was somewhat faster than his own top speeds. This way, he could save some strength.

    As for the matter of Zhang Bohan and the bodyguards apanying him, Tianheng didn¡¯t have any intentions of refusing ¡ª He had often experienced simr shows of such extravagance.

    Tianheng¡¯s disy of calmposure made Zhang Bohan guess about his identity even more. This personage wasn¡¯t from the Ancient Martial Artists Association, but he couldn¡¯t find any information about him at all, nor could he find any trace of his existence. W-wasn¡¯t this just too strange? Merely, while the Zhang Family knew about such doubts, they would always be kept buried at the bottom of their hearts.

    Under Zhang Bohan¡¯s eager and expedient lead, Tianheng directly boarded an airne at the back of the Zhang Family¡¯s ancestral residence.

    The distance between Q City and A City wasn¡¯t considered too far. The ne was flown smoothly, so the total trip didn¡¯t even reach an hour ¡ª After Tianheng closed his eyes for a short while, the nended without a hitch.

    Soon after, Tianheng¡¯s group headed toward the address he memorized.

    In the past two days, Gu Qi and Gu Zuo held deep discussions on how they were going to utilize the Rejuvenation Pills, establish awork to find Zhao Ji¡¯s whereabouts, and think of a way to save him.

    The most important point among these things was that the two of them were just regr civilians. They didn¡¯t have power or authority. Even though they had good things in their possession, they didn¡¯t have any means to convince other people ¡ª To say nothing of building any routes formunication or trade.

    As such, the top priority was how they were going to convince others.

    Gu Qi was once a brilliantly-skilled doctor. The ce where he used to work at had been a private hospital that specialized in treating high officials and noble persons. Although he had been ¡°cklisted¡± by someone, that period of job experience let him know about some channels.

    As a result, he had a notion. If he found a reliable person from the contact details he previously obtained, and divulged a few things in that person¡¯s presence, perhaps they could work together.

    Gu Zuo approved of Gu Qi¡¯s proposal. Those who had the right skills in hand needed a patron willing to utilize those skills to maximize the benefits.

    It was just that the question of this patron...was a very serious one.

    Of course, Gu Zuo also knew that this matter couldn¡¯t be rushed, and said: ¡°There are very few people in this world who are as courageous as my big brother. I also don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be so lucky as to meet someone like him. Thus, how we go about it will depend on the effects. For the next two days, I will dilute the Rejuvenation Pills, but the specific effects still have to be tested.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Qi said: ¡°Leave the matter of testing to me.¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°It would be better to spend money and hire someone else...¡±

    Gu Qi smiled, and straightforwardly ruffled and messed up Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°What are you afraid of? The Rejuvenation Pill¡¯s effect is to treat injuries, and it¡¯s a versatile treatment method. After the dilutions, there definitely won¡¯t be any negative effects. Besides, with you by my side, even if there¡¯s a one-in-a-million chance that I can¡¯t bear the medicinal effects, won¡¯t you be able to pull me back from the brink?¡±

    He looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s brows, which were still furrowed, and continued: ¡°When all is said and done, the Rejuvenation Pill is our current trump card. It wouldn¡¯t be good to expose it to those who aren¡¯t coborators ahead of time. So stop worrying, and leave it to me for testing. Who knows? Maybe it can make my outer appearance a bit younger?¡±

    Gu Zuo heard these things, and took measure of Gu Qi.

    Speaking of which, although his dad had tried his best to live optimistically over the years, because of the separation of his long-time partner and the pain of grieving his son, Gu Qi became physically and emotionally exhausted. Not to mention anything else, but his appearance had also changed a lot. It wasn¡¯t known how many internal injuries had rued within his body.

    The Rejuvenation Pill didn¡¯t have any effects that maintained a youthful appearance, but since it was a type of versatile medicine for treatment, perhaps it could fix both his internal and external injuries. In fact, it also possessed a certain nourishing function ¡ª At the very least, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems returning dad to the same radiant healthiness as other normal people his age.

    After hesitating for a moment, Gu Zuo firmly made a decision.

    Right. This world was different from the other world. It was modernized and governed byws. He had to be even more careful about many things.

    Moreover, he also had to believe in his own skills.

    Thinking as such, Gu Zuo conscientiously took out some top-notch spring water, and started to dilute the Rejuvenation Pills.

    Since it was his dad who would be testing it, he needed to dilute the solution thoroughly...

    Off to the side, Gu Qi watched as Gu Zuo bustled around. While he couldn¡¯t understand the process too clearly, he also felt that it looked very cool.

    However, at this time, someone came and knocked on the door.

    Gu Qi nced at Gu Zuo, and saw that he waspletely focused on what he was doing. As a result, Gu Qi stood up, and went to the doorway.

    He opened the door ¡ª

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 398 - Reunited

    <h4>Chapter 398 - Reunited</h4>

    A young man was standing just outside the threshold.

    At first nce, Gu Qi couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback.

    It wasn¡¯t known how old this person was, but that face was so beautiful that it shocked heaven and earth, and moved the gods and ghosts to tears. Even though his current expression was normal, it seemed to bear its own holy light. His clothes were also quite simple. It was a set of ordinary, casual clothes, but even with such clothing, he could still cloak himself in a special type of dazzling aura.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    Who was this?

    He thought that the oneing this time was the person who collected the electrical bill.

    After that, the young man opened his mouth. His voice was gentle, soft, and pleasant on the ears. Although that smiling expression was light and indifferent, it still seemed to break the ice ¡ª If not, one could also say that it had the same effect as a hundred flowers in full bloom.

    ¡°Excuse me, may I ask if you are Uncle Gu Qi?¡±

    At first, Gu Qi¡¯s eyes were dazed, but he quickly paid attention to an important point.

    U-uncle Gu?

    Indeed, he was thirty-something years old, but wasn¡¯t that still in the prime of a man¡¯s life? This fellow was very young, but he also looked to be in his early twenties. Gu Qi didn¡¯t feel that he had reached the age of an uncle. He would ept being called ¡°older brother¡±!

    However, these thoughts only flitted by in an instant. Gu Qi¡¯s mood swiftly changed, and hisplexion became somewhat heavy: ¡°Who are you? What business brings you here?¡±

    He remembered that, apart from the person who collected the bills for this ce¡¯s plumbing and electricity, basically no one else woulde looking for him. He also didn¡¯t take the initiative to get acquainted with anyone ¡ª If he had seen a young man with such good looks and manners, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have forgotten it. As such, he had never met this person before.

    At this moment, Gu Qi already had an unsettling guess in mind.

    They shouldn¡¯t have been suddenly found by the forces that took away Zhao Ji, right? If it was like this, could it be that this person was sent to arrest them?

    ...Compared to the group fromst time, this person had a better understanding of courtesy.

    However ¡ª

    Gu Qi forced himself to remain calm, but he didn¡¯t intend to let this person inside.

    In any case, everyone believed that his son was dead. Thus, so long as he left with this person at this time, his son¡¯s existence wouldn¡¯t be discovered. It was just a pity that his son would have to think of a way to save both his dad and father.

    The young man at the doorway saw Gu Qi¡¯s facial expressions change several times. How couldn¡¯t he notice what the other was feeling? He couldn¡¯t help but think about the person he cared about, and his gaze promptly softened.

    Immediately following which, he said: ¡°Uncle Gu, why don¡¯t we go inside and talk?¡±

    Gu Qi was startled, and blurted out: ¡°What do you have to say that can¡¯t be discussed out here?¡±

    The young man smiled and said nothing, but such a disy was enough to prove that he wasn¡¯t going to listen to Gu Qi.

    Gu Qi was shocked and suspicious, but he still wasn¡¯t prepared to invite this person in ¡ª He needed to protect his son.

    Both of them were staring each other down. Unexpectedly, they were deadlocked at the door.

    At this very moment, Gu Qi only felt that time was passing like a crawling tortoise. It was truly too slow. During this exchange, he didn¡¯t know how long they were stuck in this deadlock. As it happened, he didn¡¯t dare let this person inside, but he also didn¡¯t dare to close the door. It wasn¡¯t good to call attention to this&#k2026; Torn with anxiety, there wasn¡¯t any need to mention how fretful he was.

    He racked his brains thinking of a way to alert his son in the next room so that Gu Zuo could escape quickly!

    ...Unfortunately, there was no way.

    In the room, Gu Zuo used a thousand-to-one ratio to dilute the Rejuvenation Pills, and made arge jar of Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid. The color and luster was a light-yellow, but it glimmered with gem-like qualities.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s constitution, tasting a sample of this thing would have no effect on him. As such, if he wanted to know the specific effects of the medicinal liquid, he needed to let Gu Qi try it.

    Hence, Gu Zuo lifted his head, and opened his mouth to call out ¡ª Who would¡¯ve thought he would soon discover that his dad wasn¡¯t even in the room?

    He stood up, and walked out of the room. He intended to look for Gu Qi¡¯s trail.

    However, just as he left the room, he found that Gu Qi was actually standing at the entrance.

    The door was opened wide, and there ought to have been someone outside. Yet, Gu Qi wasn¡¯t speaking. From his dad¡¯s tensed figure, he could tell that the person outside hade with ill intentions!

    Gu Zuo suddenly recalled the members of that mysterious organization, and his heartstrings stretched taut. At once, he took the lead, and rushed over in a few steps. He prepared to use his psychic power to immediately put that person down. Then, he woulde up with a n!

    At worst, they would need to change locations ¡ª With the special abilities he currently possessed, hiding his dad wouldn¡¯t be a problem! Perhaps, he could simply follow the vine to get the melon, and find those people!

    Having made a decision, he took action. Gu Zuo shed away, and appeared at the entrance. He suddenly pulled Gu Qi behind himself. The space between his eyebrows swelled with heat, and an intangible ray of psychic power was about to burst forth!

    Whoosh!

    A silvery light suddenly tore through the air!

    However, the instant that this ray of silvery light approached the other party, it was scattered by an even swifter and fiercer qi energy. Both sides collided in a brilliant shower of light, which revealed the true identity of the person at the door.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°? ? ?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°! ! !¡±

    The corner of that person¡¯s mouthnguidly arched up: ¡°Ah Zuo, it has only been a few days since we¡¯ve seen each other. And this is how you¡¯re going to wee me?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s emotional state was like a volcanic eruption. It was like he had been struck by lightning bolts, and not an inch of his person had been left unscathed. His mind waspletely nk.

    Mouth agape and tongue tied, his face was flushed and his ears were reddened with excitement: ¡°B-b-big brother?!¡±

    The person whom he called out to faintly flickered. In a sh, he appeared right in front of Gu Zuo. Soon after, he reached out his hands and pressed down on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders. Gongyi Tianheng lowered his head slightly. They were so close that the tips of their noses almost touched... Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help bing even more nervous.

    Following this, the person¡¯s face tilted to the side. His lips moved next to Gu Zuo¡¯s ear, and he quietly spoke: ¡°Ah Zuo, you cruelly deceived your elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo was already as stiff as a zombie.

    His forehead was suddenly dampened with tiny beads of sweat, and his heart abruptly surged with the greatest terror. He was afraid.

    What was terrifying was that he really did conceal many things from his big brother. If it was considered a deception, that was also a matter of course... However, what he was actually afraid of was that his big brother would never forgive him.

    Only Gu Qi, who had been protected by his own son, saw the young man¡¯s strange disy. He also heard the peculiar conversation between his son and that young man ¡ª After finally sorting out the information within all of this, Gu Qi suddenly understood. It seemed that this young man was his son¡¯s adoptive big brother? Didn¡¯t his son say that this guy had been thrown off? Why did he appear in this ce? It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that this person appeared out of thin air!

    Gu Qi was somewhat conflicted.

    If this was his son¡¯s adoptive older brother, calling him ¡°uncle¡± wasn¡¯t wrong... However, the adoptive brother and his son were now ready to fight with swords drawn and bows bent. This wasn¡¯t the time or ce to fight! Based on their physical bodies, if they really fought, his son was certainly going to lose. Moreover, his son was in the wrong. As the father, it wouldn¡¯t be good to interfere...

    On the other side of things, Gu Zuo sensed his dear big brother¡¯s breaths softly caressing his ear. Obviously, his heart was filled with feelings for this person, but in such an ambiguous scene, he couldn¡¯t think of anything charming or gentle.

    His body lightly shuddered. He realized that what he previously imagined to be the worst possible thing that could happen was actually happening. In actuality, he didn¡¯t n on hiding anything at all. He intended to confess his feelings, too. It was just that the worst oue had urred. Before he had time to confess, he ¡°dumped¡± his big brother. And now, the entire affair had been made known to his big brother!

    ¡ª Yes. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t once doubt his big brother¡¯s intelligence. Furthermore, considering that his big brother was capable of finding this ce, even if Tianheng didn¡¯t know the full story, he surely guessed eighty to ny percent of it.

    His mind was aplete mess.

    The only thing that Gu Zuo could do was to muster up all of his strength, tremblingly reach out a hand,tch onto that person¡¯s arm, and quiveringly say: ¡°Big brother, I...¡±

    He wanted to say that it wasn¡¯t done deliberately. He also wanted to clearly exin himself. But in the end, it transformed into a single sentence: ¡°I...I¡¯m sorry...¡±

    Seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s miserable appearance, Tianheng¡¯s gaze deepened slightly. After that, his voice dropped even lower: ¡°Since Ah Zuo was in the wrong, you¡¯ll go with me now. Okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo was still in a state of confusion. He vaguely nodded his head in an obedient manner: ¡°Okay. Big brother, don¡¯t be mad...¡±

    Tianheng softly said: ¡°Very good.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Tianheng took action in a split second. He hoisted Gu Zuo up, and threw him over his own shoulder. Unexpectedly, Tianheng was going to lug him around like a sack of rice ¡ª Compared to the previous treatment of being piggybacked all the time, this was naturally lessfortable.

    Hanging upside-down, Gu Zuo rocked back and forth as Tianheng walked away. He suddenly snapped out of it: ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s also my dad ¡ª¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled at Gu Qi: ¡°Uncle Gu, pleasee along.¡±

    Gu Qi was at a loss for words.

    This was a face-to-face meeting, so why was his son being carried away on some guy¡¯s shoulder? There were so many questions in his heart! He felt that there was something wrong with this spectacle before his eyes, but the most crucial point was that he couldn¡¯t allow anyone to take his son away!

    Hence, he hurriedly locked the door, and dashed off.

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t walking very fast. With Gu Qi chasing after them, it didn¡¯t take long for him to catch up. He exchanged nces with his son, who was being carried, and found that this son of his seemed to be sighing in relief.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    Today, they really had bumped into a bad influence.

    Yet, why did he still feel that something fishy was going on?!

    This feeling only deepened when Gu Qi discovered a row of bodyguards outside the neighborhood. After they were stuffed into a car by these bodyguards, driven to a private airport nearby, and directly shuttled onto that private ne, that feeling of wrongness surged.

    Didn¡¯t his son say that this guy was from another world? Why was the feeling he gave others right now the same as that of an upper-ss individual who was born and raised here? His son wouldn¡¯t recognize the wrong person!

    With such disordered thoughts running through his mind, Gu Qi sat next to Gu Zuo. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo had already been set down by Tianheng, and buckled into a spacious seat on the ne.

    Gu Zuo distractedly stared at Tianheng, who was sitting on his other side, and felt like this was a dream. There wasn¡¯t any sense of reality at all. Was he really looking at his big brother?

    ¡ª Wait a minute. They were on an airne. Where did the nee from?!

    On this side, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t fully react for a while because he was too emotional, but on that side, Gu Qi was the first to ask: ¡°Son, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    As this voice called out, it cleaved through his muddled mind, and Gu Zuo finally became clear-headed. He nced at Tianheng, whose face was as deep as the ocean, and shrank his neck. Then, he looked at his dad, whose eyes were filled with curiosity and worry.

    He replied: ¡°Dad, this is the one I talked to you about. My big brother, Gongyi Tianheng...¡±

    Gu Qi peered at Tianheng.

    He was quite sensitive to people¡¯s moods. When they were preupied at their home¡¯s entrance, even though this young man wore a smiling expression, the feeling he gave others was very distant and estranged. But now, while he seemed to be forcefully suppressing some emotions, he felt a lot more sincere and real ¡ª No longer did the young man appearpletely untouchable.

    As a result, Gu Qi trusted in Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and showed a smile to Tianheng. He cheerfully said: ¡°Tianheng, is it? Xiao Zuo gave you a bit of trouble beforehand.¡±

    Tianheng spoke with indifference: ¡°I received more help from Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and felt a little disheartened.

    Every time he met big brother¡¯s eyes, he felt...even worse.

    Gu Qi said: ¡°Xiao Zuo told me that the assistance you gave him was much more than that. He said that he hated parting ways from you, so he was especially guilty and remorseful aftering back. Originally, he wanted to find a suitable opportunity to exin things to you. He just didn¡¯t expect that there wouldn¡¯t be enough time before this ident happened. Ah, I¡¯m also to me for this matter. Xiao Zuo was worried that I would miss him. After all, I was the only one left... Everything going on here is ratherplicated, so let¡¯s properly discuss thingster on...¡±

    As a good father, when the time was right, not only did he have to avoid holding his son back, he also needed to make up for his son¡¯s mistakes.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 399 - Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 399 - Punishment</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng revealed a smiling expression.

    Although it looked no different from the smiles of the past, Gu Zuo found that he could no longer distinguish his big brother¡¯s mood from this smile ¡ª Previously, he had a clear and thorough understanding of whether his big brother was expressing true happiness or false courtesy!

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    For whatever reason, he suddenly felt that it would¡¯ve been better if he hadn¡¯t said anything at all.

    Older folks shouldn¡¯t meddle in the affairs of young people...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was truly restless and apprehensive. He couldn¡¯t help rambling: ¡°Big brother, I forgot something. Just then, before you came, I was in the middle of preparing medicine. The medicinal liquid diluted from Rejuvenation Pills is still in the room. Can we go back and get it first?¡±

    Tianheng quietly finished listening, and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. I already ordered someone to take away everything in the apartment rooms.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked. After that, when he turned his head, he realized that he had failed to notice some objects due to his heightened emotions. It wasn¡¯t only thatrge jar of Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid, everything from their home had been moved out by those burly bodyguards ¡ª To reiterate, the door had clearly been locked, which meant they had picked the lock and barged inside!

    No. This wasn¡¯t the important point. What was important was how he was supposed to appease big brother¡¯s temper!

    With a defeated look on his face, Gu Zuo stammered: ¡°Eh, big brother...¡±

    Tianheng faintly tilted his head. His gaze was fixed upon Gu Zuo¡¯s expression: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t you have something you need to tell me?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at their surroundings. Then, he lifted his head to face his big brother.

    There were lots of people here! What was he supposed to say?!

    At this moment, Tianheng also realized that they couldn¡¯tmunicate telepathically. In addition, even though the distance that separated them was very short, he still felt that the connection was somewhat illusory. It seemed as if the guardian contract was in a half-broken state.

    The cause for all this was...

    Gu Zuo nudged closer to Tianheng¡¯s ear, and lowered his voice: ¡°Big brother, the system doesn¡¯t have enough energy.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze darkened slightly.

    Sure enough, it was like this.

    Gu Zuo hesitated before carefully grabbing Tianheng¡¯s hand.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t refuse.

    Gu Zuo was emboldened as he lifted Tianheng¡¯s hand up, and ced it onto his own head. He weakly rubbed it back and forth. In a tiny, mousey voice, he said: ¡°Big brother, it doesn¡¯t matter how angry you are, and it doesn¡¯t matter if you punish me. But please don¡¯t ignore me, okay? Being able to see big brother again really makes me happy...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s fingers slightly twitched as they carded through Gu Zuo¡¯s hair.

    It appeared that his fingers wanted to ruffle a handful of hair, but due to the resentful anger in his heart, he wasn¡¯t willing to ruffle so easily.

    On the other side, Gu Qi watched this, and his mood became subtle.

    This son of his was acting like a spoiled child? To be honest, admitting mistakes, seeking punishment, and acting spoiled should¡¯ve been pretty effective. However, ever since his son was five years old, Gu Zuo never acted spoiled to him! Yet, surprisingly, Gu Zuo was now acting spoiled to another person... Also, this son wasn¡¯t willing to let his old man mess with his hair before, but in the end, he actively delivered himself up to his adoptive brother for some ruffling! What was going on? This was a little too much of a double standard!

    Although he knew that his son was trying his best to beg for forgiveness, a bit of vinegar couldn¡¯t help but well up in the earnest heart of this old father.

    ¡ª On the other hand, Gu Qi didn¡¯t really care that Tianheng had directly ordered people to move the things in their home. Firstly, it really wouldn¡¯t have been good if that jar of Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid was left behind. Secondly, this person probably brought them away without the intention of them returning. It couldn¡¯t have been more normal for their things to be packed up and their traces swept clean. As for not giving them prior notice...it would¡¯ve been a wonder if it even came to mind.

    Gu Zuo noticed that Tianheng seemed to soften a little, and let go of his courage.

    He had returned to the modern world and saw his dad again, but he still needed to save his father. He didn¡¯t have any family worries holding him back anymore! And when he was anxious that he would never see his beloved sweetheart again, this person had already appeared!

    Of course, he wasn¡¯t the same as when he was on the Central Continent, where he was careful in all aspects and didn¡¯t dare to reveal his slightest thoughts... He absolutely had to get big brother¡¯s forgiveness! Then, he would pursue big brother romantically!

    Hence, Gu Zuo rubbed Tianheng¡¯s hand on his head again. Although he didn¡¯t dare to be too obvious, he also pretended to act shamelessly: ¡°Big brother, I really didn¡¯t do it on purpose... In the beginning, it wasn¡¯t convenient to talk about it. Andter on, I wanted to tell big brother, but I was afraid that it would affect big brother¡¯s mood, making both of us unhappy.

    ¡°That Xiao n was so hateful. There was such a trap on that Void-Breaking Shuttle, which caused us to suffer that ident...

    ¡°Big brother, I promise that I will never hide anything from you in the future. Will you forgive me?¡±

    During this time, Tianheng allowed Gu Zuo to grab his hand, and didn¡¯t actively ruffle his little pharmacist¡¯s hair. However, he also didn¡¯t stop Gu Zuo from rubbing his hand on his own head. At this moment, Tianheng spoke with an indiscernible meaning: ¡°Does Ah Zuo have anything else to hide?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: ¡°No! Not a single thing! There¡¯s nothing else I¡¯m going to hide from big brother!¡±

    Tianheng lightly harrumphed.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, and showed an expectant smile.

    Tianheng¡¯s palm slid down, and cupped Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face felt like it was burning up.

    As for Tianheng, he calmly and unhurriedly said: ¡°Capital punishment may be exempted, but corporal punishment cannot be avoided.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°Big brother can punish me as he pleases. I won¡¯tin!¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled.

    He somewhat exerted himself, and pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek. He said: ¡°Oh? Then, this elder brother shall wait and see.¡±

    Afterwards, Tianheng said nothing else to Gu Zuo. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart trembled in rm by what he was told, but knowing that he could obtain forgiveness after receiving punishment, he felt it was worth it.

    As a result, Gu Zuo secretly made a firm decision. No matter how big brother wanted to punish him, he would ept it dly and willingly!

    Gu Qi watched this scene y out, and two thoughts couldn¡¯t help but arise in his mind.

    The first was that his silly son owed Gongyi Tianheng, but kissing up like this made this old father feel like he was drinking vinegar!

    The second was that, as someone with personal experience, he felt that something was slightly off with Tianheng¡¯s attitude towards his silly son...

    Those attending bodyguards naturally kept their mouths shut, and pretended like they didn¡¯t see anything. As for Zhang Bohan who had been ignored the entire time, he finally disyed a bit of activity at this moment. He quietly shifted closer to Gu Qi¡¯s side, and slowly started a conversation. In passing, he gradually revealed his Zhang Family¡¯s information to Gu Qi.

    Zhang Bohan felt that Tianheng¡¯s attitude toward the young man he wanted to find was rather strange, but there was no doubt that it was close and intimate. As such, the young man¡¯s father was also very important.

    Of course, what he wanted to know even more was ¡ª How did someone who died five years ago suddenlye back to life? There were certainly something mysterious going on. It couldn¡¯t help but cause his heart to itch.

    It was only a pity that Gu Qi¡¯s lips were sealed. Although Zhang Bohan was capable of worming facts out of people, no matter how persuasive he was, Gu Qi only hemmed and hawed a couple of lines over and over again. As it turned out, Zhang Bohan couldn¡¯t actually worm anything out of him?

    At the same time, while Gu Qi was in the middle of ¡°shing swords¡± with Zhang Bohan, when it came to his son¡¯s foolish appearance ¡ª Well, what the eyes didn¡¯t see, the heart wouldn¡¯t grieve over. Ah, young people. Who didn¡¯t have a time when their heads were feverish and muddled because of romance? Right now, his silly son was at the age when people were the most lovestruck and dopey!

    The time it took to return passed quickly. Gu Zuo was still preupied with winning over his big brother when the airne suddenlynded. At this moment, Gu Zuo remembered to take a look at the surroundings outside. In the end, his psychic power was discharged. Whoa, what a big piece ofnd! However, this was a far cry from the manor his big brother owned in Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Gu Zuo swiftly retrieved his psychic power, and followed Tianheng as they disembarked from the ne.

    They went directly to arge vi that was closest to the ancestral residence. This was a top-quality abode that the Zhang Family arranged for Tianheng. The whole vi was used to entertain him alone.

    This kind of treatment was unique even within the entire Zhang Family.

    After going inside, Tianheng headed straight to the second floor.

    Gu Zuo quickened his pace, and followed close behind.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    With a sweetheart, this son had forgotten his father. Sigh, this old man¡¯s heart was feeling sour again...

    After that, Zhang Bohan rekindled their conversation, led Gu Qi to sit on the sofa, and continued to chat with him.

    Gu Qi was someone who understood basic courtesy. Considering that the two young people ought to be taking the next step to resolve their problems, his mind eased as he proceeded to talk with Zhang Bohan.

    ...Though, the discussion was still deadlocked with no secrets revealed.

    Upstairs, Tianheng pushed open a bedroom door. Gu Zuo silently stood next to the threshold with some hesitation.

    He was debating whether he was supposed to follow inside...

    Tianheng sat on the side of the bed, and looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°Come here.¡±

    Gu Zuo slowly walked over.

    Just a while ago, he was filled with that burst of ¡°courage¡±, but now, he was a little timid about what was going to happen.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng didn¡¯t give Gu Zuo any time to ponder, and reached out a hand to pull him over ¡ª

    In a split second, Gu Zuo only felt like the sky was whirling and the earth was turning as he was flipped over. All of a sudden, he was lying down with his stomach pressed against the warm thighs of his big brother.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°! ! !¡±

    Too shocking! What kind of position was this?!

    Suddenly, he had a bad premonition...

    The next moment, Tianheng spoke in a quiet voice: ¡°Since Ah Zuo epts his punishment, this elder brother will deliver it.¡±

    Before Gu Zuo could react, he heard a crisp sound.

    p!

    What immediately followed was a twinge of pain that spread up from his butt.

    Out of reflex, he turned red from head to toe!

    He was s-s-spanked...

    Gu Zuo only felt like his whole body was running a temperature. It was so hot that he feltpletely out of sorts.

    He absolutely never expected that it would be this kind of punishment!

    For a short while, he didn¡¯t know whether to feel embarrassed or ashamed. His mind was drawing a nk. This feeling of shame, which he had never experienced before, engulfed his thoughts like a tidal surge ofrge waves. As those waves crashed down, he was submerged and pulled under.

    However, this embarrassing matter wasn¡¯t over yet. Tianheng took his time, and his palm came down repeatedly.

    p! p! p!

    The spanking didn¡¯t carry any sense of rhythm, but the sounds were clear every time. This caused the person in question to feel as if smoke wasing out of his ears. His body was fiery hot.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t spank ¡ª¡±

    Before all his words could fall, they were interrupted by another palm print to his butt.

    Tianheng spoke slowly: ¡°Ah Zuo said that he would let this elder brother punish him. Why does Ah Zuo want to call it off when this elder brother still hasn¡¯t cooled his temper? If Ah Zuo¡¯s words hold no weight, then it¡¯ll leave this elder brother greatly disappointed.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Never mind.¡±

    Actually, the embarrassment of being spanked was secondary. During the punishment, he suddenly felt a numbing-like ache amid the soreness where he was being spanked. Moreover, this kind of aching sensation was beginning to feel more and more... He was really worried that he was going to make a fool of himself if this continued!

    But there was nothing to be done.

    So long as he heard that trace of gloominess in his big brother¡¯s low and supple voice, there was nothing he could do about it.

    Regardless, it was just being spanked... He would let big brother spank until he was satisfied.

    Gu Zuo folded his arms in front of himself, and buried his head inside.

    In any case, after this round of spanking, he wouldn¡¯t have the face to look at anyone anymore...

    Tianheng spanked as many as forty to fifty times before he finally stopped.

    After that, his palm lightly rubbed the ce on Gu Zuo that had been spanked puffy. His voice carried a slightly deep and husky tone: ¡°Is it sore?¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded: ¡°Sore.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, you aren¡¯t still going to deceive this elder brother in the future, are you?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    Tianheng paused. In the end, he lifted his hand, and released Gu Zuo: ¡°I punished you this time only because you didn¡¯t trust me. If this happens again, I won¡¯t let you off so easily.¡±

    Gu Zuo got up too abruptly. Who would¡¯ve thought that the ce that was spanked puffy would pull a hiss of pain from him. Nevertheless, he endured this ache, and happily asked: ¡°Does big brother forgive me?¡±

    Tianheng showed a smiling expression. His gaze had softened: ¡°I forgive you.¡±

    Gu Zuo was simply wild with joy. He didn¡¯t care about anything else, and immediately turned around, pounced over, and gave Tianheng a strong embrace: ¡°Thank you so much, big brother! I will never do this again!¡±

    Tianheng saw how happy Gu Zuo was, and his expression loosened. After that, he reached out a hand, and ruffled his hair: ¡°Just now, I used some strength. For the next few days, I don¡¯t want you to apply any medicine on it. This is so that you remember this matter in your heart... Does Ah Zuo me this elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion, which had just returned to normal, flushed red again. However, at this time, his face was rubbing against Tianheng¡¯s shoulder. Thus, he promptly shook his head: ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t me big brother. It was originally my fault. Just, in the future, let¡¯s not...¡±

    Tianheng lightly chuckled: ¡°If Ah Zuo won¡¯t do this again, neither will this elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly nodded: ¡°Then, big brother can rest assured!¡±

    Yet, for some reason, there was a little bit of disappointment at the bottom of his heart.

    He felt that, although that kind of punishment was somewhat embarrassing, that was also the most intimately he and his big brother had touched. Truly...this feeling was hard to describe.

    The two embraced each other like this. While enduring the twinges of pain from his butt, Gu Zuo crawled out of Tianheng¡¯s arms. Although he wanted to keep hugging for a while longer, it wasn¡¯t as if he hadn¡¯t been held like this before. Merely, it was during special situations back then, and his mentality was different from now. He didn¡¯t have the thick face to keep hugging before he started feeling guilty.

    Gu Zuo covered the ce that was sore, and simply stood up: ¡°Right, big brother. How did you arrive here? And who are those bodyguards outside?¡±

    Since Tianheng had already expressed his forgiveness, the attitude he treated Gu Zuo at this moment had also regained its previous warmth. He began to carefully exin.

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he learned that his big brother quickly realized that something was wrong upon arriving in this world. By lucky coincidence, there were two factions engaged in a firefight nearby. After some consideration, he chose to support Zhang Bohan¡¯s side. Later on, he utilized the simplest method ¡ª He used benefits to lure in the local forces, and had those local forces help him find someone.

    Merely, from his big brother¡¯s words, Gu Zuo also discovered just how powerful the organization that took away his father was. It was to the point that he and his dad had appeared out of thin air. All those previous years were erased, and only traces of their activity in the past eight years remained. In addition, these traces were only found by relying on Gu Zuo¡¯s face and name. His dad¡¯s information waspletely expunged from the public ¡ª Even the guardian listed in Gu Zuo¡¯s school record had been reced by another person.

    Gu Zuo thought it over, and started to tell Tianheng everything.

    Included in this exnation was how he unexpectedly left his original world, what he nned in the beginning, what he nned afterwards, and how reluctant he was when that ident urred... In short, apart from the special feelings he had for his dear big brother, he revealed everything else.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved as he listened, but he didn¡¯t expose any peculiar emotions. This allowed Gu Zuo, who had been carefully observing his big brother¡¯s expression the entire time, to feel much more rxed. He felt that he wasn¡¯t spanked in vain. In the end, he really was forgiven.

    After that, Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s father is considered to be my uncle. Since he is trapped in the midst of disaster, I will naturally exert all my efforts to rescue him.¡±

    Gu Zuo beamed with happiness: ¡°With big brother here, there certainly won¡¯t be any problems!¡±

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips carried a hint of a smiling expression.

    Gu Zuo suddenly remembered something, and asked: ¡°Big brother, is this Zhang Family reliable?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Contrary to what one might expect, they have a rather clear view of things. They also possess some insight and courage.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Originally, I wanted to use the Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid to find coborators and make some achievements. This was to see if I could seize the opportunity to locate those people. But because I can¡¯t know if any coborators would be trustworthy, I was hesitant to make a choice. Now that the Zhang Family has delivered themselves to our doorstep, this saves trouble.¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment, and nodded his head: ¡°This method can work. Since even the Zhang Family can¡¯t grasp any clues about that organization, and it must be incredibly powerful to remain hidden until now. The Zhang Family once said that the Ancient Martial Artists Association is extremely mysterious, and numerous aristocratic families and ns share connects to it... In this elder brother¡¯s opinion, that organization is probably involved with the association. If it¡¯s like this, in addition to building a reputation with the Rejuvenation Pills, the Qi Generating Pills may also prove useful.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled: ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°This world¡¯s martial artists are called ancient martial artists. Since Qi Generating Pills can replenish a martial artist¡¯s internal qi, perhaps it can be used by ancient martial artists. Even if they can¡¯t, with Ah Zuo here, could it be that you can¡¯t refine some beneficial medicines? Once the medicinal effects are achieved, it can be handed over to the Zhang Family for development. It will inevitably attract those ancient martial artists, and it will be much more convenient to make discreet inquiries at that time.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately understood, and suddenly smiled: ¡°As expected of big brother! We¡¯ll do it just as you say!¡±

    Tianheng nodded with a grin: ¡°Now, this elder brother ought to pay a formal visit to see Uncle Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and mischievously chuckled. After that, he sprung up.

    This movement pulled at his sore spot. However, he wasn¡¯t afraid of this bit of pain. Tugging at Tianheng¡¯s sleeve, he walked out of the bedroom.

    Yes. Just a while ago, everyone had been muddleheaded and emotional. But now, it was going to be their official meeting.¡±

    When they went downstairs, Gu Zuo did his best to keep his posture from limping as he walked.

    At this moment, Gu Qi, who was in the middle of being verbally ensnared by Zhang Bohan, heard his son¡¯s voice calling out. It was like a prisoner receiving a judicial pardon. Right away, he looked over: ¡°Son, you guyse down here.¡±

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t notice anything unusual with Gu Zuo¡¯s posture, but when he saw Gongyi Tianheng, he discovered that this fellow was wearing a slight smile. The feeling this facial expression gave others was like a cleansing spring breeze. It didn¡¯t have a bit of the previous estrangement or deeply concealed apathy.

    At once, he understood that his son and that adoptive brother had reconciled.

    After Tianheng came down, he smiled at Gu Qi and said: ¡°Previously, due to the mncholy in my heart, I acted discourteously towards Uncle Gu. I hope that Uncle Gu doesn¡¯t take offense.¡±

    Gu Qi listened to this schrly way of speaking, but in any case, he had been a student of great ability. Hence, heprehended what was said without the slightest pressure, and smiled enthusiastically: ¡°Not at all. It was this silly son of mine who made a mistake. And now, you two...¡±

    Gu Zuo was happy: ¡°Dad, big brother forgave me!¡±

    Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo over, and said: ¡°It wasn¡¯t a big deal. For a time, I forgot my manners, and showed aughable performance to Uncle Gu.¡±

    Gu Qi was ddened: ¡°Well, it¡¯s good that you guys made up. Don¡¯t quarrel in the future. I heard that it wasn¡¯t easy for you two to meet.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°What Uncle Gu says is right.¡±

    Off to the side, Zhang Bohan watched Tianheng, and looked at Gu Zuo. His mood was a little strange.

    Based on these two¡¯s temperaments, while he wouldn¡¯t say that they were pr opposites, the differences were quiterge. Was their friendship close enough to reach the point of ¡°quarreling¡±? But what made him feel even stranger was that the feeling the current Tianheng gave him waspletely different from that of the past few days ¡ª If Tianheng had been a cmity a few days ago, then now, he was an elegant and graceful young master. Although there was still that bit of arrogance beneath the surface, there was no longer any of that rming danger.

    Zhang Bohan couldn¡¯t help ncing at Gu Zuo a few more times.

    Even though he felt it was a little hard to believe, the sensations Tianheng gave people had changed. It certainly had something to do with this young man whom he wanted the Zhang Family to find... Both of them were unknown. When all was said and done, what was their rtionship?

    He always felt that, when the two were together, it was a little...ambiguous? But if one said that they really had that kind of rtionship, it also didn¡¯t seem like there was that much resemnce.

    Of course, regardless of what the specifics were, Zhang Bohan recognized the change in Tianheng, and the level of importance he treated Gu Zuo and Gu Qi had risen again. He intended to go back with his grandfather to have a proper chat.

    At this time, Tianheng issued an order for the others to leave: ¡°Today, I have been reunited with Ah Zuo. I¡¯m in an excited mood, and it would be difficult to extricate myself. Thus, it¡¯s inappropriate to meet with the Zhang Family Head right now. Tomorrow, select a few people, and bring them over. I will pass down those three sets of martial skills, and teach them until they learn the basics.¡±

    Zhang Bohan was immediately ecstatic.

    Hadn¡¯t he been so eagerly attentive and thoughtful precisely for this? Moreover, his attentiveness seemed to be quite useful. As a matter of fact, not only was this Mister Gongyi going to take out martial skills, he was also willing to give pointers... Truly, this was outstanding.

    Hence, Zhang Bohan quickly decided to go back and find people. He tactfully vacated the room here for these few people he had long regarded with great importance. However, before he was about to leave, he suddenly thought of a matter, and asked: ¡°Mister Gongyi, how many people can my Zhang Family bring over?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow and said: ¡°It can¡¯t exceed ten people.¡±

    Zhang Bohan obtained a satisfying answer, and wasn¡¯t greedy for more. Thus, he departed with a pleased expression.

    Sure enough, there only remained three people in the entire vi.

    Gu Zuo was still in a very good mood: ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ll go and cook a meal for you and dad to eat!¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng smilingly epted.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help pulling his sleeve: ¡°Then, when it¡¯s nighttime, would it be okay if...big brother and I sleep together?¡± He was a little bashful, ¡°I really missed big brother.¡±

    T/N: Fun fact, the author posted this chapter in celebration of Singles¡¯ Day (November 11).

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 400 - Big Brotherâ€™s Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 400 - Big Brother¡¯s Thoughts</h4>

    Gu Qi was watching from a distance, but he clearly heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words.

    He suddenly choked.

    Ah, this son of his directly offered himself up onto the bed of that adoptive brother. By taking the initiative like this, Gu Qi didn¡¯t know whether to apud him for proactively wooing this gant man, or scold this dopey fool for being so... However, Gu Qi didn¡¯t say anything either. Instead, he secretly observed.

    For the time being, regardless of whether his son was brave or foolish, he ought to determine if that adoptive brother had any of those types of thoughts about his son.

    Gongyi Tianheng lowered his eyes.

    At this moment, he clearly saw the emotion in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. It was distinct and not hidden in the least.

    After that, the corner of his mouth pulled into a grin with vague implications: ¡°Okay.¡± His voice was slow as he spoke, ¡°I missed Ah Zuo, too.¡±

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    All right. Nothing needed to be said.

    All the same, if his son and that adoptive brother didn¡¯t have those intentions, he would¡¯ve suspected whether they had some kind of misunderstanding about thepanionships between men in their world.

    Following this, Gu Qi watched as his son revealed a great, big smile. His son was practically as excited as a hopping sparrow.

    Returning to the matter at hand, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t squeeze into the kitchen to prepare their meals. Rather, his thoughts moved, and releasedrge batches of things in the lounge.

    There was an enormous medicinal cauldron and several sets of tools used for cooking medicinal cuisine. There were alsorge piles of meat essence that were still kept fresh. The majority of the meat essence came from wild beasts, and carried faint tendrils of bloody qi. Arranged on a separate tray was only about five kilograms of meat essence from the origin-level flood dragon. It glinted with a lustrous-white gloss like precious jade.

    Gu Qi moved closer. He wasn¡¯t familiar with these things at all, but he was able to recognize the medicinal cauldron and pieces of meat ¡ª Were these things used for cooking? To be honest, ever since his son returned, although lots of matters in the other world were talked about, there were too many that evoked his son¡¯s broken-hearted memories. As a result, he didn¡¯t ask about the details. Let alone asking his son to disy any abilities. But now that his son and that adoptive brother got back together, was Gu Zuo finally ready to cook a meal for his old man? No, no. This old man was still just an afterthought...

    Gu Zuo smiled at Tianheng. Soon after, his fingertip flicked out. A wisp of orange fire rushed out, fell underneath that medicinal cauldron, and ignited into raging mes.

    Immediately after this, his movements were like floating clouds and flowing water. It was an extremely smooth, unhindered, and unconstrained style. The mes rose and fell, soared and plunged. Numerous medicinal herbs and chunks of meat essence were thrown into the cauldron. Not long after, it emitted a rich and heavy fragrance.

    Gu Qi sniffed.

    This fragrance had a meaty aroma, but it also smelled like herbal medicine. Afterwards, everything blended together, and formed a multiyered andplex scent profile. Although nothing had entered his mouth, the fragrance stimted his tastebuds in an instant. He couldn¡¯t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva. He felt dry and hot all over.

    ¡ª Wait a minute.

    Why was he feeling dry and hot?

    At this moment, Tianheng faintly shed over, and appeared next to Gu Qi. He waved a sleeve, andid out a streak of qi energy in front of the man. In a warm voice, he said: ¡°Uncle Gu, what Ah Zuo is cooking right now is the meat essence of an origin beast. The qi emissions being released are brimming with power. If you breathe in a few more mouthfuls, I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t be able to withstand it.¡±

    Gu Qi startled.

    At this time, he wasn¡¯t able to smell any fragrances. Consequently, he seemed to think of something, and asked: ¡°Tianheng, what did you do?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I isted the qi emissions.¡±

    Gu Qi was pleased by the young man¡¯s considerations, and nodded his head: ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Uncle Gu is Ah Zuo¡¯s father. It¡¯s only natural that I should treat you with respect.¡±

    Gu Qi chuckled, but didn¡¯t answer.

    In actuality, he didn¡¯t know how he was supposed to respond. This guy might soon be his son-inw, but the other party seemed rather high-ss, and his own level of strength waspletely inferior. It was basically impossible to treat that guy as a young punk who kidnapped his son and discipline the fellow... As a pitiful, old father, his heart was a little stifled.

    What¡¯s more, his son couldn¡¯t wait to send himself over, and this guy¡¯s intentions weren¡¯t too overt. This was simply making things difficult for his emotional intelligence!

    Tianheng didn¡¯t insist on Gu Qi¡¯s answer, but he did notice Gu Qi¡¯s reaction. The edge of Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened.

    On the other side, Gu Zuo was already swiftly refining a portion of medicinal cuisine. He rapidlydled it out with a flourish, used his psychic power tounch the bowl, and sent it right in front of Tianheng.

    Gu Qi: And what about this old father¡¯s share?

    Gu Zuo promptly started refining the next medicinal cuisine. For this round, what he used was the meat essence of the gentlest and lowest-grade wild beast, andbined it with some mild-natured medicinal herbs with neutralizing powers. With his strength, he quickly refined it within a minute. A bowl was simrlyunched out.

    However, this time, it was Tianheng who reached out to catch it and personally hand it over to him.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    He didn¡¯t know how to describe his mood.

    Should he scold his son for ignoring his father, or should he praise his future son-inw for taking care of things?

    With this kind of conflicted state of mind, Gu Qi used a spoon to scoop up thepletely boiled medicinal cuisine, which looked like a bowl of minced meat, and ced it in his mouth.

    In the blink of an eye, an indescribably wonderful taste quickly swept over him. Moreover, he didn¡¯t need to chew at all. Just as he slightly pursed his lips, the cuisine promptly slid down his throat, and easily entered his stomach. At this moment, his entire body warmed up as if he was being immersed in the mostfortable of hot springs.

    Gu Qi never expected that, after his family¡¯s son departed for a few years, from simply helping to chop and wash vegetables, his culinary skills would be so brilliant! In addition, every one of those movements during the cooking process seemed to carry a peculiar rhythm that warmed the heart and delighted the eyes!

    All of a sudden, Gu Qi couldn¡¯t help continuously slurping down several mouthfuls of that bowl of medicinal cuisine. Truly, he felt iparably free from worry.

    Once having such a taste, Gu Qi felt like he didn¡¯t have quite enough. He faced Gu Zuo, and said: ¡°Son, bring your old man another bowl!¡±

    Gu Zuo silently shook his head.

    Gu Qi: ¡°Why not?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Dad, think about it. Are you still hungry?¡±

    Sure enough, Gu Qi sensed his own body.

    After that, he fell silent.

    Indeed, it seemed that&#k2026;he really wasn¡¯t hungry.

    Moreover, he felt a little bloated.

    If he really ate another bowl, his belly would probably burst!

    But, he clearly only ate a small bowl! It was a small bowl the size of his fist! In any case, he was a fully grown man. His appetite definitely shouldn¡¯t be this small, right?

    With a puzzled heart, Gu Qi lifted his head. He was about to continue talking with his son. However, right at this time, he was left dumbstruck. Unexpectedly, he even forgot what he was going to say.

    It was because, just as Gu Qi finished consuming his bowl, Gu Zuo had already swiftly refined severalrge pots of medicinal cuisine, and ced them on the table. Each pot was piping hot and letting off strong fragrances. Inside, there wererge chunks of meat essence piled up. Streamers of white steam intermingled with the red meat and green herbs. It was incredibly beautiful and extremely delicious.

    As for that Gongyi Tianheng, who exuded a natural deportment like that of a noble young master, at this very moment, he was sitting in front of the table, and his chopsticks were flying across the dishes. His actions were extremely graceful and quick as he swiftly stuffed these chunks of meat essence into his mouth and ate them.

    In a short minute, tworge pots were emptied.

    After that was the third pot, fourth pot, fifth...

    Gu Qi couldn¡¯tprehend this speed of eating at all. He definitely wasn¡¯t blinking, but he only saw those chopsticks turning into streaks of shadow. Amid these hurriedly changing shadows, one pot after another was emptied. As for Gu Zuo on the side, he was constantly refining and delivering even more pots over.

    This was a terrifying amount of food to eat...

    Finally, when Gu Zuo was holding his own small pot and had started eating, Tianheng also only had one final pot that hadn¡¯t been finished yet.

    Gu Qi roughly counted therge pots piled up on the side ¡ª Granted that those pots were as sparkling, translucent, and crystal-clear as precious jade, there was a little more than twenty of them.

    In other words, in one meal, he worked through twenty-one pots of meat...

    Gu Qi¡¯s mind crumbled a little bit.

    Could it be that the other world¡¯s martial artists all ate this much food? That couldn¡¯t be right! His son had clearly only eaten one pot! Although the meat in this serving wasn¡¯t too meager either, the disparity between one and twenty-one pots was very big!

    The speed that Gu Zuo ate his food was also rather fast. After he finished off his meal, he lifted his head, and met his dad¡¯s pair of astonished eyes.

    His gaze followed the direction of his dad¡¯s eyes, and swept over thoserge pots... He gave a couple of dry chuckles.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Dad, let me tell you a thing or two.¡±

    Gu Qi: ¡°Son, I¡¯m listening.¡±

    Gu Zuo organized his words: ¡°In fact, what pharmacists cultivate is the path of spirituality. The requirements regarding internal qi and the physical body aren¡¯t as rigorous as that of martial artists. As a result, for these types of medicinal cuisines that contain powerful energies, eating a single pot is rtively normal. As for big brother, he... Because his constitution is special, his requirements for medicinal cuisines are very high. Although the energy contained within the meat essence of these wild beasts can satisfy many Immortal Realm martial artists, it won¡¯t meet big brother¡¯s needs. Eating twenty-one pots was just to satisfy his tastebuds. What truly allowed big brother to feel full, was actually that bowl of meat essence from the origin-level flood dragon at the very beginning.¡±

    Gu Qi pondered: ¡°So, if he was only eating the origin-level flood dragon¡¯s meat essence, two bowls would¡¯ve sufficed?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...Then, why did you cook so much?¡±

    Was this a deliberate attempt at scaring this old man with his adoptive brother¡¯s portion sizes?

    Gu Zuo was a bit embarrassed: ¡°I was almost separated from big brother, so getting back together made me very happy. As a result, I couldn¡¯t help but want to show off my skills...¡±

    Gu Qi was speechless.

    His impression of Tianheng automatically improved.

    Tianheng clearly had the demeanor of an elegant young master, but his family¡¯s son indulged Tianheng to the point of turning him into a rice bucket... This kind of doting showed just how highly Tianheng was ced in his son¡¯s heart.

    At this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened.

    The reason why he often used such arge amount of wild beast meat essence and a small amount of origin beast meat essence to cook medicinal cuisines for his big brother was just to conserve resources. After all, the energy levels of an origin beast¡¯s meat essence were higher, but the quantities were never enough. In the future, when his big brother¡¯s rank was even higher, perhaps he would need topletely switch over to cooking with origin beast meat essence. As a result, he had to save up. Taking advantage of the fact that he could still substitute with wild beast meat essence, he would use it first.

    In the end, he forgot how frightening such portion sizes were in the modern world. Because he was too happy, he did something foolish.

    Fortunately, the one who saw was only his dad.

    Off to the side, Tianheng leisurely put down his chopsticks. He finished eating thest pot of meat essence.

    Gu Zuo scampered over, and spoke several sentences to him in a soft voice.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyebrow faintly rose: ¡°No problem. In the house, Ah Zuo can just abide by what he thinks is right. Outside, this elder brother shall do as the locals do. If there are any deficiencies, I¡¯ll take a few medicinal pills to supplement myself.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and couldn¡¯t help revealing a smiling expression.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    He figured out why this silly son had fallen so deeply.

    After the meal, Gu Qi didn¡¯t mind how Tianheng and Gu Zuo were getting in touch with their feelings for each other on the sofa. He hurriedly went to the bathroom to take a bath. He thought that since both sides were interested, this old father wouldn¡¯t disturb them, and would instead allow them to foster those feelings.

    As for the matter of his silly son ¡°sharing a bed¡± with someone, what was out of sight would be out of mind.

    In any case, it wasn¡¯t up to the father when the son had grown up.

    With such thoughts, Gu Qi reminisced about his other half who hadn¡¯t returned in a long time, and climbed into bed.

    Lots of things had happened recently, but it had also bolstered his faith... Right now, what he wanted to do was to think about the handsome face that was nearly forgotten. He considered what he could do in any future ns...

    Back to Gu Zuo.

    With their meals finished and his dear dad taking a bath, he discussed the ways of life in modern society with his family¡¯s big brother. There was a tinge of faint excitement within the mood.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo went to take a bath, too. When he was done, he changed into a set of night clothes, and walked into his big brother¡¯s bedroom. His heart was a little nervous.

    Gongyi Tianheng also came into the room.

    Gu Zuo stared distractedly: ¡°Big brother isn¡¯t going to take a bath?¡±

    Tianheng paused, and ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°My room has an adjoining bathroom.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face flushed red.

    He made a fool of himself again... Although he had done so many times in front of big brother, he always hoped that his image in Tianheng¡¯s eyes would improve somewhat!

    But...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s reddened face burrowed under the quilt.

    If big brother went to bathe, he would be washing himself next door.

    Actually, they had soaked and bathed together in the past, but at that time, he didn¡¯t dare to lift his head ¡ª Unlike then, he was now determined... En, he heard the sound of sshing water. Big brother was in the middle of washing... He couldn¡¯t be thinking about such indecent thoughts! He had to quickly forget these things!

    While huddled in bed, Gu Zuo let his imagination run wild.

    All of a sudden, there was a sound like the p of thunder that rumbled in his ears.

    ¡ª This naturally wasn¡¯t a real thunderp. Rather, it was the bathroom door being opened again.

    Subsequently, a tall figure walked through the doorway. Wrapped around his waist was a bath towel, leaving his upper body bare. Several drops of water that hadn¡¯t beenpletely wiped away rolled down his bright and clean chest. Those well-proportioned and shapely muscles, the smooth and unblemished skin, and the long, jet-ck hair that loosely scattered down his back like a dark waterfall revealed a type of alluring and captivating presence.

    Gu Zuo secretly thought: This is probably called sex appeal, right? En, beneath big brother¡¯s bath towel, is he wearing anything...

    He immediately obtained an answer to this question.

    The qi energy on Tianheng¡¯s body moved. That curtain of long hair, which had just been washed, was alreadypletely dry, and hung down smooth and untangled. He removed the bath towel. What covered and wrapped over his lower body was a pair of triangr, white-cotton briefs. Because it was stretched tightly over him, it highlighted his excellent figure.

    Gu Zuo held his breath. After that, since he had been holding his breath for too long, he choked and started coughing.

    Tianheng restrained a smile, and walked over. With one hand, he pulled Gu Zuo into a partial embrace, and with the other hand, he lightly patted Gu Zuo¡¯s back: ¡°Ah Zuo is already an Immortal Realm. Unexpectedly, you can still choke. This really shouldn¡¯t happen.¡±

    Gu Zuo deeply felt like he was being wrongfully used. However, it wasn¡¯t any good for him to tell his dear big brother that he was too excited from almost seeing the other party¡¯s naked body, and was stimted into this state for a moment. Otherwise, what kind of gaze would big brother use to look at him?!

    He could only remain silent about this, and said: ¡°...I know, big brother. In the future, I¡¯ll pay more attention.¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head. Seeing that Gu Zuo was stuffed under the quilt, he pulled open a corner of the bedding. As he maneuvered inside, his upper back leaned against the headboard.

    Originally, Gu Zuo was huddled under the quilt. But now, after a bit of hesitation, he ¡°unobtrusively¡± scooted closer and closer to Tianheng.

    Tianheng suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo was startled, and hastily stopped. He pretended that he hadn¡¯t been moving closer!

    However, Tianheng seemed to sigh in regret: ¡°Although the things in this world are somewhat crude and rustic, and the bedding isn¡¯t as exquisite as those in Ten Ultimates Sect, it does have a special feeling offort.¡±

    Gu Zuo inwardly wiped away any sweat, and secretly thought: Close call.

    Soon after, he followed along: ¡°The stuff here naturally can¡¯tpare to those things that have been imbued with ambient qi. However, the Zhang Family is very rich, and the provided sheets and bedding are all luxury goods. So, it¡¯s not bad to use.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and nodded: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is right. The people here aren¡¯t skilled in martial arts, but there are many more conveniences in daily life.¡±

    This time around, Gu Zuo gave his approval: ¡°This world emphasizes science. Unfortunately, I¡¯m not too good in this aspect.¡±

    The pair conversed like this for a while. Gu Zuo continued to talk with Tianheng about the general knowledge rted to the modern era. Time flew by like a flowing river.

    During this period, because Tianheng¡¯s bearing was natural from beginning to end, although Gu Zuo¡¯s budding and intrusive thoughts were always there, those feelings of tension gradually diminished. His way of speaking became free and unfettered.

    Though, at this moment, it was already well past midnight. Gu Zuo gave the clock a sweeping nce, and his face warmed up again.

    Upon seeing this, Tianhengughed and said: ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Ah Zuo should get some rest. Tomorrow, the Zhang Family will probably want toe over rather early. Now that we¡¯re living under someone else¡¯s roof, we should be a little more prudent.¡±

    Gu Zuo swiftly nodded: ¡°Okay.¡± After that, he felt that he had responded too curtly, and added on, ¡°That¡¯s right. We still have many uses for the Zhang Family.¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and softly said: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go to sleep.¡±

    At this time, the two didn¡¯t mention the fact that they had already reached the Immortal Realm and didn¡¯t need to sleep every day. On the contrary, they adjusted their bodies, and lied down.

    The lights were turned off.

    With the two¡¯s eyesight, although the surroundings were a stretch of darkness, it still wasn¡¯t capable of blocking their lines of sight. However, under this kind of quiet and tranquil ambience, it evoked within Gu Zuo a type of...bashful feeling.

    Big brother¡¯s scent was very close. It was close enough to make him want to scoot over... But such actions were too obvious. At the very least, before big brother fell asleep, he definitely couldn¡¯t do this.

    It seemed that Tianheng could fall asleep with just a thought. While Gu Zuo was still pretending to drift off with a mind filled with messy notions, Tianheng¡¯s breathing had already evened out in long and continuous inhales and exhales.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was a little disappointed and a little delighted.

    He slowly nudged himself closer to Tianheng¡¯s side. Tianheng didn¡¯t have any reactions. He scooted closer, and there still weren¡¯t any movements. He continued to move closer and closer...until his body was practically touching Tianheng. If he moved just one millimeter more, they would bump into each other. At that time, he reluctantly stopped.

    After that, Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers moved.

    He was thinking: If I pull big brother¡¯s hand over to me now, can I pretend that it¡¯s the same as before, and it¡¯s all a matter of sleeping posture? Anyways, when I shared a bed with big brother, I was practically being held in big brother¡¯s arms in the morning! But now, he doesn¡¯t really have a problem with his sleeping posture. Rather, it¡¯s a matter of proactively pulling him over. Will big brother wake up when I¡¯m halfway through... It would be so embarrassing to be caught redhanded.

    While Gu Zuo was eager to give it a try, he also worried himself over the pros and cons. His frame of mind couldn¡¯t calm down.

    In the end, after hesitating for at least half an hour, he silently retracted his hand.

    Fine. He still didn¡¯t dare to do it.

    He had just gained his big brother¡¯s forgiveness. Even though he wanted to pursue him romantically, it was better to be well-behaved for the time being.

    Hence, Gu Zuo¡¯s head slightly tilted towards Tianheng¡¯s side, and his eyes closed shut. Then, he forced himself to fall into a deep slumber.

    Perhaps, his self-hypnosis was very effective. And maybe, he was already quite satisfied with the ¡°progress¡± he made today. As a result, he didn¡¯t toss and turn for a long time, and truly fell asleep.

    When Gu Zuo¡¯s breathing became even and drawn-out, the person beside him suddenly opened his eyes.

    Based on his appearance, how could anyone believe that he had recently fallen asleep?

    Obviously, he was very awake.

    Tianheng braced himself up with one arm. His long, ck hair fell down, and nearly covered his facial expression.

    He quietly watched Gu Zuo¡¯s serene, sleeping face. Tianheng¡¯s gaze was the softest it had ever been, and the color of his eyes was peaceful and deep.

    Ever since his heart developed special feelings for Ah Zuo, he always believed that Ah Zuo only depended on him and treated him as closely as that of an elder brother. Thus, he deliberately aroused Ah Zuo¡¯s thoughts, and intended to wait for his mind to change. Only then would he tell Ah Zuo in detail. And now, after several twists and turns, he rified that Ah Zuo¡¯s feelings were actually the same as his own. He suddenly wished to see...what Ah Zuo wanted to do.

    Tianheng softly chuckled, and slowly bent down.

    The breaths of both people grew closer and intermingled. He slightly tilted his head, and brushed his lips against Gu Zuo¡¯s. It was but for a fleeting moment before he pulled away.

    Gu Zuo remained unaware as he was still sound asleep in his dreams.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng stretched out an arm, and drew Gu Zuo into a slight hug by his side.

    In an instant, Gu Zuo naturally curled up into the crook of Tianheng¡¯s arm, and snuggled closer until his entire body hadpletely withdrawn into Tianheng¡¯s embrace. Every part of his body, from head to toe, touched and rubbed against Tianheng. He felt safe and warm.

    The glint in Tianheng¡¯s eyes darkened.

    As before, he said nothing and did nothing. It was just that his arm slightly exerted a bit more strength, and firmly locked this person against his chest, right over his heart ¡ª This was unlike the innocuous half-embrace in the past. Instead, it was a thorough imprisonment.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was still peaceful. On the contrary, because this kind of strength had pulled him closer, it made him feel even morefortable.

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯s expression, which had changed from serene to scary, slowly rxed.

    Immediately thereafter, Tianheng closed his eyes.

    This time, he truly indulged in his own sleepiness. While hugging the young man he cherished the most, Tianheng joined him in deep sleep.

    Early the next morning, Gu Zuo opened his eyes.

    Eh? Eh? This time around, he was still in big brother¡¯s embrace! Sure enough, not being impulsivest night was the correct course of action. He had been pulled over by big brother¡¯s hand. Due to the poor sleeping posture, he was entangled with big brother in a totally natural and wless way!

    Gu Zuo stealthily raised his head, and discovered that his dear big brother¡¯s eyes were still closed. Those long eyebrows were rxed and smoothed out, and thatplexion was gentle and cid. Under the light of dawn, his perfect features appeared even more magnificent.

    One could never get enough of this visual treat.

    Gu Zuo was currently being held in an embrace, and sensed that his entire body waspletely enveloped in his big brother¡¯s scent. His good mood rose to unseen heights.

    ¡ª Wouldn¡¯t it be okay if he got some more sleep?

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 401 - Conversion of the Zhang Family

    <h4>Chapter 401 - Conversion of the Zhang Family</h4>

    However, this hidden, little thought was snuffed out before it could be realized ¡ª Just as Gu Zuo was about to close his eyes again, Gongyi Tianheng opened his own, and met Gu Zuo¡¯s dumbstruck gaze.

    Out of a conditioned reflex, Gu Zuo revealed a glittering smile: ¡°Big brother, good morning!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes slightly squinted. Shortly thereafter, his lips cracked a grin: ¡°Morning.¡±

    A secondter, Gu Zuo hurriedly leaped up: ¡°I should get out of bed and wash up first!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he rushed into the bathroom like a wisp of smoke.

    Tianheng slowly sat up, and walked into the bathroom at anguid pace.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo was brushing his teeth in front of the mirror.

    Meanwhile, without any sense of shame, Tianheng stood in front of the toilet, and pulled down his underwear...

    Gu Zuo: ¡°! ! !¡±

    The next moment, he shut the small door that partitioned the bathroom!

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: ¡°Nothing!¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t pursue the matter. He only leisurely took care of his business inside, flushed the toilet, and opened the door again.

    At this time, Gu Zuo had already finished brushing his teeth at lightning speeds, and was in the middle of wiping his face with a freshly-washed towel. He made room for Tianheng at the sink.

    Tianheng brought out a brand-new set of toiletries, and slowly started to wash his face and brush his teeth.

    Actually, both of them were practically free of dust and contaminants, and didn¡¯t need to clean themselves like this. It was just that, when all was said and done, they had good living habits from the very beginning. After sleeping, they would continue these habits every time.

    However, due to all sorts of reasons, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but feel a little embarrassed even during such habits.

    Tianheng seemed totally oblivious.

    After struggling for a short while, Gu Zuo decided not to let his thoughts diverge again.

    Soon after, the two swiftly put on the clothes that the Zhang Family prepared, and they went downstairs.

    Gu Qi was already up and about.

    Gu Zuo saw that his family¡¯s dad was sitting in the living room, but he didn¡¯t feel that this was unusual. It was because, in his vague impressions, after father was taken away, dad insisted on going to bed and getting up early ¡ª This was originally a habit of father, but afterwards, it probably became one of the only ways they could cherish his memory.

    Gu Qi called out in greetings: ¡°Morning.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and waved: ¡°Morning, dad.¡±

    Gu Qi winked: ¡°Son, how was your sleepst night?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused, and quickly spoke without his face blushing or breath hitching: ¡°I slept very well.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s gaze fell onto Tianheng.

    Tianheng walked over in an unhurried manner: ¡°Hello, Uncle Gu.¡±

    Gu Qi couldn¡¯t tell anything from Tianheng¡¯s side, but he felt that there hadn¡¯t been any groundbreaking progress made in terms of their feelings of affection ¡ª Could it be that his son still hadn¡¯t confessed yet? Or should it be said that he had misinterpreted Tianheng¡¯s thoughts?

    In Gu Qi¡¯s eyes, Tianheng was still calm and undisturbed. Instead, it was Gu Zuo who gave him a look that said, ¡°Dad, you shouldn¡¯t stare so obviously.¡±

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    Whatever. This young man could have fun tormenting himself.

    Right at this time, someone pressed the doorbell.

    Gu Zuo was the youngest, and hurriedly scampered to open the door. As he raised his head, he happened to see the face of Zhang Bohan, who had been following them around yesterday. But this time, Zhang Bohan wasn¡¯t the only person present. There was a elderly man with a dignified bearing who shared some resemnce to Zhang Bohan, as well as quite a few bodyguards in the back.

    Zhang Bohan showed a smiling expression: ¡°We prepared some breakfast at home. It was considered pretty good, so we came over to give some to you guys. I hope we¡¯re not bothering anyone.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head, and pulled the door open: ¡°Not at all. Pleasee in. It just so happens that we haven¡¯t eaten breakfast yet.¡±

    As Zhang Bohan switched to indoor shoes and came inside, he gave an introduction to Gu Zuo: ¡°This is my grandfather. This time, he¡¯s here to pay a visit to Mister Gongyi as well as the person whom Mister Gongyi has been thinking about all the while. Please don¡¯t take offense to our presumptions.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo also gave a nod to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°It¡¯s fine. Everyone is just in time to eat together.¡±

    After that, several people went inside in quick session.

    The bodyguards¡¯ movements were very efficient. They swiftly carried cases of food into the dining room, and all kinds of breakfast foods wereid out.

    Meanwhile, Zhang Bohan and Zhang Huiguo had already exchanged pleasantries with Tianheng and Gu Zuo. Their bearings seemed very natural.

    Gu Zuo quietly took measure of them, but he could sense the happiness and eagerness they concealed extremely deeply.

    ...But no matter how happy or eager they were, the meal woulde before any discussion.

    Hence, everyone sat at the table.

    The hospitality that the Zhang Family showed Tianheng was indeed ssy. When eating breakfast, the food ingredients were all selected with great care. First thing in the morning, one would experience a banquet that smelled, looked, and tasted great. However, they didn¡¯t truly understand Tianheng. Although the items they brought out were good, it wasn¡¯t really capable of filling Tianheng¡¯s stomach. It only allowed him to try different vors.

    One could only say that the intentions were eptable.

    On the contrary, it had been a long time since Gu Zuo had eaten this many ¡°modern delicacies¡±. This time around, he chowed down with a delightful mood.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng attentively passed some more dishes, which were happily eaten by Gu Zuo.

    Zhang Bohan and Zhang Huiguo didn¡¯t have too big of an appetite. Yet, when they witnessed this scene, they discovered that Tianheng showered Gu Zuo with great doting and favor. For a moment, they couldn¡¯t help but call to mind themon saying, ¡°Birds of a feather flock together.¡± Since the rtionship between Mister Gongyi and this Gu Zuo was so familiar and intimate, Gu Zuo probably wasn¡¯tcking in good points, right? Moreover, when they observed Gu Zuo up close, while the other party seemed like an ordinary teenager at first nce, they realized that the spirited and elegant air that surrounded him was just like Tianheng had drawn. He was clearly extraordinary.

    Once Tianheng and the others finished eating breakfast, everyone sat down on the sofas in the living room. Zhang Bohan saw his chance, and asked Tianheng: ¡°Mister Gongyi, the Zhang Family¡¯s people who¡¯vee to learn have already arrived. Would they be allowed to enter?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Let them in.¡±

    Zhang Bohan wore a hint of a happy expression, and quickly made a phone call.

    Subsequently, the doorbell rang again. He hastily went over, opened the door, and let the others in.

    The number of people who entered was exactly nine.

    Their ages basically ranged from fifteen to twenty-five. Each person¡¯s stature was tall and straight, and their looks were clear and bright. From the seemingly non-existent simrities between their appearances, it could be seen that they were all members of the Zhang Family. Whether it was the main branch or the cadet branches, they all possessed the bloodline of the Zhang Family.

    Zhang Bohan smiled: ¡°Including me, there are ten people in total.¡± Soon after, he hesitated somewhat, ¡°Would we still be able to sessfully practice martial arts at our ages? If our ages are too high, we can switch them out for another batch of people to learn.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, those nine younger generations of the Zhang Family carried some expectations. They looked over ¡ª It was only natural that they hoped that they could learn.

    Tianheng looked at these people, and said to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, how about you go and check their aptitudes?¡±

    Currently, Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes and heart were filled with thoughts of romantically pursuing his big brother. Now that Tianheng asked him for help so tenderly, he was naturally unwilling to shirk his duties! At once, he replied: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll give them a look!¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo swiftly came over to Zhang Bohan¡¯s side, and grabbed his wrist.

    He decided to start from the oldest.

    Zhang Bohan was a little astonished. Although he didn¡¯t doubt that Tianheng might¡¯ve had methods to check on them, he didn¡¯t expect that the person ¡°looking at them¡± wouldn¡¯t be Tianheng. Rather, it was this Gu Zuo, whom they were tasked to find ¡ª Could it be that someone so young really had this capability?

    Of course, he buried these kinds of questions in his heart, and didn¡¯t voice these potentially aggravating thoughts aloud.

    Tianheng took the initiative to say: ¡°Ah Zuo is my personal pharmacist. Normally, he takes care of my health, but he can also concoct pills, refine medicine, and assist me in practicing martial arts.¡±

    Zhang Bohan was startled: ¡°Refine medicine?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Let¡¯s finalize this matter first. Any concerns rted to medicine refinement can be discussedter.¡±

    On the side, Zhang Huiguo listened to this, and his gaze flitted.

    From this Mister Gongyi¡¯s words, he picked up on several things.

    ¡ª Maybe this time, their Zhang Family really hade across a grand opportunity!

    On the other side of things, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare use profound qi to probe Zhang Bohan¡¯s weak and frail body. Instead, he divided a thread of psychic power, and rapidly checked Zhang Bohan¡¯s situation. After looking around, he discovered that Zhang Bohan¡¯s basic body structure was no different from that of his big brother. Although his muscles and bones were older, if he took some medicinal pills to nurse his health, practicing martial arts wouldn¡¯t be a problem. Merely, due to his age and the scarcity of this world¡¯s ambient qi, if Zhang Bohan¡¯sprehension skills were good, perhaps he could reach the Xiantian Realm and live to be one hundred fifty years old.

    However, wanting to reach the Immortal Realm and extending his lifespan to three hundred years was incredibly challenging. It was almost impossible ¡ª In actuality, let alone Zhang Bohan, the peak that other martial artists, even the youngest among them, could reach was just Xiantian.

    In this world, there basically weren¡¯t any conditions that allowed one to reach the Immortal Realm.

    But after giving it a second thought, if one could only reach Xiantian at most, so long as their body cultivation method was good enough and their financial resources were powerful enough, the age that one started practicing martial arts wasn¡¯t that important. The most crucial points were the person¡¯sprehension and physical aptitudes, the size of their meridians, the level of variation in their attributes, and that they were willing to work hard. So long as they were still in the prime of their lives, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems.

    After making some considerations, Gu Zuo reported to Tianheng: ¡°Young Master Zhang¡¯s meridians are fine. Once I get some medicinal pills for him and the others to consume, they can forcefully generate a thread of true qi to test their attributes. If their attributes are alright, they can practice martial arts with big brother.¡±

    Zhang Bohan listened Gu Zuo¡¯s words. His original frame of mind, which had already rxed slightly, became a little tense upon hearing that he still had to test his attributes ¡ª On the off-chance that his attributes were lousy, what was he supposed to do?

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo held the wrists of the remaining nine people one after another. He found that everyone¡¯s meridians were wide. He was very satisfied. In this respect, the Zhang Family had decent eyesight. The bodies of the chosen Zhang Family members were in good health and rarely got sick. The inner qualities of the bodies of such people were also hardlycking.

    Zhang Bohan peered at Gu Zuo with an inquiring look in his eyes.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Everyone¡¯s meridians are pretty good.¡±

    Zhang Bohan sighed in relief. The other Zhang Family members felt more at ease, too.

    Zhang Huiguo silently nodded.

    Since they knew that Tianheng would provide guidance, the Zhang Family¡¯s main branch, cadet branches, and retainer families held discussions almost throughout the entire night yesterday. Due to numerous considerations in terms of interests as well as checks and bnces, these nine people were finally confirmed. The best-case scenario was that all of them could pass. Otherwise, they would need to select people again. Many things would be disrupted, and would have to be rebnced.

    Following this, Gu Zuo took out a bottle from his sleeve.

    Contained within this bottle was a type of trick pill. Originally, it was the effect that ¡°forcefully generated true qi¡± which piqued his interest. As a result, some were refined a long time ago. However, because it had been so long, they had been thrown into a corner and neglected. If it wasn¡¯t for the present need, he wouldn¡¯t have thought about them at all.

    On the Central Continent, before ordinary martial artists joined some organizations, they had to be at the Blood Refining Realm at the very least. Once they reached this point, they would grasp a type of Testing Jade Stone, and infuse their true qi to test their respective general attributes. However this kind of jade stone was rtively crude. Although it was useful to both martial artists and pharmacists, it could only make approximate measurements. If someone didn¡¯t have true qi, then there was no way to test them ¡ª Unless it came to somerge organizations. They had items that could directly determine one¡¯s attributes without the need for true qi, but not just anyone could get a hold of those things.

    Gu Zuo only had this type of jade stone. Thus, if he wanted to test the Zhang Family members¡¯ attributes, he needed to force them to generate a thread of true qi.

    The Zhang Family members looked at the bottle in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand.

    Gu Zuo calmly and unhurriedly uncorked it, and poured out ten pearl-like, luminescent medicinal pills. He called Zhang Bohan to take them: ¡°Each person takes one pill. Swallow it before grasping this jade stone.¡±

    While speaking, he rummaged around his sleeves again, and pulled out a Testing Jade Stone.

    Zhang Bohan hurriedly received the offered medicinal pills, and quickly passed them out to the other Zhang Family members. After these people held the pills, they smelled a medicinal fragrance wafting out that ddened the heart and refreshed the mind. Unexpectedly, these pills were warm, lustrous, and glossy. It made them have a peculiar feeling.

    At the same time, the gazes they used to look at Gu Zuo became somewhat reverential.

    A pharmacist...seemed very powerful.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care about what they were thinking, and spoke up: ¡°Young Master Zhang, you can take the medicinal pill first.¡±

    Zhang Bohan wasn¡¯tpletely free of doubts concerning the pills, but if he wanted the Zhang Family to break through to another realm, how could he aplish that without taking risks? Since he met Tianheng and sessfully helped Tianheng find Gu Zuo, he was recognized as the family heir duringst night¡¯s family meeting. As the heir, he was able to directly obtain a slot to practice martial arts, but he also had to fight and take charge when taking risks was necessary.

    As a result, Zhang Bohan steeled himself, and swallowed the medicinal pill.

    In the blink of an eye, he felt a strange, warm current arising from an area slightly below his navel. It instantly flowed throughout his body by following certain paths. He promptly reacted. Those flowing paths were definitely meridians!

    Immediately following which, Zhang Bohan didn¡¯t dare hesitate, and tightly gripped the jade stone with his hand. At the exact same time, he seemed to sense an intense attractive force on that jade stone that rapidly absorbed the warm current in his body. As for the jade stone itself, it suddenly underwent a change!

    It actually became a fiery-red color!

    Of course, after the Zhang Family members carefully observed it, they realized that this fiery-red color wasn¡¯t pure. It was speckled with traces of gold. However, this gold was far less pronounced than the other color. It didn¡¯t negatively affect the beautiful red.

    Gu Zuo looked at it, and said with a smile: ¡°Young Master Zhang has the dual attributes of fire and metal. Among which, the fire attribute is exuberant, and the metal attribute is thin. This kind of constitution is suited to learning fire-attribute body cultivation methods.¡±

    Zhang Bohan showed a happy expression: ¡°My aptitude...¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°It¡¯s very good.¡±

    This aptitude was better than he imagined because the constitution was rtively pure. In fact, the thinner thend¡¯s ambient qi, the more varied a martial artist¡¯s attributes tended to be. Compared to the Cangyun Empire, this ce¡¯s ambient qi was far inferior. Zhang Bohan only had two attributes. Moreover, his fire attribute was still so prominent. Based on this, his aptitudes could be regarded as exceptionally good.

    Zhang Bohan rxed, and handed over the jade stone to Gu Zuo.

    Zhang Huiguo revealed a trace of a smile.

    His rightful grandson was the oldest, but his aptitude was recognized. It was only natural that he was pleased. This would also shut the mouths of those other family members who still weren¡¯t too convinced of his grandson¡¯s position.

    Seeing the astonishing reaction between Zhang Bohan and the jade stone, the eyes of those apprehensive children suddenly shined.

    Right away, a person impatiently stepped forward. One hand stuffed the medicinal pill into his mouth to be swallowed, and the other hand swiftly took the jade stone. His entire face was flushed with excitement.

    The jade stone soon presented its color, and the reaction was indeed different from when it was held by Zhang Bohan. This immediately caused the other Zhang Family children to be even more fervent. They all walked over in haste.

    Not long after, everyone¡¯s attributes were tested.

    Gu Zuo looked them over one by one, and announced their attributes.

    Sure enough, dual attributes were very rare. The other Zhang Family members had at least three attributes. Those who had four or five weren¡¯t low in number either. Fortunately, while there was some variation in their attributes, there were always one or two attributes that were rtively prominent. It didn¡¯t reach the degree of being untrainable.

    It probably had something to do with their bloodline. There was a total of ten Zhang Family children. Among them, seven wereparatively strong in the fire attribute. As for the remaining three, two were strong in the metal attribute, and one was strong in the earth and water attributes ¡ª This person had to choose one of the two attributes to study.

    Generally speaking, this batch of people could all practice martial arts.

    Zhang Bohan¡¯s fingers curled into fists. He made a decision.

    Since his aptitude was the best, he had to be the most powerful in the future!

    At this point, Gu Zuo¡¯s matters werepleted. He turned his head, and sought out Tianheng with a face looking for approval.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and smiled. He reached out to pinch his cheek: ¡°Ah Zuo did well.¡± Following this, he spoke directly to the Zhang Family members, ¡°I will give you guys three types of body cultivation methods aligned to metal, fire, and earth.¡±

    Zhang Bohan firmly remembered every word that Tianheng said. At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Body cultivation methods and martial skills...¡±

    Gu Zuo exined on his big brother¡¯s behalf: ¡°Body cultivation methods contain inner cultivation methods and martial skills. Since big brother is willing to teach you guys, he won¡¯t trick you in this regard. Although practicing martial skills alone can be aplished, without any inner cultivation methods, one¡¯s body is incapable of producing true qi, and the martial skills won¡¯t be too powerful.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he deliberately paused, and stated: ¡°Of course, practicing cultivation and developing true qi is very difficult. It requires one to spendrge amounts of wealth to purchase resources to temper the body. If you guys only study martial skills, your consumption will be a little less.¡±

    The members of the Zhang Family weren¡¯t fools, and decided quickly.

    Zhang Huiguo straightforwardly smiled and said: ¡°Mister Gongyi is noble and righteous. My Zhang Family shall humbly ept.¡± His voice was aged, but it was very steady, ¡°Since they¡¯re going to learn, it¡¯s only natural that they¡¯ll learn the best. The Zhang Family has its finances. We¡¯re willing to use up our inside information to raise true martial artists.¡±

    Zhang Bohan also spoke in a low voice: ¡°We aren¡¯t afraid of suffering hardships.¡± Then, he spoke with great sincerity, ¡°Even if we¡¯re too slow-witted and can¡¯t produce true qi, we absolutely won¡¯t hold it against Mister Gongyi.¡±

    Hearing the words of the two Zhang Family leaders, although Gu Zuo knew that the other party was a little cunning, he was still pleased by the respectful way they talked to his big brother. The current Gu Zuo was totally unlike that helpless teenager in the past. After being taught by his big brother for so long on the Central Continent, he had experienced so much. While he wouldn¡¯t say that he had a superior or condescending mentality, he also had a trace of ¡°willfulness¡± when it came to his techniques and abilities. The Zhang Family praised Tianheng, and treated him with great esteem. Gu Zuo felt a sense of resonance with them. Regardless of whether their thoughts were true or false, he was willing to treat them a bit better.

    As a result, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Rest assured. I will give you guys some medicinal pills to help you practice martial arts.¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment, and saw through Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking. Bemused, he felt his mood bing cheerful: ¡°Zhang Family Head, since Ah Zuo is willing to take action, your Zhang Family¡¯s children will be able to smoothly tread upon the path of martial arts.¡±

    When Zhang Huiguo, Zhang Bohan, and the others heard this, they became even more ecstatic.

    Following this, Tianheng disappeared upstairs. In a sh, he returned with three volumes: ¡°These three martial skills will be handed over to you.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo hastily reached out. His fingertips quivered somewhat as he received them. After taking a deep breath, he opened them. In the volumes were many diagrams and figures. It looked quite peculiar, but no matter the quality of the material or the sensation evoked from those movements, it made him realize that these volumes weren¡¯t counterfeit articles.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°As for the inner cultivation methods, I will impart mnemonic chants. You all will decipher them on your own. If you don¡¯t understand, thene and askter.¡±

    Then, he recited three mnemonic chants, and told those Zhang Family children to repeat them from memory.

    It had to be said that, when making the selection, the Zhang Family had already chosen younger generations with outstandingprehensive qualities in all aspects. The mnemonic chants weren¡¯t long. After Tianheng recited them twice, everyone memorized the one that was suitable for them. This left Gu Zuo very satisfied ¡ª He knew that the reason why his big brother used dictation was to pass along certain linguistic cadences during the recitation, which would induce a reaction from those Zhang Family members. However, this didn¡¯t mean that he was willing to let his big brother repeat the chants over and over again. Two times was quite good.

    The Zhang Family members obtained mnemonic chants and martial skills, and they wanted to study them right then and there.

    However, Tianheng said: ¡°In addition, there¡¯s a matter that I want to discuss with the Zhang Family Head. Why don¡¯t you have the others go into seclusion to decipher the mnemonic chants. After the matter is discussed, I can provide them pointers.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo was mature and experienced. He immediately recalled the matter of ¡°medicine refinement¡± that Tianheng previously mentioned, and his heart had a hunch. He promptly waved his hand: ¡°Apart from Bohan, everyone else will go to the Fine Arts Building to study the mnemonic chants first.¡±

    The other Zhang Family younger generations were still caught up in the excitement. Even though they knew that there was a matter of importance, they weren¡¯t able to hold back their desires to go and learn martial arts. They all quickly departed.

    Meanwhile, Zhang Bohan stayed behind. He suppressed simr thoughts about wanting to study the mnemonic chants, and earnestly waited for Tianheng¡¯s next words.

    This kind of disy naturally left Zhang Huiguo very pleased.

    Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°Would your Zhang Family be interested in a business transaction?¡±

    T/N: In Chapter 95, the five elemental attributes were assigned different colors during the jade stone testing, where white referred to metal and yellow referred to earth. The discrepancy may be due to the author forgetting, or simply a quirk of this particr testing stone.

    Also, just a heads up that trigger warnings have been added to the novel summary page and Chapter 1.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 402 - The Zhang Familyâ€™s Plan

    <h4>Chapter 402 - The Zhang Family¡¯s n</h4>

    Zhang Huiguo swiveled his walking stick with his fingers. The smile on his face was amiable: ¡°My Zhang Family is open to whatever business transaction Mister Gongyi wants to make.¡±

    Zhang Bohan simrly supported the standpoint of his family¡¯s grandfather, and sincerely said: ¡°The Zhang Family trusts this sir.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Rest assured. It certainly isn¡¯t a bad deal.¡± After he finished saying this, he gestured to Gu Zuo, ¡°Ah Zuo, take out that vat of medicine in the storage room.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s faculty of memory had never been hidden. He quickly recalled that vat of Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid that he previously diluted. After he was brought back by big brother and the bodyguards, it was directly stuffed inside one of the rooms on the first floor. He promptly stood up, and scampered over to that room.

    Gu Qi was about to go over and lend a hand, but Tianheng spoke up to stop him: ¡°Uncle Gu doesn¡¯t need to go through the trouble. Ah Zuo can do it by himself.¡±

    Gu Qi recalled that his family¡¯s son now possessed internal qi. Gu Zuo had both martial strength and psychic power.

    On the contrary, the Zhang Family grandfather and grandson pair showed great interest in this scene.

    In their opinions, Gu Zuo¡¯s body was thin and flimsy. His strength shouldn¡¯t have been that big. However, Zhang Bohan also remembered that giant vat could hold at least several hundred kilograms of liquid. Even if he was a fully grown man, it would be hard to lift the vat without any help.

    But now, Tianheng actually only wanted Gu Zuo to go and move it?

    The next moment, Gu Zuo walked out of the storage room.

    His arms were spread out, carrying arge vat from the base. His line of sight waspletely obstructed by the vat, but there wasn¡¯t the least bit of hesitation in his footsteps. He quickly arrived in front of the few people here.

    Soon after, the vat was ced on the ground. It was put down gently, and didn¡¯t make a single sound ¡ª He really made lifting that heavy weight look easy.

    Zhang Bohan¡¯s eyes flickered with a feverish look.

    Nothing else had to be said. Just by watching Gu Zuo¡¯s rxed and effortless expression, one could already notice lots of things! This kind of strength far outssed many weightlifting champions!

    Zhang Huiguo¡¯s fingers became even more restless, but he quickly calmed down. He turned to look at that vat. Contained within was a liquid that filled it uppletely. It was a light-yellow color and glistened like gems, but it didn¡¯t have any oily viscosity. Could it be that this was medicine that the honorable pharmacist refined?

    Zhang Bohan looked at Tianheng, and fervently said: ¡°Would this sir please clear up our confusion?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Inside this vat is what we call Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid. It can treat injuries and diseases.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo was cool-headed: ¡°To what degree of efficacy do these treatments reach?¡±

    Zhang Bohan also asked: ¡°Which diseases are within the range of treatment?¡±

    Tianheng looked to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo knew that these questions required him to exin ¡ª After all, his big brother wasn¡¯t a person from this world. This world¡¯s diseases were different from the ones in the other world. Thus, it was up to someone like him, who had been to both worlds and back.

    As a result, he sorted out his thoughts, and said: ¡°This medicinal liquid was obtained by diluting the medicinal pills I refined. The efficacy depends on the concentration. If it¡¯s a martial artist with true qi within their body, it won¡¯t be very useful to take this medicinal liquid. However, regardless of external or internal injuries, no matter what kind of pathological changes affecting the internal organs, all of it can be treated. But for an ordinary person, if they take this medicinal liquid long-term, or take a rtively high-concentration dose that doesn¡¯t exceed their limits, they will never fall ill.¡±

    In the wake of Gu Zuo¡¯s words, the gazes of the two Zhang Family leaders shined brighter and brighter. They quickly noticed the enormous benefits within this exnation. They were gradually unable to hold themselves back.

    Gu Zuo continued: ¡°In short, as far as ordinary people are concerned, regardless of whether it¡¯s a disease of the physical body like the organs, muscles, bones, or blood, and no matter if it¡¯s an external or internal injury, everything can be cured. However, if it¡¯s a martial artist who has been poisoned or wounded with a special power, it will depend on the situation. Generally speaking, this won¡¯t have any effect on medicinal poisons, and will require specialized detoxifying pills that target that poison.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo¡¯s chest rose up and down, and his mind was filled by a huge amount of excitement. However, when all was said and done, he was rather old. After being emotionally moved, his face reddened and his breathing hastened. Upon seeing this, Zhang Bohan hurriedly went over to pat his back and soothe him, lest something bad happened.

    Once a period of time passed, Zhang Huiguo finally recovered.

    After that, Zhang Huiguo spoke with difficulty: ¡°I¡¯ve allowed Mister Gongyi and Mister Gu to see somethingughable.¡±

    Zhang Bohan also hurried to admonish himself.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t ridicule these two people, and only stated: ¡°With regards to the medicinal liquid¡¯s concentration, we still need to find people to test it. This matter will be handed over to you two. I presume that there won¡¯t be any problems?¡±

    Gu Zuo supplemented: ¡°I will be carefully controlling the concentrations so that it doesn¡¯t harm the body.¡±

    The Zhang Family grandfather and grandson pair naturally didn¡¯t have any objections: ¡°These two sirs can rest assured. We have more than enough of this bit of manpower.¡±

    Tianheng was satisfied: ¡°When handling matters, I always like to discuss any unpleasant topics up front. Ah Zuo and I are making a business transaction with the Zhang Family, but it isn¡¯t for the sake of money. Rather, it¡¯s for authoritative power.¡±

    The Zhang Family leaders didn¡¯t interrupt. Although theirplexions did change slightly, they still listened seriously and earnestly.

    Tianheng said: ¡°However, you guys can feel at ease. I want power, but I won¡¯t be walking onto the stage. I just need to use this power at a certain time to discreetly inquire about information and to rescue one of my honorable uncles. It¡¯s only a pity that this uncle¡¯s information has long been wiped away. The organization behind this probably isn¡¯t small. If the Zhang Family can obtain the position and status you two desire, your family will have toe into contact with that organization on my behalf, and save that uncle.¡±

    When Zhang Huiguo heard this, he pondered.

    When he and Zhang Bohan were helping Tianheng investigate any news about Gu Zuo, they already realized that all information rted to Gu Zuo prior to eight years ago had beenpletely erased. Even if it was their Zhang Family, they weren¡¯t able to recover anything. This showed that this organization couldn¡¯t bepared to the current Zhang Family.

    At the same time, they also discovered the tremendous value contained within this Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid. In addition, this young pharmacist¡¯s self-confidence made them understand that he could take out many more good things!

    Moreover, having lived for so long, Zhang Huiguo¡¯s foresight was iparable to that of ordinary people. Indeed, Tianheng agreed to give pointers to their Zhang Family¡¯s younger generations, but the level of diligence concerning this guidance was hard to say. Also, granted that he didn¡¯t have real connections with any ancient martial artists, he vaguely understood that one¡¯s body would usually umte injuries in the process of practicing martial arts. With this pharmacist around, things ought to go a lot more smoothly.

    Riches and honor were sought amid danger. If they only relied on these few martial skills and received little guidance as they fumbled on their own, who knew how long it would take the Zhang Family to umte sufficient strength. However, with the help of these two people who suddenly appeared, it would be a huge boost. The benefits would be dozens of times greater!

    What¡¯s more, there was only a possibility that they would face off against that organization. Perhaps, once their Zhang Family reached that level, they could exchange some benefits to obtain that ¡°uncle¡± Gongyi Tianheng wanted?

    No matter how one considered it, agreeing was still the best response.

    Zhang Huiguo quickly gave his grandson a meaningful nce.

    Zhang Bohan understood tacitly, and said to Tianheng: ¡°Mister Gongyi is my life-saving benefactor. How can I refuse this small matter? These two sirs can rest assured. The Zhang Family is willing to advance and retreat together with thee. If we don¡¯t seed, we¡¯ll have died for a righteous cause!¡±

    Indeed. The Zhang Family had currently been striving to transform itself from within. And it was right at this moment that Tianheng appeared. If they didn¡¯t properly seize opportunities, if they were afraid of the head and frightened of the tail, then the Zhang Family wouldn¡¯t have survived up until now!

    Tianheng praised: ¡°In that case, there will be a great deal of business. The Zhang Family will provide the manpower, and Ah Zuo and I shall provide the medicine. The profits would originally be divided fifty-fifty. However, since the Zhang Family will risking into contact with that organization, we will yield ten percent of the profits, making it sixty-forty. However, apart from this, all of the medicinal pills that the Zhang Family¡¯s children need when practicing martial arts will be supplied by Ah Zuo, and must be purchased separately... Do these two gentlemen have any objections?¡±

    Zhang Huiguo inwardly calcted, and couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°We have no objections. Mister Gongyi is truly broad-minded and magnanimous. Many thanks.¡±

    Without the medicine, the Zhang Family wouldn¡¯t be able to gather enough power. The other party also yielded ten percent of the profits. It could be said that they had imed arge advantage ¡ª This wasn¡¯t only a question of money, but also the other benefits brought about by the magical medicine.

    But at the same time, Zhang Huiguo sensed something different from Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    Letting go of arge quantity of benefits meant that there was an even bigger scheme, or the other party was so powerful that they basically didn¡¯t care about this bit of gains. And just by looking at Tianheng¡¯s bearing, Zhang Huiguo could determine that it was thetter.

    Thus, Zhang Huiguo harbored suspicions about the identities of the pair. However, he held restraining fears due to the foundations the other party might possess... He cleverly pretended that he didn¡¯t know anything.

    As the saying went, when ignorance was bliss, it was folly to be wise. He didn¡¯t need to seek out the roots of the matter.

    Tianheng was pleased that their coborative partner was an intelligent person. He had a smile on his face, and said: ¡°Since the business talks have concluded, Young Master Zhang can study the mnemonic chant. If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand or if something isn¡¯t right, there¡¯s no harm in asking.¡±

    Zhang Bohan beamed. After he got Zhang Huiguo¡¯s permission, he immediately got into a cross-legged position right where he was sitting previously. Soon after, he started to continuously recite the mnemonic chant.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo scooped out a bottle of Qi Generating Pills from his pocket. He took one pill, diluted it with water, poured the solution into a cup, and handed it over: ¡°This is used to supplement one¡¯s qi. After you drink this, there will be some pain, but it¡¯ll help your sense of qi appear at the fastest speed. Later on, you can drink a little more so that your qi sense takes shape.¡±

    Zhang Bohan¡¯s emotions were stirred up. He didn¡¯t hesitate, and promptly drank a mouthful. Shortly thereafter, he felt waves of pain throughout his body. It was like every bone was being broken. It almost caused him to faint ¡ª He constantly recited that mnemonic chant, and tried to circte the internal qi within his body. Atst, after an unknown amount of time, the agony gradually faded away. As for the ces that were originally in pain, they started to warm up. It seemed that extremely-slight flowing movements were urring.

    Zhang Huiguo had been nervously watching his grandson the entire time. He found that his grandson¡¯s expression was greatly pained, but he was doing his best to persevere. After a long while passed, his grandson¡¯s expression slowly returned to normal. Meanwhile, small traces of a ck substance seeped out of the surfaces of his grandson¡¯s body.

    Such obvious effects calmed down his heart.

    After half an hour, Zhang Bohan abruptly opened his eyes. Compared to before, his eyes appeared even brighter. At the same time, he opened his mouth, and spat out a mouthful of ck gas.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°This is turbid qi. Once the first three stages have passed, almost no more turbid qi will arise, nor will there be grime on the surface of your skin. However, if you¡¯re finally able to advance to Xiantian, your body will bepletely reborn. The purged grime on your skin will be even thicker, but your body will be even lighter.¡±

    Following this introduction, Zhang Bohan clenched and unclenched his fingers.

    While it didn¡¯t seem clear right now, he felt that his strength had increased slightly. Moreover, a small thread of qi was circting inside his body through the meridians.

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo told Zhang Bohan about the matter of condensing bone pearls inside the acupoints. Hearing this, Zhang Bohan conscientiously nodded his head again and again. He didn¡¯t dare to miss even a single piece of information.

    To the side, Zhang Huiguo listened, and gave a lengthy sigh: ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I encountered these two sirs when I¡¯m already at this age. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve wanted to test my resolve like Bohan.¡±

    Seeing his grandson sessfully cultivating true qi, he was happy, but sincerely regretful.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and said: ¡°If the Zhang Family Head wants to practice martial arts, I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll be very challenging. At this age, your meridians are already weak and difficult to support. If you soak yourself in medicaments to strengthen your body, and persevere all year round, it¡¯ll cause immense pain. And in the end, it¡¯s not guaranteed that you¡¯ll be able to practice martial arts. The expenses will be prohibitive, and it won¡¯t be cost-effective... But if you want to maintain your health, you can simply take the Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo heard these words, and his heart stirred: ¡°But I still have the chance to practice martial arts?¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°The possibility doesn¡¯t even reach ten percent.¡± He closely added, ¡°Moreover, the pain will be severe. Compared to when Young Master Zhang absorbed the Qi Generating Pill just now, it¡¯ll be much worse.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Zhang Huiguo said: ¡°Pain is nothing, and the money it¡¯ll cost is also nothing. I¡¯m willing to endure it. Would Mister Gu please show me the way?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°The Zhang Family Head should finish dealing with the things that ought to be dealt with first. After everything is on the right track, I can help you make an attempt.¡±

    Zhang Huiguo naturally didn¡¯t have any objections. His heart also became even more hopeful.

    Zhang Bohan was likewise happy for his grandfather. Although he was the prospective heir, and he wanted to take the position of family head as soon as possible, he knew that if he was promoted to that position with such huge interests right now, it would be difficult to keep things stable. As such, the healthier his grandfather was at this time, the better the situation would be. Even if he had to remain an heir for a few more years, so long as he was in a position of power, he could continue to develop the Zhang Family. What he could obtain at that time might be muchrger than the current holdings. What¡¯s more, his rtionship with his grandfather was very close. He sincerely cared about his grandfather.

    Zhang Huiguo saw Zhang Bohan¡¯s expression, and couldn¡¯t help revealing a smiling expression.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng repeatedly offered amazing benefits, and ¡°inadvertently¡± showed off their own prestige. The emotions of the Zhang Family leaders were surging as they thoroughly tied the entire Zhang Family to the war chariot of these two personages. From head to toe, they glowed with a type of ambitious and exuberant vitality.

    Following this, they quickly gathered some of the Zhang Family younger generations, and made many arrangements. As for themselves, they came to this vi and reported the progress of important matters every day.

    Gu Zuo was also very busy. First, he had to dilute the Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid to suitable concentrations. The person to test the medicine wasn¡¯t Gu Qi anymore. Instead, it was left to the other nine Zhang Family children who followed Tianheng to practice martial arts. The nine of them still couldn¡¯t smoothly produce true qi within their bodies ¡ª This wasn¡¯t unusual. Back then, even Gu Zuo had to spend ten days continuously practicing hand seals before he slowly seeded. This world¡¯s ambient qi was so thin, those nine people¡¯s aptitudes were far inferior to that of Gu Zuo, and their body cultivation methods were also worse than his own. It would¡¯ve been strange if they had seeded so quickly.

    At this time, the grandfather and grandson realized that if it wasn¡¯t for drinking that Qi Generating Pill liquid, Zhang Bohan would¡¯ve still been persistently struggling like these nine people. They became even more grateful to Gu Zuo. At the same time, Zhang Huiguo developed a hint of yearning for the Qi Generating Pill liquid in Gu Zuo¡¯s possession.

    Gu Zuo generously took out some Qi Generating Pills to be diluted into a liquid, and sent them to the nine people. However, their aptitude andprehension were slightly worse than that of Zhang Bohan. As a result, they needed to drink more to develop qi senses one by one.

    At this time, the group of Zhang Family children had full andplete faith in Gu Zuo and Tianheng. They treated Tianheng¡¯s high martial strength with great respect, but they admired Gu Zuo¡¯s magical medicine-refining skills even more.

    After a number of secret meetings, several of those unmotivated members of the Zhang Family were pushed to the periphery. Meanwhile, those with a clear understanding of the current trends were assembled together by Zhang Huiguo. They started to work together at all levels, and centralized the family¡¯s financial powers and resources to disseminate and promote the Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid ¡ª Of course, it wasn¡¯t done with great fanfare in the beginning. Rather, it was secretly initialized at certain private hospitals under the name of the Zhang Family.

    The Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid¡¯s efficacy was clear and easy to see.

    It started with some patients suffering from terminal illnesses at those private hospitals. When they were about to give up all hope, they consented to taking a new type of oral fluid developed by the Zhang Family, and signed liability waivers. Originally, these terminal patients had desperate mentalities, and were ready to stake everything on onest roll of the dice. They never expected that, after the first dose, their bodies would feel much morefortable. And after ten days in a row, their conditions showed obvious signs of improved control, and the areas affected by the diseases started to shrink. At the same time, they were constantly sweating and expellingrge quantities of toxins and waste products.

    Such clear reactions caused the terminal patients and their family members to cry tears of joy. At the same time, without the slightest hesitation, they persevered and continued taking the medicinal liquid. Gradually, the progression of the diseases actually changed fromte-stage to mid-stage to early-stage. Then, from the early-stage, they recovered to full health. It was just that they were still somewhat weakened.

    However, when they signed those liability waivers, they also signed non-disclosure agreements. As a result, although the terminal patients had mostly improved toplete recoveries, they still had to keep it a secret. They weren¡¯t allowed to talk about the real medicinal effects of this type of oral fluid.

    Of course, a piece of paper could never contain a fire ¡ª This was also within the predictions of the Zhang Family.

    The patients and family members didn¡¯t deliberately go out and talk about it, but there were interested parties who noticed things. In private, there was a certain amount of rumor and gossip urring. Later on, others began to make discreet inquiries on the source of this oral fluid. One thing led to another. Eventually, rich and connected people in certain families went through all kinds of channels, and found the Zhang Family.

    There was a huge difference in achievable oues between people seeking out one¡¯s product and actively selling it.

    The Zhang Family¡¯s position in Q City was very high. So long as they controlled the media, they could curb the flow of information. At the same time, the Zhang Family also began to umte strength from other aspects. They were waiting for the possibility that methodsing from a family of a higher station might befall them at any time.

    Soon, this oral fluid already started circting from secret channels. It allowed the Zhang Family to grasp the foundations of Q City, which they hadn¡¯tpletely secured until now. This formed an imprable block of iron inside. Afterwards, they swiftly took action, and began to distribute goods across the nation. Some fights to sway public opinion on the inte were always at the ready.

    In addition, video materials had long been prepared. The treatments and speeches of some terminal patients were stored by the Zhang Family, and used as evidence, anytime and anywhere.

    The speed of the flow of information in modern society was incredibly fast. And even Gongyi Tianheng was somewhat shocked.

    He and Gu Zuo were sitting in the vi. After turning on the television, he discovered that there were already many channels and interviews that were discussing this matter. Moreover, everyone knew that this Rejuvenation Oral Fluid, the ¡°good news for all terminal illnesses¡±, came from a family¡¯s years-long research and development... In other words, the Zhang Family.

    Tianheng spoke with fascination: ¡°Ah Zuo, if it came to spreading information on the Central Continent, I don¡¯t think it could be this fast.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded: ¡°One of the reasons is because this world isn¡¯t asrge as that world. Another reason is because science and technology y powerful roles in many aspects. There are also the systems of society...¡±

    To be honest, the Zhang Family couldn¡¯t stay hidden and tucked away right now. The greater the fanfare of the oral fluid¡¯s exposure, the less likely it would be snatched away by a secret conspiracy ¡ª After all, when handling matters in this world, one always had to be draped in a bright and beautiful outer skin. But it would be different in the other world. Martial strength represented status and position. It was also more rough and cruel.

    Tianheng naturally knew that a simr situation like this wouldn¡¯t work on the Central Continent. But along the same lines, things that could cause public unrest, but couldn¡¯t be covered up by Ten Ultimates Sect, would be extremely rare ¡ª Basically, it wouldn¡¯t be that easy to obtain.

    Currently, the oral fluid released on the market by the Zhang Family was a type of medicinal liquid where the Rejuvenation Pill had been diluted to the point that any medicinal power was very thin. It was almost to the ratio of one pill to onerge vat. However, the oral fluid obtained this way had mild and gentle medicinal properties. Every dose was no more than ten milliliters. If one wanted topletely cure their terminal illness, the amount of oral fluid they needed wasparativelyrge ¡ª One had to drink it three times a day for quite a few days. In addition, the price of this oral fluid wasn¡¯t low. The cost of a single dose was at least a thousand yuan.

    Apart from this, there were oral fluids that had better medicinal effects, shorter treatment courses, and higher prices. These weren¡¯t sold to the public. They were distributed in private, and used to attract those who had power, authority, and influence.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°The Zhang Family has handled things well. Later on, Ah Zuo should consider what we can use to move those so-called ancient martial artists.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little vexed: ¡°If everyone uses the same system of cultivation, the Qi Generating Pills will be enough. But on the off-chance that they don¡¯t use the same system, I don¡¯t know if Qi Generating Pills will have any use.¡±

    Of course, everyone absorbed ambient qi and utilized heavenly materials and earthly treasures to increase their strength. The Qi Generating Pill was originally something to supplement one¡¯s qi. ording to reason, it should be useful. But without any tests, who knew if it was truly effective?

    As a result, he couldn¡¯t make a decision so rashly.

    Tianheng seemed to ponder something: ¡°In that case, it would be for the best if we have an ancient martial artiste over to test it.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Tianheng smiled as he pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°This doesn¡¯t require our concern. The usefulness of the Rejuvenation Pill doesn¡¯t lie solely in treating illnesses. It¡¯s also beneficial for internal injuries. There¡¯s no need to worry about those ancient martial artists noting to our doorstep.¡±

    Gu Zuo also felt that this made sense.

    There were usually hidden injuries inside the bodies of those who practiced martial arts. So long as any one of those people tried the oral fluid, it was impossible for them not to discover this...

    Sure enough, the facts weren¡¯t outside Tianheng¡¯s expectations.

    Three dayster, Zhang Bohan brought a piece of news.

    Someone wanted toe and pay a visit.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 403 - Ancient Martial Artist

    <h4>Chapter 403 - Ancient Martial Artist</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled at Gu Zuo: ¡°Someone came.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. There was some anticipation in his eyes: ¡°I hope it¡¯s someone suitable...¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing, and ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°If they¡¯re not suitable, we can always switch to someone else.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes shined: ¡°Okay!¡±

    For the past few days, Gu Qi had been living in close proximity to these two youngsters. Seeing the tacit understanding shown through many of their actions and behaviors, he could sense the tenderness and warmth when they interacted. Slowly, he started feeling more reassured ¡ª That silly son of his was someone who would scoop out his heart and lungs for the one he loved. But in the end, even though Gongyi Tianheng had set his own heart on his silly son, just how far did Tianheng¡¯smitment go? Was this type ofmitment pure enough?

    Fortunately, based on Tianheng¡¯s most recent disys, while he indeed acted mischievously with his silly son sometimes, when all was said and done, there were many details that allowed him to see that his son¡¯s heartfelt sincerity wasn¡¯t one-sided.

    As a result, he watched these two people with a smile. Thefort in his heart outweighed the sadness that his only son had been ¡°snatched away¡±. Like his silly son, he couldn¡¯t help cing his trust in this Gongyi Tianheng. He reminisced about Zhao Ji, who also doted on their son back then. After Zhao Ji returned, how overprotective would he be once he saw that their silly son had already been won over by someone.

    As he thought about it, his mood changed for the better. Even this bit of sadness disappeared, too.

    Tianheng quickly answered Zhang Bohan, and allowed them to lead the person in.

    Without any ambiguity or carelessness, Zhang Bohan swiftly ryed the information from the other side¡¯s response. At 1:00 PM on the very same day, the doorbell was rung once more.

    Gu Zuo considered something, and turned his head to look at Gu Qi: ¡°Dad, from now on, don¡¯t reveal yourself.¡±

    Gu Qi wasn¡¯t foolish. He knew that his own changes over the past few years couldn¡¯tpare to what Gu Zuo went through. He nodded his head, and agreed: ¡°Okay. You two need to be careful as well.¡±

    Gu Zuo revealed a great, big smile.

    Gu Qi waved his hand, and went into a room on the side.

    Soon after, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows heated up. A streak of psychic power erupted, and rapidly hurtled to the front of the door, and opened it.

    Psychic power could be seamlessly invisible. From the perspective of an outsider, it would seem like the door had opened on its own.

    The doorbell had been pressed by Zhang Bohan. He didn¡¯t see anyone at the doorway, and was startled. However, he quickly restrained his puzzlement, turned around, and used a very natural bearing to speak to someone beside him: ¡°Mister Tian, pleasee in. This ce is the living quarters of Mister Gu, the one who researched and developed the oral fluid.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly righted hisplexion. He realized that this time¡¯s matter was going to require him to y the main role.

    Tianheng reassuringly ced his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood also calmed down.

    Immediately following this, they saw a thirty-something year old man walk inside with Zhang Bohan. This man¡¯s stature was very well-built. Although he was wearing a western suit, one could still notice the man¡¯s bulging muscles. In addition, his temples were high and prominent, hisplexion was flushed red, his qi and blood were vigorous, and he possessed a type of indomitable strength.

    As Gu Zuo gave a sweeping nce, his psychic power had already blown across this fellow.

    These qi emissions...were a little odd.

    He had a thorough understanding of a martial artist¡¯s qi emissions. With this single nce, he found that, although this Mister Tian practiced martial arts, the martial disciplines being practiced weren¡¯t a system as he previously discussed with his dear big brother. However, he would only know the specifics by examining the interior of this fellow¡¯s body.

    It was just that, ording to the unintentionally emitted suppressive might, Mister Tian¡¯s strength was approximately at Blood Refining stage three.

    Gu Zuo considered things. This level wasn¡¯t bad.

    On the Peripheral Continent where the Cangyun Empire was located, the ambient qi was somewhat denser than that of the modern world. At that time, when the Gongyi n was recruiting guards, those at the Blood Refining Realm needed to be under thirty years old... This happened to be only somewhat stronger.

    Gu Zuo¡¯smentary actually contained the unconscious bias of condescension. But this also wasn¡¯t surprising. After all, his internal qi realm had already reached the Immortal Realm. As he took another look at the Blood Refining Realm... Even though the fellow was older, this martial artist wasn¡¯t a friend nor an elder. He certainly didn¡¯t have any way to hypocritically think about how much he respected the other party. Most of all, when this person entered, there was a trace of unconscious arrogance in his features, too.

    However, when this Mister Tian came inside, that bit of arrogance vanished upon getting a clear view of Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    It was because he shockingly discovered that he couldn¡¯t tell the bottom line of these two¡¯s strength! Of course, he didn¡¯t consider them ordinary people. What was ssified as his martial artist¡¯s intuition was constantly ring out: Dangerous! Dangerous!

    Hence, it was only natural that Mister Tian instantly changed his attitude.

    He no longer believed that it was a slight for the other party to make him to take the initiative to go and visit them. On the contrary, he really showed some respect.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s impression of this person was also somewhat good: ¡°Mister Tian, please take a seat.¡±

    Mister Tian promptly said: ¡°I don¡¯t dare ept the honor. The younger generation Tian Hang sends his regards to these two sirs.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s facial expression was upright and proper: ¡°What business brings Mister Tian Hang here?¡±

    Finally, Tian Hang obediently sat down at the far-end of the sofa, and said: ¡°This time, I came seeking Mister Gu¡¯s mercy to save someone¡¯s life.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°You can tell me in detail.¡±

    Tian Hang restrained his state of mind, and diligently spoke: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from Mister Gu. I have a wife who was originally a martial arts genius. It¡¯s a pity that she trained too hard in the past, and injured her body. Later on, she got sick from constantly overworking herself, and triggered a gic disease inherited through her family. When she found out, it had already be an end-stage terminal illness. Because this disease is practically incurable, my wife only used some medicinal herbs to hold on and spend a little more time with me. If nothing unexpected happens, she can extend her life for seven or eight years. But recently, she discovered that she has be pregnant.¡±

    Speaking up to here, Tian Hang¡¯s expression bore signs of grief: ¡°If this child is born, it¡¯ll induce massive hemorrhaging during the birthing process, and she¡¯ll die. But if she doesn¡¯t give birth, she can still live. However, my wife is determined to give birth to this child... My wife and I have been married for ten years. While a husband and wife treat each other with mutual respect, we are alsopanions walking along the path of martial arts. Rather than letting her die for this child, I hope that she can live for a few more years. Unfortunately, she¡¯s too stubborn. We¡¯ve already been stuck in a deadlock for several months.¡±

    As Gu Zuo listened, he gradually guessed some things.

    Tian Hang continued: ¡°By this time, if surgery isn¡¯t performed, then the child must be carried to term. Originally, I wanted to meet with my father-inw and mother-inw to persuade them. But right at that time, I suddenly heard that there was a type of oral fluid with miraculous effects that could treat incurable diseases. After I asked around, I realized that this matter was true. It¡¯s just a shame that, although the medicine works, the period of time that a terminal patient needs is somewhat long. Moreover, I don¡¯t know if this medicine can be taken by pregnant women. Later on, I spent some time to find the eldest Young Master Zhang, and found out about Mister Gu¡¯s matters. Thus, I presumptuously came to pay a visit, and to ask for a consultation.¡±

    Gu Zuo acted as if he was taking it very seriously, and nodded his head: ¡°So, it¡¯s like this.¡± Then, he looked at Tian Hang, ¡°Your wife¡¯s disease can be treated, but what price are you willing to pay?¡±

    Tian Hang didn¡¯t expect that Gu Zuo would be so straightforward, but he also didn¡¯t think that it was strange. He seriously pondered for a moment, and replied: ¡°Money and certain channels are no problems for me. If there are other requirements, I ask that Mister Gu put them forward for discussion.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no need to keep this from you. The oral fluid sold on the market is a type of medicament specialized for martial artists that has been diluted to concentrations suitable for ordinary people. If it¡¯s a martial artist, their body will be strong enough to take the original medicinal pill. Generally speaking, the disease will be cured the moment it¡¯s taken.¡±

    Once he said this, his voice slightly drew the next word out: ¡°But ¡ª¡±

    At first, there was joy on Tian Hang¡¯s face. After that, his expression froze: ¡°But what?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°The original pill¡¯s price might be so expensive that it exceeds the range that some people can bear.¡±

    Tian Hang¡¯s heartstrings loosened: ¡°The price won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    Gu Zuo imitated his dear big brother¡¯s gentle smile: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I must first take your pulse.¡±

    Tian Hang was puzzled: ¡°Take my pulse?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°When you came in, I already detected that your qi emissions are somewhat stagnant. There may be some hidden injuries within your body. If you don¡¯t regard my methods with disdain, I can treat you, too. Besides, my words alone won¡¯t be as good as trying it out for yourself. Since you¡¯re not short of money, if the state of your injuries are suitable for taking the original pill, you can personally experience it.¡±

    Tian Hang had never taken the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid. Originally, he thought that this type of oral fluid cured diseases, but now it seemed that it wasn¡¯t limited to only this? He couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°A martial artist¡¯s hidden injuries can also be treated?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°It¡¯s usually like this.¡±

    Tian Hang¡¯s heart was somewhat excited. He held hopes for his wife¡¯s disease, but with the arrival of this good news, he couldn¡¯t sit still. However, he was in someone else¡¯s territory. Since it wasn¡¯t good to say too much, he cooperatively extended a hand.

    The reason why Gu Zuo went back and forth with this person for so long was for the sake of inspecting the bodies of this world¡¯s ancient martial artists in a natural way. Therefore, he promptly gripped Tian Hang¡¯s wrist, and sent a thread of psychic power inside.

    This was an ancient martial artist with the strength that wasparable to Blood Refining stage three. The examination was extremely fast. Just as Tian Hang sensed a peculiar feelinging from his wrist, this feeling rapidly faded away.

    Gu Zuo was already retracting his hand. He had a clear understanding of the situation.

    For this world¡¯s martial artists, the energy within their bodies was also true qi. Merely, this kind of true qi was somewhat different from what Gu Zuo and the others cultivated. The quality was a little inferior to that of Houtian Realm martial artists, and the quantity was also very small.

    Gu Zuo discovered that the true qi utilized by Tian Hang was circted through his meridians and within his flesh. In addition, it wasn¡¯t stored inside any bone pearls. Thus, generally speaking, the strength was simr to that of Blood Refining stage three, but the amount was inferior. If there was a protracted battle, Tian Hang definitely wouldn¡¯t be able topare to a martial artist who was at Blood Refining stage three.

    Moreover, with Gu Zuo¡¯s present eyesight, he could tell that, with the increase of this true qi, its quality might change to a certain extent. It was likely that the farther one progressed to the end, the closer the quality one¡¯s true qi approached that of a Houtian Realm martial artist. However, if a person wanted to break through to the Xiantian Realm, the degree of difficulty would rise tremendously.

    This idea couldn¡¯t help but make him suspicious. In this world, were there really any ancient martial artists who had broken through to Xiantian?

    In addition, because the true qi was stored in the wrong ces, the harm done to their bodies was also rather great. Tian Hang¡¯s body clearly showed traces of using medicines to take care of his body and to strengthen his internal organs for years on end. The medical expertises of those who healed him were decent, but it was also fortunate that Tian Hang¡¯s realm wasn¡¯t high. The higher his realm became, the harder it would be to treat him ¡ª If this continued, his lifespan would probably be shortened.

    At the present time, there were no signs of shortening. Thispletely relied on the remaining medicinal powers that he had been umting and supplementing within his muscles and internal organs over the years.

    Gu Zuo deliberately muttered to himself: ¡°You¡¯re current at the Blood Refining Realm...¡±

    Tian Hang nked: ¡°Blood Refining?¡±

    Gu Zuo also appeared to give a distracted look: ¡°The teacher I followed would speak about the practice of martial arts. There are three realms: Refining the blood, forging the bones, and condensing the meridians. You are clearly at the realm of blood refining... Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re not?¡±

    Tian Hang understood something, and said: ¡°It¡¯s probably because the terms are different. We call these three stages Surface Energy, Hidden Energy, and Transformed Energy.¡±

    After pondering Gu Zuo¡¯s way of speaking, Tian Hang felt that these terms contained some mysteries, but he didn¡¯t think about it too much. He just put it down to the terminology being different. Although the methods of every school¡¯s martial disciplines weren¡¯t the same, they all had unified their terminologies long ago. Unexpectedly, these two people weren¡¯t the same. Perhaps, the inheritance they obtained was very ancient.

    Thinking about the skills that Gu Zuo possessed, he felt deep veneration for them.

    Things that were age-old and useful naturally deserved prudent treatment.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo nodded his head, and said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, we¡¯ll go ording to your way of speaking. Your body has umted many hidden injuries as you practiced martial arts. Although you¡¯ve been recuperating the whole time, those medicinal powers are somewhat in a mess. Though they have the effect of harmonizing with each other, there are plenty of impurities, which makes it difficult topletely cure you. Fortunately, there aren¡¯t any anomalous energies left behind in your body, so taking an original pill won¡¯t cause any problems. At the very least, prior to wrecking your body again, there¡¯s no need to worry about reducing your lifespan.¡±

    Tian Hang was more than a little eager: ¡°Mister Gu¡¯s meaning is that it can bepletely cured?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°That¡¯s only natural.¡± Then, he took a purposeful pause, ¡°The original pill is called a Rejuvenation Pill. The medicinal ingredients needed to refine this pill are extremely precious. Thus, the price of every pill is twenty million yuan.¡±

    Tian Hang was startled.

    Twenty million yuan for one pill? This price...

    He anticipated that it would be expensive, but he never expected that it would be this costly.

    Gu Zuo stated: ¡°With one Rejuvenation Pill, I can dilute it into twenty thousand doses of Rejuvenation Medicinal Liquid. Each dose is worth at least a thousand yuan. Moreover, once Mister Tian takes it, he¡¯ll know its value.¡±

    Tian Hang pondered for a short while.

    If he purchased the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid for his wife, the time it would take to treat the end-stage terminal illness would be a month or longer. Though, the number of bottles taken daily wouldn¡¯t be limited to only three bottles. Rather, she would need to drink a bottle whenever she was in pain. However, in the final calctions, it would take several hundreds of thousands of yuan to cure her.

    It was also because this oral liquid was highly effective and affordable that it had been poprized so quickly and was greatly respected. This caused shockwaves in many ces.

    Whenparing several hundred thousand yuan to twenty million yuan... That disparity was toorge.

    But Tian Hang wasn¡¯t stupid either. A product that had been diluted was naturally far inferior to the original version. For the sake of practicing martial arts, the money he spent was more than tens of millions of yuan. What¡¯s more, he had a type of premonition. If he thought it was too expensive and walked away, he would definitely regret itter!

    Hence, he clenched his teeth: ¡°Would Mister Gu please give me a pill? I will immediately transfer the money to Mister Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that this person was very honorable, and announced a string of card numbers.

    Tian Hang didn¡¯t hesitate, and made a call to have someone transfer the money.

    After a brief couple of minutes, Gu Zuo¡¯s cell phone notified him that the twenty million had already been moved to his ount. Gu Zuo naturally scooped out a bottle from his pocket, and poured out a pale-yellow medicinal pill. It was as pure and limpid as a pearl of yellow jade. It was handed over to Tian Hang.

    Tian Hang took it, and swallowed the pill.

    In the blink of an eye, an extremelyfortable clear stream entered his stomach. At the same time, his entire body felt peaceful and rxed! An ancient martial artist had an incredible understanding of their own body. He seemed to hear the riotous and joyful criesing from every cell in his body. He sensed that there was always some difort in the past, or some old injuries that asionally hurt due to practicing martial arts. Yet, under the soothing effects of that gentle power, everything swiftly turned for the better ¡ª

    After about a minute passed, Tian Hang used his sleeve to wipe away the sweat. He felt thatst bit of lingeringfort gradually vanish, and let out a lengthy sigh. He spoke with unfeigned happiness: ¡°Sure enough, Mister Gu¡¯s words weren¡¯t false. The effects of this Rejuvenation Pill are truly too powerful!¡±

    He could sense that his own body was in peak condition. Not only was his qi and blood surging like ocean waves, there wasn¡¯t a single old injury that remained! He felt like he could eat two whole cows!

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°How is it? Twenty million isn¡¯t expensive, right?¡±

    Tian Hang respectfully said: ¡°Truly, many thanks to Mister Gu.¡± After that, he said with some embarrassment, ¡°Would Mister Gu be able to sell me a few more Rejuvenation Pills...¡±

    Gu Zuo straightforwardly nodded his head: ¡°I still have a few in stock here. They have been umted over many years. Since you¡¯re the first one toe and find this ce, I can sell you three pills.¡±

    Tian Hang was ecstatic, and asked tentatively: ¡°Not including the one for my wife?¡±

    He was still a little nervous.

    Gu Zuo paused, and pretended to act exasperated: ¡°...Fine.¡±

    Tian Hang was wild with joy. He no longer tried to push his luck. Instead, he impatiently made another call, and demanded the bank to transfer the money to the same ount immediately.

    Gu Zuo saw that the transfer was sessful, and quickly passed the medicinal pills to Tian Hang: ¡°In addition, there¡¯s one more matter I want to ask you to help with.¡±

    Tian Hang obtained many good things, and answered without the slightest hesitation: ¡°Mister Gu, please speak your mind.¡±

    Gu Zuo reached out a hand, and rummaged around his pocket again. He took out another small bottle. The medicinal pill that was poured out was a clean, white color: ¡°The Rejuvenation Pill¡¯s medicinal effects are strong. Therefore, most of the umted pills were taken out to be diluted into oral liquid to treat the terminal illnesses of ordinary people. However, this type of medicinal pill can only be used by ancient martial artists. I intend to share it with numerous fellow practitioners. Would Mister Tian be interested?¡±

    Tian Hang had no doubts about Gu Zuo¡¯s skills. After seeing the miracles of the Rejuvenation Pill, he held Gu Zuo in even higher esteem. Right away, he fervently said: ¡°What¡¯s the use of this type of pill? How can I get it?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled, and said: ¡°If Mister Tian trusts me, you can pay two million yuan for one pill.¡±

    This time around, Tian Hang didn¡¯t let someone else transfer the money. Without the least bit of ambiguity, he directly transferred the money himself. After that, he took the pill, and immediately swallowed it. As a warm current entered his throat, it caused him to clearly feel that, within his own meridians, his inner power was rapidly strengthening!

    T-this was a medicinal pill that directly advanced one¡¯s inner power!

    Tian Hang promptly started operating his own method of martial discipline, trying his best to dissolve and absorb the energy of that pill. About fifteen minutes passed. This medicinal pill¡¯s energy still seemed to have a lot left over, but there was somewhat of a dull ache in his meridians. He knew that he had reached his limits, and reluctantly stopped.

    As for the rest of the medicinal power, it slowly dissipated into his flesh.

    Tian Hang was a little regretful. However, the improvement to his inner power in this short while was already better than ten years of hard work! This strange medicine was so miraculous!

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo knew that during this brief amount of time, it would be impossible for Tian Hang¡¯s meridians, which had yet to adapt, topletely digest the Qi Generating Pill. More than half of the medicinal power had been wasted. But he was convinced that this was shocking enough.

    Sure enough, Tian Hang¡¯splexion had be flushed and ruddy. His feelings of excitement were hard to put into words: ¡°T-this is... Mister Gu, this medicinal pill of yours, how many can be sold to me?¡±

    Gu Zuo showed a thoughtful appearance, and replied: ¡°I still have a lot of Qi Generating Pills in stock. The medicinal ingredients used for refining it are also somewhat simpler than the ones for the Rejuvenation Pill. However, the price won¡¯t be as cheap as the pill I gave you just now.¡±

    Tian Hang hurriedly nodded his head: ¡°This was Mister Gu¡¯s kindness. I understand.¡± He persevered, and said, ¡°The price won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°One Qi Generating Pill for four million yuan. However, as I mentioned previously, the higher the strength of the ancient martial artist, the smaller the effects of the Qi Generating Pill. But the price won¡¯t change.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Tian Hang calmed down. He understood that this was a normal situation. As for the price... The price had doubled, but it waspletely within an eptable range.

    At that moment, he pulled out his phone again, and transferred arge share of his remaining personal funds to Gu Zuo. However, because the amount he spent just now wasn¡¯t small, he was only able to purchase five Qi Generating Pills.

    Gu Zuo had a beaming smile. Having received the money so straightforwardly, he fished out the medicinal pills in the same way: ¡°As for the matter of the Qi Generating Pills, Mister Tian can tell the people close to him.¡±

    Tian Hang understood tacitly. He spent a little more time trying to get closer to Gu Zuo before leaving in a hurry.

    When this business deal was done, Zhang Bohan, who had been standing to the side, was stunned.

    Several medicinal pills were sold in exchange for over a hundred million yuan ¡ª Although the money that their Zhang Family obtained through the previous distribution of the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid was even greater, when all was said and done, that period had been a lot of hard work. It wasn¡¯t as intuitive and fast as the present scene.

    With regards to Gu Zuo¡¯s money-making ability, Zhang Bohan could only stamp ¡°Admiration¡± in huge letters in his mind.

    At the same time, Zhang Bohan also realized the true value of the Qi Generating Pills Gu Zuo recently gave them. At the bottom of his heart, he couldn¡¯t help but silently run some calctions on their possible future expenses. In addition, he was worried that, after Tian Hang brought back news, there would be many ancient martial artists scrambling toe and purchase medicine. If there wasn¡¯t enough in stock, what was their Zhang Family supposed to do? Of course, he wanted to go back and discuss things with his grandfather right away. As the saying went, the pavilion closest to the water would enjoy the moonlight first. They had to pay a big price to reserve enough Qi Generating Pills!

    Hence, Zhang Bohan bade farewell and departed as if his shoes were set on fire.

    Once everyone was gone, Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders sagged. He fell backwards...and conveniently leaned against Tianheng¡¯s body: ¡°Big brother...¡±

    Tianheng supported him. In a warm voice, he said: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°Putting on an act and making business deals with them is really exhausting.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo did a great job. You were quite imposing.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s ¡°mask¡± also copsed: ¡°I learned everything from big brother.¡±

    Tianheng chuckled, and said: ¡°What moistens the ears shall dye the eyes. It¡¯smon for there to be some resemnce between us. Could it be that Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t want to be like me?¡±

    A phrase instantly appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind: Faces of a husband and wife.

    After that, he silently blushed: ¡°Actually, that isn¡¯t...¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow. He was amused by Gu Zuo¡¯s situation.

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Right, big brother. It¡¯s been so long since you came here, but we¡¯ve been busy the entire time. Why don¡¯t we find some time to go out and travel around? I can bring big brother to see my world.¡±

    They could have a real date or something.

    T/N: The date will be spread across three chapters of varying lengths, with one unrted chapter in between as an interlude.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 404 - A Date for Two, Part I

    <h4>Chapter 404 - A Date for Two, Part I</h4>

    There was a smile in Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s eyes: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Naturally, he agreed.

    Although Gu Zuo knew that his family¡¯s big brother probably wouldn¡¯t refuse, he couldn¡¯t help feeling happy after receiving a positive response.

    Off to the side, Gu Qi, who discovered that the others had left and hade out of the room, happened to hear his silly son¡¯s invitation to Tianheng. He interjected, and said: ¡°It would be better to set aside this time for the day after tomorrow. That way, you guys can go watch a movie or something. As for the movie tickets, you can ask the Zhang Family to help acquire them. How about that?¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng turned their heads to look over.

    Gu Qi¡¯s smile was clear and bright: ¡°You guys aren¡¯t too old, so you should go out and have fun.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head, and looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened. His eyes were soft and warm: ¡°Many thanks for the suggestion, Uncle Gu. This younger generation also thinks it¡¯s good.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded.

    Ah, the day after tomorrow...just so happened to be Christmas.

    Christmas Day.

    Gu Zuo got up first thing in the morning. After that, he walked to the front of Tianheng¡¯s bedroom door with a bounce in his step. He hesitated between knocking and not knocking on the door ¡ª That¡¯s right. He couldn¡¯t simply sleep in his big brother¡¯s bed every day. It had been the first day they saw each other again, too. For all other times, he had already moved into a guest room that had been tidied up.

    Just as Gu Zuo was hesitating, that door was opened.

    An extremely handsome young man stood at the doorway, and reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair ¡ª Though, just as those fingers touched his hair, the hand was taken away: ¡°Ah Zuo, why didn¡¯t youe in?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed: ¡°I¡¯m all ready to go. Today, we agreed to go out and eat breakfast.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head. After that, he smiled: ¡°Today, Ah Zuo is different from before.¡±

    The Gu Zuo of today had cleaned up nicely. He was wearing a white, woolen sweater and a casual, padded jacket that were of high-quality and suitable for his age. Around his neck was a fluffy scarf that his dad forced him to put on. The scarf seemed to cover up half of his face.

    After returning to this world, his long hair, which had already been trimmed into multipleyers with feathered cuts, was properly styled at this moment. His lovely locks of hair were now draped over his shoulders.

    Overall, apart from a very spiritual influence, the feelings he gave others today were fresh, clean, and a little cute.

    Gu Zuo was sized up by Tianheng. Under this scrutiny, Gu Zuo wanted to adjust his hair. After considering the issue of messing up the hairstyle, he hurriedly pulled his hand back. Immediately after, he said: ¡°Today, big brother also looks especially good.¡±

    Indeed. Tianheng was wearing a pair of jeans and a fleece shirt that hugged tightly to his body. Over this, he wore a long windbreaker jacket. For his lengthy, ck hair, he used a headband to neatly fasten it behind him. To put it in a more fashionable way, this cultivated the image of a man with long legs and a tall, straight figure. All of a sudden, he seemed to stand out even more from themon crowd. There was no need to mention that criminally beautiful face. People wouldn¡¯t be able to pull their eyes away once they caught a glimpse of him.

    Gu Zuo felt that, if he hadn¡¯t seen his big brother¡¯s various appearances over the years, he would be struggling under the halo of his big brother¡¯s handsome visage. He probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to tear his gaze away either. But fortunately, he only stared nkly for a short moment, and didn¡¯t lose face.

    Tianheng showed Gu Zuo a good-looking smile that caused him to choke up for a few seconds: ¡°Ah Zuo is ttering me.¡±

    After that, Gu Zuo followed Tianheng down to the first floor with a giddy bounce in his step.

    Gu Qi was already waiting for them downstairs. When he saw the two of them walking side by side, he couldn¡¯t help chuckling: ¡°Son, with your size, you still need to grow up some more.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gu Zuo¡¯s grin deted a little.

    Why mention the pot that didn¡¯t boil? Originally, he had grown to 1.75 meters, and he was still growing. Unfortunately, his big brother had surpassed 1.9 meters long ago. When he stood next to his big brother, he only reached his shoulders, which made him look like a child. He didn¡¯t know if wearing heel-lifting insoles could reduce the gap in height between them!

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°It also isn¡¯t bad with Ah Zuo like this.¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at Tianheng with a slightly intive look: ¡°Big brother, I feel that I can still keep growing.¡±

    Tianheng wore a smiling expression as he nodded: ¡°Then, I think that Ah Zuo will definitely grow taller.¡±

    Gu Zuo wasforted, and was no longer tangled up on this problem.

    Soon after, the two walked to the entrance.

    Gu Zuo waved to Gu Qi: ¡°Big brother and I will be going out to have some fun, and we¡¯ll being backte. Dad, you don¡¯t have to wait for us. Make sure you go to bed early.¡±

    After that, he thought of something else, and revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Also, Merry Christmas, dad!¡±

    Gu Qi waved a hand as well: ¡°Okay, I know. You guys go and have fun. There¡¯s no need to worry about me.¡± Then, he returned a Merry Christmas to them.

    Following this, Tianheng simrly gave Gu Qi his well-wishes and goodbyes before walking out the door with Gu Zuo.

    A car was parked outside. After Zhang Bohan found out that they were going to go out and enjoy the festivities today, he specially delivered a method of transportation. He also sent a driver.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng sat in the back row. In the front, the driver politely asked: ¡°Where do these two sirs want to go?¡±

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo with a smile on his face, and said: ¡°I don¡¯t have much of an understanding of this ce. Whatever Ah Zuo wants is what I want.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up: ¡°First, take us to Three Flowers Boulevard so we can eat breakfast.¡±

    At the front, the driver answered: ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    After that, he turned the steering wheel, and the car drove out smoothly.

    His skill level wasparatively high. Unexpectedly, they didn¡¯t experience a single bump or jolt on the road. Because Zhang Bohan had already called ahead, there weren¡¯t any obstructions at the inspection points along the way.

    Tianheng slightly leaned back against his seat. As Gu Zuo nced at the distance between them, he felt a little conflicted.

    Right now, it would be a bit obvious if he scooted closer...

    After that, Tianheng beckoned to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo promptly went over. In an instant, there was practically no space between them: ¡°Big brother called for me?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo made some ns for today. Would it be okay to tell this elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t really want to spoil anything because keeping it a secret would be more intriguing. But on second thought, his big brother wasn¡¯t someone from this world at all. Even if he talked about it, his big brother probably wouldn¡¯t know anything specific. As a result, he diligently replied: ¡°We¡¯ll eat breakfast, and take a walk down the boulevard. After strolling around some of the scenic points here, maybe we can go to an amusement park, zoo, or aquarium. Finally, we¡¯ll go watch a movie. After wee out, we can have another bite to eat at night...¡±

    In any case, when it came to the things they could do or the ces they could visit during the date, Gu Zuo thought of everything. At that time, if they wanted to stay a little longer, they could stay as long as they wanted. And if they didn¡¯t, they could always switch to another location.

    This was what one called handling things both strictly and rxedly. To fulfill his desires, he did as he wished.

    ¡ª In actuality, as a rookie to romance, apart from these recreational activities that were essential for lovers, if he had to think of anything that was particrly romantic by himself... Well, nothing came to mind.

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth was parched.

    When he wasn¡¯t talking, he didn¡¯t think about it. But after all this talking, he felt a little helpless.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t think that Gu Zuo¡¯s ns were too rigid. Instead, he smiled and said: ¡°This elder brother has never experienced these things before. This time, Ah Zuo will be the guide to bring this elder brother around and take in the sights.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings loosened, and he promptly recovered his thoughts: ¡°Great! Big brother, rest assured!¡±

    Admittedly, he had never gone through this before ¡ª But even though he had never seen a pig run, hadn¡¯t he eaten pork? It was trivial! Not a problem!

    Just after the two had this conversation, the driver spoke up: ¡°Sirs, we¡¯ve arrived at Three Flowers Boulevard.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°Find a ce to rest. When we need the car, I¡¯ll give you a call.¡±

    The driver didn¡¯t object: ¡°My number is already stored in Mister Gu¡¯s cell phone. Mister Gu, please enjoy yourself.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally agreed: ¡°Okay. Then, we¡¯ll do it this way.¡±

    Once that was done, Gu Zuo got out of the car first. Then, he made a show of opening the car door for his big brother.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, slightly hunched his body, and also disembarked.

    Following this, the driver drove the car away. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo stood on Tianheng¡¯s left side, and pointed ahead: ¡°Big brother, we¡¯ll go to that Partridge Cafe to eat breakfast, okay?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Everything will be as Ah Zuo wishes.¡±

    There was a ripple in the pond of Gu Zuo¡¯s heart. After that, he led Tianheng towards the ce he pointed out.

    Tianheng started walking, but before he could take a couple of steps, there were the sounds of gaspsing from all around. Immediately after that, it seemed that several people had knocked into each other and let out painful shouts.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He looked in all directions, and found that many eyes were shining with fanatical glints. All of these gazes uniformly fell upon Tianheng. Quite a few people who were walking hade to a halt, and those who were chatting had be silent. In addition, everyone now groaning in pain had been walking ahead, but couldn¡¯t help turning their heads to take a look, and fell down...

    Gu Zuo suddenly realized that he had underestimated the destructive power of his family¡¯s big brother.

    Undoubtedly, because these people were in the middle of watching a beautiful man, they were caught in a moment of carelessness!

    This truly was a tragedy...

    Gu Zuo hastily pulled Tianheng, and quickened their pace.

    The next moment, he discovered that the crowds on the pedestrian-only boulevard, which was originally a little congested due to the holiday, had suddenly given way to either side to open a path. This was like Moses parting the Red Sea. They inadvertently did almost the same thing.

    ¡ª It wasn¡¯t like this kind of spectacle never happened on the Central Continent, but during those times, the reason why people made way for Tianheng was due to his identity and status. It was also because of his strength and imposing aura.

    But in this world?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help conceding.

    This was due to...face.

    And maybe temperament on top of that.

    Gu Zuo was speechless for a couple of seconds. Then, he directly pulled Tianheng into a short run, and swiftly squeezed into the Partridge Cafe.

    After that, he and Tianheng stood in front of the reception desk. Unsurprisingly, they were met with the slightly stunned gazes of the two female receptionists.

    Gu Zuo exasperatingly used his knuckles to knock on the desk: ¡°Miss? Young miss?¡±

    The two receptionists suddenly looked over with the hints of a re in their eyes. Fortunately, their professionalism was still up to the mark, and they quickly realized their ownpses in service. With soothing manners and tender voices, they said: ¡°Excuse us, may we ask if there¡¯s anything we can help you guys with?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...Please open a private room for us.¡±

    The receptionist girls: ¡°We¡¯re sorry. All of the private rooms have already been booked.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Then, can you set up a screen on the second floor?¡±

    This time, there weren¡¯t any problems.

    After the two receptionists held a fierce battle with their eyes, the winner of the two beautiful girls stepped forward, and led the pair up to the second floor.

    Gu Zuo silently tugged down on a corner of Tianheng¡¯s jacket: ¡°Big brother, keep your head down and don¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Tianheng found this funny, and said: ¡°Why?¡±

    Gu Zuo had a wooden expression: ¡°...To take advantage while everyone else is eating and not lifting their heads. Big brother, listen to me, and you can¡¯t go wrong.¡±

    Tianheng wore a smile, and slightly lowered his head.

    Just like this, Gu Zuo hurriedly led Tianheng by the hand, and entered the semi-private space on the second floor that had been separated by a screen.

    Once the two smoothly sat down, Gu Zuo let out a huge sigh of relief.

    Truly, one had to brace themselves when sending out the troops. He had forgotten about his big brother¡¯s ostentatiously handsome face! In the past, when he first caught a glimpse, hadn¡¯t he stared in awe? Now, with increased strength and matured temperament, his big brother had grown to look even more handsome. It was the type that was pure, natural, and wless. It couldn¡¯t have been more normal to draw a crowd!

    Previously, when they were on the Central Continent, big brother would unleash his imposing aura. As a result, more people focused on his imposing aura than his face. He grew ustomed to this, and didn¡¯t pay attention. However, now that they were in the modern world, for the sake of not injuring ordinary people, big brother¡¯s imposing aura had been put away. In turn, this face was presented clearly and prominently... This was his mistake.

    Gu Zuo was frustrated.

    He always felt that something might go wrong with today¡¯s date.

    But Gu Zuo quickly returned to normal. He pressed the button for the bell, and called over a waitress.

    Because the Partridge Cafe was an antique-style teahouse, the clothing of the service staff was also interesting and appealing. When approaching with spry and lively movements, there was a ssical sense of aesthetics and charm.

    The ssical beauty set down a menu made of wood, and unfolded it.

    After that... After that, she also started looking at Tianheng.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble this young miss give us some space. When we¡¯re ready to order, I¡¯ll call for you.¡±

    The ssical beauty heard this, and reluctantly left.

    Although handsome guys were important, work was important, too...

    Tianheng¡¯s hand was propped under his lower jaw. Filled with interest, he was watching Gu Zuo¡¯s many actions. The smile in his eyes was very gentle.

    After Gu Zuo finished handling this, he raised his head. His gaze bumped right into such a pair of eyes. He clearly saw the teasing look within them, and couldn¡¯t help blushing. He murmured: ¡°I can¡¯t be med. Who made big brother grow up to look like this? Those people just now simply came to ogle at big brother!¡±

    The smile in Tianheng¡¯s eyes deepened. He spoke in a soft voice: ¡°Okay. The fault is mine.¡±

    Gu Zuo was blinded by this shy smile, and had a sudden thought ¡ª Fine. When even someone like him, who was used to this sight, asionally fell under big brother¡¯s spell, it was normal for those first-timers to act a bit outrageously.

    However, if this staring continued, he was going to forget his manners and lose his temper. Gu Zuo hurriedly pushed the menu to Tianheng¡¯s side: ¡°Big brother, take a look. What do you want to eat for breakfast?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s fine for Ah Zuo to order for me.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head. After that, his eyes shined. All of a sudden, he shifted from his seat across the table to sit next to Tianheng. He pretended to speak naturally: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll order breakfast with big brother.¡±

    Tianheng felt amused in his heart. He couldn¡¯t help pinching his cheek: ¡°If you insist.¡±

    As far as Gu Zuo was concerned, the current two-person world and intimately ordering from a menu finally had a bit of that dating atmosphere. Under Tianheng¡¯s indulgence, intentional or otherwise, this mood was maintained all along, and there seemed to be a slight ambiguity in the air.

    Gu Zuo was inwardly rejoicing.

    Although Christmas wasn¡¯t a holiday that originated from their own country, apart from family members, those who came out to y during these Western festivities were sweethearts and lovers. While he was still in the middle of his own romantic pursuit, and had yet to open up about anything, he couldpletely visualize himself today. Perhaps, he could seize the opportunity to take an indirect approach. Would he be able to find a chance to ask his big brother...if there was any possibility of ying for the other team?

    Yes. In Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes, his big brother was a straight man. And straight men needed to be pursued slowly and gently. He couldn¡¯t act blindly without thinking. Otherwise, he would end up beating the grass and scaring away the snake.

    A short while passed, and the close pair finished reading the menu. Gu Zuo used his superior memory to note down the meals that the two of them had seen before and thought were good.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s discuss something.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows faintly moved: ¡°Discuss what?¡±

    Gu Zuo solemnly said: ¡°When the waitresses over, you need to turn around and face the wall, okay?¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°...¡±

    Gu Zuo shot a taunting look.

    A trace of helplessness flickered across Tianheng¡¯s face, but his tone was still very gentle: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Following this, after another ssical beauty moved past the screen and came inside, Tianheng had already turned the other way without revealing his face. Although his back was tall and straight, and his temperament was impressive, that visage, which was as bright as the moon, was nowhere to be found. It also didn¡¯t get to the point of sending people into daydreams.

    Gu Zuo swiftly announced the names of the dishes.

    Dedicated to her work, the ssical beauty marked everything down with the flying strokes of her pen. However, up until she departed, Tianheng never turned around. Instead, he kept looking at the murals on the wall as if he was seriously appreciating the artwork... There was a hint of disappointment in her eyes, and she could only leave resentfully.

    At this time, Tianheng turned back, shook his head, and said: ¡°Is Ah Zuo satisfied?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s smiling expression was glittering: ¡°Very satisfied!¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t hold back hisughter.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo seemed to find a way of handling things. Every time they needed to call for someone, he made Tianheng turn around. And every time someone¡¯s approaching shadow was cast on the screen, Tianheng would take the initiative to turn around on his own.

    Once all the dishes were ready, Gu Zuo scampered over to pull the screen closed even more tightly, and arranged Tianheng¡¯s seat where he couldn¡¯t be spied on from the outside under any circumstances. Feeling relieved, Gu Zuo moved closer to sit next to Tianheng. After that, hedled out a bowl of congee: ¡°This is a delicacy of this world. Big brother, have a taste.¡±

    Tianheng drank a spoonful, and slowly said: ¡°It¡¯s not nearly as good as Ah Zuo¡¯s cooking.¡±

    Gu Zuo finished drinking a mouthful. He smiled and said: ¡°I think so, too!¡±

    The conversation continued. No matter how delicious the things at the Partridge Cafe were, the energies contained within the dishes were practically nonexistent. Let alone such arge table, even if there were ten tables, the pair could¡¯ve cleared them all without a problem.

    Thus, as they chatted and ate their meals, all the dishes and tters were emptied in half an hour.

    Gu Zuo stepped out to pay the bill. Then, he secretly waved to Tianheng from outside the screen: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s leave quietly!¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°...Okay.¡±

    Subsequently, the ce where the pair wanted to go to was the second... No, the third stop.

    Activities like taking a stroll down the boulevard and window shopping had already been cancelled by Gu Zuo.

    Returning to the matter of Tian Hang.

    After saying goodbye to Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, he didn¡¯t have enough time to give any proper farewells to the Zhang Family. He swiftly got onto an airne, and returned to B City. This was where his Tian Family resided.

    Once his nended, Tian Hang didn¡¯t return home. Rather, he went straight to his family¡¯s private hospital. He hurriedly burst into his wife¡¯s ward.

    As he came through the door, he saw an older man. This person¡¯s hair and beard were scruffy, his face and chest were flushed red, and his strength was outstanding. This was the father of Liang Ting, his wife. In other words, this was his father-inw, Liang Xinglong.

    While Liang Xinglong was Tian Hang¡¯s father-inw, he was also his master. This man was originally an ancient martial artist at the Hidden Energy Stage. He was also one of the elders of the School of Fist Intent.

    The School of Fist Intent and many other ancient martial artist schools existed independently of one another. However, the experts of their schools formed an alliance with each other in the early years of a chaotic war, creating the League of Ancient Martial Artists. While resisting foreign aggression and external threats, they also coordinated many affairs within their martial arts circles. Once the new nation was founded, the League of Ancient Martial Artists reached a certain agreement with the leaders of the new nation to preserve it. While the league received some restrictions, it retained its independence. Through many years of development, the League of Ancient Martial Artists turned into the Ancient Martial Artists Association. Because martial artists needed to be supplied withrge quantities of resources, it also epted the descendants and progeny of some powerful and wealthy aristocratic families as disciples.

    The Tian Family was also a first-rate aristocratic family in B City. Most of the people in the Tian Family served in the military. As a result, they were very interested in raising their own martial strength, and they had more connections to ancient martial artists than ordinary aristocratic families that were involved with politics. Consequently, in every generation of the Tian Family, so long as there were children who had outstanding physical foundations and could bear hardships, they could be sent to the Ancient Martial Artists Association to undergo an assessment. Those who passed could join a school to be disciples and learn ancient martial arts.

    When Tian Hang was around five years old, he was sent to the School of Fist Intent with many other people from the Tian Family. Fortunately, his type of foundation wasn¡¯t bad, and he was considered to have great perseverance. At that time, Liang Xinglong, who was only a half-step away from the Hidden Energy Stage, took in Tian Hang, who became his eldest disciple.

    Liang Xinglong only had one daughter, Liang Ting. Her foundations were also pretty good, and she grew up alongside Tian Hang. For these two people, familiarity bred fondness. After they became adults, Liang Ting got married, and became Tian Hang¡¯s wife. Their rtionship was happy and harmonious.

    However, good things didn¡¯tst forever. To their surprise, Liang Ting inherited a hereditary disease from her mother¡¯s side. Because the numerous hidden injuries she received while practicing martial arts couldn¡¯t bepletely healed, her disease red up.

    Afterwards, she suffered for a long time.

    Liang Xinglong cared deeply for his only daughter. Thus, every time he finished handling affairs outside of the school, he woulde over to keep herpany. As a result, it wasn¡¯t anything unusual for Tian Hang to run into Liang Xinglong here.

    Tian Hang hurriedly paid his respects, and swiftly came to the bedside. He looked over Liang Ting¡¯s condition.

    Right now, Liang Ting was very weak. She would be lethargic and sleepy for most of the day, and her entire body turned emaciated and bony. At this moment, although her bulging abdomen wasn¡¯t as gravid as a full moon, it still appeared somewhat frightening.

    Liang Xinglong knew that Tian Hang had gone out to inquire about the situation concerning Q City¡¯s Zhang Family, which manufactured the oral fluid. Seeing that he had returned, he was in a hurry to ask: ¡°Da Hang, you went out this time... How¡¯s the situation?¡±

    At almost the exact same time, the room¡¯s door was pushed open. The person who came inside wore a somewhat unsightly expression: ¡°Third Brother, you took out so much money! What did you do?¡±

    The person who entered afterwards was a forty-something year old, middle-aged man. He also bore the iron-blooded scent of some military personnel. Though his imposing aura was different from that of an ancient martial artist, one couldn¡¯t underestimate him either.

    This man was this generation¡¯s Tian Family Head ¡ª Tian Hang¡¯s big brother, Tian Mu.

    Tian Hang meticulously tucked in the corners of Liang Ting¡¯s nkets, and turned around.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 405 - School of Fist Intent

    <h4>Chapter 405 - School of Fist Intent</h4>

    Tian Mu saw that Liang Ting was still in the middle of a lethargic sleep. He whispered with a persistent tone: ¡°Third brother.¡±

    Liang Xinglong saw that his son-inw / disciple was treating his daughter with such meticulous care. While he was quite pleased, he was also urgently waiting for an answer.

    Tian Hang said: ¡°Master, big brother, let¡¯s go outside to talk.¡±

    The two didn¡¯t have any objections.

    Since Tian Hang had an exnation, it was only natural to give him an opportunity to speak.

    Thus, three people walked out of the ward, and went into an empty, adjacent room.

    This was a private hospital that was under the Tian Family name. The steps taken to maintain confidentiality were excellent, and this entire floor was dedicated solely to Liang Ting¡¯s convalescence.

    Tian Hang didn¡¯t have any intentions of beating around the bush. He cautiously and solemnly took out two bottles from his pocket, and sped them in the palms of his hands: ¡°When I went out this time, my harvests weren¡¯t small.¡±

    Because the path of martial arts that Liang Xinglong practiced wasparatively fierce, his temperament had been affected somewhat. Right away, he asked: ¡°What¡¯s this? It looks like jade?¡±

    Amid Tian Hang¡¯s reluctant gaze, Tian Mu took one of the bottles, and carefully scrutinized it under the hospital¡¯s fluorescent lighting. After that, he said: ¡°The jade quality is pure and limpid. There¡¯s practically no impurities. However,pared to the currently existing precious jade stones, it¡¯s very strange. It seems that it isn¡¯t among any of the known types. This bottle¡¯s workmanship is also peculiar. Although it looks quite ordinary, its luster is full, the jade wall is extremely thin, and it possesses a spiritual nature. It can be rated as a valuable treasure.¡±

    Tian Hang¡¯s understanding of jade artifacts was inferior to that of his big brother, who worked as the family head. Listening up to here, he couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Then, how much is this jade bottle worth?¡±

    Tian Mu stated: ¡°Although it¡¯s peculiar, we don¡¯t know if it¡¯s an antique, and it¡¯s too small and delicate. Moreover, this type of jade stone doesn¡¯t have any renown. It¡¯s price is probably around a hundred thousand yuan. If you meet someone who likes it, there¡¯s a chance of raising the price to three or four hundred thousand yuan.¡±

    As he spoke, he was still carefully turning it around in his hands. It was clear to see that he was one of those people who ¡°liked¡± jade pieces.

    Tian Hang said: ¡°Big brother, didn¡¯t you just ask me why I spent so much money? It was for the the things inside the bottle. It was incredibly expensive.¡±

    Tian Mu was surprised, and said: ¡°The things inside?¡±

    He pulled out the cork, and peered down the neck of the bottle. He saw several light-yellow pearls, and smelled a sweet fragrance. But how could this type of pearl be worth that much money?

    Tian Hang noticed Tian Mu acting this way. He hastily took the bottle back, and hurriedly re-corked it: ¡°This can¡¯t be opened. Otherwise, the medicinal properties will weaken.¡±

    Tian Mu stared: ¡°Medicinal properties? Inside this...is medicine?¡±

    Tian Hang sighed: ¡°Yes, it¡¯s medicine. Inside is a total of four pills, and each pill is worth twenty million yuan.¡±

    Tian Mu sucked in a cold breath: ¡°T-twenty million?¡±

    Even he was shocked by this medicinal pill¡¯s price.

    What kind of medicine would be so expensive!?

    To the side, Liang Xinglong suddenly recalled: ¡°Da Hang, is this medicine of yours for treating Ting Ting?¡±

    Tian Hang spoke in a serious tone: ¡°That¡¯s right. These are called Rejuvenation Pills. The Rejuvenation Oral Fluid on the market is created by dissolving and diluting this type of pill. One pill can be diluted into twenty thousand doses, which is why it costs so much.¡±

    However, anything Tian Hang could calcte, so too could Tian Mu. If this oral fluid was indeed useful, it was enough to use several hundred thousand yuan to treat terminal illnesses. But as it happened, Tian Hang had spent tens of millions of yuan. Having spent this much, it was abnormal no matter how one looked at it.

    At once, Tian Mu solemnly said: ¡°Third brother, is there anything different about this medicine?¡±

    Tian Hang revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Big brother, you can examine my body first.¡± He carefully put away the bottle of Rejuvenation Pills, and continued to speak, ¡°Rejuvenation Pills are medicinal pills refined for us ancient martial artists. I didn¡¯t only buy these four pills. When I was at the Zhang Family¡¯s residence, I already swallowed one pill.¡±

    Tian Mu¡¯s mind suddenly had several thoughts.

    Tian Hang spoke to Liang Xinglong again: ¡°Master, thou can also take a look. Once thou has seen it, we can give Ting Ting the medicine. In addition, this disciple shall present thee with one of the pills here.¡±

    Tian Mu¡¯s actions were nimble and orderly. He swiftly ordered people to set up an examination room and to bring Tian Hang in for aplete body examination from inside out and top to bottom.

    After the exam was finished, Tian Mu and Liang Xinglong were stupefied.

    Unexpectedly, there wasn¡¯t a single hidden injury within Tian Hang¡¯s body! The vigor of his qi and blood was almostparable to that of a Hidden Energy ancient martial artist. Moreover, after taking another look at his features and body, they were able to discover that his state was at the peak. He couldn¡¯t have been better!

    Liang Xinglong uttered in astonishment: ¡°Da Hang, these are the effects of the Rejuvenation Pill?¡±

    Tian Hang earnestly said: ¡°Correct. Not only can the Rejuvenation Pill treat terminal illnesses, it canpletely get rid of the hidden injuries within the bodies of us ancient martial artists. Even if it¡¯s a Hidden Energy or Transformed Energy expert, it has the same effects.¡±

    His mood calmed down: ¡°Master, if Ting Ting takes the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid, she¡¯ll still be weakened. It¡¯s not guaranteed that her hidden injuries will be cured, and the desired effects will be slow. But if she takes the Rejuvenation Pill, not only can her terminal illness be cured, her body will also be restored to its peak state. At that time, it won¡¯t be as painful when she gives birth to our child!¡±

    Liang Xinglong clenched his fists, which made fierce sounds between his fingers. He couldn¡¯t help giving a heartyugh: ¡°Good, good, good! Ting Ting didn¡¯t marry you for nothing! It also wasn¡¯t a waste to make you my apprentice!¡± He took a deep breath, ¡°Da Hang, give me a pill. Once I¡¯ve tested it, you can give one to Ting Ting!¡±

    Tian Hang didn¡¯t object at all. He promptly poured out a pill, and handed it over to Liang Xinglong.

    Liang Xinglong swallowed it right away. A warm andfortable sensation arose within him. Because his awareness of his own body was even sharper than that of his disciple, he immediately discovered that the hidden injuries he umted over the years were really improving!

    At this time, Tian Hang spoke to Tian Mu: ¡°Big brother, the Rejuvenation Pill is something specially made for martial artists. If someone without any inner power takes it, the medicinal power will be too strong, and it will instead cause harm to the body.¡±

    Tian Mu understood. Although he envied the Rejuvenation Pill¡¯s medicinal effects, he didn¡¯t say anything.

    After that, Tian Hang said: ¡°But I think that, although the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid had beenunched for the titr purpose of treating terminal illnesses, its usefulness isn¡¯t limited to just this. Other people who aren¡¯t terminally ill might not try it, but big brother can purchase some at the first opportunity, and let the whole family drink a bottle. It should be able to keep them in good health, and dispel some other diseases...¡±

    Tian Mu nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll go and make a phone call.¡±

    Tian Hang knew that his family¡¯s big brother was going to swiftly send his subordinates to ce orders for the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid. He also felt that, although the majority of Rejuvenation Pills Mister Gu obtained were turned into Rejuvenation Oral Fluid, after this batch was sold out, it was possible that the next batch wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up with demand. It was hard to say.

    ording to his intuition, it was still better to hoard some as soon as possible.

    Not long after, Tian Mu returned. Liang Xinglong also finished digesting the Rejuvenation Pill.

    Lots of grime mysteriously appeared on the surfaces of Liang Xinglong¡¯s body. After looking at this scene, Tian Mu felt that the Rejuvenation Pills were even more magical.

    Liang Xinglong sensed that his body was at peak strength. He didn¡¯t go to take a bath, and promptly said: ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose. Quickly give Ting Ting the Rejuvenation Pill!¡±

    Tian Hang naturally didn¡¯t object.

    The following matters were only to be expected.

    Once Liang Ting was given the Rejuvenation Pill, the surfaces of her body were continuously expelling grayish fluids. Tian Hang wasn¡¯t disgusted by this. He personally held her, bathed her, and wiped her clean.

    After a little more than an hour, Liang Ting finally stopped shivering. At the same time, she briefly opened her eyes, and exhaustedly fell asleep once more.

    Liang Xinglong called someone over to examine Liang Ting¡¯s body. Everything was back to normal. She was like a young woman without the slightest ailment. Once she woke up, she would be a healthy, pregnant woman.

    At this time, Liang Xinglong also hurried to take a bath, and cleaned away the grime on his body.

    When he came back, Tian Hang called for him and Tian Mu again.

    Tian Mu¡¯s emotions were already stirring, and he couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Third brother, are you going to talk about the other bottle this time?¡±

    It seemed that a person like him naturally wouldn¡¯t neglect all the details.

    Tian Hang nodded his head: ¡°The pill is called the Qi Generating Pill. It¡¯s a medicinal pill that¡¯s suitable for only ancient martial artists. While the price is also expensive, it¡¯s much cheaper than the Rejuvenation Pill.¡± He took out the other bottle, and disyed the medicinal pills inside, ¡°Each pill is four million yuan.¡±

    Tian Mu asked: ¡°What effects does it have?¡±

    Tian Hang didn¡¯t answer right away. He simply spoke to Liang Xinglong: ¡°Master, how about we spar for a little bit?¡±

    Liang Xinglong¡¯s heart stirred. He promptly took action, andunched an attack at Tian Hang.

    Tian Hang tossed the bottle to Tian Mu for safekeeping, utilized his ancient martial arts, and exchanged quite a few rounds with Liang Xinglong. Originally, he should¡¯ve suffered a defeat after a couple exchanges, but now, he was able to catch Liang Xinglong¡¯s heavy blows. Although he stifled a few groans, he still held his ground.

    Tian Mu stood on the side, and watched with a steady gaze.

    Although he wasn¡¯t a true ancient martial artist, he had learned some martial arts. As he observed the scene before his eyes, he didn¡¯t know how this third brother of his had already made so much headway in the martial disciplines.

    After roughly fifteen minutes, Liang Xinglong stopped.

    Tian Hang panted several times, and excitedly said: ¡°Master, how was that?¡±

    Liang Xinglong was amazed. His thoughts and feelings were moving: ¡°With your current level, it seems that you can advance to the Hidden Energy Stage after another period of tempering! Could it be ¡ª¡±

    With an iparably burning and fervent gaze, he immediately looked at that bottle.

    Tian Hang suddenly nodded his head: ¡°Correct. I swallowed a Qi Generating Pill, and my inner power increased by ten years! Perhaps the Rejuvenation Pill is extremely miraculous, but as far as we ancient martial artists are concerned, the benefits of the Qi Generating Pill are by no means below that of the Rejuvenation Pill!

    Liang Xinglong obtained a confirmation. His breathing slowed: ¡°Does this type of medicinal pill have an effect on any stage?¡±

    Tian Hang said: ¡°After I took the Qi Generating Pill, I wasted a lot of the medicinal effects. With regards to master, it should be very suitable. However, Mister Gu also mentioned that the more outstanding the person¡¯s inner power, the weaker the Qi Generating Pill¡¯s effects. But as far as we¡¯re concerned, even if it¡¯s only a little bit useful, this price is worth it!¡±

    One had to know that, in order to seek out good medicines with strong medicinal powers or that had matured for a long time, ancient martial artists often needed to fight each other over them, and purchase them before it was toote. As for the medicinal ingredients obtained, the effects weren¡¯t necessarily going to be that good. But what about this type of pill? Once it was taken, the effects were instant and observable. Even though one had to spend even more money, it didn¡¯t matter!

    Liang Xinglong quickly swallowed a pill. Sure enough, the effects were even more amazing than what Tian Hang said. Right away, his inner power increased by a dozen or so years ¡ª He was a Hidden Energy Stage expert! Moreover, there weren¡¯t any side effects at all!

    This kind of medicinal pill... As one could well imagine, this kind of medicinal pill was going to stir up an enormous hurricane among ancient martial artists!

    Immediately following this, Tian Mu raised his own question: ¡°Third brother, who is that Mister Gu you mentioned? That Mister Gu sold such medicines to you this easily?¡±

    Tian Hang had a trace of uncontainable excitement: ¡°Mister Gu is the personage who refined the medicinal pills. He can¡¯t take out many Rejuvenation Pills, but it seems that he¡¯s willing to sell Qi Generating Pills. His only request was that we inform some close friends and rtives... But I feel that we have to make some ns on this matter.¡±

    Tian Mu¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°If we¡¯re thinking of using underhanded methods...¡± He quickly overturned this notion, ¡°It probably won¡¯t be easy.¡±

    Tian Hang¡¯splexion was serious: ¡°I couldn¡¯t see through Mister Gu¡¯s strength. In addition, there was someone else by his side. Although he didn¡¯t talk much, the feeling he gave me was even more dangerous. We shouldn¡¯t try to overreach ourselves.¡±

    Tian Mu murmured: ¡°We¡¯ll have to carefully consider this matter. Teacher Liang can bring the news back to the School of Fist Intent, and discuss things with the school. Afterwards, we can get in touch with some like-minded parties. It would be for the best that we hold a private gathering, and get acquainted with that person...those two personages.¡±

    Liang Xinglong knew what was at stake. He attached great importance to this, and said: ¡°I¡¯ll go back immediately.¡±

    T/N: I just wanted to share some happy news IRL. I passed my NCLEX, and now I¡¯m a registered nurse! I still have three more years to go for my nursing program. After that, I can take my boards and be a nurse practitioner.

    With regards to this trantion, the speed will probably still remain the same. You guys don¡¯t have to worry about this project being dropped. Concerning the dating chapters, Part II is short and will be posted in two days. As for Part III, it¡¯s another double-length chapter.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 406 - A Date for Two, Part II

    <h4>Chapter 406 - A Date for Two, Part II</h4>

    Originally, Gu Zuo felt that, because his family¡¯s big brother was too handsome, it created an insurmountable obstacle for the two of them to date. As a result, he directly cancelled the second dating venue, and moved on to the third... As for what the third stop would be, it would undoubtedly be an indoor activity.

    But the selection range for indoor activities wasn¡¯t that wide.

    Would they go to an aquarium?

    Ah, there would certainly be lots of people at the aquarium today.

    If not, should they go straight to the movie theater? It would be very dark inside... But the movie tickets they reserved were for the evening! If they went at this time, would there still be any tickets avable? In addition, buying tickets was a technical job, and they couldn¡¯t waste the whole day watching movies!

    Hence, Gu Zuo, who originally said ¡°We¡¯ll go indoors!¡± in a confident and self-assured tone, suddenly wilted the very next instant.

    Life was truly hard.

    Why was he making so many mistakes on this date...

    Tianheng instinctively ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair. Ah, he carelessly messed up the hairstyle. After that, he put his hand away as if nothing happened: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s giving you a hard time?¡±

    Gu Zuo eyed Tianheng with a intive nce: ¡°I¡¯m thinking about how to hide big brother¡¯s face...¡±

    Tianheng restrained a smile. In the end, he couldn¡¯t stand by and watch Gu Zuo¡¯s miserable appearance. He reminded: ¡°Maybe, Ah Zuo can use the psychic power he¡¯s so good at.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°! ! !¡±

    Ah, right! After returning to the modern world, he obviously had been refining medicine the entire time. How could he have already forgotten about his own cheat-like abilities?!

    His psychic power couldpletely shield their existences... Although he couldn¡¯t be too shy while in this world, there wouldn¡¯t be any problem with covering his big brother¡¯s face!

    Gu Zuo blushed.

    This time, it wasn¡¯t because he was bashful. It was because he was embarrassed.

    Shortly thereafter, the space between his brows swelled with power. A wisp of invisible energy emerged, and a thinyer was gently pasted onto Tianheng¡¯s face. It didn¡¯t negatively affect Tianheng in any way, but when other people looked over, their sights would be blurry, and they wouldn¡¯t be able to see too clearly. They also wouldn¡¯t be given a direct hit from that excessively handsome face.

    After that, Gu Zuo said with embarrassment: ¡°How about...we take a stroll and go shopping?¡±

    Tianhengughed softly: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Following which, the two confidently walked back onto the boulevard.

    However, although his face was obscured, Tianheng¡¯s tall and straight figure as well as hisrge and long legs were still on full disy here. Thus, he still attracted people¡¯s attention &#k2014; It wasn¡¯t like Gu Zuo could conceal all of his big brother¡¯s body, right? As a result, there was still a person or two who looked back to take a few more nces every now and then. But this time, it wasn¡¯t as exaggerated as before.

    Gu Zuo was relieved. His face was slightly warm as his hand quickly grabbed Tianheng¡¯s...wrist. He said: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s buy you some clothes first!¡±

    Tianheng allowed Gu Zuo to take the lead. As they walked side by side, his voice became increasingly gentle: ¡°Whatever Ah Zuo wants.¡±

    On this pedestrian-only boulevard, there were many stores that sold luxury goods. However, these kinds of store fronts needed membership cards to enter. This was to protect the exclusivity of certain brand names.

    Contrary to what one might expect, there were all kinds of cards in Gu Zuo¡¯s possession ¡ª If nothing else, this was just the preparation of the local tyrant known as the Zhang Family.

    At the present time, the store they entered was a famous store for male luxury clothes. The main focus was the apparel of young to middle-aged men. The fashion was in excellent taste.

    Gu Zuo pulled Gongyi Tianheng to the store¡¯s entrance. He shed the card in his hand, and went through without a hitch. Because of the marvelous effects of the psychic power, although Tianheng¡¯s height still caused the service staff at the door to take a few more nces, there weren¡¯t any strange symptoms.

    This delighted Gu Zuo.

    Very quickly, the pair went to the second floor.

    When Gu Zuo was in the other world, he was always provided for by his family¡¯s big brother. Now that they hade to the modern world, because he had sold medicine for lots of money, he couldn¡¯t help waving a hand in a somewhat rich and imposing way: ¡°Big brother, whatever you want, I¡¯ll buy it all for you!¡±

    Tianheng was startled, but he soonughed and said: ¡°This elder brother doesn¡¯t understand this ce¡¯s clothing very well. How about Ah Zuo buys something, and I¡¯ll dly ept it?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and felt that this made sense. After that, his face reddened with excitement: ¡°Okay!¡±

    When it came to buying things for a beloved sweetheart, so long as there was enough capital, most men wouldn¡¯t be stingy...

    In this high-end men¡¯s clothing store, there were all sorts of designer clothes with styles and temperaments that suited all men. What kind of temperament did Tianheng have? Gu Zuo silently looked at the clothing racks, and thought: No matter what clothing there is, so long as it¡¯s expensive enough, it should fit big brother¡¯s temperament.

    It was because, from the moment he first met this big brother, he always felt that Tianheng looked very...noble. Even if what he wore was an ordinary brocade robe, it also had a simr feeling.

    Hence, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother about anything else. He started his search from the price tags of ten thousand yuan and above. While the fabrics of this world couldn¡¯tpare to those types from the other world, they had a special and distinctive fashion. Thus, he chose the best materials. In case those didn¡¯t work, he could pick the pattern and design of the fabric, and ce an order in advance. Right now, he had enough confidence, and wasn¡¯t worried about this problem at all.

    Just from looking around, Gu Zuo felt that this ce¡¯s clothing style wasn¡¯t bad. However, the fabric wasn¡¯t truly good enough to leave him satisfied. If he ced orders for a type of newly-manufactured fabric, it would take a long time... After searching for a while, he bought a set of the most expensive luxury clothes in the store that were suitable for men in their twenties and thirties. And he purchased all kinds of designs for each set.

    Fortunately, this store was rtively famous and well-stocked. Otherwise, based on his big brother¡¯s height of 1.9 meters, even if there were shirts that fitted him, there weren¡¯t necessarily any pants that did the same!

    And in this store, there was always a set for every design...

    After picking and choosing for some time, Gu Zuo settled on five sets of men¡¯s clothes. As for other essories, his current range of knowledge was vast. He always felt that this world¡¯s diamonds, pearls, treasures, and precious stones couldn¡¯tpare to the other world¡¯s ores, which held all sorts of marvelous attributes and overflowed with brilliant lights and vibrant colors. Thus, he dropped the thought.

    Once he swiped his card for a little more than two million yuan, Gu Zuo pulled Tianheng to the racks of another style of men¡¯s clothing.

    This type of style didn¡¯t actually fit Tianheng. Instead, it suited Gu Qi.

    Gu Zuo drew Tianheng to the side. He wanted to ask his family¡¯s big brother to act as an advisor: ¡°Big brother, how do you feel about dad wearing these suits?¡±

    His big brother¡¯s aesthetic tastes were certainly sharper than his own!

    Tianheng gave a sweeping nce. He had already sized up these suits: ¡°Does Ah Zuo remember Uncle Gu¡¯s measurements?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded without the slightest hesitation: ¡°I used to buy lots of clothes for dad in the past. Right now, he¡¯s a little thinner, but I was able to make out his specific measurements.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°All of these styles are rather fitting. We can buy all of them.¡±

    Gu Zuo also gave his deep approval. He waved a hand, and called someone over: ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to pack up those five sets over there as well as these five sets here, and have them delivered to the Zhang Residence on East Garden Road.¡±

    The shop assistant here was a youngdy who wore a close-fitting, western suit. Upon seeing Gu Zuo spending this much money, her features naturally blossomed into a smile. She extended a lily-white hand, and spoke in a tender voice: ¡°Sir, pleasee with me to swipe your card.¡±

    Gu Zuo gestured at Tianheng, and quietly said: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t get too close. Wait for me over here.¡±

    He was only half-joking. However, no matter how good the psychic power screen was, if Tianheng got too close, others would still be able to get a clear view of his facial features. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want to let his big brother give the people here a free show!

    After swiping his card, he spent just over three million yuan. Gu Zuo grabbed Tianheng¡¯s hand, turned around, and went to another high-end men¡¯s clothing store. He still wanted to continue. As for these few sets of clothes? None of these were enough for his big brother and dad to wear for one week!

    The following matters were clear and easy to see.

    At the second men¡¯s clothing store, Gu Zuo purchased another two million yuan¡¯s worth of clothing. The third ce was a shoe store, and he spent two million on shoes. The clothes disyed at the fourth store weren¡¯t many, and the store front itself was rather concealed. After Gu Zuo took a look around, he chose a rarely-seen fabric, and paid a down payment of two million yuan, and ordered fourplete sets of men¡¯s clothes.

    The fifth store, the sixth store...

    When they arrived at the seventh store, Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze happened to fall upon a set of men¡¯s clothes.

    These clothes were a grayish-ck color. It had a simple, yet natural and rxed style. It had a steady and mature temperament... It didn¡¯t suit Tianheng or Gu Qi. And it suited Gu Zuo even less.

    Tianheng suddenly understood something, and his hands gently pressed onto Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Tianheng gave a slight smile: ¡°This elder brother will certainly allow you to have a family reunion.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled back: ¡°En, I believe in big brother. I¡¯ll also do my best.¡±

    Soon after, Gu Zuo took this set of men¡¯s clothes, and went to pay for it.

    Just as he swiped his card, a person¡¯s shadow appeared in front of him.

    Gu Zuo raised his head.

    He saw Tianheng walking over while carrying four or five sets of men¡¯s clothes that bore a style that was light, but not ostentatious. His voice was gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo needs to take proper care of himself, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed: ¡°Okay, I will.¡±

    T/N: The author changed the cover art for this novel. I have updated this site¡¯s image to reflect that.

    Also, thank you everyone for your kindments! I read every single one of them!

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 407 - A Date for Two, Part III

    <h4>Chapter 407 - A Date for Two, Part III</h4>

    After they finished shopping for clothes and shoes, Gu Zuo was a little hesitant.

    Speaking of which, the clothes worn on the outside were bought, so they needed to shop for clothes worn underneath...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze stealthily fell onto the shop sign of a store that sold underwear.

    This store¡¯s brands were also very good ¡ª The quality was decent, and the prices... Oh, the prices were pretty good, too.

    It was just that, while it was fine in the past, the present circumstances required him to buy underwear together with his dear big brother...

    Ah, this was indeed the feeling of embarrassment!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s bashfulness was seen point-nk by Gongyi Tianheng. With his impable eyesight, even though it was separated by the store¡¯s frosted ss door, he could easily see the things inside. In a split second, he couldn¡¯t help but find it funny.

    After that, Tianheng ced his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, and pulled him into a half-embrace. As they walked towards that store front¡¯s entrance, Tianheng said: ¡°It would be rather inappropriate if we don¡¯t have these things. I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to buy them for this elder brother.¡±

    Gu Zuoposed himself. His heart was burning hot as he begrudgingly walked inside. He opened his mouth, and said: ¡°I¡¯ll buy more for big brother, enough tost a whole month without having to wear the same pair twice...¡±

    After he finished speaking, he felt a little embarrassed, and added: ¡°Actually, these are pretty good. It¡¯s just not quite asfortable as inner trousers.¡± Once this sentence was uttered, he felt even more wrong.

    Hence, he simply shut his mouth. After going on, he was solely focused on buying a hundred-something pairs of what the service staff imed to be the best types of underwear in different sizes. He asked the staff to deliver the goods to their doorstep, dragged Tianheng away, and hurriedly left that ce.

    Once they exited, Gu Zuo silently breathed a sigh of relief.

    Ah, his face still wasn¡¯t thick enough...

    Following this, Gu Zuo decided to change the venue.

    In terms of clothing, they had purchased everything they needed. It would be better to go stroll around this world¡¯s old medicine stores ¡ª After all, this was his old line of work. After leaving for several years, what he had been brought into contact with the entire time were all kinds of otherworld medicinal ingredients with strange properties. He had somewhat forgotten the appearances of this world¡¯s medicinal ingredients. Now was a great opportunity to go and take a look.

    After that, he asked Tianheng.

    Tianheng saw Gu Zuo¡¯s slightly reddened earlobes. He smiled and said: ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡±

    On this pedestrian-only boulevard, there was actually one old medicine store. Moreover, it was said that this store had been passed down for over a hundred years, and one could always obtain some pretty good old medicines here.

    Before Gu Zuo went to the other world, he once worked a temporary job at a medicine shop. However, whenparing that medicine shop to the current Cedar Life Hall, the differences were truly like heaven and earth.

    Once they went in, a whiff of strong medicinal fragrances assailed the senses. Gu Zuo took two deep breaths through his nose. He quickly differentiated the scents of many different medicinal ingredients.

    However, while he knew some of this world¡¯s ingredients, it wasn¡¯t like how he memorized several books from the other world and could recognize an herb or animal part in a split second.

    To put it simply, in addition to the more precious and well-known restoratives such as ginseng, fresh deer antlers, fleece flower roots, and caterpir fungi, there were even moremon herbs and animal parts among the medicinal ingredients in this ce. Though he could sniff out the medicinal properties, he didn¡¯t know their names.

    ...This was nevertheless due to hisck of knowledge.

    Gu Zuo dragged Tianheng, and walked over to the medicine store¡¯s grids. While he took slow, deep whiffs, and he talked to himself: ¡°This can work. This can work, too... En, this seems a little like...¡±

    After touring the ce, he arrived at the front of the sales counter, and spoke to the store manager: ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble this sir to help get me this, this, that, and that one, too...¡±

    He picked the highest-quality ingredients, and the quantities weighed out to one kilogram each.

    Once these words were uttered, the expression of that shop manager became a little subtle.

    No prescriptions existed for these ingredients, and this wasn¡¯t a regr client. As soon as this fellow opened his mouth, he asked for quite a few types of medicinal ingredients ¡ª Among them, there were ingredients that carried small amounts of poison, and he still wanted the same kilogram each? This wasn¡¯t too appropriate...

    Although some medicinal ingredients could be directly purchased, there were some that were restricted.

    This kind of volume wasrge, and the prescription couldn¡¯t be inferred, which made things somewhat difficult to handle.

    Gu Zuo saw the store manager¡¯s expression, and suddenly recalled the pharmacy that he previously worked at.

    It was also an old medicine shop. That ce¡¯s rules weren¡¯t too strict. Most of the customers carried prescriptions, and a small minority that didn¡¯t have prescriptions simply bought medicine directly. However, he also vaguely heard that there were some ingredients that couldn¡¯t be casually purchased.

    After that, he stopped.

    Whatever. It was better to save a bit of trouble.

    When the pair went back, Gu Zuo could let the Zhang Family acquire those medicinal ingredients through their own channels.

    As he thought of this, Gu Zuo prepared to leave.

    Then, Tianheng lightly pinched his cheek: ¡°Ah Zuo, what are you doing this for? This ce¡¯s medicinal ingredientspletelyck any spirituality. I¡¯m afraid that they won¡¯t be very useful.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°With our realms, we¡¯ve long outgrown the Rejuvenation Pills and Qi Generating Pills. As a result, I didn¡¯t save a lot of their ingredients. Once I¡¯ve finished refining them, there won¡¯t be any left. Right now, the Zhang Family needsrge quantities of Rejuvenation Pills. The ones I refined before are enough to be used for a period of time, but in the end, that stockpile can¡¯t be used for a lifetime. Thus, I want to try see whether I can use this world¡¯s medicinal ingredients to create a substitute. Although the price might be somewhat expensive, it¡¯s better than having nothing at all...¡±

    As they spoke, the two had already walked out the door.

    Tianheng quietly listened as Gu Zuo finished talking. After that, he smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are reasonable.¡±

    Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile.

    However, Tianheng switched the topic of the conversation. He sighed and said: ¡°It¡¯s just that we can consider this matter after we go back. Today, we were supposed to go out and enjoy ourselves. Could it be that Ah Zuo can¡¯t spare a few more thoughts for this elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah! He was out on a date today! He wanted to deepen the feelings between them, but his upational disease red up. His thoughts had strayed in a different direction halfway through! It required his big brother to take the initiative to bring this to his attention!

    What a tragedy...

    Gu Zuo wiped his forehead. He felt that, if he didn¡¯t ovee this ailment, there was a possibility that he would have to live the life of a bachelor in the future.

    Following this, he forced augh, and changed the subject: ¡°Right. Then, big brother, where should we go now to have fun? How about the amusement park?¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t expose him, and only said with a smile: ¡°Sure. This elder brother has never gone to there before.¡±

    Thus, the two great lords decided to go y at the amusement park.

    Once they reached the amusement park¡¯s gates, besides families with several children, there were couples who were giving off the pink bubbles of romance. It was truly bustling.

    Gu Zuo stood at the entrance of the amusement park. Seeing the scenes inside, he couldn¡¯t help bing taciturn again.

    Should he say that this atmosphere was suitable, or unsuitable...

    On the contrary, when Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo acting this way, he knew what was tumbling around in the mind of his little pharmacist. Tianheng reached out a hand, pulled his wrist, and brought him inside: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Gu Zuo rubbed his ears, and cheerfully scampered along in small steps.

    This amusement park was veryrge, and there were all kinds of facilities there. Although the majority were appropriate for children, there were many that were suitable for adults, too.

    For example, roller coasters, shrieking haunted houses, bumper cars, carousels, and so on. These kinds of things were usually powerful tools for developing the feelings between couples. Dear readers, wasn¡¯t it clear to see how many sweethearts were romantically riding the carousels, cheerfully colliding on the bumper cars, excitingly surging along the rollercoasters, and being frightened in the shrieking haunted houses? Sharing these cherished experiences, their affections promptly soared.

    However, what Gu Zuo was currently conflicted about was that, with regards to him and his big brother, these rtionship-improving events seemed... No matter. He would simply treat a dead horse as if it was still alive.

    Shortly thereafter, he looked at Tianheng with shining eyes: ¡°Big brother, why don¡¯t we y bumper cars first?¡±

    Tianheng naturally didn¡¯t refuse. He ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, messing it up again: ¡°Okay.¡±

    As an ¡°ancient person¡± from another world, while it was true that Tianheng had ridden in cars before, and basically knew how to drive after a few nces, he had never seen such recreational things as bumper cars.

    As a result, for the first round, it was Gu Zuo who brought Tianheng along. The two of them shared one car as they collided into others.

    Nevertheless, Gu Zuo¡¯s skill level wasn¡¯t bad.

    Sitting in the car, he quickly turned the steering wheel, and led the bumper car into beautiful, spinning arcs. Tianheng¡¯s back remained straight and tall as he sat in the passenger seat like the Dragon King¡¯s Ocean Pacifying Godly Pir. He didn¡¯t sway or budge amid the car¡¯s movements... Compared to the shrieks andughter of other people, this appearance was truly special.

    With a helpless expression, Gu Zuo turned the steering wheel, and quickly knocked into the nearest bumper car. Due to the energetic impact, the other party spun several times. As for Gu Zuo, he had already driven away like a ghostly specter. Finally, he took a second chance, and charged into another bumper car.

    However, there waspletely no sense of achievement at all.

    Thus, after ying around for one time, Gu Zuo dragged Tianheng, and swiftly left the bumper car yground.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Didn¡¯t have fun?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I feel like I¡¯m bullying people...¡±

    Indeed. With Gu Zuo¡¯s current eyesight and agile movements, wasn¡¯t ying bumper cars with a bunch of ordinary people the same as bullying them? There was no increase in the affection meter!

    Following this, Gu Zuo brought Tianheng along to have fun on the roller coaster.

    Tianheng¡¯s back remained upright and straight. Despite the wind blowing against his ears, the countless screeches and screams, he was as immovable as a high and mighty mountain.

    Gu Zuo was likewise...unmoved.

    This rollercoaster¡¯s speed was quiteckingpared to the flights of the other world¡¯s wild birds. This wasn¡¯t fast enough to excite them at all!

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo helplessly left the rollercoaster¡¯s yground, and came to the carousel... Actually, forget the carousel. Besides small kids, everyone else on those things were youngdies. How could he have the face to ride it? Moreover, he didn¡¯t dare let his big brother ride on a wooden horse. Think about it ¡ª With big brother¡¯s temperament, he would sit perfectly still on the wooden horse. No matter how high or low the wooden horse moved as it spun around... The picture this scene painted was just too ¡°beautiful¡± for words.

    As a result, Gu Zuo pulled Tianheng, and changed directions. The dating location essential for sweethearts that they arrived at was a shrieking haunted house.

    He heard that there were many ¡°ghosts¡± in this ce.

    This was already Gu Zuo¡¯s final hope. Giving himself a little pep talk, he said: ¡°Big brother, shall we go in?¡±

    Tianheng gave a matching response: ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go.¡±

    After they went into the haunted house, they were met with darkness.

    However, in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes, everything was crystal clear... This aggrieved feeling of having eyesight that was too good was already welling up in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Bracing himself, he proceeded to lead his family¡¯s big brother onwards.

    Those ¡°ghosts¡± ought to have been worth the wait, right?

    Tianheng leisurely walked through the haunted house. His posture was natural and rxed, and his bearing was graceful and poised. It was clear that he was waiting to be scared like the others, but as he walked, there was a dignified feeling of a lord touring his own estate.

    Gu Zuo looked to the left and right.

    Alright. There were breathing soundsing from behind the rocks, above the corner of the ceiling, and inside a cluster of artificial corals... Under this spooky atmosphere, ordinary people probably weren¡¯t capable of sensing these things. However, as far as he was concerned, this was no different from making noises right next to his ears.

    Gu Zuo wiped his forehead of any nonexistent sweat, and continued to walk ahead.

    At this time, he already heard screams from quite a few locations. The soundsing from those being scared were genuine and unadulterated. It could be seen that this ce¡¯s ghosts were all very dedicated to their work ¡ª Right. The one currently rushing at them had disheveled hair and a filthy face!

    The person this ghost lunged at was Gu Zuo. Her dagger-sharp fingernails were smeared with a blood-red nail polish. It was particrly scary. But what kind of person was Gu Zuo? He was with his dear big brother to cultivate feelings. How could he let this ghost girl lunge at him?

    Hence, he moved out of the way...

    Bang!

    The ghost girl fell face-first onto the ground.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    That definitely hurt.

    However, at this moment, Tianheng took the initiative to grab Gu Zuo¡¯s wrist, and pull him over. They walked around this fallen ghost girl, and continued onwards.

    There was absolutely no intention of giving that ghost girl a second nce.

    Gu Zuo silently sympathized with that girl, and walked ahead without saying anything.

    But after this...

    A zombie rushed out from the left!

    Gu Zuo stepped to the right.

    Bang! The zombie tripped and fell.

    A ghost woman crawled out from the right. She reached out a hand to grab his calf!

    Gu Zuo hopped up.

    Whack! The ghost¡¯s w smacked into the ground.

    A hanging corpse suddenly dropped down from the ceiling. He spat out a long tongue. It was very scary!

    Gu Zuo quietly met his gaze, and extended a hand to flick the actor away.

    The rope that suspended the hanging corpse swayed, and the actor was pushed to a corner.

    From behind a false mountain...

    From inside a pond...

    From...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s wooden expression didn¡¯t have any feelings of fear at all.

    Around him, there were already quite a few girls jumping into the arms of their boyfriends. The guys had smiles that spread across their faces. It was iparably enjoyable for them ¡ª Of course, this didn¡¯t exclude the fact that there were some guys jumping into the warm embraces of their girlfriends. It was fine as long as they were happy.

    But on Gu Zuo¡¯s side, although he basically hadn¡¯t done anything, those dauntless waves of evil spirits had all ¡°dropped dead¡±.

    Gu Zuo felt a little troubled.

    His big brother had been apanying him with a smile the entire time, but whenever he wanted to jump into Tianheng¡¯s arms like those girls, he was always stopped by an invisible sense of shame!

    Yes. In the other word, he was someone who had explored the depths of the Tomb of the Human King. How could these bogus phantoms possibly scare him? If he really jumped into Tianheng¡¯s embrace, that would be too fake!

    After Gu Zuo troublingly walked out of the shrieking haunted house¡¯s exit with his big brother, his worry turned into annoyance. In addition to his timid conscience, he just felt that making these choices...couldn¡¯t have been more stupid.

    Ah, this was such a half-baked n!

    It didn¡¯t fit him and his big brother at all!

    At this time, Tianheng sent a tender smile to Gu Zuo: ¡°Where does Ah Zuo want to go next?¡±

    Gu Zuo paused. Still a little conflicted, he asked: ¡°Big brother, do you feel bored...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was warm and gentle. He said: ¡°Today, I came out with Ah Zuo to rx. Although many of these activities were quite effortless, there were also some interesting things... Ah Zuo, I don¡¯t feel bored.¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that his family¡¯s big brother wasn¡¯t lying to him. His mood immediately improved: ¡°In any case, the stuff in this amusement park isn¡¯t too suitable for us. Well, look at the time. Let¡¯s go grab a bite to eat at the street stalls, and try this world¡¯s foods. After that, we¡¯ll go watch the movie. How about that?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s decision sounds good to me.¡±

    The two came to Appetizer Avenue.

    This ce¡¯s Appetizer Avenue was well-deserving of its name. From one end of the street to the other, there was an abundance of all kinds of essential food items. From theplicated and distinguished roasted duck and ancient-style pastries to the simple and easy steamed buns, steamed rolls, barbecued skewers, and hot and spicy soup, everything converged together to form an incredibly rich aroma. These extremely tempting scents entered the noses of those passing through.

    With regards to Tianheng, the things eaten here were a refreshing novelty. As for Gu Zuo, whose series of dating ns failed just a while ago, this was just the ce to turn his grief and indignation into the amount of food he would eat. Before anything else, he would bury his woes by stuffing himself with food!

    As a result, a total of two hours was spent here. Gu Zuo dragged Tianheng along to eat their way from the start of the street to the end. If anyone paid attention to him, they would find that his stomach was like a bottomless pit. He bought food items from every vendor¡¯s stall, and every morsel was eaten by him!

    Tianheng kept Gu Zuopany on their eating journey. Once the two were finished eating, their stomachs were still t and smooth. There wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of a bulge...

    Finally, Gu Zuo felt a little better. With Tianheng by his side, they arrived in front of thergest movie theater in the city.

    Because the color of the sky was gradually darkening, the holiday¡¯s festive atmosphere was bing even thicker. Many staff members wearing Santa us costumes were handing out all kinds of delicate and nifty presents. There were also many peddlers selling melon seeds, popcorn, glow sticks, and small firecrackers. They were all wearing red clothes as they jubntly hawked their wares.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s bing more and more lively.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Although this world¡¯s martial disciplines have declined, it has other fun and interesting things.¡±

    Gu Zuo happily said: ¡°Big brother thinks that this world is pretty good, right?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s naturally the best when all living things are in harmony.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood improved. He pulled Tianheng, and walked towards the movie theater.

    What about the tickets they booked today? Because he was too excited, he only roughly knew that the screening was at 9:00 PM. As for the specifics, he didn¡¯t look at it carefully.

    When Gu Zuo came to the ticket inspection in the reception hall, he saw the enormous electronic screen suspended above the reception hall.

    [A Dream on Christmas Eve. We¡¯ll show you only a beautiful and sincere romance!]

    [Slightly sour and sweet. It¡¯ll be a good dream tonight!]

    [The best choice for couples to abuse single dogs. You ¡ª What are you still waiting for?]

    From poetic literature to straightforward descriptions to crude advertisements, there was no need to doubt...

    This was a romance film!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart thumped. He couldn¡¯t help furtively ncing at Tianheng.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng was smiling as he said: ¡°It¡¯s almost time. Ah Zuo, we should go in.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips.

    Yes. It was only when he thought about it that he felt that something wasn¡¯t right!

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo adjusted his frame of mind, and went to watch a romantic movie with his big brother.

    This was indeed...a very sweet romance film.

    It was just that Tianheng¡¯s sitting posture was still upright and proper as he watched the movie. Gu Zuo watched the movie without his full attention. He was also quietly looking at his big brother.

    Some would say that looking at a handsome man under themp light was especially beautiful. This ce didn¡¯t have any lights on. However, under this curtain of darkness, when he looked at Tianheng... Ah, the sight was just as stunning.

    In the movie, the graceful and elegant music flowed unhurriedly. On the big screen, it described the extremely beautiful feelings between the male and female leads. Within the surrounding darkness, there were many lovers getting closer to one another. As the emotions on the screen were raised to the next level, the couples slowly made rustling noises and some ambiguous movements.

    Gu Zuo listened to everything very clearly.

    His face was feverishly hot. His heart was also burning fiercely.

    All around him were sweethearts...

    Taking advantage of this opportunity, should he take the initiative to do something, too?

    But this impulse was quickly suppressed by Gu Zuo.

    Everyone here were lovers, so they could act on their urges. However, him and his big brother weren¡¯t the same! It was better that he didn¡¯t act impulsively... B-but he really wanted to do it!

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, heaven and man were waging war. His thoughts and desires were tangled up in countless ways.

    Though, in the end, he still didn¡¯t make a move.

    All of a sudden, Tianheng softly sighed.

    Gu Zuo heard this, and his heartstrings tightened: ¡°Big brother, what¡¯s wrong? Is the movie too boring?¡±

    Tianheng slightly tilted his head, and looked into Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. The moving specks of light reflected from the big screen seemed like falling stars. The sight was mysterious and filled with an alluring power.

    Gu Zuo became somewhat absent-minded, and was about to lean in... However, he used the greatest willpower to control himself, and seriously said: ¡°If big brother feels bored, we can leave early.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled up, and sighed again. It was done so lightly that he almost couldn¡¯t tell if it really happened or not.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°? ? ?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s not boring at all. I was just sighing because of the feelings in this movie.¡±

    Gu Zuo loosened a sigh of his own: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡±

    As it turned out, his big brother¡¯s emotions fluctuated due to the plot of the movie. This was really unexpected.

    Later on, nothing else happened. Once the movie ended, the two followed the flow of people, and exited the movie theater.

    Their walking speed wasn¡¯t fast, and the path was dyed for a while. After they came out, most of the crowd had basically dispersed. Other people were already entering the theater to watch the next showing.

    Right now, it was getting close to midnight. Gu Zuo also intended to head back with his big brother. Thus, he quickly made a phone call, and called the driver toe over and pick them up.

    During this waiting period, they needed to quietly stand on the side.

    The atmosphere was peaceful and still.

    Just when the two of them were about to walk to the side, a little girl about seven or eight years old caught sight of them, trotted over in small steps, and loudly said: ¡°Big brother, buy one for this big sister...¡±

    The big brother she called out to was Gu Zuo. However, as she approached, she realized that the long-haired person who was actually 1.9 meters tall wasn¡¯t a big sister. Rather, it was another big brother.

    As a result, the little girl straightforwardly changed her slogan: ¡°Buy a flower for this big brother, okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. B-buy a flower?

    Throughout the whole day, he wondered whether today had been a sessful date or not. Suddenly, he hardened his resolve. From the flower basket, he picked the most beautiful rose with the fullest petals, and bought it. After sending the little girl on her way, he said to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, since it¡¯s Christmas, I bought one for the asion. How about I give it to you as a present?¡±

    Gu Zuo was very nervous.

    His big brother was intelligent, but Tianheng shouldn¡¯t think about it too much... Although this wasn¡¯t considered a true confession, it could be considered an indirect expression of his intentions. It was good enough that he himself knew this.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed. A smile spread across his face as he epted the rose. With the flower¡¯s stem pointed downward, he inserted the rose into thepel of his jacket. After that, he spoke in a soft voice: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Once he said this, Tianheng leaned closer. There was a fleeting touch, and then it was over.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Just now... What was that?

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 408 - Two People in Harmony

    <h4>Chapter 408 - Two People in Harmony</h4>

    It was like a light wind had caressed his lips, but that breeze was filled with warmth...

    T-then, had that been big brother¡¯s lips?

    H-his senses weren¡¯t mistaken, right?

    The instant after Gu Zuo reacted, his eyes widened, his face blushed a deep red, and he felt like the top of his head was giving off smoke. It was like his entire body was about to burst into mes!

    Just a moment ago, he and his big brother k-kissed...

    But what were big brother¡¯s intentions?

    Gu Zuo was dumbstruck.

    No matter how unconvinced he was, he also knew that, in this world, it certainly wasn¡¯t typical for the mouths of two men to touch. If it was just to give a goodnight kiss on the forehead, that was fine. A kiss of gratitude on the cheek could also work.

    However, he didn¡¯t believe that his big brother would make such a low-level mistake.

    In a sh, an enormous surging tide welled up from the bottom of his heart.

    ¡ª Was it just as he imagined?

    But this was truly too abrupt. He totally didn¡¯t expect to be suddenly kissed on the lips by his big brother!

    Gu Zuo endured the tremendous feelings of bashfulness and embarrassment. He raised his head to look at Gongyi Tianheng.

    At this time, Tianheng¡¯s expression was gentle and soft, and didn¡¯t appear any different from usual. It just seemed to exude something particrly attractive. Most of all was his eyes, which were tender and focused ¡ª In his eyes, there was only the small, reflected image of Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo held his breath. He felt like he was being drawn in by something. There was no way to move his line of sight away.

    He used some formidable willpower to get his mind moving, and muttered: ¡°Big brother, this is...¡±

    Just now, that wasn¡¯t an illusion, right?

    But why did it feel like he was dreaming...

    Tianheng softly chuckled: ¡°What Ah Zuo sees is the truth.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    Tianheng leaned over again. This time around, he stuck out the tip of his tongue, and teasingly swept it over Gu Zuo¡¯s lips: ¡°Ah Zuo? Don¡¯t get distracted now.¡±

    Gu Zuo gasped in exhration.

    Atst, Tianheng¡¯s eyes were dyed with a hint of frustrated exasperation.

    He reached out a hand, and pulled Gu Zuo flush against his chest. Shortly thereafter, he slightly opened his mouth, captured those lips, and tenderly sucked. His other hand lightly caressed and stroked the back of Gu Zuo¡¯s head, pressing him further into Tianheng¡¯s embrace. Soon after, the tip of his tongue gently danced over Gu Zuo¡¯s lips and teeth, seeking entrance. It prated deeply, and lovingly entangled itself with its partner...

    Gu Zuo was thoroughly,pletely, dumbfounded.

    When he confusedly watched as his family¡¯s big brother approached, he sensed big brother¡¯s scent surrounding him. He felt the warmth on his lips, the press against his teeth, and the coiling touch across his tongue... That kind of tender, resolute, and possessive feeling utterly consumed him.

    It caused his body to stiffen, not knowing how to react. He could only passively let that sucking and invasive power engulf him from inside out.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any thoughts.

    He could only see the erged, handsome face of his dear big brother, and he could only feel big brother¡¯s warm exhaled breaths. Little by little, he was covered in big brother¡¯s scent.

    It was to the point that, once he could finally take a breath, the watery lights that carried his affection rose unbidden to the surface of his eyes.

    Gu Zuo suddenly gasped for air.

    The side of his face stuck to his dear big brother¡¯s wide and expansive chest. He listened to the heartbeating from that chest. It felt somewhat faster than normal.

    His mind was a nk, white sheet.

    ¡°Big brother...¡±

    He subconsciously called out in a low voice.

    However, in the end, what did he want to say? Many thoughts emerged from the bottom of his heart, but it seemed that he didn¡¯t know how to put them into words.

    Soon after, a pair of warm hands cupped his face, and gently raised his head.

    Gu Zuo looked up. The blush on his face showed no signs of fading.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°I understand Ah Zuo¡¯s feelings.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened even more. Ah! H-he didn¡¯t know when big brother found out!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened even more: ¡°Does Ah Zuo understand my feelings?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help chuckling, and simply nipped the tip of Gu Zuo¡¯s nose. In a warm voice, he said: ¡°Does Ah Zuo have anything he wants to say to me? On this day, right this moment&#k2026;¡±

    The tone of his words was gentle. It seemed to carry an indescribable type of coaxing.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°I like big brother.¡±

    As he spoke, he thought of what he had always wanted to say to his big brother. There none of those previous doubts. Instead, he pushed onward: ¡°I love and adore big brother. It¡¯s just like the cherished longing between a man and a woman.¡±

    Tianheng smiled again.

    From his gaze, the darkness, which had always been hidden within the depths of his eyes in the past, was now receding. Though it was hardly bright and shining, it bore a supple warmth that seemed to condense like a drop of pure water. He gently said: ¡°I also like Ah Zuo, and I cherish Ah Zuo the same way.¡±

    At this moment, the ecstasy of fulfilling his long-held dream flooded Gu Zuo. He couldn¡¯t even think about anything else. The only thing that upied his mind was the young man before his eyes.

    Tianheng embraced Gu Zuo in his arms. His voice was smooth and steady, but his tone carried a type confidence that left no room for doubt: ¡°From now on, Ah Zuo only belongs to me.¡±

    Gu Zuo closed his eyes, and used some strength to nuzzle against Tianheng¡¯s chest: ¡°I belong to big brother.¡± Then, he wrapped his arms around Tianheng¡¯s waist, and supplemented with a muffled voice, ¡°But big brother also belongs to me. There can be no one else.¡±

    Tianhengughed, and his chest faintly shook: ¡°There will never be anyone else.¡± He softly sighed and said, ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. You are my one and only.¡±

    After Gu Zuo nestled into Tianheng¡¯s embrace for a while, his reddened face burrowed out. At this time, the two of them were already waiting at a street corner. Not far away, a low-profile car drove over. It was the driver who brought them here during the day.

    They walked to the car.

    Once the driver saw them, he let out a clear sigh of relief.

    Tianheng opened the door, and beckoned at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo got into the car. Looking at the perfect side-profile of his big brother sitting next to him, he suddenly felt that tonight was like a dreame true. Did he really get together with Tianheng so easily?

    Tianheng reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and pulled him over so that they were leaning against one another: ¡°Want to take a nap?¡±

    Actually, Gu Zuo¡¯s physical body wasn¡¯t particrly exhausted. However, because his state of mind had been too excited today, he was a little tired. Moreover, he was seriouslycking in any sense of reality right now. He always wanted to snuggle up with his big brother again... Hence, he dawdled for just a moment or two before following along.

    In the front, the driver remained silent, and didn¡¯t make a sound.

    However, he witnessed this scene from the rearview mirror... He felt that the atmosphere between these two people seemed to have be even more peculiar. After that, he pondered about telling his employer about this once he went back.

    Gu Zuo peacefully leaned against Tianheng¡¯s shoulder, and slowly digested the fact that he and Tianheng were finally together. Because of the constant intimacy, what happened just now, as well as the many matters that he once experienced with Tianheng in the other world, quickly shed across his mind one after another.

    Gradually, from the bottom of his heart, he realized just how strange the rtionship between him and big brother had be over the past few years. From making use of each other at the start, to trusting in one another, and to something that was ambiguous and unknownter on ¡ª The changes amid this transformation were silent and imperceptible.

    Before he even noticed it, the closeness between the two of them was already very different from how brothers interacted with each other.

    Initially, Gu Zuo was in the middle of everything, and didn¡¯t understand clearly. He could only see his own intentions, but couldn¡¯t see that Tianheng¡¯s doting upon him had already crossed a certain boundary. And now, when he recalled those past actions again, he made a discovery from numerous, minor details. In fact, not only his attitude towards Tianheng, but Tianheng¡¯s attitude towards himself hadn¡¯t been quite right from the very beginning. Then, was there another period of time when it became even more obvious and deliberate than before?

    If Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know his family¡¯s big brother very well, it would¡¯ve been impossible for him to recognize this deliberate intention. Moreover, ording to the timeframe, perhaps it wasn¡¯t long after he found out that he was interested in Tianheng that Tianheng likewise started treating him differently... This shouldn¡¯t have been an illusion.

    Having calmed down, Gu Zuo¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help revealing a joyous, smiling expression.

    As it turned out, he and his big brother had been secretly in love with each other.

    Perhaps, when he waspletely stuck on how he couldn¡¯t both have his big brother¡¯s affections and return to the modern world, his big brother was also worried about how to make him feel the same way?

    Knowing that he had never been alone in these matters of the heart was trulyforting.

    At this time, Gu Zuo recalled when he reunited with big brother in this world. Big brother¡¯s mood had nearly flown into a rage.

    It wasn¡¯t that strange. If one¡¯s cherished and trusted person had actually been thinking about leaving the entire time, anyone would be angry. And surprisingly, big brother¡¯s anger reached the point that the punishment was...spanking him. Now that he thought about it, apart from the anger, there was also the reluctance of letting go?

    Thinking about it a little deeper, it was like an indescribable sweetness was welling up.

    Gu Zuo hastily waved away these clingy notions.

    Butter on, it did seem that big brother treated him more...intimately.

    He couldn¡¯t help but think about his own very obvious disys after they reunited. He almost couldn¡¯t stop himself from facepalming. He truly couldn¡¯t see the forest for the trees! If big brother really was a straight man, he probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to find out. But since big brother wasn¡¯t straight, he certainly would¡¯ve recognized Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts after they got back together! It was no wonder that there was so much activity afterwards. At this time, he recalled all those things that had some special meaning. It really was like he was being seduced... Ah, he shouldn¡¯t think such indecent thoughts.

    Gu Zuo vaguely felt that part of the reason why big brother raised him up high, but set him down gently ought to have been because his own feelings were exposed. Also, big brother probably wasn¡¯t ready to make things official at that time. Instead, big brother wanted to watch Gu Zuo rack his brains to romantically pursue him. There was certainly an intent to punish him among all of this, right? After seeing Gu Zuo put so much thought into it, big brother was slowly appeased, and his angerpletely disappeared.

    And today...

    Maybe it wasn¡¯t only Gu Zuo who considered this a ¡°date¡±. Perhaps, Tianheng thought the same.

    At this point, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help thinking about the boring ns for the date and all those dull ¡°games¡± ¡ª And yet, Tianheng kept himpany, and gave them a try one after another. In that movie theater, there were quite a few times when he was in a trace, wanting to pounce and take advantage of his big brother. Moreover, the illusion that big brother would¡¯ve certainly allowed this probably wasn¡¯t an illusion at all. Rather, big brother had been waiting for him to ¡°take advantage¡±?

    In the end, he missed those opportunities for nothing. On the contrary, he made big brother disappointed.

    When all was said and done, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t a fool. Even though he was very young in the past, and there were many things he would¡¯ve never considered, after following Tianheng for so long, he gained a lot of experience.

    Although he was deeply involved in the beginning and couldn¡¯t see things clearly, now that he had a firm grasp of the end of this thread, everything that happened previously was straightened out.

    Thus, his heart, which was held in suspense due to ack of any realism, slowly developed a sense of security through these memories, and gradually settled down.

    He and big brother were really together.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s breathing slowly evened out.

    Now that he could be together with big brother, it was like they were in harmony. It would truly be perfect if they never parted again.

    Immediately following this, another voice passed into his consciousness.

    [Ah Zuo, I feel the same, too.]

    Unexpectedly, it was Tianheng¡¯s voice transmission.

    Gu Zuo suddenly reacted. That sentence just a moment ago, did he unconsciously send it to big brother? Soon after, he abruptly realized that the faded connection between himself and Tianheng had be inseparably close. All of a sudden, it was like they were now closer than flesh and blood!

    They could transmit thoughts? Had the guardian contract be even more firm and secure?

    Gu Zuo startled, and suddenly sat up.

    Tianheng knew what he was amazed about, and transmitted.

    [Ah Zuo, calm down a little bit. We certainly can share our thoughts.]

    Gu Zuo slowly rxed.

    [When I first returned to this world, not only did the systemck energy, I also had no way to sense big brother¡¯s existence. Even when big brother approached, the connection didn¡¯t work. We also couldn¡¯t transmit thoughts. But now, we suddenly can... I just don¡¯t know why.]

    Tianheng pondered for a moment.

    [I can sense that the contract between me and Ah Zuo has be even clearer.]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    Indeed, it was like this. Previously, although he and big brother shared a telepathic link, and could perceive the contract¡¯s existence, this perception wasn¡¯t particrly strong. It was only when they came across danger that this perception would be a bit more distinct.

    However, it was different now. Not only was the contract more clear and distinct, it made him feel that there was an inseparably close connection between the two of them. This kind of connection didn¡¯t only exist at the psychic level. It seemed to reach a physical level, too.

    Tianheng sent another voice transmission.

    [How much about this guardian contract does Ah Zuo understand?]

    A spirited light shed across Gu Zuo¡¯s mind. He suddenly remembered some things.

    [Right, big brother. The guardian contract is divided into four stages. In the past, big brother and I reached the second stage. Now, maybe it¡¯s because we confessed that the contract advanced a step?]

    Undoubtedly, this conjecture made sense.

    The third stage was called Life and Death Companions. It required that the friendship between the pharmacist and guardian deepened to such a degree that it underwent a qualitative change. Moreover, both of them needed to be willing to give their lives for the other person.

    Originally, Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s contract had been stuck at the second stage for a long time. It was because Tianheng¡¯s rationality dominated his emotions. In addition, Gu Zuo felt uneasy about Gu Qi and wanted to go back, which left a barrier in his heart.

    But when the ident with the Void-Breaking Shuttle urred, Tianheng knew perfectly well that there was a problem, but he didn¡¯t hesitate to grab Gu Zuo¡¯s hand. This was a type of conditioned reflex, and there wasn¡¯t enough time to think rationally. Therefore, at that moment, Tianheng¡¯s side had already achieved the state of ¡°braving life and death together¡±. As for Gu Zuo, he was a very emotional person. His family and his loved one were equally important to him. He was also willing to risk his life for both sides, but his family and his loved one were in two different worlds. The bnce in his heart kept tilting back and forth. But this was no longer an issue. The person he loved and his cherished family were in the same world, the family reunion was in sight, and the rtionship with his loved one was confirmed. The barrier in his heart was gone. Naturally, everything followed its proper course.

    Hence, the contract between the two officially upgraded from the second stage¡¯s Profound Friendship to the third stage¡¯s Life and Death Companions.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and told his dear big brother about everything.

    [I wonder if the semi-illusory state of our contract is due to the system¡¯sck of energy? Could it be because the establishment of the contract is rted to the will of the world? Or maybe, there¡¯s a rtionship between the contract¡¯s feedback and the the concentration of ambient qi? Since this world¡¯s ambient qi is very sparse, this world¡¯s path of martial arts is especially weak and small, and the path of spirituality ispletely nonexistent, the contract¡¯s connection has be very faint here. But my rtionship with big brother... En, after taking the next step, we were able to reach Life and Death Companions. This kind of connection is intimately close from the body to the mind. It¡¯s only natural that it¡¯s unaffected by the world¡¯s limitations. Big brother, what do you think?]

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    [Ah Zuo¡¯s conjecture makes a lot of sense.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s lips couldn¡¯t help pursing into a small smile. There was a little pride, but there was even more happiness.

    [It¡¯s only a pity that we can¡¯t go back. Although our injuries can be transferred to one another during the third stage, it seems that our strength already exceeds the need for any wound transferals in this world... It was difficult to upgrade the contract to the third stage, so it¡¯s a bit of a waste.]

    However, voice transmissions were a very good thing. After the upgrade, the maximum range of his psychic power was now the maximum distance of his telepathic connection with his guardian. Ah, this was incredibly convenient.

    However, right at this time, Tianheng¡¯s tone carried some surprise.

    [Ah Zuo, why do you think that we can¡¯t go back?]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    [The Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s energy is depleted. I also don¡¯t have any way to refine the earth-level Void Pill...]

    At this moment, he suddenly realized that he tacitly epted that they weren¡¯t able to return, but his big brother didn¡¯t seem to think the same. Tianheng wasn¡¯t resigned to this fate.

    In that case, what were they supposed to do?

    In a split second, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was thrown into disarray.

    Yes. Granted that he was in harmony with big brother, Tianheng was still the same person who wanted to step foot upon the pinnacle of the path of martial arts. Big brother¡¯s family, big brother¡¯s master, everything that he had was in that world. It was impossible for Tianheng to willingly remain in this world and not do everything he could to go back.

    But what about himself?

    He also couldn¡¯t abandon his dad and father, and leave for another world with big brother.

    Of course, now that he had the Void-Breaking Shuttle, if he could go back, perhaps he could think of a way to refill the shuttle¡¯s energy and visit his family. However, it was conceivable that the power to travel through spacetime ought to be hard to find... With his dad and father¡¯s lifespans, how many times could he go back and forth?

    A bitter, pained feeling suddenly welled up and filled Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Emotions and feelings were the most important things to him, but he couldn¡¯t let the feelings between him and his lover, with Tianheng, be his whole world. These feelings couldn¡¯t make him drop everything else either.

    Because all of his feelings were originally a part of him, if he lost this part, he wouldn¡¯t be aplete Gu Zuo.

    The car was still traveling along the road, but as Gu Zuo¡¯splexion paled, the atmosphere, which was clearly warm and affectionate just now, seemed to turn slightly gloomy.

    ¡ª Until Tianheng raised a hand, and vigorously ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair.

    Gu Zuo lifted his panicked eyes.

    Tianheng was somewhat unwilling to let go, and faintly sighed.

    [Ah Zuo, don¡¯t overthink it.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes were simrly filled with lots of reluctance. Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t voice the notions in his heart, with Tianheng¡¯s intelligence, how could he not know what Gu Zuo was thinking?

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng pulled him into a close embrace. His tone was very gentle and soft.

    [Ah Zuo, the methods of returning aren¡¯t necessarily limited to just these two types. Once you bring the system¡¯s energy back to full strength, you can ask the system. Maybe it knows about other options. From what I can see, since that system is following you, perhaps it also isn¡¯t necessarily willing to remain in this world for too long...]

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    He knew that this probability was very high, but he certainly wasn¡¯t going topromise with the system when his dad and father were still alive. That system was simr to a type of inheritance. Thus, he vaguely knew that the system wouldn¡¯t obliterate him so easily.

    [Although Ah Zuo can¡¯t refine earth-level pills, it¡¯s possible that the Void-Breaking Shuttle can be replenished. While the ambient qi in this ce is thin, if we can attract many organizations with medicinal pills, there¡¯s a chance that we can find useable energy sources... Ah Zuo only needs to concern himself with Uncle Gu and Uncle Zhao.]

    Gu Zuo suddenly raised his head.

    Tianheng faintly smiled.

    [Ah Zuo has always wanted to stay in this ce to apany these two uncles. Why have you never considered...that you and I can bring the two uncles back to that world? Every man has his own ambitions. Though this world is convenient, its inhabitants have short lifespans and itsnds are narrow and small. It can¡¯tpare to the vast and boundless Central Continent. In this elder brother¡¯s opinion, so-called science and technology aren¡¯t as dazzling as the path of martial arts. The two uncles are rather restricted in this ce, and not everything they experienced here was pleasant.

    [But if they go with us to the Central Continent, they can be ced under the protection of Ten Ultimates Sect. Ah Zuo possesses many outstanding items and medicines, and I have umted lots of resources. How could it be possible for the two uncles to not set foot upon the path of martial arts and enjoy untold years of life with Ah Zuo?]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s breathing suddenly hastened.

    Indeed, he had never thought about this problem to such an extent, but now that it was pointed out by his family¡¯s big brother, his way of thinking immediately changed directions ¡ª Right, it could also be like this!

    Renouncing the modern world really was quite a pity, but Gu Zuo believed that a family that stayed together was the most important.

    Due to the threats of that obscure organization back then, father was forcibly taken away, and the business that was arduously set up had long been wiped out. In order to provide for their family and hide himself, dad couldn¡¯t establish a medical career at all.

    At the same time, both father and dad were orphans. Apart from each other, there wasn¡¯t anyone else whom they would miss... Since it was like this, why not switch to a wider world and start over?

    At this moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was turning quickly.

    Actually, if he wanted to bring people back, he only needed to replenish the Void-Breaking Shuttle. The shuttle was capable of taking along him and big brother. If it was in good condition, maybe it could bring even more people. It only needed them to properly use a drop of blood to recognize an owner and be refined... As for how the Void-Breaking Shuttle was restored, even though they couldn¡¯t think of a way right now, the system probably could.

    As such, what they currently needed to do was to replenish the system¡¯s energy so that it could wake up.

    T/N: Sorry for the dy, I had some stuff IRL to handle.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 409 - The Tian Familyâ€™s Invitation

    <h4>Chapter 409 - The Tian Family¡¯s Invitation</h4>

    As they were thinking such things, the driver parked the car.

    They had already arrived at the vi. Currently, it was just about 12:00 midnight. Christmas was on the verge of passing.

    Gu Zuo promptly tossed any other thoughts to the side, and smiled brilliantly at Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, Merry Christmas!¡±

    Tianheng returned his own smiling expression: ¡°Ah Zuo, Happy Holidays.¡±

    Now that the mood had warmed up, Gu Zuo felt that everything ahead of them was hopeful and promising, and all the previous panic disappeared. After that, he tugged on Tianheng¡¯s wrist, and walked towards the vi.

    Tianheng¡¯s fingers moved slightly. Soon after, they were inteced with Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers.

    Gu Zuo nked, turning his head to look.

    ¡ª And met Tianheng¡¯s soft and gentle gaze.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was burning up.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything. He only pulled Gu Zuo along, and walked inside.

    Within the vi, Gu Qi was sitting on the sofa alone, watching the television.

    The screen was bustling with noise and excitement. However, he still keenly heard the sound of the door opening, and looked over. When he saw that his silly son and Tianheng hade home, he happily waved at them: ¡°Ah, Merry Christmas!¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng simrly returned the greetings.

    Following this, Gu Qi discovered that there appeared to be a subtle difference in the pair¡¯s standing positions and movements. In passing, his gaze fell upon the two¡¯s hands, which were sped together.

    Generally speaking, it was normal for men to grab the arms of other men, but holding hands...was certainly ambiguous.

    A thought suddenly arose within Gu Qi¡¯s heart. He showed a curious and teasing expression: ¡°Son, was your cherished wish achieved?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion, which had just recovered, turned slightly red again, but he didn¡¯t deny anything. Rather, he nodded his head honestly: ¡°...En.¡±

    Gu Qi looked at Tianheng.

    Compared to the past couple of days, the feeling in Tianheng¡¯s smile had be even more refreshing, like a spring breeze flowing across one¡¯s face. His tone was quite formal as well: ¡°Ah Zuo and I have already promised ourselves to each other. I ask that Uncle Gu will allow it.¡±

    Gu Qi had already made preparations in his heart, but his mood was still veryplicated.

    It was only natural that he was happy that his son¡¯s romance was sessful, but when all was said and done, it hadn¡¯t been long since his son was returned to him. In the end, the person who snatched up his son had followed along, and acted so quickly... This old father¡¯s vinegar was rising up again.

    Of course, Gu Qi would never tear down the tform of his family¡¯s silly son. Instead, he used a serious tone that was peaceful, optimistic, straightforward, and sensible to ask: ¡°Tianheng, your feelings for Xiao Zuo are sincere, right?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was upright: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s gaze flickered: ¡°You¡¯ll do everything in your power to protect him, and you¡¯ll always stand by his side?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Gu Qi breathed out a sigh: ¡°You¡¯ll also do your best to keep yourself safe so that Xiao Zuo won¡¯t be broken-hearted?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes reddened. At this time, he knew who and what his dad was thinking about.

    As before, Tianheng affirmed: ¡°Yes.¡±

    After obtaining several yes responses in a row, Gu Qi finally loosened his heartstrings. His smiling expression had also be clear and bright again: ¡°In that case, I grant you permission. Tianheng, Xiao Zuo, both of you can be a proper couple!¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo exchanged nces. As expected, they solemnly answered:

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°We will, dad.¡±

    Lots of things happened today. Gu Qi understood that the pair had just established their rtionship. After firmly asking these questions, he waved at them, and went to his own room.

    Gu Zuo watched Gu Qi acting this way, and thought about the sadness that was unconsciously revealed in his dad¡¯s eyes. The decision in his heart became even more clear-cut: ¡°Big brother, once we find father, I must ask whether he has missed dad in these years...¡±

    Tianheng lightly ruffled his hair, and spoke in a warm voice: ¡°Since Uncle Gu and Uncle Zhao grew up together since childhood and formed a family, they probably have an extremely strong understanding of each other. The person who can make Uncle Gu reminisce for so many years definitely won¡¯t let Uncle Gu down. He won¡¯t disappoint you either.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head.

    Yes, he had been telling himself the same thing the whole time.

    However, people always changed. Although the father in his memories was always reliable, took care of their family, and treated dad like he was a precious treasure, so many years had passed. Gu Zuo was worried for his dad.

    After all, the one he relied upon back then was dad. In his memories, the one who had the deepest impression was also dad.

    However, after being consoled by Tianheng¡¯s words, Gu Zuo had a little more faith in that father, whom he hadn¡¯t seen in a very long time. That¡¯s right. He needed to believe in the father he vaguely remembered, who stood in front to protect them.

    Getting a hold of his floating and unstable mood, Gu Zuo went upstairs with Tianheng.

    Normally, they would¡¯ve separated in different directions to sleep in their own rooms. However, today was somewhat different ¡ª The feelings of the two had been opened up, and their rtionship had changed.

    As such, what should they do?

    Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment.

    Before pledging their love, Gu Zuo thought of all sorts of ways to take advantage, but he still didn¡¯t dare to do too much when it came to following his big brother back to the bedroom. And once their rtionship was recognized, he suddenly felt bashful ¡ª If he mentioned this topic again, wouldn¡¯t it seem like he had ulterior motives?

    This truly made him hesitate to move forward.

    Right at this time, Tianheng took the initiative to speak. He shed a smile to Gu Zuo. In those previously deep and pitch-ck eyes was a gentle radiance: ¡°Ah Zuo,e here.¡±

    As he spoke, he extended a hand.

    Gu Zuo stared at this slender and beautiful hand for a full second.

    Soon after, as if the demons and gods were at work, he ced his own hand on top. By the time he reacted, he was already drawn over by Tianheng. They walked into the room that he had only entered a few times in the past.

    Tianheng revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Ah Zuo, will you take a bath first, or shall I?¡±

    Gu Zuo felt that he might end up getting steamed by the heat pouring out from his heart tonight. Every time it cooled down, the temperature would be restored again ¡ª Was it because big brother was too provocative or because his own thoughts were too wicked? His way of thinking was easily led astray!

    But in the end, Gu Zuo still calmed down. With a taut face, his voice was as high-pitched as a mosquito: ¡°Big brother can wash up first.¡±

    Tianheng broke intougher. He let go of Gu Zuo¡¯s hand, turned around, and went into the bathroom.

    Gu Zuo silently sat at the bedside. Following that, he hurriedly scampered away to fetch his own inner and outer sleepwear. When he sat back down, he was overwhelmed by the imaginative thoughts that were running through his mind, and started pacing around the room.

    Very quickly, the bathroom door opened.

    Tianheng¡¯s revealing bathrobe was undone: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s body stiffened. Little by little, he turned his head to look at Tianheng. His gaze lingered for three seconds ¡ª Ah, a beautiful person came out of the bath. And this beautiful person was his!

    Shortly thereafter, he grabbed his night clothes, and squeezed into the bathroom like his butt was on fire.

    Hot water showered down from above. Gu Zuo faintly shuddered, and swiftly scrubbed himself clean.

    Once everything was properly prepared, Gu Zuo put on his sleepwear, and shuffled out of the room one step at a time.

    Tianheng was already sitting on the bed, waiting for him.

    Gu Zuo walked to the bedside. He stood there without moving.

    Tianheng raised his eyes, and peered at Gu Zuo who looked like he didn¡¯t know what to do. He couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. Tonight, I won¡¯t do anything...that crosses the line.¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted a momentter. He understood what was said, and blinked.

    After that, Tianheng only saw a blur in front of his eyes. A body that was more petite than his own burrowed under the nkets. This person hadpletely withdrawn underneath, and even his head was covered! All that he could find was the small section of quilts bulging out by his side, as well as the nearby, warm body with faint trails of steam still clinging to his form.

    Tianheng muffled hisughter, but didn¡¯t bother Gu Zuo, who was in the middle of ¡°ying dead¡±. He waved a hand to turn off the lights, shifted himself under the nkets, and closed his eyes.

    Soon after, Tianheng¡¯s arm reached over, scooped up Gu Zuo, and locked him in an embrace. After a second of rigidity, this warm body also rxed... It made him feel like they were relying on each other, heart and soul.

    Once the two made their love official, it would be going too far to say that huge changes took ce. It was only because the contract¡¯s upgrade granted them a better understanding of one another, and the atmosphere between the two became even more harmonious. Even if they were sometimes far apart, it seemed that no one coulde between them.

    Previously, the two believed that they already trusted each other greatly, but after removing the barriers, they discovered that the current trust was more than ten times stronger.

    Thus, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was extremely good. Whenever those Zhang Family children came over to seek Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s guidance, they always felt like they were sitting on pins and needles for some reason. Every time they asked their questions, they would swiftly leave.

    If there were any shorings, there were probably two. The first was that the system still didn¡¯t have enough energy, and was unresponsive to multiple calls. The second was that, although the situation had already moved to the store-opening phase, there still weren¡¯t anyrge reactionsing from the Tian Family¡¯s side. Other ancient martial artists also hadn¡¯t revealed themselves.

    However, while there were many matters to take care of, one couldn¡¯t act with undue haste. Gu Zuo¡¯s patience was pretty good, and he only consoled his dear dad, set his mind at ease, and waited ¡ª Those ancient martial artists definitely wouldn¡¯t turn a blind eye to the effects of the Rejuvenation Pills and Qi Generating Pills.

    Sure enough, after four or five days, Gu Zuo¡¯s cellphone received a call from an unfamiliar number.

    ¡°Mister Gu? I¡¯m Tian Hang. Does thou still remember me?¡±

    Gu Zuo startled.

    Tianheng happened to see this. With his hearing ability, he naturally heard the voice on the phone loud and clear. He wore a slight smile.

    On the contrary, Gu Qi revealed an inquiring expression.

    Gu Zuo mouthed the words ¡ª Tian Family.

    Soon after, he spoke up. His voice was calm and collected: ¡°I remember.¡±

    On the other side, Tian Hang said: ¡°Last time, concerning the information rted to the Qi Generating Pills, thou said that I could mention it to those close to me...¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Tian Hang¡¯s tone seemed to rx somewhat: ¡°Among these people, I have more than a few friends and family who have ced a lot of importance on the Qi Generating Pills. Merely, there aren¡¯t any channels to purchase them. Thus, they have entrusted me to ask how many Qi Generating Pills Mister Gu can sell them.¡±

    Gu Zuo just smiled: ¡°I have toiled for many years, and all of them have been focused on those two types of medicinal pills. The Qi Generating Pill¡¯s ingredients are easier to obtain. As such, so long as they¡¯re people I like, they can buy as much as they spend.¡±

    On the other end of the line, Tian Hang nked as he listened: ¡°In that case, the criteria that Mister Gu likes are...¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Actually, there aren¡¯t any specific requirements. It¡¯s just that, if a scheming and underhanded person buys my medicinal pills and uses them tomit crimes, those sins would fall onto my shoulders. Apart from that, if they¡¯re pleasing to my eyes, I¡¯ll sell more. And if they aren¡¯t pleasing to my eyes, I¡¯ll just sell less.¡±

    When Tian Hang listened up to here, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    There weren¡¯t any problems not selling to evildoers. In any case, they were also considered to be walking along the righteous path. They wouldn¡¯t be considered scheming and underhanded. However, being pleasing or not pleasing to Mister Gu¡¯s eyes... What was he supposed to say to that?

    However, although Tian Hang didn¡¯t anticipate Gu Zuo having this kind of ¡°requirement¡±, he also came prepared. Right away, he said: ¡°I won¡¯t hide this from Mister Gu. My Tian Family intends to pull strings and build bridges for this matter. We will hold a small gathering, invite fellow enthusiasts who are interested in the Qi Generating Pills, and get them acquainted with Mister Gu. Is that okay? When that momentes, to whomever thou wants to sell and however much thou wants to sell, it will all be up to Mister Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and cast his gaze to Tianheng.

    Tianheng nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo spoke: ¡°At that time, I might bring a few people with me.¡±

    Tian Hang noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s approval, and felt greatly relieved: ¡°So long as Mister Gu is willing, bringing a few people won¡¯t matter. Mister Gu, please rest assured. Someone will deliver the ne tickets. After reaching the airport, someone wille to wee thee.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, you¡¯ll send four tickets... No, five ne tickets.¡±

    Of course, Tian Hang readily consented. After speaking a few more words, the call was ended.

    Once Gu Zuo put away the cellphone, he immediately sat next to Gu Qi, and gave him a great, big hug: ¡°The Tian Family has already responded. This time around, there will be a gathering, and I¡¯m bringing you along... Dad, trust me. After we win over those ancient martial artists with the Qi Generating Pills, father¡¯s whereabouts will definitely be found quickly!¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s body stiffened. He took a deep breath: ¡°Son, if he can¡¯t be found...¡±

    Gu Zuo decisively said: ¡°We¡¯ll find him! Dad, you have to believe in me. So long as we can find the family that took father away, big brother and I will certainly be able to find his whereabouts. Dad, don¡¯t forget. There¡¯s no ce that my psychic power can¡¯t enter. It won¡¯t matter even if that organization had hidden father. It¡¯ll be impossible to escape from my psychic power¡¯s search. Moreover, we can also rely on the organizations of other ancient martial artists to force the situation, and make them hand over father on their own. If ¡ª If by any chance something has happened to father...or they aren¡¯t willing to hand him over, with me and big brother here, we definitely won¡¯t let that organization have an easy time!¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s heartbeat quickened. A zing radiance burst forth from his eyes. At this moment, he wasn¡¯t as cool-headed as usual. Instead, his emotions were somewhat intense: ¡°Son, I want to know why they took Zhao Ji away, and why they destroyed our lives. I don¡¯t believe that it was for the sake of so-called bloodlines and familial bonds ¡ª Zhao Ji was abandoned. For such arge organization, they never came looking for Zhao Ji so many years. Having suddenly found and retrieved him, who knows what they were nning? Zhao Ji, I still don¡¯t know what kind of life he¡¯s living...¡±

    This was the first time Gu Zuo witnessed this type of intense unwillingness appear on his dear dad.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood that dad didn¡¯t only feel pain, and his hatred hadn¡¯t really dissipated over time. Rather, he forcefully suppressed his own powerless indignation and fury. All the while, his hatred was buried at the bottom of his heart, waiting for the right opportunity to break through the ground and germinate ¡ª

    Just like now.

    Gu Zuo vigorously nodded: ¡°Dad, you can rest assured. If they really did anything to father, they¡¯ll certainly pay the price they deserve!¡±

    Gu Qi abruptly slumped back, and covered his eyes with his arms.

    Gu Zuo shifted his gaze.

    Gu Qi¡¯s sleeves were slowly turning damp.

    [Big brother, I have never seen dad grieve like this.]

    [Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. Uncle Gu is grieving this time, but there won¡¯t be a next time.]

    ¡ª Soon, the ne tickets that Tian Hang ordered were sent over. The appointed time was the next day.

    Because Gu Zuo and Tianheng possessed the Divine Medicine Pce Hall and the spatial bangle, there was nothing that they especially needed to prepare. It was just that, before anything else, they also needed to inform the Zhang Family about this matter.

    Zhang Huiguo and Zhang Bohan responded, and came over.

    Gu Zuo pushed two ne tickets to them: ¡°Coordinated byst time¡¯s Tian Hang, the ancient martial artists are having a small gathering. I wanted to go with five tickets, and two of them are for your Zhang Family. You guys can think it over. If you want to go together, quickly determine good candidates. Early tomorrow morning, we¡¯ll set off immediately.¡±

    The old and young leaders of the Zhang Family were overjoyed when they heard this.

    Currently, their Zhang Family had ten younger generations who were in the middle of practicing martial arts. Once they gained some attainments, they would certainly enter the circles of the ancient martial artists, thereby catapulting the entire Zhang Family into the ranks of the genuinelyrge aristocratic families.

    Hence, the two swiftly exchanged nces, and discussed things.

    The decision was made quickly, too ¡ª The ne tickets had to be fully utilized. There was no need to hesitate over the selection of the candidates. It was still Zhang Huiguo and Zhang Bohan.

    When one thought about it, rather than those Zhang Family members who didn¡¯t understand the whole situation or those younger generations with ordinary strength, it was better to let the Zhang Family Head Zhang Huiguo and the heir Zhang Bohan go together.

    Zhang Bohan was the sessor. In the future, the Zhang Family would undergo a transformation as great as heaven and earth. Opening these new horizons would be done by him, so he definitely had to go. As for the others, they weren¡¯t as experienced as Zhang Huiguo. They also weren¡¯t as crafty or cunning as him. It was better to take advantage of the fact that Zhang Huiguo could still take action. He would use his expertise, and properly bring Zhang Bohan along.

    Gu Zuo had long foreseen this final oue, and said: ¡°As such, you guys will go back and make preparations. Come over early tomorrow morning.¡±

    The Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson pair naturally had no objections.

    The next day, at dawn, the two leaders of the Zhang Family brought the driver to the vi.

    Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng, and Gu Qi got into the car. The group of people quickly headed for the airport indicated by the ne tickets, and boarded the airne.

    What Tian Hang ordered for was the first ss cabin. This was considered a type of diligence. However, after they were on the ne, the group was tense and emotionally charged. On the contrary, they didn¡¯t have any feelings of enjoyment.

    When an hour passed, they finally reached their destination.

    B City was the heart of the nation, and the Tian Family mainly developed here.

    A low-profile but luxurious limousine was waiting outside the airport. Tian Hang stood at the car door, braced against the cold winds. After seeing the group of five walking out, he promptly straightened his body, and called out: ¡°Mister Gu, Mister Gongyi, gentlemen.¡±

    For this round, the person in charge was still Gu Zuo. He stepped forward, and said: ¡°Mister Tian, I trust that you have been well since west met.¡±

    Tian Hang said with a smile: ¡°Thanks to Mister Gu¡¯s great blessing, all has been well.¡± After he finished saying that, he extended a weing hand, ¡°Everyone, pleasee in.¡±

    The group didn¡¯t give too many conventional greetings, and made their way into the car.

    As they travelled, Tian Hang spoke up: ¡°Now, I would like to invite you all to stay at my Tian Family¡¯s household for a few days. The time for the ancient martial artists to gather is 10:00 AM, the day after tomorrow...¡±

    Gu Zuo exchanged some pleasantries with him: ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡±

    Tian Hangughed and said: ¡°Not at all. Thy very presence brings light to my humble home.¡±

    Afterwards, Tian Hang gave the others an introduction to the Tian Family¡¯sposition.

    The members of the Tian Family mainly had a certain amount of authority in the military. Whenever the older generations reached a particr level or rank, they would slowly withdraw, and allow the newer generations to rise up.

    At the present time, the previous generation in the Tian Family who held the greatest official post was General Tian. However, the family head wasn¡¯t that general. Rather, it was Tian Hang¡¯s biological older brother, Tian Mu. Tian Hang¡¯s second older brother, Tian He, also served in the military. Currently, that guy was in the special armed forces, but for this asion, he had simrly returned to participate in this grand event.

    Apart from this, the Tian Family¡¯s cadet branches weren¡¯t few. The family tree had winding branches and vibrant leaves, and their offshoots were in great numbers. While those in the main branch served in the military, the cadet branches had many businessmen who provided the main branch with financial support. Although the main branch had more shares in the cadet branches¡¯ businesses, it only received dividends, and didn¡¯t meddle in their affairs. At the same time, the power that the main branch possessed was given to the cadet branches¡¯ businesses to open many convenient doors... Because of this, the Tian Family had enough capital to support the younger generations to practice martial arts.

    Of course, the Tian Family wasn¡¯t an ancient martial aristocratic family. It was just that there would be some people from each generation who followed ancient martial artists to learn. However, just because they wanted to practice martial arts didn¡¯t mean that they could apprentice themselves to a master as they pleased. Instead, due to the development of the times and generation after generation ofworking, the Tian Family had basically ascertained that, within a certain range, the most stable forces were the School of Fist Intent and the School of the Great Saber.

    Merely, in this generation, the Tian Family was connected to the School of Fist Intent through marriage. Consequently, when it came to making friends with the School of the Great Saber, the Tian Family was still twenty percent closer to the School of Fist Intent.

    Of course, the Tian Family wasn¡¯t one that forgot favors orcked gratitude. It didn¡¯t matter that there wasn¡¯t enough Rejuvenation Pills, but Tian Hang quickly told the School of the Great Saber about the existence of Qi Generating Pills. Moreover, he gave one pill as a gift so that the members of the school could see the effects with their own eyes. Just like the School of Fist Intent, it was a testimony to the efficacy of the Qi Generating Pill.

    It could be said that, when contacting those ancient martial artists, it was only because the Tian Family¡¯s face wasn¡¯t that big and because the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber vouched for this family, that it could initiate this small gathering ¡ª Though, while it was said to be a small gathering, this was just a modest way of speaking. At that time, the number of people who would give face certainly wouldn¡¯t be limited to the scale of a ¡°small gathering¡±.

    As Gu Zuo and the others listened to Tian Hang¡¯s narration, they formed rough sketches of the situation in their minds.

    Seeing that they were about to arrive at the Tian Family residence, Tian Hang asked with some anticipation: ¡°Right now, the School of Fist Intent, the School of the Great Saber, and many others have been waiting with the Tian Family. We would like to hold a weing reception for Mister Gu and Mister Gongyi. We have also prepared generous gifts. I wonder if Mister Gu is willing to permit some Qi Generating Pills...In terms of the price, Mister Gu will certainly be satisfied.¡±

    Gu Zuo spoke purposefully: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Since they¡¯re all friendly schools and sects, and your Tian Family has put so much thought into this, I will give you guys some face. Later, you can call them to prepare the money, and I will give them some.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Tian Hang was ecstatic: ¡°Many thanks, Mister Gu!¡±

    Just at this time, they arrived at the Tian Family residence.

    Even the Zhang Family, which was far less powerful than the Tian Family, could upy arge district of vis. As such, the Tian Family was naturally no exception. From the car, one could see throngs of buildings in all directions far into the distance. All of them were unique and ingenious works.

    The car drove straight inside. In front of the most eye-catching, enormous vi, there were at least dozens of people who were waiting quietly.

    ¡ª This amount of face really was more than enough.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 410 - Two Headmasters

    <h4>Chapter 410 - Two Headmasters</h4>

    Although the members of the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber were standing together, the imperceptibly subtle distances between them allowed one to see that they were actually two parties. And because these two parties were standing within reach of each other, this let people know that the rtionship between both sides was very close.

    In addition, there were two men in the prime of their lives. The positions where they stood were a little further to the side. Their appearances somewhat resembled Tian Hang. They were his two older brothers, Tian Mu and Tian He.

    Tian Hang disembarked first, and took the initiative to open the car door for Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng. The driver simrly got out of the car, and opened the remaining doors.

    Immediately following this, five people stepped out.

    Gu Zuo raised his eyes, and saw those people in front of the vi.

    Everyone¡¯s qi and blood was vigorous and exuberant. Not to say that their qi and blood formed tendrils of smoke, but anyone standing over there would feel a type of red-hot and zing sensation. Clearly, their imposing auras were full of power and grandeur.

    Under the probing of Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, he quickly got a clear look at the strength of their realms.

    ording to this world¡¯s ranking, all of those ancient martial artists who appeared to have rtively high seniority were at the Hidden Energy Stage. As for the richness and purity of their inner power, there were veryrge differences... If he used the other world¡¯s ranking to convert, it was probably the difference between Bone Forging stage one and Bone Forging stage three?

    For those who were a little younger, their strengths were mostly at the Surface Energy Stage like Tian Hang. There was also a small number who hadn¡¯t even entered the Surface Energy Stage. They were still in the middle of tempering their physical bodies, and were putting a lot of effort into training their muscles and bones.

    As for the Transformed Energy ancient martial artists, there were only two people.

    It looked like they were the strongest individuals from the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber. However, this didn¡¯t necessarily mean that they were the headmasters. From this, it could be seen that breaking through the realms in this world was extraordinarily difficult.

    Most of all, the higher one¡¯s strength, the more numerous the internal injuries in their bodies, and the longer these injuries remained hidden. It was to the point that quite a few would have to rely on their qi and blood to support themselves, and their lifespans would be cut short.

    Of course, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take the initiative to mention these topics. It was because the gazes of all those parties and troops had uniformly fallen onto his group of people.

    Tian Hang hurriedly gave an introduction, and made way for Gu Zuo¡¯s position: ¡°This is Mister Gu.¡± Then, he emphatically introduced that handsome young man with the respected temperament, ¡°And this powerful ancient martial artist is Mister Gongyi.¡±

    Soon after, he paused before introducing Gu Qi and the grandfather and grandson of the Zhang Family in one breath. It was obvious that he didn¡¯t treat these three people with the same amount of reverence and care as the first two.

    Gu Zuo found that the members of those two schools harbored doubts about him ¡ª Yes, he didn¡¯t look like he was really that old. On the Central Continent, it was too ordinary for a pharmacist of this age to refine Qi Generating Pills. However, in this world, Qi Generating Pills weren¡¯t ordinary objects. They were ssified as special medicaments of high-end skill. Normally, everyone believed that the older a pharmacist was, the more abundant their experience. However, it seemed that they had heard Tian Hang mention many things earlier. Granted that those high-status elders and headmasters were suspicious, they didn¡¯t tantly show it. Instead, they greeted Gu Zuo warmly and kindly.

    &#k2014; Contrary to what one might expect, it was the younger and hot-blooded ancient martial artists who weren¡¯t able to control their facial expressions very well. The low mutteringsing from their mouths were quickly stopped by the seniors beside them.

    The headmaster of the School of Fist Intent was an old man whose hair and beard were white, but whoseplexion was a healthy, ruddy color. The muscles over his body were bulging and full of strength. The headmaster of the School of the Great Saber was rtively slender, and his cheeks were slim. Just like the name of his school, he gave others a sharp feeling like the cutting edge of a de.

    The two wore smiling expressions, and said: ¡°Mister Gu, Mister Gongyi, we presumptuously sought thee out. Please don¡¯t take offense.¡±

    Meanwhile, Tian Mu said: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, pleasee in. We have let our guests linger for too long outside. The Tian Family has been discourteous.¡±

    Indeed, everyone didn¡¯t have any intentions of braving the icy winds to exchange pleasantries at the gates, so they quickly went into the vi.

    Someone had tidied up the vi long ago. Moreover, quite a fewrge tables had been set up in the side hall, and many heating stoves were lit beneath the tables to keep the ce warm. Everything was fully prepared.

    Tian Mu walked to the side hall withrge strides, and pulled out the decoratively-carved, wooden chairs surrounding the frontmost table one by one. The disciples of the two schools also moved quickly.

    Tian Hang said: ¡°Mister Gu and these honorable sirs, pleasee this way.¡±

    Undoubtedly, the Tian Family¡¯s meaning was that everyone present was ustomed to conversing at the dining table. As for the seats arranged for Gu Zuo and the other honorable guests, it was at this side hall¡¯s frontmost table, which could amodate twenty people. However, the ones who could sit here were limited to only ten.

    Naturally, it appeared very wide and spacious.

    Don¡¯t focus on how the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson pair had high statuses in Q City. If they werepared to the people here, they were of the lowest rung. Being arranged at this table was entirely thanks to Gu Zuo. The two Zhang Family leaders were well aware of this, and didn¡¯t have any intentions of inserting themselves into the conversation at all. No matter how eagerly attentive the Tian Family was to Gu Zuo and the others, these two seemed like background props ¡ª No presence whatsoever.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo along, Gu Zuo pulled Gu Qi along, and the three sat down. Following this were the three members of the Tian Family, the two headmasters, and the grandfather and grandson of the Zhang Family.

    Under the gestures of each headmaster, the remaining disciples took their seats with a flourish of rustling fabric. In just a short while, this originally empty side hall had beenpletely filled to capacity with a crowd of people.

    Gu Qi previously handled certain business affairs with Zhao Ji, but he had never seen this kind of spectacle before ¡ª However, having settled down with years of experience, his mental state wasn¡¯t so easily shaken. As a result, he didn¡¯t have any feelings of stage fright.

    Even less had to be said about Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    As the one in charge of managing the Tian Family¡¯s matters, Tian Mu first offered cups of wine to Gu Zuo and the others: ¡°Isn¡¯t it a joy for faraway friends toe together? We were lucky to have received Mister Gu¡¯s help some time ago. Please ept this humble wine as an expression of our gratitude!¡±

    Based on the mentality that the people present might be useful, Gu Zuo gave face, and raised his cup to toast: ¡°You¡¯re wee. Cheers.¡±

    The actions of these two people broke a certain type of impasse.

    Off to the side, the two headmasters realized that Gu Zuo was precisely as Tian Hang said. He wasn¡¯t hard to get along with. They promptly found the way to befriend the other party, and simrly raised their cups one after another.

    After three rounds of drinks, everyone moved their chopsticks, and started eating the dishes. It was about the right time to discuss matters.

    Tian Hang was of the younger generation, but here, he served as the facilitator. This time around, he took the initiative to start the discussion. Heughed, and refilled Gu Zuo¡¯s cup of wine: ¡°Mister Gu, regarding the Qi Generating Pills, I¡¯ll have to leave this matter in thy hands.¡±

    Gu Zuo showed a smiling expression: ¡°I remember what you mentioned before. It¡¯s still as I said. The more you guys can take out, the more I can sell... Of course, this doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s without limits.¡±

    As soon as the two said these words, even the ancient martial artist disciples eating and drinking on the otherrge tables perked their ears to carefully listen.

    The headmaster of the School of Fist Intent and the headmaster of the School of the Great Saber exchanged nces. There waspetitiveness in their eyes, but there was restraint, too.

    They had naturally prepared lots of funds. It was just that they didn¡¯t have any assurances about how many pills they could obtain. After all, there was still the small gathering of ancient martial artistster on. This Mister Gu would still keep some to a certain extent.

    At the present time, it was better that they worked together to secure a few more pills ahead of time.

    After that, the two headmasters turned their wrists. They each took out a bank card from an unknown ce, and slowly pushed them towards Gu Zuo over the table.

    The School of Fist Intent¡¯s headmaster said: ¡°This is a bank card with a simple pin number. Inside it is one hundred million yuan.¡±

    The School of the Great Saber¡¯s headmaster also said: ¡°My school has likewise gathered the funds of one hundred million yuan.¡±

    ording to the price of four million yuan per pill, one hundred million yuan was equal to twenty-five pills. This amount looked like a lot, but in actuality, the number of ancient martial artists within their schools far exceeded this number. Moreover, who knew if there would be any more for sale when the inventory was used up? It was best to leave some more for the ancient martial artists in the future. Apart from this, there were several Hidden Energy powerhouses in the schools who were on the verge of breaking through, but had always fallen short at the final juncture. They could also draw support from these medicinal pills to make a breakthrough to the Transformed Energy Stage, which would increase the number of peak experts in the schools...

    They disdained having less, but would never hate having more.

    The one hundred million yuan was nothing more than to sound out the other party.

    Gu Zuo promptly saw through their way of thinking, and smiled: ¡°I trust in your financial abilities, but I think that you guys should be very clear about the shorings of the Qi Generating Pill.¡±

    The headmasters of the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber nodded their heads.

    To be honest, it was precisely because of this shoring that they believed in it even more. Otherwise, if this type of medicinal pill improved one¡¯s strength limitlessly, it would be too frightening and phony for the other party to bring out this many.

    Gu Zuo changed his posture, and pretended to speak in a calm manner: ¡°As ofte, I have been carefully researching it, and now, I will emphasize the shorings again. Those who are the most suitable to take the Qi Generating Pills should be Hidden Energy ancient martial artists. They canpletely digest the medicinal power and increase their strength. As for Surface Energy ancient martial artists, there will also be miraculous effects after taking the pills, but some of the medicinal power will be wasted...

    He continued: ¡°Perhaps, it would be a little better if they swallow half a pill. When one has reached the Transformed Energy Stage, how much they can improve willpletely depend on luck. It¡¯s not that the Qi Generating Pills don¡¯t have any use to Transformed Energy ancient martial artists, but the usefulness certainly won¡¯t be that obvious. Maybe it will only increase a year¡¯s worth of inner power, or maybe even less.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he turned around, and rummaged inside a small bag carried in Tianheng¡¯s hands. He took out two medium-sized jade bottles, and ced them in front of himself, slightly to the left and right: ¡°Each bottle has twenty-five pills.¡±

    The headmasters of the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber were almost itching to reach out and grab these two jade bottles:

    ¡°Mister Gu is generous.¡±

    ¡°These trifling shorings aren¡¯t worth mentioning. Many thanks.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 411 - Finally Taking Action

    <h4>Chapter 411 - Finally Taking Action</h4>

    Soon after, the two headmasters hesitated somewhat. Both of them took out another pair of bank cards, and pushed them forward: ¡°The funds within these bank cards also total one hundred million yuan each.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled. He took out two more jade bottles, and set them on the table.

    As before, the two headmasters received the jade bottles, and brought out new bank cards.

    Gu Zuo raised an eyebrow: ¡°One hundred million?¡±

    The two headmasters cautiously nodded their heads.

    Gu Zuo took out another two jade bottles.

    Afterwards, there was a fourth exchange.

    When the two headmasters took out a pair of bank cards for the fifth time, Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°One hundred Qi Generating Pills should be enough for a while.¡±

    The two headmasters revealed traces of disappointment, but what Gu Zuo said was indeed true. They had obtained one hundred medicinal pills each. So long as the pills were used reasonably, the schools could be pushed to the peak ¡ª Although there would be other ancient martial arts schools buying Qi Generating Pills, when all was said and done, weren¡¯t they making the first move? Moreover, after getting these pills in advance, it wasn¡¯t impossible to get some more during the small gathering, right?

    At this time, the headmaster of the School of Fist Intent had some notions in mind. However, to avoid offending this esteemed individual, he still asked to get confirmation: ¡°Mister Gu, will my School of Fist Intent be able to make more purchases during the small gathering?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head and said: ¡°This is only natural.¡±

    The headmaster was promptly reassured. He and the School of the Great Saber¡¯s headmaster exchanged contented nces.

    The funds possessed by ancient martial arts schools like theirs weren¡¯t small. As early as when they first heard the news, they had already dispatched people to take care of certain industries and properties, and to convertrge sums of liquidity. During the small gathering of ancient martial artists, everyone would bepeting with each other. With their financial resources, at least they wouldn¡¯t fall behind... With the addition of these pills they obtained beforehand, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry for several decades. There would be great changes urring in their world of ancient martial arts!

    ¡ª How many men didn¡¯t have ambitions?

    Their objectives had been reached. After that, everyone started talking about how the Qi Generating Pills would be sold during the small gathering.

    As the person in charge of the event, Tian Mu took the initiative to ask Gu Zuo: ¡°Mister Gu, does this sir have any thoughts on this?¡±

    One needed to know that, if no rules were proposed in advance, when so many ancient martial artists came together, it would likely cause confusion. At that time, if they weren¡¯t able to coordinate properly, then it might sow discontent and enmity.

    In particr was what Gu Zuo told Tian Hang. He would sell to those pleasing to his eyes, and he wouldn¡¯t sell to those who were displeasing ¡ª Although he indeed had this ¡°capital¡±, not everyone would remain calm when they themselves were treated as ¡°unpleasant to the eyes¡±.By then, maybe the Tian Family would also be subjected to grudges. In the end, while there were other ancient martial artists who would lend a helping hand because they benefited from the Tian Family¡¯s mediation, it was still better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

    Gu Zuo had already thought about this at an earlier time: ¡°Tian Family Head, rest assured. I have no intention of making things difficult for you all. If no one deliberately makes me unhappy, I won¡¯t know any of them. Naturally, I will treat everyone with equal favor.

    ¡°I also know the saying, ¡®Do not worry about scarcity, but rather about uneven distribution.¡¯ Therefore, the amount of Qi Generating Pills sold to each organization will be in ordance with the number of people who want to buy the pills. If there¡¯s a surplus afterwards, I intend to set up a public and private auction. The number of Qi Generating Pills in the private auction will be rtively smaller than the amount put up in the public auction. After that, if there¡¯s still some left over, I¡¯ll sell them to the schools or sects that give me the best impression.¡±

    Every person present had extensive experience. They immediately understood Gu Zuo¡¯s meaning.

    After thinking about it, they also felt that this was pretty good.

    There were several aspects to this way of doing things. From start to finish, this was much more interesting thanpeting over the Qi Generating Pills with reddened faces and bulging necks the whole time. The two previously-mentioned methods of equal distribution and private auction were considered tactful, and wouldn¡¯t damage any friendly rtions. As for the public auction&#k2026; Everyone could rely on their own abilities to liven up the atmosphere.

    Once Tian Mu and the others heard this, they summed up the other details. They had already decided on how the small gathering was going to be specifically arranged. They could aplish the ns in mind.

    Soon after, the headmasters of the two schools took the initiative to say:

    ¡°It¡¯s just that the Qi Generating Pills give others too great a shock. We can¡¯t rule out the possibility that others will want to disrupt the situation during the small gathering, fish in troubled waters, and create conspiracies.¡±

    ¡°If these honorable sirs don¡¯t disdain it, we can provide some Hidden Energy experts to follow and protect these sirs.¡±

    Tian Mu¡¯splexion hardened, and resolutely said: ¡°I will mobilize troops with heavy firepower to safeguard the entire venue. In addition, many technological methods will be implemented at the same time so that the event will be keptpletely safe.¡±

    He paused as he looked at several people, and enunciated clearly: ¡°From now on, it would be for the best that everyone has at least three Hidden Energy experts to personally guard them... If we can have Transformed Energy elites keeping watch over everyone¡¯s residences, that would be even better.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows faintly furrowed.

    Personal guards?

    These people weren¡¯t battle ves or servile races whose families and lives were grasped in his big brother¡¯s hands. They couldn¡¯t obtain that level of trust either. Moreover, it hadn¡¯t been long since he and big brother officially got together. He didn¡¯t need this many flickering and shiny lightbulbs!

    Thinking as such, Gu Zuo looked at Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled back. His gaze shifted, and fell upon the two headmasters and the members of the Tian Family.

    This gaze seemed to turn substantial. In an instant, it caused the hairs of the two headmasters to stand on end. They felt like they were being scraped by an invisible knife. They shuddered.

    Dangerous, very dangerous!

    They had heard that this Mister Gongyi¡¯s strength was remarkable. The two Transformed Energy headmasters also discovered that, even with their strength, they couldn¡¯t see through Tianheng¡¯s true realm. When Tianheng restrained his qi emissions, he only made them vignt. However, it wasn¡¯t like right now. With merely one look, he made them feel terrified!

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng¡¯s fingers slightly syed out.

    In the blink of an eye, those eight bank cards were immediately pulled by an invisible force. In a split second, the cards jumped up, and floated in the air.

    The breathing of the Tian Family and everyone else turned sluggish. The heartbeats of the two headmasters abruptly quickened.

    Those ancient martial arts disciples sitting at the other tables gasped in shock. All of them sensed the strange nature of this scene ¡ª No matter how strong their inner powers were, it was only in terms of lethality. As for suspending objects in the air like this, the level of control it required was extraordinary, and the enormous amount of inner power needed was beyond extravagant to them!

    Immediately following this, Tianheng¡¯s fingers faintly closed together.

    Those eight bank cards promptly let out whistling sounds as they dashed at great speeds. They were like eight razor des as they tore through the air!

    Then, they were collected precisely into the hollow of Tianheng¡¯s palm.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help inwardly smiling.

    Not to mention Immortal Realm martial artists, even those who had just entered Xiantian could achieve this kind of skill. It couldn¡¯t have been any simpler. However, in front of these people, who had never advanced to Xiantian, this utilization left them in awe. It made this big brother of his seem even more majestic, and it caused feelings of adoration and reverence to appear in people¡¯s hearts.

    At this time, Tianheng started to speak. His voice was slightly low and maic: ¡°How was that?¡±

    Ever since Tian Hang showed up, Tianheng handed everything over to Gu Zuo to manage, and rarely spoke up. At this moment, as he slowly talked, people felt a type of indescribable fascination: ¡°I alone am enough to ensure the safety of Ah Zuo, Uncle Gu, and the two members of the Zhang Family. Nheless, we appreciate everyone¡¯s kind intentions.¡±

    Once his voice fell, theplexions of the two headmasters became somewhatplicated.

    The strength of this Mister Gongyi was far beyond their expectations... It looked like they really didn¡¯t need to get involved in this matter of protection.

    Meanwhile, Tian Mu said: ¡°Mister Gongyi truly has this certainty?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Rest assured.¡±

    For some reason, after Tianheng¡¯s words were uttered, Tian Mu and the others couldn¡¯t bring themselves to raise any objections ¡ª From this young martial artist, they sensed an invible type of self-confidence.

    If it was said that they were previously paying attention to Gu Zuo, this great master of pharmacists, then now, the degree that they focused on Tianheng was elevated to even higher than that of Gu Zuo.

    This was because the feeling Tianheng gave others was truly too dangerous ¡ª It was far from the feeling of reassurance brought about by Gu Zuo¡¯s performance.

    Thus, the headmaster of the School of Fist Intent forced a smile: ¡°The methods of Mister Gongyi are indeed sufficient. The proposal just now was incredibly rude. We overstepped our bounds.¡±

    The headmaster of the School of the Great Saber was also somewhat pained. However, he suddenly had many thoughts... This Mister Gu was so young, but he had already made such achievements. Was it closely rted to those Qi Generating Pills, which could augment one¡¯s inner power? Or was he overthinking it?

    ¡ª No. His way of thinking definitely wasn¡¯t wrong. It was certainly like this.

    With such conjecture, aside from this pained feeling, his heart was enraptured with joy.

    At the very least, a peak powerhouse brought up with Qi Generating Pills had really appeared before his very eyes!

    Reaching this stage, everyone tacitly agreed that Tianheng himself would safeguard this newly-arrived group of five people. However, in order to uphold their friendship with thend owner, the Tian Family transferred a team with heavy firepower, which was stationed in the vicinity of the group¡¯s arranged residence.

    Although the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber didn¡¯t dispatch people to be personal guards, they still had the simr intentions, and sent for two Hidden Energy elites to keep watch on the outside ¡ª If anyone without discerning eyes came over in the middle of the night to cause trouble, they would naturally negotiate with the other party with their identities as ancient martial artists of the older generation before Tianheng discovered anything amiss.

    Gu Zuo, Tianheng, and the othersplied with the arrangements, and checked into a luxurious vi prepared by the Tian Family. This ce had dozens of butlers and maids in service. This was the treatment afforded to the honored guests of the Tian Family, and it wasn¡¯t the least bit ambiguous.

    Besides Gu Qi, the other four were used to such arrangements. After Gu Qi experienced everything the vi had to offer, he gained a deeper understanding of many things.

    In the next two days, the group remained in the vi, and didn¡¯t establish anymunications with the outside world.

    As the host, Tian Hang dropped by a few times to share in theirpany, and informed them of any news outside.

    Those ancient martial artists had arrived one after another. And under the nning of the Tian Family, they checked into many vis.

    The organization of the Tian Family was extremelyrge. When it came to the arrangements provided for ancient martial artists, they were thorough and considerate.

    Finally, it was the day of the small gathering.

    Tian Hang used a luxury car to wee everyone to a secluded and enormous, ancient castle-like building. This ancient caste looked a little dpidated from the outside, but the interior was a ce of charm and beauty.

    It was spacious and imposing. The details were sumptuous, but entirely low-key.

    As Gu Zuo approached the ancient castle, his expression was a bit strange.

    Ah, the style on the outside was European, but the inside was Chinese.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 412 - Shared Resemblance

    <h4>Chapter 412 - Shared Resemnce</h4>

    The grand staircase within the ancient castle had beenpletely torn down, leaving an open space like a small-sized assembly hall. In the frontmost position was a small auction tform, with two organized rows of decoratively-carved thrones on the left and right. Arranged behind these carved thrones were many eight-seated, old-fashioned square tables and countless wooden stools.

    Sitting upon the decoratively-carved thrones were the headmasters and leaders of various sects and schools, and at those eight-seated square tables were the disciples of those institutions. In addition, an elderly-looking person was keeping watch at every table.

    Generally speaking, the scene wasparatively solemn.

    Of course, apart from Gu Zuo, the other ancient martial artists were conversing with each other in low voices, and none of them were paying attention to the venue itself.

    Ancient martial artists didn¡¯t gather together often, but once they did, it was always in rtively concealed ces ¡ª Sometimes, the venues were detached courtyards, ranches, or other ces that only members could enter. Sometimes, the sites were located deep in the mountains and ancient forests. This time around, the Tian Family had invited many people. The Qi Generating Pills were also of great importance. After looking here and there, they finally settled on this long-established ancient castle, which was sufficientlyrge and well-concealed. As for the interior renovations, because the ancient castle had been left to ruin long ago, and ancient martial artists held old cultures in high regard, they made the proper preparations as the time drew near.

    As far as the ancient martial artists were concerned, this was enough.

    They didn¡¯t pay attention to anything else except for the main purpose tonight.

    When Gu Zuo and his group came in, the venue, which was originally still a little noisy, turned silent all of a sudden.

    Countless lines of sight turned to look at the entrance. Most of all were those prestigious ancient martial artists sitting atop the decorative thrones. Their gazes were like icy lightning, carrying an extremely swift and fierce aura.

    Gongyi Tianheng was calm andposed.

    He took a single step forward, and those innumerable streaks of imposing aura were like drops of water falling on a branding iron, dissipating in a sh. It was basically impossible to negatively affect anyone behind him.

    Those prestigious fellows were startled. At once, they took measure of Tianheng. Then, they discovered that, no matter what methods they used, they couldn¡¯t see through Tianheng¡¯s strength. The shock in their hearts became even more intense.

    After that, their gazes finally shifted to Gu Zuo ¡ª Every ancient martial artist who looked at Gu Zuo for the first time felt doubts, but regardless of their suspicions, none of them acted blindly without thinking.

    While Gu Zuo was being sized up by others, he was doing the same to them.

    Indeed. The highest realms here were at the Transformed Energy Stage. There wasn¡¯t a single person who had reached the equivalent of Xiantian. He didn¡¯t even see anyone at half-step Xiantian.

    He didn¡¯t think this world didn¡¯t have anyone who was able to pierce through the mysteries of the Xiantian Realm. It was just that this type of person probably wouldn¡¯t be interested in attending small gatherings.

    As the person in charge who wasn¡¯t an ancient martial artist, Tian Mu directly led Gu Zuo, Tianheng, and the others to the left side¡¯s seat of honor. As for the one at the right side¡¯s seat of honor, it was the leader of the Ancient Martial Artists Association. His appearance was aged and the top of his head was shiny and smooth. Unexpectedly, he was a martial artist from the Buddhist faction.

    Gu Zuo sat on the decoratively-carved throne. Behind him was a table where Tianheng, Gu Qi, and the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson were seated.

    Gu Qi was an ordinary person, but his courage wasn¡¯t small. He also didn¡¯t have any stage fright. On the contrary, he was incredibly cool-headed. At this time, he didn¡¯t deliberately go wandering around to observe. This was to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

    The Zhang Family¡¯s leaders were even more prudent ¡ª If they offended anyone at this moment, it might cause great harm to the Zhang Family.

    Once everyone sat down, Gu Zuo understood that his group was thest to arrive, but he didn¡¯t receive any thorny looks or barbed nces. This wasn¡¯t like what he had watched on television. He only came bearing good things. Naturally, there wouldn¡¯t be any stupid fellows who relied on seniority to look down on others and stuck their necks out first.

    The members of the Tian Family didn¡¯t take any seats. Rather, they stood on both sides of the auction tform. In addition, Tian Hang immediately followed Tianheng and the others, and sat down behind Gu Zuo.

    Tian Mu got onto the tform. To the numerous ancient martial artists, he cupped his fist, and said: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, all of you havee from afar. The Tian Family respectfully wees you!¡±

    In the crowd of ancient martial artists, those of the younger generation gave face, and cupped their fists in return.

    ¡ª It was reminiscent of the brave and chivalrous style of some figures of the rivers andkes of antiquity.

    Gu Zuo cupped his hands as well. From beginning to end, his expression was affixed with a slight smile. It made him appear easy to get along with, but he also wasn¡¯t that feeble or easily bullied.

    Tian Mu said: ¡°The purpose of everyoneing here is precisely for the rumored Qi Generating Pill¡¯s miraculous effects. As the saying goes, ¡®Believe what one sees, not what one hears.¡¯ If we only rely on word of mouth, everyone certainly won¡¯t be convinced.¡±

    Soon after, he waved a hand, and called two middle-aged men onto the stage: ¡°For these two gentlemen, onees from the School of Fist Intent and the otheres from the School of the Great Saber. Back then, they were promising, young talents in those schools, but after spending lots of time improving their inner powers, they were always at the peak of Hidden Energy, but never advanced to Transformed Energy. However, the two have been immersed in the Hidden Energy Stage for many years, and the distance to the Transformed Energy Stage is just water on the millstone to hone their inner powers. Now, I¡¯m inviting these two to take a Qi Generating Pill to let everyone see the medicinal effects.¡±

    After he finished speaking, the two members of the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber cupped their fists, and saluted the numerous ancient martial artists.

    Most of those present weren¡¯t from those kinds of reclusive sects. They were considered to have traversed the rivers andkes of ancient martial arts. Likewise, the people within the rivers andkes were naturally familiar with these two people.

    Right away, some people recognized them:

    ¡°Tyrant Saber, He Youfeng!¡±

    ¡°Carefree Fist, Xin Yue!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, the two of them have been famous elders of the schools and sects for a long time.¡±

    ¡°I heard that they have been stuck at a bottleneck for four or five years...¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that these two were the night-watchers sent by the schools two days ago. He didn¡¯t expect that, during the small gathering of ancient martial artists, they would also act as ¡°product testers¡± to give a demonstration for the crowd.

    There was happiness in the eyes of He Youfeng and Xin Yue.

    Yes. When all was said and done, the Qi Generating Pills obtained by the schools weren¡¯t many. The various uses had long been nned out. Although they were senior elders who should¡¯ve received a pill, the future wasn¡¯t set in stone. One could never guarantee that idents wouldn¡¯t happen. But now, it was different. They were going to test the medicine in front of everyone. In fact, this was a reward given to them by the schools!

    At once, without the slightest hesitation, the two spread out their palms. The pure-white pill on their hands were ced into their mouths. Following this, before they could even make any swallowing motions, the medicinal power had already gone down their throats!

    Under the scrutiny of everyone, across the bodies of these two school elders, their qi energies surged and their qi emissions livened. Not long after, the feelings these two gave others underwent a change. In the blink of an eye, they broke through from Hidden Energy to Transformed Energy!

    At this moment, many people cried out in low voices:

    ¡°That¡¯s right. This really is Transformed Energy!¡±

    ¡°Two more people have joined our ranks.¡±

    ¡°This Qi Generating Pill can save us ten years of hard work!¡±

    ¡°A good thing! The Tian Family really hasn¡¯t fooled us!¡±

    At this time, all of the ancient martial artists at the venue were convinced of the information¡¯s authenticity. When they looked at Gu Zuo again, their gazes had be scorching hot.

    Having experienced simr matters several times in the past, Gu Zuo was calm and unperturbed. He felt no pressure whatsoever.

    He Youfeng and Xin Yue wore ecstatic expressions as they returned to their own schools.

    At this time, Tian Mu cleared his throat. Amid the impatient looks of numerous ancient martial artists, he dered this time¡¯s sales method: ¡°After years of painstaking research, Mister Gu refined the Qi Generating Pills for the benefit of our generations. However, it required many precious medicinal ingredients. During the refinement process, there were also many failures, and a lot was wasted. Thus, the price can¡¯t be too low.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he paused: ¡°Four million yuan per pill. Anyone interested in making purchases can register with my Tian Family. Mister Gu will decide on the quantity based on the number of people who need it.¡±

    The implications were already clear.

    There was a burst of quiet discussions among the crowd of ancient martial artists. As far as they were concerned, they naturally wanted to obtain even more pills for themselves, but this kind of distribution method did save some trouble... Therefore, many headmasters and leaders promptly gestured at the people behind them, ordering those young and vigorousds in their schools and sects to quickly register with the Tian Family.

    This round of registrations took half an hour.

    During this period, although some ancient martial artists intentionally approached Gu Zuo to get into his good graces, Gu Zuo kept sipping from his cup of tea the whole time. It was an obvious refusal to any attempts atmunication right now ¡ª They had no choice but to tactfully drop the subject.

    The final result of the count was that there were thirty-five ancient martial arts organizations.

    This definitely didn¡¯t include all the forces of the current age¡¯s ancient martial artists. However, there was no need for doubts. Once they went back, they would certainly see the intense regrets of those who didn¡¯te today!

    Some of the ancient martial arts schools that were mocked by hostile forces were secretlyughing and ridiculing in their hearts at this moment.

    Gu Zuo heard the results announced by the Tian Family, and inwardly calcted. At the same time, he turned his head to face Tianheng. He intended to discuss things with his family¡¯s big brother.

    Yet, though he was originally looking at Tianheng, his vision was drawn to his dad, who had been silent all the while.

    Right now, Gu Qi¡¯s face carried a bit of hesitation. From time to time, his line of sight would fall onto a group of people.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred.

    ¡ª Could it be that dad discovered something?

    But those who practiced martial arts had sharp ears and keen eyes. It wouldn¡¯t be a good idea to ask while he was under the focused attention of so many people.

    After slightly pondering, Gu Zuo transmitted to Tianheng.

    [Big brother, I¡¯m going to sell five pills per person. It will show that the pills are hard toe by. How about that?]

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    [That¡¯s fine.]

    Gu Zuo was used to discussing matters with his big brother. But in actuality, they had an extraordinary tacit understanding for a long time now, and there were few disagreements.

    Hence, he nodded his head as usual. He took a package from Tianheng¡¯s hand, and brought out a rtivelyrge jade gourd. He said to Tian Mu: ¡°There are so many people here. One person can obtain five pills for twenty million yuan.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was neither loud nor quiet, but his words entered the ears of all the ancient martial artists filling this hall.

    It was just that...there were only five pills?

    This amount was too small.

    Tian Hang swiftly carried the jade gourd, and walked over to Tian Mu, who was next to the auction tform.

    The discussions of the ancient martial artists became even more urgent. Meanwhile, Tian Mu cleared his throat again. He held a microphone, and stated in a loud voice: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, there¡¯s no need to feel anxious. This is just the first round of sales, and every organization will be able to obtain some pills. The second round will be a private auction. At that time, apart from financial support, all of you will rely on luck to obtain...¡±

    After these words were spoken, the many organizations calmed down.

    Members of the Tian Family started to call out names. Tian Hang was in charge of receiving checks or bank cards with one hand, and handing out medicinal pills with the other. He was so busy that he broke out into a sweat. Every time a name was called, he could sense an organization¡¯s powerhouse staring intently at him. Since he was under the constant pressure of imposing auras, he seemed to fall under the illusion that his bones were being crushed.

    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Gu Zuo quietly moved to the back, and sat at the eight-seated square table assigned to his group.

    Gu Qi¡¯s state of mind was still a little distracted. Gu Zuo leaned closer, and softly asked: ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong? Did you notice something?¡±

    Right at this time, Gu Zuo also gave Tianheng a look.

    Tianheng had a slight smile on his face. The qi emissions around his body poured out like a torrent of flowing water, and silently wrapped them up.

    This was another utilization of qi energy. It could iste those weaker than oneself from listening to their conversation.

    Gu Qiposed himself. He looked at his son¡¯s worriedplexion, and shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± After that, his tone was hesitant, ¡°Xiao Zuo, I think I saw someone...who resembles your father very much.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart tensed: ¡°Is it father?¡±

    Gu Qi hurriedly replied: ¡°No. It¡¯s just that...his facial features are simr. But he definitely isn¡¯t Zhao Ji.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 413 - Auction for the Qi Generating Pills

    <h4>Chapter 413 - Auction for the Qi Generating Pills</h4>

    Gu Zuo trusted his dad very much. Since Gu Qi said that this person with simr features wasn¡¯t his father, then that man certainly wasn¡¯t Zhao Ji ¡ª They grew up together since they were children. Even if he couldn¡¯t tell by appearance, would one¡¯s specific habits and actions change? Therefore, Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze also looked in the direction that Gu Qi indicated.

    In that ce, there was a seat that was rtively close to the front. The person Gu Qi was talking about was sitting at the foremost eight-seated square table.

    In order to avoid beating the grass and startling the snake, Gu Zuo withdrew his line of sight. But at the same time, he released his psychic power to conduct an even more meticulous observation.

    In his long-past memories, father¡¯s appearance and figure seemed to gradually be clearer because of that person. However, once Gu Zuo retrieved the memory of Zhao Ji¡¯s features, he slowly realized that this person resembled father by at least eighty percent. If there was any part that was different, it was the expression in the eyes.

    Zhao Ji¡¯s eyes had always been tolerant and steady. They also carried a feeling of sharpness that was born out of the need to protect his family. Back then, even though he could¡¯ve been considered rather young, he faced the business world with clenched fists and gritted teeth. There were all sorts of trials and tribtions in life, but he wasn¡¯t afraid. His bearing was clear and unclouded, and hisplexion was pure and untouched. When he interacted with others, he was usually very energetic. After bickering with Gu Qi, he took the initiative to make up with him. He would press Gu Qi down with one hand, and quickly pull him into an embrace with the other. He also carefully looked after their son, Gu Zuo.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. It wasn¡¯t Gu Qi, but rather Zhao Ji who took care of all matters in Gu Zuo¡¯s life. In those days, he was Gu Zuo and Gu Qi¡¯s main pir of support.

    As Gu Zuo¡¯s memories became even clearer, his feelings for Zhao Ji were no longer hazy like they were separated by a pane of frosted ss. It gradually deepened, wiping away the unfamiliarity of not seeing one another for many years.

    The care and concern Zhao Ji showed for Gu Zuo was no less than what he did for Gu Qi.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    Previously, they surmised that the ones who took father away back then were his blood rtives. Seeing this simr-looking person, that guess was probably ny percent correct.

    It was also a stroke of luck. Originally, they only came over and formed connections to figure out a way to draw out that family. In the end, they already found a clue just as the event started.

    Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng exchanged nces.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°The Tian Family invited this person, so it certainly knows their inside information. Let¡¯s wait until afterwards to ask.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head earnestly: ¡°I understand.¡±

    As for Gu Qi, he closed his eyes.

    There hadn¡¯t been any clues before. All the while, his heartstrings had been stretched taut as he bided his time and gathered his strength. Now that there was a clue, a type of dread suddenly arose from the bottom of his heart.

    What if&#k2026; He wasn¡¯t afraid of anything else &#k2014; He was only worried that something might¡¯ve happened to Zhao Ji after so many years had passed.

    He didn¡¯t know any information. Currently, he could only hope that Zhao Ji was still alive. He wished with all his heart that he was alive and well.

    Only the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson were confused. Although they knew that these three people were in the middle of talking, they couldn¡¯t hear the three¡¯s voices. After a bout of amazement, their impressions were refreshed once more. They didn¡¯t dare to ask many questions, and simply ced their gazes on the other ancient martial artists. They observed which sects and schools they could graduallye into contact with after their Zhang Family rose in the future.

    As for Tianheng and the others, they no longer pondered deeply about how many mysteries surrounded them.

    Just when everyone in the group was preupied with their own thoughts, the thirty-five organizations had already finished making business deals with the Tian Family.

    Tian Hang swiftly came to Gu Zuo¡¯s side, and handed over thirty-five bank checks. The figures on each check numbered twenty million, and not one yuan less.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. His palm flipped over, and these checks were put away. This hand motion was very nimble. With the eyesight of these ancient martial artists, none of them were able to see where he ced the checks. Thus, they also had certain guesses about Gu Zuo¡¯s martial strength.

    ...Although, these kinds of conjectures werepletely off the mark.

    Following this, Gu Zuo fished out several items from his bag in quick session. Each time, he took out a jade bottle the size of his palm, and arranged them on the table in sequence.

    After that, he simply said: ¡°Mister Tian, please have your Tian Family prepare ten chests to represent these ten jade bottles. In each bottle, there are twenty Qi Generating Pills.¡±

    Tian Mu received the information, and spoke in a loud voice once more: ¡°For this round, the private auction will only ept special paper slips. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your own approved price into a chest. In the end, those whose bid is the highest will obtain the jade bottle represented by that chest after paying that sum of money!¡±

    During the speech, Tian Hang had quicklybeled every jade bottle with numbered cards, ranging from one to ten. Likewise, Tian Mu instructed someone to take out ten ck, wooden chests that were twenty-something square centimeters in size. It could only be opened from one end, and it was onlyrge enough to fit one hand inside. These chests were simrly marked from one to ten.

    After hearing that every jade bottle contained twenty Qi Generating Pills, numerous members of the schools and sects, who were originally somewhat disappointed by the shortage of pills, revealed smiling expressions.

    Previously, they only obtained five pills each. If they could snatch another twenty pills, then at most ten institutions could pull down the other twenty-five schools and sects by arge margin.

    The headmasters of the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber were also determined to win.

    Even though they had already gotten much farther ahead of the others, they still had an incredible longing for this surplus of Qi Generating Pills. It was to the point that they brought along even more funds for this very reason. It wasn¡¯t only for this private auction. In addition, there was obviously the public auctioning up next, and thepetition would be very fierce!

    Numerous ancient martial artists restrained their passionate states of mind. After a swift round of discussions, the elders of each sect and school took the Tian Family¡¯s special paper slips, and stepped forward.

    They walked in front of the ten chests, gripped the paper slips tightly, and stuffed them inside one by one. Not a single one of the thirty-five organizations gave up on the private auction!

    The results this time around came out faster. The Tian Family specially sent ten younger generations to tally the paper slips in the chests. After that, they filtered out the individuals whose bids were the highest.

    Among them, nine chests were selected without anyplications, but there was one chest where two organizations tied for the highest price. Thus, the two organizations had no choice but to bid another price. The victor was determined at that point.

    The price for twenty Qi Generating Pills was eighty million yuan. As for the bank checks that Gu Zuo received this time, each one exceeded one hundred million.

    As expected, both the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber won their bids for the Qi Generating Pills. The School of Fist Intent even won a second batch! In addition, there was the Ancient Martial Artists Association, whose financial resources were even more robust. When this organization took action, it was out of the ordinary. Each of their bank checks exceeded a hundred thirty million yuan, so the Qi Generating Pills they received reached three batches. As such, the organizations that really obtained the arranged pills numbered only seven.

    Many ancient martial artists revealed disappointed or regretful expressions.

    The disappointed ones were naturally upset because they didn¡¯t bid high enough. As for those who were regretful, besides this point, they were also unreconciled because they didn¡¯t prepare sufficient funds ¡ª Not every invited institution was one hundred percent confident in the Tian Family. And even if they did have confidence, that didn¡¯t necessarily mean that they would bring along huge sums of liquidity.

    Thus, quite a few institutions realized that they could onlypete against one another during the private action. When it was time for the open auction, their funds certainly wouldn¡¯t be vast enough topete with the others. Unexpectedly, they weren¡¯t able to obtain anything even during the private auction...

    The members of the Ancient Martial Artists Association also weren¡¯t too pleased.

    Their organization was thergest. Originally, they wanted to take at least four batches ¡ª They didn¡¯t intend to go to extremes over this matter or offend the institutes here, but only having three batches wasn¡¯t enough to satisfy them.

    But very quickly, they no longer dwelled on this affair.

    Their real battlefield was the subsequent public auction! They weren¡¯t afraid of anyone!

    Everyone attention fell onto Gu Zuo once again.

    Gu Zuo effortlessly brought out threerge gourds from his bag: ¡°Inside each gourd are fifty Qi Generating Pills. The total is a hundred fifty. This is the maximum amount that I can take out. Their sales price is two hundred million, but their base price is only one hundred million... Ladies and gentlemen, please do as you wish!¡±

    Shortly thereafter, members of the Tian Family came over to take away the gourds, and delivered them into Tian Mu¡¯s hands.

    At some point in time, a small hammer appeared in Tian Mu¡¯s possession. He lightly knocked on top of the auction table, and personally hosted the venue¡¯s public auction: ¡°Fifty Qi Generating Pills. The base price is one hundred million yuan. Start your bids!¡±

    He cut straight to the chase.

    The next moment, countless voices echoed out:

    ¡°A hundred twenty million!¡±

    ¡°A hundred fifty million!¡±

    ¡°A hundred ny million!¡±

    ¡°Two hundred million!¡±

    ¡°Two hundred twenty million¡ª¡±

    In just a few seconds, the bids already exceeded two hundred million yuan.

    T/N: Sorry for the dys. I¡¯m still trying to bnce out a new schedule IRL. Hopefully, things settle down soon.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

    <strong></strong>

 Chapter 414 - The Zhao Family

    <h4>Chapter 414 - The Zhao Family</h4>

    Of course, everyone knew that the previous bids were just to test the water. Whomever these fifty Qi Generating Pills belonged to in the end couldn¡¯t be determined in a short while.

    Not long after, the price soared to three hundred million yuan and above. It was also at this time that the shouts of bids gradually slowed.

    However, Gu Zuo¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on the auction.

    In actuality, their group had been looking at that man who shared an eighty percent resemnce with his father. The main objective for selling medicinal pills had already been achieved.

    Taking advantage of the fact that numerous ancient martial artists were focused on the auction, Gu Zuo waved a hand to Tian Hang, and called him over.

    Although Tian Hang was paying attention to the atmosphere of the auction, when all was said and done, he was still primarily responsible for winning over Gu Zuo. Thus, the moment Gu Zuo voiced a request, he swiftly got closer: ¡°Mister Gu, do you have any instructions?¡±

    Gu Zuo quietly pointed in a certain direction: ¡°Are you familiar with that person?¡±

    Tian Hang nked, but quickly looked over. In a moment, he peered at that rather handsome-looking man. He soon searched for the memory in his mind, and nodded his head: ¡°I recognize him. That person is called Zhao Hewei. He¡¯s part of a cadet branch of the ancient martial aristocratic family known as the Zhao Family.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart turned cold: ¡°Zhao? Which ¡®Zhao¡¯ character?¡±

    Tian Hang felt a little baffled: ¡°It¡¯s the Zhao character in the saying, To besiege Wei and rescue Zhao.¡±

    In fact, Gu Zuo realized that he was thinking about the wrong character the moment he spoke. It was only because he was too sensitive to that person¡¯s appearance... Indeed, which ¡®Zhao¡¯ could it have been?

    He thought about it, and said: ¡°Is Mister Tian able to tell me the situation of this ancient martial aristocratic family in detail?¡±

    Tian Hang saw that Gu Zuo seemed to be very interested, and exined to him: ¡°Actually, our ancient martial artist circles have been developing amid the rivers andkes since ancient times, and there are institutions and aristocratic families that have persevered with their ancient martial arts. But generally speaking, the inheritances of the sects and schools are rtively easy, so their time surviving in the world is very long. However, even if it¡¯s like this, there have been countless institutions that have drowned under the waters of history. To say nothing of those who have reliedpletely on the aristocratic families.

    ¡°Among the ancient martial aristocratic families, not only are the martial disciplines passed down to men and not women, one also needs children within that aristocratic family to have the aptitudes to study martial arts. Consequently, the true ancient martial aristocratic families that have survived until now are the Zhao Family, Fang Family, and Ou Family. Just these three aristocratic families.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Among these three families, has only the Zhao Familye?¡±

    Tian Hang replied: ¡°No, the Fang and Ou Families have simrly sent people over. Although the ancient martial aristocratic families are, for the most part, arrogant and haughty, their sense of smell is quite sharp.¡±

    Gu Zuo simply said: ¡°Mister Tian, please tell me the general affairs of these ancient martial aristocratic families ¡ª I am especially interested in the Zhao Family.¡±

    Tian Hang¡¯s heart lurched.

    He recalled what this esteemed Mister Gu said previously. After the public auction, he was going to select some people who were pleasing to his eyes to sell some more Qi Generating Pills... Could it be that the Zhao Family was one of them?

    Tian Hang didn¡¯t like the Zhao Family at all. While he didn¡¯t intend to praise the Zhao Family, because he considered that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t be easily fooled, he didn¡¯t deliberately nder them either. After a moment of pondering, he slowly said: ¡°I previously mentioned that it¡¯s incredibly hard to receive the aristocratic families¡¯ inheritances. Thus, the Fang and Ou Families have strived to change in the wake of the developing times. For example, women have been allowed to inherit, certain outsiders have been adopted and given family names, and there have been coborations between some ancient martial arts institutions. Everything has been for the sake of passing down the families¡¯ martial disciplines. The only family that has stuck to tradition to the point of severity is the Zhao Family.¡±

    Listening up to this point, Gu Zuo suddenly had a feeling. He couldn¡¯t help but ask: ¡°How severe are their ways?¡±

    Tian Hang said: ¡°The fact that only males can inherit doesn¡¯t need to be mentioned. In the past, basically all of the ancient martial aristocratic families were like this. However, the Zhao Family has another strict rule. The children of the main wife can inherit, but not the children of the concubines. Moreover, the Zhao Family is unusually picky about the life history of the rightful heir¡¯s birth mother. Even until now, they still keep the marriage style of one wife and many concubines.¡±

    Gu Zuo was slightly dumbfounded.

    From all of this, he seemed to pick up on something.

    ¡ª Tian Hang¡¯s following words confirmed his way of thinking.

    All of the Zhao Family¡¯s daughters were married off to foreigners. Their purpose was to form political connections through marriage or to intermingle the bloodlines. Meanwhile, among the Zhao Family¡¯s sons, only those the true wife gave birth to had the qualifications to learn the martial skills passed down within the family. As for the sons of concubines, maidservants, or outsiders, none of them had this authority ¡ª After they were born, they could only be relegated to the cadet branches.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°In that case, if the true wife doesn¡¯t have any sons...¡±

    There was a trace of disdain in Tian Hang¡¯s eyes: ¡°If the true wife doesn¡¯t produce any sons within three years, she will be cast aside, and the Zhao Family patriarch will simply remarry. Normally, some households have rxed this aspect to a certain extent. They might not remarry, and will simply raise the status of a concubine who has a son to that of a wife. As such, the concubine will be the true wife, and her son will naturally be the rightful heir.

    ¡°However, the Zhao Family¡¯s patriarch will continue to remarry under the condition that the true wife bears no sons. Moreover, the remarried wife must have an impable family background that¡¯s as clear as ice and clean as jade, and her smaller household must have some strength. But even if she¡¯s a pretty daughter from a humble family, they won¡¯t necessarily look upon her favorably.¡±

    In short, with this move, the Zhao Family¡¯s lineage stretched unbroken for many years, but it wasn¡¯t known how many good women were ruined because of this. In modern times, it got better. The so-called ¡°casting aside¡± became divorce. Once divorced, the woman could still look for a second spring. Yet during olden times, if the true wife was cast aside and her biological parents loved her dearly, she might do well. But if her family was cold and detached, she would usually end up with a miserable fate.

    Of course, the kind of household that would marry off their daughters to the Zhao Family were, for the most part, no good. After that, the number of miserable women only increased.

    As Gu Zuo listened, he felt a little disgusted.

    Since only the male children born from the wife were able to inherit, wouldn¡¯t it make sense to not marry any concubines? Having concubines aside, it was terrible enough the way they treated the wife. Moreover, since the family rules were so harsh, even more young girls were harmed. They should¡¯ve thought of a way for the children to change identities for a satisfactory ending for everyone. As it happened, they still wanted to find unlucky girls... Which girl was willing to be treated like a child-birthing machine?! If they couldn¡¯t give birth to a son, they were thrown out like garbage. It was really too much.

    Gu Zuo forcibly restrained his rising nausea, and continued to discreetly ask for information: ¡°Since that Zhao Hewei is part of the cadet branches, what¡¯s his identity?¡±

    It was clear that Tian Hang had an understanding of these things: ¡°Zhao Hewei is a concubine¡¯s son of this generation. Right now, he¡¯s thirty-five or thirty-six years old. In terms of ancient martial arts, he has some skill. His father, Zhao Hongying, is the current head of the household, but that guy doesn¡¯t have any capability at all. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the Zhao Family didn¡¯t have any rightful heirs except for him, the position of family head probably wouldn¡¯t have been passed on to him.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    It looked like this Zhao Hongying didn¡¯t have the least bit of skill. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been impossible for even Tian Hang, a person of a lower family hierarchy, to look down upon him like this.

    Tian Hang continued to talk: ¡°In his early years, Zhao Hongying married quite a few wives in a row. Unfortunately, not a single one gave birth to a son. On the contrary, he was promiscuous and loose outside, and left behind a slew of bastard sons. Zhao Hewei is one of them. However, hisst wife was thrown out by him about a dozen years ago. After that, he had an endless parade of beauties by his side, but he never remarried again. Some say that no women were willing to marry him, but others say that his thoughts were constantly preupied by his final wife&#k2026;¡±

    As Gu Zuo heard this, hisplexion gradually turned grave.

    Later on, when Tian Hang mentioned some pieces of information about the Fang and Ou Families, Gu Zuo only listened halfheartedly without paying too much attention. It was because he keenly sensed something. It was the time when thest wife was cast aside ¡ª A little more than ten years.

    It was just that something else happened a little more than ten years ago. His father was taken away.

    Zhao Hewei and Gu Zuo¡¯s father shared such a resemnce. Who could say that they weren¡¯t biological siblings?

    For example, half brothers who both looked like their father...

    After this conjecture appeared in his heart, Gu Zuo wanted this public auction to finish a bit quicker.

    Right at this time, Tian Hang finished talking about the information rted to the ancient martial aristocratic families. He suddenly asked: ¡°Mister Gu... Is the Zhao Family pleasing to your eyes?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. Then, he recalled the words he spoke previously.

    He lightly shook his head, and divulged: ¡°Definitely not. Perhaps, on the contrary, there¡¯s a grievance.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help smiling at Tian Hang¡¯s pensive look.

    He thought: The Tian Family will certainly do some careful pondering.

    While Gu Zuo was making discreet inquiries, the public auction¡¯s three rounds had already ended.

    The first round sold for the high price of 350 million yuan, the second round was 380 million yuan, and the third round directly reached 420 million yuan! The price of one set was higher than the next. It was because the numerous ancient martial artists knew that, as time went on, the possibility of obtaining anything would be increasingly uncertain.

    These sums of money were sent to Gu Zuo in the forms of bank checks. As for those three gourds, they were delivered to the corresponding ancient martial artist organizations by members of the Tian Family.

    The Ancient Martial Artists Association won two gourds. The other one was won jointly by several forces working together. Afterwards, the distribution would be based on the funds paid by each organization.

    However, although the proposal between the Tian Family and Gu Zuo had been as fair and reasonable as possible, not all of the thirty-five organizations that ultimately came here were satisfied.

    After all, they came with different mentalities and preparations, so the oues they obtained were no more than this.

    Merely, there was nothing to be done.

    The three types of sales were concluded. But regardless of whether the ancient martial artists were satisfied or not, none of them gave up on catching Gu Zuo¡¯s attention.

    At this moment, the Tian Family prepared a huge banquet of top-notch dishes, which were delivered to each of the eight-seated square tables. As for those prestigious figures sitting on the decoratively-carved thrones, arrangements were made at an even bigger table.

    Although everyone knew that this time¡¯s small gathering was for the sake of experiencing the Qi Generating Pills, they couldn¡¯t just leave after buying the pills. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t it be too impolite?

    Most of all, the Tian Family had subtly divulged that there were still some pills kept in Mister Gu¡¯s possession, which were reserved for the ancient martial artists he found pleasing to his eyes ¡ª They would have to fight hard for it.

    Thus, the Tian Family held a banquet to receive these guests, and the ancient martial artists followed the program.

    This program was naturally the sparring between each of the schools and sects.

    After the meal, the venue was tidied up. All of the institutions sent out their disciples to show off their talents and abilities. With back and forth exchanges, the fights were incredibly lively!

    Gu Zuo understood these people¡¯s goals, and acted like he was taking things very seriously as he watched the martial artspetition on the side. Every now and then, he spoke a few words to Gongyi Tianheng. While he sometimes seemed to be in the middle ofmenting, it also appeared that he was merely chatting and smiling.

    There were a couple ancient martial artists who wanted to know what they were talking about. Unfortunately, no matter how much they pricked their ears or strained their eyes, they couldn¡¯t decipher a single syble.

    Of course, Tianheng really was observing the spars between these ancient martial artists. He wanted to appreciate the differences in cultivation styles of another world¡¯s martial artists. Perhaps, it would deepen his understanding of his own path of martial arts. However, Gu Zuo had just told Tianheng about his conjecture.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, maybe we can start with the origins of Zhao Hongying¡¯s first few wives.¡±

    Gu Zuo narrowed his eyes in deep consideration: ¡°After that, if the Tian Family is interested, we can let them take action.¡±

    The capabilities of the Tian Family were stillparativelyrge. They also had the help of the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber. Now that they found clues, there wasn¡¯t any need to contact more people. This was to avoid beating the grass and startling the snake ¡ª Only if the Tian Family and those two schools couldn¡¯t handle the job would it be necessary to find recements. And currently, they only needed to make preparations and wait patiently.

    Just as expected, it didn¡¯t take long for Tian Mu to quietlye to the pair¡¯s side.

    The Tian Family Head handled matters decisively with the style of a solider. At this time, he didn¡¯t talk nonsense with them. Rather, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, he went straight to the point: ¡°If Mister Gu doesn¡¯t mind, the Tian Family is willing to resolve any worries on this sir¡¯s behalf.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Even if that means offending the Zhao Family?¡±

    Tian Mu bluntly said: ¡°The School of Fist Intent and the School of the Great Saber will only follow Mister Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo was delighted. Hence, his words also carried some happiness: ¡°I want the information of the women the Zhao Family previously married. The moreprehensive their experiences, the better. In addition, I also want to know the details on why the Zhao Family suddenly stopped taking wives a little more than ten years ago.¡±

    This matter was simple to talk about, but once anyone started investigating, it would be veryplicated. After all, it had been too long, and many clues had vanished in the long river of time. It would be quite difficult to expose anything again. However, the Tian Family and the two institutions had long grown deep roots in B City. If they truly wanted to take action, it wasn¡¯t impossible.

    Therefore, Tian Mu straightforwardly responded: ¡°My Tian Family will certainly handle this matter well. Even if we¡¯re discovered by the Zhao Family, my Tian Family will be able to mediate any conflicts in advance.¡±

    Gu Zuo also knew that, once the Tian Family started investigating, there was a possibility of alerting the Zhao Family. But as far as he was concerned, letting the Tian Family investigate was merely for the sake of guarding against any off-chance threats. He wanted to use peaceful methods to resolve any problems as much as possible ¡ª After all, at the present time, they weren¡¯t able to leave this world.

    However, if it truly reached the point that violence couldn¡¯t be avoided, with his and his big brother¡¯s martial strength, there was nothing to be afraid of.

    Tian Mu nodded at Gu Zuo, and turned around to depart.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo silently ced a jade bottle in Tian Mu¡¯s hand.

    Tian Mu looked back.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°This is a down payment.¡±

    Tian Mu¡¯s gaze faintly shined. The radiance in his eyes became even more resolute.

    Inside the jade bottle were as many as five Qi Generating Pills. If they did well, the subsequent rewards would be...

    After matters were handed over to the Tian Family, Gu Zuo set aside those thoughts for the time being. He called over Tian Hang, and spoke a few more words to him. Tian Hang summoned some members of the Tian Family, and Gu Zuo ced a token in each person¡¯s hands.

    Shortly thereafter, these younger generations of the Tian Family went to find the corresponding ancient martial artist institutions recorded on those tokens. As for those schools and sects, every single one showed happy expressions ¡ª With these tokens, they could purchase up to ten Qi Generating Pills, and send the checks to Tian Hang.

    After a short moment passed, Gu Zuo had some of the Tian Family¡¯s children deliver tiny paper bags to several ancient martial artists who had already finished sparring. Inside each of those paper bags was one Qi Generating Pill.

    A whileter, a few institutions and even individuals got their own tokens. It was just that this time¡¯s token could only be used to buy up to five Qi Generating Pills...

    Gradually, many previously disappointed sects and schools purchased some medicinal pills, and everyone was satisfied.

    Likewise, there were also some organizations that didn¡¯t receive anything. There were about a dozen of these forces. Included among them was the Zhao Family.

    Those with discerning eyes could tell that many of these organizations were institutions whose disciples acted deceitfully or ruthlessly. Some people felt that, although this Mister Gu was somewhat avaricious, he was someone with magnanimity and good character.

    During this period, some came to chat with Gu Zuo, but he only went through the motions. The ancient martial artists noticed that he didn¡¯t have any intentions of building deep friendships, so they turned to talk with the people who apanied him. The ones they sought after the most were naturally Tianheng and Gu Qi. However, while Tianheng simrly wore a smile, the expression in his eyes was distant and estranged. As for Gu Qi, he had been pulled over to Gu Zuo¡¯s side, and it seemed that they were in the middle of discussing something.

    Thus, these ancient martial artists could only go look for the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson.

    The main reason why the Zhang Family¡¯s leaders came here was to make friends with ancient martial artists. As for the ancient martial artists, they wanted to scout for information from the Zhang Family and deepen their rtionships with Gu Zuo... It could be said that both sides marched to the beats of the same drum, and their talks went smoothly.

    On the other side of things, the spars between those younger generations were still ongoing.

    Once the martial artspetition was over, almost everyone had enjoyed themselves to the fullest. Numerous ancient martial artists bade farewells one after another, wanting to leave the ancient castle.

    It was also at this time that something unexpected happened.

    At this point, it ought to be mentioned ¡ª Because it was a small gathering of ancient martial artists, and their strengths were far from ordinary, the Tian Family naturally didn¡¯t station any defending troops with heavy firepower to avoid causing a misunderstanding. Otherwise, what were they supposed to do if the ancient martial artists believed that it was a provocation or a trap?

    Moreover, everyone felt that, when there were so many ancient martial artists at the venue, their safety and security was all but guaranteed! What did they need firepower for? Ancient martial artists were very prideful, too!

    As a result, just when everyone congregated together and reached the entrance, a strong wind blew past.

    Killing intent was carried within this strong wind. The numerous ancient martial artists were startled. Naturally, they hurriedly scattered in all directions to evade it. However, no one expected that within this small gathering, where everyone was a leading figure or honored personage, someone would actually throw out a bomb!

    This bomb was quite ordinary. It didn¡¯t go so far as to blow up this many ancient martial artists in the same st. The sole person it targeted was precisely Gu Zuo, who was talking with Tianheng!

    As for the person who threw this bomb, he had an unfamiliar face ¡ª He seemed to be following one of the institutions here, but none of the sects or schools at the venue recognized him as their own disciple.

    As such, how did hee in? Did he stay hidden all this time, and only came out tounch an ambush now?

    It was toote to say anything.

    Although the body techniques of the crowd of ancient martial artists were fast, no one anticipated that the other party would want to attack Gu Zuo. Since their first reaction was to dodge, it was toote to rush over for a rescue.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo, Tianheng, and their group of people were still standing in the same ce. Didn¡¯t they have any intention of dodging?

    Subconsciously, many ancient martial artists felt regret in their hearts. They still wanted to make friends with Gu Zuo, and obtain even more Qi Generating Pills! There were also some ancient martial artists who were secretly happy. It was because they thought that Gu Zuo¡¯s position in the world of martial arts would inevitably rise after this event. They had already obtained so many pills, and they didn¡¯t want this kind of ¡°extraordinary¡± person to press down on their heads.

    But the very next moment, they couldn¡¯t help widening their eyes. They revealed expressions of disbelief!

    Originally, everyone thought that the bomb was going to blow these people to smithereens. As it turned out, Tianheng, who hadn¡¯t moved from his spot, slightly swayed.

    With this swaying motion, Tianheng¡¯s body instantaneously appeared in front of that bomb flying through the air ¡ª He didn¡¯t actually intend to use his physical body to block the attack and sacrifice himself for others. Instead, he reached out, and caught the bomb in his hand!

    But so long as this bomb was activated, even if it was caught midair, it would still explode. Although it had been thrown with the form of a concealed weapon like darts or needles, it wasn¡¯t a genuine concealed weapon!

    Thus, it swiftly exploded into a gigantic disy of ¡°fireworks¡±. Unfortunately, the instant the fireworks st appeared, it was like it had been captured by a huge, invisible hand before being squeezed into a gale-like aftershock that spilled all over the ce.

    However, apart from an incrediblyrge force, this aftershock only blew people¡¯s hair and billowed their clothes. It couldn¡¯t cause any harm to anyone.

    Grabbing a bomb with one¡¯s bare hands... This was just too iprehensible!

    The gazes that all the ancient martial artists used to look at Tianheng changed.

    The highest they could reach was Transformed Energy, but not even Transformed Energy ancient martial artists could directly face an exploding bomb. If they came across this situation, they would certainly be blown up without leaving behind a skeleton.

    As such, what realm was Gongyi Tianheng?

    Could it be that he was someone who hadn¡¯t appeared in the world for many years ¡ª The Broken Void Realm? ording to legends, there really were Broken Void powerhouses, but thest step wasn¡¯t crossed so easily. Thest one to appear was almost a hundred years ago.

    Yet, Tianheng looked so young... Perhaps, he wasn¡¯t actually young, but an old ghost who had recovered his youthful vigor after attaining Broken Void?

    Countless notions came and went during this time.

    However, there was no need for doubt. No one dared to rashly inquire.

    At almost the exact same time, Tianheng reached out his hand again, and made a grasping motion in another direction.

    The location he grabbed was where the bomb came from. Originally, the person of interest wanted to fish in troubled waters. He tossed out the bomb, and ran away. He had already been running for quite a distance when he suddenly felt ayer of extremely terrifying power wrap around his body. Moreover, under the effects of this great power, his entire body moved involuntarily, and flew back to the castle!

    That person¡¯s sluggish features finally exposed a frightened expression.

    Inwardly, he bitterly cursed in his heart. He was only afraid that he would be forced to confess, and would suffer a miserable and inhumane experience.

    But facts proved that this person was overthinking it.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have any intentions of extorting a confession. He also didn¡¯t particrly care about the instigators behind this fellow.

    Once this person was caught and dragged back by that wisp of power, the energy was withdrawn when he was only halfway there. He fell heavily to the ground.

    Soon after, everyone watched as ¡ª

    Tianheng smashed down with a palm from high in the sky.

    St!

    In the blink of an eye, that person¡¯s head was crushed to a pulp like a watermelon!

    Red and white brain matter sttered and flowed along the ground.

    There was a pall of deathly stillness.

    All the ancient martial artists couldn¡¯t help but remain silent.

    A good whileter, some people reacted. This Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t have any qualms whatsoever, and brazenly killed in front of everyone!

    Was he confident, or...

    But no matter what, with the strength Tianheng currently disyed, he really didn¡¯t need to worry too much about anything.

    The Tian Family members were the first to respond. Right away, they sent people out to drag the corpse away and clean up the mess.

    The other ancient martial artists¡¯plexions wereplicated, but no one dared to reveal any malicious intentions.

    T/N: Username Lin Xue Lian created an amazing piece of art ¡ª It¡¯s Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo! For more artwork like this, you can follow them on twitter and pixiv.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

    <strong></strong>

 Chapter 415 - Zhao Jiâ€™s Experiences

    <h4>Chapter 415 - Zhao Ji¡¯s Experiences</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I will take my leave first.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he brought along Gu Zuo, Gu Qi, and the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson pair. Together with Tian Hang, they boarded the Tian Family¡¯s car.

    If it was said that, just a little while ago, all the ancient martial artists were excitedly crowding around the entrance to depart with smiling expressions and many thoughts, then now, they waited until Tianheng and the others leftpletely before struggling free from that strange energy field and regaining the strength to speak.

    At the same time, a dark and heavy shadow appeared in their hearts.

    The Tian Family members who stayed behind facilitated even more social interactions. Countless ancient martial artists wanted to make discreet inquiries for information from the Tian Family, but they didn¡¯t have an understanding of Tianheng and Gu Zuo at all ¡ª They only knew that these two people seemed to have appeared out of thin air. Even when it came to Gu Qi, because of his rtionship with Tianheng and Gu Zuo, they didn¡¯t dare to investigate too deeply. It was just the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson whose identities they were certain of. Merely, it looked like the Zhang Family only had a cooperative rtionship with those two people.

    For a moment, it could be said that the members of the Tian Family were badly burned about the head.

    Adhering to the concept of the same breath and branch, the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber took the initiative to aid the Tian Family, and gradually allowed them to extricate themselves.

    In the car, the atmosphere was still and silent.

    Previously, Tian Hang only felt that Tianheng was a dangerous personage, and didn¡¯t think that he would be this dangerous. Moreover, this fellow did things so candidly, which was very different from ordinary people.

    As a result, he was deliberating how he should continue getting along with them.

    As for Gu Qi, he was slowly calming down his own state of mind.

    He had always felt that Tianheng was a refined and courteous person who possessed the noble elegance of an aristocratic family¡¯s young master. However, this time around, he saw another side of Tianheng with his own eyes... Consequently, he gained a deeper and more profound realization of the other world that Gu Zuo and Tianheng mentioned, and how cruel that so-called ¡°veneration of martial strength¡± really was.

    That was a world where human lives were like specks of dust.

    Gu Zuo noticed Gu Qi¡¯s expression, and reached out to hug him.

    ¡ª Dad, don¡¯t worry.

    Soon, they returned to the Tian Family¡¯s household. Because they had to wait for any information, Gu Zuo and Tianheng didn¡¯t mention anything about leaving. Since the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson established contact with many ancient martial artists, they simrly kept silent. Besides the constant social niceties, they listened to and obeyed the arrangements made by Gu Zuo and the others.

    Naturally, the Tian Family wouldn¡¯t urge anything. They were also thinking that, if this matter was handled well, they could obtain the other party¡¯s timely rewards in return!

    With this belief, the Tian Family¡¯s members maintained a high efficiency. After one day, they brought back the information that Gu Zuo and the others wanted.

    In the study room, Tianheng read the documents in his hand. He lifted his eyes, and smiled: ¡°Everyone has worked hard.¡±

    In these materials, the identities and origins of Zhao Hongying¡¯s sessive wives were introduced in detail as well as the bitter experiences they encountered after they were cast aside.

    Among them, the one who attracted Tianheng¡¯s attention the most was the information about Zhao Hongying¡¯s first wife.

    She was the Qian Family¡¯s eldest daughter. The Qian Family itself used to be arge family with substantial properties in business and inestimable connections in politics.

    In those years, the Zhao Family carefully selected, and chose to join the Qian Family in marriage. In addition, Zhao Hongying and Young Lady Qian Xi were already a freely-loving couple at their university. This was to everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction.

    It stood to reason that, so long as Qian Xi could conceive, it wouldn¡¯t matter if she didn¡¯t give birth to a son within three years. Provided that she didn¡¯t lose her fertility, she could continue having children, and the Zhao Family would give her face. Unfortunately, Qian Xi didn¡¯t know that the Zhao Family had this draconian rule beforehand. At the time, her temperament was simple and pure, and she didn¡¯t want to have a child this early in life. As a result, she had been secretly taking contraceptives the entire time.

    The following matters were as one could well imagine.

    Two years passed. Qian Xi and Zhao Hongying¡¯s feelings were very good, but she never got pregnant. It was also during this time that, because several affairs stirred up trouble, people rted to the Qian Family were fired from their jobs and the Qian Family was shaken to a certain extent. Qian Xi was concerned about matters in the family, and didn¡¯t have time to bother with contraceptives.

    Later on, a series of idents happened to the Qian Family. Not only did thoserge family properties copse and fall apart, all of Qian Xi¡¯s rtives were either thrown into prison or died from all sorts of disasters. She immediately understood that someone wanted to deal with the Qian Family.

    Qian Xi wholeheartedly wished that the Zhao Family would take action, but because of all kinds of matters, the Zhao Family was hard-pressed to do anything. Although Qian Xi was beyond disappointed, she had only lost hope. At the same time, she also regarded Zhao Hongying and the past Zhao Family Head as her sole family members and herst straw.

    It was just that, by chance, Qian Xi found out about that wretched rule of the Zhao Family. Afterwards, through many traces and clues, she realized that the cause of the Qian Family¡¯s subsequent copsergely wasn¡¯t due to other people fighting over benefits. Instead, it was because of the Zhao Family!

    At that time, Zhao Hongying had a dispute with someone else ¡ª It was due to his ungratefulness and that person finding fault with him.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Zhao Hongying¡¯sck of martial strength and his agitated mood, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that she coincidentally hid herself very well, she wouldn¡¯t have spected some things based on Zhao Hongying¡¯s words.

    The Qian Family¡¯s benefits would lure people¡¯s hearts. Moreover, it was only when the Qian Family fellpletely that no one would be able to help this Eldest Daughter Qian out of this predicament, nor cause trouble for their Zhao Family.

    Right away, Qian Xi¡¯s mind was thrown into chaos. She hated the Zhao Family, but she also loathed her own blind ignorance for choosing such a shameless and despicable cheater. But for the time being, she couldn¡¯t think of anything to do about it. She could only restrain herself, and wait for the Zhao Family to give her an ultimatum.

    Sure enough, after the Qian Family didn¡¯t have anything else worth exploiting, Zhao Hongying wanted to get a divorce.

    Once Qian Xi deliberately cried in disbelief a few times, she ¡°weakly and helplessly¡± agreed under the threats of the Zhao Family. After that, she left with the child she had conceived.

    As it turned out, she realized that something was wrong the first time she identally vomited. She originally wanted to poison the entire Zhao Family and take them down with her, but because of this pregnancy, she gave up on her n and chose to leave instead.

    With no close rtives and a white-eyed wolf for an ex-spouse, the child in her belly was Qian Xi¡¯s only source offort. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to have an abortion. She was even more unwilling to bear the disgust of telling the Zhao Family, and leaving her own child in this filthy ce.

    Later on, Qian Xi tried every possible method to cover her tracks. After recuperating in a remote town for several months, she gave birth to a child.

    However, Qian Xi¡¯s luck was incredibly bad. Prior to the birth, because the caretaker she hired was negligent and inattentive, she identally slipped and fell. This caused her to go intobor prematurely. Since she lost a lot of blood due to postpartum hemorrhage, she only had enough time to see her own child for thest time before passing away.

    This child was Zhao Ji. After he was born, because his mother died and he had no other rtives, he was directly sent away by the small clinic. The person who carried him away greatly disliked inconveniences, and tossed him onto a snow mound at the base of a wall. If it wasn¡¯t for the orphanage¡¯s matron passing through that ce at the right time, Zhao Ji, who had just been born, would¡¯ve certainly died ¡ª It was also because of this that Zhao Ji and Gu Qi always sent mary donations to the orphanage after they grew up. Later on, after Zhao Ji was taken away, Gu Qi was worried that the orphanage would be implicated, and never took the initiative to make contact with them again.

    As a result, the Zhao Family basically didn¡¯t know anything about Zhao Ji¡¯s existence in the beginning.

    Now, let¡¯s talk about Zhao Hongying after Qian Xi left. At first, it was only natural that he had feelings for Qian Xi, but the one he liked even more was obviously himself. After divorcing Qian Xi, the Zhao Family quickly found him a second wife. She possessed a certain family background, and her appearance was beautiful and alluring. However,pared to Qian Xi¡¯sprehensive innate qualities, the second wife was slightly inferior.

    Perhaps, due to the karmic retribution ofmitting so many heinous acts, things went wrong for the Zhao Family. The second wife also didn¡¯t conceive in three years. Examinations were performed many times during those three years, and it was discovered that this wife had a small biological defect. If an ordinary man married this woman, the defect shouldn¡¯t have had arge negative influence. As it happened, Zhao Hongying had cultivated a small amount of inner power. Thebination of this bit of inner power and that small biological defect prevented this woman from being able to carry Zhao Hongying¡¯s child.

    The conclusion was naturally another divorce.

    Following this, the Zhao Family searched for new candidates for Zhao Hongying. Meanwhile, Zhao Hongying started to openly indulge in his promiscuous life of drink and pleasure. During this period of time, he actually partook in several concubines. Among these concubines, some conceived. Merely, after getting pregnant, they weren¡¯t able to give birth and miscarried. Once they fought with each other, all of them fell out of favor. It was just that the Zhao Family didn¡¯t care about ¡°bastard sons¡±. The fact that these concubines could conceive was proof that Zhao Hongying wasn¡¯t impotent, which was enough.

    With the Zhao Family¡¯s robust background, candidates for the third wife were found. However, despite the Zhao Family¡¯s best efforts in the selection, it was inevitable that this wife¡¯s overall qualities were worse than those who came before. Regardless of appearance or temperament, the third wife couldn¡¯tpare to the first two.

    Of course, Zhao Hongying wasn¡¯t really fond of this wife, but for the sake of obtaining a rightful heir as soon as possible, he graced the wife¡¯s bed with his presence many times. Only, perhaps because he was too impatient, he wasn¡¯t able to get this wife pregnant either.

    Another three years passed, and the third wife was also discarded.

    Zhao Hongying still spent a life of debauchery. None of his concubines got pregnant again. On the contrary, a mistress he yed love games with outside conceived a child. That child was Zhao Hewei. In addition to him, there were two women outside the family who also had children. Moreover, both of them were boys.

    The Zhao Family had no choice but to choose a fourth wife for Zhao Hongying with all speed. Unfortunately, this time¡¯s marriage was even more difficult than the previous ones. Several years passed, and none of the candidates were suitable.

    Eventually, Zhao Hongying still failed to get his fifth wife pregnant, but after a physical examination, it was found that there was nothing wrong with him. It could only be attributed to psychological effects.

    Just like this, the bastard sons gradually grew up. Zhao Hongying married his sixth wife, but this was another fruitless endeavor. Finally, after another examination, it was discovered that there was a problem with his body due to the many years of his dissolute and loose lifestyle. There was almost no way for him to sire a child anymore!

    At this time, the entire Zhao Family was about to go mad.

    The Zhao Family didn¡¯t acknowledge even the bastard sons, so they naturally wouldn¡¯t approve of any test tube babies. It was to the point that they only held natural pregnancies in high regard. They wouldn¡¯t allow a wife to have anything to do with in vitro fertilization. However, the probability of Zhao Hongying getting a woman pregnant had already be incredibly small... In other words, there was a chance that their Zhao Family would be cut short in this generation!

    Zhao Hongying was incredibly anxious. The entire Zhao Family also felt an impending sense of urgency.

    After that, Zhao Hongying frantically bedded the sixth wife, and no longer went outside to look for those springtime orioles and swallows. There were still no results.

    Until one day, the Zhao Family found a twenty-something year old who greatly resembled Zhao Hongying.

    Although the world was big and people shared simrities, the Zhao Family was already tipping over into insanity. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t let go of any traces. All of Zhao Hongying¡¯s illegitimate children were within the grasping range of the Zhao Family. It was the same for the session of wives. The only one they couldn¡¯t find was the long-lost Eldest Daughter Qian.

    A faint hope surfaced in the Zhao Family¡¯s minds, and they thought of a way to get a sample of the young man¡¯s hair. Ultimately, they confirmed that this young man was the son of Zhao Hongying and Qian Xi!

    As for Qian Xi, she was a true wife. Even though she was cast aside while she was still pregnant, her child was conceived within the bounds of marriage. This was an appropriate ¡°rightful heir¡±.

    At the same time, in order to retrieve this rightful heir, the Zhao Family needed to acknowledge Qian Xi¡¯s status as a true wife once again. The current three year period was nearly over, so Zhao Hongying conveniently divorced his sixth wife.

    After that, without the slightest hesitation, the Zhao Family took action against that young man. It seemed that they threatened him somehow, and brought him away. At that time, the Zhao Family issued a statement that they had recovered their rightful heir. It was just that this person had been living in seclusion, and no one had heard anything about him.

    No mention of a marriage, no talk of a child, nothing at all...

    The lengthy pages of information ended here. Gongyi Tianheng put down the documents, and thought pensively.

    Soon after, he looked at Tian Mu, who delivered the materials. He said: ¡°Tian Family Head, I¡¯m afraid that suchplete information would¡¯ve been hard to investigate... Unless the one who brought out the information was someone within the Zhao Family.¡±

    Since Tian Mu provided the documents, he didn¡¯t have any intentions of hiding anything. At once, he said: ¡°Indeed. Not long after the Tian Family started to investigate, someone took the initiative to find our doorstep, and handed over very detailed information. After we confirmed the material¡¯s authenticity, we supplemented a few things, and got this pile of papers.¡±

    A flowing light shed through Tianheng¡¯s eyes. His smiling expression didn¡¯t change: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, would the Tian Family be able to arrange for us to meet that kind-hearted individual from the Zhao Family who gave the information?¡±

    Tian Mu nodded his head: ¡°That person also mentioned the same thing. He wants to see you guys, too.¡± Speaking up to here, he paused, ¡°Especially Mister Gu Qi.¡±

    Tianheng also nodded: ¡°Good. I¡¯ll have to ask your Tian Family to set up a meeting ce. Afterwards, we will certainly be very grateful.¡±

    What Tian Mu was waiting for was precisely these words. He quickly said goodbye to Tianheng and the others, and swiftly left the room.

    Once he departed, Gu Zuo spoke up: ¡°A member of the Zhao Family? Big brother, what do you think this guy wants to do?¡±

    What was the purpose of sending this information so eagerly? Was this person resentful towards the Zhao Family Head, or was there something he wanted to get from them? Moreover, how was that person so certain that what they primarily wanted was information about Grandmother Qian Xi?

    Gu Qi also furrowed his brows: ¡°That person specially mentioned me, so it¡¯s probably someone who knows me?¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng and Gu Zuo made a guess.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Fourteen years ago?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°It¡¯s highly possible.¡±

    Before long, the Tian Family had already made arrangements.

    The meeting ce wasn¡¯t anything special. It was just inside a certain house with a courtyard that belonged to the Tian Family. After all, now that everyone wanted to build connections with the Tian Family, it wasn¡¯t strange to receive a few visitors.

    Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and Gu Qi arrived at that house. Sure enough, the moment they entered through the doorway, they saw a person waiting there. After that person heard the door open, he stood up and called out to greet them: ¡°Mister Gongyi, Mister Gu Zuo.¡±

    Then, he spoke to the third member: ¡°Mister Gu Qi, long time no see.¡±

    Gu Qi stared nkly: ¡°...It¡¯s you?¡±

    Gu Zuo curiously asked: ¡°Dad?¡±

    Gu Qi promptly exined to him: ¡°This is the person who helped us move to another ce back then.¡±

    The person in front of them was forty-something years old, so he ought to be regarded as Gu Qi¡¯s peer. The smiling expression he wore on his face was very amiable.

    At the same time, another person walked out from the back of the room.

    And this person was an even more familiar person they had seen not long ago ¡ª Zhao Hewei.

    Several people were quite surprised, but after thinking about it, it wasn¡¯t that shocking.

    Back then, he was the one who helped Zhao Ji move Gu Qi and prevented the Zhao Family from finding any information about their hidden residence. Apart from a person within the Zhao Family, how could someone from outside handle such strictly-controlled measures like releasing conflicting pieces of information or interfering with surveince?

    In addition, the previous documents also had to be mentioned. Zhao Hewei was an illegitimate child of the Zhao Family, but he was also the bastard son of a mistress whom Zhao Hongying yed love games with. What if the mistress didn¡¯t know that she was being treated as a mistress? What if, instead, she was maliciously deceived by Zhao Hongying? It would be perfectly normal for her child to bear resentment and hostility towards the Zhao Family.

    Zhao Hewei faced Gu Qi, and revealed a smile: ¡°Hello, Brother Qi.¡± Then, he looked at Gu Zuo, and his expression became a little strange, ¡°I never expected that little tike of a nephew back then would be able to do what he¡¯s doing right now. Anyway, I recognized Brother Qi, and discovered that there seemed to be an undercurrent of fluctuations in the news about the Zhao Family. So I just connected the matters together.¡±

    Gu Zuo and Zhao Hewei met each other¡¯s gazes.

    Zhao Hewei sighed: ¡°Nephew Xiao Zuo has caused such a huge scene. He must be looking for the whereabouts of my elder brother, right? I saw that your wings are fully grown, so I specially came here to show my sincerity.¡±

    That middle-aged man who helped Gu Qi move also said: ¡°Originally, second young master was being watched extremely closely. So after getting into contact with the eldest young master, he asked me toe out to handle it.¡±

    Since the matter had reached this stage, the overall context was already clear.

    From Zhao Hewei¡¯s mouth, they listened to an even more detailed story.

    The tale still needed to begin from the moment Zhao Ji was taken away.

    At that time, for the safety of Gu Qi and Gu Zuo, Zhao Ji had no choice but to follow the Zhao Family. After arriving at the Zhao Family household, he gradually learned about the so-called rules as well as his own entire life history.

    Of course, with regards to Qian Xi who took away the Zhao Family¡¯s rightful heir, the Zhao Family had nothing good to say. They tried to instill countless negative views about Qian Xi in him. This was to give Zhao Ji a sense of belonging to the Zhao Family and ill will towards Qian Xi. Every generation of the Zhao Family was cold and exacting. As a result, they never expected that, some day in the future, their family would have a rightful heir who had such strong feelings for another person. Moreover, that person wasn¡¯t a woman, but a man who couldn¡¯t bear children!

    They believed that they could use all sorts of convincing words and benefits to ¡°brainwash¡± Zhao Ji. Then, he would obedientlyply with their arrangements, take a wife, and have children for the next generation to inherit ¡ª That¡¯s right. Currently, Zhao Ji was considered too old to practice martial arts or learn anything worthwhile. What¡¯s more, Zhao Ji¡¯s feelings for the Zhao Family weren¡¯t deep enough for them to let Zhao Ji be the next head of the family. Therefore, the only reason why they brought back Zhao Ji was to breed Zhao Ji¡¯s ¡°rightful heir¡± and raise Zhao Hongying¡¯s ¡°rightful grandson¡±!

    When Gu Zuo heard this, hisplexion turned dark and unsightly.

    Because of the Zhao Family¡¯s oundish rules, he already guessed some of the experiences his father might¡¯ve gone through, but when they were really confirmed by Zhao Hewei¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t help bing furious.

    Gu Qi¡¯s breathing hitched.

    He naturally felt brokenhearted, but it was quickly reced with worry.

    Tianheng reached out a hand, pulled Gu Zuo into an embrace, and kissed the top of his head: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t be anxious. So long as Uncle Zhao is still alive...¡±

    Gu Zuo slowly let out a sigh, and looked at Zhao Hewei.

    Zhao Hewei said: ¡°Elder brother is still alive. Moreover, he also hasn¡¯t taken a wife or sired children.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly remembered the documents. In those materials, there was a special write-up about not getting married or having children. Was it Zhao Hewei who purposefully wrote this to console his dad¡¯s heart? But so many years had passed. If his father didn¡¯t act in ordance with the Zhao Family¡¯s demands, even if he didn¡¯t die, his days certainly wouldn¡¯t be pleasant.

    Gu Qi hurriedly asked: ¡°Zhao Ji, how is he doing?¡±

    Zhao Hewei looked at Gu Qi, and then looked at Gu Zuo, before saying: ¡°After all these years, elder brother really didn¡¯t suffer those hardships for you guys in vain.¡±

    When these words were uttered, Gu Zuo and Gu Qi felt even more worried.

    Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t have any intentions of leaving them in suspense, and quickly exined what followed.

    After finding Zhao Ji, the Zhao Family promptly brought him to a private hospital, and conducted extremely rigorous inspections. They found that Zhao Ji¡¯s body was in very good condition, and his ability to sire children was also quite strong. They were iparably happy.

    However, with regards to the Zhao Family¡¯s proposal to take a wife and have children, Zhao Ji wasn¡¯t willing to cooperate. It was because he bluntly said that he was homosexual. He was only interested in men.

    Naturally, the Zhao Family was also unwilling. They even wanted to use Gu Qi and Gu Zuo to threaten Zhao Ji. However, Zhao Ji was no longer threatened. On the contrary, because he realized his own importance, he threatened the Zhao Family in turn. He stated that he wanted to see with his own eyes the real scenes of Gu Qi and Gu Zuo, well and unharmed, every so often. Otherwise, he wouldmit suicide.

    Due to this, Zhao Ji and the Zhao Family were in a deadlock.

    However, Zhao Ji didn¡¯t intend topletely turn against and make enemies of the Zhao Family, which would¡¯ve caused the deaths of his partner and son. Later on, he suggested that he would obediently stay with the Zhao Family, but for the time being, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t get married and sire children.

    The Zhao Family didn¡¯t think that Zhao Ji would be so unruly, but as the saying went, one refrained from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vase. There was nothing they could do about Zhao Ji. Later on, Zhao Hongying secretly took a seventh wife without publicizing it. He decided that he would keep trying for another rightful heir while thinking of other methods to control Zhao Ji.

    If Zhao Hongying could sire another son, Zhao Ji would have no further use ¡ª A child obtained this way was naturally even better. However, if Zhao Hongying couldn¡¯t produce an heir, then so long as Zhao Ji was still alive, they could alwayspel him to reproduceter on.

    Moreover, the Zhao Family wasn¡¯t willing to have a falling out with Zhao Ji too much. In their opinion, Zhao Ji was currently a young and impulsive man who ced too much importance on his emotions. When all was said and done, the blood of the Zhao Family ran through his veins. If they waited a few years, those memories would fade and he would forget them. It wouldn¡¯t be that repulsive to start his own family by then, right?

    The Zhao Family could still wait a trifling couple of years.

    Merely, Zhao Ji didn¡¯t think so. He also wasn¡¯t prepared to ce Gu Qi and Gu Zuo¡¯s lives right under the watchful eyes of the Zhao Family. As a result, while he pretended to be obedient, he secretly got in touch with Zhao Hewei, who wanted to get revenge for his mother. Because Zhao Hewei had been acting honestly the whole time and managed some forces of his own, Zhao Ji thought of a method to send Gu Zuo and Gu Qi away through Zhao Hewei.

    Of course, the Zhao Family was furious. Though they searched many times, they lost their way due to Zhao Hewei. Gu Qi hid deeply and didn¡¯te out. In the end, the Zhao Family wasn¡¯t able to find these two people.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

    <strong></strong>

 Chapter 416 - Finding Zhao Ji

    <h4>Chapter 416 - Finding Zhao Ji</h4>

    After Gu Qi and Gu Zuo disappeared, the Zhao Family realized that Zhao Ji¡¯s handwriting was all over this incident. Fortunately, Zhao Hewei had always been obedient and well-behaved. On the contrary, he wasn¡¯t detected by anyone. It was just that, due to this matter, the Zhao Family¡¯s tolerance of Zhao Ji had reached its limit. They knew that Zhao Ji was rebellious by nature, so they wanted to force him to marry and have children. However, since Zhao Ji¡¯s weak spot had vanished, he no longed feigned civility with them, and immediately refused without hesitation.

    The Zhao Family once thought of slipping drugs into his food and drinks as a method to control Zhao Ji. Whether it was poisons, stimnts, hallucinogens, or even hypnotics, they utilized all types. Yet, Zhao Ji¡¯s willpower was incredibly strong. Every time it happened, the instant he started sumbing, he would give himself a heavy blow. Moreover, he was very cautious and attentive. Unless these types of pharmaceuticals were forcefully shoved down his throat, he would immediately detect them. He would¡¯ve rather starved to death than be taken in by the Zhao Family¡¯s deceit.

    After several rounds of torment, the Zhao Family still couldn¡¯t make Zhao Jipromise. Later on, they directly shut him inside a room as solitary confinement. They intended to wear down Zhao Ji¡¯s willpower to control him.

    Through theses attempts at wearing him down, several years passed. There were quite a few times when Zhao Ji was delirious and out of his mind, but nevertheless, he still remembered Gu Qi and Gu Zuo. Other than them, he didn¡¯t allow anyone else to approach him.

    Speaking up to here, Zhao Hewei¡¯s expression couldn¡¯t help revealing a hint of admiration: ¡°Elder brother and I are considered to be in the same boat. He did it for you two and I did it to avenge my mother. As a result, we made a deal back then, and developed a bit of brotherhood. After elder brother was put into solitary confinement, I had to work even more carefully.

    ¡°Besides asionally disrupting the Zhao Family¡¯s line of sight, I couldn¡¯t actively contact you guys to prevent the Zhao Family from discovering any clues. It¡¯s just that hiding you guys for eight years means that elder brother has been imprisoned for eight years. He should still have some level of consciousness right now, but if this continues, he might go insane ¡ª It really wasn¡¯t easy for elder brother to aplish this. Thus, when I saw Brother Qi appear at the ancient martial artists¡¯ small gathering, I realized that an opportunity might¡¯ve arrived.¡±

    Everyone didn¡¯t focus that much on this backstory. Gu Qi suddenly spoke up: ¡°Zhao Ji, right now, is he¡ª¡±

    Just as these words were uttered, they came to an abrupt halt.

    His heart was filled with worry, but he didn¡¯t know what he ought to ask. It was because Zhao Hewei had already spoken quite clearly. As a result, he only turned his head, and cast his gaze towards his own son.

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows. His fingers made a tightening sound as they clenched in fists. He restrained himself, and said to Gu Qi: ¡°Dad, you can rest assured. Father won¡¯t be staying with the Zhao Family for much longer.¡±

    Zhao Hewei watched Gu Zuo¡¯s expression darken with gloom for a split second, and couldn¡¯t help recalling that person who was pped to death by Gongyi Tianheng. He inwardly trembled.

    Tianheng was watching Zhao Hewei: ¡°What you said is very organized and tidy. It sounds truthful, but in the end, these are secrets of the Zhao Family. We can only listen to you, but we can¡¯t ascertain whether you¡¯re telling the truth or feeding us lies. Nor can we tell the degree of truthfulness or falsehood. How can we trust you?¡±

    He spoke with some hidden implications: ¡°After all, you¡¯re also a member of the Zhao Family.¡±

    For the sake of winning the trust of these people, Zhao Hewei talked about his own experiences: ¡°The only thing I hold towards the Zhao Family is resentment. My mother, Liu Qianxin, was once the school beauty of a key university. She was outstanding in all aspects. In her family, she was also considered one with a literary reputation. Her nature was graceful and subdued, gentle and soft.

    ¡°She should¡¯ve had excellent future prospects. However, after she graduated from university, she met a handsome man. He took the initiative to woo her, and pledged his undying love...¡±

    He following words were just as Tianheng and the others had guessed.

    However, the degree of the Zhao Family¡¯s disgusting nature was beyond their expectations.

    The man who romantically pursued Liu Qianxin was Zhao Hongying. At that time, he was thirty-something years old. This was the time of a man¡¯s life when he was at his most mature and charming. He concealed his marriage status, and yed a love game with Liu Qianxin. Of course, while he thought nothing of it, she didn¡¯t know the reality of the situation until she was pregnant. At that point, she was dumbfounded. Liu Qianxin¡¯s upbringing prevented her from wrecking another person¡¯s family, let alone bing a mistress.

    What was even more tragic was that, before Zhao Hongying cast aside his third wife, he seduced Liu Qianxin, exchanged vows of love, and had sexual rtions with her. Once he divorced his third wife, Liu Qianxin had be pregnant. At this time, it was clear that he hadn¡¯t taken a fourth wife yet. Although Liu Qianxin was a pretty daughter from a humble family, and her background was pure enough for marriage, he only ever treated her as a mistress. As a result, the child Liu Qianxin carried was likewise recognized as a bastard son. He utterly refused to marry her, and instead found another woman to be his fourth wife.

    Speaking up to here, Zhao Hewei¡¯s eyes flickered with traces of fury.

    Liu Qianxin naturally wasn¡¯t willing to be someone¡¯s mistress, and she wanted to break up with Zhao Hongying. However, because all of his wives failed to conceive, he suppressed his feelings, and became extremely chauvinistic. Indeed, he didn¡¯t particrly care about bastard sons, but he did care about his own face. As a result, just as the Zhao Family threatened Zhao Ji, he used Liu Qianxin¡¯s parents to threaten her. Zhao Hongying forced her to quit her job, give birth to the child, and be his actual mistress.

    Afterwards, Liu Qianxin had no choice but to temporarily ept this fate, but she was a sensible woman. Although she hated Zhao Hongying, she didn¡¯t vent her anger onto her own child. On the contrary, because of Zhao Hongying¡¯s indifference, Liu Qianxin raised Zhao Hewei by herself after the birth. With great effort, she taught him to be a person whose three world views were at least normal. He waspletely unlike the rest of the Zhao Family.

    Zhao Hewei, who was given this kind of guidance and care, naturally loved his mother very much. In addition, Liu Qianxin wouldn¡¯t tell Zhao Hewei anything ttering about the Zhao Family just for the idiotic reason of wanting to give the child a good impression of his father ¡ª She told Zhao Hewei exactly what kind of household the Zhao Family was and what kind of person Zhao Hongying was.

    It was because she knew that the Zhao Family didn¡¯t like illegitimate children. Any bastard sons would never be truly recognized by the Zhao Family. Zhao Hongying himself wasn¡¯t apassionate father, so Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t have any genuine affection for him either. Rather than Zhao Hewei holding onto false hopes and expectations for Zhao Hongying, it was better to show him the real colors of the Zhao Family. This was to avoid being exploited in the future until nothing was left.

    Therefore, Zhao Hewei¡¯s feelings for the Zhao Family remained very faint ¡ª Even when he was taught some martial disciplines passed on to non-Zhao Family members, even when he didn¡¯t have to worry about food or clothing, or even when he received a good education. Because the things given to him weren¡¯t based on feelings, Zhao Hewei only regarded them as a kind of utilization that he would returnter.

    If everything progressed like this, Zhao Hewei wouldn¡¯t have grown up hating the Zhao Family. After all, they never treated him unfairly. He would pay the Zhao Family back by working a little for them.

    But when Zhao Hewei was a teenager, while he was attending school, Zhao Hongying came over and sought out Liu Qianxin to vent his frustrations because he hadn¡¯t been able to sire any children in a long time. As for Liu Qianxin, she stopped consenting to Zhao Hongying¡¯s advances long ago. Only when it was really impossible to refuse would she reluctantly endure it. On that fateful day, Liu Qianxin refused again, but in return, she was furiously strangled to death by the drunken Zhao Hongying!

    Later on, the Zhao Family pretended that when Liu Qianxin¡¯s parents came over to visit, they felt that she was a disgrace. During the dispute, they inadvertently killed her in an ident. Meanwhile, Liu Qianxin¡¯s parents were immediately thrown into prison by the Zhao Family as scapegoats.

    This was what the Zhao Family did the most often ¡ª Cutting the weeds and eliminating the roots. Once Zhao Hewei returned from school, what he learned was the news of his mother¡¯s death.

    However, Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t believe that his maternal grandparents would do such a thing. It was because, when he listened to his mother talk about the elderly couple, he knew that they were magnanimous and tolerant people. Although they had already retired, they had been teachers for many years. They weren¡¯t the sort who adhered to old ideals. When children made mistakes, they would be given guidance and not corporal punishment. As for identally killing a person, that was simply absurd!

    Liu Qianxin¡¯s life was destroyed by Zhao Hongying. Liu Qianxin and her parents, this small household, had been utterly ruined.

    When the news spread of the two elderly people dying in prison under the heavy burdens of injury and illness, Zhao Hewei had secretly found some clues. From that moment on, he knew that the Zhao Family had already be his personal enemies.

    Afterwards, Zhao Hewei acted even more ¡°unsophisticated and naive¡±. Moreover, his behavior was cold, detached, and fickle. During Liu Qianxin¡¯s funeral, he didn¡¯t even shed a single tear. Then, he pretended to curse that she died too soon to leave him any inheritance. This gradually lowered the Zhao Family¡¯s guard, but he was continuously umting strength in private.

    When Zhao Hongying was just short of taking medicine like they were regr meals to really have a chance of producing a rightful heir, when his body was already proven to be mostly incapable of siring children, when the entire Zhao Family was practically falling into madness... Zhao Hewei was extremely happy in his heart. Granted that the days of the bastard sons like him weren¡¯t so easy during this time, he was quite d for it.

    Following this, the Zhao Family finally discovered Zhao Ji and brought him back. Zhao Hewei was in a poor mood, but after realizing that Zhao Ji was an unwilling participant and that he waspletely different from the members of the Zhao Family, the two naturally hit it off once they sounded each other out. The Zhao Family was huge, but the two of them developed a bit of a friendship.

    At this point, Zhao Hewei could say that his own scars had been cut open andid bare for Gu Zuo and the others to see. From Zhao Hewei¡¯s words, they naturally trusted him a little more. The most important thing was that they saw the sincerity revealed through his state of mind and spoken inflection.

    Tianheng asked: ¡°Did you say all this just to lend us a helping hand? Will you give us the opportunity to rescue Uncle Zhao?¡±

    The hatred on Zhao Hewei¡¯s face settled down. He spoke solemnly: ¡°If...you guys can destroy the Zhao Family, I would be happier.¡±

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up: ¡°How do you know that we can destroy the Zhao Family?¡±

    Zhao Hewei took a deep breath: ¡°Your strength and your ability to rally supporters.¡±

    To speak frankly, what Tianheng disyed was the ability to protect the Qi Generating Pills amid numerous ancient martial artists, and Gu Zuo possessed those pills that could win over the ancient martial artists ¡ª So long as they were willing to provide enough benefits, they could prompt some ancient martial arts organizations to beat down and destroy the Zhao Family!

    Most of all, Zhao Hewei already confirmed that this group of people truly cared about that disadvantaged elder brother of his. As such, they were definitely going to sh with the Zhao Family.

    Moreover, this group of people also held the Rejuvenation Oral Fluid in their grasp ¡ª Although the oral fluid¡¯s effects were minimal to ancient martial artists, Zhao Hongying had nothing else to lose. After taking the medicine, his body had a somewhatfortable feeling. This made the Zhao Family think that, if they could rope in the producer of the oral fluid, perhaps that person could manufacture a drug that could rapidly improve the illnesses of ancient martial artists. This kind of guess was seventy to eighty percent confirmed when they discovered that the Tian Family, whose madam was gued with a terminal illness, was no longer so fretful as before. The Zhao Family was wild with joy, and impatiently wanted to make friends with Mister Gu and Mister Gongyi, who recently appeared. They were convinced that, so long as they could cure Zhao Hongying, that stubborn mule Zhao Ji would lose any importance.

    When Zhao Hewei thought that this group of people, whom the Zhao Family recognized as ¡°saviors¡±, actually held such great animosity towards the Zhao Family, he couldn¡¯t have been happier.

    Gu Zuo noticed the trace of schadenfreude that Zhao Hewei tried to conceal. Shortly thereafter, he thought of something, and asked: ¡°What else is the Zhao Family up to?¡±

    Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t hide anything: ¡°They want to get a hold of the concentrated Rejuvenation Oral Fluid, but now it¡¯s impossible to think about it.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard this, the anger that clouded his mind dissipated a little. A rare trace of cold ridicule also shed across his face: ¡°I have better things, but the Zhao Family won¡¯t get them even in their dreams!¡±

    Zhao Hewei nodded his head: ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, when you guys n on doing anything to the Zhao Family, you can count me in. However, it¡¯s best to take care of the Zhao Family as quickly as possible. The confinement room isn¡¯t a good ce. The longer elder brother stays there, the more harm is done to his body. Although you guys have good medicines, they can¡¯t treat injuries to the mind.¡±

    Gu Zuo was given such a reminder, and his impression of Zhao Hewei improved a bit: ¡°You won¡¯t have to do too much.¡± He considered something, and said, ¡°We¡¯re in a hurry, too. So you¡¯ll bring us directly to the Zhao Family tonight.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo realized that he didn¡¯t discuss it with his family, and made a decision on his own. He promptly turned to look at Tianheng and Gu Qi.

    Tianheng said: ¡°This matter should be handled sooner rather thanter. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Gu Qi naturally had no objections. He believed that the strength of his son and Tianheng were extraordinary. So long as it was mentioned, they could aplish it. Thus, he hurriedly agreed ¡ª Zhao Ji had been suffering for so many years. Gu Qi wished to immediately bring that person back, so how could there be the slightest intent to wait?

    Meanwhile, Zhao Hewei¡¯splexion changed. He involuntarily uttered: ¡°What?¡±

    This was a joke, right? It was too reckless!

    Yes. He was convinced that Tianheng¡¯s strength was incredible, but the location where Zhao Ji was imprisoned was the Zhao Family¡¯s ancestral residence. That ce hadyer uponyer of defenses, and surveince was extremely tight. In addition, there were many guards and ancient martial artists adhered to the Zhao Family keeping watch. It would¡¯ve been fine if the Zhao Family was forced to let him go willingly through external pressure and slow schemes, but the Zhao Family could harm Zhao Ji at any time if they marched up to the front door so brazenly! At worst, so long as they used the concentrated Rejuvenation Oral Fluid to contend with the others, they would most likely be able to get him. So what was this supposed to be now?

    Zhao Hewei¡¯s voice was rushed: ¡°I¡¯m telling you guys these things because I want you to be prepared, not to make you act so impulsively! By doing this, you¡¯re basically disregarding the safety of elder brother!¡±

    It was a bit harsh to say, but it also sounded pretty good to the ears.

    Gu Zuo smiled catingly at him: ¡°You can rest assured. All the previous discreet inquiries were only for the sake of confirming whether father is really at the Zhao Family¡¯s household. So long as I find father¡¯s whereabouts, there¡¯s no need to worry about the remaining matters.¡±

    Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t understand.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Wait until nightfall. Then, you will understand.¡±

    For a short while, Zhao Hewei was speechless. He thought about the methods of this group of people as well as those miraculous medicinal pills. When he nced at Gu Qi again, he noticed that Gu Qi¡¯s face was still filled with worry for Zhao Ji, but there wasn¡¯t anything to suggest that these two were handling matters inappropriately. Zhao Hewei slowly calmed down.

    To be honest,pared to Gu Zuo, this adopted son who hadn¡¯t seen Zhao Ji for many years and didn¡¯t remember much when they were separated, Zhao Hewei had more trust in Gu Qi, who persevered and raised Gu Zuo for so long, never sought thepany of other suitors, and still longed to save Zhao Ji even until now.

    En, this actually made him believe in love again... Unlike his mother, who had been deceived by a scumbag, and whose entire life had been gradually reduced to an unfunny joke.

    Hence, Zhao Hewei and his trusted aide were arranged inside one of the vi¡¯s rooms. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo and Tianheng moved closer to Gu Qi to cate him.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Dad, go to sleep early tonight. When you wake up, father will be returned to your side.¡±

    Gu Qi held his breath: ¡°...Son, you¡¯re really sure?¡±

    Gu Zuo pulled himself together, and spoke without the slightest hesitation: ¡°Naturally. Even if I can¡¯t do it, there¡¯s also big brother. At worst, we¡¯ll fight with the Zhao Family and cause some trouble. We can always think of another way to settle this.¡±

    Gu Qi heaved a long sigh: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll hand over the matter of your father to you guys.¡±

    He knew that these two still had many fantastic and astonishing abilities they hadn¡¯t revealed yet.

    Tianheng also faintly smiled: ¡°Uncle Gu, rest assured.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s heart slowly settled down.

    However, having him go to sleep early tonight wasn¡¯t something that he could do.

    Very quickly, it was nighttime. Yet, to Gu Qi¡¯s perception, the day dragged past like a year.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng sat upright on the sofa. It seemed that they were in the middle of meditating and recuperating their own energies ¡ª Although, regarding the martial strength of the people in this world, there was basically no one who could be their opponent. But when all was said and done, this matter involved Zhao Ji. Thus, they adjusted themselves to their most optimum states.

    Once the two opened their eyes, Gu Qi was suddenly shocked.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Dad, it¡¯s time.¡±

    Gu Qi swiftly entered a room, and called Zhao Hewei and his trusted aide toe out.

    ¡ª No one ate dinner. In this kind of situation, nobody had an appetite.

    Zhao Hewei still felt that this wasn¡¯t particrly appropriate, and his expression was very solemn: ¡°Have you guys really thought about it?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Yes. Please help lead the way, Uncle Hewei.¡±

    Zhao Hewei was staggered by this term of address. Afterwards, he could only sigh: ¡°I¡¯ll say this first. You guys have to be one hundred and twenty percent careful. Once they discover something amiss, you have to leave without dy.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded once more: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Following this, apart from Gu Qi who stayed in the vi, the others left the room.

    With Zhao Hewei¡¯s trusted aide driving the car, Gu Zuo and Tianheng sat in the back. Meanwhile, Zhao Hewei took the front passenger seat, and asionally turned around to look at the two. He realized that, even at this point in time, they didn¡¯t have any nervous expressions. For some reason, he also became less tense.

    The Zhao Family¡¯s headquarters were also in B City. After about an hour, they approached the Zhao Family¡¯s ancestral residence.

    This ce was a tightly guarded neighborhood. One could hardly take five steps without bumping into a policeman or ten steps without meeting a sentry. There were also many strong guards with exuberant qi and blood. Even from a long distance, powerhouses like Gu Zuo and Tianheng were capable of sensing them.

    When they saw therge gates, Gu Zuo suddenly said: ¡°Stop the car in this side alley. Don¡¯t go through the gates.¡±

    Zhao Hewei also didn¡¯t intend to go straight in, and had his trusted aide do as instructed. After that, he asked: ¡°I brought you guys here, but how are you going to get in? This ce is my personal residence, but even if I¡¯m just returning, the guards will run a rigorous check on the people in my car. There¡¯s no way I can smuggle you guys inside.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re aware of this, so we won¡¯t make things difficult for you.¡± Then, he warned, ¡°Uncle Hewei is waiting for us here, but you can drive a little farther away so you don¡¯t get noticed. It probably won¡¯t be long before we bring father out.¡±

    Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t feelpletely confident, but since things had already reached this stage, there wasn¡¯t nothing else to say. As such, he simply withdrew deeper into the alley: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll be keeping an eye out for you.¡±

    After that, he gave a detailed description of the directions to the ancestral residence, which imprisoned Zhao Ji.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces.

    Tianheng reached out a hand: ¡°Shall we?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°This time, big brother will have to exert himself. I will investigate.¡±

    Once the pair agreed on this, their figures shed. Suddenly, they soared high into the air!

    Zhao Hewei was startled.

    They were f-flying?

    This was unscientific!

    Although today¡¯s martial artists could quickly generate inner power with their body techniques, it was impossible to fly without the use of modern tools.

    In that case, what was he looking at right now?

    Were they superhuman?

    For a moment, Zhao Hewei was left dumbfounded.

    If it was like this...

    He couldn¡¯t help looking up with a wooden expression like the simrly shocked trusted aide. As a person who practiced martial arts, his exceptional eyesight could only catch a glimpse of an extremely small ck dot. Beneath the night sky, this ck dot shed away. In the blink of an eye, it vanished.

    Therefore, to enter the ancestral residence like this ¡ª It seemed that there really wasn¡¯t any need to worry.

    Back to Gu Zuo and Tianheng. Even if they hadn¡¯t used this skill in the modern world these days, flying through the air was as easy as lifting a finger. Once they were high above the ground, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t forget to cast ayer of psychic power over the both of them ¡ª Otherwise, if they were scanned by satellites, it wouldn¡¯t be aughing matter.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power continuously spread downwards. Within almost a second, he found the ancestral residence mentioned by Zhao Hewei. After that, he didn¡¯t hold back, andpletely covered the building with his psychic power. Because there were no holes or crevices that his psychic power couldn¡¯t enter, he was able to find that well-concealed and secretive confinement room in an extremely short amount of time!

    One should know that not even Zhao Hewei knew the location of this confinement room ¡ª Every year, the position of the confinement room would change. Thus, Zhao Ji¡¯s ce of imprisonment would also subsequently change.

    Just as Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power explored that confinement room, he discovered a dark figure in the corner.

    That dark figure was a person. He looked incredibly skinny. Practically the only thing left was a mere skeleton. His back leaned against the wall, his head was buried in his arms, and his breathing was weak and shallow.

    One almost couldn¡¯t tell if this person was dead or alive.

    In a split second, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression turned unsightly. Could it be that this person was his father?

    Unexpectedly, he was tortured by the Zhao Family to this extent!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 417 - Rescue and Return

    <h4>Chapter 417 - Rescue and Return</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo, who was trembling all over from rage. He opened his mouth, and asked: ¡°Found him?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly snapped out of it: ¡°Big brother, we need to go down right away, and rescue father!¡±

    Tianheng naturally didn¡¯t object. He carried Gu Zuo, and instantlynded at a corner of the vi. Gu Zuo used his psychic power to erase their presence so they weren¡¯t revealed to the security cameras or sirens. At the same time, he eliminated their qi emissions so that some martial artists with keen senses couldn¡¯t discover them.

    Shortly thereafter, the two swiftly followed the shadows and traveled forward. Because their body techniques were extremely fast, they were like two wisps of smoke. As a result, they didn¡¯t alert anyone as they went straight to the confinement room¡¯s doorway.

    It was just that, if anyone wanted to enter the confinement room and didn¡¯t have the corresponding passcode, they would trigger the rm.

    The space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows heated up, and a streak of psychic power burst forth like a stream of water. Itpletely covered the security door, and naturally, the door¡¯s structure and electronicposition entered Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes. The so-called passcode and all its defensive means were deactivated, allowing the pair to quietly go inside.

    As they passed through the threshold, that lump of shadow fell into Gu Zuo¡¯s sight. He didn¡¯t dare hesitate, and immediately took several steps closer. He walked in front of that person.

    However, not even Gu Zuo anticipated that the figure would explosively lunge out the instant he approached. The figure¡¯s emaciated fingers curled into ws, and aimed to dig out his eyes!

    If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Zuo¡¯s sharp perception and his exceptional reaction speed, perhaps just this one move would¡¯ve reached him head-on. While he wouldn¡¯t really be blinded, he definitely wouldn¡¯t have an easy time.

    Tianheng¡¯s brows arched up.

    To be capable of aplishing this, one was bound to have a foundation in martial arts. The strength of this Uncle Zhao¡¯s willpower was beyond his expectations.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about it too much. After evading that attack, he swiftly took action, and firmly grabbed that person. Fortunately, it seemed that this person had been saving up power for that one strike. At this moment, the attack failed, and two people happened to meet each other¡¯s gazes.

    That person¡¯s eyes were filled with hysteria, but there was a thread of rity amid the madness. And within this thread of rity, it revealed this person¡¯s suspicions ¡ª Perhaps, it was because he had never seen these newly-arrived people before?

    Gu Zuo clenched his jaw.

    Father...

    Indeed, this face was his father¡¯s.

    At once, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t bother with anything else, and ced this person on his back.

    This time around, Tianheng didn¡¯t take the initiative to suggest that he would bear the burden for Gu Zuo. Tianheng knew that what Gu Zuo needed right now was to do something for Zhao Ji with his own hands.

    After that, the pair silently left the room, and closed the security door.

    ¡ª From beginning to end, no one realized that people had infiltrated into and vanished from this ce.

    Gu Zuo was carrying Zhao Ji on his back, and Tianheng was holding Gu Zuo in his arms. Once more, they soared into the air, and sank into the darkness of the night sky. A few seconds passed, and theynded in the small alley where Zhao Hewei was located.

    At this point, Zhao Hewei had lit a cigarette and was smoking it. His frame of mind was very fretful.

    He was worried that the two would trigger the entire ancestral residence¡¯s rms once they went inside ¡ª Even though he knew that their capabilities were far from ordinary, he still couldn¡¯t let go of this worry.

    Likewise, his trusted aide, who was also in the middle of smoking, was just as deeply worried as Zhao Hewei.

    While the two were waiting with hearts hanging by a thread, a gust of wind suddenly blew down over the ground. Zhao Hewei abruptly turned his head. What he saw was Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo!

    Then, Zhao Hewei¡¯s line of sight almost instantly fell onto Gu Zuo¡¯s back.

    He involuntarily said: ¡°Elder brother? You guys really rescued him?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Don¡¯t waste time talking so much. You leave first.¡±

    Zhao Hewei hastily said: ¡°We¡¯ll drive you guys back.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Since we¡¯ve alreadye out, there¡¯s no need. Father¡¯s health can¡¯t be dyed any longer.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces. The two rose into the sky, and disappeared without a trace.

    Upon seeing this, Zhao Hewei wasn¡¯t awed like just a moment ago, but he was still shocked.

    A good whileter, he said: ¡°We¡¯ll return as usual. Don¡¯t expose anything.¡± He smiled meaningfully, ¡°You also saw it all. That little nephew of mine isn¡¯t a simple character. If we leak anything on this side...¡±

    His trusted aide had been following him for many years. At this time, he solemnly said: ¡°Rest assured, second young master.¡±

    Afterwards, Zhao Hewei straightened out his train of thought. He considered all the arrangements he made today, and there weren¡¯t any careless mistakes. He asked his trusted aide to start the car, and returned to the Zhao Family¡¯s household.

    For bastard sons like him, so long as he acted like an obedient child, nobody would meticulously investigate him.

    Sure enough, Zhao Hewei quickly passed through the guard¡¯s checkpoint, and calmly drove back to his own vi.

    His gaze wandered as he looked around. He found that this ce was still a stretch of silence. There was nothing peculiar... It seemed that the entire process of those two¡¯s rescue operation hadn¡¯t been discovered by anyone in the Zhao Family.

    Zhao Hewei sneered, and quietly entered the front door.

    When those people who delivered elder brother¡¯s food realized that this person was missing tomorrow, he wondered how they would react.

    Returning to the other side of things.

    Gu Zuo used a psychic power cover to firmly safeguard Zhao Ji. Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng increased their speed. While carrying his passengers, he swiftly flew back.

    Arriving by car took a little more than an hour, but through Tianheng¡¯s martial skill, it took less than five minutes to smoothly return to their residence.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dare waste any more time, and quickly brought the person inside.

    In the living room, the massive LCD television was ying some scenes from an unknown movie. It was clear from the start that Gu Qi, who was sitting on the sofa, didn¡¯t have his thoughts on the television. At this time, he heard the door open, and immediately leaped up.

    Gu Zuo shed to the front of the sofa, and ced the person on his back onto the cushions.

    At this moment, Zhao Ji naturally recovered his freedom. Just a while ago, he hadn¡¯t struggled because he was suppressed by Gu Zuo¡¯s strength. Now that he was released, it wasn¡¯t the same as before.

    In the blink of an eye, Zhao Ji shot out.

    Gu Zuo was going to take action and control him, but Gu Qi shouted: ¡°Zhao Ji!¡±

    This caused Gu Zuo¡¯s movement to pause slightly.

    However, at this time, Zhao Ji didn¡¯t attack Gu Zuo. Rather, he threw himself at Gu Qi.

    When Gu Zuo was about to pull Zhao Ji away again, he was halted by Tianheng¡¯s words.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no hurry.¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: ¡°But dad...¡±

    The next moment, he found that, while Zhao Ji really did pounce onto Gu Qi, he didn¡¯t intend any harm. Instead, Zhao Ji¡¯s arms suddenly spread out and gathered Gu Qi into a tight embrace.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s throat couldn¡¯t help moving: ¡°Father, he...¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was hoarse: ¡°Father, he remembers dad.¡±

    Gu Qi let out a sound that was choked with emotion. He simrly reached out with his hands, and looped them around Zhao Ji¡¯s lower back. He exhausted all of his strength to return this embrace: ¡°Ah Ji.¡±

    Then, there was a voice that sounded like a pair of broken and rusted bellows. It was intermittent and stuttering as it echoed out: ¡°Ah Qi... Ah Qi... Ah Qi...¡±

    These sounds weren¡¯t articte in the least, but the emotions contained within them became clearer with each syble.

    Gu Qi answered back:

    ¡°I-it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Ah Ji, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me...¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart ached, and his eyes reddened slightly.

    Tianheng extended a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair before pulling him into his own embrace: ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ah Zuo. Uncle Zhao¡¯s situation is much better than we imagined. You should be happy.¡±

    Gu Zuo vigorously nodded: ¡°Right, I should be happy. Dad had been waiting, and father finally came back.¡±

    Gu Qi and Zhao Ji held each other. As one person called out, the second answered.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng watched quietly on the side, and didn¡¯t go to disturb them.

    Some timeter, Zhao Ji¡¯s legs suddenly gave way, and his entire body fell onto Gu Qi.

    Worried, Gu Qi promptly shouted: ¡°Ah Ji, Ah Ji? What happened to you? Xiao Zuo,e and take a look at him!¡±

    Gu Zuo shed over the instant before Zhao Ji copsed. He reached out to support Zhao Ji. Right away, he could sense that Zhao Ji¡¯s body weight was only thirty-five to forty kilograms. From top to bottom, he was nothing but skin and bones. All that remained was a skeletal frame...

    ¡ª When a person became like this, their image would naturally be terrifying. Though Gu Qi didn¡¯t have psychic powers like Gu Zuo, he still had the eyes to recognize Zhou Ji¡¯s condition. However, Gu Qi wasn¡¯t disgusted in the least.

    Gu Zuo carried Zhao Ji, and carefullyid him t on the sofa.

    At this time, Gu Qi got another clear look at the present Zhao Ji. The expression on his face revealed an indescribable anguish: ¡°Xiao Zuo, how is your father?¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo grabbed Zhao Ji¡¯s wrist, and took his pulse.

    Seeing that Zhao Ji¡¯s weakness had reached this state, he didn¡¯t dare use psychic power or profound qi to probe and investigate. He could only use the simplest pulse-taking method to distinguish anything. Although he didn¡¯t have any systematic studies in this aspect, his understanding of the human body as well as the health conditions corresponding to one¡¯s pulse was already unparalleled.

    After only a few seconds, Gu Zuo slowly spoke: ¡°Dad, father¡¯s body is incredibly weak. Due to a long period of psychological harm, it has simultaneously affected father¡¯s appetite and his internal organs. This caused arge problem with his internal cirction. Although there aren¡¯t any pathological changes right now, he will definitely need to go through an extremely meticulous nursing regimen for his body to recover. But...¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s heartstrings were tense: ¡°But what?¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed. Hisplexion didn¡¯t look too good: ¡°But, father¡¯s biggest problem has urred within his mind. Currently, he might only recognize dad. He doesn¡¯t know anyone else.¡±

    He straightened out his train of thought: ¡°To put it simply, it should be that, to ensure he didn¡¯t gopletely insane during that long period of solitary confinement, father only kept his deepest memories of dad to construct a spiritual pir. At the same time, apart from dad, everyone else became his enemies ¡ª He would see them as members of the Zhao Family.¡±

    Speaking up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood really wasplicated.

    He wasn¡¯t dissatisfied because he was also ¡°abandoned¡±. On the contrary, he knew that even ordinary people would fall apart in that kind of environment after just ten to twenty days. To say nothing of father, who was locked away for eight years. Being able to use a spiritual pir to keep himself from copsing was already very extraordinary. If there were two spiritual pirs, it would split his concentration. If there was only one pir, it would be easier to control himself.

    From all this, Gu Zuo could see his father¡¯s determination.

    Zhao Ji would rather let himself go half-crazy thanmit any acts of betrayal against dad ¡ª Besides dad, everyone was an enemy. As such, even if the Zhao Family stuffed his cell with a bunch of beautiful women, they would all be attacked by him. Moreover, from the ruthless way father acted towards Gu Zuo, the Zhao Family must have suffered a lot because of this.

    Of course, Gu Zuo also knew that, every time father caused the Zhao Family to suffer a loss, they would certainly...

    Gu Qi tightly held onto Zhao Ji¡¯s hand. His lips faintly quivered, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    Gu Zuo understood what his dear dad was thinking, and quickly said: ¡°Leave the nursing of father¡¯s health to me. I will make a treatment n ording to every subtle reaction of his body. But as for father¡¯s mental trauma, I¡¯m afraid that there¡¯s nothing I can do about it for the time being.¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Xiao Zuo, then your father, he¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo hurried tofort him: ¡°The path of spirituality and the path of martial arts are two different sets of systems. In the future, what father and dad need to study is the path of martial arts. However, once there¡¯s a problem of the mind, it will be hard to resolve. It goes without saying that father still hasn¡¯t officially stepped onto the path of martial arts. While I should be able to pacify father to a certain extent, father¡¯s experiences have caused his vignce of the outside world to be excessively deep. He fundamentally won¡¯t trust any intrusions of my psychic power.

    ¡°If I rashly use my psychic power to make contact, father¡¯s willpower might crumble due to fierce resistance. Only dad can slowly cate father, and allow him to find peace. Then, it will be possible to gradually introduce my pacification so that father can progressively return to normal.¡±

    Gu Qi didn¡¯tpletely understand, but he grasped the important point: ¡°So long as I do my best to coordinate with you, we can treat him?¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Right!¡±

    Gu Qi felt somewhat relieved: ¡°Then, what should I do?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Right now, father lost consciousness because his mind had been stretched taut for too long. After seeing dad and confirming dad¡¯s existence, a rebound was caused by the sudden rxation. Once he gets some proper sleep, dad has to stay by father¡¯s side all day after he wakes up. You can¡¯t leave him for a moment. This way, he will cooperate with me treating his body. In addition, slowly talk about your lives from children to adults. This will help jog his memories.¡±

    No matter what, they had to let him recover first before anything else.

    T/N: Don¡¯t worry, folks. The author spends the next three chapters dealing with the Zhao Family.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 418 - Dealing With the Zhao Family, Part I

    <h4>Chapter 418 - Dealing With the Zhao Family, Part I</h4>

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo carefully delivered Zhao Ji to Gu Qi¡¯s room.

    Gu Qi¡¯s temples were throbbing with each heartbeat. Great joy and deep sorrow followed in session, and his mind was already somewhat exhausted. However, whenever he thought about the pain and hardship that Zhao Ji suffered, his mood couldn¡¯t calm down. At this moment, it was even harder for him to fall asleep. It was just that, as he lied down next to Zhao Ji, he wasn¡¯t willing to let go of the hand he grasped.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stop Gu Qi¡¯s way of handling things, and only whispered in a soft voice: ¡°Dad, you still have to get a good night¡¯s restter. Otherwise, if you¡¯re too tired and father needs you to recall his memories, where will you have the energy?¡±

    Gu Qi took a deep breath: ¡°Son, you don¡¯t have to worry. I¡¯ll pay attention to this.¡±

    After this reminder, Gu Zuo left the room once he saw that Gu Qi really listened to his words.

    Outside the bedroom, Gongyi Tianheng quietly waited for him.

    Gu Zuo raised his eyes: ¡°Big brother.¡±

    The edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips carried a hint of a smile: ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our room.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head. He followed Tianheng, and returned to their own bedroom.

    Once the two bathed, they went to bed.

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°Father¡¯s health is already filled with holes and riddled with problems. If we were just one or two yearste, even if his willpower could hold on, his bodily functions wouldn¡¯t havested...¡±

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything. He knew that this was Gu Zuo¡¯s way of venting his feelings. Hence, he didn¡¯t move, and only watched him with a warm gaze.

    Sure enough, Gu Zuo continued talking: ¡°Later on, I¡¯ll have to get the Zhang Family to purchase some medicinal ingredients for me. Whatever the Zhang Family can¡¯t acquire, I¡¯ll have to ask the Tian Family to get. Previously, I made some money selling medicine...

    ¡°In any case, we¡¯ll eventually return to the other world, so we might as well spend it all in the meantime. Father¡¯s body can¡¯t use the medicine I¡¯ve brought, so I can only explore the medicinal ingredients of this world. Once he improves some more, I¡¯ll use some medicinal juices from the other world. He should get better even faster...¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Since we¡¯ve already saved father, the Zhao Family is not worth mentioning. However, father was tortured until he became like this. If I don¡¯t teach the Zhao Family a painful lesson, I won¡¯t be able to swallow this ball of fury. It¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t settled on how I¡¯ll teach them a lesson and how far I should go&#k2026;¡±

    Tianheng slowly said: ¡°If we were in that world of mine and the Zhao Family did something like this, they would form a bond of life and death enemies with us. Under this enmity, even if we exterminated their whole family, we would at most be called vicious and merciless by other people. However, there wouldn¡¯t be any consequences beyond that.¡±

    Gu Zuo forced a chuckle.

    He was naturally aware of this, but like big brother said, that world wasn¡¯t this world.

    In this world, although ancient martial artists were detached from external affairs, they also couldn¡¯t be too dismissive of their own nations. Previously, his big brother used a palm to p that ambusher to death. Although it was handled ruthlessly, the other party was in the wrong first, and this was the additional authority brought about by big brother¡¯s martial strength. The ancient martial artists at the venue naturally wouldn¡¯t make a big fuss over a minor issue. Even if those higher up knew about it, they would only regard it as the internal affairs of the ancient martial artists. People wouldn¡¯t treat big brother as a murderer to be arrested.

    However, if they acted absolutely unrestrained andpletely wiped out everyst member of the Zhao Family, then, as far as the previously-mentioned were concerned, the two of them would be deemed uncontroble and dangerous elements. Those forces would think of any and all methods to kill them.

    Yes. Gu Zuo and Tianheng really weren¡¯t afraid of the vast majority of hot weapons like guns, bombs, and artillery, but it also wasn¡¯t wise for two people to face off against an entire nation. How could the insignificant Zhao Family be worth the hassle? What¡¯s more, they couldn¡¯t leave this world for the time being. Regardless of whether it was nursing father¡¯s body or using this time to search for an energy source for the Void-Breaking Shuttle, it would be inconvenient if they poked a hole in their own basket.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°However, a world has its own rules. We can¡¯t massacre the Zhao Family, but it won¡¯t matter if we use softer methods. It won¡¯t cause public unrest either.¡±

    Gu Zuo perked up: ¡°What does big brother suggest?¡±

    In any case, he felt that the Zhao Family was such an evil and disgusting family. Not killing them wouldn¡¯t be enough to vent the hatred in his heart! Unfortunately, when things came to a head, he couldn¡¯t truly kill them. It almost choked him to death.

    Tianheng said: ¡°As an ancient martial aristocratic family, the Zhao Family¡¯s younger generations practice martial arts, it has the support of martial forces, and its family properties generate an unending stream of wealth to supply its younger generations. Although we can¡¯t wipe out the entire family, we can make their lives wretched while alive, and unable to seek death.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help urging: ¡°Big brother¡¯s meaning is...¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Since they have recklessly harmed others and inflicted suffering for their inheritance, we will destroy this inheritance. Since they practice martial arts and have these capabilities, we will cripple all of their martial forces. Since they have the financial resources to provide for themselves and expand, we will split up their properties for others to take. Then, they will have no means to continue. For such a family to have passed on its inheritance up until now, it must¡¯ve made countless enemies. Only when it¡¯s inner and outer roots are severed will it be ruined with a single stroke.¡±

    At that time, the fates of the Zhao Family members would certainly leave them satisfied.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood promptly improved: ¡°What big brother says is reasonable.¡±

    If Gu Zuo didn¡¯t remember incorrectly, that Zhao Hongying was already around seventy years old. As for the former patriarch and the elders, who all passed on the position of family head to him and retreated behind the scenes, they were already well past a hundred years old ¡ª Their generation had many rightful heirs. Unfortunately, while quite a few strove to give birth, the only one who ultimately survived after being born was Zhao Hongying. Since these elders were able to live until now, it could be said that the martial disciplines they inherited were miraculous. However, just like the old Zhao Family Head, once they reached a certain age, they weren¡¯t able to sire more children. They could only ce their hopes on Zhao Hongying.

    Back then, all of these people participated in the persecution of Qian Xi. Not a single one was missing.

    If it was said that the length of their lifespans relied on the support of the inner power within their bodies, then once their martial disciples were crippled and they lost that inner power ¡ª The only thing they would have left was a body that was even weaker than ordinary hundred-year-old geriatrics. All of the hidden injuries umted over the years that were suppressed by their inner power would trigger a bacsh!

    At that time, the two basically wouldn¡¯t need to personally p them to death.

    Under the torment of illnesses and hidden injuries, their deaths would be even more miserable.

    Gu Zuo slowly breathed out a sigh.

    Once the Zhao Family copsed, he would add more fire for them!

    The next day, when it was almost noon...

    Gu Zuo mentioned to the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson that he neededrge quantities of medicinal ingredients. Currently, he had a significant understanding of this world¡¯s ingredients. As a result, after a few rounds of deliberation, it was easy to write out the list of medicines.

    Although the leaders of the Zhang Family didn¡¯t know why Gu Zuo wanted these medicinal ingredients, they would grant whatever he asked for. There was no need to mention magnanimity or attentiveness.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Deliver them as soon as possible.¡±

    The Zhang Family grandfather and grandson pair naturally went out to make preparations immediately.

    Moreover, they also had to return to Q City to handle their own family affairs.

    Right at this time, the doorbell was pressed. A member of the Tian Family had arrived.

    It was still Tian Hang who came over. The purpose of his visit was to make a discreet inquiry. Thus, he quickly provided some news in a round-about manner: ¡°These two honorable sirs, I heard that something happened to the Zhao Familyst night. Although the Zhao Family hasn¡¯t made any detailed announcements, this matter has caused a huge disturbance in the Zhao Family... Right now, many people in ancient martial arts circles are looking at the Zhao Family like they¡¯ve made fools of themselves.¡±

    This type of probing wasn¡¯t the least bit brilliant.

    Gu Zuo directly stated: ¡°There¡¯s no need to sound things out. This matter was the doing of me and big brother.¡±

    Tian Hang was startled: ¡°Mister Gu¡¯s doing...¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled coldly: ¡°Big brother and I rescued a person from the Zhao Family.¡± His voice also became ice-cold, ¡°The Zhao Family and I share an enmity as deep as an ocean of blood. They took advantage of myck of skills back then, took away my father, and caused my family to suffer for more than ten years! My father also suffered greatly. We won¡¯t let the Zhao Family get away with this!¡±

    Speaking up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze firmlynded on Tian Hang¡¯s face: ¡°There¡¯s absolutely nothing the Zhao Family can do to threaten what¡¯s mine. Does the Tian Family have any ns?¡±

    Tian Hang felt a chill run down his spine ¡ª The Zhao Family really had guts! But on second thought, he felt that this was normal. Of the three ancient martial aristocratic families, the Zhao Family¡¯s style was the most reprehensible. They were ustomed to ravaging and toying with women, and they handled matters ruthlessly. This wasn¡¯t how brave men did things! This time, it seemed that they had kicked an iron te. The enemy they harmed had brought such a powerful force to get revenge!

    At the same time, Tian Hang was shocked by the capability of these two people to silently break into the tightly-guarded Zhao Family and save someone. In particr, the Zhao Family never actually discovered them.

    Thus, Tian Hang didn¡¯t hesitate, and immediately said: ¡°Our previous arrangement still stands. If Mister Gu has anything the matter, feel free to tell us.¡±

    T/N: This chapter was a little short, so it¡¯s here early.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 419 - Dealing With the Zhao Family, Part II

    <h4>Chapter 419 - Dealing With the Zhao Family, Part II</h4>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s tone eased somewhat: ¡°Speaking of which, it isn¡¯t something that will make things difficult for your Tian Family. What big brother and I want to request is still for the Tian Family to act as mediators.¡±

    Tian Hang said: ¡°Please borate.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°The enemy of my enemy is my friend.¡± He looked at Tian Hang, ¡°Previously, everything I did was only for the sake of saving my father and reuniting my family. With regards to the Zhao Family, it¡¯s naturally an imcable hatred, but I¡¯m not interested in the Zhao Family¡¯s things.¡±

    Tian Hang somewhat understood.

    Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression: ¡°As a result, I need some allies who simrly loathe the Zhao Family and who are interested in certain things... Of course, they need the strength topletely digest the Zhao Family. For this reason, I can also take out a few medicinal pills that I¡¯ve been researching to act as weing gifts for new friends.¡±

    Tian Hang realized Gu Zuo¡¯s intentions. After he finished listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he already thought of the names of quite a few organizations. At the very least, his Tian Family, the School of Fist Intent, and the School of the Great Saber would all be getting a piece of the action.

    Thinking up to here, his reaction was very fast: ¡°Mister Gu, please rest assured. My Tian Family will certainly take care of this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°With the Tian Family at work, I naturally feel at ease.¡± After that, he appeared to think of something, brought out a jade gourd from the side, and handed it over, ¡°The Tian Family has been of great help to us in the past. Mister Tian, please don¡¯t refuse this trifling gift of gratitude.¡±

    Tian Hang took the jade gourd, and estimated its weight with an experienced hand. Delighted, he swiftly set forth: ¡°Many thanks, Mister Gu. I¡¯ll get in touch with the others right away.¡±

    Following this, Tian Hang left the vi.

    Once he departed, he uncorked the jade gourd and counted... There were as many as a hundred Qi Generating Pills inside!

    At this very moment, Tian Hang gained a deeper understanding of how important the position of that rescued person was in the hearts of Gu Zuo and the others. His mind quickly went to work. He needed to split his efforts to properly handle those matters for Gu Zuo.

    Not long after, through Tian Hang¡¯s meticulous filtering, he brought over four organizations.

    These four organizations had feuds with the Zhao Family. Though, one wouldn¡¯t say that they possessed an unending hatred. Instead, it was the type that, the more they saw the Zhao Family¡¯s misfortunes, the more pleased they would be. On top of that, there were the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber, which tasted sweet benefits and strove to work together with the Tian Family. Thus, there were seven organizations in total.

    The properties of the Zhao Family epassed many fields. With the alliance of these seven forces, each organization possessed at least one or two businesses that held certain advantages over those of the Zhao Family. What they needed to do right now was to increase their advantages, suppress the Zhao Family¡¯s properties, and snatch all of the market shares the Zhao Family held.

    If this was in the past, everyone wouldn¡¯t shed all pretenses of cordiality. Although thepetition would utilize methods ofmerce, those methods wouldn¡¯t be excessively fierce. However, it was different this time around. What they wanted was to carve up and devour all the properties the Zhao Family possessed! It was only natural that any traps or means could be used&#k2026;

    But before that, they had to secretly inform a few others ¡ª It wasn¡¯t necessary to tell those people any clear reasons. They only needed to give hints. It would be enough if those within certain circles didn¡¯t rashly interfere and help the Zhao Family. And if anyone was willing to watch with the cold eyes of a bystander, or even throw stones while the other party down to worsen the Zhao Family¡¯s situation, they would gain some exciting benefits.

    If it was like this, then the Zhao Family would sink into isted and helpless circumstances.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo started the treatment phase for his father, Zhao Ji ¡ª The efficiency of the Zhang Family¡¯s grandfather and grandson pair was extremely high. After going back, they promptly sent people to gather and send over the medicinal ingredients.

    The prescriptions for Zhao Ji were basically versions researched by Gu Zuo himself. Among the ingredients, it drew inspiration from many of the other world¡¯s prescriptions. Merely, due to the difference in ingredients and the strengths or weaknesses of the properties, he researched many decoctions and cuisines whose properties were rtively weak to martial artists.

    For the current Zhao Ji, whose internal organs and overall body were so frail, he could only be nourished with medicinal cuisines and nursed with medicinal decoctions.

    In the room.

    Zhao Ji was already awake. He used his pitch-back eyes to stare fixedly at Gu Qi. Whether his eyes were wide open or blinked shut, it was like he was looking at the only scenery in the entire world.

    Gu Qi cheered himself, drew Zhao Ji¡¯s hands closer, and carefully talked to him in a voice as happy as possible: ¡°When we met, you don¡¯t know how miserable you were. At that time, because you weren¡¯t cared for properly after your birth, you were undernourished, short and small, thin and weak. When I saw you in the orphanage, I thought I was looking at a little beansprout. Even though I was also thrown away, my arms were as twice as thick as yours...¡±

    Along with the ups and downs of Gu Qi¡¯s voice, Zhao Ji¡¯s eyes seemed to slowly gain a trace of liveliness.

    Gu Qi attentively watched Zhao Ji¡¯s face, and his fingers lightly stroked the back of Zhao Ji¡¯s hand. His speech continued: ¡°Later on, I felt that I had to be the older brother because I was a sizerger than you. Who would¡¯ve thought that this beansprout was actually a few months older than me? Back then, you were so innocent and silly that you would call me older brother if I asked you to. But you were also too petty and small-minded. Didn¡¯t I just ask you to call me older brother a few times? Later on, you paid me back by takingpensation from my body...¡±

    Just like this, Gu Qi talked for a long time. It wasn¡¯t known if it was one or two hours. Zhao Ji¡¯s mind still hadn¡¯t recovered as he slowly closed his eyes, and fell asleep again.

    Gu Qi waited for a short while. Seeing that Zhao Ji wasn¡¯t moving, he lightly extracted his hands, and walked out of the bedroom.

    In the living room, Gongyi Tianheng was sitting upright on the sofa. As he swallowed a medicinal pill that looked like white jade, he sat in meditation. The qi emissions that surrounded him would cause people to cower somewhat. He didn¡¯t dare approach.

    This was something Tianheng did frequently. Gu Qi had long gotten used to it, and didn¡¯t pay any mind. His attention mainly fell onto Gu Zuo.

    At this moment, there was a huge medicinal cauldron in front of Gu Zuo. And beneath the cauldron were wisps of orange-colored mes that were as fine and slender as silk threads.

    Gu Qi walked closer, and stood behind Gu Zuo.

    ced inside the medicinal cauldron were many types of ingredients that Gu Qi found familiar, but couldn¡¯t recognize. When these ingredients were thrown into the cauldron, they instantly melted into juices like ice cubes meeting the scorching sun.

    Such a scene was incredibly magical.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was extremely focused.

    He continuously made several astonishing hand seals whose transformations couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. When Gu Qi watched carefully, he felt a little swollen in the head with a second nce.

    As if Gu Zuo had eyes at the back of his head, he warned: ¡°Dad, don¡¯t keep staring at my hands.¡±

    Gu Qi snapped out of it, and promptly retreated a few steps: ¡°Son, what are you up to?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t answer, and asked another question instead: ¡°Is father¡¯s body doing okay? How about his mind?¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s voice was somewhat downcast: ¡°His body is still like that, but he can already wake up. It¡¯s just that, every time he wakes up, it won¡¯t be long before he falls asleep again.¡±

    Gu Zuo formed a couple more hand seals, and the decoction inside the medicinal cauldron instantly started boiling. At the same time, he said: ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t need to worry. It¡¯s a good sign that father doesn¡¯t crazilysh out when he wakes up. But dad, you must remember that you can¡¯t leave father¡¯s side whenever he¡¯s awake. This is to prevent father from losing sight of you and falling into a nightmare.¡±

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t dare neglect anything, and seriously said: ¡°I understand, son.¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo said: ¡°I¡¯ve decided on a few prescriptions in the early stages. Primarily, father will soak in decoctions three times per day to absorb the medicinal power through his skin. Right now, father¡¯s internal organs are very frail ¡ª Especially his stomach. As a result, I also have a type of watery, porridge-like medicinal cuisine that he¡¯ll drink every day to strengthen his stomach.¡±

    Gu Qi nodded his head: ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to eat anything? Your father has lost too much weight...¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly replied: ¡°Don¡¯t let father eat anything else at all. The medicinal cuisines I refine already have enough nutrition. Father will be slowly replenished.¡±

    Gu Qi only asked one more question because he was worried about not having the full picture and because he was ayman in terms of medicine refinement. After that, he didn¡¯t say anything else. He silently walked back to the bedroom, and continued apanying Zhao Ji.

    Sure enough, Zhao Ji woke up again only a few minutester.

    As before, Gu Qi locked gazes with Zhao Ji. He could clearly see the hysteria in his eyes quickly calming down. Once more, Zhao Ji¡¯s gaze became focused and strongly attached.

    Gu Qi¡¯s heart ached. He held Zhao Ji¡¯s hand, and started telling him interesting anecdotes when they were children: ¡°You might not remember, but when we were small, you were scared of bugs the most. In the orphanage, there was a period when there weren¡¯t enough subsidies. Everyone would go out and catch cicadas to supplement the taste of meat, but you didn¡¯t dare go. Even if it was roasted, you didn¡¯t eat it. Later on, you were so hungry. I peeled a cicada¡¯s shell, took the meat inside, and tricked you...¡±

    Some time passed, and Gu Zuo walked through the doorway. Carried in his hands was a bowl of amber-colored medicinal juice. He used the Earthen Core me to extract the medicinal properties of this world¡¯s ingredients. Through uninterrupted refining, this bowl of juice was produced. Its nature was mild, and wouldn¡¯t cause any injuries to the stomach. Instead, it possessed strong recuperative abilities for an atrophied stomach. At the same time, it could provide a great amount of gentle nourishment.

    After Zhao Ji sensed that someone hade inside, he instantly tensed up. However, he didn¡¯t proceed to attack. Perhaps it was because Gu Qi was at his side, or maybe he subconsciously remembered that Gu Zuo was an important person, too?

    Gu Zuo handed over the bowl to Gu Qi: ¡°Dad, you have to feed the medicine to father. He can¡¯t miss a single drop.¡±

    Gu Qi naturally received it without dy: ¡°What about you?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother and I are going out for a trip.¡± He smiled, ¡°We need to let the Zhao Family experience terror and panic, too.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 420 - Dealing With the Zhao Family, Part III

    <h4>Chapter 420 - Dealing With the Zhao Family, Part III</h4>

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t question too closely. He simply held the bowl of medicine in his hands, and cautiously sat at the headboard of the bed: ¡°Have a safe journey.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved his hand, turned around, and left the room.

    Outside the room, Gongyi Tianheng just happened to open his eyes and stand up: ¡°Ah Zuo, ready to go?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Let¡¯s add a little color to the Zhao Family¡¯s face!¡±

    Those seven organizations had already deployed all kinds of methods to target the Zhao Family. During this brief period, several trivial problems appeared among the Zhao Family¡¯s businesses. However, if these problems weren¡¯t addressed in time, it would lead to the copse of somerge businesses. What Gu Zuo and Tianheng wanted to do right now was to cripple the martial strength of at least two members of the Zhao Family.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s figures were like ghosts and demons. Within a few breaths of time, they arrived inside one of the Zhao Family¡¯s vis. In this ce was a secret cultivation space for a Zhao Family elder. His age exceeded one hundred years. Like the old Zhao Family Head, he had long stopped involving himself in the Zhao Family¡¯s other affairs.

    On this day, he was originally in the middle of practicing a branch of martial discipline. Although his body was withered, his every movement still held incredible might.

    All of a sudden, a streak of surging force rushed over. The elder¡¯s heart trembled, and his body turned over to get out of the way! However, for some reason, this force arrived so rapidly and violently. Although he dodged, this forced seemed to recognize only him, and ruthlessly smashed an area slightly below his navel!

    In the blink of an eye, the elder¡¯s dantian was like a leaking balloon. Countless strands of inner power flowed out of that rupture.

    ¡ª In the modern era, for martial artists at Transformed Energy and above, the dantian became thergest ce where inner power was stored. Nevertheless, it was a weak point. Once the dantian was damaged, the inner power within the meridians would also subsequently leak out.

    The elder only had enough time to let out a miserable cry. His entire body was alreadypletely powerless like a genuine old man. Then, he fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

    If someone looked carefully, they would discover that huge changes were urring to the elder ¡ª In the past, although his body was withered, his skin was still t, smooth, and had a glossy sheen. But now, even his skin became wrinkled and creased with advanced age. The whole person appeared to dry up and atrophy. All the energy throughout his body dissipated.

    And the mostmentable thing was that, from start to finish, this elder never figured out who really attacked him.

    He also never discovered the tiniest traces of the person who came...

    A simr event happened in another vi.

    It wasn¡¯t until the morning of the next day, when the Zhao Family¡¯s servants delivered food to these two elders, that that the two decrepit old men were discovered. The elders had slowly crawled to their own sofas with barely a breath of life in them. They were as skinny and shriveled as human skeletons wrapped in ayer of skin.

    This kind of discovery created a stir throughout the entire Zhao Family!

    Zhao Hongying pped the breakfast table and stood up: ¡°C-check everywhere! Look through all of the monitors! We have to get to the bottom of this!¡±

    When Zhao Ji disappeared, no traces or clues were found. Yet, not long after Zhao Ji went missing, the Zhao Family¡¯s two elders were met with disaster.

    Who was the hidden hand behind the scenes?

    Could it really have something to do with Zhao Ji? That couldn¡¯t be right. In the beginning, when they brought back Zhao Ji, they had already done an investigation. Apart from his same-sex lover who simrly didn¡¯t have any background, there was only a mewling five-year-old adopted son. There were basically no other helpers!

    As such, was it someone who found the Zhao Family displeasing to the eyes?

    Zhao Hongying thought about the unfavorable business situationtely, and a deeply-felt sense of crisis suddenly appeared in his heart... Their Zhao Family was tightly guarded, but someone still strolled through it unobstructed like it was their back garden. This was simply an enormous disgrace. No matter what price they had to pay, they had to thoroughly investigate this matter!

    On the other side of things, Gu Zuo apanied his family¡¯s big brother to the Zhao Family to shatter the two elders¡¯ dantians and cripple their martial disciplines. His heart felt much morefortable ¡ª After those two old men were crippled, they looked pitiful, but once he remembered how many people they harmed, he didn¡¯t have an ounce of sympathy.

    Their karmic retribution had arrived.

    Once the two returned to their residence, Zhao Ji had just finished drinking a bowl of medicine.

    Gu Zuo came over to take Zhao Ji¡¯s pulse. He smiled and said: ¡°Dad, after a little while, we can take father to the next step.¡±

    Gu Qi was happy: ¡°Then, what do I need to do?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Dad, you can go find a bath barrel...¡± He recalled that this world didn¡¯t use bath barrels, and switched terms, ¡°I mean, find a bathtub. Afterwards, I¡¯ll refine a portion of medicinal decoction, and put it into the bathtub. After that, dad will take off father¡¯s clothes, and put him inside the bathtub to soak.¡±

    Since he spoke so clearly, it was only natural that Gu Qi quickly understood. Hence, he nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll go right now.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved a hand. He brought out the medicinal cauldron once again, and started refining a decoction that he had long conceptualized. This type of decoction was inspired from when he was researching some Heaven and Earth Physiques. Although his father¡¯s body didn¡¯t have any signs of a special constitution, once Zhao Ji recovered, he was going to return with them to the other world. It would be better to take advantage of this opportunity to stimte his father¡¯s potential as much as possible. Nourishing from the outside, and supplementing deficiencies from the inside. With this two-pronged approach, as his father¡¯s health improved, he could also be even stronger than ordinary people. Gu Zuo could build a stable foundation for him.

    While thinking this, Gu Zuo¡¯s hand seals turned even more abstruse and mysterious. Not long after, the cauldron of medicinal decoction was sessfully refined.

    He took out lots of untainted water, and poured everything into therge bathtub that his dad dragged out. Shortly thereafter, the decoction blended with the untainted water. Only a short whileter, the water within that bathtub transformed into a bright and vivid red. The medicinal decoction acted likeva. The solution gurgled as it released lots of bubbles.

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°Dad, put father inside!¡±

    Gu Qi hastily emerged from the bedroom carrying Zhao Ji on his back. Then, he took off Zhao Ji¡¯s clothes, and ced him in the tub: ¡°This decoction won¡¯t burn him, will it?¡±

    Although he knew that his son was an expert, that va¡± looked too scary.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s only slightly scalding. It won¡¯t injure father. But dad, you need to pay attention. Don¡¯t let father il and move around. You especially can¡¯t let him get out.¡±

    Gu Qi grunted nomittally, and started observing Zhao Ji¡¯s reactions.

    The next moment, he realized why his son needed to give such a warning.

    It was because, after Zhao Ji was submerged in the bathtub, his figure began twitching slightly. The skin of his body, which had been locked away for eight years, had already turned pale and fragile. At this moment, small granule-like bumps swelled across the surface. These bumps quickly expanded, and in the blink of an eye, turned into sheets of white skin. It seemed as if the outeryer of skin over the whole body was about to peel off. It looked very frightening.

    Moreover, this was certainly painful...

    Gu Qi was distressed, but he kept his son¡¯s warning in mind. He tightly gripped Zhao Ji¡¯s hands within his own. He paid attention the entire time, and didn¡¯t let Zhao Ji jostle around.

    However, beyond both people¡¯s expectations, even though it was already that agonizing, Zhao Ji still didn¡¯t move. It appeared that he only wanted Gu Qi to hold his hands. He was satisfied to have Gu Qi within his own line of sight, and it seemed that he was already insensitive to the painncing all over his body... Let alone running away, he didn¡¯t move one bit.

    Seeing Zhao Ji acting this way, Gu Zuo scratched his nose, and only said: ¡°Dad, at intervals of thirty minutes, you can tear away ayer of white skin on father. After two hours, you can take father out.¡±

    Gu Qi stared fixedly at Zhao Ji. His eyes prickled with heat: ¡°Okay, I understand.¡±

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo returned to the front of the medicinal cauldron. He recited out loud, and started to recall the following treatment n.

    He wanted to do this perfectly.

    Once the two hours passed, the decoction inside the bathtub had already beenpletely absorbed by Zhao Ji. Gu Qi had torn off fouryers of white skin for Zhao Ji. With every shedding, Gu Qi found that the color and luster of Zhao Ji¡¯s skin became a little more glossy. After the fourth shedding was done, Zhao Ji¡¯s body no longer looked emaciated and malnourished. Instead, the originally atrophied muscles had slowly gained some thickness. The entire person looked a lot more healthy.

    At this time, when observing Zhao Ji¡¯s appearance, a person could see the outline of his original handsome features. One could well imagine the good looks he would possess once he totally recovered.

    Although he wouldn¡¯t be as handsome as Tianheng, going through so many trials and tribtions had given him a type of indescribable temperament.

    However, as the childhoodpanion who couldn¡¯t have been more familiar with Zhao Ji, Gu Qi didn¡¯t stop to admire Zhao Ji¡¯s striking features. Rather, he hurriedly pulled him from the ice-cold bathtub, and carried him to the bed.

    Zhao Ji still didn¡¯t move around. No matter how Gu Qi treated him, Zhao Ji was extremely obedient... It was just that other people would feel their hair stand on end if they looked into those pitch-ck eyes.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo refined another bowl of medicinal soup, and let Gu Qi feed Zhao Ji: ¡°Father¡¯s body needs to be constantly fed. Dad, this period of time will be hard on you.¡±

    Gu Qi shook his head: ¡°This is what I should do. Son, it¡¯s still you who has been working hard.¡±

    Gu Zuo just smiled: ¡°Isn¡¯t this what I should be doing, too?¡±

    Gu Qi patted his head, and continued taking care of Zhao Ji.

    Gu Zuo walked to Tianheng¡¯s side, sat down, and leaned against him.

    Tianheng had just finished operating his cultivation method when he sensed that familiar scent appear next to him. Slowly opening his eyes, he pulled Gu Zuo into an embrace: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo nuzzled into Tianheng¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Father has been rescued, and the Zhao Family¡¯s destruction is close at hand. Now, we can replenish the system¡¯s energy so it can tell us how to use the Void-Breaking Shuttle.¡±

    He never woke the system up again because there was always something else to do. They were very busy. Now that everything that needed handling was done, all that remained was to think of a way to go back to the other world. As such, taking advantage of the time of Zhao Ji¡¯s convalescence, they could also make some preparations.

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Ah Zuo knows how to replenish the system¡¯s energy.¡±

    Gu Zuo also nodded: ¡°It should be medicinal qi.¡±

    In fact, the system said from the very beginning that medicinal qi maintained its functionality. In his storage space, there were lots of medicinal qi that he could withdraw at any time ¡ª Previously, he wanted to see whether the system was capable of recovering on its own, but it appeared that the speed was too slow. It was better that he replenished it.

    It was just that he didn¡¯t know how much was appropriate. In addition, did this require the system to absorb the medicinal qi on its own?

    After thinking it over, Gu Zuo felt a little awkward.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Why don¡¯t you call out to the system again?¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly transmitted.

    [Hey! System! Try taking out a hundred strands of medicinal qi by yourself?]

    The next moment, the medicinal qi within the storage space decreased by one hundred strands.

    The system¡¯s message also shed through Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Okay.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 421 - Awakening the System

    <h4>Chapter 421 - Awakening the System</h4>

    This action was too straightforward and decisive!

    Gu Zuo was simply exasperated.

    However, no matter what, it was good that the system had been awoken. After that, Gu Zuo asked.

    [Do you have enough energy now?]

    The system didn¡¯t use messages any more. Instead, it changed to the mechanical voice after the system¡¯ster evolution. The voice was still as t as stagnant water.

    [Restoration to full capacity requires four hundred more strands of medicinal qi.]

    Gu Zuo counted his own medicinal qi and found that there was still quite a bit, so he nodded his head.

    [You can use it.]

    After that, the medicinal qi within the storage space was further reduced by four hundred strands.

    Shortly thereafter, the system monotonously spoke at length.

    [The world where the host is currently located is in the Primal Chaos Uninhabited Region, and the chaos coordinate is J-257. The patron¡¯s world is in the Primal Chaos Spirit-Martial Region, and the chaos coordinate is B-031. Both worlds are separated by time and space. Among the currently known methods, there are three that can allow travel through spacetime. The first is a mystical weapon or tool that can pierce spacetime. The second is a medicinal pill that has the ability to traverse spacetime. The third is a heavenly material or earthly treasure that possesses the power of spacetime.]

    Hence, Gu Zuo was sure that only the Void-Breaking Shuttle could be used.

    However, how were they supposed to replenish the Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s energy?

    Before Gu Zuo could ask, the system¡¯s next exnation came.

    [The best energies for the Void-Breaking Shuttle are medicinal pills, heavenly materials, or earthly treasures that contain the power of spacetime. This can reduce its own wear and tear during the shuttling process.]

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    If he had these two things, he wouldn¡¯t have been in such a bind.

    The system continued.

    [Apart from this, source crystals can also be used.]

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    [System, can you tell me what options I have avable?]

    Wasn¡¯t this teasing him?

    Of course, the system obviously wasn¡¯t here to tease him. After putting forward the two most optimal courses of action, it finally started giving real rmendations.

    [If the Void-Breaking Shuttle can recognize an owner, its own spacetime attribute can be stimted by burningrge quantities of high-grade crystals. In addition to this, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of the five elements are required to form a cycle to protect the body. There are two things the host needs to do. Firstly, have the Void-Breaking Shuttle recognize an owner to operate it. Secondly, dissolve the source sand, and smear it onto high-grade crystals. The highest grade of crystal that the patron currently owns are treasured crystals, but the number is only around two thousand. If it is to provide power, this is not sufficient. The source sand contains a certain amount of source energy, which can reduce the rate of consumption...]

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was a little bitter.

    On the side, Gongyi Tianheng saw this, and asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, is it difficult?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded hesitatingly, and repeated the requirements the system mentioned: ¡°It pains my heart to use up the treasured crystals, but we can always acquire more in the future. As for the source sand, I still have lots left over, and I¡¯m already very experienced in the extraction. It¡¯s just the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects with attributes of the five elements... It seems that we only have metal, fire, and water, these three types, in our hands. If we¡¯re going to form a cycle of the five elements, we¡¯re still missing two...¡±

    Tianheng faintly furrowed his brows ¡ª Indeed, this was a problem.

    Soon after, his heart stirred. He spoke to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, ask the system what the consequences will be if we are short two elements and can¡¯t form a cycle.¡±

    Naturally, Gu Zuo asked immediately.

    The system¡¯s answer was also direct and to the point.

    [At least four types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects are required. Otherwise, when the Void-Breaking Shuttle takes people through spacetime, the people inside will be harmed by the power of chaos, and will be turned to dust within the primal chaos.]

    When it was said like this, the consequences really did appear quite serious.

    However, Gu Zuo was a little puzzled.

    [When we came, there wasn¡¯t any...]

    The system¡¯s voice answered monotonously.

    [When the host arrived, there was enough suitable energy inside the Void-Breaking Shuttle. As a result, the Void-Breaking Shuttle could protect the host and the patron from harm by itself. However, within the Void-Breaking Shuttle the host currently wants to use, there is only a small amount of energy remaining. If the highest grade of replenishing energypatible with the source sand is the treasured crystals, this grade of energy will be insufficient, and the Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s defenses will not be fully stimted. Therefore, it is necessary to cycle Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of the five elements to supplement this defense.]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    [Then, if there are four types, what will be the aftermath?]

    After thinking about it, he knew that it would be impossible for four types to have the same effect as five types.

    [If there are four types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, it can protect most of the Void-Breaking Shuttle, leaving only a small gap. This gap needs to be guarded by someone. Whenever the power of chaos leaks through, that person must repel the power of chaos and keep it out of the Void-Breaking Shuttle. The person on guard will have to face a lot of pressure. However, the power of chaos is also a type of tempering. If it can be endured, that person will make great progress in terms of physical strength.]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and informed Tianheng.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Honing the physical body? This won¡¯t be a problem. Ah Zuo, ask the system where the fourth Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object is located ¡ª Since it suggested this method, then it should know the whereabouts of the fourth Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object.¡±

    The system quickly replied.

    [In this world, there are traces of a wood attribute Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object.]

    Gu Zuo hurriedly asked.

    [Where exactly?]

    The system¡¯s voice was still t and dull.

    [In the depths of a tropical rainforest, there is an enormous tree that has lived for millions of years. The tree¡¯s heart within its trunk is a type of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object.]

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t quite understand.

    A tree¡¯s heart? This could also be a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object?

    The system¡¯s exnation was precise and thorough.

    [Millions of years ago, this world¡¯s ambient qi was much denser than it is now. During that time, this type of wood-attribute Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object was produced. Later on, in order to protect itself, it attracted a seed, which grew beside it. When the seed grew into a tree, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object contained itself within the tree trunk. It became the tree¡¯s heart, and entered a symbiotic rtionship with the tree.]

    Gu Zuo understood.

    Knowing these things, matters would be easier to handle.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo thought of another question.

    [By the way, what is primal chaos? What are the Spirit-Martial Region and Uninhabited Region? Also, what do those numbers mean?]

    The system¡¯s answer was still meticulous.

    [Within the primal chaos, there are many worlds...]

    Amid the chaotic torrents of time and ever-changing storms of space, there were different worlds. The primal chaos was a type of hybridization between an indistinct and unknown power and spacetime itself. The numerous worlds were born from the primal chaos.

    The primal chaos was so vast that one couldn¡¯t see its edges. All worlds were contained within it, but they existed independently. A few worlds took the shape of spheres, some worlds were tndmasses, and there were still others that were strange and iprehensible. But there were no doubts that only one with life could be counted as a world within the primal chaos and possess a serial number.

    Within spacetime, the closer a world was to the center of the primal chaos, the smaller that world¡¯s numerical prefix. From the alphabetical designations of A to J, there was a total of ten prefixes. However, in actuality, these ten prefixes didn¡¯t represent ten regions. Instead, there were only two regions.

    These two regions were the Spirit-Martial Region and the Uninhabited Region, which was informally known as No Man¡¯s Land.

    The Spirit-Martial Region was close to the center of the primal chaos. The various worlds born within the spacetime of this region had rtively thick ambient qi, and the highest realm that martial artists cultivated was also higher. Martial artists cultivated the path of martial arts, and pharmacists cultivated the path of spirituality. Naturally, it was collectively known as the Spirit-Martial Region. It included seven serial number prefixes. In almost every numbered world, all living beings hadplete evolutions and fixed forms ¡ª Especially those approaching the shape of humans. As for the reason why the remaining three prefixed areas were treated as No Man¡¯s Land, it was due to the thinness of the worlds¡¯ ambient qi in this region of spacetime. Although there were many numbered worlds that had produced living beings, these creatures weren¡¯t necessarily sapient. And even if they were sapient, they didn¡¯t necessarily have human-like bodies.

    For example, take the world where Gu Zuo resided. Its numerical prefix rankedst. In other words, this world was at the edge of the primal chaos. It practically received barely any gifts of chaos ¡ª This referred to the ambient qi. As a result, the martial arts in this world had deteriorated to such an extent.

    The great majority of this world¡¯s people walked along another path of science and technology. Moreover, this path also lead to the primal chaos, which was within the so-called universe. However, amid countless searches, they never found the existence of any ¡°alien lifeforms¡±. This was enough to prove that, among so many serial numbers, a world as lucky as this one was truly too rarely seen.

    After learning all of this, Gu Zuo let out a sigh: ¡°Being capable of sending us through so much spacetime, this Void-Breaking Shuttle is really amazing.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, you should let this thing recognize an owner as soon as possible.¡±

    Gu Zuo had no objections whatsoever.

    [System, there won¡¯t be any problems having it recognize an owner with a drop of blood, right?]

    The system¡¯s answer was straightforward.

    [After a drop of blood, it needs to be refined with psychic power.]

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 422 - Refining the Void-Breaking Shuttle

    <h4>Chapter 422 - Refining the Void-Breaking Shuttle</h4>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved. Then, a weaver shuttle that was one inch long appeared in his hand. Its entire body was a silvery-gray color. Although it had already shrunk to this extent, it still gave others a mysterious feeling ¡ª Now, he realized that this type of mysterious feeling stemmed from the sensation of spacetime.

    To be honest, he greatly admired the Xiao n for being able to obtain this kind of object.

    It was just that...he didn¡¯t understand why it wasn¡¯t enough to use a drop of blood to refine it. Why did he need to use his psychic power, too?

    [Spirit weapons are defined as weapons with spirituality, and they are generally divided into grades ording to the spirituality. Basic use only requires shallow refinement with internal qi, but it is easy to be snatched away by someone else. Thus, it can be further refined by using a drop of blood. Normally, a spirit weapon refined in this manner can be ced inside one¡¯s qi ocean to be nurtured. However, even if thepatibility with the owner is rtively high, after being taken by a martial artist whose internal qi realm far exceeds that of the owner, any traces of the previous refinement will be erased, which will allow its use. Damage to the spirit weapon will not cause harm the owner.

    [Now, it can be refined even further with one¡¯s own life and heart¡¯s blood. After refining, this kind of spirit weapon is ced within a martial artist¡¯s qi ocean and nurtured for a long time. At this point, thepatibility with the owner will be at the highest level. Through nurturing and increasing the owner¡¯s strength, it can also improve its own product rank. The result of this improvement depends on the owner¡¯s strength and the spirit weapon¡¯s aptitude. Unless the owner dies, it cannot be snatched away. However, damage to the spirit weapon will cause harm to the owner. With the first two methods of refinement, the spirit weapon can be exchanged at any time. But a life-bound, natal spirit weapon cannot be exchanged. One qi ocean can only amodate one natal spirit weapon.]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    He had a rough understanding of these things, but never to such a meticulous degree.

    Though, the system still didn¡¯t say anything about using psychic power for refinement.

    [The aforementioned are the methods martial artists use to refine spirit weapons. However, spirit weapons are not only suitable for martial artists. They are also suitable for pharmacists. As far as pharmacists are concerned, internal qi can only be used to refine medicine and maintain one¡¯s own long lifespan. It cannot be used to take action externally with martial skills. Therefore, there is a big difference in the refinement of spirit weapons between pharmacists and martial artists.

    [Pharmacists cannot use the vast majority of spirit weapons, but there are a small portion that can be utilized. For this portion of spirit weapons, a type of refining material known as Galvanized White Iron is incorporated during the forging process. It is just that Galvanized White Iron conflicts with most refining materials. As a result, there are very few spirit weapons suitable for pharmacists. When a pharmacist refines a spirit weapon, the simple recognition of an owner with a drop of blood can only aplish a shallow level of utilization. Normally, this method is used for refining defensive-type spirit weapons. And if one wants to haveplete control over a spirit weapon, they must simultaneously inject their psychic power, and stamp their own psychic brand onto the spirit weapon. Afterwards, the spirit weapon will be ced inside their own Tianfu Acupoint and nurtured for a long time with psychic power, which will gradually improve the tacit understanding between the pharmacist and spirit weapon.

    [The more powerful the spirit weapon is, the harder it will be topletely refine it. However, so long as the pharmacist¡¯s psychic power is strong enough, the Tianfu Acupoint can amodate multiple spirit weapons. These are not considered natal spirit weapons, per se. However, after refining, they will automatically be prioritized ording to their own strengths and weaknesses. The more powerful a spirit weapon is, the closer it will be to the center of the Tianfu Acupoint.]

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he gained a better understanding.

    Based on this, pharmacists really had very few choices for spirit weapons... He thought about it again. Back then, he obtained that ck cloak from the Tomb of the Human King. It was said to be mysterious and powerful. Not even Human King Yan Ruo was able to dig out all of its secrets. Previously, he had only shallowly refined the cloak. As such, should he use his psychic power for further refining so it could be stored and nurtured in his Tianfu Acupoint?

    Gu Zuo suddenly asked.

    [Can the Void-Breaking Shuttle only be refined by a pharmacist?]

    The system¡¯s answer was swift.

    [A martial artist also possesses mental power. As one of the refining materials, Galvanized White Iron will not negatively affect the martial artist¡¯s refining process. However, while there are extremely few spirit weapons that can only produce the best effects after being refined by a pharmacist and controlled with psychic power, the Void-Breaking Shuttle is not included among them.]

    Gu Zuo understood.

    Yes. Although the Xiao n had that soul pill pharmacist, their true inheritance wasn¡¯t the path of medicine refinement. Since the Void-Breaking Shuttle was left behind, it was clear that this thing could be used by martial artists!

    At this time, Gu Zuo turned his head, and looked at Gongyi Tianheng.

    There was a smile on Tianheng¡¯s face.

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed.

    Just a moment ago, he was chattering with the system for so long. Meanwhile, he had been ignoring his big brother on the side the entire time...

    Hence, Gu Zuo told Tianheng about his conversation with the system. After that, he said: ¡°Big brother, it would be for the best that you refine the Void-Breaking Shuttle. It won¡¯t be particrly useful if it¡¯s given to me. On the contrary, when big brother is out adventuring, if you encounter danger, you can control the Void-Breaking Shuttle to save yourself.¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianheng shook his head: ¡°The Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s might is boundless. If it¡¯s going to be refined, it must be refined into a natal spirit weapon topletely control it. As far as I¡¯m concerned, any natal spirit weapon should bepatible with the attributes of my qi oceans, and I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯s not suitable. If it¡¯s refined by Ah Zuo, there won¡¯t be anything to worry about.¡±

    Gu Zuo was conflicted: ¡°If I encounter danger, I can escape into the Divine Medicine Pce Hall...¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Nevertheless, Ah Zuo will have something he canpletely control to protect himself. This elder brother will feel reassured.¡±

    ¡ª It was obvious that this object would be desperately fought over among martial artists, but between these two people, it was being pushed back and forth. Both of them were thinking about the other¡¯s safety and wellbeing.

    Gu Zuo heard the words of his dear big brother. Naturally, his heart felt sweet and happy. Moreover, he also understood his big brother¡¯s meaning. Tianheng still didn¡¯t particrly trust the system that much.

    This wasn¡¯t surprising. While Gu Zuo had long guessed what the system was, when all was said and done, it hadn¡¯t been confirmed. Although, when it came to himself, he actually trusted the system quite a bit. He could have conversations in his consciousness at the drop of a hat, but big brother couldn¡¯t hear them. With big brother¡¯s nature, it was normal for him not to trust the system, right?

    Thinking along these lines, Gu Zuo was a little gloomy.

    If big brother could hear his conversations with the system, that would be great.

    Hence, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but talk to the system.

    [Is it possible for big brother to listen to our conversations, too? Or maybe, he can directly join in?]

    The system¡¯s voice was steady and t.

    [The guardian contract has already upgraded to Life and Death Companions. It can be done.]

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Then, why didn¡¯t the system bring it up just a while ago, and let him waste so much time to pass everything along?!

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath. After that, he turned his head: ¡°Big brother, the system told me that we can simultaneouslymunicate with it now.¡±

    Tianheng slightly raised an eyebrow: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo had a deadpan expression.

    [System, how should it be done?]

    At the exact same time, the system¡¯s voice didn¡¯t only resound inside Gu Zuo¡¯s mind, it also echoed within Tianheng¡¯s mind as well.

    [In the future, should the host allow it, three people can hold a simultaneous conversation.]

    Tianheng perceived the voice transmitted in his mind. His gaze darkened slightly.

    [System?]

    The system¡¯s voice was still rigid and inflexible.

    [The host¡¯s big brother. Greetings.]

    Gu Zuo silently wiped the sweat off his forehead.

    It was fine as long as the system didn¡¯t say ¡°the host¡¯s patron¡±...

    Tianheng smiled.

    [In the future, I¡¯ll have to ask the system to give plenty of advice.]

    This time, the system didn¡¯t answer to any questions.

    It just made a sound. It seemed to only be for the sake of showing its presence, and to indicate that it could indeed talk to them... That was all.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice also appeared.

    [Big brother, you can refine the Void-Breaking Shuttle now, right?]

    Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo over, and pinched his cheek.

    [No. It¡¯s still Ah Zuo who¡¯s going to refine it.]

    After Gu Zuo was pinched, he covered his cheek: ¡°...¡±

    Previously, it didn¡¯t matter if he was treated like a child and his cheeks were pinched all the time. But weren¡¯t they already dating now? Why was big brother still pinching him?

    He felt slightly more gloomy.

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo who was angry, but didn¡¯t voice his grievances. He couldn¡¯t help finding this amusing. He ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and raised another question in his consciousness.

    [How much psychic power is necessary to refine the Void-Breaking Shuttle? Are there any dangers for Ah Zuo to refine it with his psychic power?]

    This time around, the system responded.

    [Psychic powers of the Nurturing Psyche Realm and above can refine the Void-Breaking Shuttle. To avoid the situation of an inadequate supply, the host can keep on hand wondrous medicines that can replenish psychic power. Just as a precaution.]

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    This wasn¡¯t a problem at all.

    In that case...he would start refining now.

    During the actual refining process, it wasn¡¯t going to be that difficult.

    Whether it was the path of martial arts or the path of spirituality, when recognizing an owner with a drop of blood, the purer the blood used, the closer the connection with the spirit weapon.

    As a result, what Gu Zuo squeezed out was a drop of heart¡¯s blood.

    And the instant he forced out the drop of heart¡¯s blood, hisplexion turned a shade paler.

    The heart¡¯s blood dripped onto the Void-Breaking Shuttle. Almost instantly, ayer of silvery-white radiance appeared on the shuttle. These rays of light seemed to ripple. In a split second, the heart¡¯s blood waspletely absorbed. The shuttle was dyed with fine lines of blood, which criss-crossed into a circuit-likework that enveloped the entire Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    Right at this time, the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows heated up, and a wisp of pure psychic power erupted. It simrly fell onto the Void-Breaking Shuttle. In the blink of an eye, the psychic power was continuously injected into the blood circuitry. Little by little, the entire Void-Breaking Shuttle was encapsted.

    The moment thework of blood circuits appeared, Gu Zuo could already sense a faint bloodline connection with the Void-Breaking Shuttle. And once the psychic power permeated andbined with the blood circuitry, that feeling wasn¡¯t just a bloodline connection. Instead, it was like the shuttle had assimted within his psychic power. It became a slightly protruding and craggy cobblestone that formed whirlpools and eddies in the long river of his psychic power.

    It was obvious that, as his psychic power continuously umted and developed, this ¡°cobblestone¡± would be reshaped until it was iparably smooth and round. After a period of time passed, it would be a portion of his psychic power that fitted perfectly together.

    Atst, Gu Zuo opened his eyes. A spirited light blossomed within his gaze.

    It was also at this moment that a psychic brand, which belonged exclusively to Gu Zuo, firmly pressed onto the core of the Void-Breaking Shuttle!

    At this time, Gu Zuo gained an extreme understanding of the shuttle. Whether it was how to control it, how to replenish its energy, or what its special properties were, everything was clear to him.

    As it turned out, although the Void-Breaking Shuttle was a spirit weapon that straddled the paths of spirituality and martial arts, and both sides could refine it, because it bore the spacetime attribute, it required at least a Cosmic Realm martial artist to truly be capable of piloting it.

    This was also why ordinary spirit weapons only needed internal qi to be poured into them, but the Void-Breaking Shuttle still needed its energy replenished. With only Gu Zuo and Tianheng, these two people, their internal qi ranks definitely weren¡¯t adequate!

    To put it simply, it was because Cosmic Realms and above needed to use source crystals to cultivate. The energy they utilized was also source energy. As a result, even treasured crystals were barely enough to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle. Therefore, they needed the source sand to make up the deficiency.

    Moreover, for this trip back to the other world, because the energies of the treasured crystals and source sand weren¡¯t enough to totally stimte the Void-Breaking Shuttle, and they would also use the added support of the iplete five-elements cycle of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, the trip would certainly be incredibly dangerous...

    At this point, Gu Zuo truly understood all the reasons for the rmendations given by the system.

    Once Gu Zuo finished refining the Void-Breaking Shuttle, Tianheng watched it grow to be a little more than a foot long. He asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, how is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°It¡¯s refined.¡± He mentioned all the discoveries just now, and said, ¡°However, I still can¡¯t distinguish the Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s rank. I can only vaguely sense that the spirituality within the shuttle¡¯s core is dormant, and I can¡¯t make any judgments. However, since it needs a Cosmic Realm to be used, the lowest it should be is a heaven-level spirit weapon. Its spirituality should also be eighty percent or above.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, you can nurture it first.¡±

    Gu Zuo heeded these words. His thoughts moved, and the Void-Breaking Shuttle was ced inside his Tianfu Acupoint.

    Following this, Tianheng spoke: ¡°Matters shouldn¡¯t be dyed. Ah Zuo, you¡¯ll stay here to take care of Uncle Zhao. I¡¯ll go to that tropical rainforest to retrieve that Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused. Shortly thereafter, he nodded his head: ¡°In that case, have a safe trip, big brother.¡±

    Although he also wanted to take a look, his father¡¯s health was more important. He trusted that Tianheng would bring back the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object without any problems.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 423 - Badly Damaged Emperor Weapon

    <h4>Chapter 423 - Badly Damaged Emperor Weapon</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng soon departed.

    He travelled when it was nighttime because it would be the most convenient for him to hasten the journey while under the cover of darkness. He didn¡¯t need to rely on other modes of transportation, and he was faster than ordinarymercial airnes.

    After one or two hours passed, he smoothly arrived at that tropical rainforest.

    In this ce, Tianheng could sense that the ambient qi was somewhat denser than outside.

    Among the few big cities he passed by, he could clearly tell that a lot of pollution was discharged into the atmosphere. As a result, the ambient qi was dispersed, and it was only a matter of course that the concentration would go down.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t think too much about it as his figure shed ahead. He already entered this dense forest.

    The area this tropical rainforest upied was incredibly vast, but it wasn¡¯t bigger than the various woods that sprawled across his own world. Also, while the animals that existed in this rainforest came in fantastic shapes and sizes, in terms of the degree of danger, they also couldn¡¯tpare to those capable wild beasts.

    Consequently, this rainforest was fraught with death and danger for countless people, but for Tianheng, he travelled through it like he was strolling down an ordinary road. There was nothing that could obstruct him.

    This extended to the innumerable ferocious beasts that lived in seclusion within this rainforest. After Tianheng released a trace of imposing aura, these animals had long perceived that this human would be hard to provoke. They didn¡¯t dare emerge from their dens at all, and could only let him move freely.

    Step by step, Tianheng approached the center of the tropical rainforest.

    The deeper he went, the denser and lusher the trees.

    If it was said that the outeryer showed assional traces of humanity, then in this ce, those traces became increasingly few in number. It was to the point that one could only asionally see the footprints of wild animals, the sheddings of fur, and the bloodstains after battle.

    Tianheng walked and walked. All of a sudden, his expression became somewhat subtle.

    From here, he could already see that enormous tree in the rainforest¡¯s core region, but it wasn¡¯t that much taller than the other trees ¡ª It was probably afraid that, if it was too tall, it would be easily discovered by humanity? On the contrary, its trunk was very thick. Although, while it would take quite a few people to wrap their arms around the trunk, this tree¡¯s broadness also didn¡¯t exceed this forest¡¯s conventional limits.

    What went beyond Tianheng¡¯s expectations was that this ce was too normal.

    As everyone knew, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects were good things that were beloved by heaven and earth. After long periods of time, they usually developed rather powerful spiritualities. Each of them also had different natures and special characteristics. However, no matter what kind of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object, they all umted enormous amounts of energy in their bodies. As a result, in the ces where they resided, the things in the surroundings would be nourished by the energies that radiated from them.

    Thus, these lucky things would undergo certain mutations, directly evolve to possess simr energies, or obtain certain benefits due to the radiated energy... However, this ce had none of these signs.

    The distribution of various nts waspletely in line withmon sense, and it could be seen that they were growing within the normal limits of maturation. In other words, these nts were never nourished by the energy given off by this Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object.

    One needed to know that this ce¡¯s Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object was of the wood attribute. If its energy radiated outwards, and there was vegetation in the surroundings, the nt-life would¡¯ve obtained enough advantages to grow thick and robust, gain even longer lifespans, develop beneficial mutations, and even produce all sorts of herbs with powerful medicinal properties. All of these things were possible.

    However, there really was nothing.

    This could only be the result of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object¡¯s conscious self-control. To be capable of aplishing this to such a degree, should it be said that this spiritual object understood the principle of no wastage, or should it be said that...it was too stingy?

    Tianheng faintly shook his head. Shortly thereafter, he took a step forward. He was already standing in front of that enormous tree.

    His palm lightly pressed against the tree trunk. Suddenly, a streak of profound qi permeated the wood. Sure enough, the moment hebed through the vascture of the giant tree, he also discovered the thing bundled up inside the cavity of the tree. There was a lump of spiritual substance that was emitting a powerful repelling force.

    There were no doubts. Such concentrated wood-attribute energy was certainly the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object!

    Currently, the spiritual object was inside the core of the tree. If one wanted to obtain it, the tree had to be cut open first. However, since it had formidable spirituality, there was a chance that it would attack. As a result, before knowing the attitude of this Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object, it was better to maintain some careful vignce.

    Tianheng¡¯s thoughts turned. His fingers straightened out into an open palm with his thumb tucked in. Then, in a smooth chopping motion, he shed down at the tree trunk ¡ª

    In a split second, the tree trunk was cleaved into two halves, revealing a tree-like container that looked like abination of a wasp nest and wooden egg.

    However, one wouldn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. After reaching this stage where the tree trunk was gone, that Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object still didn¡¯t leak a trace of energy!

    This spiritual object had reduced its presence to such an extent. How amazing...

    After shaking his head, Tianheng extended his hand again. He was going to cut open that wooden egg.

    At this moment, the spiritual object finally reacted!

    In just an instant, the surrounding flowers, grasses, and trees stretched out their branches, leaves, and other appendages all at once. Acting with one mind, the vegetation smashed towards Tianheng like a pelting shower!

    The roaring winds that were generated from the onught seemed mighty, and the strength in those whipping branches was extraordinary.

    Yet&#k2026;

    These were ordinary trees and nts. Since they weren¡¯t nourished by the spiritual object¡¯s energy, their physical forms weren¡¯tparable to the materials of spirit weapons. How could they cause any harm to Tianheng?

    It was to the point that he didn¡¯t even have to deliberately block. He only needed to discharge his qi energy, which sent a vibration through the surroundings ¡ª

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    All of those ¡°attacks¡± that hurtled over were shattered by the vibration, and fell to the ground in tattered heaps.

    It had to be said that the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object¡¯s so-called resistance was truly like child¡¯s y in Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    Tianheng kept moving. His fingertips shed that wooden container, exposing the thing inside.

    The moment the wooden container was split open, a st of surging wood-attribute energy assailed the senses. It was so dense that it caused the remaining vegetation in the surroundings to shudder in delight. Countless nts grew wildly, and spread out in a sh. In the depths of this rainforest, which was already overgrown, vines intertwined, branches rose toward the sky, slender stalks of grass flourished, and flower petals constantly fluttered down. The area had transformed into an unbelievable sight!

    At this time, Tianheng had just cut open the wooden container, and slowly scooped out the contents with both hands ¡ª This was a transparent, ovr object. It was as smooth and beautiful as a piece of green jade, and it carried the rich fragrance of verdant foliage. Its interior seemed to contain a bubble of green liquid that nurtured a jade spring. Under the glow of the moon, it sparkled with flowing, pearlescent light. It presented an unusual type of elegance.

    ...One couldn¡¯t help but say that all Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects were extremely beautiful.

    This Jade Tree Heart was no exception.

    Tianheng¡¯s luck was also pretty good. Although this Jade Tree Heart was born in a world with extremely thin ambient qi, its attribute was perfectly bnced between yin and yang. It was incredibly useful to him.

    Lying quietly in Tianheng¡¯s hand, the Jade Tree Heart was releasing waves of aggrieved and intive thoughts. It seemed very fearful of Tianheng, and was constantly pleading for something.

    Sure enough, its spirituality was much stronger than that of the past few Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects.

    Tianheng looked at this object, and faintly smiled: ¡°It hasn¡¯t been easy for you to grow up in this ce. I don¡¯t want to take everyst piece of you for refining. I only need half. Now, if you can understand my words, and voluntarily divide yourself into two pieces, I¡¯ll take away one of them. If you pretend that you can¡¯t understand me in the next three seconds, I will split you apart myself. At that time, if I inadvertently cause you any harm, please don¡¯t me me.¡±

    The Jade Tree Heart let out a series of emotions.

    Unwillingness, depression, heartache... Its mood was quiteplicated.

    However, Tianheng wasn¡¯t going to give up on his desire of returning to the other world and healing himself because of itsplicated feelings. It was also because this Jade Tree Heart¡¯s spirituality was rather strong that he intentionally asked it to divide on its own. Otherwise, he might simply take it all away.

    The Jade Tree Heart seemed to hesitate for a long while. It wasn¡¯t until the corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled up and his finger lightly swiped down, as if he was about to cut it open himself, that the Jade Tree Heart¡¯s surface was suffused with ayer of glimmering radiance. Amid these rays of light, a crack suddenly appeared in the middle of it. Immediately following which, the crack grew bigger and bigger. After a few seconds, the Jade Tree Heart became two nearly identical lumps.

    ...And why would they be ¡°nearly¡± identical?

    With Tianheng¡¯s eyesight, he could promptly tell that, among the Jade Tree Heart¡¯s two lumps, one was fifty-one percent and the other was forty-nine percent. Between them, there was a difference in mass of two percent.

    Two percent naturally wasn¡¯t much. It was just that it definitely wasn¡¯t divided equally.

    Following this, one lump of the Jade Tree Heart bounced forward, and the other bounced backward.

    It wasn¡¯t outside his expectations that the lump bouncing forward, the one given to Tianheng, was the lump that had a mass of forty-nine percent.

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression slightly stilled.

    Unexpectedly, he had been hit with a ¡°discount¡±. This thing truly knew how to calcte.

    However, Tianheng wasn¡¯t going to get into a dispute with the Jade Tree Heart over such a small matter. Although it was one percent less than the stipted half, the difference of one percent was very small. It wouldn¡¯t negatively affect this lump of the Jade Tree Heart that appeared.

    He made a careful inspection. After finding that the Jade Tree Heart was indeed useable, he put the forty-nine percent lump into the spatial bangle. As for the fifty-one percent lump, he casually tossed it away. It wasn¡¯t within his concerns anymore.

    After the fifty-one percent of the Jade Tree Heart finally expressed its reluctance to part from the ¡°half¡± it lost, the lump immediately bounced back onto the tree that had been split apart.

    Immediately following which, the Jade Tree Heart¡¯s surface glimmered with an unusually weak and soft light. Under this soft light, the toppled halves of the tree slowly straightened up, and the previous split rapidly closed and healed at speeds visible to the naked eye. It was like the tree never suffered any damage at all.

    Tianheng silently perceived the area for a moment.

    Apart from that bit of soft light, no energy had overflowed whatsoever... Off to the side, those flowers, grasses, and trees that were exploited by the Jade Tree Heart seemed to ¡°die of old age¡±.

    Through the wood of that enormous tree, that lump of the Jade Tree Heart conveyed a type of thought like it was shooing him away. Tianheng shook his head, and departed with quick steps. Before leaving, he slightly urged his own lump of the Jade Tree Heart to release a streak of power. It transformed into a green mist, which settled as a ring in the surroundings. Soon after, he turned around and left.

    As for whether this power could let those nts that lost their life force recover somewhat, itpletely depended on their luck...

    When he first arrived at the rainforest, the sky was dark. As he went back, because Tianheng¡¯s speed of handling matters was fast enough, it still wasn¡¯t dawn yet. Mobilizing his own strength, he travelled even faster than when he came, and quickly returned to Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    At this time, Gu Zuo was still waiting for him in the living room. Seeing that Tianheng hade back, his eyes shined: ¡°Big brother, did you get the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Fortunately, I didn¡¯t let you down.¡±

    Gu Zuo let out a long sigh of relief: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then there won¡¯t be any problems going back to the Central Continent.¡±

    Indeed. After everything was ounted for and their affairs were settled, they could leave this world and return to the Central Continent at any time!

    Shortly thereafter, the gazes of the two fell upon a certain room.

    The light inside the room was shining brightly. Zhao Ji and Gu Qi hadn¡¯t gone to sleep yet.

    Ever since the start of Zhao Ji¡¯s treatment, besides Gu Qi who asionally fell asleep from exhaustion, Gu Zuo and Tianheng mostly sat in meditation and cultivated. They never truly rested. Because Zhao Ji¡¯s recuperation and treatment was currently at a critical period, they had to keep watch at all times to avoid any sudden problems with Zhao Ji.

    As for Gu Qi, he provided support whenever possible. If Zhao Ji woke up, he would feed Zhao Ji a bowl of medicine. Currently, he was telling him a story from their past.

    Gu Zuo sighed, and spoke to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, should I refine the cloak I got from the Tomb of the Human King back then?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°Ah Zuo intends to use psychic power to conduct the refinement?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°At that time, I simply used a drop of blood to get it to recognize an owner. Now that I¡¯ve refined the Void-Breaking Shuttle, I still seem to have some energy left over. Even Human King Yan Ruo couldn¡¯t fully understand it. Maybe it has even more amazing functions?¡±

    Tianheng pondered for a moment, and faintly nodded his head: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are quite reasonable.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Wait until I¡¯ve refined it. If it really has anything special, big brother can refine his own into a natal spirit weapon ¡ª Maybe the cloak¡¯s attribute will be verypatible? In any case, big brother has six qi oceans. For other people, they¡¯ll only have one natal spirit weapon their whole lives, but big brother can have six.¡±

    Tianheng heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words, and his heart felt greatfort. He couldn¡¯t help lowering his head toy a gentle kiss between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows. After that, he smiled and said: ¡°As you wish.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes. He covered his forehead, and stumbled back a step.

    Soon after, a pitch-ck cloak appeared in front of him, obscuring his entire figure... The extremely gentle and soft expression in Tianheng¡¯s eyes was also blocked.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing. His voice was soft: ¡°Ah Zuo, you can refine with peace of mind. This elder brother won¡¯t bother you.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave a muffled grunt in affirmation. Afterwards, he cautiously stretched out his hand from under the cloak, waved it, and retracted it again.

    Following this, a powerful st of psychic power erupted. It fell onto this cloak, and swiftly prated into the surface. Not long after, ayer of ck light appeared on the cloak. The brilliance continuously rose and swelled like a river.

    Gu Zuo detected that a terrifyingly strong attractive force was constantly absorbing his psychic power inside. In a short period of time, it was almost like he was about to lose control.

    Gradually, Gu Zuo felt a little agitation in his heart.

    He wasn¡¯t going to be sucked dry, was he? Just a while ago, not even the Void-Breaking Shuttle was this outrageous!

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion slowly turned deathly white. He could sense that, becauserge quantities of his psychic power were being extracted, that nurtured psychic core within his Tianfu Acupoint was slightly shaking at this moment. It seemed that if this continued, cracks would split open due to overuse, and his spiritual path realm would fall!

    Urgency surged in his heart. Gu Zuo promptly summoned a stalk of wondrous medicine that could replenish psychic power. He swiftly plucked a leaf, and swallowed it. In the blink of an eye, a wisp of mild psychic power rapidly supplemented his drying Tianfu Acupoint. It was absorbed by his nurtured psychic core, and stopped its impending copse just in time. However, because that cloak was continuously absorbing psychic power, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate to consume another leaf. This barely made up for the cloak¡¯s rate of absorption. Following this, he ate quite a few more leaves in session until he swallowed a total of seven leaves. The cloaked seemed to have finally eaten its fill.

    After trembling and shining with a deep, ck light, Gu Zuo sensed that it had also integrated into the long river of his psychic power. It became another ¡°cobblestone¡± with its own craggy edges and corners.

    At the same time, numerous pieces of information poured into Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    Gu Zuo sucked in a cold breath: ¡°B-big brother!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyesight was still blocked by that cloak, but he had been paying attention on the side the entire time because of the fluctuations of Gu Zuo¡¯s qi emissions. Merely, he didn¡¯t rashly intervene. Now that he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s call, he naturally shed to Gu Zuo¡¯s side: ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ah Zuo?¡±

    As soon as the words came out of his mouth, he saw Gu Zuo¡¯s body swaying. Hence, he didn¡¯t have enough time to ask in detail. He gathered Gu Zuo into his arms first.

    Gu Zuo gasped, and stammered out the rest of his words: ¡°B-big brother! This thing is a badly damaged...¡±

    Tianheng stared nkly.

    A badly damaged what?

    Atst, Gu Zuo seemed to collect himself somewhat. He finished saying: ¡°...A badly damaged emperor weapon!¡±

    Tianheng paused: ¡°Emperor weapon?¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath. He finally calmed down: ¡°Right. It¡¯s an emperor weapon.¡±

    After he refined the cloak, he learned lots of shocking information. He said: ¡°Big brother, as it turns out, above heaven-level spirit weapons, there are emperor weapons. Also, heaven-level spirit weapons with ny-nine percent spirituality are called false emperor weapons.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s brows faintly furrowed: ¡°False emperor weapons have ny-nine percent spirituality. So to be an emperor weapon, it needs one hundred percent spirituality? This threshold should also have some kind of special transformation.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Big brother¡¯s guess is very close to the truth.¡± He continued, ¡°That¡¯s right. The higher the level of the spirit weapon, the stronger its spirituality, and the more powerful its consciousness. If it¡¯s said that, when the spirituality is low, its consciousness is ignorant and it can only rely on instincts to react, then when the spirituality is high, the greater the consciousness, and the smoother it canmunicate with the spirit weapon¡¯s owner. In addition, the spirit weapon¡¯s spirituality can also manifestter on!¡±

    Tianheng caught the important point: ¡°Manifest?¡±

    Gu Zuo answered: ¡°Correct. The spirit weapon¡¯s spirituality will manifest a virtual image based on its own willpower, attribute, and so on. Some are animals, a few are nts, and many are often human-shaped. However, without exception, the image of a spirit weapon¡¯s manifestation is a sapient lifeform.¡±

    In fact, when he first learned about these things, he almost felt that this was basically the same as an old artifact gaining a soul! Especially those types that took on human forms.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved: ¡°The differences of emperor weapons should lie in...their sapience?¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but immediately say: ¡°Just so!¡± He became somewhat excited, ¡°When all is said and done, spirit weapons are only weapons. Even if it¡¯s ny-nine percent spirituality, they may have their own consciousness, but they can¡¯t necessarilyprehend or ponder. Their actions still mostly rely on instinct. But once they be emperor weapons, those with stronger spirituality can even change their virtual images into physical bodies. At this time, it can¡¯t be called spirituality. Instead, it¡¯s the spirit of the emperor weapon.

    ¡°At this point, the spirit of an emperor weapon possesses the same level of sapience as humans. Also, not only do they still have their own temperaments, they¡¯re capable of evolvingplete personalities, and they can act independently. Of course, they still have to listen to the words of the emperor weapon¡¯s owner, but they won¡¯t follow blindly. On the contrary, there are certain times when they advise the owner.¡±

    Listening up to here, although Tianheng was cool-headed, his eyes couldn¡¯t help flickering with a trace of zing passion.

    Sure enough, people would long for emperor weapons!

    Soon after, Gu Zuo let out another sigh: ¡°It¡¯s only a pity that the emperor weapon I obtained is already badly damaged. Moreover, its roots have been knocked down a rank. With its current state, it can only be said to be a heaven-level spirit weapon. However, it¡¯s also fortunate that it had been knocked down to this degree. As a result, my psychic power was able to refine it. Otherwise, even though I have wondrous medicines that can replenish psychic power, I still might¡¯ve been sucked dry.¡±

    Originally, Gu Zuo had just refined one heaven-level spirit weapon, the Void-Breaking Shuttle. Now that he went to refine another one, it would naturally be somewhat strenuous. What was even more fraudulent was that this heaven-level spirit weapon had fallen from an emperor weapon. It possessed a type of pride that ordinary spirit weapons didn¡¯t have. If someone wanted topletely refine it, how could it be done without paying for it in blood?!

    This was what led to Gu Zuo¡¯s current appearance...

    Tianheng calmed his own state of mind: ¡°What was this badly damaged emperor weapon called when it was once intact?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°Its name was quite majestic. It was called the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia.¡±

    When he initially learned of the name, he really choked for moment. Gu Zuo felt that it was too unbridled and arrogant: ¡°Back then, it was severely injured. The spirit of the emperor weapon was already scattered, and the remnant spirituality attached itself to this cloak, allowing it to retain its status as a spirit weapon. However, if we want to find a way to improve its spirituality, then a new spirit of the emperor weapon might be born from the remaining spirituality. At that time, the emperor weapon can be restored.¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head: ¡°Whatever the case may be, restoring an emperor weapon will be much easier than evolving a heaven-level spirit weapon. In the future, if we can find a way, we can give it our best try.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded back: ¡°I was thinking along the same lines. Originally, this cloak was really powerful. It consisted of two pieces. One for a martial artist, and another for a pharmacist. Among them, the pharmacist was the mainponent, and the martial artist was the auxiliary. During the refinement process, regardless of which piece, so long as the pharmacistpletely refines one, the martial artist can refine the other at will ¡ª However, this is under the premise that there¡¯s a guardian contract between the martial artist and pharmacist.¡±

    Tianheng was startled.

    This was truly...coincidental.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 424 - The End of the Zhao Family

    <h4>Chapter 424 - The End of the Zhao Family</h4>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up slightly.

    There was something else he didn¡¯t mention. After refining the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia, he learned this cloak¡¯s inside information ¡ª In the beginning, it was originally refined by an extremely powerful martial artist to safeguard the one he loved. That beloved person was also a pharmacist, and the martial artist was that pharmacist¡¯s guardian.

    It was precisely because of this that the the cloak mainly recognized a pharmacist as the owner, and just so happened to have these requirements.

    In addition, when the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia was initially refined, it was at the heaven level. Later on, due to the pair of lovers¡¯ continuous nurturing, it was elevated to an emperor weapon. Once those lovers perished, the regalia was ownerless, and after it was heavily wounded, its product rank dropped. Afterwards, it passed through many people¡¯s hands. Among those owners, it was bundled up with Human King Yan Ruo and her lover. It was just that neither of them were pharmacists. And since the pair were both martial artists, they weren¡¯t able to get it to recognize an owner together. Naturally, it also wasn¡¯t able to truly recover.

    Gu Zuo felt that it really was destiny that these two cloaks had fallen into their hands.

    Most of all, when the cloaks were obtained, he and big brother were only as close as biological brothers. Now, they had already entered...a dating rtionship.

    Wasn¡¯t this the same as giving them tailor-made matching outfits for a couple?

    A feeling of sweetness unexpectedly blossomed in his heart.

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t know about these things, but since the timing was appropriate, he simply took out his own cloak. For the second time, a drop of blood was used to recognize an owner ¡ª After all, the first instance was done too casually. This time around, Gu Zuo imed ownership in advance. If Tianheng used his blood to gain recognition for this cloak, there would certainly be a different change.

    Sure enough, it was unlike what happened when they imed ownership the first time. Once again, the cloak in Tianheng¡¯s hand revealed an unusual sight. In a short period, many beams of ck light emerged, and were absorbed by Tianheng.

    Immediately following which, just like Gu Zuo, Tianheng gained full control over his cloak.

    ...These things really were spirit weapons that had to be refined in the correct way before they could be fully controlled.

    After absorbing those pieces of information, Tianheng also realized the cloak¡¯s origins. His thoughts turned, and he understood the reason for Gu Zuo¡¯s slight abnormality just then.

    He couldn¡¯t help smiling, and his expression softened even more.

    Gu Zuo gave Tianheng a furtive look, and smeared his psychic power across the cloak. In a split second, the cloak transformed into a piece of outerwear, which was draped over his body: ¡°Big brother, this Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia is very useful.¡±

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    He simrly injected his profound qi inside. Suddenly, the cloak in his hand turned into a piece of outerwear that had the same design.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened.

    Tianheng liked what he saw, and couldn¡¯t help moving closer to kiss Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek.

    Gu Zuo buried his face in his hands: ¡°Big brother! I didn¡¯t mean this kind of use...¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face as he looked at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo held his breath. After a short while, he recovered from that state of mind, and spoke with a wooden expression: ¡°Previously, with that type of shallow refinement method, the abilities of the cloaks could only temporarily exhibit the strength of the Atomic Realm. It could cover one¡¯s facial features and qi emissions, briefly conceal the wearer¡¯s figure, as well as disy the defensive capability of resisting the attacks of opponents one realm higher than that of the user. However, after we had the cloaks recognize owners again, all of their uses are different.¡±

    He took a deep breath: ¡°Big brother, in any case, you need to be mindful...¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng had long taken note of these things. It was just that he found Gu Zuo¡¯s responses interesting, and couldn¡¯t help but tease him. Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is right.¡±

    In actuality, the abilities of the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia were truly formidable. Originally, it could be said that the extremely powerful martial artist thought of all aspects for the sake of their own lover.

    All of those abilities were evolved versions from the prior shallow refinement.

    First of all, let¡¯s discuss the temporarily disyed strength of the Atomic Realm. After refinement, the true ability was that martial artists and pharmacists below the Atomic Realm could manifest the strength of the Atomic Realm. Meanwhile, martial artists between the Atomic Realm and Cosmic Realm could briefly raise themselves by one rank. It was just that this kind of improvement was at the cost of burningrge amounts of internal qi or crystals. The time one could persevere was also the length of time before the physical body bearing this strength copsed.

    Generally speaking, the sturdier the foundations, the stronger the body of the martial artist, and the longer the length of time one couldst. When pharmacists disyed this ability, it didn¡¯t wear down the physical body. Instead, while it burned through internal qi or crystals, it also needed to consume psychic power.

    However, it had to be said that, if this type of ability was properly utilized, one could immediately turn things around during a moment of life and death!

    After this, there was the ability to mask one¡¯s appearance and qi emissions. After refinement, it was shown that the form of the cloak could be changed by injecting one¡¯s internal qi. At the same time, one only needed to expend a small portion of psychic power and internal qi to change their features, qi emissions, and body shape. The only limit was that the user couldn¡¯t disguise as someone of a higher realm, but disguising as someone of the same realm or lower was no problem. Simrly, the weaker the disguised form, the longer the duration of the effect.

    This ability was especially useful when encountering danger and fleeing for one¡¯s life.

    Though it wasn¡¯t pleasant on the ears, it was also particrly useful when one wanted to plot and scheme against others.

    The third ability was to briefly hide one¡¯s figure. After refining the cloak, this concealment was no longer temporary. Instead, a martial artist used up their internal qi and a pharmacist used up their internal qi and psychic power ¡ª As long as there was a bit remaining, they could hide themselves. Only when it waspletely spent would they be revealed. In addition, while they were hidden, so long as it was a martial artist below the Lesser Emperor Realm or a pharmacist below the mid-rank Spirit Psyche Realm, it would be impossible to see through this concealment.

    Likewise, the ability to safeguard the user¡¯s safety was exceptionally good.

    After refinement, the fourth ability¡¯s defense was strengthened enormously. When an opponent, whose realm was one rank higher than one¡¯s own,unched attacks, the defenses wouldn¡¯t consume too much internal qi or psychic power. However, the greater the difference in realms between the opponent and the user, the more energy would be consumed. If the difference was too unreasonable or one¡¯s realm was truly too low... Well, that defensive ability also had limits.

    Besides this, there was another ability that was the most important ¡ª Unless the cloak was refined with psychic power, this ability wouldn¡¯t appear.

    Power amplification.

    To put it simply, when a martial artist activated the cloak, this force could improve one¡¯s destructive power. When a pharmacist activated the cloak this force could improve one¡¯s psychic power.

    To make it a little simpler, if Tianheng wanted to attack someone, the destructive power of that move could be increased by two to ten times. As for how much the destructive power was multiplied, it depended on the degree of nurturedpatibility between Tianheng and the cloak. For the same reason, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power would also be multiplied during attacks.

    ¡ª When one thought about it, wasn¡¯t the reason why the cloaks were called the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia because, when one was covered by the cloak, not even the heavens could find them? Moreover, when worn to battle, couldn¡¯t a person fight madly to their heart¡¯s content?

    To be honest, when they ascertained the cloaks¡¯ abilities, whether it was Tianheng or Gu Zuo, they both felt that no matter how high the rank of the Void-Breaking Shuttle, it wasn¡¯t as practical as the cloaks.

    With the cloaks in their possession, the pair¡¯s survivability had risen by quite a few levels!

    Following this, Tianheng swiped a hand across the outerwear. In the blink of an eye, this piece of cloth shrank like flowing water. Unexpectedly, it quickly burrowed underneathyers of clothing. At the same time, there was a touch of soft, white skin revealed on Tianheng¡¯s neck. It was his cor area.

    He actually turned the form of the cloak into inner-wear?

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°This thing is rather useful, but it isn¡¯t appropriate to wear it on the outside. It¡¯s better to change it into inner armor, underclothes, and so on. Normally, it will only be used for defense. If we need to use it, the cloak can be mobilized with a thought.¡±

    Considering this, Gu Zuo also felt that this was reasonable. He followed along, and changed the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia into skin-tight clothing. Then, he stealthily transformed the underclothes to match his big brother¡¯s.

    Tianheng nced at him, and the edge of his lips carried a smiling expression.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo turned his head, and pretended he didn¡¯t see anything.

    It was a sleepless night for the two, and the sky would soon brighten.

    Gu Zuo straightforwardly brought out a medicinal cauldron, and prepared to refine medicine for his family¡¯s father once more ¡ª It wouldn¡¯t be long for the next soak.

    As for Tianheng, he lifted his foot, and walked to the study.

    Gu Zuo was a little puzzled.

    Immediately following which, he showed a strange expression.

    His big brother wasn¡¯t practicing martial arts. Unexpectedly...he went to the study to use theputer?

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo stretched out his psychic power. He didn¡¯t know what big brother was doing. Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be ying games, would he?

    After getting a clear look, he found out that his family¡¯s big brother really wasn¡¯t ying games. Rather, he was in the middle of checking some resources. And these resources all had information rted to Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. That website was quite peculiar. It seemed to be the type that was very secretive, and it looked like it had a lot to do with ancient martial arts. Perhaps, this was a website that big brother requested from those ancient martial artists?

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng lifted his head, bent his fingers, and lightly flicked them through the empty air like a lover¡¯s caress.

    The direction he ¡°flicked¡± towards was exactly where Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power extended.

    Such an intimate act caused Gu Zuo to blush. Afterwards, his psychic power also conveyed the feeling of intimacy, and abruptly withdrew.

    In any case, big brother probably had a lot of ns in mind for whatever he was doing. It was better to leave him to his work...

    On the other side of things.

    Once Tianheng browsed the inte for a while, he closed his eyes and pondered for a short period of time. His face showed a pensive expression.

    Soon after, he sat in meditation on the swivel chair. His fingers constantly shuttled back and forth, drawing out countless profound and mysterious trails.

    Some timeter, when Tianheng opened his eyes again, there were deep and clear spirited lights dancing in his pupils. He shot out, and immediately crushed the table on the right into powder!

    Immediately following which, he jumped out of the window,nded on the rooftop, and sat with his legs crossed.

    At this moment, the horizon began to glimmer. After a wisp of purple clouds flew over, faint reddish-gold rays of thread-like light rained down from high above like they were being pulled down from the heavens. These rays of light wrapped around Tianheng, swiftly entered his body, and werepletely absorbed into his qi oceans.

    It was just that, while these reddish-gold lights were unexpectedly pure, they were too faint. Although Tianheng¡¯s absorptive efforts were extremely great, the speed of absorption was truly slow...

    Inside the vi, Gu Zuo called out, and Gu Qi carried Zhao Ji out of the room.

    The current Gu Zuo and Gu Qi cooperated with tacit understanding. Once the bathtub was rapidly prepared, Gu Qi had already cleaned up Zhao Ji, and put him in the bathtub.

    Following this, Zhao Ji continuously shedded oldyers of skin while soaking in the medicinal decoction. His body was gradually improving...

    Time passed day by day.

    News on the Zhao Family was constantly passed along by the Tian Family.

    First of all, the alliance of the seven organizations sessfully caused the Zhao Family to suffer stumbling blocks. While nothing could be seen from one or two setbacks, after thebination of seven or eight stumbling blocks, a few of the Zhao Family¡¯s most profitable businesses were already having cash flow problems. All of their circting funds were depleted, they had no choice but to put up their fixed assets as coteral, and they had to take loans from the banks toplete several kinds of businesses.

    However, these businesses ultimately failed one after another, which caused the Zhao Family to lose everything they invested. Consequently, somepanies under the Zhao Family¡¯s banner had to dump their stocks in exchange forrge sums of money to fill in the deficit. At the same time, the seven organizations that had been observing the Zhao Family for a long time swiftly seized the opportunity to infiltrate the Zhao Family¡¯spanies. They continuously purchased stocks, bought out the smaller shareholders, and gradually gained speaking rights in thosepanies.

    Afterwards, through many other pitfalls and traps, they slowly became thergest shareholders. Although the Zhao Family resisted, because of certain reasons, they were hard-pressed and powerless to reverse the desperate situation.

    The root cause of this pressure was the continual loss of talented individuals within the Zhao Family.

    From the very start, the Zhao Family¡¯s elders were being crippled of their martial disciplines one at a time. Later on, the loyal retainers and outer circle talents who were ssified as ancient martial artists were removed in quick session. Although there were no concerns about their lives, they had been reduced to ordinary people. As such, the household name of the Zhao Family, this ancient martial aristocratic family, no longer reflected reality.

    Of course, the Zhao Family wasn¡¯t going to let itself fall so ignominiously and obscurely. However, while they thought of countless methods, they couldn¡¯t hold back this decline in fortunes. As for the ones who were crippling the Zhao Family¡¯s ancient martial artists, granted that they set up security cameras and surveince monitors in every nook and cranny, they still weren¡¯t able to find a trace of those people ¡ª The most frightening thing was that, even though they hadyers uponyers of guards who stayed up the entire night, when daybreak arrived, they would still lose one or two people without anyone noticing.

    Those intruders came without casting a shadow and left without leaving a trace. They were as silent as ghosts and demons.

    This covered the entire Zhao Family in a terrifying, shadowy pall.

    The Zhao Family also tried its best to find helpers, but the results were less than ideal.

    Though the seven organizations targeting the Zhao Family remained hidden and unseen, only focused on taking action, most of the other forces watched with folded arms, and a small number of organizations struck while the fire was hot and looted this burning house. Only one or two lone organizations that had been in contact with them many times and even owed the Zhao Family favors privately mentioned a single sentence: The Zhao Family provoked someone who shouldn¡¯t have been angered.

    However, it was nothing more than that.

    In the end, when everything the Zhao Family owned was stripped away, the only ones who hadn¡¯t been crippled yet were the old Zhao Family Head and the currently-appointed Zhao Family Head, Zhao Hongying.

    Although their inner power still existed, under such formidable blows, they had aged quite a bit.

    Gradually, they were burdened with intense lethargy and declining spirits... Unlike the past, when they grasped great power and authority, they were no longer daring or energetic.

    As an ancient martial aristocratic family, even though the people were still alive, what was the use when their martial forces were crippled? Recently, in order to ask for help, some inside information had been sent out. Some organizations received it, but didn¡¯t give any responses. Others epted it, but only mentioned things without giving any details. The final oue was to no avail.

    Moreover, even if their Zhao Family endured the humiliation, resolved to withdraw from the world of ancient martial arts, and only sought to continue the family lineage, the Zhao Family¡¯s businesses had beenpletely upied by others. Everyst industry had been snatched away ¡ª Contrary to what one might¡¯ve expected, they weren¡¯t burdened by any debts. However, the methods of the people behind the scenes were truly powerful. Unexpectedly, once all of their affairs were handled, there were barely any funds left. They could only scrape by, and live the most ordinary of lives!

    There was nothing...

    All that remained was this ancestral residence and this plot ofnd.

    However, the ancestral residence was thend of their forefathers. It was impossible to sell it to other people. It was also impossible to use it for other purposes.

    Merely, the present Zhao Family wasn¡¯t even capable of hiring servants to clean up these vis. They could only reduce the staffing, and seal up the majority of the vis.

    Only a few buildings were left for those who belonged to the bloodlines of the Zhao Family¡¯s true wife and concubines ¡ª If it was like before, they would¡¯ve lived alone in their own vis. Why did they have to crowd around with others in a single building? Why were they so poverty-stricken? What¡¯s more, they could only keep an extremely small number of servants to take care of things. But even though it was like this, it was the same as pulling on thepels and exposing the elbows. It was very difficult to pay for anything.

    The Zhao Family was alreadypletely finished.

    But the mostmentable thing was that, from beginning to end, the two family heads had basically no idea why any of this happened!

    It had only been a short three to four months...

    The old Zhao Family Head and Zhao Hongying powerlessly sat in the ancestral residence. Their eyes were nk and empty.

    All of a sudden, they sensed a st of surging winds m the window open. Two silhouettes shed inside, and stood in front of them.

    The old Zhao Family Head¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank: ¡°It¡¯s you two!¡±

    Zhao Hongying¡¯s face was consumed with hatred and rage: ¡°Why did you target my Zhao Family?!¡±

    The people who arrived were Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng.

    They silently stood across from the two Zhao Family patriarchs. Their expressions were tranquil and their gazes were undisturbed no matter what Zhao Hongying howled.

    When the two Zhao Family members finished shouting, Gu Zuo spoke in a cold voice: ¡°Could it be that you two don¡¯t know why we dealt with the Zhao Family?¡± Speaking up to here, he ridiculed a little, ¡°Yes, the Zhao Family¡¯s sins are too many to count, so you wouldn¡¯t know who woulde to seek revenge.¡±

    Zhao Hongying was dissolute and debauched, but when all was said and done, he had lived for sixty to seventy years. He wasn¡¯t considered dim-witted. At this time, he suddenly recalled: ¡°Could it be that it was you guys who came and saved that bastard child? Right, only you could¡¯ve done it!¡±

    The old Zhao Family Head narrowed his eyes: ¡°What rtionship do you two have with Zhao Ji?¡±

    Gu Zuo scoffed: ¡°Still putting on airs. Sure enough, the old Zhao Family Head is impressive!¡±

    As for the one who kept throwing the word bastard around, Gu Zuo simply ignored him.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng slowly said: ¡°Correct. It was indeed us who saved him.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo was done mocking, he calmed down: ¡°I think the old Zhao Family Head is wise and brilliant, but the family head was also preupied by thousands of matters every day. Perhaps you guys forgot that, within that family you broke apart ages ago, there was also a child who hadn¡¯t grown up yet.¡± His voice became even colder, ¡°My father¡¯s name is Zhao Ji, my dad¡¯s name is Gu Qi, and my name is Gu Zuo. Tell me, what is my rtionship with my own father?!¡±

    The old Zhao Family Head sagged, and his body leaned heavily against the chair¡¯s backrest. But ¡ª

    ¡°As expected!¡± His face revealed a twisted kind of hatred, ¡°Back then, I should¡¯ve told them to be ruthless. I should¡¯ve had them eliminate you and that perverted dad of yours together!¡±

    Gu Zuo knew that these words were this loser¡¯s way offorting himself.

    He didn¡¯t quarrel with him, and only said: ¡°Unfortunately, the onesing to cut the weeds and eliminate the roots isn¡¯t you. It¡¯s us.¡±

    After hearing this, the old Zhao Family Head¡¯splexion abruptly changed. Zhao Hongying also suddenly understood something, and couldn¡¯t help rushing over to the old Zhao Family Head.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make a move, but the two Zhao Family members didn¡¯t have time to be d about that. They saw a blur before their eyes. They found that the other person approached them with movements invisible to the naked eye!

    Immediately following which, there were two muffled thumps.

    Tianheng¡¯s palm strikes were extremely fast. The hollow of his palm didn¡¯t even touch their bodies. The qi energy that burst forth rapidly destroyed the two people¡¯s dantians and meridians. This caused all of their inner power to pour out in torrents. They would never be able to gather it again!

    In the blink of an eye, the old Zhao Family Head became wrinkled and white-haired, and his entire figure turned crooked and stooped. Meanwhile, Zhao Hongying instantly lost all of his energies ¡ª Yes. He lived loosely for many years, and he had lost much of his yang qi. If it wasn¡¯t for the practice of martial arts supporting him, he would¡¯ve been left with a ruined body and died from exhaustion. It was only a matter of course to copse now.

    Looking at the appearances of these two figures, Gu Zuo promptly felt much better.

    However, his tone still wasn¡¯t too good: ¡°You guys separated my father and dad, harmed our family, prevented us from reuniting for so many years, and almost destroyed my father. Thus, I have destroyed the things you guys cared about the most. I have pushed your Zhao Familypletely into poverty. Never again will you be able to rely on martial strength or authority to push others around!¡±

    He gritted his teeth: ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for wanting to let you guys experience a small taste of suffering, I wouldn¡¯t have let you guys off at all. Since you caused father to be like that, not even a hundred deaths would make up for it! From now on, you guys can properly enjoy yourselves! Isn¡¯t the Zhao Family going to follow the rules of inheritance? You guys can¡¯t have any more kids, and father only loves dad. The disgusting Zhao Family should¡¯ve ended long ago!¡±

    After venting these final words, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want to speak with the Zhao Family anymore. In any case, the bodies of these two werepletely ruined. They wouldn¡¯t live for much longer.

    While they were still alive, their final days would be enough to witness the Zhao Family be more and more destitute and lowly. They could carry that wretched inheritance with them, and repent in the underworld!

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo turned around, and grabbed Tianheng¡¯s extended hand.

    The pair shed out of the window, quickly flew into the sky, and left the territory of the Zhao Family.

    It wasn¡¯t even known how long they could keep this piece ofnd... The current Zhao Family¡¯s direct line was like the light of a flickering candle. Once they died out, the rest were basically the concubine branches who were suppressed by the direct line as well as those people who originally attached themselves to the Zhao Family. None of them would be sentimental about the ancestralnd like the direct line. Maybe they would sell it, and leave it in other people¡¯s hands... Or perhaps, Zhao Hewei had other ns in mind?

    However, that had nothing to do with them.

    The matter of the Zhao Family was settled here. Gu Zuo and Tianheng had already seen to the majority of its end.

    Anything that happened afterwards didn¡¯t require their attention.

    Once they went back, Gu Zuo told Gu Qi about thisst matter of the Zhao Family.

    After a moment of silence, Gu Qi nodded: ¡°This is good enough. In the future, the Zhao Family and whatever else have nothing to do with us.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say anything, and only nodded his head.

    Although they would be returning to the other world, the Zhao Family, which had previously forced their family so hard that they could barely breathe, already wasn¡¯t worth mentioning and could be destroyed at will. However, the pain and suffering the Zhao Family caused them left permanent marks that would always be hard to erase.

    Just like Zhao Ji, who still hadn¡¯t beenpletely healed...

    T/N: Happy holidays, everyone!

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 425 - Returning to the Other World

    <h4>Chapter 425 - Returning to the Other World</h4>

    Several months passed, and Zhao Ji¡¯s body had alreadypletely recovered. It was to the point that, because Gu Zuo took such diligent care of him, Zhao Ji¡¯s qi and blood was so robust that it wasparable to that of some Blood Refining Realm martial artists. It was just that the trauma to his mind wasn¡¯t so easily healed.

    The present Zhao Ji still had a deep obsession with Gu Qi. However, towards other people, he could now barely constrain himself, and wouldn¡¯t wildly attack due to the existence of strangers.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Let¡¯s go check on father.¡±

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t have any objections, and the group of three came to the bedroom.

    Zhao Ji was in the middle of lounging on the bed and eating a meal ¡ª At longst, he didn¡¯t need Gu Qi to feed him anymore. Just like this very moment, he was fully concentrated on eating. Yet, it was as if Zhao Ji smelled Gu Qi¡¯s scent the instant he walked in. Zhao Ji quickly lifted his head, and his gaze closely followed the other.

    Gu Qi walked over, and sat at the edge of the bed.

    Zhao Ji saw that Gu Qi had gotten closer to him, and seemed somewhat happy. He lowered his head, and continued to eat.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know how to describe his own mood.

    Gongyi Tianheng sensed that he was sad, and reached out a hand to ruffle his hair: ¡°Uncle Zhao¡¯s situation is slowly improving. There wille a day when he will recoverpletely. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Gu Zuo was also aware of this reason, and his mood eased a little. Afterwards, he said: ¡°The Zhao Family has already received the ending it deserves. Next...¡±

    Tianheng spoke in a warm voice: ¡°We should return.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gu Qi turned his head.

    During this period of time, when Tianheng and Gu Zuo were discussing matters, they didn¡¯t deliberately hide it from Gu Qi. As a result, even though Gu Qi had been taking care of Zhao Ji all the while, he would still pick up on a few things from the conversations between the two. At this very moment, it didn¡¯t feel that strange.

    Gu Qi looked at Gu Zuo. In his eyes, there was some reluctance to parting: ¡°Son, have you two found a way to go back to the other world?¡±

    Originally, he thought that Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be able to go back aftering to this world, but he didn¡¯t expect that they would find a way... Since it was like this, he naturally wouldn¡¯t obstruct them. It was because he knew that, in the other world, Gu Zuo not only had a more exciting and marvelous life, he would also have a longer lifespan. As a father, how could he have the heart to let his son waste time for them? As a man, he could betterprehend the ambitions of men who wanted to achieve their goals. At the same time, as someone who also had a lover, he could understand the unwillingness to part with the one he loved.

    Thus, during this period, in addition to apanying Zhao Ji, Gu Qi also took the time to be with his son. He also frequently had Gu Zuo stay with Zhao Ji ¡ª In the future, when Zhao Ji regained his lucidity, he couldn¡¯t let Zhao Ji regret this sense of detachment towards Gu Zuo, nor regret that he didn¡¯t spend more time with their son.

    Gu Zuo saw through Gu Qi¡¯s reluctance to part ways. He couldn¡¯t help smiling, and said: ¡°Right, we found it. We¡¯ll go back together, and maybe we¡¯ll find a way to let father recover even faster in that world.¡±

    Gu Qi was startled: ¡°We¡¯ll...go back together?¡± He didn¡¯t hear incorrectly, right? Soon after, he asked, ¡°Zhao Ji and I are two ordinary people. Could it be that we can go with you guys, too?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Uncle Gu, rest assured. Naturally, there¡¯s a way. If this kind of method didn¡¯t exist, Ah Zuo would stay behind.¡±

    After all, this level of separation was of two worlds. It wasn¡¯t known when they would be able to gather enough energy next time, and the days when they could freely use the Void-Breaking Shuttle were still very far away. Ordinary people had limited lifespans. Once they left, it might end up being an eternal farewell. As someone¡¯s child, even if one wanted to pursue the supreme path of martial arts, they wouldn¡¯tpletely sacrifice the rtionship between father and son.

    Gu Zuo held his breath, and said: ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve always been wanting to ask. Are you and father willing to go with me? In that world, big brother and I have a bit of foundation, and we can let you guys step onto the path of martial arts. At that time, we¡¯ll all be able to possess much longer lifespans. Moreover, we have some industries and properties that also need a helping hand... Dad, are you and father wiling to help us?¡±

    Gu Qi closed his eyes. When he opened them, there was already a wisp of mes zing inside: ¡°Of course I¡¯m willing.¡±

    When he was young, it wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t have an ambitious and exuberant heart. He had wanted to develop careers with Zhao Ji in their respective fields. It if wasn¡¯t for that wretched Zhao Family, he believed that, even if he and Zhao Ji didn¡¯t make a name for themselves, they definitely wouldn¡¯t have achieved nothing!¡±

    At once, Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression.

    Gu Qi¡¯s mood also eased greatly: ¡°Zhao Ji and I are so old. Can we practice martial arts?¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°Dad, I¡¯m a pharmacist. I have countless prescriptions. To say nothing else, so long as we can find enough medicinal ingredients, I can refine some treatment pills to nurse your bodies to the optimal state. Afterwards, while we have medicines on hand, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    His eyes shined: ¡°Dad, once you go to that world, you¡¯ll truly know how big that world is and how many fantastic and wonderful things there are.¡±

    So-called age and aptitude were thresholds specially set up and used by some organizations that sought better seedlings. However, they weren¡¯t the same. They could devote enough resources to assist his parents! So long as it came from his own pool of resources, who could object?

    Gu Qi had long heard Gu Zuo mention things about the other world, he was naturally fascinated. It was just that he never imagined that he could go with them.

    After listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t help showing the first smile untainted by mncholy in a long time: ¡°In that case, your father and I will go with you guys and return triumphantly! I¡¯m sure that if your father waspletely clear-headed, he would definitely agree with my current decision.¡±

    When he spoke up to here, his gaze turned to Zhao Ji.

    As if Zhao Ji sensed something in his heart, he simrly looked over.

    Both people locked gazes. Although neither of them showed any lingering expressions, the sight still made others feel that this emotional bond was already suffused within their lifeblood. There was no need for words for it to be meaningful.

    Gu Qi¡¯s voice was straightforward and open: ¡°Ah Ji, we¡¯ll follow our son. Is that okay?¡±

    Right now, Zhao Ji could speak a few simple words. He agreed: ¡°Follow son.¡± This time around, under Gu Qi¡¯s indication, he unexpectedly looked at Gu Zuo and said, ¡°Son.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly skipped a beat: ¡°Father recognizes me?¡±

    Zhao Ji¡¯s enunciations were clear. He looked straight at Gu Zuo with a glimmer in his eyes. He slowly nodded: ¡°I know...son.¡±

    Gu Zuo clenched his fingers, and his voice quivered: ¡°Father...¡±

    Gu Qi¡¯s eyes teared up, but he quickly adjusted his state of mind: ¡°Xiao Zuo, your father is doing much better than before. Isn¡¯t it normal that he remembers you?¡±

    Gu Zuo wiped his face: ¡°&#k2026;Right, this is a good thing. This is normal.¡±

    Gu Qi showed another smiling expression to Zhao Ji again: ¡°Go together?¡±

    Zhao Ji slowly nodded again: ¡°Go.¡±

    After that, Zhao Ji returned to that previous state.

    His eyes lowered, and he continued to eat.

    It was like that moment of lucidity just then never happened.

    Gu Zuo and Gu Qi weren¡¯t that disappointed.

    It was because they knew that, if Zhao Ji awakened one time, there would always be many more times. There woulde a day when he would bepletely healed!

    Once this decision was settled, Gu Qi¡¯s heartstrings seemed to loosen much more.

    Everything had changed for the better, and he also developed strong hopes and expectations for that other world.

    Gu Zuo happily smiled: ¡°Then after this, we¡¯ll sort out thest few items on our list in this world. After all, we don¡¯t know if we¡¯lle back here in the future.¡±

    The items were naturally the Zhang Family, Tian Family, and Zhao Hewei.

    The Zhang Family had spared no effort from the very beginning. If not for them, they wouldn¡¯t have gotten in contact with the Tian Family. The Tian Family had also given it their all. Without them, the following events wouldn¡¯t have gone so smoothly... As for Zhao Hewei, based on the information he bought them as well as the sincerity he showed Zhao Ji, he also deserved proper treatment.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, you can do whatever you want.¡±

    Gu Zuo showed him a great, big smile: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Subsequently, the following matters were quickly arranged.

    First of all, he found a member of the Zhang Family, and gave them a prescription and a little more than one hundred Rejuvenation Pills.

    The prescription was created by Gu Zuo after researching this world¡¯s medicinal ingredients. He found thepatible ratio of ingredients with simr medicinal effects to create it, and utilized modern means for the aforementioned process ¡ª It had nothing to do with the methods of medicine refinement. At any rate, the effects were about the same as the manufactured Rejuvenation Oral Fluid. This resolved the problem of the supply of oral fluid once they departed. Nevertheless, the Zhang Family would still need to find someone to study the prescription for a period of time. During this period, the hundred-something Rejuvenation Pills would be enough to tide over the Zhang Family.

    The Zhang Family member didn¡¯t understand the reason for this at all. Of course, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t exin that they were going to leave for another world. He only said that matters were already at an end, and that he wouldn¡¯t get involved with this business anymore.

    It was just that these things also weren¡¯t given for free.

    Previously, the Zhang Family relied on the Rejuvenation Pills to earn a huge profit. Now, they had to pay Gu Zuo two billion yuan. This was considered the transfer of all their shares as well as the price of the prescription ¡ª Though, this transaction was more like half-selling and half-giving.

    Gu Zuo was only this generous because everything the Zhang Family did was for them. Since they were going to leave, he also needed to sort out the follow-up.

    Once this was resolved, although the Zhang Family grandfather and grandson pair, who participated in the small gathering of ancient martial artists, were reluctant to sever ties with such powerhouses, they considered the other party¡¯s capabilities and could only handle matters ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s requirements.

    From this point on, the Zhang Family¡¯s side was set aside.

    Afterwards, it was the Tian Family.

    Inparison, the Tian Family was easier to deal with. They provided loads of help, and obtained many benefits. Thus, he would give them a few more.

    As a result, before bidding them farewell, Gu Zuo gave them two hundred Qi Generating Pills and one hundred Rejuvenation Pills.

    The Tian Family was naturally very happy to receive these things. Unfortunately, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were going to leave, which caused them to feel the same reluctance as the Zhang Family.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s only request was that they showed some consideration for the Zhang Family and looked after Zhao Hewei.

    The Tian Family epted.

    Finally, Gu Zuo went to find Zhao Hewei.

    When Zhao Hewei saw Gu Zuo and Tianheng suddenly appearing in his bedroom, he was quite startled. However, he recalled the abilities of these two people, and calmed down. He couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Long time no see. How is older brother¡¯s health?¡±

    Satisfied with his concern, Gu Zuo replied: ¡°There aren¡¯t any problems with father¡¯s body now, but his mental state isn¡¯t too good. As a result, we¡¯re going to a faraway ce to give father treatment.¡±

    Zhao Hewei nked: ¡°A faraway ce? Will I be able to see older brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°Father wouldn¡¯t want you to see him right now.¡± After that, he paused, ¡°Don¡¯t go looking for us. You definitely won¡¯t be able to find...that faraway ce. It¡¯s so far away that you probably won¡¯t see him again in this lifetime.¡±

    Zhao Hewei didn¡¯t understand too clearly, but for some reason, a strange feeling arose within his heart. It caused him to suddenly close his mouth. He didn¡¯t ask any more questions: ¡°Since nephew said this, I won¡¯t pry either.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled at him: ¡°You gave us so much help. Since we¡¯re about to go, I ought to give you a few things on behalf of father. Otherwise, once father wakes up in the future, he¡¯ll certainly me me... Don¡¯t refuse. You¡¯re also considered father¡¯s only rtive, Second Uncle.¡±

    Hearing the phrase ¡°Second Uncle¡±, Zhao Hewei was shaken.

    Gu Zuo flipped his palm, and a backpack instantly appeared in Zhao Hewei¡¯s hands. Immediately following which, in the time it took Zhao Hewei to blink his eyes, the two people in front of him had already disappeared.

    Zhao Hewei hurriedly dashed to the window sill, but he didn¡¯t see a shadow of anyone outside. He stood there in a daze for a long time. Then, he turned around, walked to the bedside, and opened the backpack.

    After that, he was given another shock.

    Inside the backpack, there were threerge gourds that were filled with medicinal pills. In two of the gourds were the Qi Generating Pills he recognized. In addition, loaded in the other gourd were the Rejuvenation Pills he heard so much about. Tentatively weighing the gourds with his hand, there were a thousand-something Qi Generating Pills and a couple hundred Rejuvenation Pills.

    This was an incredibly huge sum of wealth.

    Besides this, there were twenty books. Among them, five books were inner cultivation methods of different attributes, and fifteen books were different types of martial skills. With everything included, it was extraordinary bountiful.

    The value of these books wasn¡¯t any lower than that of those medicinal pills!

    Following this, there were dozens of bank cards. ording to the recorded denominations, with a rough estimation, there were assets of about ten billion yuan... This was another enormous mountain of money.

    The aforementioned three kinds of gifts seemed simple at first nce, but if any one of them was taken out, countless people would undoubtedly break their heads to fight over it!

    Zhao Hewei couldn¡¯t help but stare nkly for quite a while.

    Shortly thereafter, he slowly let out a sigh: ¡°So many things. How can I, a single person, use them all up? Therefore... Is this hinting at me to build up another n?¡±

    The corner of his mouth twitched. He didn¡¯t know whether to bitterly smile or exasperatingly frown: ¡°Ah, how many kids do you want me to have?! What am I supposed to do if I also happen to like men, huh?¡±

    After rambling to himself like this, Zhao Hewei shook his head, and broke intoughter.

    Actually, he knew that Gu Zuo and the others didn¡¯t have this intention. He was also only talking this way to express his thoughts... After all, those few rtives he had left would never be seen again.

    Wasn¡¯t he allowed toin a little bit?

    On the other side of things, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, who had finallypleted all of their matters, met up with Gu Qi.

    They had already left the residence that the Tian Family provided them. Zhao Ji was brought along, and they came to a vast and uninhabited forest.

    Hardly anyone passed through this ce. As a result, no matter what they wanted to do, it would be much more convenient.

    Zhao Ji followed closely behind Gu Qi. After Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces, they took out everything they prepared one at a time.

    First of all, there was that Void-Breaking Shuttle, which had already been refined.

    Gu Zuo moved his thoughts. The psychic power within his Tianfu Acupoint shook, and a beam of silvery light burst forth from the space between his eyebrows!

    In a split second, a weaver shuttle-like object hovered in front of the group of people. At speeds visible to the naked eye, it quickly becamerger. In just a few seconds, it grew from one foot long to a little more than ten feet long. After that, it transformed into something simr to a small-scale aircraft, and quietlynded on the ground.

    This was no longer a weaver shuttle. Rather, it was a shuttle-shaped ship. The interior could amodate dozens of people.

    Gu Qi looked on with amazement.

    Previously, he only heard about it. Now that he watched this kind of transformation with his own eyes, he felt that it truly was magical.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother, dad, father. Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    While he spoke, that shuttle erupted with a streak of white light, which formed a ring of light on the ground.

    The group quickly walked into the ring. After that, they felt an attractive force rapidly surge forth, which promptly pulled their bodies upwards like a tractor beam. Following this, when they regained their senses, they realized that they were already standing inside the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    The interior of the shuttle wasn¡¯t elliptical like its exterior appearance. The floor and walls were all t and level. It was just that everything was a silvery-gray color, which showed that they really were inside the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    Gu Qi rubbed the wall on the side, and felt that it was glossy and sleek. There was also a vague feeling of power inside. Whenever lines of light flitted across the surface, there were faint and abstruse inspirations hidden within. It caused him to be somewhat dizzy.

    Afterwards, he hurriedly withdrew his attention, and didn¡¯t examine it carefully.

    This was probably because his strength was insufficient. These weren¡¯t things that he could look at...

    Zhao Ji was leaning against Gu Qi. For some reason, he suddenly stretched out his arm, and held Gu Qi in an embrace.

    Gu Qi¡¯s heart warmed. He understood Zhao Ji¡¯s intent, and said: ¡°Ah Ji, there¡¯s no need to worry. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Zhao Ji remained silent. He only nestled his chin into the hollow of Gu Qi¡¯s shoulder.

    At this moment, Tianheng and Gu Zuo stood at the frontmost area of the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    Gu Zuo stated: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s begin.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded. Immediately following which, his palm swiped over the spatial bangle.

    In the blink of an eye, a little over two thousand treasured crystals flew out like a ribbon of yellow light. Floating inside the shuttle, it presented a fantastic sight that was bright as the morning sun and resplendent as the twinkling stars.

    After these treasured crystals hovered in the air for a few seconds, under Gu Zuo¡¯s mentalmand, they rushed to the shuttle¡¯s highest point, and umted into a pile.

    Shortly after that, Gu Zuo reached out his hand, and made a flicking motion. Arge gourd was released. When this gourd was overturned, what poured out was a shimmering, grayish liquid. It scattered into innumerable, evenly-sized droplets, which sprinkled onto those treasured crystals.

    Another astonishing scene urred.

    These grayish liquid droplets seemed to form a thin film that swiftly covered those treasured crystals,pletely coating their surfaces. Then, the gray and yellow lights reflected against each other, and intertwined into a weave of light threads. Unexpectedly, this also caused the appearance of many profound inspirations.

    Gu Zuo loosened a sigh: ¡°This is good.¡± He looked at Tianheng again, ¡°Big brother, you should bring out the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects with attributes of the five elements.¡±

    These spiritual objects had already been totally absorbed by Tianheng.

    Generally speaking, it wasn¡¯t an easy thing to do.

    Previously, Tianheng absorbed the Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop and the Myriad Manifestation Supple Gold. Currently, through the effect of the Jade Tree Heart, which was bnced in yin and yang, with a spurt of energy, the Heavenly Cloud me and Yin Bone me were also both assimted. Thus, he had gathered Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of four attributes. This also made it much easier to manipte them.

    However, because these were absorbed in the modern world, and this ce¡¯s ambient qi was thin, it was basically impossible to make a breakthrough during the absorption process as he had done before. As a result, Gu Zuo had no choice but to take out countless Qi Infusing Pills he previously refined, and let his family¡¯s big brother swallow them by the handful to refine the medicinal properties, supplement his profound qi, and absorb the wondrous fires and wondrous wood.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo crushed many Vast Spirit Pills, which were suitable for Atomic Realm martial artists. The pills turned into pure power, which replenished the surrounding ambient qi, and made it easier for Tianheng to make up for any internal shortages. In the end, when the absorption reached a critical juncture, Gu Zuo even crushed Profound Qi Pills, which were suitable for Ascendant Realm martial artists. This further increased the concentration of energy!

    It was also due to such meticulous preparations that Tianheng was able to refine the wondrous fires and wondrous wood.

    Currently, there still remained the wondrous earth, which had be the gap in this cycle of the five elements. In order for Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and the others to travel through spacetime, they had to n and prepare for the worst.

    Tianheng slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, five shadowy lights had appeared in front of him. They were the projections of the four types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects. Before long, they formed a small circr loop.

    Immediately following which, the loop quickly rose up, and blossomed with multi-colored rays of light. These light rays formed a cover thatpletely filled the interior of the Void-Breaking Shuttle ¡ª No. There was a gap that was around the size of a person. Under the control of Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts, it appeared in front on the shuttle¡¯s right side.

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°Big brother, are you sure?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°We¡¯ve done everything we can.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips: ¡°Big brother, remember to put on the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia, and use the strongest defense... If you want to temper your body, you need to keep your life safe without worries first. Then, you can slowly figure it out.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was gentle: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. This elder brother will definitely be careful.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt relieved seeing that Tianheng had listened to these things, and would indeed be cautious. Afterwards, he spoke to Gu Qi and Zhao Ji: ¡°Dad, father. This will certainly be dangerous. You guys absolutely mustn¡¯t randomly change positions. Even if you see that big brother and I are in danger, you can¡¯t move around.¡±

    Gu Qi nodded his head, and replied straightforwardly: ¡°You¡¯ve told us about this several times. Son, just rx! We know that traveling through spacetime isn¡¯t easy. Ayman like me won¡¯t mess around and cause trouble for you guys. As for your father, I will also watch over him.¡±

    Acting as if he was taking things very seriously, Zhao Ji also followed along and nodded: ¡°Rx. No trouble. Watch him.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Then, that¡¯s fine.¡±

    The number of times father regained lucidity was increasing. This was truly a good thing.

    The next moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression hardened: ¡°Begin!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s figure shed out, and he stood at that person-sized gap.

    At the same time, a ck light flickered around him. A ck cloak that covered him from head to toe was draped over his entire body. Surrounded by this strange feeling, it also added a bit of mystery to him.

    Gu Qi¡¯s heart tensed.

    Gu Zuo loudly shouted: ¡°Rise!¡±

    In a split second, the surface of the Void-Breaking Shuttle was enveloped in silvery lights. It directly turned into a ball of light, and soared high into the sky!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 426 - Tempering the Body

    <h4>Chapter 426 - Tempering the Body</h4>

    Unlike when he first came here in a daze, Gu Zuo clearly felt different during this return trip.

    The Void-Breaking Shuttle broke through the atmosphere and flew away. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power connected to the shuttle, and he instantly discovered that this world was getting smaller and smaller at speeds visible to the naked eye. The tiny seemed like a single point of light. In a split second, it had already disappeared from view.

    Following this, the surroundings turned gray.

    Gu Zuo was stunned.

    He knew that the world he originated from was a celestial body. He originally believed that, once they flew away, the ce where they should¡¯ve proceeded towards was outer space and the wider universe... In the universe, shouldn¡¯t they have seen the bright and resplendent stars? Why was it a void of gray instead?

    Gongyi Tianheng quickly said: ¡°Maybe this ce is the primal chaos.¡±

    Gu Zuo responded: ¡°The primal chaos is the theory of martial artists, and the universe is the theory of science and technology. They should be the same, right?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°What martial artists and ordinary people ought to see are different. Where the Void-Breaking Shuttle travels through should be spacetime.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Yes, what martial artists and ordinary people observed were different. What the naked eye could perceive and what science and technology showed were also certainly different. The natural color of the primal chaos was probably a type of hazy gray, which threaded together time and space. The universe that ordinary people saw should¡¯ve been the true appearance of a certain region nested within spacetime itself.

    However, when the Void-Breaking Shuttle used the power of spacetime to push its way through, this true appearance was hidden behind superimposedyers of spacetime. It was impossible to see even the distorted image. To say nothing of its true appearance. If anyone wanted to see the true appearance of the primal chaos, they would probably need to cultivate the power of spacetime, raise their strength to even higher realms, or have an astonishing secret skill attached to their eyes...

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t withdraw his psychic power.

    Since they already entered the primal chaos, he couldn¡¯t let his guard down.

    Currently, there was an even more important matter that required close attention.

    All of a sudden, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart shivered. He abruptly shouted: ¡°Big brother, be careful!¡±

    Tianheng naturally remained vignt the entire time. After he heard Gu Zuo¡¯s warning, he promptly discharged qi energy from his whole body. In a sh, it formed a densely-woven cover of power that protected him. At the exact same time, the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia also bloomed with intense, ck rays of light!

    A gray qi stream barreled towards them from somewhere in the primal chaos. In the blink of an eye, it passed through the gap, and mmed right into Tianheng¡¯s body!

    It was like Tianheng had been smashed by a gigantic hammer, and his entire body was wracked with intense pain. Although only his chest was hit, the qi stream rapidly spread outwards, and wrapped around his whole body in a split second!

    This energy was too terrifying. Even though it was obstructed by the Void-Breaking Shuttle, weakened by the cloak, and further mitigated as it prated the qi energy protecting Tianheng¡¯s body, it was still iparably powerful once it finally reached him. It basically wasn¡¯t something that his present physical body could bear.

    As one could well imagine, at this moment, Tianheng seemed to hear the painful creaking and groaning of his bones. He also sensed the cracking and snapping of the muscles and sinews throughout his body ¡ª It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that the skin split open, the muscles tore apart, and the blood overflowed.

    The radiance of the five elements quickly flowed back from other ces. As energy poured into Tianheng¡¯s body, his qi emissions slightly eased. Moreover, Tianheng¡¯s willpower was strong enough. After taking on this qi stream, he swallowed medicinal pills extremely quickly to improve his body before the next one appeared. At the same time, his inner cultivation method operated even faster, constantly squeezing out the potential of his Tiandu Body.

    If someone looked at Tianheng¡¯s qi oceans at this moment, they would discover that the manifestations within his qi oceans were also undergoing intense changes.

    Within that originally reddish-gold qi ocean, a heartbeat seemed to arise from the nurtured object. It pulsated rhythmically. As for the qi ocean that held a blood river that hung upside-down, the blood river surged and roiled. Its speed was at least ten times faster than before! In addition, there was an ordinary-looking qi ocean where dozens of drifting blood pearls bobbed up and down. They seemed like stars in the sky. At this time, these stars were continuously absorbing threads of light-gray qi streams. Under the effects of the qi streams, the blood pearls grew slightlyrger and their color and luster became even more bright and vivid.

    Numerous strands of profound qi surged up from all directions. Due to the effects of the profound qi, the qi oceans were being incessantly filled up. The reddish-gold and reddish-ck powers were suddenly extracted andbined with those threads of light-gray qi streams, transforming into an even hazier type of power. It constantly battered and shuttled through Tianheng¡¯s flesh. Amid this process, his muscles were also bing firmer and denser. His strength was bing increasingly fearsome.

    After a long while, the feelings of pain in Tianheng¡¯s body were no longer as intense. Meanwhile, what it produced was an incredibly strong physical body. He could sense that his own strength had advanced. A dark light shed in his eyes.

    Gu Zuo saw that the first wave had passed, and it appeared that his family¡¯s big brother didn¡¯t have any major issues. He faintly sighed in relief, and couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big brother, how are you doing?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s tone was gentle: ¡°No problems. Sure enough, after tempering my body with the power of chaos, the results are exceptionally good.¡±

    ¡ª It was just that, for the time being, he still wasn¡¯t able to strike away the power of chaos from the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    Fortunately, after entering the primal chaos, the initial power of chaos was rtively thin. The closer they travelled towards the center, the more concentrated it would be. At that time, his physical body wouldn¡¯t be able to block the gap. He would need to strike back.

    It just so happened that now was the perfect opportunity to temper his body.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t dwell on this.

    Since Tianheng could adapt and there were indeed great benefits, although his heart ached at the thought of big brother¡¯s suffering, he definitely wouldn¡¯t worry excessively.

    It was because he understood big brother¡¯s pursuit of strength. He also knew that, on the path of martial arts, the more one was willing to bear hardships, the greater the harvests they could obtain... Even though he himself carried such a powerful inheritance, Gu Zuo used to refine medicine at all hours for many days in a row. While he squeezed out the potential in his psychic power every time, there were many instances when he failed.

    Everything was only for the sake of making himself stronger!

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo still monitored those gray qi streams. At the same time, he remained mindful of Gu Qi and Zhao Ji. After all, the two of them were just ordinary people. Although they had the protection of the Void-Breaking Shuttle and the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, he couldn¡¯t be so careless. This was to prevent any idents from happening ¡ª That would be a terrible thing.

    While he multi-tasked, Tianheng was already suffering through another pummeling from the energy of the primal chaos.

    This time around, because he experienced it once, he was even more calm in dealing with it. After passing throughyers of defenses and being weakened, the power of chaos would automatically erode the physical body. If one could withstand it, they could absorb these energies through their qi ocean. In addition, it would strengthen the body and improve the quality of profound qi during the absorption process. If one couldn¡¯t withstand it, the body would be corroded. As such, they would need to rely on medicinal pills for treatment and to increase their resistance ¡ª After adapting, they would naturally be capable of utilizing the power of chaos.

    Not long after, the intense pain ended. Once more, Tianheng¡¯s physical body was strengthened. Within his qi oceans, the quality of the surging profound qi also improved.

    During this brief period of time, his overall strength had already progressed again.

    Tianheng stayed calm and collected. He carefully experienced the feelings brought about by the power of chaos.

    Perhaps, it was because ambient qi was originally a gift of the power of chaos. Both sides came from the same source. As a result, though the power of chaos was incredibly hard to absorb, so long as his willpower was resolute, he could make use of it somewhat.

    Tianheng had been entertaining a thought for a while.

    Hypothetically speaking... While he was at the Immortal Realm, if he allowed his profound qi to carry the characteristics of these portions of the power of chaos, could he possess the strength to issue challenges across a major realm at this stage?

    One had to know that, within the same major realm, those of different minor realms could bypass ranks and battle stronger foes. However, every major realm was a transformation of one¡¯s internal qi. If nothing unexpected happened, it was almost impossible to bypass ranks of the major realms.

    However, if one¡¯s profound qi carried the characteristics of the power of chaos, that would undoubtedly be something ¡°unexpected¡±.

    The advancement of a major realm wasn¡¯t that easy. Moreover, it was a waste for Tianheng, who had the aptitude of an all-star prodigy, to advance without sufficient umtions. But if he didn¡¯t advance, when he faced enemies of higher realms, he would be restrained by the other party. This would be undoubtedly dangerous for him.

    Thus, wasn¡¯t this an exceptional opportunity?

    With this thought in mind, Tianheng¡¯s inner cultivation method operated even faster.

    In addition, no one saw that some indistinct qi streams were joining and circting within his six qi oceans. They seemed to form another type of peculiar connection.

    Having gone through the events of the modern world, Tianheng surfed the inte and read countless modern works. This greatly increased his knowledge base, and even opened up new horizons in his perspective of things.

    Maybe this type of knowledge couldn¡¯t allow him to develop a new type of martial skill, but because of these experiences, he gained a kind of enlightenment. What¡¯s more, because of certain books that seemed to belong to the legends of Daoist Immortals, he had a clear direction towards his own self-created path of martial arts.

    Not to mention thating to this modern world allowed him to fully hold his little pharmacist in his hands, just the fact that he grasped his own path forward definitely made this a worthwhile trip.

    In Tianheng¡¯s mind, he naturally came up with ways to cultivate after the Immortal Realm. His self-created body cultivation method also suddenly evolved at this moment, forming a kind of abstruse and profound inspiration!

    Because it was also like this, even though the six qi oceans originally absorbed profound qi from his meridians, not only were they revolving around the central qi ocean, the connection between them had be iparably mysterious and unfathomable.

    Imperceptibly, while they almost seemed to stand independently of one another, there also appeared to be another type of cycle.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t aware of these things. However, through the guardian contract shared between him and Tianheng, he found that his dear big brother¡¯s qi emissions were growing more and more powerful. In addition, amid this formidable strength, there was also an energy that caused his heart to palpitate. This energy was so frightening that his heartbeat raced endlessly.

    After taking a deep breath, Gu Zuo slowly calmed his own state of mind. Shortly thereafter, a trace of rapturous joy bubbled up.

    Under the onught of the power of chaos, Tianheng was able to turn all that pain into his own gains. Sure enough, his big brother was worthy of the Tiandu Body!

    It was no wonder that the heavens were so envious of him...

    Tianheng continued to improve.

    Every streak of the power of chaos made his qi emissions even more terrifying. It also made him feel even more dignified ¡ª This sense of dignity didn¡¯te from his temperament or appearance. Nor did ite from his aptitude or identity. Rather, it seemed to flow from within outwards, and conveyed from his qi oceans and his physical body.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred. Suddenly, he understood something.

    Right. What his big brother absorbed was the power of chaos! The power of chaos was the source of all ambient qi. Of course, the ancestor of all qi was extremely dignified and venerated! The things that other people used to temper their bodies were heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Meanwhile his big brother used the power of chaos. As such, were there other tempering resources better than this? The physical body that had been tempered by the power of chaos was naturally of a higher level!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help feeling happy.

    Right now, it was still insufficient...

    But so long as big brother could absorb enough power of chaos during this journey, the more perfect his body and the more dignified his internal qi. When he confronted enemies in the future, even if his realm was inadequate, the imposing aura and suppressive might he released could intimidate foes, stifle the other party¡¯s fighting spirit, and even manipte the other side¡¯s actions ¡ª Even if it was only for an instant, he could flee for his life or restrain the enemy!

    Tianheng had the same thoughts. His self-created inner cultivation method, whichbined his new understanding, also disyed its power. When he absorbed these energies, he became stronger than ever.

    He intentionally pulled this hazy, gray power into the central qi ocean. This caused the light-gray color of the main qi ocean to be deeper than that of the surrounding five qi oceans.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 427 - Refining All the Way There

    <h4>Chapter 427 - Refining All the Way There</h4>

    The speed of the Void-Breaking Shuttle was incredibly fast. It was just that, because the chaos coordinates of Spirit-Martial Region B-031 and Uninhabited Region J-257 were too far apart, it would take a very long time to traverse. What was even more astonishing was that, while the shuttle was traveling through spacetime, Gu Zuo and the others¡¯ senses of time and space were also unclear. The rtive velocity and rtive discement were both unknown. They only had a vague concept of such things in their consciousness. More often than not, there was no way to perceive them.

    Gongyi Tianheng did his best to improve the quality of his qi oceans. Although his realm didn¡¯t advance, no one knew how many times he had been strengthened. In addition, under the tempering of the power of chaos, the changes to his physical body and profound qi were only one aspect. The most frightening thing was that he could feel the reddish-gold qi ocean, the blood river that hung upside-down, as well as the beast transformation blood pearls were all being tempered one after another. The impurities within them were refined out, which only left the purest of powers.

    Through the enhancement of the power of chaos, it seemed as if even a single breath from the current him could injure someone.

    However, good things didn¡¯tst forever.

    As the Void-Breaking Shuttle passed through spacetime, it gradually reached the deeper parts of the primal chaos.

    As it was mentioned previously, the deeper the region of the primal chaos, the greater the density of the power of chaos. As such, at the gap of the five-elements Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, the power of chaos that rushed over through spacetime also slowly changed from one streak to two, and two streaks to three...

    When there were two streaks, because Tianheng¡¯s body had already be twice as powerful, he was able to stand firm. Afterwards, he adapted to two streaks of the power of chaos with great difficulty. Then, when three streaks came, the pain they brought him was even more excruciating. Because he was getting stronger, he was still able to hold his ground. Using his supreme willpower, he continued to hone and strengthen his body... Soon after, there were four, five, and six streaks. The farther they travelled, the faster the incremental rates of the power of chaos, and the less time Tianheng had to adapt.

    After enduring the seventh streak in a row, the Void-Breaking Shuttle was already approaching the C sub-region. In this sub-region of the primal chaos, the power of chaos didn¡¯t increase one streak at a time. Instead, it suddenly came in a flood of twenty to thirty streaks at once!

    At this moment, Tianheng reached out his hand, and made a grasping motion. In the hollow of his palm, he held a reddish-gold colored great saber.

    It was like this saber had been cast out of his reddish-gold power of the sun. Its surface circted with a halo of an extremely pale-gray light, and revealed fearsome and unparalleled qi emissions.

    Tianheng chopped down with the great saber!

    Whoosh! Whoosh!

    The power of the great saber burst forth. The speed of those iing streaks of the power of chaos didn¡¯t reach his limits, so Tianheng¡¯s saber strikes were urate. Without exception, all of the power of chaos was chopped into fragments!

    After that, Tianheng abruptly operated his inner cultivation method, and pulled these fragments into his body.

    The next instant, the corners of his mouth and eyes leaked rivulets of blood. The reason for this was because the power of chaos within him had reached a certain concentration, and it was difficult to digest.

    However, Tianheng was hardly afraid. He swiftly elerated the workings of the inner cultivation method. The six qi oceans exerted force together, and sucked in the fragments.

    At this time, one could see the benefits of the six qi oceans &#k2014; If it had been an ordinary prodigy, they would only have one qi ocean. As such, no matter how powerful they were, after this many fragments of the power of chaos prated into the body, their qi ocean would have no choice but to explode. At that time, let alone treating this matter as an opportunity, it would be a great and terrible misfortune!

    After a long while, Tianheng finally suppressed these fragments within his qi oceans.

    That¡¯s right. They were suppressed, but not absorbed.

    Indeed. His qi oceans were numerous and expansive. However, if he wanted to digest them so quickly, he wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to aplish that.

    Tianheng knew that another deluge of the power of chaos woulde eventually. On the off-chance that he was right in the middle of the absorption process at that moment, who would guard the gap?

    As a result, it was better that he used those primal chaos-infused qi emissions he previously absorbed to pacify these fragments, and hold them in his qi oceans. Once he had some free time, he could slowly absorb the rest.

    Speaking of which, it was also rather strange. The fragments of the power of chaos, which other people basically had no way to stockpile, were truly suppressed and stored under some kind of attractive force that had been inexplicably born from the six qi oceans.

    From this, Tianheng developed another ambition ¡ª He didn¡¯t want to drive out the power of chaos like the system said before. Instead, he wanted to chop them all up, and keep them!

    If it was like this, even if he returned to the Central Continent, he would still be able to digest the power of chaos. Allowing this type of power to further temper his physical body would cause his strength to rise again!

    Sure enough, following thistest onught, the power of chaos became even more concentrated. Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng used the reddish-gold great saber to chop down the streaks one by one, and took them into his qi oceans. It was just that these moves used up a lot of his power of the sun, so each saber strike would diminish the size of the saber itself. For the sake of maintaining the saber, Tianheng poured his power of the sun into it... After several bouts, the power of the sun was used up until there was practically nothing left.

    Then, he drew out the reddish-ck power from the upside-down river of blood. It was condensed into a great saber with a hazyyer of the power of chaos on the surface. He continued to chop and sh. As he simrly hacked those streaks into fragments, they were taken into his body as well.

    During the process of the fragments entering his body, the agony was not inferior to ten thousand swords stabbing into his flesh. Every time, it was like all of his muscles and blood vessels were being sliced apart. It was incredibly difficult to endure.

    Yet, Tianheng¡¯s expression never changed. Unexpectedly, there was a vague glimmer of fervency in his eyes. It was as if this kind of suffering wasn¡¯t painful at all. Instead, this was a type of supreme ecstasy. When one thought about it, this made sense. With regards to a person who had been sick and weak for many years, for someone who always wanted to improve their own strength, wasn¡¯t the feeling of one¡¯s power rising dramatically and continuously amid the pain just another form of pleasure?

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stand too far away. His empathetic heart was somewhat pained.

    Although he never experienced this kind of agony before, he still felt...like it was happening to himself.

    After this round of chopping, Tianheng extended a hand, took out a medicinal pill, and threw it into his mouth. The medicinal power instantly transformed into a surge of energy that filled his dried-up qi oceans. The reddish-gold power of the sun and the reddish-ck power of blood poison were also slowly increased.

    Above the six qi oceans, some fragments of the power of chaos, which shone with rays of hazy light, floated up and down in a densely-packed formation. It looked like they possessed a supreme and might force. The more fragments that gathered together, the greater that force became.

    What was even more astonishing was that a peculiar power, which was generated from the six qi oceans, actually held the fragments firmly. It seemed as if they were being pulled by countless silk threads like kites flying in the air. The fragments couldn¡¯t escape at all.

    After an unknown amount of time had passed, Tianheng had been tirelessly fighting without end. However, his body was already stretched to its limits, and his clothes were tattered and threadbare. As for the skin and flesh all across his body, there was practically no time for treatment. Often, while old injuries were being rapidly healed, new wounds would quickly take their ce and cover them up again.

    Something like this...was heart wrenching.

    Gu Zuo held his breath. It was only after Tianheng became a blood-drenched figure that he swiftly turned his head away, and took deep breaths.

    He didn¡¯t want to watch anymore... But, he also couldn¡¯t not watch.

    After closing his eyes, Gu Zuo took every bit of pain that Tianheng suffered into his eyes, and firmly remembered everything.

    Right now, his big brother was suffering so much pain. Gu Zuo wanted to make it up to Tianheng somehow. In the future, even if it was just cultivation, he wanted to think of better ways so that big brother would no longer be this...this miserable.

    Though his big brother was perfectly willing to do this, he also wanted to refine better medicines to assist big brother!

    Even Gu Zuo was feeling this way. Not to mention Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, who were originally ordinary people.

    The gaze that Gu Qi used to look at Tianheng was almost one of abject horror. He didn¡¯t expect that a person who practiced martial arts could train himself into such a state!

    At the same time, he saw some of Tianheng¡¯s inherent qualities ¡ª As it turned out, he was this frantic and crazy? This fellow didn¡¯t conform to the appearance of that elegant and graceful young master at all!

    For a short while, Gu Qi was somewhat at a loss.

    With this kind of temperament, this guy had been able to be boyfriends with his son... Okay, how did such a personality hook up with his foolish son? Could it be because his son was that thickheaded?

    Never mind. He didn¡¯t understand, so he wouldn¡¯t think about it.

    In any case, Gu Qi knew that no matter how much his son was being romantically pursued, Tianheng was indeed genuine and sincere. Thus, his silly son probably didn¡¯t care about a w in one¡¯s character.

    What¡¯s more, Gu Qi felt that no matter how wed Tianheng¡¯s character was, it didn¡¯t hold a candle to the fellow next to him. And didn¡¯t he still love this guy to death?

    Aiya. Actually, this fellow loved him to death, too.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Qi looked at Zhao Ji.

    Zhao Ji¡¯s gaze was unrelentingly focused. He reached out a hand, and rubbed the space between Gu Qi¡¯s brows: ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Gu Qi smiled optimistically: ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t worry.¡±

    The Void-Breaking Shuttle continued to push its way through spacetime. Finally, everyone suddenly felt a sense of dizziness.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°We¡¯ve arrived!¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 428 - A Smooth Arrival

    <h4>Chapter 428 - A Smooth Arrival</h4>

    There was a violent collision!

    Gongyi Tianheng swiftly shed back and returned. One hand struck out with a streak of qi energy, which protected Gu Qi and Zhao Ji. At the same time, Gu Zuo responded in turn. Using his psychic power, he transformed it into a defensive cover, which enveloped the outside of that qi energy casing.

    With the added support of these two energies, although Zhao Ji and Gu Qi suddenly fell down due to the shaking, they didn¡¯t receive any injuries.

    Gu Qi¡¯s heart was filled with lingering fear. Zhao Ji held him in a firm embrace, and the two stood up together.

    At this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have time to check on the condition of his parents. His psychic power was adhered to the outside of the Void-Breaking Shuttle to unwaveringly watch over it. This was so that, in case of any idents, he could control the shuttle at a moment¡¯s notice.

    However, that collision just now wasn¡¯t an ident or mishap.

    When all was said and done, the distance between the two worlds was incredibly far. After continuously burning the treasured crystals and source sand, there wasn¡¯t too much left either. Although there was just enough, the energy expressed on the shuttle¡¯s surface naturally couldn¡¯tpare to the abundance of when it was at its peak initially. Moreover, after traveling for a long time, the shuttle also wasn¡¯t able to maintain its strongest momentum. On top of that, the power of spacetime that suffused the surfaceyer of this world¡¯s Central Continent was even denser than the primal chaos they were traversing just a while ago. Under these circumstances, it was to be expected that it wouldn¡¯t be as simple and effortless as before.

    To put it simply, there was a blockade at this world¡¯s periphery. This forced the Void-Breaking Shuttle to work harder to gradually resolve this problem.

    This meant that they had to spend a bit of time and a lot of treasured crystals.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved.

    Those treasured crystals burned even more fiercely. The Void-Breaking Shuttle faintly shook. It seemed like an extremely terrifying power suddenly arose. In a split second, its forward momentum elerated!

    Gu Zuo exerted himself once more!

    The Void-Breaking Shuttle listened to its owner¡¯s wishes, and with everything it had, it broke through ¡ª

    All of a sudden, more than half of the treasured crystals were gone.

    The shuttle continued to pierce through. This time around, it smoothly entered the interior of this world.

    Gu Zuo heaved a sigh of relief.

    Down below, all sorts of sights flew past. Right now, what he needed to do was to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle straight to the region where Ten Ultimates Sect was located. The best scenario was that they directly arrived within the range of Ten Ultimates City. If it was like that, they could more easily proceed towards Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Unwittingly, a little more than half a year passed in the modern world. They also didn¡¯t know what happened to the battle ves in the historical ruins back then... In addition, their master at Ten Ultimates Sect was definitely already aware of the news of their disappearance. It wasn¡¯t known how he reacted.

    Of course, there was also Yu Cheng.

    ¡ª That young fellow was a talent worth training. They hoped the battle ves didn¡¯t get rid of him because they were whisked away by the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo used all his strength to control the shuttle. He sensed the continuous outflow of his own psychic power.

    However, after the Void-Breaking Shuttle travelled through leagues of space, the treasured crystals ran out!

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    In the blink of an eye, most of the remaining forty percent of his psychic power suddenly erupted!

    At the final juncture, the Void-Breaking Shuttle, which had lost all momentum, had its direction changed by his psychic power, and plummeted down.

    Consequently&#k2026;

    In a certain ce, a spatial hole opened up in the sky. Then, a massive shuttle-shaped object haphazardly drilled its way out.

    The shuttle quickly fell down, and smashed into the ground with a heavy and muffled rumble.

    Not long after, the shuttle disappeared. What appeared on the ground was a group of four people.

    Their hairstyles were somewhat strange, but their appearances and temperaments were out of the ordinary.

    Among them, the young man with a shorter stature and delicate looks gasped, and said: ¡°That was a close call.¡±

    This group of people was naturally Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Qi, and Zhao Ji.

    Before the Void-Breaking Shuttlepletely ran out of energy, Gu Zuo promptly ordered it to pierce through space. Otherwise, once the shuttle¡¯s power dissipated, people like them who didn¡¯t have the capabilities to rip apart the void would be imprisoned in space.

    However, the moment they appeared, the Void-Breaking Shuttle immediately crash down. While Gu Zuo and Tianheng would be fine, the ordinary Gu Qi and Zhao Ji wouldn¡¯t be able to endure the fall ¡ª Fortunately, Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s reactions were swift. Gu Zuo used his psychic power to pull the shuttle. Meanwhile, Tianheng instantly fired some qi energy to support Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, allowing them to drop safely to the ground.

    Now that they uratelynded, they were more frightened than hurt.

    Gu Zuo wiped away some sweat: ¡°Let¡¯s wait for big brother to change his clothes before we do anything else.¡±

    Beforeing here, Gu Zuo and the others had changed into the clothing of this world. Although Gu Qi and Zhao Ji¡¯s builds were very different from their own, Tianheng had many clothes of various sizes that Gu Zuo helped store inside his storage space while they were in the Cangyun Empire. These robes hadn¡¯t been touched in years, but just so happened to be taken out for this pair to change into.

    But now, while Gu Zuo, Gu Qi, and Zhao Ji were alright, Tianheng¡¯s clothes had long been thoroughly ruined due to the corrosion of the power of chaos. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the ck cloak covering him was undamaged, then the result would¡¯ve been...

    But at this time, Tianheng couldn¡¯t always be wearing the cloak, right?

    Therefore, it was more practical to change into a new set of clothing.

    Gu Qi didn¡¯t have any objections, and neither did Zhao Ji.

    Tianheng flicked his finger, and fired a reddish-gold light screen, which he walked into.

    Once he came back out, he was wearing another full-body, sapphire-blue brocade robe like an elegant and unrestrained young master. As for the cloak, it had been transformed into a piece of underclothes, and worn at the innermostyer.

    This was the first time Gu Qi saw Tianheng dressed up like this, and he couldn¡¯t help secretly praising in his heart.

    As it turned out, this...virtuous nephew was already handsome enough when he wore modern clothes, but now that he was wearing ancient robes, his appearance was truly splendid and radiant. The temperament of the whole person fit so well, and it was difficult to describe in words.

    As he looked on, Gu Qi¡¯s eyes were covered by someone.

    Gu Qi was taken aback.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo was unable to restrain a smile, and hisughter echoed out.

    The feeling of this pair of hands was very familiar. Who else could it have been if not Zhao Ji?

    Gu Qi was silent, and pulled away Zhao Ji¡¯s hands.

    Zhao Ji: ¡°Can¡¯t look.¡±

    Gu Qi was speechless: ¡°That¡¯s a younger generation.¡±

    Zhao Ji persisted: ¡°Can¡¯t look. Only me.¡±

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    Couldn¡¯t you give this old man a bit of face in front of his foolish son and boyfriend?!

    It was just a pity that the present Zhao Ji didn¡¯t know the meaning of face at all.

    Gu Qi gritted his teeth: ¡°...Fine. I won¡¯t look at anyone else. I¡¯ll only look at you, okay?¡±

    Zhao Ji and Gu Qi stayed facing each other.

    Gu Qi couldn¡¯t help reaching out to lightly pinch the other¡¯s nose.

    Zhao Ji allowed himself to be pinched.

    Gu Qi also could only helplessly let go.

    Gu Zuo felt that it was even funnier.

    Although dad was always optimistic and hopeful, he had never seen dad being so active and lively. And previously, the image of father was already quite distant, but the current father was bing clearer and clearer.

    His parents...were also a very cute couple.

    Off to the side, Tianheng had a smile on his face, and watched for quite a while. Then, he said: ¡°This ce isn¡¯t near Ten Ultimates Sect. We should leave here, and find people to make discreet inquiries.¡±

    When it came to discussing proper matters, Gu Qi alsoposed himself: ¡°We¡¯re just neers in this ce. We¡¯ll leave everything up to you, Tianheng. We¡¯ll listen to whatever you have to say.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled, and looked at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°I¡¯ve always listened to big brother.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll go out at once.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo put away the Void-Breaking Shuttle inside his Tianfu Acupoint. Following this, they walked towards the outside.

    Theirnding site was a dense and lush forest. If they wanted to find anyone to ask questions, they had to get out of this forest first.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power, and investigated whether the surroundings held any dangers.

    The forests of the Central Continent weren¡¯t necessarily safe. If the animals inside were only limited to wild beasts, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems. However, if any origin beasts showed up, then their group wouldn¡¯t have an easy time.

    As a result, he needed to get a sense of the danger level within this forest.

    Fortunately, in the vicinity of thisrge tract of forest, there were only wild beasts at most, and no signs of any danger. In other words, the creatures in this ce weren¡¯t enough to pose a threat to Gu Zuo. As such, it was naturally even more impossible to threaten Tianheng. With regards to them getting out of this forest, the certainty was much higher.

    After walking for a period of time, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something: ¡°Dad, father. Are you guys hungry?¡±

    On the Void-Breaking Shuttle, they hadn¡¯t eaten a single thing.

    T/N: This is thest chapter of this volume. The next volume is called ¡°Famous Across the Continent¡±, and it¡¯s 109 chapters long.

    As always, let me know what you guys think. If you¡¯d like, please leave a rating and review on Novel Updates. Even though the website¡¯s rules prevent me from linking these chapters directly to that site, most new readers and traffice from there, so every little bit helps!

    Until then, happy reading!

    In addition, for those who would like a recap of Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s cultivation levels and their affiliations on the Central Continent, you can check the drop-down below.

    <details><summary>Click here</summary>

    First of all, Gu Zuo is a profound-level pharmacist at the Nurturing Psyche Realm, and his internal qi is at the Immortal Realm. His qi ocean¡¯s manifestation is a lotus throne. For the time being, this lotus throne has the ability to absorb up to thirty-six wondrous mes for Gu Zuo to use freely. He has the orange Earthen Core me, the green Will-O-Wisp Yin me, and the purple Violet Bedrock me.

    Gongyi Tianheng is an Immortal Realm martial artist with six qi oceans. His qi oceans and manifestations have been covered in the past few chapters, so they won¡¯t be described here. Toplete the five-elemental cycle, he still needs to acquire a yang-aligned wondrous metal toplement the Myriad Manifestation Supple Gold as well as wondrous earth that is bnced in yin and yang.

    Their guardian contract is currently at Life and Death Companions. Besides the increased range ofmunication and sense of closeness, both sides are able to share a portion of any grievous or life-threatening wounds between them to prevent death.

    Finally, they are affiliated with Ten Ultimates Sect, which is a veteran silver-ranked organization. Gongyi Tianheng is the most recently epted disciple of the Blood Transformation Pce Master. Their connections and forces from the Southern Expanse won¡¯t be discussed here.

    The following is a loose briefing of their named subordinate forces. Under Tianheng¡¯smand are mastiff, sighthound, and wild dog battle ves and their attached racial groups, as well as the servile races of the Iron Ox, Gold-Devouring Mouse, Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkey, and Shadow-Morphing ck Cat. Under Gu Zuo¡¯smand are the three Hu n siblings, the pharmacist forces of the Wu n and Tan Family, and the band of five orphans led by Xue Shen. Of course, both of them share everything, so Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng have frequently sent their own subordinates to serve the other person.

    </details>

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 429 - The Great Zhou Empire

    <h4>Chapter 429 - The Great Zhou Empire</h4>

    Gu Qi smiled and said: ¡°A little bit, but we¡¯re not too hungry.¡±

    Gu Zuo was somewhat puzzled.

    Although they had eaten before boarding the Void-Breaking Shuttle, it had been a long time since their departure... With the bodies of ordinary people, they were only a little hungry?

    Gongyi Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°There are so many mysteries within spacetime. Ah Zuo, don¡¯t overthink it.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    Right. The reason was probably due to traveling through spacetime.

    Following this, everyone prepared to look for something to eat.

    Tianheng had just underwent a period of intense tempering. At the present time, his stomach was also somewhat starved. After hearing what was said, he replied: ¡°I¡¯ll go hunt a wild beast. Ah Zuo, you stay here and protect the two uncles.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved his hand: ¡°I know, big brother. You have a safe trip.¡±

    Tianheng smiled. His figure shed away, and he disappeared from sight.

    Gu Qi watched his departing back, and couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Son, the capabilities of this adoptive brother of yours are truly stranger than magic.¡±

    Gu Zuo broke intoughter: ¡°Once dad starts cultivating, you¡¯ll be able to perform ¡®magic tricks¡¯, too.¡±

    Subsequently, the few of them found arge tree, and relied on its expansive shade to cover their heads from the scorching sun.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, and a medicinal cauldron appeared in front of him. When he flicked his finger, a me shot out, and was already beginning to heat up the cauldron.

    Gu Qi sat on the side, and leaned against Zhao Ji: ¡°Is this another type of wondrous me that you mentioned before?¡±

    Previously, in the modern world, the only thing he used for refining was the Earthen Core me. This time around, the fire was a dark-purple color. It clearly wasn¡¯t the same type.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Correct. This is the Violet Bedrock me. Its temperature is rtively intense. After big brother gets hungry, if he only eats the meat of lower-ranked wild beasts, I wouldn¡¯t know how many he would need to eat. He also won¡¯t be able to eat his fill. On the contrary, because the energy is insufficient, it¡¯ll negatively affect his body. As a result, the medicinal cuisine I¡¯ll cook for him will be prepared from the meat essence of an origin beast. In addition, I have to match it with several other medicinal herbs of simrly high product grades... Although the meat of origin beasts is pretty good, it would be hard for an ordinary me to cook it. Thus, I need to use a wondrous fire with a fierce ze for the softening process.¡±

    ¡ª Tianheng went out to hunt. But actually, it was to y a rank one wild beast for its meat essence. This was because the meat essence of this rank had long been used up in Gu Zuo¡¯s storage space. With regards to the limits of Gu Qi and Zhao Ji¡¯s bodies, they definitely couldn¡¯t eat anything of higher ranks. Therefore, Tianheng had to go to work again.

    Gu Qi listened to Gu Zuo speak so clearly and logically. He felt that his family¡¯s foolish son was different in many aspects. As a result, a thought arose within his heart. Once he started learning martial arts, he needed to speed up his progress. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t he and Zhao Ji end up dragging down their son? This couldn¡¯t be tolerated.

    However, though he was thinking such things, Gu Qi didn¡¯t say anything. He only watched his family¡¯s son cook a meal for his big brother. In passing, he came to appreciate the unusual inspiration brought about by this cooking.

    The profession of pharmacists...was really special. And something like growing medicinal beads in one¡¯s hands was truly strange.

    Not long after, the inspiration of the origin level flood dragon¡¯s meat essence in the cauldron started to float up into ayer of faint, white light. This was a sign that the meat essence was gradually being softened. It was just that the heat control wasn¡¯t finished yet. Once the origin flood dragon¡¯s meat essence waspletely soft and springy, it could be ced into another recipe to be refined into a medicinal cuisine.

    Gu Zuo was fully concentrated. With the utmost care, he controlled the wondrous fire to prepare the origin flood dragon¡¯s meat essence into the most optimal state.

    Right at this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s brows suddenly furrowed.

    Gu Qi just so happened to see this, and couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Son, what¡¯s wrong? Has the cooking failed?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°People areing.¡±

    Gu Qi was startled: ¡°Where?¡±

    He didn¡¯t hear any movements from other people. After thinking about it, could it be that they were still rather far away?

    At this time, Zhao Ji opened his mouth: ¡°Two hundred meters.¡±

    Gu Qi paused, and turned his head to look at Zhao Ji: ¡°You¡¯re saying that they¡¯re outside the range of two hundred meters?¡±

    Zhao Ji: ¡°Inside.¡±

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a little astonished. It stood to reason that ordinary people had no way to hear sounds that were two hundred meters away, but his father managed it. Could it be that ¡ª After he suffered those ordeals, although his mind and spirit were greatly devastated, it increased certain abilities in other aspects? For example, his hearing or perceptivity?

    If it was like this, then it could barely be considered a bit ofpensation.

    Zhao Ji held Gu Qi in his arms: ¡°Here.¡±

    Gu Qi followed Zhao Ji¡¯s line of sight. Sure enough, he saw a disturbanceing through the trees about a dozen or so meters away. Moreover, that ce also had the sounds of footsteps and gasping breaths. Indeed, it looked like some people were getting closer. In the time it took to speak a few words, those people were able to arrive so quickly. It could be seen that they were martial artists with some strength.

    The next moment, those people appeared before their eyes.

    Gu Qi looked, and discovered that there were two men and one woman. Those two men were protecting the woman, who was in the middle. As for that woman, while fear was etched across her whole face, her footsteps never faltered.

    At the same time, stampeding closely behind those three people was an enormous and ferocious wild beast. Its entire body was pitch-ck, and it looked like a Spanish fighting bull. However,pared to the fighting bulls Gu Qi knew about, this one was bigger and fiercer ¡ª This bull was as tall as a one-story building and as long as seven to eight meters!

    How could this bull still resemble a normal cow?!

    It utterly refreshed Gu Qi¡¯s understanding of the creatures of this other world!

    Back to those three people. They had been panicking and running aimlessly. After appearing from the underbrush, they naturally saw the other three people here. With their eyesight, they were able to tell that Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were two ordinary people. As for Gu Zuo, who was cooking some meat, he was a pharmacist.

    Obviously, the three people they encountered had no fighting strength whatsoever. Thus, although they showed happy expressions upon discovering others, their happiness turned into disappointment when they got a clear look at the group of three.

    Fortunately, these neers didn¡¯t have bad consciences.

    Among them, a man took the initiative to shout: ¡°Quick, run away!¡±

    Immediately following this, the other man and woman carried a bit of urgency in their voices: ¡°Drop everything, and run!¡±

    Gu Qi looked at this terrifying creature, and his heartbeat raced a little.

    Merely, upon seeing how calm and unperturbed his family¡¯s son was, he suddenly didn¡¯t feel that worried.

    Gu Zuo unhurriedly formed a hand seal. After directing it into the medicinal cauldron, he lifted his head: ¡°Many thanks for the concern, but it¡¯s no bother.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, the space between his brows suddenly fountained with a surge of invisible energy. Constantly gathering together in the air, it seemed to roll up into an endless wind stream. In only a single breath of time, it swiftly condensed, and formed into solidified psychic power!

    It was a gigantic wolf-tooth cudgel. It was about a dozen meters long, and over a meter in diameter. As for the sharp spikes on the surface, each of them was just over a foot long!

    When it emerged in the air before everyone¡¯s eyes, it instantly gave off a type of boundless and vicious might. It abruptly turned around, and ruthlessly swept towards that fighting bull like it was swinging out an enormous circle!

    In the blink of an eye, that fighting bull let out a mournful and anguished wail. Its entire body had been punctured by the wolf-tooth cudgel¡¯s spikes, and countless small holes that dribbled with blood appeared. After that, it suddenly charged forward again ¡ª Yet, before the charge was over, it copsed to the ground. It had perished just like that!

    Following this, the wolf-tooth cudgel abruptly vanished. It transformed into an invisible stream of qi, and went back into the space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows.

    All that was left behind was the gigantic corpse of the fighting bull, which seemed like the size of a small hill.

    The two men and one woman were shocked. This pharmacist was actually so powerful? Could it be possible that he came from one of thoserge organizations that had an exceptional inheritance of a pharmacist powerhouse?!

    Greatly amazed, they promptly adjusted their attitudes, and their faces showed somewhat deferential expressions.

    The three people quickly arrived in front of Gu Zuo and the others. They bowed to observe the proper etiquette, and respectfully said: ¡°Many thanks to this honorable pharmacist for saving our lives.¡±

    Gu Zuo waved a hand: ¡°I saw that you guys still had a bit of conscience, so I took action. There¡¯s no need for thanks.¡±

    But even though Gu Zuo said that it wasn¡¯t necessary, how could those three people dare to think that it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning?

    Hence, they introduced themselves: ¡°We are citizens of the Great Zhou Empire. We had been given orders toe to this ce to search for spirit medicine. Unfortunately, we weren¡¯t careful, and provoked that basic spirit-level wild bull. It was to the point that we were nearly killed by it... By good fortune, we were saved by this great one. We couldn¡¯t thank you enough, so please do us the honor of apanying us back to the imperial capital. We will offer gifts to express our gratitude.¡±

    Of course, Gu Zuo refused: ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Soon after, he pointed to a ce on the side, ¡°On the contrary, there are a few matters I want to ask about. If you guys don¡¯t mind, answering these questions can be considered repayment.¡±

    The two men and one woman exchanged nces. Then, theyplied, and sat down: ¡°Great one, please ask your questions. If it can be said, we won¡¯t hide anything we know.¡±

    During the conversation, Gu Qi was still immersed in astonishment.

    Just then, what his foolish son used was...a wolf-tooth cudgel? He knew that his son¡¯s psychic power could be condensed to carry out attacks, but he didn¡¯t expect the condensed object to be this kind of weapon!

    It had a lot of destructive power, but he felt that it was a little strange. Moreover, while his son still appeared somewhat silly at times, Xiao Zuo¡¯s strength had already be great enough to wipe out a monster as big as a hill in a single blow? In this other world, where violence was used to curb violence, this was also too unscientific!

    Afterwards, Gu Qi listened to Gu Zuo and those three people talking, and found that his son¡¯s behavior and way of speaking had undergone many changes. It waspletely different from that sense of simplicity when he was in front of them.

    This was also considered...growing up, right?

    But his silly son had just turned twenty years old. In the modern world, that was the age when people went to university. In this ce, he didn¡¯t know how much suffering would bring about this kind of change.

    Of course, from the stories of the other world that Gu Zuo mentioned to Gu Qi, there were no indications that Gu Zuo suffered any hardships at all. In fact, he had been under the protection of Gongyi Tianheng ever since they first met. Indeed, this wasn¡¯t considered a great hardship.

    However, as Gu Zuo¡¯s dad, Gu Qi thought that his son still had suffered greatly... He couldn¡¯t help but feel that he was too ipetent.

    Zhao Ji cupped the back of Gu Qi¡¯s neck: ¡°Take it slow.¡±

    Gu Qi leaned against him: ¡°We can¡¯t take it slow. We have to be fast.¡±

    Zhao Ji followed along: ¡°Take it fast.¡±

    Gu Qi showed a smiling expression. His determination was stronger than ever.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo started asking the three people: ¡°Where¡¯s the specific territory of that Great Zhou Empire you guys mentioned? How far is it from the Ten Ultimates Domain?¡±

    The Ten Ultimates Domain referred to all the regions included within the jurisdiction of Ten Ultimates Sect. This question of his caused those three to immediately understand. As it turned out, this honorable pharmacist had lost his way?

    Thus, among the three, it was the woman who responded: ¡°Thend where our Great Zhou Empire is located is known as the Sagely Hand Domain. It¡¯s the administrative region of the Sagely Hand Sect. The Sagely Hand Domain and the Ten Ultimates Domain are adjacent to one another, but our Great Zhou Empire is close to the center of the Sagely Hand Domain. If anyone wants to proceed towards the Ten Ultimates Domain from here, I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll take a long time.¡±

    From her point of view, this group of people didn¡¯t have any wild birds for transportation. This pharmacist was also bringing along two ordinary people. Even if he travelled day and night with them in tow, they wouldn¡¯t reach their destination in just a few months.

    Gu Zuo murmured to himself: ¡°So it¡¯s like this...¡±

    He was imagining how far this journey would be. At the same time, he also recalled something. It seemed that he had heard about this Great Zhou Empire from somewhere before? It was just that he still needed to mull over it for a short while.

    Right at this time, the heavy stench of blood wafted over.

    Subsequently, what arrived was a streak of incredibly familiar qi emissions.

    Gu Zuo raised his head, and looked where the qi emissions wereing from. He smiled, and called out: ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re back!¡±

    A young man with a slender build leisurely walked out from the trees on the other side. In his hand, he dragged the corpse of a wild beast. His steps were unhurried, and there was a smile on his face: ¡°Ah Zuo, I¡¯m back.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 430 - Teleportation Array

    <h4>Chapter 430 - Teleportation Array</h4>

    The two men and one woman were startled. They couldn¡¯t help looking at that young man.

    This young man seemedpletely untouched by the vulgarities of the mundane world. His figure was clean and tidy like he hadn¡¯t just gone hunting. And when one looked behind him, they would see that the skull of the wild beast had been shattered ¡ª Brain matter, the stench of blood, and everything else leaked out from that ce. Apart from this, there were no other wounds to the beast¡¯s body.

    However, the strangest thing was that, although this young man wasn¡¯t weak no matter how one looked at him, the wild beast that he dragged back was merely the most ordinary...rank one wild pig.

    After getting closer, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze swept over the two men and one woman. He didn¡¯t say anything, and simply tossed the wild pig in passing. He smiled and said: ¡°This thing tastes pretty good. I think that these two uncles should like it, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at that wild pig, and instantly recognized it.

    Back when they were in the Cangyun Empire, he would frequently use this type of wild pig to refine medicinal cuisines for his dear big brother. While it appeared fierce and vicious, its meat essence was delicious, and it could satisfy big brother¡¯s picky tastes.

    He didn¡¯t expect to see it again now.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo met Tianheng¡¯s smiling eyes, and he promptly understood.

    In this forest, lower level wild beasts weren¡¯tmonly seen. And if one wanted to find this type of wild pig, it would be even harder. It was no wonder that the speed of big brother¡¯s return was this slow... Though, the fact that big brother could specially find this wild pig also warmed his heart.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s response was to swiftly perform many hand seals and throw all of the medicinal ingredients into the cauldron. Not long after, he already refined a precious meal. The wonderful scents assailed the senses with rich and fragrant notes.

    Subsequently, he extracted the quintessence within the cuisine, anddled it into arge bowl, which he delivered into Tianheng¡¯s hands: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve cooked something like this. Give it a taste.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow, and received the food.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo quickly arrived in front of the wild pig. His fingers flew through the air. After some indiscernible movements, he had already butchered the pig, and took out the most tender meat essence, which was cast into another medicinal cauldron.

    This time around, the process was much more effortless than when he cooked the origin flood dragon¡¯s meat essence just a while ago. Within a brief couple of seconds, the refinement waspleted. Two bowls were quickly brought out by him, and handed over to Gu Qi and Zhao Ji.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Dad will eat this bowl, and father will eat that bowl. This time, you guys can¡¯t mix them up.¡±

    Because father¡¯s body needed treatment, he had gone through the tempering of many medicinal ingredients. He was already about the same as an ordinary Blood Refining Realm martial artist. As a result, the bowl given to him contained quintessential meat essence with rich energies. As for dad¡¯s body, although his health had been nursed as well, when all was said and done, only his hidden injuries were treated. His situation wasn¡¯t as critical as that of father. Thus, Gu Zuo intended to seriously research aftering back to this world. Although the taste of the bowl of meat essence given to dad was still mellow and rich, there wasn¡¯t much quintessential energy inside. It was mainly to strengthen his body and to build up his health.

    Normally, his parents were very close and intimate. During mealtimes, it didn¡¯t matter that they readily took bites of each other¡¯s food. But this time, if dad mistakenly ate father¡¯s food, then the situation...would be desperate.

    It was only natural that Gu Qi listened to Gu Zuo¡¯s urging. There was no need to mention Zhao Ji. He ced extreme importance on Gu Qi¡¯s health. Hence, he simrly epted these instructions. Unlike before, they only ate their own portions.

    Off to the side, the two men and one woman were awkwardly sitting down. Gu Zuo hadn¡¯t spoken a word to them, and it wasn¡¯t good to leave like this. Besides, apart from being grateful to this group of four, they also really wanted to build higher social connections.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t eat any meat, and only drank a bit of the precious meal¡¯s soup broth. This was enough to replenish his energy. He quickly took note of the three people, and recalled his questions just then. He called out to them: ¡°Do you guys want to eat some, too? That cauldron has a dish made from the meat essence of a rank one wild beast. It¡¯s incredibly delicious, but it doesn¡¯t contain enough medicinal power. This cauldron has a dish made from the meat essence of an origin flood dragon. The medicinal power is surging like a storm. It¡¯s just that, with your strength, I¡¯m afraid that you guys can¡¯t eat the meat. You¡¯ll only be able to drink some broth like me.¡±

    After listening to these words, the two men and one woman also felt somewhat excited in their hearts.

    This honorable pharmacist obviously had brilliant and superior techniques, but he was so amiable to them. Indeed, this left them content. And with their Xiantian stage nine strength, it was difficult to deal with even basic spirit-level wild beasts. Rarely were they able to enjoy the meat essence of such creatures. To say nothing of those rumored origin beasts that were far superior to spirit level wild beasts!

    Just drinking the broth was enough to make them feel happy... Moreover, their bodies really were only capable of bearing the broth of an origin beast dish.

    At once, the three people cupped their fists, and said: ¡°Many thanks, great one.¡±

    Among them, a man with an honest and sincere appearance spoke with some embarrassment: ¡°We...hope that we can have some origin beast broth.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. There are still a few things I want to ask you guyster. Let¡¯s have some broth first, and we¡¯ll talk slowly.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, the three each took a bowl of broth. As they drank, they conversed with Gu Zuo, and somewhat strenuously operated their inner cultivation methods to absorb the energy.

    Gu Zuo considered something, and asked: ¡°Is there a teleportation array within the capital city of your Great Zhou Empire?¡±

    The regions and domains of the Central Continent were vast. Most of the time, although everyone rode wild beasts to travel around, if something happened in the southern skies and northern seas, and they needed to get in touch, would someone spend months to rush over? Of course, there was another way.

    This method was precisely the teleportation array.

    It was just that, every time a teleportation array was opened, the consumption wasn¡¯t small. In addition, the refining materials used to construct a teleportation array were incredibly precious. Not all cities could afford the costs, so not all cities had teleportation arrays within them.

    Although the Ten Ultimates Domain and the Sagely Hand Domain shared borders, while Tianheng and Gu Zuo could purchase some wild beasts or birds in the Great Zhou Empire to get around and increase their speed, when all was said and done, Zhao Ji and Gu Qi were still ordinary people. Even if they rode on wild beasts or birds, they would certainly feel ufortable. They wouldn¡¯t even be able to withstand the extreme speeds. What¡¯s more, the two of them had disappeared directly from the historical ruin. After such a long time had passed, it was better that they didn¡¯t dy. They had to return in a hurry to avoid any setbacks.

    Thus, the teleportation array was much more convenient.

    One of the men responded: ¡°Naturally, it has one.¡±

    However, that woman faintly furrowed her beautiful brows: ¡°It¡¯s just that the imperial capital¡¯s teleportation array is controlled by the royal family. Commoners can¡¯t get close to it, and that teleportation array only opens once a month. At any other time, it would depend on whether one has any connections with members of the royal family.¡±

    The remaining man added: ¡°If you want to rely on the teleportation array, I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯ll need to prepare a few gifts, too. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be hard to get inside.¡±

    All of these things really were problems.

    Gu Zuo also furrowed his brows.

    Gifts were no problem. The crucial point was how they were going to get in contact with the Great Zhou Empire¡¯s royal family.

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯s voice resounded inside Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Ah Zuo, the Roads of Death.]

    Gu Zuo was shocked, and suddenly remembered!

    The Great Zhou Empire ¡ª Great Zhou and that Prince Zhou... Back then on the Road of Death, wasn¡¯t he one of the three great prodigies who conspired to turn the Peripheral Continents¡¯ geniuses into their own battle ves? As for that Great Zhou Empire, wasn¡¯t it the bronze-ranked organization of that prodigy, Prince Zhou?

    Speaking of which, Tianheng and Gu Zuo had be life and death nemeses with the Great Zhao Empire¡¯s third prince. However, because that third prince got the worst of it, the two hadn¡¯t taken this matter to heart after they left the Road of Death. On the contrary, they didn¡¯t bear any grudges against that Prince Zhou.

    Merely, it hadn¡¯t been long since that time. Prince Zhou would definitely still remember what transpired on that Road of Death. It wasn¡¯t known what Prince Zhou thought of it.

    Pondering up to this point, Gu Zuo opened his mouth to ask: ¡°Do you guys know about the Great Zhao Empire?¡±

    When these words were uttered, the expressions of the two men and one woman changed.

    Among them, one of the men¡¯splexions became somewhat unsightly: ¡°None of the Zhao Empire¡¯s people are good.¡±

    Another person also said: ¡°The Zhao Empire and our Great Zhou Empire are neighbors, but there¡¯s an unreconcble feud. The Zhao Empire also has a teleportation array, but the Zhao Empire¡¯s people are despicable and shameless. Gentlemen, if you want to go to the Zhao Empire, and make use of that teleportation array, I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll be much harder than our Great Zhou Empire.¡±

    Meanwhile, that woman¡¯s shapely eyebrows furrowed up in anger: ¡°Sooner orter, there wille a day when the Zhao Empire will also be taken into our Great Zhou Empire¡¯s pockets!¡±

    When the Zhao Empire was mentioned, all three people were filled with hatred and resentment.

    It could be seen that Great Zhou and Great Zhao were constantly in conflict.

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. Immediately following which, he shook his head, and said: ¡°I also share some disagreements with the Zhao Empire, so I naturally won¡¯t go there.¡±

    In reality, he felt better knowing that Great Zhou and Great Zhao didn¡¯t get along.

    The two men and one woman breathed out sighs of relief. Suddenly, that woman spoke up: ¡°Actually, you might be able to contact a member of the royal family through our current employer.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 431 - Meeting Senior Sect Brother Xu Again

    <h4>Chapter 431 - Meeting Senior Sect Brother Xu Again</h4>

    Gu Zuo¡¯s interest was piqued: ¡°Can you borate?¡±

    That woman shot a nce at the other two men. After they appeared to think it over, they also nodded to her. The woman replied: ¡°This time around, the person who hired us is the distinguished guest of the seventh prince. I¡¯ve heard that the seventh prince treats this distinguished guest with affection and great care. It¡¯s almost to the point of total submissiveness. If you can get our employer¡¯s agreement to help, and ask him to bring up this matter to the seventh prince, he should be able to smoothly open the teleportation array.¡±

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, his expression became a little strange.

    Why did he feel that this woman¡¯s wording...was so odd?

    What was this about affection, great care, and total submission? Why did it not sound like the description of an actual distinguished guest? Moreover, a distinguished guest was usually the one with the highest status and least restraint among the subordinates of a prodigy, and was often the most revered. Yet, when this woman talked about that distinguished guest, there wasn¡¯t too much respect... Could it be that the strength of this distinguished guest didn¡¯t match his position?

    However, even though Gu Zuo was thinking about this, he didn¡¯t foolishly blurt it out. He only asked: ¡°Is there anything this distinguished guest likes that would make him willing to help?¡±

    The woman said: ¡°That distinguished guest is a pharmacist. Normally, he diligently researches the path of medicine refinement, so he often needs spirit medicines. Great one, since you¡¯re also a pharmacist, it¡¯ll probably be easier to talk to him. If you have spirit medicines as gifts, you can be even more sure of the oue.¡±

    Activating the teleportation array wasn¡¯t actually a big deal. Usually, it didn¡¯t matter that much when it was opened. The reason why the royal family controlled the teleportation array in the imperial capital was actually just to protect the city itself. Once there was a war or any other crisis, control over the teleportation array meant control over the path of escape. It also blockedrge-scale enemy invasions.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    Speaking of spirit medicines... The amount he stored up in here wasn¡¯t small. Even for wondrous medicines, there was quite arge pile.

    It really wasn¡¯t a big loss to give a stalk to that distinguished guest for the sake of getting into his good graces.

    As a result, Gu Zuo directly said: ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have to ask you guys to help introduce us.¡±

    Naturally, those two men and one woman promptly agreed: ¡°For this small thing, this great one can rest assured.¡±

    After that, the matter was settled.

    Gongyi Tianheng, Zhao Ji, and Gu Qi also happened to finish eating their fills. Right away, the group prepared to leave this forest. But before departing, he gave that wild beast he killed to those three people. While they immediately refused, they finally epted it at Gu Zuo¡¯s insistence. At the same time, they became more attentive and enthusiastic in doing things for Gu Zuo. One ought to know that, with regards to these martial artists, it could be said that this basic spirit-level wild beast was a huge sum of free wealth!

    Those two men and one woman had a map of this forest, so it was much more convenient getting out.

    Because they had to take care of two ordinary people, the group¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t very fast. When they absolutely had to hurry, Tianheng carried the two uncles as he ran. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo urged his psychic power, and quickly kept pace with them ¡ª Because he used his psychic power to propel his body forward, his feet didn¡¯t touch the ground. His speed wasn¡¯t slow either.

    After a couple hours, the edge of the forest was right before their eyes.

    The three¡¯s beast mounts were stabled in the town outside the forest. Later on, they brought everyone along, hastened the journey, and quickly arrived at the capital city of the Great Zhou Empire.

    The forest hadn¡¯t been that far from the imperial capital.

    The three swiftly handled matters. After arriving at the capital, they carried the stalk of spirit medicine they found in the forest, and handed in their mission ¡ª If it wasn¡¯t for harvesting the spirit medicine that the basic spirit-level wild bull was guarding, how else could they have antagonized that wild bull into crazily pursuing them?

    As for Gu Zuo and his group, they rested in a tavern, and waited.

    Gu Qi sized up this tavern of the other world. Although it wasn¡¯t as convenient as a modern hotel, the human service was particrly good, and the furnishings in the first-ss rooms were much more luxurious than that of most modern hotels. With a casual look around, one could see several things that would be sold for sky-high prices. As for these items, they were unexpectedly treated as ordinary bobbles in the other world and ced randomly throughout the room. He couldn¡¯t help but feel somewhat amazed in his heart.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo deliberately said: ¡°Dad, once you go to Ten Ultimates Sect with us, don¡¯t be too surprised.¡±

    The corner of Gu Qi¡¯s mouth twitched. Taking advantage of the fact that Tianheng was standing on the other side of the room, he abruptly reached out and pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s nose. After that, he said: ¡°Make fun of your old man again, and I¡¯ll spank your butt.¡±

    Hearing these words, what Gu Zuo recalled weren¡¯t the scenes of getting spanked in his childhood. Instead, he suddenly remembered what his dear big brother once did to him... His face blushed a deep red.

    Gu Qi: ¡°...¡±

    Just what was this silly son thinking about?!

    Zhao Ji hooked his arms around Gu Qi¡¯s waist. For the first time, he spoke a sentence to Gu Zuo: ¡°Not obedient, get spanked.¡±

    Gu Zuo was helpless, and looked towards Tianheng with a pleading expression in his eyes.

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°This...this elder brother is powerless to help.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    The whole family was happy and harmonious. Outside, someone knocked on the door.

    As it turned out, a little more than an hour had already passed. Those two men and one woman had turned in their mission without a hitch, and brought back information to them.

    That seventh prince¡¯s distinguished guest had agreed to meet with them.

    And since he agreed, then there was certainly some leeway for discussion.

    Among the three, the woman said: ¡°With regards to the teleportation array, we didn¡¯t take the initiative to talk about it. But as for the matters of this great one having spirit medicine in his possession as well as wanting to pay a visit, both have been brought up.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°I have troubled you guys.¡±

    The three of them replied: ¡°This great one is courteous. We¡¯re already very happy being able to provide a bit of help. This great one saved our lives, so a few small matters aren¡¯t worth mentioning.¡±

    Following this, they wanted to give gifts of gratitude and invite them to have a meal together. These offers were naturally refused by Gu Zuo. After thinking about it, one would know that if these people wanted to prepare gifts, the expenses wouldn¡¯t be small. He wasn¡¯t short of money, so why should he snatch things from these folks who were struggling below the Immortal Realm? As for having a meal, the other party would also certainly have to spend a lot, so it was even less necessary. In actuality, he really thought that it was enough to get information and the opportunity of a meeting from them. After all, saving them was as easy as lifting a finger.

    In the end, to avoid making Gu Zuo unhappy, the three finally took back the gifts and invitation. At the same time, their bearing towards Gu Zuo and the others became even more respectful. Under Gu Zuo¡¯s request, the three brought everyone straight to the location of their employer.

    That woman said: ¡°This pharmacist usually resides within the seventh prince¡¯s official residence. For the past two weeks, he has been changing locations to purchase spirit medicines. After another couple of days, he¡¯ll probably leave. Once these sirs go inside, try to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Otherwise, there might not be enough time.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Many thanks for the reminder. As for the subsequent matters, we¡¯ll do our best.¡±

    Once the three heard this, they asked the guards at the gate to go in and report to their superior. Only after getting a definite reply did the three bid farewell to them.

    Shortly thereafter, guided by one of the guards, Gu Zuo and the others went inside.

    This was a rtively beautiful and secluded courtyard. After passing through rock gardens, small streams, and stone-lined pathways, they were able to see an open-air medicine hut. In that ce, a slim silhouette was seated. In front of that figure was a pill furnace.

    From far away, Gu Zuo looked over. He only felt that this figure was very familiar... In addition, it seemed as if he had seen this pill refining posture many times before.

    In an instant, a name emerged from his throat, and was hesitatingly called out by him: ¡°S-senior Sect Brother Xu?¡±

    That pharmacist¡¯s perception was also extremely sensitive.

    Once Gu Zuo let out his voice, the person in the medicine hut suddenly raised his head. That elegant appearance that always wore a haughty look... Wasn¡¯t that Xu Lingxiu?

    The purple-robed young man¡¯s brows furrowed. When he got a clear glimpse at the people, his expression loosened: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. It¡¯s actually you guys.¡± While speaking, he rapidly waved a hand, ¡°Come over here.¡±

    Although the tone of these words wasn¡¯t particrly polite, one could clearly hear the joy contained within them.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was also very happy.

    This was...meeting an old friend in a foreignnd, right?

    If it was said that he had made any friends in Qingyun Sect, Xu Lingxiu was definitely among the ones he had made the deepest connections with. Previously, when he came out from the Road of Death, he wasn¡¯t aware of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s whereabouts. Nevertheless, he had been worried for quite a while. Now that they bumped into one another, this was a load off his mind.

    Hence, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate to walk into the medicine hut withrge strides.

    Very quickly, a couple of people met up inside the hut.

    Xu Lingxiu had justpleted the most challenging step in the medicine refining process. After performing a Pill Receiving Seal to collect the finished products, he put away the medicinal pills. When he looked at Gu Zuo, he showed a trace of a smile.

    Gu Zuo sighed in relief: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that I could meet Senior Sect Brother Xu again under these circumstances.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised his chin, and looked just as arrogant as when they were in Qingyun Sect: ¡°Being able to see you alive also makes me happy.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Okay, it seemed that Senior Sect Brother Xu truly was overjoyed.

    After that, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, how did you end up in this ce?¡±

    He was really quite baffled. With this senior brother¡¯s temperament, he shouldn¡¯t have gone to be someone¡¯s distinguished guest. It was because, no matter how good the reputation of a distinguished guest sounded, it was the same thing as a type of subordinate. This little young master had grown up like a moon surrounded by the stars. How could he have been willing?

    Xu Lingxiu heard Gu Zuo¡¯s words. While his face became somewhat gloomy, his mood didn¡¯t seem too bad. It gave others a type ofplicated feeling.

    Gu Zuo was even more confused.

    Then, he subconsciously recalled a few of the adjectives used when that woman mentioned her employer... And the employer was Senior Sect Brother Xu. In other words, the one whom the seventh prince doted upon withplete submission was Xu Lingxiu?

    All of a sudden, Gu Zuo¡¯s state of mind also becameplicated.

    Just what was going on here?!

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s facial expression didn¡¯t look too good: ¡°While on the Road of Death, I was rescued by Zhou Qi, and became his distinguished guest.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately understood.

    Apparently, the seventh prince of the Great Zhou Empire really was Prince Zhou, one of the three great prodigies on the Road of Death. For some reason, that fellow saved Senior Sect Brother Xu, and asked him to be a distinguished guest...to repay the favor?

    After that, Gu Zuo carefully sized up this Senior Sect Brother Xu, and discovered that his internal qi realm was already at the Immortal Realm. Xu Lingxiu¡¯s spiritual path realm was also quite condensed. He was close to forming a psychic core. It probably wouldn¡¯t take much time before he could smoothly break through.

    One ought to know that it had only been about two years since they passed through the Road of Death. He and big brother had many fortuitous encounters and obtained the vigorous nurturing of the sect to achieve their current progress. Since Senior Sect Brother Xu had made suchrge improvements, it could be seen that Prince Zhou Qi treated him extremely well.

    Of course, with Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s present strength, he should still be only a golden-level pharmacist. He wouldn¡¯t have reached the realm of the profound level. In a bronze-ranked organization, a golden-level pharmacist was a rising star, but he wouldn¡¯t have reached the point of being sought after with high demand.

    In other words, there was still a lot of room for growth... Aftering to the Central Continent, even though Senior Sect Brother Xu was only judged to have quasi-golden level potential when he was in Qingyun Sect, in bronze-ranked organizations, his potential was far more than that. Merely, he still neededrge amounts of experience to hone himself.

    And to be Prince Zhou Qi¡¯s distinguished guest, one generally needed to be a profound-level pharmacist to be worthy of this position. Xu Lingxiu was just at the golden level. As a result, those previous people didn¡¯t respect him enough. Thus, he was trying his best to search for spirit medicines to improve himself as soon as possible.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but heave a sigh.

    In this ce, Senior Sect Brother Xu definitely didn¡¯t have it easy... Originally, he was a proud son of heaven in Qingyun Sect, but he didn¡¯t seem that outstanding here. Although he was stubborn, persistent, and incredibly hardworking, his heart certainly wasn¡¯t filled with delight.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 432 - Prince Zhou

    <h4>Chapter 432 - Prince Zhou</h4>

    After thinking about it, Gu Zuo still used a casual and gossipy tone to ask: ¡°I heard that Prince Zhou treats Senior Sect Brother Xu quite generously, but is living here to your liking?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu gave a cold harrumph, and didn¡¯t answer.

    Gu Zuo had deep concern on his face: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, if you to feel unsatisfied in this ce, would it be possible to tell me?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nced at him: ¡°It¡¯s out of the question to say that I¡¯m satisfied, but I¡¯m not too unsatisfied either. Don¡¯t concern yourself with this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused.

    He knew that, with Xu Lingxiu¡¯s pride, he certainly wasn¡¯t the type of person who was willing toin. Even though they came from the same ce and shared a bond of friendship, the situation would remain the same.

    However, despite knowing this, how could Gu Zuo not care about Senior Sect Brother Xu? If he truly was unhappy here, wouldn¡¯t Gu Zuo think of a way of mentioning that he could be brought to Ten Ultimates Sect? At the very least, Gu Zuo could allow Xu Lingxiu to have an easier time in big brother¡¯s manor.

    It was just that he needed to properly consider how to bring up this subject.

    Gu Zuo slightly hesitated, and probed: ¡°I heard that Prince Zhou attaches great importance to Senior Sect Brother Xu. If senior brother is unhappy in any way, you can just say it directly. There¡¯s no need to make yourself ufortable. Since Prince Zhou recruited senior brother, he certainly won¡¯t ignore anything.¡±

    He used very ambiguous words because he was afraid of hurting Xu Lingxiu¡¯s self-esteem. He didn¡¯t dare to speak those words that carried certain insinuations.

    Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t a stupid person. How couldn¡¯t he be aware of the rumors outside? Of course, he also heard Gu Zuo¡¯s carefully worded meaning. Although he felt ufortable thinking about this matter, he understood that this stemmed from Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s deep concern.

    Following this, he curled his lips: ¡°Zhou Qi? It¡¯s better to just forget about it.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s temperament was too hard to deal with. He really didn¡¯t know how he ought to proceed.

    Xu Lingxiu saw Gu Zuo¡¯s conflicted appearance, and couldn¡¯t help scoffing: ¡°Okay. You came here this time to find someone to do something. What do you want to do? Take advantage of the fact that I still have some ability, and let me settle it for you.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent. He felt that it was better to set aside that topic just now. As a result, he directly said: ¡°It¡¯s just that we want to borrow Great Zhou¡¯s teleportation array. Due to some previous matters, we unintentionally travelled very far away. If we return too slowly, it wouldn¡¯t be very appropriate. Thus...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded his head: ¡°So it¡¯s this kind of thing. Anyway, it¡¯s just using the teleportation array. Wait for me to write a message, and it should be settled quickly.¡±

    Gu Zuo was delighted, and said to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu waved a hand: ¡°It¡¯s nothing but a trifle.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, he called out to someone to deliver a brush and some ink. After swiftly writing down the message, he ordered the person to take it and leave. Then, he cleaned his hands, and said: ¡°Where are you guys living nowadays?¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally didn¡¯t hide anything, and honestly said: ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Ever since we came out of the Road of Death, big brother&#k2026;¡±

    Because of the matter with the Third Prince of Zhao, he got separated from big brother. While Gongyi Tianheng went to Ten Ultimates Sect, he was rescued and brought back to the Hu n. Later on, the two reunited, and entered Ten Ultimates Sect together. Apart from some details that were unsuitable to talk about, he shared everything else with to Xu Lingxiu in a lively manner.

    Once Xu Lingxiu finished listening, he raised an eyebrow: ¡°As it turns out, the new all-star prodigy who appeared in the Ten Ultimates Domain is Junior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled at Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu shot him a nce: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gongyi has some skill.¡±

    Tianheng replied: ¡°It just so happened to coincide with the asion.¡±

    Although Xu Lingxiu held a bit of admiration for Tianheng, the one he really looked upon with importance was Gu Zuo. Just a while ago, amid Gu Zuo¡¯s recounting, he heard many things implying that the two were living harmoniously. Moreover, Tianheng truly did take good care of Gu Zuo. Not to say that all matters bothrge and small were handled, but Tianheng was thoughtful, considerate, and thorough. It was only natural that Xu Lingxiu would find Tianheng somewhat more pleasing to the eyes.

    Merely, he still didn¡¯t initiate any conversation with Tianheng.

    Soon after, Xu Lingxiu asked Gu Zuo for some details. While it would be out of the question to say that his words were gentle and soft, everyone present could understand that trace of concern hidden within.

    Gu Zuo naturally felt quite warm in his heart. After answering many questions, he suddenly spoke up: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, how about you go to Ten Ultimates Sect with us?¡± Afraid that Xu Lingxiu would overthink things, he hastily supplemented, ¡°In the manor, you¡¯ll only be a guest or visitor. You won¡¯t be treated as a subordinate.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu stared nkly.

    He swept a nce at Tianheng, and discovered that this fellow was only watching Gu Zuo with a smile stered across his face. By allowing Gu Zuo to speak like this without showing any hints of displeasure, it seemed that Tianheng didn¡¯t resent Gu Zuo for going beyond the sacrificial altar and taking over the kitchen. It appeared that Tianheng also didn¡¯t feel that Gu Zuo caused any offense... From this, it could be seen that the friendship between these two was incredibly profound. It was almost like there was no distinction between what belonged to one person and what belonged to the other.

    Xu Lingxiu felt a little strange. But once he saw that Gu Zuo subconsciously treated Tianheng with such intimacy and closeness, he suddenly had a thought.

    In the blink of an eye, it was as though he had understood something.

    Following this, the gaze that Xu Lingxiu used to look at the two was different.

    Unexpectedly, it was like this?

    However, this wasn¡¯t a bad thing either.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was somewhat eagerly waiting for Xu Lingxiu¡¯s response. However, he found that something wasn¡¯t quite right with this senior brother. Right away, he was bit stumped.

    W-what happened?

    A slightly low and maic voice resounded in Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    [Senior Sect Brother Xu has probably noticed the feelings of affection between Ah Zuo and this elder brother.]

    The base of Gu Zuo¡¯s ears heated up.

    Things like affection...

    After that, he quietly looked at Xu Lingxiu. Sure enough, he found that Xu Lingxiu really did seem to know something. He suddenly felt greatly embarrassed.

    For a time, he also forgot to pursue his line of questions and answers.

    The next moment, footsteps could be heard from far away.

    A figure arrived with extreme speed, and called out: ¡°Lingxiu¡¯er, I¡¯m here!¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression, which was originally full of interest, abruptly turned gloomy: ¡°Zhou Qi, shut up for me!¡±

    The person who arrived immediately entered the medicine hut. Although his voice was deep, low, and pleasant on the ears, it was carrying a frivolous and coquettish tone: ¡°Lingxiu¡¯er, what will you do if I don¡¯t shut up?¡±

    After that, the figure appeared in front of them.

    This person wore a full-body, ck changpao with heavy brocade. Like a jade ribbon overlooking the wind, he was elegant, confident, and at ease. His appearance was extraordinarily luxuriant and rather outstanding, but when he smiled, a fierce look shed through his eyes. It brought about an entric and wicked feeling that couldn¡¯t be put into words.

    At a nce, one would know that he wasn¡¯t a pushover.

    Who could this person have been if not the troubled prodigy Prince Zhou, who was on the Road of Death back then?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was quite strange.

    Lingxiu¡¯er... What kind of an absurd term of address was that?

    No wonder Senior Sect Brother Xu wanted him to shut up.

    However, with the bickering between Prince Zhou and Xu Lingxiu, it wasn¡¯t like an ordinary rtionship of boss and distinguished guest. Rather, it looked like they were very familiar with each other...

    Xu Lingxiu was blocked by Prince Zhou¡¯s words. His expression was unsightly, and the sharp gaze of his eyes was like pinpricks as he looked at Prince Zhou.

    However, Prince Zhou acted as though he didn¡¯t notice anything. He only arranged his robes, and sat down like the others. He smiled and said: ¡°I heard that Lingxiu¡¯er¡¯s old friends wereing. As his superior, I wanted to drop by and pay a visit.¡± His gaze swept over Tianheng and Gu Zuo, ¡°Originally, I thought my underlings misjudged the situation. But now that I¡¯ve had a look, you guys really are old friends.¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces, and nodded their heads: ¡°Prince Zhou, knowing someone by their reputation can¡¯tpare to meeting them in person.¡±

    Prince Zhou raised an eyebrow: ¡°Well said.¡±

    Of course, people who weren¡¯t familiar with each other wouldn¡¯t be able to exchange too many pleasantries. Nevertheless, Gu Zuoposed himself, and spoke to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, about my suggestion just now...¡±

    Prince Zhou cut into the discussion: ¡°What suggestion? This ce is my Great Zhou¡¯s imperial capital. If it¡¯s not considered too difficult, this prince can do it conveniently for Lingxiu¡¯er¡¯s sake.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu shot him a nce: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu invited me to be a guest at his ce. Is that convenient for you?¡±

    Prince Zhou tidied his sleeves: ¡°Actually, this is difficult for me...¡±

    Xu Lingxiu sneered.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand what he was seeing at all.

    Previously, he didn¡¯t think much about it, but what he had heard and seen sinceing to Great Zhou made him feel that there seemed to be something between Senior Sect Brother Xu and Prince Zhou.

    But when all was said and done, he was also in a rtionship with big brother, and there was the example of his dad and father. If these two people really had those kinds of feelings, he wouldn¡¯t bepletely blind to it either.

    It was just that, based on his perception, the rtionship between the two seemed a little odd right now. Although, it also appeared that they weren¡¯t already dating?

    The corner of Prince Zhou¡¯s mouth pulled up into a grin: ¡°Lingxiu¡¯er still hasn¡¯tpleted that thing for this prince. For the time being, I¡¯m afraid that he can¡¯t leave this prince¡¯s side... As for this matter of being a guest, I¡¯m sorry to say that I will have to disappoint these two gentlemen.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 433 - Returning to Ten Ultimates Sect

    <h4>Chapter 433 - Returning to Ten Ultimates Sect</h4>

    Gu Zuo was startled, and looked at Xu Lingxiu.

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°You don¡¯t have to concern yourself about this. I really do want to repay him for saving my life. After I¡¯m done with my work, if there¡¯s still fate between us, it won¡¯t be toote for me to look for you guys again.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows slightly furrowed.

    Senior Sect Brother Xu spoke in this way, but why did he feel that Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t want to go to Ten Ultimates Sect. In addition, he felt that even if Senior Sect Brother Xu finished his work one day, this Prince Zhou wouldn¡¯t necessarily let him leave...

    That Prince Zhou said: ¡°These two gentlemen can rest assured. With Lingxiu¡¯er in this prince¡¯s care, his treatment is of the highest quality. This prince prioritizes resources and is doing the utmost to nurture him. I definitely won¡¯t squander his innate talents.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at Xu Lingxiu once more.

    The corner of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s mouth twitched, and he faintly nodded his head: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have my own ns in mind.¡±

    At the same time, Gongyi Tianheng sent a voice transmission.

    [Ah Zuo, if Xu Lingxiu goes to be a guest at our ce, that would be the equivalent of lodging under another person¡¯s roof. Even though there may be many twists and turns here, there are things worth utilizing. With his pride, he would rather keep the current arrangement.]

    Actually, Gu Zuo also understood this reasoning. It was just that this Prince Zhou was too sinister, and he couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    However, he still respected Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s way of thinking. In any case, their Ten Ultimates Domain was right next to this domain. Now that he knew about Xu Lingxiu¡¯s whereabouts, if Senior Sect Brother Xu encountered any trouble, he wouldn¡¯t be toote to lend a helping hand.

    With such thoughts, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart loosened. He spoke to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°Although you can¡¯te and stay as our guest, if Senior Sect Brother Xu has any free time, you can always drop by and rx.¡± He nced at Prince Zhou again, ¡°I assume that his highness, the prince, doesn¡¯t mind?¡±

    Prince Zhou¡¯s lips curled into a smile. He didn¡¯t say that he minded, but he didn¡¯t say that he didn¡¯t care either.

    Meanwhile, Xu Lingxiu gave his assent: ¡°If you have free time, you cane over, too.¡± When he finished speaking, he threw out a wooden token, ¡°At that time, you can use this thing to see me, and no one will get in your way.¡±

    Gu Zuo put away the token, and felt a little more reassured.

    Although this Prince Zhou seemed very controlling when it came to Senior Sect Brother Xu, it appeared that he didn¡¯tpletely restrict Xu Lingxiu¡¯s freedom. For the time being, it looked like the situation wasn¡¯t too bad.

    Following this, Prince Zhou, Tianheng, and the others remained silent on the side. Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu briefly talked about the whereabouts of other Qingyun Sect disciples.

    Among them, the only one they were sure of was Senior Sect Brother Teng Yunfei, who had a brilliant reputation in Qingyun Sect. He had joined the bronze-ranked organization, Heavenly Saber Sect, and was simrly nurtured as a prodigy. However, it wasn¡¯t known where most of their fellow disciples went and what happened to them.

    After chatting for a while, Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Alright, we¡¯re wasting daylight. You guys should get going, too. Zhou Qi, let my two junior brothers borrow the teleportation array. You can lend this bit of help, right?¡±

    Zhou Qi revealed a smiling expression: ¡°If Lingxiu¡¯er wants my help, how could this prince refuse? But it¡¯s rare for you guys to see each other. It would better for these two to stay for a few days.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu impatiently retorted: ¡°Who said anything about staying? They¡¯re on a tight schedule. There¡¯ll be opportunities to see each other in the future. It¡¯s best that you resolve this matter for them right away.¡±

    Prince Zhou leisurely stood up: ¡°Lingxiu¡¯er¡¯s wishes are this prince¡¯smands.¡±

    In the end, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know whether the rtionship between these two people was good or bad. However, it also wouldn¡¯t be good to stick his hands where they didn¡¯t belong. He could only cup his fist: ¡°In that case, many thanks to Senior Sect Brother Xu and Prince Zhou.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu harrumphed: ¡°Troublesome. You really talk too much.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently stood up. His hands flipped over, and quite a few jade boxes appeared in the hollows of his palms, which he handed over to Xu Lingxiu: ¡°These are tokens of my appreciation. Senior Sect Brother Xu, don¡¯t refuse them.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°What are you trying to pull?¡±

    His expression was quite out of sorts.

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. It¡¯s just&#k2026;¡±

    While he was speaking, he was a little lost for words. If he exined that this was a gift for the teleportation array, it would appear too unfamiliar and distant. If he said that it was a greeting gift, then it wouldn¡¯t make sense because this wasn¡¯t the first time they met one another.

    After thinking for a while, he couldn¡¯t think of a good reason, so he straightforwardly said: ¡°It¡¯s just that I wanted to give you something. Senior Sect Brother Xu, just take it.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu had never heard of this kind of forceful gift giving, but he was aware of Gu Zuo¡¯s kind intentions. Although his brows didn¡¯t loosen, he rummaged around his sleeves, and took out several jade bottles: ¡°These are my newly refined medicinal pills. They¡¯ll be given to you.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t refuse. It was just that, while Xu Lingxiu was receiving his jade boxes, Gu Zuo silently stuffed a few more boxes on top of them.

    Xu Lingxiu naturally discovered Gu Zuo¡¯s little trick. For a short time, he was speechless.

    Though, he didn¡¯t have much else to say, and only stared at Gu Zuo for a few seconds. Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t withdraw his line of sight until the other shrank under his gaze: ¡°From now on, you have to be more careful when handling matters. You shouldmunicate with Junior Sect Brother Gongyi more often when encountering such situations.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed slightly. With Xu Lingxiu¡¯s temperament, he knew that urging him to this degree was already an extreme disy of solidarity. At once, he earnestly responded: ¡°I know. Senior Sect Brother Xu must be careful, too.¡±

    At this moment, Tianheng, who hadn¡¯t spoken all the while, reached out to take out a sheet of golden silk from his sleeve, and handed it over: ¡°If anything happens to Senior Sect Brother Xu, just hold on to this piece of silk and go to Ten Ultimates Sect. We¡¯ll certainly be able to see each other again.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu looked at Tianheng, and put away the golden silk.

    After that, Prince Zhou flicked his sleeve: ¡°Gentlemen, we should go.¡±

    Gu Zuo, Tianheng, as well as Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, who kept their presences low from beginning to end, all followed Prince Zhou and departed.

    Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t stand up with the others. He remained seated inside the medicine hut while his eyes trailed after the group into the distance. Then, he slowly withdrew his gaze. Subsequently, he lowered his eyes, and continued to refine medicine. As for the jade boxes that Gu Zuo gave him, he flipped his palms, and put them away.

    Prince Zhou led Gongyi Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and the others along the way. Not long after, they arrived at a ce that was guarded by rows and rows of soldiers. This was precisely the location of the teleportation array.

    There were already several people waiting here. It could be seen that there were many people who could think of ways to borrow the teleportation array from the royal family.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯tmon for a prince to personally send them off like Gu Zuo and the others.

    The presiding high-ranking military officer promptly came over, and saluted. Prince Zhou waved his hand: ¡°I¡¯m handing these four to you. No matter where they want to go, just send them there.¡±

    The military officer naturally affirmed right away. He reached out a hand to make a beckoning motion, wanting to usher them inside.

    Gu Zuo spoke to that Prince Zhou: ¡°Many thanks...¡±

    But before he could finish speaking, Prince Zhou turned his head to look them in the eyes. Then, he left inrge strides.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This kind of disposition was really weird!

    Should it be said that he was rude or something?

    Tianheng ruffled his hair: ¡°If someone wanted to take Ah Zuo away from me, my actions would probably be even worse than that of Prince Zhou.¡±

    Gu Zuo made an exasperated expression: ¡°Big brother means that Prince Zhou treats Senior Sect Brother Xu as...¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and faintly shook his head: ¡°Whether it¡¯s true or not, only he himself knows.¡±

    However, the entanglement between Zhou Qi and Xu Lingxiu certainly wasn¡¯t simple.

    Gu Zuo also shook his head: ¡°Whatever. We should hurry back, and inform the pce master that we¡¯re safe and sound as soon as possible.¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°Whatever Ah Zuo says, goes.¡±

    Soon after, Gu Zuo called out to his family¡¯s dad and father. With everyone together, they followed that military officer, and entered the area surrounded by guards. Very quickly, they saw the true appearance of the teleportation array.

    Atop the wide and t ground, there were eight standing pirs that rose straight into the clouds. Drawn on each standing pir were many mysterious and abstruse patterns. Between the pirs were strange andplicated formation lines. They seemed to contain an extremely special power. The moment anyone looked at them, it was like their mind was about to be sucked inside.

    Besides Gu Zuo¡¯s group, there were several others who were also waiting just outside. They simrly entered this ce.

    One after another, they walked into the range of those formation lines. Once certain pirs flickered with rays of light, those people were wrapped up by the white light, and vanished in the blink of an eye.

    Gu Zuo and the others also walked over.

    The military officer asked: ¡°Where are you guys going?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Ten Ultimates City.¡±

    Although the Ten Ultimates Domain was vast and bountiful, not every city had a teleportation array. As for Ten Ultimates City, where Ten Ultimates Sect was located, it certainly had one. With regards to them, this was the best ce to go.

    Upon hearing this, the military officer¡¯splexion was somewhat shaken.

    Ten Ultimates City... Could it be that this group of people was rted to Ten Ultimates Sect?

    He carefully took measure of several people, and found that they all had their own temperaments. Even the two ordinary people were quite different from thosemoners who couldn¡¯t achieve anything along the path of martial arts. As for that young man in the sapphire-blue brocade robes, he was more like an aristocratic family¡¯s young master. His demeanor was even better than that of the seventh prince just now ¡ª

    This absolutely wasn¡¯t a group of simple people.

    This military officer was exceedingly discerning. At this time, he didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything in the slightest, and promptly said: ¡°This one understands. Sirs, please enter the teleportation array. There will be no dys.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded at him.

    Following this, everyone stood inside the teleportation array.

    Gu Zuo used one hand to hold onto dad, and the other to hold onto father. He was very cautious.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng stood behind Gu Zuo. There was the vague intent of protecting him.

    In any case, they were bringing along ordinary people while passing through the teleportation array. It was better to be more careful about everything...

    A certain standing pir shined with a bright splendor. Gu Zuo sensed that an intense attractive force had caused his own body to be as light as a feather. After that, his body seemed to rapidly push through some kind of channel. That level of speed far exceeded his previous expectations.

    It wasn¡¯t known how much time had passed. Finally, his body¡¯s heaviness returned, and his two feet were standing on solid ground again.

    Once he opened his eyes, Gu Zuo first checked on his parents.

    Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were leaning in very closely, but they didn¡¯t appear to be particrly worse for wear.

    Gu Zuo breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he said: ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go out.¡±

    At this time, there were already a few people looking over from outside ¡ª Ten Ultimates City wasn¡¯t limited to just this teleportation array. It just so happened that this one was specifically for public use. People were frequentlying and going.

    Although the people on guard were strict, they weren¡¯t nearly as stringent or rigid as the ones in the Great Zhou Empire.

    With every instance of teleportation, people would go in ande out. After Gu Zuo and the others appeared, even though they drew some attention, they were dismissed with a couple of looks.

    Gu Zuo brought his family members out of the teleportation array, and travelled toward the street ahead.

    On the street, there were gigantic wild beasts that were loaded with cargo or packed with male and female martial artists. Their imposing auras were boundless, and their might was extraordinary. The street was incredibly wide, and these hill-like, giant creatures moved around without cracking the surface.

    The stores on either side were numerous and varied. The crowds of people bustled about, and it was extremely lively. In addition, the many tall andrge buildings formed a unique and distinctivendscape along the street.

    Gu Qi looked at all of this, and took a deep breath.

    It was only when one really came to this world and experienced these scenes personally could they truly feel it. Otherwise, no matter how detailed Gu Zuo¡¯s exnations, without these things appearing in front of him and being witnessed by him, the impact wouldn¡¯t have been this powerful now.

    Not only were there enormous creatures and all kinds of stores selling merchandise that were clearly different from the modern world, one could casually witness martial artists on the street getting into arguments and colliding with one another, as well as those who relied on their body techniques to move around. It was like every person was a martial arts expert ¡ª No, they were even more formidable than martial arts experts. These scenes were especially shocking.

    At this time, Tianheng¡¯s figure shed away. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of a certain store. Once he returned, he extended a hand, and cast a tablet. The next moment, a gigantic wild beast emerged before the group.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Dad, father. Traveling by foot is too slow, so we¡¯ll be riding this to go back.¡±

    Gu Qi was astonished: ¡°You guys, is this one...newly purchased?¡±

    Gu Zuoughed: ¡°You can never have too few modes of transportation.¡±

    The implication was tacitly approved.

    Immediately following this, Tianheng waved a hand, and delivered Gu Qi and Zhao Ji onto the wild beast¡¯s back. Gu Zuo also leaped up, and instantlynded next to Gu Qi.

    The wild beast was quite fast. Even though it suppressed itself to suit the speeds that ordinary people could tolerate, it was still rather quick.

    Not long after, the grand and imposing mountain gates of Ten Ultimates Sect appeared in front of them.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 434 - Transition

    <h4>Chapter 434 - Transition</h4>

    After passing through the mountain gates, the wild beast continued to rush ahead ceaselessly.

    On its back, Gu Qi was watching the surroundings. He looked at the countless mountain ranges and park forests, the boundless ins and fertilends, the innumerable spirit medicines that wafted with perfumes and fragrances, the multitude of wild beasts that roamed unhindered and untamed... He had truly never seen such spectacles before.

    For this world, which was filled with such marvels, it was no wonder that his silly son and Gongyi Tianheng wanted to return with single-minded determination. They definitely wouldn¡¯t be moved by that world¡¯s modernized way of life.

    Also, even though there were many pleasures in the modern world, in terms of people¡¯s basic needs or the beautiful scenery of that world, nothing couldpare to this world¡¯s myriad changes and grand majesty!

    Moreover, the size of this world exceeded Gu Qi¡¯s imagination.

    Originally, he believed that they would quickly arrive at Tianheng¡¯s manor after the wild beast passed through Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s mountain gates. He didn¡¯t expect that it wouldn¡¯t be like that at all. To his surprise, even though that wild beast was charging ahead faster than high-speed railcars, it still kept running for most of the day. After traversing numerous territories and bases of operations, they still hadn¡¯t reached their destination.

    Gu Qi made a rough estimate. Just based on the travelled distance, they would¡¯ve been able to pass through several provinces. The area of the entire Ten Ultimates Sect might¡¯ve beenparable to that of arge nation.

    Unexpectedly, such a vast region was only a sect...

    When the wild beast finally stopped in front of an enormous manor and its surroundingnds, Gu Qi was even more speechless.

    Gazing far into the distance from his elevated position, he wasn¡¯t able to see the boundaries of this manor. Listening to his son again, it seemed that the range of this upiednd was five hundred kilometers? What the hell was the meaning of five hundred kilometers? It meant that not even a providence could beat it...

    ¡ª And to have this terrifyinglyrge manor?

    It was truly an eye-opening experience.

    The instant Tianheng appeared, a few figures shed out with the sound of rustling robes. They kneeled on the ground: ¡°These subordinates greet the young master! We wee the young master¡¯s return!¡±

    Tianheng stood with his hands sped behind his back. With a slow voice, he said: ¡°Stand up.¡±

    Very quickly, the manor¡¯s gates opened wide, and several slender and elegant young women guided a couple of smaller-sized wild horses that had fierce appearances. The bodies of these wild horses were covered in scales as ck as ink. With ox-like heads and tiger-like tails, these creatures were rather strange.

    However, this species of wild horse was capable of traveling thousands of kilometers in a single day. Not only was the speed incredibly swift, the ride was also smooth and steady. It was the most suitable means of transportation within the manor grounds ¡ª On the contrary, the wild beast that carried back Tianheng and the others wasn¡¯t that appropriate.

    Once Tianheng brought Gu Qi and Zhao Ji down, he turned his head and asked: ¡°Uncle Gu, Uncle Zhao. Can you two ride horses?¡±

    Gu Qi smiled and said: ¡°We¡¯ve tried horseback riding before, but we might be out of practice.¡±

    Tianheng also gave a smile: ¡°There¡¯s no harm. These two uncles can give it another try. If you guys can¡¯t do it for the time being, it won¡¯t be toote to switch to other methods.¡±

    Gu Qi walked to the front of the horse, and hesitatingly reached out to feel that horse¡¯s scales.

    At the touch of his hand, the scales were sleek, but the horse¡¯s fur was glossy and smooth. The creature¡¯s imposing aura was out of the ordinary. Sure enough, it was a fine steed. If it was in the modern world, this kind of horse could be sold for sky-high prices. But in this world, it was only a means of transportation that Tianheng used within the manor grounds.

    In the modern world, there wasn¡¯t a man who didn¡¯t like a good car. Simrly, there wasn¡¯t a man in ancient times who didn¡¯t like a good horse.

    Right now, it was no different for Gu Qi than in ancient times. He had been trapped in that apartment for so many years. In his heart, the wild nature of a man had slightly awakened. Seeing this good horse, it was even more impossible not to like it.

    Hence, without any more hesitation, Gu Qi used one hand to brace himself to get onto the horse¡¯s body. He swiftly turned over, and seated himself upon the horse.

    Originally, Zhao Ji should¡¯ve gotten onto the other horse, but he didn¡¯t do anything like that. Instead, he followed closely behind Gu Qi, and simrly turned over, and straddled the horse right behind Gu Qi. Then, Zhao Ji¡¯s arms gathered around his waist.

    As it turned out, Zhao Ji wasn¡¯t willing to separate even when it came to riding horses.

    And yet, the movements of the two were perfectly coordinated, and their bodies were steady.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo pped his hands: ¡°Dad and father¡¯s horsemanship is pretty good.¡±

    Gu Qi was in high spirits, too.

    His silly son was suspected of ttery, but with regards to this old man who could ride such a fine steed, this ttery was quite pleasing.

    He urged this wild horse forward a few steps. The wild horse did what it was told, which made him even happier.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng and Gu Zuo got on their horses as well.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Dad, father. We¡¯re going up the mountain.¡±

    Gu Qi gave a clear and bright smile: ¡°Son, lead the way!¡±

    Subsequently, the three urged their horses and moved out.

    Tianheng opened up the path ahead, while Gu Zuo and Gu Qi followed right behind. The group quickly passed through the dense forest, and were met with that mountain peak, which was three hundred meters tall.

    Gu Qi lifted his head: ¡°Son, you live on the top with Tianheng?¡±

    Along the way, he saw quite a fewrge courtyards. And theserge courtyards were surrounded by numerous medium and small-sized courtyards. The interiors appeared to be filled with people.

    These people were obviously members of the manor ¡ª Could it be that they were all subordinates of his son and adoptive brother?

    Gu Zuo replied: ¡°That¡¯s right. Big brother and I live on the summit. The main hall where people discuss official business is halfway up the mountain... In short, apart from big brother and I, basically no one else is allowed to go higher.¡±

    In other words, this was a world for two?

    Gu Qi asked: ¡°Son, are you happy living at the top of the mountain?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother likes his peace and quiet.¡±

    Gu Qi nodded his head.

    As far as he knew, his silly son and adoptive brother started dating in the modern world. In other words, this situation never happened previously. His adoptive brother created a two-person world before he did anything... Tianheng really nned ahead.

    Of course, it was also possible that Gu Qi was overthinking things.

    Without realizing it, the group was already ascending the mountain.

    As Gu Zuo¡¯s parents, Gu Qi and Zhao Ji naturally weren¡¯t like Tianheng¡¯s subordinates, who needed to abide by the prohibition that no one could go to the summit unless there were special circumstances.

    The meeting hall, which was halfway up the mountain, was incredibly grand and imposing, and caused Gu Qi to take measure of it. After they reached the summit, the environment became beautiful and secluded, and the atmosphere was peaceful and quiet. It gave one a different kind of impression.

    Gu Zuo pointed at the building in front of them, and said: ¡°Dad, this is the ce where big brother and I live. It¡¯s almost exactly the same as our vi in the Cangyun Empire. It has a close and familiar feeling.¡±

    Gu Qi became more and more certain. Tianheng had nned to whisk his foolish son away long ago.

    But after giving it a second thought, there had been many twists and turns in the heart of Xiao Zuo¡¯s adoptive brother. Perhaps, these twists and turns were used to whisk away his silly son instead. Certainly, enough thought was put into it.

    Only someone with an ambitious heart would put in this much consideration.

    At this time, Tianheng said: ¡°Uncle Gu, Uncle Zhao. In the future, where would you two be willing to stay? It¡¯s fine whether you choose this ce or anywhere else within the manor.¡±

    Gu Qi hesitated somewhat.

    Zhao Ji suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Somewhere else. Can¡¯t stay here.¡±

    Gu Qi slightly pondered. He nodded, and said: ¡°Yes, what Ah Ji¡¯s says is right. We had better live somewhere else. Isn¡¯t this summit considered off-limits? We just got here, and it isn¡¯t good to break the prohibition like this.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression was calm andposed. His words seemed to give the impression that everything was under control: ¡°These two uncles just have to do as they please. You don¡¯t have to worry about others.¡±

    Gu Zuo also mentioned: ¡°Yes, dad. With big brother around, there definitely won¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    Though, Gu Qi already had a clear understanding: ¡°No need. Let¡¯s do it like this. Son, although your father and I don¡¯t have much skill, we have to strive ahead on our own. Otherwise, while we have integrity, if we¡¯re always under the protection of you two, not only will we have no way to truly enjoy what this world can offer, we¡¯ll also end up dragging you guys down. This is, by no means, a good thing.¡±

    What¡¯s more, his son and that adoptive brother hadn¡¯t been dating for long. What kind of third wheels were these two old things doing over here? It was better to hurriedly move somewhere else so that this young couple could cultivate more feelings for each other.

    To say nothing else, after being separated from Zhao Ji for such a long time, Gu Qi still had some understanding in his heart.

    For example, when a person was with their beloved, one would do their best to grow closer to the other. Even if a man wanted to have his own career, a loved one was also indispensable. He just hoped that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t turn out to be like him. When he was young, he always felt that he needed to work hard for long hours. And with a moment of carelessness, he almost missed the chance of a lifetime.

    Actually, Gu Zuo also felt that what his family¡¯s dad said made sense. It was just that he thought this matter didn¡¯t need to be rushed. At the very least, he needed to give his parents a good foundation first. Wouldn¡¯t he feel reassured once all the necessary resources were given to them?

    As a result, he simply said: ¡°Dad, I naturally respect your decision, but it¡¯s better to stay here for a period of time. We need to wait until you guys adapt to this world. After that, we can consider other options.¡±

    Tianheng also said: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s words are reasonable. These two uncles should stay here a few more days.¡±

    The two were urged to stay, and Gu Qi no longer insisted.

    After all, Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s words were justified. There was a lot of general information that they didn¡¯t understand, and they didn¡¯t have a bit of foundation in the path of martial arts. Right now, if they went to live somewhere else, it wouldn¡¯t be self-tempering. Rather, they would be sending themselves to their deaths.

    Thus, Gu Qi epted: ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll just stay here for a short while.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart loosened: ¡°Dad, you can rest assured. I¡¯ll get you guys to adapt to this world as soon as possible.¡±

    After speaking about some things like this, Tianheng arranged a room for the two. At the same time, many figures shed over. They should¡¯ve been the battle ves who apanied the two.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s summons, they rushed over one after another. In addition, there had been numerous subordinates who raised their heads, and eagerly waited for news about their young master.

    Tianheng swiftly ordered the battle ves to gather the leaders of numerous subordinate forces and the racial groups of servile races, and to rendezvous inside the meeting hall. He also instructed someone to report the news of his return to his master. When a battle ve came by to inform him that most of the people had arrived, he brought Gu Zuo, Gu Qi, and Zhao Ji to this hall.

    After being away for so long, there were many matters that he wanted to rify.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 435 - Rewards and Punishments

    <h4>Chapter 435 - Rewards and Punishments</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng upied the highest seated position. After thinking it over, Gu Qi and Zhao Ji simply stood on the side so that they didn¡¯t cause trouble for Tianheng. At first, Gu Zuo wanted to be with his dad and father, but his identity was originally different in Tianheng¡¯s territory. Later on, it was still the same as before.

    However, it was precisely because Gu Zuo¡¯s position was so important that Gu Qi felt at ease ¡ª Regardless of whether it was in life or upation, it was guaranteed that Gu Zuo could hold a very high position at Tianheng¡¯s side.

    Shortly thereafter, the subordinates waiting outside finally entered one by one under Tianheng¡¯s permission. Moreover, with extremely fast speeds, each of them found their own seats, and sat down.

    On the side of the pharmacists, the leader was Wu Xing, the Wu n Head. Meanwhile, on the side of the martial artists, the leaders were Tianheng¡¯s subordinate battle ves, Ao Ying and Ao Min.

    Tianheng swept his gaze across the venue, and found that there was no one missing. He faintly nodded his head: ¡°Very good. Everyone is present.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, a shiver went through the hearts of numerous subordinates down below.

    How couldn¡¯t they understand what their master was implying? Their master had been missing for more than a few months without the slightest hint of news. If there was any disloyalty in their hearts, there certainly wouldn¡¯t be any way to endure. In the end, they might¡¯ve cast their support for others. But now that their master returned, he was probably going to settle the ounts.

    Many people were inwardly rejoicing.

    They definitely weren¡¯t without some wavering feelings. After all, it hadn¡¯t been long since they sought refuge, the integration of benefits wasn¡¯t that stable, and their feelings hadn¡¯t reached the stage of extreme devotion ¡ª Most of all, Tianheng hadn¡¯tpletely matured yet. After encountering a cmity, the probability of death was actually quite high.

    When it came to an investment, it had to be worth investing in.

    But in the end, because Tianheng had been missing for less than a year, Tianheng¡¯s master had issued a Blood Transformation Order, and offered several kinds of precious treasures and high prices as rewards in search for Tianheng¡¯s whereabouts. Until now, no one had given up.

    On top of this, Tianheng was an all-star prodigy. It was reasonable to say that his luck was like that of a dragon. He was also missing, and a dead body had never been seen. Perhaps, due to his luck, he had obtained some type of opportunity? If it was like this, it would be a huge loss for anyone who left.

    As a result, after considering things from all sides, lots of adherent organizations decided to wait and see.

    Meanwhile, because Tianheng treated the servile races and battle ves fairly and justly, they had long cultivated a certain amount of loyalty. They were fully aware that, if they changed to another master, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to get such good treatment. In particr, Tianheng¡¯s disappearance was rted to the dereliction of the battle ves¡¯ duties. For the time being, the Blood Transformation Pce Master didn¡¯t punish them, but it was difficult to avoid trembling in fear. Thus, they wanted to show that they would atone for their crimes with meritorious acts as much as possible.

    Therefore, these people worked with all their hearts.

    In addition, the Wu n Head was in charge of numerous pharmacists. As he handled matters methodically and thoroughly, the two servile race managers on the mountain also cooperated with each other to stabilize the situation. Thus, under the circumstances that they had to do their best in all sorts of ways during these months, besides ack of outward intimidation, the entire manor had been running smoothly. No careless mistakes had urred!

    At this time, with Wu Xing first, and the two managers following right after, they respectively reported the situation over the past number of months without any confusion. Once they finished discussing everything, the crowd of subordinates held their breaths with rapt attention as they waited for Tianheng¡¯s judgment.

    Tianheng revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Since my departure, all of you have worked without any setbacks. My heart feels reassured.¡±

    When he said this, it was only natural that the numerous subordinates sighed in relief.

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Meritorious works deserve rewards. Since you all have done things properly, starting from this month, your monthly stipends will be increased by ten percent.¡± He swept a nce at the two mangers, ¡°Have you two noted this down?¡±

    The monkey race head manager and the mouse race second manager both affirmed with respectful voices: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    As this order was issued, the subordinates listened to what was said. Naturally, they were even happier. They were also rather pleased that they remained firm and steadfast from the beginning, and that they hadn¡¯t rashly abandoned their posts.

    At the same time, they looked favorably upon this move of Tianheng. The loyalty in their hearts also rose somewhat.

    Soon after, Tianheng said: ¡°Wu n Head, Tan Family Head, Hu n Head, and the other heads of households, the esteemed elders of the servile races, and the esteemed leaders of the battle ves ¡ª Later on, all of you will also receive an extra parcel of medicinal pills as amendation.¡±

    As he spoke, he looked at Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I will make them tailor-made.¡±

    It was to be expected that Wu Xing and the others bowed once more: ¡°Many thanks, young master!¡±

    They were fully aware that this Pharmacist Gu was incredibly extraordinary. Once he took action, the pills he could obtain would be wless at the very least. It wasn¡¯t necessary to talk about the benefits he could produce for them.

    Hence, the rewards that ought to be meted out were received. The hearts of the people were stabilized.

    As for where Tianheng had gone to during this period of time and what he went through, no one raised this question ¡ª This really wasn¡¯t something that they could know about.

    Shortly after this, Tianheng waved a hand: ¡°Everyone is dismissed. You may return to your duties. Ao Min and those who apanied me back then, stay behind.¡±

    The crowd of subordinates heard this, and hastily stood up. They didn¡¯t dare to be careless, and departed uniformly.

    Contrary to expectations, they didn¡¯t have any matters that were extremely hard to handle. Since Tianheng had already returned, they gained a solid pir of support. In addition, they were going to be very busy with many affairs. Naturally, there was no need to linger.

    ¡ª During this time, although everyone found that there were two new ordinary people who hadn¡¯t cultivated a wisp of internal qi yet, no one brought it up.

    Meanwhile, Ao Min, the shadow cat race¡¯s Ascendent Realm powerhouse, and several other battle ves respectfully stood at attention below Tianheng. Each of them professed their guilt: ¡°On that day, we were negligent, and weren¡¯t able to protect the young master. We ask for the young master¡¯s punishment!¡±

    Tianheng spoke: ¡°Although the ident urred rapidly, all of you indeed failed to fulfill your obligations. Thus, as there are rewards, so too will there be punishments.¡±

    Ao Min and the others lowered their heads: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°However, you guys were only caught off guard. None of you deliberately neglected your duties. Thus, I will propose two punishments, and you guys will choose on your own.¡± Speaking up to here, he gave a slight pause, ¡°The first is that I will deduct a year¡¯s worth of monthly stipends. The second is that each of you will receive fiftyshes from the Bone-Splitting Whip, which will be administered by someone of equivalent realms.¡±

    It couldn¡¯t be said that these two types of punishments weren¡¯t harsh, but they couldn¡¯t be called severe either.

    With regards to these battle ves who closely guarded Tianheng, a year¡¯s worth of monthly stipends was quite ample. Among them, there were many good things that could satisfy their cultivation needs. Once these were deducted, they would fall behind. But if their respective racial groups were willing to make up for the losses, it wouldn¡¯t particrly matter. And if the Bone-Splitting Whip was used to strike the body, it would split the skin and y the muscles until one could see bone. If someone of equivalent realms used this whip, even if it was an Ascendent Realm powerhouse, that feeling of pain would be hard to endure. However, this punishment was only difficult for the body to bear. Once it passed, these flesh wounds could be quickly healed without any negative effects.

    After listening to the two types of punishments, Ao Min and the others felt as if they had been relieved of a heavy burden. At the same time, traces of gratitude sprung up within their hearts.

    If it was under another master, and a situation urred where the battle ves were left unharmed, but the master was involved in an ident, not only would they receive extremely severe punishments, even the members of their race would be implicated. However, under Tianheng¡¯smand, those who held on obtained the same treatment as the other subordinates. While the punishment they received gave a sufficiently bitter lesson, it wouldn¡¯t cause an irrecoverable setback...

    Indeed, it really was worth it to follow this kind of master.

    Ao Min and the others became increasingly devoted to Tianheng, and submitted willingly: ¡°We choose the second type of punishment. Many thanks for your leniency, young master!¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, you guys shall administer the punishment on each other after descending the mountain. I trust that you all won¡¯t do it half-heartedly. Don¡¯t disappoint me again.¡±

    Ao Min and the others naturally responded affirmatively.

    Immediately following this, Tianheng stated: ¡°Alright. After Ah Zuo and I left unexpectedly, what happened to Yu Cheng?¡±

    Ao Min took a step forward, and answered: ¡°The young master¡¯s disappearance was all due to the Xiao n¡¯s historical ruin. Since Yu Cheng was the person involved, we kept him under control...¡±

    As it turned out, because the disappearance of Tianheng and Gu Zuo was too strange, Ao Min and the others apprehended Yu Cheng, and interrogated the whole story out of him.

    Yu Cheng was aware that things were far from reassuring, and cooperated well. As a result, after receiving the inheritance, he informed them of everything he knew without exception.

    Even though it was like this, Ao Min and the others also didn¡¯t dare to act arbitrarily. They swiftly brought Yu Cheng before Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s Blood Transformation Pce Master, and allowed him to tell the pce master about the entire sequence of events.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was naturally extremely furious. But when all was said and done, he was much more knowledgable and insightful than ordinary people, and didn¡¯te to the conclusion that Tianheng and Gu Zuo were dead just because they went missing. Thus, in order to find the two people who were teleported to heavens knew where, he issued a Blood Transformation Order, asking everyone in the world to look for them.

    As for Yu Cheng, he originally should¡¯ve been imprisoned. However, there was an inheritance in his possession, and it wasn¡¯t known when they would be able to find the two. If Yu Cheng was locked up from beginning to end, he would miss the best chance to cultivate, which would waste the inheritance for nothing. Moreover, this matter wasn¡¯t purposefully done by Yu Cheng.

    Later on, the Blood Transformation Pce Master wanted Yu Cheng to pledge an oath. Once his disciple and Gu Zuo returned, Yu Cheng would fall under Tianheng¡¯s jurisdiction as a subordinate and work for one hundred years. Only after those hundred years passed would they discuss anything else. Otherwise, Yu Cheng would be locked up until the two came back. After which, his disciple would handle Yu Cheng as he saw fit.

    Yu Cheng wanted to be stronger with all his heart. Although he didn¡¯t really want to be someone else¡¯s subordinate, in the end, it was just one hundred years of time. On top of that, he truly did feel remorseful for Tianheng and Gu Zuo. Thus, he agreed, and made an oath upon his martial path ¡ª If he didn¡¯tply with the stipted one hundred years, his realm would never have another breakthrough on the path of martial arts.

    From that point on, he was able to enter the academy once again, and continued to study and cultivate. It was just that a shadow cat race Immortal Realm powerhouse stayed by his side ¡ª Once Yu Cheng had any breakthroughs, the person monitoring him would be changed to someone even stronger.

    This period of time was approaching a year. Yu Cheng¡¯s initial Meridian Condensing Realm quickly underwent consecutive breakthroughs. Currently, he was already Xiantian stage eight. It wouldn¡¯t be long before he could advance to the Immortal Realm!

    Sure enough, after gaining the inheritance, he improved at lightning speeds!

    Tianheng finished listening, and faintly nodded his head: ¡°As expected, master is considerate in handling affairs. It¡¯s very much to my liking.¡±

    Indeed. On this matter, Yu Cheng was considered not guilty. However, despite his innocence, he had also brought about certain consequences. As such, rather than harming him, it was better to have him swear his allegiance. This oue left Tianheng satisfied.

    Ao Min and the others heard this, and set aside their concerns.

    Immediately following this, Tianheng said: ¡°Tomorrow, you will bring Yu Cheng.¡±

    Ao Min and the others affirmed with respectful tones.

    Shortly thereafter, a wave of suppressive might spread over. It was powerful to a frightening degree.

    Tianheng stood up with astonishment. There was a smile on his face: ¡°Master has arrived.¡±

    T/N: The next couple of chapters are double-length, so everyone can expect the usual change to the updating schedule.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 436 - Master is Here

    <h4>Chapter 436 - Master is Here</h4>

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but stand up.

    Ever since they entered the sect, the Blood Transformation Pce Master had looked after them in all aspects. Although he was only the master of his family¡¯s big brother, Gu Zuo also viewed him as a senior worthy of respect.

    Thus, at this time, he was somewhat nervous, too.

    Gu Qi had heard his family¡¯s son mention this Blood Transformation Pce Master many times, and was very curious about this fellow. However, he also knew that he currently didn¡¯t have any qualifications to meet with this person, so he didn¡¯t think about going over.

    However, in the blink of an eye, someone had already shed into the main hall. His figure was like the flowing wind, surrounded by boundless bloody qi. Suddenly, he stood in front of them with a thunderous, imposing aura.

    This man wore full-body, blood-red robes, and his hair, which draped over his shoulders, was as ck as ink. Hisplexion was handsome and malevolent, but his temperament was upright. It didn¡¯t frighten others, but it did cause people¡¯s hearts to palpitate.

    Sure enough, this kind of person was quite extraordinary.

    Aftering to this world, Gu Qi had seen many people, but not a single one was as unusual as this Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    No wonder... Even someone like Gongyi Tianheng was very respectful when mentioning the other party.

    Once the Blood Transformation Pce Master entered the main hall, he swept a nce over Tianheng, then he quickly looked over Gu Zuo. Although the two hadn¡¯t made any realm advancements, they also didn¡¯t receive any injuries. His heart felt reassured.

    Tianheng was the first to speak with guilt: ¡°This disciple has made master worried.¡±

    A wisp of benevolence appeared in the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s eyes: ¡°It¡¯s good that nothing bad happened to this apprentice.¡±

    Originally, he came here in person only because he hadn¡¯t seen this apprentice for a number of months. After obtaining news, he could hardly wait. And now that he ascertained his apprentice¡¯s safety, his previous worries were set aside. Naturally, he wasn¡¯t burning with impatience like before.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo also observed the proper courtesies.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master faintly nodded his head, and spoke with gratification: ¡°I¡¯m d that nothing happened to Ah Zuo, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo saluted again: ¡°I¡¯ve made the pce master worried.¡±

    Immediately following which, Tianheng led the Blood Transformation Pce Master to the seat of honor.

    The pce master inquired: ¡°During this time, where did this apprentice go?¡±

    He had issued a Blood Transformation Order, but no one had been able to find their whereabouts. It wasn¡¯t until today that he discovered his apprentice had returned.

    Therefore, he was somewhat curious.

    In addition, the Blood Transformation Pce Master had seen those two ordinary people. Although their bearings were pretty good, they looked rather powerless. It was quite strange.

    This apprentice of his wouldn¡¯t have brought such characters back without a special reason.

    Tianheng had already thought of an excuse with Gu Zuo long ago. He inly said: ¡°In the historical ruin, the two of us were taken away by that Void-Breaking Shuttle. It was also extremely fortuitous. The location where we went to was a special ce. That space was very different from the outside world, and the people living in it weren¡¯t good at martial arts. We were heavily injured while traveling through spacetime, but fortunately, these two uncles saved us.

    ¡°After our injuries healed, we thought of many methods to return. In the end, we were able to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle once more, and came back. The two uncles had no attachments left in that space, and they were also rather interested in this ce. Thus, they returned with the two of us.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he smiled: ¡°At that time, these two uncles took action to rescue us. Because they had an excellent impression of Ah Zuo, they took him as an adopted son after saving him.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master finished listening, and slightly nodded: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡± He spoke to Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, ¡°Many thanks for saving my apprentice¡¯s life. In the future, if there¡¯s anything you two need, just say the word.¡±

    Gu Qi hurriedly said: ¡°We wouldn¡¯t dare. The pce master exaggerates.¡±

    Zhao Ji followed along: ¡°Exaggerates.¡±

    What kind of a personage was the Blood Transformation Pce Master? With a single nce, he could tell that there were some problems with Zhao Ji¡¯s mind. However, he wasn¡¯t the type who exposed other people¡¯s shorings, so he didn¡¯t mention it. After expressing his thanks, he didn¡¯t say much else to them, and continued to speak with Tianheng: ¡°Apprentice, are you still able to go to that ce?¡±

    Tianheng responded: ¡°If the Void-Breaking Shuttle is used, it¡¯s naturally feasible. It¡¯s just that the price to use it will be too great. Moreover, the people of that ce are negligent in regards to martial strength, and find amusements in their own ways. In this disciple¡¯s opinion, it¡¯s better that we don¡¯t go and disturb them.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master nodded: ¡°This apprentice¡¯s words make sense.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help inwardly smiling.

    His big brother¡¯s words definitely weren¡¯t that thorough or detailed, so the pce master didn¡¯t necessarily believe himpletely. However, the pce master also didn¡¯t get to the bottom of the matter. It was clear that he greatly respected his disciple.

    It was also precisely because the Blood Transformation Pce Master was this kind of person that big brother¡¯s friendship with him could gradually deepen. Gu Zuo himself also viewed this pce master as a worthy senior.

    After sitting down for a short while, the pce master got a statement from his apprentice. Seeing that his disciple really was fine, he didn¡¯t stay any longer.

    Before leaving, he only said: ¡°Since you¡¯ve returned, this apprentice should just focus on getting stronger. If there¡¯s anything you need, ask someone to bring it up to this teacher. I will send whatever you need so that your cultivation isn¡¯t dyed.¡±

    Tianheng naturally stood up, and expressed his gratitude.

    After that, the Blood Transformation Pce Master departed from this ce.

    Following that, Tianheng¡¯s eight senior sect brothers and sisters unexpectedly came over to meet with him one after another. They understood that this little junior brother had encountered a tribtion not long after joining the sect, and delivered many gifts out of constion.

    Tianheng was aware that the moment the Blood Transformation Order was issued, these senior brothers and sisters came out of seclusion to search for traces of this little junior brother all over the ce ¡ª The reasons why they put all their efforts into this was because the Blood Transformation Pce Master was their teacher, they shared the camaraderie of fellow disciples, and the medicinal pills Tianheng and Gu Zuo gave them thest time. After all, any rtionship needed to have a back and forth before it could be deepened. Tianheng¡¯s actions undoubtedly warmed their hearts. After the two disappeared, their anxiety also became even more genuine, and they searched even harder.

    Hence, Tianheng couldn¡¯t do without thanking these senior brothers and sisters once again. It was to the point that he held a small banquet. He invited them to take their seats, and entertained them as guests. He only sent them away after several rounds of drinking...

    Naturally, the one whom Tianheng expected the least was Shen Yuanbai.

    Shen Yuanbai developed the Divine Wind Trading Company. Huge amounts of circting information came and went through it. Thus, he quickly found out about Tianheng¡¯s disappearance. Shortly thereafter, without any need for other rewards from the Blood Transformation Order, he already started searching. Additionally, because the Divine Wind Trading Company was spread out over an extremely vast region, when he dispatched the branch managers to look for them, he obtained even more clues and possibly useful information than the subordinates sent by the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    If it had been the usual disappearance, Shen Yuanbai would¡¯ve found them long ago. However, because Tianheng and Gu Zuo had gone to another world, there was nothing he could do.

    After Shen Yuanbai learned that Tianheng had returned, he dropped by and paid a visit.

    As for his purpose ining over... It seemed that he really only came to visit them. He didn¡¯t say anything special.

    Seeing this, Gu Zuo was unable to make sense of the situation.

    On the other hand, Tianheng was wearing an indiscernible smile. Apparently, he already had an understanding in his heart.

    Once these matters were finally resolved, Gu Zuo and Tianheng had to prepare for the nursing of Gu Qi and Zhao Ji¡¯s health, and to adjust their bodies to the most suitable state.

    Gu Qi and Zhao Ji stayed here for two days, and saw many people. asionally, when they looked into the distance, they were even able to see some martial artists at work. Their momentum was outstanding and their boldness was astounding. Such sights would leave onlookers with thoughts of yearning. Thus, they became all the more interested in practicing martial arts. They couldn¡¯t wait to start right away.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t do anything else during these two days. With single-minded determination, he prepared medicinal decoctions for the tempering of the two¡¯s bodies.

    That¡¯s right. Many martial artists began cultivating when they were young. Their bodies were already in a suitable state, so the use of medicaments wouldn¡¯t be of much assistance in this aspect. However, what Gu Qi and Zhao Ji currently needed was an artificial transformation. As a result, their entire bodies had to undergo a round of tempering from inside out.

    The world wasrge, and it didn¡¯tck extraordinary things.

    If an ordinary martial artist missed this opportune age, they could only regret that their path of martial arts ended prematurely. But with money and capital, one could obtain specialized medicaments ¡ª It was just that these medicines were rare and expensive. Normal people would have no choice but to give up on obtaining them.

    Of course, Gu Zuo would never give up on his dad and father.

    Gu Zuo had quickly written out the prescription. Under Tianheng¡¯s operations, they soon found enough medicinal ingredients. At this point, Shen Yuanbai helped them again. The gathered manpower of the Divine Wind Trading Company conducted searches, and two types of rarely seen ingredients within the prescription were found and sent over.

    It was only natural that Tianhengpensated Shen Yuanbai¡¯s great help with Gu Zuo¡¯s meticulously refined medicinal pills. It was considered that proper behavior was based on reciprocity.

    Likewise, Shen Yuanbai didn¡¯t refuse.

    After getting the ingredients, Gu Zuo refined two cauldrons of the medicinal decoction without the slightest hesitation. This decoction was only at the human level, but the effects were exceptionally good. Soaking in them for seven days would restore Gu Qi and Zhao Ji¡¯s bodies to the state of twenty-something years old. Meanwhile, if they soaked for forty-nine days, their bodies would be restored to the state of teenagers. And if they soaked for eighty-one days, they would return to being five or six years old.

    Although it was impossible to be even ¡°younger¡±, the ages of five and six were excellent for practicing martial arts, which was more than enough.

    As the saying went, ¡°Either don¡¯t do it, or do it and achieve the best results.¡±

    Even though it would consume more medicinal ingredients, Gu Zuo still chose the eighty-one day type. Fortunately, not arge quantity of those two rarely seen ingredients were used. After a batch was used up, it was enough to look for one more batch.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo built a shack behind the mountain. Inside the shack, he dug out two pools, and filled them with the medicinal decoctions every day.

    Gu Qi and Zhao Ji soaked in their own pools side by side. Because the pools were very close together, although Zhao Ji was in the middle of soaking, he could raise his eyes and look at Gu Qi¡¯s figure. As a result, Zhao Ji wasn¡¯t upset by this process ¡ª His mind didn¡¯t be a disordered mess, and he didn¡¯t fall into a frenzy.

    One day followed the next. Once Gu Qi and Zhao Ji entered this situation, Gu Zuo asked several experts from the shadow cat race to watch over them every day. Meanwhile, he refined pills during the day in his medicine refining room for his own advancement. When it was night, he would emerge to change his parents¡¯ decoctions. As for Tianheng, he went straight into seclusion after giving some prior notice ¡ª Actually, he had gained quite a lot through this trip to the modern world. Now, he could seize the opportunity to sort everything out, and make a breakthrough.

    Just like this, time slowly passed...

    It seemed that everything was already stepping onto the right track.

    Inside a hidden chamber.

    A pool of blood was boiling endlessly at the back of the room. Next to this blood pool, there was a second one that had been recently received. Its color and luster were even more gorgeous and vibrant.

    The dense bloody qi, which was emitted from the two pools of blood, appeared to form a blood mist thatpletely filled the interior of this stone room. The blood mist permeated the air, and practically blocked one¡¯s line of sight. Meanwhile, within the blood mist, there was a strong and healthy silhouette that brandished martial disciplines with increasing proficiency. The figure¡¯s imposing aura was extremely swift and fierce, and their every movement carried a formidable sense of suppressive might. The qi field generated by the whole body would even terrify others to a certain extent.

    This was precisely Gongyi Tianheng, who was in the middle of practicing martial disciplines.

    The shadows of his ws nketed the sky, and the winds of his punches were cold and severe. Every move made air-breaking sounds, condensed bloody lights, and unleashed the faint stench of blood. In the wake of Tianheng¡¯s constantly shifting figure, there was a streak of blood shadow that burst forth from his own body. In the twinkling of an eye, it transformed into a near-virtual image. Its eyes, ears, mouth, and nose resembled Tianheng¡¯s features. If the Blood Transformation Pce Master was present, he would be able to tell that this streak of blood shadow was actually somewhat simr to the blood god that was condensed after practicing one method from the Endless Blood of the Divine Body... No, it ought to be extremely simr. There were practically no differences!

    However, although Tianheng learned many derivative martial skills of the Endless Blood of the Divine Body, he still hadn¡¯t once studied the principle methods. But now, it seemed that by relying on his ownprehension, he was able to conceptualize this streak of blood shadow out of those many derivative martial skills.

    Truly, this kind of innate talent was too frightening!

    And yet, these evocative sights still weren¡¯t over.

    Tianheng¡¯s fingers continuously moved. Ayer of bloody light seemed to emerge from his entire body. At the same time, that blood shadow swayed before splitting apart to either side. Unexpectedly, it had turned into two blood shadows!

    But Tianheng was far from satisfied. In his dantian, the blood-red qi ocean suddenly roiled with turbulence, and numerous strands of bloody qi bubbled out. The bloody qi within those two pools simrly rose up into streams. These streams transformed into long dragons, and charged right towards Tianheng!

    Tianheng¡¯splexion didn¡¯t change. He only brought his hands together, and this movement was even faster.

    Immediately following which, the two blood shadows split apart into four streaks. Then, the four shadows divided into eight streaks...

    Finally, a total of sixteen blood shadows appeared. The bright scarlet color on their bodies had dimmed, and their forms seemed to shake and sway. It was like they would be vanquished in a moment of carelessness.

    Tianheng bent his fingers, and flicked them. The bloody qi within the pools surged once more, and made those blood shadows even more distinct and solid. But now, they had reached their limits. If he wanted to divide them into thirty-two blood shadows, it probably wouldn¡¯t work.

    As a result, he didn¡¯t waste the effort.

    Subsequently, these sixteen blood shadows began to practice martial skills. Vigorous and formidable, their boundless might filled the entire stone room. Moreover, the martial skills that the sixteen blood shadows utilized were all different. It would give others an exceedingly strange feeling.

    Hypothetically speaking, if Tianheng encountered an enemy, these sixteen blood shadows would have half-illusory bodies, extremely fast movements, and superb martial skills. For a brief period of time, there would practically be sixteen people with the same strength as Tianheng. If they battled, they would naturally have Tianheng¡¯s experience in fighting others. They even inherited Tianheng¡¯s intelligence. Upon encountering a difficult enemy, they could gather together to fight an exhaustive battle of attrition...

    In the end, the probability of victory would be greatly increased.

    Even though the duration was short, the sensation of releasing sixteen copies of Gongyi Tianheng at once was still very intimidating. At the very least, for those in equivalent realms and those who were one to two realms higher, it was impossible to kill him.

    After a round of practice, Tianheng opened his eyes. At once, that pair of ck pupils turned blood-red. At the same time, above the reddish-ck qi ocean in his dantian, the upside-down blood river suddenly rushed out. Right away, a river of blood stretched out in front of him. The river water surged and rolled about. It wasn¡¯t known where it came from nor where it ended up.

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯splexion turned pale.

    This move exerted too much power!

    But Tianheng still persevered, and that river of blood continued to flow. The sixteen blood shadows abruptly leaped up, fell directly into that river of blood, andbined with the river water. Their bodies were draped with blood, and their appearances no longer resembled his own. Instead, sinister horns grew on their heads. It was an incredibly terrifying sight.

    Tianheng took a deep breath, and continuously absorbed the liquid inside those two pools. This replenished his own blood-poison profound qi. He faintly parted his lips, and said: ¡°When the river of blood surges, the asura bes the body. When the asura fights endlessly, the river of blood shall fill an ocean. This path is the path of the asura. This method is the Asura Blood Ocean Sutra.¡±

    As it turned out, after experiencing the modern world, his path of martial arts gained directionality. Through several shes of enlightenment, he had already ascertained them.

    This first path used the reddish-ck qi ocean as the foundation. Governing the blood-red profound qi, it became an asura blood ocean, and gave birth to inexhaustible blood asuras.

    After this move seeded, Tianheng¡¯s thoughts moved, and he withdrew his profound qi.

    In a split second, the manifestation of that blood river faded away. The pools of blood also returned to normal. Within the entire stone room, it was like nothing had happened.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng sat in meditation, and took many medicinal pills.

    After a good while, he stood up, and widened his arms. Between the hollows of his palms, he pulled out a reddish-gold greatbow. Then, he stamped his foot onto the bow¡¯s body, and stretched the bowstring. Suddenly, a reddish-gold arrow burst forth like a shooting star. As it struck the stone wall ahead, it burned arge area with an iparably horrifying ocean of reddish-gold mes.

    At the exact same time, he flipped his palms. That weapon was still a greatbow, but the bow¡¯s body had be silvery-white. The arrow that was pulled out had also turned the same color. After firing it, that ocean of reddish-gold mes was frozen by a burst of extremely ice-cold qi streams. In the blink of an eye, it had transformed into a cier.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes faintly revealed a shade of satisfaction. He said: ¡°The sun burns gold, and the moon flows silver. The sun is the principle of yang, and the moon is the principle of yin. As the great yang¡¯s thirteen arrows chase the sun, the great yin¡¯s nine arrows thread a string of pearls. This path is the path of the celestial. This method is the Brilliant Sun Bright Moon Sutra.¡±

    This second path used the reddish-gold qi ocean as the foundation. Governing the reddish-gold profound qi, he could shoot the sun and moon with the bow and arrow.

    Soon, Tianheng put away the bow and arrows, and sat in meditation once more.

    Afterpletely recovering, he took action again. This time, a long spear appeared in his hands. It looked like ck iron, but it also appeared to be white silver. Thus, the color it presented was a darkened silver.

    Following this, Tianheng raised the spear. The tip of the spear constantly shot out and strung together a flourish of spear patterns. After every spear strike, the ce where the spear tip struck was blown apart, forming remarkably bright rays of light. If someone looked closely, they would find that this spearmanship contained certain trajectories and orbits that were mysterious and formidable.

    He spoke again: ¡°There are seventy-two heavenly spirits and thirty-six earthly fiends in the sky. As the spear guides the stars, it shall turn the constetions into arrays and formations. This path is the path of the human. It¡¯s also a fundamental path. This method sets the stars in motion, which are tied to one¡¯s own fate. This is the Universal Spear Formation Technique.¡±

    The foundation of this path was the main qi ocean.

    What it cultivated were the stars, the way of the spear, and the self.

    Following this, Tianheng put away the long spear. Suddenly, his entire body was cloaked in a faint, blood-redyer of light. Once the color of blood was cast off, he instantly shapeshifted into a male falcon. After another burst of blood, he turned into a fierce tiger. After that, he became a long serpent... This happened many times. There was a transformation with every sh of radiance. During these changes, there wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of humanity. Whatever he transformed into was precisely what he resembled. No differences could be seen.

    He opened his mouth, and said: ¡°With monster blood as the foundation, the body begets the birds and beasts. There are seventy-two changes, and one thing can be ten thousand things. For a thousand changes and ten thousand transformations, there are ten million incarnations. This path is the path of the animal, and it¡¯s the true path of monster blood. This method¡¯s initial form is the Seventy-Two Changes, but its true form is the Seal of Multitudes.¡±

    For this path, because there were drops of monster blood within that qi ocean, he could shapeshift into the owner of the monster blood. But in the future, he wouldn¡¯t be limited to the blood of monsters. Instead, he could transform into all the creatures of the world.

    Afterwards, another sh of bloody light flowed over. A handsome young man appeared within the radiance.

    Then, he adjusted his breathing.

    Although there weren¡¯t any changes to his figure, his imposing aura had suddenly be extremely terrifying. The qi energy across his whole body seemed to be crackling. With every movement, there was the sound of the air crumbling.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. His body abruptly jumped up. Soon after, hended heavily!

    Boom ¡ª

    There was the sound of a tremendous explosion, and the entire stone room shook and swayed. It appeared that it couldn¡¯t endure the burden under that enormous force. Originally, the floor of the stone room was iparably hard and solid. Yet, amid this abundantly great force, it had split open with traces of cracks. If he used a little more strength, perhaps this mountain would be trampled into pieces of rubble.

    Tianheng stated: ¡°Yama, the King of Hell, has the strength to suppress and imprison. With a show of force, he subdues theherworld. This path is the path of the underworld. This method is the Netherworld Suppressing Prison Sutra!¡±

    This path corresponded to the qi ocean of floating, light-gray streams. Although there was no special power in that qi ocean, the profound qi inside was exceedingly pure. With it as the foundation, the road that Tianheng conceptualized was the path of strength. With absolute strength, he could suppress anything and everything!

    After ruthlessly stamping his foot two more times, Tianheng restored his energy once again.

    Following this recovery, he brought his palms together. His fingers interlocked, and formed a strange hand sign.

    As time passed, Tianheng¡¯s hand signs underwent an unusual type of change. While his fingers continued to move, an astonishing power of attraction emerged.

    And through this attractive power, several stone pieces, which had shattered from his feats of great strength just a while ago, couldn¡¯t help being automatically pulled over. These stone pieces rushed straight towards this attractive power.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t rush or panic. His arms unhurriedly moved, and these stone pieces were immediately twisted into flecks of fine powder inside that peculiar energy. Without further thought, the powder was scattered to the side.

    Meanwhile, the liquid within those blood pools was also drawn over by something. It poured out extremely quickly, and rushed into that power of attraction like two blood-red streams.

    These blood streams vanished the instant they were submerged in that attractive power.

    At the same time, a powerful whirlpool appeared within another of Tianheng¡¯s qi oceans, which instantly sucked in those blood streams. After that, traces of bloody qi emerged from the whirlpool, and entered the reddish-ck qi ocean and the qi ocean illuminated with red stars. As for the pure profound qi, it was dispersed outwards. Through the whirlpool¡¯s transportation, it rapidly replenished the other qi oceans.

    At this moment, Tianheng slowly said: ¡°With the desire of the hungry ghost and the voracious appetite of the Taotie, even if one swallows the sky and devours the earth, they shall never know fullness. This path is the path of the hungry ghost. This method is the Heaven-Swallowing Glutton Cultivation Method.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he withdrew his hands. That power of attraction also disappeared.

    These six paths and six methods were exactly what Tianheng had acquired this time.

    Slowly letting out a breath, Tianheng¡¯s mind cleared.

    At this moment, his previously disarrayed hypotheses had finally been unified. He had true embryonic forms.

    Later on, when he cultivated again, he just had to improve and perfect these methods.

    T/N: To rify, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s qi oceans and his six paths are based on the Buddhist cosmology of the six realms, which are derived from the Hindu concept of samsara. For more information, you can check the Wikipedia article here.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 437 - The Decisions of All Sides

    <h4>Chapter 437 - The Decisions of All Sides</h4>

    After Gongyi Tianheng came out of seclusion, he found out that he had inadvertently spent a little more than two months in the hidden chamber. At this time, the bodies of Gu Qi and Zhao Ji had already been nursed to the optimal state for practicing martial arts ¡ª Nothing else had to be said. Their outward appearances had undergone massive changes.

    In the end, Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were both forty-something year old men. No matter how well they took care of themselves, there were fine lines at the corners of their eyes. With just a look, one would feel that their ages were at least past thirty. But what about after soaking for eighty-one days? Those wrinkles had vanished, and their skin had be firm and supple. Although it couldn¡¯t be said that they looked like teenagers, they were definitely youths with exuberant qi and blood!

    From this, one could see the miraculous effects of the medicinal decoction.

    Gu Qi was naturally in an extremely good mood.

    Currently, it felt like he and Zhao Ji had found the dozen or so years they had once lost, andpletely recovered their peak states. They no longer had the lethargy of being trapped for many years. Instead, they were full of energy, and regained that certain feeling of confidence.

    Only with this kind of mentality could they persistently move forward and forge ahead on the path of martial arts!

    Tianheng left the hidden chamber. Because of the path of martial arts he practiced, of those two blood pools, one had beenpletely emptied and more than half of the other had already been used up. Aftering out, the qi emissions across his whole body were vigorous and firm, and there was a type of all-epassing suppressive force ¡ª Of course, the uncontrolled leakage of imposing aura was only dueprehending his own methods just a while ago. Once he walked out, the imposing aura was smoothly restrained by him.

    It was like the hearts of Gu Zuo and Tianheng had a tacit exchange of feelings. Originally, he was right in the middle of refining pills. At this moment, he promptly lifted his head, and looked over.

    Tianheng faintly smiled, and appeared in front of him in a sh.

    Gu Zuo suddenly got up, and threw himself at the other.

    Tianheng caught Gu Zuo in his arms, and with a bit of strength, he ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Ah Zuo, how have you been doing these days?¡±

    Gu Zuo fluffed his own feathers: ¡°Very good! My strength has broken through to the peak!¡±

    He had been refining medicine day and night. On top of that, he had unravelled the heart knot that always caused him to worry about his dad. Now that his whole body was rxed, it was to be expected that his strength would rise dramatically. A worry-free heart would naturally have a breakthrough.

    Tianheng was pleased. When he flipped his hand, a palm print was silently stamped into the side of a mountain stone. The entire process didn¡¯t leave the slightest trace of debris. In the blink of an eye, that mountain stone had already caved inward, like a palm pressing into a block of tofu.

    If it was before, it would¡¯ve been simple for a palm from a martial artist to shatter a mountain stone. But to aplish something this meticulously, one¡¯s control had to have reached the pinnacle. That wasn¡¯t so easily done.

    Most of all, the amount of strength used here was neither too much nor too little ¡ª If it was too strong, the mountain stone would¡¯ve crumbled. If it was too weak, the palm print wouldn¡¯t have been this detailed and life-like. Even the palm lines were clear and easy to see!

    Gu Zuo was ted: ¡°Big brother broke through to the Atomic Realm!¡±

    These words weren¡¯t false. Tianheng didn¡¯t only demonstrate this extremely exquisite level of control. It was because, after sorting out his ownprehensions, Tianheng directly broke through from peak Immortal Realm to the Atomic Realm the moment he created his own body cultivation method!

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo paused.

    Many prodigies suppressed their advancements during the Immortal Realm. It wasn¡¯t because they couldn¡¯t break through, but to consolidate their foundations. In the past, these two people were always umting in this way. When they went to the modern world for a number of months, although Tianheng didn¡¯t abstain from cultivating, he only consumed medicinal pills the entire time. With regards to the ambient qi, he didn¡¯t absorb much... Upon returning, there wouldn¡¯t be a problem having an immediate breakthrough, right?

    With a concerned heart, Gu Zuo swiftly arrived in front of Tianheng. A hand grasped his wrist to check.

    Tianheng guessed what Gu Zuo was thinking, and didn¡¯t refuse. He only looked at Gu Zuo with a smile across his face.

    Gu Zuo quickly finished his check-up, and only felt that his dear big brother¡¯s foundations were incredibly sturdy, and his umtions were iparably robust. Soon after, he was a little embarrassed.

    Right. When had his big brother ever been shortsighted or sought instant benefits? He was worrying excessively.

    Subsequently, Tianheng lightly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek, and walked to Gu Qi and Zhao Ji: ¡°Hello, uncles.¡±

    Currently, Gu Qi had gained much more knowledge and insight. Naturally, he saw that there was something different about Tianheng from before. He guessed that this reason was due to the breakthrough. He smiled and said: ¡°Congrattions on breaking through, Tianheng.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Uncle Gu, since your and Uncle Zhao¡¯s bodies have been nursed appropriately, we should select a school of martial disciplines as soon as possible. You¡¯ll properly cultivate, and step onto the path of martial arts with all speed.¡±

    Gu Qi had this idea long ago. Now that Tianheng took the initiative to bring this up, he promptly nodded his head: ¡°This makes sense. Previously, Xiao Zuo already tested us. I have fire and wood attributes, and Zhao Ji has earth and metal attributes. While I have an affinity for fire, Zhao Ji has an affinity for metal. Tianheng, I heard from Xiao Zuo that your power ofprehension is extremely high, and that you¡¯ve read countless martial disciplines. Since you¡¯vee out of seclusion, would you help us choose a discipline?¡±

    Since Tianheng mentioned this, it was only natural that he had this intention. Nothing else had to be said. For the sake of his little pharmacist¡¯s face, he also had to make suitable arrangements for Gu Qi and Zhao Ji so that they could get stronger and have the capital to stand tall.

    He wouldn¡¯t pass on his responsibilities to others: ¡°If Uncle Gu says it this way, this nephew certainly won¡¯t refuse. At the present time, there are two ways. The first is that I¡¯ll go and fetch twoplete sets of martial disciplines. You two will study from the human level. As your realms rise, the martial disciplines will be switched in session. At that time, the lowest achievement will be the earth level. The second way is a school of martial disciplines that I have justprehended. It¡¯s just that they¡¯re still very simple and crude right now. Moreover, my qi oceans are special. If it¡¯s these two uncles, I¡¯m afraid that each of you will only be able to practice one of them.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gu Qi realized that Tianheng had great confidence in his ownprehended martial disciplines. One ought to know that the first method he offered was one that would ultimately lead straight to the earth level. In terms of the two choices he brought out, wouldn¡¯t it mean Tianheng believed that, even though the martial disciplines he had right now were only embryonic forms, he felt they wereparable to earth-level martial disciplines?

    If it was like this, then choosing would be a bit difficult.

    With the first method, because countless people have tested it before, they were certainly capable of smoothly cultivating to that level. As for the second method, the risks were rtivelyrge. However, considering Tianheng¡¯s aptitude, so long as he didn¡¯t perish halfway, these martial disciplines could possibly advance to the heaven level, or even higher &#k2014; But that was a matter for another time.

    Which one should he choose: The stable earth level, or the heaven level that might not be possible?

    Each had its strengths and weaknesses.

    Tianheng also knew why Gu Qi was hesitant, so he said: ¡°Actually, these two uncles might not necessarily be unable to study apatible school of ordinary martial disciplines first. Once your strength is higher, this nephew will think of a way to get two slots for inner sect disciples. At that time, based on what these two uncles are good at, you can select and practice the derivative martial disciplines of the sect¡¯s ten heaven-level ultimate knowledges. After some progress, it will be deepened ordingly until you finally learn the heaven-level ultimate knowledge. This path should be the most dependable.

    ¡°It¡¯s just that when the aptitudes of these two uncles are at their most optimal, you won¡¯t be able to study the finest martial disciplines. At equivalent realms, you might not be a match for those powerhouses. It¡¯s somewhat regrettable.¡±

    This third path appeared rather appropriate, and it seemed better than the first two methods. But when all was said and done, this world respected the strong. If the inner qualities of one¡¯s body were restored to their optimal states, but they couldn¡¯t get in touch with the most refined martial disciplines, the adverse effects were very far-reaching ¡ª Not only was it possible to be injured by a powerhouse when out adventuring, the development of a martial artist¡¯sprehension might be dyed. When essing profound martial disciplines in the future, because one¡¯s mind wasn¡¯t fast enough, it would affect their ability to grasp ideas.

    Though, there was nothing to be done about it. With Tianheng¡¯s identity, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for him to bring them into the sect to receive training. There also wouldn¡¯t be any issues letting his adherent households and forces into his manor to enjoy the resources he allocated. However, these were all his subordinates, not the sect¡¯s subordinates. He wouldn¡¯t have any choice but to allocate things from his own resources, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to let them enjoy the treatment of sect disciples.

    In other words, it was fine for Tianheng to teach the martial disciplines he obtained himself, but if he wanted to let these people study the martial disciplines of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s Path Comprehending Pavilion, unless they were specially permitted, it was absolutely impossible. Once discovered, even Gongyi Tianheng wouldn¡¯t be able to take responsibility.

    Therefore, if Gu Qi and Zhao Ji wanted to learn the martial skills derived from those heaven-level ultimate knowledges, they needed to have the identities of inner sect disciples first. And this kind of status couldn¡¯t be obtained with just a word.

    Heaven-level ultimate knowledge was the foundation of Ten Ultimates Sect. Anyone who had the qualifications to study those things had to pass strict and rigorous selections!

    When Gu Qi and Zhao Ji finished listening to everything Tianheng said, they were well aware of the situation.

    After pondering for a short while, Gu Qi said: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that there¡¯s a Sect Offering Academy in the periphery of Ten Ultimates Sect?¡±

    Gu Zuo, who had been listening to the conversation of his big brother and dad the whole time, suddenly responded: ¡°Dad, are you thinking about going to study at the Sect Offering Academy with father?¡±

    Gu Qi nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ve asked about the enrollment requirements of the Sect Offering Academy. Houtian Realm martial artists who want to enroll must be below ten years old to pass the first round of assessments. However, I¡¯ve also heard that this is to ensure that the ages at which martial artists practice martial arts are the best. This is to avoid having no future prospects. Your father and I are ordinary people, but our physical ages are already maintained at five or six years old. If we use some connections, we can probably enroll?¡±

    It was true that Tianheng didn¡¯t have the authority to directly recruit them as inner sect disciples. However, if it was giving two cements in the Sect Offering Academy, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for two people, whose physical conditions reached the standard and whose mindsets were rtively mature, to enroll in the academy ¡ª After all, whether Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were able to enter the inner sect depended on their academic performances. If they did well enough, and they had a rtionship with someone like Tianheng, why would Ten Ultimates Sect reject them?

    Hence, Tianheng also nodded: ¡°Uncle Gu¡¯s way of thinking is proper. I¡¯ll make the arrangements immediately. I¡¯ll get two academy enrollment slots so these two uncles can enter the academy and learn martial arts.¡± He pondered for a little while, ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯ll be. I¡¯ll pick a school of martial disciplines that can reach straight to the earth level for these two uncles. Cultivate these first, so that yourprehensions can be nurtured. In the future, once you be inner sect disciples, it won¡¯t be toote to rece them with other derivative martial disciplines.¡±

    Doing it like this was indeed the best way. It was because, although Tianheng had the utmost confidence in his own methods, it would be extremely difficult to sessfully cultivate with those six schools of martial disciplines. Speaking of which, it wasn¡¯t actually a good way to learn the basics... But after Gu Qi and Zhao Ji grew stronger, Tianheng¡¯s martial disciplines would also be moreprehensive and well-developed. At that time, perhaps it would be an even better opportunity to impart his teachings.

    As for those who truly suited the martial disciplines that Tianhengprehended, apart from himself, it ought to have been the Tianlong Guards.

    When he thought about the Tianlong Guards, Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved. However, he quickly snapped out of it, and gave several instructions to the concealed battle ve on the side. That battle ve immediately shed out. The direction he travelled towards was precisely the Sect Offering Academy. What he needed to do was to acquire two cements.

    Gu Qi heard how attentive and thorough Tianheng¡¯s considerations were. It was only natural that he was grateful: ¡°Tianheng, we¡¯ve troubled you.¡±

    Tianheng slightly shook his head, and said to Gu Qi: ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all... Uncle Gu, it¡¯s just that when you and Uncle Zhao are in the Sect Offering Academy, this nephew won¡¯t be able to give any help.¡±

    Gu Qi straightforwardly replied: ¡°It isn¡¯t necessary for you to do so much. Letting us get in is already a great help. It¡¯s better to leave the rest to us old codgers. Otherwise, we¡¯ll only end up holding you back in the future.¡±

    Tianheng had this idea, too.

    Although he said that he wouldn¡¯t be able to give any help, how could it be possible that there truly would be no help? Even if he gave a singlemand, he could allow Gu Qi and Zhao Ji to pass effortlessly through the academy. Merely, since they were determined to choose this path, he wouldn¡¯t rashly involve himself. That would¡¯ve really caused trouble.

    An individual¡¯s ability was best obtained through personal cultivation.

    Zhao Ji agreed with Gu Qi¡¯s words unconditionally, so Gu Qi made up his mind.

    The two quickly gained a school of martial disciplines, and cultivated painstakingly ¡ª At this time, even Zhao Ji, who always depended on Gu Qi, was able to clear his thoughts and focus on cultivation. Undoubtedly, even though there were still problems with his mind, for the sake of protecting his and Gu Qi¡¯s safety, he knew that getting stronger was extremely important.

    Soon, the battle ve returned with the cements. It was agreed that Gu Qi and Zhao Ji would be brought to the academy in the next few days.

    ording to Tianheng¡¯s way of thinking, the two had to at least draw ambient qi into their bodies before they could be called martial artists. Only then would they have more weight to their words when they entered the academy.

    Gu Qi had absolutely no objections. Currently, because Zhao Ji had a simple mind and strong willpower, he was able to smoothly absorb qi in less than four hours. Gu Qi was somewhat slower than him, but it also only took him about a day to seed.

    The two¡¯s aptitudes weren¡¯t bad. On the third day, they brought their cement letters, and proceeded to the Sect Offering Academy together.

    Before they left, Gu Zuo got suitable inter-spatial tools for them, and cedrge quantities of golden banknotes, spirit crystals, medicinal pills, and spirit weapons inside. Several sets of defensive inner armor were also prepared. Only then did he barely feel reassured.

    Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, who had massive reserves prepared, enrolled into the Sect Offering Academy without a hitch, and started their journey of arduous cultivation at such ¡°old¡± ages.

    Following this, Tianheng stood at the edge of the cliff with his hands sped behind his back. He turned around to face Gu Zuo, and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, I want to make a round-trip to the Peripheral Continents, and wee over my n members. Would you be able to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle, and find the right direction?¡±

    Gu Zuo was stunned.

    He definitely didn¡¯t expect big brother to tell him this...

    However, after carefully thinking about it, this didn¡¯t seem that strange?

    Only, there was still a problem.

    Gu Zuo was a bit hard-pressed: ¡°Big brother, you know that my current strength is enough to pilot the shuttle. We also need to use other energies for recement...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was gentle as he spoke two words: ¡°Spiritual source.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°...Big brother¡¯s idea is to use the spiritual source? But, that was saved up for big brother. It¡¯ll be used for future breakthroughs. We can¡¯t use it casually.¡±

    The Void-Breaking Shuttle¡¯s rank was high, and the grade of required energy was also high. Originally, it was said that using source crystals was the best option, but spiritual sources were much purer than source crystals. Of course, it was possible to make use of it.

    When they were in the modern world, they could¡¯ve used the spiritual source to travel through spacetime. It was just that, after asking the system, it directly gave a method to resolve the problem. For a short while, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about the spiritual source that was still stored inside big brother¡¯s bangle.

    But even though Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think of it, would Tianheng fail to consider such a thing?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred, and he looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng saw the puzzlement on Gu Zuo¡¯s face. He faintly nodded his head: ¡°Because the spiritual source was stored within this elder brother¡¯s spatial bangle, I had already thought about it at that time. However, since a method was provided by the system, it wouldn¡¯t necessarily be without benefits to me...¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He understood in a split second.

    Big brother purposefully wanted to use the power of chaos to temper his body from the start! And on the off-chance that there wasn¡¯t enough energy during the journey, he could take out the spiritual source at that moment.

    Gu Zuo suddenly felt a little speechless.

    He couldn¡¯t help thinking. Was the system aware that they had the spiritual source, and deliberately didn¡¯t mention it? Or was it because the spiritual source wasn¡¯t stored inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall, and the system forgot?

    Taking a second look, it wouldn¡¯t be thetter, right?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°The spiritual source still shouldn¡¯t be wasted. If worstes to worst, I can look for more treasured crystals. As for the source sand, there¡¯s also...¡±

    His words subtly came to a halt.

    That wasn¡¯t right! He only had a couple grains of source sand remaining to act as souvenirs. What was there to use?!

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s appearance, and couldn¡¯t help walking over and hugging him: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. Although the Void-Breaking Shuttle will use the spiritual source, the energy contained within it is extremely powerful. Just five hundred grams should be enough for a round-trip. Previously, we used up all those treasured crystals and source sand, but that¡¯s because the Uninhabited Region is too far away from the Spirit-Martial Region. While the Central Continent and the Peripheral Continents are far apart, they¡¯re still within the same world. It definitely won¡¯t consume much. And this also won¡¯t negatively affect my future cultivation.¡±

    Gu Zuo leaned against his family¡¯s big brother, and slowly collected his thoughts.

    Yes. It was within the same world. If they used the spiritual source, there really wouldn¡¯t be too much used up. Since it was like this, they could go and bring back big brother¡¯s n members, which would also be a load off his mind.

    Tianheng kept holding Gu Zuo in his arms, and slowly said: ¡°Now that this elder brother barely has some foundations, and has the protection of our master, the situation is considered stabilized. However, the members of my Gongyi n are still persistently struggling on the Peripheral Continents. Although they can enjoy the honor and glory of being the number one aristocratic family of the Cangyun Empire, that nation is too small in the end. The ambient qi is also very thin. If the Gongyi n develops in that ce from beginning to end, how will they truly rise up? Of course, there also wouldn¡¯t be any objections in ruling the roost in such remote ces.

    ¡°Originally, this elder brother could¡¯ve waited until he was stronger to usher them in, but the path of martial arts can only be slowly taken one step at a time. For the time being, there¡¯s no need to discuss those seniors and elders, but the younger generations of the Gongyi n have even better prospects. They shouldn¡¯t be overlooked or have their time wasted.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Tianteng would¡¯ve grown up a little, too. He should be at the right age to set the foundations and cultivate. After he¡¯s brought over, with big brother¡¯s personal tutge, he¡¯ll definitely be nurtured into a pir of the Gongyi n. There¡¯s also Tianyang and Mingxia. Mingxia will be okay with Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s guidance, but Tianyang is somewhat inferior. Unfortunately, the girl he adores has a special constitution. We have to provide a better environment for him so that he can have more confidence...¡±

    Tianheng listened as Gu Zuo started to ramble, and his heart warmed.

    He knew full well that if it wasn¡¯t for the incredible care his Ah Zuo had for him, how could Gu Zuo think of such meticulous considerations for his family members? The love that Ah Zuo held in his heart for him would be reciprocated by the love in his heart for Ah Zuo.

    When traveling along the path of martial arts together, if the person he cherished couldn¡¯t keep up with his footsteps, perhaps even falling in love wouldn¡¯t make himpletely happy. He, Gongyi Tianheng, was just this lucky. Although it had been ast bout of madness to gamble with his life back then, he could now hold Ah Zuo in his arms. Theyplemented each other, and helped one another.

    While thinking these things, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help lowering his head, and pressing against Gu Zuo¡¯s lips.

    Gu Zuo was in the middle of talking. Suddenly, he was kissed. His body promptly stiffened.

    Kissed, kissed, and kissed again...

    After that, Gu Zuo closed his eyes as he experienced this with his heart and soul.

    In fact, he also like doing this with him.

    Tianheng kissed even deeper this time than in the past. Lips crashed together, tongues entwined, and breaths were inseparable. Their breathing had quickened somewhat. Compared to every time before, this one was even more soft and tender. Andpared to every time before, this one was even more invasive and domineering. It was precisely because of this gentle aggression that Gu Zuo was soon immersed in this kissing session. He was dizzy and heady. Before he knew it, he didn¡¯t even know what day it was.

    Though unaware of how long they had been kissing, Gu Zuo had some aplishments in cultivation, and felt that breathing was a little difficult. Thus, he opened the pores all over his body to change the way of breathing.

    When he made this switch, Tianheng took pause.

    Immediately following this, Tianheng lifted his head. He couldn¡¯t help hugging him tighter, and burying his head into the hollow of his shoulder withughter. Tianheng¡¯s chest lightly shook with an indescribable joy. It was rare for him to express his happiness without restraint.

    Gu Zuo was exasperated.

    Big brother, what are youughing at? How can someone kiss and kiss, and suddenlyugh like this?!

    Tianhengughed for a good while. Then, he couldn¡¯t help leaning his head over. He kissed the side of Gu Zuo¡¯s neck, he kissed his face, he kissed the tip of his nose, and finally, he kissed his lips again.

    He slowly calmed his breathing, and wore a smiling expression: ¡°Ah Zuo is seriously...cute.¡±

    Gu Zuo held his breath... Eh? He didn¡¯t have any breaths to hold.

    He recalled what he had just done, and was immediately flooded with embarrassment.

    He suddenly felt that he didn¡¯t have the face to meet others...

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo¡¯s distressed appearance, andughed once more. It wasn¡¯t until Gu Zuo¡¯s blushing face was about to bleed and his eyes were stained with a glimmeringyer of baffled anger that he calmed his state of mind and stopped teasing Gu Zuo.

    Subsequently, he caressed Gu Zuo¡¯s face: ¡°Okay, Ah Zuo. Since we¡¯ve decided to go back, we need to take care of some matters first.¡±

    The first thing was to give instructions to Yu Cheng, who had already ¡°sold his body¡±. While he stayed in the Sect Offering Academy, he would unobtrusively watch over Gu Qi and Zhao Ji.

    The second thing was to make arrangements for matters after they departed. They also had to let the battle ves build courtyards in a rather good, lower section of the manor to wee the neers.

    And the third thing was that they had to report this matter to their master, the Blood Transformation Pce Master, before leaving.

    This time, they wouldn¡¯t make him so worried.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 438 - Returning to the Cangyun Empire

    <h4>Chapter 438 - Returning to the Cangyun Empire</h4>

    The battle ves solemnly followed their orders. And after being summoned by Gongyi Tianheng, Yu Cheng also didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. He memorized the appearances of Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, and safeguarded them in the dark ¡ª Even though he had no choice but to be conscripted into following Tianheng for a hundred years due to the idental disappearance of the two, he actually had a clear understanding.

    The inheritance he acquired wasn¡¯t simple at all. Unless he had the strength to kill everyone who knew about the historical ruin, he had to seek refuge to guarantee that the inheritance wasn¡¯t snatched away by others. With Yu Cheng¡¯s capabilities, it was naturally impossible to shelter under the Blood Transformation Pce Master. As such, by following Tianheng, the all-star prodigy with tremendous potential, he gained the indirect protection of the pce master and Ten Ultimates Sect itself. This was also pretty good.

    Besides, he really wasn¡¯t a person who forgot favors and vited justice. Tianheng helped him get the inheritance, and he wouldn¡¯t turn against Tianheng just to keep this secret.

    It was also because of this that Tianheng felt at ease with Yu Cheng.

    From the inheritance, Yu Cheng knew that the Void-Breaking Shuttle was exceptional and outstanding, but he understood that the shuttle belonged to Tianheng. At the same time, this was a secret that he didn¡¯t dare to tell others. It was because his inheritance was a secret, too. It absolutely couldn¡¯t be leaked.

    It was just that even Yu Cheng was unclear about the fact that the Void-Breaking Shuttle could take people to different worlds. He only believed that the shuttle could save one¡¯s life, and that it could break open the shackles of space within a world.

    Afterwards, Tianheng reported the matter of going back to the Peripheral Continents with the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    Originally, the pce master knew that the Void-Breaking Shuttle could take people to different ces in the world. Having heard Tianheng mention that he wanted to wee his n members to Ten Ultimates Sect, the pce master granted his approval.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Many thanks for your permission, master.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master replied: ¡°There¡¯s a reason I¡¯m giving you my permission.¡±

    Tianheng listened with respectful attention.

    The pce master stood with his hands sped behind his back. His expression was solemn and serene: ¡°The Void-Breaking Shuttle isn¡¯t the only type of object that can travel through space. Therefore, even though the Central Continent and the Peripheral Continents are separated by the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, it isn¡¯t like no one¡¯s capable of going to that ce.

    ¡°You are the all-star prodigy of my Ten Ultimates Sect. Previously, your realm was a little low, so you didn¡¯t face many cmities and worthy enemies. Now that you¡¯ve already broken through to the Atomic Realm, everyone you¡¯ll meet in the future will be the favored children of heaven. Among them, there will certainly be those who befriend you and those who oppose you. You¡¯ll meet people with magnanimous hearts, ande across others who are despicable and shameless.

    ¡°You have been trained and cultivated by the sect. Thus, you¡¯ll have to strive and fight for resources on behalf of the sect¡¯s interests. You¡¯ll have to fight the heavens, wage war on the earth, and open up your own path of martial arts!¡±

    Speaking up to here, Tianheng¡¯s expression was slightly shocked.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master continued: ¡°Therefore, there won¡¯t be any problems if the people you meet are friends and open-minded people. However, those who be your enemies and the scum of society won¡¯t necessarily abide by righteousness and justice. Your n members are also your weak spot. If you keep them on the Peripheral Continents, there¡¯s a possibility that your enemies will capture them to threaten you. If you¡¯re bound at the elbow, you¡¯ll be trapped between a rock and a hard ce.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to take advantage of the fact that your current reputation isn¡¯t that conspicuous. While you haven¡¯t made too many enemies yet, you should bring them within the jurisdiction of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Although the branches of my Ten Ultimates Sect havepetitions and conflicts, they¡¯re also restricted by the sect rules, and won¡¯t bring disaster upon one¡¯s family.

    ¡°Once your household is part of Ten Ultimates Sect, so long as the Blood Transformation Pce Hall doesn¡¯t copse, your n members will certainly remain stable. If Ten Ultimates Sect isn¡¯t wiped out, no one shall take your n members to threaten you!¡±

    After the pce master finished speaking, Tianheng slowly let out a sigh. He resolutely said: ¡°Many thanks to this master for taking them under your protection.¡± Then, he cupped his hands to the outside of the pce hall, ¡°Many thanks to this sect for taking them under thy protection.¡±

    The expression of the Blood Transformation Pce Master was rxed: ¡°Apprentice, I know that you¡¯re very intelligent and calctive, so the sect ought to have reservations about you. But because you¡¯re thoughtful and broad-minded, and because you¡¯re able to turn disadvantages into strengths, it has caused the sect to view you more favorably. But you must know why the sect epts you and treats you generously. While it¡¯s due to your exceptional talents, it¡¯s also due to your good disposition and that you¡¯re clear about gratitudes and grudges. Otherwise, no matter how amazing your innate talents are, the sect wouldn¡¯t have funneled resources to cultivate you. After all, to nurture a tiger is to invite cmity.¡±

    Reaching this point, he gave a slight pause: ¡°However, this is nothing more than routine training. In this world, there are numerous martial artists, and prodigies stand in great numbers. Regardless of how good a person¡¯s talents are, one might not necessarily make any aplishments. If you can¡¯t achieve anything, this teacher has still epted you. It¡¯s true that I will protect you from beginning to end, but the sect has to give careful consideration. It won¡¯t necessarily always treat you preferentially. And if you lose the sect¡¯s favor, it¡¯ll be very detrimental for you.¡±

    Having listened up to here, Tianheng gradually understood what the Blood Transformation Pce Master wanted to express.

    The pce master sighed: ¡°What the sect pursues is nothing but the sect¡¯s development. Among the disciples under the sect, there are a great number of talents. None of them are weak, and inheritances have been passed down through continuous, unbroken lines. This teacher has only one purpose in telling you these things.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression became solemn: ¡°This disciple understands what master means.¡± In a slow voice, he said: ¡°If this disciple has made achievements in his studies, he will definitely do his best to repay the sect. I won¡¯t let the sect¡¯s awe-inspiring authority fall, and I won¡¯t fear the encroachment of enemies outside.¡±

    The pce master nodded his head: ¡°Very good. Whatever capabilities you have is how you¡¯ll handle matters. The sect treats its prodigies dearly and generously. This prodigy knows to repay favors, so the sect will certainly defend you. A back and forth between both sides canst for a long time.¡±

    Tianheng paid his respects to the Blood Transformation Pce Master once again: ¡°This disciple will bear this in mind. Master can rest assured. Ten Ultimates Sect cherishes this disciple, and this disciple also cherishes the sect.¡±

    The pce master smiled, and brushed his sleeve: ¡°Your heart is brightly lit, so this teacher naturally feels relieved.¡± Then, he said, ¡°For this trip, the sooner you go, the sooner you¡¯ll return. You must be absolutely careful.¡±

    Tianheng also smiled back. Soon after, he turned around, and walked towards the outside of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    Having received the calm guidance of his master, Tianheng¡¯s heart loosened. His sense of belonging to Ten Ultimates Sect also strengthened somewhat. Whatever the case, just from the words of the pce master, he could see that themon practice of Ten Ultimates Sect was definitely a win-win situation. What this emphasized was a virtuous cycle.

    This kind of sect could sway the hearts of students and convert disciples ¡ª It was no wonder that Ten Ultimates Sect was able to tower unfalteringly for many years. On the contrary, it became a silver-ranked organization with robust foundations. It was a colossus with abundant qualifications!

    After going back to the manor, Gu Zuo had already been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Tianheng return, he greeted him: ¡°Big brother, what did the pce master say?¡±

    Tianheng told Gu Zuo everything that the Blood Transformation Pce Master just discussed with him.

    With an emotional sigh, Gu Zuo said: ¡°The pce master really is quite forthright with you.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Master¡¯s temperament is very magnanimous. Moreover, this talk only happened because the trust between master and I has deepened greatly over these two years.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°The pce master is a good master.¡±

    Tianheng nodded back: ¡°Indeed so.¡± Soon after, he lightly pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek, ¡°Then, what about your elder brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. After that, he responded by bravely going over, and hugging Tianheng. He spoke like nothing had happened: ¡°Of course, big brother is also a good big brother.¡± The emotions in his eyes moved swiftly, ¡°The best big brother.¡±

    Tianheng was satisfied, and pinched his cheek again.

    Gu Zuo was used to the increasingly frequent touches and skin contact of his dear big brother. After obediently letting himself get pinched a few times, he spoke up: ¡°This time around, we¡¯re going back to the Peripheral Continents. Is it going to be just the two of us, or will we bring along a few battle ves?¡±

    The conversation turned to proper business, and Tianheng corrected his wayward thoughts.

    After pondering slightly, he asked: ¡°With Ah Zuo¡¯s current strength, how many people can you make the Void-Breaking Shuttle amodate at a time?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°So long as they all suppress their own qi emissions, it can amodate several hundreds of people at a time if there¡¯s enough spiritual source. As for the specific numbers, we¡¯ll still have to go back and test it to find out.¡±

    In other words, not only was this rted to Gu Zuo¡¯s strength and the spiritual source, it was also rted to the strength of the passengers and the distance travelled.

    Even though it was within one world, there were distances that were near and far. The closer the destination, therger Gu Zuo could make the Void-Breaking Shuttle. Conversely, the farther the destination, the smaller it would be.

    Tianheng thought to himself, and said: ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll first go outside the Road of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, and then pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle. When we go back, Ah Zuo will have to do his best. Wherever it can go is where it will go.¡±

    After Gu Zuo pondered deeply for a short while, he nodded his head: ¡°In order to conserve my psychic power, I¡¯ll leave behind a strand of psychic power in this ce to keep our positioning. Later on, as we¡¯re traveling to the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, I¡¯ll leave behind some strands in different locations along the way to mark them. When we¡¯reing back, I can make adjustments ording to the specific situation.¡±

    Tianheng also nodded, and replied: ¡°It¡¯ll be as Ah Zuo says.¡± He made another decision, ¡°For this time going out, it¡¯ll only be you and me. However, while we proceed towards the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, we can bring a few Ascendent Realm battle ves for protection along the way. If it¡¯s like this, it won¡¯t be too eye-catching, and it¡¯ll also be very safe.¡±

    Gu Zuo voiced his support: ¡°Okay!¡±

    Hence, it was decided just like this.

    Afterwards, there were still several preparations that needed to be done. And once Gu Zuo went to see Gu Qi and Zhao Ji to bid farewell, he quickly returned.

    Ao Ying and an Ascendent Realm powerhouse from the shadow cat race were already waiting in that ce. Meanwhile, Ao Min and another Ascendent Realm shadow cat powerhouse stayed behind in the manor to hold the fort. As for Gu Zuo, he swiftly left a strand of psychic power in their home at the mountain peak.

    Tianheng said with a smile: ¡°Ah Zuo, shall we go?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Following this, four people rode an extremely fast, wild bird. Within only a few days, they arrived at a town outside the entrance to the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen.

    During this journey, Gu Zuo found several deserted and inessible outskirts,nds of mountains and forests, and left behind his own psychic power imprints. Finally, after a short rest, they squeezed into a deep and secluded valley.

    There were no signs of human habitation within a range of five kilometers. Moreover, because this ce was very close to the Roads of Heaven¡¯s Chosen, the concentration of the ambient qi was lower here than the entire Central Continent. Few martial artists and pharmacists would pass by, so it was quite off the beaten track.

    It was precisely this kind of ce that made it convenient for Gu Zuo to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle. This was to avoid being discovered.

    But before that, Ao Ying and the shadow cat powerhouse were sent away. They were ordered to return to the sect. Immediately afterwards, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, releasing the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    In the blink of an eye, an enormous silver shuttle appeared in front of the two.

    This time around, the silver shuttle moved ording to Gu Zuo¡¯s intentions, and continuously expanded. In the end, it turned into a giant shuttle that was capable of stowing five hundred people. It towered silently and calmly.

    Tianheng asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, did that strain you?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    He still had some spare power. Thus, he made the silver shuttle even bigger. Now, it could amodate a thousand people.

    Reaching this point, Gu Zuo had a premonition. If he increased the size again, he wouldn¡¯t be able to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle...

    Tianheng took the lead to enter the shuttle. He said: ¡°Ah Zuo, everything is for your safety. Don¡¯t push yourself too far.¡±

    Of course, Gu Zuo promised: ¡°Big brother, rest assured. I¡¯m someone who acts ording to his means.¡±

    Once the two boarded the Void-Breaking Shuttle, Gu Zuo discharged his psychic power. Meanwhile, Tianheng took out the spiritual source. He flicked his finger to bring out a single drop, which floated at the very front of the shuttle.

    Subsequently, that drop of spiritual source emitted a faint and mysterious power. The Void-Breaking Shuttle shined with a silvery-white radiance. It was like the shuttle had undergone some kind of resonance. It looked entirely brand-new!

    The very next moment, the Void-Breaking Shuttle broke through space!

    Gu Zuo suddenly paused.

    He could sense that piloting the shuttle was much smoother thanst time. It was also more stable ¡ª Was it because he was more proficient in controlling it, his connection to the shuttle was deeper, or due to the spiritual source? Or perhaps, they were only traveling through space and not spacetime?

    It probably had something to do with several of those reasons...

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath, and operated the Void-Breaking Shuttle with everything he had!

    At the same time, his psychic powertched onto the strand of mingled qi emissions that came from himself and his big brother.

    That¡¯s right. If he wanted to pilot the shuttle to other ces with precise positioning, the things that he needed to perceive were veryplex. The requirements for his own realm were also extremely high. For Gu Zuo¡¯s present capabilities, it was basically impossible to aplish this. As a result, he used a loophole. He perceived the mingled qi emissions of himself and his big brother, who acted as the contract guardian, to find the direction they wanted to go. What was worth rejoicing over was that they were returning this time. He had been to all those ces, so finding them was much easier.

    Once some time passed, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred: ¡°Big brother, it should be here.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°I trust Ah Zuo. Ah Zuo just needs to do whates naturally.¡±

    In fact, Tianheng currently had a lot of spiritual source. What was there to worry about going the wrong way? Even if they went the wrong way, couldn¡¯t they just change direction? It was just that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t willing to waste the spiritual source he found for big brother after much difficulty. As a result, he put too much pressure on himself.

    Right now, he held his breath, and silently thought: I definitely have to seed on the first try!

    ¡ª Perhaps, the world really was standing on Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    The Void-Breaking Shuttle emerged from a slice of the void with a shuddering tremble. Before it was discovered by anyone, it fell into a dense forest, and barreled over many trees. Gu Zuo quickly shrank the shuttle, and put it away.

    The two stood on the ground, and looked at the fallen and broken trees all around. It was somewhat funny and embarrassing.

    In this short while, they had also crushed many wild beasts to death...

    At any rate, this forest was also rather familiar. It was clearly a ce that Tianheng and Gu Zuo had previously adventured through.

    But at the same time, it was also clear that they had indeed smoothly arrived outside the imperial capital of the Cangyun Empire.

    Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Shall we go straight to the Gongyi Mansion?¡±

    Tianheng raised his eyes, and peered at the city gates up ahead. He nodded his head, and said: ¡°Yes.¡±

    At this time, twilight had already descended. The city gates were closed.

    As far as Tianheng and Gu Zuo were concerned, this small trifle didn¡¯t pose any problem for them. On the contrary, due to the color of the sky, they wouldn¡¯t end up startling anyone. They shed into the city in a natural way. After another discement, they entered the ancestral residence of the aristocratic family known as the Gongyi n.

    In this ce, the guards were still extremely stringent.

    It was just that, such guards were nothing to the Immortal Realm Gu Zuo. Let alone Tianheng, who was already at the Atomic Realm.

    But it was also because of this that Tianheng¡¯s gaze slightly sank.

    When he was previously in the Cangyun Empire, even though he was naturally intelligent, he was limited by hisck of experience. He hadn¡¯t felt that these guards were inappropriate. But now that he experienced the matters of the Central Continent, he gained countless insights. After seeing the strength of these guards, he naturally developed some private worries.

    The guards were incapable of blocking Gu Zuo, so it was only natural that they wouldn¡¯t be able to stop other Immortal Realms ¡ª In other words, ording to the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s words, if he really provoked an enemy, so long as the other party sent some ordinary Immortal Realms over, they couldpletely suppress the members of the Gongyi n. His family members didn¡¯t have the ability to resist!

    In this case, it was certainly inappropriate...

    On the side, Gu Zuo tugged at Tianheng¡¯s sleeve: ¡°Big brother, don¡¯t worry. Didn¡¯t wee back this time to bring away the people here?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    But at the same time, a trace of dark light shed in his eyes.

    Merely, the Gongyi n¡¯s direct line and cadet branches totaled more than ten thousand people. It was basically impossible to take them all to the Central Continent. The number of remaining people who would be left in the Cangyun Empire was not low.

    Keeping this in mind, Gu Zuo and Tianheng shed away, and arrived where Gongyi Zhuoyue, the previous generation¡¯s n head, was in secluded cultivation.

    During this time, the two had been totally silent. At this moment, even Gongyi Zhuoyue, whom the two once looked up to, didn¡¯t sense them in the slightest.

    In addition, Gu Zuo used his psychic power to investigate. Gongyi Zhuoyue was sitting upright inside a hidden chamber. Floating in front of him was a deep-purple, precious pearl, which he was constantly absorbing to improve himself.

    Although these improvements were slightly small, such umtions shouldn¡¯t be underestimated... As for Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s current strength, it had already reached Xiantian stage nine. Once he cultivated for another period of time, maybe he would be able to break through to the Immortal Realm with the power of this precious pearl!

    Gu Zuo looked at that precious pearl, and was a little amazed: ¡°Big brother, this is an origin pearl?¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded: ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    An origin pearl wasn¡¯t some ordinary object. It was ssified as a type of precious pearl that was produced within the bodies of origin beasts. Besides containing arge portion of the origin beast¡¯s energy, it also contained a special ability of the origin beast! If a martial artist absorbed this precious pearl, they could also assimte the qi emissions of this special ability. In the future, there was a certain chance ofprehending this special ability. Moreover, in the process of understanding it, one could turn the origin beast¡¯s special ability into ultimate knowledge that was suitable for the human body to utilize. This allowed the martial artist¡¯s strength to undergo an exponential increase!

    The ambient qi of the Cangyun Empire was so thin, and only two years had passed. Under normal circumstances, Gongyi Zhuoyue wouldn¡¯t have been able to improve to this extent at his age. Having this kind of realm advancement was all thanks to this origin pearl! But fortunately, Gu Zuo and Tianheng had returned to bring them away. Otherwise, with Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s level ofprehension, while there was no problem absorbing the origin pearl to advance to the Immortal Realm, it would be too hard to understand the special ability within the origin pearl.

    Even if it was on the Central Continent, those exceptional geniuses needed to use all sorts of secret methods to increase their chances ofprehension after getting an origin pearl. Letting Gongyi Zhuoyueprehend it by himself would truly be too difficult for him.

    Several notions and ideas shed by. Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged nces, and they deliberately made a bit of movement.

    The next instant, Gongyi Zhuoyue swiftly reacted, and put away that origin pearl. At the same time, he opened his mouth, and shouted: ¡°Who dares to spy on this old man?!¡± While speaking, his body shot out like a bolt of lightning. He quickly left the room, andunched an attack at Tianheng and Gu Zuo!

    Tianheng took a half-step forward, and extended a hand.

    At this moment, Gongyi Zhuoyue only felt that the person before him was as steady as a great boulder and as heavy as a mountain. Unexpectedly, his attack was like a y ox entering the sea. In a sh, it disappeared without a trace. Meanwhile, his wrist was firmly grabbed in the palm of a hand. The remaining might of that attack was also scattered by a streak of qi energy!

    How powerful!

    Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s heart trembled, and his sense of crisis was overwhelming. His eyes seemed to release arcs of cold electricity, his beard and hair red up like a ferocious lion, and he glowered at the person who came ¡ª Eh?

    There was a young man with a smile on his face. Why did his appearance look so familiar?

    Gu Zuo spoke first: ¡°Venerable n head, we¡¯ve returned.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression didn¡¯t diminish: ¡°We haven¡¯t seen you in two years. Grandfather is still healthy and strong. This grandson is relieved.¡±

    All of a sudden, Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s imposing aura dispersed.

    He understood in the blink of an eye. He wasn¡¯t a match for the person in front of him. If the other party wasn¡¯t his grandson, with this person¡¯s capabilities, whether it was a scheme to snatch the precious pearl or to suppress the Gongyi n, it wouldn¡¯t expend the slightest effort. Why would they deliberately lie to him? And after he figured it out, the joy in his heart surged up.

    Such a powerhouse was his grandson! This was the genius with the strongestprehension of his Gongyi n in ten thousand years. Sure enough, after venturing into the wider world, his grandson bore unprecedentedly formidable strength, and returned full of honor!

    Only, Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s expression changed again and again.

    Since his grandson went into that wider world, it was reported that he wouldn¡¯t be able toe back for a long time. How did he appear before his eyes in these short two years?

    This... In the end, just what had happened?

    Gongyi Zhuoyue immediately became worried.

    Tianheng already saw through the thoughts of his grandfather¡¯s changing expressions. He smiled catingly: ¡°Nothing bad happened to this grandson. Grandfather, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Gongyi Zhuoyue slightly loosened his furrowed brows, and retracted his palm. However, he questioned: ¡°Tianheng, what¡¯s all this about?¡±

    The two followed Gongyi Zhuoyue back into the chamber, and closed the door properly.

    The space between Gu Zuo¡¯s brows heated up. He released his psychic power in passing, and sealed off the entire hidden chamber. Unless the people outside had spiritual path realms that greatly surpassed Gu Zuo¡¯s own realm, they would never be able to hear the conversation inside under any circumstances.

    Tianheng¡¯s expression slowly became serious. He said: ¡°Grandfather, this grandson hase to bring away my subordinate Tianlong Guards, the bloodline of the Gongyi n and my close rtives, as well as any younger generations with impressive aptitudes who are worthy of nurturing.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue was startled: ¡°What Tianheng means is...¡±

    Tianheng unhurriedly stated: ¡°Now that this grandson has gained a foothold in Ten Ultimates Sect, and has developed some properties, it¡¯s time to repay the n¡¯s many years of care.¡±

    Subsequently, apart from the things he couldn¡¯t talk about, Tianheng told Gongyi Zhuoyue everything he experienced over these years.

    This talk took quite a few hours.

    As Gongyi Zhuoyue listened, his heart surged with raging waves and stormy seas.

    He never expected that his family¡¯s grandson would have so many extraordinary experiences. Moreover, these adventures had unfolded on a magnificent scale. His heart couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of yearning and lingering fear.

    A good whileter, he gave a long, drawn-out sigh: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 439 - Oneâ€™s Close Relatives

    <h4>Chapter 439 - One¡¯s Close Rtives</h4>

    Gongyi Zhuoyue wasn¡¯t a short-sighted individual. The reason why he didn¡¯t think of many things was only because the area he resided in was too narrow and confined, and because the amount of information was toocking. Now that he heard what Gongyi Tianheng said, he naturally understood everything. He was also able to make out the deeper meanings within.

    Shortly thereafter, he couldn¡¯t help pacing back and forth several times inside the chamber. His footsteps were somewhat disorderly, and one could tell that his state of mind was rtivelyplicated.

    But soon, Gongyi Zhuoyue pped his desk: ¡°This is a huge opportunity for my Gongyi n! We certainly can¡¯t miss it!¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°This grandson thinks so, too. If a person who practices martial arts achieves something, it will depend on how much they strive for it. The Cangyun Empire is too small. All of the Peripheral Continents are too small. The future of the Gongyi n cannot be limited by this narrow stretch ofnd.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue took several deep breaths, and sat down facing Tianheng: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, there are many things that need to be taken care of.¡± He looked firmly at his family¡¯s heroic and flourishing grandson, and said, ¡°Tianheng, if you have any suggestions, you can just say them directly.¡±

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng paused: ¡°Grandfather, shouldn¡¯t we also find father to discuss things together?¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue waved a hand: ¡°There¡¯s no need. You and I can talk about the rules first. As for the details, it won¡¯t be toote for this old man to find your father. Now that it¡¯s deep into the night, your father has already fallen asleep long ago. If I summon him, it will inevitably disturb your mother and rm the others. The more people there are, the more mouths that talk. Before the results are out, it would be for the best that we keep it a secret as much as possible.¡±

    It went without saying that Tianheng also considered things this way, which was why he first exined his own situation to his grandfather who was the most farsighted in the entire n.

    At this time, he pondered slightly, and said: ¡°Grandfather already knows that this grandson wants to take away his close rtives in advance to avoid being threatened by others in the future. Among these rtives, it¡¯ll naturally include grandfather, my parents and siblings, and those who share an extremely close blood rtion to me. In addition, for the Gongyi n to take root on the Central Continent, I need to bring along many of the Gongyi n¡¯s outstanding younger generations.

    ¡°Among the descendants, those who are over thirty years old aren¡¯t needed ¡ª Although this grandson can bring over all the n members, if their aptitudes aren¡¯t good enough, it will only scatter and divert resources. On the contrary, we won¡¯t be able to nurture true powerhouses of the Gongyi n.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue nodded: ¡°What Tianheng says is reasonable.¡±

    Moreover, the important point was that he knew that his family¡¯s grandson had raised many adherents. The strength of those people far surpassed that of his Gongyi n¡¯s children. If the Gongyi n¡¯s children couldn¡¯t make enough contributions, but received the same or even more resources, it probably wouldn¡¯t be justifiable to the other adherents. It also wouldn¡¯t be easy to handle the interpersonal rtionships.

    Of course, if his grandson¡¯s forces were already extremelyrge, there was nothing wrong with nurturing his own n members. Funneling some resources wouldn¡¯t negatively affect the situation atrge, and outsiders wouldn¡¯t raise any objections. However, Tianheng¡¯s current forces were at the initial stages of development, and resources weren¡¯t abundant enough to squander extravagantly. One had to prioritize the nurturing of those withrge contributions. Otherwise, it would leave the other adherents with cold and disillusioned hearts.

    What¡¯s more, there was another reason ¡ª Their Gongyi n had produced such an outstanding younger generation like his grandson with great difficulty. n members like them absolutely couldn¡¯t be allowed to drag him down and obstruct his grandson¡¯s meteoric rise!

    Besides, n members were dragged down by having families to feed. Young people might want to improve themselves and make their way in the world, but there were also the old, weak, sick, and disabled. After being brought to the Central Continent, life wasn¡¯t necessarily going to be as smooth and unhindered as it was on the Peripheral Continents. Their branch was of the direct line of descent, and they were always in charge of the Gongyi n. However, this didn¡¯t mean that the cadet branches could obtain the favor of the main branches for free without any contributions.

    Even if it were the main branches, it was impossible to bring everyone over. Likewise, only the outstanding children would be selected.

    Tianheng was the young master of an aristocratic family. Since childhood, the nurturing he received was different from that of ordinary people. It was only natural that he kept the n in mind, but apart from his close rtives, what he focused on wasn¡¯t the meticulous care of every n member and the prevention of any loss. On the contrary, it was to the overall interests of the n &#k2014; Just like that time when he was incapable of practicing martial arts, he had to rely on other methods to seek benefits for the n in order to maintain his own status.

    As a result, after pondering for a while, he continued: ¡°ording to this grandson, after a discussion with grandfather and father, we should first carry out an ancestral order. We¡¯ll summon all members of the main branches and cadet branches, and call for each group to bring any children under the age of thirty to the imperial capital. Then, this grandson will test their innate talents, select those who can be nurtured among them, and bring them away...

    ¡°Due to the limitations of this grandson¡¯s spirit weapon, the chosen younger generations can¡¯t exceed three hundred people. However, within the scope of avable choices, it¡¯s best to have at least one or two children from each branch.¡±

    Tianheng came from the lineage of the n head, and wielded the ancestral order. And the lineage of the n head was also the first branch of the direct line of descent ¡ª Nowadays, there weren¡¯t many people remaining in this branch. There were only seven people: Gongyi Zhuoyue, Gongyi Yan and his wife, as well as Tianheng and his three siblings, Tianyang, Mingxia, and Tianteng. It could be said that the leaves of this small family had withered. But now that Tianheng had appeared, one man was able to surpass tens of thousands of people.

    Of course, if the n wanted to grow and develop, each branch needed to be treated equally. For matters such as these, worries of unequal distribution only urred during scarcity. The cadet branches numbered fifty-two, and the direct line of descent contained twelve branches. Thus, there was a total of sixty-four branches. Except for the first branch, the other sixty-three branches had to pass tests to determine their quotas. In other words, to keep the direct line¡¯s position stable, each branch of the direct line would be allocated only a few more ces at most.

    This could increase the n¡¯s cohesiveness, and wouldn¡¯t cause the younger generations to be at odds with the n itself.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue nodded his head: ¡°Tianheng, if you have any other ideas, just say it.¡±

    Tianheng inly said: ¡°Once everyone is present, we need to properly arrange the remaining n members after the selection. Since this grandson is going to pick up Tianyang and the others, I can also negotiate some deals with Qingyun Sect and give back some benefits.¡±

    Speaking of which, Tianheng naturally owed his upbringing to the Gongyi n, but when he was in Qingyun Sect, the sect didn¡¯t especially treat him preferentially. Most of the benefits Tianheng obtained in Qingyun Sect were acquired through the exchange of his own contributions. It was only natural that there wasn¡¯t any sense of belonging to Qingyun Sect ¡ª The sect he first developed a sense of belonging to was the present Ten Ultimates Sect.

    However, it also couldn¡¯t be said that Tianhengpletelycked any affection for Qingyun Sect. After all, there were many opportunities that were only opened to him once he came to Qingyun Sect. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been hard toe into contact with them. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to obtain them... This kind of favor couldn¡¯t be left unpaid.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue paused. His face suddenly revealed a smiling expression: ¡°What Tianheng means is to ask Qingyun Sect to take care of the other n members?¡±

    Tianheng nodded: ¡°Grandfather, it will always be better to make arrangements for the n so that they will be willing. This grandson has prepared many types of ces for them to choose from.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng spoke a few more words. Upon hearing this, Gongyi Zhuoyue nodded repeatedly.

    Finally, he gave a forthright smile: ¡°Tianheng¡¯s ideas are very much in line with this old man¡¯s intentions.¡±

    The grandfather and grandson discussed in this way the entire night. On the side, Gu Zuo kept listening. He was no longer as confused or bewildered as he was in the beginning. The longer he spent with Tianheng, the more he understood Tianheng¡¯s way of thinking. Up until now, there had been many times when he didn¡¯t specially need an exnation. He was able to keep up just by listening. It was just that, once in a while, there were some excessively-deep conspiracies and machinations that didn¡¯t pique his interests.

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he definitely understood everything clearly. He wouldn¡¯t hold back his family¡¯s big brother, nor would he dwell on the matter.

    Unwittingly, it was already the early morning hours.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power had been enveloping the hidden chamber all the while. At this time, it was only natural that he sensed that the majority of the Gongyi n¡¯s people had already woken up from their slumber. There were also some martial artists training through the night who finished their work to rest. They intended to eat, and replenish the energy they used up after such long hours.

    Seeing that the two were still in the middle of discussing things, Gu Zuo called for their attention: ¡°Big brother, venerable n head. Someone ising.¡±

    Even if Gongyi Zhuoyue¡¯s true qi was vigorous and exuberant, he still had to eatrge quantities of wild beast meat essence every now and again. Otherwise, his constitution wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up. And today, this was the time when someone delivered his food. As for that delivery person, they weren¡¯t far from this ce.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue and Tianheng closed their mouths.

    Tianheng perceived something: ¡°It appears that there¡¯s someone else?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°The madam of the n head is alsoing.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t help but startle.

    Wasn¡¯t the madam of the current n head his own mother?

    Only, why did his mother suddenlye here?

    Gu Zuo carefully ¡°looked over¡±, and replied: ¡°The madam is apanying the food-delivery person. It seems she personally prepared the food...¡±

    Tianheng was silent.

    This was even stranger.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue was also somewhat surprised: ¡°Although my daughter-inw has done this in the past, she usuallyes with Yan¡¯er. Coming here by herself like this hasn¡¯t happened before.¡±

    Immediately following this, he twirled his mustache, and smiled: ¡°But since my daughter-inw is here, that son of mine will certainly arrive soon. They¡¯re just in time to meet my grandson.¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little surprised, but he felt nervous even more.

    Previously, he didn¡¯t think about it when he met the old n head, but now... Big brother¡¯s parents were his own adoptive father and mother in name. Originally, they had nothing to do with him, but he had ¡°abducted¡± their son. T-this made him feel like he didn¡¯t have the face to meet them.

    Although it was said that in the world of martial artists, the higher one¡¯s strength, the less constrained they would be, and that no one could force them to ¡°carry on one¡¯s ancestral line¡±, the general point of view was that cut-sleeves were still an alternative lifestyle. It was reasoned that powerful martial artists were more likely to sire offspring with excellent aptitudes.

    Big brother¡¯s constitution was so special. In the future, he was certainly going to be iparably powerful. But with Gu Zuo around, there were no other possibilities of having children.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of the stone ovum in the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    Whenever a period of time passed, he and big brother had to water it with their blood. And what came from the stone ovum were feelings of closeness with the two of them ¡ª If the child of him and big brother could be conceived from that stone ovum, how great would that be?

    But after giving it a second thought, Gu Zuo felt somewhat bitter again.

    How could such a thing happen?

    He and big brother were bound to leave those close rtives aggrieved and broken-hearted.

    Just when Gu Zuo was sinking into this kind of mood, the people were getting closer and closer. The voice of a sweet-tempered and gentle woman echoed from outside: ¡°Father, Suyan is here to deliver your food.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue patted Tianheng¡¯s shoulder. After that, he spoke out loud: ¡°Suyan, put the things in the courtyard. Then, have everyone else leave!¡±

    Sure enough, once the beautiful woman outside took care of everything, she dismissed any bystanders. And when she turned around, she was stunned.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 440 - Marriage Proposal

    <h4>Chapter 440 - Marriage Proposal</h4>

    In the light of dawn, a young man stood next to the door of the hidden chamber. Hisplexion was extremely handsome, and his temperament was as clear and bright as the moon. He was only standing in that ce, but there was a type of extraordinary bearing that people couldn¡¯t ignore. He dazzled the eyes and captivated the heart.

    At this moment, he faintly smiled and called out: ¡°Mother, Tianheng has returned.¡±

    The rims of Liu Suyan¡¯s eyes swiftly started to redden, and a line of pearly tears fell down: ¡°Heng¡¯er...¡±

    She couldn¡¯t help rushing over in a few steps and reaching out to gather that young man into her arms.

    That person allowed her to draw him into an embrace. He reached out a hand to wipe away the tears for her.

    Liu Suyan was emotionally moved. The entire time she held the young man, she could hardly let go.

    Not long after, the sound of footsteps could be heard from outside again. This time around, the one who arrived was a middle-aged and dignified man. He discovered something the instant he entered, and suddenly came to his wife¡¯s side. His body trembled: ¡°Tianheng? How did youe back?¡±

    When all was said and done, he was still the head of the household. He wasn¡¯t so emotional that he had difficulties speaking like Liu Suyan: ¡°Could it be that something happened?¡±

    The first concern of this pair of father and mother was still the safety of their eldest son.

    Gu Zuo watched from the side, and felt happiness in his heart. But at this very moment, he was no longer as envious as he was in the beginning. It was because his own family was already reunited. His dad and father showed their own care and concern for him.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s gaze warmed: ¡°Not at all. Father, mother. There¡¯s no need to worry.¡± He smiled, ¡°Tianheng already came backst night, and discussed an important matter with grandfather. Later on, this matter will to be brought up with the both of you.¡±

    At this time, Liu Suyan calmed down, and Gongyi Yan was consoled.

    So long as nothing bad happened, it would be okay.

    Following this, Tianheng didn¡¯t immediately give an exnation to the two people. Instead, he pulled Gu Zuo over, and asked him to meet them: ¡°After Ah Zuo and I left, I was able to swiftly gain a foothold thanks to his medicine refining skills. I was also able to umte arge amount of resources.¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°It¡¯s not like this. Big brother has helped me much more.¡±

    Gu Zuo really thought this way. Apart from what the system gave him, he obtained many other fortuitous encounters with big brother. And if Tianheng wasn¡¯t present, whether he was able to get them was another matter. Even if he did get them, he wasn¡¯t necessarily able to bring them away safely. While he felt that he was of great help to big brother, there were things they couldn¡¯t do without the other ¡ª This also made him feel a sense of security.

    Of course, since the very beginning, he and big brother never stayed separated for long. What¡¯s more, Gu Zuo knew that big brother was speaking this way right now to improve his good impression...

    Gu Zuo observed the proper courtesies with the two. After hesitating, he followed along with Tianheng¡¯s meaning, and called out: ¡°Adoptive father, adoptive mother.¡±

    Gongyi Yan and Liu Suyan originally had a favorable impression of Gu Zuo. Seeing that Tianheng¡¯s trust in him had increased and that they were close to one another, it was only natural that the parents felt even better about him. They promptly responded with affirmations.

    Subsequently, Liu Suyan set out the food that she brought over, and everyone gathered to enjoy the meals together. At the same time, Gongyi Yan quickly went out, and gave instructions to have more food prepared.

    The family was happy and harmonious. The scene was filled with delight.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng secretly transmitted several words to Gu Zuo.

    [Ah Zuo.]

    [Big brother?]

    [Today, we haven¡¯t exined our rtionship to my parents yet. I hope Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t mind.]

    [Eh? Ah, I don¡¯t mind...]

    Gu Zuo really didn¡¯t care about it. He hadn¡¯t made his own preparations either. In addition, he knew that now wasn¡¯t the right time &#k2014; Their primary objective ofing here was to make arrangements and to bring away some people. This wasn¡¯t the moment to take out their personal matters and deepen theplex situation.

    Public matters ought to remain public, and private affairs ought to be kept private.

    Moreover, if it wasn¡¯t for his dad and father being a couple, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have let his parents receive such a shocking bolt out of the blue after meeting them without the slightest preparation.

    On the contrary, it was Tianheng who felt somewhat apologetic about it.

    [After we return to the Central Continent and get everything settled, I¡¯ll exin things to my parents. At that time, is Ah Zuo willing to marry me?]

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes. His face instantly reddened. Fortunately, he promptly remembered that there was a group of elders around him, so he quickly suppressed his emotions and returned to normal.

    ¡ª He waspletely unprepared to be proposed by big brother! What was he supposed to do?!

    His voice transmission immediately became a stammering mess. It was a close call. He almost blurted it out loud!

    [S-shouldn¡¯t we talk about love and romance first?]

    They just started dating. It hadn¡¯t been long, and he already wanted to get married. Wasn¡¯t this a little too fast...

    All of a sudden, Tianheng¡¯s voice transmission carried a somewhat gloomy tone.

    [This elder brother and Ah Zuo have been getting along for many years. It already feels like where the water flows, a canal is formed. As it turns out, Ah Zuo isn¡¯t willing.]

    Gu Zuo was worried, and promptly transmitted a reply.

    [No, no! I¡¯m not unwilling!]

    Tianheng locked gazes with Gu Zuo.

    [Then, is Ah Zuo willing?]

    [I am... But, how does big brother intend to get married?]

    Suddenly, a thought arose within his heart. His eyes widened.

    [Big brother, you¡¯re not thinking about hosting a just and honorable wedding ceremony, right?]

    Tianheng naturally knew what a wedding ceremony entailed. Right away, he faintly nodded his head.

    [It will be announced to the world, and guests will be invited from far and wide. I will ask our venerable seniors to preside over and officiate the wedding.]

    In other words, at the very least, he wanted the people of the Ten Ultimates Region to know that Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo were getting married. In the future, the two of them would be cut-sleeves!

    But doing it this way was a little...not too good, right?

    Gu Zuo felt helpless.

    When all was said and done, marriage was a matter of two people. While he was happy about big brother¡¯s intentions, if it was done right now, it would definitely do more harm than good. There were no doubts that big brother would suppress all directions along the path of martial arts and that he would receive the worship and adoration of the untold masses. However, once the two got married with great fanfare, there would certainly be people secretly ndering Tianheng behind his back. Moreover, arge portion of the attention would fall onto this matter instead.

    Thinking about such things, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help showing it in his eyes.

    However, Tianheng¡¯s smiling gaze startled Gu Zuo.

    Yes. If he could thinking of something, how couldn¡¯t big brother do the same? It was just that, even though he thought about it, big brother still wanted to do it.

    Sure enough, Tianheng¡¯s voice was transmitted into his mind again.

    [The words of outsiders are nothing to me.]

    Although he liked to n and scheme, that wasn¡¯t the only thing he knew how to do. It was in his nature to go wild every once in a while.

    Indeed, this matter would cause more harm than good. However, since his feelings were already connected with Ah Zuo, and he loved him deeply, Tianheng would never try to cover it up and let Ah Zuo suffer this kind of grievance.

    Otherwise, even if Ah Zuo gained a brilliant and outstanding reputation in the future, there would inevitably be people with crooked thoughts who looked down on him.

    If such a thing happened, how could he tolerate it?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was moved emotionally.

    Only, he still felt that it wasn¡¯t appropriate.

    Actually, he had heard plenty of malicious rumors and groundless lies since he was a child. If he didn¡¯t have a strong, little heart, how could he have smoothly lived to this age and still be so ¡°optimistic¡±?

    As a result, Gu Zuo almost imperceptibly shook his head.

    [There¡¯s no need, big brother. We don¡¯t have to hide it from anyone. If someone asks, we can tell them directly. However, it really isn¡¯t suitable to hold something like a wedding ceremony right now.]

    Tianheng was aware of Gu Zuo¡¯s intentions, and lightly sighed.

    [Ah Zuo, if we don¡¯t proim it to the world and get married, aren¡¯t you worried that a person¡¯s heart will change after a long time? You¡¯ve invested so much into me. Although I want to spend a lifetime with you now, if I develop feelings for someone else one day, what will you do?]

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion paled. Shortly thereafter, he paused.

    [If big brother develops feelings for someone else in the future...then you develop feelings.]

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze sank slightly.

    Gu Zuo faintly lowered his head.

    [Big brother has always been so good to me. Even if I really can¡¯t be your loved one in the future, we¡¯ll still be brothers. I¡¯ll stay by big brother¡¯s side, and help with all my heart. Merely, at that time, it¡¯ll be with a brotherly identity... It¡¯ll be just like before. In short, while I won¡¯t share big brother with someone else, a peaceful breakup or something...]

    At this point, he was somewhat stuck. He couldn¡¯t keep ¡°speaking¡±.

    But nevertheless, the meaning was urately conveyed.

    The expression in Tianheng¡¯s eyes suddenly turned serene and deep.

    [Ah Zuo says this, but is it because you might fall in love with someone else someday?]

    Gu Zuo hurriedly replied.

    [How could that be possible?! There¡¯s only one person I¡¯ll like in this lifetime.]

    His mood became somewhat downcast.

    [I just don¡¯t want to make things difficult for big brother...]

    For a long while, Tianheng didn¡¯t send another voice transmission.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart felt nervous.

    Big brother shouldn¡¯t be angry, right? But he felt that what he said just now wasn¡¯t wrong either.

    While Gu Zuo was feeling uneasy, Tianheng¡¯s gentle voice came again.

    [In that case, when does Ah Zuo believe it would be the proper time to get married?]

    Gu Zuo stared nkly. Then, he pondered once more.

    [If big brother¡¯s strength can halt the casualments of everyone who knows about this matter, it should be a good time.]

    Tianheng sighed.

    [Since it¡¯s like this, when I ascend to the pinnacle of the path of martial arts and suppress all directions, I will invite all the people of the wold toe and celebrate the happiness of our marriage.]

    These words were spoken with tranquility, but the courage and boldness couldn¡¯t help but cause Gu Zuo¡¯s heart to palpitate.

    He slowly calmed his own mood, squeezed his fingers, and lightly nodded to Tianheng.

    [Okay. When that dayes, I¡¯ll definitely be the best match for big brother.]

    Hence, while their elders were present, the two secretly crossed the Wei River. They silently made a decision on a major turning point in their lives, and didn¡¯t let anyone else find out.

    Atst, Tianheng gave Gu Zuo a smile.

    [Ah Zuo, the Tianlong Guards have arrived.]

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 441 - The Tianlong Guards Arrive

    <h4>Chapter 441 - The Tianlong Guards Arrive</h4>

    Gu Zuo snapped out it, and stared nkly.

    The Tianlong Guards had arrived? How did the Tianlong Guards suddenlye here? Did big brother unexpectedly sense their arrival? Perhaps it was due to that bloodline...

    While thinking with his heart in a mess, Gongyi Tianheng was already speaking to Gongyi Zhuoyue and the others: ¡°The Tianlong Guards, which belonged to me in the past, havee to the courtyard entrance. Father, please make some arrangements so as to not rm too many people.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue nodded his head: ¡°Yan¡¯er, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Gongyi Yan also stood up: ¡°Shall this father take them somewhere else?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°I¡¯m afraid they havee to see me. Father, you can just bring them here.¡±

    Gongyi Yan had no objections, and quickly walked out of the courtyard to make the arrangements.

    Soon after, Gongyi Zhuoyue asked: ¡°When did Tianheng order the Tianlong Guards to gather at this ce?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°This grandson didn¡¯t give any orders. They just sensed this grandson¡¯s qi emissions.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue paused: ¡°What mystery is unfolding here?¡±

    Tianheng stated: ¡°This grandson once unintentionally transformed their constitutions. That¡¯s probably how this happened.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue didn¡¯t ask much else. Of course, he knew that his own grandson had many fortuitous encounters, so he didn¡¯t have any intentions of investigating closely. As for Liu Suyan, she didn¡¯t care about such things. As far as she was concerned, she was already satisfied that her beloved son, who suffered hardships since childhood, could achieve what he was today, and return with great honor, safe and sound.

    Not long after, several gusts of strong wind blew over from outside.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t deliberately use his psychic power to check, but he also noticed that these qi emissions contained powerful strength. It was to the point that they far surpassed that of the current n head, Gongyi Yan ¡ª The n head had gone to receive the Tianlong Guards, so could it be that these qi emissions came from the guards themselves?

    He subconsciously perceived with his mind. Sure enough, although these qi emissions were strange, they carried traces of familiarity. These familiar feelings originated from the Tiandu Body!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s interest was piqued.

    He felt that the Tianlong Guards could be the sharp de of his dear big brother in the future. Their loyalty was unmatched, but they still needed to be nurtured for a long time. But now, it seemed this ¡°long time¡± could be shortened?

    Immediately following this, one shadow after another dashed inside. In the blink of an eye, these shadows kneeled on the ground in the courtyard. Facing Tianheng, all of them kowtowed and paid their respects: ¡°The Tianlong Guards bear witness to the young master!¡±

    While their voices weren¡¯t loud, their imposing aura was like the sound of thunder!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help widening his eyes.

    The strength of these Tianlong Guards had actually reached peak Xiantian stage nine.

    How strange!

    Gu Zuo still remembered. When they left Qingyun Sect, not all of the two hundred Tianlong Guards had be Xiantian martial artists. After just two years, all of them were infinitesimally close to the Immortal Realm!

    Even on the Central Continent, such fast improvement speeds were only seen among genius-level personages! However, the ambient qi of the Cangyun Empire was thin. Moreover, the Tianlong Guards, and their aptitudes, were originally limited to only the orphans taken in by the Gongyi n. To improve this quickly, there had to be something odd going on!

    Gu Zuo let out a sigh, but didn¡¯t pose any questions.

    If it was said that Gu Zuo felt it was strange, then Gongyi Zhuoyue and Gongyi Yan were shocked.

    Most of all was Gongyi Zhuoyue. If he hadn¡¯t obtained the precious pearl, it would¡¯ve been impossible for him to advance this fast. And he was at the level of the old ancestor of the Gongyi n! Every one of these Tianlong Guards was actually stronger than him ¡ª Such a tremendous force was enough to sweep away the Cangyun Empire!

    Yet, he couldn¡¯t figure it out. These Tianlong Guards were clearly still Tianlong Guards. How were they able to undergo such great advancements?

    The leader of the Tianlong Guards said: ¡°Dragon 21 to Dragon 200 have been waiting for the young master for a long time, but we werete toe and pay our respects. Young master, please punish us.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled. He lightly brushed his sleeve, and swept up these one hundred eighty Tianlong Guards. That powerful force wasn¡¯t something that these Tianlong Guards could withstand: ¡°All of you are so loyal and devoted that you perceived my arrival in advance. How could I punish you?¡±

    The numerous Tianlong Guards sensed Tianheng¡¯s strength, and listened to his words. Their faces couldn¡¯t help revealing fanatical expressions.

    Since the very beginning, they always viewed Gongyi Tianheng as their god. It was considered an unwavering belief or undying conviction.

    Now, such emotions were burning even more intensely!

    Seeing the Tianlong Guards¡¯ disy, Gu Zuo was also quite happy.

    One ought to know that big brother¡¯s present subordinates, those battle ves, were mostly at the Immortal Realm. Although it currently wasn¡¯t known how these Tianlong Guards were going to break through, once they did, big brother would have two hundred more Immortal Realm death guards. It was much more reassuring to utilize them than the battle ves.

    These helpers had actually grown well beyond his expectations ¡ª There were no doubts that this was a monumentally good thing!

    Once the crowd of Tianlong Guards stood up, they lined up in military formation. Their imposing aura was rich and powerful.

    Upon seeing this, Gongyi Zhuoyue and the others guessed what might be happening, and left the courtyard first.

    Gongyi Yan said: ¡°Your father and grandfather will go and summon our n members. Tianheng, you can handle your own matters here.¡±

    Gongyi Zhuoyue wore a gratified smile: ¡°Rest assured, these old bones of mine will definitely deal with this matter properly. I won¡¯t allow any information to leak out and cause you trouble.¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng spoke resolutely: ¡°Many thanks, grandfather. Many thanks, father.¡±

    Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue faintly nodded their heads.

    Liu Suyan lightly patted Tianheng¡¯s arm, and departed with the other two.

    When Tianheng¡¯s three close rtives took the initiative to give him space, his gaze fell onto the numerous Tianlong Guards. At this moment, his temperament had be even more different. It would cause others to feel reverence.

    The crowd of Tianlong Guards weren¡¯t afraid. Although they restrained their fervent feelings, their eyes were still filled with veneration.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Tell me everything that has happened with the Tianlong Guards.¡±

    After the first twenty Tianlong Guards left, Dragon 21 obviously became the leader. At this time, he spoke in a respectful voice: ¡°Reporting to the young master. After young master departed...¡±

    Back then, Gu Zuo and Tianheng proceeded for Qingyun Sect, and left behind many Xiantian Pills and other supplementary medicinal pills, which contained Tianheng¡¯s blood. Before these pills were distributed, the other Tianlong Guards were asked if they had any objections. However, without a single exception, after all of the Tianlong Guards reached peak Houtian through the supplementary pills, they chose to take this kind of Xiantian Pill, which deepened their connection to Tianheng.

    Even though Tianhengter left Qingyun Sect and proceed to the Road of Death, where his life or death was unknown, they didn¡¯t have the slightest hesitation.

    In the wake of their increased strength, the first twenty Tianlong Guards went to Qingyun Sect one after another to assist Gongyi Tianyang and to take care of Tianheng¡¯s remaining properties. Because the medicinal pills were top grade, the other Tianlong Guards improved faster than ever before. It didn¡¯t take long to be Xiantian martial artists. In addition, each and every one of them possessed two sets of bone pearls.

    Once they were at the Xiantian Realm, the Tianlong Guards sensed what seemed like a thread connecting themselves to Tianheng. They realized that Tianheng was living well, and they faintly knew that he was growing stronger and stronger. It wasn¡¯t until one day that their strength suddenly advanced at unimaginably fast speeds. It was almost like, so long as they swallowed Xiantian Pills to reach the Xiantian Realm, they would continuously break through the next nine stages like a hot knife cutting through butter. There weren¡¯t any bottlenecks at all. Their own foundations were extremely sturdy, and the true qi within their bodies surpassed that of ordinary martial artists several times over!

    This kind of change was too formidable. At that time, the Tianlong Guards made a prompt decision. They withdrew into the vi that Tianheng left behind to guard it, and didn¡¯t rashly reveal themselves to others. Normally, they frequently concealed their identities, and went intorge mountain ranges and dense forests for training. When the wild beasts in those ces were incapable of causing damage to them, they sparred with each other, and constantly increased their battle prowess.

    As time passed, they discovered that their own powers of understanding, constitutions, and abilities were fully improved. However, once they all reached peak Xiantian, it appeared that a type of mysterious and inexorable power obstructed their continued breakthroughs to the Immortal Realm.

    At this time, the numerous Tianlong Guards had a vague understanding.

    Their change might¡¯ve been rted to the young master¡¯s blood, which had integrated with their bodies. It was also rted to the young master¡¯s constitution!

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo pondered.

    He carefully recalled everything recorded within those reference books that pertained to the introduction of the Tiandu Body. Yet, there wasn¡¯t a single exnation for the current situation.

    However, the Tiandu Body was unlike the other physiques. It was because the abilities of each Tiandu Body were all different from one generation to the next. Due to their strong powers of understanding, the things theyprehended were different, and the associated reactions within their bodies were also different.

    But there was no need to doubt that the Tianlong Guards¡¯ way of thinking was correct. Their unusual changes were definitely due to the Tiandu Body!

    In addition, Gu Zuo also had a conjecture.

    Was the reason why the Tianlong Guards improved so fast because...big brother broke through to the Immortal Realm after going to the Central Continent? As a result, the blood left inside the bodies of the Tianlong Guards acted as a driving force so that their cultivation bases weren¡¯t too far from big brother?

    Currently, Tianheng had already be an Atomic Realm martial artist. As such, the Tianlong Guards, who were receiving this pull, were probably going to break through to the Immortal Realm very soon!

    Evidently, Tianheng had a simr notion.

    He summoned Dragon 21, and spoke to Gu Zuo: ¡°Ah Zuo, can we take his pulse together?¡±

    Gu Zuo was stunned, but quickly nodded his head: ¡°Okay.¡±

    In fact, it was more dangerous for two people to examine the body of another individual at the same time. What was needed was the mutual trust of three people, especially the two who were inputting their internal qi. If there was a conflict, it could take the person¡¯s life.

    However, in this aspect, regardless of whether it was Tianheng or Gu Zuo, neither had any hesitation.

    Both of them knew the other party¡¯s greatest secrets, and everything about one another was as clear as crystal. What was there to worry about?

    Hence, of the two people, one grabbed Dragon 21¡¯s left wrist, while the other grabbed his right wrist. Then, they injected their internal qi simultaneously.

    In the blink of an eye, the internal qi of the pair travelled through all of Dragon 21¡¯s meridians and bone pearls. With a tacit understanding, one person inspected one set of bone pearls. Shortly thereafter, they switched sides, and inspected the other set of bone pearls. After that, they examined the internal organs and probed the muscles and bones, before switching again.

    After several breaths of time, the two retracted their hands.

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo with a joyful expression in his eyes: ¡°Ah Zuo, are you happy for me?¡±

    Gu Zuo knew what he was talking about, and immediately showed a great, big smile: ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy for big brother! Congrattions! From now on, big brother will have an unrivaled army!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 442 - Passing Down Cultivation Methods

    <h4>Chapter 442 - Passing Down Cultivation Methods</h4>

    With regards to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s body, Gu Zuo understood it very well! When he was inspecting Dragon 21, Gu Zuo discovered that his constitution was extremely simr to that of Tianheng. It was just that it was slightly inferior in all aspects. However, in terms ofprehensive capabilities, he really wasparable to some of the geniuses seen in Ten Ultimates Sect! Back then, those Xiantian Pills, which were refined using Tianheng¡¯s blood, fundamentally transformed the Tianlong Guards, and turned them into weaker versions of Tianheng himself!

    And a weakened all-star prodigy was extraordinary enough!

    In particr, although Tianheng¡¯s Tiandu Body required meticulous nursing every step of the way, at least until the five-elements Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects were assembled to reach an equilibrium within the internal organs andpletely heal him, these Tianlong Guards didn¡¯t have this shoring. Their bodies were robust, and their qi essences were exuberant. Even the vigor of their qi and blood were like fierce suns!

    Consider these kind of genius personages, who possessed weakened versions of the Tiandu Body. If they were ced in other organizations, so long as they exerted themselves, they could obtain great positions. Even if such personages took the initiative to attach themselves to stronger powerhouses, they normally wouldn¡¯t risk life and limb for that powerhouse. They also wouldn¡¯t treat their superior with the same fanatical conviction that the Tianlong Guards held for Tianheng!

    After discovering these things, how could Gu Zuo be unhappy? Even Tianheng felt incredibly ddened.

    Besides this, the moment Tianheng¡¯s internal qi entered Dragon 21¡¯s meridians, he sensed a resonance between their bloodlines. All of Dragon 21¡¯s abilities were opened to Tianheng, allowing him to take everything in at a nce. Then, he found the rtionship between their bloodlines.

    Just as Gu Zuo surmised, whenever Tianheng had a breakthrough, hisprehension and capabilities would spur on the same qualities of the Tianlong Guards. Not only would it allow them to take the opportunity toprehend martial skills that were even more profound, they could have breakthroughs without any bottlenecks and catch up with Tianheng. It was to the point that, if they learned the cultivation methods Tianheng created, the sparse amounts of Tiandu Blood within their bodies could develop a connection with the blood within Tianheng. The blood seemed capable of remembering Tianheng¡¯s cultivation methods, which would make learning them even easier.

    Tianheng naturally understood this.

    Once the Tianlong Guardspletely broke through to the Immortal Realm, he could pass down his own martial disciplines.

    Of course, they still had to make some preparations before that.

    After restraining the trace of excitement just now, Tianheng opened his eyes. There was a mysterious light within them: ¡°The two sets of bone pearls within your bodies originate from my blood. As for the second set of bone pearls, it would be a shame not to study the other powers.¡±

    Having heard what was said, the crowd of Tianlong Guards all said: ¡°No matter the young master¡¯smands, we obey!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression eased: ¡°There are six sets of martial disciplines that I haveprehended, which are divided into six paths. Apart from the path of the human, there are five other paths. All of you may chose one each.¡± Speaking up to here, he gave a slight pause, ¡°These methods are ones that I have created myself, and their future prospects are uncertain. If you aren¡¯t willing to learn them, I can change them to other methods for you.¡±

    The numerous Tianlong Guards didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest: ¡°We are willing to learn!¡±

    Not only were they willing, they looked forward to it!

    If it was said that outsiders would still be somewhat skeptical after learning that Tianheng realized something, these Tianlong Guards would never be like this. They had been guarding Tianheng since they were young. As he slowly grew up, hisprehension was used to modify many martial disciplines for them to learn and improve their fighting strength. All of them owed him this favor! Naturally, they trusted in Tianheng from beginning to end. They wholeheartedly believed that, if the modifications made by their dear young master were so powerful, then his self-created martial disciplines were certainly even more terrifying!

    As far as they were concerned, any other martial disciplines weren¡¯t as good as what Tianheng could create.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°The human body is divided into the five elements. Many martial skills and inner cultivation methods are also categorized by the five elements. However, when one reaches the Immortal Realm and above, although there are single-attribute cultivation methods, there are even more martial skills of the five elements. Anyone can potentially learn them. Merely, if a person selects martial skills that have an affinity with their own constitution, those skills will beprehended more easily and studied to greater profoundness. As for the strongest of martial skills, they are called ultimate knowledge.

    ¡°Though all of you are aware of your own constitutions, you should choose from what I have created based on your own natures. There¡¯s no need to pay too much attention to your constitutions.¡±

    His gaze lowered slightly, but his smiling expression didn¡¯t change: ¡°That¡¯s only because the six paths that I created also have the five elements. All of them can be practiced.¡±

    Following this, Tianheng slowly exined the essentials of the six paths heprehended ¡ª What type of power was needed for each cultivation method, how that power was absorbed, how one operated it after the absorption, how to take it for one¡¯s own use, what form it would eventually evolve into, and so on. After he finished speaking, he personally practiced the six cultivation methods, and disyed all of the power he was capable of. His moves were unconstrained, and his might was stunning. It caused those Tianlong Guards to watch with passionate gazes. Each of them was filled with excitement.

    Once Tianheng practiced everything, the numerous Tianlong Guards closed their eyes, and sat cross-legged in mediation.

    In their hearts, they carefully appreciated the subtleties of what they had just witnessed. They understood that, although their own constitutions were special, they could only choose one more method besides the path of the human. It had to be slowly resolved before they could make a decision.

    A good whileter, a person finally stood up and saluted towards Tianheng: ¡°Dragon 39 pays his respects to the young master.¡±

    Tianheng smiled at him: ¡°What shall it be?¡±

    Dragon 39 replied: ¡°My constitution is partial to water. The path I want to walk down is the path of the asura.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°A constitution partial to water is very suited to this path. However, this path requires an extremely strong willpower. Because it¡¯s based on blood refinement, one wrong step can lead you onto the demonic path. At that time, I will personally take action to clear the way, and I won¡¯t let you off. Do you still want to learn it?¡±

    Dragon 39¡¯s expression was resolute: ¡°This subordinate wants to learn. I will live up to the young master¡¯s expectations!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Very good.¡± Soon after, he inly said, ¡°The body cultivation method of the path of the asura is the Asura Blood Ocean Sutra. Within it, there are several martial skills that I haveprehended. There are the Great Asura Fist, the Great Asura Palm, the Asura Blood Saber Incarnation, the Asura Body Incarnation, as well as the most profound method to develop the asura blood ocean.¡±

    Dragon 39¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of fanaticism: ¡°This subordinate will study them properly!¡±

    Tianheng nodded once more.

    After that, he first passed along the Asura Blood Ocean Sutra. And based on Dragon 39¡¯s strong points, he passed along the Great Asura Fist. Tianheng allowed him to practice in earnest, and once Dragon 39 gained deeper proficiencies, he coulde and find Tianheng to learn the other martial skills amid this path.

    Dragon 39 epted his orders, and promptly withdrew to study andprehend.

    The other Tianlong Guards were eager to give it a try, and someone else couldn¡¯t help going over ¡ª They also clearly heard what Tianheng said just then, and their hearts were even more excited.

    At this moment, Tianheng said: ¡°After all of you have decided, you can each choose one path ording to your own preferences, and disperse into five groups.¡±

    Gu Zuo also smiled.

    He knew that big brother wasn¡¯t foolish enough to teach them one at a time.

    Having heard what was said, the numerous Tianlong Guards continued to ponder and reflect.

    Many Tianlong Guards made their choices one after another, and stood together with their fellow colleagues who wanted to learn the same path. A full two hours passed when all of the Tianlong Guards made their preparations.

    Gu Zuo nced over, and astonishingly discovered that the numbers in each group...were about the same?

    Afterwards, these people reported their constitutions one by one, and he realized that those people who had attributes of the five elements were also simr.

    Tianheng noticed Gu Zuo¡¯s puzzlement, and spoke to him: ¡°Previously, when I selected the Tianlong Guards, I chose them based on their attributes of the five elements. Although they all have a mix of attributes, the attributes they have an affinity for are actually equal in number.¡±

    At that time, because he didn¡¯t have the power to defend himself, he wanted to take the opportunity to train the Tianlong Guards and enhance their strength. Later on, when he believed that he would soon die, he created military formations that were even more powerful. After he died, the Tianlong Guards could use these formations to protect the Gongyi n.

    This was something that he exhausted his thoughts and ingenuity to aplish. For the n, he had made many considerations.

    Currently, even though the six paths that Tianheng created weren¡¯t partitioned based on one¡¯s attributes, this wasn¡¯t to say that there were no affinities whatsoever. For example, those with a water affinity learned the path of the asura, and gained the river of blood. Those with an earth affinity learned the path of the underworld, and what they suppressed was the earthly prison of theherworld. Those with a fire affinity learned the path of the celestial, for the power of the sun zed withoutpare. Those with a metal affinity learned the path of monster blood. They could shapeshift into wild beasts, and their unparalleled attacks were sharper than des. Those with a wood affinity learned the path of the hungry ghost. A tree¡¯s roots entered the soil, and selfishly absorbed its nutrients. This also had the meaning of devouring.

    Reaching this point, after numerous Tianlong Guards made their selections, everyone found their corresponding path.

    From this, it could be seen that the foresight of these Tianlong Guards was also out of the ordinary.

    Starting from the path of the asura, Tianheng passed down his cultivation methods one path at a time. In addition, he also taught the various martial skills of those paths, and let them practice on their own.

    Before long, the eyes of every Tianlong Guard were bursting with radiance. Their strength had reached a higher level, and their imposing aura became even more different.

    Of course, while Gu Zuo had seen Tianheng fully utilize these martial skills, when all was said and done, he wasn¡¯t a marital artist. Whenever Tianheng trained and chatted with Gu Zuo, he never exined it too meticulously. Now that Gu Zuo listened to some of these things, he only felt that it was powerful. Seeing that those Tianlong Guards were in high spirits, his mood couldn¡¯t help improving.

    In short, the Tianlong Guards were his and big brother¡¯s most reliable team. It was only natural that the stronger they became, the better it would be!

    As for the Tianlong Guards, they were practically Tianheng¡¯s shadow. Their own bloodline led to Tianheng¡¯s bloodline. As a result, when faced with various forces, they wouldn¡¯t need Tianheng to teach them hand in hand. They slowly gainedprehensions, and learned the basics one by one.

    With this kind of guidance, the group of people exerted themselves and practiced.

    Before they knew it, quite a few days had passed by.

    During these days, Tianheng hadn¡¯t shown himself, but the orders issued by Gongyi Yan set off a hugemotion throughout the entire Gongyi n.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 443 - Selecting Talents

    <h4>Chapter 443 - Selecting Talents</h4>

    Jinghe City Branch.

    A burly young man emerged from the back of a mountainous waterfall, and appeared inside a great hall with a lunge: ¡°Dad, why did you call for this child?¡±

    By the riverbank, a middle-aged man twirled his short mustache: ¡°The n patriarch has issued an ancestral order. The numerous branches must bring the most outstanding younger generations within the n to the ancestral residence. Yan¡¯er, you should prepare yourself. We will set off in two hours.¡±

    The burly young man was puzzled: ¡°Why are you in such a hurry? And why was an ancestral order issued so suddenly?¡±

    The middle-aged man said: ¡°The present n patriarch is wise and resolute. We can assume that something important has happened. The bloodline of my Jinghe City can¡¯t miss this opportunity!¡±

    Diyan City Branch.

    A girl in the prime of her youth leaped down from a windy cave on the cliffside, andnded lightly on the ground.

    In front of her was a refined and schrly man.

    The young girl¡¯s voice was crisp and melodious: ¡°Father, why have you called for this daughter?¡±

    The schrly man said: ¡°The n patriarch has issued a summons. You will be going with me right away.¡±

    The girl startled: ¡°This daughter is about to have a breakthrough...¡±

    The schrly man sternly said: ¡°It¡¯s an ancestral order. This is no small matter. Ling¡¯er, your aptitudes are the best, but you can¡¯t rashly ignore the orders of the patriarch.¡±

    Tianjiu City Branch.

    A handsome young man with a slender figure grasped a long spear. In a courtyard, he constantly lunged and thrusted out. The trajectory of every strike was the same. They were swift, fierce, and out of the ordinary.

    An old man appeared before him.

    The young man put away the spear, and stood with a respectful countenance: ¡°Grandpa.¡±

    The old man said: ¡°The n patriarch has issued an ancestral order. You and I will be going to Cangyun City.¡±

    The young man was solemn: ¡°Yes, grandpa.¡±

    Then, the old man sighed: ¡°It¡¯s not a trivial matter for the patriarch to do this. Once you go to the ancestral residence, you must proceed with caution.¡±

    The young man remained serious: ¡°I will, grandpa.¡±

    Simr conversations like these continued to y out in different cities between older and younger generations. All of the branches felt that the ancestral order issued this time was unusual. However, they had seen the current n patriarch, and knew that he wasn¡¯t one to take rash action. Thus, after receiving the ancestral order, they swiftly reacted, and selected the most outstanding younger generations within their own branches. In addition, with the fastest speeds, they delivered the candidates to Cangyun City.

    At the same time, the main branches of Cangyun City also received the ancestral order. Likewise, they chose suitable children with excellent aptitudes at once, and rapidly gathered within the ancestral residence.

    They were unaware of what the n patriarch was doing, but an ancestral order was an ancestral order. They could only swiftly respond to it.

    Around seven or eight days passed. After hastening their journeys and traveling day and night, all of the branches throughout the country arrived in Cangyun City. As for the other four great aristocratic families and the imperial family in Cangyun City, they also didn¡¯t know what the Gongyi n was nning. Thus, Gongyi Yan was quick to let out some information. It was said that they were holding argepetition within the n to select the best talents.

    This kind of information blocked up the mouths of many people, but there were many more who started looking forward to the Gongyi n¡¯s grand event ¡ª It was only a pity that once everyone arrived, the Gongyi n revealed nothing. Instead, it was kept firmly within the n. Outsiders weren¡¯t able to grasp any traces.

    After the members of the Gongyi n gathered at an extremelyrge and expansive venue within the ancestral residence, they couldn¡¯t help feeling shocked when they saw a gant young man standing next to Patriarch Gongyi Yan on a raised tform.

    This was ¡ª Wasn¡¯t this the pride of their Gongyi n? The young lord of the direct line of descent who was rumored to have obtained an exceptionally good fortuitous encounter and had been out adventuring all this time ¡ª Gongyi Tianheng?

    Whether it was the main branches or cadet branches, they all knew that the reason why the Gongyi n stably held the position of the number one aristocratic family in the Cangyun Empire in recent years, and why their n obtained even more unprecedented resources, was precisely due to this young lord. And now, the young lord had unexpectedly appeared. At this moment, many perceptive and shrewd people faintly understood why the n patriarch issued the ancestral order.

    In all likelihood, the following matters certainly had something to do with the young lord.

    Subsequently, the crowd of Gongyi n members found that another person had appeared beside their young lord. It looked as if he was just a delicate and beautiful teenager. It would be out of the question to say how special he was, but his temperament seemed different from their own ¡ª On the contrary, it was like he was part of the same world as their young lord.

    Subconsciously, they didn¡¯t dare to underestimate this teenager because of his age.

    Shortly thereafter, the teenager tapped the space between his eyebrows.

    Suddenly, a powerful and abundant force erupted from the ce he tapped, and rushed into the air. A few momentster, everyone was enveloped inside of it!

    It seemed like a transparent cover appeared in the sky. In a sh, it vanished ¡ª No, it ought to have been concealed.

    The numerous Gongyi n members were shocked.

    T-this was practically the same as a miracle!

    What happened just now?

    Gu Zuo made an exasperated expression in his heart.

    Of course, what he did just a moment ago was releasing his psychic power to iste this area from the outside world. This was so that what happened inside as well as their discussions weren¡¯t noticed by outsiders. However, if he really used his ability, it could¡¯ve been done silently and without detection. There wasn¡¯t any need to use such an exaggerated hand gesture or let everyone ¡°see¡± the psychic power!

    ¡ª This was naturally big brother¡¯s request. Tianheng wanted to show off Gu Zuo¡¯s capabilities, and reveal his position and status. At the same time, it also awed numerous Gongyi n members by allowing them to directly observe it.

    Later on, when they dered their decision, they could win the trust of the n with the previous foreshadowing.

    Gu Zuo did everything he could to cooperate. Indeed, he resolutely increased his sense of existence in front of all the Gongyi n members...

    After releasing his psychic power to subdue the crowd, he promptly withdrew to make way for Gongyi Yan.

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s voice was clear and bright: ¡°Now that everyone hase here, all of you must be quite surprised. Why did I issue an ancestral order, and have everyone gather here during a non-npetition?¡±

    The crowd of Gongyi n members looked over. Although they trusted the n patriarch, they really did find it strange.

    Gongyi Yan spoke loudly: ¡°My son, Gongyi Tianheng, has returned. He has brought an enormous stroke of good fortune for my Gongyi n. He will select outstanding younger generations within the n. They will follow him to his sect to cultivate, experience an even vaster world, tread upon the ultimate limits of the path of martial arts, and enjoy a lifespan over a thousand years long!¡±

    What he said was still very tant and unsubtle. Due to perceptual issues brought about by this small piece ofnd, he knew that if his manner of speech was vague, the n members wouldn¡¯t necessarily understand what they heard. And since he spoke bluntly, the n members had nothing else to say. At the very least, a lifespan of ¡°over a thousand years¡± was definitely understandable.

    Presently, Xiantian Realm powerhouses could live the longest, but they absolutely couldn¡¯t live longer than two hundred years!

    At that time, the venue was in an uproar.

    A lifespan longer than a thousand years? How was this possible?!

    After that, Tianheng stepped forward. He lifted his hand, and lightly pressed down.

    For some reason, the numerous Gongyi n members felt that his movement carried a type of invible dignity. They couldn¡¯t help but calm down.

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°I know that everyone has their doubts and misgivings. But presumably, not everyone knows that ¡ª¡±

    He gave a slight pause, and his following words were clear and distinct: ¡°Above Xiantian is the Immortal Realm with a lifespan of three hundred years. Above the Immortal Realm is the Atomic Realm with a lifespan of five hundred years. Above the Atomic Realm is the Ascendant Realm with a lifespan of one thousand years.

    ¡°Thus, if you can follow me to devote yourself to cultivation, you¡¯ll have a lifespan of one thousand years once you reach the Ascendant Realm. These are, by no means, empty words! And if you stay behind in this deste and forsaken ce, no matter how good your aptitudes are, there will never be enough resources. In the end, it will be difficult to advance your realms. Naturally, it will also be difficult to extend your lifespan.¡±

    Listening up to here, the crowd of Gongyi n members involuntarily swallowed.

    They could hear a type of confidence in Tianheng¡¯s speech. In other words, the other party really was certain of the oue? If that was the case,ing over this time truly was a monumental opportunity for them!

    Someone couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Young lord, what kind of realm is your strength at right now?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Two years to reach Immortal, and two years to reach Atomic. Currently, I¡¯m at the Atomic Realm.¡±

    After he finished speaking, the imposing aura around his body suddenly rushed out. Immediately following that, he withdrew it!

    Only a trace of it was leaked out, but it was already like all of the n members had seen a gigantic, towering beast sudden appear and use its pair of iparably gloomy and cold eyes to stare at them. That terrifyingly powerful pressure was like a mountain pressing down on everyone¡¯s hearts. It seemed that, if they experienced it for just another instant, their hearts would burst under the pressure. Even their bodies would be crushed into fine powder, and their flesh squashed into paste!

    It was too horrifying ¡ª

    None of the n members could rouse their hearts to resist that streak of imposing aura. A good while after that imposing aura was withdrawn, they still didn¡¯t dare to breathe too loudly... Finally, they understood how frightening it was to peek at a corner of an Atomic Realm¡¯s imposing aura!

    At the same time, the crowd of n members firmly believed without any doubts!

    After that, when they looked at Tianheng again, everyone¡¯s gazes had undergone huge changes. Their eyes became fervent, reverent, and filled with pride.

    It was because Tianheng himself came from their Gongyi n!

    What happened next was only a matter of course. In order to follow Tianheng to study the path of martial arts and increase their lifespans, all of the cadet and main branches started topete. With Gongyi Yan presiding over the event, it was the same kind of contest as the previous great martial artspetitions of the n.

    Gongyi Yan, Tianheng, and Gu Zuo walked down from that raised tform, and yielded therge arena to the numerous younger generations.

    However, there was something a little different this time around. Only the most outstanding younger generations rmended by the n were capable of participating in thispetition ¡ª In addition, when all of the cadet and main branches gathered together, Gongyi Yan had already sent someone to register their names.

    Now that it was time for the official martial artspetition, many members of the branch bloodlines were somewhat regretful... They regretted that the candidates brought along and the names registered were so few. Otherwise, perhaps there would¡¯ve been even more chances?

    But it was toote now.

    Sometimes, when it came the trust of the n patriarch and their respective judgments, it was also a kind of luck.

    Those who were lucky naturally obtained bigger opportunities.

    Before long, several people jumped onto the raised tform.

    This arena was veryrge. Under Tianheng¡¯s requirements, there would be ten people in an all-out melee with each round. After every melee, thest three people standing on the tform would be that round¡¯s victors.

    If it was like this, then the number of rounds of thepetition would be cut down greatly. They would be able to select the best talents as quickly as possible.

    However, apetition of this calibre was already full of ws in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes, and didn¡¯t pique his interest that much. Nevertheless, he carefully watched, and selected a few people among the fray whose determinations were particrly undaunted.

    Eventually, thispetition came to an end. Altogether, there were almost two hundred victors.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 444 - Path of the Clan Members

    <h4>Chapter 444 - Path of the n Members</h4>

    Out of the two hundred selected individuals, some were unharmed and in good condition, while others sustained serious injures. It could be seen that their strengths were not equal.

    After a quick, sweeping nce, Gu Zuo used his formidable psychic power, and discovered the physical conditions of these people.

    Gongyi Tianheng gently smiled at him: ¡°Ah Zuo, you can divide them into groups.¡±

    There really was no one who had greater authority in matters of this aspect than Gu Zuo. He nodded his head: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Following this, Gu Zuo raised his voice, and organized these people into groups of two. Those who were paired up didn¡¯t know why an outsider was calling the shots, but when they saw their own opponents, they couldn¡¯t help feeling admiration.

    This was due to the oue of the final separation into pairs. The seriously injured faced off against the seriously injured, the lightly wounded confronted the lightly wounded, and those who were in good condition were also put together. In short, the physical fitness of both people were as simr as possible. It was to the point that even their realms were rtively close ¡ª Of course, in terms of realms, the majority of those whosted to the end had about the same realm anyway. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been hard to get the real results.

    Below the tform, the members of the Gongyi n were also satisfied. If they were to divide the participants themselves, they definitely wouldn¡¯t have been thisprehensive.

    Subsequently, among the two hundred people, thepetition started with the candidates who were in good condition. This was for the sake of giving those injured people some time to heal. When it was their turn topete again, it would be much easier.

    Numerous youthful talents swiftly started fighting one another.

    This time around, the battles were duels. However, because they already used up a lot of strength and their realms didn¡¯t even reach Xiantian, the time of each match wasn¡¯t long. The battles between the wounded were finished even faster. After a few hours, a new hundred winners appeared. The rest were losers.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng opened his mouth: ¡°After resting for one hour, the losers in the previous round or those who didn¡¯t register can challenge the winners on the raised tform. If you¡¯re able to defeat them, you can take their ce. However, each person has only one chance to issue a challenge. And among the winners, each person will only ept one challenge at most.¡±

    This kind of rule was also considered fair.

    It gave those unlucky younger generations with actual capabilities a chance. In addition, due to this restriction, the original winners wouldn¡¯t suffer too much.

    The numerous children of the Gongyi n heard this, and their states of mind became bright and clear.

    No matter what, they still had a chance!

    It was just that they also understood that this was a matter where quick hands grabbed something and slow hands grasped nothing. One hundred winners meant one hundred chances, but unlucky fellows like them numbered far more than a hundred.

    Right away, a younger generation with a tall and mighty stature jumped onto the tform, and directly pointed at a lightly-wounded winner who looked weak and small: ¡°I want to challenge you! Do you dare or not?¡±

    The short and small child swiftly leaped onto the arena. His posture was agile, and after a few ups and downs, he knocked the tall andrge younger generation off the tform.

    This short and small child was able to keep his own spot.

    Shortly after that, a youthful girl got onto the stage. The one she challenged was a younger generation with an average appearance. Although this person was stunned by the girl¡¯s beauty, he still quickly knocked her off the tform, too.

    As far as he was concerned, charm and beauty clearly weren¡¯t as important as getting a cement.

    One after another, many younger generations fought and scrambled to seize this opportunity. However, when all was said and done, those winners only won their ces after going through bitter and violent battle. Strength and tenacity were no small matters. Even though those younger generations strived their hardest, they still ultimately lost again and again.

    There truly wasn¡¯t a single person who could snatch a spot.

    And these winners became even more convincing after going through another round of testing.

    None of the n members at the venue could say anything inappropriate.

    Tianheng saw that the cements were confirmed, and was rather satisfied.

    Afterwards, he called out: ¡°Dragon 21.¡±

    A streak of shadow swiftly flickered out, and kneeled on the ground.

    Seeing the shadow¡¯s taut muscles, some n members sensed the powerful strengthing from his body, and felt their hearts palpitating.

    They didn¡¯t have this type of feeling even when facing the strongest powerhouses of their branches! And this person was merely the young lord¡¯s subordinate...

    Many n members heard what Tianheng called out, and knew that this was one of the rumored Tianlong Guards under the young lord¡¯smand. However, what they didn¡¯t expect was that the Tianlong Guards the young lord didn¡¯t bring away also had such strength. This made them even more convinced that the young lord had the capability to improve the power of their branches¡¯ younger generations.

    Soon after, Tianheng instructed: ¡°Record the names of these n members.¡±

    His decision was to bring away three hundred people from the Gongyi n. The hundred who were chosen had excellent aptitudes and battle awareness. They were also the ones he would focus on nurturing. As for the remaining two hundred, he would use other methods to make a selection.

    These hundred winners and the n elders of their branches discovered something, and their hearts were full of joy.

    In addition, several thoughtful people felt that Tianheng¡¯s move might have some deeper meaning.

    After that, Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°There are still another two hundred cements. Regardless of whether it¡¯s a main branch or cadet branch, every branch may have three spots. All of you may select the candidates for those cements by yourselves. If they can pass my assessments, I can give a spot. If they fail the assessment, the cement will be transferred to the other branches. If the number of youths brought here is insufficient, the cements will also be transferred to the other branches.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the crowd of n members all had different reactions.

    Those who had brought many candidates were very happy, and those who brought few candidates were extremely regretful. However, some of the branches whose children failed to make it into the hundred cements were incredibly grateful for Tianheng¡¯s decision.

    From this, everyone respected and admired him even more.

    Afterwards, numerous branches chose their favored younger generations, and let them step forward one by one. They were examined by Gu Zuo, and tested by Tianheng.

    In fact, the two were mainly observing their physical conditions. If there also weren¡¯t any big problems with their personality, then they would be kept.

    Some more time passed, and all of the candidates were confirmed. In total, there were three hundred outstanding younger generations. On average, there were three to four cements in each branch.

    The many branches saw the final results, and none of them had any objections.

    At this time, Gongyi Yan¡¯s expression suddenly turned solemn, and he calmed down the numerous n members who were still excited. Shortly thereafter, he inly said: ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. Next, there are still a few things that must be mentioned first.¡±

    Gongyi Yan briefly exined to these n members the matters of Qingyun Continent¡¯s Qingyun Sect as well as the passage of the Road of Death from Qingyun Sect to the Central Continent. Of course, Tianheng¡¯s identity and position on the other side, the struggles and dangers that the n members might face in the future, and other such things weren¡¯t overlooked.

    After he finished speaking, he said: ¡°My son went through many hardships and perils to obtain a rare treasure that can break through those shackles and bring some n members away. But in the end, its capabilities are limited. Those who stay behind will probably have to risk their lives. The entire n may suffer a disaster!¡±

    Yet, although Gongyi Yan said this, the n members below weren¡¯t in low spirits once they finished listening. Instead, they spoke one after another:

    ¡°Not to mention that this is just conjecture, it might not necessarily be true. Even if it¡¯s true, this is something we must do.¡±

    ¡°The young lord made many achievements, and let our n share in the benefits. When encountering danger, it¡¯s only natural for the whole n to bear the burden. How can we only partake in the sweetness of prosperity and refuse to endure the bitterness of hardship?¡±

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the young lord, our n wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to rise up. How can we let this great opportunity go because of unknown dangers now?¡±

    ¡°The young lord has never forgotten us, and we won¡¯t let the young lord down!¡±

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s voice apuded: ¡°Well said!¡± Then, he continued, ¡°However, my son won¡¯t disregard everyone¡¯s safety and danger. Now, there are two rtively suitable methods everyone may choose.

    ¡°The first one is to break up the whole into pieces. Any properties out in the open will be dispersed, first andst names will be changed, and everyone¡¯s tracks will be concealed such that no one can be found.

    ¡°The second is that my son will make a deal with Qingyun Sect. Some n members will be moved to that ce to receive Qingyun Sect¡¯s protection, but they will be restricted by Qingyun Sect to a certain extent. I¡¯m afraid that it won¡¯t be asfortable as being the master of one¡¯s own household. Moreover, if therees a day that a great enemy appears that even Qingyun Sect can¡¯t hold back, it will simrly end in the extermination of the n.

    ¡°Naturally, if there¡¯s anyone unwilling to chose these two paths...¡±

    His expression was solemn, and he spoke each word clearly: ¡°My son is concerned with whether the Gongyi n can establish a firm foothold on the Central Continent. The most important thing is the continuation of the n throughout the ages. Other n members must make way for him. In the future, if someone captures a member of our n to threaten my son, regardless of that person¡¯s identity, that member must yield to the interests of the entire n and be abandoned. But I, Gongyi Yan, can guarantee¡ª¡±

    Tianheng took over and said: ¡°I, Gongyi Tianheng, pledge that if anyone dies for this reason, once I have aplished my studies in martial arts, I will climb the heavens and enter the underworld to fetch the perpetrator¡¯s head, and offer it as a sacrifice to that n member¡¯s heroic soul!¡±

    Having heard what was said, the crowd of n members had solemn and respectful expressions.

    However, no matter which path they chose, they all acknowledged Gongyi Yan¡¯s words.

    They knew that the young lord¡¯s close rtives would definitely be well protected. This was because the young lord¡¯s close rtives were the people who could affect him the most. If anything happened, it might be difficult to make reasonable decisions for the interests of the entire n. As for the other n members, the young lord was considered attentive and thoughtful of the branches. Those who were the most gifted among them were already going to be taken away for nurturing. Even if the whole n was wiped out, their branches could go on and be even stronger.

    Besides, everything mentioned before was only the worst calcted scenario. It really wasn¡¯t certain that such a disaster would ur.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Naturally, if the n members who are brought away can be powerhouses, they themselves can seize enough resources, and have the qualifications to wee their own branches to their side for a reunion.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 445 - Arriving at Qingyun Sect

    <h4>Chapter 445 - Arriving at Qingyun Sect</h4>

    Once these words were uttered, the numerous n members became increasingly overjoyed.

    Someone asked: ¡°How do wepete for resources?¡±

    Another said: ¡°What did you mean by this?¡±

    Then, someone else inquired: ¡°How many resources does it take to wee our n members?¡±

    These words were asked by those winners.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°After reaching the Central Continent, the ambient qi is extremely dense. Your strength will increase by leaps and bounds. Before the Immortal Realm, all resources will be provided by me. After you reach the Immortal Realm, all of you will be like my other subordinates. How many contributions you make will determine how many resources you receive. Every time your strength undergoes a realm advancement, you canpete for higher rankings and acquire rewards.

    ¡°In addition to this, all of you can leave the mountain to go out adventuring, experience your own opportunities, and save up resources. These resources will be yours to umte. After reaching a certain amount, you cane find me to exchange for the chance to wee the n members of your branch.¡±

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo heard this, and slightly furrowed his brows.

    With their current strength, the Void-Breaking Shuttle had to use up the spiritual source for every discement. If big brother made this kind of promise, wouldn¡¯t it... However, Gu Zuo also didn¡¯t misunderstand. This was for the sake of mobilizing the n members¡¯ enthusiasm. Perhaps, in big brother¡¯s mind, if this could motivate those younger generations to seed and work diligently, the loss of a few drops of spiritual source would be worth it.

    As a result, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make any objections.

    If worst came to worst, he would redouble his own efforts, and strive to be an earth-level pharmacist sooner. Then, he would refine Void Pills to reduce the pressure on big brother.

    When those winners heard Tianheng¡¯s words, they were also in high spirits.

    If it was said that one could exchange for such benefits after getting stronger, then there was hope ahead. Reuniting with their rtives was right before their very eyes ¡ª They swore to achieve it or die trying!

    Tianheng nced at everyone¡¯s expressions, and was satisfied: ¡°The cements have now been confirmed. After this, everyone must make their decisions as soon as possible. No matter which path you¡¯ve chosen, give me an answer within the next day. The day after tomorrow, I will lead my numerous n members to the Qingyun Continent. And I won¡¯t return in the short-term.¡±

    It was only natural that the crowd of n members were prudent, and swiftly had discussions with the n elders who came with them. Gongyi Yan also had his own matters that needed handling. Among which, the most important thing was to make arrangements for an acting n patriarch from the remaining main branches to temporarily take over the affairs of the n while he was away. Although the main branch of Cangyun City was still the direct line of descent, the n head¡¯s lineage was already going to be shifted to the Central Continent. As a result, Gongyi Yan would be the n patriarch of the Central Continent.

    Additionally, many cumbersome matters had to be arranged separately. Gongyi Zhuoyue acted as a type of deterrent to suppress reactions from the outside world and several internal conflicts.

    Everything was for the continuation of the n, for the strengthening the n, and for the development and growth of their Gongyi bloodline!

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng returned to the courtyard. With a nce, one would see that the Tianlong Guards were still arduously cultivating here.

    The two met each other¡¯s gaze.

    Tianheng spoke softly: ¡°This elder brother will give pointers to them about the methods of the six paths.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go refine some suitable medicinal pills for them. Although they can¡¯t break through to the Immortal Realm, it won¡¯t hurt to further tamp andpact their foundations.¡±

    Tianheng ruffled his hair with a smile, and lowered his head to kiss him on the lips. His voice was intimate: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think anything of it. Instead, he mustered up his courage, stood on the tips of his toes, and pecked Tianheng¡¯s lips with a kiss of his own: ¡°We¡¯re a family, big brother.¡±

    Later on, the two stopped their public disys of affection, and went their separate ways to handle matters.

    Tianheng immediately sat in the very front with his legs crossed and back straight. As he swallowed medicinal pills and cultivated, he waited for the Tianlong Guards¡¯ inquiries.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo directly moved his pill furnace to a ce not far away. From the Divine Medicine Pce Hall, he brought out countless medicinal ingredients. After pondering for a moment, he set up several furnaces, and simultaneously refined different pills.

    Human-level medicinal pills... As far as the current him was concerned, these were but mere trifles.

    In the blink of an eye, a day passed by.

    Gongyi Yan¡¯s work efficiency was very high, and he had great prestige within the n. Before long, all matters were dealt with. Everything that needed to be arranged was done to the satisfaction of the n members of each n branch.

    And on this day, the n members of each branch seized the moment to exin things to the younger generations who were about to be brought away. Of course, the most important thing was to closely follow Gongyi Tianheng ¡ª Because they knew, on that unfamiliar continent, the Gongyi npletelycked any foundation. It was like a drifting piece of duckweed. All that they had to rely on was their young lord. As a result, the entire n shared one heart and mind. They would strive their hardest to not hold back their young lord. Only in this way could a solid foundation beid for theplete relocation of future Gongyi n members.

    The younger generations who could be selected were the kind of people who worked hard in cultivation and didn¡¯t have major character ws. Naturally, they were all aware that the n came first. They understood even more that they weren¡¯t only targets to be nurtured, they were also the future pirs of the n. They were pioneers.

    Everyone inwardly made a firm resolution. They would spare no effort to develop the n!

    Atst, the appointed time arrived.

    The three hundred youths could only take the belongings purchased by their own n members. They couldn¡¯t bring along any attendants or servants. However, their expressions were unswerving and determined. They had already finished their preparations.

    Everything was for the sake of bing powerful. Everything was for the sake of the n¡¯s development!

    Amid everyone¡¯s gazes, Gu Zuo took a step forward, and pointed a finger.

    In an instant, a ray of silvery light burst forth. Itnded on the ground up ahead, and transformed into an enormous silvery-gray shuttle. A splendorous radiance roamed across its surface. Although the entire structure was only one color, it was extremely gorgeous and ornate. People couldn¡¯t help but hold their breaths.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°This is that wondrous treasure. With it on hand, it uses precious resources to briefly travel through spacetime, and bring people back and forth.¡± After that, he seriously said, ¡°Now, all of you mustn¡¯t resist.¡±

    Following this, the Void-Breaking Shuttle overflowed with a ray of silvery-gray radiance, which enveloped the three hundred Gongyi n youths. Before the other n members could blink, they watched as that radiance suddenly pulled back. The three hundred younger generations it carried away had disappeared!

    It was truly too miraculous!

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Tianlong Guards!¡±

    The next moment, one hundred eighty Tianlong Guards shed out from all directions, and instantly kneeled on the ground in front of Tianheng. The imposing aura of each individual wasn¡¯t any weaker than that of Dragon 21, whom they saw previously. When the dense mass of Tianlong Guards kneeled, their imposing auras were even more frightening, and caused the hearts of the n members to suddenly palpitate.

    Subsequently, these Tianlong Guards stood up, and also vanished inside a ray of silvery-gray radiance. It looked like they had simrly entered the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    After that, Gongyi Zhuoyue, Gongyi Yan, and Liu Suyan went to Tianheng¡¯s side. Gu Zuo took Gongyi Tianteng¡¯s small hand, and walked over as well.

    Tianheng said: ¡°We are leaving. When we met again, I hope it isn¡¯t during a time of disaster for the n.¡±

    In the eyes of numerous n members, there was a trace of gratitude. With greater respect and reverence, they all said: ¡°May the n patriarch take care of himself! May the young lord take care of himself! May everyone take care of themselves!¡±

    In the blink of an eye, Tianheng and the others also vanished from sight. The only thing left at their original location was that huge Void-Breaking Shuttle. After another sh, the shuttle turned into a ball of silvery light, and hurtled straight into the cloudy sky. Amid the endless light of day, it disappeared without a trace.

    Following a period of faint trembling, the Void-Breaking Shuttlended within a mountain range.

    Even though its momentum wasn¡¯t great, it still caused the surrounding beasts and birds to feel an intense sense of crisis. Relying on their instincts, they fled far away.

    Gu Zuo nced at the front end of the Void-Breaking Shuttle.

    In that ce, there was originally a drop of spiritual source. After traveling to the Cangyun Empire and arriving at Qingyun Sect, this series of trips hadpletely used up thest trace of spiritual source just now.

    The passengers within the shuttle were densely packed. Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, and everyone appeared on t ground. Because of therge number of people, the empty stone field was filled up at once.

    Gongyi Tianheng said: ¡°Dragon 21, you and the other Tianlong Guards will protect the members of the Gongyi n here. Try not to show yourselves to other people as much as possible.¡±

    As expected, Dragon 21 replied in a solemn voice: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Then, Tianheng looked at the other n members again: ¡°I will go make a deal with Qingyun Sect. It¡¯ll be inconvenient to bring all of you along, so wait here.¡±

    The numerous youths of the Gongyi n responded: ¡°Yes, young lord!¡±

    After that, Tianheng bade farewell to his own parents and close rtives. Liu Suyan and the others naturally didn¡¯t insist on going with him. They only looked forward to their children, Tianyang and Mingxia, whom they hadn¡¯t seen in a long time.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo journeyed side by side. In a single body flicker, they had already travelled more than five kilometers. It didn¡¯t take long to arrive outside of Qingyun Sect.

    Of course, what they saw at a nce were those endless fields and the outer sect disciples who worked thend. The two felt somewhat emotional as they recalled the scenes back then in the outer sect where they did their best to contend with others.

    Now that Gu Zuo thought about it, he felt that, although he was very busy refining pills and making money at that time, it was also quite warm andforting.

    Tianheng patted Gu Zuo¡¯s head.

    Gu Zuo turned around with a smiling expression. After that, the space between his brows burst forth with a wisp of formidable psychic power, which quickly wrapped up the two people.

    At the same time, a set of ck cloaks swiftly enshrouded their bodies. The hoods were lowered, concealing their appearances.

    Under the effects of the incredible psychic power, the pair silently entered Qingyun Sect. And with the aid of Tianheng¡¯s Atomic Realm strength, none of the many Atomic Realm powerhouses within the sect could discover their traces.

    The location they proceeded towards was where the sect master cultivated in seclusion.

    The sect master of Qingyun Sect, Qin Bang, was a high Ascendant Realm martial artist. Even though he had a firm grasp on his own lineage and the trends of the entire sect, he usually delegated his power and authority to the various elders. Meanwhile, he himself was always in the middle of painstaking cultivation.

    Of course, many people knew that the sect master was secluded within the depths of the sect¡¯s core area, but they didn¡¯t know the specific location of his seclusion. However, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, which was at the Nurturing Psyche Realm, was so strong, and Tianheng¡¯s perception of powerhouses was so sharp, that they naturally found his location before long.

    Outside the stone gates, Gu Zuo withdrew his psychic power, while Tianheng let out his Atomic Realm qi emissions.

    Just as expected, this kind of action swiftly roused the person inside.

    In an instant, a surge of imposing aura spread out from within the stone gates.

    Tianheng was like a great boulder. Amid the raging waves and stormy seas of the imposing aura, he remained mighty and unmoved. He also didn¡¯t disy any malice.

    Gu Zuo released his psychic power, which brushed past like a light breeze. This revealed the two¡¯s peaceful intentions. They didn¡¯t bear the slightest hint of invasiveness.

    The imposing aura from those stone gates scattered apart. Immediately following which, the stone gates opened wide. A man¡¯s gentle voice resounded from inside: ¡°Some honorable guests havee to my doorstep. Pleasee in.¡±

    Under the hoods of the ck cloaks, Tianheng and Gu Zuo showed smiling expressions. After that, they lifted their feet, and walked inside.

    Those stone gates slowly closed shut behind them.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 446 - Successful Deal

    <h4>Chapter 446 - Sessful Deal</h4>

    In the hidden chamber, a man was standing tall with his hands sped behind his back. He turned his head, and looked over.

    Gu Zuo immediately recognized that this was Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master Qin Bang. While he was dignified, his imposing aura was actually subdued. Simrly, he didn¡¯t show any hostility.

    Meeting Qin Bang now with the identities of ¡°honorable guests¡± felt entirely different from meeting him back then with the identities of disciples. Even though their appearances hadn¡¯t changed in the slightest.

    Unlike Gu Zuo, after seeing the two people, Qin Bang¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank, and clear amazement unconsciously appeared on his originally calm and tranquil face.

    ¡°¡ªIt¡¯s you two?¡±

    Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng smiled, and said: ¡°Greetings, sect master.¡±

    Qin Bang was incredibly shocked. ording to what he knew, the outstanding disciples in the sect would be sent out every three hundred years. When the next three-hundred-year period approached, only an extremely small number would return to offerrge quantities of resources to the sect.

    It had been merely two years since this time¡¯s Road of Death closed. Why had these two suddenlye back? Could it be possible that something went wrong with the Road of Death? No. If that was the case, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have failed to sense it.

    As for the two disciples who returned, the strengths they bore were even more unbelievable ¡ª He could see that Gu Zuo¡¯s realm was already close to the Atomic Realm, and there was another type of extremely formidable power within him. The other person, Gongyi Tianheng, was equally extraordinary. Not to mention that his realm was one rank higher, it was like there was a terrifying monster in his qi ocean that could suck in the sun, spit out the moon, and breathe a river of stars! It brought about an iparably horrifying pressure!

    But when all was said and done, Qin Bang wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. After a moment of surprise, he had already calmed down. He faintly nodded to the pair: ¡°As it turns out, some old friends have returned. Please sit.¡±

    When unable to know the cause, he was cautious and prudent.

    Tianheng saw through Qin Bang¡¯s thoughts. He smiled and said: ¡°Sect master, I trust that you have been well since west met?¡±

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng followed along with the sect master¡¯s wishes, and sat near him.

    Qin Bang didn¡¯t know what medicine these two were peddling, so he replied: ¡°Naturally, everything is going well. The many benefits left by you two have been utilized at all levels of the sect. During cultivation, everyone is working even harder, and there have been numerous martial artists and pharmacists who¡¯ve made great advancements in their realms. The strength of the sect is also rising steadily.¡± Once he finished saying this, he looked at the pair, ¡°Why have you two¡ª¡±

    Tianhengughed and said: ¡°The return of this disciple and Ah Zuo was also unexpected.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°If the sect master doesn¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t we slowly talk about it?¡±

    Qin Bang brushed his sleeves: ¡°By all means.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng picked and chose what to say about this trip¡¯s purpose, and began recounting with Qin Bang.

    Seeing Qin Bang¡¯s rather careful disy, Gu Zuo secretly sighed in his heart: Sure enough, when one¡¯s strength is different, so too is the treatment.

    In the past, even though they offered Qingyun Sect lots of benefits, and while Qin Bang had been as amiable as possible back then, there was still a huge difference between what was disyed and the feelings given now.

    When Gu Zuo was pondering these things, Tianheng simplified his speech to the greatest extent, and talked about the important points: ¡°This disciple has returned, but it¡¯s for bringing some n members to the Central Continent for development. However, I don¡¯t feel at ease about my remaining n members. I want to ask for the sect¡¯s help to take care of them.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he looked at Qin Bang with an unflinching smile: ¡°Naturally, Ah Zuo and I have once received the care of the sect, too. This trip back also has our intentions of repaying this favor.¡±

    Qin Bang had lived for three hundred-something years. How couldn¡¯t he be aware of the meaning in Tianheng¡¯s words? At that moment, he also pondered.

    To be honest, he knew it could only be said that Qingyun Sect shared a friendship with Tianheng and Gu Zuo that merely sheltered and tended to them. But this bit of friendship didn¡¯t amount to anythingpared to the contributions they performed and the good things they gave to the sect. Even if the sect gave them some benefits afterwards, it still couldn¡¯tpare to the type of favor that allowed the entire sect to improve. At most, one could only say that they were barely even. As for the rtionship between Qingyun Sect and these two people, there were the links to Gongyi Tianyang and the others who stayed in the sect to learn martial arts.

    As such, what both sides wanted to discuss now was actually a kind of business deal.

    From Tianheng¡¯s words, Qin Bang made out that he possessed a method to travel back and forth between the Central Continent and the Peripheral Continents. It was just that the consumption of this method was quite substantial.

    The things contained within this couldn¡¯t help but move Qin Bang¡¯s heart.

    Qin Bang inly said: ¡°Student Gongyi, as a voyager of my Qingyun Sect, your n members will naturally be under the protection of my Qingyun Sect. There¡¯s no need to worry about this.¡±

    Tianheng was an intelligent person. At this point, he understood that the sect master had epted this deal. Thus, he also said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, when the younger generations of my ne here in a few days, I ask that the sect master allocates a piece ofnd outside for them to recuperate on their own.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he raised the topic Qin Bang was concerned about: ¡°The Central Continent is very vast. Besides wanting to take along my close rtives within the sect, I also came to bring away some fellow disciples. When I arrive at Ten Ultimates Sect, nothing else has to be said with my disciple identity. On the contrary, I can rmend several organizations for my fellow disciples to choose from.

    ¡°Of course, if my fellow disciples want to stay with me, I¡¯m also willing to look after them. If they intend to join Ten Ultimates Sect in the future, I can obtain a few cements, and ask my fellow disciples to ept the assessments of the Sect Offering Academy.¡±

    Qin Bang understood what he heard, and was quite satisfied.

    This was just what he wanted.

    Previously, there were some disciples of Qingyun Sect who entered the Central Continent, but the losses amid the Road of Death were too great. This time around, if they could bring away some more people, the sect would have much more leeway in terms of options. Moreover, the disciples would be able to contact and help one another.

    At the same time, Qin Bang was pleased with Tianheng¡¯s guarantee ¡ª He didn¡¯t require that these apanying fellow disciples had to fall under hismand. Instead, he offered certain conveniences.

    Although Ten Ultimates Sect was indeed powerful, what Qin Bang wanted to send were reliable disciples who put Qingyun Sect in their hearts, and who couldy the foundations for Qingyun Sect in the future. He didn¡¯t want to send helpers for Tianheng. After all, the connection between Tianheng and Qingyun Sect was truly too weak.

    Afterwards, Qin Bang asked: ¡°How many cements can Student Gongyi provide?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no harm if it doesn¡¯t exceed fifty people.¡±

    Qin Bang¡¯s heart stirred.

    Fifty people ¡ª It was much more than he expected.

    This couldn¡¯t help making him somewhat curious about the method grasped by Tianheng. But nevertheless, he restrained his desire to get to the bottom of the matter.

    Being able to make friends now was naturally the best way to go about it.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and said: ¡°In the future, my n members might return to wee their rtives and bring them away. At that time, we can provide some conveniences to the younger fellow disciples.¡±

    Qin Bang also couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°Student Gongyi is considerate.¡±

    ¡ª So long as Qingyun Sect treated the members of the Gongyi n well, this business deal wouldn¡¯t be a short-term one. Instead, it would be a long-term cooperationpleted in installments and batches.

    In just a few words, the model of cooperation was determined. Gu Zuo also had some thoughts in mind.

    So long as this Sect Master Qin took the development of Qingyun Sect seriously, then he would certainly pay attention to the safety of the relocated Gongyi n members. In addition, he believed that with this opportunity, that Senior Sect Brother Qin Zhuofeng...

    Tianheng seemed to share a tacit exchange with Gu Zuo. At this time, he suddenly said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Qin is still young, and his moral conduct and aptitudes are out of the ordinary. If he is left stranded on this narrow strip ofnd, it would be too pitiful.¡±

    Qin Bang smiled, and nodded his head: ¡°Certainly, my son needs a proper adventure.¡±

    That¡¯s right. Among those fifty cements, Qin Zhuofeng would definitely upy one spot. Moreover, with his qualifications and identity, it would be even easier to unite those disciples after reaching the Central Continent.

    As for Gu Zuo¡¯s present train of thought, it had already settled on their former residence in Qingyun Sect.

    Their old friends on that mountain.

    Tianheng and Sect Master Qin negotiated a few details to basically everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction. In the meantime, Gu Zuo presented a bottle of prismatic pills. This gave Sect Master Qin a type of unfathomable feeling towards Gu Zuo¡¯s current pill refining level.

    Of course, this also raised Sect Master Qin¡¯s confidence in the two and their cooperation.

    After that, Tianheng and Gu Zuo bade farewell to Sect Master Qin.

    They needed to hurry back, meet their old friends, and make some arrangements. As for Sect Master Qin, he needed to quickly discuss things with the trusted elders in the sect, and choose the fifty cements.

    Before they departed, Tianheng said: ¡°In any case, this matter is neither great nor small. Sect master, if you inform other people, you must put this under careful consideration.¡±

    Sect Master Qin smiled without saying anything, but there was a feeling of self-assuredness in his expression.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo quickly left. Not long after, they arrived beneath a mountain peak.

    This ¡°small hill¡± was previously obtained through the treatment afforded to core disciples, and was exchanged for a few pill prescriptions. After they proceeded to the Central Continent, the hill was utilized by Tianyang and the other Gongyi n children. As for Dragon One, Dragon Two, and the remaining Tianlong Guards, they watched over this ce and protected the Gongyi n¡¯s younger generations.

    For the time being, Qingyun Sect didn¡¯t reim this hill. But after several years had passed, Tianyang still hadn¡¯t been able to reach the Immortal Realm. As such, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to keep this hill for much longer. However, Tianheng had now made a deal with Sect Master Qin. Naturally, no one woulde to take away the hill.

    When the two came to the base of the mountain, they were just about to climb up.

    All of a sudden, a clear, whistling sound echoed out from the top of the hill. Shortly thereafter, a number of shadowy figures rapidly leaped out and descended like beams of flowing light. In only a few breaths of time, they arrived in front of the two people!

    ¡°The Tianlong Guards wee the young master and Pharmacist Gu!¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 447 - Relatives and Friends

    <h4>Chapter 447 - Rtives and Friends</h4>

    Among the Tianlong Guards here, there was Dragon One, Dragon Three, Dragon Five...and several more for a total of ten members. The strength of each person was at peak Xiantian stage nine.

    These Tianlong Guards were exactly the same as Dragon 21 and the others. Their deferential expressions were flushed with fanaticism, and when they looked upon Gongyi Tianheng, it was as if they were beholding a god.

    Tianheng brushed his sleeve, and thanked the numerous Tianlong Guards: ¡°Everyone has worked hard these past two years.¡±

    Dragon One said: ¡°How can handling matters for the young master be called hard work?¡±

    Following this, the group of people ascended the mountain.

    Along the way, the Tianlong Guards slowly told Tianheng and the others about everything that happened since they left.

    First, let¡¯s talk about Gongyi Tianyang. Because he gained that inheritance, his own strength rapidly improved. In two years, his power had already reached Xiantian stage six. Of course, while the effects of the medicinal pills left behind by Gu Zuo were indispensable, if he wasn¡¯t hardworking enough, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to achieve these circumstances. At the same time, his foundation was iparably sturdy. It was to the point that he consciously slowed down the speed of his own advancements. This was because he knew that, although he could improve even faster, hisbat strength would be inferior at equivalent realms if his foundation was unstable. This would¡¯ve been extremely detrimental to his future development.

    Meanwhile, Gongyi Mingxia, who had been epted as an apprentice by Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji, hunted and slew wild beasts with Huang Ji in the wilderness all year round. From the originally delicate and pretty little girl, she became a majestic and awe-inspiring female warrior. Not only was her willpower much more firm and resolute, even her behavior and style were constantly approaching the likeness of Huang Ji. If there was something worth rejoicing, it was that Mingxia¡¯s self-perception had formed early on. She recognized that she was indeed a youngdy, and didn¡¯t emte Huang Ji, who regarded himself as a man. Her figure also hadn¡¯t turned burly and strapping, just tall and straight. Simr to Huang Ji, she appeared heroic and exuberant.

    Aside from this, the properties that Tianheng left behind were also taken care of by Tianyang. However, without Gu Zuo, this kind of pharmacist whose medicine refining speeds were extremely fast and whose product grades far exceeded that of ordinary people, these properties had to rely on the several remaining pharmacists. While they were able to support the current Medicine of Life, and preserve the present quality of goods, if the business wanted to expand, it would take a lot of time and slow development.

    Among the other few properties, under Tianyang¡¯s management, he umted capital, issued reserve funds, and even gradually opened a few more shops. So long as there weren¡¯t any big problems, these could ultimately be one of their sources of capital.

    From this, it could be seen that Tianyang had already changed from that originally stubborn youth who had been hidden under the brilliance of his elder brother to a great talent who could assume personal responsibility.

    As for the others, the Tianlong Guards were under themand of Dragon One and Dragon Two. Each of them led one side, and the guards were divided into two teams of troops who took turns assisting Tianyang. When one team handled matters, the other team went out adventuring to raise their fighting prowess.

    All of the Tianlong Guards followed Tianheng¡¯s orders. Though they diligently and wholeheartedly assisted Tianyang, they put more effort into increasing their own capabilities. They believed there would inevitablye a day when their young master returned to bring them away and to rush headlong into a wider world!

    In fact, it was indeed like this. Tianyang also organized some ordinary teams himself. When Tianheng came back from the faraway Central Continent, he would want to take away his devoted death guards.

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening to Dragon One¡¯s words, he inwardly nodded.

    One had to mention that the Tianlong Guards were the most loyal death guards he had ever seen. Such a force was simply unimaginable in the modern era. It wasn¡¯t surprising that his big brother was unenthusiastic about those battle ves and servile races, even though their very life and death were supposedly held in his grasp. On the contrary, when Tianheng looked at the Tianlong Guards, his expression was rxed, and he gave them heartfelt guidance.

    When one thought about it, when his family¡¯s big brother was still sickly and weak, he could¡¯ve died at any time. Nevertheless, the Tianlong Guards remained faithful and true. Such subordinates who had been put to the test really made one feel reassured.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach the top of the mountain.

    At first, this ce was arranged simply. But now, through Tianyang¡¯s operations, it had been expanded a lot. Under the pressure created by Tianyang¡¯s constant improvements, Tianyin, Tianxiao, and Tianhe, the three cousins who were brought over back then, had all be Xiantian stage two martial artists.

    Such progress was something they never dared to imagine before, and it made them work even harder.

    At this moment, the three younger generations werepeting in a melee at a Martial Arts Practice Field, which had been set up on the side. The qi and blood of their bodies hung in the air like rising steam. It was a disy of extremely bold and powerful strength.

    On the other hand, Tianyang was in seclusion at the back of the mountain. Over the past two years, unless it was truly too difficult to withstand, he painstakingly and incessantly cultivated day and night.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo came directly to the Martial Arts Practice Field. As for the three¡¯s brawl, it had just turned white-hot. Tianyin had taken the upper-hand. His punches sted out like thunder, his imposing aura was vigorous, his footwork was quick-witted, and his speed billowed like the mist and clouds. He soon struck Tianhe, eliminating him from thepetition. Tianxiao immediately captured this chance to counter Tianyin, which suddenly caused him to fall to a disadvantage. However, Tianyin quickly adjusted himself, and fought hand-to-hand. As fists struck flesh, the battle became extraordinarily intense.

    Tianhe angrily withdrew from the Martial Arts Practice Field. He massaged the ces where he was injured, and prepared to take out a medicinal pill to swallow ¡ª In martial artspetitions, they never held back against one another. Just as he turned around, he unexpectedly caught sight of two figures he believed he wouldn¡¯t see for a long time. Subconsciously, he rubbed his eyes, thinking that he was mistaken.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help finding it funny.

    He remembered that Tianhe was the most ambitious and driven among the three. He didn¡¯t expect that Tianhe would do something so foolish and absentminded now.

    Off to the side, Tianhe blinked his eyes several times, and noticed that the two hadn¡¯t disappeared. He reacted, and suddenly felt embarrassed. He opened his mouth, wanting to call out to them.

    Gu Zuo promptly lifted a hand to stop him.

    Tianhe nced at his cousin, Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled, and pointed at the Martial Arts Practice Field.

    Tianhe immediately understood that he wanted to watch their performance. After that, Tianhe felt somewhat regretful. Just a while ago, he should¡¯ve been more prudent. As a result, he let Tianheng witness that abysmal disy of his...

    On the Martial Arts Practice Field, Tianyin and Tianxiao quickly determined who would win and who would lose. In the end, it was still Tianyin who eked out a victory, defeating Tianxiao.

    Once they put away their fists, Tianxiao was about to tease Tianyin with a few words of idle chitchat, but then he saw that Tianyin suddenly stiffened. As Tianxiao followed his line of sight, he also revealed an extremely shocked expression.

    Shortly thereafter, several people reacted, and uniformly paid their respects: ¡°Cousin! Pharmacist Gu!¡±

    Gu Zuo waved at them.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°You guys have made great improvements. This elder cousin is very gratified.¡±

    When those Gongyi n youths received Tianheng¡¯s approval, a trace of happiness appeared on their faces. As far as they were concerned, the praise and admiration of other people couldn¡¯tpare to a word of mild appreciation from their older cousin.

    After that, several people came to the front.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Dragon One, you and the others will disperse to summon back the remaining Tianlong Guards. In addition, send a few people to call out Tianyang and to invite Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji and Mingxia.¡±

    Dragon One and the others epted this order, and swiftly went out.

    Meanwhile, these Gongyi n youths crowded around Tianheng. They mentioned severalplications with their martial disciplines, and asked Tianheng to exin for them.

    What kind of person was Tianheng? In order to create the six paths that he walked along, he had browsed through countless ancient books and records in Ten Ultimates Sect. Now that he was giving pointers to these younger generations, it could be said that it was as easy as lifting a finger or blowing away some dust. Therefore, every piece of guidance went straight to the fundamentals of the martial skill. When he was giving exnations, he unravelledplicated subjects into simpler terms. With just a little bit of advice, Tianyin and the others were cheerfully convinced. All the things they didn¡¯t understand in the past was made clear with a sh of insight. When the underlying points were grasped, the rest would follow with huge improvements.

    Later on, these youths couldn¡¯t help practicing and training again. Right away, they whipped up strong winds in their surroundings as they fought.

    All of a sudden, a figure rapidly shed over like a shooting star. Their momentum surged like waves as they rushed over extremely quickly. Apanying this person¡¯s arrival was a voice that rang out like silver bells: ¡°Big brother! Brother Ah Zuo! You guys came back!¡±

    When that voice fell, this person had already arrived in front of them.

    Gu Zuo immediately got a clear look at this person. With bright eyes and white teeth, her countenance was pure and graceful. Compared to before, there was a more lively and brisk air about her. She was filled with vitality, which drew people¡¯s attention. Who was she if not Gongyi Mingxia? The current her was even more outstanding. Like her namesake, her bright and beautiful smile was as resplendent as the rose-tinted sky at sunrise.

    Sure enough, a girl changed eighteen times between childhood and womanhood. In the two years he hadn¡¯t seen her, this little girl had already grown up to be a beauty with the bearing and grace of a youngdy.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help patting Mingxia¡¯s head. He gave her a bottle of medicinal pills with a smile: ¡°These are wless Anti-Aging Pills. They can preserve your youthfulness forever.¡±

    Mingxia promptly revealed a glittering smile with neat rows of pearly-white teeth. This kind of smile could bring happiness to onlookers: ¡°Many thanks, Brother Ah Zuo!¡±

    Soon after, Mingxia walked to Tianheng¡¯s side. Only, it wasn¡¯t the same as when she was in front of Gu Zuo. This elder brother¡¯s demeanor had always been different from that of ordinary people. From the start, she didn¡¯t dare act like a spoiled child. Instead, she gave a practiced salute, and showed a filial and respectful gaze: ¡°Big brother.¡±

    Tianheng smiled gently at her: ¡°You¡¯ve grown up. Very good.¡±

    Mingxia was also content.

    Following this, a young man shed out from the back of the mountain with extreme speed. He disyed a heroic and dashing figure. Although his features were still a little young and inexperienced, he already looked quite spirited.

    This was Gongyi Tianyang. In the two years they were gone, he had grown at least one foot taller. Now, he was only half a head shorter than Tianheng. However,pared to Gu Zuo, he was much taller.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was a bitplicated.

    He was one year older than Tianyang, so why did it seem like he was the younger one? When all was said and done, just what did Tianyang eat to grow this much...

    It was truly gloomy.

    T/N: As a reminder, in Chapter 404, the author gave definitive heights for the main couple. Gongyi Tianheng is taller than 1.9 meters (6¡¯3¡±), and Gu Zuo is 1.75 meters (5¡¯9¡±).

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 448 - Meeting Senior Sect Brother Xi Again

    <h4>Chapter 448 - Meeting Senior Sect Brother Xi Again</h4>

    Actually, it couldn¡¯t be said that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t taller. It was just that, before he reunited with his parents, he intentionally controlled his own growth. This was to prevent his looks from changing after going back and his dad not recognizing him. Who could¡¯ve imagined that he had a good idea, but in the end, the Void-Breaking Shuttle brought him back. His appearance remained the same, but five years had passed in the modern world. On the contrary, it seemed strange that he hadn¡¯t changed.

    Fortunately, Gu Qi¡¯s memory of his son was of his original appearance, and he was mostly overjoyed when they met again. Otherwise, if there had been a moment of suspicion back then, it wouldn¡¯t have been pretty.

    Gu Zuo inwardly dismissed this way of thinking. He directly scooped out a bottle of medicinal pills, and stuffed it into Tianyang¡¯s hands.

    There were several Dust Molting Pills, which were used for breaking through from Xiantian to Immortal. Gu Zuo had specially refined these wless pills for Tianyang to use for his own breakthrough.

    Tianyang didn¡¯t specifically know what these medicinal pills were, but he understood that anything that came from Gu Zuo¡¯s hands were good things. Right away, he epted them with a smile. He had experienced many things now, so his mind was even more magnanimous and his bearing was more calm. At the same time, he still felt just as close to Gu Zuo as before.

    Heughed, and said: ¡°Big brother, Brother Ah Zuo. You guys have returned!¡±

    Seeing Tianyang acting this way, Gu Zuo also felt joy in his heart.

    Martial artists focused on the path of martial arts. Although a person¡¯s nature and affinities could allow one to acquire great sess after finding a suitable path, when all was said and done, they still weren¡¯t as good as those with broadened hearts and minds. Not only did such people have many more paths, they couldprehend new things by analogy, and the roads they walked upon had much wider perspectives.

    Just a moment ago, Tianyang obtained information from the Tianlong Guards. He suppressed his excitement, and calmed down a lot. His eyes only asionally overflowed with traces of the same filial piety as Mingxia.

    Tianheng was also satisfied with the growth of his biological younger brother. After faintly nodding his head, he said: ¡°I know all about Tianyang¡¯s actions since my departure. Tianyang, you took charge and handled your responsibilities well. In the future, you can assist me in developing our Gongyi n.¡±

    Tianyang received this praise, and couldn¡¯t hide his happiness.

    Afterwards, Tianheng suddenly said: ¡°However, two years have passed. How are things with that Young Lady Ling?¡±

    Tianyang nked, and his face reddened. Then, he stuttered out: ¡°Ziwei, she¡¯s...doing okay, too.¡±

    It looked like Ling Ziwei hadn¡¯t forgotten about Tianyang during this period of time. On the contrary, she had a certain connection with him. The development of the two¡¯s affections also wasn¡¯t a bad thing.

    Gu Zuo silently nodded.

    Very good. The younger brother¡¯s wife wasn¡¯t far away.

    This time, it was best to bring the Ling n siblings to Ten Ultimates Sect. This way, Tianyang and Ling Ziwei¡¯s rtionship could continue to grow, and Ling Ziwei¡¯s talent wouldn¡¯t be wasted.

    With a Heaven and Earth Physique, her aplishments on the Central Continent would be even bigger.

    Following these words of reminiscence, Tianheng abruptly raised his eyes, and called out to a high ce: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, some old friends have returned. Are you unwilling to meet with us?¡±

    The moment his voice fell, a young person suddenly appeared atop arge boulder on the side. It looked like this person¡¯s height wasn¡¯t too tall with that thin and slender build. Their skin was extremely fair and clear, but their temperament was as sharp as a spearpoint, and carried a wild nature. Their hair was cut incredibly short, which gave them a strong, healthy, and vigorous disposition.

    This was precisely Huang Ji.

    Huang Ji¡¯s body shed over. He had alreadynded on the ground: ¡°Why are you looking for me?¡±

    Huang Ji was also considered to have some understanding of Tianheng, and knew that Tianheng certainly wouldn¡¯t have called for him just to talk about old times.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Sure enough, Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s thoughts are brightly lit.¡±

    Huang Ji nodded: ¡°Speak.¡±

    On the side, Gu Zuo said: ¡°Let¡¯s not just stand around here. Why don¡¯t we sit down and talk?¡±

    Soon, everyone arrived under a big tree, and sat down cross-legged.

    At this moment, the numerous Tianlong Guards were all present. The various members of the Gongyi n came here. In addition, the four enved martial artists controlled by Tianheng¡¯s Xiantian Pills had also arrived.

    Gu Zuo carefully observed. Qian Hu, Liu Bao, and the others had swallowed the Xiantian Pills, which were refined with the blood of his family¡¯s big brother before he achieved Xiantian. Although their strength appeared to have increased a lot, these changes weren¡¯t too big. It could be seen that they weren¡¯t the same as Dragon One and the other Tianlong Guards, who had the potential to improve themselves in the wake of Tianheng¡¯s advancements...

    Tianheng also discovered this point. After pondering for a little while, he bestowed Qian Hu, Liu Bao, and the others one reward each, and had them withdraw in advance.

    Gu Zuo was surprised, and looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother intends to...¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    Gu Zuo understood.

    In fact, this was also the correct course of action. When spending the spiritual source to bring people to Ten Ultimates Sect, not just anyone could be taken along. Although Qian Hu and the others were trustworthy because they were under control, their strength couldn¡¯t keep up. It would be better to leave them here to continue operating Tianheng¡¯s properties. They could safeguard the Gongyi n members who were left behind, too.

    Once Qian Hu and the others went away, the Gongyi n children suddenly sensed that there was a reason why they were gathered together. As for what that purpose was, it was probably very important.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have any urgency in dispelling Tianyang and the other¡¯s confusion. Instead, he spoke directly to Huang Ji: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, you epted Mingxia as your apprentice, so you¡¯re also considered to be rted to my Gongyi n. Would you be willing toe with us to the Central Continent?¡±

    Huang Ji¡¯s thoughts were the purest. Having heard what was said, he couldn¡¯t help staring nkly: ¡°You want to bring me along?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile across his face: ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Actually, it wasn¡¯t like Huang Ji didn¡¯t want to go to the Central Continent. It was just that he had already reached the Immoral Realm two years ago. If he wanted to enter the Road of Death, he needed to self-destruct his own realm. Of course, with his resolute willpower, he wouldn¡¯t have cared about crippling his own strength, much like Teng Yunfei. Only, at that time, he had already awakened the Heavenly Beast Body. If he decreased his rank, it would be even more harmful to him. Under such considerations, he decided not to enter the Road of Death.

    Currently, Huang Ji¡¯s Heavenly Beast Body was at the initial stages of awakening, but his strength far surpassed his previous power. Now that he had another opportunity to enter the Central Continent, he naturally wouldn¡¯t refuse.

    Hence, Huang Ji inly said: ¡°What can I give you?¡±

    Everyone¡¯s rtionships were pretty good, but he knew that this matter would use up a lot of resources. Thus, he wasn¡¯t willing to take too much of an advantage.

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang is very considerate. In any case, the number of people we¡¯re bringing over this time isn¡¯t small. The addition of one more senior won¡¯t make a big difference. Besides, with our current rtionship, this matter is as easy as lifting a finger. It would hurt our feelings if we still have to discuss this further.¡±

    Huang Ji nodded his head, and didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Mingxia was listening on the side, and her heart moved: ¡°Big brother, if master is going, will we also be...¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± He swept a nce over everyone, and spoke meaningfully, ¡°Not only Senior Sect Brother Huang, but all of you will being with me.¡±

    The numerous Gongyi n children looked at one another.

    Seeing that they were baffled, Gu Zuo said with a smile: ¡°Rest assured, my big brother has already made arrangements. In addition, there are a few people who will take over the duties here. Of course, if there¡¯s anyone among you who don¡¯t want to leave this ce, you can tell us directly.¡±

    No one knew what kind of ce the Central Continent was like, but based on their trust in Tianheng, they all said:

    ¡°We¡¯ll listen to elder brother.¡±

    ¡°Everything will be in ordance with our elder cousin.¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at his family¡¯s big brother.

    To have this kind of prestige among his peers, Tianheng really deserved it.

    After that, the two didn¡¯t exin the details to these couple of children like they did at the Gongyi residence. Later on, the n elders would naturally tell them the whole sequence of events once they saw each other again.

    Tianheng gathered the twenty Tianlong Guards here to the side. Tianyang simrly witnessed the Tianlong Guards practicing the six paths, and couldn¡¯t help asking Tianheng for guidance as well.

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo sat in meditation, cultivated, and refined medicine. Merely, the expression on his face revealed a hint of conflict.

    A short while passed, and a gentle voice resounded next to his ear: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°I was thinking. Should we find the time to go and see Senior Sect Brother Xi?¡±

    Th senior he indicated was naturally Xi Yangyun.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°So Ah Zuo was troubled over this matter.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I just felt that we should tell him about Senior Sect Brother Xu. The two of them are good friends. If we hadn¡¯t returned, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. But since we came back, we should reassure Senior Sect Brother Xi.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°This is but a trifle. Once it¡¯s deep in the night, you and I can pay a visit to Senior Sect Brother Xi.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused, and honestly said: ¡°Actually, I also want to know what happened to Lu Jiusi... En, and the matters of the He n.¡±

    To be honest, regardless of whether it was Lu Jiusi or the He n, all of them were considered their enemies. However, while Lu Jiusi indeed caused some trouble for them, and even facilitated that assassination attempt, the He n hadn¡¯t paid that much attention to them and didn¡¯t have the time to deal with them. On the contrary, the two of them both intentionally and inadvertently added many obstacles to the He n, which ruined the He n¡¯s schemes.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Whether it¡¯s the He n or Lu Jiusi, we can presume that neither are capable of stirring up trouble now.¡±

    Gu Zuo pursed his lips.

    Well, he thought so, too. However, he still needed to ask Senior Sect Brother Xi to know what really happened.

    In the middle of the night, the two silently left the small hill, and arrived inside the pce hall where Xi Yangyun lived.

    Xi Yangyun was an Immortal Realm powerhouse, and his perception was quite keen. It was just that the two could conceal themselves such that even the sect master had a hard time sensing them, let alone Xi Yangyun.

    As a result, Xi Yangyun was originally in the middle of operating his cultivation method while he sat on his bed. After one round of exercises, he stopped, and opened his eyes. Right away, he saw two familiar faces ¡ª At this time, how could he care about familiarity? Someone snuck into his room in the middle of the night without making a sound. He was given quite a shock, okay?

    Xi Yangyun immediately wanted to take action.

    But Gu Zuo spoke just in time: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, it¡¯s us!¡±

    Xi Yangyun was stunned, and then, he recovered.

    He somewhat hesitated: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu...Junior Sect Brother Gongyi?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, I trust you¡¯ve been well since west met?¡±

    Another moment passed before Xi Yangyun finally confirmed that these two juniors really had returned from another continent. Although, they ran over to frighten himte at night, and he couldn¡¯t help feeling exasperated: ¡°These two juniors must be really interested about something.¡±

    Gu Zuo also smiled: ¡°We just wanted to give Senior Sect Brother Xi a pleasant surprise.¡±

    Xi Yangyun didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry: ¡°So it should¡¯ve been pleasant? Well, at least I¡¯m surprised.¡±

    After joking around, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression became a little more upright. He said: ¡°Actually, when we returned, we only let the sect master and an extremely small number of people know. This is also the reason why we came here sote at night. In addition, we came here to tell you about Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 449 - Inquiry

    <h4>Chapter 449 - Inquiry</h4>

    Xi Yangyun really was pleasantly surprised: ¡°You have information about Lingxiu? You guys went to the same ce?¡±

    He previously asked about it with his master, and knew some secrets. In the past, even though those fellow disciples would return after several hundreds of years, they usually came back alone. It was very difficult to connect with other friends over there. He didn¡¯t expect to hear news about Lingxiu from Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s mouth!

    Gu Zuo could understand Xi Yangyun¡¯s state of mind. He smiled, and replied: ¡°In the beginning, we really did lose touch with Senior Sect Brother Xu, but not long ago, an ident unexpectedly allowed me and big brother to see him again and catch up.¡±

    Xi Yangyun took a deep breath: ¡°How is Lingxiu doing?¡±

    Both of them grew up together since they were children. Xi Yangyun viewed Xu Lingxiu like a biological brother, so his concern was naturally withoutpare.

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and nodded his head: ¡°He should be doing pretty well. Currently, Senior Sect Brother Xu is under themand of a prince, and treated as a distinguished guest. Although he has received some restrictions, the friendly rtions between him and that Prince Zhou don¡¯t seem bad. Prince Zhou is also rather patient and amodating with Senior Sect Brother Xu...¡±

    But the specific situation wasn¡¯t something that could be seen through with a single meeting.

    Xi Yangyun picked up on several things, and was a little worried. But in the end, Xu Lingxiu was still alive, and he had someone watching out for him. This was much better than the various concerns Xi Yangyun had previously.

    Hence, he loosened a sigh: ¡°I hope that everything goes well for Lingxiu in that ce.¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo chuckled, and said: ¡°If Senior Sect Brother Xi is this worried, why don¡¯t you simply go and meet Senior Sect Brother Xu yourself? You¡¯ll feel reassured once you see him with your own eyes.¡±

    Xi Yangyun forced a smile: ¡°We¡¯re separated by the Road of Death. How am I supposed to meet...¡± Speaking up to here, his heart suddenly stirred and he abruptly raised his head, ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu is implying that¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi¡¯s thinking is correct. Big brother and I have a way to go back to that ce. Naturally, we also have a way to bring along a few people. Several days ago, we already exined to the sect master that we¡¯ll take fifty fellow disciples within Qingyun Sect. Senior Sect Brother Xi, if your heart is set, you canpete for it.¡±

    Xi Yangyun¡¯s expression was solemn: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu came here to inform this Xi of the news, right?¡±

    There was a smile in Gu Zuo¡¯s words: ¡°The sooner Senior Sect Brother Xi makes preparations, the better.¡±

    After confirming this, Xi Yangyun naturally felt grateful to Gu Zuo. His mind also began making ns.

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo chatted with him, and inquired about a few things: ¡°Actually, big brother and I came here for several other small matters...¡±

    Xi Yangyun inly said: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, please speak.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°It¡¯s not for anyone else, but for Lu Jiusi.¡± At this point, his voice paused, ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi also knows that when big brother and I first arrived back then, we didn¡¯t have much of a foundation. For his own selfish motives, Lu Jiusi sent assassins to deal with us. At that time, after knowing what Lu Jiusi had done, big brother and I were already leaving for the Road of Death, so we never took the initiative to do anything. Now that we¡¯re back, we want to know what happened to Lu Jiusi...¡±

    Xi Yangyun understood clearly: ¡°Since Lu Jiusi had evil intentions, this Xi naturally abhorred him. Though he made several schemes in secret, he was allowed to run rampant only because this Xi hadn¡¯t noticed it. Now that I became aware, I just had to use some methods to eradicate his forces one by one.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled: ¡°Oh? It was this easy?¡±

    Xi Yangyun smiled: ¡°His forces on the surface were rather ordinary, so it wasn¡¯t necessary to pay too much attention to them for the time being. As for his hidden forces, Shuangyun was of great help.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    Xi Shuangyun had the Heavenly Heart Body. So long as she stood in front, and that person wasn¡¯t on guard against her, she could easily listen to the other party¡¯s thoughts ¡ª Of course, some powerhouses with high strength and instincts could automatically raise their defenses, but an Immortal Realm martial artist wouldn¡¯t have reached this level.

    The Heavenly Heart Body was practically a cheat skill. With this thing, so long as Xi Shuangyun paid a little more attention, she could track the following clues and find Lu Jiusi¡¯s hidden forces from everything she ¡°listened¡± to.

    Coupled with the information provided by Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo at that time, this gave Xi Shuangyun several trails. No matter how secretively Lu Jiusi umted power, when one¡¯s guard was lowered, he could make Lu Jiusi experience the anguish and indignity of being plotted against.

    Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Then, what¡¯s be of Lu Jiusi now?¡±

    Xi Yangyun said: ¡°The forces under his control have already been eradicated. All the perpetrators and evil doers who assisted him were also found by this Xi¡¯s subordinates, and eliminated one after another. As for Lu Jiusi himself, the matter of his crimes and misdeeds was handed over to the Punishment Hall. The Punishment Hall took him into custody, abolished his strength, and locked him away in the ck Winds Prison to suffer.¡±

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo felt very happy.

    At that time, he and big brother weren¡¯t able to confront Lu Jiusi head-on. But now that they knew about that guy¡¯s end, this could be regarded as venting their anger.

    Xi Yangyun spoke in such detail because he knew that Gu Zuo and Tianheng had a feud with Lu Jiusi back then, and he wanted to set their minds to rest.

    Following this, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Then, how is the He n doing now?¡±

    Xi Yangyun was somewhat confused: ¡°The He n?¡±

    While he wasn¡¯t particrly well-versed in dealing with the He n, he didn¡¯t know that these two juniors also had a disagreement with that n. Unexpectedly, during this return trip, his junior sect brother especially inquired about them.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Speaking of which, it isn¡¯t considered a feud. It¡¯s just that the He n is domineering, which makes people feel displeased. The sect currently has ten bloodlines, and the He n wanted to rece one of them, or be the eleventh bloodline... I don¡¯t want to see this mattere to pass.¡±

    As Xi Yangyun listened, he realized that these two juniors probably had certain interactions that couldn¡¯t be mentioned, and didn¡¯t try to get to the bottom of it. He just focused on Gu Zuo¡¯s current question, and provided an answer: ¡°If we¡¯re talking about the He n, their schemes failed toe true. Even though the He n had several talents, the ten bloodlines had even more who were often in secluded cultivation. The foundations of the He n weren¡¯tparable to that of the ten bloodlines. But when all was said and done, the He n wasn¡¯t content with its lot in life.

    ¡°This had happened once before. The sect master¡¯s bloodline, which grew stronger with each passing day, took action, and suppressed the He n. Therefore, the He n dwindled greatly, and its properties were gathered up. Moreover, the sect master made them hang their names from that ce. If they step out of line in the future, they¡¯ll be treated as an unstable organization to be beaten down. The He n probably won¡¯t be able to stick their heads out for a very long time.¡±

    Hearing this, Gu Zuo was pleased.

    Due to the affairs of the He n, he and big brother had to be quite cautious for a while. Now that the He n was suppressed, and had to live their days trembling in fear, it was enough.

    Though, there was another matter that he forgot to exin to the sect master.

    Gu Zuo pondered slightly, and spoke to Xi Yangyun: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like for you to pass along to the sect master.¡±

    Xi Yangyun asked: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Among those fifty cements, no members of the He n should be brought along.¡±

    Xi Yangyun was stunned, but he also didn¡¯t probe further. He only nodded his head.

    At this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t want to tarry here for too long. He tilted his head, and tugged at Tianheng¡¯s sleeve cuff.

    Tianheng smiled at Xi Yangyun: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, it¡¯s already quitete tonight. Ah Zuo and I shall be taking our leave. See you again someday.¡±

    Xi Yangyun also didn¡¯t drag things out, and replied: ¡°See you again someday.¡±

    With regards to this chance of going to the Central Continent, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t let it go!

    After that, Gu Zuo and Tianheng turned around, and left.

    Reaching this point, Lu Jiusi¡¯s end was known, and they decided to suppress the He n one step further. They finished everything that needed handling.

    Although the He n didn¡¯t genuinely cause any harm to him and big brother, it was true that both sides were still enemies. As one could well imagine, if the He n found out that they had suffered losses due to him and big brother, they definitely wouldn¡¯t let them go. As such, for the sake of their own safety and that of their friends and rtives, they naturally couldn¡¯t give the He n the opportunity to stand out.

    If any members of the He n were allowed to participate for the fifty spots... Gu Zuo would never entertain such a foolish thought as to provide resources to one¡¯s enemies.

    After going back to the small hill, the lives of Gu Zuo and Tianheng became tranquil again. For the two of them, one refined medicine and the other practiced martial arts. Their days seemed to return to the time when they were in Qingyun Sect before.

    However, they both knew that this was only temporary. Once the news from the sect master came, they would go back to the ce that truly gave them a sense of belonging ¡ª They would go back to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Within Qingyun Sect, a heavy undercurrent emerged with great prominence.

    Inside the Administration Hall, the elders of the ten bloodlines, the sect master, and the leaders of variousrge organizations convened.

    Qin Bang sat atop his high throne. He had already finished talking about what needed to be said. All that remained within the hall was a stretch of silence. Not a single voice could be heard.

    All of a sudden, an elder asked: ¡°Sect master, is this matter trustworthy?¡±

    Qin Bang smiled: ¡°Since that disciple has returned, there¡¯s no need for doubt. As for how he intends to bring people over, it would be wiser that we don¡¯t pry.¡±

    When discussing official business, Qin Bang said that a disciple hade back, and that he could provide fifty cements. However, he didn¡¯t mention the contents of the transaction, nor did he mention the name of that disciple. He even misled the crowd of elders, making them think that this disciple, who sessfully reached the Central Continent hundreds of years ago, was repaying a favor the sect.

    This approach was to let Tianheng rest assured, and to assist the Gongyi n more covertly in the future. This would also allow Tianheng to continue this transaction for a long time toe. Otherwise, if someone in this hall had any deceitful intentions, the consequences would probably be something that no one wanted to see.

    For the grand and stately sect master, he still had this bit of vision.

    Among everyone present, the elders of the ten bloodlines took the news well. As for the other leaders, there were a few whose expressions showed peculiarities.

    Upon seeing this, Qin Bang faintly sneered in his heart.

    Sure enough, as soon as this matter urred, some people had devious ideas.

    But for the sake of the sect¡¯s long-term ns, these devious ideas would only be given thought. They wouldn¡¯t be implemented. If someone dared to reach out their hands with the intent of ruining this cooperation, he would chop off those ws with the force of a thunderp!

    At this time, no one else called into question the matter of ¡°getting to the bottom of things¡±. Only, there were several who were worried that the returning disciple couldn¡¯t be trusted: ¡°What should we do if we can¡¯t monitor the situation? What if the other party has evil intentions, and these fifty disciples are wiped out for nothing?¡±

    Qin Bang said: ¡°That disciple has already joined a silver-ranked organization on the Central Continent. Why would he covet the benefits of my Qingyun Sect? He¡¯s merely considering that bit of friendship back then, and repaying the favor. What does he stand to gain by deceiving and harming my sect¡¯s disciples? If any of you still have concerns, just don¡¯tpete for the cements.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that there weren¡¯t such doubts. It was just that he saw that Tianheng was upright and proper, and wasn¡¯t the type who was narrow-hearted. In addition, his Qingyun Sect never did anything to offend Tianheng, and the previous few transactions were quite pleasant. Of course, there was no need to pointlessly worry and put a damper on the other party¡¯s goodwill.

    The others raised a few more questions, and Sect Master Qin either answered or cated them all. Finally, they reached an agreement. Everyone felt relieved, and ced great importance on these fifty cements.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 450 - Departure

    <h4>Chapter 450 - Departure</h4>

    Sect Master Qin said: ¡°From my point of view, these fifty cements are neither too many nor too few. We must send disciples with exceptional aptitudes, who are devoted and loyal to the sect. Everyone can rmend candidates. After looking over them, they¡¯ll be confirmed if they¡¯re indeed reliable.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his tone gave pause: ¡°It¡¯s just that, if the finalized cements have any enmity with that disciple, he probably won¡¯t agree to it.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, those numerous people who were originally quite excited about this event suddenly felt a trace of apprehension in their hearts: ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    Someone asked: ¡°Could it be that this disciple mentioned something?¡±

    Sect Master Qin sighed: ¡°This is exactly what I wanted to say.¡± His gaze swept over the crowd, and he only said, ¡°That person explicitly stated that members of the He n aren¡¯t allowed.¡±

    Immediately after his voice fell, an elder pped the table, and stood up: ¡°This shall not be tolerated!¡±

    This elder was precisely a member of the He n.

    The others looked at this He n elder. While mostplexions expressed that they were taking delight in another¡¯s misfortune, there were several who were distressed. It seemed that the fox grieved at the death of the hare.

    Seeing that this He n elder had forgotten his manners like this, Sect Master Qin coldly scoffed in his heart, but his face appeared cating: ¡°Elder He, remain calm. Don¡¯t lose your temper.¡±

    The old man from the He n harrumphed several times: ¡°Where did this brate from? He dares to cheat my He n like this?!¡±

    Sect Master Qin sighed, and said: ¡°I also asked at that time. However, that disciple said that although he had some foundation in the sect back then, the He n¡¯s actions went too far, which left him rather affronted. Thus, he really doesn¡¯t have a good impression of the He n. Since this trip will consume a lot of resources, he isn¡¯t willing to help anyone from the He n.¡±

    Such matters had already reached this point. Even though Sect Master Qin¡¯s words seemed somewhat apologetic, the meaning within them was clearly understood ¡ª For the good of everyone, and for the sake of not offending that disciple, the He n ought to be obedient and not cause trouble. Otherwise, Sect Master Qin would use thunderous means.

    The He n elder¡¯s chest violently moved up and down several times. He was extremely furious, but there was nothing he could do against Sect Master Qin. After restraining himself, he finally flicked his sleeves, led the other He n elders, and walked out of the hall inrge strides.

    This matter already had nothing to do with the He n!

    Once the He n left, Sect Master Qin leisurely lifted his eyes, and swept a nce over everyone else who remained: ¡°In any case, everyone can go and think about your candidates.¡±

    Numerous people wore happy expressions: ¡°We¡¯ll go.¡±

    Amid this joyous asion, there were bound to be many who had hesitations.

    After this incident, the position of the sect master¡¯s bloodline would be even more stable. As long as this deal continued, no one would be able to pose a challenge to this bloodline ¡ª After all, the identity of the person who conducted the transaction and the methods of the transaction itself were grasped in the hands of only Sect Master Qin.

    However, while these people had hesitations, they also weren¡¯t resentful. Firstly, the sect master¡¯s bloodline had always been in control at the top. Secondly, the sect master¡¯s bloodline was the legitimate and orthodox lineage of Qingyun Sect. The stronger their powerhouses, the greater the benefits for Qingyun Sect &#k2014; It was better than having mighty figures in a power struggle, but allowing internal disorder within the sect would instead greatly weaken its overall strength.

    Soon, the crowd scattered. Sect Master Qin cast his gaze at a corner.

    The shadow at that corner swiftly shed out, and a momentter, a young man appeared inside the room.

    This young man was Qin Zhuofeng, the son of Sect Master Qin Bang.

    While Qingyun Sect¡¯s upper echelons were choosing disciples, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng went looking for someone. Ever since this person entered Qingyun Sect, they rarely interacted with him. However, the other party¡¯s aptitude wasn¡¯t poor, and his personality wasn¡¯t lousy. Because it wasn¡¯t time to leave for the Central Continent yet, the two intended to give him a chance.

    That person was the ninth prince of the Cangyun Empire. Currently, Cang Yu had just reached Xiantian stage three.

    In two years, not only had he been able to smoothly break through to Xiantian, he made such ample realm advancements. His aptitude, indeed, wasn¡¯t bad. Most of all, he also developed some connections within the inner sect, which demonstrated his capabilities. He really deserved to be valued by the Cangyun Emperor back then.

    Tianheng naturally wasn¡¯t going to tell Cang Yu everything from beginning to end. He only disguised himself as a man garbed in ck, and used a tempting opportunity.

    As for whether Cang Yu went or not, they would give him a few days to think it over.

    Cang Yu¡¯s luck was pretty good. A friend he associated with in the inner sect was quite connected, and he vaguely heard about a little fluctuation within the sect. It was precisely this small fluctuation that caused Cang Yu to make a firm resolution and grab this chance! He also understood that with his present strength, that person could¡¯ve silently wiped him out with no difficulty. So why bother ying tricks on him?

    Thus, after waiting for a few days, he gave a reply when that ck-garbed man came again.

    But apart from Cang Yu, Tianheng and Gu Zuo didn¡¯t extend this goodwill to the other aristocratic families¡¯ children from Cangyun City.

    The reason was very simple. No matter what kind of thoughts the Cangyun Emperor had, he gave Tianheng the opportunity to participate in the Hundred Countries Tournament back then. And now, this one cement was Tianheng¡¯s easy repayment.

    Once this matter was finished, Tianheng and Gu Zuo continued to wait with peace of mind.

    After nearly five days, Sect Master Qin¡¯s response arrived.

    Inside Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s room, a person quietly appeared.

    Beside the window, Sect Master Qin was standing with his hands sped behind his back. He turned his head, and looked over.

    Gu Zuo stood up with his family¡¯s big brother: ¡°Sect master.¡±

    Qin Bang didn¡¯t expect that these two people were living together in the same room. His mind had suspicions, but with his shrewd nature, he naturally didn¡¯t show anything on his face.

    He nodded his head: ¡°Hello, you two. The cements have already been determined.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he waved his hand. A sheet of calligraphic silk swiftly appeared in front of the pair. Meanwhile, Sect Master Qin¡¯s own figure became illusory. In the blink of an eye, he vanished.

    Tianheng reached out, and took it. Gu Zuo moved closer to view it with him.

    The cements were numerous and densely packed. Among the names written on the silk, there really were several familiar faces.

    Qin Zhuofeng and Xi Yangyun were on the list, but Huang Ji wasn¡¯t. Xi Yangyun¡¯s younger sister, Xi Shuangyun, also wasn¡¯t on the list.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng had long anticipated this.

    When all was said and done, this was a major event within the sect. Even when it was to choose candidates, they needed to have inextricable rtionships with Qingyun Sect. This was to ensure as much as possible that the other party didn¡¯t forget their roots.

    Huang Ji really was outstanding. Unfortunately, there was practically no one who could tie him to the sect. The sect naturally couldn¡¯t take the risk of wasting a spot.

    It was also precisely because they anticipated this that Gu Zuo and Tianheng told Huang Ji that they wanted to take him along, and leave together back then.

    However, the matter of Huang Ji wasn¡¯t the main point. What was important was what Xi Shuangyun ought to do.

    Xi Shuangyun was born with a congenital disease, and was incapable of practicing martial arts for many years. Later on, because of the pill prescription Gu Zuo provided, her illness was finally treated with great difficulty. But after so many years of worrying, could Xi Yangyun really leave his younger sister alone in Qingyun Sect? If anything happened, Xi Yangyun would be on the distant Central Continent, and would be too far to help.

    Gu Zuo had been a little surprised at first.

    Xi Shuangyun had the Heavenly Heart Body, so her aptitude was pretty good. Since she hadn¡¯t given up hope after this many years, her willpower was also rather strong. Comprehensively, her potential wasn¡¯t bad. On top of that, her biological older brother was a disciple of one of the ten bloodlines. There weren¡¯t any problems with her identity or loyalty, so how didn¡¯t she get picked?

    On the contrary, it was Tianheng who answered this question for Gu Zuo: ¡°Although Young Lady Xi is a good candidate, the most optimal period to practice martial arts has long passed for her. And while she has the Heavenly Heart Body, this kind of ability can be rather rming to others, so they might not have publicized it.

    ¡°There are no more than fifty cements. Even if Elder Xu did everything he could to make Senior Sect Brother Xi a candidate, it probably would¡¯ve been impossible to bring along Young Lady Xi, too.¡±

    Gu Zuo also reacted.

    Indeed. Xi Shuangyun had this kind of special constitution. However, if she didn¡¯t take the initiative to dere it, and no one specially paid attention to her words, it would truly be difficult to detect it.

    Thinking as such, not being selected was very normal.

    Soon after, the two made preparations.

    These matters hadn¡¯t gone beyond their expectations. Before long, Xi Yangyun took advantage of the cover of night, and devised many ways to contact the children of the Gongyi n. He asked them to give Gu Zuo and Tianheng a letter. In this letter, his words were sincere and earnest as he asked whether they could take his younger sister with them.

    Holding the letter in his hand, Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°What does Ah Zuo think?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll matter if it¡¯s just one more person. Only, after we bring them over, how should we make arrangements for these old friends?¡±

    Tianheng lightly pinched his cheek: ¡°That¡¯s their own choice to make.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, and nodded.

    What big brother said wasn¡¯t wrong... Even if they were old friends, there wasn¡¯t any need to insist on arranging their futures on their behalf. At that time, if they wanted to struggle on their own, they could do as they pleased. If they wanted to join up with Gu Zuo and Tianheng, the two could find an opportunity to send them to the Sect Offering Academy. As for a peculiar genius like Huang Ji, he would surely soar into the sky once he reached the Central Continent. Instead, they could mention this to the Blood Transformation Pce Master in advance. If the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls were interested, there was nothing wrong with recruiting Huang Ji beforehand.

    But generally speaking, it was still up to the preferences of the individual.

    Afterwards, Tianheng wrote a reply letter.

    It was only natural that this letter expressed his willingness to bring along Xi Shuangyun. When it came to asking for any rewards or gratitude, such things were unnecessary.

    Thus, Xi Yangyun felt deep appreciation in his heart. He increasingly felt that it was the correct choice to make friends with these two people.

    Although Xi Shuangyun didn¡¯t know the details, from her older brother¡¯s words, she realized that she gained a huge opportunity as well. She wouldn¡¯t be left behind on the Peripheral Continents with no close rtives.

    For the time being, the matter of those two siblings wouldn¡¯t be raised again. After the sect master¡¯s cements were confirmed, the day of departure was also set. Then, those fifty people were brought before Tianheng¡¯s eyes.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 451 - Finishing the Transition

    <h4>Chapter 451 - Finishing the Transition</h4>

    Among the fifty people, there were both new and familiar faces.

    Besides Xi Yangyun, the one they recognized the most was Ling Ziwei. Although her appearance hadn¡¯t changed much, her overall temperament waspletely different. Compared to before, it wasn¡¯t known how many levels it had been raised.

    Ling Ziqi, her elder brother, wasn¡¯t by her side. Though the siblings depended on one another to survive, he didn¡¯t have the qualifications to waste a cement on. As early as when Ling Ziwei was struggling in every possible way and was trying her best to fight for the cements, Gongyi Tianyang purposefully looked for her in private, and brought Ling Ziqi along, too. Naturally, Ling Ziwei was more than just pleasantly surprised. Her adoration for Tianyang also increased.

    These fifty people had arrived, but other members of Qingyun Sect weren¡¯t permitted to follow.

    Qingyun Sect¡¯s sect master only mobilized everyone before sending them over, but after delivering them here, he could only leave everything else up to Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo. He simrly couldn¡¯t to observe this secret.

    Qin Bang gave face, and wouldn¡¯t look if he wasn¡¯t allowed to. At the same time, he also restricted those elders so that they couldn¡¯t recklessly investigate and make trouble for the two. Most of all was that unwilling and indignant He n. He personally monitored the situation, and didn¡¯t let them interfere with this time¡¯s major event.

    It was also due to his actions that Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s favorability of Qin Bang increased significantly. They felt that, under this sect master¡¯s leadership, they could deepen their rtionship with Qingyun Sect.

    This was originally a matter of mutual benefits.

    Both sides were quite satisfied.

    Following this, the two led the fifty Qingyun Sect disciples into the deserted mountains and barren hills outside. In this ce, the Tianlong Guards and children of the Gongyi n all reunited.

    Tianyang and Mingxia bowed and paid respects to their parents and elders. As for Grandfather Zhuoyue, and the parents, Gongyi Yan and Liu Suyan, these three also went over to console them ¡ª This was especially so when Liu Suyan learned that Tianyang and Ling Ziwei seemed to be in love. Her heart became increasingly delighted.

    When Xi Yangyun and Xi Shuangyun grouped up, Ling Ziwei located her elder brother, Ling Ziqi. Meanwhile, Huang Ji stood on the side with his arms crossed. His expression was grave and stern, which made him particrly eye-catching.

    Yet, there was another person who, up until now, felt that this course of events was unbelievable.

    This person was Bai Qingyi. His aptitude was just above average. Originally, he only wanted to make a deal with the He n, but because of He Qianqian, he stumbled across the iron te known as Gongyi Tianheng along the way. He had no choice but to sell his own freedom to save his life, and be Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine ve. Afterwards, he acted as a spy, and conscientiously put forth all his efforts. While he was rarely summoned, he obtained many benefits...

    Originally, he believed that so long as this arrangement continued and Gu Zuo didn¡¯t die, he would be able to live for several more years. He just didn¡¯t expect that his master would rush into that ursed Road of Death. Wasn¡¯t it obvious that he was about to die?!

    Fortunately, his luck wasn¡¯t too bad. After a period of trepidation, he realized that nothing happened, so he continued to carefully act as a spy. He didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything ¡ª His master was a man who even conquered the Road of Death and survived!

    Later on, his master, who clearly went to another continent, suddenly appeared in front of him several days ago, wanting to bring him over, too...

    Bai Qingyi¡¯s frame of mind was veryplicated.

    With his bit of aptitude, being able to go to the Central Continent was undoubtedly like a meat pie falling from the sky andnding on his head. It was certainly a joyous asion. But at the same time, if he stayed close to his master, he might receive even more missions in the future. Eventually, the meat pie wouldn¡¯t taste that vorful anymore.

    But generally speaking, his life, which was originally mediocre and uninteresting, might possibly surge forward with great momentum. Even if there were more dangers and troubles, this probably...wasn¡¯t a bad thing either.

    Although Bai Qingyi¡¯s thoughts were ratherplicated, there was actually only one reason why Gu Zuo took him along. He simply couldn¡¯t let his medicine ve wander around ¡°free-range¡±.

    In the wake of Gu Zuo¡¯s improved psychic power, he could already control many medicine ves at the same time. However, the stronger the medicine ve, the harder it would be to subdue them. But no matter what methods he used, so long as his Medicine ve Brand was seared into their Tianfu Acupoints, the other party¡¯s life and death waspletely grasped in his hands.

    From beginning to end, Bai Qingyi had never been disloyal. And in the future, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t necessarily return regrly to the Peripheral Continents. Since Bai Qingyi was considered a trustworthy worker, rather than leaving him here as an idle chess piece, it was better to take him away and let big brother utilize him for other purposes.

    In any case, this was just one more person.

    Apart from these friends and acquaintances, there were still forty-something people remaining. When they saw Tianheng, all of them were shocked.

    The elders of their various bloodlines clearly pointed out that the person who wanted to bring them away was an older generation of theirs. However, the one they currently saw was this exceptional genius with shocking aptitudes, who obviously hadn¡¯t left Qingyun Sect that long ago.

    Could it be that it was a method provided by Tianheng?

    This was iprehensible. That Central Continent could actually allow someone to improve this quickly?

    In an instant, eagerness shed in the eyes of many disciples.

    If it was said that the Central Continent really had this kind of capability, then going along with them was worth it! They also hadn¡¯t tirelesslypeted for those cements in vain!

    Back to the situation at hand. Since everyone was present, it was reasonable to say that Gu Zuo would take out the Void-Breaking Shuttle and take them away. It was just that, Gu Zuo scooped out arge gourd instead.

    Tianheng faintly smiled at everyone: ¡°Ladies, gentlemen, and fellow disciples. Before we go, listen to what I have to say first.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the expressions of those disciples became focused.

    Was it possible that there was another requirement?

    There was even a small handful of people who raised their guards.

    Tianheng noticed that they all had their own thoughts, but he didn¡¯t care. He directly stated: ¡°The method to bring all of you to the Central Continent is remarkable and strange. Because we can¡¯t let everyone observe the process, Ah Zuo has refined a type of medicinal pill that will cause temporarily blindness. Once we reach the Central Continent, everyone can take the antidote to regain your own eyesight.

    ¡°This is an essential measure. It won¡¯t only be all of you Qingyun Sect disciples. The members of my Gongyi n and my subordinate guards will each take this pill as well. Thus, if there¡¯s anyone among you who isn¡¯t willing to do this, you can leave this ce and return to Qingyun Sect.¡±

    After his words fell, there were several people whose expressions changed at once.

    In fact, most of the disciples were told by their elders that, if such matters didn¡¯t go too far, they had to do as instructed. Thus, at this time, although their brows furrowed as they listened, nothing became of these peculiar looks. As for these peculiar looks, it was naturally due to some careful thoughts in their hearts.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was keen. With a single sweep, he noticed these people¡¯s unease. However, he also didn¡¯t particrly mind. At any rate, after taking precautions, no matter how many conjectures the passengers had, they wouldn¡¯t be able to find a definite answer. Indeed, there was no cause for worry.

    Seeing that no one had left, Tianheng smiled: ¡°Since everyone doesn¡¯t have any objections... Ah Zuo, let the Tianlong Guards distribute the medicinal pills.¡±

    Gu Zuo replied with a smile of his own: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    The Tianlong Guards didn¡¯t need to say anything at all. Soon, many people stepped forward, received the medicinal pills from Gu Zuo¡¯s hands, and started distributing them. The Tianlong Guards really did give each member of the Gongyi n a pill. Even Gongyi Zhuoyue and Tianheng¡¯s close rtives were no exception.

    Upon seeing this, the other disciples trusted Tianheng and Gu Zuo a little more, and simrly took the pills.

    Having everyone swallow the medicinal pills was naturally a precaution for Qingyun Sect¡¯s disciples, but it was also a form of protection for the children of the Gongyi n. After all, there were so many powerhouses on the Central Continent. This Void-Breaking Shuttle was considered an excellent spirit weapon. Its functions were astounding, but it was also an effective tool for escaping. Who knew whether it would be coveted by others one day?

    Among the disciples of Qingyun Sect, there were those who harbored evil intentions. The younger generations of the Gongyi n weren¡¯t strong enough, so it would be difficult to protect the secrets in their minds. As a result, it was better that everyone didn¡¯t know anything.

    The Gongyi n children didn¡¯t know the reason why, but they trusted in Tianheng¡¯s words. Thus, after taking the medicinal pills, they didn¡¯t hesitate to swallow them. Shortly thereafter, the various Tianlong Guards also took the pills. Seeing this, the Qingyun Sect disciples followed along.

    Subsequently, everyone who took the medicinal pills only sensed darkness in front of their eyes. They weren¡¯t able to see anything.

    In a split second, minor panic spread throughout the crowd.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice resounded just in time: ¡°Everyone, be careful. Don¡¯t move around and il about.¡±

    Immediately following this, a beam of silver light broke through the air,nded on the ground, and constantly expanded. Then, one streak of light after another burst forth, individually covered the assembly of hundreds of people, and swept them all inside.

    At this moment, everyone who entered the Void-Breaking Shuttle only felt a slight tremor under their feet. At the same time, they heard Gu Zuo speak: ¡°We¡¯re already on our way to the Central Continent. Now, let me tell you all about some of the relevant, general knowledge...¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 452 - Parting Ways

    <h4>Chapter 452 - Parting Ways</h4>

    Gu Zuo spoke in a detailed and timely manner.

    It was also because he was so timely that those who hadn¡¯tpletely recovered from their blindness-induced panic quickly calmed down.

    For the time being, there was no need to talk about blindness or anything else. Currently, the important thing was to listen to this exnation. Otherwise, they would waste this opportunity if they reached the Central Continent whilepletely in the dark.

    What Gu Zuo talked about was mainly the distribution of organizations. As for other things, they could find out after a few discreet inquiries. On the contrary, there was no need for him to borate.

    However, with regards to the distribution of organizations, what Gu Zuo could mainly touch upon was within the range of the Ten Ultimates Domain. Ah, right. There was also the Sagely Hand Domain where Xu Lingxiu resided. In particr, he specially recounted the ce known as Great Zhou ¡ª Compared to him and big brother, Senior Sect Brother Xu was someone these disciples truly trusted.

    In addition, while Gu Zuo didn¡¯t intentionally exin that he and big brother were in Ten Ultimates Sect, he was even less clear about their positions in the sect ¡ª Firstly, he didn¡¯t have any intention of showing off. Secondly, he didn¡¯t want to interfere with the choices of these disciples.

    Of course, Sect Master Qin knew some things about them. Thus, however much he told these people depended on the sect master himself.

    After gradually exining what needed to be said, the rays of light around the Void-Breaking Shuttle shined brilliantly. All of a sudden, it pierced its way out of space, andnded in the deste area that Gu Zuo previously marked outside the Road of Death¡¯s other passageway.

    Gu Zuo quickly put away the Void-Breaking Shuttle. Soon after, he flicked his fingers, and sent numerous medicinal pills into the hands of the Tianlong Guards. Then, he allowed them to distribute the remaining pills for the other people to swallow.

    In just a few minutes, everyone regained their eyesight.

    Following this, they subconsciously took deep breaths, and sensed that, on this continent, the ambient qi was many times denser than before!

    Someone sighed and said: ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that the Central Continent is called the heart of the world. For the people born here, the ambient qi they breathe in since childhood is different from what we receive. It¡¯s normal that they improve faster and get stronger than us...¡±

    After observing the surroundings, there were several Immortal Realm martial artists among the fifty disciples who immediately discovered something. Amid the nearby forests of the valley they were located in, there were quite a few qi emissions that were especially powerful and threatening. As for the formidable qi emissions within the somewhat distant mountain ranges, those were even stronger. It appeared that, so long as they were slightly careless, the owners of those qi emissions would go for the kill, and turn these martial artists into their next meal!

    There were only a small number of ces on the Qingyun Continent that felt this dangerous, but after reaching the Central Continent, it seemed to have be verymon.

    They couldn¡¯t help but be cautious.

    For many disciples, the pupils of their eyes constricted. They sensed that with their bit of strength, it would probably be extremely difficult to muddle along on the Central Continent.

    Tianheng said: ¡°ording to our agreement, Ah Zuo and I have brought you all to the Central Continent. From this point on, everyone can do what they please.¡±

    Upon hearing this, those fifty disciples looked at one another¡¯s faces.

    After exchanging nces, many disciples who had been previously instructed by their families¡¯ elders bade farewell to Tianheng and the others. Shortly thereafter, they rose up with their qi, and swiftly vanished into the sky.

    Among the fifty people, the only ones who remained were those who Tianheng and Gu Zuo were familiar with.

    For example, Xi Yangyun and his sister, and Ling Ziwei and her brother.

    At this time, the expressions of Tianheng and Gu Zuo were no longer as distant and reserved as when those disciples were present just a moment ago. Instead, their faces seemed friendly and amiable.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, what do you have nned?¡±

    Xi Yangyun had already made up his mind: ¡°If it¡¯s possible, this Xi intends to meet Lingxiu first, and listen to his suggestions. Being able to apany him and look after him is naturally the best course of action. If that won¡¯t work, I want to join an organization that isn¡¯tcking to give Lingxiu help. As for my little sister&#k2026;¡±

    He hesitated a little bit.

    In Xi Yangyun¡¯s opinion, Xi Shuangyun¡¯s aptitude was much better than his own. She also had a special constitution. It would be a waste if she went with him. He felt that the best situation was that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi could lend a hand. However, he had already made many requests of Tianheng. If he asked for anything more, it would give the impression that he was ungrateful.

    At a nce, Tianheng saw through Xi Yangyun¡¯s way of thinking, and smiled: ¡°Since you¡¯re here, why don¡¯t you stay as my guest for a few days first. After that, Senior Sect Brother Xi can think about future arrangements.¡±

    Gu Zuo inwardly nodded.

    He felt that it would be pretty good if Xi Shuangyun¡¯s special constitution could get her into Ten Ultimates Sect, but this wasn¡¯t a guaranteed ticket in. It was better that they didn¡¯t rashly raise the subject. They could put off the discussion until after they reached Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Speaking of which, while it was true that the Central Continent was a gathering ce of geniuses, special constitutions, which included physiques inherited through bloodline powers and physiques that naturally formed and randomly appeared, belonged to the rare category.

    Of course, having a physique only meant that one had good aptitudes in a certain aspect. While they were definitely geniuses, it didn¡¯t mean that every special constitution was a prodigy among the people. But despite it being this way, among equally-ranked geniuses, those with special constitutions were generally stronger than those without. In addition, it was easier for prodigies to appear among the geniuses who had special constitutions.

    Tianheng had long reached an agreement with Huang Ji who possessed the Heavenly Beast Body, and invited him to undergo physical testing at Ten Ultimates Sect. For a person like him, since they were already friends, why would they want to give an advantage to other organizations?

    Ling Ziwei was the younger sibling, but Ling Ziqi basically didn¡¯t have any power to defend himself. Of course, it was Tianheng¡¯s decision to bring them into Ten Ultimates Sect. Due to their trust in Tianheng, they had no objections. It probably wouldn¡¯t be difficult for Ling Ziwei to be epted with her special constitution, but Ling Ziqi had to go to the Sect Offering Academy at the very least. This was to see whether he would join Ten Ultimates Sect or be a member of his younger sister or Tianheng¡¯s subordinates in the future.

    Now, they were onlycking Xi Shuangyun.

    Xi Yangyun heard Tianheng¡¯s invitation, and loosened a sigh. He was somewhat ashamed in his heart: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then obedience is better than politeness.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°As you wish.¡±

    Gu Zuo also said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi often entertained us as guests in the past. Now, it¡¯s our turn to entertain Senior Sect Brother Xi. This is only the right thing to do, so there¡¯s no need to worry that much about it.¡±

    Listening to this, Xi Yangyun revealed a smiling expression.

    Following this, the group of people travelled toward the nearest city.

    Along the way, Tianheng was very generous, and secured wild horses for everyone present with a wave of his hand. These wild horses came from the same herd. The horses were capable of cooperating with each other, but their strengths had nothing inmon.

    Under the galloping of this herd of horses, everyone quickly rushed toward that city. At the same time, it was still Tianheng who took action, and led everyone to the city¡¯s teleportation array. After spending some resources, they smoothly teleported to Ten Ultimates City in just a short while.

    The miraculous teleportation array naturally astonished the country bumpkins here. As for the truly unsophisticated among the country bumpkins, the shock in the crowd of Gongyi n members was even harder to describe.

    After walking out of the teleportation array, the wide and expansive streets, the enormous wild beastsing and going, the grand and magnificent city, and the firm and imposing city walls left everyone shaken to their cores.

    To be honest, although Qingyun Sect wasn¡¯t small, and Xi Yangyun and the others weren¡¯t inexperienced, their amazed states of mind weren¡¯t much better than that of Gu Qi when he came here initially ¡ª It was to the point that, because they were already more knowledgable, they felt even more overwhelmed in contrast.

    Hence, the group followed Gu Zuo and Tianheng, and arrived within Ten Ultimates Sect. When they entered Tianheng¡¯s manor grounds, they discovered the level of Tianheng¡¯s position, which hadn¡¯t been deliberately emphasized before. And due to this position, they realized how terrifying the resources he could obtain and the manpower he could mobilize were.

    Tianheng directly called out: ¡°Ao Ying.¡±

    In a split second, a streak of shadow shed out, and kneeled in front of him: ¡°Young master.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Instruct the servile races and retainers to set aside a thousand-personrge courtyard, and settle down my n members.¡±

    Ao Ying immediately gave several orders to the side.

    Soon after, several more figures appeared. They didn¡¯t look like the usual members of the human race, but they were all iparably deferential to Tianheng. As they brought away the Gongyi n members to make arrangements, they had gentle bearings and gracefulportments. They were also meticulous and considerate.

    When these servile races showed up, it slightly shocked Xi Yangyun and the others, and made them realize that it wasn¡¯t only the human race that existed on the Central Continent. There were many more racial groups that mingled and had subtle rtionships with one another.

    None of these were found on the Peripheral Continents.

    Afterwards, Tianheng said: ¡°Dragon One, Dragon Two.¡±

    Suddenly, two men of extraordinary bearing shed out from the Tianlong Guards. They kneeled toward Tianheng, and saluted: ¡°Young master.¡±

    Tianheng spoke: ¡°I have many battle ves under mymand. Among them, Ao Ying, Ao Min, and the other Ascendant Realms are the leaders. From now on, the Tianlong Guards shall follow and learn from them. The location where you will live is slightly below the waist of the mountain.¡±

    Dragon One, Dragon Two, and the others naturally answered with respectful voices.

    Tianheng gave further instructions to Ao Ying: ¡°All of you will properly watch over the Tianlong Guards. They have followed me for many years, and their loyalty is unmatched. Don¡¯t neglect them.¡±

    Ao Ying¡¯s expression was still calm and unflustered: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Subsequently, another slim member of the hound race appeared, and led the Tianlong Guards to another ce.

    Apart from Xi Yangyun and his other friends, the only ones who hadn¡¯t been settled down yet were his close rtives of the Gongyi n. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t let the servile races arrange things for them like the other three hundred Gongyi n members.

    Tianheng quickly led everyone into a courtyard that was slightly above the waist of the mountain.

    Before the two¡¯s departure, this was something that the head manager instructed the others to prepare. It was supposed to entertain friends who mighte to visit in the future. The building was exquisite and grand. It wasn¡¯tcking in courtesy whatsoever.

    Xi Yangyun sighed with emotion: ¡°It¡¯s only aftering to the Central Continent that I realize that I¡¯m nothing more than a frog at the bottom of the well. With every word and action, I¡¯ve been making a fool of myself.¡±

    Hearing this, Gu Zuo consoled: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, don¡¯t say that. When big brother and I first came to this ce, we also didn¡¯t understand anything. But once we gained an understanding, there¡¯s actually not that big of a difference.¡± He thought about something, and concluded, ¡°In any case, you just have to constantly improve yourself to grasp your own destiny.¡±

    Xi Yangyun toasted a cup of wine: ¡°What Junior Sect Brother Gu says is right. I¡¯m being too dramatic.¡±

    Tianheng also smiled, and said: ¡°This is human nature. Senior Sect Brother Xi doesn¡¯t need to be worried about this.¡±

    When Gongyi Yan and Tianheng¡¯s other close rtives saw all of this, they were quite proud. As far as they were concerned, Tianheng was powerful and formidable. They basked in his honor and glory.

    After the banquet ended, everyone didn¡¯t disperse yet.

    Tianheng called for Ao Ying again, and instructed: ¡°Send someone to deliver an announcement to master, and tell him that I have already returned. Then, ask another question. If there¡¯s someone with a special constitution, will Ten Ultimates Sect recruit them? And are there any rules during the recruitment?¡±

    Ao Ying gave an affirmative sound, and promptly left.

    Hearing what was said, Xi Yangyun was stunned.

    He understood that this question was for the sake of Huang Ji and Ling Ziwei, but since it was mentioned in front of him, it was probably meant for him to save face... If he was interested in letting his younger sister join Ten Ultimates Sect, he could just listen along. And if he wasn¡¯t interested, he could just pretend that he didn¡¯t know.

    This move was to avert his worries, so he couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful.

    However, when all was said and done, this was a matter of tacit understanding. Xi Yangyun also had to take his younger sister into consideration. As a result, he didn¡¯t say anything. It was just that the thoughts in his eyes deepened. At the same time, he indicated his appreciation to Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    It truly wouldn¡¯t be bad for Xi Shuangyun to join Ten Ultimates Sect. At the very least, she could be apanion to Ling Ziwei. Otherwise, Ling Ziwei wouldn¡¯t have any femalepanions in this ce at all. Wouldn¡¯t that be lonely? No matter what was said, Ling Ziwei was going to be a younger sister-inw in the future. He ought to be more thoughtful of her.

    As for Mingxia, she would also be a sister-inw. And Huang Ji... Well, Huang Ji wasn¡¯t in the category of femalepanions.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 453 - Special Constitutions

    <h4>Chapter 453 - Special Constitutions</h4>

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s reply quickly arrived. Overall, there were three statements.

    The first line: It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve returned unharmed. I will specially bestow a million spirit crystals for this apprentice to settle down his family.

    The second line: Special constitutions generally belong to the recruited disciples who directly enter the inner sect. So long as there aren¡¯t any problems with their character and origins, they¡¯ll be epted no matter the number. If their constitutions are suitable, they can immediately be pce hall disciples.

    The third line: This teacher believes that the people this apprentice rmends will certainly have no problems. They¡¯ll be recruited after testing.

    As soon as these three lines came out, everyone present realized just how much Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s master, the Blood Transformation Pce Master, favored him. Not to mention anything else, just the cost of settling down his family was enough to get the point across. What¡¯s more, the degree of trust was truly exceptional.

    Gu Zuo inwardly chuckled.

    Actually, he felt that there was indeed a degree of trust, but the cost of settling down big brother¡¯s family... Perhaps, other disciples were also given this gift, but it probably wouldn¡¯t have been this much.

    After getting this letter of approval, Xi Yangyun no longer hesitated. He took the initiative to broach the subject with Tianheng: ¡°Can my younger sister join Ten Ultimates Sect, too?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, if you¡¯re interested, just let Young Lady Xi give it a try. My Ten Ultimates Sect possesses ten heaven-ranked ultimate skills. There should be a pce hall that suits Young Lady Xi.¡±

    Xi Yangyun naturally hoped that his family¡¯s younger sister could enter this silver-ranked organization ¡ª As for gold-ranked organizations, were those ces so easy to get in? Even if it was this silver-ranked organization, if he wasn¡¯t familiar with Tianheng, it probably wouldn¡¯t have been easy to find a way inside under normal circumstances.

    Besides, deep down in Xi Yangyun¡¯s heart, he still believed in Tianheng¡¯s choice. After all, he had once looked into Tianheng¡¯s actions and methods. Tianheng had deep ns and distant thoughts, and practically never suffered any setbacks.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng looked at Huang Ji and Ling Ziwei again: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, Young Lady Ling. What do you two think?¡±

    Huang Ji nodded his head to express his agreement.

    Meanwhile, Ling Ziwei somewhat shyly nced at Tianyang: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Big Brother Gongyi¡¯s words.¡±

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    Perhaps, after another length of time had passed, she could drop the two sybles ¡°Gongyi¡±.

    Following this, Xi Yangyun and the others checked into their guest rooms under the arrangements of the two managers. As for the remaining Gongyi Yan and the other close rtives, they were arranged somewhere else.

    Gongyi Zhuoyue patted Tianheng¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Tianheng, it¡¯s better that we go down the mountain, and stay with the other children. All of them are quite young. Without any elders on the side to give them pointers, they¡¯re nothing more than neers. Their hearts won¡¯t be steady.¡±

    Gongyi Yan and Liu Suyan felt the same way.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Since they¡¯ve arrived, they¡¯ll need some time to adapt. Grandfather, all of you are this Tianheng¡¯s next of kin. Naturally, there¡¯s no need to cohabitate with the other n members.¡±

    Gongyi Yan had a clear and bright smile: ¡°This father knows that you¡¯re filial, but everything has its rules. We also have our own responsibilities!¡±

    They didn¡¯te over just to hold Tianheng back. When it came to the arrangements of the younger generations and the development of the Gongyi n here, ns needed to be put forward for all of these things. How was it proper if someone stayed with their son all day long? Moreover, it was simply too garish and conspicuous.

    Listening to this, Gu Zuo wanted to persuade them.

    However, Tianheng faintly pressed onto his shoulder. After pondering for a bit, he answered: ¡°This Tianheng understands everyone¡¯s feelings... Very well. You all can go settle down in the courtyard below, and stabilize those n members. If you have any ns, you can mull over them first. After staying for a few days, I¡¯ll also have some arrangements for the n members. I¡¯ll think about the details, and discuss them with everyone at that time.¡±

    Of course, having heard what was said, Gongyi Yan and the others smilingly agreed.

    Tianyang and Mingxia also followed the others down. Then, there was just Tianteng. With a stern and serious face, he walked over with quick steps and hugged Tianheng¡¯s leg. Then, he turned around and hugged Gu Zuo¡¯s leg.

    Gu Zuo felt this was cute, and stooped down to hug Tianteng.

    After that, under the smiling gazes of everyone, Tianteng steadily strode down the mountain together with his parents, grandfather, older siblings, and the others.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng also returned to their residence at the top of the mountain. In the subsequent period of time, they had a lot of things to do one by one.

    The next day, early in the morning.

    Xi Yangyun, Xi Shuangyun, Ling Ziwei, Ling Ziqi, Huang Ji, and the others arrived at the location that Gongyi Tianheng designated. What they currently needed to do was to follow at Tianheng¡¯s side, and test their constitutions.

    Of course, Xi Yangyun and Ling Ziqi weren¡¯t able to follow along. Only those with special constitutions could get this kind of additional treatment.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and summoned a wild bird, which carried the three prospects high into the sky. Then, it went straight to the Martial Arts Practice Hall.

    Gu Zuo was left behind to apany Xi Yangyun and Ling Ziqi. He was going to deal with the matters that Tianheng hadn¡¯tpletely finished.

    Not long after, the group came to the Martial Arts Practice Hall.

    As the name implied, this pce hall was where ordinary disciples practiced and trained. Special equipment was set up inside to simte different environments. This equipment could also test a disciple¡¯s strength. As a result, even though many disciples had their own base of operations, they still came to this Martial Arts Practice Venue to gain a precise understanding of themselves every so often.

    Another major feature of the Martial Arts Practice Venue was that disciples in the sect could go over to test their aptitudes no matter the time of day. Thus, for any elders, upper echelons, or outstanding disciples who discovered a good seedling outside the sect, the seedling was usually brought to this ce for testing if they possessed the qualifications to make an exception.

    Today, there were peopleing and going inside the Martial Arts Practice Venue. In several side halls, there were many who were in the middle of sparring andpeting. There were also those who continuously contemted the murals on the pce hall¡¯s walls. In short, it was a scene of bustling activity.

    All of a sudden, four people walked in through the entrance. There was one man and three women. The man had an outstanding demeanor and handsomeplexion. Meanwhile, though the women had different temperaments, each one of them was a rarely-seen beauty.

    Just as they entered, they attracted many lines of sight.

    Tianheng walked into the main hall. Arranged in this ce were several pirs as well as a giant jade annulus. Among these things, those pirs could test a martial artist¡¯s aptitude, and the annulus examined whether a martial artist truly had a special constitution. The results of the measurements were considered quite urate.

    Next to a pir, a man who appeared to be in his thirties was keeping watch. At this moment, he seemed to have heard the sound of footsteps. He lifted his head, and saw people approaching: ¡°You guys areing over to test?¡± Then, his line of sight swept over Tianheng, ¡°As it turns out, the all-star prodigy has arrived. This is too high an honor.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°These three are newly-discovered seedlings. Because of their special constitutions, we came to get them tested.¡±

    That man¡¯s interest was piqued: ¡°All three of them have special constitutions?¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°Precisely.¡±

    The man smiled, and stood up. Then, he made way for the jade annulus, and repeatedly said: ¡°Come,e,e! These three junior sisters can measure their constitutions first!¡±

    Tianheng stepped to the side. Shortly after that, he gestured at Huang Ji: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, could I trouble you to lead the charge for these two youngdies?¡±

    Huang Ji was rtively considerate when it came to delicate and pretty girls. He nodded right away, and took the initiative to walk over: ¡°How is everything measured?¡±

    That man said: ¡°To measure your potential and aptitude, you have to strike those pirs. As for measuring your constitution... Either extract a drop of blood and smear it onto the jade annulus, or inject your internal qi into the center of the annulus. Having a special constitution is enough to cause the artifact to undergo a change.¡±

    Huang Ji listened to these methods, but didn¡¯t say anything. He arrived in front of the jade annulus, pressed a palm against the artifact, and imbued his profound qi in rolling surges.

    In an instant, the surface of the jade annulus blossomed with glittering rays of light. The colors were changing from light to dark. Within a breath of time, it shifted from light-green to dark-red, and from dark-red to deep-purple.

    Once the jade annulus finished shining, Huang Ji withdrew his hand.

    The man¡¯s eyes were bright: ¡°So it¡¯s actually a high-grade special constitution? Indeed, this aptitude is pretty good!¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head.

    After getting the result, Huang Ji still didn¡¯t say anything. Meanwhile, Ling Ziwei and Xi Shuangyun felt somewhat nervous in their hearts. They didn¡¯t know what kind of grades their own constitutions would be.

    At this time, the man was already a little impatient: ¡°These two junior sisters have alsoe to measure?¡±

    Xi Shuangyun and Ling Ziwei exchanged nces.

    Ling Ziwei went to test first ¡ª In actuality, although her status was undetermined, she was currently regarded as half a member of the Gongyi n. Naturally, she had more advantages.

    When Ling Ziwei injected her profound qi into the jade annulus, the artifact simrly began to shine. It was just that, this time around, the color of the radiance remained a deep-red. Even though it vaguely appeared that several rays of light were about to turn a deep-purple, when all was said and done, there wasn¡¯t any true change. In the end, it was only this color and luster.

    Ling Ziwei was somewhat disappointed, but she quickly straightened out her mood, and went to listen to that man¡¯s verdict.

    The man said: ¡°Congrattions, you also have a special constitution. It¡¯s an above average constitution.¡±

    Following that, it was Xi Shuangyun¡¯s turn.

    Once she injected her own internal qi, the reaction of that jade annulus was exactly the same as when Ling Ziwei imbued her qi. It was a dark-red that was approaching purple. She likewise had an above average constitution.

    Each of the three women had aptitudes that were out of the ordinary. This would cause people to feel admiration in their hearts.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng also felt rather pleased.

    For those who possessed special constitutions of these two grades, so long as they didn¡¯t perform too poorly when testing their innate talents, the three of them could enter Ten Ultimates Sect. Moreover, the probability of directly entering the inner sect and bing pce hall disciples was much greater.

    While Xi Shuangyun and Ling Ziwei were slightly embarrassed, Tianheng suddenly had a thought... If his little pharmacist was also here, Ah Zuo might¡¯ve wondered which grade of special constitution his own Tiandu Body was considered!

    T/N: For thest scene in this chapter, the point of view is being told from the perspective of the onlookers. Thus, Huang Ji¡¯s gender is narrated as female, even though he identifies as male.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 454 - Apprenticing to a Master

    <h4>Chapter 454 - Apprenticing to a Master</h4>

    However, despite having this thought, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t go to test such a special constitution. After all, before the Tiandu Body gathered five types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects to form a five elements cycle, his physical body required nursing every time his realms advanced. No matter how strong he was, this was considered a weak point. It also wasn¡¯t known what grade would be disyed during the test ¡ª If, by any chance, outsiders noticed any clues, that wouldn¡¯t bode well.

    Besides, after the three people¡¯s test results appeared, it shocked everyone watching on the side.

    That man had long restrained his previously careless and absent-minded attitude. His expression had switched to be dignified: ¡°Do these three junior sisters want to join my Ten Ultimates Sect? Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, don¡¯t let your own fertile waters flow into another farmer¡¯s field.¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    The man replied with a smile of his own: ¡°At that time, which pce masters will these three junior sisters apprentice under...¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°This will depend on predestined affinity.¡±

    The man had several thoughts in mind.

    In other words, these three women would enter Ten Ultimates Sect. Moreover, although these seedlings were unearthed by the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, the Blood Transformation Pce Hall didn¡¯t have any intention of monopolizing them.

    Without a doubt, he was allowed to pass along the information to the other pce halls.

    But before that, while they finished testing their special constitutions, they still had to test their potential.

    Tianheng had seen those pirs before. One tested attack power, one testedprehension, and one tested physical toughness. Thebination of these three types formed a person¡¯s potential and aptitude. Of course, some people¡¯s attack power wasn¡¯t strong, but their other abilities were formidable. As such, they needed to rely on the fourth pir ¡ª Injecting internal qi into that pir could transform other powers to be measured.

    It was just that, in the end, this world respected martial arts. Under normal circumstances, strong attack power was one of the most basic criteria to make a judgment.

    Getting back to the topic at hand, the man said: ¡°These three junior sisters, please test your potential carefully.¡±

    Due to their different characteristics, the abilities of special constitutions were generally strengthened to a certain extent for the tests of these four pirs. The higher the grade of the special constitution, the greater the degree of enhancement.

    The first one was still Huang Ji.

    He took a step forward, and an explosive punchnded on the attack power pir.

    In an instant, rays of light suddenly appeared on the pir. In the blink of an eye, these lights rushed all the way to the tenth star!

    Attack power, prodigy level!

    Immediately following that, he pressed his palm against the second pir.

    Not long after, the stars on this pir were continuously illuminated. After a short while, the tenth star was simrly lit.

    Comprehension, prodigy level!

    Then, Huang Ji entered the third pir¡¯s capsule, and allowed that liquid to pressurize his body.

    Some time passed, and he walked out. Nevertheless, ten stars were still illuminated.

    Physical toughness, prodigy level!

    The man¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted.

    Unexpectedly, this handsome and heroic-looking woman¡¯s three tests were all at the prodigy level. In that case, she was an honorable prodigy!

    Even though the three criteria only just entered ten stars, this one was worth recruiting!

    The man took a deep breath, and said to Huang Ji: ¡°Junior sister, your aptitude is incredible.¡±

    Huang Ji cast him a sidelong nce, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    Tianheng smiled at him: ¡°Congrattions, Senior Sect Brother Huang.¡±

    Then, Huang Ji nodded at Tianheng.

    Upon seeing this, that man raised his eyebrows.

    After that, the man looked at the other two girls.

    He had long noticed that Huang Ji was the strongest among the three women, but thesest two had special constitutions as well. Perhaps, they could give him a pleasant surprise, too?

    Soon, Ling Ziwei calmed her state of mind, and moved ahead for the tests.

    Her constitution wasn¡¯t the type that was good at offensive attacks. As a result, for the first test, she utilized the fourth pir, which transformed one¡¯s power.

    Ling Ziwei wasn¡¯t one to disappoint others. In the blink of an eye, the stars constantly lit up, and quickly dashed straight to the tenth star! With the addition of certain aspects, her constitution had actually reached ten stars!

    Power transformation, prodigy level!

    Shortly thereafter was theprehension test.

    This time around, her power of understanding rushed out until she reached the eighth star.

    Comprehension, exceptional genius level.

    Finally, it was the physical toughness test.

    As a a young girl who hadn¡¯t purposefully honed her physical body, although she had been vigorously nurtured in Qingyun Sect, she was obviously still somewhatcking. This time, it was just three stars.

    In other words, her physical toughness was only at the ordinary genius level.

    Once Xi Shuangyun saw this, she became a little nervous.

    Likewise, she also used the pir that tested power transformation, and attained a ten-stars prodigy level. Following this was theprehension test, which reached nine-stars exceptional genius level. As for physical toughness, because she never cultivated her body at all, she only barely reached one star.

    Indeed, Ling Ziwei and Xi Shuangyun couldn¡¯t bepared to Huang Ji. However, one of the three criteria achieved the prodigy level. Theirprehensions also weren¡¯t weak. Even though their physical bodies really weren¡¯t up to standard, this was enough to attract people¡¯s attention.

    After all, the other two criteria were innate, but the physical body was the easiest to strengthen.

    These kind of test results were all within Tianheng¡¯s expectations. Moreover, he clearly understood that this was far from their best performance.

    On the Peripheral Continents, the three hadn¡¯t achieved the most optimal nurturing, so it was only natural that their bodies were weak. Xi Shuangyun and Ling Ziwei were this feeble because their special constitutions weren¡¯t the type that enhanced the physical body. As a result, it was basically all about the transformation of power, which allowed that one aspect to reach the prodigy level. If they trained more in the future, perhaps they could be even more powerful as their strength increased.

    However, Huang Ji¡¯s special constitution really did surpass the constitutions of those two girls. The Heavenly Beast Body¡¯s attack power and physical toughness were extraordinary. Merely, there wasn¡¯t enough resources. His toughness and offensive capabilities hadn¡¯t achieved their strongest states. Otherwise, with regards to these two criteria, he should¡¯ve gotten at least eleven or even a full twelve stars!

    With the resources of Ten Ultimates Sect, so long as Xi Shuangyun and Ling Ziwei joined the sect, it probably wouldn¡¯t take long for them to improve their physical bodies. At the very least, their toughness wouldn¡¯t be their weak point by the time they reached the elite genius level.

    Once the three of them finished testing, that man¡¯s expression was also quite pleased.

    He mainly valued the two aspects of power transformation andprehension. On the contrary, physical toughness came second.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how Xi Shuangyun and Ling Ziwei weren¡¯t considered prodigies. Under this kind of rigorous testing, even exceptional geniuses might¡¯ve had a hard time passing. If it was within a small-scale organization, they would¡¯ve been nurtured as prodigies ¡ª In organizations of different ranks, their standards of a prodigy weren¡¯t the same.

    At the minimum, for silver-ranked organizations and above, they had to meet requirements in several aspects before they could be called prodigies. Generally, so long as one of the aspects reached the level of a prodigy, and, among the other two, theirprehension reached the exceptional genius level, they could be called a prodigy.

    This was also one of the reasons why there were different ranks between prodigies.

    ¡ª Just like the three quarreling prodigies on the Road of Death back then. In fact, none of them couldpare to the prodigies who met the standards of silver-ranked organizations.

    The man said: ¡°When do these three junior sisters intend to apprentice themselves?¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Right now, I¡¯ll bring them to pay a formal visit to my master. This senior brother can inform each of the pce halls about this matter. If they¡¯re interested in epting disciples, they can send word to my master.¡±

    The man nodded his head: ¡°Okay. It¡¯s good that the Blood Transformation Pce Master is around.¡± After he finished speaking, he waved to them, ¡°In the future, I hope to see these three junior sistersing to the Martial Arts Practice Hall to train often. At that time, as your senior brother, I¡¯ll certainly introduce these junior sisters to some good ces.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Many thanks, senior brother.¡±

    Soon after, Tianheng called for the wild bird once more. Carrying the three seedlings, it flew towards the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    The man watched them fly into the distance. With a snap of his fingers, he summoned his own subordinates. He ordered them to take a token, go to each pce hall, and report the news of this time¡¯s outstanding disciples.

    Without much extra effort, the qi emissions carried by those three women were also conveyed ¡ª This allowed those pce masters to sense whether these constitutions were suited to their body cultivation methods.

    Returning to Tianheng, he brought the three back to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. He didn¡¯t need to verify his identity, and led the people inside by directly shing his face.

    Once the Blood Transformation Pce Master heard the report, he was already waiting in the hall. Upon seeing Tianheng, he revealed an amiable smile: ¡°Apprentice, is the testing finished?¡±

    Tianheng said with a smile: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Then, he informed the pce master about the three¡¯s test results, ¡°Later on, this disciple will need master¡¯s help to discern which pce halls these three old friends should apprentice under.¡±

    The three also stepped forward, and paid their respects to the Blood Transformation Pce Master:

    ¡°Huang Ji¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ling Ziwei¡ª¡±

    ¡°Xi Shuangyun¡ª¡±

    ¡°Greetings, pce master.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master brushed his sleeve, and allowed the three of them to rise. Then, he said: ¡°It¡¯s no bother. In light of my apprentice¡¯s honor, I¡¯ll let them join the most suitable pce halls.¡±

    Tianheng gave another smile.

    With his master¡¯s identity, such words were just to remind the three people to ept his kind intentions.

    It was enough to show how much his master cherished him.

    The three also heard the meaning within those words. Naturally, they didn¡¯t object. In addition, they knew from the beginning that these opportunities were due to Tianheng¡¯s fortune.

    Soon after, the Blood Transformation Pce Master inly said: ¡°Do you three have any preferences?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°Because they hadn¡¯t been tested before, this disciple hadn¡¯t informed them about the particrs of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls yet.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master faintly nodded: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, it¡¯s better to wait a moment. Later on, you can choose from among those who are wiling toe over to ept apprentices. If they don¡¯te, no matter how suitable that pce hall would be, it¡¯s nothing more than a stroke of bad luck! With the aptitudes of you three, even if no one else epts you, there won¡¯t be any problems entering my Blood Transformation Pce Hall. At most, this venerable one just has to find some formidable elders toe over and give you dedicated guidance.¡±

    Hearing what was said, the three naturally expressed their gratitude once again.

    Following this, the Blood Transformation Pce Master asked them about their attributes. He had many thoughts in mind.

    While they were speaking, several figures with extremely terrifying suppressive might unknowingly arrived. After a few gusts of wind, several men and women appeared inside therge Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    Tianheng took a quick look, and already recognized them. The Ten Ultimates Pce Halls had a total of ten pce masters. Except for the Blood Transformation Pce Master, there were nine people left. And six of them came here.

    Respectively, they were the pce masters of the Frigid Ice Pce Hall, Ardent Earth Pce Hall, Jade Ocean Pce Hall, Fallen Soul Pce Hall, Red Sands Pce Hall, and Howling Wind Pce Hall.

    The other three probably saw something from the qi emissions that wasn¡¯t suitable, so they didn¡¯te over.

    The Fallen Soul Pce Master was the first to take a step forward: ¡°Who has the Moon Siren Body? I am the venerable Fallen Soul Pce Master. This kind of constitution is the most suitable for my pce hall!¡±

    Ling Ziwei startled. Then, she saluted and said: ¡°This younger generation, Ling Ziwei, pays her respects to the pce master.¡±

    In the blink of an eye, the gaze of the Fallen Soul Pce Master swept over Ling Ziwei. After that, his eyes were filled with satisfaction: ¡°Not bad, not bad. Sure enough, this is the Moon Siren Body. Are you willing to be an apprentice to this venerable one?¡±

    T/N: To refresh your memories about the pce masters and their specialties, you can read Chapter 305.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 455 - Destinations of the Three

    <h4>Chapter 455 - Destinations of the Three</h4>

    Ling Ziwei didn¡¯t know these pce masters very well yet. Naturally, she couldn¡¯t make a decision easily. Moreover, this Fallen Soul Pce Master had an odd appearance. He looked like a five or six-year-old child, and his temperament was entric, which made her feel a little hesitant.

    Then, the Frigid Ice Pce Master opened her mouth: ¡°Ling Ziwei, does your constitution have an affinity for the water attribute?¡±

    Ling Ziwei lightly nodded her beautiful head: ¡°Yes.¡±

    The Frigid Ice Pce Master said: ¡°Do you wish to enter my pce hall?¡±

    Ling Ziwei startled again.

    The Frigid Ice Pce Master was a beautiful woman who seemed cold and morous. Because she was a woman, Ling Ziwei naturally felt slightly biased toward her, but this beautiful woman had a sharp and fierce countenance. It looked like she wasn¡¯t easy to get along with. This simrly made Ling Ziwei feel a type of restraining fear in her heart. She didn¡¯t dare to make a rash decision.

    After fruitlessly pondering, she turned her head to nce at Gongyi Tianheng with an inquiring look.

    Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t respond.

    Ling Ziwei was slightly disappointed, but she also knew that, when it came to matters of apprenticeship, it wasn¡¯t good to let others decide.

    On the contrary, it was the Blood Transformation Pce Master who spoke up: ¡°Whoever gives you the identity of a personal disciple is the one you should go with.¡±

    Hearing this, Ling Ziwei clenched her teeth. First, she bowed to the Frigid Ice Pce Master, and paid her respects: ¡°Many thanks for the high regard, pce master.¡± Soon after, she walked in front of that child-like figure, and earnestly saluted, ¡°This Ling Ziwei wishes to apprentice under the Fallen Soul Pce Hall. Would this master please take her in?¡±

    The Fallen Soul Pce Master let out a shrillugh: ¡°Good, good, good! Apprentice Ziwei, it¡¯ll be easy for you to be this master¡¯s disciple. You couldn¡¯t have made a better choice! Once you enter this master¡¯s pce hall, you can study the ultimate skill Three Tunes of the Heavenly Soul. If this master isn¡¯t mistaken, you have already obtained the inheritance of the Moon Siren Body. At that time, when you do battle with someone, you can sing the three tunes and dance with the siren¡¯s charm. With thebination of song and dance, it will be impossible for anyone to escape from your grasp!¡±

    Ling Ziwei listened to this, and her face revealed a happy expression.

    To be honest, when all was said and done, her Moon Siren Body was still too unorthodox. If she really had to deal with men the way Human King Yan Ruo did back then, she truly wasn¡¯t willing. But now, she would have the Three Tunes of the Heavenly Soul to make up for herck ofbat power. She was especially happy, and had heartfelt respect for the Fallen Soul Pce Master.

    Seeing her disy, the Fallen Soul Pce Master was also extremely happy. Right away, he spoke a sentence: ¡°This venerable one shall bring his apprentice away!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he lifted his small hand, and an invisible power swept up Ling Ziwei. After that, his figure also turned half-corporeal like a virtual image. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from sight along with Ling Ziwei!

    The ones left behind were the remaining five pce masters.

    The Frigid Ice Pce Master was refused, but one couldn¡¯t tell if she cared from her expression. She turned to face Xi Shuangyun, and asked again: ¡°Are you willing to be my apprentice?¡±

    At the same time, the Jade Ocean Pce Master and Howling Wind Pce Master looked at her, and asked the same question: ¡°Are you willing to be my apprentice?¡±

    All of a sudden, Xi Shuangyun had three peopleing to inquire about her. It was seriously somewhat overwhelming to be favored by one¡¯s superiors.

    However, because of the suffering she endured for many years, she was able to remain more cool-headed than Ling Ziwei. She also knew what she herself needed. Based on the honorific titles of the three pce masters, she roughly guessed what ultimate knowledge the three pce halls were rted to. And like Ling Ziwei, her own constitution had an affinity to water...

    Speaking of which, the Frigid Ice Pce Hall and the Jade Ocean Pce Hall should¡¯ve been more suitable for her than the Howling Wind Pce Hall. In addition, the two pce masters were both women. Yet, Xi Shuangyun understood even more that, apart from body attributes,patible temperaments and body cultivation methods were standards for making a decision, too.

    Of course, the three pce masters also valued her Heavenly Heart Body. Being able to peek into other people¡¯s minds was an excellent auxiliary ability during battle.

    For a short while, Xi Shuangyun had a hard time choosing. After pondering deeply, she asked: ¡°Would these three pce masters be able to talk about the characteristics of their ultimate knowledge that can be passed down?¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the three pce masters were also somewhat surprised.

    The Howling Wind Pce Master said: ¡°You actually have some guts.¡±

    The Frigid Ice Pce Master¡¯s expression hardened.

    The Jade Ocean Pce Master¡¯s smiling expression still appeared gentle and sweet-tempered.

    Immediately following this, the three pce masters really gave her a recounting of the characteristics of the three types of ultimate knowledge.

    What the Howling Wind Pce Hall¡¯s Wind Dragon Nine Transformations required was speed, intrigue, and ferocity. It could be said that attacks and agility went hand in hand. It was to the point that even its defenses weren¡¯t weak. It was considered a kind of ultimate knowledge that was rtivelyprehensive in all aspects.

    The might of the Frigid Ice Pce Hall¡¯s Heaven and Earth Frost Cage was very formidable. It required that the practitioner was unswervingly determined and could endure the ruthless cold. After practicing it, one could freeze the surrounding space, which was extremely terrifying. However, although the attack power was strong, it was usually used for killing on a massive scale.

    Next was the Jade Ocean Pce Hall¡¯s Life Seizing Imperial Ocean. It focused on the brutality and tyranny of the great ocean. It needed a martial artist¡¯s thoughts to be fearsome and unshakable. There had to be an extremely vast atmosphere, and it was also grandiose and majestic. With suppressive force, attack and defense were integrated. However, it could only exhibit the best results when facingrge quantities of enemies.

    After she finished listening, Xi Shuangyun¡¯s brows furrowed, and she pondered for a moment. Atst, she made a decision.

    She slowly passed by the two pce masters, and walk before the Howling Wind Pce Master. She gracefully bowed down: ¡°This disciple thanks these two pce masters for their kind intentions, but...

    ¡°This disciple greets master.¡±

    The Howling Wind Pce Master¡¯s somewhat haggard features revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Not bad. You have good eyesight.¡±

    At once, he swooped her up, and brought her away.

    The Frigid Ice Pce Master was a little unhappy. She flicked her sleeve, transformed into a gust of icy frost, and disappeared.

    The Jade Ocean Pce Master lightly sighed: ¡°What a pity. No luck at all.¡±

    Then, she turned into a body of clear, jade-green water, and dispersed.

    The skills of these pce masters were only slightly revealed, but it already caused people to sigh in amazement. They couldn¡¯t help but apud in their hearts.

    Now, the apprenticeship of two new disciples had been settled.

    Finally, only Huang Ji remained.

    The fact that Huang Ji was left behind wasn¡¯t because no one fought over him. Rather, he modestly let the women go first. At this moment, those people came over. The Ardent Earth Pce Master and the Red Sands Pce Master appeared on Huang Ji¡¯s left and right.

    The Red Sands Pce Master was gentle and mild: ¡°You have an affinity for the earth attribute, which suits the cultivation method of my Traceless Sand Treading. Are you willing to be my apprentice?¡±

    This school of ultimate knowledge was a rare body technique. After learning it, one¡¯s body was like a ghostly demon, and as light as airborne sand or dust. This was another unusually frightening skill.

    Huang Ji faced the Red Sands Pce Master, and faintly shook his head.

    As far as he was concerned, what he wanted to learn wasn¡¯t a body lightening technique.

    Meanwhile, the expression on the Ardent Earth Pce Master¡¯s face was somewhat conflicted. At this time, he scratched his head: ¡°This girl¡¯s attribute is suitable and her constitution is also appropriate, but my pce hall is full of crude and vulgar men. If I ept you, I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be able to endure the suffering. But if I don¡¯t ept you, I also won¡¯t be reconciled with letting such a talented and beautiful prodigy go.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, Huang Ji showed a puzzled look: ¡°This younger generation is a man. Why does this pce master have such thoughts?¡±

    Originally, after the Red Sands Pce Master was refused, he was about to leave right away. At this time, he suddenly heard Huang Ji¡¯s statement, and his body, which was going to turn into grains of red sand, immediately stopped changing: ¡°You said¡ªa man?¡±

    His heart was astonished, and he couldn¡¯t help wondering. Could he have lost his eyes? But when he took a closer look, this Huang Ji in front of him was still a woman.

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master¡¯s expression also became peculiar: ¡°A man? My eyes aren¡¯t wrong. How could you be a man? You¡¯re obviously a woman through and through!¡±

    Huang Ji was actually used to being misgendered by other people. Although he still received these kind of questions in Ten Ultimates Sect, he resolutely said: ¡°This younger generation is a man, not a woman. These two pce masters, please see this clearly.¡±

    The Ardent Earth and Red Sands Pce Masters were somewhat stumped for words.

    No matter how clearly they looked, regardless of what special abilities or identification techniques they used, she was still a woman!

    However, although the two pce masters were sure that Huang Ji was a woman, with their identities, how could they still argue with a younger generation inside this pce hall whether she was a man or a woman?

    This behavior was unbefitting of them.

    Huang Ji was quite obstinate. He said that he was a man, so he was certainly a man! Let alone that these pce masters doubted his gender. Even if it was a greater emperor ranked cultivator, which hadn¡¯t been seen on the Central Continent for countless years, who suddenly appeared right in front of him, he would still be a man!

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng couldn¡¯t help inwardly chuckling. However, he understood Huang Ji¡¯s willfulness, and stepped forward to help him out: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, wouldn¡¯t it be better to first ask about the Ardent Earth Pce Hall¡¯s ultimate knowledge?¡±

    Then, he exined to the two pce masters: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang has been a man since birth. Previously, in another sect, there were countless youngdies who trailed after him like mandarin ducks. Their adoration and admiration for him was endless.¡±

    The expressions of the two pce masters promptly changed.

    They were also knowledgable of many extraordinary things. Now that they heard Tianheng¡¯s words, it could be considered that they understood. In any case, even though Huang Ji was clearly a woman, he himself and his old friends all acknowledged that he was a man. Moreover, the targets of his admiration were also women...

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master was arge man with straightforward thoughts, so he didn¡¯t talk excessively at this time. He only said: ¡°The ultimate knowledge of my Ardent Earth Pce Hall is the Eight Points Suppressing Prison. Strength lies within the physical body, and the core is centered around battle. Fight, fight, fight! Kill, kill, kill! Only through boundless suffering can one gain supreme might! Ordinary people practicing this cultivation method will find it unbearable. Do you still want to learn it?¡±

    When Huang Ji heard the first line, his eyes were already gleaming. After he finished listening, he answered without the slightest hesitation: ¡°This suits my tastes. I want to learn!¡±

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master¡¯s mood was peculiar. He used a finger to scratch the side of his face: ¡°Well... First, you¡¯ll go to my pce hall and learn. If you can¡¯t hold on, how about going to the Red Sands Pce Hall?¡±

    The Red Sands Pce Master nced at the Ardent Earth Pce Master. Although he was refused, he still cherished talent: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, no matter when Student Huang Jies, my Red Sands Pce Hall will wee him.¡±

    Huang Ji cupped his fist: ¡°Many thanks!¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 456 - Martial Arts Dojo

    <h4>Chapter 456 - Martial Arts Dojo</h4>

    The Red Sands Pce Master quickly departed, but the Ardent Earth Pce Master hesitated: ¡°Shall we go, too?¡±

    Huang Ji lifted his foot, and naturally stood next to the pce master: ¡°Master, if you would.¡±

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master rubbed his nose again.

    He felt that this master and apprentice rtionship wasn¡¯t going tost long, but it wouldn¡¯t be good to dampen the enthusiasm of new disciples...

    After that, the Ardent Earth Pce Master hoisted Huang Ji onto his shoulder. His entire body transformed into something like a ferocious beast, and shed out at great speeds. In an instant, not a trace of them could be seen.

    At this point, the three seedlings found the pce halls where they belonged. It was only natural that Gongyi Tianheng felt relieved.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master revealed a smiling expression: ¡°Apprentice, do you share close friendships with them?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Xi Shuangyun¡¯s elder brother and this disciple have somewhat of a friendship. In the future, Ling Ziwei may walk through my Gongyi n¡¯s doors, and be the wife of my biological younger brother. Huang Ji is the teacher of my biological younger sister. He¡¯s also my senior brother from the previous Qingyun Sect.¡±

    If one thought about it, all of them had involvements.

    Hearing what was said, the Blood Transformation Pce Master faintly nodded: ¡°Their aptitudes are pretty good, and their rtionships with each of those pce halls are also rtively simple. One day, they¡¯ll be of great assistance to you, especially Huang Ji. He definitely isn¡¯t a fish in a small pond. Right now, that Ardent Earth Pce Master is conflicted, but in the future, he probably won¡¯t want to let go of him.¡±

    Tianheng couldn¡¯t restrain hisughter: ¡°That¡¯s right. Although this disciple doesn¡¯t know how arduous the cultivation method practiced by the Ardent Earth Pce Hall is, Senior Sect Brother Huang will presumably have no problems.¡±

    Nothing else had to be said. Indeed, Huang Ji¡¯s adaptability was incredibly strong. Sooner orter, a powerhouse with the Heavenly Beast Body would appear in the Ardent Earth Pce Hall.

    After chatting with his own master, Tianheng asked the Blood Transformation Pce Masterplicated questions about several martial disciplines. This pce master was deeply immersed in the Endless Blood of the Divine Body, so he could talk about the subtleties of all the relevant derivative martial skills. In addition to these rted martial disciplines, he was able to draw inferences about other martial disciples. The pce master pointed straight to the core of these matters, and gave Tianheng a lot of help.

    Afterwards, Tianheng bade farewell and left.

    On his face, he wore a smiling expression. He was also very pleased with the pce halls that the three seedlings entered.

    For these three people, Tianheng didn¡¯t n on having them join the Blood Transformation Pce Hall from the beginning. Not to mention anything else, the body cultivation method of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall was special, and the attributes and temperaments of the three weren¡¯t too suitable either. Therefore, was there any need to force it?

    Moreover, after the three of them entered their pce halls as exceptional geniuses and prodigies, they would certainly have the opportunities to learn each pce hall¡¯s ultimate knowledge. While he didn¡¯t have the intention of making them teach him each ultimate knowledge, so long as they practiced and trained with him present, he could derive the best features and integrate them into his self-created six paths &#k2014; This was better than thoroughly learning the Endless Blood of the Divine Body to an adequate level and asking his own master to negotiate with the other pce masters to learn a few more pieces of ultimate knowledge.

    In order to let the Gongyi n gain a foothold as soon as possible and to make his subordinates even more loyal, after discussing things with Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng decided to allocate some resources to focus on nurturing talents.

    Hence, they sent down an order.

    In the manor, Tianheng funded the construction of a martial arts dojo, which was controlled by the Gongyi n. Numerous Gongyi n children went inside to learn martial arts. At the same time, other subordinates, including the various servile races that pledged their allegiances, selected outstanding children within their races to apany them as practice partners.

    All of the adherents within the manor grounds knew that their young master had brought a batch of younger generations from his n to train them. Themon practices these juniors usually received were no different from their own. This greatly reassured them, but it also allowed them to ept this arrangement willingly.

    After all, it was natural to be preferential towards one¡¯s own n members. There would certainly be distinctions between rtives and adherents. However, only by being impartial in terms of overt resources could it be ensured that the subordinates weren¡¯t disillusioned or disappointed ¡ª When all was said and done, they were Tianheng¡¯s adherents. They weren¡¯t adherents of the Gongyi n.

    Of course, many subordinates wouldn¡¯t go so far as to require treatment equivalent to what their master¡¯s n members received. Just like this martial arts dojo, for example. It waspletely fine that it belonged to the Gongyi n. Allowing them to act as practice partners and to enjoy this exceptional nurturing was the benevolence of their master.

    In actuality, Tianheng only established the martial arts dojo to better train his n members so that they could smoothly gain a foothold. Apart from this, whatever the n members wanted, they had to fight for it like the other adherents. Otherwise, would Tianheng end up raising a nest of rice weevils or a group of helpers? What he needed was a rich and powerful n, not a crowd of powerless and ipetent swine.

    After the martial arts dojo was set up, Tianheng called together all of his n members. With a cold and solemnplexion, he said: ¡°I funneled resources and provided this martial arts dojo so that all of you can swiftly advance at the initial stages. However, the dojo has its ownpetition. If you don¡¯t work hard enough, and you aren¡¯t as good as your many practice partners, it can only mean that your aptitudes are poor and that you aren¡¯t worth nurturing. The resources you get will be reduced. If you want to improve in the future, you can only fight for it once more on your own.¡±

    The numerous n members also had solemn and respectful expressions: ¡°Yes, young lord!¡±

    The opportunity to be nurtured didn¡¯te easily. They absolutely couldn¡¯t disappoint the n!

    Tianheng¡¯s expression eased somewhat: ¡°Now that many servile races have submitted themselves to me, it has nothing to do with you. If you want the Gongyi n to obtain their recognition, you must spare no effort to surpass your peers in the dojo. Among you all, each person will have several practice partners. If you¡¯re hardworking, they can be your helpers. If you¡¯re sincere, they can be your friends. And if you¡¯re no good...they can also only be mediocre.¡±

    Upon hearing this, the breaths of the n members hitched.

    Now, they understood clearly. The young lord was giving them a chance to strive for the help of the servile races. If they were powerful enough, they could also obtain the recognition of the servile races! At that time, perhaps the young lord could bestow those practice partners to them... In this manor, not only could they organize certain teams and groups, they could also get the support of the servile races from their own practice partners.

    Even though everyone was a member of the Gongyi n, they all came from different branches. There werepetitions within the n, too! Whoever took the lead in developing their own forces could gain the young lord¡¯s respect and favor. They would constantly strengthen until they became leaders of the n!

    They couldn¡¯t help but give it their all for such future prospects.

    The young lord wasn¡¯t more than a few years older than them. And he was even younger than some n members among them. On the Central Continent, this kind of young lord could have such foundations in Ten Ultimates Sect, so why couldn¡¯t they also be regional powerhouses with the help of the young lord¡¯s strength?

    Under the words of Tianheng, which were brimming with hints and suggestions, the great ambitions of the Gongyi n¡¯s three hundred children were stoked into raging mes, and their gazes became increasingly resolute.

    Though they were neers, at this moment, the apprehension and hesitation brought about by witnessing the formidable martial strength of those within the manor grounds disappeared without a trace...

    While Tianheng was busy, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t idle either.

    He gathered all of the pharmacists, and conducted certain evaluations on their current levels of medicine refinement. Among them, he selected a portion of young pharmacists who showed potential, rewarded them with several rare pill prescriptions, and allowed them to pick one or two types to master.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo required these young pharmacists who obtained these pill prescriptions to form small teams. In sequential batches, they would oversee the martial arts dojo. asionally, they would have to refine medicinal pills ording to the needs of the dojo students. If the pharmacists could satisfactorilyplete their tasks, after going through Gu Zuo¡¯s verification, they would get the chance to obtain new pill prescriptions and strengthen themselves.

    This approach was also for Gu Zuo to allow the young pharmacists and martial artists to make reliable friends or develop other rtionships ¡ª Although the pharmacists still had certain assignments to refine medicine, in order to gain stronger subordinates, it was best that each martial artist had the chance to find their own personal pharmacist.

    Originally, Gu Zuo was the personal pharmacist of his family¡¯s big brother. As a result, he understood how important a personal pharmacist was to martial artists. In addition, pharmacists couldn¡¯t shut themselves away and work on projects in istion. If they wanted to be even more powerful and umte even more good things, they had to go out and experience the outside world. However, not every pharmacist would be strong enough to have many martial artists apanying them. Reliable followers also weren¡¯t that easy to find.

    With the existence of the martial arts dojo, the young martial artists and pharmacists would have the opportunity to interact with one another. This would let them find more suitablepanions.

    This was a two-way choice.

    With regards to Gu Zuo¡¯s requirements, the young pharmacists and their ns and families had no objections. After all, it was the rtively mature pharmacists who really supported the medicine stores of their respective ns and families. Thus, the young pharmacists only needed to hand over a portion of their tasks every month. For the rest of the time, it was more important to interact with the martial artists in the dojo, hone their own skill levels, and strive for better pill prescription rewards.

    Just like this, many things stepped onto the right track.

    The martial arts dojo had an upright system of rewards and punishments. Each time someone made a breakthrough, they could receive something. Every time they ced in the top ten of the dojo¡¯s leaderboard, they could also receive something... The rewards included martial skills and medicinal pills. While the martial skills were versions that were improved by Tianheng, the pills came from Gu Zuo¡¯s inventory that he rued whenever he had free time to practice his techniques.

    Gradually, the martial arts dojo was smoothly established. Not to mention the Gongyi n children had a goal to strive towards, after the children of those subsidiary organizations and servile races entered the dojo, they also slowly revealed their skills. This stimted all of the young martial artists. Strongly determined to seed, they dauntlessly improved.

    One day, in some corner of the manor grounds, there came the sound of a violent explosion.

    Gongyi Tianheng, who was originally sitting in meditation at the mountain peak, suddenly opened his eyes. His expression moved slightly.

    At once, Gu Zuo rapidly performed many hand seals to collect a cauldron¡¯s worth of medicinal pills. Shortly thereafter, he hurriedly asked: ¡°Big brother, what happened?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze fell toward that ce.

    Gu Zuo followed along, and looked over ¡ª

    Immediately following the first rumbling explosion were the sounds of the second and third sts. Then, there were the sounds of dozens of violent explosions that transmitted over in quick session.

    Above that ce, the sky burst forth with qi clouds that spanned at least ten meters across. Like a group of beautiful and fragrant flowers that vied for attention, the neatly-arranged qi clouds floated in the sky and attracted everyone¡¯s stares.

    When a martial artist broke through from the Xiantian Realm to the Immortal Realm, a qi cloud would appear overhead. Moreover, the wider the qi cloud, the sturdier the foundations of that martial artist.

    Back during Tianheng¡¯s breakthrough, because his body was inside the hidden chamber, the qi cloud was intentionally blocked and wasn¡¯t seen by outsiders. At this moment, that ce didn¡¯t have any form of coverage, so each and every qi cloud represented that a martial artist had sessfully reached the Immortal Realm.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°That ce is...the residence of the Tianlong Guards.¡±

    In other words, within this short period, dozens of Tianlong Guards were breaking through at nearly the exact same time!

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 457 - Those â€œFireworksâ€

    <h4>Chapter 457 - Those ¡°Fireworks¡±</h4>

    These qi cloudssted as long as two hours before slowly dissipating. During this time, forty Tianlong Guards advanced to the Immortal Realm.

    After these qi clouds dissipated, another qi cloud suddenly emerged high in the sky. Closely following it was a second and third one. Unexpectedly, forty qi clouds appeared again!

    Likewise, theysted for two hours.

    Gu Zuo watched that ce with a bit of shock: ¡°A second batch of Tianlong Guards have also...¡± He couldn¡¯t help speaking with emotion, ¡°This is probably the result of umted knowledge and good preparation?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    It had already been a month since they returned to the Central Continent. It was only natural that the Tianlong Guards ought to have breakthroughs.

    It was also only after they broke through that they could be his helpers.

    These forty qi clouds eventually vanished. Soon after, yet another forty clouds appeared, whichsted for another two hours... Over and over again, this phenomenon of forty qi clouds simultaneously appearing urred a total of five times. In addition, the length that each instancested was exactly the same. It was incredibly unusual.

    Such a peculiar scene naturally attracted the attentions of many people.

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair: ¡°Ah Zuo, let¡¯s go and take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head, and smiled: ¡°Okay!¡±

    When all was said and done, this ce was still too far away. They wanted to get a closer look and find out what kind of imposing aura those Tianlong Guards could manifest after breaking through!

    Soon after, the figures of two people shed out. Without touching the ground, they had already travelled quite the distance.

    As they were about to set foot upon the base of the mountain, Tianheng gathered Gu Zuo into his embrace, and swept him away like a gust of wind...

    The location where the battle ves trained together.

    At the huge, open space up ahead, dozens of Tianlong Guards sat cross-legged. Blood-red qi emissions rose up from their bodies, and their forms seemed to be cloaked in a dense, bloody mist. It exuded an extremely strange and blood-drenched hidden meaning.

    Just recently, they were clearly training under the guidance of Ao Min. Yet, for whatever reason, several Tianlong Guards underwent astonishing changes all of a sudden. Then, many more Tianlong Guards appeared to have some kind of chain reaction. Right away, simr changes urred.

    The next moment, these Tianlong Guards were all about to have breakthroughs.

    Although the battle ves had witnessed several people make breakthroughs together, they had never seen dozens of people do it simultaneously. In addition, even the changes during the breakthroughs were so simr!

    For a period of time, the interests of these battle ves were greatly piqued.

    Ao Min folded his arms, and stood on the side. While he protected the Tianlong Guards, he revealed a ponderous look.

    Next to Ao Min, several non-human races appeared. They included members of the shadow cat race as well as the other two hound races, the wild dogs and sighthounds. Within these racial groups were Ascendent Realm powerhouses and Atomic Realm upper echelons. All of them cast their attentions to this side.

    A woman from the sighthound race spoke with gentle and soft words: ¡°Ao Min, what have you discovered?¡±

    Ao Min faintly shook his head: ¡°What I¡¯m pondering really isn¡¯t what you¡¯re thinking.¡±

    The sighthound woman faintly startled: ¡°Then, what is it?¡±

    Ao Min furrowed his brows: ¡°We battle ves were allocated to the young master by the sect. And the young master¡¯s ce was indeed an excellent destination for us.¡±

    The sighthound woman lightly nodded her beautiful head: ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    This was everyone¡¯s consensus. Otherwise, their five major tribes wouldn¡¯t have taken the initiative to cast their support before Gongyi Tianheng fully matured.

    Wasn¡¯t the most important thing Tianheng¡¯s potential and his magnanimity?

    However, what was the meaning of Ao Min¡¯s words now?

    Ao Min said: ¡°Although our ve brands rest entirely in the young master¡¯s hands, and the young master could immediately take control of our very life and death, there¡¯s no ambiguity that we started following the younger master due to the instructions of the sect. It also can¡¯t be guaranteed that there aren¡¯t any influences from the sect behind us.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his gaze focused: ¡°As for these Tianlong Guards, they¡¯ve been following the young master since childhood. They¡¯re faithful and true subordinates.¡±

    The sighthound woman somewhat understood, and herplexion sank: ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Ao Min replied: ¡°In terms of a spotless family background, the Tianlong Guards are above us. In terms of loyalty, they¡¯re also above us. In terms of strength, although they were just like ants and mole crickets previously, the various disys when they broke through to the Immortal Realm are proof that each of them will be iparably formidable powerhouses in the future. At that time, what advantages will we have to speak of?¡±

    Compared to ordinary servile races, the biggest advantage of battle ves lied in their loyalty and strong tenacity after intensive training. However, while the battle ves didn¡¯t possess the qualities of the Tianlong Guards, the Tianlong Guards were gradually catching up to the battle ves. As such, this signified that the position of the battle ves would quickly be reced by the Tianlong Guards...

    If it was only withdrawing to the second line of duty, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. But if they were gradually marginalized like this, that would be the most terrifying oue.

    The sighthound woman finished listening, and her expression was solemn and respectful: ¡°I have to say that your words are reasonable. But Ao Min, this isn¡¯t something that can be hindered.¡±

    Could it be that he wanted them to be enemies with the Tianlong Guards? They couldn¡¯t be this foolish!

    Ao Min¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t move away from the Tianlong Guards: ¡°No hindering. That the young master has such devoted and powerful subordinates is the young master¡¯s fortune. What we need to do is to rope in these Tianlong Guards, work together with them in good faith, and be inseparable.¡±

    The sighthound woman also thought of something: ¡°Your idea is...¡±

    Ao Min said: ¡°The young master allowed us to provide guidance to the Tianlong Guards. This should have the intention of letting us deepen our friendly rtions. We have many people, but the Tianlong Guards are few in number. If the rtionships between us and the Tianlong Guards are good enough, then we can actually develop along different routes and strengthen these routes separately. If these two routes arebined toplete a mission together, the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, and the better we¡¯ll be able to handle things for the young master...

    ¡°If it¡¯s like this, then we definitely won¡¯t be in a rtionship that¡¯s purely recing and being reced. Instead, we might be able to draw support from the Tianlong Guards, which will allow the young master to increase his trust in us.¡±

    At this point, the sighthound woman alreadypletely understood: ¡°What you say makes sense. Moreover, this could be precisely the young master¡¯s way of thinking. I¡¯ll go back and exin this to the battle ves under mymand. Although the young master¡¯s subordinates need healthypetition, we still have to stay connected with one another. If we aren¡¯t able to do this, while various parts have their own excellent capabilities, we¡¯ll only be a pile of loose sand.¡±

    Ao Min nodded his head: ¡°My thoughts exactly.¡±

    After they finished speaking, the two didn¡¯t say much else. They just watched those Tianlong Guards swiftly breaking through.

    Subsequently, one batch followed the next. With forty people making up every batch, all of the two hundred Tianlong Guards had breakthroughs one after another in a single day.

    Whenever a Tianlong Guard was breaking through, in addition to the emergence of qi clouds, their qi oceans would also produce a manifestation. However, these qi ocean manifestations were rtively obscured. Under the cover of the concentrated qi clouds, this only vaguely allowed spectators to sense some qi emissions, but they weren¡¯t able to detect the true forms.

    It was just that the qi emissions of the forty people from each group resembled this type of phenomenon. This further shocked the people watching.

    When the final batch of Tianlong Guards were in the middle of their breakthroughs, the figures of two people appeared in front of everyone.

    Tianheng let Gu Zuo down from his arms, and his gaze fell onto the Tianlong Guards who were still consolidating their strength on the side.

    Sure enough, they were worthy of being rted to the Tiandu Body. At a nce, Tianheng saw through everything. Like Tianheng in the beginning, the two sets of bone pearls within the Tianlong Guards had transformed into two qi oceans. But what was even more astonishing was that Tianheng could pass through their dantians, and ¡°look¡± at the scenes within their qi oceans!

    For example, Dragon One had an affinity for the earth attribute, and what he studied was the path of the underworld. Though, because Tianheng hadn¡¯t practiced this type of power yet, the qi ocean that belonged to the path of the underworld within Dragon One¡¯s dantian still mostly had the same form as the main qi ocean.

    However, Dragon Two was different. His constitution had an affinity for water, so what he studied was the path of the asura. In his dantian, there was a qi ocean that turned a reddish-ck color, which was clearly carrying blood poison. Traces of blood mist rose up, and continuously gathered over the qi ocean. It probably wouldn¡¯t take much time to form an upside-down river of blood, which was extremely simr to the corresponding qi ocean within Tianheng¡¯s body!

    Furthermore, there were several Tianlong Guards whose other qi oceans had marvelous usages. So long as Tianheng used special powers to develop those qi oceans, they would form simr manifestations that weren¡¯t entirelyplete. One only had to wait for them to be perfected in the future.

    After catching sight of Tianheng, all of the Tianlong Guards swiftly reacted. Regardless of whether they were in the middle of cultivating or consolidating their strength, they uniformly stood up, and kneeled on one knee: ¡°The Tianlong Guards greet the young master!¡±

    This kind of devotion was seen by the numerous battle ves, and the pupils of their eyes shrank.

    Indeed. No matter how respectful and obedient they presently were to Tianheng, they couldn¡¯t match the Tianlong Guards, whose reverence was like a form of religious fervor.

    Tianheng brushed his sleeves, and allowed them to rise: ¡°Very good. From now on, it will be feasible to send all of you to do missions again.¡± After finishing this sentence, his voice became gentle, ¡°However, you guys can¡¯t ck off. You must continue to work hard.¡±

    The Tianlong Guards naturally answered positively. Their imposing auras were upright and unafraid.

    After looking at the Tianlong Guards and finding that each of their strengths seemed better than his own expectations, Tianheng didn¡¯t linger in this ce any longer.

    On the contrary, before Gu Zuo departed, he gave each Tianlong Guard a bottle of medicinal pills. Of course, those people who were protecting the Tianlong Guards also received a medicinal pill. As for what the pills were, that depended entirely on each person¡¯s luck. Everyone obtained medicinal pills, so it was only natural that they were happy. Even if the pills weren¡¯t suitable for themselves, they could exchange the pills for resources with other people. This was truly profitable and worthwhile.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 458 - Profound Qi Veins

    <h4>Chapter 458 - Profound Qi Veins</h4>

    After going back, Xi Yangyun was just about ready to bid farewell to them.

    Once Xi Shuangyun and Ling Ziwei formally apprenticed themselves to masters, there hadn¡¯t been any movements for several days in a row. Naturally, Xi Yangyun and Ling Ziqi were quite worried, but they also believed in Gongyi Tianheng. As a result, under Tianheng¡¯s cations, they remained calm and waited patiently.

    During this time, Ling Ziwei¡¯s news was first to be conveyed.

    She sent a personally-written letter to inform Ling Ziqi that she had entered the Fallen Soul Pce Hall. She also managed to get a cement that would allow her brother to learn at the Sect Offering Academy.

    From this, it could be seen that Ling Ziwei had a clear understanding of things.

    Although she already had a deeply-rooted love for Tianyang, she was also basking in the light of Tianheng¡¯s luck. However, after joining Ten Ultimates Sect, she also had some capability. It was Ling Ziwei herself who made arrangements for her elder brother. From this point on, she didn¡¯t think that she ought to rely on Tianheng¡¯s help.

    At the same time, even though Ling Ziwei hadn¡¯t given things that were outstandingly valuable, she also sent over several Crying Sound Pendants, which were specialties of the Fallen Soul Pce Hall. This item could move the hearts and souls of others. It was an imitation of the pce hall¡¯s great treasure, the Fallen Soul Bell. The effects were somewhat weak, and it could only be used three times, but as far as martial artists below the Ascendent Realm were concerned, it truly was a good offensive spirit weapon.

    Ling Ziwei¡¯s disy naturally left Tianheng satisfied.

    It was one thing to help each other, but it was another matter whether the other party knew how to stand on their own feet. In addition, remembering to return favors was something else altogether. Even if it was a member of their own n, there was no reason to freely ept benefits and not pay for them.

    However, Tianheng didn¡¯t take Ling Ziwei¡¯s things for himself. Instead, he passed them on to his family¡¯s biological younger brother, Tianyang. This would also motivate him to work even harder.

    Afterwards, Ling Ziqi entered the Sect Offering Academy, and parted ways with them.

    As for Xi Yangyun, he didn¡¯t obtain any information from Xi Shuangyun, so he remained on the mountain peak.

    Xi Shuangyun¡¯s martial path realm was even worse than that of Ling Ziwei, and her physical body and other various aspects needed substantial growth. As a result, it took more than half a month before only a word or two was divulged. As a matter of fact, it was only after waiting for another period of time that Xi Yangyun finally found out that his younger sister had settled down. Thus, he also bade farewell to Tianheng.

    Tianheng sent Xi Yangyun off on his journey: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, have you already thought about where you¡¯ll be going?¡±

    Xi Yangyun answered: ¡°As I said before, I haven¡¯t seen Lingxiu for many years, so I¡¯ll go pay him a visit.¡±

    Although he apanied his younger sister for some time, his way of thinking hadn¡¯t changed. He was still concerned about his junior brother.

    Tianheng nodded his head. He unfolded his palm, and a wooden token appeared in his hand: ¡°This item was a gift from Senior Sect Brother Xu. He said that it can be used as proof to meet with him directly. Right now, I have things to do, so it would be hard to send senior brother there. Thus, I¡¯ll give this to senior brother, and hope that senior brother¡¯s journey is smooth and unhindered.¡±

    It was only natural that Xi Yangyun was grateful. He epted it, and said: ¡°Many thanks, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi.¡±

    At this time, Tianheng had already apanied Xi Yangyun out of Ten Ultimates Sect. He inly said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi, there¡¯s no need to be polite.¡±

    After that, Xi Yangyun left Ten Ultimates Sect just like this.

    As for how he would get to Great Zhou, how he would meet Xu Lingxiu, and what would happen after they saw each other, that was a story for another time.

    Once Tianheng went back, his and Gu Zuo¡¯s lives returned to normal. Both of them focused on cultivation, and improved inrge strides. Among these things, Tianheng was in the middle of consolidating the cultivation methods of his six paths. He carefully experienced andprehended the powers contained within them. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo was continuously refining medicine ¡ª He was already a peak Immortal Realm, but there was still quite some distance to the Atomic Realm.

    This was how it was for pharmacists. When handling their spiritual path realms and internal qi realms, it was like painting while holding two brushes. In general, their breakthroughs were much slower than that of martial artists. If Gu Zuo¡¯s aptitudes weren¡¯t good enough, the speed of his breakthroughs would¡¯ve been even slower. It also would¡¯ve been harder to meet Tianheng¡¯s requirements.

    One day, the Blood Transformation Pce Master issued a summons. The ones he called for were Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    The two didn¡¯t dare to be neglectful. Of course, they quickly proceeded to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, and waited for the pce master¡¯s orders.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master remarked: ¡°Apprentice, do you remember when this teacher said that, once you be an Atomic Realm, the people you¡¯ll meet in the future will be different?¡±

    Tianheng answered: ¡°This disciple remembers.¡±

    The pce master faintly nodded his head: ¡°There¡¯s no harm in this teacher telling you directly. Although the Central Continent is extremelyrge and has lots of resources, there are even more martial artists. If these resources are partitioned, there will inevitably be a struggle over them. However, resources of different ranks can¡¯t all be fought over by waging wars. Members of my generation also can¡¯t always step forward to fight over them... Thus, when prodigies reach the Atomic Realm and above, they have the duty to represent their sects andpete for resources.¡±

    Tianheng listened with respectful attention.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he had a guess: Could it be that big brother¡¯s mission is here?

    Sure enough, the Blood Transformation Pce Master continued to talk: ¡°Now that this apprentice¡¯s identity and strength are in ce, you should be able to act on behalf of the sect. A few days ago, our Ten Ultimates Sect and several other sects came across an opportunity. However many benefits that can be obtained from this chance will depend on the young powerhouses of each sect. Apprentice, because the appropriate realm for this chance is the Atomic Realm, you will personally take action, andpete over this opportunity for the sect!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change: ¡°What kind of opportunity is this? How far should this apprentice go?¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°This time¡¯s chance is a qi vein mine. There are many qi veins in the mine. When you leave for this trip, you have to seize control of as many qi veins as possible for our Ten Ultimates Sect. Among the qi veins you acquire, sixty percent will belong to the sect. Of the remaining forty percent, thirty percent will belong to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, and ten percent will be yours. Apprentice, you must do your best to get more!¡±

    ¡ª A qi vein mine?

    This was a new term.

    Gu Zuo thought about it. He recalled that, back when they first came to the Qingyun Mountain Range, there had been a profound qi vein in that ce. So long as the points of agitation along the qi vein were excavated, profound qi eyes could form. If martial artists sat near a profound qi eye, they could absorb the profound qi and cultivate. Compared to drawing in ambient profound qi, this was much faster.

    As mentioned previously, theposition of ambient qi was quiteplex, but in the end, most of it was still true qi. The higher the grade one went, the thinner the profound qi became. As far as martial artists were concerned, the density of the Central Continent¡¯s ambient qi far surpassed that of the Peripheral Continents. As a result, martial artists below the Immortal Realm only needed to absorb ambient qi to cultivate sufficiently. On the contrary, if those at the Immortal Realm and above wanted to umte faster, it was better to have profound qi eyes.

    After Gu Zuo and his big brother, Gongyi Tianheng, came to Ten Ultimates Sect, they actually didn¡¯t use profound qi eyes very much.

    After all, profound qi eyes were produced on top of profound qi veins, and profound qi veins were very difficult to distribute. They all basically assembled in one location. As a result, if Tianheng wanted to utilize a profound qi eye, he could only go to that ce ¡ª Even though he had the qualifications, he attached the most importance on his self-created cultivation methods. As for umting profound qi, he had the help of Gu Zuo¡¯s medicinal pills. Thus, he almost never went.

    Gu Zuo inwardly thought: If these qi veins are really profound qi veins, and the quantity that big brother seizes is enough, then maybe apletely intact qi vein can be allocated to us. Moving it onto the manor grounds will be a huge advantage! It can also be one of our foundations!

    One ought to know that the huge Qingyun Sect only had a single profound qi vein...

    Tianheng naturally recalled these things, too. He somewhat pondered, and asked: ¡°Master, what are the ranks of the qi veins contained within this qi vein mine?¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was pleased that he asked about this important point, and inly said: ¡°The qi veins are mainly divided into two types, which are profound qi veins and vital qi veins. Since we¡¯re letting Atomic Realm prodigiespete, the qi veins you¡¯lle across in this ce will be the profound qi veins.¡±

    Following this, the pce master talked at length.

    From his words, Gu Zuo and Tianheng gained a deeper understanding of these qi veins.

    First of all, the so-called qi vein mine was an undevelopednd with many qi veins. With the qi veins treated as the ¡°ore¡± of the mine, the untapped reserves were rich and plentiful.

    Qi veins were also apanied by crystal veins, which attached closely to the qi veins. These were extractable products, which formed due to the gathering of ambient qi. In the vicinity of long-established profound qi veins,rge quantities of profound crystals were produced. If the profound qi vein was young and immature, then the number of profound crystals formed was rtively sparse.

    Finally, qi veins of the same ssification were also divided by grades. Of course, this grading wasn¡¯t based on quality. Rather, it was based on content ¡ª After all, the things contained inside were profound qi.

    Under normal circumstances, the division of qi veins used three hundred meters as a unit of measurement. For every additional three hundred meters, the content of the profound qi more than doubled.

    On the Peripheral Continents, Qingyun Sect was able to tower above the others for so many years without toppling precisely because its profound qi vein reached nine kilometers. After a long time had passed, it also generated many branching veins. As a result, based on the concepts of Qingyun Sect, that ce possessed many profound qi veins ¡ª In actuality, there was still only one vein. None of those branching veins reached three hundred meters, so they couldn¡¯t be called qi veins at all. Of course, Qingyun Sect wouldn¡¯t drain the pond to get the fish. By protecting them for many years on end, the branching veins would grow longer. Ultimately, however, it wasn¡¯t known if all of the branching veins would be profound qi veins that were three hundred meters long.

    Returning to the main topic, the qi vein mine being fought over this time contained many profound qi veins. Among which, those that were three kilometers or longer were better, but it wasn¡¯t known if any had reached thirty kilometers... Even if it was the Central Continent, a thirty-kilometer-long qi vein was a rare sight.

    Once Tianheng finished listening to everything, he answered resolutely: ¡°Master, rest assured. This disciple will certainly spare no effort on this trip. I shall seize control of many qi veins for the sect!¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master revealed a satisfied smile: ¡°Apprentice, if you¡¯re sessful on this trip, the contributions to the sect will be turned into contribution points. Under certain conditions, some treasures that the sect won¡¯t easily show to others can be acquired with contribution points.¡±

    His words contained the greatest self-confidence: ¡°With this teacher around, no matter how many contributions you put forward, regardless of how many contribution points you have, absolutely no one will dare to cheat or defraud you!¡±

    This was actually something that Tianheng was confident in...

    He smiled, and said: ¡°This disciple understands. Many thanks, master.¡±

    Later on, the pce master continued: ¡°For this trip, you should bring Ah Zuo along to gain first-hand knowledge. In ces where qi vein mines are located, the ambient qi is extremely dense. This is a driving force for the formation of heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Many of them can only be removed by pharmacists, so both of you can¡¯t miss this chance.¡±

    Gu Zuo heard this, and hurriedly said: ¡°Many thanks for the guidance, pce master!¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master briefly nodded: ¡°Although the two of you have experienced some big and small things in the past, you have only just stepped foot upon the road of great struggles. This teacher believes that you two will definitely uphold the sect¡¯s prestige. Don¡¯t disgrace the brilliant glory of our Ten Ultimates Sect!¡±

    Listening to this, Gu Zuo also felt a little overwhelmed by emotions.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng showed a smiling expression. It was just that a sh of darkened light streaked across his eyes.

    ¡°This disciple certainly won¡¯t disappoint master. Nor will he disappoint the sect.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 459 - Prodigy Huo Li

    <h4>Chapter 459 - Prodigy Huo Li</h4>

    The date for thepetition over the profound qi veins quickly approached. Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng mobilized their troops, and departed for Hyssop Heart City in a grand procession.

    Ao Yingmanded three hundred battle ve elite soldiers, and apanied them the entire way there.

    This trip wasn¡¯t for the sake of starting a war. Taking along these battle ves served two purposes. Firstly, it was to keep up the appearances of a prodigy. Secondly, it was to prevent other people from taking action.

    Besides this, there was an Ascendant Realm shadow cat who led one hundred shadow cat assassins. All of whom followed behind in the dark. On top of that, there were one hundred experts among the servile races who acted as guards and simrly apanied the procession.

    In addition, there were forty Tianlong Guards, being led by Dragon Two, whose second qi oceans had all be reddish-ck. They carried feelings of intense excitement and wisps of surging qi as they protected Tianheng and Gu Zuo!

    This wasn¡¯t the first time Gu Zuo went out to travel with Tianheng, and it also wasn¡¯t the first time he would be seeing other prodigies. However, it was still hard to avoid feeling somewhat nervous in his heart.

    It wasn¡¯t known what kind of skill level these prodigies would possess.

    But to be honest, there had been Qi Xuanao and the others he met previously. Qi Xuanao wasn¡¯t harsh on the eyes in terms of demeanor and style. As for the others, not to mention that vicious and sinister Ice Phoenix Goddess, Bao Hong¡¯s performance was mediocre, and Fan Meng... He had been ensnared by the charms of the Ice Phoenix Goddess. Although he didn¡¯t go so far as to lose his wits, Fan Meng stillcked some calmness when handling matters.

    Now that Gu Zuo thought about it, these people were the prodigies of bronze-ranked subordinate organizations within the Ten Ultimates Domain. The testing methods of other forces weren¡¯t as strict as that of Ten Ultimates Sect. As a result, while they were prodigies of bronze-ranked organizations, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily be recognized as such by top-level,rge organizations.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t voice this kind of conjecture.

    In the end, whether or not Bao Hong and the others were the type of prodigy who were overstated or exaggerated, when the two of them went to fight for the profound qi veins, what they encountered were definitely going to be prodigies who were truly qualified.

    And although this struggle over the profound qi veins was for the material benefit of one¡¯s own organization, it was also the best tempering opportunity for prodigies to face equally monstrous geniuses and to gain a proper understanding of themselves.

    Moreover...

    Gu Zuo squeezed his fists somewhat nervously.

    Amid this struggle, swords and spears had no eyes. In a moment of carelessness, even a prodigy might fall down and perish.

    Though, this also wasn¡¯t anything strange. Every time capable prodigies won the most resources, they waded through the blood of prodigies from other organizations, trampled upon the faces of those forces, and added to the glory of their own sects!

    Within a few days, Tianheng and the others had already arrived in front of Hyssop Heart City.

    However, at this time, the gatekeepers were demanding that anyone who came to this city had to leave their wild beasts outside the city gates &#k2014; It was because this city produced Hyssop Heart Flowers in abundance. This type of strange flower was an incredibly rare medicinal ingredient. Besides Hyssop Heart City, there weren¡¯t many other ces that could grow these flowers. The biggest characteristic of this nt was that it couldn¡¯t be contaminated with the qi emissions of wild beasts. Otherwise, it would inevitably wither!

    Therefore, everyone inside Hyssop Heart City wasn¡¯t allowed to travel by wild beasts. As for the prodigies who came over this time to fight over the profound qi veins, regardless of how many matters they had to take care of, no matter how different their backgrounds, all of them needed to leave their wild beasts outside the city. If not, when the prodigiespleted their tasks and left, it would cause the Hyssop Heart Flowers within the city to wither on a massive scale. This would negatively affect the gross annual ie of Hyssop Heart City.

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t the kind of person who thought too highly of himself. Taking along wild beasts for his troops to ride was just for the sake of hastening the journey and maintaining the sect¡¯s face. Since Hyssop Heart City had such rules, he naturally did as instructed.

    Hence, under Tianheng¡¯s orders, all of his subordinates dismounted from their steeds, and entrusted the care of the wild beasts to the city guards who came to warn them. They coulde and retrieve their steeds before they went back.

    However, although Tianheng was this cooperative, this didn¡¯t mean that all prodigies would be as agreeable.

    Just when Tianheng was on the verge of safely entering the city, great gusts of wind and sand surged up from behind. In the wake of this sandstorm was the arrival of troops who possessed boundless might and powerful strength.

    As they quickly approached the city gates, a loud and clear voice spread out in all directions with the help of internal qi: ¡°Flourishing Martial Sect¡¯s Prodigy Huo Li has arrived ¡ª Bystanders, quickly move out of the way!¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard such arrogant shouting, he couldn¡¯t help turning his head to look.

    This voice came over, but the troops still couldn¡¯t be seen too clearly...

    Obviously, the reason why that Huo Li made someone pass this message along so early was for Hyssop Heart City¡¯s gatekeepers to open the city gates in advance, and to let this prodigy and his troops inside.

    For this way of thinking, there naturally wouldn¡¯t have been any problems if this was an ordinary city. The soldiers protecting the city wouldn¡¯t demand that a prodigy showed etiquette to such small personages such as them. But Hyssop Heart City was different.

    If they directly opened the city gates and allowed Huo Li to enter, the wild beasts they rode upon would simrlye in. At that time, the interior of the city would be greatly affected. How was that any good? Besides, Huo Li was so rampant and unbridled. If they made concessions, then what would those previous prodigies think? They were the ones who followed the rules and entered on foot, which included the pleasant and eloquent Gongyi Tianheng just now.

    As a result, even though Huo Li announced his name upon arrival, Hyssop Heart City still couldn¡¯t let them inside.

    Once Prodigy Huo Li approached, not only didn¡¯t the soldiers open the gates, all of the soldiers gripped their sabers, and took defensive positions.

    Seeing that the soldiers at the city gates hadn¡¯t obeyed hismand, that Prodigy Huo Li naturally felt that he had lost a lot of face. He became furious right away. A fierce stream of fire sted out, and quickly attacked those soldiers!

    At once, a giant palm swatted out from a city gate tower, and extinguished this fire stream. Merely, since it was like this, Huo Li¡¯s intention of venting his anger wasn¡¯t fulfilled. He grew even angrier. An enormous fiery palmshed out, and suddenly burned that giant palm until there was practically nothing left!

    At the same time, a furious voice bellowed out: ¡°This insignificant Hyssop Heart City actually dares to not give face? Truly intolerable! You¡¯re not putting this great one in your eyes at all!¡±

    This resonant voice carried a type of hot rage that flooded the heavens. Despite Gu Zuo being very far away, the power and grandeur of the imposing aura within that voice still somewhat shocked him.

    Following the resounding words of this voice, another four or five enormous, fiery palms appeared in the sky. Each and every one mmed towards the city walls. The direct impacts caused the city walls to shake for a short while, and even a few cracks showed up afterward. This seemed to drain a bit of that person¡¯s wrath, and the imposing aura slowly dissipated.

    Apart from obstructing that stream of fire that targeted those city guards in the beginning, the person inside the city gate tower didn¡¯t make any other moves. That first fiery palm destroyed his own palm strike, and the next few wrecked the city walls. That person appeared to be allowing Huo Li to vent his emotions.

    Now that Huo Li calmed down somewhat, that voice resounded again: ¡°It¡¯s difficult for the Hyssop Heart Flowers within the city to endure the filthy qi of wild beasts. Thus, people can only travel by foot. This isn¡¯t to deliberately make things difficult for esteemed visitors. I ask for everyone¡¯s forgiveness.¡±

    Huo Li was seated upon a luan-bell chariot. In front, a number of iparably gigantic wild beasts were pulling the chariot. At this moment, there was coldughter: ¡°You won¡¯t give face, but you still have your reasons?¡± His bearing was still insolent, ¡°If I don¡¯t want to walk, what will you do about it?!¡±

    That voice slowly said: ¡°If it¡¯s like this, I can only ask Prodigy Huo Li to do as he pleases... But my Hyssop Heart City is still aw-abiding ce.¡±

    In other words, if someone didn¡¯t follow the rules, then they could return from whence they came!

    Huo Li smiled furiously: ¡°Good, good, good! Nobody has dared to treat me, Huo Li, this way in all my twenty-odd years of living! This puny Hyssop Heart City is truly audacious! Right now, I, Huo Li, shall insist on riding my luan-bell chariot straight into the city. Let me see what you¡¯ll do to stop me!¡±

    Once he finished speaking, those wild beasts immediately erupted with imposing auras. The surrounding hundreds of battle ves protecting the chariot also took out their weapons, and unleashed iron-blooded and cruel qi emissions from their bodies.

    There was a fierce shout: ¡°Kill¡ª!¡±

    The sound of galloping rumbled out as those hundreds of battle ves followed the luan-bell chariot. With fearless momentum, they violently charged towards the city gates!

    This kind of attitude was like they were going to fight till the bitter end.

    Off to the side, when Gu Zuo saw this, his expression couldn¡¯t help stiffening.

    Did this Prodigy Huo Li not care about the asion? Not to mention anything else, he and big brother, these two people, were right by the gates. There were several hundred subordinates around, too. What was the meaning of this guy rushing over while shouting about killing others?

    In the blink of an eye, those murderous calls were getting closer. Originally, Gu Zuo and the others didn¡¯t think about inserting themselves into the dispute between both sides, and prepared to take several steps back. However, the people rushing over didn¡¯t care who they were, and immediately regarded them as aplices to the soldiers guarding the gates. Those people directly rushed toward them while shouting challenge and yelling death, too!

    This type of matter wasn¡¯t something that a prodigy could tolerate!

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze turned cold as he made a hand signal.

    In an instant, the forty Tianlong Guards stepped forward, and their bodies erupted with reddish-ck qi waves. All of a sudden, their qi emissions became incredibly strange. But what was even more astonishing was that there seemed to be wisps of hot blood in the center of their chests, which caused their eyes to fill with excitement. At this time, they let out identical shouts, and abruptly stretched out their palms!

    The next moment, forty reddish-ck palm prints appeared, and faced the same direction. One palm print after another began to ovep.

    One palm print, two palm prints, three palm prints...

    The forty palm prints were instantly superimposed, but the strengthening of this attack¡¯s might was more than forty times greater!

    This kind of superimposed palm print towered in front of Tianheng and the others like an immoveable city wall. It carried an unimaginably frightening pressure that blocked all of the iing attacks!

    At the same time, the martial artists and wild beasts continued to rush onward until they were met with the Blood Palm. Yet, it was like they had touched something horrifying. At the moment of contact, they stuck to the Blood Palm, and quickly dissolved. In the end, they turned into the same reddish-ck bloody liquid that slowly flowed and oozed across the ground...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 460 - The So-Called Path of Domination

    <h4>Chapter 460 - The So-Called Path of Domination</h4>

    In just a single sh, the other side suffered the deaths of about a dozen people.

    One shouldn¡¯t focus on how these dozen or so people had collided with that Blood Palm. After these people perished, the bloody liquid created from their dissolved bodies flowed beneath the Blood Palm. Then, strands of liquid were gradually extracted to reinforce the Blood Palm¡¯s strength... It got to the point that, although some of the Blood Palm¡¯s power had been used up just now, it was slowly recovering to its initial state.

    It could be said that, so long as this fortyyered Blood Palm was arranged here, no matter how many people followed up, they would be continuously wiped out. Though, if they wanted to get rid of this Blood Palm, it wasn¡¯t like there weren¡¯t any ways to do so ¡ª It was just that, before that could be aplished, they needed to use their own lives to ovee it, or utilize extremely formidable attacks to destroy it!

    Inside that luan-bell chariot, a cold, lightning-like gaze swept over. Carried within this gaze was an insufferably arrogant sense of domination. Under this gaze, it was as if all the heroes of the world would be scared into submission and suppressed. At this moment, the fury contained within this gaze was like a lofty deity that wanted everyone who offended him to tremble in fear. It was terrifying!

    The owner of this gaze was precisely Prodigy Huo Li!

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly raised his head, and locked gazes with the other party.

    In a split second, the sightlines of two people instantly shed swords, and quickly staggered apart.

    If it was said that Prodigy Huo Li¡¯s gaze was an invible tyrant, then Tianheng¡¯s gaze was a type of pinnacle-level calmness. And in the depths of this calm was a constrained trace of madness and fervor. It appeared that, so long as a hole was pierced into these depths, this madness would detonate immediately, carrying with it a horrifying power.

    Undoubtedly, Huo Li¡¯s domination couldn¡¯t subdue Tianheng¡¯s calmness. Thus, while both people¡¯s gazes intersected, Huo Li memorized this gaze, and took note of Tianheng.

    Following this, Huo Li¡¯s subordinates still continued to ceaselessly charge ahead. Merely, this time, they avoided Tianheng and the others. They only conducted attacks on the soldiers guarding the gates.

    It didn¡¯t take long for rivers of blood to flow. As for that powerhouse at the top of the city gate tower, he also quickly took action. Both this powerhouse and Prodigy Huo Li exchanged blows several times in the sky!

    Meanwhile, the area ofnd upied by Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and the others was kept separated.

    Regardless of whether it was the city guards or Huo Li¡¯s subordinates, everyone turned a blind eye to them.

    Gu Zuo had the leisure to let out a sigh: ¡°Big brother, for that Prodigy Huo Li to not exin his reasoning beforehand, and instead drag the city guards into this... Isn¡¯t Prodigy Huo Li¡¯s way of doing things just making enemies wherever he goes? How is this beneficial to him?¡±

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°Huo Li is indeed rude and unreasonable, but he really isn¡¯t...¡± He used a turn of phrase that was appropriate for the vocabry of the modern world, ¡°His IQ isn¡¯t low.¡±

    Gu Zuoughed dryly.

    Sure enough, big brother understood him, and knew he inwardly thought that this fellow¡¯s IQ was low... However, he still felt that Huo Li wasn¡¯t very intelligent, but big brother said otherwise?

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Just now, from that cursory exchange of blows, it can be seen that what Prodigy Huo Li studies is a school of ultimate knowledge that has an extremely high rank. Perhaps, it¡¯s even a heaven-level ultimate knowledge. The willpower contained within those moves is precisely the path of domination. The more overbearing and tyrannical he behaves, the greater the power of that ultimate knowledge. Thus, it¡¯s only natural that he goes on a rampage without any scruples.¡±

    Gu Zuo startled: ¡°In order to learn martial arts, he intentionally allows himself to be like this?¡±

    Tianheng slightly pondered. Shortly thereafter, he shook his head again: ¡°It also isn¡¯tpletely as such. His temperament originally follows the path of domination, so he¡¯spatible with these martial skills and can learn them smoothly. On top of that, he¡¯s supported by arge organization whose background is rather deep. This organization can easily resolve many troubles for him. He himself probablyes from a very high station, too. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to cultivate so smoothly like wind and water.¡±

    Gu Zuo still didn¡¯t understand too clearly: ¡°Studying this kind of ultimate knowledge can bring about numerous troubles, right? If by any chance Huo Li provokes someone he can¡¯t afford to offend, what should he do?¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°In this world, there aren¡¯t many sources of ultimate knowledge. Those that specialize in mighty powers and extreme strength are even fewer in number. If a sect has a school of ultimate knowledge that¡¯s suitable for oneself, that person would naturally want to learn it. Besides, once Huo Li learned it, how could he make any achievements by just training diligently at home? It would be better to go outside, divulge his own path of domination, and frequently provoke other people. This is his whetstone to sharpen his ultimate knowledge.

    ¡°If he can rely on his own strength to repeatedly cleave apart these troubles that he himself has caused, he will be stronger with each passing day. At that point, these troubles wouldn¡¯t be considered problems at all. As a prodigy, his luck is like an unending rainbow. Most of the time, Huo Li ought to be capable of turning misfortunes into blessings and difficulties into auspicious signs. He also wouldn¡¯t choose opponents whom he¡¯ll bepletely incapable of provoking. This is also to hone his path of domination.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he lightly smiled: ¡°Just a while ago, Huo Li acted against me. Although this held the meaning of the path of domination, it also had the intent of feeling out the situation. The Tianlong Guards took thunderous action to show that I wasn¡¯t afraid of trouble. Turning those dozen people into bloody liquid was my warning.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Ah, right. Afterwards, that fellow immediately ignored big brother.

    This meant that he didn¡¯t want to confront two ¡°whetstones¡± at once?

    Tianheng continued: ¡°Those who cultivate the path of domination regard everyone in the world as mole crickets and ants. They believe that there wille a day that they will make the world submit to them. However, over the course of this maturation process, it isn¡¯t like these people don¡¯t understand the concept of self-restraint. It¡¯s just that they exercise their patience only when it¡¯s absolutely necessary.

    ¡°Hyssop Heart City is just a bronze-ranked city. Even if there are a few powerhouses in the city, they are far inferior to the organization backing Huo Li. Though this kind of city has set its own rules, it actually tried to make Huo Li ¡®dismount¡¯. His path of domination naturally can¡¯t tolerate this, so he tore off the facade of civility right away.¡±

    Gu Zuo gave an exasperated look: ¡°If it¡¯s said like this, why does it suddenly feel like the two of us are the inferior ones...¡±

    Tianhengughed: ¡°Prodigies have their own temperaments, and Huo Li is just a rtively unique one among them. As for other unconventional prodigies, just pay a little more attention when encountering them. This elder brother ¡®dismounted¡¯ because this is my temperament. Ah Zuo doesn¡¯t need to think about it too much. There¡¯s also no need to force yourself to act like that Huo Li... What Ah Zuo and I cultivate is nothing like the path of domination.¡±

    This process of honing the path of domination could be described as making enemies everywhere, and killing those enemies everywhere. While it was admittedly a good way of tempering oneself, if the whetstone, which was selected in a moment of carelessness, was a person with stronger luck, then it was also very normal to die immediately after being restrained.

    From ancient times until now, there were naturally those who had been able to cultivate the path of domination to the peak, but there were even more who died without sharpening themselves along that path.

    Only, the path of domination was incredibly powerful. Once honed, there were practically no worthy adversaries at equivalent realms. It was feasible to battle people of higher ranks so long as it wasn¡¯t a continuous leap ofrge realms.

    As a result, even if people often fell under the path of domination, there were still many who advanced dauntlessly, wanting to learn this type of path!

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head.

    Alright. In any case, they were standing on the same level as Huo Li for the time being. Thus, after being warned, Huo Li restrained himself a little, and only went to sharpen himself against Hyssop Heart City. Although, Huo Li probably still viewed them as insignificant bugs in his heart...which sounded a little paradoxical. Now that Gu Zuo thought about it, he really wanted to beat up that Huo Li.

    He was a mole cricket! His whole family were mole crickets!

    On the other side, the battle between Huo Li and Hyssop Heart City¡¯s guards had already turned white-hot.

    On that side, one would only see gusts of wind and peals of thunder. Lava surged and rose up like colliding sea waves. The suppressive might that was brought about swept across all directions, which caused the somewhat cracked city walls to shudder like they were on the verge of copse. It seemed as if the walls wouldpletely break apart with a few more attacks.

    However, after who knew how many attacks, the walls still didn¡¯t crumble...

    From beginning to end, Huo Li¡¯s figure never left the luan-bell chariot. The only things that could be seen were streak after streak of iparably hot attacks sting out from within the vehicle. These mes shot straight into the vaults of the sky. At the same time, the person inside that city gate tower also didn¡¯te out. His counterattacks and defensive maneuvers crossed paths with Huo Li¡¯s moves high in the sky.

    Down below, while the city guards and Huo Li¡¯s subordinates fought, the sounds of screaming and murder shook the heavens. Many people fell due to this incident, and their corpses covered thend.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo witnessed this, and unconsciously furrowed his brows: ¡°This so-called path of domination is truly...¡±

    He was ustomed to the fact that martial strength was respected, but he still wasn¡¯t used to the idea that numerous subordinates would have to fight with everything they had until they died if someone with a high-ranking position felt a trace of dissatisfaction.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say anything, but he did ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair out offort.

    With a pinched look, Gu Zuo nced at the luan-bell chariot, and didn¡¯t feel the slightest good impression toward this kind of ¡°tyrannical¡± figure.

    Finally, after fighting for a while, all of the wild beasts perished amid the coteral damage. Dozens of city guards had died, but the number of Huo Li¡¯s subordinates who fell also wasn¡¯t low.

    At this time, a scorching red light collided with an attack in the air, and instantly separated. Immediately following which, the luan-bell chariot could no longer withstand it, and exploded.

    Within the remains of the luan-bell chariot, a silhouette stood upright and unafraid. His jade crown was high, his robes were magnificent, and his hair was like flowing mes. His body bulged and swelled with powerful qi streams, which caused him to emit a violently strong sense of existence.

    At this moment, Huo Li let out a cold harrumph: ¡°Go!¡±

    His numerous subordinates went to escort him. There were even four extremely tall andrge figures who dashed out to guard him. Then, they lifted him up, transformed into a beam of bright light, and headed straight to the city.

    This Huo Li arrived in a hurry and left in a sh, leaving a huge mess at the entrance of the city gates.

    After he departed, those among the city guards who weren¡¯t injured swiftly came forward, carried the wounded to the rear, and dragged the corpses of the dead to the side.

    The actions of the guards were fast and efficient. Soon, they cleared a path that could be passed through. The guard who previously received Tianheng and the others quickly arrived, and craned his neck to lead Tianheng inside: ¡°Begging thy pardon. We¡¯ve let Prodigy Gongyi see such a debacle.¡±

    Tianheng waved his hand, andmanded his many subordinates to enter the city.

    Gu Zuo followed along at his side. As he passed the guard, he tossed over two bottles: ¡°Here, it¡¯s for you guys.¡±

    The guard caught the bottles, but before he could say anything, Gu Zuo¡¯s figure had also disappeared. He opened the bottles to take a look. With a nce, he saw that contained within were medicinal pills suitable for treating the injuries of those at the Immortal and Atomic Realms. He couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful in his heart.

    While walking next to Tianheng, Gu Zuo inquired: ¡°Big brother, the person in that city gate tower...¡±

    Tianheng understood what he was asking, and responded: ¡°Probably at the Noble Realm.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly: ¡°How could a Noble Realm create such huge losses?¡±

    It was clear that this person could¡¯ve protected the guards at the city gates.

    Tianheng gave a faint pause. Shortly thereafter, he simply said: ¡°If it was like this, Huo Li certainly wouldn¡¯t have let the matter rest.¡± Then, he cated with a light voice, ¡°After this, the organization behind Hyssop Heart City will look for Huo Li¡¯s backer, and demandpensation.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 461 - The Qi Vein Mine Opens

    <h4>Chapter 461 - The Qi Vein Mine Opens</h4>

    Gu Zuo remained silent.

    Gongyi Tianheng ced his hand on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°This time, Huo Li acted prestigiously enough at the city gates, but we didn¡¯t give him face and made him retreat. This will definitely be remembered by him. Those who cultivate the path of domination like him are usually self-aggrandizing to an unreasonable degree. As long as he makes a decision, he will go his own way.

    ¡°Therefore, we need to be vignt of him in the future. In particr, we must be even more cautious and prudent while fighting over the qi veins.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood the worries of his family¡¯s big brother, and frustratedly nodded his head: ¡°This is really a disaster without a good cause.¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°For those of us who practice martial arts, how can everything be smooth and unhindered when going out on adventures? However, so long as we can be stronger day by day, no matter what kinds of ghosts or evil spirits abound, there¡¯s no need to worry.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded again: ¡°What big brother says is right. I just have to work even harder.¡±

    Having spoken up to this point, the two had already entered the city.

    Just as they walked inside, a bouquet of refreshing fragrances assailed the senses. The clear and serene notes would leave people¡¯s hearts pleased and harmonious. This fragrance came from the Hyssop Heart Flowers. Originally, this type of flowery fragrance would¡¯ve been extremely faint. But in this city, practically every household grew these flowers. Each year, everyone made eagerparisons. They looked to see whose Hyssop Heart Flowers were more beautiful and of higher quality. Hence, there were many of these flowers. The fragrances converged, and created a special blend of emotionally-moving scents.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Big brother, when we go back, I¡¯ll stock up on some Hyssop Heart Flowers. This type of medicinal ingredient is very hard to buy elsewhere. Even if they can be bought, it¡¯s difficult to ensure the quality. When refining some medicinal pills, I still want to use the best ingredients possible.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°It¡¯s no bother. We can go looking around right now.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Isn¡¯t it almost time to seize control of the qi veins?¡±

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°I¡¯m afraid that those prodigies won¡¯t be arriving in such an orderly fashion at this moment.¡±

    Gu Zuo agreed after thinking about it. He changed directions with Tianheng, and walked over to a ce nestled between two streets. In that ce, one could buy Hyssop Heart Flowers of outstanding quality.

    The purchasing process went smoothly, but it seemed somewhat somber and cheerless inside the city itself. There were also very few people. Those shops were open for business, but after seeing Gu Zuo and Tianheng, although the stop owners wore polite and attentive smiles, there were traces of fear in the depths of their eyes.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand at all. What was going on?

    Tianheng faintly shook his head: ¡°Right now, numerous prodigies have rushed over, and they all have their own temperaments. If someone identally offends one of those prodigies outside, then their entire family could be exterminated.¡±

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    No wonder.

    Although this kind of analogy was a little inappropriate... If it was in the modern world, and everyone knew that a group of terrorists were about to arrive, then those people would definitely hide in their homes, too.

    Of course, not all prodigies were like that, but there really weren¡¯t any differences between prodigies like Huo Li and actual terrorists. It was to be expected that ordinary people and low-level martial artists were fearful.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any intention of staying on the streets and scaring the shopkeepers all the while. Thus, he quickened his selection, and spent a hefty sum of spirit crystals. After acquiringrge quantities of Hyssop Heart Flowers of different product grades, he stored them inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    With these flowers, he could take out at least a dozen or so pill prescriptions of various efficacies to conduct his research.

    As a pharmacist, a person¡¯s skill level on the path of medicine refinement was still one¡¯s foundation.

    Once they finished making purchases, Tianheng and Gu Zuo arrived at a vi, and lodged there for the time being.

    Since Ten Ultimates Sect wanted to let prodigiese over to fight for the qi veins, it naturally couldn¡¯t leave the arriving prodigies without ces to stay. As a result, this vi had long been prepared. As for the other prodigies, they had simr ways of handling matters.

    Within the vi, Tianheng closed his eyes and sat upright, silently pondering his own martial disciplines. He also considered some necessary disys during thepetition over the qi veins. It was peaceful and quiet.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t bother him, and directly researched those prescriptions rted to Hyssop Heart Flowers on the side.

    Just like this, two days passed. All of a sudden, there came a day when the earth quaked and the mountains shuddered. All of Hyssop Heart City was being shaken.

    Gongyi Tianheng abruptly opened his eyes: ¡°The qi veins have emerged!¡±

    After he finished speaking, his body shed out, and he instantly appeared at the front entrance.

    The space between Gu Zuo¡¯s eyebrows heated up, and a wisp of psychic power burst forth to propel his body forward. He swiftly arrived next to Tianheng. After that, they went out together. The numerous subordinates were all ready and waiting. They quickly escorted the two, and everyone advanced towards the epicenter of that shaking.

    Hyssop Heart City¡¯s qi vein mine wasn¡¯t actually inside the city itself. Rather, it was within a deste shore behind Hyssop Heart City. The qi vein mine had already been hidden beneath the surface for a long time. Generally speaking, circumstances made it difficult to find their traces. However, so long as they were discovered, while it might be challenging to collect them like this, it would be easy to disturb the qi veins and expose them to the surface.

    Previously, Tianheng didn¡¯t hurry to the location where the qi vein mine would emerge. This was because severalrge organizations had already dispatched people to stimte the qi vein mine. It was just that this type of stimtion was to reduce the consumption of the qi veins as much as possible. Consequently, it took a lot of time to develop peacefully before the qi veins could emerge from the ground.

    As a result, until now, the qi vein mine had only just graduallye up from the ground.

    And at this time, because numerous prodigies felt it was beneath their dignity to wait nearby, they needed to seize this time to rush over immediately.

    Tianheng¡¯s speed was extremely fast.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t slow either. He used his psychic power to push himself onward, and his figure was as indistinct as fresh vapor and as swift as lightning. Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t lose track of Tianheng from beginning to end.

    For the most part, the speed of those subordinates naturally couldn¡¯tpare to that of Tianheng. But contrary to what one might¡¯ve expected, some well-known figures among the shadow cats were able to keep pace with them.

    In this way, those who fell behind worked even harder.

    Gradually, the turbulent and rolling qi waves spread across the sky and covered the earth. The momentum was overwhelming. Even when one was still quite far away, everything in the vicinity had already been swept away like the debris of a tidal wave. Whether it was an enormous tree, giant boulder, or some other building, all of these things had been totally dashed to pieces!

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo in his arms, and leaped up. The two promptly soared into the sky, and floated in the air.

    In a split second, the qi waves passed through. The surroundings seemed to be shrouded within ayer of mist. The faintly ck-colored profound qi concealed everything. It was like the entire world had fallen into a dark gloom!

    Right at this moment, there were detectable movements and shes from several other directions.

    Gu Zuo turned his head to look over, and saw the true appearances of several prodigies.

    T/N: This was a shorter chapter, so it got tranted quickly. But the next chapter will be double-length to make up for it.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 462 - The Great Struggle

    <h4>Chapter 462 - The Great Struggle</h4>

    Someone was standing on a mountain peak. This person was as tall and straight as a javelin, and their figure was as thin as the edge of a de. They were cloaked in a frighteningly swift and fierce feeling from head to toe.

    Gu Zuo could sense that there was an extraordinarily formidable power within this prodigy¡¯s body. Although nothing was exposed, and only a sliver of qi emissions inadvertently overflowed, this could already violently intimidate and awe others. He even felt that, if this person took action, the killing intent could dim the sky and darken the earth!

    There was another person who was floating in the sky ¡ª No, rather than saying that it was a person, it was more urate to say that there was a gust of bluish-green wind. This wind swiftly moved about indeterminately, suspending itself around that ce in the air. If one carefully looked over, it seemed as if there was a figure in the wind. It wasn¡¯t known whether this person had transformed into the wind itself or was wrapped up in it.

    This person simrly gave Gu Zuo a type of threatening sensation. It made him feel that they were quite scary. When this person didn¡¯t move, they were treacherous and unpredictable, but if this figure moved, it seemed as if they could shake the world!

    Then, there was a tall and sturdy young man. His chest was exposed, and it was covered in a dense forest of ck hair. The sides of his face, the space between his brows, and the length of his neck were simrly covered in hair. On top of that, his facial features also seemed somewhat malevolent. Others wouldn¡¯t be able to tell whether he was a man or a wolf.

    The suppressive might this tall and sturdy fellow gave others was likewise extremely terrifying. His posture was verynguid and indolent, but just a little movement would cause the surrounding space to produce slight cracking sounds. It was like space was being squeezed by his strength, and that everything by his side would burst apart at any moment!

    In addition, there was a youngdy. She was wearing a full-length, purple dress. The clothing was decorated with numerous, twinkling scales, whichpletely enveloped her body, and entuated her iparably graceful figure. Meanwhile, the lower-half of her face was covered by a veil, which was simrly purple. The veil seemed to carry an incredibly special power that prevented the prying abilities of onlookers from piercing through it, so no one could get a clear view of herplexion.

    However, it could be seen from her pair of beautiful eyes and faintly discernible facial contours that this was a peerless beauty who could spell the downfall of castle and country.

    Nevertheless, the most attractive thing about this youngdy wasn¡¯t her graceful figure or beautiful face. Instead, it was a type of mysterious feeling that she gave others as well as the surging power contained within her delicate-looking body. It seemed that, so long as she took action, her suppressive might would spread in all directions to topple mountains and rend thend!

    Huo Li, who showed off his own path of domination at the city gates, had also appeared. His clothes and ornaments were the same as before, but his qi emissions were even stronger than when they were at the city gates ¡ª Perhaps, it was because this was a gathering of prodigies. Among the best of his peers, he was no longer as contemptuous as when he faced other people, and instead showed his true abilities.

    As a result, when Gu Zuo looked at Huo Li, what he appeared to see wasn¡¯t Huo Li himself. Rather, it was ake of magma that held explosive heat. With a single nce, people wouldn¡¯t be able to help feeling a sense of dread. That domineering temperament was stronger, too. It was like he was continuouslypelling those around him to be his subjects and submit to him. While unseen, this kind of invisible imposing aura also weakened the imposing auras of other people!

    Still yet, there were the flickering shadows of figures in ces even farther away, in the sea of clouds, and in the empty skies. The strength of every person was extremely mighty. As each one stood alone on their side, they all possessed the temperament to suppress everything under the heavens. It could be seen how frightening the violent storm they would set off if they acted!

    ¡ª All of them were prodigies. Moreover, they had passed through all kinds of tests and met the standards to be true prodigies!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze swiftly swept over these people, and his heart was appalled.

    As it turned out, the prodigies who really had backgrounds were like this.

    Compared to these prodigies, Qi Xuanao and the others, whom he met when he followed big brother to hunt the origin-level flood dragon, were all inferior in more than one aspect. In addition, the feeling those ¡°prodigies¡± gave him were far inferior to the uniqueness and strength of these people.

    It could be said that Gu Zuo was appreciative of Qi Xuanao, Fan Meng, and the other prodigies back then. That was because he felt there weren¡¯t any problems for his family¡¯s big brother to suppress them. Those people had no way to make him feel an excessive sense of crisis. But for the prodigies he saw this time around, a line of words shed across his mind the moment he crossed their paths: Dangerous! Dangerous! Very dangerous!

    Although Gu Zuo was still confident in his family¡¯s big brother, it wasn¡¯t to the point that he believed Gongyi Tianheng could tten all who opposed him here without suffering any crisis whatsoever...

    These prodigies were all at the Atomic Realm, too. Moreover, within thisrge realm, they were capable of stepping across small realms when doing battle. In the past, the opponents they encountered were in the same small realm, and were still defeated under their hands.

    It was natural that the majority of such personages were iparably proud and aloof. For those who weren¡¯t of the same hierarchy as them, unless one was particrly pleasing to the eyes from the very beginning, it was difficult to enter their lines of sight. Let alone bing friends and having conversations with them.

    Dragons didn¡¯t consort with snakes ¡ª It was especially obvious with regards to prodigies who had a powerful backing.

    Gu Zuo slowly let out a sigh, and blew out the pressure that built up in his heart from looking at these prodigies.

    It was no wonder that the Blood Transformation Pce Master mentioned that the real great struggle would only begin once one reached the Atomic Realm. And yet, before anything happened, they had already discovered that the prodigies they faced were such characters. Wasn¡¯t thispetition a little scary?

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help holding onto Tianheng¡¯s hand: ¡°Big brother, be careful in everything.¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    At this time, as fast as the turbulent qi waves came, they dispersed in all directions just as quickly. It was like someone had suddenly cut open a small hole in a cloth sack that was filled with air. The air streams inside burst out in a split second, which immediately created an enormous force.

    However, these forces met empty space, and were promptly diminished as they disseminated into these spaces. Naturally, such forces no longer posed any threats.

    As a result, after that group of qi waves passed by, the scene of the qi vein mine also appeared in front of the numerous prodigies.

    Gu Zuo sucked in a cold breath as soon as he got a clear look.

    Up ahead sprawled the bodies of gigantic, ck dragons. Whether those dragons were long or short, whether mighty and majestic or slim and flexible, each them emitted strands of ck qi. As for these strands of ck qi, they formed ck-colored clouds and mist that hovered high in the air without dissipating.

    Under the faint rays of light that shined through the cloudyer, the bodies of the gigantic, ck dragons reflected a resplendent radiance. The ces that the reflected brilliance came from were apparently dragon scales, which were brimming with moving inner meanings.

    Though it was clear that these gigantic, ck dragons were lying on the ground, it looked like they were soaring through the clouds. They eagerly gave chase, swallowing clouds and blowing out fog. It also seemed as if they were overturning the seas and rivers, swirling up tremendous waves to flood the heavens!

    It could be said that the sight before everyone¡¯s eyes was grand and boundless. It could also be said that nothing more beautiful could be imagined. It truly...left people with yearning in their hearts.

    Gu Zuo quickly reacted. These gigantic, ck dragons were nothing more than the profound qi veins. As for the dragon scales that covered the surface and reflected the rays of light, those were piles of profound crystals, which formed this elegant and beautiful scenery.

    After that, he had a sudden feeling... With so many profound crystals, obtaining them would be quite a fortune! Unfortunately, no matter how much he and his big brother strived, they certainly wouldn¡¯t be able to take them all away.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face.

    He was overthinking things.

    Ah, this way of thinking was greedy enough.

    Trailed by his subordinates, Tianheng carried Gu Zuo, and leisurely walked forward.

    His steps were neither fast nor slow. Like the most ordinary of people, not even a trace of qi emissions flowed out.

    Perhaps, the timing of Tianheng¡¯s arrival was too coincidental. Just at that time, those qi waves had dispersed. As a result, the gazes of many prodigies fell onto him.

    Besides his extraordinary appearance and temperament, it seemed that everything else they sensed about him was mediocre?

    However, no one underestimated him.

    It was precisely because he walked so unhurriedly and his steps appeared to be somon that it caused them to feel restraining fear.

    It was due to the fact that no one recognized the unusual power contained within his body. They only felt that it was terrifying, mysterious, and...unfathomable.

    But there were no doubts that this power could make people tremble. Hardly anyone wanted to face it!

    For a short while, the atmosphere turned stagnant.

    By the time Tianheng walked to the left side of a giant boulder, the stagnated atmosphere seemed to have been smashed apart, and the air began flowing once more.

    Those prodigies withdrew their gazes.

    They looked at the qi vein mine again, and sensed the vast ocean of profound qi spreading out. The riches of this ce weren¡¯t attractive to only Gu Zuo. They wouldn¡¯t be given up by these prodigies either.

    As such, it had to be fought for!

    At this moment, all of the prodigies focused their attentions. The qi emissions around their bodies seemed to condense into real substances. It could cause one¡¯s breathing to be difficult andbored.

    They were drawn taut like bow strings. And these bow strings could snap at any time!

    Gu Zuo sensed the sudden heaviness of his dear big brother¡¯s expression. His mood also turned somewhat nervous.

    What manner ofpetition would take ce?

    Could it be that they had to have an actual battle?

    In this aspect, the Blood Transformation Pce Master hadn¡¯t given them any reminders. Thus, regardless of whether it was Gu Zuo or Tianheng, neither of them knew the specific methods.

    But soon, Gu Zuo understood how things would be done.

    All of a sudden, the ck clouds that filled the sky scattered. Bright sunlight spilled down, and enveloped everything within the qi vein mine. It was like a golden cover pressed down to protect the entire area.

    But in reality, this wasn¡¯t to protect the qi vein mine. On the contrary, the instant that the cover of sunlight fell down, a streak of ck light sprayed out from each of the ¡°mouths¡± of those gigantic, ck dragons!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was incredibly strong. He immediately discovered that those ck lights weren¡¯t ordinary rays of light. Rather, they were something like ck, dragon-shaped jade stones. At this moment, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind cleared at this stroke of good fortune. He couldn¡¯t help forming a thought:

    [Big brother, capture them!]

    Tianheng had long discovered these inferences, too. At almost the exact same time that Gu Zuo¡¯s voice resounded in his mind, he already moved. With an extremely fast and violent speed, he shed to the area with the highest concentration of ck lights. He abruptly stretched out a hand, and grabbed with force!

    In a split second, quite a few streaks of ck light were caught in Tianheng¡¯s hands.

    The ck lights instantly transformed into ck, dragon-shaped jade stones, and were grasped firmly without any problems. Tianheng¡¯s reactions were quick, and he immediately tried to put these ck dragon jades into the spatial bangle ¡ª However, none of them went inside.

    The light in Tianheng¡¯s eyes darkened.

    Immediately following which, he abruptly turned around, and shattered a fierce attack that hurtled towards him.

    Someone hadunched a sneak attack!

    But since the attack didn¡¯t hit its target, that person promptly withdrew and didn¡¯t continue at all.

    Tianheng sent the ck dragon jades into a hidden pouch within his own sleeve. He didn¡¯t care about finding the person who attacked him. Shortly thereafter, he turned back and dashed in another direction. Both of his hands moved again and again. All of those ck dragon jades within the ck lights were seized!

    Down below, Gu Zuo watched everything y out clearly.

    He saw his family¡¯s big brother capturing the ck dragon jades, but he also saw someone mount a sneak attack. And the person who ambushed big brother was precisely Huo Li!

    Gu Zuo was greatly angered.

    That wretched Huo Li actually acted domineering at this time!

    Previously, although he and big brother knew that Huo Li would make trouble sooner orter, he still couldn¡¯t restrain his anger when he really saw it happen. Gu Zuo wanted to smack him to death!

    But Huo Li¡¯s speed was lightning fast. Afterunching an attack, he went to grab other ck dragon jades. It seemed that he came prepared because the speed of his grabbing also wasn¡¯t slow.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows tightly furrowed.

    Currently, the sky only had numerous prodigies taking action one after another. Everyone down below remained where they stood. However, with the stunt Huo Li pulled, Gu Zuo was unreconciled when he watched Huo Li calmly and steadily seizing the ck dragon jades.

    As such, should he plot against him in return?

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo shook his head, and brushed off this way of thinking.

    All of the prodigies had no helpers. If he rashly took action, it might cause his big brother to lose face.

    What¡¯s more, even if he wanted to act, he needed to find a good opportunity. Otherwise, granted that he sessfullynded a sneak attack, Huo Li, that fellow whose brain circuits didn¡¯t match his own, might suddenly give up on the ck dragon jades, turn around, and try to kill him... With his bit of martial strength, he could barely protect himself for some time using his psychic power, but it would inevitably disturb big brother, who was in the middle of thispetition. On the off-chance that big brother also gave up on capturing the ck dragon jades, and came back to rescue him, wouldn¡¯t he be dragging down big brother?

    Unwilling, Gu Zuo clenched his fingers.

    This Huo Li, once he finished snatching ¡ª Hmph!

    High up in the air, the speed at which the ck dragon jades emerged slowed more and more. It seemed that they were gradually bing rare. It was only natural that those prodigies, who were originallypeting over the ck dragon jades on their own, also slowly stopped. Instead, their lines of sight fell onto the other prodigies.

    This great struggle wasn¡¯t only about who was the fastest and who grabbed the most. It was also apetition to get a hold of the ck dragon jades in everyone else¡¯s possession!

    Thus, with almost no prior warning, all of the prodigies made their moves! Although, when they took action, the targets they focused on weren¡¯t all the same.

    Tianheng also made his move. And the one he actively attacked was Huo Li!

    The moment they came to this ce and saw the others, all of the prodigies remembered one another¡¯s qi emissions. Naturally, Tianheng was no exception. Just a while ago, when Huo Li got closer to sneak attack, his qi emissions were immediately sensed by Tianheng. Merely, it wasn¡¯t convenient to take action back then. Now that things had turned into a chaotic melee, how could he still let it go?

    As a result, regardless of what the others were thinking, Tianheng promptly aimed his ¡°spear point¡± at Huo Li!

    Of course, during the previouspetition over the ck dragon jades, Tianheng wasn¡¯t the only one who had been ambushed. Therefore, now that many prodigies made their moves, all of them had targets in mind. The ones they wanted to attack the most weren¡¯t unfamiliar prodigies. This was because they weren¡¯t clear about the other side¡¯s inside information. On the contrary, those who ambushed them were already confirmed enemies!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 463 - Large Battle

    <h4>Chapter 463 - Large Battle</h4>

    An enormous, bloody handprint soared high into the sky, and cast a huge shadow in an instant. It seemed that even half of the heavenly vault was obscured, spilling down with an iparably ring bloody-red.

    Amid this bloody-red wereyers uponyers of ck qi that crackled and sizzled. With every inch of movement, that inch of space appeared to be burned by something extremely poisonous, letting out terrifyingly mournful sounds!

    With one move, the earth was sundered and the heavens were rmed. This was precisely a form of martial skill that Gongyi Tianhengprehended.

    The Great Asura Hand!

    Currently, there was only one form of this skill, and it was nothing too ostentatious. However, it was a single act of strength that could destroy ten thousand methods. No matter what kind of abilities the opponent had, its palm only had to press down!

    Previously, when the Tianlong Dragons made their moves one after another, the palm pushed out horizontally to form an extremelyrge barrier. And at this moment, Tianheng fully put it to use. The hand was like a small mountain, which was wrapped up in endless suppressive might!

    Within the range enveloped by the bloody handprint, that Huo Li suddenly sensed an oing crisis.

    He swiftly drew back, and his body erupted with a pir ofva. Theva soared up, and stabbed directly into the bloody handprint!

    In an instant, theva pir rammed into the handprint, and produced an explosive-like sound.

    The downward momentum of the bloody handprint appeared to be halted by the collision, but at the same time, tremendous wisps of reddish-ck qi curled around the surface of theva pir. In just a few breaths of time, the wisps rapidly spread down like theva pir had been contaminated by the reddish-ck qi. Moreover, as the qi followed the length of theva pir, it was hurtling straight toward Huo Li!

    Huo Li was startled.

    What strange move was this?

    Originally, he believed that the bloody handprint wouldn¡¯t be able toe down, and after some time, it would certainly be bursted through by theva. On the contrary, while that bloody handprint had stopped, there was another power that was winding down... There was a type of horrifying might contained within this power that instantly caused Huo Li¡¯s hairs to stand on end. A strong sense of crisis forced him to withdraw his hand and turn around. He practically fled in disarray as he leaped dozens of meters away!

    Since Huo Li released his hand, the power ofva he controlled naturally dissipated. It was like that bloody handprint had never been weakened at all as it pressed down heavily!

    Boom!

    At this moment, the earth copsed and split open. It was to the point that everything within a range of several kilometers had been shattered into a dense spiderweb of fragmented pieces. Between the cracks of those fragmentations, the reddish-ck power twisted and writhed like balls of poisonous fire. Anything that fell into the fire didn¡¯t have enough time to scream or produce any noise before it was decayed into clouds of flying ash. Floating in the air, these clouds turned into a highly toxic miasma... If any wild beasts or vegetation came into contact with these pollutants, their bodies immediately became pitch-ck. The poisoning had reached the point of no return!

    It was just that this was only a single bloody handprint. Unexpectedly, such a terrible aftermath was brought about.

    Although all of the prodigies were fully concentrated on their own fights, there were still several who paid attention to this side. After witnessing that stretch of copsed and ruinednd, the pupils of their eyes couldn¡¯t help constricting. In a split second, their hearts palpitated.

    ¡ª This kind of power was unprecedented. Who exactly was this prodigy?!

    Once Tianheng attacked, he saw that Huo Li escaped. However, he wasn¡¯t disappointed. It seemed that this was within his expectations.

    While he used ny percent of his strength in this strike, Huo Li wasn¡¯t an ordinary person either. As a prodigy who had been nurtured extensively, how could he have been unable to withstand one strike?

    But Tianheng¡¯s attacks weren¡¯t over yet.

    Immediately following this, another bloody handprint soared high into the sky and mmed down straight toward Huo Li¡¯s direction!

    After Huo Li escaped, he felt that his own path of domination was wavering somewhat. At once, a burst of power rose up within his heart. It was the desire to immediately erupt and counterattack Gongyi Tianheng! However, before he could brandish this power, the second bloody handprint was already right in front of him!

    If he wanted to strike back, it was already toote. Under this unwillingness, Huo Li could only utilize his fire escaping technique again. He turned into a ball of mes, swiftly left his original position, and reappeared at another location dozens of meters away.

    At the same time, his original location followed the same fate as the ce where the bloody handprint pressed down previously. Thend cracked and fissured, blood poison twisted and writhed, and poisonous ash filled the sky.

    And yet, this still wasn¡¯t the end.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng pped out another palm. And once more, that enormous Great Asura Hand followed close behind.

    People would only see one bloody handprint after another continuously pressing down. The instant a hand pressed down, a beam of fiery light would slip through a seam between the hand¡¯s fingers and instantly appear somewhere else. Though, every time this fiery light escaped, it would still be vigorously pursued by the next bloody handprint. It had no choice but to run away again.

    One palm after another.

    Huo Li constantly fled. Hisplexion was gloomy, and the fury within his heart soared even higher!

    He could sense that the falling speed of those bloody handprints was getting faster and faster, but his speed of using the fire escaping technique had begun to slow imperceptibly due to its ever-increasing consumption of energy.

    If it was like this, then the distances between the bloody handprints and Huo Li would be shorter and shorter. He could even sense that the power of the blood poison was creeping closer to him, which caused his heartstrings to stretch taut. An intense feeling of urgency rose up!

    Escape, escape, escape!

    Having lived for twenty-something years, Huo Li had always been a proud son of heaven. He had his fill of pampering and nurturing. Previously, it had always been him who suppressed others with his path of domination. How could he be chased like this?

    Unfortunately, because he lost the decisive opportunity, he could only wearily rush around here!

    Huo Li detected that, from the initial wavering, his own path of domination was already covered in ayer of shadows. He could imagine that if this continued, his heart of domination might end up shattering in this ce.

    However, it seemed that the might of those bloody handprints still hadn¡¯t diminished after a dozen palm strikes. On the contrary, it had be faintly stronger.

    This kind of discovery infuriated Huo Li. He couldn¡¯t help inwardly cursing: This is simply a monstrous freak. How long is it going to take for him to run out of strength?!

    The other prodigies were also stunned by this powerful momentum. The battles between them hadn¡¯t yet reached the most desperate phases, so it only took a slight shift of their thoughts to find out about the scene on this side.

    At a nce, they recognized that the enormous bloody handprints were a type of formidable ultimate knowledge. However, the consumption of such ultimate knowledge was always extremely huge. Usually, it was difficult to maintain it for long periods of time when used against an enemy. Only when one¡¯s realm was high could it disy its might.

    Right now, the prodigy using it was the same as them. All of them were no more than Atomic Realm martial artists. Using this bloody handprint like his power was an unending stream was truly too baffling.

    At this moment, a thought appeared in the hearts of these prodigies ¡ª Who was this person? How abundant was the power contained within his qi ocean? Or was the reason why this person became a prodigy precisely because his qi ocean mutated to amodate even more robust profound qi than prodigies like them?

    They didn¡¯t understand. Not at all.

    However, because they weren¡¯t able to grasp Tianheng¡¯s foundations, they could only watch from the sidelines for the time being.

    As for helping Huo Li...

    During this struggle over the qi veins, each person here was an adversary. Why would there be any help?

    Besides, as someone who walked the path of domination, Huo Li viewed everyone in the world as his subjects. How could there be any prodigies who treated him with absolute sincerity and were willing to lend a hand at this time?

    As a result, Tianheng¡¯s attacks on Huo Li didn¡¯t let up for a moment. Neither fast nor slow, one palm followed another. Tianheng remained calm andposed, and not a single thread of his qi emissions was out of order.

    When it came to his qi oceans...

    The profound qi swelled and flowed within the six qi oceans. Silken threads of profound qi from the other five qi oceans permeated into that reddish-ck qi ocean. Up above, the river of blood rolled with waves and surged up violently. Every movement caused the profound qi within this qi ocean to recover little by little.

    Furthermore, there were countless silvery-gray fragments floating above the six qi oceans. There was also an extremely thin, gray line that was submerged within the reddish-ck qi ocean. With just one revolution, the internal qi of the entire qi ocean faintly glowed with a wisp of brilliance as if it had strengthened in quality.

    Seeing that every time Huo Li got away, his body was only a few meters from the Great Asura Hands, Tianheng spected that the opportune moment had already arrived. He opened his mouth: ¡°Prodigy Huo Li, hand your ck dragon jades over to me, and I¡¯ll stop. What do you think?¡±

    Huo Li had just escaped another bloody handprint. Right away, he let out a cold snort: ¡°Forget it!¡±

    Tianheng sighed: ¡°In that case, don¡¯t me me...¡±

    Once he finished speaking, two enormous bloody handprints appeared simultaneously. With one ahead and the other behind, both sides outnked Huo Li. In the sky, it was like someone had suddenly emerged to bring their palms together in prayer, creating a terrifying illusion that the world was about to be enclosed between these sping hands.

    If this attack connected... While it couldn¡¯t be said that Huo Li would perish, he would definitely receive extremely tragic wounds!

    Huo Li was shocked. Both of his eyes suddenly opened wide!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 464 - Huo Liâ€™s Conclusion

    <h4>Chapter 464 - Huo Li¡¯s Conclusion</h4>

    Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t hesitate at all. Two palms crashed together, and Huo Li was already caught between them.

    Huo Li¡¯s figure was engulfed within the two palms. In the small crack between the palms, an intense me suddenly burst out! However, although this me was iparably bright and carried formidable strength, it still only persisted for a short while before it dimmed more and more. Then, the me went out!

    Many prodigies were astonished ¡ª Could he have died?

    For a prodigy to be hounded to death with such a light stroke of the brush, this inevitably left people incredibly shocked!

    Those two enormous bloody handprints quickly faded away, and the vast suppressive might alsopletely disappeared. Within those two palms, everyone saw a bright pearl the size of a chicken egg bursting out with intense rays of light before instantly exploding! Shortly thereafter, a beam of fiery light fell to the side. All of a sudden, Huo Li was revealed.

    Merely, Huo Li¡¯splexion was pale at the moment. It appeared that he just recovered from the shock, but his qi emissions had weakened considerably. It looked like he had degenerated from the Atomic Realm to peak Immortal!

    Unexpectedly, he had been knocked down a major realm!

    ¡ª However, this person was still alive.

    Tianheng was hardly surprised.

    Since there were beast pearls that could take the ce of the lives of Xiantian and Immortal Realm cultivators, it was to be expected that there were other things capable of a single life-substitution after one reached the Atomic Realm. Practically every prodigy was someone nurtured by their respective forces, and it was only natural that they had their own life-saving means. Let alone Huo Li, who cultivated the path of domination. Outside of being arrogant and despotic, he naturally wanted to protect himself even more.

    This drop of one realm was probably the required price of saving his own life ¡ª After all, the higher the realm, the harder it was for one¡¯s life to be substituted.

    As a result, after Huo Li¡¯s realm dropped, he was just about to brandish another object to escape. Tianheng decisively took action once again. As before, he still struck down with one Great Asura Hand after another.

    When Huo Li was at his previous realm, it was already difficult to run away from the bloody handprints. Now that his strength had fallen drastically, how could he dodge them? Before he had time to react, he had already been pped squarely and securely!

    However, when the bloody handprint diminished, another pearl cracked apart, a beam of fiery light erupted, and Huo Li¡¯s figure reappeared. This time around, his realm didn¡¯t fall too much. It was only at the mid Immortal Realm. It was probably because his strength had decreased that the price was likewise a little smaller.

    At this point, Huo Li¡¯splexion was deathly pale.

    When Tianheng lifted his palm once more, an enormous bloody handprint was floating right above Huo Li. The distance between the top of his head and the Great Asura Hand was no more than two feet. As for the blood poison¡¯s qi emanating from this bloody handprint, it was only three to four inches away.

    As one could well imagine, so long as Tianheng¡¯s thoughts moved, whether it was the blood poison or the bloody handprint itself, both of them could instantly take Huo Li¡¯s life again!

    The fury in Huo Li¡¯s eyes soared and the tyrannical intent of his path of domination still lingered around his body, but in the depths of his eyes, there was a faint trace of fear.

    Gu Zuo took everything in, and couldn¡¯t help revealing a happy, smiling expression.

    As expected, he knew that big brother wasn¡¯t going to let off Huo Li. Just a moment ago, he struck Huo Li twice, but in fact, he killed him twice. It was clear that this Huo Li was already gued by a shadow cast by Tianheng. His heart of domination was also cracked. When Huo Li attempted to cultivate in the future, he would certainly suffer greatly for it!

    One needed to know that once one¡¯s determination on the path of martial arts was injured, their future prospects on that path of martial arts would darken, too ¡ª He would only be able to break through again and soar in the sky if he could ovee this type of shackle!

    But so long as big brother was around, this would be a shadow over Huo Li. If he wanted to break through, he needed to beat big brother... And since big brother was already better than Huo Li, how could this fellow, whose willpower was injured, pull off aeback?

    Dealing with Huo Li in this way was quite relieving.

    The facts were also like this.

    When all was said and done, Huo Li was a prodigy, and behind him was at least a silver-ranked organization. Admittedly, while Tianheng wasn¡¯t afraid, he had already killed Huo Li twice, and each instance had been substituted with a precious treasure. If Tianheng continued for a third time, then it would obviously be an excessive provocation that wouldn¡¯t be overlooked. This matter would be easily used as a pretense for making a fuss &#k2014; Beating a prodigy to death and breaking a prodigy¡¯s willpower were still two different things.

    Of course, even if this was used as a pretense, it was still Huo Li who brought it upon himself. It was only a pity that there weren¡¯t any benefits in this. Tianheng was someone who disliked doing this kind of-loss transaction.

    Hence, Tianheng looked down at Huo Li from his higher position, and gently opened his mouth: ¡°Prodigy Huo Li, what are you considering now?¡±

    This question was naturally about whether he wanted the ck dragon jades or his own life.

    If Huo Li agreed, then those ck dragon jades would be the currency to buy his life, which just so happened to benefit Tianheng. If Huo Li still tactlessly refused, then it was reasonable for Tianheng to demand Huo Li¡¯s life again. No one could say that he was in the wrong.

    Huo Li¡¯s gaze was grim.

    Above his head, the bloody handprint descended inch by inch. It was continuously getting closer to him.

    This was a threat! This was coercion! Yet, Huo Li had no choice but to admit defeat.

    Clenching his jaws and gnashing his teeth, Huo Li tossed out a string of ck lights.

    These ck lights swiftly shot out in all directions. As it turned out, he had scattered these ck dragon jades like flower petals. Due to the unwillingness in his heart, he wanted to give a little more trouble to Tianheng!

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled up.

    After that, the enormous bloody handprint suddenly moved. With unexpected agility, it swept across the surroundings.

    Not a single one of those ck lights was missed. All of them entered the hollow of his palm.

    In a sh, Tianheng put those ck dragon jades into his sleeve pouch. Meanwhile, the instant Huo Li tossed out the ck lights, he whipped his sleeves around and rapidly retreated toward his own subordinates.

    The Ascendant Realm battle ves who apanied Huo Li swiftly turned back to securely protect him.

    Following this, Huo Li and his group no longer had the face to remain here. Instead, they left thisnd with great speeds.

    Among the numerous prodigies, there was one less person.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng faintly smiled, and put his hands away.

    Tianheng¡¯s figure shed past, and arrived in front of another prodigy ¡ª At first, this prodigy was in the middle of fighting someone else. In the end, he was knocked back by that person. Just as he was about to continue stepping forward, his original opponent was confronted by some other prodigy. And when he wanted to re-engage, he was blocked by Tianheng.

    Tianheng slightly extended his hand: ¡°Please give me some pointers.¡±

    Having heard what was said, this prodigy looked at Tianheng with a dignified expression: ¡°After you.¡±

    Just a while ago, when this fellow dealt with Prodigy Huo Li, he had split a bit of attention to witness how formidable Tianheng had been. Now that he was facing this person, he was afraid that it wouldn¡¯t be easy to handle.

    But, how could he back down?

    After this prodigy responded, he swiftly acted!

    Tianheng simrly took action. This time around, he didn¡¯t utilize that Great Asura Hand. Rather, his hand made a grasping motion, and gripped a silver spear. Then, he started an intense fight with this prodigy!

    The martial disciplines that this prodigy cultivated were also quite frightening. When his hands moved, not only did they draw the movements of wind and thunder, an indistinct virtual image of an intertwined fish and dragon took shape behind him.

    Every motion of Tianheng¡¯s spear stabbed at the intersection between the fish and dragon. That gigantic fish suddenly opened its maw to spray out a powerful current, and the long dragon abruptlyshed its tail to create a brilliant and mighty gale.

    However, these kinds of attacks couldn¡¯t do anything to Tianheng. His spear point repeatedly thrusted out, and his spear shaft instantly flung the gigantic fish and lifted the long dragon. Then, he swiftly moved backwards. Both of his hands stretched out, and that silver spear had already turned into a golden bow. Suddenly, an arrow shot straight into the fish¡¯s maw, and another burst of vigorous power struck out to disperse that dragon!

    This prodigy watched these methods of Tianheng. His brows faintly furrowed, but his actions were firm and stable. It was like he waspletely unaffected. Each move and every form was still filled with incredible strength.

    Meanwhile, after Tianheng shot several arrows, he suddenly lifted his palm, clenched his fingers into a fist, and brazenly and explosively punched out ¡ª Bang!

    A huge blood-colored fist mark sted out. It streaked across the sky like a star.

    That prodigy grabbed a shield and held it in front of himself. However, that shield couldn¡¯tpletely resist the fist mark. Therefore, his chest suffered a muffled blow, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

    At this moment, Tianheng somehow appeared behind him.

    That prodigy was rmed!

    Tianheng inly said: ¡°Please hand over the ck dragon jades in your possession to me. How about it?¡±

    His palm lightly pushed forward. A terrifying power was brewing in the hollow of his palm.

    That prodigy had no other alternative. In passing, he threw out a dozen or so beams of ck light. As for himself, he swiftly pulled away ¡ª Although he was unreconciled, he didn¡¯t want to deal with this monstrous disaster here anymore. It was better to quickly go and plunder the ck dragon jades of other people!

    With his capabilities as a prodigy, he took the opportunity to escape, which went very smoothly. Once Tianheng got a hold of those ck dragon jades, this prodigy was already quite far away, and had joined the fray on the other side.

    Tianheng gained lots of ck dragon jades, and unhurriedly put them away.

    Soon after, he moved again, and charged toward another lone prodigy.

    In the sky, Tianheng wasn¡¯t the only one who was doing this kind of thing. All of the prodigies were like this. It was just that, when battling their opponents, most of them couldn¡¯t determine the oue of their matches as quickly as Tianheng. As a result, their fights were rtively precarious, and the number of ck dragon jades they seized fell short of what Tianheng acquired.

    However, each person fought at close quarters, and all of them struggled andpeted. From time to time, a few prodigies managed to defeat their opponents with great difficulty. Though, due to the injuries they sustained, another prodigy would take advantage of the situation to inflict further damage and snatch their ck dragon jades...

    In this way, the struggle was bitter and desperate. Blood rained down, one drop after another.

    Down below, Gu Zuo watched on. He almost held his breath.

    At this time, the prodigies quickly determined who was stronger and who was weaker. After one round of battle, some prodigies hadrge portions of their ck dragon jades snatched away, and had no choice but to leave the battlefield. However, there were also several prodigies who towered above the others in such battles. They quickly revealed superior skills that were worthy of admiration.

    Now, the ones who were the most eye-catching in the sky were undoubtedly these few prodigies.

    One was Gongyi Tianheng. His temperament appeared natural and poised, but most of his utilized methods were based primarily on bloody palms and fists to attack and kill. It was incredibly rough and brutal.

    The second prodigy was that young man whose figure was tall and straight. He was extremely slim like the edge of a de. He wielded a thin, single-edged dagger that resembled a paring knife, his body was like a ghostly demon, and his speed was tremendously fast. More often than not, before the other party sensed anything, they were already attacked by him. In the blink of an eye, they were immediately wounded.

    The third was that prodigy who resembled a malevolent wolf. During his battles, his body actually transformed into an enormous wolf with a pair of wings on his back. The howls that issued from his throat were horrifying, and seemed capable of shaking one¡¯s resolutions. Moreover, he was exceptionally violent. Everything that crossed his wolfish fangs were torn to shreds!

    The fourth¡¯s palms gathered wind dragons, and their form was like a gust of wind. Anyone who fought them couldn¡¯t help being injured by the boundless forces within the storm.

    The fifth was that beautiful youngdy in the purple dress. Her figure was enchanting and alluring, and she moved like she was dancing. Her slender fingers appeared to pull many threads. Above those threads, purple lights glinted and sparkled like the stars. Every swipe of purple light brought terrible damage. Others gave way in the face of superior strength, and it was difficult to withstand.

    These were the highestyer of prodigies. When Gu Zuo arrived at this ce, they were also the first prodigies who entered his eyes. Now that he thought about this, they didn¡¯t catch his attention because they were closer to him. Instead, it was because the powers contained within their bodies were the most formidable. They were so eye-catching that others would notice them at first nce!

    However, Gu Zuo also felt that his family¡¯s big brother was the strongest among them.

    Although the skills of the others were powerful, and it seemed that they hadn¡¯t even used their full strengths yet, his big brother was more rxed and effortless. In addition, because he disyed what he himselfprehended, his skills were the most suitable for him and could exhibit the greatest might.

    As time passed, prodigies left the battlefield one after another. The number of remaining people continued to decrease.

    At this moment, there were fewer and fewerpetitors. When the most powerful people seized control of the majority of the ck dragon jades, their movements suddenly halted.

    Five people each upied their own sides, floating in the empty sky.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 465 - Wins and Losses

    <h4>Chapter 465 - Wins and Losses</h4>

    That enormous wolf suddenly regained his original shape. He did a full-body stretch, and spoke with a fierce voice: ¡°Sun God Church, Mu Yefeng.¡±

    The young person wrapped in the galeughed, though their features were still hidden in the winds. Their voice was also breezy and fleeting: ¡°Flying Cloud Pce, Gao Hongyu.¡±

    The young man with a figure as slim as the edge of a de had a hoarse voice: ¡°Heavenly Saber Mountain, Rong Dao.¡±

    The mysterious youngdy in the purple dress sounded melodious: ¡°Star Point Temple, Tantai Lianxing.¡±

    Finally, Gongyi Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ten Ultimates Sect, Gongyi Tianheng.¡±

    The five people quickly announced their own origins one after another. At the same time, they rapidly gained an understanding of the backgrounds of their counterparts.

    There was no doubt that everyone¡¯s backers were out of the ordinary.

    Tianheng¡¯s Ten Ultimates Sect was a veteran silver-ranked organization. Its robust umtions were not lower than that of gold-ranked organizations with shallow foundations. Likewise, the amount of ultimate knowledge it held wasn¡¯t fewer than that of veteran gold-ranked organizations.

    The Sun God Church and Flying Cloud Pce were both considered organizations that had just been promoted to the gold rank within the past several thousand years. They were ssified as the type whose foundations wereparatively shallow.

    Heavenly Saber Mountain was a silver-ranked organization, too. Its qualifications were inferior to that of Ten Ultimates Sect, and there were fewer people as well. However, because each person within the organization was a pure saber-wielder, the strength of eachbatant was very formidable, and powerhouses easily appeared. This also prevented others from underestimating them.

    As for Star Point Temple, it was also ssified as a silver-ranked organization. While there were rumors that its strength was inferior to that of Heavenly Saber Mountain, this organization had a unique skill that could draw power from the stars. It was also adept at observing the aspects of the celestial bodies and making divinations. Every disciple within the temple was steeped in mysteries that caused others to pay attention to them. Many gold-ranked organizations didn¡¯t rashly go to provoke this force.

    As a result, it really wasn¡¯t surprising that the five of them won so decisively.

    After getting a good look at one another, the five quickly gained some understandings of the other four people.

    During the battles just a while ago, those fights could be counted as nothing more than handling a butcher¡¯s cleaver with ease. At the same time, it was hard to infer what degree the true strengths of the remaining people had reached.

    ¡ª Now that the other prodigies had been weeded out, how should they proceed?

    A faint streak of light shed through their eyes. Shortly thereafter, all of them took action!

    Five exceedingly mighty surges of power suddenly sted out. Among them, the directions of four great powers headed towards Tianheng. As for the other one, it was rushing toward Heavenly Saber Mountain¡¯s Rong Dao.

    Down below, Gu Zuo watched with great rm: Big brother!

    What was going on? Why were the four of them ganging up on his big brother?!

    Fortunately, at almost the exact same time, Tianheng¡¯s other hand drew out a strange set of motions in front of him. Terrifying qi energies arose from these motions, and formed a huge, invisible defense that warded off all parts of Tianheng¡¯s body. When those attacks arrived, this defense disyed its greatest function, and weakened those attacks by fifty percent. After that, Tianheng¡¯s other hand turned around to counterattack, unleashing an enormous blood-colored fist mark. This fist mark contained a boundless, mighty force and concealed a ferocious and violent poison. In a head-on collision, it caught those four weakened attackspletely!

    Only, when all was said and done, these were the powerful attacks of four prodigies. Although Tianheng reacted extremely quickly, and his style was inexhaustibly mighty, he was still pushed back several steps under such powers. A rivulet of blood trickled down the corner of his mouth.

    As for that Rong Dao, he had been attacked by Tianheng. The thin, single-edged dagger in his hand hurriedly chopped down, and his whole body rapidly retreated. After chopping several times, that attack had been thoroughly cut to ribbons.

    At this time, his consumption wasn¡¯t small. His flushed appearance was prominent against his pallid facial features.

    Once these prodigies attacked, they didn¡¯t continue taking action.

    In actuality, the previous round of attacks was originally a tacitly understood form of probing.

    After the gazes of these prodigies swept across one another, they had already made a decision. Limited to a single attack, they would handle the opponent who was the most fearsome in their hearts ¡ª That¡¯s right. With the pride of these pinnacle prodigies, they definitely wouldn¡¯t attack the person whom they believed was the weakest. On the contrary, the tougher the challenge, the stronger they themselves would appear.

    Although the strength that Tianheng previously revealed was only the tip of the iceberg, these prodigies had incredibly keen foresight, and had long seen that there was something extraordinary within it. Thus, the four of them unexpectedly took the same course of action. They felt that Tianheng was the hardest to deal with, which led to the scene of these four besieging one person.

    After making their moves, the four prodigies realized that the others had the same thought process as themselves. It was only natural that they were somewhat surprised. However, when Tianheng blocked all of these attacks and only suffered a mild, percussive injury, this bit of surprise turned into shock ¡ª He was actually so powerful!

    Of course, after this single round of strikes passed, those four didn¡¯t take action again.

    It was Tianheng who possessed this capability. Although they wouldn¡¯t feel envious of him, the pressure this brought them wasn¡¯t small. In their hearts, they were even more determined. Once they went back, they had to practice harder and longer, and study more ultimate knowledge. This way, they could have greater certainty the next time they confronted one another!

    As for Tianheng, he was entertaining different thoughts. Among the other four people, Rong Dao specialized in a school of martial arts where his de had been honed to be iparably swift and fierce. This was suitable for Tianheng to try out his opponent¡¯s attacks, so he targeted Rong Dao.

    Sure enough, Rong Dao lived up to the reputation of his Heavenly Saber Mountain. After several cuts, Tianheng¡¯s probing attack had been shattered. Although it consumed quite a bit of energy, there was a trace of fighting intent, which had been forcibly restrained.

    When everyone stopped, the other four prodigies looked at Tianheng withplicated gazes.

    Tianheng had a smile on his face, and paid them no mind.

    Shortly thereafter, Mu Yefeng, Gao Hongyu, and Tantai Lianxing moved. Each of them brought out two streaks of ck light, which headed straight to Tianheng.

    Tianheng extended a hand to catch them. There were six ck dragon jades in total.

    Just now, even though that round of fightingsted for only a moment, because Tianheng took on four strikes alone, this was considered a small loss for the others. As a result, these ck dragon jades were Tianheng¡¯s winnings ¡ª If these pinnacle prodigies didn¡¯t own up to such a trivial matter, they would lose face. However, because Rong Dao simrly received Tianheng¡¯s attack, although he wasn¡¯t as valiant as Tianheng, payment for Tianheng¡¯s winnings also wasn¡¯t necessary.

    Afterwards, Tantai Lianxing opened her mouth. Her voice had a distant, faraway quality, and it carried a type of indescribable and hazy tone: ¡°During the battles of the Prodigy Monument, this Lianxing shall give Brother Gongyi a respectful wee.¡±

    Tianheng was slightly stumped for words.

    The Prodigy Monument? He didn¡¯t know anything about this matter.

    However, he didn¡¯t reveal anything. Instead, he smiled: ¡°When the timees, I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    At the same moment, Rong Dao and the others nced at Tianheng. They tossed out a sentence, and turned around to leave: ¡°When the timees, we¡¯ll see who¡¯s stronger!¡±

    After that, each of them shed away, and went back to their subordinates.

    Tianheng tilted his body forward, dropped down, and stood next to Gu Zuo. When he met Gu Zuo¡¯s concerned expression, his gaze softened: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. Just now, that was just a percussive injury. It¡¯s not a big deal.¡±

    Gu Zuo grabbed Tianheng¡¯s wrist, and gave a careful examination. He only felt reassured when his family¡¯s big brother took a medicinal pill: ¡°Why did they all attack big brother?¡±

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°It¡¯s probably because they were unable to peer into my inside information. They were just curious.¡±

    Indeed, this reason did ount for arge extent.

    Gu Zuo quickly figured it out, and shook his head: ¡°Fortunately, big brother is powerful enough.¡±

    Tianheng smiled. He enjoyed this kind of praise.

    Following this, the twomanded the numerous subordinates, and prepared to go back.

    Gu Zuo curiously asked: ¡°Speaking of which, is the fighting over those ck-colored, dragon-shaped jade stones the same as fighting over the qi veins? How many qi veins did big brother capture?¡±

    Tianheng took out a ck dragon jade from his sleeve, and ced it in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look.¡±

    At this time, Gu Zuo carefully inspected this jade stone, and discovered that it was pure ck in its entirety. It seemed to be dragon-shaped, but in fact, this form wasn¡¯t that detailed or exquisite. It only gave others a general feeling of being like a dragon. At the same time, there was a fine length of thread on the inside. Within was a dense qi stream that bubbled and moved. It was as if the profound qi was boiling.

    Of course, these things weren¡¯t considered unusual. It was just that a sensation suddenly arose in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart the instant he got close to the ck dragon jade. It was like some kind of abstruse mystery was whispering many pieces of information to him.

    This object really was called a ck Dragon Jade. It was a type of jade stone that was naturally produced when a profound qi vein came into being. These jade stones were hidden together with the profound qi vein. Unless there were drastic changes, no differences would ur. However, if the profound qi vein emerged, and it was disturbed by the qi emissions of the outside world, the jade stones would scatter and escape in all directions. Within the time it took a joss of incense to burn, they would dissipate back into the world¡¯s ambient qi.

    During this period of time, if someone captured a ck Dragon Jade, it would never dissipate again. Obtaining the ck Dragon Jades was equivalent to having the ability to take away the profound qi veins, but if these jades weren¡¯t captured, then the profound qi veins would be rooted here forever. No one would be able take them away ¡ª If anyone wanted to utilize the profound qi veins, they could onlye to this ce and apany the qi veins.

    Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he was speechless: ¡°The things nurtured between heaven and earth are truly miraculous...¡±

    No wonder any fighting over profound qi veins had evolved to be fighting over ck Dragon Jades. This was quite convenient.

    After they gained an understanding of the ck Dragon Jades, everyone had already departed from this area, and arrived inside Hyssop Heart City.

    At this very moment, the streets were filled with the people who had left their homes. The city was gradually restored to a bustling and lively state. However, when others caught sight of Tianheng and his group, there were still some people who showed fearful looks. They only returned to normal when Tianheng and the others passed by.

    This kind of treatment made Gu Zuo, who felt that his own temperament was pretty good, to not know whether tough or cry.

    Many prodigies had gathered in this ce. As far as Hyssop Heart City was concerned, this was probably the same as a catastrophic flood or a wave of ferocious beasts... When one thought about it, this also wasn¡¯t unusual. If there were several more people like Huo Li, it would be strange not to be despised by others.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care about these things. Instead, he hastened the journey with Tianheng and the others, and swiftly returned to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Along the way, there were teleportation arrays that connected each city. As a result, even though Hyssop Heart City was located in a region that wasn¡¯t close to the Ten Ultimates Domain, they returned very quickly.

    And the first order of business aftering back was to pay a visit to the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 466 - A Huge Amount

    <h4>Chapter 466 - A Huge Amount</h4>

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was waiting for the two people in the main hall.

    Once Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo entered and paid their respects, he revealed a smiling expression to the pair: ¡°Sure enough, when this apprentice went out, you didn¡¯t tarnish the reputation of my Ten Ultimates Sect.¡±

    As it turned out, he had long known about Tianheng¡¯s performance during thepetition over the profound qi veins.

    Tianheng said: ¡°I only did my best. Luckily, I didn¡¯t disappoint master or the sect.¡±

    After he finished saying this, he removed the heavy sleeve pouch, and held it in his hand: ¡°This is what this disciple acquired. Master, please take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo trailed the pouch with his eyes, too.

    Speaking of which, he didn¡¯t specifically ask how many Tianheng obtained, but based on what he vaguely saw, there were at least a couple dozen.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master reached out a hand, and caught that sleeve pouch. With a shake of his arm, the contents inside the sleeve pouch immediately fell out, and floated in the pce hall.

    What every streak of ck light enshrouded were ck Dragon Jades of various sizes!

    Soon after, the Blood Transformation Pce Master flicked his sleeve. Those ck Dragon Jades were naturally separated into several piles. The way they were divided was ording to their respective size.

    Gu Zuo saw that there were a dozen or so piles at the very least.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°For the profound qi veins at three hundred meters, thirty units. At six hundred meters, twenty-three units. At 1.2 kilometers, twenty-one units. At 1.5 kilometers, eighteen units. At 2.4 kilometers...¡±

    After a cursory count, the total number of profound qi veins reached 162. Among them, 116 were shorter than three kilometers, forty-five were three kilometers or longer, and only one surpassed thirty kilometers.

    Based on these calctions, from the hundred-something profound qi veins, the Blood Transformation Pce Hall could obtain forty-nine units and Tianheng could get seventeen units. And among the seventeen units that Tianheng received, in order topensate that he couldn¡¯t take the thirty-kilometer-long profound qi vein, five profound qi veins that were three kilometers or longer would be allocated to him.

    Indeed, this amount wasn¡¯t small.

    Once the Blood Transformation Pce Master finished calcting, he pondered slightly: ¡°Apprentice, among those five longer profound qi veins you deserve, this teacher will pick one unit that¡¯s twenty-four kilometers long, and units that are fifteen kilometers, nine kilometers, six kilometers, and three kilometers each.¡±

    As a matter of fact, among all of the profound qi veins, the best one was definitely the thirty-kilometer-long qi vein, and the second best were the few qi veins that were twenty-four kilometers long. Tianheng went through a lot of trouble to seize this many profound qi veins. As Tianheng¡¯s master, he naturally couldn¡¯t let his apprentice suffer such a loss. He had to get one of those longer profound qi veins for his apprentice no matter what.

    Moreover, among those qi veins at the twenty-four kilometer mark, one was 25.8 kilometers long and another was 26.4 kilometers long. The longer one was picked for Tianheng. On the contrary, the Blood Transformation Pce Hall selected the shorter one for itself.

    Tianheng knew that this was his master¡¯s kind intention. It was only natural that his heart warmed.

    Gu Zuo also respected the Blood Transformation Pce Master even more deeply.

    After all, although his big brother made great contributions to the sect, it wasn¡¯t good for disciples to select the best things for themselves. Otherwise, they would be denounced and castigated by others. However, the Blood Transformation Pce Master took responsibility for this matter directly. When a master fought for the material benefits of his disciple, this was a form of protection. There was nothing outsiders could say about it, either.

    Shortly thereafter, the Blood Transformation Pce Master spoke again: ¡°In addition, twelve profound qi veins under three kilometers in length may be chosen by this apprentice personally.¡±

    At this moment, his expression was upright: ¡°From these qi veins, this apprentice should choose based on his own needs...¡±

    Don¡¯t greedily pursue based on size ¡ª Even though he didn¡¯t say this sentence of warning aloud, it was enough to make the two people here understand the unfinished implication.

    Tianheng wasn¡¯t flustered, and unhurriedly said: ¡°Master, rest assured.¡±

    Gu Zuo followed along, and nodded his head.

    The facts were also like this. His big brother had just started to develop and grow. More profound qi veins were a good thing, but if every qi vein was long, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to handle. And ording to the situation, it would be better to be rewarded for meritorious deeds in the future.

    As a result, Tianheng made a prudent selection.

    Among those twelve profound qi veins, five units were three hundred meters, two units were six hundred meters, two units were nine hundred meters, two units were 1.5 kilometers, and one unit was 2.4 kilometers.

    Once they went back, it would be much easier for him to allocate.

    Regarding Tianheng¡¯s choices, the Blood Transformation Pce Master praised: ¡°Not bad. Such a selection is just right for this apprentice¡¯s current needs. When the sect pulls out those profound qi veins, this teacher will watch over the process for you. I¡¯ll make sure that nothing goes wrong.¡±

    Following this, Tianheng poured his own qi emissions into the ck Dragon Jades he selected. This was considered the way to confirm the chosen profound qi veins. Afterwards, the sect would send out exceptional powerhouses to pull out the profound qi veins, and settle them within the Profound Veins Secret Land. In the future, so long as Tianheng wanted, he could go receive them with the ck Dragon Jades in hand.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master continued: ¡°The date of the translocation will be one month from now. Apprentice, you should send your people to remove the profound crystals above those qi veins first.¡±

    Indeed. Before they were moved to the Profound Veins Secret Land, the umted profound crystals on top definitely had to be taken away. Otherwise, if he needed the profound crystals in the future, wouldn¡¯t he have to go and get them from the secretnd every time?

    As a result, Tianheng affirmed: ¡°Many thanks for the reminder, master.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, the two left the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    After going outside, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something: ¡°Big brother, it seems that I forgot about the heavenly materials and earthly treasures that the pce master mentioned...¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled, and ruffled his hair: ¡°That¡¯s only because Ah Zuo is worried about me. Though, this isn¡¯t a problem. If any heavenly materials or earthly treasures were produced, they¡¯ll certainly be close to the profound qi veins. If they¡¯re found somewhere else, disputes would inevitably ur. Now that those seventeen qi veins belong to us, we can go looking around when I send people to take away the profound crystals.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head, and revealed a great, big smile: ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll go with big brother!¡±

    The two went back to the manor first.

    Since it was already decided that they were going to go mining, then there was no time to lose.

    Tianheng pointed out two hundred battle ves and numerous robust experts from the Gold-Devouring Mouse servile race to proceed with them. Normally, if it was said that having battle ves when traveling and fighting was the best help, then having members of the Gold-Devouring Mouse race when mining was the most appropriate.

    Ever since the Gold-Devouring Mouse race recognized a master, they usually worked in ore veins. However, because their work efficiency was extremely high, those ore veins couldn¡¯t keep them busy for long. On the contrary, there had been many times when too many mice were sent over, which led to an inevitable wastage of manpower.

    Having heard that they could mine profound crystals, numerous Gold-Devouring Mice were iparably happy. They jumped into action right away. In a short while, three hundred Gold-Devouring Mice had gathered. They were all ready and waiting!

    Tianheng didn¡¯t say much more than a few lines: ¡°This time, for everyoneing along who gives it their all, I will increase your monthly stipends for three months.¡±

    The numerous battle ves and servile race members were naturally ecstatic. They respectfully bowed or saluted: ¡°Many thanks, young master!¡±

    Gu Zuo tugged on Tianheng¡¯s sleeve, and purposefully asked: ¡°Big brother, what about me?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice softened: ¡°All that I am and everything I have will be shared with Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face suddenly reddened. He stammered, at a loss for words.

    Originally, he wanted to tease big brother. In the end, he was teased in return.

    Afterwards, with the assistance of the teleportation arrays, everyone followed Tianheng and quickly arrived at the location of the qi vein mine. At this time, that ce was no longer as quiet as when everyone left. Before Gu Zuo and the others got there, the other prodigies had already sent over their own servile races, who started digging on top of many qi veins to mine the profound crystals.

    When Tianheng gave the order, the battle ves and Gold-Devouring Mouse race members didn¡¯t waste any time. Whichever qi veins Tianheng pointed out, they rushed to that ce, and harvested the profound crystals above those qi veins with various methods.

    As for the mining methods, Gu Zuo watched with astonishment.

    There was nothing spectacr about the battle ves. Their methods were still very ordinary. However, the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race was different. The moment they climbed onto the qi veins, their entire bodies transformed into gigantic mouse-like creatures. Their front paws moved nonstop, and they instantly burrowed into the ground. Amid the continuous movements of their front paws, their bodies sank downward. Over the course of their sinking, numerous ck-colored crystals were constantly tossed out to form small mountains on the side.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: ¡°...So fast!¡±

    Tianheng broke intoughter: ¡°This is the strong point of the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race. If it wasn¡¯t for this skill, I wouldn¡¯t have deliberately chosen this race to be my subordinates.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°What big brother says is right.¡±

    Indeed, the Gold-Devouring Mice were very capable. From what Gu Zuo could tell, after this group of mice pounced onto a three-hundred-meter-long profound qi vein where seventy to eighty percent of it was covered in profound crystals, half of the qi vein had been ¡°nibbled away¡± in less than an hour. One couldn¡¯t focus on the high martial strength of the battle ves. At this time, they were basically reduced to glorified porters. Each person was following at least one Gold-Devouring Mouse. Whenever a mouse dug out arge pile of profound crystals, the battle ves used an inter-spatial tool to stow them away. When the inter-spatial tools were filled up, they were delivered to Tianheng¡¯s location.

    Fortunately, Tianheng¡¯s bangle came from the hands of a Human King, and it was the best inter-spatial tool for the job. As a result, even though countless profound crystals were being excavated right now, all of them could be stored.

    Only, this situation wouldn¡¯t necessarily stay the same if things continued like this ¡ª For instance, take that aforementioned profound qi vein. It could produce several tens of millions of profound qi crystals. These numbers were just the profound crystals covering a qi vein that spanned three hundred meters. Was there any need to talk about the profound crystals produced by those longer qi veins?

    Gu Zuo did some rough calctions. The total length of the seventeen qi veins that belonged to big brother was approximately seventy-two kilometers. If every three hundred meters could produce fifty million profound crystals, then that would be...twelve billion profound crystals!

    After calcting this, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help swallowing a mouthful of saliva.

    When big brother just became a prodigy, his monthly allocation also included profound crystals. That amount had been... Ah, he remembered. There were three crystals every month.

    ¡ª This was still the sry of an all-star prodigy!

    Of course, now that big brother advanced to an Atomic Realm martial artist, the monthly spirit crystals had been raised ten times to be ten thousand. Meanwhile, the profound crystals had been raised a hundred times to be three hundred. However,pared to the profound crystals covering these qi veins, that small amount was basically meaningless!

    If this was converted into the monthly stipends that big brother issued to the battle ves... Let¡¯s take the Immortal Realm battle ves as an example. The sry of the battle ves naturally couldn¡¯tpare to that of a prodigy. Even if it was the inner sect disciples of Ten Ultimates Sect, it would be impossible for them to get profound crystals every month once they reached the Immortal Realm. Under poorer circumstances, it might be only one crystal per year. And if things were a little better, they might get one crystal every couple of months.

    If the battle ves and these inner sect disciples were given the same treatment, there would have to be a trade-off. For instance, one crystal every six months. With twelve billion profound crystals, even if this arrangementsted for a thousand years, one could support six million Immortal Realm battle ves!

    Gu Zuo felt a little dizzy.

    This was just onepetition for the capture of qi veins. How many times had his and big brother¡¯s assets increased?

    On the contrary, after Tianheng transferred the profound crystals in several inter-spatial tools to his bangle, he turned around and saw Gu Zuo¡¯s dizzied expression.

    Heughed, and pinched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°Thirty percent will be our personal funds. I¡¯ll hand them over to Ah Zuo for safe keeping.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 467 - Unbridled Plundering

    <h4>Chapter 467 - Unbridled Plundering</h4>

    Gu Zuo: ¡°! ! !¡±

    T-thirty percent was 3.6 billion!

    At the very least, he and big brother didn¡¯t need to worry about money problems for a long time toe!

    At this moment, Gu Zuo felt a little ashamed.

    To be honest, although he refined the medicine, big brother was the one responsible for the sales to provide for their expenses. However, while things were normal when big brother didn¡¯t take action, Gongyi Tianheng had been able to acquire twelve billion with a single move... Ah, the profits big brother earned were done more effortlessly and with greater magnitude than him.

    After wiping his face, Gu Zuo resolved not to think about this matter so much.

    In any case, what belonged to him belonged to big brother, and what belonged to big brother belonged to him. The two of them would always be together.

    While their subordinates were busy extracting profound crystals, Gu Zuo and Tianheng didn¡¯t intend to foolishly loiter around here.

    Tianheng instructed the numerous battle ves to find him by themselves when no more profound crystals could be stored inside their inter-spatial tools. At any rate, the battle ves were all Immortal Realm martial artists. Around the area of these qi veins, it would be quite easy for them to find the pair¡¯s whereabouts.

    Pulling on Tianheng¡¯s sleeve, Gu Zuo happily traveled towards the first profound qi vein.

    Right now, it was time for his and big brother¡¯s treasure hunt.

    Who knew what kinds of heavenly materials and earthly treasures they could find on the qi veins?

    Contained within these so-called qi veins were vast quantities of profound qi. And profound qi was precisely the thing that provided for the cultivation of martial artists and pharmacists. Therefore, generally speaking, most heavenly materials and earthly treasures produced in this ce could increase internal qi.

    However, due to the principle of extreme opposites, it was highly probable for there to be objects that didn¡¯t increase internal qi. On the contrary, there could be treasures that thoroughly destroyed internal qi. Though, if these treasures were properly utilized, they could also exert many different effects.

    It all depended on one¡¯s luck...

    Obviously, Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s luck was pretty good.

    The two had just walked over to the first qi vein. Moreover, it was still a small profound qi vein that was three hundred meters longs. What they saw first was a rare sight.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°&#k2026;¡±

    Although it was said to be rarely seen, that outward appearance left him a little lost for words.

    While Gu Zuo and his family¡¯s big brother climbed onto the qi vein and prepared to slowly look around, a small head suddenly burrowed out of the ground. When Gu Zuo affixed his gaze, he discovered that the owner of this little head&#k2026;was a rabbit.

    That¡¯s right. It was a rabbit. In addition, it wasn¡¯t one of those rabbit-shaped wild beasts that Gu Zuo had seen before. Instead, it had the appearance of an ordinary, household-pet rabbit that one could often see in the modern world. If there was anything different, it was that this rabbit wasn¡¯t themon snowy-white. Rather, it was a ck color that was a few shades lighter than that of profound crystals.

    After seeing Gu Zuo, that rabbit immediately changed. When it burrowed out, it seemed like a living creature. But when it encountered someone, it turned into a motionless, jade rabbit whose entire body was covered in a lustrous sheen.

    Gu Zuo was a bit hesitant. He considered something, and opened his mouth: ¡°Big brother, would you say that this is...a Crystalline Profound Heart?¡±

    If it was, then it was a type of medicinal ingredient.

    Tianheng carefully looked at the jade rabbit, and faintly nodded his head: ¡°Probably. Born from a crystal vein, it gathers the pure qi within the vein. Before ites into contact with other people, it can freely travel through the crystal vein like a living creature. Once the crystal vein is harvested, it reveals itself, and turns into pure energy that carries spirituality. It¡¯s also considered a kind of spirit medicine.¡±

    The things born from spirit crystal veins were called Crystalline Spirit Hearts. Meanwhile, profound crystal veins had Crystalline Profound Hearts, and treasured crystal veins produced Crystalline Treasured Hearts. Their uses were more or less the same. However, in terms of spirituality, Crystalline Spirit Hearts were less than twenty percent, Crystalline Profound Hearts were less than forty percent, and Crystalline Treasured Hearts were less than sixty percent. Among them, the level of medicine refinement suited for that energy was also different.

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head: ¡°I think so, too.¡±

    Then, he quickly stepped forward, stretched out his hand, and grabbed the rabbit.

    This Crystalline Profound Heart was very small. It was around the size of his hand, so it could perfectly fit in the hollow of his palm. The tactile sensations were different from what one would imagine when grasping a piece of ice-cold jade. On the contrary, it was warm and soft. It was like holding a bundle of jade fur that was filled with a jade-like liquid. With a slight puncture, all of the ¡°water¡± would flow out.

    This was considered a pretty good treasure. Gu Zuo flipped his palm, and put it away. Afterwards, he turned his head to look at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s like we¡¯ve opened the vermillion doors, right?¡±

    Tianhengughed, and said: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is right. After this, our luck should be even better.¡±

    Gu Zuo was pleased.

    Whether their luck really was good or not, they didn¡¯te empty-handed!

    Following this, the two finished traveling across this three-hundred-meter profound qi vein, but they only found a few more Crystalline Profound Hearts. Of course, besides the crystal hearts, there were also several medicinal herbs that grew in the small cracks between the profound crystals. These herbs were sparkling, translucent, and limpid like jade stones ¡ª No. Rather thanparing them to jade stones, it was better to say that they were simr to pieces of crystal.

    Once Gu Zuo identified many of them, he realized that they were more than two hundred thousand years old. It could be seen that this qi vein was formed at least two hundred thousand years ago. As such, what about this qi vein mine? How old was it?

    When one thought about it, people couldn¡¯t help but feel that, even for martial artists with sessful cultivations, their lifespans were too short...

    Gu Zuo shook his head, and tossed away this small, moody thought.

    He quickly pulled Tianheng, and arrived close to the second qi vein.

    Within this qi vein, he likewise saw Crystalline Profound Hearts of various shapes ¡ª There were rabbits, cranes, kittens, fawns, puppies, and so on. At any rate, they were all animals that looked mild and gentle. People would feel fondness upon seeing them.

    Naturally, there were also incredibly old herbs with surging energies and extremely high medicinal values.

    Gu Zuo put away all of these heavenly materials and earthly treasures, but he was somewhat regretful. After going through all of the qi veins that were shorter than three kilometers, he only saw these few types of resources. When it came to any distinctions between them, there were only slight disparities in terms of age and size.

    It wasn¡¯t until they came to the qi veins surpassing the three kilometer mark that things changed.

    Gu Zuo astonishingly discovered that within a hollow formed between the profound crystals was a swaying, little flower in full bloom. Its color and luster was milky-white, and its petals were slim and tender. It appeared delicate and beautiful. However, when the two looked at this small, white flower, a sense of danger couldn¡¯t help rising up from the bottom of their hearts, as if to indicate that this small, white flower wasn¡¯t simple.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Qi Devouring Blossom... It¡¯s really here!¡±

    Tianheng took another nce at this innocuous, white flower: ¡°After an Immortal Realm martial artist swallows the Qi Devouring Blossom, their internal qi will bepletely consumed in a couple of breaths by this strange flower?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°It¡¯s precisely this thing. I see that this Qi Devouring Blossom has thirty-six petals, which means that it has bloomed for at least 360 thousand years. So long as an Immortal Realm martial artist swallows a petal, it¡¯ll already achieve the effect big brother just mentioned. Moreover, if three or four petals are given, even an Atomic Realm martial artist will be ensnared. Their internal qi will dissipate at only slightly slower speeds. Going further up, the petals won¡¯t have any effect once a Noble Realm martial artist encounters it.¡±

    The level of this thing¡¯s fraudulence was simply outrageous.

    If the Qi Devouring Blossom grew on a vital qi vein instead of a profound qi vein, the realm of martial artists it could poison would reach the Noble Realm and above!

    However ¡ª

    As far as Gu Zuo was concerned, if it could be used in medicine, not only could it ensure the refinement of medicinal pills that had the same effects as the Qi Devouring Blossom, it could also bebined to refine an antidote that alleviated the toxicity of the blossom itself. At that time, if anyone mistakenly consumed the Qi Devouring Blossom, so long as the antidote was taken within a few breaths, they could immediately stop the blossom¡¯s effects. Afterwards, their strength would be restored back to normal following a period of meditation.

    Though, it was because this thing was so toxic that, if someone wanted to harvest it, they needed a pharmacist who wasn¡¯t weak in the spiritual path realms to seed. Otherwise, if one condensed their qi energy into a palm to seize it, the qi energy palm would be corroded away. And if one used their physical hand to take it, the poison would seep into their flesh, and gradually consume their internal qi that way...

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate. After the space between his brows heated up, a streak of invisible psychic power stretched out. This psychic power swiftly materialized, and formed a gtinous substance. Then, under Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts, this gtinous substance rapidly transformed into arge hand. It slowly and gently descended in front of the Qi Devouring Blossom. With another bit of movement, it plucked the flower.

    Only psychic powers could ensure that one wasn¡¯t corroded by the Qi Devouring Blossom.

    After Gu Zuo stored the Qi Devouring Blossom inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall, he and Tianheng continued to walk forward. The medicinal herbs growing on the three-kilometer-long qi veins seemed even more abundant. It was just that there were hardly any differences in their effects, and practically all of them could all be swept into the same category.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t careless in the least, and harvested everything. In a particrly secretive corner of this qi vein, he found an object that seemed like a tooth, and it looked quite sharp. Its name was also in ordance with its outward appearance. It was called a Profound Dragon Fang. It was ssified as a type of refining material produced from profound qi veins.

    Yes, it wasn¡¯t a medicinal ingredient. It was a forging material thatpletelycked any medicinal properties. Because it came from a profound crystal vein, it absorbed endless amounts of profound qi. As a result, it was extremely hard. But at the same time, once a wondrous fire was used to melt it, the Profound Dragon Fang would be soft and malleable. If a little bit was added while forging a spirit weapon, it could upgrade the spirit weapon¡¯s pliability and toughness. In addition, the spirit weapon would be even more moderate and obedient, and possess incredible strength.

    The hardest ces on a dragon¡¯s body were the dragon¡¯s teeth. The profound qi veins were shaped like dragons, so it was natural that these extremely hard objects growing on the surface were given this name.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly collected these Profound Dragon Fangs.

    He could detect that these Profound Dragon Fangs were of excellent product grades. It could be seen that every time a qi vein mine emerged, it would bring about enormous amounts of wealth. For the prodigies who could participate in this ce, the stronger their abilities, the bigger the harvest they could reap.

    Hence, Gu Zuo had one more type of thing to gather on the numerous qi veins below. In addition, with regards to the many good things mentioned previously, therger the qi veins, the older their ages and the higher their qualities... Through this kind of continuous gathering, his collections increased greatly.

    Gradually, Gu Zuo obtained some ¡°dragon pearls¡±, ¡°dragon whiskers¡±, and other such things. Most of them were medicinal herbs and refining materials. He harvested everything in high spirits. Off to the side, Tianheng apanied Gu Zuo with a smile on his face. He showed no signs of impatience.

    Finally, the two of them came to the most majestic qi vein that belonged to them. This qi vein was 26.4 kilometers long. It contained an untold number of profound crystals, and produced countless heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

    After Gu Zuo climbed onto this qi vein, just as he released his psychic power to sweep the surroundings of any useful things... He unexpectedly discovered a certain something. All of a sudden, his heartbeat quickened.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 468 - Masculine Yang Clay

    <h4>Chapter 468 - Masculine Yang y</h4>

    Gu Zuo cried out involuntarily: ¡°Masculine Yang y?!¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng listened to this, and couldn¡¯t help lowering his eyes: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily pulled Tianheng, and rushed towards one direction with flying speeds. In the meanwhile, he said: ¡°Big brother,e quickly. We have the whereabouts of the first type of wondrous earth!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s heart stirred. He simply gathered the other up in his arms: ¡°Ah Zuo, point the way.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately raised his hand, and pointed to the front: ¡°Over there!¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng hastened their journey, and practically flew towards that ce.

    Before long, he had already ran several kilometers. Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°Big brother, stop!¡±

    Tianheng halted his footsteps.

    Gu Zuo jumped out of Tianheng¡¯s embrace, and pulled him into a mountain hollow. There were several types of precious medicinal ingredients growing here. It also concealed some heavenly materials and earthly treasures that released a rose-tinted mist. Surprisingly, it seemed like a garden that specialized in producing marvelous resources. Others would look upon this scene with covetous eyes.

    However, the most precious things here weren¡¯t those few types of treasures that were deliberately disyed.

    Gu Zuo guided Tianheng to a dusty-gray swamp. Settled on top of the swamp was a chunk of Scarlet Heart Iron, which flickered with mysterious rays of light.

    Scarlet Heart Iron was also ssified as an outstanding refining material. While it was likewise very rare, the ces where it turned up were random. Yet, it also wasn¡¯t surprising to detect such a thing on this qi vein. It was precisely because this iron was incredibly precious. If it had been other people in Gu Zuo¡¯s ce, after discovering the Scarlet Heart Iron with great difficulty, even with another meticulous round of searching, it would¡¯ve been hard to find something even more valuable ¡ª The Masculine Yang y, which employed remarkable methods to conceal its own uniqueness amid the mundane.

    Gu Zuo walked over to the edge of the swamp, and pointed at the ring of earth surrounding the Scarlet Heart Iron, and said: ¡°Big brother, take a look. This is the Masculine Yang y.¡±

    Following the direction of Gu Zuo¡¯s gesture, Tianheng saw that there really was ayer of soil surrounding that chunk of dark-red iron. However, the color of this soil was very close to that of the swamp itself. It was just that some parts were slightly reddish, and these reddish parts happened to be next to the dark-red iron chunk. It was easy to think that this difference in coloration urred after the earth had been contaminated by the energy of the Scarlet Heart Iron for a long period of time.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother, this is something you need to take.¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, just tell me what to do.¡±

    Gu Zuo returned his own smiling expression: ¡°It¡¯s not very troublesome. Big brother just needs to use some strength to urately scoop out that ring of soil and the Scarlet Heart Iron&#k2026; Right, you have to pay attention not to confuse that earth with the surrounding soil. Otherwise, the Masculine Yang y will be able to go back into hiding.¡±

    This was a trivial matter. As for urately controlling the application of force, this was nothing difficult for any sessful martial artist.

    Tianheng slightly pondered. At once, he took out arge, broad-backed cleaver from the spatial bangle. When he took action, his speed was fast and his movements were agile. In just the blink of an eye, that chunk of Scarlet Heart Iron and the ring of red earth were dug out in their entirety before falling to the ground.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power burst out, and isted the red earth from the ground.

    The next moment, Tianheng watched as the red earth spread out the instant it fell down. The substance¡¯s appearance became a lighter-colored, y-like silt, which proliferated in all directions. However, because Gu Zuo used a lot of psychic power to cover the ground within a radius of a dozen or so meters, the silt couldn¡¯t touch the ground no matter how much it spread out.

    Immediately following which, the y-like silt rapidly gathered together, and seemed to transform into a reddish, ordinary-looking stone with some unwillingness ¡ª Even until now, the Masculine Yang y was still trying to hide itself.

    It could be seen that if the Scarlet Heart Iron had been directly dug out of the swamp, that ring of earth would¡¯ve instantly entered the swamp and mixed with the rest of the soil. No one would¡¯ve been able to find its traces again. Also, if there had been a lot of soil from the swamp intermingled with the red earth during the excavation process, the red earth would¡¯ve simrly mixed together to make it difficult to distinguish.

    But with Gu Zuo¡¯s arrangements, Tianheng didn¡¯t bring along a single clod of swampy soil. Gu Zuo also used his psychic power to separate the red earth from thend, which prevented it from blending back into the ground. When this red earth couldn¡¯t find any gaps, it could only resume its original shape, and be a rock.

    En, a rock with nothing special about it.

    The unfortunate thing was that Gu Zuo recognized it from the start. No matter how it shapeshifted, it would be useless.

    After snatching this stone, Gu Zuo ced it in Tianheng¡¯s hand: ¡°Big brother, check it out. This is the Masculine Yang y... Or, you can also call it the Masculine Yang Stone. It¡¯s a slightly-yang wondrous earth, which can be absorbed by big brother to strengthen the spleen.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he somewhat sighed: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that we could find wondrous earth in this ce. In this way, big brother¡¯s five viscera can form a small cycle. We¡¯re only missing two types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects.¡±

    If one wanted the Tiandu Body to be capable of healing itself, the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys had to reach an equilibrium of the five elements as well as of the yin and yang. Originally, the wondrous water and wondrous wood were both bnced in yin and yang. Meanwhile, the wondrous fires were two types of extreme mes that cooperated with one another, so there also weren¡¯t any issues. As such, only the wondrous metal and wondrous earth were left.

    The wondrous metal previously absorbed had a yin affinity, and this Masculine Yang y had a yang affinity. Speaking of which, this oue was much better than having both being slightly yin or slightly yang.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how they had already obtained Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of four attributes. So long as one type was missing, it would be a huge problem. On the contrary, once the Tiandu Bodypletely absorbed the wondrous earth, there was no need to worry about the Tiandu Body¡¯s issues for a long time toe. Even if there was a problem, it would only happen many realmster.

    Tianheng scrutinized this lump of Masculine Yang y. His frame of mind was naturally delighted, and he inly said: ¡°Ah Zuo has been worrying about me every day. You¡¯ve really been working hard.¡±

    Actually, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t feel like he had gone through much hardship. In fact, he and big brother formed a bond of fate in the beginning because of the Tiandu Body. At that time, he hoped that it could be treated slowly so that he could be seen as indispensable. However, after he secretly fell in love with big brother, he wished to cure big brother immediately to prevent him from suffering further. By the time the two affirmed their love, he felt as if it was happening to himself.

    However, he also couldn¡¯t celebrate too early...

    Gu Zuo was a little conflicted: ¡°Big brother, although it¡¯s good that we can set up a small cycle of five elements, if we want to use this Masculine Yang y...¡±

    Tianheng looked at his little pharmacist: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo furrowed his brows, and said: ¡°Then, the other kind of wondrous earth must be the Feminine Yin y.¡±

    The masculine yang and the feminine yin were a pair. If Tianheng absorbed the Masculine Yang y, but couldn¡¯t find the Feminine Yin y, they would never be able to change the small cycle of five elements into arge cycle. The Tiandu Body would be gued with private worries forever.

    But if he didn¡¯t absorb the Masculine Yang y, who knew when they could find another portion of wondrous earth? Even in Ten Ultimates Sect, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of the five elements were practically out of stock. Because the constitutions of martial artists basically had no way to extricate themselves from the five elements, so long as the corresponding five elements were within the body, one could make use of these Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects. One couldn¡¯t be fooled by the fact that Tianheng used these spiritual objects to treat his body. In reality, if other martial artists obtained such things, they could be used for cultivating martial disciplines. There were even many other marvelous uses.

    These things were very rare, so who would be foolish enough to let a spiritual object go? Even if it wasn¡¯t used personally, it could be exchanged for treasures with the sect or other people. Any information would be kept extremely hidden.

    If the opportunity to use the Masculine Yang y was passed up to use another type of wondrous earth, who could say when they coulde across it?

    The good luck of the Tiandu Body was one thing, but good luck didn¡¯t mean that one¡¯s every wish woulde true. What¡¯s more, their luck had given them something they could use. After missing this chance, would their luck really let them obtain another type?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was very conflicted and hesitant. As a result, he just gave a suggestion, and intended to let big brother decide for himself.

    As Tianheng¡¯s thoughts turned, numerous ideas shed by. He gave a faint smile: ¡°An opportunity should always be grabbed firmly in the hand to live up to one¡¯s expectations. Ah Zuo, my Tiandu Body currently needs to be nursed with every realm advancement. Constantly paying attention to these things is very troublesome, so establishing a small cycle of five elements first would be better. We can talk about getting rid of this shackle at ater time. As for the Feminine Yin y and the other wondrous metal, we can endure while the worldsts. We can always look for them before I¡¯m negatively affected again.¡±

    In fact, Gu Zuo was just overly worried due to emotional attachment. Now that he heard Tianheng¡¯s decision, he nodded and said: ¡°What big brother says is right.¡±

    In this world, every struggle was a race against time. Indeed, this opportunity couldn¡¯t be wasted.

    Compared to big brother, he had always been a little less resolute.

    Later on, he had to ovee his ¡°modern¡± indecisiveness, which neverpletely disappeared.

    After making up his mind, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood rxed. He couldn¡¯t help smiling: ¡°In any case, the Feminine Yin y¡¯s name is known to us. We¡¯ll have a target in our future searches.¡±

    Tianheng smiled back: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is true.¡±

    Following this, Gu Zuo put away the Scarlet Heart Iron. This could be used to forge his big brother¡¯s natal spirit weapon. It couldn¡¯t be squandered. Right. From now on, they needed to save up some more top-notch refining materials, too...

    As expected, once the two people traveled across this final qi vein, they found even more precious treasures.

    This wasn¡¯t strange. It was only natural that therger the qi vein and the longer it existed, the better the things along its surface.

    In the end, the pair returned from a rewarding journey. As for Gu Zuo, he silently arranged the things they acquired based on category. From these arrangements, he took thirty percent. The remaining seventy percent would be ced in the public storehouse.

    Of course, any rare things that suited them wouldn¡¯t be distributed ¡ª After all, whether it was establishing an organization or assembling subordinates, everything was for the sake of gathering enough resources to provide for their own cultivations and to safeguard their friends and rtives.

    Only the strong could have the right to speak and be heard. The roots and branches couldn¡¯t be flipped upside-down.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 469 - The Prodigy Monument

    <h4>Chapter 469 - The Prodigy Monument</h4>

    One month had passed.

    Under the efforts of the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race, the profound crystals covering the seventeen qi veins that belonged to Gongyi Tianheng werepletely extracted. They acquired as many as 12.2 billion profound crystals, which greatly enriched the two¡¯s private treasuries and public storehouses. At the same time, because the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race worked so hard, the rewards given to this race were increased by twenty percent.

    Having obtained these benefits, it was only natural that the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race was iparably happy.

    During this period of time, severalrge organizations discovered the existence of the qi vein mine. The output of this mine was abundant, and numerous prodigies had fought in a chaotic melee here. In the end, the matter of the qi veins being divided up was also exposed in front of everyone.

    In this respect, although the performances of many other prodigies were all worthy of praise, only some people were able to pull ahead to the front of the pack to surpass everyone else.

    Five great prodigies had split up the qi vein mine!

    The majority of prodigies dejectedly retreated with their feathers plucked, all of which adorned the wardrobes of other people.

    And among these people, Tianheng¡¯s name was the most dazzling.

    Within the upper echelons of therge organizations, there were naturally pieces of information about Tianheng. It was just that their impression of Tianheng had been vague, and they couldn¡¯t truly see his background clearly. They were only able to determine that he came across a few fortuitous encounters. As for his innate skills as an all-star prodigy, it was enough to shock countless people.

    For this time¡¯s prodigypetition, Tianheng obtained the most outstanding achievements. While it seemed he hadn¡¯t exerted himself fully, he gained a fine oue. However, no one would overlook him. It was because the strength he disyed while holding back already caused many prodigies to feel a sense of crisis.

    This was especially the case for the few remaining prodigies. They deepened their vignce against Tianheng one after another.

    What left people even more astonished was the amount of qi veins Tianheng had seized during this struggle!

    In the qi vein mine, there was a total of 520 to 530 qi veins. Among which, Tianheng single-handedly seized 162 qi veins. Indeed, this was too frightening! One ought to know that even if it was Tantai Lianxing and the other pinnacle prodigies, the ck Dragon Jades they seized were no more than eighty to ny units each. Unexpectedly, Tianheng acquired twice as many as the other prodigies all by himself!

    Considering the things Tianheng gained, there were many powerhouses who felt an envious surge of vinegar in their hearts. Although their apprentices and disciples were very strong, in terms ofprehensive qualities, they seemed to fall short of Tianheng.

    Even without using one¡¯s head, anyone would know that, with how many profound qi veins Tianheng brought back to Ten Ultimates Sect this time, the Blood Transformation Pce Master would certainly give him endless benefits and definitely wouldn¡¯t let him work for free.

    As a matter of fact, the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s written orders soon arrived.

    Tianheng opened the letter to read it, and faintly chuckled.

    Gu Zuo moved closer: ¡°Big brother, what happened?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°I¡¯ve been given one contribution point for every thirty meters of profound qi veins. All told, it isn¡¯t very much, but it¡¯s also enough to use for the time being.¡±

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo, Tianheng, and the others didn¡¯t go back to Hyssop Heart City. However, from a distant vantage point, they watched those dragon-like qi veins being herded like oxen and horses by several exceptional powerhouses with towering figures. The qi veins were drawn up into a spiraling formation as they soared into the sky. From there, they dashed straight into the void, and directly entered Ten Ultimates Sect!

    This kind of mighty force, this kind of imperious air, left people with startled hearts and shocked souls. They were overwhelmed with emotions.

    After that, Gu Zuo and Tianheng returned to their manor, and started another round of painstaking cultivation.

    With new medicinal ingredients, Gu Zuo had many novel ideas to explore. Meanwhile, Tianheng swiftly entered secluded cultivation to absorb the Masculine Yang y. Within his five viscera, he smoothly established the five elements, forming a rtivelyplete cycle.

    Once Tianheng came out of seclusion, the temperament of his entire person underwent another world-shaking change.

    At this time, Gu Zuo had already been waiting outside the doors for a long while.

    Gu Zuo only saw the stone doors open wide. From inside, a handsome young man with a slender build walked out. The temperament of this young man was originally as clear and bright as the moon, but when he emerged, it was like his entire body was draped in a mantle of malevolence. There was even a streak of hidden light that hurriedly shed within his eyes.

    It was like the bright moon had been covered withyers of thunderous clouds. The heavenly vault waspletely shrouded from view. Yet, a beam of faint light pierced through these thunderous clouds, which brought to mind the graceful bearing and charm of the cold moon hanging high in the sky.

    In short, the pure and bright moon had turned into the profound depths of the night.

    This kind of thought silently appeared in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart. After that, he shook his head, and went up to give a warm wee: ¡°Big brother, was the Masculine Yang y smoothly absorbed?¡±

    It looked like big brother¡¯s strength made a lot of progress?

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Mid Atomic Realm.¡±

    As it turned out, because the physical fitness of his Tiandu Body was always affected to a certain extent, even though he was stronger than the average prodigy, he still never unlocked the Tiandu Body¡¯s true potential. Now that a small cycle of the five elements was set up, his body was basically ny-nine percent recovered, and the suppressed potential was automatically restored. Hence, his strength instantly had a breakthrough from the low to mid Atomic Realm.

    Gu Zuo smiled, and said: ¡°Congrattions, big brother!¡±

    It was just a pity that, if he himself wanted to break through from peak Immortal to the Atomic Realm, it wasn¡¯t going to be that easy.

    Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, but didn¡¯t say much else.

    Eventually, the two left this location for secluded cultivation. On the side, a battle ve swiftly shed inside to clean up the room.

    Gu Zuo tugged on Tianheng¡¯s sleeve, but he was moved by Tianheng¡¯s palm so that their fingers inteced. His heart was filled with warmth. When he looked at the side profile of his dear big brother¡¯s face, he realized that Tianheng¡¯s temperament had also gradually returned to normal... Out of a sudden impulse, he stood on his tiptoes, and kissed Tianheng¡¯s cheek.

    Tianheng¡¯s footsteps halted.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow. He lowered his head, and returned his own kiss to Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek.

    Although this method of kissing was like a dragonfly lightly touching the water¡¯s surface, for some reason, Gu Zuo felt...

    All of a sudden, he was a little embarrassed.

    Just now, he shouldn¡¯t have been so spontaneous!

    Gu Zuo buried his face in his hands, and silently followed Tianheng up to the mountain peak. Without speaking, he sat down beside Tianheng... Finally, he opened his mouth, and changed the subject: ¡°Right. Big brother, when you were in secluded cultivation, I made discreet inquiries for information about the Prodigy Monument.¡±

    Tianheng restrained hisughter. He adjusted his thoughts, and asked: ¡°Oh? What did you find out?¡±

    Gu Zuo made a serious expression: ¡°The Prodigy Monument is a prodigy power struggle.¡±

    Tianheng: ¡°...I¡¯ll have to trouble Ah Zuo for a detailed exnation.¡±

    In fact, from the words of Tantai Lianxing and the others, one could infer that the Prodigy Monument was ssified as a battle for supremacy between prodigies. Gu Zuo¡¯s words were unnecessarily obvious, but he didn¡¯t bring this up just because he wanted to change the subject or to while the time away with his big brother. Of course, he really came over to tell Tianheng about what he learned.

    The so-called Prodigy Monument was a stone tablet that was roughly three hundred meters tall. It had been handed down from ancient times until now, but it wasn¡¯t known how many years had passed.

    The stone tablet was extraordinarily hard. Someone once used a heaven-ranked spirit weapon to destroy it, but it was still leftpletely unharmed. People said that this stone tablet might¡¯ve been an emperor weapon, but no one had been able to obtain any definite proof. At the very least, it was reported that themon characteristics of an emperor weapon weren¡¯t disyed on this stone tablet.

    The Prodigy Monument would activate once every fifty years. It called for all the prodigies in the world toe participate in a martial artspetition, and fight for the highest rankings. Though, thispetition wasn¡¯t fought in vain. It was said that every time a prodigy could get their name recorded on the Prodigy Monument, they could obtain a gift from the stone tablet. These gifts were random, but usually, anything gifted by the Prodigy Monument was precious enough to be exchanged for other good things or was something that perfectly suited the prodigy. In short, the gifts would never leave anyone disappointed.

    In addition, the prodigy who obtained first ce could raise a request to the Prodigy Monument, asking for whatever they urgently needed. For the prodigies who won first ce over the years, so long as they had the qualifications, they either got something that satisfied them or they obtained clues to what they needed, which they could find by virtue of their own luck.

    Not to mention that the battles of the Prodigy Monument were originally a great opportunity for many prodigies to showcase themselves and to face off against opponents of simr aptitudes, just the benefits were enough to cause numerous prodigies to scramble ¡ª If prodigies wanted to distinguish themselves all their lives, what they needed were usually things that were extremely precious, rarely seen, and difficult to obtain. Once someone imed victory during the Prodigy Monument, there was a certain probability of obtaining those treasures. If they were able to directly im first ce, the Prodigy Monument would provide them with great help!

    There were many times when martial artists wasted their lives struggling along for the sake of an uncertain hope. Now that a shortcut was arranged in front of them, how couldn¡¯t they go and fight for that chance?

    After finding this information about the Prodigy Monument, Gu Zuo¡¯s first reaction was: They had to get the whereabouts of the Feminine Yin y!

    Even if asking for the Feminine Yin y didn¡¯t work, at least they could acquire another type of wondrous metal? At worst, they would have clues to follow. It was better for him and big brother to search purposefully than to wander around like headless houseflies.

    After that, Gu Zuo inquired more carefully.

    The Prodigy Monument¡¯s requirements were divided into three stages: Immortal Realms, Atomic Realms, and Ascendant Realms. Generally speaking, everyone was divided into three fighting venues with one raised tform and one battlefield. However, the top ten of each realm were qualified to challenge the fighting venues of a higher realm. If any prodigies fought above their ranks, even if they only carved their names upon the stone tablet¡¯s tail-end of that higher realm, it was enough to prove this disciple¡¯s terrifying ability.

    As for the ages of thepetitors, it was even more stringent.

    Only martial artists below forty years of age were qualified to participate in the Prodigy Monument. Even if they were a single second too old, they weren¡¯t allowed!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 470 - Pill King Conference

    <h4>Chapter 470 - Pill King Conference</h4>

    Speaking up to here, Gu Zuo vigorously nodded his head: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s said that the Prodigy Monument will start in half a year. At that moment, big brother will be twenty-four years old, so you¡¯ll be just in time for it.¡±

    With regards to those who didn¡¯t meet the age requirements, one could only say that they weren¡¯t lucky enough ¡ª However, there was no use worrying about this. In any case, the Central Continent had countless opportunities. Even if they couldn¡¯t make it for the Prodigy Monument, there were other chances elsewhere.

    Gongyi Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is correct. Within this half a year, I need to be thoroughly prepared.¡±

    The corners of Gu Zuo¡¯s mouth pulled into grin. His smiling expression was especially brilliant.

    In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. Tianheng¡¯s mid Atomic Realm was already consolidated. Normally, besides practicing martial arts, he guided and nurtured the Tianlong Guards in batches. Although the days seemed ordinary, everything went smoothly.

    Nevertheless, Gu Zuo was still refining medicine, refining medicine, and refining more medicine. Because he was currently a peak Immortal Realm, with regards to profound-level pills, he was basically able to refine them all. He only had some trouble with the ones suited for the Royal Realm. There were many times when he was either incapable of refining wless pills or he had to sacrifice the number of sessful pills to obtain a wless product grade.

    At this time, two people suddenly arrived in a group.

    Among them, one person was wearing schrly robes. The qi emissions across his body were reserved, and spirited lights gathered within his eyes. He had the appearance of a modest gentleman. However, if someone really viewed him as a gentleman, then that was a very big mistake. As the eldest senior brother under the Blood Transformation Pce Master, how could he have sat in this position and gained the deference of his junior brothers and sisters if he didn¡¯t have any methods? Currently, he was already a high Noble Realm.

    The one who arrived with the eldest senior brother, He Zizhang, was a woman who was as tender and beautiful as a flower. However, one couldn¡¯t focus on her dainty, pleasant, and jewel-like figure. In reality, her disposition was overbearing and extremely intense. She was the fifth senior sister, Huai Tianhe. Originally, she was a peak Ascendant Realm martial artist, but at this moment, she had reached the low Celestial Realm. The qi emissions across her entire body were quite steady.

    Upon seeing these two people, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t help moving.

    Their qi emissions...contained something that shared some resemnce.

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo reacted. He knew what this simrity was ¡ª The quintessence of the source sand. In other words, the qi emissions of source power. When he refined the Realm Breaking Pills before, it wasn¡¯t known how long he spent studying and interacting with the source sand. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t have been more familiar with it. Now, it looked like these two seniors of big brother had both taken the Realm Breaking Pill.

    After He Zizhang and Huai Tianhe arrived, they nodded their heads and gestured toward Gu Zuo: ¡°Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    They also already knew that this young teenager who stayed by their junior brother¡¯s side had a phenomenal level of mastery on the path of medicine refinement. Not to mention anything else, just the Realm Breaking Pill was a rare and miraculous pill among the profound-level medicinal pills! How could anyone underestimate a pharmacist who coulde up with this pill?

    Naturally, even though their strengths far surpassed that of Gu Zuo, they treated him with even more respect.

    Gu Zuo smiled at these two people: ¡°Senior Sect Brother He, Senior Sect Sister Huai. Please follow me. Big brother has been waiting for some time.¡±

    When the second manager came to report, his big brother was at a critical juncture in practicing a school of martial skills. As a result, he arrived to wee them on Tianheng¡¯s behalf.

    Not long after, the two were led to the mountain peak.

    After all, they were his family¡¯s senior brother and sister. The number of people also wasn¡¯t very high. With regards to their private visit, he received these guests in a private location to show sincerity.

    He Zizhang and Huai Tianhe also didn¡¯t stand on ceremony. After seeing Tianheng seated in meditation on a sheet of stone on the ground, they said with a smile: ¡°Youngest junior brother, we trust that you¡¯ve been well since west met.¡±

    Tianheng stood up to greet them, and smiled back: ¡°Eldest senior brother, fifth senior sister. You two have the time toe over today?¡±

    Huai Tianhe said: ¡°What¡¯s this? Does our youngest junior brother not want to wee us?¡±

    Tianheng continued to smile: ¡°How can that be? I¡¯m only overwhelmed by this favor from my superiors.¡±

    He Zizhang broke intoughter: ¡°Youngest junior brother is too funny.¡±

    After these fellow disciples shared a few light-hearted words, Tianheng guided them to sit at a stone table on the side.

    Gu Zuo also took a seat next to Tianheng.

    Upon seeing this, Huai Tianhe and He Zizhang only felt that this youngest junior brother and his personal pharmacist shared a profound friendship and extraordinary tacit understanding. They also felt thating over this time was certainly the right decision.

    He Zizhang said: ¡°Youngest junior brother is right about one thing. As the saying goes, one doesn¡¯t visit a temple without a cause. We came this time with a piece of information to tell youngest junior brother...and Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Gu Zuo was a little curious.

    He had met the Blood Transformation Pce Master several times, and viewed the pce master as a respected elder. However, he didn¡¯t have any friendly rtions with these fellow disciples of big brother.

    Even if it was the Realm Breaking Pill, that was mainly for the sake of maintaining big brother¡¯s connections.

    He Zizhang didn¡¯t keep them in suspense, and directly said: ¡°Have youngest junior brother and Pharmacist Gu ever heard of the Pill King Conference?¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly, and shook his head: ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of it.¡±

    Tianheng slightly pondered: ¡°It seems...that I have a bit of an impression.¡±

    Gu Zuo was astonished as he looked at Tianheng.

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled up into a grin.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. All of a sudden, he somewhat understood.

    He had been wholeheartedly upied with refining medicinal pills for big brother¡¯s forces, and wlessly taking care of big brother¡¯s body. As a martial artist, big brother actually knew something about pharmacists that he didn¡¯t know. Wasn¡¯t it obvious what this was for?

    Gu Zuo devoted himself to big brother, and the other party did the same.

    Huai Tianhe watched as the pair looked at each other¡¯s faces with faintly moving gazes. She seemed to think of something. However, she quickly suppressed this notion, and didn¡¯t deliberately mention it.

    Meanwhile, He Zizhang didn¡¯t think about it too much. As a good eldest senior brother, what he currently needed to do was to clear his junior brother¡¯s confusion: ¡°Youngest junior brother should know that earth-level pharmacists are called pill kings, heaven-level pharmacists are called pill emperors, and sage-level pharmacists are called pill sages. Nowadays, pill sages have already passed into legends, and pill emperors are considered the pinnacle. These pill emperors are rarely seen, and hide themselves all year round. Normally, whenever there¡¯s a grand assembly to discuss the path of pill refinement, these meetings are presided over by pill kings.¡±

    ¡ª Among therge organizations, this was basically ssified as general knowledge.

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head: ¡°It really is like this.¡±

    Gu Zuo also followed along, and nodded.

    He was still very clear about these matters.

    He Zizhang gave a modest smile: ¡°Pill King Conferences are one type of Pill Path Grand Assembly. It¡¯s just that these Pill King Conferences aren¡¯t the same as most Pill Path Grand Assemblies. They have certain rules.¡±

    Now, Gu Zuo gained some understanding. In fact, although these two fellow disciples were talking with big brother, the one they wanted to pass this information onto was actually himself.

    Hence, he just said: ¡°I¡¯d like to hear the details.¡±

    He Zizhang inly said: ¡°Below the pill kings, there are three acknowledged ranks. If the pharmacists of these three ranks want to break through, it isn¡¯t that difficult. However, if a profound-level pharmacist wants to reach the earth level, this bottleneck is choked with many people. In order to protect the session of pharmacists on the Central Continent, and to ensure that powerhouses at the Cosmic Realm and above have enough medicinal pills to utilize, the training of earth-level pharmacists is also indispensable.

    ¡°Therefore, in the beginning, it was only set up by some pill kings for the guidance of younger generations. But now, it has gradually be...¡±

    To put it simply, after a profound-level pharmacist became an earth-level pharmacist, if they had genuine ability, then they ought to hold a Pill King Conference! By sharing one¡¯s experiences to the younger generations, everyone would have even more opportunities to be pill kings!

    ...Stuff like that.

    But in fact, many pill kings didn¡¯t want to pass on their experiences to outsiders. However, those pinnacle powerhouses on the martial path brought with them a certain amount of pressure ¡ª It wasn¡¯t like they were being forced to disseminate their unique schools of thought and ultimate knowledge. They were just being asked to pass on their experiences. Did they dare to widen their hearts even a little bit? With everything concealed and hidden away, if the preceding pill kings perished and there were no seeding pill kings to follow them, what were the powerhouses at the Cosmic Realm and above supposed to do?

    The pill kings also had their own discussions.

    While they could pass along their experiences, couldprehensions be transferred to just anyone? Subjects that were too profound couldn¡¯t be understood by those who possessed insufficientprehensions. On the contrary, those things would negatively affect the listener. Perhaps, they might go down the wrong path and get stuck, unable toe back out? Furthermore, martial artists picked good seedlings to teach. They couldn¡¯t demand the pharmacists to educate everyone regardless of one¡¯s background.

    When all was said and done, powerhouses on the path of martial arts still needed the pill kings, so they didn¡¯t dare make too many requests. Thus, they said that it would be fine so long as the pill kings taught others. The pharmacists couldn¡¯t be too strict about the selection of candidates. While they wouldn¡¯t have to teach everyone, they also couldn¡¯t focus solely on their own descendants.

    ...Later on, after thepromises of many sides, the Pill King Conference became like this.

    First of all, they didn¡¯t make requirements based on age or rank. What they required was that all pharmacists who participated in the Pill King Conferences had to have improved at least one type of medicinal prescription or even created a prescription of their own.

    That¡¯s right. If all medicinal prescriptions remained exactly the same, it meant that there was no innovative spirit. The kind of person who always refined medicine by the book was basically brain-dead! It would be pointless for such a person to listen to the Pill King Conferences! It was because the lecture of experiences required that these insights were absorbed and transformed into one¡¯s own knowledge. Once this kind of soulless pharmacist finished listening, they would act ording to what the pill king said. However, a pill king¡¯s experiences wouldn¡¯t necessarily suit a brain-dead pharmacist one hundred percent. They might even refine away their own intelligence!

    The pill kings really didn¡¯t want this type of person.

    As such, the pill kings couldn¡¯t be coerced into ying along. Listening to their experiences couldn¡¯t be for free. In addition, veteran pill kings researched medicinal pills, and didn¡¯t have that much free time. As a result, the pill kings who had just broken through would hold the conferences and give lectures. This was also conveniently considered a form of congrattions for bing a pill king, and everyone who came had to give them presents.

    Yet, there was another problem in this. Although the experience of breaking through was still fresh in the minds of these new pill kings, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily go unchallenged during the lecture. If their foundations still weren¡¯t that stable and they were stumped by the questions of younger generations, wouldn¡¯t they lose face? Moreover, before a pill king passed on their experiences, there would be many listening younger generations. Wouldn¡¯t the pill king have to be skilled? However, a pill king who had just broken through wouldn¡¯t necessarily be ready.

    Hence, after another round ofpromises, it changed into this.

    For any new pill kings who dared to hold a Pill King Conference, all visitors had to bring congrattory gifts. And if any new pill kings felt that they couldn¡¯t hold a conference, they were obligated to hold a conference in the future, regardless of whether they became a veteran pill king or sessful pill emperor! At that time, the younger generations didn¡¯t need to bring gifts, and could do as they wished.

    With these conditions, the pill kings also worked hard. Later on, the Pill King Conference not only became a grand assembly for passing along one¡¯s experiences, it was also a ce for pill kings to put their strength on disy.

    At the same time, during these grand assemblies, pill kings would also set up some segments. It was amon practice for younger disciples to discuss the path of pill refinement and put their medicine refining skills to the test.

    He Zizhang said: ¡°Pharmacist Gu is already a profound-level pharmacist, and has the ability to create his own pill prescriptions. In the future, he will certainly break through to be a pill king. Now that there¡¯s this opportunity, it¡¯s better to go and listen to those lectures to make some preparations for your own breakthrough.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s interest was piqued: ¡°In that case, is this time¡¯s Pill King Conference being held by a new pill king or a veteran pill king?¡±

    He Zizhang replied: ¡°It¡¯s a pill king who has just broken through. It¡¯s said that this pill king is very young, too.¡±

    Meanwhile, Huai Tianhe followed up, and said: ¡°However, this person didn¡¯t have much of a reputation before breaking through. Once this breakthrough urred, many people who were previously above this pharmacist were unwilling to concede.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 471 - Eldest Senior Brother

    <h4>Chapter 471 - Eldest Senior Brother</h4>

    Gu Zuo was even more interested: ¡°¡ªAnd then?¡±

    Huai Tianhe said: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that many young, profound-level pharmacists who possess powerful inheritances are going... These young pharmacists may have the intention of posing challenges.¡±

    He Zizhang also said: ¡°Not to mention anything else, if you can watch more spars between these young pharmacists, it¡¯ll definitely be quite beneficial.¡±

    To be honest, because the two of them used the Realm Breaking Pill, the internal qi within both of their bodies had been stained with some source power qi emissions, which greatly improved their strengths. While they thanked their youngest junior brother for his magnanimity, they were also grateful to Gu Zuo, who refined this type of medicinal pill. Wasn¡¯t this the point of specially telling him about this piece of news?

    Gongyi Tianheng understood clearly, and cupped his hands toward these two people: ¡°Many thanks to eldest senior brother and fifth senior sister. This time, Ah Zuo and I will be going together to gain first-hand knowledge.¡±

    Huai Tianhe smiled and said: ¡°As long as you guys don¡¯t think we¡¯re being meddlesome, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    After that, Tianheng naturally followed up with polite words and phrases.

    Gu Zuo expressed his thanks to these two as well.

    However, if it really was just this piece of information, they wouldn¡¯t have gone so far as toe here in person. Originally, this information was something that Huai Tianhe had found out, but He Zizhang had apanied her. There had to be another reason.

    These two nned to personally escort Tianheng and Gu Zuo. This was because He Zizhang owned a vi in Baochuan City, which was where that Pill King Conference was being held. He Zizhang intended to hand over the vi for Tianheng and Gu Zuo¡¯s use.

    Although the framework of Tianheng¡¯s business properties was being continuously developed, it still couldn¡¯t extend all the way to the neighboring domain¡¯s Baochuan City. If he and Gu Zuo went over by themselves, the ce where they dwelled could only be a tavern or guest house.

    Staying at a tavern wouldn¡¯t have mattered, but when all was said and done, Tianheng was a prodigy. When going out, the higher the standards, the better.

    When Tianheng heard He Zizhang mention the matter of the vi, he immediately understood this eldest senior brother¡¯s thoughts. He pondered slightly, and knew that He Zizhang wanted to develop a back-and-forth rapport with him. It was to pay back the favor of the Realm Breaking Pill, too.

    Hence, Tianheng didn¡¯t refuse. He only said things like, ¡°Many thanks, eldest senior brother,¡± ¡°Obedience is better than politeness,¡± and so on.

    In addition, by giving that vi for Tianheng¡¯s use, He Zizhang was actually transferring it as a gift... Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t go over so well for He Zizhang¡¯s face.

    After He Zizhang, Huai Tianhe, and Tianheng settled on the appointed time, Gu Zuo gathered his thoughts with an exasperated look.

    So to say, they had gained another piece of real estate?

    Tianheng saw this expression of his, and couldn¡¯t help smiling. He reached out a hand, and lightly pinched his cheek: ¡°This vi probably wasn¡¯t owned in Baochuan City originally. Rather, after eldest senior brother found out about the news, he immediately purchased it to specially give it to us.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked before nodding: ¡°It seems...quite possible.¡±

    Soon after, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something, and opened his mouth: ¡°Big brother, how about we pass along this information to Senior Sect Brother Xu?¡±

    Tianheng faintly paused: ¡°Ah Zuo means to ask Senior Sect Brother Xu toe with us?¡±

    Gu Zuo considered it, but shook his head: ¡°No. I¡¯ll only give Senior Sect Brother Xu the information.¡±

    Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo. His brows faintly moved.

    Gu Zuo smiled, and said: ¡°There¡¯s a requirement for everyone who participates in the Pill King Conferences. With Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s pride, he probably wouldn¡¯t like going there as my attendant, so I¡¯ll just tell him about the news. If he happens to have improved a pill prescription, he¡¯ll have naturally met the condition. And if he¡¯s still in the middle of working hard, I¡¯ll tell him that I¡¯m just interested in going. This also won¡¯t injure Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s pride.

    ¡°Besides, I feel that even if I wanted to bring along Senior Sect Brother Xu, and he didn¡¯t refuse, that Prince Zhou he follows probably wouldn¡¯t be as easy to convince... Rather than making things difficult for Senior Sect Brother Xu, it¡¯s better to not say anything definite.¡±

    Having heard what was said, the corner of Tianheng¡¯s mouth curled into a grin: ¡°What Ah Zuo says is reasonable.¡±

    Hearing this, Gu Zuo smiled happily.

    Afterwards, Tianheng sent someone to deliver the news to Great Zhou. Just as expected, after the letter was delivered, it was like a rock sinking into the sea without a trace. There was practically no follow-up information.

    ¡ª Ah, it also couldn¡¯t be said that there was no information at all. After a long time passed, Xu Lingxiu gave a response. However, this reply only expressed his thanks. Not a single word mentioned whether he would be going.

    At this time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if Xu Lingxiu could go or not. However, he felt reassured after sending the news.

    Following this, he started sorting out the pill prescriptions he had learned. He also organized those prescriptions he created and attempted to modify. He made preparations with the utmost care. Although he didn¡¯t have any intentions of tormenting that pill king, he needed to show off if they met. He had to reveal a bit of skill to express his capabilities as big brother¡¯s personal pharmacist!

    Two dayster, He Zizhang and Huai Tianhe met up with Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo.

    This time around, Tianheng only brought Ao Ying and an Ascendant Realm battle ve. There were also the two Tianlong Guards, Dragon One and Dragon Two. Meanwhile, the other troops were left in Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Because there were few people, the journey was simple. He Zizhang and Huai Tianhe weren¡¯t the sort who wanted to parade themselves in a show of extravagance, so everyone quickly went into the teleportation array. After several teleportations, they smoothly arrived at Baochuan City.

    Once they entered the city, the group discovered that the security of Baochuan City had be much stricter than that of ordinary cities. Among the crowdsing and going, pharmacists made a considerable proportion.

    In addition to this, the number of martial artists also wasn¡¯t low. Listening to theirments and discussions, there were plenty who came here seeking medicine. Because there were more pharmacists, the probability of getting it was higher. Some wanted to see if they could find personal pharmacists to their liking. Others were simply sent to offer congrattions on behalf of a few organizations that weren¡¯t adept at refining medicine. Those people were trying to see if they could poach the pill king.

    That¡¯s right. Everyone was being this proactive. And arge part of why everyone was so proactive was that this pill king still hadn¡¯t joined any forces. It was said that this person¡¯s medicine refining skills came about by relying on a fortuitous encounter. Previously, nothing was revealed because he cultivated in secret. However, he was also friends with some outstanding elites among the younger generations. With the help of those elite younger generations, he was able to conceal his brilliance to strengthen himself all the while.

    At the same time, it was precisely because he had good rtionships with these elite younger generations that everything worked out. As a result, in order to maintain his friendly rtions with everyone, he didn¡¯t join the organizations of these elite younger generations. As such, the other forces had a little more confidence.

    The contributions to one¡¯s sect for roping in a pill king were too great. In addition, even more important was that the pill king¡¯s existence could be considered a crown jewel of any sect! Every one of them was incredibly valuable! The majority of pharmacists who could be pill kings were nurtured by certain organizations. Those who were ¡°out in the wild¡± were simply too difficult to obtain. Thus, they absolutely couldn¡¯t miss this chance!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was extremely keen. Even though he didn¡¯t deliberately go and listen, this unending stream of voices couldn¡¯t help but enter his ears... This many people wanted to poach this person, and each of them prepared their own methods. It truly was quite interesting.

    Very quickly, He Zizhang came to the newly-purchased vi.

    Gu Zuo lifted his eyes to take a look, and saw that it wasn¡¯t that overstated or outrageous. However, this definitely wasn¡¯t a disreputable courtyard residence either. From the outside, it looked impressive and stylish. When his psychic power nced inside, he felt that the details were exquisite and refined. It really wasn¡¯t bad.

    Moreover, his big brother¡¯s guess was correct. This was because anyone could tell that this vi had never been lived in. Right now, it was like it had been waiting for its master.

    He Zizhang inly said: ¡°Youngest junior brother, Pharmacist Gu. You two can rest here.¡±

    Tianheng smiled, but his smiling expression contained a somewhat significant meaning: ¡°With such arrangements, I have to thank eldest senior brother.¡±

    He Zizhang saw this, and understood that Tianheng was aware of his own intentions. He let out augh: ¡°Youngest junior brother can take a look around to see whether there¡¯s anything missing. If there¡¯s something you¡¯re dissatisfied with, I¡¯ll have someone make the changes as soon as possible.¡±

    Tianheng said: ¡°There¡¯s not a single thing wrong with eldest senior brother¡¯s foresight.¡±

    After a few more words, everyone moved into the vi.

    The Pill King Conference would officially begin in three days. During this period of time, many people would being one after another. Based on this, the taverns within the city ought to have reached full capacity long ago. If He Zizhang hadn¡¯t given this vi, Tianheng and Gu Zuo might¡¯ve not been able to stay anywherefortably ¡ª The two of them didn¡¯t pay too much attention to such frivolities, but if things could be made a little morefortable, why wouldn¡¯t they do so?

    Once everyone settled in, the group ate a meal. After that, Huai Tianhe took her leave first.

    As for He Zizhang, he stuck around: ¡°When the pill king imparts his experiences, martial artists aren¡¯t allowed to spectate. I will stay behind, and keep youngest junior brotherpany.¡±

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo both understood. How was this for the sake of keeping one¡¯spany? He Zizhang was staying here because he wanted to protect these two people.

    What earth-level pharmacists faced were Cosmic Realm martial artists. Of the pharmacists capable of participating in Pill King Conferences, it wasn¡¯t known how many of them were profound-level pharmacists. Who knew how many Celestial, Noble, and even Royal Realm experts there were among their followers?

    No matter how good Tianheng¡¯s aptitudes, regardless of the fact that he could fight against higher realms, he couldn¡¯t confront someone whose realm greatly exceeded his own. In addition, even if he didn¡¯t cause trouble, this city was a ce where fish and dragons mixed together. Who knew what would happen?

    Currently, He Zizhang was a high Noble Realm. When other people looked at him, they had to give some face.

    As the eldest senior brother, it was only natural that he wanted to protect his youngest junior brother.

    Gu Zuo thought clearly, and he was also somewhat emotionally moved.

    Regardless of how much this was due to the Realm Breaking Pill, this eldest senior brother was truly an upstanding individual. Since He Zizhang knew to protect his junior brothers and sisters, this was a person who was worthy of respect.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly softened.

    Gu Zuo looked at Tianheng with a smile.

    [Big brother, I think that you couldn¡¯t have made a better choice in apprenticing to the Blood Transformation Pce Master.]

    [This elder brother feels the same way.]

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 472 - Pill King

    <h4>Chapter 472 - Pill King</h4>

    Two more days passed. Sure enough, the number of people in the city continued to increase. From time to time, extremely powerful qi emissions were put on disy, and other people couldn¡¯t help but be a little more cautious.

    Among these qi emissions, there were many Celestial and Noble Realms. On the contrary, no Royal Realms were sensed for the time being ¡ª If there were Royal Realms present, they would be the same realm as the various pce masters of the Ten Ultimates Pce Halls. It wasn¡¯t known whether they would get involved in the future.

    He Zizhang was calm and unperturbed. His posture and movements were still leisurely andfortable. It seemed that he didn¡¯t regard those people with the same realm as his own with too much importance.

    From this, Gu Zuo could tell that while Senior Sect Brother He appeared modest, there was some of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s malevolence right beneath the surface. Within his heart, there was also a type of reserved arrogance.

    Currently, Gongyi Tianheng was ying go with He Zizhang, and Gu Zuo was watching on the side. While the group waited for the Pill King Conference to begin, everyone became much more familiar with one another. Not only did they gain a better understanding of each other, the camaraderie between these senior and junior brothers also deepened.

    Whether it was Gu Zuo or Tianheng, they both had a good impression of He Zizhang.

    Just when everyone was in the middle of fostering these feelings, a servant of the vi suddenly entered the room to inform them that some people hade to pay a visit ¡ª This was surprising. The news that they were here hadn¡¯t been spread all over the ce, so how did anyone find them?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind stirred, and he had an idea.

    Speaking of those who were aware of them...

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo opened the visitation notice. With a single nce, he saw that the name written down was ¡°Seventh Prince of Great Zhou¡±.

    Prince Zhou didn¡¯t really have any friendship with them, so specially dropping by wasn¡¯t worth it. As such, the one who genuinely came to pay a visit ought to have been Senior Sect Brother Xu.

    Gu Zuo gave the visitation notice to his family¡¯s big brother and Senior Sect Brother He to take a look. Aftering to an agreement, Gu Zuo took the initiative to go out and wee them.

    No matter what, he had to give Senior Sect Brother Xu some face.

    Sure enough, after going out, he saw two people quietly standing at the vi¡¯s gate entrance.

    Prince Zhou and Xu Lingxiu were standing side by side. The atmosphere could be considered harmonious.

    Although Gu Zuo only took a nce, he also carefully observed Xu Lingxiu¡¯splexion. When Gu Zuo found that there was no despondency in Xu Lingxiu¡¯s appearance, heid down his worries a little bit.

    He smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, long time no see.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow: ¡°How has it been a long time?¡±

    Gu Zuoughed dryly.

    Wasn¡¯t he just being polite? Ah, this Senior Sect Brother Xu really wasn¡¯t fond of following etiquette.

    After that, Gu Zuo called out to greet Prince Zhou, and invited the two inside. At the same time, he said: ¡°Big brother is in the middle of ying go with Senior Sect Brother He. As a result, I came out to wee you guys. Senior Sect Brother He is the eldest senior brother of our Blood Transformation Pce Hall. His strength is outstanding. The reason why he came with us is that he wasn¡¯t too reassured about our safety.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded his head: ¡°It looks like you¡¯re doing alright.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Ten Ultimates Sect is a good ce.¡±

    Off to the side, Prince Zhou said nothing. However, Gu Zuo was able to discover that this Prince Zhou was quite indulgent of Senior Sect Brother Xu. In addition, he himself also possessed a kind of arrogance. Even though the one he was about to meet was a pce hall¡¯s eldest senior brother of a silver-ranked organization, he didn¡¯t expose any peculiar looks.

    Based on this, it seemed that Prince Zhou was very confident. His willpower was also quite firm.

    Gu Zuo felt that maybe it wasn¡¯t a bad thing for Senior Sect Brother Xu to follow this Prince Zhou.

    After quickly going inside, Tianheng greeted the two with a smile on his face. Meanwhile, He Zizhang didn¡¯t respond. In the end, he was a powerhouse with even greater strength, so it was reasonable that he didn¡¯t take the initiative to call out in greetings.

    Once Prince Zhou walked through the doorway, Prince Zhou still showed a certain amount of respect to Tianheng and He Zizhang. Although his various actions appeared somewhat strange, when all was said and done, the ultimate knowledge practiced by the Blood Transformation Pce Hall was even stranger. As a result, there was nothing unsightly about the way Prince Zhou was acting.

    Following this, the game of go was still continued. Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu conversed on the side: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, why did youe thiste?¡±

    He had to have some assurance since he came here, so asking about it certainly wouldn¡¯t hurt his pride.

    Xu Lingxiu said: ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s because someone dyed us.¡±

    Gu Zuo made a helpless expression.

    This tone of voice... The person who dyed Senior Sect Brother Xu was obviously Prince Zhou. How was he supposed to respond?

    Fortunately, Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t intend to let Gu Zuo respond. Rather, he quickly continued to talk: ¡°Once I got Junior Sect Brother Gu¡¯s news, I came here because Zhou Qi learned about another matter after sending someone to make some discreet inquiries.¡±

    Gu Zuo was curious: ¡°Oh? What happened?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu was forting: ¡°This pill king intends to ept apprentices.¡±

    Gu Zuo was startled: ¡°ept apprentices?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu nodded: ¡°Now, I can barely refine some golden-level medicinal pills. If I can apprentice myself to a master for guidance, I should be able to move one step further.¡±

    Gu Zuo immediately understood.

    Right. He possessed a system inheritance, so he didn¡¯t need a master. However, this didn¡¯t mean other pharmacists didn¡¯t need masters either.

    Senior Sect Brother Xu came to the Central Continent alone, and Prince Zhou was situated in a bronze-ranked organization. Within bronze-ranked organizations, the highest realms were Royal Realm martial artists. As such, devoting to profound-level pharmacists was good enough. And profound-level pharmacists couldn¡¯t satisfy Xu Lingxiu¡¯s requirements...

    If this pill king was going to ept apprentices, then it was only natural that Xu Lingxiu wanted to give it a try. Prince Zhou followed along, but didn¡¯t necessarilyck the intention of inviting this pill king toe back and watch over Great Zhou.

    But all of this was only a matter of trying. It wasn¡¯t guaranteed to seed.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Then, I wish senior sect brother the best of luck with his endeavors.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu curled his lips: ¡°If only it was that simple.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled.

    There were certainly many people who wanted to apprentice themselves. Amid all of this, it was said that there would also be challenges and other things, which made this event rtivelyplicated.

    But...

    In the end, he would help Senior Sect Brother Xu.

    When Xu Lingxiu and Prince Zhou came over, they originally wanted to stay at a tavern or inn. However, when all was said and done, Xu Lingxiu was the senior brother of Tianheng and Gu Zuo. How could they let the two of them leave like this? As a result, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t let these two guests go, and intended for everyone to go together to the Pill King Conference the next day.

    During the night, Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo got together to discuss some medicine refining techniques. Gu Zuo was more knowledgable than Xu Lingxiu, and intentionally divulged some things. Although Xu Lingxiu was proud, he wasn¡¯t incapable of recognizing another¡¯s good intentions. Naturally, he remembered all of Gu Zuo¡¯s pointers. At the same time, he passed along some of his own experiences ¡ª He wasn¡¯t the sort of person who took unfair advantage of others.

    The next day, the Pill King Conference officially started.

    Tianheng and He Zizhang apanied Gu Zuo, while Prince Zhou apanied Xu Lingxiu. The group of five left for Rising Mountain Pavilion, which was also that pill king¡¯s ce of residence.

    In front of Rising Mountain Pavilion, there were a dozen or so maids weing everyone. They appeared pure, graceful, and charming. Their bodies smelled slightly of medicinal fragrances, and faint strands of fire qi curled around their slender fingers. At the very least, one could tell that they practiced medicine refinement, and weren¡¯t as simple as ordinary maids.

    ¡ª From this alone, it could be seen that this pill king¡¯s character was not too difficult to get along with. Otherwise, how could¡¯ve these maids been able to train these skills?

    Gu Zuo looked into the distance. There were many young people among the pharmacists entering the gates. In addition, the spiritual path realms of these young people weren¡¯t weak. On average, they were at least close to the Core Psyche Realm. There were also several with even higher realms who had a bit of fighting spirit in their expressions. It looked like they were the people who weren¡¯t convinced. Of course, there were also those who looked reverent and expectant. Apanying these people were powerhouses who were at the Celestial Realm or above. From their temperament and attire, one could tell that their identities weren¡¯tcking. Information was fast and abundant ¡ª Like his Senior Sect Brother Xu, they probably found out at an earlier time that this pill king wanted to ept apprentices?

    On the other hand, there were many pharmacists of advanced age and plentiful experience, too. But inparison, there were more young pharmacists present. This was very different from the Pill King Conferences of the past.

    Back then, those who urgently needed a pill king¡¯s guidance for their own breakthroughs were mostly pharmacists who struggled for years without making further progress. And these pharmacists were often elderly. On the contrary, the younger ones either couldn¡¯t touch upon the subjects or were geniuses nurtured by their sects. In any case, they weren¡¯t necessarily as anxious for Pill King Conferences.

    Once everyone entered Rising Mountain Pavilion, they were faced with long tables and low seats. Up in front, there was an extremelyrge pill furnace. And sitting cross-legged behind that pill furnace was a man with the features of someone in his twenties. His face was unblemished and free of any facial hair. His appearance was somewhat delicate and pretty, but his true age naturally wasn¡¯t only twenty-something years. Instead, he was already in his fifties. However, as far as pharmacists were concerned, a fifty-year-old, earth-level pharmacist was very impressive.

    Watching the crowd walking in one after another, the pill king didn¡¯t say anything. Rather, there was a gentle smile on his face. His entire person looked affable and friendly, which was a far cry from the arrogance of many pill kings.

    Once Gu Zuo and the others walked inside, they were arranged with seats that were a little closer to the front.

    He was keenly aware that the pharmacists surrounding himself were more or less all at the profound level. Their appearances seemed like they had gone through the ¡°vicissitudes of life¡± ¡ª Unexpectedly, the seating was so urate?

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo took another look around, and discovered that all of the pharmacists were arranged based on their own pharmacist ranks. This was quite astonishing.

    But how was this seen through?

    After taking their seats, Tianheng lightly patted Gu Zuo¡¯s arm, and pointed somewhere.

    Gu Zuo looked over, and noticed that a ratherrge sheet of leveled stone wasid across the floor of the entrance. When someone walked over it, the stone emitted an almost imperceptible trace of white light. After that person walked passed, an escorting maid led this guest to a certain location... As it turned out, this was the stone¡¯s use.

    After pondering for a moment, Gu Zuo thought of something.

    This stone was probably a piece of Medicine Heart Stone, which was considered very precious. Its greatest ability was to distinguish the medicinal effects of any medicament. Whether it was an ingredient or pill, medicinal properties of different strengths would bring about different reactions from it...

    Pharmacists refined medicine all year round, so their bodies definitely carried some medicinal fragrances. And the Medicine Heart Stone would immediately differentiate whichever product rank of medicinal pills these fragrances originated from.

    Gu Zuo frequently refined profound-level pills, so he was naturally arranged with the other profound-level pharmacists.

    As for Xu Lingxiu, he arrived with Gu Zuo. No matter what kind of rtionship he had with Gu Zuo, he could likewise be seated anywhere in the front rows of this pavilion.

    After understanding this, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts turned.

    There were too many pharmacists in this ce. Moreover, their qualities weren¡¯t low. Even though he had seen lots of pharmacists in the past, none of them couldpare to the ones here and now...

    Sure enough, he still needed to go out and see the world more often.

    Xu Lingxiu also sensed the oppressive feelings brought about by the various spiritual path realms in this pavilion. Hisplexion was somewhat solemn, but there was a type of fervency in the depths of his eyes.

    He was also looking forward to experiencing an even more powerful pharmacist!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 473 - Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 473 - Provocation</h4>

    Eventually, no one else entered. Within the pavilion, numerous people conversed with those seated beside them ¡ª Havinge to this ce, although they wanted to listen to the pill king¡¯s experiences, there were others who also wanted to make friends with fellow enthusiasts.

    In this crowd of profound-level pharmacists, Gu Zuo was considered to be the youngest one. Naturally, this was quite conspicuous. In a well-behaved manner, he didn¡¯t speak much originally. At most, he chatted with Senior Sect Brother Xu in a low voice, but he didn¡¯t cause trouble. However, off to the side, there was someone among those older folks who looked at him unfavorably.

    ¡°A mere yellow-mouthed youngster is actually sitting in the same ce as us?!¡±

    The person speaking really was an older individual. Looking at his face, he was around fifty to sixty years old.

    It went without saying that pharmacists were like the physicians of the modern era. Ordinary martial artists always trusted older pharmacists more than younger pharmacists ¡ª In most cases, this was due to sufficient experience. Even if one knew that this was a psychological effect, wasn¡¯t it still effective? As a result, there were always some older pharmacists who werecent and self-satisfied. They were jealous of the innate talents of younger pharmacists who were of the same rank as themselves. At the same time, they were narrow-minded, and felt that those young, genius pharmacists were as unreliable as a youth without facial hair.

    Wasn¡¯t this old fellow with a goatee exactly the kind of person previously mentioned?

    After seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s appearance, he had a stuffy feeling in his chest. Shortly thereafter, he felt that it was definitely impossible for this youngster to be the same rank as him. This pharmacist must¡¯ve been ced here by mistake. Following this, he shouted scoldings.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Who was supposed to be provoking who?!

    ncing at that goateed man¡¯s features, Gu Zuo felt that he was difficult to get along with.

    Arguing with him would be too uncouth, but it also appeared a little cowardly to let himself be scolded.

    After a conflicted moment, Gu Zuo still pretended that he hadn¡¯t heard anything.

    In any case, they weren¡¯t familiar with one another, so he could just feign sudden hearing loss. Not to mention anything else, wouldn¡¯t arguing at the grand assembly of this pill king simply annoy that very pill king?

    Originally, that quarrelsome person only saw something he didn¡¯t like, and spoke out of envy. If he was able to provoke Gu Zuo¡¯s begrudging anger, and got him to counterattack, then Gu Zuo would¡¯ve certainly lost face. That quarrelsome person would¡¯ve felt delighted, too. However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t acknowledge the verbal barb. It was like it wasn¡¯t worth it to lower himself to that guy¡¯s level ¡ª With the lungful of anger in that fellow¡¯s chest blocked up, he was in an incredibly bad mood.

    Hence, the man with the goatee couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°A younger generation without any manners! This senior spoke, but unexpectedly, he pretends to be ignorant! Truly, what uneptable behavior!¡±

    Gu Zuo turned his face away, and chatted with Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s take a stroll around the business district here afterwards. There are so many people now, so maybe there¡¯s something good...¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face. He faintly nodded his head while listening to Gu Zuo talk. It looked like he was paying extremely close attention.

    Gu Zuo continued to speak: ¡°Big brother, how many profound crystals can I use this time?¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression deepened: ¡°Ah Zuo can help himself to however much he wants. There¡¯s no need to ask for my permission.¡±

    By acting as if no one else was present, the goateed man¡¯splexion turned ashen. He was almost about to flip the table in front of him!

    Fortunately, someone by his side restrained him, and persuaded: ¡°You can¡¯t act this way! This ce is the pill king¡¯s&#k2014;¡±

    Speaking of thetter, he also lowered the volume of his voice for fear of the pill king witnessing this spectacle. At the same time, he was also quite depressed at heart. When he normally interacted with the guy by his side, he only felt that this fellow¡¯s temperament was a little wed. He didn¡¯t expect that his anger would re up regardless of the situation. If he had known earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have been willing toe here with this guy.

    The man with the goatee was unable to constrain his towering fury: ¡°Brat! You have the cheek to ignore this old man?!¡±

    Off to the side, that man hurriedly advised: ¡°Senior Brother Yang...¡±

    His heart was filled with even more unspoken criticisms. When seeing a younger generation, this guy thought he could rely on old age to unt seniority and teach the other a lesson. However, someone so aplished at such a young age was a hundred times more talented than them. How could anyone rely on age to give a lecture?

    The others ignored this spectacle. It was because this was the pill king¡¯s ce, and they wanted to give face to the pill king. If it was him, he would¡¯ve restrained himself long ago. How could this guy make such an aggravating move? Seriously... Rather than discussing the path of medicine refinement and forming a bond of good karma with such a talented young man, this guy started a feud! This was truly the height of stupidity!

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t clear about the two people¡¯s thoughts, but wouldn¡¯t talking aimlessly with big brother infuriate that goateed pharmacist? However, it wasn¡¯t like he hadn¡¯t been paying attention to that side. Afterwards, he saw that man with the goatee being pulled by another person so that he couldn¡¯t really cause a scene in front of everyone. Gu Zuo inwardly sighed in relief.

    He didn¡¯t want to give others something tough at!

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo was met with Tianheng¡¯s smiling eyes. He immediately became somewhat embarrassed: ¡°Big brother, I...¡±

    Tianheng chuckled, lightly patted his shoulder, and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look.¡±

    As it turned out, that pill king made a move at this time.

    One would only see the pill king flicking his finger. A strand of fiery thread burst forth,nded inside that pill furnace, and ignited into a raging inferno. The pill furnace was heated up almost instantly, which caused white, vaporous trails to float above it.

    The me within that pill furnace was very spirited. It was like dozens of threads were strung together. One strand after another jumped and interweaved in an extremely beautiful disy.

    This was a wondrous fire!

    Gu Zuo recognized it from its shape. This was the Hundred-Strands Thousand-Threads me. It was a type of wondrous fire that was incredibly helpful when it came to medicine refinement.

    With such a wondrous fire on hand, it was much easier to refine medicinal pills than it was for ordinary pharmacists. The rate of pill production was much higher, too.

    On this continent, not everyone had a wondrous fire. However, pharmacists capable of owning a wondrous fire always had a higher chance of bing pill kings than other pharmacists ¡ª One could also say that every pharmacist who became a pill king had to have a wondrous fire. This was because medicinal pills at the earth level and above possessed spirituality. One needed to use a spiritually-active wondrous fire to maintain this trace of spirituality in the pills to sessfully refine them. As formon earthly fires, they would strangle this trace of spirituality over the course of medicine refinement. This was incredibly harmful when refining medicine.

    However, in most cases, the greater the proficiency a pill king had in controlling wondrous fires, the higher their medicine refining standards.

    Presently, this pill king only used that one move to prove that his standards were extraordinary.

    This was a powerful pill king!

    Hence, the other pharmacists watching this scene retracted theirments, and their eyes lit up.

    Sure enough, to tell whether it was a mule or a horse, one simply had to take it out for a walk.

    Soon after, this pill king demonstrated medicine refining methods that could practically be called sorcery. His movements were incredibly graceful, and every action beckoned a fiery thread to jump. His gaze faintly moved, and a certain number of medicinal ingredients appeared at his side. With another flicker of his gaze, these ingredients soared into the air, and directly fell into the pill furnace.

    Following this, crackling and sizzling sounds were heard from the furnace, and strands of medicinal fragrances flowed out. Down below, the Hundred-Strands Thousand-Threads me leaped and danced with a rhythmic feeling. The mes lengthened and shortened, appeared and disappeared. After less than an hour, the pill furnace¡¯s lid shot away. Immediately after that, a medicinal pill leaped out, producing a soft pill cry.

    Once the earth-level pill came out of the furnace, it couldn¡¯t be collected with an ordinary pill receiving seal. If pills below the earth level had the tendency to scatter in all directions, then this earth-level pill had the instinct to escape ¡ª This was due to that trace of spirituality.

    Consequently, if the rank of the pill receiving seal was insufficient, the pill king would have no choice but to personally capture the pill. Fortunately, after reaching this level, only one medicinal pill could be sessfully refined most of the time. Otherwise, it would be really difficult to catch them all.

    Though, this pill king wasn¡¯t the same.

    Seeing that the medicinal pill was about to escape with a clear whistling sound, the pill king pinched his fingers in passing. He drew out a streak of abstruse power, which rapidly enshrouded that pill. Soon after, that abstruse power acted like a fishing. No matter how many times that pill bounced around inside, it was dragged back as he retracted his hand, and smoothlynded onto the hollow of his palm.

    In the blink of an eye, the surface of the medicinal pill circted with a jewel-like splendor. Crimson rays of light congregated, and practically illuminated the entire room.

    Not only was this a sessfully refined medicinal pill, it was an earth-level pill with a product grade of eight or higher!

    Among the earth-level pills, being able to refine this product grade of this rank like it was nothing but a light swipe of the brush... This pill king¡¯s standards were increasingly proven true.

    After the pill king put the pill away, the numerous pharmacists down below let out exmations of admiration. Though, some pharmacists still had fiery emotions in their eyes. They felt it would be even better if they could show off their own might. They hoped to be pill kings in the future. When they refined medicinal pills, they could move mountains with the lightest touch just like this pill king.

    Gu Zuo saw this, andprehend many profound mysteries from within.

    Indeed, this pill king was powerful. Moreover, when refining this earth-level pill, there wasn¡¯t a single redundant action. He only thought that every movement had been elegant and extraordinary.

    Once the pill was refined, the achievements obtained were also worthy of appreciation.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help praising: ¡°Big brother, this pill king is really awesome!¡±

    Tianheng smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    But at the same time, a voice echoed inside Gu Zuo¡¯s head.

    [Ah Zuo, you¡¯ll certainly be even more awesome in the future.]

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up, and his heart feltforted.

    ¡ª There was nothing better than when a beloved sweetheart believed in you.

    At any rate, after the pill king refined this medicinal pill, he opened his mouth: ¡°Today, this Han has be a pill king. The point of inviting these fellow enthusiasts to gather here is topare notes on the path of pill refinement and share opinions and views. I must ask everyone to give their advice.¡±

    The majority of pharmacists responded: ¡°We don¡¯t deserve your praise. We ask for this pill king¡¯s guidance.¡±

    There was also a small number of people who said: ¡°We would be much obliged!¡±

    Having heard what was said, Pill King Han still wore a smiling expression: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I invite whichever fellow enthusiasts with the intention ofparing notes to step forward.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart stirred. He immediately sat up straight.

    It was almost here!

    Soon after, among those people who just said that they wanted to oblige the pill king, a man who looked to be in his thirties emerged. Carrying a small cauldron, he walked over in swift steps.

    He was a profound-level pharmacist. The moment the small cauldron was tossed onto the ground, it suddenly transformed into arge cauldron. Although, it seemed that it wasn¡¯t as big as that pill furnace.

    The man said: ¡°This Wang is adept at refining a type of medicinal powder. How does Pill King Han feel about this?¡±

    Pill King Han nced at this man. He smiled and said: ¡°So it turns out to be...Honorable Junior Wang. This Han remembers that what Honorable Junior Wang is good at is a type of Myriad Golden Powder. It¡¯s a miraculous medicine refined from ten thousand medicinal ingredients. It has marvelous effects on the internal and external injuries of martial artists. In addition, the worse the martial artist¡¯s injuries, the more their internal qi grows after recovering with this medicine. It¡¯s to the point that, once they take this medicine, they can directly break through arge realm following recovery. Is that right?¡±

    The man surnamed Wang proudly said: ¡°It¡¯s precisely this miraculous medicine.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, the man¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He came back to his senses.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t helpughing in secret.

    This Pill King Han didn¡¯t seem to be as good-tempered as he appeared on the surface. Meanwhile, it was obvious that this man surnamed Wang had been at the same level as Pill King Han in the past, and their ages were almost the same, too. Now, he was being addressed as an honorable junior... Although there was no problem in terms of seniority or strength, this was sufficiently damaging.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 474 - Today Is My Birthday

    <h4>Chapter 474 - Today Is My Birthday</h4>

    Unfortunately, this was what Pill King Han addressed him as, so this would be what he was called. No matter how upset that man surnamed Wang became, he also couldn¡¯t let his temper re over this matter. In front of so many people, he couldn¡¯t even speak harshly.

    Immediately following this, he could only flick his sleeve with an ashen expression and say: ¡°Are we doing this or not? Do you dare?¡±

    Pill King Han wore a smiling expression: ¡°We shall.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he gave a slight pause. Others thought that he was going to say, ¡°I dare.¡± And if he responded in this way, it would further provoke that man surnamed Wang.

    However, after Pill King Han paused, what he said was... ¡°After you.¡±

    Listening to this, he seemed very courteous, but that pause only made that man¡¯splexion even more unsightly.

    Gu Zuo suppressed a smile.

    This Pill King Han was really interesting. He was under the impression that anyone who could be a pill king before fifty, fortuitous encounters notwithstanding, would be a serious and research-oriented talent who was dedicated to medicine refinement. This was unexpected...

    It would be great if Pill King Han became Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s master.

    On that side, the man surnamed Wang and Pill King Han were already about topete.

    Of course, the first thing to do was to get the medicine ¡ª There were as many as ten thousand types of medicinal ingredients. Although the majority wasn¡¯t particrly precious, and even the product ranks were rtively low, it wasplicated enough.

    If one of these medicinal ingredients was incorrect, or their hand seals had the slightest positional mistake during the refining process, then one could well imagine the consequences.

    The man surnamed Wang was very familiar with refining this type of Myriad Golden Powder, and selected it for this provocation. It had to be said that this was the way to use one¡¯s own strengths to attack the opponent¡¯s weaknesses. It seemed a bit despicable at first nce, but considering that he was only a profound-level pharmacist and the other party was a pill king, it also couldn¡¯t be said to be unfair.

    Pill King Han didn¡¯t take this matter to heart. He waved his hand, and beautiful maids walked out from the side one after another. Within each of their hands was a pouch-like, inter-spatial tool, and countless medicinal ingredients were poured out from inside these pouches.

    Some ingredients were set down directly, and others were ced within various boxes. At this moment, the ingredientspletely covered the ground.

    Pill King Han¡¯s line of sight fell upon those medicinal ingredients.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart moved.

    Psychic power?

    Just now, he sensed a wisp of abundant power burst forth. After quickly inspecting those medicinal ingredients, an invisible form of energy seemed to retrieve those piles of ingredients and stack them into a new pile on the side.

    It was obvious that these stacks of ingredients were what Pill King Han was going to use to refine the Myriad Golden Powder. However, what Gu Zuo paid attention to wasn¡¯t the medicinal ingredients, but that wisp of invisible power.

    Strange.

    Very strange.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face.

    This psychic power was different from his own. It was much stronger&#k2026; It wasn¡¯t about how much it exceeded in quantity. Rather, it was the difference in quality.

    If Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was the seawater beneath the ocean¡¯s depths, then Pill King Han¡¯s psychic power was like elemental mercury. It was incredibly dense and heavy. It wasn¡¯t like the seawater of the ocean¡¯s depths was thin and light. It was just that it wasn¡¯t nearly as solid as mercury. Fundamentally, it was an entirely different type of substance.

    Gu Zuo was at the Nurturing Psyche Realm, and Pill King Han was at the Spirit Psyche Realm. Could it be that the quality of this psychic power was one of the difference between the Spirit Psyche Realm and the Nurturing Psyche Realm?

    This conjecture was highly probable.

    To the side, Xu Lingxiu carefully watched the exchange between Pill King Han and the man surnamed Wang.

    Pill King Han quickly picked out the medicinal ingredients. Meanwhile, the man surnamed Wang had made preparations long ago. With a wave of his hand, all of his ingredients were released. They were also piled up beside him.

    Although one was prepared and the other was not, Pill King Han¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t much slower than that of the challenger. When the man surnamed Wang released his medicinal ingredients and was about to heat up his pill furnace, Pill King Han was doing both simultaneously. Compared to that man, Pill King Han appeared even more methodical and thorough. His movements were also a little more graceful.

    The man surnamed Wang: ¡°...¡±

    Gu Zuo came back to his senses, and observed three seconds of silence for that challenger.

    Actually, why did the challenger have to take things to heart so much?

    What happened afterwards wasn¡¯t outside of Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. Even though the man surnamed Wang had the same type of wondrous fire as Pill King Han ¡ª That¡¯s right. It was because he had the same wondrous fire in his possession that the challenger wasn¡¯t willing to recognize Pill King Han. He only thought that the other was lucky, and that he himself was in no way inferior.

    But Pill King Han¡¯s ability to control the wondrous fire was far stronger than that of the man surnamed Wang.

    Myriad Golden Powder was a rtively challenging pill prescription to refine. However, profound-level pharmacists wouldn¡¯t understand that pharmacists who were already pill kings had almost no difficulties in refining medicinal pills below the earth level. Unless it was an ancient prescription that was particrly rare andplex, they could see through the mysteries of most medicinal prescriptions at a nce to conduct a refinement. It was to the point that some only needed to know the ingredients being used to surmise seventy to eighty percent of the prescription¡¯s refining process. It wasn¡¯t umon to find something with simr medicinal efficacy after several attempts.

    Just like today, the man surnamed Wang was suffering because his understand of pill kings wascking.

    The problem of the Myriad Golden Powder mainlyid in the processing and fusion of ten thousand types of medicinal ingredients. With regards to other difficulties, they were just ordinary problems. However, as far as a pill king was concerned, what challenge could this pose?

    Not long after, the refining vessels of the two had reactions.

    The man surnamed Wang used a medicinal cauldron, which wasmonly used to refine powders. At this time, when the cauldron lid was opened, the gold-colored medicinal powder was revealed, exuding a faint heat. The medicinal effects within it could be considered somewhat violent, but if it was used by martial artists, the effects were indeed extraordinary.

    This medicinal powder was worthy of this challenger¡¯s special skills. Even though he was previously upset by Pill King Han, this didn¡¯t affect the man from refining medicine. The product grade reached grade ten.

    Shortly thereafter, it was Pill King Han¡¯s turn. He didn¡¯t deliberately use a medicinal cauldron. When the furnace lid opened, the medicinal powder inside erupted outwards. The powder was drawn back with a wave of his hand, and fell into a jade tray on the side.

    This medicinal powder was simrly a pure gold color. Based on its physical appearance, it seemed simr to what the man surnamed Wang refined. However, the psychic powers of everyone present were out of the ordinary. After examining the finished products of the two people, they unanimously cupped their hands and congratted: ¡°This is Pill King Han¡¯s victory!¡±

    The man surnamed Wang was left in a daze: ¡°How is this possible...¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    How couldn¡¯t this be possible?

    The products refined by the two were indeed simr in appearance and product grade, but under the inspection of psychic power, it was easy to discover that the Myriad Golden Powder refined by Pill King Han had slightly greater quantities than that of the challenger... When the quality was about the same, wasn¡¯t it the quantity that decided the oue?

    ¡ª In addition, even more people clearly understood that if Pill King Han practiced a few more times, it was reckoned that the man surnamed Wang would also be beaten in terms of product grade. How was there any room for this man to be arrogant?

    Thus, this matter ended in defeat. When all was said and done, the man surnamed Wang was a proud and aloof individual. He wouldn¡¯t shamelessly wait in this ce and listen to Pill King Han¡¯s exnations and experiences. He silently put away his cauldron, turned around, and walked out inrge strides.

    The other pharmacists didn¡¯t urge him to stay. Since this person made a provocative choice, he would naturally bear the consequences of failure if he lost. There was nothing to say.

    With the unlucky man surnamed Wang having gone first, there were still several people remaining who wanted to issue their own challenges. Their hearts were thumping loudly in their chests. However, while they arrived full of joy and expectations, many people already knew that they only came to provoke Pill King Han. If they started getting cold feet, where were they going to put their faces?

    Moreover, while notpeting would mean losing face,peting also didn¡¯t necessarily mean that they would suffer defeat. Perhaps, it was because Senior Wang had a prior disagreement with Pill King Han? If Pill King Han had a greater understanding of Senior Wang, he could easily secure a victory.

    Hence, another person came out, and proceeded topete with Pill King Han.

    It was still a medicinal pill with a high degree of difficulty that this profound-level pharmacist selected. It was only a pity that this person also lost to Pill King Han without any suspense.

    After that, there was one more person, and then another, and so on...

    Four or five times in a row, all of them were defeated under the hands of Pill King Han.

    This was enough to prove Pill King Han¡¯s strength. In addition, there were also some discerning people who realized that Pill King Han¡¯s hand seals were different every time he used them. Was this because he had an incredibly extensive inheritance?

    From this point of view, there was a great possibility that Pill King Han would be a pill emperor in the future!

    Those who came rushing to apprentice themselves looked at Pill King Han with even more fervent gazes.

    Gu Zuo increasingly felt that if Senior Sect Brother Xu could apprentice himself under Pill King Han, what he gained would be unimaginable ¡ª As a junior sect brother, he had already ¡°unconsciously¡± given some things to Senior Sect Brother Xu before. However, if it continued in this way, it would harm the friendship between them. It would even damage Xu Lingxiu¡¯s pride. However, if Pill King Han epted Senior Sect Brother Xu, he would have a promising future, so there wasn¡¯t any need to worry about other things.

    When Xu Lingxiu looked at Pill King Han, the look in his eyes was resolute.

    Gu Zuo quietly asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, what do you think?¡±

    There was a rare sense of solemnity in Xu Lingxiu¡¯s expression: ¡°Junior Sect Brother Gu, I¡¯m going to give it my very best.¡±

    It seemed as if Pill King Han didn¡¯t notice the facial expressions of the numerous pharmacists. He smiled gently at everyone: ¡°Today happens to be this Han¡¯s birthday, and I hope to share my experiences with enthusiasts all over the world.¡±

    He sighed: ¡°Because this Han has cultivated arduously for many years, I have finally made some achievements with great difficulty. However, there¡¯s this feeling of time slipping away. If my life suddenlyes to an end, I¡¯m afraid that my legacy can¡¯t be passed on. This path won¡¯t have any way to continue. Therefore, I want to take advantage of this opportunity to ept a personal disciple.¡±

    This passage was spoken very sincerely. Listening to this, one would feel a sense ofmentation and sorrow.

    Indeed. Time passed very quickly...

    However, the majority of the people present couldn¡¯t feel this way. In particr, those who were older had ratherplicated moods.

    Such an exmation was a somewhat simr experience for any of them. But if they remembered correctly, Pill King Han¡¯s age was only forty-eight! His internal qi realm was already at the peak of the Noble Realm, and his lifespan was no shorter than three thousand years! If he worked a little harder and broke through to the Royal Realm, he could live for five thousand years!

    Gu Zuo had an exasperated look.

    Ah, he felt that Pill King Han sort of deserved a beating...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 475 - Congratulatory Gifts

    <h4>Chapter 475 - Congrattory Gifts</h4>

    However, no matter how much Pill King Han deserved a beating, everyone quickly found the three important points in his words after a momentary conflict:

    First, he was celebrating his birthday today.

    Second, he wanted to ept an apprentice.

    Third, he was still going to pass along his experiences.

    Originally, everyone only came here with the cherished desires of the third point. Now, the excitement included this unexpected second point. But at the same time, what everyone felt a little mncholy about was the first point that immediately followed after. If they didn¡¯t handle the first point well enough, wasn¡¯t the second point impossible?

    Really! Why didn¡¯t he mention this sooner?

    Even if it was those younger generations who, due to the organizations backing them, long knew that Pill King Han was going to ept a disciple today, their moods also weren¡¯t toofortable. Think about it. Indeed, they prepared some precious treasures in the hopes of formally apprenticing themselves. However, their future master¡¯s birthday followed right after. As a result, the ¡°weight¡± of these treasures wasn¡¯t enough!

    In the end, why hadn¡¯t he said anything in advance? Was it to avoid the reputation of taking advantage of the situation to umte wealth? Nheless, they actually would¡¯ve preferred it if Pill King Han wanted to umte wealth. Then, at least they would¡¯ve had a direction to work towards.

    Of course,pared to those who brought precious treasures with them, the people who didn¡¯t even know that Pill King Han wanted to ept a disciple were very apprehensive.

    They were really falling behind...

    Many thoughts were running through everyone¡¯s minds. But generally speaking, there was still much more joy.

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s brows faintly furrowed.

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo slightly tilted his head, and asked: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xu, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t conceal anything, and replied: ¡°My congrattory gift might be a little inadequate.¡±

    While speaking, Xu Lingxiu gave Prince Zhou a certain look.

    Prince Zhou¡¯s palm flipped over, and a t wooden box that was approximately five feet long and three feet wide appeared in his hands. He lightly pushed it to Xu Lingxiu¡¯s side.

    Everyone was aware that this was the congrattory gift for Pill King Han.

    The group of people subtly leaned their bodies to obstruct any wandering eyes from outside.

    Xu Lingxiu opened the box.

    ced inside the wooden box were two stalks of spirit medicine with forty percent spirituality, one stalk of spirit medicine with fifty percent spirituality, and a pure white, egg-shaped object ¡ª This turned out to be a stone ovum that contained wondrous medicine.

    One couldn¡¯t focus on how there was only a total of four things here. Spirit medicines that reached forty percent spirituality were rather rare. Not to mention stone ova that were guaranteed to contain wondrous medicines. Those things were even rarer.

    Gu Zuo looked at these things, and his impression of Prince Zhou improved quite a bit.

    He knew that his dear Senior Sect Brother Xu wouldn¡¯t have been able to acquire these things himself aftering over. As such, the person who would¡¯ve prepared these gifts was Prince Zhou. As for Prince Zhou, he definitely wasn¡¯t the only prince in all of Great Zhou. Although he had power and influence, Great Zhou was just a bronze-ranked organization. How could he be allowed to arbitrarily withdraw resources? To prepare these things, he must¡¯ve worked very hard.

    If giving these things ensured that Senior Sect Brother Xu could apprentice himself, then it would be worth it. However, the key point was that there was no certainty at all from the start. It could be said that the hope was rtively slim, but Prince Zhou was still willing to pay so much...

    Gu Zuo nced at the two of them hesitantly.

    Maybe he had an overactive imagination because he was dating big brother, but that feeling appeared once again. Did Prince Zhou really have any errant thoughts about his Senior Sect Brother Xu? After all, although Gu Zuo felt that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s aptitudes were pretty good, judging from his current strength, it was difficult for someone like Prince Zhou to make such a big bet so easily.

    Then, why did he feel that it was a little... Should he say ambiguous? In any case, something odd was going on around here!

    In particr, Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s appearance and temperament were truly one in a million.

    After secretly thinking for a while, Gu Zuoposed himself just in time.

    Ah, right. The important point right now wasn¡¯t to think about these messy things. Instead, it was to increase Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s bargaining chips so that he could smoothly be an apprentice.

    Gu Zuo pondered for a little while, and silently extended his palm under the long table.

    In the hollow of his palm was a stone ovum that was the size of two clenched fists. it looked a bit bigger than the stone ovum in the wooden box. In addition, this thing was a living stone ovum, and not a spoiled, dead ovum.

    After that, Gu Zuo ced this stone ovum into the wooden box: ¡°Offer this thing, too.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu¡¯s brows tightly furrowed.

    With one look, Gu Zuo knew what he was thinking, and hastily said: ¡°We¡¯re still very young, and have a lot of time ahead of us. I¡¯ll lend some help to Senior Sect Brother Xu. In the future, when senior brother gets lots of things, you can pay me back.¡± He spoke very quickly, ¡°What kind of friendship do we have? Could it be that if I encounter such a situation, Senior Sect Brother Xu won¡¯t help me?¡±

    Listening up to here, Xu Lingxiu¡¯s brows loosened.

    In fact, he vaguely understood from many matters that this Junior Sect Brother Gu had helped him in multiple ways. There were very few ces where he could provide any help to Gu Zuo.

    However, Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t an unreasonable or pretentious person. This stone ovum was definitely something he needed right now. He also really needed to increase his bargaining chips at this time. Compared to manyrge organizations, his advantages were too few in number. In addition to his own efforts, the necessary respect to the pill king had to be shown as well.

    As for owing Junior Sect Brother Gu a favor... It was just like this junior brother said. They had bright and long futures ahead of them. Even if he couldn¡¯t help in some aspects, he could always find an opportunity to repay it when he was older.

    Hence, Xu Lingxiu epted the stone ovum, and said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I won¡¯t stand on ceremony with Junior Sect Brother Gu. In the future, if junior brother needs anything, just let me know.¡±

    Gu Zuo was also very happy that Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t stubbornly push back on the subject. He promptly nodded his head: ¡°Rest assured, I also certainly won¡¯t stand on ceremony with Senior Sect Brother Xu!¡±

    On the side, Prince Zhou watched this scene, and a faint glimmer flickered through his eyes.

    As for Prince Zhou¡¯s reaction, it was simrly noticed by Gongyi Tianheng.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo once more. His gaze was gentle and soft.

    His impression of Xu Lingxiu wasn¡¯t bad. His Ah Zuo needed to have friends to interact with... If Xu Lingxiu¡¯s temperament changed for the worse in the future, it wouldn¡¯t be toote to part ways.

    But back to the matter at hand. This kind of situation wasn¡¯t limited to Xu Lingxiu. The others who wanted to apprentice themselves also started rummaging through their own inter-spatial tools. It wasmon to even seek out the people beside them and find a way to exchange for some things.

    However, everyone¡¯s reactions were quick. Everything was resolved in a short period of time. If their problems couldn¡¯t be resolved, then there was nothing to be done. It would be too conspicuous to send someone out to go looking now.

    At this time, someone quick-witted and thick-skinned jumped out first. With a congrattory gift held in both hands, he said: ¡°I¡¯m indebted to this pill king¡¯s generosity. This lowly younger generation only has a meager gift to celebrate this senior¡¯s birthday. I would also like to congratte this senior for bing a pill king. May you enjoy evesting freedom and leisure!¡±

    Pill King Han made a slight gesture, and someone on the side came over to receive this congrattory gift.

    After that, this maidservant announced with a clear and bright voice:

    ¡°The congrattory gift of Singing Lotus City¡¯s Huang n¡ª¡±

    ¡°Thousand Partings Grass.¡±

    ¡°Golden Clouds Iron.¡±

    ¡°Hundred Changes Cotton Rose.¡±

    ¡°We express our gratitude!¡±

    Then, Pill King Han nodded to the Huang n¡¯s child, and spoke good-naturedly: ¡°Many thanks.¡±

    In here, there were two stalks of spirit medicine with forty-five percent spirituality and a chunk of rare material useful for upgrading pill furnaces.

    Selecting these three things was quite considerate, but in many people¡¯s eyes, these items didn¡¯t amount to much.

    While this gift wasn¡¯t as good as what other people probably brought, the Huang n¡¯s child already registered his name on Pill King Han¡¯s list while everyone else was still deliberating. Even if he wasn¡¯t necessarily chosen, he had familiarized himself with this pill king! It had to be known that, among this many people, only one could be the personal disciple. For the rest, being able to get familiar was good enough. Even the second and third gifts weren¡¯t as eye-catching as the first one!

    After going through this incident, everyone also reacted. Why did they still hesitate?!

    Subconsciously, many pharmacists stood up and offered their gifts one after another.

    Currently, it still wasn¡¯t time for Pill King Han to pass along his experiences. As a result, lots of martial artists entered the pavilion with their pharmacists. Among these martial artists, many of their realms were brilliant and lofty. The good things in their possession were naturally not few.

    At this moment, the powerhouses with familial ties to the pharmacists they protected brought out these good things, and gave them to the pharmacists to act as congrattory gifts. As for those who only epted a mission to protect their charges, why would they hand over their own things to the pharmacists? Of course, these powerhouses could use good things as birthday gifts in their own names, which would raise their sense of existence in front of this pill king!

    All of a sudden, there were many people offering gifts. As for the maidservant in charge of announcing these gifts, one wasn¡¯t enough. Instead, there were two maidservants, one on the left and the other on the right, who took turns.

    Listening from below, Gu Zuo heard about many things that were needed by pill kings ¡ª Naturally, he also needed such things.

    It was just that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have any greedy intentions. Other people¡¯s things belonged to them. Meanwhile, the benefits in his own hands were held tightly by him.

    Eventually, most of the people¡¯s gifts had been announced. Xu Lingxiu also found a chance to deliver his own congrattory gift.

    Then, it was announced:

    ¡°The congrattory gift of Xu Lingxiu, the subordinate pharmacist of the Great Zhou Empire¡¯s Prince Zhou Qi¡ª¡±

    ¡°Two stalks of Jade Spirit Firmament Bamboo.¡±

    ¡°One stalk of Snowy Flesh Lotus.¡±

    ¡°Two units of wondrous medicine stone ova.¡±

    ¡°We express our gratitude!¡±

    While this congrattory gift seemed cruder and simpler than those that were several lists long, the items contained within it could give anyone a small shock.

    Pill King Han¡¯s gaze hovered on Xu Lingxiu. Immediately following that, it turned to Gu Zuo¡¯s position, and stopped on him.

    After that, he smiled at Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Did that fellow notice what he did?

    Could it be that his and Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s actions were all seen by Pill King Han...

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 476 - Examination

    <h4>Chapter 476 - Examination</h4>

    Pill King Han only nced at them before quickly withdrawing his gaze.

    Following Xu Lingxiu, there were still a few pharmacists and martial artist powerhouses who delivered their congrattory gifts one after another. Once these gifts were announced, it wasn¡¯t known how many more top-notch medicinal ingredients were in Pill King Han¡¯s possession.

    Shortly thereafter, the main event arrived.

    Pill King Han smiled: ¡°ording to the conventional practices of numerous Pill King Conferences, before lecturing about my methods, I would like to ask everyone for their cooperation.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his tone of voice became even gentler: ¡°However, because this Han intends to ept a disciple, this can also be considered the first round of selection.¡±

    The meaning of these words was obvious. For the Pill King Conferences of the past, the screening checkpoints that pill kings presided over were counted in the preliminary evaluations of the apprenticeship process. If anyone was interested, then they could show off!

    What else did Pill King Han have to say?

    As a result, everyone could only answer with phrases like: ¡°We¡¯ll show you what we can do,¡± ¡°Pill King, bring it on!¡± and so on.

    At this time, a martial artist opened his mouth: ¡°Will we be lucky enough to observe?¡±

    At the beginning of each Pill King Conference, martial artists would apany and protect their pharmacists. However, once the conference reached theter stages, they would be driven away. It was just that the periods of being kicked out were different for each conference.

    Who knew when they would be kicked out this time?

    The martial artists all wanted to ask this question.

    Pill King Han smiled and said: ¡°Naturally. If everyone simply waited outside until after the final lecture, it wouldn¡¯t be very beneficial. I only ask that everyone leaves in advance at that time.¡±

    The martial artists felt their heartstrings rx: ¡°Many thanks, Pill King Han.¡±

    Sure enough, this pill king¡¯s temperament was pretty good. His intentions suited them very well.

    Gu Zuo smiled at Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°This time around, big brother and Senior Sect Brother He can stay for a while longer. This way, I won¡¯t feel so flustered.¡±

    That being said, there wasn¡¯t a hint of agitation in his expression.

    On one side, He Zizhang gave a modest smile: ¡°This He will also take this opportunity to broaden his horizons.¡±

    Meanwhile, Tianheng ruffled Gu Zuo¡¯s hair with an intimate look in his eyes.

    On the other side, Prince Zhou pushed a cup of wine in front of Xu Lingxiu: ¡°To calm the nerves.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu lifted the cup of wine, and drank it down in one gulp: ¡°I¡¯m not nervous.¡±

    Afterwards, many desks of the same size were set up between the surrounding long tables of the pavilion. Numerous pharmacists each upied their own desk, and sat cross-legged behind them.

    And on top of every desk, there was a thick stack of papers.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°&#k2026;¡±

    What the heck! Could it be that they were going to take an exam?!

    ...Well, it was just an exam, so he would just take it.

    On the contrary, he wanted to see what questions this Pill King Han would ask.

    Pill King Han quickly came up with the topics, and the method of presenting these topics was really simr to that of modern examinations. However, because this world probably didn¡¯t pay much attention to printing technology, whenever a topic was presented, a maidservant on the side would announce the problem and the crowd of pharmacists would write down their answers.

    However, there wasn¡¯t much time to answer it.

    For instance, that maidservant said: ¡°A foot-long yellow stem, slender white leaves, and a frail root-system. It tastes slightly sweet, and its effects can promote blood cirction, venttion, detoxification, and so on. Please give at least five examples of this category of medicinal herb. Among these five examples, one must be a spirit medicine. The more examples you present, the better the grade. You have a ten-breaths time limit before the next question.¡±

    Okay. In any case, one could either write the answer or copy down the question. It depended on the person¡¯s choice. Of course, if a pharmacist could tell the answer directly, it would prove that their foundations were sturdy. And if a pharmacist answered several questions ipletely, but could copy down the questions in time, it would be considered fast reaction speeds and a quick-witted mind.

    In short, this could test the standards of the exam taker.

    As Gu Zuo listened to this topic, between ten to twenty corresponding medicinal herbs immediately appeared in his mind.

    Such a question might¡¯ve posed a certain amount of difficulty to other pharmacists, but for him, who had memorized the names of all kinds of medicinal ingredients countless times, this question really couldn¡¯t have been simpler.

    Therefore, what was being tested for him?

    Ah, this was all about hand speed!

    Gu Zuo felt sure in his heart. His brush moved like the clouds in the sky. It swished across the white paper as he began writing. His fingers moved so fast that they almost turned into after-images, which was enough to prove his determination.

    With his pride as a pharmacist who had already risen to this point, he didn¡¯t allow himself to write only five examples!

    In the blink of an eye, twelve types appeared on the white paper. Among them, three were spirit medicines and nine were different herbs. Their medicinal effects shared several simrities, but they couldn¡¯t simply act as substitutes for each other. If a certain auxiliary ingredient had a positive reaction andbined with another type, the solution would turn into medicinal poison...

    However, no matter how fast Gu Zuo wrote, he still couldn¡¯t finish writing all of the medicinal herbs that he could think of within ten breaths. Thus, he changed his mind, and continued answering the next question.

    Whatever. In any case, he really tried his best. Though he didn¡¯t finish writing, it wasn¡¯t done deliberately. There wasn¡¯t any need to force it.

    The maidservant still recited the next question very quickly. The topic¡¯s category was based on the characteristics of certain medicinal herbs that she described. With numerous requirements, the pharmacists wrote out several corresponding possibilities.

    With regards to pharmacists, recognizing and distinguishing medicinal ingredients were important basic skills that had to be mastered. As a result, during this first screening, they put all their energy into this performance, and didn¡¯t think that there was anything unreasonable.

    Gu Zuo answered the questions extremely quickly, and he exceeded the topic¡¯s requirements every time. Gradually, this put pressure on several people.

    And who were these people?

    ¡ª It naturally wasn¡¯t Xu Lingxiu, who answered his questions seriously. As a driven younger generation, he basically didn¡¯t pay any attention to his surroundings. Instead, it was those older people who had almost no possibility of formally apprenticing themselves. Because of their abundant experiences, they were rtively familiar with the basics. As a result, their answers quickly satisfied the requirements of the initial topics.

    For example, that fellow with the goatee.

    Just a while ago, he had been so angered by Gu Zuo that one Buddha was born and two Buddhas ascended to heaven. Now that he encountered something he was good at, he could carefully look at the youngsters who were having a hard time and retrieve a bit of face. After all, good talent didn¡¯t necessarily mean good foundations. Moreover, due to the limits of age, the juniors were most likely inferior to their seniors!

    Hence, it could be said that the goateed man was staring at Gu Zuo. However, while he stared and thought he could mock Gu Zuo after the examinations, he discovered that Gu Zuo was answering questions faster than him. In addition, it was clear that Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t barely writing five or six types like him ¡ª Just by looking at the strokes of the brush, there were definitely more than just this amount!

    This stifling feeling...

    The goateed man didn¡¯t believe that he was inferior to Gu Zuo. Right away, he retracted his gaze, and tried to pay more attention.

    In addition, there were others who were equally as narrow-minded. They might¡¯ve not been staring at Gu Zuo, but they also held no fondness for these young pharmacists whose strengths weren¡¯t low. At one moment, they would look around in secretive ways, wanting to see these youngsters making fools of themselves. And at the next moment, they quickly answered their own questions, intending to show off their skills.

    However, no matter how many times the goateed pharmacist looked at Gu Zuo, he would always see that Gu Zuo was answering questions without the slightest dy. The speed of that brush¡¯s movements far outpaced his own. Unless that kid was writing utter nonsense, thepleteness of those answers definitely surpassed what he could write ¡ª During this kind of situation, being unable to answer a question was a small matter. However, who would dare to write nonsense?

    In the end, the man with the goatee became envious and hateful.

    Sometimes, the heavens were so unfair. How could someone with so much talent be given such sturdy foundations? Obviously, he could crush any youngsters in this field, but as it happened, he ran into this unbeatable person... His heart was upset, and his mind was distracted. With his distracted thoughts, how could he clearly listen to each topic? Even if he heard everything, how could he be as clear-headed as before when answering?

    The final oue was that the more he wrote, the more he couldn¡¯t remember. The more he couldn¡¯t remember, the more agitated he became. Gradually, his features flushed red with anger. Whenever the brush came down, there would either be a messy scrawl of ink or apletely nk space.

    After that, a crisp sound echoed out. Unexpectedly, even the shaft of his brush was snapped by his grip.

    The goateed pharmacist was anxious and angry. Wasn¡¯t he making a fool of himself in front of the pill king? Where was he supposed to put his old face?!

    Without realizing it, he felt a choking sensation in his chest. Then, his qi and blood boiled. It seemed that another moment of carelessness would cause him to vomit a mouthful of blood¡ª

    However, while the goateed man had reached this point, he never received a single look from Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo had long forgotten about this old fellow who taunted him in the beginning. As for the man¡¯s previousints, he didn¡¯t take them seriously at all. The current Gu Zuo was wholeheartedly answering the questions aspletely as possible. The longer the exam went, the faster his hand speed. At the same time, it seemed as if he was able to answer the questions as soon as he heard them. There was no need to ponder whatsoever. All of the answers poured out from his brush like flowing water. It was incredibly natural for him.

    After two hours and some minutes passed, that maidservant had announced approximately one thousand questions. Finally, she closed her speech: ¡°At this time, anyone who has finished answering can turn in their answer sheets. If they aren¡¯t turned in within a joss of incense, it will be counted as a failure.¡±

    Many pharmacists were anxious ¡ª They wouldn¡¯t be able to finish answering in the time that a joss of incense burned!

    But everyone was held to the same standard, and no one dared to say anything. Thus, they quickly checked their work and filled in what they could.

    Gu Zuo also had an extra incense stick¡¯s worth of time, and calmly swept a nce over his exam papers. After that, he rolled his neck to stretch his muscles, and started to supplement his answers starting from the first question.

    That¡¯s right. As he reached the second half of the exam, his hand speed continued to elerate. All of those questions were answeredpletely. However, his answers were a little weaker in the first half, so he just took this opportunity to get it done...

    A joss of incense passed by.

    Gu Zuo handed in his papers, and so did everyone else.

    Pill King Han opened his eyes. He looked at the thick stacks of papers, and gestured to the maidservants on the left and right.

    The next moment, ten maidservants walked over. Each of thempiled those answer sheets, paid their respects before Pill King Han, bowed, and excused themselves.

    Soon after, many pharmacists witnessed an amazing sight¡ª

    They only saw a sh of radiance between Pill King Han¡¯s brows. It seemed that several invisible streaks descended upon those answer sheets.

    Among those piles of answer sheets, ten stacks suddenly floated up. In the air, there were rustling sounds like a book¡¯s pages being flipped through. Once they were all flipped through, the answer sheets fluttered down, and were categorized and sorted.

    Immediately following which, another ten answer sheets floated up, and were quickly flipped through.

    This happened again and again...

    Those piles of answer sheets were differentiated at speeds visible to the naked eye. For this entire process, no more than a single joss of incense passed before everything was resolved.

    Afterwards, Pill King Han revealed a smiling expression: ¡°This time, four people answered all of the questions correctly. Among them...¡± He suddenly revealed a set of examination papers, ¡°Pharmacist Gu Zuo performed the best.¡±

    At this very instant, the man with the goatee couldn¡¯t control himself anymore, and a mouthful of blood abruptly spurted out.

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.

    This kind of congrattions was a little too excessive.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 477 - The Second Round

    <h4>Chapter 477 - The Second Round</h4>

    The spectacle of the goateed man vomiting blood was witnessed by many others. Originally, those people didn¡¯t take much heed ¡ª All of their attention was focused on the examinations just now. However, it was only natural that spewing blood was rather eye-catching at this time.

    Everyone¡¯s intelligence wasn¡¯t low. After pondering for a moment, they understood clearly. Right away, they let out scoffs andughter.

    Envious people were amon sight, but it was rare for someone to turn themself into aughing stock because of their envy.

    After the man with the goatee spat out a mouthful of blood, he quickly noticed the strange gazes directed at himself. One could feel that these gazes were filled with ridicule and mockery. The tant malice was something that he could hardly endure! As his face reddened and paled, his chest was gued with waves of throbbing pain.

    He looked at the person who came with him as if he wanted to grab hold of a life-saving straw, but that person¡¯s expression was very regretful and never made eye contact with him. Instead, it was evasive, like that person didn¡¯t want to associate with him anymore...

    In the end, that goateed pharmacist suddenly got up, and rushed out of the pavilion regardless of everything else!

    The one who apanied the goateed man here was naturally a martial artist. This one happened to be a Noble Realm martial artist. After hesitating for three seconds, he stayed put.

    He was still very interested in the following matters. At any rate, the goateed man wasn¡¯t his only employer...

    This scene was like a farce, but once everyone had augh, they quickly forgot about it.

    Subsequently, everyone¡¯s attention was on the four people with full marks. They were especially interested in Gu Zuo, who was so outstanding that a senior pharmacist vomited blood out of envy.

    In order to assuage everyone¡¯s doubts, Pill King Han wasn¡¯t stingy. He quickly unfolded several sets of exam papers and caused them to float in the air, allowing all the pharmacists to view them.

    Suddenly, numerous strands of psychic power burst forth, scanning those papers one by one.

    Most of the other three sets answered ording to the required number of examples. Very few questions were answered with one or two more examples than necessary. In addition, the majority of answers were rtively simr, and the examples provided were allmonly-seen medicinal ingredients.

    However, when it was Gu Zuo¡¯s turn, his exam papers were different. For almost every question, there was a handful to even more than a dozen examples. There were so many answers that, even if it were the pharmacists nurtured by somerge organizations, they all felt somewhat baffled. However, since Pill King Han confirmed Gu Zuo¡¯s ranking, it meant that these answers were correct. It was no wonder that he could get first ce.

    Immediately following which, some clever pharmacists began memorizing Gu Zuo¡¯s answers ¡ª Although it was true that they mainly came to the Pill King Conference to listen to the pill king¡¯s experiences, when all was said and done, it was still for the sake of raising their own strengths and improving their foundations.

    With this chance to learn, it was only natural that they properly studied!

    After the exam papers with full marks were disyed, some iplete papers followed. Those that were more outstanding were likewise put on disy.

    Gu Zuo took a closer look, and found the exam paper that belonged to his dear Senior Sect Brother Xu.

    Xu Lingxiu was barely considered a golden-level pharmacist, but he had a solid foundation. Among those numerous questions, he answered every single one, but many were iplete.

    However, this ipleteness didn¡¯t mean that his foundations weren¡¯t firm. On the contrary, most of these iplete answers were rted to the profound level and above. His rank didn¡¯t reach the profound level, so it was only natural that there was a knowledge gap.

    Though, Gu Zuo could also tell that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s foundations were much stronger than when he was in Qingyun Sect. In all likelihood, he must¡¯ve read many relevant books in Great Zhou to reach this state without the help of an inheritance. One could well imagine how much effort was put into this.

    Thus, it was only a matter of course that Xu Lingxiu¡¯s exam papers were disyed, too.

    Gu Zuo quietly let out a sigh of relief.

    Having one¡¯s answer sheets disyed indicated that they were looked upon favorably by the pill king. As such, the probability of apprenticeship also increased.

    As for those few people with full marks just now, Gu Zuo could see the arrogance etched between their brows and the temperament exuded from their bodies. They were basically disciples ofrge sects that already possessed inheritances. This kind of person woulde to listen to the pill king¡¯s experiences, but definitely wouldn¡¯t apprentice themselves.

    Following this, there were still many more exam papers shown. From those who performed exceptionally, most had powerful mentors or organizations backing them. Therefore, among the people who really shared the same goal of apprenticeship, Senior Sect Brother Xu was also one of the outstanding ones.

    All kinds of thoughts shed past. Gu Zuo turned his head, and was met with Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s smiling expression. After that, Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile of his own.

    [Big brother, how did I do?]

    Tianheng¡¯s voice, which carried a hint ofugher, resounded.

    [Ah Zuo did extremely well.]

    Gu Zuo was satisfied.

    He participated in these things for several reasons. Firstly, he wanted to test to what standard his own strength had reached among the other pharmacists. Secondly... All men wanted to show off in front of their sweethearts. He was no exception.

    Once the crowd of pharmacists finished evaluating the many exam papers, Pill King Han smiled: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, many of your foundations are splendid. It¡¯s just that profound-level pharmacists who answered fewer than eight hundred questions and golden-level pharmacists who answered fewer than six hundred questions don¡¯t need to take part in the second test. Naturally, there¡¯s no harm if these people and any fellow enthusiasts on the martial path wish to stay and watch.¡±

    Right away, at least twenty-something pharmacists wore looks of shame, left their exam seats, and returned to the long tables on the side. Of course, not all of them had fished in troubled waters, but it was true that their foundations weren¡¯t sturdy. At this time, this was regarded as a huge loss of face.

    Following this, Pill King Han smiled again, and said: ¡°The second round will be medicine refinement.¡±

    Numerous pharmacists heard this, and their spirits were lifted.

    In the end, what pharmacists cared about the most was still practical, hands-on application!

    Merely, the practical work that Pill King Han was talking about wasn¡¯t ordinary practical work.

    ¡°Since ancient times, the Pill King Conferences have had rules. Everyone who participates in these conferences need to have a sharp mind. Only those who can improve or create their own medicinal prescriptions are qualified to listen to a pill king¡¯s experiences. Otherwise, this profound lecture will be hard for the remaining people toprehend. This wouldn¡¯t be proper...¡±

    From beginning to end, Pill King Han¡¯s bearing was very good: ¡°Therefore, in this round, I invite everyone to refine the medicinal pills that you¡¯ve improved or created. Once you¡¯ve obtained a finished product, give a recounting of its finer aspects for these numerous fellow enthusiasts, and acquire your qualification.¡±

    Okay, this was also a conventional practice.

    Moreover, this type of method also tested whether that so-called improvement was reliable or not. No matter how well the mouth could speak, the finished pill¡¯s effects were the most important thing.

    One could say that this round¡¯s test was quite simple, but it could also be said to be ratherplicated.

    The simplicityid in the fact that, while it might¡¯ve been difficult to create a prescription, there were many methods of improvement.

    For example, if a prescription was modified, the effects could be worsened, left unchanged, or improved.

    It was naturally meaningless to change a prescription and make it worse, but there were advantages if a modification¡¯s effects remained the same as before ¡ª For instance, if a type of medicinal ingredient was in short supply, it could be switched with something else for medicine refinement. This could conserve a lot on searching for ingredients, manpower, and resources. Perhaps, this could save lives in a critical moment. Also, if the change¡¯s effects were an improvement, then this was regarded as progress.

    Of course, the price of the medicinal ingredients had to be taken into consideration when making changes. If the price of the ingredients being substituted or altered was too high, then that was uneptable.

    During the first test, there were so many ingredients with simr medicinal effects. If these simr ingredients were taken and summarized to improve a pill prescription, it would usually be sessful. This method was really simple. It was just that different improvements had different effects, which facilitated different achievements. Everyone would have a bncing scale in their hearts once the demonstrations started.

    Theplexityid in the fact that the improvement of a pill prescription included the augmentation of the medicinal effects and the reduction of the manufacturing costs. What was even moreplicated was naturally creating one¡¯s own medicinal prescription.

    One could say it this way. For every Pill King Conference, the majority of participants would improve a prescription. As for the people who came up with their own prescriptions, they were as rare as phoenix feathers or qilin horns. But once they could create their own prescription and their creation was rtively effective, they would be medicine refining geniuses who were eagerly sought after by others. In the future, the probability of bing pill kings was also greatly increased.

    ¡ª Returning to the main topic, many pharmacists were well aware of the situation. When Pill King Han indicated that the second round¡¯s test had started, everyone calmed down and brandished their own pill cauldrons.

    During this kind of asion, the majority were still refining pills, but there were also some medicinal decoctions. As for medicinal cuisines... This was within the scope of long-term treatment. When all was said and done, it wasn¡¯t as good as the first two medicaments, which could swiftly exhibit a pharmacist¡¯s skills.

    Gu Zuo also brandished his own pill furnace.

    To be honest, he didn¡¯t pay particr attention to what kind of pill furnace he used. This one could more or less withstand wondrous fires and the psychic power of a profound-level pharmacist. However, it didn¡¯t raise any attributes, increase pill refining rates, or anything like that. Its in and ordinary design couldn¡¯tpare to the luxurious furnaces of many other pharmacists.

    And yet, when Gu Zuo sat cross-legged behind his pill furnace and got ready to heat it up, not a single onlooker underestimated him because of this furnace.

    Everyone knew that a pill furnace¡¯s qualities were merely adding flowers to a brocade. What truly influenced a medicinal pill¡¯s product grade was the honorable pharmacist himself. As for Gu Zuo, with just one gesture, his whole body seemed to be isted from the space around him. His serene and tranquil appearance wiped out any trace of irritability from the bottom of these people¡¯s hearts.

    Without realizing it, the gazes of many peoplended on him.

    Following this, Gu Zuo bent a finger, and flicked it.

    In a split second, a strand of reddish-orange mes burst forth. It rapidly squeezed into the pill furnace, and was set aze. Within the furnace chamber, it was spiritedly jumping and leaping.

    This was the Earthen Core me!

    In the blink of an eye, the pill furnace seemed to be coated in ayer of reddish-orange colors. From inside and out, it immediately warmed up.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 478 - Improved Prescriptions

    <h4>Chapter 478 - Improved Prescriptions</h4>

    Subsequently, three types of medicinal ingredients floated around Gu Zuo.

    The surface of the pill furnace swiftly flowed with a trace resplendence. Immediately following which, the furnace lid opened, and the ingredients were directly thrown inside. In the blink of an eye, they transformed into three balls of pure medicinal liquid.

    After that, the fourth stalk of herbs soared up into the air, and was simrly tossed into the furnace.

    All of the people paying attention to Gu Zuo seemed to hear a chorus of exquisite rhythms. It was as if they sensed an extremely strange and abstruse mystery. Locked in a drunken haze, everyone watched as those medicinal liquids continuously blended and shrank until they finally reached a half-solidified state.

    Such pure medicine refining techniques and such mysterious medicine refining methods. The people present had only seen this when Pill King Han was refining medicinal pills in the beginning. No matter how famous the other pharmacists were, they couldn¡¯tpare to Gu Zuo¡¯s exhibition.

    Some medicinal ingredients had to be dissolved immediately, while others could only be thrown in afterwards. What kind of changes needed to ur when each ingredient was heated, and what was the order in which the ingredients were ced inside? All of these were secrets contained within the pill prescription. As for the situation in the pill furnace, onlookers couldn¡¯t pry into this without the pharmacist¡¯s permission. Naturally, it was impossible to discover these changes ¡ª Even if they knew all of the required medicinal ingredients, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily be capable of refining the same pill.

    Between the flow of medicinal properties, the pill furnace also released a fine bouquet of pill fragrances. Amid these fragrances was a hot and spicy scent. It seemed to carry a broiling and violent medicinal power. This revealed that the medicinal pill¡¯s final effect certainly wasn¡¯t mild or gentle. In addition, one needed to bear a certain amount of risk.

    However, it was precisely because of this that people could know that this pill definitely wasn¡¯tcking. Otherwise, it also wouldn¡¯t give others a feeling of restlessness.

    At this time, even more martial artists were paying attention to the medicinal pill that Gu Zuo was refining.

    What he was refining was a profound-level medicinal pill. Among the marital artists present, the highest ranks were at the Royal Realm. This was likewise within the range that one would use profound-level pills.

    Obviously, they were all attracted by this type of medicinal pill.

    ¡ª In the end, what kind of pill was it? And why did it give them the desire to seize it for themselves?

    Amid these thoughts, Gu Zuo was already performing another round of hand seals.

    At the same time, the furnace let out the humming sounds of a pill cry. Shortly thereafter, three medicinal pills the size of dragon eye fruits suddenly shot out. The instant they transformed into three streaks of flowing light, they scattered in three different directions!

    However, this was of no use.

    Gu Zuo made a few more hand seals, and those three medicinal pills seemed to be pulled by some invisible force. They were quickly received, and fell into the hollow of Gu Zuo¡¯s palm.

    These three pills presented a fiery-red color, and appeared to be burning with raging mes. Within these mes were several golden lines, which made the pills look even more magnificent, gorgeous, and extraordinary.

    The majority of medicinal pills were reserved and understated, but these three pills were very mboyant.

    Immediately following this, Gu Zuo individually ced the three pills into small bottles made of fire jade, and arranged the bottles in front of himself.

    After these medicinal pills were received, the faces of many martial artists coincidentally revealed somewhat disappointed expressions&#k2026; They still didn¡¯t know what the specific medicinal effects of this pill were. Without any careful observation, they could only give rough nces like this. It was basically impossible to distinguish anything.

    Once Gu Zuo finished refining his medicinal pills, he turned his head to look at the other pharmacists.

    Most of them were still busy, but there was a small number of pharmacists whose speeds were quite fast. At the present time, they were also in the middle of collecting their pills.

    Though, the one Gu Zuo mainly watched was Xu Lingxiu.

    He saw that Senior Sect Brother Xu was refining methodically with a calm expression on his face. That set of medicine refining hand seals was also quite exquisite, which was exactly the set he had given away using other means.

    Beneath Xu Lingxiu¡¯s pill furnace, what burned wasn¡¯t a wondrous fire. However, it was superior to ordinary, first ss fires. Even with further umtion and nourishment, whenever this me developed spirituality, it wasn¡¯t known if it could be a wondrous fire of its own.

    Gu Zuo concentrated his psychic power in his eyes, and fixedly observed the medicinal properties twisting above Xu Lingxiu¡¯s pill furnace. The medicinal properties of different ingredients were entangled. From time to time, they fused or scattered, bringing about unusual changes. The ingredients inside the pill furnace were simrly undergoing drastic alterations.

    From the medicinal properties, one could distinguish that the ingredients inside the pill furnace were rtively mild. It seemed to be a type of pill for recuperating the body... No, the medicinal properties of these ingredients couldbine, but they weren¡¯t able to perfectly fuse together. Through the mediation of another ingredient, the substance perfectly scattered apart. This wasn¡¯t a medicinal pill. It was a type of medicinal powder!

    Moreover, this powder was very unfamiliar. Gu Zuo had never seen it before.

    ¡ª In other words, this was probably a prescription that Xu Lingxiu created himself?

    If this was true, then it was was a huge aplishment!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart faintly moved, and he examined even more carefully.

    Up until Xu Lingxiu collected the medicinal powder, Gu Zuo never found a simr type of fine powder in his memories. At this moment, he finally determined that this medicinal powder really was something that Xu Lingxiu created on his own.

    Subconsciously, Gu Zuo looked at Pill King Han.

    Pill King Han¡¯s line of sight just happened to glide across the powder collected by Xu Lingxiu. His gaze seemed to faintly flicker... He ought to have noted down Xu Lingxiu¡¯s achievement.

    Gu Zuo smiled, and turned to look at the other pharmacists. He analyzed the works of those pharmacists in the same way he observed the medicine refined by Xu Lingxiu.

    The great majority had nothing new or novel, but a small portion would leave one¡¯s eyes shining. These people would be Xu Lingxiu¡¯s formidable opponents.

    Time continued to pass. Finally, that maidservant called for everyone to stop.

    If they hadn¡¯t been able to refine a type of medicine by now, it only showed that they didn¡¯t have a sufficient grasp of their prescription ¡ª One ought to know that only medicinal pills that reached the earth level or above required arge amount of time for each furnace. And below the earth level, a pill prescription would need to be incrediblyplex to take a rtively long time.

    At this moment, they were refining their own improved or self-created prescriptions. With their current experience, how difficult could it be? Of course, if they were exceptionally gifted and still couldn¡¯t finish refining it, when it was time to give a narration, onlookers definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to make sense of its marvels.

    Among the numerous pharmacists, the few who hadn¡¯t sessfully refined anything were agitated due to that maidservant¡¯s voice, and blew up their cauldrons and furnaces one after another. Their expressions shifted. Covering their faces with their robe sleeves, they retreated behind the long tables on the side.

    They no longer had the face to discuss their failed prescriptions with the others.

    The rest of the pharmacists were either holding bottles or boxes in their hands. Contained within them were the medicines they just refined. Under normal circumstances, it was necessary to use such methods to protect the medicine to ensure that the medicinal effects didn¡¯t rapidly dissipate. And if someone wanted to preserve it for a long time, they had to pay even more attention to the container in question.

    Pill King Han said: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, since you¡¯ve already seeded in your refinements, those who are confident can step forward to give their exnations first.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he silently waited.

    The crowd of pharmacists looked at each other in dismay.

    The one who went first would naturally attract the most attention, but if they didn¡¯t give a good exnation, it would be the easiest for them to be aughing stock.

    However, since the people here could achieve results, they all had some amount of confidence. Hence, the pharmacists who wanted to apprentice themselves became restless.

    Among them, the one with the fastest reaction speed already stood up, cupped his hands in all directions, and paid his respects to Pill King Han: ¡°Allow this one to throw out a brick and get jade thrown back.¡±

    After that, he uncorked the medicine bottle in his hand, poured out a medicinal pill, and ced it in the hollow of his palm.

    ¡°This is called the Impurity Clearing Pill. It¡¯s a golden-level pill that¡¯spatible with...¡±

    He eloquently exined that this was a supplementary medicinal pill. If it was taken together with another pill below grade ten, it could immediately expel a certain amount of pill poison. This would reduce the impurities within the body brought about by the previous pill.

    This Impurity Clearing Pill was ssified as an improved pill prescription. Oneparatively precious main ingredient was substituted by him using an additional two ingredients that were rtively easier to find. As for thebined price of these two ingredients, it was a little cheaper than that of the precious main ingredient.

    ¡ª To put it simply, this reduced the manufacturing cost for refining a medicinal pill with the same effects.

    Once this person was done talking, many pharmacists carefully savored the effect brought about bybining these two medicinal ingredients. Of course, because it was his own exclusive prescription, this person wouldn¡¯t tell all the details of how they werebined or the specific circumstances when they werebined. Even pharmacists who knew the original prescription of the Impurity Clearing Pill only had a rough idea of the process. If they really wanted to refine this kind of Impurity Clearing Pill, it wasn¡¯t known how many times they had to try before aplishing it.

    Gu Zuo secretly nodded his head: Sure enough, he has some ability. No wonder he dares to go first.

    On the contrary, Gu Zuo quickly came up with several ideas, but he couldn¡¯t be sure until he tried them.

    However, this improvement was indeed useful. It wasn¡¯t considered insubstantial either.

    Having heard what was said, Pill King Han faintly nodded: ¡°Not bad.¡±

    As soon as he said this, the pharmacists present became even more excited. At once, another person reacted extremely quickly, and stood up to exhibit the prescription he researched.

    This time around, what the pharmacist disyed was also an improved prescription. Likewise, it used another medicinal ingredient to rece a certain main ingredient, which ultimately achieved the same effect. But the price of the substituted ingredient was almost the same as that of the main ingredient being reced, and the manufacturing cost wasn¡¯t reduced. Fortunately, the main ingredient was more difficult to find than the substitution, so the improvement was considered sessful and not insubstantial.

    Pill King Han likewise gave a shortpliment: ¡°Not bad.¡±

    Seeing that Pill King Han¡¯s bearing was kindly and amiable, many pharmacists disyed their works one after another.

    Arge portion of the pharmacists made simr improvements. It was just that the improved pill prescriptions were different. However, while they didn¡¯t exin all the secrets clearly, some of the provided ideas were useful to many other pharmacists.

    Immediately following which, Xu Lingxiu opened his mouth: ¡°A few days ago, because of a sudden epiphany in my heart, I developed a prescription by chance. However, this Xu¡¯s foundations arecking, so the prescription¡¯s product rank is only at the human level.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, the room suddenly fell silent.

    He created his own medicinal prescription?

    But right away, everyone clearly heard that the creation was a human-level prescription.

    The human-level prescriptions were always the most numerous. They were also the simplest byparison. The appearance of a new prescription wasn¡¯t surprising at all, but...

    When everyone got a clear look at Xu Lingxiu¡¯s age and rank, they couldn¡¯t help but pause.

    ¡ª If this prescription was aplete original, this Pharmacist Xu deserved to be viewed in a new light.

    Xu Lingxiu took out a wooden box and opened the lid, revealing the reddish-brown powder inside.

    He stated: ¡°This medicine is called the Bone Forging Powder. It¡¯s mainly used by Bone Forging Realm martial artists to nurture their health and strengthen their bones. This will allow their physical bodies to obtain a stronger transformation...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 479 - Lecture Method

    <h4>Chapter 479 - Lecture Method</h4>

    After eloquently finishing his speech, Xu Lingxiu exined the usefulness of the Bone Forging Powder. He also expressed some of his own trains of thought while researching this type of medicinal prescription.

    Very quickly, many pharmacists could tell that this really was a prescription created by Xu Lingxiu. In addition, this prescription indeed had a good effect.

    Once Xu Lingxiu was done talking, Pill King Han nodded his head and said: ¡°Very good.¡±

    The gazes of numerous pharmacists suddenly became envious.

    Previously, Pill King Han would only say, ¡°Not bad.¡± But this was the first time he praised, ¡°Very good.¡±

    However, everyone else had improved medicinal prescriptions, and only this pharmacist created his own. Naturally, there was a difference. Despite their envy, they actually didn¡¯t have any feelings of dissatisfaction.

    Though, because Xu Lingxiu¡¯s performance this time was too brilliant, some pharmacists whogged behind and only improved their prescriptions were somewhat embarrassed.

    They regretted not stepping forward earlier. Although they were confident that their improvements were pretty good, how could theypare to a self-created prescription? Out of desperation, they had no choice but to quickly stand up and exin their improvements one by one. It was just that their moods remained dejected and dispirited.

    Atst, it was Gu Zuo¡¯s turn.

    When he stood up, more than a few powerful martial artists suddenly swept their gazes over.

    Many martial artists remembered that this pharmacist¡¯s medicinal pill was very strong, and that it previously caused their interests to soar!

    Calm and unhurried, Gu Zuo took out a jade bottle, and poured a me-like pill with golden patterns into the hollow of his palm. He opened his mouth, and said: ¡°This is the profound-level medicinal pill known as the Golden me Pill. Its namees from its appearance, and this is a pill I created. It can increase the sess rate of a peak Celestial Realm martial artist to break through to the Noble Realm by twenty percent.

    ¡°However, there are drawbacks. Because this pill uses the power of mes to forcefully break through the bottleneck, the qi of those mes will inevitably remain within the body after the breakthrough. If the cultivation method of this individual has an affinity for the fire attribute, it will also have a nourishing function. But if it¡¯s not of the fire attribute, there will be some damage left over. This person will have to take additional medicinal pills to expel the mes...¡±

    When discussing the medicinal effects, it could be said that Gu Zuo was very confident. As for the martial artists on the side who smelled the pill fragrance, they weren¡¯t able to tell the difference clearly back then. But having finished listening to Gu Zuo¡¯s speech, they immediately ascertained what Gu Zuo said. At the same time, they all came to sudden realizations, and understood why this type of medicinal pill was so attractive to them.

    This was a pill that could increase their chances of breaking through. How could it not attract their attentions?!

    Although there would be some side effects after the breakthrough, it was just a matter of purging the me remnants. It wasn¡¯t a big deal at all. What¡¯s more, there was also a strengthening effect for matching attributes?

    There were many medicinal pills that were only suitable for certain attributes, which meant that these pills were partial to everyone who could take them. While they weren¡¯t considered all-purpose medicinal pills, their value was extraordinary.

    As a result, after Gu Zuo finished speaking, there were still some martial artists who listened intently.

    This kind of medicinal pill... If they could get their hands on just one pill...

    Even Noble Realm martial artists were interested. Firstly, they had junior brothers and junior sisters as well as friends and rtives who could use it. Secondly, such a medicinal pill usually had some effect on the higher realms. It was just that the effects were reduced.

    In an instant, quite a few people came up with the same idea. They intended to contact this pharmacist after the Pill King Conference ended to request a few pills.

    Just by looking at the other party¡¯s refining process, it was clear that this medicinal pill wasn¡¯t that difficult to produce.

    When Gu Zuo was done talking, Pill King Han¡¯s gaze lingered on the pill in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand for a few more seconds. After that, Pill King Han didn¡¯t give a word of praise or anything like that. Instead, he only nodded his head towards Gu Zuo.

    Numerous pharmacists were somewhat astonished.

    Compared with the previous pills, Gu Zuo¡¯s creation was much stronger. Unexpectedly, Pill King Han didn¡¯t give anypliments? Could it be that Pill King Han thought this medicinal pill was no good? However, they immediately overturned this way of thinking. It was because, although Pill King Han didn¡¯t praise it, his bearing to Gu Zuo was quite respectful. Moreover, there was no mention of any ineffectiveness.

    This was a little strange.

    Other people might¡¯ve been puzzled, but among those long tables, Gongyi Tianheng and He Zizhang understood in a sh.

    He Zizhang sighed and said: ¡°Even this pill king has no intention of giving advice with a senior¡¯s identity. It goes to show how profound Pharmacist Gu¡¯s level of mastery is.¡±

    Tianheng smiled modestly: ¡°Eldest senior brother is exaggerating.¡±

    This attitude was close, but it was also proper and to be expected.

    That¡¯s right. The reason why Pill King Han didn¡¯t give any words of praise wasn¡¯t because this creation was unworthy. Rather, this kind of praise would carry the implication of a senior providing pointers to a junior. However, the type of profound-level pill that Gu Zuo created was proof of his strength. Pill King Han had only just been promoted to the rank of a pill king. He looked upon Gu Zuo with great favor, so it was only natural that he didn¡¯t rashly speak out.

    But after Pill King Han gave Gu Zuo a few more nces, he secretly sighed in his heart.

    What a pity.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s amazing talents and sturdy foundations, Pill King Han wouldn¡¯t be able to ept him as an apprentice... Not to mention whether Gu Zuo was willing or not, even if this fellow reluctantly epted, Pill King Han wouldn¡¯t be able to teach him for long. Let alone pass on his legacy.

    This was because Pill King Han could sense it.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s inheritance wasn¡¯t only not lower than his own, it was even...higher.

    No matter how much he appreciated Gu Zuo¡¯s talent, he still couldn¡¯t ept him.

    If they had met at the very beginning, it could¡¯ve been a different story.

    After that, Pill King Han¡¯s attention returned to the few remaining pharmacists.

    Originally, due to the matter of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s self-created pill prescription, these couple of pharmacists were somewhat regretful. But after seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s performance, they felt even more ashamed of their inferiority.

    Considering age, they were much older than the other two. Unfortunately, they couldn¡¯tpare in terms of innovation at all. How could they not feel ashamed?

    As a result, when thest few pharmacists exined their own improved prescriptions, their exhibitions weren¡¯t that good. In particr, one of them had created half a prescription. He thought he could achieve a decent result this time, but he didn¡¯t expect to be suppressed by Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo. Apart from leaving him with a begrudging feeling, he was even more regretful that he didn¡¯t take the initiative to disy his work first ¡ª So long as he had gone before Xu Lingxiu, even if two more prominent people followed after, wouldn¡¯t he have been able to increase his presence, too?

    How could it be so embarrassing as it was now?!

    Originally, a self-created half prescription would¡¯ve been an outstanding disy, especially since the one created by this person was a golden-level prescription. The rough outline of this prescription was determined, but the auxiliary ingredients that could neutralize the medicinal properties without blowing up the pill furnace hadn¡¯t been ascertained. Thus, for the time being, this medicinal prescription was iplete. As one could well imagine, after another period of meticulous research, this pharmacist would certainly be able to perfect this prescription. Unfortunately, he encountered these two people...

    Hence, this person also had a dispirited look on his face. He silently went to adjust his mood.

    Seeing the reactions of the numerous pharmacists, Pill King Han knew what was going on.

    Once all of the pharmacists exhibited the medicines they refined, everyone would know the results.

    There really weren¡¯t many slow-thinkers in this ce. The bare minimum of improving a medicinal prescription was that one or a couple of ingredients were reced by other types. The substituted ingredients might¡¯ve been a little more expensive, but it would¡¯ve been within a controble range. There were basically no medicines whose effects were worse after that type of improvement.

    ¡ª Of course, if anyone exhibited such a sloppy improvement in front of the pill king, wouldn¡¯t that displease the pill king?

    As a result, there were even a few who felt that their skills weren¡¯t good enough. When they realized that they couldn¡¯tpare to the other pharmacists, they didn¡¯t disy their works at all, and silently retreated to the long tables.

    Pill King Han looked at the many pharmacists who remained at their desks, and said with a smile: ¡°This Han has no intention of making things difficult for all of you. Therefore, two tests are already enough. At the present time, everyone still here can listen to this Han¡¯s humble opinions. As for my apprentice... I¡¯ll make a decision after that exnation.¡±

    Upon hearing this, the crowd of pharmacists felt like they had been relieved of a heavy burden.

    They already decided topare their own paths of pill refinement when listening to the pill king¡¯s experiences. Most of all, those who wanted to apprentice themselves were determined to give it their best shot so long as their own paths didn¡¯t deviate too much. Even if they couldn¡¯t be a personal disciple, they hoped to be nominal disciples!

    Following this, Pill King Han slightly raised a hand toward the remaining people: ¡°Now, this Han will bring these fellow enthusiasts to his ce. After some time has passed, they will be sent back. In a little while, there will be a small banquet. Everyone can calmly enjoy themselves while waiting for these fellow enthusiasts to return. Also, you may leave at any time.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, he stood up, waved his sleeve, and received that pill furnace directly into the space between his brows.

    This move made many pharmacists envious. This pill furnace definitely had considerable spirituality.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly put away his things, and stood next to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, I have to go with Pill King Han to listen to his lecture. You...¡±

    Tianheng faintly smiled: ¡°This elder brother will wait here for Ah Zuo¡¯s return.¡± Then, he reached out to softly ruffle Gu Zuo¡¯s hair, and warmly said, ¡°Go on!¡±

    Gu Zuo promptly nodded his head, and bade farewell to He Zizhang. Then, he left with Xu Lingxiu as they followed Pill King Han.

    Apart from them, all of the pharmacists who passed the tests inevitably rushed forward with somewhat impatient footsteps.

    Pill King Han led everyone to a garden in the back. In this ce, there were rock formations and flowing waters, luxuriant flowers and jade-green grass. The environment was quiet and secluded, and the feelings it gave others were ones of beauty.

    He didn¡¯t keep listeners in suspense, and just sat on a rock by thekeside. After exchanging nces, the other pharmacists sat on the ground one by one, forming a semi-circle around that rock.

    Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu sat together, and their bearings were upright and proper.

    ¡ª No matter what was said, this was a pill king¡¯s experience. They had to listen carefully.

    Seeing that everyone had sat down, Pill King Han appeared to ponder for a short while. Shortly thereafter, he slowly opened his mouth: ¡°If you want to refine earth-level pills, you must be at the Spirit Psyche Realm. And the most important point from the Nurturing Psyche Realm to the Spirit Psyche Realm is for the spiritual embodiment, or spirit body, to break out of its egg and be born. But if you want to do this, we pharmacists need to understand why our spirit bodies...¡±

    Gu Zuo listened intently.

    It was only because he just happened to be at the Nurturing Psyche Realm. In addition, the psychic core within his Tianfu Acupoint was slowly growing amid his continuous cultivations. The ¡°breathing¡± of the spirit body being nurtured inside was also bing stronger and stronger.

    However, even though Gu Zuo worked hard to feed this psychic core, he knew that it wouldn¡¯t be that easy for the spirit body to break out of its shell. The reason why so many pharmacists throughout the ages had never been able to reach the earth level was because the spirit body would die prematurely inside the psychic core. From the start, these spirit bodies never broke through their shells.

    Now, ording to Pill King Han, this was because those pharmacists didn¡¯t conceptualize the forms of their spirit bodies. In other words, the pharmacists didn¡¯t know what their inner selves looked like. If one couldn¡¯t recognize their inner self, how could they grasp the supreme path of medicine refinement? There was no application of spirituality below the earth level, so it naturally didn¡¯t matter. But when there was spirituality, a rigid and inflexible approach wouldn¡¯t work.

    It had to be said that a pill king deserved to be called a pill king. With just a few words, Gu Zuo was suddenly enlightened. Pill King Han pointed out an indistinct direction for him on the path of cultivation.

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 480 - Comprehension

    <h4>Chapter 480 - Comprehension</h4>

    Gu Zuo silently peered into his own Tianfu Acupoint.

    There was an extremelyrge psychic core quietly floating in the center of his Tianfu Acupoint. Compared to the entire acupoint, if it only upied one percent of the space in the past, then it was already ten times bigger now.

    ording to Pill King Han¡¯s words, when the psychic core upied ten percent of the acupoint, one could attempt to break through. However, Pill King Han also mentioned that his psychic core split open when it upied twenty percent of his Tianfu Acupoint. The spirit body that emerged was even more powerful, too.

    In other words, each pharmacist¡¯s talent had an upper limit. When the psychic core was about to reach that upper limit, there would be signs of a breakthrough. For the majority of pharmacists, this was ten percent. However, if they were extraordinarily talented, then twenty or thirty percent wasn¡¯t far-fetched.

    Pill King Han belonged to the more outstanding group.

    Gu Zuo could sense that, although his psychic core had already been nurtured to one tenth the size of his Tianfu Acupoint, it was still far from reaching its limit. There was also a feeling of spiritual pulsations within that psychic core, but he could already tell that this kind of pulsation was nowhere close to the most intense time.

    After that, Gu Zuo circted his psychic power to experience this for a moment before withdrawing it. During this period, half of his attention was focused on Pill King Han¡¯s exnation.

    Then, Pill King Han talked about the signs when he broke through, the sensations during the breakthrough, and what counted as a sessful breakthrough. He also exined the series of efforts he made to determine his inner self, and so on.

    It could be said that this exnation was very detailed.

    While listening, Gu Zuo absorbed all of the points that Pill King Han mentioned. Later on, he felt that he hadprehended a lot. It was just that he knew what he needed to do now was to continue umting. His time spent going from the Qi Psyche Realm to the Nurturing Psyche Realm had been too short. As a result, not only did he need to stabilize his own realm even more, he also had to further squeeze out his own potential while at the checkpoint of the Nurturing Psyche Realm. This way, he could develop a stronger inner self and spirit body!

    After making up his mind, Gu Zuo listened more attentively.

    It wasn¡¯t until six to eight hourster that Pill King Han stopped.

    Numerous pharmacists were startled.

    This was the end?

    Pill King Han smiled: ¡°Everything that needs to be mentioned has already been covered. This Han¡¯s intention is just to give all of you a little bit of advice. If this Han says too much, I¡¯m afraid it will guide you down the wrong path or conceal it under this Han¡¯s own path.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood clearly.

    Personally, he felt that there was nothing wrong with listening to it. Some other profound-level pharmacists probably wouldn¡¯t have had any problems either. However, it was hard to say for those with lower realms. Maybe they would be wrenched from their intended path of medicine refinement. Or perhaps, they might directly follow Pill King Han¡¯s way of thinking, be unable to pull themselves free, and change their own path of medicine refinement into a poor imitation of that of Pill King Han.

    As for profound-level pharmacists, what they learned so far was enough to experience for a long time toe. Until they broke through, they would greatly benefit from it.

    The other pharmacists also returned to their senses, stood up one after another, and paid their respects to Pill King Han out of gratitude.

    Pill King Han smiled at everyone: ¡°Following that, this Han will be choosing a legacy disciple. If there¡¯s anyone interested, you can stay behind. For the rest, please leave first.¡±

    Numerous pharmacists couldn¡¯t help looking at each other.

    At this moment, there were quite a few people who were leaving inrge strides. All of them either had their own inheritances or a teacher¡¯s guidance. It was only natural that they wouldn¡¯t stay here. After Gu Zuo nced at his Senior Sect Brother Xu, he cast an encouraging look, turned around, and left.

    ¡ª He only hoped that when Senior Sect Brother Xu came outter, he brought good news.

    After going out, Gu Zuo went straight to Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s side.

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, did you get anything out of it?¡±

    Gu Zuo responded with a great, big smile of his own: ¡°It was very rewarding!¡±

    Tianheng nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    He Zizhang poured a cup of tea for Gu Zuo, and pushed it over: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, congrattions.¡±

    Gu Zuo showed him a smiling expression: ¡°Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother He.¡±

    Once the three sat down, they originally wanted to talk about what Gu Zuo had learned during the lecture. However, Prince Zhou, who had been drinking by himself on the side, suddenly opened his mouth to ask: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, how is Lingxiu¡¯er?¡±

    Gu Zuo was momentarily stunned ¡ª Ah, it was rare for this fellow to still ask him.

    But Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t embarrass Prince Zhou in this regard, so he replied: ¡°After listening to the lecture, all of the pharmacists who wanted to apprentice themselves had to stay behind with Pill King Han. I would assume that there¡¯s another test. Senior Sect Brother Xu performed quite well today, so he should have a pretty good chance. His Highness doesn¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    Prince Zhou nodded. He didn¡¯t ask any more questions, and continued to drink alone.

    Gu Zuo felt that Prince Zhou¡¯s temperament was ipatible with his own, so he didn¡¯t keep chatting with him.

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and went to talk to He Zizhang who had called out to him twice: ¡°Senior Sect Brother He?¡±

    He Zizhang said: ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. I just have a presumptuous request.¡±

    Gu Zuo somewhat understood: ¡°Senior Sect Brother He, there¡¯s no harm in asking.¡±

    He Zizhang responded: ¡°Just a while ago, Pharmacist Gu refined those Golden me Pills...¡± He gave a slight pause, ¡°Their effects are quite good. I wonder if collecting the medicinal ingredients is difficult, and if Pharmacist Gu has any ns to sell the pills?¡±

    Gu Zuo inwardly thought: As expected.

    Immediately following which, he smiled: ¡°The Golden me Pill was an epiphany I had when I refined some Realm Breaking Pills earlier. It¡¯s obtained by refining a stalk of spirit medicine with forty percent spirituality as the main ingredient. The other auxiliary ingredients are easy to deal with, but it¡¯s somewhat challenging to acquire that spirit medicine. Therefore, it would be normal to keep it for one¡¯s own use, but it would be too wasteful to sell it.¡±

    Speaking up to here, he remained calm andposed: ¡°Right now, big brother and I are living together, and we¡¯re both members of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. If my fellow senior brothers and sisters are interested, I naturally won¡¯t refuse them. It¡¯s just that they have to prepare the necessary spirit medicine.¡±

    In this day and age, if someone wanted to refine any specific medicinal pills, they had to prepare the ingredients and go to the pharmacist. The request that Gu Zuo raised really wasn¡¯t considered a request at all.

    He Zizhang was overjoyed: ¡°What¡¯s the price of this medicinal pill?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°This is the first refining, so you only need to prepare the medicinal ingredients. For any simr requests in the future, you¡¯ll have to use thirty percent of the produced pills as the fee.¡±

    He Zizhang understood clearly. It was free the first time because of his youngest junior brother, Gongyi Tianheng. For all future transactions, thirty percent of the pills would be taken. Compared to the average alchemist, who usually took at least fifty percent, it was much cheaper ¡ª Not to mention that some pharmacists would only give the employer a single pill, and everything else was regarded as remuneration. This was also for the sake of his youngest junior brother¡¯s face.

    Since the price was so cheap, what else did he have to say? Of course, he was incredibly happy.

    He Zizhang revealed a cheerful expression: ¡°Many thanks for this arrangement.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say anything that emphasized owing favors. It was obvious that this was to let him remember the benefits of his youngest junior brother. He really wanted to have a good rtionship with both his youngest junior brother and Pharmacist Gu, so why would he refuse?

    Gu Zuo saw that He Zizhang understood what he meant, and the smile on his face became even more sincere: ¡°I won¡¯t hide this from Senior Brother He. I came up with the Golden me Pill in a hurry. The main ingredient is a fire-type spirit medicine, which is effective for martial artists who have a fire affinity. If the main ingredient is changed to a water-type spirit medicine, it will take several more days of research to match it with other auxiliary ingredients. Although the pill obtained will no longer be called the Golden me Pill, it can be used by martial artists of other attributes.¡±

    With a delighted heart, He Zizhang asked: ¡°Is Pharmacist Gu already close to finalizing the pill prescription?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°That¡¯s correct. There are only one or two medicinal ingredients whose quantities I haven¡¯t determined yet. The other ingredients have already been confirmed. Once we go back, it¡¯ll probably take a few days of tries topletely settle it.¡±

    He Zizhang breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. At that time, this He will send several kinds of spirit medicines with different attributes, and ask Pharmacist Gu for help.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s no problem. I¡¯ll do my best when the timees.¡±

    After the agreement, He Zizhang was in a good mood, so he joked with Tianheng: ¡°Youngest junior brother is really lucky to have a personage like Pharmacist Gu, who always does his best for you.¡±

    Tianheng revealed a meaningful smile: ¡°Having Ah Zuo by my side is truly the luckiest thing to have ever happened to me.¡±

    After hearing this, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know if he understood the meaning within these words or if he was just overthinking it. But for some reason, he suddenly felt a little bashful.

    He Zizhang examined the two of them, and didn¡¯t notice anything. However, he still felt that, whenever he looked at them, the closeness and trust between his youngest junior brother and Pharmacist Gu was really admirable.

    Not much time had passed when many pharmacists walked out of a side passage.

    The ranks of these pharmacists varied, but there was no doubt that they were the ones who wanted to be apprentices and had stayed behind. Now that they showed up, was it because the results were already out or because they had been eliminated?

    Everyone looked over.

    Gu Zuo searched the crowd, but didn¡¯t see any trace of his dear Senior Sect Brother Xu. Looking at the others, he discovered that there were some of Xu Lingxiu¡¯s formidable opponents among them ¡ª In other words, Senior Sect Brother Xu¡¯s chances had increased again?

    Meanwhile, many martial artists and pharmacists outside asked these new arrivals one after another:

    ¡°What was Pill King Han¡¯s decision?¡±

    ¡°Has Pill King Han already epted his apprentice?¡±

    ¡°Did all of youe out?¡±

    ¡°May I ask how Pill King Han selects his disciples?¡±

    Hearing these questions, the pharmacists who came out couldn¡¯t help showing wry smiles on their faces: ¡°After listening to the lecture, Pill King Han put forward another topic. He asked us to figure out a new type of medicinal pill based on the avable ingredients. However, we were only given two hours to think of something. All of us came out because we couldn¡¯t figure it out or our prescriptions didn¡¯t work...¡±

    T/N: The next two chapters are double-length.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 481 - Senior Brother Yuan Zang

    <h4>Chapter 481 - Senior Brother Yuan Zang</h4>

    They needed to create a prescription in such a short amount of time. This had high standards and strict requirements. When these people said this, there was an uproar in the audience:

    ¡°This is too strict.¡±

    ¡°How can this be done?¡±

    ¡°The time is too short. It¡¯s impossible!¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s like this, how can anyone do it? If someone can do it, why would they still want to apprentice themselves...¡±

    Everyone was in a flurry of discussions.

    Another person hurriedly said: ¡°It¡¯s not necessary to determine a prescription, but to find a feasible direction. Pill King Han is testing whether our reasoning is sharp and capable of creating medicinal prescriptions.¡±

    To put it bluntly, the prescription didn¡¯t have to seed. Rather, it needed to have the possibility of seeding to persuade the other party. These pharmacists who came out either went in the wrong direction, produced apletely worthless medicinal pill, or had rigid thinking processes. As a result, all of them failed.

    After listening to this person¡¯s exnation, the crowd of people said: ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±

    But even though it was like this, it was still quite difficult. If their nerves got the better of them, they wouldn¡¯t be able to aplish anything. As a result, there were only a few people left.

    Gu Zuo also heard these words. Soon after, he became a little worried.

    This was only a single step away from sess. It would be terrible if one was intercepted by someone else at the final junction. While he had confidence in Senior Sect Brother Xu, the others who remained were certainly very strong, too. It would be hard to beat them. However, maybe luck would y a big role...

    Considering this, Gu Zuo restrained his train of thought, and continued to wait.

    A little more than an hour passed, and two more people came out.

    Then, having reached this point, Pill King Han finally showed up with three figures in front of everyone.

    Among these three people, Xu Lingxiu was standing somewhat closer to the front. He was barely a golden-level pharmacist. The two people behind him were probably a bit older than Xu Lingxiu. They were both at the Core Psyche Realm and were genuine golden-level pharmacists.

    Gu Zuo was confident now.

    Sure enough, Pill King Han held Xu Lingxiu¡¯s hand, guided him one step forward, and proimed: ¡°Today, this Han has epted an apprentice. The name of this gentleman is Xu Lingxiu, and he shall be this Han¡¯s personal disciple.¡±

    Following this, he gestured to the other two, and allowed them to step forward: ¡°These two shall be this Han¡¯s nominal disciples.¡±

    Soon after, the two nominal disciples introduced themselves on their own.

    From this, one could see the gap in favor between personal and nominal disciples.

    Hence, many gazes fell upon Xu Lingxiu one by one. Only after scrutinizing him from head to toe did they look at the two nominal disciples and take note of them ¡ª Who knew if the nominal disciples could be personal disciples in the future? When one was given the option, it was always better not to offend the other party.

    Of course, these three disciples were all at the golden level. On the contrary, no one felt that this was strange.

    ¡ª For any disciple, it was only natural that the lower the realm, the easier it was to train them, and the more malleable they were.

    The pill king¡¯s experiences were exined and the disciples were epted, so everyone who participated in the Pill King Conference ought to say their goodbyes. During this grand assembly, many pharmacists sat together with fellow enthusiasts of equivalent realms. Within that long stretch of time, there had been more than one exchange of information in private. Following many exchanges, they felt that their points of view werepatible, and were reluctant to stop. After the conference ended, these people went to look for another ce to continue their conversations.

    At the same time, there were lots of martial artists who established good rtionships with some pharmacists. They were just waiting to continue getting to know one another. This was a two-way selection. The martial artists strived to secure their own personal pharmacist as soon as possible to prevent their enemies from taking advantage of them in the future.

    Xu Lingxiu came down to meet Gu Zuo and the others.

    Gu Zuo showed a heartfelt smile: ¡° Congrattions, Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    He knew that this little prince, who had been admired in Qingyun Sect like the stars around the moon, would be able to let his own brilliance shine sooner orter aftering to the Central Continent!

    This time around, Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯tugh coldly, sneer, or reply sarcastically. Instead, a gentle look flickered across his eyes: ¡°Thanks for your help, Junior Sect Brother Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo quickly shook his head: ¡°Nonsense. I didn¡¯t provide much help to Senior Sect Brother Xu.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu didn¡¯t say anything else, and only gave a slight signal to Tianheng. Then, he continued speaking to Gu Zuo: ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll probably have to stay here for a long time to study with master. If you guys want to find me, just use this thing as proof.¡±

    While he spoke, Xu Lingxiu gave Gu Zuo a white jade token with green patterns.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stand on ceremony, and epted the token. After that, he suddenly thought of something: ¡°That¡¯s right. After Senior Sect Brother Xi came with us, he said that he was going to look for you. I don¡¯t know if he¡ª¡±

    For the first time, there were no sounds of ridicule or pride in Xu Lingxiu¡¯s tone of voice. It had be much warmer: ¡°I already met with Senior Sect Brother Xi. At his request, I let him go out on his own. Before he left, he mentioned that he wanted to find a sect that suited him. However, I don¡¯t know where he is right now.¡±

    As he said this, he took out something that looked like a sheet of letter paper: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Xi¡¯s farewell words are written in here, and it refers to what I just said.¡±

    Gu Zuo expressed his understanding: ¡°It¡¯s fine so long as Senior Sect Brother Xi is doing what he wants. I think that with his capabilities, he¡¯ll definitely have made a name for himself the next time we meet.¡±

    Xu Lingxiu and Xi Yangyun had always been friends. Having heard what was said, Xu Lingxiu naturally nodded his head, too.

    After he was done talking about Xi Yangyun, Gu Zuo asked about the testing done during the apprenticeship. At this time, the test was over, and none of the test takers were forbidden from speaking about it. Of course, some pharmacists who were good atmunicating weren¡¯t stingy with ¡°sharing¡± these experiences. As for those who were too self-absorbed&#k2026; On the whole, this kind of person¡¯s future achievements would be limited to just this.

    Afterwards, Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng, and He Zizhang all left the building.

    However, even though they departed, Prince Zhou stayed behind. The other people in the pill king¡¯s Rising Mountain Pavilion didn¡¯t stop this, either. It seemed that it was originally Pill King Han¡¯s intention to keep Prince Zhou here.

    Shaking his head, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t think about it anymore, and simply walked out.

    Outside, he naturally purchased loads of medicinal ingredients in this city, and stored them away. After that, he went to the vi to rest for a while before swiftly leaving at night.

    ¡ª Following the showcasing of Gu Zuo¡¯s medicinal pill, it went without saying that there were many people who tried to secretly get in touch with him.

    The refined medicinal pill was too popr. This was also a strange type of annoyance.

    After returning to Ten Ultimates Sect, Tianheng trained as usual. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo started upying himself with refining medicine for He Zizhang.

    Previously, what he said to He Zizhang was the truth. As early as after he researched the Realm Breaking Pill, he deliberately thought about recing the medicinal ingredients in it to create a new kind of pill that could help with breakthroughs.

    It was also because of his experience with the Realm Breaking Pill that Gu Zuo quickly researched the Golden me Pill and the other four types. However, due to the softer attributes of wood and water, during the process of refining, he inevitably discovered that the medicinal properties weren¡¯t strong enough and the efficacy of breaking through was insufficient. As a result, the currently finished products were limited to only three types, which were the Golden me Pill, the Purified Gold Pill, and the Star Soil Pill. As for the other two types, such as the Clouded Tree Pill and Yielding Waters Pill, he still needed to consider several kinds of auxiliary ingredients.

    Hence, Gu Zuo started another round of secluded cultivation.

    After going on that trip to the pill king conference, he gained many new realizations in medicine refinement. Although lots of pharmacists had their own deficiencies, some ideas were still quite novel, which brought him new ideas in return. Coupled with some impressions he got from watching Pill King Han refine medicine, as well as certain concepts that Pill King Han divulged, an unending stream of inspiration welled up inside of him.

    After approximately three to four days of this, Gu Zuo came out of seclusion.

    This time, all five pill prescriptions based on his Realm Breaking Pill, which worked from the Celestial Realm to the Noble Realm, had been ascertained. It wasn¡¯t only the Yielding Waters Pill and Clouded Tree Pill. Certain ingredients among the other three medicinal pills had been reced with better substitutes by him ¡ª With his present foundations, these five types of pills were the best versions he could create. When he progressed further along his path of medicine refinement in the future, maybe he could develop even more ideas and conduct various improvements!

    After that, Gu Zuo sent a letter to He Zizhang¡¯s base of operations, telling him that everything was ready.

    He Zizhang¡¯s mentality also seemed to be quite eager. Once the letter was received, he arrived at Tianheng¡¯s manor in less than an hour.

    Because Tianheng was in the middle of secluded cultivation due to the Prodigy Monument, Gu Zuo handled the matter of weing He Zizhang by himself.

    It was just that the people who arrived this time weren¡¯t limited to only He Zizhang. In addition, there was Huai Tianhe who came before as well as a young man with a handsome appearance and slightly cold temperament.

    Gu Zuo recognized that this slightly cold young man was a senior brother of his family¡¯s big brother. If he remembered correctly, this ought to be Third Senior Brother Yuan Zang. This person wasn¡¯t fond of talking, but his power was phenomenal. He was ranked third ce, and so too was his strength. He was originally at the peak of the Celestial Realm, but now, his body carried the faint qi emissions of source power. It was clear that he had taken the Realm Breaking Pill. Moreover, his strength had also broken through to be the third Noble Realm powerhouse under the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    After Yuan Zang arrived, he took the initiative to speak: ¡°Many thanks for the Realm Breaking Pill.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled, and waved his hand: ¡°This is what my big brother wanted to give.¡±

    In any case, it was all for big brother.

    Yuan Zang nodded, but didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Instead, Huai Tianhe spoke up: ¡°I heard that Pharmacist Gu shined brightly at the Pill King Conference, but I haven¡¯t congratted Pharmacist Gu yet.¡±

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I just went there as a formality. In that ce, the many geniuses on the path of medicine refinement really opened my eyes.¡±

    Each of them said a few words out of courtesy.

    After that, Huai Tianhe talked about the reason why they came this time.

    It was nothing else but to seek medicinal pills.

    At first, He Zizhang didn¡¯t publicize this matter. However, Huai Tianhe happened to know that they had returned, and went looking for He Zizhang out of concern. Meanwhile, Yuan Zang coincidentally broke through, and intended to find his eldest senior brother to verify what he had learned.

    In the end, they found out that He Zizhang was going to meet with Gu Zuo. After they asked, He Zizhang didn¡¯t hide anything, and revealed the purpose of this trip.

    Gu Zuo heard this, and nodded his head: ¡°ording to the rules, there¡¯s naturally no problem.¡±

    Outsiders were one thing, but Tianheng¡¯s senior brothers and sisters were categorized as half their own people. When they were at the Pill King Conference, the reason why Gu Zuo told He Zizhang that fellow disciples could get a discount was so that He Zizhang could inform the other seven people about these medicinal pills.

    After all, his big brother was currently part of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. The pce master was also a protective and aplished teacher. Based on the handful of senior brothers and sisters, it could be seen that they were all good people. Since it was like this, it was only natural that the stronger one¡¯s own people, the better. Only when his big brother and his master¡¯s personal disciples all had formidable martial strength would the Blood Transformation Pce Hall be rich and powerful. And the stronger the Blood Transformation Pce Hall became, the better it could shelter them.

    Although Huai Tianhe and Yuan Zang had already heard about this matter from He Zizhang, Gu Zuo was certain that he could refine for them, which made them very happy.

    Following this, both of them said: ¡°The spirit medicines have already been brought over. When Pharmacist Gu can refine them, we¡¯ll listen to your arrangements.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°To help big brother¡¯s senior brothers and sisters, what arrangements should we make? Senior Sect Brother He was the earliest to mention it, so why don¡¯t I refine for him first. After that, I¡¯ll refine for Senior Sect Sister Huai and Senior Sect Brother Yuan. How about that?¡±

    Of course, these couple of people replied: ¡°This would be perfect. Thank you for the trouble, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s tone was still polite and amiable: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll have to ask everyone to give me the spirit medicines first, and let me see if they can be used.¡±

    He Zizhang spread out his hands. Quite a fewrge jade boxes appeared in the center of his palms, and formed a stack from the bottom to the top. Meanwhile, he opened his mouth to say: ¡°ording to Pharmacist Gu¡¯s requirements, I brought stalks of spirit medicine for each of the five elements. They have a yang affinity and spiritualities of forty percent.¡±

    Gu Zuo took those jade boxes, and ced them on the stone table beside him. Then, he inspected each stalk one by one.

    ming Sheep Grass, Silver Mist Honeysuckle, Earthen Vitality Fruit, Golden Creek Bark, and the taproot of a Rock Dragon Tree...

    Indeed, all of them were partially yang and could be used.

    In fact, these five types of medicinal pills had a special characteristic. Concerning the spirit medicine used as the main ingredient, he only needed to extract the yang aspect and attributes of the five elements from within the medicinal power. As for what kind of spirit medicine it was, the requirements actually weren¡¯t high ¡ª So long as it didn¡¯t conflict with the auxiliary ingredients, it would work.

    But even though it was like this, Gu Zuo still gave He Zizhang a list of spirit medicines. Recorded on the list were thirty to forty types of usable spirit medicines, which were also divided among the attributes of the five elements.

    The things that He Zizhang found this time were all on this list.

    Once Gu Zuo looked everything over, he was quite satisfied: ¡°These can all be refined. Senior Sect Brother He has worked hard.¡±

    He Zizhang smiled and replied: ¡°It¡¯s good that they can be used.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t favor one and discriminate against the other. After checking He Zizhang¡¯s ingredients, he promptly turned to Huai Tianhe and Yuan Zang.

    Both of them quickly took out several jade boxes, and handed them over for Gu Zuo to inspect the spirit medicines inside.

    These spirit medicines were divided among various attributes. And one of the types that Huai Tianhe provided wasn¡¯t even on He Zizhang¡¯s medicine list. But after Gu Zuo considered it, he also gave Huai Tianhe an affirmative answer: ¡°This stalk can also be used.¡±

    Huai Tianhe breathed a sigh of relief.

    While she had seen that list, the timing was too short. Even if she mobilized her subordinates, the spirit medicines with forty-percent spirituality they obtained hadn¡¯t beenpletely consistent. As a result, she could only give this stalk a try.

    Fortunately, there weren¡¯t any problems. This allowed her to have one more attribute of medicinal pills.

    Once Gu Zuo inspected all of the spirit medicines, he collected them one by one: ¡°To refine these kinds of Realm Breaking Pills, what the main ingredient requires is the pure medicinal juice extracted from the spirit medicine. If there¡¯s a lot of juice, there will naturally be lots of pills. Likewise, the less juice extracted, the fewer pills produced. From the spirit medicines these senior brothers and sister brought, the quantities of medicinal juice I can obtain will be different. You probably won¡¯t get the same number of pills in the future either... I ask that these senior brothers and sister to be prepared for this.¡±

    He Zizhang and the others immediately said:

    ¡°This is only natural.¡±

    ¡°There will be no dissatisfaction because of this.¡±

    ¡°Pharmacist Gu can rest assured.¡±

    Gu Zuo believed in the moral qualities of these people, and was only discussing things beforehand. With the spirit medicines in hand, he ought to start refining right away.

    After slightly pondering, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°Does everyone want to watch me refine pills and stay here for a few days, or go back first and pick up the medicer?¡±

    As soon as these words were uttered, all three of them fell into deep thought.

    To be honest, they were very interested in Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refinement. However, if they stayed in this ce to watch, would it make Gu Zuo feel that they didn¡¯t trust him?

    Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo knew what they were thinking. Thus, he smiled and said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry about anything else. If you want to watch, it¡¯ll save me from the loneliness of refining pills by myself.¡±

    He really wouldn¡¯t be unhappy because of this.

    He Zizhang and the others felt relieved after hearing this, and said: ¡°We¡¯re incredibly interested in the scene of refining these pills.¡±

    Gu Zuo boldly waved his hand: ¡°In that case, all of you can stay and watch!¡±

    Sure enough, they all chose to stick around afterwards.

    Gu Zuo candidly decided to refine medicine out in the open. He just looked for a giant tree with arger canopy, and sat down cross-legged for the afternoon.

    Then, a pill furnace appeared in front of him. When a wondrous fire squeezed its way into the furnace, it rapidly ignited.

    He Zizhang and the others sat on the side, and watched Gu Zuo¡¯s smooth and flowing movements. They only felt that every movement was filled with boundless mysteries and carried faint but magical rhythms that the martial artists couldn¡¯t understand.

    Within these rhythms, silken strands of medicinal fragrance overflowed, causing everyone present to detect a kind of scent that ddened the heart and refreshed the mind.

    Subconsciously, several people sat in cross-legged meditation, and began to carefully take in these medicinal fragrances.

    While they didn¡¯te here to casually absorb anything, they could feel that these fragrances contained traces of medicinal properties, which were iparably pure. If these fragrances were allowed to dissipate into the air just like this, it would be too wasteful.

    Yet, He Zizhang and the others were somewhat surprised in their hearts.

    They only heard that, when pharmacists at the earth level and above refined certain medicinal pills beneficial to martial artists, the emanating fragrances wouldn¡¯t contain any impurities. They didn¡¯t expect the profound-level pharmacist they encountered today would possess this kind of ability ¡ª Didn¡¯t this mean that, so long as Gu Zuo worked a little harder, it was possible for his spirit body to break out of its egg and for him to be a genuine earth-level pharmacist?

    If this really was the case, then they had to admire the good fortune of their youngest junior brother, the all-star prodigy Gongyi Tianheng.

    From such a remote location, he could still meet this qualified, young pharmacist. Moreover, he was able to cultivate this level of trust and develop such a profound friendship from the very beginning... An all-star prodigy was worthy of being called an all-star prodigy.

    Among these three people, Huai Tianhe¡¯s expression was even more subtle.

    Whenever her youngest junior brother really took action, he was fast, urate, and held nothing back.

    After taking in a certain amount of medicinal properties, the three slowly stopped absorbing. It was because, at this time, they sensed unusual changes inside the pill furnace. This was clearly a sign that the pills were about to be formed.

    Originally, they found that Gu Zuo¡¯s pill refining was extremely stable. There were basically no situations that were out of his control. But during this final hurdle, if they recklessly absorbed too much, it could disturb the smooth flow of qi, which would negatively affect Gu Zuo ¡ª Although the possibility was very small, this would only bring trouble to themselves.

    After a short while, the high-pitched sounds inside the pill furnace became more and more urgent. Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Zuo performed the pill receiving seal!

    In a split second, three fiery-red pills with golden patterns burst out. They were drawn back by his outstretched hand, and were instantly caught in the hollow of his palm!

    Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Fortunately, I didn¡¯t disgrace myself.¡± He handed over these three medicinal pills to He Zizhang, ¡°Senior Sect Brother He, take them.¡±

    He Zizhang held the three pills in his hand, and looked them over. All of a sudden, he was stunned: ¡°Three wless pills?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°In any case, this is a kind of medicinal pill that I created. As a result, under normal circumstances, the product grade will be somewhat higher after refining.¡±

    He Zizhang took a deep breath. His eyes were filled with joy: ¡°Pharmacist Gu¡¯s words are reasonable.¡±

    Gu Zuo was also quite d, and immediately started the second batch of refinement ¡ª The fire-type spirit medicine that He Zizhang brought had enough medicinal juice to refine three furnaces¡¯ worth of pills. And there were still two batches left. He needed to work harder.

    A beginner in the first round would be an expert in the second round. After Gu Zuo warmed up with refining the first furnace, the speed of the second furnace was even faster. The number of pills that came out of the furnace still reached three, and they were all likewise wless pills.

    Immediately following that was the third furnace. The results were exactly the same. There were no differences, and not a single mistake was made.

    Just one stalk of ming Sheep Grass, which didn¡¯t have that much medicinal juice, produced a total of nine wless Golden me Pills. He Zizhang and the others couldn¡¯t help but feel that they were taking advantage of him.

    He Zizhang said: ¡°...This He has already obtained many medicinal pills. Pharmacist Gu, please refine the Golden me Pills for Junior Sister Huai and Junior Brother Yuan first.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°That¡¯s fine, too. It¡¯ll be very convenient.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he took out the stalk of fire-type spirit medicine that Huai Tianhe delivered, and started this round¡¯s refining.

    Matters didn¡¯t go beyond He Zizhang and the others¡¯ expectations. Several hours passed, and the quantity of medicinal juice extracted from Huai Tianhe¡¯s spirit medicine was enough for a little more than four furnaces. Originally, only four furnaces were supposed to be refined. But for whatever reason, besides refining four batches, Gu Zuo also managed to cannibalize the other pills during the fifth batch to produce an extra Golden me Pill. This meant that the final result was thirteen Golden me Pills!

    Huai Tianhe epted them with mixed feelings.

    Thest one was Yuan Zang. The quantity of fire-type spirit medicine that he provided was even bigger, so he obtained more Golden me Pills. The final number reached sixteen pills. It was simply a huge profit...

    Once all of the fire-type medicinal pills were refined, He Zizhang spoke with a wry smile: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, you¡¯d better deduct several pills. Otherwise, this He will be too ashamed.¡±

    Huai Tianhe and Yang Zang also had simr thoughts.

    Gu Zuo was exasperated. How could there be such a thing?

    After that, he shook his head and said: ¡°There¡¯s no need to go that far. Since we made an agreement, it¡¯s only natural that we follow through. When the next timees, I will take one pill for every furnace I refine for you guys. That¡¯s already a good deal.¡± He smiled at them, ¡°As a pharmacist, I must also be held ountable to my words.¡±

    He Zizhang sighed: ¡°In that case, when the refining for the next type of attribute begins, that¡¯ll be counted as the second time.¡±

    Huai Tianhe and Yuan Zang also voiced their approval.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression became even more exasperated: ¡°There¡¯s really no need... These few types of medicinal pills are all my creations. Because you guys came looking for me to refine those things, it will deepen my understanding of them, which is also beneficial to me.¡± He said with a slightly helpless tone, ¡°You guys truly don¡¯t have to be so polite.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 482 - Installing the Qi Veins

    <h4>Chapter 482 - Installing the Qi Veins</h4>

    This wasn¡¯t a lie. One couldn¡¯t focus on how Gu Zuo was currently refining wless pills. At his level, the fact that there weren¡¯t any prismatic pills was enough to indicate his shorings with this pill ¡ª It wasn¡¯t a deficiency in the general sense. Rather, it was due to Gu Zuo¡¯s young age. He also hadn¡¯tpletely determined his inner self. As a result, even though this was a self-created pill, it was incapable of forming a Pill Note Mantra Echo.

    That¡¯s right. If anyone wanted their self-created medicinal pills to obtain Pill Note Mantra Echoes, which could promote theprehensions of a martial artist, the pharmacist¡¯s ownprehensions needed to be sufficient, too!

    Gu Zuo performed this refinement again and again, feeling like he was fumbling around for something that wasn¡¯t there amid the perfectly wless pills. Although it seemed like He Zizhang had taken advantage of the fact that Gu Zuo produced more pills than many pharmacists on the market, this was really more like a process of gaining proficiency for him. As for the finished products, there was nothing wrong with letting his fellow disciples use these pills to develop their own organizations.

    Because He Zizhang and the others were too embarrassed, Gu Zuo had no choice but to tell them about his ambition to create prismatic pills.

    He Zizhang couldn¡¯t help being shocked: ¡°Sure enough, Pharmacist Gu has lofty aspirations!¡±

    Meanwhile, Huai Tianhe¡¯s expression was a little excited: ¡°If you really can refine prismatic pills, then that really couldn¡¯t be better!¡±

    Yuan Zang nodded his head, too.

    It could be said that, during such a short period of time watching Gu Zuo refine pills, the three people¡¯s impressions of Gu Zuo were constantly refreshed. They all felt that no matter what achievements Pharmacist Gu had in the future, they wouldn¡¯t make mountains out of molehills...

    Since Gu Zuo talked about this, He Zizhang and the others didn¡¯t refuse anymore.

    Gu Zuo quickly refined the medicinal pills of the remaining attributes for them. Fortunately, He Zizhang and the other others trusted Gu Zuo from the very beginning, which was also why the spirit medicines they brought over were avable in every attribute. As a result, the total number of pills they harvested in the end was as many as seventy to eighty. If utilized properly, even taking into ount the failure rate, this could provide them with thirty or more Noble Realm martial artists!

    When He Zizhang and the others were about to leave, they still thanked Gu Zuo multiple times.

    At the same time, they were overjoyed that their youngest junior brother had this kind of pharmacist by his side ¡ª Gu Zuo possessed such incredible skills. When they needed to refineplex medicinal pills in the future, they wouldn¡¯t have to think of every possible method to seek help from other powerful pharmacists!

    After the three senior brothers and sister left, Gu Zuo thought of something, and sat in front of the pill furnace to refine again.

    This time around, what he used were the spirit medicines stockpiled within his own Divine Medicine Pce Hall. Simrly, there was one stalk of spirit medicine with forty-percent spirituality for each of the five elements. In the end, because the refinements were done even more meticulously, each refinement produced a dozen or so pills.

    Gu Zuo took ten of each pill, and put them in different jade bottles. Then, he ced these jade bottles into arge wooden box. After calling for a battle ve, he had the box delivered to the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    The pce master had taken good care of him. Since he created a type of pill prescription that could be used regrly, he had to inform the Blood Transformation Pce Master. Thus, if there was anything he could do to help, everyone could have an amicable talk.

    Even if it was...him and big brother fulfilling their filial duties.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know what the Blood Transformation Pce Master thought about after receiving this box of pills, but what the battle ve brought back were several stalks of bright and shimmering spirit medicines as well as some other rare medicinal ingredients. These things acted as gifts of reciprocation.

    As far as Gu Zuo was concerned, the more spirit medicines, the better. These rare medicinal ingredients were also the kind that Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have been able to gather on his own. Now, all of these things belonged to him, which improved Gu Zuo¡¯s mood.

    A few dayster, a young man wearing a light-yellow robe suddenly appeared outside the manor grounds.

    This person was from the Ardent Earth Pce Hall. Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng had never been acquainted with him, but it wasn¡¯t known why this person came here. Could it have been that something happened to Senior Sect Brother Huang, who joined the Ardent Earth Pce Hall?

    In any case, Senior Sect Brother Huang could be regarded as a good friend of Gu Zuo and big brother...

    Gu Zuo became a little anxious after seeing this member of the Ardent Earth Pce Hall, but quickly calmed his state of mind. He stepped forward and asked: ¡°May I ask if this senior brother hase to the manor to provide any instructions?¡±

    The member of the Ardent Earth Pce Hall was very polite: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare give any instructions. This one hase to deliver something to Prodigy Gongyi.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Deliver something?¡±

    Could it really be Senior Sect Brother Huang? No, Gu Zuo immediately denied that train of thought. The Huang Ji he knew had a bright and clear temperament, but was more straightforward in the way he handled matters with others. There was no need to overthink things.

    Fortunately, the young man from the Ardent Earth Pce Hall quickly revealed the answer: ¡°Some time ago, the honorable prodigiespeted for profound qi veins. During the relocation, we had to rely on the hundred-year link of the ck Dragon Jades. My Ardent Earth Pce Hall was in charge of excavating and separating the profound qi veins. And now that all of the qi veins have been relocated to the Profound Veins Secret Land within the sect, everything can be returned to their rightful owners.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, the yellow-robed young man smiled. As he made a sweeping motion across the table, seventeen ck Dragon Jades immediately appeared on the table¡¯s surface. The jades came in different sizes and glowed with a faint, ck light.

    The yellow-robed young man continued: ¡°These are the ck Dragon Jades owned by Prodigy Gongyi. Please take them back.¡±

    Gu Zuo took one look, and put away the numerous ck Dragon Jades.

    These jades were handed over to the sect before Gu Zuo and Tianheng went to the Pill King Conference. Now that these jades were back in their possession, they could go bring back their own qi veins.

    The yellow-robed young man didn¡¯t linger. After returning the ck Dragon Jades to Gu Zuo, he quickly turned around and departed.

    Gu Zuo, who was left behind, was holding a piece of ck Dragon Jade. He didn¡¯t know what he ought to do.

    Luckily, Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t left in this predicament for too long. Soon after the person from the Ardent Earth Pce Hall departed, signs of activity could be heard from the location of Tianheng¡¯s seclusion. Big brother hade out.

    This time around, Tianheng had a confident and thoughtful look on his face, which showed that he had gained certain benefits in the process of this secluded cultivation.

    Gu Zuo handed over the ck Dragon Jades: ¡°Big brother, what do you think?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Follow me. We¡¯ll go to the Profound Veins Secret Land, and withdraw several profound qi veins.¡±

    Gu Zuo had no objections, and only said: ¡°Okay, big brother.¡±

    But in his heart, he was very curious.

    Who knew what kind of ce that Profound Veins Secret Land was like&#k2026;

    The Profound Veins Secret Land was located inside an extremelyrge valley within Ten Ultimates Sect. It was surrounded by all kinds of formations that acted as restrictions. As for the size of this valley, one wouldn¡¯t be able to see the edges of the valley at a nce. Encircled with mountains on all sides, not even traces of the mountain peaks could be seen.

    In front of the secretnd, many armor-d martial artists were patrolling. In addition, there were several hidden ces that suddenly caused Gu Zuo to have somewhat of a reaction. He knew that there were pharmacists with formidable psychic powers in those ces. While they refined medicinal pills, they were also on guard.

    When some people from certain organizations saw Gu Zuo and Tianheng arrive together, their expressions changed slightly. Meanwhile, several others suddenly turned vignt as they watched these two strangers approach.

    Tianheng revealed his ck Dragon Jades.

    Upon seeing this, the guard in front of the secretnd understood the reason for the two¡¯s arrival. Right away, he moved out of the way, and said: ¡°Insert the ck Dragon Jades here.¡±

    He faintly altered his steps, and something was exposed.

    This was a stone tform.

    The indentations on the stone tform were quite unusual. There were as many as a dozen of these notches, which were used for inserting the ck Dragon Jades.

    Gu Zuo nced at Tianheng.

    At this time, Tianheng took out a piece of ck Dragon Jade, and unhurriedly inserted it into the notch.

    The next moment, a clear, whistling sound like the cry of a dragon came from within the valley.

    Then, a person¡¯s voice resounded in the distance: ¡°Don¡¯t be rmed. This is due to the ck Dragon Jade¡¯s activation. This is what happens when a qi vein is about to be removed by someone.¡±

    After stepping outside, several guards who still wanted to go over and investigate halted their footsteps.

    Shortly thereafter, the pair saw a majestic figure shing through the valley. In that person¡¯s hand, he actually used a wisp of surging qi energy to loosely hold something that flickered with clear lights and reached three hundred meters long.

    This ything was the true appearance of the qi vein. It was usually hidden inside mountain peaks. Even while other people werepeting over it, the qi vein wouldn¡¯t take action easily. But now, it had been captured and brought out. On the contrary, this actually broadened Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s horizons.

    And the person who grasped the qi vein was very familiar to Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes ¡ª Wasn¡¯t he the Ardent Earth Pce Master who took in Senior Sect Brother Huang Ji back then?

    Indeed. The techniques practiced by the Ardent Earth Pce Hall were rted to the earth. And if one wanted to move qi veins, it required an exceptional powerhouse to take action. To say the least, the rank of this exceptional powerhouse had to be at the Royal Realm, right? Within the Ardent Earth Pce Hall, the pce master was just the right powerhouse who practiced earth-attribute techniques. It was only natural that he was also responsible for moving the qi veins previously. Even though the relocation was nowpleted, if any prodigies or other people wanted to install the qi veins without any problems, the assistance of the Ardent Earth Pce Master was indispensable.

    Gu Zuo curiously asked: ¡°Big brother, how should we deal with this qi vein?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°This qi vein will be ced where the battle ve residences are located. Another one will be taken and ced in therge courtyard where the pharmacists gather. As for the other various qi veins, if this elder brother¡¯s subordinates want one, they can only find their own ways to exchange for it.¡±

    Of course, Tianheng needed one for himself, too.

    What he wanted was likewise a three-hundred-meter qi vein, which would be ced inside the mountain peak where they lived. The height of that mountain peak happened to be a little more than three hundred meters, so it could be properly settled at that time.

    The martial artists, pharmacists, and others would each upy one qi vein. They were all three-hundred-meter small qi veins, so it wasn¡¯t too much trouble to move them.

    At this moment, the Ardent Earth Pce Master had already captured one of them. Now, he opened his mouth to ask: ¡°Sect Nephew Gongyi, where do you want to put this thing?¡±

    Qi veins could only be picked up and put down one at a time. There was no other way.

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng raised his voice: ¡°Sect Uncle, please go over here!¡±

    While he was speaking, Tianheng and Gu Zuo soared into the sky, and guided the Ardent Earth Pce Master toward a certain direction ¡ª That direction was precisely the location where the battle ves normally lodged and trained.

    The Tianlong Guards had already been following Ao Ying and the other battle ves for training for a long time.

    Although they had tempered themselves many times due to their sudden increase in strength when they were in the Cangyun Empire, none of those experiences couldpare to the hardships they faced while training under the battle ves. However, they also knew that, after obtaining such iparable physical aptitudes from their family¡¯s young master, what they needed to do was to unearth their potentials by going through these hardships. This way, they could truly serve their young master ¡ª Back when the young master departed, they had to stay behind because of theirck of ability. It was at that moment they had such thoughts. Now that they finally had the ability to continue following their young master, they naturally would never ck off!

    Consequently, even though Dragon One and the others sensed that some of the battle ves actually harbored feelings of rejecting or excluding them, they still worked hard and gave it their all. They never did things halfheartedly in the slightest.

    Gradually, since the Tianlong Guards never caused any trouble, never made enviousparisons, nor put on airs because they were trusted more by their master, the battle ves¡¯ impressions of the Tianlong Guards unexpectedly improved.

    At the request of several Ascendent Realm powerhouse leaders, even more battle ves started to observe and emte the capabilities of the Tianlong Guards. This was an attempt at forming a type of mutually-beneficial rtionship where their roles didn¡¯t interfere with one another.

    The Tianlong Guards didn¡¯te here to impede Gongyi Tianheng. With the goodwill of another batch among their young master¡¯s subordinates, they naturally cooperated to the best of their abilities, tossing out a peach and getting back a plum.

    For the time being, the rtionships between both sides were pretty good.

    On this day, the Tianlong Guards were receiving the guidance of some battle ves. All of a sudden, a shadow appeared high in the sky. Cast down from above, there was an overwhelming pressure that spread across the heavens and covered the earth.

    Everyone was immediately on the alert.

    Dragon One abruptly shouted in a deep voice: ¡°Young master is here!¡±

    At almost the exact same time, the other Tianlong Guards sensed the unusual changes in their bloodline. Right away, their hearts loosened: ¡°As expected of the young master. He actually caused such a spectacle.¡±

    Hearing what was said, the battle ves also rxed a little.

    At this moment, Ao Min, who was staying inside the Battle ve Courtyard, felt his heart move ¡ª These Tianlong Guards were extremely sensitive to the young master. It seemed that this wasn¡¯t his misconception?

    After such thinking, he couldn¡¯t help but look upon the existence of the Tianlong Guards even more favorably.

    Shortly thereafter, Tianheng¡¯s voice came down from above: ¡°To all battle ves and Tianlong Guards, retreat five kilometers away! Don¡¯t linger around this ce!¡±

    Although the numerous subordinates felt it was strange, their response was immediate. They swiftly moved back, making room for this tract ofnd in front of them.

    In just a few breaths of time, not a single person remained in this ce, which was originally teeming with many battle ves.

    Tianheng was quite satisfied, and spoke behind him: ¡°Sect Uncle, please go ahead.¡±

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master watched as Tianheng¡¯s vocalized orders were strictly obeyed, and gave straightforward praise: ¡°Not bad at all.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, he didn¡¯t drag things on, and threw down the qi vein in his hand. Soon after, he performed many hand seals, allowing that flickering and fluorescent, three-hundred-meter object to sink into the ground. Even though it was extremely unwilling, it vanished beneath the surface bit by bit!

    At the same time, an incredibly rich atmosphere of profound qi welled up within the Battle ve Courtyard. This was precisely the dense qi emissions left behind by the qi vein before it sank into the ground.

    Following this, what needed to be done was to bore several holes along the qi vein¡¯s acupoints to form qi pockets. This would provide for the cultivations of the battle ves and Tianlong Guards who resided here.

    However, these qi pockets primarily existed above several nodes of the qi vein. Rather than forcibly digging at other locations, it was better to dig directly into the nodes.

    With Tianheng¡¯s permission, the Ardent Earth Pce Master casually shook that qi vein. Right away, as many as fifty-something nodes promptly exploded. The profound qi practically formed pirs as it rocketed into the sky!

    The entire Battle ve Vige trembled from the impact of such a huge eruption of profound qi!

    Tianheng took a brief nce, and said: ¡°There are fifty-five qi pockets here. Among them, the Tianlong Guards will upy twenty percent, which ounts for eleven spots. As for the remaining forty-four spots, they will go to the battle ves.¡±

    The numerous subordinates listened, and also felt this was fair. At once, they expressed their thanks.

    At this time, all of the battle ves and Tianlong Guards understood. Not only would the location where they lived increase in the concentration of ambient profound qi in the future, it would also provide a ce with even more abundant profound qi when they needed to undergo secluded cultivation!

    Undoubtedly, this would be of great benefit to the improvement of their strength... And the bestowal of this qi vein evoked greater feelings of love and respect for their young master. They also felt even more gratitude.

    After the first qi vein was arranged, Tianheng went back to the Profound Veins Secret Land, retrieved that first piece of ck Dragon Jade, and inserted the second piece.

    In the same way, it was still the Ardent Earth Pce Master who grabbed the next qi vein, followed Tianheng, and brought it to the courtyard where the pharmacists lived on the manor grounds.

    On the other hand, Gu Zuo went straight to the pharmacists¡¯ courtyard long ago. He opened his mouth, and called on all the pharmacists to leave this ce regardless of whether they were refining medicine or not.

    Although the numerous pharmacists were puzzled, when all was said and done, they were still adherents. After Gu Zuo gave his orders, they swiftly ended whatever they were dealing with. Under the guidance of Wu Xing and the others, the pharmacists left the manor at flying speeds.

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master arrived just in time, and Gu Zuo also cleared out of the way.

    Tianheng ruffled his hair with a smile, and spoke to the pce master: ¡°Sect Uncle, please ce the qi vein under the courtyard and break open the qi pockets.¡±

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master took swift action. Compared to thest time, his work was somewhat smoother, and he quickly settled everything.

    This time around, even more qi pockets were opened up. Unexpectedly, there were a little more than eighty of them. It was just that their positions were in different ces. After the pirs of profound qi dashed into the sky, all of the original houses in those ces were blown away. The pharmacists who lived there would have to hurriedly switch residences.

    For these things, Gu Zuo had already called over Wu Xing, and instructed him to swiftly make arrangements.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng had gone to the Profound Veins Secret Land once again to fetch the third qi vein.

    Wu Xing looked at the qi vein that belonged to the pharmacists. He was also incredibly excited: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, this is¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo was aware that Wu Xing was rather ambitious, and smiled at him: ¡°Previously, you guys knew that big brother seized many qi veins for the sect. Of course, he also obtained some for himself. Right now, there aren¡¯t many people under big brother¡¯smand, so he¡¯s only using three-hundred-meter qi veins. In fact, apart from these three qi veins, there are quite a few that are even longer.¡±

    Wu Xing listened patiently. With his intelligence, he already understood something at this time.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s words were indeed things that he liked to hear: ¡°Wu n Head, if you want to revitalize the Wu n, I¡¯m afraid that you can¡¯t do without a qi vein of your own. And ording to my big brother¡¯s intentions, the qi veins he possesses are enough for him to cultivate. As for those extra ones, he won¡¯t be stingy when ites to rewarding his subordinates...¡±

    Wu Xing¡¯s eyes lit up: ¡°What does Pharmacist Gu mean?¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°So long as you can make enough contributions, big brother won¡¯t be stingy with the qi veins. If his subordinates are capable, even if they didn¡¯t need itst time, they can find a way to use their own contributions in exchange for it.¡±

    Wu Xing took a deep breath: ¡°This subordinate understands. Many thanks for the reminder, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°The Wu n Head¡¯s work is organized and his capabilities are out of the ordinary. This Gu also hopes that you can properly handle matters for big brother. The stronger the Wu n, the thicker the foundations of my big brother... Only, the Wu n Head must consider how to handle things. You mustn¡¯t do a poor job just because you¡¯re impatient for quick results. My big brother isn¡¯t the type of fool who can be easily dealt with.¡±

    Naturally, Wu Xing¡¯s attitude was also very respectful: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, rest assured. The Wu n¡¯s loyalty in the young master is undivided. We absolutely won¡¯t forget favors or vite justice.¡±

    He was quite attentive, and roughly understood some of Gu Zuo¡¯s temperament. At this moment, he spoke candidly: ¡°What¡¯s more, there are few people in the world who are as broadminded as the young master. They wouldn¡¯t treat my n so carefully and value them so much.¡±

    Gu Zuo was pleased with Wu Xing¡¯s ¡°forthright¡± words, so he didn¡¯t say much else. He only patted Wu Xing¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Work hard.¡±

    Afterwards, he soared into the air, supported himself with his psychic power, and traveled straight to the ¡°home¡± that belonged to him and big brother.

    Floating high in the sky, Tianheng stood in front of the mountain peak, and gave orders the head manager, second manager, and several attendants.

    Gu Zuo arrived at Tianheng¡¯s side: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s our turn.¡±

    Tianheng smiled at Gu Zuo, but his eyes were carefully observing the structure of the mountain peak: ¡°Ah Zuo, take a look with your psychic power. Inside this mountain, what are the tendencies of the terrain? Where would it be more appropriate to ce the qi vein and open the qi pockets?¡±

    Gu Zuo understood what his family¡¯s big brother meant.

    This ce was where he and big brother lived. While they couldn¡¯t put too many qi pockets at the summit, some ces below the mountain peak needed a concentrated amount of qi pockets. This would amodate a portion of the people who cultivated here.

    No requests were made for thest two ces because the terrain was rtively t and it was difficult to alter the qi veins. However, within the body of the mountain, the qi vein¡¯s ¡°vascr system¡± could differ to some extent.

    As a result, Gu Zuo quicklyunched his psychic power into the mountain. Moreover, the speed it spread out and extended through the mountain was extremely fast.

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master was holding the qi vein, but he was only waiting on the side.

    Gu Zuo knew that holding onto the qi vein required arge consumption of energy, and didn¡¯t dare to hesitate for long. Therefore, after a swift look, he told Tianheng everything he saw.

    Tianheng also did his own observations. He pondered slightly, and said: ¡°Sect Uncle, is it possible for you to find out how many nodes this qi vein has?¡±

    The pce masterughed: ¡°What¡¯s so difficult about that?¡±

    His bright and piercing gaze quickly scanned the qi vein in his hand. Shortly thereafter, he pointed out the locations of all the nodes on the qi vein.

    As expected of the powerhouse entrusted with this matter. The Ardent Earth Pce Master¡¯s insight was top-notch. Compared to when Tianheng and Gu Zuo examined the mountain, he was even faster.

    Tianheng¡¯splexion faintly changed. After thinking deeply for a short while, hebined his request with the knowledge of those nodes, and informed the pce master.

    The Ardent Earth Pce Master nodded his head: ¡°A trivial thing.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, the qi vein wasn¡¯t released as casually as thest two times. Instead, the qi vein twisted and bended. It almost sank one joint at a time as it breached the body of the mountain.

    Hence, this three-hundred-meter qi vein meandered inside the mountain ording to Tianheng¡¯s request, forming a vascr system that pleased both Gu Zuo and Tianheng.

    At the summit, qi pockets were dug out for the two nodes with the most exuberant and vigorous profound qi. Slightly below the summit, there were several more. As for the ce where guests were originally received, there were even more nodes.

    Finally, it was the bottom of the mountain. The distance between each node was quite far.

    After everything was settled, the Ardent Earth Pce Master made a grasping motion. From far away, the third ck Dragon Jade flew back into his hand, and was directly tossed to Tianheng. Meanwhile, the pce master gave a longugh, and departed just like that.

    T/N: Retroactively changing a few terms of address.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 483 - Organizational Expansion

    <h4>Chapter 483 - Organizational Expansion</h4>

    With the addition of three qi veins that were three hundred meters long, the concentration of ambient profound qi throughout the entire manor grounds increased by at least four or five times. This allowed the subordinates within the manor to benefit greatly.

    In such an environment, quite a few younger generations among the races and attached organizations used this opportunity to suddenly break through, bing martial artists of even higher realms.

    As far as the pharmacists were concerned, there were many more things that could be done under this kind of rich profound qi.

    Those who were at the same realms could continue umting and breaking through the internal qi realms. As for those who didn¡¯t have enough attainments, they could establish their own small, personal medicine gardens inside the Myriad Medicine Estate under the teachings of their elders. Outside of the estate, they could open uprge medicine gardens. Everything was for the sake of sustainable development and service ¡ª These things, which would take a long time to make a profit, couldn¡¯t be done when the initial capital was insufficient.

    Among these people, Wu Xing was conscientious and incredibly hardworking. Upon witnessing his actions, the leaders of other attached organizations also did their utmost unanimously.

    All of them knew that whomever could make the most contributions in the early stages could grasp even more authority in the future.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t the pharmacists of the Myriad Medicine Estate who benefited the most from the installment of the profound qi veins. Rather, it was those martial artists who required profound qi.

    In the manor, each of the servile races upied a piece of territory, but the battle ves were obligated to be sent to another thousand-personrge courtyard. Now that the framework had beenpleted and with the existence of the Tianlong Guards, a name was chosen for therge courtyard, which had to be expanded. It was called the Blood Dragon Barracks.

    The Blood Dragon Barracks was mainly divided between battle soldiers and death guards. Among them, the battle soldiers would constitute an army in the future. Currently, the troops were mainly formed spontaneously by the battle ves. For the time being, no specific rules had been drawn up, so they just trained first. As for the death guards, they wereprised of the Blood-Clothed Guards and the Tianlong Guards. The Tianlong Guards remained the same, but the Blood-Clothed Guards were a group of people who were selected for other purposes.

    A portion of the qi pockets controlled by the battle ves and Tianlong Guards were utilized as tools during daily shifts. However, a few were also treated as special rewards ¡ª If anyone was able to im victory in certainpetitions, they could use those qi pockets on a long-term basis.

    In this way, a wave ofpetitiveness formed among them. Moreover, while theypeted with each other, they also tried their best to maintain a virtuous cycle.

    Under Gongyi Tianheng¡¯smand, another ce that received his support was the martial arts dojo.

    This martial arts dojo was owned by the Gongyi n, and was ssified as a favor that Tianheng gave to his n members. At the same time, people from other racial groups were permitted to enter. The Gongyi n directly named the dojo after Gongyi Tianheng, and called it the Tianheng Martial Arts Hall. However, Tianheng didn¡¯t give them profound qi veins for free to increase theirziness. Instead, ten qi pockets were shifted out to locations below the mountain peak. This allowed the younger generations who often acquired the top ten spots in the Tianheng Martial Arts Hall to use them for cultivation purposes.

    Of course, Tianheng¡¯s close rtives, namely his grandfather, parents, and siblings, each had their own qi pocket. Even if they didn¡¯t use these qi pockets now, these things were theirs to use when the time came.

    Under Tianheng¡¯s various arrangements, the entire manor was operating in an orderly manner. And because Tianheng¡¯s own strength had broken through to the Atomic Realm, the sry he received was also improved a step further.

    The first thing that increased was the size of the manor grounds.

    At first, the manor upied a radius of five kilometers. But now, the demarcation had spread to the surroundings, and reached a radius of ten kilometers. The originally rewarded courtyards were also increased several times. At least ten more thousand-personrge courtyards as well as numerous hundred-person and ten-person courtyards were added.

    As for the blood pools, medicinal pills, medicinal ingredients, ore veins, woonds, and mountain peaks, all of them were increased. The quantity of each type was several times to a dozen times that of the previous quota.

    Naturally, these things were external objects. Admittedly, it was good to have these things, but even if he didn¡¯t have them, it wasn¡¯t impossible for Tianheng to purchase them inside the sect with his current financial ability. What was most important was the opportunity to select battle ves and servile races again.

    When he first joined Ten Ultimates Sect, Tianheng hadn¡¯t reached the Immortal Realm. However, the sry he obtained was still somewhat higher than that of an Immortal Realm prodigy. Now that Tianheng was at the Atomic Realm, the servants allocated to him also couldn¡¯t be of the same ss as when he was at the Immortal Realm.

    First of all, there were the servile races. Originally, he only had three servile races, but now he could choose another three.

    After that, there were the battle ves. At first, he only had three hundred battle ves, but now he could choose another five hundred Immortal Realms, thirty Atomic Realms, five Ascendant Realms, and two Celestial Realms.

    Tianheng was personally informed about these new gains by He Zizhang, who also brought him to the sect¡¯s battle ve barracks to conduct another round of selections.

    If it was said that He Zizhang did itst time mostly because of the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s order and a little bit of friendship as fellow disciples, then now it wasn¡¯t known how many times his kindness and closeness toward Tianheng had increased.

    Following this, with He Zizhang¡¯s help, Tianheng quickly made his selection.

    Concerning the servile races, he didn¡¯t make any choices that were too unusual. Instead, he added a branch of the Spirit-Seeking Mouse Race, which could cooperate with the Gold-Devouring Mouse Race ¡ª They possessed a trace of the Treasure-Hunting Mouse¡¯s bloodline as well as a trace of the Earth-Burrowing Mouse¡¯s bloodline. As a result, both sides were superimposed. Not only could they dig out caves incredibly quickly, they were also extremely sensitive to spirituality, which made them excellent helpers.

    On top of that, there was a branch of the Spirit Oriole Race, which could cooperate with the Enlightened Hundred-Spirits Monkeys. A sparse amount of feathers grew on the bodies of this race, and their singing voices were sweet and melodious. However, their greatest function wasn¡¯t to act as someone¡¯s amusement. Instead, they increased the concentration of earth qi through their singing voices, which promoted the growth of medicinal herbs.

    In addition, the third choice was still the same Iron Ox Race as before. It was said that they had originally branched out from the same tribe. Now, it was the right time to gather them together. The personalities of the Iron Ox Race were simple, honest, and loyal. He wasn¡¯t worried about too much trouble being caused once the different racial groups were assembled.

    The servile races selected for Atomic Realm disciples were all thousand-person races. For the members of these three races, each branch surpassed one thousand. After the selection, he sent someone to bring these people to the manor so that they could be settled down.

    Afterwards, these couple of races would respectively enter the umtion process of Tianheng¡¯s original industries...

    Once the servile races were chosen, the next step was to choose the battle ves.

    This time around, Tianheng didn¡¯te alone. Instead, he brought along Ao Ying, Ao Min, and several battle ve powerhouses from the wild dog and sighthound races. The purpose of bringing them wasn¡¯tplicated. It was to let them choose the battle ves who belonged to their respective tribes.

    Ao Ying and the others didn¡¯t expect this pleasant surprise, and they were immediately overwhelmed with gratitude. At this moment, even those people from the Wild Dog Tribe, who didn¡¯t surrender so easily, had their hearts filled with excitement.

    The subsequent matters became very simple. Ao Ying and the others rapidly recognized the members of their own tribes through qi emissions, types of internal qi, and so on. However, they didn¡¯t fail to meet Tianheng¡¯s expectations. Although they selected members of their own races, not every individual from each race was taken. Rather, they started choosing from those with the greatest strength and the most exuberant qi and blood.

    It was also because the hound races had so many people, and each tribe would send lots of members to be battle ves every year. After the numerous hound races were partitioned, those five hundred Immortal Realm cements were filled.

    After that, the Atomic Realm and Ascendant Realm cements were also upied by members of the hound races.

    All except for the Celestial Realm positions... Among their hound races, these fewrge tribes, there was only one mastiff.

    As for that other Celestial Realm powerhouse, Tianheng selected this individual from the Shadow-Morphing ck Cat Race.

    Firstly, a race of shadow cats had already been bestowed by his master to be his subordinates, and he had long familiarized himself with them. Secondly, there would be a mastiff out in the open and a shadow cat in the dark. Both sides could further their cooperation with one another.

    Rather than acquiring more races, it was better to digest his present gains. If he wanted even more races under hismand to flourish, it had to wait until his strength was higher.

    After the selection, Tianheng allowed Ao Ying and the others to deal with the battle ves and proceed to the Blood Dragon Barracks.

    Those chosen members of the hound races never thought that they would be so lucky to be selected by their fellow tribesmen. Now, they were affiliated with the subordinates under one master, and the entire tribe had been reunited. Once they listened to Ao Ying and the other battle ves talking about the sries Tianheng¡¯s subordinates could obtain, they were even more reassured.

    When all was said and done, it was already difficult for battle ves to be able to follow a good master. A master who respected and valued them was even rarer.

    The situation in front of them undoubtedly made them breathe great sighs of relief.

    As for the following matters, Tianheng didn¡¯t need to pay particr attention to those things.

    Speaking of which, the current number of battle ves of just the hound races reached a staggering 1,300 to 1,400 members. Coupled with the group of people from the shadow cat race, the framework of the army could be gradually built up... But it was still better to observe for a little while longer.

    After going back, Gu Zuo had just finished refining for three days and three nights. Having soaked in the hot springs for two hours, Gu Zuo came face to face with Tianheng.

    Seeing that Gu Zuo¡¯s features were damp with the steam¡¯s moisture, Tianheng¡¯s heart stirred. He walked over, and kissed Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek.

    Although this wasn¡¯t the first time he was kissed, Gu Zuo still felt that the part where he was kissed became a little hot. This caused him to quickly change the subject: ¡°Big brother, the pce master just sent a decree.¡±

    Tianheng saw that he seemed somewhat bashful. He muffled hisughter, and followed with a question: ¡°Oh? What did the decree say?¡±

    Gu Zuo handed over the decree that he recently received: ¡°I haven¡¯t opened it yet.¡±

    After that, Tianheng opened the decree, and swiftly skimmed through it. Once he finished reading the decree, he handed it back to Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo lowered his head to read it, and was a little surprised.

    This decree exined that there was a mission, which required his big brother toplete.

    This mission was an appeal for help from an unacknowledged organization, which was located in a rtively remote ce within Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s borders ¡ª This organization used to be at the iron rank, but their sole Ascendant Realm passed away decades ago. Without any strength, it could only drop in rank from iron to unacknowledged. Now that they encountered trouble, they weren¡¯t able to resolve it at all. Having no alternative, all that they could do was seek aid from Ten Ultimates Sect, to which they had been attached for countless years.

    However, it was also because the ce was too far away that this organization had never directlymunicated with Ten Ultimates Sect. At this time, they struggled to utilize an antiquated method to contact the sect. Fortunately, they were able to get in touch, and clearly exined what had happened to them.

    To put it simply, certain people were eyeing their organization.

    With this kind of targeting, those people probably wanted the small life of their entire force.

    Perhaps, due to the decree¡¯sck of page space, the specifics weren¡¯t particrly detailed. But basically speaking, it wasn¡¯t a local group that was targeting them, but most likely outsiders.

    Moreover, what these outsiders did was extremely excessive.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 484 - Swallowtail City

    <h4>Chapter 484 - Swallowtail City</h4>

    If it was a battle topete for territory between two organizations belonging to Ten Ultimates Sect, even if one side waspletely wiped out, the other side only needed to report what happened and wouldn¡¯t be punished too severely for it. Ten Ultimates Sect wouldn¡¯t intervene in such matters. However, if there were outsiders who wanted to deal with the forces affiliated with Ten Ultimates Sect, then that would be a different situation.

    Of course, the information given by the other party also mentioned that there was an Ascendant Realm among the outsiders. Although, whether or not there was a powerhouse of an even higher realm, they hadn¡¯t found out.

    Generally speaking, if no one paid attention to the appeal for help, then the destruction of that organization was certain.

    At the present time, the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s request written on the decree asked Gongyi Tianheng to go to that ce and investigate the specific situation. Supposing that there were no problems with that unacknowledged organization, and it was true that outsiders had vited the dignity of Ten Ultimates Sect, then if Tianheng had the ability, he would eliminate those outsiders. If the strength of those outsiders exceeded expectations, then he would bring back any information.

    After Tianheng finished reading, he pondered for a short while.

    Currently, Gu Zuo had calmed down, and asked: ¡°Big brother, what should we do?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Naturally, I will go and have a look.¡± He gave a faint pause, and softly said, ¡°If I umte and cultivate within the sect the entire time, it would be detrimental to my advancements. Right now, my studies seem to have reached a bottleneck, so I was just about to find an opportunity to go out adventuring. As it turns out, master¡¯s decree arrived, which happens to coincide with the asion.¡±

    In fact, just like how Tianheng himself wanted to go out, the issuance of this decree might¡¯ve also been because the Blood Transformation Pce Master wanted to give his disciple a chance to go out adventuring.

    Listening to this, Gu Zuo felt it was reasonable: ¡°Then, when will we be going out?¡±

    However, Tianheng said: ¡°This time, Ah Zuo will be staying in the sect. We won¡¯t be going together.¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    Tianheng continued to speak: ¡°As for this elder brother, after everything is sorted out, I¡¯ll be leaving on my journey tomorrow.¡± He slowly said, ¡°Since that adherent organization appealed for help, the situation must be somewhat urgent. It would be better if I leave as soon as possible.¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t care much whether Tianheng left sooner orter. What he cared about right now was ¡ª ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re not bringing me along?¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°The situation over there is unknown. In addition, that ce doesn¡¯t have any rare medicinal ingredients to collect. If Ah Zuo goes with me, it will definitely be a waste of your time. It would be better to continue cultivating in the sect.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    Actually, he felt that there wouldn¡¯t be any difference if he hastened the journey and refined medicine while following his family¡¯s big brother over there. However, he also understood that the concentration of profound qi within the manor had increased. If he cultivated on the mountain peak, the absorbed ambient profound qi would be much higher than outside the sect. If he had to go...then it might really be a waste.

    Thinking of this, Gu Zuo hesitated for a short while before nodding his head: ¡°In that case, the sooner big brother leaves, the sooner you¡¯lle back.¡±

    Soon after, he felt a little uneasy: ¡°Big brother, you should bring a few more things to defend yourself.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze softened: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. I have a trump card bestowed by a Heaven Lord. It can withstand a high Cosmic Realm attack. For this trip, even if the situation exceeds expectations, I¡¯ll definitely be able to escape unscathed.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt a little better, and nodded: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be waiting for big brother¡¯s safe return at home!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he wasn¡¯t sidetracked by anything else. He squeezed into his medicine refining room, and worked against the clock to refine the medicinal pills he knew how to make throughout the night. Everything that he refined as well as his previous inventory were chosen and thrown into a huge pile, which waster shoved into Tianheng¡¯s spatial bangle. As for his and big brother¡¯s private stash of money, which was originally in his safekeeping, Gu Zuo directly took out one billion profound crystals, and asked Tianheng to put them inside the bangle, too ¡ª If there was an auction or a ce that required business transactions, and there was something that big brother wanted to get, how could it be done without money?!

    While busying away, the time that Tianheng had to go arrived in the blink of an eye.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t go alone this time. He directly brought along the shadow cat race¡¯s Celestial Realm powerhouse and forty Tianlong Guards who practiced the path of the asura. Of course, the former was chosen due to sufficiently fast speeds and the convenience of handling matters. Thetter was chosen because he wanted to train their capabilities.

    However, just in case the situation became urgent, thebined power of these Tianlong Guards would be rather formidable. After mounting a joint attack, it would be easier to find a chance to slip away.

    Gu Zuo followed Tianheng¡¯s departure with his eyes, feeling a little disappointed and frustrated at the bottom of his heart.

    But he also knew that with the advancement of one¡¯s realms, it would be impossible to be together all the time. The number of times that he had to send off big brother would probably increase...

    Having such thoughts, Gu Zuo silently turned around, and came to the qi pocket on the summit that belonged to him.

    He didn¡¯t really want to refine medicine after big brother left, so umting profound qi in the qi pocket and quietly meditating would be better.

    This location was at the back of the mountain.

    After the initial pir-like outburst, several restriction arrays were set up around this qi pocket, containing most of the profound qi inside.

    Once Gu Zuo entered, his face was awash with surges of profound qi.

    He wiped his face in a natural way. After that, he walked against the qi flow, and sat cross-legged next to the qi pocket.

    Absorb, absorb...

    He strove to let his internal qi break through to the Atomic Realm as soon as possible.

    Gongyi Tianheng led the forty Tianlong Guards through the teleportation arrays of many cities within the Ten Ultimates Domain. After several hours passed, they smoothly arrived at the location that requested help.

    The territory of the Ten Ultimates Domain was extremely vast. The farther the destination, the more barren it was. This concept was the same regardless of where one went, and the Ten Ultimates Domain was no exception.

    Ten Ultimates Domain was partitioned by numerous cities, and this ce was called Swallowtail City.

    Just listening to the name gave people a sense of subdued grace and elegance. And the facts were indeed as such. Back then, the Ascendant Realm powerhouse who allowed Swallowtail City to be an iron-ranked city was actually a woman who was originally raised in ady¡¯s boudoir ¡ª That¡¯s right. She didn¡¯t evene from a n with a martial path inheritance. Instead, she was a pretty daughter in a humble family among themon folk.

    Later on, she went through all kinds of fortuitous encounters before putting this piece ofnd on the map. However, in order to practice the path of martial arts, she never married all her life. Fortunately, before her lifespan ended, she brought up another Ascendant Realm from her younger brother¡¯s descendants. It was only a pity that this Ascendant Realm was forcibly elevated by her before she passed away, so the other party¡¯s aptitude still wasn¡¯t enough to continue breaking through. Thus, this person could only find someone among the younger generations and forcibly elevate them, too...

    This kind of forced method of advancement was passed down several generations until it finally failed with thest generation.

    When Ascendant Realms no longer appeared, Swallowtail City¡¯s rank fell, resources gradually diminished, and talents withered even more. As one could see, this ce became more and more impoverished. But in the end, something else happened that only added insult to injury for the present Swallowtail City.

    After Tianheng came to Swallowtail City, he went into a restaurant. Before he made any inquiries, he already found out what happened in the city from the casual conversations of the restaurant¡¯s customers.

    As it turned out, the city had been gued by flower thieves for the past two years.

    Tianheng: ¡°...¡±

    He considered things carefully several times upon his arrival, but he didn¡¯t expect the situation to be like this.

    But if it was only sexual assault, how could this cause the city lord to seek help so anxiously? Was it possible that the Ascendent Realm powerhouse was among the flower thieves?

    This matter was a little strange.

    In all likelihood, the flower thieves certainly weren¡¯t only ¡°picking flowers.¡±

    There was no more information to glean in the restaurant, so Tianheng led the numerous Tianlong Guards, and proceeded toward the city lord¡¯s mansion.

    The imposing aura of this group of people was out of the ordinary, and they attracted lots of attention along the way. However, when all was said and done, everyone restrained their qi emissions. Apart from appearances that made people feel that they were somewhat special, it seemed that they weren¡¯t too eye-catching ¡ª This was also the reason why Tianheng only brought several dozen people. If he had brought hundreds or even a thousand subordinates to such a remote ce, he would¡¯ve alerted the enemy from the very beginning.

    The city lord¡¯s mansion was still quite dignified.

    The gates in front of the mansion were guarded tightly. Those guards wore, which made them appear stronger than the lightly-garbed Tianlong Guards. However, if one looked at strength, the majority of these people were Xiantian grade seven or eight. Only a small number of martial artists were at the Immortal Realm.

    But for an unacknowledged organization, it would have to spare no effort to produce such a group of people.

    It could be seen that the city lord¡¯s mansion had recently imposed emergency measures, and was very vignt about the current situation.

    At the entrance, Tianheng didn¡¯t say much. He only gestured to the shadow cat hidden in the dark.

    The shadow cat slightly nodded, and quickly turned into a streak of shadow. In the blink of an eye, the shadow cat vanished, and returned after a few breaths of time.

    At this moment, the gates of the city lord¡¯s mansion opened wide. A beautiful woman who appeared to be thirty to forty years old walked out. Her clothes were rather dignified, but her countenance seemed haggard.

    Upon seeing Tianheng, the woman stepped forward and eagerly asked: ¡°Are you the honorable sect¡¯s emissary?¡±

    Tianheng had a smile on his face: ¡°Precisely so. I ask for the city lord¡¯s guidance.¡±

    While speaking, he shed his own identity token.

    The woman took a deep breath, and immediately invited him inside without saying much.

    In the main hall of the city lord¡¯s mansion, the woman called for someone to prepare tea and other things, and received her guests with great care. However, she appeared to be in a restless mood, and didn¡¯t engage in pleasantries.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of making things difficult for her, and directly said: ¡°City lord, can you tell me all the details of this matter?¡±

    The woman suppressed her anxiety, adjusted her mood, and exined the matter from start to finish: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from the honorable sect¡¯s emissary. Because of this strange situation, this old woman hasn¡¯t been able to rest or eat in peace...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 485 - People Behind the Scenes

    <h4>Chapter 485 - People Behind the Scenes</h4>

    Let¡¯s start with this woman¡¯s identity. Her name was Wan Rong, and she was at the Atomic Realm. Currently, she was 483 years old, and her lifespan would be depleted in seventeen years. Even if she wanted to break through, she no longer had the ability.

    There were three daughters below her, and all of their aptitudes were considered pretty good. Most of all was the youngest daughter. Currently, she was just in her thirties, but she was already an Immortal Realm martial artist. If things went on like this, she was expected to reach the Ascendant Realm. Ultimately, she would be the city lord of Swallowtail City, and restore Swallowtail City to an iron-ranked organization.

    Wan Rong nurtured her three daughters with great care, and whenever she worked as the city lord of Swallowtail City, she did everything with all of her heart. As such, she was greatly loved and respected by themon folk. However, just two years ago, the people in the city began disappearing.

    In the beginning, Wan Rong didn¡¯t pay much attention to it.

    It was only because, no matter where one went in the world, fighting and hatred were unavoidable. It was an ordinary matter for several people to perish or go missing every day. In particr, those who died were merely Houtian Realm martial artists. How was it worth making a mountain out of a molehill? Bystanders wouldn¡¯t care, and neither would the city lord.

    However, when this all started, only one person was lost every month.

    These missing people were all young girls in their prime of their youth. Moreover, their appearances were quite beautiful.

    Three months passed, and three people went missing. When it was the fourth month, the pattern changed, and one person was lost every twenty days. Likewise, these people were still young girls in the prime of their youth. As such, without anyone realizing it, half a year passed by. During this half year, nine young girls disappeared.

    All of the girls were under the age of twenty. They were female martial artists who were like flower buds on the verge of blooming. Although their realms were merely Houtian, once this many young girls disappeared, it finally drew some attention.

    In the end, not all of these girls were from ordinary households. Nor did they all disappear into thin air. There were also girls who were originally within ns and organizations, but vanished anyway... Those ns and organizations naturally wanted to investigate.

    However, those investigations were of no use.

    Several ns joined together, but they couldn¡¯t find any clues either!

    In an instant, they realized that something was wrong...

    This incident was reported to Wan Rong, but the worsening of the situation couldn¡¯t be stopped.

    Immediately following which, one girl disappeared every ten days, and it was withplete disregard for the girl¡¯s identity. It was only based on age and strength. After three months, nine youngdies disappeared. Following another three months, nine young men vanished.

    Then, a Xiantian Realm woman disappeared after seven days ¡ª The perpetrators were no longer targeting girls. After seven more days, a Xiantian Realm man went missing. In this way, the situation repeated over and over again for another six months.

    After that, Immortal Realm martial artists finally started disappearing.

    And this time, the frequency of disappearances was one person every three days. Simrly, it was the women first, and the men afterwards.

    Wan Rong summoned all of the people in charge of the upper-level forces in Swallowtail City to discuss this matter. If things continued like this, then the situation would be untenable. Perhaps, the younger generations of the entire Swallowtail City wouldpletely vanish, leaving many forces without sessors! In addition, what Wan Rong mourned even more was that, among her three children, her eldest daughter and second daughter were snatched away amid this time of trouble! Both of them were valiant, unmarried women, and they wholeheartedly and tirelessly cultivated to bring honor to their ancestors. The eldest was three hundred-something years old, and the other was a little more than a hundred years old.

    It was pity that, while Wan Rong mobilized most of the powerhouses in the city, they couldn¡¯t find the whereabouts of the missing party. However, perhaps because of sufficient manpower and everyone was working together with all their hearts and souls, they discovered some traces this time... Although, they would rather have never found these kind of traces.

    What they found was a skeletal corpse, and the bone age was less than twenty years old. From the time of death, this should¡¯ve been the first girl who went missing. Not only did this corpse lose its vital yin, even the body¡¯s essence blood had been drained away, turning the corpse into desated bones. It was extremely pitiful.

    Theplexions of Swallowtail City¡¯s powerhouses immediately changed.

    Judging from the skeletal remains, the other side didn¡¯t have any goals of annexing or coercing Swallowtail City at all. These were incredibly wicked and evil people. Maybe Swallowtail City itself was already regarded as food reserves...

    Due to her fury, Wan Rong brought numerous powerhouses to carefully search the vicinity of the skeletal remains. The more they searched, the more fearful they became. They ended up finding a dozen or so corpses one after another. In the wake of their investigation, they also discovered that the owners of these corpses were the first and second batch of missing girls.

    However, more bodies weren¡¯t found. When they gradually approached a certain location, a formidable attack suddenly appeared. Right in front of them, an Atomic Realm powerhouse was struck dead!

    The strength of this Atomic Realm was just below that of Wan Rong...

    Even if it was Wan Rong, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to kill the other person in a single strike.

    After that, the hearts of Wan Rong and the numerous powerhouses palpitated with unease. Having no alternative, they cautiously inspected the corpse of that Atomic Realm powerhouse, and found that the attack suffered by the other party was slightly superior than that of the Ascendent Realm powerhouses they knew about. As such, it ought to still be within the category of the Ascendent Realm. Therefore, during the report, Wan Rong exined that there was probably an Ascendent Realm powerhouse. But whether there was anyone stronger, she wasn¡¯t able to find out.

    ¡ª Resistance was futile.

    Ever since that day, Wan Rong had no choice but to lead those powerhouses to keep guard inside the city. They restricted the citizens to be more careful. Moreover, they let the outstanding younger generations in the city leave as soon as possible.

    However, this alone wouldn¡¯t prevent those younger generations who hadn¡¯t departed in time, or only left halfway, from vanishing. Thus, Wan Rong thought of every possible method, and finally contacted Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Once Gongyi Tianheng finished listening, he faintly furrowed his brows: ¡°From this, it seems like some sort of cultivation method.¡±

    It really wasn¡¯t something like mere flower thieves.

    The facts were indeed as such. After the number of missing girls reached a certain quantity, those who noticed treated this as cases of sexual assault. But in reality, it wasn¡¯t as simple as flower thieves. Of course, although many young men also disappeared, in order to avoid causing too much panic among the citizens, the upper echelons could only keep the matter under wraps, making the citizens believe that this was the work of flower thieves... No matter how much the citizens loathed and hated these flower thieves, it was better than all of Swallowtail City letting people be fish and meat to be carved up.

    In the end, this was just to appease the citizens.

    A gleam of pain shed through Wan Rong¡¯s eyes: ¡°The other missing people haven¡¯t been found yet, but I¡¯m afraid that this only bodes ill for everyone involved.¡±

    Tianheng asked: ¡°Where is the location of the other party¡¯s hideout?¡±

    Wan Rong closed her eyes: ¡°It¡¯s probably where we lost that Atomic Realm powerhouse. It¡¯s just that...¡±

    It was just that they didn¡¯t dare to go over there again. Although they knew that it was possible to find out what was going on, Wan Rong understood even more that it was pointless for people of their strength to go no matter how many went. The oue that ultimately awaited them would be total and utter defeat. For the sake of the bigger picture, before reinforcements arrived, they could only hold on and endure.

    There was still one thing Tianheng didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Do those people not know that Swallowtail City is affiliated with Ten Ultimates Sect?¡±

    Wan Rong shook her head: ¡°This old woman doesn¡¯t know if they¡¯re aware or not. But in this old woman¡¯s opinion, if they know, they shouldn¡¯t have acted this insolently. However, there¡¯s also a possibility that the organization backing them has extremely robust foundations, too.¡±

    Tianheng naturally had this guess as well.

    Though, he still had other ideas.

    The people behind the scenes shouldn¡¯t have been from arge organization. Otherwise, why would there be a need to personallye over and snatch others like this? Just making some deals within one¡¯s own organization would suffice.

    But if they weren¡¯t people from arge organization, they either didn¡¯t know about the rtionship between Swallowtail City and Ten Ultimates Sect or, although they knew about this connection, they felt they would get lucky ¡ª Maybe they thought they could smoothly escape.

    Thinking up to here, Tianheng¡¯splexion turned serious.

    If the other party firmly believed they could get away without any problems, wouldn¡¯t that mean they believed that not even someone from Ten Ultimates Sect could obstruct them? And if a ce like Swallowtail City got in touch with Ten Ultimates Sect, the sect indeed wouldn¡¯t send a disciple who was too powerful. As such, following a rough calction, the opponent¡¯s strength needed to be handled more cautiously.

    Moreover, for the opponent to do such things, their willpower was certainly resolute. They even might¡¯ve been a little crazy.

    After these considerations, Tianheng spoke to Wan Rong: ¡°No matter what, since I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll think of a way to go and investigate. Later on, I hope that City Lord Wan will tell me all the information she knows. Not a single detail can be overlooked.¡±

    Wan Rong heard this, and naturally agreed again and again: ¡°This old woman understands. I only hope that the honorable sect¡¯s envoy can help Swallowtail City and take revenge for my Swallowtail City¡¯s citizens who tragically died!¡±

    Tianheng cated her with a few words, and didn¡¯t discuss much else with her.

    Currently, he still needed to straighten out those pieces of information, and try to figure out a few more things.

    At the same time, Tianheng dispatched the shadow cat race¡¯s powerhouse: ¡°Ying Yu, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to patrol around the city for the next few days.¡±

    Ying Yu kneeled on the ground: ¡°Yes, young master.¡±

    Right now, the pattern was still one person every three days. It would depend on whether Ying Yu found any traces of that individual.

    For a Celestial Realm martial artist from the shadow cat race, which was adept at concealment, there was naturally nothing to scoff at.

    In the night.

    Gongyi Tianheng scanned through those pieces of information, but didn¡¯t discover anything too unusual or novel. Basically, the content was what Wan Rong summed up ¡ª Or it could be said that, with Wan Rong and the others¡¯ capabilities, this was all that they could see.

    This wasn¡¯t far beyond Tianheng¡¯s expectations.

    One would know after thinking about it. Since the people behind the scenes chose Swallowtail City to do these things, so long as they weren¡¯t stupid, they wouldn¡¯t let anyone know more about it.

    Merely, what was going on with those scattered corpses?

    Tianheng pondered.

    ording to his way of thinking, there was probably only one reason.

    The other party¡¯s purpose should¡¯ve been to lure Wan Rong and the others over. Then, a thunderous reprisal was used to act as a deterrent force.

    T/N: As a warning for readers, Chapters 486 and 487 will contain <b>graphic depictions of sexual assault</b>. Discretion is advised. The trigger warnings for this novel will also be updated to reflect this change.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 486 - Cave of Evil Deeds

    <h4>Chapter 486 - Cave of Evil Deeds</h4>

    T/N: This chapter contains <b>graphic depictions of sexual assault</b>. For those who do not wish to read this chapter, any important information will be summarized in a recap at the start of Chapter 488.

    If it was like this, then Wan Rong and the others would¡¯ve naturally had an excuse for the entire city when it was realized how powerful the opposition was. They wouldn¡¯t have gone so far as to bring attention to this matter. If she had been a little less courageous, she wouldn¡¯t have even gotten in touch with Ten Ultimates Sect. As such, for the people behind the scenes, silently achieving their goals wouldn¡¯t have caused too much rm at all.

    Gongyi Tianheng closed his eyes and pondered deeply.

    He hadn¡¯t thought about why those behind the scenes wanted to target the people of a ce with connections to Ten Ultimates Sect like Swallowtail City. On this continent, only organizations that reached the silver rank and above couldpletely untether themselves from others. Otherwise, even if it was a bronze-ranked organization, there would always be an honorable ¡°higher sect.¡± It could¡¯ve possibly made friends with a silver-ranked or even gold-ranked force.

    It was reasonable to say that the higher sect of Swallowtail City wasn¡¯t directly attributed to Ten Ultimates Sect. Rather, it was a bronze-ranked organization. However, this bronze-ranked force disappeared in the long river of history amid the changing times. Contrary to expectations, Swallowtail City, which was barely keeping itself afloat, had the ability to directly contact Ten Ultimates Sect.

    Tianheng contemted things further.

    If the people behind the scenes only believed that the higher sect of the unacknowledged Swallowtail City was merely at the iron or bronze rank, then even if there was a helping hand, the rank would be even lower... Thus, perhaps they thought they had nothing to fear?

    But no matter how many thoughts Tianheng considered, the people behind the scenes had already taken such actions. Regardless of how much he guessed, under the circumstances of ack of information, he wouldn¡¯t be able to ascertain howrge the backer supporting the other side was.

    No matter how much he thought about it... It seemed that there were certain aspects that didn¡¯t conform to logic.

    This caused Tianheng¡¯s frame of mind to be somewhat serious.

    Fine. He would guard the tree stump and wait for the rabbit.

    With such thinking, Tianheng sat cross-legged on the bed.

    City Lord Wan Rong entertained Tianheng with the utmost thoughtfulness, but Tianheng didn¡¯t have any inclinations to enjoy himself. More than that, he didn¡¯t feel that he could rest peacefully at this time.

    While he umted profound qi, he could only split his attention to take notice of the movements around him.

    The Tianlong Guards were very vignt. They had long practiced the techniques for joint attacks, and their tacit understanding was extraordinary. Right now, they formed a type of battle array that closely protected the room¡¯s periphery.

    If there were any external attacks, they would definitely respond at the first moment!

    This vignce continued for the next two days.

    On the third day, when it was veryte at night, Tianheng suddenly opened his eyes.

    &#k2014; There seemed to be something wrong with the atmosphere of Swallowtail City?

    For this kind of peculiarity, ordinary martial artists wouldn¡¯t have discovered it. This even went for those martial artists whose realms were more profound than that of Tianheng himself. Although, for all-star prodigies like Tianheng, they were born to be powerhouses. Their sensitivity to the outside world naturally couldn¡¯t bepared to that of ordinary people.

    Hence, Wan Rong and the others couldn¡¯t discover that something was wrong due to their limited strength. Yet, on the third night that he came to this ce, he was the first to notice!

    Naturally, the one who simrly discovered it was the member of the shadow cat race.

    At this moment, Ying Yu was continuously shuttling across the empty sky. Not far ahead of him, there was another figure who simrly traveled through the air using an extremely fast body technique. This figure had no choice but to dump the weighty object in his hands to speed up and escape!

    This weighty object was a person with a slender build. A dark light shed in Ying Yu¡¯s eyes.

    He knew that if what City Lord Wan Rong said was true, today was the time when a girl would be abducted! This slender person was naturally the girl who had been taken.

    With a wave of Ying Yu¡¯s hand, the girl was gently lowered to the ground under the eaves of a nearby rooftop with a surge of softened energy. However, the instant she fell to the ground, she was roused awake. Suddenly realizing that she was in the wrong ce, she involuntarily cried out in rm. But when all was said and done, she was a Xiantian Realm martial artist who had firm willpower. She quickly reacted, and knew that she had been rescued. At once, her delicate body shed away into a side street ¡ª She wanted to rush to the city lord¡¯s mansion, and report this matter to the city lord!

    At the same time, because Ying Yu took action at this instance, the distance between himself and the person ahead pulled apart. However, the speed of the shadow cat race was naturally quite fast. During the the few seconds he was hindered, he used some secret methods to swiftly catch up. The distance between them was bing shorter and shorter!

    The person in front also discovered this matter. He seemed to be extremely anxious, but unfortunately, there was no other way. He could only bite his finger, and use his heart¡¯s blood as a sacrifice to refine his own body. This allowed his speed to rise to another level.

    As the most outstanding assassin among the members of the shadow cat race, it was only natural that he had the brains to back up his speed. Once he realized that the opponent was close to desperation, since he didn¡¯te here to beat the grass and startle the snake, he pretended to have exhausted his own strength, too. After chasing for a while, he suddenly struck out with a palm and seriously injured the person up ahead. Shortly thereafter, his speed slowed, and he faintly fell behind.

    However, he didn¡¯t really fall behind. Rather, his body shook slightly andpletely disappeared into the air.

    Seeing that Ying Yu wasn¡¯t pursuing anymore, the figure in front breathed a sigh of relief. After taking several circuitous detours, he entered a wooded mountain.

    This wasn¡¯t the location where Wan Rong and the others were threatened in the beginning, but a rtively more hidden ce. Ying Yu used the innate skill of his own race and silently followed. Finally, this area entered his field of view.

    In addition, Ying Yu also discovered that there really were other people inside the cave concealed by the wooded mountain ¡ª Apart from that Ascendent Realm fellow just now, there was another Ascendent Realm as well as a streak of somewhat weaker qi emissions.

    There were only three people in total...

    Ying Yu waited here for a long time in the dead of the night, but didn¡¯t see any new peopleing over. When the color of the sky was about to brighten, he didn¡¯t wait any longer. Turning around, he headed towards Swallowtail City.

    It was just two Ascendent Realms. There was nothing to worry about.

    Tianheng had been waiting in his room for a long while.

    Ying Yu kneeled on the ground: ¡°Young master, this subordinate followed that man to a cave...¡±

    His words were concise andprehensive, and he quickly told Tianheng everything he saw.

    Having heard what was said, Tianheng¡¯s gaze faintly moved: ¡°Are you sure that there isn¡¯t anyone stronger in the cave?¡±

    Ying Yu respectfully said: ¡°This subordinate is certain.¡±

    Tianheng slightly nodded his head: ¡°In that case, get ready. To avoid a long night with many dreams, we shall set off immediately.¡±

    Ying Yu was startled, but lowered his head right away: ¡°As the young mastermands!¡±

    Because the opposition consisted of Ascendant Realms, Tianheng didn¡¯t bring along his group of Tianlong Guards. Rather, he ordered them to watch over the city lord¡¯s mansion. This was to prevent any idents from happening.

    As for Tianheng himself, he followed Ying Yu through the air, and came directly to the wooded mountain.

    Although the time was short, it was unknown whether those three people evacuated in advance ¡ª After all, the way those people acted was really treacherous and deceitful. However, one of them had already been injured by Ying Yu. If he left like this, it would be easy to leave traces. As such, they would probably deal with the injury before making any decisions.

    Thus, Ying Yu fought for the opportunity to return with his report and for the two to swiftly depart.

    In front of the cave, Tianheng put on a ck cloak.

    In an instant, his figure seemed to vanish from Ying Yu¡¯s line of sight. Not a single strand of qi emissions was leaked, which made it practically impossible to detect anything. Ying Yu¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank ¡ª The young master was nowhere to be seen!

    The next moment, Ying Yu developed a feeling of admiration for this young master. He knew that this was the function of the cloak. Soon after, he employed his own innate skill, and concealed himself.

    After that, the two stepped into the cave.

    What was beyond their expectations was that the cave was clean and neat. There wasn¡¯t a whiff of the stench of blood ¡ª Could it be that the people who were captured weren¡¯t in this ce? Or perhaps, they had been moved to another location long ago?

    But very quickly, they realized that this wasn¡¯t the case.

    In the depths of the cave, they saw quite a few stonepartments. And there were different sights inside the various rooms.

    Among them, there were three stonepartments that should¡¯ve been living spaces. Eachpartment was furnished differently. In the most spacious one, the qi emissions left behind were the weakest, but in fact, that person¡¯s status ought to have been the highest. This was because all of the furnishings used were the best.

    The two gave a hurried nce at these three stonepartments, but didn¡¯t find anything special, so they didn¡¯t pay these areas any further attention.

    The things that caused the two¡¯s gazes to darken were within the deepest stonepartment in the central part of the cave ¡ª Rather than calling it a stonepartment, it was better to call it a stone pce hall. In Tianheng¡¯s opinion, this ce looked more like the dark and ghastlyboratories he had heard about in the modern world. Everything inside would evoke an onlooker¡¯s greatest disgust and loathing.

    Granted that Ying Yu was a member of a nonhuman race, he had never seen something so inhumane and cruel.

    In the middle of the stone pce hall, there was an enormous stone bed. Lying on top of the stone bed were a dozen or so pairs of naked men and women. Their expressions were dull and vacant, but their bodies exuded an air of powerful desire. They frantically mated with one another like beasts. The men¡¯s hard masculinity joined together with the women¡¯s soft femininity. But in this ce, there wasn¡¯t the slightest beauty of harmonious lovemaking. On the contrary, it brought about a type of sickening and nauseating atmosphere ¡ª This was because theypletelycked any enjoyment or willingness in the act. It seemed they were being controlled like puppets!

    However, this wasn¡¯t the only scene.

    Near the left side, there was anotherrge stone bed. There were men and women copting on this stone bed as well, but without exception, every woman was pregnant. Meanwhile, the men lying on top of them had nk and lifeless expressions. As they constantly undted up and down, a type of energy was infused into the women¡¯s bodies. It seemed that it was due to this reason that the men¡¯s skin dulled and their figures withered little by little. Even their lifespans appeared to slowly copse through this process...

    On the right side, there was a final stone table. On this table, a pregnant youngdy was lying on her back with her gravid belly bulging upwards. But at this moment, a person was standing at the bedside with a sharp de in hand. The de shed down ¡ª

    At that exact moment, a strong wind rushed out!

    With Tianheng¡¯s signal, it was Ying Yu who made a move!

    The strength of a Celestial Realm martial artist was so powerful that it couldn¡¯t bepared to that of an Ascendant Realm at all. Under Ying Yu¡¯s full-strength blow, that sharp de was immediately knocked away. As for the person who had been holding that de, he was also hit by a powerful force. He suddenly flew backwards, and smashed into the stone wall of the cave!

    Tianheng also took action, but his target wasn¡¯t the other two people nearby. Instead, it was the pregnant woman on that stone table. Obviously, he didn¡¯t intend to kill this pregnant woman. Instead, he used a streak of qi energy to lift her up, slowly push her to the side, and gentlyy her down.

    At this time, Tianheng was still wearing the ck cloak. His features were covered in ayer of cold frost as he red at the other two people.

    Among them, one person was injured. Currently, he had swallowed a medicinal pill and was in the middle of adjusting his breathing. But the other person was holding something that looked like a clump of mushy meat, and was stuffing it into his mouth a little bit at a time.

    The shape of that mushy meat looked as if...it had just been cut out.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 487 - Rescuing People

    <h4>Chapter 487 - Rescuing People</h4>

    T/N: This chapter contains <b>graphic depictions of sexual assault</b>. For those who do not wish to read this chapter, any important information will be summarized in a recap at the start of Chapter 488.

    For someone whomitted such atrocious acts, Gongyi Tianheng would never let them off. Right away, he unleashed a brazen strike with a majestic golden light. The ce where this golden light aimed at was the person who was devouring the clump of mushy meat!

    In a split second, that meat turned into a ray of flowing light, which slithered directly into that person¡¯s mouth. Shortly thereafter, he soared high into the air. A nefarious de tip shed into the center of his palm and shed with Tianheng¡¯s golden light, constantly whittling down its energy.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t give that person a moment to prepare, and immediately took action once again. Streak after streak of qi energy burst forth, confronting that person in close quarters. Each move was more ruthless than the next. It was like he had vowed to give this person a violent death in his hands!

    That person was also an Atomic Realm martial artist, but he was wicked and evil. Whenever he took action, he was iparably vicious. However, his umtions weren¡¯t as vigorous as that of Tianheng. During this battle, he had already fallen to a somewhat disadvantaged state after a dozen or so rounds.

    Tianheng¡¯s gaze was cold and detached, but his heart and mind were incredibly calm. He only focused on the weak points of this person¡¯s attacks. The power of the sun was capable of eliminating evil spirits and restraining him.

    As for the person who was treating his wounds on the other side, he was originally going to intercept the attack the instant Tianheng acted. However, he was only an Ascendant Realm martial artist. The Celestial Realm Ying Yu¡¯s responses were extremely fast. After repelling the other Ascendant Realm with the previous blow, the moment the injured person moved, Ying Yu used his hand to seize the counterattack. At this time, he was dealing with two Ascendant Realms simultaneously as if he was handling a butcher¡¯s cleaver with ease. Although the opponents were extremely vicious, the difference in realms was sorge and Ying Yu¡¯s racial talents were so powerful that he firmly suppressed them after a few shes.

    These three people showed off their power in Swallowtail City, but unfortunately, they crumbled under the first blow in front of Tianheng and Ying Yu.

    Before long, Ying Yu swatted one of the Ascendant Realm powerhouses to death. Soon after, it became incredibly easy when he dealt with the other Ascendant Realm. It didn¡¯t take but a few breaths for Ying Yu to beat him to death, too.

    Tianheng took action without holding back. Rather than contending with that person who repeatedly tossed out many tricks, he smashed them all to pieces. But at this moment, the situation abruptly changed!

    That person suddenly brandished a spirit weapon that instantaneously hindered Tianheng for a single second. Immediately following which, he directly threw out an object. It shined with dense rays of light, and erupted with an extremely terrifying energy!

    At the exact same time, Tianheng said: ¡°Ying Yu, protect yourself and the people in the cave! Don¡¯t worry about me!¡±

    Right away, Ying Yu unleashed his strongest powers. He obeyed Tianheng¡¯s order, andpletely enveloped himself and all of the victims. He did his utmost to hold back this st of energy. Admittedly, he was concerned about his young charge, but he also didn¡¯t dare to disobey thismand and ruin the young master¡¯s n.

    As for Tianheng, he indeed have a n. It was his trump card. He had known for a long time that those who dared to do such evil things wouldn¡¯t bepletely helpless. Sure enough, at this time, he saw that the energy erupting from the object thrown by the other party was already close to the strength of a Heaven Lord. Basically, it wasn¡¯t something that the present Tianheng could resist by relying on his own capabilities!

    However, Tianheng brandished a jade-like bloody hand!

    The surface of the bloody hand exploded with an intense bloody radiance. Shortly thereafter, the jade hand abruptly transformed into a gigantic palm that covered the sky. It quickly grabbed the formidable energy released by the other party. The impact of this energy was contained within the palm!

    At the same time, after eliminating that st of power, the remaining shockwaves directly battered the person who brandished that power. His pair of eyes opened wide, and his facial features became hideous and fierce-looking. Though his lips opened and closed several times, not a single word could be spoken... After that, he fell to the ground with extreme unwillingness as his body shriveled up.

    At this moment, the man, whose figure was originally tall andrge, immediately turned into a pile of meat paste.

    It was an incredibly repulsive sight.

    Tianheng slowly retracted his hands.

    The evildoers were dead, and he had vented his resentment.

    Due to theposition of the Heavenly Blood Palm, all of the energy¡¯s shockwaves were offset. Although the entire cave dwelling had been shaken several times, and the stone beds and other things within the cave were turned into fine powder, the cave didn¡¯t copse.

    Ying Yu also breathed a sigh of relief.

    Under the fallout of two Heaven Lord-ranked attacks, even though he would¡¯ve been capable of saving himself, it would¡¯ve been somewhat difficult to protect these Houtian and Xiantian men and women. Injuries would¡¯ve been unavoidable. Since the Heavenly Blood Palm resisted all of the attack, he saved a lot of energy on this side.

    Soon after, Tianheng extended a hand, and took the inter-spatial tools and other belongings of the two Ascendant Realms and lone Atomic Realm. Following that, he flipped his palm, and a wisp of brilliantly white mes suddenly shot out and incinerated the three corpses until there was nothing left!

    This fire was the Heavenly Cloud me, which was an extreme-yang wondrous fire. At this time, it was perfect for eliminating evil spirits, destroying corpses, and wiping away any traces.

    Right after that, Tianheng¡¯s gazended on the remains of the two stone beds.

    Perhaps, it was due to the death of those three people. Although these men and women still weren¡¯t clear-headed, they were no longer copting. It was just that, whether it was the men or women, their qi emissions were rather weak and feeble. It was only the abdomens of those pregnant women that were brewing an extremely strong, pure, and sinister power.

    Tianheng swept a nce over these people, and noticed that there were two women among them who were quite simr in appearance to City Lord Wan Rong. They were probably her daughters. Currently, their figures were thin and pallid, but their bellies wererge and gravid. They were already pregnant. As for the ones still lying on top of them, they used to be handsome and outstanding men, but now they could be described as haggard, battered, and exhausted.

    After pondering for a moment, Tianheng said: ¡°Ying Yu, go and report this matter to City Lord Wan Rong first. Tell her to take proper precautions. If it¡¯s feasible, relocate the people of the city as soon as possible. By all means, don¡¯t linger around that ce. Just now, the trump card that person took out wasparable to that of a Heaven Lord. I¡¯m afraid the situation isn¡¯t simple at all. After reporting to the city lord, swiftly lead the Tianlong Guards back to the sect and inform my master about this matter. Ask him toe here to deal with things.¡±

    It would¡¯ve been good if this trump card was identally obtained by that fellow. But if not, the person behind this guy probably wasn¡¯t someone Tianheng could handle.

    This needed to be reported to the sect.

    Ying Yu received his orders, so he naturally left immediately.

    Meanwhile, Tianheng stayed behind. He swiftly opened those inter-spatial tools, and searched inside ¡ª These men and women were already like puppets. Taking them back in this state wasn¡¯t appropriate. He ought to find a way to bring them back to their senses as quickly as possible.

    With such considerations, Tianheng¡¯s thoughts moved again. Severalrge brocade quilts appeared in his hand. With a fling of his wrist, those men and women werepletely covered.

    This also left them with some dignity.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything in the slightest as he rapidly rummaged through the inter-spatial tools.

    He tossed aside some misceneous things without even looking at them. On the other hand, those sinister and strange-looking things like tortoise shells, secret books, and leather hides were all examined by him incredibly quickly.

    Soon, he roughly surmised several causes.

    As it turned out, what this man used was the Yin Yang Harmony Sculpting Cultivation Method. By reshaping his real body like a y sculpture, he could enhance and optimize his potential for practicing martial arts.

    After yin and yang united in harmony, one would be able to acquire Xiantian Qi, which allowed the physical body to reach Xiantian without any impurities. Naturally, one could get twice the effect with half the effort when cultivating. It was just that, if this method was to find Yin and Yang Wondrous Objects in the world, it would be slowly umted and nurtured. Who knew how many years and fortuitous encounters it would take? Of course, it would be difficult to wait.

    Therefore, after this person obtained this cultivation method, he considered himself clever. He integrated it with cruel techniques that some would call ¡°demonic cultivation,¡± and came up with this elerated method.

    Combined with this person¡¯s numerous actions in Swallowtail City, Tianheng immediately inferred what he had been thinking about.

    In the beginning, this person only looked for young women, and sucked their essence blood dry. This was because his own body was yang and women were yin. Such abination of yin and yang would¡¯ve meant plucking yin and supplementing yang in an attempt at reshaping. However, he was probably unsessful. Following this failure, he switched to another path.

    When this person went out to grab people again, he kidnapped both men and women, and forced them to copte. The fetuses were conceived with the yang of men and the yin of women. When a fetus was conceived in the womb, a wisp of Xiantian Qi would form alongside it. Then, he utilized secret techniques to refine the unborn child into spirit medicine and hastened the infusion of the man¡¯s yang into the womb to purify the fetus. When the moment came and the woman was on the verge of childbirth, he would swiftly cut open the woman¡¯s belly and take out the ¡°spirit medicine.¡± At this time, the impurity-free ¡°medicine¡± would be absorbed by him using that cultivation method to reshape his physical body.

    Tianheng thought about that scene just a while ago.

    Originally, that person could¡¯ve directly refined the fetus. However, he insisted on biting and chewing it like food with his mouth. It could be seen that he had already taken a liking to this kind of taste. His nature had been distorted. Perhaps, even if his physical body had already been reshaped to achieve the best effects for cultivation, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to forget his desires for this food... At that time, there would still be many ways tomit even more heinous acts.

    At first, it was a proper cultivation method that could be used for both dual cultivation and for tempering the physical body. However, this person used other wicked techniques to defile it, and change it into such a sickening method. It was truly infuriating.

    If the person who created this cultivation method knew about this matter, even if they passed away a million years ago, they would yearn to return to life and eradicate this person, body and soul!

    After this thought shed by, Tianheng focused his mind, and rapidlyprehended these methods. Although some were quite nauseating, if it was for the sake of rescuing these people, he was obliged to analyze all of it.

    Fortunately, Tianheng¡¯s power of understanding was strong enough. Once he memorized those methods andprehended the essence within them, he understood the way to save those people.

    After that, Tianheng¡¯s finger moved like lightning. First, he tapped the space between the eyebrows of City Lord Wan Rong¡¯s two daughters!

    In an instant, the two women slowly woke up. Right away, they sensed that something was wrong with their bodies. They lowered their heads and looked at themselves. Then, they looked at the people around them. Theirplexions changed drastically!

    Countless memories flooded their minds. Those shameful things that would cause one to wish for death, those acts that filled one¡¯s heart with humiliation, they unexpectedly remembered everything!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 488 - Gu Zuo is Seriously Injured

    <h4>Chapter 488 - Gu Zuo is Seriously Injured</h4>

    T/N: For those who skipped the previous chapters, this is a recap of any important information from Chapters 486 and 487.

    Gongyi Tianheng is suspicious about the reasons behind the mysterious disappearances in Swallowtail City, but cannote to any definite conclusions. Therefore, he bides his time andys in waiting. On the day that the next kidnapping is supposed to ur, Tianheng¡¯s Celestial Realm shadow cat intercepts the culprit, saves the abducted woman, and tracks the culprit back to their base of operations. There are three enemies. Two Ascendant Realms who serve one Atomic Realm. Due to the rtive strength of the opposition inside the cave, Tianheng orders the Tianlong Guards to remain in the city. Only Tianheng himself, wearing the ck cloak, and the shadow cat infiltrate the cave.

    Inside, they discover that the missing people are being mind controlled to copte. Through some kind of evil technique, their energy and life force are drained into the pregnant women¡¯s respective fetuses. Tianheng arrives in time to stop one of the Ascendant Realms from cutting open one of the pregnant women. The shadow cat deals with the two Ascendant Realms while Tianheng fights the Atomic Realm. During the fight, Tianheng is forced to defend himself by using his trump card, which was given to him by the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord. In the end, all three enemies are killed and the captives are saved.

    Once the three enemies are dead, the captives stop copting, but they remain motionless like puppets with their strings cut. To preserve their dignity, Tianheng covers them with quilts. He also collects the enemies¡¯ inter-spatial tools and burns away the corpses.

    Tianheng orders the shadow cat to do several things: Inform the city lord of Swallowtail City to evacuate her citizens, bring the Tianlong Guards back to Ten Ultimates Sect, and report the matter to the Blood Transformation Pce Master for assistance. Because the Atomic Realm practitioner utilized a move that contained the strength close to a Heaven Lord¡¯s attack, the one backing the deceased Atomic Realm must be equivalently powerful.

    In order to safely evacuate the victims, Tianheng stays behind to look through the inter-spatial tools. He researches the evil techniques used by the Atomic Realm practitioner to understand the situation and undo the mind control. As it turns out, the practitionerbined the dual cultivation-type Yin Yang Harmony Sculpting Cultivation Method with ¡°demonic techniques¡± to siphon yin and yang energies from men and women into fetuses, which were cannibalized as fuel to enhance his body and improve his own potential.

    Now, Tianheng uses what he knows to remove the mind control on the city lord¡¯s two daughters. The two women awaken with all of their memories intact...

    Fortunately, these two women were said to be over a hundred years old. They usually spent their days in relentless and bitter cultivation. They wholeheartedly devoted themselves to revitalizing Swallowtail City, and their temperaments were resolute.

    After a sh of fury flickered across their faces, the two quickly got up, used the brocade quilts to cover themselves, and paid their respects to Gongyi Tianheng: ¡°Many thanks for saving our lives, young master.¡±

    Tianheng sighed, and hurriedly spoke several words to exin the situation to them. Then, he said: ¡°Although I can get rid of the puppeteering technique, it won¡¯t be convenient to settle down this crowd of people. I¡¯ll have to ask these two youngdies to work hard.¡±

    The two women replied: ¡°We understand.¡±

    After that, Tianheng waved his hand, and many pieces of clothing appeared on the ground. These clothes were part of the monthly allocations issued by Ten Ultimates Sect. It was just that they didn¡¯t belong to the category of spirit weapons. Thus, these clothes were onlyfortable and nothing more. In addition, he had never worn them before.

    At the present time, he wasn¡¯t the least bit stingy, and took out sufficient amounts. It was just that there were only men¡¯s clothing. He didn¡¯t have any apparel for women.

    The two women didn¡¯t mind, and swiftly put on the loose men¡¯s robes. Then, one of them said: ¡°Young master, please remove the technique. You can leave the rest to me and my sister.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head. First, he undid all of the puppeteering techniques that those women were under one by one. The sisters surnamed Wan quickly went over tofort them. When those women heard the two¡¯s identities, saw their haggard faces, and realized that those two still wanted to console them, their resentment gradually came to a halt and their willpower slowly strengthened.

    The moods of these women recovered. Tianheng tossed over two bottles of medicinal pills: ¡°This pill can replenish one¡¯s qi essence. Give them to these men. Otherwise, they won¡¯t live for long once they awaken.¡±

    When the group of women looked at those men, their gazes were ratherplicated.

    Although physical intimacy wasn¡¯t what they wished for, the other parties weren¡¯t lecherous men. On the contrary, they were victimized as well... Moreover, during that period of muddleheaded ignorance, in order to prevent the turbid mixing of yin and yang qi, each of them had been paired with the same man, respectively.

    In their hearts, there was naturally the feeling of disgrace, but there was also a type of empathy that could only be shared between those who went through the same suffering. Therefore, hatred never arose.

    Currently, it wasn¡¯t the time to overthink things. The two daughters took the medicinal pills, and distributed them to the women. Meanwhile, Tianheng¡¯s fingers swiftly moved, and all of the men were also awakened.

    Those men discovered their own miserable conditions, and many reacted no better than the women. All of the women fed the medicinal pills to the men one after another, distributed the clothes, and were busy again.

    Once the men took the medicinal pills, their originally shriveled skin and flesh slowly plumped up. It wasn¡¯t to say that their bodies had recovered back to the way they were before, but they were no longer so weak that a strong wind could blow them over.

    Afterwards, Tianheng inly said: ¡°Although those evildoers have been in, I¡¯m afraid that there¡¯s a backer supporting them. All of you shouldn¡¯t stay here for much longer. Going back to Swallowtail City is the correct course of action.¡±

    When everyone heard this, it was only natural that they didn¡¯t dare act negligently. After hurriedly supported one another¡¯s weight, they rushed to Swallowtail City extremely quickly under the leadership of the two women surnamed Wan.

    Seeing them depart far into the distance, Tianheng came out of the cave, and carefully inspected the surroundings. Each and every vicious trap and evil trick left behind by those people were dismantled by him one by one.

    Following a short period of time, he destroyed the cave and flew into the sky.

    But right at this moment, a rolling and thunderous sound suddenly approached from beyond the horizon. A terrifying power abruptly pressed down from above!

    Tianheng only felt his heart palpitating. At once, he rapidly operated his inner cultivation method, gathered all of his strength into his body techniques, and quickly dodged to the other side!

    Only a streak of blood shadow remained in his original position.

    However, even though it was like this, the terrifying power still caused Tianheng¡¯s chest to ache. A rivulet of blood spilled out from the corner of his mouth. He didn¡¯t dare to be the slightest bit careless, and immediately brandished even more strength to dodge again!

    An extremely huge palm pressed down from the heavenly vault. Tianheng barely managed to evade it, but its remnant power was so strong that two ribs in his chest were broken and the internal qi in no fewer than three qi oceans were almostpletely depleted. Right now, he only had half of his profound qi left!

    But the third attack was already here!

    These attacks were relentless, and didn¡¯t give any room to breathe. Their purpose was to suppress Tianheng to death!

    He wasn¡¯t even able to split his attention to identify it. He only heard a berating shout ¡ª

    ¡°What kind of brat dares to kill my grandson? You¡¯re courting death!¡±

    As the third attack fell, a torrential river of blood suddenly appeared from within Tianheng¡¯s body to cover the top of his head.

    He allowed this river of blood to be swiftly crushed under that attack. Meanwhile, his figure transformed into a ray of bloody light and rushed toward another direction!

    This direction was naturally opposite that of Swallowtail City...

    Tianheng didn¡¯t catch a glimpse, but the person who arrived was an old man with a tall and sturdy build. His hair and beard were both white. It was clear that he was a peak Royal Realm, and the distance to the realm of Heaven Lord was merely a hair¡¯s breadth away. Now that he came here in a rage, he didn¡¯t care about anything else. He only wanted to kill Gongyi Tianheng.

    Howrge was the difference between the Royal Realm and the Atomic Realm?

    For Tianheng, no matter how many more abilities he possessed, regardless of how good his aptitudes were, such a gap was like a natural moat. He waspletely incapable ofpeting with this old man.

    At this very moment, Tianheng had no choice but to flee for his life!

    Unfortunately, even if he wanted to run away or intended to stall for time, it was extremely difficult.

    After a few times, even though Tianheng escaped the attacks, his body was inevitably injured by the remaining powers. There wasn¡¯t even enough time to treat these injuries. He could only strive his hardest to flee to arger city ¡ª At that time, perhaps a powerhouse might see this one-sided chase, and break him out of this encirclement.

    Unfortunately, Tianheng¡¯s luck ran out. If it hadn¡¯t been for the fact that Tianheng already activated the Heavenly Blood Palm, he could¡¯ve used it to block for a period of time. This would¡¯ve allowed him to quickly escape. It wasn¡¯t known if he might¡¯ve found a teleportation array to get away. However, that object had been used long ago. Now, he could only rely on the cloak and his own capabilities to deal with this situation. Risking his life and being wounded with every round, he hurriedly fled into the distance.

    Gradually, the conditions of Tianheng¡¯s injuries worsened. The profound qi within his six qi oceans were also steadily and continuously drawn out. Currently, only an extremely thinyer remained.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t notice it, but the fragments of the power of chaos, which were originally floating above the qi oceans, were also being squeezed to their limits and extracted. One thread after another helped to stabilize the qi oceans, which prevented him from beingpletely destroyed under the barrage of boundless attacks.

    Ten Ultimates Sect, within the manor, at the summit.

    The furnace mes were burning strongly. Gu Zuo, who was originally right in the middle of refining a batch of medicinal pills, was suddenly struck with a sharp pain. At once, he coughed up a mouthful of blood. As for the pills that were on the verge of forming inside the furnace, they also promptly copsed into waste pills.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers faintly twitched. His face was as white as paper.

    Ao Ying, the battle ve hidden nearby, emerged and hastily arrived in front of Gu Zuo: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, are you alright?¡±

    Gasping for breath, Gu Zuo abruptly reached out his hand and firmly grabbed Ao Ying¡¯s arm. He clenched his teeth to stifle his coughing, and spoke with difficulty: ¡°Quick... Take me to see the pce master! Big brother, something happened...¡±

    While he was talking, his thoughts moved. Some medicinal herbs already appeared in his hand. He managed to bring them to the edge of his mouth, and hurriedly chewed and ate them. Right away, the warm medicinal power flowed through his body, which immediately improved his injuries.

    Ao Ying didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything. Right away, he carried Gu Zuo on his back and went straight to the Blood Transformation Pce Hall at flying speeds. Having arrived at the pce gates, the guards also recognized Gu Zuo. Seeing that he was in such a dreadful state, it was only natural that they immediately reported the matter.

    Shortly thereafter, the Blood Transformation Pce Master appeared before Gu Zuo in the blink of an eye. He took Gu Zuo, and only felt that his whole body was ice-cold. A trail of blood was still constantly leaking from the corner of his mouth. Although he was continuously chewing and eating precious spirit medicines, every time his condition improved, he would suddenly be afflicted with even worse injuries. As for why these wounds showed up, the pce master had absolutely no idea!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers were tightly clenched. Hisplexion was already deathly pale: ¡°Something bad happened to big brother! Pce master, go to Swallowtail City!¡±

    The pupils of the Blood Transformation Pce Master suddenly shrank. However, he didn¡¯t call Gu Zuo into question. Instead, he turned around while cradling Gu Zuo with one arm, used his other hand to strike the air, and appeared dozens of kilometers away extremely quickly. At the same time, the qi energy surrounding his body rose and swelled, safely protecting Gu Zuo from the slightest bit of turbulence.

    Gu Zuo continued cing spirit medicines to his lips. While mechanically devouring the herbs, he spoke as sinctly as possible: ¡°Big brother and I have a contract. When he is seriously hurt, a portion of the injury can be transferred based on my tolerance level. I¡¯m very safe inside the sect, so since I suffered a serious injury, something must have happened to big brother.¡±

    The pce master hastened along their journey. As for Gu Zuo¡¯s exnation, he didn¡¯t miss a single word as everything entered his ears.

    He naturally didn¡¯t know that such a contract existed between Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, but after finding out, he was ddened and grateful towards Gu Zuo.

    The guardian contract between the two had already reached the third rank: Life and Death Companions. Originally, this kind of contract was one that they had control over. However, Tianheng was so exhausted from running for his life that he couldn¡¯t even think about it. As such, there was no way to consciously control the contract. Because the contract sensed Tianheng¡¯s imperilment, it transferred his injuries onto Gu Zuo¡¯s body based on the maximum limit that Gu Zuo could bear in order to leave a glimmer of life for Tianheng.

    It was also due to this that Gu Zuo immediately thought of the contract when he was injured. Thus, he swiftly chewed and ate spirit medicines to heal himself. In this way, as the condition of his wounds improved, the contract would be able to transfer even more injuries. The probability of his big brother¡¯s survival would also increase. As a result, the Blood Transformation Pce Master found that every time Gu Zuo¡¯s injuries got better, they immediately worsened.

    Currently, Gu Zuo was extremely regretful. Not only was the speed the spirit medicines healed injuries slower than that of medicinal pills, it was also very wasteful. If he had considered earlier that he himself could also receive wounds, he would¡¯ve refined more pills that specifically treated pharmacists. How much better would that have been? Then, he could¡¯ve treated himself even faster!

    Unfortunately, it was toote now. He could only endure the sharp pains and devour spirit medicines... In any case, this was better than doing nothing.

    When the Blood Transformation Pce Master was a high Royal Realm powerhouse, he had received incredibly useful gifts from his disciples out of filial piety. As early as several months ago, he broke through to the peak of this realm, so he disyed the fastest speeds. In coordination with the teleportation arrays, it was only natural that they rushed to Swallowtail City extremely swiftly.

    After reaching their destination, the pce master immediately sensed that the atmosphere here wasn¡¯t right. Someone was brazenly punching straight down from above. If the punch connected, all of Swallowtail City would be destroyed!

    When the Blood Transformation Pce Master saw this person, he knew that this was certainly the assant who attacked his disciple. Otherwise, who else could¡¯ve suppressed his disciple in such a remote location? At that moment, he also suddenly took action. A blood-red giant palm swatted out, and caught this attack.

    After that, he got a clear look at this person¡¯s appearance. He furrowed his brows: ¡°It¡¯s actually this guy?¡±

    The blood-red palm smashed that attack to pieces. To the people within Swallowtail City, this was like a light drizzle of amnesty. They only felt that they had escaped from the jaws of death.

    Meanwhile, the Blood Transformation Pce Master shed ahead,unching an attack on that person!

    T/N: The next four chapters are double-length.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 489 - Absolutely Crushed

    <h4>Chapter 489 - Absolutely Crushed</h4>

    The attack was extremely fierce. Nothing was held back in the slightest.

    The old man, who originally intended to harm Swallowtail City, turned his head to look behind. Both his beard and hair were white, but his veins were pulsating and protruding, which made him appear incredibly frightening. At this time, he fully turned around, opened his palms, and fought back against the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    In the blink of an eye, both sides exchanged blows for several rounds.

    That old man seemed bold and powerful, but he was no match for the pce master, who had been meticulously trained by Ten Ultimates Sect. After this confrontation, it didn¡¯t take long for the old man to fall into a disadvantaged position. He tightly furrowed his brows, and shouted: ¡°Blood Transformation Pce Master, why are you making this old man¡¯s life difficult for this city of trash?¡±

    The pce master coldlyughed: ¡°A single ant of my Ten Ultimates Sect is more precious than a coarse fellow like you.¡±

    While speaking, he transformed into a beam of bloody light. Wherever he passed, everything turned into nothingness!

    The other¡¯s gaze was gloomy and cold: ¡°Since it hase to this, don¡¯t me this old man!¡±

    Once he finished talking, his hand grasped a sharp de that flickered with divine light, and swung it directly at the pce master.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s facial features were malevolent. Within his pair of eyes, two balls of extremely pure, blood-red lights burst forth. These balls of light turned into two enormous spheres of blood, which instantly transformed into two eyes of blood.

    Shortly thereafter, the blood eyes opened. When the eyeballs spun around ¡ª

    The ray of light shed out by that sharp de immediately copsed and shattered. As for the sharp de itself, it was contaminated with a burst of bloody qi, and the divine light abruptly dimmed!

    The situation was extremely unfavorable for the old man. Seeing that the bloody qi was following along the sharp de and was about to invade his body, the old man suddenly let out a roar as his other hand shed at his wrist!

    In an instant, the hand holding the sharp de fell down. The old man pointed at the hand, causing it to explode into chunks of flesh. These pieces formed another killing blow, which appeared right in front of the pce master.

    Without the slightest hesitation, the Blood Transformation Pce Master created another blood-red giant hand that hid the sky and covered the earth. This enormous hand suddenly pressed down!

    Heavenly Blood Palm!

    The old man was given a hard strike, but unexpectedly, he had been trapped within the blood palm. Even though he dashed to the left and rushed to the right, he couldn¡¯t escape. As for his physical body, it was contaminated with bloody qi. His strength weakened extremely quickly...

    The pce master watched the old man¡¯s struggle, but the emotions in his eyes were incredibly cold: ¡°Speak. What have you done with my disciple?¡±

    The old man was still continuously attacking the bloody palm print. Ferocity was etched across his entire face: ¡°Disciple? What disciple? This old man has never seen your disciple!¡±

    At this moment, Gu Zuo, who was being protected in the pce master¡¯s arms and never suffered the slightest injury during the fight, angrily shouted: ¡°Pce master, he¡¯s lying! Big brother was harmed by him!¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master naturally believed Gu Zuo. Right away, his tone of voice became even colder: ¡°Yang Hu, you actually dare to ignore the alliance treaty? You used the strength of the Royal Realm to deal with my sect¡¯s Atomic Realm prodigy? Hasn¡¯t my Ten Ultimates Sect given you enough face? You truly have no sense of shame!¡±

    That Yang Hu replied with an icy voice: ¡°How can the words of an insignificant younger generation be proven true? Blood Transformation Pce Master, I respect the many Heaven Lords of your Ten Ultimates Sect, but I can¡¯t tolerate the nder of a junior!¡±

    Gu Zuo saw that he still wasn¡¯t admitting to it. The mes of rage within his chest burned even hotter: ¡°Big brother and I have a contract. If it wasn¡¯t for you harming big brother, there definitely wouldn¡¯t be this feeling of loathing upon our first meeting!¡±

    Yang Hu disdainfully said: ¡°Contract? This old man has never heard of it. There are such contracts in the world, but even though they exist, how could a brat like you establish it?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was shrouded in ayer of frost: ¡°Big brother is my path protector, my guardian. Big brother and I have relied on each other for many years, and the contract had reached the rank of Life and Death Companions long ago. You injured big brother, but I carry those wounds, too. This is my proof!¡±

    The two of them argued more than a few words. All of which entered the pce master¡¯s ears.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master extended a hand, and lightly patted Gu Zuo¡¯s back. Meanwhile, he said: ¡°With Ah Zuo¡¯s temperament, he would never tell lies about this matter.¡± When he looked at Yang Hu, his eyes shed with a trace of killing intent, ¡°It¡¯s fine if you won¡¯t speak the truth. But since you dared toy a hand on my disciple, if I don¡¯t kill you, it would dishonor my sect¡¯s prestigious name!¡±

    Once these words fell, the pce master no longer questioned Yang Hu.

    He slightly parted his lips, and a snake-like torrent of blood burst forth from his mouth. The snake unhinged its jaws wide open, and swallowed Yang Hu from top to bottom.

    ¡°So long as I kill you, I¡¯ll have a way to find out the cause!¡±

    Yet, that Yang Hu wasn¡¯t a pushover either. Seeing that the Blood Transformation Pce Master was so vicious and vengeful, after realizing that his own strength was constantly fading away and that he could no longer take the initiative to attack, Yang Hu abruptly struck his own qi ocean and self-detonated!

    An enormous power devastated the surroundings and surged in all directions. A huge explosion was triggered, and Yang Hu was blown up until not even a skeleton remained. However, the power of this explosion was also headed towards Swallowtail City!

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master let out a cold harrumph: ¡°A skill of no high order.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, he chopped with his hand, and sent out a bolt of blood-red silk. It transformed into an extremelyrge sheet of cloth, which firmly blocked the front of Swallowtail City. At the same time, when the explosion¡¯s power dashed against the silken cloth, the st was instantly rolled up and crushed to pieces like a gust of air.

    Swallowtail City was safe and sound.

    Meanwhile, the pce master stretched out his hand again, and made a grasping motion to gather and bind a ball of seemingly smoke-like, green gas. After that, his eyes sent out a beam of bloody light, which bathed over the ball of gas. Before long, the ball of gaspletely disappeared. The bloody light was also withdrawn by him.

    Shortly thereafter, the Blood Transformation Pce Master harshly said: ¡°How despicable!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was suddenly rmed: ¡°Pce master, what happened? Big brother, he &#k2014;¡±

    The pce master¡¯s chest slightly heaved up and down as he was unable to restrain his anger. He flicked his sleeve, and even the smallest fragments of fleshy remains left by Yang Hu were annihted.

    After that, there was a trace of pain in his voice: ¡°My apprentice, he was forced into a void seam! I¡¯m afraid that...¡±

    Not even a skeleton was left!

    Gu Zuo faintly trembled: ¡°Pce master, what¡¯s a void seam? Also, what was going on with this person? Why did he attack big brother?¡±

    A string of questions was blurted out.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master wasn¡¯t bothered by Gu Zuo¡¯s impatience. On the contrary, he greatly empathized with his current state of mind. After calming down somewhat, he quickly answered his questions.

    Just a moment ago, what the pce master did to Yang Hu was actually a soul search.

    This type of method was very rough. Once utilized, the soul would bepletely destroyed. But at the same time, one could learn many pieces of information from the soul. However, this technique was rather fraudulent, and it required strong willpower to learn. As a result, few people knew about it, and even fewer could master it. In addition, the number of things one could learn through soul searching depended on the soul searcher¡¯s proficiency of this technique.

    The pce master obtained this method through a fortuitous encounter, but he had almost never utilized it. Now, it was being used to deal with Yang Hu, who was a powerhouse with an equivalent realm to his own. This was also because his wrath had reached its peak.

    From the soul search, he found out about everything.

    Previously, Yang Hu had been a loose martial artist with a bad reputation. Due to his vicious and unscrupulous methods, he got into conflicts with many organizations. However, his luck was very good. Following several fortuitous encounters, he underwent a monumental change, and became a Royal Realm powerhouse. After that, he went from an illegitimate child to an elder of the Yang n to even an old ancestor who held the entire n in the palm of his hand.

    After taking charge of the Yang n, Yang Hu restrained how he did things a little bit, and gradually eased those conflicts. However, his style of conduct still leaned towards the tyrannical side, which displeased many people.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master didn¡¯t have a good impression of Yang Hu. This was because he had once witnessed Yang Hu ughter an entire n in a fit of anger. The pce master looked down upon this kind of narrow-minded person who indulged in violence and ruthless fights.

    As for why Yang Hu made things difficult for Gongyi Tianheng and attacked him, it was due to his most beloved grandson.

    That grandson was called Yang Song, and he had the best aptitudes in the Yang n for the past several generations. Unfortunately, he had also inherited Yang Hu¡¯s arrogant and domineering temperament. Back when he wasn¡¯t strong enough, the grandson ended up provoking a prodigy with the same realm from a gold-ranked organization. The prodigy directly crippled his grandson¡¯s cultivation.

    Although Yang Hu deeply hated that prodigy, the other party held an influential position in the gold-ranked organization. He wasn¡¯t able to do anything out in the open at all. And even if he wanted to do something privately, he received the news toote, so he didn¡¯t dare to act rashly afterwards.

    Later on, Yang Hu obtained a suitable body cultivation method. This was the Yin Yang Harmony Sculpting Cultivation Method that Tianheng previously discovered. Moreover, those elerated techniques hadn¡¯t been improved by Yang Song. He didn¡¯t have the strength to do so. Instead, Yang Song disdained the slow speed of this cultivation method, and put forward his own ideas. Those elerated techniques were created by Yang Hu after he thought of a way and acquired some sinister and wicked means.

    It went without saying that Yang Hu¡¯s purpose was to reshape Yang Song¡¯s body so that he could reconstruct it with an even more perfect aptitude. In the end, perhaps he could find an opportunity to personally kill that prodigy who humiliated him!

    Shortly after that, Yang Song carefully selected a small, declining city of the unacknowledged rank. He prepared to try several methods, and quickly seeded in reshaping his body.

    This unacknowledged city was precisely Swallowtail City.

    With Yang Song¡¯s strength, even if someone discovered that Yang Song had done such a thing, so long as he shed some blood, he could negotiate with the sect that this small city was attached to, and everything would be fine. In addition, Yang Song also had a peak Royal Realm trump card. No matter what happened, he wouldn¡¯t have lost his life. Yet, none of them expected that Swallowtail City would directlymunicate with Ten Ultimates Sect, and the person who was sent would be this all-star prodigy. Tianheng had a trump card at the Heaven Lord rank. And by chance, Tianheng couldn¡¯t tolerate that cruel and merciless scene, and immediately got rid of Yang Song.

    Something that Yang Song left behind with Yang Hu was a life tile. After this life tile shattered, Yang Hu found out about it right away. Through his bloodline connection, Yang Hu deduced Yang Song¡¯s traces, and promptly rushed over to obstruct Tianheng.

    Following that, withplete disregard for everything else, were Yang Hu¡¯s grant attempts at killing Gongyi Tianheng.

    Of course, Tianheng had many methods at his disposal. Under Yang Hu¡¯s persistent and oppressive assault, he fled farther and farther away. Soon, he was about to enter a city that was at least the bronze rank. From beginning to end, Tianheng had been hanging on by the thread of a single breath, but he never died. Yang Hu was extremely unwilling. Due to the pain of his beloved grandson¡¯s tragic death, he furiously rushed forward. He couldn¡¯t think of anything else at all. The only thing Yang Hu wanted was to kill Tianheng, so giving him the chance to seek help was even more impossible.

    After that, it wasn¡¯t known who had the better luck and who had the worse luck between the two. All of a sudden, a seam appeared in the void. Following Yang Hu¡¯s next attack, Tianheng dodged once more, and the trajectory of his evasion happened to be where that void seam was located. He was directly forced into it...

    Within the void were countless turbulent and chaotic flows. With Tianheng¡¯s realm, he had no way to traverse it. As for the people who were drawn into void seams in the past, all of their life tiles shattered. Every single one of thempletely perished!

    Yang Hu was very dissatisfied that he didn¡¯t personally kill Tianheng. As a result, he turned around and went to vent his anger on Swallowtail City. This urge to vent gave enough time for the Blood Transformation Pce Master to arrive, which also allowed Yang Hu to be vanquished.

    After Gu Zuo finished listening to these things, his heart throbbed with pain. He almost drowned under this enormous agony.

    He sensed that the contract¡¯s connection between himself and big brother had be incredibly faint... Their current connection had already reached the third rank, so there was only one reason why it had be this faint. His big brother was either still alive with a single breath, or his soul hadn¡¯t dissipated yet. Therefore, the contract vaguely survived.

    The pce master looked at Gu Zuo, who was covered in a cold sweat and seemed to be twitching all over. A trace of pity and tenderness flickered through his eyes. What followed immediately afterwards was the undiminished and overflowing rage brought about by the harm caused to his apprentice!

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo tightly gripped the Blood Transformation Pce Master: ¡°Pce master, go back and look for the Tianlong Guards! See if they¡¯re alright or not. If they¡¯re¡ª¡± Speaking up to here, his voice came to an abrupt halt.

    Knowing about the connection between Gu Zuo and Tianheng, the pce master nodded at this moment: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After that, he carried Gu Zuo and swiftly returned to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    In front of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, Ying Yu was anxiously waiting.

    He had been sent by Tianheng to report the situation, but when he rushed over, the pce master had already left. Seeing that the two had returned, Ying Yu was about to say something, but he was stopped by the pce master.

    Ying Yu¡¯splexion changed drastically. It seemed like he had realized something.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t look at Ying Yu. Instead, his gaze fell onto those Tianlong Guards who were kneeling on the ground while racked with pain. In a trembling voice, he said: ¡°Dragon Two, my big brother, is he...?¡±

    Among the Tianlong Guards, someone raised his head with difficulty: ¡°Young master, he...is still alive.¡±

    Having heard what was said, it was like being granted amnesty. It appeared that Gu Zuo was about to topple over.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master reached a hand to provide support. His heartstrings also faintly loosened.

    No matter what, it was good that his apprentice hadn¡¯t perished yet.

    Ever since the Tianlong Guards advanced to the Immortal Realm, it wasn¡¯t the same as when they were at the Xiantian Realm. Once Tianheng was injured, they would immediately share the burden. However, Tianheng had total control over the ¡°degree¡± of this process.

    The result was theplete opposite of the rtionship between Tianheng and Gu Zuo. Tianheng couldn¡¯t split his attention to transfer his injuries, so the contract directly shifted the wounds onto Gu Zuo to save Tianheng¡¯s life. As for the Tianlong Guards, they only felt pain in their hearts when Tianheng¡¯s breaths were as faint as gossamer threads.

    Although, no matter how painful it was, so long as the Tianlong Guards didn¡¯t die, it proved that Tianheng was also alive.

    In fact, when Gu Zuo saw that the Tianlong Guards were still alive, he already understood that big brother hadn¡¯t perished. It was just that he couldn¡¯t help asking Dragon Two to give himself a bit of reassurance.

    In any case, it was great news that Tianheng hadn¡¯t died after being drawn into the void seam.

    Whether it was Gu Zuo or the Blood Transformation Pce Master, both of them slowly calmed down at this time.

    They were also able to reflect over some issues with clearer heads.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. I will immediately send out many subordinates to search for news of my apprentice. Since he never perished in the void, he must¡¯ve been thrown out from another ce andnded somewhere on the continent.¡±

    Gu Zuo was still worried: ¡°I understand. But although big brother hasn¡¯t died, the condition of his injuries is so serious that the contract between us is blurry. In addition, the Tianlong Guards haven¡¯t had any wounds transferred. On the contrary, it was me... I¡¯m afraid that big brother¡¯s consciousness isn¡¯t clear right now, or he¡¯s somece dangerous.¡±

    After big brother was thrown out of the void, who knew if the people he encountered were good or bad?

    If it was a bad person...

    Naturally, the pce master could also think of this problem. It was just that, despite considering these things, he didn¡¯t have any other way.

    Gu Zuo hesitated: ¡°Pce master, if we have blood that has a rtively deep connection with big brother, can you deduce big brother¡¯s whereabouts?¡±

    Since that Yang Hu could do it, Ten Ultimates Sect ought to have simr methods, right?

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°We can give it a try.¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at those Tianlong Guards: ¡°Dragon Two, this time around, we¡¯ll have to rely on the blood essence of you all.¡±

    Dragon Two and the others responded: ¡°As youmand. We are ready and willing!¡±

    Gu Zuo considered things, but he still didn¡¯t feel reassured. He said: ¡°Just in case, send someone to go find Tianyang, and ask him to produce a drop of blood essence. Bring along a wless Blood Replenishment Pill, too. We can¡¯t let Tianyang harm his foundations.¡±

    The Tianlong Guards took the medicinal pill, and naturally did as instructed.

    Seeing how Gu Zuo was handling the situation, the pce master was pleased.

    After the numerous Tianlong Guards were dismissed, Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment. Then, he spoke to the Blood Transformation Pce Master: ¡°Pce master, do you think that...Yang Hu is really dead?¡±

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t that Gu Zuo doubted the pce master. It was just that he felt a sense of disgust lingering in his heart. It was as if there was still a heavy boulder weighing heavily upon his mind. It was hard to endure.

    This kind of feeling was exactly the same as when he was facing Yang Hu. If Yang Hu was dead, shouldn¡¯t he have felt the pleasure of taking revenge against a great enemy? Previously, it was like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders, but now, that feeling had returned. This made him somewhat uneasy.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master startled: ¡°Indeed, that body has already perished.¡±

    However, through Gu Zuo¡¯s many performances today, the pce master didn¡¯t ignore Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking. He quickly closed his eyes, and attentively filtered the information gleaned from Yang Hu¡¯s soul during the soul searching from start to finish ¡ª It waspletely different from before when he swallowed everything in one gulp and only focused on finding information about Tianheng.

    This time, the Blood Transformation Pce Master carefully discerned. Sure enough, he discovered some blurry images. It required his best efforts to barely make out some things ¡ª He suddenly understood. Just before Yang Hu died, there were several memories that he intentionally eroded! In other words, these things were extremely important to Yang Hu!

    How powerful were the pce master¡¯s capabilities? In just a few images, he really found Yang Hu¡¯s secret!

    Shortly thereafter, he sighed: ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Ah Zuo¡¯s reminder. Otherwise, I probably would¡¯ve missed it.¡±

    If another one or two days had passed, among the memories left behind, those that hadn¡¯t been carefully scanned through would¡¯ve automatically scattered. At that time, Yang Hu¡¯s scheme would¡¯ve prevailed!

    That¡¯s right. Yang Hu didn¡¯t really die.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°Unexpectedly, that Yang Hu still had a clone hidden elsewhere. Although I killed his original body, the clone still exists. Now, I¡¯m afraid that the clone already knows about the main body, and has gone into hiding.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face darkened: ¡°Pce master, you must make him pay with his life!¡±

    The pce master faintly nodded his head: ¡°You can rest assured. I will certainly send people to search for Yang Hu¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his tone of voice sank: ¡°Originally, I wanted to offer a reward to the world and ask many organizations to help search for Tianheng. However, he¡¯s an all-star prodigy and a member of my Ten Ultimates Sect. Those forces might not necessarily do their best, and it¡¯s not impossible for them to take action in the dark. Therefore, I can only order my subordinates to go out.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Pce master, don¡¯t worry. I understand.¡± He lowered his eyes, ¡°I will also send out all of the battle ves so that they can do a thorough search.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled, andfortingly said: ¡°Once there¡¯s news, I¡¯ll send someone to inform you immediately.¡±

    Gu Zuo expressed his thanks again, and returned to his and big brother¡¯s manor.

    After that, he quietly waited.

    Once they found Yang Hu, he would snap the bones and scatter the ashes. Once they found Tianheng, he would rescue big brother and bring him home.

    Ten dayster.

    The pill furnace in front of Gu Zuo made a loud rumbling noise, and shattered into pieces!

    He suddenly reached out and smashed his fist onto the ground with unconcealed anxiety on his face.

    They still hadn¡¯t found big brother...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was filled with worry. That feeling of urgency was unbearable!

    The contract¡¯s connection was still very faint, but his wounds also hadn¡¯t continued to worsen. Perhaps, big brother had already regained consciousness? As a result, he controlled the contract so that it didn¡¯t transfer injuries anymore? No. Maybe it was because the contract¡¯s connection was so weak that the injuries it could transfer were close to nothing.

    For some reason, Gu Zuo, who had been worried the entire time, couldn¡¯t calm down at all right now.

    In particr, even Yang Hu¡¯s whereabouts hadn¡¯t been found yet.

    The present matters made things somewhat difficult. For the safety of Gongyi Tianheng, whose location was still unknown, the Blood Transformation Pce Master couldn¡¯t look for Yang Hu with great fanfare. Thus, under these restrictions, he couldn¡¯t persecute the Yang n before everything was made clear. This was because the Yang n wasn¡¯t an organization within the Ten Ultimates Domain. Although the Yang n¡¯s reputation within their own region wasn¡¯t particrly good, if Ten Ultimates Sect stepped across domains and dealt with the n without any definitive justification, even if the behemoths in that region detested the Yang n, they wouldn¡¯t ignore it.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was the lord of one pce hall. When handling matters, he couldn¡¯t act preferentially.

    As a result, the pce master only sent people to secretly offer rewards to find Yang Hu¡¯s traces.

    Once any were found, there would be arge bundle of resources in hand. But when all was said and done, Yang Hu was a Royal Realm powerhouse. Even though there were ample resources, it could entice some desperate criminals, but the yielded results wouldn¡¯t be great.

    Gu Zuo knew that the Blood Transformation Pce Master was also incredibly concerned about big brother, and that he was doing everything he could, so it was only natural that Gu Zuo didn¡¯t go and make trouble for the pce master. However, if things went on like this, the one tormented would be Gu Zuo himself.

    In the middle of such torture, an evil thought finally formed in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    It was a type of thought that he never imagined he would consider.

    Today, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. He reached out a hand, and grabbed a cloak.

    And when he looked at this cloak, he thought of big brother. Both of them had one each... Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze became gloomy and cold. He stopped hesitating. Draping the cloak over his body, he hurriedly left Ten Ultimates Sect!

    The ce that Gu Zuo headed towards was something he learned about after making some discreet inquiries... It was the location of the Dark Tower.

    The Dark Tower was located underground. The majority of those who found a way to get in covered their faces so that others wouldn¡¯t see them.

    On this day, the sensual and beautiful woman in charge of receiving visitors saw a ck-garbed person with their hood up. She revealed a smiling expression filled with enticement: ¡°What does this customer desire?¡±

    Soon after, with the shake of this person¡¯s hand, a long sheet of silken cloth was spread out.

    Written upon it were densely-packed lines of small characters.

    That sensual woman¡¯s apricot-shaped eyes suddenly widened. There was a look of astonishment across her face: ¡°This is¡ª¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 490 - A World-Wide Bounty

    <h4>Chapter 490 - A World-Wide Bounty</h4>

    Fantasy Snow Pill!

    Precious Jewel Pill!

    Erudite Features Pill!

    Thunder Substitution Blood Pill!

    Hundred-Turns Body Tempering Pill!

    Nine-Revolutions Tacit Exchange Pill...

    In the sensual woman¡¯s heart, she was iparably shocked. With her eyesight, she was able to recognize these medicinal pills. Unexpectedly, they were all extremely precious and rare types of profound-level pills! Almost every single one had a price, but no market. Even if there were enough medicinal ingredients, it would be hard for a pharmacist to refine them smoothly. It was to the point that it would be somewhat challenging even for a pill king! What¡¯s more, there were several kinds that she never heard of before.

    For this person to write such things on this cloth, it was proof that their knowledge base was extensive. However, what was the purpose of this?

    The next moment, the sensual woman¡¯s expression changed even more.

    It was because that ck-garbed person casually waved a hand, and numerous jade bottles crowded on top of the records table in front of her. She did a quick count. There were exactly 129 bottles, which was the same number of pill names written on the silken cloth. This caused an unbelievable thought to suddenly sh in her mind ¡ª Could it be that the medicinal pills inside these jade bottles were the ones recorded on the cloth?

    The sensual woman¡¯s body faintly shuddered. Her heart surged with great waves, and her lips stammered: ¡°Would these...be...¡±

    The ck-garbed person opened their mouth, and their voice resounded. Unexpectedly, he was very young: ¡°You can open them yourself and take a look.¡±

    The sensual woman didn¡¯t dare to hesitate any longer. She promptly took the first jade bottle, and looked at the medicinal pill that had been poured out. She saw that the pill¡¯s color was snowy-white, and noticed that the pill fragrance was strongly scented and extremely pure. It was actually a wless Fantasy Snow Pill!

    To prevent the loss of medicinal properties, she quickly put the pill back, and sealed it tightly. After that, she immediately opened the second jade bottle. The medicinal pill inside was like an amber gemstone. The pill fragrance was also exceptionally pure. This was a wless Precious Jewel Pill!

    Following that were the third and fourth jade bottles... Within each bottle were wless profound-level pills!

    The sensual woman only felt that things had gone beyond her understanding. However, when she looked at the jade bottle in her hand again, her pupils constricted. For a moment, she even forgot to breathe.

    Perfectly round andpletely sealed, a pill that begot rose-tinted clouds! This was a prismatic pill! It was an exquisitely perfect Thunder Substitution Blood Pill!

    The sensual woman calmed down after a while. Finally, she carefully put away the prismatic pill with two trembling hands. Immediately following which, she inspected all of the jade bottles with her fastest speed.

    That¡¯s right. Apart from the few types that she didn¡¯t recognize, all of the others were without exception. Those rumored to be capable of producing rose-tinted clouds were all prismatic pills. Meanwhile, those that couldn¡¯t produce clouds in the first ce were all wless pills.

    In other words, among identical prescriptions, the product grades of these medicinal pills had reached the pinnacle!

    It was unbelievable. This was a medicinal pill feast that she had never seen before since taking charge of the affairs here.

    For a short moment, the sensual woman even felt a kind of greed from the bottom of her heart. She wanted to defy the rules of the Dark Tower, kill this person, and snatch all of the medicinal pills!

    However, the faint warning signs in her heart and the terror of the Dark Tower in her mind stopped her. She slowlyposed herself. Atst, she spoke excitedly: ¡°Honored sir...¡±

    After that, the person in ck flicked his sleeve again. In front of the sensual woman, another sheet of silken cloth appeared. Written upon it were a little more than two hundred golden-level medicinal pills. But likewise, they were rare or precious among the golden rank. Following this, there were two hundred-something bottles. One golden-level pill was stored inside each bottle. Moreover, without exception, all of these golden-level pills were also wless or prismatic pills.

    After going through the shock of the profound-level pills, seeing these golden-level pills simrly surprised her, but the excitement in her heart had subsided a lot.

    But the woman¡¯s attitude towards the ck-garbed person was even more attentive and respectful.

    The person in ck eventually spoke: ¡°I want to ce a bounty.¡±

    The sensual woman inwardly sighed withment. She secretly thought: As expected!

    Such a huge sum of medicinal pills was revealed with one move. At first, she was too amazed and forgot her manners for a moment, but after forcefully calming down, she could understand why this person hade to the Dark Tower. Like most others, he certainly wanted to issue a mission. But what exactly would be this bounty...

    The sensual woman spoke respectfully: ¡°May this one ask this honored sir what the bounty is for?¡±

    The ck-garbed person seemed to have thought of the bounty¡¯s methods long ago. There was a chill in his voice: ¡°The bounty is for the Bright Emperor Domain¡¯s Yang n. Their ancestor is the Royal Realm Yang Hu.¡±

    Someone at the Royal Realm... Then, that was a bronze-ranked force?

    The sensual woman had a premonition in her heart. She knew that this time probably wouldn¡¯t be simple.

    Soon after, the ck-garbed person continued to speak: ¡°This is for the descendants of the Yang n and those tied to Yang Hu¡¯s bloodline. At the Houtian Realm, every ten people can be exchanged for one golden-level pill. At the Xiantian Realm, every two people can be exchanged for one golden-level pill. At the Immortal Realm, each person can be exchanged for one golden-level pill. At the Atomic Realm, each person can be exchanged for one profound-level pill suitable for Atomic Realms. The Celestial and Noble Realms will be given the same treatment. If these requirements are reached, then the medicinal pills written on the silk can be chosen at will.¡±

    The sensual woman sucked in a cold breath.

    ¡ª This was going to stir up a ho¡¯s nest!

    She hurriedly inquired: ¡°Honored sir, there is only one of each medicinal pill. If two people meet the same requirement...¡±

    The person in ck said: ¡°I can refine them at any time. This is merely to win the trust of your Dark Tower, and to prove my strength.¡±

    The sensual woman didn¡¯t know how to describe her current state of mind, but after being surprised again and again, she could quickly adjust her mood: ¡°Would the this honored sir¡¯s bounty be eligible for living or dead people? Can exchanges be made for the Yang n¡¯s young children and those who haven¡¯t stepped onto the path of martial arts?¡±

    The ck-garbed person responded: ¡°For those who step onto the path of martial arts, dead or alive are both eptable. Young children will be left alone. However, this bounty is effective for a lifetime. If any young children want to take revenge in the future, and embark upon the martial path, then they will be dealt with ordingly.¡±

    The sensual womanposed herself, and recorded the mission¡¯s details. When she heard the aforementioned ¡°dead or alive are both eptable,¡± herplexion faintly changed, but once she heard ¡°young children will be left alone,¡± she breathed a sigh of relief. After that was the subsequent ¡°dealt with ordingly,¡± which made her heart shudder.

    But overall, she felt more at ease.

    At least this person wasn¡¯t a lunatic. Otherwise, if the other party used medicinal pills as a bounty whenever he was upset, wouldn¡¯t everyone in the world be in danger? Although this person seemed to only be a profound-level pharmacist, and wasn¡¯t a pill king, this kind of profound-level pharmacist was scarier than the great majority of pill kings!

    Just looking at that long list of pill prescriptions made her scalp go numb for a while.

    She had never seen anyone who could refine so many pill prescriptions! Most of all, based on the other¡¯s tone, all of the pills were refined by him alone! Such a profound-level pharmacist... Could he truly be called a profound-level pharmacist?

    The sensual woman¡¯s courage wasn¡¯t small. Having worked in the Dark Tower for a long time, she wouldn¡¯t be too afraid. At this moment, while recording the mission, she asked with a smile: ¡°Having ced such a bounty, does this honored sir have enmity with the Yang n?¡±

    The ck-garbed person didn¡¯t hide anything: ¡°This enmity is absolutely irreconcble.¡±

    The sensual woman felt that these words sounded tranquil, but actually held boundless killing intent. Snapping out of it, she continued: ¡°If the medicinal pills run out, how should we contact this honored sir? And how will the captured people be handed over?¡±

    The person in ck said: ¡°Every seven days, someone wille here. If there¡¯s a shortage of medicinal pills, just inform that person.¡±

    The sensual woman asked several more questions. After that, she smiled and said: ¡°This honored sir¡¯s mission has already been recorded. Please rest assured, the mission shall be announced in two hours.¡±

    The ck-garbed person faintly nodded.

    The sensual woman suddenly thought of something, and asked: ¡°Honored sir, may this one ask if the bounty is world-wide or limited to within the Ten Ultimates Domain and Bright Emperor Domain?¡±

    The person in ck replied: ¡°A world-wide bounty.¡± He gave a slight pause, ¡°I would be pleased if this mission can be spread across the world quickly. Then, I¡¯ll give one to ten prismatic pills to your Dark Tower.¡±

    The sensual woman wore a smiling expression: ¡°Really?¡± She reacted right away, ¡°I, Third Lady Xie, shall have this matter spread widely throughout the world within a day!¡±

    The ck-garbed person lifted a hand, and tossed out a medicinal pill.

    Third Lady Xie lowered her head to take a look. This was a wless pill that was extremely suitable for her current strength. She promptly expressed her thanks again.

    The person in ck turned around and strode away, leaving behind only one sentence: ¡°If matters are handled well, you will be generously rewarded.¡±

    Third Lady Xie took a deep breath. As her beautiful form turned around, she took the mission logs and went upstairs.

    She definitely had to do a good job.

    Not only was it for the sake of obtaining benefits, it was also to win over this profound-level pharmacist!

    In reality, such a profound-level pharmacist who could refine wless pills was even more important torge organizations than those pill kings who could refine some earth-level pills!

    Once the ck-garbed person departed, his psychic power surged out in all directions. After realizing that no one was following him, he changed his cloak inside a tavern room, which revealed his original appearance.

    If this person wasn¡¯t Gu Zuo, who else could it have been?

    After returning to Ten Ultimates Sect, Gu Zuo sat at the edge of a cliff near the summit. He stared nkly far into the distance.

    All of a sudden, someone came looking for him: ¡°Pharmacist Gu, the Blood Transformation Pce Master has requested your presence.¡±

    Gu Zuo was taken aback. Shortly thereafter, he nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯ll go pay my respects to the pce master.¡±

    Before long, he arrived at the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. The pce master was already waiting inside.

    When he noticed Gu Zuo, he lowered his eyes to look at him: ¡°Ah Zuo, did you go to the Dark Tower just now?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s pair of eyes opened slightly, but he didn¡¯t shy away from the pce master¡¯s implication. He only said: ¡°I did.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s expression was unflinching: ¡°In that case, that mission from the Dark Tower was issued by you?¡±

    Gu Zuo was surprised. A hint of gloom flickered through his eyes. He replied: ¡°It was.¡±

    Although he knew it was a little cruel, if he was given another chance to choose, he would still make the same choice.

    The pce master asked: ¡°Is your goal to vent your anger?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded. After that, he shook his head: ¡°It was to vent my anger, but more than that, I wanted to use this as a pretext to force out Yang Hu. Pce master has sent out millions of battle ves who¡¯ve scattered to all parts of the continent, but they haven¡¯t found Yang Hu¡¯s whereabouts. Who knows which mouse hole he¡¯s hidden in... Big brother hasn¡¯t shown up either. I¡¯m unwilling to leave things like this.¡±

    The pce master suddenlyughed: ¡°Hahaha! Well done!¡± There was praise in his eyes, ¡°In the past, I always felt that you had an abundance of diligence and caution, but your temperament was a little too softhearted andcked a bit of ruthlessness. Now that you¡¯ve made such a move, it has made me realize that I have been underestimating you!¡±

    Gu Zuo nked.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s expression became grave and stern. Amid his words, there was a type of absolute confidence: ¡°The Yang n is nothing more than an insignificant organization that has just advanced from the rank of iron to bronze. If it wasn¡¯t for the dy in finding Yang Hu and theck of evidence, I would¡¯ve already led my armies to suppress and ughter the entire Yang n! Just on the basis of that paltry Yang Hu, he indulged his descendants inmitting evil acts and provoked my Ten Ultimates Sect first. Then, he used strength to oppress the weak and persecuted my Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s all-star prodigyter on. It wouldn¡¯t be considered excessive to kill him ten thousand times, shatter his bones, and scatter his ashes!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart surged a little: ¡°Pce master doesn¡¯t think that I¡¯m being impulsive... That¡¯s great.¡±

    The pce master smiled and responded: ¡°How is this impulsive? This is clearly courageous! You have means at your disposal. Being able to do such a thing isn¡¯t something ordinary pharmacists can do.¡±

    After praising Gu Zuo, he said: ¡°That Yang Hu was originally part of a cadet branch of the Yang n. After advancing his realm, he wiped out the main branch¡¯s bloodline. At first, he was undisciplined and out of control, but he was quite protective of those who shared his own blood. Now that Yang Hu has be a tortoise that has withdrawn into his shell, if he really cares about his bloodline, Ah Zuo¡¯s move will naturally force him to stick his head out. If he doesn¡¯t, we can also use those bloodlines to deduce his whereabouts.¡±

    It was just that it wouldn¡¯t be easy to deduce a stronger individual based on the blood of weaker people. At the very least,rge quantities of blood essence had to be gathered to have a chance. However, it would be inappropriate for Ten Ultimates Sect to do this kind of thing. As for Gu Zuo, he didn¡¯t have any misgivings. When he issued the mission at the Dark Tower, no one saw his appearance. Under the temptation of those medicinal pills, it naturally didn¡¯t matter. Even if some people suspected Ten Ultimates Sect, the sect could remain frank and magnanimous.

    When all was said and done, Gu Zuo was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s personal pharmacist. In actuality, he wasn¡¯t really ssified as a disciple of Ten Ultimates Sect.

    The reason why Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t hold himself back was also rted to the fact that the blood of the Tianlong Guards and Tianyang couldn¡¯t deduce Tianheng¡¯s whereabouts. It wasn¡¯t known why, but when the blood was used for the calctions, the obtained result was a scene of primal chaos. Not to mention an indicated position, even a general direction couldn¡¯t be found.

    However, although Gu Zuo was initially anxious because of this, heter remembered that his big brother¡¯s Tiandu Body stood out from the masses. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a little more at ease.

    Even the blood of the Tianlong Guards and immediate family members couldn¡¯t make a deduction. No matter what the reason was, at the very least, if big brother encountered an unstoppable enemy in the future, he wouldn¡¯t be afraid of being found after going into hiding...

    Back to the matter of the Blood Transformation Pce Master. He summoned Gu Zuo this time just to confirm the source of the bounty to control the situation.

    Of course, in the beginning, he doubted whether it was really Gu Zuo ¡ª After all, the variety and product grades of the bounty¡¯s medicinal pills were too shocking. Even if Gu Zuo previously refined several types of unusual pills, it only made people somewhat incredulous. It was just that the pce master knew more. Besides the most likely Gu Zuo, there really wasn¡¯t anyone else. This was because, among the people who had the deepest affection for Tianheng, apart from the pce master himself and Tianheng¡¯s rtives, there was just Gu Zuo. And among those who had the capabilities, he was the only one!

    After confirming this, the pce master was very satisfied, and said to Gu Zuo: ¡°When the members of the Yang n are brought here, how does Ah Zuo intend to deal with them?¡±

    When Gu Zuo thought about the people from the Yang n and Yang Hu himself, there was a trace of hatred in his tone: ¡°The members of the Yang n have enjoyed endless benefits under Yang Hu¡¯s prestige. None of them are innocent. If they¡¯re unlucky, they¡¯ll encounter those types of people who feel that killing is convenient. As for those Yang n corpses, I¡¯ll gather them up and have them piled at the gates of the Yang n. This way, Yang Hu can have a good look at the fate of the evildoing descendants he indulged!

    ¡°If the ones brought back are alive...and they haven¡¯t done anything bad, their strength will be crippled, but they¡¯ll be allowed to go as ordinary people. If they have done anything bad, they¡¯ll be executed after Yang Hu takes the bait!¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo is actually so merciful.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head.

    This wasn¡¯t him being merciful. At most, he was being hypocritical.

    Of course, on the off-chance that the situation reached this extent and those crippled Yang n members thought of a way to counterattack, he would count them capable, but he and his big brother had nothing to fear.

    Aftermunicating with the pce master, Gu Zuo went back.

    His mood had calmed down greatly once he issued the bounty. Finally, he could refine medicine with peace of mind while waiting for the mission¡¯s results.

    Because Ying Yu hadn¡¯t been able to protect Tianheng, he made amends for his wrongdoing. With his Celestial Realm strength, he was arranged close to that Dark Tower by Gu Zuo. Once every seven days, he would act as a bridge formunication with the people of the Dark Tower.

    After receiving this kind of task, Ying Yu was conscientious and hardworking. He didn¡¯t dare to neglect anything in the slightest.

    At the same time, under the full-efforts of Third Lady Xie, that unusual mission was spread all over the world within a day by the mysterious methods of the Dark Tower!

    Across many domains and throughout numerous cities, announcement sheets were located within each and every base of operations of the Dark Tower.

    On the announcement sheets, there were plenty of missions, divided into ranks, that were selected by those who came to the Dark Tower. And among these missions, some were also handed over torge organizations, which allowed their disciples to go out and gain experience.

    This time around, a special mission appeared on the lists.

    Under normal circumstances, missions suitable for Houtian and Xiantian martial artists were ssified as human-level missions. Those suitable for Immortal Realms to Ascendant Realms were ssified as golden-level missions... As one went up the ranks, there were finally the heaven-level missions.

    The mostmonly epted missions were the three ranks of profound, golden, and human. As for this mission in particr, it actually spanned all three ranks. Heroes and towering figures from all over the world were invited toe andplete it.

    After reading the different requirements of this mission, the areas in front of the mission lists suddenly erupted with a mor.

    ¡°Yang n... Is it that Yang n from the Bright Emperor Domain?¡±

    ¡°Haha! I¡¯ve heard that the Yang n is very unbridled and arrogant when handling matters. They have offended many people. This time, they¡¯ve kicked an iron te!¡±

    ¡°Looking at the mission, it¡¯s clear that someone wants to put an end to their household!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I¡¯m not interested in something like this...¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute! Check out the rewards!¡±

    Once they got a clear look at those rewards, this wasn¡¯t just a morous racket. The atmosphere heated up like boiling water, surging together into a raging current!

    ¡°This old man didn¡¯t read it incorrectly, right? wless pills?¡±

    ¡°Damn. Did the Yang n offend a big aristocratic family of pharmacists or something? The medicinal pills taken out are too¡ª¡±

    ¡°Bullshit. Even if it¡¯s arge aristocratic family, it would be too much of a loss to take out that many prismatic pills!¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not arge aristocratic family, then who posted the mission?¡±

    ¡°In my opinion, some lucky bastard found an ancient medicinal holynd, and obtained these from inside...¡±

    ¡°Stop guessing! No matter what, since this old man wants medicinal pills, I¡¯ll capture those people from the Yang n!¡±

    Indeed. Regardless of whether one was a desperate criminal or just an adventurer, everyone was very interested in this mission.

    The desperate criminals naturally didn¡¯t care if the Yang n members lived or died. In any case, so long as they chopped off a person¡¯s head, they could kill several people and obtain top-notch pills. This was simply no different from giving them away for free! As for those who were out adventuring, they also needed wless pills. But if they had to kill others because of this, some people would still have to do more psychological training. However, since the current mission said that capturing the targets alive was okay, then they weren¡¯t mentally burdened at all.

    Ah, they had to hurry and capture those people! If they were toote and caught nothing, then there also wouldn¡¯t be any pills!

    ¡ª In fact, with Gu Zuo¡¯s fury directed at Yang Hu, he truly wished that the entire Yang n was exterminated when his thoughts were clouded with anger. However, when all was said and done, he still retained a bit of the modern world¡¯s ideology. He didn¡¯t want to be a person who only wanted to use killing to resolve his problems. Additionally, he had taken this type of situation into consideration.

    Those who weren¡¯t willing to kill ¡°innocent¡± people indiscriminately probably had no qualms with arresting others. All people were like this. He, Gu Zuo, would be hypocritical due to that pitiful modern thinking. Anyone who wanted wless pills naturally could exchange them for a living person. After the exchange, they wouldn¡¯t care whether that person lived or died... This was also a type of hypocrisy.

    All that Gu Zuo wanted was to force that Yang Hu out into the open with the fastest speed!

    And perhaps, Gu Zuo¡¯s way of thinking was right. After this mission was issued by the Dark Tower, it set off huge stormy waves across the entire continent. Even a few high-ranking top figures inevitably had some interest in the prismatic pills ¡ª At the very least, their juniors were interested.

    Hence, at this moment, the Bright Emperor Domain¡¯s Yang n had turned into a delicious cake.

    Countless people from various ces flooded into the Bright Emperor Domain through the teleportation arrays. Then, they quickly came to the city where the Yang n was located, andunched attacks on the n.

    In just a few short days, the Yang n didn¡¯t even have enough time to escape, and were blocked within their old nest by nearby organizations. When more people came with murderous shouts that shook the heavens, the members of the Yang n seemed to see hell on earth.

    Many heads were chopped down, corpses were loaded into inter-spatial tools, and numerous others were captured. To prevent them from escaping, their cultivations were crippled. Many people wanted to resist, and called out to their old ancestor, but it was of no use... The Yang n was toppled, and the entire ancestral residenceid vacant and empty.

    Besides this, the members of the Yang n who were out adventuring were constantly hiding like rats skittering across the street. Even after doing their best to conceal themselves, many people still thought of ways to find them. Then, they were either killed or reduced to prisoners.

    Everyone knew that the higher the realm of the captured Yang n members, the higher the rank of medicinal pills they could obtain. As a result, in order to give their carefully-nurtured disciples those prismatic pills, some organizations even bestowed spirit weapons and tacitly allowed many disciples to bring the battle ves of their masters or elders to encircle and suppress the Yang n.

    At any rate, what the mission ultimately required were the results.

    As for who achieved these results, what did it matter?

    On the day that the mes of war burned the brightest, the elders of the Yang n cried out with tears overflowing:

    ¡°Why? Why attack our Yang n?¡±

    ¡°What enmity do you all have with the Yang n?¡±

    ¡°So long as you let my Yang n¡¯s bloodline go, my Yang n is willing to hand over a huge reward!¡±

    However, the only things the Yang n received in return were ridicule and hostility.

    ¡°Your Yang n once harmed my whole family. I can¡¯t afford to provoke your old ancestor, and I¡¯m powerless to take revenge. Now that your Yang n has offended someone who shouldn¡¯t be offended, I will use the eastern wind to behead the enemy. That nderous bastard isn¡¯t my opponent, but I can still obtain medicinal pills to save my poor little sister!¡±

    ¡°Persisting in evil brings out self-destruction. We are merely doing the right thing on behalf of the heavens...in exchange for some medicinal pills in passing.¡±

    ¡°Could it be that no one from the Yang n has gone to the Dark Tower? We took on this mission from the Dark Tower, but it¡¯s just topete a task.¡±

    ¡°Give yourselves up. Right now, every person from your Yang n can be exchanged for a wless pill. In this world, one won¡¯t oftene across such a good deal. Miss it, and there¡¯ll be nothing left...¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 491 - Destruction of the Yang Clan

    <h4>Chapter 491 - Destruction of the Yang n</h4>

    A nameless domain.

    A Noble Realm powerhouse was in the middle of fighting an origin beast in the mountains. Just when he was about to seal its throat with his sword, someone suddenly soared into the air and loudly shouted: ¡°My lord! There¡¯s good news¡ª¡±

    As soon as these words were uttered, that powerhouse was disturbed and his actions slightly paused. That origin beast immediately fled.

    The powerhouse furrowed his brows: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    He still needed to cut out that origin pearl, and scrape together enough medicinal ingredients to refine the fifth batch of Ice Jade Illusion Pills.

    The person who came kneeled on the ground with joy across his face: ¡°Reporting to my lord, the Ice Jade Illusion Pill has appeared! Moreover, it¡¯s a pill born with rose-tinted clouds, perfectly round andpletely sealed. It¡¯s the most suitable for the young miss!¡±

    The powerhouse¡¯s gaze was like lightning as he pulled the person up: ¡°What did you say? Who has it, and how much does it cost?¡±

    The messenger hurriedly said: ¡°The price is very low. The Ice Jade Illusion Pill is a golden-level medicinal pill. Just catch a younger generation of the Yang n at the Immortal Realm or above, and you can go to the Dark Tower to exchange for this type of pill!¡±

    The powerhouse was angered: ¡°How is this possible? Don¡¯t lie to me!¡±

    The other¡¯s voice was excited and eager: ¡°This mission was issued by the Dark Tower. The Yang n offended someone, and that person took out hundreds of precious pills, wanting the Yang n to copse!¡±

    The powerhouse didn¡¯t hesitate any longer. He grabbed the messenger with one hand, jumped onto a flying boat, and soared into the sky: ¡°Quick! Tell me everything you know about this matter!¡±

    For the sake of his little sister, who had been born with a congenital defect, he had been out adventuring for a dozen years and racking his brains to scrape together enough medicinal ingredients for a pill king. He wanted to ask this pill king to refine wless pills for him. But now that there was a shortcut, why would he care about those origin beasts?

    The messenger¡¯s voice gradually became distant: ¡°This kind of thing is too rare, and many people have taken action. The Yang n has already been destroyed, and no n members remain inside the ancestral residence. My lord is far away, so we¡¯re a littlete. Now, you should go find the Yang n¡¯s usual stomping grounds and look for younger generations out adventuring. Here are some maps...¡±

    The back garden of a silver-ranked aristocratic family.

    A strapping and majestic man was submerged in the middle of a pool of Thundering Water. As he practiced martial arts, thunder qi rose from his whole body like steam.

    Someone barged inside: ¡°Eldest brother, good news!¡±

    The majestic man¡¯s eyes burst forth with shining lights as he stared at the person in front of him: ¡°Impertinent brat. What happened?¡±

    The young man who barged in had a smile across his face: ¡°The Dark Tower issued a mission. It has the Thunder Substitution Blood Pill that eldest brother urgently needs!¡±

    The strapping man suddenly stood up: ¡°This kind of pill has appeared?¡±

    The young man proudly said: ¡°The quality is perfectly round andpletely sealed, and the pill has born rose-tinted clouds. All we have to do is capture the Celestial Realm disciples of some Yang n...¡±

    The majestic man grabbed a changpao, and draped it over his body. In a low voice, he said: ¡°We¡¯ll go and find members of the Yang n. Tell me everything that happened!¡±

    The young man started talking nonstop: ¡°Heh. If I hadn¡¯t gone outside to get some experience, I wouldn¡¯t have found out about this mission...¡±

    Inside a cier.

    After a remarkably beautiful woman turned around, a set of snow-white robes were already ced upon her body.

    To the side, a charming young girl was helping her get dressed. She smilingly said: ¡°Older sister, we can go and capture a Celestial Realm child of the Yang n. At that time, we can exchange it for a wless Snow Dragon Pill. If we capture a few more, we can exchange them for a couple more pills. Then, older sister will be able to break through to the Noble Realm even faster...¡±

    A deste wastnd.

    An old man wearing ck robes waved his sleeve, and swept away the minion who came to report the news: ¡°Very good. You have performed a meritorious service for passing along this information. From today onwards, your n¡¯s tithes will be reduced by twenty percent!¡±

    Shortly after that, there was a peal of heartyughter: ¡°This old man¡¯s beloved son can finally bnce his yin and yang, and aim for the supreme path of martial arts!¡±

    As mentioned previously, the Yang n¡¯s copse was incredibly swift. Fortunately, there were quite a few younger generations of the Yang n who were out adventuring. Most of them were caught off guard. When their training locations were targeted by others, they were quickly captured or killed.

    However, this matter only extended to some disciples below the Celestial Realm. As for those at the Celestial Realm and above, several still escaped and attempted to conceal their identities.

    Unfortunately, the people in the beginning came quickly, but there weren¡¯t many powerhouses who truly surpassed therge organizations. Later on, those who ought to have reacted finally made their moves. With the help of various secret techniques and mighty abilities, the fast-fleeing individuals at the Celestial Realm and above were all seized one by one.

    As a result, things quickly went beyond Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. Following the first seven days, when Ying Yu came to check on the mission results, he discovered that the ce was packed with people, and the skeletons of the dead piled up into mountains.

    Moreover, there was a little setback.

    After Gu Zuo heard about it, he didn¡¯t have much to say. He only put on some ck robes, and had Ying Yu bring him straight to the Dark Tower.

    That beautiful woman, Third Lady Xie, was already waiting there with an anxious expression on her face.

    Third Lady Xie was familiar with Ying Yu¡¯s appearance. Once she saw Gu Zuo, who was being carried by Ying Yu, she hurriedly weed him: ¡°Honored sir, you¡¯re finally here. If you hadn¡¯te, this old woman wouldn¡¯t have been able to hold on any longer.¡±

    When she finished speaking, she led Gu Zuo to a small hall on the side. And within this small hall, both sides werepletely filled with seated people.

    After Gu Zuo entered the hall, he took a sweeping nce.

    There were many figures at the Celestial Realm and above in this ce, but by his side was only the Celestial Realm Ying Yu. ording to logic, he should¡¯ve been intimidated by their imposing auras. But for some unknown reason, he wasn¡¯t scared in the least.

    Under Third Lady Xie¡¯s guidance, Gu Zuo sat down in the seat of honor. After that, he cupped his hands in greeting: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I look forward to your advisement.¡±

    When those people saw Gu Zuo sitting upon that high throne, their eyes flickered with traces of surprise. They recognized that this person¡¯s voice was very young. He was probably twenty years old or so. Could it be that these medicinal pills were really as they thought, and that he obtained them through a fortuitous encounter? To willingly taking out such a fortuitous encounter was bold enough.

    But no matter what they thought, since this ck-robed person was the one who issued the mission, and they had some conflicting views after receiving this mission, they also had to find him to resolve things.

    As a result, Third Lady Xie wore a bitter smile as she exined: ¡°Honored sir, it¡¯s still the problem of the quantity of medicinal pills.¡± She didn¡¯t expect that there would be conflicts over the pills so quickly, ¡°There are several mission takers who need the same type of pill. They arrived at the same time and their strengths are very simr, but they all want to be the first to obtain those pills...¡±

    Originally, one could inform Gu Zuo if there was a shortage of medicinal pills, but the scarcity of some pills was a little higher. The other parties had big backgrounds and they didn¡¯t want to wait for too long, so they wanted to see Gu Zuo.

    Gu Zuo understood: ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Which types of medicinal pills arecking? You can just say it.¡±

    Third Lady Xie answered: ¡°It¡¯s mainly the Path Comprehending Pill, Martial Path Pill, Barrier Breaking Pill, and Heart Protecting Pill. Most have a beneficial effect on the cultivation of martial arts, and some can help toprehend certain secret skills.¡±

    Indeed. With regards to martial artists, unless there were special requirements, these all-purpose pills were more applicable.

    Gu Zuo pondered for a short while, and understood. He nodded his head: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, I will keep my word. I certainly won¡¯t disappoint anyone who haspleted the mission.¡± He paused, ¡°Since I¡¯m here, please step forward and hand over the mission targets. If there are no mistakes, I¡¯ll do my best to satisfy the requests of the mission takers.¡±

    Someone¡¯s heart moved: ¡°What does this honored sir mean?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°For any pills that arecking, I can refine them on the spot. However, it¡¯s true that my considerations weren¡¯t thorough enough. Aspensation... If there are other medicinal pills you need, you can tell me. If I know the pill prescription, and it¡¯s below the earth rank, I can attempt to refine them. It¡¯s just that the medicinal ingredients for those attempts will have to be taken care of by yourselves. While I can guarantee that I can produce the pills, I can¡¯t ensure that they¡¯ll be wless.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, everyone was taken aback.

    Just a moment ago, it was guessed that he obtained them from a fortuitous encounter. But now, he said that he personally refined them?

    And with such a young voice...

    However, although Gu Zuo¡¯s proposal that he could refine on the spot set off billowing waves in their hearts, it still piqued many of these people¡¯s interests. It also raised their trust in him.

    Some people had some vague ideas, but they restrained those thoughts for the time being ¡ª There were medicinal pills they needed refining, but whether or not these pills could be produced, they would need to watch a round of this pharmacist¡¯s pill refining before saying anything else.

    Following this, the crowd said: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll abide by this honored sir¡¯s words!¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°By all means.¡±

    Right after that, there was someone wearing ck robes. Upright and unafraid, a man with what seemed like lightning in his eyes stood up. He stepped forward withrge strides, and said: ¡°I need more Thunder Substitution Blood Pills. Is it possible for this honored sir?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it: ¡°This pill isn¡¯t hard to refine, and I also have the medicinal ingredients. How many younger generations of the Yang n did you bring?¡±

    The man in front was a Celestial Realm powerhouse. The qi emissions across his body surged greatly. Compared to Ying Yu, he was even more powerful ¡ª Though he wasn¡¯t considered a true prodigy-level personage, he was infinitesimally close to a prodigy.

    This was just his rough judgement.

    The brilliance in the man¡¯s eyes shed repeatedly: ¡°Great! Take a look!¡±

    Having said that, his hand made a tossing motion.

    Suddenly, five human heads tumbled on the ground.

    The appearances of these five heads were somewhat simr. In addition, their facial features shared some resemnce with Yang Hu.

    Gu Zuo only felt a bloody stench rushing towards his face. These human heads had almost rolled to his feet ¡ª Was this an attempt at scaring him or something?

    But none of that was important. The important thing was that the loss of these five people could definitely cause Yang Hu¡¯s heart to ache. The possibility of forcing him out was even bigger!

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Then, I will refine for you first.¡±

    After that, he casually flung his hand, and an extremelyrge pill furnace appeared in front of him. Immediately following which, he reached out and made a grabbing motion. There were many medicinal ingredients in his hand. Every type flickered with shining lights and robust qi emissions.

    Gu Zuo performed a hand seal, and tossed these ingredients into the pill furnace. Every single move seemed to contain profound mysteries. And the purple-colored me below the furnace blossomed with faint rays of light. It was extremely spirited.

    The people below watched with rapt attention.

    Although they were martial artists and couldn¡¯t make sense of how a pharmacist refined medicinal pills, they could record this scene with their own abilities. Once they went back, they could show this to the pharmacists supported by their own organizations. At that time, if they couldprehend some things, it would be incredibly beneficial!

    After a little more than two hours, the pill furnace rolled with thunder and shed with lightning. Like a river, a streak of purple light flowed across the air. Then, a wisp of medicinal power soared up like a long dragon. There was the chime of pill sounds, and the pill fragrance was dense as smoke. After that, the furnace lid opened wide!

    Gu Zuo reached out, and three pills entered the palm of his hand.

    Of these three pills, one was prismatic and two were wless.

    As far as Gu Zuo was concerned, this kind of achievement was rtively normal for a first-time refinement, but when everyone below witnessed this, they were iparably shocked.

    With such light touches and understated strokes, it seemed that he didn¡¯t expend a great deal of effort. Yet, he refined those three pills just like that?

    Gu Zuo disyed the three medicinal pills: ¡°Unfortunately, there is only one prismatic pill. Three more to go. Please wait a moment.¡±

    In fact, this man was the only one who exchanged for this type of medicinal pill. It was just that he wanted to exchange for five pills, so there wasn¡¯t enough.

    That man naturally gave a clear and boisterousugh: ¡°Okay!¡±

    Subsequently, Gu Zuo spent four hours altogether. Each batch was faster than the next. After refining two more furnaces of medicinal pills, three pills were refined with each batch. The first had one prismatic pill, and the second had two prismatic pills. In addition, there was a total of three wless pills.

    When added together, he refined three batches, and produced four prismatic pills and five wless pills!

    Gu Zuo directly threw the four prismatic pills to the man. Meanwhile, he put away the wless pills.

    Upon seeing this, the man suddenly said: ¡°Honored sir, are the other wless pills for sale?¡±

    Gu Zuo nced at him, and replied: ¡°If you give me three batches of the main ingredient, I can give you four pills.¡±

    That man made a decision right away: ¡°Sure!¡±

    After that, he rummaged through his inter-spatial tool, threw out several boxes, and happily took away the four wless pills.

    These Thunder Substitution Blood Pills were enough to raise his constitution by quite a few levels. Driven forward by the medicinal power, he could learn some martial disciplines even faster and derive even stronger ultimate skills!

    The sess of this man caused the others to re with passion.

    This profound-level pharmacist really was capable enough!

    Hence, following a period of shing res and imposing auras, the next person stepped forward.

    This time around, the one who came needed the Martial Path Pill. As it turned out, the Martial Path Pill was too popr. It had already been take away and was out stock. As as result, this person stayed behind.

    It was even easier for Gu Zuo to refine the Martial Path Pill. Before long, wless pills were produced.

    ¡ª For the type of medicinal pill like the Martial Path Pill, prismatic ones didn¡¯t exist.

    After that, the two wless Martial Path Pills in stock were exchanged by two other mission takers who needed the same pill.

    People came over and made their requests one by one. Gu Zuo met their needspletely. And after he continuously refined medicine for three days and three nights, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t show any signs of psychic power depletion or internal qi exhaustion...

    Although it was said that a characteristic of pharmacists allowed their internal qi tost for a rtively long time, it truly wasn¡¯t easy to persevere like Gu Zuo.

    Eventually, all of the mission takers who needed pills within the scope of what was written on the silken cloth got what they wanted.

    At this time, a youngdy with a pretty appearance stepped forward. She gritted her gleaming teeth, and ced the head of a Yang n younger generation on the ground: ¡°I want a Meridian Intermittence Pill... Can it be done?¡±

    Gu Zuo looked at her: ¡°I can.¡±

    The youngdy¡¯s eyes shined: ¡°Does this honored sir have the pill prescription?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°I have it.¡±

    Following that, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t waste time chattering. He summoned his pill furnace, and swiftly refined a batch of golden-level Meridian Intermittence Pills. Speaking of which, something like the Meridian Intermittence Pill wasn¡¯t considered too rare. In fact, it was simpler than those previous medicinal pills. Even the number of pills produced was five pills per furnace.

    Gu Zuo had never refined it before. This time, three wless pills and two grade eleven pills were produced. He tossed one of the wless pills to the youngdy. Among the four remaining pills, he kept the two wless ones for himself. As for the two grade eleven pills, he said to everyone: ¡°I don¡¯t keep any wed products in my hands. Does anyone want these two grade eleven Meridian Intermittence Pills?¡±

    Off to the side, Third Lady Xie gasped in amazement when she saw this. After watching the results of Gu Zuo¡¯s series of refinements with her own eyes, her admiration for him was indescribable. Naturally, she had the idea of befriending Gu Zuo to the best of her abilities. At once, she smiled and said: ¡°If no one wants it, I wonder if my Dark Tower can ept it?¡±

    Even if she couldn¡¯t befriend him, it was rare to see a grade eleven Meridian Intermittence Pill. Ah, they absolutely needed it!

    However, if Third Lady Xie could have such thoughts, the other people below could naturally think the same way.

    After witnessing Gu Zuo¡¯s skills, almost no one wanted to leave early. Having heard what Gu Zuo said, they also became interested in the grade eleven pills. They spoke in quick session:

    ¡°I want it!¡±

    ¡°I want it, too!¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°For those who have the pill¡¯s main ingredient, two batches for one pill.¡±

    After some calctions by those people, only one person happened to have enough. The remaining pill was naturally taken by the resource-rich Dark Tower.

    The subsequent matters didn¡¯t need to be mentioned. The remaining ones who didn¡¯t exchange for medicinal pils, and the people who captured or killed a few more Yang n members, also relied on their head counts for Gu Zuo to refine some pills.

    What was outside their expectations was that Gu Zuo knew almost all of the prescriptions of the pills they needed. Moreover, he could actually refine all of them. As for the prescriptions he knew about, the majority of what he refined were wless pills. Except for an extremely small number of profound-level pills whose degree of difficulty was rather high, only some grade ten and eleven pills appeared. However, within every furnace, there would be at least one wless pill without exception.

    It was to the point that there was only one pill prescription Gu Zuo didn¡¯t seem to know about. Once he heard the name of this prescription, he realized that it was a type of self-created medicinal pill that was recently invented. After a short period of analysis, he directly refined grade ten pills, which left the person who possessed the prescription wild with joy!

    With such a level of medicine refinement, who could still say that he was no good?

    Apart from an insufficient spiritual path realm, which prevented him from refining earth and heaven-level pills, it could be said that this was the number one pharmacist in the world when it came to the refinement and schrly knowledge of profound-level pills and below!

    Of course, such words could only be ¡°spoken¡± in one¡¯s mind.

    If it was said aloud, this previously obscure and low-profile pharmacist wouldn¡¯t necessarily be happy, but other powerful pharmacists would definitely be upset.

    Another day passed in this way before Gu Zuo finally took care of everyone¡¯s affairs.

    For those that didn¡¯t reach the wless product grade, the pills were exchanged in the form of medicinal ingredients, and were either given to the present mission takers or the Dark Tower. And from Gu Zuo¡¯s actions of not wanting anything but ingredients, everyone couldn¡¯t help eximing in admiration ¡ª Only someone who refined medicine so wholeheartedly could have such achievements.

    Shortly thereafter, when these people nced at a corner of the hall, looks of pity couldn¡¯t help appearing in their gazes.

    In this corner of the hall, at least twenty-something Yang n younger generations were haphazardly tied up. They were the ones who had been captured alive. To prevent them from shouting obscenities, not only was their strength blocked, but their mouths were sealed, too.

    This pharmacist¡¯s personal character was magnanimous, and it could be said that his standards were superb. How did the Yang n offend him?

    But they were tactful, and none of them voiced this question.

    Afterwards, that strapping and majestic man who took out five heads spoke invitingly: ¡°Thundering Woods Domain, the third son of the Lei Family. I, Lei Pengfei, would like to invite this honored sir to be our guest. Would thou be wiling to do me this honor?¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I have an enemy. If he isn¡¯t killed, I¡¯ll never be able to release the hatred in my heart. But I¡¯m also waiting for someone. If he doesn¡¯t return, I¡¯ll never entertain any other thoughts.¡±

    Lei Pengfei, a descendant of arge household, wouldn¡¯t hold a grudge because he failed to issue an invitation. He straightforwardly said: ¡°I wee this honored sir at any time. If thou is ever interested ining over, just bring this token.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he threw a purple-colored token, turned around, and departed.

    Gu Zuo put the token away.

    In the hall, some of the others copied Lei Pengfei and gave Gu Zuo tokens of recognition. Meanwhile, some only expressed goodwill before gradually taking their leave.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo looked at Third Lady Xie.

    Third Lady Xie wore an intimate smile: ¡°Does this honored sir have any orders?¡±

    Gu Zuo spoke in a low voice: ¡°Firstly, I¡¯ll issue another mission. If anyone can obtain information on the Royal Realm powerhouse Yang Hu, I¡¯ll bestow medicinal pills. Secondly, I¡¯m making an announcement to the world. Tell Yang Hu that his descendants are all in my hands. If he doesn¡¯t show himself, I¡¯ll have the Yang n surname stricken from the Central Continent¡¯s records!¡±

    He didn¡¯t believe that this wretched Yang Hu would still refuse to step forward!

    And so long as he showed himself...

    Then, he would be handed over to the Blood Transformation Pce Master.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say anything to the Yang n younger generations in the corner. He also didn¡¯t react when he saw their resentful expressions. No one enjoyed being loathed by others, but... So long as he thought about Yang Hu¡¯s face, and recalled his big brother whose life or death remained uncertain, he didn¡¯t have any sympathetic feelings at all.

    Soon after, Gu Zuo asked the Dark Tower¡¯s people to lock up these Yang n descendants, and to temporarily hold them for him: ¡°Young Lady Xie, if the Dark Tower is willing to do this for me, I will take out fifty Martial Path Pills and bestow them to the Dark Tower once this matter is dealt with. If the Dark Tower can bring out enough medicinal ingredients, I¡¯ll also be willing to refine another thirty batches of pills, which will simrly be gifted to the Dark Tower... Naturally, the Dark Tower must ensure that these Yang n younger generations don¡¯t escape.¡±

    Of course, Third Lady Xie didn¡¯t hesitate in the least: ¡°This honored sir doesn¡¯t need to worry. Just entrust these people to my Dark Tower. I guarantee that when this honored sir has need of them, there won¡¯t be a single one missing!¡±

    This business deal was in the bag! It was practically a small capital and huge profit!

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll rest assured. My thanks to the Dark Tower for the trouble.¡±

    After giving these instructions, he took Ying Yu¡¯s arm again, and was brought away. Utilizing the innate abilities of the shadow cat race, Ying Yu swiftly departed.

    The new mission and announcement were made public to the world. Within the Dark Tower of an iron-ranked city, someone quickly read that announcement sheet from a secluded corner. A look of venomous hatred was revealed in those eyes.

    This was definitely the work of Ten Ultimates Sect! Ah, they really spent a huge sum of wealth. In order to force him out, they were willing to take out so many medicinal pills!

    This person was precisely Yang Hu.

    After escaping with his clone on that day, Yang Hu quickly fled. He didn¡¯t dare to stay near his original location at all.

    This clone was achieved through his painstaking efforts, andrge quantities of resources were used to feed the clone¡¯s strength. Now, it happened to be his life-saving tool.

    It was only a pity that the clone¡¯s strength was at the Ascendant Realm. Once he showed himself, even if hisprehensions were still present, his realm wasn¡¯t good enough. In the face of the colossal Ten Ultimates Sect, he wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand a single blow.

    Originally, he hid himself tenaciously. But in the end, he found out about the enormous crisis his Yang n suffered in the following days.

    His n members, his descendants, all of them unexpectedly...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 492 - Disposing of Yang Hu

    <h4>Chapter 492 - Disposing of Yang Hu</h4>

    Yang Hu¡¯s heart was filled with hatred.

    His n, his descendants, it was all over for them!

    The most resentful thing was that, among the heavenly materials and earthly treasures Yang Hu used to condense this clone, there originally weren¡¯t many that contained parts of his bloodline. Amid the continuous, subsequent tempering, he regarded this clone more as a magical treasure. As a result, although it became quite powerful, even if he found someone to produce an heir, that trace of remaining bloodline made it impossible for any offspring to be his true descendant.

    In other words, if everyone in the Yang n was killed, then Yang Hu¡¯s lineage would no longer exist in this world. He would be thest of his family line!

    Yang Hu was originally part of a cadet branch. It was to the point that he was just an illegitimate son of a cadet branch. Since he was a child, he had been bullied and humiliated by many of the main branch¡¯s children. If it wasn¡¯t for his sufficient aptitude, the Yang n wouldn¡¯t have paid any attention to this son of a mistress. This lowly life experience left Yang Hu with poor self-esteem, but his outstanding aptitude made him feel arrogant. This contributed to Yang Hu¡¯s twisted mentality.

    From the beginning, he wholeheartedly wanted to return to the Yang n. Later on, he wanted to be part of the main branch. When he turned his own branch into the main branch, and demoted the main branch into a cadet branch, he grasped the entire Yang n in the palm of his hand. From that moment on, he lifted his head and blew off his pent-up grievances. He was filled with pride and tion ¡ª It could be said that the Yang n was his obsession!

    He wanted to make his own bloodline into the Yang n¡¯s noblest lineage. Moreover, he had seeded. But now, everything had gone up in smoke...

    Undoubtedly, Gu Zuo¡¯s way of handling things had stabbed his weakest point.

    If it wasn¡¯t for this kind of obsession, Yang Hu wouldn¡¯t have allowed his descendants to be this domineering, which provoked so many enemies. He also wouldn¡¯t have courted trouble with Ten Ultimates Sect for the sake of a descendant, which brought about the present situation. However, his obsession was still an obsession. Even now, he was incapable of escaping and hiding by himself to the disregard of his remaining descendants.

    Yang Hu¡¯s heart was practically bleeding.

    He resisted his own impulse, turned around, and prepared to leave.

    But at this moment, several more pieces of information appeared on that announcement sheet. Among them, one article of revealing script stopped him in his tracks and stung his eyes.

    The content of this mission was the following:

    Offering a reward for the clone of the Yang n¡¯s Royal Realm powerhouse, Yang Hu. If anyone can capture this clone, ten types of profound-level medicinal pills will be provided based on the mission taker¡¯s preference. The pharmacist refining these pills also promises that when he breaks through to the realm of pill kings, a high grade earth-level pill will be given as a gift. This promise will be valid until the death of the pharmacist.

    Yang Hu felt rmed from the bottom of his heart.

    From this information, he keenly realized ¡ª ¡°The pharmacist refining these pills.¡± He didn¡¯t dare to believe it. Could it be that these medicinal pills were all refined by a single person? Wasn¡¯t this a huge undertaking by Ten Ultimates Sect? Why did this kind of pharmacist want to make trouble with him?!

    When all was said and done, Yang Hu wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew that since the Dark Tower issued this information, it meant that these carefully chosen sentences were the truth. In other words, the cmity his Yang n encountered was entirely due to a single pharmacist?

    If it was Ten Ultimates Sect that took action, he could still withstand it. After all, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising for that huge colossus to do something like this. But how could one pharmacist be so capable?

    Yang Hu couldn¡¯t imagine who that person was. All that he could think of was the one he offended most recently. However, it was merely the prodigy from Ten Ultimates Sect he easily killed.

    That prodigy¡¯s strength was just at the Atomic Realm. Unexpectedly, that prodigy could make such a terrifying profound-level pharmacist avenge him with such disregard for everything? In addition, there were millions of battle ves from the Blood Transformation Pce Master who were spread all over the world looking for traces of Yang Hu... If it really was his mistake for killing this prodigy, to what horrifying degree had the innate talents of this prodigy reached?

    Yang Hu¡¯s thoughts were in a whirl.

    He didn¡¯t know whether to expect the pharmacist and Ten Ultimates Sect to be one group of people, or to hope that they were two separate groups. If it was the former, then he couldn¡¯t estimate the value of the prodigy he killed. If it was thetter, then he offended both parties at the same time, which made it even more...

    With his imagination running wild for a while, Yang Hu silently retreated and concealed himself.

    However, in order to search out enough information, he still switched into all sorts of disguises and came to the Dark Tower every day.

    On this day, the news changed again.

    [Announcement to the world. Thirty-four younger generations of the Yang n have already been arrested. All of the others have been executed. From this day onwards, the cultivations of five people will be crippled. If Yang Hu still does not show himself after seven days, one person will be killed once a day until Yang Hu appears!]

    There was also an apanying message left by that pharmacist.

    [Ten Ultimates City, Clear River Tower. Numerous younger generations of the Yang n are being held captive, silently waiting for Yang Hu.]

    Yang Hu¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank.

    He realized that this was an ultimatum. If he took too long and still wasn¡¯t willing to show himself, then the end result was certainly going to be the disappearance of thest of his Yang n¡¯s bloodline!

    This coercion was upright and out in the open, but Yang Hu had no choice but to pay attention to this kind of coercion... He had to proceed towards Ten Ultimates City.

    At this very moment, he didn¡¯t dare to hesitate in the slightest any longer. He turned around, and headed to this city¡¯s teleportation array.

    In Yang Hu¡¯s heart, he still held onto a meager hope.

    If he could convince that pharmacist to let him off... He would be willing to be that pharmacist¡¯s follower, and serve him for life.

    For a dead prodigy, no matter how talented one was, it would all be in vain. As for himself, he had once reached the Royal Realm. Currently, his power wasn¡¯t weak. So long as there were enough resources, he could recover very quickly.

    His value ought to have been more important than that dead man.

    Clear River Tower.

    This wasn¡¯t a restaurant, nor was it a courtesan building. Located by the banks of a river, though it was only rtively ancient, it had be a ¡°scenic point¡± because it had been preserved over the long passage of time.

    Nearby, there was also arge peach grove. Within this peach grove, one could lose themselves among the peach blossoms. Although, as far as many martial artists were concerned, this wouldn¡¯t negatively affect them at all. After being upied by Ten Ultimates Sect, it had turned into a rest-stop where sect disciples could entertain their friends and go for scenic walks in the spring.

    But this building had been reserved by one person half a month ago.

    This ce¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t small, so the price wasn¡¯t too cheap either. However, the thing this visitor used as payment was a wless profound-level medicinal pill ¡ª For this kind of price tag, not to mention reserving the ce for one to two months, no one would say anything if he reserved it for one to two years.

    The tower¡¯s height was approximately sixty meters tall. Inside the pavilion at the top, a person wearing ck robes was sitting with his legs crossed. In front of him was a pill furnace, and he was right in the middle of refining a type of pill.

    Behind the ck-robed person, a pair of low Royal Realm powerhouses were standing on either side. From their appearances, they should¡¯ve been members of some servile race. The lowest force capable of utilizing Royal Realm servile races were silver-ranked organizations ¡ª There were no doubts as to where they came from.

    It was just that these two people didn¡¯t say anything, and the ck-robed person didn¡¯t reveal his face. Who could say that they must¡¯ve been from Ten Ultimates Sect?

    And since it couldn¡¯t be confirmed, one couldn¡¯t say that certain things were done by Ten Ultimates Sect.

    On the banister of this building, there were thirty-something people fastened side by side. They seemed to more or less resemble one another. Even though some didn¡¯t have many simrities in terms of appearance, their qi emissions were all from the same lineage and the cultivation methods they practiced werergely of the same origin.

    Right now, these people didn¡¯t look too old, but their expressions were very dispirited. It was as if they had already lost all hope ¡ª Or perhaps, only a strand of impossible yearning remained.

    There were many people below the Clear River Tower. They were leisurely waiting at some stone tables and stone tforms, sipping tea and tasting wine. They wore looks of interest, and when several watched the ck-robed person in the tower, their expressions were filled with rapt fascination.

    They hade to join in on the fun. The majority were quite interested in this profound-level pharmacist, but all of them wanted to know what the final oue would be like after this pharmacist made such a hefty world-wide bounty.

    Even if they wasted a bit of time on this, it seemed to be worth it.

    After refining a furnace of medicinal pills, the person in ck robes opened his mouth: ¡°The time hase.¡±

    The moment he finished speaking, a Royal Realm powerhouse shed out, extended a hand, and snatched five younger generations of the Yang n. Soon after, he bent his fingers and flicked them. These Yang n descendants revealed pained expressions on their faces. The imposing auras across their bodies withered and wasted away... No, it ought to be said that not a single wisp of imposing aura remained. They listlesslyid on the ground like ordinary people who had been seriously injured.

    Upon seeing this, the other Yang n members showed rmed looks.

    They hurriedly curled in on themselves, but this kind of huddling had no way of stopping this matter.

    At this moment, the number of Yang n younger generations who were already crippled reached twenty people.

    Every time, the hearts of the Yang n members were filled with resentment, but every time, absolutely nothing would change.

    In the beginning, they only hated the pharmacist who issued the bounty. And now, they already started hating the person who caused such a huge disaster ¡ª If it wasn¡¯t for that person, they wouldn¡¯t have suffered like this!

    Also, the venerable ancestor...

    Why didn¡¯t the venerable ancestore to rescue them?

    Could it be that he had already abandoned them...

    The ck-robed person, Gu Zuo, saw that the shine in their eyes had also disappeared, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    After the bounty was issued, the Blood Transformation Pce Master thought that he had done a pretty good job. While Gu Zuo had nothing to hide, it seemed that the pce master also believed that, so long as he didn¡¯t admit to it, no trouble would arise. As a result, the pce master directly gave Gu Zuo two Royal Realm battle ves under hismand in order to protect Gu Zuo¡¯s safety.

    After all, Gu Zuo was still fishing for Yang Hu, but it wasn¡¯t known what Yang Hu would do if he was pushed to the extreme.

    Gu Zuo was naturally grateful in his heart. With two Royal Realm powerhouses at his side, many things had be more convenient for him. He also had more confidence in handling matters.

    Just like now. If he had to face so many pairs of eyes by himself under the protection of a Celestial Realm powerhouse, and also had to guard against the dangers brought about by this spacious and vacant area, he would naturally feel a little nervous. However, there were two Royal Realms present, so it was extremely safe.

    After Gu Zuo had the five people crippled, he took out several medicinal pills, and prepared to refine the next furnace.

    As for that previous furnace, he directly handed over the batch of pills to Ying Yu, and ordered him to take them down for bartering ¡ª Right. While he was refining medicine in this ce, he was also umting precious ingredients for himself. If he needed certain rare or unfamiliar medicinal pills one day, he wasn¡¯t willing to experience dys or be unable to do anything because of a shortage of ingredients.

    All of a sudden, just as Gu Zuo was warming up the furnace, his fingers halted and he retrieved the wondrous fire.

    He sensed that there were powerful qi emissions far away that were rushing over at iparably ferocious speeds.

    After that, the two Royal Realms on the left and right each swatted out a palm!

    The owner of those qi emissions seemed to be wearing something with powerful defenses. After swiftly passing through the gap of the attacks, this person carefullynded on top of arge boulder across from the Clear River Tower.

    Thatrge boulder was fifty-four meters tall, and was some distance from the building. Normally, because it was too smooth and boring, almost no one would climb it. At this moment, an Ascendant Realm martial artist was standing on it. His appearance and qi emissions weren¡¯t simr to the Yang Hu whom Gu Zuo saw before ¡ª But that didn¡¯t matter. From the look in his eyes and the strange feeling emanating from him, Gu Zuo recognized this person immediately!

    Yang Hu stood on the boulder and clearly saw the younger generations in front of the Clear River Tower¡¯s banister. After a quick count, not a single person among the thirty-four was missing. It was just that more than half of them had been crippled. Many of them had lost their fighting spirit. If they didn¡¯t adjust themselves, they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to achieve much in the future.

    But within Yang Hu¡¯s heart, he faintly breathed a sigh of relief.

    It was okay. He arrived quickly, and none of these descendants had perished early...

    Merely, there was still a tough battle to fight right now.

    Yang Hu looked at the Clear River Tower. He cupped his hands, and said: ¡°Honorable pharmacist, they say that it¡¯s better to squash one¡¯s enmity rather than keeping it alive. You have already vented your fury. For these remaining Yang n children, I hope that you will show mercy and not lower yourself to their level.

    ¡°I, Yang Hu, am not talented, but I¡¯m willing to follow this pharmacist and serve you for all my life. I only ask this pharmacist to let them go so they have a way to survive, and to leave a little lineage for my Yang n...¡±

    But before Yang Hu could finish expressing his thoughts, Gu Zuo had already spoken again: ¡°There¡¯s no need to speak so much. My hatred towards you is unending. If you want to save the lives of these Yang n younger generations, just kill yourself. Saying anything else is pointless.¡±

    Yang Hu¡¯splexion suddenly became extremely unsightly. He struggled greatly, and said: ¡°Wasn¡¯t he just a talentedpanion? I don¡¯t fear death, but¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo interrupted him again: ¡°Talk is cheap. If you don¡¯t die, your Yang n descendants will be wiped out. I don¡¯t mind having people go and kill you again in the future.¡±

    Every sentence he spoke was very straightforward, without even a word of concealment.

    ¡ª Yes. Now that they had reached this point, what else was there to hide?

    At this time, Yang Hu had no other paths he could walk down.

    He smiled bitterly: ¡°Having lived free and unhindered for two thousand years and brought about new changes to my Yang n with great difficulty, I, Yang Hu, would¡¯ve never imagined that I would be destroyed in your hands...¡±

    Then, several of the Yang n members who hadn¡¯t been crippled struggled to get up and threw themselves in front of the banister with expressions of panic filling their eyes.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart moved. He gestured to a Royal Realm powerhouse on the side.

    In a split second, the Yang n younger generations recovered their voices. At once, they shouted: ¡°Venerable ancestor, quickly run away! While the green hillsst, there will be wood to burn. Once the venerable ancestor focuses on cultivating for several hundred years and your strength advances, you can avenge us! Quickly escape¡ª¡±

    Yang Hu¡¯splexion was mournful and miserable: ¡°How can I abandon you guys and leave? Don¡¯t say anything else...¡±

    As he spoke, he slowly raised his hand, and pointed it at the top of his skull. His entire person waspletely shrouded in despair. In a moment, he was going to shatter his own head.

    The Yang n younger generations became more frantic. Even the ones who were crippled hurriedly leaned over the banister. They desperately reached out their hands to make grasping motions down below as if they wanted to stop Yang Hu.

    ¡°Venerable ancestor, don¡¯t do it!¡±

    ¡°Get away! I don¡¯t believe he can cover the heavens with a single hand. Sooner orter, I believe you¡¯ll avenge us!¡±

    ¡°Venerable ancestor, the Yang n is relying on you! Don¡¯t do anything for useless cripples like us. None of us me you. Just get out of here!¡±

    One after another, they shouted themselves hoarse. And every one of them had faces filled with powerful emotions.

    Seeing this, Gu Zuo gave a coldugh: ¡°Your Yang n¡¯s behavior makes me look like a viin.¡±

    After he spoke, the attentions of Yang Hu, the members of the Yang n, and those below fell onto him.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was clear and distinct: ¡°Yang Hu indulged his descendant who plundered the citizens of Swallowtail City at the domain¡¯s fringes and practiced evil arts. After being discovered by a member of Ten Ultimates Sect, he was executed. But Yang Hu, you don¡¯t distinguish between right and wrong, and you persecute the weak. You used Royal Realm strength to deal with an Atomic Realm younger generation. If I hadn¡¯t put out this bounty, your Yang n would still be free and unfettered. Did your n spare even the slightest regret for Swallowtail City or that Atomic Realm prodigy?

    ¡°Yang Hu, you¡¯re arrogant and despotic. Who knows how many evil deeds you¡¯vemitted in the past for the sake of resources? As for your Yang n¡¯s descendants, there are expenses for food and clothing, the pleasantries of life, and the practice of cultivation. Which ones aren¡¯t riddled with blood stains? Which ones aren¡¯t built upon the suffering of others? Now that they¡¯ve been caught and wiped out, they act like they have sincere feelings.¡±

    In fact, the sincerity and pain of the Yang n members really were real. However, after Gu Zuo spoke to them like this, the grief and indignation of being separated in life and death suddenly seemed dishonest and phony.

    Gu Zuo curled his lips: ¡°Okay, don¡¯t bother with the melodramatic farewells. No matter how many disys you make, those who should die will die. Yang Hu, you¡¯re going to die right now. I¡¯ll leave your Yang n descendants their lives, and I¡¯ll let them pass down their bloodline. But if you dy any longer, I¡¯ll kill everyst person in your Yang n.¡±

    Yang Hu¡¯s breathing hitched.

    The expressions of the Yang n members also turned nk.

    When everyone below saw this, their moods were very subtle.

    Wasn¡¯t this too...decisive?

    Yang Hu¡¯splexion was like a painter¡¯s palette. His face constantly changed from nauseous green to deathly pale, from flushed red to furious purple.

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed ¡ª Even if it was only a few seconds, the seconds felt like years to him. In a hoarse voice, he said: ¡°I hope that you¡¯ll do as you say.¡±

    This time around, Yang Hu didn¡¯t show any performances. The hand he lifted up came straight down, and struck the Tianling Acupoint at the top of his head.

    Following this, after the sound of a muffled crunch, his entire skull burst apart. Red and white brain matter flowed down, and his corpse fell into a pool of his own blood.

    Under the coercion of a profound-level pharmacist, a Royal Realm powerhouse was forced tomit suicide in order to save his own descendants!

    ¡°Venerable ancestor¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°A bastard like you won¡¯t have a good¡ª¡± Before he could say thest word, his voice had already disappeared again.

    Gu Zuo nced at Yang Hu¡¯s corpse. Finally, those lingering evil thoughts and loathsome feelings slowly faded away.

    However, in his heart, he still didn¡¯t feel like he had been relieved of a heavy burden. Instead, he spoke emotionlessly: ¡°Cripple everyone in the Yang n.¡±

    Bang, bang, bang!

    After a dozen or so muffled thuds, the strength of all the Yang n¡¯s younger generations were crippled. If a discerning person carefully examined their bodies, that person would discover that not only was their pure strength crippled, even their meridians were destroyed. In the future, if they wanted to practice martial arts, it would be impossible. And for anyone who had the potential to be a pharmacist, the medicinal beads within their palms were also shattered. If they wanted to refine medicine, it was also impossible.

    One of the Yang n members painfully shouted: ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s voice was t: ¡°I only said that I wouldn¡¯t kill you all.¡±

    But how could he let them keep their strength and cause trouble? Even if it was just a minor inconvenience, he wouldn¡¯t allow it!

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°From now on, you guys should also experience the lives of ordinary people who have no strength and are at the mercy of others.¡±

    After saying this, he no longer cared about the Yang n.

    Under Gu Zuo¡¯smands, the Royal Realm martial artists lifted the restrictions on the Yang n members. Right now, their bodies were very weak and feeble. While supporting one another, they walked down the Clear River Tower step by step.

    Someone from the Yang n trudged over and carried Yang Hu¡¯s corpse on their back, but Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stop this. Each of the Yang n members seemed to want to rush over and tear him to pieces. Although they all had an intense hatred for Gu Zuo, he simply ignored them.

    The enemy was already dead. As for them causing a nuisance... If he crippled them like this, and they still managed to return in a swirl of dust to get their revenge, then it could be considered a skill.

    Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t afraid of such a challenge.

    Once the Yang n members left, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t stay at the Clear River Tower. He stood up, put away the pill furnace, and disappeared into the building with the help of a Royal Realm powerhouse.

    Matters were more or less settled, and the knot in his heart was unraveled. After this, he ought to quietly wait within Ten Ultimates Sect and refine medicine. He would wait for big brother¡¯s return.

    He believed that big brother would definitely return safe and sound...

    Within the void. In a ce of deathly stillness.

    Amid the faint glimmer of light, a figure was floating.

    Behind this figure, there was an incredibly gigantic image. It was sorge that it could practically carry the heavens and support the earth!

    When one got closer, one could see the true appearance of this figure.

    This was...a human skeleton.

    The entire body of these remains seemed to be bones cast out of silver.

    However, this skeleton wasn¡¯tpletely without flesh and blood.

    If someone examined attentively, they would find bits of flesh left on each of its bones like specks of blood. One wouldn¡¯t see these things at all unless they looked carefully. Within the body of this skeleton, some of the five viscera and six bowels also remained. Most of all were the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. At least one third of these internal organs were preserved and surrounded by five light groups of different colors.

    At the same time, there was a ball of radiant light on the skull¡¯s forehead and the region of the abdomen.

    The one on the skull was a ball of white light. As for the radiance on the abdomen, it presented a hazy, gray color.

    There was only a thinyer of gray light. If one looked closely, it would be discovered that the gray light wasposed of fragments. They should¡¯ve been scattered and disordered, but at this moment, they were weaved together into a sheet that wrapped around six iparably deep and distant ck points... Those were qi oceans. There were as many as six qi oceans.

    The six qi oceans were continuously absorbing something, which involved the gray light. At the same time, another streak of indistinct power would emerge from a certain qi ocean, and slowly connect with the enormous image behind the skeleton. Within that enormous image, there seemed to be a kind of power being drawn back and poured into the qi oceans. After that, it would be fed back again. Little by little, the connection was deepened.

    On these bones, the traces of flesh appeared to be gradually growing at extremely slow speeds.

    Meanwhile, in another qi ocean of the skeleton, a streak of shadow shed out.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 493 - The Man in Black Robes

    <h4>Chapter 493 - The Man in ck Robes</h4>

    ¡°Come quick! The third youngdy of the city lord¡¯s mansion is looking for a husband today! The outstanding talents of all the families in the city are having a martial artspetition. No one knows who will be able to win the third youngdy¡¯s affections!¡±

    ¡°Not only are the elites from our Golden Martial City, but even the outstanding talents from several nearby iron-ranked cities havee over. You should know that our city lord is a Noble Realm powerhouse. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he hasn¡¯t broken through to the Royal Realm, our Golden Martial City would¡¯ve been promoted to the bronze rank!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the third youngdy¡¯s aptitudes are extraordinary. She¡¯s just eighteen years old, but she¡¯s already Xiantian stage eight. So long as she reaches the Immortal Realm, she can be an inner sect disciple of Hundred Sounds Sect. At that time, she¡¯ll reach the heavens in a single bound!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If anyone can be the third youngdy¡¯s husband, he¡¯ll be able to get the resources of the city lord¡¯s mansion and a spot in the inner sect of Hundred Sounds Sect. By then, this pair of immortals can start dual cultivating. Hehe...¡±

    Discussions like these resounded between numerous martial artists.

    At the same time, there was a stream of people rushing towards the raised tform on the right side of the Golden Martial City Lord¡¯s mansion.

    At the entrance of the city gates, a man more than three meters tall was wearing ck robes and unhurriedly walking inside. His footsteps were very slow. His hood covered his face, making it difficult for others to see his appearance clearly.

    He seemed to be an ordinary person, but if anyone took a closer look, they would discover that when he walked around, not a single step touched the ground.

    It was just that, after entering the city, because it was too crowded and congested, he was unwittingly squeezed to the front of the city lord¡¯s mansion where he saw the enormous raised tform.

    The ck-robed man turned around, and walked out from the tide of people. However, entering the crowds meant flowing with the current, which was naturally easy. Meanwhile, removing oneself from the crowds meant going against the current, so he was obstructed.

    After that, a ribbon of flowing qi suddenly appeared around the man in ck robes. It spread out inch by inch, clearing an area of two feet around him.

    Though, it was quite strange. This qi flow wasn¡¯t strong, but it seemed to contain a type of strange power. Originally, if someone wanted to use their own strength to go against the current, it would definitely cause dissatisfaction among many people. Yet, as soon as this power came out, it left people feeling fear in their hearts. Everyone who passed through this ce unknowingly moved out of the way. Many didn¡¯t even realize that they had subconsciously stepped aside.

    The ck-robed man didn¡¯t pay attention to these things. With this ribbon of flowing qi wrapped around him, he slowly walked out of the turbulent crowd of people. After he withdrew to the outermost periphery, he wanted to go in another direction, but when he looked in that direction, he still couldn¡¯t see the end of the crowd.

    At this time, the qi emissions around his body abruptly became somewhat jittery and irritable. That qi flow also showed signs of rapidly expanding.

    Right at that moment, someone suddenly came to his side, and called out: ¡°Fellow brother! Hey, fellow brother!¡±

    The qi flow on the ck-robed man was still expanding.

    The owner of that voice quickly went to the front, and reached out to pat his shoulder: ¡°Fellow¡ª¡±

    A heart-palpitating energy suddenly shot out, and flicked his hand away.

    Though, the man in ck robes also turned his head, and finally realized that the other party was talking to him.

    Standing behind the ck-robed man, there were several robust men who were blocking the other people in the crowd. The one who opened up this space was a young master wearing brocade robes. His bright smile was conspicuous. After retracting his hand, he wasn¡¯t angry because of the other side¡¯s reaction.

    Instead, he cordially said: ¡°This fellow brother, there are too many people right now. If you want to go out, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be difficult. There happens to be such a grand event in the city. It would be better to follow this one upstairs to have tea and refreshments, and enjoy yourself. Once there are fewer people, this one can send off this fellow brother. How about that?¡±

    The man in ck robes faintly raised his head.

    His appearance was still hidden under the hood, but with this movement, he seemed to be staring at the young master in brocade robes.

    The smiling expression on the brocade-robed young master became a little stiff.

    The ck-robed man took a step forward, and walked right in front of the young master.

    The young master in brocade robes: ¡°...Please?¡±

    The man in ck finally started following.

    The young master breathed a sigh of relief.

    The upstairs that this young master mentioned was actually referring to the restaurant behind them. His seat was by the window on the second floor. As it happened, he could watch the spectacles on the raised tform and the swaying movements of the crowd below. His field of view was wide. On the table, there were fragrant teas and light refreshments. Compared to other people, he was enjoying himself much more.

    After going upstairs, the young master in brocade robes said: ¡°Please take a seat.¡±

    The man in ck robes sat down.

    From beginning to end, the attitude of the young master was friendly, polite, and amiable: ¡°I can see that this fellow brother¡¯s strength is out of the ordinary. Since you¡¯vee to Golden Martial City, you¡¯re just in time for the groom selection of the city lord¡¯s mansion. This must be fate. Fellow brother, why don¡¯t you give it a try?¡±

    Atst, the ck-robed man spoke again. His voice was slightly deep, but it contained an unusual maism. However, this type of maism didn¡¯t sound pleasant to the ears. Rather, it carried a special cadence that prevented people from forgetting it: ¡°I¡¯m going to see Ah Zuo.¡±

    The young master in brocade robes was taken aback: ¡°Going to see Ah Zuo?¡±

    The man in ck robes said: ¡°Ah Zuo is waiting for me.¡±

    The young master suddenly understood: ¡°As it turns out, this fellow brother already has a beloved sweetheart.¡±

    The ck-robed man nodded his head: ¡°Sweetheart.¡±

    The young master sighed: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡± Soon after, he introduced himself, ¡°This one is Jin Yuan. I¡¯m the second son of the Golden Martial City Lord. The one selecting a groom on the raised tform today is this one¡¯s third sister.¡±

    Due to his wide field of vision, Jin Yuan, who was on the restaurant¡¯s second floor, caught sight of the ck-robed man acting strangely down below. Although the identity of the other party was unknown, Jin Yuan felt that this person had an indescribable temperament. Moreover, this fellow didn¡¯t seem old, so he could¡¯ve been a worthy match for third sister. Thus, when Jin Yuan saw that the other party wanted to leave, he hurriedly went downstairs and invited this person toe up.

    However, the matter of the groom selection couldn¡¯t be forced. Since the other party said that he had a sweetheart, Jin Yuan naturally wouldn¡¯t force anyone into doing something. Now that marriage was off the table, they could still be friends!

    Jin Yuan brushed away his previous thoughts, and asked with a smile: ¡°How should I address this fellow brother?¡±

    The man in ck robes: ¡°Tian...¡± Speaking up to here, he paused.

    What came after couldn¡¯t be recalled.

    Jin Yuan said: ¡°So it¡¯s Brother Tian.¡±

    He thought that this back-robed man was only willing to dere his surname.

    Brother Tian nodded with tacit approval.

    At this moment, Jin Yuan also noticed that the nature of this person was very reclusive and introverted. Although, martial artists with this kind of nature weren¡¯t rare. More often than not, they were people whopletely devoted themselves to practicing martial arts, and their strength was extraordinary. In addition, so long as one managed to befriend them, they would fully open their hearts.

    Hence, Jin Yuan quickly continued to chat: ¡°Brother Tian, you said that you want to go find your sweetheart?¡±

    The ck-robed man said: ¡°Want to go.¡±

    Jin Yuan thought for a moment: ¡°Where is Brother Tian¡¯s sweetheart? Is there anything this one can do to help?¡±

    The back-robed man paused again. After that, he said: ¡°Ten Ultimates Sect.¡±

    Jin Yuan¡¯splexion changed slightly: ¡°Ten Ultimates Sect? Brother Tian¡¯s sweetheart is a disciple of Ten Ultimates Sect?¡±

    The man in ck robes thought about it, and shook his head.

    Jin Yuan wasn¡¯t disappointed. He felt that he understood a little bit: ¡°Brother Tian¡¯s sweetheart lives in Ten Ultimates City?¡±

    This time, the ck-robed man nodded.

    Jin Yuan smiled and said: ¡°Ten Ultimates City isn¡¯t close to this ce. If Brother Tian rushes over like this, it¡¯ll be a waste of time. Brother Tian, how about you wait here for a while. Once third sister chooses a groom, this one will personally guide Brother Tian to the teleportation array and send off Brother Tian.¡±

    The other party listened and understood: ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Seeing that the man in ck robes didn¡¯t refuse his kind intentions, Jin Yuan was in a happy mood. Right away, he pointed at the raised tform, and started discussing the outstanding talents who were in the middle ofpeting in martial arts.

    His own strength was already at the Immortal Realm, but he couldn¡¯t see through the strength of the ck-robed man. As such, the other party was at least on par with him... During the discussion, the majority of those he pointed out were the elites who were infinitesimally close to the Immortal Realm.

    Although the ck-robed man didn¡¯t say much, Jin Yuan could sense that the other party was listening. Thus, he felt even more strongly that this Brother Tian was reliable.

    Soon, a young man who fought till the end emerged from the battles and confrontations on the raised tform. His strength was just a hair¡¯s breadth away from the Immortal Realm. Very quickly, the third youngdy of the city lord came out. The third youngdy was born with a beautiful appearance, so this young man was also very pleased. He joined hands with her, and they walked into the city lord¡¯s mansion together.

    At this moment, the groom selection had concluded.

    Jin Yuan smilingly invited the ck-robed man to stay the night at the city lord¡¯s mansion.

    But the man in ck robes shook his head: ¡°Find Ah Zuo.¡±

    Jin Yuan sighed in his heart: This Brother Tian¡¯s affection for his sweetheart is really deep.

    After that, Jin Yuan sent someone to the city lord¡¯s mansion to inform his father that he was going to bring the ck-robed man to the teleportation array.

    On the way, Jin Yuan kept deepening his friendship with the other party. Brother Tian said little, but he would asionally nod or shake his head, which made Jin Yuan feel that this person was really easy to get along with... At the same time, Jin Yuan decided that when they reached Ten Ultimates City, he had to ask the manager at the Jin Family¡¯s storefront to help find the whereabouts of Brother Tian¡¯s sweetheart. It would also satisfy Brother Tian¡¯s desire to meet his beloved.

    After roughly two days, they reached Ten Ultimates City.

    Because the Jin Family had business in this city, this wasn¡¯t the first time Jin Yuan came here. However, every time he came to this ce, he was shocked by the majesty of Ten Ultimates City¡¯s outer walls, the bustling splendor of the city, and the strength of the martial artistsing and going on the streets.

    He intended to develop Golden Martial City into something like Ten Ultimates City, but he also knew that it would take too long to realize such an aspiration...

    The Jin Family¡¯s store.

    What this store sold were resources that martial artists needed the most. The products inside were a mix of things, but anyone who came here would have a wide variety of choices.

    Within every city, these types of ¡°general goods stores¡± were the most numerous.

    As a result, the Jin Family¡¯spetitiveness wasn¡¯t that high. In other words, they could barely gain a foothold in the city.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 494 - A Heartbroken Fellow

    <h4>Chapter 494 - A Heartbroken Fellow</h4>

    When the two arrived in front of the store, the manger inside promptly came out to wee them: ¡°Second young master!¡±

    Jin Yuan pointed to the man in ck robes beside him, and said: ¡°Brother Tian is my distinguished guest. Manager Li, when you see him in the future, you must show respect.¡±

    Manager Li carefully looked at the ck-robed man, and he couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly.

    He couldn¡¯t even see this person¡¯s face... How was he supposed to recognize it?

    But luckily, he knew that the other party¡¯s surname was Tian. So long as this fellow came to visit in the future, he would do his best to receive this guest.

    Very quickly, the two were weed inside by Manager Li.

    Jin Yuan was also an orderly person. At once, he looked at the ck-robed man: ¡°Brother Tian, that sweetheart of yours, besides being called Ah Zuo, is there any other specific information?¡±

    The man in ck robes thought about it: ¡°Pharmacist.¡±

    Jin Yuan wasn¡¯t actually surprised: ¡°About Miss Ah Zuo, what¡¯s her pharmacist rank?¡±

    Brother Tian hesitated a little.

    Not a girl...

    But this thought only shed by. His attention was quickly drawn to the subsequent question: ¡°Profound rank.¡±

    Jin Yuan was suddenly shocked: ¡°A profound-level pharmacist? How old is she?¡±

    Just as he blurted out these words, he felt that something was wrong. Ah, one couldn¡¯t just ask about a girl¡¯s age. Although it was said that many martial artists these days could maintain youthful appearances, age was still a woman¡¯s reverse scale.

    Hence, Jin Yuan hurriedly continued: ¡°As it turns out, she¡¯s a profound-level pharmacist. Sure enough, Brother Tian¡¯s sweetheart is indeed very extraordinary.¡± Shortly thereafter, he asked, ¡°Where does Miss Ah Zuo stay in Ten Ultimates City? Does Brother Tian know?¡±

    The ck-robed man went back to thinking: ¡°Manor.¡±

    Jin Yuan immediately pondered.

    It seemed that this Brother Tian and that Miss Ah Zuo had a chance encounter. Otherwise, the information he knew about wouldn¡¯t have been thiscking... This shouldn¡¯t be a case of unrequited love, right?

    However, with these few key points, they had a direction for an investigation.

    This should¡¯ve been a profound-level pharmacist called Ah Zuo who lived in a manor... Speaking of which, the amount of information wasn¡¯t too meager either. When the time came, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to rule out the people they found.

    After that, Jin Yuan gave a few instructions to Manager Li. The meaning of his words was nothing more than asking him to inquire about the profound-level pharmacist called ¡°Ah Zuo,¡± and to send the results over as soon as possible.

    Manager Li naturally worked very hard to please Jin Yuan. After quickly sending someone to deliver top-notch teas and refreshments, he hurriedly went out to make some discreet inquiries.

    Jin Yuan spoke to the man in ck robes: ¡°Brother Tian, rest assured. Manager Li was able to let our Jin Family¡¯s storey its roots in Ten Ultimates City. He¡¯s considered my father¡¯s capable subordinate, and he knows a lot of people. If he can¡¯t find out anything here, he can go to the Dark Tower¡¯s intelligence bureau to buy the information.¡±

    Hearing this, Brother Tian nodded his head: ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Jin Yuan smiled and said: ¡°This one feels like we¡¯ve be friends at first sight. There¡¯s no need to express gratitude.¡±

    The ck-robed man nodded again.

    After that, Jin Yuan allowed Brother Tian to stay in a vi behind the Jin Family¡¯s store. In the beginning, he simply talked about everything under the sun. Later on, when interests came up, he verbally sparred with him. However, after this exchange of notes, he discovered that several martial skills he thought were rather brilliant had been easily unravelled by the other party.

    It was only natural Jin Yuan wouldn¡¯t concede defeat that readily, so he started practicing moves with this person. Of course, these moves weren¡¯t part of a spar that utilized profound qi. Instead, he only disyed the move forms and provided their matching exnations. During this practice, the number of times the ck-robed man took action was very few, but every time he responded, he would target key points, making it impossible for Jin Yuan to continue into the afternoon.

    At that moment, Jin Yuan was extremely surprised ¡ª Brother Tian was actually this strong?

    But right away, Jin Yuan felt a little happy. Such a powerful Brother Tian naturally made him feel that this fellow was even more worthy of friendship. As for losing... A loss was a loss. It had to be said that, because the points Brother Tian targeted were weaknesses or ws, Jin Yuan¡¯s strength gradually rose after he made up for those deficiencies.

    In just a short day, Jin Yuan felt that this wasparable to at least several months of continuous, harsh training.

    When Jin Yuan was animatedlyparing notes and sparring with Brother Tian, the ck-robed man easily pointed out things for Jin Yuan, but he was also silently ruminating.

    He recalled where his Ah Zuo lived, but when he wanted to go there, he discovered that he would get a little lost.

    How...to get there?

    The man in ck robes felt that there was certainly something wrong with him.

    He clearly remembered everything, but it was as if there were some obstacles somewhere. He couldn¡¯t make sense of things he should¡¯ve been able to distinguish, and he was always more than a half-beat behind.

    His recollection and memory were rather chaotic. It was like many pieces of string were stuffed inside his head. The clearest and most distinct one was ¡°Ah Zuo.¡±

    The ck-robed man snapped out of it.

    It didn¡¯t matter. It would be okay so long as he remembered Ah Zuo. As for everything else, he could sort it out slowly.

    On the other side of things, Manager Li used his own methods to find many people and make discreet inquiries.

    Unfortunately, no one knew about that profound-level pharmacist called Ah Zuo. Left with no other choice, he did what Jin Yuan suggested, and went to the Dark Tower.

    The intelligence bureau was said to be a regr building, but it was actually a business of the Dark Tower. There were dedicated people responsible for managing affairs.

    After Manager Li entered the Dark Tower, he immediately looked for someone on the side: ¡°Old Brother He!¡±

    That middle-aged man turned his head, and his face revealed a trace of a smiling expression: ¡°So, it turns out to be Old Brother Li. How do you have the free time toe over today?¡±

    Manager He was one of the Dark Tower¡¯s low-level managers. The family that Manager Li served wasn¡¯t considered much in Ten Ultimates City. As such, Manager Li¡¯s status was lower than that of Manager He. However, there was once an ident where Manager Li saved Manager He¡¯s life. As a result, the two¡¯s rtionship was pretty good. Manager Li was able to gain a foothold in Ten Ultimates City because Manager He provided lots of information.

    Manager He was very happy to see Manager Li drop by.

    Manager Li also showed a smiling expression: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from Old Brother He. There are some matters that I want to ask about.¡±

    Manager He spoke straightforwardly: ¡°It¡¯s no bother. Ask away, and I¡¯ll give you a low price.¡±

    Manager softly said: ¡°Old Brother He, I¡¯m asking for this information on behalf of my second young master¡¯s friend. He wants to know if there¡¯s a profound-level pharmacist called Ah Zuo in Ten Ultimates City.¡±

    Manager He listened to this. A profound-level pharmacist?

    In the bureau, this information was equivalent to that of a Noble Realm powerhouse. It was considered neither too special nor too ordinary. Luckily, this was within the scope of information he was in charge of.

    As a result, he simply said: ¡°Wait a moment. I¡¯ll go check.¡±

    Manager Li waited outside with peace of mind. After the time it took a stick of incense to burn, Manager He came out: ¡°There aren¡¯t many profound-level pharmacists in Ten Ultimates City, but none of them are called Ah Zuo.¡±

    Hearing these words, Manager Li¡¯s brows furrowed: ¡°This...¡±

    Manager He made a cating gesture: ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself. Although there aren¡¯t any who are named Ah Zuo, there is someone whose name contains the Zuo character.¡±

    Manager Li was overjoyed: ¡°With Zuo in the name, it wouldn¡¯t be strange to be called ¡®Ah Zuo¡¯ if my second young master¡¯s friend is close to this person. I reckon that it¡¯s probably this one.¡±

    Manager He nodded his head: ¡°This person¡¯s name is Gu Zuo, the personal pharmacist of Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s all-star prodigy. And that prodigy also calls this person Ah Zuo. Now, this pharmacist¡¯s strength is impressive, having previously showcased a self-created profound-level pill prescription during a Pill King Conference, and receiving Pill King Han¡¯s admiration.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his expression became somewhat solemn: ¡°That all-star prodigy values Pharmacist Gu very much. Why are you investigating this person? If there¡¯s enmity, it¡¯s best that this hatred is resolved without dy. If there are other objectives, be more cautious when contacting this person. Don¡¯t neglect anything.¡±

    Once Manager Li finished listening, he nodded his head seriously: ¡°Rest assured, Old Brother He. I understand.¡±

    With the information in hand, Manager Li hurriedly returned, and told Jin Yuan what he found out.

    After Jin Yuan heard everything, his expression was a little strange. When he looked at the ck-robed man, there was a look of pity in his eyes.

    Ah, an all-star prodigy¡¯s personal pharmacist...

    The trust between a martial artist and personal pharmacist was extraordinary. When a woman was willing to be a prodigy¡¯s personal pharmacist, then she usually kept her affections secretly in her heart. As for the prodigy, he would definitely have an enormous amount of trust in that woman.

    Under normal circumstances, these two people would tie the knot and be partners. Even if they didn¡¯t be partners, the woman would certainly be the person to share the prodigy¡¯s pillow... In other words, the one his newly acquainted brother had fallen in love with was, at the very least, a prodigy¡¯s sweetheart?

    When the household was harmonious, no matter how much he adored her, what was the use? If the one the woman adored wasn¡¯t the prodigy, Brother Tian could still fight for the chance to snatch the prodigy¡¯s wife. But then, wasn¡¯t that just self-torture?!

    Jin Yuan sighed.

    It looked like this newly-met brother of his was going to be heartbroken.

    It was rare to have a sweetheart, but it was also unlucky.

    Jin Yuan couldn¡¯t help reaching out to pat the ck-robed man on the shoulder, but before he got close, he had a feeling that made his hair stand on end. He immediately retracted his hand, but his words were still filled with aforting tone: ¡°Brother Tian, why don¡¯t we go and get a drink?¡±

    Ah, Brother Tian. The more one drank, the less painful it would be!

    The man in ck robes looked at Jin Yuan.

    Jin Yuan felt some goosebumps on his skin: ¡°What?¡±

    The ck-robed man: ¡°I want to see Ah Zuo.¡±

    Jin Yuan lightly coughed: ¡°Your Ah Zuo...is this Gu Zuo?¡±

    The ck-robed man: ¡°Is Ah Zuo.¡±

    Sympathy yed across Jin Yuan¡¯s face: ¡°Okay. Who let me and Brother Tian be friends at first sight?¡± He rubbed his temples, ¡°All pharmacists are fond of medicinal ingredients. I¡¯ll go look for a stalk of spirit medicine with good spirituality. At that time, I¡¯ll think of a way to send it to that Pharmacist Gu, and ask her to meet with us.¡±

    Merely, it wasn¡¯t known whether this could really invite that person over.

    Brother Tian turned his head and went back.

    Jin Yuan shook his head, but didn¡¯t bicker about it.

    This would be the biggest heartbreak, but who made him feel that Brother Tian was worth making friends with?

    After that, Jin Yuan didn¡¯t waste any time, and had Manager Li quickly find a stalk of top-notch spirit medicine.

    Gu Zuo had been waiting for a little more than a month. From beginning to end, there had been no sightings of Gongyi Tianheng. However, he vaguely noticed that the contract connection between himself and big brother had deepened. In his heart, he felt much more at ease.

    It seemed that not only was there nothing wrong with big brother, even the injuries he originally sustained were slowly improving.

    Gu Zuo felt so happy that his efficiency in medicine refinement increased again.

    When the connection deepened some more and big brother got closer, he could bring the battle ves to go and bring back big brother!

    ¡ª Yes. Gu Zuo believed that the reason why his big brother hadn¡¯t been able to reach the sect was because his injuries hadn¡¯t fully healed. As a result, he was forced to recuperate while hastening the journey.

    On this day, Gu Zuo was still doing his best to refine medicine, and the amount of medicinal qi in the storage space had reached a new high.

    All of a sudden, a battle ve appeared and brought a piece of news.

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°Someone is offering spirit medicine, and said that they want to see me?¡±

    The battle ve spoke respectfully: ¡°Yes, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    In fact, such matters happened very frequently. Many people who wanted to get in touch with his big brother would often go to his side and take this approach instead.

    Under normal circumstances, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t have been willing to go.

    But this time around, for some reason, he suddenly wanted to take a break and distract himself.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 495 - This Big Brother is Strange

    <h4>Chapter 495 - This Big Brother is Strange</h4>

    After thinking about it, Gu Zuo said: ¡°In that case, let¡¯s go meet them. Which household is this from?¡±

    The battle ve respectfully answered: ¡°It¡¯s the second young master of the Golden Martial City Lord¡¯s Jin Family. He wants to get acquainted with Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    The battle ve promptly stood up to guide Gu Zuo, and they departed.

    Along the way, Gu Zuo hardly spoke.

    The battle ve also didn¡¯t say anything, but in his heart, he felt reverence towards this person.

    Nothing else had to be mentioned. Although Pharmacist Gu¡¯s skills were powerful, this battle ve used to feel that his character was too upstanding and his nature was too soft, making this pharmacist easy to bully... But now, he didn¡¯t have these thoughts whatsoever.

    ¡ª Not all of the battle ves knew about the young master¡¯s predicament, but he happened to be one of them. Because he belonged to the earliest batch of battle ves, and because he had been closely protecting Pharmacist Gu and listening to orders the entire time, he also knew that Pharmacist Gu had worn a ck robe to ce a bounty with the Dark Tower.

    Only then did he understand that Pharmacist Gu wasn¡¯t so good-tempered and couldn¡¯t be easily bullied. On the contrary, if their family¡¯s young master was well, then everything was fine. But if anything happened to the young master...

    Well, the young master was Pharmacist Gu¡¯s reverse scale. Once it was touched, then the mountains would copse and the earth would be torn asunder.

    The battle ve quickly restrained his thoughts. The two hade to a vi.

    The vi¡¯s courtyard gates had long been opened. At the entrance, a manager had been waiting for them with a smile on his face. He led them into the courtyard, and brought them to the main hall.

    And at the main hall¡¯s threshold, an elegant and handsome young master in brocade robes greeted them with another smile.

    This was originally a scene people were ustomed to seeing. But what everyone didn¡¯t expect was that, before Gu Zuo could walk closer, a dark shadow appeared and lunged straight at him!

    The battle ve took action right away. A st of enormous qi energy erupted and was about to hit that dark shadow.

    Unfortunately, the shadow only lightly waved a hand like a feather floating in the wind, and the qi energy dissipatedpletely. The battle ve himself was also struck by a surge of great power, and helplessly mmed into a wall on the side.

    Immediately following that, the shadowy figure hugged Gu Zuo, lowered their head, andpletely enveloped Gu Zuo within an embrace.

    Gu Zuo basically had no time to react. By the time he snapped out of it, he already detected a familiar scent surrounding him, and something moist pressing against his lips. Soon after, his mouth was opened, and a soft tongue danced and entangled with his own.

    The wet sounds of lip smacking and tongue sucking echoed throughout the silent courtyard.

    The young master in brocade robes: ¡°...¡±

    Manager Li: ¡°...¡±

    The battle ve: ¡°...¡±

    This change was too fast.

    Everyone could tell that this was a stolen kiss right from the start!

    The young master wearing brocade robes couldn¡¯t help being taken aback: What the hell is this brother doing? Didn¡¯t he agree to only meet face to face? Why are you using force at first nce? Are you tired of living?!

    Just when he was thinking about whether he should rush forward and pull the other person away, tug the other away, or haul the other away&#k2026; An even more surprising scene emerged in front of him.

    It was because Pharmacist Gu stretched out her hands and hugged his family¡¯s Brother Tian in return!

    ¡ª Wait a second! Something wasn¡¯t right!

    The young master in brocade robes, Jin Yuan, clearly saw the appearance of the person who was embracing his Brother Tian. His eyes widened: Ah, something really is wrong! Where¡¯s the girl we talked about? I-isn¡¯t this a young man?!

    It was only at this time that Jin Yuan realized he had been assuming Brother Tian¡¯s sweetheart was a woman. Later on, he surprisingly never had the chance to find out about Gu Zuo¡¯s true gender. Now that he found out, his poor heart was filled with turbulent waves and stormy seas. He had no idea how to describe his own state of mind!

    However, the most important thing was still whether these two people were a harmonious couple or not?

    His fellow brother was digging bricks from the prodigy¡¯s walls. Was this really okay?

    Just when Jin Yuan was letting his imagination run wild, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but hold the ck-robed man even more tightly.

    Big brother, big brother! This was big brother! From his scent to his touch, all of this was big brother!

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t understand too clearly why the contract connection between him and big brother was so weak when they were this close together. However, he would never mistake anyone else for his big brother.

    As for big brother¡¯s kiss...

    After so many days of heart-wrenching yearning and gut-churning worry, he had be even more amodating. He also took the initiative to explore with the tip of his tongue in a sensual and intimate dance with big brother.

    After that, the ck-robed man began stroking and caressing Gu Zuo¡¯s neck. Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up a little bit, feeling somewhat giddy. But right at this moment, he suddenly reacted, and hastily pressed down on the other¡¯s hand.

    This wasn¡¯t the right asion! This ce still had lots of outsiders!

    In addition, why was big brother acting so...

    The man in ck robes had no intention of stopping. With a gentle move of his palm, he deflected Gu Zuo¡¯s press. Shortly thereafter, his movements became even bigger, causing Gu Zuo¡¯s legs to soften and wobble. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he had been taken into the other¡¯s arms in time, he might¡¯ve fallen to the ground.

    Off to the side, Jin Yuan¡¯s facial expression was twitching.

    He had absolutely no idea that his own Brother Tian, whom he had recognized as a friend at first sight, would actually y around with another young man in broad daylight, and perform such springtime activities right in front of him... His eyes were going to go blind.

    Wasn¡¯t that guy supposed to be a reclusive loner? He turned passionate with just one look!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face was flushed red, and he gasped for breath. In a moment, he was going to fallpletely into the other¡¯s clutches... Finally, he couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. The space between his eyebrows heated up, and a surge of psychic power stretched out to protect his entire body. At the same time, it also separated him from the ck-robed man.

    After that, he promptly took a step back. A bashful and denying look shed across his face: ¡°Big brother, not right now!¡±

    The man in ck robes pointed his finger like a knife, and gently slit the psychic power barrier that Gu Zuo constructed. Like cutting through a piece of fabric, the psychic power barrier thoroughly disintegrated with the soft sound of tearing silk. Shortly thereafter, he firmly uttered one word: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After that, he resolutely stretched out his hand toward Gu Zuo ¡ª

    Gu Zuo vigntly retreated several steps, and his face reddened even more. He stutteringly said: ¡°I-I said not now, s-so that means not now!¡±

    The ck-robed man¡¯s outstretched hand came to a halt. He seemed to have misgivings.

    Gu Zuo looked at that hand for a while. After finding that his family¡¯s big brother really wasn¡¯t going to move again, he slowly walked over. He reached out to take off that hood, and his tone had returned to normal: ¡°Big brother, why are you hiding yourself like this? Did you get injured and you weren¡¯t willing to let me see...¡±

    Before he finished talking, he was already staring nkly.

    Only his big brother¡¯s current appearance had to be mentioned... Who could tell him what was going on with the blood-red decorative patterns covering half of big brother¡¯s face?!

    Big brother¡¯s eyes had be blood-red as well. This was too strange!

    At this time, Jin Yuan saw that the two of them weren¡¯t as ¡°passionate¡± as before. In his heart, he couldn¡¯t hold back his curiosity about the rtionship between the pair. In particr, when he saw the hood being taken off, he became even more curious about Brother Tian¡¯s appearance, and walked closer. However, when he got a clear look at Brother Tian¡¯s features, he cried out involuntarily: ¡°Brother Tian, your face is¡ª¡±

    After that, he fell silent.

    Because, once the hood was removed, the man who was originally wearing ck robes and seemed very lonely was now brimming with weirdness. Under the contrast of that decorative pattern, the extremely handsome visage made people feel that it was somewhat bewitching. In addition, it seemed as though his qi emissions had suddenly shed its cover, carrying the dense aura of a blood fiend.

    To be honest, if he had met this kind of person in the beginning, Jin Yuan would¡¯ve stayed as far away as possible, let alone make friends with the other party.

    This was just the difference between wearing a hood and taking it off, so why did it give others such wildly different feelings?!

    Jin Yuan tactfully closed his mouth, and quietly shuffled to the side.

    He felt that he shouldn¡¯t disturb the chat between these two people...

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help reaching out to touch those blood-red decorative patterns. It felt no different from touching normal skin, but this decorative pattern had excessive spirituality. Although he couldn¡¯t tell what it was, it felt like it could break free from his big brother¡¯s skin at any time, and be a real living creature.

    En, it was a little scary.

    After that, Gu Zuo looked at the hair beneath the hood. To his surprise, it had turned reddish-ck. It was as though his ck hair had been steeped in blood. It was incredibly strange.

    Of course, regardless of the types of big brother, all of them would be big brother. Gu Zuo would never dislike him. It was just that these sudden changes were really unsettling.

    Tianheng lowered his head again. It appeared that he wanted to kiss again. Gu Zuo hurriedly covered the other¡¯s mouth with a hand, turned his head with some difficulty, and looked at Jin Yuan: ¡°Many thanks for returning big brother to me. I¡¯ll bring back big brother first. In a few days, I¡¯ll treat you to a meal to express my gratitude.¡±

    He could tell that something was wrong with his big brother! He needed to hurry back and carefully study this...

    Once he finished speaking, Gu Zuo signaled to the battle ve who had been sted away by his dear big brother¡¯s punch. Then, he pulled Tianheng, and swiftly left the Jin Family¡¯s vi.

    Jin Yuan silently watched the backs of those retreating figures, and instructed the very sensible Manager Li, who had long withdrawn to a corner: ¡°There¡¯s no need for the banquet prepared today. Just get a couple of dishes and bring over a jar of good wine... This young master has to suppress his shock.¡±

    Manager Li: ¡°...Yes, second young master.¡±

    Once they went out, Gu Zuo thought of something, and put the hood back onto his big brother.

    Although he didn¡¯t know why big brother had so many bizarre blood patterns on his face, this thing looked a little creepy. It was for the best that he didn¡¯t scare any passersby.

    Avoiding the rushing crowds, Gu Zuo finally took his family¡¯s big brother back to their mountain peak.

    After returning, Gu Zuo was caught up in another kissing spree from his big brother. While dodging the kisses, he removed the hood.

    Tianheng let him do whatever he wanted. Apart from moving closer to kiss him from time to time, big brother was quite cooperative.

    From hidden locations in the surroundings, Ao Ying, Ying Yu, and the other battle ves immediately shed out. All of them were wearing happy expressions: ¡°Respectfully weing the young master¡¯s return!¡±

    The man in ck robes didn¡¯t look at them. On the contrary, he continued to tug on Gu Zuo with a very insistent attitude.

    The battle ves also discovered that something was wrong with their family¡¯s young master.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly waved his hand: ¡°You guys, please leave first. We¡¯ll talkter.¡±

    The battle ves exchanged nces, and withdrew as they were told. However, many suspicions arose in their hearts.

    The young master was acting very strangely...

    Then, the ck-robed man pulled Gu Zuo into the house with what seemed like an impatient appearance: ¡°We¡¯re home.¡±

    Gu Zuo was speechless.

    The man in ck robes moved closer. His fingers were already nimbly exploring the inside of Gu Zuo¡¯s cor.

    Gu Zuo looked at his family¡¯s big brother with slightly conflicted feelings, and stammered: ¡°I-it¡¯s not that I want to refuse big brother...¡±

    He wordlessly held big brother¡¯s wrist, raised it up, and shook it. He felt even more at a loss.

    ¡°...But big brother, do you really have this bodily function right now?¡±

    T/N: Presented is a sanitized version of the chapter. The author had to remove a few paragraphs here and there in the original transcript due to censorship guidelines, but these short paragraphs have been tranted in the drop down. The extra content is not NSFW, per se. It¡¯s more like heavy petting.

    <details><summary>Click Here.</summary>

    Then, a hand traveled down along Gu Zuo¡¯s clothes, and ventured inside his robes. This hand quickly caressed the side of his waist with unrestrained touches before slipping behind with lively groping and kneading...

    Gu Zuo¡¯s body heated up slightly. Anguorous type of feeling spread out from the ce where he was being yed with, and a somewhat achey lethargy coursed through his body.

    ...Gu Zuo was being pressed, kissed, and touched. Half of his clothes hade loose.

    </details>

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 496 - Asura Incarnation

    <h4>Chapter 496 - Asura Incarnation</h4>

    Maybe he didn¡¯t notice it at first because of his dear big brother¡¯s strange behavior, but aftering back, Gu Zuo wanted to check on big brother¡¯s health. As a result, it was only natural that he habitually grasped the other¡¯s wrist while big brother kept tugging and pulling him. After that...he felt that something was wrong.

    His big brother didn¡¯t have a pulse!

    If he was in the middle of training or there were special circumstances, it would be normal to control it, but his big brother was clearly not in that state right now. This was an abnormality.

    After that, Gu Zuo impatiently dove into the psychic power examination. Following this, he discovered that his big brother wasn¡¯t only without a pulse. In fact, his body didn¡¯t have any blood vessels, bones, and internal organs at all!

    As such, a question came up. In the end, what the hell was going on with this big brother who had nothing inside?

    Moreover, what was even stranger was that the other¡¯s body was empty, but where was this urge to take him to beding from?

    The ck-robed man ¡ª Or rather, this guy, whom Gu Zuo didn¡¯t know for sure was Gongyi Tianheng, retracted his hand.

    After that, his tone became faint, carrying an indescribable strangeness and peculiar allure: ¡°As it turns out... Ah Zuo already found out.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently looked at him: ¡°Big brother, your temperament is a little...¡± His voice was conflicted, ¡°Actually, I still don¡¯t understand it too well. After big brother returned, why didn¡¯t you directlye back? Instead, you went with the Jin Family¡¯s second young master and called me over.¡±

    At this time, the man in ck robes revealed a smiling expression. Blood seemed to flow across the decorative patterns on his face. His entire body appeared to be suffused with an enrapturing charm: ¡°Then, Ah Zuo, why don¡¯t you take a guess?¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated: ¡°Big brother, your injuries... Are they very serious?¡± He slowly said, ¡°As a result, right now, your...¡± brain is a little wonky?

    The ck-robed man¡¯s figure faintly moved, and the wrist held in Gu Zuo¡¯s hand was nowhere to be seen.

    After that, familiar qi emissions appeared behind Gu Zuo, and a pair of arms encircled him. With a wet sensation, his earlobe was taken into a mouth and tenderly suckled. The low and soft voice carried an even more ambiguous meaning: ¡°...Ah Zuo, guess again?¡±

    It had to be said that,pared to that anxious and agitated disy a while ago, the level of the current performance had increased greatly. In addition, many responses had been somewhat stiff and stilted, but all of a sudden, the charm index had risen dramatically. This made Gu Zuo, who had missed his family¡¯s big brother very much, feel a heavy pressure in his heart.

    If this continued, how was he supposed to figure out the situation?

    Gu Zuo wore a wooden expression: ¡°I won¡¯t guess. Big brother, are you going to tell me or not?¡±

    Finally, the man in ck robes gave a low chuckle: ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll tell Ah Zuo.¡±

    While speaking, his figure appeared in front of Gu Zuo once more, gathering him up in an embrace.

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t have enough time to react, and only saw a sh of bloody light. He reappeared inside their bedroom, and at some point, his big brother was already sitting on the bed. As for himself, he was sitting on his big brother¡¯s..p.

    This kind of position was too dangerous.

    But at this moment, the ck-robed man calmed down after locking Gu Zuo securely in his arms. At the same time, a gentle voice entered Gu Zuo¡¯s ears: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t get angry. This is my main body¡¯s avatar. Created from the qi ocean of the path of the asura, it¡¯s called an asura incarnation.¡±

    Gu Zuo was startled. He was immediately drawn to the implication of those words: ¡°Then, what about big brother¡¯s main body? Also, those problems just a while ago¡ª¡±

    The asura incarnation lightly sighed: ¡°This incarnation came about with my remaining power. It was difficult for my consciousness to keep up at first, so it was naturally somewhat stiff. However, now that I¡¯ve seen Ah Zuo and gotten intimate a few times, I¡¯ve already returned to normal.¡±

    As he spoke, a warm breath blew against Gu Zuo¡¯s ear: ¡°It¡¯s just that...my nature will be inevitably affected by the incarnation, so it¡¯s probably a little different from usual.¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    He never expected that his family¡¯s big brother would be like this...

    After that, he asked again: ¡°Big brother, your main body...¡±

    Atst, the asura incarnation slowly said: ¡°Right now, my main body is still in the void.¡±

    Perhaps, he knew that Gu Zuo would keep hounding him to get to the bottom of things, so at this time, he no longer tried to divert Gu Zuo¡¯s attention. Rather, he told him everything in detail.

    At that time, Tianheng was forced into the void by Yang Hu. Right away, he was assailed by countless, turbulent flows in the void. Although he was brandishing the cloak, because the turbulence was too fierce during his initial entry, the cloak had been knocked back, leaving Tianheng to fend for himself. Yet, during that brief period, the cloak was able to obstruct the most harrowing portion for Tianheng. As for himself, he had undergone the tempering of the power of chaos. As a result,pared to ordinary Atomic Realm martial artists who would¡¯ve been immediately torn to shreds, his vitality was far stronger.

    By continuously using his skills to resist and constantly unleashing his strength, Tianhengsted for a long time. However, his flesh was still shaved away bit by bit. At the final juncture, the fragments of the power of chaos within his qi oceans suddenly erupted with great force to protect his bones, traces of flesh, as well as his qi oceans.

    Originally, if things proceeded like this, Tianheng¡¯s only end would¡¯ve been a pile of shredded gore once the fragments of the power of chaos werepletely used up. But fortunately, Tianheng had unknowingly floated to a special area in the void. In that ce, not only was there no void turbulence, there was also an extremely huge beast corpse. It was a True Spirit Ancestor Race corpse from the ancient and fierce races.

    Unexpectedly, the remnant power within the corpse was simr to the energy that Tianheng¡¯s qi oceans needed to absorb. As a result, a sparse connection was established between one man and one corpse. With the assistance of the primal chaos fragments, that power was continuously absorbed. Not only did this preserve Tianheng¡¯s breath of life, it also allowed his consciousness to slowly awaken.

    After awakening, Tianheng discovered that his body already turned into a skeleton, so he immediately operated that body sculpting technique he had just obtained. It was just that this body sculpting technique required a lot of energy to make one¡¯s flesh grow. With no other alternative, he took outrge quantities of profound crystals inside his spatial bangle, and suspended the crystals around himself. The moment these crystals were crushed, he spared no effort to absorb them.

    This was simrly a stroke of good fortune. If this bangle wasn¡¯t obtained from the Tomb of the Human King, perhaps it would¡¯ve been corroded by the void turbulence. However, this also wasn¡¯t sustainable. The longer one stayed in the void, the more serious the corrosion would be. In the end, perhaps nothing would remain inside the bangle... It was just as well to use everything here.

    But despite this, the restoration of his flesh was still very slow. It wasn¡¯t known how long it would take topletely grow back.

    Tianheng didn¡¯t know how much time had passed since he lost consciousness. He was anxious that it had been too long, which would¡¯ve caused Ah Zuo and his master to worry and allowed for changes to ur. Thus, he first used his power topletely separate the incarnation that had already evolved from his qi ocean.

    In fact, the incarnation had been conceived in those few qi oceans with special powers back when Tianheng was at the Immortal Realm. Starting from the Immortal Realm, one incarnation would be born within the qi oceans with every realm advancement. When the powers within the qi oceans were strong enough, the incarnations could be released. They would possess the same level ofbat power as himself, and would fight for the main body.

    The consciousness of the incarnation and the main body were connected. When the distance was close, there were no problems. However, if the distance was far, some amount of limation was needed.

    The same was true for the asura incarnation.

    Tianheng released this incarnation, and his consciousness followed along. To withstand a portion of the void turbulence, the incarnation was also given the cloak to wear. Merely, after the incarnation relied on another seam to leave the void, Tianheng¡¯s consciousness had been separated by the void. As a result, the connection seemed somewhat intermittent... To put it simply, the response time had slowed.

    Gu Zuo was the one whom Tianheng remembered and cared about the most. Thus, the incarnation¡¯s first reaction was Gu Zuo. Aftering out, the incarnation immediately headed to Ten Ultimates Sect, wanting to find Gu Zuo.

    Along the way, he met Jin Yuan. Due to the incarnation¡¯s slowed responses, the other party thought he was lonely and could be befriended. Under the incarnation¡¯s insistence, Jin Yuan took him to Ten Ultimates City to see Gu Zuo.

    To tell the truth, if it wasn¡¯t for Jin Yuan, although the incarnation could¡¯ve smoothly arrived at Ten Ultimates City, he was confused about the route to Ten Ultimates Sect. It could¡¯ve taken even longer before the memories were sorted out. At that time, the incarnation might¡¯ve done something because of this...

    As for why the incarnation acted that way after their meeting, it was because Gu Zuo was the greatest obsession carried by the incarnation. After seeing Gu Zuo, he wanted to fulfill his heart¡¯s desires with direct physical contact.

    To speak frankly, this was longing and instincts at work. When a person had a brain, these urges could be controlled. But when one¡¯s brain didn¡¯t respond fast enough, then the body would take the lead.

    Fortunately, he saw Gu Zuo and went back to the sect. The familiar people and environment made the incarnation¡¯s consciousness much clearer. The strings of memory in his head were straightened out, and his self-control returned.

    The subsequent teasing was purely the result of the asura incarnation¡¯s nature.

    Likewise, the same Gongyi Tianheng would be affected by the different incarnations, and the natures that were disyed would also be different... For example, if Tianheng¡¯s main body carried his consciousness, he would definitely be gentle and self-disciplined. If it was the asura incarnation, then he would act flirtatiously.

    Once he finished listening to these things, Gu Zuo finally understood. After loosening a sigh, his eyes were filled with worry: ¡°Big brother, your main body is in the void. There won¡¯t be any idents, right?¡±

    Although he said it was safe, and that he also encountered an opportunity, that was still the void! Who knew what would happen the next moment?

    The asura incarnation revealed a shining smile, and softly licked Gu Zuo¡¯s neck. His voice was charming and gentle: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo.¡±

    T/N: For a reminder on the ssification of races, please refer to Chapter 313.

    Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 497 - Meeting the Palace Master

    <h4>Chapter 497 - Meeting the Pce Master</h4>

    Gu Zuo covered his neck, and was silently embarrassed.

    So, big brother, your nature has be like this... Then, how will the other incarnations affect big brother?

    All of a sudden, he had a somewhat uneasy premonition.

    Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s asura incarnation liked to be intimate with Gu Zuo. Even if the content of their conversations was normal, the incarnation still wanted to kiss and touch him.

    Without realizing it, a hand was ced on that unmentionable part. Moreover, the process was done wordlessly and in an extremely natural manner, making it difficult for Gu Zuo to react. But once he did, his face immediately blushed and his ears turned scarlet. He felt weak all over from being teased.

    Fortunately, the present asura incarnation brought back information that Tianheng¡¯s main body was safe and steadily improving. Moreover, his consciousness returned with the incarnation. In fact, it was as though Tianheng was right beside Gu Zuo. Besides the scandalous way they interacted with one another, Gu Zuo still regained his sense of security and returned to the amodating and well-behaved person he once was.

    Of course, there were also disadvantages...

    For example, while Gu Zuo refined medicine, the asura incarnation would embrace him from behind. Whenever the mood arose, the incarnation would lick along his neck, suckle on his earlobes, and kiss the side of his face... This easily caused Gu Zuo¡¯s hands to tremble.

    Thankfully, Gu Zuo¡¯s medicine refining skills were proficient enough to smoothly ovee these obstacles. Otherwise, if an ordinary pharmacist encountered this kind of situation, the furnace would¡¯ve definitely blown up.

    Once night fell, Gu Zuo and the asura incarnation proceeded towards the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    ¡ª Because the asura incarnation¡¯s features were too strange, and a man wearing ck robes seemed somewhat mysterious, it wouldn¡¯t have been good to seek an audience with the pce master in broad daylight. Therefore, it could be covered up a little bit if they went at night.

    After announcing their arrival, the two met the Blood Transformation Pce Master without any issues. At the same time, the pce master saw the current appearance of his dear apprentice, which had undergone huge changes.

    Peculiar blood patterns, strange blood-red hair, unusual blood-red eyes...and lips that were a shade too scarlet.

    The facial features and countenance were clearly still that of Gongyi Tianheng, but the qi emissions emanating from his body carried extremely bizarre implications. Every time his eyes flickered, there seemed to be an eruption of a terrifying blood fiend¡¯s aura.

    He looked like a demon.

    Although, it went without saying that many people in the Blood Transformation Pce Hall cultivated with blood. Compared to the other nine pce halls, they didn¡¯t particrly seem like good people. It was just that, because they only used beast blood and not human blood, their qi emissions remained pure. Fortunately, while the present Tianheng was a bit more malevolent, he didn¡¯t feel evil at all.

    Thus, the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s first feeling was that, after his apprentice was beaten this time, something went wrong with his cultivation.

    Normally, those who cultivated the blood arts would only show abnormalities when actively using their powers. Ordinarily, they were still quite normal.

    However, the pce master breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°Apprentice, it¡¯s good that you¡¯vee back.¡±

    The asura incarnation paid his respects: ¡°Master has been worried.¡±

    While he spoke, the hint of a smiling expression on his lips carried a soul-stirring feeling.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master paused: ¡°Apprentice, this is¡ª¡±

    Originally, his apprentice¡¯s appearance was extraordinary. Merely, in the past, his graceful demeanor made people pay more attention to his temperament rather than his face, so others didn¡¯t exim in admiration as often. But with these changes now, his whole temperament was racing towards the other direction. On the contrary, the face was enhanced, making it even more difficult for others to look directly at him... By then, it was hard say whether it would cause any trouble.

    It was just that, as far as men were concerned, their attraction shouldn¡¯t be based on one¡¯s face or figure. As a teacher, it also wasn¡¯t good for the Blood Transformation Pce Master to point this out too bluntly.

    Contrary to what one might¡¯ve expected, Gu Zuo noticed the pce master¡¯s conflicted look, and felt that the words, ¡°Apprentice, restrain yourself. Don¡¯t unt your hormones so much.¡± were practically written across his face. Gu Zuo helplessly shook his head, and got rid of this way of thinking ¡ª Ever since big brother returned as an asura incarnation, he couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed from time to time.

    But this wasn¡¯t the important point.

    Gu Zuo nced at the asura incarnation, who softlyughed: ¡°Reporting to master. This disciple has now returned as an incarnation. Therefore, it¡¯s a little different from my main body. I hope master can forgive me.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master was surprised: ¡°Incarnation?¡±

    The asura incarnation spoke in a caring tone, and uttered a few words: ¡°Asura incarnation.¡±

    Following that, it was Gu Zuo who took over the conversation ¡ª If big brother was allowed to continue conveying such strange expressions, he was really worried that the pce master, who actually had a bad temper, would respond with an enormous palm p... Okay, maybe he was overthinking things again.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from the pce master. In fact, big brother¡¯s qi oceans aren¡¯t the same as that of ordinary people. It¡¯s probably a type of special constitution. As a result, big brother opened up six qi oceans when he was at the Immortal Realm.¡±

    With regards to the Tiandu Body, the two concealed this matter very deeply. When all was said and done, the Tiandu Body was ssified as a legendary and remarkable physique that suffered the envy of heaven. If he hadn¡¯t been nursed every day whenever he cultivated, he would¡¯ve died prematurely long ago. And at the present time, the two had only made some progress in developing the Tiandu Body. Thus, they were very cautious.

    Yet, ever since they joined the Blood Transformation Pce Hall, the pce master had been clearly watching over the two of them. After Tianheng encountered a cmity, not only did the pce master personally go out to rescue Tianheng, he also didn¡¯t give up searching once his apprentice was knocked into a void seam. What¡¯s more, besides the subordinates who couldn¡¯t extricate themselves from missions, the pce master sent all of his battle ves to conduct long-term and in-depth searches in every city.

    A teacher¡¯s kindness was extremely deep. The two had gained an understanding of the pce master¡¯s natural disposition over a long period of close contact, and developed a sense of trust.

    Of course, Gu Zuo had a system. And there was an unfathomable inheritance within the system. These were still their deepest secrets. As for the Tiandu Body, a small portion could be exined.

    After exining, they could also obtain some guidance from the pce master.

    Hence, Gu Zuo spoke quickly and clearly. He swiftly told the Blood Transformation Pce Master about how the six sets of bone pearls formed six qi oceans, how each of the six qi oceans could produce an incarnation, and how every qi ocean possessed a special power. Naturally, the pce master simrly learned that Tianheng¡¯s main body found an opportunity in the void and that it was the incarnation who had left for this ce.

    This talk took a little longer than an hour. Once the pce master finished listening, he looked at Gu Zuo with an even kinder gaze: ¡°Ah Zuo has truly worked hard helping Tianheng until now.¡±

    At this point, he understood why Gu Zuo suddenly erupted after his apprentice disappeared. He naturally remembered that Gu Zuo and Tianheng had been friends for many years, but after hearing everything, he realized that their friendship was deeper than he thought.

    All of a sudden, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo into his arms and peppered kisses across his cheek. His voice was touching and emotional: ¡°Ah Zuo has indeed work hard over the years.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master: ¡°...¡±

    It seemed that this wasn¡¯t just a deep friendship?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face reddened, and his mood almost copsed!

    He only knew that big brother¡¯s current temperament had changed a little, but overall, it seemed as if Tianheng just liked to tease him a bit more. Why was big brother doing this so suddenly right now?

    Simply put, he was caught off guard, and was pulled out of the closet in front of the pce master... Ah, was he going to be pped to death by the pce master?!

    Gu Zuo felt incredibly nervous in his heart.

    The asura incarnation was still wearing a tender smile, but in the gaze the incarnation used to look at Gu Zuo, the bloody light threatened to overflow. It was like drops of blood were about to leak out.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master had lived for such a long time, and he could see Gu Zuo¡¯s apprehensive mood at the moment. His eyes softened slightly, and peered at the asura incarnation: ¡°What does this apprentice mean?¡±

    The asura incarnation answered in a soft voice: ¡°This disciple wishes to be partners with Ah Zuo. Never to part in life or in death.¡±

    When Gu Zuo heard his dear big brother¡¯s frank confession, his worried eyes suddenly turned resolute and firm. Summoning his courage, he looked at the pce master: ¡°I, I d-do, too!¡±

    No good! He was still very nervous!

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master revealed a smiling expression: ¡°As it turns out, you two have an affinity for one another. Since it¡¯s like this, I won¡¯t oppose it as your teacher. In this world, although there are more unions between men and women, signifying the blending of yin and yang, as this master¡¯s apprentice, you can do whatever you want. In any case, you just prefer men. If anyone dares to raise objections, they¡¯ll be blocked by me.¡±

    As he spoke, his imposing aura was awe-inspiring, which conferred a type of invible heroic spirit.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s chest felt warm.

    The asura incarnation spoke again: ¡°It¡¯s not that I prefer men... This disciple only loves Ah Zuo.¡±

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart jumped.

    Meanwhile, the pce master broke intoughter: ¡°Of course, there¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡±

    The asura incarnation¡¯s smile deepened. It was as if a bright and beautiful bloody light was surfacing. Hisplexion bloomed even more. With a single look, people¡¯s breaths would be taken away.

    The pce master: ¡°...¡±

    Whenever this apprentice showed his incarnation, it was better that he didn¡¯t reveal any joyful expressions.

    Aftering out of the closet, Gu Zuo saw that he and big brother had received such strong support from the Blood Transformation Pce Master, one of their elders. Naturally, he was in a good mood, but he still had one worry. He needed to quickly get an answer from the pce master.

    As a result, Gu Zuo unabashedly asked: ¡°Pce master, you might¡¯ve not noticed it just now, but even if you look carefully, can you tell that big brother is formed through the umtion of internal qi?¡±

    With no internal organs or bones, the asura incarnation was entirely produced from the reddish-ck energy within one of Tianheng¡¯s qi oceans. Although they had simr appearances, it wasn¡¯t a problem to say that he was the transformation of a special ability.

    At this moment, what he wanted to know was whether big brother could masquerade as this incarnation, and walk in front of outsiders without them detecting the abnormalities inside his body...

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 498 - The List of Pill Sinners and Evildoers

    <h4>Chapter 498 - The List of Pill Sinners and Evildoers</h4>

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master understood in a sh, and his expression became upright and proper. Two bloody de lights suddenly burst out from his pair of eyes. He firmly stared at the asura incarnation, intending to see through his body and find out what was inside of him.

    After roughly the time it took for a joss of incense to burn, the de lights finally disappeared from his eyes. At the same time, the expression on his face rxed: ¡°I can¡¯t see anything.¡±

    Gu Zuo was ddened.

    However, the pce master pondered for a short while, and said: ¡°I want to ask my father to use his powers of the Cosmic Realm to observe Tianheng¡¯s incarnation. Would that be okay?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and looked at the asura incarnation.

    The asura incarnation said: ¡°There¡¯s no harm.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    He wasn¡¯t familiar with the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord, but since this was the pce master¡¯s father, that fellow¡¯s character shouldn¡¯t be much different. The pce master trusted him, so it was only natural that he was trustworthy.

    Besides, when all was said and done, the pce master was only at the Royal Realm. The Cosmic Realm was where one entered the genuine higher-levelbat powers. Even if secrecy was maintained in the presence of the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord now, once they bumped into other Cosmic Realms in the future, wouldn¡¯t it be the same as being observed then? It was better to test things with the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord in advance, so that they could make preparations for any situations they encounteredter on.

    The pce master was pleased by the two people¡¯s trust. Immediately following which, he flipped his hand. In the hollow of his palm, a blood talisman already appeared. He swiftly uttered a few words, and burned the blood talisman in front of Gu Zuo and the asura incarnation.

    Before long, Gu Zuo could sense an unusual power bubbling out from the depths of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. It quicklynded on the asura incarnation¡¯s body, and enveloped himpletely.

    Off to the side, Gu Zuo waited with bated breath.

    In the time it took for a cup of tea to cool, this power rapidly vanished. After that, a voice unhurriedly echoed out: ¡°The same as an ordinary person.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heartstrings loosened.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled: ¡°Since Cosmic Realms can¡¯t make out anything, Tianheng can travel outside with the asura incarnation. As for the peculiarities of his outward appearance, it can be med on his body cultivation method.¡±

    The asura incarnation looked at Gu Zuo with an ambiguous expression: ¡°Does Ah Zuo feel at ease?¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s expression was still wooden: ¡°Even if the outward appearance can¡¯t be seen through, you can¡¯t let yourself get hurt. Otherwise, your anomalous bodyposition can be easily exposed.¡±

    The asura incarnation silently smiled, and extended two fingers.

    The fingers were slender and pale. But at this moment, two extremely sharp nails suddenly grew out from the finger tips. Then, the asura incarnation used these nails to lightly swipe across his other wrist ¡ª

    In a split second, dark-red blood began dripping down.

    Gu Zuo widened his eyes: ¡°There¡¯s blood?¡±

    The asura incarnation softly chuckled: ¡°This body was transformed through the power of the path of the asura. Naturally, it¡¯s created by umting reddish-ck blood poison. Separating a bit of blood couldn¡¯t be more ordinary.¡±

    The pce master spoke up: ¡°Good! In that case, unless the flesh is torn apart, nothing can be seen.¡±

    Having said this, he warned Tianheng again: ¡°However, if you really meet an extremely powerful opponent, this apprentice also doesn¡¯t have to forcibly conceal it. Among the manyrge organizations in the world, the number of those who can create clones isn¡¯t low. Some have special abilities, too. Although they¡¯re not as miraculous as this apprentice¡¯s incarnation, they¡¯re quite simr. If it¡¯s really exposed, one or two things can be deduced.

    ¡°In other words, try your best to keep this matter hidden, but when your life is at stake, just treat it as a trump card. Don¡¯t put the cart before the horse.¡±

    After that, the pce master thought for a moment, took out two more books, and handed them to Tianheng: ¡°These are two secret techniques. One is a cloning method of my Blood Transformation Pce Hall. By using many precious materials, you can obtain a body simr to the asura incarnation. Apprentice, take this book andprehend it on your own. It might be useful for improving your incarnation. It can be used as a cover for the incarnation, too.

    ¡°The second book was obtained when I previously soul searched Yang Hu. Because his memory was fragmented and iplete, there are only a few subtleties. Apprentice, if you¡¯re interested, you can refer to it for details.¡±

    Naturally, the asura incarnation took them, and said: ¡°Many thanks, master.¡±

    Gu Zuo was overjoyed with the pce master¡¯s thoughtfulness.

    Shortly thereafter, a strange look flickered in the asura incarnation¡¯s eyes: ¡°Master doesn¡¯t need to worry. If this body is damaged, my consciousness will return to my main body. Once my main body gathers enough blood poison power, this body can be condensed again. It won¡¯t harm this disciple¡¯s roots.¡±

    Upon hearing this, the pce master was gratified, and said: ¡°Then, that couldn¡¯t be better.¡±

    At this time, he pondered deeply, and continued: ¡°There are six qi oceans in my apprentice¡¯s body, and his achievements in the future will definitely far exceed my own. However, there¡¯s no precedent for how to improve these six great qi oceans, and I don¡¯t know how to give guidance as a teacher... Although, the Ardent Earth Pce Hall¡¯s Eight Points Suppressing Prison, the Howling Wind Pce Hall¡¯s Wind Dragon Nine Transformations, and the Jade Ocean Pce Hall¡¯s Life Seizing Imperial Ocean should all be beneficial for this apprentice in tempering his six paths.

    ¡°It¡¯s just that each pce hall¡¯s ultimate knowledge can¡¯t be taught lightly. This teacher can only take some martial skills derived from the three schools of ultimate knowledge for this apprentice to learn. With this apprentice¡¯sprehension, if you can really master each of those derivative skills, it will be much easier to exchange for the ultimate knowledge to observe, emte, andprehend.¡±

    The asura incarnation answered: ¡°Master is considerate. This disciple originally had this intention, but due to various reasons, there hadn¡¯t been enough time to do so.¡±

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he recalled fondly: This pce master really treats big brother extremely well, and spares no effort in all matters.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled and said: ¡°Derivative martial skills aren¡¯t an issue, but if it¡¯s ultimate knowledge, even if this apprentice is capable ofprehending it, you won¡¯t necessarily be able to obtain it. In the future, this apprentice must do his best to make contributions to the sect, disy the sect¡¯s awe-inspiring authority, and promote the prestige of our Ten Ultimates Sect. At that point, it will be more possible for this teacher to fight for this apprentice¡¯s benefits.¡±

    The asura incarnation faintly smiled. A bloody light shed in his eyes: ¡°This disciple understands.¡±

    Gu Zuo followed along, and nodded his head.

    He also understood. In any case, this was a win-win situation, so they would do it!

    Speaking up to here, the matters rting to the asura incarnation and subsequent cultivation were more or less settled.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master further inquired when Tianheng¡¯s main body coulde out of the void, but after obtaining an unsure answer, he turned to look at Gu Zuo. At this time, his expression was a little strange.

    Gu Zuo nked.

    He didn¡¯t quite understand. What happened?

    The pce master wasn¡¯t someone who held others in suspense. Upon seeing this, he took out a scroll from his sleeve, and threw it to Gu Zuo. The smile on his face was somewhat peculiar: ¡°Ah Zuo can take a look.¡±

    Gu Zuo blinked his eyes. He epted the scroll, and unfurled it.

    The asura incarnation simrly looked at it.

    It wasn¡¯t known what kind of material this scroll was made out of. It was as heavy as gold or jade. Once it was opened, the first line that caught the eyes of several people was ¡ª The List of Pill Sinners and Evildoers.

    Following that, there were people¡¯s names one after another.

    Pill Sinner No. 100: Poison Hand Pill King, He Qing, famous for one pill poisoning one hundred people.

    Pill Sinner No. 99: Burning Hand Pill King, Li Zizai, famous for using pill liquids to wipe out a n.

    Pill Sinner No. 98: Poison Heart Temptress, Miao Pianpian, famous for...

    Pill Sinner No. 97: ...

    A bad premonition suddenly arose in Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    It was just as expected. Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze continued downward. When he reached the tenth line from the bottom, a row of words appeared:

    Pill Sinner No. 10: Pill ughterer Profound Shadow, unidentified individual wearing a ck robe, famous for issuing a world-wide pill bounty, wiping out the bronze-ranked n surnamed Yang, and forcing the Royal Realm Yang Hu to death.

    Gu Zuo was absolutely speechless.

    The aforementioned title and name were unfamiliar, but the subsequent description of the major events was clearly his own! How could someone as nice as him get on this list of murderers? This thing certainly wasn¡¯t anything good! In addition, what the hell was this Pill ughterer Profound Shadow?!

    He really couldn¡¯t describe his current mood...

    The asura incarnation had an interested smile: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s title doesn¡¯t suit Ah Zuo.¡±

    The pce master said: ¡°This apprentice probably doesn¡¯t know about it. Ah Zuo gained this title all because of this apprentice.¡±

    Based on his experience, just by looking at his dear apprentice¡¯s current reaction, he knew that Gu Zuo definitely didn¡¯t tell his apprentice what he had done. Because he admired Gu Zuo for this matter, he naturally wanted to let his apprentice know what his partner did for him.

    The asura incarnation looked over: ¡°Oh?¡±

    The pce master said: ¡°Gu Zuo issued a world-wide bounty for this apprentice, and showed off his skills.¡±

    Following this, the asura incarnation learned right from the Blood Transformation Pce Master¡¯s mouth that Gu Zuo became incredibly furious after he went missing. Gu Zuo unexpectedly used his pill refining skills to urge the people of the world to eliminate the Yang n for him, and even forced Yang Hu to kill himself. All that remained of the Yang n were just a couple of whelps incapable of practicing martial arts again. Such arge Yang n had vanished like smoke into thin air just like this!

    The asura incarnation¡¯s pupils shed with bloody light. His figure swayed slightly, and he was already holding Gu Zuo in an embrace. His voice was soft, gentle, and brimming with happiness: ¡°Ah Zuo¡¯s heart...¡± His words were drowned between the pair¡¯s shing lips and tongues, ¡°...has thoroughly moved me.¡±

    The pce master: ¡°...¡±

    Should he leave them alone for a little while?

    At the same time, he also had a notion in mind ¡ª Sure enough, the temperament of this asura incarnation was somewhat wed, and needed to be properly controlled. Right now, it didn¡¯t matter when it was in his presence, but if anything significant happened while they were among numerous martial artists, and his apprentice was momentarily stimted, it would be hard to keep things under control.

    Of course, the pce master didn¡¯t know that his feelings, if described using thenguage of the modern world, would be ¡°under a mountain of pressure.¡±

    Seeing that his family¡¯s big brother was a little love-crazed again, Gu Zuo¡¯s bashfulness doubled.

    Last time, it was because there was a problem with his brain that he acted like that in front of outsiders. This time, although it was no longer an outsider, they were doing it in front of their elder! Gu Zuo really couldn¡¯t tell which one troubled him more, outsiders or elders!

    Fortunately, although the asura incarnation didn¡¯t like to control himself, it wasn¡¯t like he couldn¡¯t do so. Just now, he wasn¡¯t able to contain his joy because Gu Zuo had done such a big thing for him. There was only the pce master here, so he couldn¡¯t help getting intimate. At this moment, after Gu Zuo struggled a little, he slowly backed away and stopped making out.

    As for the pce master¡¯s concerns, the asura incarnation¡¯s temperament was merely preferential. He wasn¡¯t stupid enough to act that way outside.

    Gu Zuo breathed a sigh of relief, and rubbed his face. In order to distract himself from his own feelings, he hurriedly spoke to the Blood Transformation Pce Master: ¡°Pce master, what¡¯s this list of pill sinners and evildoers?¡±

    The pce master wanted to appease Gu Zuo for his apprentice, and answered Gu Zuo¡¯s question: ¡°Ah Zuo has probably guessed it, too. Not all pharmacists only refine medicines that are beneficial to others. There are also those who prefer to directly refine harmful medicines. The former uses human experimental subjects when testing new medicines. And what else needs to be said about thetter? This is a list of well-known and vicious people among pharmacists. While the majority are fiendish and ck-hearted, a small number are a mixture of good and evil. Due to the testing of medicine, tens of millions are often harmed. The higher the rank, the more dangerous the individual.¡±

    Speaking up to here, his looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°However, the damage done by ordinary pharmacists is limited, so subsequent treatments aren¡¯t troublesome. Therefore, almost all of the people who appear on this list...are pill kings.¡±

    The author has something to say:

    Regarding everyone¡¯sments these past few days... Cough.

    First of all, I must say that everyone is really too dirty-minded. I am such a pure author. How can my brains be filled with sshed ink like you guys? This is obviously the most decent and proper path of martial arts! When I was writing about the incarnation, I was thinking about group fights, not group sex! Although it¡¯s true that a certain aspect of the personality is magnified, the consciousness onlyes from big brother¡¯s main body. The current situation is that big brother left behind a little bit of his mind to control the main body for absorbing energy and growing back his flesh. His consciousness followed the incarnation, and directly saw Ah Zuo.

    Furthermore, it¡¯s not like an energy body doesn¡¯t have a penis. It¡¯s just that he can¡¯t get it up. As a result, he can¡¯t have any pa pa pa!

    I¡¯m an author of purity! I¡¯m an author of purity! I¡¯m an author of purity! Important things must be emphasized three times!

    ºß( £þ (?) £þ )ßó

    T/N: The next chapter will be double-length.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 499 - Blood Swamp

    <h4>Chapter 499 - Blood Swamp</h4>

    When the Blood Transformation Pce Master learned about this information, he had been quite surprised.

    In the end, one ought to know that Gu Zuo was just a profound-level pharmacist. And it could be said that the gap between profound-level pharmacists and earth-level pharmacists was like a natural moat.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t only make it onto the List of Pill Sinners and Evildoers, he also ¡°defeated¡± numerous pill kings and was ranked tenth ce! This was simply unimaginable!

    Of course, after the pce master carefully thought about it, he understood why this happened.

    In the final analysis, what this list of evildoers paid attention to was the level of danger. The cement of one¡¯s ranking actually had little to do with how many cruel or savage things they had done ¡ª The key point was that, with this pharmacist¡¯s capabilities, had they evermitted any acts of cruelty? Once they did, that pharmacist was likely to be ced on the list. After being put on the list, a ranking would be determined based on how much danger the pharmacist¡¯s abilities could pose.

    Gu Zuo definitely wasn¡¯t fiendish or ck-hearted. He wasn¡¯t even considered a person who was a mixture of good and evil. It was inferred that his cruelty came from seeking revenge. It was just that his methods of revenge were rather frightening. Even pill kings probably wouldn¡¯t have been so extravagant.

    Naturally, with his identity as a profound-level pharmacist, he jumped onto this list of murderers where usually only pill kings had the qualifications to enter. Moreover, it seemed that if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he wasn¡¯t a pill king, it was very possible that he would¡¯ve ranked first ce!

    Merely, when Gu Zuo found out the reason why he was thrown onto the list, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    Ah, he wasn¡¯t the least bit ferocious...

    At this moment, although the asura incarnation hadn¡¯tpletely wrapped himself around Gu Zuo, he was still holding Gu Zuo against his chest. He suddenly stretched out a hand to pinch Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek. His voice was gentle: ¡°Does Ah Zuo feel wronged?¡±

    Gu Zuo was stunned before shaking his head: ¡°There¡¯s nothing to feel wronged about. I really did do those things.¡± His expression became peculiar, ¡°Speaking of which, getting onto this list can be regarded as indirect proof of my strength, right?¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master praised: ¡°That¡¯s correct. Ah Zuo was able to get onto this list, which shows that his potential is massive and his strength is extraordinary. Although there might be some trouble, anyone will acknowledge this list if they know how Ah Zuo issued a world-wide bounty to destroy the Yang n. If there¡¯s something beyond Ah Zuo¡¯s current level among those troubles, my Blood Transformation Pce Hall will take over the matter. If it¡¯s at the same level, what would Ah Zuo have to fear from such demons and monsters?¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded seriously: ¡°Many thanks, pce master.¡± He thought of something and said, ¡°Pce master is right. I¡¯m not afraid of anyone at the same level.¡±

    The pce master smiled: ¡°However, although the ck robed individual on this list of evildoers is unnamed, many people have probably spected Ah Zuo¡¯s identity. It can¡¯t be hidden for much longer.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°I¡¯m mentally prepared.¡±

    From the moment he hooked the Yang n, he didn¡¯t go out of his way to conceal anything.

    The pce master stood with his hands sped behind his back. His expression was swift and fierce: ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about this. I know that Ah Zuo must¡¯ve had a fortuitous encounter to have achieved what he¡¯s capable of now, but there are so many fortuitous encounters in this world. So long as my Ten Ultimates Sect is here, even if gold-ranked organizationse and start a battle to destroy the sect, they can forget about seizing Ah Zuo¡¯s fortuitous encounter!¡±

    In Ten Ultimates Sect, there were rivers of talents and streams of geniuses. Inheritances had been passed down for countless years. There definitely weren¡¯t any people whose gazes were so shortsighted. The fortuitous encounters of the sect¡¯s disciples belonged to the disciples themselves. If it was beneficial to the sect, it could be exchanged, but the sect wouldn¡¯t insist on it.

    Only in this way would the disciples remain faithful, and repay their favors to the sect.

    Gu Zuo finished listening, and felt a little moved.

    Of course, he wouldn¡¯t reveal everything about his inheritance just because he was moved. However, it had to be said that the pce master¡¯s words made him feel a stronger sense of belonging to Ten Ultimates Sect.

    He remembered that when he was with big brother, he had to constrain himself all year round to stay hidden. He didn¡¯t dare to do too many things that were beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. But now, he could disy his own strength, and he had the pce master¡¯s protection, too. This was truly hard toe by.

    Gu Zuo understood clearly. Before big brother had grown to a realm without equal throughout the world, Ten Ultimates Sect was undoubtedly his strongest and staunchest backer.

    Finally, the Blood Transformation Pce Master said: ¡°The battles of the Prodigy Monument are in two months. This apprentice is exceptionally gifted, and should participate in the battles to raise our sect¡¯s prestige. At that time, if this apprentice¡¯s main body still hasn¡¯t returned, and joins the fight with the asura incarnation, how confident is this apprentice?¡±

    The asura incarnation said: ¡°If we¡¯re talking aboutbat power, this body is responsible for the path of the asura, and all of the martial disciplines learned in the Blood Transformation Pce Hall can be utilized. This disciple created the Great Asura Fist, Great Asura Hand, Asura Blood Saber Incarnation, and so on, and is proficient with all of them. It¡¯s just that this incarnation is a collection of energy. If the battlests for a long time, I need to replenish the beast blood and poison. With the inner cultivation method operated by this incarnation, blood and poison can be assimted into this body. Otherwise, the incarnation will fall apart when the energy is exhausted.¡±

    To be honest, there were still many restrictions. When using these moves, it required meticulous nning and careful ounting. He also couldn¡¯t recklessly use profound qi like before.

    The amount of profound qi within the incarnation was naturally one sixth of the quantity in the main body. In other words, it was equal to one qi ocean.

    Gu Zuo heard this, and was worried at first. But after that, he rxed.

    It was just that he wasn¡¯t as good as before in protracted battles. It wasn¡¯t that hisbat effectiveness had been weakened. Ah, right. There were also fewer methods at his disposal... However, if he really went up against other prodigies, the asura incarnation wouldn¡¯t necessarily lose.

    Besides, maybe the main body coulde back in time?

    If he could join in time, that would be the best...

    Gu Zuo also had his own way of doing things: ¡°Big brother, wait until I find all the materials to refine a batch of Blood Poison Pills for you. At that point, you won¡¯t have to soak in blood pools every day at the Prodigy Monument. You can just take the Blood Poison Pills to maintain your peak state at all times.¡±

    The asura incarnation caressed Gu Zuo¡¯s face: ¡°Many thanks, Ah Zuo.¡±

    The pce master inwardly nodded his head.

    In fact, the strength of the personal pharmacist was greatly rted to the development of the martial artist.

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s presence, it could be seen how helpful it was to have such a talented pharmacist by one¡¯s side.

    The pce master made a suggestion: ¡°Blood beasts consume the blood essence of wild beasts and origin beasts all year round, and this quintessence is gathered within its inner gall. If you want to refine Blood Poison Pills, using this beast¡¯s inner gall is the most suitable. A lot of the precious ingredients my sect uses to refine the blood poolse from blood beasts. However, the galls of blood beasts are rare, and the cost of exchanging for them inrge quantities from fellow disciples is too high. It would be more convenient for you two to leave for the blood swamp and capture them yourselves.¡±

    Moreover, going through this kind of experience could allow his apprentice to further adapt to the asura incarnation and hone his own skills.

    Within thest two months, it was also appropriate to sharpen oneself on the grindstone.

    When the asura incarnation and Gu Zuo heard what was said, it was only natural that they agreed.

    In actuality, this was indeed the best way of doing things.

    After returning to their mountain peak, the asura incarnation changed into a blood-red changpao. The full-length piece was like a cloak of blood, making him appear even more monstrous and strange.

    Gu Zuo looked at this changpao, and silently nodded his head.

    This colorbination of hair, eyes, and clothes was indeed a unique sense of aesthetics... He never expected that the Blood Transformation Pce Hall¡¯s uniforms would be so suitable for his big brother.

    That¡¯s right. The pce hall also had uniforms. It was just that everyone didn¡¯t normally wear them. However, one could imagine that, if there were any big events that required a way to distinguish between the sects, this uniform woulde in handy ¡ª From this blood-red robe, anyone could envision the grand and imposing manner when the Blood Transformation Pce Hall came out in full force.

    It would probably be the same as an ocean of blood with endless waves of red...

    Though, this was far off-topic.

    After changing clothes, the asura incarnation could show himself in front of others. But at the same time, they still had one more thing to do.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Big brother, I agreed that I would treat that Jin Family fellow to a meal.¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng, through the asura incarnation, lightly chuckled: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    Nevertheless, Gu Zuo had a favorable impression of the Jin Family¡¯s second young master, Jin Yuan, because he smoothly reunited with big brother.

    If it was possible, he could initiate more contact with the city lord¡¯s mansion of Golden Martial City.

    Having made up his mind, Gu Zuo traveled alongside Tianheng. Riding a gigantic wild bird, they swiftly flew away from the sect, and arrived at the street of the Jin Family¡¯s residence.

    Outside the Jin Mansion¡¯s vi, a battle ve stepped forward to deliver an invitation card. Then, Tianheng and Gu Zuo took their seats in a nearby restaurant, and waited for a response.

    Due to the arrival of the second young master, the Jin Mansion¡¯s Manager Li recently handed over all matters in the store for his subordinates to handle. Meanwhile, he followed the second young master and awaited orders.

    Yesterday, the second young master¡¯s friend met that powerful profound-level pharmacist. However, the rtionship between the friend, the pharmacist, and the legendary all-star prodigy seemed blurry and confusing. As it happened, it was the second young master who took the initiative to court this troublesome matter... For a time, it could be said that Manager Li was greatly worried about the second young master, fearing that he would offend that prodigy and the colossus known as Ten Ultimates Sect.

    As for the second young master, Jin Yuan? After a brief moment of shock and amazement, he carefully pondered several things, and his heart was likewise somewhat worried. However, he didn¡¯t feel that he misjudged the other person. But despite this, he still had to think of a few more ways to avoid the serious repercussions of his possible misunderstanding.

    After all, Jin Yuan was the young master of an organization that was close to reaching the bronze rank. He wasn¡¯t really that casual or arbitrary.

    Yet, the very next day, someone delivered an invitation card.

    This invitation was sent by someone of the nonhuman races. It was clearly written on the card that the people who invited him were Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng ¡ª They had already asked around. The all-star prodigy of Ten Ultimates Sect was called Gongyi Tianheng!

    Jin Yuan hesitated.

    He couldn¡¯t help thinking about it. That Pharmacist Gu said he wanted to treat him to a meal, but the other person he brought wasn¡¯t the Brother Tian he knew but the all-star prodigy... Speaking of which, was Brother Tian still doing alright?

    Let alone Jin Yuan, even his father, the Golden Martial City Lord, had to ept this prodigy¡¯s invitation.

    Hence, Jin Yuan restrained the many thoughts in his heart, tidied himself up, and proceeded to the meeting ce mentioned in the invitation with the elegance of a young master.

    Of course, before that, Jin Yuan didn¡¯t forget to have someone send a reply back, telling them that he would arrive there on time.

    The meeting ce was very close. Moreover, it was located at a private room on the second floor of a nearby restaurant.

    Jin Yuan followed the message left by the other party, and promptly saw two figures sitting by the window.

    Thus, he went over with quick steps, and said respectfully: ¡°Golden Martial City¡¯s Jin Yuan greets Prodigy Gongyi and Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Jin Yuan raised his head, and saw the appearance of this prodigy.

    Then, he was given quite the startle.

    Why did this prodigy look so simr to the Brother Tian he knew?

    No, no, no! Wasn¡¯t this the exact same person with the strange appearance and temperament?

    But this was different from the all-star prodigy described in rumors...

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Second Young Master Jin, please have a seat.¡±

    Tianheng also gave him a slight nod of the head. His temperament was still unusual, but his expression was rather cid: ¡°Brother Jin, due to an illness yesterday, I forgot to say goodbye when we left. Please forgive me.¡±

    Jin Yuan was taken aback.

    ¡°Brother Tian¡± was really that all-star prodigy? Today, he didn¡¯t look like a reclusive loner at all. His personality was totally different from yesterday...

    This feeling of changesing and going caused his mind to fill with confusion. After thinking about it for a long time, he couldn¡¯t figure out the reason. It could only be said that this was probably a unique characteristic of the all-star prodigy?

    But no matter what, the Brother Tian at this moment was much easier tomunicate with than when they met Gu Zuo yesterday.

    Consequently, Brother Tian really wasn¡¯t a victim of unrequited love? In addition, he also hadn¡¯t been digging bricks out of the all-star prodigy¡¯s walls? Yesterday, his heart had been hanging by a thread, but today, he couldy most of his worries to rest.

    As a result, Jin Yuan cupped his hands in obeisance: ¡°No harm done.¡± Shortly thereafter, he added, ¡°Prodigy Gongyi.¡±

    Tianheng looked as though he was about to smile. After that, he remembered something and restrained his smiling expression. His voice was still alluring, but his tone was calm: ¡°I was injured several days ago, and my mind was a little confused. It¡¯s all thanks to Brother Jin for bringing me back, so Brother Jin doesn¡¯t have to be so polite.¡±

    Jin Yuan also smiled. Sure enough, his bearing was more rxed than just a while ago: ¡°Brother Gongyi.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded.

    Afterwards, when the food was served, Gu Zuo took over the task ofmunicating with Jin Yuan. It wasn¡¯t for any other reason. It was just because the present asura incarnation¡¯s way of speaking was too strange and his personality had some defects. He couldn¡¯t interact as skillfully as the main body. For the sake of the all-star prodigy¡¯s image, it was better for Gu Zuo to take charge.

    Jin Yuan wasfortable as he chatted with Gu Zuo. They mostly talked about some of the asura incarnation¡¯s disys while on the road. He saw that Gu Zuo listened intently, so he also spoke more cheerfully.

    As for Tianheng, he quietly put his arm around Gu Zuo¡¯s waist while the two were talking excitedly. The more the two of them talked, the tighter Tianheng held Gu Zuo. Later on, without realizing it, Gu Zuo was almost leaning halfway into Tianheng¡¯s embrace... Fortunately, the conversation between the two was always about Tianheng himself, so he was smoothly cated.

    When they were done talking and eating, Gu Zuo took out a token and handed it to Jin Yuan: ¡°This is big brother¡¯s talisman mark. If this second young master has any trouble in Ten Ultimates City, you can use this item toe to Ten Ultimates Sect and see us. If we can be of help at that time, we won¡¯t refuse you.¡±

    As soon as Jin Yuan saw this, he knew that the other party was here to express their kind intentions. He didn¡¯t refuse, and epted the talisman mark: ¡°Many thanks for this.¡±

    It was just a pity that, in the end, Brother Tian and Gongyi Tianheng weren¡¯t the same. He could make friends with Brother Tian ording to his own tastes and preferences, but when it came to befriending an all-star prodigy, it would be difficult to free himself from distracting thoughts like before.

    After chatting for a little while longer, Jin Yuan bade farewell to the pair.

    Gu Zuo and Tianhengpleted this task, and went back together.

    ¡°Big brother, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°This person has a clear view of things. If everyone from the Jin Family is so clear-sighted, there may be room for cooperation. But if you want to have them follow, we¡¯ll have to consider things a little more.¡±

    Once Jin Yuan returned to the vi, he bumped into Manager Li who was pacing back and forth in the hall, anxiously waiting.

    Upon seeing Jin Yuan, Manager Li promptly weed him: ¡°Second young master, how is the situation?¡±

    Jin Yuan shook his head and said: ¡°Nothing bad happened.¡±

    However, Manager Li realized that Jin Yuan¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t too good: ¡°But what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Jin Yuan shook his head again: ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± He exined a little bit about what he saw today, ¡°That Brother Tian I got to know is actually the all-star prodigy...¡±

    When Manager Li understood what happened previously, he felt relieved.

    Rather than someone of unknown origin, the one he got to know was a prodigy. This was a good thing. He didn¡¯t incur the hatred of the prodigy. This was also a good thing. The prodigy had the intention of providing aid. This was even better.

    Since good things happened one after another, why was the second young master unhappy?

    Manager Li was an individual with experience. After carefully pondering, he knew the reason.

    He offered words of advice to Jin Yuan: ¡°Second young master, you don¡¯t need to overthink it. Prodigy Gongyi isn¡¯t difficult to get along with. Since the second young master was able to have a friendship with this prodigy for a period of time, you can deepen this friendship in the future. In any friendship, what does it matter if there are some benefits involved? When interests deepen, the rtionship between one another will naturally be unbreakable. It won¡¯t be as superficial as the bonds of those who only meet through friendship.

    ¡°Furthermore, after listening to what the second young master said, this old servant believes that any association with this all-star prodigy will be more trustworthy to him if there are some benefits involved.¡±

    Jin Yuan wasn¡¯t the type of person who wasted time on meaningless problems. Thus, he came to his senses after hearing what Manager Li said.

    Right. The existence of Brother Tian was basically his misunderstanding. Gongyi Tianheng was the real one. And if he was going to get along with Tianheng properly, this rtionship really wouldn¡¯t be about pure friendship.

    After unravelling the knot in his heart, Jin Yuan¡¯s train of thought was brightly lit: ¡°It¡¯s rare toe across an all-star prodigy. Now that I have this opportunity to build a closer rtionship, I might as well do it. Although our Golden Martial City is more famous among the surrounding cities, it¡¯s just average overall.

    ¡°Ever since the death of that exceptional genius several generations ago, Golden Martial City¡¯s vitality was also injured. It has been gradually recovering with great difficulty, but there has never been anyone in the family who could take charge of the overall situation. If we intend to follow someone again...an all-star prodigy is undoubtedly the best choice. For this matter, I¡¯ll go back and discuss it with father and eldest brother.¡±

    Having made up his mind, Jin Yuan gave a few instructions to Manager Li, and took the teleportation array to Golden Martial City.

    For the sake of the uing Prodigy Monument, and to strengthen the asura incarnation¡¯s foundations a little more, the two naturally had to go and hunt blood beasts, harvest their blood galls, and use these precious materials to refine medicine as quickly as possible.

    Originally, Gongyi Tianheng only needed to go alone for this kind of matter, but because he was currently an incarnation, Gu Zuo was uneasy. Therefore, he decided to apany him ¡ª At that time, if his big brother¡¯s energy consumption was too high, he could immediately refine Blood Poison Pills, which would let big brother replenish what he used up.

    If it was Tianheng¡¯s main body, he would¡¯ve had Gu Zuo wait in the sect because of the danger and his own sufficient foundations. However, the asura incarnation was deeply obsessed with Gu Zuo and wanted to be together all the time. If Gu Zuo mentioned that he wouldn¡¯t go, the other could endure it, but if Gu Zuo wanted to go, then he wouldn¡¯t have to ask.

    Hence, the two consulted the sect¡¯s ancient records, learned about the blood swamp in detail, and made enough preparations. Then, they left the sect together, and headed towards the blood swamp.

    This kind of swamp wasn¡¯t unique to the Ten Ultimates Domain. However, it was one of thergest ces in the Ten Ultimates Domain. It was located inside the Yellow Valley Forest.

    Originally, the Yellow Valley Forest was a dense forest full of wild beasts and origin beasts. One day, a spring of blood suddenly surged from the ground, corroding the dense forest and turning thend within a range of several hundred thousand kilometers into a blood swamp.

    It was currently called the Yellow Valley Forest, but in fact, the original name was only used to distinguish it from the blood swamps in the world. It had already been a long time since it was a forest.

    Tianheng and Gu Zuo rode a wild bird to the outer boundaries of the Yellow Valley Forest, but before they got close, the wild bird under their seats pped its wings vigorously and made a series of somewhat panicked chirps and trills.

    Gu Zuo was startled: ¡°Can¡¯t withstand it?¡±

    He patted the wild bird¡¯s body. The wild bird only calmed down after prompting it to retreat a couple kilometers away.

    Looking down from a high altitude, one could see the boundless red and yellow patches spreading out near and far.

    On these patches, there were numerous ancient trees that towered into the sky. These ancient trees were contaminated and dyed with simr colors and lusters as though they were integrated with each colored patch. It was very harsh on the eyes.

    However, ¡°numerous¡± was just a rtive term. In actuality, on this swath ofnd, what numbered even higher were the squirming, mud-like, gtinous things. Also, besides a few hard, brown stones, there were almost no other ces to step on.

    At the same time, there were several packs of blood-red creatures crawling on the ground. Wherever they passed, the ground would give off poisonous fumes. It was extremely terrifying.

    However, what Gu Zuo paid more attention to was the poisonous bloodlust rising from thend. It was so concentrated that it nearly formed a poison fog that hung in the air.

    The reason why the wild bird refused to move forward and was in such a panic was precisely due to this poisonous bloodlust.

    It was too horrifying.

    With his own eyes, Gu Zuo watched a wild beast dazedly approaching due to unknown causes. After unconsciously entering the Yellow Valley Forest¡¯s range, it was instantly enveloped by the poisonous bloodlust and corroded into a pile of white bones. As for this pile of bones, it was also dragged underground by slender things that burrowed out. In the blink of an eye, it was as if this wild beast had nevere here.

    The blood swamp deserved to be called one of the most dangerous ces in the world.

    The weaker a martial artist¡¯s realm, the greater the dangers they faced upon entering.

    However, for a prodigy like Tianheng, he had long taken precautionary measures before venturing inside. So long as he was more careful when dealing with the blood beasts, his life wouldn¡¯t really be endangered.

    Gu Zuo observed for a while, and spoke to Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, the situation ahead is very disadvantageous for the wild bird, so we can¡¯t let it carry us.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s arms were wrapped around Gu Zuo¡¯s waist. At this moment, he buried his head in the crook of Gu Zuo¡¯s neck. His voice was soft: ¡°Ah Zuo has the final say.¡±

    Gu Zuo was already getting used to this kind of sudden attack. A bottle appeared in his palm, containing some snow-white pills: ¡°Big brother, we need to take some Detoxification Pills before we enter.¡±

    This was something he specially refined for the blood swamp!

    It was just that every pill had a time limit...

    Tianheng took out a pill and put it inside his mouth without any hesitation. Gu Zuo did the same.

    In a split second, a stream of heat flowed down the two¡¯s throats, which surrounded their whole bodies with a faint coolness. The consciousness in their minds also became much more clear and bright.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng hugged Gu Zuo tightly, leaped up, and fell to the ground. After that, he refused to put Gu Zuo down. Tianheng continued holding him, and walked towards the forest step by step.

    The moment the two of them approached, a wisp of poisonous bloodlust rushed towards them!

    Gu Zuo nervously watched as the poisonous bloodlust encircled them.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 500 - Hunting Blood Beasts

    <h4>Chapter 500 - Hunting Blood Beasts</h4>

    ...Eh?

    After the poisonous bloodlust rushed over, although Gu Zuo¡¯s body felt a little hot, he wasn¡¯t the least bit ufortable. Logically speaking, shouldn¡¯t one feel the poisonous bloodlust invading the body and its toxicity subsequently being cleansed by the Detoxification Pill?

    Yet, there weren¡¯t any results. This was definitely abnormal!

    Gu Zuo subconsciously looked at Gongyi Tianheng.

    He gave big brother a Detoxification Pill because he was afraid this ce¡¯s poisonous bloodlust was too intense and would initially harm big brother. Since the asura incarnation was a body of blood poison, there naturally wouldn¡¯t be any problems once he adapted to the poisonous bloodlust.

    In fact, this Detoxification Pill was mainly prepared for himself... Originally, pharmacists were only capable of taking medicinal pills that supplemented qi. This type of Detoxification Pill was made by injecting the essence of some medicinal ingredients into Qi Replenishing Pills using very rough techniques. With a second round of refining, he was barely able to take it. This was so that he didn¡¯t impede anything.

    Yet, he didn¡¯t feel anything right now. This couldn¡¯t help but make Gu Zuo doubt whether this poisonous bloodlust was capable of harming people.

    But Gu Zuo immediately realized that he was wrong.

    At this moment, Tianheng¡¯s asura incarnation was struck by the poisonous bloodlust. As strands of the poisonous bloodlust entered his body, it quickly shrunk and disappeared at speeds visible to the naked eye. One could tell that this was the effect of the Detoxification Pill ¡ª In other words, his big brother¡¯s reactions were the same as what he originally anticipated. It was his own reaction that was different! Could it be that the poisonous bloodlust here had no effect on pharmacists?

    Ah, that also wasn¡¯t likely...

    When Gu Zuo and Tianheng were searching for information on the blood swamp, they read things clearly. In such a dangerous ce like the blood swamp, because pharmacists had no way to take normal Detoxification Pills, they basically couldn¡¯t venture inside unless they prepared spirit medicines that specially removed poisons for consumption at any time. And once martial artists went inside, they also needed to takerge quantities of Detoxification Pills.

    As such, there was only one reason ¡ª This ce¡¯s poisonous bloodlust was ineffective due to Gu Zuo himself.

    Gu Zuo remained silent.

    To be honest, he also didn¡¯t understand why this happened.

    At this time, Tianheng, who saw that Gu Zuo was in the middle of racking his brains, finally inched closer and spoke into Gu Zuo¡¯s ear: ¡°Ah Zuo, think about it carefully. Are you immune to all poisons?¡±

    Gu Zuo was astonished: ¡°A poison immunity?¡±

    He carefully recalled things.

    During this recollection, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression slowly changed.

    Ever since he started refining medicinal pills, in order to develop his big brother¡¯s power and protect their secrets, he had been mainly refining pills that were beneficial to the human body. He rarely refined things like poison pills. Of course, he also did a lot of research in his spare time, but apart from being adversely affected by poisons to a certain extent in the beginning, it seemed there really hadn¡¯t been any impact at all?

    Gu Zuo slowly exhaled.

    Yes. After his psychic power increased and his pharmacist rank rose, it wasn¡¯t known how much stronger the toxic substances used for refining poison pills werepared to the poisons that were initially capable of affecting him. Back then, he had been adversely affected, butter on, he refined things with even greater toxicity, and didn¡¯t feel anything from them. This was totally abnormal!

    How could medicinal poisons and poison-free medicinal ingredients be the same? As it happened, he used them all the same way. In addition, because of his habits and tendencies, he never noticed anything wrong...

    It seemed that his own constitution had been changing little by little, and he gradually became immune to all poisons.

    Thinking up to here, Gu Zuo¡¯s mood was somewhatplicated.

    When he first realized that big brother could utilize poison through cultivation, which also followed the direction of the majority of poison pills he refined, he thought that big brother would be invulnerable to all poisons sooner orter. He didn¡¯t expect that big brother¡¯s asura incarnation still wouldn¡¯t have been able to aplish this. Instead, it was he himself who did.

    It really made one feel...

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°Ah Zuo may have a special constitution now.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head. He thought so, too.

    In the past, their attention had been focused on the Tiandu Body. But now, it seemed that although Gu Zuo probably wasn¡¯t born with a special constitution, it was somehow transformed into one afterwards. It was worth paying attention to.

    At this time, Gu Zuo¡¯s mind shed to those peculiarities when he and big brother checked their body attributes... At that time, his big brother teased, ¡°Ah Zuo is an extremely special person, so it¡¯s only natural that there should be a special manifestation.¡±

    He also had a fleeting thought, but back then, their realms were low. When all was said and done, he only considered it a joke. And now, it appeared that this joke hade true.

    After going back, he needed to perform a proper examination.

    As Gu Zuo made this decision in his heart, he said: ¡°Why don¡¯t we hunt those blood beasts now?¡±

    Tianheng smiled, and softly said: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After that, Tianheng leaped forward and stepped onto a brown stone up ahead!

    The instant theynded, apletely blood-red, evil beast suddenly shot out from the surrounding yellow mud. It was only about a foot long, but its speed was almost as fast as lightning!

    Tianheng¡¯s reaction was also extremely quick. He casually pressed out with his palm, and smashed the evil beast¡¯s head to pieces. At the same time, a thread of fiendish heat appeared in his hand, burrowing deep into the hollow of his palm.

    Gu Zuo¡¯splexion faintly changed: ¡°Big brother, be careful!¡±

    They checked it, and found that this was the blood beast¡¯s poisonous power. Compared to the poisonous bloodlust that floated within the blood swamp, it was even scarier.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°I understand, but I¡¯m just giving it a try.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Oh, right.

    However, the way big brother took risks using his own body still had to be severely denounced!

    After Tianheng tested out the poisonous power of the blood beast, he no longer continued taking risks. At this time, it was Gu Zuo¡¯s turn to take action. A wisp of psychic power burst forth from the space between his brows, and condensed into a thread-like substance. Then, it rapidly squeezed into that blood beast¡¯s body, and extracted a droplet-shaped blood gall. Following that, the inner gall was quickly ced inside the storage space.

    As for the blood beast¡¯s corpse... Once the blood gall was removed, this thing lost all of its moisture. Although it couldn¡¯t be said that the corpse waspletely useless, it wasparable to a chicken¡¯s rib.

    Gu Zuo pondered for a little while before discarding it.

    The poisonous power of the blood beast came from its blood gall. Even if he wanted to conduct any experiments, it was more appropriate to use the blood gall. As for the blood beast itself, it would be enough to collect a few from various ranks to act as specimens.

    At this moment, Tianheng had already expelled the poison of the blood beast. Shortly thereafter, he said: ¡°Ah Zuo, help me investigate.¡±

    Gu Zuo had prepared long ago, and nodded: ¡°Big brother, rest assured.¡±

    After that, he discharged his psychic power once again, but this time, he didn¡¯t condense it into material form. Rather, it was released invisible and intangible. A thinyer enshrouded the surrounding swamp soil, searching for traces of blood beasts.

    Apart from the poisonous bloodlust, the reason why the Yellow Valley Forest was dangerous resided in the characteristics of the blood beasts themselves. They either formedrge packs or hid beneath the surface of the swamp. Once anyone was caught in a pack of blood beasts, the oue was too horrible to contemte. If they hid, an ambush could ur at any time, and the speed of these sneak attacks could be seen just now.

    Before entering, Gu Zuo and Tianheng had already discussed tactics. Tianheng was the main force for wiping out the blood beasts. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo would use his psychic power to find traces of the blood beasts. After Tianheng slew the blood beasts, Gu Zuo would take out the blood galls with his psychic power. Because there were so few ces to stand, it wouldn¡¯t have been that convenient for Tianheng to go over and harvest things.

    Two of them worked together seamlessly. In just a moment, they had already obtained a blood gall.

    Now, it was Gu Zuo¡¯s chance to search for other blood beasts ¡ª During the hunt, waiting for the blood beasts toe out before ying them was so passive. What they wanted was to take the initiative to actually hunt!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was indeed a cheat-like existence. After being discharged, an ordinary pharmacist would¡¯ve consumed a substantial amount of psychic power due to the concentration of poisonous bloodlust here. But unexpectedly, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was like his special constitution. Its utilization was the same as when he was outside the blood swamp, without any obstruction whatsoever. As a result, the rate of consumption was also quite sparse. It was only a little bit more than outside.

    Sensing this kind of uniqueness, Gu Zuo¡¯s spirit couldn¡¯t help perking up.

    His psychic power wove intoting, and swiftly spread out in all directions. Then, this located quite a fewwork points, which were precisely where the blood beasts would appear!

    Gu Zuo promptly said: ¡°Big brother, those ces...¡±

    For the rest of his words, he lowered his voice even more.

    ¡ª It was only a pity that, because the asura incarnation was only an energy body carrying Tianheng¡¯s consciousness, the contract¡¯s connection was still very shallow. Consequently, he and big brother weren¡¯t able to converse telepathically.

    Tianheng listened, and faintly smiled. His entire countenance became bewitching and lively again. Soon after, he extended a hand, and blood shadows practically filled the sky. He immediately crushed the mud around those work points¡± that Gu Zuo pointed out!

    At the same time, the blood beasts suddenly started scuttling out!

    Following the same method as before, Tianheng swatted out blood shadows all across the sky once more.

    In just a split second, each and every blood beast was beaten to death. As for the psychic power hanging above these blood beasts, it changed from intangible to solid. Those silk threads directly pierced into the corpses and returned with the extracted blood galls, which were collected into the storage space!

    This time around, he got a hold of no fewer than seven blood galls!

    Tianheng stamped his foot, and the two soared into the air. They quicklynded on the next brown stone.

    As before, Gu Zuo cast out his psychic power, and likewise told Tianheng the locations of those blood beasts. After Tianheng drew out and killed them, Gu Zuo harvested the inner galls.

    The two of them cooperated with tacit understanding. It didn¡¯t take long for them to advance dozens of meters ahead. Within such a short distance to the outside world, the number of blood galls they harvested was over a hundred. Although this was only the Yellow Valley Forest¡¯s outer ring, it could be seen that the amount of blood beasts was quite dense. If someone without any ability went inside, what kind of ending would they have under the onught of the poisonous bloodlust?

    It was no wonder that it was said to be a dangerous ce.

    Fortunately, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were both outliers, and they marched straight inpletely unchallenged. Nothing could stop them. On the contrary, they took the initiative to hunt down many blood beasts.

    But after traveling through these dozens of meters, as they gradually approached the interior, the colors of the surrounding blood swamp also became darker. Each and every patch seemed like a stter of blood.

    Gu Zuo was very cautious. The discharge range of his psychic power widened.

    Every time Tianheng burst forth, he would produce more Blood Palms and y more blood beasts. Just now, Gu Zuo had obtained thirty-five blood galls in one go. In other words, during that instance, Tianheng directly ughtered thirty-five blood beasts!

    All of a sudden, Gu Zuo clutched Tianheng¡¯s arm while in his embrace: ¡°Big brother, wait a moment.¡±

    Tianheng followed Gu Zuo¡¯s gaze, and looked to the other side.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 501 - Air Superiority

    <h4>Chapter 501 - Air Superiority</h4>

    Amid the partially rotted branches of a nearby Yellow Valley Tree, a strange ¡°nt¡± was growing. It looked like a half-rotten spirit mushroom, and exuded the scent of decay ¡ª If a person didn¡¯t happen to recognize it, they might¡¯ve treated it as a piece of garbage and disregarded it.

    However, Gu Zuo was someone who knew exactly what it was.

    The Decaying-Tree Hundred Lobed Mushroom. It was a medicinal ingredient that was rumored to grow on rotting and poisonous dead trees. Although it couldn¡¯t produce spirituality due to its growing environment and therefore wasn¡¯t spirit medicine, the severe toxicity it contained was higher than many spirit medicines with poisonous properties!

    The martial artists within the Yellow Valley Forest came to kill blood beasts and obtain blood galls, but few pharmacists would enter. And even if any pharmacists did go in, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily recognize this unorthodox poisonous ingredient. Thus, it was as though this nearly ten thousand year old Decaying-Tree Hundred Lobed Mushroom was here waiting for Gu Zuo¡¯s arrival with its extravagant lobes extended out in wee.

    Gu Zuo hurriedly said: ¡°Big brother, you have to take that thing down. I can use it!¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Gongyi Tianheng leaped into the air, andnded right beneath the Yellow Valley Tree. Soon after, with a flick of his finger, the Decaying-Tree Hundred Lobed Mushroom fell under the influence of a streak of qi energy and was caught in Gu Zuo¡¯s outstretched hands.

    Sure enough, the sticky poison coating the surface of this Decaying-Tree Hundred Lobed Mushroom also had no effect on Gu Zuo!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, and this thing was put away. Immediately following which, he lowered his head and looked at his palms. He saw that they were still clean and fair without a speck of stickiness... Unexpectedly, not only was the poison ineffective, it couldn¡¯t even get on him.

    Upon seeing this, Tianheng hugged Gu Zuo tighter: ¡°Ah Zuo?¡±

    He didn¡¯t like that Ah Zuo¡¯s thoughts were preupied with other things.

    Gu Zuo snapped out of it, and showed a great, big smile. He fed Tianheng a Detoxification Pill: ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s keep going!¡±

    While holding him, Tianheng swiftly returned. Naturally, he had no objections.

    After harvesting this mushroom, the two continued their hunting of blood beasts. It was just that, over the course of this hunt, Gu Zuo also used his psychic power to casually sweep across the half-rotted Yellow Valley Trees. He was searching for more traces of mushrooms or some other medicinal ingredients that simrly grew in the forest.

    Indeed, the history behind the Yellow Valley Forest transforming into a blood swamp was already extremely ancient. In this long period of time, the number of strange and baffling medicinal ingredients that had been produced really wasn¡¯t low. In the past, those people didn¡¯t pay attention or had no way to harvest them, but as far as Gu Zuo was concerned, he was like a fish in water. He could get however much he wanted!

    For a time, regardless of whether it was blood galls or various categories of poisonous ingredients, a substantial amount of everything was taken into the storage space by Gu Zuo. In this huge blood swamp, they didn¡¯t see any signs of others. One would only see the two of them venturing straight into the depths of the swamp...

    Suddenly, Gu Zuo grabbed Tianheng¡¯s wrist: ¡°Big brother, be careful! There¡¯s a group of blood beasts up ahead!¡±

    Naturally, Tianheng was swift to hug Gu Zuo tighter. He soared into the sky, and floated in the air.

    That¡¯s right. He had the help of the Detoxification Pill and was alsoposed of blood poison, so there were no problems being exposed to even more poisonous bloodlust while floating in the sky.

    Down below, there were as many as seventy to eighty blood beasts rushing over from far away. Their shapes resembled charging bulls, and werepletely blood-red. Compared to those the pair had hunted just a while ago, these ones were muchrger. Although their size wasn¡¯t as terrifying as that of wild beasts, their speed wasn¡¯t much slower than the previous, smaller blood beasts.

    If this progressed, once anyone was surrounded or met with a direct confrontation, most would be worn down, and lose their strength. Then, they would be invaded by the poisonous bloodlust and die.

    Gu Zuo looked down.

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes glinted with a bloody light.

    In an instant, an enormous Blood Palm soared out from Tianheng. It pressed straight down, andnded right on top of the group of bull-like blood beasts!

    Boom¡ª

    Even thend let out a deafening rumble.

    Under the incredible power of this Blood Palm, the flesh of those blood bulls burst and sttered, turning them into a pool of bloody paste! What was even scarier was that this bloody paste was rapidly swallowed up by the swamp below ¡ª Even though it definitely wasn¡¯t the work of hidden blood beasts, such a strange event still transpired.

    Gu Zuo inwardly shouted: Not good!

    Ah, he needed time to snatch the blood galls!

    The next moment, the space between his brows immediately shot out numerous strands of psychic power thread. In the air, they quickly materialized and thickened. After that, they swiftly pierced into the corpses of those blood bulls, and dug out the blood galls before they werepletely swallowed up by the blood swamp.

    Unfortunately, while all of the seventy to eighty blood beasts were in, at least ten to twenty blood galls were devoured and digested by the blood swamp when they were dragged down. Only the remaining fifty to sixty had sank halfway, which allowed Gu Zuo enough time to remove their blood galls.

    In this way, under Gu Zuo¡¯s close pursuit, his frantic work was not in vain.

    However, Gu Zuo still had some lingering trepidation: ¡°Big brother, if you lose strength, you need to tell me without dy. Otherwise, so long as we¡¯re not careful and step into the blood swamp, we¡¯ll be dragged down and eaten by it.¡±

    Tianheng gently touched Gu Zuo¡¯s cheek: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ah Zuo.¡±

    Just when Gu Zuo felt that this action was like that of a big brother whose personality had returned to normal, the asura incarnation¡¯s head suddenly tilted, and he began to lick the side of his face.

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    Forget it. He had better stop daydreaming.

    Afterwards, it was as though some switch had been turned on in this blood swamp. Group after group of blood beasts rushed out.

    Gu Zuo discovered that their shapes were simr to lions, wolves, elephants, cattle, sheep, deer, and other such animals that tended to gather and form groups. These blood beasts also didn¡¯t seem to have any unusual abilities ¡ª No. Perhaps the severe poison that coated their entire bodies was already their ability. Moreover, their stampeding and mauling powers were out of the ordinary.

    The special terrain and environment of the blood swamp could cause great harm to any martial artists who went inside. Under the detriment of the poisonous bloodlust, so long as ordinary martial artists were slightly injured, the power of the poisonous bloodlust would immediately invade. At that time, the person would be turned into bloody fluids. How could this pose any threat to the blood beasts?

    Due to abination of multiple factors, the reputation of this dangerous and terrible ce was well deserved.

    Tianheng went on a killing spree.

    Whenever a group of blood beasts rushed out, he would soar high into the air and thoroughly exterminate them with thunderous means. Every time Gu Zuo eagerly extracted the blood galls, he would see his big brother starting on the next group of blood beasts. Tianheng snatched away their small lives, allowing Gu Zuo to take over and cut out the blood galls.

    One after another, the blood beasts perished in droves.

    A strange feeling also gradually arose within Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    He started to slowly discover that the character ws of his big brother¡¯s asura incarnation weren¡¯t limited to only the incarnation¡¯s attitude towards himself. The asura incarnation was also addicted to killing!

    Gu Zuo clearly sensed that the asura incarnation¡¯s qi emissions became even more delighted and pleased after ughtering several groups of blood beasts. Following that, he quickly andpletely digested the power of the poisonous bloodlust. He didn¡¯t need the Detoxification Pills provided by Gu Zuo anymore. Instead, he used this ce¡¯s poisonous bloodlust to make up for his own consumption. The blood beasts were being killed in session inside the blood swamp, which set offrge waves in the interior!

    When Gu Zuo looked up, he could see that the current asura incarnation¡¯s eyes no longer held the ambiguity and affection when beholding him like before. Rather, they were filled with an ice-cold austerity. It seemed that those blood beasts had turned into symbols in front of the incarnation¡¯s eyes. And these symbols were filled with the same word over and over again ¡ª Kill!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help feeling anxious.

    If big brother continued, wouldn¡¯t he fall into a crazed state after killing too much? The main body could control his own asional murderous thoughts very well. On the contrary, not only did this incarnation not control his impulses, he simply released them at will, causing a great disaster for the blood beasts!

    Merely, was big brother truly the strongest one in this Yellow Valley Forest? Could he really be..pletely unrestrained here?

    Gu Zuo had such private worries in his heart. Under normal circumstances, Tianheng would definitely notice this difference in Gu Zuo, but now that he was devoted wholeheartedly to killing, Tianheng unexpectedly ignored those feelings that made Gu Zuo uneasy.

    This unease quickly turned into reality.

    Without realizing it, the two had already traversed the Yellow Valley Forest¡¯s interior, and were approaching the swamp¡¯s core area.

    The swamp here was such a deep red that it almost turned ck. Some of the qi emissionsing from the lifeforms inside were extremely powerful. Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power swept past them and flew far into the distance at incredible speeds. Even the tiniest bit of power he sensed still made his heart palpitate.

    Gu Zuo narrowed his eyes.

    The hair across his body trembled, but he wasn¡¯t afraid at all.

    In the arms of big brother, he felt relieved. The intense and imposing aura brought about by big brother¡¯s wanton massacre was like a cover that protected him inside.

    As a result, Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight fell upon a small decaying forest.

    And within this small decaying forest, a blood tiger that was approximately six meters long sauntered out.

    This blood tiger was special. It wasn¡¯t only because its body was pure and limpid like a cut of blood jade. Unexpectedly, a pair of blood-red wings had grown alongside its back!

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart suddenly jumped.

    If it was like this, then their advantage in the sky had disappeared!

    The asura incarnation wasn¡¯t the least bit afraid. Almost the instant the blood tiger appeared, his gaze locked with those savage, blood-red pupils!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 502 - Swamp Blood Pill

    <h4>Chapter 502 - Swamp Blood Pill</h4>

    Kill!

    Gu Zuo seemed to hear the sound of murderous shouts, which were produced and ovepped through the qi fielding from the nearly solidified killing intent around his family¡¯s big brother. The instant these sounds appeared, he realized that his own surroundings had be a surge of turbulent wind. In the blink of an eye, that terrifying and vicious tiger was already in front of them!

    It was his big brother who had taken the initiative to attack!

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

    He intuitively knew that this ferocious tiger was extremely difficult to deal with. While he might¡¯ve not been a burden previously, he definitely became a liability in high-intensitybat whether he liked it or not.

    Because of him, big brother¡¯s speed might¡¯ve been a little slower. Because of him, big brother had to devote some energy to protect him. Because of him, big brother would even be a little distracted.

    If the enemy¡¯s strength was far inferior to that of Gongyi Tianheng, this would naturally be nothing to worry about. However, once the enemy¡¯s strength was equal to that of big brother, then it was obvious that he would be a fatal weak point.

    From the ominous glint flickering in the blood tiger¡¯s eyes and the cunning disyed in its attacks, dodges, and guards, Gu Zuo saw that, although the blood tiger wasn¡¯t as smart as humans, it possessed intelligence and was capable of using strategy.

    As such, it was going to...

    Gu Zuo abruptly released an extremely sturdy psychic power shield, which blocked the front of him and big brother!

    Right at this moment, the blood tiger¡¯s sharp ws scratched the shield¡¯s surface, and tore the shield to pieces the next instant! But fortunately, Tianheng swiftly counterattacked during this momentary resistance. His fingers formed a de, and suddenly shed down ¡ª In a split second, a saber light nearly four meters long burst forth. Its blood-red color and luster were ring to the eyes. Then, the saber light chopped down towards the blood tiger¡¯s body.

    Immediately following that, Tianheng threw Gu Zuo onto his back, swung out with his fists, and moved forward with explosive strikes!

    At this time, the blood tiger had just dodged the saber light, but a deep wound was still cut open by the sharp edge. All of a sudden, an enormous, blood-red fist came straight at it. The blood tiger had no choice but to p its wings and soar up, intending to distance itself.

    However, Tianheng wasn¡¯t going to let it go. He leaped in the direction of the blood tiger and floated in the air. Subsequently, he sent out one explosive punch after another, not giving the blood tiger the slightest chance to react. He wanted to kill it in one fell swoop!

    But since the blood tiger was one of the powerhouses in the depths of the blood swamp, it naturally wasn¡¯t that easy to handle in its own habitat. Its speed was as fast as lightning. When its wings spread out, a blood-red light shield appeared around its body. Every time it was shattered by those punches, the shield would condense again.

    At this time, the battle between one man and one tiger seemed to have turned into a war of attrition.

    Gu Zuo was somewhat worried: ¡°Big brother, if we stake everything to fight it, we won¡¯t necessarily be able to defeat this tiger. Granted that the tiger used up its energy first, if it opens its mouth and roars, it could summon other ferocious blood beasts. At that time, we would be caught up in the encirclement of powerful blood beasts, and it would be hard to save ourselves.¡±

    He couldmunicate with big brother in a normal state, but he wasn¡¯t sure about this asura incarnation. Because big brother had just fallen into a haze of boundless killing intent, he didn¡¯t know if the other would listen or not...

    However, what was worth rejoicing over was that it seemed, no matter what aspect of Tianheng¡¯s personality was magnified, Gu Zuo¡¯s words would always reach him.

    Following what Gu Zuo said, the bloody light in Tianheng¡¯s eyes clearly waned a bit. As for the originally surging killing intent, although it was still strong, it had also calmed down somewhat.

    Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo is right. We should leave.¡±

    Gu Zuo tightly hugged Tianheng¡¯s neck: ¡°In that case, shall we go now?¡±

    Tianheng spoke in a soft voice: ¡°Allow me to block it.¡±

    Once he finished speaking, Gu Zuo saw a river of blood dozens of meters long appear in front of the blood tiger. It cut across both sides of the battlefield, and flowed with a blood fiend¡¯s aura that was on the brink of madness.

    Immediately following which, the river of blood suddenly produced several whirlpools. What emerged from each whirlpool was something that resembled the shape of a human. These unusual lifeforms were uncanny and strange. Their forms were very vague, and the ded weapons held in their grasps were simrly indistinct. The instant the blood tiger approached, the lifeforms abruptly charged at the beast!

    At the same time, Tianheng¡¯s figure turned into a bloody shadow as he rushed to the outside of the blood swamp at great speeds: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s legs promptly mped around his dear big brother¡¯s waist. Likewise, he tossed out an extremely thick psychic power barrier, which acted as the next obstacle after the blood river. This would give them more time to escape!

    The facts proved that the pair¡¯s actions were very timely.

    Just when the blood tiger killed a blood river lifeform, it found that the water level of the blood river had dropped slightly. However, once a new blood river lifeform regenerated inside, it looked up to the sky, and let out a roar.

    The blood tiger was still fighting against the blood river lifeforms, but its fierce eyes were staring straight at the fleeing figures of Gu Zuo and Tianheng. This gaze was filled with unwillingness.

    It was also at this time that more brutal and ferocious sounds came from deeper in the blood swamp in response to the blood tiger¡¯s call.

    Numerous iparably tall silhouettes that were permeated with terrifying qi emissions were appearing one after another from the depths.

    Gu Zuo inadvertently turned his head and looked back. Right away, he was shocked to the extreme: ¡°Big brother, go faster! You need to speed up!¡±

    Without a moment of hesitation, Tianheng¡¯s entire body practically turned into an afterimage, carrying away Gu Zuo in a sh. Ignoring any blood beasts blocking the way, they frantically flew through the blood swamp of the Yellow Valley Forest like a violent gale!

    At the final juncture, Tianheng fought hard, and his figure became a little dim. Using a blood evasion technique, they finally left the blood swamp the instant the blood beast silhouettes were about to overtake them.

    It was quite odd. No matter how savage or ferocious the blood beasts were in the back, they were actually being restricted by this dangerousnd, and couldn¡¯t take a single step outside at all.

    In this way, Gu Zuo and Tianheng escaped atst.

    Gu Zuo heaved a long sigh: ¡°Close call...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s eyes were flickering with a delighted radiance: ¡°Amid danger, seek riches and honor. Ah Zuo, the size of our harvest on this trip is enough to outweigh the perils just now.¡±

    Gu Zuo was silent.

    Okay, he was somewhat used to this.

    However, things couldn¡¯t be allowed to continue just like that. Gu Zuo jumped off Tianheng¡¯s back, and spoke with some heartache: ¡°Big brother, have you consumed too much energy? Your body had faded a lot.¡±

    Tianheng gave an ambiguous smile. He stuck out his tongue, and licked Gu Zuo¡¯s outstretched, caressing hand: ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±

    Meanwhile, Gu Zuo retracted his hand right away. He was simply startled: ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re really...¡±

    Soon after, he came to his senses, and resolutely examined the asura incarnation very carefully.

    ¡ª The final result of this inspection was that he indeed used up too much energy.

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°We¡¯re going back. After that, I¡¯m refining the Blood Poison Pills immediately!¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s voice was loving and inseparable. It was filled with tender sentiments that couldn¡¯t be put into words: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll listen to Ah Zuo.¡±

    After returning to the pair¡¯s mountain peak, Gu Zuo pressed down on Gongyi Tianheng and told him to obediently wait by his side. As for Gu Zuo, he really did things ording to his own way of thinking. Hebined the prescriptions of several types of medicinal ingredients, and started refining on the other side ¡ª From this point on, he wouldn¡¯t let this fellow with a personality defect act alone!

    Tianheng was very well-behaved. He sat cross-legged on the side, supported his chin with one hand, and silently watched Gu Zuo matching andparing the pill prescriptions. He knew that all of this was for the sake of refining the Blood Poison Pills for him. And this type of pill was undoubtedly a new, tailor-made pill prescription. It was necessary to make enormous modifications among simr prescriptions in the past. If, by any chance, such modifications couldn¡¯t be made, the only way was to learn from the experience of those prescriptions and create apletely new one.

    When Gu Zuo was refining medicine, he concentrated fully on it. If a stranger was next to him, perhaps he would pay attention to whether the other party was up to something. But if it was the person he trusted the most, then he would immerse himself wholeheartedly, leaving no chance for distraction.

    Just like now.

    Gu Zuo kept matching andparing the medicinal ingredients, and constantly fired up the furnace to refine pills. What was strange was that, because thebination of ingredients was rtively perfect, none of the batches of medicinal pills were messed up. Instead, some of the things taken out of the furnace had unusual medicinal effects. As a pharmacist, Gu Zuo easily differentiated them.

    Apart from those haphazard derivative products, there were several types that really formed some decent Blood Poison Pills. It was just that the medicinal power wasn¡¯t as good as he thought ¡ª If these pills were taken, it would be impossible to replenish enough of big brother¡¯s blood poison within a short period of time.

    However, things weren¡¯t really that bad. After all, Gu Zuo was someone with his own trains of thought. Following this, he only needed to test them one by one before he couldplete it. Among these Blood Poison Pills, one had a new ability that came about by ident. While it wouldn¡¯t be good for consumption, because the blood gall of the blood beasts was the main ingredient, it actually produced a power that slightly restrained the aura of the blood swamp¡¯s poisonous bloodlust.

    It was probably the concept of using poison to fight poison. Or perhaps, the prescription was just weird. So long as one held onto this type of Blood Poison Pill, it automatically generated a protective cover under the blood swamp¡¯s oppression when traveling through it. Everything within a range of one meter would be enveloped by this cover, which resisted the onught of the poisonous bloodlust.

    Soon after, the Blood Poison Pill would be quickly used up. The protective cover would be maintained until the medicinal power waspletely exhausted.

    Gu Zuo picked out this type of medicinal pill first: ¡°Big brother, I feel that this kind of Blood Poison Pill isn¡¯t the same thing we want to research, so I intend to keep it separate and give it another name.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°No matter what ideas Ah Zuo may have, I will always listen to them.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s face heated up.

    Most of the time, he was immune. Yet, there were still times when the soft part at the bottom of his heart was poked, catching him off guard.

    Gu Zuo rubbed his face: ¡°Big brother, why don¡¯t you give it a name?¡±

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Let¡¯s call it the Swamp Blood Pill. When people hear it, they¡¯ll know that it¡¯s rted to the blood swamp. How about that?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and said: ¡°This can be considered a method of sales promotion. The original name of the medicinal pill was too unfamiliar, so it wouldn¡¯t have been too easy to use when poprizing it. Now that it carries the name of the blood swamp, there will certainly be some people paying attention to it. At that time, so long as the product quality of the pill is good enough, we can make a lot of money.¡±

    The blood swamp was rich in resources, but it was only due to the ce¡¯s poisonous bloodlust that few dared to venture inside and go on expeditions. Once people had the Swamp Blood Pill, they would have much more confidence, and things would naturally be different in the future.

    After discussing this, Gu Zuo set the Swamp Blood Pill to the side, and continued researching the Blood Poison Pills.

    Having matched andpared a dozen or so prescriptions, he finally obtained a result that satisfied him.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 503 - The Systemâ€™s Origin

    <h4>Chapter 503 - The System¡¯s Origin</h4>

    After a loud explosion, three pills the size of dragon-eye fruits appeared in the hollow of Gu Zuo¡¯s palm. The pills seemed like blood jade. On their surfaces were strands of darker-colored lines that exuded a rich bloody qi. If one looked carefully, those lines were simr to vivid and lifelike spirit snakes. It seemed as if they could lunge right off the medicinal pills at any time. The reason why they had this appearance was because, in addition to the bloody qi, the medicinal pills contained powerful poisons.

    Gu Zuo could sense the surging power emanating from the pills. This could also be considered a profound-level medicinal pill. Shortly thereafter, he flicked a pill into Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s hand: ¡°Big brother, give it a try!¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng held the pill between his fingers and sent it into his mouth.

    Following this, his body, which had already be a little faded, returned to normal at speeds visible to the naked eye ¡ª If someone examined Tianheng just now, they would¡¯ve found that he was only somewhat different from an ordinary person. As such, the present Tianheng would be the same as when he returned as an incarnation. Even a Cosmic Realm powerhouse wouldn¡¯t have been able to tell the difference!

    Tianheng¡¯s figure shed, and appeared next to Gu Zuo. After that, he cupped Gu Zuo¡¯s face, and sucked his lips and tongue in a deep kiss. The trailing words of that gentle and charming voice were lost amid the two¡¯s entanglement: ¡°Many thanks...Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head, embraced his dear big brother¡¯s neck, and concentrated on enjoying this kiss.

    En, he was really quite ustomed to being suddenly ¡°attacked¡± and repeatedly kissed like this.

    During the subsequent period of time, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take a single step outside again. He started refining the Blood Poison Pills day and night, using almost all of the blood galls he obtained from the blood swamp.

    When Tianheng saw that Gu Zuo was bustling around wholeheartedly for his own sake, the light in his eyes dimmed slightly. Then, he summoned many battle ves and ordered them to use their own channels to purchase the medicinal ingredients Gu Zuo needed.

    Under such formidable efforts, more and more blood galls were converted into medicinal pills. Gu Zuo didn¡¯t forget to send ten Blood Poison Pills and Swamp Blood Pills to the Blood Transformation Pce Master. At the same time, he also received the backing of the pce master who dearly loved his apprentice. This allowed the purchases of the battle ves to be even smoother.

    Without realizing it, a little more than a month had passed.

    Looking at the heaps and piles that contained thousands of Blood Poison Pills, Gu Zuo breathed out a sigh of relief.

    He wiped away his sweat, and looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, with so many Blood Poison Pills, so long as you swallow one pill, you can replenish all of the energy you consume... This should be enough for big brother to participate in the Prodigy Monument, right?¡±

    Tianheng stretched out a hand, and gathered him into an embrace. In a soft voice, he said: ¡°Of course, this is enough. Ah Zuo, thank you for the trouble.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently smiled: ¡°I¡¯m also using this opportunity to cultivate.¡±

    Refining medicine for his loved one wasn¡¯t considered trouble at all!

    The two got intimate for a while.

    All of a sudden, Gu Zuo¡¯s expression revealed a hint of subtlety.

    It was only natural that Tianheng, whose attention waspletely focused on Gu Zuo, noticed it immediately. He reached out, and pressed on his shoulder. He gently asked: ¡°Ah Zuo, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Gu Zuo still had a strange expression on his face: ¡°Big brother, do you still remember that I have a system?¡±

    Tianheng raised an eyebrow: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    Following that, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t say anything else. He only tugged on Tianheng¡¯s wrist. The two of them disappeared from their original position, and reappeared inside the Divine Medicine Pce Hall.

    The current Divine Medicine Pce Hall had undergone many changes.

    First of all, this building, which originally only had one main hall and two side halls, had been erged by more than ten times. In addition to these three halls, there were numerous small halls connected to one another nearby. They were joined with long promenades.

    After that, there were extremelyrge medicine gardens in the gaps between each pce building. Within the medicine gardens, there were half-depleted springs. Except for small puddles of water that surrounded the spring eyes, the rest of the springs werepletely dried up. Besides the springs, there were medicine plots in each of the medicine gardens. It was just that there weren¡¯t any spirit medicines within these plots ofnd. With Gu Zuo¡¯s eyesight, he could only tell that these medicine plots originally imitated many different spirit medicine environments, and they should¡¯ve been nted with spirit medicines in the past...

    Following this, there was a building specially for refining medicine within the pceplex. The space inside wasrge, and the furnishings wereplete. It was better than what Gu Zuo had prepared for himself. In this medicine refining building, there were even many frame stands with fire apertures underneath. Under normal circumstances, the apertures would¡¯ve contained fire seeds that could erupt at any time.

    Finally, there were lots of gigantic openings around the Divine Medicine Pce Hall. Wafting out were plenty of qi emissions that possibly came from qi veins or fire veins. It seemed that these ces were once used to store energy ore veins. With the help of these ore veins, the pceplex would¡¯ve been filled with various kinds of ambient qi. This would¡¯ve also allowed the mes within the medicine refining building to surge and the pharmacists to refine medicine as much as they liked.

    It could be said that the Divine Medicine Pce Hall had been upgraded again!

    But what surprised Gu Zuo was that he didn¡¯t hear any upgrade notifications. There hadn¡¯t been any spontaneous injections of medicinal qi, and there were no changes to the medicinal qi that Gu Zuo had stockpiled.

    Thus, there were some questions.

    The first question: What happened to the system?

    The second question: What was going on?

    In the Divine Medicine Pce Hall, Gu Zuo pulled Tianheng¡¯s hand. Meanwhile, he shouted out: ¡°System? System?¡±

    However, the system didn¡¯t respond.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s brows furrowed.

    If he couldn¡¯t find the system, he couldn¡¯t dispel his doubts...

    Tianheng chuckled softly into his ear: ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Ah Zuo sense it for himself?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and nodded his head.

    After that, he concentrated his psychic power, and started an uninterrupted search for the system¡¯s qi emissions.

    At first, Gu Zuo was just giving it a try, but unexpectedly, when he really focused all of his energy on spreading his psychic power threads, he discovered a familiar feeling.

    For some reason, Gu Zuo thought that this feeling came from the system!

    At that moment, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t hesitate, and brought his family¡¯s big brother straight to the system¡¯s location.

    A smiling expression slowly formed at the edge of Tianheng¡¯s lips.

    Before long, Gu Zuo arrived at a hidden and overshadowed small hall.

    Tianheng apanied him, and the two stood quietly at the doorway for a short while.

    Then, Gu Zuo took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.

    With regards to the system, the longer he stayed on the Central Continent, the more things he came to understand. In fact, he also had more conjectures in his mind. Perhaps, he could get what he wanted to know today...

    In the small hall, there was an altar at the back. And on top of this altar was an indistinct sculpture.

    It really was hard to discern. The sculpture¡¯s appearance and figure couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One couldn¡¯t even tell if it was a man or woman. Yet, it gave others a feeling that it possessed a majestic and boundless life force. People could be sure that this was indeed a statue of a person.

    In front of the altar, there was a trestle that looked like amp stand. On the trestle, there was a ball of soft, white light.

    This white light was alive. It was clear and bright.

    Gu Zuo walked forward step by step, and arrived in the front of the white light. After that, he tentatively said to the white light: ¡°...System? You¡¯re the system, right?¡±

    However, at this moment, Tianheng also opened his mouth. His voice carried a type of calm certainty: ¡°Or maybe, we should address you as...the spirit of this emperor weapon?¡±

    Once the two finished speaking, the room became silent.

    They were waiting for the ¡°system¡¯s¡± answer.

    Following this, Gu Zuo watched the ball of white light softly quiver several times. Shortly thereafter, an almost emotionless voice sighed from within: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yes? Yes, what?

    It was a system, and it was also the spirit of an emperor weapon?

    This time, the white light gave a formal response: ¡°My name is Ling Su. I am the spirit of the emperor weapon known as the Divine Medicine Great Pce. Back then, I used the identity of a system to choose the sessor of the Greater Emperor. Now that the Divine Medicine Sacred Body has begun to take shape, you has the capability to receive and pass down this inheritance. You should be able to refine this emperor weapon, be the young lord of my Greater Emperor¡¯s lineage, and be my master.¡±

    Gu Zuo reacted three secondster: ¡°...You¡¯re saying that you used the system to issue missions to me, and those rewards you gave me were to see whether I could attain the Divine Medicine Sacred Body, refine you, and formally inherit the bloodline abilities of your original master? And now that I seeded without knowing anything about it, I can refine this emperor weapon?¡±

    The white light, the spirit of the emperor weapon called Ling Su, said: ¡°Precisely.¡±

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

    So it was like this.

    After the system rescued him, he had asked why the issued missions werepletely based on his experiences. Moreover, it seemed as though the system had been giving him good things to guide him the entire time. As it turned out, it wasn¡¯t that the system was passing down an inheritance. Rather, it was testing whether he had the ability to pass it down himself.

    After going through so much, Gu Zuo certainly didn¡¯t feel that this selection had harmed his self-esteem like a teenager with Eighth-Grader Syndrome. In any case, it was the system who saved his life in the beginning. Later on, when he met big brother, the series of rare books that allowed him to learn his skills were all bestowed by the system. Even when it came to this selection, he was given benefits first, which waspletely eptable.

    However, he had many questions in his heart, and wanted to rify them before anything else.

    As a result, Gu Zuo started to ask: ¡°Ling Su, were you always with me, or did you arrive when I was about to die in that traffic ident?¡±

    Ling Su said: ¡°I was always present.¡±

    Gu Zuo continued: ¡°Why were you with me? Did you choose me from the very beginning?¡±

    Ling Su answered: ¡°For the first question, the host¡¯s authority is insufficient. I cannot answer. For the second question, the host met the conditions for being selected.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    This wasn¡¯t even a proper system, and it still said that he didn¡¯t have enough authority?!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 504 - Many Doubts

    <h4>Chapter 504 - Many Doubts</h4>

    After struggling for a short while, Gu Zuo continued to ask: ¡°In that case, when will my level of authority be enough? After I refine you?¡±

    Ling Su said: ¡°No.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°Then?¡±

    Ling Su replied: ¡°This is a secret.¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    As a result, all that stuff about authority wasplete nonsense. On the contrary, you just don¡¯t want to tell me, right?!

    Thinking as such, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help turning his gaze toward Gongyi Tianheng.

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. Even if Ling Su refuses to talk about it now, this might not necessarily be the case in the future... No matter what, you must first refine this emperor weapon and acquire this inheritance. Only then can you follow the right path. For the other matters you want to explore, wait until your strength improves. After a long time, you¡¯ll be bound to find a way.¡±

    He said this in Ling Su¡¯s presence, but the spirit of the emperor weapon didn¡¯t refute anything.

    Gu Zuo wasforted, and wasn¡¯t that impatient anymore.

    However, before the refinement, he still had doubts and wanted to know: ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t ask about that secret. Let¡¯s change the question. You said I met the conditions for being selected, but what are these conditions?¡±

    This time around, the spirit of the emperor weapon didn¡¯t refuse to answer. Instead, it was forting: ¡°Innately sensitive psychic power and Great Medicine Double Heavenly Beads.¡±

    Gu Zuo stared nkly.

    Innately sensitive psychic power was something he knew about. Although the qualifications of a pharmacist were mainly judged by the location of one¡¯s medicinal beads, the psychic powers of a small number of people were inherently more sensitive. With the addition of one¡¯s medicinal beads, it would be even more advantageous ¡ª After all, the sensitivity of psychic power had a lot to do with the cement of the medicinal beads.

    However, he had never heard of Great Medicine Double Heavenly Beads...

    Gu Zuo was puzzled, and asked about it.

    Ling Su responded: ¡°There is a pair of medicinal beads in each of the host¡¯s palms.¡±

    Gu Zuo was startled: ¡°The pretext you had me make before was actually true?¡±

    Ling Su said: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Gu Zuo paused: ¡°...Was it your doing?¡±

    At that time, when he was brought away, he remembered that the system once produced a corpse that was an exact copy of himself. This corpse took his ce, where it was crushed under the wheels of that truck and given a burial.

    Perhaps, as the spirit of an emperor weapon, it could also utilize strange powers to shape a pair of medicinal beads for him?

    However, Ling Su denied: ¡°No.¡±

    Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment: ¡°Can people in the modern world develop medicinal beads in their palms?¡±

    Ling Su responded: ¡°The ambient qi of heaven and earth is too sparse to produce medicinal beads.¡±

    Gu Zuo remained silent.

    If the spirit of this emperor weapon didn¡¯t shape these medicinal beads for him, and pharmacists only appeared in this world, and he was adopted by his dad and father as a child, then didn¡¯t that mean...he wasn¡¯t from the modern world at all?

    Gu Zuo spoke with some difficulty: ¡°Am I...from this world?¡±

    Ling Su didn¡¯t say anything.

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s view, this was a silent acquiescence.

    Afterwards, he closed his eyes: ¡°Qi Tianyou was also a child adopted by the Qi Family. When you brought me over, the ce I happened tond was the Qi Household, and the identity I happened to rece...was Qi Tianyou¡¯s.¡± At this time, his eyes suddenly opened again, ¡°As such, can you tell me what¡¯s the rtionship between Qi Tianyou and myself?¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t believe that the spirit of this emperor weapon would¡¯ve brought him to any other location except for straight to Qi Tianyou¡¯s side. He wasn¡¯t convinced that he had nothing to do with Qi Tianyou.

    In addition, their names... He had the Zuo character and Qi Tianyou had the You character. Could it really be that there was no connection at all?

    Gu Zuo waited with bated breath for an answer, hoping that he wouldn¡¯t hear any more words about insufficient scope of authority.

    Ling Su didn¡¯t disappoint him, and immediately said: ¡°The host and Qi Tianyou are twin brothers. The host was nearing death and it would have been inconvenient to be resurrected on the spot. Therefore, I used the remaining power of the Divine Medicine Great Pce and the positioning of Qi Tianyou, the person who shared the closest bloodline connection to the host, to send the host to the Tianwu Continent. In this ce, the host would be able to slowly grow up.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s fingers suddenly clenched into the hollow of his palms.

    As it turned out, he had a biological brother... Originally, this should¡¯ve been his closest blood rtive, but he only had enough time to see his dead body.

    Although the people who bullied and let down Qi Tianyou got what they deserved, Gu Zuo was just repaying him for borrowing the other¡¯s identity at that time. But now, the feeling was different.

    If he had known earlier that this was his brother... Perhaps, he would¡¯ve thought of a way to make those two suffer even more?

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes reddened slightly.

    Fortunately, because he never knew where the best ce would be to bury Qi Tianyou, Gu Zuo had solely kept Qi Tianyou inside onepartment of the storage space the entire time. So far, this also prevented his corpse from decaying.

    Now, it seemed that Qi Tianyou¡¯s destination would be by his side.

    A good whileter, Gu Zuo slowly calmed down.

    The deceased had already passed on, but nevertheless, he avenged him.

    Once his mood was alleviated, Gu Zuo asked the spirit of the emperor weapon: ¡°Since Tianyou and I are twin brothers, why were you with me and not him? He should meet the requirements, too, right?¡±

    Ling Su said: ¡°Qi Tianyou possesses one pair of Great Medicine Heavenly Beads, but the Divine Medicine Great Pce¡¯s condition for the preliminary selection is to possess the Great Medicine Double Heavenly Beads. Thus, he does not meet the requirements.¡±

    Gu Zuo was stunned.

    Weren¡¯t twins who originated from the same egg gically identical? How could the amount of medicinal beads be different?

    Ling Su didn¡¯t miss a beat, and said: ¡°During the process of fetal development, any alterations to the internal environment will cause the fetus itself to change in different directions. This is true even for identical twins. As early as when the host had two pairs of heavenly beads, Qi Tianyou only had one pair. The physiological states of the host and Qi Tianyou werepletely different. The only simrity between you two is your outward appearance.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood in a sh.

    Also, when all was said and done, this world was still different from that world.

    There were...too many variables.

    Ling Su continued: ¡°The Divine Medicine Cultivation Method was created by my previous master based on her own physique. Anyone who possesses the Great Medicine Double Heavenly Beads like her can practice this inner cultivation method and have a certain probability of incrementally transforming their body into a Divine Medicine Sacred Body. However, if there is only one pair of heavenly beads, then it cannot be achieved.¡±

    Gu Zuo gradually made sense of this.

    When people had medicinal beads in their Yangchi or Daling Acupoints, their potential was judged to be at the heaven level. The medicinal beads that resided within these two acupoints were called Great Medicine Heavenly Beads.

    But there was another type that was like a myth among legends. From hundreds of millions of pharmacists, not even one could be found.

    It was when a medicinal bead formed inside both pairs of these opposing acupoints. At this time, these pairs of medicinal beads were called Great Medicine Double Heavenly Beads. One¡¯s potential was so great that it was naturally far above that of the heaven level!

    Indeed, the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method was a top-notch inner cultivation method that was extremely suitable for pharmacists, but if the conditions weren¡¯t met, practicing it would be iparably difficult and wouldn¡¯t be as fast as other inner cultivation methods. The reason why Gu Zuo practiced the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method so easily was because his constitution waspatible.

    After resolving this doubt, Gu Zuo switched to another question: ¡°I want to know what¡¯s going on with the Divine Medicine Great Pce. Back then, if I didn¡¯t sessfullyplete that first mission, would I really have been obliterated by you?¡±

    That ball of white light appeared to stiffen.

    Shortly thereafter, Ling Su said: ¡°At that time, the Divine Medicine Great Pce could not be activated. It could only barely support the operations of the storage spacepartments, and it urgently needed the replenishment ofrge amounts of medicinal qi. However, because the emperor weapon had not been refined yet, the host and the great pce only made a verbal agreement. The connection was superficial. Unless the host permitted it, I would not have been able to easily obtain the medicinal qi possessed by the host.

    ¡°As for obliteration, this was only an intimidation tactic that imitated the likeness of a system to lower the host¡¯s vignce. You would not have really been obliterated. However, if the host did notplete it, then the mission would naturally fail. At the same time, the preliminary inheritance test for the host would also fail. Moreover, with the host¡¯s strength at that time, if you did not find a contracted path protector as soon as possible, you would not have been able to survive on thatndmass. Since my capabilities had not recovered, I would not have been able to ensure the host¡¯s safety.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was spinning quickly: ¡°Then, with regards to the choice of my guardian...¡±

    Ling Su said: ¡°The target I chose at that time was also Gongyi Tianheng. Only by using each other can two strangers gradually build trust in one another. It just so happened that the host picked Gongyi Tianheng, too.¡±

    Now that Gu Zuo thought about the series of decisions he made back then, he felt that he was incredibly lucky. He knew that with big brother¡¯s temperament, if he hadn¡¯t behaved like that in the beginning, the bond established between them might¡¯ve never became intimate lovers, but regr business partners.

    Although he didn¡¯t know whether Ling Su would¡¯ve made him choose again or listened to his way of thinking had his choice not been big brother, if he really selected someone else, his life probably wouldn¡¯t have been so rxed and easy.

    As such, it was destined that he and big brother could meet and fall in love.

    It was a type of destiny that was seldom and serendipitous.

    Shaking his head, Gu Zuo asked the spirit of the emperor weapon a few more questions, and roughly understood certain matters he should¡¯ve known a long time ago. Of course, there were still some things he hadn¡¯t been able to figure out at once, but there was ample time for that in the future.

    Currently, the most important thing that Gu Zuo needed to do was refine the emperor weapon.

    Now that his Divine Medicine Sacred Body was ready, and he possessed some achievements in the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method, the situation was just right.

    Gu Zuo looked at the white light: ¡°Ling Su, are you prepared?¡±

    The white light flickered: ¡°I am.¡±

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo touched his chest with one hand and force out a drop of dark-red, translucent blood.

    This was a drop of heart¡¯s blood!

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 505 - Resurrection?

    <h4>Chapter 505 - Resurrection?</h4>

    Soon, this drop of heart¡¯s blood fell into the white light. At that moment, it was like some violent chemical reaction had urred. One would only see that dark-red ssh of color turning into countless strands of blood. In an instant, the ball of white light was dyed a faint red.

    At the same time, Gu Zuo sensed a vague connection between himself and that ball of white light. The entire Divine Medicine Great Pce seemed to develop a strong sense of closeness to him.

    This waspletely different from when he simply borrowed the Divine Medicine Great Pce and listened to the system¡¯s instructions...

    But it wasn¡¯t over yet.

    The emperor weapon wasn¡¯t that easy to refine. As the blood-red color continued to seep into the white light, although it allowed Gu Zuo to feel that his connection to the other party was constantly deepening, he still released his psychic power to envelop the ball of white light.

    At this time, Gu Zuo clearly felt a trace of rejection.

    He faintly furrowed his brows: ¡°Ling Su, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    However, that trace of rejection vanished right after Gu Zuo¡¯s words fell.

    Gu Zuo suddenly understood. This trace of rejection should¡¯vee from Ling Su. Apparently, because it wasn¡¯t one hundred percent willing, there was an instinctual resistance. Later on, it reacted and lowered its own guard.

    Immediately following which, Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power proceeded to dive deeply, continuously searching for the core of this ball of white light.

    Slowly, his psychic power filled the white light andbined with the blood-red color. It didn¡¯t take long for another type of closely-connected feeling to arise within Gu Zuo¡¯s heart.

    Innumerable strands of psychic power and internal qi were pouring into the Divine Medicine Great Pce! Almost instantly, he felt that his own internal qi was nearly used up. As for his psychic power, it was also on the verge of drying out!

    Gu Zuo subconsciously took out many medicinal pills that could replenish one¡¯s qi, and swallowed them. At the same time, he brought out wondrous medicines that could restore one¡¯s psychic power, and likewise consumed them. There was even a steady flow of medicinal qi emerging from the storage space. These strands of medicinal qi were divided into two streams, which converged into his psychic power and internal qi. The connection between Gu Zuo and the white light deepened at incredible speeds!

    In this way, seven days and seven nights unwittingly passed by.

    All the while, Gongyi Tianheng had been standing guard beside Gu Zuo. Watching Gu Zuo slowly losing weight over these seven days, the bloody light in his eyes became more and more intense.

    But even if the asura incarnation had personality defects, it was ultimately controlled by Tianheng¡¯s consciousness. At such a critical juncture, he naturally wouldn¡¯t willfully interfere. He just strenuously repressed and forcibly restrained the emotions that were about to explode. However, suppressing these kinds of emotions day after day caused the qi emissions around Tianheng to be even more terrifying. It made him look like a real blood asura, showing a ferocious appearance.

    Atst, on the seventh day, that ball of white light was brimming with Gu Zuo¡¯s qi emissions. Then, a shadow peeled off from the white light.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes were still tightly closed.

    Tianheng shed ahead andunched an attack on that streak of shadow!

    &#k2014; ¡°What are you?!¡±

    That shadow hastily retreated, but didn¡¯t confront Tianheng at all.

    The qi emissions within the white light became clearer and clearer, and the shape of the shadow also became more and more distinct.

    After Tianheng unleashed dozens of moves and that shadow dodged dozens of times, Gu Zuo finally opened his eyes. At the same moment, his pupils shed with white light. This made his temperament seem pure and holy&#k2026; Of course, when he opened his mouth to speak, this sense of holiness dissipated.

    Gu Zuo happened to see two figures shing, and his heartbeat quickened: ¡°Big brother, Ling Su, don¡¯t fight!¡±

    That clear streak of shadow rapidly retreated a dozen or so meters. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, and his entire person suddenly appeared behind the blood-colored silhouette. He reached out, and hugged the other¡¯s waist: ¡°Big brother, that¡¯s Ling Su!¡±

    Tianheng felt the strength in Gu Zuo¡¯s arms. He abruptly turned around, clutched Gu Zuo¡¯s waist, and raised him up. Sealing their mouths together, Tianheng¡¯s lips brazenly sucked and his tongue wantonly entangled with their partners. Intense possessiveness and fierce emotions alternated in his eyes. His strength heightened even more as though he wanted to rub Gu Zuopletely into his body... Such vigorous moves were unlike every moment of intimacy in the past. Although Gu Zuo didn¡¯t need oxygen right now, he still had a breathless kind of feeling. His body felt hot all over.

    Nevertheless, Gu Zuo still obediently submitted to Tianheng¡¯s intense nibbling.

    Now that he thought about it, he realized that he might¡¯ve spent too much time refining. As a result, big brother¡¯s personality defects were even more aggravated. Unable to endure this lengthy neglect, Tianheng had pressing concerns for him.

    Thus, so long as heplied, he ought to be able to pacify big brother.

    He was also happy to pacify him.

    Sure enough, after Tianheng nibbled on Gu Zuo for two hours, he was finally willing to loosen up.

    Gu Zuo took a few hurried gasps before he had enough time to exin: ¡°Big brother, I have sessfully refined it. But in the end, it¡¯s still an emperor weapon, so it took a little longer. Now that the whole Divine Medicine Great Pce belongs to me, although it hasn¡¯t been fully restored and all of its functions haven¡¯t been entirely developed, it¡¯s still very convenient to use.¡±

    Under Gu Zuo¡¯s gentle push, Tianheng finally let go of him. Afterwards, his gaze fell upon the figure on the side: ¡°This is Ling Su?¡±

    Gu Zuo also looked over, and nodded his head: ¡°Yes, that ball of white light is the origin of the emperor weapon. Ling Su is the spirit born from this origin, and therefore, is the spirit of the emperor weapon.¡±

    At this time, the appearance of that nearby figure was revealed. Merely, because it wasn¡¯t aplete restoration, the figure was translucent and hadn¡¯t taken a solid form.

    Once Gu Zuo refined the Divine Medicine Great Pce, he already knew that the spirit of the emperor weapon could take a solid form when at its peak state. The reason why Ling Su wasn¡¯t able to do so was because it was too weak.

    It was just that...

    The features of Ling Su, who appeared in front of Gu Zuo, were that of a graceful and elegant woman. She was dressed in in white, and her long hair was tied into a high bun like a courtdy. Though, her expression was clear and cold, which carried an unapproachable type of feeling.

    When Gu Zuo saw Ling Su like this, he blinked his eyes: ¡°Ling Su, do you dislike me?¡±

    Ling Su faintly shook her head, but her voice was disaffected: ¡°Not really.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought of something: ¡°Then, you didn¡¯t want to be refined by me?¡±

    Ling Su shook her head again: ¡°It is not that either.¡±

    Gu Zuo pondered for a short while: ¡°Then... I¡¯m not your most ideal master?¡±

    This time, Ling Su didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Gu Zuo knew that, even though he had refined the emperor weapon, his control over Ling Su was already quite strong. However, Ling Su had helped him a lot over the years. Now that she had a heart knot, he didn¡¯t want to turn a blind eye.

    As a result, he said: ¡°In that case, can you tell me what your ideal master is like?¡±

    Ling Su remained silent.

    Her gaze was distant. It was as though she was reminiscing for a very long time. Her tone carried a trace of longing: ¡°The master in this Ling Su¡¯s heart should be like myst master. It is not that you are bad, but your temperament is too different from that of myst master. Because of that, it is a little...strange.¡±

    Gu Zuo understood.

    In fact, in Ling Su¡¯s heart, her only master should¡¯ve been the one from before. To be capable of gaining such deep reverence from Ling Su, their character ought to have been quite good. Of course, that master also wouldn¡¯t have taken the initiative to abandon Ling Su. As such, there was only one reason why Ling Su left with the inheritance ¡ª Her previous master had already fallen.

    One always cherished the memories of the dead more than the living. Ling Su never forgot her former master, which was a sign of her nostalgia for the past. Gu Zuo wasn¡¯t unhappy after realizing this reason.

    Spirits of emperor weapons who remembered kindness were always better than those whose natures were cruel and headstrong.

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, it¡¯ll be up to you.¡±

    Ling Su lightly nodded in return, and didn¡¯t continue to speak.

    Following this, Gu Zuo went to the back of the Book Repository Hall.

    This ce had countless ancient records about medicine refinement. It was all embracing and all inclusive. There were no fewer than ten thousand books, which dazzled the eyes at a single nce. Now, he knew that all of the ancient books Ling Su used to reward him for missions actually came from this repository. This included the subsequent content for the Divine Medicine Cultivation Method that he hadn¡¯t obtained yet. There were also numerous medicinal ingredient introductions and innumerable pieces of knowledge that could be found here.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s thoughts moved, and the ancient books in his storage space swiftly flew out and were inserted into the corresponding bookcases based on their respective categories.

    In addition to the Book Repository Hall, there was also the Medicine Repository Hall. This ce had been empty for a long time, but Gu Zuo knew that this was originally where the previous master of the emperor weapon stored medicine.

    For any medicinal pills the previous master thought were adequately refined, some were left here to serve as a collection of their works.

    Gu Zuo had refined lots of medicine, too. He didn¡¯t want those pills to crowd the storage space, so his thoughts moved again, and he put them into the medicine cabs one by one ording to their respective product grades.

    Thus, while the Medicine Repository Hall was still far from being filled to capacity, it wasn¡¯t as empty as before.

    After the refinement, Gu Zuo had a clear understanding of the original functions of many pce halls. He also tried to make use of them to their greatest extents. When all was said and done, the Divine Medicine Great Pce had gradually gained Gu Zuo¡¯s qi emissions. In the future, it would be further imbued, and wouldpletely belong to him.

    Once everything was finished, it was time for Gu Zuo to go out.

    He arrived in front of the first storagepartment, and silently looked at the teenager¡¯s corpse inside... These facial features were the same as his own. He had already grown up, but the person inside would never get that chance.

    At this time, Ling Su suddenly opened her mouth: ¡°Master.¡±

    Gu Zuo leaned into Tianheng¡¯s embrace, and responded: ¡°Yes?¡±

    Ling Su said: ¡°If Qi Tianyou can be resurrected, but the method is very difficult, would master be willing?¡±

    Once these words were uttered, Gu Zuo abruptly turned his head: ¡°What did you say?¡± His expression froze, ¡°Tianyou, he can be resurrected?!¡±

    Ling Su faintly nodded her head: ¡°Master can gather the medicinal ingredients first. Once you have be an earth-level pharmacist, it is possible to refine the Nine Revolutions Life-Returning Pill. Coupled with some heavenly materials and earthly treasures, on the basis that this corpse has not lost its vitality, Qi Tianyou can be brought back to life.¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°Tianyou¡¯s soul...hasn¡¯t been reincarnated yet?¡±

    Ling Su quietly looked at Gu Zuo: ¡°On thisndmass, unless one uses unconventional means to take another person¡¯s body, one cannot reincarnate naturally.¡± She added, ¡°When master arrived in the beginning, I preserved Qi Tianyou¡¯s soul.¡±

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 506 - Ling Suâ€™s Way of Thinking

    <h4>Chapter 506 - Ling Su¡¯s Way of Thinking</h4>

    Gu Zuo suddenly clenched his fist ¡ª He could save Qi Tianyou¡¯s life!

    He quickly calmed the restlessness in his heart, and slowly said: ¡°Of course, I¡¯m willing.¡±

    How couldn¡¯t he be willing? They were rtives connected by blood. This was a teenager who lived such a hard life, but was still so pure and kind-hearted.

    It was no wonder. When Gu Zuo obtained the memories of this teenager, he was upset that the other didn¡¯t put up a fight. Moreover, the anger that arose on behalf of Qi Tianyou¡¯s circumstances far exceeded what should¡¯ve happened from ¡°watching a movie.¡±

    As it turned out, it was because they were twins. As a result, it felt as though everything happened to himself...

    Gu Zuo calmed down. Yet, he realized that Ling Su seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when she heard he was willing to bring his biological brother, Qi Tianyou, back to life.

    All of a sudden, a thought came to mind: ¡°Ling Su, if Tianyou had the Double Heavenly Beads, would you have hoped that he could be your master?¡±

    Ling Su¡¯s body faintly shook.

    After that, she slowly nodded her head: ¡°Qi Tianyou¡¯s personality resembles that of my former master.¡±

    Gu Zuo was stumped for words.

    Ling Su didn¡¯t continue to speak.

    However, Gu Zuo didn¡¯t take offense to this.

    To be honest, although the system had been following him for a long time, Ling Su was still unfamiliar to him. He could also understand that, as the spirit of an emperor weapon, she would want to be with a new master who was like her old master. Besides, this matter allowed him toe up with another line of thought.

    Hence, Gu Zuo asked: ¡°As the spirit of an emperor weapon, you should be able to leave the emperor weapon and act on your own once you get better, right?¡±

    Ling Su didn¡¯t know why Gu Zuo wanted to ask this, but she still nodded: ¡°If master permits it, I can.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°In that case, after Tianyou is brought back to life, are you willing to stay by his side and protect him?¡±

    This time around, it was Ling Su¡¯s turn to be taken aback.

    A good whileter, she softly nodded again: ¡°I am willing.¡±

    This was a load off Gu Zuo¡¯s mind.

    Because of their innate talents, the experiences these two brothers went through were worlds apart. It wouldn¡¯t have mattered if he didn¡¯t know. But after finding out, he naturally felt pity for Qi Tianyou.

    In any case, he also wasn¡¯t too fond of Ling Su staying inside the Divine Medicine Great Pce. Moreover, after he refined Ling Su, he could control the Divine Medicine Great Pce by himself. Unless there was a special situation, he didn¡¯t particrly need Ling Su¡¯s help. As such, letting Ling Su follow Tianyou served two purposes. It would give Tianyou an additional safeguard, and it would make everyone happier.

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, you can pick a side hall around here and tidy it up. After that, make arrangements for Tianyou. You¡¯ll keep Tianyoupany in that side hall. Ordinarily, there¡¯s no need for you toe to the main pce hall or the attached side halls.¡±

    Ling Su¡¯s gaze lit up: ¡°Yes, master.¡±

    Seeing that Ling Su wished to be excused, Gu Zuo quickly called out to her and asked onest question: ¡°Back then, why were Tianyou and I separated in two worlds?¡±

    Ling Su shook her head: ¡°Master¡¯s scope of authority is insufficient, so it is better not to ask.¡±

    Gu Zuo sighed: ¡°Okay. You have been with me for so long, and you should know me well. You said I don¡¯t have sufficient authority, but I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s because you¡¯re unwilling to tell me, or because I¡¯m not capable enough. But if it¡¯s thetter, I hope that one day you¡¯ll feel that I¡¯m capable enough and take the initiative to tell me.

    ¡°As for the familial origins of Tianyou and myself... Maybe you know a little bit. However, you don¡¯t even want to tell me how Tianyou and I were separated, let alone our origins. The reason why we were separated may have a lot to do with our past. Of course, it¡¯s also possible that I¡¯m overthinking it.¡±

    Ling Su wasn¡¯t someone who liked to talk. Once she paid her respects to Gu Zuo, she set forth. Her figure was like a shadow as she quietly came to the storagepartment, and carried out Qi Tianyou¡¯s corpse.

    Immediately following which, she departed from the main pce hall.

    After Ling Su left, Gu Zuo sensed the arms tightening around his waist, and smiled: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Gongyi Tianheng rubbed his chin on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder: ¡°She¡¯s...¡± A sh of cold light streaked across his eyes, ¡°Ah Zuo, she¡¯s an unstable factor.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded: ¡°I know.¡±

    Tianheng faintly sighed: ¡°I don¡¯t like her being around us.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded again: ¡°I know...¡± Speaking up to here, heforted, ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m having her stay in the side hall. Furthermore, if Ling Su isn¡¯t disconnected from the Divine Medicine Great Pce, I won¡¯t refine it into my natal spirit weapon.¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s mood seemed to improve: ¡°Ah Zuo, one day I will find the best treasures and materials and refine a unique and unrivaled natal spirit weapon for you. This Divine Medicine Great Pce will only be used for the time being.¡±

    Listening to this, Gu Zuo¡¯s heart inexplicably warmed up, and he bubbled withughter. However, he still resolutely promised: ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll wait for big brother to refine a spirit weapon for me.¡±

    Tianheng was finally satisfied. He gathered Gu Zuo into his arms, carried him to the bed in the attached side hall, andid him down.

    A sparkling, translucent, and jade-like stone ovum was peacefully nestled on this bed. Although it appeared to be silent, Gu Zuo and Tianheng could sense a type of flesh and blood connection to it.

    Hence, while Tianheng embraced Gu Zuo, Gu Zuo was holding this stone ovum to his chest.

    Two people and one ovum quietly rested...

    Gu Zuo also sank into a rare, deep sleep.

    No matter what was said, there were too many things he had found out today. Even though Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power was formidable, he still felt a little exhausted from this.

    This exhaustion came from his heart.

    However, when he was held in his dear big brother¡¯s embrace, his heart was slowly soothed.

    Upon learning that the system was actually an emperor weapon, Gu Zuo had a better understanding of spirit weapons. And after this, he didn¡¯t have to take any more missions. This was because he could already receive everything left behind by the previous master. He could also make arrangements for his own future cultivation process.

    Within his Tianfu Acupoint, the emperor weapon Divine Medicine Great Pce was the closest to his psychic core, which was in the middle of nurturing a spirit body. Slightly further away was that ck cloak and the Void-Breaking Shuttle ¡ª They were floating side by side, one on the left and the other on the right, with neither falling behind.

    After Gu Zuopletely refined the Divine Medicine Great Pce, he basically knew that this great pce was actually like a mobile residence that could be carried with oneself. There were all kinds of things inside, but of course, there were two functions that were the most special.

    Firstly, if Gu Zuo hid within it, the Divine Medicine Great Pce would transform into an unobtrusive speck of dust that not even a Greater Emperor could easily perceive. It could be said to be an effective tool for escaping. In addition, it could store people inside based on Gu Zuo¡¯s intent.

    Secondly, if the Divine Medicine Great Pce was revealed, its defensive capabilities were top-notch. Even if it was currently like this and was discovered, so long as there were sufficient quantities of medicinal qi and psychic power, the situation would be the same. Not even a Greater Emperor could break through this defense.

    Apart from this, Gu Zuo also gave Tianheng ess privileges.

    In the past, Tianheng needed to stay close to Gu Zuo and could only enter with Gu Zuo¡¯s permission. Now, if Tianheng wanted to enter the great pce, although he still couldn¡¯t move too far away from Gu Zuo, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems within five thousand kilometers. Also, he could sh inside without needing Gu Zuo¡¯s permission.

    If the two of them stayed together, Tianheng¡¯s life would have anotheryer of protection.

    During this period of time, Gu Zuo had been studying the purpose of the Divine Medicine Great Pce. At this point, he knew that the sculpture on the altar in the back was the previous master of this great pce. Unfortunately, Ling Su wasn¡¯t willing to talk about the identity of this master, and Gu Zuo didn¡¯t make any guesses.

    As for Ling Su, she really did as Gu Zuo instructed, and ced Qi Tianyou inside a cozy, small pce hall. As for herself, she would sit upright and cross-legged on a prayer mat in front of the window for long stretches of time. She quietly sat in meditation, and watched over the corpse.

    The present Ling Su never stepped foot outside of this small pce hall, and hardly appeared before Gu Zuo anymore.

    While Gu Zuo somewhat cared about Ling Su¡¯s strength as the spirit of this emperor weapon, he didn¡¯t go to investigate further because Ling Su wasn¡¯t an irksome presence.

    On the contrary, it was Tianheng who showed thoughtful expressions from time to time.

    In the blink of an eye, a little more than a month had passed.

    Soon, the battles of the Prodigy Monument would begin.

    It was also time for Tianheng to leave the sect and rush to the Prodigy Monument.

    Before leaving, Tianheng naturally wanted to pay a visit to his master. This time around, though Gu Zuo originally didn¡¯t have to apany him, the asura incarnation couldn¡¯t stray too far from Gu Zuo. Likewise, Gu Zuo wouldn¡¯t leave his family¡¯s big brother. Thus, he followed along.

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master had already been waiting for a long time.

    After seeing the two, the pce master directly tossed out several tokens, and threw them to Tianheng: ¡°Apprentice, put these things away.¡±

    Tianheng epted them, and took a look. These five talismanic tokens were blood-red, and the shape of their surfaces were like blood palms. These tokens were filled with intent.

    Tianheng had seen something simr before. It was a bloody hand with one strike from a Heaven Lord sealed inside. He had just received five tokens, but the sense of danger in each piece was no weaker than that of the bloody hand he sawst time. In other words, contained within each talismanic token was the power to destroy heaven and earth. It was the strongest blow of a Heaven Lord!

    Back then, it was precisely because of the trump card bestowed by the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord that Tianheng conveniently wiped out that group of lowlives. This time around, he obtained as many as five trump cards. To put it another way, unless he encountered a situation of certain death that involved the strength of a Lesser Emperor or above, no one would be able to take his life!

    It could be said that these were life-saving tools. Moreover, these were five more chances...

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master smiled and said: ¡°When this apprentice goes to the Prodigy Monument¡¯s battlefield, you¡¯ll be carrying the prestige of our Ten Ultimates Sect and the graceful bearing of the Blood Transformation Pce Hall. Naturally, you need to have a few more means to protect yourself.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 507 - Matters Kept Behind Closed Doors

    <h4>Chapter 507 - Matters Kept Behind Closed Doors</h4>

    Gu Zuo looked ted.

    Gongyi Tianheng also said: ¡°Many thanks, master. Many thanks, Heaven Lord.¡±

    The Blood Transformation Pce Master flung his sleeves: ¡°Tianheng, off you go!¡±

    Following this, Tianheng and Gu Zuo bade farewell to the pce master, turned around, and departed from the Blood Transformation Pce Hall.

    Prodigies would be participating in the battles of the Prodigy Monument. While many sects had powerful people going to watch thepetition, when it came to the actual journey, the prodigies would go by themselves for their own tempering.

    During this trip, apart from Gu Zuo, Tianheng only brought Ying Yu and another powerhouse called Ao Zhan who was originally at the Celestial Realm ¡ª And why would the word originally be used?

    Ao Zhan had been at the peak of the Celestial Realm. He only needed an opportunity to break through and be a Noble Realm powerhouse! As for this opportunity, Gu Zuo generously gave it to him.

    What Ao Zhan obtained from Gu Zuo was a profound-level Realm Breaking Pill. Because he had the metal attribute, once he received this medicinal pill, his entire body was like a sharp sword whose cutting edge had no equal. At the same time, with the help of Gu Zuo¡¯s medicinal pills, Ying Yu smoothly broke through to peak Celestial Realm. Once he stabilized this realm, he could simrly obtain a Realm Breaking Pill from Gu Zuo, allowing him to be a Noble Realm powerhouse.

    It was also for this reason that, when Ao Zhan and Ying Yu were treating Tianheng and Gu Zuo, the obedience in the beginning turned into wholehearted eptanceter on. And now, they were already die-hard loyalists.

    There were only a few people, so their group kept a low profile. They were indistinguishable from ordinary travelers. Along the way, they rode on wild birds, and passed through countless teleportation arrays. After five days, they sessfully arrived at the location of the Prodigy Monument.

    This was a seaside city.

    Outside of the city, there was a gigantic ocean that spread as far as the eyes could see. Due to the existence of the Prodigy Monument, this originally empty and deste ce developed into a huge seaside city. Merely, because of the special nature of the Prodigy Monument, there was no city lord presiding over this city. There were only many gold-ranked and veteran silver-ranked organizations that dispatched and garrisoned their elders. Everyone maintained the order in this seaside city.

    And the name of this city was Prodigy City.

    Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo out of the teleportation array. Billowing into their faces, they smelled an oceanic and fishy scent. Contained within this scent was an incredibly frightening power. It rushed forward, and seemed as though it could destroy one¡¯s willpower.

    Gu Zuo sensed it: ¡°Eh?¡±

    This kind of impact force was a little scary, but it couldn¡¯t do anything to a pharmacist at the Nurturing Psyche Realm like him.

    Tianheng also felt as if there were several steel needles piercing his brain. He softly harrumphed, and the invisible impact immediately disappeared. It was incapable of affecting him in the slightest.

    Gu Zuo curiously said: ¡°How strange. Where does that oppressive forcee from?¡±

    Tianheng considered for a moment: ¡°This ce is at the seaside, and the pressurees with the scent of the ocean. Although it¡¯s strong, it¡¯s quite scattered. It muste from the origin beasts in the sea.¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it and felt convinced.

    Shortly thereafter, the group of four went to Ten Ultimates Sect¡¯s garrison in the city. Very quickly, a Noble Realm powerhouse came over to wee them. This was an elder stationed here. His figure was tall and robust, his looks were resolute and stalwart, and the expression in his eyes was extremely determined. Compared to othermonly-seen martial artists of the same realm, he seemed even more steady and unbreakable.

    After seeing Tianheng, this elder carefully looked at him and his expression faintly changed.

    Naturally, he had acquired the image of the all-star prodigy in the sect long ago. It was just that the blood fiend¡¯s aura that suffused his body right now appeared too monstrous and strange, which made him somewhat concerned.

    Prodigies each had their own personality quirks. In addition, there were many who were moody, arrogant, and obstinate. Who knew what kind of temperament this prodigy had? Although it was said that he was graceful and elegant, there wasn¡¯t much of a resemnce at this time...

    Fortunately, while Tianheng looked a little strange and his tone of voice was somewhat odd, he didn¡¯t show too much of an evil inclination, which was inconsistent with his bloodlust. This made the elder feel reassured.

    Afterwards, the elder wanted to guide them into the rear courtyard to rest.

    And as for Tianheng?

    He always took Gu Zuo¡¯s matters to heart. Just a while ago, Gu Zuo was puzzled over something, so now, he opened his mouth to ask: ¡°Elder Liu, when we first arrived, I didn¡¯t know what was that suppressive might in the sea breeze... What¡¯s the matter with that?¡±

    When Elder Liu heard this question, he was happy to answer it, and said: ¡°Prodigy City is located on the shore of this sea region. That suppressive might naturallyes from the depths of the sea region...¡±

    It was rumored that there were countless origin beasts in the sea¡¯s depths. Moreover, many of those origin beasts were extraordinarily talented and blessed with long lifespans. Thus, in the deep sea, through an unendingpetition where the strong preyed upon the weak and under the umtion of many years, their ranks became incredibly high and the number of races reached monumental proportions.

    Some people even said that there were rank eight origin beasts in the sea region¡¯s depths ¡ª In other words, origin beasts that wereparable to the Greater Emperor Realm. Even now, there were plenty of rank seven origin beasts, which corresponded to the Lesser Emperor Realm, roaming about.

    In order to prevent the origin beasts in the sea region from going ashore and wreaking havoc, the deep sea¡¯s rank seven origin beasts and the Lesser Emperors on the continent reached a stalemate. Thus, a Sea-Land ord was proposed. The origin beasts wouldn¡¯t secretly climb ashore and the people onnd wouldn¡¯t secretly enter the sea. Otherwise, they only had themselves to me if they lost their lives.

    Speaking of which, some people probably thought that the suppressive might in the sea breeze came from the origin beasts in the deep sea. However, the reason why the deep sea was called the ¡°deep¡± sea was naturally because it was so deep that one couldn¡¯t see the bottom at all. Since that was the case, unless there were many origin beasts lurking in front of the coastline, how could it be possible for everyone in this seaside city to feel this suppressive might? As for the powerhouses in the city, they wouldn¡¯t allow origin beasts to stay near the coast.

    As a result, there was more to the root cause of this suppressive might.

    And this origin...was also rted to the reason why the Prodigy Monument was recognized as an emperor weapon.

    ording to legend, exceptional powerhouses at the Greater Emperor Realm once appeared on this continent. However, because their lifespans gradually ran out, those Greater Emperors perished. Afterwards, no new Greater Emperors rose again. Even among the current gold-ranked organizations, there were only Lesser Emperor Realms.

    In the era when all of the Greater Emperors had fallen, the Lesser Emperors reached an agreement with the rank seven origin beasts. But during a certain generation, an origin beast in the sea region broke through to rank eight, bing the sole exceptional powerhouseparable to a Greater Emperor on the continent.

    With such a powerhouse in the ocean, it was only natural that the origin beasts weren¡¯t willing to upy just the sea region. Although the sea region had innumerable treasures, the fertile and abundantnd still stimted the greed of the sea region origin beasts.

    Back then, the rank eight origin beast unified the sea region and one-sidedly tore up the ord, wanting tounch an attack on the continent!

    Under the onught of these origin beasts, the continent¡¯s forces naturally suffered defeat after defeat. Onnd, the dead and injured were uncountable, the blood of the fallen turned into rivers, and corpses piled up into mountains. Untold numbers of powerhouses gathered together to resist the origin beasts ¡ª Even those nonhuman races that lived within the Great Wilderness formed an alliance and opposed the origin beasts of the ocean!

    However, this was still of no use. The strength of the rank eight origin beast was simply iparable to that of the Lesser Emperor Realm powerhouses. Many Lesser Emperors perished because of this, but they couldn¡¯t stop the footsteps of the rank eight origin beast. The continent¡¯s races clearly understood that once the origin beasts won, all of the races would be reduced to bloody food-scraps for the origin beasts ¡ª They wouldn¡¯t even be able to survive as ves.

    This was because origin beasts had no sentimental feelings. Their only purpose in living was their own evolution and the ughter and devouring of other races.

    Later on, at the most critical moment, the natal spirit weapon of a fallen Greater Emperor appeared. It was an emperor weapon that once followed its Greater Emperor who quelled all directions and whose might was unmatched!

    The spirit of this emperor weapon proposed a feasible method. The essence blood of a hundred formidable Lesser Emperors would be gathered and offered to the emperor weapon. Then, the emperor weapon would suppress that rank eight origin beast so that it would never be able to free itself again.

    After the rank eight origin beast was sealed away, the remaining rank seven origin beasts would no longer pose as much of a threat. Meanwhile, the Lesser Emperors on the continent would have the capital to stand against the origin beasts, and renew the ord.

    The races on the continent were in desperate straits. They staked everything on thisst-ditch effort, and did as the spirit of this emperor weapon said. Sure enough, the spirit of the emperor weapon didn¡¯t disappoint them. Using the essence blood of the Lesser Emperors to temporarily raise its capabilities to the maximum, the emperor weapon suppressed that rank eight origin beast in one fell swoop!

    It went without saying that the rank eight origin beast was unwilling. However, the emperor weapon restrained the origin beast¡¯s physical body. At the same time, the spirit of the emperor weapon used its own soul energy to grapple with the origin beast¡¯s beast soul. In the end, it achieved a hard-fought victory.

    The matter ended with the origin beast¡¯s physical body sinking into the deep sea forever. The spirit of the emperor weapon practically took down the beast soul in mutual destruction. At that time, the ce where the emperor weapon fought the rank eight origin beast to the death was this coastline. The location of that origin beast¡¯s physical body was also in the nearby deep sea.

    The remaining power of the beast soul mixed into this sea region, and after countless years, these waters carried a faint suppressive might. No one knew whether the beast soul had truly shattered to pieces. And no one knew whether there were any traces left of the spirit of that emperor weapon.

    However, there was no need for doubt. From that moment on, bnce was restored between the sea andnd. Furthermore, a rank eight origin beast or Greater Emperor never appeared again.

    Listening up to here, Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but show a hint of reverence on his face: ¡°That senior emperor weapon spirit sacrificed itself for the continent¡¯s races. It¡¯s truly admirable.¡±

    When Elder Liu heard this, his expression softened. He was simrly respectful: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the original body of that senior emperor weapon spirit was a Demon-Suppressing Obelisk, which belonged to a Greater Emperor of our human race. When the human race was in decline, Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk once followed its Greater Emperor into bloody battles that spanned all directions, saving countless people. Moreover, the Greater Emperor it followed didn¡¯t perish due to an exhausted lifespan, but died fighting for the human race in an ancient battle.

    ¡°After that Greater Emperor fell, Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk suffered grievous injuries, and had been recuperating for many years. Later on, when the continent was met with a cmity, just as Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk recovered to its full glory, it went back out into the world for the sake of the human race. Just like those Greater Emperors of yore, it gave up its life for the continued existence of our race.¡±

    Gu Zuo took a deep breath: ¡°Then, Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk¡¯s original body is...¡±

    Elder Liu¡¯s expression was dignified. He nodded his head and said: ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s the Prodigy Monument. At thest moment, Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk sent a message to the Lesser Emperor powerhouses. It mentioned that, if it perished, an arena would be opened near its original body to establish a monument to prodigies. Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk also requested that the Prodigy Monument had to be activated every fifty years for prodigies to do battle. Reportedly...¡±

    He paused: ¡°Reportedly, when prodigies battled and honed themselves in this ce, the spiritual will emitted by these prodigies could help Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk, who had fallen long ago, to continue suppressing the corpse of that rank eight origin beast. This would prevent the sea region origin beasts from finding it and causing harm to the races of our continent.¡±

    The author has something to say:

    Everyone has so many unexpected questions! _(:3 ¡¹¡Ï )_

    In that case, I¡¯ll answer the spicy part first. I won¡¯t go into detail if it involves spoilers.

    Anyone who can cken is not a real saint. Qi Tianyou is a real saint.If he was constantly being pursued by a gay guy and felt that this fellow was just being a good brother, it¡¯s not that he¡¯s slow. He¡¯s just as straight as a gpole. And at this time, the author arranged for him to be protected by a beautiful girl as his personal bodyguard... As a result, the conclusion can only be that he¡¯s straight!A corpse has been staying low-key in the storagepartment the entire time. For the protagonist, there hasn¡¯t been any chance to bury it. For the author, he is going to be resurrected.When an author is preupied with pure rtionships, they won¡¯t let other creatures getting in-between the gong and shou. The weapon spirit is a ¡°threatening¡± existence hidden in the Tianfu Acupoint, so she cannot be a handsome man who¡¯s always thinking about her former master. Moreover, because the former master and the current master have totally different personalities, she doesn¡¯t approve of the current master¡¯s behavior and method of handling things. However, the author had to expand the essential roles for the sake of the plot. In order to not cause too much trouble for the current master, the author will have Ling Su disy her ¡°residual heat¡± to safeguard the resurrected, saintly brother for the current master.Everyone¡¯s imagination is really rich, which makes me feel bbergasted. There is indeed a puddle of melodramatic dog¡¯s blood in their past, but no one has grasped the right direction of the melodrama. Let me say it this way. There are so many melodramatic tropes in the world, but this will not be an interloper or scapegoat trope. It will be anothermonly-seen trope, which often appears within normal xuanhuan novels.Qi Tianyou¡¯s existence is very important. This guy ys a big role in Gu Zuo¡¯s past, and he¡¯s one of the key plot points I determined before writing this story.If an emperor weapon with a recognized master attempts to rebel, at most it will prevent the master from using the emperor weapon¡¯s full strength. There is no such thing as revealing the master¡¯s secrets, betraying the master, and so on. It would suffer a bacsh. Don¡¯t take refining for granted! After refining, one hasplete control over the spirit of the emperor weapon!

    Speaking up to here, I believe the direction of everyone¡¯s imagination can be put on the right path...

    Think of it in the direction of a danmei novel or a xuanhuan novel, okay? In this world, the protagonist and a small minority of people are danmei, but the majority are still xuanhuan.

    Wipe away your sweat!

    T/N: Sorry for the dy, many things happened IRL. The next chapter will be double-length.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 508 - Huang Ji Arrives

    <h4>Chapter 508 - Huang Ji Arrives</h4>

    Outsiders only heard rumors about the Prodigy Monument, but those stationed in the seaside city knew very well that this Prodigy Monument was the original body of the Demon-Suppressing Obelisk. As for the suppressive might in the sea breeze, it was the residual power left behind by the rank eight origin beast from back then.

    It was also for this reason that everyone who lived in this seaside city would be invaded by the residual power each time they breathed. Compared to stably cultivating in the sect, the environment here was rtively hostile. However, if one persisted here all year round and forcibly resisted the residual might every time they cultivated, then their willpower would be greatly improved.

    Moreover, if one left the seaside city and practiced outside for a period of time, their strength would increase by leaps and bounds. The enhancements to their capability in actualbat and their own level ofprehension wouldn¡¯t be small!

    ¡ª Looking at it from another perspective, wasn¡¯t this a holynd for cultivation?

    Originally, Elder Liu¡¯s strength was only mediocre in the sect, but ever since he was sent here, he endured the tempering of the suppressive might and persevered all year round... Currently, apart from those with extraordinary talents, there were very few sect brothers of the same age who were his opponents.

    Returning to the matter at hand, Elder Liu had great affection for this seaside city and revered the spirit of the Demon-Suppressing Obelisk even more. As a result, after Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng asked these questions, he gave detailed exnations about all the past achievements of the Demon-Suppressing Obelisk.

    Gu Zuo listened to everything, and nodded his head: ¡°I hope there¡¯s still a trace of remnant soul of Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk. Then, sooner orter, a day wille when someone finds it and allows it to return to this world again.¡±

    There was a look of gratitude in Elder Liu¡¯s eyes: ¡°Numerous people have such expectations. And many martial artists have been searching all over the ce, hoping that Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk can really have this daye true.¡±

    In Gu Zuo¡¯s heart, he inwardly thought that if someone really found it, so long as there was a heaven-level pharmacist willing to use their own psychic power to nourish Senior Demon-Suppressing Obelisk, then this senior¡¯s spirit body could slowly recover. In the future, if his rank reached the heaven level, and that senior really left behind a trace of remnant soul, he would be willing to do this...

    Afterwards, Elder Liu looked at Tianheng and said to him: ¡°The battles of the Prodigy Monument are in ten days. During this period of time, Prodigy Gongyi can rest here and wait for the other prodigies to arrive.¡±

    Gu Zuo curiously asked: ¡°Who are the prodigiesing to participate in the battles of the Prodigy Monument this time? Could it be that the prodigies of all forces and organizations areing over?¡±

    Elder Liu said: ¡°ording to conventional reasoning, this ought to be the case. However, not every prodigy is willing toe. There is also the matter of some top aristocratic families. Because of ancient inheritances, there are countless treasures in these ns. The descendants and offspring are exceptionally gifted, and they¡¯re like dragons and phoenixes among themon folk. They definitely wouldn¡¯t pay attention to other organizations.

    ¡°Thus, as far as they¡¯re concerned, they already have a set of inheritances and methods of practice. The battles of the Prodigy Monument aren¡¯t attractive. On the contrary, somepetitions within the n are more tempting to them. These kind of people won¡¯te here.

    ¡°In addition, there are two apex gold-ranked organizations on the Central Continent. One ce is the Chongwu Academy of Venerable Martial Arts. Though, the students in the academy are usually the disciples of other sects and organizations, so they can¡¯t represent the academy in battle orpetitions. As for the academy itself, it has a history of more than a million years. It¡¯s said that many Greater Emperors studied in this academy countless years ago, which grants the academy a transcendent status. Even the descendants of people in the academy won¡¯te to participate in the battles of the Prodigy Monument.

    ¡°On top of that, the other ce is the Dragon Sparrow Imperial Court. This force¡¯s inheritance isn¡¯t as ancient as that of Chongwu Academy, but its umted power is overbearing and formidable. It controls an enormous territory and is located at the core of the Central Continent. The status of the imperial family¡¯s children seem higher than those of other organizations. Moreover, the strength and talent of the princes and princesses are extraordinary. Likewise, the people from the Dragon Sparrow Imperial Court rarelye to participate in the battles of the Prodigy Monument.¡±

    At this point, there was a slightly emotional look in Elder Liu¡¯s eyes: ¡°The continent is too vast. Besides these prodigies out in the open, many organizations have hidden prodigies as part of their backgrounds. In those two apex gold-ranked forces, there are many young powerhouses, and few people are able to get glimpses of their strength... Apart from the two apex gold-ranked organizations and a small number of superior aristocratic families, most of the other gold and silver-ranked forces will still send people over.¡±

    Moreover, they were all young people. How could one be willing to let others be famous while they remained unknown and obscure? Some prodigies, whose sects wanted them to stay out of sight, wouldn¡¯t necessarily remain hidden. Instead, they wouldpare notes and spar with powerhouses of the same generation on the battlefield!

    Consequently, there would certainly be plenty of prodigiesing to participate in the battles of the Prodigy Monument. Furthermore, unexpected things would happen from time to time. Perhaps, several dark horses would make a killing or a single personpletely suppressed the entire venue.

    It could be said that thepetition of the Prodigy Monument was one of the most eye-catching events for the young powerhouses on the Central Continent!

    After Gu Zuo finished listening, his heart also felt somewhat overwhelmed with emotions.

    Merely, he wasn¡¯t a martial artist. He could only cast his expectant gaze toward his own big brother.

    Tianheng reached out his hand.

    Gu Zuo nervously stared at this hand...

    After that, Tianheng ced his hand onto Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder, lowered his head, and spoke softly: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured. I¡¯ll definitely do my best to let you see the most exciting battles.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart warmed. His face also showed a great, big smile.

    The brilliance in Tianheng¡¯s red pupils shined like magnificent cuts of blood jade. But at this moment, Tianheng still restrained the eagerness in his heart to get intimate. He only gradually increased the strength of his palm, pressed down with a slight exertion, and slowly let go.

    Elder Liu didn¡¯t notice the surging undercurrents between these two people. He simply felt that the friendship of their sect¡¯s all-star prodigy and his personal pharmacist was very profound. Shortly thereafter, once he exined some more things about the Prodigy Monument¡¯spetition, he took them to the specially prepared courtyard in the back, and let the two of them settle down.

    Then, Gu Zuo and Tianheng rested with peace of mind.

    Probably because the battles of the Prodigy Monument were close at hand, Gongyi Tianheng promised to give a great performance. For the first time in the past few days, he didn¡¯t cling to Gu Zuo like a piece of sticky rice. Instead, he trained all of his previouslyprehended martial disciplines rted to the path of the asura in the enclosed Martial Arts Practice Field.

    Watching on the side, Gu Zuo only felt that the scene before his eyes was a tyrannical and vicious fiend stirring up a storm of blood and carnage. Against the backdrop of his dear big brother¡¯s blood-red eyes, scarlet hair, and crimson robes, he truly looked like an asura!

    Sure enough, the asura incarnation was very malevolent.

    However, in Gu Zuo¡¯s opinion, this kind of big brother&#k2026;was incredibly handsome.

    Although Tianheng, who had certain aspects of his character magnified, was no longer as wless and immacte as when he was in his main body, the beauty of his ws was particrly attractive, making him an unforgettable sight to those who looked at him.

    Gu Zuo silently rubbed his face.

    Maybe this was kind of like the saying that bad boys...were attractive, right?

    Just when Tianheng¡¯s figure transformed into a bloody shadow and shuttled around the room where one person seemed to turn into a dozen people, therge doors of the Martial Arts Practice Field were mmed open by a surging force!

    Boom!

    Under this great force, a silhouette rushed forward like a ferocious beast. This person¡¯s momentum was like a p of thunder, and their figure moved like wind and fire. As the sound of the air breaking echoed out, the space within the Martial Arts Practice Field seemed to be torn asunder!

    The pupils of Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes suddenly shrank.

    What enormous strength and terrifying speed!

    At this moment, the bloody shadow abruptly shed over with simrly extreme speeds. First, the main part of that force was allowed to pass by. Immediately following which, the bloody shadow whirled around, and struck out with a palm. Faintly visible Blood Palms continuously erged and thickened, firmly catching the remaining might of that force.

    Right after that, a number of blood des burst forth like howling winds and torrential rains, wanting to cut down the iing person. Though, this individual clearly wasn¡¯t easy to deal with. They swiftly fought back. Each fist shadow seemed to contain the power of a meteorite, exploding with unparalleled and domineering punching strength!

    In a short couple of rounds, the confrontation between both sides ended.

    Tianheng shed his fingers in front of himself, and a surging river of blood separated the two.

    Soon after, his voice resounded: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang.¡±

    With Gu Zuo¡¯s psychic power, he was able to recognize the new arrival when both of them started to spar. A slender figure, an imposing aura as fierce as a saber, eyes glinting with violence and simplicity, fair and clear skin, and short, spiky hair.

    This ck-clothed person, whose female body was even more handsome, heroic, and taller than most men, was Huang Ji!

    After Huang Ji joined the Ardent Earth Pce Hall, he didn¡¯te out again. Now, it seemed that he also went to participate in the battles of the Prodigy Monument. In addition, it looked as though he had be even more warlike after entering that pce hall.

    Gu Zuo wore a smiling expression, and called out: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang, long time no see!¡±

    Once these words were uttered, several people who had been standing at the entrance to the Martial Arts Practice Field all happened to show wry smiles on their faces.

    Tianheng and Huang Ji shed over, arriving next to Gu Zuo with one on the left and the other on the right.

    Huang Ji nodded his head: ¡°Long time no see. You guys are doing well.¡±

    Gu Zuoughed and said: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s strength has improved so quickly.¡±

    In the past, Huang Ji had been a high Immortal Realm, andter on, he advanced to the peak of his realm. Currently, he already had the strength of a low Atomic Realm following some training in the Ardent Earth Pce Hall. But at this point, his big brother¡¯s asura incarnation and main body were both mid Atomic Realms. Judging from the battle between the two just now, in terms of speed, his big brother still suppressed Huang Ji. However, in terms of power, the asura incarnation seemed slightly weaker than Huang Ji.

    Huang Ji made so much progress in a short period of time, which showed that the Ardent Earth Pce Hall¡¯s nurturing of him wasn¡¯t weak.

    Moreover...when he came here, he was apanied by his fellow pce hall disciples.

    Gu Zuo turned his head, and looked at the four people at the entrance.

    All four of them were tall and robust. They looked quite different from Huang Ji. Their strengths were at the peak of the Celestial Realm, but their ages disqualified them from participating in thepetition of the Prodigy Monument. As such, their purpose ining here should¡¯ve been to protect Huang Ji and gain some insights ¡ª Perhaps, they intended to observe the collision of prodigies and burst forth with their ownprehensions.

    These few people looked at Gu Zuo and Tianheng, smiling with some embarrassment: ¡°Pardon the intrusion... Little junior sister was discourteous.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and said: ¡°We made friends with Senior Sect Brother Huang many years ago. He can get in touch with us as he pleases, so he didn¡¯t act discourteously at all. On the contrary, today is my first time meeting these senior brothers. I¡¯m grateful for the care everyone has given to Senior Sect Brother Huang. This Gu is a pharmacist. I hope you won¡¯t refuse my meager gifts.¡±

    While speaking, he handed over several bottles.

    The expressions of these men were a little conflicted.

    The majority of the martial artists who cultivated in the Ardent Earth Pce Hall had rtively straightforward personalities. In the past, due to the particrity of their body cultivation methods, the female disciples who came to the Ardent Earth Pce Hall could be counted on one hand. Basically, they either perished or became elders. And this time, it was a rare asion for another one to arrive. At first, everyone was quite happy ¡ª Let alone flirting with their junior sister, at least this would warm the heart and delight the eyes!

    Unexpectedly, the neer was a junior sister, but in the end, this junior sister addressed herself as a junior brother. She was even crazier than them when it came to practicing martial arts, and when sheunched a whirlwind of attacks, she was even more brutal than ferocious beasts!

    This wasn¡¯t the junior sister of their fantasies who might¡¯ve been just a little bit aggressive!

    Most of all, this junior sister... She wasn¡¯t the least bit interested in men. In addition, she believed that she liked women!

    Even if they wanted to flirt with her, it waspletely impossible.

    Hence, the senior brothers of the Ardent Earth Pce Hall often hypnotized themselves into thinking that this junior sister¡¯s name was ¡°Junior Brother Huang.¡± Who would¡¯ve expected that, aftering here, they would meet the old friends this junior sister had known before. What¡¯s more, those old friends all addressed junior sister as senior brother! Didn¡¯t that feel weird?

    Ah, the world was so big and full of wonders...

    However, this kind of conflicted feeling was quickly suppressed by them. They still respected the pharmacist who could follow the all-star prodigy. Moreover, the meeting gifts given by the other party were small jade bottles, which obviously contained medicinal pills that they could use! As a result, they took it directly, and cheerfully said: ¡°Many thanks, Pharmacist Gu.¡±

    Gu Zuo smiled and gave a reminder: ¡°Senior brothers, you can take them as soon as possible. These pills should be of some use.¡±

    Thepetition of the Prodigy Monument would begin in a few days, and it wasn¡¯t known howplicated the crowd would be by then. If these senior brothers could break through to the Noble Realm before that, then their safety would be even more assured.

    These big men listened and nodded their heads. In any case, since the other party said that, he was certainly confident. As such, it wouldn¡¯t be troublesome for them to take out the pills for a look.

    Thinking up to here, they straightforwardly opened the jade bottles in front of Gu Zuo, and poured the pills onto their palms. After that, they discovered that each of the four people¡¯s pills had different colors.

    Though, the different colors weren¡¯t important. The point was that the pill fragrance emitted by the medicinal pills was incredibly astonishing. The instant they smelled this fragrance, they had the feeling that their bottlenecks had loosened somewhat ¡ª If just a whiff was like this, then what about swallowing the pills?

    What was even stranger was that all four of them felt that the pills in their hands not only loosened their realms, these pills gave them a fitted and well-matched sensation. This kind of sensation was usually experienced when they encountered a medicinal pill that was particrly suitable for their body¡¯s attributes. Even the ones they came across in the past didn¡¯t give them as deep a feeling as the pills in their hands now!

    All of a sudden, one man raised his pill close to his eyes, and looked carefully. After that, he was given a shock: ¡°This is a wless pill?¡±

    Perhaps, without aparison, it would¡¯ve been difficult to determine the difference between grade ten and grade eleven pills, but grade twelve wless pills had no impurities at all. In other words, the scent didn¡¯t have a trace of decay or spoge, which was the best indication to distinguish!

    The other three people examined their medicinal pills and were surprised to find that they were all wless pills!

    This was unimaginable!

    Such meeting gifts were actually called meager?

    Following this, the group of forthright people couldn¡¯t help thinking: If these really are meager gifts, doesn¡¯t that mean the wless pills in this pharmacist¡¯s hands also aren¡¯t considered too rare?

    In an instant, their gazes became passionate when they peered at Gu Zuo.

    The light in Tianheng¡¯s eyes darkened. He reached out and pulled Gu Zuo behind himself.

    Upon seeing this, the four big men were taken aback, and revealed slightly apologetic looks.

    They thought that their gazes were too enthusiastic, which caused this all-star prodigy to mistakenly believe that they wanted to poach his personal pharmacist. Naturally, they wanted to rify this misunderstanding at once. In fact, they were at most only thinking about it. In the future, they hoped to have more opportunities to exchange for wless pills from this pharmacist.

    Tianheng nced at them before withdrawing his gaze. It was just that the qi emissions around him still seemed treacherous and abnormal, which was a hair-raising sight in the hearts of onlookers.

    On the contrary, after Huang Ji saw the four medicinal pills that Gu Zuo presented as gifts, he spoke to those big men: ¡°Try them.¡±

    The men looked at each other in dismay.

    After that, they no longer resisted. Immediately sitting down cross-legged, the pills in their hands were stuffed into their mouths.

    The instant those pills entered their mouths, a warm current surged down their throats and quickly circted throughout their bodies. This terrifyingly powerful energy filled each meridian and every inch of flesh. It made them almost feel as though their bodies were breaking apart. There was even a dull ache in their qi oceans!

    Such strong medicinal power!

    At the same time, a prative sensation rushed straight to their Tianfu Acupoints, causing their consciousness to be iparably clear in a split second. That Noble Realm barrier, which had been shackling them for a long time, was continuously thinned under the scouring of this power. With just a little more strength, they couldpletely shatter that barrier!

    Not only was the medicinal power strong, the speed it disseminated was incredibly fast!

    Tianheng and the others watched the four people¡¯s reactions, and saw how their expressions sometimes switched between pained and delighted, and their appearances changed between profusely sweaty and fully flushed. But in the end, everything transformed into rising streams of warm qi over the tops of their heads. It was clear that the medicinal power reacted violently. It probably wouldn¡¯t be long before all of the medicinal power was absorbed and these four men smoothly broke through!

    Sure enough, from beginning to end, the total time only approached two hours. After producing a series of explosive sounds, a thickyer of filth seeped out of their bodies ¡ª This was the pill poisons and impurities left behind by the insufficiently-pure pills they swallowed in the past. In the process of this single instance of taking a wless pill to break through, all of it was excreted out of the body! Shortly thereafter, the four people¡¯s imposing auras suddenly soared, and everyone¡¯s strengths underwent earth-shaking changes.

    They had already seeded in reaching the low Noble Realm!

    Subsequently, the four opened their eyes at nearly the same time. Their gazes burst forth with balls of divine light, and their entire bodies were glowing with health and vigor. Their qi emissions were many times stronger, and gave others an intense suppressive might.

    Sensing their own strengths, they couldn¡¯t help but show joy on their faces. When they looked at Gu Zuo once more, there was gratitude and excitement in their eyes: ¡°Many thanks for helping us seed, Pharmacist Gu!¡±

    Gu Zuo waved his hand: ¡°What¡¯s this about helping to seed? Originally, these senior brothers already reached this realm, so a breakthrough would¡¯ve been as natural as water passing through a channel.¡±

    The four men were outspoken and straightforward: ¡°Without these realm-breaking medicinal pills, who knows how much time and hard work it would¡¯ve taken for us fellow brothers. We can¡¯t thank you enough!¡±

    Gu Zuo didn¡¯t argue with them, and only spoke a round of ¡°You¡¯re wee¡¯s.¡±

    Off to the side, Huang Ji said: ¡°If I need medicinal pills in the future, can I exchange for them with you?¡±

    Gu Zuo turned to look at him, and nodded with a smile: ¡°Of course, you can. I¡¯ll certainly prioritize the refining of any medicinal pills Senior Sect Brother Huang needs.¡±

    Huang Ji nodded his head: ¡°Tell me what you want, and I¡¯ll find it for you.¡±

    Gu Zuo naturally agreed again.

    With the help of a few pills and a quick spar, the rtionships between both parties became much closer.

    The members of the Ardent Earth Pce Hall didn¡¯t have cunning plots or sinister intentions. To put it simply, they belonged to the category of simple-minded people with well-developed muscles. Huang Ji got along with them, and Gu Zuo and Tianheng had no ill feelings toward them.

    In the following days, the people of the Ardent Earth Pce Hall reciprocated by assisting Huang Ji and Tianheng in their training. Their way of helping was to suppress their strengths to the Atomic Realm and spar with the two separately.

    No matter how much a Noble Realm elite suppressed their realm, their own experience and capability would be superior under normal circumstances. Thus, the high standards and strict requirements forced the two of them to adapt to even stronger opponents.

    After this bustling period of time, the strengths of Tianheng and Huang Ji improved greatly. Huang Ji¡¯s movements were simpler and nimbler, and he was more decisive when fighting against others. Meanwhile, Tianheng went from dealing with one person to two people to several people, and from acting as a solitary powerhouse, he adapted to the rhythm of one unit picking off a group of adversaries.

    Through the replenishment of many Blood Poison Pills, not a single person noticed the slightest difference in his body after the massive consumption of energy.

    Time passed without realizing it.

    Among those from Ten Ultimates Sect who were participating in this time¡¯s Prodigy Monumentpetition, the one with the highest expectations was naturally Tianheng. After all, his identity as an all-star prodigy was put on disy here. However, this didn¡¯t mean that there weren¡¯t others, nor did it mean that no one else besides him was favored.

    Once Huang Ji came, there were three other people who arrived one after another.

    These three people were nurtured by Ten Ultimates Sect for a long time, and all of them were thirty-something years old. There were two men and one woman. As for their realms, they were at the Atomic Realm. Although, what was more shocking was the only woman, Xie Yayun. She appeared delicate, but her realm was actually the highest, reaching the peak of the Atomic Realm! There was just a single step to attain the Celestial Realm, and she would¡¯ve participated in the Celestial Realmpetition. With her current state in the Atomic Realm, there were many prodigies who could be swept away by her.

    Because they had long heard about Tianheng¡¯s distinguished name and saw that his strength had reached the Atomic Realm, the three of them were quite polite to him. Simrly, the extraordinary momentum of Huang Ji, who came to join the battles, made them think highly of him, too.

    After these five prodigies got acquainted with one another and gained an understanding, the final two days passed by.

    On this day, they dashed into the sky and rushed toward the shores of the sea region, just below the Prodigy Monument.

    In that ce, numerous terrifying qi emissions were soaring...

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 509 - Leaving Oneâ€™s Name Upon The Auxiliary Tablets

    <h4>Chapter 509 - Leaving One¡¯s Name Upon The Auxiliary Tablets</h4>

    Gu Zuo looked over, and saw many familiar people.

    First of all, there were those who attracted the most attention. For example, the Sun God Church¡¯s Mu Yefeng, Flying Cloud Pce¡¯s Gao Hongyu, Heavenly Saber Mountain¡¯s Rong Dao, and Star Point Temple¡¯s Tantai Lianxing. Their imposing auras were the most terrifying, but there were quite a few unfamiliar faces who were just as terrifying as them. Although, it couldn¡¯t be said that there were none stronger than them either.

    The qi emissions of Divine me City¡¯s Huo Li, who had been miserably defeated by Gongyi Tianheng at that time, were even more powerful now. In addition, there were less talented prodigies like Qi Xuanao, Fan Meng, and Bao Hong. On top of that, familiar folks like Prince Zhou, the Third Prince of Zhao, and Young Master Xin were here as well...

    Of course, Gu Zuo also caught sight of the Ice Phoenix Goddess, who had thoroughly disgusted him back then ¡ª That thief actually came to participate in the Prodigy Monument¡¯spetition, too?

    In short, it really was a grand event. The number of prodigies was uncountable, and the qi emissions were fierce and violent. It was certainly going to be a battle between giants.

    Once Tianheng appeared, a dozen or so gazes promptly fell upon him.

    After seeing Tianheng¡¯s face clearly, these eyes were filled with a hint of surprise. Shortly thereafter, they became vignt.

    Gu Zuo inwardly thought: These prodigies probably think that big brother has practiced an unusual body cultivation method, right? As a result, they believe that big brother¡¯s strength has risen dramatically, and they¡¯re guarding against him. But this isn¡¯t the case at all. On the contrary, big brother¡¯s strength has been reduced somewhat because he¡¯s only an incarnation...

    On the other hand, Tianheng was calm andposed. Hisplexion was tranquil and serene as usual.

    However, no matter how calm he appeared right now, his temperament was still strange. The blood patterns on his face were enough to spark restraining fears in many people¡¯s hearts.

    Gu Zuo stood beside Tianheng, and together with Huang Ji and the other Ten Ultimates Sect prodigies, they quietly waited on the other side of the Prodigy Monument.

    When everyone was present, this great battle would officially begin!

    Just as nearly an hour passed, the breaths of the numerous prodigies hitched. There was a type of sensation that was almost indiscernible, but once it burst forth, it would inevitably shatter the earth and rm the heavens.

    All of a sudden, a tall and dignified man with youthful appearances was standing at top of a mountain by the beach. Overlooking the scene below, he addressed the crowd of prodigies: ¡°For the battles of the Prodigy Monument, those who can leave their names on the auxiliary tablets may take part in the arena fights. Otherwise, you will be eliminated!¡±

    Once these words were uttered, three stone tablets rose up from the ground around the three-hundred-meter tall Prodigy Monument. Each stone tablet was also three hundred meters tall, and shone with faint rays of light.

    That young man continued: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, you may carve your tablets!¡±

    Following the situation, he reached out and pointed his finger. At the summits of those three stone tablets, the characters for ¡°Immortal,¡± ¡°Atomic,¡± and ¡°Ascendant¡± emerged.

    The crowd of prodigies immediately understood.

    As it turned out, what they currently needed to do was to carve their identities on those stone tablets. If they couldn¡¯t go up and carve anything, then they basically weren¡¯t worthy of the title of prodigy and wouldn¡¯t be able to join in this grand event, which only prodigies could participate!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Could it be that they have to go up and write their own names?¡±

    This time around, the ones who came over were Elder Liu, Huang Ji¡¯s senior brothers, and several powerhouses who were garrisoned here. This wasn¡¯t only for protection, but to continue serving the prodigies.

    Seeing Gu Zuo¡¯s puzzlement at this moment, Elder Liu exined for him: ¡°It definitely isn¡¯t to write anything down. Instead, the prodigies have to stand below those auxiliary tablets, leap upwards, and mark them with a palm print.¡±

    Gu Zuo slightly nodded his head: ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡±

    Soon after, he saw that three prodigies walked out and arrived in front of the three stone tablets. As they leaped, their bodies lifted upwards!

    However, at this time, Gu Zuo let out a sound of surprise.

    Although pharmacists could only perform simple maneuvers in the air following the Xiantian Realm, he knew what normal martial artists could do. But now, the prodigies soaring beneath the stone tablets seemed to have barely raised their bodies to the level they should¡¯ve reached &#k2014; When they suddenly fell down as if they had been struck by arge hammer!

    How odd...

    Yet, since the very beginning, Gu Zuo had felt that something wasn¡¯t quite right. This was because, regardless of which realm, a martial artist capable of riding the winds absolutely wouldn¡¯t be limited to three hundred meters when soaring through the air. Thus, wouldn¡¯t the summit of a three-hundred-meter tall stone tablet be covered with all kinds of identities? Now that he thought about it, this was highly unlikely.

    As such, there had to be a restriction.

    Sure enough, Elder Liu dispelled his doubts again: ¡°In front of the Immortal Stone Tablet, gravity is two times stronger than normal. In front of the Atomic Stone Tablet, gravity is ten times stronger. And in front of the Ascendant Stone Tablet, gravity is fifty time stronger.¡±

    Naturally, this kind of restriction would make it easier to detect a martial artist¡¯s true levels of achievement. After all, once one was in the air, the higher one flew, the more it took to resist gravity, making it even harder to endure.

    Listening up to here, everyone understood things more clearly.

    At this point, the performance records of the three prodigies who stood out first were also disyed.

    The first one at the Immortal Stone Tablet climbed thirty meters.

    The second one at the Atomic Stone Tablet climbed twenty-four meters.

    The third one at the Ascendant Stone Tablet climbed fifteen meters.

    After these three prodigies withdrew, their expressions all changed.

    The highest they climbed on the three-hundred-meter tall stone tablets was no higher than thirty meters. How could they endure this kind of performance?

    At once, the three people¡¯s faces flushed and paled. They retreated into the crowd, and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Such an oue didn¡¯t only make these three prodigies ashamed and angry, it also caused the other prodigies to change their expressions.

    Most of all were those who recognized the three prodigies. They repeatedly spected on their own strengths. As for the ones who fought against the three prodigies, they also keptparing themselves and making ns.

    Gu Zuo was a little speechless: ¡°These auxiliary tablets are actually so difficult to climb?¡±

    Off to the side, Elder Liu said: ¡°If they weren¡¯t prodigy-level martial artists, they probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to even ce down their hand prints. To be capable of reaching twenty-four and thirty meters, these prodigies are already not considered the weakest.¡±

    Gu Zuo shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m afraid that they don¡¯t have the same way of thinking.¡±

    Twenty-four meters and thirty meters... This only made these prodigies feel that they had lost an incredible amount of face.

    The ¡°pathfinding¡± of these three prodigies allowed the subsequent people toe up with certain ideas, and they acted more cautiously. They no longer hurried to take action. Rather, they adjusted their energies to improve themselves to their best states.

    Immediately following which, another three people walked out. Their expressions were dignified, and the lights shining from their eyes were aimed straight at the auxiliary tablets!

    The three utilized marvelous body techniques and abruptly moved towards the summits. Their breathing remained even, and it felt as though the bottoms of their feet were pushing against streams of air, allowing them to shoot up in an instant!

    The first person made it to twenty-one meters, twenty-four meters...thirty-six meters...fifty-four meters!

    The second person reached twenty-seven meters, thirty meters...fifty-four meters...sixty-nine meters!

    As for the third person, they ultimately got to sixty meters!

    Undoubtedly, the second batch of people had made sufficient preparations. Their achievements were much better than that of the first batch.

    Once theynded, perhaps due to the contrast of the first batch, although each of them felt their results left much to be desired, they slowly rxed their expressions and weren¡¯t as aggrieved as the previous people.

    Gu Zuo carefully observed and learned a few things.

    It appeared that one still couldn¡¯t rely solely on brute force to get through this thing.

    After that, Gu Zuo turned his head, and looked at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother, are you confident?¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°Actually, there¡¯s no harm in riding the wind and soaring through the air. However, after these people fall down, their energy will be depleted. If I do the same, the changes in my figure will probably be seen through.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart quivered.

    Ah, this was a problem!

    Indeed, it didn¡¯t matter to other people, but once his big brother¡¯s energy was used up, his entire body would be transparent! Before the main body returned, it would be better to not expose anything...

    Not good. They had to think of a way.

    Tianheng reached out and pressed on his shoulder. In a soft voice, Tianheng said: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. Let me think of a solution.¡±

    Gu Zuo silently nodded his head.

    Fortunately, there was still some time toe up with something.

    With one batch after another, prodigies of different realms went up to p their hands on the auxiliary tablets and leave their ¡°names.¡± As time passed, those with uncertain methods had no choice but to rush up.

    In this way, several people were eliminated. But at the same time, some ridiculous things took ce. One wouldn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    Just before, a prodigy soared into the air. When he jumped to the highest point he could reach, hisplexion suddenly turned deathly pale. After pping his palm and barely leaving a palm print on the auxiliary tablet, he fell from a great height. He was going to drop straight to the ground right before everyone¡¯s eyes! If he really fell down, not only would his muscles and bones suffer injuries, he would lose all face!

    Luckily, he didn¡¯te alone. Instead, he was apanied by several fellow disciples. Thus, someone swiftly went out to catch him, so that he didn¡¯t lose too much face. But even though it was like this, it was embarrassing enough.

    Upon seeing this, other prodigies hearts turned cold.

    At once, they each made their own ns, wanting to think of ways to prevent this kind of thing from happening.

    Afterwards, with the intelligence of these prodigies, they really thought of different methods.

    For example, there were prodigies who purely used their own strength to precisely control their internal qi, leaving themselves only a trace to control the flow of air and smoothly descend. Merely, this would inevitably prevent those people from being able to exert their full strength. Thus, there might be some regrets in one¡¯s heart.

    As another example, there were prodigies who held a qi-replenishing medicinal pill in their mouths, and temporarily isted it. After pping out a palm print, they promptly swallowed the pill. The power of the medicinal pill would momentarily surge and couldn¡¯t immediately restore their energy levels to their original states. However, it was still possible to provide a little energy to smoothlynd.

    At this time, Tianheng and Gu Zuo exchanged nces.

    Gu Zuo smiled: ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s a way!¡±

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°Ah Zuo is right.¡±

    Indeed, there was a way. Just like those martial artists who swallowed qi-replenishing pills, Tianheng only needed to keep a Blood Poison Pill in his mouth. Afterwards, his body could be restored in a split second, and others wouldn¡¯t notice any indication.

    Gu Zuo and Tianheng¡¯s thoughts were aligned, and both of them had this n in mind.

    Tianheng restrained his heart¡¯s desires. He reached out to rub Gu Zuo¡¯s earlobe, and slowly calmed down.

    Following that, one prodigy after another obtained their own results. Gradually, Gu Zuo watched several acquaintances pass by.

    First, it was that Third Prince of Zhao. Currently, he was an Atomic Realm martial artist. He extended a hand and left his identity at 117 meters on the stone tablet! Compared to the majority of people before, his achievement was a few points better.

    As for Young Master Xin, he left his mark at 108 meters on the auxiliary tablet, so he was somewhat weaker than the Third Prince.

    On the other hand, Prince Zhou went beyond the Third Prince¡¯s expectations. In a short while, he reached 174 meters. Among the numerous prodigies who had already tested themselves, his performance could be considered a top score.

    However, this top score didn¡¯tst for too long.

    This was due to what happened next. When Qi Xuanao and the others took action, most of them were between 150 and 180 meters. It could be said that, except for Prince Zhou, the other two people couldn¡¯tpare at all.

    Later on, it was Tantai Lianxing and the others. Among them, the one who marked the lowest reached 219 meters, and the highest reached 255 meters!

    From this, one could see their talents.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 510 - Big Brotherâ€™s Results

    <h4>Chapter 510 - Big Brother¡¯s Results</h4>

    It was just that, when all was said and done, the auxiliary tablets had heights of 300 meters. Merely reaching heights approaching 260 meters couldn¡¯t really leave these top-level prodigiespletely satisfied.

    Gu Zuo continued to watch. The prodigies with qi emissions that were slightly stronger than these people were taking action. They attained scores as high as 267 meters. It could be said that such a position was above and beyond many prodigies!

    At this time, a rather tall young man suddenly emerged from the crowd. His figure abruptly shot upwards like a cannonball. After that, he delivered an explosive palm strike!

    Upon the stone tablet of the Atomic Realm, he reached 276 meters!

    Unlike those highly-anticipated prodigies before, although the young man was also a favored son of heaven, no one had ever heard of his name or reputation. One could say that he was a new face.

    And once this young mannded on the ground, he let out a sneer: ¡°All of you are trash!¡±

    Right away, a number of prodigies were outraged: ¡°What did you say?!¡±

    The young man ridiculed: ¡°All of you are said to be famous prodigies, but you can¡¯t even reach a mere 270 meters. What else are you if not pieces of trash? You should quickly give up the resources the sects provided you, and hand them over to others who aren¡¯t garbage!¡±

    This kind of ability to incite hatred and such a foul mouth ¡ª Even in Gu Zuo¡¯s whole life, this was a rare sight.

    Nothing else had to be mentioned. After this person made such a mockery of them, all of the prodigies on the scene would remember him. Following this matter, it was even more likely that countless prodigies would look for him and take action!

    One ought to know that, even though the heights of the names left behind on the auxiliary tablets were different, having the highest name didn¡¯t mean that someone was the strongest. They just had to wait until the battlester on!

    As one could well imagine, when this young prodigy entered the arena, he would be targeted by attacks from all sides. He definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to get his desired oue.

    However, at this time, everyone could only suffer in silence and swallow their anger.

    Besides, whose fault was it that the achievements of the current prodigies couldn¡¯t surpass 270 meters? Being unable to suppress this young man, it was only natural that they had no choice but to ept the other party¡¯s ridicule.

    At this moment, several prodigies with slightly inferior willpower looked to the few who hadn¡¯t struck the stone tablets yet.

    Almost all of these prodigies were at the Atomic Realm.

    The fact of the matter was that the Atomic Realm martial artists were always the most numerous in everypetition of the Prodigy Monument.

    Just when Gu Zuo wanted to let his family¡¯s big brother go next, a quiet and exquisite girl gracefully walked out from the other side. Herplexion was stunning, her temperament was clear and cold, and the pupils of her indifferent eyes seemed to be eternally frozen... Who else could this proud daughter of heaven be if not that roach-like Ice Phoenix Goddess?

    Gu Zuo was looking at the Ice Phoenix Goddess, and loathing shed in his eyes.

    This woman¡¯s behavior was vile, the Cuckoo Body was despicable, and it was suspected that there was a huge conspiracy behind her. Previously, he and big brother handed this matter to the Blood Transformation Pce Master to handle. The pce master naturally wanted to conduct an investigation before doing anything else, but they didn¡¯t know the results of this investigation.

    Though, it could be assumed that the results were unsatisfactory. Otherwise, this woman would¡¯ve been exposed long ago. How could she have been allowed to live freely and break through to the Atomic Realm?

    After suppressing many trains of thought, Gu Zuo watched as the Ice Phoenix Goddess walked out and faintly nodded her head to everyone: ¡°This little sister will give it a try.¡±

    As these words fell from her lips, her body was like a white crane as she floated up. Then, she rose into the air at great speeds like a billowing cloud. The elegance of her posture and the smoothness of her qi emissions were rare sights.

    Before long, the Ice Phoenix Goddess was already approaching the summit of the auxiliary tablet. After that, she her palm was as light as a feather as she patted the stone tablet. Then, her entire person gracefullynded. Standing quietly, she really looked like a celestial fairy of peerless charm&#k2026; Among the numerous beauties present, only her immacte chill and Tantai Lianxing¡¯s enigmatic mystery could attract the attention of outstanding prodigies the most.

    Seeing this, Gu Zuo felt even more disgusted.

    Showing off in this way, the thoughts in this woman¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t have been seen through more clearly by him!

    He only hoped that the other prodigies didn¡¯t fall for it.

    And yet, when Gu Zuo looked at the stone tablet, the pupils of his eyes constricted.

    285 meters!

    Unexpectedly, she was able to climb to this height!

    In other words, based on the stone tablet of the Atomic Realm, there would be many twists and turns during the battles ahead.

    For the stone tablet of the Immortal Realm, the highest that people reached was 267 meters. The same was true for the stone tablet at the Ascendant Realm.

    While there were more twists and turns for the Atomic Realm, it seemed that it would also be more interesting.

    After the performance of the Ice Phoenix Goddess, the gazes of the young prodigies looking at her became burning hot.

    Indeed, the youngdy, whose appearance had been stolen by the Ice Phoenix Goddess, possessed amazing looks that had no equal. Even though this Mu Baizhi was nothing more than counterfeit goods, she was still brilliant and beautiful, which caused others to admire her.

    Then, there was this woman¡¯s stolen aptitude. The moment she appeared and showed off, those prodigies felt that she was worthy of marriage. One day, they would dual cultivate with her, and both sides would certainly be able to advance their realms. In the future, breaking through to the Cosmic Realm and even the Lesser Emperor Realm seemed like only a matter of time!

    That young prodigy, whose mouth was filled with mockery just a while ago, furrowed his brows.

    Surprisingly, someone suddenly appeared who could soar to 285 meters?

    Though, there still wasn¡¯t too much shame on his face, and the sneering expressions from many other prodigies couldn¡¯t shake him. It was just that, when he looked at Mu Baizhi, he attached a little more importance to her.

    Only Gu Zuo raised the rms in his heart.

    Mu Baizhi¡¯s background had be so terrifying. He was afraid that she had devoured at least one prodigy. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been impossible for her to break through to the Atomic Realm!

    They couldn¡¯t allow her to continue growing!

    But despite knowing this, without the evidence in hand, it still couldn¡¯t be done... Speaking of which, the time it would take would certainly be longer.

    At this moment, the timber of Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s voice was a low growl that resounded in Gu Zuo¡¯s Tianfu Acupoint: ¡°Ah Zuo, if you hate this woman, I¡¯ll kill her for you once I meet her in the arena battles.¡±

    Gu Zuo hastily said: ¡°With her strength, she must have umted a lot by now...¡±

    Tianheng softly chuckled: ¡°What is Ah Zuo anxious about?¡±

    Gu Zuo nked: ¡°There¡¯s no need to be anxious?¡±

    Tianheng resisted the desire to hold Gu Zuo in his arms, and spoke in a constrained voice: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Once he finished talking, he also walked out.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. Tianheng hadn¡¯t left his name on the stone tablet yet.

    Gu Zuo recovered his thoughts, and sincerely said: ¡°Big brother, you can do it!¡±

    Tianheng smiled: ¡°Ah Zuo, rest assured.¡±

    After Tianheng walked out, the lines of sight ced on Mu Baizhi were redirected towards him.

    However, even though his graceful bearing was outstanding, the patterns on his face were strange, which formed a bizarre type of charm. And because of Mu Baizhi¡¯s previous performance, although a few people still attached great importance to him, the other prodigies didn¡¯t think his abilities were above that of Mu Baizhi.

    Huang Ji and the other three from Ten Ultimates Sect had already gone up. Huang Ji had been able to achieve 222 meters, but the remaining three people only reached between 180 and 210 meters.

    Among them, when Huang Ji achieved such a result, there was only a sh of stern light in his eyes and the battle intent in his heart became even stronger. However, the other three were a little ashamed of themselves. At the same time, they were the ones amid the crowd who were looking forward to Tianheng¡¯s performance the most ¡ª They only hoped that this all-star prodigy could suppress the others and win face for Ten Ultimates Sect!

    At this moment, Tianheng stood beneath the stone tablet of the Atomic Realm. He slightly lifted his head, and looked up.

    Many names upied the tablet¡¯s surface. The lower one went, the more chaotic and disorderly the arrangements became. Likewise, the higher one went, the clearer and sparser the names appeared.

    After Tianheng kept a Blood Poison Pill inside his mouth, his body shed with a bloody light. His entire body was already soaring into the air and dashing straight upwards!

    In a split second, an enormous, surging force pressed down. It was almost as though it wanted to push him into the ground so that he couldn¡¯t more anymore.

    Sure enough, this ten-times gravity was truly extraordinary!

    It was like Tianheng was carrying a gigantic mountain. Every inch was hard-fought.

    No wonder so many prodigies could only fly 60 to 90 meters into the air. Even though they were well-prepared, they hadn¡¯t been able to soar up and were dejectedly eliminated.

    However, this pressure was nothing to Tianheng.

    If it was his main body, it naturally would¡¯ve been even easier for him. And though it was an incarnation, he wasn¡¯t in a difficult situation.

    Gu Zuo watched from below. His heart was a little tense.

    30 meters, 60 meters, 90 meters...

    In just a breath of time, Tianheng already reached higher than 90 meters!

    Upon seeing this, the other three Ten Ultimates Sect prodigies could tell that Tianheng still had some strength to spare. Their hearts couldn¡¯t help rxing, and they praised: ¡°If this continues, our Ten Ultimates Sect will no longer be weaker than the others. He truly deserves to be called an all-star prodigy. He¡¯ll definitely be able topete against the top prodigies of those gold-ranked organizations!¡±

    Xie Yayun breathed a soft sigh: ¡°It depends on Junior Brother Gongyi¡¯s final results.¡±

    Gu Zuo raised his head, and watched as his family¡¯s big brother continued to ascend.

    At this moment, Tianheng had already passed the 150-meter mark.

    Shortly thereafter, it was 180 meters, 210 meters, 240 meters!

    There were some prodigies who suddenly paid attention to this. They couldn¡¯t help opening their mouths:

    ¡°This fellow¡¯s achievements are impressive!¡±

    ¡°His momentum isn¡¯t weak. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s going to stop.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s at least a top prodigy!¡±

    ¡°When he reaches the 270-meter mark, there will be a degree of danger. Let¡¯s see if he can get through it...¡±

    In particr were Tantai Lianxing and the other prodigies who had besieged Tianheng, but failed to ovee him. With regards to Tianheng¡¯s final results, it could be said that they were filled with expectations.

    While they didn¡¯t want Tianheng to surpass them, they secretly hoped that this person wouldn¡¯t let them down ¡ª If he fell behind them, wouldn¡¯t it be more shameful to have lost in the first ce?

    When he was at the 270-meter mark, the enormous amount of gravity that could be tolerated before seemed to be strengthened many times over. However, this was merely the perception of many prodigies who reached their limits.

    The corner of Tianheng¡¯s lips curled up slightly. He had already crossed this distance. As he continued to soar upwards, he didn¡¯t slow down at all!

    276 meters...

    285 meters...

    He surpassed that Ice Phoenix Goddess, and went straight to the summit!

    Atst, Gongyi Tianheng abruptly pped out ¡ª

    299 meters!

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 511 - The Great Battles Begin

    <h4>Chapter 511 - The Great Battles Begin</h4>

    One would only see that he was less than three meters away from the summit of that stone tablet. Then, a blood-red palm print astonishingly appeared. As the palm print entered the auxiliary tablet, it burst forth with a surge of power and suddenly transformed intorge, molten-gold characters ¡ª Gongyi Tianheng!

    At this time, the Tiandu Body ascended above of many prodigies in the form of an incarnation!

    A look of excitement shed in Gu Zuo¡¯s eyes: ¡°As expected of big brother!¡±

    Though the incarnation was powerful, it had its ws. Even the incarnation was capable of climbing up 299 meters, so if the main body arrived and merged with the incarnation, big brother would certainly be able to ascend to the very top of the Prodigy Monument.

    Numerous prodigies couldn¡¯t help but reveal shocked expressions.

    They made attempts, so all of them knew that the higher one went, the more challenging the climb. This especially went for those prodigies who got close to the 270-meter mark. Later on, they discovered that there was an enormous barrier at 270 meters. Higher than that, there would be another barrier every three meters. As for the space between 297 and 300 meters, it was considered a forbidden zone.

    Tianheng reached 299 meters, which was already the extreme limit in their eyes... He far surpassed the prodigies of the three auxiliary tablets, and was the one with the greatest potential and talent.

    Numerous prodigies were incredibly shocked, especially those who had crossed paths with Tianheng. While they recognized that he was powerful and understood that the all-star prodigy was out of the ordinary, they were all prodigies. They never anticipated that Tianheng¡¯s talent would be so amazing.

    Right away, some people silently thought: Judging from Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strange appearance, he has probably mastered a frightening martial discipline. It¡¯s also likely that his fighting strength is considerable. But in the end, he isn¡¯t that old and his experience isn¡¯t necessarily sufficient. When the real battles begin, we might not lose.

    Naturally, there were others who were thinking that, if they defeated such a young prodigy, they could be famous and so forth.

    This only extended to those prodigies who were very confident in themselves. Even though their name-engraving performances on the stone tablets were somewhat inferior, they all had boundless fighting spirit and wanted topete with Tianheng.

    Nevertheless, Tianheng obeyed his teacher¡¯s order. He restrained his expression, and walked to Gu Zuo¡¯s side.

    His appearance remained unhurried. It was as though what he did just now was nothing more than an insignificant and trivial matter.

    Gu Zuo smiled at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother did great!¡±

    Tianheng looked at him with a gentle gaze. The bloody light in his eyes rippled like water: ¡°As long as Ah Zuo likes it.¡±

    At this moment, the results of the prodigies were already out. The one who stole the limelight was naturally Tianheng. Although there was that young man and the Ice Phoenix Goddess who engraved their names above the 270-meters mark, once Tianheng¡¯s record of 299 meters took ce, their scores lost any splendor.

    A hint of coldness shed in the Ice Phoenix Goddess¡¯ eyes.

    Meanwhile, that young man showed some resentful jealousy ¡ª Although he was quick to curb himself, it was still discovered by Gu Zuo¡¯s keen psychic power.

    Gu Zuo slightly furrowed his brows, and memorized this person¡¯s face.

    If this person participated in the battles of the Prodigy Monumentter on, he needed to let big brother pay close attention to this fellow. People¡¯s hearts were dangerous and sinister. They couldn¡¯t be careless around anyone who showed hostility!

    Soon, the young man standing at the top of the mountain spoke again: ¡°Those below 90 meters are in one group, those below 180 meters are in another group, and those below 270 meters are in thest group. For the time being, those at 270 meters and above are in the top three ranks.¡±

    Once these words were uttered, numerous prodigies were in an uproar, especially those whose name-engraving performances on the auxiliary tablets weren¡¯t good. All of them felt that this was extremely unfair. If it was a life and death battle, it probably wouldn¡¯t have turned out like this.

    But the young man didn¡¯t care about these outcries, and staunchly continued: ¡°The Prodigy Monument is 300 meters tall, and the name of one person can be etched every three meters. Among these, there will be 33 Immortal Realms, 33 Atomic Realms, and 34 Ascendant Realms. Now, in thispetition, each realm is divided into three groups. From the Immortal and Ascendant Realms, 11 people will be selected from each group. If there isn¡¯t enough people, the numbers will be filled in from other groups. As for the Atomic Realm, ten people will be selected from each group.

    ¡°Except for those defeated in the 90-meter groups, all other prodigies have one chance to issue a challenge. However, the losers of each group can¡¯t challenge the winners of the same group. Within these three major realms, the top three among the 33 finalists of the Immortal Realm can challenge the ranking of the 33 Atomic Realms, and the same applies to the Atomic Realm. The top three ranks can challenge the ranking of the 34 Ascendant Realms.

    ¡°Anyone defeated by a lower realm group will automatically drop one ce in the ranking. Everyone who is issued a challenged may not refuse the first two attempts.¡±

    After the rules of thesepetitions were announced, theining voices of those prodigies who felt it was unfair gradually stopped. Because it was obvious that if they had the ability, they would still have the opportunity to squeeze out the members of other groups. It didn¡¯t mean that the heights of their name-engravings were lowered, but they would definitely fall behind in the ranking.

    With such rules in ce, the three people who scored over 270 meters were temporarily ranked among the top three in the Atomic Realm. They didn¡¯t object too strongly because it was unknown whether these three could keep their top spots in the end.

    As Gu Zuo listened to these rules, he silently ruminated and felt that the rules were pretty good.

    At the very least, this saved his big brother a lot of energy. Moreover, under those challenge opportunities, he would be sufficiently tempered, too. By the time thepetition of the Prodigy Monument were over, everyone who participated in the battles ought to have improved greatly.

    Following this, numerous prodigies exchanged nces and dispersed.

    After the three enormous auxiliary tablets resolutely disyed their existences, they slowly sank back down into the ground.

    Then, the entirend along this shore let out peals of intense rumbling. The earth quaked as though the mountains were about to copse and thend torn apart.

    Tianheng gathered Gu Zuo in his arms, carried him, and rapidly rose high into the air.

    The other prodigies¡¯ reactions were also extremely fast, and simrly soared into the sky. All of the martial artists on the scene also flew upwards.

    Sure enough, the earth below underwent massive changes. Nine iparably gigantic tforms erupted from the depths of the ground! There were golden, transparent covers on the edges of the raised tforms. These were clearly the restrictions ced upon the structures. Their protective power was so strong that, even if all of the prodigies fought on the raised tforms, the outside world wouldn¡¯t be harmed in the least!

    nted behind these raised tforms, was an enormous iron banner. Written on the iron banner were the names of numerous prodigies.

    Down below, Gu Zuo could clearly see that the names were divided into groups based on the methods mentioned previously. Nine raised tforms, three for each major realm, and one for each group.

    In this way, nine battles can be watched at once. As such, the duration of the Prodigy Monument¡¯spetition would be shortened greatly, allowing the results toe out faster.

    Many prodigies moved.

    One would only heard the rustling of fabric in the wind. Everyone had returned to their respective positions and stood near their own raised tforms.

    Those martial artists watching from the sidelines didn¡¯t hesitate, and simrly surrounded the tforms. They prepared to observe the subsequent battles between these dragons and tigers.

    This grand event where prodigies would fight was also an opportunity for the weaker martial artists to improve their understanding. No one wanted to miss it!

    Tianheng carried Gu Zuo, and arrived in front of the first raised tform for the Atomic Realm.

    On this tform, the ones about topete were the rank of prodigies who left their names between 180 and 270 meters on the auxiliary tablet. Huang Ji and the other three prodigies of Ten Ultimates Sect were all at this tform!

    Just as several people stopped where they were, a prodigy stood on each of the nine raised tforms. Their expressions were grave and stern. They opened their mouths and said: ¡°Anyone who wishes to fight with me,e up to the stage!¡±

    As it turned out, in such battles between prodigies, no one was assigned someone else topete. Instead, as long as one had confidence, they could go up and fight. And in the end, because there was an opportunity to challenge, the consumption of strength would be gradually evened out. Basically, there was no unfairness ¡ª What¡¯s more, if a prodigy didn¡¯t have the strong perseverance to defeat a crowd by themselves, what kind of a prodigy was that?

    Hence, as soon as those nine prodigies made their provocations, nine people immediately stood up and jumped onto the tform.

    The next moment, the imposing auras of both sides suddenly exploded. There were saber lights and swords shadows. Power overflowed, and their fists created gusts of wind and their legs bulged with strength. In the split second that the prodigies started fighting in this ce, a great storm was set off!

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but close his eyes due to the impact of those imposing auras. Shortly thereafter, he was carried back by someone, and regained hisposure.

    The one who was brought him further away was naturally Tianheng. With this buffer, when he looked towards the raised tform again, he could see clearly and no longer withdrew like before.

    In fact, there was a cover of light on the tform, so nothing could hurt him at all. It was just that prodigies were prodigies in the end. Their strength was so powerful that he was caught off guard. He only took a nce and was intimidated.

    At this moment, Gu Zuo collected his thoughts. So long as those imposing auras didn¡¯t rush out, they would naturally be incapable of affecting him anymore.

    After that, Gu Zuo watched the battle carefully.

    Tianheng put his hands on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulders, and his gaze also fell onto the nine raised tforms.

    On the Immortal Realm tform, two prodigies were seen. One was holding a saber and the other was gripping a sword. Whenever their weapons shed, they constantly let out the sounds of screeching metal. Rays of light shone brightly on the surfaces of the saber and sword. It appeared every attack carried a streak of profound inspiration. With a few more nces, onlookers seemed to be assailed by saber lights and sword shadows.

    On the Atomic Realm tform, palm prints and fist energies burst forth, causing loud roars and rumbling booms. The two prodigies moved as fast as lightning, and their battle intent was boiling. They were practically fighting with their lives on the line.

    On the Ascendant Realm tform, the prodigies were like two gods. Every movement and gesture carried a surging, mighty force, and their attacks were terrifying to an extreme degree. Moreover, their eyes seemed to have apelling power, which also appeared to be a type of profound inspiration. Compared to what the group in the Immortal Realm revealed, it was a bit more mysterious.

    Gu Zuo watched with some excitement.

    He wasn¡¯t a martial artist. There was no way he could possess such terrifying strength as to collide head-on with his physical body and punch someone¡¯s flesh like these prodigies. It had to be said that this was a regret, but when he saw these fights right now, it was inevitable that some hot blood would well up in his chest.

    After that, Gu Zuo silently made a decision.

    He turned to look at Tianheng: ¡°Big brother...¡±

    Tianheng lowered his head to him: ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Ah Zuo?¡±

    Gu Zuo said: ¡°I¡¯m going to refine Sense Connecting Pills. Big brother, how about taking one with meter?¡±

    Tianheng stared nkly: ¡°Sense Connecting Pills?¡±

    He had never heard of this medicinal pill. Because he hadn¡¯t seen Gu Zuo¡¯s cultivation materials since he reached the golden level, he didn¡¯t know what product rank or function this medicinal pill had.

    Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed: ¡°I¡¯ll just...use big brother¡¯s blood and some medicinal ingredients to refine the pills and take them. Then, for a certain period of time, big brother¡¯s senses will be my senses...¡±

    As he spoke, he looked at the raised tform with some eagerness in his eyes.

    Tianheng understood in a sh: ¡°Ah Zuo wants to share senses with me so that he can experience what it¡¯s like when I battle others?¡±

    He thought about Gu Zuo¡¯s current age, and naturally understood what he was thinking.

    Gu Zuo nodded his head: ¡°Once big brother starts fighting, I should be done refining them.¡±

    He checked just a moment ago. Among the medicinal ingredients he previously stored inside the Divine Medicine Great Pce, he had just the ones he needed.

    Of course, Tianheng wasn¡¯t unwilling. He merely lowered his head and softly sighed: ¡°But Ah Zuo, what I have isn¡¯t blood right now...¡±

    Gu Zuo: ¡°...¡±

    He actually forgot!

    His big brother¡¯s asura incarnation didn¡¯t have blood!

    The n failed...

    Gu Zuo was a little dispirited.

    It seems that if he wanted to experience the feeling of exchanging blows with an elite, he had to wait until his big brother¡¯s main body returned. Who knew if he coulde back in time for the battles of Prodigy Monument?

    This whole event onlysted ten days to half a month...

    Tianheng didn¡¯t try tofort Gu Zuo. It was one thing that his main body hadn¡¯t returned, but he himself wasn¡¯t very optimistic about Gu Zuo¡¯s move.

    Although the Sense Connecting Pill was good, if he was injured many times during the battle, he would think nothing of it. However, if these sensations befell his little pharmacist, wouldn¡¯t it be too painful?

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 512 - The Main Body Awakens

    <h4>Chapter 512 - The Main Body Awakens</h4>

    Currently, it was probably inevitable that the asura incarnation would be injured during the battles. Once the main body returned and if Gu Zuo still had this idea in mind, then there wouldn¡¯t be any harm in refining the Sense Connecting Pills when the time came.

    Thinking up to here, Gongyi Tianheng slightly closed his eyes.

    At the same time, his consciousness had already got in touch with his main body.

    Immediately following which, Tianheng revealed a subtle expression.

    This was...

    In the endless void.

    A nude human figure floated in the middle of thisnd of deathly stillness. Under some kind of pulling force,rge areas of flesh and blood were growing backyer byyer on the originally skeletal frame. This allowed him to gradually be muscled and well-developed, revealing an almost perfect physique.

    It didn¡¯t take long for most of his body to fully grow. The surfaceyer of skin seemed to contain a luster of the primal chaos, which would give others an extremely mysterious feeling.

    Astonishingly, behind this human figure was the corpse of a colossal ferocious beast. Its length and height were unknown. It had the body of a goat and the face of a human. At the top of its head, there were two horns. It was malevolent and frightening.

    However, as the flesh regrew on the human figure, the gigantic beast¡¯s corpse slowly withered. The abundant flesh and blood became shriveled as through it was being drained away by something. The color and luster of the originally undamaged fur, which overflowed with a metallic glow in the void, was also darkened somewhat.

    At first, there was a wisp of radiance pulsing within the gigantic beast¡¯s eyes, but at this moment, that radiance dimmed until there was practically only a trace remaining... As for the upper portion of skin on that human figure, it was alreadypletely repaired. All that was left was the head, and flesh also began covering it.

    Poof!

    It was like a muffled sounding from the depths of the void ¡ª The light in the gigantic beast¡¯s eyes waspletely extinguished.

    At the exact same time, the face of that human figure gained a clear silhouette. In just a few breaths of time, it was revealed to be an extremely handsome visage.

    His temperament was clear and bright like a moon god.

    Soon after, this human slowly sat up. In the void, it was like he couldn¡¯t feel any other pressures as he quietly sat in front of this gigantic beast¡¯s corpse.

    No one could perceive that this man¡¯s dantian was linked to that gigantic beast¡¯s body. In the wake of this connection, the power and essence in the beast¡¯s body flowed through this link and entered his body. Not only was his flesh and bloodpletely repaired, the surplus of that enormous amount of energy rushed into one of the man¡¯s transparent qi oceans.

    In the blink of an eye, the qi ocean turned pure ck, and the manifestation of this qi ocean was instantly produced. Within this qi ocean, there seemed to be a huge whirlpool, spinning slowly and rhythmically with a terrifyingly powerful attractive force. It possessed an unquenchable thirst and a hunger that would never be filled... This was a transformation of the power of devouring. This was the power of the path of the hungry ghost!

    And in the depths of this whirlpool, there was a type of faint life force being nurtured. This was naturally another incarnation. It was just that it still couldn¡¯t separate from the main body yet.

    Without a doubt, this figure was the main body of Gongyi Tianheng, who had been unconscious in the void.

    He had sat up at this moment, but it wasn¡¯t necessarily because he woke up. However, the state of his body was already gradually recovering to its peak.

    At the same time, the qi emissions of the main body were constantly increasing.

    Mid Atomic Realm... High Atomic Realm... Peak Atomic Realm!

    Within the main body, only a thinyer of misty light remained from the fragments of primal chaos above the qi oceans. This power of chaos had prated his flesh, bones, and internal organs long when he was reconstructing his body. This strengthened his physical body to an unimaginable degree.

    Arge portion was incorporated into his qi oceans, further imbuing his internal qi with the aura of the power of chaos. The quality had undergone several mutations, and were by no meansparable to ordinary internal qi. Moreover, when performing martial skills and utilizing ultimate knowledge, the amount consumed was also smaller.

    In addition, he had a total of six qi oceans. If he engaged in a protracted battle with someone at the same or lower realm in the future, he would be able to sweep across the world and dominate in all directions!

    The six qi oceans were continuously broadening and deepening. The internal qi contained within them also possessed different colors and countenances. Some were strange and others were treacherous. Some where as brilliant as the noon-day sun, and others were as glittering as the sea of stars.

    Through the rotations of these qi oceans, the absorption speed of the gigantic beast in the back was quickening. The ck-colored qi ocean whirled even faster. Not long after, all that remained of the beast was its golden skeleton. In the void, it shone gloriously with a magnificent radiance!

    Atst, the main body suddenly opened his eyes. A divine light shed in that gaze.

    Ascendant Realm!

    With the addition of various forces and powers, amid the continuous operation of that body shaping method, and after countless energies were poured into him, Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s strength had finally broken through to the Ascendant Realm!

    And right now, he was no more than 24 to 25 years old.

    In just a few years, the strength of this all-star prodigy had risen again and again. He refined three incarnations, and his own foundations were iparably firm and vigorous. Nothing else had to be said. He wasn¡¯t afraid of anyone in the same realm!

    On the other side of things.

    The asura incarnation quietly rested his head on Gu Zuo¡¯s shoulder.

    Gu Zuo felt the weight on his shoulders. He originally thought that his family¡¯s big brother wasing to get intimate with him again. Although he was a little embarrassed, he had no intention of stopping him. However, he gradually realized that the warm breath that should¡¯ve been blowing on his neck slowly weakened until it was as soft as gossamer...

    He was startled right away: ¡°Big brother?¡±

    Gu Zuo still remembered to lower his voice, and didn¡¯t dare to draw other peoples¡¯ attention.

    However, Gongyi Tianheng didn¡¯t respond.

    Gu Zuo¡¯s heart was anxious. He quickly turned his head, only to find that his big brother had silently closed his eyes, seemingly asleep or...

    His breathing hitched. He hastily moved his finger to the end of big brother¡¯s nose and pressed his hand on top of big brother¡¯s chest. Shortly thereafter, he gave a long sigh of relief.

    Fortunately...

    There was still a trace of breath and a faint heartbeat.

    ¡ª Eh? That wasn¡¯t right.

    Gu Zuo suddenly reacted. This was big brother¡¯s incarnation. Heartbeats and breathing weren¡¯t necessary functions and couldn¡¯t be used as a basis for judgment!

    However, after he recalled the matter of the incarnation, he understood a little bit.

    Most of the consciousness of this incarnation had probably left this body. Only a small portion of the consciousness remained to control the incarnation to ¡°sleep¡± and fool other people.

    Following this, Gu Zuo remembered something and couldn¡¯t help bing somewhat excited.

    Could it be said that big brother¡¯s consciousness had already returned to the main body? Was the main body about to awaken?

    After that, he was concerned. He only hoped that there was nothing wrong with him.

    The rest of the people didn¡¯t know what happened. Several prodigies from Ten Ultimates Sect were alsopletely focused on watching the battles between prodigies and didn¡¯t pay attention to Tianheng¡¯s condition. The same went for even Huang Ji. Because he possessed the Heavenly Beast Body, his animalistic nature broke out and turned into powerful battle intent while watching the fierce fights. Only thosepeting prodigies were in his eyes.

    Gu Zuo silently grabbed one of the incarnations wrists and took a deep breath.

    If big brother was awakening, Gu Zuo hoped that he came back soon...

    The nude young man, who wasfortably sitting in the void, suddenly opened his eyes. The divine light in his eyes caused the temperament of his entire person to be even more serene, profound, and unmeasurable.

    He stood up while floating in the void, and turned around to look at the enormous, mountain-like skeleton.

    At this moment, Gongyi Tianheng already understood what had happened to him.

    What this corpse contained was a type of devouring energy. It was an insatiable hunger that had no limits, which was extremelypatible with the path of the hungry ghost in his body. After he was drawn into the void, the uniqueness of the qi ocean inside of him attracted the remnant instincts of the corpse. This caused the corpse to mistakenly believe that he was a descendant of its race, so it passed on all of its origin.

    At the same time, Tianheng also realized what this gigantic beast was called.

    It was a taotie.

    Among the primordial myriad races, apart from humans, many were beastly. And the taotie were a type of ancestor race that had vanished without a trace long ago from the primordial myriad races.

    When this ancestral race still existed, every member of this race was extremely powerful. It wasn¡¯t to say that this race could dominate the world, but it was due to their talents and capabilities ¡ª Namely, it was the terrifying devouring ability that made numerous races to keep their distance. When this talent was cultivated to the extreme, even the most powerful ancestor races had to back away to a degree. In other words, individuals of this race were originally among the strongest races, but their evaluation was lowered because their poption was too small. However, despite it being like this, the taotie race was extraordinarily united and couldn¡¯t be easily provoked by outsiders.

    T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 513 - Leaving the Void

    <h4>Chapter 513 - Leaving the Void</h4>

    It was unknown what happened afterwards. Perhaps, because it was difficult for the taotie to reproduce or due to some other reason, as the long river of time slowly flowed by, the taotie race disappeared without a trace. However, there was a corpse of an adult taotie in the void, which was also quite strange.

    Though, there was no need for doubt. This corpse was Gongyi Tianheng¡¯s opportunity.

    All of the essence in the taotie corpse had been absorbed by Tianheng, but the rest couldn¡¯t be wasted. The fur, horns, bones, and even eyeballs could be utilized.

    In fact, if the taotie hadn¡¯t stayed in the void for so long, and thus depleted most of its origin, and if Tianheng had unconsciously absorbed the entirety of its power, he would have burst from the overflow! It was on the basis that this was an adult king taotie, whose imposing aura was estimated to be close to the Lesser Emperor Realm when it was alive. That¡¯s right. Golden-colored horns were indicative of a king of the race.

    Presently, less than one-third of the origin remained, but it was enough for Tianheng to reconstruct his body and evolve his qi oceans. The rest was stored in his body. This also wouldn¡¯t cause any problems and would allow him to slowly digest it.

    Tianheng peered at the corpse, reached out, and made a grabbing motion. A pitch-ck bangle swiftly flew over, and was worn on his wrist.

    As a product of Human King Yan Ruo, it was something she couldn¡¯t bear to throw away until her death, so it was used as an item of inheritance. The quality was indeed extraordinary. Although this bangle had been eroded on many asions and was almost on the brink of danger, Tianheng had nevertheless woken up early enough. The bangle was just slightly deteriorated and could still be used.

    Without the slightest hesitation, Tianheng waved his hand and stored the enormous corpse inside the bangle.

    The corpse of a True Spirit Ancestor Race was too precious. Even if only a bundle of bone and skin was left, it would¡¯ve been sufficiently valuable. If this was exposed, the powerhouses of the Cosmic Realm, and even the Lesser Emperor Realm, would all covet it. It would be for the best that he properly concealed the matter, and waited until he was strong enough to take it out.

    After putting away these good things, Tianheng looked at his own palms. Immediately following which, he grabbed a robe from inside the bangle and carefully put it on.

    At this moment, standing in the void was a young prodigy, handsome withoutpare and temperament without equal.

    Tianheng took a single step. A beam of silvery-gray radiance suddenly appeared under his foot, and his figure promptly vanished from sight.

    Originally, Gu Zuo had been watching from the sidelines, but he was a little absent-minded at this time. No matter how exquisite and abstruse the moves of those prodigies up above, they no longer held Gu Zuo¡¯s attention.

    The only things that preupied his thoughts were&#k2026; What was happening to big brother? Was his main body really about to return? And was he really safe and sound?

    The simultaneous excitement and nervousness in his heart truly made it difficult for him to concentrate.

    All of a sudden, Gu Zuo realized that the wrist he held made a soft twitch.

    He was slightly startled, and realized that the palm had flipped over to sp his own hand, a person¡¯s tongue lightly danced over the hollow of his neck, and the head nestled against his shoulder lifted up: ¡°Ah Zuo.¡±

    Gu Zuo felt as though he had been relieved of a heavy burden, and couldn¡¯t help showing a smiling expression: ¡°Big brother, you scared me to death just now!¡±

    The asura incarnation gave a soft smile: ¡°No need to worry. My cultivation had reached a critical juncture, and relying on instinct wasn¡¯t enough. As a result, I had to pull my consciousness back to cross that important junction.¡±

    Gu Zuo breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°Big brother, your main body...¡±

    He felt that refining to a critical juncture probably meant that big brother¡¯s situation hadn¡¯t improvedpletely, so he was somewhat disheartened.

    Unexpectedly, Tianheng¡¯s incarnation responded: ¡°My main body has already awakened. I have left the void, and I¡¯m heading here now.¡±

    Gu Zuo was overjoyed: ¡°Really?!¡± After that, he was still concerned, ¡°But big brother, your consciousness has returned, so how is your main body going toe back?¡±

    How could one feel reassured when there was only a shell and a little bit of instinct and consciousness left?

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°Ah Zuo, don¡¯t worry. After leaving the void, the closer the distance between my main body and incarnation, the stronger my consciousness bes. My main body is riding on a wild bird to return to Ah Zuo¡¯s side.¡±

    When he left the void, he made a decision and found a ce closer to here. Then, he purchased a wild bird and rode on it.

    Following that, it was going to take about five to six days to arrive.

    Gu Zuo heard something extraordinary from Tianheng¡¯s words: ¡°Big brother left the void... Can you choose to do that on your own? That¡¯s not right. Big brother can leave the void?¡±

    In this world, only when someone reached the Royal Realm or higher would they barely be able to use the void for travel. When they reach the Cosmic Realm, they would be able to urately determine their spatial positioning. However, they would only be able to utilize the void in a small range. With big brother¡¯s current realm, how was he capable ofing and going through the void unobstructed?

    If he coulde and go freely, then...

    Tianheng knew that Gu Zuo would have such questions, and softly said: ¡°After my main body merged with the origin of a taotie in the void, I gained the ability to travel through the void. I was able to smoothly leave this time because of the pull of the power of chaos and due to the assistance of the surplus origin in my flesh. However, a lot of it has been used up. If I want to enter the void again in the future, I¡¯m afraid that I won¡¯t be able to break open the void barrier...¡±

    This was all a coincidence. No matter how much the Tiandu Body was envied by the heavens, under the situation that he hadn¡¯t borrowed any treasures, it was impossible for Tianheng to elevate himself to the Cosmic Realm in one fell swoop.

    The void was actually the space that formed the gap between a continent and the primal chaos. After breaking through this space, one could enter the primal chaos. However, because the void was very close to the primal chaos, there was a small amount of the power of chaos in this space. And this power of chaos was precisely the fragments inside Tianheng¡¯s body.

    This power of chaos, which had assimted into his internal qi, was within Tianheng¡¯s tolerance range. All of the injuries he sustained were due to the void turbulence. But with the fragments of the power of chaos protecting him, the turbulence couldn¡¯t take his life.

    When that adult king taotie was alive, its strength wasparable to that of a Lesser Emperor, and its origin naturally had the ability to traverse the void. Tianheng absorbed that origin and only had this ability for a short duration. Nevertheless, this required a huge consumption.

    It was also because Tianheng¡¯sprehension was exceptionally good. At first, this origin was intended to allow him to step into the Cosmic Realm more smoothly in the future and make it easier for him to understand the method of walking through the void. As it happened, after the origin poured into his body and at the moment of his recovery, he used that moment of enlightenment to sessfully escape from the void!

    Had this not been the case, even if Tianheng woke up, he would only be trapped in the void. The final oue would probably have the Blood Transformation Pce Master taking action and asking the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord to search the void for several years and find him.

    So to say, luck and other such things were really important... Tianheng¡¯s luck was truly in defiance of the natural order.

    After hearing Tianheng¡¯s exnation, Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat with some lingering fear: ¡°How dangerous.¡±

    Tianheng faintly nodded his head: ¡°One is bound for good fortune after surviving a great disaster. My present realm had a breakthrough, and I have already reached the Ascendant Realm.¡±

    Gu Zuo¡¯s words were sincere and heartfelt: ¡°Congrattions, big brother!¡± But when he looked at the raised tforms, his brows furrowed, ¡°Big brother¡¯s incarnation is still at the Atomic Realm, but the main body is already at the Ascendant Realm. Since the main body ising over, how can you directly rece the incarnation?¡±

    Originally, although the appearance of the incarnation was a bit strange, so long as the incarnation went out for a stroll when the main body arrived, they could naturally switch ces upon his return. By then, so long as he said that the residual effects of the body cultivation method had subsided, it would¡¯ve been fine.

    Now that the strengths of the main body and incarnation were different, the incarnation couldn¡¯t be reced in a natural manner when the main body came back. Suppose that the incarnation was the main body after concealing his strength. In this ce, who knew how many top powerhouses were hidden all over to observe the battles? To say that an Ascendant Realm martial artist had concealed himself in front of that many people, wasn¡¯t that a little too outrageous?

    Tianheng smiled and said: ¡°Ah Zuo, there¡¯s no need to make thingsplicated. At that time, I will just say that I refined a clone.¡±

    He pondered for a moment, and continued: ¡°Many people probably know about the matter of Yang Hu and that Ah Zuo ced a world-wide bounty for my sake, so why don¡¯t we just admit that I acquired the cloning technique from Yang Hu?

    ¡°Because the condition of my injuries was extremely heavy, I had been recuperating the entire time since my rescue. In addition, because my wounds were troublesome, and it wasn¡¯t known when I wouldpletely recover, I hastily refined a clone using that technique, asked my master to nurture it on my behalf, and had the clone participate in the battles of the Prodigy Monument in advance.

    ¡°And now that my main body will arrive, it¡¯s naturally because my injures havepletely healed. Moreover, as a blessing in disguise, my strength greatly advanced.¡±

    T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

 Chapter 514 - Huang Ji Goes Out to Fight

    <h4>Chapter 514 - Huang Ji Goes Out to Fight</h4>

    After hearing what his family¡¯s big brother said, Gu Zuo understood: ¡°Then, we¡¯ll just do as big brother says.¡±

    Soon after, he nced at the prodigies who were fighting like zing wildfires on the raised tforms. He couldn¡¯t help but ask: ¡°Now that big brother¡¯s realm has advanced, how will you fight on the tform... Should you go to the tform for the Ascendant Realm instead?¡±

    Ah, this was indeed a problem.

    Gongyi Tianheng was originally at the Atomic Realm, and it was normal for him to leave his name at the 299-meter mark on the stone tablet for Atomic Realms. He was ranked so high here, but once he went to the stone tablet for Ascendant Realms, it would be entirely different. It didn¡¯t matter if the incarnation was like this now, but when the main body returned, there would be a problem.

    Although, his breakthrough was sudden and unintentional...

    Tianheng chuckled: ¡°My incarnation is just at the Atomic Realm. Leaving my name on the auxiliary tablet for Atomic Realms is only to be expected. Once my main body returns, if others don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate, I will leave my name on the stone tablet for Ascendant Realms, too.

    ¡°As for now, I will first use my incarnation to battle the Atomic Realm prodigies. Once I¡¯ve saved my ce in the top three, I can challenge the Ascendant Realms. After my main body returns, I¡¯ll simrly challenge the Ascendant Realm powerhouses. How is this any different?¡±

    Gu Zuo thought about it, and nodded his head.

    It seemed...that this was reasonable.

    Once the decision was made, the two people¡¯s attention fell on the raised tform.

    These prodigies fought with extreme ferocity. The sounds of explosions and rumbles were unending. Every time someone took action, there would be spectacles that were close to copsed mountains and sundered earth. The countless types of extremely mysterious martial skills being fully put on disy left onlookers dazzled.

    On the other hand, while the momentum of the Immortal Realm side was much weaker, most of the prodigies of the Ascendant Realm were tyrannical and overbearing. Once several martial skills were used, their movements were too fast and the explosions were so powerful that many people could hardly see anything clearly. When reaching the Atomic Realm and above, the feelings one gave others were different.

    Each of the prodigies were rather young. Yet, themon ground between them was their robust umtion. This was due to their formidable foundations. Furthermore, they didn¡¯t move too fast as to be unable to make out many tricks. This allowed the audience to gasp at the spectacle, which was intoxicating to watch.

    Among them were Star Point Temple¡¯s Tantai Lianxing and the other four prodigies who participated in the qi vein fights and went a round with Tianheng. There were also several young powerhouses who seemed to havee from otherrge forces, and their performances were worthy of praise. If they were to face one another, the battlefield would definitely surge like a gathering storm as they fought to their hearts¡¯ content. However, if they encountered someone with inferior skills, they would only exert themselves a little bit and wouldn¡¯t show much of their abilities ¡ª This attitude of soft brush strokes and faint calligraphy was another kind of deterrence.

    As such, several days passed without realizing it. The majority of ranks had been determined, and there were very few prodigies who hadn¡¯t fought against each other. If they didn¡¯t go onto the raised tforms, they would certainly be rankedst.

    Finally, a figure suddenly appeared and stood upright on the tform.

    Their skin was fair and clear, and theirplexion was handsome and heroic. However, what attracted people¡¯s attention the most was that their imposing aura was sharp as a de. In addition, there was a faint, yet frenzied, undertone that caused one¡¯s heart to palpitate.

    Gu Zuo was stunned.

    It was Huang Ji!

    After watching for such a long time, this was the first time he took action. Was it because he was interested in challenging the prodigy who was standing on the tform?

    At this moment, the one on the raised tform was Prodigy Mu Yefeng of the Sun God Church, who easily imed victory from someone else just a while ago. His stature was tall and sturdy, his chest wasid bare, and his face, neck, and other ces were covered in a dense forest of ck hair. His figure was incredibly malevolent-looking. With a single nce, he seemed like a lone wolf, filled with a wild and unruly nature.

    Gu Zuo recognized this person. When Mu Yefeng fought over the qi veins back then, he had transformed into an extremely violent and fierce wolf. Though, in the previous match just now, he defeated the prodigy without transforming. It could be seen that he had be stronger, and his fighting strength had grown more impressive.

    After recognizing him, Gu Zuo knew why Senior Sect Brother Huang chose this prodigy. It was because this person could transform into a wolf. Senior Sect Brother Huang had the Heavenly Beast Body, which naturally had a reaction. Maybe it was like a case of old enemies?

    The facts weren¡¯t outside Gu Zuo¡¯s expectations. After Huang Ji went on the tform, that Mu Yefeng didn¡¯t care much at first. But when Huang Ji released a trace of qi emissions, Mu Yefeng¡¯s pupils suddenly changed into that of a beast. His head quickly snapped towards Huang Ji, brimming with hostility!

    As it turned out, this Mu Yefeng also had a special constitution. The physique he possessed was called the Heavenly Wolf Body!

    It could be said that the Heavenly Beast Body and Heavenly Wolf Body could restrain one another. The former could intimidate groups of beasts and had an animalistic nature. However, it also bore the enmity of wild beasts. Thetter was capable of transforming into an origin wolf. By devouring the blood essence of other origin wolves, it could increase the rank of subsequent transformations. However, after turning into an origin wolf, the Heavenly Wolf Body would be uncontrobly ravenous for the Heavenly Beast Body. Like a real origin wolf, it coveted the blood essence of the Heavenly Beast Body ¡ª It was only because this type of blood essence had a stronger impact on his advancement than that of the blood essence of other origin wolves!

    As one could well imagine, the Heavenly Beast Body viewed the Heavenly Wolf Body as an adversary, and the Heavenly Wolf Body wanted to devour the Heavenly Beast Body toplete itself... Thus, it wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that they were old enemies.

    Gu Zuo couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous for Huang Ji from the bottom of his heart.

    Between old enemies, Senior Sect Brother Huang was only at the low Atomic Realm, but Mu Yefeng¡¯s strength was already at the mid Atomic Realm. In a battle, Senior Sect Brother Huang¡¯s realm was inferior. He was worried that it would be somewhat dangerous...

    Just when he was thinking this, the two people on the raised tform had started fighting.

    As Huang Ji turned into a ghostly afterimage, he appeared by Mu Yefeng¡¯s side with a slightly arched body. Palms like knives and hands curled into fists, heunched dozens of attacks in the span of a split-second. This speed was so fast that it almost always left behind an afterimage, making it difficult for the prodigies to see things clearly.

    Mu Yefeng gave a cold scoff. He didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of lying low. His entire body leaped high into the air. When he dropped back down, he had already transformed into a gigantic wolf with a pair of wings on his back. His wolfish jaws opened and blew out a stream of air thatpletely swept away these fist sts and palm waves!

    Shortly thereafter, the wolf¡¯s maw let out a deep and low voice: ¡°Skills of no high order.¡±

    Huang Ji was calm and unhurried. After using those moves to sound out the opponent, he abruptly twisted his body. Before that airstream was about to rush in front of him, his body turned and shot out both fists ¡ª Boom!

    The airstream was sted away. Huang Ji opened his mouth again, and unleashed beastly roar¡ª

    This beastly roar appeared to contain a marvelous power that unexpectedly caused Mu Yefeng¡¯s body to stiffen momentarily.

    Huang Ji seized this chance. He slightly hunched down, and his form seemed like a ferocious beast. Using outrageous strength, he mmed into the wolf with explosive force!

    Following a loud bang, the enormous wolf known as Mu Yefeng was knocked back. The inside of his body let out cracking sounds.

    The beastly roar from the Heavenly Beast Body could intimidate the origin wolf transformed from the Heavenly Wolf Body!

    If Huang Ji¡¯s strength was just at the Immortal Realm, he probably would¡¯ve only been able to faintly destabilize the Atomic Realm Mu Yefeng. However, since he was in the same major realm as Mu Yefeng, this deterrent force was naturally somewhat stronger.

    Mu Yefeng didn¡¯t recognize that Huang Ji possessed the Heavenly Beast Body. He previously turned into an origin wolf only because he felt an instinctive hostility from the bottom of his heart. This gave him an intense desire to attack. Now that he was caught off guard by Huang Ji¡¯s roar, he retreated again and again. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t think of much else.

    This was because Huang Ji didn¡¯t give Mu Yefeng any time to ponder. His attacks were like a tempestuous rainstorm, and every time he struck, it was like peals of thunder and bolts of lightning. He wanted topletely defeat Mu Yefeng with the fastest speed!

    What happened next was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations.

    Every time Mu Yefeng showed signs of striking back, he would be momentarily stunned by the sound of Huang Ji¡¯s beastly roar. As for Huang Ji, he seized these instances to wildly attack, leaving Mu Yefeng powerless to resist.

    Progressing in this way, Mu Yefeng¡¯s internal qi waspletely exhausted by Huang Ji. In the end, even the origin wolf transformation couldn¡¯t be maintained, and he was knocked off the raised tform by Huang Ji!

    It was frustrating, incredibly frustrating.

    This magnificent prodigy, who clearly had an impressive record after leaving his name on the stone tablet, was beaten under Huang Ji¡¯s hands.

    After Huang Ji defeated Mu Yefeng inbat, his figure glowed with a type of ruthless, berserk-like aura. A pair of golden-yellow beast pupils seemed to vaguely appear in his own eyes. As his gaze swept over, his qi emissions rose and his might was awe-inspiring.

    Among those few prodigies, Mu Yefeng was originally ranked behind them. When Huang Ji defeated him, those in the higher ranks naturally wouldn¡¯t challenge him. As for those lower in the ranks, they felt it was strange when Huang Ji prevailed over Mu Yefeng just a moment ago. Afraid that they would also be controlled in this manner, hesitation took hold in their hearts and they didn¡¯t step forward.

    Consequently, starting from Mu Yefeng, everyone¡¯s positions in the ranks moved down by one.

    Mu Yefeng quickly adjusted his breathing and rested his body. There was a hint of insatiable hunger as he looked at Huang Ji, but there was also a trace of coldness.

    Gu Zuo noticed this look, and secretly frowned: ¡°Big brother...¡±

    Tianheng¡¯s fingertips gently brushed over Gu Zuo¡¯s neck, and the corners of his lips slightly curved up: ¡°Senior Sect Brother Huang knows what he¡¯s doing, so you and I should just keep watching.¡±

    Gu Zuo nodded his head.

    It could only be like this. However, the Sun God Church, which Mu Yefeng hailed from, was a gold-ranked organization. Although its foundations were shallow, the rank of gold was self-evident. A lot of caution was needed. Fortunately, Senior Sect Brother Huang defeated him in this Prodigy Monumentpetition. In the future, he would certainly be valued even more in the Ardent Earth Pce Hall. When the time came, the pce hall would arrange more than enough battle ves to protect him... Naturally, he would also remind those senior brothers from the Ardent Earth Pce Hall, and ask them to pay more attention.

    Thinking as such, Gu Zuo looked to the side.

    Those couple of men from the Ardent Earth Pce Hall had just witnessed Huang Ji disying his extraordinary might. While their faces showed great joy, Huang Ji¡¯s performance was truly barbaric and unreasonable, and they increasingly felt that ¡°she¡± looked even less like a junior sister.

    With these thoughts going through their heads, their gazes fell onto that raised tform. They simultaneously sighed, and said: ¡°Other people¡¯s junior sisters...¡±

    Following their gazes, Gu Zuo¡¯s line of sight was cast onto that tform again.

    As it turned out, because no one went up to fight Huang Ji within ten breaths of time, he had no choice but to get down from the tform. And since his rank was decided, it was time for the next challenge.

    While Gu Zuo¡¯s mind was wandering just now, someone had already gotten onto the raised tform and issued a challenge. And coincidentally, the two peoplepeting on the Atomic Realm tform were quite familiar.

    Gu Zuo could see things clearly. One of them was Prodigy Huo Li who had gotten into a conflict with big brother during thepetition for the qi veins back then. As for the other person, it was that deceitful woman, Mu Baizhi. Two people, one of fire and the other of ice, were standing on opposite sides of the tform. Because their powers were overflowing, the surrounding environment was almost altered. The battle would be extremely fierce.

    However, as far as Gu Zuo was concerned, one was domineering and arrogant, and the other was despicable and disgraceful. They were a match made in heaven. Now that there was a dogfight on the raised tform, it would be for the best if both sides suffered.

    ...Having said that, Gu Zuo was still amazed by the exquisiteness of the martial skills disyed by both parties on the tform.

    The strength of Prodigy Huo Li had improved greatlypared to back then. When those palm winds burst forth, a torrent ofva flooded out with reckless abandon, making it difficult for others to resist. On the other side, Mu Baizhi¡¯s entire body was encased in frigid ice. The coldness was also wrapped in boundless power, colliding unyieldingly with the torrent ofva!

    If he hadn¡¯t known Mu Baizhi¡¯s character earlier and only observed this battle, Gu Zuo might¡¯ve praised her a little. Indeed, the strength of her performance was out of the ordinary.

    When Huo Li challenged Mu Baizhi, he naturally regarded her as a soft persimmon. But now, not only had Mu Baizhi¡¯s strength advanced to the Atomic Realm, her methods had also be brilliant and wondrous. Unexpectedly, her fight with Huo Li was a close one. What¡¯s more, her posture was extremely aesthetically pleasing, which drew in those who didn¡¯t know the truth ¡ª Just like those senior brothers from the Ardent Earth Pce Hall who were sighing in admiration.

    For the men of this world, unless they only loved one person like Gu Zuo, or they were attracted to masculine men and not feminine women, they would always spare a few more nces when encountering a beautifuldy.

    Gu Zuo saw this, and faintly shook his head.

    Back on that raised tform, for whatever reason, the longer Huo Li and Mu Baizhi fought, the stronger Mu Baizhi¡¯s powers became. In contrast, Huo Li¡¯s moves kept getting weaker. And this degree of weakening didn¡¯t seem normal at all...

    T/N: Thanks for waiting, everyone! I¡¯m back from vacation. The next chapter will be double-length.

    Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

    Please don¡¯t forget to support the original author.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!